Arrival of a new friend

The three girls Mira, Nera and Kaya live together in a small shack in the peaceful valley.
Kaya has many friends there and doesn't spend a lot of time at home, so Mira and Nera tend to be alone.
They spend a lot of time together and almost never leave their shack.

One day when Kaya isn't at home as usual, there is a knock on the door while Mira and Nera are lying in bed having fun reading books.

Will you take a look?

I have to get dressed first.

I can also look like without getting dressed.

Mira gets up and goes to the door and starts asking questions without opening.

Who's there? What is it?

I just had a rough trip.
May I come in?

Where did you come from?

I'm from the snow mountains.
I'm so glad to finally be here in the valley.

Wait a minute, I'll be right back.

Mira goes back to the bed where Nera is still reading.

You better put some clothes on. Someone wants to come in.

Are you sure you want to let her in?

She's from the mountains.
It should be interesting.

But Kaya told us...

Do you really care about this?
I'm sure it will be exciting to have a new visitor.

You're right.

Nera just keeps reading.

So what are you waiting for?

Yeah, the book can wait.

Mira gets some clothes and puts them on, Nera puts her book away and does the same.

Then they both go to the door together and Mira opens it.

She is completely dirty and wears quite thick, but torn clothes.

Thank you, I'm completely exhausted.
I'm really happy I discovered this shack.
Can I sit down somewhere?

Sure, follow me!

Nera moves ahead into the livingroom, where they have a comfortable couch.

Mira and the stranger follow.

Here you go. Just pick the most comfortable seat for you.

The stranger sits down and starts to relax.

So, do you have a name?

Sure, Elena.

Nice.

It doesn't seem like many people are able to get to this valley.
You're the first people I've met here so far.

This just isn't didn't the most dense region.
Here in this meadow there are only a few isolated huts.
And the next bigger settlement is pretty far away.

Yeah, I guess I had bad luck.
Do you have something to eat and drink for me?

I'll get you something.

Nera stands up and gets some water and a fruit.

Here you are. I hope you are satisfied.

Thank you, we usually had raw fruits and fresh spring water in the mountains.

Nice, I didn't know different cultures are so similar to ours.
We only read about the life there in books.

Why do these fruits grow everywhere, anyway?
No matter who I talk to or what book I read, these fruits grow everywhere, right?
Couldn't there grow different fruits in different places?

I've never really thought about the possibility of other fruits to exist.
Good question, actually.
Maybe sometimes other plants grow, too, but because the fruits are less delicious, they just disappear?

Strange idea, but sounds reasonable to me.

I've never seen other fruits.
But the ones we have are tasty, so who cares?

Yeah.

But in the mountains there are still many places where they can't grow.
So I was always glad when I found some fruits at all.
Here it is fortunately different. I've already seen many trees on the way.

After a few hundred years, something else to eat would be nice.
Am already got very creative with the preparation.
I've tried all kinds of dirt. Grass, earth, spit, pee, poop and vomit have normally made it worse.
Blood was fine.

Your pee made it worse.

And another good idea is just waiting when the meal is finished.
This makes it develop an interesting taste after a few days.

All of that's gross. I haven't tried any of that yet.
Often I got the chance to eat some meat anyway.

You must be hungry. I'll cook something proper for you.

I'd rather cook myself.
Are you okay with that?
I'm pretty good at it.

Sure. I'd really be interested in your style.

Me too, no problem.

Soon Elena starts cooking.
They keep talkeing and get to know each other.

Elena is telling very exciting stories.

Life in the mountains must have been difficult to her.

But since then she also hass been living in different areas, where life has been pretty relaxing.
Everywhere she's been there probably have been more people than in this place.

Elena also had to fight a lot to get here. The paths are difficult and other people are the best way to get some food. This also means people liked to attack her.
Sometimes she only barely survived.

But as a good warrior she has always been able to fight back, when she was attacked.
Often she killed her enemies in the process, so she had some food.
Most of the attackers were hungry and out of energy anyway, and so it basically was free food supply.

So you're really used to meat.
I hope you're still happy with the supplies we have here.

Sure. In the villages and cities I also had to get along without meat.
But if I could somehow get meat here, I'd be happy too.

We don't like eating meat that much.
Hunting people is just not my thing.

Mine neither.
And even if we don't hunt, one of us has to live without an arm for some time instead.

No problem.

Soon the food is ready and the three of them start eating.

While they are eating, they don't stop talking.
When they are done, they feel tired.

I would like to sleep then.
You are welcome to stay for the night.

Thank you!
Aren't you afraid to just let a stranger sleep here?

No, why?

Nevermind. You don't have to be afraid of me.
Where can I sleep anyway?

The couch should always be fine.

Kaya probably won't come back for some time. You could also sleep in her bed.

I don't think Kaya would be happy about that.
But my bed is still free. I sleep with Mira most of the time anyway.

Good idea.
Just go up there.

Great, thanks!

Then Elena enters into the recommended room and Mira enters her own room being followed by Nera.

Mira and Nera are already excited.
Will Elena just eat one of them?
Or is she as nice as they expect?

They'll see soon. For now she seems like a nice and honest person to them.