Elise

Elise had spent most of her Saturday in the peaceful, floral field behind her house. It was where she always felt most at peace, stretched out under the sky with a notebook she barely wrote in and stories spinning quietly through her mind. Her foster-mother-turned-boss, Ariel, didn’t always approve, but that's okay.

Now, though, the sun was down and Elise was back inside, getting ready for her favorite part of the week.

She tugged on the last piece of her costume — a faded red scarf tied around her waist — and checked her reflection in the mirror. It wasn’t fancy or elaborate, but it was enough to bring Sinder to life. Black layers, fingerless gloves, a little copper-toned blush to mimic ember-flecked skin, and her hair twisted up into something wild and slightly rogue-like. It wasn’t perfect, but it felt right. She liked becoming someone else for a while.

Tonight was the start of a new D&D campaign, and as always, Elise was both excited and nervous. Jessica had texted her earlier to let her know they’d have a new party member joining them. Elise didn’t mind new people, but first impressions were always a little tricky. She just hoped she wouldn’t be a little too much, or overcompensate to be not quite enough.

At 7:36 PM she stepped out of her house and crossed the quiet street toward The Paper Crane — the cozy little bookstore Ariel owned. Most days, it was just her workplace. But on Saturday nights, it belonged to their group. Pushed-back shelves, a big folding table, notebooks and snacks everywhere. It was the one place she always felt like she could just… Be. Anyone can. It's a safe place for all who enter, and she's excited to see what the night brings.

"Hey, everyone!" She greets as she pushes the door open, copper blush hiding the faint blush on her cheeks. The prospect of meeting someone new is still on the forefront of her mind, and she silently demands that she remains calm and normal.