The Storm

Posted on Mon Jun 29th, 2026 @ 3:56pm by Founder Serena Reynolds M.D. & Herdmaster Chloe Rouen & Provisioner Kimberley Hathaway & Provisioner Mackenzie Ellis & Archivist Carmen Harris & Steward Vienna Quinn & Steward Timothy Reynolds & Steward Timothy Cotton & Defender Devon McCadden & Scout René Rouen & Steward Henri Rouen & Senior Medic Roman Quinn & Caretaker Thea Matthews & Scout Jack Harris & Scout Kelly Cardona & Herdmaster Myles Harris & Senior Mechanic Edward Harrison Jr

2,049 words; about a 10 minute read

Mission: Winter's hope
Timeline: October 2nd 2010, Late afternoon

The first Storm came howling in mid afternoon, and Serena was glad everyone was gathered in the house.

It was crowded. The dogs lay on the floor in the main living area, warmed by the wood fire. And people milled around the rooms watching as the wind raged and snow fell in flurries.

“The weather certainly changed” Vienna stood looking out of the window before turning back. She looked towards René wondering when would be the best time to share their news with everyone.

René was happy that Vienna had said yes to his question during their picnic earlier. While Chloé had been upset when he’d told her and grandfather about his intentions to propose, their grandfather had seemed almost supportive. That was something he thought.

Roman sat with Thea on the couch as they watched the snow fall through the window. The heat from the fire warmed them. "Maybe when it stops we can build a snowman." Roman asked his sister.

Vienna nodded at her brother’s suggestion. “Sure, That sounds like fun!”

TJ and Kelly sat together on an oversized recliner. Kelly in his lap. "Might have a long wait Doc. the way the snow is coming down." He observed, "What do you think Kelly?"

“I think building snowmen could be great fun” Kelly grinned.

“I think I’ll watch from in here” Thea grinned. “I’d rather be in the warm than out there in the cold.”

Roman squeezed Thea's hand. "As much as I would like to see you out there. Inside is the better option. You don't need to catch a cold or worse with your due date so close."

Thea nodded as she rested her hand on her well rounded stomach. “I have no desire to slip and fall, so I’m happy to be in here.” She cuddled up with Roman enjoying being able to show how she felt about him.

Roman usually kept his feelings, emotions bottled up. Being a doctor he could risk being emotionally compromised. Oh, Vienna saw them, she was his sister but lately he was more expressive in displaying his emotions for Thea, As he turned and softly kissed her cheek.

René was looking out the window at the sudden storm. He checked the wooden bin next to the fireplace to ensure it was filled with firewood.

Vienna stood up and moved across to René, she was eager for them to share their news with the others. They were engaged now and she for one wanted to shout it from the rooftops, or at least she would if she could,

Devon sat alone, inclined against the wall in her chair, with Rory on her lap. The Aussie Terrier looked up at her, whimpering softly. It panted, cocking its head. She stroked its red fur as it nuzzled into her clothing. Looking outside, she noted the heavy snowstorm, which drowned out the quiet chatter and the crackling fireplace. It felt too homey to her, off. Then again, she survived out there while everyone picked daisies and played house.

Turning her head to look back at the strangers talking among themselves, she felt unease. A tension was crawling down her neck and straining her shoulders. Rolling her shoulders, she cracked her neck as Rory cuddled deeply, calming her anxiousness. Her expression remained unreadable. Guarded. This group didn't seem dangerous. Then again, she's only seen the surface. Whether they will convince her that she's worthy of her trust is another matter.

The front door opened, allowing a gust of arctic air and snow to rush in. The bundled, and snow-covered firm of Timothy stomped inside, slamming the door against the strong wind behind him. "All seems quiet out there, no tracks in any direction for at least a mile from here." He spoke aloud as he started to shake the snow off of his body and peel out of the many layers of outerwear.

Serena came around with a tray of hot drinks. She handed one to everyone and then said "Well.. maybe the snow will keep the undead away for a bit."

“Actually…René and I have some news to share” Vienna said as she gently took hold of René’s hand. “René asked me to marry him and I said yes!”

Roman smiled broadly at the news despite already being privy to it. He got up. leaving Thea's side and walked over to Vienna. He took her hands in his as he spoke, "I wish Mom and Dad were here for this. They would be be as happy and proud as I am." As he leaned forward as kissed Vienna on the cheek.

“Thank you Roman” Vienna smiled relieved that her brother was happy for her. She was sure he was right about their parents as well. She just wished they were alive to see it.

“Congratulations both of you!” Thea smiled warmly from where she sat. “We need good news like that these days.”

“Indeed we do” Kelly nodded in agreement as she stood up and moved across to Vienna and René offering them both a brief congratulatory hug. “Congratulations to you both.”

René smiled at Roman's words to Vienna. His smile remained in place as Thea and Kelly offered their congratulations as well. He nodded to them. "Merci."

Henri rose from his seat on the couch next to Chloé and approached the young couple. He glanced first at René before turning his gaze on Vienna. "I was a bit apprehensive at first about my grandson's relationship with you, but after hearing how you feel about René. I can only say this.... Welcome to the family." He gave Vienna a warm hug for a moment. He glanced at Roman and Thea and smiled. "You two as well."

Vienna smiled warmly as she had returned the hug. “Thank you, I promise you I won’t ever do anything to hurt René.”

Thea nodded and smiled to as René’s Grandfather offered his welcome to the family. “I’ve never had such a big family as I have now.”

Chloe watched from the corner and rolled her eyes.

Serena listened and wished them well, but her eyes were watching the younger sister of Rene. There was something there. But she chose to move towards the newcommers and have out drinks.

Kimberley came in with sandwiches she had prepped. "Dinner will be a bit later." She said as she passed Serena. "This weather will cause issues with power so I am heating up soup and preparing a caldron for the fireplace for stew."

Serena nodded. "Thank you Kimberley."

Timothy, now stripped out of his winter outerwear, stepped over to the young couple and, first shook René's hand, then gave Vienna a gently peck on her left cheek. "Congrats to you both!"

René thanked Serena and Timothy as they offered their congratulations. He had caught Chloé's expression with his peripheral vision. He didn't understand why she couldn't be supportive of Vienna and himself, but grand-pere had suggested just giving her time. He turned to Kimberly. "Anything I can do to help?"

Vienna thanked Serena and Timothy as well, looking around she could see Chloe wasn’t looking too happy not that now was the time to approach her as to why. She just hoped that they could be friends.

Devon quietly observed, stroking Rory's fur. Moving the chair forward with a soft clunk, she stood while placing Rory on the ground and stretched her muscles with a grunt. Rory yelped quietly, looking up. It panted as Devon approached the group warily.

Accepting the drink from Serena, she sipped it quietly, looking out the window. Watching the snow pour heavily, she listened to the quiet chatter behind her.

Kimberley came up and touched Devon's shoulder gently. "Hey." She said. "We have some meat bones to give to the other dogs. Would yours like one?"

Devon quietly jumped from the touch, turning to her. Opening her mouth, she replied, “Uhh, sure. Rory would like one. Go ahead.”

Kimberley nodded and vanished into the kitchen to return with several bones. She gave one to Devon to give to her dog because she knew better than to feed a dog who didn't know her well. then she moved on and fed the other dogs who were lazing about the large room.

Roman glanced at Thea, "You doing okay? Need anything to drink or something to snack on?"

“Something to drink would be lovely, thank you.” Thea smiled warmly. “Something fruit flavoured I think.”

"Sure thing sweetie." Roman replied as he got up and headed for the kitchen, "Give me a few minutes to find something suitable."

“I’ll have whatever, I don’t mind.” Thea added with a smile. “I don’t want to be any trouble.”

Roman stopped halfway to the kitchen and turned back to Thea. "You aren't any trouble. So, don't think like you are. Now, let me see what I can find for you."

Thea nodded and smiled. Roman made her feel special and she was sure her lost love would like Roman, and want her to be happy.

Roman disappeared into the kitchen and after several minutes of searching returned with a glass of light golden colored liquid. "Apple juice." He said smiling as handed Thea the glass.

“Thank you” Thea smiled warmly as she took the glass and sipped her juice. “That’s nice and refreshing. While I’m thinking about it, and you’re all here I need to make my wishes known.” She put the glass down for a moment. “When it’s time, If anything should go wrong I want you to save my Son. I don’t plan on dying but none of us know what the future holds anymore, so I’m just letting you all know now.” She looked at Roman. “Promise me you’ll take care of him if I can’t?”

“We’ll abide by your wishes” Vienna answered as she looked towards Thea, then at Roman. “Won’t we Roman?”

Roman didn't answer right away. "Nothing is going to happen to you or the baby. I promise you that." he answered hoping his answer would put Thea's mind at ease.

Thea smiled and nodded. “I just wanted to let my wishes be known, with the way the world is right now…” she shrugged her shoulders.

“My brother is the best, trust him and we’ll all take care of each other” Vienna smiled warmly.

"This coming from the best sister anywhere." Roman answered with a smile "But Vienna is right we'll all take care of you."

Thea nodded. “Thank you.”

Roman smiled at her even in this upside down. screwed up there was still proof a good in people. He spoke. "We're a family united we are strong and we must stay united."

As the group sat around and chatted and ate the wind whipped up outside, howling, sending gusts down the chimney and causing the fire to gutter slightly before roaring back to full flame.

Serena bounced PJ gently and let her gaze sweep the room. Everyone was settled but there was still that tension. Stevens Point was still an issue but while the storm raged outside, they were safe enough.

Timothy moved through the group carefully and sat down next to his wife and their happy little boy. "The storm's really starting to kick up out there," he said to her softly as he reached out and gently caressed their son's tiny face.

Serena nodded. "Yes. It will keep us safe for now." she said softly. "If we can get through Winter, we will need to look at building the wall more secure."

TJ continued to hold Kelly in his lap, his hands lightly resting on her waist as they enjoyed the warmth of the fire and the company of all the others.

René wandered over to the window and peered out at the storm. He was thankful for the safe community he and his family were a part of and even more thankful that his family was growing. He just wondered if this fledgling community would remain safe.

After a few hours, the group broke up and went to their beds, the doors were locked, the snow locking them in for the night.

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