Returning for Talyn

[Matalina]

Memories were always hard to shake when they left a vivid impression on a person. Cari Namere was no different than others, well mostly. The memories before she left for Tar Valon again stung.

 

****

 

Cari was pushing soiled hay from barn number three when Liam can into the barn huffing on about something, cari couldn't quite make out exactly what he was saying. But that didn't stop him from walking up to her, standing straight up and removing his glove then smacking it across her right cheek. Cari was too stunned to know what to about and she didn't have much time to react as Liam broke down in tears and ran off. The man was always odd, but this was something knew.

 

Moments later, Petra came storming in. This ranting Cari understood very well. Talyn was dead, and it was her fault. Cari couldn't see how it was her fault as he was in Tar Valon. The woman opened the palm of her hand and smacked Cari's right cheek.

 

****

 

Cari absentmindly rubbed her right cheek as if the blow had just happened. Both Petra and Liam blamed her for Talyn's death. If he'd never gone to Tar Valon they kept saying. It wasn't her fault his letter never arrived. Boys were boys and they could do stupid things. It was his own fault if he got caught in the Shining Walls as a darkfriend.

 

Nathan had asked Cari to return to Tar Valon knowing how she felt about the city and her past. She was after all the best person to go in quickly and retreive his grandson. Cari obliged if only to get away from the parents of the late Tower Guard. She was sad Talyn and Raeyn never hit it off, but it was for the best now, he would have turned her in as a possible darkfriend and that would have defeated the purpose.

 

With out Cari's knowledge until she was ready to leave Nathan had asked Demus to come. To watch her back in a city filled with troubles for an ex-Warder. He of course didn't fill Demus in on why he was to go, but Cari was sure Demus figured it out on his own.

 

But it was more of a surprise to find Aiden, Kate and Taylor packed and in the stable waiting the day they were suppose to leave. Taylor was sad but he was more excited to be going to visit the city of Tar Valon, and see these fabled Warders and the shining walls of Tar Valon. Cari had no problem taking the twins, but Taylor might pose to be a problem. But Nathan and Sara arrived as she was heading towards the ranch house to return the lad to his parents. Sara handed Cari extra food and gave her a hug. Nathan told her he was to go, but she would probably never hear the end of it from Liam and Petra when she returned. He explained that Taylor was being babied now and that he needed this getaway as much as Cari did. She smiled and nodded and waved her farewells before she lead the party. The three children rode in the back of the wagon bed while her and Demus sat in the wagon chair. There was more than enough room to bring Talyn and his belongings back and the children to move comfortably with out worrying about the corpse and them.

 

It had been an interesting ride from Cairhein to Tar Valon, it had taken longer with the children having been along, but Cari was glad for the outing with them, and it might be good for them to see their half sister again, and see the city, even though they didn't know what it meant to Cari. The Shining Walls were in view and the three children sat in the front seat to see it in it's glory. Cari wasn't sure if Demus minded but he'd let Kate crawl up into his lap to view. While Cari held the fighting boys.

 

"Demus, I'll let you choose the inn we stay at. I've no preference."

 

Cari

[TaeaDawn]

Demus still wasn't sure why he was here. Well, Nathan had asked him to go and that was why, but he wasn't sure why Nathan had asked him in particular. Was he aware of the closeness he had with Cari? Or was it just that he had wanted Demus to prove himself and to look out for Cari? Or was it that he knew that Demus was aware of her past? Somehow he doubted that, but it still clung in the back of his head.

 

Still, it was good to be moving and travelling with Cari. The kids made the trip more difficult at times and much easier at others, keeping things light with their humor or their innocent comments. A part of him wished they hadn't seen so many things, but it was life. As well wish his mother was still alive.

 

As Tar Valon came into sight Kate climbed up into Demus's lap and he rumpled her hair a bit and wrapped his arms around her to keep her safe from falls.

 

As they moved into Tar Valon Demus felt himself wide eyed for a while, letting himself be filled with awe at the city. He might be a darkfriend, but the Aes Sedai seat of power was impressive. When he was finally over that, he smiled at Cari and nodded at the next Inn they saw, a place called the Servant's Sword. It looked like a lively place but not too rowdy which he wanted to keep the kids from. The Inn was clean inside and he let Cari make the arrangements as he went out to start bringing in their things.

 

[Matalina]

The boys decided they would help Demus bring in their things, Cari wasn't sure if it was being responsible or the fact they would get a chance to see Tar Valon a little more from the stable than the inn. Cari was glad she didn't bring Tain Cor on this trip, but he was in a mood when she left with out him. He'd get over it, besides he was courting a new mare who would be in heat soon.

 

Cari spoke to the innkeep, a roll of a man, but very nice. Out of habit she flashed the darkfriend sign and got no response. So much for being in the safety of friends, she would have to count on Demus. He was getting better at his sword play and she was proud of him. "Can I have three rooms?" The innkeep smiled and shook his head. "I only have two available." I have alot of sailors up from the dock today, I don't know when they will leave, but when one does I can offer up the third room."

 

Cari returned the smile. "No, two will do." He nodded and turned to grab the two remaining keys from his cabinent. "Would you like me to keep a tab?" Cari nodded. "Yes, that will be best. Keep it under Cari al'Ker." It was not safe to use Namere here and the children were safe,as this was their last name. al'Ker was the name of a highly prestigious assassin in Cairhein that Cari had sought out, but unfortunately he was no where to be found. It was just her luck.

 

There was a lot of things to do while she was here in Tar Valon. The first was to visit Lila and see if she could give the children a tour of the city while she did the things that needed doing about Talyn's death. Cari only hoped Lila still lived in her old house. She would have to take the twins to the Siren's Call and visit with Fawne or probably bring Fawne back here would be better. The chilren were eager to see their older sister again. Cari had to make a trip into the yards to retreive Talyn's things. She hoped to find the letter he was suppose to send his parents, but she doubted it was really a training accident.

 

Through the stable door a loud thump sounded as Aiden and Taylor tried to lug in some of the heavier equipment. Demus stood behind them trying to hold back a laugh. "These are mine as well, please give them what they ask for." She smiled at the man again, "With in reason of course." He nodded and handed Cari the keys.

 

Cari turned to Demus and gave the boys a helping hand with what they'd been carrying. "We could only get two rooms." She smiled at him, wondering what he'd say to her question. "The children can stay in one, and we the other, or we can put the boys with you and I'll take Kate." She knew the options wheren't exactly fair, but she didn't want all the children staying with her or Kate with Demus. She knew Kate would be safe, however it was the idea of Kate staying with any man other than her father that brought a surge of the shadow up into her mind.

 

Cari lead the way up the stairs and waited for Demus' answer.

 

Cari

[TaeaDawn]

There was something about Cari's words, something he didn't understand but he was used to that by now. With Cari there were always currents and underlying motives he didn't understand. He was content with that though.

 

When she asked about the rooms he thought about it for a minute. They were here for a reason. Staying in the same room could complicate things. But if he stayed with the boys that meant he couldn't really be there for Cari if she needed him, and he couldn't be able to learn anything more from her.

 

His curiosity decided him really. He gave her his best smile. "Why don't we bunk the kids in one room. We can lock the door from the outside and see how long it takes them to escape?" He suggested with a light laugh.

 

[Matalina]

Cari hoped that dispite his joking he would be okay with his answer. She smiled at his comment and when the boys started to protest she ruffled Talyor's hair. "I'm sure he doesn't mean it. Besides if we lock the door, they might try jumping out the window instead." Cari looked over at Aiden who was as red as a beat. The boy tried just about anything at least once, and had climbed out of his own bedroom window on several occassions.

 

Cari lead the children to their room and opened it for them. "Unpack your things and don't trash the room. I'll come get you in a little while, we'll be right across the hall."

 

Cari opened the door across the hall. "You sure you want to spend a few nights in my company?" She smiled and winked at him. Cari wasn't interested in more than comfort this trip, this would prove to be rather eventful and potentially very emotional.

 

Cari

[TaeaDawn]

"You sure you want to spend a few nights in my company?"

 

Demus gave Cari his best smile. "Well honestly, I figured it was the only way I'd get any sleep. The kids will probably be too excited in Tar Valon to sleep."

 

It was as close to the real reason he was bedding with her as he wanted to admit. If she thought it was about not wanting to be around her kids let her. It was better than her thinking he'd developed a soft spot for her or something. It was the sort of thing that got their sort into real trouble.

 

[Matalina]

Cari laughed. It was a good enough response. He'd only spent one night at her house before, and Aiden and Kate were alot calmer than Aiden, Kate and Taylor or even Aiden and Taylor.

 

The rooms were kinda small but the bed looked comfortable enough. Cari set her things down in a chair and moved towards the wash bowl. The water was cold but it didn't matter, she just wanted to wipe the dust off before venturing off into the city for a little while. She only hoped the children would behave themselves for a short walk.

 

Cari wiped the dust and grime from her face and hands. Everything else would have to wait for a good bath when she returned. Cari turned and smiled at her now roommate. "I've one errand to run before we settle in for the night." She knew he'd been curious about her before, but being in Tar Valon she was sure he was ever more curious. "I'm going to see my former nurse made for Jeffery Kincaid and Fawne, and see if she's free tomorrow to look after the children. Would you like to come?"

 

Cari didn't mention she had grown up in the house, but she was sure he'd find out enough when he got there. Cari was sure the memories would be strong, they usually were and with Kayla so close again there was no telling what would happen.

 

Cari

[TaeaDawn]

Demus nodded. "I haven't been to Tar Valon before. It would be nice to get around for the first time with someone that knows the city. At least I won't have to be worried about getting lost my first day."

 

And he figured he would get lost on this second day. There was a city to see, some business to do, and Cari to try to learn about. The real obstacle of course was trying to learn the name, whether real or not, that she went by here.

 

[Matalina]

Cari smiled. It was easy to get lost in Tar Valon until you looked up and found the White Tower. It was a beacon of sorts to those lost souls. Though Cari thought it wouldn't be a beacon of that type for Demus, he like her was gone to far from the light to ever make a come back.

 

Cari waited as Demus cleaned up and went to retreive the children. Lila needed to meet them before agreeing to watch them. If it had just been Aiden and Kate it would be different but Taylor was a handful and he had become more so since Talyn had left the Ranch.

 

When everyone was ready Cari lead everyone to Lila's little house. It was hers, but Matalina was dead, so she polietly knocked. A gray haired grandmotherly type answered the door and immediately smiled. "My Deaerest Matalina." And Lila gave Cari a hug. Cari whispered, "It's Cari now, ma'am."

 

Lila hugged Cari tighter, "Of course dear. Come in."

 

Lila opened the door wider and let the children in. "There are cookies in the jar on the counter."

 

The three looked at Cari. She nodded, "Don't break the jar or you'll be making another." It was an empty threat, they'd buy a new one, but the possibilities of chores on their vacation should deter them.

 

"Lila, I come asking a favor."

 

"Sit down, have some tea. Who is your friend?"

 

Cari shook her head, Lila was never one for short and sweet it was aloways like thi. "This is Demus. Master Rashad sent him to make sure I mind my manners." Lila smiled and nodded and Cari knew the truth of things. She suspected Lila knew alot more than she let on about many things.

 

Lila poured the tea and went on about how things were going. Cari hoped it wouldn't bore Demus too much.

 

Cari

 

OOC: We both doing Nano so don't rush in on posts if you are busy with other writings hehe.

[TaeaDawn]

Matalina. Demus carefully schooled his face, but he wanted to smile. He'd managed to get the name much easier than he had expected. He had really thought he might have to dig deeper than that, but then again he hadn't really though Cari would try to go out and meet up with people she'd known before.

 

The gray haired woman asked about him and Demus gave her his best smile, meant to charm and sweeten her up a bit. He was whisked into a chair at the table then, tea poured and the kids happily munching on cookies. It was oddly comforting, to be sitting at this woman's kitchen, relaxing. Comforting and familiar. He smiled at the two women, listening to them talk back and forth and remembering one another.

 

[Matalina]

Cari wasn't sure if Lila was trying to keep her here but she was sure that Lila was glad to see her, and even the children. They would be full of cookies before they ate any dinner. Cari sighed. "Miss Lila, we really must be going, the children will need to walk off all those cookies you gave them so they can have room for dinner. But I do have a favor."

 

"Of course I will help you care for the children while you are here on business."

 

Cari smiled. "Retreiving Talyn Rashad is hardly business, he was a friend and I was the best choice to send to bring his belongings and body home for a proper burial."

 

"Oh, you knew the lad. So tragic. What did you have in mind that I do with the children?"

 

"A tour of the city is fine. I will take them to the Yards before we leave."

 

Lila nodded then ushered them out the door. Lila took Demus aside and spoke softly to him. "You watch her good and careful, I see a change that I do not like."

 

Cari would have glared at Lila if she'd had the moment but Taylor took off after a cat and she had to follow.

 

Cari

[TaeaDawn]

Demus watched as Cari ran after Taylor and the cat, but turned back to the woman before him.

 

"I'd do anything I could to protect Cari." He said in earnest. She'd done a lot for him and he was prepared to do a lot in return if she needed it. The trouble was she still kept so much of herself hidden that he didn't know what she would want. "You think there is something wrong with her though?" He asked. "You would probably know her better than I. I've not known her long, but I do consider her a friend. What do you see?" He asked, hoping she would give him a little insight to the woman.

 

[Matalina]

Lila spoke softly not wanting the children to over hear as their mother was dragging the lad back towards them. "I know for fact that she when in pain laps into a weird state, one where she does not know who she is or what she's become. Alex, Fawne and I tended her before she left Tar Valon and it was a trying time for me to watch the feirce woman I once knew be meek and calm." She paused a moment and wondered if he'd already knew that, by his reaction he did, he wasn't in the least bit surprised. "The rest is speculation on my part. If you pay close attention she fades in and out of conversation. Like she's listening to something else, something in side her head. She's never confided in me about any problems, but for as long as I've known her she's been like that and she's gotten worse over the years. I don't see the fading so much today, but the way she handles herself means she's holding something back." Lila smiled at Cari as she came up beside them. "I hope that what I've said will help you."

 

"Talking about me?" Cari gave Lila a wry grin and put her arm around the twins ushering them back towards their inn. "We need to be going. I'm sure Demus is welcome to stay if you would like to finish your conversation." Cari felt like sticking her tongue out at Demus but that was Kayla's reaction not hers.

 

Cari

 

OOC: feel free to stay or ask Cari about what Lila said...

[TaeaDawn]

Demus watched as Cari began heading out and he smiled at Lila, hoping he could reassure her a bit. On impulse he hugged her and whispered in her ear "I'll try to take care of her for you." The Dark Lord knew there were more than enough people out there trying to take them down for what they believed. He'd do what he could by Cari, no matter what name she went by.

 

As he went out, he caught up quickly with Cari and the kids. "She was a wonderful person. Thank you for taking me to meet her." He said in all honesty.

 

[Matalina]

Cari smiled. "She's a good woman." They walked back to the inn, trying to keep the boys in line and from getting even dirtier than they already were.

 

Cari ushered them to their rooms upon reaching The Servants Sword and sent them packing to the baths, all three of them.

 

Cari pulled Demus aside in their room with a gentle touch to his wrist. "What did Lila tell you?" She really didn't want Demus diggng to deep in the trunks of Tar Valon asking about a long dead Warder, it only stirs up more trouble than she really wanted to deal with.

 

Cari

[TaeaDawn]

Demus enjoyed the walk back, mostly because he had missed being in a city since he had come to live at the Ranch. It was good to be in a place where he felt he could contribute and his training with Cari was going well, but he could never forget what the city was like. And Tar Valon was the city of all cities really.

 

It was no surprise to him when Cari took him aside as soon as she could and asked about Lila. He smiled. "Nothing I didn't already know." He said with a small smile. "She said you were troubled and that she'd always known you to be that way. She asked me to keep an eye out for you." He laughed lightly. "I'm not sure what she thinks I could do since you could break me in abuot two seconds, but she seemed to need some reassurance. She really cares about you Cari."

 

[Matalina]

Cari smiled, "After 19 years of looking after me and mine I suppose she is like the mother I never had as a kid." Cari wondered how much intrigue her simple statement would generate, but she could feel there was a bit more to what Lila had told him, but he may not have picked up on it but he did get the troubled. Cari wouldn't consider herself troubled but it was not normal to talk to yourself and her voices. Cari was only glad that they didn't take over for the most part.

 

"I'm going to grab a bath and get this dirt off of me. Tomorrow will be a busy day. I need to visit Fawne, another friend of mine for a unique item and the Yards to get Talyn's things and find out where they are storing his remains so we can leave the next day."

 

Tomorrow as going to be a highly stressful day. "I plan on inviting Fawne and her ..." Cari choked down the next words, "Stepmother to have dinner with us here. I hope you will be present for it." She turned to Demus and smiled. "I will need a friend."

 

Cari

 

OOC: we can skip to the dinner and get those two involved and use the other threads to get the rest of the stuff done.

[TaeaDawn]

It was an odd thing to be preparing for really. He was about to have dinner with Cari and her daughter and the girls stepmother. He didn't dig too much for information regarding the girl's father, but it didn't take much to realize that this was going to be uncomfortable. Still, Cari had asked him to come, had said she needed a friend and even if he didn't understand his relationship with Cari, he would be that much for her.

 

He was dressed and watching her as she moved about, doing last minute things. He enjoyed watching her, watching the grace with which she moved about. So many things were mysterious about her and yet inexplicably he felt safe here. Of course, he'd always been taught that women were a mystery, never to be solved but certainly to marvel at. Cari was like a surprise that you thought you had figured out but took a new twist everytime you did. When she looked back at him, he simply smiled, continuiung to watch her.

 

[Matalina]

The day had been stressful enough, Cari truely hope tonight would not be adding to it. Cari had seen too many faces that she had not wanted to see while here in Tar Valon. Between the encounter with Aran and Yrean, Cari didn't want anymore caution. They would be leaving soon, but Cari had promised the children to see the Warders Yards and she'd yet to take them. Tomorrow would be a better day she hoped.

 

Demus watched Cari as she moved around their room and when she left for the private dinner room he followed with out an invitation. She had already invited him the night before and she only hoped that he would come with her. She was not looking forward to dinner with Elia. She wasn't looking forward to the questioning eyes about Demus either, but she really doubted anyone would have the nerve to ask what he meant to her. She wasn't sure about that herself. He was a friend at the very least, but she wondered if she wanted more. He was attractive and a good lover, but he was young. She feared about becoming attached to him. Feared she'd fall hard for him if she didn't keep her emotions in check. -I already think I have.- Cari closed her eyes and prayed that Kayla had not meant what she thought she'd meant. Oooh, the young one has a crush on our young friend. He is a fine peice, a nice trophy to prop on your arm my dearest Matalina. *It's Cari now, Marosa* She will never be more than the Warder who died. She's dead inside if you haven't noticed. Silence echoed in Cari's mind. Was it true? And as if the unspoke question had been spoken in her mind Marosa added, Alex's death tore a peice of her out. Ashet's death tore it out further, she's clinging to the first man to pay her any mind. She's clinging for hope that is not there. Marosa's laugh echoed in her mind and Cari had to shake her head to stop it from making her head hurt.

 

But it was time to focus on the dinner, time to focus on Fawne. Time to see Alex in her daughter.

 

The room was sparse, but there was enough chairs for them all. Lila had already left to the Siren's Call to watch the baby for Elia, now it was only time for them to wait. The children were outside waiting patiently for their guests to arrive Kate and Aiden were excited to see Fawne again.

 

Cari

[Matalina]

Summary: Elia and Fawne arrived. Dinner started. Fawne told them about her schooling and the herb work she was enjoying. Then she not so sublty asked Demus who he was to Cari. Friend, travel companion...

 

Cari listened as Fawne talked on about her schooling, she was glad that she was liking herbs, they could save her life one day. But Cari nearly choked on her water when Fawne asked Demus who he was. Children were so much more bold than any other mortal.

 

Cari put a hand on Demus' leg to reassure him that his answer would be fine whatever he said, but it was Aiden who spoke up first.

 

"Demus' is Mommy's friend. He helps her through the trying times and helps take care of us when Dad isn't there. He's learning how to be a good fighter like Mommy under her teachings." Cari glanced at Aiden and smiled but he took it as a queue to be quiet, which it really was.

 

Cari turned to Demus and smiled. "I'll let you answer her, since it's your point of view that will count most to her I think." She turned back to Fawne. "But suffice to say he is a good friend and was also ordered to be at my side for this task. Our master isn't so trusting of the Tower."

 

Cari

[Guest Celes]

Fawne eyed her mother curiously, she had a master now? She never had one in the past, as far as Fawne could remember. She was confused, what did this master do to her mother and why had he sent her to Tar Valon with a fighter in training, someone her mother was teaching? She understood that her mother had a different life in Cairhien, one she had only had a glimpse of when she and her dad had visited. But that visit was mostly overshadowed by the death of Alexander. She tried to push the memories away for now, it would hurt enough later on, right now she was to enjoy what moments there were with her mother.

 

Her eyes wandered over to Elia who looked a bit bored, she poking her food with a fork and hardly seemed to be engaged in ‘mommy’s friend’. This made Fawne smile softly as she knew that she was safe and that if a trained guard like her stepmother saw no evil, it would probably be alright. She looked back at her mother and said, “Have you traveled far before you came here mommy? I know you have traveled from Cairhien to meet us here, but have you seen other countries too?”

 

Fawne Namere

Curious child

[Matalina]

Cari smiled the question about Demus forgotten. That in and of itself was a nice thought, a friend had done the trick but Cari herself still did not understand where Demus stood in her life, but that was for another time.

 

"Before going to the Ranch I had traveled around the world with out traveling by boat that is. I visited Maradon, Arad Doman, even Amadicia and Andor for a short time before ending back in Cairhein. Since coming to the Ranch I've been to quite a few places, most not worth mentioning. Nathan sends me to collect things and to sell his stock." Granted most of those were cover stories for other things, more nafarious things, but she could hardly tell Fawne she was an Assassin for hire. Very few people actually knew that, mostly those that did were now dead.

 

"Before long you'll be getting that bug to go see the world. Your brother did, your father had it as well. So I think it runs in the family." Cari smiled and took a sip of her water.

 

Cari

[Guest Celes]

It was nice, nice to speak about her family and about her father without the pain and hurting of missing him. Fawne noticed how Elia looked over her with interest and smiled, “Yes, there will come a time when this little girl will grow up and will want to see the world,” she said and her eyes spoke words only for Fawne. That no matter what she chose to do, travel and find out her own destiny or stay in Tar Valon that they’d always be a family. Fawne felt very happy being with both Matalina and Elia here in the dining room and silently toasted to these short happy moments.

 

“Maybe you could show me those lands mother,” she said without thinking about it much. It was a dream of her to travel and see the world and even if Elia was planning to travel, she would always have to be careful with the baby. Alexandra was so tiny and Fawne could not bare to see the little girl harmed. “I would of course live in Tar Valon all my life, near my family.” She looked over both women’s face, “But maybe for a time I could see what the rest of the world looks like,” she continued on to tell Matalina about how she was tested by the Sisters. “Leona tested me and said that I could only channel when I was older and only enough to light a candle. She offered to teach me but also said that if I were not trained, the gift might fade. I am in no danger,” she added. Her mother merely nodded and Fawne wondered what would have happened if she had been able to channel. What would her mother think then? She would never know and had since long made peace with the idea that she was not a channeler, that she had a different kind of destiny ahead.

 

“If Elia and Alexandra don’t mind, you think I could travel with you for a few months, se the world?” Fawne asked her mother and hoped that nobody would find reason to object. She could take her lessons from her mother along with Aiden and Kate. It would only be for a few months she sure.

 

Fawne

[Matalina]

Cari hadn't expected this turn of events. As much as she'd love to have Fawne around but to take her with her when she killed, that would be a bit of a stretch and very hard to keep her work life secret but she couldn't say no. "As long as Elia can spare you, you are welcome to join me at any time for as long as you like."

 

Cari only hoped that Fawne could deal with living where her father had died. It was not something Cari herself dealt with well, which is probably why she was clinging to so many men. No one could compare to Alex, but he was dead and he loved another even if he was alive. If things were different she doubted Fawne would come with her. If Alex were a live things would be a lot different.

 

At the mention of having her big sister live with them Kate started babbling on about giving Fawne her room and she'd stay with Aiden. They more often than not stayed in the same room anyway. It seemed that the children were going to make plans of their own.

 

Cari

[Guest Celes]

Her mother looked slightly worried and the look of surprise on Elia was quickly masked by a face that Fawne had come to know well since her dad had died. She had more often than not hidden her grief, hidden it and buried her face in Alexandra’s giggling little squirming body. Now the words were out of her mouth, Fawne looked at them as if it were somebody else who had said them. It was strange to ask her mother, who had brought her into this world if she could join in her life. It was nice to hear that the children Cari had had later wished her a warm welcome into the family. She smiled at Kate and said, “I really don’t mind sharing a room with you sis’, you don’t have to give up your space.” This was really going to happen, Elia did not put up any fight over it and just smiled weakly when Fawne’s eyes met hers. She wondered what her stepmother was feeling, now that her stepdaughter was moving away. She would have to tell Elia that she loved her and that she would always have two mothers, blessed as she was to love them both so much. But something told Fawne that Elia knew this already, or she would not have let her go so easily. They ate in relative quiet and when the dinner was finished sat around with tea for a bit, when the children became sleepy and started to lean against their mothers shoulder.

 

Fawne