Darkwood Valley

[Cynder Cryosphere]

Ash stretched his arms out and got up from his book. Closing the pages up for the night, the demon was ready to get some well deserved rest. Ash left his study and went to his room which wasn't that far away. In his room, the huge bed was nice and comfortable looking. The demon removed his shoes and went to wash up quickly. Wearing some pants and a towel around his neck, Ash lit a candle or two for some light before opening the shutters to the window. The bedroom was still pretty high up on the same tower facing the east. Ash sat down on the bed and lit a cig while drying his hair. Ash began to wonder where his son had gotten off too. He figured he may be spending the night at one of his friends house. Either that or he was with his step mother Cerrera.
Drinking some water, Ash rolled upon the bed and continued his smoke. He was careful not to set the bed a blaze. He had a full stomach of food and was ready for a good night sleep. For a quick second, his nose picked up on a scent...something familiar was nearby but he passed it off as the breeze outside.

[Raven Avalon Evermore]

She climbs the stairs of the tower hearing the clock chiming in his study. "it's very late hes probably in bed" she muttered as she decided to bypass the study and keep climbing to their room. She could smell the soft scent of burning candles that she left there. She also thought she could scent her husband's soap on the slight breeze that brushed her face. "he might still be awake..." she murmured as she found the landing and went down the short hall way. the sweet smoke filled her nose as she lifted a hand to the door and pushed it open. She was wearing a white cloak over dark clothing that she preferred on her journey. her hand went to her throat as she undid the clasp letting it fall to the floor at her feet. "Good evening my love its been a long time..." she said softly as she stood in the doorway taking in the sight of her lover on the bed before her. "still smoking I can see atleast they smell better then what I remember..." she said with a soft smile leaning in the doorway.

[Cynder Cryosphere]

Ash turned his head suddenly and then rolled off the bed. "Well aren't you a sight for sore eyes"! Ash was surprised to see his wife again especially after such a long time. "Where have you been"? He inquired as he went over to her standing in the doorway and putting his arms on her shoulders then embracing her. Ash spat out the cig and hugged Raven while slightly picking her up off the ground. It had indeed been some time since the two had seen each other. Raven had left on business and not mentioned anything to anyone. He was just glad to have her home once again.
Ash led Raven to the bed where the two sat down and began to discuss all the things going on. Everything from the arrival of Kudo, to the mystery ship that crashed in Darkwood that introduced the swaps, the events she missed and holidays that had recently passed. He also mentioned how the boy was getting bigger and how he often went out with the other children of Darkwood. At the moment though, he was in his room fast asleep. Ash had left Raven's stuff as is so she could find it all again when she arrived home.

[Raven Avalon Evermore]

She smiled feeling tears come to her eyes as she told him where she had been. She was surprised to see that it was as if she had never left. She listened watching him talk so animatedly before she placed a hand on his cheek a tear escaping her eye, rolling down her cheek. "I missed you and Azrael so much...it's good to be home and in your arms again..." she said trying to keep her voice steady. She had seen a lot while she was gone and to come home where it seemed like she could pick up where she was felt wonderful compared to the pain that she knew was out there. "speaking of the unruly boy where is he?" she asked when a tear rolled down her other cheek. it was hard to hold the tears back but she didn't want to spoil the reunion with her husband.

[Cynder Cryosphere]

"He's asleep in his bedroom. I thought he was out tonight at one of his friends house but he's here". Ash put his towel up to dry in the washroom before rejoining Raven in their bedroom. It was getting late and the wind outside was getting colder again. Ash closed the shutters and got into the bed. It was great having Raven home once again. Ash poured some water into a small glass and gave some to Raven. With winter still around, it was nice and warm inside the stronghold. Most of the valley was covered in a thick blanket of snow and ice. The good thing was spring would be here soon but until then, things remained chilly during the day and freezing at night.
Ash covered himself with the blankets while Raven changed. It was a long time since they shared a bed together. In the morning, Azriel would be in for a surprise to see his mother after such a long time. "The boy will be happy to see you tomorrow, he's been wishing for you to come home".

[Raven Avalon Evermore]

She pulled off her clothes as she slipped into one of his shirts like she did before. she climbed into bed next to him a soft smile on her face. "I'm sure hes going to be glad to have his mother home..." she said as she pulled the covers over her bare legs. "It will be nice to wake up next to you and not wake from a dream..." she muttered as she brushed his bangs away from his face, looking over him as if she was memorizing his face in case she had to leave again. "I never want to leave your side again.." she cuddled next to his side remembering how perfectly she fit against him. "Were your dreams as haunting as mine..." she asked wondering if he dreamed of her as well during her long absence.

[Cynder Cryosphere]

Ash remembered that look. Raven was usually fond of wearing a shirt to bed. Ash turned over to face her. "It's good to have you home again", and gave her a loving kiss on the lips. The demon had been with his nature spirit for quite some time now. The two got comfortable together with Raven keeping close to Ash for extra warmth. The demon snapped his fingers as the candles went out. "So Cerrera may have spent the night a few times...just saying is all". Ash could hear Raven move around and then a smack to his head like always followed by the classic line. "You're an a**". The demon smirked and soon fell asleep with Raven at his side.

[Raven Avalon Evermore]

she smiled as she snuggled down after getting her revenge for him sleeping with Cer. "ehh im here now so there might not be any need for her anymore.." she said with a slight giggle as she closed her eyes. his warmth quickly pulled her under into deep dreamless sleep that would last long into the next day.

[Eve Hellheart]

With night settling in over Darkwood, the sky was cloudy with snow falling. A sure sign that winter was still going strong. Back at the mansion up on the hill, Eve was looking out over the land from her bedroom. She could see the lights of the town and the greenhouse in the distance. Torch fire could be seen even further away that lit up Ash's tower stronghold. The proud succubus stood with one arm behind her back and the other at her hip. With winter still hanging around, it was going to be some time before the valley went back to it's usual green self. But the splendor of winter brought ice and snow that gave the valley it's iconic winter look. The land under a blanket of snow, a lovely ice kingdom. Eve began to wonder what other residents of the valley were doing to keep warm. The town was lit up but it seemed quiet, unless Cerrera's tavern was still open for travelers in the night. Soon Eve left the window view and headed downstairs to the kitchen. She could hear her three daughters playing in the living room by the fire. Most likely trading stones with each other. A nice roast was cooking and it was time for it to be removed from the oven, it was taken out and placed on top so it could cool. The scent would surely attract the little ones once they picked up on it. Eve made sure it was above their reach until it cooled. Soon the pups came into the kitchen, taking their seats at the table while Eve cut up the roast and began to serve it to them. Each one had a cup of juice and plenty of greens which they were fussy about when it came to eating. Eve herself sat down to the table after serving herself. She watched as the pups devoured their meal and got them more. Just one person was missing from the table.

[Shou Hellheart]

Through the front door Shou came in, covered in snow. Her heavy boots thumped around as she locked the door behind her and began swiping off the snow on her head and shoulders. Though there was little to wipe off, the heat from her skin was enough to melt what had fallen on her immediately. The children ran from their seats and into their mothers arms to greet her, excited to see their other mother had come home. Shou picked them up and hugged them tight before leading them back into the kitchen and to the table. The drake greeted her love with a kiss and sat down to join them. She immediately began reaching across the table to fix her own plate as she discussed all the goings on in the valley. She spoke of seeing a few gargoyles in the forest and fighting them off, but nothing unusual for the night.

[Eve Hellheart]

There was plenty of roast to go around, so when Shou came home, Eve made sure she had plenty in front of her. Eve had also cooked some chicken, abalone and fish. Eve gave Shou some abalone, knowing she didn't care for it, and slipped it on her plate with a grin. Wynter took some chicken and Raine helped herself to the fish dish. Stara loved both and took a piece of abalone. Eve listened to Shou talk about gargolyes in the forest. She knew they were active at night and were no real threat to anyone or anything. Eve had some red wine to drink while Shou had a tall mug of ale. The pups had their juice, water and milk to drink. Eve also asked how Shou was doing and if she saw anything else out in the chilly night. Eve enjoyed hearing how Shou would fend off creatures that caused trouble in the valley.
"So love, what else did you see? Did you fight anything else"? The pups were excited to hear stories as well. The family ate together like before while sharing stories of all kinds. Eve was glad to have Shou home again since she usually made her nightly rounds and checked on things. Though sometimes she did stop by Cerrera's home or tavern or stopped to say hi to the drake sisters near Ash's home.

[Shou Hellheart]

Shou scrunched her nose at the abalone on her plate before shaking her head and chuckling at Eve who seemed to get a kick out of grossing her out. She watched as the pups grew interest in hearing about if she had fought anything else out there tonight. Though there wasnt anything unusual tonight, she did tell in detail about how she had smashed a Gargoyles head into pieces, which scared the other two into almost getting away. She told how she chased them down and destroyed them easily. Shou downed her Ale leaned back in her chair before listening to Eve tell a few tales about the Gargoyles as well. As Eve was distracted, Shou pushed off the abalone from her plate onto Raines, who happily ate it.

[Eve Hellheart]

Seeing Shou at her abalone, Eve gave her another big piece. Soon the pups were full and most of the food had been eaten. Eve sat back and sighed happily with a full stomach. She got up and brought back some mini cakes for the pups, Shou and herself. Nothing like sweets before bed as the pups ate the mini cakes. Eve began to clean dishes and cups as the pups got up from their chairs and went into the living room. It was time for them to head up to their room for bed since they were already clean and washed up. The three gathered up their bags before they went up to the bedroom on the third floor of the mansion. Eve and Shou remained in the kitchen and cleaned up. Eve mentioned to Shou about how they should get "remarried" again which made Shou blush a little bit. They both had been talking about the idea for some time now but with the cold weather and winter still around, it wasn't a good time to have any special events. So they would wait until spring after the snow melted and Darkwood went back to being green once more. Once the dishes were cleaned and put away, the two headed upstairs to join the three pups. Eve and Shou found the pups in their room still playing around with each other and tossing things around.

[Abel Tesmihr]

A warm night had descended upon Darkwood Valley, the weather luring many within the land to wander and mingle in comfort. The town was lively, the residents were either busy catching up on work or going about their usual evening affairs. Abel had stepped out from his church home for a bit, while Aria rushed about cleaning and tidying up the place. She wanted to surprise her father with a dinner she made herself, which she had learned to do from Faren who had taken tips from her father Clim. She made her way into the kitchen with a small wooden stool and used it to reach some of the kitchenware on higher shelves. She reached up to grab a small pot, yet as she barely snagged it the stool wobbled a bit beneath her feet, causing her to go off balance and fall back. Just before she hit the floor, a large mass of white fur rushed in and caught her, cushioning her fall while the pot hit the floor with a loud thud. Aria looked up to see a large white wolf looking at her with its familiar violet eyes. She smiled and hugged it tight around its neck, which seemed to slowly shrink in size and lose its fur. When she looked again, Abel was knelt down near her in his human form, outfitted in his usual travel attire.

"How was your trip, little one?"

He asked her with a teasing tone, a small yet warm grin on his face as he picked her up in his arms. She smiled back and poked the point of his nose.

"That's my line, papa!"

She snapped back. He set her down and looked around, impressed with how tidy the area had become since he had left.

"You have been busy, I see. What are you after?"

He asked, the last question spoken in an accusing tone.

"I wanted to surprise you when you got home,papa. I was going to clean and make dinner for you, since you're always out working."

"Really now?"

He asked, his eyebrows raised. He then knelt down in front of her to meet her gaze, seeing the sincerity in her blue and green eyes.

"Well, I appreciate your hard work very much. As for that dinner, how would you like a helper? Show me what you can do."

He said in an encouraging tone. Aria nodded with delight and led him to the kitchen.

[Raven Avalon Evermore]

Raven spent the next days after her return home with her loving husband and son, who was surprisingly looking just like his father and was as smart as ever. However on this night she decided to wander towards town and see if she could find any of her old friends out and about on this warm night. "I wonder if anyone will remember me even though I haven't changed that much..." she ran a hand through her hair noticing that it was starting to take on a green tinge signaling that spring was approaching. After a walk she arrived at the edge of town and strolled down the path amazed by how it had changed. "this place is so different now...why did I leave for so long..." she muttered as she ran a hand along the doorway of Cerrera's tavern. "I'm never leaving for that long ever again..." she said to herself as she continued along her way to see the town.