Welcome to Gaia! ::

Selia just gave a small half smile and followed, walking the trio to the door. "I'll be back, I'm going to get that bird sent out now."
Lilyann just nodded and waved her fingers in front of the keyhole, unlocking the door with her magical print rather than a key. Marcus looked at Selia, than down the alley way. It was bright for the night, but still a smidge too sketchy for his liking. "I'll go with you, if you don't mind. It's not too safe around here anymore." Selia just nodded in compliance and turned to walk down the alley, pulling her cloak closer to her and drawing up her hood. Marcus also dawned his hood and caught up to her quickly.
Lilyann looked at Boothe. "Would you like some tea?" Her smile was drunken, as was her stance. She may have drank a little more than usual. She wasn't entire far gone, just enough to make a fool of herself and trip as she went into her home. She waved her hand towards the hearth, starting up a fire to warm the cooling house.

Valerie smiled at his laugh. It was nice, hearty and filling the silence of the forest. "It isn't the nicest place, I'll give you that." They had reached the gates, and only a few people were in the streets now. Lamps were being lit by elves on ladders, and some children ran between the tall housing while mothers chatted on balconies that neighbored each other. The wind picked up slightly, blowing Valerie's dark hair around her small frame. She stopped and admired the simplicity of the alleyway. "This almost seems normal." She murmured, cautious of her voice since some men were walking in their direction. Not in a dangerous way, but it was a habit to play it safe.

Lilyann hadn't noticed Boothe's gaze, and found green tea on the top shelf of her many bookcases. She grabbed a stool from the table and stood carefully, making sure to not knock into the bookcase more than making sure not to fall. After climbing down the the tea, she found the kettle and set it over the fire. "Magic would've made that a lot easier, but I prefer some things the old fashioned way." Lilyann spoke absently, not caring if Boothe responded or not. It was just nice to say things in a simple, normal manner. The silence was filled with the crackling of the fire. Lilyann also set down a tray of candles, lighting them with a snap of her fingers. Lanterns around the room also lit, giving the room a cozy feeling.

Valerie smiled widely, flashing her teeth momentarily than hiding them. She couldn't help but feel warm at seeing Valik this way. Happiness suited him, even if it may be short lived. "A family! Children! It's perfect!" Valerie walked to keep the distance between them fairly close. One of the women up in the balcony smiled at them, hearing the conversation. "There's always space in these buildings. Lots of room to grow into them!" She called down, still smiling. She was older, with graying blonde hair, but a kind face that wrinkled in the right places to make her appear soft. Valerie blushed deeply, realizing what her and Valik must look like.

Selia and Marcus chatted about the past few years as they walked. "But Selia, before you left, you said tha-" Marcus was cut off by a look on Selia's face. He stopped and reached out for her. Selia looked at him with sad eyes. "Marcus, we've grown and changed. Maybe in the future, but I can't make that choice now. It's far too soon for either of us, and it's unfair for me to make that choice now. I understand that I made that commitment to you, but I can't keep it now." Her voice was soft. She kissed his cheek and placed something in his hands and walked into the post, placing the message she had written on the way into a trustworthy falcon with silver wing tips. The bird looked at her curiously when she said the commands and locations, but took flight without hesitation.

Lilyann brought bread chips to the table with a berry jam and set the tea on the table as well. Sitting comfortably, she looked at him with careful eyes. "They've known each other almost ten years now," She began slowly, uncertain of sharing such things, but she continued. "and my son was very much in love with Selia. She was everything to him. You know how young love is." She sipped her tea, careful to not burn her tongue. "He asked her to run away and marry him. She said yes. She was 15 then, he was 17. It seemed like a great idea to them both, to just run from everything. The night they were supposed to go, Selia's father killed his other daughter. Selia did not leave with Marcus, but on her own the next night. She wasn't heard of again until her father was killed those weeks ago." She sipped her tea again. "We all thought he killed Selia, too." Her words were blank of emotion.

Valerie looked up at Valik. "Well, then you have something to fight for." She said softly, looking at the ground as they walked.

Selia and Marcus walked back, Marcus still unable to open his hand. It was the ring he gave her almost 3 years ago. He wasn't going to look until he was alone. Selia reached the door first, opening it and stepping in, keeping it propped for Marcus. Valerie was standing near the couch, looking at the lanterns like a child. 'She seems so much more mature than that...' Selia thought, taking a stool next to Boothe. Marcus went upstairs, waving good night. Lilyann raised and eyebrow at Selia, who just put her head down on the table and groaned.

Valerie ended up sitting down next to Valik, staying at the end of the couch. "I almost think we should split up. Birds are useful, yes, but not as dependable as a person." Her voice was level, aged from earlier. Selia snored lightly by then, but Lilyann nodded. "I think that'd be best. Not the safest, but the best. Sitting here isn't going to help you all. Selia is really the only one of you four that needs to stay, and even that can be handled by Marcus and me if needed."

Valerie looked at the two men. "Tomorrow by noon. We don't need to leave all at once, but we'll meet at the end of the valley by dusk. That's the half way point. Well, more of a third. Then we'll leave at dawn and reach camp before midnight." Her mind analyzed the grounds they covered. It was logical, reasonable, almost safe. Selia could decide in the morning whether she wanted to go or not.

Lilyann stood. "Well, I'll pack you all some things to go with." She said simply, gathering some bags with a flick of her wrist. They were a heavy black fabric, able to carry a load and then some. "You boys want new clothes for the road?" Lilyann didn't wait for an answer and just began to pick up fabrics from around the room and a measuring tape. One of the fabrics displeased her, so she through it on top of Selia as a makeshift blanket.

Upstairs, Marcus sat in the loft. He still had yet to open his hand. Bitter tears rolled down his cheeks. He may not know this Sebastian fellow, but God, he would fight for Selia. He finally loosened his grip and examined the delicate ring. It was beautiful, forged from a metallic black tinted silver, shaped into an intricate weave of stars and flowers. In the center of one star, the top of the ring, was a mesmerizing crystal that sparkled blue in the light. Marcus swallowed hard and placed the ring in his pocket and wiped at his face. He then departed from the loft and down a story into his own room to sleep.

Lilyann smiled warmly at Boothe. "Of course. Sleep well." She went back to gathering fabrics and began to sew with her magic rather than fingers. It went by faster and the stitches were stronger. The candles dimmed slightly. "You are more than welcome to loft a few flights up, or the couch pulls out to a bed." Lilyann sounded her age, and motherly. Selia snored still, not loudly. You could hear Marcus snoring above as well.

Valerie stood up and stretched, keeping one hand on her stomach. She was feeling sick again. "Thank you, Lilyann." She nodded and yawned softly, and looked at Valik. "Which would you like?" She asked, that way she could figure out the sleeping accommodations and lay down. Her stomach churned once more, making Valerie grit her teeth in discomfort.

Valerie nodded sleepily and climbed the stairs. Once at the loft, she laid on the hammock that hung at the far side of the room, near the window. It was comfortable, and she was sleeping within a few minutes of settling into a comfortable position.

(TIME SKIP TO MORNING)

Lilyann woke up with a start, shaking the table a little. It was grey outside, the fog hiding the dawn sunshine. A neat stack of clothes were sitting in the chair next to her own, the needle and thread hanging above in the air. She waved them off to their appropriate drawers and stood, sighing as her joints popped from being in such awkward positions for so long. Lilyann started the fire again, setting a kettle on for a strong tea of cinnamon and citrus fruits. She looked at Selia, still clinging to the table as she slept. "Okay, kiddo, wake up now." Lilyann rubbed Selia's back lightly until she woke. The only thing Selia really said was "Oh s**t", which was interrupted by a yawn.

Valerie came downstairs, having heard everyone talking quietly. She had been up for almost three hours now, just staring outside. The town interested her. It wasn't the old city, full of festivals and parties in the streets, but it was just as lovely. She looked at Selia. "We're leaving. We can't stay here any longer, it's counter productive. You have the choice to stay or go." She sat down on the opposite side of the couch as she spoke.
Selia raised an eyebrow, wondering what else she could do here and if she was actually needed. "Marcus can handle things here, but I think I should stay. It's my kingdom, I can't just leave it in this state and not work on it personally. I will follow you tomorrow afternoon with troops. That was the overall goal, and we need to stick to that." She said seriously. Lilyann nodded. "Marcus and I will help you with that, Selia. Also, clothes for all of you. The winter's only begun, it's sure to get worse." She flicked her wrist, and stacks of dark colored fabrics made their way to their appropriate owners. "Valik. These are enchanted fabrics that will morph with you when you transform." Lilyann often thought of things like that. Valerie nodded a thanks for the heavy cloak and tunic, both a deep red color, and the thick black stockings. Selia got similar things, only a dark auburn color.