Welcome to Gaia! ::

Sharing one more smile with Devi, Elle let her hand slip from his and turned to the gentle stag. Opening both palms to him for another sniff, she slid one hand under his slender muzzle, and lifted the other to settle behind his ears. She didn't linger long, not wanting to overstay her invitation, but gave him a few soft scrunches with each hand affectionately.

"For fools and children, at the very least." Chuckling in agreement, Elle let her right hand drop, but left her other arm settled comfortably over the stag.

She thought for a moment on his closing words, not one to speak rashly. "With a spirit such of yours, perhaps you are of his line?" She lifted her gaze to Devmani. A smile touched her eyes, but her face was calm.

"Or perhaps you are a face of the Guardian himself?"

"Well, whatever path you take, I'm sure it will be one worth walking. Just be sure to leave more than footsteps behind." Closing her eyes for a moment, still caressing the stag's cheek gently, Elle took a breath. The visions were gone, but that didn't stop normal and healthy emotions. Had she left more than footsteps?

Her head was tilted back as she opened her eyes again, focusing on a small group of stars. Half a smile quirked her lips. "I have a legend about the Pleiades for you, if you're ever interested. Not tonight, but soon, perhaps. A full stomach and two warm coats has driven the focus right out of me." Settling one hand on the stag's neck, and the other on Devi's equine shoulder, Elle encompassed them both in her embrace. Warm coats, indeed!

"I would like to hear more of your tale though, as it's written. You're welcome here anytime, Devmani." Scritching a bit behind one ear, she smiled down at the stag. "You as well."

Leaning against Devi with a chuckle, Elle didn't refuse his support. She wasn't that tired, but it was appreciated nonetheless. Taking one last look to where the mist was vanishing, Elle gave one last nod. She'd rather liked the stag.

"Just inside is fine! There is a room adjoining the living room that's a fair size, and has lots of windows...the rug is plush enough to be comfortable. I can get you some blankets and a pillow if you'd like to stay there."

As they entered the Villa once again, Elle paused to listen...reaching out with more than her silence. She heard nothing, and felt only the gentle waves of sleeping contentment from Nisha. The babe was always happiest when she slept.

Nodding to Devi, she motioned him in. All was quiet, and the moon was high...it was a shame such a night had to end. "Thank you, for everything. It's certainly been a day to remember." She lifted one arm gracefully, and let him choose whether he would like a clasp or a hug.

After making sure Devi was settled in, and had all he needed, Elle strolled back to her room. The steps to thee cellar were cold under her bare feet as always, but it didn't bother her...the comfort of knowing she was returning to her snug room was enough to make her smile. She'd had a lovely day, but her energy had left her...a long sleep and some sweet dreams were all she needed.

Setting some water to warm over the brazier coals, Elle peeled out of her usual green dress. It had been through quite a bit in the last few days...she'd take it to the river tomorrow, and wash it with lavender and lemongrass. Aki offered the Villa's washer and dryer to her freely, but it simply wasn't the same. Returning for her kettle, bare aside from her jewelry, Elle poured herself a brimming cup of dream tea and sank back into her bed.

Good friends, good food, and a good rest...she simply couldn't ask for more.