Closed [Enclave] Bookworms and broken hearts

[Lavira]

Watching the other was heart wrenching. The emotions swam in the way her eyes shined and her lip trembled for an instant and Vira knew right then how deeply the woman had been hurt. It made her regret having said anything but knowing precisely how much it needed to be said. It wasn't fair for her to go on unaware.

When she started to apologize for her emotional state, Vira dismissed it with an understanding not and empathetic smile. She listened then to all that the other had to say, nodding slightly from time to time as she soaked it all in. The depth of the wound that had been made was far deeper than Vira had expected. How could she ever hope to mend the rift that had been made by what she'd said?

The teens brow knit when Isa said she 'stood apart' from their people in terms of lust and love. Such a statement rang a curious bell in her, shining a light on the similarity of the two. And once Isa had finished and the silence hung between them, the young Endal let it linger for barely a tick longer before she rose from the Chiet's side of the table. She was hesitant at first as she stood there awkward at Euthisa's side. But it too did not last long before Vira was bending and wrapping her arms under Euthisa's and then around her torso.

This would put her head on the librarian's shoulder, chin light as she hugged her tightly, speaking, "Before you dismiss anything, please, hear me out. Kovac came to me first, just after the earthquake mid-season in summer. It was the first night out of the infirmary I'd had and I had not wanted to go with him at first. I remember him as being a snarky flirt when we bumped into one another in spring and I did not want to become another...another dalliance for someone like him." Vira pulled back a little, crouching beside Euthisa this time and resting her hands on the others knees. It was a humble position even if it pained the endal to bend like that.

"I was desperate for a root in reality after the nightmares and thought a night at the club would help. He played himself out to be this fun guy and I hoped it might...maybe that it would help me forget what had happened. It didn't, Isa. But there was more than the seducer, something I am sure you have experienced as well. I was at my lowest and worst, sure that any day the Valintar would come to me and knock me from the shaky, half-collapsing pedestal I had left as a Chiet into that which everyone thought I should have been. He saved my life, Euthisa, as much literally as metaphorically. And when Mohya bonded with me, I could see clearly the path ahead for the first time since I lost my eye."

"He with Mohya gave me purpose again, Euthisa. I helped make me feel whole again even when the pain is at its worst; I can accept his nature because it would be unfair to judge him on it. I mean, look at me. I shouldn't even be an Endal; have you ever seen a one-eyed rider in your life? I sure haven't!"

"What I'm trying to say, though, is that when you are ready, try. There is no reason to let go, even if it goes against your nature. And come by the aerie sometime, I'll even make sure he's not there if that would satisfy. I'll let you meet the birds." Vira straightened now and wrapped her arms around the other once again, squeezing her tight and sure. "If Mohya likes you, we could even take a flight when I have the time. There's a lot to learn as a new Endal, heh.

[Euthisa]

x

Her words hung heavily in the air between the women, drawn so tight Euthisa felt a talon sword could slice clean through it. Much to her surprise however, not only did the girl listen quietly and intently as she'd said her peace, she took it a step further. Within a mere few ticks, she was embracing Euthisa, and continuing to speak to her. The Chiet hugged her back tightly, more tears flowing, though for mixed reasons. She was grateful for the comfort though, and the girl's actions in this moment only furthered Euthisa's thoughts that she really was the one perfect for Kovac. Regardless that she'd just met her, Euthisa could already see through the compassion and see the strength beneath it. She deserved him.

She then crouched at Euthisa's side, hands on her knees, Euthisa's own clasping over them as she listened to what else Lavira had to say. She told the Chiet her story, not just of her feelings for the man they both loved, but how they came to be, beginning as far back as when she first met him. Their story had depth and serious meaning to it, much more than Euthisa's. It warmed her heart to hear it, and that the young Endal was so willing to share it with her. She'd felt how extraordinary Kovac's influence could be, and knowing that it was even deeper and more intense for Lavira made her smile. It was a rare and beautiful feeling, something that only happened once in a lifetime, and sometimes less often than that. The girl had been through so much, she surely deserved such a ray of light in her seemingly endless darkness. And it showed the side of Kovac Euthisa had always known was inside, had finally surfaced.

After her story was finished, she encouraged her to try and stay close to Kovac, likely as much for her sake as for his, and while Euthisa still disagreed, she nodded to the girl. She would at least humor her and see how it went. Lavira invited her to the aeries and to meet the birds Euthisa never thought she'd ever be lucky enough to come anywhere near. This brightened the mood, and Euthisa's visage, shown with the broad grin now upon her face. "Oh! I could really meet them?! Oh that would be a dream come true! I can't explain how exciting that would be for me! And..." She paused a moment, in thought. "It's ok if he's there. He knows me well enough to know what it would mean to me to even be near the birds, much less actually meeting them. I think he'd be happy to witness it. And Lavira,"

The librarian stood, hugging the Endal again, embracing her completely, trying to be as gentle as possible of the girl's side. Her head rested on the girl's shoulder, taking her first deep breath since their conversation had started. "Thank you, for everything. For telling me, for being so gracious and understanding about it all, and thank you for already being someone to me that no one ever has."

x

[Lavira]

Vira turned her hands over on the others knees, beaming kindly at her and squeezing her hands in return. “Mohya’s generally kind, but she too has her days where she would rather ignore even me, heh, so don’t take it personally if she or her mate shoo you back into the commons.” The teenager would wrap her arms around the others neck when she came in to embrace her, glad to have had this talk and how well it went, overall.

Releasing her now, the young woman leaned back and smiled more gently at her. “And you are very much welcome, Euthisa. I have zero healing skills or I might’ve joined the White Owls. They’re supposed to be good with people, or something, but I much prefer working with the birds and bringing in food than I do hanging around the city all day.” Once she released the other, Vira would stand back and grab for the book that had been set on the table, tucking it under her arm for further reading later.

“I tell you what; why don’t you come up now? I can study later. Just keep your hands to yourself, okay? Tulaj is not the most friendly of raptors I’ve met. And just out of curiosity,” The young woman continued, seeking to pull the librarian up to her feet, “What kind person did you think I was before and what role have I fulfilled now?” Alori’s affiliation with Vira had truly altered her nature. The spirited and slightly older ginger had brought out the attributes of her personality that had so long lain dormant in Vira, suppressed by the urge to prove her to this city that deformed did not mean defeated. In so doing, she had become this kind and hopeful woman who accepted in others what others struggled to accept in her.

If she managed to get Isa to her feet, Vira would tug her along to the front desk, listening to anything further Isa might have to say. “I am glad you took the time to hear me out, Euthisa; I can see why he likes you so much, too. You’re a very intuitive woman. I hope that we can become friends, and even if you are uncomfortable in doing so, you should know that you are welcome to join us in our down time, any time. We may not eat at the kitchens as much now, but we do on occasion. Perhaps we could have a dinner party sometimes, I am sure I could get Alori to come. Kovac would feel right at home then, huh?” She grinned, joshing the other kindly.

The library was still somewhat silent, the dim afternoon light, filtering through both clouds and stained glass windows, provided a somber ambiance that did not do justice to the newfound camaraderie the two women had just ventured into. Dust motes blew lazily through the air and the low murmur of a few citizens outside the library could be heard, but it was otherwise completely silent.

[Euthisa]

Euthisa felt she would just scream with excitement. A beaming grin lit up her face, portraying the amount of obvious awe she was now in. It really dawned on her that she was about to go with an Endal to meet the birds, a raptor and Lavira's personal Wind Eagle. She almost started shaking, nerves taking over, but the Chiet fought them back as best she could. "Hands to myself. Got it!" She giggled, her excitement threatening to bubble out. Lavira questioned her as to who she had expected the girl to be and how she really came off to Euthisa now.

"My expectations jumped about a bit. I, like everyone else, had heard of you through the announcement of the bond, and I guess I expected you to be like many of the other Endals. Not necessarily throwing your caste out there whenever you get the chance, but always mindful of reactive to it. And I am not just beneath you, but two levels beneath you. You're honestly the first Endal I've ever taken part in an actual conversation with, of any kind." She paused before she continued. "Then, as I assisted you here in The Enclave, I discovered the opposite. Even before our important conversation. Though, I admit, I expected you were being so gracious and kind because it was the proper thing to do in the situation, not because you genuinely chose to be that way. But as you sat me down for our talk, and as we progressed through it all, I could see that you are indeed genuine, and after what you've been through, the little that I do know of it, and feeling the lack of tension between us in our current positions, you appear to me to be quite an incredible young woman. And I actually envy you, and first and foremost for many reasons outside your status and standing with Kovac."

Walking along with Lavira, following her lead, she listened intuitively as she spoke to her about becoming friends and spending time together, and even rounding up Alori to join all of them. The thought brought a warm smile to Euthisa's lips, especially as the young Endal playfully teased about Kovac. "I will be up front with you, Lavira. At first, the idea of becoming friends was almost repulsive, speaking strictly from the side of my emotions, which were in control of me at the time you first mentioned it. Though now, the more and more time I spend in your presence and speaking with you, the idea becomes more and more delightful with each passing moment. You have a natural gift for easing the tension. I look forward to this seedling encounter blossoming into a beautiful flower."

Pausing, she continued as the pair glided easily through the starkly quiet Library and outside, Euthisa holding the door open for Lavira, in hopes she would oblige her offering and exit the building first. Once outside, Euthisa would take Lavira by the arm, hooking elbows together with her, and praying she wouldn't mind. She'd allow the Endal to lead the way to the aeries, and continue making conversation as they went. "I dearly appreciate the invitation for more time together, and a dinner party sounds like it could be tons of fun. I think the two of us with Alori could be a dangerous group of women to behold! Haha." Peering sideways at the girl, Euthisa asked a more personal question of her own. "Lavira, what exactly has Kovac told you of me, and what kind of conclusions had you previously drawn of me before meeting me today?"

[Lavira]

The more Isa talked, the more she revealed about herself. She seemed to have a naturally assumptive personality, looking at things and drawing hasty conclusions and fearing that the results would come back to bite her in the butt. But the other seemed very sweet, overall, her bubbly spirit nothing like Alori’s, but certainly something Vira could get accustomed to. But what in the librarian had Kovac seen which drew him to her? Was it purely physical?

When Isa sought to hook arms with her, the only resistance she would meet with was when she took her right side. The teen would quickly and subtly switch sides with her, putting the wall on her right side, the associated hand now holding the books against her side. Once Isa was on her left, then the teen let her arm be taken and the prattling chiet guided on in comfortable silence. It wasn’t the awkward sort, but the thoughtful one as Vira absorbed all that she said back to her so that her answers would be better served.

“Well, Euthisa, one day I’ll tell you the full story about what led up to Kovac and mine’s companionship, as much of the juicy details as you wish to hear and I am willing and able to tell. What I will tell you, though, is that rumors should always be taken with a grain of salt. Just because I’m Endal doesn’t mean I’m better than you, okay?” She squeezed the woman’s arm to emphasize this, leading her continually upwards. “Two castes below, five, a million, I don’t like to see castes. Do you understand why?” It wasn’t that she disapproved of them or would be the one to start an uprising or any of that sort of nonsense; the castes were necessary for the survival of the city and her people. “I may as well have been a Dek, Isa. One bad circumstance and your literally marked for life; I mean, I’m only twenty seven days in as an Endal and things are super challenging. It has nothing to do with the physical demands of the job, but the societal appearance.”

Vira did not want to go into depth on the subject, the abusive nature of the Avora, and at times Endal, was all too familiar to her. She let the subject be as they passed the delightful smells of the kitchen and turned down a corridor with some stairs. “As for alleviating tension, I wouldn’t say I’m good at that. I treat you how I want to be treated, how too often I’m not treated. I can wear a mask all day long, pretending to be something I’m not, or I can stay, as you put it, genuine. The only deceit you will see is in my own strength. I’ll never be able to physically live up to the expectations of the caste. I’ll try to explain it when we get to the aerie.”

The walk continued, Darniva passed and before long the eloquence of the Endal warrens appearing up ahead. There was tension in Vira’s eyes, now, but she did not slow her stride. Within a chime, they reached the bleached door of her home, Vira opening it and letting Isa enter the Ivory Aerie first. It was a beautiful home, and spoke volumes on the importance of birds in her life. Perches could be seen extending from the walls. One of the spare rooms was open, revealing a trio of mews within where a white harrier was currently perched, dozing. The rest of the room was designed for simple comforts. A large sofa was in the middle of the room with a fur rug beneath it and an opulent fireplace kept it a comfortable temperature. The best sight, however, came in the form of the massive portrait window that lined one wall near the fireplace, the couch facing this. It gave a stunning view of the mountains of Northern Kalea, and occasionally of the giant raptors as they flew about.

~Lavira? Who is your guest?~

Patience, Mohya; she’ll introduce herself when we get there. She’s a friend of Kovac’s and mine.

“He didn’t really tell me much, Isa.” Vira replied, moving the books into her left hand and going for the bedroom to set them on the chest at the foot of the massive bed. She closed the door afterwards, returning to the Commons and nodding Isa to follow her back to the cave where Mohya waited. “He said you were important to him, though, and that you two had been close. That was all.” And that was the truth. Ex-lovers were not a topic matter which held great importance in their lives. While they were good to know, from time to time, both knew that what they had between them was not what was between others.

“As for Alori, absolutely. We’ll plan a girls night, if we can. If not this season, then for sure in Winter, okay? I bet I can get her to bring her guitar, too. Did you know that she plays?”

Standing outside the cave where Mohya and her mate lived, Vira turned and faced Isa, saying simply, “Be polite, avoid her mate if he’s in there. Her name is Mohya. She knows you’re here, but not who you are.” With everything said, now, Vira ushered her in, going straight for the massive, white-head and chested bird with the golden streaks along her sides, their minds sharing unheard thoughts and emotions as she approached the giant eagle and extended her palm towards her. The bird lowered her head and let her beak touch the offered hand, chirruping quietly before her giant eyes turned onto Isa expectantly.

When did Kovac leave?

~A bell or two after you; he had some yasi at the ranges to teach~

Did he say when he was going to be back?

~No, dear; got plans?~

Nope, just some girl time. I’ll do some studying later.

The eagle laughed over the bond and ruffled up her feathers a little while watching the Chiet. Vira took that opportunity to step back, giving Isa's shoulder a squeeze before leaving the eagle aerie entirely to go feed Tulaj.

Please don't hurt her, Mohya. I'll be right back.

~No promises; but if she has good manners...well, we'll see.~

[Euthisa]

The girls walked on in conversation, past the kitchens and the Darniva Warrens. The librarian offered understanding nods and smiles in accordance with all Lavira spoke of, not wishing to trade opinions back and forth so much as observe and retain knowledge of her this new woman in her life, and a becoming friend. Her views touched Euthisa's heart, dowsing a few of her emotional flames and drawing her closer to the Endal, already. It was soothing to know she didn't share the attitude most Endal, and even Avora, often did, even if her reasons stemmed from negative mishaps in her life. Lavira didn't allow them to change her for the worse, instead using them as stepping stones into bettering herself, and she earned Euthisa's deep respect for such a feat.

Soon, the Endal Warrens came into view, Euthisa's anxiety and excitement sending shockwaves through her body. She tried not to show it, but she was both ecstatic for the opportunity at hand and nervous for it as well. She'd always daydreamed of stepping foot in the aeries and meeting a Wind Eagle, but now that the time was here, she was naturally nervous. The birds were massive to say the least, and just like humans in nature, birds could be temperamental some were nicer than others. Euthisa knew Lavira wouldn't bring her here if she would come to harm, but that didn't mean she wasn't a little scared anyways. However, determined feet propelled her forward with the Endal and she ignored the clamming in her hands.

They reached Lavira's home shortly thereafter, Euthisa entering it first, eyes wide with awe she was unable to manage hiding. It was gorgeous, her love of birds apparent and forefront, bringing a smile to Euthisa's lips. The largest devotion of her home was to the birds, seen by the many perches and places for them to be, with the human comforts of the home remaining simple, though visibly fitting for an Endal. Euthisa didn't fail to notice the wonderful fireplace or the fur rug on the floor ahead of her, eyes wandering over all she could see in the lovely home. Emerald eyes followed the facing of the sofa, now noting the exquisite window looking out over the mountains.

A few strides brought her to the window sill as Lavira put her books away, the Chiet still silent in awe as she appreciated the view outside. When the Endal returned, Euthisa followed her lead back to the cave, heartbeat pounding and sweat dampening the hair on the back of her neck. She vaguely kept her mind focused on their continued conversation, Lavira mentioning a girl's night with Alori and asking if Euthisa knew she played. "Actually, yes I knew she played. We ended up in Thunder Bay together last season, and we kind of threw a miniature concert on the wagon ride there. I play the violin."

They reached the entrance of the cave, and Lavira turned to make some final notes before they entered it. The Chiet nodded in understanding again, and followed Lavira inside. Mentally, she attempted to calm her growing nerves, but all attempts were in vain when the Eagle came into view. Euthisa knew she could not hide her bewilderment in her features, for she was sure her mouth now hung open and eyes were inches tall in amazement. Mohya was massive, as all Wind Eagles were, but having only seen them from a distance, Euthisa was entirely stunned at just how large Mohya really was. This also accounted for a mental note on how dangerous she could potentially be too.

Be polite. Just be sweet and everything will be fine. Just relax, and breathe. Pep talks and soothing thoughts crossed her mind, along with the dozens of other things flashing around as she remained amazed at the bird. When the initial shock passed, Euthisa assessed the bird as Lavira greeted her. She was stunning with her bright white head and chest, and accenting golden streaks running down her sides. Once she greeted her Rider, she looked directly at Euthisa, freezing her where she stood. Lavira backed up in her steps, squeezing Euthisa's shoulders and then leaving her there with Mohya, alone.

Nervous eyes gazed after Lavira when she left, noting where she went, at least as far as Euthisa could see, and when she disappeared from view, she turned to meet Mohya's gaze. She was waiting expectantly for Euthisa to do something. Swallowing her worry, she cleared her throat and greeted the massive Eagle. "Hello, Mohya. My name is Euthisa. I'm a friend of Lavira and Kovac's. It's a true pleasure to meet you." The Chiet lowered her gaze and bowed her head to the bird, attempting to honor her presence, both near Euthisa's person and in general. Bringing her eyes back up to her, she continued. "You're the first Wind Eagle I've ever met, and I must say you're even more beautiful than I'd imagined. And I thank you for allowing me in your presence and for meeting me." Euthisa then dipped her head again, before quietly backing out of the aerie and heading back to the common room to look for Lavira, hearbeat finally slowing its pace.

[Lavira]

Outside the eagles aerie, Vira headed for the kitchen to pull out some meat for the ornery harrier somewhere in the endal's home. "Tulaj, lunch!" The meat was put on the table in the kitchen/dining area in a bowl that was typically left there just for the bird.

From somewhere else in the home, the flurry of wings came and through the entry of the kitchen, the albino bird appeared, landing hard enough on the back of a chair to nearly knock it down while it flapped his wings for balance. The bird eventually did settle though and hopped off the chair back to land on the table, waddling towards the bowl with the meat in it. "Ach, Tulaj, bad; off the table you daft bird!" She chirped at him shooing her hand until he had fled to a perch. "You know better!"

The harrier screeched from his new vantage, aiming a sharp bite at Vira's knuckles as she attached the feed bowl to the perch and left him there. The nasty bird could eat in peace while she went to the bedroom once again. While in there, Vira let loose her hair, removing the feather that had been woven into a portion of it and compulsively placing it on the dresser in one corner. From there, she ran her fingers through the tide of rusty strands and returned to the Commons, a finger tapping at the hem of her bryda.

The teen had this strange urge as she approached the eagle aerie, sensing Isa still inside talking to Mohya; the sight through the enormous birds eyes was too often disturbing, but this time, what she saw was different. It was nothing like looking in a mirror, of course, but what she saw was the same awe and appreciation she had so long harbored for them. Seeing that reflected in anothers face stirred a curious emotion in the Endal and she moved to stand agaisnt the wall, eyes partly closed and mind fully focused on the bond between her and the bird.

She could sense-see Isa turning to leave, ready to return and presumably meet her back out here. But Isa strode quietly past her, missing the one-eyed woman completely and nearly making Vira laugh at this. But she remained quiet, at least long enough for Isa to move completely past her before calling out, "Euthisa?"

She would not let the ticks pass for long. If Isa replied with a turn to face her, Vira would step up and place her hands on either side of the womans face. Her head would tilt a little and only so long as Isa did not completely freak out by the action would she press her lips against the others. It was relatively brief, no more than four or five ticks, a firm cushion of the lips that retreated soon enough with Vira's hands lowering back to her side and a respectful step back given.

"I do not often see the same kind of awe and appreciation and respect in anothers eyes, Isa. It...it summons fond memories." She smiled a little more shyly this time and went to step around her to check on Tulaj.

[Euthisa]

Euthisa was filled with all sorts of emotions as she left the aerie. She was relieved not to feel the pressure of potentially being eaten by the massive Eagle, but mildly saddened as well to leave her presence. The Wind Eagles were legendary, both to the outside world and to the Inarta people that lived along side them. There were extraordinary creatures, believed to be gifts from the Gods in the way that they were the Inartan ancestors long ago past, their lives rekindled in the enormous birds to live on among the people. Euthisa was also filled with shock, still completely dumbfounded that she'd really actually just met one of these magnificent birds. She'd only seen them flying over head, admiring them from the ground, but never having an opportunity to even see one up close, much less speak to one. She only wished she could know what the bird thought of her in return.

Tingles of giddiness flooded through her veins, the Chiet withholding her desire to scream in excitement at the experience. For one, it would be foolish to do so, and for two, she didn't want to risk startling any of the birds in the home. On her way back to the common room, Euthisa didn't see Lavira anywhere, this leading her to wonder if she should go stand and wait somewhere, or if it would be understood and not seen as disrespectful for her to meander through the home looking for her. Being in an Endal's home, even one who didn't consider herself so much better than Euthisa, was also a new experience for the librarian, and she remained unsure how to act accordingly. Thankfully, she didn't have to though, for just ticks after leaving the aerie, she heard Lavira's sweet voice calling to her. The sound came from behind her, befuddling the Chiet for she'd walked right by her without even seeing her. Emotions still running rampant from her meeting with Mohya, the woman turned to greet the girl who'd so graciously given her such a grand opportunity.

Lavira was right behind her when she turned, Euthisa unable to get even one word out before the day took yet another unexpected turn. Delicate hands cupped her face, followed by the momentary press of soft lips to her own. Entirely stunned, Euthisa didn't freak out, nor did she engage further in the act. She simply let it happen, confusion mudding her abilities to truly process anything. When Lavira pulled away, she also took a step backwards, explaining that Euthisa's reaction to Mohya stirred fondness within the Endal, before flashing a shy smile and stepping around the woman, presumably to go do something in another part of her home. Still stunned, Euthisa whirled to follow her, shock eventually passing and allowing her to speak. "I'm very glad I did well then. Mohya is absolutely grand Lavira. You are blessed to be bonded with her. I'm still in awe that this is all happening. She's incredible! You both are so incredible! Thank you!"

[Lavira]

A lot had been said in the kiss where words could not answer. Vira wasn't quite sure what she'd seen in the other womans eyes except confusion, but it kept her from acting further. The moment had came and it had went just as quickly. Perhaps it might come again in the future, but today would not be that day. Isa needed time to heal, and Vira would give her that. After all that had been shared with the young woman that day, it was the least she could do.

Tulaj waited impatiently on the table, his wings half open and wretched hisses coming from that transluscent beak of his. Vira extended her arm to him and he took off, landing afterwards upon her waiting limb. "She has such great qualities that I wish I could wield. She's so patient and wise and encompasses such a gentle way. Kovac and her dont' get along too great yet, but I'm hoping after a while they'll at least enjoy each others company and not just tolerate it." She shrugged slightly and stroked the raptors breast feathers, clicking quietly to him.

"Mohya has really been good for me. Were it not for her and Kovac...I'm certain I wouldn't be standing here right now chatting with you." She looked over to Isa then and smiled, the shyness gone and the genuineness returned. "As for being incredible? I guess that is a matter of opinion. I'm just another worker bee, Isa, no better or different than you." Ceasing her stroke of the harrier, she gave him a toss from her arm to let him return to what he wanted and went to sit on the couch instead, her leg tucking beneath her and one arm hanging over the back. "But I've got the time to relax right now. You're welcome to stay or head back to the Enclave, whichever you wish; if not, I understand. I don't know when Kovac will be back."

[Euthisa]

Euthisa followed Lavira to another part of her home, where naturally, another bird awaited her. The bird flew to her arm as she spoke of Mohya, a genuine love and admiration coating her already sweet voice. She loved Mohya deeply, as she did Kovac as well, and Euthisa knew they'd all be good for each other in many ways, forcing herself to ignore the painful twinges of her heart at the thought. If she didn't allow herself to focus her thoughts on the subject, it only mildly bothered her and she was easily able to ignore it. However, if she let herself focus on it for even just a moment, her mask disappeared and the heartbroken woman remained, currently drowning in her tears, the ones she held inside, unwilling to unleash them in public again.

Lavira turned and smiled at her, unknowing of the intensity with which her heart and mind attacked her on the inside. Mohya had distracted her wonderfully, but that meeting and all the emotions that accompanied it were over with now. She was left with facing things, or at least she would be once she was alone. Being alone wasn't something Euthisa would be able to avoid. It would happen when she closed the Enclave for the night, on her way home, and when she went to bed. It would happen sooner or later, and when it did, it would be catastrophic. Euthisa had broken in the library with the Endal, the news devastating her instantly, but even then she'd partly contained it. But alone, where no one could see her break down or hear her cries, she would lose all the hold she'd managed to keep on herself. On one hand, it seemed daunting and even embarrassing, but Euthisa knew it was necessary.

She would have to let go of her pain, her anger, the feeling of betrayal that swallowed her in her entirety, eventually. And releasing her emotions in one of the only ways she knew how was the first step to this. The next would be the relentless onslaught of thoughts, threatening to destroy her mannerisms and ability to think straight. Once she settled her mind and put a stop to the attacks, her heart would eventually put itself back together and let go of everything, and she would be back to normal. It would all take time. Lots of it.

She followed Lavira to the couch where the Endal plopped herself down, finally ceasing her flutter of constant movements and preparing to relax for the rest of the day. She invited Euthisa to stay and spend time there with her, or explained that she would understand if the Chiet chose to return to work from there. The last thing Euthisa wanted to do was go back to work, but she couldn't stay there with Lavira either. She was wonderful and compassionate and Euthisa possessed no doubts that the two of them would be great friends, some day. They'd made a fantastic start already, despite how the day for them had started, but it was all still so fresh and raw to Euthisa. Meaningful conversation and allowing her to meet Mohya all happened so quickly in succession, Euthisa hadn't had time to sit down and work through everything yet. Now though, now it would really hit her. She wished not to be working when it came, but the Enclave could also prove to be another distraction, prolonging the inevitable for the Chiet. She would respectfully take her leave and be on her way.

"Thank you for the invitation, but I still have work to do at the Enclave. This adventure has been truly wonderful, but I'll be taking my leave now. I appreciate all of this very much." Euthisa headed towards the door, taking Lavira by the hand and wishing to lead her there too. If she complied, Euthisa would turn and embrace her when they reached the exit, burying her face in the woman's hair as she did. A moment or so later she'd pull back, place her hands on Lavira's face, and return the kiss she'd been given a few chimes ago, gentle but meaningful. She'd then pour out her thanks, again for telling her the news, for all she'd shared with her in their meeting, the opportunity to meet Mohya, and for being who she is. Once she was done, she'd exit the Ivory Aerie and begin making her way back towards the Enclave, tears already beginning to stream down her face once she was on her way. She had a lot to do to move past this day, that was for sure.