Closed Rousing Song

[Fallon]

58th Spring 514 AV

The index finger twitched. For a while she had been lying there now in some near silent room, away from the hustle and bustle of the world beyond the door. Eyes had fallen shut for a while, the form lying still upon its back. Soft wools, the gentle scent of wood fire smoke hung upon the air, but that was not taken in. A deep slumber, no voice would call her out of this state. Flesh was cool, the faint sweat of a fevered mind finally breaking and leaving the body to recover. The chest rose and fell, the breathing ever present, the gentle pulse running through her veins. She was very much alive, but weak, the body having slipped into a state of lulling. Unaware to the world, the occasional breath of a mumble, almost as if caught up within her own nightmare. A crease of the forehead, a parting of lips into a dulled expression before once more it relaxed. But still she slept, and the living carried on around her.

There was a second twitch of the finger. The body was broken, stripped bare then administered with care. Stitches were set into place, limbs bandaged, the stabbed right hand put into its own splint for its recovery - afraid almost that it would become more exposed if simply wrapped up. Skin was cleaned, the days of grime and blood having been removed, the wounds cleaned and tended to. The dark ring of bruising around her eye had begun its lifting, the swelling gone down. Even the black marks around her neck began to fade. The smaller grazes had left their scabs, wrinkling upwards into pink line. But still she slept, unawake to the world.

Another twitch. It was dark, that much was apparent, a fog of dark purples and blues above her vision. Another inhale, deeper this time. Pains began to seep in, distant at first, hovering just beyond the edge of the mind. The breathing burned a little, but not too much - just enough to be noticeable. In the world beyond the daylight turned, the sun arching up over head and beginning its descent. Wood clunked in its fireplace, a hissing crackle of dying embers filling the silence for a few ticks. The shades began to stretch, dulling and greying, the rich red and gold igniting the sky with fire as it continued to seep its way down. A slow descent once more into the night.

The brow creased. Lips twitched, parting slightly to reveal a slither of white. It was dragging, forceful, the sound of rushing waters within her ears, that rushing to the surface. A grind of steel, a crunch of bone and sword. A scream. Blood, so much blood. It fell like river, and poured out into great lakes of red. There was fold of the brow, the blanket still covering her flesh. The pain, she remembered the pain. Stiffening, halting in its intensity. But there was less now, that was apparent. The woman, the dragging, the hands that looked to heal. What had happened?

Images turned in a blur, a blink as memories replayed themselves within the recedes of her mind. Faster, harder, vivid, it became alive. The cool touch, the dragging back of the blade. The blood, the pain, the cuts and hurts. The hunt, the wild roar of an animal shattering its chains. The wolf and bear. The hot. The cold. The scream.

Fallon awoke with a flinch. A flicker, a blur of colour. Above the hues danced, mixing and running together. Mind swum, disorientated, confused and ever turning. Her breathing laboured, deep gasping breaths, her pulse racing as she tried to come to terms. Numb, that feeling quickly raced away. Eyes blinked, her chin lifting as she tried to raise her head. The body complained, her shoulders shaking as she tried to rise. The back of her head quickly pressed against the soft surface once more. Where was she, was the first though. Teeth weakly gritted together, a forced awakening of limbs.

A room, somewhere, she did not recognise where. Shapes were still coming into focus, the mind stuck and blurred without comprehension. Almost as if still stuck within that dream state. Elbows pressed down, muscles twitching as they tried to work in unison. Out of use for several days, stuck and stiffened. A furious series of blinks, a ringlet falling down across her face. More thoughts, more concerns. Where was her clothes? Was she safe? Was it a trap?

She paused, her eyes widening slightly as a moment of clarity took over. And with it came one pressing question. Where was Zandelia?

Worry flared up, teeth gritted as she tried to turn her gaze around. A grunt, a complaint as muscles tried to object. Her better leg came up, creasing as she found some strength in it - limited as it was. The head whipped round, shapes twisting in colours as she tried to take it in. Arms moved, unbound by chains, her eyes feeling the tending bandages upon her limbs. A shape hovered by the door, indistinctive but there. A person or a thing? She could not tell, she could not bring it into focus quickly enough. Groaning she forced her shoulder up and then rolled onto her side, the blanket cocooning her body. Her hand came out, grasping weakly onto the fabric as she tried to paw free. She needed to get out, she needed to find Zandelia.

Her voice croaked in objection, dry as she tried to form sound or words. Maybe she was nearby? Trapped or otherwise? It did not matter, she needed to move. A shaking rise, a pull forward as injuries strained and complained. The foot slipped over the side, toes tentatively touching the ground and feeling the cool wood. Her fingers gripped upon the fabric, arms forced into pushing her up. She had to get up.

Air filled her lungs, the damp sticking to her frame as she struggled. Slowly she dragged herself to the edge, the crisp evening air caressing her shoulders. Her foot was put down firmly now, her gaze staring over the edge as she looked down. Almost there. She leaned out, placing weight down onto the limb. Wood groaned, and for a moment there was silence. The limb barely held her for a tick before it crumpled.

A mighty crash as she hit the floor. Injuries burned, flaring up in pain. Lips broke into gasp, eyes screwing shut as they watered. They would probably hear her now, if they heard her at all. And because of that she would have to move faster. Curled up, she forced her arms to rise, her gaze returning up to whatever she had just fallen off - a bed? No, there was no time to think upon anything else. Arms pressed, straining as she forced herself up once more. The shoulder gave, a slump as she tried to pry herself up. She had to move, through the ragged gasps, the holding back of whimpers of pain.

[Zandelia]

Zandelia was where she had always been when tiredness forced her to give up her watch, to seek out small measures of rest and what passed for relaxation but in truth was a poor replica. She left nothing to chance, not now, whilst they were both weak and unable to effectively fight back. The war was over, for now perhaps, but there were other enemies that sifted upon the closing horizons and she had failed too many times before to not take every measure that she could take. So it was that the rickety chair was wedged up and underneath the handle of the door, grooves were upon the floor now from the repetitions. As for herself she held tonfa across her chest and had wedged herself at the hinges, legs forming a brace of sorts between her rounded shoulders and the heels against the leg of the bed.

She had sent Jarral and Carole to the site of the blood, she hadn’t been able to face it herself. They had brought back the weapons and discarded armor and she had been relieved. She wore them all now, though the broadsword of Markus was propped in the corner with Fallon’s own scabbards and blades. Her muscles were pained, strained from the position. Yet still her eye flickered in resistance to the rest, that inevitable loss seeping in as lethargy took hold and darkness came.

The fog surrounded, confusing and shifting rapidly. She made her way through it as best as she could yet wherever she stepped there were no markings to show the way. Here or there came the crunching of a bone underfoot or the howling screams of torment. Gone were the old pools of venomous poison, of vengeance. They had been exhausted, consumed. Now there was the barren wastelands, the storms of dust.

There was a center somewhere, the eye of the realm where all was silent and quietly peaceful but she had only managed to make her way there once and that had been after sheer exhaustion. She wasn’t to be accorded that benefit today. Nor for many days. There came a groan through the winds, flickering past quickly but her head whipped around at the familiarity.

“Fallon?”

She pressed onwards as the sounds were heard once more, pushing her way through and pulling the cloak tighter. The hood came up once more and she tried to keep her mouth from being blasted.

The thump, the sifting of other sounds. The crash and the dream flickered


Eye shot open and head whipped around in confusion, muscles tensed as the brace against the door from enemies was strengthened against the incoming blows. None came, there was no vibration and no clamoring. Brow furrowed as thought shifted, eye searching the room and not processing. It slipped past the prone body before it could understand in its wakening. Came to rest of the frame of the bed, the covers hanging over the edge. The sharp intake as reality formed and the slamming of skull against the chair as she surged forwards, rolling out of the tangled chair limbs and shaking them off with a curse.

“Nono, Fallon, no. Not yet. Must rest” she spoke rapidly, she had been given the warnings that without near constant rest and recovery the injuries she had sustained could take longer to heal, or not heal properly at all.

She crawled the rest of the way to her side quickly and hands patted the body, checking for life as the fact that she was finally awake came to the fore and she couldn’t help but smile, laugh with relief and joy. Hands flexed around shoulders as gently as they could to turn her over and look down upon the face, leaning her back and against the side of the bed with a few moments of effort and some painful hissing from the straining of the cuts still healing along her upper arms. She grimaced tightly for a few moments before she could fully enjoy the moment.

The kiss, simple light expression.

“You’re awake,” she grinned dopily, “you came back. Are you okay?”

Eye searched for any new injury, hands seeking and finding nothing new that she could see. The flesh was still battered, slashed and torn but the stitches seemed sound and there were no trickles of blood to suggest any had opened. She would have seen it of course seeing as the other wore no clothing. It would have been enjoyable if not for the visual remembrance of the battle. She frowned slightly.

“But you must rest, yes, rest. Back to bed for you wolf”

She didn’t press for the movement just yet, wanted to make sure that Fallon was ready before she tried to mover her. She would wait for the recovery, she had no idea how hard the body had impacted the floor.

[Fallon]

A hiss, a whimpering gasp as she tried to pry herself up. Muscles rebelled, straining as she tried to claw back up. Move, she needed to move. Eyes screwed shut, the form juddering as she tried to inhale. Around her the blanket fell, smothering as she tried to push. Her hand slipped up beneath her, drop as she poured determination into bringing herself to rise. Throbbing, angry, the pain made itself known throughout her body. There was a noise, somewhere just beyond. A shouting echo, her head swum as she tried to work out where it came from.

Somewhere just beyond the shape by the door moved. Closing in as a crawl, tangling in as it came close. For a moment Fallon shook her head, unable to recognise the movement before her as it came in. Her arm weakly raised itself to defend, to brush away those searching hands. What did they want? To trap her? To ensnare her? She shook her head, fingers pressing and falling where possible, the upward ascension happening rapidly. The scene blurred and swum, shapes solidifying into recognising objects, the faint hissing from whatever was before her now - touching, searching for something.

Fallon winced, teeth lightly clenching as she heard the laughter. The back of the head rested against the bed, the blanket wrapped only around partially. A rattling inhale, a moment of fear almost consuming as she heard the laughter. Her arm trembled, barely rising to defend - she stood no chance, she knew that now. But that did not matter, she had to find Zandelia.

The kiss. There was only one person, one woman, who would do such a thing. For a moment she simply stared, her lip quivering as the other finally came into focus. Her face creased, her lips curling, and then splitting, her entire face wincing as she tried to comprehend what was going on. To have some control. Relief swept over her, a croak as she tried to speak. The hand shook, her mouth opening as she shook her head. Tears welled up, a sniff, as she stared in disbelief. Right hand rising, she looked upon the dopey grin, the emerald eye within her face. The fingers gently reached forward, her shoulders hunching in as she tried to force movement into the rest of her.

A tear, the damp rolling down her face in trickles. Screwing it up, it let the fingers touch the cheek - checking, confirming. The soft skin, the blush, the scar, the way the lips came together into that smile. Stunned almost that she was here, real and before her. Fallon lost her words, fear fell away, shedding as joy rushed in. Relief, emotions, a flood that washed away all the negativity that consumed. Zandelia was well, alive and safe. Her head rolled forward towards the woman, the forehead resting upon her shoulder. The room gave a swim when she did, the sickening moment of dizziness consuming. The cool rested upon the warmth, a shiver in reciprocation to it. Cold shoulders, the hand slipped down no longer holding the strength to rise and touch. So instead, the fingers weakly gripped, a curl that could easily be removed. A shudder, she gave a sniff as the convoluted emotions continued their turning. She whimpered, "I thought... I thought I... I... lost you again."

Fallon cried. A choking gasp as she let the emotions run freely. Exposed for all her hurts, her worries and physical pains. That raw pain escaped, the last of those internal scars lifting and cleaned. Her face screwed up tightly, a judder as she tried to breath. It all hurt, but that did not matter right now - Zandelia was safe. She had presented everything, she had given her all, and this was what she received in return. And it was something she would never trade - not even for the world itself. Her head nuzzled into her neck, the matted tangles falling freely across the shoulder. Safe, she was safe.

Perhaps, it was inappropriate to allow such things to come forward. A moment of weakness to some, but to Fallon it was important. She pressed, gently. The body sought protection, safety and warmth. Her light, her sunshine was there. There was a sharp intake of breath, a falling short as ribs complained and strained. A gentle flinch, a wince as she pulled herself away. Strength swayed, her eyes taking the woman in properly this time. A sniff, a brave smile forming upon her face as she looked. She gave a nod to the earlier question, her strained heart and pulse relaxing as she felt her consciousness flicker properly into something more waking. Croaking she let the words wave on past. Another nod, understanding, registering.

Forcing a deep inhale she spoke, "I... yes. Rest, bed... but..." she paused, her eyes looking around the room and taking it in properly, "Where are we? I... are you? We... safe? I just..." Her brow furrowed, her bloodshot eyes still blinking away the last of the tears, "What... happened?"

[Zandelia]

There was little she could do in response but hold her, arms surrounding her gently with as much comfort as she could give against the pain and the surging of revelation. It was a painful experience, she knew and had experienced it first hand over the past handful of days. The fingers tracing upon cheek gently before the head upon her shoulder. She shifted, leant into the intimacy with nothing but the need to soothe and gentle. The shaking of the form, so familiar to the one she remembered from so many years ago. It was painful, to see her break down like this but at the same time treacherously fulfilling. The spoken depth of caring to reflect the actions of before. She couldn’t help the strengthening of her grip, the pulling at the body and pressing to her own. Her own shoulders shook now with silent tears, happy tears.

“Hush, I am here. Safe. You kept your promise with all the nobility. Just like the stories. Heroine” she spoke, brushing the back of the head soothingly, fingers catching and gripping a little with her own emotion, burying face into the locks by the ear.

“You didn’t lose me but…I…I almost lost you,” she sighed, it was difficult to say those words, “but…that’s for later” she whispered.

Some time was spent then in simple experience, that time after death was shaken off and all that remained were the pulsing of survival. It was glorious in its encompassing. She didn’t have to worry about the world dimming just yet and she would do her best to make sure her wolf lived a long and happy life. She pushed backwards, the brave smile could have cut her if she hadn’t already made the promises to herself that she had made. To have walked so close to Dira just for her. A bittersweet acceptance of the character. She pressed forehead to forehead and then slipped backwards fully. She slipped her arms behind the form and once more pushed upwards.

“And now, bed. You get it, I’ll take the floor when required. Rest” she spoke firmly, she would have her way about going back to bed for her.

It took a few moments but she finally managed to arrange Fallon comfortably, pillows propped up behind her head and smoothed the blankets over her body to both warm and comfort. She paced to the door, left hand pressed to right upper arm to feel the slight wetness there - some of the wounds had cracked and the thin red lines were sticking the fabric of the blouse to them. She cared not, they were healing and unimportant compared to Fallon’s awakening. Grabbing chair she placed it before the bed, fingers seeking out the others and head bowed for a few moments.

“We are in the Pig’s Foot. Nowhere else to go and Merv likes me enough. Did some favors for him and got him some gold back. That man likes gold, but more importantly he likes his patrons and knows how to deal with trouble. I couldn’t think of anywhere else, I’m sorry” she sighed, it was a poor fortress but there were few safe palaces in Sunberth presently.

“Still…all the ale and food we need. I saved your weapons by the way, had a few people go an pick them up. Didn’t think you’d want to lose them…oh! And this” she pulled the kukri from her thigh and flipped it before placing it upon the small side table, “didn’t want to lose that. I know how much it means so…”

“Oh and Orvin’s under the bed. Hasn’t even moved apparently despite the thudding of his mistress. You need to train him more. Still, he comes for food and he didn’t leave your side. Snarled at me a few times actually. I think he thinks I hurt you” she flinched at that - it was too close to the truth.

She looked away then, it was far too close. Still she place as confidant a smile as was possible upon her face. A weak mask but a required one she thought. She had to be strong for the other. She looked back and into the eyes.

“You killed my father and then I killed the others. I don’t know how still, things went a little…hazy…after you got him. But, you are alive and that is all that matters. Alive and…well healing. They said you’ll be better by the end of Spring most likely”

“I’m sorry that you had to get so hurt Wolf, so sorry. It will not happen again. From now on I will protect you. I promised at the beginning, then again to myself afterwards. Never again” she sighed, it was becoming more depressive than it should for such a moment of awakening.

“Do you want some food? I’m famished,” she strode to the door, “Carole..Carole! Get the food. Meats preferably. And some drinks. Yes…yes that’s fine. I said yes! Gods…it won‘t be long Wolf”

She returned to her seat with a slight groan.

“So…how does it feel? To be back in the light? You want anything? I will get it for you, anything”

[Fallon]

It was warm, soothing, even just being in the vicinity. And emotional bandage for those inflicted wounds, that strong hold to support and stand. For a moment she gave a sniff, her lips curling into that brave smile. Fingers curled, searching as they felt the gentle grip. Head nuzzled, the weak press back as the arms slipped behind. It was time to rise, to return to the comfort of the bed and rest. That reward for doing what needed to be done. Her heart gave a flutter, lips a tremble to the words that were spoken. She would have objected, but even she was in no real state to do so. There was a mumble of thanks, and with that she allowed the woman to tend to her as she wished.

Eyes gave a blink, the glassy disorientated gaze slowly lifting. Brightness returned, colours sharpening from those sleepy dulled hues. There was a sway as she tried to hold herself up, a puff as she took things in. A multitude of blinks, the better hand gripping onto the bedding below. Shoulders were lowered, her head turning to face the woman in her half sat up state. At least she could see more of the room from this position. Small, closed in, but warm - it was cosy. She watched Zandelia pace away, claiming the chair as she came back over. For a moment she tilted her head, an attempt to rise to see the woman's arm. She barely managed to rise an inch at most before her shoulders met the pillow once more. Fallon pouted and quickly moved on from her inability to do anything.

"Heroine? I guess so... I just, wanted to do the right thing. I..." she managed a shrug. Fingers gently curled when the woman's found hers, a simple smile of pleasure to the touch. A nod, an understanding to the location. It made sense in the end, Zandelia had ties here and managed to establish herself in such a position. She shook her head to the apology, an attempt at a weak squeeze of fingers, "It's fine. You did what you thought was best for us, and that is all that matters."

There was a sniff when the woman produced the kurki, the old familiar making itself known. Her trusted blade, his trusted blade to be exact. It was that heavy weight, that deadly slash made time and time again with such a weapon. She watched the cold iron take a glint in the sunlight, the cleaned edge revealing itself before it was placed down upon the side table. Eyes followed, a blink as she watched the woman flinch with worry. Lips pursed, her right hand reaching forward and across, her focus going in to touching the shoulder. Fingers patted, barely stroking upon the shoulder and then round to the chin. A gentle turn - or at least as much of one she could muster before she looked and smiled, "It's okay. I... He's just like us, you. Scared and worried. You just need to let him know everything will work out." Her gaze turned serious at that point, her hand trembling as she pulled away, "You don't... need to wear that mask for me you know. It will be alright now. Promise."

Fingers wrapped upon the side of the bed, a low whistle to grab the attention of the wolf that hid himself beneath. Letting her arm relax, she felt the nose gently poke out from beneath, a low snort as he took in the scent. She cleared her throat, her eyes closing for a moment as she focused. Firm enough to show dominance, yet clear enough to not confuse, "Orvin. Out of there. Leave it." There was a low growling snort from beneath, his head peaking out to stare menacingly at Zandelia. Firmer, stronger, her fingers traced across his fur, "Leave her. Now out, come on now." Her finger gave a flick and then a point. For a while he stayed where was, and it was only with a huff and a shake that he pulled himself free and hovered by the door with his back to them. Muscles relaxed, her head returning to that of the pillow, "Just... show dominance I guess. Show some boss state and that you're above him. You know... pack mentality. Even if he does start sulking. Probably thinks I ignored him." Shaking her head, and the thought away, she moved on to the next subject at hand. The father. The brow furrowed, and there was only a low "I see... End of spring. Work is going to be hard."

Her expression lit up on the idea of food however, an attempt to lean forward to receive upon such a thing. If not for a somewhat perplexed look upon her face shortly forming on her face. Her brow rose, her eyes narrowing down upon her in mocking scorn, "Carole? Who's that? Another lady? And here was little me thinking I was the only one..." A low chuckle, stopped if not by the wince and the pain that bloomed within her side when she did. Of course, Zandelia quickly pressed on with her questions. Worried, even with her smaller hurts and pains, "I don't really know? I... was asleep I guess. How does it normally feel when one is a sleep? Like a blinking darkness that appears to last a few chimes when really its bells. Dreams that past in blurs and that cocooning lull. And then, awakening... a rip up through the water surface, the lungs taking in air almost as if you had just survived drowning... That... I guess is how it's like to be back."

There was a slow, calculated pause, "Anything? Anything at all?" she managed to make a smirk. Even in this state she could still scheme, but even then it was just schemes - even she knew she was in no state to do anything. She managed to raise her left arm this time, her fingers pressing against the brow as she tried to focus - to correct her thought - before she mumbled, "A shirt. I... don't want to be exposed like this to just anyone. And... yeah. Clothes... where are they? What I was wearing that is."

[Zandelia]

“Did I? It seems to me that every decision I have made seems to have led to worse things for us. I think I’ll leave the decisions to you for a while and see if you fare better. Well…most of the decisions” she spoke softly.

The small smiles and the wavering strength as she watched was difficult to behold. The woman had always been strong, purposeful and filled with energy. She didn’t seem so much a different facet as a different woman entirely. There were flashes of her from behind the lethargy and pain but there were more winces and difficulty of breath than there was the Fallon she knew. It had to be hard she reasoned, to be in such a position. She sighed as she heard the comment about the mask, the slipping away of fingers almost in reproach. She shook her head and swallowed in contemplation, the solution was a simple one but difficult to accept. She wasn’t sure that she trusted herself at that moment but she let the mask crumple, flow away, before looking back.

“Very well, no masks. I was scared to death and still am. Enemies taking us without knowing, the days in the dark room and the pain. They told me you were dead, I thought you were. Then you were alive, then dying. I just…I don’t like it. I’m not a warrior, I don’t shrug it off so easily. What happened…” she shuddered lightly before she leant back and teeth toyed with her lip for a while as she simply looked at the blankets.

The emergence of Orvin was a welcome distraction if an uneasy one, the stare at her as she shifted her gaze to stare back. He truly didn’t like her now, whatever bond of fun they had formed seemed to have been severed. It was a sad observation, she liked him. She nodded at Fallon’s words, they made sense and she hadn’t thought of them but then he was not her wolf. She had little experience of his moods outside of a smattering of evenings and afternoons. Her lips curled, a faint smile turning the corners.

“I do not think he listens to me, nor would he even if I tried to make him. Still, I will see what I can do to mend whatever there is. It has been a trying few days after all, perhaps it will get better” she turned her gaze back to Fallon once Orvin had settled at the door - ever the sentinel.

She fiddled with her fingers as they awaited the food, watching the frown and the words trickled forth, almost half-mocking and half-something else. She tilted her head and laughed a little at the very idea that Carole was being suggested as another partner. Even in jest it was risible. She shook her head at it, denial evident and forceful. She tilted the chair back slightly, foot braced against the side of the bed as she balanced it on two legs. She just looked, said nothing. Watching to see if there was something beneath the words but finding nothing but concern for the coughing and the wince. She rocked forwards then and leant forwards in case she was needed. She was helpless of course and she hated it, helpless to heal Fallon quicker than was natural. She liked to be able to puzzle things out, fix them here and dismantle them there to form patterns and tools for use. This was a puzzle that she couldn’t fix.

“You are!” she stated altogether too quickly before pausing and taking a breath, “she is one of my helpers. She sees me as a role model I think,” she snorted at that, “wants to learn what I know and offers everything in return. I only ask for her services and give her small tasks. Not sure she is ready for anything else yet” she shrugged, dismissive.

The suggestive teasing, words of promise more than anything else considering her state but well spoken and she brushed her arm before patting it and standing up to move to the corner of the room. She had dragged the larger table there so that it wasn’t in the way if she needed to fight in the room. A precautionary measure but that wasn’t important anymore. She had purchased clothing the day before, laying it neatly and folded upon its wooden surface. She let her fingers peel away the layers until they found what they had been looking for and turning she threw it to the bed before smoothing the pile down once more and returning.

“I’m afraid that we had to cut the old clothing from you, it was the only way to get to the wounds. So many, so many cuts to get at them. They were…shredded. I burnt the rags actually, I was very angry. At the world, everything. But,” and she picked up the shirt by the arms and flicked it out so it unfurled, “I got you new clothes! Not as…shall we say…robust. But when you start using them it will be Summer so…I remembered what you said” she grinned and lay it upon the covers.

There was a knock at the door and her head whipped around and muscles tensed. It was foolish as no one would knock before entering but she was overly cautious now. She knew Fallon’s feelings though and her words had been clear - no exposure. She slipped the shirt over her head and helped her get her arms through the sleeves quickly before turning to walk towards the door quietly, feet barely creaking the flooring until she reached the door and pressed her ear against it. Nothing.

“It’s me Web. Food”

“Carole,” she pulled the door open, “thank you. Put it by the bed. Bitzer, this is Carole. Carole, Bitzer. Learn her face and name because if you work for me you will work for her”

“I work for who I choos-”

“And the one you chose says otherwise,” she stared the woman down pointedly and jerked her head to the door, pursing lips as it was shut behind her, “bloody too proud for her own good. Honestly” she growled and poured a half-cup of ale out before offering it to Fallon.


“I’d drink first before eating. You’ve not had anything for a while. The best the Trotter Trough has to offer. Not much but, well, I can get proper food if you like. I wouldn’t trust my cooking though” she sniffed at that, “unless you mean cooking up trouble” she sat with her own cup.

The tray was placed upon the bed and ready for Fallon to pick at as she chose. She would let the other eat her fill before she touched it herself, she had less need for the sustenance.

“Oh, there are a few others you should meet to. I promised to build you a network and I have been doing so. I was going to finish it and then give it over for inspection but…things change,” she muttered, “and you now have two sets of clothing. That shirt is remie apparently, I tried to get the same as you had before. I did destroy your other one” she stated with a smile only half-hid behind the cup.

“Anything else?” she asked, she knew the questions would come eventually and she supposed that it was best to get them done with before moving on.


oocBoots, High (Leather); 1gm
Tunic (Ramie); 0.88gm
Belt (Leather); 0.4gm
Blouse (Dyed grey & Cotton); 2.2gm
Coat (Dyed Red & Grey. Buttoned, cotton); 7.13gm
Pouch, Belt; 1gm
Greaves (Leather); 12gm
Total = 24.61gm

X2 (except belt, greaves and Boots) = 37gm (deducted from Zand’s ledger)

[Fallon]

"Sunshine..." she breathed. Fallon looked worried, her eyes looking up and down as she tried to find a way to comfort. An answer to the pain the woman was experiencing, searching to understand what it was she was bottling up inside. That suffering, that torment, that fear that everything once more would be ripped away by force. There was nothing she could really do, to promise and secure those emotions. Shoulders sagged slightly, her hands coming together and the fingers twiddling. What could she do? What was within her power? Not a lot at present, her body was broken and ruined - needing rest and time to heal. She could not be a shield, and in return Zandelia picked up the mantle to serve in such a position. She was silent for a moment, her eyes lifting as the woman gave forth a curl of the lips and in response she spoke, "The fact he came here. The fact he did not bite your arm off... that must be something, no? Give it time. Like everything, time is needed."

The objection however caused only a smattering of giggles. So quickly to fall into the trap of suggestions and stolen glances. Breaking a smile, she shook her head, her gaze turning soft upon the woman as she focused, "I am, am I?" The gaze pulled away, the head lying back onto the pillows, her eyes turning up to the ceiling with thought, "That's nice to know. I don't think I've... never mind," the thought was discarded, "A helper eh? Look at you gathering people to your aid. Shows your quite capable of gathering and managing. And her services?" There was a shudder of shoulders as she stifled another laugh, "Well... as long as I get to keep you to myself for some things."

Attentive once more as the woman stood, she listened to the explanation of what happened to the rest of her clothing. There was a stunned blink, surprised at three things. The first was the fact that her clothing was so well and truly shredded - she dreaded to think of the state of her armour -; the second was that she had to be physically cut free from the material that bound her and then finally that the woman had gone out and gotten replacements. Sliding her elbows underneath she focused, brow creasing as muscles strained and she tried to push herself up. A better inspection upon the material, as it was brought into range. Or at least until there was the knock.

Both women froze. Orvin bushed up, a low growl escaping from his throat as he eyed it suspiciously. With a struggle once more Fallon continued her upward pushing. It was hard to crawl into the shirt, tired limbs refusing to cooperate completely, her mane of hair falling in front of her eyes as she wriggled through. There was a gasp of relief as she escaped through it, her eyes blinking at the moment of being upright and able to survey the world. Fingers flexed, a gentle stretch as the woman hovered around the door - ready to strike whatever may have lay behind it. And then that new voice spoke, the working name being used instead of the personal.

Eyes grew sharp, narrowing down as she took the young woman in. The face, the shape, the way she walked, the stance and voice. There was a slight internal twist from within, a pierce as she watched the woman come over, the tray of food and drink rattling in the momentary silence. Her chin rose in challenge, the blue-green orbs staring down the bridge of her nose. A threat? Competition? How petty, Fallon would not allow herself to stoop to such things; not that she did not feel them anyway.
"Carole," she mumbled, falling into a neutral tone - she could not reach her working accent quick enough, "This face has seen better days. So do not grow to used to this one." No more was said after that she watched the woman leave. Even Zandelia was firm, and it was in such actions that the mercenary found some reassurance. There was a flash of a smile, her brow raising slightly, "She would probably do with some fear put into her. Could always leave me alone with me for a while. See how she likes to see brutal blood," She paused then, "When recovered of course."

Gingerly she weighed up taking of the cup. Taking it in the left, she felt the fingers wrap around it and tremble, and so set her right up to rest beneath it. It was a bit difficult to do so, but she was able to take a firm grasp and slurp loudly from it. Cool liquid upon a dry pallet, she let the bitter taste roll down her throat as she glugged from it. A gasp of relief, she did not realise how thirsty she was before she drank. For a moment she swayed where she sat up, lowering the cup so it rested upon her lap as she let herself fall into some deep musing.

"You know, I was scared too. Petrified beyond belief. I... thought you were gone. Taken away and that I would never find you. It was driving me mad... it was hard. So hard," Her eyes looked down to her hands, her thumb carefully rubbing over the rim, "I could barely think, I could barely breathe. It was... so empty. Gnawing, painful. Petch, I..." her head turned at that point to focus upon Zandelia, that soft gaze lying there once more, "I felt like I'd failed you, I still do. As your shield, your partner, your... Wolf." She released a sigh in defeat.

She rubbed the material between her thumb and forefinger, her brow creasing as she focused upon the material, "Feels like ramie, has the colour to match too... I... thank you. I will pay you back later. I... you do know I left some of our things with Merv right? Or what I could at least... I mean..." she gave a shrug her fingers rubbing at her brow, "There should be coin to cover you in there and what you lost. Okay?" Fingers twiddled as they picked upon the food, grasping mainly occurring in her left - it was far by easier to grasp things with it and most importantly less painful. Not a lot was taken, only here and there as she tried to fill her weak stomach. Food, a necessary sustenance to keep her going.

"I'm noticing a habit with you and my clothing," Fallon sighed, and stared at the woman from beneath her brow, "You seem to cut me out of it quite a lot for a multitude of reasons. Though, the first reason was by foremost my most favourite." There was a chew, lips licking as she watched the woman carefully. She did not pick it clean and it was only after a few mouthfuls that she stopped and gestured to it, "Don't let me eat it all, I can't do that." She rubbed her mouth with the back of her hand.

"Yes... several questions. Well, questions and a declaration I guess. First and foremost, what day is it? Secondly, a network? How? When? Do you not sleep?" She gave a smirk and then teased, "Do you not think you've cooked me up enough trouble?" Her face then turned serious and the staring intense, "Will you stay and help me with something on the sixty-sixth? It's important to me." Her better hand came forward at that point, her entire form leaning in to speak in a whisper. Lip curled, her other hand signalling the woman to come in closer as she spoke, "I once asked you a question, and I was flustered by it. Nervous, skittish, unsure on how to open up correctly. In response you asked me it back in like and another, teasing of course. And now, I return those same questions to you to ask seriously this time. If you can remember them that is." She pulled back, her lip curling with mischief despite the throbbing aches, "No time limit and no clue. You're a smart woman after all. I'm sure you can work it out."

[Zandelia]

“Yes…I suppose it is. Hopefully he won’t decide to rip my arm off before time does its work. I’m quite attached to it after all. Time…I hate time. Tanroa is such a bitch at times. You know, she has a Mirror in Nyka? I went there to learn and instead only got more questions. Petching Nader-Canoch. Seems…apt. Time! ” she responded with the snort, noting the worried expression and the glancing up and down her form with concern.

Always wanting to make sure I’m safe, that I’m okay. She should worry about herself, I can walk at least. I will heal far quicker and already have lost most of the scrapes and bruises. Wish my shoulders didn’t hurt so petching much though she drank deeply and poured another out for the both of them to help dull the pain. The first of many pitchers over the coming days she supposed silently.

She picked a few slices of salted beef from the plate and chewed thoughtfully as she watched Fallon carefully. She was not as weak as she had first supposed, she wouldn’t be running around with her tulwar any time soon but she was far from beaten. Though the shoulders sagged, the chest heaved with regret it was difficult not to see the fires within. They were embers perhaps but from them would rise the flames once more. She found comfort in that even as the words of her failure twisted within and burrowed deeply. She thought she had failed? Even after doing what she had done? She called Zandelia foolish but she was no less so for believing such perspectives. She placed the cup down upon the side table slowly, carefully, precise in the movement before leaning forwards. She tilted that blue-green gaze up and to her own, took a few moments to lock them and stare.

“You never failed me Wolf, if not for you then I would be dead. Another woman’s body in the gutter. You gave everything and I couldn’t ask for more than what was sacrificed for me. This is important, do not blame yourself. You were a shield and shields get hammered at times. You had your turn, now it is mine. You aren’t an immortal, you can’t see everything coming. I didn’t see it either. Don’t you ever think that you were a failure. Ever,” she spoke the words quietly but there was a hardness to them, a certainty that weighed, “and thank you. Again. I know how you felt…I felt…well it is over now. They are gone and we still have each other” she released the chin then and leant back once more.

She pulled a chunk of cheese from the crumbling block and stuffed it into her mouth before she ruined what good she might have done for Fallon with anything foolish and jaded. She was a hypocrite really, she couldn’t follow her own words in terms of apportioning blame but then sometimes she had to be that way if it meant the soothing of another. She decided to turn the conversation to more palatable affairs, the network. She could talk about that and other things without conjuring the ghosts that would take time and strength to face fully. Not now, not in their first Bells after the awakening. There would be a time for it and how she hated time at times. She smiled at the turn of phrase within.

“You know, I think I did too. Though next time I thought there would be ribbons? I think that was it? I’m not sure, remind me,” she tried to look innocent but sniggered into her cup deeply enough for still bruised ribs to ache and flare it into a coughing for a while. She sighed. Drank.

“No repayment is required, I believe that was your perspective. You have done enough for me and a few pieces of clothing pale in comparison. Merv gave me the things, thank you for saving them. I will ask for the story but only when you want to tell it. Whenever, wherever. They were being guarded by Orvin under there but you moved the guard, “she pouted a little in mock protest, but the affection was in the eye for the thought towards her things, “and yes I do sleep, wedged against the door actually. It’s comfortable once you get used to it, surprisingly,” she continued between pickings at the food from the tray, Fallon had eaten much of it but what was left she took, “and you can eat as much as you like Wolf, there will be more. You need it. But…yes! The network” she looked at the wall, eye glazing and vision fading a little.

“Well, you met Carole. I put the fear into her already, almost killed her actually. Used to work for Garret but she’s mine now. Along with Ballack, a stallholder in the Seaside Markets. There’s Jarral the beggar and he knows many people of use. Merv too I suppose, though he works for his own rather than for me. I just happen to be on the list for now,” she paused, taking another sip of watered ale, “a few others here and there. A merchant in Castle Commons. I was planning on shifting into the brothels a bit too. I have a few there willing to give information for gold but not much more. haven’t had the time yet” she cleared her throat and looked at Fallon once more.

“It wasn’t ready to show you, if I had had the rest of the season first well…then there would be more. As it is we have the smaller people covered and eyes or ears in two of the busier places of common business. And Carole…she floats about. I was thinking of training her to fight so she could be more effective but I sense you would like that honor? Jealous? But so be it. Gods help her” she stated, seriously. She had seen the look Fallon had given her, she saw her as competition.

“Oh, and the mercenaries in the tavern are ours until their contract ends. They owed me some favors for some…services. An possibly a man named Vann in the Fish Bowl. He’s quite good actually, for a broker. I will have more for you when you can move about again. What? I did tell you that I know what I’m doing” she finished her drink and placed the cup aside for now.

“Though I am happy to impress” she grabbed another sliver of meat and threw it upwards into the air to catch it in her mouth, “ta-da?” she spoke, muffled by the morsel.

She chuckled a little and ruminated upon the last series of questions and statements, they were many and in quick succession. There was both seriousness and teasing within them and she enjoyed the fact that the other was being restored somewhat to her usual self. A blessing and a prize. She placed her chin upon her fingers and eyed Fallon carefully, wondering what it was that she meant with the questions and the exchange between being flustered. She couldn’t pinpoint what was within her mind, she never could though she always did try to solve that puzzle. Failed it but relished the challenge.

“Well as to the day, it is the fifty-eighth. You were out for a while, your body needed the rest I think. Barely even moved actually. You had a fever but it broke and I kept you cool enough,” she began with the easiest to answer and moved onwards slowly, thoughtfully, “as to the second well I answered that already. But when? In between. Some before we agreed to be friends again, others in the pursuit of Markus. Some in the midst of jobs to earn the gold. Does it matter? I made a promise and I intend to fulfill it. I can always find time for my work” she tilted her head and considered the other queries - the request was done seriously.

“I had nothing planned until you got better so of course. I told the eyes and ears to manage themselves for a while. Whatever you need. What is it? I’ll be sleeping here too so just follow the snoring,” she raised her eyebrow to the last though, she still hadn’t been able to figure it out but she had leant in to feel the whisper in the ear, “and for once I can’t remember what you mean Wolf. There have been so many exchanges like the one you describe. Of course, mostly under similar situations. For the most part. A clue perhaps is in order? No clue? You are a hard woman indeed. Well I will figure it out I hope, it sounds…important” she spoke slowly.

“Orvin, food!” she stated, trying to sound commanding, she turned her head and held out the last handful of meat beyond what she had reserved for Fallon down towards the floor. There was a snuffling, the turning of the head and baleful look. He didn’t want to take it from her but she was the one offering and meat was meat. He came over and took it from her after nipping her fingers lightly, she grunted, “well he does know how to sulk at least” she observed as she shook her fingers, no blood had been shed. She took it as a good sign that he didn’t want to truly hurt her - Fallon was right on that score.


“Well that’s the meat gone at least, still…cheese, bread and butter isn’t all gone. I’d get you some broth but they haven’t finished it yet I don’t think. Later, perhaps. I do not know what you mean but then again I usually don’t until you’ve had your fun. Web indeed,” she scoffed at herself.

“At least you haven’t lost your sense of humor, hmm? And you do so like to tease. Good. Because I like guessing games too. My question - how can you still work when you cannot work?” she crossed her ankles upon the end of her bed as she relaxed into the back of the chair as best she could.

[Fallon]

Fallon blinked, "Who? Tan...roa?" With a shake of the head she cleared her throat, "Nothing wrong with Nader-Canoch. It's the language of our ancestors. Our Tongue," she paused, her brow creasing in focus as she tried to choose the next words carefully as she tested them, "Daraq Ranuri?" Exhaling she continued, "Seriously. Tanroa? That a god?" Even she was limited in knowledge on the divine. A strange name that she had never come across before - sure, she may have been aware of certain gods; Yahal, Eyris, of Sylir and Tyveth for example, but otherwise such things were beyond her. Lips pursed, a more scholar mindset seeping in.

Her body began to once more complain in discomfort, the stabs of the chest as she found herself hunching. It was difficult to stay straight and remain balanced. Ribs complained, the arms having simply fallen limp in weakness. Because of that she was suck to the whims of the woman, left to meet that emerald and locked into a stare down. Fallon squirmed a little, the crippling state leaving her desiring to escape her present state. Her eyes lowered, sombre as Zandelia laid down her thoughts and rules to the world. She could not argue, she had no strength to. And thus she gave only a defeated mumble, "It won't happen again."

She shakily raised the cup in a small thanks, both hands still required to lift it before she took a second sip and let the liquid roll once more. A smirk, a curl of lips in amusement, "Ribbons, I believe there would be. Long lengths and broad material. Not the thin, stringy stuff." She watched the woman snigger, an attempt to control herself before she coughed. Mischief fell and was replaced with concern, her lips pursing into a line as the woman sighed, "I will not argue you about repayment of coin then, I feel I would lose if I did try. Is that a pout I see...?" Amusement, a quick blush as she took the look in and spoke without thinking, "By the gods that is adorable." Lips parted, a flurry of blinks as she brought control once more onto herself, "Stop it woman! I'm in no state to partake and you, cougar are putting thoughts into my head!"

A huff, she continued her pickings upon the cheese as the woman began to list off who was available and tied to the web that she had created. Impressed to say the least, Fallon's mind slowly counted through things as she thought, her fingers twitching as she tried to solve the numbers. A good foundation in which to work up of, and a necessary one. She needed such things if she was to bring change to Sunberth, to understand their thoughts, the locals, to mingle and know what they needed. Even to serve as some forewarning for a danger to come. She forced the last swallow of food before she surrendered. Reaching round she managed to slide her cup onto the table and let her complaining body fall backwards. There was a sigh of relief as comfort consumed, her chest relaxing as the pressure eased off. A puff, a deep inhale as she forced the air to fill her completely, even as she spoke in defiance to what the woman had said.

"I'm not jealous... much," she grunted in objection. Both knew she was simply by the tone used. Her head snapped away at that point, sulking almost that such a thing had been presumed, "Don't want your little followers.. yes. I'll train her. Both could. I might break her if I'm left alone with her for too long... Which could be fun." Jealousy continued its fuming underneath, but soon it expired and was promptly exhaled - there was no use wasting energy on such emotions. Letting her shoulders roll into the pillow she let the limbs relax, her lips purse into a line, "Vann? If you think he is that good... have you considered bringing him into the Scars? I mean..." She frowned as she tried to find the correct words, "It is just a thought. I would like to meet him in time. And soon I hope. I hate being stuck within a room for too long, t'is torturous." A nod of the head, confident despite the current state, "How long do you think before I am once more on my feet?"

Eyes blinked as the woman lifted off the answers, her brow creasing as she tried to work off the days, "So. Eight days? Yes. About right. I really was gone for a while then. I need to catch up on affairs and things. Quickly to. It is necessary. Vital." She thought, deeply. What of the state of the Scars? Where the people well and in one piece? She needed to know their current state before she could do anything else. By understanding that she would be able to lay down the ground work once more. But before that she needed to encourage teamwork, association with this growing group. It was those thoughts that continued to tick over in her mind. There was an appreciative nod, "I need to go somewhere green on that day. And quiet. Away from people. I... there is someone I must pay respects to on that day." She winced slightly at that point, her lips pursing into a line, "I know, I probably should not be doing such thing in my present state, but I need to do this. Have to do this. Only for a little while. Even just a bell. Please Zandelia." Eyes pleaded, and then broke away down to the kurki, "Just for a little while."

She let the woman ponder over her declaration for a moment, "A clue? Well as you asked so nicely... I shall give you a small one. It is as important as it is cheeky. So, very. Maybe, when I am more able, I will ask you the question myself once more," her tongue darted out, eyes bright in mischief, "But, until then I shall leave you guessing" There was a click of the neck as she stretched, muscles rotating out as she shook them, "Nothing wrong with bread and butter. T'is tasty stuff. Like tea. Oh gods the kettle," there was a groan, her face creasing with frustration, "That got destroyed too. And the tea. Oh petching gods."

Cracking an eye open she took the woman in once more, "You are stuck with my humour. I am sorry Sunshine. And I can assure you, mercenary work is not all sword swinging. And as you know I have other ways of doing things outside of the flesh." Her expression held the mischief once more, lip curling and her head tilting to one side, "Remember, I can still do terrible things to you and not move my physical. The flesh may be weak... but the astral is not." A wink, a suggestion and she left the rest to the imagination. Shaking her head she allowed the expression to turn serious, "Bad humour aside, I can always make arrangements and organise. Gather information as to where people are looking for work and who is frequently hiring. Get myself into the system and maintain myself. Also create plans and stratagem. People always like a good plan."

And then it came. Her hands clapped together in realisation, an idea blooming within, and then she released a hiss in shocked pain from her hand.

"Petching... stab. Zandelia!" There was energy within her voice, the cusp of an idea brushing against her throat. Eyes buzzed, her brow raising as she felt the forming of a grin. Something had clicked within her mind, blooming and growing in rapid speed. And if was not the speed of an excited tongue that announce it, then it was the enthusiasm that burned out of her, "The Scars! Why did I not think of it before? Ignorance. A tournament! A tournament of fists for the members of the Scars. A small one of course, but it acts as a social encouragement to mingle within the group!" She simmered down quickly, "Your thoughts?"

[Zandelia]

“You really don’t know? I know something that you don’t? Well…interesting. I think I will savor this moment,” she breathed deeply through her nose with theatric intent, eye closed and faint smile, “this is good. I like this feeling I- alright! Tanroa is the Goddess of Time. As far as I know. I only learnt enough to get by and get access to the Mirror. Drunken monks don’t explain very coherently I’m afraid” she responded to the question simply, there was little more to say, “she showed me a Protohuman. A real one, looking back through the window of time. We spoke, though it was a…difficult…conversation. And embarrassing I learnt afterwards” she turned her head away and smiled, it had been an odd day when she had managed to translate the words once and for all.

“You know Nader-Canoch then, should have known. Mages” she teased and she shook her head at the other comments that followed, “what goes through your head is your own…woman, I have no influence over it at all. I am sure that I don’t know what you mean,” she glanced back then just to prove otherwise, it was amusing on some level, cruel on another, “but very well. No more talk of such things. I am glad that you see reason. You would lose, for once” she tilted her head and fingers grasped the cup once more.

She didn’t mention the promise made in regards to the ’never again’. Fallon was stubborn at times, strong-headed as a mule but she could get through that sat times. Her points had been listened to and accepted, even if they had only been accepted as her views and still not Fallon’s. It was a beginning and the best she could hope for. The shoulders had slumped and the words had been mumbled, the gaze drifting after release and downwards, dejected almost. She could be so silly at times, playful and youthful. She saw the truth in everything but herself perhaps. Zandelia sighed internally and sensed many mental struggles to come about the events as strength returned. She began steeling her walls for such an occurrence. She watched the weak hands, both use to raise the cup and as much as it pained her she decided to sue such simple actions as a gage for returning abilities and thus mental fortitude.

The next comment made her smile though, cat-like and self-obsessive as the knowledge that the other would fight for her against what was viewed as competition for her affections. She wouldn’t let it escalate so far of course but it was somewhat thrilling to know that such a desire existed somewhere, buried if not completely entombed. She doubted Carole would survive such an exchange.

“You, my wolf, are too adorable when the mood takes you. You are jealous and you don’t like it,” she reached out and stroked the shoulder gently, “you need not be. There is nothing to be concerned over. Though I am touched by the sulky admittance”

“I had thought about it but my trust is earned harder than most, perhaps I am being overcautious but it is the only way I know how to be with a network. I test people, several times, especially those who already have a reputation as it means they could have been asked to ferret out us. Still, you will get to meet him. When better perhaps. See for yourself” she grimaced at the question of when she could be out and about, amongst the world she loved to experience, it was a difficult question, “I don’t know when you will be able to move around. It is up to your body. I will give it sustenance as much as I can for you but I can’t fix it for you. I would, if I could, but this is one thing I cannot do. Sadly” she stated flatly, she was in the position of uselessness and it chafed.

“Easy Fallon, easy,” the tone was calm, “I will bring you what news that I can but nothing much has changed. Yes you were out for a while but Sunberth hasn’t suddenly transformed into something else. Same problems, same events. If anything important occurs then you will know about it, you have my word,” she bent under the bed then and retrieved the two books she had taken from Remmy, “for now there is always the past. You bought these I believe” she placed them upon the side next to the kukri, she noted the gaze flicker to it.

“And very well, I will take you. Just once mind, I will not jeapordize your recovery further. Who was it? That you lost?” she asked simply, nothing more was need asked and if she didn’t want to answer then so be it, she would leave the issue.

“Your humor is what makes you you, and your abilities. Just be sure to warn me if you’re going to do anything too terrible, I’d rather not stir rumor downstairs by screaming. Not to mention the approaching of blades,” she paused at the lining up of the work and possessions, truly she hadn’t considered them, “well at least you will be kept busy. And do not worry about the items, I will get new ones for you. Tea is…most important after all” she made the promise, “we have a kettle though, over the fire. Not ours of course but can be used”

“And I think it to be a wonderful idea, something to foster competition and bonds. I will keep them busy until you wish to call the meeting. Did you want me to warn them first? Get them to practice perhaps? All training is good after all, however its gotten. I have taken over the Scars for now, oh yes I am in charge,“ she chuckled at that, “there’s plenty of things to be done still and if their feet get itchy I’ll just find somewhere for them to get scratched,” she spoke softly, “and important and cheeky? That doesn’t sound like you at all. Well…I am thinking. I might already have an answer but I’d rather pick the right moment”

“It’s important no?” she posed the question as she looked into the eyes.