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ERIKA'S GARDEN - AFTERNOON
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Tarbin and Xochi approach Erika's home, the lizard following the snake's lead mostly by sound, at her side of course to avoid stepping on her tail. Not that it happened previously. Certainly not. He turns to 'look' toward the garden, catching the faint thrum of it's extraordinary presence, as well as the bevy of wonderful scents that waft on the breeze from it. Turning into the alley, he pauses, giving Xochi a nod. "Let us hope this visit proves to be either very pleasant, or very fruitful. I'm hoping that Erika is Erika and nothing else, if honest, just for her sake."
Xochi nods, having done her best to help guide him without incident, and certainly not all that worried when any such hypothetical tredding upon her may have happened. She smiles sadly as she guides Tarbin the last bit of the way towards the oasis within the city, "I hope the same. This has been a source of great worry and prayer for me."
Tarbin nods in turn, glancing toward the garden. "Shall you be joining me, then? May be easier to read her if we splither attention." He turns back to Xochi with a light smile, almost mischievous.
Narrator: The oasis within the city is... definitely feeling a bit more vibrant than it has been. Whatever being has taken residence here, is making the small garden-jungle positively bloom. The greenery seems almost impenetrable as the two enter it.
Xochi chuckles, "I shall help, of course. I wish to help her as well, afterall."
Tarbin nods more firly, turning back toward the alley that leads into the underbrush of Erika's garden. He doesn't need to struggle his way through, the tangled plants seeming to give way without much hassle as the lizard finds a path through. He's feeling a bit overwhelmed at the density of magic around him, though, nearly wishing for his blurry vision back just to break up the dense web of magic he's looking into. He steps into the clearing, which certainly seems smaller than before. "Erika? Hello?" His scales shift back to their blue hue, having been speckled with orange as he made his way through the brush.
Erika appears from somewhere in the greenery, leaning on one of the trees: "O-oh! Hi!" She looks more or less normal, although has at some point given up the pretense of wearing clothes. There's also a bit of a wispy green aura around her if one were to be used to seeing such things.
Xochi lets Tarbin take the lead, as she watches the plants open up for him. Her own slithering is a bit more difficult through the undergrowth as she follows after. "Ah, greetings Erika. Your garden seems a bit more... lively, then before, yes?" She manages a quiet laugh, but is already feeling that same concern weighing upon her. "I have brought a mutual friend."
Tarbin looks twards Erika's voice, though he doesn't really need her voice to pick the okapi out. among the foliage, hesitating slightly with mouth slightly agape before he manages to bow in greeting, mostly to gather himself. "Good d-day, Erika." He clears his throat as he brings his useless eyes back up to her. "I hope you are well today!"
Erika smiles brightly: "Oh! I'm feeling great! The garden's living like it never really has! I'm not sure how I didn't realize to nurture the growth with my magic before.." She leans onto the great tree in the middle of garden: "What brings you here?"
Tarbin hesitates again, glancing toward Xochi. "I haven't had a chance to visit since we last met, although it was mostly miss Xochi's idea to come by today." He turns on the spot, looking at the plants around them, or rather the following magic in them. "This is quite an impressive change indeed."
Xochi ponders, glancing around, "It is beautiful, yes. Tarbin wished to see it, and wished to see you. I have told him some about what we discussed last time, about your memories, and about your magic as well. He could help you, perhaps?"
Erika tilts her head, frowning slightly: "...my memories? What, uh... about them? I remember everything um relevant."
Tarbin gives Xochi another glance, this time tilting his head slightly at the exposition. He looks toward Erika, humming. "Well... For one, your magic has developed incredibly. The last time we spoke it was a hint, more akin to Nature favoring your efforts. Your care." He has to look away from her again, shivering slightly.
Xochi nods to Tarbin in exchange. "Everything relevant... But you seemed worried last we spoke, our talk about Cavro? About this very change in your magic, yes?"
Erika lifts her hand and looks at the green swirls nearly resembling ethereal vines going around her fingers: "Change... I guess. I can't really remember... I mean, I can, I just didn't... before..." She trails off, frowning.
Tarbin shakes his head slightly, sighing. "It is a strange thing, but nothing to be too concerned about. What do you remember, of anything? Any strange visions? Dreams?"
Erika tilts her head: "Dreams...? I don't really... dream?" She hums: "Should I?"
Xochi frowns, "All dream, but some may not remember them either, perhaps you have simply been sleeping peacefully of late, yes?"
Tarbin nods to this, smiling lightly. "How have you been sleeping?"
Erika blinks, leaning on the tree as she thinks: "F-fine, I guess? Haven't really thought about it?"
Xochi folds her hands in front of her, "And where? Have you been sleeping here, in the garden?"
Tarbin looks between Erika and the tree, noticing the flow of each intertwining where they touch, exchanging power freely. "You recall, I am a healer, yes?" He steps closer to Erika with a kind smile, offering a hand to her. "Xochi brings up concerns, we just want to make sure you're completely okay."
Erika blinks, but hesitantly gives her hand to Tarbin: "I-if you think it's necessary. It uh, won't hurt, right?"
Tarbin gently grips her hand, shaking his head slightly. "No, it won't." His scales shift orange where they make contact with her, and his suggestive influence may be felt by Erika, almost like the soothing tones of a caregiver, only asking the emerald bands of magic coursing through her to be restful. As is normal with his ability, it is merely a suggestion, and while less sentient beings such as plants may accept the change, he is not entirely sure what this brilliant bundle of magic will do, as it may be excusively at the command of Erika.
Erika certainly feels the magic, it flowing freely between her and Tarbin, making it very obvious that there's a lot more where that whiff of green magic came from. Almost as if Erika herself was made of magic. She does calm down though, giving Tarbin a weak smile.
Xochi settles upon her coils, watching and waiting in case she needs to take action, but for now letting Tarbin do his work.
Tarbin nods, continuing to gently calm the web of power in front of him. "This lady here has immense potential... And such a strong and beautiful connection to Nature... But you... May wear that body... And answer to that name." He squeezes her hand gently, looking a bit saddened. "You are not Erika of Respite, are you?"
Erika blinks, looking at Tarbin in a bit of a shock: "W-what? I am. Who else would I be?"
Tarbin shivers slightly, considering Erika for a moment that seems to be forever, before smiling genuinely at her. "I see a pure avatar of Nature." His smile fades. "But only a reflection of Erika..." He closes his useless eyes, pushing a thought through the magic, along the same lines as a mere suggestion; [Perhaps you must find your own identity... But Respite is missing one of it's children.]
Erika opens her mouth to object: "B-but... but but..." She feels suddenly weak, but can't find quite find the words to deny what Tarbin is saying, either.
Xochi tilts her head at the words, "You are akin to our friend, she cares for nature, it is why she made all of this... but you are not her. And we miss our friend. But I do not believe this means we wish you harm."
Tarbin nods, glancing toward Xochi briefly. "Yes, there is a place for you in this world, an identity. We will help you find it."
Erika starts to tear up, stepping away: "No... n-no! You're lying. I am who I am!"
Tarbin lets go of Erika's hand, the scales returning to their blue color. His influence wasn't strong enough to hold on her power, leaving the lizard shaking his head sadly. "You are, but that which you are is not Erika Smithens."
Xochi moves forward, "We... can still help you, yes?" She glances at Tarbin. "We can help you create a life here... we simply wish to find our friend and return her from wherever she has gone."
Erika steps back again, leaning her hand onto (and slightly into) the tree behind her: "N-no. I am Erika. P-please leave. O-or I'll... I'll..." It might be just their imagination, but the garden does seem just a slight bit darker and less welcoming at that moment...
Tarbin shudders, watching Erika with a bit of awe. His ability to see the power of Nature within her only allowed just that, and it's overwhelming presence masked any other energy. He doesn't have much time to process this, as he feels the magic twisting underfoot and around them, looking toward Xochi.
Xochi looks back at Tarbin, frowning, unsure how best to proceed. She straightens up and closes her eyes. "Will you harm me, then? Your friend? Erika's friend?"
Erika starts pouring green energy to the tree at nearly visible spectrum, but hesitates just slightly: "...n-no. B-but don't lie to me. I am Erika Smithens, and it's insulting you say otherwise."
Tarbin is conflicted, looking sadly at Erika. "You are you. I am sorry it hurts..."
Erika sniffles for a moment, looking down. She then glances back up, sharply and angrier than before: "P-please leave. Now."
Xochi sighs, lowering her head, "You are my friend. This is no lie, I can assure you. I... am sorry as well." She glances at Tarbin.
Tarbin doesn't hesitate, turning away from Erika and making his way past Xochi towards the path, coaxing the plants to shy away where they had moved back into place during Erika's display. "As you wish." He pauses at the edge of the clearing, speaking over his shoulder. "We are here, if you need us."
Erika merely hisses as her reply, glaring at the two and fading into the foliage just a bit easier than she maybe should.
Xochi nods as Tarbin moves past, giving Erika one last sad look before she follows hm. "We only wish to help. As Tarbin says... we are here for you." She sighs, then slithers her way out of the garden.
Tarbin waits until the two of them are some distance along the road before turning his head toward Xochi, shaking it slightly. "Obviously not Erika... And far too ambiguous. We... I may have mis-stepped there. I am sorry, Xochi."
Xochi shakes her head, "No, it is I who is sorry. I thought... I do not know. Part of me wished to remain there, and force her choice. I... would not have left if not for you, and that perhaps would have ended poorly. She is suffering, whoever she is."
Tarbin nods, looking ahead as they walk. "Likewise, I lack too much connection to the flowing magics to have helped her remain calm... If this curse were gone... I have failed too many times today."
Xochi shakes her head, "This was no failure on your part, friend. We have made some progress in confirming what... she is. This Erika. We are closer to finding our friend. I could not expect you to have a solution for... that."
Tarbin grimaces, knowing he has one solution that he absolutely would not want to have needed to resort to. "An agreeable solution to this is going to be a serious challenge, I think. What do we do now?"
Xochi sighs. "We... or I... can report to Nesseth. He is aware of this situation, and with Cavro, who we at least know is not what he seems either. Then... I suppose I shall find somewhere nearby Erika's garden and... wait. I do not lie when I say I shall do what I can for her."
Tarbin nods, giving Xochi the best reassuring smile he can manage right now. "That is for the best, you are a good friend. I will wait for word, if I am needed again, then."
Xochi smiles. "Oh! Yes!" She reaches into the pocket of the simple cloth coverings she wears and brings out a coin purse. "Ah, payment, yes? This... is not much, but it should be enough for food and room, if you so desire. Do you need aid in reaching somewhere to spend the night?"
Tarbin blinks, hesitating. "Ah... I... Yes, I do need to accept your generosity, thank you." He bows much more formally than intended, sighing. "And... The only place I know if the Thirsty Minnow, unfortunately. I can only accept a single night and meal, though. Thank you."
Xochi bows, "Then so be it. Thank you for your help today, Tarbin."
Tarbin follows Xochi to the Minnow, still hesitant about accepting the reward for his self-percieved failure, but not exactly eager to sleep on the street as punishment, either. The two part ways after a short conversation, both with much to think about.
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A SHORT TIME LATER
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Xochi approaches the edge of the garden once again, closer to the evening. She folds her hands in front of her and sighs. "...I know you can hear me. I shall not enter again, unless there is great need... but I am here. I am close. If you need me. I am sorry... I shall pray, and hope to guide your way." She makes a motion with her hand, and bows her head, then finds a place nearby to spend her night in prayer for both her friend within the garden, and for Erika, wherever she and Cavro may be.
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RESPITE TRAINING GROUNDS - AFTERNOON
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Fiora is dressed in her full armor for the first time in awhile, entertaining a few sparring matches with any poor sod who wants to try to take her on. Otherwise, she's simply getting the feel for the armor again after having spent far too long recovering, though she's hardly out of shape from the ordeal, she still wants to stay in practice.
Gareth walks into the training grounds, not having found Fiora at any of her other haunts, nor out for a jog according to the guards at the gates. He looks around for a moment before he quickly spots a familiar titan of metal going through practice drills, the sight of which causes him to chuckle and smile as he approaches the sparring ring Fiora's occupying. "There ye are, Fiora. Decided it's time to get back into yer armor, then?"
Fiora shadow boxes a little, just to keep in form, without any challengers coming forward. She lowers her arms as she hears Gareth approaching, smirking beneath the helmet. "Been too long. Yeah. Giving a few of these guards a proper thrashing, but after the first few the rest got cold feet. Heh."
Gareth laughs a bit, grinning. "Really, now? I can't imagine why, lookin' as tame as ye do in that suit o' armor." He looks Fiora up and down for a moment, then nods, "Still, lass, it's good to see ye in yer gear again. I bet ye missed wearin' it while ye had those broken ribs."
Fiora stretches out, arms and neck, posing a little with a laugh, "You know it's like a second skin to me~. Definitely missed it."
Gareth chuckles. "Well, I guess this is some good timin', then, unless ye think yer stayin' here fer a while more. I came here to let ye know that there's a thing I need to do over in Sarn, and that I'd be away fer a while, but if yer feelin' good enough to wear that gear, maybe ye'd like to come along?"
Fiora crosses her arms, "Eh? A job up in Sarn? I... alright... I'm... listening." She seems a bit hestitant, despite the initial excitement in her voice.
Gareth shrugs a little as he lowers his voice a bit, not wanting to be overheard. "Just a delivery o' sorts. The researchers that issued the bounty lied, so I figured it's only right to get a little payback, and maybe claim part o' the bounty while gettin' the other hunters out o' Respite."
Fiora shifts, reaching up to detach her helmet and letting the neckguard slide down. She Leans her neck down in closer with a grin, her voice lowered as well, "Heh. Well I'm down with all of that. But you worried about getting a bounty on your own head, smashing up a Sarn Research Lab?"
Gareth laughs and shakes his head. "Nah, no real smashin' to be done. We're takin' a more... devious approach, with this one. See, the idea's that we're goin' to deliver somethin' similar to what Strix makes, but it's a dud. It'll work long enough that the researchers think they've got the real thing - hopefully long enough fer us to get paid and leave - before it breaks permanently."
Fiora chuckles, "Alright... I can go along with that, I guess. Don't know how much you need me for that, you're the one with the silver tongue and all."
Gareth shrugs again, still smiling. "Up to ye if ye'd like to tag along, lass, so I figured I'd ask if ye wanted to come along. I'm intendin' on stoppin' at Orela for a short bit, too, on the way back, though, so... I know ye don't like sailin' much." He smiles, reaching forward and teasingly nudging her shoulder with a fist, "Still, either way, assumin' we get paid fer the dud, I'll split the money with ye once I get back."
Fiora sighs, "I... I don't know. I feel like I should go, right? But then again, you don't need me for much... and yeah, boats." She makes a 'blech' face, her feelings rather clear. "Erika's sorta freakin' me out lately... and me and Brun are still..." She shrugs. "Would feel like running, to go now, I think."
Gareth tilts his head, curious. "Yer sister's... freakin' ye out? Anythin' I should be concerned about, lass?" He shakes his head after a moment, "And don't feel like ye have to come along. Shouldn't be anythin' problematic fer me, headin' to Sarn."
Fiora shrugs, "Hell if I know... that little garden she's got is a bit spooky. Like, overgrown and such. But maybe she's just going through stuff." She sighs, "But yeah, Sarn's tame, unless you're there to bust up some big rich manor like that one job. Heh. Just promise me you'll keep you won't have all the fun off alone."
Gareth laughs a bit and waves a hand. "Nah, don't ye worry yerself about me havin' all the fun. Just a little bit o' sightseein', really, and I'll have a bit o' company anyway on the trip. Lianne's comin' along since she's got a delivery o' her own to make, and Sammi wants to see all the sights."
Fiora blinks, then a slow smile crosses her face. "Ohhhhh I see. Alright then. I'd just be there to chaperone, eh? Well, don't worry. Go have your fun then in Orela and Sarn~."
Gareth blinks, his smile giving way to a flat look. "Fiora... come on, now. It's nothin' like th..." He pauses, thinking for a moment, "...It does looks like that, doesn't it? Well, it's not. Seriously. Much as I like the two o' them a lot, I'm still tryin' to figure it out. The trip will be a nice distraction."
Fiora giggles, "It does look just a little bit like that, yeah. And yeah, I know, I'm just teasin'. Not like I'm much better with Brun. So... you know... um... good luck?"
Gareth sighs and shakes his head, but he does quirk up a little smile after a moment. "Thanks, lass. I'll be sure to let ye know o' any developments when I get back." He gives her a curious look, "So... anythin' ye want me to bring back for ye from Sarn or Orela?"
Fiora is being fairly genuine, smiling at Gareth, "It's... whoof... yeah. Don't get killed by Lianne... uh, or Sammi? I don't know how much of a killer Sammi is, but I know enough about Lianne." She points to Gareth's eye. "As for souveniers... Doesn't Sarn have that good fudge that I like? You remember? I mean, that, or just surprise me."
Gareth laughs a bit. "Well, I'm familiar with how deadly Lianne can be, don't ye worry about that. As fer Sammi, she knows how to be intimidatin', but she's already said she doesn't want to actually hurt anyone." He thinks for a moment to recall the fudge that Fiora likes, then nods, "And right... that fudge was the one bein' sold by that one bakery in Policaster, I think? I'll get ye a box o' the stuff if they've got it."
Fiora chuckles, "That'd be amazing... that was such good fudge..." She licks her lips.
Gareth grins. "Ye got it, then. I'll get a box o' the stuff and send it here by mail. I'd deliver it to ye personally, but it'd probably melt while we're in Orela, and we can't have that happen."
Fiora laughs, "I mean, knowing the distance, you might beat it here!"
Gareth chuckles quietly. "Maybe, but at least the mail will be better about keepin' the stuff from meltin', ye know? Ye'd get the fudge just as ye like it, instead o' bein' all melted into one big lump."
Fiora giggles, "Well, wouldn't be the first time I've eaten fudge all in one go. But yeah, probably safer. And it'll be a surprise when it does arrive, that's for sure."
Gareth smiles as he nods. "Aye, so ye'd best make sure ye keep an eye on the mail fer the next couple o' weeks. And ye make sure ye take care o' yerself while I'm up that way, okay?"
Fiora sighs, "Best I can, Gareth, I can promise that." She looks him over and nods, "You too, alright? Don't do anything crazy... so uh, don't do anything I usually do."
Gareth laughs. "Yer not that crazy, lass, no matter what I say to the contrary. Ye have me promise I'll come back safe, though." He smirks, "Can't deprive ye o' a good sparrin' partner, after all, considerin' ye've scared away all the other guards already."
Fiora grins, "There's always Brun. And there's that bear who refuses... I think he's got like, some kinda hidden power thing going on there. Who knows. And Captain Louma still dares to take me on occassionally."
Gareth pauses at the mention of Louma, then smirks. "Well... keep this to yerself, but that's the reason I'm goin' to stop by Orela. Louma let Hatnay get buried with his spear, as is only proper, so I'm intendin' to head to Orela and see if I can get me hands on another spear. Maybe grease the palms o' one o' the army's suppliers or somethin'. Louma'd give ye an even better fight with one o' those in her hands."
Fiora leans in again as Gareth describes his plan, and her smile returns, "Oh. Oh hell yeah. Do it. I didn't get to fight him with that one. My axe is hungry for that challenge!"
Gareth grins as Fiora's expression shifts. "Aye, I had a feelin' ye'd love that one. I'll do me best to get a spear so ye get yer fight." He dips his head, "Anyway, I'll still be here fer a few days or so before headin' out to Sarn, so I'll be around if ye need me until then, includin' fer sparrin', if ye scare away all other challengers."
Fiora cracks her knuckles, glancing at Gareth, "Eh, you up for a go now? I've just been doing no weapons. Full armor though. I'm rusty and slow, it'll be a cakewalk!"
Gareth laughs and nods. "O' course, lass. If ye need some help loosenin' up, I'm happy to help ye sharpen up again." He flashes a cheeky smile, "I'll try and take it easy on ye, if ye think yer that rusty."
Fiora reaches up to replace her helmet, "Oh, absolutely. Go easy on me, please." She smirks, her sarcasm obvious, as she snaps the faceplace back into place, pulling up the neck armor and fitting everything together.
Gareth shakes his head in amusement as he goes to set his weapons aside and generally ready himself up for a grappling match. He goes to pick up the bundled cloth that the folks training use to mark the start of a match. "Yer gettin' soft, lass. This trainin' will do ye good, I'm sure."
Fiora grins, "Oh, I'm sure." She drops into her starting stance and prepares to fight, her and Gareth both working up a sweat as they give one hell of a show to any nearby guards who stop to watch the exhibition.
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THE BOUQUET ESTATE - EARLY EVENING
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Teis: It's dinner time in the Estate, though there has been a change of dinner plans tonight. Della might have caught a whiff of it, both with Teis spending a bit of time in the house talking to servants, as well as herself and said servants scurrying around. Still in the main dining hall, of course, yet the table is smaller. Still grand, but more intimate. An array of candles are lit up, plates, utensils and glasses all in order. The table itself is draped with a simple rose coloured cloth and adorned with various rose petals to boot. A grand display of flowers in a vase is offset to one side of the table. There, already waiting, is Teis. Seated politely, and unusually, despite the lack of company to impress, she is dressed up. A nice purple dress, some amethyst jewellery features. Teis has even applied her own makeup and grooming! While the servants could've easily done that, the imperfections indicate that Teis did it herself. When Della enters, Teis looks to her and smiles meekly, anxious and nervous.
Rondelethia tries to keep a small eye on the affairs of the house day to day, so noticed the change in 'scheduling', so she knew what was coming. Still, the effort was meant to surprise her, therefore she gave a small little intake of breath as she came in to the hall "Teis, how thoughtful!" She smiles, drifting her fingers over the flowers a moment, and sitting down. She doesn't say anything further just yet. She assumes there's more to be said by her sister, and wants to give her the first chance to respond.
Teis:' heart is pounding inside of her chest. "H-Hello Della. Thank you for joining me." Teis gives her a small nod. She takes a deep breath in as subtly as she can, breathing it out the same. It's okay Teis. You can do this. This is what everyone in town has told you to do. "Would you like a drink?" Teis questions, nervously. She gives a token pause, to wait for the token answer, though raises her hands to clap twice regardless. Soon, the first meal is served. Additionally, the drink in question, perhaps disappointedly, seems to only be a chilled wine bottle of water. Though, sitting next to it, is a device of some sorts, primarily consisting of two parts. One of the two main parts Della might recognize - It's the Water Purifier Teis bought from Jennica that day in the market.
Rondelethia was about to react to the water. She wasn't really disappointed. She doesn't drink much beyond tea, and water, and besides, she knows Teis is going somewhere with this. Particularly when the water purifier is brought in. Rondelethia isn't quite the engineer Teis is, but she's been in the family long enough to have picked up a few things along the way, and so suspects roughly where this might be going, but... this is Teis's party, so to speak, so she gives it an curious look, and asks the question "So, what exactly does this do?"
Teis: "I'm glad you asked." Teis grins slightly, turning to the server. With a nod, "Show her." Said server picks up the device and the bottle of water. They hold the device over Rondelethia's glass, then proceed to pour the water directly into the filter part of the device. After about a second, the water comes out the other side of the device, pouring into the glass. While what comes out seems to be a normal stream of water, once it settles into Rondelethia's glass, it begins to produce notable streams of bubbles. With a smile, Teis offers. "It's. . .A small comfort. But I know how much you miss it."
Rondelethia: "Thank you" She keeps that soft smile up, and takes a sip "It's very difficult to get it out here indeed. Respite is rather lacking in the 'Spring Water' regard" She takes another few sips "So, I appreciate it a lot" The words came out easily enough, leaving Teis plenty of time to get to her next point
Teis lets out a sigh of relief. "It's yours. It isn't strong enough for industrial operations. . .Certainly good enough for personal and household use however." The design could also be potentially replicated and sold. Well, if it didn't contain a part made by someone else. Someone might have to work out a deal with Jennica on that one. "Look. . .Della." Teis now sighs more openly. "I. . .Want to talk. I need to talk, even. Are. . .You mad at me?" Teis bluntly questions, crossing her arms pre-emptively, as if expecting to be hurt.
Rondelethia knew this was coming, and she had discussed matters with Nesseth, in her own way, so she knew what she would say "No. Not at all. I'm sorry for ever making you think that"
Teis relaxes a little, arms falling a bit to cradle closer to her lap instead, though not quite all the way. "You're sorry?" Teis questions, the counter-apology taking her off guard. "That's. . .My line, Della. I. . .I jeopardized my health, the business. . .All for a stranger, who left us anyway." Teis' ears fold downwards, sad.
Rondelethia: This was going to be more difficult that Rondelethia had thought "All I want for you is to be healthy, and have a decent work life balance. You've been not having anything like that for the last week, and I've not done anything about it. That's why I'm sorry. You were just doing what you thought was right"
Teis nods, though more as idle acknowledgement of what Rondelethia has said. She's still processing the words for a bit. "I. . .I didn't want to talk to you either. I thought you were mad at me. You're normally there for me after I hurt myself. . .A-And I couldn't. . .Bring myself to talk to you. I. . .Couldn't work. Couldn't study, couldn't. . .Do anything. All I could think about this last week has been you, Della."
Teis begins to tear up a little. "What life would be like without you. And I didn't like it. I don't want it. I didn't know what to do, I don't know what to do without you. I don't think I'd ever be happy without you."
Rondelethia isn't a great one for showing emotion at the best of times, and this whole affair has been fairly stressful for her, so her measured tone remains "I know, and I should have intervened earlier. What do you need to help with working now moving on from this?"
Teis: "No, no. . .This isn't. . .Blame." Teis sighs, leaning forward to place her paw on the table, reaching for Della. "Just. . .All I need is to talk. I can't. ." Teis starts a thought, though evidentially leaves it to hang unfinished.
Rondelethia takes Teis's hand "Then..talk. I'm here now, amn't I?" She waits for Teis to say what she needs to say.
Teis: "I. . .I need you to talk as well." Teis replies, rubbing a thumb idly against Rondelethia's hand. "I. . .want to know your concerns. I want to understand them. Just. . .Be honest with me."
Rondelethia shakes her head softly "You took our problems, and spread them all around town, so, for now, I only want you to be happy, and focus on that" She said, after a long pause "I'm sorry, but right now, that's my only focus. Please understand that. I need some time" She reflects that she probably should have lied, but Teis had wanted honesty
Teis: "I. . .I needed guidance. I'm sorry." Teis stammers, though otherwise keeps her (Admittedly still teary) composure. "I. . .I wouldn't have had the courage to speak to you tonight without their advice." Teis pauses. "This. . .This sounds like I'm just putting your own words back on you, but. . .I want you to be happy as well. You deserve it, Della. We both do. I. . .I don't want to be happy if it means you're unhappy."
Rondelethia: "Then start being happy for your own sake. I can't be responsible for your own happiness. I can't ask you do anything you don't want to do. I want this business to succeed, and I can't do that without your help. Please, focus on yourself for now. I can take care of myself Teis. Get some proper sleep. Stop doing so many dangerous experiments" Rondelethia reads Teis's magical notes, and while she isn't nearly as good as her sister, she can usually see the shape of where a plan is going, vis-a-vis curse transferences "..and if you want to apologize...please don't talk about our personal affairs in public. You trade off your inventions. I trade off my reputation. Do what you want to do Teis. I genuinely don't want to control your actions, but please, decide on what you want to do. We have a business here. If you want to do your own projects..that's okay, really it is, but let me know how much focus you will put into the business, so I can plan around that"
Teis is silent. The gears in her head stop turning momentarily, evidenced by her thumb rubbing Della's hand suddenly stopping and a vacant stare, seemingly penetrating through the table and the earth beyond. She's struggling to comprehend how she should respond to that, though finally, she has an answer. Teis returns to the land of the living. She places her other hand atop Della's. "Okay. Okay Della. I will." Teis smiles, genuinely, with the slightest hint of a plan having been concocted. "I love you." Teis hangs for half a moment, tentatively adding, ". . .Sis."
Rondelethia pauses a moment "Just..nothing extreme, okay?" She pats the water purifier "Like, if you can make this work. That would be great. I don't mind giving a cut to a third party, if you can make this mass producable"
Teis glances to the water purifier/carbonator combo, nodding. She's internally happy to have the direction. "Yes. Yes. . .That I can do. I'll uh. . ." Teis ahems, faltering. "Sorry. I'll need the prototype back then. B-But I'll give it back as soon as I have a second version, I promise! A-And you can come use it whenever you want!" Teis exclaims.
Rondelethia: "Right. Good" She nods, taking her hand off the purifier "Do what you need to do"
Teis smiles, taking her hands off of Della's and taking the purifier to set it aside for now. There's still eating to be had, after all. Then, upon the realisation of something missing. . .Teis' smile turns into a pout. With emphasis, Teis repeats this time. "I love you, Sis." She wants to hear it.
Rondelethia: "I love you too Teis" She replies, giving her another reserved smile
Teis: Teis' smile returns, even with a light purr accompanying it, despite Teis' still watered eyes. She's happy enough it seems, at least. With that, Teis begins to eat.