RP:A Little Structure, A Lot Of Love

Summary: Alvina has been keeping busy with her plans of opening an orphanage in Cenril, in an effort to help her mend from the painful memories of what occurred when she was gone from the lands. Saving children won’t bring back Aubree or undo what happened, but Alvina is hopeful that it’s a step in the right direction. Lanara fulfills a promise she made to her close friend, as she accompanies the bard to Cenril to visit the orphanage.

Part of the Where The Crux Lies Arc

Part of the Waxing Crescent, Wayward Course Arc

Alvina spends the time between her visit with Lanara and her next letter doing some digging in Cenril. What she finds is a makeshift orphanage that looks more like a halfway home for kids until they turn 18. The intention seems, to her, to be more along the lines of keeping them off the streets and away from the more enticing criminal acts of the city than actually finding the children homes. A few conversations with the actual child that ran the place (it looked to be abandoned by any adults at this point) told of impending foreclosure of the property. In Alvina's letter she only asks Lanara to meet her at the Cenril bridge. The bard herself is pacing along the bridge's edge, ducking the steady stream of traffic and searching faces hurriedly for Lanara or any other familiar specter to float by. She's standing in a light blue chiffon dress, strange material choice for a casual meet up but it suits her. White kitten heels and matching ribbons adore her otherwise sun exposed position on the bridge. In her arms, she juggles a huge stack of papers wrapped in parchment. A portfolio of business arrangements to review, organize, file, zone, cite and gods know what else before preparations are officially underway. The real-estate of charity could be the thing that will save Alvina's soul and sanity so she'll give it her all. But she needs just a little help with a few special people to make it a reality.

Lanara walks through the crowded strip of Kelay, clad in a canary yellow sundress and white sandals, the faint breeze causing her tousled long locks to gently blow around her head. Upon receiving Alvina’s letter, she had been filled with a hint of anxiety, hoping that this would be a good news kind of day and not otherwise. The women had gotten so close and she knows that Alvina carries a heaviness on her heart, mainly pertaining to a failed marriage and the murder of a child. Lana had done her best to console her friend over brunch after they both confessed their secrets, and she promised to visit an orphanage at her side. Could the letter be about some emotional healing at an orphanage? Hoping for the best, but preparing herself for the worst, Lana comes to the bridge that links Kelay and Cenril and she smiles warmly as she spies her friend. “Alvina! Hello! You look great!” A hand lifts to wave in both greeting and to assure her location, as the witch closes the distance between them and pulls her in for a hug. She’s careful not to disrupt the package of documents that are in Alvina’s grasp, but her eyes widen with curiosity, “So… What’s all of this? How is everything?” She takes her gently by the arm and crosses over to the Cenril portion and slightly away from the traffic, so that they can speak in peace.

Alvina can't lift her arms to wave Lanara over but her face lights up when they lock eyes. "Lana!" She beams, leaning into the hug and shaking her head at her compliments in a way that said 'oh you'. "Where did you get that dress? It's to die for." Alvina had a soft spot for yellow sundresses she'll never understand. Yet, surprisingly, she doesn't own any. A guilty pleasure, if you will. The brunch they'd shared, divulging the worst of the worst about themselves, had sparked something in her. A want for change but also a want for acceptance. Lanara accepted Alvina as she was, and Alvina of course felt the same about Lanara. Despite the darkness, murder and tragedy that stained their hands and their pasts, there was a way forward. Alvina just had to find hers. Vinabre cosmetics, a new home for her children and a quick, painless acquisition of a little orphanage. All subtle endeavors that people think of every day. She adjusts the package in her arm after their hug, the weight not overwhelming but awkward to manage sometimes. "Oh this? This little old thing here?" The bard gives the witch a cheeky little grin before spilling a much nicer secret between the two of them. "I've started filing the paperwork for a halfway house slash orphanage in Cenril that I found. I thought it was just a regular orphanage but, I don't know if it's because of the plague or other...reasons." Mob activities. "But there's no one really in charge of it as it stands now so the timing, honestly, it's perfect. Lana, you're perfect, I could kiss you." But, stack of papers. "I'll drop these off at the clerk on the way but I wanted to get your opinion on it. I'd love a project that we could work on together, especially if it helps children and pets find homes." The two women were just scooping up society's strays. "Can you spare time to help me out?" Alvina widens her doe eyes dramatically. "Please, pretty please, pretty please with sugar on top."

Once they part from the awkward embrace, Lana extends her arms so that Alvina can dump some of the paperwork into the. How had she managed this far without assistance?! “Oh, this old thing?” It's a genuine Kreekitaka label and easily costs five figures, but when you’re married to a rich Catalian, money isn’t really an issue. “I believe I got it at the little boutique in Cenril.” She doesn’t want to come off as a snob, and she knows that Alvina would never judge her, but having grown up with little to nothing she realizes that perhaps labels are a bit too extravagant. “That is wonderful news!” Lana’s eyes widen at Alvina’s words, a hint of a blush on her cheeks at the compliments, because she didn’t think that the engineer would dive into the orphanage planning right away. She’s touched that her friend took her words to heart, because she knows that this will help her to heal, as well as help orphans to find food, shelter, and perhaps a family. “I’m so flattered that you are including me in this, Alvina! Of -course- I will help you in whatever way that I can, and I happen to be free for the rest of the day!” Tiber is giving a string theory class in Schezerade and Lana has a rare day to herself for a change, without the stress of teaching dance or tending to animals. “If you notice that we’re being followed by Greyson, please, pay him no mind. One of Tiber’s old business associates made a threat, so we’re just being extra cautious.” As they both hold stacks of papers now, and she cannot wait to hear about all of her friends' plans, Lana links her arm through Alvina’s, “To the clerk’s office?”

Alvina nods and hums knowingly. "Mmmhmm, I recognize a Kree when I see one." Alvina's also grown up with very little but having a husband who created a crime empire made luxury the standard of living. Fashion, make up, brands were all on deck in her brain now. Mixed in with knowing how to making weapons and not kill people when she's a werewolf accidentally. "If you ever want to go shopping, let me know. Can never have too many dresses." Does Hudson ever look at these purchases she's making? A brand new house? A literal orphanage? She guessed it didn't matter. Lanara's excitement and support lights Alvina's face. "How did I get so lucky?" She lets Lana share the stack of papers but looks up when she mentions Greyson might pop up. "I mean do we need to hunt this business associate down? I know guys." Surely Milo would help her find a hitman if they needed one. Not that Tiber doesn't have his own connections. It's a joke, mostly, anyway. She's trying to get out of the murder game. It's a messy game and she can't quite sit with a death tally in the back of her mind. "To the clerk's office!"

The walk is short. The clerk's door is open to let in the spring breeze so the women are welcome to enter with their full arms uninhibited.

"Ladies!" The middle aged man at the counter waves them in, gesturing for them to set the paperwork on the table. Alvina grins, letting Lanara set her things down first. "Good to see you back Mrs. Landon." Alvina turns to Lanara. "I had to pick up some forms earlier and this kind gentleman was lovely." The man's name tag reads Lawrence in bold letters. "I'll file all this in a jiffy. You ladies come back in a bit, it'll be sorted."

"You're the best Lawrence." Alvina waves as she files out the door with Lanara, starting them down the path to the building itself. Their arms looped again, Alvina takes a moment to reflect on something troubling her lately. "Lanara, a very nice man hugged me...and he's quite nice and it was very platonic." Alvina turns to look at her friend, leaving out the part where she'd cried. "But it felt wrong." She grins nervously, taking this street and that alleyway to guide them.

(Post 1 of 2) Lanara laughs when Alvina asks her to go dress shopping, because Tiber will have a fit if she adds any more clothes to their shared walk-in closet. Shared? That’s a joke. Basically, ninety-five percent of the closet belongs to Lanara, three percent are some of Tiber’s most comfortable shirts that Lana snags for pajamas, and the remaining two percent is Tiber’s area. The floor and upper shelves all belong to Lana, save for a few pairs of shoes that clearly belong to her husband, and slippers that bear the teeth marks of a playful pup. “Shopping sounds fun… Tiber will go crazy though if I bring anything else home!” Between fashion and fur babies it’s a miracle their marriage has lasted this long with the witch’s antics! The offer to hire a hitman to deal with Franz is a sobering thought and Lana merely nods, because she’s not sure what the Pack has in store for the guy. Still, it’s nice to have a backup option and she’ll be sure to repeat this news to Tiber.

(Post 2 of 2) They walk to the clerk and Lawrence greets them with a contagious smile, which Lana is eager to return. He seems like a sweet guy and he’s been so helpful to Alvina, so it warms her heart. They link arms and are walking to the future orphanage when the redhead dishes some juicy details about a hug and Lana gives her a sidelong glance. She -knows- that nervous grin and the fact that Alvina mentions that it’s ‘platonic’ has her thinking it’s definitely -not- strictly platonic! “Mhm. So… You and Lawrence?!” Naturally, she has confused the smiling gentleman at the clerk’s office to be Alvina’s huggable ‘platonic’ friend, and she nods, “He seems nice! A bit older than us, but maturity is what you need after- She nearly speaks ill of Hudson, a man that was her very first friend in these very lands, and she stops short. She never wants to choose a side, but she -does- know that Huds is immature and that Alvina is the best thing to ever happen to him and he’s letting her just slip away and… Her thought vomit ceases when she sees the confused look in Alvina’s big beautiful eyes, “Okay. If not Lawrence… Who else?! Tell me everything! Is this someone you could see yourself dating in the future!? Trust me, there’s nothing wrong with hugging a guy. Heck! You can do a helluva lot more than hug a man and it would -still- be okay!”

Alvina laughs and gives Lana a rather devious look. “No one said you had to take it home. You can just have a second closet at my house so you can sleep over, and obviously the dresses would be for…when you had to go out the next day, obviously.” Obviously. She almost does a spit take, without drinking anything even, when Lanara suggests it’s Lawrence who hugged her. “Pffft what no!” Lana, you cray. Alvina’s expression sobers with the witch’s unspoken comment about her husband. How do you say that’s one of the things you liked about someone? Looking away, Alvina smiles ahead of them. “I miss when he was more goofy. He became so serious….” And decides to leave it there. She knows Lanara means only the best for Alvina, she can tell even before Lana starts asking questions about the man Alvina actually hugged.

“No, no. I hugged the guy that’s fixing up the house. Xiem. He kept saying how Hudson and I must be so close and so sweet and so in sync so I kind of looked sad about it, and I kind of told him we were separated and then he hugged me and I kind of sort of cried about it on the way home and really kind of wished he was Hudson when he hugged me but it’s all very fine.” Alvina grimaces at Lanara, turning them down another alley. The idea of doing anything, even hugging, with another man was just too much for her brain to process. “I know it’s -okay-.” She laughs. “But you know what I mean right?”

Their short walk ends with them standing outside a rather run down looking building. Their turns and twists have taken them to a less glamorous part of town. Outside the orphanage, a group of children are gathered, playing without any adult supervision. They ignore Lana and Alvina’s arrival but the other adults in the area, on their porches or walking through the streets take notice of the women. “And here it is.” There’s no lettering on the building giving it a name. A sign in disrepair is rusted over where a name might have once been. The building looks structurally sound but questionably maintained.

(Post 1 of 2) Lanara giggles at Alvina’s reaction to hugging the clerk, because it is pretty absurd! He’s a bit older than them and although he seemed polite and serious about his job, she couldn’t truly see them canoodling in a dark alley. “Anything’s possible when it comes to the heart!” She cracks up even more when Alvina suggests that she have a closet in her home, so that Tiber need not know about her overspending and excess dresses, “You are a genius! I shall do just that! And we are overdue for a sleepover!” The last slumber party she had attended had been the one she arranged for Talyara’s bachelorette party. The group had painted their nails, done makeup, braided each other's hair, ate far too many sweets, gotten a bit tipsy, and rumor has it that there was one or two male midgets that gave a bit of a striptease! Lana gives Alvina’s arm a gentle squeeze, “When will your home be ready to move in? I wonder how Aira is coming along with her house! I cannot imagine furnishing all those extra rooms. Maybe she will rent out some of the space.”

(Post 2 of 2) It’s almost on cue that Alvina brings up the fact that the construction work on her new home is being done by the man that has hugged her, and Lana’s eyes briefly widen. It all sounds rather innocent and she completely understands how her friend wishes it was her husband that she was hugging, but she’s concerned. Will this Xiem take advantage of a grieving divorcee by upping his fee? Or worse, will he hope to be a rebound and break Alvina’s heart? Lana hopes it’s not the case, but she also doesn’t want the redhead to feel like she needs to bottle up her emotions around others. Mourning a breakup is a very real thing and she can’t heal unless she pours the taint from her heart. “I understand how you feel…. So, this Xiem? Is he handsome? He sounds kind!” Their chatter dies down a bit as the orphanage comes into view and the witch stops walking, so that she can truly give the place her full attention. The place is run down, it seems, and there isn’t anyone in sight tending to the children, some of which are very young! Lanara gives Alvina a sidelong glance, “Well. The place looks sturdy from the outside… It obviously needs some paint and tending to the grounds, and that sign needs to be repaired. The kids don’t seem to have any type of playground or secured area? Maybe a fenced in section with some swings and outdoor toys would help! You will also need to hire a competent staff. I wonder if someone is here overnight? Or if they have someone that feeds the kids?” Lana chews her lower lip in worry, hoping that Alvina understands what an undertaking this will be. “This place truly needs your care, Alvina. I think you’re making the right choice!”

(Post 1 of 2) Alvina thinks about Lanara’s question for much too long. “Soon, I think. Xiem’s crew started gutting it. I don’t really know how long construction like this takes.” She hadn’t even asked him that, had she? Alvina’s trying to keep up with Lanara’s suggestions of a sleep over and dismissal of the clerk. Her head’s already full of so many things, there’s a delay in absorbing and processing it all. A sleepover? “Gods, that sounds hilarious. I haven’t done one of those since…I think my friend Emily’s bachelorette party.” Again, she needs to write to Emily. Aira steps into the conversation and Alvina nods quickly. “I agree, that’s so much space.” Then, deviously, she suggests an impossible solution. “We can just get her to adopt a bunch of the kids and teach them survival skills.” A joke that could work. It was already a summer camp once, her new house, right? Lanara wastes no time asking questions about Xiem and Alvina flushes in surprise. She loves this about her friend. She’s so excitable, so all or nothing and fearless! After a brief side note of understanding, Alvina feels the shift in Lanara’s support of him. “He is quite kind.” Too kind. She doesn’t trust it.The two women calmly look the place over and Alvina nods at Lanara’s suggestions. It’s true, there was no fenced area. The only sign of ‘life’ in the place with a clockwork automaton at the entrance. It’s metallic mustache twitches before it’s booming voice announces the time and a figure starts out the entrance to gather up the children in the ‘yard’. Alvina smiles, turning to pull Lana closer to the new arrival.

(Post 2 of 2) “Lana, this is Isabelle. She’s the one who’s been taking care of everything since the adults left the place.” The story Isabelle had told was brief and heartbreaking. Money ran out so the establishment owners abandoned the building. She’s taken out as many loans as she could to keep the children fed and housed but the bills had been piling up, and fast. Isabelle’s visage was of a young woman, but she seemed older than her years would imply. Hair slightly disheveled. Clothes were practical and basic. Her face held high cheekbones and the pock marks of old diseases. One of her hands was silvered and clearly artificial. But it was her eyes that gave it away. Shrewd, watching, and slightly untrusting.The girl was from the streets, grown up, having escaped the meat grinder alive. And if Lanara took a moment, she'd see that same message in the children around. Eyes slightly hollowed, teeth in bad condition, the expressions that they hid. While the children were clearly healthy and perhaps even happy, they still bore their scars. Isabelle clearly knew Alvina and gave her a brief smile. Lana’s greeted with an apprehensive nod. If Mrs. Landon brought this woman, she must be here to help them too. Isabelle extends her metallic hand, flesh above the wrist, to shake Lana’s hand. “Pleased to meet you Miss.”

(Post 1 of 2) Lanara chuckles at the idea of Aira manning a household full of children, because the vixen is far from maternal! She’s more likely to skin them alive if they disobey and there would be no sneaking out either, as she has enhanced senses and is a renowned huntress! “I can’t even picture this…” Her laughter continues for several minutes, because she can just imagine Aira being the caretaker from Hell. The comment about Xiem being kind has the witch lifting a brow, but she doesn’t say anything further. -All- men are kind in the beginning, it’s once you get to know them that they show their red flags, but Alvina is intelligent and will take things slow. She’s not even ready to date, from the sound of things, and she has her hands full with the girls. Lana smiles and nudges Alvina, “I bet the girls can’t wait to move into the new house! Are you letting them decorate their rooms, or are you going with standard paint and rugs throughout?”

(Post 2 of 2) Isabelle appears and extends a hand and Lanara politely gives it a shake, making sure that her grip isn’t too hard, because with her luck she’d yank the poor woman’s prosthetic off. She is graceful on the dancefloor but terribly clumsy in all other areas! “Please, call me Lana. Nice to meet you.” The weathered appearance of the woman makes it difficult to determine her age, but it’s apparent that she fell on hard times and that there’s a likeness between herself and the children. They had all faced horrors and lived to tell the tale, and their mistrusting eyes and clenched jaws have the witch frowning. They dislike outsiders or those that are ‘better off’ and she cannot say that she blames them. Lana clears her throat and speaks aloud to both Alvina and Isabelle, not wanting to overstep in any way, but feeling that her close friend has brought her here for a reason. She can give her input freely, she feels, and hopes that Alvina won’t be offended. “I think that one of the first orders of business would be to have all the children seen by doctors and dentists… They are more likely to find families if they are medically cleared.” She’s thinking of both psychiatric and medical doctors, because she’s sure that a few need therapy. “I own the animal sanctuary over in Sage, and I wouldn’t mind bringing over a few animals for a petting zoo activity. Or maybe a few of the older kids could volunteer? It would teach them responsibility and socialization.” Lana also plans on giving Alvina a sizable donation, because her heart is bleeding each time she glances at the kids in the yard.

(Post 1 of 2) Alvina beams as Lana and Isabelle shake hands. Think of all the good the three of them could do. A proper team, saving lives and erasing those sunk in blood stains on Alvina’s hands as a nice side effect. It leaves a bad taste in her mouth if she thinks about it too long. Isabelle looks a little dazed by Lana’s immediate and blunt suggestions but Alvina doesn’t skip a beat. “Absolutely, I agree.” Far better than the troublesome tykes toddling off to learn lock picking. Lanara’s confidence was a mystical ability that fascinated Alvina every time she gets to witness it in action. Lana never looks to doubt herself at all. Her self worth or safety or sanity. Lanara just shines effortlessly. Even knowing what Alvina knows now, about her daughter, Alvina struggles to find the seam. She’d always been this way but maybe being with Tiber, being supported and loved so completely, made her more of herself. Their pack, even, just felt like a snug little family where Lana was a sweet but stern mother you -never- messed with. Because she’d rip the tires off your carriage or catch you in an alleyway if she needed to. It could be their secret sharing session or it could be #justwolfthings but Lanara’s really rocking that Alpha energy and Alvina’s here for it. Isabelle, bless her soul, is still standing in front of them. Her arm is up, extended from their handshake, and looking between the two women. Alvina rushes to catch up. “Oh, sorry sorry, Isabelle it’s okay. I just wanted you to meet her. Lana and I will handle all the details so don’t look so stressed.” Isabelle still looks confused but she nods, gives Lanara a smile and slight bow and then she scurries off to round up children for the afternoon. She had to do a sweep of the alleys for any new strays or stragglers hanging around.

(Post 2 of 2) When they’re alone again, Alvina chats with Lanara about the more complicated issues they’ll be facing. They’ll need to find someone to actually run the place and stay on the grounds. They both had their expansive families to tend to through the days. It was hilarious to consider poor Aira, surrounded by children and wishing for their swift, silent end. Until Alvina remembers the time she did that to a child and the humor drains away like a spring rain. “Let’s think on who we could see doing this kind of thing. I can check at the bard’s college, for sure. Maybe write to the healer’s guild, I don’t know if anyone there is interested in this kind of avenue on a temporary or permanent basis. “Someone we trust.” Both women had suffered great loss. “Oh, that does remind me. I met the sweetest lady in Kelay! She said she’d come by the bard’s guild some time and that she loves babysitting. It would be so silly to offer her a job, right?” How could it not be? “You have to meet her. Lora’s like the personification of innocence and light. We should all absolutely get tea together some time.” Alvina shakes her head, trying to clean up her scattered thoughts. “Sorry, this is so all over the place. I think I really just…wanted you here with me to see it. I wanted to share this with you. As a fellow bleeding heart…” And as one of exactly two people (Hudson’s men excluded) who knew what she was capable of. “Is there anyone in your pack that might be interested?” Truly, Alvina wants to make this a helpful project for Lanara too, so they can help each other and have fun doing it. “We’ll need doctors too…” Did she know any doctors? Healers, she knew. Mental health professionals? Not so much. She should look into that.

(Post 1 of 2) Lanara is silently admiring Alvina, mirroring her exact thoughts, yet neither woman is aware of what the other is thinking. The redhead is so brilliant and throws herself into whatever projects she wishes to fulfill. She tirelessly pours her heart into every decision and despite the fact that she has a family and an estranged husband, those that do not know of her tale, would never guess that she’s carrying such a heavy load. Lana watches the way Alvina’s big beautiful eyes take in their surroundings, sizing up all the untapped potential, and the way that her gaze softens when she locks eyes with one of the children. This is definitely the right decision for the engineer and Lana feels the Goddess smiling down upon them, as though even she is giving Alvina the go ahead to be passionate and fearless in all of her endeavors. Isabelle seems a little out of sorts and it’s no wonder, as the place hasn’t been managed much in many years and she hopes that the woman knows they mean no harm. Alvina will do a lot of good, and the witch is relieved that she hasn’t overstepped with her assumptions about the children’s health and hygiene. They are all in agreement, it seems, though when Isabelle leaves to collect the kids it has the witch watching her from afar. “She’s protective and truly cares for their well being. I’m not sure if you mean to replace her when this place is fixed up, but I think she should be kept here in some capacity.” The orphans learned from a young age never to trust and it probably took them a very long time to even accept Isabelle. She’s a familiar face and one that isn’t easily replaceable.

(Post 2 of 2) Their laughter over Aira running the place dies down and Lana cannot help but think of her daughter, much like Alvina is thinking about Aubrey. It’s bittersweet, because the memories will always haunt them, but it’s also therapeutic to be doing something good and putting positivity in the universe. “I would love to work here, but with teaching dance in Schezerade and managing the sanctuary, as well as my familial obligations, I don’t really have much time or energy left at the end of the week.” The mention of Loravelle has Lana’s lips arching into a pleasant smile, because she knows the girl and is fond of her, even if she cannot speak of how they came to be friends. It’s one of those secrets that Lana’s life depends on, as that secretive group of rogue’s would know if she blew their cover. “I know Lora! She’s certainly a sweetheart and I think she would make a lovely addition to this place…” Lana pauses and thinks about her packmates, wondering if perhaps Violet would like to work here. She’s in her late teens and is currently attending college, but a part time position could work! “There is one girl in the Pack that may be useful. Violet. She’s good with kids and a hard worker, but she’s also taking classes right now. She could maybe do something part time?” Alvina is now speaking about doctors and therapists and Lana doesn’t know any off the top of her head, “Penelope is a wonderful healer, and I’d imagine that there are some psychiatric people around?” The witch has heard word that there is a male doctor that studies the mind somewhere in Cenril, but she hasn’t met him yet, nor does she know if he will see children. Suddenly her eyes light up and she excitedly grabs hold of Alvina’s hand, “My sister -loves- children, Alvina! Why didn’t I think of her sooner?! Taly is a healer and it was always her dream to work with little ones! She wrote me a letter last week about how her cottage was destroyed so she’s hoping to move somewhere far from Frostmaw, possibly Sage!” Talyara is trustworthy and adores children, plus she has a medical background and will be moving closer to Cenril. Is it fate?

Alvina beams at Lana’s suggestions. “Lora and Penelope!” Violet sounds like a flawless fit too. It’s no surprise the women were surrounded with such beautiful souls. She practically catches on fire when Lanara suggests Talyara too. She grabs Lanara’s hands quickly, her mouth in a wide open smile. Wait though! “Wait, what?!” Her smile dissolves in a panic. “Her cottage, I’m so sorry, is she okay?” Talyara’s beautiful cottage. The idea of the witch being closer is a reassuring prospect. Aira, Talyara, and Lanara so close together. It sounded like evening bbq’s and wine around a fire. It sounded beautiful. If Talyara moved there, it would be easier for her to get to the orphanage. “Can we round up Penelope and Loravelle and Talyara? See what they all think about this crazy wonderful plan?” She understood Lanara’s many obligations. She remembers her own dance lessons with her and how much fun it had been. She also remembers how Tiber and Lanara’s pack clamored around the pair like extended family. Everything the two women did was like Kismet. “Thank you Lanara.”

Lanara squeals in excitement when Alvina’s eyes light up, because they are both on the same page and loving the idea of having their friends and family closeby. “I think we can round up all of the ladies and get their viewpoints! I’m sure they all will be willing to help out!” How could someone not wish to help out children?! “It will be so great to have everyone living and working so closely! I’m so thrilled that you are moving to Sage!” Aira, Meri, Alvina, Penelope, and soon Talyara, all living in close proximity is the grandest thing that the witch has heard in years! Family and friends are of utmost importance and Lana snags Alvina’s hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. “Your orphanage will save so many childrens lives and they will benefit from a new start and hopeful future. I’m so proud of you, Alvina, and I will do everything I can to help you in this endeavor.” Seeing the redhead happy and overcoming her haunted past is truly a blessing, and although it won’t bring Aubrey back or erase the unhappy memories, her friend will feel immense pride in knowing that she’s giving countless children a safe and happy haven. “Should we tour the inside of the building?” Lana’s gaze trails to the door that Isabelle is closing, since all the children have been rounded up, and she’s curious to see if the interior needs as much work as the exterior.

Lanara's reassurances that this project they're embarking on will save so many lives. Her smile falters, Lanara can guess why, but she tries not to let her heart sink in this wonderful moment. It wouldn't bring Aubree or Lana's daughter back but it was something they could do. It's so funny how their minds were in the same place. "Our." She corrects with a wide eyed smile she pulls back to her face. "It won't be possible alone. It'll be all of us that make it work." A community of people. A family. With Isabelle and the children hustling back inside, Alvina takes Lanara's hand and leads her to the door. Isabelle's left it open for them. Some of the children look back, tiny whispers filtering back as indistinguishable noises. Inside, the place is much the same as the outside. Peeling wallpaper, cracked doors on creaking hinges. Wall fixtures and some door knobs are missing. It looks like anything of value has been stripped and sold to keep the place up and running. Immediately to their right is an office, door swung wide. It looks like a place people would sign adoption paperwork or review files. Further down the hall they'd find various classrooms and mass bedrooms with stacked bunk beds. Most are in a state of organized chaos. There are necessities like beds and sheets, some well worn books missing chunks of pages or their covers. It would take time and a lot of love to fix it. Alvina leans into Lanara to whisper "How could adults leave it like this?" Who in their right mind would abandon an orphanage?

The witch smiles when Alvina stays that it’s everyone’s project and as they join hands, she’s quick to give her friends a gentle squeeze. The interior of the place is far more heartbreaking than the exterior and it’s obvious that the place needs some serious funding. The structure is sound, but the walls need painting, the floorboards need polishing, doors need to be installed, fixtures set, etc. It will take more than love to turn the orphanage into a safe, cheerful place for children. Hopefully they can raise a lot of gold, too! Lana remains silent, though her eyes are brimming with tears as she takes in the sight of the beds haphazardly thrown about. Most don’t have sheets, a few are stained with urine, and it seems that the boys and girls aren’t separated at bedtime. The infirmary consists of a single cot and there aren’t any medical supplies within sight. The kitchen and cafeteria are filthy, and Lana doesn’t think it’s fit for an animal, let a human being. Had this orphanage been like the one that her husband had lived in as a child? Tiber still has nightmares and it had made him bitter. The expressions on some of the children mirror his, and she offers a sympathetic smile to those that do manage to look in her general direction. “I’m wondering if the previous owners passed away? Something -had- to happen… How could someone be so heartless and just walk off and leave these kids to their own devices?” Isabelle had stepped in, and now Alvina is leading the charge and will see that this place gets the TLC it rightfully deserves. “So… It needs a nurse, a teacher or two, a cook, a few monitors at daily and nightly shifts, and likely someone to live on the grounds and always be here?” That’s not including the construction workers, adoption counselors, and event coordinators. “How can I help?”

Alvina's heart melts at Lanara's question. Didn't she know she was helping just by being by her side? "I know Isabelle is young but she's really stepped up to be here. I think we could count on her to continue living on the grounds and tending to things when teachers or other staff might retire for the day." It really felt like the young woman had fallen into the responsibility and was willing to do whatever it took to keep it afloat. "You know, it's strange but, Isabelle actually mentioned that Ranok donated money to help keep it running before but that the funding stopped." That would be a problem for another day. They had to deal with the children for now. "I hope he's okay." She sighs before a clatter pulls her back to the present. Alvina's so spacey sometimes. "I think the best thing we can do for now is get these lovely people together to ask for help and ideas so we can make a great change in little time." She looks back at the rooms with a heavy heart. "We might try to get new mattresses and sheets. A proper medical kit and a visit from a healer." Their health would be the top priority. "Does that sound manageable or am I being unrealistic?"

Lanara nods, “I think Isabelle would love to remain, and to have a decent paycheck for all her hard work. You mentioned that guy that’s building the addition to your house… Maybe he can spruce the place up with some paint and new doors? I think attracting donors and potential adopters is important, as well as keeping the kids safe.” The mention of Ranok has Lana’s brows furrowing in worry, “I haven’t seen that man in years. Maybe he moved elsewhere?” The last she heard, he was living in Rynvale. He fired her poor sister for taking some crafting supplies from his orchard and left Taly in tears! Alvina is going over in the ways that she can help and Lana nods and smiles, “I’m sure we can meet with those that you’ve mentioned in the coming weeks. And we can go buy some new sheets, mattresses, pillows, and blankets! I’m sure Penelope will give us a medical kit brimming with supplies, and if she can’t see the children, perhaps one of her associates can pay a visit.” The witch looks around the rooms and thinks of what else may be next in line as it’s a huge undertaking. “This place needs a good cleaning, too! I don’t mind mopping floors or washing windows. We can even get the kids to chip in and help. And we probably need to stock the pantry as I’m betting they are running low on just about everything.” Lana is now seeing the potential through Alvina’s eyes and she links her arm with her friends, “We better get shopping soon! My favorite pastime.”

Alvina didn't know Ranok and Talyara even knew each other but if she had heard that story, she wouldn't be surprised. That man was rough around the edges but deep down, there were causes he cared about on the sly so it seemed. "Maybe..." But Isabelle thinks he's in trouble or dead. Alvina preferred Lanara's view. "I'll absolutely ask him. I hope it's not embarrassing." She'd sort things out with Xiem, so what if she'd wanted him to be Hudson for a second. That's normal. Grief is a complicated thing even when it's the result of an agreed upon solution. "She's an angel." She being Penelope. "And so are you." One of the kids crosses the room to them with a grave expression. She turns to Lanara and stutters. "I-l-l-like your c-c-clothes." Alvina meets Lanara's gaze after the girl scoots back to her spot on the floor with the other children. "I bet they'd love some structure, even if it is cleaning." When their arms are linked, Alvina's heart swells again with promise. "A little retail therapy never hurt anyone."