RP:A Poke Of Trust, A Pinch Of Mischief

Summary: Lanara drops by the Adventurer's Guild Museum to catch up with Meri, as the two haven't spoken or seen each other in a year. The psion informs Lana that things have greatly changed since her absence, as Khitti is a very different woman, Penelope is dancing near the darker side of life, Tiber has been a mess, and Fleur has gotten so big! The witch informs Meri that her time in Kelvar was filled with despair as she lost her daughter and her aunt, in relation to the plague. She also asks Meri if she will fulfill an item on her bucket list; giving matching tattoos to Lanara and another. The two part with future plans of mischief.

Part of the Lunar Tides and Silver Linings Arc

Lanara discards her cigarette a respectable distance from the museum and stomps on the butt, before she heads into the building and takes a quick look around. The witch looks mostly the same as the last time she walked through those doors, save for the fact that she was nearly emaciated from the considerable amount of weight she had lost, and her hair was about two inches longer. The past few months had been difficult on Lana, and it shows, as she has a grim expression on her usually friendly face, and the pentacle about her neck had been replaced by a unique hourglass pendant. Lana walks briefly through each exhibit, pausing at some of the newer ones, as she hopes to learn what the Adventurer’s Guild had been up to during her absence. She missed the thrill of a good find, the adrenaline when one faced off against a foe, the uncertainty of a mission… But, most of all, she missed the leader of the pack, Meri Boyce. Clad in a loose pair of jeans, a torn oversized sweater, and wearing a backpack slung over one shoulder, the witch looked as though she had just returned from some sort of combat mission. One had slim pickings when everything they wore fell off of their body, and she only had a few fancy dresses that actually fit her correctly. At least, Lanara reaches the back room and she lifts her hand to knock on the door, hoping that Meri was in today and that she would be eager to see her long lost best friend.

Meri :: It was hit or miss as to if Meri could be found at the Museum, and not because the woman was trying to neglect her responsibilities as guild leader. After all, what sort of respecting Adventurer keeps herself posted up behind a desk? Not Meri. It just so happened to be that she was there today. Memories of Lanara often come flooding back to the tattooed blonde, especially when was trying to get work done around this place. Lanara was the very reason that Meri was in the position that she was in today. Today those memories were more vivid that the norm, the werewolf was pretty sure that she could practically smell the presence of her best friend. How long had it been? Sadness washes over Meri, completely unaware that Lanara was in fact far closer than she was realizing. With a slight crinkle of her nose, the blonde slumps back into her chair and slouches down deep into it. Did she have whiskey anywhere nearby? Or did she drink it all? Meri begins to rummage through the drawers of her desk to see if she had the good sense of tucking away an extra bottle or maybe a flask. Anything to drown out the feelings she was battling right now. It's during this search that someone knocks on her door, and for some reason that knock causes a lump to form in Meri's throat. The scent of a certain witch was far more prominent now. It takes Meri a moment to peel herself out of her chair and to approach the door, struggling to steady her nerves and her hand as she reaches for the door. Honestly Meri was half convinced that she was going to see a ghost and when her blue eyes do actually fall upon the witch? The woman who is normally just about fearless turns pale. She's just going to stare at Lanara like a doofus.

Lanara expects Meri to grab her by the arm and tug her into the room, smile and welcome her home, or perhaps slap her across the face for leaving with such little notice. The psion wasn’t the type to hug, and after what she’d been through, Lana relaxes at the fact that she’d been spared affection. Any type of touch seemed to send the little witch over the edge, these days. It wasn’t anything personal. Meri is standing there, staring at Lanara, and neither woman seems to be able to form words. It was bittersweet to be back in Lithrydel and be able to see every one, yet, the hourglass pendant was a sign that time was running out. The witch is dying of a terrible plague laced curse, as she had to sacrifice her own life, in order to free Kelvar from its fate. The ‘host’ had about eight weeks to live, and this is why she returned to the lands, because she didn’t want to sit and cry about her situation, she wanted to feel alive. Being around Meri, her best friend, often gave Lanara the drive to push her mind and body to the limits, all while escaping some sort of danger. She had been friends with the blonde for quite some time, and she felt terrible for being so vague in her final letter. “Hey… Long time no see, huh? Do you have a minute?” If Meri was able to pull herself from her stupor, Lana would enter the office and rummage in her backpack, before procuring a bottle of maple whiskey from Kelvar. “I come bearing gifts!” There is also a small package that has been carefully wrapped and that is placed atop the desk, before Lanara takes a seat and smiles at the psion, “I’ve missed you so much, Meri… So… How have you been? How are Fleur and Callum? Is Khitti well? I want details on everything I’ve missed! So far, I’ve only managed to accomplish a few errands and I met up with Tiber.” Upon mentioning the lycan, the brunette’s eyes shimmer with unshed tears, though she quickly recovers, “Have any fun missions planned?”

Meri :: There are moments when Meri could be quite affectionate, toward certain people, in some instances. Now, Lanara was usually one of those certain people, but this is not going to be one of those 'some instances.' Alas, if Lanara thinks she is going to get out of this without some sort of reaction from Meri, she's wrong. The witch is allowed to enter the office, but Meri has not pulled herself out of that stupor yet. Why Lanara will even be able to pull out and present those gifts to Meri, but the blonde will still have not found the words. She's pretty sure she's in some sort of dream. Or that Lanara is some sort of ghost, and that her tingly psion senses are lying to her. So...she pokes Lanara right in her forehead, and then tries to pinch at her arm for good measure. Look, she's just trying to make sure that the Lanara that is actually before her is real and actually Lanara. And when she finally comes to the conclusion that she's definitely not on drugs right now...? Meri is overcome with a wave of emotions that cause Meri to lean up against her desk to steady herself....lest she ends up flat on the ground because her knees gave out or something. Meri's happy, sad, mad, overjoyed, and so on all at once. "What the frak, Lanara?" her exclaims, the tone of her voice a mix of both anger and relief. "What do you mean do I have a minute? For you? Of course I have a minute. You've missed...nothing and everything all at once." Meri honestly is not even too sure where to begin. "Fleur has grown so much, I am not sure you will even be able to recognize her. Khitti is....Well you will have to see for yourself when you catch up with her again. And Tiber has been an absolute mess during this entire time you were gone...I am glad you were able to speak with him. I hope it went okay...?"

Lanara continues to babble as she often does when she’s nervous, as Meri seems to be in some sort of catatonic state, so she points to the wrapped box, “I didn’t exactly have time to go souvenir shopping, so I figured that you would like some of the art supplies from Kelvar… There are various types of paint, clay, beads, lace, and a sketch book that has drawings of all types of flowers that are indigenous to Kelvar. And of course, the whiskey, because it’s your favorite…” Lana turns to face her friend, only to be poked in the center of her forehead, and as she winces and readies a retort, she finds that she’s been pinched on her arm, “What the heck?! Meri! I’m not cookie batter, I’m an elf!” The witch shakes her head and rubs her arm, while studying her friend closely as she leans against the desk. It felt wonderful to be missed so dearly, but Lana also feels terrible for causing anyone pain, and so her expression softens to one of compassion, “I’m sorry… I’m guessing that you didn’t get the letters, either? I sent one the morning that I left, and then I sent one a week for a few months… Before everything went south in Kelvar… But, apparently the delivery doves were either blind or had cramps in their wings, because –no- one received my letters! Tiber did receive one, but it was four months late, and who knows what happened to the bird?!” Lanara remains quiet as its Meri’s turn to speak, her eyes widening at certain points, “I cannot wait to see Fleur! I brought back a present for her and one for Cal, too! Obviously, it’s not liquor.” The signature smirk she often wore is no longer present on the elf’s face, but at least she’s attempting to make some jokes and to set her friend at ease. Soon enough, the brevity of the situation would come to fruition, and Lanara very well would be an actual ghost. “Tiber was… Tiber. It’s just very complicated between us, even more so than in the past… He is very hopeful that we will get back together, but I’m very hesitant, because a lot of things happened in Kelvar and I just need to work through some issues.” Lana is being candid with her best friend, because Meri was non-judgmental and she wouldn’t pry; yet she would drop everything if Lana decided to open up, because she was a fantastic listener. “And… What do you mean? Did Khitti dye her hair or gain a bunch of weight, or something?” The last time she had seen Khitti had been shortly after she officiated her wedding! Perhaps she was pregnant again? “I’m supposed to see my sister tomorrow, so I’m hoping she is doing well, too! I just… I’m staying in Cenril, and I just had to come and see you.” There’s a pause as the bucket list is remembered. “Also… I’m not sure of the date yet, but I was wondering if you would be willing to tattoo myself and another with the same tattoo? It’s on my bucket list of things to do before I die, you know, get a matching tattoo with someone.

Meri snorts at Lanara's exclamation that she's not cookie batter. "Oh I know you like to think you are sweet," the werewolf teases, "But you are not cookie batter sweet. There is no fooling my nose." Obviously Meri means little by the comments, she's just joking. Which...is a positive sign, it might mean that Meri is perhaps finally sliding out of the stupor that Lanara sent her spiraling into. The two really did have a lot to discuss, and they were slowly making progress on it. As Meri gained the sense to explain what was happening, at least. "I am not going to lie, Fleur was very young when she saw you last. She may not remember you. But, I will be glad for the moment when you two are able to see each other." Would Callum be excited to see Lanara too? She could only assume yes, but honestly, Meri would live in wonder on that question until the moment actually happened. Her husband was a mystery to her...most of the time, these days."As for Khitti..." Meri is crinkling up her nose again. "She....has found her way into some amount of trouble again. And this time...? I really have no idea how to fix it. All you will have to do is ask her about Brand when you see her, you will understand what I mean..." Meri resolves to letting Khitti offer up the information on her own, and maybe later Meri and Lanara can brainstorm what might have happened together. Instead Meri lets the conversation shift to the topic of tattooing. "Why are you sitting here talking to me about how getting matching tattoos with someone is on your bucket list? I know you have been through a lot, but talking about death in such a way? That has never struck me as...very you. What's up?"

Lanara rolls her eyes over the cookie batter commentary, “Fine, fine. We all know that Taly is the sweet one… I guess I’m more… Nutty?” She nearly laughs at the statement, because Lana’s sanity had been questioned so many times that she’d lost count! As the discussion unfolds, the witch frowns over the fact that Fleur may not remember her, though she knows little ones tend to forget things as they grow up. “I hope I can win her over, again!” The conversation takes a darker, more curious turn, when Khitti and Brand are mentioned, and Lanara is literally so confused that she cannot form words. “I hope they aren’t thinking divorce… It’s only been a year. I know that sometimes couples lose their way, but they always find their way back to each other, right? I think all that business in the Shadow Plane really put a damper on their lives…” The witch isn’t sure where this conversation is going, though when Meri calls her out for talking so much about death; her eyes drift over towards the bottle of whiskey. “Well…” She knows she can trust the psion, but what if there was a slip of the tongue? If Meri told Khitti, and Khitti told Tiber, who then told Taly, the circle of drama would be endless. But still, Lanara had to say –something- and so she relents and gives some of the story, but leaves out the part where the grim reaper is knocking on her door. “Please, keep this between us… My Aunt Sharna and Natianara didn’t make it… Along with dozens of other elves from my homeland. The plague was far worse than I could have imagined… A lot of horrors happened during my time. And so… Since those I cared about weren’t able to live their lives to the fullest, I hope to fulfill their wishes, by working through a bucket list that I friend designed specifically for me.” Swallowing hard, the witch glances away as a rogue tear spills onto her cheek, “I’m sorry. It’s just very hard for me to talk about…Her.” Lana’s referring to Natianara, the estranged daughter that she had hardly gotten to know. “If you don’t want to tattoo me, I understand. I’m sure you’re very busy with family life and the Guild… Speaking of… Can I rejoin? I would love to tag along on the next adventure.”

Meri :: Telling Meri that death was far closer to Lanara than anyone wants to admit would be far too much for the blonde to handle. It's already been an intense mix of emotions, let's not make the poor blonde spontaneously combust from sorrow. It is possible, believe it or not. Meri quite pointedly avoids the topic of couples drifting back together, but Lanara and Meri know well enough that this was far from true. They have both experienced their share of heartbreak in the past, and will hopefully be spared from it in the future. What Meri does do...? Is shake her head in response to Lanara's inquiry. That's not quite what Meri meant, "No, divorce is not something they have been talking about." Meri sighs, and again tries to leave it at, "You'll see when you speak to her." Honestly? Meri was pretty sure that Lanara would think that -she- was the nutty one if she were to try and explain the whole story. Meri frowns with Lanara at the mention of her loss, "I did not know Natianara for long...but, I am sorry for your loss." Said a bit awkwardly? Well, Lanara should probably expect as much from the psion. Meri was never great in these situations, she is far better at being completely obnoxious and inappropriate. "I mean yeah, of course I will give you some new ink. You just gotta work out what you want and who you want to get it with." Given how serious of a conversation they are having, it is hard for Meri to lift the tone of her voice back up to a chipper level. It seemed like as good of a time as any to finally crack into that bottle of whiskey that Lanara brought her. "What do you mean can you rejoin? I never considered you out. You're a permanent honorary member, at least while I am leading it. Everyone would love to have you back, and I am sure they would all say it has not been the same without you."

Lanara isn’t sure what could possibly be wrong with Khitti, but she’s sure she will get to the bottom of it, soon enough. She hadn’t dropped by to see the redhead yet, because the bakery was literally smack dab in the center of where she was renting a room and Tiber’s apartment complex. Lanara didn’t want anyone to know where she is living, because the risk of being seen without the hourglass pendant was that much greater. Were that necklace to be removed, the true form of Lana would be seen, and she looked far worse than the woman sitting in Meri’s office. Plus, the ‘new’ Lana enjoyed her solitude, even if it was only a floor above a funeral parlor. “Thank you…” The psion offers her condolences and the witch responds with a feigned smile and a nod, which is more than most have gotten out of her in weeks. “I didn’t know her all that well, either.” A beat. “I wish I had gotten there a day sooner, so I could have said goodbye to my Aunt Sharna… I have no idea how I’m going to tell my sister that the last two members of our family have died. Now, it’s just Taly and I, and of course you and our other mutual friends.” She means Krice, Callum, Khitti, and Tiber, if the couple could ever reduce their toxicity. “Thank you for saying that, Meri! You have no idea how much it means that you will tattoo me and a friend, and that I’m –still- a part of the guild. I think Circinus will be the happiest to see that I’ve returned!” The mastiff was a fan of anyone that spoiled him with strips of beef jerky. “So… What ever happened with the wolf amulet?” The last adventure she remembered placed them in a room that filled with water and had nearly drowned them, until Meri figured out the clue. And as far as Lana remembered, they still needed another missing piece.

Meri can only issue a bit of a shrug in response to what happened to the wolf amulet. It had been something that had consumed the guild's attention for a good amount of time, until she was the only one left with any sort of interest in it. She'd deal with the more chipper topic first, "It'll be quite a reunion. You can see everyone all at once. Fleur. Circinus. Mountain. Mr. Weanie. I am sure all of them have missed you." Well, with the possible exception of Fleur, who was only a baby and may not remember. But! Surely she'll take to Lanara again quickly. "Honestly? Nothing since then. I don't think that I have quite the charm and charisma that you do, at least not enough to really properly do this job for long." And what was this job? Well judging by the way Meri was motioning to the Museum, she must mean guild leader. It's a thought that has really consumed the blonde's mind for a number of months now. "I've tried my best to keep things together for you though, while you were gone." The blonde issues a bit of a half smile. "I honestly don't have any projects going on right now for the Adventurer's. There is one thing you could help with though...a bit more hush hush..." Given that they were in the privacy of her office, Meri had no shame in speaking to Lanara about this. "Trying to deal with some troublesome slaver traders in Rynvale. Nel is even helping on this one." Meri smirks a bit. "And Khitti. You want in?" There are very limited options in how Meri might see fit to "deal with" a bunch of slave traders. Probably about as kindly as they dealt with those dwarves in Cenril....

Lanara is overjoyed at the mention of a reunion with her four legged friends and Fleur, though she’s disheartened that the Guild didn’t wish to pursue the wolf amulet quest. Perhaps she could convince Meri to kick things up again, because she didn’t like leaving any unsolved mysteries. She almost died looking for clues. Twice! Lana crosses her arms as Meri mentions that she kept things together for the witch during her absence, “Meri… You are fearless and you aren’t giving yourself nearly enough credit! Everyone in the guild adores you and of course I meant that shift in leadership to be permanent… Whether I returned to Lithrydel or not, I thought you were the most suitable to maintain order, put together some fun yet dangerous events, and to keep others safe and entertained.” Idly, a hand if lifted to twirl the hourglass pendant, that damned reminder that her expiration date was nearing. Surely Meri couldn’t wish to step down from the position?! “Maybe if you had a deputy at your side you would enjoy the adventure’s more and not have to focus on all the other things as much… Give it some thought!” Lanara listens as Meri mentions one of their ‘under the radar’ upcoming jobs, and she nods with enthusiasm. “Of course, count me in! Let me know when and where, and I will be there.” Of course, it’s now that her mind drifts to the last job she had done… Concerning a few dwarves and some lap dancing. Lana cringes at the memory as embarrassment turns a cheeks a rosy hue, for she’d never be able to live it down. “It will be nice to work with you and Khitti… And do you mean Penelope? As in Nel?” She blinks several times, as she never thought the sympathetic healer would delve into such an unsavory line of work.

Meri :: Lanara's thinking would not be entirely off-base, it would not have been the first time that it had crossed Meri's mind. However, Lanara's attempts to try and cheer Meri up on this point and even planting the idea that she consider a deputy to take some of the stress off is much appreciated. "It'll be good to have you there, like old times. Just make sure you come prepared for a fight when I do tell you when and where." There was at least one activity that Meri could be persuaded in finishing, but continuing that chase of the wolf amulet? Well. Meri knows exactly what Lanara is thinking about based on the way Lanara cringes and then blushes with embarrassment. And Meri intends to make that worse by whispering in a not-so-quiet-fashion, "Dwarf whisperer." Dear Lanara, are you sure you missed Meri? She really does deserve a good smacking sometimes. "And yes. Penelope. Nel. The only Nel that I know. Or at least the only Nel worth talking about." Meri was very proud of the fact that Nel was getting her hands dirty like this, in a very twisted sort of way. Leave it to Meri to take some sort of delight in trying to corrupt the pure healer. "I think that everyone will be glad to have you along..."

Lanara :: One could hear a pin drop after Meri attempts to whisper ‘Dwarf Whisperer’ and Lana’s cheeks flood with color. Abruptly, her hand lifts and she flips the bird at her best friend, in a not so ladylike fashion. “Thin. Ice. Psion.” Of course she’s not threatening the blonde, but the playful banter is a welcome reprieve from her myriad of negative emotions as of late. Lanara cannot remember the last time she actually smiled, and it felt wonderful to see Meri’s pretty face and make future plans… Even if they involved being taunted endlessly about her unique method of calming dwarves, or corrupting Penelope, one of the sweetest women in the realm. “I guess all good girls go bad at some point?” Hell, Lanara was drinking like a fish these days, and she had been itching for another cigarette ever since she entered the museum! Standing up, the witch walks over to Meri and attempts to poke her in the forehead, and follow it up with a pinch on her upper arm. Apparently that was their secret handshake, sort of, now? Grinning, she lifts her backpack and turns towards the door, “Thank you for welcoming me back, Meri… I have greatly missed you. And I look forward to this ‘mission’ that is coming up, as well as stopping by to see you, Cal, Fleur, and the fur babies.”

Meri :: "Pleaaaaaaase," is all Meri says to Lanara when the little witchy tries to tell her that she's on thin ice. Clearly, she is not even close to skurd. But Meri knew that this moment was just some fun and games between a couple of friends who have been apart for far too long. While Lanara probably could have gotten a hug out of Meri, the blonde is actually quite pleased with this little secret handshake of their's. A smile forms wide across her red lips, "I would welcome you back a million times over. Don't you dare even think about being a stranger. Or else." Now -that- was a bit of a threat, but coming from Meri to Lanara? It was probably not a threat of physical pain or anything. Just that Meri would...do something obnoxious. "Next time you visit? Drop by the house. You can see Fleur and the pups then." With a wave, Meri would let Lanara go on her way without prattling on further.