RP:A Second Shot At Friendship

Summary: Ansel and Lanara reconnect after nearly two years apart, and agree to meet up for lunch. The two discuss a surprise Yule present for Ansel's children, Dana and Shia, enjoy some cookies, and hint at working on rebuilding their friendship. The pair makes plans to meet up in the near future, for a puppy exchange!

Lanara walks along the path, a picnic basket held in her left hand, as her right hand forms a makeshift visor over her eyes, to shield her from the blinding sun. If one were to gaze upon the woman they would note that she appears to be somewhat in a hurry, as her pace is faster than usual, and her breathing is slightly labored. Eventually, she stands fifty feet before the clinic, and nips at her lower lip, from nervousness. “I really hope this isn’t a bad idea… What am I doing here? The last time we tried to be friends it ended horribly and I really can’t handle any further heartache…” Sighing, she turns on her heel, prepared to leave and stand up the lycan that she was here to meet. But as she faces the way which she had come, she envisions the smiling faces of Ansel’s two boys, and she clenches her jaw, determined. “I got this.” Another spin on her heel and she faces the clinic, her grip tightening on the picnic basket. Calm down already, Lana, she mentally tells herself and smoothes her hand over her long locks, to tame any unruly strands. Donning white shorts, a mint green tank top, and white sneakers, she looked rather sporty, and rightfully so as she had just come from playing a short round of basketball with Dana and Shia. The frizz from the climate in Cenril had the tips of her hair bunching into loose curls, and she had earned a slight tan from spending time in the sun. Lana takes a deep breath, crosses the small path, and sits on the bench before the healing center. Crossing her legs, she rests the basket on the ground, and waits for Ansel to appear, hoping that she wasn’t too late. It wasn’t like the elf to arrive late, anywhere, but she was held back at the school as Cybil begged her to read a story to the little ones, followed by a game of basketball. She didn’t think Ansel would be too angry with her for being an hour late, especially once he saw the meal she had prepared for them!

Ansel had been rustling around with a stubborn old man all morning. “Mr. Weddington, you need to drink your medicine,” a purple concoction that was mixed with some sort of berry on the side of the table. The old crotchety man is lying in the cot with his arms folded. “You kids think you know it all these days. I’m not drinking some mystery liquid to put me to sleep!” Ansel wanted to face-palm himself. “Mr. Weddington, we are not putting you to sleep, it’s to ease your hip pain. You need to be rested, anyway.” So today was a strong first day. The leader of the clinic assigning the newcomer to the most rancid person in the clinic. Give the poor young doctor a break. Ansel had almost forgotten his meeting with Lanara until Kat, a fellow nurse at the clinic, gave the man a nudge. “Lunch time? You want someone to eat with?” The man almost agreed until his mind spirals remembering Lanara. He sputters. “Actually, I have plans today. Rain check?” Without another word, the man sprints out of the building, thinking he was late. Wait… where was she? The man is in full doctor’s coat, a stethoscope around his neck, a checkered button-up beneath with a black tie underneath the coat. It was hot. The man scratches his head before landing on the bench in front of the clinic. He had a couple hours between checking the old man, so he would wait. His head buried in a hand in a train of thought. Perhaps this was a mistake? Who knew how long Ansel was sitting there until he moves to pace the block. As he laps, there she appears. The wolf is now swallowing almost-throw-up and making his way over to her. “You made it,” he snickers; he tries to remain calm and collected. The man now removing his coat – sweaty – before sitting a distance away from her. “Excuse my demeanor; I’m still adjusting to the Cenril weather.”

Lanara lifts her head as she hears footsteps nearing and gives Ansel a warm smile. She didn’t know that he had paced the block, several times, and thinking that he is late as well, she relaxes. As he lowers himself onto the bench, she fans her own face, and offers a glare up to the sun. “I knew there was a reason I always preferred the moon! And, I completely understand. It’s so hot out here. You poor thing… Why don’t you take off your coat? You are wearing so many layers!” Swallowing, she pauses and rather than babble, as she often does, she busies herself with removing the food and drink from the picnic basket. “I made some grilled chicken sandwiches, with mushrooms and mozzarella, in a light pesto sauce. I hope you like it! I also have some fruit, and some cookies. Oh, and not sure if you are allowed to drink on the job, but I have a container of homemade sangria. It’s a watered down cherry wine, with some orange and lime slices in it. If you don’t want that, there’s some spring water.” The food is neatly laid on the bench between them, as she hands Ansel a napkin and a cup, before folding a cloth napkin neatly over her own lap. “So, how was your day? I visited the boys during their lunch break, and brought them some cookies to share with their classmates. Then I read to the pre-schoolers, and after that I played a round of basketball with Dan and Shia. It was two to one, so naturally they beat me!” A faint chuckle escapes her as she pops a grape into her mouth and looks at the sweaty doctor. Lana seems to have fully relaxed by now, and she gives Ansel a sidelong glance, nodding in approval. The lycan seemed to be adjusting well under his new employment, and she could see that although the heat was a bummer, he seemed to truly be in his element as a healer. She doesn’t make any comment on that, however, until he answers how his day has been, as she didn’t want to make any assumptions. Nor did she want to bore the male with her endless babbling, so she keeps herself in check, and instead takes a bite out of her sandwich.

Ansel looks down at her basket. She really outdid herself, and a hint of guilt from Ansel was noticed; he makes sure not to ruin the moment. The clinician realizes how hungry he actually is by her menu. “I eat anything, plus it all sounds amazing. I’ll take spring water now, actually,” he breathes out a thick breath. His coat now off, the wolf had some room to feel the small warm breeze on his sweaty neck – a coolant. He follows her suit and unfolds the napkin over his lap. “My days been something. Good, but I’ve been dealing with the more bitter patients, yet it is –way- better than the trauma department, so I am thankful. Not to mention I love what I do,” he smirks with a small smile. His eyes enlightened as she speaks carefully of his boys. “Ah, I bet they were excited. They love you. They couldn’t stop talking about you after they saw you again,” he makes this seem easy to talk about, but underneath he struggles. “Besides basketball and working over the counter, which you shouldn’t have, how have you been?” He is moving for the sandwich that she has put together.

Lanara beams as he informs her that the boys were so excited after they last ran into her, and she equally gushed about the boys to her sibling, too, though she doesn’t state that out loud. He was just letting her back into their lives and she didn’t want to overstep any boundaries. “I missed them, so much…” Her voice trails off as she takes another bite of her sandwich, and upon swallowing, she dabs daintily at her mouth. In the past she never once struggled for conversation with Ansel, but now things are still awkward, so she smiles warmly as he talks about his love for his new job, grateful that he took the lead. “Oh, Ansel! I can see how happy you are, and it sounds like such a rewarding occupation. I know you always enjoyed helping others, regardless of how difficult they can be at times.” Smiling, she tilts her head to the side and her dark hues brighten, as though an idea has struck. “I’m not sure if you heard about all the attacks on witches in Larket, or the aftermath of the earthquake, but there are still so many that are injured and need help. I visited a few days ago and delivered some extra supplies I had, and I’m sure they could use some healers or more supplies. I know you probably are overworked here as it is, but I know they are asking for volunteers, as well. Bastion, the goat boy, he’s the one that told me all about the happenings, over there. But, I should warn you… Josleen is now Queen of Larket, with her husband, Macon… I’m not sure if you two ended on good terms, or whatever, and I hate to even bring her up, but I just didn’t want you to walk in and get blindsided.” A gentle shrug of her shoulders is given, as she takes another bite of her sandwich. “I’ve been alright. I’m saving up my gold to open an animal sanctuary… And so far my dance classes have really been helping me pursue that dream. When it’s open, I’d love for the boys to visit! They can help in the nursery with the puppies and kittens. I know they will love it.”

Ansel takes a swig of his water. Food helps the awkwardness because you can always eat and be like ‘sorry I’m hungry’ (har, har, har). The wolf nods along to her words until all seriousness of Larket is spoken about. “Yes, there was a night the concentration camp was invaded, I went in briefly to help any witch I could, Lanara,” he drops his sandwich down in his lap to focus on the conversation at hand. He was intrigued. “I told some of them to run into the forest – a couple escaped, and I dashed too quickly. I don’t know what else happened. I helped a couple. One the name of Amber.” He pauses; he had not heard a personal conversation about Josleen in a long time. He almost felt ill; he began to cough. “We didn’t. We, uh, we were unhealthy,” he rubbed the back of his neck idly with a squint in his eye. “No, no,” he almost reaches out, but he halts himself. “Thank you for warning me – I knew, though, but I appreciate it. And whatever she is doing, I don’t agree with… We didn’t agree on a lot of things…” He trails and he stares at the woman before him idly with a reason. The elephant was in the room, but he cannot manage to speak about it. “Anyway, I can volunteer and commute. A couple days out of the week. You know who I should speak with for that?” He then chews again on his sandwich and listens more to her conversation. “An animal sanctuary? Oh my, the boys would love that. That’s great, Lanara. Also, I’m sure the boys can use a puppy… their father can use a puppy,” he grins that charming grin he used to have when they once were familiar with each other.

Lanara widens her eyes as Ansel states that he was present during the invasion of the concentration camp. It was news to her that Ansel had tried to protect some of her kin, as well, whereas lately so many sought out witches for nothing more than a little bloodshed. Witches truly were a misunderstood class, and if others would take the time to get to know them, they’d know that a true witch only practiced white magic, as she feared karmatic justice. Sure, there were a handful that misused their magic from time to time, but there also were some evil humans, lycan’s, and other races. Why blame an entire Coven, when only one or two within are causing actual harm? And Valrae, of all witches! Lana knew the woman, though not too personally and not once did she sense any bad vibes. The pure hatred of others, aka Josleen and Macon, was more than a fear of some magical abilities. It was tainted with jealousy, and Lana lowers her head as she takes another bite of her sandwich, remaining silent on the matter. As Ansel talks about the downfall of his relationship with the new Queen, she steels herself, knowing that an apology or accusation would soon be thrown her way, however he quickly manages to change the subject. For that, she is thankful. Maybe they could enjoy their lunch and save that for the end? Or just never mention their past again? Either way, as he inquires about who to seek out, she ponders for a moment, before speaking. “I think you should speak with Bastion. He’s an expert healer, and he’s the one that was stationed before the large healing center. If you can find a minute to contact Sabrina or Emilia, they would likely be the ones in charge of the whole area, but they are often so busy, as there’s so many needing their help.” She doesn’t mention the fact that when she stopped by to deliver medical supplies, that she also ended up needing medical attention for being strangled by a random bum, or that her magic is gone and it was the goat fellow that ended up rescuing her and providing treatment. Perhaps another day they could tackle her death, return, and the whole magical sacrifice. For now, she smiles warmly as Ansel gives her a charming grin, and she rolls her eyes, being playful. “Oh, sure… I think I can find –three- pups, one for each of you! Puppies are a handful! But it will teach the boys some responsibility, and they are the most loyal creatures. Growing up… We weren’t allowed to keep pets in Kelvar. Animals were treated as our equals, so we would feed the forest creatures and watch from afar, but I never could stay too far away. I started to rescue animals, and one day I found this beautiful black cat, fishing at a small pond. We bonded, almost instantly, and my mother couldn’t deny me or Taly… I think you’ve met Taylor, right?” A pang of heartache strikes the woman and her appetite seems to have vanished at the mention of the feline. The cat was no more hers and it still hurt to speak of her, even if in passing. Lana changes the subject. “So what sort of puppy do you think the boys would like best? A large or small dog? Aloof or lovable?”

Ansel was not ready to talk about what happened between him, Josleen, and Lanara. Not yet, anyway. He would try to avoid it as much as he could until their conversation stirred that way. “I’ll get a hold of Sabrina. Hopefully our relationship is still okay. I sort of vanished away from that Guild. Though, maybe she would be pleased to see me back and willing to lend a hand. Either way, it’ll help me find Bastion, I am sure.” He pauses and bites into his sandwich until it is gone. Hungry man. The talk of puppers is an easier conversation. A beginning conversation to start with. “Three pups? No, no, no,” he begins to laugh. “I’ll be taking care of all three – too much. One is just perfect. The boys can share,” he smirks. “It’ll teach them manners,” the smirk turns into a grin, until she speaks of Kelvar. “You’ve never talked about your homeland. Where is Kelvar?” He then shakes his head at the mention of Taylor. “I don’t know a Taylor. I’m guessing Taylor is the cat?” The wolf watches her mood change instantly and he sits up and takes charge of the conversation. “Large, of course. Fluffy and loveable, and hopefully a loyal quality. Has to be gentle around the kids also,” he nods. “I remember back in my homeland my father kept a dog that he adopted; his name was Bear. White and fluffy, biggest smile you’ve ever seen, yet protecting of my father and I,” and Anna, but he does not mention his wife who passed away – five years now. “Hope you accept this mission. Might be a good Yule gift for them. I can help you pick one if we actually want to make this a thing,” he smiles widely.

Lanara shifts her position on the bench, crossing her legs, and finishing the remainder of her sandwich. Yes, Taylor was her beloved shape-shifting feline, though she can’t bring herself to speak of the unique cat, quite yet. So she focuses on his inquiry about her homeland. “Kelvar was an elven kingdom, very far from Hollow. You won’t find it on any map, and only those with elven blood can even find its location, as it’s shrouded in a magical fog. It had lush forests, beautiful streams, docile forest creatures, and the air was always full of magic… We didn’t keep pets, we never celebrated birthdays, and we weren’t allowed to have mirrors… Those things bred vanity and superiority amongst our clan, so they were banished. We celebrated all the high holidays; we all considered each other to be family, and although our population was ninety percent female… We all got along, really well. The Drow came. They… They destroyed my home. Killed most of the elves, enslaved the rest, and only a scant few escaped. That is what brought me to Hollow, to reunite with my sister who fled the lands.” Pausing, she takes a sip of spring water and tilts her head to the side as he mentions his childhood dog, a big smile on her face. She was making a mental note of this, and hoped she’d come across a large fluffy dog, male, and preferably white in color. Ansel deserved to find happiness, and his boys would enjoy a companion, and learn responsibility. “Of course I accept this mission! How could I not? It will be my top priority, I promise! So… Tell me about your homeland, Ansel.”

Ansel blinked as she begins to speak of her homeland. She caught him off-guard, but he listens intently to the woman – curious about her own homeland. The place she describes sounds mystical and intriguing. “Only those who live there can enter?” It was a question and a simple one. As she speaks of her land to be mostly female, his brows raise. What kind of place was this? Though, there were plenty of strange places throughout the map. ‘The Drow came’… Ansel almost gets whiplash with emotion, but he keeps himself poise. “That’s horrible, Lanara. I’m sorry. No one should have to go through such a traumatic experience like that.” He had prickles on the back of his neck. The man drinking down some of the water as his throat became dry with her anticipation. “My homeland?” He never really talked about that. “A village, really, it was so so small,” he smirks and taps the water bottle that is now empty. “Larton. A small one past the seas of Rynvale, past the forests, the deserts, through the old remains of Catal, so on and so on.” There is a pause full of eerie silence. “We had all four seasons. I was a healer’s apprentice to the town. My father was the main doctor of the village and my mother was a seamstress – she taught me to dress so well,” he grins. The man is tapping the bottle now out of anxiety. “Of course there’s always a saddening story to go with most people’s tales. Instead of Drow for you, it was a population of Wolves for me. During the winter. Massacred most of the villagers, uh, Dana and Shia’s mother included – my wife – Anna,” he holds his breath. He has only told one other about Anna. “Either way, myself and the boys were one of the lucky ones… I didn’t make it to Anna in time.” Lucky to an extent. There was the whole lycanthrope thing. “Though, I did have some injuries for a while, some complications, but we bounced until we made it to Xalious.”

Lanara shakes her head, and takes another sip from her water bottle, before responding. “No… You could enter if I raised the veil of fog. It’s just that only those with the elven blood of my kin can even find the place, and get beyond the haze. It’s complicated.” A small chuckle passes, before he seems to grow uneasy and finally opens up about his homeland. She smiles and sees that faraway look in his eyes as he speaks of long ago, the elf listening intently. Odd how she had lived with Ansel years ago, had trained him in magic, and had spent countless hours with his boys, yet she had never learned of his past. Had she asked? She did recall him mentioning that his wife Anna had died at the hands of a lycan, and that he came here to give the kids a better life. Upon hearing of the four seasons, her ears perk up. “Truly? A land with all four? That must have been so dreamy. It was always autumn in Kelvar.” She pipes down as he continues, a knowing smile pressed to her lips as he speaks of his parentage, though her smile fades as he mentions the wolves coming and destroying his home, only to follow with the death of his life. It seemed they both had led troubled pasts, and left their beloved homelands behind, to being anew. “I’m sorry, Ansel. I didn’t mean to make you rehash sad memories over lunch. But… I’m happy that you came to Hollow… And you do have style!” This is said in jest, as she motions to his clinical garb, and offers him to partake in the fruit bowl or try a piece of banana nut bread. As she nibbles on a strawberry, she suddenly thinks of her sister. “Maybe one day you will meet my little sister, Talyara. She’s a lot of fun to be around. She’s had it tougher than I, in regards to our past. And she’s never had much luck in love… I think you would like her…And maybe have some things in common.” Her statement is rather open-ended, and vague, and she fails to mention her sister’s beauty or powerful use of magic. Taly was quite a catch. Who knows? Maybe Lana would set them up on a blind date one day!

Ansel gathers himself almost too quickly. He vaguely remembers sharing his past with her. “It’s okay, Lana, I don’t mind,” a lie, but he was good at it. The man takes a grape from the bowl of fruit and pops it in his mouth with a reassuring smile. “Why thanks, I do try to dress my best,” he now grins. As Lanara mentions her sister, he shrugs. “Maybe. Might be nice to finally meet the famous Talyara,” he smirks nonchalantly. Little did he know, he was going to meet her – basically the next day – or sometime during the week. However, a date was another story. “I’m glad we are doing this, Lanara. I’m glad we got to eat together, at least. Though, my lunch break is sadly almost over. Mr. Weddington needs his next round of medication,” he stands on that note. “Your lunch was so good. I’ll be full until tomorrow,” he did not eat much due to the heavy work load. “Please, visit more. The boys love it, I like it too. It’s good for the boys to have a woman role model since their mother has passed away. They adore you.” He smirks and gathers the napkin into a ball that was on his lap. “I’ll help you clean up before I head back inside,” he smiles gently.

Lanara shakes her head as he offers to clean up the remains of their lunch, the elf swatting the air, as though shooing him away. “Nonsense, Ansel. I will clean up, it’s not any trouble. Here! I made you some cookies, too. Chocolate chip. And there should be enough for you and the boys for a week or so….” She wasn’t lying either, as she hands him a large box, filled to the brim with homemade cookies. Rising from the bench, she hesitates, and then gives the lycan a quick hug. “I’m glad we were able to be civil, Ansel… I really hope we can put the past in the past and work on rebuilding our friendship. I really missed you and the boys.” The hug is over quickly, so as not to make either of them uncomfortable, and she busies herself with cleaning up, though as he nears the doors to the clinic, she lifts her head. “Oh! Can you meet me somewhere in… 3 days? That way I can bring you a few puppies to choose from, for the boys… I want them to have it by Yule.”

Ansel’s face turns stoic, but in a gentle way to make him seem easy-going. “Oh, Lanara…” he sighs, but he loses this battle and starts to get ready for his next battle. He puts on his doctor’s coat and stethoscope. The man widens his eyes at the box of cookies. “Woo, you’re going to make me a plump man. The boys will be thrilled,” he grins and as Lanara quickly hugs him he is now thrown off guard. He raises the box above her head and then his back relaxes. He rests a free hand on her back and he smiles. “I’m happy too, Lana. It was a mistake what happened. One of the biggest ones I’ve ever made. The boys missed you so much and were devastated.” Not to mention Shia never liked Josleen. As she lets go, Ansel lowers the box again. “Yeah, of course. That would be awesome, actually!” He then looks at the clinic. “Want to meet at the inn lobby? The boys will be in school at the time.” He waits for her answer before he moves backward. “Well, it sounds good. Now, I have an old man to deal with,” he smiles and waves the stethoscope in one hand. “I’ll see you soon, Lana. And thanks for the cookies!"