RP:Enthralled With Love Or Adventuring?

Summary: Lanara is walking her new puppy, Tanner, and bumps into none other than her little sister, Talyara. The pair decides to have lunch together at the local park, while watching the puppy play, and soon enough they are deep in discussion. Taly seems to think that Lana is losing her identity because she's so head over heels in love with the half-orc, Largakh. She also questions if it's just the 'newness' of the relationship that has Lana so into Larz, or if she truly is in love with the man. Lana tells Taly that she's just reached a stage in her life where she's focused on settling down with a man she loves, and focusing on her career, at the animal sanctuary. The two fall deeper into discussion, each holding onto their own point of view, until they finally reach an agreement. A parting wish is soon to be granted, as Lana finds herself agreeing to take a grand adventure to collect her thoughts and decide where her feelings lie, and if she's truly ready to lessen going off on frequent adventures from maturity, or if she's just feeling this way because of Larz. Can the witch truly be cured of her wanderlust? Is it really love that has turned her world upside down? Has she just reached a point in her life where she wants something more than adventuring? Only time will tell...

Lanara walks along the main strip of Kelay, a leash raveled around her right wrist, as she walks a short-haired golden puppy at her side. The puppy can’t be more than eight or nine weeks old, though he looks like he’s going to be rather large dog when he grows into those floppy ears and massive paws. His dark green eyes cross as a butterfly lands on the tip of his nose, and for a moment he stops short, nearly tripping the elf. “Tanner! Easy, boy! You can’t just stop short like that, short stack!” She giggles, as the puppy throws his head back and aims to chomp on the fluttering wings of the frantic butterfly, as it takes flight, “No, no! You be nice to the pretty butterfly, Tanner.” He looks up at his mistress, and gives her an apologetic woof, tiny flecks of amber seen in his eyes as the sun rests on their forms. Continuing on their way, Lana takes in the beauty of the area, the spring flowers are beginning to blossom and the trees are full of color. Today the elf wears black leggings, a navy v-neck tee shirt, black ankle boots, and her hair is secured with a silver headband. A leather backpack rests at the center of her back, and a the hilt of a dagger is visibly tucked into the belt around her waist. There isn’t a trace of makeup on her fair face, and she looks to be a little tired, likely from spending so many hours at the sanctuary. A cherry blossom tree to her left catches her gaze, and she inhales the sweet fragrance of the tree, before her inner left wrist begins to pulse. Instinctively, she turns her head to the right, and locks gazes with Talyara, who happens to be walking towards her, from the opposite direction. “Sister! What a pleasant surprise!” Pulling Taly in for a brief hug, she motions to the puppy, who greets her younger sibling with a multitude of licks and a wagging tail. “Taly, meet Tanner! Tanner, this is your Aunt Taly!” A pause, as she grins, her cheeks flushing, faintly. “Larz surprised me and adopted him for me, though I’m pretty sure he is ‘our’ dog now... I only worked a half day, today, so I’m teaching him how to properly walk on a leash. Would you like to join us? I have extra sandwiches in my backpack!”

Talyara was preoccupied with reading a book which she held in front of her face, nose close to the pages and causing her to trip once in awhile on the uneven terrain. It’s not until she feels the familiar tingling in her wrist does she cast that pretty, emerald gaze above the book to spy her older sister and her new puppy heading her way. “Hey!” She says with a grin, snapping the book shut and slipping it in her magical pouch as she closes the distance between then and accepts the hug. Talyara is dressed in her usual attire of leggings and a simple blouse, her worn leather ankle boots adorned on her feet. “Hi, Tanner,” she coos, the witch crouching down to give the puppy adequate pets and smooches on his snoot. When the woodland witch mentions that Larz “adopted” it for her Taly raises a brow. “So...he adopted a dog from your sanctuary even though you could have just taken it home?” The younger sister does her best to hide her slight frown at this news; something about it just didn’t sit right with the druidic witch and she wondered whether Lanara thought it was strange as well. “Yeah, of course I’ll join you guys. I’m not hungry though, I, uh, ate just before.” That was a big fat lie and one that Lanara would most likely see right through. “Where are we going?”

Lanara points to the west, motioning to the park that was nestled between Xalious and Kelay, as she knew there was a spacious picnic area where they could chat. As they meander along the way, she gives her sister a sidelong glance, grinning. “Yes, I could have adopted him all on my own… Except I’m staying with his grandparents, and they were adopting a puppy of their very own, and… Venin wasn’t exactly kind to me when she saw how smitten I had become with Tanner.” A sigh. “I was on the fence. Not sure if I should take him or just let another worthy adopter take him home. I put him on hold, so I could think for a few days, but… Larz convinced Venin! And he adopted him for me! For us, really. Tanner stays at Larz’s place in Gualon. He’s going to be enrolled in canine training soon, too.” She sees the slight frown on her sisters face, though she doesn’t comment until they arrive at the park and sit down at a picnic table. Lana sets up a magical perimeter of the land, a puppy playpen of sorts, and unhooks the leash from the collar so that Tanner may run free. A rubber ball is pulled from her backpack and she tosses it into the barrier, so that the pup can get some exercise during his playtime. She then hands Taly a turkey and cheese sandwich, with a baleful look, knowing that her little sister was trying to pull a fast one, again. Biting into her own sandwich, she looks into those mesmerizing green eyes, and clears her throat. “So, our double date went -fantastic- huh? Ya know, I actually felt kind of bad for Nick… I shouldn’t have slapped the poor guy. So… Did Zahrani take your leaving alright? And… What did you think of Larz and I, together?”

Talyara continues to frown as they walk towards the park that Taly knew well, the younger witch clasping her hands behind her back. “So if they were already adopting a puppy, what would it matter if you had one of your own? You could have taken Tanner with you to the sanctuary everyday so it’s not like they would have to care for two puppies.” Taly chews on the inside of her cheek as Lanara replays the scenario for her sister. “Only, Venin is your employee. You are her boss and thus have final say over everything. Why would he want to adopt a puppy after you told me the rabbit didn’t go over so well? Didn’t he take it straight to the orphanage?” Talyara didn’t mean to sound so skeptical and she didn’t believe the half-orc had intentional malintent when adopting Tanner, but it just didn’t sit right with her. The druidic witch takes a seat at the picnic table across from Lanara once they had reached the park, her nails drumming idly on the tabletop as she watches an unleashed Tanner go charging after the ball excitedly. “I mean...Rani understands, I guess. But I don’t think she’s too happy about it,” Talyara says with a small shrug, eager for a change of subject. Thankfully, the elder sister seems ready for that and turns the topic to her relationship with Larz. Taly shifts uncomfortably in her seat as she contemplates whether to offer blind support or honesty. She decides to go with the latter after considering the last debacle with hiding things from one another. Taly hefts a heavy sigh before fixing her gaze on her sister, her sandwich remaining untouched. “I actually wanted to talk to you about that. Lana,” she begins before fidgeting once more. “I think Larz is a great guy. I really like him. But...I’m worried for you…”

Lanara laughs at her sisters interrogation. “Yes, we went to the orphanage to show the children, and Bunilla Ice lives in his apartment… Though he’s very frightened of Larz. The whole orc blood thing. But I’m going to make a special stone for him so that animals can see past the taint in his blood.” She’s talking quite cheerfully about this whole thing, not entirely catching the gist in her sisters words. Did she not want her to have the puppy? “Larz had pure intentions, he was so happy to see me smile. And I have been visiting his place, literally every other day to check on Tanner, and restock supplies, and such. I think they are truly bonding!” Taking another bite of her sandwich, she glances at the puppy as he plays ‘soccer’ with the ball, by moving it with his paws, and then giving into a high speed chase. He was so adorable! After a few minutes, she listens to Taly talking about Zahrani, and she nods. “I didn’t really see a ton of chemistry between you two, if I’m being honest… I think she may feel more for you, romantically, than you do for her…” Sensing her sisters hesitation to talk about her relationship with Larz, she lowers her sandwich, her smile faltering, and her gaze downcast. “Worried about me…? Why? He’s been nothing but nice to me, Taly. He’s respectful, affectionate, caring, and… I love him. What is wrong? Spit it out.”

Talyara gives her head a small nod when Lanara mentions giving Larz a specialized stone that would help an animal’s anxiety when in his presence. Seeing as how much animals were a part of Lanara’s life (even before Taly gifted her the sanctuary) she knew that was an important factor for the elder witch. Taly holds up her hand defensively and gives her head a small shake, hoping her smile has a placating effect on her sister. “I don’t mean I’m worried for your safety. I have no doubt that he has been nothing but kind and respectful and the perfect gentleman to you.” Talyara heaves a heavy sigh and tucks her leg underneath her lithe frame, taking a few moments to organize her thoughts and think of how best to breach the subject with her sister. “Let me ask you a question, Lana. How many grand adventures have you gone on since you are Larz started dating?” She asks with a raised brow. The woodland witch didn’t need to verbally answer if she didn’t want to because Taly already suspected the answer. “I am worried that you are falling into the same trap that you did with Eirik. The beginning of every relationship is exciting and breathless and amazing, but I have to admit this all seems to be happening so fast.” Taly pauses here, swallowing hard, before continuing. “You told me one of the reasons you left Eirik was because he wanted to keep you in his home, to be his Queen. Well, Larz might not be as volatile as Eirik nor is he expecting you to lead, but I am concerned that you are losing a part of yourself, who you truly are.” Taly reaches across the table and gently moves for Lanara’s hand if she would let her. “I fell into the same thing with Emrith, I mean even now after we have been apart for so long, I am still a shell of my former self because of him. As I said, I like Larz a lot. I think he is safe option for you and someone you have real potential with. But...but I don’t want you to lose who you truly are for love. It doesn’t end well, trust me, I know firsthand.”

Lanara falls silent, allowing her sister to say her piece, and as soon as that question is posed towards her, she sighs, knowing she was incapable of lying. Taly continues, and Lana returns a gentle squeeze to her hand, although her chocolate hues remain glued to her half-eaten turkey sandwich. Her sister did have a valid point about Eirik’s hopes to domesticate her, and though Larz had never held her back from pursuing her dreams, he did have her at his grandparents home, and his on the weekends. They shared a puppy, volunteered at the orphanage, and he asked to come along on all of her many journeys. It wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, by any means, and she loved spending time with the half-orc she had fallen in love with, but what if her sister was right? They had only been official for two months and they had moved rather fast, but in her heart she wasn’t ready to slow anything down, by any means. Lana sighs, the gears in her head turning, as she begins to overthink every last detail, frustrated that this conversation was taking place. “With Eirik I felt trapped… And we split because he stopped caring for me, and he wanted things that I didn’t want with my life. Larz… Is more open minded and I feel free when I’m with him, Taly. But… I do notice a change in my behavior, as well… Maybe I’m maturing? Or maybe it’s just proof that Larz really is the one for me? I just… I understand your concerns. I don’t want to get hurt again, either, nor do I ever want to hurt Larz.” Lana sighs heavily, before lifting her gaze to meet her sisters soulful expression. “I’m sorry that Emrith hurt you… Larz is -not- that blood sucking creep, I can assure you…” She falls silent, unsure what to say next.

Talyara nips at her bottom lip before releasing Lanara’s hand, letting her own fall back into her lap. “I’m not saying Larz is like Emrith. I’m not even saying that he is going to hurt you.” The younger witch sighs, her shoulders sagging as she tries to figure out the best way to explain this without Lanara thinking she is trying to turn her off of the relationship (which she wasn’t). “It very well could be a sign that Larz is the one or that you are maturing or a combination of the two. But...you said similar things about Eirik when you two first got together. What if...what if this is just because things are new? What happens if the newness wears off and you no longer enjoy being a homebody? What if once he ties you down he grows comfortable? I mean, the other night during our double date, he didn’t even seem phased by the whole Nick thing! There was no sign of jealousy and I know you Lana...you want a guy who’s going to fight for you, who has that edge and jealousy streak. Have you two even fought yet? Even once?” Taly begins to wring her hands together in her lap once more. “Every part of your life is now centered around Larz. Your home. Your free time. Your adventures. Your whole life. Wouldn’t you be the tiny bit concerned if I suddenly stopped doing everything that made me, well me, for someone I had only been dating a few short months?” Taly looks up at her sister’s face, her expression adopting an apologetic look, her doe-like green eyes sad. “Look Lana, contrary to what you might be thinking, I am -not- trying to talk you out of this relationship. I just want to make sure it doesn’t become Larz-centric.”

Lanara lifts her sandwich up and takes another bite, before sipping at her milk, which has a strange bulge in the center of the cup. It was a raw potato. The woman could easily be drinking cow’s milk, or even goat milk, as she wasn’t the slightest bit overweight, though Lana believed that inserting a raw potato in her milk would somehow take out the extra calories. Why drink whole when it could be two percent? The bite she takes from her sandwich is almost angry, and she talks with her mouth half full as her sister finishes speaking, the bread sticking to her teeth. “We never fought. And… I know. It bothers me a little that he doesn’t have a jealousy streak. I think that jealousy is healthy, it shows that you have an interest in the person and have marked them as your territory. Maybe it’s because we’re still sort of new, or maybe he just knows I’m not the type to be unfaithful.” Swallowing, she finishes her sandwich, somewhat moping at her sisters words, though she meets her gaze, and sighs. “I do worry about when the newness wears off… Larz or I may want something different… We promised to always try and keep things fresh, but when you get into that comfortable lull of a relationship, I know how things turn out… Plus I’m his -first- serious relationship, so I think he’s just being cautious. I know he’s protective of me, and that if I were in danger he’d fight someone. And… I know… I am a little obsessed with this guy already.” Her cheeks flood with color, as she grins, and tucks an errant strand behind her tapered ear. “He makes me feel alive, Taly! We have a ton of fun together… Crashing weddings, planning dates, visiting each others workplace… He includes me in his poker nights with the guys, and I introduced him to Sugar and Spice. And every Sunday morning we have breakfast with his grandparents… We’ve already fallen into a schedule. It scared me with Eirik, even after we were engaged and I knew it was expected, though with Larz it feels natural… But… I understand your concerns, too. It all happened sort of fast, and my sanctuary just happens to be next door to the Rolafir’s… As much as I want to pull back, I also want things to go even faster. I’m -in- love with Larz. I know it… I don’t know if he feels the same. I think he does... But you’re right… It could also be the newness talking. I just… I don’t want to screw this up… I swore off love, I focused on my adventures and animals my whole life… And now I have a lover and my dream job, and… I’m losing some of my ingrained habits, yes. I just don’t know if that’s for right now, or if when the newness wears off… If I’ll return to my disappearing acts and voyages all over the realm.”

Talyara takes a peek inside of Lanara’s glass of milk and wrinkles her nose in disgust. Was that a raw potato in the liquid?! Taly has to hold back a gag and a shake of her head, making a mental note to ask Lanara about that after the seriousness of their conversation comes to an end. She riffles through Lanara’s bag and finds a canteen of water, helping herself to it and taking a long gulp. The younger witch falls silent, allowing Lana to have the floor and she pretty much just ends up confirming everything that Taly had just said. “So basically you’ve fallen into a routine where your whole life revolves around him and his family,” she says gently, giving Lanara a significant look. Talyara falls quiet once more, allowing Lana to continue her reasonings before the druidic witch looks at her sister with an amused expression. “But dear sister, you don’t have to choose one over the other. You can have love while still having your grand adventures and taking care of your animals. In a strong, -healthy- relationship there is a balance. You still need to do things on your own. You still need to have your own friends and your own adventures. The same goes for Larz. He needs his own time independent of you as well. If you constantly spend all of your time together you are going to begin to resent one another.” Taly nips at her bottom lip and her mind begins to reel with thoughts. “Can you do me one favor, Lanara? Go on one more grand adventure, on your own, and without Larz. If you want, I’ll even postpone my leaving the lands so I can look after the sanctuary for you while you’re gone. It’ll give you two a chance to miss one another, a chance to see if your lack of adventures is because of your maturing or your desire to please Larz.”

Lanara takes another sip of her disgusting milk, the woman nearly gagging as she swallows, as though the milk had curdled and left a sour taste in her mouth. The lengths she went through to keep a dancer’s body! Rising to her feet she removes a small bowl from her bag and fills it with some spring water, which she then sets into the magical puppy pen, and Tanner happily scampers over, greedily lapping at the water. Did his tail ever cease to wag?! Lana chuckles, the moment of reprieve from the rather heated conversation helps to rejuvenate her as the puppy looks up and yips, wanting a refill. She obliges, and refills his bowl with water, while sneaking him a piece of crust from the bread of her sandwich, and after he happily gobbles up the treat he gives chase to his rubber ball and forgets all about the two witches. Lana sighs, returning to the table and fixing her sister with a small smile. What if Larz was no longer hers when she returned? What if he took offense to her leaving Sage to go and ‘find’ herself and see if it truly was love or just the newness? What if she found that she could never truly be one to settle down in one place for too long? Their entire love story was at risk here, and she knows that her sibling’s best interests are at heart, but the mere thought of vanishing for a week is causing her heart to rapidly thump against her chest. After a few agonizing minutes of silence, she gives an almost imperceptible nod, “Alright Taly. I’ll take a grand adventure and try to clear my head and see who and what I want with my life, if it will put your mind at ease.” A pause. “Your parting wish is an ultimatum, of sorts… But, I understand that you are looking out for me, and I really want your blessing on this… Should you be gone for too long a time and Larz and I happen to move in together or get engaged or something, much farther down the road, of course… If this will put your soul at ease, then… Alright. I will leave in two days, that should be enough time to tell him that I’m taking a solo vacation, handle any business at the shelter, and pack some belongings. I think I will head to Frostmaw… I haven’t spent time there in ages. And are you sure you don’t mind looking after Venin for a few days? Maybe you could check in on Larz, as well… Grill him about -his- feelings.” She laughs, and shakes her head, reaching out to take Taly’s hand. “I’m going to miss you, Sister.”

Talyara doesn’t push Lanara to answer. In fact, she’s willing to give her sister as much space as she needs to roll over the suggestion in her mind. Taly watches as Lana goes to place a bowl of water down for Tanner, and then another before he scampers off after the ball once more. The druidic witch cannot help but chuckle at Lanara’s comment about this request being more of an ultimatum. “Oh Lana, you can tell me to go jump off a cliff and you’re not going to do it. I won’t love or support you any less because of it. But, I admit, that your willingness to go would put my mind at ease while I’m away. And I think maybe deep down it might put your own mind at ease as well. Having concerns or anxieties about a relationship is completely normal. Nothing is going to be happy and perfect all the time, if it were, that would be more disconcerting. But, it’s in those moments of vulnerability, that we grow ever closer to our partner and develop an even deeper bond. You deserve that Lana, something deep and meaningful. And as I’ve expressed more than once, I do hope that it’s Larz--I think you compliment each other well.” Talyara gives her sister an encouraging smile and nods her head. “Of course I can handle Venin and the shelter. I was doing it for months already, silly,” she adds with a small chuckle. “And if you wish me to grill Largakh, I’m perfectly able to do that for you as well.” As Lana reaches to take her hand, Taly takes it and gives it a reassuring squeeze. “Not as much as I’m going to miss you.”

Lanara is giddy again, and gushing like a schoolgirl, as she leans in, “Do you think he loves me? I mean… Not just love-love, but like… -IN- love? And maybe you will meet a handsome man when you’re away! Maybe you’ll bring him back and I can grill him and send you off on grand adventures, too!” She giggles, her cheeks flooding with color as she’s already mentally planning their double wedding. When weren’t the witches plotting something?! Lana then turns the topic to the sanctuary, her brows furrowing, “That Venin is going to be the death of me! I think we spend more time bickering than we do working with the animals. And she taught one of the parrots how to curse! He calls me foul things every time I walk past his perch! Though… I must say, she is very efficient. I hired a vet, a custodian, and a few others to help around the place, though as it grows I will need to add to the staff. And we have a few exotics now, you should stop by and meet them! There’s a snow leopard, a lion and her cub, a winter wolf, and early this morning someone dropped off three baby bats, they are so cute! The nursery is also open now. I’m thinking in a few weeks we’ll have an ‘open house’ sort of celebration, so those in the area can come and meet the animals and spread the word about the place. Draw in some business. What do you think?”

Talyara cannot help but feel her expression soften as Lanara turns to her, almost giddy, asking her questions about her thoughts on Larz and his feelings. “Yes, Lana I think he loves you...that he’s -in- love with you. Honestly, he’d be an idiot not to, but I can see in the way he looks at you, and I think he does.” When Lanara starts babbling about Taly meeting a handsome man while she’s away, the witch cannot help but chuckle and shake her head. “Well the point of going away is to find and love myself, not find another.” Still, she knows what her sister is already planning inside her head and gives her head a firm shake. “We could never have a double wedding because we would want two completely different things.” Taly tents her elbow on the table and rests her cheek in the palm of her hand. “I mean, Venin was always no nonsense but her and I got along alright. Then again, it was just the two of us and I wasn’t nearly as obnoxious as you are,” Taly teases her older sister and sticks out her tongue playfully. “She might be hard to get along with but you need someone strict there who will keep everything in line. Try your best to keep her, eh?” Taly’s eyes widen slightly as Lanara explains all the people she’s hired and animals she’s taken in since being gifted the sanctuary. “Wow, you’re doing amazing Lana! Maybe when I return I can help you out. Even if you don’t have a job for me I can always volunteer.” When the woodland witch talks about the open house, Taly nods emphatically. “Yes, that’s perfect! Maybe offer vouchers for half off of the adoption fee or a free vet check after the adoption for anyone who attends. Also have refreshments! Maybe milk and cookies? You can always make mother’s chocolate chip cookie recipe with the homemade strawberry sauce. I know how much you loves those. And speaking of milk…” Taly points to Lanara’s cup and tilts her head to the side. “What the bloody hell do you have in that cup? And why?”

Lanara squeals and bounces up and down on the bench at Taly’s assessment of Larz being in love with her, the elder sister looking very much like a hopeless teenager in love. “I know you are going to find yourself and to heal and all that… But I mean -after- all of that happens! Maybe on your journey back to the lands? Or you’ll go on a grand adventure and meet a mysterious man, tall, dark, and handsome! And what do you mean we want different things?” Lana has that Alabama look in her dark eyes as she leans in, “So you don’t want pink poodles, glimmering tiara’s, and heart-shaped crumpets at our wedding?!” She’s jesting, obviously, as there wouldn’t be any crumpets, though the poodles and tiaras were a distinct possibility! “I’m kidding… Well, I’m -half- kidding. But it wouldn’t be all that surprising! I mean we do literally everything together!” As the talk moves to the sanctuary, she enthusiastically bobs her head up and down, in complete agreement and loving all of her sisters wonderful ideas. “Oh yeah, we can’t forget the strawberry sauce and the cookies. My favorite!” Mentally she’s writing all of this down, and she stands up to collect Tanner, who is now violently shaking a squirrel by the tail from side to side. “Not grandpa. Good.” She mutters, as she plucks him from the ground and dispels the magical pen, while retreating to the table and holding the puppy in her arms. He rests his massive paws on the table and looks up at Taly with those expressive eyes, seeing that her sandwich remains untouched. He would happily eat it, and he gives her those sad eyes, as he whines, as though he hadn’t snuck and eaten triple his usual breakfast, this morning. “Taly you would -always- have a place at the sanctuary, you built the place and you’re my sister! Perhaps you could be an adoption counselor? You know… Interview the adopters, go through the paperwork, introduce them to a possible match, and check up on the animal in a few weeks to make sure things are running smoothly? I think you would excel at that position! Or… You are very skilled with healing, perhaps you’d make a good assistant to one of the veterinarians? You could prepare the animal before surgery, and suture them and manage pain at the end… Something along those lines? I would love it if you’d work with me, and hopefully funding will be better by that time, and I could give you a nice salary. So see? You already have something promising to return home to, when you’re ready!” Lana rocks the puppy in her arms as she talks, as a mother would to her newborn, and Tanner is loving it, as his eyes are half closed and the tip of his tongue is sticking out. A late breakfast, followed by fun at the park, and cuddles? The little guy was ready for nap time, as was his mistress, who stifles a yawn of her own. “I should probably be heading back… I have to take Delilah for a walk… She’s a winter wolf with a mending paw. I better get to it before dark, so she doesn’t worsen the injury.” Slowly, Lana cleans up their garbage, and repacks her luggage with one arm, mumbling about how ‘potatoes are good for maintaining a girlish figure’ in a hushed tone, so as not to wake the furry prince.

Talyara cannot help but laugh at Lanara’s excitement at her assessment of Larz and his feelings towards the beautiful witch. It was endearing, truly, and Taly tried to remember the last time she was so consumed with love that she acted similarly, but it was so long lost on the petite witch that she couldn’t grasp the memory. She was happy for his sister and would be even happier when she returned from Frostmaw feeling the same way. “No, I don’t want anything pink or sparkly at my wedding and -definitely- no poodles. But speaking of crumpets, do you remember when you hid them in our room when we were little and my father took them as a joke, but you thought he was serious so you beat him with the empty box?” When the woodland witch begins to explain the different positions that Taly could take at the sanctuary upon her return to Lithrydel, her emerald hued eyes alight with excitement. “Honestly, either of those jobs sound perfect and I would be happy to do one or the other or both!” She adds with an exuberant giggle. The druidic witch watches Lana as she goes to gather Tanner, bringing over the handsome puppy who stares at the uneaten sandwich and Taly alike. Who could resist those adorable puppy eyes?! Taly begins to break off pieces of the sandwich and hand feeds Tanner who takes the food like a little gentleman; Lanara must have been training him really well. Eventually he begins to nod off and Lana tries to hide her own yawn. Taly nods her head, swinging her leg over the side of the bench and pushing herself to a stand before stretching her arms above her head. “I’ll walk with you guys? I’m staying in that small one room cottage right behind the sanctuary for now. And I know Larz’s grandparents aren’t far.” Talyara would offer to either carry the backpack or walk Tanner as the pair headed back towards Sage. She hadn’t even left yet, but Taly was already looking forward to coming back to the lands and spending more time with her sister.