RP:Kismet

Summary: Alvina returns to the lands after an absence of a year and finds her feed leading her to Happy Tails, the animal sanctuary that was founded by her dear friend, Lanara. The women share a heartfelt reunion and decide to catch up on what they’ve been up to since they last spoke. Alvina has been in hiding due to the unfolding of some events in Cenril, the kids are well and growing up, and she’s currently separated from Hudson. Lanara, on the other hand, has recently gotten married and lycanthropy flows through her veins. Perhaps, in time, they will have another cup of tea and speak of some of the more difficult things that happened during the past year.

Part of the New Moon, New Motion Arc

(Post 1 of 2) Alvina hadn't been back in Hollow for too long before she found herself wandering through the Kelay and the Sage. Her old house, sold long ago, had been repainted by the new owners. A garish robin egg blue. It had been her teacher's house before hers. Cerinii. The bard looked not a day older than the last time she'd been here. Been at this house, been in Kelay, but the old curse her father'd given her was long behind her and the (newer) curse of Lycanthropy now hummed in her blood. She'd learned to control and work in peace with her wolf. The violent urges subsiding into controllable desires, lacking impulsivity. She'd bitten only Meri. Only lost control with consequences once. Here, in these woods, is where it happened. The guilt still dripping out of her cloak hem as she turned off the path from the old house and started, idly, towards Larket. Alvina thought of all things old and new. She thought of her children. She thought of her real arm where once a prosthetic had been. She thought of the fights she'd won and the fights she'd lost. The hurt she'd caused and endured in return. Regrets. Triumphs. Time...passed by behind her emerald eyes until at long last her feet stopped in their autopilot and brought her here. Her old navy clothes, her old autumnal curls and her old green eyes standing in the dark.

(Post 2 of 2) Lanara's animal sanctuary. The witch's memory brought with it a mix of those feelings as well. Finding out Lana's fiancé abandoned her, taking those dance lessons, and finding in Lanara and her sister friends she didn't know she needed. Becoming Mrs. Landon meant a lot of things, in terms of appearances and how people treated you, but the witchy sisters never treated her any differently. They weren't like her socialite friends who cooed and laughed too loudly to try and win favor. High society was overrated. When last Alvina saw her, Lanara was living in Cenril by the beach. So of course it comes as a surprise to smell, not only Lanara, but the mingled scent of a werewolf as well. The muscles in the back of Alvina's neck tensed, eyes scanning the fence line for sight of trouble but all was still. Peaceful and fine. Everything was fine...wasn't it?

(Post 1 of 2) Lanara had been back in Hollow for a little over a year, after taking a long trip to a faraway land, to reconnect with her daughter and help rebuild her homeland. The journey proved to be disastrous as vampires wreaked havoc on Kelvar, Natianara turned out to be possessed by some sort of evil that couldn’t be tamed, and a death curse had fallen upon Lanara. She came back to say her goodbyes to loved ones, and during that time, she had fallen deeply in love with Tiberius Lowell. The witch and the lycan had dated off and on for a few years, so it came as a shock to both of them, when they realized they were ready to take their relationship to the next level. Lanara Banks had been bitten beneath the full moon and her body had been purged of the plague as lycanthropy swam through her veins. Despite all the changes that she physically went through, there had been quite a bit of emotional differences as well. She had lost two close friends for unknown reasons, the Amber Lunation wolfpack had been formed, the apartment in Cenril had been vacated as she moved into a home in Sage, new enemies and unforgettable friendships were forged, and she had resumed her role in Schezerade as a Professor of Dance. The one thing that had remained constant throughout the span of a few years had been her love for animals, and the sanctuary still stands in the heart of the forest, welcoming those that share the same type of love.

(Post 2 of 2) Lanara stands at the rear of the sanctuary, clad in a pair of tan leggings, a hunter green sweater, and a pair of ankle boots that have seen better days. Long, dark chestnut locks fall to the woman's elbows in loose waves, blowing gently from the breeze. There’s no need to dress to impress when working with animals, especially livestock, as she is working with an unbelievably shy colt at the moment. The fenceline where Alvina stands offers a view of a well manicured grassy field, with the stables to the left, and a peek into a storeroom at the rear of the sanctuary. Lanara is speaking softly in Sylvan, urging the gray colt to come a little closer, as she holds a palm full of sugar cubes. The colt is only about two or three weeks old and he limps terribly, favoring the right side as he has an obvious injury to his left rear leg. Fresh bandages are wrapped around his fetlock, but he seems determined to get to those promised treats, so he shakily trudges forward until his muzzle meets Lanara’s palm. The witch slowly uses her other hand to stroke the colt, not wanting to spook him with any sudden movements, but she suddenly pauses and glances around the area. She’s still getting used to her enhanced senses, but a familiar scent that she cannot place alerts her to the fact that she’s not alone. Another wolf is in the area, and so she protectively stands closer to the colt, as she surveys each inch of the fence to see who or what is paying her a visit.

Alvina listens, hearing the witch’s whispered encouragement to the colt, and feels her heart hitch behind her rib cage. Slow but sure, her boots cut around the fenced area towards the back of the building. Though blood pounds in her ears and the hairs on the back of her neck stand at attention, the bard doesn’t think it’s fear. Nerves, sure, but fear? When Lana’s in view, Alvina stops, waiting. Listening. All she can hear is Lana and the colt. At least, that’s all that has her attention. In an effort to stop standing creepily near people in awkward attempts to say hello, Alvina lifts an arm to wave a slow greeting through the dark. “Alvina.” She announces herself. Her own name feeling tart on her tongue. Then, as if doubting herself, she adds “Lana?” in the quietest whisper. As if speaking the words too loudly would shatter the reality where they stood across from each other, where they existed in the same place and time. The Crystal Skull, upon its arrival, served as that constant reminder of Lanara’s departure before the Landon's fled Cenril.

Lanara squints as she sees the form of a woman step into her line of vision, but as soon as she speaks that familiar name, her posture shifts from one of intimidation to one of relaxation. The rigidness leaves her facial expression as she casually lifts her own hand to return the wave, “Oh my gosh! It’s been -forever- and it’s so great to see you! Just give me one second!” The witch guides the injured colt back into the safety of his stall and latches the gate so that he cannot escape and further harm himself. A few moments later, she walks over to the gate that separates the women and unlocks it, so that Alvina can step into the compound. It’s wonderful to see her old friend, as it has been well over a year since they’ve last set eyes upon each other, and Lana quickly coils Alvina up in a tight hug, “I’ve missed you! How have you been? When did you return? I came back about… Fourteen months ago? I stopped by your home but no one answered the door… How are Huds and the children?” The inquiries flow from her mouth in an excited flurry as though she’s trying to convey her thoughts in record time. Lana catches herself and giggles, “I’m sorry. It’s just so great to see your beautiful face again!” Chocolate eyes take in Alvina’s appearance, as she’s now under close scrutiny, and Lana looks for any hints of what could have transpired in the time that they’d been apart. “Want to come inside for a cup of tea? My office is fairly isolated so we won’t be interrupted.”

Alvina waits with an uneasy smile. The unease twitched in her fingertips but she waited as Lana asked. The opened gate and the embrace felt like a shattering of time. It had not been years or months or even weeks since they’d last seen each other. The bard’s arm wrap the witch up warmly as she filled the gaps in with questions. “I’ve missed you too.” She starts, light and friendly. “I’ve been good. Better. Well, I've been better but also good. I’m good.” She settles, stumbling over herself. “I just got back, hell of a trip.” In truth, Alvina doesn’t know -where- Hudson took them to hide out. It was removed from what they’d been used to in Cenril but they’d found ways to make due. “We must have just missed each other…” Alvina sighs regretfully. “I’m so sorry we weren’t there -” She tries to weave her answers between the lattice-work of Lanara’s words. “The kids are good, growing like weeds. I swear I don’t know what I’m going to do with them.” Four kids! “Hudson’s good too.” She guessed. The only constant to their communication was the money he made sure was in their account. If it was there, he must be fine. “But what about you?” Lana catches herself and laughs, earning an endearing smile from Alvina. “Your effortless beauty is a sight for sore eyes.” She chirped back to Lana’s compliment. “I’d love to. I’ll need the tea for my own rapid fire question round.” Lanara would find no visible markers of anything new or different on Alvina’s face, body or clothes. She looked very much the same, if not a little tired. Hugging Lana made the wolf smell stronger…but the bard would wait until they could get situated inside before she mentioned it. Or maybe Lanara would mention it before she could.

Lanara senses the discomfort in Alvina’s posture and hesitant smile, and she wonders if something is amiss with Hudson, or perhaps the rose quartz skull? The stammering of an answer when asked how she’s doing has the witch raising a brow, but she hopes that with some tea her friend will open up a bit. Asha, the moniker of her inner wolf, senses that another wolf is in close proximity that isn’t a packmate, but she dismisses the woman as a threat. If her ‘host’ accepts Alvina, then she will accept her as well, even though she smells foreign. Lana leads Alvina into the sanctuary where they pass by a few dogs and cats, and the occasional exotic animal, but her words rang true when she said her office is set apart as no one seems to be around the area, whereas the rest of the facility is bustling with workers and potential adopters. Upon opening the door, they are greeted with the unmistakable fragrance of lavender and Lana motions for Alvina to take a seat in one of the sturdy leather chairs, as she prepares to make them some tea. “I only have black tea, but I can put some honey and lemon in it, if you like?” She waits for an answer, before she places a steaming mug down on the table that rests between them, along with a cookie jar. “My sister made these and they are incredible! It’s an old recipe that my mother passed down to us… Chocolate chip cookies with raspberry dipping sauce! You must try them!” The mug is raised and a slight sip is taken, before she decides it’s too hot, and she rests it on the coaster on the table. “So… In answer to your earlier question, I am doing well! The Sanctuary is running smoothly, I’ve returned to teaching in Schezerade, and Taly is engaged! Krice finally popped the question! I’m so happy for them…” There’s a pause as she clears her throat and flashes a large chocolate diamond upon her ring finger, adjacent to a rose gold wedding band, “And… I’m married! But, we haven’t gone public about it yet, so don’t tell anyone! We’re actually leaving for our honeymoon in a couple of days, a trip around the realm, we’re very excited.” A sip of the tea is taken, as she continues, “His name is Tiber, he’s from Catal, and we’ve recently moved to Southern Sage Forest. We decided to elope to avoid drama, and because we didn’t want to wait and plan a big wedding.” Lana shakes her head, “Enough about my love life! I swear, I will chew your ear off when I talk about that boy! So! What’s been going on with you!? How was your trip? What ever became of the Skull?”

(Post 1 of 2) Little Miss, Alvina’s wolf self, was likewise calm and accepting but Alvina hadn’t -quite- gotten to the point where she figured out Lana was the wolf she was sensing. The human brain would catch up but for now, her unease about another wolf fades as Lana moves them inside, where it was no doubt very safe from wolf threats. They pass through the facility and the bard notes animals and staff alike. It’s calming to be amid the chaos, to give her a moment to catch her breath. In the office, Alvina gives Lana a grateful smile before taking a seat. “Honey, if you don’t mind.” She answers. The sudden quiet of the office makes her voice sound too loud. “Raspberry dipping sauce?” The red head looks as if the idea has never occurred to her, to dip cookies in a sauce. But she takes one, thinking immediately about Lanara’s sister, and while considering the logistics of cookie dipping, Alvina asks “How is she?” Alvina’s tea stays on the tray for now. “Oh my gods,” she starts, with how good the cookies are. Her face remains in a bewildered delight as Lanara goes on but at ‘I’m married!’ Alvina stands straight up, waving her hands at Lanara’s ring demanding to see it. “I’m telling literally everyone.” She jokes, pulling Lana into another hug. “Oh my gods, I’m so happy, I’m -so- happy. Lana!” Alvina takes the witch’s face in her hands and kisses her forehead, ignoring the tea she’s trying to sip. Taly and Krice and Lana and Tiber. Gods, it just made something maternal melt inside of her to think of it. Finally, they’d all get their happy endings. And gods help Tiber if he broke Lanara’s heart. GODS HELP HIM! The flicker between elation and boundless defensiveness of her friend (no doubt attributed to wolf things) flutters back and forth until a moment passes and the bard regains equilibrium. She moves away to take her seat again, dabbing at her eyes. She’s started crying. “If he hurts you, I swear I’ll -” But then Lana looks so happy, how could Tiber ever hurt her? “You’ll have to tell me everything.” Alvina demands, making sure Lana knows she’ll have to dish the ‘tea’ when she gets back from her honeymoon.

(Post 2 of 2) Lana’s questions about Alvina are a little sobering and the Engineer waves them off as unimportant. “We’ve been…hiding out.” She snorts an exhale through her nose. Not indignant but…mostly trying not to remember how she’d snapped a little girl’s neck with her own two human hands. How Candice Snow’d screamed when Hudson’s men put her in a wooden box to bury her alive. It had been easy to forget in Elsewhere, where they had been, whatever it was called. But being here, home, with people she loved. She felt the guilt of not deserving to share Lanara’s happiness. Alvina didn’t deserve her own happiness. Candice’s daughter will never get married or have children or honeymoons. She’ll…have died in Alvina’s lap, fixed in time with her glass doll eyes. An itch to run manifests itself in her chest. A tight knot of anxiety. Maybe one day she could tell Lanara, maybe but…no. No. No one needed to know. What would everyone think of her if they knew? “There was a whole dust-up in Cenril with the mayor and the press and it was just…easier to get away for a while.” The question of the Crystal Skull makes Alvina pauses. It was one of the things she didn’t get to grab before they left. Everything in the old house was locked down or moved to secured storage. “It’s packed away, the Skull, I’m afraid I haven’t been able to do any good with it. I’m sorry.” Alvina laughs through her apology. “BUT, next time I come by, I’ll bring it with me. It should be with it’s owner.” It’s so -easy- to pretend things are fine. She’d become a professional at covering up blemishes in her life, in her marriage, in her family, in herself. It was so -easy-. “Hudson is somewhere in Cenril I think.” She says, at long last, chewing on her bottom lip and looking away to the study wall. “He sends money for things, but we’re…” She clears her throat, forcing a glass smile. “He’s never wanted to give up that business. I thought having a family would change his mind, make him more domesticated, make him settle down. Even becoming a wolf but it…it was only a distraction.” A note of bitterness snuck in as she whispers, more to herself than Lana. “He was never going to change.” And no matter how many times Alvina said it, she always knew it was true. There was nothing more she could have done. “But,” Mrs. Landon pipes up, “he’s doing what he wants. That’s all people know how to do. That’s what I’m going to do too.” Alvina’s smile re-solidifies, the flawless grace of a socialite slipping back into the room unnoticed. Two, flesh and blood hands reach out for the mug Lana’d offered her and hold the heat close in her palms. “When I get the kids back and settled, they’d love to visit the sanctuary. Luna and Harper -need- something to do, they are driving me crazy. Do you need volunteers? Teenagers, I swear.”

(Post 1 of 2) Lanara squeals as Alvina takes her hand and admires the ring, before they both give each other hugs and kisses and giggle in girlish delight. “Thank you! I honestly had given up all hope of ever finding love again, but Tiber is just the -best- and I’m so smitten!” The ring is a two carat, princess cut, chocolate diamond, with diamond baguettes on the side. It rests on a thin rose gold band that has dainty leaf filigree, as a nod to her eternally autumn homeland of Kelvar. Obviously, the witch had married someone that is rather wealthy, from the looks of the ring. Not that money ever mattered to Lanara, as she’s always been fairly down to earth. For a few moments they focus on nibbling on cookies and drinking their tea, and Lana can sense that the topic is about to shift, especially as tears well up in Alvina’s beautiful eyes. “Oh Honey! Everything will be okay! Tiber knows better than to doublecross a witch… Or her close bard friend, for that matter!” She’s certain that the woman is happy for her marriage, and that she’s being protective, but Lana also senses sadness. It’s either her animal empathy working in overload since Alvina is a wolf, or it’s due to the fact that witches have superior intuition. A hand extends as she falls silent to listen to Alvina’s tale of what had transpired in the past year, and she looks on with concern in her dark gaze, offering a gentle squeeze to reassure her it’s alright to keep talking.

(Post 2 of 2) There isn’t a hint of judgment in Lana’s expression throughout Alvina’s speech, and she tries to maintain a poker face on the other matters, because right now it was her friendship that was needed. Choosing to address the easier topics first, she glances away and motions around her office, “We can always use volunteers! The Landon teens will fit in nicely here, I’m sure! I can probably come up with something for your youngest, too. Plus, that means I will probably get to see more of you!” She has no idea that Alvina has a fourth child, as she had left the lands just before the redhead had learned of her pregnancy. “And as for the skull…? You can keep it if you want, but I understand if you feel compelled to lessen yourself of that burden.” The rose quartz crystal skull had been both a blessing and a curse ever since it had been unearthed in Enchantment, as it had brought Valrae back to life, but the draw of using its hidden power came with a cost. Taking another sip of tea, the witch seems uncomfortable, and so she chooses her words carefully, “I’ve always been fond of you -and- of Hudson, truthfully, so I won’t say anything against either of you… But, I also didn’t know about Huds’ dark career path until I ran into some trouble in Cenril, as he hides it so well. People never change, even though they promise that they will strive to do better, time and time again.” She shakes her head, as she’s known quite a few people that had broken vows, “Your marriage was beautiful, from the outside, but I do sympathize with you not wanting to be around that sort of criminal activity.” Shoulders lift in a shrug, “Tiber is involved in a line of work that most would frown upon, similar to but not in as deep as Hudson, and at first I wanted him to change… Instead of altering his personality and career, we compromised! As long as no children, women, or animals are hurt, I can turn a blind eye to most things that happen. The coin is great, Tiber makes sure nothing occurs near where we live, and we both are content. No one is squeaky clean, and I’m not exactly a saint, either!” There’s a pregnant pause, as she gives Alvina’s hand another squeeze, “You are so pure of heart, you don’t have an ounce of grayness in your bones, and that is something to be proud of! Plus, you have children and want to raise them in your likeness! So, if divorcing Hudson is truly what you think is best, then I support your decision and admire you for putting yourself and your family first! But, if you are having any doubts or ever need advice or just to vent, I’m -always- here for you.” Rising from her chair, the witch pulls Alvina in for a much needed hug, gently rubbing the woman’s back. She instinctively inhales the scent of the other lycan and commits it to memory, wondering if Alvina’s senses are in overdrive and gathering hers, as well. “Do you need a place to stay? Tiber and I are going to be gone for a month, and we have three guest rooms. You are welcome to use it, until you find a place!”

(Post 1 of 2) Alvina cherishes Lanara’s candor. There was no need to messy or tear down her husband. They both wanted to be different people and they just…couldn’t. Or maybe it was just Alvina who wanted them to be different. She hums in agreement when Lana says her compromise with Tiber was no women, animals or children. She leans her pale face into her upturned palm, elbow braced on the chair arm. “Way back when,” she says wistfully, “When I found out he was helping…a rather unsavory cause, I demanded he open a rehab center for those afflicted.” It was, rather obviously, drug related. “We’ve fought about his job more times than I can count. I wasn’t a perfect wife by a long shot myself.” But it looked like it, or so Lanara reassures her it had. That pulls a genuine smile out of Alvina. At least it looked perfect from the outside, for a long while. The bard has no idea why that matters at this moment but it does. “I am sorry you had to find out about his…situation. He’s not all bad, he was a great father and I think he really did love me.” Or thought he did, for a time. She knew, if nothing else, he loved his children but it was easier this way. A clean break, and it kept them safer. Maybe it kept Alvina safer too. Lana says she’s no saint and Alvina squashes her eyebrows together suspiciously. “Says the woman inside her animal sanctuary.” Alvina wonders if Lana’d ever held a child in her hands while it died, because she’d killed it without real reason. Then she wonders what Lana would say if she knew Alvina had. No women, children or animals. She’d also cheated on her husband, turned a blind eye to countless murders and affairs (real or imagined), ruined (or so she thought) Meri’s life forever by making her a wolf against her will. Alvina’s hands were stained…and she had a very long life ahead to carry that guilt. She meets the witch’s evaluation with a forced smile. “I’m not.” She promises but again it’s heartening to know others think of her that way. That she could still strive to be that kind of person, no matter what she’d done in the past. Alvina cares way too much about how she’s perceived.

(Post 2 of 2) Divorce sounded bitter. Alvina’s bitter, sure, no one likes being shown they’re not invaluable. But divorce? It was too much publicity, too much visibility. “Maybe down the line but I think our arrangement is okay for now.” She laughs nervously, hoping Lanara will understand her decision. If Lana is hesitant about the gray area that’s become Alvina’s marriage, she doesn’t show it. The witch pulls her into another hug and Alvina feels her heart catch in her throat. It’s the first time she can tell that Lana is also a wolf but that hardly mattered right now. One day Lanara would have to tell her the story of how that came to be, but for now it felt like all they had was time. When they part again, Alvina nods carefully. “I’m grateful for the offer but a big space like this will feel empty without the kids. It’ll be just a little while before I can set up all back up here but I’ll bring them around when I can. Luna and Harper are so big. Bryce is almost as tall as me somehow and Meadow…Well Meadow doesn’t stay in wolf form all the time.” A true accomplishment. For lodging, embarrassingly, Alvina’d be sleeping in her office in Frostmaw Towers between getting things in order and re-establishing herself. It was small, quiet, and safe. She could afford a nice hotel but…extravagance was a creature comfort she’d developed. It would do, for now. “I’m trying to get my office in Frostmaw back up and running. I haven’t created anything in so long, my hands might have forgotten how!” She can’t live off Hudson’s funding alone. Not true, she could, he made and sent ridiculous amounts of money but it got all tangled up in her pride. Instead of dwelling on the state of affairs in her life, Alvina turns the mood around with a story about her own honeymoon. “So, I didn’t know this, but there was a nude beach near the resort and giiiirl. The things that people did there, was just, I can’t even begin to warn you. So wherever you go on your honeymoon be prepared. Not that you need to be but I was -not- warned and I was -not- prepared. And Hudson, gods, he’s standing next to me like…”What do you want to drink?” and I’m sure he’s legally blind to not be commenting on this!”

Lanara laughs as Alvina mocks her innocence by referring to the animal sanctuary, “Let’s just say that I’ve earned any karma I may have been dealt…” She glances at the wall for a moment, because some of things she’s done in her past would likely end their friendship, if Alvina had known. Lana had robbed a bank, hexed a few people, killed a couple of men in self-defense, took many pranks too far, is an active member in a guild of rogues, had an unsuccessful abortion, fell in love with a notorious witch killer, amongh other unsavory deeds! Let’s not forget the trial of Lanara Banks versus The Realm where she had misused her magic and allowed an evil spirit to enter her body which slaughtered sleeping children at the orphanage and set a barn full of animals on fire! “I think we are very much alike… Genuine sweethearts to those that we know and love!” And to those that cross them? The moments where their dark side shows? The conversation continues to flow around Alvina’s marriage and children and Lana nods her head, “I completely understand not wanting to be by yourself in a strange house. Just know that the offer is there and my door is always open!” The address is scribbled onto a piece of paper, along with the hours that the sanctuary is open for when the kids want to volunteer. “Kids grow up so quickly! Especially those with lycanthropy!” She speaks openly about the fact that her friend is a wolf, but so far she hasn’t broached the topic about her own delve into wolfhood. Instead, she offers, “Tiber is a lycan, too, you know? I totally have a type, I know! I’ve always been attracted to wolf boys, with blonde hair, and a bad boy attitude!” She laughs heartily and that laughter intensifies when Alvina discusses the mishap on her honeymoon, “I will -not- be going to any nude beaches! I would have been bright red from embarrassment! What did you guys do? Did you leave or join in on the fun?!” Lana stands up to refill their mugs with tea, “Next time we meet up we will chat over a glass of wine, as I’m sure I will need some liquid courage to give details on my honeymoon!”

(Post 1 of 2) Kismet was always a funny thing. Alvina'd seen enough things in her life to believe it had to have some kind of plan or design but during times of hardship, it was hard. Karma is just one of those things we have to play by ear and hope we can repair. Or maybe it doesn't matter how good or bad someone is, in the end. Not truly. But...people can justify their own bad and good actions any way they like. No matter what -anyone's done, including people you love. "I think you might be right," she agrees on the tail end of this thought with Lana's suggestion that they are more alike than they know. They're actually rather similar. One day in the future could be a day to confess sins. For now, it elates the bard to laugh about nothing, drink tea and celebrate a future where they can all be happier.

(Post 2 of 2) Alvina grins at Lanara's assessment of Tiber. "Bad boys are trouble, mostly." Surely there were some bad boys worth trying to tame. She'd just missed the moon she shot for this time (NO PUN INTENDED BECAUSE WOLVES). "And wolves? Pfft, forget about it." Lana mentions wolf kids and Alvina looks dead serious. "No, Lana, having kids with lycanthropy is, honestly, the best part." Alvina waits a minute, giving Lana wiggling eyebrows before adding. "You'll agree, just wait." You're pregnant for less time, they grow up faster, they are strong and wild and you have a literal tether to them through the wolf bond. Actually a genius parenting move. She only flushes when Lana asks what the Landons did with the nude beach run in. "Lana!" She cackles with embarrassment but fails to answer the question directly. It was their honeymoon! No direct answer needed! "Ma'am, I'm going to need you to calm down, thanks." She takes the refreshed mug and imagines it's wine. Tea is good but wine is better. "Good, don't keep all the good beaches to yourself!" Address in hand, the Engineer looks it over. "And thank you." Finding Lana here had turned out to be a blessing. Alvina hopes she has, can or will earn this little bit of kismet kindness and friendship one day, somehow.