RP:Losing Your Findings, and Finding Your Losses

Summary: Lanara is leaving the sanctuary late one night, when she takes a spill in the forest and sustains some minor injuries. A curious fennec fox rushes to help, and thinking the critter was lost and hungry, the witch brings her to the sanctuary. Once there, the fox is fed, and the two have some elven and canine bonding, before they fall asleep. The next morning, the staff alerts Lana that there was an intruder in the night, and that they had the culprit in a cage! A small elven child, about ten years old, with mismatched eyes, is the assumed intruder. After freeing the girl, getting her some clothing, and a proper breakfast, it's learned that her name is Nazaria, and that she's an orphan. Naz also informs Lana that she was in her fox form the night before, and they have a rather deep discussion for their very first encounter. Only time will tell if they're meant to be friends... Or foes.

Lost In The Night...

Lanara is heading back to Tiber’s apartment, after having spent a long day at the sanctuary, and she has her permission slip in her hand, at the ready, should she be stopped. The thugs that had been tailing her for days had lessened in their attempts to hassle the elf, and so far, her and Tiber had made them believe that she truly was sold into servitude. Little did they know that the lycan had purchased her as a ruse, and the two were becoming friends, all so that she could keep up the façade of being a faux-slave. Still, it bothers Lana that she can’t spend as much time as usual at her sanctuary, and she misses the animals something awful. At least today, Tiber hadn’t minded that she skipped out on cleaning the house, preparing meals, and doing other mundane chores. Pulling her long locks away from her face, she quickly pulls her hair into a loose braid, which ends at the middle of her slender back, and she tiredly trudges on. Sage Forest was almost spooky at this hour of the day, as the sun was setting in the distance, and the trees provided shade from all angles. Having performed three lengthy surgeries, and assisted in clean-up of the kennels, the elf is exhausted, so much in fact, that she missteps while stepping over a log, and falls flat on her side. “Ouch!” Groaning, Lana rolls onto her back and clutches her rib cage, inhaling sharply, and feeling pain surge through her mid-section. She was so accident prone!

Nazaria had no trouble finding her way into the forests of Sage for the female was no bigger than a kitten with large pointed ears much too big for her little fox head and body. A fennec fox was easier to slip into the woods over an elf such as Lanara. Playing around in the low lying ferns Naz was in the midst of chasing a mouse when the sound of a thump echoed along the ground. The terramancer stopped dead in her tracks, skidding almost into the very log that had caused the elf to stumble and fall. Curious as ever the small animal leapt up onto the chest of the fallen lady barely weighing two pounds soaking wet. Looking down at the woman was mismatched eyes, the left a shimmery silver while the right was a deep mesmerizing blue. Tilting her head the large ears twitched while Naz just sat there on the fallen, if Lana hadn’t shooed her away by now, staring at her intently waiting to see what she would do next or if she needed to run off for help. After a moment the little fox let out a small yip followed by a few more yips at Lanara.

Lanara winces as her left side goes numb, likely the pain subsiding into that stage of too great for the mind to interpret, and mixing with the customary inflammation that arises from such injuries. She doesn’t think anything is broken, likely just horribly bruised or cracked, and she sighs. This wasn’t her first hit to the ribs, and it wouldn’t be her last. The elf was an avid adventurer, she worked with animals of all sizes and temperaments, and to top it all off, she was a dance instructor. Injuries were second nature to her by now. However, what isn’t second nature to the woman is the fennec fox that leaps onto her chest, pinning her to the ground with its small two pound body. Shock registers in those chocolate hues as she gazes into those mismatched eyes, a hand lifting to gently stroke behind the velvety ears of the little fox, if she’d allow the contact. Lana’s features shift from pained, to surprised, and finally to a soft smile, as one would make when meeting an old friend. If Nazaria allowed the touch to ensue, Lana would continue to gently stroke her fur, the touch causing a calming sensation to brush into the canine’s flesh. Being an animal empath, and showing kindness to all beasts, the elf shits to carefully push herself into a seated position, and she speaks softly to Nazaria, “Hi there… Did you come to check up on me, little girl? You need to be careful in this forest, there’s a black panther that prowls through these parts and he’s not very friendly.” Keeping a close eye on the form of the fennec fox, Lana assesses Nazaria, making certain she didn’t harbor any injuries or disease, as she was always concerned about such things, since running a sanctuary. There’s a pause, as she considers the canine, unable to hide her grin as those adorable yips reach her tapered ears. “Are you hungry? Do you want to head back to the sanctuary with me?”

Nazaria froze the moment that Lana lifted a hand to pet her behind her oversize ears. It was the first time the fox could remember anyone petting in a long time. Oh, wait, that felt good. The little pink tongue of the fox fell out between her little fangs, slightly longer and sharper than a normal fox, and her tail started to sway back and forth. For the watchful eyes of the animal caregiver the fox however tiny sport no injuries or disease. Surely she was not from these parts with the breed of fox, more exotic and far from home. Mismatched eyes and little fangs, a unique little girl. As the woman asks if she came to check up on her there was a single yip as if saying 'yes' she was checking on the fallen woman. More out of curiosity than really caring, the small fox was a trickster, thief, what have you. Be careful? The fox tilted her head to the side, trying to think what panther could be so dangerous here in the woods. She had yet to meet one, perhaps that was a good thing. Food?! There were several yips that followed as the tiny fox started to hop up and down on the chest of the woman. There was pure excitement at the idea of food for Naz. Tail whipping back and forth with the constant yips and little jumps. Surely if she kept making all those noises someone would hear them in the woods.

Lanara can’t get over those mismatched eyes, and though she knows it’s best to never look a strange animal directly in the eyes, she finds herself unable to gaze anywhere else. The small fangs, oversized ears, and bushy tail are all quite adorable, though the eyes are what mostly catch the attention of the witch. Was this someone’s lost companion? Did she escape from the zoo in Xalious? Clearly, this fennec fox had originated from somewhere, and Lana knows with a certainty that it wasn’t somewhere local, as the most unique animal in the forest was the black panther. And said panther had been a resident at the zoo… Until he mauled his keeper and fled to Sage. Even Lanara had a rather difficult encounter with the beast, though she was rescued by a dire weasel, of all things! The mention of food has the critter wildly jumping up and down on her chest, excitable yips ensuing, and the woman can’t help but giggle. “You are adorable!” Aiming to rise, Lana debates whether she should carry the fox to the sanctuary or allow her to follow at her heels, and it’s then that she hears the breaking of branches and sees the bushes shake in the distance. The panther! Decision made with haste, she gently clutches the Nazaria to her chest, winces slightly as her ribs protest from the movement, and she makes the short journey to the spacious shelter. Every so often a glance is given over her shoulder, and finally, they have safely arrived at their destination. A few of Lana’s employee’s quirk a brown upon seeing the fox in her arms, though none comment. They were used to the founder bringing in stray animals. “Come on now, Little One. Let’s head to the back and get you something to eat and drink… Would you like that?”

Nazaria shifted on the chest of the woman, small claws digging lightly into her shirt at the sound of something in the distance. Cute to scary in less than a blink of the eye. The hairs on the fox's neck stood up as she bared those sharp fangs with a mixed sound of hiss-yip-growl almost sounding like the common word 'run' underneath it all. Lana would run easily with the weight of the fox in her arms, however that little body had squirmed until she could watch over the elf's shoulder. The tiny terramancer watching carefully for the owner of the noise. Left then right side of the path small spikes of earth would erupt creating a crisscross series of high and low X’s for an obstacle. In the arms of the woman her magic was not as strong as it would be if she was touching the ground. Some spikes were solid while others lasted a moment before crumbling. Lanara sure must have hit her head to watching the happenings behind them in their trip. Safely at the shelter Naz started to calm down once more when food was mentioned. Happy soft yips with a wagging tail before that pink tongue went to lick the woman's cheek. Food sounded amazing and not having to hunt it? Even better for the fennec.

Lanara almost laughed when the fox tried to make her most menacing expression and growled at the beast behind them, though she was so intent on getting them to safety, that she didn’t think much of it… At least not until she felt the earth vibrating beneath her boots. Was she dizzy? Lana would pause a few feet before the entrance to her sanctuary, swaying somewhat, thinking she had a concussion. Glancing over her slender shoulder, she spies the uneven dirt, the rock formations littering the path, and she can sense the magic in the air. Had she cast a spell and not have known it? Had her maternal instincts kicked in for the fox, and she’d been so unaware that she had barred the panther from following? Her unease would have dissipated as Naz calmed down, and the pair entered the safety of the building. Placing the fox on floor, Lana rummages around the storage room for two clean bowls, one of which is immediately filled with cold spring water, and settled before Nazaria. The poor fox was probably thirsty after all her hissing and yipping! Rabies were nixed from Lana’s mind, as the canine’s eyes were clear and she wasn’t foaming at the mouth. If anything, Lana were behaving as though she had rabies, as she continuously peers over her shoulder, to make sure she’s not casting more earth magic. It doesn’t once cross her mind that Naz is responsible! Sorting through various containers, Lana finally makes a suitable meal for the fox, one consisting of some meal worms, a dead mouse, and a boiled egg. “Here you go, sweetie! Enjoy!” Placing the bowl before Naz, the witch flops onto a chair and sighs, rubbing her temples.

Nazaria waited most not patiently as Lanara gathered the bowls for water and food. A moment of time was spent lapping up the cool fresh water from the spring before the little, most hyped up with energy the fox was exploring the storage room while the meal is made. One moment the fox is there and the next she had wiggled herself between containers stacked on the ground without too much noise. It was not until Lanara finally took a seat that the large eared little critter popped out of one of the containers with pink tongue hanging out between those fanged teeth, surely the appearance of what looked to be a smile was a mind trick. Leaping out of the container, however did she even manage to get herself into it, the werefox landed with a sliding skid to the food. Behind her, the box she emerged from fell forward with the motion, crashing to the ground and scattering an assortment of items all over the floor. Naz however was muzzle first in the food with it gone faster than Lana could imagine. With worms, mouse, and boiled egg scoffed down the fennec made her way toward the chair where the elf had flopped into. Her small tummy rounded out from eating, a full belly. Tail swaying behind her as Naz stared up at the woman with those mesmorzing two colored eyes, pleading to be picked up. A tiny little whine of a yip followed as her ears fell back against her head, and if a fox could give a pouting puppy dog face, this was it.

Lanara continues to rub at her temples, and as the box of cat supplies tumbles forth, and she sees the mischievous grin of the fox, her headache worsens. She likely had a concussion, and the spill of catnip infused toys and lavender scented kitty litter was adding to the pulsing in her skull. Still, she finds that she’s unable to hide the bubble of laughter that ensues, as Nazaria leaps from the box and skids to an abrupt halt, before her muzzle is hidden within the bowl of food. Knowing she should rise and clean up the mess, she’s saved from adding further injury to her ribs, as Venin, the caretaker, arrives. The woman was always in charge, whenever Lana was away from the facility, and she had popped in to see why the elf had returned. “Miss Lanara, is everything alright? I saw you come in a few minutes ago, and then I heard a loud noise, and I… Oh.” Her voice trails off, as she sees the contents of the box sprawled onto the floor, the new rescue gobbling up her food, and the founder rubbing the sides of her head. “I’ll clean this up and be on my way.” For once, Venin knows better than to ask any questions, as she puts all the supplies back into the box, and sweeps up the litter. On her way out, she pulls a rogue twig from Lana’s long hair and leaves the woman and fennec to their own devices. Glancing down, Lana sees that the fox has finished her meal, and is whimpering and looking up at her, those bi-colored eyes just pleading to be allowed on the furniture. “Oh alright! Let’s take a little nap together then, hm?” Reaching out, she picks up the tiny canine, her fingers stroking at her back and scratching behind those large ears, before she cuddles Naz against her chest, and leans back in the chair. Napping was terrible for a head injury, she knew, but she was tired, and the fox looked sleepy with her belly now full. A little shut eye couldn’t hurt, right?

Found In The Morning...

(Post 1 of 3) Nazaria cuddled into the chest of the elven woman, fitting almost perfectly on her without causing any crushing weight from her tiny body on hers. A yawn escaped the maw of the fox as her tail ever so slowly wagged in content happiness. Nothing at the moment could beat this feeling of a full belly, a comfortable sleeping spot, and being pet. The fennec was in heaven if only for a few hours of sleep that the pair had fallen into. It was about the time when the sun started to rise that the fox could tell the shift was coming, it was almost time to return to her elven form. Carefully the fox slid off the slumbering woman so that she would not wake Lana who seemed already over tired and much in need of this sleep. It was not much sooner than when those four feet hit the floor that the fox slowly rose from the floor into the shape of a small, perhaps ten to eleven, naked elf child took her place. How awkward. Turning the girl moved to make way to exit Lana's animal shelter before someone found her. Too late, slipping out she walked into one of the workers that was there early to feed the animals.

(Post 2 of 3) "Lanara...." a pause of a youthful male worker, "Lanara...wake up sleepy head. We had a break in this morning or last night. Don't worry we detained the culprit. Nothing seems stolen, but that fox you had last night is the only thing missing. Are you okay? We are worried they hurt you as they left this room before we caught them. Venin sent a message out for the authorities to come and get them. Ropes didn't hold them, so we switch to some shackles someone brought in. You should get yourself checked out to make sure they didn't poison you." Outside in the main room within a metal bottom cage with hands shackled behind her back sat the nude little girl with long locks of dirty blonde hair falling dead straight down to her waist. Hair hanging in her face since the struggle to run only the deep midnight blue eye was exposed, that silver one hidden. Those wrists of hers were covered in a mix of rope burn and bruises from struggling against being bound. The voice leaving the small one came with an accent, exotic and strange, "I didn't do nothing for the last time. Let me outta here."

(Post 3 of 3) The lad worker, Todd, spoke to Lanara with caution in his tone, "Be wary with this wild one. Pretty sure she chewed through the ropes first when we had her hands before her. Then we redid them behind her and somehow one of the plants grew vines and was trying to untie it. So we had to switch to metal and we found that if she isn't touching the floor she can't do whatever voodoo earth magic again. Don't worry, she should be taken soon. Let us get you some water and a healer to give you a lookover." His attempt was to steer the woman away from the marked feral elf child and to the waiting healer that had been called in to tend to her.

(Post 1 of 3) Lanara dreamt of the rainbow bridge, as she often did when slumbering at the sanctuary. All the animals that had passed under her care, and waited for her amidst the billowy clouds, frolicking in the heavens, whole, healthy, and at peace once more. The witch sleeps through the shifting of the fox within her arms, her fingertips falling against her chest, as she was no longer stroking the silken fur. Lana turns onto her side, awkwardly craning her neck and she would definitely be feeling sore in the morning from sleeping in such a position. The fox had shifted into the form of a little elven girl, which was either taken from the room, or had exited on her own, only to be found by Todd.

(Post 2 of 3) Hours later, after a night of sleep, Lanara’s long lashes flutter against her high cheekbones, and she gazes sleepily up at Todd. Their eyes lock, and for a moment she’s dumbfounded, wonder what the hell he’s doing here, and why he’s looking at her with such concern in his gaze. “Wh-what?” Adding to the concern of her employee, Lana’s hand lifts to rub at her temple, which feels fine, though her tumble yesterday and the white fox she found resurface in her mind. Had she imagined everything? Dark hues look around the room and at the floor, as she’s ignoring what Todd is saying, and she swallows. Had she recovered from a concussion so quickly? Surely she’d be nauseas and slightly dizzy, right? All she had was a pinching feeling in her side, from bruised ribs, and she worriedly runs her fingers through her long chestnut locks. She was losing her mind. “Where is the fox?” She manages, relieved when Todd says the fox is ‘missing’ so that assures her that she hadn’t dreamt up the entire thing. “Someone broke in last night and stole a fox? But… The only one that even knew I had a fox was me, Venin, and maybe a handful of others saw me carrying her into the room. I don’t understand.” Now she’s listening, as Todd repeats the events of last night, and shows her to the little girl that is in a cage, bound, and likely terrified.

(Post 3 of 3) Lanara kneels before the cage, focusing on the condition of the naked child, as though she were surveying a wounded animal. Nazaria looks to have a clean bill of health, and the witch finds her expression softening. She was better equipped to deal with animals, and not so much children, but she would try. The witch does not need medical attention, but Todd would if he keeps up with his psychobabble and words of caution. “Todd, leave us. I have everything under control. Tell Venin to call off the authorities. She’s a little girl, for God’s sake! Surely, you all don’t think she’s capable of breaking and entering, at what, ten years old?!” The lad knows better than to upset his employer, so he gives a nod, and anxiously runs off to find Venin. Meanwhile, Lana unlatches the lock on the cage and slowly slips her arms in, hoping to gently take hold of Naz, by the shoulders. “I’m sorry… I don’t know why the put you in here and tied you up… My name is Lana. Why don’t you come out of there? I have some clothes that you can wear, and we can have breakfast together. And I’ll take you out of those mean shackles…” She pauses, hesitant to force the child into anything, though she’s beyond curious, and soon questions would bubble from her full lips. “What is your name? Do your parents live around here?” Was she from the orphanage? A runaway? Did she see the fox?

(Post 1 of 2) Nazaria had spent a great deal of her early morning arguing with Venin, a most protective care taker of both the sanctuary and of Lanara. “Why would I steal a fox?” the girl quipped at the woman who replied back, “You tell me why you would steal a fox, an innocent little fox?” A roll of the eyes as she retorted, “I did not steal any fox. I have not see a fox.” It was no lie there was no mirror prior to her turning back into a girl so she had not seen any fox this day. Venin glared, “Then you must be paid to harm our Lanara! Who paid you? What did you do to her?” The girl let out a frustrated sound before kicking the cage with those dirty bare feet causing it to rock as it made a ruckus, “I am not paid to do anything. I did nothing to Lanara. Why would I hurt another elf?” she questioned as she wiggled her pointed ears. Venin's last comment before Lanara emerged to send her away to call off the authorities was, “Then how did you get in without being seen?” No answer was received before she went off most grumpy to comply with the order of the witch and stop the arrival of authorities to the sanctuary.

(Post 2 of 2) Nazaria stared at the dark haired woman laughing on the inside. Ten? Oh how she wished that was the truth of it. Elf and werefox left the girl unaged for years keeping that ever youthful appearance , it played to benefit more often than not. With the aid of Lana, though not needed as the girl moved with grace in the shackles as if this was not the first time she had been trapped by them, she exited the said cage. She would not tell Lana that her over protective friend was more right than wrong to cage a naked wild child. All the movements shifted those blonde locks out of her face revealing that other eye, bright silver. Imagine that. Those eyes that Lana found fascinating last eve were now staring back at her from the skull of an elf child. At last she spoke, “I do not have parents, they are dead.” She murdered them years ago. Continuing, “I live on the streets or the trees. The villagers of the island call me ‘Nazaria’ when I visit and about everyone else calls me the ‘Sassy Brat Kid’. So, take your pick.” Naz finished with a shrug of the shoulders as those bi-colored eyes stared up into those of the elf, waiting.

Lanara is relieved to see Venin following orders, as the ill-mannered woman was often inclined to do the exact opposite. Waiting until she’s out of earshot, the elf watches as the child crawls from the cage, and she gently removes the restraints. Deep down, she knows it’s not going to be an ordinary morning, as a fennec fox stray was missing, a naked elven child had mysteriously appeared in her sanctuary, and she may or may not be suffering the remnants of a concussion. The dream, yesterday’s events, and the fall… Had she imagined everything? It wouldn’t be the first time that Lanara had lost her memory, and she worries her lower lip as she struggles with the restraints, until the shackles fall to the floor with a clang, and she lifts her brown eyes to gaze into those mismatched eyes. A memory itches at the back of her mind as the girl offers up a name, a place, and the mention of being an orphan. However, Lana isn’t focusing on the words, as she’s too busy piecing the puzzle together. Nazaria was the lovable fox that she had rescued! If Naz were to look at Lana, she’d see the ‘aha’ moment, as her dark eyes light up and a knowing smirk appears on her full lips. A dainty hand is extended, as she rises to her feet, and motions towards the adoption office. Whether or not she takes the offered hand, she’d be led into Lana’s private quarters and handed an oversized tee-shirt, which would reach her ankles. It smells of lavender, with a hint of vanilla, and looks to be freshly laundered. A pair of clean white socks are also offered, should the girl wish to cover her bare feet, and a few bands are haphazardly on end tables, should she wish to pull her hair into a bun or ponytail. Lana, meanwhile, busies herself with pouring a mug of hot coffee, while she pours a glass of fresh milk for Nazaria, and offers a plate of chocolate chip cookies, “These were my mother’s secret recipe… See? You do this, and they taste even better.” She dips a cookie into a jar of strawberry jam, and takes a bite, her eyes closing as she savors the flavor. They were delicious, and those that knew the witch, knew she baked a fresh batch just about every day. “I… I don’t have any parents, either. My mother was murd- uh, she died, a few years ago.” A pause, as she reflects on Kuruni being decapitated before her very eyes, at the hand of the drow. “And my father… He died, as well.” By the hands of her ex-fiancé, Eirik, after he caught Thronnel trying to bed and wed his own daughter. Sick bastard. Lana was pleased that he had perished though, after enduring a lifetime of abuse. Clearing her throat, she takes another bite of her cookie, making small talk with the girl over breakfast, “So… You are from Rynvale? Is that the island you speak of? I’m from Kelvar, which is a land very far from here… It’s primarily made of elven folk, like you and I. And enshrouded in a heavy fog, to keep those that don’t belong out.” The fact that Nazaria lived in treetops or on the streets had her expression softening, as Lana had been homeless for a good decade of her own life, and she knew the struggle. “If you’re looking for a place to stay… You can help out at the sanctuary. There’s a huge back room, with food and comfortable couches… And I have a feeling you’ll have a knack for working with some of the animals.” The knowing grin returns, as Lana finishes her cookie and moves to close the door, making sure they had privacy, before she leans in, “You can shift! Is a fox your only form? That is so neat! Tell me all about it!”

Nazaria is starting to question the sanity of the dark haired elf that she has found company with this last eve. The look on her face seems as confused as a child lost from its parent. Mayhaps this woman was one of those that had escaped the hospital for lack of proper brain function. It was as the shackles clanged to the floor that the foxkin brought her hands around, stretching out her arms a bit as her shoulders popped. Those wrists of hers were bruised and raw from the ropes, but Naz did not seemed phased by the injuries. Not the first time she had suffered them, possibly not the last either. The future is always a mystery after all. Following Lanara back into her office area the girl’s gaze wandered taking in the layout of everything. Over the years she had learned you can tell a great deal about a person by what they keep and how they keep it in their person space. The shirt smelled strange, but it was clean. One of the first actual clean items she had worn in who knows how long. It hung off a bony shoulder fitting the girl more like a dress that was many sizes too big. At least she wasn’t standing around in the nude anymore. Those dirty blonde locks were left alone in a messy wild appearance. The girl didn’t own a brush, let alone know what to do with one if she was offered one. When Todd said a feral child was caught he was pretty darn close to how wild of a child this elf girl was. She could not read nor write. The common world of bathing, brushing hair, and sweet foods were all nonsense and foreign. This point is proved just as much when she is given a cookie baked by Lanara. A raised brow before copying the woman’s idea of jam on it before taking the first bite. Wide eyed with surprise. Holy sugar overload. Nazaria had to force herself into swallowing the bite over spitting it out in Lana’s face. It would be the only bite taken from the cookie, however the glass of milk was downed as if it was the last glass of fresh milk in the world. Lesson learned, the fox did not like cookies! Once the door was shut the girl would finally speak again, “Murder. You can say the word,” the sound in her voice was blank as if the word was common knowledge to one so young looking. If only because so many had died by those dirty little hands of hers, but she would not go about telling the pretty elf woman this. The shackles would be right back if she did, this she knew. Speaking again, “Both my parents were murdered too….” at her hand, “I don’t know the island name. Perhaps? Sounds similar. Is that the one across from the Cenril docks? If so, then yup. I was born to a tribe within its jungle.” No wonder her accent was so mysterious. However, the last know elven tribe from that jungle had all been rumored to all be dead after a wild animal attack some many years ago. Strange. Lastly she answered the last question, “I can only turn into a fox in the same fashion that a lycan can only turn into a wolf or a werebear can only shift into a bear.” Ah, there is Lanara’s answer, a werefox child stood before her.

Lanara listens to the words that fall from Nazaria’s lips, as though she were a child hearing a fairytale for the first time. Both of them came from sketchy backgrounds, with deceased parents, and although the witch wasn’t capable of shifting into an actual animal… She had the gift of animal empathy and could communicate and shift the emotions of feral beasts, to do her bidding. She never took advantage though, as it wasn’t in her nature, and she valued the lives of animals above humans. As Naz eyes the office, she’d see that Lana adores animals, bright colors, and that she lacks any real personal belongings. Order is important to the woman, as is routine. She finds it difficult to form lasting relationships, as there aren’t any paintings of family or friends, and her hand is bare of any wedding band. The woman has superior intelligence, from the look in her eyes, to how quickly she connects the dots about the werefox’s place of origin, and the fact that she can shapeshift. Lanara knows some about Rynvale, and how there are dozens of tribes sorted throughout the island, though she is pretty sure that she’d have heard of an island of shapeshifters. Could Nazaria be the only one of her kind? What had become of the rest of her tribe, that had left this werefox an orphan at such a tender age? Her thoughts run rampant, and though she wants to interrogate the child, she knows it’s not the right time, as they had only just met. And oddly, Lana prefers Naz in her fox form, as she’s somewhat awkward at conversing with a presumed ten year old that dislikes cookies. The children at the orphanage in Gualon seemed less hostile, cleaner, and they didn’t show up at her doorstep with a shady past and a somewhat feral nature. She hadn’t been there since Largakh died, and she hadn’t planned on visiting anytime soon. Yet, an orphan had made its way to her, and she’s unsure if it’s fate or a mockery of her present state. Canting her head to the side, she studies the child, feeling that Naz speaks the truth, though she’s likely leaving out important details. Not that she blames her, as Lana had many things from her past that she preferred to keep out of the public eye. There’s a pause as Naz finishes speaking, that island accent forcing the witch to focus as she pronounces each word. Lana is obviously unsure what to say next, though she eventually replies, “Well… It’s pretty cool that you can shift into a fox. I’ve never met one of your kind before. I have a friend that has fox ears and a fox tail, though aside from that she appears to be a high elf. Her name is Aira, and she lives up in Frostmaw…” Why was she filling the silence with senseless babble? There’s another pause, as Lana puts the cookies away, and diverts her gaze. “Can I do anything for you? Do you need some coin? Clothing? There’s plenty of food here, for both this form, and your fox form… And you are welcome here, anytime.” Her words are genuine, her expression sincere, though to be honest, she’s not sure what to do with the child and she’s grasping at straws. “Um… How old are you?”

The mismatched gaze of the small girl shifted slowly around the room taking notice in how orderly and clean it appeared to be, yet there was nothing here of personal nature. Either she was a very private woman or a woman who kept her secrets close to her heart. This woman, based on this room alone, reminded the foxkin of herself in a way. Only she didn’t have an establishment of her own, just foxholes scattered across her routes to hide and stay in. The fact that the earth bended to her will made it easy to keep hidden underground homes. These are the simple thoughts floating through her head when this woman, the second woman to offer her room to stay. If only Lanara knew how dark of a feral wild fox child that stood before her was, she wouldn’t offer such luxury. That startling gaze snapped up to stare into the depths of the witch’s when she mentioned Aira, the woman with the fox ears and tail. The recognition of Aira was clear in that gaze, “I know her. She is taking me up to Frostmaw with her to stay and learn to use a bow.” The girls words floated out of her mouth like Lanara should have know that or perhaps just the accent in her voice made it seem as such. If Aira was willing to take in the orphan then how wild and feral was she compared to those Lana knew from the Gualon orphanage. The question of age followed and the brow of the girl’s raised as if to ask if this woman was really asking her that. The look only lasted for a blink of the eye before Naz answer her, “Ten.” At least that was the age that she was bit and first turned into a fennec fox. It was not a lie as her body remained in the same age as the day she was cursed, but it wasn’t a full truth either. How old was the girl? Even she didn’t know anymore as the days and nights had long blended together while the concept of time had been lost leaving even her in the dark on that topic. A little curious creature naturally she fired off a series of questions back at the elf, “How old are you? Do you have a family or is your life as lonely as this room? Where are you from? Why do you tend to animals like orphans yet distance yourself from actual two-legged mortals? If you choose to turn into any animal, which animal would you desire most to be and why?”

Lanara watches as that mismatched gaze takes in the room, though it wasn’t what Naz was seeing that makes her uncomfortable, it’s what she doesn’t see. Still, Lana’s gaze is unwavering as the ten year old fires off a few questions of her own. Was she curious or trying to get beneath her skin? The witch couldn’t be so sure, and foxes were known for their coy nature, so perhaps it was a bit of both? Answering in the order that the inquiries are received, she rattles off, unblinking, “One hundred and eighty three… That’s twenty-six, equivalent in human years. I did have a family. Once. Grandpa was turned into a squirrel when I was three years old. I call it karma, even if it was myself that placed the curse. My father died two years ago, murdered at the hands of my ex-fiancé, Eirik. Mother was decapitated by the drow, about six years ago. I have one family member remaining, a sister, Talyara, she lives in a cottage in Frostmaw. We hail from a faraway kingdom, known as Kelvar. It’s long gone, and nothing more than a pile of ruin. I am not lonely; I –choose- to live a private life. The less people you let in, the less chance you have of getting hurt. The reason I tend to animals is because they don’t ask questions, they don’t judge, and I’m unable to have children of my own. I’ve always found it easier to bond with beasts, and their hearts are less fickle than any man I’ve come to know.” Lana would pause now, at the next question, as she gives it some real thought. What animal would she shift into, if she had the option, and why? It catches her off guard for a moment, as though not many cared to know the fun side of the witch. More often than not, her relationships were strictly business with the guild or sanctuary. “Hm… I would choose to shift into a wolf. They are faithful to their pack. They mate for life, with one other wolf, always holding her above all others. They live in forests, and I’m very fond of the woods. They are predators, they value their independence, and they have this natural freedom, as though they don’t have a care in the world. I feel that they are multi-dimensional creatures… They thrive on solitude, yet they can blend with a pack. They are loyal, yet they will turn on one that doesn’t belong. They are fiercely protective, yet there’s a gentleness in the way they run free.” The witch blinks, not having meant to go off on a tangent about her fascination with canines, and she gives Nazaria a small smile. “What about you? If you could shift into any animal, besides a fox, what would you pick and why?”

Mismatched eyes curiously watched every movement of Lanara as she answered each question in the order that the girl had asked them in. Based on the way the other elf spoke openly with her using names that sparked a familiar notion in those eyes she determined that each answer was a truthful one, no lies. Glancing around the room again the female gave a small nod as she explained her reasoning to staying in a mostly private life distant from other people in order to protect herself from more hurting. Naz as young as she said she was had experienced enough pain to not have any attachment to another soul in these lands or any other for that matter. The foxkin was truly alone in life. There was a flash of a smile as Lanara said she would shift into a wolf if she had a choice. Many people gave that answer and it wasn’t until this elf went into the whys that Naz took to understanding why so many people picked wolf. A few blinks later and the girl was still standing in silence between them after being asked the question back. That was a first and so the foxkin had to actually think about that for more than just a moment. Running her fingers through her hair the girl finally gave an answer, however a strange one for the topic at hand, “Hooumayn” The island accent almost making the choice sound like some form of make believe creature when it was simply a human.

Chocolate hues widen in surprise as Nazaria gives an answer most unexpected. The child wished to be human? Lana had been somewhat put off by the child’s harsh questioning moments prior to this, yet now she feels her mood shifting. Expression softening, the elf gives a slow nod, somewhat understanding. “Trust me… There are times when I wish I wasn’t what I am, as it puts a target on my back and on those that I love… Then there are times I wouldn’t have it any other way and I embrace my craft.” A shrug is given, a hint at her vulnerability for being a witch. Realizing that she had revealed far too much information to his little girl, Lana clears her throat and heads to the door, suddenly aloof. It was easier dealing with the fox. Naz had guessed correctly on that assumption. Lanara wasn’t meant for everlasting friendship or love, at least not when it came to ordinary beings. She was good at what she did, and that was run an animal sanctuary. “I really have to get back to work. The morning feedings are running a bit late. If you need any clothing or food, or if you wish to take me up on the job offer… Feel free to come and find me. If not… Well, it was interesting meeting you.” A faint smile is given, as she gives a parting wave, and exits her office.

Nazaria would not be as open as the other woman in the room about her reasoning for picking what she had, for it was dark reasons no child should ever think about that drew her to that choice. When the elf did not ask her more questions about the topic the fox was glad. The two had more in common than one would think, except the older one still had some heart left in her. Perhaps somewhere deep down the fox did too, or she was just as lost as ever. “The craft killed my grandmum...sorta,” Naz noted after Lana had mentioned it, but that was about the only thing this girl had ever said about family of hers. Dead. All dead by her hands except her grandmum who died because of her, but the fox wouldn’t openly say that. There was a nod as she understood Lana’s need to get back to work and tend to her animals here, “Thank you for the meal. I make no promise to come help. I am not good with other animals or people, but I mayhaps take the offer another day. Be a little less hard on yourself, Squishy.” There was a flash of that fanged little smile before the small girl turned and made her way out of the animal sanctuary.