RP:Miscarried The Situation

Synopsis: It is the same day after the interrogation, but evening has fallen, and Lanara and Tiber have organized a faux search party for Queen Lunalesca. The public and guards gather, and Benedict, the Queen's main guard is at their beck and call, as he believes the couple is innocent. Although Tiber and Lanara lied, they are, in fact, innocent of the Queen's disappearance. Tiber, however, is stuck on the interrogation and Lanara's "confession" of miscarrying their "miracle baby", since Lanara is infertile. Tiber wants to know the truth. The air is tight. Lanara confesses she lied to save them. Once the couple part from the woods, Greyson has further information on what they found deep in the woods. Sylvie Rouseaux, Franz' lover, comes from the shadows and gives them a hint to further their investigation on who set Lanara and Tiber up.

Part of the Waxing Crescent, Wayward Course Arc

Enchantment's Castle Courtyard to the Dark Forests

Lanara (Post 1 of 2) Lanara stands in the castle courtyard and looks at the significant number of people that have shown up to show their support to their beloved Queen. It’s heartwarming and also terrifying, because one of the attendees could very well have come to finish off what they started that day in the forest. Lana doesn’t think that anything will happen with so many guards in the area, but she is worried about the safety of Tiber. It would be so easy for someone to attack him in the shadows of the woods, much like they had in Cenril, in one of the alleys. Plus, when they had first arrived earlier in the day for questioning, they had been accosted at the gates! The mood at this hour seems much calmer, as though the residents figure that since Tiber and Lanara weren’t arrested, that they must be innocent. Most are crying and consoling each other, a couple stand off to the side unsure how to react, and the guards remain alert and eye everyone as if they’re a suspect. The Kelvarian Elves have been put to work; some are tending to a table of refreshments and others are lighting votive candles and handing them out to all that attend. Every member of the Amber Lunation is present and they solemnly watch all that happens. They won’t let their Alpha and Luna out of their sight and they stand shoulder to shoulder as a united force. Once dusk fully sets in, Lanara gives Tiber’s hand a gentle squeeze and weaves her way through the crowd.

Lanara (Post 2 of 2) Walking freely away from the safety of her husband and the wolfpack has Lana’s hands trembling in fear. She’s more concerned about their well-being than her own, but she’s the one that’s standing on a dais away from the crowd and she might as well have a giant ‘x’ marked on her chest. The picture perfect target lifts her chocolate eyes to connect with those that are standing nearest her location but it’s difficult to see any faces as there are so many candles illuminating the area. The casting of halos and shadows makes it so everyone sort of blurs together from Lana’s vantage point, and it works to further frighten the witch. She cannot visually find her family and friends, but she also won’t be able to see an enemy coming. Of course, she can track them by scent, but the witches have burned sage and it strongly masks all other odors. Hopefully no one gets separated and after her speech, they can regroup! Clad in the same attire that she wore earlier during the questioning, Lana looks every part the grieving friend of the missing royal. At least Violet pulled her hair from that ponytail and combed it so that it cascades to the middle of her back like silk. Lana inhales and speaks to the crowd on a shaky exhale, “We are gathered here tonight because Queen Lunalesca has been gone without a trace for seven days. Our hearts may all be broken and our heads may be filled with awful thoughts about what could have happened, but I assure you that she wouldn’t want us to worry. I’ve been close friends with Queen Lunalesca for the past three years, but I feel as though I’ve known her forever. She defended me when no one else believed in me, she officiated Tiber and I’s wedding, and I consider her to be a part of my family. I know that she wouldn’t want all of us to be filled with despair. She would want us to remain united and to do all we can to make sure that she’s found and brought home, unscathed. I ask all of you to please bow your heads and take a moment of silence as I lead us in prayer…” She waits a moment before she lifts her arms and glances up at the starry sky, “God and Goddess from up above, we ask that you bathe Enchantment in your love. Shed light upon the one that is lost, bring her home, no matter the cost. Comfort us all at this hour, and strengthen karma’s threefold power! Queen Lunalesca we pray for your safety. As we speak it, so mote it be!” Lana opens her eyes, “If anyone knows anything about the Queen’s whereabouts, we ask that you arrange a meeting with the guards and please come forward with your knowledge. Any tip, big or small, could point us in the right direction!” Beat. “I’d like to now turn this over to my husband, Tiber, so that he can give us some tips on searching for clues in the forest tonight.”

Tiber (1 of 2):: Tiber stands in the midst of the thick worrisome atmosphere. Fear and mourning fill the air, as the civilians of the Kingdom of Enchantment are scared for their missing Queen of the Fae. The glow of candles provided a glow in the courtyard as the sun was setting. Tiberius did not say much to Lanara after their day of questioning, as the man was still trying to get a grip of what he heard from the interrogator. There is a melancholy mood and a flat line. To Lanara, it could be mistaken for his moody old self he used to be. Stone-like. Trying to keep emotions pushed far away from him. Limited words are even spoken to Greyson, who has been trying to prod him all day about the process of questioning. Lanara steps through the crowd and amber eyes watch her stand tall on the dais to address the public of Enchantment. He looks down when Lanara begins to chant to the God and Goddess above, and although he was reluctant with the Goddess, there came a time when the Goddess proved enough trust that he could not deny it anymore. Mentally he closes his eyes in a plea, but mostly for Queen Lunalesca to wake up. Would they go home and she awake? Once his eyes open, he stares up at his wife who is now calling him to give off tips for the evening search party.

Tiber (2 of 2):: The man weaves through the crowd until he is replacing himself on the platform. Amber eyes stare beyond the crowd who look expectantly up at him. “First and foremost, where we will be looking will be dark with anything around the corner. With that being said, use the buddy system. No one gets left behind. The pixies, I hope, will provide a guiding light for us through the forest for those who tread there. Knowing that Queen Lunalesca is missing, if something terrible happened, those who were involved might still be lurking within the area of Enchantment–a beast, a criminal, just be aware of anything.” He inhales, “Keep your senses heightened, use your tools whether that’s your sense of smell or lantern. Everyone should have a source of light on them in case people get lost. Search low to the ground for any more footsteps. Anything strange to the eye. Keep your ears keen, as you never know who or what is going to approach you. We want everyone to be safe during this search.” Beat. “If there is any indication of any evidence, report to Lanara, myself, or Benedict, the Queen’s most trusted guard. Good luck out there. Keep vigilant.” He then steps off of the dais before approaching Lanara, and as a centaur trots by, he hands off a candle to Tiberius. The Catalian nods as the centaur trots off. “I figured you and I can go off and search together for a bit.” His tone does not sound very light, but he is trying to remain as gentle as possible.

Lanara keeps her eyes trained on Tiberius has he gives his speech and there’s pride that shines in those chocolate pools. He would make a wonderful leader, she thinks, as he handles the spotlight well. The crowd listens intently, before everyone either pairs off to search in the surrounding forests, or visit the refreshment table, or stay in the courtyard to pray for Queen Lunalesca’s safe return. Benedict remains rooted at the gates so that he can keep a close watch on who enters and exits the courtyard, an ache for battle in his expression as he wants to get the bastard that dared to capture their beloved fairy. Lana accepts a candle from the centaur and tries to read Tiber’s eyes as he asks her to search with him for clues. “Certainly.” So far, the general consensus is that a beast attacked the guards as a distraction and left them for dead. Someone else abducted the Queen, though there wasn’t any attempt to collect a ransom. Also, there’s no explanation for the fallen trees, uprooted shrubs, and the scorch marks in the foliage. The explosion seems to have removed any evidence linking Lanara or Bjorn to that fateful day, and search dogs weren’t able to follow a scent as it’s a week later and the smoke masked any trails that had been left. Lana takes Tiber’s hand and uses her injured arm to hold the candle, which causes slight discomfort. She doesn’t care though, as she needs to feel his flesh upon hers, since they haven’t had any alone time in so long. “Let’s head over towards the western expansion of the forest. Most are heading to the east, and our Pack is looking in the north. I don’t think we’ll be disturbed and maybe we will find a valuable tip.” She feigns a small smile and wonders if he’s upset with her for something.

Tiber watches how the crowd moves to search the boundaries of Enchantment for any ‘clues’. Greyson and Bjorn had also made sure to hide any traces of evidence when their Alpha and Luna were healing. When Lanara brushes Tiber’s hand, he automatically attaches and nods in agreement before he leads them off to part. He is still silent as he makes way. Eyes casting at every angle to put on a show for any passerbyers who were still suspicious of the innocent couple. He pushes his way through the brush with her, so they can come into a quiet clearing. All the glow from the pixies and candles were at a distance, and once they were in that quiet area, he let go of her hand. Not out of spite, but just because he wanted to fully look at her. Observe her with the soft candlelight and give her a break with her burnt arm. She is still hurting. “When I was being questioned today… something came up…” There was a moment of pure silence. His face looked like stone, but not out of anger, but out of nervousness. “The guard said… you miscarried during the accident.” He rubs the back of his neck as he can feel the uneasiness and cold sweat forming. “I… I didn’t know you were with child… Or even capable of bearing children. Were you ever going to… tell me?” He reflects on her sobs that echoed through the halls of the interrogation rooms. The reality he thought he heard. The realness he felt. It left him raw and confused.

Lanara inhales the scent of the sage and the forest, her eyes closing for a brief moment, as she takes in the serenity of this beautiful landscape. Tiber leads her into a patch of woods that leads to a clearing and it’s only when he drops her hand that she senses the shift in his mood. Guileless brown eyes widen at his words and she’s unsure how to read him, because there never was a baby, let alone a miscarriage. Is he angry that she lied? Or is he furious at the possibility that she had somehow gotten pregnant? She’s silent for a stretch of time as the pang in her heart intensifies, a dull ache that she’s gotten used to with time. The only child she ever bore became an abomination that she had to slaughter. The memory will forever haunt her every waking moment and ever restless sleep. Does a part of Tiber hope that she -can- get pregnant? They swore they never wanted to be parents but maybe things had changed… For Lanara? A big piece of her won’t admit it, but she lowkey would love to have a baby with the man she adores. She cannot imagine them any closer than they are now, because their relationship defies all odds and they are soulmates. Yet, the thought of having miniature versions of the both of them is appealing. It’s a wishful dream that she harbors, at least when she’s not reminded that they could turn into another Natianara scenario and end horribly. “I lied. To the guards.” She sighs and looks off into the distance, not liking the direction this conversation had gone. “We forgot to rehearse the part about the ‘surprise’ I had written about in my letter, and I had to come up with something on a whim. I don’t know why I went -there- and said what I did, but I pinched the hell out of my arm and it brought tears. It was a believable act.” Panic sets in and her heart wildly beats inside her chest and sends vibrations to her tapered ears. Lana looks back at her husband and takes a step away from him as she pretends to see something in the grass, in case they have any onlookers. “Don’t worry. Nothing’s changed, Tiber. I’m unable to have children.” She tries to shake her nerves and hates that the presumed magic of the moment is gone. She assumed they’d kiss behind a tree or whisper sweet nothings to pass the time. “I’m sorry. I should have told you about the fib, but I’ve been so busy preparing for the search party.”

Tiber does not pretend to look anymore because he needs to know what the Kelvarian is hiding from him. ‘I lied. To the guards.’ and a very quick look of defeat flashes before he suppresses whatever he is thinking. Was he sad? Mad that she did not tell him? Had she wanted a baby? Either way, it did not matter because she… lied. For their safety. He lets out a gentle sigh before looking to the side. If anything, he was worried that she was alone. “Quite the lie, heh.” He scratches the back of his head, as he turns the air stiffer. Talking about her infertility. Either way, Tiberius cannot express his thoughts on the matter because it was not true, and it was one thing that was not in the cards for them. “I’m sorry I got so… weird. I’m just glad you’re okay, and I’m sorry we did not talk about the surprise ahead of time, and you had to do that to yourself. How’s your arm?” He takes a step forward to push the glow forward to observe her. The lycan wants to touch her, but he is nervous because he made the air too tight with the questioning.

Lanara doesn’t like the tension in the air and she really doesn’t want to return to the courtyard in tears. It would be fitting, seeing as the Queen is missing, but she’d be upset for the wrong reasons. It feels wrong to act, especially in front of her husband. Tiber always gets Lana’s raw emotion because he teaches her not to bottle up and then blow a gasket at a later point. He doesn’t take his own advice, but he’s taught her to be more open. This topic, however, is one where she internalizes because Natianara’s memory is her one greatest failure. She feels as though her heart is being repeatedly stabbed with each line that exits Tiber’s lips, and she drops her gaze to the grass. Her voice is tinged with emotion but she’s maintaining her composure and trying to -not- think about her infertility. “I’m sorry I lied, but I really didn’t have much time to think on the spot.” She’s sorry for a lot this week and the guilt on her shoulders gets more burdensome each day that Lunalesca doesn’t wake up. “I’m okay.” She’d be better if Celeste wasn’t so stingy with the milk of the poppy! “Should we head back?” Lana feels on display in this moment and even though Tiber’s apologizing, she feels that there are things they both aren’t saying. Or maybe feelings they don’t even know are circling in their subconscious. “Franz probably knows that I made it out alive. He may be plotting another attack. We need to be prepared.” She lifts her arms to hug herself but the movement hurts her arm, so she just stands there and lifts her head to look at her husband. He’s so handsome, bathed in moonlight, and she wishes that they weren’t fighting for their lives all the time. Unbidden, tears shine in her eyes and she abruptly turns away to stare at a random tree with names carved in the bark. ‘Violet and Edmund’ are neatly inscribed and it reminds her of the tree at their home that bears their names. “Aw… Remember when we did this?”

Tiberius :: There is an unnerving feeling in the air. Both -are- holding back, but Tiberius thinks it might be for good reason, as he is still under the impression Lanara does not want kids due to Natianara, and he has his own fears. When Lanara shifts the question of heading back with the rest of the search parties, he nods his head. “Yeah, I think that’s a good call.” Eyes cast down towards the Kelvarian, and his eyes are so delicate on her fragile frame. “Considering the tricky stunt he pulled, we need to be weary around couriers… He definitely will not pull the same stunt of tricking you into an area. I don’t know what is up his sleeve next. He’s… very creative at what he does, but I know he is not going to like that you survived because… it is almost a win for me, and he hates when he does not win.” Lanara’s silken face turned away, he saw that pouty face–those familiar tears in her eyes. She is trying to remain strong, and he keeps silent as he does not want to upset the woman. This was not the married life he wanted. Not for her. No, she deserved more. The tree comes into his view and he looks at the engraved markings of names. He smirks half-heartedly. “I do,” and he cannot help it. He leans in instinctively and brushes his lips against her cheek as she is turned. They are alive, and he is realizing it. How lucky they were to survive the explosion, the jump, the interrogation. He lingers before moving to her ear to nip at it with warm breath, as he has not touched her intimately in so long. The man then pulls back before he places a hand on the small of her back and guides her out of the shrubbery to find their way back to the guiding light of pixies.

Lanara (Post 1 of 2) Lanara is miraculously still alive and Franz will -not- like it. He had been banking on Tiberius nursing a broken heart, broken ribs, and eventually crawling back to his employer. Instead, the lycan lives, his mate lives, and the Queen is presumed missing. They hadn’t even meant to meddle, but somehow they have still bested Franz at his own game! She doesn’t like the idea of being further harmed and she hopes that the sanctuary won’t be a target. “I’m going to relocate some of the animals to Enchantment. Just in case.” She cannot replace lives, but she can replace the building structure. “I’m going to send a letter to Venin when we get back and tell her my plans, and to lock up the sanctuary until I say otherwise.” The secure area that she kept the bronze dragons in until they were trained under Kailani and Orion still remained, and she could easily house more than eighty percent of the sanctuary's beast in there. The pixies would see that their temporary homes are enchanted to mimic their natural habitat. It pains Lana to go to such length because this will be a massive undertaking and she cannot even imagine the costs of transporting the exotic or larger animals. Still. There’s a threat and she cannot put them in danger. The moment of fear passes when Tiber places a kiss to her cheek and nibbles on her earlobe, only to be replaced with one of desire. Danger heightens her lust and so Lana turns and claims Tiber’s lips with her own in a long, smoldering kiss that will leave them both wanting so much more. “Maybe we can return home to grab the pets, a few belongings, and… Other things.” That daring glance starts at his lips and drops low enough that she doesn’t need to finish her thought with words.

Lanara (Post 2 of 2) Eventually, they make their way back to the courtyard and as Lana reaches for a glass of lemonade, they’re pulled aside by Benedict. The guard looks from the witch to the lycan and sighs, “It’s come to my attention that Queen Lunalesca may not have been the only target. I think it’s plausible that Lanara could very well have been the one they meant to take. There’s no ransom note, there hasn’t been any contact by anyone, and it is strange that you two were attacked on the same night. Different locations and all, but, it still leaves me unsettled. If either of you see or hear anything, please, let me know! I can offer you some protection at your home or the sanctuary, if you think it’s necessary. I know Queen Lunalesca wouldn’t want anything to happen to either of you and I’m grateful that you both planned all of this tonight. Sadly, we still don’t have any leads.” The witch pipes up about moving the animals from the sanctuary to Enchantment and soon enough they are speaking in depth and Tiber is excluded from the conversation. It’s just as well that he’s left to his own devices, because Greyson approaches and snags some cookies from the table. He keeps giving his Alpha a ‘look’ and after he finishes a cookie, he retreats to an area where they can speak in private. Hopefully Tiber will follow, because Greyson has some information that he knows will please the man.

Tiberius frowns at the mention of moving the beasts from the sanctuary, but that was a smart move to keep the animals safe. “I’ll pay for the fee to move them. Whatever it takes, we will make sure they are not in harm's way.” Call of the wild man now. He had to get used to it eventually with his animal empathic wife by his side. The kiss that is planted on the man’s lips makes him yearn for more, but he is careful in her state, as he does not want to hurt her arm, nor ribs by pressing himself closer. He gets her hint, and it causes warmth to reach his cheeks at the thought of their… ‘other plans’ by stopping at the home. Being alone. Would they be alone? The security measures were still up, right? He takes a minute to think about where they can get a little more privacy before she pulls him back out of the haze again. Yes, they have to continue on. Continuing back to the courtyard, Benedict addresses them, and eyes shift to Lanara, but he does not make it blatantly obvious something else arised. “We’ll find her, sir. I promise you this. I won’t stop until we find her,” he plays into taking charge before he side-glances to find Greyson giving him the ‘eye’. “Sir, will you excuse me.” He presses a gentle kiss on his wife’s forehead as if giving her a look to stay put and keep Benedict entertained before moving off with Greyson on the side. “What? You look like you know something.” His voice is low in case other lycans are around the area to eavesdrop.

Lanara (Post 1 of 2) Lanara and Benedict continue to chat about security measures and animal enclosures and it seems that they are getting along rather well. For a moment, they forget that the danger that lurks and their conversation is strictly business. Many return from their search with the flame from the candle snuffed out, which they deposit on a table. It seems that no clues have been found and the morale that went from hopeful has now gone to one of melancholy. The night is winding down and the majority of the crowd disperses; most head home and lock their doors while others step into the Green Fairy to drink away their sorrow. No one will sleep easy tonight knowing that their Queen is missing. Lanara feels that she should have offered another parting speech that would offer comfort to the residents of Enchantment, but it seems that there is little that can be done to lift spirits.

Lanara (Post 2 of 2) Meanwhile, Greyson is nibbling on another cookie when Tiber asks if he has knowledge, as he looks like a cat that just swallowed a canary. He had information alright! A glance is given around the area to make sure that no one is within earshot, and he speaks just above a whisper so those with enhanced senses cannot pick up on his words. “I met a woman when I was searching in the woods. Tybalt ran ahead with his dog to see if she could pick up a scent and this beautiful blonde just showed up out of nowhere!” His cheeks darken with color as he thinks of the tanned, leggy woman. “She was stunning.” Greyson rarely blushes and he isn’t the type of man to comment on anyone’s looks at length. Bjorn is the ‘dog’ of the wolf pack, not Greyson! “Anyway. She said she knows the name of the guy that made the box that blew up. Knofavom the Shadow Gnome. He lives -under- Enchantment, in some place called Darkiln that’s hard to find, because it’s a maze of tunnels. She slipped me a scrap of paper with a hand drawn map, too.” He removes the parchment from his shirt pocket and hands it to Tiber. The familiar scent of Sylvie’s expensive perfume wafts through the air and Greyson looks to his Alpha for further guidance. “I think we should regroup and when you are fully healed we can go pay him a visit.” The Beta glances at Lana as she finishes up with Benedict and makes her way over to them.

Tiberius listens intently at Greyson’s words. A beautiful woman? Is this about his dating life? It is rare that Greyson ever flocks to a woman, as he normally kept himself very level-headed, even out at the bars. “Dude, I’m glad you met a girl, but… don’t you think times are a little… rough right now for dating?” When Greyson continues, Tiber’s quirked brow lowers as he is talking of a shadow gnome that might have been one of the causes for the incident. How would this mysterious woman know? As the parchment is offered to the translator, he snags it from his Beta which seems to be sort of sketchy that they are passing notes right now. As Tiber tucks the folded paper in his pocket, a wave of scent hits him, and he gives Greyson a very sidelong glance of intensity. He knew the smell all too well. Sylvie Rouseaux… “I think you’re out of your mind because you, Grey, may have met Sylvie Rouseaux… Franz’, I assume, bride to be. We’ll talk back at the house,” he whispers in a harsher tone, but he is still kept level for any listeners. “I want more details when we get back on how she approached you and anymore information we can gather so we aren’t falling into another death trap.” He sneers a little before his face loosens and he shakes his head. Was this another scheme? Tiber then looks to Lanara who is waiting. “Until then, keep your mouth shut. Tybalt too,” he then moves off back to the Kelvarian to pull her away so they can make their way home.