RP:Owl Be Seeing You

Summary: Talyara is enjoying the comfort of her home in Frostmaw, as it's warm and cozy, and keeps one safe from the endless blizzard that roars outside. That is... Until a majestic wolf hurls itself threw the window and lands in her living room. An orphaned owlet is safely deposited on a nearby table, before the brown wolf toys with Taly, terrifying her for several tortuous moments until it appears to take a nap. The wolf transforms into the form of a female elf... Lanara! The two sisters have a beautiful reunion as Lana explains what transpired since the last time they parted, and Taly worriedly agrees to taking agility courses to get into shape for her wedding.

Part of the New Moon, New Motion Arc

(Post 1 of 2) It had been nearly two weeks since that fateful afternoon where Talyara learned of Lanara’s fate and the sisters had parted with promises of seeing each other in the afterlife, both fearing the inevitable. Would the curse claim Lanara’s life? Would Tiber turn her into a lycan? Would she reject the virus? The unknown lingered in the minds of the witches and the silence had been nearly unbearable… Until a letter arrived on a sunny morning, resting precariously on the exterior window pane of the kitchen, taunting the green eyed witch to head into the blizzard and devour it’s contents. Only two words had been written upon the parchment, ‘I’m Alive’ and the simplest of sayings would fill the sisters with hope. It’s in Lana’s handwriting, and although she’s been known for pulling pranks, there aren't any droplets of blood staining the paper. Did she find a way to break the curse? Had she become a wolf? A bounty of questions are likely instilled in the mind of Talyara, but she wouldn’t be able to locate her sister anywhere. She’s not at the sanctuary, nor can she be found in any of the areas she generally frequents. It’s almost as if she had disappeared in thin air, or perhaps, she wears a wolf's coat as a new disguise.

(Post 2 of 2) Lanara had been rather busy since she awakened from the coma, embracing her life as a lycan, and learning the ways of the wolf. The heightened senses are difficult to grasp, but she’s determined to learn to control her inner wolf, and to become the proud Luna of Tiber’s pack. The witch swoons and eyes the engagement ring upon her finger, still over the moon about the fact that the Catalian had asked her to marry him, after they had purchased a home! She’s beyond smitten, and this is mostly what has kept her from visiting the sanctuary or traipsing about the land and showing off that she’s getting hitched and is looking healthy again. Lanara had been living in the moment, relaxing, and learning to enjoy life. After all, she has -forever- to get things done, now that the Grim Reaper stopped pounding on her door. And so, finding that she’s been missing in action for far too long, she makes the trek up the mountain path and plans a visit to her sister. By the time she makes the journey to Frostmaw, she feels Asha wanting to be let loose, and she gives a shrug before setting the wolf loose. In the blink of an eye the vision of Lanara shimmers, before the image of a beautiful wolf takes its place, and bounds happily over the banks of snow. The wolf is slightly larger than average, with thick fur that is chocolate in color, though as the sun shines its beacon on her form, one can see mahogany highlights. Amber eyes look as though they are rubies set on fire, and that blazing gaze takes in the flecks of snow that land upon her muzzle, as she inhales the brisk air. Asha is lean, but muscular, and she runs through the heavy snow with ease, though the sound of an arrow whipping through the air has the wolf dropping into a crouch and hiding behind some frost berry bushes. A pair of hunters have managed to kill a majestic owl and are posing with their kill, before they head off in the opposite direction. “Easy, Asha…” The voice of Lanara echoes in the wolf's head and she continues her journey to Taly’s cottage, when she hears a scratching sound a few feet away. There in the snow, is a destroyed nest, and resting upon the wreckage is an adorable owlet, screeching over the death of it’s mother and it’s sibling that had struck it’s head during the descent from the tall tree. Asha pants and a thin layer of drool coats the head of the small bird, as she debates whether she should eat the critter or listen to her mistress, who is grumbling, “Asha! Pick it up and gently carry it in your mouth to Taly!” Sharp canines carefully surround the owlet, before Asha picks it up in her mouth, and resumes her sprint through the snow. Unfortunately, it seems as though the hunters have become lost and are heading back this way! Asha won’t have enough time to shift back into Lana’s form, nor does she want the hunters to take hold of the owlet, and so, the wolf does the unthinkable. Running as fast as her four legs can carry her, she bounds over a snowbank, leaps over a log, and hurls herself through the picture window of Taly’s small living room. Asha lands gracefully, despite being covered in glass shards and having covered the room in a layer of snow. The owlet is deposited on an end table, as she shakes the excess moisture from her coat and scans the room, in search of Talyara.

(Post 1 of 3) Talyara barely left the cottage since saying goodbye to Lanara. Sometimes the warrior was able to coax her out for a walk but she barely got beyond the garden before she wanted to head back home. She tried to distract herself the best she could--reading was impossible (her mind wouldn't focus) and anything magical reminded her of Lana. The only thing that the little witch seemed capable of doing was cooking and baking, a hobby which took enough focus to help distract her from her sorrow, but not so much that she couldn't perform. One morning while Krice had gone out west to check on his cabin, Talyara decided to make his favorite apple pastries. It was a particularly blustery day and Talyara was worried about Krice (as she was wont to do), what with the storm that blew itself into the area overnight. As she rolled the dough something out the window caught her eye and Taly leaned forward, squinting. Was that a bit of parchment? Wiping her hands on a tea towel she stuffed her feet into her boots, not bothering to lace them up, and threw a cloak over her shoulders, before venturing out into the wind and snow. Plucking the parchment from the window, the witch made haste back into the cottage where she immediately ripped it open and read the two simple words in the familiar handwriting of her sister. Her heart stopped. Her breathing halted. And for several moments Talyara was frozen, unable to do anything except read the letter over and over again. Finally, she choked out a sob and rushed into action, scrawling a note for Krice, dressing more completely, and heading down the mountain to try and find her sister. She checked every place Lanara was known to haunt over the course of several days but her sister couldn't be found. She was a prankster, but she couldn't believe that she would joke about something like this.

(Post 2 of 3) Talyara was left to return to her home and wait for her sister to seek her out. That didn't stop her from bombarding the sanctuary, Tiber's apartment, the Kelvarians in Enchantment, and any other Lana stomping ground with a letter every single day, asking if her sister was there and reminding them if she showed up to let her know right away. Venin sent her a letter back fairly quickly, saying she better not receive any further correspondence in regards to the elder sister. That's when Taly started sending her two a day. Weeks passed and still she hadn't heard from Lanara, so Taly took to stress cleaning her cottage. She decided the bathroom needed to be redone so poor Krice had been tasked with most of that project. In fact, he was out getting supplies to put the finishing touches on the bathroom which he wouldn't let her see (she had to wear a blindfold if she went in there). He assured her that it would be done by the following and she couldn't wait to see it. She decided this morning to redo the bookshelves in the living room. She knocked out the old ones before lunch and was currently installing some L-shaped brackets along the wall opposite the picture window. The idea was she would be able to stack the books atop them and make it look like they were floating on the wall.

(Post 3 of 3) Armed with a hammer, Talyara is busy knocking a nail into the bracket so she doesn't hear the commotion outside of her cottage--that is until a large, dark, figure comes hurling through her front window, splaying her with glass and causing her to fall off of her stool. Taly screams, her mind immediately thinking that the witch hunters found her once more. She felt warmth on her cheek--a shard of glass had managed to cut her cheek and blood was dripping down her face. Brandishing the hammer, Talyara scrambles to a stand and turns towards her would-be assailant...and finds no witch hunters, but rather a wolf! Emerald eyes widen as Taylor comes running out of the bedroom. Growing to the size of a panther, she positions herself between Taly and the wolf and hisses. What was a wolf doing in Frostmaw?! The witch begins to tremble and extends a trembling right hand out towards the creature in her living room. "Nice wolf," she coos, a tremor in voice. "Good wolf."

Lanara is cursing Asha now, as she wants to switch back into her elven form, but the wolf isn’t listening as she’s having too much fun taunting Talyara. “Relax, Witchy. I won’t bite her… I’m just having a bit of fun! You can have control when I’m finished…” The two converse telepathically, their minds and souls forever entwined, and so they have a ‘give’ and ‘take’ relationship. Perhaps if Lanara had more control over her wolf, she would have easily shifted back, but she’s still so new to this life on the wild side. The owlet shivers on the end table, soaked in saliva, and its little beak begins to chatter as it fearfully wobbles from side to side. Asha glares at the disruptive owlet and takes a few threatening steps forward, but she pulls her upper jowls back in a sneer as the green eyed witch dares to wield a weapon. The low growl that escapes Asha is long and carries on for several beats, having the floorboards beneath her form quake from the rumble, as her amber gaze periodically shifts from the hammer to the face of Talyara. Sharp canines are coated in a thin film of moisture as Asha licks her lips, hungrily eyeing the woman and wondering how she will taste, if only Lanara would shut up and let her have a little bite. Another step forces Taly to back up against the wall, and once she’s cornered, Asha ferociously snaps at the air, narrowly missing a shin, and nearly sinking her teeth into the ankle of the terrified woman. It’s hilarious to the mischievous wolf, and it seems that once she has managed to scare Taly, the hunger in her vivid gaze fades and she stops drooling. The wolf stops growling and showing her teeth a few moments later, and she inhales the air, her dark nose twitching as she commits Taly’s scent to memory. Sage. Sandalwood. A hint of citrus. The prank is over and Asha sighs heavily as she goes to lay before the hearth, resting her chin upon her front paws, those eyes never once leaving the form of the hammer holding woman. “Go on, Witchy… You can shift back now, but you better let me handle the journey back home. I have been -dying- for some frost hare and you are too much of a wimp to let me take down another ‘royal’ stag.” Asha wears a wolfish grin now, as she closes her eyes and seemingly falls asleep, allowing herself a few moments to rest before Lanara shifts into her elven form and surprises her sister.

Talyara eyes the poor, quaking owlet on the side table with its saliva coated feathers and trembling beak and her heart breaks. Afraid that Taylor might be instigating the wolf as opposed to protecting her, Taly attempts to shoo her away. "Go get the owl Tyler...I mean Taylor!" In her fear she accidentally misnamed her poor familiar. "I'm sorry! I'll b-be okay." She tries to sound more brave than she feels because really, what match is she to a great beast with a hammer? And what will Krice say?! Dear Goddess, do not let him come home to see her bloodied corpse on the floor! Taylor hisses again, all the hairs along her back standing on end like a Samhain decoration; however, she begrudgingly listens to her mistress, snatching the petrified owlet in her maw and carrying him down the hall to Talyara's bedroom. Asha advances and Taly is forced to take a step back. "Umm...I have a nice roast in the ice box. How does that sound?" she asks at an attempt to bargain, assuming the wolf can even comprehend what she is saying. The little witch feels her shoulders press up against the wall and her grip on the hammer tightens, but deep down she knows she cannot bash this wolf's head in. The jaws snap at her legs and Talyara jumps, a scream leaving her lips. If Krice was close enough he would hear and hopefully save her in time. Moments pass but the warrior doesn't arrive. Her heart beats rapidly in her chest and her breathing is ragged, the witch's emerald eyes never leaving the amber ones of Asha. The minutes hang between them, heavy with tension, but then the wolf suddenly stops advancing; her eyes blink and she no longer growls. In fact, she's moving towards the hearth and--has the audacity to curl up and take a nap! Taly eyes it wearily for a moment before sidestepping towards the front door. If she could just slip on her boots and get her cloak on she might be able to escape out the front door and intercept Krice in town.

If Lanara wasn’t in the midst of shifting back into her natural form, she would have snorted at Talyara confusing the name of the shapeshifting feline. The younger witch is horrified at the occurrences in the past ten minutes and it’s no wonder, as her home had been invaded by a menacing wolf and a terrified owlet, plus the snow pouring in through the broken window is only making the situation worse as the room drops several degrees and the sofa is soaking wet. As Taly is working on tying up her second snow boot, Asha vanishes from before the hearth and in her place is now a nude elf, with her arms wrapped around her knees as she shivers from the wintry chill. Lana is about to announce her ‘arrival’ when Taylor reenters the room and hisses, because the scent of her previous owner has changed significantly, and the rigid hair upon her back is an indicator that she’s displeased at the wolf woman. Lana recalls the incorrect name of the feline and she giggles, though she feels a sneeze coming on, and she cannot remember ever having a sensitivity to any animal. “AH-CHOO!” Lifting both hands to her face to work as a barrier for germs, Lana sniffles, and lifts her gaze to lock with that of Talyara. “SURPRISE! I see you met my wolfy, already.” She scrunches her nose, “I think she likes pranking you, nearly as much as I do.” Pushing herself to her feet, Lana casts a spell on the hole in the window and freezes the area with a thick layer of ice, “Just until you have it repaired… It will keep out any snow, rain, or Frostmaw prowlers.” Chocolate eyes scan the room, before she nonchalantly walks into Taly’s room and plucks a sweater, a pair of leggings, wool socks, and a pair of snow boots from the closet, before she proceeds to dress. Pulling her damp locks into a low ponytail, the woman spies a neck warmer on the dresser, and she clasps that around her slender neck for added warmth, before she retreats to the living room. She gives a pat on the head to the disgruntled feline and she feels a pang of sadness as she sees Ella sitting behind the couch, but it’s her sister's fear that has Lana feeling the worst. “Hey… I would never let Asha hurt you!” She cannot vouch for the bipedal lycan form, however, but she doesn’t see that being an issue as she could never get -that- angry at her counterpart! Opening her arms she runs into Taly and pulls her in for a big bear hug, “I’ve missed you! And… I’m alive! Why don’t you make us something to eat and we can chat?” She pauses, “I’m sorry about the window… But there were these two hunters and they killed that owlet’s mama and the sibling lost his head like poor Petey!” She shakes her head, thinking the only thing more wretched was one of Grandpa Krawtch and his twisted puppet shows! “I didn’t have time to shift forms, nor did I want the men to kill the poor baby bird, so I had to hurry… I was wondering if you could look after it? I am not in the right state of mind lately, with all the mood swings and getting used to being an animal… It will need around the clock feedings, warmth, and socialization. But, I think it will make a wonderful familiar!” Ever the charmer, Lana tugs Taly into the kitchen so that they can have a more in depth chat, while having some grub.

Talyara side steps closer to the door as the wolf snoozes away on her hearth, the witch slipping on one boot then the other. She crouches down and begins to tie the laces up quickly, although her emerald eyes never leave the creature--just in case she needs to make a quick run for it out the door. There is a sudden change, but it's not one that the little witch expects. Asha suddenly disappears and in its wake is a naked elf...a very familiar looking elf at that. Taly stands and takes a tentative step closer, eyes widening so much she nearly resembles the owlet Asha had brought into the cottage. Taylor emerges from the bedroom and immediately arches her back, catching scent of Lanara and hissing because it is unfamiliar and not what she remembers of her former mistress. When Lana sneezes Taylor hisses again and Taly merely blinks. She doesn't even respond when her sister yells 'surprise'. The only thing she manages to do when she stands and moves off to the bedroom to fetch some clothes is open her mouth slightly. Her sister was alive. Not only was she alive but she wasn't sick. And she was a wolf. And she had busted through her front living room window! Taly turns her gaze towards the sheet of ice that now encases the gaping hole in the front of her house before shifting her attention to the soaking couch and rug. She exhales heavily and scrubs a hand over her face--as if Krice didn't have enough construction to handle what with the renovation of their bathroom! Lana returns donning a pair of leggings, sweater, boots, and a curious neck warmer that Taly purchased off of some young lass at the clinic. She wasn't verbal, and the girl's mother had explained the garment was supposed to be a scarf not a triangle-shaped accessory, but the girl seemed so proud of it so of course Taly had to buy it from her! Throughout this whole ordeal, Talyara has been struck mute, and it's not until Lanara pulls her into a hug--had she gone so accustomed to her sister's weaker embraces or was she indeed stronger now?--and volunteers her to cook them some food does she grasp the elder witch's shoulders and holds her at arm's length. Emerald eyes sweep her sister's form up and down, as if trying to determine whether this is some cruel sorcery or a true miracle. If Lana was going to be changed into a lycan it would be a wolf who liked to prank her just as much as her human form. Talyara pulls Lana back into a bone crushing hug, squeezing her tightly as tears glisten in her eyes. Her emotions were all over the place, her adrenalin still pumping from Asha's crashing through her window, and the realization that her sister hadn't perished after all. Lanara seems all too happy to keep the conversation going herself as she explains about the hunters and the poor owlet and what happened to its mother and sibling. Taly bobs her head in acquiesce--taking on the burden of such a young bird with obvious trauma would be daunting; however, it would create an unbreakable bond between them. And she couldn't very well turn it back out into the cold! Talyara feels her hand tugged as Lana pulls her towards the kitchen and once more requests food. "What do you want to eat?" Those are the first words that the little witch manages to speak and they are thick with emotion, Talyara reaching up with her free hand to wipe at the wetness in her eyes. "We just went to the market so I'm fully stocked. Whatever you want. And then you can tell me everything while I cook." Because Taly wanted to know every single detail about how her sister managed to evade death for a third time.

(Post 1 of 2) Lanara grows mildly concerned as Talyara seems to have a bout of madness, as she stares at her dumbfounded and seems unable to speak. The symptoms are synonymous from a fellow she treated back in Kelvar, who hadn’t spoken a word in years, but randomly started spewing nonsense over dinner one of their high holidays. The cure? Most wouldn’t believe it to be true, but the miraculous recovery had been linked to some potion that was mixed in the fertilizer that Lana had been using in the community garden on the outskirts of town. Byron also grew a beard that was the envy of all the local men! If facial hair wasn’t a side effect, it seems that Lana would have brewed another batch and drowned her little sister in it, as the muteness continues for several minutes. Lana uses this time to coax Taylor and Ella over and she greets them each with some scratches behind their ears, but it seems that the shapeshifting felin is still wary. Her ex-mistress was always up to -something- and she had the scorch marks on her tail to prove it! After their hug and Taly finds her words, the two move into the kitchen, and Lana drops onto a chair and adjusts the awkward neck warmer. It’s scratchy against her skin and she’s pretty sure half of it is missing, but her sister often donated to charities for simpletons and so she assumes it’s one of their unique inventions. “I would love something beefy… Perhaps, a stew? Nothing too difficult as I dropped in unannounced.” She smiles, knowing that if her sister didn’t realize the wolf shapeshifting in her living room had been her sisters work, she would know that she’s a lycan for sure, as Lanara rarely eats meat. They both had mostly dined on fruits, grains, and vegetables in their homeland, as meat was reserved only for high holidays or if one had fallen ill and needed strength to recover. Lately, it seems that the elder witch craves meat above all other foods!

(Post 2 of 2) Knowing that Taly will have a plethora of questions and that Krice could be interrupting their reunion at any moment, Lana flips the topic to her sister, before she delves into her own story. “How have -you- been, Dearest? Did you go dress shopping? Cake tasting? Have you and Krice chosen a date and location for the handfasting, yet?” Dark eyes trail from her sisters face to her hand, where she sees the engagement ring, but as of yet there doesn’t seem to be a wedding band. She’s delighted that she hasn’t missed her sister's nuptials, and she smiles, as she pours herself a glass of water and listens to Taly’s replies. Once the inquiries return to Lana’s lap, she lowers her gaze and smiles sheepishly, “As you have probably guessed… I am alive, my health has been restored, I’m stronger than before… And I am much -more- than an elf…” Flipping her wrists over, the right showing the mark that the sisters were branded with upon birth, though it’s the left wrist that garners their attention. A faint outline in white, a scar that had healed but still carried the effects, in the shape of a wolf’s bite, wrapped around most of the flesh. “Tiber turned me into a lycan and he marked me as his mate for life.” A trickle of tears cascades down Lana’s lightly tanned cheeks, as she fills her sister in on every last detail, starting at the moment of her death, leading into the moment that her body rejected the change, the necessary sacrifice of Cinder, and ending upon her waking up three days later as a changed woman. She even shares some intimate details about the bath she had taken with Tiber, and how the pair had decided to form a wolf pack with the refugees from the laboratory in Venturil! “If there’s anything else you want to know, please, don’t hesitate to ask. But… I’m still learning as I go along, and I’m struggling with all these new changes.” A faint flush is in her cheeks, as she presses a napkin to her eyes to dry her tears, “To think that my whole life has been devoted to befriending animals… And, now I -am- an animal! It’s bittersweet.” However, having Tiberius Lowell as her mate for life sweetened the deal and made the transition much more bearable.

(Post 1 of 2) Talyara, is thankfully not privy to Lanara's internal thoughts because she would be mortified to know that her sister was thinking that she needed the potion used on Byron! Sure, everyone had thought that she had miraculously cured his muteness (as well as given him a luscious beard), but upon returning to the academy, Lana missed the fact that Byron's beard hair continued to grow over the rest of his body! No matter how often he shaved, the hair kept growing back thicker and coarser than before until he was ostracized from the community for the witches assumed he had gotten mixed up in dark magic! Until Taly was forced to leave the lands some years ago, there were always rumors that Byron--now referred to as Sasquatch--roamed the forest waiting for Lana to return to seek out his revenge. Taly arches her brow curiously when Lana requests a beef stew to eat--knowing that her sister wasn't usually the type to eat meat regularly--but she doesn't say anything. She assumes that now that her sister is a wolf, she would be craving meat more often. Moving into the kitchen, Taly immediately sets to work, pulling a roast from the ice box and potatoes, carrots, celery, and parsnips from a basket. She pulls a block of wood towards her and begins the arduous process of chopping everything up. As she works, the little witch casts a glance over her shoulder at her sister as she peppers her with questions. "No," Taly gives her head a shake. "Krice and I have discussed nothing in regards to the handfasting let alone making any plans or arrangements. No cake, no dress, no location, nothing." The warrior hadn't brought it up and with Lana's impending death, Talyara was less than motivated to do anything celebratory or happy. Although now that she had her sister back, the prospect of planning her marriage to Krice seemed more exciting. "So it looks like you'll have to help me with all of that," she says with a wide grin after dumping everything into the pot, adding a generous amount of beef stock and seasonings, and turning to face Lanara. As happy as Taly was to be engaged to her love, her focus for the moment was entirely on her sister and learning every detail about the miracle of her survival.

(Post 2 of 2) Talyara quickly whips up a platter of various meats and cheeses, adding some crackers and dried fruit and nuts, carrying it to the small dining table and inviting her sister to nosh while they wait for their supper to be ready. But the younger sister barely touches her food for Lana spins a tale so dramatic, so captivating, so heartbreaking that it's like Talyara is reading a storybook! Her mouth falls open slightly, she gasps at all the right spots, even awww's when Lanara gets to the part about Tiber marking her as his mate for life and how the couple decided to form a wolf pack with the laboratory refugees. When the elder witch offers her wrist, Taly reaches out a cool finger and traces over the scar, finally looking up at her sister and smiling softly. "Well, it seems perfect for you," she says gently (meaning being an animal herself now), folding her hand over Lana's. "And I am so thankful that turning you worked. And that you are still here and healthy! There will be a learning curve, I'm sure, but I have no doubt that your animal empath abilities will undoubtedly help you in this transition." Taly pauses for a moment. "What's it like, being in a wolf form?" Talyara has only ever been an elf and thus has no idea how turning and transforming works. "I assume you have some type of control over shifts since you were able to reappear on my hearth.”

Lanara is mildly bothered by the fact that Krice and Taly haven’t at the very least set a date for their wedding, but she’s pleased that she’s around to enjoy each and every festivity with her sister! Party planning is in Lana’s genetic code, and so she nods eagerly, as she reaches for some nuts and dried fruit. She nearly mentions that they will be doing -double- the work as she is also newly engaged to Tiber, but they had promised to keep silent on that, until the day of their housewarming party! “I am delighted to go through all of this with you, Sister! I will be your personal bridal attendant! You know how men are, they never want to pick clothing, favors, a menu, all that jazz. Be grateful that Krice is going to show up!” Lana, meanwhile, is on her third engagement, but she’s certain that her sister won’t be left at the altar! Her wolf mate would never consider such a thing, either! The aroma of stew has the newly turned lycan salivating, so she grabs a few more fistfuls off the platter, slightly feeling bad as she has eaten seventy-five percent of its contents. “I haven’t been in that berserker bipedal monster mode yet, but when I’m in the form that you met earlier?” Asha. “Well… She is -me- technically, but we also have our own voice and personality, so it’s confusing as frack. Asha enjoys her freedom and I enjoy keeping her content… It’s great for traveling and it doesn’t hurt at all when I shift, but there is such clarity. All of my senses are heightened and I feel even closer to nature, in that form. But, there are times when I don’t want her input on -my- feelings or her opinion on how I should handle things. It’s just… Different. I’ve always been able to understand animals, but I can’t ignore the one inside of my body. There is no turning her off.” At this, Asha growls and mumbles a few insults to Lana, but the witch ignores her for the moment and carries on with their conversation. “I -do- have something that I want to share with you…” Lanara smiles and reaches both of her hands out to take hold of Taly’s, a gentle squeeze is given, “Tiber and I have purchased our first home together! We live in the southern section of Sage Forest!” It’s a giant milestone for the couple, and a faint flush is in her cheeks as she continues, “We want you and Krice to come to our housewarming party! It’s two weeks away, so hopefully it won’t interfere with any plans you may have.”

Talyara is thankful to have her sister back to help with the handfasting planning not just because she is near and dear to her heart and wants her there for obvious reasons, but selfishly, the younger witch needs her there to nudge her into decision making. While Lana was born to party plan, Talyara is severely lacking in that gene. And quite honestly, she had barely given her handfasting a passing thought since their engagement! "Just remember," the little witch says slowly, her eyes narrowed teasingly. "Krice and I are less, erm, exuberant than you are. So our day will probably be quite muted." Talyara has always eaten like a bird and she pays no mind to the amount of food that Lanara is consuming from the platter. She is far too interested in learning all about this new side to her sister. The idea of Lanara becoming a bipedal monster was terrifying, and it sent a cold shiver down the length of her spine. But based on her interaction with Asha earlier, she could easily see that while having their own distinct personalities, there were a bunch of similarities there as well. Talyara would most likely have to endure double the amount of pranking from now on! The younger sister arches her brow curiously when Lana expresses wanting to share something with her, as if being turned into a lycan, being cured of a deadly disease, and being yanked from the cold fingers of death itself wasn't enough. She laces her fingers through Lanara's and leans forward to receive the news, her face breaking into a wide grin when she shares that her and Tiber have bought a home together in southern Sage. Taly squeezes her sister's hands affectionately and cheers. "That's amazing news, Lana! Congrats to you and Tiber! Selfishly, I'm glad you are a bit closer to Frostmaw now as opposed to being all the way in Cenril--there's only the mountain to contend with--but I'm sure it'll be nice to be out of an apartment, too! And that's a big step for you both!" Taly knew all too well how men had broken her sister's heart over the years but she knew that Tiber was different. "Of course we will come to the housewarming party! You just let me know the exact date! And if I can bring anything!" Seeing as how Taly and Krice were of the antisocial sort, they most certainly had no previous plans.

Lanara smirks at the comment about Krice and her sister being far more reserved than her, because a truer statement couldn’t have been made! Taly enjoyed going all out on the high holidays and if Lana ever wanted to have an impromptu party, she needed only dole out a task and her little sister would be the first to offer to help. Like with the Adventurer’s Guild picnic and the hunt for a frost boar! However, since her time in the lands and being on the arm of Krice, the petite witch had catered to his reclusive lifestyle and seems rather content to keep things that way! “I understand, no worries! I can help you plan something intimate with maybe a handful of guests? If you don’t want all the glam, I suggest a late morning wedding, perhaps a nice brunch as a reception?” Evening weddings often led into late night parties and catered to a much larger crowd and an expensive venue. Taly will likely want something in the forest or perhaps on the beach, and as her mind is churning on her sister's wedding, Lana is subconsciously tucking away little thoughts about her very own. Keeping Tiber’s proposal a secret is difficult, as she rarely keeps anything from her sister, as they had both learned from their past. The last ‘secret’ she had involved her getting betrothed to an infamous witch killer and she had lied to her sister about some skyclad ritual and they ended up in a mud wrestling cage fight! Lanara Banks is a ‘go big or go home’ type of gal, though Taly didn’t appreciate it one bit! -This- secret will be unveiled at their housewarming party, without a pool of dirt, without an audience taking bets, and they would both be fully clothed. (Unless Lanara is parading around in yet ANOTHER bikini!) The stew on the stove is nearly complete in cooking and her stomach rumbles from the aromas permeating throughout the tiny kitchen, so she takes another fistful of nuts from the tray, “Yes, I’m excited! I mean, we’ve been off and on for over three years, and I’ve lived with him for quite a bit. We both decided to base our roots in the same place, a home that we can call ours, and I cannot wait to show you the place! It’s so pretty! It has four bedrooms, two washrooms, and there is even a little balcony where we can practice our craft!” She goes more into detail, gesticulating wildly as she speaks, and it’s obvious that Lanara has truly found a place where she feels at home. Tiber has given her more than she could hope, and their story is only just beginning! “You don’t have to bring anything! Maybe just some booze for Tiber, you know how he gets with social events!” She grins, “We plan on inviting our kin from Kelvar and you can meet some of our new wolf pack members, too!”

Talyara considers the thought of a late morning wedding and a brunch reception. Anyone who knew the younger witch knew that breakfast food was her absolute favorite kind so it would suit her quite well! But of course she didn't want to make any type of decisions without speaking to Krice about it. This was a big step for the warrior and in her desire to not overwhelm him, Taly had all b ut clammed up about the handfasting. But now that Lana was back she supposed it was time to bring it up to him again. Naturally, Taly wanted her sister to be her maid of honor, but to ask her in such a mundane fashion, sitting in her kitchen while stew bubbled on the fire after Lana unceremoniously destroyed half her house (again), didn't seem right. Lanara was alive, brought from the brink of death (again) and she needed to be asked in a creative way. Talyara grins across the table at Lana as she gushes about her new house, explaining in detail about the layout and furnishings and how happy she is to have a home with Tiber. And it's true happiness--Taly can see it bubbling out of her, her chocolate hued eyes shining in the dim light of the cottage and the inflections in her tone warm and delighted. Talyara was happy for the couple--they deserved happiness (and each other). If the smells wafting from the kitchen are any indication, the stew is practically ready, so the younger witch excuses herself from the table to grab a pair of bowls from the cabinet and ladles hearty portions into each. After laying them on the table she returns to the kitchen to fetch a loaf of fresh, crispy bread and homemade butter. "I've started baking my own bread," Taly explains to Lana. "And I made the butter, too! This one has garlic and herbs in it. It's proving to be my favorite." Talyara loved working in the clinic, but she was growing more and more fond of cooking and baking, getting more creative in the kitchen the more confident she grew in her skills. She chuckles when Lanara suggests she bring booze for Tiber and dips her chin in an emphatic nod. "Even though I'll be the one navigating the mountain this time around, I'll bring him something. There's a gentleman who comes to the market once in a while who brings a really nice whiskey he'd probably like." Taly breaks off a hunk of bread slathers it in butter before taking a hefty bite. "Ooohthatsoundslikeitllbefun," she mumbles with her mouth half full, her manners being somewhat lax in the presence of her sister. She swallows thickly before nodding towards the stew. "How is it?" A pause. "How many members are in your pack?"

Lanara’s attention moves solely to the delicious stew that her sister places before her, and she hungrily dips her spoon in and takes several large mouthfuls. It’s hands down the best beef stew she’s ever had, and she forgoes all semblances of appearing dainty as she spoons herself a second helping, only pausing to take a chunk of fresh baked bread. “Ohmygoddess, this is sinfully delicious!” She has gravy spilling down her chin, a chunk of meat clings to the shirt she ‘borrowed’ from Taly’s closet, and there is a smattering of garlic butter coating the side of her hand. It’s obvious that this meal is Lanara approved! “I love to bake cookies and things, but bread is one thing I’ve never mastered! What is your secret, my sneaky sister?” Lanara can’t recall the last time she had gone all out and made a gourmet dinner, probably before she had fallen ill from the curse, but she plans on having everyone over for the housewarming party and she will make -something- to go with Whamsey’s catering menu. “The Pack is coming along…” She hesitates, as she doesn’t know the members all that well, as since stepping into the role of Luna it seems that only a few tolerate her presence. “There are six of us, not including Tiber and myself… There is Greyson, who is basically a younger version of Tiber. Bjorn…He’s the prankster of the group, muscles for days, and a ladies man. Violet and Celeste are in their late teens, both are quiet, and Celeste seems to have some empathic abilities. Then there’s Corrine.” At this, Lana makes a disgusted face, “Her personality puts Venin to shame, and she’s always trying to flirt with Tiber, and she goes out of her way to annoy me.” Rolling her eyes, Lana mentions the last of the members, and she grins, “Then we have Tybalt, who is about eight? He loves dinosaurs and drawing, he’s very sweet, and he is handicapped… He only has one arm, but he manages quite well without all of his limbs.” Of course Lana’s favorite member would be a disabled puppy, likely because it reminds her of the sanctuary! The rest of the meal passes peacefully as the sisters make small talk, and Lana mentions how she botched her first hunting adventure, and how she feels that her friendship with Meri is on the fritz. She also asks her sister a million personal details about her life with Krice, wedding expectations, and if Taly needs a sweaty partner to get into shape before the big day! Although she’s exhausted from trekking through a blizzard, diving through a window, and eating a hearty meal, the witch is overjoyed to see her sister and doesn’t want their time to end. “Is it okay if I crash on the couch tonight? I don’t think I’m prepared to waltz back to Sage on a full belly, plus I should probably stick around to help you with the owlet.” She smiles and tilts her head, “We can play Kelvaropoly!”

Talyara arches her brows, her eyes widening slightly as Lanara begins to ravenously eat the bowl of stew in seemingly no time at all, before helping herself to more. The younger witch doesn’t mind at all that her sister is enjoying the food, but she’s a bit concerned that her sister is somehow malnourished. She supposed it could be due to how emaciated she had been while she was sick. Or perhaps it was just the way things would be now that she was a lycan. Taly squints her eyes slightly as if trying to remember the eating habits of the other lycans she has met in her lifetime but none come to mind. It doesn’t matter to her—Lana looks healthy and seems to be enjoying dinner so the younger witch shrugs her shoulders and begins eating her own bowl of stew. “Bread has taken me the longest to figure out!” Taly agrees, putting down her spoon so she can lay out the finer points of bread making which include never using hot liquid (only lukewarm), making sure the fire is nice and hot before baking, and always use room temperature ingredients—including the eggs and butter! The younger sister resumes her eating as she listens to Lanara list off the members of the pack, giving a brief description of each. When she speaks of Corrine, Taly wrinkles her nose. “Ew, she sounds awful. And terribly disrespectful! I can’t imagine Tiber appreciates the flirting either.” Her expression softens as the conversation turns to Tybalt, a young lad with a disability who loves things that most little boys do. He sounded adorable and the younger witch hopes she will be able to meet him some day. The conversation continues amicably, the sisters laughing and enjoying one another’s company. Taly offers advice and commiseration about the possible fallout of the Meri friendship. Unfortunately, she has next to no answers for Lanara’s endless questions about hand fasting details; however, a sweet, contented expression shows on her face whenever the conversation turns to the warrior; clearly the little witch is completely smitten. “A…sweaty partner?” Taly asks, dread in her tone. She looks down and pokes her stomach with her index finger, wondering if she had been putting on weight and silently cursing herself for eating that third slice of bread with extra butter. Not to mention, Lanara leading group exercise classes was a bit alarming. The elder sister needn’t ask about crashing—Talyara had a feeling that even if she said ‘no’ (which she wouldn’t) Lana would do what she wanted to anyway. At the mention of Kelvaropoly, Taly groans. “You always make me play for -hours-. And you yell at me for every piece of property I buy and also say you have some grand scheme to win…” Despite her complaints, Taly hefts all the dishes back into the kitchen before heading to her bedroom closet and pulling out a familiar, worn game board.

Lanara squeals and claps her hands like one of those monkeys at the circus playing their accordion, her eyes brightening with glee as the game board comes into sight. “You -cannot- buy Swordwalk if you land on it, Taly. I have a new strategy and I’m surely going to win this game!” She’s so certain that her scheming will lead to a ‘win’ but somehow Taly always comes out on top! It’s like the time she begged her sister to play ‘20 Questions’ and decided to change the object halfway in… Talyara -still- somehow guessed that she was thinking of a pigs hoof! And whenever they played Charades or Scriptostrations back in Kelvar, no one could ever quite understand Lanara’s acting or artistic abilities… Unless Taly was on the opposing team! It seemed that their unique connection helped the younger sister to best Lana in every round! After a few goes around the board, somehow Lanara manages to have more money than Taly, despite the fact that in the previous round she was nearly broken. Perhaps she shouldn’t be the banker? Either way, the elder witch is off on another tangent and the game is nearly forgotten, “YES! We, erm, -YOU- need to start sweating for the wedding! Every bride needs to look their absolute best on their wedding day! Krice needs to be reminded that -you- are the last woman he’s ever going to bed, plus, you want all eyes to be on you! -I- will help you! I’ve been researching this agility course that the ancients used to use before they went into battle, it works the mind, body, and spirit! I figure it’s a great way to get me back into shape too, since I’m alive again and learning the ropes of being a wolf.” She smiles, a little too sweetly, and Taly will likely feel her intuition bells going off like fireworks. Whenever Lanara gets this confident it usually ends in disaster and puts Taly in serious danger! Still. She’s smitten with the warrior, and she will do anything Lana tells her too, so there’s no point in arguing. Lana babbles on and on about the wedding, before she moves into the topic of ballet, as she plans on rejoining the Bard’s Guild. At long last she seems to grow weary and curls up on the couch, but the owlet begins to coo, so she pouts and looks up at Taly, “Can you feed it? Just chew on some worms and spit them into its mouth. I have a little jar of them in my bag.” Her ‘bag’ is outside, in the middle of the blizzard, and she smirks as she recalls where she last left it, “Be a good sister and care for the owlet… I need my rest, as I want to head back to Sage first thing in the morning... Owl be seeing you soon!” Lana laughs at her own pun and after a few moments falls into a peaceful sleep, while Taly spends the caring for her new companion.