RP:To Mend A Bond

Summary: Alvina asks Khitti to come over to talk, since the Silver Bard is stuck at home with an ever-so-lovely new ankle bracelet from Cenril's judge. The two speak about things that had going on, discuss future possibilities, and their friendship is mended somewhat. But as usual, there's still some things left unsaid, but not as much as before.

The Landon Residence, Cenril

It’d been quite awhile since the altercation with Alvina, Hudson, and Meri. Khitti had had plenty to do since then, what with the likelihood of a Kahran return, the plague, and just even her everyday responsibilities at the Devout’s Guild, her bakery, and at home. Despite seemingly having a full plate, it apparently wasn’t full enough because no sooner did Khitti manage to put the issue of werewolves aside (besides occasionally hearing about Alvina getting thrown in jail; it was something she discouraged her employees from talking about, but that didn’t stop the customers) did she receive a letter from Alvina, asking her to meet her at the Landon house.

That… didn’t seem like a good idea to the templar. Maybe it was actually Hudson that’d sent it? Khitti’d been mildly paranoid of yet another confrontation--if only because she knew she’d likely hand Hudson’s arse to him--but despite her better judgement, Khitti went anyway. She’d made sure to tell Brand, “If I don’t come back, please burn the entire town down in my honor.” Even Khitti wasn’t sure if she was actually kidding about it or not--it was something that might -actually- have to happen. She honestly likely hadn’t even had to tell Brand that. He’d probably do it regardless.

Before she even left the Tranquility, there was a hell of a lot of hesitation. Should she bring her sword? Or should she borrow one of Brand’s daggers? Khitti really needed to get herself a smaller weapon to hide on her person for times like these. Especially after what’d happened in Rynvale recently. Eventually, she’d decide on taking neither, choosing to depend upon her magic again if need be, and made her way to the Landon home. If Khitti was walking into a trap, she was at least -a little- prepared.

The letter Khitti received was brief but cordial. It had been written by Alvina. Hudson, who would be out with work when Khitti came by the house, had not planned an ambush. The activity on the property was minimal. Hudson had posted guards around the entrances, a few mulled around the front and back yards in their human forms (for those of the wolves that were in attendance). Not pack members but members of Hudson’s ‘other family’ who’d die before betraying him or his family. Whether from loyalty or fear was unclear to Alvina as she sat at the window, charging her magic anklet with the small companion device. This was a daily requirement; if the anklet’s magic became undetectable, Alvina would be pulled back into prison. No one wanted that.

When Khitti approaches, the few men scattered in the front yard gain her attention. It’s nonthreatening; they’d be warned that Alvina was to have a visitor soon. A family friend they were not to disturb. It’s Alvina’s personal assigned body guard who moves out of the house to greet Khitti with a wave in his direction. He wore a suit, creased from sitting inside no doubt. “The missus is in the living room,” Milo informs her dutifully when they move into the foyer. Several pairs of shoes are clustered in the immediate right corner. Alvina’s voice calls out to Khitti while Milo moves ahead of the red head to announce her arrival. Alvina will be seated in the floor, next to a magically charged obsidian obelisk. If she was standing, it would top out mid-shin. “I’d stand to hug you but…I’m fulfilling my end of the ‘being home’ bargain.” She smiles, soft lines forming around her lips that denote discomfort with the topic. Regardless of what Hudson said, she did not feel more ‘badass’ after the experience. It was just plain embarrassing.

“Would you like something to drink?” She asks Khitti, craning her head to where Milo’s standing. Even if Khitti refuses, she’ll send Milo off to ‘fetch a drink for her friend.’ “Thanks for coming by, I really appreciate it. I’d had the chance to follow up with Meri since the last time we were all…together but my impending attempt to have a similar conversation with you were impeded –“ she sighs, “-by forces beyond my control it seems.” There’s no amusement in the statement. “Of course I want to apologize for how out-of-hand things got there at the end but I also wanted to talk to you about why I didn’t mention all this to you before, in the bakery, when we met up. If you have a little bit?” The three women, though Meri isn’t here, are mothers. That means their personal time is very limited and therefore precious. Alvina’d understand if Khitti only had so much time to devote to reparations in the form of apologizes or overdue conversations. “On a lighter note, I did also want to talk about the guild business we touched on last time too. Please, feel free to have a seat.” She gestures to the couch, before wrapping her arms loosely around her bundled knees. “Milo, can you bring me the cookies too please?” The kids were out; time for secret cookie consumption.

Khitti would consider sitting on the couch, looking at it briefly before finally sitting down in front of Alvina, keeping enough space in between the two of them. “Uh… tea, I suppose. Thank you.” The redhead seemed a little uncomfortable--it was mainly with the prospects of someone hovering over them this entire time, but it wasn’t something that she voiced. “So it would seem,” Khitti finally said at length, with regards to Alvina’s current predicament. It was difficult for Khitti to even mention Hudson at this point without saying something… not very nice and so it was difficult for her to say much at all at this point. “I’m going to be really blunt, Alvina. I’m not going to apologize for the things I said. It’s fine if you want to apologize, but I’m gonna be honest that it wasn’t something I was going to expect after that.”

A sigh was let loose before more thoughts poured from Khitti’s lips, “I can’t even think of a single positive thing to say about your husband at this point. He clearly can’t see the bigger picture of things. I understand protecting your family, but the world doesn’t revolve around the Landons. There’s consequences. Always consequences. Especially for people like who you are now and who I used to be. Hell, who I still am. I’m not a vampire anymore, but I still hurt people, whether it’s by me or because of me. This is something you have to accept, move on, and try to do things better. Hiding only makes it worse--it -always- makes it worse.” The templar’s tone was stern, but her voice wasn’t raised. It was clear she was still upset about this whole thing, but it was because she’d lived that life… so why the hell wouldn’t anyone listen to her? She seemed calmer at least because -maybe- Alvina would listen to her. It’d been perfectly clear that Hudson would not.

Whenever the tea and cookies would return, Khitti’d set the tea on the floor in front of her, staring down into its depths. “Guild business would be a nice change of pace after this subject is over.” The more she stared into her drink, the more that mask of hers would fall, leaving Khitti to look incredibly tired. Worry lines had begun to mar her pale features, dark crescents beneath her eyes that weren’t quite covered up by her favored shadowy eye makeup. There was likely more going on than just her feelings being stirred up by this conversation, but she wasn’t going to speak about it now.

Milo scurries off to make tea while Alvina keeps her eyes trained on Khitti while the other red head speaks. Her lids lower slightly as the bad news unfurls. Khitti wouldn’t apologize for what she’d said and Alvina would never make her. Of course she’d been hurt, viciously, by the accusation that Alvina only carried about money and her high fluent social life with her high fluent friends. How could that ever be true? Alvina prided herself on loving fully the people closest too her. People like Khitti and Meri! Alvina wouldn’t interrupt Khitti but she’s bled her apologies for that particular instance. As she moves into discussion Hudson’s view on the subject, Alvina’s lips shift into a melancholic frown. Still she says nothing, opting instead to hear out all the things Khitti wanted to say.

Milo arrives with the tea just as Khitti’s about to bring up the guild. He offers Alvina the cookies she’d requested and a horrible smelling smoothie that she grimaces at before setting it in the floor beside her. She too would be happy to put the business at hand behind them and hoped this conversation would do it’s part. Gods, she prayed so. Alvina sighs, forcing a tired smile and opening the crinkly package of cookies. She’ll offer Khitti the cookies first before snagging her own. “Thank you,” she turns to Milo, who nods and leaves the room. A beat later the front door opens and shuts leaving the two women alone in the house. The girls are at school and Bryce is with Marge at the park; another activity Alvina can’t engage in. The bard opts to start with her Husband, because it’s the least important portion. Nothing she says will change Khitti’s opinion of Hudson so there’s little more than can be added. “Both Hudson and I are aware that the world doesn’t revolve around us, Khitti.” It’s said sadly, like the accusation wounded her further.

“We aren’t self-important monsters.” Werewolves, yes. Monsters? “We don’t think of ourselves are ‘better’ than anyone else, I promise you. We’re fully aware there are consequences, which we are sorting through now –“ As made evident by the blue, glowing anklet digging into her skin. “I really hope you’ll believe that. Hudson would try to protect our family regardless of perceived status and even though I think the situation was handled badly, I think wanting to protect his family is a positive thing. He loves us. Another positive thing.” Her voice isn’t argumentative but it is confident. “I take responsibility for what happened and apologized, I wanted to tell you AND Meri sooner but mistakes were made and these are the consequences. My arrest, the frayed trust that exists now between us. Trust I hope we can repair one day.” Sadness weighs down her tongue again. “I had been and still am doing my very best to be careful and keep things under control but it is a learned thing. It isn’t natural, I know you know that. It took a while for me to truly accept what had happened in becoming a werewolf. The instincts –“ She sighs, “-I know I’m just repeating what you already personally know but I do understand and I hear you. I really do.” It had been a mistake, a lapse in an otherwise smooth transition. Though Alvina wasn’t the sort to move on. She’d cling to the regret and pain her mistakes caused and hoped, through this, that she’d have a better chance at avoiding a repeat.

Needing a moment to evaluate Khitti’s expression, Alvina eats her cookies. It allows a small silent to open up between audible bites. “I didn’t ask you here for an apology. I believe you truly felt the things you said and I’m sorry if I’ve lead you to believe that I’m that sort of person. If my actions have…painted me in a unfavorable light.” Khitti looks tired, as tired as Alvina feels, maybe more so. “I talked to Meri too. It isn’t something I can undo but I hope in time to do my best to make it up to her and you.” The path they’d all have to travel would, no doubt, have it’s own challenges as they went. “And if you’d prefer to save yourself the trouble and break ties I…” The words swell in her throat “I’d understand but I don’t want you to. I’d never want you to.” That said, she eats another cookie and waits. “Is this situation what’s weighing on your mind so heavily?” There’s no polite way to say someone looks worn to the bone.

There’d been numerous amounts of miscommunication at the “meeting” between Alvina and Hudson and Khitti and Meri, and Khitti was starting to pick up on that, between the other redhead’s words and her body language. Was there even a point in making this realization known? The majority of Khitti’s words had been meant for Hudson alone--he’d been the brains behind this whole operation on the Landons’ side of things, forcing Alvina to keep her newfound wolfiness to herself. The epiphany of the miscommunication only made her blood boil more, her distrust and anger towards Hudson grow, and an annoying, throbbing stress headache surfacing in her head.

Ultimately, she does decide to bring it up, saying at length, “There’s been a lot of miscommunication here. My anger and the bulk of my words were meant for your husband, not you. I know what kind of person you are. I understand your reasoning for going along with his plan in the first place, to keep it under wraps.” Khitti sighed heavily, giving her arms and neck a bit of a stretch, the tension in her shoulders making her uncomfortable. “But, I guess at this point it’s going to be a case of what’s said to one spouse goes for the other as well, even if that was never my intention in the first place.” She stuffed a cookie into her mouth, chewing it thoughtfully as crimson brows knitted together. “If I was going to burn our little friendship bridge, Alvina, I would’ve done it already. And yes… it is one of the things I’ve been worrying about. It just doesn’t feel like to me like anyone really grasps the severity of the situation, but I guess I’m just overly worrying…” As for what else might be ailing her right now, Khitti just shrugged and dug into another cookie.

Alvina watches Khitti stretch and feels the knot in her stomach harden uncomfortably. She thought hearing Khitti hadn’t directed those words at her would alleviate some of Alvina’s discomfort but it doesn’t. Not as much as she’d hoped, anyway. She averts her gaze when Khitti clarifies that she had no intention of severing ties. It’s true, Khitti could just as easily ignored Alvina’s letter and opted to let the situation and their friendship fizzle out. She leaves the cookies to Khitti for now. “I’m glad you feel that way. I’d hate to lose you over this.” Though Alvina wouldn’t blame her. It was bad news, and horrible what happened to Meri through it all. “But you should know, and I’m not just saying this because I’m his wife but Hudson doesn’t feel that way either.” Even though she’d mentioned it a moment or two before. “He cares a lot about keeping Cenril safe and those contacts help him do that. He has love for his friends before his business too.” It goes without saying (or maybe Hudson had already said so, Alvina can’t recall) that if Meri had been someone they didn’t know…Hudson would have had her killed. Not a clean or compassionate resolution but a safe one. “Khitti…” Alvina sounds deflated, worn down. “Hudson isn’t a bad guy. He’s made some unpopular decisions but it’s because he cares. If he didn’t, Cenril may not be the haven it is now. Working with Uma to protect the witches that came here from Larket. He isn’t just interested in his own personal gains and…” Alvina sighs, unable to ignore it anymore. “What’s going on?” She blinks, furrowing her brow while studying Khitti’s cookie consumption. “You look so tired, beyond this subject even.” The bard offers Khitti a thin lipped smile. “Will you talk to me about it?”

Khitti nodded a little, “I know, Alvina. Otherwise, I doubt you would’ve married him. And I think maybe that’s why it’s so difficult for me to wrap my head around this. I might not be his friend--and that’s perfectly fine--but Meri is supposed to be a friend to both of you. She needed this love and protection, albeit in different forms, and she didn’t get it. I don’t know if it matters at all to her now, but it did at one point. And like I said before, this subject is just… kind of a touchy one, because I’ve been in the same boat. I might have chosen the vampirism, but I didn’t get the support I needed from those that’d promised to give it. I ended up getting it from Brand mostly, and he didn’t know a thing about it.” Thinking about it now, Khitti frowned a little at the thought. Dominic version 1.0’s support hadn’t lasted long, especially once he realized that Khitti was never going to fully settle down--at least in the sense that she was always going to be fighting bad guys and whatnot. He’d wanted a nice, quiet life with Khitti and… Khitti wasn’t about that life. Or, at least, she thought she had been, but now? What would she do with herself if she’d just resigned to being a homebody?

The templar just shrugged when other problems were brought up, “Things I have no control over. There’s a plague going around. Some of my employees at the bakery are sick… or worse.” She didn’t want to outright say that a couple of them had actually died, “That friend of Hudson’s… Sargaso. He’s another one of the ones that’s sick too. And this girl Penelope... On top of that there’s some blockade in Venturil. You remember back when you made my bow? How the Warrior’s Guild was fighting those saurian? The Razurath? I guess they’re back and apparently even more sentient. Other people are dealing with both of the issues, but with what my guild does, it just felt like I should be able to take care of both things. But, I can’t. I’m not… his royal highness.” She meant Lionel, but she wasn’t going to say his name either. “It’s hard trying to accept not being able to deal with things, but I’m getting used to it at this point. The journey to getting there is just a little more stressful than I wanted it to be.” She shrugged again, the cookies and tea seeming to help ease her, the latter of which was finished off finally. “This situation with you and Hudson and Meri didn’t end up the way I wanted it either. I didn’t expect it to be all rainbows and sunshine but…”

She sighed, then offered a faint smile to Alvina, “But, it’s over and done with now. Meri seems happy and I’m sure things with your lovely new ankle bracelet will be over before you know it.” Another cookie is taken up, but she’s a bit more mindful of it this time, choosing instead to eat it like a normal person, one bite at a time, instead of like a cookie monsters. “What did you want to talk about? For the Bard’s Guild, I mean.”

Alvina tilts her head slightly to one side. A plague? Plagues are usually worse than just…mild sickness. They were severe. Life threatening. Even though Khitti didn’t bluntly say so, she was worried her employees would die or ‘worse’ as she’d said. The worse option leaves little to the imagination. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know.” About the plague. About her employees. How could she know about her staff? There’s literally no way. When Sarge is mentioned the lines of concern deepen in her face. Did Hudson know? Penelope sounded familiar…but Alvina couldn’t remember if they’d actually met or if she’d just heard about the other woman in passing. She has NO knowledge about the blockage in Venturil either. “Is this that same guy that attacked the ship?” She couldn’t remember his name. It feels like another lifetime when that magic murderer killed Uma’s husband. “I remember. Rorin was in the hospital for a bit.” She remembered discussing weapons with the eager young lad and that cute girl friend of his. When Khitti mentions not being able to handle both things Alvina leans forward to gently curl her fingers around Khitti’s wrist (the cookies were a trap). She’ll hold there, searching the link of their hands and eventually Khitti’s face. “No one can deal with all this on their own.” Alvina lets the silence linger a moment too long before a light squeeze withdraws her hand back into her lap. Once Khitti has her next cookie, Alvina will snag her own morsel.

Alvina mirrors Khitti’s ghost of a smile with a nod. “Meri does seem okay.” She agreed, though her concern over the giant argument between the four of them still lingered in the back of her mind, restless and wanting a proper ending. Khitti’s question about the Bard’s guild comes just as Alvina takes a bite. After a moment to chew, she says “The Bard’s guild isn’t the healer’s guild by any means but we could help with some of the plague suffers. Even if it’s just to ease their pain a little. We could do a couple runs, consider that an ‘entry’ test if that’s what guild leaders are supposed to do.” She chuckles, unsure of her station. “We can join forces so you won’t have to struggle alone.”

Khitti offered Alvina another smile, watching as the other redhead pulled her hand away. “It’s fine, Alvina. Really. I know I can’t deal with it all. That’s why I let one of my guild members, Zahrani, check out the blockade. And Meri’s helping deal with the plague. I just worry regardless, even though I know they can take care of themselves--especially after what happened to Talyara and Lanara.” Did Alvina even know about what had happened to the witch sisters? It wasn’t a thought that crossed Khitti’s mind currently, though she’d certainly update the Silver Bard if she asked for clarification.

“I do think that that would be a good idea though. I… vaguely remember, back when I’d been looking into the Bard’s Guild, when Brennia was in charge, that she’d separated the bards into different groups, depending on what it was that they did--I think there was one for therapists? If anyone still in the guild can work their craft that way, I’m sure that it’d certainly put the sick into better spirits. And if it’s to the point that they’re too far gone, it’d be a better death than what many have gone through already.” Khitti set her mug to the side, “I know playing my violin has always helped me through tough times.” Once enough time had passed to allow Alvina to respond, Khitti asked, “How are you…? I’ve done the whole house arrest thing several times, so I know it’s not easy.” Despite the whole talk of the altercation, Khitti still seemed genuinely interested regardless.

Alvina’s relieved that Khitti’s not trying to take everything on at once. She knew very little about what happened with Lanara, even less so about Talyara. Her lips quirk into a concerned frown. “What happened…?” Khitti’s reminiscence of the Bard’s guild makes Alvina’s chest feel tight. Brennia. “There is a therapy division. Physical or mental.” Injuries of the body and mind. She nods at Khitti’s confession that music, specifically playing her violin, has helped her weather some of life’s storms. “We can swing out to the guild to make it official once I’m off my leash.”

“I feel the same way. Music can be…what we need most when we can’t find the words to wholly express how we feel.” Alvina’s flute, in days of yore, had been the same way. Khitti’s question about the other bard’s well being gives Alvina pause. She wiggles her foot, directing attention to her anklet. “Not ideal.” She chuckles. “Not ideal but not unbearable. Hudson’s probably ready to murder me…” The lightness of her tone provides reassurance that it’s a jest. “…Pregnant again.” She mumbles into her palms with an eye roll. She sighs, not ungrateful but not overly thrilled. “A bit of bad luck, considering the timing but, it’ll be okay.” Alvina couldn’t fathom terminating the pregnancy, especially after all the trouble they’d had originally conceiving and the children they’d lost to circumstance. No doubt their stations allowed them the luxury, but even that was stretching it. Four children was excessive and Alvina knew it. Especially with the never ending slew of werewolf and witch persecutions. This plague. All other manner of madness. Cenril felt like a magnet for trouble these days.

Khitti hadn’t really known what was going on with Brennia, and it was likely for the better considering the avian’s involvement with the vampire that had formerly sired Khitti. She -had- heard of the goings-on of Kahran out there in Schezerade, but it’d been when Khitti was way too pregnant to do anything at all in the way of helping and so she’d tried to put it out of her mind. Now, her mind is focused on that of Lanara, as it often had in days, weeks, and months past this year. “Her and Talyara… were kidnapped by witch hunters. They were tortured and I think between that and Elioyahazer’s disappearing act… it just broke her.” Her eyes got a little misty at the thought and Khitti quickly sought out another cookie to shove in her mouth to quiet herself. If she didn’t talk about it, she couldn’t cry. That’s how that worked, right? Denial was a mistress that Khitti loved serving and she did so even more now. “Something needs to be done about those people, but I don’t even know where to start… or if it’s even my place to do so.”

Alvina would go on and speak about herself and that cookie Khitti just popped into her mouth would be promptly choked on when the Silver Bard mentioned that she was pregnant again. Khitti coughed a bit, slammed a fist into her chest to dislodge the confectionery goodness and got her bearings quickly, “You know they make herbal things for that… right?” Red brows furrowed as she eyed Alvina, concern written on her features because the other redhead wasn’t as enthused about this child as she’d been about her others. “I’ve been drinking it in tea form for awhile now, since Brand and I aren’t in any hurry for anymore kids right now. I’m… not exactly wanting another pregnancy just yet considering the fact that I’d have to go the long route, compared to you and Meri.” She was… a little jealous of it, but if she did get pregnant -somehow- some time soon, she’d either pray to the gods for some sort of magic to move it along like her pregnancy with Dominic had been or… she’d just deal with it like every other human in the world. Maybe. There’d be a lot of bitching, that’s for sure. “If it was a thing you’d want to do for the future, you’d probably need a higher dosage though. It, uh… didn’t work on Meri after she was bitten.” Khitti side-eyed the floor and coughed awkwardly, then shrugged, “Regardless, I’m sure things will be fine. You have plenty of people to help take care of you and the kids.”

Khitti let out a ‘hm’ as she thought about the Bard’s Guild again, a finger tapping her chin, “When you’re no longer chained to your house and probably even after you’ve had this kid, maybe we should do something for the guild? Lanara had those couple of party-picnic-things and there was a great turnout. It might get you some more members, but at the very least, it could serve as something positive amongst all the hell we’ve been through lately.”

Khitti shines a light on where Lanara has been and the troubles both sisters encountered because they were witches. She couldn’t stop herself from thinking about Valrae, the witch was a symbol now of her people’s suffering. And Uma…who’d lost her baby saving everyone on the S. S. Turnt. Alvina doesn’t know that last bit about the baby, but she knows the baby was lost. Her knowledge on witchcraft is limited and it’s doubtful that Uma went around bragging about it. “We’re trying,” she said, reflexively. “I mean, Cenril is trying.” As opposed to Larket or any of the other silent regions that didn’t stand up for the witches. She talks a bit more before Khitti chokes. Alvina stops, startled and wide eyed as the red head tells her there’s a herbal thing for that. Alvina laughs, in surprise and momentary panic for Khitti’s well-being. She feels bad about Khitti’s reaction, she hadn’t meant to sound braggadocious. She picks up a cookie, eating it in small bites before confessing in a quick, quiet voice. “I took all sorts of herbs and wore enchanted lockets and the whole nine to get pregnant with the twins.” Which is why they hadn’t planned for it but she feels committed to seeing it through. She’d lost too many children (one is too many) trying to start their family. “So there’s really never been a need for it. Except now, I guess.” She laughs again, finishing her cookie and watching Khitti over the slope of her knees. “We should all have a play date.” She muses, thinking about Dominic and Fleur.

“I don’t think it’ll be much longer, with the anklet.” But the kid would, of course, be a longer story. “I’d still like to do things while I bake!” The bun in the oven, that is. “I do remember Talyara been exceptional with that as well. Remember Lana’s birthday?” Alvina smiles, the memory now bitter sweet with Lanara’s status. “Want to stick a tentative pin in it and come back to it once I’m unmuzzled?” She joked, prodding at the leather strap around her leg. Milo clears his throat audibly to announce his re-entrance into the room. “Ma’am” is all he says before shuffling back out to the door. “Oh my,” Alvina chuckles into her hands. “The kids will be home soon, gotta hide my cookie stash. Would you like to stay until they get home? Hudson isn’t far behind them, I wager.” Alvina’d really like if she could one day change Khitti’s mind about her husband.

“-Everyone- in Cenril is trying, Alvina. It’s just how the city works,” Khitti said with a shrug. “And sure. Dominic does need to play with kids his own age at some point.” She paused, frowned a bit, then continued, “While people’s kids are still seemingly his age, I guess.” Fleur, Alvina and Hudson’s kids, and many others were all something other than human, so they grew rather quickly. Dominic, on the other hand, had to take the long way to get to the end of his life. It pained Khitti to think about it, and she did her best now to hide it, but her best wasn’t really good enough. Dominic’s predecessor and Brand’s former headmate had wanted a normal life, away from magic and basically all of the things that happened in Lithrydel. This Dominic wasn’t as normal as he’d liked, what with elemental magic already having added itself to the kids repertoire--along with bashing people with his talking stuffed chicken--but he was human. He was always going to be human, and despite the struggle Khitti went through to get her cure, she almost wished she’d been something else besides a vampire. Something that would’ve allowed Dominic to grow just as quickly as Fleur was. It’d only been half a year, but Meri’s kid was already almost in toddler mode. Khitti would eventually nod to Alvina, about the Bard’s Guild stuff, leaving it for another time. Once Milo showed up again though, Khitti rose from her spot on the floor, and put her tea cup on the nearest table so it wasn’t left on the floor. “No. It’s alright. I… really should go.” The talk of the kids had still left her a little uncomfortable, and to be brought face to face with Alvina’s children would only worsen it. It wasn’t their fault at all, but Khitti opted to not be there nevertheless. “I’ll see you around, okay? You, uh… you be good,” the redhead said with a smirk.

Alvina hadn’t meant to imply anything beyond ‘Cenril and it’s people aimed to be better than Larket in regards to the persecution of witches’ but she takes Khitti’s point with an amicable nod. They agree. Now Alvina’s getting the sense that Khitti still has more on her mind. That feeling surfaces again with the comment about ‘while other kids are still his age’. “I’m a little jealous.” She says, stretching out her legs and preparing to stand alongside Khitti. “I wanted a baby for so long and by the time I could have one, my partner was a werewolf. Luna and Harper weren’t babies for long enough. I feel robbed of that time, that bonding.” She wished her babies were still babies; they’d be proper toddlers now instead of taking art classes or competing in gymnastic competitions. Alvina can’t tell if her words are more helpful or harmful so she stuffs them away with the hope that Khitti would talk to her about it if she ever wanted to. Alvina knew Khitti was strong willed and wouldn’t dream of pressuring her. They both stand, but Alvina leaves her empty cup on the floor, distracted by the whirlwind of things she’d like to say and things she’d like to do. It’s always worst when she has no control over the situation. When she can’t remedy or pinpoint the exact crack in the wall. It wasn’t even her place! But she wanted to, to do whatever she could to make sure the people she loved felt happy and safe and fulfilled in all ways throughout their lives. Especially those, like Khitti, who had seen their fair (or more than) share of disaster and darkness. Alvina reaches out a hand to touch Khitti’s wrist and stop her before trying to pull the other bard into a lingering embrace. “I’m always here if you need to talk.” She reminded Khitti. Alvina knew Meri would no doubt be there for Khitti in the same ways or more. She’ll be smiling when the hug breaks. “I’ll see you soon.” She promises, “no promises about being good.”

“It wasn’t me I was thinking of, to be honest,” Khitti said in regards to her son. There were always things left unsaid between Alvina and Khitti, and now would be no different. One redhead wanted to help heal, while the other just wanted to be heard; neither would succeed in their wishes today, as per usual. She’d accepted Alvina’s hug, of course, and returned it in kind. “Well, I guess I can’t enforce a rule I don’t follow myself,” the templar said with a smirk before heading towards the door. A wave was given to the Silver bard and then she was off, making sure to walk quickly enough that she wouldn’t encounter the kids or their father--suddenly, she just didn’t have the energy for a possible fight or flaring of emotions--without seeming to suspicious to anyone.