RP:Trading Heartache For Adventure

From HollowWiki

Summary: Lanara receives a goodbye letter from her sister, Talyara, and falls to pieces. Largakh comes over and convinces his inconsolable girlfriend to go house hunting with him as he's looking for a larger space since meeting Lana and adopting two pets. The two go on an adventure that takes them through a great deal of Lithrydel, and end up finding fault with every last home they tour. As they return to the Rolafir's Cottage in Sage Forest, they find Larz's grandparents packing up a carriage and they state that they are leaving the lands for a few months, and ask Larz if he'd mind helping Lana to look after their home. Happy to oblige, the two are now officially living together! As they sit on the front steps of the home, Lana invites Larz to be the weapons expert of her Adventurer's Guild and he accepts the position.



Largakh read through his letter a few times and sighed, practically feeling how heavily this information weighs on his love’s heart in knowing she’s received one like this either at the Rolafir’s or her animal sanctuary. He put in for a personal day and refreshed Bunilla Ice’s food and water, who totally nears the corner of the cage for his Larz attention thanks to Lana’s stone which he fashioned securely in his archer brace. He took his belt that held his axes to put on, stuffed his dagger into his boot, slipped on her favorite leather jacket, got his bow and arrows before getting Tanner ready for their journey. “Ready officer?” He grinned down at his partner and he let out a low bark, he’s growing up so fast and he doesn’t even need a leash anymore, he’s become that disciplined. As soon as they walked through the door, that pudgy little chocolate lab, Keynigh, came out to greet her brother and they rough housed playfully together. Larz had a big stupid grin on his face and Seldanna reached a hand up to cup his cheek, “I have never seen you look so happy my boy.” Tears were welling up in her eyes and he chuckles before giving her a hug, “love you too *atara*.” He gives Theo a smile and makes his way to Lanara’s room where she was laying on her side away from the door, but plops down on the bed next to her, “you know Kivessin? There was a long time where we were not allowed to play together even though we were the bestest of friends because his parents wrote my grandparents an angry letter saying I was a bad influence… But we secretly did once in a while and eventually he stopped showing up. Years later we bumped into each other in Gualon and it was like we never parted…” He rolled over so his chest was facing her back and he gently ran his hand over her back, “you okay, my only?” He caressed some of her hair back from her face and placed a soft kiss on her cheek, “would you like to talk about it?” He whispered softly in her tapered ear.


Lanara sniffles and lifts her head as Keynigh jumps from the bed and slips out of the room, likely in search of -another- toy to bring the distraught elf. The chocolate lab puppy was certain that bringing Lana every last one of her balls, ropes, and bones, was the cure to heartache. There was even a half-eaten sneaker at the foot of the bed, and an assortment of various colored socks, all with holes and threads of undone strings. Theo was the one that had caught the woman as she collapsed on their doorstep earlier that morning, tears flooding her face, her wailing drawing the attention of the elder elf as he wrapped his arms around the young woman and rocked her gently from side to side. He called to Seldanna, who then led her into the house, and forced her to get into bed, while she made her some tea and a fresh batch of sweetbread. Theo then headed to the sanctuary and told them that Lana would be needing a day or two off, due to a family emergency, and then headed to the market to buy several boxes of tissues. The Rolafir’s were heavily parenting the elf all morning, telling her that Taly would return, that this was a -good- thing, and that she could take her time to mourn for a day or two, but that she must get back on her pretty little feet. As much as she appreciated their concern, she also craved her isolation, so as Larz enters the room and sits on the bed at her side, she doesn’t speak or give him her usual slow smile. She felt numb. Alone. And she was terrified that something awful would happen to her sister in her travels. Taly was not the independent sort, and she was naive, and far too trusting of strangers. How would she get by without her big sister’s guidance?! As he tells her about Kivessin and how they had to hide their friendship, and parted ways only to find one another again… And that things were exactly the same, but stronger years later, she sniffles, fresh tears welling in her eyes. Turning over so that she was now facing her warrior, she lifts her gaze and tightly wraps her arms around him, clinging to his body as though it were a lifeline. “She didn’t even say goodbye to my face… That’s what hurts the most. She just fled in the night… She left me some gold for the sanctuary and she told me to just forgive her and to just keep living and loving… I just… I’m going to miss her so much. What if she never comes back!?” Burrowing her head in his chest, she bursts into tears, sobbing in the arms of the man she loves, the only one who hadn’t abandoned her in this life, so far.



Largakh settles into wrapping his arms around her when she turned to him, “I know, I know,” he attempted a soothing tone. A kiss to the top of her head when she buries her face in his chest and he replies, “shh, hey now. Don’t think like that, hold onto hope.” His hand gently rubs up and down her back, “sometimes we have to break all the way so we can become stronger in the broken places.” He pulls a rolled up parchment from his back pocket and starts reading, “mm, lets see. At least three washrooms, a big enclosed yard, dance space, not near any snakes, durable doors,” because she broke his, “I feel like there was lot more on this list.” Just then Tanner trots into the room and happily jumps up on the bed to greet his mommy with kisses to her face while Larz got up from the bed to begin packing Lanara’s bag - or trying to. “Let’s take a walk, clear that pretty head of yours?” The list of all the things the two of them made up in a dream home laid on the bed next to her where Larz had been laying. He means to go house hunting like she promised she would help him do, “after the garden, the door and the unannounced two flatmates, I’m on the last leg with my landlord.” The two of them have really shook things up in that apartment complex with the dancing and poker nights with her friends and his. “I think looking for a new place will really clear your head… What do you say?” His expression only caring in his gentle suggestion. As if Tanner understood the intention he nipped the lower hem of her shirt and lightly tugged her as if to say, “come on! Lets gooo!” Larz grinned at the puppy, “he’s staying here though with his sister.” Tanner’s tail wagged as Larz continued to shove whatever in Lanara’s back,” you better help me with this or you’ll probably be wearing a bikini everywhere we go.” He now gives that crooked grin down to his love and chuckled.


Lanara clings to his frame, her tears staining his shirt, though she just now realizes he’s wearing that leather jacket and this gives pause to her sniffles. She listens to him talking about breaking and finding hope and she gives the smallest of nods, her hot tears scalding her cheeks, though after a few minutes her tears subside and she just hugs him as close as possible. Larz breaks the silence as he begins reading a letter, which she assumes is from her sister, though as he gets to the part about ‘durable’ doors, she starts cracking up and reaches to dry her tears. They were going house hunting? Now?! She didn’t feel like going anywhere, and as he stands up she hugs the pillow to her chest, pouting and shaking her head, about to protest. Tanner has very different ideas though, as he bounds into the room, leaps onto the bed, and begins licking her tear stained cheeks so fierce, she’s afraid he’ll lick the flesh from her bones. “Hey! Enough! You calm down!” The puppy is wiggling his butt, his tail swaying from side to side, as he then nips the hem of her shirt, as though he were going to drag her from the bed. “Hey! Did your father teach you this, too?! Last time I lost my bikini top and now he’s going for my sweater!” Larz is packing an overnight bag, so she assumes she’s crashing at his apartment in Gualon for the night? Theo already handled things at the sanctuary so she’s not too worried about that… But it’s so easy to just dwell in her sorrow and curl up in a ball and cry all day, too… She sighs, wanting so much to just give into her depression, the loss of her little sister, that she almost gives in to her despair, but her man is talking about the garden, the door, and the two pets, and she knows he needs a larger place. Plus some fresh air might do her good! Larz is being so damn perfect right now, as he’s gently talking to her and offering to cheer her up… And he’s even packing. She rises from the bed and walks over to pull him in for a hug, grateful to have this man in her life, “I love you, Larz… So much… So much that I -would- wear a bikini to every house we are viewing.” She smiles faintly, appreciating his efforts, as she takes over and looks through what he packed. “Okay. So seven pairs of socks… One pair of pants… So apparently I can’t wear any undergarments and must always be topless? And why are the socks all unmatching!? Lard! They are supposed to be the same color in each pair. I can’t wear one red and one blue polka dot!” Despite how sad she is, she can’t help but chuckle. He tried! Lana takes over and packs a few sets of clothes, depending on the weather, and a few of the basics she’d need, while Larz says goodbye to the dogs and his grandparents. As she finishes up, she gives Theo and Seldanna a long parting hug, and Keynigh and Tanner trot out to see her off, dousing her face in dog slobber, “I’m going to miss you all… See you in a day or two.” Taking Larz’s hand, they exit the Rolafir household and she meets his gaze, “Where are we off to? You forgot the mirrored ceiling and the leopard print rugs… And… Why do we need -three- washrooms?”


Largakh was happy he could get her out of the cabin so they could go house hunting and he's sure she could probably sense that he is going to invite her to move with him, but nervousness weighs that subject down and they will cross that bridge when they get to it. He gave her a tight squeeze back, “I love you too, Lana.” As they come out of the room the Rolafir’s smile at them and then give each other a knowing glance. That girl was inconsolable when she arrived, but now she was up, smiling, and ready for adventure. As they walk on he chuckles, “that's right! I think you were saying you needed your own washroom decked out in leopard print things and then you need a washroom for all your companions. So naturally I need one and that's where we get three washroom.” His fingers laced in hers while they walked to the stable, they recapped the list they made up a couple weeks ago. Now that horses don't rear back at the proximity of him he opts to travel on horseback and helps her up on one before he gets on the other. “I figure we will start in Xalious, check out a cabin in Frostmaw. I considered Larket, but… rather not. And just to try, there's a place in Vailkrin. A place by the beach in Cenril and lastly we will try Gualon before coming back here. This way we will go in a large circle, ready?” The steeds take off at a pleasant trot and they arrive at their first destination at the home in Xalious.


Lanara laughs as he explains their need for three washrooms, and she rolls her eyes before playfully replying, “Pfft. You don’t need a washroom, Lard. We’ll just make sure there’s a pond on the property or something. That way it will keep costs down and my animals and I still get our washrooms…” She’s shocked at the sudden shift in her mood, as losing her little sister was the worst possible thing that could ever happen to her, as Taly and Lana were inseparable and the only constant in each others lives. Dying twice, being unable to have children, a public breakup from the witch killer? All of that times three she could handle! But a day without her sister in the same lands? She felt shattered! Yet, the goofy grin on Larz’s face and the fact that he was going to such lengths to ensure her happiness has her briskly walking at his side and giving his hand a gentle squeeze. She was addicted to this half-orc, and he made her feel whole, even when she felt unbearably broken. The animal ally stone works its magic as Larz settles onto his horse, and Lana picks out her favorite mare from the horses in the stable, the one she had been practicing archery on with Seldanna. She pats the chestnut neck and slips a sugar cube to ‘Layla’ before she mounts the horse, and the couple sets off for Xalious, though she grimaces when he mentions Larket. They would be skipping that house, thank you very much! Land of witch killers and led by that incorrigible King Macon?! The scenery flashes by as the horses match each other stride for stride in a slow canter, before breaking into a trot, and as they come upon the home, Lana pulls back on the reins and the horse slow to a walk. She takes in the sound structure, the white picket fence, and the manicured lawn. So far, so good. They tie their horses to a tree to graze while they explore, and taking Larz’s hand, they both enter the home and meet up with the listing agent of the house. She’s beautiful. Blonde hair, blue eyes, and a great body, to boot. She greets them each with a firm handshake and walks them through each of the rooms, though Lana isn’t paying much attention to the house, as ‘Miss Wiggles When She Walks’ keeps babbling about this and that features of the home. The elf is shooting daggers at the back of the blonde, her grip tight on poor Larz’s hand, and she desperately wants out of this home, which was pretty downright perfect and in move in condition. It was a five bedroom, three washroom, ranch-style home, done in neutral tones, with a huge kitchen for their endless supply of spoons and cookware. Still. She didn’t trust this realtor woman. Something was shady about her, despite her being absolutely beautiful. Did she just wink at Larz?! The tour ends and Lana is glowering at the woman, before she looks up at Larz and shakes her head, her voice a whisper for his ears only. “I don’t like it. I think she’s asking far too much for this place. It’s not worth half of the listing price. There’s not enough closet space. And never trust a pretty realtor… They are sneaky and hiding things. I’m sure of it.” Her tone is adamant, and she’s already tugging him towards the door, eager to get to Frostmaw.


Largakh meandered around the home, ‘ooh’ing and ‘ahh’ing at this or that with his love at his side. He didn't pay much of any mind to the listing agent seeing as he was only looking at the structure or Lana, but he could sense her unease and when there was a moment they got sort of alone he mouthed, ‘are you okay?’ question her way. He easily allows Lana to pull him from the potential home and waves goodbye to the lady with a halfhearted thank you. “Off to Frostmaw,” he mentioned while helping her up on her horse and then getting on his one. As soon as they get enough distance from the place, “was the place haunted or something? It seemed okay?” A grin to her as he adores how protective she is over him and it was the first time he got to experience it since they've been rather secretive until now. He pulls free a couple of blankets to wrap around them when they reach Frostmaw and soon enough they were at the next place which was more of a fixer - upper and didn't even have a listing agent assigned as the place was essentially abandoned, but still in rather good shape and all it would take is a little TLC. He helps her down and pulls her in close to walk with her under his arm, “this place is charming in its own way. I'm curious how it looks within.” And with that he held the door open for her.


Lanara mounts her horse again, dodging Larz’s questions with ease, as she steers her horse onto the mountain path, “Nah, it wasn’t much of a bargain…” The elf had a mile wide jealousy streak and though she hated that ugly side of her personality, she tries to mask it to the best of her ability. Winking at Larz over her shoulder, “Race you up the mountain!” she yells, as Layla gallops up the hillside, the sound of her hooves pounding against the ground. The air grows thinner up here and the chill begins to creep into their bones, as Larz wraps blankets about their forms and the horses slowly trek through the snow, now leading them with a brisk walk, until they dismount. This house looked more like an abandoned shack, and she quirks a brow as her warrior puts a protective arm around her shoulders. Was he serious about this place? It needed a lot of work! Not to mention the fact that it was near the location of her first death and her burial site. Frostmaw held some dark memories… Sighing, she tries to put her best foot forward, and there’s a loud crash as her foot goes -through- the creaking floorboard. “Ahhhhh!” Lana stumbles as she’s submerged in the floor up to her knee, and she clings tightly to Larz as he pulls her out of the hole, a grimace on her pretty face. “Charming, huh? Still curious? I mean… At this point it may be better to knock this place down and just build a home from scratch.” It was freezing, and she shivers, leaning against a paper-thin wall, and she looks around the room. It had two bedrooms and only one small washroom, so it definitely wouldn’t work, or they’d have to add a huge addition. Still, she allows Larz to traipse from room to room, while she curses her twisted ankle and hugs the blanket tightly about her shoulder. Feeling a sneeze coming on, she covers her nose, though the force causes her elbow to snap back and goes -through- the wall, leaving a gaping hole in the sheetrock! “Crap!” She had busted up the place within five minutes of being here! Thankfully there wasn’t an attractive realtor, or she’d really lose her mind! Rubbing her elbow, she examines the wall and decides that it didn’t really make a difference, this place was falling apart. Storming into the next room she finds Larz, as she limps over to him, rubbing her elbow, “This place!? Absolutely NOT! I feel it’s a health hazard from me, I already have two injuries, the house is falling apart, and I need a climate where my animals won’t freeze to death. Plus… I have some really horrid memories in this town.” Pouting, she exits the house, and as she stands on the front step an icicle falls and bops her on top of her head, to which she merely narrows her gaze at Larz. He better not laugh!


Largakh wasn’t much liking this run down home either and he could swear that a homeless person was sleeping in the corner of one of the back rooms, but he just wanted to try Frostmaw even though it’s quite a trek from Gualon. He helped Lanara over the gap before the door and walked as briskly as he could from the old house, but he places their luggage and supplies on one horse, ties the reins to the other horse. In doing this he helped Lanara on his own horse and got on after her so she was wrapped in his warmth and both of their blankets. This wouldn’t change until there was warmer climate and Lanara wanted to ride on her own all the way to Cenril. They come upon the beach area and he playfully mentions, “too bad we can’t just live at that cove.” Once they arrived he also helped her down and this time the listing agent was a rather plain looking man in his forties and he looked from Lanara to Larz as if he was about to ask ‘how did he land her?’ Larz knew that look and only gave the man a smirk, “ladies first.” The half orc mentioned to Lana and held the door open to the beachside home. The listing agent took one long look at Lanara’s behind before he heard a low clearing of the throat behind him. The man flinched and look up at the orc with a hard swallow, but nearly relieved himself when Larz’s voice lowered, “just the house, please?” The guy moved in further and conducted the tour - making sure to keep his gaze only focused on the home and Larz.


Lanara snuggles up against Larz, wiggling her rear so that her back was pressed against his chest and she held tightly to the reins. It was much warmer, and oddly she felt more comfortable sharing a horse than riding her favorite mare. She rides this way the entirety of their trip, giggling as the black steed whinnies and eyes the shore, clearly wanting to run amongst the water. She leans down to whisper, “Later, I promise. We have a house to look at, first!” As they dismount she pulls the half-orc down to her, so she can give him a long liplock, as she knew there would be a listing agent at this abode. Best to give him a kiss to remember! “I wish we could live at the cove, too!” They walk hand in hand to the door, and the exterior of the home looks promising, so far! Fortunately, this realtor is a middle-aged male with a staring problem, which she preferred over a leggy blonde, any day! Stepping over the threshold she eyes the spacious living room and gives a small nod, it had met her approval, before she moves down the hallway to survey the bedroomsm and the washrooms. This home was slightly larger than they originally discussed, and likely out of Larz’s price range, but she keeps mum about that, as she wasn’t one to ever want to discuss the exchange of coin. Material objects meant nothing to the woman. The kitchen is large, the pantry has so many cabinets and shelves that she loses count, and the dining room could easily sit thirty people! There was even an extra room, which could be a man cave or a witchy room, which makes the gears in her head turn, as she darts up the small staircase to see the master bedroom. As she passes the men, she hears Larz clearing his throat and exchanging a look with the realtor. What was that about? The master bedroom is amazing, as well, though it would need that mirrored ceiling installed, and she opens the glass doors to step onto the balcony. So far, this place was a palace! It was private, yet close enough to town. On the beach, but not too close to the water. It had most of the prerequisites that were written on their combined list, and Lana was already thinking of how they would decorate. However, as she steps onto the balcony and shields her gaze from the sun, she turns her head and spies a nearby nude beach, where a trio of topless women were walking their way. Hell no! This place would -not- do! She didn’t need her warrior eyeing sexy bodies that weren’t hers, and she blushes in dismay as one of the friendly beach-goers waves. The audacity! Hearing the men enter the room behind her, she steps back into the bedroom and closes the balcony doors, momentarily speechless. She literally can’t form words or meet either of their gazes, so when Larz asks if she likes the place, she gives a careless shrug and eventually mutters, “It’s a maybe…” Later, she would tell him this place was also a ‘no’ once the shock wore off.


Largakh meandered in with the listing agent and he didn't have much to say about the place as he was keeping a close eye on the sleazy guy. When the master bedroom comes into view he watches Lanara and gives her a grin as he made his way around and glanced out the balcony door. His eyes went wide before quickly snapping the curtains shut and then narrowing his eyes at the listing agent who was grinning widely at the orc as if to say ‘nice touch, huh?’ But Larz doesn't think so and the details should have mentioned it was nude beach adjacent!! He looks to Lanara as she said it's a maybe and he just knew she saw this, probably thinking the worst of him now as if he knew that the place was near a beach like THAT. “It’s out of my price range, good day.” The short man went to offer a rebuttal that he hasn't even said the price yet, but Larz cuts him off while taking Lanara by the hand to gee tee eff oh!, “that's nice, it should sell in no time then, but we have adopted dwarf quadruplets and you should not advertise as family friendly.” A pointed glare to the man over his shoulder and they've made a break out the home while grinning down at Lanara. It's not until they've mounted his horse with Lanara seated in front of him that he starts to chuckle. “That guy was a creep, too. Eany meany miney and moe wouldn't have liked that place anyway.” Soon enough they were back in Gualon and this home is rumored to be haunted, but it has a large back yard that goes right into the marsh. “This is the, uh, last house on the stop,” the horses act uneasy when Larz and Lana dismount, but even Larz looks hesitant. This is the last large home available in Gualon and he figured he would at least try it.


Lanara had to hand it to Larz as he certainly knew how to take her mind off of missing her sister, by distracting her with three houses she’d rather set a torch to, then see her warrior and companions reside in. She pouts at Larz as he claims the last house was out of his price range, and she secretly suspects he was hoping to move near that nude beach. He was probably some lustful half-orc that would spend his elder years ogling pretty women on the beach while she cleaned the house and looked after their menagerie of adopted children and pets! She does manage a laugh as he tells the realtor about their ‘dwarf’ family and states that the man was sleazy, and so she relaxes in the saddle between his arms. Leave it to Lana to have her thoughts run wild! If she had seen how the creepy man was eyeing her derriere she may have giving him a dirty look, as well, but she didn’t pay him any attention. As they arrive at the house in Gualon she senses a difference in the horse, as it keeps shying away and refusing to set a single hoof on the actual property. That was strange! So they dismount and walk the rest of the distance, as she places her hand in Larz’s, and gives him a reassuring smile. Maybe this would be a better fit, even though it was, you know, in a freaking swampland! Maybe it would be a temporary investment and she could convince him in the future, when they moved in together. that she wanted to live elsewhere. Stepping on the porch steps she feels a sudden change in aura, and she winces, as though sensing a darkness that was hidden within the home. Lana hesitates, as though she doesn’t want to enter the home, and then she thinks there’s nothing a cleansing spell and some sage can’t cure, and steps over the threshold. The house needs some work, but it’s relatively doable, despite the constant chill in the air, and the whole negative atmosphere. Cobwebs hang from the ceiling, the place smells like death, and they walk over rubble. A mouse skitters across the floorboards and Lana sidesteps to avoid crushing it beneath her boot, only to scream at the top of her lungs as three ghost kittens scamper after the mouse. Ordinarily this wouldn’t bother the witch, as she’s dealt with spirits and animals her entire life, but the trio of kittens are horrible disfigured, and one is missing a head! Clinging to her warrior, her eyes brim with tears, as she can imagine the horror that they endured, though they continue their tour of the house. The master bedroom door swings open, seemingly by itself, and as they step into the room, Lana screams and clutches the center of her chest, “Help me… It hurts. Ow, ow, ow!” Clawing at her sweater, she pulls her pentacle from her neck and where it had rested against her flesh is a second-degree burn, already blistering and oozing with water. The sign of the Goddess wasn’t welcome here, and neither was the wearer of the necklace! The witch exits the room as quickly as she had entered, and she runs out of the house, clearing it in mere seconds, as she dashes down the street, nearer to the business section of Gualon. Finally, she comes across the horses, and she hugs the steed tightly, “You tried to warn me…” Breathless, shaking from head to toe, and clutching her pentacle in her fist, she clings to the horse until Larz finds her, and she lifts her head to look into those captivating tuscan eyes. “That house is haunted… Beyond any cleansing. There were sacrifices there… More than mere animals… It burned me.” Why was house hunting so traumatizing?!


Largakh didn't see the apparitions but ran out too, right on her heels and once they got to the horses he reached for the first aid kit. “Where are you hurt?” Yeah, he knows she can heal herself, but when it comes to her and her safety he acts before thinking sometimes. He applies a healing salve to her wound gently and helps her back on the horse before getting on behind her, making their horses take off with great haste. “I heard rumors that place was haunted, but I had no idea it was that bad. I apologize, Llama,” and as their gallop slowed he gave a kiss to the side of her head over her hair. He would attempt to lighten the mood by guessing what sort of trouble Tanner has gotten himself into and lightly pinching her sides to tickle her, nothing crazy though. It's dangerous to gallop and giggle. “I really had fun today even though we didn’t find the dream home and our little adventures are always so thrilling, but I do want it to be perfect for us,” well, cats out of the bag and they’ve arrived at the cabin to find Theoduin loading up a four horse drawn carriage. After helping Lanara down he helps his grandfather secure the luggage to the back of the carriage and fixes Theo with a quirked brow, “this seems like quite a lot. What are you and Seldanna up to?” Seldanna comes out of the house with some boxes and Keynigh at her feet while Tanner is elated at the sight of his parents, probably mentally talking Lana’s tapered ears off of all the things him and his sister did while they were gone. Theo and Seldanna look to each other then back at them when the Grandmother starts, “we have some exciting news and a favor to ask the two of you…” The older couple holds hands and Theo continues, “we think it's time we have done some adventuring of our own. We used to until we had Vestele and after watching you two love birds, we have missed it.” Seldanna knelt down and pets Keynigh who is a glutton for attention (and food), “we have been training Keynigh to be able to travel with us.” Theo took a step to Larz and Lana, “there is one last thing… We would be honored if you two stayed here and watched the house for a couple of months, yeah?” He handed them a set of keys and Larz is at a loss for words at the moment… “Well, with the ally stone I can get to work faster on horseback.” It was him saying yes and rationalizing at the same time before turning his tuscan gaze down to Lanara to see what she thought.


Lanara isn’t overly pleased at having to remove her shirt, in the very public eye of orc-land, so that Larz can apply a healing salve to her chest, just a few inches above her breasts, but she obliges. Standing in a black bra, her chest branded from the pentacle, she doesn’t meet his eyes as he tends to her wound, though it stings like hell as his fingers graze the injured area. Wincing, she slips her form-fitting sweater back on and lets him help her mount the horse, her eyes moist. This was just not a good day for the witch, and at every turn there were more and more harsh surprises! Still, none of this was Larz’s fault, and she slowly leans back into his arms, faintly smiling as he attempts to tickle her and talk about their puppy, who was likely getting into all sorts of mischief. And did her warrior just say he wants them to live together?! “I had fun, too. And I actually wanted to talk to you about that… Adventuring. You see, I can’t really give it up. Yes, I know I said I’m ready to settle down and behave like a domesticated person would, but, when I’m not working at the sanctuary or giving a dance class, or off on a romantic date with you… I still want to travel and explore. This realm has so many hidden secrets and such fun things to experience! So… I’m still working out the kinks, but I’m going to lead a guild of adventurer’s…. And seeing as you’re a pretty important part of my life, and I always want you by my side… I was wondering if you’d like to join? Maybe you could be our weapon’s expert or something, since you work in security detail? This would be when you aren’t working, of course. Though some of our quests could be dangerous and at faraway places. What do you think?” She looks over her shoulder and gives him a breathtaking smile, though they pull up to the Rolafir’s and her attention is drawn to the horse drawn carriage, her expression grows concerned. She notes all the luggage, the harness that Keynigh is wearing, and the single tear trickling down Seldanna’s cheek, and she dismounts at once. The house in Vailkrin likely wouldn’t get toured, as she had enough trauma for one day, and she approaches the Rolafir’s, looking from them to Larz, who takes over the conversation. Tanner bounds over to them and tackles Lana, leaping into her arms, and being that he was already almost thirty pounds, she catches him with a small ‘oomph’ and allows him to lick her face. All the while he’s telling her about how him and Keynigh played ball, stole some sweetbread from the ‘old’ guy, and then chased the ducklings all over the property. The elf chuckles softly and hugs him to her chest, trying her best to calm him as he wiggles and squirms, as he’s trying to get closer and nip at her tapered ears, all while irritating her burn. She listens to the couple speak, at a loss for words, and she lowers her gaze. Why was everyone leaving her today?! First Taly and now this?! Did she have to move out? She could always crash on a couch at the sanctuary until they returned, or maybe go back to her nomad days. Wait. They just asked the -both- of them to look after their home. For -months- while they were away? Months. Together. Privately. She lifts her chocolate hues to look at Larz, her face unreadable as she merely holds his gaze, knowing full and well that he just said yes to them, but he could never turn them down. Was this too soon? Did Larz want -this- and all it entailed? Lana doesn’t give a response at first, she merely rocks the puppy in her arms, and gives him a smile, deliberating. She wanted to live with Larz and see him every single day, and she couldn’t wait to wake up by his side. But what if moving in together was what ended them? What if he tired of seeing the same witch day in and day out, on more than just the weekends? They could always stay in separate bedrooms if things got too chaotic. Right? And she did have to look after their animals, and she really didn’t have anywhere else to go. She loves this half-orc, with all her heart, she just never wants their relationship to grow stale. There’s a pause as Theo and Seldanna look at her, and she smiles warmly at them, giving a nod, “I’m okay with it, if Larz is… And I’d be happy to look after your home and the barn animals. I’m really going to miss you both… Terribly. And I hope you’ll write to me, often. I want to hear all about your adventures!”


Largakh didn’t have a chance to respond about the adventurers guild and from the looks of it he was trying to choose his words carefully before responding further to his grandparents. On one hand, they have always been envious when he went on long trips and brought them back souvenirs, thus aiding this type of thought. On the other he still thinks they are frail old elves (even though they are in perfect health) and they need to be cared for. He saw Lanara’s hesitation and whistles so Tanner would calm down. He looks as if he’s about to say something because maybe it’s too soon and he had a talk with them about being too pushy or overbearing. Technically they were doing the opposite and unbeknownst to them, also giving them a trial period on what he just asked Lana to do. Then Lana agrees to his astonishment and he helps his grandparents load the last of their things. Seldanna took this moment to bring Lana in for a tight embrace, tears in her eyes, “I will miss you so much Lanara, you are such a big hearted and caring woman. I am so glad my Larz found you. Oh,” her hands take up Lana’s, “I'll write every week and tell you of all the adventures you've inspired us to go on!” She kisses the witches hands, an old elven goodbye, “we’ll be back. Try not to get married while we are gone,” she winks at Lana to show she was joking and Theo put his arm around Lana’s shoulders before giving her a kiss on her forehead, “you're an incredible woman. Please take care of my boy.” He smiles at Lana and just like that, the Rolafir’s were off on their own adventure while Larz just watched their carriage pull off with his arm around Lana as the woods surrounding the cabin suddenly felt silent. The sun was going down as well and Tanner was sitting at their feet with a curious expression on his cute puppy face. Larz took Lana by the hand and sat on the front steps with her, “about the guild, “ he starts before a grin spread across his lips, “I'm honored you ask and of course I'm willing to jump in head first into adventure with you.” His arm slipped around her waist, “and I am really excited to be able to wake up with you every day, come home to you from a long days hard work and you be the last thing I see when I close my eyes for sleep. Are you ready for that?” She seemed uncertain and he wanted her to be sure.


Lanara steps to Seldanna and as the woman kisses each of her hands, her lower lip quivers, though she manages to hold it together. She even gives a faint smile at the quip about marriage, before she’s pulled into Theo’s arms, and she numbly nods. The pain in her heart is unreal, even worse than the shock from the pentacle branding her flesh in that haunted house. She had lost her sister this morning, and the closest thing she ever had known to parents in the late afternoon. Would she lose another by bedtime?! The elf sniffles as Larz drapes an arm over her shoulders, and she clears her throat, “I love you both… Have safe travels, write me every week, and I can’t wait to see you in a few months! I miss you both already!” Blowing them both a kiss, she is shocked when Keynigh runs back to give her one last puppy cuddle and face lick, and it’s now that Lana breaks down. Tears fall helplessly down her cheeks, landing in a pool on her chin, and she hugs the chocolate puppy so tight that she yips in annoyance, “You’ll be an adult when you return, my little one. Be a good girl and watch over them…” Lowering Keynigh to the grass, she races over to Theo and the family of three fades from view as the carriage leaves the forest. Lana wraps her arms tightly around Larz, knowing that he must be feeling this even worse than she was, as they were his biological grandparents, and she rubs his back, her tears continuing to fall and stain his shirt. “I’m really going to miss them… I know it’s only been two months living with them but we really have gotten so close…” Her voice trails off and for a moment they just hold each other, before he walks her over to the porch and they sit beside each other, with Tanner curling up at their feet. Larz accepts the offer into the guild and she’s delighted, knowing he’ll be excellent when working with the weapons and the other members. “I’m happy to hear that… I will be sure to give you a key to our secret meeting room and I will introduce you to the fellow members at our next meet. You will be an -excellent- weapons master.” She dries her tears and gives him her full attention, giving his hand a gentle squeeze, as he continues speaking. His next words don’t come as a surprise, as she had a feeling that was the direction he was hoping they’d end up… Moving in together. She didn’t think it would happen this soon though, and as he studies her with those sunset eyes and wraps his arm around her waist, she sighs. “I know that you need a bigger place to live… And it’s much safer here than in Gualon for Tanner and Bunilla Ice. Plus, this place is amazing! And… I think that it’s good for us to try and live together to make sure it will work out… I mean, we are very serious about each other and this is a step couples take before they talk about marriage and the long-term future… I do think it’s rather sudden. But life is short, I already died twice, and I love spending time with you. I miss you terribly during the week. I love you and I’m in love with you… This makes sense. But, I’d be lying if I said I was a hundred percent all in… I-I I’m scared, Larz.” Tears brim in Lana’s eyes as she looks up at Larz, the fear readable in those chocolate pools, as she struggles to find the words to say. “I’m afraid that if we spend too much time together, that you will lose interest in me. I’m not comparing you to my exes, but that’s what happened in the past. My own father took off when I was born… So… Like… You could get sick of seeing me everyday. Or maybe the newness will fade and then we will stop trying to woo each other… I just… I’m afraid of losing you, and losing us, and I just don’t want living together to be the end of all of this… The butterflies. The constant attention and affection. The longing when we’re a foot apart. The chase. I never want that to fade. But deep down I know I have to get over this fear and give this a fair shot… Otherwise we will never get past being boyfriend and girlfriend, and I really do see a future with you as much more than this title.” She sighs, hoping her worse made sense, and hoping he could quell her fears. Tanner, sensing the shift in mood, rests his head on Lana’s shoe.


Largakh pulls her in and wraps both of his arms around her and maybe he will never let go. “It isn’t the end. This is only the beginning,” he plans on continuing to leave little love notes where she will find them and when he comes home to her, flower in hand and kiss on her forehead. In the middle of the night he will fight her nightmares and they will make their own big breakfasts together, probably burning the bacon because they took a long moment for a slow dance in the kitchen. After a long moment of just holding Lanara he tilts his head down to touch their foreheads together and places her hand over his heart which was beating a little fast, “when I look at you, I see my future. I see a big house. I see many animals. I see a marriage and I see happiness through all of it. I don’t need any of that now and I know we have all the time in the world, but Lanara, I love you. You feel this? It still beats like this because of you. I want to be a reason you smile and I want to help your guild, your sanctuary grow. You shine so brightly and I am always reminded at how fortunate I am that I get to share in your light. My only, I’ll never stop chasing you as long as my heart beats and I will always try to flatter you to get you to blush. I wasn’t looking for everything, but now?” His hands cup the sides of her cheeks, “now, I've got my whole world in my hands.” He closes his eyes and lifts his head from hers to plant a soft kiss on her forehead.


Lanara smiles as Larz reassures her, wondering how she ever could have had doubts in the first place. He was perfection, this half-orc, and she was never letting him go. This was love. This was how it should be, and she knows that she doesn’t have to run or put up her walls any longer, for he was incapable of bringing her any harm. Her heart was safe in his hands, and she would helplessly surrender to his love without hesitation. She wraps her arms tightly around him and looks into his eyes as their foreheads touch, knowing his words are sincere, his expression genuine, as she lightly tickles the back of his neck. It’s the first time he mentions marriage, directly, and it doesn’t scare her in the least. She could see this man being her happily ever after, and she has never been this content in her entire life. Worries be damned. They were now living together, and as she looks into those tuscan eyes, she knows this is the right step, even if it is a little soon. “I love you, too. I’m sorry I let my worries get the best of me… You always know just want to say and you’re always my beacon of hope, my safe haven, and my voice of reason… I’m so excited that we’ll be living together! You have no idea! I really am… I’m going to make you lunch every day for work, and leave you sweet notes on your pillow… I will make sure we always go to sleep with a smile on our faces, and never angry. I will chase you out of the kitchen when I’m preparing dinner, because you and Tanner will get under my feet, and I will spank you with a wooden spoon.” She winks and gives him a wicked grin, “You’re my everything, you know that, right?” Leaning in, she places a long kiss to his lips, and when she slowly leans back, she caresses his cheek. “I have tomorrow off… And you are moving, so you should take another personal day… Why don’t you round up the guys and have them help you pack and bring everything here? I’ll contact the girls and invite them over, too. We’ll have a big barbeque, it will be lots of fun! But for now…” Leaning in she kisses him again and squeezes his hand. “I’m going to make dinner just for the two of us, then we’re going to the hot springs, and then we will spend our first night together in -our- bed. It’s our first night of officially living together!”