RP:You Can't Pick Your Family
Synopsis: In the middle of grief and despair, a note is given to the healer... Lanara Banks is alive. Lanara asks a favor of Penelope, and Lanara meets Penelope at Yerrel's hut with two others: Celeste and Bjorn. Celeste is hoping for a job while Bjorn is hoping for a new hot date. Unfortunately for Bjorn, it does not go over well with the Ardelian. And unfortunately for Lanara, this is her new family.
Part of the New Moon, New Motion Arc
Part of the Planting Seeds in a Memory Arc
Kelay Healer
Penelope (1 of 2):: Several weeks prior, the witch and the healer held each other in the middle of the room. The room had been full of sorrow and fear between the two close friends. Despite the dim day of Lanara’s confession, the two friends still had time to spend together. A final slumber party and the ritual of enchanting the pendant for Tiberius. After the night of the ritual, that had been one of the last times to see her beloved friend and she remembered holding her breath with Kyori as they reminisced on Lanara. Days came in slow motions, so much so Penelope inherited a foggy head which Yerrel and Ruari had to direct the girl on personal leave attending patients. The Ardelian lost track of time, schedule, meals, and sleep. Lanara Banks was the only true friend she had. The one she spilled all of her secrets to. Normally, the healer dealt with death on the average basis. In fact, the healer embraced death and felt like at least pain would fade from those who were suffering, but this was different, even Ruari could tell the healer was in a dark place of grieving. Ruari even argued to Penelope, saying, “What dies never stays dead, for they are alive in your head, Nel. You taught me that. Remember that…” But whatever poetic words Nel read felt like she was living a fraud of a life. From the pain, there were days the druid travelled to Cenril, although not knowing where Tiberius Lowell lived, but she felt like stepping on the same cobble Lanara did would give her closeness. Clarity of mind. It did not. With a heavy heart broken, Penelope Halifax truly felt she had nothing left to grasp onto besides her brother and Ruari, but even then, she kept both men away from the dark. Lionel she had pushed away. Her friend Kyori had disappeared which was unfortunate due to the fact that he could probably reach out to Lanara’s spirit in a way she could not. The woman was hesitant to reach out to Kailani, for even if they were friends, pulling Kailani into the darkness was not one thing she wanted to do to a newly found friend. So the healer tucked herself away in her old, small cottage, closed the door to her bedroom, and hid in that dark. That was until, with a faint knock on her door, came a letter slipped under the crack that read… “I’m alive… - Lanara”.
Penelope (2 of 2) :: The days after that were frantic, and although the letter noted that Lanara was alive, the healer cried. Cried. Anger, relief, guilt, happiness. Penelope stayed silent for the following weeks that passed. Until the next letter came… Lanara wanted to meet Penelope with others? The Ardelian was bright and early the day of the meeting, and in fact, Nel did not get a lot of sleep either, for the woman was baking frantically. Chocolate chip cookies, an apple pie, and cranberry, orange muffins. Why? Sheer panic. Maybe even excitement. Relief. Nerves. Penelope was at the hut early that morning with a spread of the goods. The windows were bright and open and the cots were empty. For once, there was light in the dreadful weeks that had come before. Penelope looked tidy, although losing a little bit of weight from the dread of losing her best friend. The woman was dressed in a deep v-cut, red, floral blouse with flowy sleeves and wore a pair of high-waist denim pants. On her feet were slip on, wooden clogs and her hair was down freely in the messy frizz that she inherited. Of course, Ruari was there working outside, tending the horses and mini garden outside. If he would have spotted Lanara, he would stand tall from where he was working and nod to her with a smile before gesturing to the witch to enter the hut freely, for Penelope Halifax was waiting in anticipation.
Lanara (Post 1 of 2) Lanara hated that she could only offer two impactful words in the pieces of parchment that she had sent to Penelope, Meri, and of course, Talyara. The woman had been greatly at odds with the new life she had been graced with, and she’s still metaphorically standing in the middle of a cobblestone bridge, unsure if the path onwards is a blessing or a curse. Lanara Banks, the witty woodland witch that was nearly impossible to dislike, had become a creature of the night, a malformed beast that prowls beneath the full moon, and has a hunger that cannot be easily sated. She had gone several weeks, unable to stare at her own reflection in a mirror, because she cannot discern where the witch ends and the wolf begins. Tiberius, her handsome fiance, gave her everything he could; a second chance at life, the promise of eternal love, a charming home nestled in the thick of the forest, and a pack of monsters similar to herself to act as family. Still, even with all the gifts and promises that love and coin can buy, the witch eventually found herself missing pieces of her life before that fateful bite. As the canine's teeth shredded the skin upon her wrist, her mind had sprinted to conjure up images of those she held dear; and one of those beautiful, beloved, memories had been of the healer, Penelope Halifax. The young woman often brought a sense of calmness to Lanara’s nerves, and although they hail from very different backgrounds, they had grown very close. And so, once things had calmed down enough with the Pack, and she had a bit more control of her lycanthropic urges, Lana penned another letter to her dear friend, eager to reunite. Of course, she also plans on bringing a ‘gift’ to the healer, as clinics are often short on help and Celeste will be a lovely apprentice! Bjorn, the annoying pain in the arse, had come along as well, because Tiber assured him that Penelope is a ‘looker’ and he may have a shot. More like a shot in the -dark- but the witch didn’t protest, as she feels safer having the extra muscle at her beck and call.
Lanara (Post 2 of 2) The trio make their way along the forest path, Lanara in the middle, and her companions flanking each side. She doesn’t seem to have any of her furry friends around on this day, but traveling with Bjorn is like having a rambunctious puppy in their midst, and the witch wishes she brought a leash to tug him back a few paces. “Remember. You cannot mention that Tiber and I are engaged, we plan on telling everyone at the housewarming party. Also, don’t touch anyone or anything! There may be some sick patients and I don’t need you getting the sniffles and infecting the rest of the Pack.” She pauses as the cottage comes into view, offering a warm smile and a wave to Ruari, as she states, “That is Ruari. He works with Penelope.” A glance is given to Celeste, who nervously nods and commits his name to memory, along with tucking away the fact that Ruari is pretty cute! She’s the quiet type, and even though her cheeks hold a touch of pink, Lana knows better than to poke fun at the empath. They pass through the yard and the witch takes the lead, eagerly breezing through the front door and yelling, “Nelly! I’m home!” Once she catches a glimpse of her frizzy haired friend, she squeals and closes the distance, pulling her in for a tight embrace. Squeezing Nel so hard that they are both a little breathless, Lana whispers, “I’ve missed you -SO- much!” Tears sting her dark eyes, and although she wants this moment to last forever, she knows she has to release Nel and introduce her to their audience. “This is Celeste! She has some gifts and may prove useful… I was wondering if she could learn from you for a bit?” The willowy pale girl smiles and extends a hand, as she had been instructed to do on the way over, “Hello…” Meanwhile, Bjorn is standing there with his mouth half open and his eyes bulging as he looks Nel up and down. The witch shakes her head in disgust, “Oh. That is Bjorn.” The man tries to collect himself and extends a hand, which he withdraws before Nel can take hold, “Lana told me I’m not supposed to touch anyone or anything… Something about infection.” He blinks and stammers, “Not that -I- have anything contagious, erm, I don’t think I do? And you look amazing! I mean, uh, HEALTHY!” Lana elbows the poor guy, “Stop shouting! Idiot.”
Penelope (1 of 2):: Ruari blinks as he looks at Celeste and then Bjorn. The last thing Ruari needed was another man in the picture, so gratefully, he smiles courteously towards the pale blonde empath as she passes by instead of the meathead. Was Ruari typically rude? No, but was he blunt just like the healer that lingered inside the walls of the hut? Yes. Also, he had a softer spot for blondes, so of course he was avoiding the man in the picture. Last thing Penelope needed, however, was another suitor, and perhaps it was a mild pang of jealousy on Ruari’s part. Not that he ever tried to suit Nel, himself, for they met when the woman was wrapped around Linken. So, easily, there was a protective line there. He lets the group carry on as they are, however. Meanwhile, Penelope stares out the window and taps fingertips against the pane while water brews on the fire in the background before eyes cast over the witch in the clearing. Instantly Penelope stands and waits in front of the door. Should she run out? Would Lanara want that? There was not much time to think before ‘Nelly! I’m home!’ and she is embraced by the sister she never had! “Lana, I missed you so much!” Penelope’s eyes begin to blur through the tears that were forming, but she knew she had to contain herself for the sake of people. The woman did not wear her heart on her sleeve like her best friend did. “You have -no idea- how glad I am to see you! Healthy!” Penelope was about to ask ‘how’, but she was gestured to the others.
Penelope (2 of 2) :: With the first greeting, Celeste, although sweet, blinked first at the healer when Nel caught her hand, for there was powerful energy wafting off the woman before her. With energy, she meant emotion. The ‘hello’ escaped her mouth, but just then there was an impulse of tongue, “You’re hard to read,” meaning, Nel was all over the board with her emotions. With this statement, Penelope stares back before a smile spreads on her face and a laugh comes out. “You’re telling me! I’ve been stewing for weeks!” The girl chimes back, and although emotions were tucked inside the Ardelian, chipper, humorous tones were expressed on the outer-layer. Because it was true, Penelope was happy Lanara was well and back to her healthy state. Penelope is about to respond to Lanara when Bjorn catches her gaze. The healer takes a double glance before Lanara can explain who is blatantly staring at the girl. A hand runs along the scar that is revealing on her chest out of nervous habit. Perhaps the staring made the healer uncomfortable. “Right,” a hand is extended back until Bjorn pulls away which throws the Ardelian off-guard. She does not say much to Bjorn, and instead leans towards Lanara. “Who is this guy…?” Penelope only offers a polite, feign smile before she looks at Celeste and Lanara again. “Learn from me for a bit…? Where… who? That’s all incredibly fine, but I… Okay, normally I wouldn’t ask. I love you. But… who are these people? Why so eager for her to learn from -me-?”
Lanara (Post 1 of 2) Lanara remains at Penelope’s side and eagerly watches the interaction between the healer and the empath, a hint of pride in her gaze as she nods to Celeste. The young woman is unlike anyone that Lana has ever encountered, but she’s ever so slowly coming out of her shell around the Amber Lunation. Still, the witch always feels a hesitance from Celeste when she attempts to lightly pry, so it’s refreshing to see her take a shine to Nel. After the strange greeting from Celeste and Bjorn, the witch hugs her best friend again, desiring a bit of a chat before allowing the newcomers to steal the show. Her voice drops slightly, “Tiber turned me into one of his kind… It worked!” At first it hadn’t worked, but she doesn’t want to discuss the sacrifice of Cinder before the other two, as they scarcely knew a thing about the dark side of magic. “Also! Tiber and I bought a house, a few miles to the south, and of course you -must- come to our housewarming party!” She slips her hand into her large leather satchel and withdraws a neatly folded invitation, with the names ‘Yerrel’ and ‘Ruari’ also inscribed, “Please, don’t stress about bringing anything! I’m thinking Gordyn will do the catering.” Lana smiles, the epitome of happiness and health, “How are you, Nel? Still hoping to open your own practice? I think Celeste can prove useful, she’s still fresh with her powers, but under your guidance she will flourish! And don’t worry about paying her at this point, she’s merely an intern, Tiber and I will give her a weekly stipend.” She chats as if the blonde isn’t in the room reading their auras, or as if she doesn’t notice the puppy dog look that Bjorn has adopted, “How is Kyori? I meant to write him, but I don’t even know where to send a letter! Nancy, at the Kelay Tavern, said he ran up a tab and skipped town again?!” In the same breath, the witch offers, “Bjorn is one of our packmates… Tiber told him that you are beautiful.” Pause. “Celeste is also one of ‘us’ in the Pack.” Lanara notices the baked goods and she nears the table to have a closer look, but of course she won’t take anything until she’s offered. This also gives Nel a few moments to absorb the fact that her best friend has cheated death, turned into a werewolf, and has brought along two random packmates so that she can tutor one and possibly date the other.
Lanara (Post 2 of 2) Bjorn finally lifts his jaw from the floor and swallows hard, hoping that Penelope doesn’t notice that he’s mildly drooling. The healer is doing this sexy thing with her hand and his gaze trails from her face to her cleavage, “Scars are hot… I have a few myself.” That’s suave, right? Lifting his shirt, he shows off his well-toned physique and gives Nel his megawatt smile, as he points at a scar that reaches from the left area of his ribcage to his right hip bone. “Believe it or not, this is actually from a wild boar! I was working a security gig in Venturil and it’s tusk tore me up, but thankfully a master healer lived nearby and patched me up. She wasn’t -nearly- as pretty as you…” Lowering his shirt, Bjorn runs a hand through his hair, “Look, Nel. I can clearly feel this energy between us… So, maybe, uh, we should go to this housewarming thing… Together?” Lana has stolen a muffin at this point and she scoffs, nearly choking on a cranberry, “You don’t take a -date- to a housewarming party, Bjorn! It’s not a ball! And… I’m pretty sure it’s Celeste that’s feeling the emotions in this room…” She shivers, not wanting to imagine the ‘lust’ that’s emanating from Bjorn’s frame as he ogles Penelope. The witch is protective of her friend, and so she glares at Bjorn as he sticks his tongue at her, while Celeste tries to salvage her interview and answer the healer’s questions.
Penelope (1 of 2):: Penelope turns her best friend at an angle so the conversation is between the two of them. Besides, Bjorn was distracting the poor clinician. The words that escape Lanara’s mouth next has Penelope lean back a little bit to get a full view of the woman. Lanara… turned…? “You’re… a lycan?” The human looks puzzled and lost for words for a moment. Her mind could not wrap around Lanara not being entirely elven anymore. There was not a look of disappointment, but only shock. Lanara goes on to say that the two bought a house, and something about Gordyn, but that is all a blur because the next thing that escapes out of her mouth still lingers on the first subject. “Tiber -saved- you? That’s -so- romantic! It’s just like the novels!” Not that Penelope dreamed of romance, but she sure idolized and shipped other stories. “I wasn’t sure at first about him, but clearly he loves you. Holy hell, Lana. Give the guy a pat on the back for me!” The healer is all giddy in this moment before she looks over her shoulder at Bjorn. “I’m sorry about -that-, though.” She caught onto the next words from her friend before she addresses the topic of Kyori. “I don’t know. But! I know that we are on good terms again. Friends. Wherever he is, I hope he is safe. I… trust him. I trust he’s okay.” She had to, for Kyori would always be close with one tap away with the aventurine ring she wore. “As for your party, I’d -love- to! I’ll bring treats, even! Speaking of which,” the healer turns and points to the goods. “Those are for all of you. I was up a lot of the night, anxious a little bit about today, heh,” she smiles before nodding and turning back to the others.
Penelope (2 of 2):: Once the Ardelian turns with that hand still on her chest, her gaze widens at Bjorn’s retort before she looks down. She frowns as she looks back at him, and by then he is lifting his shirt up. “So your ex was a wild boar?” What was that supposed to mean? She was going to let the stupid man figure that one out. Then, he proceeds onward with his suggestion of chemistry. Penelope parts her mouth and then shoots daggers towards Lanara. “Actually, save that pat on the back from Tiberius and tell him to shove it up his--” Celeste then interrupts between the two. “Ignore Bjorn. He clearly is idiotic and has no sense of boundaries,” the pale blonde, although quiet, was clearly trying to get Bjorn to shush his pie hole. Pale blue eyes stare at the man as if to say ‘do not ruin this for me’. Celeste then turns to Penelope. “Surely I would be a proper student. I’m well versed with water, and I know a few basics for first aid. I have an… empathic ability,” the blonde squints. “That makes me feel most energy. I think it would benefit patients.” Pause. “I know you just met us, but you trust Lanara, so you can trust me. I won’t do anything to harm anyone. The reason Lanara came to you is because she said you’re patient and kind… Like Lanara expressed… we all are newly turned.” The empath looks at the animal empath. “We need to somehow ease our way back into society. Find balance, and I think I could do that here. With you,” Celeste says this softly, gently. Just like the healer before her. Two gentle souls. Penelope a little more fiery than Celeste, but still. After listening, Penelope looks at Lanara with crossed arms, Bjorn, and then Celeste. Eventually Penelope lowers her arms in calm confidence. “We can use another hand. Yerrel gets tired. He can only take on so much, but I also know, he can work with you and so can my… brother,” the Ardelian says. “Can you come back tomorrow? Ruari and I can show you some protocol.” Celeste nods to Penelope’s request, and then moss eyes from Nel then reflect on Lanara with ease. “Some group, eh?”
Lanara nods slowly as Penelope connects the dots, that yes, she is a newly turned lycan and Tiber is her mate. “We imprinted…” She boasts, matter-of-factly, delighted that she claims the man in every capacity, and vice versa. The only threshold they have left to cross is matrimony and that’s hopefully approaching in the near future! The muffin is consumed, and another follows suit, as Celeste pleads her case to the expert healer. Bjorn, feeling dejected, slumps into a chair and half heartedly nibbles on a chocolate chip cookie. The two speak in whispers, as they try to give the healers a moment of privacy, and it seems that the witch is still chastising the man for hitting on her best friend. Bjorn obviously didn’t catch the comment about his ex-girlfriend being a wild boar, and he loudly erupts, “WAIT! She was -hitting- on me?! She wants me to make her squeal like a pig?! How did I not catch that?!” A split second later, Lana uses her rank of Luna to reprimand the male, and he all but whimpers and cowers in his seat. She wears a feral grin and although her words are whispered, the venom laced threat forces the muscle bound man into sheer submission. “You better pray that I don’t report this transgression to your Alpha.” Tiber would likely high five his ‘bro’ but that’s not the point! “Sorry about that, Ladies…” The ire of those chocolate eyes shifts to Celeste, only to soften as the woman is smiling, and Lana cannot help but grin, “I told you that Penelope is wonderful! She’s seriously so gifted, and Yerrel is a doll, too! I pointed Ruari out to you earlier, in the yard.” The mention of Nel’s brother is met with a raised brow, but Lana knows better than to push boundaries anymore today. Bringing along two strangers was enough damage! “How about I stop by around lunchtime tomorrow, Nel? I’ll bring some goodies, check on Celeste, and we can catch up in private?” She knows she owes the healer a big apology for springing all of this on her, plus, they both deserve a more fitting reunion! Lana motions to the muffins, “These are delicious, you must share the recipe with me!” She nearly adds that they will be a perfect addition to her wedding, but she bites the inside of her cheek to keep from gushing. Soon enough, she plans on asking Nel to be a bridesmaid, but she doesn’t want to spoil the surprise! “I love you, and I missed you so much!” Wiping her hands on a napkin, Lana reaches out to Nel for a final embrace, as the best friends say their goodbyes and promise to speak the next day! Celeste clasps her hand excitedly together and seems thankful for such an opportunity, and Bjorn is -still- sulking, but he does hope to redeem himself in the future! Once the trio is outside, the man scratches his head, “So… Was that a yes or no? She never said if we are going to the party together…”
Penelope almost places her hand over her face at Bjorn’s outburst. The red inflames her freckled face and her cheeks are about as red as her blouse. The shout is heard from the lawn, for the window was partially cracked for fresh air and suddenly Ruari strides in. “How’s the gathering?” There is a bit of intimidation that runs from his mouth which is not like him around the Kelvarian. Piercing blue eyes stare into Bjorn before Penelope walks to tug the man and shake her head. ‘I’ll explain later,’ her lips move silently. The reprimanding is a relief to the Ardelian and she continues to address Celeste who is fumbling with her speaking with Ruari in the room. As Lanara mentions Ruari, he kind of gives off a wave to the pale blonde with a charming smile before the man brushes by to rummage through the cookies. “Ruari,” Celeste lets Ruari’s name linger on her tongue for a minute and by then Lanara is addressing Penelope. The Ardelian turns and the thought of Bjorn is gone and she grins in return. “I’d like that. I missed you. I -need- a lunch date. Not much has happened, but! To you it clearly has!” The girl claps with glee before returning the embrace around Lanara. “I’m -so- glad you’re okay, Lana. So glad!” She gives one last final squeeze before waving the trio off. “Bye Celeste, and bye… Bjorn,” she manages a sheepish smirk of embarrassment for the man before she exits them out of the hut. Once closing the door, she turns around and presses her body against it. “What was that about squealing pigs?” Ruari quirks a brow as he pops a pinch of cookie in his mouth. The man looks clearly amused. “Oh, shut it. You don’t even -want- to know.” Penelope is turning that pink color again, and Ruari grins. “Oh, trust me, Nel. -Yes- I do.” And within that tiny hut becomes a mess of snort-filled laughter that echoes throughout to the lawn for the poor stranger Bjorn. What a meeting.