"Oh? Now you have me curious." Alethiro replied with a noticeable twitch in his ears.
"I think you'll like it, we tried to find something that represented you both." Sādhanā says sharing a look with Clara.
Having offered his opinion, clearly ill-received in either direction even though it supported some others' views, Harakhty waited for one of them to make a decision. As the tamed dog pulling against its owner, let the choice and consequence be theirs. After all, if they cared not for his counsel, they could choose between the lesser of two evils themselves.
In any event, the inquisitor stood ready to support them. Either action is better than nothing.
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Arista smiles at Sadhana, "I can hardly wait to see it. We are so fortunate to have such wonderful friends. I am honored to stand by and fight with you and the others, for our loved ones, the people of Valwick, and all of Zahvroma. We will rid the land of it's curses, starting with The Tower and that pile of cow dung Vencious." Her face almost contorts into a snarl as she says his name.
"I will help finish what I started almost 500 years ago and rid this land of corruption and evil. There will always be those that seek to destroy what we create...but, we will always be here to defend it and build it back up as well." She looks around at everyone then, "So, we shall meet here tomorrow morning to have breakfast and then head toward the tower to take it back. Once that is done and we have control of it, we will go after Niccolo." She looks at Drago, Esme, and Divitia, "I promise you, we will get him back. I'll not have anyone else lose someone they love and care about, whether friend, family, or lover. There have been too many losses already, he will not be one of them." Getting a little emotional she squeezes Alethiro's hand again and takes a deep breath before going on.
"Is there anything else that needs to be discussed, or thoughts that anyone has? Is there anything that we've overlooked, or forgotten?"
"I think that will about cover it," Godrick replies to Arista, a warm smile on his face.
Elder Sister and Barclay give their assent with a simple nod. The three of them depart into the rainy night.
"Bushes are good for the back, Ylrhea, so I'm told," Sienna says with a grin. "Besides, I don't mind the privacy."
"As fun as that sounds we need as much sleep as we can get for tomorrow."
Arista nods at the older Paladin then and the others as they get up to leave. Looking over at Sadhana she smiles though there is a tiredness to her eyes, "Well, I guess that means we covered everything and the meeting is over. So...there was something you and Clara were wanting to show us?" Even though she looks a little tired, there is still joy, love, and excitement in her eyes as well. She seems to radiate with happiness, and her love of Alethiro shines through everything else that's going on around them.
"And it's wet out," Sienna says, becoming slightly serious. "We don't need you getting sick. Are you going to be okay, Ylrhea? With Vencious, I mean."
As she looks back at Alethiro her stomach growls loudly, laughing slightly she looks embarrassed as her cheeks darken a little. "Well....I guess I should eat something before we do much else. Would you like to stay and join us for a meal? I don't think I've had anything to eat since breakfast. I had to put away some things, and then I guess I fell back asleep." She shakes her head, and then looks around at some of the others that are there before they leave. "Anyone else interested in dinner?"
"If I didn't do something, then I wouldn't forgive myself," the gnome says. "This is partly a Green Circle matter and, if the Captain is okay with it, then I'll do whatever I can to help. Come on, let's get to bed."
"Actually, some food wouldn't be a bad idea," Clara says. "We'll call it a double date."
She gives her wife a warm smile and squeezes her hand, those feelings in her not abating.
"That's perfect" Sādhanā chimes in. "I'm definitely hungry."
She squeezes back, the bond returning Clara's heat with her own.
Calling Hadrinn over Arista gives him one of her warm smiles, "So, what delicious goodies do you have on special for tonight Hadrinn?"
"Can't say I have much other than some leftovers, chicken, boar and whatnot," Hadrinn replies.
She looks around at the others, "That sounds just fine. I'll probably just take a little chicken and some vegetables with some bread, and some tea to drink please." She looks to Alethiro, "Get whatever you like my love, dinner is on me tonight."
"Considering the way you cook, that's perfectly fine!" Sādhanā says with a grin. "Boar sounds great."
She looks at Clara and Sadhana, "That goes for the both of you as well. Tonight we are celebrating....not just the promises we have made to the ones we love, but the promise of a brighter future for all of us."
"Quite a good thing to celebrate," Clara says, after ordering some boar.
Gerard excuses himself and makes his way out. "Have a good night, all."
Esmerelda puts a hand on Arista's shoulder. "Good night, dear. I think I'll take the opportunity to read a book I've neglected. It's perfect weather for it, I think."
Hadrinn returns with the food shortly. "Enjoy. Dratted weather, but I suppose we can't have sunshine all the time."
Arista waves at Gerard, "You as well and be safe." Looking up at Esme, she puts one of her hands on top of the one Esme has on her shoulder. Giving her hand a little squeeze, she smiles, "Okay, take care." Letting go of her hand, she pushes herself up from the table. She puts her arms around Esme and gives her a hug, "Don't worry, we'll get him back." She pulls back a bit from their embrace and looks at her, "I might not see you again before we leave, so be careful and stay safe. I expect to see you when we get back. You're my sister now, I would not be able to stand it if something happened to you as well."
Upon seeing the food, Arista gives him a smile. "It all looks wonderful Hadrinn. Life needs rain as much as it needs the sun right?"
"Besides rainy days are kind of romantic." Sādhanā says with a smile.
Once she lets go of Esme she sits back down at the table and stifles a yawn, "Yeah...but they also make you sleepy apparently as well. I don't understand why I feel so tired. I napped almost all afternoon, and I didn't even think I was that tired. I can't possibly be tired again already can I?"
She smells the food and starts picking at it slowly, taking little bites of chicken and vegetables, while nibbling on some bread and drinking her hot tea.
"There has been a lot going on, it's easy to let it wear you down," Clara says, wiping her mouth with a napkin.
"Besides yesterday was sort of a whirlwind for you two." Sādhanā says sipping her wine. "So how was you first day of marrried life?" she asks with a grin.
Smiling at Alethiro she looks back at the other couple, "It was...heavenly." And then bursts into a fit of giggles.
Clara laughs tenderly and wraps an arm around Sādhanā and gives her a gentle squeeze. "Married life certainly is...heavenly."
The grin cracks and Sādhanā erupts in to a laugh of her own, leaning her head against her wife's in a moment of genuin enjoyment with her friends.
"It certainly is," a giggle escaping her.
Feeling a bit better about things, she eats a little better now that they know they have a plan. Knowing that Alethiro will be here to help the others, and that Corda can come to him if there's a problem with the baby helps to set her mind a little more at ease. She enjoys the good food and time with their friends as they sit together.
She looks at Alethiro for a moment, "I fell asleep and we never got to talk to Corda. I wanted to see her before we had to leave, I need to talk to her and make sure she understands that she's not going through this alone. It's imperative that we don't let her fall into some kind apathy where she stops taking care of herself. That's what I'm most worried about." She continues to nibble on the rest of her dinner.
Clara nods. "Yes, she's going through a rough time and, until Skaar returns, I don't know what will make that better."
Sighing she looks down, "I don't think anything will make it better, but she needs to know that there are people here who care about her, their baby, and that we won't let anything happen to her."
"We actually talked to her about it last night. She's angry, and the worst part is she has nothing to direct it at. I tried to focus her on doing what she needs to take care of herself and the baby. I only hope that it's enough." Sādhanā sighs.
"I hope so as well," Clara says, finishing her meal.
The storm tapers off at last, drops of water falling off the eaves of Hadrinn's establishment.
While she leaves a little left on her plate, Arista finishes of a piece of bread and the tea. "We'll talk to her as well. Hopefully, the more people she knows she can count on, the better she'll be able to deal with this. I think I've had enough, how about you honey?" She smiles as she wipes her face and hands with a napkin. Getting up she gives Clara and Sadhana a hug and pays Hadrinn for the meal. "I guess we'll see you in the morning, have a good...rest." She smiles at them, then looks at Alethiro. "Are you ready to go dearest? I thought maybe we would check on Corda before turning in?"
"Ah, hang on," Clara says quickly. "There's our wedding gift that we need to show you."
Blushing horribly she turns and looks at Clara, "Oh right...I'm so sorry, I just seem to be really forgetful these days for some reason. I'm gonna chalk it up to stress and lots going on. Well, as soon as you are both ready, we'll just go with you then. You said you need to show it to us? I'm very curious about what it could be." She waits for the girls to be ready before heading outside with them.
Chuckling Sādhanā stands from the table as well. "You're still on a cloud, trust me we know the feeling. Let's go we can't wait to show you." she says taking Clara's hand excitedly.
Taking Alethiro's hand they follow the girls out of Hadrinn's.
Sādhanā and Clara lead Arista and Alethiro to the bluff overlooking the sea. Elder Sister stands vigil over the newly emerged sapling. "I figured it could use a little help so that it wouldn't just be a glowing mound of dirt."
The tiny tree glows with a calm and soothing light.
"Thank you so much, Elder Sister."
Smiling warmly Sādhanā turns to the couple. "We tried to think of something that would represent both of you. A tree, especially one that would live and grow for hundreds of years seemed approriate. We also know your connection to the divine is an important aspect of your lives. The perpetual Dayling effect represents both Sarenrae's light and the ability to banish and destroy undeath honoring Pharasma, and the entire area is consecrated, making a holy santuary to honor your union."
As she takes in the sight of the precious gift they so thoughtfully planned for, Arista lets go of Alethiro's hand and brings both of hers up to her face. She covers her mouth as a look of surprise and wonder comes over her features. As her eyes tear up she looks at Alethiro and then all of them.
Lowering her hands, she just shakes her head as the first tears start to fall. "I...I just don't know what to say. This...this is such a beautiful, thoughtful, blessed, and precious gift. I....I can't believe...that all of you would do this...for us." She tries to steady her breathing and calm herself, but the emotion is so great that she can't stop the trembling as she steps over to Sadhana and Clara.
"You have no idea how much this means me...to us." Motioning to Alethiro. "I'm...just so incredibly happy and blessed. Not just for this wonderful man, but for such loving and caring friends. Thank you all so very much...." The rest of her words are choked off as she embraces Clara and Sadhana in an emotional hug. Carefully stepping over to Elder Sister, she gives the older woman a more gentle hug as well, "I don't think....there are any words....that could express my gratitude."
She walks back over to Alethiro and stands at his side. She wipes at her eyes, trying to stop the flow of emotion as it pours out of her.
"Wow...I'm just a mess today aren't I?" She laughs a little as she smiles from Alethiro, to Clara, Sadhana, and then Elder Sister.
Alethiro stood speechless as he gazed upon the gift. A sacred tree? Such a gift will go a long way into helping to heal this land. Not to mention what other properties may develop as the tree matures. The Elf thought as his eyes began to tear up as well.
"We're glad you like it," Clara says to the newlyweds with a smile. "I suppose we ought to retire for the night."
Elder Sister nods. "I'll finish what I need to do here."
Taking Arista's hand, the replies, "Yes we should. You all have a long journey to take and need all of the rest you can get." Giving a quick bow, he added, "Fair night to you all." The two of them headed back to the Fort.
As they are walking back to the fort Arista looks at him,"I think we should see if Corda is in now. I'd like to speak with her before we go to bed." Seeing how he had teared up at the revealing of their gifts she hesitates for a moment before going on,"It's okay to have feelings love, their gift is amazing and will bring much joy to others. When we leave, every time you look at the tree you'll think of me, and every time I feel the Holy Symbol around me that you made for me...I'll think of you." She smiles sweetly at him then.