Realistic or Modern The Fractured Isles

[Rainelle]

Sersh reached over to place a hand on Fae's arm, her brows knitting in concern for her friend. Fae took a few breaths to calm herself, then moved her cutlery to a napkin.

"We need to call my grandmother." She stood from the table, shaking off Saorise's hand and saying "You two eat. You need to focus on resting; especially you Tristan. You look like you got run over by a truck." She pulled out her phone and went to the living room to take her call. Sersh gave Tristan an uneasy look, but finished her food none the less. She served them both seconds, then cleaned up afterward. Fae had left the house, presumably to fetch Elizabeth.

Saorise helped Tristan to the couch, placed a blanket over his lap and got them both a second cup of tea. She settled on the chair opposite the couch, and Puck wedged himself behind her with a derisive snort. They sipped tea in silence for a while before she spoke.

"You should probably call and let your boss know you're alive. You might need to take a few days off, too." Guilt came over her once more, and she looked down into her mug. "I hope Elizabeth can shed some light on what happened last night." She twiddled her thumbs over her mug and looked anywhere but him. "We can forget the...private things that happened, if you'd like." Sersh was more afraid of hurting someone else with her cursed circumstances than of being alone. In the water with him, under the moonlight, she had felt alive. Happy. For the first time in years. Painful as it would be, it would be easier to stop now. If this attack was tied to her, if more men came looking.... So many people were entrenched in her problems, now. If Tristan became even closer to her, he would suffer the most at the hands of the man she was running from. Part of her was still braced and ready to flee.

 

[BoneBrain]

The blanket was like a warm embrace around Tristan and he snuggled into the cough feeling a lot like a child who had stayed home sick from school to be doted upon. The meal felt right in his stomach and he felt more alive, though whatever bits of him did feel semi-normal were eaten with worry. That reaction from Fae had been like a punch to the gut. He'd expected to be drawn into the mystifying world by people who knew what they were doing. It scared him when someone on the inside was worried too. He couldn't blame his green ignorance this time. Whatever had come for them in the murky depths had been strong and a deep knowing settled within Tristan: this was just the beginning.

Saorise's words drew him out of his stewing and Tristan's head cocked to the side at her offer. There it was- the guilt and the fear that had coursed through her magic, sticking to it's vibrant glow like a disease.

"I don't think I'll ever be able to forget those... private moments." He told her, his honest voice a deep tired gruff. Puck was nestled deeply in her lap, clearly begging for any attention from his master, but Saorise seemed too lost in her own perceptions to give the rabbit the stroking he deserved. "Try as you might, I don't think ignoring what happened is going to do anyone any good. Just ask poor Puck and see what he thinks." Tristan wasn't a man to shy away from the harsh weather, no, he preferred to stand right in the storm and face it.

A rapid knocking came from the door and before either one of them could stand to answer, the lock on the door wooshed back as if pulled by an invisible string and Elizabeth and Fae tumbled into the house a mixture of pants and wheezes. Clearly they'd wasted no time in coming back. Elizabeth marched into the home, not even bothering to take off her shoes and made haste for Saorise, her hands outstretched to the little witch.

"My dears!" Lizzy sank to her old knees in front of Saorise and gripped those pale glamoured hands between her aged and weathered palms. "I came as soon as Fae told me the news, I did not think such a reaction was capable from the waters- you must forgive me."

"Lizzy, please sit." Tristan made a move to rise from his spot to help the old woman from her position on the floor but Lizzy waved him away.

"I want to be grounded for this, dear. As close to the earth as I can." She explained, Tristan had no idea what the heck that meant but he gratefully sank back into the couch. "I had hoped to tell you both a little about the history of these isles over a fire and far nicer circumstances, but it seems the hands of fate are pushing me forward." Lizzy shook her head and glanced between Saorise and Tristan, something akin to wonder in her eyes. "Two of you... lost for so long- only to return now. Three by three... one remains hidden and one burns." She muttered the words as if to herself before gesturing to Fae. "Make us a cuppa, dear. We might need a pot or two for this."

Lizzy let out a deep breath before she began to spin them her tale.

"Long ago when these lands still clung to the continent, a coven found it's rocky crag's and lush hills the perfect place for magic. It was led by three. Three by three, the Earth, Wind and Sea. Earth worked the land, tending to the crops and plants with the ancient knowledge of his generations. Wind flitted through the town, gusting with charm and charisma- he brought them all together. And Sea, she tamed the waters, feeding the land and the homes of Hythe- nourishing them all."

Lizzy's eyes shone with her next words. "They loved her. They both did. Together they vied for her attention. Earth brought the finest flowers and Wind put on lavish grand dances with swirling skirts and laughter. Sea loved them both as well- but it was never enough, for you see Earth and Wind soon grew weary of sharing her affections. They wanted her for themselves, for it was her love that filled them up and gave them purpose. Sea could not choose, however, and with each passing day the tides of her affection drew further and further away from them."

"She could not choose. Would not, and when another named Fire made her burn bright with passion and desire. The two lovers disappeared for a year- leaving Earth and Wind to boil in their rage. Together they plotted- and when Sea returned, a new glow about her, she ventured out the shore and they enacted their plan. Earth cut the land in two, cleaving them from the continent where Fire waited and with howling gusts, Wind pushed them away from the mainland- severing Sea from the one she craved the most."

"What did she do?" Tristan murmured, completely lost in the story.

"When they explained they need not return as they were better than any flame left behind, Sea began to cry. She wept and wept, and her tears carved the land, forming the Wellspring. She cried until she was nothing but a memory and a pond. Seeing what he had done Earth grew stricken with grief and guilt- and he tunneled away in the rocky cliffs he'd made, never to be seen again."

"The cave..." Tristan muttered, thinking of the newly open rock face. He scratched at his chin thoughtfully. "And what of Wind?"

 

[Rainelle]

Elizabeth sighed. "Wind himself shattered into pieces over his grief, becoming the four winds we know today." Sersh buried her free hand into Puck's fur, looking curiously at the high priestess.

"So, what's that got to do with us? And what attacked us in the ocean?" Lizzy cleared her throat and placed down her half full mug of tea. Her eyes shifted between the two of them, a thoughtful expression on her face. It seemed she was struggling to find the words. "You two are Earth and Sea, returned to us after so long. That's why you were drawn here. That's why you are drawn to each other." Saorise shot up out of her seat, nearly throwing her mug.

"No!" She cried, placing the mug down and burying her hands in her wold hair. "No, no, no! I cannae be! I cannae!" Her tone was bitter, desperate. She began to pace around the room, tugging at her hair in frustration. "No! I've had enough of long lost connections and faerie shit to last five lifetimes! Please, take it back!" Her chest tightened and her breaths became short. She knew a panic attack was coming. Letting out a short scream of frustration, Sersh laid down on the worn rug of the living room, covered her eyes with the heels of her palms and tried to regulate her breathing. Tears streamed through her fingers as she pushed back the sobs that tried to escape her throat. Puck bounced over and planted himself on her chest, eyeing the rest of them as if daring them to come closer. It was an excruciating, humiliating fifteen minutes she spent on the floor as the others looked at her, confused. Finally, she could speak.

"My husband...He's a faerie. Long ago my ancestors promised him a bride in exchange for permanent luck. He came to collect and I was it. I'm the last person in me mother's line. Tha's why me da had to sign me away. I cannae be this... Earth, too. Can I? Is that even possible? Can two magic entities both lay claim to one soul?" The thought overwhelmed her again, and her breathing turned shallow once more. Fae and Elizabeth looked at each other in alarm, grimacing slightly.

 

[BoneBrain]

Saorise's news was shocking to say the least, and Tristan rose from the couch as thick tears welled in her eyes. He was stopped by Lizzy's arresting gaze, one that told him to let the poor woman on the floor grieve in her own time. Unable to sink back down Tristan took up perimeter of the living room. His feet dragged along the carpet as Saorise lay flat on her back trying to quell the rapid breaths that forced panic through her veins with every lung full. He longed to reach out and comfort her when a sickening thought occurred to him. She'd known the depths and reality of magic all along.

She'd made him believe that she was just as green as he, that the reality of magic was a concept just as foreign to her as it had been him. What a fool she must have thought him. He supposed he should have known, what with the way she'd handled the damned little flighty creatures that had shown up in his garden. Pesky, frightening things they were. All along Saorise had known- he knew logically she must have had her reasons of hiding the news of her faerie betrothed, but he couldn't help the deep slicing hurt that cut right through to his heart.

The damn thing ached in his chest and he had to reach up and rub at the spot where it thumped painfully.

"There is no denying the connection to both, I'm so sorry my dear." Elizabeth reached out a comforting hand to brush an errant strand of Saorise's hair away.

"What is there to be done?" Tristan growled, he couldn't even imagine where to start with this mess. "Is there any hope for a happy ending here?"

"There's always hope dear heart." Lizzy wizened smile gleamed. "When all are reunited and balance found a great power there shall be. A power strong enough to break even the harshest bonds." Lizzy gave Saorise a meaningful look.

Tristan dragged his hand down his face, he was getting really sick of this magical talk- why didn't anyone ever just say what they meant. All this flowery language made him feel like he was back at school and struggling to understand why on earth the Montagues and Capulets were as they were. His pacing around the living room came to a halt as he gathered his thoughts.

"So we need Air and Fire- whoever they might be, to come here so we can all participate in a healing group hug?" He asked and Fae let out a burst of giggles.

"Essentially. Yes. Though I think it will probably look a little differently than a group hug." She said, covering her mouth to halt another bought of laughter.

"I don't suppose there's a magic spell you can whip up to call them here?" Tristan asked, the slightest tinge of hope in his voice was directed at Elizabeth. The old woman shook her head, a glimmer of amusement decorating her features. "No, that would be too easy- wouldn't it?" Tristan muttered.

"Perhaps we could send them a sign..." Fae suggested, "but we would need something of Air and Fire's for the spell to follow the lineage. I don't even know where to start looking however. We don't have anything of their to my knowledge."

"Actually, I think I might have an idea on where to start looking." Tristan blinked at three sets of surprised eyes locked in on him. He let out a scoff, basking in the moment where he was an actual contributor. "I mean it's obvious." He couldn't help but lay it on a little thick. "The cave... the one that appeared- surely its no coincidence that it was revealed to us, and as you said Earth sealed himself away."

 

[Rainelle]

It was a week before they could enter the cave. Jobs and the rhythm of every day life did not stop just for them, after all. Tristan had been distant from her ever since that night in her home. Even that evening, she'd noticed that he had stopped looking her in the eye. He was upset. Though Sersh had braced herself for such a reaction. Anyone would feel betrayed by such a revelation. Still, it hurt. She had finally opened herself up to someone after so many years. She had given him so, so many outs. Even knowing it would end this way.

While they waited for Fae and Elizabeth to make the preparations, Saorise only ran into Tristan once. The fake police officers were still stubbornly hanging around town. To avoid them, she slipped into the ship's building in town. The sailors got ready there and kept their administrative things in the small office in the back. All the men inside gave her a look when she entered and hid herself from the window. Sersh smiled awkwardly, clutching the coffees she held to her chest. She did her best to avoid Tristan's gaze as she waited for the voices outside to dim.

"Oh, captain, I've got a message from Fae." She said, turning her head to him. Thank god she'd had a good excuse. "Ms. Elizabeth expects you for dinner on Sunday. Apparently you're bringing the fish, too." The captain gave a short snort and a shake of his head.

"I am, am I? Thanks for letting me know." Saorise gave a nod and a weak smile before going back out the door, still feeling Tristan's gaze burning into her skin.
~~

It was almost midnight when the four gathered in the woods east of the town. Elizabeth gave a tight nod before beginning to lead them wordlessly down to a small, hidden doc. Surprisingly, the captain was there waiting for them. He gave a soft smile as everyone piled onto the boat. He sat at the back and started the motor, steering it along the dark water. Sersh gave Fae a concerned look.

"Don't worry, Molly." Fae reassured her, looking to Tristan too. "The captain is an old friend of grandma's. He just knows not to ask questions and not to speak of her favors." Sersh had to stop herself from reaching for Tristan's hand. Eventually, they reached the small, rocky shore that had opened up along with the cave. They filed off the boat and followed Elizabeth up. She had them stop, going in first. After a few agonizing minutes, she returned, motioning them through the mouth.

It was pitch dark inside, before Elizabeth muttered an incantation and fire sparked at the tip of her old, gnarled wand. The pathway was a tight fit for all of them, Tristan especially. They walked in silence until the cave opened up. A large, roughly rounded cavern awaited them, a chunk of moonlight trickling down through a crack in the far away ceiling. With the two sources of light, they could see everything, though dimly. Four alters were carved into the walls, all with strange faces. They looked to the dry bed of what would have been a shallow pool.

"Let's look around." Fae spoke up, and the group dispersed. Sersh felt drawn to the far right one, and stumbled a little getting there as she moved away from the light of the wand. Finally, she stood before the alter. Saorise reached up and cupped the cold stone face. It's eyes were cast downward, it's mouth set into a deep, mourning frown. As she felt it's features, she made a noise of surprise. Carved into the face's forehead was the alchemical symbol for earth, a downward pointing triangle bisected by a horizontal line.

"Who are you?" She muttered. "Are you really part of me? What were you thinking, trapping yourself in the dark, alone, to die?" Pity swelled inside her chest, and she looked down. The offering plate was carved to be a pair of cupped hands. She knelt down and placed her hands in his, resting her forehead against her knuckles. "What do you want from me?" She asked in a teary voice. Sersh could never just live, it seemed. There were expectations of her everywhere. Even here, in this remote corner of the world where she'd fled. Would she ever really be free?

 

[BoneBrain]

In the week that passed Tristan kept mostly to himself. He worked hard on the boat when he could, picking up shifts with Joseph and the boys. Their days were fruitful and he spent long hours in the pub with them celebrating the days catches until the wee hours of the morning. Each night he drove up the winding road that led to their hilltop homes and he hated himself for looking for any signs of life from his neighbours house. He knew his hurt had morphed into something childish, one where he'd much rather sequester himself away from the woman who seemed to have secret upon secret than face her.

His brain warred with his heart, reminding him that Saorise didn't owe him any part of her story and he should be grateful over what she had shared with him. Oh but his heart, his stupid hopeful heart had felt flayed in two at the realization she'd known far more than she'd let on. He'd probably looked like some sort of bumbling idiot. He hated feeling that way.

Their arrival to the boat which would take them to the newly opened cave was met with more silence. Though he couldn't resist watching the glamoured woman as she leaned against the rail of the ship, the sea breeze catching her tresses. If he squinted hard enough he could spot the shimmer of her true hair colour as it danced in the wind.

Elizabeth led the way into the cave and Tristan did his best not to let any of his fear find rest on his face, though he was certain the group heard his audible swallow as the rocky walls curled in, squeezing around the group like a vice as their walkway narrowed. By the end of it, his eyes were all but closed, blocking out the suffocating atmosphere when they found themselves in a carved out cavern, with just the barest hint of sky in the ceiling high above them. Tristan grasped onto that flicker of moonlight like it was a lifeline. A sailor such as he was never meant for closed in spaces when the wide open sea was all the comfort he could ever need. He purposefully didn't let his eyes trail to Saorise as he thought that.

"This is incredible." Fae whispered, crouching near the shallow empty pool. It looked as though it had taken years of erosion for the smooth pool to exist. Tristan frowned, wondering where on earth the water had gone, he couldn't see any sort of drainage built into the pool. Beyond the pool sat the four altars, and with the moonlight casting shadows over their features Tristan couldn't help but think each of the faces looked rather sad... lonely even.

As Elizabeth and Fae murmured to one another, their wide eyes sweeping over the space, Tristan let himself be pulled forward. He followed his instinct much like Saorise had, though he didn't quite know it. His booted feet carried him over magically carved stone until he stood in front of the face right next to Saorise. They were about a metre apart and he watched with a mixture of curiosity and sorrow as Saorise knelt down and touched her forehead to the stone hands.

She looked so small there, surrounded by earth, stone and moonlight and he had the sudden inexplicable urge to gather Saorise up in arms and hold her close until whatever pain she felt was nothing but a figment of the past. His hand lifted, almost as if he were about to do just that when his brain took hold of his body once more. There would be none of that, he scolded himself, letting his hand fall back down to his side. He had no right to touch her like that, she wasn't his.

Saorise was whispering words that he couldn't quite make out and Tristan half wondered if she knew an incantation. Another fact she'd also kept hidden from him, he wouldn't have been surprised at this point. As she spoke the mark on the statues forehead glimmered, like it was a crystal caught in a beam of light and Tristan blinked, half wondering if his eyes were playing tricks on him, when the symbol flickered again.

"Do that again, whatever you're saying or doing, Sersh. Do that again." He ordered, stepping closer and crouching so he could get a better look at the symbol as dulled back down to lifelessness as Saorise lifted a questioning gaze to him.

 

[Rainelle]

She had raised her head when Tristan spoke, coming near to her. Once she registered what he'd said,s he bowed her head again and spoke quietly. He could hear her words now that he was close.

"What do you want from me?" She repeated, closing her eyes to concentration. "Did you bring me here? Was it my own free will? Why?" She could hear Fae and Elizabeth's voices come closer and figured whatever she was doing was working. Tears of frustration began to leak from her eyes. "Am I really you? Does that mean I have no real self? Was this all predetermined? Do I have any control over my life, at all?"

"Saorise, stop!" Elizabeth wrenched her shoulder, hard. Harder than a woman of her age should be able to. She stopped, and saw orange yellow magic bubbling from the symbol of the altar's forehead. It ran down the face like lighted tears, all the way to the base where it sizzled upon impact to the cave floor. When Sersh went to stand, she found her left hand stuck to the offering plate.

"What?" She struggled some, but found she could not break free. Upon closer inspection, it was her mother's ring that seemed to be attached. Feeling her throat close, Fae helped her wiggle out of the Claddagh ring. As soon as her finger slipped free, the ring tipped into the plate and the light burst out. When the light faded, it came steadily now from the symbol. The faint sound of running water coudl be heard from somewhere, and the pool began to fill. Sersh collapsed to her knees again, cupping her hands under the carved ones. Loud sobs came from her, ripping out of her chest with force. "Why?!" She cried. "Why did ye need tha'! Why did ye need to take her from me... Mum... I'm so sorry..." Her emotions seemed to fuel the magic further, the sound of water becoming somewhat stronger. Fae knelt beside ehr and hugged her tightly, petting her hair and muttering soft words. Elizabeth was quite for a while, but turned to Tristan.

"It seems the alters require a piece of your heart to function. I suspect that we need the magic of the pool to continue learning about what happened back then." She looked past him to the women together on the floor, then to the moonlight flickering on the shallow surface of the water. "Poor child." Elizabeth moved to his alter, illuminating it with her wand light. "Do you have anything to give, Tristan? If you don't, we'll just have to come back another time."

 

[BoneBrain]

Sobs echoed through the chamber as Saorise was forced to give up a piece of herself. Elizabeth's words were pitying, and Tristan's heart ached as Fae did her best to console the woman curled up on the stone floor. Why had the fates done this, pulling the strings of will and coincidence until Saorise looked like a beautiful puppet. Lizzy drew his attention away, her light casting long shadows over the alter of water, the upside down triangle was lifeless, even as he stepped closer to it.

Tristan considered the question, his hands moving over his pockets as if he might find an ancient heirloom or some priceless object of his heart. Only there was nothing. He wore nothing that reminded him of his family, and every precious moment that belonged to him was but a memory.

"I... I don't think I have anything like that." He confessed and Lizzy reached out with firm fingers and circled his wrist where his pulse thumped.

"It isn't a paltry trinket that the alter seeks. Use your heart boy... What can't you give up?" Her fingers slipped lower over his wrist, stopping at the watch that kept perfect time. It had been a gift from his grandmother, one of the last objects she'd bestowed upon him with clear eyes before the fog of madness and dementia had taken her. She'd always known his need to be on
time, to have everything in it's place. To be in control. She'd nurtured it and growled at his parents when they suggested that he lighten up. Grandmother had always understood.

"Oh..." Tristan looked down at the object with sudden clarity. To give up this would mean more than giving up a simple time piece, he knew that inherently.

"In your own time, dear. Often times it's harder when when know what's coming." Lizzy sympathised. The tips of his fingers felt numb as he pulled the simple leather strap from it's buckle. It's hung from his hand, just above the smooth stone offering bowl. He held onto it a moment longer, knowing the control and order he clung to hung in the balance. With a final shuddering breath he dropped the watch, and the symbol on the alters forehead glowed to life.

Blue light bubbled and frothed around the watch, sending the timepiece into waves of magic. Behind them, more water filled within the basin and when the orange of Saorise's offering met the blue of his they swirled and mixed together. All around them the earth rocked as the elements mingled and danced with one another, like old friends who'd been apart far too long. It's movement's began to speed up, and a faint humming filled the space around them until their ears popped and a bright beam of light shot up from the shallow pool and up towards the crack in the caves ceiling.

"What just happened?" Tristan was the first to speak after the light and rumbling ceased around them. He had spots on his vision and he blinked them away as Lizzy smiled victoriously up towards the faint glimpse of the night sky.

"You've sent out a summons." She explained.

 

[Rainelle]

The group left the cave when the magic had stabilized fully. They made their way out to the boat and settled in as the captain began their journey back to the mainland. Fae and Lizzy were talking in hushed tones, discussing what to tell the coven. Sersh was still sniffling, and wiped her raw face on her sleeves to quell the last of the tears.

"Tristan." She croaked, her voice already hoarse. He turned to look at her, and she could see the turmoil roiling around in his blue eyes. They looked like the sea in a storm. "I'm sorreh. Fer everythin'. I shouldn't hae gotten involved with ye. Ye could have still had yer peaceful life." She gave him a dreadfully sad smile. "It's all my fault. I cannae say how sorry I am that I took tha'. Ye don' need to fergive me." Her accent was out in full, and it was hard to understand her as she was mumbling and the wind whipped around them. Saorise looked away, her throat squeezing when she caught sight of her empty finger once more.
~~

Lenora sighed and cracked her back as she straightened up. A few hours scrubbing the oven took a toll on her now that she was almost thirty. But, it had to be done. She was the night manager at the Sunny Side B&B, after all. The cook was lazy. She threw her cleaning supplies into the cabinet and grabbed her slippers from the bin by the door. Lenora turned on the porch light, lit the neon open sign and started her other little rituals for the night.

After doing all her administrative duties, she set about making a fire. Even thought it was summer, they were in the woods of Nebraska, so it was quite chilly at night. After the fire was lit, she sent her daily prayers to Hestia, then added a new offering of dried rosemary into the flames. She settled down onto the armchair by the fire with her book. A small yip came from her feet, and she laughed.

"Alright Pedro, c'mere." She helped up a fat, one-eyed, toothless chihuahua, who curled into her lap happily. Her familiar looked a little raggedy, but he did his job well and often provided a source of comfort for those who found their way to the B&B. Now she just had to stay awake.

 

[BoneBrain]

The boat's engines vibrated through the deck and up Tristan's legs. He felt each wave as the bow cut through the choppy water. His hands rested on the ships rail and he gave Saorise his full attention as she bubbled through her apologies. A muscle in his jaw ticked as she placed the blame squarely on her own shoulders. His hand left the cool metal rail and caught the bottom of her chin, his thumb found rest in the spot just under her full bottom lip and he let it linger there as he struggled to formulate his thoughts.

"You aren't to blame for this." He told her firmly. "And if you think that's what has me upset then you're sorely mistaken." He dropped her chin then and returned her sad smile. "I've never liked secrets Saorise. To often I've been left in the dark by people who think they know what I can and can't handle." He thought of his parents hushed voices as they turned grandmother away before she could say goodbye. "The way I see it, the magic would have brought us here even if you and I would have never met, there was no stopping it the moment we both set foot on this island."

He turned back to the ocean and leaned forward, letting his eyes drop to the swirling water next to the hull. "When I'm not so angry, I'll do my best to give you a proper apology for my poor behaviour. Perhaps what we need most now is a little patience."

~~

Never had Marley gone from desperately needing air condition to desperately needing heat. Her long fingers twisted the dials of her little beat up sedan, hoping against all hope that the heat would kick in before the nights chill froze off her nose. She sniffled, rubbing her hands together as the first of the stars began to glimmer over the tall heads of pines around her. Trees stood like mighty sentinels on the either side of the road and she wondered what kinds of stories they must have seen during those long years of standing guard. It was the kind of thing she would have mentioned to her students if they'd been on a field trip. Instead the car was silent, save for Marley's hushed breaths and the small little noise of defeat as her phone gave up the ghost and died after too long without a charge.

She sighed down at the expensive brick, but focused on moving forward. She'd prepared enough to remember the rest of the way to the small B&B she'd found after a using a precious 5% of battery life to research it. The maps had drained the rest of the phone but thankfully she was only a single turn away.

"Look for the sign, and road number 45." Marley repeated the words to herself over and over again as her eyes dragged down the darkened lane seeking out her destination. By the grace of the universe she managed to find the sign with little issue, and her car crackled down the gravel path towards the most picturesque little retreat she'd ever seen. Comforting orange glow filtered out a number of the windows and Marley wasted no time in parking and hauling ass towards what looked like warmth and comfort.

Her little rolling bag trailed behind her, catching on rocks and dirt. Eventually Marley stepped inside and she was greeted with a lovely entry hall, with a desk directly in front of her and a lovely seating area with a blazing fire crackling to the side. In one of the chairs sat a woman nestled into a book with a cute albeit slightly ragged dog in her lap. The two women met each others eyes and Marley pushed up her glasses and straightened her shoulders as she forced a smile to her lips.

"Hey there. I don't suppose you work here do you?" Marley asked, her hands wringing together. She felt tired, so fucking tired after her day of travel. "I'm so sorry I didn't book ahead, but if you have room I'd love to grab a room for the night?"

 

[Rainelle]

Saorise remained quiet as he spoke, ripping her eyes away from him as soon as she could. She could understand why he was hurt by her secret. But she hoped that he could understand why she had to keep it from him. The boat eventually came to a stop on the shore where they had boarded.

Lizzy and Fae departed with some last few words of comfort, obviously eager to delve deeper into what they had learned. The captain gave them a small nod before leaving as well. The two began to long walk back to their homes in silence. It wasn't tense or companionable. Just the quiet of the night wrapped around them. When they climbed the hill that lead down to their houses, Sersh slipped on the gravel. A hoarse yelp scratched out of her throat as she fell into Tristan's wide back. Hurriedly, she peeled herself away as soon as her footing returned.

"Sorreh, Tristan." She muttered. Fate seemed to want to toy with her, because the next second she slipped again and went tumbling halfway down the drive. When she finally slid to a stop, covered in cuts and gravel, she sat up. Tristan was rushing towards her and she let out a rough, hiccuping laugh that sounded more like a sob. "Goddammit." She wheezed, trying to get some of the small stones out of her hair and clothes.
~~

Lenora shifted so Pedro was off her lap and rose up with a warm smile. "Yes, I do work here. Don't worry, we always have spare rooms. C'mere." She led the woman over to the check in desk, and took down her information. "We can talk about payment in the morning." She assured. "Let me show you to your room." She took the bag from Marley, as she looked like she was going to fall over any moment. They walked up the small staircase to the third floor. Lenora took Marley into room 3, turning on the lights.

The room was cozy and decorating with obviously loved furniture. Mismatched but all a similar light blue color. "You have an en suite here, though after about twenty minutes the hot water goes out. Breakfast is at 9, lunch at 1 and dinner at 7. The day manager's name is Lorraine, she'll be able to help you with anything you need. I live on the first floor and am the night manager. If you need something, just ring the bell by the door." She pointed to an old style doorbell on the wall, one that looked like a key you had to twist. "Let Lori know if you have any food allergies in the morning so the chef can cook accordingly. Do you need anything else?"

She had placed her suitcase on the old luggage rack, and Pedro had followed them up, bounding into the room and going to turn on the heated blanket that lay on the bed. It was a switch on the floor that could be stepped on. He yipped happily, wagging his tail at Marley. "That's Pedro, our resident greeter. Feel free to ask him any questions as well."

 

[BoneBrain]

Tristan stumbled forward as Saorise crashed into him, he grunted with the effort to keep himself steady. He'd been about to grumble away her blasted apologies that she couldn't seem to stop giving when the poor woman went tumbling down the steep drive. The sound of gravel against a body was like nails on a chalkboard for Tristan and he rushed after Saorise, sliding partway down until he was crouched next to her. He couldn't tell if she was crying or laughing.

He batted away at her hands as she plucked at the rubble still clinging to her and scanned over her body, finding a few scrapes and bruises and a few errant stones embedded in her skin. He was instantly transported back to their first meeting, and the way she chastised him over assuming care of her injury. As it seemed, he was perhaps about to learn that lesson again because there was no way he was going to help her to her feet and wish her good night, not when she clearly needed taking care of.

"I'm going to ask for forgiveness after this." He muttered, scooping a hand under her knees and wrapping the other around her back. He picked her up like she weighed nothing, and clutched her close to his chest as he carried her up the steep drive and through his front door. Saorise, perhaps still in shock at the tumble or his brazen actions surprisingly did very little to fight him off and he deposited her on the kitchen counter. "It's a right mess you've made of yourself Sersh." Tristan told her as he bent to find the first aid kit under the sink.

"Let me help you... please?"

~~

Marley was so grateful that she didn't have to sleep in her car she could have kissed the woman who offered her room for the night. Every lift of her foot up the stairs was a challenge and by the end of it the poor school teacher felt she could have collapsed at the top of the stairs and slept hours just fine on the worn carpet. The room looked perfect for her and Marley could have cried, but she did her best to keep her emotions in check as the kindly night worker gave her all the information. Marley did her best to remember it all.

She blinked in surprise as the dog wandered into the room, an energetic tiny ball of fur, clearly happy to see company no matter the hour. Upon the question of her needing anything else, Marley started to shake her head before suddenly nodding. "Oh, your name. I don't know it ."

"Lenora." Came the answer and Marley thought it suited the woman well.

"I'm Marley. Thanks again for everything, and thank you Pedro." Marley chuckled and crouched down to give the excitable little animal a scratch between the ears. "I'm sure he knows all the best places to sit and have a view." Pedro barked as if affirming her answer. Marley wished them both goodnight and Lenora and Pedro left, the door clicking shut behind them while Marley turned to the bed she couldn't wait to sink into.

She peeled off her clothes, not bothering with any night time routine or pajamas. Right now, what she needed most was sleep, and she did just that. The bed was a warm embrace thanks to Pedro and his clever ways. Marley didn't often dream, but she caught glimpses of clouds drifting over the ocean as sleep wove it's gentle thread around her. She dreamed of jagged cliffs and a light house whose beam seemed to follow her. Gentle scratching at her door woke Marley just before the red numbers of her bedside clock turned 7.

She lay there long moments, trying her best to ignore the sound and fall back to sleep, but whoever it was- they were persistent. Marley slipped on the nearby robe hanging in the open closet and opened the door with bleary eyes. She saw no one at first, but when her eyes dropped to the floor she spotted Pedro and his wagging tail. The dog lifted up, using only his hind legs to preform a circle in front of her and Marley felt any anger about her early wake up die at the sight.

"Aren't you just adorable." She cooed and Pedro took the opportunity to sneak past her legs and hurry into the room. Taking a moment to peek down the hall, Marley confirmed there was no one currently looking for the cute little guy and she left the door slightly ajar as she retreated back inside her room. She went about her morning routine, talking to the dog who seemed to understand every word and ramble that fell from her mouth and when she was dressed Marley clapped her hands together.

"Now I'd better find that front desk and settle my bill. I'd hate for them to think I was taking advantage." She announced. "Where was the front desk again?" She'd been so out of sorts and discombobulated after that full day of travel she barely even remembered anything Lenora had told her the night previous. As if to answer her question Pedro rushed for the door, and Marley took great delight in following him down the steps. He seemed to pause at each landing and look back to see if she was still following him.

Marley spotted Lenora in the same reading chair by the now extinguished fire as she descended down the last of the stairs and the school teacher lifted her hand in a warm greeting.

"You'd better give your greeter an extra treat today." She announced in way of hello. "This little guy has been working over time dealing with me."

 

[Rainelle]

Tristan's words were impossibly soft. The way her looked at her both warmed her heart and hurt her pride.

"Do as you will." She grumbled, beginning to work again on getting the rocks out of her mane. Tristan set to work, fetching his first aid kit and beginning to treat the scrapes he could see. His rough hands were gentle with her, applying ointment and bandages to her cheek, her lip, her forehead. She stripped off her sweater and he did the same to the cuts and bruises along her arms and back. He was so focused on his work that he didn't even realize how close he had gotten to her chest, trying to pick flecks of dirt out of a cut just on her breast. "Like what you see, Eeyore?" Saorise teased, though the humor was almost drowned out in the scratch of her voice. She wouldn't be able to speak for a few days at least.

Tristan reddened and backed away after putting the bandage on. "Jesus, Sersh, can't you take anything seriously?"

"I'll start crying again if I start to think seriously." She retorted. They both deflated at that. "Sorry." She muttered quickly, using a hair tie around her wrist to put her locks in a loose bun. "Thank you for the help. But the rest of the damage is down below, so I'll take my leave now." Tristan placed his hands on her thighs and squeezed lightly, looking into her face with that old stern expression.

"Oh, no. I'm finishing what I started. Take them off while I get more bandages." At this point Saorise was too tired to argue. It was almost five in the morning. She hopped off the counter, wincing as the pebbles in her shoes bit at her feet. She shed her shoes, socks and pants before climbing back on the counter. Green-brown bruises were already flowering all over her legs, with a few scrapes sprinkled in. It seemed her thighs and feet had taken most of the damage. Tristan had returned by then, and she could tell he was struggling not to avoid her gaze.

"It's not like you haven't seen it before, sailor."

"Shut up." He replied heatedly. Sitting on one of the stools at the counter, he started up again. Muttering apologies when she winced. She looked out the glass doors and sighed. Orange and pink were beginning to peek over the horizon. Lady dawn showing the rosey tips of her fingers.

"Such a shame a day like this will have such a pretty sunrise." She said absently.
~~

Lenora yawned and smiled as Marley came down the stairs with Pedro. She gave a small laugh as she stood. "I'll be sure to do so! Lori will be here in about fifteen minutes, is there anything I can do for you in the meantime?"

"I'd like to settle my bill, please." Marley replied.

"Already? Alright." She led her over to the small antique desk they used for check ins. She tallied up the total, including breakfast, and said. "That'll be $150, please." Marley took out a card and Lenora had to scurry to get the card reader. After Marley had paid, they talked idly until the door swung open. A wild looking elderly woman breezed in, as chipper as a spring morning.

"Hello Nora! Hello my lady!" She grinned, taking off her snow boots and coat. "Did you get in last night?" Marley nodded. "Good. You'll not be going anywhere for quite a while. I'm afraid we're snowed in, girls."

"Already? That's pretty early for the first one of the season." Lenora replied with another yawn. "If you'll excuse me, Lori, Marley. I need to get some sleep. I'll help with chores when I get up later." She started towards her room, looking her her shoulder. Pedro seemed to have taken a liking to Marley, and was planted firmly by her feet. Lenora grinned and finished the walk to her room, collapsing onto the quilt to sleep.

 

[BoneBrain]

Taking care of Saorise was no easy task. The woman deflected his every soft touch with self deprecation and ill timed humour, and Tristan did his best not to be bothered by it. She teased him the more her clothes fell to the floor and he struggled to keep his eyes off the body that had looked so stunning in the moonlight. She was stunning even now, but he wasn't sure if she would appreciate that bit of knowledge. So he huffed out his displeasure with her every opportunity to make this difficult.

The lack of sleep seemed to be catching up to the both of them and Tristan stifled a yawn as Saorise turned and regarded the rising sun from out of the kitchen window. It was a sight he knew well enough from the early mornings spent on the choppy shores and in the harbor.

"There." Tristan stepped back, finish the last of the bandages around her thighs. He moved to the sink to wash his hands and bent to help collect some of Saorise's tattered clothes. He thought of offering her a shirt from his closet but when she spoke of the sunrise he thought better of it.

"You need rest, little witch. When you are tucked up in your bed, we'll close the curtains tight and you need not look at it." He didn't wait for her to hop off the counter, instead he chose to lift her into his arms once again and once she was draped in her jacket to preserve her modesty he walked her outside and over to her house.

"Hush Saorise, must you grumble about every single thing I wish to do for you?" He muttered when the woman began complaining about one thing or another. He had her up in her bedroom in a matter of moments and with a few stern looks that kept her rightfully in place he went about shutting the curtains and wishing her a restful sleep. Back on the main floor, he quickly got out Puck's breakfast and after a few impatient leg kicks the rabbit munched on it's meal.

"Watch out for her today. She needs a friend." Tristan told the beast while opening the front door. He left without another word, shutting the door softly behind him.

~

Lenora left the group like the devastating news of being snowed in was just another day- like it was nothing to be worried about. Marley peeked down at her all but empty wallet still clutched in her hands. 150 dollars per night? She could barely afford that, not with so much of the trip still to go. Pedro brushed up against her legs, his tongue lolling in such a happy gesture she had to assume he was the happiest dog in the world.

"Does the snow trouble you, dear?" Lori asked as she maneuvered behind the desk and tapped away at the computer for several moments. Marley wrestled with what to tell the woman.

"It's just that..." she trailed off. If she told Lori that she could hardly afford to stay another night, let alone multiple would she be kicked out? The idea of sleeping in her car during a snow storm seemed like the worst kind of sentence. "Well you see..." Pedro yipped at her when she trailed off again, almost as if he was demanding she get a move on. "I-don't-think-I-have-enough-money-to-stay-here." The words came out all rushed and jumbled together.

"Sorry dear, what was that?"

"I... I don't think I can afford to stay here. I'm so sorry. I know it's only fair that I pay you for the shelter from the snowstorm, but I am afraid I barely have enough to fund the supplies for my classroom." She lifted an awkward fist into the air in a half-hearted fist pump. "Yay, teachers salaries." Lori blinked at Marley, her eyes wide like a wise old owl. The elderly woman took off her glasses and gave them a rub with her apron as she considered the mal-wealthy teacher.

"Can you sweep a floor and scrub the toilet?" She asked and Marley nodded emphatically. "Then it's settled, you'll stay and Nora can show you where she might need some help. Once she's up of course, for now why don't you get settled." Marley was leaning over the counter and gathering up Lori's hands with grateful tears in her eyes.

"Thank you. I can't even begin to express how much this means to me."

"I wasn't going to throw you out dear child, but I wont say no to free labour." Lori chuckled and Marley took a moment to collect herself before wandering through the lovely little B&B with Pedro on her heels.

 

[Rainelle]

Sersh slept until early evening, exhausted from the events the night before. When she finally rose, she dragged herself into the shower and washed off her aching body. She re-bandaged her wounds as best she could before stumbling to the kitchen. Saorise rummaged around in her fridge before giving up and calling out for a pizza. After a moment of thought she ordered two, as a token of thanks to her neighbor. She then fed Puck and set the kettle on for tea.

She slumped onto the couch to think over everything that had happened the night before. They had summoned the other two elements--or their reincarnations at least. She still wasn't sure how they'd done that. They needed to gather more information about how to break the curse--that was going to be tricky. And Tristan...he was angry with her, though she didn't know why, exactly. The kettle was whistling. She turned off the stove and filled her cup, then dumped in a bag of lavender tea. Slipping on a pair of sandals and a long sweater, she set off to his back door. After knocking a few times on the glass, she saw him stumble down the stairs. He opened the sliding door absently, then blinked down at her, confused.

"I've got a peace offering on the way." She said softly, her voice still hoarse from crying. "Would you come over and talk, please?"
~~

After getting a tour of the place and eating the breakfast the cook--Mary--whipped up, Lori set Marley to work. She hauled in firewood, shoveled the porch and walkway, then did some light cleaning. Lenora kept the place pretty well, so there wasn't too much to do. Marley was served lunch, which was just as good as breakfast, and allowed to peruse the small library in the living room. There was a TV, which currently had no signal or wifi, and maps of the local area with lists of things to do; shopping, dining, excursions to cultural sites, hikes and whatnot.

Pedro accompanied her all the while, happily by her side. He received a bone from Lori and had settled down in his little worn dog bed by the fireplace to chew. As Marley settled down into the plush old armchair with her book, Lenora emerged. It was about four in the afternoon. She gave Marley a sleepy smile and stretched a bit, before beginning to tend to the fireplace.

She knelt before it and said a small prayer, before sweeping out the night's ashes and setting in new logs. She started the flame and nursed it until it was strong enough on it's own, muttering all the while lowly, in a strange tongue. Then she dusted off the mantle and lit the candle there, which sat next to a small statue of a goddess. Lenora sat on the couch beside Marley's chair.

"Good evening, Miss Marley," She greeted warmly. "How was your first day in captivity? Aching yet? Lori never turns down free labor." Marley laughed. Lenora caught sight of the book she was reading. "Oh, that's one of my favorites! Howl's Moving Castle, yeah? I'm sure you'll love it."