Conversation and comfort

A day of relaxation does everyone good, though by mid afternoon Alex is growing restless. You check up on everyone regularly, as you feel your own energy returning. Alex, meanwhile, entertains herself in various ways, usually involving playing around with her still new powers. She lights fires briefly, before snuffing them out and recreating the shapes in ice.

Sarah and Cassie watch the show, clearly entertained, as they share a quiet conversation. You have a feeling it’s about last night, especially with the way Sarah reacted to being there. As you think about it, you realize that not only are you ok with it happening, you would welcome it. And not just with Sarah, but with any of the girls. It just feels like the next step on the path you’re walking with them.

It’s easy to forget you have a passenger in your mind, however. Lilith chuckles in your head.

My my, aren’t we turning into a family man. It’s enough to make a girl jealous! I don’t suppose you’d feel the same about me, hmm?

You smile. “Ahh, Lilith. You know that, like it or not, you’re one of us. You’ve shown how much you care many times now, despite how you try to hide it.”

What?! No, I…you…shut up!

You chuckle as Lilith goes quiet in a huff, but you also sense the approval from her, regardless of how she acts. You move on, finding Melora and Nadia together, as you’ve seen more and more often lately. The pair seem to be growing very close, and you’re happy to see them having an animated discussion, both of them smiling. Unfortunately for you, they’re discussing the nuances of divination magic, something you have only a basic understanding about, and so you move on, leaving them to their conversation.

Finally, you come to Ferra and Kaeli. The technomage is maintaining a vigil over the motionless body of Victoria, and the golem girl is seated beside her, resting a comforting hand on Kaeli’s shoulder. Ferra looks up as you approach, but it’s Kaeli who speaks, never lifting her gaze.

“I know she’s looked the same for years, but…this isn’t how I remember her. She looks…worn. Drained. I remember dark hair and bright eyes. Laughter and smiles.”

Now Kaeli looks up at you. “Will I get that Victoria back, do you think?”

You sigh. “I can’t lie to you, Kaeli, I don’t know. Victoria is very deeply corrupted. I don’t know how this works.”

Kaeli nods. “Thank you for honesty. I prefer truth. I know the risks here.”

Ferra nods. “Master will do all he can to save Victoria. He is a caring person.”

Kaeli gives Ferra a small smile. “I know that well. But thank you for the reassurance, and for your presence beside me. I see now why you’re the favorite.”

You chuckle. “I don’t play favorites, Kaeli. But Ferra and I have a special bond, for sure.”

Ferra nods. “Master is my soulmate, he is everything to me. But I love all of our family. I learned that from master.”

Kaeli nods back. “I can see how. Even as a latecomer, I can feel the love among all of you, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.”

You smile. “I’m glad you feel that way, Kaeli. And Ferra is right, we’ll do all we can to get Victoria healed.”

Before Kaeli can respond, you’re interrupted by Rahu emerging from the forest on the other side of the clearing. He looks over the group, and nods.