An Attempt To Heal |Sensatiamens, Sensatia

[Northen Light36]

Tres stepped into the room, giving Lya a sympathetic look. "We were lucky with Flame, she held off being difficult until she was about five or so, but that was mainly because she pretty much refused to speak. At least yours isn't likely to set things on fire when he's worked up."

Dami gave Tres a curious look, but didn't move from the bed. Yawning, the little boy grabbed a teddy to cuddle and curled up, looking deceptively sweet and innocent.

[Kender Bard]

Lya smirked slightly at the sight. "No, thank goodness for that. Speaking of Flame, our daughters seem to be getting along well. That should please Shadow immensely, and I know it brings me some joy. She needs friends. Good friends."

[Northen Light36]

Tres raised an eyebrow slightly at the stress on 'good friends' but chose not to comment. "Flame isn't always so good. She drives Thelon mad at times," she remarked lightly. "But then, she is a Fire after all. Being a bit passionate and reckless is in her nature. I'm glad she and Luminous are getting on well though. Flame doesn't have too many close friends, really, other then Ann, Aly and my niece, Amneris. I'd like it if she made a friend close to her age who wasn't also a relative."

[Kender Bard]

"Then let's both hope they take a shine to one another," Lya agreed. She settled herself into a chair with a sigh. "So. We last parted under tense circumstances. Do I have you to thank for my husband's regained sobriety?"

[Northen Light36]

Tres found a place to sit and replied, "Well, Thelon helped. And really, I'm just glad Shade got through it all right. He had Thelon and I quite worried with how sick he got for awhile." A hint of irritation crept into her tone as she added, "I just wish I knew who sent him the damn stuff in the first place. As far as I know, Flash, Saph and I, and you and Thelon now, are the only people alive who know Shadow's ever even looked at that poison."

[Kender Bard]

"I wish I knew too," Lya agreed quietly. "People keep trying to tear our family down, to kill us." She shook her head and rubbed her hands against her face. "I told Shadow I don't want to rule anymore. And I mean, oh Forces do I still mean it. I just want to take my family somewhere where they can be safe and happy. But there's no one else I can think of who could both keep the kingdom united and still control the courts."

[Northen Light36]

"Oh Lya," Tres sighed and walked over to give Lya a sympathetic hug. "I'm sorry your family has been having such a hard time. And the fact that despite everything you still care about keeping your people safe just shows what a good Leader you are."

She sighed and remarked quietly, "The longer I spend around you, Shade, Thelon and Ann, the more glad I become that I chose being an Elder over taking my relationship with Damien up a step. No matter how difficult Fira can be, my duties aren't as soul destroying as Leadership can be. And I can at least take a break without everything falling apart."

[Kender Bard]

"Yes and I envy you that life," Lya agreed. "I don't understand how the other nations can manage so well. Some day I must ask the Flameharts, the Kazimirs, or even Cascata how they've managed it." She shook her head. "But a moot point. There's nobody to take our place, so we do the best we can. After this week, we'll be heading back home to sort out the Maelstrom mess."

[Northen Light36]

"Well then, we have a week to get you back on your feet emotionally, then," Tres said firmly, but with a smile. "Good thing that's the sort of thing Sensatia's best known for, isn't it? And once you've brought Maelstrom back under control, you and Shadow can just come visit Fira for a bit. It'll do you both some good."

Tres glanced at Dami, who was now sound asleep, and added, "And I've always got time on my hands when I'm in Sensatia. If you and Shade need a rest from the children while you're visiting, I'm happy to watch them."

[Kender Bard]

Lya gave a tiny moan at the very thought. "Oh Tres, I could kiss you for that offer. I love my children. And Shadow and I are still both frightened at the idea of letting them out of our sights for long. But we trust you and I know you'll take good care of them. It's been so long since he and I have had any chance to be alone together, truly, in circumstances that weren't harrowing in some fashion or another. And in return, if you ever want the same, let me know. Though I think your son at least is old enough to make himself scarce when you want him to be, hm?"

[Northen Light36]

"Libre yes, but Flame does tend to be somewhat demanding of our attention, particularly when we're in Sensatia and she's lonely," Tres replied. "So if you'd take her off our hands for a bit, I'd be greatful." Tres glanced at Dami with a slightly wistful smile. "And I admit, I miss Flame being that age. I like children and I'd really be delighted to look after your little ones."

She smiled at Lya and added, "Damien would be honoured, you know?"

[Kender Bard]

Lya looked surprised at that, then smiled softly. "He was Shadow's best friend and I respected him, even if I didn't know him very well. It seemed fitting."

[Northen Light36]

Tres smiled. "He liked you," she murmured. "He thought you and Shadow were a good match, assuming you'd be willing to tell Shadow when he was being an arrogant brat." Tres sighed deeply, a flicker of old sorrow crossing her face. "I do wish you'd had the chance to get to know him. Or meet Kara. I really think you two would have liked each other, she was very like Ann is."

[Kender Bard]

Lya didn't want to talk about Kara. She always got the feeling that if the other woman had been alive, she wouldn't have had the opportunity to get to know her because she'd be too busy ruling over Talen'sul alone.

"I'm not sure where Shadow went off to," Lya said, changing the subject.

[Northen Light36]

"He's not with Lumi?" Tres asked, vaguely surprised. "Well, I doubt he's gone far. Let me think... What might catch his eye..." She closed her eyes as she thought. Then smiled and said, "The library is near here and there are plays and preformances in the city square sometimes. Either might have drawn his eye. I can keep an eye on Dami if you want to go look for him."