A friend should bear his friend's infirmities.
Julius Caesar 4.3.85, Cassius to Brutus

Storm carried the sense of guilt that she had not been the best of friends since her return. All of her friends worried over her, and had hardly put time into them. Well, some of the things she was filling up her time with was more than likely going to be excused, but still. She had to show her friends that she truly cared for them, that she was here for them.

And if that meant breaking a few rules? She was just fine with that.

Bandaged feet were silent on the cobblestone as she walked through the marketplace. It was just past noon, and the place was filled with eager customers, even more eager sellers. "A pretty necklace for an even prettier lady!" "I have some perfect shoes for your feet, come see!"

She walked right past them, a polite smile on her face as she continued towards her destination. Soft yellow turtleneck with light tan bottoms, happily purchased from A Stitch in Time. And speaking of, she waltzed right on inside. Still busy as her last visit, she was already moving towards the back corner, in hopes of finding a certain green-haired elf.

Hopefully she was willing to break some rules with her.

This takes place Thursday, March 15.

Storm was watching and listening with interest to the trio at the counter. Really, was it her fault that she had managed to catch all conversations within the room? No, but she didn't move into the group until Lydia had waved her over. So, being the one to do as told... hmm.. she walked towards the counter with a wide grin, eyes holding on to secrets yet untold. She would not yet bother Lydia until she was done talking with the dwarven woman. It was an interesting sight though, to have Storm be taller than another, who knew?

She leaned on the opposite side of the counter, looking down at the bare corner. Her lips form the shape of an 'o' for a moment as a thought passes through her mind. Grey eyes glow dimly as her hand goes to the corner, a matter of transferring objects at will. A well practiced motion, even if it did not always come out successful.

She removed her hand then, looking down, satisfied that she had not lost the skill with her disappearance. Where her hand was, now remained a small rose. This rose was no ordinary rose though. It was the same blue transparent glass with the eternal fire within. Just as the butterfly she had made Lydia, the teapot for Erin, the type of picture for Ewan. A shameless plug really. She would discuss selling such things later. She had other plans on her mind.

She glances over to Carley then. Might be best to distract the blonde elf before causing more damage. "Staying out of trouble, Carley?" Another wide smile

She chuckled at Carley's comment. It never failed to amuse her to be addressed as Windy. Well, Carley in general never failed to amuse her. If only she had to spend as much time with the girl as Lydia did. Perhaps then she would singing a different song. "Thank you Carley."

Grey eyes traveled to watch the dwarf women leave with every intention of soon owning her pink dress. Her response was not quite Carley's but... it was a mental image she gladly disposed of.

"I've come to kidnap you from work, Lydia. To play 'hookie' if you will." The slightest frown at that. Janet had said that was the term she was looking for. Janet and her slang of words. Her brows relax then, no matter. "I was hoping that you haven't eaten yet. Perhaps we can eat and just... chat." A warm smile then. Whether Lydia was going to agree to it or not, Storm was ready to drag her out of the store and make a scene if needed be. Her smile widens slightly at the thought.

She was careful to not burst into laughter at Carley's enthusiasm. Interesting elf, wasn't she? It was one of the only times she would devise such devious plans with her. Gently taking Lydia's arm, she started slowly for the door. "I am sure Carley can handle the store just fine." Was she really? No, but she had already made a deal with herself. "We will not be gone that long I promise. And, I'll come in and help you when Carley leaves, okay?" Though she was not really giving Lydia the option to make the choice herself, since she was nodding to Lydia, which usually results in the other person nodding in return. Regardless if they really wanted to agree to it or not.

More slow movements towards the goal; out the door. A faint look to Carley over her shoulder, 'do not do something foolish'. The last thing needed was for Carley to have this place out of control when they returned. Attention back to the slightly overwhelmed green-haired elf. "There is a cafe that I have visited before, I would love for you to join me." Patience was all that was needed to get the elf to see the light, for Lydia to join her.

Storm had plenty of patience for that.

Her face brightened instantly as Lydia's mind turned, for the best of course. "Thank you." She said as the door was opened for her. They then started heading south from the Marketplace. The pace was causal, certainly enough to continue with a conversation or two. She stole a glimpse of her green-haired friend. Only rumors had reached her ears, but there was the mental check that she looked well. Storm knew better than most what exits the mouth is not always true.

"Such a lovely day, is it not?" Her voice raised slightly as they walked between the busy bodies in the Marketplace. Too many people for her liking, but what was she to do right? "I am so glad that you are to join me. I am finding my lunches quite dull without any good company." A series of thoughts went through her mind, but she idly pushed them away for now.

Once they exited the Marketplace, she took a slight turn left, the masses of people fading as they were heading for a small cafe. A hole in the wall if you will. "This place does an excellent tea, if you've sandwiches in mind." The cozy cafe would be a place of more comfort than the Inn. And hopefully, better behaving patrons.

Storm simply beamed as she held the door open for Lydia. The rummaging through the bag was noticed, but she paid no mind to it. She was always under the impression that if you are going to kidnap someone from their job, then it was your treat, right? "I also have missed talking to you. It seems we have all been under stressful times." Though she went no further down that road, she would wait for the elf to step inside, before she did also.

She turned then, and spoke soft words to the lady at the door. Small nodds here and there, and Storm offered the appropriate amount of coins. A simple understanding, and the other woman beamed. "Sit where ever you wish ladies!" An appreciative smile to the woman, before looking over to Lydia, letting her pick which ever table caught her fancy.

Once sat, the waiting lady went off to the back somewhere, repeating the requested order to the cooks. Storm was a familiar face, and they were willing to make some exceptions for the regulars. "It seems as though your business is doing very well so far. I'm very proud of you and Erin." She started with a warm smile. Hands in her lap, she crosses her legs at her bandaged ankles under the table. She would be careful where the conversation went. Nothing but warm smiles.

Well, perhaps she would ask a question for Lydia, something perhaps that only she could answer. But that could wait for later.

She chuckled slightly. "I have a boxful of sculptures back at the Sanctuary, I will have to bring them by tomorrow perhaps. Where I have time to do them.... I haven't the faintest" She grinned then. She was not surprised that they had made it so far, they both could set and reach goals just as any other. Including herself she thought, hiding a frown at that thought. So many answers come to her mind when she least expected it. Or when the time was completely inappropriate. Such as now, so - those thoughts were as always, tucked to the back of her mind to chew on later.

She was about to respond to Lydia, before the same woman came to drop off two teapots, two glasses, white and brown sugar, and cream. With a charming smile, she went off to help another set of guests. One pot held Storm's well loved Earl Grey, and the other pot held some fruity mix. Storm did not quite know Lydia's taste in tea, but she did recall the fruity wine that they shared once, and so, she asked for something on the fruity side. If she did not like it, they could switch, or get another.

"I am mending well. I came down with a cold a few days previous, but the worst of it is over." She said with an apologetic smile. She knew the coughing would start any moment, it was only a matter of time. Storm's coughs were peculiar, as they were not as often as most, but then again, they were harsher on her smaller frame. Another oddity of the Air. Lydia was lucky, as the bruise she acquired on her cheek along with the sickness had almost completely faded. As with those around her neck, though she continued to wear the turtlenecks.

"I have my good and poor days. I am still adjusting to being at the Sanctuary, though I am considering on rebuilding my home. That all depends though." The faintest furrow of her brows then, as she reached for a teapot to sniff which one it was. Not her Ear Grey. "Here, I did not know what you usually have.. but it is fruity. If you do not like it, you can have some of mine or get something different." She reached for the other pot then, and poured into her cup. "There are uncertainties.... with another." She gave a look to Lydia. She was sure she knew of whom she was speaking of.

A faint smile to her lips as Lydia added even more sugar to the already too sweet tea. To each their own. No sugar in hers please, she would take it just as it was. Her hands wrapped around the mug, usually to steal it's warmth, but now it was just a motion of habit. As was the silent tapping of her finger against the mug. A creature of habit for sure.

It would seem that the lady had impeccable timing, for as soon as Storm was about to reply, out came the food. It was on a tower of trays, the higher the tray, the smaller it was. A variety of sandwiches rested on the bottom two trays, and the other three had a variety of sweets, including fruit. Storm smiled to the departing woman, before turning her eyes back to Lydia.

"Well, I guess that is the thing. I have not the faintest of what is going on." A soft chuckle of admittance, before she took a sip of her tea. She idly reached for a cucumber sandwich, a secret smile on her lips. Crunchy water. "There is mutual interest, but..." Her brows wrinkle faintly as she finishes the small sandwich within two bites. "He thinks to hard sometimes, and I do not think enough." Yeah, it was nice, to at least be able to talk of some of the questions and thoughts in her mind. She could not say everything, because Storm would never throw Ewan under the carriage, so to speak. Or anyone, for that matter.

"Anyway, that is one of the reasons why I have not made any final plans of rebuilding. I just... do not know yet." She really avoided coming right out with reasons, didn't she? Usually so straight forward.. until something such as this. "Does it ever bother you, Lydia, that you and Grem are... different. That you are...half elf, and he is not?" She was not trying to pry, or be in other's business, that was not her style at all. But, Lydia was the closest friend she had that could have a faint understanding of her worries. His worries that became hers now. Another sip of her tea as grey eyes stayed on her.

Another sip of her tea as she studied her friend. She caught the faintest trace of a smile at the news. She was touched that her friends cared for her happiness. "I do not know what we are." She repeated, although there could be traces of the 'more than friends' in her tone. They did not have a labeling of such yet. They might never have a real label unless... well, not right now they did not.

She reached for something higher on the tray, a strawberry, and took a bite, listening of Grem and her. She was glad that her friend would tell her such things, there came great trust with that, and Storm knew. It was now that her brows furrow slightly. How could she explain how different the circumstances were, without putting words in Ewan's mouth? Delicate words of choice. Which of course, she was terrible at doing. "No, I know that Ewan can set aside that we are different, and he respects what I am" Which in the first place, was all she ever wanted. To be accepted for who she was by.. well, that certain someone. "His concern comes to... if... the relationship is lasting. Really lasting." An emphasis there as she finishes the strawberry. After she made sure the point was clear, she took another sip of tea.

"Neither of us, at that point, would wish to live here. Sooner or later, Ewan is going to called back to his homeworld. For good, or for a very long period of time. He has said that not many magics work, that there is a possibility that I will be nothing more than human. Though it is rare for such places to exist, it can be true. Or, it can be very faint. He is also worried about how.. others, would perceive me. It does not have to do with him accepting me. He is very worried about what would happen if that period of time came. I certainly cannot have him living in my Realm, and I have no reasons to not want to go. And I have told him that I would not mind, if we really were.. you know, going in that direction." Another pause, and another sandwich grabbed. 'He said something the other night, 'a bird and fish may love each other.. but where would they live?'" A faint sigh, and the sandwich was gone. "I cannot help but wonder if we really are that different, though I was once convinced that we are not."

While she was listening, a finger was tapping silently on the table. It was not her fault really, but when did she ever sit still? The occasional nodd and sip of tea when appropriate, she knew that the words exiting Lydia's mouth had already gone through her mind. But finding the time to talk of such things? A task within itself, really. The two of them shared enough trouble-making to last a life time. "Yes, it would seem as though the answer to many questions is to simply ask him." A bit of humor in her eyes as she reached for another strawberry. "Which we know takes more time than it should." Which was very true. When had Storm expressed her liking? Before her disappearance, if she was not mistaken. She really did like to take her time with some things, didn't she?

She took a bite of the strawberry. "Though yes, you are right. Have to live in the moment before going beyond" The rest of the strawberry vanished into her mouth. "But this is a happy occasion, and so the conversation should reflect such." She refills her empty mug, and then her hands wrap around the mug out of habit. "In the midst of hard times, there are always good." A faint smile then; she was experiencing this more than she thought. "Surely there is more happiness than in just opening the store? I know you worry for Erin," she said quietly, but alas, she did not want the conversation to go there. "as I do also. But, what else is there, Lydia, that helps you through stressful times? What brings a smile to your face when no one is looking?"

Speaking of, she casted another glance to a cucumber sandwich. That brought a faint smile as she leaned in for it.

The occasional nodd in response to Lydia as she mentally filed information away, questions and such answered. The sandwich did not last for long, nibbling on it as she frowned slightly. But then again, what did she enjoy doing alone? Any of her 'alone' time was... well, looking for or at others.

"I enjoy reading also. Being in Rhy'Din gives me an opportunity to read many things that I would have have a chance to at home." A sip of her tea then. "But it is good though, that you enjoy sewing. Otherwise you would not enjoy your job as you do, I think." A faint shrug, and another reach for the items of food. A small square cake-like substance with chocolate on the top seemed rather fitting. Never afraid to try anything, she ate it as if she knew undoubtedly what it was. "Do you like to swim, Lydia?"

It was out of the blue, yes, but why not take the time to know the small things? Though the thought of time had her glancing to the clock along a wall. She wouldn't be able to steal Lydia away from the store too much longer. Who knows what would happen with Carley being in charge for so long. "Because if you do, I would like to take you to the Water Realm. It really rather nice at this time of the year. I think that... you would enjoy to see many of the Realms. I would like to show you sometime, if you would like that also." A curious tilt of her head, before she sipped her tea.

"Yes, well.. most of is submerged. But not all of it. Depending on where we go, you might get a set of fins. Like a mermaid." She explained, a faint smile at the thought of Lydia in fins. Green ones, of course. "You would be quite safe though, swimming is not difficult there. A current of such helps many to get around."

She finished her cup of tea, considered a third. "I would love for you to come again. Under different circumstances of course. And Erin as well. It might be good for her.. to get out, you know?" Her finger started to tap silently on the side of her empty cup. "I have had many ask me of my green-haired friend with the feel of fire."

Another brief glance to the clock on the wall, surprised with how time passed. To simply enjoy her time, her slice of peace for the day. Her smile was warm and bright. "I know that I cannot steal all of your time away... let me know when you need to go back, okay? And perhaps I'll stop by later.. to drop of a box of things?" Grey eyes were bright as she studied Lydia. This was just what she needed. Time away from the chaos to relish on the things that she had. Such great friends.

She laughed softly then. "Whenever a new face comes to our Realm, it is the talk of the year. So very few people come.. other than our own." It was not like they were fascinated with Lydia because she was.. different. Not in a bad way, anyway. It was the curiousity of a different lifestyle. A different outlook than what people viewed Storm. But... can't hold other's to your standards, right?

She nodded then. "Of course. I think I would like to stay." She rose then, knees making their protest known with small popping sounds. She wrinkles her nose at the sensation, and reaches into her pocket. She produces a few coins and sets them on the table for the young lady who helped them. Of course, she reached for the last of the cucumber sandwiches and finishes it quickly, a sheepish grin of sorts on her face. "We will have to do this again sometime." A pause. "Shall we then?"