This is a continuation thread from "Transition" in the Scathachian Sanctuary folder.

She closes the door, hearing the faint click as she entered her new room. It was charming, like the rest of the cabin. Furthermore, it would serve it's purpose, so long as there was a bed.

Her chat with Erin had been a wonderful distraction for the thoughts brewing away in her mind. She knelt, and started to rummage quietly through her bag. Removing her clothing, a variety of bottles, and other such things. Nothing that did not serve a purpose though. Her mild fascination with dust collecters burned away with her home. She did not have a place for such things of nonsense anymore.

Once she was settled in; wouldn't take long with her small amount of items, she started the nightly ritual of rebandaging and cleaning her legs.

His hand moved to her chin, urging her to lift her head to face him. "Time is what we make of it. Long or short. Keep busy and you will find me returning." Then a cheeky grin. "In fact, you may think I've returned too soon, and wish me away again."

Even now thinking back to it, brought a slight chuckle to her lips. "I do not think that is possible." She said, repeating the same words that held the same truth as they did hours ago.

Once she bandages were placed, she slipped into her night clothes, and into the sheets of the bed. She moved silently, finding a spot of comfort as she curled on her side. She was torn really, the fact of his absence... and the simple knowledge that in the end of things, he wanted her to wait for him.

She fell asleep with a small smile of her lips, her last thought lingering on sharp green eyes.

*You're really going to need to get over this, you know that right?*

Her brows knitted together as she looked out the window. She just could not bring herself to go back into the Inn. Even the short time she was there.. she just.. did not know what to do with herself.

Perhaps this night, the Nexus was a mercy within itself.

And so now, she was nibbling on a piece of bread, black piece of parchment on the table, ink ready and quill ticking her chin.

But what to write?

She was going on whim actually. Things were never the same with each passing day. There was always something new, sometimes good and bad. Not too many dull moments in her life anymore. And now she was even more so limited as to whom to share with. Sometimes information and stories were dangerous to the listener.

Never good to keep things inside for very long, she was trying to find an outlet. One that wouldn't endanger others.. or herself.

She just started to write then, in a form of a letter. Only this letter had no one addressed to it. It simply... was.

Once started, she didn't take notice to the ink that started to stain her hands and fingers.

Or the tears that started to stain her eyes.

She continued, shoulders relaxing as her quill went flying. It was as if any worries drained away as more ink filled the page.

She didn't sign it on the bottom. Wouldn't.

She blew on the ink for good measure, before quietly folding it by three sections, even sealing it with her grey wax, and stamping it with her symbol, the tattoo that was on her skin. She was back to being pensive and quiet after gathering her things and heading up the stairs. Erin was out in the Inn, last she had saw her. She would stay, take the night off patrolling.

Once in her room, she slid the letter.. addressed to no one, into her now empty bag. She was quick with changing her bandages, and now she had another pair of boots to help her along the beach. She did not remain upstairs for very long, before she went back down them and into the living room. A place of comfort, maybe she would just wait, to make sure Erin came home safely and all that.

She glanced out the window, at least the weather had cleared from earlier. The thunderstorms that were more than likely her doing. The uncontrollable emotions were now safely guarded - or sealed, rather. She was ready to be a steady foundation again.

Don't let the sun catch you crying.

Arms crossed around her middle, winds gently pressing her cloak to her back, water barely kissing the bottoms of her boots. She was staring off into the distance, the sun long gone, and in its absence, came the looming clouds.

She was out in front of the cabin, standing on the shore of the water. Her time with Lydia had been good, even if Erin had.. left. It was obvious to her that Lydia worried about Erin constantly. She tried to ease her mind through distraction, even if it was short-lived.

And now, she would take the time to settle her thoughts and emotions, until she was sure she could store them away again. Grey eyes flickered down at the shallow water at her feet. She shuffled her feet to watch the water ripple away from her movements. She brought a hand to her lips, paused, and the bent at the waist with ease to lay her fingertips to the top of the water in silent acceptance.

No longer was she going to let the waiting game occupy her mind.

She straightened then, and turned to head inside, taking off her wet boots before doing so. Erin had yet to come home... or she simply wasn't going to again. No matter, she did not mind the solitude of an empty home. Or a home with a friend. Rather than wander off to her room for the night, she went there only to gather a few items, before going back downstairs. A quick stop to the kitchen to claim a glass of water, before she headed for the living room.

The glass was set on the short table, before she unceremoniously set the items in her other arm on the floor before sitting down. On to the nightly routine. She licked her lips briefly as she rolled up her pants to reveal bandages now only from the calf down. She worked quietly to remove them, making her mind match the stillness around her. Sometimes she just had to shut it off every now and then, in order to keep her sanity.

Once the bandages were off, she peered down at her legs to inspect. The bandages were not needed much more really, all of her sores were twisted, new skin now. The results of the horrid act against her. She absently reaches to take a sip of her water as the grey hues move to the feet. At least toes were not too mangled, and her the bottoms were mostly flat.

Well, wasn't it time to truly check the damage?

A last drink of the water before she set it aside, and used the low table to support herself as she started to rise. It was her first time without bandages or boots, the flooring odd against her twisted flesh. Once she was able to stand, she slowly let go of the table to straighten. Balance was indeed a tricky thing. She struggled to not access her gift, to use her arms to steady herself. It was not so bad. Different, but doable.

Now to walk.

Small step forward. Pause, and then the next. Her calf muscles flexed wildly with the movement. Though the bottom of her feet were mostly flat, the arches were different, almost gone to the right foot. So different than they once were. It only took a few more small steps before she pitched forward, hands moving to fast in reaction as she sends the glass tumbling and breaking on the floor. Grey eyes glow dimly as she catches herself before the face plant.

Bugger all, she couldn't save the glass.

That was enough adventure for one night. She sat back down, tended her burns with ointment, before she picked up the glass remains, careful for the sharp edges. She then did as before, and walked ever so slightly above the ground, moving to throw away the glass. She would buy Erin another.

It was a good thing she had thrown her heart at the sea. Otherwise the lack of ability to really walk would have done some wicked move to her esteem.

It wasn't until the early hours of the morning that she undid the locks to let herself in.

He had returned.

A small smile on her lips as she turned and relocked the three along the door. She then moved to remove her cloak with ease, grey eyes looking for signs of Erin. Seeing none, she moved towards the kitchen, to obtain a glass of water. As she was pouring the water, her thoughts went to the night, the half-smile that she found so charming. Dangerous-looking, she had said. A slight snicker as she brought the water to her lips.

Then up the stairs she went, still with no sign of Erin. Her door was opened also, which meant that she had beat the SME. She frowned slightly, though it was not unusual for her to be out... maybe she was just going to stay at the Inn?

She then walked into her own room, shutting the door behind her. She sat down, taking up the task to remove her boots. Once her feet were bare, she bent her knee so that she could bring her right foot to her face with ease. She studied the odd plane, with the arch and dips in areas it should not.

He sighed and sat, back, and started to gently massage her foot as he speaks "Well, you still have some reflex reactions, by way of you curling your toes. Still if you can't feel anything down there, it's a wonder you can walk at all. I'd say that's an encouraging sign that you can."

She ran her finger town the middle of her foot, now finding the fact disheartening as she couldn't feel the movement on her foot. Nothing she could do about it now, only time would tell. Her grey eyes had their usual glow as she stood, so that she could continue to get ready for slumber without the aid of her boots.

It was not until she rested her head against the pillow that she heard Erin undoing the locks. She smiled faintly at Erin's tactics earlier with her brother. Her engaged brother. Her brows furrowed slightly, she was going to ask Adrienne about that.

She put the thought to the back of her mind. She had every intention of spending some time with Erin, even if it wasn't much.

Maybe she would make her breakfast.

Was it really snowing outside?

A question to which she already knew the answer to, but she looked out the window anyway. She was surprised at the weather change, but did nothing to improve it. Perhaps spring had not quite made it's presence known yet.

The sun was setting, and she had made a quick stop to the cabin to drop off a few things she had gathered again from home. She was worried that she had not seen Erin yet, and whomever else was staying with them. Perhaps it was because her nights were busy, between going home and going to the other Guardians. She moved to scribble a note to Erin, letting her know that she was home. She probably should have done that days ago.

She gathered her cloak and wrapped it around her as she left the cabin, the sand making her work harder for balance in her boots. She was heading towards the Sanctuary, hoping to catch Janet before she did.. well, whatever the Scath did. Time to set things into order again. Perhaps she would even get the chance to swing by the inn to hopefully find company. A soft smile played on her lips as she continued down the path, letting her memories get the best of her.

It was to a be a quick stop, just to gather her cloak and leave again. She was up and running with Janet again, and did not wish to leave her waiting.

"Storm, I do not mean to chastise, I only mean to understand. Though, in truth, I have a great difficulty with that when it comes to this particular friend of yours. Where I see someone who is like..." Ewan searched for an appropriate analogy "I read in a book, here in fact, of something called a black hole. This is how I think of Erin. Once a bright and shining star that has collapsed upon itself and now only seeks to suck in and destroy everything, even light cannot escape it." He paused "You are her friend, though, and it is friends who help us regain our true selves. No one can do it alone when they have eaten away at themselves inside. They need strength and hope around them."

She did not think that Erin meant to hurt others; she was not the malicious sort. She could not deny the truths in his words now, but it did not settle the unease she felt.

She opened her mouth to speak, but he beat her to the next point that she was going to make. She simply nodded. "I cannot disregard her, just because we are different. I would be alone here then, if that was the case." a faint smile. "I may respect her choice, to do as she wishes, but I would never change who I am to accomodate." she leaned back into her chair slightly.

And that seemed to have lead to a different subject matter entirely. Not that she minded, she needed to think on it more. Well, she needed to think on more of many things.

She fell asleep in his lap as he read. They continued on the path of finding the make or break point between them, where it would be all or nothing.

She did know if she should worry that she was not worried.

She paused before she started to unlock the various locks, hearing voices inside. She recognized one as Erin, but the other female she did not. A faint shrug before she unlocked the door and let herself in. It had to be short she reminded herself as she put a smile on her face.

She had a long night ahead of her.

A finger tapped idly on the side of the mug, though she waited still to drink it. "I still have not decided if he is, going to stay with me. I think for certain he will attend her school, though were he will stay well, we have still not decided." more silent tapping. "I suppose I wanted to ask of your thoughts on it."

He whistled low, "I am reticent to advise you, Storm." He drank from the pint of stout and then sets it on the bar behind him once again. " I suppose to start is what you want to do, forgetting everything else that is in your life. Just think of Avery and of you, where you want to be and do. Think of what you would like to see for him. And then from that truth, slowly look at what stands in your way, or gives you assistance to acheive that truth." Ewan chuckled "Okay, so maybe I did advise you afterall." he muttered about how wordy he's gotten recently.

A slow half smile, before she chuckled also. "Well, perhaps I should rephrase. Yes, what you have said is very true, and those things are not to be taken lightly. But, this is not a light decisions either. It could very well affect everything in my life," a sidelong glance to him. "and that does include you."


"I see." he rubbed his hands over his face harshly and then leaned back against the bar, his expression one of deep consideration. "I suppose if there is this debate at all, I could theorize that you want to create a family with Avery. He would stay with you, you be his mother or caregiver, or however you work that out. And yet you wonder if that is best for him and for you. Is this not correct? If it isn't, then I am not sure what the debate is about, and I hope you'll forgive my slowness for understanding."

"That is not what I meant, though yes, that is the current thoughtline of my mind." She licked her lips briefly in thought. "If I am to be his caregiver, that changes many things. Good or bad is not the point, it simply will. Such as if I am still living with Erin, or the time I spend in the Air Realm. How much of that will change you and I? Should we continue in this relationship?" she raised a brow slightly. "By no means does that make or break my decision, but is something to think of."

He nodded matter of factly. "Very well, then. One, if you are still living with Erin, then you need to speak with her. I doubt she would mind, but who is to say you cannot get a place of your own nearby for you and Avery. Second, I do not think it would matter the time you spend in the Air Realm. From my understanding Phen's school is also a boarding school. He could simply stay there, and be far safer under that roof than many others. As to you and I, this would change many things, and we would probably see a slow demise or you may end it as you see fit." he leaned forward, elbows on knees and watched her.

Her face remained cool as she took a brief sip of her tea. "Why do you feel that?" She asked softly. There was no need to be specific of what, she was sure he knew she was speaking of the latter.


"Because why else ask the question of me if you did not have some glimmer of the same likelihood?" he frowned slightly.
"If you are looking for a way out of this relationship, Storm, just say it. If you want me to talk you out of caring for the child, I won't do it." he sighed. "I feel that caring for Avery would become a difficulty, particularly in his fear of men that you mentioned, and just how many difficulties do you think this relationship can handle? I will give it my best, because I want to try, but keep adding weights to the back of this relationship and it will break."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, but then soft laughter escaped her lips. "Ewan, if I wanted out of this, I would simply say so, I would not use a child as an excuse. You are stuck with me still." rather than be insulted at the idea, her eyes were bright with humor. "I am asking because I care how you feel of it. I am not asking you to talk me in or out of anything." a hand reached to brush her fingertips against his cheek. "I never said that it would be an easy transition. I was just wondering what to expect from you if he does stay with me. There are many I know that frown upon a woman taking up a child that is not hers, and would hardly consider courting her." a small shrug.

His jaw clenched, keeping from being offended himself.
"There are many ways to create a family and not all of them are by blood. If you choose to create a family by adopting Avery as your son, then I support that decision."

"I did not say that you were such a man," She started as she saw his jaw clench, I am just saying that they exist. All I wished to know is of your support or not." She said softly, offhandedly. She then offered a small smile.

"That you have, and always will, no matter changes time brings." he smiled and leaned over to kiss her cheek.

She stepped through the portal into her room, before heading down the stairs. She had made sure that Avery was fast asleep, and was even able to share a few words with the other Guardians before they went to sleep. There was talk of them going back to their homes, much the way that she did. Only being around as needed.

What would she do with Avery then?

Once she made it down the stairs, she found her ink and quill, and quickly wrote a note for Erin. They needed to talk of something important before they moved back into her manor. She needed to tell her of Avery. If the Guardians were no longer going to be in Rhy'Din all the time, she was going to have to figure out who was going to watch him when she was not around. Such as next weekend with the ball.

She needed to speak with Phen again.

She then moved back up the stairs and back to her room, thoughts of her choices with Avery keeping her up through most of the night.

Storm knocked softly on the door to Avery's room at Phen's boarding school, waiting for the door to open. A tired boy greeted her, blonde hair in disarray, though his eyes were wide as he saw his visitor. ~Storm!~ He barely could contain his hands to make her symbol before she leaned down to gather him up in her arms and lift him up.

"I've come to get you, little one." she growled playfully in his ear, making absurd noises as if she was going to eat him. His breathy and soundless laughter and squirming had to laughing softly as she moved into his room, pretending to drop him into his bed.

~I am so glad that you came back. Does that mean I get to go home?" Now wide awake, his bright blue eyes looked to her happily.

"I am glad I came back also Avery." She pulled down his sheets, encouraging him to lie down. She shifted, siting on the side of his bed as he snuggled in between the sheets. "Miss Phen said that you can stay for the next few nights, won't that be fun? And then this weekend you can come back home. Erin will be back then." She said softly, brushing some of his blonde hair from his face as he rested his head on the pillow.

~I like Miss Erin.~ He signed with a yawn, his blue eyes drooping.

A faint smile appeared on her face. "Do you wish for me to stay with you till you sleep?"

"Stay with me?"

He simply nodded, though it did not take long for his breathing to be long, deep and soft. She shifted easily from his bed, pulling out the other whistle that was left in her pocket, and setting it on his cabinet near him. She quietly uncovered parchment, ink and a quill, and wrote him a quick note. Satisfied, she folded it for him, before moving to him again, leaning down to brush her lips to his forehead. She then left his room and the school, a faint wave to Phen on the way out.

She then quickened her steps towards the manor, her heart already light at the thought of meeting Ewan tonight.

Perhaps the first of many.

Someone was touching her. Hesitant, small fingers.

A single eye opened to reveal a sleepy grey hue at the disheveled blonde haired boy.


~Storm?~

"Yes, little one?" She clears her throat softly, the few hours rest already having an effect to make her voice rough.


~I cannot sleep.~

A small pause"Do you wish to sleep with me?" At his small nodd, she scooted over, giving him her warm space and pillow. He crawled up, small bear clutched in one hand. A beloved present from Erin that hardly ever left his side. Berny, he had named him.

Storm offered the boy a sleepy smile as he adjusted to his liking. He looked over his shoulder, to make sure he had her eyes.
~Goodnight~

"Goodnight Avery." She leaned to press a kiss to the top of his head, before curling protectively to his side. The scent of his hair was different than the one that was next to her nights before. And rather than receiving comfort, she was giving it.

With a soft sigh, she closed her grey eyes again, the previous nights of no rest catching up to her.

She raised a hand to cover her yawn as she entered the Manor. Her time with Avery was well spent, simply playing games.

And now she was off to play another game, though this one had far more consequences than the last. Kiara had given her specific direction on her clothing, and so it was best to not upset the Fire. She slipped on black breeches that her not her own, these fitting like a glove, a second skin. Storm scowled, but continued. White, mildly over-sized buttoned tunic, casually tucked in before she buttoned on a trim fitting vest over it. The color was a deep mixture of blue and green, enough to blend in without looking like she was trying to. She then slipped black boots on, before heading back out the door.

She looked up at the few patches of clouds that filled the night sky, considering.

"You need to get the stone before I come, you are going to be needing it."

She wrinkled her nose before stepping into the portal that would take her north. Not that she would mind asking, as it was a pleasant excuse to seek Ewan out.

Another restful nights sleep would not be so bad either.

~Nonno said that you are special like me.~ Bright blue eyes moved from the sky towards her. They were laying outside Stardreamer Manor, the grass green and short under their backs. A night of star hunting, Avery had said. She was more than happy to fulfill his wishes, clearing the clouds away for better viewing.

"Everyone is different in some way, yes." She raised her head slightly to glance down at him. Arms behind her head, the boy was imitating her while in silence, moving his hands only to sign to her.

~He said you have gifts, like magic. I've never seen magic before.~ His blue eyes turned hopeful.

How could she say no?

"Well, come over here then." She moved up smoothly into a sitting position as Avery scooted towards her. She looked up at the sky then, her face close to his as she pointed. "You see that star, brighter than the rest?" She could feel his nodd, her grey eyes glowing as her left hand reached out to the side of her. A quick blur of light, too fast for the human's eyes, before a satisfying smacking sound was made to her hand. Before he could get a glance, she put her hand behind her back. "I want you to know something about magic, Avery. Not all of it is good and fun. It is a precious gift that is often abused."Much like the boy in front of her. "I want you to be very careful around those who yield any magic."

He nodded, almost solemnly ~I will remember~

Satisfied, she then pulled her hand from her back, revealing an almost perfectly small round rock, with intricate holes and canyons. "This is a piece of your star, Avery. When I was little, my father gave me a piece just like this. He said that if I always had this, I could find my way home." She offered it to him.

He took it, brought it close to his face. ~It is a rock.~ He declared.

She laughed then. "Well, I could not steal brightness from the dark sky, could I? It is a small piece, just a reminder that you've a home now." A slow smile.

~It is still a rock.~ Trust a six year old to understand such sentiments, right? With more laughter, she escorted him back inside and to his bed, waiting till he fell asleep before leaving.

A quick glance back up to the sky, judging her time. It is more than likely that Ewan was at the manor, and probably still awake. She started for that direction then, having every intention of another night's rest in the company of another.

"And then the lion said..."

She paused, moving the book to get a better view of Avery. They were both on a couch in the parlor, supposedly reading a book together; which meant Storm being the only one to read. He was not listening anymore, his bright blue eyes shut and his breathing regulated. She chuckled softly, setting the book to the side for tomorrow night, her movements stirring him as he had fallen asleep sitting up against her.

"I know you are tired, let's get you in bed." She gathered him in her arms, glad to feel that he was no longer underweight, and started for the stairs. He did little to protest, letting her move him and settle him into bed. She leaned over to press a gentle kiss to his forehead, before moving to her own room.

Erin's party had been pleasant enough, she thought, sitting on the edge of her bed to remove her boots. Though she was unable to stay very long, Lydia's decorations were lovely, and Erin was surprised. The Nexus decided to bring Storm back to Isis Manor, and rather than returning, she stayed. Not that she could not handle the company, as she would have managed just fine on her own, but the company of the waiting boy was so much more fulfilling.

And so, she arranged Erin's gift to await for her at home. She had made another flame-in-the-glass teapot, to replace the one Erin had broken; and had made several teacups to match. Nothing fancy, like the flowers Everett gave, or other gifts Erin received, but it had sentimental value.

Perhaps tomorrow she would visit the store. What better way to stay out of trouble than to be in the company of friends? Avery could come, meet Lydia, have some fun in the Marketplace.

She changed into Ewan's tunic that she had washed, finding it more comfortable than anything else she had, before slipping into her bed.

They were walking along the grounds of Phen's manor, the setting sun painting orange against the clouds. "Hmm, I have something for you. From Jeremiah." She added, her hands reaching into the pack around her shoulder and resting at her hip, keeping her eyes on him.

~What is it?~ Eager blue eyes were already looking into the pack were her hands went.

She chuckled and pulled out another wooden doll, all joints bending in the appropriate places. "A soldier for your King." King Gregory, he had named his other doll. He even convinced Adrienne to make small clothing for Gregory, cloths fit for a king he had said.

A soundless laughter was shown in his bright smile as he gathered the bendable wooden figure in his hands.A content smile on her face, she watches him and his reaction with interest. ~He even has a sword!~ He poked Storm with the stick, also known as the 'sword'.

"Oh, he wounds me!" She played along, covering her arm and laughing lightly.

He grinned, now studying the detailed markings along the wood. ~I need a Queen now.~

"Hmm, so it would seem. Perhaps you could ask Jeremiah the next time he comes to visit." Relaxing slightly, their evening stroll was comfortable, in one of the safest places she could offer him.

He offered the doll to her, so that she could hold onto it before they returned. ~Phen gave me a new book, can I read it to you?~

"Of course, little one." She tucked the wooden doll back into it's hole in her small pack. "What adventure are you going to read to me?"

~The Three Sillies.~

She frowned slightly, steering him back towards the manor. "I do not believe I have heard of that one."

His bright blue eyes lightened ~I will tell you!~

She chuckled softly, leaning down to press a kiss to the top of his head. "So you will."