Sunday, December 9th


Though the meeting and request was unexpected, Mr.Miller was thrilled to assist the green haired elf. They set out relatively early in the morning on carriage to ride out to the south eastern edges of town, not so far out to find farmlands or escape the convenience of electricity, but far enough so fields were visible, trees replaced lamp posts, grass replaced cobbles, and off in the far distance the edges of forest were easily seen. Lydia's request was to see houses- no promises made to accompany it, however seeing the progress of Glenn's new home had sparked something within her. Too often she had stayed and lived in the city, the more dangerous parts of it at that. She loved nature, loved to escape to it; even in Veian when she'd sneak off on her own, it was to get out of cities and towns to explore what was beyond it. It made sense, to perhaps find a dwelling in her 'sanctuary'. She wasn't sure if it was the right thing to do at the moment, honestly, and knew there were other factors to take into consideration, but she'd handle them when they came up.

The houses and lands Mr.Miller showed Lydia were lovely, each beautiful in their own way, but not quite... right. Too small, too big, too rustic, too modern, too drab, too bright... there was always something she found that turned her off of each place. Or if her interest was sparked it was simply beyond her price range. One might think it'd dissuade Mr.Miller, but it didn't. As a Realtor, he was used to such behavior from potential clients, if not worse. They continued searching, riding the carriage around country road until around mid afternoon, they pulled in front of the house located at 1919 Fendall Road.

It was small and didn't appear to be much at all at first glance. Only a couple of windows decorated each side of the stone and brick dwelling. It had a porch crafted of white wood. At least, it was white at one time. Now it was weathered, turning green in cracks and crevices from age and moss. A simple awning hung over it, and on the left side of the patio hung a bench swing, crafted of the same wood that made up the rest of the porch. It was newer in appearance, however, and not as worn looking. The swing's chain was thick and still in good shape- obviously replaced not too long ago. A road ran past the house on the right side, leaving the front, back, and left open, full of vast yards peppered with the occasional trees and brush. The vegetation was mostly of the mimosa variety, though they were bare in the current winter chill. A couple of large oaks stood out, one a short distance away diagonally and to the left of the home, and the other a good deal farther than that, more left than diagonal. In the former hung a simple swing, crafted of a plank of wood and rope, though it was frayed far too much to be safe to use. The latter held the beginnings of what appeared to be a tree house. Thick boards had been nailed into the tree as a makeshift ladder leading up to the meager beginnings of a wooden floor strategically settled and nailed into limbs. Though it still held the weight of the smallish and curious elf.

Inside the unfurnished house, beyond a squeaking screen door and heavy oak one, the first room was the living room, somewhat small. In the corner opposite the front door was a small, simple wood burning stove meant to keep the place warm. Its stacks went straight up and through the ceiling. To the right of the living room and through another door was the master bedroom. Directly beyond the living room was the kitchen, sharing the solid wood flooring of the rest of the house, rather than tiles. The stove was old and beyond repair- it needed to be replaced. However, there was running water and electrical lighting that still worked, a comfort greatly appreciated by Lydia. Beyond the kitchen was a room that was small, dark, and meant for dining. To the right of the dining room was a hallway that lead to a second bedroom (smaller than the first), a bathroom, and a chain dangling from the ceiling that, when pulled, opened up an entrance to a small storage attic; empty, save for the entirely too thick layer of dust that covered it.

Wandering around outside, Lydia's hands were stuffed into the pockets of her zipped up jacket in an effort to evade some of the cold. Her gaze wandered here and there, checking and double checking, looking beyond the land to the fences that others had put up to claim their own property. Tilting her head to the side, she did her best to imagine what the place would look like come spring and summer. A flicker of a smile on her lips was evidence she was pleased with the imagery. Sighing, she finally spoke up to Mr. Miller, seated behind her on the porch steps, briefcase in his lap. "I like it." She turned around to face him, something almost hesitant in her tone. "How much is this place?"

Thoughtful look on his face, Mr.Miller opened up his briefcase and started sifting through stacks of papers inside. Being an organized fellow, it wasn't long before a few sheets kept together via use of paper clip were pulled out and handed to the green haired elf. "It's not as much as some of these other places, since it's a little run down, unfurnished, and needs a good deal of work, but the size of the property still keeps it's value relatively high." He watched her glancing over the papers that listed information on the place, as well as pricing. Taking note of the fact that her features seemed to fall some, he gave a quiet sigh. "I've done business with you before Miss Loran, so I know you're reliable. If you want, I could probably work with you on the pricing and payments."

Looking up from the paper, Lydia gave him a thankful look. "It's not that, I just-" The price was a little steeper than she wanted to go, well, assuming she really did want to purchase a place. It would be hard to make work, with the loan she had recently given Glenn, and the money she was putting into The Stitch. But that didn't mean it was impossible. If anything, she could always ask Erin to borrow some money- since she had a good idea Erin wouldn't turn her down. The paper got another quick once over before she held it up in the air. "Do you mind if I keep this? I wanna think it over. I mean... I haven't made a decision yet, I'm not even entirely sure why I'm here." The admission was made with a flicker of guilt in pale blues, but Mr.Miller seemed to not mind, giving the elf a smile and nod.

"That's fine." Closing up his briefcase, he stood up and looked around before gesturing towards the carriage at the side of the house, still waiting for the duo. "Did you want to look at more places or call it a day Miss Loran?"

"I think I'm done." Folding the papers up carefully, she put them in her bag. "Besides, if I make a decision and actually do decide to buy..." Trailing off, Lydia turned back towards the house, eying it thoughtfully. "I think this would be it. I really like it." She nodded to herself as if confirming something in her mind, then turned to walk along with Mr.Miller towards the carriage going back into town.

December 11th


Early in the morning at the manor, Lydia was quite certain there was a gathering of at least Erin, Ivy, and Jake downstairs, all eating breakfast. She could stand to eat really, and she knew that, but her appetite was waning at best. And she knew she just wasn't up to be around a group like that. And what if Erin had told everyone already? Gods, she couldn't take the looks, the questions... so rather than muster up courage to go downstairs with everyone else? She stayed in bed, trying to sleep. That night had been particularly hard on her. Habitually she kept reaching out, and again and again she'd nothing; no one. Then it would hit her, she'd remember, and she'd snap back awake, unable to sleep.

She spent a couple hours that morning trying to find solace, but never remaining in a deep sleep for long. When it was obvious she wouldn't actually be getting any rest, Lydia forced herself out of bed and into the shower. Really, if she had any sense at all, she would stay at the manor for a while. She had everything she needed there- friends, food, a room, a bathroom of her own... but no. 'Flight' always won out over 'fight'. After a quick shower, hair was tied back, winter clothing was donned, and she snuck downstairs, hoping the crowd had left. Lucky for her, it had, and luckier still, there was food leftover. She helped herself to it, just a little, as appetite still hadn't come back entirely, but she couldn't deny the fact she had to eat to maintain enough strength to function (even if barely).

The weather was more horrid than usual, freezing rain accompanying the light flurries of snow falling. 'Borrowing' one of the umbrellas Erin kept by the door was a necessity for the green haired elf, as she was too tired to teleport or use much in the way of magic, and there was no way her body would be able to take such cold rain. So, umbrella in tow, she moved quickly from the manor, Little Britain, and WestEnd. First to the Red Dragon, where she slipped in a back entrance and straight to her room. Things were packed, just a few though- A couple outfits, a pillow, some blankets, and needle, thread and fabrics to work on ragdolls for Jake. They kept her sane since the blast at the market, perhaps now they could help keep her mind off things. Just something to keep her busy. Mellon was tended to for a bit, then she left again, despite his protesting meows, purring and pawing.

To wander around in freezing weather with bags packed.. it wasn't going to happen. So Lydia took a carriage to her next destination. ...home? Was that what it was now? Really, it didn't feel it. Perhaps before, she looked forward to it. Walking into this house and feeling just a little bit at peace and like she had come.. home. But no, now? She felt nothing for it. It was a house. A place. Nothing more. Perhaps a retreat though? She still hadn't bothered to share with Erin the address of the new place, so it would be unlikely for any to find her there. She did feel a little conflicted about it, did she really want to be alone? Erin was there, but the last time they spoke she seemed so.. agitated with her? Angry? Mille's home was certainly open to Lydia, but she wouldn't impose on her. Even Glenn had said she could go to him if she needed him, but he had his own problems... didn't they all?

Arriving at the new place, Lydia was relieved to see that the stove was now functional- an earlier promise from Mr. Miller to send people to fix it fulfilled. Those who did were even kind enough to leave some wood next to it, dry unlike the branches of trees outside. Bags set aside, she threw a couple logs into the stove and lit it all up with but a spark of magic. Aside from that stove, herself, a few belongings, and a little warmth, there was little else in that empty house, a fact she was aware of, painfully so. Blankets and pillow were set out in front of the stove where she took a seat with supplies necessary for creating ragdolls.

She sewed.

December 16th, Early Afternoon


It was just about the time of day once more for the carriage to pass by again. Lydia had gotten the driver's assistance for a few tasks, usually simple, and always paid him which is why he hadn't objected yet. It was close to the holidays, so people were not only feeling more charitable, but they could use extra coin for their family and friends. She had food sent her way, things of that nature, so she wouldn't have to go into town herself too often. She did sneak back time to time, to check on Mellon despite having the inn staff tend to him and her room. Like yesterday, though that didn't pan out as planned since Alain had spotted her...

She sat on the swing, a box sitting in her lap. The past few days she kept herself occupied working on rag dolls for Jake, and now they filled that box. There were probably around thirty, give or take, of all different designs. Humans, elves, fae... and gods the colors of the yarn crafted hair were endless. Each doll had vivid clothing, decorated with charms, buckles, beads and beautiful buttons. Lydia spared no expense or detail with this batch; of course she had worked entirely too much and hands now ached. She probably wouldn't be sewing for a day or two. The good side of it all was, this batch combined with the others she and others have done would probably equate to one, or even two hundred more than Jake had required. Better to be over the limit than under it, no?

Hearing the familiar clop of horse's hooves and wheels dragging against the ground, she moved to her feet and started ambling downstairs off the porch. As the carriage came to a halt next to the house, she headed that way, the driver watching her expectantly, since he was familiar with the routine by this point. Pleasantries exchanged, she offered over the box along with a couple coins, instructing him to take them to Erin's manor. She wasn't sure of Jake's address, but knew that if she delivered the dolls to Erin's, he would get them one way or another. Lydia lingered behind a few moments, even after the carriage had pulled off, before she eventually moved back inside.

December 17th, Late Afternoon
A Stitch in Time


Glenn was rushing through the city, as fast as he could without running, to get to the Stitch before it closed. The walk from the barn to the city had taken longer than he wanted, but he had only brought enough money with him for what he was going to buy at the store, not for a carriage as well. He was wearing his cloak, cap, and scarf, but his hands were bare and a bit red from the chill in the weather, even though he had been sticking them in the pockets of his canvas carpenter's pants when he could. Finally, a little bit out of breath, Glenn arrived at the sidewalk in front of the Stitch. He hadn't seen it in the immediate aftermath of the bomb's explosion, so at first glance, everything seemed the way it was when he had been there before, making more shelves for Erin and Lydia. The tea shop was a new addition though, and he stared at that for a little while, not heading inside immediately.

It was a little after hours so all the Stitch workers had gone home after their busy day; all except for the workaholic green haired elf. Lydia had closed up the tea shoppe and the old flower shop, but the door leading to the main store was still unlocked and open to people. However, at the moment she was the only one inside, doing a bit of cleanup and arranging. She meandered around the racks organizing clothing and putting it all back in it's proper place. She made sure the register was closed and locked down, and that the display case was closed up and it's shelves were slid to their proper places. A container of buttons was taken up from the counter so that she could place it's lid back on and return it to it's proper place... unfortunately shaky, clumsy hands fumbled and sent buttons clattering and crashing to the floor, scattering over the surface. The little patience she had left escaped her in that moment, so she threw the container hard against the ground, growling quietly in frustration. After a moment, she took a breath, sighed, and knelt down to start picking up the colorful assortment of buttons on the floor, nearly throwing them back in their container.

After a moment spent admiring the tea shoppe, Glenn headed up to the front door of the original section of A Stitch in Time. He pushed the door open quickly, bell clanging to announce his arrival, but nobody was there. Or, at least, nobody was visible in sight. Still, the door had been unlocked, so he stood in the doorway and called out tentatively. "Are you still open?"

Still irritable, her head lifted when she heard the bell ringing. She was on the verge of snarling out a hearty 'No' by this point when she heard the inquiry. But one? Ivy would have had her hide if she ever caught wind of Lydia being so rude to a customer. And two? She recognized the voice being Glenn's. He was one of those people she could probably never bring herself to be rude or mean to, even if she tried. Sighing to herself, anger seemed to assuage before she called back. "Yeah, sorta. Come in." Still hidden behind the counter, she worked quicker in picking up those buttons.

The racks held little interest for Glenn, so he gravitated over towards the shelves, where the knitted winter items were. Caps, mittens, gloves, and scarves were piled into neat arrangements, by type and color. He idly browsed those for a few moments, before he finally responded to Lydia. "How's business today? Carley told me today was the grand re-opening of sorts."

"It was.. good. Great really. We had a really big turn out. More people than we expected." After everything that happened before... But she'd not go there. Last button dropped in container, she closed it up, slid a shelf open in the display case, and set it inside before closing up. She'd blame someone else for that later, but she just didn't feel like going to the basement to put it back. Rising to her feet, she would be visible to Glenn, recently shorn celadon locks and all. After so many hours the makeup she had worn earlier was starting to wear off, so a touch of tiredness showed in her eyes, but that could be attributed to the busy day. Other than that, she looked great. Running fingers idly along the sleeve hem of her teal jacket (the one she had received from Grem at her birthday 'party'), Lydia wandered around and out from behind the counter.

His eyes widened just a touch, and for just a moment, when he caught sight of her shorter hair, but he didn't say anything. It wasn't the most drastic hair cut he had run into in recent days by any stretch of the imagination. Having seen her stand up, he turned away from the display shelves full of knitted items and faced her, waiting for her to come out onto the floor. "I'm looking for a nicer pair of gloves. All I have are these leather work gloves, and while they keep my hands warm and protect them while I'm working, they don't look very good. I asked Carley to make me some gloves a little while ago, but they didn't turn out too well." He said nothing about the black scarf that barely wrapped around his neck that he was currently wearing.

"Yeah, if they came out anything like that rag doll she made..." Lydia trailed off, then shook her head, before wandering closer. Pale blues darted over his hands a moment before she turned back towards the shelves. "Is there a particular color you wanted? Black to match the scarf maybe? Or something else?" There was something oddly aloof about her demeanor. She acted more as if she were dealing with a customer or acquaintance rather than a close friend.

Even after some time spent inside, his hands were still a bit red from the cold. Glenn waved a hand at the air. "I was thinking black, but I don't know if I should get something else. Everything else I wear for winter is black, but that's kind of boring. But I can't really afford to buy other new stuff. Dark blue, maybe?" He shrugged his shoulders and laughed a bit. "I'm not usually this difficult, sorry."

"You're not being difficult." Lydia took one of the step stools that leaned against the wall and set it in front of the shelf next to the one Glenn was at. Climbing up, she peered around, stretching a little to reach a basket on top. "You could get a few colors then. Nothing too bright, because I don't think bright colors would work well for you." Basket pulled down, she started sifting through various knitted gloves within it. "Black, dark blue... get a color you wouldn't normally get? All the prices have been marked down for the reopening." Brows furrowed a touch when she couldn't find what it was she was looking for, so she stretched out to set the basket back on the shelf, doing a little teeter totter on the step stool in the process.

Jade irises glanced towards the stool, then Lydia. "Dark green?" Glenn sighed. He hadn't brought enough money with him to buy what was immediately striking his interest, and he didn't think it would've been a good idea to do so anyways. He needed to save his money up for the new store. "I guess I should get a hat and scarf in different colors, but..." He finished the sentence not with words, but with a shrugged shoulder.

Climbing back down, she resettled the stool back to it's proper place. "Dark green would look good on you, yeah." She nodded a little as she glanced his way. "Do you know how much time Erin actually spends knitting all this?" She gestured vaguely to the shelves. "Really, it's not expensive at all to begin with, and less so now - she doesn't charge much for it at all." She paused momentarily. "How much did you plan to spend today?"

Glenn jingled the coin purse hanging from his belt loop, as if that would answer the question. "About five silver. Maybe ten? For the gloves. I only brought ten with me. I'm thinking about going to the Teas and Tomes after this." He paused. "How long does it take to knit stuff?"

"Gods, it takes me forever... Erin? She's pretty fast with it but I'm not sure on specifics." Lydia paused then, thinking. "They're normally around five, but right now you can get two pairs for that. Or gloves and a scarf. Or gloves and two caps."

At that, he tilted his head and started tapping his index finger against his forehead. "That's a tough decision. I could probably use any of those things." He expelled a breath quickly from his lips. "I guess...black gloves and...a dark blue scarf? Or dark green scarf?"

"I'd go with green." She pursed her lips faintly. "Carley'd go with blue. But the decision is yours. Just find something you like over there, yeah?" She gestured vaguely towards the shelf before she turned to head for the back, where the basement door was located behind counter. "I'll be back, I just have to dig up a pair of gloves that'll fit you." Door unlocked, she slipped through it and disappeared from his sight.

Glenn stared at the scarfs, eyes flicking back and forth between the two colors. Green, or blue? Blue, or green? His shoulders sagged a little, even as he made his choice. He picked up the dark green one and held it in his hands. It matched his eyes better, anyways. That done, he waited for Lydia to come back upstairs, shuffling his feet in place a little bit.

Lydia wasn't gone for too long, before she reappeared through the door again, a pair of black knitted gloves held in one hand. Re-locking the door, she took a spot behind the counter near the register, gesturing for Glenn to approach. Pale blues shifted to regard the register then. Gods she hated that thing...

He walked over to the counter, dark green scarf in tow. He set the scarf on the counter, and started to dig through his coin purse for the five silvers to pay for the items he was purchasing. He was quiet as he fished through the coin purse, then, suddenly, he piped up. "You got any plans for tonight? I'm probably going to go grab some dinner and do some more shopping after this, but I'll probably head over to the Teas and Tomes afterwards. Did you want to meet me there?"

Brows lifted a touch at that, and her gaze shifted to Glenn. "I..." She didn't really have time to think of an excuse to say no. Or maybe she just didn't want to? "No. I don't have plans..." That was spoken a touch quieter than usual. "So.. yeah, we can meet there." There was something almost hesitant in tone and gesture, but she nodded.

Glenn slid the 5 silver coins Lydia's way, a smile on his face at her agreeing to meet him later. "Good. I'll see you later then?"

She smiled in return, somewhat wan, nodding. "Yeah.. alright." She hadn't really gone out and socialized in a while... maybe it's what she needed? Silvers and register eyed, she sighed and moved the former next to the latter. She wasn't up for arguing with machinery today, or listening to it's too loud ringing. "Here you go." And the gloves (women's, but she wouldn't tell him that) were offered over.

He took the gloves and immediately put them on his hands. Instead of putting the new scarf on immediately, he threw it over his right shoulder. "Thank you Lydia. And have a good day." He smiled one last time for her before he started to walk away from the counter and cash register, past the racks of dresses and blouses, and out the front door. A familiar chime accompanied his exit onto the streets of the Marketplace.


(Edited and Adapted from Live Play)

Lydia's eyes widened as they settled on Glenn. She was completely taken aback by his response. He was the only one who had been happy about the news, happy for her... for a moment it looked as if she might cry, and then? She smiled a touch, even laughed a little, though there was something bitter hidden in it's tone. "It's actually not that far from your place. It's southeast of the city. Not as far out as the farms, but still in the country." She paused, considering. "1919 Fendall Road. Pretty easy to find, if you ever felt like visiting... There's not much to it yet. But it functions."

He picked another piece of muffin up and put it in his mouth, chewing, swallowing, then talking again. "Sounds good. I'm still working on getting things all set up at the barn, but I want to...have people over at some point. It stays pretty warm, and I clear all the stuff I'm working on out of that one room and we'd have a pretty good open space for whatever." He paused, switching the subject back. "What's your house like?"

"It's... empty." She winced almost, as she spoke the first word that came to mind. "I've only had it for.. about.. I dunno. A week? It's got a stove kinda like yours that keeps it warm, and I sleep in front of it. I should probably get a bed soon.. furniture.. all of that. I'll need to get a new stove for the kitchen, and it still needs cleaning. It's probably not ready for company at all, but I figure you don't mind that, yeah?" She grinned, briefly, before her gaze lowered some. "You don't happen to sell furniture off hand do you? Anything really, tables, chairs..?"

Glenn tapped his temple with his index finger, thinking about her question. Then, he looked up at her with something of a sheepish smile on his face. "Back in Blackbridge I used to, but I used to also have another person working there helping me with sales and stuff, so I could spend more time working. I've been focusing on making smaller things as presents for people. I've been working on some stuff for myself off and on when I can find the time, but-" And he waved a hand at the air. "There hasn't been all that much free time lately. I should just close for a bit, built a bunch of stuff, and then re-open with some more things to sell. Or hire someone on to help me. I guess, if you don't mind hand-me-downs and waiting a bit, I could give you my old furniture. Or if you don't mind waiting longer, I could build you some stuff when I'm less busy."

Head tilted to the side as she listened to him, before she shook her head, a touch of a smile on her lip. "I don't mind at all. I don't want to impose though, so I can just buy your old furniture from you instead of having you make me anything. Someday though, yeah, I'd love to get something from you that you made, but that can wait." She reached over to reclaim her cup of tea, taking a quick sip. "All I really need now is a bed, but I guess I can shop for that later this week."

"I'll let you know when everything's ready. I got them for free, so you can have them for free too." His grin was slightly mischievous, as he considered her second statement. "If you ever need it, I have a great idea for a headboard for a bed."

"Alright." She wouldn't argue that. Though at his grin? His next words? She narrowed her eyes in suspicion. "Yeah? And what's that?"

Glenn looked around, sighing a bit when he realized his knapsack and pen and paper weren't there. "I'd draw it for you, but I don't have anything to draw with with me. It's, uh-" And he started furiously drumming on his head with his index finger. "-like a sun, yeah? And all these rays are coming off of it. It's a bit weird, but I think it might be neat?" He looked at her, questioningly.

Lydia furrowed her brows, trying to imagine what it was he was describing. Cup set back down, she offered a one moment gesture to him before rummaging through her bag. A simple messenger bag she almost always carried on her shoulder. After a few moments she pulled out a few stray color pencils, and a floral journal. Turning to a blank page in the back of said journal, she offered it all over. "You can use this to draw it?"

"Thanks." He took one of the pencils and the journal, and quickly, with neat lines, drew a bed with the headboard he was imagining. The center of the headboard was a semi-circle, the center of the sun, more or less. Radiating out to either side to the edges of the bed were individual rays of sunlight. "Something like that, I guess."

Leaning over, she craned her neck some to get a better look, nodding a little at the image on the paper. "I like that... it's very interesting. Not what you usually see. I never really thought of that.." She gestured to the image as she leaned back. "That a headboard could be shaped like that, or anything really. You could probably do all sorts of goofy designs like.. like.." Trailing off, she thought for a moment before grinning a little. "Silly little animals for kids or something, right?"

And with that, he started to sketch another animal, one he'd seen around a lot in RhyDin. It was a frontal view of a teddy bear, and, although it didn't have any of the usual facial features of a teddy bear, it was still almost immediately recognizable as such. The drawings Glenn made were a bit crude, designed to be functional more than artistic, but there was some skill in his draftwork. "Yeah, definitely. I don't do so good at the fancy, like, table legs and dressers and things like that. And I don't have someone else to help me with a lathe, so a lot of that sort of stuff is out, most of the time. But I can carve on a big piece of wood, no problem."

Head canted to get a peek at what it was Glenn was drawing, pale blues seeming to soften at the sight. "That's cute... I'd want that." She nodded along with her words. "I never thought about the skill it has to take to make those fancy table legs... guess it's something people just take for granted. Even with sewing the fancy embroidery? I can't really do that yet... I'm practicing and working on it, but it still leaves something to be desired." She paused then, and tilted her head the other way. "What's a lathe?"

"A lathe?" Glenn had to sit and think for a second, about how to describe it. Since it required words he didn't use all that often, and because it was probably going to require some technical terms. "It depends. I've heard there's ones now, where they spin everything for you." He shook his head briefly. "But I don't know how to use that, and I don't have, uh, what's it called? Elec-tricity at the barn. Basically, the ones I used, one person had to pump it by foot. There's a sort of drill at the end. Pumping it sort of sets everything in motion. The wood is bolted in onto the lathe and spins around, and when it touches the cutting surface, or when you touch that cuts to the wood, you can make blocks of wood into cylinders, and put patterns into the wood that go all around, like a table leg."

Lydia's eyes almost seemed to glaze over at his explanation - a giveaway that she didn't really get it. "Oh." Blinking, her face scrunched a little. "That sounds hard. But the ah, foot pump? That sounds like a sewing machine. You have to press the foot down to get it to work but the needle moves too fast. I always end up sewing myself to things with it, which is why I just sew by hand." She paused, briefly. "I don't understand why you need someone else to hit the foot pedal, couldn't you do that yourself?" She's.. not a technology wiz by any means, obviously not getting how a lathe works.

"It depends on how the machine is set up I guess. And sometimes, if it's something tough, it's easier to concentrate if you're not doing that. Or maybe that's just how I always remembered doing it." Glenn's eyes looked a bit wistful, and his voice took on a nostalgic tone. "That's one of the first things my poppa had me do, when he was teaching me how to work wood. I'd pump for him, so he wouldn't get tired, and he'd turn table legs."

Her gaze softened, turning away from Glenn momentarily. "Hm... it must have been nice, being able to work with your father like that. Sounds like you two had a lot of fun together. I wish I got to spend time with my own father..." Lydia sighed and shook her head at the thought. "Was your father good at crafting the fancy table legs?"

He smiled, thinking about his father. These were good memories for him, and he'd think on them, and not the bad things he'd been dwelling on more recently. "We didn't do anything too fancy. Simple patterns, really. The elves, though, they made some really detailed legs, and I don't know how they did it. Everything they made was really good. And a lot of them didn't really use furniture. It was weird." He shook his head a little, confused at the thought.

"Some people just have natural talent I guess, with certain things. It's hard to explain." She shrugged a little, eyeing the cup in her hand. That tea was probably frigid by now. So she'd set that on aside. "I should probably work at wielding a staff again. I neglect that too often... everyone else wanted to shelter me, but my father? He taught me to fight and defend myself. I miss those times too, when we'd go to the courtyard and he'd train me to use my staff." Pale blues seemed far away then.

Jade green eyes glanced over at the new entrant to the Teas'n Tomes, before turning back to Lydia. "That's good. I never learned how to fight. And I never really had to much." His eyes seemed to cloud over for a second, before he blinked rapidly for a few moments and they returned to normal. He turned around and looked out the window, towards the front of the store. "It's getting pretty late, and I need to catch a carriage back. Hopefully I have enough money for that." He frowned a bit.

She blinked away her distracting thoughts before looking back his way. "Here.. it's probably a good idea to know something. Maybe sometime I should teach you a thing or two with the staff?" An almost wry smile to that, before she caught his frown. Shaking her head, she moved to her feet. "I was going to take a carriage too. How about we take it together? We're both south of here, right? Besides, if I get dropped off first, you can see my house." She pulled her jacket tight, in anticipation of the cold. She'd have to dress warmer tomorrow.

He started to put on his winter clothes: first the cloak, then the black cap and gloves. Finally, he wrapped that dark green scarf around his throat. Unlike his old one, where the ends barely hung free of where he'd tied them, the two ends of this scarf lay jauntily on his chest. He handed her the journal and pencil he'd used previously, before standing and waiting for her to gather her things. "If it turns out right, yeah, I'd like to see your house. And if you have time to train me with a staff, I'm sure that'd be good too."

Lydia blinked and took back her items, dropping them into her bag. Silly absentminded elf that she was, she had forgotten all about them... Aside from that though, she hadn't anything else to really gather, so she started towards the door (with every intention to pay for the carriage ride). "I've got a lot of time. Maybe this weekend then? I'll try to find a staff to suit your size in the meantime."

Glenn paused, tapping his forehead, then shaking his head. "I'll...probably be celebrating the winter solstice on Saturday. Since that's when it is, I believe. But sometime Sunday, perhaps, would work. Or whenever." He smiled a bit. "I can find time if I need to." He started heading towards the door as well, opening it when he arrived at it and holding it open. "There you go."

"Oh, that's right!" She turned his way, nodding. "I had forgotten, sorry. And you still haven't told me what you wanted for that either! After I told you what I wanted..." Trailing off she shook her head at him, before gaze shifted to the open door. She smiled, softly and genuinely as she looked back at him. "Thanks Glenn." Her tone hinted gratitude for more than just that open door, before she slipped out.


(Edited and Adapted from Live Play)