Astarion and Fernessa in the Faewild

As you ask Solidus for a portal... you both emerge on the other side of the portal, in the Faewilds once more

We could ask Mom when he'll be back?

That could work....

holds out her hand Shall we then? a slight smile on her face. Trying to remain optimistic about the situation

If we must..... you know your mother hates me.... right?

Oh, nonsense. She's just looking out for me. takes his hand and leads him to the treehouse

As you approach the treehouse your nerves tingle, your breath tightens.... you're nervous... all you have to do is be casual....

We got this....*gulp*...right?

Now...... you're getting nervous now???? A little late for that don't you think...

Yeah...Yeah...big sigh I know...I can't help it...

Just remember.... Hi mom.... how are you? I knew we were just here yesterday, but blah blah blah. By the way, when's dad getting back?

Got It, Got it....walks inside. looking nervous still

As you walk back in, your mother is startled, she was sitting in her favorite rocking char reading

Heyyy Mom...smiles awkwardly

"Fernessa!!.." {your mother exclaims} "Back aleady? Oh...... and he's here too... Lovely..."

Listen here....... you ol...{he looks at you staring at him like he's crazy}..... lovely lovely person.... She loves me, she chose me, and if you have a problem with that I can leave, but she'll come with me and you'll just be here alone... So either deal with it, or we can all move on. Your choice.... my lovely...

looks at the two of them. panic rises as she fears what will happen next. cursing in her head

"How dare you speak to me like that..... You come into my home, and then proceed to tell me how I should run my life? How I should protect my daughter from people like you? You don't think I know who you are.... what you are? The only reason I even tolerate you is because of her... You're right... she chose you... for what reason I can't fathom, but she did... And from what I saw at that Carnival.... you love her too. That's why you get to stay... Not because of me, but because of her... But as for me? I don't like you. I doubt I ever will, but for her sake... let's try to keep it civil... Deal?" your mother professes

Fair enough...

Astarion finds a seat nearby, but far enough away they don't have to be close to each other

Uhm...looks at her mother ....now what?

Your mother looks you over and smiles... then turns to Astarion and frowns... Returning her gaze back to you she asks. "So what did you want to see me bout?"

...When is dad coming back? I...need to talk with him

She looks at the calendar she keeps near her chair. A constant reminder of the frequent trips he takes and how long he's gone.... counting down the days until he returns...."About 2 weeks..."

Good to know...*thinks for a moment*...Where's my sister? I didn't see her at all yesterday?

"Same place she usually is..... Outside tending the garden." She replies

she pauses for a bit. if she were to call her sister over, how would Astarion react? Does he do well with kids? She doesn't want him to think she's testing him or anything. she just wants to say hi to her. but what if he gets the wrong idea?

Your mother tapps on the glass window and motions for to come in!!.. "Sissy??!!!!!!... When did you get home" your sister says as she rushes you for a hug.

Hey there, Bluebelle. kneels down to hug her How've you been?

"Good..." your sister replies.. "The flowers are coming along really nice... come see!!!" as she takes your hand and attempts to lead you to the garden.

looks at Astarion for a second before following her out. almost as if apologizing for leaving him there

I'm gonna go see what the fuss is about..{He says as he follows behind you... He'd rather take the tiny elf over her mother any day}

So where are the flowers you wanna show me?

"Right here silly!!!!" She says as she points to her prized Orchids, lilies, roses, and other species even you haven't seen before..... the kid has a knack for botony...

Aw, guess your hard work paid off, huh? I know you've been taking good care of them before I left

"YEP!!!!!!!!!" She says as a beaming smile flashes her face

pats her head gently You did an amazing job, Sis

smiles I'm proud of you

They're... very pretty.... {Astarion chimes on, not knowing the first thing about them other than they are flowers... he thinks, some of them look rather odd}

gently touching some of the flowers. smiling as if petting a puppy

"Thank you Sissy......" your sister proclaims "Did you want one?"

Aww, Belle, of course! smiles brightly at her sister

Your sister picks one of the flowers that won her a prize in last years harvest competition..... "Here sis.... this one's special.... It won last year"

Thank you puts it in her hair

your sister laughs... "he he... No silly..." as she takes the flower from your hair.. "It's not for wearing... it's for planting." She scoops some soil and gently replants the flower. "Take it to your special place and plant it.... so you can see it every day and think of me...."

She stares at her sister. deeply moved by the gesture. You are too sweet, yknow that? ruffles her hair

"I know" she beams with pride...."Like Luminera Nector... Right?"

chuckles softly Exactly

As you stand up and grab Astarion's hand... you notice a calmness about him.... You both walk off towards the portal... Eager to return home.

walks into the portal

{follows}

once home, she turns to Astarion What now?