Rowan smiled encouragingly, "That's my lad. You are so brave, Neo." She stood back up, and lightly ruffled his hair. "Come on in, Alvaro. It's all okay."

Awww Rowan so adorable I cannnntttt.)))

Rowan nodded, "I'd agree with that," she narrowed her eyes at Alvaro, "Let's sit down. You look like you are about to fall asleep on your feet." She led them to the living room, with one of the chairs being occupied with a sword. There was a crest on the hilt, which was of the royal family, and the more obvious crest on the scabbard, which was the sign of a no royal or high bloodline.

Neo had carefully placed himself on the couch opposite of the one Alvaro sat on and had retreated to the corner of it. Staying, but barely. When Rowan spoke of falling asleep he waved it off, "I've been on less sleep and been fine. This is just a sudden change in schedule, I'll look normal again soon. Anyways, onto the news. Well, despite what Kori says, the barrier isn't holding up too well and is rejecting the magic of anyone other than myself. Meaning that at this point, not only is it rather sentient, it's also relying entirely on me to power it which isn't very great for the appearance. Kori says we'll be able to fix it soon, but it can't be fixed without taking more magic from somebody powerful. Otherwise I'll have to remake the stupid thing and that's not entirely healthy. Anyways, with the border situation people are being evacuated to another faerie village. They aren't accepting humans. So I'm gonna be completely honest with you two, it's not very safe here anymore. The manticores aren't being very cooperative and we can't guarantee anyone's safety. That leaves you guys with multiple choices of course. Stay here and be in danger of getting attacked; or you can leave back to the human world. In which case I will personally escort you out since the manticores like hanging out around the barrier." Alvaro ran a hand nervously through his hair but it got caught in the mess of tangles.

Rowan pursed her lips, "I'll be frank. Normally, I would leave this magic world behind, but due to the fact that this is a place in need, I cannot ignore it. I'm not sure how much power is in me, or how'd I be able to help, but another pair of hands can be useful." Then, softening her sharp words, she turned to Neo. "That being said, I'm not going to speak for you. I will most likely be staying here - would you like to go back to the human world? I promise I'll find you somewhere safe... but... if you do stay, I'd welcome you with open arms."

Neo took a moment, his eyes drifting between Alvaro and Rowan. Over the past few days, he'd stayed as close to her as possible as long as she was inside the house. When she left, he got scared again, without her he'd be even more scared. She made him feel safe. Without a word he hugged her, snuggling close to her before using his voice for the first time in days. "I want to stay with you." His voice was quiet and rough, after days of no use it was also hoarse and he sounded horrible but the words still held the same amount of emotion he had wanted them to.

Rowan immediately wrapped her arms around the boy, "...And so you shall." She kissed the top of his head, and smiled down at him. "Alvaro," She directed her next words at the faerie, "I think we have everything settled here."

Alvaro lightly smiled and nodded, "I'll be off then. People to heal and barriers to build." With a small smile he left without a word. Wondering if he should try to get a nap in before heading back out.

Want to timeskip to a time when Alvaro just wants to be around someone and hear them talk? So Rowan tells him her story?

Oh I can make that happen. Alvaro is a whole mood.))