Taeyang was giving extra love to Firefly tonight, the horse was panting pretty heavily and had been ridden hard for the past few days. He was a wonderful, reliable horse, and everyone agreed that the big guy deserved extra love for taking care of Asa on her dangerous journeys.

Both the horse and Taeyang looked up as Eva entered, her presence immediately putting a smile on Taeyang's face while Firefly nickered a soft greeting. "Oh of course Eva! You know I enjoy your company, and I'm pretty sure Firefly does too. How's the shake? I tried to make it extra special after your success with making a fire." Taeyang untacked the horse as she spoke, and although she seemed a bit busy, she was most definitely listening to the little girl.

~~~
Asa pried herself out of Fawn's grip as Torian spoke, hopping up onto the stool that Fawn had previously been sitting on to rest for a moment before going up to her room to bathe and sleep. At Torian's words, she grinned, though it was quite a dejected smile, much different than the normal, mischievous grin she wore. Asa just wanted to crash.

"Thanks Torian, I really appreciate it." Asa paused as Reginald set down the water she'd asked for, murmuring a quick thanks, Asa turned back around to Torian. "We shouldn't have to leave for another week or so, maybe even more. The mission will be longer than normal though. Apparently we'll be taking some pretty important kids to the most secure facility, and that's not nearly as close as the one we normally go to. I'm happy we'll have someone watching out here, with all the shit going on right now the reassurance that you'll be watching out is a relief."

~~~

As the duo spoke, Reginald watched on, his eyes narrowing as he felt someone knock at the border. He immediately connected to Taeyang, being siblings, mind links were easier than most spells for them. "Did you feel that knock too?" Taeyang's voice bounced through Reginald's head. "Yea, I'll go check it out." "You want back up?" "Nah, I'll ask Kyra to watch though, just in case." "Okay, be careful idiot." Reginald rolled his eyes as he disconnected the mind link, reaching out to Kyra as he exited the building. Pretty soon, the familiar had landed on his shoulder.

"We have a visitor." "Yea, I know dumbass, why do you think I called?" The familiar cocked her head at Reggie's cheeky words but simply said, "well let's be off then." Reginald grinned as he opened up the shadows before him and stepped through, sealing the space behind him immediately after. After a few seconds of darkness, Reginald opened up the Void and stepped out into the forest. He didn't immediately appear to the traveler, and had instead portaled in a little ways away so that the person would hear him stomping through the brush.

Finally, he pushed his way to the border, sending Kyra off to watch. Reginald momentarily revealed himself to the stranger, eyes locking onto her hands immediately for weapons. He didn't try to hide the fact that he was wary of the traveler, anyone could be a bad person. "Hello traveler, it was kind of you to knock. What exactly are you here for?" Reginald, unlike his sister, got straight to the point.

(btw, since Eva is young, her sentences are going to reflect that - so be prepared for run-ons. they are indeed on purpose :) also Daphne (despite it being ages since that time) still retains many of her old speeking patterns, and elegance when doing things.)

-

Eva plopped down on the ground, sitting criss-cross-applesauce, "It's really, really, really good, Ms. Taeyang! Like - super-duper good! But..." not one to be shy, Eva only paused for a moment to take a sip of her drink before asking her question, "You think Firefly (that word was difficult to pronounce, so it ends up sounding more like "Fly-fly") actually likes me? 'Cuz I like 'im. Do-ya think..." Eva took another long slurp of her shake, and looked dismayed when it made the sound of there being little left of the drink. She got distracted for a solid minute, downing the rest of the shake, not wasting a drop, before remembering her question, "Oh! Do'ya think that Ms. Asa would ever let me ride with her? Like on Firefly? Cuz' I've never ridden before and a lotta horses make me nervous a bit, but Firefly doesn't make me feel scared or anything, 'cuz he is so nice and kind and looks fluffy. Plus Ms. Asa rides him, and shes an awesome rider, so that means she'd havva awesome horse too."

----

Torian nodded solidly to Asa, "No problem. I can tag your minds, if you want, so you can reach out if you need anything, or just want updates." That was one of the few magical things Torian still did. It was a small sort of magic - viewing another's dreams - and while it eventually will add up, it doesn't have nearly the same affect that big spells - physical spells - have on deteriorating a witch's life.

About taking care of Dawn's Bliss, though... Torian had already done it a few times - when both Taeyang and Reginald were called out for a mission with Asa before, or were just out in general - so it was familiar enough.

"Happy to help out," Torian said genuinely, before setting down his (now empty) water glass, "But now it's approaching Eva's bedtime, so I'll see you guys later." With a goodnight to both Asa and Fawn, Torian headed outside to find his kid.

----

Daphne was watching the woods as the stranger appeared, her eyes and ears tracking the sound of the person. When he emerged, she was quick to take stock of him. She, too, watched his hands, for while she was the traveler, it was not unheard of for bad people to commandeer safe bubbles, and attack those who approach. Still, she was tired, and any longer in the Mist would not end well for her or for Karter. Keeping her hands still and visible - empty of weapons - she tipped her head in greeting.

While she did have a weapon on her, it was a wooden staff, and was strapped to her back, and remained untouched.

"Hello back. Me and my traveling companion - they are in the woods with the horses - are looking for a place to spend the night. It doesn't have to be much - just some time to rest while out of the Mist." Daphne, keeping her movements steady, reached in her bag to pull out a seashell, not cracked in the slightest. They were far from the ocean, so the shell's lack of practicality could be overlooked in its rarity in this area, so far from the ocean, "We can offer this, and some spices, for a week or so stay. If there is room to stable our horses, that would also be appreciated, and for their stay, we can offer a greater proportion of spices."

Personally, Taeyang would rather drop dead than sit on the floor of the barn. Yea, it was cleaned multiple times a day by Reginald and a few other witches, but still, it was disgusting. Unfortunately, she doubted that explaining to Eva how gross the ground was would actually stop her from sitting on it. Taeyang instead busied herself with caring for Firefly, because she was around the horse so often, she could sometimes understand him.

Communication with animals was hard, even for a highly talented witch that had lived for many, many centuries. Taeyang's ability to understand animals depended on how much she knew about that type of animal, and how well she knew that specific animal. Firefly's thoughts were much easier to discern than any frog's. He was a good horse, and actually did enjoy Eva's company, something that wasn't too rare for the horse, since he was quite friendly with everyone.

A soft chuckle rose from Taeyang's lips as the little girl described all the wonderful things about Firefly, which definitely upped the big guy's self esteem. "Firefly is a wonderful horse, and he can definitely adjust to whatever his rider's needs are. I can ask Asa if you can ride him, but your dad has to agree first. I don't know how comfortable he'll be with you riding though. Remember, horses can be dangerous, even one as wonderful as Firefly here." Taeyang patted the horse's neck as she finished up.

~~~~

Reginald continued to eye the visitor warily, and although he didn't have any visible weapons on him, the sight of his wand holster was more than enough. His eyes never strayed from the stranger, and he tensed as she removed what seemed to be what she was willing to trade from her bag. It wasn't uncommon for travelers to attack him when he first greeted them, and he was not going to start relaxing just because this woman seemed kinder than most.

Relaxing meant death.

Reginald eyed the offerings, personally, he didn't care for the seashell but he knew someone who might. The spices were something he could agree to, the garden out back was hardly producing a thing (according to Fawn, the soil lacked the right nutrients or something stupid like that) so the tavern could really use the spices.

It took him a minute to finally nod, finally allowing his eyes to drift past the stranger and into the dark woods behind her. "We could definitely use the spices, and my sister would like the seashell. You may stay for as long as you like, as long as you keep the peace within the tavern. We do have a stable that you are welcome to keep your horses in, and you don't have to pay extra. These are troubled times and we do not take more than we need here." Reginald was not lying, the tavern had many suppliers, and many allies as well. Truthfully, most didn't need anything, and that was a good thing.

"The lanterns will guide you to the stables, I will meet you there. My name is Reginald by the way, and it is a pleasure to meet you?" He was politely asking for her name, and once she responded he nodded his head. "Well then, I'll see you soon." With a wave of his hand, the darkness of the forest receeded and revealed floating lanterns, filled with everlasting flames courtesy of Asa of course. They lit a path, that was pretty well maintained, for the safety of the horses of course.

Reginald disappeared into the shadows soon after, portaling to the stables with Kyra on his shoulder.

Eva nodded seriously, "Papa told me he'd let me ride if I did it with someone that'a was experienced," Eva pronounced the word carefully, enunciating each syllable, "and wore a helmet and he was there. But I'll also be verrrry careful, Ms. Taeyang. I'm getting to be-a big girl, so that'a means I gotta be responsible." That word was also spoken carefully, and was said with a weight that was odd for a young child.

"Do'ya think that -" Eva cut herself off, whipping her head around. She felt the oddness in the air that she had learned to associate with Mr. Reginald's darky-shadowy-move-y thing, and had a brilliant smile when he appeared.

"Hello Mr. Reginald!" Eva greeted cheerfully, standing up. If he was here, then that meant that the meeting was over, and Papa was probably looking for her, since it was getting pretty dark.

----

"I'm Daphne," the immortal filled in with a soft smile, "Thank you for your hospitality. We won't be any trouble."

As soon as the stranger disappeared, Daphne summoned a small flame in her hand, then let it out, then lit it up again. The twice-blinking code meant that Daphne had secured a place to stay.

(A maintained flame (or no flame, for a long period of time) meant get your ass in here, Karter, this got violent.)

Soon enough, Karter was riding in at an easy trot, and dismounted beside Daphne. Since they didn't know the trail, they led their horses through, with Daphne in the front, since at least one person would be able to recognize her, whereas no-one would know Karter.

______
i have the best idea.

torian recognizes karter - they met in one of torian's past lives and hit it off. kept in touch for a few lives, then in this life they couldn't cuz, well, *apocalypse*

cuz they probably need a reason to trust daph and karter, cuz like. wouldn't make sense for them to go on a mission if they weren't trustworthy, and i don't see asa, reggie, or taeyang as one to trust easy

Yup, sounds good.

___

___

Taeyang nodded earnestly to Eva's words, she was getting older, that was definitely true. Becoming a 'big girl' seemed to be a big deal for humans, witches didn't have that sort of mentality. As they grew, so did their memories of their past lives, meaning that they matured much quicker than humans. Perhaps her first life had been like that, Taeyang couldn't quite remember that far back, but since then she'd never had the whole 'I'm becoming a big girl' phase. Sometimes, the differences between humans and witches were quite obvious, but in other ways, like growing up, they were more subtle.

"Well Asa will most definitely help you, I'm sure of it, we'll have you riding like a pro in no time." Taeyang stopped as she heard the approaching footsteps, recognizing them as Reginald's and using that moment to put Firefly in his stall. During the day the horses were allowed to wander the area, but at night sometimes dangerous monsters got through the barrier. It was better for the horses to stay within the shelter of the barn than to roam out and about and potentially get eaten.

Reginald walked into the stables with a smile as Eva greeted him. Although he wasn't great with other adults, kids were his thing. "Hello there Eva, and you don't have to call me Mr. Reginald, I am not that old." Reginald smirked and crouched a little so he was more eye level with Eva. "I'm sorry to cut your time here short but Kyra told me that your dad is looking for ya. The meeting ended a little bit ago and I'm pretty sure it's your bet time." Reginald grinned and straightened up again. "I overheard some of your conversations, if you want once you get permission from your dad I could ask Asa if she could teach you how to ride?" Reginald gave Eva a little wink, a grin on his face.

---

The lanterns dipped and bobbed in front of Karter and Daphne, one for each person. Then once they were ready, began to lead the way down the path and towards the tavern. The lanterns were powered by Asa, and were made by Reginald. They often brought newcomers down to the tavern and lit the way for people who came often.

not me NOT RESPONDING FOR A MONTH shfadosnfuia i cant-

i haven't written it yet, but be prepared for shit

---------

If possible, Eva's smile grew even larger, "Would you?" There was awe in the little girl's voice, "That would be awesome, yes please! I gotta go now - before Papa get's worried - but I'll ask him! And then tell you what he says!"

Eva darted out of the stable before anyone could say anything else, giving the two a rushed wave and a loud, "G'night!"

The little girl didn't want to run, since she was getting sleepy, but her walk was fast paced. Eva knew that her Papa would most likely be waiting outside of the tavern - since they lived on the floor above it - but if she took too long, then he'd come out to find her.

... And Eva was going to the tavern. She was! Definitely. She just... wasn't paying attention, and suddenly she was in front of two strangers. They had lanterns in front of them, which meant they were welcome, but they were also strangers.

...Papa may have done 'stranger danger' a dozen times, but childhood curiosity won out. Plus, the lady in front had stopped, and waved, her face kind and soft, "Hello there."

Eva squinted at the two, debating for a moment before deciding on her course of action, "Hi. You are new. Can I pet your horse?" The lady in front looked mildly surprised, and hesitated, "I don't have a problem with it, but I am pretty sure that would be something you'd have to ask your parents."

Stupid reasoning. Eva gave her best puppy eyes, and the lady sighed, "You can't pet my horse, but here," the lady whistled softly, like a bird, and there was an answering tweet from the trees before a small bird (it was slightly mutated, with it's unnaturally colored feathers, but not nearly to the same extent as some of the animals Papa had pointed out) flew out and landed on the lady's extended hand.

She knelt down, and extended her hand. The bird looked curiously at Eva, and when the little girl held out her own hand, the bird hopped over. Eva giggled, petting the bird's back like Papa had shown her how to pet Nox.

"Thank you!" Eva chirped happily, and the lady stood back up to her full height, "No problem. We better get going, and you should do the same. It's late."

Eva nodded, and with the small bird still in her hands, she left the two strangers. As she walked away, Eva heard the other person, the one who hadn't talked, sigh loudly, "I feel like that is going to get us in trouble with a protective parent." The ladies voice was softer when she spoke back, "Probably. But it was worth it. Did you see her smile?"

...

Eva made it back to the tavern without any other incidents, where Papa was sitting on the stairs. The bird was still in her hands, and she quickly walked over to him, "Papa! Look!"

Papa's smile was gentle, like the ladies, and he nodded, "It is a very pretty bird, but we can't take him inside. Also - where did you get a bird?"
"A nice lady called him. She and her friend are boarding their horses and staying here for a bit," Eva scrunched up her nose, "I think she can talk to animals."

Papa looked slightly worried she had talked to a stranger, but he didn't say anything about it. Instead, he helped her set the bird down, and then took her upstairs to get her ready for bed.

---

The rest of the walk to the stable was uneventful, with Karter griping about how it wasn't 1000 anymore, and no parent would take kindly to a stranger talking to their child, while Daphne was significantly calmer.

Walking into the stable, Daphne's horse perked up their head and nickered loudly, causing both Daphne and Karter to stifle their laughter, "Chill out, buddy. It's just for a few nights. No need to get all huffy."

Both twins waved to Eva as she dashed out the door, and Reginald echoed her with a soft, "goodnight Eva." Taeyang grinned at Eva's retreating form, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. "She's such a cute little thing, so.... innocent." Reginald nodded his head, agreeing, before switching topics.

"So we have two newcomers, I only met one though and she seemed nice enough." "Are they witches? I hope you're not letting in strange witches Reginald, the last thing we need is some ex-Jolon cronies to come and ruin the peace." Reginald huffed a short laugh, shaking his head with a grin. "I'm not stupid Taeyang, I think the one I met was an immortal, she definitely wasn't human. Plus she didn't seem affected by the Mist." Taeyang grinned but nodded her head solemnly.

"Well then, you should probably head in Reg, Lotus and I got it from here." As if summoned by her name, the familiar slid into the stables with silent steps. Reginald merely nodded and then left, headed inside to talk to Asa.

_____

By the time the newcomers reached the stable, Taeyang had re-lit all the lanterns she'd previously put out. She also opened the stable doors quite a bit so the visitors could see that this was where they were meant to go.

Once Lotus heard the strangers outside, they stopped lighting the lanterns and returned to the entrance where the newcomers were. "Hello there!" Taeyang's cheerful voice rang out in the relative silence of the stable. A few horses nickered in response to her call. "Welcome to Dawn's Bliss, I assume you need to stable your horses? They are magnificent by the way." Taeyang gave the duo her best tavern owner grin.

Daphne, who was at the head of the group, gave the new lady a tired, yet relieved, smile, "Oh wow, hi! Thank you for the compliment - and yes please. That would be wonderful." From behind her, Daphne heard a small thud, and turned to look. Karter, who was now heavily leaning against their horse's neck, gave a weak thumbs up, paired with wry grin, "Sorry, currently seeing double." They had been lost in the Mist for over four months, which meant that both Karter and Daphne were entirely drained. They hardly had any energy left, and at this point, they were running on the adrenaline and relief of finding a safety bubble. An immortal can handle roughly two months in the Mist and be perfectly fine with no side effects. After that, it saps their energy and life force. As far as Karter and Daphne could figure out, after five months of nonstop Mist contact, an immortal will fall asleep, and not wake up until they have been back in uncontaminated air for over a week.

(The reason they know this is through experimentation. Both immortals had a lot of free time on their hands with the shut down of society.)

"The person at the border said you had a room open - we will probably sleep for about two days, so if you do not mind, will you please feed our horses? I promise that we do actually take care of our animals."

-

sorry this is horrible but at least i was finally able to respond~!

It wasn't often immortals came blundering through the woods, and when they did make it to the relative safety of Dawn's Bliss it wasn't uncommon for them to fall asleep for weeks on end. During that time Taeyang made sure to care for their animals as if they were her own, and supported the immortals as much as she could when they woke. These two would be no exception to that common courtesy she provided.

"Why of course I-" "Taeyang wait," Lotus' voice boomed through Taeyang's consciousness, effectively cutting her off and forcing her attention on her familiar. "What if it's a trap? Asa said witches were coming back this could be some of their spies or something right?" Lotus gazed up at Taeyang with affectionate eyes, but as soon as she looked at the newcomers her expression turned accusing and suspicious. "I doubt it, immortals don't work well with witches, they never have. Besides, they'd never be able to beat Asa and Reg's power combined, don't worry so much Lotus." Taeyang's words made Lotus release a soft growl and her conscious to pull back into herself, effectively ignoring anything Taeyang had to say.

"S-sorry about that, lots of things going on today," Taeyang tried for her previous bright-hearted smile but it didn't seem quite as real anymore. "You are welcome to stay as long as you must, and I'll be happy to take care of your horses for as long as you need. Rooms A12 and A13 are open, you can use those. I'll take these big guys from you now, have a lovely evening." Taeyang gently took the reins from the duo and set up the horses in the crossties, Lotus glaring at the two newcomers with a sharp eye for the entirety of the conversation.

As Daphne and Karter handed over their reins, Daphne hauled Karter's arm around her shoulder, effectively propping the other immortal up. "Thank you so much," she couldn't help but repeat, her honest smile wavering now that the idea of rest was so close by, "We'll just stay in A12 together, so we don't hog up too much space."

Daphne sent a tiny wave toward the witch's familiar, whose distrust in them was obvious, even if Daphne wasn't adept in reading animal body language. The pair, both leaning heavily against one another, went, as quickly as they could, towards the Dawn's Bliss. Finding their room was a breeze and less than a minute after entering, Karter promptly set up a small ward - something that would alert them if a person walked into the room, nothing major - and passed out on the bed, not even bothering to go underneath the covers.

Daphne waited a little longer. She took off her shoes and undid her hair, and unloaded her (and the unconscious Karter's) weapons from anyplace that would be dangerous to sleep on.

After that, it was lights out for the two immortals, Daphne claiming the couch, and Karter already snoring on the bed.

-

i forgot how to write anything that isn't rhetorical analysis, i'm sorry this sucks 😭😭 do we want to ts or? cuz homies aren't waking up for a bit, so they are just gonna vibe.

torian and all of ur chari's are still here so if u have an idea for them??? other than mb gossiping/trying to figure out if karter and daph are spies