Armin glanced back in time to see the clay figures becoming immobile once again. He then followed Dianne outside.

'Alright, food now, I guess.'

Dianne: "Yes, dinner."

{Dianne walks straight into the market, walking right for the meat section.}

While she was selecting the meat, Armin slipped off on his own. He returned shortly afterwards with a bottle of lemonade, presumably for Esme, some potatoes, and some mixed vegetables.

'Got the ham?' he asked.

Dianne: "Yep."

{She had a large ham in a basket she acquired, along with milk, eggs, cheese, and a colorful cereal.}

Dianne: "I see you got the produce, but you forgot the fruit. Tsk, tsk, Esme will be quite disappointed."

'Heh. We'd better go back over there and get some then.'

He looked over the contents of the basket as he added his contribution to it. A few people in the supermarket were giving them uneasy looks, but it wasn't as bad as when they'd first moved to Sovereign.

{Dianne paid the people no mind, leisurely walking through the isles towards produce, grabbing anything they needed along the way.}

Dianne: "I would have gotten fish, but the stuff you catch and cook tastes better anyway."

'Yeah, I can catch some from the lake next time we want some for dinner. Freshly cooked is always better than this chilled packaged stuff.'

Armin absently picked up a couple of bottles of apple cider along the way.

Dianne: "Yes. Although when the ice comes, you may have more trouble getting the fish."

'If I get a rod, then I can break holes in the ice and catch them through those. Maybe I'll do that when it gets really cold.'

Dianne: "Well, you have fun with that. I stand on the ice and I'm liable to fall right through. Frigid water and I can't swim? I'd never get near a lake again."

{Getting to the produce, she begins to pick out fruits.}

Armin dropped some mangos into the basket. 'You don't have to stand on it. I'll do the fishing. I'd rather not fall into freezing water either, but at least I won't drown or get hypothermia...'

Dianne: "Yeah, but if you do, I'll have Barnabas go with you to pull you out. Hmm...Has Esme ever tried a peach?"

'Get some. You might want to cut the stone out before you let her have them, though.'

Dianne: "Of course. Can't have her choking on them."

{With a wide assortment of fruit in the basket, she heads for the checkout.}

Armin followed. The cashier gave them a second glance upon noticing they weren't human, but seemed largely unconcerned as they checked out their groceries.

{With everything paid for, Dianne walks out to the car with the groceries.}

Dianne: "Clerks in Alexandria never do a double take like that..."

'It is a bit odd to watch, after being in Alexandria,' said Armin. 'But at least nobody's screaming and brandishing stakes.'

Owel was waiting inside the car, with a small bag of shopping on the front seat beside her. She must have gone to the grocery store just before they did.

{Dianne loads their purchases into the back, then gets in.}

Dianne: "Ok, we finished shopping."

'Got everything? OK, let's go.'

Owel proceeded to drive out of the shopping district.

'If you still want to hear this story, then, fair warning: just because I'm happy to tell you, doesn't mean it's a very happy story. In fact, it's a bit dark. Though I'm sure you two are more than capable of handling that.'

Dianne: "Of course. We understand."

I think we've all seen enough grim stuff to not be worried,' said Armin dryly.

'Alright, so... I came from a tiny island settlement. It was popular there, at the time, for girls to be put into arranged marriages. My brothers led respectable, independent lives. Our society believed that females were not capable of making such important decisions as picking a partner ourselves, and so when I was born, my parents arranged my future for me.'

Dianne: "Of course. Some cultures do that. I personally don't agree with it, but that's just me. Please, continue."

Owel spoke in a way that suggested she had recited this story several times before.

'I grew up happily with my family, completely unaware of what they had planned. One day, I was introduced to this man who claimed to be my fiance. I didn't agree with it, but my opinion was irrelevant. He told me to pack some belongings and then brought me back to his family's home.'

Armin wrinkled his nose. 'What, so you didn't get a choice at all? That's stupid.'

Dianne: "Yeah, it is. I've razed kingdoms for less."

'My parents thought they were doing the best for me. They were wrong, as my husband didn't care about me at all. I was more his plaything. I had to do whatever he asked, and he was... cruel if I disobeyed. That was how the next few years went. Eventually, his parents insisted that he stop playing around and have an heir. As with everything else, it wasn't my decision to make. That's what led to the conception of Warden.'

Armin remained silent, looking slightly disgusted, but curious as to how this led to Owel being a vampire.

{Dianne listens in silence, wearing a somewhat displeased expression.}

'His birth had... complications. There was no doctor present. As soon as he was born, Reinhard's family whisked him off to care for him. They said I was 'done' and left me for dead. I heard Reinhard talking about the younger woman he was considering as my replacement. They all left, and it got dark... quiet... I knew that I was dying, but it was almost a relief by then.

'And then... someone came into the room. To this day I have no idea who they were, but they were a vampire. Everything blacked out after that. When I awoke hours later, I realised I was still alive and completely healed.'

{Dianne looked mildly intrigued by this, quietly wondering who this mystery vampire was.}

Armin wanted to ask more about the vampire, but held his tongue and let her finish.

'Before long, my husband's family came back to move my body, and screamed bloody murder. They tried to kill me, but were so terrified I could fend them off. Instinct prompted me to look for my son, and when I found him crying in another room, I grabbed him, jumped out the window, and ran. I ran to the harbour where I saw a man loading supplies onto a boat. I threw him aside, stole the boat, and took off with Warden. By some miracle, both of us survived the two-day trip to the Northern Provinces.'

Dianne: "That's quite fortunate. Not only did you get your son, but you made it to perhaps the best city in all of Vallis to disappear into."

'I haven't gotten to the part where Frederick was involved yet.'

'Where did he come into it, then?' said Armin.

'When I landed on the continent, I walked into the first city I saw. Which happened to be Shacklestone. I was desperate to find somewhere safe, and luckily, I ran into Fred. He was very kind. He let us into his home, gave us whatever we needed, and taught me about vampirism. I lived in his spare room for six months. Eventually, he suggested that we relocate to Alexandria, saying it was a much more accepting place. He even paid for the flight.'

Armin looked slightly surprised, and proud, to hear that his son would do such a thing. //I guess he really does care about people more than he lets on...//

{Dianne smiles warmly as well.}

Dianne: "That's extremely kind of him."

'That's why I came to help when he said he was looking for people. And it's been quite an interesting experience, given how much happens around here.'

Armin was still thinking about Frederick. //Why am I surprised that he'd do that? I know he's a good person. I guess I just didn't realise he'd go out of his way to help someone like that...//

Dianne: "Well, we're very happy to have you around. I take it your "husband" never figured out where you went?"

The house came into view and Owel started to park up outside it.

'No, I don't think anyone on the island was brave enough to follow the demonic undead monster,' she said with amusement. 'He's probably still alive, but I've no desire to seek him out.'

Dianne: "That is good. The place sounds like a hell hole anyway. Well, thanks for the tale and the ride. Maybe tomorrow, I'll tell you my own tale of woe."
{She says, amused.}

Owel just chuckled. 'Don't most of us have one of those? Well, have a nice end of your day.'

Armin gathered the shopping bags and started to clamber out of the car.

{Dianne grabs what she can and gets out as well.}

Dianne: "Thank you so much, Owel. Have a nice afternoon."

'Be seeing you.'

Once they were out of the car, Owel drove away. Armin walked up to the front door and let himself in. He greeted Esme, who chirped at them as they passed, then went to the kitchen to unpack the food.

Dianne: "Hello, sweetie. Have fun here with Rex?"

{Walking into the kitchen, she begins to put away the perishables. Once she finished, she destones a peach and cuts it into slices.}

Dianne: "Here, Esme."

Esme watched her dissect the peach with interest, then warily tried some. She quickly decided it was acceptable and devoured the rest.

Armin finished putting the food away before wandering off on his own to check on Rex.

(Should we maybe skip to evening or something?)

(Sure. During or after?)

(Dinner, I mean.)

(Maybe a bit after?)

(Ok. Dianne will probably have wanted ale, so she might be a little tipsy. Who starts?)

(You start.)

(Ok. )

{Later that evening, after dinner, Dianne was relaxing on the couch, empty glass in hand. She was feeling drowsy and content.}

Armin was just finishing his glass. On the TV was an action adventure movie, which Esme was watching fixedly. Armin downed the last mouthful of ale and glanced across at Dianne.

'Aww. You look a bit drowsy,' he said in a low, playful tone.

{Dianne sleepily smiles at him, placing her glass down.}

Dianne: "Yeah, kinda...I'm just a liiiitle drunk. Hehehe..."

Armin wavered and leaned sideways, dropping most of his weight against her.

'Just a little?' he said, smiling. 'Are you sure?'

Dianne: "Pretty sure. I'm feeling reeeaaaly good, that's usually why."

{She pulls him close, nuzzling him affectionately.}

Armin relaxed in her grasp, embracing the affection and the slightly woozy feeling from the ale.

'...Adorable little dragon...'

Dianne: "Cute little vampire..."

{She leans back with him, enjoying his company and warmth.}

Dianne: "It's getting too cold here..."

'Mhmmm... Well, it's not gonna be any warmer upstairs... I think I've got a spare blanket in the closet. We can put that on the bed, when we sleep...'

Dianne: "Yeah, let's get that. But right now, just stay with me. "

{She kisses the side of his face, squeezing him tightly.}

Armin settled into her embrace, nestling his head between her neck and shoulder. He let out a long exhale, completely content.

'I love you,' he murmured affectionately.

Dianne: "I love you too."

{She lightly rubs his back as she sits there, smiling happily. After letting out a contented sigh, she began to sing.}

Dianne: "I never thought I'd be here again. I never dreamed I could change.

I always thought I'd be alone forever. Until along you came.
An eon of loneliness, here I thought I was broke. You came along and helped put me back together, and now I'm once again whole.
I never thought I'd be here again. I never dreamed things could change.

I always thought I would be in pain forever, until along you came."

Armin listened quietly throughout, trying to focus on the words past the haze of alcohol, and smiling faintly as she finished.

'...You're welcome,' he said mischievously. Then he sobered and leaned around to kiss her cheek. 'That was beautiful, thank you.'

{Dianne chuckles, kissing him again.}

Dianne: "I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm almost falling asleep here, should we move?"

'I suppose so. You can carry me, though. I'm not sure my legs work right now,' he said drowsily.

Dianne: "Ok."

{She moves to stand with him, but right before she does, she sharply nips his neck, chuckling mischievously.}

Armin let out what sounded like a small, high-pitched yelp in response, caught off guard.

'Hmm. Did a sudden urge to bite me just come over you?' he said, looking up at her with slight amusement.

Dianne: "Yes, it did. You're just so cute, I couldn't help it."

{Clearly, the alcohol was playing keep away with her usual logic. Regardless, she began to climb the stairs.}

'I don't mind if that's the way you want to express fondness,' said Armin, grinning up at her. His breath smelled of alcohol and he could smell it on hers too. 'But, by vampire culture, I have to return it in kind.'

He sharply nipped at her neck in return, too tipsy to consider the possibility of her dropping him.

{Dianne jolted, stumbling a little on the stairs. However, she was able to hold onto him and stay upright.}

Dianne: "Hehehehehee...I almost dropped you, but I didn't..."

{She states, smiling drunkenly.}

'If you drop me... then I'll wake you up tomorrow by pushing you out of the bed...' said Armin. He settled back in her arms, watching her hazily with amusement.

Dianne: "Nooooo, that's meeaaan!"

{She complains, walking up the stairs and into the bedroom. She places him down on the bed.}

'It's absolutely not.'

Armin looked around vaguely for his sleepwear, eventually spotting it and managing to get changed. He then lay down on his back, blinking a little disorientatedly.

{Dianne changes, leaving her clothes and coat in a haphazard pile in the corner. Shivering, she walks over to the bed and curls up under the blankets.}

Dianne: "I'm still cold..."

'Mhm, I forgot one thing...'

Armin sat up, went to the closet, and pulled out a second quilted blanket. He threw it over the bed before climbing back in beside her.

'What position can we sleep in that would be warmest for you...?'

Dianne: "...Me on bottom, you lying on top of me..."

{She says, lying on her front.}

Armin obligingly shifted on top of her, then drew the blankets tightly around them, trying to minimise the amount of cool air seeping in.

'There we go... A bit warmer?'

Dianne: "...Much...Thank you..."

{She then begins to drift off.}

Armin snuggled into her back and quickly drifted off as well, the alcohol making it hard for him to stay awake.

(Skip?)

(Yes.)

{The next morning, Dianne was comfortably asleep. Just like the day before, she didn't seem close to waking.}

Armin had remained in his previous position, keeping her as warm as possible. Esme, meanwhile, was curled up at the end of the bed. The cold didn't seem to bother her as much.

Armin slept in late, eventually stirring at 11:30AM. Yawning, he looked down at Dianne beneath him. He expected to have trouble waking her up again. He shifted slightly and started poking her.

{She began to stir a little, feebly swatting at his hands.}

Dianne: "Mmm....Stoppit....."

'No. I'm not letting you go into hibernation.'

He grabbed her hand when she tried to swat him away, then continued nudging her insistently.

{She cracked her eyes open, looking ahead.}

Dianne: "....No....too cold.... carry me?..."

'Carry you where? C'mon, wake up.'

He rubbed her back vigorously to generate some more warmth.

'If our house is too cold, we could always go and visit somewhere warmer.'

{When he rubbed her back, she started to sink back down into the bed, smiling sleepily.}

Dianne: "My house is warm....but noooooo.....you don't like the way....Pathalogos stares at you...."

'Well, why don't we sleep in your house, just until our room heater gets shipped back to us?'

Noticing her drowsy demeanour, he smiled resignedly and continued rubbing her back, hoping she wouldn't drift off completely.

Dianne: "Mmmm......yeah.....sounds like a good idea...we can even bring Rex if we want..."

{Looking happy and sleepy, her eyes begin to drift shut.}

'Alright, but you still have to get up today. You want food, don't you?'

As Armin attempted to keep Dianne awake, Esme yawned, jumped off the bed, and exited the room.

Dianne: "Yes...I'm hungry..."

{She then starts to push herself up into a kneeling position, wobbling slightly.}

Dianne: "....It's cold...."

'I know.' He wrapped his arms around her from behind, nuzzling her shoulder. 'Get up, put your coat on, and go make something warm for breakfast. You'll be fine.'

Dianne: "Ok..."

{Pushing off the bed, she goes to gather her clothes, shivering almost instantly. After a few minutes in the bath, she emerges in a shirt and jeans, grabbing her coat off the floor. Fastening it tightly around herself, she goes downstairs to make breakfast.}

Armin got changed and followed her downstairs. He was wearing a sweater and jeans, clearly handling the cold much better than she was.

'I think we should have fish for dinner tonight,' he suggested as he entered the kitchen. 'We can go down to the lakeside and build a fire to cook it. The fire will keep us warm, and then we can drive to your house to sleep.'

(Posting new room)