Armin kicked off his shoes and pulled out his phone. 'With this. A device for talking or sending messages to people over long distances.'
.
Esme jumped off Dianne's shoulder and started to scamper off to the rec room.

{Aava stares at it, mystified.}

Aava: "Wait, you just talk into that brick and you can get stuff?"

Armin just grinned. 'The wonders of modern technology, eh? It's called a phone. Everyone's phone has a different number. You can only talk to someone if you know their number.' He started to dial the pizza place, walking towards the rec room as well.

Aava: "...Wow..."

Dianne: "I'll get you one once you're cured. There's a lot to teach you about the modern day."

{The pair then walks into the rec room. Dianne sits on the bean bag. Aava wastes no time sitting next to her, lying against her side.}

Armin stood in the doorway and promptly put in an order for two pizzas, one cheese and tomato, one ham and mushroom. Once he was done, he looked over at them with amusement. 'Comfortable?'

Aava: "Very."

Dianne: "Hey, there's room for one more on my left side. Care to join us?"

'Why not? I don't have anything better to do until the food arrives.'
.
Armin sunk down onto the beanbag, beside Dianne. He put the TV on a quiet nature documentary to give Esme something to look at.

{Dianne sighs in contentment, watching the documentary.}

Aava: "Hey, look, they're talking about the Araneos. Isn't that what we're going to go fight?"

Armin pulled a face. 'I don't want to watch a show about araneos, but... I guess if I can't even watch them, I'll never be able to face them in real life.'
.
He looked at Dianne as he leaned into her.
.
'Can you make them extinct?'

Dianne: "Mmmmm....it would be extremely difficult, given how prolific they are. I could probably do it in...a century?"

Aava: "Too long. Not worth it..."

'A future project, then,' said Armin jokingly. 'No, let's just not go near them unless we really have to. I want you here with me, not busy exterminating spiders for a century.'

Dianne: "Agreed. I want to be here, with friends and family. When we go to Alacria, we get in and out. We won't linger. If we're lucky, the spiders won't realize that we're there until it's too late."

'Believe me, I'm not staying for a minute longer than necessary. Now, can we stop talking about araneos just for now?'

Dianne: "Ok."

{Pulling him in, she affectionately kisses his cheek.}

Dianne: "What do you want to talk about?"

'Nothing in particular. I'm just relaxing while I wait.'
.
He sneakily nipped the back of her neck, then turned back to look at the TV.

{Dianne stiffens,, making a face as she resists the urge to jolt. She then turns towards him, looking half amused, half annoyed, but says nothing.}

Armin looked up at her innocently, then gave a mischievous smirk. He leaned into her side without further action, still looking amused.

{Rolling her eyes in amusement, she settles back down to wait for the pizza. Aava didn't seem to notice anything.}

Eventually, the doorbell rang downstairs and Armin got up to go answer it. He tipped the delivery man, then returned moments later with two boxes of hot, melting pizza.
.
'Help yourselves.'

{Dianne takes a slice while Aava scrutinizes the food they brought. Taking a cautious bite, Aava's face lights up.}

Aava: "This is delicious! Pizza is the greatest food I've ever had!"

{Dianne chuckles as Aava takes a few more greedy bites. She seems to be quite hungry.}

'That's good,' said Armin with amusement. He took a slice for himself and started eating, enjoying the texture and warmth even if it was tasteless. Esme tore into her food with about the same intensity as Aava.

{After ravenously working halfway through the pizza, Aava looks up.}

Aava: "Mmmm....Y'know...I think I'm so hungry because I'm malnourished."

Dianne: "Yeah, after everything is settled, Pythia is going to give you a checkup."

'You didn't really eat for 500 years and were presumably kept alive only by the curse. You do look half-dead,' Armin observed. He had eaten two slices and left the rest to everyone else.

{Aava's chewing slows As she considers this.}

Aava: "Yeah...I'm covered in scars and I'm a lot thinner....You think...if the curse was keeping me alive....Will I be ok once it's gone?"

Dianne: "I think you will. You seem ok for the most part."

'You should be, but you won't be immortal anymore. So you'll have to really take care of yourself while you recover from all of this. And, I guess you'll start aging again.'

Aava: "Yeah...I guess that's a good thing, though...I get to finally live my life..."

Dianne: "No matter what happens from here, I will be there with you."

Aava: "...Thank you...."

{Sniffling a little, she continues to eat her pizza. Dianne pats her shoulder in a comforting manner.}

Esme ate her fill and settled down, half-asleep, to watch the television. Once everyone had finished, Armin cleared away the pizza boxes and sat down beside Dianne with a contented breath.

{Once Aava was done, she laid down on the opposite side of Dianne, clinging to her arm. Dianne was content to lie there, watching the tv.}

Armin shifted closer with a yawn. After about twenty minutes, Esme gave up on forcing herself awake and departed for the bedroom. Armin started absentmindedly rubbing Dianne's shoulder, unable to reach her back in this position.

{Dianne looks at him fondly.}

Dianne: "Ready for bed?"

Aava: "...Yes...."

{Aava was already dozing off, but sat up when Dianne moved.}

Armin heaved himself up with a grunt. 'Alright.'
.
Switching the TV off, he began to head upstairs.

{Dianne and Aava follow him upstairs. Rubbing her eyes, she shuffles into her room.}

Aava: "Good night..."

'Night. Don't be afraid to knock in the morning if you need anything. I hate mornings, but some things are more important.'
.
Armin went into the bedroom, where Esme was fast asleep, and started to change for bed.

{Aava nods, then closes the door. Dianne changes in the room then climbs into bed.}

Dianne: "Goodnight."

Armin pulled her into his arms, sleepily cuddling her and rubbing her back.
.
'Goodnight.'

{Dianne sighs contentedly, snuggling into him.}

Dianne: "Mmmm.....the back rubs are the best..."

Letting out a quiet chuckle, he slipped one hand underneath the back of her shirt. 'Enjoy it before I doze off on you, then.'

Dianne: "I will..."

{Soothed by the feeling of his hand stroking her back, Dianne quickly dozes off.}

(You want to skip?)

(Yes, I will go.)

{The next morning, Dianne stirred slightly in Armin's grasp, gently nipping his neck in her sleep.}

Dianne: "Mmmm....you're so warm...and it's so cold out there....just hold me..."

Armin jolted awake from a comfortable doze. He squinted at her groggily before his expression shifted to fondness.
.
'Cute little dragon...' Wrapping her securely in his arms, he nipped her neck affectionately in return.

{Dianne fidgets a little, a sleepy grin spread across her face. Mumbling incoherently, she burrows into him and falls still.}

Armin gazed at her for a moment, smiling. Eventually, his breathing levelled out as he returned to sleep. Despite the knowledge of what they had to face in Alacria, he felt utterly at peace during these quiet moments alone with her.

{About two hours later, late in the morning, she stirs again, lifting her head and sniffing the air,}

Dianne: "hmm...smells like Aava cooked herself eggs already...glad I taught her how to use a stove..."

Armin scented the air without opening his eyes. '... Doesn't smell like she burned the kitchen down, either... Good... That means you can stay here...' And he wrapped his arms around her more tightly.

{Dianne chuckles at this, kissing the bottom of his jaw.}

Dianne: "Oh, you...enjoy these quiet, intimate moments alone with me, don't you?"

'Very much.' He drowsily snuggled into her. '...I can hear your heartbeat. I can feel your breathing. And I'd probably feel them quicken if I bit you in just the right spot. Mmm... Nothing quite like being this close...'

Dianne: "Yes, I agree. Your presence is soothing to me. Hearing you, feeling you...I feel more at ease, comfortable, and relaxed than I ever have before meet you."

*meeting

'Ever have? Well, that means a lot. You're my life partner now; I'm not going anywhere, ever. My little dragon.'

{Dianne chuckles happily, nuzzling into his neck.}

Dianne: "My adorable little vampire..."

Armin grinned and tightened his grip.
.
'You know, sometimes I still think about the very first time you hugged me. It was in Triticum's tavern and it was adorable.'

Dianne: "I remember. I was so weakened I couldn't hold you for long. But, I wanted to express my gratitude somehow. I must say, I never expected it would lead to this. But, I'm glad it did."

'I might not have shown it, but I melted a little when you did that. It wasn't expected, but... It was nice. I didn't feel like I had to hold back anymore when I wanted to reach out. I didn't have to suppress the urge to touch you.'

Dianne: "Aaawww, how long had you been wanting to touch me?"

'I'm not sure. In Chalcedony, I almost reached out after seeing your nightmares. I held back, knowing it wouldn't go over well. By the time we stayed in Alexandria, I was starting to develop more fond feelings towards you. But, aside from the odd joke about sharing beds, I still held back out of respect, because I thought you didn't like being touched.'

Dianne: "Yeah, I was....strung out, and a little unstable, before....trusting you. I'm curious, when you asked to share a bed, did you want that for intimacy, or just company?"

'Just company,' said Armin. 'That being said, I /had/ begun to notice I was attracted to you by then. When we helped that girl find her mother... that was the first time I saw you truly happy. I thought about how nice you looked when you weren't grouchy.'

Dianne: "You got a glimpse of what I was like before I lost everything...and you liked me. Thanks for taking a chance on me."

'I'm glad, too. I could have just walked away when you kicked me in the groin and screamed abuse at me, but I'm glad I didn't. Life is better for it.'

{Dianne cringes at that.}

Dianne: "Please don't remind me..."

{She then burrows into him, nuzzling his chest.}

Dianne: "It makes me feel bad..."

'It's OK. Things were different then.'
.
Armin hugged her fiercely and kissed the top of her head.
.
'I forgave you long ago.'

Dianne: "...Happy to hear that...I couldn't imagine hurting you now. You're my amateotl and I love you. Forever and always."

'Forever and always. You mean the world to me, and whatever happens, we'll survive together.'
.
He lovingly bit the back of her neck, just barely letting his fangs scrape the skin.

{Dianne gasps, squeezing him tightly.}

Dianne: "Heheh...I never see that coming..."

Armin snickered. 'It's kind of fun to surprise you with that. I still can't believe that nobody found out before me.'

Dianne: "That's probably because I was always leading. Or in dragon form. You, I trust enough to lead. Honestly, it's great to be able to sit back and enjoy myself."

'Awww...'
.
Unable to resist, he shifted slightly so he could get his teeth into the back of her neck and nibbled gently, while hugging her close to his chest.

{Dianne sucked in a quck breath. Fidgeting, she finds herself securely held aginst Armin's chest.}

Dianne: "I see now...The snuggling was a ploy to hold me down and tease my neck."

{She says jokingly.}

'Of course not,' he said with amusement. 'The snuggling was just snuggling. But with all you were saying, I couldn't resist.'
.
He resumed the attack on her neck, biting and nibbling. His hands slid under her shirt, pressing against her back as he he held her.

{Dianne's pulse quickened and her breathing became ragged. She gripped him tightly, groaning quietly.}

Dianne: "Oooh...Yeah...You're too sweet to me..."

He continued focusing mostly on the back of her neck, feeling a little smug.
.
'Anything in particular... You want me to do?'

Dianne: "Yeah...bite me a little harder...and claw my stomach..."

Armin gave a low growl and drove his teeth in harder, though still carefully. He brought one hand around and raked his nails down the length of her abdomen while he bit.

{Dianne gave a quiet squeal, biting her lip and writhing in his grasp. Her face becomes flushed, her chest heaving.}

Dianne: "Just like that...don't stop...Oooh..."

Stifling a grin, Armin glanced up to check Esme's whereabouts. She had just woken up and left after scenting the food downstairs.
.
Turning back to Dianne, he continued playfully biting her neck and clawing her stomach repeatedly, enjoying pushing her to the edge.

{Dianne continued to squirm, whimpering at the sensations she was feeling. After a few minutes, she speaks up.}

Dianne: "...Ok...I would move on now....I can't hold on much longer..."

'OK.'
.
Armin sat upright, breathing a little unsteadily himself.
.
'Take a minute to catch your breath. That was pretty intense.'
.
(Skip?)

Dianne: "You're telling me..."

----------------------------------------------------------

{After their activity, Dianne got dressed and headed downstairs. In the dining room was a tired looking Aava.}

Aava: "Hey..."

Dianne: "Aava, are you alright?"

Aava: "Yeah...I just didn't sleep well...nightmares of....every time I'd turn into that thing...it's a painful process...and I'm conscious up until it completely takes me..."

Armin grimaced sympathetically as he entered the room behind Dianne. 'Ouch. Well, that's no good. You probably need the sleep...'

Dianne: "I'm sorry to hear that."

{Dianne sits next to her, looking at her with concern.}

Dianne: "Do you want to stay here and rest today?"

Aava: "No... I get anxious when I'm alone...and besides, my three days are almost up. If the trinket works, great, but if it doesn't...you don't want me to be in this building."

'Don't worry about it just yet,' said Armin as he hung in the doorway. He looked her over, then turned to Dianne. 'What are we going to be doing today?'

Dianne: "Calling Pythia, asking if she can watch Esme for, potentially a few days. Telling everyone that we leave tomorrow at 8am, on the plains by Bloodwater. Other than that, just preparing for the trip."

'Well, just text everyone to let them know. We don't need to drive around every person's house again,' said Armin.

Esme growled and bit Dianne's ankle. She wanted her to make breakfast for them both.

Dianne: "Ow! Oh, right, breakfast."

Aava: "She asked me too, but I wasn't what you make her."

{Dianne pats Aava's shoulder, then walks to the kitchen. Just then, there was a knock at the front door.}

Esme followed Dianne unhesitantly into the kitchen while Armin glanced equiringly in the direction of the front door.

//Wonder if that's Lucci...//

Without a word, he left the room, headed into the foyer, and opened the door.

(and then it was Sargon, back from the dead and back for revenge. XD)

{It was indeed Lucci at the front door. He smiles pleasantly at Armin.}

Lucci: "Hello, Armin, may I come in?"

(Armin: it's stabbing time)
.
'Sure,' said Armin, not surprised in the least. He stepped back to let Lucci through. 'Let me guess, this is either something about Aava or about the spider-infested city we have to tour?'

Lucci: "It's about Aava. The enchantment will work, you don't have to go locking her in a reinforced cell."

Dianne: "Armin, who was at the door?"

'Take a guess,' Armin called back. He then turned to Lucci. 'Well, that's good news. I'm sure she'll be relieved to not turn into that thing again.'

{Dianne turned off the stove and walked out. Seeing Lucci, she scowls, walks up to him and slugs him.}

Lucci: Hello, Dianne, I have-"

Dianne: "You bast.ard! You knew she was out there! You knew she was alive! Why didn't you tell me?!"

{Lucci straightens out, seeming unfazed by the punch.}

Lucci: "Dianne, you know I can't interfere that often. Especially when Kynigos specifically told me not to."

Armin winced slightly at the sight and sound of the blow, but he knew Lucci could see the future and could have dodged if he actually cared.
.
'C'mon, you know how these Divines are.' He then looked at Lucci. 'Why did Kynigos tell you not to?'

Lucci: "Said he wanted her to be punished for a while longer."

Dianne: "That's bull$h!t! She didn't even know what that damn thing was when she touched it! She meant no offense to Kynigos."

Lucci: "Yeeeaaaah, but he's kinda fallen into obscurity as of late, and he's salty that no one understood the significance of the necklace when it was retrieved."

'Aava didn't even want the necklace. It was her idiot of a commander who made her touch it.' Armin folded his arms and gave Lucci a disappointed look. 'So, she suffered for 500 years and you let it happen all because Kynigos was having a tantrum?'

Lucci: "Hey, I didn't let it happen, I was barred from interfering. However, she's made it to you, and now you can help her."

Dianne: "Fine, do you have anything else to say?"

Lucci: "Yes. The bracelet works. She won't turn back into the creature while she's wearing it."

'Anything else?' said Armin. 'I mean, that's great, but it seems like a small thing to come all the way here to say.'

Lucci: "Small but important. No, that was it. Be careful in Alacria."

Dianne: "Yeah. Now if you'll excuse me, my baby is hungry."

{With nothing left to say, Dianne walks back into the kitchen.}

Lucci: "Lot of spiders in that city. Be careful, huh?"

Armin gave Lucci a flat look as if to say 'You didn't need to tell me'. He then began to follow Dianne, not waiting to watch Lucci leave.

{Lucci let himself out. Dianne went back to cooking. Aava steps in, looking quizzical.}

Aava: "Um...Who was that?"

Dianne: "That was Lucci. He's an...old friend."

Aava: "So...You believe him when he says this trinket works?"

Dianne: "He's annoying, but I trust him with my life."

Aava: "But, how could he possibly know?"

As Armin joined them, he spoke up. 'Lucci is basically a divine and has the ability to see the future. So I imagine he looked ahead and /saw/ that you won't transform again.'

Aava: "Wait....Really?"

Dianne: "Yes. Well, he's technically a demigod, not a divine proper. He comes around and helps us out from time to time."

Aava: "Huh...I don't really get why, but..."

Dianne: "I'll explain at some point, but it's very long winded."

{With the food done, Dianne takes her and Esme's plates to the dining room.}

'That must be a relief to you, though,' said Armin, glancing at Aava. 'You won't need to sleep in a cell. You'll stay yourself from now on.'

Aava: "Yeah, it is...At the very least, I won't have to be that thing again..."

Dianne: "Yeah. You can just relax for now."

As they ate, Armin stood by the window and gazed out across the plains.
.
'I need to go hunting today. In preparation for the trip.'

Dianne: "Ok. We'll all go, get some air."

Aava: "Well, the countryside is beautiful."

{Having finished eating, Dianne gets up to call people. She starts with Frederick.}

Frederick picked up immediately. 'Good afternoon, Dianne. How may I help you?'
.
Armin simply continued to watch the scenery outside, having nothing else to do until they left.

{Aava slyly watches Dianne leave, then shifts her gaze to Armin.}

Aava: "So, Armin...about our conversation yesterday..."

Dianne: "Hello Frederick, I just wanted to confirm the date, time, and location of departure for tomorrow. 8am, next to Bloodwater sound good to you?"

Armin immediately groaned. 'What about it? Are you going to ask more unnecessary, personal questions?'
.
'Yes, that's ideal. Thank you,' Fred replied. 'I have already sorted out armour and weapons for everyone I'm sending with you. They will meet you at the agreed location.'

Aava: "Yessss...."

{She says, grinning mischievously.}

Dianne: "Wonderful. Could you do me one other favor? Could you tell this to Jerry and Luxia for me?"

Armin gave her an exasperated look. 'You can ask, but I'm likely to not answer. You have no respect for privacy.'
.
'Yes, I'll do that,' said Fred.

Aava: "I'm cursed. Normal privacy laws don't apply to me."

{She says with a wide grin.}

Aava: "You two took a while to come down. Doing anything exciting up there?"

Dianne: "Great, thanks. We're all just going to rest up here for tomorrow. Let me know if anything changes."

Armin considered, then shrugged. 'Sure. Sometimes we share living space with other people, so it's not new to us that people sometimes notice.'
.
'Of course. The same to you.'

Dianne: "Alright, see you tomorrow."

{Hanging up, she then dials Pythia.}

Aava: "Well, I did. I suppose you don't normally share details with your house guests?"

'No, we don't,' said Armin. 'You can't play the 'I might die, this is my last wish' card again. You're not going to transform again and we're going to cure you.'

Aava: "Rats. I mean, rats, I don't get any more juicy details, I really appreciate what you're doing for me. But, you sure you won't tell me what you were doing this morning?"

Pythia: "Hello, Dianne, I'm sorry I didn't call last night, I was busy all day and I was exhausted by the end..."

Dianne: "Hey, don't worry about it. Listen, I just wanted to ask if you would watch Esme for a few days, while we go to Alacria."

Pythia: "Of course I will. Just bring her over before you go."

Armin smirked. 'Nope. That's between her and me. You just get to imagine.' He privately wondered if Aava was the type to try and eavesdrop on them, or if that would be too disrespectful even for her.

Aava: "Drat. Sound like it was spicy too."

{ After a few minutes, Dianne returns.}

Dianne: "Ok, Pythia agreed to watch Esme tomorrow. We'll have to get up early to drop her off, then get to the rendezvous point by Bloodwater."

'Early...' said Armin in a tone of resignation. 'Alright. Sounds like we've got almost everything prepared. You're leaving a draugr to watch the pets, right?'

Dianne: "Yes, Bufo has it covered. Now, we go out, then rel for the rest of today. Aava, I suggest you take a nap after we get back. You look exhausted."

Armin headed back into the foyer and put his boots and coat on. It was a particularly cold day, though not snowing. Everything was very still and quiet in the countryside.

{Aava heads up to her room to prepare. Dianne puts her coat on, scoops up Esme, and meets everyone in the foyer.}

Dianne: "Ready?"

As Armin headed outside, he said, 'Let's fly towards the edge of Bloodwater. I want to stretch my wings.'

Dianne: "Alright."

{Getting outside, Dianne shifts. She scoops up Esme and Aava mounts her back. She then takes off towards the lake.}

Armin shifted and gave chase, soon overtaking them. When the lakeside came into view, he swiftly descended, shifting into his wolf form right on landing. He began to approach the patch of woodland about a hundred feet away.

{Dianne lands behind him. Aava hops off, then Dianne shifts and follows for a bit, letting Esme down.}

Dianne: "We'll be exploring the lakeside. Find us once you're done."

Armin growled in acknowledgement and padded towards the trees. As he got closer, his loping walk switched to an almost soundless hunter's stalk. He then melted out of sight, leaving Dianne and Aava alone. Esme edged closer to the lake, gazing down at the glassy still water.

{Dianne sits down with Esme. Aava looks around the lakeside, finding a pink potassium feldspar pebble.}

Aava: "Hm. This is a nice one."

Esme tore her gaze away from the water and looked up at Aava. Spotting the pebble, she came over and attempted to take it from Aava, not with her teeth, but reaching out with her hand like a human would.

{Aava, looks down at Esme, looking surprised, then a wholesome smile. Dianne's heart simply melted at seeing the gesture.}

Aava: "Hey, sweetie. You want the pretty pink pebble?"

Dianne: "Jeeze, she's so cute when she asks for pebbles."

Esme pricked up her ears and closed her paw around the stone, tugging it from Aava's grasp. She then scampered off a little way, seeming very pleased with herself.

Aava: "You adopted a good one, Dianne. She's freakin' adorable."

Dianne: "I know. She's such a sweetheart."

{Reaching into her purse, Dianne produces some dried mango.}

Dianne: "Here, Esme."

Keeping the stone safely enclosed in her paw, Esme reached out and snapped up the offered fruit. Their surroundings were quiet; no other people were around and Armin was still hunting.

{Aava sits next to Dianne, taking some mango and eating it.}

Aava: "It is a pretty view."

Dianne: "Yes, the Grey mountains make a lovely backdrop."

Aava: "Hey, can I ask you something?"

Dianne: "Of course."

Aava: "How did you fall in love with Armin?"

Esme sat by the lake edge, gazing out across the water. She seemed fixated by it, especially the reflections, and would watch with catlike alertness whenever a fish passed beneath the surface.

Dianne: "Well...It's a long story. We went on a month long trip together to visit an old friend. Over that time, we became close. He showed himself to be...loyal, caring....Despite my atrocious behavior. He took a chance on me...And I think we're both better for it."

Aava: "You really love him, huh?"

Dianne: "Yes. I do."

{Aava smiles and nods, patting her shoulder.}

Aava: "Good for you, Dianne. He seems like a great guy."

Just after this, the shape of Armin's wolf form emerged from the distant trees. Licking his jaws, he began to walk towards them, smoothly shifting to human form as he came.

{Dianne turns to look at him.}

Dianne: "Hey. Find enough prey?"

'Yeah. No deer, but there were a couple of rabbits that I managed to catch. Do you all want to stay out a bit longer or go home to rest now?'

Dianne: "let's go home. It's cold."

Aava: "Yeah, I think I'm good."

{Dianne shifts and waits for Aava to get on before scooping up Esme and taking flight.}

'Alright.'
.
He shifted into hawk form and took off first, leaving Dianne to transport the others.

{After a short flight, Dianne lands in front of her house.}

Dianne: "Alright, the rec room it is."

Aava: "Hey, can I sleep in that room with you? I don't want to be alone..."

Dianne: "Yeah, that's ok. You can sleep on the bean bag, or I could bring you a cot."

Aava: "The bean bag is good."

Once he got in, Armin went to the bathroom to rinse his mouth, not wanting his breath to smell of blood. After that, he just lingered uncertainly outside the rec room, unsure if he should stay out if Aava was going to sleep there. Esme had wandered off to hide her rock somewhere unknown to them.

{Dianne pokes her head out of the door.}

Dianne: "Hey, what are you doing? Come hang out with us."

Armin entered the room without further hesitation. 'If you're sure.'

{Aava was dozing on the bean bag, watching the tv on low. It was an action movie about killer robots from the future. Dianne sat down on the bean bag, and as soon as she did, Aava immediately snuggled up to her, settling in.}

Dianne: "Sit on my other side, Armin."

{She says softly.}

Armin quietly approached. He settled down on Dianne's free side, leaned against her a little, and kissed her cheek. He didn't say anything due to not wanting to disturb Aava.

{Dianne simply smiles, leaning back and watching the movie.}

(Hmmm, we could skip if you like, there's not much else to do here.)

(Alright, you can skip to whatever time you like.)

____________________________________________________

{A few hours later, Aava stirs from her nap, yawning widely and sitting up. Dianne had been dozing as well, stirring.}

Aava: "Mmm...I feel a bit better...Thanks for sitting with me."

Dianne: "No problem...Hungry yet?"

Aava: "Yeah...what's for dinner?"

Armin looked away from the TV to glance at them both. He had barely moved that afternoon, especially after Dianne had started dozing off.
.
'Mm, I don't know what we have right now...'

Dianne: "I have what I need for spaghetti and meatballs and squash."

{Standing and stretching, she heads to the kitchen. Aava then shuffles after her.}

Aava: "What's spaghetti?"

Dianne: "Dough noodles, boiled in water and served with tomato sauce and meatballs."

Aava: "Sounds great."

Armin gave a long stretch, trying to loosen his muscles after sitting in one place for hours. He then pursued them to the kitchen.

{Dianne began to cook, while Aava began to look through the ingredients.}

Aava: "Hmmm. Looks tasty."

Dianne: "It will be. Tell me, Aava, have you ever had Akhetian ale?"

Aava: "Are you kidding? That stuff is so rare."

A hint of a grin flickered across Armin's face. 'Well, do you want some?' he asked, while privately thinking that getting her drunk might not be a great idea. //Eh, she probably needs it.//

Aava: "Do you have some?"

Dianne: "Yeah, we have a lot."

Aava: "Absolutely!"

Dianne: "Ok, but only a little bit. We can't be hung over tomorrow."

'Do I need to fly over my place and get it or do you have some here?' Armin asked.

Dianne: "I still have a bit in the decanter. Certainly enough for dinner."

Aava: "How did you get it?"

Dianne: "Remember that trip I told you about? It was to go up north to Triticum's Tavern. We brought back barrels of the stuff."

Aava: "Really?! Man, I wish I could have gone."

'Considering we got attacked by a hunter clan during the trip, you might want to rethink that sentiment,' Armin remarked. 'We can't seem to go anywhere without it becoming a bloodbath.'

Aava: "No, I still would want to go. An extra person watching your backs probably would have gone a long way."

Dianne: "You can come on our next trip. Not sure where we're going to next though."

'We'll have to see where life takes us,' said Armin. 'We don't have anything planned in the near future, but maybe we can think of something to do.'

Dianne: "Actually, I thought everyone wanted to go to Alexandria this spring."

Aava: "Yeah, I'd like to see the Northern Valley again."

'Oh, yeah. We can do that. Once the weather warms up, so you don't have to complain about the cold the whole time,' he said teasingly.

Dianne: "Yeah, I think it would be nice. Definitely after things warm up, you know how the cold hurts me."

Aava: "Y'know, if you need help keeping warm, I could always bunk with you. A cold, thin guy like Armin can't produce much warmth."

Dianne: "Aava, you're smaller and thinner than he is. Body heat scales with biomass."

'I must be pretty warm, considering how she snuggles up to me at night,' Armin retaliated, his tone faintly smug as he gazed at Aava.

{Aava squints at him, smiling competitively.}

Aava: "Perhaps, but I come with insulation."

{She says, her hair becoming animated.}

Dianne: "I'm sure you're both warm, it's not a competition."

'Well, she seems to want to make it one,' said Armin, smiling slightly. He then looked back at Aava. 'I'm closer to her in size. You're too small to effectively keep her warm.'

Aava: "They also said I was too small to fight in the rebellion. They were wrong."

Dianne: "Enough. I don't want you two fighting over this."

Looking like he wasn't sure whether to be amused or not, Armin turned away and continued to watch Dianne work.

{Aava also drops it, watching Dianne cook and helping where she can. After a while, dinner was ready.}

Dianne: "Esme, dinner!"

Esme immediately appeared around the doorway and followed Dianne hungrily. Armin was less interested in the food and more eager to get some ale. //Wonder how Aava will react to it...//

{Once everyone had their food in the rec room, Dianne leaves momentarily, returning with the decanter and three small glasses.}

Aava: "Wow, this is great!"

Dianne: "Happy you like it. Now, everyone gets only a small glassful of ale. Aava, this stuff is extremely potent, so take it slow, ok?"

Aava: "Relax, I've had my fair share of hard liquors. I'll be fine.

Dianne: "Still, I'd recommend taking it easy."

{Dianne pours everyone a glass. Aava takes hers and sips it, blinking in surprise.}

Aava: "Oh, wow. You weren't kidding."

Armin lifted his glass and took a slow sip, glancing at Aava as he did so.
.
'Well, you didn't choke. That's a surprise.'
.
He drank a little more, and then paused to eat. Esme was tearing into her food as usual.

Aava: "Because I listened."

{Aava continued to eat her fill, very much enjoying everything. However, her table manners weren't much better than Esme's. By the time she finished her ale, she seemed to be swaying a little, a tipsy smile on her face.}

Armin pushed his plate away and downed the last of his own ale. He felt pleasantly fuzzy. Not quite drunk, but definitely tipsy. He settled back and looked over at Aava, grinning. 'You OK over there?'

Aava: "Never been better!"

{She says, clearly drunk, but happy.}

Dianne: "A little tipsy, but having a good time, at least."

'Glad to see it.'
.
Armin gave a sigh of contentment and kissed Dianne's cheek affectionately.

{Putting her plate aside, Dianne settles into the bean bag, pulling Armin close.}

Aava: "You two are so cute."

Armin chuckled at this. Smiling slightly as he was pulled in, he briefly nuzzled Dianne's neck and leaned on her a little more heavily.

{Dianne kisses his cheek in response, settling in.}

Aava: "Thanks for making dinner, while Armin sat and watched, Dianne."

{She says mischievously.}

'I don't really cook. Unless it's fish,' said Armin. 'Besides, she can manage fine on her own.'

Aava: "I believe it. Still, you should cook every once in a while. Don't make Dianne do it aaaallll the time."

Dianne: "It's fine. I'm the better cook by a long shot."

'Oh yeah. When you haven't needed to eat for 250 years, your cooking skills aren't fine-tuned. I could cook, but I can't guarantee good results.'

Dianne: "Yep...Why cook when you don't need to eat?"

Aava: "Hmmm...well, I need to learn this new age's cuisine. But, that's for later..."

{Getting up, Aava shuffles over to Dianne, on the opposite side of Armin, and flops down.}

Aava: "Did the ale make anyone else sleepy?"

'Yep. Most of the time. Unless I have enough to be completely drunk. Then, I don't get sleepy at first,' said Armin. 'Sometime, when we don't have to get up early... we should drink more.'

Aava: "Agreed..."

{Dianne pats Aava on the shoulder, smiling down at her.}

Dianne: "If we're all falling asleep, we should probably head to bed. Got to get up early, drop off Esme, then head to Bloodwater."

Armin groaned unenthusiastically. 'I don't like getting up early...' he complained, leaning more heavily against her as a wave of drowsiness struck him.

Aava: "Fine. Then you stay and sleep, and Dianne and I will go fight the army of bloodthirsty spiders alone."

'Nooo... I'm coming... I have to keep watch for the spiders... You lot and your weak senses will never know they're coming...' Armin stated.

Dianne: "Yup...Nothing to worry about...But seriously, we ought to head to bed now..."

Aava: "Carry me?..."

'Hey, who do you think you are?' said Armin, still tipsy. 'I always ask her to carry me when I'm drunk.'

Aava: "Well too bad, I asked first..."

Dianne: "Now, now, don't fight. I can carry you both...But maybe one at a time."

'Alright... Maybe you should take her first... Then we can go up to our room together.'

Dianne: "Alrighty."

{Getting up and stretching, Dianne picks up Aava and carries her to her room. Aava hugs her tightly as they walk up the stairs.}

Aava: "Thanks...And goodnight..."

Dianne: "Goodnight, Aava."

{Setting her down on the bed, Dianne heads back to Armin.}

Armin looked up at her groggily as she entered the room. 'Oh, hey there. Going to carry me up the stairs?'

Dianne: "Yes I am."

{Dianne kneels in front of him, kisses him on the lips, sharply nips his neck, then picks him up.}

Dianne: "Up we go."

Armin let out a small yelp at the nip, caught off-guard. As she lifted him up, he recovered and smirked up at her.
.
'You always do that. I should probably expect it by now.' He bit her lazily in return.

{Dianne chuckles, walking up the stairs.}

Dianne: "You're just so cute, I can't help myself."

{Walking into the bedroom, she puts him on the bed.}

Armin shuffled to the edge of the bed and sat therr while he changed into his nightclothes. As soon as this was done, he flopped down beneath the covers, lay on his side, and gazed up at Dianne, waiting for her to join him.

{Dianne changes in the bedroom, then gets in the bed with him, setting the alarm, then snuggling up to him.}

Dianne: "Goodnight..."

Armin pulled her in close and buried his face in her shoulder, decidedly not looking forward to what they had to do tomorrow. He knew that if he asked to stay behind, she would let him. But he wouldn't. No matter what, he'd stick with her.
.
'Love you.'

Dianne: "I love you too...Tomorrow is going to be fine. I guarantee it..."

(Skip?)

(Yes, skip. Have the alarm clock ruin Armin's morning. XD)

(XD)

-----------------------------------------------

*BEEP BEEP BEEP*

{It was six am. The alarm clock rang out, prompting Dianne to silence the noise, then sit up.}

Dianne: "Hmmm...Well, let's get going..."

Armin opened one eye and looked at her with a glazed expression.
.
'...Why do we need to go so early if we're portalling there...?'

Dianne: "Because I don't know how long we'll be spending in the city and I don't want to be there when night falls. Now come on, let's get ready."

{Patting him on the shoulder, she gets up to wake up Aava. Knocking on Aava's door, she pokes her head in.}

Dianne: "Aava? Time to wake up."

Aava: "Mmmmfffgh....Five more minutes..."

Armin started to get up while she was out of the room, willing himself with thoughts of finally curing Aava. However, he only made it to a sitting position before he flopped back against the headboard and closed his eyes again.
.
//I'll get up when she comes back...//

Dianne: "Aava, we have to go cure you. Time to get up."

{Aava sleepily sits up, rubbing her eyes.}

Aava: "...Right...I'm up..."

{After successfully rousing Aava, Dianne walks back to her room, only to find Armin dozing.}

Dianne: "Hey! Come on, up with you!"

Armin jolted and opened his eyes.
.
'I was getting up...'
.
He clambered off the bed, fumbling as he got dressed. Esme was lying with her head on her forelegs, blinking up at Dianne.

{Dianne smiles at Esme, gathering her clothes to get dressed and heading for the bath. She returns a few minutes later and starts putting her armor on.}

Dianne: "First to Pythia's"

Armin put his armour on, threw a coat on over it, and sheathed his enchanted sword at his side, doing everything with dragging movements and a glazed expression.
.
'Aren't you going to eat anything before we go?'

Dianne: "I'll make some eggs. Real quick stuff, nothing fancy."

{With Igneum's Anguish in hand, Dianne heads downstairs. Aava was already dressed and sitting in the kitchen.}

Dianne: "Before we go, Aava, I need to give you some light armor. After breakfast.}

Esme drowsily got up and followed Dianne downstairs, seeming a little bemused by the proceedings. Armin followed as well, going into the dining room and slumping down in a chair.

{Breakfast passes in relative silence. All parties involved seem a bit apprehensive of the trip. However, once everyone's eaten, Dianne leads aava to the basement to get her fitted in light armor. Once that task was done, Dianne scoops up Esme and heads into the foyer.}

Dianne: "Ready?"

Armin led them out to the car and clambered in. The engine growled into life, and he seemed to wake up slightly in response. Rubbing his eyes, he waited for everyone to be in, then set off towards Pythia's house.

{Once in the car, Dianne picks up Esme and looks at her.}

Dianne: "Ok, Esme, you're going to stay with Pythia for a little bit. Maybe for an afternoon, maybe for a few days. Behave yourself, huh?"

Esme pressed her ears back and made a whining noise, baring her teeth slightly. She had hoped that they might be going on an adventure.
.
'C'mon, we won't be long,' said Armin. 'Rex will bring your toys over, so you won't be bored, and we'll be back before you know it. OK?'

Dianne: "Yeah, It'll be fun. You know Pythia, right? She's nice, and she can cook you yummy vegetable dishes."

Esme grumbled and turned to look out the window. She wasn't happy, but was accepting the situation.
.
'Uh, you did tell Pythia that we'd be coming this early, didn't you?' said Armin. 'We don't want to ruin her sleep.'

Dianne: "Yes, we discussed it at length yesterday. Also, I texted her before we left. She knows we're coming."

'Alright. Good.'
.
After a quiet drive, they arrived outside Pythia's house in the misty early-morning light.

Dianne: "Aava, you can stay here if you want to."

Aava: "Ok."

{Aava huddles up in the back of the truck while Dianne takes Esme up to the door. After knocking, Pythia opens it.}

{Pythia: "Hey you three. Here to drop off the bundle of joy?"

Dianne: "Yes. We're going to make sure she's settled before heading out. Take good care of her while we're gone, ok?"

Armin accompanied them to the door. 'We hope to only be gone for a few hours, but if we're any longer, I don't know how she might react. But Rex is bringing over her toys later, and you can always try distracting her with food if she's a pain.'

Pythia: "Of course, I have it handled. I took today off so I could stay with her. You go and help Aava."

Dianne: "Wait, Rex is bringing the toys? I thought he was coming?"

Armin paused momentarily. '...Oh, that's wrong, actually. I'm still half-asleep... It was Fred who said he would. He's coming to meet us by the lake, then he'll take care of Esme's stuff.'
.
Esme was not looking enthused by the situation, but she stayed quiet.

Dianne: "Ok, that makes a lot more sense."

{Seeing Esme's unenthusiastic demeanor, she drops a kiss on her forehead.}

Dianne: "Don't worry, sweetheart. We'll be back before you know it."

Esme just flicked her tail like an unhappy cat.
.
'We should probably go,' said Armin. 'We're relying on Luxia as part of our plan, and who knows if she'll even show up on time.'

Dianne: "Yes. Thank you again, Pythia, for doing this for us."

Pythia: "You're quite welcome. Help Aava, then come back safe."

{Kissing Esme one last time, Dianne passes her to Pythia.}

Dianne: "Be good, Esme. We'll be back soon."

Esme whined. Armin patted her on the muzzle. 'Build a great castle while we're gone, alright? Get Pythia to help you. She needs to do more things besides work.'
.
With a quick grin, he turned to walk back to the car.

{Dianne waves goodbye, then turns to leave with Armin. Closing the door, Pythia adjusts her grip on Esme.}

Pythia: "Ok, Esme. It's pretty early, are you tired?"

Aava: "Dropped off the kid ok?"

Dianne: "Yeah...but, she really wasn't happy about it."

Esme's ears moved and she seemed to think about it, before nodding glumly. She decided that maybe if she went to sleep, everyone would be back when she awoke.
.
Armin settled into the driver's seat and drove off after watching Pythia's door close. 'She reminds me of Fred when he was really young. He didn't like being away from family either.'

Dianne: "Hopefully, this will be a quick journey..."

{Dianne didn't like the idea of potentially leaving Esme for so long, but this had to be done. Pythia walks to her room with Esme, putting her on the bed and lying down next to her.}

Pythia: "I'm a bit tired too."

Esme walked up and down the bed, inspecting every inch of it. Eventually, she curled up near the end, dug her claws into the blanket, and seemingly drifted off.
.
Armin drove on in silence, heading for the city's edge.

{Once they got to Bloodwater, Jerry was leaning against his car. He was wearing a thick coat and tactical gear. Smoking a cigarette, he approaches the truck as they drive up.}

Armin slowed to a halt near the lakeside. 'Hey there,' he said, rolling down his window.
.
Nearby stood a small group of people. Fres was easily recognisable with his long blond hair. There were three other vampires - two men and a woman - wearing light armour, and beside them stood Ryder, keyed up with anticipation. Rex lurked behind him, wearing the same light armour as the vampires with a dark coat on top, smoking a cigarette into the pale morning light.

Jerry: "Howdy. Everyone's here but Luxia. Just waiting for her. "

Dianne: "Tell Fred to load this truck with the supplies. We're taking it through the portal. I want to leave as soon as she gets here."

Fred, hearing this, began to do as she asked. The vampires, Ryder, and Rex climbed into the back as well, but said nothing. They were all equipped with shotguns or rifles and carried swords or handguns as backup weapons.
.
'Luxia seemed to take '8AM' literally, so I don't think she'll be here a minute earlier,' said Fred through the truck window.

{Aava nervously waved at Ryder, Rex, and the three strangers now sitting in the back with her. Jerry loaded some medkits and extra munitions into the back, but stayed outside.}

Dianne: "Very well. We will wait then."

Ryder waved and tried to smile reassuringly. 'Hi. So, uhh, have you ever fought an araneo before? I haven't.'
.
Armin casually hung his arm out the open car window as he waited. 'You bringing your own car in?' he asked, looking over at Jerry.

{Aava pulls her knees to her chest, wrapping her arms around herself.}

Aava: "Yeah...they're faster than they look, so be careful. Just go for the legs."

Jerry: "Yeah, I reckon I will. Weapons and ammo in the back, if anyone needs them."

Ryder nodded. 'OK, that doesn't sound too hard...' He was bubbling with a mixture of nerves and excitement. Rex, by contrast, showed little expression.
.
'Alright. We'll drive in first, just in case something ambushes us right on the other side...' said Armin.

Jerry: "Sounds good."

Aava: "So, Ryder...go on a lot of adventures out of province?"

Armin fell silent after that, gazing out the windshield. However, he was probably communicating telepathically with Rex.
.
'Oh, no, not really. I spent most of my life in the Haven Mountains and came here a little over a year ago. That's the furthest I've travelled. I've never been outside Vallis before.'

Aava: "Oh. Is that why you wanted to come? To travel out there?"

'I guess, kinda, but I think I mostly just wanted to help out. Another dragon might be handy against those spiders. I like helping, y'know?'

Aava: "Oh. Well, thank you. Where's the Haven Mountains, and what's it like there?"

'It's a ways north from here. North and west. I dunno how to describe it, but I think it's nice. It's home to a wild dragon tribe, which is where I grew up.'
.
'Are they like Viridi's tribe?' said Armin from the front.
.
'In some ways, but I think we're much nicer. I mean, we don't hurt people just for entering our territory. We hurt them if they try to hurt us first.'

Dianne: "That's nice. I hate Viridi. I hate his tribe and I hate their archaic, tribalistic structure."

Aava: "Awfully strong words there..."

'Their culture is archaic. They take pride in the fact that they've been around before any major town or city in Vallis was built,' said Ryder.
.
'I'm not fond of him either,' said Armin. 'He tried to kill some teenagers and hurt Dianne. Not fun.'

Dianne: "Arrogant fools. Clinging to their savage ways will bring them only misery."

Aava: "Well, I hope I never meet them. Ever."

Suddenly, a purple vortex six feet tall tore into reality. Through it hopped a cheerful-looking Luxia.
.
'Has everyone had their breakfast? I had mine. Breakfast is important.'

Dianne: "Ah, Luxia. Yes, we've had breakfast and are ready to go."

'Excellent! Now, let's see here...'
.
She dissolved the portal she'd just come through, before starting to draw up power in preparation to open another. She was not dressed for combat; instead, she was wearing a striped sweater in a variety of clashing colours, rain boots, and a long, sweeping cloak.

{Starting his car, Jerry gets behind the truck in preparation. Taking note of Luxia's lack of armor or weapons, she turns to the people in the back.}

Dianne: "Listen up. We need to protect Luxia. Anything happens to her and we're taking the long way back."

The portal opened. Luxia, without hesitation, walked through and promptly disappeared from sight. Armin started to inch forwards. He looked tense, every muscle poised in expectation of a spider jumping at them. 'Everyone ready to go in?' he asked.

(posting new room)

Dianne: "Yes, take us in, nice and slow. I hope she sent us to the outskirts and not the city center..."