In the early evening..

[Lily Phoenix]

A pale and tired looking Lily enters the Inn, dry tears shining on her cheeks as she looks around. Spying a comfortable seat by the fire that sets her away from the rest of the patrons, she put her bag on it and walked to the bar.

"A jug of mead, please. And something warm to eat, if you could; it's still very cold outside..."

She gives the barman some coins to pay for her meal and settles herself in the chair, staring into the flames and occasionally looking at her hands, squinting as though something has changed.
_________________
Doctor Kythara DeWinter
Mute

Charlotte Hall, DE19

[Bronkowitz]

*Sam walks in, blowing on his hands. He looks around and, spying Lily, wanders over*

Good evening, Lily, do you mind if I join you and share the fire? It's a bit parky out.
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This space to let.....

Steve Daniels
DE0295

[Lily Phoenix]

Lily smiles a little as Sam speaks, and she sips her mead.

"Please, feel free. Definitely much warmer here than outside, that's for sure."
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Doctor Kythara DeWinter
Mute

Charlotte Hall, DE19

[Bronkowitz]

Thank you.

*Sam setles down in a nearby armchair, sticking his feet towards the fire and wriggling to get comfortable.*

When I came in, you looked lost in thought. Would it help you to talk? Or just sit for a while, if you'd like.

*He rubs at his eyepatch, unconsciously*
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This space to let.....

Steve Daniels
DE0295

[Lily Phoenix]

"No problem, Sam, really. Things have been.... saddening, of late. Lover's Day, this silly business with Midnight... I have been a tad overwhelmed."

Lily shakes her head, smiles sadly, and drinks some of her mead.

"Things that will like never come to pass, and so as much as I should let them go, I can't. It's silly, isn't it. The heart."
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Doctor Kythara DeWinter
Mute

Charlotte Hall, DE19

[Bronkowitz]

Well, it's not my normal area of expertise, but I think the heart does as the heart does. Shutting your feelings behind a wall will just keep them waiting to jump on you. Usually at the wrong time...
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This space to let.....

Steve Daniels
DE0295

[Lily Phoenix]

"They already do, they like to do that it seems. Twinges in my chest if he gets hurt - which is thankfully rare - but.... I'm far too shy, and I already know he isn't interested in such things as love. And highly likely not me, either. I am far too afraid to ask, for fear he would decline."
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Doctor Kythara DeWinter
Mute

Charlotte Hall, DE19

[Bronkowitz]

Ahhh, I see. Would this person be someone I know? You don't have to tell me his name if you don't want to but, if you do, I promise it'll go no further.
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This space to let.....

Steve Daniels
DE0295

[Lily Phoenix]

Lily looks a little embarrassed.

".... It's Nathaniel, Sam. I don't have a problem telling you, I trust you. I just can't seem to tell him..."
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Doctor Kythara DeWinter
Mute

Charlotte Hall, DE19

[Bronkowitz]

Nathaniel, of course. I can see why you'd have feelings for him - handsome, brave, caring, compassionate. And these feelings are nothing to be embarassed about - If we didn't love, where would we be? The Gods created love for all of us, so that we could be happier and come to know them better.

You fear to confide your feelings in him, and fear is the enemy of love. Without love, all there can be is fear. You worry that he doesn't believe in love. I personally think he loves exuberantly and passionately. Not necessarily one great love, to have and to hold, but I think he shares his love with...truth be told...as many ladies as he can.

That didn't quite come out right, did it?

Anyway, you, you're one of Mona's girls, aren't you? And, from the few of those women that I've seen, you're strong, fiery and passionate women. If you know what you want, then you have the strength and grace to reach out for it. And if he doesn't return your feelings, then more fool him.
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This space to let.....

Steve Daniels
DE0295

[Lily Phoenix]

Lily smiles, and sips her mead before moving her hands closer to the warm fire. Her forehead wrinkles a little as he speaks.

"I don't think he doesn't believe in love, as such. He loves Lady Crowa, and has love for my Lady Tralda, that I'm sure of. I just... don't think he would love me. Not as more than a friend, in any case. He takes care of me, and sometimes seems to worry about me; I'm not good with feelings. I tend to confuse them with friendship sometimes, and that ruins things if I get it wrong."

She takes a deeper drink of her mead, and wraps her hands round the warm jug, eyes locked on the flames. A tear falls now and then.

"Heh... No, it didn't come out quite right. But he seems the type to have one love he would care for, and he does seem like the most gentle and chivalrous man I've met. Not the least dodgy by far!" She laughs.
"But the kindest one. I do know what I want. I just... don't think he wants that, too. I asked Mother Maud to send him a note when she offered freely on Lovers' Day, and he replied that he was not that interested in love. She told me, and it broke my heart. I could not ask him such a thing, if it's not a thing he is wanting for."

"I am shyer than I seem; I may bluster and be confident and suchlike with everyone, but it's not how I really am. I do not wish to be hurt by someone I love telling me they don't love me; even if it means leaving it unrequited."
_________________
Doctor Kythara DeWinter
Mute

Charlotte Hall, DE19

[Lily Phoenix]

Lily goes and fetches her meal, bringing it back to the table. She makes herself comfortable again and shuffles a little closer to the fire.
_________________
Doctor Kythara DeWinter
Mute

Charlotte Hall, DE19