Cozy Chatter Midwinter Day 5 (lilith)

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Aria had sent a letter to Lilith in the morning to ask her if she’d be willing to fly out to her cottage for a luncheon. She’d of course sent a drake who would be able to take the young elf across the forest. Aria spent the morning preparing for the small event. While large parties were nice, Aria preferred these small celebrations. The day was a bitter cold one; a soft snow coming down in small squalls. The drake which arrived to pick Lilith up would be saddled with extra blankets made of thick furs spelled with extra heat spells to keep the young elf warm during her flight into the woods. The flight itself would be a pretty one; after all few got to see Nova blanketed in a new down of snow from a birds eye view.



As Lilith neared Arias cottage in the woods she would see smoke rising from the chimney of the little cottage. The drake would land and wait for Lilith to dismount before heading off to the arm stables which were set up for it. Even from outside the smell of fresh bread could be smelled wafting from the small cottage. The door would open shortly to reveal a smiling red head; her hair tied loosely in a messy French braid that cascaded over her shoulder. She was dressed well, wearing a dark red velvet dress with a scooped neckline with shiny gold and red embellishments. She motioned for the woman to come inside.



Once inside Lilith would fine Arias cottage was warm and cozy; it wasn’t highly decorated as she hadn’t spent much of midwinter there but it was cleaned up and some of her supplies replenished. The table was set up with a white table cloth. A nice spread of food was set up along with a bottle of wine that she had purchased from Noku’s wine cellar. She had found out that Noku allowed Norus access to the wine cellar; and thought the young elf would enjoy a glass of Nova’s finest….and strongest wines. After all common lips didn’t usually have hopes of touching the stuff. Even someone who could hold their liquor could get hammered off of this stuff. WHIIICH was why she chose to have this little get together at the cottage. Plus they needed to catch up; she hadn’t gotten much chance to hang out with the young elf since she got arrested in the first place. A gift wrapped in brown shiny paper and gold ribbon also sat on the table. She planned on giving Lilith her midwinter gift as well.

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Lilith had received the letter at her home, and grinned as she read it. Of course she would say yes, and prepared for her day in the forest. Aria was her dearest friend, so spending time with her was always a blessing, and a rare one at that. Her midwinter had been uneventful, but that was something she was used to. She intended to see Kail at some point, but the man was just as busy as the new Duchess.

Lilith changed into her warmer clothing, grabbing a sky blue dress to go over her white undershirt. It was laced up the front, with a brown belt around her waist. She paired this with her simple brown cloak. Despite her salary change, Lilith saw no need to upgrade everything to show it off, her regular clothing were fine. She pinned her hair back, half up, half down, and braiding the strands down the middle.

When her ride arrived, Lilith grabbed her back and set out, nervously getting onto the creature. Seeing as she was still rather scared of heights, she closed her eyes for most of the ride, only opening them again when she felt them descending. She smelled the rich scent of baking from inside the cottage, and climbed down the creature that had flown her here, saying her thanks regardless of if it could understand her.

Lilith entered without knocking, not sure if the handles still had their curses on them, and just pushed the door open. Beautiful day today, I must say. Lilith spoke, announcing her arrival. She looked around, seeing the beautiful set up, and wondered if there was going to be some sort of event. She had been under the impression it was just going to be the two of them, but Lilith didn’t mind if more people joined. Quite the entertainer you are. Who else is joining us? She motioned to the amount of food, and layout of everything. She removed her cloak and folded it, placing it on a chair with her bag, and moved to hug her friend.

Last we saw each other, you were dreadfully tired and passed out on the Kings study floor!

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Aria smiled and hugged the woman when she went to hug her, it was good to see Lilith again and in less formal circumstances.

”No, no one else. It is just us; but it is midwinter, I felt like spoiling my friend.”

When Lilith mentioned their last meeting Aria’s eyes widen and she blushed.

”What!?! I thought I just walked to a room and was to sleepy to remember it….shit...DID I FALL ASLEEP WHEN NOKU WAS TALKING!?”

OH SHIT! She hadn’t realized she had passed out in his office….last thing she remembered was him talking to her and…well she figured her memory was hazy because of circumstances. The look of horror that was on her face was evident Aria hadn’t any clue she had fallen asleep on Nokus office floor. She was horrified that she had allowed herself to do so. Well….it would seem that popping that wine open was going to be more necessary then she had first thought. Aria walked over to the wine and uncorked it; pouring a glass for Lilith and herself. She held out the wine to the girl before taking a swig herself.

”….I do apologize for how I was the night I returned….events did not leave me well….but let’s save such conversation till after we have more wine yes? Tell me how have you been? I’m sorry I fell asleep when we were with Noku you must have been terribly nervous”

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This was all for the two of them? Oh my! I don’t think anyone has gone so out of their way for me. Thank you very much, Aria! She smiled and moved away from the woman, laughing at the shock on her face.

You don’t remember that at all? Don’t worry, Noku didn’t notice himself until he dismissed us, and once he did he had servants move you to a more comfortable setting. He found it charming I think. She smiled, recalling the comments he made about Aria being a Noru. It was becoming more and more clear to her every time she saw her. Lilith watched as Aria uncorked a bottle and poured them both a glass. She accepted it graciously.

Thank you. Don’t worry about what happened. You had more than enough reason to be as you were, I know that. She reassured her friend. She still didn’t know what had occurred to change Aria so much, aside from Silas, but she wouldn’t pry. The wine is lovely! She took a second sip and thought about her answer.

I suppose I haven’t been bad. There’s always room for improvement. But yes, being alone with Noku was certainly.. interesting to say the least. Not a man of many words is our King. But he is a kind man. She smiled softly and took another sip.

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”It is a part of my mid-winter gift to you Lilith; it is the least I can do for how much I’ve flipped your life around since meeting you almost a year ago.”

Aria just shook her head completely ashamed of her actions; even if she had been both physically and emotionally drained passing out in Nokus office….when he was being so serious to. His opinion of her was probably already low; she probably only worsened matters. Aria’s face blanked though still red when Lilith said he had found it charming….a delicate red eyebrow raising above her hairline.

”How could you tell….”

Aria tried to imagine what Noku would do if he found something charming….that man was hard to read. Really she more pictured him giving her the look of disgust when he found her passed out on his floor. That was the second time she had lost consciousness in his presence…

”But no, I don’t really remember much after we first started talking in his office. I figured I had wandered off into a room afterward…and just didn’t remember it. No one’s ever moved me when I’ve passed out somewhere….well no one’s ever moved me and managed to do so un maimed and without me waking up before…..the fact I didn’t wake up bothers me on more than one level.”

Aria frowned a bit when Lilith mentioned she had more than enough reason...it was true…but still. A soft smile did return to her face; really they shouldn’t be dwelling on such matters. She wanted to at least have lunch before any unpleasant topics. Aria motioned for Lucinda to take a seat and help herself to the spread.

”Yes its from the Noru wine cellar. It is very good; though very strong. My head will be spinning by the end of this glass ”

Aria sat down at the table propping her chin in her hand and tapping her fingers against it while Lilith talked about Noku. One of the things she liked about Lilith was she could see the good in someone so easily.

”Did I miss something after I passed out that night?”

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Has it been that long already? Goodness… Lilith shook her head. She couldn’t imagine a year already having gone by. How could I tell?… well, the look on his face really. It wasn’t as serious as it normally was. There was even a smile. Though that could have been because you growled at me. I should know not to poke a sleeping bear, honestly. Lilith laughed, not sure why Aria was so stunned. Even the king had emotions.

Well I guess it’s good for everyone that you were so tired then. Harming the servants would have done no one good. Clearly Noku cares about you enough to move you to a bed. That or he just wanted his floor clear. Who knows. She shrugged and sipped wine, clearly joking.

When prompted, Lilith sat down and grabbed a slice of bread, nibbling on it. Everything looked so good! When Aria told her the type of wine, her mouth popped open and she looked down at her glass. Oh goodness… I feel unworthy! She laughed again. Of course Aria would have access to such things, she was related to a Noru!

While Lilith thought about the wine, she felt a gaze on her face, and looked up to find Aria staring at her funny. Miss something? No not really. Diamond left, the servants took you away, then the King and I spoke for a short while, seeing as I do work under him. I believe I asked who had healed him after his incident. I’m trying to get to know all of the healers in the castle… now that I’m one of them. Nothing too important. Why? Lilith’s face was flushed easily, not sure why.

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Aria blinked…Noku had been smiling after the discussion they were having? She couldn’t even get her own father to smile…least not without him getting ready to kill something. But more curious was that Noku had dropped his serious act enough to show Lilith some emotion; that was something to note. Aria scratched the back of her head and looked sheepish.

”Sorry I growled at you; and yes it was fortunate I was so tired….if you poked me first enough to get a growl you would have been hurt first…..I almost decked Garrett in the face the time he woke me up….when you’ve slept in the streets as long as I have, and have gotten taken out of your bed at least once…you tend to develop a punch first ask later reaction.”

Aria would have felt awful if she had accidently hurt Lilith.

”He probably wanted me off the floor; I was dreadfully dirty I probably would have left a stain if left there too long.”

Aria chuckled at her reaction to the wine; she did want Lilith to enjoy it. She noted as Lilith went on to say Diamond had left her, which had left Lilith alone in the room with the King. What caught her attention and caused her to lean forward was Lilith mentioning that she was now one of the castle’s healers.

”You work as a castle healer now? I thought you were just a part of the mage guard which was under Mysteria. The Castle healers are separate from what I understand; did your position change recently?”

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Lilith looked at Aria curiously. Why do you look so surprised? Even the king has emotions.

Lilith laughed lightly before waving away Aria’s apology. Oh don’t worry about it. You didn’t hurt me, and that’s what matters. Poor Garrett though. It sounds like his hands are full with you around. She smiled and poked at the topic, curious of their relationship. 

When Aria said he wanted her off the floor she laughed again, light and tinkering. Oh come on, you know that’s not true. You guys technically are family. I’m sure he sees you as such. Actually, I’m pretty certain. She smiled and sipped at her wine, knowing full well she wasn’t allowed to elaborate. However that came back to bite her right away.

Oh you didn’t hear? It seems everyone else has for some reason… But yes, Mysteria has promoted me in light of Rolands disappearance. I suppose once I healed her back then, I made an impression. So thank you, for that. I wouldn’t have met her if not for you. I like it a lot… less police work, and arresting, and more doing what I love, healing. It even gives me more time to work on other magic. She kept up her smile, hating that she had to lie to Aria. She wasn’t a castle healer per say, but a very specific healer for a very specific person, and that couldn’t be told, to anyone. 

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”I looked surprised because with my few encounters with Noku he goes out of his way to hide his emotions; and he’s VERY good at it.”

Aria chuckled when she said Garrett had his hands full. Oh she could practically picture his reaction causing her to giggle a little more.

”I think he would fully agree with you on that one.”

Aria tilted her head to the side and her eyes narrowed; she did miss something when she fell asleep she was sure of it……Noku seemed not only to be more open with Lilith but sharing his opinions on certain subjects with the young elf.

”Certain?”

Aria listened quietly as Lilith explained her promotion…. The castle was filled with healers; the day that Noku called court; he had several attending him. The Castle was not short on healers. Nobles did not require consistent care…she had to wonder what Lilith was doing to be healing more then she had on the streets.

”You’re doing more healing in the castle? Are one of the nobles ill a lot?”

By this point Aria had slowed down on her wine; more curious to what the young elf was keeping from her. Aria had spent years picking up small subtle hints of when something was not being said. Her father did it all the time. Lilith had now peaked her curiosity.

”I am glad you took to healing so much; though I did cost the library a good librarian…..Tres I am sure is thankful you took to healing as well. She’s opened a lovely little healing shop in the second district. I am funding an addition to be put on it….speaking of your new profession perhaps my midwinter present will help you along the way.”

Aria pushed the small wrapped gift to her. When Lilith would open it she would find a large pot with lunar flowers spilling over the sides. It was a healthy plant; if planted in the right condition it would produce a lovely supply.

”They are the potent ones; unlike the ones on the banks. If grown in the right conditions they have a lot stronger healing properties. Keep this in a dark damp place; fertilize with dead mice pulverized once a month. Human flesh is the best…buuutt I doubt you want to go that route. But they will be stronger then what is available in most places if you fallow those instructions. Every healer should have a good supply of these things.”

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Well I never said he didn’t go out of his way to hide his emotions. He did that quite a lot actually. He hid behind his paperwork quite obviously. But laughter can’t be hidden behind a cough hard as one tries. I don’t know; maybe I’m just better at seeing through someone’s daily mask. For example, I know you are a great person deep down, and not the adventurous trouble maker everyone pins you as. Lilith stuck out her tongue lightly, teasing her friend. She saw Aria’s face however, and felt like she was being analyzed.

Yes certain. He spoke of you fondly, whatever you may think. I’m afraid I don’t know who he was comparing you to— I don’t know much of the Noru family history--, but he said you acted like part of his family, like you reminded him of someone. If that’s not a compliment I don’t know what is. Lilith sipped her wine, hoping this didn’t come back to bite her in the ass, and hoping it would get her out of having to say who she was compared to.

I need to visit that library soon. I quite miss it, I can admit that. And I heard about the clinic! I’ve been meaning to stop in and see how she was doing, but I’ve been so dreadfully busy. She sighed before looking curiously at Aria. She was happy she’d brought her present as well, or this would have been awkward as it had been with Tres. Oh these are perfect! Thank you! No, no human flesh required, but thank you for the offer. Lilith smiled, touching one of the flower petals lightly with her finger nail, watching as it bounced back into place lightly.

After a moments thought, Lilith reached over the back of her chair and opened her bag, pulling out a small wrapped present in brown paper. Once ripped open, Aria would find a leather bound red-brown book, held closed with a leather string wrapped around it twice. On the cover was the image of a large and healthy tree with embellishments surrounding it. If opened it would contain pictures and descriptions of every known plant in the kingdom and slight surrounding areas.

I know I’m the one who needs to learn, but I figure this would help you find the rare ones, as all the locations are in there as well. Lilith shrugged. It wasn’t much, but she had another trick up her sleeve…

I know tradition is to give only one present… but I couldn’t decide which to give you first, so I chose both. She reached back into her back, and pulled out a small object wrapped in a white piece of cloth. Lilith unwrapped it and held it for Aria to see in the palms of her hand. It was a medium sized dagger, with an obsidian blade, straight edged to the point and sharp on both sides. The hilt was also black, rounded to the top and embellished with golden and white vines, flowers and butterflies. It wasn’t exactly fancy, but Lilith had her reasons.

It’s a weapon I saw in the shop a few weeks ago, and I thought of you. Now, I wouldn’t just buy you a weapon, cause I get the feeling you probably pick your our very carefully. So. There’s a trick with this one. I enchanted it. I fused it with Hemlock, and White Snakeroot, two very poisonous and paralyzing plants, I’m sure you know. Because that, whomever you scratch, stab and draw blood from with this blade, will become paralyzed in about 5 minutes time. They will remain that way for about 10-15… The only thing I couldn’t fix, was if they are weak to begin with, it could kill them… Normally I would never create something like this… but I suck at protecting people, so I wanted to help somehow. Lilith shuffled nervously.

There’s a catch… Once someone has recovered from the scratch, wound, whatever… like, fully recovered- not just from the paralysis, but the wound scared or healed over… they are immune from the daggers effects a second time. So there’s that. Lilith placed the dagger on the table. She didn’t know how Aria would like the weapon, and she could always turn it down, but Lilith wanted a way to assure Aria was safe, even if she chose to never use it.

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Aria’s face just completely deadpanned; Noku LAUGHED at her…Aria hung her head and just shook it. Aria blushed slightly when Lilith complimented her.

”I’m good at being the adventurous troublemaker; though I have tried to tone that down for Noku’s mental sake…I haven’t been nearly as bad as I was back in my time.”

Which was actually entirely true; she had toned down her behavior since coming to the castle. Which for her was not an easy task….so much fun things could be done there. But alas it would not be appropriate. As Lilith continued on to share that Noku compared her to someone in his family she could not help but tilt her head in curiosity. There were probably some traits shared just from habits she probably picked up with having been around Garrett and Core all those years. But Core wasn’t alive in this timeline; so it couldn’t be him…Oh she really hope she didn’t resemble Cain…her goose was cooked if she did. She wasn’t like Lucinda and certainly not like Silas…nor was she like Jeon…She was running out of Norus that she knew personally. Oh if Core was here he’d probably be able to pin point it. Who on earth was Noku fond of in his family? This was a puzzle.

Aria nodded when the subject moved back to Tres’s shop; though she noted that Lilith had been kept busy enough that she was not able to visit said shop. But it was clear she wasn’t going to receive much information from her tight lipped friend. Even when she was intoxicated…both an excellent and an annoying trait. Excellent in the fact that she knew Lilith would and could keep a secret; and annoying when such secrets were being kept from her.

Aria chuckled when Lilith said no human flesh would be required; they did make the plants grow with a good extra kick for healing. Aria’s eyebrows rose in surprise when Lilith pulled out a carefully wrapped package. She hadn’t been expecting anything in return; sort of like how she hadn’t been expecting Tres’s or Nokus gifts. Aria opened up the package; her eyes widening at the dark red leather bound book. Aria had another book similar to this; however the contents were different. Aria flipped through the pages her eyes lightening up as she noted all the plants; even ones she didn’t recognize!

”Oh this is wonderful! Thank you!”

Aria blinked when Lilith pulled out yet another present; her eyebrows raising in surprise. Really the girl outdid herself. Aria accepted the gift and carefully opened it, her eyes looking over the elegantly decorated dagger. The dagger was finely crafted; and much more embellished then her favorite dagger that she always had with her. Aria listened to Liliths explanation; her right eyebrow arching as the young elf explained the enchantments that were placed on the blade. Ones that she would not expect the young elf to have even thought of. Aria was impressed; the blade would be very useful indeed.

”Thank you so much; this actually is a lovely alternative then just the normal stab and jab. I could think of a few times this could have been useful in the past. Also Lilith; you do a fine job of protecting people. Don’t put yourself down. Again I thank you.”

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I imagine if you didn’t, Noku would have busted a vein in his neck by now. Or weeks ago actually. Lilith laughed, poking fun at them both at this point, before regaining her composer, and realizing that she just make a joke at the kings expense. That really wasn’t like her. Strange. She knew Aria was looking at her, trying to figure out who she had been compared to, but Lilith just couldn’t jeopardize her job and tell the truth. The Queens life was a secret and Aria would just have to solve the puzzle alone. Lilith sipped her drink, hoping the look on her face would tell Aria that she wasn’t allowed to say more, no matter how hard she probed around.

When Aria opened her first present, Lilith had a wonderful smile on her face. Oh I’m glad you like it! I was afraid you would know them all already, making it a bit redundant. She smiled shyly, and awaited the reaction from the second gift. She known she hadn’t needed both, but Lilith really couldn’t think of a holiday soon enough to save one of them for later. After she finished explaining the gift, she felt an odd weight on her shoulders that one went away once she realized Aria didn’t find her crazy for putting such an enchantment on the dagger.

I know it’s not incredibly lethal, but I couldn’t bring myself to make something much stronger than this; for both moral and magical reasons. And thank you; I really do need to get out of that habit. She shook her head and finished off her glass of wine with one more gulp. Inside she was dancing, thrilled Aria had loved both of her gifts. She didn’t get to spend as much time as she wanted with her red headed friend, so knowing what to get her hadn’t been easy to start with.

So, we haven’t had the chance to actually talk in a while, all major drama aside… how are you? Lilith looked at her friend, a genuine look covering her face. Aside from the attack and what had been going on in Palico, Aria hadn’t given many details about herself since coming home, and Lilith was starting to worry she was hiding something.

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”I’m afraid I have to get him use to my brand of crazy slowly; least during private matters where I won’t be a smudge on the Noru name...Even if I’m not claimed to it.”

Aria chuckled.

”No I may be a fast learner, but the wonderful thing about being so young is I have so much more to discover. I do love the book; any books really but plant ones I’m particularly fond of. They’re so useful.”

Aria smiled kindly at Lilith; the girl was ever so thoughtful, so much so that she even went through the trouble to get her two gifts. Though she seemed to be worrying that the dagger wasn’t lethal enough; which caused Aria to raise an eyebrow as she twirled the weaponry in her hand.

”A blade or even a stick can be deadly if shoved in the right place; I’ve had many years and many people to train me to be efficient. However when death is avoidable I’d prefer it, you’ve made a wonderful gift that gives me that option.”

Really Lilith didn’t give herself enough credit; the gift was lovely and Aria could see it being fairly useful. Her gaze softened as she looked upon the elf; she reached out and patted the girl’s hand.

”You’re a kind, brave, and brilliant young woman; trust in yourself you have good judgment. You’ve grown so much in a year; I have confidence that you’ll get there.”

And it was true; Lilith had grown much since she had met her in the library. Her confidence was growing; but Aria questioned on whether the girl knew just how wonderful she really was. The girl would do great things; that Aria was sure. The topic moved on to a more personal note…alas the topic turning to her…Aria sat back and scratched the side of her nose. Really she was hoping to keep the topic light hearted. As she had been enjoying their conversation.

”I’m beginning to heal; being back is like a balm. Really I’ve talked about myself enough as of late. I would very much like to hear more of how the past few months have been treating you. Besides for the new position what else has happened in my absence?”

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Lilith smiled, I agree, he may just need to get used to it. For a King, he seems very… unexposed, to certain things. She shrugged, and looked around at the food, her stomach reminding her of her lack of breakfast in preparation for today. Well I’m glad you like it. I found it a while back, and took notes of all the ones I was interested in. I just knew you would be interested in this. She grinned, happy her gift was a success.

When Aria went into detail about sticks and such, Lilith made a face. Sticks being shoved into places is not something I think about often. Regardless, I’m glad you find it useful. She smiled again, wanting the topic of death and such to be over with.

Suddenly her hand was in Aria, causing her to blink, surprised as she looked up at her face. Blush crept into her skin, causing her to turn a bright red in colour. Oh… thank you… That means a lot Aria. She smiled shyly.

An eyebrow raised as Aria skimmed her question before pointing it back to her. I’m alright. You saw me after the attack, so I’m finally healed from that… Aside from that… things have been pretty quiet. The house is quiet, so I spend most of my time roaming and getting to know the halls of the castle… In a similar fashion, she didn’t want to bring the conversation to a sour note, avoiding the topic of her old housemate.

Tresor has opened up a health clinic, I’m not sure if she mentioned that to you… Hmm… The captain of the guard is still missing as far as anyone knows. Really, I haven’t been keeping up with a lot myself.