all that we are

Ashe left for the tea with Felix snug and safe in her arms, and Vai gave herself a chance to breathe. She sagged back into the pillows with a truly content smile, closing heavy eyes and letting herself rest while her son and daughter pottered about in the kitchen area. Only when she returned, cups clinking and the most wonderful smell on the air, did Vai stir again. She accepted Felix willingly, the boy barely stirring as he was returned to his mothers arms, nestling close into her chest and seeming happy to be held while they spoke. Sipping at her tea, she listened carefully as Ashe began to explain everything that had happened. It was lucky that she wasn't still drinking when she uttered those words - Ronin.. he's back - because she likely would have spat it everywhere. Instead, hastily placing the cup down, her blue eyes wide, she gazed across at her daughter with open shock. "He's back?" she repeated. "How? In what way? You..." Slowly it dawned on her, as Ashe spoke about meeting the god of death. Her free arm moved around her daughter, Vai drawing her close and kissing her dark hair. "What did he want in return? What did you have to sacrifice?" she whispered, more worried about that than feeling happy that Ronin was in the land of the living again. vervain I am always on your side