[PQ] [SE] A session a day keeps the stress at bay

The unexamined life is not worth living

She stoked the fire with the poker, squinting her eyes as the embers crashed around the movement. It helped warm the space a little more as she prepared for her helpers to arrive. Through the cozy smell of a burning firewood, she could make out the scent of baked goods and hot beverages filtering in from the kitchen. Hopefully, Alys and Iskra liked quiches and biscuits. It seemed a little too early for anything sweeter, but she hoped they might enjoy the bacon filled tart. 

Standing from the fire, she brushed a few flakes of ash from her cream dress. Her eyes scanned to make sure the pieces hadn't come in contact with any of the precious books that filled the shelves around her fireplace. When Elizabeth didn't see any damage, she did a final sweep of the room to ensure that the cushioned chairs were properly placed, the end table next to them, and the soft rug clear of any debris. 

Just as she finished her assessment of the welcoming front room, a knock sounded. She rushed to the door, pulling it open to greet the two of them with a warm smile. "Hey! Come on in! Feel free to help yourself to any of the goods in the kitchen." Stepping aside, she swept her arm to let the two of them enter and make themselves comfortable. 

---

Welcome to Elizabeth's business establishing PQ! <3

Round 1: Post your character arriving!

1. Elizabeth
2. Alys
3. Iskra

Elizabeth

I was so cold and lost, nothing seemed to ring true
Then I whispered your name, that's when everything changed

"Hey!" Iskra greets with a wave as Elizabeth's warm face opens the door and beckons him inside. "I brought champagne," he announces as he holds it up, "since we'll need to celebrate when we're done!" Goose steps in alongside him, marching past the doorway and setting about to sniff-inspecting everything he can, pausing only briefly to lick at Elizabeth's hand in greeting.

Shrugging out of his jacket, Iskra folds it by the door, following his nose up and over. "That smells amazing," he croons, eyes alighting on the gathered treats. Making his way to them he reaches for a bacon tart, devouring it in a blink. "Tastes even better," he manages, muffled, around his steady chews. He swipes two more, one for him, one he tosses to Goose when the dog bothers to look his way. It's gone in a flash of teeth. "So," he says, licking a finger clean. "What do you need?"

Love came out of the rain, talk about being saved
Suddenly I wanna live, more than I ever did

Iskra

ALYS

And you understand now why they lost their minds and fought the wars

Alys arrived with a bouquet of flowers in hand: lilies, sunflowers, and snapdragons in varying colors, arranged artfully with an abundance of greenery. She'd come from Halo's greenhouse, Sascha at her heels, to help her friend in whatever way was needed. Where the man who'd arrived shortly before her had brought champagne to celebrate when they were done, Alys hoped that her bouquet would be well-received as a congratulatory gift.

Her little ursur stayed close to Alys's side, although Sascha did eye the dog accompanying the man with interest. She'd always been a friendly creature, but ever since returning from the dead, she'd tended to be a little more shy.

Alys dropped a hand to Sascha's head, offering a gentle pat for comfort. "Hi Elizabeth!" she said cheerfully as she sat down the bouquet. The aroma of quiches and biscuits filled the seer's nose, and she smiled. "That smells delicious." Following the scent, Alys collected a biscuit (offering a small portion to Sascha) and turned to the man. "Hi, I'm Alys," she said by way of introduction. Then she waited for further instructions.

---

Alys arrives! Sorry for the delay. <3

And why I've spent my whole life trying to put it into words

The unexamined life is not worth living

Iskra entered first, met by Elizabeth's warm smile and an accompanying laugh as she saw the bottle of champagne. "That's very thoughtful. Thank you. I think I have some orange juice if we wanted to make some mimosas out of it." Because somehow adding a juice to the alcohol made it acceptable for such early morning consumption - not that she's complaining. 

The lick on her hand earned the dog a scratch behind the ears as he passed, a fond smile on her face. "Hi Goose. Good to see you." He was understandably more invested with the food, another light laugh leaving as she watched the two dive in like they might vanish without a moment's notice. "Feel free to eat as much as you like. There's plenty more where that came from." And she was always willing to make more if necessary. 

Turning back to the door, she met her next guest with an extra bright smile, her eyes lighting up at the bouquet. "Alys! You're so sweet." Her eyes rarely missed anything, and she quickly saw where the seer's hand drifted, pleasant surprise filling her heart as she knelt low to greet the ursur. "And you must be Sascha. I'm so happy to meet you. You were very missed." Elizabeth's tone was gentle and full of affection, offering a hand forward if the companion wished to greet her in return, although she wouldn't be offended if she chose not to. 

Elizabeth rose, looking to the unique group gathered in her small home, full of friends and companions. It made her smile, warm and appreciative. "Thank you all for coming. I've been meaning to get these tasks done but just haven't gotten around to them." Gesturing to the flowers, she asked Alys, "Why don't you go find a vase to put these in while I find glasses for the champagne?" She snagged the bottle as she walked towards the kitchen, already intending to find the juice to go with it.

Glancing to the man of the group, she flashed him a pleading look. "Iskra, I think my firewood pile is getting a little low. Would you mind grabbing more from outside?" The case next to the fireplace indeed looked nearly empty, and the pile outside the door was freshly stocked with dry wood. 

---

Not a problem! <3

Round 2! Complete your assigned task!

Elizabeth: fix mimosas
Iskra: restock the firewood
Alys: find a vase for the flowers

Elizabeth

I was so cold and lost, nothing seemed to ring true
Then I whispered your name, that's when everything changed

"Why not," he grins, "always makes the work go faster in my opinion." He doesn't normally add orange juice to his, but he knows that colors it better for such an early start. As the door opens Iskra looks over, the two greeting amid a boquet as he reaches for one of the biscuits to munch on. "Hi Alys, I'm Iskra," he says warmly in response, offering her a crumb-speckled smile.

The arrival of the bear, however pint-size, set's Goose's hackles to lifting in nervous warning. Sascha might be smaller than the typical bear, but the smell is similar, and those claws are no joke—Goose doesn't want any of the smoke. He stays in the further back part of the house, continuing to sniff, glancing sidelong at the bear to keep tabs on it.

At Elizabeth's sweet insistence for assistance, Iskra nodded and popped the rest of the biscuit in his mouth. "You got it," he mumbled around the bread as he headed back out the door, the chill not so terrible to require him fussing with his jacket for such a short jaunt. It doesn't take long to find her stacked wood and he crouches next to it, one arm used as a tray to begin stacking some in, the other reaching and organizing with a quick, well-practiced pattern. Although all Halo residents are accustomed to carting around chopped wood, he might have a bit more practice with doing it the fastest and most efficient, just one aspect of his daily work.

Balancing the pyramid of fire-fuel, Iskra heads back inside, leaning the wood against his chest and balancing carefully as he pulls his hand from the top as a security cover just long enough to open to door knob. He shoulders his way inside and bumps the door closed with a foot. The roar of her fireplace is a welcome noise and warmth, and he's grateful for the heat after being outside. He sets about redistributing the wood back into a neat pile near the fireplace, ready for easy access when she needs it later.

---

Iskra gathers wood from outside and brings it inside!

Love came out of the rain, talk about being saved
Suddenly I wanna live, more than I ever did

Iskra

ALYS

And you understand now why they lost their minds and fought the wars

As Alys arrived and Elizabeth greeted her, Sascha remained plastered to her bonded's legs - that is, until the therapist knelt to offer a gentle hello. Then the little bear rumbled a polite greeting, stretching out her head to sniff at the woman's outstretched hand. Had she been a dog, her tail might have wagged; as it was, her little ears perked up and she blinked happily at her bonded's friend, whuffing affectionately until attention was turned away from her.

Goose's rejection, in such stark contrast to Elizabeth's warm welcome, left Sascha a little crestfallen, and she following her bonded along with one eye on the dog. At the ursur's dejection, Alys murmured a soft reassurance, and it didn't take long for the little bear to perk back up - though she did decide to ignore the dog, just on principle.

In the meantime, Alys went to hunt for a vase, making her way into the kitchen to search. Holding the bouquet in one arm, she opened a few cabinets with the other, keeping an eye out for something large enough for the flowers to sit comfortably in. It took a few tries, but she thought she spied something in the last cabinet she tried, and she reached in to pull out a pretty, cream-colored vase. It went quite well with all the colors of the floral arrangement, and she quickly added some water before setting the bouquet in, fluffing the flowers artfully before carrying it back with her to where the others had gathered.

---

Alys finds a vase and brings the bouquet back to Elizabeth for further instruction!

And why I've spent my whole life trying to put it into words

The unexamined life is not worth living

Walking into the kitchen with the bottle of champagne, Elizabeth snagged her own quiche and took a few bites as she worked in close proximity with Alys. Glasses were easy to find, and she set out three on the counter before snagging at the orange juice in her fridge. She hummed a little as she went about pouring the juice, content to let the others do their parts. Since the champagne was meant to be a treat for the end, Elizabeth set it aside, waiting until they'd finished everything else before popping it open. 

When she stepped back into the room, Alys had displayed the flowers beautifully on the table, brightening the space with a splash of color that made her smile and would surely make her clients smile. She leaned forward to take an appreciating sniff before speaking. "These are perfect. Thank you." Indicating to the counter behind her, she asked, "Would you be able to organize my little drink station next? There should be an assortment of teas and coffees for people to choose from, but I haven't had a chance to add some of the new options." Some unopened boxes sat on the small counter, clearly procured from all over Caido with varying ingredients and benefits listed. They were surrounded by small containers and cups of beverage options and additions with elegantly written labels that might resemble a cafe or bakery. 

Leaving Alys to her next task, Elizabeth turned to Iskra and the work he'd done. The wood was neatly stacked, ready to heat the room for long sessions that threatened to become cold. She nodded her head in approval. "Great job. That should last awhile." 

Grinning at Iskra, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, a little embarrassed at her next ask. "I got this new couch delivered to make the space more comfortable, but it's a little big for me to move." Her laugh was light as she made a small shrug, hoping it wouldn't bother him that she was taking advantage of his stronger physique for some of the bigger tasks. "Would you mind shifting some of the furniture so that there's space for the couch by the fireplace?" And if he was able to move it on his own, she'd be all the more grateful. 

Elizabeth looked to both of them as she said, "I'm going to grab the blankets from my room." The ones that people could use to feel more comfortable in the space, securely wrapped in the cozy, fluffy embrace. 

---

Round 3! Complete your next task!

Elizabeth: Retrieve the blankets
Alys: Organize the teas and coffees
Iskra: Rearrange the furniture

Elizabeth

I was so cold and lost, nothing seemed to ring true
Then I whispered your name, that's when everything changed

Dusting the spare bits of wood from his hands and shirt, Iskra glances over as Elizabeth and Alys finish up in the kitchen, the flowers a nice addition. Her praise earns a soft smile, grateful for the kindness despite the easy work. Much like when they'd been digging for the hot springs, Elizabeth is quick to bring warmth to everyone in a room, and he admires her for the ability to see the way people need to be lifted up. Wonders, not for the first time, if she isn't exhausted by always being the one to do so.

As she tucks her hair back, her smile reminiscent of their bar-talk, just without the accompanying blush, his lips spread into a wider grin in response. "On it boss!" he says with a playful exuberance before turning around to the furniture in the room. His hands set on his hips for a second as he determines how to puzzle piece them all together in the best manner, aiming not to rearrange them more than once, if he can help it. So he heads over to one of the armchairs first and tips it back, lifting it in the crook of his arms to avoid scraping the feet along her floor, and sets it down further back. It should still leave plenty of walking room, he thinks, as he judges it's new spot.

Goose, done with his sniff inspection, bounds over and jumps on the chair with a loud bark. Iskra hisses under his breath at the dog and snaps, pointing towards the ground. "OFF!" he orders, but Goose talks back with a series of disagreeable roo-roos. As if offended, Iskra gasps and says, tight-lipped, "Get. Off. Now." Goose feigns a bite at the side of the chair as he huffs a woof into it, eyes never straying from Iskra. Iskra lunges for the dogs collar, but Goose seems to be expecting this and kicks off the chair, dodging the hands and hitting the ground with skittering paws. He takes off like a rocket around the house, in full zoomy mode.

"Oh my fucking gods," Iskra moans, "I'm so sorry. Goose. GOOSE!"

---

Iskra starts to move the furniture but Goose becomes a massive distraction for the time being.

Love came out of the rain, talk about being saved
Suddenly I wanna live, more than I ever did

Iskra

ALYS

And you understand now why they lost their minds and fought the wars

Alys turned to the drink station without further ado, Sascha on her heels. The little ursur settled at her bonded's feet, looking around with interest at the goings-on as Alys arranged varies teas and coffees artfully in trays, labeling as she went. Some of the variants were things that Alys hadn't seen in Caido before, and she called out over her shoulder as she worked, "You'll have to tell me where you found some of these. I keep a variety of herbal remedies in my shop in King's End, but some of these are new to me." She was always looking to add variety to her wares - and keep her own tastes well-supplied, too!

Once she'd finished her task, she turned to look around - just in time to see Goose leap onto the chair, for all intents and purposes seeming to talk back to his human as Iskra ordered him off. Sascha watched this exchange with interest, but she was seemingly still pouting from the dog's less-than-warm welcome, as she elected to sit primly at her bonded's feet, for all the world a well-behaved little lady. For her part, Alys watched this with a certain level of bemusement - particularly when the dog bounded from the chair and began to zoom around the room.

---

Alys arranges the teas and coffees, and then watches Iskra and Goose, unsure how to assist.

And why I've spent my whole life trying to put it into words

The unexamined life is not worth living

As she gathered the blankets from her room, Alys's voice reached her. "Sure! I've got a list in one of my notebooks along with my personal ratings. The big container is also a custom mixture from my mom. She's kind of a plant fiend." Her light chuckle preceded her return to the room, the room where chaos had taken hold. Chaos being Goose.

She paused in her path to let him zoom by, hefting the bundle in her arms a little higher so she didn't trip on the dog. Amused laughter followed as she made her way carefully across the room. "Oh. It's fine." She didn't have many items that could be broken, at least not ones that weren't on something stable enough to withstand the canine collision. However, as she arranged the various woven and fur blankets over the rack on the wall, she said, "Just make sure he doesn't knock over the flowers. Otherwise, you'll have to buy me more, and apologize to Alys." They had been a gift after all. 

Knowing that Goose's actions were probably for attention, she let his zoomies run their course as she looked around the room. The beverage station looked better than ever, and she gave Alys a bright smile. "That looks so much better! Thank you! And feel free to take any of the ones you want to try. I obviously have plenty." Enough to last her months even if Alys chose to take a few.

Her eyes then moved to the furniture, nodding at the shift and the new open space. "Perfect! Now there's plenty of room for the couch." Looking to the others, she moved across the room to take a place on one end of the couch, ready to lift when they were. "Come on. Let's get this thing positioned, then we can enjoy our victory mimosas!" 

Once it was properly arranged by the fireplace, she'd offer Iskra the bottle to open before pouring it into the orange juice and handing a glass to each. She also offered the companions some of the extra quiches before offering everyone an appreciative smile that settled like warm honey on her face. "Thank you all for your help! I couldn't have done it without you!" And then she raised her glass to the others. 

---

Last Round! Let's move the couch then drink mimosas!

Feel free to ask questions or offer suggestions regarding Elizabeth's business!

Elizabeth

I was so cold and lost, nothing seemed to ring true
Then I whispered your name, that's when everything changed

Just make sure he doesn't know over the flowers.

Iskra grimaces, utterly out of control of the pale grey blur dashing through the house. Sighing with defeat, Iskra makes his way for the door, opening it as if to leave, the expanse of Halo's cold exterior available and visible. Goose's attention seems snagged by it, and happily he dashes outside, Iskra swiftly closing the door behind him. This is perhaps, not the first time they've done this, just never at this house before.

Offering them both an apologetic smile, Iskra nods at Alys. "Looks like Goose could learn a thing or two from your well-mannered friend," Iskra mutters, glancing at the bear with affection. As Elizabeth settles into place though, he joins her on the other end, one hand grabbing the top of the couch and the other securing on the bottom of it, bent down and pressed sideways against it. "Ready?" he asks of each of them before driving up and into the couch to lift it, footsteps shuffling steadily backwards to guide the furniture in the right position.

"Looks great," Iskra commends, glancing around while brushing his hands off on his pockets. He takes the offered bottle, working at the cork with a pop indicative of celebration, before handing it back with a grin. The exchange for a mimosa and another quiche is welcome, and he lifts the glass to her, warm with happiness for her sake.

---

Goose is kicked outside and Iskra helps move the couch and cheers!

Love came out of the rain, talk about being saved
Suddenly I wanna live, more than I ever did

Iskra

ALYS

And you understand now why they lost their minds and fought the wars

Alys selected a few of the teas to tuck away for later, offering a smile of thanks at Elizabeth. They all watched as Goose was ejected from the house, the seer doing little to hide her amused smile at the dog's antics. At her feet, Sascha rumbled something that might have been a scoff, and Alys leaned down to pat her on the head. In truth, the little bear was simply pouting because she hadn't made a new friend.

With the chaos settled, Alys moved to help Elizabeth with her end of the couch, deciding that Iskra looked like he'd be strong enough to handle the other end on his own. When the couch was in place, the seer dusted off her hands and regarded the space, her hands on her hips. "Everything looks wonderful!" she declared. "Very welcoming!" She collected a mimosa and a quiche, joining Iskra in lifting a glass to the therapist. "When will you start seeing clients here?" she asked, happy to engage in small talk now that their tasks were through.

---

Alys helps move the couch and starts to chat!

And why I've spent my whole life trying to put it into words

The unexamined life is not worth living

Elizabeth laughed at the energy with which Goose bolted out the door. "Maybe he'll be tired out by the time you leave," she said to Iskra. Although unlikely, she couldn't say she disliked the hyperactive dog. It was endearing in a way that made her immediately miss his presence. She'd have to give him a treat before they departed. 

Once they'd moved the couch and claimed their glasses, she looked around again, humming in agreement with their praise. "I think this will be perfect." It had the kind of comfort that was universal, inviting and safe in a way that would hopefully give people the strength to open their hearts and minds to the healing. 

Taking her usual place in one of the chairs, Elizabeth gave Alys a smile as she tucked her legs up under her. "I actually already see clients here, but I've been traveling more, and when I got home, I realized that it needed some sprucing up." Hence their presence and assistance.

Finished with the important business, they talked and enjoyed the food and mimosas, basking in their accomplishments and the cozy warmth of the space where people would come for therapy and good company. 

---

Thank you for participating! <3

[FIN]

Elizabeth