In my stomach is butterflies

There is no Frigate like a Book To take us Lands away.

Reaching up on her tiptoes, Elizabeth placed the final book on her shelf. Her parents had always said she had too many (sacrilege!), but that was probably because they had to move them with each new adventure. Now that she had her own place, they each had a permanent place on her floor-to-ceiling shelves. They were even organized by topic and title to make identification easier.

She stepped back to admire her work. The office was simple and cozy with dark wood furniture and a comfortable couch. The fireplace - a requirement in Halo's permafrost weather - consumed the wall opposite the books. Overall, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, exactly what she was aiming for. Satisfaction brought a smile to her face and she pulled her shawl tight around her shoulders like a congratulatory hug. It was a big moment for her to step out on her own. Elizabeth knew that her parents would be proud and she made note to send them an invitation to visit, even if they didn't particularly enjoy the cold.

Now that the interior was prepared, she steeled herself to step out and finish the exterior. With her painted signage in tow, Elizabeth exited her front door. She turned to analyze the stone and wood for hanging options. The sign in her hands simply read 'Cozy Counseling' in big, bold letters. Its dark wood made the lettering pop in a pleasant contrast that would be noticed from afar. However, the heavy plank would be difficult to hang above her door without assistance.

Glancing around at the minimally occupied streets, she snagged the attention of the first tall man she saw. "Excuse me! Would you be willing to lend a hand?" Her big, doe eyes are pleading while her smile is bright and kind.

Elizabeth

DEIMOS And in your darkest hour, I hold secrets flame Halo was a welcome reprieve from the onslaught of terrible meetings; Deimos figured the rest of the world would allow him a few moments without the ridiculous notions for a week or so. Then there’d be LongNight, and a whole slew of other preparations necessary… So while they patrolled and ran he did allow his mind to wander a bit upon provisions required for the end of Deepfrost, and by the time he and the fellow soldiers had persisted around the Citadel multiple times, he already had some inclinations. More food extended towards their people, ensuring the shelters were still in place, wood for fires – He’d been occupied as his long strides swept down the streets towards the barracks, that he barely noticed the smaller woman asking for aid – until a voice snagged and his focus could be drawn back to the world around him. His brow arched, eyes going towards the sign ‘Cozy Counseling’ and trying not to wrinkle his nose, before his gaze slid over to her again. “What do you need?” master of nothing place; of recoil and grace

There is no Frigate like a Book To take us Lands away.

The man that approached was intimidating, even if he appeared slightly inclined to assist her. His burly figure and rough attire screamed 'manual labor' and 'violence' in a way that made her cautious to ask for much more. That was only exacerbated by his wrinkled nose and curt response.

Realizing that she may have interrupted some deep thoughts (which may be rare considering his appearance), Elizabeth grimaced slightly but tried to keep her smile sweet and kind. Pointing to a place above the door, she grabbed the edge of the wooden board. "Sorry for the inconvenience. I just need some help getting this sign hung." Observing that he probably didn't want to hear all about her new endeavors to the area, she tried to keep her mouth closed and her expression soft. In fact, she would have turned him away right then with another apology if she had the strength and height to lift it herself. Instead, she stood 'patiently' - shuffling her feet in the cold - as she unconsciously bit her lip in nervous anticipation for his response.

Elizabeth

DEIMOS And in your darkest hour, I hold secrets flame Expecting something far more difficult, his gaze went to the sign, then to the place above the door. Withholding a snort, and only just so, because the moment amused him, his deft fingers grabbed hold of the fixture and placed it neatly so that it hung precisely where it needed to be. “There you are,” and then calculating further, he took a few steps back. Extending his hands apart from one another, a gilded glow began to sanction and simmer between, forming creation incantations in vivid, quick, swift machinations. From his mind to tangible threads before them, the Sword created a step stool, and then a regular ladder, adorned in solid but simple wooden frames. Leaning and placing them off to the side, he nodded again. “Should you need to fix it in the future.” Or anything else for that matter – handy tools for multitudes of situations. master of nothing place; of recoil and grace

There is no Frigate like a Book To take us Lands away.

She had been uncertain whether the man would actual help her until the moment that he lifted the board from her fingers. With a strength and precision that was suggested by his physique, she was unsurprised by the ease with which he hung her sign. It was more about the matter of fact and no-nonsense way he carried himself that had her scanning his face intently. She tried to lessen the intensity as she replied with a gentle "Thank you."

Focused on his soldierly figure and demeanor, Elizabeth was shocked by his then expert display of magics, molding and forming the step stool and ladder out of seemingly thin air. She had to admit that the items would be useful, but she was much more interested in his contrasting personality. He appeared rough and abrasive yet stopped to help her when she asked, even being considerate enough to go through the effort of making her assistive devices for the future. Perhaps it was just a means to keep her from bothering him again, yet it seemed that he was kinder than he portrayed on the outside.

With a warm smile of appreciation, she placed her hand on the items to feel the solid wood. A light laugh accompanied her words as she said, "Thank you! That's so thoughtful!" Remembering her other manners, Elizabeth reached a slim hand out from under her shawl. "My name is Elizabeth." Gesturing her head to the interior of her new home, she the said, "You looked like you were on a mission, but can I get you something in return? You're welcome to come in for some coffee or tea? Or I can get you a cup for your trip?" He didn't seem like the kind to hang around the fire and chat with a stranger, so she didn't want to make him uncomfortable, but she also wanted to show him her thanks. If she remembered correctly, she also had some scones that her mother had made for her journey along with some jam in a cupboard.

Elizabeth

DEIMOS And in your darkest hour, I hold secrets flame It wouldn’t be the first hour people openly studied him – making the beast more inclined to escape into the thresholds of shadows and responsibilities. Were it not one of his own citizens he might have done just that, nodding and maneuvering down the road without another word; but perhaps he was more inclined to stay when no flicker of recognition dotted across her features. Comforting, in its own way, to not be so publicly known – a moment where he could simply exist without the extravagance, inquiries, and curiosity. Expecting naught but gratitude and then wandering onwards to assisting others or answering the stack of missives on his desk, his brow arched at the hand, but he took it and shook in Halo camaraderie. Committing the name to a face, he persisted in the introductions too, waiting for some inevitable thing to come sauntering through. “You are welcome. I am Deimos.” He was surprised by the generosity extended in return, even if she’d already left him some evasion tactic in the forefront. It would be very tempting to deny the notions altogether, but he and Evie had agreed long ago over connections with their citizens; so the edges of his smile curled in one corner, as if struggling to indulge. “Maybe for the trip. Thank you.” Perhaps it would arm his mind for the multitude of letters and political notions he had to deal with before everything else. master of nothing place; of recoil and grace

There is no Frigate like a Book To take us Lands away.

When he accepted her hand and offered his own introduction, Elizabeth smiled brightly, happy that he hadn't run at the first chance. He obviously wasn't inclined to continue frivolous conversation, but at least he participated in common courtesies. And then the 'smile' he gave her was a scream of painfully forced pleasantries that almost had her laughing. At least he'd accepted her offer! Without giving him a chance to change his mind, she hid her amusement in a small clap of her hands. "Perfect! I'll be back in a moment."

Quickly stepping inside, she put together a warm mug of coffee and tea. She wasn't sure which he might be interested in, but she was more than willing to drink the leftover cup herself, so she made both. The coffee was a renowned blend made of beans painstakingly harvested in the Hollowed Grounds and the tea was combination of rare herbs from the pre-Void Greatwood. Placing the two on a tray, she also gathered a small cloth to wrap some delicious blueberry scones and a small jar of blueberry jam into. Next to the bundle, she placed cream and sugar, if Deimos was so inclined.

Once everything was properly arranged, Elizabeth stepped back out into the cold street, the platter neatly organized for him to grab from and the cups steaming more against the snowy climate. She almost expected to find herself alone but was pleasantly surprised to see him waiting. With a bright smile, she said, "I didn't know your preferences, so I brought some options. You have coffee or an herbal tea, which you can add cream or sugar to, and there is a little snack for the road." Her mom had perfected the recipe after traveling all over Caido, finding the perfect techniques and ingredients. Hopefully, he was a fan of blueberry.

Elizabeth

DEIMOS And in your darkest hour, I hold secrets flame Years before he would’ve snagged the opportunity to bolt – presently, he stood along the threshold, studying the exterior of the building, and then the rest of the street, gaze flickering along the snow-winding paths, nodding at passersby or granting brief conversations with those more familiar (or daring). The sign gave him pause though, with an inquiry upon the latter, rather than anything ‘cozy’, for such guidance could hold a wide parameter of things. She’d been quick though, and before he could reflect more on the possibilities she’d sprung back out of the confines. His gaze went to the tray, eyes widening slightly at the options, eternally inclined and won over by snacks. “Thank you. I will take the tea.” He didn’t recognize the herbal notes, but appreciated the warmth of steam rising over, and the hint of blueberries lodged in the scone. Tucking both gratefully into his palms, he tilted his head ever-so-slightly, giving the air of boyishness and curiosity over all the lines of carefully crafted nonchalance. “What sort of counseling will you be offering?” master of nothing place; of recoil and grace

There is no Frigate like a Book To take us Lands away.

His choice of beverage was another interesting aspect about this man. Deimos might not know, but tea drinkers often had a tendency to be self-motivated and didn't require the extra dose of caffeine from coffee to maintain their energy levels. Elizabeth wondered if he had always been partial to tea or if there was a time when coffee was necessary.

Placing the tray on the stepstool, she took a sip of her coffee after putting some cream in it. Meanwhile, she tried to contain her excitement at his question. The willingness to do more than escape her presence was a welcomed change and even his expression appeared to soften. Shared food always seemed to have that effect on people. Trying not to seem too eager, she smiled politely and looked up at the sign he'd hung. "All kinds, really. Private sessions. Group mediations. Couples therapy. I also have the skills to assist with physical traumas that may linger beneath the surface. Whatever people need, I can help with." The statements were broad but true. Her expertise was varied and adaptable to the client. She was curious if he might be interested in such services but didn't ask.

Attempting to learn more about him without being intrusive, Elizabeth asked with a kind smile, "What do you do for work?" She could make guesses and assumptions, however, he had surprised her so much at this point that she didn't think any response would be shocking. And depending on his comfort level, he could be as vague or elaborate as he wanted.

Elizabeth

DEIMOS And in your darkest hour, I hold secrets flame Ah, that kind of counseling. Deimos and therapy rarely went hand-in-hand, and even then, it was often forced and coerced. He’d become far better in recent years at recovering and nullifying different bouts of trauma, and when they tended to resurface he didn’t sink as far. Knowing he wouldn’t be amongst those willingly lining up to receive such parallels and discussions, he could at least spread the information around Halo. “You will likely be busy then,” he joked instead; because Caido had a ready supply of marred, wounded, and anguished individuals. Whether or not they’d wind their way to such sessions was up to the person – he could presume there’d be some yearning for guidance rather than committed to avoidance. “You may want to put something up on the notice boards.” Taking a sip of the tea, he nearly snorted at her inquiry. Swallowing down the beverage, giving him ample time to render the best way to answer (protector, guardian, general and soldier and shield), he eventually pulled the cup away to respond. “My wife and I are the Wardens of Halo.” master of nothing place; of recoil and grace

There is no Frigate like a Book To take us Lands away.

Elizabeth grinned at the prospect of a busy schedule, even if Deimos didn't appear as enthusiastic. It meant more people would be given the tools to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. For those willing to seek her out, she would be more than happy to assist. And if posting on the notice board would help, that's exactly what she'd do! "Thank you! I'll be sure to do that!"

The occupation explained so much. His intense and preoccupied look. His soldierly appearance. His willingness to help. Everything seemed to fall into place and she smiled brightly. "Oh! I didn't realize you were that Deimos." Laughing lightly, she tried to remember what she'd heard about the man other than his competence as a leader. He mentioned a wife... Evie was it? And Elizabeth had just overheard the exciting welcome of their newborn. "How is fatherhood treating you?" She didn't let the therapist in her come out in her question, but rather a polite inquiry about the celebratory milestone. Many people found the first few months difficult or straining even though not a single one would trade the joy and pure-hearted fulfillment that came with meeting their child. It was often a rollercoaster of emotions that usually tipped in the favor of happiness.

Elizabeth

DEIMOS And in your darkest hour, I hold secrets flame He tilted his head again, arching a brow, and wondering if that was a joke (were there other ones around with his name?), but snorted just the same. The following question surprised him, but now he pondered if he should be wary of any of Elizabeth’s inquiries, and if she was trying to find angles and measures through them. Still, Erebos was an easy topic, and he allowed a grin instead of the strained smile. “Very well.” Even when the world was daunting and overwhelming, returning to home and having those foundational efforts to keep him grounded were enough – and while the infant probably should’ve been the most challenging out of those circumstances, Deimos found him a much more easygoing notion than life-threatening meetings. “He keeps us busy.” Much like everything else. He'd have him strapped to his chest now, had he not had to patrol and unfurl several skirmishes later. His gaze went back to the sign and the building; one he passed often as they made their way up and down the streets, but recognition of her family or the placeholders here weren’t as prevalent. Taking another drink, he paused again, considering. “Have you been in Halo long?” master of nothing place; of recoil and grace

There is no Frigate like a Book To take us Lands away.

Taking a sip of her hot coffee, she hid her smile at his snort. If he was feeling comfortable enough to nearly laugh, Elizabeth would count this conversation as a victory. In fact, his hard exterior seemed to weaken at the topic of his son, giving her a glimpse of the proud father through his easy smiles. She fully believed that Deimos had an abundance of love for the child. Elizabeth smiled softly in return, holding her warm mug closely. "And I'm sure he'll keep you busy for a long time to come." Kids were a lifetime commitment that required so much love and attention to nurture their habits and personalities. Even after they left home, that never really stopped. Tilting her head curiously, she asked, "Will you raise him to be the next Warden?" Not that she expected Deimos or Evie to step down anytime soon, but she wondered if the boy would be groomed for the position or encouraged to spread his wings elsewhere. 

Looking at her homey abode, Elizabeth snuggled under her shawl, thinking about the fire burning within and making the chill bite harder. "Not long. I only just arrived after getting my parents settled in Torchline." They had decided to retire their nomadic practices in favor of the warm beaches of Houlani. She understood their desire after having spent the last five decades traveling across Caido, but she didn't want to settle down quite yet. Maybe she would one day, after she'd met enough people and learned what she could about the world. She didn't expect that day to come unless she found herself physically unable. Luckily, her parents had been more than supportive, practically shoving her onto the skyship.

Elizabeth

DEIMOS And in your darkest hour, I hold secrets flame Considering all the preparations, discussions, and experiences both he and Evie had gone through, Erebos had been a welcome part and addition to their busy lives. “Yes,” he agreed with a smile, though the following question had his brows furrowing. Not with frustration or irritation, but something like a pressure built and notched over his spine; of days where his own life was molded and melded to take a certain turn in childhood, and how quickly it had succumbed. “No.” Prospering expectations upon an infant made his ribs ache, let alone striving to carve a perceived path for a boy who giggled and squirmed, who still had innocence, who didn’t need to be burdened with anything save for things he craved, cherished, and wanted in life. “I would not want to put such pressure on him. We will support him in the endeavors he seeks.” The Sword hadn’t even craved this role; he certainly couldn’t toss the mantle towards his flesh and blood. That Elizabeth hadn’t been here long made more sense with the trajectory of the conversation – though the mountains, the frigid plains, and the wide-open tundra was a much different outline than Torchline. “What made you choose Halo then?” master of nothing place; of recoil and grace