As it happens, however, Catleya has no real chance to argue publicly with Velen before word comes of a job offer in Yuugure that is too tempting to refuse. It necessitates that she leave almost immediately, but happily, her Kuromi friend Deva is able to take some time off to accompany the young #Noirfey gardener and horticulturalist on her journey. (#Noxvaelia belongs to @Viva-la-Luna)
Oh Cat...You don't even know just how deep you are in do you? Both ladies are as lovely as always, but I'm so concerned for Cat & Velen! I eagerly await further storytelling!
In truth, Catleya had not intended to alter her routine in the slightest. Not, of course, that she needs or wants to see the red-haired cleric... It is merely that Cat doesn't think the whole affair should impact her life terribly, certainly not to the point of changing what she wants to do. And if Velen did discover further data regarding her father, it would be easier for him to pass this to her if they were not estranged. Also, spiteful Lady Deyandra would prefer a complete separation.
The young women discuss, naturally, a bit of anything and everything, but although her thoughts ought to be preoccupied with the upcoming landscaping commission, Catleya finds herself bringing up Velen far more often than she is comfortable with. "He's not a pet, you know," she tells Deva one predawn. "I'm not keeping him. As soon as possible, we're going to enact a falling out, and call it all off." "Have you planned this? Will you change Temples to avoid him, or attempt to stay amicable?"
During their travels, Prem Deva confesses to Cat that she was the source of Velen's knowledge of Sobralin's name and occupation. Catleya is somewhat angered by this, but with Deva assuming all the responsibility, she cannot in fairness fault Velen too much, nor can she maintain a grudge against her oldest and dearest friend for any appreciable length of time. Soon harmony is restored between the two girls, and if each of them seems a little distracted occasionally, the other fails to notice.
