Lidari returns, this time visiting Máire's tavern (an OC who belongs to @Sorachan). Yes, I'm ignoring the fact that Lidari should still be wearing her old worn-out clothes. I wanted to give her something new. I hope I created Máire accurately; she was fun to make even though I'm not sure I captured her style correctly! The story to go along with this is in the comments. The #CityofBlackStone belongs to @Pearlsdiner! Doran belongs to @DuskyAsianRose, and Ananke belongs to @Viva-la-Luna. ~Gwenn
They both look so pretty! I really like the outfit on the right. The top looks so amazing - I would wear it in a heartbeat. The pants with the pretty white pattern are lovely as well. And I love the sheer sleeves of the left outfit and the cute hairpiece.
This is fantastic!! ^^ Both ladies look spectacular! I adore the way you made Maire!! Her hair is glossy and gorgeous, the headdress, sheer sleeves, ribbons, all of it is amazing! And you remembered her rose tattoo!! ^^ Lidari looks wonderful in her new outfit. The detail is incredible! And, of course, your storytelling is so engaging! I love every bit of this!
The faster she learned the truth, the faster she could leave. (Question for @Lolitakitten, if you read this: I was thinking that Naomine and Lidari could have been friends before she left. What do you think?)
Lidari raised an eyebrow. "Thank you for your concern."
"Try Ananke's place," Maire continued. "If you have something on your mind, she can help."
"Uh, thanks."
Someone tapped Maire on the shoulder, a tall and gloomy sort of man. When the woman's back turned, Lidari slipped out of the door and into the night. She would stay with Aurelia tonight, and perhaps in the morning she could seek out her old friend. Or, she could find the information she came here to get.
Lidari grimaced and faced Maire. "Yes, but your tavern is lovely."
"Not your cup of tea then? Those two, I mean."
"Well, one of them was my brother who thought up until a few minutes ago that I was dead." Lidari managed to stop herself there, reprimanding herself sharply for saying anything at all.
Maire simply raised her eyebrows and gave Lidari a mild smile. "That's a tale I have never heard before. You look like you could use a cup of tea."
"Why come back, then?"
Lidari's expression darkened. "There is something I need to take care of."
Caeliro's neck and cheeks were now quite blotchy. "Get out, Lidari. Before I punch you."
"That would be tremendously ambitious of you," Lidari muttered in reply. "I'll go, but I expect I will see you again soon."
"Looking forward to it," Torin said cheerfully.
Lidari turned and began crossing the room to the door. "Leaving so soon, dear?"
"I'm drunk. I expect I'll be much more cross when I sober up. Oh," Caeliro added, gesturing to his companion, "this is my friend, Torin."
Lidari nodded. "I can't tell you where I've been, Caeliro. The less you know, the better."
"That's rubbish."
"Don't tell anyone about me, please. Either of you."
"Not even Mother?"
Lidari hesitated. "If she learns of my survival, it will be from my own mouth. I won't be here long, and once I'm gone you need to forget you ever saw me."
Caeliro shook his head and Lidari noticed heat creeping up his neck. "They told me you were killed in action."
"That was what everyone thought."
At that moment, one of the bartenders approached and set down two glasses of amber liquid. "Next round of drinks for you. One for your friend?" he asked, nodding at Lidari.
"Thanks, Doran," Caeliro answered with a nod. He turned back to Lidari. "Well, tell us where youâve been all this time."
"You seem awfully calm," Lidari said suspiciously.