this is Salem, a land filled with magic and maladies. It is a place where witches and their elemental familiars gather, a home to legend and
lore that predates time itself. Yet of all the wicked and wonderful stories the past can tell us of, the most magical are the ones yet to happen.
This is Salem - this is the start of your very own journey. Welcome to starfall
Starfall is an animaga witch roleplay set in mostly modern times. Members play as witches in a world plagued by monsters, where the only safe spots are walled cities. Starfall strives to be a character-driven roleplay with expansive lore and a highly interactive plotline. We want to allow members to
create and look back on a magical journey, and mold the site and its plot as their characters grow.
One of the things that Valencia loved the most about her childhood was going to The Pink Cauldron. Her mother thought that she should work for her rewards but the intensity to which she had to work warranted a nicer reward each time. Therefore, the Pink Cauldron became a place which reminded her of the feats that she accomplished. But right now, she invited someone that was very important to her for an outing which was long overdue. The years had been kind to her and she'd learn so much but the amount of social interaction was waning from time to time.
Her familiar was adamant that she keep relations between herself and others as a priority. Nothing could be achieved alone even if it was the easiest way to conduct business. Valencia found that she never really contradicted herself but when in the presence of others, it was hard to keep one state of mind. Arion understood her to some extent but he also commented that horses were sociable creatures which meant in some way, she wanted social interaction.
Cheeky bastard.
I heard that.
And?
She took a sip of her tea as she waited, only somewhat eager to get a move on with this outing. The other part of her had a few questions to which only Loraina could answer.
"Looks like ya got another hotass redhead in your life and ya ain't tellin' me anything!"
Once again, Crimmy just couldn't resist keeping his thoughts to himself. Thankfully, the two of them communicated telepathically more than anything, and while she wouldn't ever admit to his face, she did appreciate the fact that his voice often drowned out all the other voices that plagued her mind.
Oh yes, she was fucked up indeed. It took years of building up a strong facade to keep all others from noticing anything out of the ordinary, and it had already become a normal procedure - not to lie, oh she never did like to lie, but bending the truth in her favor? That was always the chosen alternative.
"The Pink Cauldron." A place she frequented with her family during her younger years, mostly for the meals and the atmosphere. It's been awhile since she'd visited, and just by stepping through the doors alone, she couldn't help but to be amazed at how this establishment not only managed to keep its integrity, but is constantly changing and evolving to suit the trends of the time.
Having only recently moved here to Salem on her own for the first time in her life, she was amazed that certain people from her childhood still remembered her. Though, the encounter she had with the first of the Godfrey siblings went awry almost immediately, this particular one had her excited. An old acquaintance - no, an old friend, one that helped her tremendously during her darkest times.
Yet, even as those happy memories resurfaced, she knew that there was more to that than just a simple meeting to catch up on old times. Sure, it could be a part of the appeal, but for two old friends who hadn't seen each other well over half a decade to suddenly have a meeting out of the blue?
"Val?" A waitress so kindly guided her to their designated table, which was located in its own private sector that only the rich and influential would ever get the chance to see, much less rent out. Impressive, really, for the woman to go all out like this, but it wasn't anything Loraina hasn't seen before.
But speaking of not seeing before, Valencia's brother certainly had quite the amusing response to seeing how she looked like now, and he was supposed to be the stoic one.
"It's been a jiffy, hasn't it?"
Come pull the sheet over my eyes So I can sleep tonight
Valencia wasn't sure that the woman approaching her could have been the same Loraina that she knew. However, there were only a handful of people so bold enough to shorten her name in a greeting. The waitress gave a cursory glance between the two of them until Valencia waved her hand. Once the waitress departed, Valencia let her eyes roam as she took in the vision before her. Loraina hadn't been the cutest child when they were young but Valencia hadn't known that time could change someone so much. The small girl that Cain tormented had grown into a beautiful woman and despite her initial disbelief and shock, Valencia was proud.
She set down her tea cup whilst trying to make as little noise as possible. A soft chuckle escaped her as she gestured for Loraina to take a seat across from her.
"A jiffy is an understatement," she said with a laugh. "It's been well over a decade since I've last seen you."
Valencia's hands settled on her lap and she could practically feel the familiarity creeping up her spine. It was easy to fall into old habits with someone that she knew well. Someone that hopefully hadn't let the oddities of growing older cloud them from the bliss of youth. Nonetheless, she hadn't simply called Loraina here to chat about the old days or rekindle a friendship which she desperately needed -- even if she wasn't willing to admit it herself.
There were questions to be asked and answers to be given or alluded to. But first and foremost, honesty was key.
"I've missed you," Valencia admitted. "I apologize that I never sought you out before."
Somewhere in the deep, dark depths of Loraina's mind, a wolf whistle mixed with an array of catcalls echoed throughout.
The sight of the woman before her - it seemed like so much had changed. Valencia, no, Val, as the woman insisted she be called during their younger days, had always been the rebellious type. Adventurous, curious and always braving against the currents that headed her way. The woman before her? She seemed disciplined, formal and.. delicious.
Oh how much fun it'd be if they could somehow rekindle their old friendship and played together once more. To her knowledge, despite their best efforts in concealing any and all of the complications that plagued their family for the sake of putting on a noble and united front, they had their fair share of issues lingering about. And just imagine, it all started with the dwindling arsemonger that sullied her youth.
"Has it really been that long?"
Instead of directly taking a seat of her own, Loraina would gracefully saunter up to her old friend, her eyes trailing and analyzing the features that her old best friend now possessed, a smile cheekily spreading across her cheeks as she attempted to place her hands atop the redhead's. "It seems the years have done you well. You look and seem so much different than the last time we've met. A full fledged heiress of the Godfrey's."
For this blissful occasion, Loraina put on her favorite dress - an elegantly crafted maroon shaded long-dress that had floral frills sewn into various sections of the fine fabric. Sleeveless, slick, and figure hugging, the start and end of the outfit left others wanting more of the view, but was modest enough to keep a mysterious air about it. Topped off by the a pair of shoulder-lengthed silk gloves of the same color, most would point out that she looked more like a celebrity stage actress than an up-and-coming witch.
Perhaps it was a subconscious quirk she developed after attaining this figure through sheer effort and hard work - along with the slight aid of hormones that invaded her body during a certain stage of growth, but she could often be seen wearing articles of clothing that one would never thought they'd see her in. Attire that she never had the confidence to pull off as a young, naive little child.
If allowed, she'd even pull the woman into a tight embrace, and although there were certain mischievous thoughts invading her mind, all these feelings and emotions right now, all of it was genuine. "It is.. really good to see you again. And don't apologize, we all had our growing trials to tend to. So long as we've made it out in one piece."
"And I must admit, you certainly do look like quite the beautiful piece indeed."
Come pull the sheet over my eyes So I can sleep tonight
There were a few things that Valencia hadn't expected to come from Loraina Brooks. An instigation of physical contact was one of them and to say that she was surprised would be putting it mildly. Valencia wasn't a stranger to physical contact but she didn't seek it avidly. When she was young, hugs were something that she enjoyed especially from the pinkette. They were a declaration of love and closeness but when she got older, she found that there were other actions to show her feelings for another person. Nonetheless, the warmth from Loraina's hands caught Valencia's attention and her gaze flitted from the hands resting atop of hers to the woman who was edging closer into her personal space.
Her gaze flickered from their hands to Loraina's face. She'd almost forgot how blue her companion's eyes were. Faintly remembering a time when she would exclaim that Loraina's eyes were like the sky and wanted to show her friend off to everyone, but those were the days when the older girl was shy and meek. Obviously her initial assumption that nothing changed about Loraina was wrong in every way.
The compliment of being a heiress was one that Valencia heard very often. However, she wasn't sure what she should feel from knowing that she was suitable to take over her family's legacy. On one hand, it would've been an honor when she was young but time had a way of changing one's feelings. But for Loraina's sake, a little smile formed and she nodded her head in acknowledgement and thanks.
What happened next is what almost took Valencia's breath away.
There weren't many who were bold enough to be close like this; even those who had history with her kept a distance that was suitable for both parties. Yet Loraina managed to destroy every assumption that she had about the other retaining their youthful shyness. And instead, Valencia acknowledged that the woman holding her was someone entirely new.
The smile broadened and although she felt a tad uncomfortable, as the hug prolonged, she found that it was easier to deal with.
"Well, you've become bold in our time apart," she mused. "And poetic."
She leaned away to brush a lock of hair behind Loraina's ear and chuckled.
"Poetic? I suppose there's a first for everything."
Over the course of these past few years, she's received almost all the compliments in the world that one could imagine, from representatives of all the noble families one could think of. To be called poetic though? That was indeed, a first. Most who knew her would've discovered early on that she had a certain je ne seis quois with words, especially during one of her infamous verbal tirades. The smile and warm laughter that soon followed betrayed a bit of confusion as she failed to grasp what the redhead truly meant, but she was sure they'd figure it out at another time.
"Um.. well, yes, it is quite uncomfortable. I distinctly remember certain parts of our bodies being slightly smaller in size the last time we've embraced."
Confident jokes about one's anatomy as well? This was truly a grown up, matured version of the Brooks family heiress that most would not even have the chance to witness. Her timid and shy nature way back when was truly out of this world, almost as though she were a newly birthed guinea pig, afraid of the world and its strange inhabitants. If this wasn't evidence that even the weakest flower would have its blooming period, then the world would be a much less colorful place to be.
After parting from their hug, the pinkette would finally greet the seat that had awaited her since her arrival a short distance away from her host, taking a seat and crossing her legs just as she was always told to by her father. It became almost a muscle-memory action at this point, and she'd feel awkward without it.
"I'm going to take a wild guess and say that this whole arranged meeting isn't exactly for the sake of happy, friendly reunions?"
Straightforward, and straight to the point. Without a doubt, Loraina knew that her companion must have appreciated her willingness to not waste any more precious time than they'd need to. "Is this about your family, or mine?"
It was always about the families. Never the individuals, but the weight of the name that came with it.
Come pull the sheet over my eyes So I can sleep tonight
Valencia chuckled at the comment about their respective changes in physique. Truthfully, there were a lot of surprises this evening and none of them seemed to be unwarranted. Loraina blossomed as she grew older and it was heart-warming to see that she'd finally come into herself. Distantly, Valencia wondered what Cain thought about Loraina or if he'd seen her in the time that they'd been apart. She distastefully recalled the insults that her brother heartlessly thrown at the Brooks' heiress. It was one of the memories that she had of him which weren't fond. In fact, she was so irritated with him for it that she refused to speak to him when they returned home.
Almost as if she read her mind, Loraina addressed her interest in what their meeting was about. For a moment Valencia had forgotten what she even called Loraina for. She was so happy to see that she was doing better and growing in a positive way that all other thoughts evaporated. But it wasn't a good idea to lose sight of what her purpose was. She was running about on limited time after all because if her suspicions of the Godfrey's intentions were true, Cain had to be found immediately.
Turning to face her old friend, Valencia placed her hands on the table and steeled her resolve.
"This meeting is about the two of us," she said. "However, it is also about someone that we share a common thread with."
Her gaze never faltered and she didn't run away from the words that slipped from her lips. She told Loraina about the state in which she found Cain was gone. When she returned home on his birthday after a training session only to find that his room had been cleared out, or the way that their parents turned a blind eye to it.
"I'm looking for Cain because I fear for his safety," she admitted. "Though, I also want to confirm my suspicions of our family."
There were many things that weren't as she thought they were. Her family was one of those things. In the past, she knew that there was something wrong but there was a constant haze hanging over her which didn't allow for her to see clearly.
The gradual shift in expression brought about an almost eerie sort of tension into the room. Far worse things could have happened, really, like this being a family-oriented discussion as opposed to just the two individuals seated within the room, though soon enough they'd be joined by a third - a dashing young waiter who held a bottle of white wine in his hands, seemingly waiting for the opportunity to show off his knowledge about said bottle and its fermentation process. Thanks to the sudden quietness that now hung around like an unwanted guest, he merely filled their glasses before swiftly making his exi, understanding the severity of the situation despite the fact that he had no clue who the two persons were.
"A common thread that I would have liked to keep buried beneath the sands of time, mind you."
It was getting increasingly obvious that an ooze of angst flowed right out of Loraina when the name of her tormentor had been brought up. Yes, even though Valentia's prized older brother had just bumped into the pinkette a few days past. that encounter still burned at her nerves like a freshly heated branding iron. They might have settled their differences and put the past behind them, but does anyone really think she'd just let everything slide when her entire youth was ridden with nothing but defilement from that damned man?
"Yes, I've heard of his situation, but why now? And perhaps it isn't my place to ask, but what suspicions are you speaking of?"
If she recalled correctly, Cain said that it'd already been years since he left the Godfrey estate and never once looked back. Something about songbirds and freedom and cages, she really wasn't paying any attention. as she was far too focused on containing her rage for the betterment of all mankind.
"Come to think of it, I was approached by someone who said they knew of me - even mentioned my name once or twice. While he did look vaguely familiar, I knew of no one who looked like they've been living in the slums without so much as a functioning shower to keep their bodily odors in check."
Still, even while her mental self tried cooling off the wounds with ice, she couldn't resist having some fun. The best lies were often fabricated with a hint of truth in its foundation, but Loraina never really enjoyed saying things that were without a truthful substance. That, however, did not mean she couldn't twist and turn actual happenings into her own wondrous tales. It was far more enjoyable this way, after all. "V-Val, could that have been..?"
Come pull the sheet over my eyes So I can sleep tonight
Valencia couldn't appease or make sense of why her brother was such a dunce in his youth. It was one of the things that she didn't like about him but Cain had always been that way. And in a way, he'd always been true to himself. Yes, there were moments when she would have to reprimand or ignore him to make her point but she hoped that in the future he and Loraina could've been friends. But those were the days that she thought she'd have her brother forever.
A fleeting dream and a broken ideal.
She folded her hands in her lap as she listened to Loraina's explanation and her questions continued to reverberate and ricochet off the walls of her mind. The problem in question was one that Valencia tried to force down with every fiber of her being. She knew that something was wrong with their family but couldn't put a finger on it in her youth. No, she was afraid that if she tried to inquire too deeply into it without a contingency plan, then —
The explanation and description of a person down on their luck struck a chord inside of her. She lifted her eyes to meet Loraina's gaze and felt the weight on her chest again.
"Loraina," she said. "I know that you and Cain didn't see eye to eye when we were kids and he was horrible to you, but if you have seen him, and if you know where he might've gone or who he might have interacted with. I need you to tell me."
Arion muttered soft words of reassurance in her mind as her hands began to tremble. It was a nervous habit from when she was a child.
"It sounds as if it could've been him but please, I need you to think carefully. If I'm right about my assumptions and something is going wrong, I need to find Cain before anyone else does."
There were a lot of ways that this conversation could have went, and a lot of different paths her answers could have taken them. Though Loraina was confident in her decision-making skills, when presented with something that had the potential to be so impactful and so much fun at the same time, she couldn't stop on just one.
Yet, the pinkette knew she owed a large part of her childhood to the woman before her. They were friends - hell, Val was one of the only people in the world she'd not hesitate to trust. Don't get it wrong, by no means were they the best of companions as they'd only ever see each other once every few weeks, given that they lived in separate continents and all, but the little time they do have with one another outside of her being constantly assaulted by the girl's older brother, they've always gotten along tremendously. And Val.. she always acted like a protector to her, like a guardian angel who kept all the trouble away.
"The slums." She admitted, recalling specific details of their conversation that happened a few weeks ago. Loraina had just moved to Salem, and it was taking her more time than she'd like to adjust to being on her own in a strange place where the culture was rather different. Even if the Brooks and the Godfreys have a close relationship with one another, she wouldn't have wanted to be looked after by Valencia and her family even if her father had probably already requested for such. "I've no idea of a more specific location. That git seemed to be in a petty state, so I've loaned him a small apartment complex that my father purchased a while back, to clean himself up and the lot."
She took a sip of the chilled white wine, her gloved fingers soaking in the droplets of cold dew that had formed on the outer edges of the glass. It must have seemed weird to her host that she'd be so generous to someone whom had essentially ruined her life, but even she understood the call of someone in need, regardless of what had occurred in the past. Besides, simply by doing this, wouldn't it draw people's attention away from the fact that she had recently joined a dark coven?
"That was the last I've seen or spoke to him. Now that I've answered your question though, won't you entertain me by telling me what exactly is prompting you to look for him?"
Come pull the sheet over my eyes So I can sleep tonight
The Hovel was a place in which Valencia learned many lessons that would've saved her later on in life. However, she knew that once someone was inside of the Hovel, it was very likely that they could disappear without a trace. It would make it harder for the Godfreys to find Cain but she wouldn't have much luck either if her resources and sources of information chose to hide themselves. A sigh escaped her and she raised her hand to touch the bridge of her nose. It was a habit from her youth whenever she found herself agitated with a problem that she couldn't solve.
But she was happy. As happy as someone who was left with more questions could've been, but still happy nonetheless. Loraina was stronger and far more hospitable than she would've guessed that someone would've been towards a person who tormented them. In a way, it showed Valencia that the goodness in someone's heart couldn't be corrupted so easily.
Do you really believe that?
Arion spoke up in the back of her mind and even though the thought came so easily, the skepticism was just as strong.
Nonetheless, Loraina had given her an answer and a valuable clue to her brother's whereabouts. It was only fair that she'd give her an answer in return. But the relationship between the Brooks and Godfreys was one that was quite sacred. For her to corrupt it with speculation would've been childish on her part and her answer had to be worded as carefully as possible.
"Cain vanished without a trace and no one spoke of him," she said. "He didn't tell me where he was going either."
She tried to ignore the bitter taste in the back of her mouth. The glass of white wine catching her attention for the first time since it had been poured. Although she didn't care for drinking very often, this was an exception she was willing to make. A few sips followed and warmth ran through her from head to toe.
"He's my brother and just like you, all I want is to know that he's safe and sound."
Such an endearing moment, to see that a little sister would care so much for their older siblings. Loraina had no brothers or sisters to bond with while she was younger, and though her father did eventually remarry and raised kids of his own, she felt more like a distant aunt than a close step-sister.
All the brief interactions that she'd seen Cain and Valentia a child mostly revolved around her being angry at him for being overly mean, but that was only the tip of the iceberg, wasn't it? Sure, there may have been ups and downs, but like most siblings she'd seen, Loraina understood what it meant to have someone to look up to, for that someone to be there whenever you wanted just anyone to vent out about your frustrations or the problems you've been facing. Understanding however, can be a completely different thing as opposed to just experiencing.
She had none of that.
Only bitterness. Envy. Anger.
Thankfully, she hadn't yet acquired a lust for blood that was uncontrollable. As a child, she'd taken the lives of others, and the future of those whom she hadn't had the chance to finish. None suspected her because of her timid nature, but the thrill and excitement followed her into adulthood. Though she hasn't done anything since, there were days where she'd sit around and reminisce, knowing that her past deeds were a mere sample of what she'd be capable of in the very near future.
"It is good to see you being such a caring little sister. Oh, what I'd give to have a relation like that.." Whether or not she truly meant it, nobody knows. Yet, with all the things that has happened in personal and public lives of the Godfrey family, she couldn't help but to satiate her cravings with one more question that might have betrayed a small dosage of her true, hidden personality.
"But don't you feel bitter about it? What he did - what he essentially did, was abandon your family. To escape a life of responsibilities, to run away from the burden of carrying the Godfrey name, possibly out of fear that he'd sully it, he deserted your fa-.. no, he left you, high and dry." The pinkette narrowed her eyes as she continued speaking, and at this point, she'd be leaning forward, chin rested against her palm, which was in turn connected to her elbow which was now resting on the smooth surface of their table. A small, yet somewhat stark contrast to her prior elegant behavior. "Val dearest, if you expect me to wholeheartedly believe that an 'update on his condition' is all you wish to see for yourself, I do apologize for not being as gullible as I was before."
"All those years of grief that he's caused you." Instead of continuing with her relaxed posture, Loraina got up and slowly, almost serpent-like, sauntered over behind the woman's chair, which she would then promptly wrap both arms around her from behind in an embrace, before finally leaning in to put the finishing touches to her previous words. "Won't you repay him?"
Come pull the sheet over my eyes So I can sleep tonight
Doubt was something that Valencia couldn't stand to plague her heart when a decision was to be put forth. She missed Cain and wanted the closeness that they had before during the six years that he had been gone. And yes, she felt the betrayal and hurt from not being told of whether he was alive or dead. He'd left her with nothing but a gaping hole in the shape of who he was and she should have hated him for that without a doubt. But he was her brother and even if she could find a way to put him at fault for the grief that she felt, it wasn't for good reason.
She saw the way that they'd look at him.
She could feel the anger that radiated from him.
And deep down, she knew that there was something that she could do but instead she tricked herself into believing that her love and adoration would be enough to keep him home. Keep him by her side when all he wanted to do was spread his wings and separate himself from those who scorned him.
As she grew older, Valencia realized that Cain hadn't abandoned her. He didn't run away from her and place her in the same likeness of their family.
He did it for himself and he was entitled with all of the pain and anger that he must've felt over the years, he was entitled to seek a bit of solace even if it was away from her. And she would force down all of the selfishness in her heart.
No matter how much pain she felt, it wasn't about her. It was about Cain and her desire to find him wasn't for answers but out of...
"No."
Love.
Loraina's words wrapped around at her and scraped at the wounds which hadn't yet healed. They'd been ignored but they hadn't healed and Valencia wouldn't allow herself to step backwards. Instead, she'd move forward because forward is where Cain was. Forward is the only way that she could go.
"I know that my brother wasn't kind to you in the past," she said. "No, he was an absolute terror to you and nothing could change that."
She narrowed her eyes, turning her head ever so slightly to where she could have practically kissed Loraina but instead wanted to stare her in the eye as she spoke.
"Cain had no right for the things that he said or did to you but he was also a child hurt and scorned by those who should've cared for him. I was in no state to help you and I couldn't help him either, we were all children and led astray by those who should've set us on the right path."
Her words hardened.
"He may have abandoned our family but Cain never abandoned me just as you didn't abandon me in the time we were apart," she continued. "My brother grew and he changed just as you've grown and changed. But to what state the both of you have become and how twisted you may be is what I have yet to see or understand."
She raised her hand to touch Loraina's cheek and sighed.
"Please," Valencia pleaded with a weariness to her tone. "My battle is not with you and I don't want to tire before it really begins."
The redhead's words were genuine, there wasn't any doubt about that. Throughout her explanation, Loraina could feel the woman's heartbeat thumping in her chest, resonating throughout her body, each word acting almost like a reassurance of sorts to herself. Deep down though, it must have hurt. There must have been pain, so much so that the pinkette could practically feel it oozing out of the pores in her skin.
And she loved it.
Often more than not, the Brooks family heiress had to remind herself that she was acting as a freelance witch, picking up odd jobs from the bulletin boards of random covens she'd come across, and perhaps even mingling around and befriending some of those people. It was all for a greater cause after all. She knew that her goals were her very own, and ultimately, not even Leviathan bring her to those heights - but it certainly could help. For now though, she had to satiate her sadistic cravings elsewhere, so consider it an unfortunate circumstance where there just so happened to be a vulnerable target placed before her, like a wounded animal to a hungry lion.
Yet, even after those words, the unwavering kindness shown to her ignited a fair bit of jealousy that had occupied her heart since the olden days. Was she truly that blind to allow someone to spite her as Loraina did, or was it simply because of the fact that it was Loraina who did it? Whichever the case, she embraced the gesture, even adding to it by pressing their foreheads together. If they were close enough to kiss before, even the slightest tilt forward now would result in just that. Hell, with the little-to-no-distance that they had in between one another, the faint hint of strawberry from her lips could even be detected. But truth be told, the pinkette has never harbored any romantic feelings for anyone before. Lust, perhaps, as that was a whole different topic altogether, one that she has dove into quite a surprising number of times.
"And I, the same. I wish nothing but happiness for you and your family. I've offered Cain all I could, but you know well of his pride. I would suggest starting your search in the slums. If not, all I could do is leave him a message the next time he comes around." Her words rang strong and clear, despite the fact that they were in a rather uncomfortable position - twisting body angles and such. Loraina would relieve the woman of said discomfort soon enough, and headed on back to her chair, just in time for the meals to be served, and their wines refilled.
"Has it ever crossed your mind that he may have been trying to avoid the lot of you? I may be unsure, but if I were to be in the same situation as he was, the last thing I'd want to do is to be seen in such a state."
Come pull the sheet over my eyes So I can sleep tonight
Arion muttered to her that something wasn't right here. That her buttons weren't pressed and she was being pushed to the point where there may have been no return. He urged Valencia to step away from the situation and collect herself because when it came to Cain, there was little she wouldn't do for him. But when he looked to the young woman who'd he known for all of her life, he couldn't feel a hint of malice or anger from her. Speculation. Skepticism. Mild amusement. Valencia wasn't a whirlwind of emotions, she was the calm before the storm and all at once his concerns fell silent.
She set to making work of her meal and took a few bites as Loraina continued speaking. It had crossed her mind once or twice that Cain didn't want to see them. That her attempts to find him would only result in her being turned away. Heartbroken, she'd throw herself in her work in an attempt to erase the feelings of love and adoration that she felt for her brother. Maybe she'd even throw a few temper tantrums and scare some of the new recruits at work.
Valencia thought of these "what if"s and placed the scenarios out in her mind, and she hated each of them. Because she despise "what if"s. Even if something crossed her mind and it wasn't something that she was happy with, it was better to try and fail than to never try and be left with the "what if". That dread "if" stole many happy moments from her and she wouldn't allow this one t go if it was possible.
"Whether or not he wants to see me isn't his choice," she said. "He left without a word and I am inquiring the nature of his absence."
She dabbed at her mouth with a napkin and made a mental note to research how these scallop potatoes were made. After taking a sip of her wine, she looked up to Loraina.
"But considering that you've raised such inquiries, I must ask one of my own." Valencia continued. "Will you give me the location of the place where you let Cain stay?"
