ayrιтн мanor//rp тнread

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The car ride was quiet; well on Xavier's part. Vanja chattered the entire time trying to fill the silence with jokes and stories; though it was lost on Xavier. Things were just... They were beginning to feel hopeless again. The threat of Aaron coming back had really spoiled his mood; though Vanja kept nobly trying. "Hey, Xavier do you remember what to get?" Thankfully they were pulling up to the supermarket and giving a nod he hopped out as soon as the rangy man parked. Giving a wave and a warning to stay low and if something happened to give him a text; he was gone. Entering the store avoiding eye contact Xavier got what was on the list pretty quickly; though he glanced towards the cigarettes being sold with a twitch of his fingers. Lyric wasn't there to stop him and it was a bitter reminder as he sauntered over, carriage wheels churning loudly. "Four cartons of Lucky Strikes. Thanks." As the man handed it over, Xavier felt particularly scornful. Scooping his packs up and placing them into his jacket pockets the cashier cleared his throat. "Sir you haven't paid." Narrowing brown eyes Xavier leaned forward and purred "I did pay for them."Blinking clearly confused the cashier nodded slowly and turning around Xavier paid for the items in the carriage before jogging back out to the car eager to get home.
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The blonde had done what he could to help the group, picking up pieces of glass while his breath caught in his chest. Legs quavering Faolan couldn't of been more relieved when all the glass was picked up and Damian began piecing them back together. It was neat to see his power put to use like this; in fact the blond had been convinced that he could really only blow things up with his mind, this was way cooler. Once everything was done, he flopped onto the floor staring up at the ceiling flashes coming back to him. It was eery to think that only last night blood was spilt on these floors; staining parts of the wood until someone washed it. It was even stranger to think that he had almost died in this place, his home no less. Sitting up he caught a flash of red as Layla entered flopping down in close proximity to Damian, even resting her head on his shoulder as their fearless leader put his arm about the girl. It was nice to see something so beautiful and serene in the middle of chaos, and even better to have to two recognize their feelings for each other. "Seems that everyone's getting together." the pale blond though with a wry smile.

What took him by surprise was when Damian leaned in, brushing his lips across Layla for a dorky and awkward first kiss. It was nice to see them getting close, and Faolan wished them all the best. But, privacy was nice so getting to his feet the man chirped "I'm gonna go make sure they didn't mess up my room." With that he was gone, slowly dragging himself towards his room sleep weighing heavily on his mind. The house upstairs seemed eery and Piper's room was left ajar a morbid curiosity drew the man in and peering in found that it looked almost clean. Fragments of Glenn's teeth were swept into a pile and the blood had been cleaned up. There was still a stale metallic stench in the trapped in the four walls that Faolan wasn't sure would ever dissipate. Images of Lyric, small and broken pulled at his stomach making him naseous. Unable to stomach the room any longer he turned on his heel and stormed from the room. He wasn't normally an angry person but shadows whirled about him as he thought of what he would do to Aaron should he truly come back. Still sulking the blond stormed into his room, though quietly shut the door so not to draw attention to himself before flopping down on his bed. Exhausted and feeling rather sore and stiff Faolan lay in his bed, fear dancing about in his mind. Everyday he felt like it was getting worse and he grew weary of hiding his condition from everyone; well most everyone.

Sure Vanja may be able to heal him up, but he had admitted himself he didn't have the best control over his ability. And Faolan would rather have an enlarged heart than like five arms or something equally strange. Smiling at the thought of him, brandishing seven arms about as if he were Shiva, it drew a dry chuckle from his lips. Sleep overcame the man however and within a few moments of closing his eyes the Irishman was passed out, snoring lightly his hand twitching every once in awhile while shadows rested on his pillow as if keeping an eye out for him.

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Apparently sleeping hadn't been an option as Osiris suggested he stay awake and get to know his new comrades. Grumbling internally Aaron kept a close eye on Arwyn; instantly noticing her distress. The girl was pressed against the side of the bed he'd claimed knees drawn to her chest. Trying to cheer her up, or at least get her to stop looking so pathetic Aaron taunted, "Hey, you can always share a bed with me." Jerking her head up, a fire etched back into those intense grey eyes the girl spat out "Not even if you were the last man on Earth." Apparently catching onto his scheme a small smile graced her as Aaron turned back towards Osiris. His presence seemed to really mess with Arwyn as the two delved deeper into plans to overtake the manner. It became apparent rather quickly he wanted something quick and easy; perhaps when they were sleeping in the night to surprise them. Aaron on the other hand wanted something painful that induced terror in them.

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"Pepperoni it is." Shooting a quick text to Vanja the redhead was quite aware of just how close Damian was; and ducking her head to hide the blush that had spread across her cheeks the girl was for once speechless. However when Damian murmured for her, and her alone to hear "I meant what I said back there in the camp, I wasn't off my rocker or anything; you are truly beautiful, Layla." It felt like everything had slowed for her. Carefully lifting her head so she didn't smack into him and completely ruin "the moment" she was positive had built between them. Heart thudding so loudly she was sure the town could hear it, Layla found his hesitant shyness rather endearing; and when his lips touched her's briefly the girl smiled widely vaguely noting Faolan's snickering.

Damian looked wide eyed and unsure so spreading her slender fingers against his face and with a subtle confidence brought his face back to her's; seeking his kiss once more. Elation rung through her veins as she kissed him; slowly and surely. If hell was gonna rain down upon all their heads Layla wanted to enjoy this a little longer. Pulling away, feeling a bit breathless while her large green eyes were wide and giving a nervous chuckle Layla cleared her throat. "You... Wow." Words failed her as the tingling sensation left over from their gentle kisses whelmed her the svelte girl took a moment to collect herself. "Whatever I say is gonna sound pretty lame now, but in all seriousness. I really like you Damian." Feeling awkward and out of her element she hoped that her lackluster words hadn't caused her to sound too much of an idiot.

Hearing the door open she stiffened, against her will though settled down when Rowan walked into the room his eyes downcast from Layla's. "I burned the sheets." Sensing something was going on the elder brother nodded awkwardly and scurried out of the room back towards the kitchen before the opening of a fridge could be heard. She knew that right now was a calm before a storm that would guarantee no one's survival. Trying to push dark thoughts aside to just enjoy the moment it was once again interrupted by a crash upstairs. Jerking away and shooting him an apologetic look Layla dashed up the stairs as Faolan poked his head out from his room. "Think that was Lyric's room."

Without further ado Layla hurried to the room and flung to door open to find Lyric hyperventilating her hair in a wild disarray and eyes large and unfocused. "Lyric? It's me Layla; I think you should lay back down until Vanja gets back." Whimpering as the redhead approached her the pegomancist shouted in a shrill voice, unlike herself, "Stay away from me!" A large gust of wind slammed into Layla; sending her stumbling back. It was clear she was disoriented, and sending a hapless glance towards Faolan who'd also entered the room he shrugged. Trying again Layla reached for a calmer note, "Lyric, it's me Layla. Go sit in the bed. Xavier's gonna be so happy to see you're awake."

At this the hard and confused edge in Lyric's eyes seemed to soften and the phantom wind in the room settled down. "Xavier?" Nodding and approaching holding her hands out, Layla gently grasped Lyric's shoulder, leading her towards the bed. "That's right. He's gone out to go get some things with Vanja but he's ok. He's worried about you."[/i] Resisting rather suddenly Lyric all but sobbed out, "Where are they?!" For a moment, confused about what she was talking about it clicked that she was scared of Aaron being here. [b]"He's gone hon. All three of them." Feeling it pointless to bring up they were gone for now Lyric began to cry in earnest, her petite frame shaking. She was probably dehydrated and crying wasn't going to do her any good. "Calm down. You're safe. Look Faolan is here, Piper's in the next room. Damian is here no one is ever going to touch you again."

Jerking at this, Lyric's head collided with her pillow as she sunk back onto her mattress. "Faolan watch her. Someone should call Xavier so he can stop moping around." Lyric had curled almost into herself as if protecting herself from unseen monsters that loomed over her. Hurrying out of the room Layla tugged her cellphone from her pocket and quickly dialed Xavier. He picked up on the second ring. "Get back here as soon as you can. It's Lyric." Without even giving a greeting or a chance for him to speak she hung up, feeling rather relieved that Lyric was up. What worried her was how out of it she seemed to be; and how she seemed to be scared to be alone. Groaning and covering her face Layla wondered if she was actually going to be truly ok.
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He had done as he'd promised Layla and took the sheets outside to burn them. A large flame burst forth and he grabbed the bloodied sheets tossing them into the firepit he'd been directed to. Rowan was enjoying the solitude the outdoors had to offer when he heard footsteps approaching him and glancing up saw the girl; Blackthorn he thought her name was. Smiling as she spoke, the burly man shook his head with an almost boyish shyness. He wasn't great with people; hell he'd lived the past six months in Russia's wilderness though he knew how to be polite at least. "Blackthorn... I'll remember that. And yeah, I'm Rowan. Really I'm just burning these sheets cause Layla thought they'd cause some distress to a resident here. Lyric." He wasn't sure what this girl knew; Rowan himself wasn't sure what he knew. Playfully he nudged the girl "I'd be careful socializing with me. I'm not exactly cream of the crop here." It was easy to mask his disappointment with a joke. Running a hand through his hair and watching the sheets burning Rowan felt himself on edge as he tried to make conversation with Blackthorn. "So what's your story? If you don't mind me asking?"

OOC: Low muse for him.
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She was aware of a distant buzzing in her head; a heaviness in her limbs and an aching in throughout her body. Whimpering as she cracked a singular deep blue orb open taking in her surroundings. Everything was fuzzy and blurred and panic welled in her chest. How long had she been out? Space and time had been completely erridacted whilst she hung suspended between life and death. Panic flooded her systems lending her the strength to literally stagger out of bed; whacking her elbow against the side of the bed as she glanced wildly around. Lyric was back in her own room but she had no idea when Glenn was coming back for her. Stifling a sob and feeling disoriented she didn't have long to try to stagger towards the door before it was flung open by two figures. Images of Aaron and Arwyn flashed across her mind as one approached and a high-pitch ring in her ears prevented her from truly hearing what was going on.

As they continued to get closer she felt a surge of wind push them away as she screamed "Stay away from me! Power rung throughout her voice that she didn't truly have and it was then a voice reached her. Layla's to be exact. Calming slightly as she mentioned Xavier, Lyric stilled as Layla wrapped gentle hands on her shoulders; and dissolved into honest sobs. Terror stung her and she felt as if Aaron and his cronies would jump her at any moment. "Where are they?!" Struggling again against Layla the girl shushed her, assuring that they had left. There seemed to be a timidness in Layla's voice that raised alarms though she wasn't feeling well enough to pay attention to her. It felt like fire had broken across her face and body; particularly where Glenn had beat the living sh!t out of her.

Hyperventilating as Layla left her in the care of Faolan the blond didn't hesitate into slipping down next to Lyric and soothing her hair away from her face. "Xavier's on his way. Don't worry." It did take the edge off of her fear as Faolan began singing softly to try to calm her, Lyric supposed. She forced herself to close her eyes if nothing but to ease the visual over stimulation she was receiving. She was glad Faolan was there, she always viewed him like the older brother she'd never had. All she wanted was... Was to feel safe. There was a tension in her body and treason in her mind that left her shaking and looking for demons in the shadows.

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[justify][size=9pt] The ride back had been dull, well besides the excruiating pain healing the Glenn figure, which gave Gwen foreboding chills her up her spine. Instead of being rude however the girl politely nodded, "Don't thank me. Thank Osiris, or Arwyn. She insisted I do this. Osiris allowed me to." Even from her vantage point in the backseat the golden haired girl saw Arwyn's cheeks light up as she glanced out the window acting as if she hadn't heard Guinevere. Giving a somewhat tight smile Gwen took to staring out the window as well. Aaron had informed her they were only twenty minutes away from the town; and Guinevere was antsy to get back with her own group. Though they hadn't forgotten about her. The whole while she'd been healing Glenn, her phone had been buzzing in her pocket with unread texts. Mostly Danny and Zach though at a stop light (Gwen hoped) Osiris had sent her a text as well. "Doing ok? What do you think of the group?" Smiling lightly she answered quickly "Dunno. Haven't really been paying attention. That kid's face was near death let me tell you." Pocketing her device and glancing behind her the Channel caught glimpse of Osiris' van only a couple cars behind them.

"So, where are you from Gwen?" Aaron clearly trying to be amicable spoke up, over the soft music that masked the otherwise silence in the car. "Vermont." Her answer was short and curt as Aaron nodded. "I'm from New England myself." Nodding though turning her face back towards the highway once more she did not speak until they had entered the town and pulled into a decent looking motel. As soon as Aaron had parked, Gwen was out the car waving as Osiris pulled in, sunglasses neatly in place. As people began piling out the blond man called, "There should be reservations under Hayeswel. Ordered two rooms with two beds. Ten people, two rooms can have cots. Four to five to a room. Worse comes to worse someone gets to sleep on the floor." Gwen nodded and giving Aaron and his little group a small tight smile Guinevere hurried back to the groups more familiar crowd of kids falling into step behind Osiris.

This town feels boring doesn't it." He intoned to which Gwen giggled nodding her head. It was true, this seemed like the town that literally nothing happened in. "Don't let your guard down, looks can be deceiving." Knocking his knuckles gently against her head in a big-brother sort of way Osiris waved her off as he stepped into the lobby to take keys. Left loitering outside the blonde leaned against the side of the dirty white building her eyes trained on the neon lights that were switched off until nightfall she assumed. It took about fifteen minutes but Delaney and Osiris came back out holding four sets of keys. They began passing them out as people squabbled about where to go. Feeling an arm around her Gwen glanced up as Delaney smiled at her handing the girl a key. "Four to a room, go pick people." She noted that Osiris was already asking Aaron to room with him along with his group so they could discuss plans. Pointing to Danny, Zach, Adeline, and Alice the girl smiled motioning them over. She knew it would really cramped, but she also knew that Osiris was doing this so everyone would be forced to get to know each other. It was a team building sort of exercise that he employed in the living space portion of the tunnels.

Gwen was also aware that Adeline was a bit of an alarm raiser for Osiris, Alice seemed to detest Zachary and vice versa; while the little blonde haired woman didn't know anyone too well. Beaming widely at the group she nodded, holding up the keys. "Right then, we've got five to our room, they've got five to theirs. We'll take turns in beds, first it'll be Adeline and Alice in one, Danny and Zach in the other and I'll request a cot. We'll switch off dependent on who's comfortable with who and Osiris wants us to all stay close. So feel free to visit between motel rooms, but do try to keep visiting the town to a minimum. We're here on a job so let's not kill each other before then." Gwen directed, her large blue eyes bright with excitement as she led her five into the room marked 6.[/size][/justify]

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They'd picked up the pizza and had been on the way back when Xavier's phone rang; and from what his senstive ears picked up something was up with Lyric. Contrary to what he thought was going to happen; Xavier became stone faced and immobile. Trying to cheer him up with a wordless firm hand on his shoulder the pair drove back. Parking and glancing as Xavier remained frozen in his seat Xavier grabbed the bags preforming a balancing act with the pizza boxes and shouldered his way back into the manor. It was decidely quiet and the faint scent of smoke and blood hung heavy in the air about him. Quietly going upstairs he noted that Layla and Damian were standing close together, his arms encircling her slender frame. Grinning internally and winking at his friend Vanja poked his head into the room where Lyric was; and noted that she was awake and stirring. Feeling immense relief, how guilty would he have felt should she never wake, Vanja put off checking up on her until Xavier jogged past him; unaware of his presence. It was heartwarming to say the least to see the two reunite and wanting to give them some space quietly headed down the stairs.

Following the sounds of quiet chattering of Piper and Scott he was led towards the bathroom. Knocking and opening the door to find the two looking somber and somewhat crestfallen he hesitantly announced, "Lyric is awake... What's wrong? Piper?" Reaching out under the guise of brushing his fingers against her hand he took a mental check up of her; and everything seemed fine. Perhaps still low on energy but otherwise everything else felt ok. "Scott? Did I miss something? Oh you wouldn't believe who I saw all cuddled up nice and cozy. Layla and Damian." There was a minor snicker written on his pale lips as his eyes, forever fluctuating between hazel and green flashed with amusement. However, seeing the halfhearted enjoyment in both their eyes Vanja shut the door behind him and glancing down at the two demanded quietly "Alright, what's going on?" Vaguely he was concerned that Scott had another vision or there was something wrong with either of the two. Concerned his face tightened back into the apathetic and unreadable mask that kept the world away from him; while his hands clenched into pale, white fists.

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They had been on their way back from getting the pizza, when his phone rang. Picking it up, without even getting a chance to say anything Layla's soft and frantic voice filtered over the line. "Xavier, it's Lyric. Get back here now." Infuriatingly enough, she hung up leaving no explanation of what was going on. Trying not to let the panic overcome his mind this time he slowly put his phone down, and turned to Vanja. "Somethings up with Lyric. So we should probably get back." As he spoke he pulled a cigarette from his pocket, lighting it with trembling fingers. Sending him a sympathetic look the Dane murmured "I don't think she's dead Xavier. And if there's anything I can do, I will do it." Giving a quiet nod and a soft thank you the two men drove as fast as they dared back towards the manor. With each second more dread was weighing heavily on his mind. All he could picture was the girl laid out in her bed, breath having vacated her body. If she was dead he would make sure that Aaron would pay; heavily. Vanja sensing his uncertainty clapped a hand onto his shoulder in silent comfort. He looked scary; but hell he was one of the nicest kids at the manor.

They parked, and Xavier found his legs wouldn't move. Instead he stood, hands over his face as he took deep calming breaths though Vanja hadn't stuck around instead going in leaving Xavier to his thoughts. Taking a breath to steel himself he opened the door, nervously rubbing his face and wincing as the texture of his rough beard biting his hands. Taking slow steps into the house he ignored Vanja and Piper talking quietly, walking up the stairs his steps becoming faster and faster. Jogging past Layla who was standing in Damian's embrace and murmuring something he had no mind to listen to Xavier burst into Lyric's room; finding the most pleasant surprise. Faolan had a protective arm around her singing softly while Lyric lay there, alive but listlessly. Feeling his throat clog up the hypnosis trudged closer to the bed, taking Faolan's place as he got up.

"Hey you." Xavier's voice was clogged and thick as Lyric pushed herself up into a sitting position, her eyes watering. "Hey you." She mimicked her voice high and watery. Opening his arms wordlessly, the fragile girl flung herself into Xavier, her hands gripping the back of his neck with a deceptive force. Holding her gently and stroking her hair the two stayed like that for a long time; his arms shaking as he breathed in sighs of relief. When they finally pulled away Xavier gently touched her cheek and mumbled, "I'll go get Vanja. He'll probably want to take a look at you." She nodded, as he stood motioning for Faolan to keep an eye on her. He wanted so badly to help her, she looked so broken laying there with her large eyes silently imploring him to stay. With a watery smile Xavier turned and hurried out the door; to find Vanja already leaning there. "I'll go check up on her. Come on." Following the willowy-limbed Dane the rugged looking man stayed in the room as he checked on her; declaring her dehydrated, disoriented, and possible minor memory lapse. Declaring her pretty much healed Vanja excused himself from the room; leaving Faolan and Xavier to watch over Lyric as she clearly fought against the urge to go back to sleep.
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Faolan hadn't had much sleep when he heard a large crashing noise from the room next to him. Normally he would of stuck his head underneath his pillows and gone back to sleep; had it not been Lyric's room. Bolting upright in bed, hearing a light rush of footsteps flying up the stairs as if being chased by hounds of hell, Faolan limped heavily from his room in time to catch Layla skid into Lyric's room; upon throwing the door open of course. Damian, bum leg and all, wasn't far behind her and exchanging a look of confusion with him Faolan hesitantly entered Lyric's room. The girl was awake, and very clearly confused. Or perhaps just suffering from some sort of mental anxiety like he'd predicted. Hoping it was simply she was confused Faolan winced as he watch Lyric throw Layla away with a gale of wind. Feeling concern bubbling in his throat for Lyric it was soothed as Layla finally managed to calm her enough to get her to listen; though a tidal wave of tears broke began gushing forth from her, ripping into Faolan's heart. Lyric was... Lyric was family. It was like witnessing his own sister in this decrepit state and the blond loathed it. Trembling with anger at Aaron and Glenn he bit his tongue and nodded when Layla directed that he go watch over her whilst she called Xavier to get him back.

Feeling weak, Faolan plopped down onto the bed where Lyric was softly crying; her frail body curled up onto itself. Frowning, he frantically racked his brains of anything that would cheer her up. Softly he began singing, nothing special, but it seemed to do the trick as the tension slowly began to leave her body. "Place you hand on my beating heart..." Singing the words with retaliative ease the blond nearly sighed with relief as Lyric gave a soft whimper and moved a bit closer to him. "I'm... Am I safe?" Her words tentative and filled with dread brought sympathy and rage to him all at once. "Of course. I promise, would I lie to you? I'm told I have an honest face. So never." Cracking a smile Lyric further uncurled from herself her large blue eyes wide with tears and bloodshot. "No one is ever going to hurt you again. I swear to you." The darkness manipulator promised, and finding her resting her head on his shoulder began to sing once more. He got through the song a few times until Xavier burst through the door looking wild and frantic. "Lyric?" In response her head jerked up and feeling the girl tremble Faolan motioned for Xavier to take his place as he exited, seeking out the comfort of his own room.

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Feeling a welcome pair of arms wrap about her Layla looked up and offered a weak smile. Damian was right; Lyric would be fine with time. But Layla feared for how much time it would take for her to be ok again. Would Lyric even want to stay here once this was all over? Surely Xavier would follow her should she request it. Was Ayrith Manor on the cusp of loosing yet another pair of friends? Trying to push her thoughts away as Vanja jogged past Layla stretched up, placing a small kiss on his forehead. "Thank you." Layla just had to come to terms with the fact that this may just be the reason that Lyric moved on. Sighing and putting a small smile on her face she noted Xavier jog by; and shortly after Vanja. That meant the food was here and feeling her stomach growl the redhead motioned towards Damian. "Come on, let's go grab a slice of pizza and take a break from the cleaning and boring stuff. Netflix still works and I still happen to have my laptop. You could probably do with getting off that leg as well."
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Grinning at Blackthorn the Chimeraist winked in a friendly manner. "Heard it once, you've heard it a thousand times right?" He let the cool wind whip his face, his mind diverting to darker places. Aaron... If he had been better more involved with his younger brother then maybe he wouldn't of walked such a dark path; nor let the teeth of madness sink into his brain. Was it his fault that Aaron had ended up the way he had? Perhaps not fully... But partially probably. "Blood family is overrated if you ask me. It's the bonds forged by friendship that are far more lasting. See, I come from a family that believes that love is total submission to the parents. But oddly enough I've found that love is earned and nurtured. Not demanded." Shrugging as he gazed up at the graying clouds he could almost scent the snow in the wind. "Well, I'm getting inside. Gonna be a storm." With that he left the fire's side, and turned towards the door taking a leisure gait back indoors; seeking Layla. Going to inform her that the job was done found her; pulling away from Damian's lips.

Feeling incredibly embarassed the large man ducked his head muttering an apology and that the sheets had been burned before scurrying towards the kitchen to try to dig up a meal. Upon closer inspection he found little to nothing; the quarter full milk jug had gone bad, there was leftovers that seemed stale and empty boxes that had once contained food were waiting to be recycled. Aaron had seriously trashed this place, and someone would need to go food shopping again. Sighing Rowan wasn't disappointed for long as the door busted open revealing the scrawny forgiener, Vanja. His arms were not only laden with bags of whatever he'd bought, but pizza boxes. As he deposited the boxes on the counter with a "Help yourself. But leave some for everyone else." he'd disappeared and Rowan began to take a couple pieces for his lunch.

OOC: Low muse for him.
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Lyric calmed slightly as Faolan promised to stay with her, singing softly. However, her mind was still tormented by unrelenting images of Glenn; the phantom feeling of his hands pushing her shirt up, slicing up her ribs. Clenching her teeth to contain a whimper the frail brunette flinched visibly when the door banged open; though relief clouded her anxiety when Xavier was revealed. His face was whiter than she'd seen it, to the point it bordered on looking sickly. Deep black bags marred the skin under his eyes, his beard looked more untrimmed than it normally did, and that playful spark in his eyes was gone. Instead they were cold and murky; hard with... with something that Lyric wasn't sure she liked. However, the relief that swarmed them when he realized that she was alive and awake and breathing was enough to hide that hard edge. He garbled something, it may of been her name, whispered with a reverence that no one else had spoken it with, as he came to take Faolan's spot next to her.

"Hey you." Softly his words leaked about her, warping her sense of danger with something more manageable. The large, warm hands, that cupped her face left Lyric with the inkling of a sensation of peace. Something that she didn't think she'd feel for a long time. Refusing to close her eyes to the unyielding feeling of relief and fear the girl managed a small smile. "Hey you." The hands that were stroking her cheeks ever so slowly were removed, and Xavier opened his arms to her. Feeling another sob boil up in her throat Lyric flung herself into his embrace, forcing her brain to stop thinking. "I don't ever want to be weak again." The thought was ironed into her mind; though Xavier seemingly fulfilled pulled away, though his hands still lingered on her's as though he was scared that Lyric would slip away from him should he let go.

"I'll go get Vanja. He'll probably want to see you." Lyric nodded, her blue gaze distant as she gazed at the door; and the halls beyond. Her heartbeat rocketed just thinking about leaving this room; to go through those halls. She didn't want to be anywhere near Piper's room; the room painted with her own blood and despair. Trembling it seemed Lyric would be spared that pain for now; as Vanja ducked into the room. His body was as lean and lanky as ever; though something seemed different about him. There was this apparent layer of happiness but panic etched into his eyes as he sat on the other side of her and offered a grin. "Had us worried for a minute there kid." His voice, heavily accented sounded heavy as he reached out showing his outstretched hands to her. "I'm just gonna make sure you're on the road to recovery... physically." Nodding and doing her best not to flinch as he ghosted his fingers against her forehead. She didn't feel a thing as he gently let his finger's linger there; colorful and drawing her attention towards them. She could almost feel there was something bothering him; but she didn't care to ask. "You'll be fine. You could do with some exercise though. It's not enough to get bedsores or anything; but it'll be good for you. Xavier why don't you bring her downstairs and let her walk around."

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Listening as Scott and Piper explained themselves Vanja's first reaction was to ignore it. Chalk it up to a nightmare that Scott's mind was playing on him. That perhaps Scott would be wrong; though he know how foolish it would be to do that. Holding his breath, letting his eyes wander over the two in front of him the farouche man discerned the need to protect them rise in his veins. It didn't matter if he hadn't known them for the longest time; they were family. These people had taken him in while Vanja was a threat to those about him; sullen and reclusive. Ayrith had just him Vanja be himself; which hadn't been an option for the longest time. "It's days like these that make me want to drink." The joke was halfhearted. He knew that he was needed upstairs, in fact he should probably be checking on Lyric as they spoke. However leaning forward he murmured "For now, we sort this out. Lyric obviously isn't feeling well enough to scry the future so I'll talk to... To... Kainen? No Kaden. I'll talk with him. Then I'll go to Damian. In the meantime... Figure out how much time we have. Or try. I know it'll be hard. I use to wander around a lot and some kids invited me to crash with them at this other place. They seemed skittish but if we can get more help..." At this point Vanja was more mumbling to himself than anything. The other kids couldn't know; not yet. This would absolutely terrify Lyric and honestly he wasn't sure if this would push her off the edge.

Reaching out to pat Scott on the head, and give Piper a peck on the cheek he assured, "I will not let any harm come to either of you. I swear. And from what I've seen, Damian'll take care of Layla. Not that she can't take care of herself." With a final nod he ducked out of the bathroom and began to jog towards Lyric's room. He got there just as Xavier suggested that she be looked over. "Here upon request." Feeling antsy and nervous as he sat down near the fragile looking girl; Vanja tried to ignore how unlike herself she appeared. Even just by touching her he could tell how emotionally distressed she was. Quickly giving his opinion on what to do, he excused himself towards the pizza. He hadn't eaten well since coming back to the manor. Passing from the room, overhearing Xavier's quiet coaxing of trying to get Lyric to leave the sanctuary of her room the Dane felt his mind tugged away from everyone. Nodding as he passed Damian and Layla, Vanja took the steps three at a time until he hit the landing and from there headed to the kitchen. There was a war coming, and they needed more soldiers. With the way things were looking Ayrith would get overrun in only a matter of minutes. However... An idea struck Vanja as he stuck his colorful hands into the pizza box. If Scott could just maybe see the faces of Apex; then they would have the advantage. They'd know what these kids looked like and they would be able to better protect himself. Making a note of that Vanja picked up a slice of pepperoni; slowly eating the greasy slice in silence.
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