Kind Eyes

Lily Roberts | 21. | Normal. | Sister | 

[lily-jane-roberts]

ghostroberts

Charles mimicked her expression, his own eyebrow raised. “You think I don’t know you can tease a soul mercilessly if you decide to? Love, I know you too well. You’re like me, you got that sarcastic streak.” Outright mischief, he knew was the domain of the other twin, and that was what he shared with Rose. Charles loved a good joke, and after Henry died, he’d taken to treating everything like a joke. “You can hold your liquor, can you now?” He was going to have to do something about that, somehow. It was going to be a puzzle to solve, making sure she was left alone without anyone realising she mattered to him.

Home was something Charles had never really understood. Their childhood home had been more of a prison, and as soon as he could, he’d started sailing. Atlantis was the twins home, but he didn’t really count it as such. It was more a sanctuary. “Actually, looks like we might be hanging around a while. Guess the treaty’s important enough to make us stay.” He wasn’t convinced it was the best idea, but Silas was making noises about staying, which took him by surprise. Silas usually hated to come ashore.

Lily’s expression changed into that of false innocence. “I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about. It’s all just rumors and rumors are a bad, bad thing. I’ve never been anything other than a complete saint, and if anyone told you any differently, then they are one hundred percent right.” She started out with feigned innocence, but then she changed tactics and chuckled. “Fine, you got me. I’ve got the mischievous streak every now and then. Sue me.” Her chuckle ebbed into a curious glance. “Are you challenging me, Char? I thought we’ve agreed on one drink only.”

Her expression turned from curious to outright delighted, and her smile widened as he told her the news. “I’m happy to hear that. Will you be staying with us at the farm? I’m sure Laura’ll be happy to see you again, and there’s enough room for you. Unless your captain wants you to stay with the crew?” She asked.

[lily-jane-roberts]

rosetwin

Amusement.

Rose was amused by the way her sister pretended to be angry with her. If she and Lily were anything, they were close and they rarely argued. When they did, afterwards they’d hug and make up, often by Rose offering to braid her hair or actually doing her chores for once. She laughed at her words, a happy sound escaping her lips, and a wide smile soon replaced. “When did I ever miss lunch, Lil?” She retorted, chuckling.

The previous amusement was replaced by sudden seriousness which veiled them. Rose looked at her twin with a concerned frown. “Is the state of crops really that serious? I didn’t know the fields were parched.” Her good mood began to ebb away, in spite of the pretty day, now that the gravity of the situation seeped to her bones. “Do you need my help watering it? If it doesn’t rain in the next few days.”

Lily’s chuckle was soft as her sister joked. “how silly of me for forgetting that. Whatever was I thinking?” Her question was a retort, and she laughed a little as she nudged at Rose with her shoulder. The closeness between them was much needed, as Lily felt the change of the moon beginning to shift her mood.

The amusement from before was replaced by exasperation. “You’d know it, if you send more time working that frolicking around. It’s not that bad yet, but if we don’t get any rain any time soon, then we’re in for a very nasty surprise. Newsflash, the surprise is in form of dead and dried harvest.” Her spark of temperament was blown over quickly, and she exhaled through her nose, nodding. “Yes, please, Rose. I need your help with it. I can’t do everything on my own.”

[lily-jane-roberts]

vivianangmar

Vivian’s eyebrow was arched as the girl followed her glance. The question she asked brought a nod from the necromancer. “It’s race against time now. My prediction? It’ll rain before sundown, and there’s less than two hours to it. If you have any matters to attend to, I suggest you attend to them urgently. I wouldn’t recommend being caught up in this storm.” She advised, her gaze returning to the sky above them. The clouds rolled towards them, grey and ominous, promising storm that’ll devour all in its path.

“No. It’s the short one that destroys everything in its wake.” Her reply was brief, her eyes glued to the incoming peril. Her spirits never warned her about a little rain, but she reckoned if it was something apocalyptic they’d probably say a word or two, just to warn her.

Lily’s gaze turned towards the brunette, and she began to frown in worry as the woman spoke. She felt something akin to cold fear seize her heart, its cold grip firm around her. “Where do you think will hit us the worst? I’m helping with a farm that isn’t too far from here and I want to know if I can efficiently prevent it from getting destroyed.” She had to ask, even if she didn’t know if the woman would be willing to help.

At her comment, Lily felt herself grow pale. “My God. Is it truly going to be that horrible? Is it going to hit the sea or the land the worst?”

[lily-jane-roberts]

cassarmstrong

While she had rooms on the island, Cass often stayed on her father’s ship. Truth be told, she liked the rocking of the sea and missed it when she was on land. She slept better with that gentle sway at night. Besides, it was a safer place to work on paperwork. Their crew was loyal, they paid them well and treated them better.

Leaving the ship since one of the sailors said there’d be a storm, a woman caught her attention. “Mhm, that’s what I’ve been told. I’ve learned to never ignore old Colin, he’s always right about these things.”

She was always in the mood to talk to people, as business relied on her making friends, so she held her hand out to the woman. Not nobility, not by the way she was dressed, but Cass was as comfortable around commoners as she was nobility. “Cassandra Armstrong.”

Lily turned towards her, and smiled at the brunette. “I only hope it’s not the terrible kind. Did old Colin maybe tell you how long is it expected to last?” She questioned, wheels already turning in her head as she calculated all the ways she could help the Donaldsons protect the farm from any real damage. She knew they’d have to adjust their tactics as the storm revealed itself, but she hoped it wouldn’t be too late to save it.

She accepted her hand with a smile, shaking it as she introduced. “Lily Roberts, nice to meet you.”

[lily-jane-roberts]

aryn-neuri

The docks offered a clear view of the vast sky and as Aryn looked up he almost lost his breath. With the life he lived it was easy to get lost looking directly in front of you, to see the sky as a curse rather than a gift. If nothing else being here had presented the werewolf with time to dwell on the more philosophical elements of his life.

His walk led to the end of the docks and he closed his eyes as he approached, the static in the air a sure sign of the approaching storm even without the rumble of thunder he could hear coming from a few miles north.

“Aye. A big one from the looks of it. It’s already rolling over the hills.” He said pointing toward the darkening cloud just on the horizon. “any poor bastards stuck in the storm are in for a shit night, wouldn’t you say?” He shook his head, sure his pack would be hunting tonight.

Lily turned towards the voice, and nodded. “Yes, but not just people. If cattle’s left outside if could die, too. Not to mention the crops that’ll be ruined in the gushes of the wind. This could damage everything, even buildings.” She liked the gloomy weather, it was more calm and brought quietness that sunshine never did, but this was a storm, and thinking of all the things that could go south from it, made her uncomfortable, worrying.

“Do you think it’ll be one of those quick ones? The ones that just blow out, or do you think it could last for a while? I’m not sure which one of those sounds worse to me.” She asked, wanting to know if there’s a way to protect the farm. She thought about maybe visiting a witch for a protective spell, but if the man is right and the storm’s already here, then she doesn’t have much time at all.

[lily-jane-roberts]

vivianangmar

Vivian didn’t step out of her apothecary much lately. It wasn’t necessarily because there was a lot of work, because it was actually a rather slow few days, but because there was some odd kind of energy in the air. It wasn’t dead, but it didn’t belong fully to the living, and it concerned her. Her cottage began to close in on her and the feeling of restlessness drove her out. Standing outside her door, she pondered whether she should turn for the woods or seek solitude down at the docks, watching the ships slowly move against the calm sea, tied to port and waiting for the sailors to set sail.

She decided on the latter and walked the short distance from her cottage uphill, to the docks, all the while her eye fixed on the darkening sky. The necromancer felt storm in her bones and she frowned. Her dog and her cat were safe in her cottage, but there were other woodland animals who often sought refuge at her residence. She barely reached the docks when a desire to return home and open her doors for the animals nearly overcame her. But, then a girl spoke, with her hair full of dark fire. Vivian stepped closer, eyeing the sky once more. “I think it might come sooner than night.”

Lily turned to glance at the woman, curious as she spoke. She followed her gaze to the dark sky and frowned. The clouds did look ominous, but she thought that, once night falls, the storm will roll in. “Are you certain it’ll happen before tonight?” She had to ask, already calculating her time of arrival at the farm and what can she do to make sure the crops aren’t destroyed in the pouring rain. She was sure that the Donaldsons already took matters into their hands, but it didn’t stop her from worrying.

“Do you think the storm will last too long?” Lily added, still frowning at the sky. It was ironic, really; how just a few days prior she told her sister that they needed rain, and now there’s a huge storm coming. While the rain was welcome for the fields and the crops, the storm? Not so much. They needed the crops nourished with rain, and flowering, not being destroyed and ravaged by a raging storm.

[lily-jane-roberts]

Lily liked manual labor. Whether it be cooking, washing the dishes, helping with crops or sweeping the floor and making beds, she always did it with a lightness in her step. Work kept her mind busy and, in return, her mind didn’t plague her with sad memories, something that half the time she thought she fabricated. While she knew her memories were no fabrications, she took pleasure in reminding herself that it’s all in the past now. She only regretted that, unlike the past, in the present her brother was more absent than present.

Her work at the farm was done in record time and Laura instructed her to take a walk and take an hour or two for herself. She ventured down to the docks, finding herself standing at the pier, watching the darkening sky. Grey clouds rolled over the sun, dimming its shine, and the air smelt like water, but there was a static feeling around her and when she heard approaching steps, Lily asked, seemingly no one in particular.

“Do you think there’ll be a storm tonight?”

[lily-jane-roberts]

rosetwin

Content.

Sitting beside her twin and under the large tree, safe in the shade, Rose felt as if nothing could go wrong. Her sister was more work savvy than her, yes, but it didn’t mean she avoided work, because she enjoyed it as much as she could. But, she did enjoy socialising more. “Not today, no. I haven’t. If I have, I’d be with them now, and you would’ve seen them too.” She replied to Lily’s question with the softest of frowns, although she wasn’t concerned. Sometimes it could pass days before they’d see Bella or the Fairy again.

“Oh come on, Lil. Why would you want to spoil such amazing days with pouring rain? I’m sure the crops are gettin enough water by us watering them.” She pouted, then corrected herself. “Okay, you watering them.”

Lily couldn’t be angry with her sister for more than a minute at the time. Her positivity was contagious and, other than a half annoyed grunt, the redhead could only roll her eyes at Rose’s words. While she wasn’t exactly wrong, it didn’t mean that she’ll admit to it, not while she’s still pretending to be testy for her bailing on her chores. “Or you’d be with them and I’d search for you all over Atlantis, missing lunch and possibly dinner.”

Rolling her eyes at that, Lily sighed, throwing a glance in Rose’s direction. “Really, Rose?  You think a bucket of water is enough for an entire field to be nourished? We need the rain, or the crops will dry out and then the farm will be in problems. Low harvest won’t do anyone anything good. I know you prefer the sun and that rain can be annoying, but we need it.” She argued.

[lily-jane-roberts]

rosetwin

Exasperation.

That seemed to be the most lingering emotion that her sister had for her, aside from love. She couldn’t blame her, not really. It wasn’t like she did much to prove her wrong, or to keep her promises. She didn’t voluntarily break them, nor did she break them often, but sometimes she would forget herself, and simply say out longer than she should; longer than she promised she would. “I promise I’ll remember this time, Lil. Pinky swear.” She solemnly swore, with a smile to her other half.

Lily’s words brought a squeal of delight, and Rose threw her arms around her sister. “Yey! Thank you. I just don’t wanna be indoors, you know? It’s too beautiful a day to spend it anywhere except outside.”

Lily gave her sister a look that said she didn’t exactly trust her to remember, but she loved her nonetheless, and she only shook her head in exasperation that was evident in her. “Sure you will. I don’t suspect you’ve seen Bella, or the Fairy, while you were out and about? I haven’t seen them in a while, and I know you’re the one keeping tabs on them.” She loved magical creatures as much as her sister did, but unlike her sister, she actually did all the chores on the farm.

As Rose hugged her, Lily laughed, all her exasperation seeping away immediately. She patted her arm with her hand, chuckling. “Yea, it is. It’s a lovely day and I’m sure it’ll stay like this for while longer, but we haven’t had rain in days now. The crops are beginnin to feel parched.”

[lily-jane-roberts]

ghostroberts

Charles reached over, tugging lightly on a loose strand of her vibrant red hair. “That’s right, mischief, just the one drink.” While he liked Benny, he still gave him a warning look when Benny walked over. Fortunately, the innkeeper did nothing more than smile back at both of them before leaving, knowing Charles would settle his tab at the end of the night. “You’re so little, more than one drink will have you snoring on the ground.” He’d been a lightweight once, but he’d built up a tolerance.

He snorted in amusement at the look on her face, glad she didn’t seem to like ale too much. “Ah, they’re afraid that if Albion helps them, that they’ll lose their freedom. They don’t need trouble on two fronts.” While his story was a lie, the reasoning behind it was solid and he knew it. If she asked anyone from Albion, it’d seem perfectly feasible to them. As long as she didn’t speak to someone like Edmund, he should be fine. “Didn’t get to go ashore this time, but they had some real pretty beaches. Nowhere is as good as here though, take my word for it.”

Lily arched her eyebrow in her brother’s direction. Mischief? Her?! Hardly. “Me? Mischievous? Whoever gave you the idea? I have never done anything wrong in my entire life, ever.” She pouted, an insulted frown marring her feature, though she was hardly insulted. She knew her brother was only teasing, but if any Roberts’ sibling took to mischief, then it was certainly Rose, and she had had a thought Charlie wasn’t exactly saint, either. But, she’d never let him know that, neither the fact she was 100% okay with him not being the thing he wants her to believe he is. “Lucky for both of us that I can hold my liquor, then.” She added.

“It’s always the best at home, isn’t it? It’s a shame you’re not here more often.” Lily said, refraining form commenting about the politics - she knew very little of it, and she wasn’t the type of person to talk about something she doesn’t know just so she can talk or seem more educated than she is. She saw no shortcomings in her education, as simple as it was, and she wasn’t ashamed of it either. She was smart in all the things that mattered. “How long are you staying here, brother? I hope you don’t have to go just yet. I was hoping to spend some more quality time with you.”

[lily-jane-roberts]

ghostroberts

The last thing he wanted was to sit there and let people see him with Lily. He had enemies, and he didn’t trust anyone not to use her against him. But she didn’t know any of that, and he wasn’t about to admit to all the lies he’d told. “Alright, one drink. And then I’m taking you home, even if I have to throw you over my shoulder.” He warned, gently nudging her towards the seat next to his. “Benny, two drinks for me and the lady.” He called out, knowing Benny wouldn’t pose any trouble. It was everyone else he had to worry about.

The lies of where he’d been came easily enough. “Been stationed out near Roanoke. Apparently there’s some kinda trouble going on over there, and the Queen thought maybe they wanted Albion’s help. Told us where we could shove that help.” He patted her hand as the drinks were brought over. “I guess you could leave the letters here, Benny’s got some contacts in the Navy still, he’ll get the letters to me if he can. But no promises, it’s not like a lowly gunner is high on mail priority.”

Lily smiled to her brother, hopping into the seat next to him. She smiled to the bartender, remembering his name for the next time she comes visiting. “There’ll be no need for that, Char. We agreed on one drink, so one drink it is.” She accepted the drink that was placed in front of her, smiling to Benny politely. He must be a friend of Charles’, if he’s on a first name basis with him. She should come by the inn more often, maybe he could give her more insight on what’s her brother really up to.

Lily took a sip of the ale, for a moment wrinkling her nose in distaste, before she got used to the particular bland of taste. She frowned as he spoke. “Well, that was rude.” She couldn’t fathom why people were so rude to each other, all the time. “How did you like Roanoke? Did you get to see anything?” She asked, curiously. At his latter words, Lily threw a glance at Benny, and offered him another smile. “That’s great, I’ll surely do that next time I write a letter.”

[lily-jane-roberts]

rosetwin

Annoyance.

Rose could see that her sister was mildly annoyed by her, and she was certain it was because she bailed on her chores, again. She just couldn’t help it! The day was too beautiful to spend it on the field, or inside sweeping the floor, or washing dishes. She was aware she’s being unfair, putting too much work on her sister, but she always found a way to make it up to her in the end. “Sorry, Lil. I’ll help you later on, I promise.” She smiled widely, too innocently, to her twin.

“Already?” Rose frowned, glancing up at the sky to count the time by the position of the sun. “It’s not even midday yet. I know I missed breakfast, but I didn’t think she’d make lunch a couple hours early because of it.” She asked, tossing a glance in her sister’s direction. “Do we have to head out now, or can we stay for a little while longer?”

Lily rolled her eyes, again, at her sister’s promise. She knew her twin had the best intentions at heart, but she was always sidetracked. She couldn’t really blame her, but she couldn’t cover for her too much longer either. “I’ll hold you to that one, you know.” She warned, though it held no real threat in it. She’d never threaten her sister, and if she were, it was always in the heat of the moment and she’d never act upon it.

She was comfortably seated beside her twin, and she shook her head at her question. “You can quit your whining, Rose, we don’t have to leave yet. She just sent me to find you. We didn’t know were you’ve went, so she thought it best to send me now to make sure I can drag you back home in time for lunch.”

[lily-jane-roberts]

ghostroberts

Charles jolted upright the second he heard the voice answering him. That was a voice he knew very well, and he felt that usual flood of guilt added in with something new. Panic. What was she doing here? The sins of their father had been handed down to Henry, and Charles himself drank too much - thankfully, he wasn’t too drunk yet - but he couldn’t bear the thought of either twin drinking.

“Lil.” He twisted around in the chair, as if to confirm it was her. That red hair was just as unmistakable as her voice, at least to him, but it also worried him. He didn’t want anyone connecting the Roberts twins to Charles Roberts. While only the Wife’s crew knew he was a pirate, his reputation was still bad enough that he didn’t want the girls tainted with that.

“Of course I recognise ya.” He stood up, an arm settling around her shoulders out of habit. “Come on, I’ll walk you home. We’ll catch up.”

Lily’s smile widened when her brother recognised her, stretching even more when he wrapped an arm around her. His offer of walking her home was tempting, and had it been any other night she would’ve accepted without a thought. But, he did mention a drink and she wasn’t going to deny him that. “I heard you said something about a drink. It’s been a good few months since I’ve tasted alcohol, and it’s been a good harvest today so I thought I could celebrate with a drink. And since you’ve already technically asked me to join you, I don’t see why rushing home now. You can walk me to the farm after we’ve had that drink.” She diplomatically offered, flashing her brother another smile.

“In the meantime, tell me how you’ve been. Where were you? I wanted to write to you, but I can’t exactly label it to ‘somewhere in the vast ocean’.” Lily chuckled as she spoke.

[evclyncfengland-deactivated2021]

Hope.

She was a hopeful person. In her opinion, it was the feeling that guided the world and she strongly believed in it. Working at a farm was time consuming and she left most of the work to her sister, but when she had to roll up the sleeves, she’d do it. She was willing to do anything in hope for a better tomorrow and a happier future, anything to ensure her sister’s and her brother’s happiness, just as they wanted to ensure hers.

That was the reason why she was so ecstatic about the treaty. Rose had more than a few friends on the non mortal side, faeries and selkies, and she wanted to help them all. The treaty promised a better future for everyone and she sincerely believed it was only the matter of everyone’s arrival before it’s signed.

Lounging by an old, oak tree in the park that led towards the woods, Rose enjoyed herself with a smile on her face. A figure suddenly came to her line of sight and the red haired girl smiled wider, waving in greeting. “It’s a wonderful morning, innit? There’s plenty of room by the roots, come and join me if you’re not on a mission to somewhere.”

[lily-jane-roberts]

Lily loved mornings; they were quiet and most of the work was done during the early hours of the dawn. She got up before her sister, heading down the farm to work until breakfast, and then work some more. It was supposed to be a busy day, but after she returned from the field and sat by the table to eat, Laura told her she can take the rest of the morning off, and go find her sister to inform her about the time of lunch. With a sigh Lily embarked on the quest of finding her twin wherever she was wandering.

It didn’t take her long to spot a patch of copper hair, equal to her own, seated by the roots of a large oak. Shaking her head to herself in faint disapproval, Lily waved back to her sister once Rose’s spotted her. “It’d be more wonderful if you’d helped me around the farm.” She plopped down beside her, nudging at Rose with her shoulder so she’d get more comfortable. “Laura sent me to find you. For lunch.”

[ghostroberts-blog]

Docking at Atlantis always brought mixed feelings. Knowing how many other people were coming for the treaty talks, the primary emotion was worry. Strangers meant more danger, more risk, and contrary to what everyone believed of the seemingly reckless man, he didn’t actually want a dangerous life. Not on this island, at any rate. Not near his sisters. 

He had made his way to the Inn, deciding he needed a quick drink before he did anything else. There was a time he wouldn’t have touched a drink ever, but now he knew he drank too much. He couldn’t seem to stop when it came to that particular vice, even if he had no interest in any of the others. Deep in the third cup, he felt eyes watching him, but he wasn’t sure if that was real or paranoia. Looking relaxed, he twisted to look around the room, as if searching for someone, but really, his sharp blue eyes were looking for someone watching him. 

Paranoid enough to see a connection between that feeling of being watched and the new presence of someone standing behind him, he smiled. “Would you like a drink, my friend?” 

[lily-jane-roberts]

Lily wasn’t one for drinking. Sure, she enjoyed an occasional pint, but it was rarely and only if she’d be in a need of it, like after a really long day of work. There was a little Inn, more respectable than other places in Atlantis, that she frequented, something with the company of her sister, but mostly on her own. If she happened to run into Vic Andrews, all the better - she just loved to annoy him to death with her warm smiles and eternally good mood; whether or not the mood was feigned was another thing entirely.

Pushing the door of the Inn open, Lily smiled to the owner, having half a mind to walk over to him and engage in a small chat, when the faintest red tint in a seemingly dark hair, captured her attention and her eyebrows rose is surprise. She squinted, her gaze sharp as she made sure the patch of hair by the bar belonged to her brother, she began to sneak towards him, wondering if he’d notice her. While Charles certainly turned to glance around, Lily stalked closer, arriving to stand right behind him.

He turned and spoke, and a chuckle left her lips in reply. “Has it been so long, Char, that you no longer recognise your little sister?” She questioned, an amused smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

[peaceorwar-rp-blog]

Civilians have found Lily Jane Roberts of Albion. She is aged 21 and is human.

She has no ambitions beyond her simple, happy life. She does not ask for adventure, for power or wealth. She wants peace, friendship. The last, she has in abundance, all knowing she can be trusted. With that comes more than she’d expected, but that’s exactly why she gets it. The days of misery are long past her, and her friends will not let them come again. 

Her opinion on the treaty is supportive, but she will continue to work on the farm and look out for her friends and family.

Connections:

Rose Roberts: Lily adores her sister in every way, and the two are near inseparable. Lily’s the more responsible of the two, doing her own chores as well as half of Rose’s, but she never complains, as she doesn’t mind keeping busy.

Charles Roberts: Lily hasn’t told Rose that she knows their brother is not telling them everything, nor does she let Charles know in her letters back. Whatever it is Charles is keeping secret, she knows everything he’s done is for her and Rose, and that’s enough for her.

Bella: Although they get along with all supernatural beings they meet, Lily and Rose have become closest to Bella. Lily can often be found slipping away when her work is done to go lying on the beach next to Bella, Rose on the other side from where she had gone before starting her work. The three of them are working together to free Laura Donaldson. 

Victor Andrews: Lily is a genuinely nice person, but there is a sarcastic streak underlying that. Victor brings out that streak. It’s become her favourite game, stirring him up by being nice. “Killing him with kindness” is the perfect way to describe how she treats him.

Faceclaim: Sophie Turner

[lily-jane-roberts]

Charles knew he couldn’t promise more than what he already had. It would give her too much hope, and as much as he didn’t want either girl to face any more of reality than they already had, he also knew that hope was more destructive than people believed. He’d hoped once, he’d thought things would get better. He’d been an idiot. “I understand that there’s no power in this world that won’t stop me from doing everything I can to come back to you.”

He didn’t like how her smile went sad, so he nudged her. “Hey, I’m here. I’m smiling.” He added a bright, ridiculous smile to make her laugh. “Don’t make me act like a fool to keep that look of your face. I’d do it. Embarrass you and everything.” Not that there was anyone to see if he embarrassed them both, much to his relief. While he had nothing against embarrassing himself, or even her, he didn’t want anyone to connect the two of them.

The idea of him having a serious relationship had him snorting with laughter. He kept things strictly casual, not that he could tell his sister that he had been having a series of one-night stands whenever he came ashore with men or women he didn’t know. The one serious relationship he’d ever been in was one that could have never gone anywhere. Two men weren’t supposed to be together, in the eyes of society, and the captain he’d loved had cared deeply about what society thought of him. “There’s slim pickings on the ship, Lil. And ashore, the woman I’m closest to…” He trailed off, thinking of Tashi. “She’s not the type that anyone courts, even if I had any intentions of doing so.”

It was enough for her, to know that he’d try. “Okay, Char. I know you wouldn’t deliberately put yourself in harm’s way, but that doesn’t mean I don’t worry about you. Rose and I both do, I can guarantee you that. It’s not solely your privilege to worry, you know.” She said the latter in a lighter tone, hoping to elevate the situation.

Lily laughed at her brother’s attempt, and she wrapped her left arm around his waist, placing her head on his right shoulder. “I don’t doubt you would embarrass me., if only to prove a point. Yo’re quite sneaky, but I’ll have you know that I wouldn’t have you any other way. Though, you might want to try that on Rose, first. She could use some embarrassment.” She winked in a conspiratorial manner.

She noticed the way he snorted, and it made her snort in reply, too. It appeared to be the shared Roberts trait; not finding anyone to call their love. She couldn’t really speak for Rose with certainty, but as far as she was concerned, she didn’t really have anyone she loved, romantically. She didn’t really feel for people that way, the closest person who had her feel anything is Victor, and the said feeling is annoyance. Hearing about that woman, her curiosity was peaked. “Someone ashore? Here or somewhere else?” She tried asking as subtly as she could, but subtlety, at least when it came to her brother, was not her strongest suit.