#lavender lee

[eljeebee]

— Welcome, 2026! Happy New Year!

I wish all of you a blessed and prosperous year 💜🎇

[eljeebee]

𝕬 𝕻𝖆𝖗𝖙𝖞 𝖙𝖔 𝕯𝖎𝖊 𝕱𝖔𝖗…

@la-llama-sims

Day III - Pretty Doll

A pretty doll pliant under the hands of her maker...

[eljeebee]

more stills, this time in Saltstones apartments!

[eljeebee]

Pilgrimage

“Why the long face, Arvin?” Mason asked.

“Yeah, do you hate us being here?”

“What! N-No!” Arvin sputtered.

Mr. Covey, who was fixing himself coffee, let out a chuckle. “Don’t mind Arvin. Miss Lee next door sent us a notice that she’d be away on a vacation in Selvadorada. We drove her to the airport earlier. He’s been like that ever since.”

“AWWWWW, Vinny boy you miss her!”

“Kali!! Shut it!!” Arvin’s groans were muffled as he buried his head in his arms.

On the first week of Spring, Lavender received a letter from the Selvadorada Monastery, forwarded by the Union of Sages. It wrote,

“To Miss Lavender Lee,

I am writing to inform you that the Seekers of the Watcher designated our humble monastery to be Her Pupil’s pilgrimage site. We are honored to host this year’s pilgrimage, just as we are honored to have the Seekers reside in the monastery.

Please, write to me when is your intended arrival, so that we may prepare. We wait for you, Miss Lee.

Warm regards, Chief Monicus Lawa Song P.S. A monicus by the name of Lakandiwa Nasudi will wait for you at Puerto Llamante.”

When she received this letter, she felt ecstatic. She’s finally meeting with the Seekers – the people who had only communicated with her as whispers. Who would’ve thought they had faces, and not just voices in her head? I sound insane if I put it that way. She thought.

Lavender had been waiting for this. The Sages had told her before that there would come a time where she must meet with the Eyes of the Watcher. Sometimes, this meeting meant that trouble would come. Sometimes, it’s just meant for a Pupil to be trained by the Seekers. She doesn’t know what this year’s pilgrimage means. She hopes it’s just for training.

She stood in front of a statue of an old woman, in what seems to be a town square. She gazed at it. The imagery of the woman looked warm – welcoming.

“You must be Lavender Lee.”

“How did you know? I sure do hope my backpack wasn’t a dead giveaway.”

The man laughed. “We don’t get tourists at this time, kiddo.”

Lavender sheepishly smiled. “Yeah, I noticed.”

“I’m Lakandiwa Nasudi, a monicus of the monastery. Are you ready for another trek?”

Lavender gleefully nodded.

“You must be feeling nervous. This is the first time you’re meeting with the Seekers, no?”

“Yes…how did you feel meeting them?”

“They’ve been here since I came here, but to tell you the truth, it feels otherworldly to me. Imagine, Miss Lee, you’re walking along with the people touched by Her. It gives me so much faith and hope.”

“Is Selvadorada their home?”

“Yes and no,” Lakandiwa replied. They’ve reached the Belomisia trail. “They had complicated pasts, and they hailed from different countries…ancient countries. They chose to stay here in the monastery. The Seekers told us it’s because Selvadorada – and her people – are much closer to Her.”

“Oh yeah. I heard they practice the Omiscan religion, where the Watcher is a goddess, not the Smithsonian god. Is it true, Mr. Nasudi?”

“You’re the Pupil, aren’t you?”

She nodded.

“Then you must know.”

Lavender sheepishly looked down. “I’ve only talked to the Seekers…”

“Ah, then you must ask them.”

Lakandiwa spoke again after a moment. “I believe they chose Selvadorada as their home because Her presence is here. She is much closer here than any other parts of the world.”

She looked at him again. He continued, “There are nights that I feel as if she’d come down from the heavens. Those nights are the same nights the Seekers go out to commune.”

“What do you feel?”

“Love.”

By then, they’d reached a clearing where a building stood surrounded by water. Lavender gasped.

“Welcome to the Selvadorada Monastery, Miss Lee. Come!”

He led her inside, and when she got in, a view of a small courtyard greeted her. There’s a small structure in the middle, with incense holders and a plate of fruit.

Lakandiwa guided her to the stairs. “Come, come, I know you’re hungry.”

There were two women working at the kitchen. The younger woman noticed them. And this woman…She beamed. Holding out one finger, as if she’s saying, this will be quick!, the younger woman quickly placed the food she was preparing in a rice cooker. Then, she giddily went to them.

“Hello,” she greeted. “I’m Kashvi Argunas. You must be the Pupil.”

Lavender smiled. “Yes…”

She took notice of the woman’s eyes. Green, with hints of pink…like a salamander. Her ears? Pointy – like a vampire!

A vampire as a monk? That’s preposterous.

Lakandiwa must’ve noticed how her face twisted subtly. “She’s a vampire…if you find her ears peculiar.”

“I – uh – I can see that. I have quite the eye when looking at…uhm… the supernatural. I can see through their charms…so yeah…”

“Oh, but I’m not using any charms! I don’t hide.”

“That’s right,” Lakandiwa nodded. “Everyone here knows.”

“Every –”

The other woman suddenly said, “Kashvi, why don’t you show her the bedroom? Diwa, come help me.”

“You heard the Chief.”

Kashvi led her to the bedroom, “Follow me!”

[eljeebee]

Another day, another training.

Lavender is starting to get used to it.

Sleep, wake up early to either Kashvi or Chief Song’s cooking (and on rare occasions, Raul’s cooking), listen to Lakandiwa’s archeology lectures, help with chores, pray and meditate, before heading out with the Seekers.

Now, and again, they stood in the bridge ruins, with the picturesque view of the Belomisia waterfalls, sparring.

Lavender had improved–she casts with a purpose, she swings her hand firmly, her magic attacks Iris with a blast.

And because Lavender improved, the Mage Seeker’s nitpicking lessened. “Very good,” Iris nodded, smirking, before walking off. Mata replaced her.

Mata’s martial arts was upgraded–they’re now doing close quarter combat. Quite unfair to her, Lavender told them. Mata is much heavier than her, and quite frankly, she’s still trying to find the perfect rhythm when it comes to throwing punches and kicks. Not only that, but he’s also a vampire, which means he would always win against her. I was able to subdue Mata when he had just turned. That was prior to receiving Her power, mind you, Iris had said to her, huffing.

And so here she is now, trying to channel her magic to boost her physical strength so that she can win against the Vampire Seeker.

Eventually, they found themselves on the ground, wrestling against each other. Mata had his legs wrapped around her torso, trying to pin her there, and probably twist himself away from her, while Lavender threw a punch that missed. They struggled, trying to throw each other off, and while doing that…Lavender caught the hint of fragrance on him.

It smelled like the flowers in the monastery’s courtyard garden, the scent from the handmade soap in the communal bath, and that same smell from the tea Kashvi always makes her. Not only that, but she also felt the taut thick muscles of his thigh through the dark fabric that Mata wore (which she called their “summer” outfit).

Would Percival have the same muscles as this?

Lavender let out a growl, kicking Mata off her. She immediately backed away, catching her breath. She can’t believe she’s thinking of that damned Asvang!

She looked up and noticed Iris had opened her eyes from her meditation. She heard my thoughts…

To add insult to injury, Mata playfully winked at her.

They definitely heard it…

“You’re doing well, child,” Mata said instead. “But you’ll have to try harder.”

Lavender nodded at him, shaking the thoughts out of her mind. With a grin, she said, “You’re on!”

“You’re back early,” Raul smiled at them as the trio caught up with him. “You must’ve been a fast learner.”

“She is,” Mata agreed.

“Good,” Raul nodded. “I think…that calls for a…reward! I know you miss city food, so I made Philly cheesesteaks!”

Lavender squeaked in delight. “Mr. Raul that sounds so good! I feel like I’m drooling!”

“You have questions,” Mata said.

Lavender blinked. She looked at Iris, who nodded at her. She said, “Ask them and we shall answer.”

And without further ado, Lavender asked, “How come you’re a vampire, Seeker Mata? I–I mean, no offense, it’s just that, the sages told me that both Seekers are spellcasters.”

Mata chuckled, “Speculations. Who else can wield magic similar to theirs?”

“Any person could’ve been a Seeker, Lavender,” Iris said. “And any of those hypothetical chosen ones could have been given the same Seeker Omnipotence. By threads of fate, we were chosen by the Watcher.”

“Of course…” Lavender thought of a joke, chuckling to herself, “So even an alien could be a Seeker?”

“It’s possible,” Iris answered matter-of-factly, “if the Watcher saw an alien and deemed them fitting.”

The spellcaster cleared her throat. “Right. Of course. Ahem. Is it true that you’re as old as the world?”

The Seekers looked at each other.

Mata slowly said, “We have a long history, child. But yes, we are old, as old as the ancient vampires.”

Bright-eyed, Lavender asked, “Are you immortal? I mean, of course you would be, Seeker Mata, but even the vampires that Straud had known died on their own way–from what he told me, by the way.”

Mata smiled at her, “Realistically, a vampire should last long until the world ends. They could only die on some circumstances, such as an attack using a powerful source, such as from our Omnipotence.”

“But why did those vampires die?”

“A tragedy,” Mata looked away.

“I’m sorry.”

“We are immortal,” Iris said, trying to change the topic, “we will live, if the Watcher wills it to. She has a hold over our souls–our lives. When Her judgement dictates that our lives as Seekers in this earthly realm is finished, then our time here will end. We will join her.”

Lavender hummed. “So, you’re immortal because the Watcher made you so.”

Mata nodded.

“Wow...”

They went quiet for a bit. The rustling of leaves from the blown wind can be heard, the birdsongs enveloped them.

“Is it true, the Watcher is a woman? A Goddess?”

Iris snapped at her. “What spurred this on, child? What are the Sages teaching you? The Watcher, the true Watcher, is a goddess. Omisca is her name, She who gave life to all, She who shared her magic to us, remember that.”

Shit. Lavender hung her head low. “I–I didn’t mean to anger you, Seeker Iris. I know that She is the true Watcher. She is a goddess. I’m sorry. I apologize.”

Mata sighed. Addressing his fellow Seeker, he said, “Iris, you frightened the child.”

Iris exhaled. “I apologize, child. Her name has been sullied countless times, and I am here to remind those who dirtied Her who gave them life.” Her sharpened voice softened. “I know you mean well, Lavender.”

Lavender could only nod.

Mata asked, “I’m curious. Does the Sages worship the Smithsonian god?”

“No,” Lavender shook her head, “They would never. We know our roots, and who is the true god. Ordinary people worship the Smithsonian god, though. It’s the norm for most people.”

“It would be,” Iris looked away. “That’s what he designed it for. To have people question Her and forget…”

“Iris…” Mata mumbled.

“At least your belief in us never wavers. You have been good to us.”

Lavender laid awake in the bedroom. She couldn’t sleep. Her questions to the Seekers bore more questions, and it’s bugging her! What does Seeker Iris mean that the Smithsonian religion was designed? Trying not to let out a frustrated groan, she stood up from her bed, mindful of not waking the others. It was only Chief Song, Lakandiwa, Raul, and Diego who slept.

Kashvi is downstairs, doing her nightly routines, and the Seekers…

She slipped away from the bedroom.

“Sleep eludes you, child?” Mata smiled at her.

“I’m sorry,” Lavender sheepishly said, “Your answers gave me more questions…”

“I know,” Iris chuckled at her (a chuckle from Iris? What a rare sight, Lavender thought). She motioned for her to come. “I wish we could tell more, but we do not want you to become a target.”

“Target…by who?”

“Not now,” Mata shook his head. “You must not know, lest they learn about you.”

The three of them sat on the stone roof of the monastery path walk.

The Seekers conversed at each other, and Lavender didn’t bother to join them.

She pondered, who is this they? Why would she become a target for these people? And who made the Smithsonian religion? Why was it designed to forget Omisca? And what is this tragedy the ancient vampires had suffered from? So many questions…

She sighed, laying down on the stone roof. The Seekers paid her no mind as they discussed something else. Lavender doesn’t even know what they’re talking about anymore.

[eljeebee]

Content Warning: There are pictures in this update that I edited with motion blur that may cause motion sickness. Please proceed with caution.

Lavender!

Hm…

“Laaaaveeendeerrr! Wake up!”

Lavender groaned as she blinked awake. “Kashvi…?”

“Good morning, sleepyhead,” Kashvi giggled.

“What time is it? It’s too early…”

“Sleeping in won’t do if you’re going to be with the Seekers for the duration of your pilgrimage! They’re quite strict with their schedule, so get up! Breakfast is ready!”

At the mention of the Seekers, the tendrils of sleep washed away. “I’ll get ready!”

“Good morning, Diego,” Lavender greeted Diego, the monastery dog. He let out a soft bark in reply. “Good morning, everyone.”

She received gentle good mornings from the monicus as she sat down amongst them.

“They’re waiting downstairs for you,” Lakandiwa said.

“Oh, uhm, they’re not going to join us for breakfast?” Lavender then, sputtered, “D-Do they even eat?!”

Everyone laughed. Lakandiwa said, “Of course they do, that’s why Lawa and I woke up early to make breakfast. They tend to get up early.”

“They said to fill you up,” Chief Song chuckled, “it seems like they’ll be giving you a hard day today, Ms. Lee.”

Lavender finished her breakfast. She went down to the prayer room and saw two figures meditating in front of the image of the Watcher. She hesitantly stood there.

“Come. Meditate with us,” a female voice said. Her voice was smooth and cool. It has a tad bit of sharpness to it.

Lavender sat behind her. She took notice of the other Seeker’s ear. Pointy. A vampire.

“…I’d guard the monastery with Diego. And Seeker Mata too…”

She tried not to think about what Kashvi said last night and joined them in meditation.  

“Lavender Lee,” the female Seeker regarded her. “I am Iris. The First Seeker.”

“My name is Mata,” the vampire Seeker said. “The Second Seeker. I could hear your thoughts earlier, Lavender. Yes, I’m a vampire. It’s a long and old story.” He gently smiled.

“You are summoned to train,” Iris said. “You are the second Pupil that we will train, and the Watcher deemed it that you are ready to receive the Gift she will bestow upon you – a portion of her power. There are no longer wars waging between Circle Mages and…other races…and you might be thinking that this is useless.”

“But this is a gift from the Goddess,” Mata continued, “It is not useless. You will be able to use it, no matter how small the actions are. This training is not just any training – it is also our observation whether your strength and your character passes our judgement. The Gift is too much to bear – your predecessor had become greedy and abused it.”

“You have shown us promising faith and goodness, and I trust you will not disappoint us. This pilgrimage will test you, whether you will stay as the Pupil or not.”

“What happens if you didn’t see me as…promising?” Lavender anxiously asked.

Iris replied, “That mark on your back will vanish, and you will no longer hear from us in your mind. Our connection will be severed.”

Mata sensed her anxiousness. His gentle voice soothed her. “But we believe in you, Lavender. You are a good child.”

Iris nodded. The corner of her lips curling up. “And you’re a spellcaster. You have a background with magic. Unlike your predecessor.”

Her first training was to spar with Iris. Lavender was surprised that the First Seeker is a spellcaster – no, a mage. She could see the difference between a spellcaster and a mage – Iris fought differently, her moves were precise and firm. To Lavender, it is a sign that the Seeker is battle-hardened.

Lavender stood no chance with this, she’s not as strong as the sages, especially since she was trained not for battles but only for decent defense and only for practice. She was never trained for fighting.

“You are not taking this seriously,” Iris clicked her tongue.

“But I am!” Lavender panted. “That’s what they taught me!”

“What the Sages taught you is not enough. You cannot use the Gift half-heartedly. It is good they taught you basic practices, but you need better offense and control. Again!”

Lavender doesn’t know the time now, but apparently, it’s lunch. Mata placed down a blanket and a basket of lunch that Lawa had prepared. Iris had finished already, so Lavender sat alone, eating her food. Not that she minded. She couldn’t really talk because she’s famished. It’s her third helping.

“I think you went hard on her,” Mata chuckled. “Were you that excited?”

“Who wouldn’t? It has been a while since I could spar with another mage,” Iris huffed, but she was smiling.

“But she’s a spellcaster, not a mage.”

“Same thing,” Iris looked at him. “The difference is that spellcasters limit themselves. They don’t want to follow the path the Circle Mages had gone.”

Mata hummed.

“You cast like a child!” Iris yelled.

Lavender let out a shout of frustration as she fought back, but before she could retaliate, the Seeker’s magic lifted her up in the air...

This will hurt like a bitch tomorrow...

“Oh, welcome home. I’ll fix something for you,” Kashvi smiled. “Crimson tea, Seeker Mata?”

“Yes please.”

Lavender floated on the bath pool. The warm water soothed her aching muscles. “My arms huuuuurrrttt! I feel so exhausted!”

Mata went in the pool. Lavender felt her body feeling warm. “Woah, what are you – ”

“Taking a bath,” Mata titled his head, confused. “This is a communal bath.”

She chuckled awkwardly. “Oh. Oh yeah. Hahaha. Yeah…”

Iris finally joined them. The Seekers stood on one side of the pool, quietly scrubbing their limbs. Lavender stood an arm’s length away from them.

“Uhm.”

They looked at her.

“Do you always bathe together?”

“Yes,” Mata said, still confused. “Why?”

Iris huffed. “Whatever you’re thinking, you must shed those thoughts. These thoughts will hinder your control with the Gift. This is a communal bath. Even the monici bathe together.”

Lavender pouted, “I know that…!”

She splashed Iris.

“You cast like a child, you act like a child,” Iris said, putting emphasis on every child she said. She splashed her back.

Mata laughed.

[eljeebee]

“Are there any vampires like me outside Selvadorada?”

Lavender looked up from her food.

Kasvhi sat with her that late morning for breakfast, or brunch in this case. Lavender had slept in, and when she woke up, she panicked, thinking that she might be late for training. Luckily, it wasn’t the case. She found Kashvi keeping clean sheets inside one of the cupboards in the bedroom. The vampire had smiled at her and explained that the Seekers let her sleep a little longer; they had to go to the temple and commune with the Watcher again.

She saw how her brows slightly knitted at the mention of the Watcher or communing with the Watcher. Lavender did not press her further.

So here she is, eating her breakfast, accompanied by Kashvi. The vampire monicus is sweet, and she would always sit down at dinner with everyone, even if all she drinks is crimson tea (it’s a tea made from the plasma fruit from the very peculiar plasma tree in the courtyard garden). It feels awkward to Lavender though, because she could sometimes feel Kashvi just watching her eat, and when she’s looking, the vampire would just gaze through nothing, but Lavender knows that those pink and green eyes contain deep thoughts, like they’re watching something else, like the past…reminiscing.

Everyone else had their breakfast already. Raul, accompanied by Diego, had to go down to the village to sell his custom-made jewelry, candles, and the spare harvest the monastery set aside, and mail the artifacts that Lakandiwa and Kashvi had authenticated. He would also buy more food stocks. Lakandiwa is now doing his archeology work, while Chief Song tends the garden.

Kashvi smiled at her. Her lips curling up further, reminding Lavender of the question the vampire asked, as if to say, Well?

“There are vampires like you, some new, I think, but there are some that are ancients, from what I’ve heard.”

“An ancient!” Kashvi sighed dreamily, “Just like me…I might know them! Who are they?”

“Just like you?”

“It’s a long story. I was once considered the princess of our Vampiric Family, and the Babaylan as well. I had to flee, deep in the jungle, and defend Omisca against Circle Mages.”

Circle Mages again. Who are they? I should ask the Seekers.

Kashvi continued, “From then on, I never let Belomisia. I vowed to protect Selvadorada. I formed the Selvadorada Temple Order, you know.”

“Temple Order?”

“Yes. The monici here? They’re part of my Order. They help protect not only the temples and ruins here, but also the history and culture. We get a lot of tourists, and with our policies, we help preserve the Omiscan ruins.”

“That’s great work Kashvi,” Lavender smiled. She finally answered the vampire’s question, “The ancient vampire I know is Vladislaus Straud. He has three offsprings, Caleb and Lilith Vatore, and Helen Straud. The other ancients are Valentina Asvang, and Lana Beau. I have never talked to the other two though.”

Her thoughts drifted to Percival Asvang, whom she encountered the night before her flight to Selvadorada.

The thought vanished when Kashvi said, “Oh, I know him. Vladislaus Straud of the Straud Coven. I’m not familiar with the last two you mentioned, but I know the names–Asvang and Beau. They’re also in his coven, from what I know.”

Her face was unreadable.

“Have you ever talked to Mr. Straud?” Lavender inquired.

Kashvi shook her head. “Our Family had duties here. Our Coven was Tomarang and Selvadorada, you see. We serve the people and the Watcher, live in temples. We’ve received letters from his coven, and we would often send representatives there. I wish I could talk to him. I know we have a similar…”

Her words hung in the air.

“Where is he now?” Kashvi asked instead, “Is he in the same city you live? Myshuno, is it?”

Similar what? Lavender thought. She said, “Yes. He lives in San Myshuno, along with the Beau and the Asvang.”

“So he’s no longer in…” Kashvi shook her head. “Nevermind. After you eat, let’s do something fun!”

“We apologize for starting your training late, my child,” Mata said, “the Watcher called us.”

“That’s okay,” Lavender joked, “At least I was able to sleep more.”

The Seekers wore different attires today. Same dark fabrics, but a little lighter to wear. Lavender thought, Well, it is hot today…but why did Seeker Mata also wear lighter clothes? Do vampires even feel hot? Or did he just want to match with Seeker Iris?

“I will train you today. I will teach you fighter stances–stances that you may use when fighting with the Gift. With that power, your whole body is a weapon,” Mata continued, “you cannot use your wand when harnessing the Gift. It will break your wand.”

Iris nodded, “I, for one, never preferred using a wand. It is too restricting. Though, I have tried using it; to test the power She gave us. The wand exploded.”

Lavender gulped. Her wand was a parting gift by the Sages, who fashioned the light wood with a purple gemstone that she loves. She would cry if it broke.

The dull ache from yesterday’s sparring amplified when she had to hold her position, as the Second Seeker criticized her stance. “Your shoulders are sagging,” he sternly said, “fix that.”

Lavender let out a groan.

[eljeebee]

“Woah…”

Lavender was brought by the Seekers and Kashvi to a place called the Omiscan Royal Baths. It doesn’t look like royal anymore, as it is in ruin. It now looks like just a pool, with a pathway in the middle leading to a smaller pool. Was it a fountain before? She doesn’t know. The pool accumulated algae and had grown lily pads.

Are they seriously going to let her swim in there? It looks dirty, and Watcher forgive her, full of bacteria. Won’t it stain the robes they gave her that she’s now wearing?

Iris let out a huff, Mata chuckled.

Ah yes. They could hear her thoughts.

“Don’t worry, we’re not going to let you swim in the larger parts of the pool,” Mata said.

Iris gestured at the smaller pool in the middle. Lavender hummed. Alright…

“What exactly are we here for?” Lavender asked.

“A rite of passage,” Mata explained. “Every Watcher-touched person had held a ceremony–big or small–here in the Omiscan Royal Baths.”

Iris nodded. “Mata and I were given a ceremony by Kashvi’s family.”

“And I was given a ceremony too,” Kashvi said, smiling. “A big one – a royal one. I was a princess and was selected to be the Babaylan. I, too, was given the rites here.”

Mata nodded at the memory. “It was a beautiful ceremony.”

Iris agreed, “Indeed it is.”

Lavender stared at the mini pool below her. She imagined Kashvi in royal robes, probably a more extravagant one than what the ancient vampire is currently wearing, with an equally extravagant headdress, surrounded by her people, watching her get baptized in the royal baths. She imagined Kashvi stepping in the pool, with priests and priestesses surrounding her, singing and reciting their chants or something.

She, too, would listen to these chants, recited by Kashvi and the Seekers. She would be baptized in the white robes that the Seekers had lent her, symbolizing that she is now touched by the Watcher.

“As preparation for the Gift, it is natural that you will be given a rite of passage,” Iris said, “We are here to witness it all.”

Kashvi held out a hand, “Come.”

“Goddess Omisca, our true Watcher…”

“Here stands Lavender Lee, daughter of the Magic Realm, bearer of your plumbob mark…”

“Who awaits your blessed touch of your gracious sacred hand.”

Lavender imitated them, hands together, looking up at the starry sky.

“You gave her the magic…”

“You gave her the connection to your Seekers…”

“And now you will be giving her a portion of your power.”

Kashvi then said, “O Goddess, we ask for your hand…”

“Your kindhearted holy hand,” Mata continued.

“Your touch to give her the strength to bear the weight of your Gift,” Iris finished.

In unison, the three said, “Guide her, O Goddess.”

Lavender shivered. It got cold. Like real cold. Chilly, even. And it never gets chilly at night in the jungle. Just cool. Cool air to cool the humid skin.

She looked at her companions. They stood there, eyes closed, and so she did.

She felt a warm hand touch the top of her head.