Oct 3, 2025
Puppet Renita was kinda slaying it tho.
seen from Japan
seen from South Korea
seen from Israel
seen from United Kingdom
seen from Netherlands
seen from United States
seen from Belgium
seen from Argentina
seen from Russia
seen from United States
seen from Brazil
seen from United States
seen from Canada
seen from China
seen from Italy
seen from China
seen from United Kingdom
seen from Türkiye
seen from United States
seen from United States
Puppet Renita was kinda slaying it tho.
Only kidding of course. Anything else?
The City
‘It’s why we live out west, in Olivia’s Refuge.’
Those words hummed through Aleyanna’s head that morning as she was working on preparing a cup of coffee for the flight back to the Refuge. Those words from Renita, they resonated so truthfully. And it was that one event in particular from last night that justified that reason.
She wasn’t even sure who set off that flash bomb, or how they got it into the theatre. But needless to say, having to see family and friends frightened and scared by such a spectacle. And made all the worse by knowing the stress could have been chaotic for Laila’s pregnancy. But she was grateful that everyone was alright and her friends were holding up well.
Still, those concerns justified living out west, away from the chaos of the Reach. Even if the Refuge was quiet, it was peaceful and the worst thing that could happen now was a drunken noble possibly walking off a cliffside, but at least there were means to cushion the fall.
Sighing as she finished preparing her cup of coffee, she started to make a cup of tea for Renita. They both needed something to prepare themselves for the day ahead, as their respective husbands would be asking questions about the night before and making sure they were both alright. She wasn’t looking forward to the conversation. But she could at least look forward to returning home to a place she enjoyed being at.
What would you like to know?
Birthday Surprise
“That cake is coming along nicely, mom,” Nikki remarked as she glanced at Aleyanna’s handiwork.
“Well, Renita deservers only the best for all she does.”
“Agreed. Loving mother, head of a library, master of a charity organization, the works.”
Aleyanna nodded as she finished the frosting. It was an impressive cake to say the least, one that honored the traditions of the necromancer. And well, a few flourishes here and there to showcase her talents, but nothing too significant. After all, she didn’t want to overdo it and expect something even grander next time, even if it was for her best friend.
“Is that all she’s getting?” Nikki inquired, admiring the cake even further.
“No, I also got her a special dagger from the Dragon Bash. I’m not sure what Amelia and Cameron are doing for her, but I know it will be wonderful.”
“Well, I hope she appreciates the book I got for her. Mixxa assisted me in finding one that would suit her tastes.”
“She’ll love it. I think she really does appreciate all that we do to help keep this abnormal quasi-living group thriving, especially three years on.”
“Certainly. Are you going to need help getting the cake out?”
“No, but do keep Renita distracted just a bit longer so I can finalize the writing?”
“Certainly!”
A small wave and the progeny was off as Aleyanna beamed. A wonderful time of the year. A time to celebrate a friend, a trusted and valuable friend. And this was just one way to show her gratitude to someone who had been with her through highs and lows.
The Cartwright-Denton House
For future references and such, here’s a brief overview of the house.
The entrance foyer to the Cartwright-Denton estate. It leads into the other portions of the house.
Lower Level
Aleyanna’s workshop. She has to keep everything well maintained and orderly in the room to keep unnecessary fingers out of things that shouldn’t be inside.
The pantry and kitchen. It’s well stocked and it ensures that not just the two families inside, but any guests and friends that come by are fed.
The sitting room. It is generally the most occupied room at any given time. Thankfully, there are usually enough chairs and seats to accommodate a wide assortment of visitors.
The dining room. A circular table ensures all sit as equals and no one person is above the others. As needed, more tables are brought out to seat more hungry people.
The other half of the sitting room, which houses festive decor.
A storage room. Anything not needed in the lower floor is usually stored here until it is needed.
Common library/parlor/den. In addition to housing a good selection of books, it also houses tables for assorted merriment after a long hard day.
Upper Level
Renita’s office, for work on her charity, library and other assorted endeavors.
Nikki’s room.
Bedrooms, for rest and recuperation.
Rooftop
When days are nice, both families enjoy a nice meal outside where they can appreciate the view and the splendor around them.
Another sitting place, with attached fire pit. Many a Phoenix night has seen s’mores made here, and many a Colossus evening sees stories shared over hot cocoa.
Defenses set up to ensure if the worst were to ever happen, the estate can be kept safe from threats.
Walls erected to keep kids safe.
Well, that’s the house in a nutshell. @alexandrialacoria, @meetthejamesons I hope I did this justice. Please don’t sue me if I messed up.
The End of One Path, and the Start of Another
“Ach! Put all o’ wha’ th’ lot a us order on th’ bill tae Ravenwood Estate!” Tracy cheerfully called out to the staff at the Crow’s Nest. The crusader was only one of many in the party coming by to celebrate a victory in a key tribunal. But for one of them, it was less celebration and more reflection. And it came to be as Aleyanna quietly slid off and made her way to the counter.
“What will it be?” the man behind the counter asked.
“Just a glass of water,” Aleyanna replied.
“Just water? I mean, I saw you arrive with that massive party, and they seem to be in good spirits. Sure I can’t get you something strong?”
“I’m positive. I mean, yes, it’s a time of celebration, but, I’m just thinking about what I’m leaving to get here.”
“Oh? What did you leave, miss?”
“The Pact. I think how I saw saving the world and how they saw saving the world became incompatible. I’m just wondering if I’ll lament this later.”
The bartender listened as he prepared the glass of water. As he handed it over, he replied, “Well, you have to do what you feel is right. Do you feel like it was the right decision?”
She thought for a moment, then nodded.
“And you have those that will support you no matter what path you take going forward?”
“Well, yes. I mean, you can probably tell by those I came with. They really are some of the best companions a person like me could ask for.”
“Then you’ll do fine, miss. Just remember that nobody truly fights alone in a good cause. And no matter who you’re doing it for, as long as you’re helping others out, you make a difference.”
Aleyanna smiled at hearing that. “Thank you. I guess I should go join the others, and make sure everybody doesn’t get into trouble.”
“Be well miss!” the bartender called out as Aleyanna waved and made her way back to the others. When she got closer, the conversations silenced, and as she took her seat, the collective eyes turned towards her, as if waiting for her to say something. All she did was smile towards everyone.
“To a new beginning!” she exclaimed with confidence.
Letter to the Homefront
A letter would make its way to the Cartwright-Denton house in the Refuge via a chain of courier birds, ships, and the like. When opened, it would read as follows:
Salutations from Amnoon!
I hope everything is still going well after my brief check-in. Needless to say, the world does not wait for anyone, and some interesting developments have occurred. In case word hasn’t reached you all, the rogue god has finally been defeated. While it would be a cause of celebration, the fallout still has yet to be determined. Thus, we’re still remaining out in the field for the time being.
This brings me to my next point. We’re going to be heading to a new area. I can’t say much, owing to wanting to keep it safe from any potential spies, but we’re all in it together, so anything that comes our way is going to wish they didn’t mess with us. And hopefully, as long as it isn’t too hectic, I should be home for Wintersday, which I know you’ll all appreciate.
That does remind me. I may be bringing someone over to the house. Of course, it also depends on if he feels he won’t be cursed, killed, or worse if he steps foot in the house. So while I may be asking a lot, try not to be too hard on Gregory if he does decide to accompany me home.
I’m being called to the ship as the captain wants to promptly sail off. I’ll see if I can send a letter from where we’re heading. If not, be well, continue to give my love to Amelia and Nikki, and I’ll see you all shortly.
Warmest regards,
Aleyanna