The turn in the conversation was not something that Kieran could have predicted, even with his talents. Madea decided to hand the decision over to her daughter, as it rightfully should have, and both of them turned their attention to Anabelle. She took it…much better than Kieran thought he would have, but her temperament was obviously a lot more forgiving and kind-natured than most. She wanted to learn about healing, but she wasn’t ready for a war, and Kieran agreed completely. For a complete turn of events, though, Madea then said that she wanted to help as well. Kieran couldn’t help but grin at that. He had gained not one healer, but two.

“That… would be wonderful.” Kieran said. “There is a town that we will go to first, named Yarlow. It has been a safe haven for magic users for some time now. It has many people with a variety of talents, and a wealth of knowledge about different magic as well. I think it would be a good place to go to learn more and there is transport in the town in case you need to return quickly.” Kieran explained. “How about we leave in the early afternoon, tomorrow. That will give you some time to rest, and get something to eat as well. Do that sound amenable?” He waited for affirmation before nodding, a smile upon his face. “That is wonderful. I am very happy that both of you want to at least see the world and give it a chance.” 

Kieran stood up and reached out to shake Madea’s hand. When she accepted it, though, he placed his other hand on the outside of hers, a handshake that was more traditional from his home. “If you have anything that Anabelle could wear that is more appropriate, that would be very helpful. Yarlow is fine with travelers, and accepting of magic, but if something doesn’t go as expected, it is known by the other side that those who travel between worlds use magic.” Kieran had never ended up in the wrong place when he traveled, but there could always be a first time. He liked to be prepared in some fashion. 

Usually, he traveled only between his homes in each world. However, he didn’t want to risk travelling with the pair and potentially being assaulted before he was able to hold up his end of the deal, namely that he would be trying to get Anabelle more information. Yarlow was the best place for that to happen. Besides that, he was supposed to be meeting Devon in Yarlow sometime soon, and his friend was likely already there. He would be able to take care of both matters at once, and hopefully avoid putting the two healers in too much danger right away. “Why don’t I come by at about eleven? I will pick you both up, and then we can go back to my place and head out?” He asked. Madea agreed, and Kieran nodded once more to the pair.

“Thank you both for giving this a try. I will see you in the morning.” He left the house, holding back a yawn. It had been an exciting night, but he had to stay awake until he got home. Kieran managed the task, and returned to the house in the morning as he had promised, pulling up at promptly eleven am. He had already changed into the clothes he would wear at home, a simple pair of brown trousers, a white tunic, and a light blue vest. His bag with rations and supplies was at home, sitting by the machine. He hoped that both of them looked appropriate, but he could certainly lend Anabelle something that would be large and a bit ill-fitting if he had to. 

-.-

Following Devon through the town was easy, despite the large amount of people still wandering around that evening. It wasn’t terribly crowded, and Rhys, though tired, was still able to walk well enough. He suggested that they see more of the town, and Rhys nodded. “Yea, that would be nice, though I am a bit tired, so perhaps we can save some of the tour for tomorrow?” She questioned. 

He began to suggest the library, and then back-tracked and gave her the option. Rhys chuckled a little, and as Devon led the way to the center of the town, she spoke again. “I would love to see the library. I don’t want to bore you with having to stick around, so if you would prefer, you can just point me in the direction.” She offered. In truth, she would have preferred that he at least help her understand the organization of the building’s books, but she was sure that she could figure it out all the same.

The tree seemed to be white, and yet it wore a cloak of leaves that looked more normal, being colorful leaves. Rhys walked up to the tree and looked up at the array of leaves. It was beautiful, and strange. She had almost touched the tree, when Devon said that power could be boosted here. They rang through her mind, twisting and changing because of the fear that she had of her gifts. [i]You’re going to kill everyone here.[/i] Rhys stepped back quickly, withdrawing her hand before she touched the tree. A gust of wind blew through the square, causing a few of the branches to rattle and hit each other. “It’s very beautiful.” She said softly, having moved behind Devon, clasping her hands in front of her. “Perhaps tomorrow I can sit and draw it.” She said, having taken the opportunity on their journey already to capture some of the clearings and rivers they had rested beside. 

She would simply have to stay a good distance away, keep everyone safe from her. [i]It’s safest if you stay away.[/i] She thought bitterly, and brought up the subject of sleep once more to change the subject. “I am actually very tired at the moment. Do you think that we could find a place to turn in, and continue seeing the town tomorrow?” She requested. Of course, the inn at which they stayed would ask for something in return, and Rhys was happy to clean a few of the rooms, or help with laundering some of the sheets. They were able to get two rooms, and she had a night to herself, getting the privacy that she had lacked on the journey. Rhys bathed herself properly, taking her time and trying to relax so she didn’t do anything stupid. In the morning, she cleaned her room and another, and dropped off the sheets for someone else to launder, and then wandered outside to watch the people milling about during the sunny day.