[hr][hr][center][h1][b][i][color=FFD9E9]Allison Andrews[/color] and [color=ForestGreen]Ayita Durkin[/color][/i][/b][/h1][img]https://i.postimg.cc/B6VyS1yj/giphy.gif[/img][hr][b]September 26th, 2020[/b][hr][hr][/center] Allison had been going back and forth with this. With Mesmero being taken care of, she wanted to talk to Ayita. She knew her friend was going through the wringer. What really upset her though was that Ayita took to Guin first before her. Hadn't she always called her a pack sister? Why didn't she talk to her? If anyone knew about Psychic power play, it would be Allison surely. She had to admit, her feelings were hurt. But she knew it was best not to bottle them up. So she came to Ayita's door and knocked. [color=FFD9E9]"Ayita? It's Allison. Can we talk?"[/color] There was an almost mental glance towards Allison's mind before the door opened slightly. [color=ForestGreen]"You do not need to ask,"[/color] Ayita stated softly. Her arm in a sling at Richard's request. On her bed was a small pile of things AMD an array of neatly laid out tools. A leather satchel resting between the two. Clothes were already tightly folded and stuffed into the bag. Ayita looked like hell. A mix of pain and anger in her amber eyes. [color=ForestGreen]"You are always welcome."[/color] Implying that some were not. Allison forgot that Ayita had her own set of mental powers. She entered the room and closed the door gently. [color=FFD9E9]"Wanted to check if you were all right. Planning a tip somewhere?"[/color] Though it looked like more than just a simple vacation. Is she truly leaving? She wouldn't just...jump ship? Even with everything going on. [color=ForestGreen]"No."[/color] Ayita sighed after a long minute. [color=ForestGreen]"I am not alright."[/color] Looking at the supplies, she absently tossed a shirt onto the messy pile. [color=ForestGreen]"North. I need some time to think away from..."[/color] Cutting herself off from saying something rude she shook her head. [color=ForestGreen]"Marygold. I talked to her only to have her disregard everything. She cares more for herself than her 'team'."[/color] There was disgust in her voice like a puffed up bird's feathers before it settled. Allison knew of the heated arguments between the two girls. Hell, she had her fair share of tiffs with Mary. But they worked it out. Perhaps the two of them just couldn't get along. [color=FFD9E9]"Well, maybe some time away will clear your head a bit. Give you both some time to cool off and think about things."[/color] There was more to say, but did she bring it up? Ayita was already angry, she didn't want to upset her more. [color=FFD9E9]"Are you doing all right with the whole Mesmero thing?"[/color] Ayita shifted and there was a deep-throated growl of hatred. Something Ayita never really dwelled on. She disliked people but hate was, according to her, a waste of time. [color=ForestGreen]"I should have killed him. For that, Mary..."[/color] The woman gave Allison a pointed look. [color=ForestGreen]"He was and still is a threat. He turned my instincts on the others. Not intentionally, but he influenced it. I lost control."[/color] There was a long pause before she sat down on the desk that took one end of the room. [color=ForestGreen]"What if he does that again? And I attack you, or Richard? Damon, our children? How can I risk that?"[/color] Allison had figured it was something like this. She hadn't heard too much about what happened other than Mesmero was carted away. [color=FFD9E9]"I am sure you've heard this before, but it bears repeating then. It would not have made you feel better. Mesmero used others and didn't care about the consequences. He put real people's lives in jeopardy. If you had killed him, you would have been like him. He used others too. Sara, Neil, Bethany.....Mary."[/color] She felt the last name would hopefully cement that in her head. [color=FFD9E9]"We live in a dangerous world with or without him. All we can do is strive to be better. You and Damon, your eventual family. I've no doubt you would do anything to protect them and if Mesmero is ever at your door I believe you would end him then and there. But we aren't there. He is taken away finally. Last time that didn't even happen. It may not feel like it now, but we won Ayita. The good guys won."[/color] Ayita's face hardened as she glowered at Allison. [color=ForestGreen]"I did not do it to 'feel better'. I would not have felt better and I know that. I did it to keep those I care about safe from him."[/color] Her voice was firm but there was a lack of heat behind it that would be anger. Rather it was irritation that Allison was bringing up a point that was moot. [color=ForestGreen]"I well understand I was not the only one under his control, and I do not pretend otherwise."[/color] Sighing Ayita slumped in defeat and exhaustion, though there was still a stiffness to her form that was her irritation. [color=ForestGreen]"And what if I don't end him next time? What if he takes what I care about and I lose them? I need to go North. I need my mate and the open spaces of the wilds."[/color] Wrapping her arms about her shoulders, Ayita sighed. [color=ForestGreen]"People here to do not understand me, nor do they care for me. Rather I think if given half a chance Mary would toss me to the hunters and be done with it. I tried to talk to her, and I thought we reached an understanding after we were both possessed. But... Merely a day later and she calls me a killer again."[/color] It seemed walking on eggshells was not the way. So it called for tough love. [color=FFD9E9]"You know something Ayita. You're right. What if Mesmero attacked people you loved. God, what if huh? What if he controlled people you cared about, made them attack each other and you had to go in there and stop them, worried you may even have to kill them to get them to stop. Did you ever think about that Ayita? No, because you'd rather sit there and throw a pity party for yourself because one person in the house doesn't understand. Want to know who does? Me! Yet for some reason, you felt the need to reach out to Guin, who is Mary's best friend I might add, and confide in her rather than me! What was the term you used? Pack sister? Well I don't feel very sisterly. You are not a killer Ayita, but Mary isn't entirely wrong. I had to stand there and watch those I love nearly kill each other. You don't think I want Mesmero dead? I do! I want him gone, but that is not how it works. We aren't the morality police. We don't get to decide who lives and dies. We protect each other and the world because if we don't, that's it! Then everyone you care about will be gone."[/color] Allison took a breath and continued, more calmly. [color=FFD9E9]"Sorry. Got heated there and I am not here to fight. I'm here because I love you and want you to know that. Someone here knows you and cares about you and would hate to see you leave over this. I think you do need to go be with Damon for a bit. And in the fresh air. God knows we could all use it."[/color] There was amusement though faint in Ayita's eyes as she watched Allison yap. [color=ForestGreen]"I asked after Guin because Richard would want to know she was alright. You were fine. Physically at least, none of us are fine mentally."[/color] Crossing one leg over the other, Ayita rubbed her shoulder and winced. [color=ForestGreen]"I owe you an apology, I did not think of what you risked trying to stop us all."[/color] It was muted and soft, but none the less meant. Ayita did not say what she did not mean after all. Patting the space next to her on the desk in invitation, the woman seemed to debate with herself for a bit before coming to a conclusion. [color=ForestGreen]"Would you [i]want[/i] to come? The trip is not an easy one, but when my shoulder is stronger I could carry you. It's rough living, but there's nothing out there but Damon and myself. Well, aside from a few others who live in the brush. We generally look after each other and keep a respectful distance of 'friendly neighbor that's about five to ten miles down the road'."[/color] Allison sat down next to her. [color=FFD9E9]"I'm not much of a nature girl, you know. I don't do the whole "roughing it" lifestyle. I need my Starbucks."[/color] She giggled a bit, before she continued, her face going down a bit. [color=FFD9E9]"It was hard. I thought that you all might die. If Jean hadn't have been there, I don't know what would have happened. And no one talked to me about it. Instead, we went from healing the injured right into taking him down. No, if anything I may go stay with my parents a week or two. Get out of the mansion for a bit. It's almost the holidays, after all."[/color] There was a short chuckle as Ayita leaned her head on Allison's shoulder. [color=ForestGreen]"I don't think there's a Starbucks in a hundred miles. Can't have you suffering deposits? Is that the saying?"[/color] Though she fell silent as Allison detailed her plans about the holidays. [color=ForestGreen]"Los Angeles? I'll travel with you then head North. It's not so far and..."[/color] Ayita hesitated before closing her eyes. [color=ForestGreen]"I need to travel North for another reason that just my mate. I want to speak with the orca pods and wolf packs up North, or try to. When- I was able to talk to the ravens when I called them to aid me in the fight."[/color] [color=FFD9E9]"Sure you can come, though I will be flying there on a plane. And the saying is withdrawals."[/color] She leaned her head on Ayita's now. This is what she missed. [color=FFD9E9]"Do you think something is wrong with the orca pods or wolf packs or just checking on them?"[/color] [color=ForestGreen]"I love them. I always have loved them."[/color] Ayita stated simply. [color=ForestGreen]"They draw me, and I simply wish to speak with them. The orca though... I want to learn. The sea is wonderful and terrifying. The orca are the wolves of it. They are far more intelligent than what humans think."[/color] Giving a sigh she grumbled under her breath. [color=ForestGreen]"I will never care for those planes humans enjoy flying in. If you were meant to fly, you'd fly."[/color] Allison laughed at her friend's reasoning. [color=FFD9E9]"Well we can't all be blessed with flight, though I have been practicing. Definitely not able to make a cross-country trip though, so flying will have to do."[/color] She patted Ayita's thigh before moving up. [color=FFD9E9]"Need help packing?"[/color] Ayita shook her head. [color=ForestGreen]"My shoulder needs to heal first. I'll only be a burden on Damon til it's somewhat better. It's a bit of a flight to get there."[/color] She arched a brow with a wane smile. Allison stood up and let Ayita have room to relax her arm. [color=FFD9E9]"Well if you need help, let me know. I've got nothing but time now that Dean left and we don't anything major looming over our heads."[/color] [color=ForestGreen]"I- Actually, do you want me to get you anything while I am up North?"[/color] Ayita inquired, giving a small smile. Allison thought a minute. [color=FFD9E9]"I don't think North offers much that I can't get in LA. Besides snow and cold and I don't really want that."[/color] Ayita snorted, and gently brushed against Allison's mind. [color=ForestGreen]"Stone and bone. Wood and hides. The North offers plenty more than snow and cold. May I?"[/color] Ayita offered softly, hesitantly. Allison grinned a bit. [color=FFD9E9]"You know, if you are about to offer sex, you should know you're not really my type."[/color] She played that off though. [color=FFD9E9]"I trust you. Go ahead."[/color] Ayita blushed and stammered. [color=ForestGreen]"That's not- I wouldn't- Allison!"[/color] The taller woman squeaked her voice pitching before she gave a huff. Shaking her head, Ayita's mind brushed against Allison's giving her the images of mountains and the forest through the eyes of Ayita in some winged or four legged form. The dense forests, a mother bear playing with her cubs while Ayita circled above, waterfalls during lovely sunny days. The ocean as it clawed at stone banks and then the water washed over them both and they were beneath the ocean's surface. The thrumming heartbeat of the waves and the singing croon that slipped from the memory's lips. A cottage covered in snow and smoke rising from the chimney, and a man in the door way before Ayita pulled away mentally with a small smile. [color=ForestGreen]"Home."[/color] She answered simply. Allison cacked at her friend's stammering before she was whisked away to what could only be described as the most peaceful place she ever saw. She could see why Ayita loved it so much. It was serene and calming. Definitely still nature though, but one she wouldn't mind spending a week in. [color=FFD9E9]"Fair enough. That does look beautiful. Still prefer my city life, but I could see myself retiring to a place like that when all is said and done. Looks very cozy."[/color] [color=ForestGreen]"Plenty of reason to snuggle up at night."[/color] Ayita smirked slightly. [color=ForestGreen]"Well worth all the work it takes."[/color] Hesitating Ayita chewed her cheek absently. [color=ForestGreen]"Do you need help with anything?"[/color] Her eyes slightly pleaded with Allison to need some help, the distraction and being around her helped to ease the discomfort of multiple pains. Allison could see this was more than just a friendly ask. [color=FFD9E9]"You know what? Sure, you can help me figure out what clothes to bring to LA. Wanna be cute in case I meet my own Damon."[/color] She winked before heading to the door to wait for Ayita to follow. She knew Ayita probably would not like a fashion show, but she did offer. Ayita smiled softly. [color=ForestGreen]"When you do, you'll be nothing but beautiful to them."[/color]