Warm Light in the Endless Darkness

Aurora smiled and shook her head, lifting the cup to take another warming sip. “No it’s perfect, it adds just a little something to the chocolate. It truly is delicious.”

“I don’t recommended it. You have people to care for, and people that care about you. You have a brother, right? I think not caring would be a bad look on you.” She grinned.

“No, no, it’s perfect. I prefer the spicier drinks. Have you tried it with chili pepper? Just a pinch. I have tried it once, when the gypsies visited Valencia a few years ago. It was an interesting combination, quite pleasant.” Orena found herself chatting with the girl, a hint of a smile forming on her lips.

“Alright, alright, thank you. But, then at least let me buy you one in return.” Darcy insisted. “I do, it is one of the best I’ve tried, really.”

Briar chuckled in melancholy of the memory. “I still wouldn’t fall asleep, but it would calm me.”

“Great, then we should definitely introduce.” The heiress smiled and extended her hand. “I am Tabitha.”

Mareena lifted her head up at the sound of a girl’s voice. “Thank you.” She muttered out. “I’m Mareena.”

Orena returned the smile to the woman and took a sip of her chocolate. After a moment she’s spent pondering about the taste, she nodded in approval. “I dare admit you are right, miss. It is exceptional.”

Briar smiled kindly to Elysa and took a sip of the drink. “It is good. It reminds me of my childhood. My mother used to prepare me hot cocoa when I couldn’t sleep.” She remembered with a smile.

Aurora couldn’t help but smile as the drink was offered to her, she couldn’t deny that it smelled delicious. “Thank you, I am sure it is delicious.” She took the glass, lifting it to her lips and taking a small drink, closing her eyes at the delicious taste. “You’re right, it’s wonderful.”

“You know, I have been meaning to come find you. It’s been strange though. Not too bad! I have simply decided to stop caring though. So that’s new.”

“Thank you, but I insist on paying.” Darcy accepted the chocolate drink, taking a careful sip. “One of the best I’ve ever tried.” She added after a moment.

“Fifth?” Colette said looking down at her drink. “Well….that’s…..that’s a lot more than I thought.” she said, her words beginning to slur slightly, but with an attempt to cover it up still. “Alright…alright last one then. That sound okay?”

Tobias sighed when he saw who it was coming towards him. The women had been nothing but nice to him but even still he couldn’t help but snap at her. He was angry and he doubted that would be going away anytime soon. “I apologize Elysa.” He mumbled. “I’m not myself right now. I’ve had a long rough night and I have a feeling the next few will be as well.” He told her. All he could think about was what was at hand. How much work he needed to put in to catch Damon now. He wasn’t going to be so careless now. It was going to take work to find wherever he was hiding.

Emilie grinned at the other woman, slipping into the seat beside her. “Elysa, it’s lovely to see you again. I know things have been truly hectic, I am glad to see that you are well.”

Orena snapped from her thoughts as a woman – a barmaid – placed a drink in front of her. Titling her head, she squinted her eyes distrustfully, but after scanning the brunette, she’s decided she wasn’t trying to poison her. Accepting the drink, she offered her a faint smile. “I can’t say I’ve tried healing my mood with it before.”