“There you are, I was so worried about you!” There’s no reason for the concern, or for her to sound as delighted as she does as she’s coming across someone she’s undoubtedly spoken with dozens of times. Despite that, however, misplaced it might be there’s real relief on Lily’s face as she approaches, resting a hand on their arm.

The emptiness that had gnawed its way through her since drinking that terrible brew wouldn’t be quelled no matter what she did. It was time to take action, time to round up everything and everyone she cared about and keep them safe somewhere she would always be able to check and verify that they were there.

Maybe then she would be able to get some sleep, maybe then, surrounded by evidence of her stability and faces she loves to see she won’t be plagued by the terror that the very foundations of her life teeter precariously on erosion, ready to fall away and leave her empty and alone forever.

“You’ve got to come with me, I need to make sure nothing’s going to happen to you.”

[ note: If not stopped, Lily will lead characters to a small shed on the fringe of the village originally used to smoke meat, where they can be expected to be ushered inside to hang out with stacks of books, and probably other group members, feel free to roll with whatever tickles your fancy and pm to discuss. ]