estdeus_innobis | We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

[Tuesday, November 24th (Day 177)]
[Early Afternoon- Karina Bathory's home]

Leaving Toby's house, I have a bounce to my step as I make my way onto my horse, Clover. Toby and I had a pleasant lunch and we talked and laughed as we caught up. He's been my pal for years now and I wanted him to be the first one I spoke to officially. I had to register with him anyway so it made good sense.

As I ride along, I'm thinking back to recently and a smile blooms on my face as I begin to hum. Lily's visited me a few times, four in total these last three weeks and I get the feeling that she's got a lot to do with my good mood. She's appeared exactly when I was thinking of her and when I told her my idea, she clapped her hands and giggled as she encouraged me to do it. Molly, too and between them, I let myself get swept up in their enthusiasm. I'm still not sure I can handle it all but with Molly on one side and Lily on the other, I don't think I have a choice.

And for some reason, I don't mind. Some men don't like being fussed over but I can honestly say that I've become a quiet fan. Maybe Molly's coddled me all these years but now with Lily's added attention, life is finally moving in a direction I like. I know it's not like that for everyone though and I think that's a big reason why I made my decision.

Spotting my destination, I dismount and tie Clover's reins up before retrieving a bag and walking up the front steps. Knocking on the door, I know that she doesn't expect me but I think it'll be fine. I can't remember a single time she's ever turned me away and I smile wide as the door opens.

[~~Open to Karina~~]
[Closed]

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"No one did." We're still close, even if not as close as before and I fight not to lean into him again. "So it must be you. I've always thought you were beautiful. Is it so hard to believe that I could want to be with you?" Be with me? No. Be with me like Maryk is with me? Yes. I still find it hard to believe that he does. But, then, he's no Jamie. He's like me.

"A little," I admit with a laugh.

"And I haven't heard your answer yet, about the election. I think you're being coy but I like it. Will you do it? Run for Mayor and help Excolo? It would be the best news. Say you will, Karina." How can I say no to that face? But he's already convinced me before now. I laugh.

"Yes, yes. I'll do it. And hope you win," I add with a wink.

She laughs softly, saying, "A little," and I smile at her, not understanding why she wouldn't think of herself as beautiful as I do.

I ask her about the election, teasing her until she laughs again, winking prettily at me as she says, "Yes, yes. I'll do it. And hope you win." I pull her into a big hug, smiling happily as I say, "Since I'm the first one to know, I get to be the first one to say it. Congratulations, Karina, and I hope you win, too."

I lean back and offer, "I'll let Toby know, unless you want to, and Molly will be thrilled when she hears." I pause, realizing how big this decision is and I say, "There's a lot to do and the election's in December. There's barely enough time to plan it all and Molly's already started cracking the whip." I smile as I continue, "I'll need to get going soon but if you get the chance, you should come by the Homestead and have a meal with us."

"Thank you, Darling. Congratulations and and the best of luck to you." I smile at his kind offer. "If you'll see him first, please do tell Toby." I have this bad feeling I'll be needing to make more speeches. Lovely.

"Of course. I'll make it a point to come by. It would be good to see Molly again and I can't turn down such good food." I laugh and add, "You and Edmund have so much power over me. And I think you know it!"

"Thank you, Darling. Congratulations and and the best of luck to you. If you'll see him first, please do tell Toby." I stand up, smiling and nodding as I agree, "Definitely. You can count on me, Karina."

I ask about her visiting the Homestead and she's bright and warm as she replies, "Of course. I'll make it a point to come by. It would be good to see Molly again and I can't turn down such good food." My smile widens and I say, "I'll let Molly know. I'll bet she makes something special for you." She laughs, adding, "You and Edmund have so much power over me. And I think you know it!"

I laugh along with her, saying, "Maybe Edmund knows but I didn't." I think of Edmund as we move to the door, "I'll bet he doesn't either, Karina. Your feminine ways have always been a mystery to us, simple men that we are."

I smile once more, hugging her tightly before opening the door and saying, "Thank you for having me in, Karina. Enjoy the candy and have a wonderful day. I know I'm going to, thanks to you." I lean forward, kissing her cheek once before heading out.

I just grin at him and accept his kiss, squeezing his hands in mine before he leaves.

Strange, strange day. I smile to myself. But a good one.

I shut the door and clean up the living room before going to find Leah and Maryk.

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

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