Winter Blossoms

***December 31st, 2018***

The boy nervously fiddled with the white and blue pinstripe button-up shirt that he was wearing. The cuff's in particular felt uncomfortable but he tucked the shirt into his grey dress pants. The boy, Tommy, let out a sigh and clenched his fist tightly. *Just wear it Tommy. Cute people like it when you dress nice for them even if you had to hem the pants yourself.* Walking over to the edge of his bed, he picked up a suit jacket and put it on. His stitchwork on his clothing was fairly good and not really noticeable. He picked up the wrapped present which was his gift for her and grabbed his jacket using a portal to leave his room because he didn't want a million pictures of him taken by his grandma.

The portal dropped him into the snow and beside a bench outside the restaurant that they agreed to meet at. The restaurant was half perched over a cliff and looked every bit of the fancy restaurant/supervillain lair depending on your philosophical view. The area surrounding the restaurant seemed rather busy especially down at the bottom of the cliff where they had a skating area. This place looked really exuberant to Tommy, he hadn't ever really been to a restaurant like this ever, and didn't want to look like a fish out of water immediately so he stayed outside enjoying the air. The snow was coming down lightly at the minute and was just a gentle sensation added on to the many of Halcyon. He took a long breathe closing his eyes and letting the world fade away for a moment before exhaling. He then pulled out his phone checking for a text from Rhiannon.

Rhiannon anxiously toyed with her hair, her dress, her jacket, the gift in her hands… pretty much everything as she walked through the snow toward where they were meeting for their date. She'd tried to leave herself plenty of time to get there, especially since she'd still been avoiding riding in cars since the crash... The subway had proved helpful but still relied on some good timing walking to and from the stops.

As she approached the restaurant, Rhiannon spotted him by the bench outside and immediately perked up. Her place quickened, snow crunching with each step until she came to a stop behind him. Hesitating, she then shyly reached out a hand to touch his shoulder. “Hello La- I mean- Tommy. I hope you haven't been waiting long. Um… Look this way?”
The sorceress gently tugged on his shoulder, indicating she wanted him to turn towards her.

Tommy tensed then blushed slightly at Rhiannon’s touch. it was still really different for him to have someone touch him like that again. He turned as she asked adjusting the present under his arm. Sinking slightly into the snow. “Like actually look?” Tommy asked quietly his head turned slightly up to look at the falling snow and stars rather than at Rhiannon.

There was a nervous pause but then he could hear the smile in her voice. “Yes.”
When he complied, Tommy would see that Rhiannon looked like a wintry princess. White hair fell softly around her shoulders, two small braids curving around the sides of her head to meet at a glittering silver snowflake barrette in the back. Vibrant dark evergreen eyes were shyly avoiding eye contact. Though not appearing to be wearing any makeup, the cold added a rosiness to her pale cheeks. Her clear complexion was somewhat marred by a dark scar in the shape of an arcane rune on the right side of her face.

The long strapless dress fit her figure nicely, its light icy blue fabric with lacy accents not too much contrast for her very white skin. A sheer silver bolero jacket provided some cover for her bare shoulders and arms. Closer inspection would reveal more dark runescars lining her skin beneath it, as well as at her neck and chest. A familiar ring was on her right hand.

The boy paused momentarily. Feeling his heart suddenly go a lot quicker. He tried to stammer out a few responses but nothing came out. Tommy put his left hand on her cheek, cupping it, and gave a small smile. Then let that hand drop taking her right hand in his then squeezing it tightly. “You look gorgeous, Rhiannon.” He said quietly to her as his cheeks flushed from the cold and his embarrassment. Closing the space between them Tommy stepped in close “I appreciate this. Like getting to look at you. I know this is kind of shallow to say but I don’t get to see your pretty face enough. Everytime I do I just… my heart gets all fuzzy. Heartwarming, I guess is what you could call it.”

He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. “So, thanks…” Tommy then looked about at the area around them then towards the restaurant giving her hand another squeeze. “I have never really been to a place like this before. So I think you should take the lead here, boss.”

Rhiannon’s cheeks got even more pink at his reaction, and she gave his hand a gentle squeeze in return. Her breath caught in her chest a bit as he stepped closer. Finally her eyes slowly raised to meet his, a shy smile on her lips. “You really think so…? I mean- I wasn’t sure what you’d think. I’m sorry I hadn’t really shown you the um… the ‘real’ me yet. There never seems to be a good time to just be like ‘oh yeah, I look nothing like the one time you saw me’... But this seemed like a good night to make sure we can look at one another freely. Consider it part of your Christmas present. You look- you look very handsome as well.”

She tilted her head in slight confusion at the last bit. “A place like what? It’s just a restaurant, silly. Come on!” With a joyous laugh, she took off toward the entrance still holding his hand to pull him along. The dress and the snow slowed her pace somewhat so it was more than easy enough for him to keep up. At the host station she simply smiled and waved at the man waiting there and ran past, clearly knowing exactly where she was heading. The man gave a nod and a slight wave in return before hiding the hint of a smile and light shake of his head at the young lady. Rhiannon led Tommy to a small round table with candles and a white tablecloth right next to the large wall of windows overlooking the skating rink.

This place oozed a thing Tommy had not ever really been a part of. He stayed close to Rhiannon giving a weary smile as they passed by the host station. The suit that he was wearing while well-tailored was not of a designer fabric and to a keen observer would be fairly obvious but that was the least of Tommy’s worries. The main one in his mind right now was he did not know how he was going to make her feel as special as she had made him feel moments ago outside and more pressingly that he hadn’t really ever done the whole fine-dining thing before. When they reached their table, Tommy took his seat setting down the medium-sized present on the table edge. He leaned across towards Rhiannon and whispered furrowing his brow in urgency. “I have never really been somewhere… um fancy is what I meant. We mostly ate at home. So this is a bit of a step up...”

Rhiannon set her neatly wrapped present on top of his as she took her own seat. As he whispered, she gave an 'ohhh’ expression and then smiled warmly. “Just don't think about it like that. I don't see it as a step up anything. More a step to the side, like a different perspective. The setup may be fancy but everyone here is just a plain regular person in the end. And even if they weren't, we're here for us. Not them. I wouldn't have minded going somewhere else though, and we still can if you like? I don't need fancy to be happy.”

She reached across the table and slipped her hand into his, gently running her thumb along the back of it.

Tommy nodded in agreement. His hand rested gently in the table between him. “I mean... here is fine. I just… I’m a punk. I don’t really fit suits and fancy stuff. More of a ripped jeans and angry music kinda guy. This is kind of a step up to me, Rhi. I can’t always afford stuff like this. So I don’t want to feel like false to that poor and class conscious part of me but I like dressing up for you and this place does make the occasion feel special and it is important perspective for me.”

He stopped hesitating momentarily biting his lip and looking down. “Sorry, I grew up pretty political so that kinda leaks into my thinking about all this stuff.”

“Oh it's alright, don't apologize. Lots of things make up who we are and how we think. I can't say my mind goes to classes or such things much. I just try to treat people like… people. Actions and personality mean so much more to me. But as long as-” A flash of something like fear or uncertainty crossed her eyes for a moment and her hand went still. “As long as being with someone who just happened to grow up with all this stuff doesn't make you feel false too…?”

“I mean it isn’t your fault that you were born rich.” He said a half-teasing tone in his voice then taking on a more serious face he held her hand a little tighter. “Like you said it is people that matter. You help people to the best of your ability. You are a kind person who wants to understand the world. Who wants to change it for the better. You just have financial security which means you don’t really have the same problems that I did but that doesn’t make you any less or more than me. You are still a person and a very kind one. So you don’t make me feel false because I know who you are as a person.”

Rhiannon looked visibly relieved and nodded, her smile regaining more of its life. “Is it presumptuous of me to offer to pay for your dinner…? I very much want to see you try whatever you think sounds best from the menu. Plus it's still near Christmas, so I can claim it as part of your gift!” There was an excited sparkle in her eye and she spoke with a hopeful tone. She could see their server starting to head toward the table.

Tommy bit his lip again and looked down. “I… I don’t want to be a burden to you but I’d appreciate it if you did. Thanks Rhi… Better be ready for me to snitch off your plate though as well.” He said with a wink trying to defuse the seriousness of the situation. The server soon approached the table and took their orders. Tommy did as she had asked ordering some sort of lamb dish.

Rhiannon looked a bit concerned by his discomfort, but Tommy's response itself triggered a brilliant smile from her.

“Oh excellent! Thank you!” After his order, she tacked on some tasty appetizers before choosing her favorite dish so that he could try some.

She leaned in closer once the server left, making sure to meet his eyes (they really were lovely…). “And hey- there's no burden. I love giving people things I hope they'll enjoy. Especially those who are… important to me. It's as much a gift for myself as it is for you!” The sorceress chuckled at his food-theft comment. “Don't be surprised if you find your plate missing a bite or two as well.”

Tommy leaned on to the table with his elbow keeping his head up by a hand underneath it. “Do you want to do gifts before the food gets here?” He gave a small smile sliding his present box towards her end of the table. “I mean I like opening gifts and it is always fun to open them before eating during the holiday so you can talk about them at the table.”

Rhiannon looked suddenly very flustered as she picked up her gift for him again and turned it over in her hands a few times. “Oh? Um- yes! I think that does sound fun.” She gently tugged the offered present the rest of the way toward her before similarly pushing hers toward Tommy.

When Rhiannon would open the gift that Tommy had slid across inside she would find a knitted forest green scarf along with a matching gabled knit cap. “I thought the yarn matched your eyes and that it was something you could use. I hope the hat fits, I am not always a good judge of head size having a big head in more way than one myself.”

As she pulled out the knitted items, Rhiannon's face lit up with a little gasp. The color was perfect. She immediately wrapped the scarf around her neck. Pondering the hat, she decided it may be best to wait on that until later… The girl buried her face in the scarf a bit and smiled. “These are wonderful! I love the color. Where did you find such a perfect set?” At the big head comment, she reached out and gently poked Tommy in the forehead with a mischievous grin. “I don't know, I rather like your head the way it is.”

Inside Tommy's gift was two items as well- a silver Celtic knot pendant on a simple leather cord; and a silver picture frame with unique flower and leaf motifs that he might not recognize, connected by twisting and twirling vines. The frame is empty and awaiting a picture. “I was thinking maybe… we could get a picture tonight to fill that for you…?”

Tommy nodded. “ I am glad you like it. I didn’t find it… I, like, knit it. Knitted it? I don’t know. Secrets out I like to knit sometimes.” Tommy blushed a little and looked down at the table. “It was a yarn I had got a while back that I thought you might like.” He blushed deeper after getting his head poked.

As soon as he opened the present, the pendant was in Tommy’s hand and he turned it over to look at it with amazement on his face. He put in on after he finished looking it over. Then picking up the picture frame he ran his hand along it feeling the motifs, a small smile on his face. “This is really great, I love it. Yeah, we should get a nice picture. Something dorky… If that’s okay? Like maybe when we go skating in a bit?”

Rhiannon looked stunned for a moment. “You made these yourself?” Then if possible she looked and sounded even more excited than before. “That's amazing! I never knew you could knit. Oh wow, that makes them even more special.” She closed her eyes and pulled the scarf further up around her face, snuggling into it affectionately.

Upon realizing he finished opening his gifts, she pulled the scarf down a bit and opened her eyes again. “You really like them? I actually wasn't certain if you even liked or wore jewelry… As for a picture, I think that sounds like a great idea! I'd rather it be one of us having fun than something all stuffy like a glamour shot or family photo.”

Tommy blushed as she showed such affection to something that he made. “Thanks…” He said running a hand through his hair before resting it back on his cheek. “Yeah, I do really like jewelry. I was considering getting my ear pierced or maybe my nose actually? I was wondering if you think I’d look good with that? Also don’t get me started on family photos. My vovó will show you more than enough when you meet her. ”

“An earring, hm?” She leaned back in her chair and put a hand to her chin as though trying to picture it, a small smile on her lips. “I think it might look quite dashing really. A bit roguish, which suits you. As for the nose ring I suppose it may depend. It's harder to picture. Which kind?”
At mention of his grandma, Rhiannon's smile faltered slightly but quickly recovered. “Meet her in a non- rescue or hero sense you mean? Now I'm extra looking forward to it if I get photo show and tell.”

“Yeah, that way… She likes you I think so you already doing pretty good.” He paused taking a moment to catch his breath steadying himself. “Well, um, I meant maybe a more like feminine piercing I guess… than like a masculine one. Because I, like, don’t always feel that I am a boy. I think I am more like genderfluid.” He looked down at the table. “And uh... your the first person that I got to choose to come out to. I understand like if that is difficult to parse...”

“You think she likes me? I hope so… Hm. I'm not sure what you mean by feminine versus masculine piercing I don't think. Aren't piercings just piercings? I-” At that last part Rhiannon looked legitimately surprised, eyes widening and mouth dropping open slightly. “Really? So you mean- kind of like El or…? Sorry if I'm getting that all wrong. I'm- I'm glad you feel comfortable enough to tell me though.” She blushed somewhat. Did she say the right thing? She knows enough to understand this sort of reveal is a big deal, but how is one supposed to respond?

“Yeah kinda like El. They have it a little easier because I think they’ve kinda always known. I just thought about it a lot. I hope it doesn’t change anything between us.” Tommy said still not able to look at her looking out towards the skating below. He wanted to be completely honest but he felt it’d be easier to deal with one issue at a time. Tommy then spoke quietly. “If it does, change anything, that’s okay? I still like you. Thanks you make me feel safe that’s why I said it”

Rhiannon nervously worried the edge of her new scarf. “Should- should it change anything…? I can't say I know or understand what that feels like, but… You're still you and I'm still me and- we're happy that way for now right?” She turned her head to look out at the skating with him, eyes filled with uncertainty, before saying more quietly. “I'm glad I make you feel safe… You make me feel- special.”

“Good… Great, thanks for understanding. I know I give people the asshole exterior but that’s not me. I give a shit about all this and I want to make it right. So, yeah, I am happy this way with you as long as you are?” Tommy turned away from the skating and again leaning across the table reaching to hold her hand with his.

Rhiannon didn't say a response, instead smiling shyly and leaning forward as well. She stood up out of her chair enough to be able to plant a light kiss on Tommy's forehead before plopping back down on her seat and averting her eyes in embarrassment. Still with the little smile, blushing, she slipped her hand into his. The server began to approach with their appetizers.

Tommy blushed receiving the kiss and returned her smile. The boy eagerly received the appetizers. The dinner went well and after some small discussion about school and other mundane topics, the two eventually reached the decision to go skating and for an outfit change into something more casual first.

Lavender appeared in his room and swiftly changed into something much more comfortable than a suit. He got into some skinny jeans and his jean jacket along with a purple toque. Then quickly jumped into a new portal. Rhiannon transmuted her dress for the moment, bringing the hem up to around midthigh and creating some white leggings to go underneath. She happily wrapped the new scarf snugly around her neck and put on the hat, cautiously meeting Tommy at the entrance to the ice once her skates were laced.

Tommy let out a breath watching as it turned into mist. “You like skating?” Lavender said stepping out onto the ice. “I haven’t skated since the December before last so I might be a bit shaky to start.” The boy looked over at her with a nervous smile.

“I do like it, yes! I've only done it once or twice though and that was a long time ago… Plus I had my magic to help out. You'd be surprised how many simple uses it has- sometimes I forget how much I rely on it. Especially in some situations for things like…” Rhiannon cautiously placed one foot onto the ice. Then another. Nothing happened immediately and she let out a sigh of relief. “Balance.”

She looked up at Tommy, returning his smile but shifting her weight a bit too quickly. One foot started to slide away from her, eliciting a surprised squeak and mild flailing. Tommy steadied himself spreading his skates slightly and grabbed her arm to help her as well “It is tricky to get back into but it’ll be like riding a bike”
The boy started to guide the unsteady girl by instructing her in foot placement and just simple movements. The arm that he had grabbed with was now entwined with hers at the elbow. “Powers are pretty amazing. Yours in particular are really awesome and strong but don’t let them define you. You control them remember? Not the other way around.”

Rhiannon was starting to relax and get back into the flow of the whole skating thing. She left her arm entwined though, enjoying the contact and closeness (and the warmth). “I don't know that I let them ‘define’ me. Not in the way I think you mean anyway… But they are a part of me and I'm pretty much never without them. Plus with the knowledge that I can't let the power build too much, it became somewhat a relief to find more mundane things to let it bleed out through… Like my glamour, though that also helps in other ways.”

Tommy stayed close to her as well smiling as they got into a rhythm. The movement had a therapeutic aspect for him as it helped him relax. “That is understandable. I don’t really know what it feels like to have that much power… It seems hard. You are pretty good at it though. Also I know the glamour is a way to burn off magic but you look cute without it.” He said leaning over and kissing her cheek as they drifted along slowly.

“It took quite a lot to get as good at it as I am… which I’m still not sure is enough.” She blushed (again) at his compliment and the kiss on her cheek, smiling softly. This was nice. Was this the kind of thing normal people do all the time...? “I’m- really happy that you think so. It’s pretty unsettling to most people really. When they’re not expecting it. I actually came by the restaurant yesterday to let them see me like this so I didn’t startle them tonight. They’ve only ever seen my glamour and- what I looked like before, when I was very young.”

“I am glad that you were able to do that. Just makes me feel better to tell you that you are my hero.” He said looking down at their skates for a moment then back up. “It is a lot of pressure with powers and responsibilities and all that shit… I guess what I am trying to is my grandmother asked me to be the next Orixa and I don't know if I could handle *that* the same way you do this power stuff…”

Rhiannon's happy expression faltered when he called her his hero and brought up Orixa, averting her gaze. “I'm not sure how much you should think of me as your hero after what I did could have gotten you killed…” Her voice was quiet and heavy with guilt. She tried to perk up a bit as she continued. “Oh that sounds like quite the honor though! Why the self-doubt? I'm not sure what being the next Orixa entails, but I'm sure it's nothing you can't handle.” Her smile was back to bright and reassuring as she gave his arm an extra squeeze.

“Dying is a risk that we always take as heroes. I didn’t die that’s what matters, not the could have.” Tommy said resolutely denying his hesitation for a moment. He looked up at Rhiannon a very stern look on his face. “Because I crawled to here, I fought myself, and found out who I am to earn a chance at this. I know I am a good hero and that I belong with the bigs but I am scared of falling from grace like last time and disgracing the Orixa name like my mother continues to do.”

“It’s a risk we take with our own lives, but I never agreed to be responsible for risking yours!” Rhiannon released Tommy’s arm and tried to turn toward him with a defiant yet hurting look on her face, but hadn’t figured out how to stop on the skates and nearly fell for a moment. “She didn’t even tell me that was an option. I would have said no, or at least that I *needed* you to agree to it as well. Do you have any idea what that would have done to me? If *I killed you*??” Tears were starting to form but she quickly swiped at them.

“Anyway… you *are* a good hero and you *do* belong. I don’t know what happened last time or what your mother is doing, but I know you will not fall.” Rhiannon reached up to put a hand on his cheek. “Whatever happened before, you’re stronger now and you know where you stand. Everyone falls sometime… but you just have to get back up again.”

“Thanks that means a lot. It really does and I will get back up.” He clenched his fist slightly. “I know with the people around me right now that I won't fall. I will be forced to flourish. Also if you would’ve killed me, you would’ve killed me. It is not what was destined and hence didn't happen. You wouldn’t have done it if you had been told the possible consequences. I understand my grandmother’s choice. My grandmother knew my desire from the start was to follow her path.” Tommy says tight lipped facing her. He put a hand up to her cheek. “I get where you are coming from but that’s the past and you can’t change that. There were no consequences so there is no reason to worry over them”

Rhiannon gently tilted her head against his hand, still looking a bit sad. “I know it's the past, but- it still hurts. And I guess I just needed you to know that it- it's just not something I can brush off so easily. That's all…” She gave her head a little shake as though clearing it and her smile returned. Reaching up to take his hand from her cheek, the sorceress pulled it away and simply held it. “But enough of that. I'm really happy for you! Don't let your doubts take away your excitement. This is what you want!”

Tommy's response to her final statement was a simple nod with no change in expression. He held her hand tightly. Then spoke in a soft tone. “It is. My doubts are what excite me they will push me to do better. I am capable enough. I will succeed.” He brought her hand up and kissed it softly. “I love you, Rhiannon but I have to tell you something else.”

He paused as they skated a little ways away from the other skaters and he was silent looking down. Finally, in a quiet voice he broke the brief silence. “I am polyamorous. I want to love people romantically outside of just us…”

Rhiannon couldn't help a twinge of fear and nerves as Tommy said he had something else to tell her, even after he just said he loved her. His demeanor as they skated to a more private area of the rink made her nervous as well. When he spoke again, what he said left her frozen in shock, mouth slightly agape and eyes filled with a mix of hurt and confusion. She slowly pulled her hand away. “I- I don't understand. I mean… I know what that means, but-” She slid backwards from him slightly, tears beginning to form again. “That means I'm not enough…?”

He hesitated smacked his cheek. “No… it means that I like some people the same as you and would like to be with them *as well* but I *love you*. I know that. I don't know if I could love those others.”
He skated towards her very slowly heading into her space only taking her in a hug if she let him. “I want to be with you. That's enough for me. Wants are just that. Something to be desired. They are not a need. I just wanted to be clear with you who I am because frankly under all these masks and layers we can't all be sure who someone is.”

Rhiannon still looked uncertain, avoiding his gaze and clearly trying hard to keep from crying. When he went for a hug, first she placed her hands on his chest to stop him before fully reaching her. She stayed that way for a few moments, silent, before finally looking up at him. The pain and vulnerability in her eyes was raw. “I… are you sure? I really… I really want to be with you, but I- if I'm not enough, I don't want you to be unhappy. So if that ever changes, I just need you to tell me? There's nothing wrong with you wanting to love more people, I simply know that I can't…”

Once finished speaking her piece, Rhiannon buried her face in Tommy's chest and wrapped her arms around him. Warm tears sliding down her face. This night certainly wasn't turning out to be what she expected.

“I do, Rhi… I want you. You are enough.” He held her tight to his chest wrapping his arms around her enveloping her in them. He frowned slightly before giving a sad smile. His heart was beating hard as she could hear, but slowed as their embrace continued. “I am sorry. It is hard I know. I dumped a lot on your plate tonight. You're so strong about all of it. You are understanding and kind. You are the sweetest person that I have ever met and I love you for it… If you feel like I am betraying your trust or you want to ask about my feelings I will be open and honest with you.”

Rhiannon just nodded a few times and nuzzled her head further against his chest, not breaking the embrace. “Well I’m- still new at this, but… I suppose we’ll just have to let things play out and see how it goes. That’s how relationships work, right? A little faith?” She pulled her head back enough to look up at him with a hopeful expression, eyes still shining from teary remnants. Right then, the bells at the old church at the end of the block began striking. Rhiannon looked surprised.

“Oh, it’s midnight already? Happy New Year, Tommy.” Her lips curved into a warm smile as she continued to gaze up at him.

He chuckled slightly staring lovingly back at her. “Yeah, everything is about faith. We will and it will all be about feeling and understanding.” He pulled her in close then spoke softly again. “Happy New Year, Rhi”

The boy's words were interrupted by fireworks overhead and in other parts of Halcyon. Many tributing various heroes of the city. Tommy leaned down and kissed Rhi softly.

After the moment and the fireworks were dying down slightly as they watched from the ice, the punk looked at Rhiannon. He had a deep blush on his face. “Hey, can I stay over at your place tonight? I have been having a hard time sleeping at my place knowing that AEGIS and Thorne might be following me. I’d feel safer with you…”

Rhiannon was enraptured by the fireworks, the vibrant colors reflecting off the ice as well as her white skin and hair. A small smile remained on her lips as she thought about the kiss just now as well... She held Tommy's hand as they watched, then turned as he began to speak. Immediately her face clouded with concern and empathy. “Really? I had no idea you've been having trouble sleeping… Of course you can stay at the manor, there's plenty of rooms available. And I've upped the security wards ever since I found out El was coming and going unnoticed for so long. I'll be sure to let her know you're staying as well so you two don't startle one another.” She took his other hand so she was holding both and gave them a reassuring squeeze. “I'm not certain why you'd think they both might be following you, but rest assured I'm sure it would be quite the task for them to realize you wandered out into the middle of nowhere!” Rhiannon gave a little chuckle.

Tommy’s eyes were fixated on her, finally letting himself tear up a little as she was distracted by the fireworks but nothing more came. His thoughts were rushed as she responded. He was enraptured in her. Why is she always so ready to help? Why is she so beautiful? Why? “I meant not just like in the manor… I meant like *with you*.” He blushed even deeper looking down at the ground. “I want *closeness* Rhiannon, I don’t want like sex or anything. I just want you to hold me.”

Rhiannon looked stunned for a moment before blushing furiously and averting her eyes shyly. “O-oh! I mean…” She brushed some hair behind her ear and fiddled with her new scarf. “That- that sounds kind of nice. Unexpected, but… nice. I um… I'm not sure it's a good idea for me to wear the ring that long though, so what do we do about-?” There's a bit of a hand motion toward his eyes.

“I mean I suppose we could go with a blindfold or someth-” One might not think Rhiannon could have blushed any redder but she managed to, eyes widening. “Oh wait, that sounds- um-” She can't seem to find any more words, flustered and embarrassed.

“Yeah, don’t wear the ring. I can wear a blindfold because I know how kinky you are…” He said teasingly a goofy smile on his face and a similarly deep blush. “But no for serious that is fine. Though maybe don’t tell anyone that we have to do that.” He put a hand up to his forehead furrowing his brow slightly. “Could we get going soon though I have a bit of a headache… I think it is the fireworks or something.”

Rhiannon sputtered a bit at the 'kinky' comment, giving a fake scowl and about to playfully shove him. But when he mentioned the headache she immediately tried to stop- a bit too late for her own unsteady balance though. With an undignified squeak, her skates went out from under her and she plopped unceremoniously down onto her ass. She burst out laughing. “Yes, please, let's go before I make a bigger fool of myself.”

After the worst of his headache passed he helped her up, a small pained smile on his face and a chuckle. “Sounds like a good idea. We can get our skates off and then I can try to portal us there if you want?” He said softly as he began skating towards where their shoes had been left. Tommy was steady but was a little more tense than normal.

Rhiannon kept smiling but looked concerned as she attempted to follow along behind him. “Sure, that would be fine. If you're sure you feel up to it?”

He nodded getting to the edge of the ice fairly quickly. “Portals have gotten a lot easier lately. Probably has something to do with the mortem.” Tommy assured.

*Shady Glen Manor - later that night*

Rhiannon opened her eyes, smiling slightly to see Tommy's restful face across from hers and enjoying his warmth. She was right- it did feel nice. Slowly and carefully she pulled away from him with reluctance, sliding off the bed. Her bare feet hit the floor silently as she padded toward the door, looking back at him with a hint of guilt as she slipped out.
She wouldn't be gone long, but… When he'd put on the blindfold, Rhiannon lied and said she'd taken the ring off. It was too dangerous while he was so close. Hell, it was too dangerous to even take off inside the house… The sorceress made her way down the stairs, looking almost like a ghost in her ethereal whiteness with no shoes and just a slim nightgown. The front door creaked quietly as she opened it and walked out into the snow. It was freezing cold but she didn't pay it much mind as she hurried to an area of the yard a decent distance from the house. Trembling either from the cold or from her nerves... Rhiannon took off the ring.

First came the almost searing pain as the untempered magic reignited and rushed through her entire body. A vortex of multicolored energy swirled around her, lighting up the night. Her eyes and the runes on her skin blazed brightly as well as she gasped and struggled against the onslaught of power. Her back felt suddenly heavy- though she couldn't see them, three pairs of large ethereal crow wings had sprouted and spread majestically.
For a few moments, the snowy area around her transformed into a little pocket of Feywild- icy vines creeping out of the ground, beautiful flowers of blue and white blooming in the snow, small spirits of some kind flitting around her, purple will-o'-the-wisps sparking to life and dancing merrily, and one large strange tree with blossoms made of ice. Then just as quickly, it all vanished… except for the tree. It remained amongst the other mundane trees, currently bare of their leaves.

Rhiannon lay there in the snow, panting and shaking as she finished the final seal and her power reached equilibrium. Staggering to her feet, she stumbled back to the house. She waited wrapped in a blanket downstairs until certain the cold of her skin wouldn't wake Tommy, then slowly made her way back upstairs and crawled into the bed. Snuggling under the covers, Rhiannon moved as close as she could without jostling him. Then exhaustion took her and she slept at last, deeply, the usual soft glow of her runes illuminating the darkness.