Solo Log: Cohabitation

**End of summer, 501 AOV**

“Stars above, this is not at all what I expected living together would be like… But here we are…”

“Neither was I.”

A flood of color brightens Mona’s face, a twinge of red glowing in her green eyes. She had definitely NOT meant to say that out loud.

It was awkward enough as it is, so she forgoes a tour. The half-orc seemed content enough with that, especially since he had been offered some freedom to explore at his leisure. It’s not like she kept anything dangerous around anyway. Well, excluding the gun leaning against the wall in the corner. The gaudiness of it was a vast departure from how the rest of her place was styled. (What was she going to do with it?) Vihan had likely heard the song by now, so if he was curious about it, he didn’t let it show.

A glint of light in her peripherals involuntarily had her glancing at the gold band around the half-orc’s ankle. Just as quickly, her eyes dart away to avoid being caught. She turns her back towards him, her arms crossed over her chest to avoid him reading into her expression.

Had it been worth it for all that trouble, all that bargaining to get him out of that holding cell? The device that occasionally peeks out from the hem of his pants had to be specially made. That alone took a great deal of negotiating, possibly bribing, to get approved. Supposedly it functioned like mage cuffs she carried with her; it would prevent him from casting any magic or else he would be harmed for any attempts.

After a fashion, the pair had retreated to separate parts of the house and were content with the silence. Time encroaching on supper, Mona pokes her head out of her study and finds it oddly quiet. Waves of panic, worry, and fear attempt to crash over her but she quickly reigns them in. The only outward evidence of her anxiety is the soft glow that flickers in her eyes.

Tentatively she calls out, but no response. “Vihan?” she tries again, and nothing. Venturing out into the hall she sticks her nose into each room on her way to the sitting room. Still no sign of him and she struggles to quell the rising panic. What if he had run off, snuck away without her knowing? His first day out of jail and he escapes. Someone would have her head for sure.

*Av and Planes above, so help me. Not again.*

Images of the greenhouse flickered in her head, Celeste managing enough strength to send the druid a message. It’s not like she didn’t exactly forget that space existed, it’s just Vihan had never been interested in nature. They shared a few of her interests, but only one of them had a green thumb.

*“Okay, fine. We’ll check there first before I really start to panic…”* She pads over to the stairs, easily taking them two at a time, and is about to round the corner of the landing she freezes. A familiar voice, in a tone much softer spoken than she’s heard in a while, and her eyes flutter shut as her hand collides with her collar bone in relief.

“Hey there little guy. I don’t remember you being around. You must be my replacement.” It doesn’t take long before Vihan finds the amphibian’s favorite scratching spot.

By the time he looks up, Mona’s head has already turned away. Expression hidden from view. What she didn’t know was that she wasn’t quick enough. Though the light was dim, it was no match for the sorcerer’s excellent dark vision.

“I- I’m going to make us dinner.”

“Alright, Dessi.”