closer than together

Hannibal was not alone in keeping the Empress occupied from her thought of Iolaire, their memories were something that Belle would never forget. Io carved her place in Deathbelle’s heart and the Klein goddess was sure she would be there for the rest of her life. Io’s memories and her quick response to Belle’s call, soothed the Empress from any of her once destructive motives.

Io seemed relieved to be pulled away from her work as she explained her need for a break. Their final destination was within their grasp, Deathbelle just hoped she would be recovered enough when the time came. Belle also finally made her decision, bing this far apart was painful. ”Come, sit beside me?” She asked softly. Sirius offered her an affectionate relationship after much work to get to that point. She could keep her closeness to the Armada healer without there being any deeper meaning than friendly warmth.

”A cottage?” She asked curiously. The royal family had their palace, but they certainly didn’t build it brick by brick. Io asked her of her own goings on though. ”Nothing according to plan.” She started, a bit more exasperated than intended. ”Hannibal and I tried to scout the lands, in hopes the volcano’s wrath was finally subdued. Of course, barely after we’d begun I sprained my ankle.” She huffed softly at her luck. Also an explanation why Io had been summoned instead of the Empress seeking her out like she might have otherwise.