Timestamp: 85th of Fall, 522 A.V.
Visiting Mathias was never a bad thing. In fact, no matter what turmoil Tazrae had going on in her mind, Mathias always seemed to have a knack for soothing things out and helping her to see other perspectives. She set out with a newborn tucked up against her, cuddled with her left arm while her right arm held a basket of baked goods left over from a breakfast rush that never materialized.
It was early and the sun was dipping low in the west. Taz loved this part of the day more and more. The dinner crowd at The Protea had been light, just feeding her guests and Gracelin who’d dropped by to see the baby. They’d had a nice visit, and then Gracelin had graciously helped her clean up as they’d talked. Taz had promised to resume her training as soon as she was able, and Gracelin had made it clear that Khari was more than welcome to any of their sessions from here on out.
The new mother was tired, but more and more, she was starting to see how the Community was more than willing to help her if she let them. And slowly, carefully, she was letting a few in. Gracelin she’d always trust. Shiress was another that had saved her life in those first moments back. Those two, between them, had helped the young Innkeeper ground herself again and find her feet to push forward.
The talk with Mathias was overdue. And Tazrae had multiple reasons for her visit. First and foremost, she had to tell him about what happened to her. Some of the Founders knew bits and pieces, but most of them had been doing something amazing – giving her a little space. She’d been back forty days though. That meant Khari was almost a half-season old.
Taz smiled slightly, a little more in love with her daughter each and every day. The second thing she had to do was give him something… to keep for her as a safeguard. And the third thing she had to talk to him about was permission for a new building project in The Commons. And finally, there was Julian. She needed to talk to Mathias about the boy.
There were assorted young and adult Ixam in tow, most of them simply following to see what Taz might be up to that would be interesting. Mathias’ place, it seemed, was always fascinating to whichever species might be involved.
Taz sighed, climbed up on the deck, and found that for once Mathias was alone. He was leaned back, sipping what appeared to be a brandy, and contemplating the water out before him. The Innkeeper walked to where he was sitting, rested the basket down on the small table beside his chair, and quietly greeted him.
“Hello Mathias. It’s been a while.” She said softly, as the older man turned, caught her gaze, and nodded to the seat beside him. Bree and Sunny joined her, the pair of females curling up in a wide spot on the big deck, letting the sun warm their scales. A few hatchlings braved the steps as well, seemingly staring at Mathias’ roof, almost in a challenge. Taz glanced at the little reptiles, then up at the roof, finding nothing amiss.