It had been rough, but Iris had finally, finally found her way home several days ago, and she couldn't have been happier. She had spent the days putting the past behind her and focusing optimistically on the future...
Or, at least, she tried. And failed. When she had come home, it was only to find that Liadan wasn't there and no one had seen hair or hide of her for a while--and that she had been kidnapped; they had seen a man take her, and no one had been able to stop it or find her.
Still, Iris tried to remain calm. She tried to keep herself busy, plunging herself back into her old work while putting on her usual cheery face--except that it was currently a facade, hiding knots of tension and dread and sorrow beneath the surface--and trying to think positively, because like attracted like in the universe and there was little else anyone could do. With no leads, no clues, nothing, there was nothing anyone could do but pray to the gods and the stars above that she would be safe.
Liadan was a strong woman. She would be okay.
Iris was waiting outside beside a table she had set up to do palmistry and tarot, enjoying the afternoon sunshine and trying to keep her thoughts clear when, suddenly, a familiar voice called out to her.
Before Iris could even register it, arms went around her and she yelped in surprise, jumping a mile. Then recognition dawned and she melted into the hug, her own arms going around Liadan and hugging her back tightly and burying her face against the woman's hair. It felt tangled and rough and she smelled like she hadn't bathed in a bit, but at that moment it was the single most wonderful scent and sensation.
"Liadan!" she gasped, stroking the woman's hair, and it was only when she spoke and heard how choked her own voice was that she realized she was crying, hot tears dripping down her cheeks. "Gods, I heard...I heard ya was taken! I heard--oh, gods, I'm so glad yer okay..."
