182 She Visits Ayvas Garden (2/2)
”So, about this world that yer goin' back to...is there anything good back there?” Ayva asked.
Robin raised an eyebrow. ”Are you talking about things or people, here?” She asked.
”Oh, anything you want to tell me about is fine.” Ayva waved her hand. ”How 'bout we start with that there smartphone device?”
”Mmn. As far as products and items go...it's different. We're more focused on the technical and material application of things, rather than the magical aspect. Although, we do have quite the number of stories and fairy tales-most don't believe magic exists.” Robin pointed out.
”Ah'm aware.” Ayva nodded.
”As far as the people are...I don't think it's best you ask me about them. I cannot give an unbiased opinion on the matter.” Robin replied with somewhat glazed eyes.
”But Ah want ta know what ye think. ” Ayva pursued. ”Did the people treat ye well? Did ye have some good friends ye grew up with? What about yer relatives?...”
While Robin knew that Ayva meant no harm, each question she asked felt like a stab in the chest. Yet, Robin kept a tight grip on her reactions. She would not lash out at Ayva for things other people did.
What had happened was a fact. It couldn't be changed. But Robin didn't want to see Ayva's smile disappear. Nor did she want her pity. She'd much rather deal with the present than dwell upon the past.
”I...” Robin hesitated, then made her decision. She smiled gently and spoke twice as softly. ”Aunt...” She began, halting Ayva's line of questioning. Ayva paused, awaiting her words.
”....I'd rather not talk about it.” Robin's eyes lowered, focusing on her drink. Her smile remained gentle. But the slight wincing at the corners of her eyes and the subtlest wrinkle between her eyebrows gave away a hint of the pain that she was feeling.
Ayva noticed, but didn't point it out. She just heaved a sigh, and downed her drink.
”All right, Robin. Ah won't ask anymore. But... wouldnae it be nice if'n ya kin find someone as you kin speak with, someone who ye wilnae need ta hold in or hold back with. If ye find someone ye kin talk with like that, Ah better be the first 'un ta know, ya hear!?” She poured herself another mug full.
”All right.” Robin agreed. ”If I can find someone like that, you'll be the first to know. I promise.” Then Robin downed her mug as well.
”Drinkin' like a true niece o' mine!” Ayva laughed.
Robin frowned. ”How strong is this, again?” She asked, feeling slightly dizzy.
”Hmmm...” Ayva contemplated the dregs at the bottom of her mug. ”Should be about as strong as a regular wine. Why?”
”I've had wine.” Robin said. ”But this doesn't....something ...don't ...feel.....right.” And with that, Robin collapsed sideways onto the ground, quickly falling unconscious.
”Robin!!” Ayva exclaimed, shocked. And that was the last thing Robin heard before she fell into the darkness of unconsciousness.
As soon as possible, an investigation was made. Quinn quickly discovered traces in the cups. The beer had been tampered with, holding a rather large dose of Klargun's Brew. As it is odorless and tasteless, Ayva hadn't noticed it.
Ayva's newly-fixed coronet was fitted with an anti-poison spell that neutralizes all toxins, poisons, or sleeping draughts....at least, while it is worn. As such, Throm forbid Ayva from removing her coronet until all traces had disappeared from her body.
But as for when Robin would awaken...
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