regency au } { of new statuses and starting fresh

[hereditare]

Liam: [After waking up from a mid-day nap and knowing Malia was with the children, Liam made his way through the manor to find Laura. Normally, he would be able to find her just by scent. Now, he had to ask for help to direct him. It was just another reminder of how much of his life had changed. He was regaining some of his strength and endurance, making it easier to stay awake and engage with people, but this conversation had him nervous. But he had to do it, for his own sake. So following the directions of one of the maids, he approached the room she was in.]

Laura: [heard him coming, and when the maid alerts her to his presence, she glances over to him with a smile as she looks up from her desk. She's sending letters inquiring about masons to repair the wall, but it's nothing that can't wait until later] Liam. What can I do for you?

Liam: I, um... I realize that I haven't seen you since I got back, and I wasn't sure if you wanted to ask me about what happened.

Laura: [turns to face him more, folding her hands in front of her] Jordan filled in quite a bit, but if there's anything you want to share, I'm listening.

Liam: I remember it all. Well, most of it. I don't remember when he got inside of me, but everyone thinks that the scars on my head are evidence of whatever they did to me. I'm sorry, for what happened here.

Laura: Liam, it wasn't your fault. We don't hold you responsible.

Liam: I know that, in my head. But I don't feel it.

Laura: [she nods] Then I accept your apology. Does that help?

Liam: [nods] it does. Thank you. And I'm really sorry about what I did as a kid with your family heirlooms. It feels like all of this goes back to those choices and how they took away my safety.

Laura: Looking back, I think there are ways we could have handled that better as well. We thought we were doing what was best for you. Providing discipline that we couldn't.

Liam: I was hurt in the days after, but I didn't blame either of you. I'm the one who had done something wrong. And I still learned how to be a knight, and a better man from it.

Laura: Then let's try to remember that, rather than everything that came after. Sometimes good things can come from unfortunate circumstances. Just look at your father-in-law.

Liam: [nods] Did Parrish tell you about what Lady Lydia learned about me?

Laura: He said she answered some questions about your parentage.

Liam: According to the spirit she talked to, I'm actually an Argent.

Laura: Really?

Liam: [nods] It's not a nice story, but there's no reason for someone to lie about that—alive or dead.

Laura: How do you feel about that?

Liam: I don't know. I find it amusing that both Lord Hale and Malia found mates from the same family line.

Laura: It is, intentionally or not. Though your courtship was much more amicable.

Liam: At least, after I regained Malia's trust. [he feels awkward just standing in the doorway, and inches a bit toward a chair.]

Laura: Oh, please. come in. [gestures to a nearby chair]

Liam: Thank you. [and he will, relaxing into the plush cushions] You probably can already tell about the physical changes in me.

Laura: [nods as she leans back in her seat] Jordan told me. It must be quite a shock.

Liam: it is, but it's also a relief. I've never known where I came from. At least now I know that I belong to a family line.

Laura: I'm sure Lady Kate would be willing to answer any of your questions if you have them.

Liam: Yeah. But there's one I need to ask you.

Laura: Oh?

Liam: I know we have humans in our pack, and they're just as strong and pull their own weight. But from what I'm being told, I was made to drink water from la bete's pawprint as a baby. I don't know how to be human.

Laura: I'm sure you can figure out whatever you put your mind to, Liam, and we would adjust. I think the more important question is whether or not you want to be human.

Liam: I don't know, to be honest. I believe Malia wants me to go back to the way I was. Everything feels dull and numb. But I don't know if you even can.

Laura: [reaches for his hand moves to sit on the couch next to him] I think Malia just wants you to be safe and in one piece. And she can't make this decision for you. But if you truly want to go back to being a werewolf, I would be willing to try. [smooths down her dress] I hear that Peter and Kate are intending to spend some time in the summer castle, and your family is intending to go with them. Perhaps it is best to take some time and decide what you truly want.

Liam: we are going. We need some distance and time to talk and reconnect. I just worry that whatever they did to cure me may make me unable to change back, or worse, reject it.

Laura: Lady Kate said that some of the chimeras she's encountered in the past were turned by the local alpha with no trouble. While your situation isn't entirely similar, I am heartened by it. [she pauses as she leans back in the seat] Do not concern yourself with viability. Just think about what you want. Truly, wanting is half the battle. And at least you know better than most what you're getting into.

Liam: I'll think on it then and let you know when we get back.

Laura: Good. There is no rush, Liam. I will be here when you return.

Liam: I hope so. [smiles] thank you, though, for talking with me on this.

Laura: Of course. I'm here to help.

Liam: I should probably get back to help Malia with the boys.

Laura: [she nods] Enjoy your time at the sea. I'm sure it will be good for all of you.

Liam: [he hopes so] See you again soon.

Laura: [nods] You as well. Safe travels to you all.