It didn't take long before there was a knock on the doorjamb to the room. "You rang?" he asked. He looked at Vivi, and his features softened. "This was your mother's room wasn't it?" She could only nod.
Kendrick's eyes became sad. "I know exactly how you feel. Is it her things or something else?"
"Her smell. It's going to go away," Vivi sobbed.
Kendrick walked over and rubbed the top of her head. "Not if I can help it." He swallowed hard. "It was my mother's smell too, that got me when I returned to their home for the final time."
He turned to face the room and began to look around. He walked over to the bed and picked up a small, cream satin pillow and began to whisper softly. There was a rush of air then everything quieted. He handed her the pillow. "That will never lose her scent."
Etain clasped forearms with the witch. "Thank you. This means more than you know."
Kendrick opened the pouch at his waist and pulled out a small sachet. "Trust me, I know." He kissed it and tucked it back in his pouch. He looked around the room. "Good vibes in here. You should make this a nursery." Without saying another word he walked out.
Vivi clutched the pillow to her chest. "I don't even remember what she looked like, but I can remember this smell."
"You were very young when she was killed. Your whole world was probably centered around being held in her arms. It makes sense that you would recall her scent more clearly."
Vivi wiped her eyes on her sleeve. "Let's get started."
Etain kissed both of her eyelids. "Did you see anything walking through that you wanted to keep?"
"The books, the china, that amazing tapestry," she grinned when Etain shuddered. She knew he hated it, but she thought the attention to detail was mesmerizing. "Oh, and the dining room furniture. It looks custom-made for that space. I don't think we'll find much better." She nodded. "That's it for me. Be sure to ask Hal if there's anything he would like to keep. He'll be living here too." She looked around. "I want time to go through everything but to be honest there isn't much here I would change. My mother had amazing taste." It was true. The room looked almost utilitarian in comparison to the rest of the living quarters. It was decorated with a simple design that evoked a sense of calm. Everything about the space spoke of the owner's character from the creams and dusty pink colors to the small statues of horses. Evidently, her mother had been an equestrian. It made her patchwork pony doubly precious. She wondered if Magnus had chosen it with her mother in mind.
"I think that is an excellent idea. If you need me, I will be with Hal doing most of the heavy lifting." He kissed her again and headed toward the door.
Vivi was admiring the view as he walked away when an off thought struck her. "Etain?"
He turned. "Yes?"
"Both the DuCoeur and Ambrosios quarters haven't been used in centuries right?" He nodded. "Then they probably didn't run any electric or internet down here did they?" Etain cursed under his breath. Vivi looked around panicked. "Do we have running water?"
"I will find out and if not, I will get the witches to run new lines. You take your time here." He blew her a kiss and shut the door behind him.
Vivi took her time going through her mother's belongings. There wasn't much that she was going to be getting rid of. Her dresses were works of art and to her delight, she fit into them perfectly. Had her mother lived, they would have been the same size. Vivi grinned when she realized she knew that much more about her mother.
Her jewelry was so intricate and jewel laden Vivi was scared to touch most of it. She could see empty spaces in the jewelry case where her mother had chosen her favorite pieces to take with her when she fled the city. Those pieces were currently tucked away in her luggage. She would bring them back and put them where they belonged.
She felt herself begin to tear up again when she came across a half-finished embroidery piece with her name on it. Her mother had started it to give to her. Maybe she could learn how to embroider and finish it?
Overall, she would move the clothing and jewelry into whichever room they made the master, but everything else could stay here. Kendrick was right. This room had peaceful vibes, and it would be a shame to redecorate and disturb it. She closed the door behind her when she left to look for Etain feeling closer to her mother than she had in her entire life.
When she walked into what used to be an opulent parlor she was floored. It was nothing short of a miracle what the men had accomplished in a few hours. "Is this the same room?" she asked her mate walking up behind him.
He turned, a smile brightening his face when he saw her. "Looks amazing doesn't it? We took down a few walls and opened up the space." He pointed to the cream-colored walls. "When the witches changed the wall color, the room looked twice as big." Everywhere she looked the space had been transformed from gaudy gold overlay and black lacquer to creams and neutrals. They had gone from museum relics to Pottery Barn. "How?" she kept spinning as she took in every detail.
Etain chuckled. "When the citizens found out we were getting rid of most of what was in here they flocked down to Level One. Poor Pavil, Hal and Sebastian were a bit overwhelmed until the warriors corralled everyone. What even Adriel hadn't realized when he made the announcement is that most families buy a surplus of home items to keep in storage since it can be difficult to run to the Council Estate to go shopping for as mundane as a set of sheets. It's easier to keep a few backups." He pointed to the room. "That includes furniture as well. We were able to get nearly everything we need." He showed her the new dining room. The long wooden table had been polished to a glass-like finish, and the bone thin china had been replaced by a simple white everyday dish. "Oh! I love that set," she exclaimed.
"We know. Hal said you picked this one out for your last home." Etain took her to the kitchen where they found Hal humming and putting things away. It struck Vivi that her squire was
nesting.
Because she had so many issues about going in the sun, her 'illness' stayed in the minds of the humans they met, which meant they had to move more often than most paranormals. This was the first time since Hal had met her that he could call a place home. "Oh, Hal," she whispered.
He looked up his easy grin disappearing at her distress. "What is it baby girl?" he asked walking around the expansive island.
"You gave up so much to take care of me. You could have found your mate and had children of your own, but you were stuck with me." She waved her hand about the kitchen. "You couldn't even get comfortable in your own kitchen knowing we would be moving."
Hal stared down at her frowning. He reached out and thumped her on the forehead with his middle finger.