Niya wastes no time to put all of her plans into motion. With the last week of school here, she uses the cover of the exams to be able to slip around and purchase a secret Echo and quickly notifies Natasia and Professor Ame as soon as she does. With her new unmonitored phone she schedules times to meet Professor Ame in his forge so she can make a true focus so she can use her mana properly for the first time in ten years. While she waits for the designated time she also starts filing and hiding the paperwork to get her annulment. The last week is so hectic and busy but she is determined to fight for her freedom now that she has a chance. On the first day of the winter break, Niya makes a call to Natasia in the middle of the day with her new phone.

Natasia picks up the phone: Hello love.

Niya: -there’s consistent and loud snoring in the background- Hello darling~. Are you free today? I was hoping we could pick out a new house for when my annulment is ready.

Natasia signals for Nigelius to bring the car around and he runs to get it, signaling back in less than 5 seconds that he is ready: Walking out now, I remember where you live so I should be there post haste.

Niya: -she laughs- How are you already leaving? I just called.

Natasia giggles: Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. I’ll be there in 15 minutes darling. *She kisses the phone softly and hangs up* Nigelius, make haste please.

Nigelius steps on the gas and speeds off: Of course, My Lady.

Niya: -she’s waiting outside on her steps warmly wrapped up in a coat she got the first night she and Natasia were together, happily watching the street for Natasia’s arrival-

Natasia arrives in her town car and almost doesn’t wait for Nigelius to open the door as she steps out looking regal in her blue fur-lined winter coat.

Natasia smiles and walks up to Niya: My darling, your new home awaits you. Please come with me. *She offers her hand to her.*

Nigelius waits by the car for them.

Niya: -she giggles and takes her hand- Thank you my sweet. Braxton should be napping until late tonight so I have all day to look around. -her temp focus is on a bracelet hanging from her hand-

Natasia looks down at the focus: Oh so you like to wear them on your wrist? *She guides her to the car and Nigelius opens the door for them as Niya steps in first.* Also before we head off, I have my home binder for what kind of home you may want because it’ll depend on where we drive too. *Nigelius closes the door and gets in the front seat to wait. Natasia opens the binder and a few holograms pop up to show different styles of homes.* So my darling, what kind of home would you like?

Niya: -she leans on her to look closely- Well I know for sure I’d like to live in Lucid City so we can start heading that way. -she swipes through the different home types- Heh I can’t wait for you to see my true preferred focus. My original one was beautiful. I used to have it around my wrist with a golden thread rope. It was easy to keep on or put it on my waist too.

Natasia leans back on her and kisses the top of her head while she looks at Nigelius who starts heading back to Lucid City: I can’t wait to see what you’ve had before. I’ve heard about succubi being able to manipulate emotions but it seems you can manipulate quite a few. But anyways, I know we are talking about homes right now, I just thought it was pretty neat that you can manipulate so many.

Niya: I am a liiiiiiitle more apt than others in my species, but…you can learn that about me as I learn more about you.

Natasia smiles: Well, I have been around for quite some time my darling and I don’t mind at all sharing facts about myself with you. *She leans down and kisses her.* Now back to these houses. Okay let’s seeeee hear. What style do you want? Ranch? Townhome? Cottage? Brownstone? I have so many. I also have some neighborhoods that are mixed and some that are more nocturnal/dacturnal as well. Sometimes the nocturnals like to throw night parties with each other so I try to keep them in certain spots so everyone gets sleep.

Nigelius speaks up as they reach the checkpoint: We are at the checkpoint My Lady and Madam. Just letting you know.

Niya: -she blushes lightly when Nigelius calls her Madam- I think I’d like a little cottage, maybe somewhere quiet? So I can have a bit of privacy and a quiet place to work and think.

Natasia opens the map and ponders for a second: Well, I am right here more towards the right side and a nice quiet place would be a bit south and more towards the coast, not exactly on it but you could probably see the water. Now I will say, the real estate over there is a bit pricey but of course employees of Mythic get a pretty good discount. So we can go see that area. I have quite a few cottages.

Niya: That sounds wonderful. I want to see one of those please, dearest.

Natasia puts the coordinates in for the first home and Nigelius makes adjustments and starts to drive in that direction: So my darling, I’m excited to have you in Lucid City. I know you are excited. How is the paperwork going as well? *She holds her hand and her thumb grazes over Niya’s knuckles softly.*

Niya: It’s a bit complicated but I’m getting through it. And though this focus isn’t as strong as my original, it at least puts him to sleep so I can move around.

Natasia: I’m glad for that…you deserve some peace honestly. *She nuzzles her head softly.* You can just lay on me for a little and just be at peace.

Niya: -she smiles and cuddles up to her- Mmm perfect~...

Natasia holds her as the car drives with some soft music playing for them: This is nice. And you are so warm. I do enjoy you and this…feeling.

Niya: As do I…It’s a wonderful moment of safety. Hehe, will you help me decorate my new home too?

Natasia looks down at her: Do you want me too? I honestly thought you wanted to decorate yourself but I wouldn’t mind at all. I figured you may want your home to be warm, loving, maybe have some deep greens, some browns maybe, just some tones that remind you of Crossimer. Some slight pink could be nice in some areas as an accent.

Niya: Mm that all sounds beautiful. I like that…and maybe a nice big bed so you can spend the night some time~. Oh and a guest room…for if a little someone ever wants to visit.

Natasia blushes: I-I wouldn’t mind that…at all. 

Nigelius pulls up to the first place and it’s a really lovely cottage with a couple of vines growing up but it has a little fence in the front and a nice fence in the back with a couple of trees for shade. It’s a nice brick with some dark wood and it has a couple of parking spaces in the front in a round-a-bout.

Nigelius: My Lady and Madam, we are here. *He parks and gets out to open the door for them.

Natasia gets out first, and helps Niya out of the car after her.

Natasia: Here we are. It looks wonderful. The upkeep seems nice too.

Niya: Oh Tasia~...It’s beautiful!

Natasia holds her and smiles: Well, let’s go see. 

Niya: -she excitedly pulls her into the front garden and into the house. She gasps in awe and excitement inside the cottage. The main den is spacious and the door ways are tall elegant archways. It’s only one story but she’d prefer it that way. The kitchen was the perfect size for all the cooking she’d want to do, and the back patio was a gorgeous little space with the perfect view of the ocean- Tasia I love it! I’d move in right now if I could!

Natasia looks at it: Wow they did really well with the construction and it’s very sturdy for the weather near the beach. So do you wanna look at any others? Or is this one for you? *She’s smiling at Niya’s excitement.* It does feel like a place you can call home.

Niya: I don't need any others. -she takes a deep breath, enjoying the smell of the ocean air- This one is right. This is my home.

Natasia smiles and her eyes glow: Very well. I can set up some paper work for you to sign…over dinner and maybe a few drinks. And we can start moving you in whenever you feel it’s best. It can be tomorrow…or in a few days. But it’s whenever you feel it’s best my darling. *She gets behind her, holding her waist.* I just want you to feel safe so I am glad this home feels like that for you.

Niya: -she leans back on her- I’ll have to wait until my seal is severed and then serve him the papers. I think I have time for dinner though~. And you can show me all of that exciting paper work hehehe~.

Natasia whispers: It’s rather boring but…I think the conversation with you is more…engaging. Come. I have reservations and we cannot be late. Even for me as sovereign.

Niya: -she laughs- Of course you already have reservations. Fine fine, let’s see what you have planned for me this time~.

Natasia takes her arm and moves her out of the house, locking the door. They both go to this lovely restaurant on the other side of Lucid City which takes roughly 40 minutes to get to and Natasia is saying the sweetest whispers in Niya’s ear while slowly touching her arms and shoulders.

They come to a nice spot near the water and it looks slightly frozen over. It’s a place that only opens during the winter called Snow Scape. It features a lot of different arctic meals but it’s very warm and cozy with fireplaces. Great for couples! Natasia exited first with Nigelius opening the door to this beautiful deep blue building with snowflakes all around. It had black-paned windows and offered privacy to the diners. Anyone can go here, as it was offered to all even people who live in Opirea. Natasia smiled and let Niya take in the atmosphere of the place.

Natasia: I hope to have a wonderful time with you. I’ve only been once in the many years they’ve been here. It is very very hard to get a reservation but…I guess they let me have one if I gave them more of a deal.

Niya: I would hope you get a special reservation, you are in charge after all. You always have the most interesting getaways for me.

Natasia blushes slightly: Well…I…I don’t get to go out with others much so…l-let us go ahead inside.

They are greeted by the host and are led inside this beautiful place that looks like an ice skating ring and there are already ice skaters performing, doing a routine in the middle of the restaurant with tables all around watching while waiters skate over with their food and drinks. Each table had its own heater and fireplace right beside with color-changing lights with the performance and the light was dim. They were guided to a table on the back part where it was more private. They were seated and Natasia took off her coat to reveal a deep v-neck vest with side-buttoned pants all in a starry pattern. Niya sat across from her and then a waiter skated over and greeted them in an extravagant pattern.

Excited Waiter: Hello Hello. Ah! Sovereign of Lucid City, Natasia Haile! Wonderful to see you again, it’s been so long. And who is this lovely treat? Hello hello my name is Grimley and I am your waiter for the evening. We have a special menu as the chef does not tend to make the same thing twice. So please take time to look it over, along with special drinks. We also have a more spicy menu for couples that includes actual spice levels for our more spicy guests hehe. So please take your time and I will skate over when ready.

They skate away in a figure 8 pattern to check on their other tables. Natasia is just giggling but looks at Niya to see how she’s feeling.

Niya: -she’s looking around at everything in awe- This place is amazing! I’ll never run out of new things to see around you Tasia.

Natasia smiles and her eyes glow: I just want you to experience different things, darling. I love this place and I love when they set up. But what are we having? I should look at this menu since it’s different. 

Niya: Hehehe yes yes, this once a year menu~. 

Natasia looks it over: They have lamb with some lovely veggies and then some chicken with a braised fish. Mmmmm or some beef grilled with shrimp and scallops. All of this sounds nice but I wanted to see more…Ah! *The menu opens more and icicles form at the bottom, pointing out more of a secret menu.* Spiced lobster tail with goat cheese salad and braised lamb. Creme brulee and caramel ice cream. Spiced lamb chops with a kale salad and iced shrimp cocktail with spiced peppers. Wow this is lovely. I might want this whole menu. Ohhhh and they have a snow cream night beverage I like. 

Niya: -she’s watching Natasia gush over the menu and smiles fondly at her- Why don’t we do it? Get the whole secret menu to share? It sounds fun~.

Natasia smiles excitedly: Yes! Ahem…I mean…Of course darling. Let’s. 

The waiter comes over right on time and they order the whole secret menu with excitement and the waiter nods in awe and mutual excitement. 

Excited Waiter: Awesome awesome. I’ll get that in and get your drinks as quick as they say Woooooo!

Natasia smiles and then the waiter leaves and it’s just her and Niya. 

Natasia stares at her: I know we are here for paperwork and…dinner but I just love looking at you.

Niya: -she giggles- I’m enjoying watching you too. Seeing the ever stoic Dean Haile excited is a wonderful sight indeed.

Natasia blushes and kind of covers her face: Well…it’s a bit difficult when one has to rule over so much and be so much for so many. I don’t have a lot of time to just be…me.

Niya: -she gently takes her hand- Together we can be ourselves then.

Natasia’s face blushes even harder as she looks in Niya’s eyes deeply: Niya…I-

The waiter comes over with the drinks: Alright I have a spiced Crossimer tea and a Snow Scaped Night Wine! Enjoy. The food should be out soon. If I don’t get it to you first, please don’t wait on my account. *They bow and dip out quickly, realizing they may have disturbed a moment.*

Natasia takes time to collect herself and clears her thoughts: Well…to your freedom or the first steps to it! *She raises her glass.*

Niya: -she smiles and raises her glass- To my freedom, and the beginning of our relationship.

Natasia blushes and clinks their glasses together: Our relationship…a nice sound to it…hehe. *She drinks slowly as the fire beside them crackles.* This feels so nice…I love watching the ice skaters but anyways…the paperwork. *She brings her tablet out and shows it to Niya.* So this is about it. It’s the deed, how much the mortgage would be and if you rather take it from your employee check or just pay it yourself. I think employment would be better since it does an automatic discount. And then the keys are in the locked holopanel at the property but you can also set up that it will only open for your fingerprints or eyes. 

Niya: Perfect. I’ll sign after we eat. Let’s enjoy this for now hm?

Natasia smiles: Alright. Let’s just…be. Free.