Despite all the fun and the joy she felt at staying with Valentino, Lyliyana was ready to find a place of her own. She better understood now of the dangers the world offered, and knew that not everyone was a nice person, even if she wished it were so.
So she had been searching out a new flat, or even a small house if it was affordable, and as luck would have it, she found one just on the outskirts of the city. It was a small two bedroom, one bath rinkadink structure, and looked as if it might fall apart with a strong wind, but Lyliyana didn't care. It was cute, and she saw the potential it held rather than the dilapidated state it was currently in.
Location, location, location. This place was waaaaay closer to Erik's cottage than Tino's had been. Now his house was only a ten minute walk instead of a thirty minute car ride and five minute walk. Needless to say, she was super excited. They had begun moving in the next night, and as Lyliyana hadn't had much to move in the first place, it didn't take long at all. The only thing she was really, truly sad about not being able to bring was Solomon, the Sleeping Prince. So instead she painted a picture of him in his current state and hung it in the 'den' so that she would always remember to keep a look out for his Princess Beauty who could give him a True Love's Kiss and wake him up from his slumber. It was a very important mission to have, and mustn't be forgotten.
Her lips trembled slightly when she said goodbye to Tino, but she knew he wasn't gone forever, and they could see each other again at any time, so it wasn't a permanent goodbye. But still, he wouldn't be there for her whenever to chat with and just see.
She helped Mr. Bubble enforce the small basement so that he could sleep soundly during the day without worry of the sun. Now, a week after, she was settled in, and it was the middle of a beautiful day.
With dustings of flour on her arms, she set off to Erik's with a fresh basket of goodies. Little cups of creme brulee were on this trip, alongside a deck of cards. Mr. Grey was being lazy today, and slumbered in her bed as she made her way to visit Erik.
She bypassed the gate, and moved to the door, unaware that she had a smidge of flour on her cheek and nose. She had been in such excitement to rush over and tell him of her new house that she hadn't completely cleaned her face.
The table was in front of the door again and Lyliyana stood just at the threshold, giving the frame a knock.
"Eeeeeeerik..." His name came out in a playful, sing song voice as she tried to peer into the darkness of the front room with her paltry pale teal hues. Maybe he thought his house was too much of a mess, which was why he never invited her in. But that was ok now, because now that she had a cottage of her own, he could come over to play at her house! "It's me, Lyliyana!" Of course there was super excitement in her voice at the proclamation of her identity. She was very happy to be herself.
