the ret u r n (ella/cici/order members)

[itsaspaz]

Liam stumbled a bit after landing on his feet, it had been ages since he had traveled by portkey, but he didn't trust himself to apparate after spending that long around the dementors. The mission wasn't exactly a failure, but it wasn't a success either. The best they had gotten was an agreement of neutrality, but at least it meant that while the foul creatures weren't on their side, they would not be fighting against them either, unless Isabelle would make them an offer that they couldn't refuse. Liam looked as if his clothes were several sizes too large, he had lost twenty pounds from spending so long around the dementors.

Cici, he needed to see his wife. Liam coughed aggressively, he needed rest, something which he had not gotten very much of during the past few weeks. He looked over at Ella beside him, she had not fared much better than himself, but at least the both of them had gotten out relatively unharmed. Liam reached into his inside cloak pocket and pulled out what remained of the chocolates his wife had given them before their departure. "Here, have some more," said Liam, giving his sister-in-law half, while shoving his portion into his mouth.

[italia]

Ella looked down at the chocolate in her hand, she had grown tired of its flavour, but it was the only consolation whilst being in the company of Death Eaters. She scarfed it down, feeling the warmth in her fingertips. She took off her overlarge coat, Ireland was far warmer than Antarctica. She wished she knew where Devon was, but she would see him soon. Probably the next day, she was far too tired to do more traveling. Ella seized the gate and pulled it open, stepping into the farm that belonged to Liam's parents.

[* JAQI]

Never mind that it was quarter to six in the morning, her usual morning sickness had already woken her anyways. Plus, she had seen through a sideways glance at her orb that Liam and Ella had returned, the both of them scarily thin, but not hurt. Quickly pulling on a pair of sandals, Cici walked slowly to greet them, her smile widening with each step. She kissed her husband, and gave a hug to Ella before sliding her hand into Liam's. "Have we good news?" asked Cici, she had been uncertain, her Inner Eye had been unable to see around the dementors.

[itsaspaz]

Undeniable happiness surged through him at the sight of his wife, he wanted to hold her for hours, never let her go. The dementors had taken away all hope that had remained within him, but at the mere sight of Cici he gained back more than half of it. Liam kissed her again, grateful that she was all right. Her stomach did not stick out at all, but he did suppose it was only the second month into her pregnancy. He paused a moment, Liam was not sure if he could bring himself to say the results of the mission.

[italia]

Ella ran a hand through her dulled hair. "They agreed to neutrality," said Ella after noticing Liam's reluctance. It was better than nothing, but they still weren't on their side. But there wasn't much of anything that she, nor anyone else, could do about it. She just counted herself lucky that they were not siding with the force they were currently fighting. But there was something in her elder sister's expression, it hinted that there was something wrong, but right now she was too exhausted to inquire. What she wanted was a nightcap and to go to bed.

[* JAQI]

[blcokquote]

"Better than nothing," Cici replied, wrapping her other arm around Ella's shoulders. She worked at not cringing at how thin her sister felt, every bone poked at the skin, she could feel the muscles rippling. She was overjoyed that they had returned unharmed, these two people were her closest friends, she needed them. "Come now," said Cici, "let's get the both of you a drink," She ushered her husband and her sister inside, a bottle of firewhiskey was waiting for them.

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