It did Stella immeasurably good when she saw Anton approach her instead of the looming distance they had kept. It was a distance they had both maintained, her from fear of rejection and ridicule, his reasons were in her mind not so clear. But he hadn't bolted, hadn't run, hadn't made fun of her. Tesla was very unhappy in what he appeared to consider Anton's dereliction of duty. Where was Lics? His Lics?<br/><br/>Stella nodded in response to his question and statement. She tried to speak but had to clear her throat a few times before more than a croak came out of her dry, constricted throat. "OK," she said, trying to conceal the tremor in her voice, "I need something to drink, would you like some tea?" She headed off to the kitchen and put the kettle on the stove. She pulled out an herbal mix and honey along with two mugs and spoons and placed them on a tray, cognizant of Anton watching her.<br/><br/>She turned and smiled at him, her nerves roiling in her belly even now, but maybe less than moments before. "Do you want to get Lics up here, or bring Tesla down? That cat will not give up until he has his belov.... Lics. Until he is with Lics." She looked away, and then again at him, "Tea will be ready in just a few minutes and we can sit."