Welcome to Gaia! ::

"OH MY GOD! LOOK LOOK! WE'RE HERE!" Cordelia was beyond normal flight protocols and was practically bouncing out of her seat while shaking the scarlet black Sigel seated next to her. "RIVEN! COME ON! WAKE UP ALREADY! YOU'RE MISSING IT!" While she awaited for her friend to awaken properly, the smoke Raevan smashed her olive face to the small window once more to take in the entire breathing taking scene as they finally made their descent into England and inevitably London.

"Cordelia please, some manners if you will." came the tired and somewhat disgruntled voice of Ebony Shade from the seats in front. It had been a long flight and she didn't need everyone in the cabin turning sour glances their way. Although she had a feeling that was something beyond preventing since the girl's major outburst a moment ago.

Delia giggled and tried to subdue her excitement, but only succeeded in squirming in her seat instead. In a slightly more hushed, yet not completely diluted tone, "Sorry Ebby. But! It's just sooo exciting! Aren't you excited about being back?"

Her woman didn't respond, not that the Frei had noticed as she was once more face first into her window, grey eyes as big as quarters so as not to miss a single thing. Ebony however was contemplating the question to herself as she gave a side long glance out to the familiar sight of her birthplace. Was she excited? It'd been so long and so much had happened. So many memories and feelings came flooding back then. Was she really up for this? Ebony decided it didn't matter. This trip, although not exactly what she'd had in mind for this year, was for Cordelia. With the on coming of October the black clad girl had been in a rather unusual funk. It seemed she didn't associate anything good with the arrival of autumn, not that you could really blame her from all the valid points she raised such as colder weather and previous things like the fel virus and body switching. Tan hands gripped the armrest tight. No Ebony was determined to make this year a birthday she'd remember fondly. Something happy and not rot with drama if she could help it.

Playfully Delia gave the elder Raevan a light smack to his shoulder and stuck her tongue out at him while trying to lean back as much as possible to let the other see the quickly approaching sights. "I know. Ebby made sure I remembered to pack my pea coat." The girl flashed her own excited grin back at the scorpion. "I'm glad you were able to come. Aphi too. I was starting to think the other tickets would go to waste since everyone else seemed too busy." At this a little pout played at her dark lips, but it was short lived as her excitement for this adventure quickly returned as the two friends gawked out the tiny window together.

Ebony jumped at the sudden light pressure being applied to her hand then. She was even more surprised to see Aphismet leaning in so close she could see the pure hue of his brown eyes. The utter concern and determined look of wanting to comfort her reflected in them was somewhat unguarding and made Ebony slightly uncomfortable.

A slight blush, the native Brit quickly rebutted, "Aphismet don't be absurd. I wouldn't dream of bringing you all the way out here only to abandon you. Besides, we won't be visiting anything we won't want to. We'll stick as much to the main part of London as possible, with perhaps a few exceptions depending on what you and Rivener want to see."

Once they were all firmly on the ground once more and all luggage had been accounted for, the foursome made their way towards the exit in search of a cab that would get them to their hotel. When Ebony was sure the two Raevans were thoroughly engaged in their own conversations some feet in front of their guardians, the violet haired woman addressed the chef again. "Say by the way, I was wondering if you and Rivener could help me think of something special to do on Cordelia's birthday later this week? I want her to have a good memory for once of that day."

Meanwhile ahead of the two humans, Cordelia's breath puffed in front of her in small clouds. It wasn't quite nighttime yet, but the sun was well on its way to sinking below the horizon then. The snake drew her coat closer in and wrapped her arms around one of Riv's strong biceps and snugged close once they'd escaped the warm airport. "Wow, it's a bit colder than I thought. But it's worth it to finally be here." The basilisk grinned up at the other despite her mild discomfort at the current temperature. "What do you want to do first?" She was so excited she totally forgot they had a lot of luggage to get situated first before anything else.

The woman laughed light, becoming less reserved once she was out of her head and into the present moments. "Don't be fooled by her darling poppet mannerisms, Cordelia's not as delicate as that. She's into some classics, but for the most part I think she shares some similar tastes to Rivener." She definitely knew the girl would most likely be interested in the whole punk scene that was still prevalent in London even today, something that perhaps Riv would be interested in too. "So I guess you're right about asking him then. But anything you'd like to input would be great. I know you've probably already been looking into London cuisine and I trust your opinion on that very highly." Right then Ebony managed to flag a cab down and the two with the help of the cab driver began to load up the vehicle.

There was definitely a close camaraderie between the two Raevans, but anything more was most unprobable being as Cordelia still hadn't felt any stirrings of a highly romantic intent towards anyone. She knew of this higher level of love between people, but she hadn't quite wrapped her entire mind around such a concept as of yet. For her to dedicate herself to one person entirely, body and soul...well it was beyond her understanding just then. All in good time though perhaps.

"Oh..." Cordelia muttered, a little embarrassed by her forgetfullness. She frowned as he mussed her hair with a laugh. She really hated when he did that, it made her feel like she was a little kid, yet at the same time she enjoyed the attention. Thus the girl sighed as she let it go and fixed her ponytail. "Shopping sounds good. Maybe something to eat too? I'm starving after that long flight."

It was then she realized the impossibly huge span of space between them and everyone else in the crowded building front. On closer inspection she saw how most people seemed to draw into one another and purposely avoid them at all costs. The snake blinked slow in confusion, but then was struck with an obvious truth. They were no longer in Gaia. Word of the race of Raevans had spread far and wide there as their numbers grew but here...they were as foreign as could be and equally dangerous looking. Cordelia's excitement drain just a bit at this thought, but hadn't much time to sink in permanently as Ebby and Aphi were currently waving madly at the two to get in the cab.

She laughed again as the chef did not deny the accusation. "Sure sure. But I think that's a little too extravagant for tonight. Perhaps a small place close by or maybe even room service if you're too tired." It seemed there was no end to Ebony's generosity as money seemed no object this week. She'd gladly pay for everything any of the group wanted so long as everyone was happy.

"Old men and shoes?" Cordelia giggled. "I wouldn't know. I've never been to a pub before. But smoke in general is fine, though fire smoke is probably my favorite. Something about it, like it's...simple." The Frei shrugged as it was the best way for her to describe it then. Though she failed to mention that just being by a constant heated source would sate her hunger for a time.

At the hotel, Delia was more than happy to play model for Riv, taking his direction rather well as they ran around like the obvious tourists they were. At this Ebony rolled her eyes and snorted, "Who would have thought I'd end up raising a queen?" She said it to no one in particular, but it could have easily been addressed to Aphismet if he so desired to comment.

Though her friend had been put off some by the sudden royal treatment as it were, the violet vixen was not and chatted brief with the bellhop before slipping him some cash. The boy's eyes widen as did his grin before he quickly set to work collecting all their things from the cab and following the lovely lady like a pup follows his mum. "Only the best Aphismet." 'Father saw to that...' she thought bitterly to herself as they walked. "Cordelia! Rivener! Come along! You can take more pictures inside where it's warmer!"

That was all that was needed to be said before it was Delia's turn to drag the scorpion along towards the wide double sliding doors of the hotel lobby. Upon entering the giggling girl immediately stopped in her tracks and gawked with her mouth wide open at the sight that lay before them. Fancy was not the word for this place. Grand, extravagant, magnificent...these were but a few of the words that touched Delia's mind then. Everything was set in a vibrant, warm, golden glow from the walls to the duo grand staircase that centered the lobby, complete with rushing waterfall. The massive crystal chandler glistened high above them as they made their way across the ornate tiled floor towards the check in counter, making for an almost magical feel. Cordelia couldn't help but feel like a queen now. "W-O-W...Granddad out did himself..." To this Delia quietly contemplated how urked this made Ebby.

But unfortunately it seemed Ebby was urked about something entirely different right then. "WHAT?!" demanded the woman, shaking her head and pounding the counter with her fists. "No no, that can't be right. Check it again."

Highly nervous the clerk quickly did as he was told, "I'm sorry Miss, but nothing's changed. It's all right here." A practiced hand, he swiveled the computer around for her to see the information herself. "Shade, party of four, double room."

Ebony pulled back and bite her anger back as well. He was correct, that is what it said, but...she rubbed her face in agitation. A double room was one big room with two beds. One room. As she tried to figure out whom to blame, Ebony realized it must have been her father's oversight. The old man just assumed the girls would be accompanied by another pair of girls and opted for what he assumed to be okay accommodations. "Look, this is a mistake. It should be a double suite, not room. Is there anyway we can get that? Or two separate rooms?"

The man looked at the woman as if he was afraid she'd ask that question. Bowing his head in sincerity, "I'm terribly sorry Miss, but you see there's a rather large business convention in town this week and we're all booked up. If you'd like we could try to find you what you want at another hotel in the area, but...with the convention..." The man just left it off there as it was obvious that it was either this or no where really.

With a frown and huff, Ebony thrust her open palm at him for the keys. "Fine, we'll take it." Relieved the clerk handed over two sets of keys and bid them a good night, not forgetting to tell the bellboy as well which room it was he was showing them to. Still fuming, Ebony followed and was just hoping for two sets of bathrooms as well in the room. It was already awkward enough sleeping all in one room, sharing a bath...don't think the purple haired woman was ready for that, the bright red of her cheeks indication of her embarrassment for even having to think the thought.

Ebony sighed at Aphismet's joking response, not finding much humor in it. The man obviously didn't have a clue the real reason why she was upset about this arrangement. Cordelia was the only person as of now that had seen the Brit with her guards down, utterly relaxed and comfortable. Yet that was merely because of being out of the judging eyes of others. Sharing a room with the two Delaran males left little room for her to be relaxed completely. Ebony didn't want anyone seeing her during times of (what she might call) weakness, family excluded because there was just no way around that, plus those were suppose to be the ones you trusted the most right? Despite said weakness?

Delia had been eying her guardian's violet head the whole way to their room (half listening to Rivener still mind you), worried about her woman's well being. She'd lived with the woman long enough now to read her subtle body language. The woman wasn't upset about anything to do with her grandfather because there would have been radiating waves of contempt, but Ebby was upset about something that much was obvious. Delia couldn't place what it was persay being that she hadn't overheard the argument the female human had with the hotel clerk earlier, but the basilisk didn't like the gloomy little cloud developing there one bit. This was suppose to be a vacation. Vacations were suppose to be happy right?

She was just about to float over and comfort her woman when the scorpion's excited voice beckoned for her then. The onyx haired girl felt torn then, but Riv's pleading face was just something she couldn't ignore and Ebby had gone off to deal with the baggage. Thus she had no other course to take than to join her friend by the expansive windows, in awe of the bustling metropolis they'd soon be exploring together. "Oh you're so right Riven! Oh it's just so beautiful! I can't wait to go out and see everything!"

The bellhop was just about to intervene with Aphismet being that such things were one of his duties when Ebony grabbed his shoulder and shook her head. She smiled, her earlier worries starting to fade, "Please just let him be. He's not use to having people wait on him for once." The Brit even managed a small chuckle then at the complete truth of that statement. Aphismet was so use to serving people at the restaurant and even having people need him at home to do things for that he probably hadn't just sat back and let himself get pampered in a long time. This was his vacation too, so she'd make sure to wait on him and the Raevans as much as possible so he wouldn't have to.

Quickly she thanked the boy and sent him on his way with a nice big tip which would be having him grinning all night long. Closing the door, "Okay you two, I know you're all terribly excited about being here and what have you, but we do have somethings still to attend to. Cordelia please start unpacking your things. Rivener, could you handle yours and Aphismet's? He went to ask about more towels and such."

"Hmmm, let me think..." Cordelia tapped her chin thoughtfully in a playful manner then. "I waaaaant...THIS ONE!" With a laugh full of girlish mirth, the smoke Raevan pounced on the bed closest to the bath since she vaguely remembered something about Riven feeding on the night or something like that. This way she thought it'd just be easier for him if he were closer instead. Ebony just rolled her eyes and moved forward with unpacking as the scorpion was. Sighing, the basilisk also joined in soon after.

Being the quick and efficient type, Ebony was done with her lot way before the white haired chef had shown up again. Before the question had been asked, the native Brit was busy typing away on her laptop searching for local restaurants. "I was thinking a bite to eat was in order. Twas a rather long flight after all. Here, I have a few places pulled up, which do you think you'd like?" She placed the computer down on the common area table for all to see what was splayed out on the screen.

It really hadn't taken Cordelia all that long to unpack either being she still didn't own much clothing wise as she was still a Frei, but the girl had gotten a bit side tracked with looking her violin over for any possible damages that might have befallen it during the flight. Carefully plucking a taught string, "Aphi and Riven can choose. I don't really mind where we go so long as I can grab a meal on the way."

Delia had found it fairly convenient to catch whiffs of smoke from people who liked cigarettes, though Ebby seemed to disapprove of this act greatly. In fact the lavender haired female was eying her right then with such a look. Turning back to the men, "Perhaps we'd better pick something with a fireplace."

Checking the link Aphismet had selected, Ebony quickly nodded her agreement and put the computer away. While the cook helped his own ward, the Brit attended to Cordelia. It had taken no more than five minutes to finish the snake's unpacking, but another five or so had been wasted with the two silver eyed females arguing about a certain shirt (gifted from Lucia) Ebony had been quite certain she'd hidden well enough in the deep recess of her own closet back home. Apparently it hadn't been hidden well enough since the smokey girl had managed to find it again. They'd argued much on privacy and the such before the two realized or rather remembered the Delarans in the room and stopped despite both obviously still being upset on the subject. Thankfully the short walk from the hotel along with the brisk England night air did much to calm the two emotional women and the dumb fight was soon forgotten.

Cordelia, having been hanging onto Rivener this whole time, finally let go and shuddered with happiness at the warmth of the restaurant. The night air truly was colder than she'd expected here, so she was hoping that the daytime hours would prove more forgiving. She'd closed her eyes to savor the moment while they were escorted to their table, her wings shuffled comfortably once in her seat, but then Aphi leaned in and apologized for the other humans' behavior. She hadn't realized that people were staring again until that moment and the basilisk couldn't contain the sudden blush.

Eyes on her menu, but obviously not hard at hearing, Ebony interjected. "They may not mean anything by it, but it's still rude." A stern glance towards a couple staring far too intently on their group was issued and they quickly looked away, embarrassed at being caught and scolded in such a way. Returning to her menu, "Pay them no mind doves. They'll soon forget and go about their ways."

It had taken longer than expected for someone to come over and service them, several of the staff far too shy or scared to go over to the odd looking foursome. Finally though the owner of the establishment, an elder woman with streaks of grey and white running through her brown locks, came over to greet them after playfully scolding her employees. "My my, what a handsome looking family. The name's Jane and I'll be your server tonight. So what'll it be?"

It was Ebony's turn to blush now at the woman's rather forward comment on the fours actual relationship. "That's...we're..." The purple haired femme found herself at a lost for words then, her grey eyes circling the group before her, all of them looking back at her with some sort of confusion as to why she was acting so strange then. Did they really look like a family to others? The thought threw her off guard then.

Sensing her guardian's need for assistance the basilisk was quick to cover, "Ello Jane! I'm Cordelia! Could I have..." Though she hadn't planned on eating anything as she normally didn't find any real interest in human food nor did she require it at this stage, the girl would gladly assist her woman when the time deemed it. Giving the menu a quick glance, Delia picked something she knew she'd be able to deal with as she'd seen Ebby eating it before. "...uh, some Watercress Soup please?"

The waitress merely smiled and wrote it down,"But of course deary. And for the lady and gents?"

Still somewhat disoriented, Ebony forgot what it was she'd wanted to order and went back to her menu quickly to scan for it's name once more while trying to regain her composure as fast as was humanly possible.