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 Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2016 5:52 pm
Who: Aina and Duncan (Rookeries) and Ethiriel (NeonMace)
Where: Duncan's house in Barton
When: Mid May on a Saturday afternoon
Weather: Clear, warm and sunny
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Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2016 5:59 pm
Once improving from her illness after the fiasco at camp, Ethiriel had made a point to contact Duncan -- she quite missed spending time with the young Aina and now that everything seemed to be lightening up, the Sigel wanted to begin babysitting the younger Raevan once more. Duncan agreed, and after some discussion the two of them had decided to keep this news, and Ethiriel's growth, from Aina until the day they were able to meet again.
With an emergency at the hospital, regrettably, Henry had to rush his goodbyes before leaving Ethiriel at Duncan's steps.
Wearing an off the shoulder, white blouse that clung lightly to Ethiriel's form, she straightened out the front before knocking firmly on the Clarke home's door. The Sigel wasn't nervous, no; her giddiness came from excitement over seeing her beloved Aina again after what felt like so long. She didn't know how much the Frei had been told about what had happened over the last few months, but surely knowing that Ethiriel came out on top would make the little one pleased as punch.
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Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2016 4:14 pm
Aina had been kept busy with crafts at the dining table by the time someone had knocked at the door. Duncan, as promised, kept Ethiriel's visit a secret, and the Frei hadn't expected any company. She glanced up from her coloring book with a curious pout, then glanced back at her grandfather, who smiled inquisitively from the kitchen. He was preparing tea, the usual afternoon fare on a weekend.
"Did papa come home?" she asked, setting her crayon down. Her expression turned just a touch stern, and she let out a sigh, hopping out of her chair. "Did papa forget his keys again?"
"I certainly hope not," Duncan replied, chuckling, setting a couple of teacups down on the counter. "What kind of tea would you like today, Aina?"
"Can I have some raspberry tea, please?" she asked, smiling up at Duncan. "Grandpa, I'm gonna get the door," she continued, floating to the foyer.
"Alright, Aina," Duncan said, amusedly watching as Aina floated onward to the front door. "Try not to scold your father too much."
On a random midday in May, Aina hadn't cared to change out of her pajamas. Having expected her papa on the other side of the door, she scarcely cared for her appearance, swinging the door open quickly as measure of her sternness.
When Ethiriel was at her front door instead, Aina's firm expression quickly brightened to surprise, and she let out a short scream - "Ethiriel!" she called out, jumping forward to leap into the tea Raevan's arms. "Hi!"
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Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2016 5:02 pm
It was with a laugh that Ethiriel eagerly wrapped her arms around Aina's small frame, holding her close and burying her face into the Frei's hair. The younger Raevan always had such a refreshing scent -- immediately, Ethiriel eased and hummed. "My dear, sweet little one!" she said, making no effort to pull away but rather hold her closer. "I have missed you! Have you been well?"
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Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2016 2:03 pm
Duncan's smile grew immediately as soon as he'd heard the discerning scream from Aina. From his viewpoint in the kitchen, it was impossible to see them, but he elected to give the two some time before tea.
The Frei nuzzled against Ethiriel, humming at the hug, and she squeezed her lightly before leaning back to admire the older Raevan. "I didn't know you were better!" she exclaimed, giggling; she nodded. "Mhm, I've been okay... ah! An'-- you have a tummy!"
She hadn't noticed the change earlier, but the pomegrante soaked it in immediately, leaning in to give Ethiriel a hug again to nuzzle against her. "Is that why you were gone so long? 'Cause you had to grow?" she asked, looking up at Ethiriel curiously.
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Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2016 2:32 pm
Ethiriel couldn't help but laugh, keeping one hand on the Frei as the other rose to cover her mouth politely. Once she'd had her giggle, her hand found its way onto Aina's head and lightly smoothed her hair. "Oh, that's absolutely wonderful!" she responded, holding her close -- and even closer once the raindrop nuzzled. "Indeed, I do!"
The Sigel hummed, having missed Aina so much in their time apart. She felt rather guilty for just... dropping everything like she had, but now it was time to make up for it. "Yes, little one. I needed to grow physically and mentally. I'm much better now, so don't worry about me," Ethiriel cooed, burying her face in Aina's hair once more. "And I plan on staying better, just for you!"
While letting Aina draw out the hug as much as she needed, Ethiriel leaned her head up and away so that she was at proper 'standing' height. She wanted to greet Duncan after so long as well, but for now she was content with her cherished little one. "Why don't you tell me what you have been up to? I'm sure there have been many adventures since my leave?" Whether the Frei was looking up to meet her eyes or not, Ethiriel kept her head tilted downward with a gentle smile.
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Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2016 4:49 pm
Aina flustered, smile immutable, as she leaned back to look at Ethiriel in full. Not only did Ethiriel have a tummy, now, she seemed so much happier than when Aina had seen her last. "Thank you, Miss Eth," she said, giggling at Ethiriel's sweet sentiment; she lightly tugged at her sleeve to usher her to the kitchen. "Grandpa is makin' tea in the kitchen! You gotta say hi."
As they made their short trip from the foyer to the kitchen, Aina hummed, wings fluttering as she recalled back to the past few months since Ethiriel had gone away. "Umm... I got my branches trimmed! They're little again," she smiled, using her free hand to check on one of her horns. "And... I went to the fair with Cruz, oh, an' I'm gonna start school soon!" she exclaimed, leading the tea Raevan to spot at the dining table. Duncan had already prepared a platter for their tea set, and he rounded the corner of the ktichen to rest it at the center of the table.
"Grandpa, Miss Eth came to visit!" Aina grinned, swinging her and Ethiriel's arm a bit; "And she has a tummy now! See?"
"I do see," Duncan smiled, arranging the teacups for the three of them. Once that was done, he approached the two Raevans, gently placing his hand on Ethiriel's shoulder. "It's so nice to see you again, Ethiriel. How have you been?" He leaned forward, whispering loudly and not-so-subtly, "The surprise seems to have gone well, don't you think?"
Aina gasped, and she bounced indignantly where she was. "Grandpa! You knew?!"
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Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2016 11:03 pm
"I wouldn't dream of not," Ethiriel said softly, following Aina's guidance happily. The Sigel still remembered the layout of the house well despite the passage of time, so as the younger Raevan led her, she mentally mapped out the place once more.
Humming in response to Aina's, Ethiriel smiled. "Goodness! You'll have to let me feel them later; I bet they're very cute." Just as she had been about to reply further, the Frei had exclaimed toward Duncan of Ethiriel's arrival and she offered a smile to the man instead. She also, playfully, pat the middle of her stomach twice as it was announced. "It's wonderful to see you again, as well. Always glad to keep your company. I've been much better -- and improving every day!"
At Aina's surprise, Ethiriel couldn't help but let out a giggle as she squeezed the young one's hand. With a smile, she nodded and whispered just as quietly, "It seems it has." Hovering lower, the tea Raevan gently smoothed out Aina's hair. "You will have to tell me of your time with Cruz, little one. And school? That's amazing! Though, we do have another surprise for you--"
She then glanced towards Duncan with as mischievous a smile as she could muster.
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Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2016 2:08 am
"I did," Duncan replied, plainly. He laughed as Aina flailed her arms indignantly in reply.
"Grandpa!" Aina huffed, though her small bout of anger was quick to fade - if she had known Ethiriel was visiting today, there were more than an armful of presents Aina could have finished for her. As the tea Raevan brushed her hair, she calmed, glancing up at her with a curious smile. The pomegranate perked, turning to face Ethiriel fully.
"There's another surprise?" Aina asked, hugging the Sigel's arm, wings fluttering with excitement. "What is it?"
Duncan chuckled, sitting at his usual seat around the kitchen table, pouring a round of warm chamomile tea into everyone's cups. He smiled when Ethiriel faced him, helping himself to a cube of sugar for his own cup. "Well," he began, pausing to give Ethiriel time to announce it herself.
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Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2016 3:17 am
Aina's excitement always made Ethiriel feel warm inside -- she was always fond of the pomegranate and always would be. The Sigel's hands went from the young Raevan's hair to gently cupping her face, thumbs lightly caressing her cheeks.
"Well," Ethiriel echoed, turning her attention back to Aina fully, eyes and smile gentle, "Now that I'm all better, Duncan and I have discussed that I come back and begin babysitting you again." She waited for a reaction from the Frei before sliding her hands down to her slender shoulders. "That is, if you would like me to. I know you'll be going to school, but it will be similar to how it was before when I would care for you on weekends. Possibly even after school if Duncan needs."
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Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2016 4:22 pm
Aina's smile widened when Ethiriel announced the surprise, and the pomegranate nodded, bouncing a bit as she jumped forward to give Ethiriel another hug. "Mhm! I do!" she replied, nuzzling against the tea Raevan's stomach. "'M really excited! We can read an' play piano together again!"
"Ah, I'd almost forgotten to ask," Duncan added, gesturing to the table. "The tea is ready, girls, if you would like some. Ethiriel, did you want to continue your piano practice?"
"I didn't get super far 'cause I wanted to wait 'til you got better," Aina nodded, guiding Ethiriel to an empty seat. "We can start practicin' I Dreamed a Dream more!"
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Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2016 5:30 pm
At Aina's hug, Ethiriel couldn't help but air out a dainty laugh while wrapping her arms around the Frei's tiny form. With closed eyes, she pressed her head against the younger Raevan's for just a moment. "Yes, yes... I quite look forward to it!"
Turning her head towards Duncan once more, Ethiriel nodded. She was easily led, as always, and as soon as her free hand grazed the back of the seat she was able to guide herself down against it and relax. Keeping a hand woven loosely with one of Aina's, she continued, "I would absolutely love that, Duncan. I've also been quite curious about other instruments as I listen to more music." With her attention back on Aina, she nodded again.
"I appreciate it, little one. Admittedly I have been practicing on my own -- Henry has bought me an electric keyboard that I can plug my headphones into as to not bother he or Gabe. However, I have not improved so much that I need not learn more, so I would love our lessons to continue."
Searching the table, it didn't take long for Ethiriel to find her hot mug of tea provided by Duncan, and after blowing in it twice she took a sip -- unsweetened and strong: just how she liked it.
"Now, do tell me. It has been so long, I would love to know what the two of you have been up to. And how has Mordekai been? Henry has not heard from him recently, as far as he has told me." Setting her cup down, Ethiriel elegantly folded her her hands against the table.
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Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2016 3:40 pm
"It's okay! I was practicin', too, an' keyboards are cool," Aina assured, hopping up to her own seat once Ethiriel was situated. She carefully grabbed her own cup of tea, holding it between both of her palms, blowing away the steam as Ethiriel spoke. "An' who's Gabe?" she asked, smiling curiously over the rim of her teacup.
"Wonderful, Ethiriel. Well, we can start practicing the piano together again whenever you're ready. Please talk to Henry about it," Duncan stirred his tea, smiling. "A sister-in-law of mine is a music instructor who lives in Gambino. I'm sure she'd love to have you - what instruments were you interested in?"
"My cousin Jerri can play the trumpet," Aina chimed in. She took a small sip of tea as Ethiriel spoke - wincing at the heat, she rested it back on the table, waiting for it to cool. She wiggled in her seat, eager to speak, though she glanced once at her grandfather out of courtesy. "Can I tell her, please, grandpa?"
"By all means, Aina. Oh, there's this school in Barton Aina will be going to. It's called Cypress Academy," Duncan said, setting his cup on the table. He folded his hands over the table, waiting for the Frei to speak - and, as if preparing a performance, Aina cleared her throat.
"Mhm, we visited a lotta schools with Granny M an' Cypress Academy's close to Gambino, too, so I get to visit you an' Cruz an' Cesc a lot," Aina added, perking in her seat. "Papa's been really busy 'cause of work 'cause the farm gets really busy when it's spring an' summer, but he says he misses you an' Henry! He caught a fox with my uncle Damien."
"Maybe we can schedule a dinner sometime, with your family and ours, Ethiriel?" Duncan asked. "I understand that Henry is very busy, but a meal would never hurt."
"Yeah! And we can help you with your greenhouse," Aina suggested, bouncing.
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Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2016 12:52 am
The Sigel nodded at Aina's sentiments, smiling softly as she took another sip from her tea. Mid sip, the Frei asked her question and Ethiriel had to swallow quickly, giving a gentle laugh in response. "Gabe is Henry's brother. He lives with us," she explained, leaning over to rest her chin against the back of her hand. "He's quite salty, but once he opens up he's not a bad guy."
Once Duncan spoke up, Ethiriel's head turned toward his voice as to not be rude. "That sounds wonderful, I'm sure he will be fine with it. And, well, hmm..." she hummed, holding her teacup to her lips without taking any. "The instruments I would love to learn most are violin, cello and harp, to be honest. They're all so lovely to listen to, it must be magical to make them work. If your sister-in-law is capable, I would not mind a recommendation." Surely Henry wouldn't mind funding it, given he was into music himself, as well as the decent amount of money he gets paid for being a nurse in general.
Looking to Aina, even when Duncan would chime in, Ethiriel offered the pomegranate her (mostly) undivided attention as she spoke. Her brows rose, impressed with the young one's interest in schooling, but her smile grew as visits were mentioned. "Goodness! That sounds wonderful! Perhaps I shall see you more often than just on weekends, from the sound of it."
As the topic moved to Mordekai, the Sigel couldn't help but chuckle. "Hopefully they released it," she said softly. When Duncan spoke, she turned once more with a nod. "That sounds like a wonderful idea as well. I shall mention it to Henry when he comes to pick me up. And yes, I would love your help with my greenhouse! It certainly needs a touch of Aina!" With that, Ethiriel removed her hands from the table and softly tickled the young Frei in response.
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Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2016 7:14 pm
"Ooh... He's salty? Did you lick him?" Aina asked, hugging her arms over the table. Duncan laughed, his hand politely over his mouth. Ethiriel's eagerness at more music instruction overjoyed him, especially wtih Rebecca complaining about not having enough students as of late.
"Yes, my sister-in-law can help you with all of those, I'm fairly sure. At the very least, I've seen those instruments at her home myself," Duncan replied, nodding. "Her name is Rebecca. I'll give her and Henry a call tonight." Sliding his chair back, he stood, walking to the kitchen counter to write himself a quick memo. Aina blew on her tea once again, and took another small, experimental sip; deeming it a little too hot still, she set it back on her plate.
"Mhm, I'll try to visit you lots, an' maybe we can all play, too!" Aina nodded, reaching over the table to grab one sugar cube. Even if she wasn't allowed to put it in her tea, it was an easy source of densiy. It floated idly atop her palms while she waited for her tea to cool. "I can bring flowers an' seeds from our garden! D'you like hyacinths?"
"The fox Mordekai captured is now happily a part of the family," Duncan explained, settling back down his seat once he retrieved the memo pad. Aina leaned over to watch him as he scrawled a quick note across the page - Henry and Rebecca. Music lessons for Eth. Violin, cello, harp. "Bringing seeds over to your greenhouse sounds like a wonderful idea. Can you tell us what you've grown in there so far, Ethiriel?"
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