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 Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2023 12:50 pm
[Sabra via Discord / 1]
There was a whole new wall in front of her where Quiana had gotten some sisters to come visit and in a flurry of activity they had added another room to the hut for the anticipated blooms. It was comforting to know that some Elidae were rather excited for the children, curious to see what more hybrids would look like with that bard Quiana had dragged home. You mean you didn’t just drag him here? You should have just swung him over your shoulder and carried him back! That would have been a sight! They would tease her with various comments and questions like that, still baffled that an earthling and an Elidae would truly get together like this. Quiana could only laugh at their antics before shooing the sisters away so that she could look over their work. A large arched window where she could leave silk curtains to cool off their home during the hottest days of the year, the faint scent of the ocean lingering in the breeze, and some furniture that they may have needed which was taken from Belrea on their last visit. Alongside of that? Cans of paint to decorate the walls, Quiana wanting to paint some imagery there if they could. Even if it was just as simple as vines and flowers, she loved having some color against those naturally pale walls.
“Siel? Do you feel up to painting or should we just hang up some decorations?” The other children were with Chantara for the day, the herbalist offering to watch over them while the parents took their time preparing for the new blooms. Once again they were blessed with a pair of them and Quiana was honestly also excited to see what they would look like. Or better yet who they would take after. Would there be more mischief for Tsisia with them or calmer babies like Quetzal? Only time would tell.
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2023 12:51 pm
While Siel was beyond grateful for the help of Quiana’s sisters he was just as grateful to see them off. It had been a sight to see that many full blooded Elidae in one space. While they had always been welcoming to him, Siel still felt incredibly small compared to them which wasn’t something he was still adjusting to. For the longest time the biggest in his family was his Baba Nimueh but not now. Now more than ever Siel’s earthling blood made him stick out and while it was a little odd in conversation, he was trying his best to adjust.
“We have paint?” Siel ran his fingers through his hair as he walked into the room. The hybrid pulled his hair up into a messy bun as he surveyed the scene around him and nodded. “We should use it, then. Can’t let it go to waste.”
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2023 12:51 pm
[Sabra via Discord / 2]
"We do." Replied Quiana with a sly grin towards her partner. "Do we keep it simple with some vines or something running along the walls?" She studied him thoughtfully, her gaze lingering and taking its time as she looked over him. "Unless you're going to surprise me and tell me that you've been a masterful artist this whole time? I can do a few vines and flowers myself, maybe even a landscape if we had enough time for that." If the children were home then she would doubt it, thinking about how all the ways everything could go wrong with a huge project like that, but for now their afternoon was free. It also did depend on how much they wanted to use that freedom for decorating or if there would be other activities as well while things were quiet. The Elidae shook her head at the thought, amusement dancing across her expression, and she forced herself to go and retrieve the little jars of paint that one of the sisters had left behind.
"It looks like Momi left us some green, blue, yellow and is....is that pink?" It was too soft a shade to be red, right? Quiana tilted her head and held the jar up towards the light to try to get a better idea of the color inside.
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2023 12:52 pm
“You’ve seen my work; I’d hardly say I’m masterful.” Several times over the years the children had been provided with simple charcoal sticks and pieces of parchment to express themselves. While Siel had been a little more advanced than the pair it wasn’t anything to be proud of. “Maybe one side of the room could have vines and greenery while this side-,” He shifted from looking at one wall to the other, “-could have an oceanic look? We could work on some coral and seaweed.” Fish were a given, but the area they thrived in was key.
Siel closed the distance between the two of them and motioned for the jar so he could look inside as well. “That’s definitely pink. Maybe someone’s hoping we’ll have another daughter?” It wouldn’t be odd considering the Elidae were entirely female.
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2023 12:53 pm
[Sabra via Discord / 3]
"Fair enough." Quiana laughed softly. "We can do something a bit more abstract and hope it pulls together then. Some shells could be added for the ocean along with gemstones for the other side." She offered with a grin towards Siel, her gaze following his movements as she listened to his ideas. Vines and greenery like the jungle there and an ocean on the other side? She honestly enjoyed the sound of that. "It has to have a sky like the sunset though. It'll be cute." She was biased towards sunsets, the shimmering waters decorated in a myriad of colors always easing her spirits. Could they pull it off? She glanced back at the paint, tilting the jar this way and that as if testing it, it looked like the type of paint that they could easily go over with other colors if any mistakes were made. That was a blessing at least.
"A daughter because of pink paint?" The earthling reference went over the Elidae's head, the woman frowning thoughtfully. "I don't believe using paint influences the blooms...I'm missing something again, aren't I?" She had quickly learned over the last couple of years together that there were quite a few earthling phrases and customs, many of which she still had to learn. "Momi is always biased towards cooler colors, that much I can believe." Though it wouldn't be a surprise if the other Elidae were hoping for daughters this time since they still found men to be very strange creatures.
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2023 12:55 pm
“A sunset, huh?” Siel gave a little grin as he looked over the space. It would be a stretch to say the least, but if they started now they might get most of the harder work out of the way before Tsisia and Quetzal came home. If nothing else maybe they could convince Chantara to watch them for another day; provided they had the right bribe, of course.
“Yeah.” Siel said easily, then paused, “I guess that doesn’t really apply to Elidae, but traditionally in some areas girls are dressed in pink when they’re born and boys are dressed in blue.” Personally, he hadn’t minded wearing pink when he was growing up; his Papa often wore the color for his performances, but Siel hadn’t missed some of the looks tossed his way.
Siel bent down for a few bits of supplies and moved toward the ‘ocean’ side of the room. “What about you? What are you hoping for, Miss Mother of Four?”
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2023 12:56 pm
[Sabra via Discord / 4]
Quiana nodded, her lips pressed in determination as she tried to imagine how they should approach decorating. She held up a hand to survey the wall as if trying to judge the measurements through her stretched fingers. If they placed a few shells along a string there then they could have those around the edges before the window....it should work out, right? Then maybe she could work on decorating the rest of their home, a little bit a time while they lingered in the area until the day came for traveling again.
"I suppose so. We don't really have a need to color coordinate based on genders." She laughed at the thought. "Are many earthlings so obssessed with genders that they even dress them accordingly? Then again I suppose because of certain aspects there is a difference." Quiana didn't mind either way, a good lover was a good lover. Moving so that she could pick out a brush, the Elidae took the green paint so that she could start working on the opposite wall and create vines for its design. "Me? I just hope for happy children, I don't mind genders. If we have more sons then I'll gladly accept the chaos and love any daughters just the same. How about you, Mister Father of Four or More?" She teased lightly. Not that gender had mattered within their family for chaos, her daughter brought plenty of that. Quiana was a bit of a rebel though and it always amused her to see how some Aishans still couldn't grasp the idea of her family or children. As long as they didn't outright bully or harm her precoius ones then it was fine. Any dangers though...well then she would quickly lose her amusement and turn to something more bitter instead.
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2023 12:57 pm
“Like you wouldn’t believe.” Siel sat a few of his paints on the ground, and lifted a jar of – was it blue? Was it green? – to start working on the rough outline of coral. “There are entire nations who believe that men hold more power than women and should inherit everything. Boys should dress in manlier colors with big, tough, manly things – “ He flexed his arms, -“ while girls should be daintier in dresses and soft things.” Usually those were reserved for more high society types of people who could afford to make those distinctions. Those that he’d grown up around were the working class and while they might grumble about a man wearing makeup or a girl shaving her head they generally didn’t care so long as they worked.
“I’m not big into it, though. My brother wears dresses and he shines.” Morain had always shown an interest in them and while Siel typically dressed more traditionally masculine, he’d never thought less of Morain for doing the opposite.
“I’m hoping for sleep.” Siel answered quickly and honestly, with a laugh to boot. “It’s a stretch, but if we can children who sleep through the night I would be blessed.”
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2023 12:58 pm
[Sabra via Discord / 5]
The Elidae started to trace out the edges of a design, the shapes turning from vines to almost like one of those swaying trees with long drooping limbs and crystal leaves that wept around the nearby grotto. She had thought that perhaps that would fit in nicely next to the ocean wall, the ocean with its sunset skies blending into the greens and yellows of a cove with trees and hanging vines rather than simply having vines randomly drawn about. "That sounds ridiculous." She admitted after a moment, Quiana making a face at the description of some of those backward countries. Maybe it was better that Aishans were Sisters so that there wouldn't be such a divide...hybrids caused enough as it was without even considering gender on top of it all. "Everyone should be allowed to take whatever path they desire. I doubt Aishans would settle for dainty things while being protected, as much as I do enjoy dresses and soft things myself." She was still proud though and despite some manipulations to have others do chores or such for her over the years, Quiana never thought it was because she was less than anyone else. That was simply playing a role to be lazy, not actually being stuck within such a role because that was what others expected. Though that made her think....and Quiana quickly shook her head to get rid of the thoughts.
"I suppose I liked you for a reason." Quiana admitted with a soft laugh. "I'm glad your brother does what he enjoys, I cannot wait to meet him one day." There were so many members of their families that they had yet to meet and Quiana was curious to find out all that she could about both sides. Her own sister had followed an earthling lifestyle but did not appear to be dainty at all while her partner who seemed delicate at times proved her resolve and strength when necessary. If anything the kawena was more fierce than her own sister at times!
Another curving vine joined the rest on the wall, Quiana still outlining the image before moving to blend some paints together for a teal color to fill them in. "Sleep? I suppose I could wish for that as well." She mused before grinning wickedly towards Siel. "If they don't sleep through the night then we can hope Chantara will take mercy on us and watch them a few times. However, I'm not so certain I'll always be able to allow you sleep then." Should she be sent away too for a night so that Siel could rest? Possibly. The mischievous look in her bright green gaze would probably get them both in trouble, especially if he truly wanted sleep one night.
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2023 12:59 pm
Siel wasn’t artistically talented when it came to design and paint, but there was a certain rhythm to just letting yourself go. Teals shifted into blues and coral pinks that would later be outlined and fully fleshed out. For now they were blobs on a wall, but the color pallet suited the space and Siel was having fun with it.
“You’ll love him.” Siel grinned. “He’s just like me, but with less bravery and more smarts. Morain is a great person to party with and I know he’ll love the kids.” It felt weird, knowing that one day when he introduced them to his brother there would be four, but Siel had no doubt that Morain would take it in stride. “We’ll have to travel to see Lutana, but I know she’ll want to see them too.”
He hadn’t seen either one of his triplet siblings in so long that it left Siel wanting. While he loved all of his siblings there was just something about those two that made them special. Maybe it was because of their shared time in the womb, maybe it was because they’d almost killed him, but he just wanted that connection to carry on to his own children.
“Madam.” When Siel whipped around he put a hand dramatically on his chest and gasped. “Watch that vulgar tongue of yours. This is a respectable house.”
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2023 1:35 pm
[Sabra via Discord / 6]
Quiana nodded. "I see. I like him already." She agreed with a small smile crossing her lips at the description. She had heard a few comments about Siel's siblings and was just as curious about each of them. It would be quite a handful though when they did travel finally, Quiana hoping that they could somehow manage with a growing group. Though she was happy since a big family was something she had never experienced before and despite the love and attention from her grandmother the Elidae had felt a bit lonely. Not that it was entirely her grandmother's fault, but some of her own for distancing herself from the others. It was one thing to play around for favors, but another thing entirely to truly bond with someone...something she had not done save for with Chantara, right before leaving the isle to find her missing mother. It was nice waking up to a lively atmosphere, even if it was a bit stressful sometimes. "I don't mind traveling, it's what I really want to do once we figure things out more." She admitted, holding onto her dream instead of wanting to keep the family in the area forever. As usual Quiana was optimistic that things would work out. If not then why would they have been blessed in the first place by her mother tree?
"There's a place for us to stay in Matori and then we can figure out the rest from there." She mused with a nod, her hands moving as she continued speaking so that the rest of the tree could appear on the wall. Some blue streaks with pink darting alongside of it made the bark while the blue and green branches covered the remaining space. They could place some crystal shards in the empty spaces, making actual leaves that gleamed along the walls later. "That is if you still feel daring enough to challenge the world with a family?" She teased lightly before a laugh escaped at the sight of Siel's dramatics. "My apologies, sir! I didn't mean to offend you." Her green gaze was bright though despite her words. "Do I get exiled now or take some other type of punishment for such behavior?"
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2023 1:46 pm
"Once the youngest blooms are old enough we can go wherever your heart takes you." Siel had always assumed any future family of his would grow up on the road just as he had. When fate had other plans and tied him to an Elidae he took to the change in scenery with stride, but a part of him wished being on the road. Having a stable home was best for tiny infants and yet, he could very easily see himself with a papoose in the streets of Matori. Maybe even a toddler on each hip as they traveled with a caravan in Sauti....It was a lot to think of, especially given how fragile their babies would be once they bloomed.
As much as he wanted to break free and take the world by storm they needed to play this smart. He wanted the little ones to be connected to Esena, should they choose to make Kiros their home one day, and as world traveled as they ever could be.
With the coral taken care of, Siel had moved into aquatic vegetation and stonework. The algae was the funnest part for him since it was a lot of blotting. Maybe he made a mess of it, maybe it was an intentional blend; who would ever be able to tell? "If my fathers can do it then so can we." Taking on the world with toddlers? It wasn't as if Siel was getting much rest here so what would it matter if they were on the road or not? And speaking of not getting any rest...
"Mmm. Punishment, for sure. Maybe I should use some of those vines you're so fond of to tie you up? That way you can't reek havoc on anyone else."
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2023 2:04 pm
[Sabra via Discord / 7]
Wherever her heart took her, hmm? "Maybe it's just a few steps to the right though?" Teased Quiana lightly, her playful steps taking her close enough to Siel that they could have kissed before she darted away again back to painting as if the chance never happened. Even though they had an unique relationship in comparison to other families, there was a deep affection for her partner that she wouldn't deny. The fact that someone had made her reconsider her whole life plan, the Elidae never expecting a family ilke this, was special indeed. Not that she minded though, the sight of Siel painting bringing a smile to her lips as she listened to him and found him distracting enough that some paint had ended up on her own arms somehow with all the moving back and forth. "Then I'm reassured. Belrea could be nice then we could take an airship to Matori to travel the rest of the countries from there. Maybe not Yael though...I'm not feeling entirely positive about that area just yet." There were too many dangers lurking there, at least for Aishan hybrids like their children and she knew that even her own presence could bring trouble. It was no surprise that some still sneered at the Elidae who had bloomed from the renegade Elaria, those that turned their backs on the teachings of the Extremists.
"Hmm." Quiana let out a soft noise as she pondered the option. "It's risky to tie up a dangerous Elidae though. She could always break free and turn the tables on you." Which may or may not have happened in the past, the ropes breaking so that someone else could be pinned down in her place. Quiana's lips curved upwards at the thought, her smile only growing with the slight flush on her cheeks as she thought about various scenarios.
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Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2023 12:35 pm
Oh, so it was going to be like that? They really needed to finish this room before nightfall, but they had a few hours and some extra paint...
"I'm fine with that. I've only ever visited Yael once and that was when my younger siblings were born. I'm not keen on going back." He was sure that the endless fog, harrowing atmosphere and overall dreary vibes were someone's dream; just not his. It also didn't help that out of the handful of Elaria he'd met not a single one had been up for conversation and Siel didn't see the sense in pushing their buttons. He tried not to think about just how the Elaria came to be, but being one of the things their founding members had tried to eradicate just put him on edge.
And now that he was a father he really didn't want his family around that just yet. Maybe one day, but maybe not when they were still squishy.
"I think I can hold my own." Siel sat up from his stool and walked across the room, casually maneuvering a paint brush around his fingers. When he got close enough he lunged, intending on 'slashing' her with the green paint.
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Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2023 2:05 pm
[Sabra via Discord / 8]
"Sounds like we're in agreement then." They would not be visiting Yael anytime soon. Thankfully Quiana didn't have any real connections there, her mother's disappearance and her grandmother's reclusion had kept them from bonding with anyone lingering in Zinris. Not that she had many connections in Kiros either considering everything, but at least she had a couple of faces which she would miss when they left. Zinris though? Despite her own confidence Quiana was rather relieved to avoid the darker Aishan settlement. She wanted their children to enjoy the world and any training to be of their own choice, not out of desperation for survival.
"Oh?" Quiana had the feeling that Siel was up to something, but she wasn't certain exactly what type of attack to expect. So when the hybrid lunged towards her the Elidae didn't get away in time and found herself sporting a nice green slash of paint along an arm. "Siel!" She gasped, but it wasn't an angry noise just a flustered one that turned into laughter as she took some of her blue paint and flicked it his way in retaliation. If he wanted a fight then he would have it!
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