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 Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2007 7:18 pm
Kova's brown eyes lit up and she couldn't quite seem to resist clapping her hands. "Where is it? Oh, you didn't leave it out in the garden, did you?"
Delilah shifted her gaze from her mother to Athan, head tilting in interest.
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Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2007 7:26 pm
What little color there was drained from Athan's features as he stared over at the woman with a bit of a lost look on his face. He cleared his throat and stood upright. "Kova, my dear, I dare say a venture to my home is in order. I think you ought to accompany me to ensure whether or not the cabbage we speak of is indeed.. well.. that sort of cabbage."
He moved towards the front of the shop, fully expecting both ladies to follow as he headed towards the front door. "No need to fret over the shop. Reyna will be in shortly to open for the day," he replied as he reached to set the lock so that it would shut behind them.
Without a moment's hesitance Athan reached out with one hand to call forth a bright, green rune. It shimmered brightly before flaring out wide in a semi-circle that then completed itself with a flash of white light.
"Come along now, take my hand and do not for any reason let go," he stated as he reached for Kova's and then in turn Delilah's. "Simply walk forward," he instructed, "The rest is already done."
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Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2007 7:30 pm
"Hold tight, Delly," Kova ordered gently as she squeezed Athan's hand tightly to prove she had heard. "We can't ask Mr. Athan to go diggin' through the space-time continuum for us if we fall off."
"Mama." Delilah sighed a bit before mimicking the action and squeezing Athan's hand as well. "Yes, sir."
"There we go. Lead on."
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Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2007 7:40 pm
Immediately upon stepping through the portal, the group found themselves on a small, cobblestone path that led directly to the steps of a rather impressive house. Truly, it was more of a mansion than a typical house, but the assortment of busted and otherwise broken electronics (namely coffee pots and microwaves) about the front porch seemed to take away from the elegance of it all.
Regardless, it was an impressive structure and the surrounding terrain, though quite empty, was equally beautiful what with the grassy fields and forested area within walking distance.
"This way," he motioned as he went directly towards the house and laid his hand upon the door. An assortment of different symbols lit up and swirled upon the surface before a series of locks clicked one by one.
He did not pause to introduce them a bit more formally to his antique strewn, dust-filled home, though his fairy did appear to greet them both as she settled upon Athan's shoulder.
"You brought guests!" she squeaked, "You never have guests." Her three eyes went wide as she gazed up at her bond.
"The garden is this way," he said without acknowledging little Lorelei's statements as he led them through the kitchen, down a hallway and finally stopped before a grand set of doors that creaked in protest when they were opened.
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Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2007 8:09 pm
Delilah went wide-eyed at the little flying girl and swallowed nervously. Her hands twisted themselves about each other, catching at her skirts. Then she hurried after Athan. Kova, on the other hand, paused to smile at the girl and nodded. "Hello, there! Mr. Athan's just showing' us his cabbage," she explained. "I have to make sure he's takin' care of it."
Then she moved to follow Athan. "Are you comin', too?"
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Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2007 8:33 pm
"I suppose I'll go along for the ride," Lorelei answered, and she meant that literally. She squirmed upon Athan's shoulder and half burrowed into the hood of his robes that gathered at his neck and his hair to steady herself.
Athan pushed open the doors, and paused for a moment as he turned to look back at the two that had accompanied him all the way here. He was an intensely private man when it came to his personal life and having them both there within his home was slightly... awkward.
Regardless, it was necessary.
"There," he said as he pointed towards the overly large cabbage. It was the only vibrant, thriving plant within the brown, twisted vines and weedy overgrowth that was truly alive. ".. is it? I mean... do you think...?" he managed in a voice that had suddenly gone quiet and soft.
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Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 8:18 pm
Oblivious to his hesitation, Kova strode past the dark man and knelt beside the cabbage, half-cooing as she gently touched the leaves. "Look, Delly!" she called. "It's bigger than you were but just as bright." She stroked light fingers down a vein in one leaf. "Aren't you a handsome cabbage, huh? I bet you'll be a boy. Big and tough."
Delilah blushed a bit and offered a crooked, little smile at Athan as if apologizing for her mother's behavior. Then she padded over to peer down at the cabbage. "I think it's so healthy 'cause it ate up the other plants," she offered quietly.
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Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2007 10:24 am
A look of relief flashed across his face in that the plant was still thriving. He had more than enough guilt weighing down upon his shoulders. He didn't want to add the death of what could've been an innocent child to his shoulders due to his own ignorance. At the same time a frown creased his brow.
What was he going to do with a child?
He had no doubts about whether or not he'd be capable of raising a child, but.. was he really a suitable parent? Sure, he spoiled Sam rotten and considered her his neice. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for her, but he wasn't responsible for her.
Ultimately, it didn't seem he had a choice in the matter. The fates had bestowed him with this responsiblity, and it was his duty to accept it.
He smiled faintly upon Delilah. Sweet, innocent child. If only that was the reason why his once sprawling garden had blackened and withered away. If that were the cause, then perhaps his heart would not be nearly so broken and his soul, not nearly so weary and torn. He sighed a bit sadly before moving to kneel next to Kova's side.
"So it will be child," he whispered quietly. It was more of a statement of fact than a question.
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Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2007 7:45 pm
"I'm pretty sure, yep." Kova tilted her head and twisted to look over at Athan. There was a sudden questioning quirk to her eyebrow. "Child-ish, anyway. Humanoid."
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Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2007 10:23 am
Athan simply nodded with a rather somber look written across his face. "Well then," he began slowly, "How do you suggest I care for this er.. child until it is born, so to speak?"
Shadows emerged from stones, his fairy (though already in her juvenile stage when she came into his care) came from a bloom, the cabbage... well.. he wasn't entirely certain how that would work. Surely it couldn't be too terribly different.
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Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2007 7:28 pm
"Oh." Kova laughed and shrugged with one shoulder. Standing, she brushed off her knees absently. "Keep it in sunshine and water. I talked to Delly a lot."
"You sang to me."
The smile Kova gave her daughter radiated pure adoration. "I did. I'm glad you remember." She turned her attention back to Athan. "And it's just like that, pretty much. Take care of it. Pay attention."
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Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2007 1:28 pm
In essence it was no different than how he once cared for all his plants, though the idea of talking to just a cabbage seemed a little awkward. Sweet little Delilah seemed to have memory of her mother's conversations and singing. He would definitely have to put some thought into the situation he'd found himself in. He wouldn't want the child to recall nothing but silence.
Children, after all, were meant to be loved regardless.
He moved to face Kova and offered her a small smile in gratitude. "Well," he began, "Thank you. I appreciate your both having come this far to .. help me with this."
(( And I dare say this would be a good stopping point! We'll have to do a follow-up RP with Athan and Delilah so he can give her a shiny something from the shop! heart ))
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