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 Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 6:12 pm
Anyway, reflections past, lots to talk about... but where to begin?
Let's see, most is just everyday news. The centaurs are both flatly refusing to see any doctor other than their own kind. Sadly, there are apparently no centaur doctors (go figure) anywhere on Gaia. Or, if there are, they're very well hidden
Either way, no check up means no idea when the baby's coming, which is a problem for me and Slush. They just keep saying 'soon'. Soon, yeah. Soon could be any day now, or soon could be another month, all depending how you look at it.
At least they're being more cooperative than that Veela....who still refuses to tell us her name, by the way. I'm seriously considering giving her a nickname... Something ridiculous enough that she'll tell us the real one just so we'll drop it.
Gods, I'm glad I didn't get stuck with her.
I pity Doom. Can't wait until that woman leaves. Hopefully the kid won't take after it's mother...
What else is new..? Oh, Tawn asked me to be best man in his wedding. One of the biggest surprises of my life. I'm still not sure why he asked me... Not complaining, of course. I'm honored! Tawn and Sarabi are both good friends of mine. I'd just thought he would as Jen or something. They certainly see each other more often than we do.
I haven't seen Tawn since...before Doom and I got married. So, six months-ish? Anywho, the wedding's later this month at the new SM HQ. Should be a lot of fun.
I hope, anyway. Tawn and Sarabi's wedding, everyone's sure to be there... including Mauli and Jen. And Kailee. Erk. Not that it wouldn't be good to see them, but... Ah...
Doom still doesn't exactly know that I talk with Kai...pretty often. And according to Moo, Kai knows I'm her dad now, so...yeah, a meeting might not turn out well.
They'll have to meet eventually, of course, I just don't want to risk a scene at the wedding. Maybe I'll talk to Slush about it beforehand... Maybe.
Changing subjects, X is still in the hospital. Jack says she's doing a lot better, but absolutely hates it there. Can't say I blame her.
Doom and I have been watching the twins, Nao, and the rest of X's shorties...Hopefully she'll be out by the time the centaur and veela are born. S'way too many infants/toddlers for Doom and I to watch on our own.
And, really, that's about it. Got a small bonus at work, if that's worth noting. Shall probably go towards nursery stuffs for the new babies. Which is perfectly fine.
Doom and I are doing pretty well financially... Got a good bit, nearing enough for a house of our own. And then there's the GMFC fund... Yeah, if the next auction doesn't go too high, we can probably pull from that und and get a down payment on a house, at least.
Auction. Ahh, I forgot. There's one coming up soon, I've heard... Dunno, I'm not too hopeful. We've lost the last...four or five(?) we've tried in, and we really don't have much more this time than the last.
I'm not even bothering anymore. Slush has taken up all GMFC management...ness. So good luck to him. I myself am tired of being dissappointed.
--Isto.
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Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 6:13 pm
Even now, over a week later and with the egg here, I can't believe it. It's just...too good to be true, you know? We've been saving for so long, and we've tried to grab an appointment so many times before...and now we've done it!
Or, I should say, Slush has. Slush handled the auction and everything, came running home to tell me as soon as he was sure we won, and...well, we celebrated, of course.
Wouldn't you?
We went back the next day, arranged everything an whatnot, and then picked up the egg itself a few days back.
It's already pretty heavy, thick brown shell, sort of mottled appearance... Doesn't seem at all artificial. But I'll take their word for it and hope we don't end up hatching an ostrich.
Slush has been extremely protective of the egg since we received it. He's taken to wearing it around in this maternity suit..thing. The poor guy has absolutely lost it, I think, but as long as he agrees not to wear that thing around in public... to each his own.
In fact, I'd say it's cute were it not for the fact that he gets mad at me when I tell him he's acting girly for wanting to really be pregnant.
That, and he lets Vi and Faust call him 'Mom'. But I guess they couldn't call both of us 'Dad', eh? Ah well, if Slush is okay with it...
So, we have our GMFC..finally. Kinda inconvenient how the timing worked out, though.
I mean, we have the centaurs and Veela here, and both of those babies'll be coming soon, and then L'aven could hatch at any time, he's so long overdue. And the egg won't be too long in hatching, they said...
So we could, theoretically, be raising four babies and then four toddlers at the same time. But I guess it can't be helped. And besides, it'll be worth it in the end, right?
'Course.
Changing subjects, Tawn and Sarabi's wedding was a few days back. Slush 'couldn't make it' (he still hasn't explained why), so he sent Vi to keep me company. It was a fun day...
The wedding was lovely, always knew those two would end up together.. I didn't see Mauli or Jen at the wedding or reception, however, though I did talk to Endy for a while. We should really arrange some sort of reunion...
Ah well, something to think about for another day. Tawn and Sarabi have promised to keep in touch, so at least that's something. Some familiar faces, at least...
One of those 'You don't know what you have until it's gone' situations...
---Isto
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Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 6:16 pm
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Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 6:19 pm
But, really, she's much better than when she first arrived here, and the mood swings are understandable. Birth is getting closer...but still no exact date.
I've been spending a lot of time with the centaurs lately...just in case. And getting to know them better and such. Verin and I are pretty good friends nowadays, while Alura and I are...getting there? But she is being more cooperative and less snippy, and I'm making an effort to be more patient now that she seems to be honestly trying to be nice.
We spent a while out at the lake yesterday; the centaurs, Violet and I. Just for a picnic day out sort of thing. Idle chatter for the most part. It was a nice day. Relaxing.
Let's see, what did we talk about...? Oh! Baby names. Slush and I agreed that the babies' real parents would name them so that the names would better fit their...culture. So yesterday I proposed the idea to the centaurs, and Alura decided almost immediately.
Merlyn Coeden, Cody for short. So I hope it's a boy. Alura insisted that it will be and flatly refused to give me a girl name. Verin seemed to agree with her, but I've no idea how they would know.
Ah, well, they'll just have to come up with something else if they're wrong. Alura had the name so quickly, I'm sure another wouldn't be much trouble.
They'll be leaving almost immediately after the birth, by the way. Another thing we discussed out by the lake. I'll be sorry to see them go... But it'll be nice for life to go back to normal, you know? With a new addition, of course...
Until next time,
---Isto
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Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 6:21 pm
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Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 6:25 pm
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Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 6:30 pm
Two night ago now, Alura gave birth. Probably about the scariest night of my life, I must say. I can't even remember half of it anymore. It was long...and tiring. The sun was coming up by the time we were...er...wrapping things up.
See, Alura went into labor very, very quickly. There was almost no forwarning. And then she was still refusing a doctor, and was all breathless and panicky, so it was about all we could do just to keep her san. Verin wasn't much help either, at that.
And I'm completely usless when it comes to anything...like...that. Erk, for the upteenth time, I thank the gods I'm not a woman. Talk about painful. Poor Alura.
Anyway, what was I saying? Right, so, Alura went into labor extremely quickly. It didn't help that we were all already asleep when she woke up and told Verin, who then woke up half the household trying to get up the stairs to me.
Funny sight.
So it began. After the initial shock had worn off, it wasn't too bad. Kinda dull, actually; for me, anyway. In fact, there was this one point where verin and I were debating starting a card game, but Alura's glares sort of...scared that idea away.
Cody was finally born shortly before dawn. It was something of a shock the first time I held him... He was much smaller than any of us had expected. But healthy enough, we thought, so we didn't worry for long. Already he looks a lot like his parents... More like Verin, with his black hair and, er, fur. But his hair faintly has blue highlights, and he has blue dapples and hooves... Clearly Alura's son, too.
Speaking of whom, the centaurs left earlier today. They had taken a day for Alura to rest up and, today, declined offers to stay longer and headed off to wherever it is they're from. It's easier for them this way, I suppose... Maybe they'll come to visit eventually.
So they're gone, and Cody's here. He's already opened his eyes--just a couple of hours back, in fact--and can't seem to get enough of everything. And he won't go to sleep. But that's understandable. He hasn't been doing much else, you know?
He's a sweet kid... You can tell already. Very, very cheerful, hasn't cried yet. He's a bit clingy, I think, but I've been carrying him around everywhere with me anyway, so that's not a problem. Pretty quiet... Ah, I dunno, he's only been here two days now.
Actually, I should probably go feed him. He's been a pain with bottles. Can't stand that formula crud. But Alura said he won't need them for long, so...here's hoping.
---Isto
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Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 6:33 pm
Taken from GMFC log, please forgive Cody redundant-ness xD;Aha, luck loves us these days... Things're happening just as predicted. Kind of ironic, really... But, ah well. Good? Bad? Guess we'll see.
So, let's see, to begin, the centaur baby is here. Verin, Alura and I agreed on the name Merlyn Coeden before he was born... So that's him now, Cody for short. Sweet kid...
He's, er... Very, very clingy. As in, won't let me out of his sight, wakes up every ten minutes during the night and cries if I'm not there, clingy. And it's not even both of us! Just me. I haven't slept since he opened his eyes.
But it could be worse? At least I don't have to carry him everywhere. He's already walking pretty well, centaur and whatnot, and could probably cope fairly well without me if he would, you know...not burst into tears whenever I step out of the room.
But, as I said, very sweet kid. Quiet for the most part, already pretty well behaved.. We'll get him past this clingy stage without much trouble, I think. I hope.
In other news, a couple days after Cody arrived, L'aven finally hatched. So that's baby number two around here, though he's not nearly as much trouble.
L'aven's been in that egg for so long, I think he must've grown more than intended.. He's more of a toddler than a baby, get around pretty well on his own. He can't exactly was just yet, but can stand if he has something to hold on to, and his wings work just as well as they did while he was in that egg. So, flight is always an option.
And, let's see... Er... This is going to sound bad, but the Veela ran away. the one who's been staying with us from the Maban place? Never caught her name; she wouldn't tell us.
Anyway, she, er... vanished a short while before Cody arrived, and, normally, we wouldn't care less, but the baby hasn't been born yet... Personally, I'm scared the Veela'll dump him/her in a lake or something. She's just not anyone you'd expect to have any maternal instincts whatsoever. And she certainly showed no concern for the baby while she was living here.
I've gone out to search the few times I've managed to get away from Cody, but I haven't the faintest idea where -to- look, so, needless to say, I haven't found her. I'm hoping she'll just turn up again, or leave the kid on the doorstep or something, but... dunno, it's not looking good.
And then we have our egg... Not much news on that, I'm afraid. Slush is still carrying it around everywhere, no sign of hatching.. I'd give it a couple more weeks at least, which is good, 'cause that'll give us time to get used to Cody and L'aven (and possibly the Veela baby) before another kiddo comes along.
Gods, I feel old.
On that thought, Slush's birthday is coming up in a few weeks... Hmm...
---Isto
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Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 6:35 pm
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Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 6:37 pm
So, yeah, if it wasn't implied, Cody's walking now. Very well, might I add, though he does stumble occasionally and tires out easily. For which I am thankful. I'm not sure I'd have a moment of rest if he didn't. Guess that's, er...something to look forward to for when he's older.
He's also talking... Just a bit, mind. There are a few distinguishable words here and there, the clearest of which would be 'Da', which also happened to be his first. I'm flattered. I think Slush is upset that he still hasn't said 'Mom' or anything like it, but, well...can't help that, I s'pose. It's not like I haven't tried to get him to say it.
Talking and walking and very, very clingy. He hasn't lightened up on that, and I think it's only getting worse. We'll find a way around it, I s'pose... He's not quiet as bad when that Otsi thing is with him.
Oh, er, I took Cody to visit Moo a couple of days back, and she gave him this...blob. It's just a green blob of, what, jello or something? And has a leaf floating in it. And it has eyes and what -might- be feet, it's kind of hard to tell.
But it's about, oh...probably a bit over a third of his size already, and he absolutely adores it. No earthly why. It just kinda sits there and...um..jiggles. Cody likes poking it. Funny sight, I can tell you.
Ahh, I dunno, things are going pretty good for the time. 'Cept I haven't been getting much sleep. And I've had to change my work pattern because Cody cries while I'm gone. But that's not -too- bad. I usually catch a quick nap in the Past before I come foreward, and, with how the timing works, it makes no difference and I still get there and back in under five minutes.
I've been thinking about sleeping nights in the village and coming back at the end of those...but then my life would sort of turn double. I'd be living twice the time of everyone else. It'd just be awkward, you know? And it's hard enough going part of the day. I hope this doesn't go much longer.
I think I'm getting sick.
---Isto
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Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 6:40 pm
Ha, not. The metal Sm lay stretched out on the couch, one eye half opened and following a tiny centaur around the living room. Cody still absolutely refused to let his ''father'' out of his sight. When Isto had tried to leave him home, the infant had burst into tears before the door was even closed, and proceeded to get louder and louder until a yell from X had sent Isto back to get the baby. Pissy vampires were not something he wanted to deal with today.
And it wasn''t that Cody was bad. Isto loved having the kid around. He was just...overly possessive and didn''t seem to sleep for more than five minutes at a time, meaning neither did Isto. The little centaur seemed to have a sixth sense for knowing when Isto wasn''t paying attention. In any case, whenever that one eye watching him drooped closed, Cody would shakily make his way back to his father''s side, tug on his metal arm, and with many half shouted "Da"s wake the Sm up once more.
How cute.
Sarabi had needed somewhere to go, to escape, and think about things. Sure, Doomis house was great, but it was so crouded, she could hardely move without stepping on someone. And she still hadnet told Tawn yet...she was still to nervous. She moved around the kitchen of the HQ trying to find something to do. There, of corse, was no one around, and thankfully, it was Saturday, so Tawn was most likely at home. She boredly opened a cabinet, and spotted a jar of cookies on the top shelf. "hm, wonder if they have any ham to go with these..." she mumbled and reached for the cookies, standing on her tip toes so that her fingers barely toched the ceramic jar. She had just got it into her grasp when she stepped back, and sliped on a wet spot on the floor, falling on her but, and causing the cookie jar to break into a million peaces, the reamains scattered about along with floor with the crumpled cookies. "Damit!" She cursed, and rubed the sore spot on her hind end.
The crash of the cookie jar and Cody''s following shriek or terror were enough to (temporarily) wake Isto. Even then, he yawned as he sat up, then glanced down in a bemused sort of way at the terrified baby centaur clinging to one of his legs. Chuckling softly, he bent and pried the infant off, then scooped Cody up and stood, heading for the kitchen. "Calm down, shorty. Sounds like someone just dropped a dish..."
Nonetheless, both were still a bit wary as they peeked into the kitchen. However, once Isto recognized the fallen fifther, he quickly stepped in to help her up, carefully avoiding whatever pieces of the jar he could. "You alright, Sarabi?"
Sarabi was quite surprised to hear a familur voice in the door. She forced and smile and took Isto''s hand thankfully. She got up and steadied herself, feeling a weird sense of dizzyness, and leaning against the counter for support. "Yea, yea, im fine Isto." Which was somewhat of a lie. It was then when Sarabi noticed a small boy clinging to Istos legs. Her mood suddenly changed, her face lighting up, and a smile spreading across her face. "Is this little Cody?" She leaned down, her hands on her knees, so she was somewhat eye level with the boy.
Isto could tell the smile was forced, but didn''t seem terribly upset by it. If something was wrong, it was Sarabi''s business, and she would tell him if she wanted him to know. Besides, he had backup. Grinning, he glanced down towards Cody, who he had set down to help Sarabi up. Normally he wouldn''t risk it with the pieces of cookie jar everywhere, but Cody''s hooves would keep him safe, and the kid wouldn''t go far anyway. "Aye, that''s him. Cody, this is Sarabi. A very good friend of mine," he added.
The tiny centaur had ducked behind Isto''s legs when Sarabi bent towards him, only peeking back out once Isto spoke. Cody blinked up at him, but seemed to grasp the general meaning of his words after a moment, and smiled shyly around at Sarabi, opening and closing a hand in his own form of a wave while the other clung tightly to Isto''s pants leg.
"My arnt you hansome." She cooed, trying to comfort the little one. She smiled and waved back at him, then stood up, looking around at the mess, and scowled. "Ill get a broom." She made her way to the broom closet, and took one out, and started sweeping up the mess. When she had put everything in the trash, she stood up, and wavered a little, feeling a wave of fatiuge. She then motioned for Isto and Cody to meet her on the couch, which she happily floped onto.
Isto made a move to take the broom from Sarabi, but she was already half finishde by the time he reached her, seeing as he couldn''t exactly walk right with Cody clinging to him. Giving up, he followed the gestured and started for the couch once more, managing to pry his leg free so he could close the distance a bit more quickly.
Cody, a bit bolder now that he knew this woman to be friendly, stumbled calmly after his father, and soon left Isto''s side completely to resume playing in the middle of the living room with a few toy cars.
With a sigh that quickly grew to a yawn, Isto dropped onto the couch beside Sarabi, propping his head up on one hand and glancing towards her with a tired smile. "S''good to see you again. How''ve you been lately? And Tawn?"
"Were great, really great." She said, staring blankley at little Cody and his trains, one hand laying limply on her belly. "We might be looking into getting a house soon." She said, biting her lower lip. For a moment there was an awkward silence. As she watched Codys playing, and her mind ventured off to the day when she would have her own baby. She wondered what it was like...she had gotten a good amount a babysitting experience, but she had no idea what it would be like to actully take care of her own child. Cody was an adorible little kid, so shy clingy. What would her kids be like? What if they hated her, or what if she was careless one day and the baby got hurt? What if it grew up to be a horrible juvinnile delinquent and lived on the streets! She knew her thoughts were getting out of hand, so she looked over at Isto. There bond had become much stronger lately, then when they used to play when they were kids. Isto was just like her brother. For a moment, she wondered how he would react if she told him. She might feel strange telling him before she told Tawn..but it might help, to get it out. Plus, Isto knew alot about babies, having his own, and also expecting one on the way. She sucked in a large amount of air, and let it out in a deep sigh. She decided to put it as bluntly as possible...."Isto im pregnant."
"Good to hear," he replied with that same tired smile, letting his eyes follow hers back to Cody. The silence stretched on, but Isto didn''t interrupt; it was obvious something was on Sarabi''s mind, and if she wanted to tell him, she would. And, in fact, when she did, Isto showed absolutely no surprise at the confession, merely chuckling softly and rubbing the back of his neck at the memory it brought up. "You know, the last time I heard a woman say that, I about had a heart attack."
He paused, reflecting on that night and the events it had led up to...then turned his head towards Sarabi with a reassuring grin. "But you''re nto Mauli, so I don''t have to be afraid. Well, congrats! How''re you holding up? Excited? And what''s Tawn think about it?"
Sarabi let out a happily little sigh, very glad that Isto didnt start dancing around the room singing, ''MY BABYS HAVEING A BAAAABY!!" Like Doomi had. Sarabi would have been quite disturbed if he did.
".......That what im not sure about Isto. Im nervous I guess, excited of corse, but still way too afraid. I actully...haven''t even told Tawn yet. Im not sure how he would react. Well, I know he would be happy but...we were just married. We havent even had any alone time, for just us. And I need a job...badly." She sighed.
Isto may have thought of Sarabi as a sister, but certainly not a baby. Dancing around a room and singing was more of Slush''s thing, anyway. Nonetheless, the SM remained unusually calm, whether for Sarabi''s benefit or simply because he was exhausted, it was hard to tell. "Well, that''s perfectly understandable. And..I''ll admit, s''odd that I know before Tawn, but I''m honored you trust me enough to tell me." And he meant it. Was sort of like when Tawn asked him to be best man, and it confused him for a while, but he couldn''t have been happier...Ahh, it was definitely good to be in touch with Tawn and Sarabi again.
"Hmm...Well, it depends how you look at it, really. I mean, yeah, you two''ve just gotten married...but you''ve been living together for a while, aye? So things can''t be too different...And aye, you''re pregnant, but it''s not asif you''re even showing yet, so you''ve got a bit before there''s a baby in your lives... It is a big change." He chuckled softly and slumped back in his seat, moving both hands behind his head. "But I can''t imagine a better couple, and you and Tawn''re both so good with kids already. I''m sure things''ll work out. As to the job.. Well, I could prob''ly help with that. I have contacts." He grinned. "Anything particular you''re hoping for?"
Istos answer calmed her quite abit. They did make alot of sense. And her and Tawn are so in love...a child could only make it better right? I mean, little mini Tawns and Sarabis scammpering about the house? That couldnt be so bad. And she still had a awile to go, sure. At that thought she poked at her belly a little bit, no real fat had come on, that she had noticed. And Tawn knew alot about kids, and so did Sarabi, and she was sure they could get into one of those baby help classes.
She heaved a big sigh. "Thanks Isto, that helps." She smiled, and gave him a hug. "We''ll have to get out kids together sometime, like a playdate." She laughed at the thought.
"Oh..job,eh? Well..something...not involving dirt?" She really handt though much about what she had wanted to do...
Chuckling softly, Isto returned the hug and nodded his agreement to the idea. "Anytime, anytime. And sounds like a plan. Just keep in touch. I demand almost-uncle rights." He grinned, then blinked and sighed, slumping down in his seat and covering his face with one hand. "Damn, I feel old. But we''re really not. I mean, you and Tawn and Mauli are older than me, if only by a little bit. Maybe it''s just ''cause I''m tired."
Letting his hand fall, he glanced over to Cody, who was still calmly playing with the toy cars and, to all appearances, ignoring the adults. After a moment, Isto''s grin returned and he glanced back to Sarabi, laughing and quirking a brow. "Without dirt, eh? Well, that narrows it down. I''ll ask around for you, see what I can find. But if you have any more specifics, feel free to tell me."
Sarabi laughed. "Of corse, you are now, Uncle Isto." She smiled, her spirts lifting. "Yea, we are old arnt we? Poor Doomi, she stands next to me and whines because im like three inches taller than her." She laughed.
"You do look tired Isto." She said, seeing the dark circles under his eyes. "You should get some sleep." She looked at Isto, the down to Cody, who was still merrily playing with his trains. "I got an idea, how about you go upstairs and take a nap, and me and Cody will have tons of fun without you." She grinned.
"Lovely," Isto replied with a grin, winking over at Sarabi. "Now I can spoil your shorty and not feel bad about it. Ahh, but we''ve been fifthers for ages..." He shrugged. "I''m used to being half a foot taller than Moo. I just feel...old. I''m married, I''ve got a great job, I''ve got kids.. it''s just weird. Now all I need''s a house in the country and I''m ancient."
He grinned, then yawned, smile fading somewhat as he glanced back towards Cody. "I''d appreciate it, but Cody''d cry or try to come after me, and I''d rather not risk him on those stairs... He''s, er...really, really possessive. He even cries if Slush tries to watch him when I''m not there. I''ve had to manipulate the Past door a bit so I could get the same work done in under five minutes our time, just so Cody doesn''t drive everyone mad while I''m away. S''half the reason I''m so tired nowadays... My days''re double the length of everyone elses."
Sarabi frowned. If Isto continued like this, the outlook would not be too good. "Well, atleast put your feet up." She said and hoped off the couch, to sit next to Cody on the floor. Poor Isto, he really did look tired.
Sarabi turned to Cody and the trains. "Hello Cody." She said gently. "Do you like trains? Ive never been on one before, but I saw one once. They look really fun." She smiled.
Any protest was forgotten as Sarabi left the couch, and Isto simply smiled his thanks before stretching out on the couch once more, making himself comfortable with a yawn. Even if he couldn''t sleep, this was better than nothing. And maybe if Cody got distracted, he could drift off for a bit...
Cody jumped slightly as Sarabi joined him, eyes flicking towards Isto just to reassure himself before turning back to the woman. He smiled hesitantly in reply to her greeting and offered another awkward wave, but soon turned his eyes back to the toys. The boy was silent for a moment, idly rolling a car back and forth with one of his forehooves, but soon reached down and picked up a bright purple one. Looking hopeful, he glanced up to Sarabi and held the car up for her inspection. "Daaa blurfubt!"
"Oh wow! That ones cool. It sorta looks like my car, cept mines more pink, like me." She smiled, and gently picked up a light blue colored car and started wheeling it around with one finger, making a engine noise. With her finger she slowly steered the car around her foot, and then sortly crashed it into Codys hoof. "Uh oh." She said and steered in the other direction, glancing over at Isto to make sure he was doing ok.
Cody hadn''t seen her car, nor did he really plan to, so he just took her word for it that they were alike. Not the he knew the difference between pink and purple either. But he could certainly pretend! And Cody did just that, nodding sagely as if he knew exactly what she meant, while at the same time setting the car back down. The boy blinked, then giggled when the little blue car ''crashed'' against his foot, and was soon mimicing the movement with his own purple car, rolling it around on the floor and trying to crash it into Sarabi''s.
Isto, meanwhile, had already given up trying to stay awake. He was out like a light, curled up comfortably on the sofa with one arm hanging over the side. Thank god for Sarabi...
Sarabi giggled when the little car crashed into the tip of her sandals. She could see that Isto was conked out on the couch, and hopefully, she could distract Cody long enough for Isto to get some real sleep. She dragged over her back pack, which was always full of toys and games for when she visted Doomi, or when she was babysitting other kids. "Hey Cody, would you like to read a story with me?" From her bag she pulled out The Three Little Pigs. She then stood up, and sat in a big comfy looking arm chair. She then motioned for Cody to climb up into her lap. For a moment she wonerded if Cody would be to nervous..."Dont worry Cody, I dont bite." She smiled.
The little centaur was far too interested in his toy car to really pay attention when Sarabi dragged the bag over, and only returned his attention to Sarabi with the sound of his own name, in the same movement sticking the toy car half into his mouth and chewing calmly on it. The boy''s eyes brightened at the sight of the book and he climbed to his hooved feet, taking a small step towards sarabi before pausing. Letting the car fall back to the floor, Cody cocked his head curiously towards his father, quietly asking, "Da?"
"Daaa?" he repeated, somewhat louder, when there was no reply. And when Isto again didn''t answer, Cody, competely forgetting Sarabi, it seemed, ran the short distance to the couch and skidded to a halt. The boy stomped a forehoof impatiently, shrieking, "DAA!"
And Isto jumped awake, propping himself up on one arm and blinking wearily down at the centaur. "What? Ahh..." The little centaur pointed back towards Sarabi, and Isto followed the gesture, looking confused for a moment before noticing the book. Sighing, he reclosed his eyes and waved Cody away with his free hand, flopping back down on the couch with a yawn. "Of course she can read you the book, Cody. Go behave."
Satisfied, Cody trotted calmly back over to Sarabi''s chair and stood at the foot of it peering up at her, holding up his arms in a gesture for her to pick him up and smiling just as cheerfully as ever.
Sarabi cringed at the loud shreik, and almost droped the book. Her hands were waving at Cody in silent sign language, trying not to get loud herself but Isto was awake now anyway. "Sorry." She mouthed to him, and let him slip back into a hopefully deep sleep. She sighed and shook her head, then grinned down at Cody, picking him up, and ploping him on her lap. Maybe she could try to explain. "Daddy," She gestured to Isto, "Is sleeping, so we have to be very quite, so we dont wake him up, okie dokie Cody?" She said, putting a finger to her lips, and blowing, "shhh."
Then she opended up the book, and began to read, making all the pig noises, and huffing quietly, but loud enough for her and Cody to hear.
Cody stepped carefully around on the chair seat, adjusting himself so that his hooves wouldn''t hurt her legs before settling comfortably down on her lap. He blinked curiously up at sarabi, then to Isto, then back to Sarabi with a giggle and nod of ''understanding''. "Daa, shhh," he repeated quietly, putting a finger to his lips as she had done.
And then she opened the book and began to read, and Cody completely forgot about checking every three minutes to be sure Daddy hadn''t forgotten him. The tiny centaur listened intently to the story, eyes wide as they wandered the illustrations. The pictures made the meaning clear enough...sort of. And what they didn''t, Sarabi''s narration did. Cody giggled with each new noise and attempted to repeat them himself, and frequently interrupted the story to point out particularly pretty pictures in the book. Clearly book reading was a rare treat.
Sarabi was enjoying the book just as much as Cody was, though she almost knew it by heart. She was glad it was giving Isto some time to get some sleep in, and Cody had taken a great intrest in the book. When the book was over, Sarabi looked over at Isto, who look very much still asleep. "Did you like the book Cody?" She wispered, tickling his tummy. "If you want, you can pick out another one." She said, indicating to her pink bag, and picking up Cody and setting him on the floor. "But we still have to be quiet. Shh." She said, putting her finger to her mouth once again.
Thankfully, Cody was too busy flipping through the book a second time to notice Sarabi''s glance towards his father. If he had, he probably would have darted over and woken Isto to show him the amazing book he''d just read. Instead, the baby giggled and shied away from the tickling, releasing the first book and turning eagerly towards the bag on the floor. Once Sarabi set him down, he repeated the ''shhh'' gesture, then trotted the short distance to the bag, digging around in it and finally pulling back another book. With both hands he dragged it back over to Sarabi, then glanced hopefully up at her, releasing the book and holding up his hands for her to pick him up. "Aaaht!"
"Ooh, nice choice." She said, first taking the book and placeing it on her lap, then leaning over once again to pick Cody back up. This was a slightly longer book, but that was because it had quite elaborate pictures, that took up most of the pages. She opened it up, beginning once again, to venture into fairytale land. At the end, she closed the book with a satified sigh, and turned back to Cody. "What do you wanna do now Cody?" She wondered if he was getting tired of books. There were more games in her pack if he wanted to explore it, but if he wanted to continue there were a couple more books in her bag.
Of course it was. He wouldn''t have picked it otherwise. Cody squirmed with excitement as he settled back down on Sarabi''s lap. And this book was even better than the last! Cody would''ve sworn he was pulled into the story, so brilliant were the pictures... And it didn''t help that the book was nearly taller than he was. It was with considerable regret that he allowed Sarabi to close the book at the end. Such a good story...
With her question, he snapped back to reality, blinking curiously up at Sarabi before glancing around the room. He had seen some pretty interesting things in her bag, but... With a hopeful trail of babytalk, he pointed out of the nearest window to the lake he could see beyond. Cody had nevereverever seen that much water! Baths were one thing, but this was sooo much bigger... He wanted to go there.
"To the lake, eh?" She said, considering the idea. If they were to go outside, then there would be less chance of waking up Isto. But...it was a lake. Full of water. And Cody surely couldnt swim, he was only a baby. But Sarabi soon caved. She would be there anyway, incase anything went wrong, and she would be sure to keep a watchful eye, to make sure it didnt. "Ok then, off to the lake." She said, and picked up Cody, and putting him on her shoulders so that his back legs where positioned around her neck, his front ones alittle below her ears, and his arms and head peeking over the top of her head. She held on to his back hooves lightly, incase he feel, and steped out the door to the lake, sucking in a large breath of cool fresh air. Sarabi walked along to grass, her toes getting wet from the dew. When they reached the sandy edge of the water, she picked up Cody and set him down. "Have you ever seen a lake Cody? Isnt it preety?" She said dreamily staring out into the green black waters.
"Yaaaaah!" Cody cheered, throwing his arms up in excitement and yelping loudly when he was unexpected picked up and deposited on Sarabi''s shoulders. The baby centaur whined and clung to Sarabi''s head, shifting nervously on her shoulders and staring around the room. Reallyreallyreallyreallyhiiiiiiiigh. Cody had never been so high up! But...it was pretty neat. Growing a bit more confident, Cody quieted and relaxed, but kept his hands tightly clenched in Sarabi''s hair...just in case.
And there were outside! And it was pretty! And there was sky and grass and water and wow, Cody loved it. When Sarabi set him down, he glanced almost sadly up at her. He liked being tall. But the water soon distracted him and he pranced over to the edge, giggling and stomping his forehooves in the shallows. "Waabluf daab gleeee!"
Sarabi laughed, and ploped herself down in the sand. The warm sun felt good against her skin. She sighed, and streched out her legs. Her hands soon found themselves coverd in the grainy white pelets of sand, her fingers shaping little hills. "Hey Cody, wanna make a sand castle?" She said, looking over at Cody. "Watch." She said, going over to the edge of the water, cuping her hands, and taking some water in them, then rushing back to the dry sand and droping the water. She then sat down next to it, and started to form a sandy wall. Then in the middle, she put a lump, which slightly rezembled a castle. Barely. Then she put a rock on the top of the castle, and looked back at Cody. "Ta-daaa." She grined.
Cody was having far to much fun with the water to pay attention to Sarabi for the time. The centaur watched, wide-eyed, as each new wave neared the shore, and jumped over each to land with a splash in the shallows, shrieking with laughter and prancing back to the waters edge to wait for the next small wave. However, Sarabi''s small sand castle soon caught his attention, and the little centaur calmly wandered over, sitting awkwardly on the sand and pulling together a sand-lump of his own. Mimicing hers, he picked up a small rock and placed it atop the pile, frowning his displeasure when the gesture caused half of the mound to crumble away. "Taad..?"
Sarabi giggled and reached forward. "Nice try, but, you have to pack down the sand, like this." She said, carefully patting the sand, and shaping it up a little. "Then the rock will stay...I think." She said, and gently replaced the rock. It stayed. "Ta-daa." She said. "Now you make a wall." She said, point to hers. "Or a moat, or whatever." She said and started to pack some more sand into a wall, but half of it soon colapsed. "Hmf. Its much easier at the beach. Have you ever been to the beach? Its like the lake, cept muuuuuuuch bigger. Ill have Isto take you there sometime. I bet you''''d love it." She then got up, and brushed off the sand that was sticking to her thighs and shorts, and waltzed over to the water, taking off her sandals and sticking her feet in. "Brrr." She said.
He watched carefully for her instructions, throwing his arms up with another cheer when the mound stayed up. Cody hadn''t the faintest idea what a moat was, so he started on a wall, which really resumed nothing more than a long-ish mound...but it was a good start. The boy half-listened while Sarabi chattered, mumbling calmly to himself in baby-talk all the while in what was probably some sort of extended reply. However, at a certain word, he paused and blinked curiously up at Sarabi.
"Issst...Ossi! Da?" Cody blinked once more and glances cautiously around, smile fading somewhat. "Daa...?" ....Where had his dad gone!?!? Eyes tearing up, Cody climbed to his feet and bolted a few paces one way, then paused uncertainly and did the same in the opposite direction, trampling his ''wall'' in the process but not caring in the least. Dad...wasn''t...here...? The boy''s lip trembled, fat tears leaking free.... He let out a wail, bringing his still-sandy hands up to cover his eyes. "DAAAAAAAAAAA!?!"
Sarabi froze, and no, it was not because of the cold water. It had sliped out before she knew it, and she hadnt even noticed until the poor Cody started to wail. Sarabi rushed over and quickly scooped up Cody in her arms, gently bobbing up and down and cooing "Shh, its alright Cody, its ok. Daddys inside sleeping. Remeber shh?" She said not sure if this would make any difference. She started to walk towards her bag, which she had grabed on the way out. She almost triped over her sand castle, but soon recoverd. She crouched near to the ground, Cody still in her arms, and pulled our a towel, and wiped off Codys sand hands and feet, and wiped his wet cheeks, then turned the towel over, and wraped Cody up in it, and set him on the ground, rubbing his back soothingly. "You gonna be alright Cody?" She said, looking concerned.
Cody was not to be cheered. His dad was no where to be seen, and even Sarabi''s assurance that Isto was just inside wasn''t enough to help. Inside wasn''t here. Cody wanted to be where dad was NOW. The baby''s sobbing continued, and he hardly noticed as Sarabi cleaned him off and wrapped him in the towel. Though it was rather warm...and comfy....and the back rubs... And... No, no, dad wasn''t here and that was BAD. Shrieking continued...if somewhat quieter. Comfy towel....
"Shhh." Sarabi continued, picking up Cody and placing him on her lap, still rubbing his back. "Would you like something to eat?" Sarabi was sure there was something in her bag. She reached inside, fishing around till her hand grasped a plastic bag. She pulled it out hopefully. Cherrios. She opened the bag, taking one out and testing it. It was preety fresh. She handed the bag to Cody. She might as well try to explain the concept of sleep to him. "Cody, do you sometimes get really tired, and Daddy lays you down so you can take a nap? Well, thats called sleeping, as you probably already now. Now, everyone needs to sleep, or they get very grumpy, and unhappy, and sometimes sick." She paused, looking at Cody, blinking and trying to find her next words. "Now, your daddy needs his sleep too, even though he loves you very very much, and wants to be with your every second of the day..but he needs his sleep. It makes him happier, and gives him the energy, so he can play with your lots." She smiled.
And still it didn''t help. Cody merely shoved away the bag of Cheerios without interrupting his sobs, curling up on her lap and burying his face in his hands. He vaguely heard something about naps and sleeping and being sick and his dad and love and happy and energy but that wasn''t the point, and Cody wasn''t to be reasoned with! His dad wasn''t here, and he didn''t even know how long his dad hadn''t been here, and his dad could be ANYWHERE, and Cody wanted him NOW. "DAAAAAAAAAA!?!?"
Sarabi sighed. She figured Cody wouldnt stop wailing unless she brought him to Isto. She checked her watch. It had been atleast a good two hours of sleep time for Isto. "Ok ok Cody. Ill bring you to your Da." She said, wiping the hair out of Codys eyes, and drying his cheeks once again. She stood up, and picked up her bag, carring Cody in one arm and heading off towards the HQ. When she got inside, she made her way over to the couch, hesitating a moment before placing her hand on Isto sholder and shaking it. "Isto...Isto...?"
Even Sarabi''s promise to take him back to his dad did nothing to cheer the baby centaur. Cody''s tears continued even as she carried him back inside and, if possible, doubled again at the sight of his sleeping father. The centaur squirmed frantically in Sarabi''s arms, both of his own stretched towards the SM on the couch. "DAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!"
Isto was already half awake by the time Sarabi actually shook his shoulder; nights of Cody''s off and on calls had him constantly listening for the little centaur, no matter how deep the sleep. With a yawn, he reluctantly sat up and automatically reached out to take the shrieking Cody from Sarabi, setting the baby on his lap and petting his back lightly with his metal hand, rubbing his own eyes with the other. "Calm down, shorty. You''re perfectly fine..."
Cody''s tears continued for a few minutes longer while he babbled out the tale of his horrible misery of realizing his dad wasn''t by the lake and how on earth could Isto have left him like that and Cody was never ever ever gonna let daddy out of his sight again ever! ...And eventually calmed and simply settled down on Isto''s lap, amusing himself with playing with Isto''s metal fingers.
The SM cracked a smile, watchign Cody silently until he quieted and finally glancing back up to Sarabi with a grin. "Well... It was nice while it lasted. Thanks for your help..."
"...Anytime." She said blankley, her eyes tranfixed on Cody. She was still a little shaken up about the whole incident. No wonder Isto didnt get any sleep. Cody was just so...clingy. Her thoughts traveled to the future, thinking of a fifteen year old Cody latched on to Isto''s leg, wailing because he didnt want to go to school in fear of being seperated with his dad. Oh yes, hopefully this fase would soon fade. "You...you alright now Codster?" She said trying to look as cheerful as possible.
That was exactly what Isto was afraid of. But...the little centaur had made some progress, at least? In the days following his birth, if Isto so much as tried to set him down, the tears began. And now Isto had managed a full two hour nap... Yes, it was getting better. Slowly, but getting there...
Cody pulled his attention back to Sarabi with her question and smiled sweetly up at her, murmuring something along the lines of ''Daa blabfuf viggle'' and patting Isto''s metal hand calmly. He was feeling much better now! And he had already told dad the whole story of what he had seen and did while dad wasn''t...there... Actually, the mere thought nearly set off Cody again. But the baby centaur choked back any sobs and smiled once more. Yes, he was fine now.
"Oh, good." She said, ruffling Codys hair, and sitting next to him and Isto with a little sigh. "Me and Cody read some books, didnt we Cody? He seemed to really enjoy those. Then we made some sand castles and splashed around down near the lake." She said. "It was really fun. Anytime Cody wants to come hang out im around." She grined at Cody, then turned back to Isto. "Oh, that reminds me, you asked my what I wanted in a job earilier? Well, I love kids..." She thought for a moment, trying to think. She wasnt really good at much cept kids really. "Um, well...Im not that great with numbers and math, and..I like gum? Eh..." She said, suddenly feeling stupid.
"Thanks for the offer," Isto replied with a grin, looking back up. "Sounds like you two''ve had a full afternoon. Childrens books..." He trailed off, glancing back down towards Cody, who seemed to be having a conversation with his metal hand. "I hadn''t thought of that. Actually, I''m not sure we own any.. I''ll have to get him some." They had already cleaned out the nursery at X''s. The few books it had were more story than pictures, and they had just put Cody to sleep.
....Actually, that was worth noting as well.
"Hmm? Oh." Jobs, right. "Kids, gum, and no math. Gotcha." He grinned, then chuckled softly and sunk back on the couch with a yawn. "I''ll ask around, Sarabi. I''m sure we can find something at least temporarily..and then look for something more ideal. But who knows? Maybe you''ll get lucky."
"You could borrow some of Doomi''s books. Shes got tons, and she hasnt had any little feet running around lately, so I dont think she''d miss them." She said, shruging. "Ill ask her next time I see her. And thanks for helping with the job search. Im willing to do almost anything possible now, so we can save up for a house."
Instinctivley she reached for her bag, taking out her cell phone and turning it on. Sarabi frowned at the screen. "Three missed calls..." She mumbled. "I better be getting back, Tawns probably been missing me these past couple of days.." Truth was, she was dearly missing him too. But, tonight was the night. She had to tell him and get it over with. "Thanks for everything Isto." She said, leaning down and giving Isto a hug. "And thanks for the fun time Cody. I hope to see you again soon." She grined.
"Maybe temporarily," Isto agreed slowly, then blinked and glanced up, nodding. "I''d appreciate it. But we''re going to have to buy some anyway. Cody''s not the only shorty around the house.." He chuckled softly at the thought, looking, if anything, a bit more tired than ever. Snapping out of it, he smiled. "No worries. I know that feeling... The GMFC cost..er...a bit more than expected, so house funds''re almost gone. I''m probably gonna pick up a second job myself." They couldn''t just stay at X''s forever, after all.
Nodding absently, he returned the hug, then scooped Cody under one arm and climbed to his feet. (Cody squealed in surprise and burst into giggles, kicking his feet towards the ground.) "It was great seeing you, Sarabi. Keep in touch, alright? And tell Tawn I say hi. He''ll have to meet the shorty sometime..." He trailed off and grinned, glancing down to Cody. "Say buh-bye to Sarabi, kiddo."
Cody pulled his attention from the floor just long enough to send Sarabi another of his open-close waves, then, suddenly shy once more, stuffed his thumb into his mouth and looked back towards the floor, giggling quietly.
"Oh no you dont!." She said, blumping against Istos arm. "You already get no sleep as it is. Dont go taking another job and getting yourself sick." She said and turned towards the door, blowing a little kiss to Cody. "Ill see you two later." And stepted out the door, grabing the keys to her car, and taking a deep breath. "Off to tell Tawny-boy.." She said under her breath, hiding back a excited smile, and jumping in her car.
Isto began to reply, but thought better of it and simply shrugged, offering a parting smile to Sarabi as she left. Once she had gone, he yawned and started for the door, Cody still tucked under his normal arm. Off for home again~...
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Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 6:41 pm
No one had any time to goof off with her anymore. Mauli was busy trying to teach Vetch to sail, Fen was always off snogging Misae, and Lenta was so close to giving birth that she was always on edge. Finally, Kailee had given up trying to pester Lenta into playing a boardgame with her and had braved the outdoors to go to the SMO center. To her severe dissappointment, there was no one there... T''least, not that she could see. With a heavy sigh, the SM girl flopped into the nearest armchair and glared angrily at the ceiling, her chin resting on her hand. This was not turning out to be a good day.
Isto was very tired.
Let''s see, it had been, what, over a week now since he had last slept? Excluding the occasional brief nap he had managed to sneak in, of course. It wasn''t that he didn''t want to sleep, or that he couldn''t fall asleep... Between dealing with one job, looking for a second, taking care two babies (one of whom was extremely clingy) and praparing for another, searching for the Veela and -now- trying to help Moo...well, he just didn''t have the time. And now, for the first time in his life, Isto was getting sick.
Not that that prevented him from taking the bike.
The roar of the motorcycle''s arrival was drowned out almost immediately by the shrieks of one of its passengers. Before Isto could shut off the bike or even park completely, Moo was off for the new HQ at a run, nearly tripping twice on the hem of her flowing gown before simply hefting it and continuing towards the building. Anything to get away from that beastly...whateveritwas.
Moo ducked into the HQ without relenting in her screams and, upon seeing Kailee, ran towards the girl (who she completely failed to recognize), waving her arms as if to chase her away. "RUN! You have to get out before he sees you, or he''ll drag you off on that roaring..metal..thing too!"
"Be quiet, Sao," Isto snapped from the doorway. The woman whirled around, shrieked, and took off in the direction of the kitchen. Sighing, Isto simply rolled his eyes and let her go, waving slightly in greeting to Kai and droppin into the nearest armchair. "She''s finally lost it."
Kailee watched in awe as her grandmother ran into the room, screaming about some metallic thing, and dressed in odd old-timey looking clothes. She continued staring as Moo, or, um... Sao... ran into the kitchen, then turned wide-eyed to Isto and gaped at him. Where had he come from?
"What has Gramma Moo lost? And why is she dressed like a princess?" Well, this certainly wasn''t boring. Maybe things were looking up after all. "It''s a nice dress, but a bit... um... big... And I certainly wouldn''t want to wear it if it made me act all crazy."
"Her mind," he replied almost boredly, glaring in the general direction Moo had gone. With a sigh, he closed his eyes and sunk lower in his chair, explaining the situation for the upteenth time to yet another person. "That''s how she used to dress and refuses to wear anything else anymore. ''Parently she''s from the Past. 17th century, to be exact, and accidently came forward. Long story short, she''s taught herself just about everything she needs to know to live in this time, but had an accident a few days back and..er...forgot everything that happened since she came here. She thinks I''m a witch,: he added as an afterthought, reopening an eye to stare in the direction of the kitchen. "No idea how I''ll get her back on that bike."
"Maybe you can tell her it''s a metal horse." Kailee chipped in helpfully, beaming. This, at the time, seemed like a brilliant idea. After all, people back in the Medieval times used to ride horses, didn''t they? It didn''t occur to Kailee that not only did a motorcycle not look like a horse, it also did not sound like a horse, eat grass and crap like a horse, or have to be shoe''d like a horse.
"And that you''re not a witch, you''re just a really good blacksmith. Unless you''ve already tried that... Then you''re kinda screwed." She said cheerily, sitting up in her chair and pulling her knees to her chest. "Can''t you just explain to her who she really is...? Or maybe get her memory back somehow?"
"That''s how I got her on it the first time, actually." He paused, chuckling softly at the memory. "And then I turned it on. She screamed the whole way here." As if he didn''t be enough strange looks driving around, what with the ''hawk and metal arm. Add in a blue haired princess screaming at the top of her lungs and you had the next two occupants for the loony bin. He was just lucky the other cars had scared Moo as much as his bike had, or she probably would have run off at one of the red lights on the way.
Straightening up slightly, he propped his head up on his normal and and yawned, waiting until it passed to continue. "She didn''t believe me, because, somehow, she knows Pod from back then, and that made her sure nothing I said could be true. Actually, the only reason she trusted me enough to come near me was because Pod promised I wouldn''t curse her." He rolled his eyes, muttering something under his breath, then resumed. "I''d heard some people who have amnesia can sometimes get their memory back by seeing familiar...anythings. Something to trigger it back . So I''m bringing her from place to place in the hopes that that might happen."
"Oooh, that''s a smart idea." Kailee nodded, wrapping her arms around her legs and resting her chin on her knees. This was all very odd, but intriguing, nonetheless. She felt bad for Moo (whoops, Sao xD), though. She was in a completely different world than what she was used to, and it must''ve been scary. "Um, but... Who''s Pod? And maybe you should take her to see X and Slush. T''seems to me that they mean a lot to her... Or at least, she knows about ''em..."
Isto shrugged, grimacing faintly. "No earthly. He showed up at Moo''''s a while back and she let him stay because she knew him from...well, somewhere. Wouldn''''t say where. And now he''''s still there because she still recognizes him, even though she''''s already kicked half of her own family out of the house." His frown deepened, but soon passed. He grinned faintly, shaking his head. "Tried it. And then I kiss Slush goodbye and Moo started shrieking about how I was a witch again."
Kailee laughed, ears perking up. "She thinks you''re a witch ''cause you''re gay? I thought for sure it was the motorcycle... Man, she''d better not get around me, then. Although, i''ve got no one to kiss goodbye, so I might be safe." Then, she fell silent, lips pursing as she thought. This Pod fellow didn''t sound very pleasant...
"Why doesn''t someone just kick Pod out? He sounds like a moron. A very disruptive, unsavory moron." She frowned. "And then move the family back in. No friend''s worth keeping around if he or she makes family leave."
"Among other things," he replied with a grin, gesturing with his good hand to his metal arm and mohawk. "Though the motorcycle is part of it." Probably a big part of it after that screaming ride. Sigh. But, it couldn''t be helped. Maybe he could tie Moo back onto the bike and not get arrested before they got home.
Snapping back to the conversation, he quirked a brow, then shook his head. "Oh, no, Pod''s a pretty nice guy, actually. Bit more of a whore than I''d like in Moo''s house, but nice otherwise. It wasn''t his idea to kick everyone out. Moo tossed Banda out almost as soon as she saw him. You know that old coat he''s always wearing? Thought he was a peasant, and she couldn''t have that in her castle." He rolled his eyes. "No idea where Banda went, but I''ll find him. And the others."
"Awwww, poor Banda..." Kailee furrowed her eyebrows, ears flattening to the sides of her head. "Gramma better snap out of it quick, then. If she doesn''t, she''ll end up getting her memory back and having no family left..."
This was all very disturbing. Kailee prayed silently that the same wouldn''t happen to Lenta; otherwise, she might not have a home either. Kailee wasn''t sure of Lenta''s past, just like she had never been sure of Moo''s, so it was a nightmare that could easily become reality. Or... Since she was living in Moo''s house, it might happen anyways...
"I think i''ll stay away from her for a little while." Kailee remarked quietly, lifting one hand to tuck a stray piece of hair behind her ear.
"I don''t think you need to worry," Isto replied slowly, then shrugged. "Pod and I managed to convince her not to throw anyone else out, though she tried to toss the shorties. They wandered off for the day, and by the time they came back, she was willing to let them stay. We just have to find Banda now.." He trailed off with a sigh, reclosing his eyes. Isto didn''t have the faintest idea where his brother would have gone. Nor, for that matter, did anyone else, what with Moo as she was. Hopefully he would show up again in a few days...
"Good..." Kailee breathed a sigh of relief, ears perking back up once more. "Um, if you want... I''ll help you look... I mean, i''ve got nothing else to do, not with Lenta the way she is and Mauli off with Vetch. Just come by and tell me when you guys start looking, if you do." Then, Kailee curled her tail around her feet, staring off towards the kitchen.
TBC
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Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 4:10 pm
"Daaa...?" For the upteenth time that day, the door cracked open, and for the upteenth time that day, Cody peeked inside in search of his resting father. "Daaaa?" When there was no response, Cody stepped inside the room and nudged the door closed behind him, just in case anyone should pass in the hall.
Silently, hooves muffled by the carpet, he stpped over to the bed and tugged weakly on the hand hanging over the side. "Daaa..?" Still no response. Cody was losing his patience.
Stepping back a pace, the baby centaur took a deep breath, stomping a forehoof on the floor (thought it wasn't very effective) and shrieking at the top of his lungs, "DAA! Daa mahne buh gowne!"
Though his 'words' made no sense, they certainly served their purpose. Isto came awake with a groan, lifting his head just enough to peer blearily down at the centaur.
Cody positively beamed.
After a moment of staring, Isto sighed and let his head fall, draggin over another pillow and pulling it down over his head. A steam of curses followed, thankfully mostly muffled, and finally Isto resurfaced, setting the pillow aside and rubbing his tempe with two normal fingers.
Cody blinked curiously up at him. "Dem?"
"Huh?" Yawning, Isto pulled himself up to sit on the edge of the bed. And then it clicked, and he frowned, reaching towards the nightstand for his glasses and shaking his head at the young centaur. "Nonono, bad word. You don't say that, alright?"
"Shh," Cody agreed, holding a finger to his lips. Nodding reassuringly, he stepped back to the bedside and held up both arms for his father to lift him. Muttering something under his breath about wishing Cody would 'shh' more often, Isto complied.
Immediately Cody settled down beside him and began playing with his metal hand, chatting amiably as if he had been reunited with a long lost friend. This was not going to work.
Without further ado, Isto climbed to his feet and scooped Cody up, heading out the door and down the hallway to the nursery. The centaur actually cheered in response. Dad was up!! That meant he was better and they could play again!!
Haha, not.
Even the short walk to the nursey was enough to completely drain Isto of what little strength he had recovered. He stumbled over to a rocking chair and gratefully sunk into it, setting Cody down on the seat beside him. After taking a moment to catch his breath, he struggled to his feet once more and quickly closed the distance between himself and the closet, digging around within it for a short while before returning with a tattered orange teddy bear.
Returning to his seat, he set the bear on his lap, glancing back to Cody. "This," he began, gesturing to the bear, "was mine when I was your age. Used to play with it all the time.. Can't for the life of me remember what." Cracking a grin, he turned his eyes to the bear. "It was a present from a good friend of mine..." he trailed off, smile faltering.
After a moment, however, he snapped back to the present and glanced back to the baby centaur, chuckling softly. "Dunno if you'll have any idea what I'm saying, but Dad's sick, Cody... I really, really need to sleep, because I won't get better if I don't, right?"
The centaur baby, smiling as brightly as ever, nodded in 'understanding', lifting a finger to his lips. "Shhh!"
"Exactly," Isto laughed weakly, the sound fading as he yawned. Clearing his throat, he continued, "So, here's what we'll do. I'm gonna give this bear to you, right? My bear, but now he's your bear. Whenever you need me but I'm not around, or resting, or...well, whatever, just come find the bear, and he'll take care of you until I can come... And then you don't have to get scared when I'm not around. Bear'll take care of you."
Cody hadn't exactly taken in half of his words, but seemed to be considering the idea. Finally, with a nod, he grabbed the bear by the arm and pulled it over, hugging it tightly and peeking around its head at his father. "Daa beh gruummbuff pab."
"Quite right," Isto murmured, grinning faintly. Lifting baby and bear, he set the pair on the floor and gestured vaguely towards the door, climbing to his feet as well. "Now, go play with your brother, and I'm gonna try and get some sleep, okay? Remember, just come find the bear."
Find the bear nothing. Cody was taking it with him. Nodding cheerfully up at Isto, Cody loops his arm's around the bears neck and dragged it towards the door, out, and off down the hall. Isto followed just behind, but ducked aside once they passed his room, slipping within and collapsing back onto the bed.
Now, hopefully, this would work...
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Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 6:02 pm
It was pretty bad, I guess. Dunno, I've been pretty much confined to bedrest. it's bloody annoying not being able to do anything. I think that was the worst part of it... Dunno what I'll tell my boss when I get back to work. It I even head back anytime soon. Slush doesn't seem to want to let me. I had to sneak out of bed to write this, so if I suddenly cut of...that's why.
Right, so... Er.. Not much to say, all in all. Things haven't really changed... Slush has been doing great with the shorties while I've been out of it. Vi and Faust have been helping him, I think, but still.
Oh, and one good thing has come from this... Cody's finally leaving me alone. Er... that sounded bad. Let me rephrase. Um..
Well, remember how Cody wouldn't let me out of his sight, and wouldn't really sleep at night, and wouldn't tolerate, like, anyone else? When I first got sick, he would come in every five minutes and wake me up, so I finally took him back to his room and explained some stuff (not that I'm sure he understood), and gave him my old teddy bear that Mauli gave me. And, whether he understood, or not, he's gotten better.
He sleeps at night now... All night. Without waking every ten minutes in tears. And he's been doing pretty well about not bothering me while I'm resting... though I know for a fact that he sneaks in every couple of hours to check on me. Sweet kid.
Also, his blob thing grew, so that's been keeping him entertained too. And then
Um. bed now before I get in trouble.
--Isto
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