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 Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 10:38 am
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Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 10:41 am
XBear It was hot outside. Well hot considering it had been cold for way too long, but with the sun's valient return, so came the heat and the additional darkening of his skin. This was the reason that Isto was not with him because currently, the older, much paler, SM was at home looking like a lobster dinner, and the younger SM had gone out for some kind of lotion or something for his irritable husband.
Isto apparently didn't like the butter suggestion Slush had made earlier.
But the darker SM decided to take a detour and visit a few shops, fill out a few adoption forms. You know, the usual.
Now he was sitting in the nice, air conditioned waiting room of a new adoption agency, having just turned in his paperwork for what he assumed was a baby.
Whatever, this place was air conditioned and he was content to wait for his refusal in the cool, pollen free shaded air.
Of course the adoption agency was air conditioned. It had to be. One of the co-owners was part ice dragon. As much as she liked the sun... She liked to be kept relatively cool. There were only certain kinds of hot that she actually appreciated.
Not to mention the fact that pregnant women got cranky when it was too hot... Flarie had been proof of that.
She had sorted through the next batch of forms. She hated forms. They required much more orginazation than she had patience for at the moment. Blah to them all. The blonde sitting across from her wasn't helping things any at all... With the way that she stared cooly across the desk as if she were trying to find a way to collar Skye and sell her to a circus.
There would be none of that.
She stood slowly, making her way towards the waiting room where she saw a young man sitting. "You... You're looking for a baby to adopt, yes?"
The woman continued to eye Skye before reaching down in a bag of hers for some smokes and a lighter, one of those damned human habits she picked up over the past few years or so. It wasn't her fault this half-breed was brewing inside of her, and she had half a mind to kill it off herself, but somehow here she was, pregnant and blowing smoke at the other woman in spite.
"Sure! Didn't think you'd like us, but you do!" Slush bounded up from his seat and headed towards the woman, coughing and hacking miserably at the smoke.
This brought a smile to the Veela's cold lips at least.
"So... Now. What." He had to pause his speaking between hacks and arm waving, but he managed to grin towards the woman in front of him oblivously.
She cleared her throat, reaching out to snatch the cigarette from the icey woman. "Give me that." It was quickly snuffed and she did all that she could to keep from snarling. "There will be no smoking. It's bad for the baby."
She turned back to the young man. "We liked you just fine, dear... Enough that I feel that I must apologize for telling you that this woman will be living with you until her child is born. Good luck."
Blowing the last of the smoke at Skye with a wicked smile, she made no indication that she really cared for the abomination growing inside her, "So?"
It was then that Slush finally noticed the rather round blonde, eye quirking when he realized she was the one smoking. Smoking with his baby in her stomach, "Yeah... What she said about the smoking."
Wait, wait, and WAIT! This snark of a woman was going to be living with him and Isto? Not to mention everyone else in the family.
His eyes apparently showed his horror and the Veela smirked, standing up and heading for the door while reaching into her bag again, "You better have a nice house, or I'll kill you, rob you, and then find somewhere to dump the baby."
Slush simply blinked. This woman had to be worse than X pregnant, he was very much not liking the idea of dying because where he was staying wasn't to her liking. Suddenly though, he caught sight of her from behind and was transfixed.
Damn she was beautiful.
Trailing behind like a lost puppy, Slush soon snapped out of it with the rising smoke, snatching the cigarette and stomping on it for emphasis. "No smoking!"
Giving a light, somehow pained, wave to Skye, apologetic because he didn't stay longer.
She began to wonder how people like that had children to begin with... They obviously shouldn't breed... Hopefully the baby would be absolutely nothing like its mother. The witch.
She gave an apologetic look in return to Slush. Hopefully he'd be alright with her until the child was born... Either way that woman needed to be stopped. She really was going to have to watch the people that they brought in here a bit more carefully... It wouldn't due to have any of their applicants murdered...
Damn this job anyways.
Fin.
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Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 10:42 am
 The centaurs join the family. >3
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Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 10:46 am
Isto's 'first-sun-of-the-year' burn had faded to a light tan, and the SM was finally willing to go out in public again. He had fed his housemates a variety of excuses as to why he was leaving, but, in all honesty, he just wanted away from that Veela Slush had brought home. Isto still wasn't quite sure where she had come from. Irritating pregnant woman.
He noticed the shop in passing and, failing to recognize it, decided to check it out. After looking around the building and reading a few information packets, he went ahead and filled out a form. Couldn't do any harm. It was his turn to bring someone home anyway, and any new addition was most welcome.
Submit the form, and off we go...except...well, maybe he'd look around the shop a bit more. There hadn't been quite as much information as he would have liked. And it was air conditioned. Mmm.
Skye was rather pleased at the moment... The night before she had carried on a chat with a dear friend and she had rid herself of a bane on the existance of everyone; an icey Veela who may as well have been a harpy from Hades itself. Poor man...
And then, they had arrived. They weren't exactly comfortable inside the clinic so Skye had gone outside to chat with them... A rather large male and his rather pregnant 'mate'. They had a child that neither were ready to care for... As odd as it seemed, they wanted someone to take care of it...
Her brow furrowed slightly as she tried to think about the various applications that she had gone through as the day had progressed. Many of the words simply blended together... But the most recent stood out in her mind for some odd reason. Maybe it was the handwriting...
She excused herself from the pair for a moment, carefully knocking on the window in order to gain the man's attention. Hopefully he wouldn't freak out or something... Afterall, there was nothing wrong with the fact that she was knocking on her own window in the evening...
It took Isto a moment to figure out where the knocking was coming from, and when he did, he instantly regretted it. Someone -outside- was trying to attract his attention. Erk. He really didn't want to leave the air conditioning. But...Oh well, he would have had to sooner or later.
He nodded to show he was coming, then started for the door and slipped outside, walking over. Isto did a double-take when he noticed the pair, but disguised it with a polite nod in greeting and turned his attention back to Skye. "Can I help you?"
"You filled out an application eariler, yes? Name... Isto?" Heavens forgive her if she was wrong... She had just read the application. It couldn't have been that far gone from her mind. "You wanted to adopt a baby... What about a centaur baby?"
The pair shuffled slightly behind her, the male turning to eye the woods before his gaze returned to the woman and the new man. His front hooves pawed at the ground, hand resting steady on the shoulder of his mate.
"Oh, yeah, that's me." He grinned, relaxing faintly. Well good, this was just someone who worked at the shop. That made a bit more sense, then. And the centaurs... "A centaur baby?" Isto blinked and glanced to the pair, eyeing them thoughtfully for a moment, then turned his eyes back to Skye and smiled, nodding. "Sure, why not? I'd be happy to."
"Good. In that case they're yours..." She quickly took that statement back when she heard a rather disgruntled snort from behind her. "Alright... Not yours... They don't belong to anyone... But their baby will be your child once it is born."
Isto blinked. He felt an odd sense of deja vu, and found himself vaguely wondering if this was how Slush had wound up with the Veela. Hopefully this couple wouldn't turn out as badly. Couple. Cenaturs. Erk, where would they stay? "They're...coming live with me?"
"What did you expect?" The centaurs finally approached, the male just a step ahead, eyeing Isto appraisingly. He scowled, "We're not going to give the child to just anyone. Especially not some spikey-haired punk wannabe who--What exactly are you?" he mused, raising a brow.
Before Isto could reply, the female stepped up and set a hand on her mate's arm, shooting him a disapproving look before returning her eyes to the SM. "You'll have to excuse Verin. He's not very happy with the whole...situation. We just want what's best for the baby." She paused momentarily, smiling, then tilted her head slightly. "Though...You are...umm.. Not exactly what we expected?"
"I get that a lot," Isto mumbled, eyeing both centaurs warily--specifically Verin. But then he smiled and shrugged, spreading his arms apologetically. "But then, appearances aren't everything. C'mon, let's head home. I'm Isto, by the way."
"I'm Alura," she replied quietly. "And he's Verin. It's nice to meet you." She started after Isto, tugging on Verin's arm until he relented and came with her, the paused and glanced back at Skye, smiling. "Thanks for your help."
Yes, it was a great deal like the way she had saddled Slush with the Veela... Of course, what else was one to do when such magnificent creatures simply showed up outside of the adoption agency? She really was going to have to find out who was putting their card up around places where all of these mythological beings could find it...
"You're most welcome, Alura... I am sorry that he wasn't what you expected, but I am sure that he will take wonderful care of your child..." And maybe the centaurs would stomp on the Veela while they were at it... "Enjoy your stay."
That said, she turned back towards the adoption agency, slipping inside in order to allow the young man to get to know the parents.
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Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 10:47 am
Ahh, I probably should have written in this sooner. To be completely honest, I lost it the first day. But I really can't use that as an excuse, I suppose, considering I found it the next... Right, um, anyway,
About two weeks ago, I happened upon a relatively new shop. Filled out an application, etc, etc... And ended up with two centaurs. Two arrogant, rude, pain in the a** centaurs. ...Well, no, I take that back. They each have their good and bad sides... Erk, lemme start over.
So, two centaurs. A married couple, the male is Verin, the female is Alura. When we first met, Verin was rather...rude and angry, and I honestly think Alura was the only thing keeping him from trampling me into the mud. Alura, on the other hand, was sweet and soft spoken, and, of the two, the one I thought I would like best.
First impressions are not everything.
Turns out, Verin was just in a bad mood because he really doesn't want to give away the kid (Alura's pregnant), and was worried about who would become guardian of his child. I think I was something of his worst nightmare when we met, what with the green mohawk and metal arm. But after two weeks of living with the guy, we're on pretty good terms. He's still very straightforward about things, and rather proud and arrogant, but as long as you don't make him mad, he's a nice guy.
Alura... Remember sweet and soft spoken? Well, she is. Sickly sweet. To anyone except Verin, I'd swear her smile is forced. She's haughty, snobbish, racist (The only reason she tolerates me is because I'm not human--the tail.), gossips constantly.. Erg, I can't have a decent conversation with her anymore. But, despite all that, she's still not as bad as Slush's Veela.
Poor guy. That woman.. erg. Just goes to show that looks aren't everything. Hopefully the child won't be as bad..
I went back to work a few days after the centaurs moved in, but I still spend most afternoons talking with them. A bunch of different subjects, half of which I can't remember... They were all very interesting, though. These centaurs have a completely different outlook on things than I do, for the most part. Not like politics are anything, but nature and such.. Dunno, they remind me a lot of my brother Banda, just more in tune with things. He's a bit too innocent for his own good.
.....Erk, it's Banda's birthday. I'd completely forgotten. I don't have a present, I haven't called him... Eh, I'll write more here later. Party time ;D
--Isto
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Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 10:48 am
They were an odd sight to see, all in all; Two centaurs, on their own out of place, walking down the sidewalk with a metal-armed, mohawked, tailed guy. But there were stranger things in Gaia. Honestly, Isto was having a good time. He always turned a few heads in passing, and now with these two... Well, it was amusing.
Alura was eagerly soaking up the attention, pracing down the sidewalk slightly ahead of the two males, humming cheerfully to herself and nodding greetings to anyone she passed. Verin, on the other hand, was completely ignoring all other people, acting the part of personal bodyguard. Isto was trying not to laugh.
Upong reaching the shop, Alura paused at the door, staring at Isto until he relented and opened it for her. The centaur slipped inside, ignoring the males who followed, and looked around, folding her arms with a huff. "Helloooo? Is anyone here? I'd best not have come all this way for nothing."
The adoption agency seemed quiet and rather... Empty for all purposes. The lights in most of the halls had been turned down but the one in what may as well have been considered a 'waiting room' was just beaming with brightness. The wolf boy found the brightness almost nauseating and he was doing his best to tune it out.
Of course, a book of poetry would only get someone so far when it came to ignoring things so, when two centaurs and a strange man walked in he couldn't help but be a bit taken aback. "Sorry. Adoption agency's closed for the evening and my mother said that we're 'not taking any more of those strange creatures.'" His voice was an almost perfect mimic of Skye's as he spoke that last part. He was rather proud of that fact... It had gotten him out of a few scrapes.
"Excuse me?" Alura practically shrieked, losing her cheerful attitude in an instant. (Behind Alura, Isto snickered, whispering to Verin. "Now he's done it.") "You, little boy, look rather strange yourself, what with those outrageous ears sticking out of your head. The absolute nerve! And I am NOT a new customer! But you just see if I ever refer this establishment to anyone else! My, but--"
She fell silence with a glare when Verin clamped a hand over her mouth, but remained silent when he removed it. The black centaur was rather annoyed just from being indoors--ceilings bothered him--, and he really didn't need Alura's ranting at this boy's rudeness. "If it's closed, we'll just be going. There's no one here but the dog boy anyway. Surely you would rather talk with someone else?" Alura considered this, then nodded, sticking her tongue out towards the boy.
Isto was still trying not to laugh.
For all purposes, it was probably a good thing that the moon was in one of its less noticable stages. He was less prone to random outbursts of his own and a great deal more likely to just let things roll off of him... Or cry. Crying was good... But he wasn't going to give that woman the satisfaction.
He stood slowly, closing his book of verses as he did so, silver eyes drifting upwards to simply stare. "Now you listen... I know that I'm not exactly normal but, when you take everything into consideration, I've but a tail and some 'outrageous ears'. You have four le--"
His words were cut off by a pale hand that covered his babbling lips. The hand was connected to an arm and so on until a young man with a purple tipped green tail came into view. "Didn't 'mother' teach you how to speak to ladies? No wonder why you don't hae a girlfriend... Forgive him. He's rude. And stupid. I'm Toki... You are?"
"She meant no offense," Isto replied, cutting off Alura before she could speak. "She meant no offense," he repeated, frowning at the centaur until she turned away with a huff. His smile returning, the SM turned back to both boys, nodding cheerfully in greeting. "She's just tired of being stuck with a bunch of guys, and was hoping to have some women to talk to. Right Alura?"
Briefly, Alura looked as if she were about to bite Isto's head off. But at a glance from Verin, she regained her composure and nodding boredly, just as quickly turning her back on the SM once more. That was fine with him. "There, see? No harm done. I'm Isto, by the way, and this is Verin and Alura." He gestured to each centaur in turn, then absently ran his normal hand through his 'hawk, cocking his head to the side. "This place really closed for the night?"
"Alura, Vernin and Isto... As I've said, I'm Toki and this meathead is 'Vyn." His voice carried an almost playful purr as he spoke and his eyes just sparkled as if he were up to something. Maybe it was the cat in him... Either way, he seemed to give off an almost relaxed aura as if nothing could 'ruffle his feathers'.
The one who had been refered to as 'Vyn' huffed, crossing his arms firmly over his chest as he pulled away from the feline. Damned cat... Let it touch him once more and he'd... Weep on him? Oh yes. That was oh so intimidating... Stupid mood swings...
"I think that our parental figure may be in the back somewhere... But, if she is, I'm not sure if she was planning on doing any work. She's not really qualified to do much more than paperwork..." He blinked, reaching fingers up to tug at a dark lock of his own hair. "I don't know if this place ever really closes..."
"It's nice to meet you both," Isto replied cheerfully, sinking into the first chair he could find. "And don't bother her if she's busy. I don't think Alura actually came for any sort of check up. More for the company, I'd imagine."
"Some company," Alura huffed, glancing around the group, then sighed. "But some is better than none, I suppose. My apologies, dog bo-" She fell silent when Verin elbowed her, rolling her eyes before smiling far too sweetly. "Vyn."
The wolf snorted softly before taking the apology, nodding a slight something of his own. He then took his book and sank back down into the chair... Obviously not one to be too talkative tonight. Since when was he the 'strong silent' type?
Toki rolled his eyes as he looked over to his 'brother'. Stupid dog... Meathead. "I dunno if busy's the word... My bet is that she's sleeping." He chuckled softly, eyes glittering again. "Sorry the Lady Alura doesn't find the company of the clinic suiting to her needs... Perhaps the song of the stars would be more appealing?"
"Much more so," Alura replied quietly, but seemed pleased. In any case, her smile became more natural, and she relaxed a bit, nodding pleasantly to Toki. "But it could be worse. Your name is Toki, you said?" She nodded absently in answer to her own question, then cocked her head to the side, tail flicking behind her. "Pardon, but what exactly are you? Are you a monkey-thing like he is?" she asked, flicking a hand towards Isto.
Isto rolled his eyes, sticking out his tongue in reply to a grin from Verin.
"Then come, Lady Alura... We'll go outside to continue this chat... And perhaps I can favor you with a song. My words are not nearly as sweet as that of the stars... But I have been told that my voice is quite charming..." He ignored the snort that came from the wolf who had once again burried his nose in a book while sitting on the couch. Let the dog thing what he would... This feline wasn't going to get himself trampled.
He offered his arm to the centauress, unsure as to if she'd actually take it or not. If she did, fine. If she didn't, also fine. The offer had been put out on the table. "I am not a 'monkey-thing', Lady. My name is Toki, yes. I am a Cortlin... Of the feline persuasion."
"A feline," Alura murmured, eyes lighting somewhat. "That explains it. Yes, let's outside. Walls and roofs do not suit me." Accepting the offered arm, she started back outside, fluttering her eyelashs at Verin as she passed him. The dark centaur waited until she was gone to chuckle softly, shaking his head and flashing a grin back towards Isto. "Flattery'll get you everywhere with that one."
"To true," Isto replied dryly, sinking lower in his seat. "But at least she's happy now, aye? Less trouble for us. And if she's in a good enough mood tonight, she'll stay that way for tomorrow."
He felt himself relax that much more as the centauress took his arm. That could at least be seen as a good sign... A sign that perhaps she was caling a bit. "Oh, it explains things, does it?" His voice rumbled with a soft purr as he chuckled, stopping just outside the door. It had amazed him that there had been this building in the middle of what might as well have been no where. Perfect for things like this...
The wolf-boy blinked as he looked up to the two, eyebrow raising ever so slightly as he tried to judge what was going on. His senses were crap around this time of month. It sucked. He was miserable... At least inwardly so. "Do... The two of you want anything to drink? There might be something around here somewhere if you do..."
"Mmhmm," came her reply, along with a soft laugh. "Felines have always had smoothe tongues. Quick and smoothe and sly... I trust you fit all of those?" The centauress seemed much more comfortable outside the building. Her eyes immediately turned up towards the sky, moving from star to star almost as if she were playing connect-the-dots. "It is a lovely night... A pity it is so late already."
Neither Verin nor Isto offered and explanation. Alura was Alura, and the only way to get any sense out of her was through flattery. At the offer of a drink, they returned their attention to the wolf boy. Isto shrugged, straightening up somewhat in his seat. "As long as it's not alcoholic. But if you had a coke or somethin'...?"
"He doesn't drink." Verin mumbled, rolling his eyes at the very thought. "I'll have whatever's convenient, thanks."
"I can be quick when I know there is someone on my heels... Smooth when company requires a tongue that will not lash... And sly when I know that there is something I must do that none other can." He closed his eyes for a moment as he took a deep breath, letting the air sink into his lungs. He was glad that it was getting warm again... Something about the cold air just didn't seem to suit him. "Yes... But the stars when they sparkle are quite lovely... Especially on clear nights after a day of rain."
He stood slowly in order to make his way towards the mini-fridge that was stuffed beneath the main desk. Skye? Leave home without some sort of snacks or drinks? Yeah... Right. He snorted softly as he withdrew a can of coke and a bottle of what might have been water... Of course, the cork stopper might have meant that it was something else. He wasn't quite sure.
"Here..." He handed each thing to their 'owners' before flopping back onto the couch. "Can't find quiet anywhere... Home's worse than here... Enjoy it while you can."
"A typical feline, then," she replied quietly, smiling. She took a deep breath, held it briefly, then slowly exhaled, breathing resuming normally afterwards. "Yes... The stars are always lovely, but a rainwashed sky does enhance their brilliance. And the temperature does help quite a bit... It's been so cold of late. I'm glad it's finally warmed up."
Isto absently tapped the can lid, the popped it open and took a sip, nodding his thanks to Vyn before replying. "Ah, I know exactly what you mean. It's always so noisy at home... 'Course, Moo's was always worse, but X's isn't much better."
The SM grimaced, and Verin chuckled softly, pulling the cork from his own bottle. He eyed the drink warily for a moment, then took a small sip and nodded his approval. "That's why Alura and I live outside. For the most part, anyway."
"Feline, yes. Typical?" He found himself chuckling once more as he looked over to her. "No... Not typical. A typical feline would find himself content chasing mice through a field... I have yet to find what it is that I wish to chase." What... Who... All were relative in games of cat and mouse.
"I've got... Two women who try and act like mothers... Three sisters, a brother, a feline, a mother's boyfriend and then all of his blasted kids... As well as some other children that belong to some other woman that's somehow connected to my household." He snorted, ears flattening slightly out of annoyance. He was certainly more the 'lone wolf' type. "I'd live outside if I could... I've tried it once or twice before. It suits one part of me more than the other though."
Chuckling softly, she shook he head, turning back to him with a faint grin. "Ah, I meant no offense. You're no common housecat, of course. But you do carry the traits of a typical feline. It's only to be expected with the breed."
"I've got ten siblings at home," Isto replied with a shrug, taking another sip of his coke. "And Mum. And then I have three kids of my own with two more on the way, and there's the rest of X's household to consider...So I'm no stranger to noise. I much prefer silence."
"That household is far too noisy," Verin snorted, rolling his eyes. "Both of them. You keep your ginat families. I am content with...only Alura." He frowned faintly, but then smiled, taking a sip of his own drink.
"No offense was taken, Lady Alura." He returned her grin with one of his own... One that could almost be considered 'Cheshire' in nature. Of course, he was nothing like his cousin... "We are a strange breed but a proud one."
"Speaking of siblings..." He sighed softly, reaching a hand up to trail fingers slowly through dark locks. "I promised one of the wee ones that we'd do something special for the parentals for 'Mother's Day' tomorrow..." He glanced towards the doorway then back towards the two... Men. "Forgive me for ducking out... Your... Lady is going to need a companion as well for I will be claiming my... Brother."
He offered a little wave before ducking outside, giving a little whistle for Toki. "Alas, it appears that I am being paged by the poor puppy. Wouldn't want him walking home by himself." He bowed politely to the centauress before turning away. "Do come back to visit at least once more before you leave, Lady Alura. I would very much like to talk to you again..."
That said, he padded off towards the wolf and, together, they slipped off into the night.
"No worries. We should be heading home as well. It's late..." He nodded in goodbye, then climbed to his feet and headed outside as well, Verin just behind him.
Frowning faintly, Alura glanced back towards the whistle and Vyn, then sighed and nodded, seeing Isto and Verin exit as well. "Yes, I suppose you're right... I shall certainly try and come back. It was very nice meeting you, Toki. Good night..."
The Cortlin departed, and the centauress made her way back to Verin and Isto; all three headed home.
Toki and Vyn
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Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 10:49 am
The three of us went to the clinic so Alura could have a 'check up' for the baby's sake. (I, personally, doubt seriously she had any intention of even speaking with the doctor. I think she was just hoping some other women were there to talk with.) Sadly, we arrived so late in the evening that almost no one was there. Even the doctors had gone home. However, two of one of the doctors' children were there, and they were better than no one, so...well, we spoke with them.
And... I really can't remember what we talked about. Nothing imporant, just idle chatter. It seems like one of the kid--a wolf boy named Vyn--insulted Alura (go figure), and she got all huffy, so the other, a feline-ish guy name..Toki(?) took her outside and chattered with her there. And then when we left, she was...quiet. For once. Verin and I were both a bit worried for her, I'll admit.
But since then she's been fine, and, actually, happier than I've seen her yet. She seems to have finally accepted the whole situation, and me, and this and that and is even happy with it! Which is much better than I could've hoped for. And aside from the occasional sneer, she's been much nicer to the entire household, and even complimented Doom -twice- this morning. I'm so proud.
Let's just hope things keep up this way... Not much to say otherwise. Buh-bye now.
---Isto.
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Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 11:08 am
"It's good to see Alura so happy again."
Both pairs of eyes turned further down the lake shore where the centauress was lounging beneath a tree, chatting amiably with the 'Junkie' girl, Violet. A ripple of laughter floated from their direction and Isto smiled, turning his eyes back towards the lake.
The day was cool for summer; a few scattered clouds drifted across the sky, the light breeze that carried them sending ripples out over the lake surface. Somewhere a bird trilled, and the spoiled it by impersonating a fire engine. A mocking bird, then. Isto laughed.
"And Violet, too. I think she enjoys having another woman around. S'a pity you two'll be leaving... But maybe she'll have a baby sister to make up for it?" He quirked a brow towards the centaur, hinting.
Verin shrugged. "Look to the Veela for that. Alura says the child will be male." He paused and sighed, a faint smile lingering on his lips. "I leave a son with you..."
"You leave a child with me," Isto reminded him, frowning faintly. Climbing to his feet, he stepped to the shore and scooped a handful of pebbles from the shallows. Shuffling through them, he picked out the best and let the remainder fall back to the water. "If it's bothering you that much, you should tell her."
"You think I haven't tried?" The centaur laughed and, with some effort, climbed to his feet. In a moment he was at the lake shore as well, though his eyes followed the pair resting beneath the trees. "She's not ready for a child, she says. And, until she decides otherwise on her own, I won't suggest it again. Of course..." And he trailed off, glancing back to Isto. "She said she was ready this time, before."
"That's women for you." Verin rolled his eyes. Isto grinned. Picking out one of the pebbles, he cast it out across the water. It skimmed along the surface, and finally sank with a soft plop. Six skips. "Mn, nto bad. Care to try?" he asked, holding his handful of pebbles out to Verin.
The centaur waved his offer away with a smile, and, turning, started towards the house. "I'm heading in. Tell Alura, would you?"
Isto nodded, waiting until he had gone to turn back to the water. Picking out another pebble, he let it fly; seven skips and it vanished. Not bad at all.
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Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 11:19 am
Looking back now, I had never thought to take up journaling again. After the last 'ended', well... It just didn't seem likely. but things have changed a lot since then... Another journal seemed fitting. So here I am.
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: Sun Sep 18, 2005 11:21 am
XBear "What are you DOING?!" The SM shrieked, tail flicking angrily behind him, tip nearly knocking over a vase on a nearby coffee table.
The Veela didn't even look up, instead turning the page of a worn journal of sorts with one hand and flicking the cigarette with the other. "Reading."
Snarling angrily, a noise usually unlike the pinkheaded SM, Slush angrily yanked the two objects out of her hands, stuffing the journal under his arm as he snuffed out the cigarette in the makeshift 'ash tray'.
As if the centuars weren't enough to handle, he had to deal with raging she b***h of the universe while trying to avoid angry hooves and charging Jivvin toddlers.
"Where the ******** did you get this?" He had had it, and spat the sentence out at the pregnant woman, glaring daggers at her as she simply smirked nonchalantly. Ignoring the question entirely, she simply raised an eyebrow.
"Tell me... Doom, out of all the times you've ********, has it ever not been with a guy? I mean, you took it before I could read too far into it..." Somehow, through his death glare and inadvertant growling, the veela still managed to murr deep in her voice, using her species' talent to send the slightest of shivers up the other's spine.
If Slush had been the type to embarass, then maybe he would have blushed, but instead his growls silenced and his eyes softened somewhat. However hard she tried though, the SM's eyes still pierced with anger. "This isn't yours to read, so stop smoking and don't touch my stuff."
"Touche... Maybe it's because the only thing you could get was an ugly arrangement of scrap metal and fur." The veela snarked back, a tone of disgust lacing her voice at the mention of the other SM.
They both knew that insulting Isto was the last straw, and dispite the obvious fact that this was a very pregnant, very not nice Veela, Slush quickly closed the distance between the two of them.
"You ******** WHORE!" He snarled, chest heaving with anger as he attempted to keep himself from striking her.
All he felt was anger. The usual cool, happy exterior was long gone, replaced by a hurt and very much angry man.
"How dare you insult my husband like that when you seduce every man you meet, spoken for or not. It's no wonder you ended up like this..." Making a jerked motion towards her stomach as he trailed off to catch his breath momentarily, eyes nearly on fire with rage. "Without anyone. Alone. Because you know what you are Veela? You, my dear, are nothing but a heartless, cruel, b***h of a wench in a pretty wrapper. And because of that little bit of trivia, you will NEVER ******** understand what love is. Ever."
Through his enunciated and spiteful speech, she didn't say a thing, looking almost amused until he made one comment, and by that point she was up on her feet with her sharp nailed hand around the SM's neck.
He had never seen a pregnant woman move so fast, but when his feet no longer touched the ground and he felt his back slam solidly into a wall, Slush finally paid attention.
Suddenly she wasn't as beautiful, the wrapper seemingly peeled away, and a new face seemed to appear.
It was as if she had transformed, ugly, rather angry bird like features forming as she continued to hold Slush taught against the wall.
For a moment it looked like she was going to say something, but instead, she simply released her claws from his neck and threw him to the ground before waddling off, features returning to normal.
Slush immediately grasped his neck when he landed coughing for air as he watched her walk away wide eyed.
What the ******** had just happened?
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Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 11:21 am
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: Sun Sep 18, 2005 11:32 am
Even as long as the centaurs had been around, they had chosen not to stay in the house. To their minds, it was a noisy, crowded place, and would not be good for either Alura or the baby. Not to mention their general dislike for the indoors.
Where they had been staying, isto had no idea, but they could usually be found near the lake, in or around a particular grove of trees. Today was no exception.
After exchanging greetings, Isto yawned and dropped to sit on a conveniently placed tree stump. Straight to business. "So, Doom and I were talking and decided that the babies' real parents should name them. Keep it in their culture and such..."
pausing, he glanced from one to the other and back, judging their reactions. "Sounds good?"
There was silence from the centaurs. Both pointedly avoided his and each other's eyes. Clearly they had discussed this before.
Isto began to speak again, but Alura interrupted him by clearing her throat. Lifting her eyes, she fixed him with a steely smile, as if there were no debating the subject. "He shall be named Merlyn. Merlyn Coeden."
"Merlyn...Coeden." Isto repeated, testing the words. Quirking a brow, he grinned. "Cody."
The centauress frowned. "Coeden."
"Cody."
"Coeden."
"Cody." And before she could protest further, he continued, "And what if it's a girl?"
"It will be male," Alura snapped, provoking a sigh from her mate. Ignoring Verin
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Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 11:35 am
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 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: Sun Sep 18, 2005 11:37 am
XBear Um yeah, I've been busy with all the brothers and relatives and the egg. Isto's been busy too.
I think the Veela disappeared. Haven't smelled cigarette smoke or heard her complain in a long time.
Oh well, she'll probably turn up with the baby when it's born.
Yeah, that'll be it.
She should have left a note.
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