|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 3:49 pm
.:The Receiving:. Quinny-chan Quinn yawned and rubbed her eyes, trying to rid them of the sleep from her recent nap. Raking a hand through her spikey crimson locks, she stretched a bit and made her way out the door. A message on her answering machine had prompted today's voyage and though she had no real information on her destination, the message had sounded urgent.
The sun warmed her quickly and she skipped down the walk, eager to see what the day might have in store. It wasn't long before she arrived at the requested destination and as she walked to the door, her head was swimming with possibilities. A nervous titter escaped her lips as she knocked at the door and she waited to be admited, hoping the suprise was all she had imagined and more. Jaden Silvermoon The 'shop' was little more than a house, really. A cottage set in the Barton West Field. It looked empty at the moment, differing 'nicknacks' decorating each and every part of the small abode. To some, it may just look like a cluttered house of a collector... but few could feel the Glamour that infused each piece, making it a Changelings relic capable of attracting Fey. Just when it seemed that no one was there at all, a soft voice came from the far end of the room. "May I help you?" it asked, a ghostly pale figure stepping into view. Quinny-chan Hearing a voice in the darkness, Quinn slowly turned the knob and let herself in. "Um... h-hello? I, uh, had a message... saying I was supposed to come here... I don't mean to disturb you..."
She looked around the room, drinking in all the tchotchkes that lay on various surfaces. The room seemed to hold a particular magic, though of what kind, Quinn could not say. Jaden Silvermoon One could almost believe that the figure was smiling, but it was hard to tell. A light grey cloak seemed to cover it... and the voice was such that it was impossible to truly tell if it was a male or female speaking. "I know you," it said simply, and turned towards the far end of the livingroom where slender fingers moved to pick up what appeared to be a scrap of cloth. Quinny-chan Quinn was a little taken aback by the comment, as she had no idea as to who this individual was or why he... or she, would have cause to know the foxgirl. And yet, she did not feel threatened by the cloaked figure, instead, she felt only intrigue.
She followed him into the room a bit, calling, "Um... well, that's good. I would hate it if strangers showed up to my house unannounced. Uh, do you need help with anything?" Jaden Silvermoon Shaking its head, the figure laughed softly, the sound almost melodious. "No. No, I have something for you. I just needed to find where he put it." It lifted up the ribbon then, walking (gliding?) towards Quinny in a fluid motion. "Here," it said, resting the featherlight scrap of cloth in her palm before stepping back once more. "It was marked for you... it may not seem like much now, but it will attract far greater things if treated properly. I recommend setting it outside, somewhere that you can see it from inside." Quinny-chan Quinn fingured the bit of cloth, letting the feel of the warp and woof sink into her fingers. It seemed like a bit of muslin, dyed with natural inks and careworn with age. Kinks and folds in the fabric suggested that the piece might have once been used for a hair ribbon.
She smiled as she held it, the magic contained in the piece filling her with a sense of comfort. "I'm to keep this?" she asked of the man. "And set it outside? Whatever for?" Jaden Silvermoon This time, the soft ring of laughter could be heard before the figure turned away. "You'll see..." came the rather cryptic answer. It seemed that this one had a fondness for the vague, same as Jaden had. "I will be here, should you have questions in the future." Quinny-chan Gripping the scrap of cloth tightly, Quinn smiled at the cryptic response, glad for the adventure. "Well, thanks!" she said, motioning with the ribbon. "I'll tie it to my garden gnome, you know, so the wind doesnt whisk it away. I'll remember you, if I should have questions. Thanks!" And with that, she waved and made her way back home.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 7:12 am
.:The Offering:. Quinn awoke early the next morning and quickly wrapped herself in her robe. The early November air was crisp, even in her heated house and she wanted to be snug. She picked up the bit of ribbon the man had given her from where she had left it on her night stand and went down to the kitchen to prepare breakfast and to contemplate where she would leave the offering. She still had no clue what outcome this event would have, but the prospect intrigued her. Filling the kettle with water and putting it on the stove to heat, she looked out her kitchen window at the sleeping garden that spread across her entire backyard. That would be as good a place as any... she thought to herself as she slipped her feet into her mocassins and secured her robe around her. Stepping lightly, she made her way around the dormant plants, careful not to disturb the bulbs and seeds that had been planted for the following spring. The garden held many treasures other than the plants that grew there -- gnomes and sculptures, ponds and wildlife all made there home there as well. Stooping infront of her favorite gnome, Quinn deftly tied the ribbon to his pointed cap and then stood back to observe her handi-work. There! Now it won't blow away.Satisfied that she had fulfilled her end of the bargain, Quinn made her way back into the house. She drew the curtain and pinned it back from the window so she could watch the ribbon flutter in the light morning breeze and sat down for a breakfast of oatmeal with brown sugar and raisins and a cup of tea. Munching, she wondered what that bit of ribbon had in store for her.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 8:32 am
It would seem that the gnome was a good choice! The following morning, tiny footprints... almost pawprints... are gathered around the small statue. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem that the gnome enjoyed the visit, because it's been knocked over onto its side, and...
Gnawed upon?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 8:19 am
.:The Realization:. Quinny-chan Skipping down the sidewalk, a peppermint stick hanging cockeyed from the corner of her ample mouth, Quinn approached the strange house for the second time that week. She had put the ribbon outside, as directed, but as of yet, the only interesting thing that had happened was a cat who had taken a particular liking to the newly decorated gnome, rubbing against it and purring, chewing on bits of the frayed ends of the ribbon.
She was almost positive that wasn't the intended outcome... almost. Popping the stick of candy out of her mouth, she knocked on the door with her free hand and called hello, returning the candy to her mouth and sucking nervously while she waited for a response. Trio Maxwell-Chang "Annora, not too far ahead! Annora!" Trio called, growling softly as the little girl darted on without listening. Or perhaps she was listening, because she paused just a bit to linger and wait for Etain to catch up before hurrying on. Trio had no such desire to catch up, really. Instead, she preferred to walk beside Shiro, letting the two young girls wear themselves out as they may. After all, what good was a 'nice, long walk' if the girls didn't nap afterwards? Shiromaru Etain ran after Annora, not yet as fast as the older girl, but quickly starting to catch up. She reached out to hold Annora's hand, beaming at her. Why go slow? Running was more fun! Shiromaru chuckled softly, watching the girls ahead of them as he wound his arm around Trio's waist. "They'll drop like rocks by the time we get home..." Quinny-chan She knocked again before atempting to peer into a window. Unable to see anything but dusty tchotckes, she turned to leave when she saw a couple and their children coming up the walk, seemingly to the very residence she now stood in front of.
Instead of leaving, she decided to wait. Perhaps these people knew something about her bit of ribbon. Trio Maxwell-Chang Annora was the first to arrive, Etain right by her side and only a step or two behind. Wide indigo eyes peered up at Quinny curiously, and she tilted her head a moment before informing Quinny seriously, "I'm Annora." Trio fought a laugh, slipping free of Shiro's arm to quicken her pace toward the three. Shiromaru Shiromaru snickered and shook his head, following after the others quickly. Etain, after Annora's self-introduction, did what she felt was only natural: she hid behind Annora. Peeking out from behind the siren, she said quietly, "I'm Etain..." Quinny-chan Quinn smiled and fished around in her belt pouch, producing two shiny, round discs of butterscotch rapped in buttery yellow foil, "And I'm Quinn. Its very nice to meet you, ladies. Why don't you ask your mom and dad if its ok if you have these." She proffered the candy and waited a moment before adding, "Anyone know when the people who live here will be back... I have a question." Trio Maxwell-Chang Annora accepted her candy gleefully, peering up at Quinny with obvious happiness as she said, "Thank you!" She had already half-turned when Trio reached them, grinning as well. "Hi. I'm Trio. You are...?" Quinny-chan Offering her hand to the woman, she replied, "I'm Quinn. Do you guys live here too? I really need to talk to somebody about this ribbon I got..." Trailing off, she looked over to the Annora and Etaine, grinning, "Cute kids. Are they sisters?" Trio Maxwell-Chang Trio blushed at the question, an odd smile on her face as she considered. "They might as well be... they're thick as thieves all the time. A ribbon, hmm? From here?" Quinny-chan "Yeah... I had this strange cryptic message on my machine that told me to come here a few days ago and when I got here, this pale, robed... person gave me a ribbon and told me to put it outside.
So, I tied it to a garden gnome... but so far, the only remarkable occurance has been a neighborhood cat who is now taken an uncharacteristic interest in the gnome and the bit of ribbon -- particularly the frayed bits..."
Running a hand through her disheveled crimson locks, she chucked and added, "So, either I did something wrong... or someone has a really strange idea of interesting." Trio Maxwell-Chang Trio snickered at the thought. "I dunno... if it came from here, it's bound to have more interesting results than that. Do you remember what Jaden... he's the shopowner, and he's not exactly normal... said to you precisely?" Quinny-chan Quinn's face reddened as she thought of the best way to say what had occured to her, "I don't really know how to say this... but I don't think I met anyone named Jaden... at least, the person never gave me a name and they weren't exactly... well, recognizably male or female.
But whoever it was just said to put the ribbon outside where I could see it from the house and to wait. That something interesting would happen soon enough. So, either they laced the thing with catnip and think watching Filcher gnaw a ribbon is a great time... or I didn't do it right. I don't even know what I'm supposed to be watching for, to be honest." Quinn blew out a big sigh and sat on the porch, resting her chin in her hands as she watched the children. Shiromaru Shiromaru rejoined the group, Etain in his arms -- the girl had retreated to her daddy after Quinn had given her the candy. "Jaden's who helps the children find their homes," he confirmed, quietly. "All you can really do is keep an eye on the ribbon until your infant arrives." Trio Maxwell-Chang Trio glanced over at Shiro with a fond look, nodding. "I don't think there's any set way. Do you... remember what Shinobu found?" she asked Shiro, then added, before he could answer, "I found footprints. Early morning footprints." Quinny-chan Quinn's eyebrows raised and her jaw went slack at the mention of "infant." "Woah... what do you mean, 'infant?' Oh dear, is that where... baby... in the garden?!" Her face shifted through a myriad of expressions as she considered the possibility of a child being left in her garden. Scrubbing a hand over her shocked countenance, she asked, "So, I suppose that's where the girls came from... not the adoption agency... Why didnt someone tell me?! Oh, wow..." Shiromaru "I don't remember, Shinobu never told me," Shiro confessed, shaking his head. "But yes -- if it's a changeling you have, then an infant will arrive where the ribbon is." Trio Maxwell-Chang "Annora was left in place of the old harp I left out at Jaden's request," Trio offered, glancing at the girl with a grin. "She's been a joy. A loud joy," she added, tickling under the girl's chin and making her squeal with delight, "but that's to be expected." Quinny-chan "Ooooooohhhhhhh," she moaned as she slumped lower on the steps. "Why didn't anyone tell me? I mean, its not like I'm against children, or anything, but a warning would have been nice." The worried look on her face was endearing as she gazed at the couple, a plea for help lingering unspoken in the air betwen them. Shiromaru Shiro shifted the quiet Etain in his arms, laughing softly as the girl hid her face against the demon's shoulder. People! New people! "Want some help preparing?" Shiromaru asked, grinning at the look on Quinny's face. "We're used to how it goes, now, after all." Trio Maxwell-Chang Trio nodded, grinning brightly. "I should still have some leftover infant's clothes at my place. Or Shiro might at his," she added, shouting the last three words as Annora burst into abrupt, slightly off-key song. "ON TOP OF PASKETTI! ALL COVERED WITH CHEESE!" Quinny-chan The smile that appeared on Quinn's face at the mention of help could have lit the room, "You mean it?!" She jumped to her feet, throwing her arms first around one, then the other in an improptu expression of gratitude. "So, are they all girls... and how do you know what you'll get? Are they all like Etain and Annora? Who takes the ribbon? Why would they switch a baby for a ribbon anyway?" Shiromaru "Ooof!" Shiro squeaked at the hug, and Etain stared wide-eyed at the woman. "No, they're not all girls," the demon informed her. "Keelan, for example, is WinK's little boy. You should come over to my house at some point -- I'll give you the directions -- and you can have all my baby bottles and baby clothes. Etain doesn't need them anymore, after all." Trio Maxwell-Chang "Give half," Trio directed. "And I can offer half, as well. That way, we're both prepared in case we end up with someone else, right?" She smiled at Shiro, reaching out to squeeze his hand before turning back to Quinny. "And yes... we're both very serious." Dropping down to sit beside Quinny was an immediate invitation for Annora to come drape over Trio's lap, bored with the adult talk. "Jaden told me the fey were in danger... that they needed ot learn to adapt from humans." She paused there, glancing at Shiro with a sheepish smile. "And others... Anyway, he said that my relic drew fey parents to me, and they gave me their child to raise so that she'd live." Quinny-chan Reaching a hand out to touch Annora's face, Quinn smiled at her and said, "Seems like a good cause, all and all. I wonder who will deam me worthy?" She trailed off, thoughtful at her prospects, before adding, "Thank you for all the help. I've always had lots of pets... but this will be my first baby. I'm really scared I might break it." Shiromaru "Humanoids," Shiro drawled Trio-wards, grinning; then, to Quinn, "Someone certainly will. After all, you have the ribbon now. It's just a matter of time." He couldn't help but laugh, however, as he continued. "And thinking you might break the baby is a common fear, I assure you! You get over it eventually." Trio Maxwell-Chang Trio nodded. "They're sturdy little creatures. You'll be surprised," she offered Quinny, with a soft smile. Annora, deciding that Trio wasn't going to pay attention to her, moved to Shiro, tugging at Etain's leg from where she sat in his arms. Quinny-chan "So all I really need to do is watch for a baby in the garden? Do I need to do anything with it when it comes? Like get it it's shots or something?" Shiromaru Etain squirmed out of Shiro's arms, half-falling atop Annora. "Let's play," she whispered, and darted away about ten feet before flopping down in the grass. SHiro watched her go, then blinked at Quinn. "Um... It's... Well, bring it here, maybe?" he suggested. "So Jaden can see the baby?" Quinny-chan "Righto. Bring it here before I do anything. I can handle that." She grinned excitedly and popped up, scampering a few feet from the steps. "I better get home to watch it. What if the baby's already there and its getting all cold and lonely and eaten by Filcher?!"
She dashed down the walk, stoping a few yards down to shout, "Thanks for all your help, by the way! It was great to meet you all! I hope to see you soon!" And with that, she dashed home, eager to see what the garden had in store for her. Trio Maxwell-Chang Trio waved bye, smiling and catching Shiro's wrist to draw him down onto the stoop long enough for the girls to play for a bit. "She seems nice," she decided, leaning against his shoulder. Shiromaru Shiromaru sat down next to Trio, then wound an arm around her waist with a soft smile. "She does. Hopefully soon she'll have her own little one, and the girls can meet someone new."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 8:44 am
.:The Reckoning:. She had layed there for hours, thoughts of the child to come racing through her brain. So, it was with heavy-lidded eyes that Quinn arose the following morning and padded her way down the stairs, looking for some tea and perhaps a muffin to help clear the stuffing from her exhausted mind. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she filled the teapot with water, as was usual, and put it on the stove to heat. Then, she rifled through the cupboards, coming out victorious, a plump, blueberry muffin clenched in her hand. Settling in her usual chair at the old kitchen table, Quinn broke her muffin into bite sized bits, popping them intermittently into her mouth between sips of a lush Madagascar Red. It was then that she noticed something amiss in the garden. Newton, her very favorite garden gnome, was knocked on its side and rolling gently back and forth, as though it had just recently been displaced. "Ah, Filcher," she muttered as she tightened her robe and tied a scarf around her neck. That darn neighborhood cat had finally gotten overzealous in its attraction to the gnome and the ribbon. Opening the backdoor, Quinn waddled out to where Newton was lolling, silently cursing the cat as she went. "Don't think you can hide from me, Filcher. Your footprints are right... huh?" Quinn got quickly to her knees, leaning forward until her nose almost touched the ground, to peer at the prints in the dirt. "These aren't cat prints..." She reached out and gently touched one of the diminuative prints with a shaking finger. They were too small to be Filcher's and there was a strange humanoid quality to them. "This must be what they were talking about..." she muttered, refering to her conversation the night before with Trio and her strange man friend. Reaching out to right Newton, she was struck with another suprise. The top six inches of his pointed hat were gnawed through, splinters of wood sticking out in all directions. "Oh, Newton!" Quinn exclaimed, hugging the wooden gnome to her chest. "I'm so sorry. But its for a good cause, it really is. I'll fix you all up once this is over, I promise." She placed the gnome back in its proper spot, careful not to disturb the footprints. Looking forlornly down at her disheveled gnome, she mouthed a silent sorry once more and made her way back to the house. Pausing on the back steps, she turned back and called into the morning, "Don't worry about the gnome. I can fix him. I hope you like it here. I'll try my best to make you comfortable." Then, almost as an afterthought, she added, "See you soon," and she went back inside to finish breakfast.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 7:32 am
.:How to Prepare for a New Arrival:. Quinn had been pondering what she needed to prepare for the arrival of her precious bundle. Trio and Shiro were giving her bottles and clothes and blankets and things. She already had plenty of food. So the only thing she could think of was toys, and while she already had plenty, Quinn wasn't particularly good at sharing, so she felt it best if she got the little thing its own. Off to the Durem markets it was! She grabbed her money and her wagon and took off. The first shop she came to sold all kinds of food done up in plush. There were two that struck her fancy and so Quinn purchased them and plopped them in her wagon. She window shopped for a bit before coming to a completely irresistable shop called, Cocoway. Getting a little heady over all the adorable things within, Quinn bought one of almost everything they carried. The last shop she came to carried all sorts of living creatures. Being a firm believer in the need for pets, Quinn picked up a few for the baby, should it ever arrive. Satisfied that she had put a good dent into preparing for her child to come, Quinn made her way back home to prepare one of the guest rooms. She couldn't wait for her fey to come!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Nov 10, 2005 8:35 am
Early the next morning, a soft wail pierces the silence. It's a strange sort of cry... sounding nearly akin to a howl that seems to attract answers from every canine for miles. What could this child be??
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 4:53 am
.:The Discovery:. "Gwaaahnya," Quinn growned as she yanked her pillow out from under her head and plunked it over it. "Shaddup." But, the howling that had woken her up rather abruptly continued and, after a few more minutes of grumbling, Quinn arose, tied her robe grumpily around her and plodded her way over to the window to investigate. She peered blearily into the predawn gloom, not really seeing anything, but now hearing the wail picked up from several different directions. "Stupid dogs..." she muttered. She thumped down the stairs, grabbing a few pairs of shoes on the way that she could fling at her noisy assailants. She opened the back door, yelling a, "QUIET YOU CURRS!" into the night and turned around to go back in, when a small, sniffling cry wiggled its way through the din. "Huh?" Turning back, Quinn peered into the garden, steping forward and activating the motion light that hung above the back door. The dormant garden was flooded with a harsh yellow glow and Quinn scanned the yard for any signs of change. "Damn cat knocked Newton over again," she muttered to herself as she treked out to right the gnome. However, it was not a tipped gnome that greeted her sight, but a small, green dog-like creature with a braided tail. Of the gnome, there was no sign. Eyebrows raising, Quinn stooped to retrieve the child, wrapping his little body in the warm confines of her robe. He snuggled against her bare skin, taking refuge from the chill November air. As she tucked his tail into her robe, she noticed the ribbon that she had placed outside tied tightly around the end of his tail, securing his braid. She called, half-heartedly, into the night, "I thought you were supposed to take the ribbon, not my gnome!" The tiny bundle stirred and she smiled uncontrollably. He was so cute and small. Just the color of tree moss. "That's it! I'll call you Moss. Do you like that, little one?" He just rubbed his nose into her ample chest, already falling to sleep now that he was warm. That was enough. Kissing him on the head, she took him inside and placed him next to her on her queen-sized bed. "My little Moss..." and soon, she too was asleep, forehead to forehead with her new son.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2005 5:56 am
.:Strange Encounters:. Quinny-chan "Moss, stop squirming! You'll fall!" Quinn struggled with the cusith as she tromped down the snowy walk on her way to the house where she had received his ribbon. The child was not yet used to the Bjorn Active Baby Carrier that she had purchased and though he was really quite safe, Quinn's new mother nerves were usually in overdrive.
He reached up a hand in an attempt to pull off his stocking hat, but luckily the red and white knit cap came equiped with a tie that was secured snugly under his chin. He looked rather dashing in his cordouroy pants, cable knit sweater and Robeez booties. His mittens were secured to his denim and fleece jacket with clips.
Quinn was proud at how she had adapted to motherhood. The gifts from Shiro and Trio had certainly helped, but she had done her fair share of shopping too. She had gotten over jumping at every noise Moss made and she was becoming adept at juggling him and washing the dishes at the same time. Approaching the house, she stomped the snow from her boots and knocked, hoping there would be an answer after all that snowy plodding. Jaden Silvermoon It took a moment or two... however, no sound came from within the house as the silent figure within moved towards the door. The door was pulled open, a rather confused looking young man watching her for a second or two before smiling faintly. "This must be Moss," he said softly, stepping back to allow them into the house. Even though it wasn't technically 'his', he didn't seem to have a problem accepting company. Quinny-chan Quinn stepped inside the house, tugging Moss's hat back, so it dangled behind his head and freeing his paws from their mittened confines. Ruffling the Fey's hair, she smiled at the man and replied. "Yup! This is Moss! Say hi sweetie. Can you say hi?"
"Pthhhhbbb," Moss answered, a drool covered smiling lighting his adorable face. He waved his arms excitedly, any chance for attention welcome to the pup.
"Heh! Close enough I guess, love." Quinn smiled down at the boy and then offered her hand to the man. "And I'm Quinn. Nice to meet you! What was your name?" Jaden Silvermoon The smile stayed as one slender hand reached out to take her own and his head inclined politely. "I am Naukhel," he replied, then turned his attention back to Moss and reached to trace a finger along one furred ear lightly. "I take it that he hasn't been too much trouble?" he asked, managing to keep the word 'yet' out of that statement. "Please come in, both of you." He motioned to the comfortable living area, and to a couch that was pressed against one wall. The entire home seemed to be filled with items that COULD be Relics... they dotted the walls, the tables, and nearly every available free space. Quinny-chan Lifting Moss out of the carrier, Quinn chuckled and replied, "No more trouble than I expected, anyway." She set the boy on the floor, unencumbered her self of the carrier and then dug through her diaper bag for a few toys. She sat on the floor nearby, leaning back against the couch.
Moss took the opportunity to crawl over, pulling his lion plush. He plopped it on the floor next to his mother and then buried his face in her bosom. Quinn lifted him up embarrasedly, holding him in the air as he giggled, "He does have a strange fixation with my... girls... however. Its strange, since I bottle feed him. I dont know where he picked it up." Jaden Silvermoon Naukhel moved to curl into a plush chair, the cloak that he wore slipping so that his head was revealed at least. The boy's skin was deathly white, seeming to have no colour to it at all. His hair was much the same, falling straight to disappear beneath the back of the cloak. Pointed ears peeked out from the snowy strands, and a pair of dark red eyes watched mother and child in amusement. He brought up a finger, pressing the side of it to lips that were curved upwards in a vague attempt at hiding his mirth. "Perhaps he is remembering from before?" he offered, eyes glimmering as they watched the boy. I know full well what you are, little one, he thought to himself, his mind bringing forth the memory of the child. He had been the one to place the relic, after all... and he knew exactly the nature of the children he'd placed since Jaden's disappearance. Quinny-chan Quinn set Moss back down and he went immediately for her chest again. As the man didn't seem to mind, Quinn left him there and soon Moss was cooing as he relaxed into her and chewed his lion.
"I don't really know what he's thinking... I'm sure I don't look like his fairy mum, but maybe I'm wrong. Maybe she is more humanoid like me and less canine-like. I guess I just always thought his mum was a dog..." She cocked her head and looked up at him, really seeing him for the first time, since his hood had slipped.
He was soft and milky, not at all the scary apparition that she had imagined inhabited that hood. "You have pretty eyes..." She blushed a little, but didn't drop her gaze. Jaden Silvermoon The eyes in question lowered almost immediately, his gaze settling somewhere around the vicinity of the coffee table. There was no blush present, but neither was there an acknowledgement of the compliment as he seemed to tilt his head to the side in thought. "Perhaps... or it could be that he simply knows you are the one caring for him now and finds it comforting." It was a possibility, after all. Or it was a possibility that his instincts were coming to the forefront sooner than even he had thought. He wouldn't frighten the woman by telling her just yet. After all, it could just be a reaction of a child needing comfort. Quinny-chan "I suppose you could be right... but, well... its not just me. I mean, he's drawn to all sorts of women... and by drawn, I mean he makes grabby hands. It was... exciting to take him shopping. I thought the lady in the boutique was going to slap me after he groped her." She petted Moss' hair, unsure whether or not to be worried. "Maybe I don't feed him enough..." Jaden Silvermoon Naukhel couldn't help but let out a chuckle at that, shaking his head. Well, maybe it WAS time to inform her. "Perhaps it's his heritage," he offered, voice remaining at nearly a whisper, as it had always been. "Just keep an eye on him, and I'm sure he'll be fine. It could just be a natural instinct... like that of a water Fey being attracted to a pool." Talistan Wyhst "I hope this doesn't mean we're going to have strange women dropped on the doorstep at all hours in the near future," a voice sighed quietly from the shadows across the room. Quinny-chan Quinn smiled at the man's breathy but musical laugh, but as her mind had time to absorb his words, she went goggled eyed. A natural instinct for boob grabbing?! What kind of heritage was that!? "Oh great... my son's a pervert," she muttered to her self under her breath.
Moss merely snuggled back into her bosom, eyelids drooping sleepily. One hand clutched his lion and the other reached up to cradle his mother's breast as if assuring himself that it was still there. Quinn ran her hand over his braided tail and fondled the ribbon securing the end. Jaden Silvermoon Naukhel's eyes slanted to the side, towards the voice that had come from the shadows nearby. He didn't seem startled... but then again, he rarely did. "I doubt that your Jaden stayed a recluse as much as you do," he murmured, the smile slipping from his features. "He welcomed the caretakers into his home. As should you." Pervert. Now that was an amusing concept... an infant pervert. "Perhaps..." he replied, lips quirking once more. "But doubtful. I haven't met an infant yet that didn't have a fascination for a woman's attributes. Give him time." Quinny-chan Her head spun as the other man's voice slipped into the room. She eyed him warily as he didnt seem particularly fond of her being there. Moss' eyes fluttered open and he watched the newcomer for a moment before pushing himself to the floor and crawling over to him.
He cooed momentarily and then leaned over to gnaw on the man's shoe.
Quinn smiled at Naukhel, comforted by his soothing words. She watched Moss crawl away with interest, "Odd... he's never voluntarily approached a man before... Moss!" She jumped up, moving to pick up the Fey. "I'm sorry, I don't know what's gotten into him!" Talistan Wyhst "I used to be accused of being too pretty for my own good," Talistan whispered and scooped up Moss. He held the fey out for inspection for bringing him close to his chest. "Don't apologize for him. They should be inquisitive at this age." He eyed Quinny for a moment before turning his attention to Naukhel. "And no... Jaden was not as reclusive as I am. He understood that." Jaden Silvermoon "He's alright," Naukhel assured Quinny, smiling faintly as he watched Moss's adventures in exploration. "There's nothing he can hurt in this house... in fact, he'll likely be attracted to just about everything. Nearly every object here is a relic, infused wtih glamour. Just like the one he wears." Naukhel had noticed the ribbon still tied around the infant's braided tail. His gaze moved to Talistan then, one hand cupping his cheek. "I do understand your reclusiveness," he began, voice never raising past a whisper, but somehow growing less patient. "However, I'm certain you didn't complain as much when it was your lover who was trying to find homes for these children." Quinny-chan Quinn jumped back as the man picked up Moss and dangled him in the air before him. She fiddled with her fingers, unsure of what to do now. The boy seemed happy enough and while this new man didn't fill her with the comfort Naukhel did, the other man showed no alarm at this man's interaction with her child.
Moss reached out and grabbed a fist full of the man's silvery hair, giggling and he shook it back and forth, no doubt pulling on it with all his little might. "Pttttthhhbbb laaaaaaa pooooo bop!"
"Um... about that ribbon... I thought you said it would be exchanged for him? They took my favorite gnome instead and now I can't get it off. I had thought to brush out his tail... but I can't even get the ribbon loose." Talistan Wyhst Talistan handed Moss back to Quinny before swatting away Naukhel's touch. "Don't presume to understand me, t'puuli uss. Or my relationship with Jaden," he hissed and stalked from the room. "Dos zhaun naubol!" he shouted back as the door swung open. A black cloak wrapped around the Sidhe's shoulders as he crossed the lawn and vanished out into the woods. Jaden Silvermoon "The ribbon will likely stay there... the Glamour keeps it attached to him, and while it's uncommon for a Changeling to keep their relic, it's not unheard of." He smiled then, turning to Quinny as if to say more. When the strike came, he wasn't ready for it, and snatched his hand back almost immediately, getting to his feet in a fluid motion. The cloak surrounding him stayed in the chair, leaving behind the thin, almost gauzelike fabric that made up the long wrap over the man's legs, and the draped top that covered his chest. Silver and amethyst decorated his wrists and throat, and as he cupped his wrist in his other hand, his gaze grew clouded. "Forgive me," he whispered, and it wasn't entirely certain whether he was speaking to Quinny or to Talistan. He stepped back then, literally disappearing from view as if he were made of mist. All that was left behind was the silken cloak, the silver/gray material pooled in the chair he'd occupied. Quinny-chan Quinn stood transfixed, Moss dangling before her where she had paused, mid-motion after the silvery man had returned him. For a change, Moss wasn't making a grab for any part of her anatomy.
"Well... that was awkward. Whatdya say we head home, sweets?" She picked up his toys and replaced them in her bag, and then bundled him in his hat, coat and mittens, re-harnessed herself with the carrier and plopped him in facing out. At the last minute, she reached into the chair and folded the gauzy cloak before returning it to the chair.
"Um... thanks for your help. I hope to see you again," she called into the empty room and then exited to make her way back home.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2006 6:47 am
.:And Then, There Were Two:. Syrcaid What a dismal and drippy day, it was too warm for snow to stay frozen but too cold to not wear a coat or a sweater as Syrcaid and Taylor sloshed their way to the front door. Taylor looked unhappy, soaked to the ankles in cold water and her hooves didn't allow her to wear human-shaped footcovers. Syrcaid had taken to going to every shoe store and inquiring around. "I think tomorrow we'll have to find ankle wraps if nothing else, sweetlump," Syrcaid stroked Taylor's hair with sympathy. "Let's get inside as fast as we can - oh, but wipe your feet!" Youkochylde Another seemed to also have the issue of no footcovers... but Kaeru had gotten around this problem by simply riding on Youko's shoulders, looking like a bundle of fleece. "We almost there?" "Yes." Youko glanced up, smirking faintly. "We're almost there, so you can stop complaining about the cold." It had become ritual. Getting the boy out of the house was a nightmare in and of itself, and Youko had gotten used to the resulting chase, tackle and fight to get clothes on the froglet. This last time... Kaeru had stubbornly stuck to the ceiling until Raven had gone and gotten a broom to knock him down. Youko refused to let his son become a recluse... especially now that he was growing and turning every normal household object into a weapon of mass destruction. Kaeru frowned, clinging to Youko's head and shoulders, the wide violet eyes peering out from the hood of his winter coat. "It's cold, and wet and I HATE it out here. Why couldn't we just stay home??" "Because you're going to get out of the house and make friends, and have FUN, dammit..." Whether you like it or not, his mind supplied, bringing a smirk to Youko's face. Lenachan358 " When snow is gone...it's water. Can we put snow into badtub and swim inside snow ?" Dark otter eyes looked up at the woman who was holding on to his paw, so he wouldn't vanish like usual. Jacosa was definately fond of running around and looking at everything. Everything even covered dead flies. But right now he was occupied with snow and hadn't stopped talking about it since Christmas and since he had been with his 'Grandma'. Stupid old woman, talking about fairy tales and other old woman making snow. Andraste growled. She often felt sick throughout the day now and so she had decided to bring Jacosa into the well-known building to be able to rest. He was just too curious and annoying sometimes. Some other people seemed to enter the building as well and so Andraste smiled and pulled the otter towards the big house. "Get inside, now. Quick." Jacosa squealed and toddled through the door. Syrcaid Taylor was much happier inside where it was dry, doing her best to wipe her feet in a hurry before she ran for the main room. There wasn't as much open space here like there was in the park, but there was still room to stretch her ever-growing legs. She was at the point where she was getting very lanky and leggy, stretching up and tall. Syrcaid suspected it'd be yet another child that was taller than she was. Fortunately, S-D was her own height and could bully him into behaving since he was the only true brat amonst them all. Syrcaid took her time taking off her scarf and coat, thankful to be inside as well. Inside it was quiet and dry, the holiday decorations still looked to be up along the walls but now with pictures and postcards pinned to the corkboards. Taylor even stopped to look at the pictures on the "New Arrivals" section for a few seconds before she scurried off to see if the playroom had any new toys. Youkochylde "Off." Youko reached up once he was inside the door, picking Kaeru up and setting him on the floor. The moment the boy was down, he started to take off, coming to a rather spectacular halt as he reached the end of his scarf, which Youko had grabbed hold of. The result was Kaeru getting his feet wiped out from beneath himself as he tried to worm free of the encumbering winter garb, and one fox trying like crazy to just CATCH him long enough to get him unwrapped without strangling him in the process. "LEGGO!!" Kaeru was pawing at the fleece coat, rolling around on the floor and making more of a mess than was necessary. Youko just sighed, grabbing a handful of coat hood and hauling him up to his feet again. "I would, if you'd sit still for just ten seconds." The boy obliged, reluctantly, and fidgeted as he was unwound. The moment he was free of the garb, he took off like a bat out of hell, darting into the warmth of the Fourth Wall center, dressed in nothing but a pair of board shorts and a t-shirt. Some would likely call Youko crazy for dressing a child like that in the winter. And he'd tell them to try and put anything MORE on the boy. Whenever Kaeru felt he had too many clothes on, he'd just leave them in a trail wherever he happened to be. It was better to have few clothes on him than none at all. The last time Kaeru felt 'trapped' in clothes, Youko had nearly wound up chasing a nude toddler around the mall right before Christmas. Quinny-chan The slush had made her forgo the stroller, opting instead for the baby carrier. She readjusted the harnass as it bit into her shoulders, struggling against Moss' constant kicking. She didn't think he would bother learning to walk, he'd skip straight to running the way those legs moved.
Pointing out random tidbits of doggie interest in a quiet voice, Quinn twirled her son's lond braided tail betwixt gloved fingers and thought on the cryptic message that had greeted her that morning. It went along the lines of, "Come to this address at this particular time. I gotta run, no time to explain."
She seemed to be getting a lot of that lately... She looked down at Moss and smiled, remembering the last such cryptic message and the life-style change it resulted in. She leaned forward and kissed the boy on the back of his stocking capped head. It had been worth it.
She knocked at the door while checking her watch; she was exactly on time. Lenachan358 " Snow is water, water is snoooow." Jacosa sang to his very own melody as he and his mother entered the building. The otter smiled and almost ran into a strange frog, who wiggled around a lot. Not disturbed by this in any way the toddler moved on and looked around for the toys. He knew there had been a ball last time. Andraste sighed and greeted everyone politely. "Hey, I'm Andraste. That's Jacosa, nice to meet you." She sat down on a chair with a thud and just allowed Jacosa to look around on his own. He'd do so anyway. Oh, there was someone else as well. " Howse ?" He knew them from cowboy movies. Syrcaid "LEGGO!" Taylor heard, tall ears pricking up as she turned and saw something tumbling and green. Instantly she bolted to greet it, but... what the heck was it? Was it a leaf? Was it a turtle? It talked, though! Taylor wasn't very chatty, but she was insatiably curious about everything. She stood stopping at Kearu and staaaared... Syrcaid watched from the sanctuary of chairs that lined one of the walls, too aware of hard little stomping hooves to sit on the floor this time. Last time Taylor had made a lovely minced mousefoot pudding of Terry's feet. She hadn't wished that on her own feet since. Youkochylde Kaeru bolted towards the main room, only to wind up finding his way blocked (rather unexpectedly) by a girl. Normally, he'd just skirt around, but this hadn't been anticipated, and instead, he barrelled right into Taylor, winding up in a heap on the floor. Even though he had grown, he was still small, and the frog boy twitched slightly as he stared at the ceiling. "Gravity works..." he murmured, blinking a few times. Youko had let him watch Fern Gully recently, and Batty Koda was now his idol. Therefore, he used as many quotes as he could manage to fit into regular conversation. The fox snickered, hanging up the coats and moving to shake the dampness out of his tail. He turned towards the other woman who had come in behind him and offered to help with her coat as well. "Good to meet you, Andraste. I'm Youko, that's Kaeru. We weren't sure if anyone else was going to be here today." Syrcaid Taylor rolled without any resistance, too curious even about being bowled over and kind of just... waited to see what happened. It was kind of fun! As soon as her eyes stopped spinning in their sockets she looked up and started laughing. "Oh, it works alright," Syrcaid noted, watching crosslegged on the chair. "It starts to really hurt when you get bigger, too. Cripes, if I fell like that I'd just lie there and wait for the crane to show up..." Taylor pushed her long hair from her eyes, never having seen any of the newcomers before. She was still laughing when she pulled herself up into a sit regardless of who or what was on her still, absolutely delighted to have company. She let out a high pitched whinny, Syrcaid flinched. "Sorry, about that..." Syrcaid apologised. Quinny-chan "Why does no one answer the door anymore..." Quinn wondered absently as she reached up to knock again and instead decided to just waltz in.
She opened the door slowly, incase someone was on the other side and called, "Hello? Um... Karma? Anyone?" Lenachan358 Andraste blinked as Youko helped her out of her coat. Usually she'd kick everyone who did so. Today she decided to mumble a 'thanks' and watch the kids. Oh...the frog had almost killed the horse..what was Jacosa doing now ? The otter watched for a moment and then laughed. " Coooool !" His nose started to sniff as he was about to get to know the new persons' smell. They looked like they were funny people, perhaps they wanted to play with him ? As the door was opened Andraste looked up and waved. "We're here. Come on, we've still place for another kiddo." Youkochylde Youko glanced to the door as it opened, motioning the woman in. "C'mon, we're all in here. Karma isn't in attendance, however. She might be around later, though." He stepped inside fully to give Quinny room in the entryway. Now that he and Kaeru were unwrapped, he could get inside completely, where it was warm. Kearu snickered at Syrcaid's comment, nodding softly. "A crane? Nah, you're not big enough for a crane. They're REALLY big and they pick up things that weigh tons." He startled slightly at Taylor's whinny, looking towards her as a grin spread across his face. Now THAT was a cool sound! "Do that again!!" Syrcaid Syrcaid stared. Then burst out laughing. "Do that again!!" Taylor smiled so hard her eyes were shut tight. Again? Okay! She took a big huff of air and whinnied again, sending it ringing around the walls. Syrcaid flinched again and hoped it wouldn't shatter anything valuable. "Maybe we should've met at a Chuck E. Cheese..." Syrcaid suggested feebly. Lenachan358 Jacosa usually was the center of attention and now it felt a bit awkward that everyone looked at the horse girl. He scratched his head and decided that he'd probably just join in and be nice. But somehow the sound hurt his ears. " You know sing show on TV ? You can go there." It was supposed to be a compliment, really. Quinny-chan Quinn's face flushed red and her mouth dropped open at the sight of the man who ushered her in. She did not know many other fox people and this man was... well... beautiful. She stammered a shy, "Hello" and edged into the room, freeing herself and Moss of their winter garments.
Loosening Moss from the carrier, she did an interesting juggle of baby, diaper bag and harnass as she removed it and then, just as she stuck out her hand to introduce herself to the lovely specimin of foxhood, Moss took the opportunity to place his giant, gapping, slobbery mouth full around her right breast.
Scarlet and horribly embarrased, she thrust the baby at the man and dashed off in search of a restroom, sobbing. Syrcaid Syrcaid watched Quinn make a run for it and blinked. Taylor was completely oblivious, taken to looking for the building blocks and half sunken into the large plastic toychest. "Ummm... what just happened?" Youkochylde "Wouldn't have worked, we got kicked out of Chuck E Cheese when he was a toddler. They didn't take too kindly to him climbing the pipwork playground... on the OUTSIDE of the pipes." Youko said to Syrcaid, poking at one ear with his finger, trying to clear it from the ringing whinny. He was grinning, however, as he moved to assist Quinny, taking the diaper bag, harness and coat, and setting them with the rest. He liked being helpful, after all. And he didn't seem too surprised or perturbed by the green dogboy's sudden 'attachment' to his mother. He chuckled, however, clearing the way for Quinny and Andraste to enter the main area. He watched Kaeru and Taylor then, glad that the boy seemed to forget the fact that he hadn't wanted to come here. The moment something interesting came up, the boy was ALL about staying. "She's beautiful," he said, commenting on the girl to the one that was obviously her parent. "I bet the infant years were murder with those lungs, though." Youko moved to curl up in a chair then, smiling as another child came to enter into the fun. Kaeru was gleefully trying to imitate the sound Taylor had made... but instead, it came out sounding like a mix between a hoarse crow's cry... and that of a rooster being strangled. It SOUNDED fun, but he just couldn't do it. "That's so cool," he murmured, grinning from ear to ear. He saw the otter boy then and nodded at the comment. "Yeah!! She could sing really loud and make all the other people vote for her instead of for those other silly people. They just dance around to bad songs." He got up then, doing a rather amusing impersonation of Brittney Spears, including the butt wiggle as he tried singing 'Oops, I Did it Again'. Youkochylde ((Addition, I missed part of Quinny's post)) Youko kept Moss in his lap as he rested in the chair, hoping that his mother wasn't sick or something... then again, that's usually why people ran for the bathroom, especially when kids were involved. "No clue," he murmured to Syrcaid, settling Moss on one knee and bouncing him lightly. Syrcaid Syrcaid listened as Youko went on about Chuck E. Cheese, trying her best to be polite about Quinny's hurt feelings. Trying hard not to laugh at things that were obviously very funny amidst things that were blatantly not funny, she'd taken to just biting down on her knuckle, eyes growing hot like she'd eaten something very spicy. When the little frog started dancing she'd begun a very soft, high pitched squeal trying to hold down the laugh. This was proving difficult as Taylor watched Kaeru talk on and on and her jaw went slack in the concentration of watching his mouth move. Taylor wondered if he was one of those puppet thingies from public access television. "Kermit!!" taylor blurted. Syrcaid's face paled. "Oh, for ********..." she slapped her forehead and whispered. Lenachan358 Andraste had sat down as well and just watched, her arms crossed as she saw the stranger dashing off to the bathroom. She grinned. "Oh I can understand, must be the flu. I have this throughout the morning quite often now. Disease spreading or something." "Sounds like your kids are just as much trouble as Jac is." Jacosa smiled at the frog boy answered and started to squeal loudly as he saw the cool dance. "Dance, dance." He motioned and followed the other one's butt wiggling. His tail moved from side to side and he almost hit Taylor accidently. "Ooops...again...ooops..again." The Oops was obviously the favourite part, although he had no clue who Britney Spears was or what she did. "Come on, you be a star." He waved at the girl and smiled. Youkochylde Youko, however, hadn't made any pretense about holding in his laughter. He slid down in the chair and nearly had tears in his eyes as he watched the kids trying to imitate Brittney. He'd have to make SURE that CD went missing somehow, because he hadn't quite realised just how much Kaeru had been listening to it. At the comment of 'KERMIT', however, he let out a soft howl of laughter, head falling back onto the chair as he laughed. "Life with kids is NEVER boring," he murmured, wiping tears from his face. Kaeru, however, stopped when he heard Taylor's shout, and stuck out his tongue, making a face. "Nah, Kermit's boring. He just sits around on a log and sings 'It's not easy being green', and dresses in ugly coats and hats. I do COOL stuff, wanna see?" He made a running start almost immediately, looking as though he was aiming directly for the wall. "I can FLY!" He leapt, feet and hands clinging to one wall... then he used that as a springboard to dart to the side, jumping to a higher point on the other side of the corner... then leapt into midair, limbs wide as he spread his fingers and toes to catch the air in the webbing between them. There wasn't a breeze in the room... at first. However, as he started to descend, a soft wind seemed to come out of no where, letting him glide across the room. Youko, however, was out of his seat, Moss held in one arm as he darted for the boy. "Kaeru, NO!" he yelled, reaching and catching the boy with his other arm. "Awww.... DAD...!" "Don't you 'aw dad' me.. No flying in the house." Kaeru sighed, sliding down to the ground and half glaring at his dad as he sulked back to the other two kids. "It WOULD have been cool..." Quinny-chan Perhaps it was the stress, perhaps it was the mystery of the cryptic message, but whatever it was, Quinn had snapped. She ran down a long hallway, trying, in vain, to find a restroom. Maybe she could drown herself in the toilet...
A quiet burbling wail filtered out from somewhere and Quinn's motherly instinct, what little of it was left, got the better of her. She wiped her eyes on her sleeve and stood stock still, large furry ears swiveling and twitching to pick up the sound again.
......
There! She made her way down the hall, creeping as quietly as possible on the wooden floors until she arrived at the source of the sound. Pushing the cracked door the rest of the way open, Quinn peered into the dim interior, shocked to see her name on a post-it stuck to a large aquarium.
She reached her arm into the room and swept it up and down over the adjacent walls until she found a light switch. Flicking it bathed the room in a cool, flourescent glow. She made her way over to the tank and examined the creature inside.
He was small, mostly white with a golden stripe along the top of his head and along his spine, with big, fuchia frilly gills floating lazily along the side of his head. He was about the size of her hand from the tip of her middle finger to the base of her palm. And he was smiling.
An envelope barring her name leaned on the glass and she picked it up and opened it, eyebrows raising at the contents:
Quinn~
Sorry I couldn't be here to greet you. Best laid plans and all that. This is Belen. He's an Axolotl. You will find an information packet enclosed. The box next to the aquarium has everything you need to get started -- a small bowl for carrying him, some food, toys, a nebulizer to strengthen his rudimentary lungs, a voucher for an aquarium...
Make sure you do his breathing treatments 3 times a day to help develop his land lungs. Let me know if you have any questions and GOOD LUCK!
~Karma
So... apparently she was to take the little guy home. He was kinda cute... Belen took the opportunity to float up next to the glass and shoot Quinn the small, adorable smile only an amphibian can give.
"That settles it," she said, smiling once more, "Time to go meet your brother." She scooped him out of the tank and placed him in the carrying bowl, hefting the box of goodies and the information packet under her other arm and made her way back to the main room. Lenachan358 Jacosa was sure he had just met the best person in the world. He had no clue about Kermits and Britneys but he knew that he wanted to fly as well. His eyes were staring at the boy and the otter gasped for air. " Me wil do too !" The toddler announced and quickly ran towards the wall. Jump, now he just need to jump and - gonk ! A wail echoed through the room as the otter rubbed his head. Tears were dwelling out of his eyes. Why hadn't it worked ? Andraste had almost fallen asleep as she heard the wail of Jacosa. "Oh no, Jac. What did you do ?" She quickly moved over to him and picked him up. "Looks like that's going to be a swelling." Syrcaid "It's most certainly never boring," Syrcaid agreed, watching Youko slide up and down his chair. Taylor just stood and stared watching Kaeru do all sorts of neat tricks and that mouth! It just never stopped GOING! Slackjawed she stood from the inside of the toychest and just watched him, slowly inching herself down to sit in the toychest to make it easier to sift through it. Syrcaid was used to Taylor climbing into the toychest and didn't discourage it. There'd be a time when Taylor couldn't fit into it anymore and that was one thing Syrcaid missed herself. Being able to fit into anything, for one, and secondly to be able to submerge yourself in the things you enjoyed the most. "I hope everyone's Christmas or holidays went well," Syrcaid went on. "I just keep wondering what we're going to do when they all start becoming teenagers in big waves... I think by then we should pad these walls or buy an old asylum to let them loose in from time to time." Quinny-chan Sheepishly, she rejoined the others. "Sorry about that... I'm a little... new to motherhood." She motioned to the foxman, "You can just put him on the ground, he'll be fine. Thanks for watching him for me."
She smilied shyly and held out the bowl, "This is Belen... Oh and I'm Quinn and he's Moss..." She gestured towards her other son. "I guess Karma wants me to look after him for awhile... The frog child, he'll have a swimming partner soon it seems."
Having been forced back to reality by the arrival of Belen, Quinn was, for all accounts, calm. She bent down in front of Moss and held the bowl out to him, "Moss, sweety. This is your new brother, Belen. You have to be careful with him, alright. Just do nice touches... Do you remember what nice touches are?"
Apparently he did, for he reached out and stuck his hand in the water of the small bowl, running his fingers lightly over the Axolotl's stomach and giggling. Youkochylde Grinning, Youko set Moss down on the ground after he was done tickling his new 'little brother'. "It's okay," he said, a soft chuckle coming from him. "At least he's got the gender right. My daughter tried to latch onto me one night when I was holding her and her brother on the couch. She hadn't quite figured out yet that her mother was the only one with the right plumbing." As he settled back into his chair from the debacle, he cast an apologetic glance at Andraste, his ears drooping to the sides slightly. "I'm sorry," he murmured. "He tends to go a bit wild when he's excited, and he doesn't realise yet that not everyone can do what he does. He woke me up the other morning stairsurfing on a wooden teatray. I gave up trying to get him to quit after the next few hours... I just had to go and get him a metal one so that he doesn't break the good one." This was news to Kaeru, however, and the frog's sullen demeanor shifted almost immediately. "You did?? SWEET!! Can we go home??" He hadn't seen this new tray yet, but it HAD to be better than the wooden one. "No, not yet." Youko had just gotten settled, he didn't want to go back out into the cold yet. "Damn." "WHAT?" Youko's ears pricked straight up at that, and Kaeru let out a yelp as he realised he'd been heard. "Nothing!!" The boy scrambled away then, darting towards the toybox where Taylor was. It had to be safely out of range over here. Sighing, Youko rubbed his hand over his forehead for a moment, narrowing his eyes at his son. "It had better have been nothing... or I know someone who's going to have a sore behind for swearing." That asylum was sounding better and better. However, he wasn't sure if it would be needed for the kids, or for the parents by the time they reached their teens. Lenachan358 Andraste gently put Jacosa back onto his feet and as the otter saw the aquarium he forgot about his pain. " Fish ?" It looked like it, but it seemed a bit too big for a fish. Usually he ate it in small portions. The mother giggled as she listened to Youko's story. "Oh I can imagine the little one's face." Deep inside she just noted that she would never buy tea trays. Never. Not with Jacosa around. The otter poked the glass slightly and tried to peer inside. Syrcaid Syrcaid watched things move along as they always had, new parents showing up. Not-so-new parents sharing sympathy for each other, but also that no one seemed to really regret having a child despite the difficulty. Then it occured to her amidst her small attention span that she'd failed to introduce herself and Taylor to anyone. "D'oh!" she shook herself into reality. "I'm so sorry. I'm Syrcaid and the one inspecting the plastic tub full of legos is Taylor. I just take a lot of things for granted sometimes, I forget that not all of us have met. I'm so used to Taylor just accepting everyone that comes in and greets us." Quinny-chan Belen swam up to the glass and peered back at the otter. He blew a few bubbles at him and then, in a truely inspired bit of excitement, Belen peeked his head out the top of the bowl and spit a stream of water at the otter before plunking back down into the bowl. Quinn giggled and wiped the boy's face, "No, sweetie. He's not a fish. He's called an Axolotl. Can you say Ax-oh-lot-ul? He's an amphibian... like Kaeru. He breathes water, instead of air like you do."
Quinn continued to hold the bowl carefully before her, in case any of the other children were curious.Moss crawled over to Taylor pulled himslef up using her tail for leverage. This was the first time he had ever stood on his own and he suprised himself a little by the ability. He bobbled back and forth, tossing Taylor's tail side to side, before ultimately plopping onto his diaper padded behind.
He didn't let go of her tail, however. Instead, he picked up his own braided version, putting the two together and wiggling them back and forth, cooing happily.Lenachan358 Andraste was about to fall asleep again as she heard Syrcaid's voice. "Uh huh, really nice to meet you..." She was barely able to keep her eyes open. Jacosa instead was completely awake and squealed loudly as he got wet. He really loved water so he wasn't mad at the fish. But wait, hadn't the woman just said he wasn't a fish ? " Axe-ohoo-lot-L." Jacosa tried to pronounce it right and grinned. " Wanna be friends with me ? Others don't like, because me cannot fly. But Cosa can dive, very good. Not good like you, but good too." His tail flicked from side to side as his nose came closer to the water surface as he talked. Youkochylde "Good to meet you," Youko replied, relaxing again as it seemed that Kaeru was finally settling in. He was always so rambunctious when he first arrived anywhere. However, he had a feeling he should have kept the tea tray to himself... now the boy was going to be nagging him incessantly the whole way home. He turned his attention to Quinny and the bowl she was carrying, remembering fondly when he'd first received Kaeru. It was going to be good to have the froglet around the house... especially with Raven and Omi both getting to the age when they would likely start wanting to move out. He wasn't quite sure he could handle an empty house just yet. Kaeru had gotten his attention firmly on the Legos that Taylor was playing with, the boy dropping down to sit and watch her. "What'cha building?" he asked, tilting his head to the side faintly. It was good for him to have a focus to his curiosity. Or in this case, at least a SAFE focus for it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2006 6:48 am
.:And Then, There Were Two, pt. 2:. Syrcaid Taylor was using her teeth as Moss used her tail for leverage, she didn't mind things crawling on her. She watched him as she tried with what arm muscle she had to pop open the lid of Legos. For such a child friendly label it sure was hard to- PSSSSSHHH!!!Taylor looked surprised as a confetti of Legos flew out like shrapnel and sprayed across the carpet. She watched it fall with curiosity, wondering if the box was supposed to do that. "That's going to hurt if you step on it," Syrcaid said numbly. "At least they aren't metal jacks. Stepping on those little jacks made of tin are excruciating." Taylor looked to the two nearest her and started laughing again, this time snorting as she took in air. Syrcaid watched her and started laughing herself up again. Quinny-chan Quinn reached out and ruffled Jocasa's hair, "I'm sure Belen will be friends with you, Cosa. He likes to swim, just like you do. But he's not a big boy yet, like you are, so we have to be very careful with him, ok?" She held out the bowl so the boy could peer in.Belen smiled at Cosa, which seemed to be his response to most things. He peaked over the top of the bowl again, tiny wheezing noises emminating from his rudimenary lungs. Moss' eyes went wide as the Legos cascaded down. He was shocked and almost started crying until everyone else started laughing. He sniffled a bit, but then began to giggle. Youkochylde Kaeru let out a shriek at the rain of Legos, covering his head for a moment... until instinct got the better of him. Small object. Moving fast. GET IT!! His tongue darted out, catching a Lego and snapping it back into his mouth a split second before he realised what he'd done and tried to remove it. His tongue was left hanging out of his mouth, a bright blue block dangling from it as he let out a sigh. "Aw mannnn... ged oph meh..." He caught hold of the block, tugging at it until it snapped free, and he made a face. "I hate that." Snickering, Youko shook his head. "Go wash it off at least, no one wants to play with your spit." Kaeru nodded. At least THAT, he understood well enough. Spit-covered toys were icky. He got up, carrying the block with him to the bathroom and disappeared inside, shutting the door. A moment later, the sound of water running in the sink could be heard. Turning back to Syrcaid, Youko nodded emphatically. "Jacks... but dice are worse. My oldest boobytrapped the stairs leading down to her room in the basement by covering them with four-sided dice. Not sure who she was trying to trip up, unless she was laying bait for her brother." Lenachan358 In the meantime Andraste was completely asleep and her head was slowly moving down as she breathed heavily. Jacosa smiled. That was a nice woman and hopefully Belen would really like to be friends. He had never been called a big boy before, usually he was just otter. "I have a new pet. She is called otta, she swims too. But she is no otta, she is ...other white thing. Came out of a shell."He reported to the lady and poked one finger into the water. Belen should grow quick so they could play. Quinny-chan Belen plunked back into the bowl, swimming circles around where Jocasa swirled his finger. He bubbled and spun and twirled, excited with the interaction. "What kind of creature is you new pet, honey? Oh, good job, Cosa. Those are good nice touches. You see, he is playing with you!" Ever watchful, Quinn just caught Moss trying to put some Legos into his mouth.
"HONEY! NO!"Her shout startled him and he began to sniffle and whimper a bit, the usual baby crying sounds replaced by the canine variety. He raised his hands to Taylor. He wanted to be picked up and snuggled and she was close and appeared to be big enough.Lenachan358 Jacosa was startled as he was asked about the pet and seemed thoughtful for a moment before he quickly moved over to Andraste and tugged on her trousers. " Moommmy...what kind of pet is Otta ?"Andraste blinked very tiredly. "Lucarin, Jacosa. Some kind of sea monster thingy mix..." She muttered before dozing off again. The little one was satisfied and moved back to the bowl. " It's Lucarin." He repeated and turned around. If the Axo likes his finger, it would definately like his tail. As gently as possible he poked it into the liquid. Quinny-chan Belen dove to the bottom of the bowl as the giant tail came right at him. He was very little -- only about 6-8 inches tall -- and that tail was very big. But it entered the water gently and didn't move much after that. He swam up to it curiously, latching on with his sticky feet and climbing onto its leathery surface. Quinn grinned, knowing just what the boy was taking about and watched interestedly as he dipped his tail in, delighted to see Belen investigate.Youkochylde Youko lounged in the chair, smiling as he watched the otter boy and Belen play. They were so CUTE when they were that small... and he idly remembered Kaeru as a tadpole, swimming in the tub. Kaeru. Blinking, Youko sat up, looking around. What was taking the boy so long? There were sounds of splashing from the bathroom, and the fox felt his ears droop as he got to his feet and headed down the hall. Oh gods, please don't let him be... As he pushed the door open, however, THAT hope was dashed. Kaeru was clinging to the side of the toilet bowl, the seat raised and bubbles filling up the porcelain bowl as he swished his hands around and sent the Lego into a spiralling death whirlpool. He'd abandoned the sink... he hadn't been able to find a drain stopper, and the water was still running where he'd forgotten to turn it off. "Incoming, incoming!! We're under attack! Battle stations!!" Kaeru splashed in the water, sending small waves over the side and onto the already sopping floor. "BATTA-TATTA-TATTA-TATTA-TATTA-TATTA... TAKE THAT ENEMY SCUM!" As he shouted, he made 'machine gun' motions with his hands, fingers poking into the water at the helpless Lego 'ship'. "TORPEDO!!" With that, both hands smacked down into the water, sending half the contents of the bowl spilling out everywhere. Now the small bathroom was flooded with water, suds and the remains of the S.S. Lego. Youko let out a yelp as the bottom half of his pants got soaked, and he scooped up the boy immediately. "What are you DOING?!?" Lenachan358 Jacosa felt a shiver down his spine as something climbed up his tail. It felt very very strange and his tail was very sensitive. It tickled. Jacosa started to giggle and almost pulled his tail out of the water. But he didn't dare to hurt the axo. Hadn't the lady said that it could only live in water ? Just as he thought about this option of life he heard noises from nearby. It sounded like the bathroom. Andraste slowly awoke as she heard the voices and yawned. "Uh...Jac ?" Trio Maxwell-Chang "Winter sucks," Trio muttered, Makana's hand wrapped tightly in her own. She caught the outside door, hauling it open and pinning it there with her hip as she ushered Makana inside - the catgirl looked more than a little awkward in feet hidden by oversized, strangely-shaped boots. It didn't seem to matter that her feet were completely protected; she still walked carefully, lifting her foot and shaking it before taking the actual step forward. "Hurry, sweetie." The rest of the abyssinian was bundled up in a purple and silver snowsuit that looked like it had already seen a fair bit of wear and tear. She had a blue hat under the hood, the edge of it drooping down over her eyes, and her scarf was a pretty green, still seeming new. And from all accounts, she couldn't wait to get out of it, shedding the coat as soon as she reached warmth. Trio ducked in after her, shucking off a winter coat and hanging it on the wall as she watched Makana shedding her own suit. It took a few minutes before the girl was ready to head inside, and by then she was eyeing the other children warily, hanging back near her mother's legs. Quinny-chan Wiggling his fingers and toes in the soft and never before felt fur, Belen ducked his head in the water again and then climbed farther up onto Jocasa's tail, gripping it with all his amphibian strength. Quinn's head whiped towards the sound of Youko's yells and broke into a belly laugh, jiggling the bowl that held Belen as she was racked with fits of laughter. Tears leaked from her eyes and she was having difficulty breathing so when Trio entered, all she could do was wave and gasp, "Torpedo!"Moss eyed the newcommers with interest from his spot on the carpet. Something instinctually told him that this girl would be a fun playmate, but he wasnt sure why. He liked girls though... Whimpers fading, she crawled over to her, yapping his cute little puppy yaps and begged to be picked up.Lenachan358 Andraste waved at the newcomer as she got up very tired. "Time to get home, Jacosa." She checked her watch and yawned. Somehow she was tired quite often throughout the last days. The otter just giggled hardly as the little amphibian clinged to him. " Lookit, Mommy !" He laughed and shook his tale slightly. They needed to go, he didn't want to, but they needed to look after his pet. Youkochylde Youko stared at the destruction of the bathroom and let out a whine. "We've got to get this cleaned up," he murmured, setting the boy down and directing him towards the towels that hung from the rack on the wall. As Kaeru was about to open his mouth and argue, Youko held up a hand. "Not if you've got any shred of survival instinct left." That did it. Kaeru shut his mouth immediately, and set about mopping up the water with the towels, handing the dripping cloth to Youko to wring out in the sink before starting up again. It didn't take long for the two of them to get it reasonably clean... and the rest would dry easily enough if they left the door open. When they re-emerged, Kaeru was acting as though nothing had happened, holding up the Lego triumphantly. "It's clean!" he crowed, darting back to the box of coloured bricks and settling himself in the midst of them. Youko, however, was scowling at the soaked-from-the-knees-down jeans he was wearing, and his ears were flat against his head. "That's the LAST time you watch Pearl Harbour," he growled, settling into his chair again as Trio and Makana entered. Trio Maxwell-Chang Trio blinked at her long-time friend, keeping her expression as steady as she could manage. The tell-tale trembling of her lips and slight shaking in her voice was enough to give away how hard she was trying to hold in laughter. "I thought Shiro and Annora were the two water fanatics..." She waved to Quinny, then nudged Makana further into the room, eliciting a soft whine of protest. Makana took two steps forward, then about three back as Moss came at her, eyes huge. When she ducked behind Trio's legs, the woman bent down, scooping Moss up and settling him in her arms with easy comfort. "Thought I'd come see if the place was still standing after Christmas." Quinny-chan Quinn reached down and scooped Belen off of Jocasa's tail and back into his bowl. He was beginning to dry out and the wheezing was getting to her. She patted the otter boy on the head and whispered, "You need to be a big boy and help mommy go home. I promise you and Belen can play together again soon, ok?"
She was still a little red from all the laughter, but the shade changed from mirth to concern as Trio scooped Moss into her arms. She fumbled for what to say, deciding ultimately that perhaps if she said nothing, the boy would keep his hands to himself.
Cocking her head to the side, she peered around Trio, smiling and waving her fingers at Makana.Moss cooed delightedly at having been picked up. While this lady wasn't his intended target, she was warm and had fun squishy parts just like his mommy. Talking nonsense to himself, he burried his face in her bosom, patting either breast with his tiny hands. Youkochylde "It's standing," Youko replied weakly, grinning at the woman and opening his arms to try and coax her into coming in for a hug. HE wasn't moving just yet. "But barely. My son just tried to drown a Lego and flooded the bathroom... but other than that, it's relatively calm." He stopped then, staring at the little cat girl behind Trio's legs. "Is that Makana?" he asked, eyes widening as he smiled. "Gods, she's grown..." "HI MISS TRIO!" came the shout from the pile of Legos, Kaeru waving a hand frantically to try and get her attention. Lenachan358 Andraste took Jacosa's paw as he nodded friendly. " We play soon, Belen. I can show you my pet. He smiled as they left the building. Youkochylde Youko's ears pinned as he snorted towards Trio. Still, the corner of his mouth curved upwards as he did. "Smartass," he murmured, snickering faintly. Looked like they were going to be here a bit longer than he'd planned... at least until his jeans were to the point that they wouldn't turn into icicles when he stepped outside. Kaeru, however, was oblivious to the discomfort of his 'father', happily building the World's Tallest Lego Tower in the corner, and doing a bang up job of it, if the first levels were any indication. "Hi, Makana," Youko said softly, resting his head against the side of the chair as he watched the little girl. Gods, but she was growing quickly... and looked to be FAR less outgoing than her siren sister. Quinny-chan So much for that theory... Quinn thought miserably as she watched Moss debase Trio's breasts. She waited for her to shriek or to throw the boy to the ground, but her new friend simply took it in stride. Maybe it wasn't as horrible a trait as she thought...
"Um... do you want me to, um..." she floundered, hands grabbing out and then pulling back up to her body, "I can take him..."Moss latched onto Trio's fingers, pulling them to his mouth and gumming them happily.Belen popped his head out of his bowl and eyed the shy little girl curiously. So many new encounters today! Trio Maxwell-Chang "You've always known I'm a smartass, Youko. That's why we're friends," Trio returned, before glancing at Quinny oddly. "No way. Mine are grown, I wanna snuggle a little longer. I'll let you change his diaper when it's time, though," she added, winking and tugging lightly at her fingers. His suction seemed strong, though, and she ended up choosing to leave them in place, reaching with her other hand to move his fingers. "Friendly sort, isn't he?" she added, with a teasing grin. "H'lo," Makana murmured, edging up beside her mother before Belen caught her attention. Instantly, her eyes lit up, and she crept closer, tail swishing lazily behind her as she followed the amphibian's movements. One hand lifted, fingerpads resting on the cool glass very carefully. Quinny-chan Quinn was genuinely suprised at Trio's reaction. She was most definetly not horrified. "Yeah... friendly... You mean, its ok with you... the, the..." her voice dropped to a whisper, "grabby hands?"Belen's tiny hand snaked up and he issued the side to side motion that he had watched everyone do to eachother in greeting, a gentle smile directed at the furry little girl. Trio Maxwell-Chang Trio blinked. "Why would I mind?" she asked, in honest surprise. "It's not like HE knows what's going on. All he knows is 'there's milk in them thar hills'," she laughed, ruffling Moss's hair. "Now, when he's eighteen and still groping me? Then we'll have a talk." Makana watched Belen curiously, then waved back shyly, brightening. "Hi," she whispered carefully. Quinny-chan Quinn smiled in relief and confusion, "But that's just the thing. I've never breast-fed him or given him any indication that that is where food comes from. Its like he just KNOWS... Its a little unsettling."
Quinn leaned over to Makana and offered quietly, "He's just a little guy, so he doesnt talk much yet, but you can play with him if you are gentle. He needs the water to breathe and to keep him moist, but you can take him out of his bowl for a little bit if you want, since I dont think you would like the water..."Moss looked up at Trio and grinned, "Meeeeeeeeeeeeeehhhhhhhh," he exclaimed, breaking up into giggles as he tugged on one of her braids and matched it up to his own tail. Trio Maxwell-Chang "It's just instinct, probably. Or maybe his other parents breast-fed him," Trio pointed out, offering a smile. Makana looked up at Quinny very seriously, hesitating before cupping her hands and holding them out so that Belen could rest in them. Before the tiny boy could be placed in her arms, however, Trio reached over Youko. "Not yet, sweetie. Quinny, can you make sure she's sitting beside you first? I'd rather she be stationary." Makana wilted, but moved to crawl up and nestle between Youko and Quinny. Quinny-chan Carefully, Quinn reached out and scooped up her aquatic son, rubbing him with a bit of the lotion from the box Karma had provided. She smiled down at the serious child, waiting for her to ready herself before placing the frilly-headed boy in her eager lap. "Just make sure you're gentle, ok? And let me know if you think he needs more water and I'll help you so you dont get wet."Belen scampered around excitedly, making short bounces from one side of the girl's lap to the other. He gurgled a bit and smiled adoringly at her. Trio Maxwell-Chang Makana was clearly in heaven, completely forgetting to be shy as she watched the tiny boy bounce around her lap. She made no move to touch him, but watched him like a hawk, hands hovering above him carefully. "I Makana," she whispered, this time quiet for the intense concentration, rather than timidity. Trio chuckled, watching her daughter for a few before leaning back. "She loves small things," she noted softly. "Especially animals." Youkochylde Youko smiled, watching the two interact as he kept one eye on his son. It wasn't that he didn't trust the boy... he DID. But Kaeru had enough impulsivity for a herd of cat-n** strung felines, and he wasn't about to turn a blind eye to that after the bathroom incident. Kaeru, for his part, was happily playing with the Legos... until his tower started to wobble. Then his goal changed from creating the largest tower, to TOPPLING the largest tower as he stood up and snarled like a monster. "I AM GODZILLA!!! RRRRAAAAAAAARRRGHHHHHHHHHH!!! FLEE IN TERROR, MORTALS!!" He stomped through the Legos then, sending the tower crashing down in the hundreds of pieces that had made it up. The fox just facepalmed, wincing slightly. "I don't give him sugar, I swear..." Quinny-chan Belen watched her as she spoke, ceasing to move as he concentrated. "Bellbellbellbell," he finally managed to sputter out, grinning from fuchia frill to fuchia frill. Wheezing a little in the excitement, he used his sticky feet to climb the girl, making a final perch on the bridge of her nose, grinning and peering from one eye to the other. Trio Maxwell-Chang Makana went cross-eyed, sitting rigid and whiskers quivering. Her ears were flat against her skull, but she wasn't about to grab the tiny boy and possibly hurt him. Trio snickered, eyeing Quinny before glancing at Youko. "I don't think you NEED to," she muttered, tilting her head and laughing. "He's just as I remember." Youkochylde "Ehehe..." Youko wilted slightly, watching the 'rampage' over in the corner. "Start cleaning up, kiddo," he said, lifting his voice so that he could be heard. "We have to get heading home." Kaeru froze then, one foot in midair as he looked to Youko with an expression akin to someone who'd just lost thier puppy. "But WHYYYYYYYY..." he wailed, crocodile tears starting to form. "We just got here, and you said I needed to get out of the house, and now you're making me go home and I don't WANT to!" Before Youko could react, the boy had jumped upward, scaling a bookshelf and positioning himself on the ceiling near the wall. "No! I wanna stay!" "An hour ago, I couldn't get you out of the house!" Youko replied, sighing as he got to his feet and headed for the side of the room. There was a window there... if he was lucky, he could get on the sill and reach up to pry the boy down. Kaeru skittered forward, moving so that he was clinging in the centre of the room, one hand wrapped around the light fixture. "But now we're out of the house and I wanna stay!" So much for that idea. Youko stood in the middle of the floor, staring up at the boy with his ears pinned back. "Come DOWN here," he hissed, trying to avoid making a bigger scene than they were already. "Don't make me get a broom..." Quinny-chan It took a lot to take Moss's mind off of female endowments, but a frog scrambling around on the ceiling was a good enough distraction. His head tipped back and swivveled as he tracked the frog, barking wildly and having a great time.Belen watched Makana's ears move and felt about his own head for similar features. Finding none, he climbed the rest of the way to the top of her head and peered into them, wondering where they led. Having simialr ears to Makana and having just watched Youko's go back on his head in anger, Quinn got a little worried that the kitten was uncomfortable in some way. "You doing ok, honey? Need any help with anything?" Trio Maxwell-Chang Trio's eyes widened as she watched Kaeru. "Uh... Youko?" she asked quietly. "Want some help there? Makana, on the other hand, had her nose wrinkled up tight, sitting very very still so she didn't dislodge Belen. "Tickles!" she complained, no longer quite so quiet. Youkochylde "I think I've got it," Youko growled softly, trying to keep his cool. He tapped one foot idly, staring up at his son, who was dead set AGAINST coming down now. "Can't we please stay? Just for a bit longer?" Kaeru was sniffling now, curled up in a ball as he stuck to the ceiling. Sighing, Youko shook his head. "Not tonight. We can't, Kaeru, we have to get home and make dinner." Finally, he remembered that one ace in the hole he still had. "Besides. You need to get down here and clean up the Legos first... then you can test out that new metal tea tray while I figure out what we're eating tonight." Well, THAT changed everything. Within two seconds, the boy had dropped down, landing first on Youko, then bounding over to the toys. "OKAY!" Quinny-chan Belen's weezing was getting louder, so Quinn picked him up and dipped him back in his bowl for a moment. "You are doing very well, Makana. I just need to rehydrate him and then you can have him back... There." She placed the Axolotl back in the child's hands and reached over to scratch Moss behind the ears. Trio Maxwell-Chang Now that Belen was back in her lap, Makana's grin returned, a soft rumbling purr beginning to start up. She lifted a finger, hesitantly touching his head carefully before looking up at Quinny with wide eyes. "That's right, sweetie. Be gentle," Trio murmured, even as she set Moss on the floor for a few moments to get up and walk to Youko. "You're not leaving here without giving me a hug, mister!" Quinny-chan Belen nuzzled into the finger Makana presented, rubbing his frilly gills back and forth over the girls hand. He liked the rumbling noise she was making and made several amusing attempts at reproducing it. Youkochylde Snickering, Youko held out his arms for a hug, pulling her close and nuzzling against her hair. "Yes, mom," he murmured, smiling still. "Like I'd leave without one, you know me better than that." Kaeru picked up all the Legos in record time and zoomed past the hugging pair on his way to the coatrack. He tried to jump up and grab HIS coat, but it was under Youko's... and the crazy puking lady's... and Moss's... and Miss Trio's... So he wound up sitting in the middle of the mudroom with a pile of coats on him as he yelled. "Will I be warm enough like this??" Trio Maxwell-Chang Trio laughed, releasing Youko with a grin. "You need to come to dinner, soon. Shiro and I haven't seen you in forever!" she chided, even as she moved to sit back on the couch. "Bye!" Makana beamed, purring at Belen and stroking the skin carefully. "Pretty," she whispered. Quinny-chan Quinn laughed at Belen, his attempts at purring being quite possibly the cutest thing she had ever seen or heard. Her focus was interrupted, however, by Kaeru yanking all the coats on the rack down on himself.
"That's ok, little one. We best be off soon too!" She got up and went to retrieve her and Moss's coats and accessories, unburdening the boy in the process. Youkochylde Rolling his eyes, Youko moved to disentangle the boy from the coats, trying to make sure they were all hung back up where they needed to be. "Count on it!" he called back over his shoulder, finally managing to bundle up Kaeru and pull on his own coat. As he was lifted up to ride on Youko's shoulders again, Kaeru waved wildly to the others, grinning. "Bye Miss Trio and cat girl and salamander thingy and Miss Foxthing!" Chuckling, Youko waved as well, pushing his feet into his boots. "Bye, you guys. Take care! And Trio, you guys can come over for dinner too. Gimme a call later this week." With that, he ducked out the door, shutting it behind him before too much cold air could come in. Trio Maxwell-Chang "For once," Trio murmured to the closed down, an amused smile on her face, "you're coming to MY home, thank you." She then turned to Quinny. "If you're headed out, I probably should, too. No more excuses to hang around, and I think Dal will kill me if I leave Annora with him ALL day."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2006 9:04 am
. biggrin iaries of a Frazzled Housewife:.
I seem to be doing pretty well. Nothing at all like my last stint at motherhood. I haven't lost anybody yet, so that's a plus... Moss is playing on the floor with Freyr, a regular occurence when Belen isn't trying to wake the dragon up for a ride. At least Moss holds no pretense that the little thing will stay awake for the entire play session. He seems happy just to flop him around and Freyr seems not to mind, so who am I to judge.
Belen is swinging on my tail. I remember the first time he did that, running as fast as his teenie legs would carry him and then leaping into the air and grabbing on as he then swung back and forth. Gave me quite a shock, that did. I've gotten used to the pull and the additional weight now. Almost fell over when Moss tried it. Sometimes, the boys forget they aren't the same size.
I'm really proud of how they behave with one another. Moss is so helpful with Belen, letting him ride on his back as he crawls around or lifting him up to something when he can't reach. Belen helps Moss too, by crawling into spaces that are too big for the pup. While these excursions ussually result in less than desirable outcomes, at least they are helping eachother. I just wish they'd stop helping eachother get into trouble!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 7:32 am
Of Axolotls and Aquariums
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 7:33 am
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 7:34 am
.:To Splash or not to Splash:. AIM RP with Trio Quinn had gotten so caught up in the day to day trials and tribulations of life that she had neglected taking the boys out for a day of fun for some time. Belen was growing quickly, as amphibians are apt to do, so now, he and Moss were of a size with one another, though the canine boy was just approaching his toddling years. Vowing today would be the day that she and the boys would have a bit of fun together, Quinn called Trio and asked her if she might like to bring her girls out to play with the boys. Belen spoke of Makana often -- quite taken with her after just one meeting and he would make his purr-noise whenever he spoke of her. Loading the boys into their double stroller, Quinn ambled down the sidewalk to the previously arranged meeting place -- a park with a big, wooden play fort, slides, swings, teeter totters, the works! Placing Moss down in the sandbox where she could keep an eye on him, she freed Belen to scramble about at will, warning him not to go to the spash pad or the wading pool without permission and supervision. He did have a penchant to run off when water was concerned. Trio and the girls arrived about ten minutes later, Trio stepping out of the car and moving to unhook the girls from their respective carseats. "Hey there," she called, once the two toddlers were scrambling their way onto the playground, leaving her to pad behind a little more slowly. She hadn't changed much, but for a bit of jewelry (two silver rings on her left hand and a pretty green pendant that nestled just in the center of her chest.) "How goes?" Annora was beaming, already humming something not too far offkey and bouncing her way to the sandbox. Makana, on the other hand, was slower, seemingly captivated by something in her pocket rather than by her surroundings. Quinn waved as the trio approached, laughing as she thought of Trio in a trio. She dug about in her capacious diaper bag for a bottle of water and proffered the beverage before responding, "Not too bad. We've been stuck in the house for too long. Glad that I could finally get the boys out. Belen has been speaking of Makana non-stop since they met, so hopefully this will make him happy! And you know how Moss loves his girls! I'm going to have my hands full with that one..." She reached out and took Trio's hand in hers, running a thumb gently over the rings and lifting an eyebrow, "Got something you want to share?" Moss gave Annora a drooling grin as the siren approached him. His love for all things female was boundless and this little girl could sing too, another of his favorite things. Waggling a sand shovel at her, he called out, "Sit! Sit!" Belen eyed Makana with interest, gesturing her to join him and purring for all he was worth. The smile that answered that sly little question blinded about as well as the sun, and Trio sat back. "We got back not long ago. You remember Shiromaru, right?" she asked, her right fingers moving to toy with the rings. They still felt so strange, having both on her hand at once. Annora snickered, moving to flop down in the sand. "Building something?" she asked, reaching out to scoop up a handful of sand and she sprinkled it over one leg. Makana blinked at the purr, finally looking up and pausing. He looked awfully familiar, but he was so big, and what she was thinking of had been a tiny little thing. But he could purr, and that was a good thing! With a shy look, she moved closer, cupping her hand carefully over her coveralls pocket. "Of course I remember! How could I forget?! The two of you were such life savers when Moss first arrived. I think there might be a shrine to you somewhere in the depths of my house." She chuckled a bit at that and indicated the necklace, "Did Mr. Cassanova get you that too? If he's got extra money lying around, I wouldn't mind a few shinies." Her grin began to challenge Trio's for hugeness. Moss considered Annora's question carefully, for it hadn't occured to him to build anything. Watching her sprinkle sand on her leg, he got an idea and scooped a big shovelfull on her other leg, "House. You house." Belen cocked his head to the side, magenta gills flopping. "Whatcha got?" He reached behind him on the play fort and grabbed his water bottle, using it to moisten his skin and gills. Trio laughed, leaning back a little. "If he got you one, you and I would have to go rounds," she teased, sticking out her tongue. "I'm afraid we're too busy putting money aside for schools and such to worry about many more shinies, but it is traditional to have a ring when you get married." "I'm not a house!" Annora said, laughing and shaking her head at Moss. She watched him pile the sand on, curious about what he was doing all the same. "I'm a silly girl!" Makana blinked. He was definitely different from the tiny thing she remembered. He could talk! Carefully, she withdrew a tiny, rust-colored kinoko and held it in her palm. "This is Mouse," she said softly, adjusting the glasses she wore a little. "I suppose you're right... but just keep me in mind, you know, if you have some homeless shinies." She laughed at that and took a swig from her own water. Moss' forehead wrinkled as he searched for the proper word, "House for you. Yes. Silly girl house." He nodded and smiled and shoveled on a bit more sand. While no longer tiny, Belen wasnt very big either. He stepped forward slowly, so as not to scare the creature and gazed at it, eyes level with Makana's palm. "Pretty," he cooed quietly. And after a pause, "What's it eat?" He had developed language all at once, so it still took him a bit to come up with what he wanted to say sometimes. Quinn had to enforce that he not resort to grunts just to ensure his speech was maintained. Trio grinned, lifting her face to the sun. "I'll definitely keep you in mind," she promised, feeling the faint pulsing warmth of the green pendant. Homeless shinies. That was a remarkably good name for them... Annora reached out, patting Moss' head lightly before nodding. "Silly opera girl house," she decided, and as soon as he was done with one leg, she began to carefully decorate it with musical notes. "What about your house?" Makana hesitated, then held out Mouse a little more toward him, one pawpad gently petting the mushroom-creature's top. "He eats candy. And dirt. Mama said he eats dirt, too." Leaning back on the bench, Quinn watched the kids play, happy that she was finally able to get them out of the house and basking a bit in the warmth comming from Trio's happiness. "Moss house?" He cocked his head, puppy ears rising and he pointed the way they had arrived. "Moss house there!" He crawled closer to her and made an awkward attempt to snuggle into her. He liked being close to girls. "What opp-rah?" "Mom has candy! MOM!" He bellowed, the sound comming out much louder than one would have thought possible. Quinn's ears perked at the sound and she sat bolt upright, scanning about for the emergency. "What?! Belen? Are you ok?!" She called, as he scampered up. Seeing no obvious injury, she quietly and not very seriously debated giving him one in retribution for the fright. "Can I have candy? Not for me, for Mouse. You can rub it in the dirt if you want. He's like those things in the garden... with the big hats..." "Big hats...?" Quinn thought a moment before realizing he meant the mushroom people. Digging into her pocket, she produced a handful of hard candies of various flavors and handed them to the little axolotl. "You may have one too, if you would like. And share with the others, if they want some too." Belen ran in his lurching way back to Makana, proffering the candy the entire way. Makana's ears flattened as Belen shouted, and she twisted, curling a protective arm around Mouse as her tail puffed to twice its normal size. The sound had shocked her, and when he went loping off, she carefully uncurled, tucking Mouse in her pocket with a worried look. Her ears were still flat, and tail still poofed when he returned, and as he ran toward her, she took a few hesitant steps back, huge gold eyes simply watching him. Trio, too, had been startled with the loud yell, but a quick check on both the girls and their two playmates had calmed her, and she settled back against the bench, toying with the green crystal as she willed her heart to calm. Silly to get so shaken up over such a little thing. "What'd he want?" "Opera's when someone sings and they're really good and can sing a long long time and they break things with their voice," Annora explained, awkward arms coming up to snuggle back. Most of her own siblings weren't quite such cuddlebugs, except maybe for Etain. Belen slowed and his chin tucked down, finally gathering the visual cues of discomfort that Makana was presenting. "I just wanted to get him some candy. You don't have to be all poofy... Mom says that if kitties are poofy that means they are scared. You are a kitty, right?" He wiggled the candy out, trying to entice her, making teenie purrs. "Just some candy... and perhaps to give us heart attacks..." She rolled her eyes. "You are so lucky to have girls." "Ooooo!" Moss sang shrilly, left eye squinting as he tried to sing higher and longer. Finally, he burst out into a pant, tongue lolling in a particularly doggie way. "Moss no opp-rah good. 'Nor good? 'Nor sing Moss." Makana hesitated, then crept forward, protecting Mouse the whole while. "You got loud," she accused softly, but her ears were beginning to creep forward, and her tail wasn't lashing quite so hard anymore. Trio raised an eyebrow at that, snorting. "If you don't think they can be hellions... think again," she informed Quinny. Annora hesitated, wrinkling her nose at the shrill sound. Once Moss was done, she stood up, drawing in a deep breath as her new teacher had taught her and remembering that high wasn't always good, especially if she didn't want to break something. So she settled for about a half-octave lower than Moss, using all her skill to make her voice ring out clearly through the playground. "...I rest my case," Trio murmured, when they could hear again. Belen's voice dropped even lower, barely audible, especially over the racket Annora was making. "I wont get loud no more. We got them things in the garden, so I wont hurt it. Promise. Want to feed it? I got candy." He tossed the candy a bit in his hands so it bounced and glinted in the afternoon light. Quinn chuckled as Moss laughed and clapped. "Moss like! Moss like! AGAIN!" Makana relaxed as Belen's voice dropped. She was used to Annora's din, though she hated it, and moved a little farther away, to where there was a bit of dirt peeking out of the grass. "Over here. Sit down first," she directed, kneeling and lifting Mouse carefully out of her pocket. Annora drew a breath to sing the note again, and was stopped with a "No!" from Trio. "Honey, why don't you sing one of your other songs," Trio added, when Annora looked upset. "Itsy Bitsy Spider?" That brightened her right back up, and she began to sing, flopping down into the sand once more. Belen skiddered over and sat, plopping because he couldnt use his hands. He really wanted to go play in the water, but he wasnt sure Makana would like that. "What Spider? Teach Moss Spider?!" Makana gently set Mouse down in the dirt, watching for a moment as it wriggled and leaned forward, falling into an odd little somersault when it overbalanced. She righted it patiently, ears perked for any hint that they weren't safe. And only once Mouse had calmed a bit did she reach out a hand for a piece of candy. "Red candy," she directed. "He likes red." Annora blinked. Teach? Was that like when Anni was teaching her? Puffing out her chest with self-importance, she lifted one finger. "First, stand up." Belen dug about in his pile of candy, popping a green one in his own mouth while handing a red one over to Makana. "Here ya go!" Moss stood tentatively. The sand was difficult to manuever in, but he wanted to learn. "Spider!" Makana beamed, carefully unwrapping the red candy before handing it to the little mushroom creature. The wrapper went into her back pocket, well away from where it could contaminate his dirt in her chest pocket, and she grinned widely at Belen. "He has a big pot of dirt at home, and some flowers. Mama says that I can get him a couple more soon." Annora frowned. Wait... what came next? Oh yes. "Take a deeeeeeeeeep breath," she said, then noisily sucked in a breath herself. "We gots lots of flowers in the garden... you could probably have some." He sucked in deeply, preparing to bellow for his mother, before remembering that he had promised to be quiet. Instead, he lumbered over to where he had left his water, and gave himself a good dousing before returning to sit next to Makana. "We can ask her later," he added, sagely. Moss' chest puffed out in his effort to suck in enough air. His little hands were in fists, held out to steady himself and his cheeks were puffed out as well. "Daddy grows lots and lots of flowers all over the place," Makana murmured, though as she thought about it, she couldn't really remember her father doing much gardening. "They're on trees and really pretty. They're pink," she added, then paused, peering at Belen. "Do you like pink?" Annora finally stopped, letting all the air out again before drawing another, much calmer breath and beginning. "Theeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee itsy bitsy spider...," she sang, then trailed off, waiting for him to sing it, too. Belen flopped his glaringly pink gills and smiled, "YUP! Do you want a candy? Or... or..." he looked about himself, trying to find something to give her. She was just as great as he remembered. He had enjoyed standing on her nose, but he was a little too big now. Spotting clover in the grass, he picked a few of the flowers deftly and began weaving them like Quinn showed him. He held up the little crown proudly, face falling as his gift crumbled. He tossed the flowers, grumbling, "You didn't want a stupid flower crown anyway..." Moss exhaled loudly, trying to copy everything Annora did. He then inhaled and sang, "DAAAAAAA ITTY BITTY SPIDERRRRRR" looking at her expectantly. Makana blinked at the Belen's scramble, watching him curiously for several long minutes before reaching out and taking one of the flowers he'd tossed. "Thank you," she said softly, offering a shy smile as she stuck it just beside one large ear. Wasn't Annora usually the one everyone was fawning over? And Etain, and now Nico, not that she could blame them with Nico because he was so cute and tiny and fluffy. But this was an entirely new experience for her, and self-consciously, she lifted her hand to readjust her glasses once more. "How'd you make them connect?" Annora beamed. Here she was, a brand new teacher, and already he'd learned the first line! Wouldn't Anni be proud? "Went up the waterpout," she continued, and only the fact that she'd repeated the song over and over until Trio was fair cringing over on the bench already ensured that she pronounced things as well as she did. What was a missed letter here and there? Belen blushed a fuchia to match his gills as Makana retrieved a flower and placed it behind her ear. Suddenly shy, he played with his hands and explained under his breath, "You just kinda wind um... but I'm not good at it..." His gills drooped a bit, his voice dropping off. "WENT UP DA WATERPOUT!" Moss sang loudly, perhaps too loudly to be actual singing, but he was having fun. Ear perking, he dropped his voice and asked, "What waterpout?" "Show me?" Makana asked, glancing over to ensure that Mouse was happily sucking on a corner of the candy. "I wanna learn." Annora drew herself up to explain, then blinked, one finger lifted in the air as she realized she hadn't the first clue what a waterpout was. Or a waterspout, for that matter. "MAMA!!!!" she called instead, at the top of her lungs. Trio, rather than panicking, just got a resigned look on her face and pushed herself up. "My turn," she noted, as she made her way to her daughter. "What is it, sweetie?" "What's a waterpout?" Annora demanded, then looked at Moss to see if he had any other questions while Trio was there. Belen's flush went even deeper, if that was possible, but he picked out a few clover and tried to show her. "You have to make sure that the stems are long and then you hold them like this," he held the flowers so that their stems were pointing in the same direction and they were offset, one flower head about half way down the stem of the other. "And then you wind them up so they stick together and then just keep adding flowers til they go in a circle and connect... Its kinda hard." "Why water sad? Why pout?" Moss added, nodding with exhuberance. Makana nodded, trying to manipulate the flowers. But paws that were oh-so-delicate when caring for Mouse weren't very good at winding flower stems. She wilted as she continually messed up, looking up at him with huge, sad eyes. "I'm not as good at it as you are," she murmured. "Not waterpout, waterspout," Trio corrected. "It's a place built into the ground where water comes out when you turn on the faucet." Wanting some way to make it better for her, Belen reached out and tried to help, too young to blush when his hands touched hers. "Maybe if you use your claws more..." he offered, unsure but wanting her to smile again. "WATERS! Bell Bell like waters! 'Nor want swim?" Makana watched him, eventually just handing them over. "I'll get daddy to really teach me," she decided. "So that I can make you a crown next time, okay?" Her smile was shy but warm. "Swimming?! Let's go, where is it?" Annora demanded, bouncing on her tiptoes. Nevermind that she didn't have a suit. Who cared if she went naked? It was WATER. A smile. He sighed and doffed his shirt, wrapping the flowers gently within its folds. It was suprising that he had kept the thing on this long. His gills perked back up and flowed in the breeze. "Do you... do you like water? Its ok if you dont, I was just wondering..." "MAMA! MAMA! WATER!" Moss called, toddling as quickly as he could to Quinn. "'Nor want waters. We 'plash now?" Moss knew that somewhere here was a big colorful area that squirted you and shot water about if you hopped around on it. He loved it. Quinn looked over to Trio, wanting her opinion on the activity. Trio looked mostly resigned, shaking her head. "I think Makana and I are likely outnumbered," she murmured to Quinny. "Is there water around?" Annora was right on Moss' heels, bouncing and humming cheerfully. Wait'll she told Etain about THIS! Makana wrinkled her nose at the thought of water, gathering Mouse and his candy up. "No. It feels funny on my fur," she explained, grooming a bit of candy-sticky from said fur before getting up. "Annora's loud today." Belen stood quickly, "Where are you going? Did I do something wrong?" He held the shirt wrapped bundle carefully, not wanting to spoil the flowers it held. "There's a splash pad down the hill. Its more sanitary than the wadding pool. Bell, honey. Do you want to go to the splash pad?" Belen replied curtly, "No thank you. It feels funny on my skin." No matter that she had caught him mid douse. He was determined to make Makana like him again. Makana blinked at him, tilting her head. "You like water, don't you? Like Annora does," she pointed out the girl who was already bouncing and tugging their mom toward the water. "Aren't you going with them?" She didn't seem particularly upset. Just completely confused. "Not if you dont want to. I want to play with you. I can always swim at home later. But you're special." Again, his voice lowered as he spoke, the last word comming out in a shy little whisper. He was too young to be twitterpated by her, but old enough to know he liked her a whole lot. Makana blinked, this clearly being a foreign concept to her. "I am?" she asked, head tilting curiously. "But Annora's going to swim. And she can sing." There wasn't much bitterness in the words. More than that, really, she seemed very matter of fact, as though these two things should mean that of course Annora got more attention than she did. "So can the radio... and Mom and lots of other people. And like I said, I can swim everytime. You're the only other person I know that can purr, though. You taught me. I remember. And I bet Annora doesn't have a cool mushroom person. And I bet she wouldnt even try to make a flower crown." He nodded, being matter of fact himself. Makana was smiling very shyly at him now, gold eyes alight with pleasure at the words. Though... she did have to correct one thing. "Annora would love flower crowns," she said. "She'd make them all the time for Etain." The rest, however... "Maybe... I can put my feet in while you play?" There. That was what her mom called a compor...compre... good way of working things out. "Only if you want to... But since we're with Moss, we'll probably just go to the spash pad. So you dont even really have to get wet and you can still play. Just dont jump on the colored parts or stuff squirts... though, if you watch real close, you can hop on certain spots and squirt someone far away from you. That's kinda fun." He was purring now, in his funny way, the sound odd comming from an amphibian and a little nasal since he lacked the proper mechanism. "We can play something different too. I dont mind. I want to do what you want to do." "Can you show me how to squirt other people?" That sounded like a great way to actually play with her sister the way her sister liked, for once! Ears now perked again, Makana moved to follow the others, reaching out to catch Belen's hand. "I like your purr." Quinn called back to Belen, "You sure, crabby pants?" Their was a smile on her face, so she knew he would know she was joking. Seeing the boy following, hand and hand with Makana, which she quickly pointed out to Trio with a grin, she scooped up Moss and made her way down the hill. She set the emerald boy on the padded part, in a big blue square. "Play nice, sweetie." Belen was quick to entwine his fingers with Makana's, offering a, "Thanks!" followed by a, "Wow! You're soft!" before skipping after the others. "The trick is to watch for a bit. I'll run all around and you can see where the water comes out. Sometimes, it comes out close by and sometimes far away depending where you are. So you watch me and then you can see where to go!" Makana nodded, moving to sit nearby after depositing Mouse with Trio. She'd fished his leather pouch out of her pocket, so that he could have his dirt and everything, but on impulse went to scoop up a pawful of water to wet the dirt with again, so that it was nice and moist for him. "There," she said, then sat down, watching Belen with sharp eyes. Annora was already running through like a madwoman, shrieking and bouncing with laughter. Clearly, this place was her cup of tea! Moss tottered after Annora, squeeing and barking with delight as the water from her jumps hit him. Belen began very methodically going about the pad -- starting in one corner, hopping to see what happened and then moving a few feet to one side or the other, depending on where he was in his expirament, so Makana could see what happened with each pounce. He laughed if his pounces caused the others to get wet and shook his gills when a particularly big stream soaked him. "Whenever you're ready!" He called. "I'll block you from the water, if we make a mistake." It was a valiant offer, even if he did only come to her chest. The thought that he perhaps couldn't block her didn't even occur. Her father was a water demon, after all, and could do such things as easily as breathing. Makana moved after him, careful but not particularly skittish now. "Where to first?" she asked, reaching for his hand again. "That orange square should squirt right by where Annora is now. You jump and I'll jump after you to block you if the water comes. You'll have to crouch though... cause I'm not very tall." He clasped her hand and made his way around the pad to where the direct route to the orange square would be. Calling, "Moss! Get Annora!" so that she would be in the right place and giggling a little as his canine brother clasped Annora around the ankles, barking happily; he moved his arm to kind of toss Makana forward and prepared to leap in her wake. Makana yelped, laughing as she landed squarely on the orange square and watching Annora get drenched. Her siren sister loved it, clapping and demanding it happen again as Makana immediately crouched down. Annora got her wish as a moment later Belen landed next to Makana, bent over her protectively. He laughed and exclaimed, "Again!" "Again, again," Annora called out, bouncing and flinging her wet hair wildly. Makana hesitated, then obliged her sister by leaping straight up, eyes dancing. This was what play was, and she was, after all, still a child! Laughing wildly, Belen left her side momentarily to run over to Annora, concious to run over on the grass so as not to accidently get Makana wet. "Get me too!" Makana nodded, jumping up and down repeatedly now and watching the other kids laughing. This was nice, she decided, too cheerful to be selfconscious. Maybe they could do something like this at home, too. "Do you want to try it, Makana? That little one over there," he indicated to the left where a little spout was stuck on a spring comming from a pipe, "that one just does a teenie amount of water, like when it sprinkles. You dont have to, but it might feel good. Its kinda hot out." Belen went back over to where she was, offering a wet and slightly slimy hand. "I'll go with you..." Makana shook her head vehemently. "I can make it splash on you, though...?" she countered, hesitating over taking his hand. A tell-tale chiming echoed through the park and Belen's gills quivered with excitement. "ICE CREAM! Do you like ice cream?! I'll buy you one!" All thoughts of trying to expand Makana's horizons were dropped. This was ice cream! Ice cream. That was something the kitten ADORED, and she darted off toward the sound quickly, completely forgetting where she was. A moment later, she was doused as she hit the very large spray of water, and she froze under it, yowling miserably before stepping out. Once out of the water, her fur clung to her, making her body look a great deal more angular and very oddly shaped. The tears in her eyes were obvious, even as she stood there soaking wet. And Trio rose, tucking Mouse into her own pocket and carefully keeping her lips from twitching as she made her way to her miserable daughter. Belen was crestfallen as the water hit Makana. He had failed. Utterly and completely. Tears whelled in his own eyes, falling to mix with the water from the splash pad. He had promised to keep her safe.... Quinn made her way over to him kneeling so she would be on a level with him, ignoring for now the trickle of water streaming down her back. "Its ok, Bel. You didnt know..." Annora, utterly clueless about just why her sister was so upset at being drenched on such a hot day, merely sat and watched, waiting for the drama to unfold. Makana, on the other hand, crept out of the pad, ears flat against her skull. She shook herself off as best she could, her fur not really meant to be so drenched, and ended up looking like a poofy little rust-colored hedgehog. The ice cream truck was coming closer, but she no longer seemed to care, instead choosing the sunniest spot she could manage and curling up in it. "Come on, honey. Let's go over there. I've got water in my underpants." She meant the last to illicit a smile, but even that did nothing to improve the axolotl's mood. He followed Quinn, the silence only broken by his sniffles and Moss'' occasional confused barks. "She's never gonna like me now, Ma. Never in a million trillion bajillion years..." He sat not far from where Makana was, looking at her wistfully. Trio watched the two for a long moment, then patted Makana on the back before getting up and moving to kneel just behind Quinny, leaning in between them and murmuring, "You know, her favorite thing when she's sad is a story. I wonder if someone might go tell her one..." Impish eyes grinned up at Quinny for a moment before she pulled back. Quinn returned the look, dreams of the cuteness that was sure to insue dancing patterns behind her eyes. "Bel-bel. I've got an idea, babe. Who tells Moss stories that make him smile better than anyone else?" "Me..." the boy blubbered. "Well, a certain birdie told me that Makana loves a story when she is sad. Maybe you could tell her one?" Belen looked up at her, still feeling dejected, but willing to try anything at this point. Quinn thumbed away his tears and kissed his forehead as the boy regained his feet and ambled over to Makana. "I knew this Farmer once. His name was Farmer Brown and he had a big problem. He had these cows and the cows, they weren't like normal cows. They liked to type." He sat down near her, waiting to see if she gave him an indication to continue. Two golden eyes peered up at him from a very miserable face. "Type?" she murmured. Trio leaned into Quinny. "I'll get the kids some ice cream. Tell me what Belen will eat?" Quinn leaned back, "It would take less time if I told you what he wouldn't eat. Grape popsicle for him and lime for Moss, please." She handed a $5 out to Trio to cover the cost. Encouraged, he continued, "Yeah. See, they found this old type writer in the barn and from then on, all the Farmer could hear was 'Click Clack MOO! Click Clack MOO!" He did the moo's with exhuberance. They were his favorite part. Trio saluted, waving Annora over to help her carry everything back. A shy smile touched Makana's lips as she listened, uncurling a little bit. "Did he hate it?" "You bet! One day, he went to the barn to get the milk and he found a note. It said: "Dear Farmer Brown: The barn is cold at night. We would like electric blankets. Signed: The Cows" "Well this, of course, was very upsetting and the Farmer refused. The next day he went down to the barn and found another note. Do you know what it said?" Moss crawled into Quinn's lap and sucked his thumb, which he thankfully went for as much as breasts now. This was one of his favorites. "No," Makana admitted, rolling to her back so that she could watch him more easily. Besides, her front also needed to dry. "It said: Dear Farmer Brown, There is no milk today. We are on strike. Signed: the cows. Farmer Brown was REALLY mad now. He wrote is own letter back to the cows telling them that they were cows, they would give him milk and they didnt need electric blankets. That's when the cows got the chickens to help too." "What did the chickens do?" Makana asked curiously, beginning to purr ever so quietly as the story and sun's warmth both settled her. "The chickens helped the cows write another letter and this time they both asked for electric blankets and the chickens wouldnt lay eggs and the cows wouldnt give milk until they got their blankets. Farmer Brown was tearing out his hair. Cows gave milk! Chickens layed eggs! What was he to do?" "Why didn't he just give them the blankets?" Makana asked, eyes closing. "Why indeed." Belen replied sagely. "After several days of no milk or eggs, Farmer Brown wrote the cows and chickens a letter. He told them that he would bring them blankets if they got rid of the typewriter and gave milk and eggs again. The cows and chickens thought this over, decided it was a good idea, and wrote a letter back saying that they would send the typewriter down with the ducks. Everything was set, the Farmer delivered the blankets, got his milk and eggs and waited for the ducks to deliver the typewriter. They never came." Makana blinked, eyes opening again. "Why not?" she asked, not even noticing Trio's return. "The next morning, the Farmer was awakened by a strange sound and a note at the front door. Dear Farmer Brown: The pond is boring. We would like a diving board. Signed: The Ducks" Belen prepared himself for his favorite part, "CLICK CLACK QUACK CLICK CLACK QUACK!" Moss joined in at the end, for he had been waiting for this part and the boys curled in fits of laughter. By now, even Makana was giggling, sitting up at Trio's nudging as she was handed a small bowl of vanilla ice cream. "I like that," she laughed, repeating the final phrase after a few moments. Annora, who'd come in at the tail end, just looked at the others oddly, sucking on a rainbow popsicle. It seems that the story worked on everyone, for indeed, even Belen's spirits were brighter. Quinn, however, was noticing the pinkness that usually just inhabited his gills had started to move down to his flesh and indeed, was creeping about hers as well. "Looks like its time to get home, boys. Sunburn is a nasty nasty afliction. Tell the girls bye and we can play again another day." Moss happily barked "BYE BYE BYE" over and over. Belen waved good-bye to Annora, but took his time with Makana, trying to make it perfect. He had only just got her smiling again. Makana, clueless about his intentions, waved goodbye, still lapping at her ice cream. "Teach me the story next time," she added, with a bright smile, while Annora ruffled Moss' hair. Trio grinned, moving to sit in the shade while Annora played on the splash pad more and Makana sunned. Today had been quite a bit of fun. Belen followed Quinn and Moss to where the stroller waited but on a last thought, ran back and kissed Makana on the nose before smiling and calling, "Goodbye" over his shoulder as he skipped back to Quinn and was put in the stroller. The trio left the park, a very hot, but happy bunch.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
