Welcome to Gaia! ::

Settling In

Haze was staring at the infant that slept peacefully in the crib. It had been a few hours since the Silarian woman had found the Mishap and the key that unlocked the portal into the infant's room. Golden eyes peered curiously, though a little unsure about just what she just gotten herself into.

She had gone back to Huni's house and with one glare prevented the Gaian woman from making "I told you so" remarks. At first, Haze had intended to hand the child over to Huni's care. But after a blatant "NO" from Huni, the chameleon Keith and a rejection-like stare from Metanoia, Haze fumed for a few moments before accepting her fate.

"Huni had better appreciate this," she half-muttered, half-whined. "I am so going to complain to Arson about this. He'd better dock Huni's pay for at least five months for all this stress."

Haze was never good with children, she acted like one far too often to know how much of a bother they could be. Her baby sitting escapades with Metanoia had left her worried about the Mishap, would she be anything like the manic-depressive Soul?

"I just realized, you don't have a name yet..." Haze murmured, her finger softly caressing the babe's cheek. "Well, that won't do, I dub thee Kalderetta Tazza Wyndre. Arson might object to presenting the Wyndre name to a non-Wyndre bloodline, but you won't present a threat to the Silarian nobility. You're here in Gaia."

Kalderetta continued to sleep, unmindful of the murmurings of the strange, red-haired woman standing over her crib. She had a tiring encounter, it was best for her to rest, recharge, and prepare herself for whatever else lay ahead.

What's Mine is MINE!

"Retta, no! Give that back!" Haze angrily ordered as she struggled to take the brush from the Mishap. She had taken Retta out of the Mishap HQ and gone to her room, which was connected through a portal as suggested by the ones in charge. There, she brought a few essentials such as toiletries and a pair of the brush and mirror set she purchased earlier.

Haze was hoping for a quiet afternoon of grooming, her brushing Retta's hair while the Mishap sat obediently on her lap. Instead, Retta had been squirming like anything and was trying to take everything in sight. Haze never understood why infants had this tendency to think everything belonged to them, which was odd, considering that was how the red head perceived things back in Silar.

"Listen to me, young lady, if you are to be under my care then you need to learn how to appear like you're under my care." Haze snapped and viciously yanked the brush out of Retta's grip.

It was not so much as having her wrist sting as much as it was losing her brush that Retta's eyes began to taper into slits. She took a deep breath and despite the look of horror on Haze's face, she let out an ear-piercing cry. It was a cross between a shriek and a bleat, but whatever it was, it sent Haze reeling.

In fact, the volume was loud enough to draw the attention of Huni who burst into Haze's room while carrying another wailing infant.
"What was that?!" she gaped, face ashen.

Upon hearing another person enter, Retta silenced herself and stared at the new figures. There was another large person carrying a smaller one. What were they doing here in her room? She let out a soft and innocent bleat as her tail swished side-to-side.

Haze took a swipe at the stars that got in the way of her vision, and it was several minutes before she recovered.
"Did one of Corsae's children just attack me?" she muttered.

"I'm pretty sure whatever it was came from that baby of yours." Huni replied in between her cooing at Metanoia.

"I forbid you to address her as my baby. She is merely my responsibilty and she is most certainly not mine!" Haze hissed, her face heating in outrage. "I didn't want this brat in the first place! She doesn't do what I want her to do and she won't listen to me in any way! She's unfit to be my charge." Haze glared at Retta.

The Mishap took it all in stride and merely stared up at Haze with innocent, brown, doe-eyes. The rage did not go unnoticed, however, but Retta seemed to absorb this sensation and allowed it to take root somewhere inside her. It burrowed deep within the infant, but it wasn't about to grow just yet. It would have to be nurtured it seemed.

But judging the way things were going, whatever it was inside Retta, it would certainly grow.

"Now Haze, I warned you about visiting shops I've never been in. Look what happens, and you wouldn't believe me when I told you how I got Noi." Huni chuckled, feeling rather pleased at Haze's distress. "Besides, kids don't do what you want them to do, it's the otherway around. Now you know what it was like catering to your every whim."

"I don't want her anymore! I didn't want her in the first place." Haze whined as she reached for the brush she had dropped.

"Tough. You can't just say "I don't want her anymore" you have no choice but to take care of her. She's bonded to you somehow, and there's nothing you can do about it." Huni shrugged.

The softness and concern that Huni spoke off were also taken without so much as a bat of an eyelid. Retta preferred the gentle tone of Huni, but the other person already belonged to someone else, it seemed as she set her gaze at Noi.

Metanoia had been woken up from her nap and was cranky as anything. She squirmed in Huni's arms, trying to get comfortable enough to go back to sleep. It was only when she noticed Retta staring at her did she forget her sleepiness.

"Aa?" She gurgled, tugging at Huni and gesturing to Retta.

Retta decided to mimic the other small person, but Haze had little clothes on, and it was so much nicer to yank on her hair. She liked the reaction she got whenever she managed to get a fistful and tugged. Hard.

"OW! Stop that you little brat!" Haze ordered, a little wary of Retta now that she learned what the Mishap was capable of. "If you wish to draw my attention a simple "Haze" would suffice."

"Awww, does widdle Wetta wike to pull Hazy-Wazy's hair?" Huni teased.

"Don't address her in such a manner! The last thing I want for her is to grow up into some simpleton incapable of holding a decent conversation. And from the lack of her vocalization I'm fearing the worst." Haze frowned, if Retta wouldn't do what she wanted, she could at least grow up the way the Silarian woman wanted.

"Lighten up, you've become waaaaaay too uptight ever since you got Retta." the Gaian laughed. "Well, I think miss Cranky Pants needs some time alone, but if you're ever so desperate for some time alone, you can leave her with me since I've done the same to you with Noi." Huni offered as she exited.

"I expected nothing else." Haze brightened, turning to Retta as the door closed she gave the infant a wide grin. "Did you hear that, Retta? You can go with Aunt Huni sometime. Maybe everytime. Maybe always!"

"Don't count on it!" came a muffled cry from behind the door.

"Oh drat, well I'm still going to teach you the proper ways of grooming and you had better like it." Haze warned, "I have purchased you quite a selection of playthings, so leave my belongings alone. Now then, I truly hope you are not colorblind, but the color of this brush will come to symbolize the day it is. If there's one thing I would want nothing more than for you to learn is proper grooming." and the red head went into a lenghty explanation of the importance of hygene.

Retta yawned mid-explanation and promptly fell asleep. She remained undisturbed even as Haze brushed her hair, fluffed her fur and combed her tail. Though she did stir ever so slightly when Haze brushed against the teacup.

Party RP

Clemmie, dressed in a red velvet dress with faux white fur, ran happily around the empty portion of the ballroom, laughing happily. This was going to be a great day!

Ike clung to his sister's back, a pair of reindeer antlers perched atop his head. He was quite glad that they had finished decorating the room, but he couldn't wait for people to start showing up!

Skelly clutched one of Malachi's antlers, sitting on headband. He feared for his currently nonexistant life.

Poe chased after Little White and Pointy Ears, his claws sliding dangerously around the floor as he did so.

"AWWWWWWWWWK!" he yelled as he slid into a wall, recovered quickly, and scrambled back after The Young Ones.

"So...when do you think people will start showing up?" Rabid asked Liam as she smiled and watched the kids play. She hadn't really dressed up, persay, but her jeans and peasant blouse were newly embroidered with white snowflakes and her wild hair was neatly tied back in a white ribbon. She fiddled with the L.T.J. around her neck, still nervous about this whole event. Maybe it had been a bad idea?

Liam's getup was in stark contrast to the rest of the room. He wore black, and entirely black. His shirt and pants were belted, and said pants were also adorned with criss-crossing straps and dozens of chains. He also wore black eyeliner, barely visible, and stopped there. Anything else was too over-the-top. Even for him.

"I dunno, m'luv," he smiled and laughed, patting Rabid on the shoulder, "Don't worry, alright? Ye did a great job. Everyone's gonna 'ave fun, okay?" He pulled something from his pocket and tied it around Rabid's neck. It was a strap of leather with a small metal loop, attached at the back by a thin chain.

"Ooh! You finally got me one! Thank you!"

"Mmmmhm," Liam smirked and rested his head in his hands, "Yer welcome."

Haze eyed the ballroom critically, she had noticed the room being decorated when she and Retta first moved in. Though not entirely curious about what it was about, the Silarian woman decided it would be best to expose Retta to as many things as possible while she was still physically larger than the Mishap.

The red head had her hair done up and held together by a pair of chopsticks. She was dressed in a red long sleeved off-shoulder blouse, and a loose black skirt that ended at her ankles. The heels of her open toed sandals clicked noisily as she entered, pushing the stroller that Retta was seated in.

Retta sat quietly in the stroller, though she was trying her best to undo the buttons of the dress Haze put her in. She had stopped wondering why Haze did what she did, because it seemed no matter what Retta thought or did, the red head was going to have her way.

Haze heard the yell as Poe skid into a wall, and mentally noted not to let Retta associate with such an uncoordinated thing.

"Greetings," She began, her voice carefully maintained neutral. Haze was all about appearances, and given that she had no idea what these people were like and what they expected, she didn't know what sort of image to project to them. "I had heard there was something interesting in here?"

Rabid's head snapped up toward the new guest...or...the first guest. She stood and gave a large, fanged grin.

"Just a party," she said sweetly, "Welcome. They call me Rabid." She stuck her hand out for the woman to shake.

Liam stayed sitting and eyed the guest critically. There was something he didn't quite like about her...

"Hi, lady!" Ike yelled from his perch atop Clemmie.

Clemmie slowly made her way over to Ma and looked up at the woman.

"Hello."

"Hi."

"Awwwwwk..." Poe cooed as he approached the child in the stroller. He kept his head low and submissive, just in case.

"A party?" Haze quirked a brow, giving the place the once-over. It was certainly festive but why? Was it someone's Nameday? Or was it a debut for someone?
"What are we celebrating?" she asked as she accepted Rabid's hand in a firm handshake as weak handshakes makes for a poor impression.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, I am Haze Wyndre, and the infant is Kalderetta Tazza Wyndre. Although if you all will permit, please address her as Retta until she is older.

"Are they your children?"

Retta bleated at the numerous figures that approached her. Her ears flicked in curiosity, as her tail twitched in a mounting shyness. The teacup attatched to her tail clinked against the stroller's wheel, and the Mishap bleated in alarm at the sound.

"What is the matter, Retta?" Haze asked her tone soft but a little uneasy, she wasn't prepared to handle emergencies involving children yet.

"Certain people celebrate holidays around this time," Rabid tried to mantain her smile, although she was mildly put off by the woman, "and, yes. This is Malachi and Clematis...Ike and Clemmie. The gothic loser back at the table is Liam Faar."

Liam raised a head, fingers spread, in a kind of halfassed wave. He continued staring, though.

"Baby."

Poe gave a curious look up to the posessed doll, and then moved his attention back to the baby.

"Awkawk," he sat and sat, his tail swishing slowly. Babies were his favourites. They were just about his size!

"Will you just come in already?"

"No. No way. I look like an idiot."

"You look fabulous. Carson freakin' Kressley couldn't have dressed you better. Now will you just come in?"

"What if she thinks I look like a dork?"

"Set something on fire, it'll distract her."

"Len, not helping."

"Hee!"

Julian sidled into the ballroom, looking deeply self conscious in a goofy, happy sort of way. Crow, Lenore, and Sadako followed, looking at the decorations with pleasure. Crow had taken the responsibility of dressing all of them, their Rijani formal clothes altered to a rather militarian feel.

"Hey, there's Rabid! And some girl I don't know! Hey guys!" Crow said cheerfully, waving. Julian flushed dark red and looked up at the ceiling, grinning.

"Hi,"

Lenore and Sadako took off like a shot towards Malachi, screeching.

"BAH!"

"SKELLY!

"LEN!" Ike rushed over and squeezed his friend happily, "Len, HI!"

"'DAKO!"

"Err...pardon me, Haze," Rabid smiled as sweetly as possible, "Please help yourself to the food. Try to have a good time." She motioned for Clemmie to come with her as she approached Crow and Julian, the pointer finger on her other hand hooked through the loop on her un-collar.

"Crow! Hey!" she looked them over appraisingly, "Spiffy. Very spiffy."

"Hey, guys!" Liam actually stood and approached the group, brushing past that Haze girl.

Clemmie approached Ma and looked up at the new people before her.

"Clemmie, you remember my bestest friend Crow? This is her brother. Julian."

"Hiya, Auntie Crow and...oh. I'm not supposed to talk to you," the girl looked down at her feet and would have blushed, had she had much blood left.

"I see..." Haze nodded to Rabid and the new arrival. She leaned close to Retta to check if the Mishap needed medical attention, and seeing nothing wrong she let out a sigh of relief.

Retta let out a bleat of disappointment as the figures left. Did she do something to scare them away? She couldn't help but wonder and her lower lip began to tremble. It was just Poe who stayed near her, and seeing that, she tried to reach out to him.

Poe stuck his neck out for the baby, nuzzling her palm carefully. Crying babies made his ears hurt, and he was going to do everything in his power to keep that from happening.

Ruffling Malachi's hair with affection, Len waved at Clematis with equal pleasure.

"Hi, Clemmie! Missed you!" she squawked, practically ready to explode from excitement. Crow had explained to her about Christmas on the way to the party, and from what she had grasped from it, it sounded like a pretty good time.

"Merry Crimmus!"

Of course, she hadn't quite mastered how to pronounce it, yet.

Sadako curtsied for Skelly, and twirled to show off her ragged new dress.

"Len made for me," she cooed coyly, lifting her trailing sleeves to show off the Magic Marker-made blood spatters that festively decorated the hems.

Crow waved her hand airily, a pleased smile on her face.

"Ah, just somethin' I threw together," she said modestly, adjusting the lapels of her field uniform jacket cheerfully. Eyeing Liam with appreciation, she gave a shy wave before turning to greet Haze and the baby, as well as the new arrivals.

"Hi!"

Julian waved at Rabid, his mouth a tad too dry all of a sudden to speak without croaking. He waved at Liam and Clemmie, too, a bit oblivious to her reaction.

"So," he managed to rasp, blushing brightly.

Ike giggled when Len ruffled his hair.

"Happy Chri'mahannukwan'aakahdar!" he grinned broadly at the word Mummy had taught him. it was, apprently, 4 holidays all jammed together.

"Hi, Lenore," Clemmie smiled shyly to the girl, recognizing her strange arms, "Missed you too."

"Pretty," Skelly smiled before looking down at his usual pinstripes. Damn.

Liam smiled and waved to Crow before turning to Julian and snerking quite loudly. He turned and covered his mouth. Gods, that id was amusing.

"Awwww," Rabid giggled, "You're so cute when you're blushing." Being evil was fun. Real fun. She turned to wave to the girl with the fuzzy black child before returning her attention to Julian.

"How are you? Didja get your presents yet?"

Haze inwarldy pursed her lips in disapproval at Retta's interaction with Poe. Still, if it kept the Mishap quiet, who was she to ruin things?

Retta cooed at Poe, he was sweet and she liked him. She gurgled in delight and gently stroked him, her tail swishing back and forth, but not enough to cause the teacup to hit the stroller.

"Retta, perhaps we should take a gander at the selection of food? And you, err, hopefully you can understand me. If it won't be too much of a burden for you, would it be alright if you accompanied us to the table with food?" She spoke slowly, not sure if Poe could understand what she said. It wasn't as if she considered him to be a stupid animal, she had encountered enough sentient creatures to know that one's form had no bearing to one's intelligence.

"Awk!" Poe turned his head to the woman and panted like a dog. He didn't quite understand anything but "food". Food was good. His tail thumped loudly against the ground.

"Hey, Crow!" Chin waved back to both her and Rabid, nervousness somewhat abated. Seeing most everyone was busy (and not feeling brave enough to interrupt) she edged closer to the wall so she could find a spot to hang out in. And she had to have somewhere to put Sabriel down - she could see Haze had brought a stroller, and thought that had been a very good piece of planning. You get tired after a while.

Was that a buffet table? Hm...

Liam's head snapped toward the girl with the black cat kid. Something wasn't right...

He approached her, trying to smile as sweetly as possible and clinking as he walked.

"Hi," he said, "M'name's Liam. Can I ask ye something?"

Fumbling under his dress shirt, Julian drew a short sliver chain out. His gift dangled at the end, glinting in the light.

"Thanks, " he said quickly, not sure if he was thanking her for the teasing or the gift.

Don't act like an idiot, for the love of Pete, say something intelligent-

"You look great."

"Chris-mu-hannuh-schklarba."

Huh. Guess she'd have to work on that one. Grinning and unfurling her wings to show off the Christmas-y pattern of skulls with bows and hearts she'd drawn with Magic Marker, Lenore twirled around.

"Hey! Free food!"

Grabbing Ike and Clemmie by the hands and scuttling over to the table, she grabbed a handful of whatever she could reach and nibbled at it delicately.

"So, what's goin' on?"

"Hey Chin! How'd you like the book?" Crow said, giving the barettes that Sabriel was so interested in a dubious look, wondering how long he'd let them be.

Chao stepped into the ballroom, pausing for a moment to look around and take in the decorations. The teen had discarded her normal attire for once and had opted to leave her long hair down. Heanzian semi-formal wear, who ever thought she'd pull it out of that box?

Reid was riding on her shoulders, torso glowing softly beneath his shirt, jingling slightly as the bells strung around his neck bounced in time with Chao's steps. He looked at all the decorations strung around the ballroom. He'd never been in this room before....

"Lovely," Haze declared, the corners of her mouth rising into a small smile. Perhaps it wouldn't be too bad if Retta came to associate with Poe. He was certainly more intelligent than she first thought he would be. She carefully began to inch the stroller towards the buffet table, taking care that Poe was still within Retta's view.

Retta released a small cry of surprise when she felt the stroller begin to move. She began to bleat and struggle to reach out to Poe. Why were they moving!? Where were they going?!

Rabid smiled when she saw the an'raei around his neck. Her face took on a mildly shocked expression when he spoke, though.

"Errrr..." she blushed lightly and tried to smile, "Thanks. You too. Heard you complaining." She gestured loosely to the door.

Ike followed Len happily and yoinked a peanut butter cookie off the table and munching on it.

"Nuh'in," he said and shook his head, causing the bells on his antlers to jingle, "How 'bot wiv Len?"

Clemmie just stood beside her sister and his friend, her arms crossed shyly. There was nothing on this table that she could injest, and she felt slightly ousted.

Poe followed closely beside Curly Hair in the stroller, trying to stay in her view. It wouldn't do to have her start freaking out.

Ike's head suddenly snapped up and he grinned broadly.

"REID!" he waved and jumped up and down.

"IKE!" Reid cheered, waving a hand and squirming and flapping his wings on Chao's back.

"Nu-uh hun, no flying," Chao warned, gripping her toddler firmly, images of Reid crashing into the buffet table playing on her mind's eye.

Pouting the firefly grumbled, flying was fastest after all, but he nodded all the same. As soon as his Mu had placed him on the ground he was off towards Ike.

Ike looked back and forth between Len and Reid, deciding to stay where he was and wait for Reid to come to him.

"Happy Chri'mahannukwan'aakahdar, Reid!!!"

Haze didn't know a single soul present. And it irritated her beyond anything! She was used to being the center of attention in Silar, with everyone catering to her each and every whim. Here in Gaia, she was just like everyone else! The Silarian woman shuddered at the thought as she reached for a plate.

Retta sniffled softly, what few tears she failed to blink back just trickled down her cheeks. At least she was sure Poe wasn't going anywhere. If only Haze had let her bring Crimson, the red puff was left in her room. She worried if he'd be alright.

She felt a twitch of claws in her shoulder. The reason for his sudden uneasiness was obvious - for a moment there, she hadn't been sure the man had been heading their way. Just saying hi, right?

"Oh, hi...it's nice to meet you, Liam." Chin tried to smile back. She couldn't fathom where she'd seen him before, that he'd just come up and ask her something. Following that line of thought, her heart jumped as she placed him.

Swallowing, she managed to say, "Go ahead." That picture...

Crow's voice was welcome, however startling. "The book?" she had to think about that one. "Oh, yeah! It was...interesting." Doubtless Crow would know what she meant by 'interesting'. "I'd like to ask more about it. Just a moment, though?" she asked apologetically, nodding to Liam.

"Oh. Thanks. Well. Yanno, I was just...yeah."

Toying with the an'raei absently, he willed with every ounce of willpower he had to not send random spurts of flame shooting everywhere.

"Crow and Len like their stuff, too. Thank you," he said, trying to keep the conversation lively.

Deeply involved with a peanut-laden brownie, Lenore looked up in curiosity at Clemmie.

"Nothin' much. Jus' hangin' out, watchin' Julian set stuff on fire."

She glanced at Clemmie again, nibbling at a peanut.

"Don't you want anything?" she asked, hastily swallowing a chunk of brownie. Looking to see what Malachi was so excited about, she quirked an eyebrow at the new toddler.

"Hey, he glows! Neat!"

Reid bounded over and tackled his friend into a hug, "Happy Chri'mkwa'nadar, Ike!" he chirped, making an avid attempt at repeating what Ike's greeting.

Looking around he tilted his head at the unfamilar faces, but smiled all the same, "'allo," he greeted Len and Clemmie warmly.

Lenore curtsied, smiling.

"My name's Lenore. Pleased to meet you," she said politely, looking at his four arms with interest.

"Are you a bug?"

Taking Skelly by the hand and leading him out to the dance floor, she twirled a bit of hair around a stubby finger.

"Care to dance?" she asked, fanning herself with her other hand as she tried to disentagle her fingers from her hair.

Poe trotted carefully with the stroller.

"Awk?" he asked upon seeing Curly Hair's tears.

"I was just wondering if you'd been approached by anyone named William?" his accent disappeared, but he kept his smile, "He looks kinda like me."

"Thankoo," Ike smiled and pointed to Clemmie, "Dis is Clemmie. She's Ike's sister."

Clemmie waved shyly to the new boy. So this was Reid...

She turned to Lenore and smiled slightly.

"I don't eat normal food."

Rabid clicked her tongue and patted Julian on the head, smiling. Her eyes happened to flicker toward the ceiling...toward a strangely-placed sprig of mistletoe.

"Heeey..." her smile disappeared before reappearing even wider. She pointed a finger and ever so slowly brought it up toward the ceiling.

Evilevilevil...

Skelly followed behind Sadako, almost stumbling.

"No music," he croaked and smiled, but sure." He grabbed her hand and placed his other hand on her waist, "Waltz?" It was just about all he knew how to do, aside from some moderately inappropriate moves...


Haze wheeled themselves to a place to sit down, though she was accustomed to standing hours in three inch heals, Haze felt like sulking. She set the plate down on a table and seated herself before daintilly slicing the food into small, bite-sized squares.

"I suppose there are worst things than this." She muttered to herself.

Retta wiped away the tears with her woolly wrists, before brightening at Poe. She gurgled at him and smiled, yes, she really liked him. He wasn't too big, and didn't speak at all! And to Retta, silence was the best thing since Haze constantly talked!

"Lo Lenorre, lo Clemmie," Reid greeted formally with a nod to each, before tilting his head at Lenore, "Reid's a Mishap, not'a bug." Bugs were tiny and often much better fliers than he was anyway.

Chao strolled around, not quite wanting to intrude on any of the conversations, besides the ballroom was more than big enough to explore for a bit in peace.

Poe stood on his back legs and placed his front feet on the stroller. He reached forward and gave Curly Hair a quick lick, his tail wagging ferociously. He really liked Curly Hair.

"Awk!"

"Reid 's Ike's best friend," Ike said, and then peered to Lenore, "Best boy friend."

Liam slowly sidled over to Chao as quietly as possible.

"Allo, luv," he smiled, trying to act casual.

Following Rabid's upward gaze, Julian cocked his head to one side, not understanding.

"Wazzat?"

Rijan, after all, didn't celebrate Christmas. The little niceties were totally lost on him.

Feeling faintly embarrassed, Lenore hunched her shoulders in apology.

"Oh...I'm sorry, I didn't know." Ditching the rest of her brownie, she tried to think of something intelligent to say.

"Mum says that when I was a baby, I tried to eat bugs all the time." She glanced at Reid quickly.

"Not that I'd eat you, Reid - I'm not that big a fan of eating stuff like that," she said quickly. Nodding as he notified her he was, in fact, not a bug, Lenore felt a bit like crawling under the buffet table to hide.

Sheesh, I'm no good at small talk!

Sadako nodded eagerly, sweeping Skelly a deep curtsy.

"You lead," she said eagerly, though wondering how on earth she'd be able to dance gracefully when he was quite a bit taller.

"William." Chin repeated, blinking. No, she didn't remember the oh-so-handsome stranger mentioning his name, but that's who it had to be, right? They did look kind of alike. "I...think so..." she said uncertaintly. "We met outside. If I've got the right person, I mean...how come?"

"No reason," Liam smiled to the girl before turning back to Chao.

She told him where to find us.

"Reid can fly like Len," Ike grinned broadly.

Skelly grinned and began to lead Sadako around the dance floor. He went slowly, only twirling her every once and a while. He didn't want anyone falling.

"Muaha," Rabid grinned. She'd had a feeling he wouldn't know what it was, "Well, you see, that's mistletoe. You hang it in doorways and such. If you meet someone standing under it, you do this." She leaned forward and gave hima quick peck on the lips before standing back up and laughing a bit maniacally and blushing.


Reid nodded in agreement with Ike and giggled, not at all distrurbed at the idea of Lenore eating bugs, though the assurance that she had no intention of eating him was nice, "Reid'd prob'ly tast' bad. N'Len can fly?" he asked, interest perked as he finally noticed her wings.

Chao turned at the greeting and smiled, "Liam!" she immediately pounced on him in a hug, the teen felt festive and clingy today, she blamed the dress. "How're you?"

Had Haze understood the flow of magic in Gaia she'd have done some gesturemancy to amuse herself until she found an appropriate excuse to leave. Despite her boredom, Haze took social graces seriously and had no intention to give others the impression that she was uncivilized. Though Yrast knows she couldn't say the same for some of the people present.

From the corner of her eyes she noticed one lone woman strolling around. Finally! Someone who didn't know everyone. Haze set a pleasant smile on her face and tried to catch Chao's attention. Until the teen launched herself onto Liam.

"Why did I even bother?" she softly whined with a roll of her eyes.

Retta giggled at the lick, she didn't dare do this to Crimson, fearing she'd squish the puff. But Poe looked pretty sturdy and tough, so she risked it and wrapped her arms around his neck in a warm hug. She felt warm and fuzzy inside, and hoped to make him feel the same.

Liam gasp at the hug and blushed brightly.

"Hi, Chao," he laughed slightly, "How've you been?"

"Yuh," Ike said, "Reid tackle Ike frm th'air lots."

Clemmie giggled slightly. The idea of Reid tackling her brother was quite amusing.

Poe nuzzled Curly Hair's chest. She was cute and nice and such. He tried to remember that. His tail began wagging so very fast, it stayed mostly still. He stretched his wings out as far as they would go.

"Awk!"

Deeply pleased she hadn't killed the conversation, Lenore smiled at the acceptance and pointed at Reid's belly in fascination.

"How come you glow?" she asked, innocently curious.

She snerked at the idea of air-tackling, too. That sounded like a fun idea...

To his credit, Julian neither burst into flame nor fainted.

"Oh. Okay." he spluttered.

Why can't I speak in full sentences?! Make conversation! Conversation!

"Wanna dance?"

Oh, sweet mother of God in heaven.

Crow, feeling a little out of the loop now that everyone was in conversation, wandered over to Haze a little hesitantly.

"Um, hi," she said shyly, waving.

Chao grinned and pushed a few errant strands of hair out of her eyes, "I've been well! How're the holidays treating you?"

Reid looked a bit embarassed at the mention of air tackling but smiled all the same, "Ike mak's a good lan'in pad. Soft n'squishee."

Looking down the toddler shrugged, he'd never really understood the glowing either, just that he did it, "'unno, Reid's jus alw'ys glow'd."

"LIAM!" Rabid was vaguely disappointed that Julian didn't suddenly ignite. She'd have to try harder next time.

"Nyahuh? What?"

"MUSIC!"

"Huh? Oh! Music! Yeah! Okay!" Liam discreetly fooled with his control panel and the room was suddenly engulfed in sound of the slow-ish Vavvian variety, "I'm doin' alright, Chao. This is m'first holiday, after all."

"Thanks," Rabid said and peered up to Julian, an eyebrow raised "Sure. Why not?"

Ah, dancing. After 14 years, she was fairly certain that she would do alright.

Ike giggled.

"Ike's fuzz makes landin's soft," he grinned and peered at Reid, "Innit wen Reid happy?"

Oh thank Yrast, someone has taken mercy on Haze.
"Greetings, you may join me." She greeted as warmly as she was capable of, while gesturing to an empty chair.

Retta was sorely tempted to keep Poe for herself, but she remembered he came with others. And Crimson might not like him, but she highly doubted that. Poe was such a darling thing.

She clapped as he displayed his wings, and in response she spread her arms in an attempt to mimic him.

Don't burst into flame don't burst into flame don't-

"Okay then. You lead."

Poe scampered over to Curly Hair's Watcher suddenly.

"Awk? AWK!" he gestured to Curly Hair with his tail and then to White One and Pointy Ears, "AWWWWWWWWWK"?!"

"Psh. What kind of Man makes the chick lead?" Rabid said jokingly and began leading Julian rather quickly around the floor. It felt strange to have to take the male part, her arms awkwardly placed on Julian's shoulder and hip. Vavvian dancing wasn't very hard to do, but it was wholly flashy...which meant it was quite fun, "Try to keep up!"

Haze just stared at Poe, not even the slightest hint of understanding flickered in her eyes. Whatever the little creature wanted, apparently it had something to do with the two children. Did it want to go back to them?

"Certainly, by all means." she answered off handedly.

Retta blinked in confusion, what was Poe tyring to do?

"One that doesn't know how to dance very well," Julian replied wryly, grinning. "If I trip and break a hip, just keep going without me."

Taking a seat beside Haze a tad uncomfortably, Crow cast around for an interesting topic.

"So...my name's Crow. Nice to meet you. Um...yeah. How long have you been here?" she said, inwardly cursing her lack of ability to hold interesting conversation.

Chao watched as Liam fiddled with his control panel and tilted her head as music began. Wow, he even controlled music, someday Chao was going to have to ask about that. "First holiday ever? Really?"

Reid laughed and tilted his head, "Reid glows when Reid happy?" he asked curiously, he didn't notice the glow sometimes but... well, usually he did notice it when he was happy.....

Rabid giggled.

"No way! I'll laugh my a** off, heal you, and THEN continue without you," she sang a few of the lyrics to the song before laughing and looking down at their feet, "You're actually not half bad. Gawd, my arms are getting tired...." She laughed again.

Ike shrugged, "Mebbeh."

Liam rolled his shoulder uncomfortably, trying to remove a bit of his shirt from the control panel lid it had gotten caught in.

"Yeah. Mei-Vaar isn't into happiness," he said, "Well, I'm not counting En Ai'aleth, but I never quite participated."

Reid looked pensive for a moment, before shrugging it off. Oh well, it wasn't like the glow hurt him after all. Looking around he caught sight of Ms. Mor'b and a new person dancing. That looked like fun.

Looking to Clemmie, Len and Ike Reid tilted his head, "dance?" he gestured to the dancefloor.

Going up on her tiptoes Chao dislodged the piece of shirt for Liam, "huh, a place that isn't into happiness? Bizarre. Well, at least you're in Gaia now, right? "

Swallowing a nervous cough and smiling to conceal the fact he was now choking on it, Julian gave a frantic nod and tried to keep up to Rabid's pace.

"Mmm." he said, blushing.

Lenore watched the glow, then turned to Clemmie.

"So, whatcha gonna do for Crimmus? Are you and Rabid and Liam and Bah gonna do anythin' special?" she asked. At Reid's question, she shrugged and nodded.

"Sure."

Twirling gracefully, Sadako gave a hoarse giggle as she and Skelly danced in tune to the music.

"You dance divinely," she said, tossing her hair back fetchingly.

"Ooh!" Ike said, 'Ike know how t'dance like dat. Kinda. Reid dance wi' Ike?" He began walking out to the dance floor, careful to not get run over.

Liam laughed slightly, "Thanks, and yeah. You were there. Did you see any happiness? At all? Gaia's pretty nifty."

"You're not so bad yourself," Skelly said, giving the best compliment he could without imploding.

"Augh," Rabid stopped abruptly and cracked her elbows before wrapping her arms around Julian's neck, "The step and sway...cheating, sure, but favourites at weddings and senior proms!" She was so out of shape, it wasn't even funny. She made a mental note to start working out again.

Clemmie smiled, "I don't think so, although Ma is planning something. She said an...an after party? A week or so from now."


Poe rolled his eyes and flew up above Curly Hair's stroller, latching onto a handle and struggling to roll her over to Little White and Point Ears...not to mention Glowy Boy and Shiny Girl.

"AWWWWWWWWWK!"

Ike turned toward Poe and the baby. He smiled and waved slightly, much more interested in dancing at the moment.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Crow. I'm Haze Wyndre, and my charge is Kalderetta Tazza Wyndre. Although her sobriquet until she matures is Retta." She never tired of that disclaimer, odd as Haze easily got bored with practically everything.

"If by 'here' you are refering to the formal function, I haven't been here long." she shrugged, "But if by 'here' you are referring to Gaia, just a few months."

"Mm, Reid dance wi' Ike," glowing warmly Reid nodded and followed after Ike, motioning for Clemmie and Len to follow and hopefully dance with one another as well.

He'd never tried dancing but it didn't look too hard.

"I have this sad little assumption that even if I can't see it there's happiness somewhere in a world," Chao shrugged, "sadly that theory is often shot down. But Gaia's happy! And we're here, so we should be happy, right?"

"Right," Liam smiled to Chao, and gave a glance toward hte growingly popular dance floor, "Can you dance?"

Ike grinned and put his hands on Reid's shoulders, the height difference making things a bit difficult.

"Okee...step wit this foot...then this one...turn like this..." he said as he demonstrated the dance Mummy had tried to teach him earlier. His tail twitched excitedly.

Clemmie crossed her arms nervously and looked to Lenore.

"Wanna dance? It's kinda fun," she said and glanced down at the baby in the stroller, "Hello, lotha uss."

"Ah. That's...very nice. Retta's adorable."

Wishing something would blow up and interrupt this rather stiff conversation, Crow crossed her legs and leaned back on the chair, balancing on its back legs.

"I've been in Gaia about seven years - been at the HQ for a couple months. My Mishap is Lenore - she's the girl with the razorblade wings over there," she said, pointing Lenore out from the gather group of children.

Wondering briefly if moshing would be considered appropriate for a Christmas party, Len jumped at the sound of something "aaaaawk"-ing.

"What th' bloody hell is that?" she asked, ruffled. Pointing at the baby, she added, "and who's she?"

Looking up at Clemmie, she grinned and curtsied.

"Sure!"

"Flatterer," Sadako chirped, fighting back another giggle.

Gallantly offering to take the lead, Julian coughed over his shoulder and caught sight of Liam and some girl talking, a bit separated from the rest of the party.

And you were making fun of me for liking Rabid? he asked Liam dryly, quirking a brow and grinning slightly.

"A little..." Chao replied slowly, follow Liam's glance to the dance floor.

Reid followed Ike's steps silently, wings flickering in and out of their sheilds as he tried to memorize the steps, "'ki...."

Liam looked slowly toward Julian, smirking with a pierced eyebrow raised. He could help purposefully invading people's minds, but accidentally hearing thoughts...that wasn't his problem. He stuck his tongue out at him and turned back to Chao.

"C'mon. It's not so hard. Just follow my lead," he smiled and offered his hand to Chao.

Ike finished showing Reid the dance and looked to him, "Ike lead, kay?"

"That's Poe. He's a Dragon Kyn," Clemmie explained, "and that's...uhm...Retta, I think the lady said."

"You bet."

Rabid gladly fell into following. She peered over Julian's shoulder at Liam. Ooooh...so it was Chao...

She turned back to Julian and was hit with a sudden, completely random question, "How different are Rijani schools than what I'm used to? Were there any proms there?" She snickered slightly as horribly inappropriate thoughts briefly crossed her mind.

Haze seemed oblivious as to what Poe was doing, she was too grateful to be talking to someone who could speak in a language she understood! She followed the direction Crow pointed, "She seems quite..." Haze meant to say thin, but remembered how several of her Silarian friends hated that word, "Delicate." she finished, her tone was friendly, if not a little anxious.

"Is she capable of flight?" She asked genuinely interested, would Retta one day sprout wings?

Retta gurgled at the sudden trip and seeming escape from Haze. She didn't really care where they were going, so long as it was away from Haze's inane chatter.

Chao's gaze flickered again to the dance floor, feeling nervousness creep into her festive mood. Oh, well, whatever. Only lived once and suchwhat. Returning the smile she took his hand.

Reid nodded to Ike, mentally repeating the dance he'd just been shown, "ki."

Ike shifted his weight slightly and took a deep breath.

"Kay...one two threes...one two threes fours..." he counted as he danced slowly, desperately wanting to not mess up in front of his best friend.

"Awwww," Clemmie said and bent down to pick Retta up. She bounced the baby on her hip. She loved children. They didn't pay much attention to her physical appearence.

"Awk!" Poe sat and watched Curly Hair carefully, his tail thumping on the floor.

"Alright," Liam said and glanced pointedly at the post in the back, "Nothing obscene?! Who made those rules up?!" He laughed slightly and lead Chao out onto the dance floor, beginning to waltz slowly and carefully, not leaving a small square area.

"It's not so hard."

Slightly surprised by the question, Julian shrugged.

"Well, not too different, really. I mean, the schools the higher caste members get the better supplies and food that doesn't try to escape off the tray, but other than that..." he shrugged again.

"Never heard of a 'prom', though. What is it?"

Wandering out into the dance floor, Lenore cracked her knuckles and brushed her hair back, grinning.

"I learned this from a friend in Rijan," she said over her shoulder, and immediately went into a whirlwind of vicious spinning and kicking, banging her head and running around with leaping strides in a wide circle.

I hope I'm doin' it right, she thought, oblivious to how odd her performance must look.

Crow nodded, biting at a claw absently.

"She's learning how to fly at the moment. She glides pretty well, though. Crashes into every God-blessed thing in her way, but she's pretty good at not getting herself killed."

Clemmie turned and looked to Lenore.

"I've seen that before," she said, "but be careful. You're sharp." She moved a few steps away to try and keep Retta away from the flailing blades.

"Ah, you poor, poor, rich little man," Rabid snerked, "Proms are the final dance if your high school year. A lot of...bumping and grinding. The night to lose your virginity for most girls." She was going to stop there, but part of her refused.

"I only went to one with one of Liam's buddies. There was blood," she laughed to herself.

"Mmm, everyone has trouble during their first attempts at anything," Haze murmured, recalling her own failed attempts at the Ghost Arts. "I hope I'm not stepping into forbidden territory by asking do you find it difficult to care for your charge?"

Haze had been too proud to ask Huni for help or advice, despite how her employee willingly volunteered all the information she could give.

Again the figures left her, except this one. She was thin, and her skin was dark. But she was gentle with her and held her better than Haze did. If Poe trusted this new one enough to bring her to Clemmie, she'd give it a try.

She bleated softly, her tail dangling heavilly due to the teacup attatched.

Clemmie smiled at Retta. She liked the little girl...although...she kind of sounded like a sheep. She moved a bit further out onto the dance floor and swirled around slowly, singing a quite tune to the baby in a language most people would not understand. She was careful to not go too fast for fear of scaring Retta.

Reid followed just as slowly, grinning when he realized that Ike's counting was in time with the steps. That certainly made it easier.

"One two threes..." he joined in, keeping time with his best friend and watching his feet.

Privately Chao was quite greatful to those rules but merely chuckled at Liam's outburst and followed him out onto the dance floor.

Taking a deep breath she followed Liam's waltz carefully watching her feet nervously until she began to pick up the rythem and her smile returned as she finnally looked up, "yeah, it's easy to follow."

"Huh? Oh, yeah."

Lenore paused in her frantic flailing to fold her wings back, grateful for the thousandth time she could do it. Things were much more fun now that she wasn't constantly worrying about spearing out someone's eyeball.

"That's better!"

And with that, she resumed her galloping, flailing routine, laughing wildly.

Julian choked again and turned, not red, but very, very pale.

"Ah. I see," he said, his voice cracking in profound embarrassment.

I'm such a wuss. Really.

"Did...did you have a... good time?" he asked, hoping to high heaven it didn't sound perverted.

"See? I told you," Liam laughed, glad that he wasn't stumbling as badly as last time, "Rabid teaches well. So...how's the Little Guv been? Reid?" He often forgot the actual names of his friends...

"...threes...see? Iss fun," Ike giggled and sped up a little bit. He was proud of himself, along with Reid. Had he even ever done this before?

Clemmie turned herself and Retta toward Lenore and laughed and cheered.

"Perv," Rabid snickered, "but not really. The dancing was fine, as ashamed as I am of that. My date tried to...go all the way. I punctured his carotid artery with my left canine and drained him of bolidy fl--blood," she suddenly realized how discerning that could be and added, "I don't want you to be worried, though."

...will I ever stop doing that?

She snerked and shook her head to herself.

Watching Lenore run around the room, doing some kind of moshing dance, Crow nodded.

"It's a little hard, sometimes. She's a good girl, but sometimes... when I first adopted her, I didn't know what I was getting into. I went into the shop to see if they sold coffee, and suddenly I've got a razor-blade baby thrown at me."

She laughed at the memory, watching Lenore dance with maternal pleasure.

"Yeah, it's hard sometimes. But the good times make it worth it."

Julian gave a choked laugh, somewhat relieved he hadn't passed out by now.

"No, I'm not worried," he said, leaning in a little closer and his voice growing a little quieter. "M'not worried at all."

Retta clung to Clemmie, she didn't know what the older girl was doing, or why they were in the center of the ballroom. Despite their fairly slow pace, she wasn't entirely comfortable with the situation. She grabbed at her clothes and held on for dear life.

"Awww, honey," Clemmie said and shifted the little girl's weight and held her close, "Don't worry. I won't let you get hurt."

Rabid's steps faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered.

I don't quite know whow to take that...

"Huhwhaaa...?"

Smooooooth....

Liam, being close enough to them, brought Chao a bit closer to Julian, giving him a sort of "I-will-not-hesitate-to-strangle-you-with-one-of-these-here-belts" look.

Julian gave a snort of muffled laughter at the look on Liam's face and shrugged, leaning back a fraction of an inch.

Just be happy I haven't accidentally set anything on fire yet, he told him mildly, sure that Liam would corner him and strangle him the first chance he got.

Chao chuckled, "yes, yes, Liam the omnipotent, next time I won't doubt your word." At the mention of her son she glanced over and smiled proudly, idly wishing she had Rabid's camera.

Turning back to Liam she quirked an eyebrow at Reid's nickname, "Little Guv, hrm? He's fine, still crashing into things and practising the piano," she still needed to find him a teacher... "his siblings recently decided to introduce him to musicals, it's made for a lot of improtu bouts of song. How's everyone in your room been?"

When they suddenly moved closer to the other dancing couple she glanced back and forth between the man dancing with Rabid and Liam, wondering what the look was for.

"Iss fun!" Reid replied, following without complaint as Ike began to speed it up and momentarily casting an eye around the dance floor and all the different dances currently happening before focusing nearly stumbling and focusing again on their dance.

"Yuh," Ike cooed and continued dancing. He wasn't even breaking a sweat!

"Liam the omnipotent. I like the sound of that," Liam pulled a camera from one of his pockets and snapped a picture of Ike and Reid in passing, "I'll send you a copy."

That'd be amusing, guv, Liam thought back and laughed a bit at hte thought of Julian lighting things on fire.

"Eurgh," Rabid growled, "Ignore him. He's an overprotective jerk. He thinks anything male wants to get in my pants and steal me away from him."

She then thought for a moment.

"He really would hurt you, though."

For once, she was glad that Liam was there to protect her. Fear was sometimes the best way to go.

Oh, I'm mean...

"It does?" Haze wasn't sure how it was going to be worth it, but if Huni could have some semblance of sanity despite her 'countless' children, and with Crow vouching for it, there had to be some truth to it. "I only hope my attempts are adequate for Retta." she sighed.

Retta bleated softly again, nuzzling against Clemmie. It wasn't as bad if she kept her eyes closed... although she was beginning to feel drowsy.

"Ooh!" Rabid suddenly remembered something and gave a sad huff, "I've gotta go get something. Please, please don't go anywhere...I'll hurry back." She squeezed Julian a final time before leaving for the door.

"C'mon, guys...I'll need help!"

Clemmie sighed, disappointed, and placed Retta back in her stroller.

"I'll be right back, okay?"

Ike whined and gave Reid a huge hug.

"You'll like this."

Liam growled, cursing Rabid under his breath.

"It's been nice. I've gotta go...but I'll be back! Don't pick up any more studs while I'm gone."

Crow nodded, smiling slightly.

"Yup."

For you, anyway. I'd probably be flailing around looking for the fire extinguisher for the freakin' cold fire of doom.

Julian gave a rueful nod as Rabid spoke, remembering Liam's attitude from the other day.

"I don't doubt it."

Letting her go with a bit of disappointment, he wandered over to where Crow was sitting and watched Rabid go.

"We'll be right here." he said, leaning against the wall and watching Rabid leave.

Someone had gone? Oh thank Yrast! Haze now had some form of excuse.
"I'm afraid we have to be going, but was a pleasure conversing with you, I do hope our paths will cross again." Haze smiled sweetly and excused herself.

She got up and wordlessly began to wheel Retta out of the ballroom.

Note: The Party has far more posts but these are the only posts that involve Retta and Haze

Playtime with Cousin Noi

"Alright Haze, you can have your day at the Odanna spa. I'll watch over Retta." Huni nodded as she spoke into the phone's receiver. Minutes later she heard the whoosh of wind that normally meant Haze had arrived from Retta's room back into hers.

Before she could even say anything, the Silarian woman just thrust the mishap into her arms and left without so much as glancing back.

"Well Retta, I'm your aunt Huni, and I'm going to introduce you to your family. Something your mother wouldn't even think of doing." Huni chuckled, relishing the fact she could call Haze anything while the Silarian wasn't around.

Retta bleat softly, her legs dangling from Huni's arms along with her tail. She was getting stronger, and was able to lift the tail for longer durations now. Of course this was a feat that went unnoticed by Haze. She rather liked aunt Huni, if because she was far gentler than her guardian. Although she had to admit, Haze did have her good points. The Silarian read to her and kept her clean and neat.

Someday, Retta hoped to be able to do that for herself.

She noticed they had stopped and saw a green haired man staring at them. He smelled different, not like Huni or Haze, but like her only not-like her.

"Who's she?" Keith asked, voice low and nervous. "She smells of Haze." he added with distaste.

"Hush now, Keith, go get Noi and we'll introduce them to each other." Huni ordered and as the chameleon left, she turned to Retta with a smile. "That's Keith, and he's a grumpy chameleon who clings to me too often." she giggled. "Can you say 'Keith' Retta?"

"Eeee'" was the best she could make. She still wasn't talkative, but when prompted to speak, she would.

Keith returned carrying Metanoia in his arms.

Retta remembered the small person, she was the one aunt Huni belonged to. She bleated her greeting, tail swishing in what appeared to be happiness.

Noi blinked, "Aaa!" she exclaimed in recognition. "Aaaa..." she continued, gesturing that they both be lowered to the ground so she could better inspect Retta.

"That's your cousin Noi, Retta. I hope you two will be good friends." Huni cooed as she gestured to Keith that the infants be placed together in the playpen. Huni had to admit, when Haze went shopping, Haze went shopping!

She studied the impressive selection of toys the Silarian woman purchased for Retta, as well as the books. But something told the red head she had better not try anything with Retta's things without the Mishap's permission.

"Go on, play or do whatever you two like, I'll be over here. On the couch. Catching up on some needed sleep."

As soon as she was free of Keith, Noi scooted over to Retta, fully intending to introduce herself. She was in one of her high moods, and thankfully was sociable. Her oddly gradiating skintoned hands were touching Retta's face, her ears, her shoulders, exploring practically every part of the Mishap possible.

However, when she came to the tail, things became a little tense.

Retta allowed Noi to look her over, but became a little wary once the other small person neared her teacup. She didn't like anyone touching it, and went through great lengths at twitching her tail out of Noi's grasp.

She bleated in disapproval as Noi attempted to grab for it.

It was fun, trying to catch the tail. Noi could understand the fascination the other children had when it came to tail grabbing. It was a living creature, and it always kept out of reach. She giggled, ignorant of Retta's displeasure and engrossed with subduing the fiesty critter.

Enough was enough! Retta didn't want Noi playing with her tail. Period. She bleated angrily and shoved the Soul away, her ears flat against her head as she glared daggers the way Haze does when her hair got yanked. Retta clutched her tail to her chest, as if shielding it from Noi.

Oooo, shoving matches were FUN! Noi giggled in glee, completely forgetting about the tail. She crawled to Retta and responded with a shove of her own. A weak shove, as most of Noi's strength came when she was in her down mood.

Retta blinked in surprise, it felt more of a nudge than a shove. But she took it as a challenge. She snorted, and pushed at Noi. And this went on for a few minutes until the Mishap got bored and realized her opponent was only doing it for fun.

Retta thought Noi was odd. But at least she didn't talk a lot or made lots of useless noise like Haze. Retta didn't like her guardian much, but she tolerated her and loved to yank her hair. She supposed that was good enough.

Curious about Noi's relationship with Huni, the mishap pointed to the snoring woman on the couch. She bleated, her tone questioning.

Noi blinked in confusion, who won the match? She assumed she won since Retta gave up and she gurgled in triumph. When her cousin motioned to Huni, the Soul cocked her head to the side, pony tails bobbing from the motion.

"A-ee?" she asked, thinking that Retta wanted to know who Huni was. The Soul found it difficult to explain, but she tried. She made elaborate gestures and mimic-ed Huni's actions. But eventually she gave up and just shrugged.

From what Retta understood, Noi liked Huni. But it seemed the other red head wasn't as generous as Haze. She supposed one couldn't have everything, but the Mishap would take Haze over Huni if only because she realized the Silarian woman would be far more useful in the future.

The rest of the afternoon was uneventful, and the two infants played games like hide and seek, escape from the playpen and their absolute favorite: drive Huni out of her wits by wailing then stopping then wailing again.

Whether Noi was a bad influence on Retta or Retta was a bad influence on Noi, it wasn't clear. The two girls enjoyed themselves and looked forward to seeing more of each other.

Eating Time Is Happy Time

Retta was playing with her pet puff, Crimson, the little ball of fluff was tickling her nose and she giggled in delight. She was adjusting well to life with Haze, and had even begun to like her guardian though at times she still found the red-haired woman annoying.

Tossing Crimson into the air, she reached out to catch him, only to miscalculate and the puff landed gently on her stomach. Then Haze came in from the door that led to the other house. Retta set her pet aside as she got onto her knees, crawling slowly towards the bars of her crib.

With doe-eyes, she peered up at her guardian, wondering what Haze had in store for the day.

Haze had a sour look on her face, like she had just missed out on a sale. Truth be told she had just woken up from her sleep and was still a tad cranky. She had to go check up on Retta before Huni would feed her, the nerve of that woman!

"You're fending well, I see. Shall we have something to eat?" Haze scooped up the Mishap into her arms.

Retta bleated out in protest, she didn't want to leave Crimson behind, not today. She squirmed and struggled, twisting her small body and bleating out to the puff to follow.

Crimson did as told and hopped after the woman and her charge.

Haze was completely ignorant of all this, she just thought Retta was being unreasonable (as all infants were). "Oh hush, you'd think I would feed you poison or worse, meat!" she huffed in distaste. "If you behave, Retta, I'll read you any story you want. I'll even let you choose the book."

Retta didn't quite understand what Haze was saying (she rarely did) but with Crimson following them, she relaxed and went without any resistance.

They passed through the doorway and arrived in Haze's room. It was surprisingly bare given how prone Haze was to shopping sprees. There was a simple bed beside the window, and while elegant in design it looked nothing out of the ordinary. An armoire stood across the doorway that led to Retta's room, and perhaps that piece of furniture was the most expensive looking thing present. The wood was carved out of an unknown tree, it was most likely from Silar, as the blood-red hue was not painted. It almost looked like it had recently been bathed in blood. Beside the armoire was a full length mirror.

"Come, Retta, it is time for you to be fed." Haze declared and opened the armoire. Upon opening it, one would realize it was no ordinary armoire. For one thing, each item of clothing hung from its own hook and while that seems nothing new, the sheer volume of clothes Haze owned wouldn't fit an ordinary armoire.

For another, the hooks could move closer or farther away from Haze, depending on what she was looking for.
"Which bib shall we be wearing today?" Haze murmured, and instantly the bibs she had purchased were presented to her. The hooks had literally flown out of the armoire and stopped in front of their mistress.

Retta blinked at the designs and randomly picked one, not really caring what she chose.

Haze carefully took the bib off the hook and closed the armoire, inspecting the decision of her charge.
"I suppose the next thing I must teach you is the finer points of style." she sighed before heading out to the kitchen slash dining room.

Crimson followed after them and was doing his best to keep up with Haze's long strides.

Retta's ears wiggled when she was placed in a high chair quite similar to that of her cousin Noi's. The Soul was just finishing up her breakfast it seems. The bib was carefully tied around her neck and a bowl of mashed apples and a bottle of milk was presented to her.

"Which do you prefer? Solid food or milk?" Haze asked, arms akimbo as she waited for Retta's decision.

Retta was a little curious about the pale yellow substance in the bowl and instinctively poked at it with her fingers.

It was a good enough sign for Haze as any that Retta wanted to try the mashed apples. She had wished the Mishap had chosen the milk, it would have been easier for her to feed it to Retta.
"Alright, open your mouth, Retta." Haze instructed as she scooped up a spoonful and was veering it towards Retta's mouth.

The infant blinked at the spoon and somehow understood what Haze wanted. She opened her mouth and allowed the mashed apples entrance. Her ears wiggled and her tail wagged in delight at the taste. Without thinking (or caring) about Haze's opinions, she grabbed the bowl from Haze and started to wolf down the mashed apples.

Huni giggled at the adorable sight that was her niece and she laughed at the look of horror that was on Haze's face.

"Retta! Cease and desist at once!" Haze was aghast, "Goodness me, don't eat like that! It's embarassing and what's more it's disgusting to watch." Haze scolded.

Retta, of course, paid Haze no mind and bleated contentedly when she finished.

By this time, Crimson had finally caught up to them and was exhausted. He used whateve remained of his energy to leap up onto Retta's lap for a quick nap.

With sticky fingers, Retta stroked her puff and began to motion that she wanted more mashed apples.

"No, you'll grow obese if I keep feeding you." Haze glared, "And speaking of feeding," she turned to her employee, "My food! Now!"

In Search of Playmates

Haze was pacing back and forth in her room with Retta lying asleep on the bed. She was thinking about what to do with her charge's social situation. She had seen several occupied bedrooms in the HQ, which meant there were more Mishaps and guardians. Recalling the celebration in the ballroom a few weeks back, she was certain neither she nor Retta knew anyone else other than the few they encountered.

This will not do! Haze knew the importance of having acquaintances and connections, she had more than enough of those back in Silar. Gaia, on the other hand, was a different story. Here, she was a veritable stranger, a nobody, an unimportant person! The very thought made her shudder. Even though she was still resenting her sudden guardianship of Retta, Haze couldn't allow her charge to become anti-social. Spoiled perhaps (for who better knew what spoils a child than an older spoiled child), but anti-social? Definately not!

She made up her mind and began to rummage through her things for a pad of her personal stationery and a pen. She began to write a letter requesting for a playdate between Retta and said guardian's Mishap. With three copies, she set off through the portal connected her room to Retta's. Once inside the HQ, she set off to slip the letters under three different doors.

Proud of her initiative, Haze beamed and decided to go shopping for clothes as a reward. Retta would have to come along, the infant needed better attires.

"There, we're rather presentable now." Haze nodded in approval as she finishing tying the sash on Retta's new dress. One of her invitations had been accepted and today was the day she would begin to introduce Retta to the world of socialization. Thankfully they had gone shopping for clothes days ago.

Retta bleated in annoyance, Haze always managed to choose the itchiest dresses for her to wear. Then again, Haze always managed to choose the best lookings ones too. Retta'd have to learn to deal, she figured.

Hearing the knock, she started motioning towards the door, her ears wiggling.

"They're rather prompt." Haze blinked, and quickly whispered to Retta "It's far more proper to be fashionably late, but I suppose in Gaia being on time is more favorable." she shrugged and scooped up the infant into her arms.

Padding over to the other end of the room, Haze opened the door. "Welcome." she greeted.

((No prob XD I know how evil deadlines can be n.n))

Retta's eyes widened in a mixture of curiosity and terror. Maybe it had something to do with the snakes protruding from Shavira's stomach, but it could have been more about how... well... how bubbly the other Mishap was.

Her ears wiggled a bit as she took in the intonations of the other girl's words, deciding that the snake girl didn't have any hostile intentions. She bleated softly, her tail swishing, causing the cup attatched to it to twirl on its own.

Haze was beginning to feel uneasy about slipping an invitation under Kii's door. What sort of person was she exposing her charge to? She effortlessly brought a smile to her face, it seemed genuine to those who didn't know Haze very well.

"A pleasure, Kii, I'm Haze Wyndre, and that child over there is Kalderetta T. Wyndre. Although until she is at an older age, please address her by her sobriquet of Retta." she introduced. "Thank you so much for coming over, Retta desperately needed to make friends and I'm afraid I know not one of the other guardians. Retta, greet our guests the way I have shown you."

For someone who hadn't fully developed her motorskills, Retta made a fairly good impression of a curtsey. Granted it was more like she bobbed up and down in her crib than curstied.
"Ee-is..." she spoke, a mimicry of Haze's "greetings".