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 Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 2:46 pm
~The Lifeseed Divided~
Warning: Graphic Content! "So soon?!" Rising from her chair, long skirt falling into place, Elle drifted to Mira's side. The girl was sweating, though she smiled still...but a single nod was enough to answer Elle's question. Setting one hand over Mira's round stomach, Elle closed her eyes...feeling the restless movement of the child within. A smile spread slowly over Elle's face as well. She wished, for a moment, that she was overseeing the birth...but an accomplished midwife (and long time friend of Mira's) was standing ready. "I should prepare as well, then. I'll be back soon, breath deep and relax! You have hours yet." Elle bent to kiss her friend upon her forehead, ignoring the way Mira rolled her eyes at the encouraging comment. Grinning for a moment, Elle finally turned and padded out of the warm room on bare feet. She loved the little house, tucked away at the edge of the park. Warm hardwood floors and large luminous windows...it would be the perfect place for Mira to raise her child! Strolling across the cool lawn, Elle settled down next to the hole she'd dug in the back yard. The perfect place, and soon, the perfect guardian. The Lifeseed was almost ready! Besides the mound of rich soil sat a heavy clockwork gear, the iron dull and dark against the verdant grass. In the center of the gear was a hole...just large enough for the seed. Elle had chosen a Jacaranda seed for the charm, since there were already many of that species in the area. They grew well here, and carried such lovely sprays of purple blooms... Woven between the notches of the gear was a string of fine amethyst stones...stretched taut across the metal and surrounding the central seed like the lines of a dream catcher. Amethyst seemed like the perfect choice as well...it would compliment the colors of the Jacaranda tree, and was the right birthstone for the child that was already on its way. Making sure the hole had been dug neatly, in pure soil to the right depth, Elle settled back on her heels and cleared her mind. She had learned the art of the Lifeseed only a few months back...but with any luck, it would grow to be a fine protecting spirit for the young babe. All she needed was the afterbirth to make the circle complete. A bit of life from the child, and the two souls would be bound in peace and growth! The sunlight seemed a bit brighter as Elle opened her eyes. Blinking, she realized she'd been meditating for far longer than she intended. Glancing back, she was startled to see the windows of the cottage already fogged with warmth. Pushing to her feet, leaving the Lifeseed where it lay, she hurried back in on quiet feet. The room smelled of lavender, spices, and lemon...the scent of herbs from the bowl of clean cloths both soothing and heady. Reaching for Mira's hand, Elle held it tightly as her friend gave one more push. "You're doing so well! Mira, I'm so proud of you!" With a tight smile, Mira nodded...the sweat upon her brow trickling to one side as she lifted her head. With a final gasp, she settled back...panting as the midwife finally stood. "A girl child, Mira. She cries for you!" The woman's thick accent purred as she settled the babe into Mira's waiting arms. Her tiny face red and scrunched, fist waving aimlessly as though she sought something she'd forgotten. Stepping back, giving Mira room to bond with her child, Elle lifted a clean linen cloth from the table and offered it to the midwife. "The Lifeseed is ready! If you have the-"She was cut short by an upraised hand as the healer sank to her knees once again. Elle watched with wide eyes, but Mira seemed to understand. "That was one, lass. There is another on the way." Stepping back to rest against the wall, Elle's eyes grew even wider. "Twins?" Her voice was faint. Sweat had suddenly found its way to her brow, as well. She had only prepared one Lifeseed...could the charm bind twins? Closing her eyes, trying to recall the teachings she had been granted, Elle scrambled for a solution. Moments later, as a healthy but tiny baby boy emerged, Elle found herself holding a wrapped linen cloth that was twice as heavy as it should be. Taking a breath, Elle accepted it with an uncertain smile...bending to settle another kiss upon Mira's forehead, and shading the twins with fond glance. Well, either it would work or it wouldn't...at the very least, there would be a lovely new Jacaranda tree to commemorate the birth! Letting herself out silently once more, Elle glanced up at the setting sun and knelt gracefully beside the prepared soil. Gently, she lowered the twin placentas into the ground...letting the pristine cloth fall open as they reached the bottom. Upon the life blood, she placed the Lifeseed...the iron cog just large enough to touch each side of the narrow hole. From around her neck, Elle lifted a small vial of water...ocean water, blessed by Aki and gathered under the light of a full moon. Closing her eyes as she poured the trembling drops upon the Lifeseed, Elle sent wishes of peace and protection with them. It was done. Letting the vial fall once more between her breasts, Elle tied her long hair up out of the way and pushed the soft soil back into the ground with her bare hands. The trepidation had left her, now all that remained was the calm serenity of new hope. Eager to wash her hands and see the babes once again, Elle stood for only a moment longer over the mound of freshly turned earth before strolling back over the rolling green lawn. Surely, by tomorrow, the sprout would show!
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 12:25 pm
~Birth is in Bloom~ Tugging her cloak a bit tighter about her shoulders, Elle shivered in the cool morning air...trotting along the thin path that led to Mira's cottage. Over her arm rested the handle of a woven willow basket. It was filled with handmade baby clothes, new blankets, bottles, and a perpetually lukewarm goat milk and rose essence drink Elle had brewed herself. It would no doubt be hard on Mira trying to nurse two little ones at once....surely an extra meal for the babes would be appreciated. For once, Elle was not barefoot...the weather had gotten just a touch too cold for that. Her sandals scuffed upon the stones of the path in a rather unpleasant way...Elle was glad she could take them off once she was inside. Shoes were so cumbersome, so noisy...she'd much rather feel the cool grass beneath her feet! Once the frost faded, at least. Flipping the latch on the gate, Elle called out softly as it squeaked open. "Mira? It's just me, honey....don't get up!" A rustle from the back yard answered her as she pushed the gate shut once more. Elle couldn't help but smile. Was she out looking at the Lifeseed? Had the first tendril of green appeared yet? A bit proud, despite her worry for the new mother being out in the cold, Elle hurried around the back without stepping inside the cottage. The back yard seemed empty...only the looming skeletons of the almost bare jacaranda trees stood tall. Brows knitting, Elle wandered forward a bit more slowly. What was rustling? She overlooked the large lavender blossom upon the lawn twice...searching for the mound of earth that she could have sworn should have been in the same location. Finally, as the huge bud rustled again, Elle began to pay attention. For several long moments, she stood frozen...staring at the collection of thin green saplings and tiny purple flowers....right where she'd planted the Lifeseed. Her heart pushed up to her throat, worry warring with excitement. It had sprouted. Well, she'd anticipated that, but...a full bloom? Saplings?! Forcing herself to swallow, still clutching the basket, Elle edged forward and jumped as the biggest blossom rustled again. The flowers of a Jacaranda were small, weren't they? This bud... Was big to contain almost anything. She didn't call for Mira. If there was danger, she wouldn't involve the family. But why would there be danger? A Lifeseed was meant to protect! She'd been so careful, preparing the charm just as Frae had taught her- Except for the addition. Covering her mouth with one hand in silent shock, Elle let her eyes slide closed for one mortifying moment. Something had gone wrong...that was the only answer. The extra ingredient hadn't simply made it stronger, it had changed the fabric of the entire spell! Taking another step forward, and another, Elle stared at the trembling bloom. Something was within it, almost visible through the delicate petals. Was the tree coiled within, waiting to burst forth? Reaching forward slowly, with one hand, Elle pressed her fingers to the side of the warm bud. Just moments later, something reached back. With a gasp, Elle's legs gave out from beneath her. A hand! A little hand!! Kneeling in the wet grass, she set the basket aside and pushed forward to lean over the closed bloom. Had it eaten one of Mira's twins? Called it magically into it? Worry stung her eyes as she ran her hand over the bloom again...desperate to find a way to free the babe, but not wishing to cause it harm. Bulging at the feel of a warm hand, the blossom trembled once more, and the petals began to separate. "You're okay, little one! You're okay! Let me take you back in! Let me-" As the last petal unfolded, Elle's comforting words trailed off into shock. It wasn't one of the twins. Her first thought was relief. The babes were safe indoors with their mother...warm beside the fire and hearth. This child... Leaning closer, Elle stared at the new babe. Pale skin, and verdant emerald hair...faint violet crystallization encasing its young feet. What...what was this? What was he was a better question. Elle realized it was a boychild indeed as it rolled over in the half cocoon of the blossom, mewling quietly at the cold. One little hand reached upwards, grabbing at the air between them as it stared with milky eyes. Before she could think twice, her hand was moving...digging a soft brown blanket out of the basket and draping it over her arm. "Where...did you come from, little one? Have you been here all along?" With infinite care, Elle reached downwards...lifting the surprisingly heavy babe into the crook of her arm and enfolding him with the blanket. As she smiled down at him, wondering with odd serenity where the child was supposed to be, an amazing thing happened. The babe smiled back. Perhaps it was a reflex, simple mimicry of her gesture, but something clenched painfully within Elle. Cradling him gently, still smiling despite the tears in her eyes, Elle realized how the babe had come to be. It was her doing...she had created him when she'd altered the spell. His curling leafy hair, the bright stone set into his forehead...it was the only answer. He was the child of the Lifeseed. Her child. And Mira's. Slowly, the smile faded...from her face, and the babe's as well. This child had been created by the Lifeseed charm, which used the lifeblood from Mira's babes. She had no claim on this child, no more than Mira did, at least. For a moment, Elle considered simply leaving. She'd keep the child with her, and tell no one! She'd- The flight of fancy faded as soon as it began. Standing slowly, still holding the baby, Elle glanced back down at the blossom it had come from. Already, the flower was fading, it purpose served. Behind it, however, the two saplings stood tall...growing stronger as Mira's babes did the same. Comforted by this, Elle hugged the child a bit closer, and sighed. The babe opened its mouth wide, as though it wished a sigh of its own. Instead, it gasped....milky eyes closing in contentment as it nestled closer. Curious, Elle blew at it again....ruffling the leaves upon its forehead with her breath. Another smile, another gasp...the babe seemed delighted! There were few things Elle knew as well as plants. Still facing the house, gazing down at the exotic babe, she wondered at the behavior. If this was the child of the Lifeseed, it was closer to the Flora kingdom than Fauna. Plants...plants enjoyed what was breathed out, exhaling oxygen in turn. Wasn't that correct? Blowing another slow puff of warm air across the babe's face, Elle smiled in calm amazement as the babe yawned widely...his eyes sinking closed as he relaxed in Elle's arms. A surge of love rose within her, and she leaned forward to press her lips to the child's forehead...right beside the gem. It was time to face Mira, and explain the situation. Cradling the boy child gently, Elle set off across the lawn.
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 1:40 pm
~Kudzu Arrives!~ Elle raised one hand to knock upon the door of the little cottage, balancing the babe in the crook of her other arm. He was getting heavier by the moment, or so it felt to her poor muscles...she'd never carried a babe so weighty! Holding him close, she rapped gently with her knuckles. It was Aspen, the midwife, that answered. Opening the door just a crack, peering out with a protective and suspicious gaze, the woman's face softened as she spotted Elle. The door opened slowly the rest of the way. "Elle, come in, yes? Mira will be happy to see you. You...oh! Look at that! What..." She trailed off as she spotted the babe in Elle's arms, brow furrowing at his odd coloring. Elle shook her head, though she smiled back at River. "I'd like to come in, but not yet. There are a few things..." She hefted the babe a bit, holding him once again in both arms. "...a few things I want to talk to Mira about. I don't know how he will react to the twins though. Could you...?"River nodded, lips drawn into a thin line of worry. How would this strange child react, indeed? As a midwife, her first loyalty was to the new children. "I will take them into the kitchen, it is warm there. Give me one minute, then follow." Elle nodded, though part of her was sad. This child wasn't a danger, she knew that deeply...after all, he was created in part by a spell meant to protect them! With new life, though, one could never be too careful. Distantly, within the house, one of the babes began to squall at being moved. Soon, both were crying, though the soft wails grew fainter as the kitchen door shut. Worry evident in her voice, Mira called out across the cottage. "Elle? Are you still out there? Please come in!" Slipping out of her sandals, Elle shut the door gently with a bump of her hip and walked slowly down the hall. She took a moment, just a single moment, to gaze down at the boy child in her arms and offer him another warm puff of breath. What if Mira sent them both away? What if, worse yet, she decided to keep the child as her own? Elle's heart clenched at the thought. It had been her will and her energy that had summoned the babe forth...to lose him seemed almost unbearable, even after such a short time. All of these thoughts haunted her as she stepped into the room, face drawn and eyes large with uncertainty. "Mira? I'm...I'm not sure where to start."Mira didn't rise as Elle entered, still tucked into her freshly made bed. Smile fading as her eyes grew wide at the bundle in Elle's arms, Mira reflexively turned to glance at the kitchen door...as though making sure her babes were within. "What...Elle, who is that?" Clearing her throat, Elle settled down at the edge of Mira's bed...folding the blanket back a bit to reveal more of the child's pale face. The brush of purple at his temples, a scattering of small flowers, was obvious in the light of the oil lamp. There wasn't a need to say much, after all. Mira only stared for a moment before softening, leaning forward to brush her thumb across the child's cheek. "Oh Elle, how beautiful. So healthy! But where...how?" Summoning a small smile, Elle glanced up at her friend and shrugged gently. "I'm...not entirely sure. I think I overburdened the charm, adding too much life. I didn't expect you to have twins, you see, and I couldn't decide what to do. So...I tried to bind the Lifeseed to both. He was there, where I planted it, when I arrived this morning."Again, silence settled between them. After a moment, Mira opened her arms, and Elle settled the boy child against her companion's chest with a growing pain in her own. Watching Mira heft the babe, bouncing it against her full chest in comfort, left Elle feeling slightly empty inside. Mira's eyes lifted to Elle's face, and she spoke quietly...words that Elle almost dreaded to listen to. Would she claim the child, then? "Elle....he is amazing. Your will is strong, you have pulled creation from the very womb of the earth." Elle's arms opened reflexively as Mira handed the babe back with a smile. "Congratulations, my friend...if you will have us, I would be sister to you, and have him be brother to my children. Welcome to our family, love." Elle sat stunned, gazing at Mira's serene smile. She had claimed the babe after all, as nephew! Trembling as she realized the child in her arms was hers to care for, hers to love, Elle leaned forward and buried her face against Mira's neck. Tears were close, but they were tears of joy. "Thank you, sister. We are honored, both of us!" As Mira called out to River, summoning her children to her side once more, Elle leaned back and gazed down at the child in her arms. "I wonder what sort of miracle this is. Are mistakes always so precious?" She shared a quick smile with Mira. After all, Mira's children hadn't been planned either. "For such a babe to spring forth, overnight...how can he grow so fast?!" Shrugging, gazing once more at the babe, Elle sighed in contentment. She was aware of River edging back into the room, and Mira lifting her arms to accept her own children, but she couldn't lift her eyes. Not yet. His tiny face was so peaceful, so calm as he gazed back up at her! "Growing like a weed, but that is no kind of name. Ah, Kudzu...nature's swiftest tendrils. Kudzu." She was speaking in fragments, mind moving faster than her words, but the thought was there. As her tears finally fell, landing upon the babe's face, Elle couldn't help but laugh. There went his little tongue, trying to catch them before they rolled off of his cheek! Bouncing the twins against her sides, glad they'd stopped their lonely crying, Mira hugged her children closer and nodded fondly. "Welcome to the world, Kudzu."
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 2:05 pm
~Messenges and Keys~ "A true miracle indeed"
A man was looking trought the window, admiring this touching scene. He was rather strange looking, with long silvery hair on the right but shorth and spiky on the left and with golden eyes that seemed to be smiling as much as his grin
"Please don't be startled. I just came to find the Mishap you're holding on your arms, but apparently you found him first"
He shifted his weight to the other leg as he straighten himself up, trying to look more presentable
"You're taking him as your own I presume?"
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 4:42 pm
~ Eyes narrowing, Mira shrank back into her soft bed...pulling the twins close against her body. Her baby girl fussed, pushing against Mira's side with her tiny fists. Eyes raising to the window, Elle retained her gentle cradle of Kudzu...listening with considerably less apprehension. He was an interesting character, to say the least, but his words were a bit troubling. Glancing to Mira, noting her worry, Elle rose slowly to her feet. She walked closer to him as she spoke...putting herself between the window and the bed. "It has certainly been a day for surprises."The babe in her arms shifted, head tilting to the side as Kudzu peeked owlishly at the stranger just outside. Little fingers uncurling, Kudzu reached vaguely towards the man as though he'd like nothing more than to tug that shiny silver hair. Smiling the slightest bit, Elle lifted Kudzu a bit higher and raised her eyes once more. Her natural empathy strengthened as she focused....searching for any malicious feelings or harmful intent in the air between them. She couldn't read everyone, but perhaps this man was open enough to trust. "I do not know if he is mine to claim, but I certainly won't turn him away. What did you call him? A...mishap? Well, things didn't go as planned...true enough. But a more welcome mistake I can't imagine." Tilting her head, almost in the same manner Kudzu had, Elle began to wonder just who she was speaking too. "I am Elle, and this...is Kudzu, unless he finds a name he likes better. You...fit into this puzzle somehow?" Kudzu gurled quietly up at Elle, drifting hand now reaching for her face.
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 4:55 pm
"Oh, sorry for my lack of manners. My name is Birvan and I act as a messenger for the Magical Mishaps Adoption Center"
He noticed Kudzu's natural interest in his hair and gave him one of the strands to play with before continuing
"Magical Mishaps are beings created by spells gone wrong. Most people prefer to... dispose of them. My job is to find the baby Mishaps and take them to the adoption house, where they can find a guardian that will love ans care for them as their own"
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 5:22 pm
Letting the hair fall gently across his hand, Kudzu stopped burbling and stared at it with wide, unfocused eyes. Giving his arm a little shake, he watched the light slide across the silver strand. This was something new!
Elle watched him play, still taking in Birvan's words. "Abandoned?" Voice quiet, she tried to imagine such a thing. Of course, not all spells were as benign as the Lifeseed...what if she had been trying to draw plague from a sick child? Shuddering at the thought of what that might have created, she nodded slowly.
"As I see it, this child's life is his own. I only helped him find his way into this world, and blindly at that. I would like to see the place you speak of. Perhaps, if there are others there like him, he can make his own choice. I will never turn my back on him, but he is free to walk his own path once he's old enough to make that choice."
Elle lifted her eyes, hoping to see kindness in the strangers face. "Will you take us there?"
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 5:33 pm
"Unfortunatly I cannot. There are others who need to be found before any harm comes to them. But this... " he took an envelope from his coat "... will take you there"
"There is a key inside. Use it in any keyhole and it will take you to the shop. Look for Maggie, she will instruct you"
He gently removed his strand from the baby's grasp before turning away. A few seconds later he was nowhere to be seen
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 5:51 pm
Nodding in silent understanding, Elle helped open Kudzu's tiny fist so Birvan could pull free. She accepted the with only a slight bit of confusion, deciding to trust his strange words.
"Thank you, for your help...and for helping others like him. I'm sure I'll see you again." Finally smiling a genuine smile, Elle raised a hand in farewell.
By the time she glanced up again, the man was gone...and Kudzu was bubbling impassively at the key in her hand. Taking a closer look, Elle ran her thumb over the crystals stamped into the metal...eyes dropping to the crystals at the babe's elbow. Almost as though it was meant for him!
Turning back to Mira, smiling with a wry shrug, she let Kudzu play with the key as she spoke. "A very strange day indeed. Enough excitement for you and the twins, I think. I'll return soon, and make sure you have all that you need."
Mira nodded, confused but content that no trouble had come to her humble house. As Elle bent to kiss her upon the forehead, Kudzu spotted the twins...mouth peaking into another blank smile. Mira and Elle shared a smile as well, glad the babes had no dislike of each other.
She let herself out quietly, slipping back into her sandals and holding Kudzu a bit closer to keep him warm. Shutting the door behind her, Elle gave him a bounce and switched arms since her right one was aching.
"Well, all you have on is a blanket! Let's go get you some clothes of your own, then we'll see about that key, hmm?" Kudzu waved the key slowly, light from the morning sun catching both on the metal and the violet crystals he was adorned with. Pressing her cheek fondly to the top of his head, Elle started again down the path.
She turned only for one last look at the jacaranda saplings before the cottage was out of sight.
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 7:01 pm
~An Afternoon Nap~  Settling down upon the grass, Elle leaned back against the old oak tree...journal across her lap. Kudzu was resting upon the lawn, nearby. He'd seemed a bit displeased to be placed on a blanket, preferring the feel of the grass against his skin. Now, he was as content as could be...burbling and humming at the cabbage moths as they fluttered in the garden nearby. She'd settled a ring of large river stones around him, each gently rounded by years of smoothing by water. Kudzu was content to stay within that space, never seeming to roll near the edge of the boundary she'd outlined. Nearby, the bubbling of the little pond fountain gently sang. Lifting her pen, Elle opened the brand new journal and began to write. Elle What an amazing day it has been. I have a new little one in my life now...one to call my own, rather than simply family. I suppose I shouldn't be shy about saying such...after all, it was my energy that gave him life. Perhaps not my flesh, but who can truly set flesh above spirit? From a mishap with the Lifeseed charm, a young boy was given life. I like that word, Mishap...it sounds more comical than 'mistake' or 'accident'! Regardless, he is here, and he is healthy...though a more colorful child I have yet to see! At this age, he looks so delicate. His hair is a leafy green, with sprays of purple flowers that curl like little horns. Amethyst crystals seem to gather at his ankles and elbows, leaving hard facets where smooth skin should be. He is far from delicate, though...I have never held a heavier child! He can't be more than eighteen inches, but I'm sure he's at least as many pounds. It is amazing to see how he has captured the elements of my failed charm. Ah, I say failed, for the Lifeseed is no longer a bonded tree. It has taken a life of its own, and the twins are left to face fate on their own. Still, a greater gift I can't imagine. Will he still grow with them, I wonder? Or will be continue to grow as his namesake? Sprouting overnight...he is a hardy one, indeed! As I write, he is resting in the grass. I was worried about his pale skin in the bright sun, but it took on a rosy glow almost instantly. He seems so relaxed, soaking up the light...I can only assume it's the nature of the plantblood within him. Of course, even plants can get too much light, so I'll keep a close eye on him in the meantime. I should probably get him some water, I'd hate to see him dehydrated. I'm working on finding him some clothes as well, I'm not sure if his sleeves would survive considering his mineral patches. I have a little robe for him that used to belong to Levi, but it's seen better days. At least he'll be covered in the mean time, though! He's a very quiet child, so far...it's only been a while, but I haven't seen him cry. Nor giggle, to think of it...he seems wise and calm for one so young! It's easy to appreciate. A quiet afternoon, watching butterflies and sighing at clouds? I'm in love with this sweet child. Well, that was a simple admission. I'm amazed that it's true, after such a short time. I suppose that's part of why I haven't used the key I was given yet. What if we go to this place, and he enjoys it more than our garden? It would be too sad, leaving him behind. I'm not usually a worrier, I suppose this is how it feels to have a child you can call your own. I'm sure all will be well. Perhaps, after lunch and finding him some clothes, we can take another look at that key. But right now, under the sun and shade of the trees with such good company, I just can't make myself rush. ~Elle Closing the journal quietly, Elle set the book down in the dry grass. She moved the river stones aside, breaking the circle, and leaned forward to lay gracefully upon her stomch beside Kudzu. The boy was curled upon his side, breath fluttering in the grass, but his eyes opened as she settled down on the lawn. Gaze crinkling with a smile, Kudzu reached for her with one hand...little fingers curling around her thumb, and eyes sinking closed once more. Elle relaxed as well, still smiling, and enfolded him with her other arm. A little nap, then they could look into the mysterious key.
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 8:02 pm
~The Key~ Kudzu yawned once again, eyes squinting shut as his mouth opened wide. Blinking as he finished, he found himself gazing at Elle's happy face. Of course he smiled in return. Laughing as the boy beamed quietly up at her, Elle scooped him into her arms. Something that might have been a petal or a leaf drifted down from his crown...twirling in the air before settling into the floor. "Aren't you tired? You've been awake for hours!" The boy had relaxed once or twice, even shutting his eyes as though he wished to sleep...but any time Elle shifted, they opened again as though he'd simply been day dreaming. The babe showed no signs of being grumpy or worn out. Getting used to his weight, Elle bounced him again...settling him on one hip. He wore a long sleeved black shirt, with sleeves that were too long...not only that, Elle had snipped the elbows out of the fabric to make room for his crystals. A fresh linen diaper, and a button sewn in place to hold the too-long shirt closed at the bottom, and he had a cute little one piece outfit! "Well, if you're not tired, would you like to try your new key?" She held it up on the chain she'd placed it on, letting it spin in the indoor light. Bubbling to himself, Kudzu raised a hand...but didn't seem interested enough to do more than stare. Nodding, Elle walked to her door, the cellar door, and took a breath. Either it would work, or it wouldn't! Making sure the door was firmly shut, she placed the key in the lock and turned it with a snick. The ring of keys she always wore on her own belt jingled in response to the sudden turn of the tumblers. Pulling the key out once more as she eased it open with a creak, Elle peeked slowly inside. Where ever it was, it wasn't her cellar! "Hello? Is this...the right place?" She hugged Kudzu a bit tighter, still gazing into the room as he tipped his face back to peer into hers. Stepping forward, she jumped a bit as the door swung shut behind her.
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 8:15 pm
The eyes of a black cat statue shined in response. Soon a red haired woman steped into the shop
"Oh! Hello, need some assist..." only then she realized the baby Mishap's presence
"You must be a new guardian. I'm Maggie, welcome to the Magical Mishaps"
She motioned the girl and the baby in her arms to a small room partially hidden by the shelves. It was a small but confortable waiting room, with a couple of chairs, a couch and a table in the middle. On the walls there were several pictures of a large building that happened to be the HQ
"I hope you don't mind me asking but how you got hold of the key? It's not often to find a new guardian holding one without coming to the shop first"
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 8:23 pm
For a moment, Elle was transfixed by the gaze of the statue...wondering what kind of acknowledgement the light might mean. Her eyes had only a moment to wander about the shop before settling on the woman before her.
Following her into the sitting area, Elle took a moment to center herself and smiled. "I'm Elle, and this is Kudzu!" Taking a seat, she adjusted the babe to rest against her chest...his back momentarily to Maggie.
Her eyes lifted to the pictures for a moment before returning to the shop keepers face. "The key was given to me by a gentleman named Birvan, I believe. I had a slight...mishap...with my Lifeseed charm before the last moon, and he seemed to realize it just as I did." Patting the boy's back comfortingly, Elle kept him close...still distantly worried that someone would suggest a new family for Kudzu. She could understand how some might not be able to cope with a new child in their lives, but this was something Elle had been quietly wanting for some time now.
"You mention...guardians? Other such 'creations' have found homes and happiness, then?"
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 8:49 pm
"Oh, him! Why don't I find that surprising" she was talking more to herself then to Elle "Sorry, it's just that I haven't seen him quite for some time. He tends to be rather misterious, one second he's her the other he's gone" she couldn't help to smile
"Yes, Kudzu is the 20th if I'm not mistaken. Except for Jabir but he's an adult now"
"Will you be taking him as your own? He seems quite fond of you"
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 8:56 pm
Nodding as the woman rambled, Elle summoned a brave smile. "I would like to watch over him, yes. I'm not sure if there is a legal process I have to undergo...he seems a bit 'out' of the usual system. However, if all it takes is acceptance, then yes."
Her eyes settled on the boy child once again, watching him seriously for a moment as he stared up at her just as impassively. What would be the best for him remained unknown, but she was willing to find out.
"If there are others among the twenty he might relate to, or learn from, I would like him to meet them. Would that be possible?" She gave the babe a bounce as his attention drifted, face scrunching as he yawned once again.
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