Welcome to Gaia! ::

((I'm STILL modeling my whale... 3d SUCKS))

Natsube stared forlornely at her computer screen, absently pressing away at the keys. Since Dr. Gaia had left for parts unknown, it had fallen to Natsube to take up the slack. Unluckily for her, Dr. Gaia was not known for much organization, and neither was Natsube herself.

So the piles of papers on her desk, charts and logs and fragments of pots, continued to pile higher and higher and higher....

Natsube sighed again, and patted her pot. Although she was one of the first to receive a speciman, other, newer members had already succeeded in growing a tree, and in some surprising cases, a child. Natsube wasn't sure what was wrong, but she had a nagging feeling that it had something to do with the amount of work that she was struggling under, and she hadn't the time to actually smother the attention on Rune, her little terracotta pot.

Natsube decided to write her daily journal up once again, in order to push aside her mountain of work for a moment.

"There is a little sprout shooting up in the pot, but that isn't unusual. It has been like that for weeks, which is unusual. Growth is stagnated, but it continues to live."

Natsube stopped, and chewed on her pen tip.

"Perhaps lack of attention can be accredited to the stagnation, hypothesised because of the children that have grown, but the plant type itself might be responisble for the stagnation."

Natsube groaned, and leaned back her chair in frustration. Being slightly clumsy herself, Natsube fell out of her chair, and grabbed her desk to keep herself from falling. Although she did stop falling, she was unable to stop herself from knocking all of the papers on the desk.

The lab was treated to a hoarse scream of anger.

((Uennie's introduction.... kinda))

((Renault I'm not sure what that is supposed to mean. It doesn't look very friendly. To be fair all events should be hosted on the Vale account. It'd make more sense.))

___Hearing a sort of loud grunt, Uenoh'ai pushed her sunglasses up onto her forehead and walked through the large Laboratory. Her heels clicked methodically, working her way towards the curious noise. A rustle of paper sounded and she turned on her heel, looking directly into the room.

___"Miss Natsube if you're not careful you might smudge some of your data."

___Uennie stooped to pick up the papers and carefully arrange them. Gently blowing on a few to dry the blotchy ink she set them on the desk and scooted her posterier to rest on the edge.

___Her eyes wandered over the frustrated body of her head of staff. She smiled and patted Natsube on the back.

___"Do you want me to get you some coffee? Tea? Me?" Uennie laughed jokingly, crossing her legs and examining the pot in front of her.

___"My you've been busy."

Silence echoed through the small lab room, offset by the random interruption by what sounded like heavy breathing. A terracotta pot sat under a warm heat lamp, the seedling buried deep within no doubt hungrily absorbing the energy that was provided. Although the soil within had produced little disturbance beside the growth of a small shoot, it was undoubtably alive and thriving actively.

As for it's observer...

A loud outburst from down the hall caused the unweary botanist to nearly fall off the teetering metal stool she was precariously positioned on. A small moan, a groan, rubbing of the eyes behind dark sunglasses (despite the lack of "sunlight" in the building). It seemed the steadfast lab tech had fallen asleep....AGAIN.

Rabid let out a gruff yawn and stretched her arms back in their sockets though her eyes trailed towards the spot where she recalled she had left her pot. "Oh good." She mumbled sarcastically to no one in particular. "Haven't moved an inch. You're so reliable Sevy, really."

___Uennie turned her head slightly. Leaning over to the wall from where she was sitting, she pressed a manicured finger onto the button of the intercom.

___"Attention all Laboratory employees. Due to the oncoming of Valentines Day, feel free to drop by the larger biodome greenhouse and pick some flowers to bring home to your sweetheart!"

___She lifted her finger and pulled out a small tin of Altoids. Popping one in her mouth she offered the opened tin to her collegue. "Cinnamon Altoid?"

((Rennie, we're both busy, and Uennie is really a GIGANTIC help smile
All I know is, I created the shop, and I draw, you cert and manage, and Uennie helps me from letting it all go down hill. *happy hugs all around*))

Natsube stood up with a groan, and stretched her arms.

"Coffee would be great, but you don't have to go make it. I haven't made any headway in this paperwork, and its starting to give me nightmares."

Natsube shuddered.

"Really, I need a break. Dr. Amelia was brilliant, but she was a pain when it came to paperwork," Natsube smiled crookedly, "and I'm not a whole lot better, anyway."

Natsube started to walk out of the office, her white heels clicking on the floor.

"Its too bad you all arrived before she left. You would have really liked her."

Uennie offered her a cinnimon mint, but Natsube stuck out her tongue.

"Ugh. I detest all mints. And bananas."

((I updated Amelia's journal with more plot. YAY))

Rabid heard the announcement loud and clear, rolling her eyes as the beginnings of a response. "Sweetheart. Pfft." The woman murmured bitterly under her breath though she began to rise from her seat to stretch out her legs. "You're my only sweetheart, luv puppy!" She called out with strained vocal cords as she stretched with a pointed finger to the subject of her statement, the plant under the lamp.

"I need a dog." She grumbled and shook her head at herself. She must be losing it. "And coffee, be back in a sec there. Don't you go doing anything exciting or anything while I'm gone." Rabid strolled out and down the hall to the staffroom, wondering how long it was until her coffeebreak.

Natsube wanted to scream. Yet again, an attempt at a coffee break was foiled!

Natsube sadly held out her hand, and Renault placed the papers in her hands. Natsube randomly shuffled through the papers, ignoring Renault and Uennie as she became engrossed in her work.

___Uenoh'ai mixed sugar and cream into her coffee. Sniffing it delicately she sighed. Amazing what comes out of such a little bean. Lifting it to her lips her eyes slid to the side to look through her own Laboratory door, examining the plant inside. It seemed so small, so fragile. Just a wee little thing.

___The aroma of the blend once again captivated her nose, and Uennie began to sip slowly. Something flickered out of the corner of her eye. She ignored it and fiercely gulped the fiery brew. Setting the cup down she turned to walk back through the corridor, casting her plant a last glance. She paused, and leaned backwards to do a double take. A small pinkish-yellow bud had formed near the top of her tree.

___The caretaker covered her mouth, trying not to move. Her eyes moved wildly as she stood there in utter shock. A result! A ... a reaction! It grew! It budded! She flew inside of the room and began to take hurrid notes while watching the little tree for any new changes.

___Uennie covered her mouth, stifling a hiccup slightly. Scraping echoed off the ceiling as she dragged her feet down the hallway. The silence in the laboratory was almost deafening. Where it becomes so quiet, it feels like your head is going to explode at any moment from the pressure. Those were the times you either needed make noise yourself or find someone to make it for you. Unfortunately, the plant didn't even rustle a leaf despite the botanist's mental plea. The plant seemed to look at her almost annoyed. Entertain yourself you brat. The imagined words had pierced Uennie's mind in the lab. You could do it when you were five, you can do it now.

___Stopping in the hallway, she groaned and dragged her fingers down her face, stretching it out before letting go and feeling her face sink back into its normal features. She slumped, pouting and not at all satisfied with the long day she had worked. Nothing had happened, no one cared. It was the same day in and day out. At least in the flower shop she met interesting people, even if some of them were jerks. A mumbling rolled along the walls to greet Uennie's ears. Frowning, she shuffled over to the source and peered through the doorway. Fuschia hair, it was the new researcher. Neat. Uenoh'ai covered her mouth to yawn before walking in.
___"So, fellow co-worker. How goes it in the salt mines?"

___Uennie smiled broadly and looked closer at the plant. She quirked her eyebrows and scratched her chin mockingly. She took a step back and crossed her arms. Stepping forward again she bent lower and poked at the dirt of the plant, giving it a thorough 'inspection'. She charaded a frown, wiggling her eyebrows again before clearing her throat and raising her voice.
___"Very nice miss. However I do believe you have confused a Cannabis plant with your specimen." Uenoh'ai teased cheerfully. Swinging her arms she pulled up a chair and scooted over. "Boring isn't it? I was about to go home soon, we've all been pulling late hours." She scratched the side of her nose for a moment and smiled at the woman. "Enjoying the ride?"

___"Oh, you know." Uennie said casually, "Still a plant. Very exciting. Yes, she does this wonderful thing where she soaks up all the water I give her and then demands more. I wonder sometimes, is this how a parent feels?" She laughed and reached into her laboratory coat pocket and pulled out a flat little tin. Popping the lid open she sucked a candy into her mouth and made a face, the shock of the taste making her tear up as it assaulted her taste buds.

___"My dog will be missing me soon. She has dreadful seperation anxiety. Would you like one?" She lifted the tin to Rabid's nose and smiled, cracking the candy between her left back teeth. The pungent taste increased as the concentrated inside shattered and slowly began to melt on her tongue. "Mmmm." Uenoh'ai made a satisfied sucking noise as she wore the candy down in her mouth. "So good, I almost never eat them even though I have them."

___Uennie shrugged and closed the tin with her fingers. Sliding it back into her coat she pulled out a small pocketwatch and clicked it open. The hinges swung the little round door open and the intricate face ticked back at her boldly. The hour hand stood firmly to the top right, the minute hand seemd to waver near a halfway point before giving in and going over. The second hand moved cheerfully, undeterred by the seeming feud breathed into these stationary objects.
___"Three Fourty-Five." Uenoh'ai smiled at Rabid. She flicked the door on the watch and pocketed it again. The muscles under her eyes ached, she sensed dark bags would haunt her in the morning. Exhaustion was quickly catching up to her as she stood up and wavered, pushing the chair back to its original position. "I should leave you now. Be sure to turn off all the lights and lock up your lab!" She folded her hands behind her back and smiled before walking out, wiggling her fingers behind her as a small wave. Uennie yawned loudly, not bothering to cover it this time, and she exited the room.

___Uennie smiled as she heard the researcher leave her lab. She worked hard. Determined, and fairly amusing. She most definetly liked her. Her plant emanated a sort of, sarcastic glow if that were possible. She predicted there would be many mishaps and cases of mayhem when the plant fully bloomed. Uenoh'ai looked forward to it eagerly. Gingerly, she touched her own laboratory door and pushed it open, the little flower in the middle of the room blooming under a steady light. Solitary, even though surrounded by other plants. Seperated by a little pot. To be contained, without your say or control of the sitation. If this plant could feel, and think, what was going on in its subconcious? Uennie frowned, it must detest her. She kept it in that little pot, she was the jailkeeper with the key.

___She sighed, folding her hands behind her back once more. Mouth pursed, she sighed again through her nostrils. Her eyes hurt, they begged for rest and sleep. Uennie stood there, in her mind telling herself to leave but almost being too tired and lazy to actually move her feet to do it. After several minutes, she walked forward and gently flipped off the little light. The doorway glowed, giving off the only light left in the entire laboratory from the hallway. Picking up her belongings, Uenoh'ai leaned down and softly brushed her lips on the petals. "Good night." She smiled, walking to the door, and activating the lockdown function. The hallway stretched far down towards the door. When her trek had finally finished, the laboratory began its automatic shutdown, and was silent.

___An announcement boomed over the speakers of the laboratory building. All researchers and developers were to come to the main hall immediately. The swarm of people walking through the hallways to congregate made steady noises, until the rush of clicks filled the laboratories. A low murmur was heard steadily building into the excited rush fluttering among the speakers. Queries of what it was, if things were going on. Some attendants had brought their specimens and held them in tight arms. Was someone going to be taken away? Finally everyone congregated in the hallway, until the announcer told them to file into the large social room. Everyone was quiet now, taking their seats with a nervous feeling in each of their stomaches. At the very front there was a podium set up, Assistant Natsube was no where to be seen, and the researchers whispered anxiously.

___Researcher Uenoh'ai stood up from her chair and walked to the platform, holding her posture straight and delicately gripping the sides of the stand. The anxious whispers had gradually turned into frantic chattering, and the room was booming with titters and questions. Researcher Rabid was sitting near the front, her fruiting pot in her lap. Khomi was somewhere nearby, and Logan was not there at all. Uennie checked her watch and wrote something down in a file. The people who noticed her felt as though she was waiting for something, good or bad? Gradually the silence grew from few to all, as they all resumed their seats and looked up at the person at the front of the room solemnly. Uennie smiled at them and continued to check her watch casually. A feeling of relief settled like a cool rain upon the audience, everything seemed well and in-hand.

___Renault walked into the room, looking very calm as opposed to his normal cheer and clumsiness. As he walked through the aisles, everyone fell quiet. He was the highest researcher in rank besides Natsube and the legendary Dr. Gaia. Uenoh'ai smiled at her higher officer and held her hands out to his, shaking it gently. Apprentice Natsube stepped out from a back room and took a seat behind the podium, smiling and waving at the many people there. Renault took his seat next to Natsube and she reached over, and took his hand reassuringly. Turning back to the front, Uennie cleared her throat and began to speak.
___"As we all know, Renault has been a treasured part of our research and staff for a very long time, since the beginning of the Vale. He has helped us with excellent upkeep and to always remember to smile about the importance and brilliance of our work. We have all become familiar with his specimen Mara, and her lovely zest for life-"
___As she said this, little Mara was led in by a man in a gas suit by the hand. Closely following behind was Eden, the first Vale specimen, though not very old and appearing to be younger than Mara. The people in their seats shifted uncomfortably. Why was that man in the suit? They looked at little Mara's face and some of the women burst into tears at her forlorn look. Eden seemed delightfully unawares as to what was going on, and he even began to skip slightly. Undaunted, Uenoh'ai continued her speech.
___"Renault has decided to take leave from us, and in doing so, Mara will now technically be homeless. As is typical of all Vale specimens when they do not have enough affection or care in their life, they wither, and these children die. This brings me to why Eden is also here, and it is obvious."

___The man led Mara and Eden into a glass chamber. He seemed to've told them to hold hands and step up into a tube just big enough for the both of them. Eden didn't seem to understand, but things had been explained to Mara and she smiled very bravely as she held Eden and walked in. The man in the suit reached into the tube and pulled down two respirator attachments, gently placing them onto Mara and Eden's mouths. The front to the tube zoomed closed and everyone watched as Mara comforted Eden gently.
___"Renault's pass will be deactivated immediately, and he will never be able to access his laboratory again. He is though, welcome back at the lab to visit at any time, so please feel free to say hello and smile as always." Uennie's voice seemed strained as she tried to keep her eyes off of the children. They heard Eden begin to cry, he didn't like his tube. No one could really blame him. Everyone held their specimens closer as they watched.
___"This is what happens when you leave the Vale, or neglect yours. They die, they are not little tools or items you can leave unattended. They are just like children and need loving and nuturing. No amount of fertilizer can revive them. We have developed a system which will allow us to preserve them so they do not die. This is a state of comatose, they will be completely unconcious and unaware of their surroundings. Failure to attend to this immediately will result in your specimen being revoked with no questions asked. Renault, your pass please." She held her hand out to him. He reached into his pocket and gently passed it to her. Inserting it into a small device a swipe went past it and a laser quickly flashed on the barcode. Uenoh'ai handed it back to him as she smiled at him and turned to the front, again.

___A nod from Uennie told the man to begin. Eden became frantic as a titian-coloured substance began to fill up the tube. It rose slowly, until it enveloped their bodies and they began to float. Mara held onto him, and he appeared to become very sleepy. Very soon Mara began rubbing her eyes until they both curled up with each other and fell asleep. The man pressed a button and a large flash enveloped them. When it disappeared and the spots began to fade away, he removed the capsule from the glass cubicle and gently pushed it into a hollow opening in the wall until it locked in place. Everything was still, you couldn't even see if they were breathing anymore. Suddenly an automated hole in the ground opened and the pod was rushed down underground, carrying the two specimens with it.
___"Please use this experience you have witnessed as a warning and guideline from henceforth on." Uennie said softly. Renault stood up and hugged Natsube and Uenoh'ai briefly before going down the steps of the platform. Researchers stood up and shook his hand, wishing him farewell and good luck. He left the room and went to the elevator exit. Everything was quiet, and the minute sound of him typing in his final code was heard, and the boom of bars and doorways closing in his faraway laboratory faded into the room. The doors to the elevator opened and his footsteps tapped slowly in.
___"Good-bye, Researcher Renault." The automated voice echoed, and he was gone.

___Uenoh'ai walked slowly through the Laboratory, holding her ID Card beneath the several laser locks to open her desired doorways. She checked her watch and held her hands in front of herself. Her foot tapped methodically and she watched the tiles. Some had chipped slightly, and were becoming worn from the constant wear of people's strolls. As the approval ring sounded she reached forward and hit a glowing button. The whirring of working mechanics echoed in the lonely room and she waited for the elevator to veer into place. Far away in the back of her mind she heard a piano start to play. The cold steel doors opened and she stepped in. The temperature dropped immensely as they closed again, and she slid her sunglasses up on top of her head as the elevator shot down the shaft. She stood there in silence, watching her breath materialize in front of her before vanishing into the cold. A fluorescent light lit up above her head, and the doors opened. She took a step down and steadied herself on a nearby rail.

___She hated stairs, more than anything. She'd fallen down so many as a child that she had a slight phobia about them. The memory of her shins banged up and lacking a dermis made her shudder horribly. Out of all her body her legs and hands had suffered the most damage. She thanked her clumsiness and the constant issues of being thrown or scraped off of horses for the many scars. Her heels hit the metal stairs with a resounding clarity. As she slowly made her way down the single flight, she sighed with relief as she reached the ground. Her heart always slammed into her stomach when she was at the last step, as if something could go terribly wrong on that last reach down. It was silly, but something she had dealt with for a long time so it didn't exactly bother her, or not so much anymore. She made a face and steadied herself again, before walking swiftly to a control panel. The platform she was on shook, and she widened her arms to steady her body. She had forgotten that if she moved too fast the cables would break and send the entire area down into the second basement. She inched her way over to the panel and began to type, sending her fingers dancing over the keys.

___The plasma flickered and glowed a bright white before settling into the usual processing screen. She hit the enter key and a noise was heard down below, and the loud grinding of a capsule behing pushed up to the platform edge was heard. A countdown voice sounded in a monotonous baritone. The capsule door opened and two very confused Vale appeared. Reaching her hand out Uennie grasped Eden's palm and gently helped him step down. Mara looked at her with hopeful eyes and reached her hand out too, but Uennie shook her head sadly and leaned close to kiss her on the forehead gently. Mara bit her lip and nodded, pulling her hand back down to her side. Uenoh'ai sighed softly and closed the capsule door again. She reached over and hit another key, and watched as the liquid began to fill the capsule and Mara fell asleep again. With another click the machine removed the pod and rushed it back down into the freezing temperatures. The Researcher entered a code into the computer and gently picked the groggy Eden up in her arms. She carried him slowly up the stairs, checking her balance every few steps. When she reached the elevator she waved her ID Card under the scanner and initiated the lockdown.

___The low booming voice of the computer bid her farewell, and she held Eden in her arms as the doors closed around her again. He started to shiver, and she knew she couldn't blame him. She held him as close as possible and felt the elevator shake before shooting up the shaft again. She quietly thought of Mara, and began to wonder what to do with her. She paused for a moment and watched the elevator open, her head losing its dizzy feeling from the fast ride up. Mara needed a home, she couldn't stand seeing a look so sad on the face of any child, specimen or not. In the back of her mind she began to organize a way to find Mara a new Researcher. She headed into her office and wrapped Eden up in a blanket. Picking up her phone she hit the option for announcement and spoke into the mouthpiece loudly.
___"Eden has been cleared for pick-up. You will find him in my office adjacent to Laboratory Three." She set the phone down on the receiver with a clack but then picked it up again. "Also, congratulations to Kyocho and Alinedra. You have passed into Rank 2 and become our new Greenhouse Helpers!"
___Uennie set the phone down again and pulled her sunglasses back over her eyes, the adjustment from almost complete dark to light taking its toll. Eden made a soft noise and she reached into her bag lunch and handed him her thermos of soup. He sipped it delicately and she smiled and ruffled his hair affectionately, waiting for his Researcher to come pick him up.

Logan walked hurrily outside into Laboratory as heard Uenoh'ai's announcement regarding about my son, Eden. He was so worried about his son, Eden who was taken away from me without reasons at all. He walked up to the front desk to see Dr. Uenoh'ai then waved at her and panting too fast for moment from walking too fast. "H-hello Dr. Uenoh'ai," he replied after take few long breath, "I am so sorry for being late to pick up my son, Eden." He feel so relieved and excited to see his son again after he was taken away and havent seen him for few weeks.

He looks down and notices the red sheets that covered Eden up to keep him warm after got out from pod that he was stored in after he was taken away from me few weeks ago then he kneels down and tap his shoulder to suprise him with my biggest smile and tears rolling down on my cheek. Eden perked up and looks at the person who tapped me to seek him and he looked at Logan's eyes and recoginze me immediately then leaped on me and hugs tightly. His tears rolling down on his cheek too and yelled, "Mommy! I misses you so much and I was so scared when I taken away from you and I feel so lonely in strange pod that sweet lady stored me in and took me out.." I replied, "I know, I am so sorry that I couldn't do anything to get you back, Eden. I had to talk to Dr. Amelia, Uenoh'ai, and Natsube regarding about releasing you.. I am so happy that they decide to let me have you back in my arms again, honey." Logan hugs Eden tightly and stands up to carry Eden up in my arms and never lets him go ever again.

He walked up to Uenoh'ai and bows as thank you gesture and smiles at her with his tears still rolling on his cheek slightly. "Thank you, Uenoh'ai.. I am so happy to see my son, Eden.. I was so terribly worried about him but I know he is under your great care and I wish I can do anything in return for your kindess." He looked at Eden and kisses on his forehead then look back at her. "Oh! I better go now because Xavier is waiting for me too long and he didn't know about our son, so I better go now and suprise him about our Eden." He giggled and turns around then began to walk out of Laboratory with Eden in his arms and said goodbye to her. "Goodbye and we will come and visit sometimes to see how others are doing!" He walked up to Xavier with Eden in his arms while out of door.

___Uenoh'ai smiled as she watched Logan escort Eden home. Eden was secure now, forever. He would never be alone again. She checked her paperwork and pulled out a large stamp, wetting it on an ink pad she went through Eden's files and placed the stamp's mark in certain areas. Approved. She thought, as she firmly pressed the corresponding rubber detail on the papers. Uennie straightened up her papers and opened up a cabinet, tucking them into the back for safekeeping. Reaching over she closed up her thermos and gently slid it back into the paper bag, folding it over methodically. She entwined her fingers and sat there at her desk, feeling accomplished over the day's work. It started out so dreary, but in the end there are endings to be had, and most are not so unhappy.

___Her mind turned again to the thought of the young Mango-based girl still in comatose custody. She reached into her files and pulled out a thick report on Mara, the second specimen after Eden to come into existence. While perusing over the data, she wondered if there was some way in the future to find someone suitable enough to care for the specimen. Mara was obviously very special, and in need for someone who knew something about advanced botanical research. Uenoh'ai sighed, she would have to find someone to fill out the right requirements. The Researcher leaned back in her chair and tapped her pen on the side of the desk. An exibition? She thought slowly. We could have an exhibition ... Any scientific minds out there or undiscovered here in the Vale could come forward and prove their academic minds. She nodded her head and wrote the notes down in a calendar. Soon then ...

___It had been ages since she'd smiled, laughed, danced whole-heartedly. Her arms extended happily as she moved her hips at the same time she rotated her forearms. Nearly half a year since the worst breakup she'd ever faced, and she had never felt happier. The angst and pain echoed itself away as she confronted each issue one by one. She shifted her weight from foot to foot, and felt an invisible camera circling her. The Researcher whipped her head back and moved to the seventies playing on her stereo system. Was there any particular reason for her dancing? No, not really. She was just dancing. She opened her mouth wide in a smile and a whoop of glee, echoing words shouted from the classic singers. That horrible past, the final confrontation of confessions with her mother, the willingness to move on, and finally, the experience of the most thrilling physical activities she'd never even imagined.

___She smiled as a song by the everlasting Tupac came on her radio, and sliding over to her closet she snatched an ironed shirt from her closet and slid her arms into the holes one by one. Moving her hips she buttoned the blouse as she walked towards her reflection in the mirror. Nodding her head she moved her shoulders and rotated her hips as she snapped her skirt around her waist.
___"When I walked by I said, 'Hi', but you was so shy, I can't lie, damn near stuttered when you walked by." Uenoh'ai smiled and worked her way over to her door and grabbed her lab coat and shrugged it up on her shoulders beat by beat. The woman spun into her bathroom, yanking her hair up on her head, fixing it in a messy bun and not even close to giving a damn about how it turned out. She stepped into her heels and grabbed the large briefcase leaning on her bedroom door, the music blasting from wall speaker to speaker as she made her way to the kitchen.

___The rich coffee smell blasted in hot steam from the percolator, and she watched the ground beans sifting and mixing, making a mocha coloured swirl in her pot. The music running high in her brain she bit her bottom lip and focused on the intense browns taking shape, reminding her of her new favourite skin colour. She shivered and flipped through a magazine, humming along and tapping her fingers on the counter. She mis-read a column and let out a soft happy cry, deliriously seeing the word Papi instead of the designated Padre. Re-reading it, she realized her mistake and laughed, pouring the aromatic brew into a mug and stirring in a cube of sugar. She dug out the heavy chilled cream in the back of the refrigerator and watched it pour thickly into the Columbian water with long, dark, quivering eyelashes.

___The anticipation from the night before left her anticipating the next time, and the next. The absolute freedom, and buildup of emotion made her shake with happiness. The hot liquid flowed past her anticipating tongue and washed down her esophagus. It filled her stomach and executed a warmth emanating throughout her veins, complimenting the heat pulsing in her nerves from her heady emotional intoxication from the night before. In her lost thoughts the coffee disappeared from her cup quickly, and it was dropped into the stainless metal sink to soak.
___"Throwin' 'bout thirty stacks in the back, make it rain like that 'cause I'm far from a scrub. You know my pedigree, ex-dealer used to move 'phetamines. Girl, I spend money like it don't mean nothin', and besides I got a thing for you." She sighed the words with a smile, the new song catching her interest. The new day dug the idea of having to go to work into her brain like a spike, but the sooner she went, the sooner she could come home. With that comforting thought, she kissed her pup farewell and skipped out the door with a groove in her step.

___"Sauntering down the elaborate flights of stairs, Uenoh'ai tossed her hair proudly. Setting her shoulders back she reveled in the stares at her broad frame and strong muscles. These were her prides in life, every taut sinewy muscle that strained beneath her dark skin. She loved watching her body flex and work, shining beneath the bright suns. Dark wavy hair clung to her cheeks, before being swept up into a messy bun. Her broad mouth opened into a white-toothed laugh, glinting against her honeyed dark-pink lips. Stretching her long legs before her, she took the center by storm.

___Stopping for a moment, the female pointed at a knobbly stick leaning against a nearby stand. The merchant woman waddled over to it and picked it up with effort. Uenoh'ai gently handed the portly woman a few gold coins and took the rod firmly in one hand.

___She walked away slowly, before sitting down and swinging her legs over the side of a dock. Her boots thudded ungracefully against the heavy wood. Unsheathing one of her smaller knives, Uennie widened her eyes and began to focus intently on smoothing out the large twig. Working the wood quickly in her hands it began to take a more cylinder shape, with etchings of runes and spells being carved deep into the sides. She blew the wood-dust from the grooves and ran her long fingers over it, the runes glowing quickly and then settling back into their wooden state.

___Pleased with her current work, she firmly stuck the rod upright between two stones and sat next to it proudly. Light from the sun flickered in the worked patterns, which seemed to twist with every new shadow.

___The female stretched her powerful arms above her head and gave a great yawn. She blinked her eyes, reaching one of her hands down from above her head to poke herself in the temples. Reaching her arms up again she entwined her fingers and twisted rapidly to the side, cracking her joints and back. The woman sighed, a large smile spreading across her smirking face. Sinking her arms back down to the ground she arched her back and jerked her neck from side to side, cracking it audibly. Batting her long dark lashes, her large lips curled into a smile. Eyebrows quirking inquisitively she reached up and grasped the staff, smiling broadly at no one in particular.

___Her chest swayed gently, with her deep meditative breathing. Her shoulder and back muscles flexed and moved beneath her bronzed skin in an effortless dance. Long fingers traced the pale fingernails along an intricate pattern embroidered along her scarlet tunic. Gold weaving adorned the long, oversized cuffs which covered most of her hand and knuckles. Traveling up the slender wrist there were leather bands, before the shirt came out the other side in a white puff of sleeve. The large blouse had no shoulders, and tied tightly across her ample chest. Slitted leggings clung to her thighs, before being tied off halfway down her powerful calves and exposing her dark feet.

___Uenoh'ai disliked shoes, and avoided wearing them whenever possible. She wiggled her toes, experimenting with each. She peered at them with large brown eyes and intense focus. She licked her lips, wetting them before pursing her mouth. Blowing a steady stream of air she attempted to produce sound from it. Biting her lips in disgust she thrust her bottom lip forward in a pout. Ever since she was little, the woman was unable to procure a single note from the wind between her lips.

___"Oh well ..." She thought. "Maybe another day ..."

___She had traveled so far from. Frustrated, she had thought for sure she would have found at least something to show for her agonizing search. Once again she had combed the Bazaar clean, nothing called out to her. She refused to look for a specific item, only the one that pulled at her mental fancy would have done. Planning ahead is sometimes good ... But it's very scary most of the time. Living in the moment is just as fearful, but this search proved to be a test that showed she could be as spontaneous as the next.

___People had begun to stare at her wrought-iron hand, sticking out of her cuff. She remembered the very day she'd lost it when she was eight. Funny things happen when you lose control of things you keep locked away inside of you. Standing up, she walked slowly to the shop. One last time, she would peruse his items. Perhaps barter for a new pen-knife. She entered the shop and smiled at him gently, as they exchanged formalities. He went into the back, as he always did, and presented her with a plain yet mysteriously beautiful chest. Reaching out with her metal fingers, she touched the lid and cautiously opened it. He watched her carefully, a slight look of surprise passing over his face before vanishing as she opened it.

___A small light quivered and trembled, shrinking back into the corner of the box. Stretching a finger forward, Uenoh'ai gently picked it up and held it delicately. Something, was here. Something more than just a shaking ball of light. Uennie could feel something, an intelligent mind tugging frantically at hers. It ached to be let out, to live, to be free. Placing it back inside the box, she carefully closed the lid and picked it up, the beads shaking gently, making a tinkling sound. Reaching out, she dropped the appropriate amount into his hands and smiled at him. He grinned back and handed her a hand-written receipt. Bowing their heads to each other, she exited the shop, the understanding mutual."

___The sunlight streamed into the hazy room, Uenoh'ai rolled over and opened her eyes. As her vision cleared the cloudy mist lifted and the patterns sewn onto her quilt stared up at her. She rubbed her eyes, shifting once more and turning to survey the room. Suddenly she went from a comfortable feeling to hot, and groaned as she realized her body was telling her to get out of bed. The monitor on her bedstand crackled and her eyes suddenly widened. Scrambling out of bed she rushed into the small room she'd added on and hurriedly picked up the baby in the cradle. The child had slept longer than she had, but she couldn't believe her irresponsibility for forgetting about the baby. Uennie looked down at Esprit and kissed her nose gently, bouncing her and gently waking her on the way to the bathroom.
___"Time for a bath honey girl ..."

___I awoke today, wild and scared as I looked at my surroundings. Jumping to my feet I began to frantically reach out into the twilight, groping for something to hold onto, something to assure the darkness in my eyes wasn't real. Gradually, my eyes had adjusted, and my dear confidante I gazed around the clearing as if I'd never seen it before. Vaguely I remember, being tossed onto a white beach by an unforgiving ship. I stumbled through the trees and fell, my sun-soaked mind exhausted by my worldly journey.


___The forest I had come to consciousness in, had to've been something magical. I could swear the fireflies were sprites, and the trees seemed something old and mystic. I was starved, and I began to forage, digging my nails into the ground to find a truffle or two to feast on, before continuing my journey. All I have left is you, my worn leather-bound companion. You who have followed me and been a listening friend to me all these years since I arrived. But I will never give up. I will find those mystical beings. The ones which fight to exist.


___I was panicked, I was in yet again a strange place. A strange house, with a strange woman hovering above me. She smiled, and I felt strange, light-headed. My eyes rolled back and I believe I fainted.


___Finally, I am well. The seasickness and sunstroke has worn off. I've slept for five days, waking up briefly inbetween. This voyage of mine, has taken much out of me. I do not know how much more I would be able to stand. I spoke to the red-haired youth. She looked interesting to me, almost as though she'd seen things on other sides before, and I don't mean of the table.


___I have worn myself out again. It is getting harder to write as my eyes become heavy. Tomorrow I must keep looking. When I mentioned to her I was searching for Dr. Amelia, her eyes twinkled and she laughed playfully. I insisted I go continue my quest, yet she stopped me and gently laid me back down. She is so kind to me.


___Today was a great day of mourning. This world, this planetary sphere, cried today. I do not understand why, or how. The elder man in this home cried as well, something I had never before seen the wizened do. He hides his emotions well. The woman seemed almost to not understand it either, but he knew enough and the day was quiet. At the end the father-man lit a sparkler and watched it burn out in the night sky.


___The red-haired woman smiled at me today. She told me that she was Dr. Amelia. I felt foolish for insisting it so much, but at the same time I was frustrated at her for playing with me and not telling me right away. However, maybe he knew I would be even harder to restrain in bed if I knew I was that much closer to my goal.


___I left to explore the Tree today. Soon I will begin searching for a new home here. As hard as I looked I could not find anything to suit my fancy. Nothing called out to me. I feel depressed, I felt so sure I could find the item I was looking for ...


___I have found a temporary home, taking rest at an Inn not far from Amelia's. I've found I've taken a liking to her. She's intelligent, yet something about her is different. It moves me in a certain way I do not think I understand. In a way, she seems far younger than me. I feel maternal in an odd sense, and yet it is always her being the maternal one.


___I walked along the river today. An eccentric man seemed to suddenly appear, and I was taken aback by his cheery yet foreboding personality. He seemed steeped in history, and was not lacking for humorous cracks at my expense. I've decided that I like him very much. As I pressed him for details, she seemed distant and uttered this one single phrase I will write here.


It confused me greatly, but suddenly he began talking excitedly about scrolls. I suppose some day I shall truly understand this interesting man.


___Baldr came to see me. He clucked his tongue and reached over to feel my forehead. I had still retained an odd sea-green tinge after all those days of rest. Amelia reckons perhaps to throw me off the pirates had haphazardly placed arsenic on me. Taken in small doses it pales and contrasts the skin. It is annoying, I would very much so prefer to have my healthy skin back. Baldr presented me with an herb mixture, and told me to take it slowly for a month. I do not know if I should stay here, I know I must find the Tree.


___I was incredibly sick today, it was the herbs I think. I cannot remember much. I have found a companion in an unlikely piece of wood. I miss my beloved. Amelia has been so sweet to me. My family, my sisters, my brothers. I've lost sight of them now. Sometimes I can feel them whispering to me, but the pain hurts, and the loss is too much to bear. I miss them. I want to go home, or have them come be with me. If anything, I miss my Esprit. The best, and only true friend I ever had. If I could only have one wish, it would be for them to be here with me, in this new world, with my new family.





___Uenoh'ai woke with a start, grasping her chest with her hand. What was that? That dream, what did it mean? Dr. Gaia ... How long had she been gone now? Perhaps something needed to be done ...