[T] Chailyn's Tome | Page 2 | Tomes | Guild Forums

anemosagkelos

Offline

Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 5:21 pm

Chailyn Comes Home
Anemone took a deep breath as she entered the familiar house. She gave a smile to the small child in her arms. She'd been thinking all the way home, wondering where the best place for the child would be. She was slightly afraid of putting the child in her own room, she didn't even leave Miette alone for long making sure that at least Kali was there.

She worried about her children, though it had calmed since seeing that Cillian and Dulcea were all right. Of course, Michael helped as well making it seem like things would be fine no matter what happened. The odd happenings in the Study had made her a bit shaky and she was a bit fearful for Chailyn.

The girl was beautiful, her purple irises so vivid that Ane thought she must be a dream. She looked like she was from an arabian tale, or perhaps she was a genie. It didn't matter, the little girl had quickly made her way into Ane's heart.

"Michael?" Ane called out softly. She wanted to explain what had happened to him first. Mainly because she found it confusing and was hoping he could tell her she wasn't dreaming. Although it made more sense than her normal dreams.

She never had to walk in dreams, nor did she ever know where she was going. She never ended up where she wanted to be so this couldn't be a dream.

"My col?" Chailyn asked in reply parroting her mother. She cooed as her mother laughed reaching out her little fingers. The veil surrounding her hair blended in with her cinnamon hair while the silver ring on her head reflected the light.

"Yes, Michael. He's my..." she paused thinking it over. She didn't think the term boyfriend meant enough. It seemed very highschool and she couldn't say he was her husband. "He's my soulmate and I love him," she told the little girl.

"Sole may?" the toddler asked tilting her head to the side. She scrunched her nose up slightly finding the word unpleasant when she tried to repeat it. It sounded funny, though the way her mother said it had sounded prettier. She blew a raspberry giving a gigle as she left it slip out of her mind.

"You'll love Michael, little one..." Ane started.

"Little Kaida." Chailyn interrupted nodding her head. She paused staring into thin air in confusion, where had that come from? She shrugged cooing again and giving a giggle.

Michael, believe it or not, was cooking.

Well he was trying to.

He emerged from the kitchen wearing a yellow apron that said 'Mother Knows Best' that frighteningly suited him, and swung a dishtowel over his shoulder after wiping his hands clean with it. "Ane? Is that you I hear?" He murmured out before actually seeing her, cocking his head toward the door and stopping a few feet from her. His eyes strayed to the child in her arms for a moment, and he blinked when his gaze returned softly to Ane.

"What is this? I thought you said you said only Dulcea and Cillian - not that I am complaining, of course." He added quickly before even finishing his sentence, as he looked once more at the little girl, and grinned. "Or am I sadly overassuming, and is she just a visitor?" Secretly he hoped otherwise. He was strongly in favor of the ideal that the more the merrier, especially when it came to children.

"Veh sa tor?" Chailyn parroted. She blinked looking at Michael then back to Ane. "Chailyn visitor, Mother?" she asked tilting her head to the side.

"No, Chailyn. You'll live here," Ane replied with a smile. She loved how the little girl mimicked each word as best she could. "I kind of found her," she started.

She walked over to Michael as Chailyn reached out, she seemed interested in getting to know him. It wasn't until she was standing a few feet away that she noticed what he was wearing.

"I didn't know you were the motherly type but I'm sure you do know best," she teased lightly. If only she had a camera, it'd make a cute picture. She watched Chailyn reach for the towel picking at it slightly as though it might bite.

"I had the urge to go for a walk and ended up at a stationary shop. The boy working there said I could go into the study. There was a book that opened by itself and asked me a question. I didn't even realize I'd answered it until I found this little one."

"Tome," Chailyn piped up. From somewhere, Chailyn seemed to have pulled a book out. She was giggling in glee as the cover opened and the book flipped open showing the question and answer.

Bewildered was a good term to explain Anemone's feelings. She was still confused about what had taken place and looking at this book, she felt compelled to read the question again. She blinked wondering why she would've been asked such a question. She wondered if it referred to her at all.

"I think we'll have to set her up in the sitting room, when she's older we could probably put her in your old room," she suggested emphasizing the word old. She gave an almost mischeivious grin at the thought. It wasn't like he hadn't been staying in her room anyways.

Michael's face lit up at the news, smiling broadly. He was in no place to go about making inquiries as to where one might go where one would find parentless children, and therefore did not give the idea any further thought. He bent down so that he was eye to eye with the child as Ane walked closer, letting the hands that reached out pat against his face or hair, wherever they would.

His eyes lifted up with a slit, coy glance at Ane's teasing. "You are, as always my love, a true mistress of wit." He murmured with just a hint of sarcasm, straightening up once Chailyn reached for the towel and listening intently to the story. When Ane was presented with the book, Michael peered over it's binding to try and get a glimpse of what it said. Reading upside down was not his forte however, and he only read a word or two before he was distracted with Ane's voice once more. His bright blue eyes flickered back up to rest on her, their gaze softening, almost melting.

"Yes, I think it is perfectly reasonable to set that room up for her. I would be a fool to ever have a use for it any longer."He responded gently, reaching out and brushing a lock of her hair out of her face.

"Not when I have something so precious to spend my nights with now."

Anemone blushed lightly before adding her own two cents, "And I wouldn't want it any other way." The child in her arms cooed reaching out to Michael and leaning against him as her mother moved closer. She gave a smile her small fingers reaching up to grab onto the apron.

Chailyn's scents were overwhelmed with the angel's echo. She opened her mouth to let out a whimper before she glanced into his eyes. Her hands relinquished their hold dropping back to lazily sit in her mother's arms. She stared up at him in awe, a sense of peace lulling her curiousity away.

"I think she likes you, she can't take her eyes off of you," she started looking down at the little girl, "though neither can I."

"Pretty angel," Chailyn murmured. The girl leaned to rest on her side closing her purple eyes and drifting to sleep.

It was definately time for a nap. She reached out one hand to latch onto Michael before surrendering to slumber.

"Good." He managed to answer fondly, leaning in and leaving a moment's kiss on Ane's forehead before he felt Chailyn's outstretched hands. As she touched him, his eyes flickered down sharply to meet hers, a little surprised at the reaction. Her eyes, which filled with a well known peace, made him smile helplessly. His fond smile grew even further at Ane's words.

"Is that so?" He murmured in a whisper of a voice, following Chailyn's hand as it reached out to him, and lifting his own hand to rest atop it, it's size dwarfing the young child's hold. He was used to this reaction by now.

"May I hold her? She looks as though the day has tired her, though I can hardly blame her. Creation will often do that."

The hand resting against Chailyn's would slide off and around to rest against the child's back, though he wouldn't dare try to take her out of her new mother's grasp unless given, so this was the extent of his movement.

"Of course," she replied giving a smile. She carefully handed the sleeping child over to Michael. She was glad to see he was interested in Chailyn, and she in him. They were for all purposes father and daughter in her eyes.

As if to echo Ane's own thoughts, Chailyn murmured softly in her sleep. "Michael is Daddy," she let out a yawn nuzzling into Michael affectionately. It hadn't even taken the child a second to get used to him, proving that Ane must have the right idea.

For a moment, she simply smiled watching the two of them. She moved to stand beside Michael, "I think she's made her choice that we are her parents."

Michael's eyes shone with a grateful light when Ane shifted the child into his arms. He held her carefully, hoping not to disturb her - and a little disappointed when he saw her lips begin to move. Her words dissolved any disappointment however, and made a heavy warmth grow from within his chest.

He had made a great sacrifice to experience life with Ane, and had never regretted it.. but he could never have imagined the treasure of experiences he had waiting in store for him. This was such an experience, one that made him feel so warm and fuzzy inside.

She called him daddy.

Everytime Ane's children acted as though they considered him a father figure, he felt warm and fuzzy inside. It was such a human feeling, and so foreign to him.. it felt absolutely wonderful. This was no different.

He smiled up at Ane, perhaps just a little too broadly, clearly reveling in the moment. His voice held an undertone of childish content. "Well.. I will not argue with that decision."

The woman before him had given him so many gifts in the small amount of time he had existed, and he realized with a bubbling excitement that there was so much more to look forward to. She was a blessing that rivalled heaven - and won.

He swooped down quickly and pressed his lips against hers with a fleeting but fond kiss, before whispering against her lips. "Come, we shall put her to bed."

Though the kiss was swift, time slowed just enough for Ane to enjoy the moment. A smile graced her lips as she looked to him nodding in agreement. She was sure that Heaven was wonderful but she wasn't sure it could compete with this. For some reason, she'd been blessed with a new child to share and raise with the man she loved.

"Yes, let's put our daughter to bed," she agreed. A warm smile spread on her lips at the sound of saying their daughter.

Only moments before she had said they could put Chailyn in the sitting room that was connected to theirs but now she had the feeling to check Michael's room. She had caught a glimpse of Kali rushing upstairs with a giggle, which usually meant the elf was up to something. She was curious to see what the little elf had done.

"I think Kali's been kind enough to set up your old room, shall we see?" she asked. She was only too happy to let Chailyn slumber in her father's arms. The sound of the thought made her heart glow. She'd never had her children refer to Michael as their father, for the sole reason that she didn't want to rush them into anything. Without any coaxing from her, they'd seem to warm up to the idea, even Cyrus.

She'd watch Aislinn, Kali, Miette, and Prem all eagerly talk and enjoy time with Michael. Rosalind and Cyrus had warmed to the idea, leaving only Cillian and Dulcea. Being that they'd just arrived, she knew it would take time for them to see them as their parents.

"Kali?" He murmured in a hushed voice with an undertone of amusement, turning to walk up the steps slowly while carrying Chailyn in his arms. "How very thoughtful, if she has." He stopped at the doorway, moving to let Ane enter first, as it was only proper. He did sneak a look in from where he stood, however, and one side of his lips turned up.

"It seems you are correct." Was this the same room it was the day before? He briefly remembered extracting a shirt from this room, but now it seemed completely different. He only mildly wondered where his stuff had gone, though it seemed hardly important. He didn't have much to call his own yet, anyway.

Once Ane would enter, he would follow, and a few steps took him to the bed, where he sat and slowly rested Chailyn down, with her head against the pillow. Once he had slid his arms away, he noticed the hand still holding his shirt, and very gingerly removed the shirt from it's hold, keeping the tiny hand within his for a moment.

"Such a precious little life, is she not?" Michael whispered as he looked at the tiny hand resting within his own, much larger palm.

Walking into the room, she gave a smile at her daughter's design. It was beautiful and she would have to thank Kali. There wasn't a single flaw in the room. She absent-mindly walked over to the bed watching as Michael rested Chailyn on it.

"Mm, yes she is," she replied. She brushed the child's bangs from her face leaning down to place a gentle kiss on Chailyn's forehead. There was such innocence on the little girl's face as she slept, she seemed like such a blessing.

Chailyn gave a slight whimper as her hand was removed from Michael's shirt but stopped. She was happy that he was holding her hand and having felt her mother's kiss on her forehead anything that would've kept her awake disappeared. She was definately in the right family, she was sure of it.

Anemone opened her mouth to say something but the thought was gone almost instantly. She looked down to see Kali at her side, looking from her mother to her father. "Do you like it? Mom?" she paused momentarily taking a deep breath before turning her gaze to Michael, "Dad?" She'd never actually called him that, only thought it to herself. She was afraid if she got attached he'd disappeared or end up not liking her.

"You did a wonderful job, Kali," Ane whispered picking up the small elf. She looked over at Michael giving a bright smile at hearing Kali's new name for him. She had to admit, she loved the way it sounded.

It was a pleasant surprise, but a surprise nonetheless, to hear Kali of all the children call him dad. It seemed that today would prove a day for surprises, despite it already being so late. He expected that the day would continue to bring him joy as it wore on, just as he expected the rest of his days to do.

"I could not have fathomed such wonderful decoration for a room, even if I had the most powerful imagination in the universe. You are a gift, Kali, as always." He reached out his palm, facing upward toward her, should she wish to take it.

"It is quite a thoughtful gift for the new arrival. I should think you deserve quite a reward for it, if your mother allows. Perhaps later on, when we depart from the room and allow the dear to sleep, you will tell me if there is anything you wish that is within my power to fulfill, will you not?"

He gave a fleeting look up at Ane, questioning whether he had permission to give such an offer, though he wasn't too worried that she would say no.

Kali smiled thankfully at Michael taking hold of his hand. She looked at her mother who nodded in approval, giving the elf something to think about. She had no idea what she could ask for though she was sure she would think of something. She gently rested her head against her mother's shoulder closing her eyes for just a moment to absorb the warmth she felt.

"I think that sounds like a wonderful idea," Ane spoke up. She didn't see anything wrong with the idea and though she found it sweet that he asked her permission, she really didn't think he needed to. She was sure that he might make mistakes but he was their father in her eyes. She did think if a punishment needed to be decided for one, they'd have to discuss it but otherwise she felt they were equal.

Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2005 9:00 pm

Starry Wings and Flying Tales
Anemone and Chailyn had returned to the stationary shop. Ane was curious to say the least, Chailyn was just happy to be going out on an adventure. As soon as she was put down, she began to toddle around the shop.

"Careful, Chailyn," Ane said softly. She was nervous about being in the shop when it seemed empty. Though the sign said open, and the door was unlocked.

Chailyn tilted her head looking back at her mother. She had wanted to ask a question but the window caught her attention. The sunlight hitting the glass was intriguing as she toddled forth.

How curious that the new Tale would look out the window at that moment. The glare of sunlight would be blotted out for a moment by some large shape in the air, that quickly sped toward the shop itself, looking as if was headed into a crash collision. The closer it got, the easier it was to make out it's shape - that of a wide winged horse of a deep blue color. It didn't seem like the biggest of horses, though one could hardly tell it's real size due to it's distance. In fact, it seemed to have arrived quicker than one might imagine, showing it to be the size of a pony, despite it's flamboyant markings and mature stature.

The Pegasi landed gracefully right beside the window, leaving the clomping sounds of it's hooves against the pavement to filter muffled through the pane. Only after it had landed could one see that on the winged horse sat a winged boy, though that was all they had in common. Adonis kept his wings firmly tucked around him until they had landed safely, at which point he reached out and hugged the pegasi around the neck, squealing happily. He loved his new trophy, he did.

Of course, the horse felt the same way about Donny. The shiny boy made a fine show of a pet, and for that sole reason he was allowed to ride Frey.

Donny whispered something to the Pegasi, who trotted in circles in response. It was this movement that gave Donny a glimpse of someone in the window - someone he had never seen before. He blinked and turned his head up, looking down at the girl curiously. His head turned to remain looking down at her even as the Pegasi continued to circle, so that Donny often had to switch the angle of his head. It was obvious he was curious about her.

Chailyn moved closer to the window reaching her hand out to touch the glass. She tilted her head curiously pulling her hand away before trying again to reach out. She made a soft whimper seeing that she couldn't reach out to the boy or the pegasus. That just wasn't fair.

"It's a window, Chailyn," Ane explained moving to stand behind her. She knelt down looking out the window and saw the two arrivals. She noticed Donny first having seen him at the wedding but she hadn't been introduced to him.

"Boy? Horse?" Chailyn asked looking up at her mother and then out the window again. She pushed her hand against the glass slightly harder but found it didn't move. This was getting frustrating. How was she going to meet the boy and horse?

Donny hopped off of Frey and fluttered slowly to the ground beside the window, toddling forward one step and looking up at the girl with her hand on the window. He grinned cockily at her, lifting one hand and placing it on the windowsill in front of hers. It was a cute moment, but one not meant to last too long - for now his curiosity had been peaked, and he was determined to head inside. He shuffled to the door and put both hands on it, pushing with all his might.

Which wasn't very much.

The door budged a little, but hardly enough for him to slip through. Eventually, Frey realized his pet's intentions, and stopped circling in order to canter to the door and nudge it with his muzzle. The door swung open, and before Donny could stop himself he fell tumbling into the shop, and rolled a foot or two before stilling. He ended up sitting upright, thankfully, and looked around.

He had a look on his face that clearly said ''I meant to do that.'' Now where was that girl again?

Chailyn blinked turning to look as he tumbled into the shop. She ignored the soft laugh of her mother moving forward a step. "Boy!" she exclaimed a grin spreading on her face. Purple eyes stared at the boy for a moment, looking back at her mother.

"It's all right. You can say hello," Ane encouraged. She gave a smile at her daughter who nodded in response.

Chailyn promptly dropped to her knees, crawling over to Adonis. She spied his sparkling wings first but dared not touch them the closer she got. They reminded her faintly of her mother's headwings and turned to point at her mother. "Mother has wings," she stated to the other tale.

Donny pushed himself up to stand in front of Chailyn, looking up briefly at Ane and the wings she was pointing at. He remembered that woman, and promptly waved brightly, before turning to Chailyn with a knowing grin.

"Yes yes, but Donny's wings bigger, shinier. Look." He would use any excuse to show off, and this seemed just that. He stretched out his overly large wings - twice the length of his entire height - and flapped them gently. They were so large, that often they hindered him from walking, so he usually kept them tight around his body to compensate the weight.

"Donny can fly too." He informed her. Now that the more important things were out of the way (that being bragging), he moved on to finding out who she was.

"Donny never saw you before. Wha's your name?" He asked, with a less cocky and much softer smile.

"Starry wings," Chailyn started. She smiled broadly looking closely at his wings as they flapped. A small puff of air tickled her face as she wondered what flying was. She thought for a moment unsure of what the word meant.

"Chailyn." She nodded her head as if verifying her name. She looked at him before speaking again, "You Don-nee?" she sounded out. She looked at him curiously, leaning forehead and letting her fingers reach out as tried to reach him. Her attention was pulled away hearing her mother's voice and she toppled forward.

"Oh, Chai-" Ane whispered walking forward. She had started to tell her to be careful but apparently the little girl had found out that gravity and balance didn't always work together.

"Yes, very starry. Lots of stars." He agreed with what he assumed was a compliment, nodding solemnly.

"Chai-leen." He repeated incorrectly, though it was only a slight oversight. "Chaichaichai~." He sing-songed, and pointed to himself. "Yes. Donny." He confirmed, though his eyes strayed toward the hand reaching out for him. Donny didn't mind people touching him, but normally he liked when they asked first. She didn't get far enough for it to matter though, as she soon lost her balance and Donny was quick to catch her in his chubby arms. His expression flooded with worry.

"Chaichai no fall! You okie?" He asked, helping her back up to her feet gingerly.

Chailyn looked up at Donny with her purple eyes, nodding. It took a moment for her to regain her balace and she gave a smile. "Yes, I ooh-key?" she parroted somewhat unsure. She wasn't sure what okie meant but she thought it must be good.

While walking was a grand idea, she just didn't quite understand why leaning forward or backway or anything too much made her fall. It just didn't register. She opened her mouth to say something but lost the thought soon after. Instead she decided to tell the boy what she'd learned.

"I Chailyn, you Donny. Donny have pretty wings of stars. Donny fly. Blue horse has wings. Window bad, no reach Donny!" she stated proudly. She still didn't know what flying was.

"What fly? Fly good? Fly bad? Chailyn fly?" she asked tilting her head.

Donny listened to the girl as she listed off everything that had occurred/been said since he arrived. He blinked slightly, his head cocking for a moment, and waited until she was done to nod slowly. Her final question was a more pressing matter to deal with, however.

His large wings, already extended, bended a bit to flap downward and lift him up into the air, to hover precariously a few feet. Once he was at a decent height, he smiled down at her. "This is flying." He stated quite simply, not at all surprised or amused at her lack of knowledge. After all, he knew nothing until someone told him it, either. There was nothing wrong with that.

"Chaichai no have wings, Donny thinks. Wings help you fly." He hovered slowly downward, and landed on the balls of his feet before tightening his wings around him once more.

Chailyn watched Donny fly up, her eyes wide with awe. She was amazed to say the least. She smiled up at him brightly. He was amazing to be able to do such a thing, he had to be.

She frowned suddenly, hearing his words. She felt removed all of a sudden, like she didn't belong. The horse had wings, Donny had wings, even her mother had wings although they were small. She felt little, like she wasn't as great as Donny was.

"Chailyn no fly," she murmured sadly. She wondered why she didn't have pretty wings. She looked up to Donny and then looked at her mother.

"I don't fly either, Chailyn," Anemone told her daughter walking over and giving her a kiss on the head. She smiled pulling her daughter up to stand on her feet.

The frown disappeared and she smiled at her mother before looking back at Donny.

How sad. Donny was better than Chailyn, but the sadness in her face as she realized this made him regret showing off - for a moment, at least. Then, he had a brilliant idea. He knew it was hard to fly with someone else, (he'd done it once with Armel on his back, and again while holding Dice's hand, and both times the landing was the real problem) but he felt that as long as he was just hovering, he should be safe.

He looked up at Chailyn's mother as she helped Chai to her feet, before looking back down at Chai with a brilliant smile. He took a step forward, and quite nonchalantly put his arms around Chai's waist in a big hug.

"Donny help Chai fly." He stated with assurance, and before anyone could really protest, he flapped his wings and carried Chai up in the air to hover to the height where they were both eye to eye with Ane.

Chailyn giggled as Donny put his arms around her. She smiled brightly as she was brought up to see eye to eye with her mother. She gave a squeal of delight, obviously not afraid of heights. "Chailyn fly. I love Donny," she stated delightfully.

Ane smiled at the two toddlers. She wasn't too worried, since she could easily pluck them from the air if it looked like they were going to fall or get hurt. "Donny, shouldn't one of your parents be here?" she asked the tale curiously. She had thought maybe he had just been followed or they were outside talking to someone familiar but it had been awhile since he'd arrived. She was feeling a little worried.

"I fly!" she sung out giving a bright smile. The sharp feeling of being removed and not as special disappeared leaving her to enjoy the moment.

And rightly so, Donny thought to himself. Soon, soon everyone would love him, and things will be right again. The way they should be.

Donny blinked at his own train of thought. He thought he had understood it, but then he realized the word 'again', and it confused him. Ah well.. to be loved is enough.

"Yes. Then Donny love Chaichaichaichai~" He sing-songed, obviously quite infatuated with how much fun it was to say her name. He looked at Ane as she spoke, and his face flooded red with guilt.

"Frey visited Donny.." He explained, nudging his chin towards the pegasi which waited impatiently out the window, sticking his muzzle against it to watch his pet play. He breathed hard against the glass, and it fogged up in response.

"So Donny brought him here. To show him! Um.. squishee thinks we still in the backyard." He finally admitted sheepishly, biting his tongue to keep from giggling.

"That's not good, Donny. Your parents will be worried if they find out you aren't in the backyard," Ane started. She looked around wondering if there was a phone in the shop they could use to call his parents. She was sure they'd be worried sick if they didn't find him in the backyard.

Chailyn looked to Frey giving a confused look to her mother. "Frey come in?" she asked.

Ane wasn't sure if Frey would be allowed in the shop though she didn't see many reasons why the pegasus wouldn't be. She looked at Frey sympathically but shook her head gently. "We'd have to ask the owners of the shop and since they don't appear to be here right now, I think Frey will have to wait outside," she admitted sadly.

"Yah.. dun think he'd be comfortable in here anyway. He dun' like closed places. He can't fly in them. Not like Donny, small enough to fly inside."

He winced at the idea of calling his parents - though at least that way they'd know where he was! Therefore he didn't argue, he just floated silently downward to the ground, setting Chai on her feet gingerly and holding on until she stood on her own two feet. He then let go and flopped down on his rear on the floor, awaiting judgement.

He could see his father's face now - if, that is, he hadn't already gone out looking for him. Donny felt the sting of guilt at that idea. No.. it hadn't been long enough. Right? Riiight.

Ane held out her left hand to Donny using her right hand to take hold of Chailyn's hand. "Do you know your phone number, Donny?" she asked softly giving a smile. She hated to see him feel guilty and while it was cute the way he seemed so proud of himself, it was not good for a toddler to go out on his own.

"I know it seems silly but you should always tell your parents where you are and make sure it's ok with them. It's good to have an adult around, just in case," she added.

"Daddy and Mommy adults." Chailyn nodded her head in agreement with her mother. She gave a smile at Donny in hopes to cheer him up. She didn't really like the idea of going somewhere without her mother yet, it just seemed like it would be lonely. She didn't really know what the word was for the feeling but she'd felt it ever so slightly when she realized everyone around her at wings in the shop. She didn't like that feeling.

"I'm sure they won't mind if we use the phone to let your parents know your here," Ane mused outloud as she approached the phone. She gently let go of Chailyn's hand, turning to look at Donny. "Do you want to tell your parents?" She didn't figure he would, but she thought she should ask. He might want to defend himself from getting in trouble.

"Donny too pretty to be in trah-bowl!" Chailyn cooed. She smiled at the boy before turning her attention to Frey. "Chai get horse like Frey?" she asked pulling at her mother's pant leg.

"I don't know, Chailyn. Do you want to go browse around the shops later?"

The toddler looked up at her mother and nodded. A shop? What in the world was a shop? She crawled over to Donny looking at him with confusion. "Donny, what shop?"

Donny looked up at Ane after they had walked to the phone, and gave her a wry smile.

"Donny knows numbers! Four.. three.. two.. one!" Ane might have started to dial in the beginning, but after Donny had completed his count down and made a sound similar to an explosion, it was unlikely that she would continue.

Sufficed to say, Donny did not know his own number.

He giggled at Chailyn's comment, snuggling into her happily. "Yes, Donny too pretty to be in trouble." He agreed softly, quite taken with how smart Chai obviously was, for realizing this.

At her question, he bit his tongue in thought. "A shop is a place with stuff. Lots of stuff! Shiny, pretty stuff like Chailyn. Chailyn needs shiny pretty stuff, yes." Of course this new resolve meant he was going to have to pull his father out and buy her something..

..that is, if Nio didn't have his head for running off on his own again

Thankfully, Ane spotted a phonebook nearby. She was grateful she remembered the last name of Nio and Enoh once they had been married. She gave a smile at Donny in reply to his number turning the book to the L section.

"Ooh, shy-nee pretty stuff. Like Donny's wings!" Chailyn squealed in delight. She grinned brightly finding it to be a splendid idea. She could find pretty, shiny things to wear. Then even if she couldn't fly, she'd be pretty like Donny.

"L...L...Love...hmm, here," she murmured to herself finally finding the names Nio and Enoh. She smiled softly tapping her index finger against the page before using her free hand to pick up the receiver. Using her shoulder to cradle the phone against her ear, she slowly dialed the number making sure to hit the right buttons.

The phone didn't ring once, before a flustered man picked it up off the receiver in surprise, only to have it fall out of his hands when he tried to pick it up. Ane would hear a serious of clanks, some muffled yelling, and phone-against-cloth, before Nio finally brought the receiver to his ear and spoke in a voice just a touch more frantic and hopeful than would be expected.

"Hello?!"

Donny giggled at Chailyn's compliment, flailing the wing nearest her back out to wrap around her and pet her head. "Yes." He agreed softly. He doubted that any of the shops would sell things like Frey, however - after all, he hadn't found him at a shop. He found him in a glen. Rather, Frey had found him.

The two still hadn't quite figured out who's pet was who, between them. It would likely remain a neverending struggle.

"Chaichaichai is already very pretty and shiny though." He mused thoughtfully, petting the veil holder atop her head.

"Nio? I'm calling from the stationary shop to let you know Donny is here. Apparently, Frey and him decided to go for a ride. Do you want to talk to him?" Ane explained to him. She was guessing it was Nio at this point in time. It had sounded like Nio from what she remembered.

Chailyn grinned at the compliment. She beamed as the boy petted her hair and veil ornament on her head. She loved being touched and being in contact with people. Whether it was being held, holding someone's hand, being petting, or nuzzling up to someone's warmth didn't matter, she simply loved being touched and being able to touch people. It made her feel real.

"Who is this? Oh God, it doesn't matter, I'll be right there, thank you for letting me know!"

Thankfully, Nio had only just realized the boy wonder and his mighty steed were no longer in the yard, and had only barely begun to hyperventilate when the phone rang. Ane had perfect timing. He grabbed his jacket, hastily wrote up a quick note and left it in the kitchen for Enoh in case she came home while he was out, and headed out the door in a huff, half-running toward the Stationary Store.

He'd been warned once before, and so far he'd been good, but this was the last straw. Now, the child-leash was going to be a permanent part of Donny's new wardrobe.

Donny was all too happy to be affectionate - in fact, it was one of his favorite past times. He felt it was the world's right to be allowed to snuggle him, after all. Of course, that would change one day.. but for now he reveled in his innocent childish acceptance of affection.

"It's A-" Ane had started to reply when Nio hung up the phone. She set the phone down and looked at Adonis and Chailyn. "Your father is on his way," she annouced sure the boy was going to get a lecture. "I think you scared him."

Chailyn looked up at her mother wondering how Donny could have scared someone when he was here. "Donny here, how scare his Daddy?" she asked.

She was suddenly more interested in what Donny's father was like and turned to look at him. "Donny's Daddy nice? My Daddy is angel."

"Yes, he is." Ane was talking about Michael, no Nio though she was sure he was nice. She hadn't really met him. "How is Vidya, Donny?" she asked remembering Aislinn had asked about the blue skinned child earlier that week.

"Vid-ya? Who Vid-ya?" Chailyn asked looking at Donny rather than her mother. She didn't like the idea of not knowing who the person was. Obviously her mother did and Donny did, why didn't she? The earlier feeling of being left out briefly flooded over her while she waited for an answer.

Donny gave a briefly guilty look at the idea of scaring his father, though the guilt did not last long. He brightened at the thought of his father. "Yah, squishee is very nice, he takes care of Donny, he buys stuff and makes things and sometimes he worries too much but ish okay 'cause he loves Donny and serves him well." Donny nodded, proud of how well he had trained his father. He quirked a brow at the last thing he'd heard from her, letting it sink in now. "Chaichaichai's daddy is.. angel?" Donny knew what angels were, oddly enough - but having an angel for a father was.. extraordinary. And it made Donny just a little jealous.

If anyone should have an angel for a father.. it should be him.

The mention of Vidya made him brighten considerably once more. "Viddy! Viddy is Donny's sister! Chaichaichai will meet her soon, she's shiny and pretty like Chaichai and she is the bestest sister ever. Everyone loves Viddy~!" All the more reason why she was a perfect sister for Donny.

"Squishee? Donny's Daddy is Squishee?" she asked slightly confused. What in the world was a squishee? Was that his name or was he made of jello? She shrugged her shoulders slightly. She'd call him Squishee until someone told her otherwise.

"Yes, my Daddy is angel. He no have wings now. He up there," she paused pointing towards the ceiling before pointing to the ground, "and here."

Ane looked at Chailyn with confusion. She hadn't said anything about Michael being an echo. She didn't know if he had told her though she supposed one of the other children could have. She opened her mouth to ask her daughter a question only to be taken from her thoughts.

"Viddy. Love Viddy." Chailyn repeated thinking about the last part. She wasn't sure what to think of that. She wasn't sure what to feel. She'd have to wait until she met the girl.

"Yah, he is." Donny replied proudly, puffing his chest up at the idea of his squishee. That man was the finest servant ever, and Donny was quite proud to have him as his father and total and complete slave to his every whim.

Except for those times when he didn't comply, of course.

Chailyn's explanation of her father utterly confused Donny, but he didn't ask about it. The whole up there down here no wings situation made absolutely no sense to him, but he left it at that, being that his simple childish thought patterns didn't let him think upon it too long.

Of course, the fact that Nio had just arrived bursting through the door in a huff, panting as if he had ran here the entire length (which he had) kept him from worrying too much about anything else other than his own hide.

"DONNY! What were you THINKING?" Nio cried out in exasperation, once he had regained his breath enough to talk. He stumbled in and bent down to his knee in front of his son, giving him a stern look. The glittery little boy just shied his eyes away, looking upward at the ceiling - anything to keep from looking in his father's eyes.

"Donny wanted to show Frey the-"

"Donny promised daddy he would never run away again."

At this, Donny met his fathers eyes. "No run away! Just came to visit the place Donny found squishee! No run away.." He pouted softly, laying it on thick. He knew how to play his father like a fiddle..

..and play it he did. Nio put a hand on his forehead, before looking up at Ane with a grateful smile. "Thanks for calling me and letting me know, I was starting to get seriously worried."

"I was sure you would be. I hope..." Ane started but paused as she looked down. Chailyn had toddled to stand between Nio and Donny.

"Hi Squishee! Donny too pretty for trouble! Donny help Chailyn fly!" she annouced proudly. She figured telling Donny's father about the wonderful things would make him proud of his son. She grinned, her childish innocence completely obvious.

"Chailyn, you'll have to let Nio decide if Donny is in trouble." She smiled apologetically at Nio, "I'm Anemone, by the way."

"Trouble bad. Donny good. Donny no in trouble. Donny not bad. Yes?" she asked looking up at Nio and nodding her head. He couldn't seriously think of being mad at Donny. The boy with starry wings was much too pretty to be mad at.

As if in attempt to win the man over to her point of view she walked over to him, wrapping her arms around whatever she could reach. She looked over at Donny noting his pout and copied it. Her bottom lip quivered as her eyes looked ready to fill with tears.

Ane laughed softly at her daughter, pressing her fingers against her lips in attempt to be quiet. If she had a camera, she would've taken a picture. It was too cute.

Nio looked down at the child that had suddenly popped up between him and his son, blinking in surprise. He had never met this one, but this sounded awfully familiar..

He leaned his head slightly to give his son a quick look over Chailyn's shoulder, before his eyes returned to the girl.

"Too pretty to be in trouble, eh..?" He sighed softly, unwilling to argue over that point. He just stood up straight, carrying Chailyn up with him as she had wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

"We'll see. But no.. Donny's not bad. He just scares daddy a lot sometimes." He finally murmured, and that was that. Looking up at Ane, he gave her a wry smile when she told him her name, obviously under the impression this was the first time they'd met.

And perhaps it was better to keep it that way.

"I remember you." He answered vaguely, if only because he knew she was at the wedding.. and it was enough of an excuse for his knowledge. "So, I see you've joined our little.. ah.. team." He hefted Chailyn up in his arms, and grinned at her. "What's your name?"

Indeed, Ane thought this was the first time they had met. There was an encounter she had tried to put behind her, although she hadn't seen Nio long enough to remember from it.

"Chailyn. Donny says you Squishee." Chailyn replied giving a smile. She was doing her best to work some sort of charm to keep Donny out of trouble. She held on a bit tightly at first but loosened her hold on Nio as she become more comfortable in his grasp.

"Mm, I suppose I have. I don't really understand it, I'm afraid," she admitted with a slight blush. She watched Chailyn carefully as her mind wandered off. She was starting to feel worried and without thinking her headwings popped out.

Chailyn turned her head to see her mother's wings and smiled. "Mother has wings like Donny and Frey!"

"Yes, Donny sure does say I'm squishee a lot. I used to try and get him to call me daddy, but I gave up a long time ago." He gave Donny a wry, almost sad glance, and then looked up at Chailyn, winking at her before setting her down. It was clear her innocent charm had in fact made him forget about why he was mad at Donny, though he would surely remember it when they got home. Speaking of which..

"All right, Donny. You're going to have to get to know Chailyn better another time, because we need to get back home. If you're mother's arrived, she's probably worried sick. Not as sick as I was, but.. still.."

The last thing Nio wanted was to upset Enoh right now. Lately she had seemed just a touch more emotional than usual, but he didn't mind. Especially when they were good emotions.

He held out his hand for the boy, who reluctantly took it. With his free arm Donny reached out and wrapped it around Chailyn's shoulders to give her an awkward angled hug.

"Chaichaichaichaichai~" He chanted, in replacement of a goodbye. After all, it was just such a fun name. Once he began saying it, it was hard to stop.

"I'm sure he'll call you Daddy one day," Anemone replied with a smile. She had thought to say more but didn't think she should keep them any longer. "I hope she's not too worried if she's back. I'm sorry to have kept you both."

Chailyn gave a subtle pout hearing Nio say they had to go. She didn't want her new friend to go so soon. She smiled hugging Donny in return. She was relunctant to let go of the boy with starry wings.

"Donny, no go..." she whimpered.

"You'll see him again, Chailyn," Ane whispered in the girl's ear. Chailyn gave a slight nod letting go of Donny before leaning back against her mother. She sighed turning to bury her face not wanting to see him dragged off.

"She'll be ok. It was nice to meet you both," she said softly. She hoisted the toddler into the air, gently bouncing her to calm her down. She was hesitant to move for the time being, wanting to wait until Chailyn was calmed down.

Donny reluctantly let Chailyn go, giving her a wide grin before bouncing off the ground and fluttering up towards his father, who grinned at Ane's words.

"Nice seeing you. And, congrats." He turned and headed out, assaulted by a large muzzle in his face the moment he had opened the door. Frey reached in his arms and plucked Donny up out of them using his teeth, flinging the boy back onto his back.

"Thank you for collecting him for me."

"Now listen you.. you are not allowed to take my boy out of the backyard anymore, no matter what he tells you. Is that understood?"

Frey didn't respond, he merely neighed in annoyance at the silly man, and turned to fly off back to the house. Nio sighed, rubbing his temple as he began the walk home alone.

anemosagkelos

Offline

anemosagkelos

Offline

Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2005 4:55 pm

Shopping Days
Anemone held tightly to Chailyn's hand as they wandered through the narrow walkways of the various shops. It was early in the morning so there weren't as many people to squeeze passed making it easy to keep Chailyn close to her mother's side. There were a mixture of items placed in store windows to catch their attention, but Ane wasn't as excited or astonished as the small tale.
Chailyn's purple eyes were wide at all the various items placed in windows. She had been silently watching in awe as they passed by shops, having not yet found anything specific that caught her eye. A gasp resounded from her lips, catchering her mother's attention. Her little fingers pointed at the window of a nearby shop, the sunlight glistening on a silver blade.

"Pretty!" Chailyn called out turning to look at her mother.

"No, a sword is too dangerous. Perhaps when you're older," she replied trying to let the little girl down gently. She smiled picking the girl up in her arms. "When you're older, we'll see if you still want one," she added.

Chailyn gave a small pout leaning forward to rest her chin on her mother's shoulder. She gave a soft murmur as if to agree, though she clearly didn't want to. She seemed to sigh closing her eyes.

Anemone frowned and rubbed the tale's back gently as she looked around. She turned her head and with a smile made her way over to a shop. She opened the door, going inside as the bell jingled. She politely smiled to the shop owner making her way to the window display.

"Chailyn, look at this," Ane whispered softly.

The small girl opened her eyes turning her head. Her purple eyes flooded with awe. The silver bell was shiny as were the cylinders falling from it. She was suddenly closer to the object and turning to see her mother followed her example. Puckering her lips, she blew gently on the chimes and gasped as it chimed.

"Beww-tee-full..." she breathed. She smiled at the silver bell chime as her mother reached for it. She was set down gently on her feet to look around the store on her own.

Chailyn toddled around looking at the different windchimes. She paused at one that had chimes falling from a yellow crescent moon taking it from the low spot on the stand. As it tinkled, she giggled softly and turned to her mother.

"Now that's a great choice, little one." Anemone smiled taking it from her daughter as she spotted one. She pointed to two windchimes nearby. One was much like the moon chime her daughter had chosen but instead it was a sun. The other was a batch of flowers with pink petals. "Which one do you think is prettiest?"

"Both!" Chailyn replied with a grin. She giggled as her mother nodded taking the two chimes. With a nod, the tale walked closely as her mother moved to the counter. She watched as the checker scanned the barcodes, then carefully peeled off the stickers. The chimes were wrapped in tissue paper before being put in separate boxes.

Once Anemone had paid, she took the sack in her hand and escorted Chailyn outside. It didn't take long for the toddler's eyes to catch upon something else. In the window across the way, two cat plushies sat both with yellow crescent moons on their foreheads facing towards the sky. Behind them stood four dolls, dressed in outfits the toddler found intriguing.

"What those?" she asked looking up.

"Those are Artemis and Luna plushies. Behind them are the inner sailor senshi of a manga and anime called Sailor Moon," she started pausing. She knew that Chailyn would ask what manga and anime were now. She'd have to see if Aislinn, Kali, and Miette still had the anime and manga for Sailor Moon.

"Ar-tee-mus. Looh-na." she repeated as Ane nodded giving a smile. She stood up taking hold of the toddler's hand again as they walked over to the store. Walking inside, she let Chailyn browse around as she watched. The toddler smiled picking up the Sailor Mercury doll and looking over it. She placed it back, taking the Luna plushie in her arms and hugging it.

Chailyn loved the softness of the plushie and turned to walk back to her mother, still holding it. "You like that one?" Ane asked with a soft laugh. She grinned as Chailyn nodded, opening the bag she'd gotten from the shopkeeper. She'd already taken the time to buy one of each doll, and both plushies. She'd seen her daughter holding the Luna plushie and decided to let her hold on to that one.

All in all it seemed it had been a successful shopping adventure for the little one. She smiled collecting her daughter in her arms as the little one yawned clinging to her plushie. She shifted the little one in her arms, using her free hand to hold the two shopping bags.

"I think you could use a nap," Anemone whispered. She kissed the little girl on the forehead. Maybe she'd even take a nap when they got home.

Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 8:30 pm

Shopping Days: Part II
After a nap, Anemone had placed the moon and sun wind chimes over the doorway to the balcony that overlooked the coast of Barton. She loved the view and on such a nice day had opened the doors to let the breeze in. The wind had soothed her as she napped knowing Chailyn wanted to set off to find a present for Donny.

As soon as they'd returned home, Chailyn had found Michael to present him with the sun wind chime she picked out. She'd called it the "Bes-test Daddy Win Chime". She'd given Ane the "Best-test Mommy Win Chime" which was rather similar to Michael's except it was a crescent moon. She was eager to please them, which she had. After, she had rushed off to take a nap leaving her parents alone.

Now the toddler was ready to head off to find a gift. She didn't know what exactly she could get him being that the boy not only had his own wings, but a winged horse. What could be as wonderful as either of those? It was a hard present to picture, though she thought maybe something with stars would be pretty. She knew she wouldn't have long to find such a gift today, as Aislinn had already thrown together a Sailor Moon anime marathon for the girls in the family. She had said that Michael and Ane could watch it with them as well, but Dulcea had graciously offered to watch over them if the two wanted to go out or something.

"Mommy? Shop now? Find Donny present?" Chailyn asked toddling into the kitchen. She grabbed onto her mother's leg trying to see what was on the counter. She smiled as her mother lifted her up, handing her a small orange object. It was square at one end but rectangular for the most part. She watched as her mother cut them from their cylinder like shape, tossing the green leafs into a bowl.

"It's a carrot. You should be able to chew it a bit with your baby teeth." Anemone told her with a smile. She picked up one of the carrots she had cut, taking a small bite to demonstrate.

Chailyn simply looked at it before taking a nibble, chewing it over. It took her a moment before she had decided it wasn't bad. She gave a smile taking another bite as her mother finished the carrots. She was going to hope her daughters would try eating some healty snacks during their television watching. She'd already cut some celery into slices for ants on a log.

"Ok, let me put these away and then we can head out to find Donny a present," Ane said. She quickly threw the carrots into a ziploc bag and with the celery stored them in the refridgerator. She'd already put the knife away so that none of the children could get a hold of it. She was probably one of the few who kept knives hidden in a cupboard, one that even she had trouble reaching since it was tucked above the refridgerator.

After cleaning up, Ane lifted Chailyn off the counter and called out to let everyone know they were going out to find a gift. She said they'd be gone an hour at most, or so she hoped. She'd promised that Kali could help with dinner.

Walking was the worst part in Chailyn's opinion, though she saw a lot of pretty things. It wasn't until they reached a shop with fans displayed in the window that the toddler got an idea. She smiled as two caught her eye. Both had stars and she knew they were the perfect gift for Donny.

"Fans for Donny!" the toddler announced with a grin. She tugged gently on her mother's hand as Ane looked them over. She wasn't sure a boy would want a fan but she supposed it didn't matter. It was the thought that counted. She was glad Chailyn hadn't decided she wanted to buy him a real star or anything expensive.

"All right. Let's go inside," Ane said. She led the toddler in letting her move to look over the fans. She silently followed to stand behind her daughter to watch.

Chailyn looked over the fan carefully. She was tentative to which one was the right one for Donny and it showed as she carefully picked one up. She examined it closely, her fingers tracing over the material lightly before shaking her head. No, that one wouldn't do. She paused in her movements before setting it down and picking another up. This one had stars but...the color wasn't right. She didn't want just one with stars to give him, no it had to be the perfect one.

It took her awhile to pick up a small fan, decorated like the night sky. She held it gently in her hands giving a nod of her head as she smiled. This one was perfect. Her smile turned into a grin as her eyes fell upon a similar but bigger fan. Now she had the two perfect gifts to give to Donny. She gave a soft squeal of delight going over to her mother.

"Purr-fect!" she announced. Ane gave a soft laugh picking her daughter up. Oh, this seemed to be everything the little girl had been looking for.

anemosagkelos

Offline

anemosagkelos

Offline

Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 8:31 pm

Girl Power, Senshi Style
"Food, check. DVDs, check. TV, check." Aislinn listed things off as she thought of them. She glanced around the room one last time before nodding her head in approval. "I think that's everything!" the cherub stated with a grin. She fluttered her wings pulling her long hair back from her face. She gave a sigh of triumph that she had managed to set everything up in time.

"Ok, Chailyn's ready and Miette," Dulcea said walking into the room and setting them down on the couch. She'd cleaned them up from the paint they'd smeared all over each other. She'd volunteered to take over just a bit early since Prem, Cyrus, and Cillian had all said they'd be fine on their own. They'd all barreled downstairs to get away from the army of girls, mostly because Aislinn had threatened to dress them in pink tutus if they stayed.

"Yay, time to start the Sailor Moon marathon!" Aislinn squealed in delight. She grinned settling next to Kali on the couch. She was thankful that her elf sister had brought the couch up from the living room to rest against the wall of the playroom. The couch was a soft suede of blue color allowing the kids to curl up. Dulcea sat on the far left, resting her chin on Rosalind's head. Miette sat next to Kali, who was next to Aislinn. The cherub sat next to Chailyn explaining everything she knew about the anime to the toddler.

"Can't we start with the entrance of Sailor Jupiter? She is the best senshi," Rosalind started. Her fox ears fell back as everyone looked at her.

"Everyone has their opinion on who the best senshi is," Dulcea defended. She had been given a brief introduction by Aislinn and already thought Sailor Saturn sounded the most interesting. Of course, Aislinn liked Sailor Venus and Kali liked Sailor Mars. Miette and Chailyn hadn't really picked a senshi they liked as neither had much of an idea of what the word meant.

"I like Sailor Venus, the senshi of love!" Aislinn stated striking a pose. She gave a soft laugh as Chailyn tried to mimick her. "I'm Sailor Moon, champion of love and justice. In the name of the moon, I'll punish you!"

Chailyn looked up at the cherub in awe. She stood up carefully on the couch cushion before trying to parrot the older girl. "I'm Say-lor Moo, cham-pun of love n jus-ice! In the name of the moo, I pun-ish you!"

Miette giggled standing up and following her sister's actions. Kali rolled her eyes at the two suppressing a smile of amusement. She didn't want anyone to think she thought it was cute. She was a shadow elf, she wasn't supposed to be nice or like things that were cute.

"Sailor Moon...," Miette was cut off by Rosalind, who shushed the small girl.

"It's starting," Rosalind said softly. The fox's ears flickered momentarily as she yawned leaning against Dulcea. Watching television made her tired for some reason.

Chailyn was the only one who seemed captivated by the screen. She stared at it in confusion sliding off the couch and moving to stand beside it. She bent over to look behind the television but didn't see anyone there. She moved back, sitting down and touching the screen with her finger. Her purple eyes went wide at the odd sensation. The glass was fuzzy with something.

The picture paused, "Come back over her, Chai." Aislinn slid off the couch, walking up to her sister. She picked up the toddler dragging her backwards until they got to the couch. She fluttered her white wings to pull herself up and then her sister.

The feeling of being lifted off the ground stirred up the envy Chailyn had felt earlier. Aislinn could fly, too. Why couldn't she? Everyone seemed to have some sort of wings or something that made them unique. Prem and Rosalind had fox ears and fox tails. Cyrus had cat ears and a cat tail. Kali had elf ears. Dulcea and Cillian had dog ears and dog tails. Miette had mouse ears and a mouse tail. Anemone had head wings. Michael was an angel, that was enough to make him unique. How was she?

Chailyn's thoughts were ripped away letting her heart stop sinking. She gave a smile as Aislinn tickled her bringing her out of her darkened world. The light trickled through as her eyes went to the screen. She smiled seeing Luna and hugged the plushie feline she had gotten.

"Moo!" she stated pointing at the screen, trying to say that the cat had a moon on her forehead.

"Moo-nuh." Aislinn corrected with a smile.

"Moo-nuh. Moo-nuh. Moon!" Chailyn repeated. She gave a smile as she pronounced it correctly. She looked back at the screen letting it take her away. She didn't think she was different from others, just duller. The only thing unique about her was her clothing and that could easily be taken away. Her thoughts were simple now and easily redirected.

"Ok, let's watch the show," Dulcea suggested shifting so that Rosalind could curl up against her while they watched the show. Miette was resting her back against the fox, while Miette curled up against Aislinn as did Chailyn. She gave a look to see Cyrus peering in the room and nudged Kali.

"Intruder! In the name of Mars, I'll punish you!" Kali shouted out jumping to her feet. She jumped off the couch striking a pose before throwing her hands out in front of her. "Fire soul!"

"Kali, no! You know you're not allowed to make fire!" Aislinn shouted softly. She would've jumped up but was smushed in between Miette and Chailyn.

"I just wanted to ask if we could have the buidling blocks!" Cyrus squeaked out. He was about to say more but was distracted seeing Chailyn slip off the couch. She toddled over to the toybox pulling out a bucket of block and taking it over to Cyrus. "Thank you, Chai. You could all learn something from her," he finished sticking his tongue out at Kali before running off.

If it hadn't been for the sound of the television, the room would've been silent. Of course that couldn't last for long. How much time passed wasn't certain but the silence should've been a clue. From both sides, plastic balls and silly string began to fly at the quintet of girls. Miette was the first to squeak followed by Aislinn and Kali, both shouting out they'd punish the attackers.

Chailyn looked around in confusion, not quite knowing what to do. She could see Prem's fox ears peeking out from the left door while Cyrus' cat ears peeked out from the right. She could hear a loud laughter from Cillian but didn't see him at all. She tried to stand up on the couch but was promptly pushed back into a sitting position as Rosalind jumped up.

"I'm Sailor Jupiter, and in the name of thunder I'll clobber you!" the fox roared. So much for silence. Aislinn was trying to catch Cyrus in a net, Kali was trying to throw balls back at Prem, and Cillian's laughter was cut short as Rosalind chomped down on his tail. The dog swiftly ran into the room only to trip over the balls that had fallen to the floor.

"Quiet!" Dulcea shouted. She was trying to stifle her laughter but it was hard, very hard. It was so hilarious. She looked around at the chaos to find that Chailyn was curled up sleeping, holding tight to her Luna plushie. How the toddler could sleep through the racket was something that amazed her. She'd have to figure someway to get the rest of the group into a more peaceful mood.

Dulcea picked up the slumbering girl to take her to her room. She hoped the mob would calm down while she put Chailyn to bed. She held the toddler and headed out of the playroom. She sighed lightly heading downstairs and going into the room. She placed the toddler into her bed covering her up and resting her black cat plushie next to her. She liked the room better now that it belonged to Chailyn and not to a guest. She'd never seen it while Michael was there, she only knew him living in the master bedroom with her mother. She was still trying to get used to calling them her parents.

The toddler had come into a very loving family, that was for sure. Between Michael and Anemone, she was sure to be loved for eternity. If any two people could take care of the rambunctious group of children it was them, not to mention they'd be sure to help Cillian turn over a new leaf.

Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 8:32 pm

Walking With a Dragon
Chailyn had excitedly set off with Anemone, as they headed off to Aekea. She wanted to look at some tile for the kitchen, or at least she had planned to. She had been lucky to pack a light lunch before Chailyn had pulled her out the door. She wanted everyone to get things done so night would come faster. She'd fallen asleep after three episodes but the others had stopped there so that she wouldn't miss out.

They'd only been in Aekea for a few moments before both decided it'd be nicer to sit by the river. It was a rather nice day out and Anemone was pointing out the various wildlife that walked about. They'd seen deer, rabbits, hawks, falcons, abandoned dogs and cats, and even fish swimming by. Chailyn seemed rather fascinated with the different animals, but more curious about the fish as they lived underwater.

The toddler was peering down into the water wondering how they managed to swim underwater, didn't they have to breathe? She was looking around at the different colors finding that life was very different for different animals. She could see the fish eating bugs that landed on the surface, while a deer had been grazing on some tree bark and grass earlier.

Looking up, she could see a different type of creature. A green dragon child was walking. She peered at him with her purple eyes wondering what he was exactly. She'd been quiet most of the day until now, "Dragon. Tale?" she asked curiously.

Aekea. The city of robots.

Or was it a town?

Did it matter?

No, not really.

Either way, Dragonfly had gone to Aekea to meet up with a friend of hers. Morian, she had said. Lance had no idea who the stranger was, but he couldn't help but have felt a pang of dislike towards the blue-grey haired man. After all, he had been a little too friendly with Dragonfly, and Lance had pointedly kept himself between the two. He wasn't quite sure what it all meant, but he hadn't liked it. Especially not with the thought of Vincent back at home, and Dragonfly's loyalty to the gunman.

Lance also, didn't like the bustling town of Aekea. Too much grease and grime, and too busy. Disgruntled, he had presented the idea of a picnic near the river he had seen on his way in, and Morian, trying to get on Lance's better side, had agreed.

They had set out with a box full of food, and a blanket from Morian's house. One Lance had avoided sitting on at all costs, as it reaked of grease.

He sighed as the adults talked around him, and he quickly became bored poking his sword into the ground before his feet, and so, pulling himself up, he walked over to the river. Glancing back to Dragonfly, he raised an eyebrow.

"Mum," he called, stepping closer to the water, "Can I wade through it?"

Dragonfly cut herself short in her conversation with Morian, and couldn't help but frown a little, before she too, pulled herself to her feet.

"Only if you're very, very careful, and only if I'm right here watching you," she replied, making her way over and sitting on the edge of the bank, "I wouldn't want you to get hurt,"

"I'll be alright," the toddler replied, before splashing into the water up to his knees, smiling as the stream pulled at his ankles.

The water felt cool and refreshing, and he wiggled his toes in the mud, before his red eyes trailed down the bank, to rest on Chailyn's unfamiliar face.

"Hmm,"

Without further adieu, he began wading across the stream. It was deeper in some parts than he had expected, and once or twice he stumbled, almost falling into the water. Of course this ellicted cries of panic from Dragonfly's throat, but Lance always managed to quickly find his footing, and give a thumbs up to Dragonfly once more. Dragonfly was only too happy to know that the stream didn't get too deep here, not like it did further on. None the less, she kept a close eye on him.

"Hullo," he said to her, tilting his head as he made it across the water, and neared her as he walked down the bank. Maybe things were about to get just a little more interesting.

"Hello. I'm Chailyn," the toddler replied giving a smile. She looked over the dragon with a curious gleam in her eye. She wasn't sure what to think at first. A winged, green skinned dragon was looking at her and she found it to be mythical.

She tentatively waved at the dragon. She wasn't sure what to say, she was in awe. "What your name?" she asked politely though hesitant. She leaned to the side slightly looking at his wings and finding them to be like nothing she'd ever seen. "Can you fly?"

Anemone watched Chailyn from afar, her eyes glancing across the stream to see the two that had been with Lance. She didn't think she'd ever seen them before and wondered slightly how'd she fare with introductions. She was a shy person who tended to be at a lost for words when it came to talking to strangers.

Her blue eyes were a soft contrast as Chailyn turned to glance at her mother. The toddler took a deep breath waiting for the tale to reply. She knew she'd have a million questions to ask once she got over being so lost in awe. She was already curious to know if his skin felt like scales or more like human skin, or if it was different all together.

Lance bowed after she had presented her name to him, and he smiled softly as he pulled himself up straight again.

"Sorry, I forgot my manners. My name is Lance, and I am happy to meet you, Chailyn," he replied smiling and taking her hand, before shaking it gently and smiling.

He blinked a bit, and flapped his wings, before shaking his head, looking thoughtful.

"No..." he replied slowly, "I can't fly... Yet. But I can glide! Dragonfly's teaching me to fly, but she says my wings haven't developed yet..."

Lance felt confident. As a matter of fact, he was feeling much better now that Vincent was training him. He felt like he could take on the world.

Dragonfly meanwhile, had waved Morian over to go see what Lance had found so interesting. Dragonfly's vision was bad enough only having one eye, and she was still getting used to the depth perception issues. She walked down the bank, wondering whether or not to brave attempting to wade across, and most likely falling flat on her face.

"Need a hand?" Morian asked, smiling brightly as he extended a hand to her.

"Yes," she said sheepishly, pulling off her shoes and socks and leaving them on the bank. After all, they'd have to come back for their stuff, right?

"My depth perception and balance aren't what they used to be," she laughed hollowly.

"Alright, alright," Morian chuckled rolling up his pants and leaving his shoes and socks next to hers, before taking her arm, and wading into the water with her.

"You're such a gent, Morian," she giggled, before she too stepped into the water, her skirt falling just above the water.

Chailyn gave a wobbly curtsy in response to Lance. She couldn't really do a curtsy that looked graceful, at least not in her pants. She was sure if she was wearing a skirt it would look better.

She offered a sympathetic smile hearing him say that he couldn't fly yet. In a way she almost felt happy because that meant she was more like him. "I can't fly. I don't have wings e-der," she offered in attempt to make him not mind that he couldn't fly yet. She was sure he would one day, where as she wouldn't.

She gave a soft, almost silent sigh. She was getting stuck in bad thoughts. She gave her head a shake pushing the thoughts from her mind. "I bet you'll fly soon," she added giving a nod.

Anemone stood up from her place walking over to the two toddlers as Dragonfly and Morian made their way across. She gave a smile to the two bending down to say hello to Lance. "Hi Lance. I'm Anemone, Chailyn's mother," she introduced herself.

"Is that your Dad and Mom?" Chailyn asked Lance pointing to the two adults.

"My mum has wings. She's flown with me on her back before. I can't wait until I can fly," he replied, "Mum says flying is a gift, not to be abused. I feel really lucky..."

He didn't mind that he couldn't fly, at least he didn't mind yet. He knew that soon he would soar, just like his mother did, just like the birds, and the bats, and angels...

Lance's attention turned from Chailyn, to rest his gaze on Anemone, and he smiled a bit.

"'Lo," he greeted, bowing once more, "Nice t'meet you. You're daughter is very pretty,"

He was trying to be chivalrous, and it felt like the right thing to say...

His attention was then drawn away from Anemone, to Dragonfly and Lance, and he frowned at the way Morian was fawning all over his mother, and how Dragonfly seemed to be enjoying it.

"Ah! I'm going to fall!" Dragonfly squealed as she began to slip, while Morian's arms wrapped around her waist to hold her up.

"My mum is over there, but that's not my dad," he said hollowly, his red eyes ablaze as he watched them, "I dun' like that man.."

"I've never been flying. Mother has headwings but she's afraid to fly. Donny held me while he flapped his wings to stay in the air," Chailyn said. She wasn't sure what that would be called but hoped that he would know what she meant.

"Yes, she is. That's very nice of you to say," Anemone started. She would've said more but stopped when she heard Lance's opinion of the man. She frowned looking at the toddler, "Why don't you like him? Does your mother know you feel this way?"

"I'm sorry," Chailyn started apologetic. She hadn't known he disliked the man. She nodded in agreement with her mother, wondering what was wrong with him. He seemed ok, appearance wise.

Ane looked up turning to glance at Dragonfly and Morian. She wondered why they hadn't just walked around if it was so slippery. She didn't want Lance to be uncomfortable or anything, even though it wasn't up to her.

"Maybe you should have used the bridge?" Ane called out to the two. She really didn't know what else to say yet.

"Flying is a lot of fun," Lance said, smiling brightly, "You feel... Really free. It can be scary sometimes, though. But it's fun,"

He pouted a little as he gazed over at Morian and Dragonfly. He really didn't like Morian, at all.

"It's alright. No need to be sorry. I only met him today, when mum took me to Aekea. Dun like Aekea much, either," Lance murmered to Anemone, before grunting in dislike as Morian 'saved' Dragonfly from plunging into the water once more.

"No-- We're alright," Dragonfly giggled, pulling away from Morian and climbing onto the bank, "Besides, that way was way more fun!"

Morian chuckled and followed after her, setting his hands on her hips and lifting her up and onto the dry grass.

"To keep your feet from being muddy," he explained, a smile curling upon his features.

Dragonfly merely rolled her eyes, pulling away from him, before grinning and making her way over to Chailyn, Lance, and Anemone.

"Sorry," Dragonfly said, running her fingers through her hair, and chuckling nervously, "I hope Lance isn't bothering you. I've never known him to be a bug, but--... 'You never know?"

Now Lance felt insulted. He couldn't help but cross his arms, and glare up at his mother.
"No, he's not being a bother," Ane defended giving a smile to the dragon. She was both taken back and somewhat made uncomfortable by the way Morian fawned over Dragonfly. It seemed almost rude especially since a parent or guardian's first duty was to their child or ward, and Lance certainly was not in favor of it.

She did try to find a way to say something but all of it just seemed rude. She sighed shaking her head in defeat. She'd have to find some way to get Morian away from Lance's mother, for the child's sake. Instead, she simply shrugged shaking her head again and walking away from the situation.

Chailyn's eyes flickered suddenly. She felt like she was in some sort of cage. The idea that this man was being allowed to make Lance unhappy didn't sit well with her and oddly enough it reminded her of how it felt to not have wings, when so many others seemed. She briefly narrowed her eyes at Morian, feeling like her blood was hot. She was not pleased that Dragonfly would allow such, whether she knew the woman or not. As a child she simply wanted Lance to be happy.

"I suppose I should introduce myself..."[/colored] Ane started slowly watching on after she had walked away a few feet. She wanted to say something about how the man made the dragon feel but she couldn't find the words. "I'm Anemone and this is Chailyn," she covered gesturing to the toddler who bowed in response.

Chailyn took hold of Lance's hand as if to show everyone she had decided he was her friend. She'd also decided she didn't like the man either and if she had to, she'd protect Lance from him. No one pushed her friends around, ever. No one hurt her friends. It was a new emotion that stirred underneath. A mixture of protection and anger. If she was anything like her mother, she had a bit of tiger hidden underneath the surface.

"I know it's not my place, but I think your friend is making Lance uncomfortable. I don't think he likes him, much," Ane said softly. She tried to make it sound as nice as possible though Chailyn didn't micmick that part.

"We dun like you!" the toddler stated with a nod of her head. She looked at Lance with a smile before whispering to him. "Les throw 'im out ta sea! Or walk the 'ank like Hook did ta Wendy!" she started before realizing that Wendy had been caught by Peter Pan and blushing slightly embarrassed.

"Ah, well I didn't expect him to be. He's a good boy, honest, and loyal, and everything a knight needs to be,"

Morian stayed a good distance away from the little crowd, shuffling in place. He'd always felt nervous around too many people, and five was far too many, in his mind. He could only catch small parts of the convorsation from where he had rested himself.

"Nice to meet you Anemone, and very nice to meet you, Chailyn," Dragonfly smiled, glancing over at Morian, and scowling, "Morian's not very good with people. Ah, but where are my manners? I am Dragonfly,"

She bowed her head politely, but as Ane voiced her concernts, the smile upon her lips faded.

"Yes, I had that feeling too," she murmered, "I can't say I like the way Morian devotes himself to me..." she paused, glancing back towards him to observe if he could hear them, but he had taken to wading upstream, back towards where they had picnicked, "But, it's a sad thing, really. He hasn't many friends. I feel sorry for him, because he really is a good person. Lance just hasn't seen it yet,"

Her gaze turned to look upon the dragon child, who returned her gaze with a heavy glare, and a deep pout.

"But child, if you wish not to be involved when I spend time with Morian, then I will not force his company upon you, kay?"

Lance contemplated what she had said, before glancing over at Chailyn, and smiling a bit.

"Wha'd'you think, Princess, is an acceptable... a... a..." he paused, stumbling as he tried to find the right word, "Is it okay?"

Ane gave a smile to Dragonfly understanding what she meant. "Perhaps he just needs some time then. I'm sure Morian is a nice person," she replied.

Ever optimistic and the mediator when it came to other people, she was rather hopeful that Lance would get to know Morian better as time went on. She paused for a moment looking over at Morian, "Perhaps we should go over and talk to him? I'm sure Chailyn and Lance will be all right. We can keep an eye on them from other there."

Chailyn thought for a moment before nodding. It did sound reasonable to her. Perhaps he could visit her, when his mother spent time with Morian.

"I think so. Lance visit Chailyn when Morian around Dragonfly?" Chailyn asked looking up at Dragonfly. She smiled at Lance hoping that he would find it ok.

"Morian's a good person," she confirmed, nodding her head to Ane, "Bit of a grump though,"

A playful smile spread across the woman's features, and she couldn't help but laugh.

Dragonfly listened at Ane's offer, and she nodded her head in agreement.

"I'd say that's an excellent idea, Anenenanenea..." Dragonfly stumbled on the other woman's name, and she blinked in embarassment, a pale blush rising to her cheeks, "I'm really sorry! I get tongue tied sometimes,"

Her cheeks were tinting a deeper shade of red as she raised a hand to rub the back of her head, trying to smile, though it was a rather sheepish one.

"Really really sorry..." she repeated.

For perfect timing, Chailyn introduced her question, and Dragonfly was able to pull away from her embarassing slip up.

"If that's all right with your mother, I think it would be a wonderful idea," Dragonfly replied, smiling brightly to the toddler.

Lance positively beamed at the idea. It was the perfect solution! Lance wouldn't have to spend any more time than he liked around the obnoxious pale haired man, and he got to spend more time with Chailyn! Hooray!

"Really good idea!" he grinned, looking over at Chailyn and nodding his head.

"It's all right." Anemone replied giving a smile. "Most simply call me Ane. It's much easier to pronouce," she added.

She didn't doubt Dragonfly's words, sure that Morian was a nice person. She grinned at both, though mostly at Lance's reaction. "I would love to have Lance visit. It'd be great for Chailyn to have someone to play with and Lance could have some time to be away from Morian." She wouldn't mind having the boy dragon over, especially since Chai was so happy about the idea.

"Yay! Lance visit Chai!" the toddler cried happily. She grinned giving the dragon a hug. It would be wonderful, at least she thought it would be. She smiled at her mother and Dragonfly. "Thank you for saying Lance can visit," she told the two with a smile.

"Should we go talk to Morian? You two will behave if we leave you alone, right?" she asked. She wanted to make sure the two would be good little angels if they weren't breathing down their necks.

"Ane is much easier," Dragonfly replied sheepishly with a soft laugh, "I keep wanting to say Anenome instead of Anemone. . ."

Dragonfly shook her head, before smiling as she watched Chailyn hug Lance. Lance couldn't help but blink as he was hugged, but he could only grin wider, wrapping his own arms about Chai's form.

"You are very welcome, Chailyn. And take note that you are allowed to come and visit Lance and I at our home any time you wish to," she said.

Dragonfly then looked to Ane, and nodded, "Aye, grumble butt over there will be finding everything and anything to complain about right now, and the sooner we stop him the better,"

She smiled brightly, before gently reaching out to take Ane's hand, and lead the other woman over to the bridge.

"I swear on my honor as a page that no harm shall befall Princess Chailyn!" Lance called after Ane and Dragonfly, waving as they crossed over the bridge, and made their way back over to Morian.

Lance beamed at Chailyn, before slipping out of her embrace, to go look back at the water.

"So what'chu wanna do?" he asked, a bright smile on his features as he waded into the shallow water.

"It is much easier. Well if I ever want to change my name, I'll make it Anenome just for you," Ane joked softly giving a smile. Of course, it was much easier to pronouce compared to many names from her original home of Greece. She gave a smile turning her attention to Chailyn.

"We'll be good, Mother!" the toddler said before hearing that she was allowed to visit Lance whenever she wanted. "I will visit Lance lots!" she stated.

"That almost makes me think she'd never leave your house...," Ane murmured. She turned her attention back to Morian and Dragonfly as the other woman took her hand and they headed off.

Chailyn felt slightly odd at first seeing her mother not by her side. However, she felt safe being by Lance. She smiled at him and followed him to look at the water. It was definately interesting. No one could hold onto water, it did what it wanted just like the air.

After a moment, she followed him into the water. She didn't mind that her clothing might get wet. She had slipped off her shoes but that was the extent of her actions to not get wet.

"Hey, there's a fishie," she stated pointing at it. "Should we try to catch him?"

Dragonfly smiled, and laughed cheerfully at the other's joke, before replying, "You're much too sweet, Anemone. Hey! I got it right!" and she was swept into another fit of cheerful giggling.

"I expect to see you lots," Lance grinned.

"I wouldn't mind," Dragonfly smiled, laughing softly, "It's good to see Lance making friends. He can get so depressed... He holes himself up in his room and just.. Well, reads everything he can get his hands on. Sometimes it really worries me,"

Dragonfly frowned a bit, running her fingers through the whisps of black hair that washed over her left eye, disguising disfiguring scarring that had left her blind in that eye.

"Ah. But I digress," she said after a moment, "Kids will be kids, and he knows he can talk to me, about anything,"

"Oouh! Fish!" Lance exclaimed as his gaze found the wriggling form Chai had pointed out. He grinned lopsidedly, and nodded, "Yeah! We can catch him! So long as we let him go again. It's wasteful to kill for no reason,"

"I'm sure Chailyn wouldn't let him keep himself holed up in his room, too much. She seems to only sit still when she's sleeping or just staring off into space," Anemone replied giving a smile at Dragonfly's giggles. She was sure that they'd have fun, Lance and Chailyn. She gave a look back towards where she had left the two tales before giving her full attention to her new friend.

"I'm sure he does. He seems like a good kid," she added. She was trying to be attentive and have a conversation but her mind couldn't think of much to say.

Chailyn looked at Lance tilting her head slightly. Kill it? She blinked a few times. Why would they kill it? That didn't make any sense to her. She wasn't really sure what kill meant, it was fuzzy to her anyways. She opened her mouth to speak but it took a moment before anything came out.

"Of course, we'd let it go. I don't want to kill it..." she replied. She shook her head gently. They'd only catch it for fun, then they could put it back in the stream. She wouldn't let the fish die.

"I know," Lance replied hastily, "I was just... I don't know. I know neither of us would want to bring about unnecisary harm..."

As if to break the sudden awkwardness that hung over them, Lance dove forward, to attempt to catch hold of the fish, but the fish was far too nimble for him, and it skirted away, towards Chailyn's legs.

"That would be good for him," Dragonfly replied, still smiling, "Now if only Morian wasn't such a grump,"

"Oy! I heard that!" Morian replied as the two women neared.

He was slightly disgruntled by the amount of people, being one of the few who actually believed that two was company, and three was a crowd. However, he was not about to deny Dragonfly her wish to spend time with Anemone, and him.

Who knew, maybe some good would come with being around the two of them.

"Lance is a good kid. Chai- she seems so sweet," Dragonfly smiled, taking a seat on the picnic blanket, facing towards Lance and Chailyn so she could keep an eye on the two.

"It's all right, Lance," Chailyn said giving a smile. She was sure he didn't mean anything by it. He couldn't think she was a killer or anything like that. So it was nothing.

She giggled as he dove forward, the water splashing up to touch her face. She smiled as the fish darting towards her, trying to sneakily squat down to catch it. She bit on her lower lip to keep from laughing but found it hard to see with her knees bent forward, her arms trying to find a place to be without getting in the way but close enough she could use them to catch the fish.

A soft pitched but muffled squeak left her mouth as she lost her balance falling backwards. Her body went limp hitting the water without much impact. "Omph," she muttered in surprise as she starred at the air in front of her. Sitting back, her arms supported her as her lower legs had slipped forward. "I think I missed," she added blushing gently. Apparently, she wasn't a fisher-woman.

"A grump? Maybe he just prefers..." Anemone trailed off trying to think of something to say. She didn't know him enough to come to his defense, so to speak. She gave a shrug cutting herself off since she had nothing to add.

"Chailyn is sweet. She loves to be held, or just near anyone. I think she finds it comforting," she mused as she kneeled to sit beside Dragonfly. She didn't really want or think she should sit by Morian. She glanced towards the two tales, just in time to see Chailyn fall, or rather plop, into the stream. "And apparently, quite wet," she said giving a laugh.

Lance laughed as the fish darted away from Chailyn, and he splashed through the stream to race after it, until he noticed that she had fallen. He pivoted, and turned back to face Chai, worry written across his features.

"Are you alright, Chai?" he asked, pulling the other to her feet once more. He couldn't help but grin a little, and add, "You look a little wet!"

Lance continued to hold her up, smiling brightly to her, though inwadly hoping that he wasn't insulting her by doing so.

"Mostly I prefer being on my own," Morian finished Ane's sentance, looking slightly disgruntled.

Dragonfly punched his shoulder playfully, before saying, "Mor-chan, don't be such a ponce. This is Anemone, and you know me! Anemone, this is Morian, as you knew,"

Dragonfly moved over so that Ane could sit down, and Morian sighed, and smiled a bit, giving in to Dragonfly's demands. Maybe being around so many people wasn't so bad...

"Aye, she does look a little wet," Dragonfly giggled, "It's a good thing I brought along an extra blanket. If she gets cold we can wrap her up and she'll be roasty toasty in no time!"

Chailyn gave a giggle as Lance helped her up. She did look wet, more like soaked. Unlike Anemone, who disliked the feeling of wet clingy clothes, Chailyn didn't take much notice of the feeling.

"I'm ok!" she chirped in replied finding it more funny than anything else. "Or maybe you just look too dry," she giggled. She wouldn't push him into the water but she could lightly splash him. She cupped her hands together bending down slightly and splashing some water at him.

"Now we match," she added. He wasn't completely soaked like her, but slighter more wet. She almost thought the fish would have a better chance at catching them.

Anemone looked at Morian, trying not to take the words personally. She almost felt like she was intruding where she wasn't wanted. Perhaps she was, but she left it'd be rather insulting to Dragonfly.

"Hello, Morian. It's nice to meet you." She was somewhat hesitant offering him her hand to take hold of for a brief shake. Her uncomfortable feelings were temporarily pushed aside as she heard Dragonfly.

"I just help she doesn't end up all roasty toasty, and burnt," she joked. She was sure Chailyn would be fine. She seemed to be having more fun being wet than dry.

Lance laughed as Chai splashed him, and he let her go, only to cup his scaled fingers, and splash her back. Chailyn was so much fun to be around!

"This is fun, Chai!" Lance grinned, his hands falling to rest at his sides, before he realized that he had forgotten about the fish!

"Where fishy go?" he asked, his red eyes blinking as his neck swivelled to try and catch sight of the silver-scaled creature.

Morian gazed back at Anemone, before dropping his head, ashamed of his own words.

"Try not to take my words to heart. I've been alone for a really, really long time, so so much inter-action with people is a little odd for me," he explained, before offering her a light smile.

"What he said," Dragonfly giggled.

She listened to what Anemone said next, and couldn't help but grin, "There's always burn cream to fix that,"

Chailyn giggled as she was splashed by Lance in return. She smiled giving a grin to her friend. This was much more fun than anything else she had done. She had almost forgotten about the fish, until she heard him ask where it had gone.

She looked around squinting her eyes as if trying to peer through some sort of haze. She knew it had to be around somewhere. Sure enough she noticed a fish tail splishing gently. "There he is!" She grinned pointed at the fish and taking a step forward. "Let's get him!" she called out with a soft coo.

Anemone gave a smile to Morian, hoping to mend his feelings. She moved slightly closer so she could put a hand on his shoulder. "It's all right, Morian. I understand," she said. She removed her hand looking at Dragonfly.

"I can imagine trying to slather her in burn cream. She'd probably jump into the water to get rid of it." She gave a grin before giving a laugh. She could picture it in her head, the splashing child trying to scrap the cream off. She could also see her looking like burnt toast.

Ah! Indeed, Chailyn had found the fish again! Hooray!

Lance splashed towards it, grinning from ear to ear. He dove forward, landing face first in the water, only to have the fish dart from between his fingers. He spluttered as he pulled himself up out of the water, before grinning from ear to ear, and laughing cheerfully.

"I'm wetter than Chai now!" he grinned, shaking his head to try and get some of the water out of his hair.

"We could always wrap her in swiss cheese and call her a sandwich, then?" Morian offered, attempting a joke.

Dragonfly turned her head to oggle at Morian, before a bright smile spread across her features, and she through her arms around the other's neck, laughing.

"Aye! But I don't think she'd much appreciate being eaten, either!" Dragonfly added, before looking back toward Lance and Chai, only to catch Lance flying face first into the water, which sent her into a second fit of giggles.

Chailyn followed the dragon closely as he went after the fish. She giggled until she saw Lance dive forward, concern flaring up. She held her breath until she she saw him get up and laugh. A grin returned to her face.

"You're really wetter than me!" she giggled. She closed her eyes as she laugh, not noticing the fish as it came towards them. It seemed to be enjoying the game as much as them, somewhat. Once her purple eyes opened, she moved to pounce on the fish.

A gurgled roar came out of her mouth as she laughed. She clasped her hands in front of her splashing the water at her face instead of getting the fish.

"Sort of a Swiss-chai sandwich combination?" Ane joked with Morian. She gave a laugh before noticing Lance dive into the water. Her laughter was softer than Dragonfly's until she saw Chailyn splash herself in the face. "Those two are quite a pair," she said.

They were definately a pair of comedians as they tried to catch the fish. She wondered if they would ever get a hold of it.

A sly grin spread across his features as she giggled, and he watched as she splashed forward to try and catch the fish.

"Ah! So close that time Chai!" he exclaimed, before splashing through the water, arms outstretched as he too tried to grasp the fish's fleeting tail.

He laughed as he was once again unsuccesful, stumbling to the side as he watched the fish dart away from him. He laughed brightly, before spinning, and watching as it once again zipped towards Chailyn, as if to tease her.

"Yeah," he grinned, "Something to that extent!"

Dragonfly nodded in agreement, before laughing softly, a wide grin splitting across her features.

"It's very cute," she mused, placing a finger to her lips, her eyes sparkling.

The fish darted playfully around Chailyn's legs before heading towards Lance, slipping to hide under his tail. She giggled looking at the fish as it hid. "That's not a good hiding spot!" she told it with a triumphant nod. She went towards Lance giggling as she threw her arms around him in a hug.

"I catch Lance instead!" she laughed, a grin still on her face. Her veil swished around her like a hug. She was about to jump away when she felt the fish tickle her foot, making her jump up in surprise.

Anemone smiled at Morian and Dragonfly. She turned her attention to the two children watching as Chailyn hugged Lance. "It's going to be a hard thing when it's time to go home," she mused outloud shaking her head softly. She knew Chai would hate it, she always hated leaving friends.

Lance tilted his head to look behind him, swishing his tail slightly, only to have the fish follow it's cover. He blinked, and began to laugh, only to start as Chailyn threw her arms around him.

"Aaiee! You caught me!" he cried, stumbling a bit as her weight was pushed against him, but he caught himself quickly, wrapping his own arms around her to keep her from falling.

He laughed as she jumped, supporting her weight, and grinning.

"Fishy got you!" he exclaimed, before continuing to laugh.

Dragonfly's smile became sad, and she nodded in agreement with Anemone.

"Aye, we'll definitaly have troubles separating the two..." she murmered with a sigh.

Morian had zoned out of their convorsation now, and was gazing skyward, the sun's rays filtering through his glasses.

"It's getting late," he mused, glancing over at the two women, and offering them a half smile, "Their parting may come sooner than they may like..."

"Lance will be getting cold soon," Dragonfly murmered, she too glancing skyward, wtching sunset's rays pour over the mountains in the distance, "and when he's cold, he gets exhaustedly tired. Cold blooded, y'know,"

She smiled to Ane, and rested an arm on one of her knees.

"I'd say it's time to go inform them that it's time to go home. Lance is getting too big for me to carry home," she laughed softly.

Chailyn giggled playfully as Lance wrapped his arms around her, supporting her and himself. She hadn't really thought about what would've happened, had she knocked him over. She grinned, loving his embrace, as she did everyone's.

"I caught Lance and the fishy caught me!" she stated. She ventured to glance in hopes of seeing the fishy but it had decided to go on its way. If it was anything like the tale, it's stomach was beginning to growl. "My stomach roars..." she murmured blinking in surprise. She gave another giggle, thinking of a lion trapped in her stomach. "I didn't know I had lion for lunch!" She was joking of course and thought it was a pretty funny jokee.

The tale briefly noticed her mother nod her head sadly, her giggles falling to silence. Whatever it was, it wasn't good. She knew that look, it meant it was time to go home. Chailyn's lower lip disappeared as she gently bit down on it in worry. She didn't want to go.

"Yes, I suppose it is time to head home." Anemone agreed as she stood up. She smiled at Dragonfly giving the woman a hug. "It was nice to meet you both. Lance can come visit whenever he likes, as can you both." She might've hugged Morian but didn't feel it would be right. Especially since, her mind was already returning to home.

She smiled at the two before heading down to break the news to her daughter. "Chailyn, we need to go home," she said. She smiled at her daughter noting the sad eyes. "You'll see him again soon, Chai," she added to soothe the already swelling sadness.

Lance laughed at her suggestion of eating lions, and he grinned lopsidedly.

"Maybe I'll just hafta help the lion out! After all, he can't be very happy in there!" he grinned wickedly, before reaching to gently begin tickling her sides, hoping to make his princess giggle.

Lance pulled his hands away however, as she fell into silence, and he turned his head to look towards Ane, and Dragonfly. Aaw... But they were having so much fun...

Lance frowned slightly, and wrapped his arms tight around Chai's frame. He didn't wanna let her go! Not when they were having so much fun....

Dragonfly was only too happy to return Ane's affection, smiling broadly as the other finally slipped out of her arms. Morian pulled himself to his feet next to the two, and after several moments of deliberation, he wrapped his arms around both women, before pulling away quickly, and grinning nervously.

"Well wasn't that a breakthrough," Dragonfly thought, oggling at Morian slightly.

Morian said nothing on his actions, merely turning and beginning to pack up the picnic as Dragonfly and Ane made their ways towards the two Tales.

"Lance doesn't wanna let Princess Chai go," he pouted to Dragonfly, giving Chailyn a light squeeze.

Dragonfly smiled sadly to her dragon child, wading into the water to ruffle his hair.

"I'm sorry Lance, but it's time to go home, and dry off. Ane is right, you'll see Chai again soon," she replied, trying not to crumble to the other's pouting face.

Chailyn giggled as Lance tickled her sides, writhing slightly from side to side as she tried to cover her self. She laughed trying to open her eyes to look at him. "The lion...out and...me...," was all she managed to get out.

Her giggling died down to silence as she turned to see Dragonfly and Ane coming towards them. She nuzzled against the dragon, a faint smile spreading on her lips as he wrapped his arms around her. She couldn't help but smile at her friend even though she was about to be dragged away.

"It was nice to meet you, Morian," Ane added after he had pulled away giving a smile of thanks. She followed along side Dragonfly as they made their way down to the tots, leaning towards her friend. "Don't they make a cute couple?" she teased slightly though she was more sincere.

Chailyn clung to Lance her pout returning. "I want to stay with Lance, Mother. Please?" she whimpered ever so lightly. She opened her mouth to say more but at the shake of her mother's head closed her eyes.

"Sweetheart, we have to go home. I promise, you can see him again soon and perhaps, you can spend the night sometime or he could spend the night at our house," she suggested giving a smile. She slipped her shoes and socks off, moving to take her daughter's hand.

Chailyn loosely took hold of her mother's hand not doing much else besides clinging to her friend.

"Absolutely adorable," Dragonfly smiled fondly, chuckling softly at Ane's observation.

Lance frowned as he sloshed out of the water with Chai. He didn't want the other to go... But... He knew that it was time to go home. He sighed as Ane's words made their goodbye assured, and he frowned as he nuzzled Chai, before slipping away from the tale, and standing erect.

He bowed majesticly to her, taking her hand, before pulling himself up again.

"Don't think of it as goodbye, goodbye is too final. Think of it as... See you later," Lance smiled, before hugging Chai again, "Cause we'll get to play again soon. See you later Chai!"

Dragonfly took her own tale's hand, smiling at the other's sincerity, before waving her own goodbye to Ane, and making her way back towards Morian.

"I'd say this was a good day," she said, to both Morian and Lance.

Both of them nodded, before they began to head back towards Durem's outskirts, and the location of Dragonfly's home.

anemosagkelos

Offline

anemosagkelos

Offline

Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 2:27 pm

Reflection
I don't know where to start. The last month or so have been filled with a new gift. Her name is Chailyn and she's the most beautiful little girl. She was given to me by an amazing book in the study of the stationary shop. I was so surprised to see her appear after I worte in the book. I'm sure there some reason it was decided she should be given to me, though I don't know what.

The first day I brought her home, she called Michael Daddy. It was such a beautiful moment. I could see his eyes fill with happiness and I felt like she was our little girl. Kali fixed up the guest room for Chailyn and called Michael Daddy for the first time. She is definately beginning to care for him as a father, which is wonderful.

Anyways, Chailyn's been a blessing. She met Adonis at the stationary shop and I think she took a liking to him. Of course, I think it'd be better if next time they met he hadn't taken an unsupervised flight on his pegasus. I really don't want my daughter getting any ideas like that. Right now she seems content to be around any of us so it shouldn't be a problem for the time being.

I took her shopping mostly to find a present for Donny. She thought he should get something, especially if he ended up in trouble with his father. She was definately infatuated with his wings. She seemed to fall in love with his pegasus as well. I think being around both Frey and Adonis, she felt a bit left out because she didn't have wings. I hope she knows that she is very special, with or without wings.

Aislinn introduced her to Sailor Moon though she isn't too sure what to think of it. I'm not sure if that's the right show for her at this time. I will have to find something for her to watch when she's in the play room though. I did see some shows that she might like. I think it would be ok to let her to see Sailor Moon once in awhile though.

Chailyn met Lance the other day just outside of Aekea. He seemed to be a nice boy and she took a liking to him. He said he didn't like the man with his mother, Morian, and Chailyn decided that she didn't either. I did try to say something though I'm not sure it came out right. I just don't want the boy to feel uncomfortable or removed from his mother. I don't think Dragonfly was upset about what I said, though if Morian heard me he might have been.

I think she likes Lance. It's odd that so far both the boys she has met have wings. I hope she doesn't feel out of place because she doesn't. Especially since Aislinn and I also have wings, though I tend to hide mine. I wonder if I could find some fake wings for her to wear if she wanted.

The next day, I took Chailyn for a walk. We went to a place I'd never been before and she found an egg. After a bit of asking around, we found out it was a Balan egg. I suppose I'll let her keep it, I'm sure it let her find it for a reason. She's already named it Laban, which I found out means white. I'm sure that refers to the wings that are on the back as the egg itself is blue. I don't think I've ever seen such a large egg, though I'm thankful it's not small otherwise someone might try to eat it. Children are always putting things in their mouths.

Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 8:34 am

A New Creature
Chailyn spotted the blue egg first as Anemone walked by. The toddler attempted to pick up the egg but found it was just a bit too heavy for her. "Big egg," Chailyn stated looking up at her mother.

"I think you're right about that," Anemone replied. She bent down picking up the egg in her hands carefully. The white wings seemed much like paper and as they fluttered gently, she was afraid they might tear. She gave a sigh of relief when they remained intact.

"What is it?"

"I don't know. Perhaps if we ask the people inside?" Ane started but was cut off by the yawn of the toddler. She looked up at the sky just realizing that it was getting late. They'd have to come back and ask. Surely, it'd be ok to take the egg home with them since Chailyn had found it. She didn't think it would be in danger of breaking.

"Come on little one, let's head home. We'll come back tomorrow." She finally decided using her free hand to take hold of Chailyn's. She gave a smile as they turned and headed home.

"Put egg in crib?" Chailyn suggested as they began to head home. She smiled up at her mother before looking at the egg again. "My pet. I care for egg."

Ane gave a soft laugh at the toddler's words, apparently she had decided that she should be the egg's mother. "All right. We'll put the egg in the crib so that it can't be taken out without your permission," she told the little girl with a sm ile. It was amusing to say the least.

Reaching home, she led the toddler to her room placing the egg into the crib. She lifted Chailyn up setting her inside so she could wrap the egg up in a blanket. She smiled as Chailyn wrapped a blanket around the blue egg. She gave a smile kissing her daughter on the top of the head.

"Mother, hand me Corbett please?" the tale asked giving a smile. As soon as the kitty plush was in her hands, she sat it down by the egg wrapping one of the feline's arms around it. She smiled at her work giving a grin as the papery wings fluttered again. "I name egg Laban," she added as she was lifted out of the crib.

"Go wash up for dinner, little one," Ane said with a soft laugh.

anemosagkelos

Offline

anemosagkelos

Offline

Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 10:36 am

The Darkness Inside
It was night and though Chailyn was wrapped up in a blanket, she felt cold. The blinds had been left open, letting the moonlight slip into her room but she found it dull. She really didn't know what to do as she rested her head against the pillow. She couldn't seem to sleep, nor could she stop thinking.

Her little mind was filled to the brim with thoughts of wings. Everyone had wings, it seemed. Aislinn had feathery angel wings, Anemone had small angel wings on her head, Adonis had blue star-filled wings like the night sky, Lance had green dragon wings, and Laban had white papery wings.

A small sigh escaped her lips as she tried to figure out why she didn't have wings. She wondered if it simply meant she wasn't special. Nothing made enough sense in her mind to be the right answer. If she wasn't special, wouldn't her parents have less love for her? That didn't make sense either. She didn't know what would make someone love anyone less, if anything would.

She sat up pulling the blanket around her tighter. It seemed to grow colder as she peered through the darkness. She could see the white wings of Laban fluttering gently. It was a slight comfort as she felt Cynder jump onto the bed, the feline's loud purring breaking the silence.

"Cynder..." she whispered petting the feline's head. She smiled as she wrapped her arms around the cat, hugging her gently. The cat's soft black fur was filled with warmth.

Chailyn buried her face in the cat's fur letting the scent of perfume fill her nose. Lately the cat had smelt of an old perfumed scent that no one knew of. The feline seemed to disappear during the day and returned at night to sleep with whoever. Usually it was Chailyn's room she snuck into to as the girl liked to leave her door open.

The purring of Cynder blurred the sad thoughts inside of Chailyn's mind. It was a few moment before the girl was lulled to sleep, arms wrapped around the cat. The blanket seemed to warm up covering the child as her breath deepened in slumber.

Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 10:37 am

Fairy Tales: Part One
It was Tuesday afternoon and Chailyn was supposed to be getting ready for her nap. She was dragging her feet along, not really wanting to do anything more than play. She was tempted to pout, in hopes someone would agree to at least read her a story. Listening to people read books without pictures had a habit of making her sleepy. It was rather ironic since she loved listening to stories.

Dulcea had gone to put Miette and Kali down for naps, Cyrus had already curled up in the family room and fallen asleep. Leaving Aislinn, Prem, and Rosalind the only three left to torment the adults. Not that they ever did, much to Kali's dismay. The little elf couldn't wait to grow up so she could torment everyone. Of course, she wasn't waiting much.

"Kali! Come back here!" Dulcea's voice drifted down the stairs. A groan could be heard as she exited the room looking for the elf. "It's just a nap, Kali. Can't you just give in and go to sleep?" the dog asked but didn't get any response.

A giggle caught Chailyn's attention as she trudged into her room. Tilting her head, she kneeled down and looked to see Kali hiding under her bed. She gave a giggle seeing her sister.

"Hide?"

"Shh, don't let Dulcea hear you." Kali scolded lightly. She listened quietly before crawling out from under the bed. As she straightened, she caught sight of Aislinn. The cherub opened her mouth to tell where the elf was hiding, only to find a hand cover her mouth.

"I can't sleep if you yell," Chailyn told Aislinn sadly before trudging over to her bed. "Will you two tell me a story?"

Kali looked at Aislinn who returned her gaze. Aislinn was a bookworm and knew plenty of stories. Kali on the otherhand didn't know much save horror stories she read or wrote. The two of them telling a story was something they'd never tried. Although Kali would do almost anything to get out of going to sleep.

"Sure, we will!" Kali stated dragging Aislinn over.

"We will?" Aislinn asked. She glanced at Kali wondering if the elf was going to try playing a trick on her. Kali almost never wanted to do anything with her, whether that was a good thing or bad thing, she hadn't decided yet.

"Yes, we will. That way I don't have to take a nap," Kali admitted.

"Oh, that's why," Aislinn said softly.

"Kali, you're supposed to be taking a nap. You are not supposed to be down here bothering Chailyn," Dulcea lectured appearing in the doorway.

"I'm not bothering her. She wants Aislinn and I to tell her a story, so there," the elf retorted sticking her tongue out in triumph. She latched on to Aislinn's hand as she climbed to sit beside Chailyn.

Dulcea looked on with a defeated look. She shrugged looking up at the ceiling before turning away. As long as she didn't get in trouble, she wasn't going to push it. She might as well let them.

"How about we take turns?" Aislinn asked settling in her spot. She smiled when Kali nodded in agreement. Now how was she going to start this story? It took her a moment to figure it out but she finally decided on the classic opening line. "Once upon a time..."

Once upon a time, in a land far away, there was a grand kingdom. It was known as the kingdom of Arianeth. The kingdom was prized for the seven holy jewels that had been given to the King and Queen. The seven jewels protected their seven children as well as the kingdom.

The kingdom was ruled by King Desmond and Queen Christa, uniting the small empire that Desmond ruled over after his parents had been killed in the war. He had refused to continue the war after their deaths. Though the old kingdom of Leas had many princesses, he chose Christa. It began the Aeon of Celestial Dawn, an era of peacefulness.

"Oh, come on. This is starting out very boring," Kali mumbled rolling her eyes.

"What's your idea? A cemetery?" Aislinn retorted.

"No, but it's my turn anyways," the elf replied with a smirk. "As Aislinn said, they had seven children...,"

Arianeth was first gifted with the birth of a prince named Gabriel. His brothers Darrien and Nathanial were born shortly after, the first twins ever born to royalty. Christa gave birth to Lucia next, followed by Rosetta. Zane was the last prince to be born and Eva the last princess.

There was only one thing that jeopardized the kingdom. The once dark kingdom of Mercava's ruins still lay haunted by Goreizuwus, The Unholy Eyes. It was the only entity in the land that was evil, or so they believed. For lurking near the outskirts was a woman of the night who was just waiting to crumble Desmond's reign. Her name was Ahesiel, a fallen guardian that embodied greed and selfishness.

"A woman of the night?"

"If you'd let me continued, you'd find out what it was," Kali said shaking her head. Why did the cherub have to be so difficult?

"Ok, continue," Aislinn said whispering softly. She couldn't see where the story was going. She sighed shaking her head gently as she waited to hear what else was going to happen.

Ahesiel was a tall woman with lightly tanned skinned and ruby red lips. She was breath-taking in beauty but their was something dark and menacing in her eyes. She could never cover the ill feeling that her eyes released, leaving her to wait for the perfect opportunity.

"I tell you, there is something in those ruins!" an old woman insisted glowering at a young man.

"Sure there is," he replied, brushing off her story as an overactive imagination. "Now, why don't we get you home. You'll feel better once you're inside."

"But Jon-" the woman started but was cut off as she was dragged away.

"So...there's something in Mercava..." Ahesiel murmured to herself.

anemosagkelos

Offline

anemosagkelos

Offline

Posted: Sun Sep 04, 2005 10:14 pm

Fairy Tales: Part Two
"Ok, so what's this lady?" Aislinn interrupted with a sigh. She hadn't a clue where this story was going and she had started it. The cherub fluttered her wings in mild annoyance with her sister.

"Do you have to keep interrupting? I'm getting there!" Kali retorted placing her hands on her hips. "As I was saying, before I was interrupted so rudely..." she casted a glare at her sister before continuing.

Of the seven children only two really ventured outside of the castle. Gabriel and Lucia, the oldest prince and princess, had found exploring outside to help occupy their time. With their mother so busy taking care of her other five children and their father busy ruling, it wasn't hard to sneak out. Both enjoyed disguising themselves as common folk, something their siblings would have scoffed at.

Gabriel looked much like their father, tall with dark short hair. He was muscular from his explorations with dark blue eyes and lightly tanned skin. If anything was to show that they were related it was their dark blue eyes. Lucia was shorter than her brother with long auburn hair and though she was stronger than her sisters, her muscles weren't evident. She didn't seem fragile though she did seem out of place when among the common folk.

Unlike Gabriel, Lucia had never looked like she fit in. Whether she was exploring, visiting with the common, or just sitting around with her sisters. The only place Lucia looked like she belonged was beside her mother. She didn't seem to mind that she stuck out like a sore thumb, so to speak, for Rosetta was the opposite. Rosetta didn't fit in, as well as she blended in everywhere. Of the three princesses, only Eva seemed to have one place she fit and that was on the throne.

"My turn, you've been blabbing on and on forever," Aislinn whined softly. She sighed wanting to take a book out to read rather than try and make up some silly story. She'd never really made up a story. She just made Captain Hook visit Sleeping Beauty instead of Peter Pan.

"All right..." Kali relunctantly agreed. The elf gave a light sigh sure her story would fall apart once the cherub began to speak.

Gabriel and Lucia had set off the next day to do some exploring. They weren't planning to go very far. That was if they were even going to get out of town. That hadn't gone very far when an elderly woman called out to them beckoning to come back.

"Come back here," the old woman coughed out. She staggered after the pair reaching out with one hand. "Please, I must speak with you," she added as she saw that they were confused on what they should do.

"I'm sure she won't keep us long," Lucia whispered turning to smile at the old woman. She walked towards the woman and took a hold of her hand. "What is it?"

"I've seen the two of you leave town often, going out to find adventure. Don't go near Mercava, there's something lurking in those ruins. It's evil," the old woman said inbetween fits of coughing. Her grip on Lucia tightened during her coughing though the young princess didn't seem to mind.

"Grandmother, what are you doing? You're supposed to be laying down," Jonathon called. He sighed shaking his head. His grandmother didn't listen at all, constantly looking for someone to talk to or roaming around. His hazel eyes and light brown hair were a light contrast to his grandmother's gray hair and empty sapphire eyes. She seemed like a phantom.

"I told you, I have to warn anyone who is thinking of going near the ruins, Jonathon." She huffed glaring at him like he'd just stolen something. He simply shook his head looking at Gabriel and Lucia apologetically.

"Don't worry, we weren't planning on going near the ruins. I've only seen it from a distance but it's much too creepy," Lucia said with a soft smile. Unlike Gabriel or Jonathon, she wasn't brushing the old woman off nor was she paying any attention to the two men. "It's all right. What's your name?"

"Isabel," the old woman replied.

"Isabel, we aren't going near the ruins. Don't fret so." Lucia smiled, receiving a smile in return from the old woman.

"How come you never smile at me?" Jonathon asked his grandmother raising in eyebrow in surprise.

"Because you never listen to me, you old nincompoop!" Isabel replied glaring at him again.

"Sounds like us," Kali mumbled to herself.

"What did you say?" Aislinn asked, tilting her head to the side.

"Nothing," the elf covered hiding a smirk. "You can continue..."

Ahesiel looked at the ruins of Mercava, a grin on her face. Creepy was an understatement as a description of this place. Shadows roamed at every point, crumbling cement blocks served as tombstones for the bones of people who had been trapped and killed. Dried blood had stained the normally soft sepia bones, a streaky maroon aged brown. Empty eye sockets from skulls stared up at the sky asking why, while the grinning jaws were empty of teeth giving off an eerie insanity crazed smile.

Towards the center of the ruins, a black void seemed to be swelling up from a broken mirror. Stepping over the cement, Ahesiel let her heel crush through a skull without any care. She moved to the void looking it over. It seemed like a portal of some sort, though to what was uncertain. She moved around it and looked at it, not noticing the eyes that had started to appear. As she moved to the front again, her eyes locked onto the phantom causing her to stumble forwards slipping into the portal.

"Shoot," she muttered shaking her head as she pushed herself up. It took a moment to notice, her hands weren't gripping crumbling cement but smooth marble flooring. She lifted her head to see she was no longer in the ruins of Mercava but some sort of phantom form of the kingdom. "What the-"

"Took you long enough, Ahesiel. I've been waiting for you to come," a deep voice cut in.

"Who the-"

"Be patient, I'll get to it. As for now, you're in Mercava. The people of Arianeth are foolish and simple, thinking this kingdom could be destroyed. For now it is simply in slumber, until we are strong," the voice continued.

"Whose we? I only hear you," Ahesiel replied sarcastically. She really didn't like not being able to see this thing that was speaking to her. It bristled her instincts, telling her something was trying to trick her.

"The people of Mercava are in slumber as well. I am the King of Mercava, Goreizuwus known as The Unholy Eyes," he stated.

"The Unholy Eyes? You must've been late to the meeting where people got titles because let me tell you, that is one of the lamest I've ever heard!" she replied trying to hold back her laughter.

"Really?" he asked, his voice dropping lower. One could almost hear the sinister smirk falling upon his lips as he stepped out of the shadows, hidden in the robes of a dark cloak and hood. His hands slipped out taking hold of his hood pushing it down. His eyes were closed, letting her first glance at his face. Subtle hints of tan skin were hard to see in the dimly lit kingdom but one could tell he had a smooth complexion. Long blond hair fell around him, strands blowing around in a wind that no one could feel. His eyelashes moved up as he opened his eyes.

What should've been staring back at Ahesiel was empty. There were no irises, no pupils, only a blank white substance. It was if the eyes had been removed and a milky white substance filled into the sockets, magically staying in place. It was a shock to say the least though it began to subside. This only proved to amuse him, for he was far from done. His fingers moved to his eyes, covering them for a moment.

"Aren't you a little old for hide and seek?" she asked, trying to retain her calm and collected attitude.

"Perhaps," he replied letting his hands drop to his sides. From the whiteness of his empty sockets, skulls stared out at her. The skulls shimmered turning blood red as an ooze seemed to cover them, dripping down and falling from Goreizuwus's sockets, spilling out onto the floor. A grin fell on his face, as he heard her scream. The pools of blood sprouting arms that began to reach for her.

Kali looked at Aislinn quite surprised her sister could come up with something even slightly creepy. She opened her mouth to compliment but stopped not wanting her sister to get a swelled head. "Keep that up and you'll scare her," she said referring to Chailyn.

"Yeah right," Aislinn retorted motioning to their little sister who was happily snuggled up with a pillow. Chailyn was smiling soft giggling falling out ever so often as she dreamed of flying and sprouting wings.

Posted: Sun Sep 04, 2005 10:24 pm

Standing Aside
Chailyn tugged on Anemone's hand dragging her towards the stationary shop. The toddler was making it too much fun for her mother to drag her feet. A small laugh fell from the woman's lips before scooping Chailyn up.

"Why in such a hurry?"

"I want see others," Chailyn said in response. She turned her head towards the shop to see if she could see any tales. "Wingless tales..." she whispered to herself.

"What?" Ane asked looking down at her. She gave a light sigh as Chailyn shook her head. She moved to the door, pushing it open and entering the stationary shop. She gave a smile setting the little tale down and nudging her towards the others.

Aido blinked towards the door, watching as three forms darted inside, two then one more. This was actually quite nice, being on the bookshelf, she could see everything and no one seemed to looked up when they first came in.

As the door quietly swung open again she manuvered her legs over the side and looked down debating on jumping down.

A moment later she pushed herself off and landed on her feet, though pain shot up her legs at the flatfoot landing. "Owowow," she grumbled then looked up and caught sight of the two new people who had just entered the shop, "hello there," she called warmly, waving in greeting, her halo glowing warmly.

Andi scooted under the couch, and waited there, Natty with him, the puppy waggling its whole hind end, and attempting to lick Andrael's face - which wasn't helping the hiding situation.
"Shhh! Natty!..."
He whispered, and giggled, clamping a hand over his mouth.

- - -

Lance crossed his arms, and cast his eyes towards the Tale on the bookcase, giving her a smirk.
"Good morrow to ye, young lass."
Ok - dialect change. He's either been around, or he's got a sizable bloodline from different areas.

Aido blinked at the sudden dialect change from the man. Yes, right, what did she know about, what were they called, accents...?

Oh yes! Her eyes lit up at the prospect and her halo brightened a notch, though it dropped closer to her hair, as if to disguise itself, "oh, wow, are you an explorer?" she asked eagerly.

Chailyn lifted her hand mimicking Aido's movement to wave back. She gave a smile taking a few steps forward. "Hullo," she replied softly at first. She looked at Lance, Teryl, and Deimos not sure what to make of all of them. She gave a wider smile after a moment calling out to all of them. "I'm Chailyn," she introduced.

Anemone smiled as the little girl introduced herself. She looked around making her away over to a chair and sitting down. She was hopeful that the tale would make more friends.

Lance laughed a bit, and dropped into a bow to both of them, completely forgetting his little game with Andi.
"Why yes, yes I am. And it is a veritable pleasure to meet ye, I must say."
Charming this one was. Charming, and a little haughty. But not overly. Mostly charming.

Teryl moved over to Aido, after picking up Zir and handing it back to Deimos. "Aido, could you take care of Deimos today? Jizzy's rather sick and I have to stay with her." She asked politely, hoping she'd been informed of the before hand.

Deimos looked around at the 3 newcomers, sizing them up slightly. He snugged his decapitated bear as he moved to Aido's side and tugged on ehr sleeve. "Ai!. Look. I big now!" He said proudly, hsi tail swishing back and forth.

Aido smiled to Chaylin, "it's very nice to meet you Chaylin, my name is Aido," she said warmly before Lance spoke up and her eyes shifted to him again.

She smiled widely and nodded politely to Lance, in return to his bow, "that's so cool, have you been to many places? What were they like?" she asked, almost in a rush of excitement, hungry as always for information about the unknown, before Deimos and Teryl spoke up and she, a bit reluctantly, went to adress them.

"Jizzy's sick? That's too bad, but I don't mind looking after Dei at all, tell her I hope she'll be better soon," she replied then looked down to Dei and grinned, "yes, you did get big!" she quickly scooped up the Mishap into her arms and glanced to Zir, "I see Zir's been through some rough times though."

Chailyn smiled at Aido in response and watched as everyone's attention turned to Aido. She unknowingly bit her bottom lip tilting her head to the side. It seemed that everyone liked this girl. She wondered if anyone liked her.

"Aido," she said with a smile. She liked that name. "That's a pretty name." The toddler looked at the others around wondering who they were.

She'd heard the name Jizzy, Dei, and Zir. She really wasn't sure who was who though. She took a step forward, feeling awkward in the group. She turned to look at her mother, thinking of just climbing into her arms and forgetting about saying hello.

anemosagkelos

Offline

anemosagkelos

Offline

Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2005 9:09 pm

Strangers, Strangers Everywhere
Aido yawned slightly and rolled over on the hard surface of the stationary shop roof, trying to resume the nap she'd begun, only to have it interupted by the squacking of an annoyed crow. Sadly, it seemed to be a lost cause.

With a sigh her eyes popped back open and she sat up, surveying the street ahead, indulging in a bit of people watching while she waited for something more exciting to happen.

Silent ran down the street trying to catch a flying Angelus. "Angelus!" The little Tale giggled with excitement. He could smell Aido's scent a mile away. With a burst of speed he soared up the side of the building and onto the roof.

Silent heaved a sigh. That little misfit.

Aido started slightly as Angelus suddenly burst into her line of vision, butt falling back on the roof, as she'd moved to sit on her heels. With a grin she waved to her friend, only barely keeping herself from pouncing on him, as they'd probably fall out of the air, "Angelus!"

Carrying his still groggy little imp over his shoulder, so his loose hair woudn't drag onto the ground, Akiya and Jiro were heading to the store for no reason other than being there.

Ignoring Jiro's muffled curses in his actual language, which the boy himself was slowly remembering, the tall man looked up and noticed Silent, who seemed miffed about something or another. "Hey, Silent. What's up?"

Hearing him speak, he lifted his hair and shoved his hair out of his face to see what was going on. Seeing that it was Silent, he nodded in her direction, his face groggy and showing he was not at all awake.

Silent looked to Akiya and gave another huff. " It's legal to murder your child, right? I mean, they're your property." Silent didn't mean it, but for some reason, Angelus was full of energy today and she wasn't. Her brown eyes went to the half-awake boy in the angel's arms. " Jiro. You should teach Angelus a thing or two about taking his time. He's not usually this bad but..." And then she stopped as realization set into place. Sugar cubes slowly went missing from their place in the sugar container. Silent usually put a few lumps in her coffee in the morning, but the supply was going fast. She rolled her eyes. " That troublemaker." She looked to the sky hoping to catch a glimpse of her Tale. No luck.

Angelus giggled again and dove right into Aido's arms. "Aido! I promised! See! I came back." Angelus didn't want to be away from the shop anymore.

"A...a...a..chooo!" Jizzy wiped her raw, red nose with a small handerchief as she led the small demonic child into the stationary shop by the hand. Her eyes were slightly puffy and she wore a large, warm sweater despite the blazing summer heat.

Deimos bounced upa nd down in exitement as he held his headless bear in one hand and his mother's hand in the other. He tugged on her poofy sweater sleeve, a few minute from the shop. "We get to see Ai, yes?" He asked and as his mother gave him a weak nod, he almost sqeed in exitement. He could smell her in the air, but right now he couldn't quite place her position. He was still just honing his skills.

Jizzy soon pushed open the door to the stationary shop. She winced as the small bell wingled and the smal noise seemed to be multiplied tenfold in her ears. "Uh.. Hello?" She called out shyly to the people there, none of which she currently recognized.

Aido gave a little cheer and hugged her friend as he dove into her arms, pushing her back a bit on the roof. Happily she nuzzeled his hair, her scarf draping over him lightly.

"You did! You kept your promise," her tone was full of happiness, though honestly she was surprised to see her friend again so quickly, espically after having not seen him for so long, but she had no intention of looking a gift horse in the mouth.

Laughing as she said that, he nodded. "Well they are our property so if we wanna kill them it is our own choice." Though he had the feeling that Silent didn't mean it but he himself had had his moments with his own kids. So it wasn't like he didn't know the feeling. "Well, it's better than him not having any energy, like how he was before. I much prefer him this way to be honest."

Jiro's eyes were glassy and fogged and he slowly blinked at her. "Huhnn?" At the moment, her words made no sense whatsoever to him so Akiya had to repeat himself in angelic tongue, which he was understanding at the moment. That made him slightly became more aware and he snorted. "Well you should be more careful with how much sugar he intakes..." He himself had been up practicing his blade dancing so being awoken from his nap was making him irritable...

Silent nodded, happy that Akiya agreed with her. " That's what I want to here. I want to be able to commit murder and get away with it. Her eyes went to the boy in his arms. " I'll have to have Demetra look after him when I'm not around. The kid is sneaky." She nodded her head in confirmation. Her eyes traveled to the shop door. " Are you coming Akiya?" Silent could have sword a woman walked a few moments before.

Angelus chuckled at the shock in her voice. "We're best friends, remember? I wouldn't lie." He nodded his head in affirmation. He would have liked to stay in Aido's arms longer, but his body was full of energy. He needed to do something!

Jizzy's puffy eyes gazed around the empty shop. She gave a small cough and was ablout to turn abck around when Deimos tugged her sleeve again.

"We find Ai!" He cried out, leading her towards the center of the room. "Ai! Ai!" He cried out loudly, making Jizzy's head pound in pain.

"Maybe she's not here Dei, lets just go home.." SHe said softly. She had no clue as to how Deimos had convinced her to come, especially in her dreadful state. She scanned the room, finding a small chair and rushing to it, sitting down as Deimos continued to repeat Aido's name.

A brief second of shadow passed over the sunlit areas near the window of the shop when the sun itself was blotted out by the flight of a pegasi and it's winged rider. He circled in the air a few times as his father entered the shop, pushing the door open with a tired look and immediately flopping down in a chair nearby. The man looked exhausted - as if he'd been dealing with an increasingly bratty little kid who had been reproaching him at every turn just to spite him.

Which he had.

A few minutes later Donny finally decided to land, and the clomps of his pegasi's footfalls on the sidewalk could be heard in a muffle coming from outside. Donny hopped off his companion and nuzzled his leg, before toddling toward the window. He could see his father through the glass, and noticed the man's eyes were closed. He took this opportunity to make foul faces through the window by stretching his cheeks and nose in random positions. The pegasi behind him stuck his muzzle near the window and glared inside, before breathing heavily on the windowpane and fogging it up.

"Pet, he is looking."

Donny opened his eyes and both his hands immediately dropped when he noticed his father's eyes were open to slits.

Oops.

Aido smiled at her friend, releasing her hold on him and chuckling lightly at the unusual show of energy, "you're right, I shouldn't have doubted you."

As the voices grew in numbers from below Aido moved to look over the edge, blinking as her own name was called, and rather loudly/impatiently at that. Looking to her friend she smiled, "should we head inside and see who's here?"

"Viddy...next time, no short cuts." Enoh muttered, pulling pieces of leaves and a stray twig or two from her hair. The shapeshifter definately looked a little strange as of late, and she doubted some people would recognize her right away these days - and it wasn't just because of the forestry debris on her person, though...it actually had to do with her hair. The short, silver locks had straightened themselves out and shortened, and the colour had slipped towards a light lavendar colour. For some unexplained reason, she was losing control of some of her shapeshifting talents that should have been a piece of cake, and one of those happened to be her hair. Luckily, it decided to stay short and lavendar as of late...

Though knowing she couldn't change it back irked her to no end.

"But Viddy THOUGHT it take smaller time...!" The small tale at her side protested. Unlike her author, the tale proudly wore the leaves and twigs that had stuck themselves in her long, braided hair. "BUT. It was lotsa fun." Vidya giggled, brightening visibly. The bounce to her step had something to do with how alive she felt dragging her Mother through the heavily forested section of the park.

"Ah...Look, Donny got here before us! Daddy's inside right? Ah, I see him..." Enoh spoke softly, patting Donny on the head before slipping inside. Vidya lagged a little bit this time, staring wide-eyed at her brother while he made faces at the glass. She waved her hello of course, and quickly hurried into the shop.

However, unlike Enoh, who had targeted Nio (she was worried about the rather exhausted expression he had), Vidya took a u-turn and went to the opposite side of the glass window, looking around it, and then at Donny. She gave him a baffled look...it didn't look like there was anything here to make faces at...

Boys sure were weird.

"Whattcha doin'?"

Anemone was practically dragging Chailyn along this time to the stationary shop. She was still a bit lost in thoughts from before. She sighed as she ran into her mother's leg. She peered up at her mother dumbfounded.

"Why stop?" she asked starring up at her mother.

"Look, there's Donny," Ane pointed out hoping it'd snap Chai out of her thoughts. She smiled, her own echoing Chai's as the toddler perked up.

"Donny!" Chailyn exclaimed happily. She grinned toddling forward and latching onto the boy. Finally, someone she knew. She didn't like not knowing everyone that was in a place, but knowing one person would make her feel a bit better.

Ane stood up waving a hello to Frey before opening the door. Holding it open so that Donny and Chailyn could go inside.

He was just amused by Silent's issue with Angelus and the sugar cubes. "Well let's let him run it around on his own and then see how it will go further." Noticing that his little Tale was shifting again, he looked up at the sky as something seems to blot it out for a bit. Seems Adonis arrived, which menat his father was around. The only sound he got from Jiro was a snort.

Though the angel had to admit Adonis' mount had been very lovely to see. "Looks like the Tales are starting to get together.. this will be a good thing for you, Jiro."

His responce?

"Pou jun bae nillim hyuah ha.." Which meant he would rather choke on his own spit. He still wasn't the most social of people and one or two.. hell he'd deal with up to three, but this many? Bleh. Once the shiny one appeared, he wanted to be allowed to go back to bed. "Why are we here again?" Having no choice but to be awake, he settled on Akiya's shoulder and lifted up his hair, working quickly to do something with his loose hair. Since Akiya was still heading towards the shop, he realized he was going to have to buck up and deal with it anyway. "Well, if we're all going to go, then let's just go."

Smirking cause he knew Jiro was gonna gnaw on him later for purposely leaving his chopsticks behind, the angel swept an arm to Silent. "Shall we then? Let's go say hello to everyone else."

Jizzy scanned around, hearing the bell jingle softly, though it wss much to loud for her. "A...a...chooo!" She sneezed again, putting the handkerchief to her nose and sniffling slightly.

She tried to make out who was at the entrance, but they were all strangers to her. "Hello.." She said softly, with the voice of someone whose nose is very clogged and through is very scratchy.

Deimos heard the bell and spun around walking people come in, but Aido was nowhere to be seen. "Where Ai?!" He cried out angryly.

Adonis was instantly appeased by the sight of his mother, who he wasn't being spiteful to at all - she hadn't forgotten him when it came time to buy offerings presents. Besides, he couldn't possibly ever be mad at his mother, for some unknown and inexplicable reason.

His facial expressions stopped once more when he saw Viddy's skewed face through the window, and he giggled loudly, reaching his hand up and blotting her out by pressing his palm against the window playfully. This game didn't last for long however as he was practically tackled by Chailyn. He stumbled to the side a bit, as his lack of balance when on the ground forced him to, but a moment later squealed happily and hugged Chailyn. "Where Chaichaichai come from! Chai fell from the sky!"

That's right kids, Donny's a poet and he doesn't know it. Shut up.

He grabbed both of Chai's hands in his own and practically dragged her inside when the door was left open for them, taking her in a straight beeline to meet Viddy. He held up both the girls arms like a tent over his sister's head.

"Look Viddy this is Chaichai! This is Viddy, Donny's sister!"

The only source of relief in Nio's life at the moment was that beautiful face that looked down at him in worry. He gave Enoh a sleepy smile, and both of his long ears wrapped over his eyes and covered them.

"I've decided that Donny doesn't need a father anymore." He mumbled through his ears. "He needs a Lo Jack, a beeper, and to be as far away from me as possible."

He...blocked her out? Vidya had a mind to do the exact same thing back to him, but two things happened in that time; One, she really wanted to know why he has blocked her out (and the thought made her pout), and Two, a brown-haired girl bowled him over. Of course, she found this hilarious, and this was only proved to be true by the gleeful spleals of laughter.

Take THAT, Donny! Heeee...

Before she knew it, there was a bright, shiney thing infront of her, accompanied by a very pretty girl. It took her a few seconds to realize that the shiney thing was her brother (she'd been laughing too hard to actually notice him come closer), and that the pretty girl was the brown-haired one that had bowled him over (to whom she owed her current glee).

"ChaiChai?" Vidya repeated, leaning her head to the side and looking at the other girl, studying her. "Aiie...! ChaiChai's very pretty! S'got purple eyes! Daddy has purple hair." Of course, she just HAD to inform the girl of this. "And...Wow! Pretty clothes...!". Vidya, the one who is ever-addicted to outlandish or regional clothing, was simply stunned by the prettiness of Chailyn's attire. Squealing in glee, Vidya threw her arms around the other girl, nuzzling her.

"Yes! Pretty ChaiChai! Me Vidya! ...Viddy!".

"No Father? Psh. You know as well as I do that you'll miss him the second he's gone." She giggled softly, sitting on the armrest of the chair. "I'm pretty sure he still needs you, dearest. Besides...you've already promised Vidya we'd keep him!"

Chailyn didn't have much time to think as Donny dragged her inside the stationary shop. She didn't mind though, it was nice to see Donny again even if he was dragging her somewhere. She smiled absently as she was brought before Vidya. She blinked at first, her hands slipping from Donny's as she let her arms fall to her sides.

"Sister. Viddy." Chailyn repeated as she was introduced to Vidya. She smiled at the blue tale finding her wings and skin tone quite interesting. She was a bit surprised as Vidya engulfed her in a hug but returned it as best she could. "Me Chailyn. Viddy pretty, too. White wings like Mommy," she added noting that Vidya had said something about their father having purple eyes.

Anemone smiled down at Chailyn looking over to see Nio and Enoh. She felt her stomach twist into knots. She wasn't sure if she should say hello or not to them, well maybe Enoh. She bit the inside of her cheek, wishing she'd asked Dulcea to bring Chai.

The door swung open with a light jingle as Chao stepped in, eyes closed, one hand over her mouth to stifle a yawn, nearly tripping over the welcome matt.

Finding her balance again the author paused to take a look around the unusually crowded Stationary shop, recognizing a few faces while others merely belonged to strangers.

Still she gave a rather warm wave to any who had looked up and a light smile, that was cut short as she yawned again, cleary she hadn't gotten enough sleep or something the night before.

After he saw Chao go inside, he held the door for Silent and once she went in, he ducked inside. Also he had to be more careful with Jiro sitting on his shoulder as he was. There were a lot of Tales and parents there. Well this was good, he supposed. "See? You're not gonna be bored or anything, Jiro. There are a lot of others here. Look. Viddy's here." Picking up his son,

he set him down on the ground. "You will interact today, won't you?"

A shrug was all he got in responce. Right now, Viddy was busy and he wasn't exactly keen to get in the middle of any huggy party. That just wasn't his scene. He wished Shouhin had brought along Kali this time around, then he wouldn't be bored cause he would have had someone to talk to. Instead of going towards the others, he followed Akiya. He knew if Silent was here, so was Angelus and if Chao arrived then Aido was around somewhere. He would wait for them to show.

And if he felt like it, he might interact with the others. Though he wuold say hello to Viddy once she was free.

Jizzy spotted Chao immidiatly and was about to shout a greetin, but a loud sneeze came from her mouth instead. She sniffled and wiped her nose with the hanky once more before

finanly speaking. "Hello Chao.." She said horsely.

Deimos glance around. He didn't know anyone here, well, he knew Chao, but if Ai wasn't with her, she didn't matter. His eye caught insted on several other Tales, though three of them seemed busy, one caught his eye. He was alone and his mismatched head wings caught his attention. He made his way boldly over to Jiro and stood up to his full 3 foot height. " 'alo. I Deimos. You know Ai?" He asked. Someone here had to know Aido and he hoped it would be this Tale rather than the overly cheerful ones a while away.

Silent smiled at the angel and gladly accept the offered arm. Stepping into the shop, many people surprisingly, caught her eye. Mostly new people. Her eyes went to Akiya. "Dorothy, we're not in Kansas anymore." She gave a tentative wave to everyone in the room. " Hi. I'm Silent and my Tale is somewhere around here. " Speaking of her child, Angelus flew in after Chao and was sitting upon a bookshelf. She pointed her finger to the observing child. " There. Angelus say hi." The fallen angel flapped his feathers and cocked his head to the side.

No words left his lips. Silent looked to the room. "That's how he says hello." She said nervously. She was expecting the Tale to fly sumersaults in the air.

Donny was very pleased that his sister approved of Chai so well. He puffed up proudly as if every compliment the girl bestowed upon Chai was actually given to himself, and rose one wing to wrap around Chai's shoulders in a telltale claiming manner. He thought that perhaps he should collect all his prizes in one room and line them up in a row, for sheer convenience like toys.

There was something seriously, seriously wrong with the little toddler lately.

Nio lifted one of his long ears to eye Enoh warily as she sat beside him. "I did promise, didn't I. Drat." He grinned helplessly, and let both his ears hang languidly behind him, while shifting to sit up straighter if only because he enjoyed the warm presence of his wife just a little closer. He caught a glimpse of Ane standing near the doorway, and gave her a friendly wave. After all, they were on good terms now.

In fact, there were several people there, as he only suddenly realized. Was he being a little anti-social, not greeting everyone such as the woman at the door just did? He felt a soft blush touch his cheeks at the thought - being a social butterfly was his wife's department, never his. Still, he gave the greeting woman a friendly smile in response. No sense in being rude.

Was there a boy.. flying.. in the shop.. and it wasn't.. him? Donny's attention had zoomed in to Angelus almost immediately, and his gaze narrowed. What was this, what was this..!? Birds of a feather.. well, either they stick together, or tear one another apart for a scrap of meat.

He was helplessly curious to see where these birds would fall

Chailyn was pleased that Vidya appeared to like her so much. She could see why Donny liked his sister and she thought she liked the blue tale as well. She looked at the others around them finding it somewhat overwhelming, especially since she didn't know any of them. She smiled as Donny draped a wing around her shoulder, nuzzling into it somewhat like a kitten might.

"Who all them?" Chailyn asked gently. She hadn't seen Angelus, though she'd spotted Jiro and she thought she'd heard Aido's name but didn't see the older girl anywhere.

Anemone gave a nervous smile towards Nio opening her mouth to say hello, only to hear Silent. She didn't know her and decided to introduce herself. "I'm Anemone. It's nice to meet you Silent and Angelus," she started. She pointed over to Chailyn, though she wasn't far away, "That's Chailyn."

Kicking a bottle in the street, Elysia couldn't help but think that Gambino was definitely not the place you'd shop for party invitations. She crossed the center of town, heading South to Barton, taking in the surroundings of a place very changed from what it was a couple of years ago when she'd built her lab here. Now Gambino was more a place created to get your kicks, so they say. Now that the casino had been built, the island had attracted a rather...seedy...bunch of people, and Elysia thought it only made the area seem cheap. But getting of the main roads, the island was still as beautiful as ever, so she made a point to only go into town when she had to. She still had her beach house and lab, and she lived in relative peace, the city growing up around her.

Preferring to shop somewhere less ritzy, she headed toward Barton, a destination already in mind. As she walked, the wisp that had bonded to her stayed attached to her shoulder, it's shadowy tendrils wrapping around sections of her hair and around her arm. It wasn't going anywhere. The turquoise gem had had a mind of it's own recently, and it's appearance at her side had only caused strange side effects. She had begun to have prophetic dreams, and it seemed her mind itself had become more powerful, her telepahic powers becoming stronger. She wasn't sure that it was the wisp that had caused the changes, but she couldn't attribute it to anything else. She was enjoying her newfound power, but thought it a bit strange that such a creature could do this to her. Nevertheless, things had been going quite well for Elysia, and she was ready to celebrate life again.

After 45 minutes or so of walking, she found her way into Barton, heading for the stationary shop she'd stopped in a couple of times to get resume paper. This time she had a plan in mind. Her birthday, and her second anniversary since she'd come to Gaia were right around the corner, and she wanted to celebrate this year in full force. First off, she needed invitations. Any proper party needed invitations--they were the integral element to set the initial mood of the gathering.

Walking up the path to the shop, she pulled the door open and walked inside, floorboards creaking under her feet. She noticed quite the varied group of children and adults in the main room of the shop, and quickly headed straight for the cardstock, hoping she'd find something appropriate. Ears open, she was curious about the shops other 'customers'.

Run. Run. Run. Run. Run!

Lance was putting all he had into running, challanging every fibre of muscle he posessed in his small body. His body screamed for him to stop, but everytime his pace faltered, he

envisioned Tybalt laughing at him for being slow, and it spurred him to go faster.

"Lance! Slow down!" Dragonfly gasped, trying to catch up with the child.

Dragonfly had agreed to a visit to the stationary store, not a sprint-a-thon all the way there! Her chest heaved with effort as her step faltered, and she shook her head as the child's tail disappeared from sight.

"Lance!" she called hoarsly, growling inwardly at how out of shape she had become. Lazy island life on Cetalu was not doing her body wonders, it seemed.

Lance however, did not heed his guardian's calls. He turned on a dime, and came flying into the Stationary store, sliding between Sizzla's legs, coming to a halt a few feet in front of her.

"Not fast enough," he scowled to himself, panting to catch his breath.

His eyes widened as he realized how many people were at the store, and he couldn't help but flush as he realized the entry he'd just made.

A halo, followed by a hand poked out of the shadow Angelus cast and moments later Aido had pulled herself up and out, onto the bookshelf to sit peacefully by her friend and survey the packed room.

"Wow..." so many Tales, so many authors, so many people!! The Stationary Shop was rarely this full. Her bi-colored eyes flickered to each of them and she waved cheerfully to those she knew and even a few of those she didn't.

Chao smiled, and sighted Jizzy, grinning she ran over and tossed her arms around her friend, exhaustion ebbing to a sort of hyperness she didn't understand, "heya Jizzy!" she caught sight of the woman's face and grimanced, promptly releasing her hold and backing up a few paces, "hael! What are you doing up and about? You look like hell."

She barely caught an introduction being given and turned, realizing she wasn't far from the woman introdusing herself. Eager to meet another author she briefly turned away from her sick friend, "hello Anemone, I'm Chao and-" she paused, looking for her daughter, spotting her atop the bookshelf, "that is Aido, it's nice to meet you."

Akiya was not the type to just say intro, something he and Jiro had in common, so he smiled at the ones he knew and inclined his head at the others. The space was rather full now, that all these people were in the store at once. This had never happened before.. that he could recall anyway.

Working on braiding his black locks of hair, the sounds of someone speaking to him made him lift his head up and look over at the boy talking to him. "Jiro. And yes, I

know Aido.. she just came in actually." He bowed his head towards her and Angelus as they both zipped in and then went up to the top of a bookshelf. That was rather nifty. He wished he could climb on top of one. Ah well, nothing he could do about it now, he guessed. "Are you good friends with Aido?"

Angelus and Aido people watched from the top of the bookcase. He quickly spotted Jiro and invited him over. His eyes then went to another Tale in the room. The one with bright blue glittery wings. He noticed him looking at him as well. Angelus cocked his head to the side in curiosity. The only other Tale he met who had wings was Tybalt, but he didn't have such a nice first impression with him. He observed the other Tale, taking in his whole being. He turned to Aido. "So many people." He commented.

Silent nodded to everyone who responded to her greeting. Now, where to sit. Looking around she spotted an empty love seat. She looked to Akiya.

"Care to share that couch?" The room was packed.

Jizzy sniffled slightly, holding the hanky close to her face and nodded a greeting to everyone inside. "Deimos needed to get out and he said he wanted to come here. Teryl was busy, so I had to bring him." She explain, coughing harshly.

Deimos nodded fiercely, clinging to his headless bear, his demonic tail swishing. He'd never met another tale besides Aido and Jiro had caught his attention. "Ai give me Zir!" He said, indicating to the battered bear. "Ai nice, maybe too nice. I worry she get uh.." Deimos searched around for the proper expression. "walked over." He concluded, nodding and glancing up at Aido. He couldn't possibly get up there and decided simply to wave at her, hoping she'd come down.

Anemone smiled at Chao, "It's nice to meet you. Chailyn and I saw Aido earlier." She turned to look at Aido and Angelus, before her gaze fell to Chailyn. She tilted her head as the tale looked at her. She was about to say something when she noticed the girl wasn't paying attention to Vidya or Donny.

Chailyn was looking over at Lance with a smile. She was glad to know someone else and made her way to over to the dragon tale. "Lance!" she called out happily. She waved at the tale thinking of walking over to talk to him.

"I wish we could stay longer but I said we wouldn't be long." Anemone apologized to everyone. She gave a smile. She wave at Donny and Lance, waiting for Chailyn to finish giving the three good-bye hugs.

"Chai stay long again," Chailyn said, meaning she'd stay longer next time. She relunctantly let go of her friends as her mother lifted her up. "Bye," she said softly, a pout forming. If Ane hadn't already started out the door, she just might've given in and let the little one stay.

Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 9:04 am

Breaking Free
Dulcea had been sitting with Chailyn at the Balan shop, watching the toddler take care of the egg. She gave a light sigh finding it tiring since there didn't seem to be anyone around to talk to. She had started to doze off when she hard Chailyn speak.

"Laban?" the toddler asked. She had jumped slightly when the egg began to shake and found the cracking shell a bit scary. She was desperately hoping that she hadn't broken it when a nose peeked out.

A piece of egg shell rested on the balan's head, as his bronze tipped ears perked up. He watched Chailyn tilt her head and mimicked the movement. "La-ban?" he thought to her. A soft light flickered in his eyes as his bronze chest fur puffed out.

"Dully...I heard his voice in my head." Chailyn looked to the dog tahnee confused.

"He must be telepathic," Dulcea replied sitting up and scootching over.

"Tell-a-pa-what?"

"Tell-a-path-ic, it means that they speak with their mind."

"Tell-a," was all Laban could manage for the moment. He shakingly placed a front paw out of the egg shell, wobbling slightly as he lifted his other front paw. He waited until his front paws were settled before lifting up one of his back paws. His weight shifted forward causing him to stumble falling out of the egg shell and onto the couch.

"You'll get better," Chailyn told him. "I'll teach you the alphabet!"

"Al-fa-bet?"

"A is for apple and B is for bread."

"Ap-ple. B-red."

"Come on, Chailyn. We'd better get home. You need to get some sleep for tomorrow," Dulcea said picking her up with one arm while hoisting the balan up with her other arm.

anemosagkelos

Offline

anemosagkelos

Offline

Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 11:46 am

The Art of Dance
Chailyn stared up at Madame Belle her purple eyes wide with amazement. The woman in front of her was tall for one with red hair pulled back into a bun. She was young it seemed, with a tan complexion. She might have had a blemish hidden beneath her foundation and rouge, but she looked natural. Her ears looked like they stuck out slightly more than normal and her nose was just slightly upturned. Still she was pretty.

Of everything, Chailyn was entranced by the wardrobe of the teacher. She was dressed in the oddest outfit the child had ever seen. The child found it odd that the woman was wearing a bathing suit with tights, a long flowing see-through skirt wrapped around her waist. She didn't really notice the leg warmers or slippers, much too curious about the leotard her teacher was wearing.

"Bonjour, Chailyn. How are you, today?" Madame Belle asked with a heavy french accent. She smiled bending down to greet the toddler before turning her attention to Anemone. "Bonjour, Anemone."

"Bonjour, Madame," Anemone replied. She reached her hand out, shaking the woman's hand in politeness.

"Call me, Carmella. I'm glad to see such a young child joining the group. You're free to stay and watch."

"I thought I would for today. I'm hoping Chai will like it. She's just a toddler so I hope she'll be able to learn," Anemone replied. She bent down picking up Chailyn in her arms. "I think you'd better get changed, little one. I can just imagine you tumbling about if you try ballet in this outfit," she said with a soft laugh.

The ballet room was quite bare for the most part. It was a large room with stained Sugar Maple flooring and a gentle apricot wall color. The left side of the wall was covered with a mirror while the right side had a banister along it for practice. The back wall had french doors in the center leading to the dressing rooms as well as bathrooms for the students while the front wall had a simple door towards the left where students entered.

Chailyn walked out holding onto Ane's hand tightly feeling a bit awkward in her short sleeved pink leotard. She had pink tights and pink ballet slippers to complete her outfit, while her brown hair was pulled back into a tight bun, a pink scrunchie holding it there. Soft firebrick highlights made her hair stand out gently amongst the pink, her skin like subtle snow.

"I'm ready," Chailyn told the teacher with a hesitant and nervous smile. She looked up at Madame Belle not quite knowing what she was to do.

"Don't worry, Chailyn, you'll do fine," Madame Belle encouraged. She took hold of Chailyn's hand leading her over to the bar, instructing her to take hold of the lowest one. "We always do plies and grande plies first. That way we won't get hurt."

"Ok..." Chailyn replied softly. She watched the teacher do the exercises before the Madame gently helped her into position. Resting her hands on the child's shoulders she let her know how far to go down before returning to an upright position.

Anemone watched from back wall, as other children filtered into the room. Madame ignored them at first, focusing solely on Chailyn before letting go and walking to the center of the room.

"Take your places at the bar, we will do exercises and then have a slight break from normal so that you may meet our new student. Now, plies and Grande plies Down and up, down and up," the teacher instructed. She gave a smile as the group exercised finding it accurate. She let the group continue for awhile before clapping her hands.

"Class, this is Chailyn. She's a new student. I don't want to take up a lot of time right now, but we'll all need to help her," she told the students. "Now, I'm going to be helping Chailyn a bit, so please be patient," she added as she walked over to Chailyn. "We've been working on poisson, it's a bit tricky."

Madame Belle stood on the balls of her feet crossing her right leg over her left while she extended her arms up curving them in a oval shape. She arched her back spinning around once before stopping and kneeling down to help Chailyn.

The toddler looked up at her with wide eyes. She could easily mimicked the arm position and cross her legs. How she was going to arch her back and stand on the balls of her feet while spinning was something she wasn't sure of. She was wobbly enough at times, and as the teacher helped her into position she could feel her legs shake. She stood trying to spin her front leg slipping out and causing her to fall forward.

"I got you."

"I clumsy?" Chailyn asked looking up at her teacher and stealing a glance towards her mother.

"Not at all, Chai. It takes practice," Anemone whispered. She smiled at her daughter slipping her shoes off and easily falling into the poisson position. She picked her right leg up, bending it at the knee and pointing her toes as she stepped forward lifting her back leg up as she turning in a circle. She gave a soft laugh as she sslid over to Chailyn. She took the little girls hands in her own helping her to stand straight.

"Excellent."

Welcome to Gaia! ::

Gaia Guilds

Tall Tales Stationery Store

Quick Reply

More Information