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 Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 11:05 am
|Mouse & Wolf| Entry Format______
Chronicle [C]
Summary______
Tia, Iqbal and Fortune take a small trip to the local antique shop, but things seem to take a turn for the worst with a mouse.
OOC Notes______
N/A|01/07/05| It was a brand new morning as Tia had already left her Ieldi home in Upper Kyendi and had managed to get back to the estate before the sun was up too far.
She yawned in the kitchen, as Moros, a camel chef (one of Ralph's men), had been mixing ingredients for pancakes.
"Good morning Miss, breakfast is going to be good today, pancakes for all!" he said humbly in his heavy Russian accent. Tia gave a crooked smile.
"Thanks Moros. I'm going to go get the duo upstairs ... oh and after breakfast we're going shopping so I'm going to be out most of the day."
"Moros understand Miss."
Tia gave one more smile before entering Iqbal's room quietly. She looked to the circular crib as Iqbal was on his side sleeping quietly next to Fortune.
Walking over quietly she nudged Iqbal and made some soft noises to wake him up. When that didn't work, she tickled him under the chin.
Iqbal gurgled and started to giggle at the tickles and woke up with a yawn. Fortune opened her eyes stretching her paws out with a yawn as she ruffled her feathers. Tia bent over in the crib, cradling Iqbal in her arms as Fortune hopped onto Tia's shoulder, stumbling a bit.
Tia gave a small chuckle as she exited their room back downstairs where the aroma of pancakes filled the room.
"And Breakfast is served!" Moros said excitedly pulling up the highchair for Iqbal and setting a plate of delicious looking pancakes for Tia.
"Oh, these look wonderful Moros!" Tia exclaimed placing Iqbal in the high chair as Fortune said on the chair next to him and squawked as Moros gave her the daily bird seed bowl. She gave a happy chirp and began to pick at the seeds.
Tia cut the pieces of her pancake slowly, savoring the flavor in her mouth with a happy sigh. Iqbal had his pieces cut already and was having fun with the fluffy texture of the pancake before popping the pieces into his mouth with giggles.
After breakfast, and when everyone was dressed, cleaned and awake Tia set Iqbal in the stroller with Fortune walking happily alongside both of them. After a quick walk around a few of Durem's grey buildings, a quaint antique shop could be seen tucked in-between two of the larger stone buildings with a warm glow coming from inside that was very inviting.
"Ah, the antique shop, perfect."
Tia opened the door slowly with a small ring sounding above her head and a plump old woman coming toward them. She seemed very stuck up and snobbish in the way she presented herself.
"Hmph. Good day to you. Are you buying or browsing?" she said sharply the glasses at the edge of her nose.
Iqbal tilted his head to the woman curiously trying to figure out why he reminded her of the big bouncy ball that Tia had let him play with a little while ago. Fortune hopped gingerly into Iqbal's lap eyeing the woman with her annoying voice. She did look like a ball, that was ready to pop.
Tia blinked at the question and the rude high-pitched tone she had. "Buying."
The woman flexed her fingers with a smirk. "Ah, well in that case do look around dear."
"Thanks," Tia rolled her eyes as she examined the various objects.
After the first ten minutes of scanning the shop and finding exactly what she had needed, Tia began to rack them up at the counter as she left Iqbal and Fortune at the door.
Now, Iqbal was a child and therefore had a small attention span. After gurgling to himself for the ten minutes, he sighed as Fortune hopped from his lap to release the buckle with her teeth. Iqbal eyed the area suspiciously before squirming out of the stroller, free from its tight grasp. The duo then began to explore.
"Ah yes, this old clock will be perfect for attracting a spirit ... oh and these trinkets here ..." Tia as preoccupied by the many items of the shop that could have endless reconstructing. It was like her paradise here, she didn't even stop to notice that the pair had gotten behind the other old items to the back of the shop.
A small 'cukoo' sound was made from behind Fortune, which caught her off guard. She quickly spun around to find out where the sound had come from, scanning the area quickly to find nothing. Iqbal turned his head to face Fortune, before sitting up and waiting before moving on.
Fortune edged quietly back to Iqbal before another cukoo sounded. Fortune made a squawk and eyed the spot where she heard it. A small bird flung from a clock and bobbed its head with a cukoo. Fortune's haunches went up in defense. What was this mixed up avian doing in a clock?
She crouched over to it pecking at the clock before a squeak erupted. Fortune squawked back loudly at it until a small grey mouse came out from behind the clock.
Fortune hid quietly, holding her position. The mouse sniffed the air turning its back. Oh that was a bad move. Fortune readied herself, before she attempted a pounce onto the mouse missing, sending it off in a squeaking tangent as Fortune raced after it. Iqbal crawled following to see the action.
The chase was on.
The mouse scurried for its life around the post and jars, Fortune racing behind it squawking with her wings open. The mouse clung to a long pole climbing upward frantically only to fall down out of fear. Fortune gathered more speed and eventually glided upward to the pole, knocking into a small vase that cracked to the floor. The mouse cringed from the sounds squeaking even more onto a wobbly dresser. Fortune stopped at the cracked vase ... but the two women did not hear so she focused on her prey instead.
The small mouse had gotten into the dresser not too long ago before Fortune had found it again. She pecked at the wood feverishly when part of the leg creaked and cracked. Fortune hovered back frightened hoping this large item would collapse.
The mouse squealed loudly and ran faster into a hole in the wall. Fortune hadn't even seen it get away as she only watched the dresser rock back and forth menacingly. Inevitably, it crashed into another beside it creating a large domino effect around the entire store.
The plump old woman and Tia jumped as crashes, bangs, and booms sounded around them. Tia turned to the stroller with widened eyes, to find Iqbal and Fortune gone.
"Iqbal! Fortune! Where are you?!" she shouted among the ruined furniture and other items as Iqbal crawled unhurt, but still whimpering from all of the sounds. Fortune tagged along tail between her legs to Tia, ashamed.
Before Tia could even pick up either of them the plump woman exploded.
"YOU. OH! I SHOULD SUE YOU ALL!" She kicked Fortune angrily in the side like a dog as she pulled Iqbal's ears forcefully toward Tia.
Iqbal shrieked out in pain from the woman, hot tears in his eyes already. His ears were so sensitive, and this ball woman pulled them so hard! He tried to squirm out of her grasp still shrieking. Fortune had been almost knocked out could from the woman's harsh blow, as she had kicked her into a sharp piece of glass and ceramic. She wobbled greatly and her head raced feverishly as she tried to get to Iqbal. She could feel his utter pain.
Tia's eyes widened even more as the woman basically had abused her children. She grabbed Iqbal frantically, freeing him from her grasp and scooped up Fortune. She shot a piercing glance to the woman with hatred.
"Don't you EVER touch my children AGAIN."
Iqbal whimpered tears still flowing, as his ears felt bruised and had reddened from the woman's pulling. Fortune had been hurt badly, and was trying to ignore the pain.
"YOUR CHILDREN HAVE RUINED ME!" The woman shrieked out pushing Tia to the door.
"YOU'LL be hearing from my lawyers!"
"Oh shut up you old hag. I'll buy the whole damn place and pay extra."
"DON'T YOU DARE TALK TO ME LIKE THAT!"
"I told you I'll buy the whole place. You'll get your money and we'll never see each other again. GOODBYE." Tia raised her voice angrily pulling out the baby back pack from under the stroller and placing Iqbal on her stomach with Fortune as she placed fortune in the stroller. She left the shop quickly not even wanting to hear the woman's reply. She raced home as fast as she could, out of breath before even opening the door when Moros opened it.
"Miss! Are you alright?" he gasped out pulling the stroller inside.
"Call a doctor Moros, Fortune is hurt badly, and so is Iqbal. And the lawyers. We're buying an antique shop."
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Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 11:06 am
|Journal Entry| Entry Format______
Guardian Journal Entry [GJE]
Summary______
Tia explains the previous days events, and also informs about the situation.
OOC Notes______
N/A|01/08/50| Dear Journal,
Okay. This is bad. Yesterday after an event of shopping at the local antique store, Fortune and Iqbal may have accidentally made the shop's items collapse. Needless to say the shop was ruined and that woman ... oh she makes me so angry. I have never seen Iqbal cry until yesterday. That old hag injured both of MY children and she wants to sue me!?
The doctor said they would be fine in about a week, thankfully. I was so scared something serious might have happened to them. I hope nothing like this ever happens again. I feel as if I've already done something horrible to them and they can't even talk yet. I hope they will forgive me, and wake up soon.
- Tia
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Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 11:11 am
|Stalker Hall| Entry Format______
Roleplay [RP]
Summary______
Iqbal meets Althalus for the first time, as well as a meeting with a familiar type of animal...
OOC Notes______
Cross-posted from Althalus's Journal.|01/16/05| Kel-chan was attempting to read a book, absently waving her car keys on a finger just above the head of the small boy next to her. Althalus was merrily clapping his hands in an attempt to retrieve the shines, Stealth perched on her usual place on his shoulder, tail wrapped lightly around his neck. The redhead barely noticed the chill of the gloomy mansion, absorbed as she was in the book and huddled up in her coat.
Tia glanced carefully around the house. That library was an odd one, but she'd find her way back in later. she gave a sigh as Iqbal gurgled in the baby backpack, Fortune chirping.
Wait. Fortune didn't chirp.
Tia raised an eyebrow suspiciously before a loud, awkward squawk. Tia rubbed her ear before smiling, there was the Fortune she knew. While walking through the halls and briskly past the living room, retracing her steps.
"Ah Kel!"
Tia walked forward as Iqbal's ears twitched, his eyes blinking.
Kel-chan perked up suddenly, pulling her handing and thus removing the shiny keys from Althalus' view. The little boy scowled slightly, but then his daemon froze on his shoulder, her relaxed bronzy colour vanishing as she blended into the maroon of Althalus' sweater.
"Tia! Come sit down," Kel gestured happily to her friend. "And you brought Iqbal? I haven't seen the little guy in ages..."
"Ah, thank you," she accepted the seat, removing Iqbal from the baby back pack and placing him in her lap. His wide eyes blinked into Althalus' direction tilting his head. Fortune, sat watch on Tia's shoulder. There was a reptile as a daemon ... shouldn't be too much of a problem and the baby ... he seemed pretty content with himself.
"Ah, well actually I have been around, though you've had you're hands full?"
For a moment, the chill of the house seemed to increase. It was all most if things had purposely gone down several degrees. Particularly where the two were gathering.
And then, of course, a nearby chair moved just a bit. The only noise it made was the brief dragging of it's feet across the floor. Then again, the house could be settling, and it was possibly nothing at all.
"Only with this minx," Kel said, sitting forward. "He has this bad habit of becoming unnoticeable when I want to find him. And the little daemon of his, I swear she's a kind of chameleon... Anyway! Apart from that...not too bad." She suddenly remembered to hand the keys to the baby, who clung on to them protectively, watching the other Forgotten with guarded eyes.
Iqbal turned his body to face Althalus. He had never seen someone quite like him before, especially his eyes caught him the most, they were very dark. Iqbal babbled to himself softly in his baby language sliding his small fingers from the bottom of the coat to touch his toes.
"Ah, well that's good to hear," Tia smiled patting Iqbal on the head lightly, who seemed to be preoccupied with inspecting this new Forgotten.
Althalus peered and giggled at the little boy opposite. He had pointy ears too, but more like Mother's when she was different-shaped. Curious! Peeking out from under his fringe, he held out his hand to touch Iqbal's coat, Stealth clinging to his shoulder. She however was watching Fortune, tilting her head to the side in lightning quick movements, her bright eyes slightly wary and her skin still protectively camouflaged.
Iqbal looked at Althalus's hand. He was trying to touch his coat ... but why? It was his fluffy not the other's. Iqbal didn't really have much say in the matter but only still eyed the other baby, trying to figure him out. Needless to say he was intrigued by the way he portrayed himself, but was hard to get a good grasp on the character.
Fortune eyed Stealth back, not even bothering to see the daemon as a threat. She turned her head away snobbishly, as she sat perched on Tia's shoulder.
Althalus tilted his head at the blank looks the pale one was giving him. Stealth leant over before scuttling down to sit on his forearm, circling it once before settling. The baby looked at his hands that still had car keys in. Shinies! Everyone liked shinies. He lifted his hand and rattled the keys inquiringly at Iqbal, dark eyes hopeful.
Iqbal's ears twitched curiously from the sound for the jingling keys. When his eyes met them, they were indeed shiny ... and pretty. Iqbal gurgled happily and raised a hand to bat at the keys, attempting to touch the cold metal. So, this other one, the dark one, he didn't seem so bad if he had shiny.
Althalus scrunched his face up with a smile, Stealth's head flicking in sudden movements as she watched the keys swing to and fro. He froze for a second in unison with his daemon, as if they were communicating, before dropping the shinies generously in Iqbal's lap.
After all, he could always steal them back.
The little boy burbled at Iqbal, eyes hopeful. Does the pale one like his shinies too?
Iqbal picked up the keys clumsily, giggling at the cold metal's touch. He didn't have anything to lend the other forgotten though ... but earlier he was looking at his ears. He rocked forward putting his head out to look at the baby babbling back, even though he didn't understand what the other was saying.
Althalus nodded happily, peering from under his fringe. If pale one appreciated shinies, he was good. He giggled, holding out a chubby hand out fearlessly to touch Iqbal's furry ear. And he looked like wolf-Mother! Curious...
Stealth pattered cautiously along her Forgotten's outstretched arm, delicately peering at the other. And then up at the small griffon-daemon on the human's shoulder. Did this one belong to her? She attempted to project ingratiation towards the proud daemon, and harmlessness.
Iqbal was still wary over his ears with the woman at the antique shop ... but as long as this forgotten didn't hurt him, he was happy enough. He cooed gently.
Fortune gazed upon the reptile. She never thought of her as a threat, just more of another daemon. She was overprotective of Iqbal, especially after their little excursion about a week ago.
Althalus was intrigued. Even though pale one wasn't as pale as the ice girl (he had identifications for the other Forgotten he'd met - orange girl, ice girl, the one with the coins. This was pale one, or possible wolf boy. What fun it was to meet other Forgotten!) he seemed to be friendly. This was a good thing, he decided firmly, and burbled a definite greeting. Stealth circled his arm once however, nervously shading to match the red of his sleeve again instead of her relaxed bronze-brown.
Iqbal looked down the keys in his lap. The shiny was nice, but he wasn't too interested in it anymore. with his small hand he picked up the keys offering them back to Althalus. He gave a smile to the other baby gurgling in a whisper.
Fortune's head turned as the reptile had gone from her view? Ah. It had only changed colors. It was an interesting defense for the small animal.
The shinies were being given back? Now this was a person he liked! Althalus squealed happily and banged the keys up and down a few times, enjoying the sound they made but make the nervous Stealth flinch. Over where Kel-chan and Tia were sitting talking the sound raised a head, but not much else. Althalus grinned mischievously, and threw the keys deliberately on the floor. Now, to see whether Mother would retrieve them, or whether we can go and get them...his dark eyes darted across to Iqbal's face, giggling encouragingly.
Iqbal's head tilted to Althalus's ways. Why did he throw the shinies? Didn't he want them? Iqbal gurgled to him curiously. He wanted them to go down and get them? Iqbal blinked but slowly slid off the couch with a small thump to the floor.
Althalus grabbed up the shinies in a chubby wrist and waved them at Iqbal as the other Forgotten arrived on the scene. He peered sideways at the distant Kel-chan, and then turned determinedly and headed off along the dusty floor. This was great! Specially if pale one followed.
Stealth glanced back also, to where Fortune watched them carefully. She narrowed her eyes, and then brightened up.
Pale one = Iqbal.
Ickal?
Daemon says!
Ickal follows us. Fun = adventure!
Quiet though.
Ssssh...
Althalus looked cautiously around the side of a bookcase. This place was much bigger than home...maybe Iqbal knew something. He tilted his head concerned at the other Forgotten, who by now was looking thoroughly confused.
Iqbal pushed himself down on all fours. The gleam of the keys caught his bi-colored eyes, entranced by their luster once more. He blinked and followed Althalus's lead. He wasn't quite sure where he was going but, it couldn't be anything bad.
Fortune eyed the pair cautiously once more before subtly hopping off of Tia's shoulder to join Iqbal by his side. She wasn't going to let him out of her sight.
Althalus grinned again. This tall thing was really long...perhaps there were some more shinies at the end of it? They could make a collection! He clung on to the keys, and wondered if he should let Iqbal go in front. Yes, that was a good idea. He sat back on his bottom and waved a hand importunely at the other. Stealth made it known she was unhappy as she noticed that the boy's proud-looking daemon had joined them. Althalus stroked her little head tenderly and made it known that there was nothing to worry about and he would protect her. Stealth sat on his shoulder and latched her tail about his neck nevertheless.
Just then a darting movement made both heads snap round. There was something moving under the bookcase! A small glint flickered off something in the darkness beneath, and a small pattering sound was heard. Stealth froze, but Althalus peered slowly down underneath...
Iqbal slowly moved onward with Fortune at his side. He looked back to Althalus for a moment, his ears twitching from side to side slightly. Eventually he paused from the sound. The image that rushed past him could not be seen, though Fortune immediately crouched down on her haunches and padded slowly and quietly to the sound.
A small furry thing!
Althalus and Stealth froze into perfect statues, the dark eyes wide and scared as they stared at the creature that scuttled curiously into the dim light and peered at them. Bright eyes gleamed and a long tail flickered idly behind it on the floor as it sniffed at Althalus' trouser leg and then dashed over to start chewing industriously at Iqbal's coat. The Forgotten flinched slightly as he tried to gauge the reaction of the other, yet made no move to help or hinder...
Fortune's reflexes were sharp and she looked to the creature with a small fear. The last time she had tried to catch one ... it was bad and Iqbal had gotten hurt. Her ears slid back slowly as she squawked at it protectively.
Iqbal made small whimpering sounds swatting at the creature to get it away. He didn't want to get his coat damaged or get hurt.
The small mouse (for that was all it was) stiffened slightly at the squawking sound, but then feverishly continued nibbling on the furry coat. After all, it would make perfect nest material...
Althalus stared still, eyes large as Iqbal whimpered. It would do him no good to go in and get hurt...but the furry was being bad. And it was an interesting furry...
With agonizing slowness the baby leant forward, chubby fingers opening slightly in a stealthy attempt to grab the flickering tail. That would remove it from the pale one, and after all, it didn't look like it could hurt anyone.
Iqbal tried to crawl away, as Fortune squawked loudly and menacingly to the mouse. She edged closer, claws ready to kill. It would not hurt Iqbal this time. Her wings unfurled in an offensive stance, as she scratched away at the rodent.
Iqbal sat, his head turned away from the scene whimpering again.
The conversation had enthralled Tia that she hadn't noticed both babies crawling off. She heard the whimpers of Iqbal, and looking around eagerly for him. As she found him, the mouse and the entire scene, she picked him up, comforting him, allowing Fortune to finish the job.
"There, there baby." She swayed Iqbal in her arms, rubbing his back softly. Tia's head turned to Kel. "I'm sorry, we just had an incident awhile back with a mouse, the pair have been shaken up from the experience..."
Althalus stared astonished, his arm still outstretched to the furry before it turned tail and fled in the face of furious Fortune. [[Alliteration baby.]] Pale one had been taken up by his mother. Where was his? His face started to crumple up bad-temperedly, even as Kel-chan hurried over, remorse in her expression.
"Look, I'm really sorry, I mean, I should have been watching the pair of them as well," the redhead apologised, sweeping up her errant baby and holding him close, trying to forestall the tears. "Althalus is always leading others into trouble.."
The latter snuffled into her shoulder, dark eyes nevertheless seeking out this new interesting friend he had met. Were they leaving now? No fair! Stealth's glittering eyes peered out from his collar, her own curiosity piqued despite the supposed fierceness of the pale one's daemon.
Fortune managed to keep the rodent away from Iqbal and harm, as Tia knelt down so she could hop onto Tia's shoulder.
"Ah no, it's quite alright. They are both still young, so it's probably likely to happen." Tia gave a warm smile, as Iqbal blinked to Althalus. Why did the dark one lead him to a bad place? Iqbal pondered the thought for a moment, but didn't look into it. The dark one was alright by him. His ears twitched lightly, blinking.
"Think we should depart from here?" Tia asked Kel gently, with another smile.
"Probably," Kel-chan smiled a little ruefully. "I don't want Iqbal to feel too bad after seeing that mouse...though really we should have expected it. I mean, this place is so old..." She gestured around with her free arm, taking in the musty gloom of the hall.
Althalus meanwhile shuffled a bit on her shoulder, stretching out one arm with wriggling fingers towards the pale one. He wanted to stay longer! Pale one was interesting... he offered a large smile to the other Forgotten, brown eyes wide. He would see him again, hopefully anyway was Stealth's dry addendum.
"Come on then trouble," Kel sighed, walking on ahead and opening the door for Tia. "I bet you're hungry anyways. Let's go find a burger place, and you can have my milkshake." She hugged him amiably and then waved to Iqbal and his guardian. "I'll catch you guys another time!" She called, before scrunching across the frosty paths towards her car.
Tia bid her farewell to Kel, as Iqbal gave another blink to Althalus. Fortune had mixed feelings about the pair as well, but both seemed to have enjoyed the company. Iqbal gave a small smile before they all departed completely, as he soon was off back home.
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Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 11:32 am
|Man of the Past| Entry Format______
Chronicle [C]
Summary______
A man from Tia's past appears... though Tia doesn't seem all too pleased by it.
OOC Notes______
Part 1 of 3, Introducing a new character that will be appearing in Iqbal's Journal from now on.|01/17/05| "See Iqbal, we're going to watch this movie called Balto today ... maybe you'll like the wolves?" Tia gave a small smile as Iqbal was on the couch sitting quietly, Fortune beside him as always. Tia had been wary of him since their incident at the antique shop, and had been trying to make it up to them.
Iqbal sat with a small sigh escaping his lips. He liked the picture on the cover of the movie box and decided that he had nothing better to do than watch so gave a whisper of babbles to Tia.
"Ok then let's start it," she pushed in the cassette tape slowly as it settled itself in the VCR with a click. She pressed a few buttons and adjusted the screen to see the movie and placed the volume on medium so it wasn't too high or disturbing. She walked back slowly to her seat on the couch as she patted Iqbal's head lightly and stroked a few of Fortune's feathers with her fingers. The gryphon didn't make a move, only focusing her eyes on the screen which now had sounds of barking dogs and a snowy scene.
Iqbal tilted his head as Balto appeared on the screen. He didn't look like the other dogs and repeatedly heard the word 'mutt' come up. Still he liked Balto and didn't know why the others were being so mean. Especially that one with the black and white fur with blue eyes.
Slowly, the pair really started enjoying the movie and periodically Iqbal giggled at the two polar bears and Boris the goose. Fortune squawked happily to the funny goose as it could fly, and she wanted to learn how. Tia smiled happily, and glad that they were both enjoying themselves.
Half-way through the movie the door bell rang a few times. Tia didn't want to leave the duo, but Morris answered the door anyway. He came back a few minutes later to report of a man asking for her.
Tia made sure to keep Morris with both of them while she walked idly to the door. She opened it with a smile, before it faded as she stared blankly to the man.
He gave a humble smirk with a wave of his hand. His skin was a soft cocoa color, and his eyes milky blue, as if he was blind. His long curly dark auburn hair was tied back with stray edges exposing his pierced ears. He was dressed rather warmly and in earthy tones that complimented his features.
Tia gulped slowly in shock and lack of words.
"Cat got your tongue?" the man asked in his proper British accent.
"How ... why ... it can't be you," Tia spoke slowly still standing at the door attempting to think when so many thoughts were flooded in her mind.
"Let's save the catching up till later and let me come in for awhile?" he asked as Tia noticed the suitcases at his feet for the first time. She didn't know what else to say but accept him in.
"Alright," Tia's voice had the hint of the British accent to them now, as the British part of her was beginning to show.
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Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 3:03 pm
|Man of the Past - 2| Entry Format______
Chronicle [C]
Summary______
A man from Tia's past appears... though Tia doesn't seem all too pleased by it.
OOC Notes______
Part 2 of 3, Introducing a new character that will be appearing in Iqbal's Journal from now on.|01/17/05| The unexpected appearance of the man at the door had made Tia even more cautious than ever. To her luck, Iqbal had fallen asleep along with Fortune. She asked Morris to take them into their room and put them down for their nap while she would be left alone to talk to this man. He agreed without question and carefully slid the two onto his back as he quietly entered their room and stayed put for the remainder of the day, intent on watching them.
The man entered the house and left his bags at the entrance and looking carefully at the home and Iqbal momentarily.
"Cute kid. He yours?" his hand slinked along the furniture.
Tia felt a shiver down her spine as she saw him before her, wanting and trying to make herself believe the dead didn't come back to life.
"Uh, well it's a long story, but know I didn't birth him," she said slowly.
He chuckled at her reply and edged closer to her. "Ah. It's what I figured."
She turned away from his gaze, her throat was dry when she finally got out other words.
"How are you alive?"
The man stopped to turn Tia around so she faced him. He strained to make out her figure wishing he could see her more clear. Nonetheless, he held her shoulder tight, turning his head to look her in the eye.
"That ... isn't important. I lived. And I went three years without you. Let me tell you it was hell all over again, and now ... I found you again."
Tia choked on her words as her heart raced. It ... really was him. But ... he had died ... she saw him. How? How was he gripping her shoulder so tightly?
"Aturos ..." she whispering with silent tears falling down her the sides of her cheeks. He could see, but he held her cheek in his rough hand brushing away the tears with his thumb. He pulled her close with his other hand. She didn't resist, and instead huddled her arms close against his chest. Aturos spoke softly into her ear.
"You know, all the things between us ... we can put them behind ... start over?"
Tia shook her head trying to break away from his grasp, but he held her close.
"I can't let you go away from me again ... not again."
"Aturos! Just let me go!" Tia started to tear pounding against his chest.
He swallowed hard before wrapping his arms around her tighter.
"Damn it all Tia! Don't you know I love you?!"
Tia blinked gritting her teeth hard at his sentence. No ... she couldn't fall for him again. It would only lead to trouble.
"Enough of that! You don't understand my feelings and I don't understand yours! What we had was nothing! Barely a fling! What the hell do you want with me now?!" Tia shouted crying louder and still trying to free herself from his grasp.
Aturos clung, his muscles tensing tighter, he skipped the other things she said before the last sentence. "I want to live with you."
She felt herself almost crushed against him. "A-aturos you're hurting me ..."
He let go of her looking staring at nothing, clenching his fist tightly. "I'm sorry."
Tia gasped for air as she held herself tearing, angry and confused. "You can't live with me. I don't want you to."
"But, I swear I'll help out! I'll even help with your baby!"
"You're not going near Iqbal!"
"Tia, I wouldn't hurt him, you know that better than anyone."
"I do ... and I hate myself for being able to know that." Tia had fallen to the ground with their conversation shaking hugging herself while Aturos mindlessly followed her movements listening intently.
"I don't want us to be a couple. I'm not into women anymore if that's what you think, but you ... Tia I love you like you are my sister."
"Not a couple? ... Then why the hell did you treat me like your little girlfriend!?"
Aturos sat slumped against the back of the couch rubbing his temples sighing deeply. "I told you. What's past shouldn't affect you. You seem happy here, and for that I am glad, Tia I just ... I have no where else to go and I've been looking for you for what seems like forever ..."
Tia sat in front of him hunched over, her tears fading. "Aturos ... it's just you know me ... I tend to hold grudges for long periods of time and I just ... I just don't understand it."
"You're better off not understanding it."
She paused to stare at him. She hadn't seen him in such a long time and he seemed as though he really did mean what he was saying ... but maybe she was just a sucker for him. Her mind wasn't thinking anymore, her heart was the only one that was in control. She did love him too, and that was the truth. She didn't want him as a husband, or lover ... but just him. Aturos. She sighed and gave in to her feelings.
"Stay. Stay and live here."
Aturos felt aimlessly in front of him, Tia raised her hand as he clutched it and brought her close again, as Tia blinked at his strength.
"Thank you."
He spoke softly as a few tears fell from his eyes, as she hugged Tia closer attempting to figure out how much he had changed since the last time he could see her. Tia sighed in his arms, with a smirk.
"You better be good and play babysitter then."
Aturos chuckled. "I'll teach the kid."
"Good. I didn't think I would be able to handle it all by myself."
Slowly, Tia rose up with Aturos with her, helping him to one of the vacant rooms upstairs.
"You'll live here for now, the bathroom is down here ..." she guided his fingers along the papered wall until a doorway with tile could be felt.
"Ah. I see. I can see a little Tia ... making out outlines, I'm not completely blind, but I do read in brail."
"Like you said, we can catch up later, take a load off and a nap, I don't want you getting sick."
"Yes, that's true ... well I'll see you in the morning then." He trailed off quietly into his room as Tia was left in the hallway, making her way to her own room shutting the door and sliding her back against the door with silent tears rolling off her cheeks.
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Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 8:49 pm
|Man of the Past - 3| Entry Format______
Chronicle [C] and Guardian Journal Entry [GJE]
Summary______
A man from Tia's past appears... though Tia doesn't seem all too pleased by it, and has recollections in an entry.
OOC Notes______
Part 3 of 3, Introducing a new character that will be appearing in Iqbal's Journal from now on. The plot ends here.|01/17/05| Tia still sat at the doorway attempting to figure out what she had just done. She'd let Aturos ... Aturos live with her ... for however long he would stay. How could she? He betrayed her ... he wasn't even supposed to be alive from her knowledge. It had taken her three long and painful years to get over their interactions ... and he came back prancing into her life as if it was no big thing. The man was supposed to be dead. DEAD. For god sakes couldn't anyone but her think of the consequences of this?
She rubbed her eyes crawling over to her bed and shoving her head into the pillows. She reached down for her journal and a pen, to maybe calm herself by writing.Tia's Journal Entry 06 - 01/17/05 Dear Journal,
I don't know what the hell I just did tonight ... but Aturos is back. Yes. Aturos. The guy who I used to work with Aturos? Yeah. How? Don't know. Isn't he supposed to be dead? Yes. It's complicated he said and that I shouldn't know. But ... why oh why god did he have to come back? He's going to live with me for a long time now ... and that wasn't smart. AT ALL. Who knows who could be on his back now ... it's all so complicated and yet so perfectly simple ... we both love each other more than the world itself ... of course brotherly and sisterly. I'm not going to let myself fall for him again.
I hope, hope, hope I did the right thing. He even offered to help with Iqbal ... he could be like the uncle of the family ... I'm really trying to be optimistic. REALLY. God only knows where this is going to go. Please say it's for the best. Please.
- Tia
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Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 2:46 pm
|The Library| Entry Format______
Roleplay [RP]
Summary______
Iqbal is introduced to Otium for the first time, as the two seem to hit it off.
OOC Notes______
Cross-posted from Otium's Journal. Once again, this is an unfinished rp and more replies may or may not be added.|01/26/05| Tia's feet reached back at the familiar door of the antique looking home. With Iqbal sitting in a baby backpack and Fortune comfortable on her usual perching on Tia's shoulder, Tia walked into the hall where the Library first opened up to her. After much searching, she found her way down the stairs and into the play area where she had first ended up.
"Here we are Iqbal."
Halo needed to be out of the house. Things were just.. strained. It was too cold to spend a lot of time outdoors and she had taken Otium out to lunch but was still not ready to go home yet. She figured that the next most quiet place, and somewhere Otium would be comfortable, would be the library.
She found her way down to the library from the location she'd found her own door and pushed open the doors with her back. Otium seemed to get heavier by the day and she wondered if he grew like a normal child or if it was just her back complaining from the overuse. Immaculate was curled around her shoulder and neck as best as the bear-cat could manage and her tail flicked every now and again and hit the woman in the nose. Otium, as always, was silent and attentive and playing with a little coin in his hand.
"Anyone here?" The tall woman called into the library and groaned a bit as she readjusted her child on her hip.
Iqbal's ears twitched from the voice curiously. This one wasn't familiar. Fortune's ears did the same, eyes carefully darting around. Tia removed Iqbal from the backpack, setting him on the mat with Fortune beside him. She walked to the entrance carefully still with a view of the pair calling back.
"We are, Tia and Iqbal."
"Ahhh hey.." She smiled a bit, though in her head she had SORT OF wanted to be alone. But Otium had yet to really meet Iqbal so maybe this would be beneficial and maybe it would be good for her to have someone to talk to after all.
Halo headed back towards the play area and Immaculate lifted her head to sniff the air. She smelled others besides the woman who'd appeared. With an uncoordinated slide, the daemon climb-scratch-fell down the front of Halo's clothes. Her thick claws left pulls in her shirt and Halo couldn't do anything but groan something that sounded like 'Not again.' Immaculate wandered ahead of them and reached the play area only a moment before Halo.
"Hey guys..." Halo stepped forward and sat Otium down on the rug near Iqbal. He looked at the other boy blankly, making no expression or noise. Immaculate swished her tail and stepped forward to sniff him.
"How's parenthood, Tia?" Halo smoothed her hands over the front of her black t-shirt to try and smooth out the pulls before adjusting her jeans and spiked belt that had been twisted cue to carrying the baby.
"Hey Halo," Tia grinned warmly as both Iqbal and Fortune calmed knowing that Tia knew the strangers.
As Otium was set down in front of Iqbal, Iqbal blinked making a soft gurgle. Fortune eyed Immaculate carefully, recognizing her from their last encounter. At least there were no real threats today. Iqbal giggled from Immaculate's sniffs.
"It's been interesting to say the least," she sat down at a nearby table, offering a seat next to her.
Halo sat in the offered seat and leaned over to fix the laces of her combat boots. "It is an adventure.." She chuckled. "He's been ok with you? Since the switch?"
Otium looked back at Iqbal still and made no noise or face. He lifted the coin he was playing with and stuck it in his mouth. There was a soft clink as his tooth hit the metal. Halo had tried to get him to stop with the coins but every time she tried to take them from him, he just had more.
Immaculate sniffed Iqbal and then the rug and then tentatively sniffed Fortune. Her pose and demeanor were unthreatening and her tail was lazily swishing behind her.
"Yep. He doesn't seem like a hard baby really. There was an incident at the local antique shop ..." she paused rubbing her temple for a moment. "But, other than that it's been good."
Iqbal tilted his head to Otium curiously. He had a nice shiny thing. He sat upright flexing his toes gurgling nonsense to himself. Fortune scuttled back with a very odd expression on her face. That daemon was sniffing her. Was it really that necessary? She blinked several times dumbfounded.
"Oh?" Halo leaned back. "Otium is good too. What happened in the antique shop?" Halo was odd in appearance in the way that she didn't look like someone's mother. She seemed to look very young but held an air of maturity that defied her looks. She had piercings up her ears and her hairstyle seemed to change at will. It was a contrast from her rather eccentric and sometimes stiff husband.
Otium smiled a tiny bit at the gurgling noise and stuck his hand into his hat where the coin he was chewing seemed to disappear. He pulled his spitty hand out and patted his pale knee lightly. Immaculate sniffed towards fortune again and twitched her round furry ears.
Tia sighed fumbling her fingers. "I'm not entirely sure, but the insane shopkeeper hurt both Iqbal and Fortune. There was a domino effect with the shelves ... that possibly was triggered by something loose," her head turned to the two smiling softly, "I had to end up buying the shop since she said she was going to sue ... but they were bruised pretty badly."
Iqbal pointed at Otium with a few babbles. He saw the little smile, he did! He let his hand wander back at his side flicking his tail gently, smiling as he finally had control over it. Fortune looked in terror as the oversized daemon kept hovering over her head. She made a small squawk padding to the other side of Iqbal.
"Hey but now you have your own shop..." Halo tried to grin. "But at least they are fine. Bruised is better than permanently damaged. They look like a tough pair anyway." Iqbal was quite more rugged looking than her gentlemanly looking Otium. "But I'd probably killed the woman off or something.. That's just me.." She laughed. She was joking... right? "Like our neighbor, Nora. With the bird that died and attacked poor Mael. I'd like to have her head on my wall..." Halo growled slightly.
Otium kept the little smile and put his hand into his hat again and pulled out another coin. It was different from the first and very smooth and shiny. He leaned forward and held it out to Iqbal to take.
Immaculate thought Fortune might want to play and circled around Iqbal to where the griffin daemon had hidden. She yipped softly and leaned back on her hind legs, raising her paws in the air playfully.
Tia chuckled. "Well yes, that does give me my own space in Durem. Though, I have no idea what to start instead of it." she nodded to Halo. "I'd have probably knocked her out cold if I could, but I didn't want to make much more of a scene, she was in hysterics anyway, and better off out of the city." She sighed before replying. "I heard about the incident, both of them have been wary of Fortune."
Iqbal cooed softly at the shiny thing in Otium's hand. It was for him? Oh, he liked this boy! He slowly accepted it with a smile and giggle, placing it in a pocket of his coat. Tia wasn't going to find out where he hid it. Fortune unfurled her feathers to Immaculate as a warning sign to stay away, but she couldn't help but try to understand what on earth this crazy daemon was doing.
Halo frowned and sighed. "Mael's been wary of me as well.. it's been a bit of a strain on the household. Wren tries to avoid the subject.. like he always does. Like it's going to just get better. Meanwhile I want to go at it head on and I just have no idea how to go about it. I keep meaning to talk to him about it but he's been pretty busy lately."
Otium smiled a bit more, showing his one tooth, before the smile just ended up closed mouth again. He had yet to make any noise yet. He really only made noise if he was extremely happy or upset and he was neither right now. He took another coin from his hat and waved it to show that he had one too.
Immaculate's paws sagged and she tilted her head at the griffin. This creature was confusing.
Tia didn't know the whole subject in depth and didn't want to take sides from either of the parents. "I'm sure that Mael will learn to trust certain females. He seems like a clever boy and not narrow-minded. Time will only tell?"
Iqbal giggled in delight as he took the coin from his coat pocket waving it like a trophy in the air. He set it on the floor brushing his fingers against the embossed portions happy from the cold metal touch. Fortune stopped and only stared at Immaculate. It was an awkward moment, and she didn't really know what to do.
"Time so far has told me enough. I can't just sit by and have my son not like me.." It hurt her, though the woman was too stubborn to admit that to Tia. Only Wren probably ever heard those sorts of admittances from her. "I'm going to have to have some one on one time with him. It confuses Otium as well."
Otium heard his name and turned to look at his mom for a moment before he turned back to Iqbal and the coins. He put his own on the floor too and then pulled his overly large top hat from his head and put that down, resting on the top of it. His hair was all black and shiny and he had a slight cowlick in the back.
Immaculate lowered back down to all fours and leaned close to peer at Fortune with grey eyes.
"Perhaps there is a way to prove it too him? I'm not sure how easily influenced young children can be, but..." she paused not wanting to say much more, incase of saying something hurtful.
Iqbal gave a gurgle as the top hat was removed. Such shiny hair he had! He hands wanted to wander to the hat, but he knew not to touch things that didn't belong to him. Instead his fingers still grazed the coin. Fortune sat down scratching behind her ear slightly.
"I'll figure somehting out.." Halo sighed and muttered, turning her attention to Otium. She noticed his hat had come off but it seemed to be his own choice so she didn't fix it for him. It was still too big for him to lift on his own.
Otium leaned over his hat and looked inside. His tie dangled into it's black depths as he stared. He seemed to be thinking about something carefully. In a moment the monochrome little boy reached into the hat and pulled out another coin and laid it on the rug next to the one he'd just put down a minute ago.
Immaculate looked at Otium to make sure he was ok and then looked back at Fortune. She wondered if the other daemon needed to be groomed. She usually just licked her fur. The bearlike daemon stepped forward and licked over the smooth feathers on the top of Fortune's head. Helping!
Tia nodded with reassurance. "I'm sure you will." Her gaze turned to the babies for a brief moment with a smile. At least Iqbal was getting along with Otium.
Iqbal's eyes widened curiously with whispered gurgles. He looked to the hat curiously. How many shinies did he have? His tail flicked in anticipation. Fortune twitched indefinitely from the lick. She stared at the daemon as if she were trying to consume her. She let out a small squawk, still very confused.
Halo nodded to Iqbal and smiled. "Otium gave Iqbal a coin. See? He's holding it. I don't know where he gets them, but he gives them out to the friends he likes."
Otium pulled out a large gold bracelet and put that down too. He patted them on the floor and smiled. In the process he accidentally tipped over his hat, but there was nothing in it.
Immaculate sat down on her butt and licked her paw, dragging it over her own head and muzzle in her own cleaning and grooming motion.
Tia smiled happily. "That's wonderful! I'm glad they are getting along so well."
Iqbal's eyes looked around even wider. He had so many shinies! But where were they coming from? As the hat tipped over he peered inside, but was surprised to see nothing. He babbled to Otium, pointing at the shiny objects and the hat. Fortune ruffled her feathers preening them from the saliva, eyeing Immaculate each time she looked up.
"Otium has met a few children he seemed afraid of... he never gave them coins. I hope they don't get offended." Halo scratched her head. "Apparently he won't reveal his coin giving secrets to anyone or I'd give them to the kids just so they didn't feel left out."
Otium just looked at Iqbal and patted all of his riches. He was proud of them. He lifted the bracelet, his favorite, and waved it to show. He'd gotten it as a gift.
Immaculate looked at Fortune again and lost interest momentarily. She saw Otium's hat fallen over and turned around to shove her head in it and sniff around.
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Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 12:47 am
This morning you are surprised to find that along with your morning post is a dark looking paper bag with the top scrunched tightly over. Intrigued, you pick it up noticing a small note attached to the outside...Quote: Dear Tia and Iqbal, I was finally clearing out my cupboards after the holidays and I came across these things! I meant to give them out at Hallowe'en, but... let's say my house isn't as tidy as most. Anyway. Moving swiftly on, seeing as this is a gift for Iqbal and Fortune, I thought I would drop it past for you. Hope you guys are well! ~ Kel-chan (and Althalus) 
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Posted: Sat Feb 05, 2005 6:40 am
|Journal Entry| Entry Format______
Guardian Journal Entry [GJE]
Summary______
Summaries written by Tia of previous events in Iqbal's life.
OOC Notes______
N/A|02/04/05| Dear Journal,
Well, things have been actually running smoother since Aturos has come. He seems adament on helping out, regardless of his sight. I guess I can't be angry at someone like that. Heh. I just over reacted earlier like I usually do, making it into this whole dramatic incident that could have been avoided, or who knows, maybe I'm just more optomistic.
Well, either way, I've got to write about some Iqbal updates, no?
I forgot to mention in an earlier entry that Iqbal met up with Althalus a while back. It was a very awkward first meeting, the pair encountered a mouse, I was afraid that may of happened, and they still seem shook up over the incident. I'm sure they will grow out of it, it was too traumatizing... or at least I hope not. Okay, bad thoughts aside.
He also met up with Otium from the Wren-Halo abode. They got along quite well I should think, Iqbal even decided to hide the coin that he was given from Otium away from me. He seems very possesive over it, and its another thing I can't touch, along with his coat, ah well.
He's met Eydis, Naita's daughter as well, and from the meeting, they were both very curious of one another. Iqbal was extremely pleased from the way I heard it, he was giggling and gurgling all over the place, kind of makes me smile inside.
Fortune's becoming very amusing, actually. The meeting with Immaculate (Otium's Daemon) was quite priceless. The way her facial expressions changed when Immaculate licked her, really a kodac moment.
So, enough rambling, I have to save some stuff for other entries too.
- Tia
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Posted: Sat Feb 05, 2005 6:42 am
|Camel Unveiled| Entry Format______
Chronicle [C]
Summary______
Ralph comes home, but who would of recognized him?
OOC Notes______
Part 1 of 2.|03/08/05| Tia yawned lazily as she walked down the stairs with Fortune atop her shoulder. Aturos trailed off behind her with another yawn cradling Iqbal in his arms. Both ended up in the living room, and from the lazy yawns, one could presume that is was indeed early in the morning. Iqbal had been waking up earlier it seemed, and when Tia woke up Aturos wasn't far behind. Aturos made his way with Iqbal to the armchair, as Iqbal fluttered his eyes to him sucking on his hands. Aturos rested his head on one arm, dozing away slowly.
It really was Fortune that decided to make the most noise.
Fortune squawked repeatedly behind the large sofa, spreading her wings in defense. She smelt a familiar scent, but it did not match who she saw. Tia ran from the kitchen as fast as she could, a pan in hand.
"What's happening?! Aturos wake up you lazy bum!" She kicked the chair and his leg frazzled, glancing around the room.
"OW. What, what?" He woke up startled blinking, Iqbal laughed at his mother's antics, smiling greatly at what was happening.
"The kids at least amused by all this..." he grumbled to himself scratching his head.
"Fortune is squawking, couldn't you hear that? Or are you deaf too?" Tia eyed him with a grumble. Well, it was a known fact that she wasn't a morning person.
Aturos shot her a glare. "I'm perfectly capable of hearing, and if you hadn't noticed, Fortune's there at your feet. She walked over to you a few minutes ago."
Tia was about to shoot back as she saw the small daemon at her feet. "What is it Fortune did you see a bad stranger?"
Iqbal stopped moving for a moment as his ears twitched toward the sofa area. He gave a coo at the familiar scent as well, giggling. Aturos raised an eyebrow as he heard giggles, sniffing the air.
"Tia you old bat, it's a camel."
Tia glanced back to him. "I am not old. And where on earth do you see a camel? Do you think I'm blind?"
"I smelled the camel... damn wait, let's rephrase this, the scent of a camel in the room is overwhelming. God Tia, you really know how to give a guy a headache." He rubbed his temple, grumbling again.
Tia bit her lip. Just something in Aturos's last reply was amusing. "Nice one. You smelled the camel. And no, your brain just hurts because you didn't wake up at noon."
"...Drop it. It's too early to even function, who the hell gets up this early on a Sunday? And I need my beauty sleep, maybe you don't, well, actually maybe you do, but I need it more, UGH. I'm shutting up now."
Tia gave him a death stare. "Yeah, good move. I don't have a frying pan in my hand for nothing. It would be filled with an omelette, but you decided to- WOAH THERE." Tia was waving the pan in her hand as the head of a man poked from behind the couch. She banged the pan to his head, but not hard enough for a concussion, just hard enough to make him dizzy in the head, a loud cry came from him.
"Tia... did you just kill someone?" Aturos arose from his seat, Iqbal in hand, as he crept closer to the scene. Iqbal was still giggling, clapping his hands. Today was so exciting!
"Aturos... be quiet or I'll hit YOU with the pan."
"Okay, point taken. I know remember why I went gay..."
Tia growled to him as she tried to inspect the intruder.
"Okay, okay shutting up again."
The suspect, as it would turn out, stood up scratching his head. Tia only watched and blinked as he stood a great deal over her, he was even taller than Aturos, and Aturos was six feet. He eyed Tia with an arched eyebrow, and cleared his throat.
"I don't appreciate you hitting my skull at 7 am."
Tia eyed him back, trying to figure out why he seemed so familiar.
"Who the heck are you?"
"Um, duh. Ralph."
Tia opened her mouth for a moment before closing it, circling around him once. She peered down to see a swinging tail, the tail of a camel. Her eyes widened, as realization hit her.
"You're... human?!"
Ralph pulled his tail away turning to her scratching his chin. "Yes. Well, technically at the very least."
"How, who?" Tia's head suddenly rushed around, filling with questions. Ralph gave a chuckle and guided her to the couch, taking the pan out of her hand.
"Eh, Moros, make breakfast will you?" Ralph called out as the once scruffy dark brown camel appeared as a thickly built man with dark and distinguished features, but still with that loveable face. Moros smiled, as Ralph tossed him the pan. Oddly enough, he did catch it, and was cooking up a storm in the next few minutes.
Aturos listened intently throughout the conversation. Ralph's voice was deep and calming, almost soothing. He squinted momentarily as he noticed the height and size of him. He could only make out the outline, but it was good enough to assume that he was an older man.
Iqbal stared intently at Ralph, and the way his hair swayed. It did it every time he moved, and he had funny things on his writs, which Iqbal didn't have. He wanted them. He gurgled to Ralph, flexing his fingers out to him.
"It's all very simple Tia, I'm a camel shape-shifter. Or, Fanalysam as we call ourselves."
Ralph's voice trailed off slightly, as he looked to Iqbal. He wandered over to both Aturos and Iqbal. He smiled holding out a massive hand compared to Iqbal's. Iqbal grabbed the soft bracelets that clung to Ralph's wrists, and giggled.
Aturos didn't have to see to tell how close the stranger named Ralph was, but it was indeed close.
"Hello?"
Ralph's head turned to Aturos's. He had not seen this fellow before. "Oh, you must be..."
"Aturos."
"Ah yes, I'm Ralph." He held his hand out, as Aturos accepted it smiling for the first time that morning.
Tia leaned to the side, noticing the smile on Aturos's face. He hadn't done that in awhile. She wanted to be happy, but really it was more of suspicion that crept over her.
"So Ralph, what brings you here?"
Tia's voice broke the closeness of the other two, as Ralph pulled away, to rest in a free armchair.
"Funny you should ask..." He scratched his stomach with a yawn. Which was when, Tia realized he had only baggy pants on.
"But first, why aren't you wearing a shirt?" She eyed him curiously, as she began to wake up slowly.
"That sort of goes with the whole, 'why I'm here deal'..." He scratched his head and nudged it to the side. Tia nodded.
"Excuse us for a second Aturos?" Tia asked standing up with Ralph.
"Why are you even asking?" Aturos raised an eyebrow and flicked his hand to shoo them away.
Ralph pulled Tia over to the side hall, next to a nearby window.
"So, you're here because...?"
"Well, basically we've been having money problems..." Ralph whispered slowly, smiling lightly.
"Money problems? I evened out the balances for the companies last week."
"We've been having a bit of a situation..."
"Situation?" Tia asked as the sound of glass breaking went right past them. Ralph pulled Tia over from the side of the window to the hall. Tia blinked and looked to the window.
"Is someone sniping at us?!" Tia punched Ralph in the chest, giving him a glare. "How did you manage this one?"
"Ow!" Ralph rubbed his chest, giving a fake smile again. "It's part of that situation I mentioned earlier... eheh."
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Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 8:12 pm
|Camel Unveiled - 2| Entry Format______
Chronicle [C]
Summary______
Some bags are packed, and Tia and Ralph set off for their week and a half.
OOC Notes______
Part 2 of 2. From here on, Tia and Ralph's week and a half will be continuing in another Journal. This is because Iqbal isn't included in it, and therefore would be irrelevant to post here. And seeing as it is a sub-plot, lots of things will be going on.
Continuation of Tia and Ralph's week and a half.
And, during there stay, Uncle Aturos will be babysitting Iqbal and company.|03/08/05| "So, you'll come then?" Ralph asked almost in a begging way to Tia, after the snipe attack that worried her even more and she had to still think of the safety of others...
"Don't look so worried, I promise that you that once we both leave this house there will be no more danger." Ralph smiled as some aged wrinkles curled at the sides of his lips.
Tia managed a small smile as well. Somehow the attack had gone right past her, putting all her faith in Ralph. Wait a minute. Putting all her faith? She shook her head for a moment clearing her mind again. And how was it that he had known earlier that she was thinking of safety issues? Regardless of the endless questions that filled her mind and of course the extremely odd morning, Tia cleared her throat to get out her answer.
"Yes, okay, we'll go. The most I'm giving you is a week, no more."
Ralph bit his lip. He had wanted to stay with her for at least two weeks... for business purposes of course. His hair fell to the side for a moment before he decided to negotiate.
"Week and a half?"
Tia blinked. "... Um, ok. Just as long as this problem gets all sorted out."
Ralph smiled again pulling her into a hug. "Thanks." Tia chuckled patting his back while in the hug and breaking the embrace. "I don't think I had much of a choice." Ralph laughed, leading her back to the sitting room where Aturos had fallen asleep with his head rested on his fist, while Iqbal and Fortune were curled up on his lap. Tia whispered to Ralph softly.
"Aww. Look how adorable that is, definite Kodak moment right there." She reached for the small disposable camera from the nearby shelf and clicked the shutterbox. She put it back on, and chuckled.
"Here, wake him up slowly and make sure he eats breakfast before you tell him I'm leaving with you. Aturos gets a tad bit angry about waking him up and all... well, good luck dear." Tia patted his back again and tiptoed upstairs to get her belongings packed, because she assumed they would be heading over right after breakfast.
Ralph gave a small groan followed by a gulp. Why did he have to do it? There was just something about Aturos being grumpy that made him afraid to wake up the man.
As if on cue, Moros happened to come into the room with a plate filled with French toast. Ralph was thankful, and hopefully the aroma would be enough to wake up Aturos.
Iqbal's nose wiggled as he flicked one ear. Aturos gave a yawn with a murmur. "Mmm. French toast." Fortune gave a yawn as well, and made circles on Aturos's lap before curling back up in her sleeping position. Aturos had nothing else to do but wake up from the two on his lap. He blinked open and eye, then the other.
"So, you're taking Tia away for a week and a half, eh?" Aturos chuckled with a lazy face, reaching over carefully for a piece of toast.
Ralph blinked. "How'd you know?"
"Tia forgets the fact that my eyesight is crap, but my hearing makes up for it."
"Ah... then you're ok with it?"
"Eh, do I really have a choice bloke?"
"Well, probably not."
"I've grown attached to her kid, what's a week and a half," Aturos nodded ruffling Iqbal's hair softly, and stroking Fortune's head, "...but say, you got plans? I know it doesn't take a week and a half to get a problem solved."
Ralph promptly chuckled nervously. This guy was reading him like an open book. "Maybe..."
Aturos laughed this time giving a wave of his hand. "You take care of her, she's a good woman."
Ralph nodded; glad he didn't have to explain. "I will, no worries." He took his own piece of toast and rested back in the armchair, awaiting Tia's arrival.
A loud boom sounded as a few large suitcases fell down the stairs landing at the end. Tia followed after, cleaned up and changed into another one of her casual-formal outfits. She held the remaining luggage. She gave a wide grin to the two men and walked over to eat her own breakfast of French toast.
"It's settled then?"
Aturos nodded as Iqbal and Fortune awoke from the sounds. Iqbal rubbed his eyes as best he could while Fortune preened her feathers and stretched. Tia smiled giving her son a kiss on the cheek, and Fortune one on her head.
"You two be good while mommy is gone hmm? Listen to Uncle Atu." She gave one last nuzzle to Iqbal as he giggled.
Aturos raised an eyebrow. How long had it been since she had called him that?
"Atu?"
"Yes, Atu. I doubt Iqbal's first name for you is going to be Aturos."
Aturos gave a humph and stood up to lead the pair out. Ralph chuckled, helping carry some of the luggage out cueing Moros for aid.
One last departing good bye was given to everyone, as Ralph and Tia left for the week and a half.
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Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2005 8:25 pm
|Paint| Entry Format______
Chronicle [C]
Summary______
A fun time with paints, Uncle Atu and bedtime.
OOC Notes______
N/A|03/14/05| It was the afternoon, from what sunlight Aturos could see lay behind the curtained windows. He sighed knowing that he had to get out of his bed eventually... though he wasn't exactly looking forward to babysitting today. All he really wanted to do was sleep... and that Ralph he was a suspicious character. He scratched his neck clearing any thoughts that might prove to progress into a headache.
He managed to prop himself up out of bed and slip on some baggy art clothes that he usually wore on the weekends. His shirt was left unbuttoned, because it had been a hot morning, or rather, afternoon.
Walking down the stairs, he smelt the air being filled with the aroma of Moros's cooking in the kitchen... but there was another scent he recognized, it was faint, but with his amplified senses he could figured out exactly what it was. He moved carefully into the living room as he heard giggles and babbles of a certain baby. He edged closer, squinting at the outline he could see, as he crouched down to Iqbal.
"Eh? Painting are we?"
Iqbal's head turned slightly to the voice that was alerted to him by his twitching ears. He gave Aturos a curious look swishing his tail, hand printing the paper that lay propped up in front of him. His lips moved with more babbles, as if he were talking to no one in particular.
Fortune, as she was always nearby, had been supplying the little baby with all the paints she could find. She had managed to open a leather-bound box with her beak that had opened to revealing ever color of the rainbow. Iqbal had been more curious than she had, but just the same she helped him, and not long after Moros had set him up on a board with paper.
"Those are my paints though..." Aturos said quietly, sitting alongside Iqbal, watching his movements.
Iqbal tilted his head to the side. Aturos looked so sad... but these squishy things were very much fun to play with! He dipped his palm face down into a vibrant green, before turning to the side and imprinting a small handprint right onto Aturos's exposed chest. Before he pulled away, he gave him a gummy smile that he held for a moment, before continuing to gurgle out nonsense.
"Eh, eh! That stuff is freezing cold!" Aturos jumped back a bit at his small hand, looking around frantically for something to wipe off the chill.
Iqbal curved his head to the side as Aturos hopped about. He giggled, almost in a laughing way to him. He clapped his hands in approval. Aturos was so funny looking!
Aturos calmed himself as the paint was removed, and raised an eyebrow to Iqbal.
"What? Do you think Uncle Atu is funny? Hmm?" He edged closer making an awkward face at Iqbal, trying to make him laugh.
It worked, as Iqbal leaned forward giggling even more, smile widening on his face. He pressed more hand prints on his legs, since they were within reach and were exposed.
Aturos tensed for a moment as more chills were sent up his legs. "Ooo! Ah! Iqbal, you're going to make me have to dance to get this stuff off!"
Iqbal squealed in excitement and began giggling even more bobbing up and down as Aturos danced wildly around the room.
Aturos stopped as he fell onto his back laughing along with him. "Heh, haven't had fun like this in a while little guy."
Iqbal's giggles turned into nods as Aturos's amusement stopped, and his attention span was big enough to hold him for much longer. He continued to splatter and hand print the page singing to himself in bars of gurgles.
Aturos turned onto his stomach, edging closer to the page. "So, what are you painting..."
He looked to the paper curiously as it was a mess of colors as a baby would have done, but considering he could only make out the outline of the page, he felt the shape of the elevated paint.
"Hmm. Don't know what it is exactly... but you have to press the paint down so it sticks to the paper... look..." He took Iqbal's hand gently, pressing his fingers to smooth out the paint.
Iqbal wiggled his tail as the paint smeared to the paper so easily. He enjoyed the feeling of it sliding between his fingers and gave a coo.
"Yeah, feeling soft and gooey huh?" Aturos chuckled smearing some onto his thumb and index finger.
He knew Iqbal couldn't understand him, but regardless of that fact, Aturos kept talking to him and helping him paint whatever was really on the page.
As time passed quickly, Aturos had painted on tribal markings on his cheek, played peek-a-boo, tickled Iqbal and managed to get into a spar with Fortune. (Although, it seemed he lost that one.)
It was nearing at least eight as the two played together, and it was obvious through Iqbal's yawns that it was his bedtime soon. By that time, the trios had been cleaned up, eaten dinner and were ready to pass out, though as it would seem that Aturos could only make it up to Iqbal's room before flopping onto the soft carpet. He sighed, pulling them into the corner, which had pillows piled up. He gave a yawn, making sure Iqbal was sound in his spot. As he moved to go to his room, he felt a light tug at his shirt. His eyes fell back down to Iqbal, who was kicking his feet in discomfort.
"Come here..."
Aturos lifted Iqbal into his lap, as he nestled into the cushions with a sigh. Iqbal gave a soft coo, wiggling his nose rubbing his face. Aturos smiled, scratching behind his ears softly, ruffling his silver hair. Iqbal gave another coo, content in his spot.
Fortune was nearby, sleeping on her own pillow... but she felt left out that Iqbal had gotten a big pillow to sleep on, and she had beaten him in a battle! She had a right to sleep there too. With this set in her mind, the small gryphon promptly walked over to the pair, hoping up and nuzzling her head into the pillows nearby with a happy chirp before she fell asleep.
Aturos chuckled quietly to himself at her actions, as he heard light snoring from Iqbal. He smiled feeling a soft spot in his heart open. He bent down kissing Iqbal on the head.
"You sleep well little one."
He smiled once more as his eyes drooped, curling himself with Iqbal into the pile of pillows.
Moros had finished his chores in the house and couldn't help but wonder why the house was so quiet and decided to inspect upstairs. He padded up quietly, as he poked his head into Iqbal's room to find the three of them sleeping next to each other.
"Kodak moment, Tia says, take lots of pictures while she is gone." Moros murmured to himself as he went back to fetch the small camera on the side, clicking the shutter box slowly, proud that he had captured that. He slinked off to his own room, picture in hand, as the house fell quiet to the chirps of crickets in the night.
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Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 5:31 pm
Baby Growth Quest ---
As the weather warms up and spring makes its rounds, it seems a very good idea to bring Iqbal out more. With a stroke of good luck, Pippin has arranged for Iqbal, Fortune, and his guardian to make the trip to a cabin in the deep woods east of Aekea. The stay will be a week long, cost nothing to the family, and all food and supplies are readily available.
The catch? Though it isn't reported to be such, the area has a high wolf population. The packs don't usually come near the building, Pippin has ensured Tia, however..
This vacation will bring out a few minor changes in Iqbal and Fortune. At some point his upper canine teeth pose a teething problem, as the tips begin to sharpen themselves. [Though, at this point they won't be too much sharper to pose a vampire-like problem.] Also, he will have a growing interest in running on all fours, rather than walking upright like everyone else. Fortune, in turn, has taken the outdoor opportunity to practice hunting, bringing dead creatures in quite a disturbing shape in after her kill.
During the last few days of the trip will be the encounter with a small independant wolf pack. The manner in which it is played out - for example, a mistake in babysitting, or perhaps a stunned moment in which the family observes but Iqbal remains fearless and attentive to the situation - is up to you. Take us through the events of this vacation, as well as what effect this truly enlightening visit to the woods will bring to Iqbal and Fortune.
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Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 10:18 pm
|The House| Entry Format______
Chronicle [C]
Summary______
The happy couple returns with the news, and a brief convorsation is held before the household falls alseep.
OOC Notes______
The aftermath of Tia and Ralph's week and a half. This marks the first of Iqbal's Baby Growth Quest.|03/18/05| As the day had been most eventful, (not to mention wet) Tia and Ralph decided that since they were officially engaged, they had to explain it to Tia's household.
Vico and Quirino were more than happy to escort the couple back to Durem, where they came arm in arm.
Aturos and Iqbal had been in the living room playing with a large wooden puzzle; wolves as their main subject.
"The corner piece..." Aturos said softly, feeling the pointed edge as a reassurance to his deduction. He heard the couple enter the door, recognizing both of their scents; Tia from her perfume to Ralph's cologne.
"Ah so the happy couple returns." Aturos smiled from the floor, swiveling his head to the noise of their entrance. Fortune popped her head out from retrieving puzzle pieces, while Iqbal's head flitted up, his eyes blinking the silver locks from his face as he saw his mother enter the room. He gave his infamous gummy smile with a bob of his head.
Tia smiled to Aturos and then back to Ralph before leaving his arm to Iqbal, picking him up and cradling him, kissing his forehead lovingly; she moved down across from Aturos, sitting. Fortune squawked from below, tugging at the hem of her pants with her pointed beak. Tia crouched down below, obliging the request hidden through the tugs, allowing Fortune to burrow in between Iqbal and herself. "Oh I've missed my little ones..." Tia continued to embrace them, nuzzling, as Iqbal cooed and Fortune chirped from the affection.
Moros dipped his head from the side of the kitchen waving to the entrants, before returning to his blissful cooking.
Tia looked to Ralph as he nodded, joining Tia on the floor. Aturos smirked taking Iqbal from Tia into his lap as he nuzzled his head into his chest as he scratched behind his fuzzy ears.
"So, Iqbal and I have formed a loving bond of nephew and uncle," He paused for a minute as Fortune pranced happily to him, rejoining with Iqbal, "But, more importantly, when's the wedding?"
Tia blushed as Ralph blinked nervously. "...how did you?" Ralph's voice barely managed out, before he was interrupted by Aturos's chuckles.
"I may be blind, but there is definitely a ring on Tia's finger, the light refracted off it earlier, sent a strong signal my way... and not to mention, new travels fast from your Mafia, sir."
Ralph couldn't help but give a nervous chuckle, Aturos was extremely sharp. "Heh... well, we're figuring for the wedding to be in a month or so... maybe two." Tia nodded in agreement, as she stood up.
"Well, I mean, it's nothing bad, right? We've known each other for a long time..."
"Ah, of course not, on the contrary, I'm happy for the two of you. Go on, go rest, I can take care of Iqbal for another night." Aturos said softly, stroking the silver atop Iqbal's head. Tia smiled with gratitude, as Ralph intertwined their fingers, climbing up the stairs.
"Looks like you've got an Uncle and a father now, you lucky little wolf." Aturos scratched behind his ears, while petting the soft downy feathers on Fortune's neck.
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Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 10:24 pm
[ Message temporarily off-line ]
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