[DIARY] Shiromaru's Journal | Page 3 | -=Changelings=- - Arcadia's Heirs | Guild Forums

Shiromaru

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Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2005 1:34 pm

Efi trotted up the path to the door, looking anxious and excited and a bit uncertain all at once. For once, his staff had been left at home, and his mane, instead of falling spectacularly loose around him, was loosely braided back; and in his arms was a wiggling bundle of Changeling child, small hands closed firmly around his adoptive parent's fur, tail wagging, eyes bright.

Efi maneuvered one hand loose long enough to knock on the door, and waited.

"IGEDDIT!" shrieked a little ball of sylph as it came flying down the hallway and into the genkan. Shiromaru was close behind her, looking a bit frazzled -- the reason was apparent as Etain opened the door. Her hair was half-braided, and Shiromaru was holding the brush in one hand.

Etain, upon spotting Efios, beamed brilliantly up at the yuniko. "I smelled you coming," she announced, then hopped up into the air, trying to get a better view of Efios and the new changeling.

"Who is this?" Shiro asked, behind her, as he held the door open more for Efios to come inside. "Your new little one?"

Efi nodded. "He was there when I woke up this morning," he said, proud and bewildered. He wiped his hooves on the mat and stepped in, his little gesture of doorway blessing slightly hampered by the fact that he had his hands full.

"His name is Tosamah," he told them both. From the expression on his face, he was quite smitten with the baby, though still a little in shock.

Tosa twisted to look at the sylph trying to look at him, and freed one hand to make a grab at the hovering moving fascinating person. He giggled.

Beaming and openly thrilled, Etain offered her hand to Tosamah, floating along beside Efios as the yuniko walked. Moments later, she looked up at her father and grinned, pointing to the other changeling. "Puppy!" she announced, proudly.

Laughing, Shiro reached out to pluck Etain from the air and set her at his hip. "That's not a puppy, sweedling, that's a changeling like you. Efios?" he added, smiling up at the other man. "Do you want to come have a seat? And then you can tell me everything!" How well he recognized that look...!

Tosa grabbed at the offered hand, small fingers curling tightly around it. He yipped happily, and followed that with a statement in serious baby babble.

Efi nodded and took the offered place to sit, settling Tosa on his lap carefully, as though he were handling the most fragile of objects. He had managed to dress the little coyote in one of the white onesies he'd been given. "He was just there, where the flute was," he said. "I dreamed about the desert and flute music, and I woke up and heard a howl, and I went outside, and there he was." He laughed a little. "He's so small ... "

Tosa wiggled determinedly, trying to get closer to the other people in the room, his eyes bright with curiosity.

Etain, once Shiro sat down next to Efios, wriggled closer to Tosa and let him hold her hand. "Desert puppy?" she asked, looking up at Efios with wide eyes. "There's lots of water around here and deserts are really dry. Is s'at okay?"

"They get bigger really fast," Shiromaru said with no little wistfulness as he reached down to smooth Etain's half-braided hair. "Get as much out of this age as you possibly can. I'm glad to see the onesies fit him, though!"

"I think so," Efi said to Etain. "He doesn't seem to be uncomfortable. Do you?" He patted Tosa's back gently, and for a moment was distracted by marveling at how large his hand seemed in comparison to Tosa's small ones. He smiled bemusedly at Shiro. "They fit well," he said, "even if it was a little difficult getting him to stay still long enough to find that out."

Tosa leeeeeeeaned over, grabbing at Etain's hand with both of his own hands and trying to pull himelf towards her lap. Locomotion! An admirable goal.

"Papa," Etain said softly, looking up at her father. "C'n I hold him?"

"I don't think anybody can really hold this wriggly boy for long, but it's not me you're supposed to ask," Shiro chided, gently, and Etain blushed and looked up to Efios.

"Can I hold him, Mister Efios?" He seemed to want into her lap, and who was Etain to say no to a fellow changeling?

Nevermind that she wasn't, really, that much bigger than he was.

"Okay," Efi nodded, and carefully transferred Tosamah into Etain's lap, supporting the baby until he was sure Etain's hold was secure. Even so, he watched closely. Tosa was a wiggly little creature, he had discovered, and he had a hand nearby to help if the baby lost his balance.

Tosa squirmed gleefully, clinging tightly to Etain's hand, tiny blunt claws pressing lightly against her skin. His tail thumped wildly, balancing him as well as expressing his delight at - well, everything. He let out a squeal as he balanced on Etain's lap, looking around alertly.

Shiromaru watched the young pair with blatant amusement. "He is way more energetic and active than Etain ever was at that age," he noted, shifting about so Etain could lean against his side and brace carefully that way.

Etain was... well, 'enchanted' was a good way to describe the look in her eyes. She was much the same way around Makana. "Tosa," she said, very seriously, "I'm Etain." She pronounced it oh-so-carefully, drawing it out into three syllables: 'Eh-tay-in'.

"I don't think he's stopped moving since I found him," Efi observed, considering the thought. He brushed his hand lightly over Tosa's hair, watching the baby flick his ears in response to the touch.

Tosa's ears swiveled to focus on Etain, and he stared at her seriously. "Teh," he responded; whether it was an attempt to mimic her or simply a coincidence was unclear.

The sylph lit up, beaming. "Say it again," she said to the infant, very gently taking his hands and waving them about a bit. "'Eh-tay-in.'"

"Oh, you're going to have to pry her away from him with a crowbar now," Shiro noted softly over the childrens' heads, smirking up at Efios.

"Teh!" Tosa said, and bounced on Etain's knees, wobbling and wagging his small tail furiously. He waved his hands about agreeably within Etain's grasp.

Efi laughed softly. "Not such a bad, thing," he replied. "She will be, I think, a good influence." He smiled angelically.

"She is a sweetheart," Shiro agreed, quietly, his gaze softening. "Now I can just pray she stays this way."

Etain, not even paying attention to the two adults speaking, reached out and tickled behind one of Tosa's ears, giggling helplessly.

"I hope so, too," Efi nodded. "She's such a lovely child."

Tosa squirmed even more and squalled with surprise, eyes going very wide. That felt funny! His ears flicked uncontrollably in response to the sensation.

Shiromaru beamed up at Efios, naturally inclined to favor even more anyone who had the good sense to compliment his daughter. Efios was a man of fine taste. "So's Tosa. Though he's going to be quite the handful."

Etain hesitated, the squalling noise leaving her rather worried. "S'called 'tickling,'" she explained somberly.

"I can tell already," Efi said, managing to look delighted and worried all at once. He reached over to ruffle Tosa's shoulderfur. "Tickle tickle," he told the baby.

Tosa reached up to fasten both hands around Etain's arm and said "Teh," again. He squirmed at the further tickly sensations, almost overbalancing before he swayed back into equilibrium.

"Careful!" Etain squeaked, reaching out with her free arm to try and make sure Tosa wouldn't fall over. Shiromaru, too, had a hand hovering nearby, just in case the infant overbalanced completely.

Efi put a careful hand between Tosa's shoulderblades, just lightly, just in case, holding his breath. Yie.

Tosa regained his balance and regarded the two adults and one child looking at him. Ooooh, all that attention, and totally focused on him. He giggled, delighted.

Etain looked up rather anxiously at Efios, her eyes wide. "We should sit on the floor," she said carefully, tugging absently on a lock of her hair.

"Yes, I think that's a good idea," Efi agreed, and lifted Tosa carefully off Etain's lap so she could slide down to sit on the floor.

Tosa wriggled and pouted. So far, this whole lap thing had been very entertaining, and its removal was something he protested.

Floors weren't something Etain particularly enjoyed -- she much preferred to be up as high as she could get, especially in a stiff breeze -- but Tosa could fall and hurt himself! So Etain settled down on the floor, smoothed out her skirt primly, patted her opaque tights, then reached up for Tosamah again.

Shiromaru was forced to cover his grin with his hand.

Efi smiled at Etain's prim and careful settling, and leaned down to set Tosa in her lap again. "He likes you," he said.

Tosa grabbed at Etain's hands again, proving the statement correct by smiling an infectious baby smile and thumping his tail wildly.

"He does?" Giggling happily, Etain let Tosa take her hands, and started babbling away in the way only children truly could, starting to tell him in elaborate detail just what happened that day before her dear Mister Efios showed up with Tosa.

Tosa paid close attention, understanding little of words but fascinated by the flow of sounds and the lilting tones. Listening, he held really still for the first time since Efios had arrived at the door. His ears pointed at Etain, and his eyes fixed solemnly on her face.

Efi leaned back, watching and listening quietly, a smitten little smile on his face. He took the opportunity to flip his mane over his shoulder and start rebraiding it more neatly, now that his hands weren't occupied by a wiggly child.

While Etain continued to babble away at Tosa, gleefully, Shiro immediately fixated on Efios. More accurately, on Efios' hair. "Need help with that?" he sked, hopefully, and held up his brush.

Efi blinked, startled. "I wouldn't mind," he admitted. "I didn't exactly have time to do the usual brushing-out this morning." He pulled the tie at the end back out and shook his mane forward, grimacing at the knots that showed themselves with the maneuver.

Tosa injected syllables into the narrative here and there; and now it was clear that he was mimicking sounds he heard.

"Shoo. Sit on the floor in front of me," Shiro directed, and reached out for the hair tie, palm up.

When she heard Tosa starting to offer sounds, Etain slowed her babbling down, becoming more and more careful to pronounce words as carefully and correctly as her still-clumsy tongue would allow her to.

Efi handed over the tie and settled comfortably crosslegged on the floor, bowing his head slightly. "Thank you," he said, keeping a careful eye on the two children.

Tosa answered Etain's speech with sounds, clearly trying to form words, even if he did not yet understand. Speech! It was important, obviously. His bright eyes watched Etain keenly.

With a quick, deft, practiced touch, Shiromaru brushed out and braided Efios' hair, tying it off with the hair tie when he was done. He couldn't help but smile as he watched Tosa and Etain, listening to them as Etain slowed down her ongoing narration even further.

Even if she was throwing in Japanese without realizing it, half the time. Sometimes, being in a bilingual household was a bit confusing.

"Ah, thank you," Efi said, giving the braid a quick inspection and sighing happily. It felt and looked much better for the attention. He leaned against the seat, really relaxing for the first time since he'd woken up to find a baby in his care. He'd been expecting it, but not really certain what to expect.

Tosa parroted back sound from both languages with equal ease; he was not yet old enough to have lost the flexibility of palate required to learn more than one language.

Efi, on the other hand, blinked at the switching, angling his ears to try to catch the unfamiliar words.

"We speak both Japanese and English in this house," Shiromaru explained when he saw Efi trying to hear the words. "If you want, we could help teach Tosa how to speak Japanese, too."

"I'm sure he'll pick some up, so he may as well learn it," Efi replied, faintly bemused. "I'm not bilingual," he admitted.

Leaning forward, Shiro draped his arms loosely over Efios' shoulders in a friendly, familiar fashion, grinning as he watched the children. Etain was very patiently trying to teach Tosa how to say 'neechan.' "I could teach you as well, if you like," he offered quietly.

Efi jumped slightly, ears flicking back with surprise then returning to their usual position. "I wouldn't mind, if you could be patient with my slow self," he answered, nodding thoughtfully. "I've never been as good with languages."

"Of course! It's easier if you're right-brained... If this bothers you, Efi, just tell me. I'm like this with all my friends," Shiro added, his tone almost worried.

"Rather than light on brains?" Efi quipped back. He shook his head, careful of the point of his horn. "No, you only startled me," he answered.

Plunking his chin down atop Efi's head, Shiro just grinned. "You're not light on brains," he informed the yuniko.

"Solid stone's fairly heavy, you're right," Efi snorted, watching Tosa waving his hands around and doing his best to produce syllables like Etain's. The baby's lack of proper teeth was hampering him to a certain extent, but he was certainly trying.

Knuckles lightly rapped on Efios' head, and the water demon snorted. "That word she's trying to teach him, 'neechan,' is 'big sister,' by the way." If Shiromaru was going to teach, then he could start immediately!

Etain, enthralled, beamed at Tosa, then cast about and picked up a pencil. "Enpitsu," she announced. "Pencil."

"Nee-chan." Efios sounded out the unfamiliar word, testing it clumsily. "What would 'brother' be?" he asked curiously.

"Pppppppp," Tosa said. Pleased with the sound, he did it again, then aded, "Ts!"

Etain giggled, repeating the word more slowly. "En... pi... tsu. Almost there!"

"Well, 'onee' is big sister, and 'onii' is big brother. 'Imouto' is little sister, and 'otouto' is little brother. The 'chan' is a diminutive," Shiro explained. "Mother is 'okaa' and father is 'otou'. So, instead of Papa, Etain might call me 'tousan'. The 'o' is a sort of honorific as well."

"Ppp-tsss-blblblblblb," Tosa said, the last part coming out with extra spit.

"Too much at once," Efios protested. "I think I need to be taking notes here. Is there going to be a quiz, teacher?" He grinned impishly.

Grabbing a hanky out of her pocket, Etain dutifully cleaned Tosa's mouth up. Slobbery baby!

Laughing, Shiro hugged Efios' shoulders. "Call me 'sensei'. And no, no quizzes, don't worry."

Tosa tried to grab the hanky. He could bite that!

"Thank you, Etain," Efi smiled, before chuckling at Shiro. "Yes, sensei," he answered. "Good thing. I was always terrible at quizzes. Stare at the page, and my mind goes blank."

"You don't wanna bite that," Etain scolded gently, then reached over to one of her old teething rings, left in a pile in a bucket over in one corner. She presented the brightly-colored ring to Tosa. "You wanna bite this."

Shiro rolled his eyes at Etain's antics, then sat back and grinned down at Efios. "I'll just teach you a little bit as we go. I hid out in Japan for a couple years and that's how I picked it up -- immersion learning, so to speak -- but I don't think that's going to work here."

That actually looked like a good idea. Tosa gummed the ring ferociously. The nubby plastic felt good on his gums, and he let out a bubbly chortle around the toy.

"Probably not, no," Efi said dryly. "I had a hard enough time with English." He watched the children thoughtfully. "Everything goes into his mouth. That's normal, right?"

Shiromaru snorted, his eyes warming with amusement. "Welcome to life as a parent, where you have to be terrified of everything small enough to fit into a baby's mouth. Yes, it's perfectly normal. It's how they learn things. Mouths and lips are really sensitive, after all, and when you don't have a whole lot of control over your hands yet..."

"Makes sense. I did put away everything small and everything breakable," Efi nodded. " ... though I keep finding things and having to put them somewhere. I didn't know I had that many little things," he said ruefully.

"Have you put plastic plugs in all the wall sockets?" Shiro asked curiously, as Etain started trying to braid a tiny little braid into Tosa's hair.

Efi nodded. "I bought a couple of baby books and did what they suggested to get ready." He shuffled his hooves on the floor. "My apartmentlooks strange."

Tosa reached up to grab at Etain's hands. The teething ring dropped onto the floor, and he shifted his focus again, making small unhappy noises and reaching after it.

Reaching down, Etain quickly got the teething ring again, offering it once more to Tosamah. "Here you go!"

"You should have seen Kailas after I brought Etain home. I had to put everything away, because she's been flying almost since before she could walk," Shiro offered, grinning helplessly at the memory.

Tosa burbled. He bit the ring. Then he paused, looked at Etain calculatingly, and dropped the ring again.

"I think I should be glad Tosa doesn't have wings," Efi said, ears flicking down at the thought.

"...Very glad," Shiro agreed, watching as Etain picked up the ring again and handed it back to the pooka changeling. "And from the looks of things, Tosa just figured out a new game."

Efi snickered very quietly as Tosa dropped the ring again, a sly expression on his face. "I think you're right." Then the amusement slid off his face as he realized that he was likely to be playing the new game himself at some point in the near future.

Etain blinked at the ring, then considered for a long moment before tugging out a long piece of ribbon from the bucket. Grabbing the ring, she threaded the ribbon through it, knotted the end, and draped the ribbon over Tosa's neck. "There!"

Tosa eyed Etain. Clearly, she had not gotten the point. He stuffed the ribbon into his mouth, and scowled as he realized it wasn't coming off that easily.

Efi folded over in silent laughter. "Clever," he chuckled.

"That's my girl," Shiro announced proudly. "Smart and resourceful."

Etain, oblivious, just beamed at Tosa. "Now you can't lose it."

"Plbbrrt," Tosa said crossly, and drooled on the ribbon.

"How can he be still cute even when he's full of drool?" Efi said bemusedly, watching his child. His child. That Tosa definitely was, though it hadn't even been a full day.

"Watch yourself. You'll soon start asking 'how can he still be cute even when he's full of poo?'" Shiro warned mischievously.

Efi made a face and sighed. "I'm sure you're right," he said mournfully. "I'd better get used to it."

Shiro patted Efios gently on the shoulder. "Indeed you should. But they're worth it. However, Etain is due for a nap fairly soon -- "

"Papaaa!"

" -- so if you'll excuse me, I need to go get her settled in."

"I believe it," Efi said softly. He rose slowly and went over to pick Tosa up from Etain's lap. "Thank you for playing with him, and teaching him," he said to the little girl, smiling at her.

Tosa pouted, and consoled himself by yanking on Efi's fur.

Grumpily, Etain flew up into Shiro's arms, though Efios' words charmed her and she smiled up at the yuniko. "I c'n teach him whenever," she offered happily.

Shiromaru rolled his eyes, then winked up at Efios. "Pardon me a second," he noted quietly, then made his way down the hall.

Efi bounced Tosa in his arms, humming to the baby; after a few moments, Tosa's scowl softened and his grip loosened, and his ears came back up. He still had the teething ring, and he stuffed it back into his mouth.

Shiromaru returned after a few minutes, smiling apologetically up at Efios. "Sorry about that. Either of you hungry? I think I still have some baby food around, and I could make us something to eat..."

"I think I ate this morning," Efi said, frowning as he thought about it. "He ate half a jar of cereal. The rest went onto the table, the floor, and me."

"Welcome to fatherhood," Shiro caroled cheerfully, patting Efios on the shoulder. "Food stains are a fashion statement."

Efi snorted and laughed. "You sound so cheerful," he said. "We should probably get going. I need to go pick something up." His ear flicked back and then forward. Tosa attempted to haul himself up along his parent's shoulder by pulling hard on the handfuls of fur he had. Efi winced again, expression stoic.

Grinning, Shiromaru padded over to the genkan, opening the door so Efios wouldn't have to and could focus on Tosamah instead. "Okay. Come by any time, our doors are always open to you both."

"Thank you," Efi said, pausing before he stepped out to give Shiro a wide, genuine smile. "I really do appreciate it."

"You're very welcome," Shiro returned, warmly. "Take care of yourself." He waved to Efi, then closed the door, smiling to himself. It was fun, having friends...

...Now if only Abishai would stop teasing him about being a 'born father'.

Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2005 1:35 pm

Annora rolled over onto her back, head almost hanging off the side of the bed as she played with the little egg in her hand. Gavriel had awakened recently, though he was back asleep already, and she was watching him, fascinated by the tiny creature in the egg.

The door opened, and a young girl with twin pigtails in a riot of curls peeked inside, her eyes wide. Annora was playing with... with something, and now Etain was curious. Sneaking into the room, she tilted her head slightly. "What's that?"

Annora blinked, looking over at her best friend. From her angle, Etain was almost upside down, and that caused the siren to giggle. She twisted, rolling onto her stomach and waving Etain over. "It's name's Gavriel," she informed her.

Darting over, Etain jumped up onto the bed, bouncing a few times until she could leen in and peer at the egg. "Gavriel... Cute," she squealed, beaming over at Annora. "Where'd you get it?"

"A friend of mom's gave it to me," Annora explained slowly, brows furrowing a little in thought.

"Oooh..." Etain wriggled in, settling on her stomach -- it was hard for the sylph to rest on her back -- and absently kicked her feet. "Is it ever gonna get bigger?"

Annora shrugged expressively, with a little grunt that told Etain she had no idea. "It was an egg for a while. Egg in a egg."

Etain set her hands in her chin, elbows on the bed. "Egg in an egg. Now it's a... thing... inna egg. Papa keeps telling me I'll get bigger, so maybe Gavriel will get bigger too."

"Think so?" Annora asked, tapping the egg curiously. Inside, Gavriel shifted, opening one eye to glare ineffectually at the girls before curling up to go back to sleep.

Giggling, Etain leaned in, getting a closer look at Gavriel. "Yeah -- hey, maybe he'll get bigger 'n that egg and break out of it."

"Ooooh, you mean like a baby chicken?" Annora asked excitedly. She'd learned about chickens from one of her books recently!

"Yeah! Like a baby chicken! Is Gavriel a bird like that?" Etain tilted her head slightly. "...He doesn't really look like a bird, though."

"But he's got wings. Maybe he's a swan, like the ugly duckling," Annora suggested thoughtfully. "Swans have wings."

Etain blinked up at Annora, confused. "What's the ugly duckling?" That wasn't a story she'd heard yet!

Annora blinked at her for several moments, then dropped the egg on her blanket, darting off to start digging through the books piled haphazardly on her bookshelf.

Oooh, would they get to read a story? Etain sat up, watching Annora as the siren looked for the book.

It took several minutes before Annora sat back, frowning. A moment later, her voice rang out, strong enough to be heard throughout the house. "MAMA!"

Sometimes, Etain forgot just how loud Annora could be. Ears ringing, she rubbed at them a bit, blinking a few times.

A few minutes later, the sound of footsteps, a little over-heavy, came tromping down the hall. Trio paused in front of the door, an eyebrow raised as she peered at Annora.

"Want my book," Annora explained petulantly.

"Annora was gonna tell me about the ugly duckling," Etain explained, hopping down off the bed so she could go hug Trio's leg.

"Hey there, pretty girl," Trio said, softening at Etain. "Ugly duckling, hmm? Scoot over, goofball," she said to Annora.

"'M not a goofball," Annora returned firmly.

Etain giggled, releasing Trio's leg so she could fly over to Annora's bed again. "Nuh-uh. Annora's not a goofball," she agreed, coming to Annora's defense.

"Then what is she?" Trio asked, sitting on the floor beside Annora and starting to look through the books.

"She's... She's Annora," Etain decided, unable to think of any other word that fit the other girl quite so well.

Annora grinned back at Etain for a long moment before puffing herself up. "I'm a silly girl," she informed them both.

Giggling, Etain wriggled down, settling on her stomach again as she watched Annora and Trio. "Silly Annora."

"That's me!" Annora said, flopping onto her back on the floor. A moment later, Trio held up the book. "Here we are, girls!"

"Will you read it to us?" Etain asked hopefully, beaming up at Trio.

Trio eyed them both, then nodded, moving to climb up on the bed. "C'mere," she directed them, patting either side of herself.

Etain shifted until she was snuggled up against Trio's side, perfectly content.

Annora moved to the other side, shoving her way under Trio's arm until she was comfortable. Trio chuckled, hugging them both before opening the book. "Once upon a time, there was a nest full of eggs," she began, voice soft.

Shiromaru

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Shiromaru

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Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2005 1:36 pm

"Chriiiiiiiiistmaaaaas! It's Christmaaaas!" Etain sang gleefully the entire way from Shiromaru's house to Trio's, darting hither and yon through the snowfall that blanketed the normally springlike and warm grounds. How could Shiro deny Etain snow on Christmas day, after all? With packages carefully towed along, Shiromaru walked behind Etain, then found his key and let himself into the house. "You'll need to be very, very quiet now," Shiro whispered to Etain, and the little sylph dutifully hushed, then bolted for the living room. She smelled wrapping paper there!

Annora was already there, poking through the boxes and piling hers in one corner. Every time she started to sing, a very harried-looking Aziraphale would remind her that her mother was still sleeping. When he saw the two newcomers, he paled, peering at Shiromaru in worry. "Is she... excited?" he asked in a stage whisper, as though there were some way a young girl might NOT be excited on a day that promised presents.

Shiromaru smirked sleepily, then rather heavily sank down onto the sofa, the presents set next to him on the floor. "You could say that. She's been up since three. Merry Christmas, Az," he added, chuckling softly. "You can go to bed if you want, I'll keep an eye on the girls for a bit longer."

Aziraphale eyed him, then shook his head. "Why don't you go wake Trio... before these... girls... do it?" he asked.

"Or I could do that. I'll be back in a minute." Hauling himself back up, and finally shedding his coat along the way, he made his way into Trio's bedroom, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Trioooo..." he murmured, just loud enough to be heard, a hand running gently over her hair.

Trio grunted, shifting in the bed until she was buried mostly under covers, with the pillow over her head, hiding nearly all of her hair.

Carefully, Shiro tried to lift the pillow right back up. "Rise and shine, sleeping beauty, or I'm going to tickle you."

Whatever Trio said in answer wasn't fully coherent... though it was likely the words shouldn't be heard by little girls ANYWAY.

Shiromaru grinned impishly and slid his hands under the blankets, running his fingers ever-so-lightly up and down along her sides under the shirt.

It took a moment for her to begin squirming, then whimpering, then finally jerking away to glare at him blearily. "Not fair."

"No, my love, what isn't fair is the fact that I have been awake since yesterday morning and I am now on my second pot of coffee," Shiro cheerfully chirruped, the picture of innocence.

"Whose fault is that?" Trio asked, eyeing him balefully before rubbing at her eyes. "What time is it?"

Shiromaru snickered softly. "Five in the morning, and Annora's about to give Aziraphale a nervous breakdown."

"She was in bed," Trio blinked, shifting slowly up and stretching before moving to check on Makana. The little catgirl was quietly batting at a soft mouse-shaped plushie Trio had given her that chimed when it shook.

Standing, Shiro also stretched, his back popping with a series of cracks before he finally lowered his arms. "She's currently sorting out her presents, and I think Etain's gone and started the same thing. How is Makana?"

"Surprisingly quiet," Trio murmured, shifting the girl to her shoulder. "I'll need to get her fed and we can begin." She punctuated the comment with a yawn, then laughed. "Think we can justify taking a nap while the girls play after?"

"I'm going to demand one, actually. I'm exhausted. I'm going to go attack my coffee again, and wait out in the living room." Leaning in, Shiro kissed Trio gently on the lips, then nuzzled softly at Makana before heading towards the door.

Trio watched him go, then slipped a robe on, leaving it gaping open while she went in search of Makana's cream.

"Daddy, daddy," Annora cried, when Shiro arrived in the living room again. "It's CHRISTMAS! Presents?"

"As soon as your mother finishes feeding Makana, we can open presents." Reaching down, Shiro caught up Annora in his arms, twirling playfully in a circle before planting a kiss on the girl's forehead. "And just how long have you been up, mmm?"

"Since three," Az muttered, from the doorway. "Will you be all right with them?"

Annora grinned, giggling wildly.

"I'm wired on coffee; honestly, I'll be fine. Why not get some rest? You look beat..." Shiromaru sank down onto the sofa, then released his hold on Annora so she could get down if she wished.

Instead, Annora attempted to climb higher, wanting to ride on his shoulders. "Etain, lookit!"

Az chuckled wryly. "At least I don't deal with them both day in and day out..."

Etain looked up, then squealed and flew over to hover near Annora. "Annora's almost flying," she announced, pleased as can be to see Annora up high like Etain preferred to be.

"Just be careful up there," Shiro cautioned, reaching up to leave a guarding hand hovering close by. To Az, he offered simply, "Caffeine. Lots and lots of caffeine."

"Indeed," Aziraphale muttered, eyeing them before turning. "I'll stock up when today TRULY arrives. Good night, ladies, Shiromaru." With that, he made his way upstairs.

Annora grinned, tapping Etain's nose. "You're flying!"

Etain giggled softly, then sat on the back of the sofa, reaching out to spontaneously hug Annora. "I'll take you flying someday," she decided happily. "When I'm big an' strong an' I can carry you!"

Shiromaru shook his head slightly, quietly amused, then sat and sipped at his coffee, watching the tree.

"How come I can't fly NOW?" Annora demanded petulantly, frowning at Etain. A moment later, Trio entered the room. She'd taken long enough to fix her hair and wash her face, and Makana was already happily munching as she balanced the child in one arm.

"Because I can't carry you?" Etain drooped a little, then picked herself up mentally, reaching out to try and lift Annora. It didn't work, but she tried, blast it all!

When Trio came in, Shiro smiled warmly up at her, indicating the spot next to him on the sofa. "You look more awake..."

"Looks can be deceiving," she muttered, nestling down. "who's playing elf this year?"

"I can, I don't mind. Besides, Annora's already got most of her presents sorted out." Shiro paused, then snickered quietly. "And so does Etain."

"Go right ahead, love," Trio murmured, watching Shiro with soft eyes. Makana, rather oblivious to it all, had decided that Trio's hair made the perfect plaything, and was currently batting at a golden lock.

Annora, not inclined to wait for Shiro, was bouncing in place, wanting to run over and grab her presents but knowing that such behavior was off-limits. She'd already gotten in trouble once for what her mom said was "being greedy".

"Annora, Etain, why don't you two sit on the floor?" Shiro suggested as he made his way over to the tree, starting to separate presents out. Etain hopped down off the back of the sofa, landing on the floor in front of it, her wings buzzing with excitement.

Annora scrambled after her, moving far enough away from the sylph to ensure that her hoard had plenty of space and didn't get mixed up with Etain's, while staying close enough to the tree to supposedly get her presents quickly. Trio watched her settle into place, an amused smile on her face as she shifted Makana in her arms. When Annora finally flopped onto the floor, Trio laughed softly.

Shiro separated the presents out, with the quiet admonishment that no one opened their presents until everything was sorted out. His presents and Trio's from each other could wait until after the girls had opened theirs. Once everything was sorted, he sat down next to Trio on the sofa, grinning. "Shall we let them open everything now?" he asked her, very quietly. Etain was holding a present in her hands, trying to look like she wasn't actually fiddling with the paper in anticipation.

Trio nodded, leaning toward Shiro. "One at a time, please, though. I like seeing what you're getting, girls," she added, shifting to nestle against her lover. Makana's eyes were drooping again, the food making her sleepy once more.

"Since 'A' comes before 'E,' Annora can go first this time. Next round, Etain will go first," Shiro decided, grinning as he wound an arm around Trio's shoulders.

Annora beamed, ripping off the paper on her first gift. She was nearly bouncing in her seat, anxious to see what she'd gotten.

It took a while to get through all the presents -- the girls had been spoiled with a bunch of gifts, and even Makana had quite the tidy pile. Shiromaru and Trio each had their own -- though both of them kept one back, hidden away for opening later, in private -- and after the presents were opened, breakfast eaten, and the girls had run off to play, Trio and Shiro took themselves off for a long, well-deserved nap.

Really, the demon reflected as he drifted off to sleep, Trio in his arms, there was something definitely to be said about Christmas with one's family...

Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2005 1:37 pm

The soft music floated out from the treeline, light and bouncy and encouraging feet to dance and move. There was no unearthly pull to the music. It wasn't supernatural. But it did draw the listener forward, all the same.

Music was an obsession inherited from her father, and Etain couldn't help but follow it nevertheless. Much to Dakota's dismay. The zurui had discovered that Etain had a natural ability to get into trouble, despite how she never actually meant to do it. Following after, he watched as the sylph flew above him, poking her head past the treeline as she tried to determine the source of the sound.

Not far into the woods was a small clearing, covered in shade from the canopy of leaves above. In the center, settled on a large flat stone, was a redhaired boy, the orange and red flute in his hands playing the spritely song. His eyes were closed, a look of contentment on his face as he continued to play.

Eyes widening, Etain floated a couple feet off the ground, her curly pigtails over her shoulders as she listened intently to the flautist. After several moments, she offered cheerfully, "It's so pretty!" Shy around musicians? Not Etain!

The song faltered, silver-grey eyes flying open to peer at Etain curiously. He looked so young, until his eyes opened... "Who are you?"

"Etain," the sylph explained, beaming brightly. "An' that's Dakota!" She pointed to the long-suffering zurui that had ghosted over. "Who're you?"

The eyes narrowed at Dakota, and the boy dropped the flute. It fell to his neck, held in place by a leather thong. As he shifted, the green and blue wings at his back flexed. "I'm Kikuei. ...I knew someone like you once," he added to Dakota, voice soft.

Dakota sank down, sitting next to Etain. "Oh?"

Quietly, Etain considered Kikuei. He looked so... sad.

Kikuei jumped when Dakota spoke, staring at the zurui in surprise. "You talk!"

"...This is a surprise?" Dakota asked, though not unkindly.

"Trio's zurui didn't talk," Kikuei muttered, eyes narrowing as he leaned closer to Dakota, examining him curiously.

Etain brightened again, leaning forward, her hands on her knees. "Mama's zurui are real quiet, but Dakota talks lots. So do most of Papa's other zurui."

"...Mama?" Kikuei asked, his confusion transferring to Etain.

"Mama. Trio," Etain offered. "That's my mama."

"Your mother is Trio?" Kikuei whispered, ignoring the sudden trill of bright laughter that floated through the trees. "Really?"

Etain nodded, curls bobbing. "Yup! You know Mama?"

The laughter redoubled, but Kikuei looked solemn. "She... is my guardian."

"Then... why haven't I met you before?" Etain asked, confused.

Dakota, ignoring Kikuei and Etain for the moment, went sniffing about for the source of that laughter. "Who is there? Show yourself!"

"I don't stay with her," Kikuei admitted, scooting over on the rock to make room for Etain. "I don't like her much." But the words sounded less than certain.

Dakota felt a tap on his shoulder from behind, the only answer to his demand other than the continuing laughter.

Angrily, the zurui whirled, instinctively snapping at the hand that... wasn't there. "I don't like games," Dakota informed the air. "Stop it!"

Etain giggled at Dakota, then peered at Kakuei in confusion before sitting down next to him. Someone didn't like Mama? That... didn't make any sense. Didn't everyone love Mama? "Why don't you like her?"

"I just don't," Kikuei said, his voice sounding more like the petulant child he looked like.

"Oh yes you do," came another voice, a moment later... still without a body attached. Whoever was playing the tricks tickled Dakota's ear.

"I don't!" Kikuei insisted, sighing softly. "I... just don't."

Dakota growled, ears back and tail stiff. "No more tricks! Just show yourself!"

"I don't know why you don't like Mama. She's... she's Mama." Etain didn't know the words to explain why it was just so alien for someone to not like Trio, even though she knew for a fact that someone not liking her was just... wrong.

"Don't wanna," came a giggling reply to Dakota's snarl. But a moment later, a young girl popped into existence on the edge of the clearing, her blue eyes sparkling in amusement. She brushed indigo hair from her face, then reached over, petting Dakota. "Hi, Etain!"

Dakota grumbled irritably, though he relaxed once he saw the newcomer. Another kid... Hmph.

Etain looked up when she saw the girl, then smiled a bit shyly and waved her hand. "Hi... Um... Who're you?"

"I'm Niyati," the girl said, moving to flop down beside the Zurui and start petting him properly. "And you're here to take Kikuei to his new home."

"What?" Kikuei demanded, head jerking up. "No..."

Okay, so the new girl wasn't so bad when she wasn't pulling pranks. Dakota settled in a bit, laying down so Niyati could pet him more easily.

"New home?" Etain echoed, then flew up a bit off her seat, offering her hand down to Kikuei. "Let's go see Mama! She'll be happy t' see you!"

"It's time," Niyati said brightly, petting Dakota more vigorously, though always careful not to hurt.

"So soon?" Kikuei demanded, arms wrapping around himself as he stared at the purple-haired girl, completely ignoring Etain. "I don't want to see her!"

"It's time," Niyati repeated. "You have to go with her."

"Kikuei..." Tone sad, Etain floated where she was, brows furrowed as she watched the boy.

Niyati pulled away from Dakota, reaching out to lay a hand on Etain's shoulder. "He's okay. He's just scared." She paused, then winked. "Take him to your daddy first."

Dakota followed after, keeping close to Etain once again. Etain, comforted by Dakota's presence and by Niyati's kindness, nodded softly, then held her hand out to Kikuei instead. "Let's go see Papa first, then. He's really nice!" Of course he was. He was Papa.

Kikuei hesitated, then slowly took Etain's hand, casting a last entreating look at Niyati. His look was answered by a grin as the girl held out a pack that hadn't existed a moment before. "It's time," she said again, nodding at him.

"Niyati..." he whispered, fingers tightening on Etain's nervously.

"Don't forget to sing for me~," came the singsong reply, as the girl vanished.

"...Ee?!" Etain stared as Niyati vanished again, eyes a little wide, and she held on tightly to Kikuei's hand. "She really can go poof!" Shaking her head, she reminded herself -- she had a quest! Take Kikuei to Papa! Smiling up at Kikuei, she tugged on his hand a little, then started off for the treeline again. "C'mon, our house isn't far from here!"

Kikuei calmed at Etain's obvious surprise, smiling faintly at her. "Of course she can," he muttered, setting his pack against his shoulder. "She's a goddess."

Etain looked up at Kikuei, the word going over her head. Sure, she'd heard her father use words like 'god' or 'goddess' before, but she didn't entirely grasp the concept, not yet. "Goddess? So all goddesses go 'poof' like that?"

"Generally, they can," Dakota offered, walking just a bit ahead of them on the ground. "But not everyone who can vanish into thin air like that is a god or a goddess."

"Who's your father?" Kikuei asked quietly, wings fluttering nervously.

"Shiromaru," Etain offered promptly, shooting Kikuei a bright smile.

Kikuei blinked. That wasn't a name Trio had ever mentioned. "Who's he?"

"He's Papa," the sylph informed him, as if that explained everything.

"Riiight," Kikuei murmured, smiling softly at her. "Do you look like him?"

Etain shook her head quickly. "Nuh-uh. He has blue hair an' horns an' yellow eyes. That's our house!" She pointed to the huge complex that was Kailas, where lights were on everywhere and the sound of happy chaos emerged.

Kikuei drew back at the sight, breaking free of Etain's hold as he stared at the complex. "I don't want to go in there..."

"...Why not?" Etain looked up at Kikuei again, a little hurt. He didn't like Mama, he was afraid of Papa's house...!

"It's... loud," he murmured, brows drawing together as he saw the look on her face. What was he supposed to do?

Etain considered that for a moment, then nodded decisively and reached out to try and tug on his hands. "This way. We'll go in my window. My room's quiet! Then I c'n go get Papa and bring him to you."

Kikuei resisted weakly, but it didn't take much tugging before he was following behind the sylph, helpless nervousness in his gaze. "Trio lives here?"

"Nope! Mama lives in the other house. The one over there." Etain indicated the direction they'd more or less come from. "It's a long walk." Flying over to one side of the building, Etain released Kikuei's hand so she could tug the window open and fly inside. Her room was open and airy, and the breeze sent dozens of windchimes merrily tinkling. "I'll go get Papa!"

"Quiet, huh?" Kikuei asked, though he wandered to the windchimes, touching one lightly. He had quite a few himself, really, many courtesy of his guardian. Perhaps someday, he'd have a place like this to hang them.

Etain nodded, then slid the door open and flew off in search of her father. Unlike her sister, she did not have a voice that carried well, and she was soon lost in the general noise of the complex. Soon enough, however, she returned, leading a young-looking man with long blue hair. "I was told we have a visitor," he said quietly, smiling down at Kikuei as he entered.

"That's Kikuei," Etain explained, pleased to be of use.

"Kikuei, huh? I'm Shiromaru. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"You're her father?" Kikuei asked, blinking. How was that possible? The girl didn't look a thing like Trio, but... there was also no real resemblance to Shiromaru either.

Shiro grinned, resting a hand on top of Etain's head. "Yep. Etain's adopted, though, so I guess people might not expect us to be family at first."

"She said... Trio was her mother," Kikuei murmured, one hand lifting to cling to the flute he wore.

"That's because Trio is her mother. One doesn't need to be related by blood to be a family," Shiro explained, gently.

"Family that isn't related doesn't stick around," Kikuei returned, scowling at Shiro. "Don't petro...pitro... don't talk down to me."

Shiromaru shook his head. "I'm not patronizing you, Kikuei. Unrelated family does stick around. This entire household is a family, and we would never separate." Etain, grinning, clambered up until she was sitting on Shiro's shoulder, her wings buzzing.

Kikuei curled up in a corner of the room, watching Shiro warily. "Niyati said I was supposed to come here," he said softly. "She said it was time."

"You want to stay here for a couple days? I won't tell anyone you're here if you don't want me to," Shiro offered.

"No," Kikuei said immediately, then glanced down as he realized that the abrupt answer might hurt Etain.

Etain bit her lip, but she tried to school her expression. It didn't work very well, but she tried!

"What can I do for you, then?" was Shiro's next question, even as he set a steadying hand at Etain's arm.

"I... don't know," Kikuei answered, sagging. "She didn't tell me what it was time FOR." But despite his answer, he did know. It was time to see Trio again... to face his fears, and speak to the woman who was supposedly his guardian. "I don't want to do this," he whispered softly.

Shiromaru watched Kikuei for a long moment, then smiled softly. "Need company going somewhere?" Kikeui hadn't told him where the boy needed to go, but Shiro could guess. "Some things are easier to bear when you share the weight."

Kikuei blinked, looking up at Shiro with startled eyes. "She... probably won't be bothered by me...," he tried, very softly.

"Knowing Trio as I do -- which is really quite well, considering -- she likely misses you," Shiro countered, still gentle, but firm.

"...You think so?" Kikuei asked, his eyes very vulnerable.

Shiro nodded. "I'm confident enough to say that I know so."

"You'll really come with me?" Kikuei murmured, rising slowly from where he was curled up on the floor.

"It's a promise," the water demon confirmed. "Etain and I will both come with you."

Kikuei's eyes slid to Etain, head tilting slightly. Would she really come, or had he offended her too much?

Etain apparently forgave easily. "Let's go see Mama," she decided, her voice firm.

Kikuei flinched slightly at the wording, but nodded, squaring his shoulders. "Is it far?"

"A bit." Shiro held the door open for Kikeui. "But if we fly, it's faster. Shall we?"

"I can't fly," Kikuei countered. "My wings aren't developed enough."

Shiromaru blinked at Kikuei, then nodded softly. "Want a lift? Or we can walk. Either way is good."

Kikuei hesitated, then tilted his head. "Can you really fly with me?"

Summoning his wings, Shiromaru spread them, letting himself grin. "Believe it or not, I'm stronger than I look."

Kikuei's eyes went wide, and for a long moment, he simply stared at Shiromaru in wonder.

"...What is it?" Shiro asked, rather confused by that look of Kikuei's. "Is something wrong?"

"Your wings...," Kikuei breathed, reaching out toward one before drawing back. "They're huge..."

Laughing, Shiro flicked his wings against his back, careful to not hurt Etain with them. "I'm also going on two hundred years old, I think, so I've had time to grow a lot. I'm still just a kid, though, in the grand scheme of things." Kneeling, he turned so Kikuei could hop up onto his back. "Hop up, and I'll carry you on my back. Etain can fly beside us."

"I can fly all the way to Mama's house," Etain announced proudly, then her expression fell. "But then I can't fly back. I get really tired if I don't get to rest for a while."

"Why... don't you live together?" Kikuei wanted to know, as he climbed carefully onto Shiro's back. His body was surprisingly light. Or perhaps not quite so surprising - given the wings, it seemed reasonable to think his bones might be hollow as a bird's.

"We just don't, not yet," Shiro murmured, glancing over at Etain. "Though... soon..." The water demon seemed almost nervous about something, his cheeks slightly red. "Anyway, it's a possibility in the future. You all set?" he added as he rose, shifting Kikuei's weight a bit and heading to the open window, Etain trailing along after them.

Kikuei's eyes narrowed at Shiro's hesitation, but he said nothing about it, merely tightening his hold on the demon. "Ready," he said, not sure what he might think of the trip.

Etain went first, magic letting her fly easily; Shiro, once he stepped outside, had to crouch a little and spring, wings beating heavily for the lift to get into the air. Once they were up, he caught an updraft, coasting along it with his wings spread wide. "See that house there in the distance?" He pointed to it, through the woods a ways. "That's Trio's house."

Kikuei nodded slowly, bird-sharp eyes peering at it before he asked quietly, "Has she changed?"

"What's there to change?" was the soft return question. "She's still the same loving, wonderful Trio that I've always known."

Kikuei blinked, arms loosening for a moment in surprise before he shifted and firmed his grip once more. "...Oh."

Shiro shot a grin back over his shoulder. "I think, if you get to know her, you'll understand why -- Etain, please don't play tag with the falcon -- we love Trio as much as we do."

It was with shame in his voice that Kikuei murmured, "I wasn't ready, before."

"Why not give it another shot?" Shiromaru suggested gently, then started to spiral down towards Trio's front yard. "Hold on tight."

Kikuei didn't tighten his grip, but he did nod, considering the advice carefully. In truth, she HAD always been gentle and patient with him. And Niyati was right - he hadn't treated her as well as he should've. But... she wasn't euphoric, and even though remembrance of his first guardian had faded into a hazy half-memory at best, he clung to it.

Landing and kneeling, Shiromaru waited for Kikuei to slid down, while Etain landed and boinged her way right up to the front door.

When Kikuei was on the ground again, he bowed to Shiromaru, thanking him softly before looking at the house in trepidation. "She lives here..."

"Un. Etain? Ring the doorbell for me, please?" Shiro called, even as he set a supportive hand light on Kikuei's shoulder. Etain nodded, bouncing up a bit to whap the doorbell, happily listening to it.

A moment later, a familiar blond head stuck out of the door. Aziraphale smiled down at the sylph before looking to Shiromaru. He'd gotten used to seeing the demon over always, and the sight of Shiromaru no longer made him frown in unapproving annoyance. "Do come... Who's this, Shiro?" Az asked, stepping out of the house. When he rounded the door, they could clearly see the red and white ruffled apron he wore, which bore the words 'kiss the cook'.

Shiromaru smiled down at Kikuei. "Someone who's coming home. C'mon, Kikuei, let's go inside. This is Aziraphale, by the way. Don't let him fool you, he's a really nice guy." Grinning, Shiro let his wings vanish as he walked to the door. Etain, having already impulsively hugged Az's arm, was flying down the hall, calling for Trio.

"Coming sweetheart," came Trio's response from within the house, and a moment later she rounded the corner, a wide smile on her face. "Hey there, sweetie," she said to Etain, holding her arms out to the sylph for a big hug - though she loved Shiromaru, she always paused to get hugs from the kids first.

"Mama!" Etain gleefully hugged Trio tightly, snuggling in. As expected, she was tired, and she let Trio take most of her weight. "There's someone here for you. He's out by th' door."

"Oh?" Trio asked, grinning as she moved toward the door, assuming it was Shiro the little girl was talking about. "Hello there lov..." The words stopped halfway, Trio's jaw slacking as she stared at Kikuei for a long moment. Kikuei shifted uncomfortably under the gaze, looking away as he fought with himself to remain. Niyati was right - it was time.

"...Kiku?" Trio breathed softly, blindly but gently setting Etain down.

"Etain," Shiro whispered, and the sylph ran over to his side, hugging his leg. He was quiet, the pair standing aside to let Trio and Kikuei see each other again without interruptions.

Kikuei shifted from one foot to the other, finally looking up toward Trio's face there. "She said it was time," he murmured, and for all the vagueness, Trio seemed to understand. She smiled slowly, tears in her eyes as she moved to kneel in front of him, opening her arms but making no actual move to touch him. "Welcome home, Kikuei," she whispered softly.

A moment later, she was rewarded by Kikuei nearly flinging himself into her arms, his own small limbs clinging with desperate strength.

Smiling, pleased, Shiromaru held Etain close to him as he slipped out the door, the pair absolutely silent. Shiro could find out more later. For now, Trio and Kikuei deserved this time together after so long.

Shiromaru

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Jaden Silvermoon
Captain

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Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 1:32 pm

Both Annora and Etain have grown wonderfully and flourished under the watchful eyes of their respective parents. However, this relationship seems to be changing... and can sometimes be traumatic for children, even when they know the situation and welcome it. Especially when those children are little more than toddlers themselves.

Annora and Etain have learned what it's like to be friends... now they need to learn what it takes to be family. The learning process will help them greatly and may just advance their life stages. The life of sisters who live with each other is far different than the life of friends who can simply go home when the mood strikes.

Your goal for this quest is to integrate these two lovelies into a house together, taking into account the special needs of each girl. It could possibly be a difficult time, especially with them both having grown up with a single parent focused on them. Or it could go as smoothly as silk, to quote a phrase. Either way... these are your goals:

1. Sit down with the girls and explain the move, in terms they can understand. While they know that the two of you are getting closer, they may not fully understand HOW close.

2. Design the house with both of them in mind. Annora needs water... Etain needs a place to stretch her wings now that she's learning to fly. Safety must be taken into consideration as well. (For this, I don't necessarily need to SEE a map of the house or anything, just RP out the design of it and be descriptive!)

3. Give me at least 5 seperate RP'd scenes of the girls during the moving process, getting settled and immediately after everything's sorted in the house. A total of AT LEAST five. If you feel that you can't get it all in five, feel free to write more!

4. Have each girl do a solo post or RP after everything's done, describing their personal feelings on all that has happened during the course of this. It doesn't have to be a 'dear diary' post unless you want it to be.

Posted: Thu Mar 16, 2006 6:02 pm

The girls had been sent to Shiro's, cheerfully oblivious to the reason for it. Annora had squirreled away Gavriel's egg, wanting to show Etain and see if the other changeling thought that he was getting bigger. Makana had carried over a book, immediately curling up near a window to page through and look at the pictures. Her tail tapped against the wall, a regular, contented thump as she waited for her mother.

The house was chaos as usual, though a happy sort of chaos. Dakota was curled up near Etain, the sylph latched onto Annora's side immediately as usual. "He looks bigger," she offered, wide-eyed, peering into the egg.

Shiromaru, noticing Makana, made his way over to the little girl. "What are you reading?" he asked softly, grinning down at her.

Annora beamed, examining the egg carefully. "Bigger!" she crowed, anxious to see what might develop next. Maybe he'd stop sleeping so much.

Makana shifted to make room for Shiro, holding up her book for him to see. "He's big an' fat an' naked and everyone's laughing," she explained, pointing to the Emperor who was 'wearing' his new clothes.

Etain leaned against Annora, grinning at the egg and at her sister. "Hope he'll get bigger than th' egg soon," she said wistfully.

Settling down next to Makana, Shiro stroked her hair lightly and grinned at the book. "The Emperor's New Clothes, I see. Want to read it to me?"

Makana shifted nearly into his lap, beginning to purr. "You read it," she instructed, handing the book to him.

Before he could begin, however, there was a quiet knock at the door that had everyone's heads come up.

Looking up, Shiro blinked at the door, then gently extricated himself from his seat to open the door, peering out curiously.

Trio stood on the other side, one hand on Kikuei's shoulder. The little red-haired boy peered up at Shiromaru solemnly, then offered a faint smile.

"Can we get everyone together to talk?" Trio asked.

Shooting Kikuei a warm smile in return, Shiro nodded, then held the door open to let the pair come inside. "Girls, come sit together, your mother needs to talk to you."

Etain got up dutifully, moving over to sit in the middle of the room.

Annora moved with her, leaving Makana to make her way over a little more reluctantly. The cat kept slightly away from the two fey girls, head tilted and large golden eyes watching Kikuei curiously.

Shiromaru sat on the sofa close to the girls, noticing silently how Makana kept herself apart. It wasn't surprising, really, considering how close Etain and Annora were...

Trio settled on the floor, gesturing for Kikuei to sit beside her. The boy was solemn, but no longer quite as sullen as he'd been when he'd first met Etain. "Girls," she said softly. "I'd like you to meet Kikuei. Kikuei, these are the girls: Makana, Annora, and Etain."

"I know Kikuei," Etain announced cheerfully, beaming up at the young boy. "He plays the flute! An' it's really pretty!"

Grinning at that, Shiro shook his head in amusement, then smiled up at Kikuei encouragingly. "Welcome, Kikuei."

"He plays the flute?" Annora asked, perking immediately at the thought. "Play something," she demanded a moment later, leaning forward expectantly.

"Not right now, sweetie," Trio said, as Kikuei drew back slightly, unnerved by the ready cheer. "Kikuei lives on our lands. I'm his guardian. Do you know what that means?" she prompted gently.

Makana, clearly too unsure of herself to simply speak up, watched the meeting, her eyes locking on Kikuei thoughtfully more than once.

Etain shook her head slowly, then looked up to Shiromaru, waiting for an explanation. Of course Papa would know!

"It means that your mother watches over him and keeps him safe," Shiro explained, reaching down to gently pet Makana's hair again.

Makana glanced up at Shiromaru, then relaxed, curling up against his side.

Kikuei cleared his throat, eyeing the three girls warily before speaking. "I'm not going to live with you," he informed them all, shoulders tensed and obviously ready for arguments.

Etain looked disappointed, her long elflike ears drooping a little, then she brightened hopefully. "Will you at least live nearby so we can come visit?"

Slowly, Kikuei nodded, looking at Trio almost helplessly. The blonde smiled at the girls. "I'm going to get some help building somehting like a treehouse for Kikuei nearby. When it's done, he'll live in there, and you can visit him whenever he says it's okay."

Annora considered that for a long minute, then looked at Etain, trying to decide if that was good enough. Before she could speak, however, Makana finally put in her two cents. "He needs high places."

Kikuei blinked, head whipping around to peer at the abyssinian thoughtfully.

Startled, Shiro glanced down at Makana. Etain, however, did point to Kikuei, adding cheerfully, "He is kind of like a bird... Do you use a nest?" she asked after a moment, peering curiously up at Kikuei. "Birds use nests! I've seen'm!"

Disconcerted by the abyssinian's words, Kikuei answered Etain almost absently. "Not nests, exactly. More a nest than you do, though. I'm Ieldi..."

"What's an Ieldi?" Etain asked curiously, brows furrowed. "Not a bird?"

"They're sort of like birds," Trio explained, as Annora crawled closer, more interested in the flute she saw hanging from Kikuei's neck than a discussion of where he'd come from. "In the same way that Makana's sort of like a cat."

"Mew?" came Makana's soft question.

"You're not exactly a cat, and Kikuei's not exactly a bird, but you both have things in common with them. That's all," Trio explained.

Shiromaru nodded, petting Makana's hair again. "Precisely. Like Kikuei's wings, and your ears."

Etain considered all of this for a long moment, then nodded to herself, filing it all away. And then promptly ignored it all in favor of music. "Play something for us?" she asked Kikuei, leaning forward a bit.

Kikuei finally turned hs attention from Makana, almost jumping as he realized that Annora had been just out of peripheral vision, her hand reaching out to touch his flute. "I..."

"Play!" Annora insisted, grinning up at him. Not quite sure how to refuse them without making someone upset, Kikuei awkwardly acquiesced.

"Annora, Etain, how do you ask?" Shiro chided, eyeing the older girls.

Etain ducked her head, then looked up at Kikuei again. "...Please play something for us?"

"May I please have a song?" Annora added, saying the words by rote.

Kikuei eyed them thoughtfully, then smiled faintly, nodding. Slowly, he turned to Makana, who nodded shyly, then looked to Shiro, all the while not looking at Trio.

Smiling warmly, Shiromaru nodded to Kikuei. "If you would be so kind, we would all enjoy a song."

Kikuei's smile faded, but his eyes finally sought Trio's. She smiled warmly, reaching out to rest a hand on his arm. Only then did he reach for the flute, hesitantly leaning toward Trio as he readied himself to begin.

Trio beamed, shifting her arm to wrap around him. Perhaps this would really work out...

Shiromaru

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Shiromaru

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Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 12:44 am

Plans to tell the girls about the upcoming changes in their lives had been derailed with the abrupt changes going on. Makana was now a toddler, and Kikuei's return into Trio's life had severely derailed the blonde. So things were set aside for a couple of weeks, and everything slowly settled back into the semblance of normalcy that was their life. And then they finally made plans to tell the kids. Trio's house was scrapped as the setting almost immediately, because it was too loud. Shiro's was a consideration, until Trio brought up that a neutral ground could be better - a restaurant perhaps.

"Why not this one?" Shiro offered, curiously, as he pointed out the advertisement of a family-friendly restaurant not that far away from their joint properties. "I've passed by it, and it's usually not that busy, and there's a lot of space. We could sit in one corner and have some privacy as we tell them."

Trio nodded, glancing at Shiro. "It'll be nice to get out for a little while, too," she offered, toying with the ring she now wore. It still felt odd on her finger.

Shiromaru laughed softly, leaning in to kiss her cheek. "Very nice," he agreed. "All of us out together, as a family."

Trio hesitated, then leaned against him. "I'd like to bring Kikuei...?"

"Kikuei's part of the family," Shiro noted, blinking at Trio, even as he hugged her close.

She relaxed then, curling up against him. "He wasn't exactly someone you knew about when you signed on for this," she pointed out sheepishly.

Leaning down, Shiro pressed a kiss to her hair. "No matter whether I've met them or not, or even heard about or not, your family is my family."

Trio grinned softly, purring a little before pulling away. "Let's gather up the kids?"

"Yes." Shiro stood, stretched, then stole one more kiss from Trio before nodding towards the hallway. "Hopefully it won't be so much like herding cats."

Trio chuckled. "Well, we know that wherever we find Annora, we can find Etain, at least."

"This is true. Annora!" the demon called, raising his voice. "Where'd you get to?"

For a moment, there was silence, and then the girl peeked out of Etain's room. "In here," she said curiously.

Etain popped out as well, a few feet above Annora. "What is it, Papa?"

"Your mother and I want to take everyone out to dinner," Shiro explained. "Are you two hungry?"

Another pair of wary eyes peered out from Etain's room, red hair falling into them. Kikuei was skittish around Annora, but had taken to Etain easily, and preferred to be near the shy sylph.

"Yes," Etain said cheerfully, and flew down so she could put her arms around Kikuei's shoulders from above. Of course, that didn't help the hair problem much, as some of her curls fell in his face.

Shiromaru sat on his heels by the door, putting him more on the kids' level. "Well, once we get Makana, we can all go out. Go on into the living room?"

Annora nodded, grinning and reaching to grab Kikuei's hand and drag him along. He pulled back quickly, but that didn't seem to phase the siren, who simply looked up at Etain for a moment before hurrying off. Kikuei looked up toward Etain, offering her a shy smile as he waited for her to follow.

Trio smiled quietly at the exchange, moving to stand behind Shiro. "He's warming."

Etain nodded back to Annora, determinedly, then smiled sweetly down at Kikuei. "C'mon," she chirruped, and took his hand and led him off after Annora.

"He is," Shiro agreed softly. "And considering the household he lives in, I don't think he has much of a choice but to warm up some."

Trio chuckled, nodding as the three made their way to the living room. As Kikuei and Etain arrived, Annora poked her head out. "Makana's in here! In here, in here!" she said excitedly, proud to be the first to have found the kitten.

Etain followed quickly, beaming at Annora as she finally touched her feet to the floor again. Shiro wasn't too far behind, his long strides catching him up to the group as he hunted for and found the coats hung up in the genkan. "Okay, everyone, on with your coats. It may be warm here but it's cold outside the property, after all."

Annora grabbed her coat, tugging it on while Makana approached, peering at Shiromaru curiously. Trio reached for Makana's coat, setting it around the furred shoulders before turning to where Kikuei had bundled up. "That's good," she nodded, wrapping herself in her own coat.

Shiro helped Etain with her coat, unbuttoning the flap that went between the sylph's wings before sliding it onto her. Once it was on, he buttoned the flap back down against the hem. "There we are... We're going out for dinner, Makana," he explained, smiling warmly at the kitten.

Makana nestled into her coat, watching the others for a long moment before moving toward the door. "Can we have hamburgers?" she asked softly.

"Oooh, and fries!" Annora chimed in, bouncing over to her.

"Of course," Shiro confirmed as Etain attached herself to his shoulder, the sylph shooting him a hopeful look.

"Milkshakes?"

Shiromaru hesitated, then glanced at Trio for her opinion on that matter.

Trio arched an eyebrow at them. "We'll see how you do on dinner first," she said mildly, herding the other three out the door.

"Out, the lot of you, and into the van." Shiro had had to pick up the vehicle after realizing that their brood was only going to grow larger with time, and walking, quite frankly, got really boring.

The ride was short, all the kids anxious to get there. Trio listened to the four, a faint smile on her face. They definitely sounded like a family, at least. Once they'd arrived and all been let out of the van, she moved to walk with Shiro, keeping the kids close in the empty parking lot.

Shiromaru opened the door to let everyone inside, and their host was waiting by the door.

"Six?"

"Yes, please," Shiro agreed, and they were led to a booth near the back on the nonsmoking side, given their menus and water, and left to sit down.

"This family gets any bigger, and we're going to have to rent banquet rooms," Trio muttered, reaching out to catch Shiro's hand.

Shiro grinned, lacing his fingers through Trio's. "Keep that in mind. Knowing us, we might need to rent the entire restaurant."

Trio groaned. "Don't even joke about that. You may be right," she murmured, leaning her forehead against his shoulder.

Etain sipped at her water as she sat rather primly on part of the booth. If she was good, she'd get a milkshake -- right?

The demon just smirked at Trio, kissed her hair, then slid into a seat as well. "Let's figure out what we're going to eat, first."

"I want noodle-soup!" Annora said immediately, looking up from where she'd been blowing bubbles in her own water. She looked expectantly at Trio, who laughed wryly and nodded. "I know, sweetie. Makana? Kiku? What about you two?"

Makana hesitated, wide eyes looking up at the two before shrugging shyly. She didn't actually offer a response, but Trio nodded, knowing what to try for her.

Kikuei peered carefully at the children's menu, then wrinkled his nose. "Can I have corn?" he asked quietly, pointing to a side-dish on the adult menu.

"Of course you can," Shiro murmured to Kiku, smiling warmly.

"Can I have fish and chips?" Etain asked in turn, curiously. "And chicken?" She pointed to the basket that had chicken and fish strips.

Trio nodded, smiling as Makana's ears visibly perked at the mention of fish. "What about you, Shiro? Anything interesting to you?"

Shiromaru glanced down at the menu, then poked at it. "Hm. The chicken kiev," he decided after a moment, then nodded. "Yeah. What about you?"

"Alfredo for me," Trio said decisively, then set her menu down. "Where should we start?"

As the waiter arrived, Shiro gave the man their orders, then leaned back against the back of the chair and glanced at the children before looking over at Trio. "...Where should we start?" he asked quietly, lips quirking.

"Christmas?" she offered softly, blushing faintly.

At the blush, Kikuei's eyes narrowed, and he watched her almost suspiciously. "What happened then?" he asked, before anyone else could really pick up on the nerves.

"I asked Trio to marry me," Shiro offered quietly.

Etain just blinked, glancing from Shiro to Trio and back again.

"What's that mean?" Annora demanded, looking confused. "An' how come mommy's red?"

"...Okay. How to explain this." Shiro sipped at his water for a moment, then glanced at Trio for help before looking back at the children again. "It means that Trio agreed to become my wife."

"Wife?" Etain echoed. "Is Mama going to wear a white dress now?"

Shiro shot a look at Trio again, looking for help.

Trio chuckled, shaking her head. "Probably not, sweetie. I'm probably just going to wear one of my current 'good' dresses, so it'll probably be blue..."

"She's going to be your mate?" Kikuei murmured, watching Shiro thoughtfully.

"Yes. Yes, that's a good term for it," Shiro agreed, nodding to Kikuei. "Mates. Only being married means it's really special and that we're mated for life."

Etain kicked her feet slowly, watching the pair. "Mama... You're never gonna go away?"

At that question, Kikuei suddenly nudged Shiro. "I need to go to the bathroom," he said, before Trio could even attempt to answer.

She watched him with sad eyes as he moved out of the booth a little too quickly.

Confused, and getting the idea it was something she said, Etain watched Kikuei leave, wanting to follow him. Shiro reached out, touching her shoulder gently. "Give him a moment, sweetling," he murmured.

Trio waited until Kikuei was out of earshot, then looked at the girls. "Kikuei had a bad thing happen once, and it's made him scared to believe that I might not leave him. Don't worry, sweetie."

"Leaving is bad," Etain whispered, something dark in her eyes.

Shiromaru glanced at Trio, brows furrowed slightly, then offered a gentle smile to Etain. "It'll be okay."

Trio swallowed, then reached out, taking Etain's hand while Annora and Makana looked on in confusion. Neither of them really remembered having anyone BUT Trio and the family. "Yes, sweetie. Leaving is bad," Trio agreed gently. "But sometimes, it has to happen. I can't promise that I'm never gonna go away, but I can promise that I will be your mommy always. Do you understand?"

Etain clung to Trio's hand. "Okay," she agreed, offering Trio a bright smile. If Mama said so, then it was okay. Because if Mama was always going to be her mother, then that meant Mama would always come back.

Trio swallowed at that smile, squeezing Etain's hand for a moment. "I love you, sweetie. All of you," she added, turning to look at the other girls.

"Love you too, Mama," Etain chirped happily. Gently, Shiromaru rubbed Trio's back, reassuringly.

Kikuei returned a moment later, hesitating at the edge of the booth. "Are you and Etain gonna live with them?" he asked Shiro.

Shiromaru rubbed at the bridge of his nose, a bit awkwardly. "Actually... What we were planning on doing was building a new house for us. We'd live there, and the girls, and you too if you like."

Kikuei started to open his mouth, obviously wary about that thought, but before he could say anything, Trio smiled and reached to touch his hand. "I had an idea about that, sweetie," she said. "I know you don't really like it here on the ground, so I thought maybe you could have your own place, in a treehouse. It'd be kinda like your old shelf."

"My... shelf?" Kikuei whispered, not pulling away.

Etain brightened at that thought. "Treehouse! Cool! Kiku, that'd be neat! Could I come visit if you made a treehouse?"

He nodded slowly, relaxing a little as Trio turned toward Shiro. "I thought it could connect to a balcony via a bridge and gate?"

"We could do that," Shiro agreed thoughtfully, head tilted as he imagined it. "Yes... Yes, that would be easy to do."

Trio grinned at Shiro, then at a wide-eyed Kikuei. "That way, you wouldn't have to live WITH me, but we'd all be very nearby," she explained.

"What about my pool?" Annora asked suddenly, frowning. She LIKED her wading pool!

"Will I have big windows?" Etain chimed in, leaning forward as she half-floated in her seat.

Shiro glanced at her. "Butt on the seat," he chided gently, then grinned at Annora. "We'll have a big pool. And yes, you'll have big windows," he added to Etain.

"What about you, sweetie?" Trio asked, turning to look at Makana. "Surely you want to ask something too..."

Makana hesitated, peering at them both with big eyes before looking down at her hands. "Will..." she started, then stopped with a hushed voice.

Reaching out, Shiro covered Makana's hands with his own. "Will what, sweetheart?"

"Will you read me bedtime stories?" she murmured, ears half-flat as she watched him.

Shiromaru's smile just grew, warmly. "Of course I will. I'd love to do that."

Trio chuckled, watching the kids. At least for the moment, it seemed like everything might just work out.

Posted: Mon May 01, 2006 10:18 pm

It had been far too long since Trio had set foot near the small building she'd first met Jaden at. And really, she was feeling rather guilty about it, as she watched the two girls look around. Annora seemed to know where she was, to a point - she went to the door and knocked lightly, big eyes peering up curiously before deciding that clearly, no one was coming to the door and she should just go play in the yard. Makana, whose attention span was slightly longer than Annora's gnat-span, remained before the door for another ten seconds or so before catching sight of a butterfly flitting around some spring flowers nearby. Immediately, her ears perked up, and she crept closer, tail swishing behind her.

And Trio, who had brought them both in the hopes that getting away from some of the packing and insanity might do good, decided to flop down in the grass, a bundle of dark blue fur draping against one leg with chilling comfort.

This was...actually...unfortunetly... the first time Fern had ventured to the place where that card had indicated. Liusaidh was cuddled against her mothers chest comfortably, beaming up at her with a baby smile. Fingers knotted with spiderwebs flexed against Ferns white shirt, red hair peeking over her shoulder at the upcoming building and the....people? outside of it.

The kids didn't look too much like human (or even faerie or dragon) kids.

Fern paused a few yards from the playing kiddlets and the sprawled out woman, chewing at her lower lip worriedly. "....uhm. Excuse me? I'm looking for a place where I got...this one.."

All the time, her mind was racing with thoughts of: ....holy mother, was that little girl a cat?

Kyrianna made her way up to the cottage, her silver hair pulled back in a loose pony tail to keep her two daughters from attempting to make her go bald. Eirwen was currently strapped to the front and Eires was sitting on her shoulder, autumn wings twitching every now and then.

"Home." the little girl demanded, brushing her blonde hair away from her face as she tugged on Kyri's. She didn't WANT to be outside - she wanted to be at home. At least at home she could bother Eirwen without Kyri so much as noticing.

Eirwen, it seemed, was squirming rather uncomfortably in the baby sling. Her blue eyes were clouded with annoyance, and the frost child was definitely in a bad mood if her fists pounding at Kyri's chest showed anything.

"Eires, Eirwen, stop it," the feline's voice rang out as she stopped, seeing the group of people outside. More people this time, thankfully.

And nobody bumped into her! A miracle.

"Hello?" she asked softly, shifting Eirwen in the sling so the cool air could hit her more directly then the heat from her body. It seemed to calm the girl down and her eyes closed.

Coldness was good.

Well, perhaps Etain looked like a fairy... And in all actuality, she was a sylph.

She was also flying full-tilt towards Trio, happy to see her mother, but when she saw Fern, she stopped short before darting back behind her father as Shiromaru walked into the yard. The water demon paused where he was, then broke out into a huge grin, unable to keep from laughing aloud.

Trio blinked, looking up at all the newcomers. Either they had radar, or she'd just come at a good time. She figured on the latter for all but one, smirking as she waved at her fiance. But it was Fern she turned to, eyes sharp as she gentled her smile. Clearly, this one was new to parenting a Changeling...

"Hi. I'm Trio," she offered brightly, getting to her feet and sticking out her hand.

Not far away, Makana's ears swiveled, the sound of a rather feline voice catching HER attention. The sound made her feel odd in the pit of her stomach, and before she could credit it, the normally shy abyssinian was heading over to stand just at Kyrianna's side, peering up at the woman.

Oh s**t. People. Lots of people. The former mercenary jumped just slightly, blinking and tightening her grip on her new - her only - child. "I'm Fern..." Her voice was slightly low, shifting Liusaidh to one hip so she could shake Trios hand firmly.

That's what humans did on Gaia, right? Fern thought so... She hoped so. Otherwise she just seriously ******** up.

"Uhm.. this is Liusaidh."

The little redheaded girl beamed at Trio, fingers flexing in a faint unfurling motion. She knew how to wave! Wave meant hi!

Kyrianna smiled down at the little girl, "Well, hello there!" it wasn't too often the woman saw a full cat anthro - hell, it was rare (strange enough) that she even met another person who had feline features. Then again, she didn't exactly go out much.

She was perfectly content to stay holed up in her house or work. At least with work she got to play with people's minds.

In the most professional sense of the word.

Eires spread her wings and fluttered down, sitting down on her shoulder. She was prettier than her mother was, and besides, she would be further away from her "older" sister. Considering Eires was very tiny (A fairy, after all!) she could do so without hurting Makana any, "Hi!" she giggled, giving a small bounce as she tickled the girl's ear, "Eir..Eir...es!"

She was still getting the hang of talking.

Eirwen, however, was quite amused at the sight of everyone - especially the little red headed girl. So many new people! She wanted OUT of the carrier, darn it! Giving another squirm and a firm squeal, she lashed out at Kyri again.

"Argh, fine you little terror, I'll let you out, okay?" she quickly pulled the girl out of the carrier, unbuckled it, and let it fall to the ground. It was uncomfortable anyway, "Where to, huh?"

Eirwen giggled as the cool air rushed over her almost completely naked body, "Googah!"

"I don't know what Googah means..." she sighed, "Anyone know what Googah means?"

At least she wasn't crying this time.

"Not in my baby dictionary yet, sorry," Shiro offered cheerfully as he joined the group.

Etain, ever shy in front of strangers, stayed behind -- she couldn't get into trouble around here. Unless, of course, there was... "Annora!"

The little siren had been cheerfully playing by herself, utterly oblivious to the others for the moment, but before her name had completely cleared Etain's mouth, she'd jerked around, scrambling to her feet to run at Shiro and Etain.

"Last I checked, it meant ground... sky... food... change... it's a very versatile word," Trio said, seeming to pay little attention to Fern's handshake beyond returning it. "Hey there, cutie," she added, turning back to the child at hand. "Aren't you beautiful?"

Makana held VERY still as the fairy settled down on her shoulder, one hand going to the front of her coveralls to shelter the pocket on her chest even as wide golden eyes watched Eires. "Eir Es?" she tried softly, ears nearly flat against her skull.

As he looked between the others, Sankouri quickly decided the two who would likely need the most herding were the siren and her tag-along sylph. Knowing Trio was busy, he padded over, green eyes as cold as his fur.

Cutie? Oh. She meant Liusaidh. Thank the gods. Fern didn't want to deal with her jealous lover more then one or twice in a lifetime.

She smiled faintly, fingertips tugging at the wavy red hair of the banshees head. Liusaidh knew very little other then when she talked, her mommas got upset... so she didn't gurgle or babble as babies were prone to doing. Instead, she smiled ("It's not just gas, Fern! She's smiling!") at the Trio, fingertips moving to grab at her.

"Are.. uhm... Do you know what she is?"

Eires gave a small nod of her head. She didn't know many words, and her name was the hardest of them all to day. Eye-Reese. Eyyyyeeee - Reeeeese. She could still remember Kyrianna saying it over and over again. Still, she insisted on pronouncing it "Iris"

It was easier, darnit! "You?"

Kyrianna made a face, "Mmph, well, I'll take it as 'ground' right now," she muttered, setting Eirwen on the soft grass - which made the baby giggle as she flopped backwards against the blades which were slightly wet, "Thank you."

Leaving the frost child to do what she would, Kyri stepped over to the cluster of adults, "I'm Kyrianna, the frost imp over there is Eirwen...I swear, my house is an igloo. The fairy currently on the sweet little girl's shoulder is my second daughter, Eires. Autumn." she tilted her head.

"I'm waiting for Spring and Summer to show up on my doorstep, to be honest...And to answer your question, I uh...I think she's a Changeling. If you got a card with directions here, anyway..."

Eires looked over to her sister who was currently rolling around in the grass and sniffed, "Sis. Strange."

Eirwen ignored the Autumn fairy and simply picked a piece of grass, raising it to her mouth to chew.

Kyri glanced over, "Uhm, I'm rather new to this. Grass shouldn't be eaten, right?"

No, Kyri, it shouldn't. Stupid question.

"Depends on whether or not you have a centaur-type child, I suppose. I'm Shiromaru," the demon offered, nodding to Fern and Kyrianna. "It's nice to meet you all."

Etain sank down to the ground, then closed the last few paces between herself and Annora, hugging the other girl gleefully. If Annora was there, then everything was okay!

...Maybe they'd be needing Sankouri's assistance in keeping them out of trouble, after all.

Trio chuckled wryly at the question, shaking her head even as she let Liusaidh's fingers wrap around one of her own. "Not a clue," she informed Fern cheerfully. Jaden would know, but as he didn't seem to be around, she figured it was best not to hazard any guesses. "What does she like?"

Annora wrapped her arms around Etain in a brief, hard hug before pulling away and grabbing Etain's hand, tugging the sylph off without saying hi to the adults. She'd found a nest of ants not far away, and the small hill definitely deserved attention.

Sankouri started to follow them, but at the sound of the word frost, his head came up, and he peered toward the small child on the ground. Hesitating only a moment, he padded over, sniffing at her curiously.

"Not a clue?" Fern almost deflated at that remark, watching as her daughter started to gum at one of Trios fingers with a giggle.

Giggles didn't seem to kill things..but o utright laughter, blathering and the like...that did. The grown woman was terrified it would happen here, hurting one of the kids or something. "She.. well. She likes chewing things like fingers." Fern shrugged, "And wool. She likes being covered by thick stuff."

Kyrianna bowed her head lightly, "A pleasure to meet you, Shiromaru. She wasn't good with meeting new people outside the office, but so far so good. She hadn't made a complete fool of herself.

Though the way she looked, she'd be the last person you'd expect to have children. Peircings, black trench coat, slightly darker expression.

Eirwen looked up to the creature which came up to her and giggled softly as he sniffed. That tickled! The frost fairy reached out, grabbing some of the thing's fur carefully (not enough to hurt! She just wanted to pet!) and smiled gleefully. He was cold! And fluffy! and CUTE!

Where could SHE get one of these?

Comparatively speaking, Shiromaru didn't look like one's usual idea of a father, either -- dyed, long hair; short shorts; boots; earrings... He looked more candypunk than anything else.

At least for today.

A grin was shot at Kyrianna, then Shiro's attention was diverted to Fern and her comments. "Some babies do. And is she teething right now? That might explain her gnawing habits. But I have no idea what she might be, either... though if we can get an answer from inside the house at some point, someone in there might know."

Etain floated over the ant hill a few inches, poking at the ants with a fingertip and giggling when they crawled over her hand. "Big ants," she announced, sagely. "What are we gonna do with'm?"

"Watch 'em," Annora said, pitching her voice to be soft. In deference to the fact that they couldn't actually SEE inside the anthill, she grabbed a stick and poked a hole in it. "See?"

Trio was normal looking enough - a warm blue sweater that bared enough of her midriff to leave people wondering what the point of it might be and grey slacks with black boots were entirely too plain compared to Shiro. She wore some jewelry, including a glowing necklace that seemed designed to capture the attention of anyone with crow-syndrome. "So far, you've described about ninety percent of the kids out there. Anything special, like a super-strong voice or anything?" she asked gently, unconsciously looking over at the quiet siren before returning her attention to the adorable girl.

Sankouri's eyes narrowed as his fur was grabbed, and he blinked when he realized it wasn't being yanked. Curious about this entirely too courteous child, he settled down near her, curling his body still sniffing at her.

Makana had finally moved, edging away from the feline to go press against Shiromaru's side, her arms wrapping around his leg. That voice made her feel almost sad...

"Uhm...she kills things when she talks." Her voice was hesitiant, "I think she does, anyway. When she blabbers or anything...things fall down dead outside or nearby." Fern shrugged quietly, watching the girl and her daughter.

Liusaidh, tired of finger, released Trio and shoved her fist into her wide little mouth. She sucked at her fingers and spiderwebs, giggling once more.

Eirwen gave a happy little squeal as the cold creature curled around her, using her arms to maneuver herself so her head was on his body and her little fingers could pat at his fur. Of course, the movement caused her longish white and blue hair to fall over her eyes, which temporarily blinded her.

With another squeal, this time a little shocked, she shook her head in an attempt to fix the problem. Unfortunately, it made it worse.

"Googah!" she whimpered, shaking her head again. The hair was annoying!

Eires, however, remained on Makana's shoulder and looked up at the man she was currently clinging to with bright green eyes. Oh! He looked interesting! Fluttering her wings she left the feline's shoulder and took residence on Shiromaru's, giggling.

"Hi!" she greeted, cheerfully.

Automatically, Shiro set a comforting hand to Makana's just-vacated shoulder, keeping her close; his attention, however, settled on Eires, golden eyes blinking at green before he broke out in another grin. "Hey there," he offered cheerfully. "How are you, little one?"

Etain leaned in further, then started to pat at the ant hill herself, forgoing a stick in favor of her hands. "How many d'you think are down there?"

Immediately, Trio's cheerful smile faded into a concerned look. "May I hold her?" she asked, reaching toward Liusaidh. "She's not a siren, I know that much. Annora doesn't kill with her voice, though it sometimes hurts... And definitely not a sylph," she murmured, more to herself than Fern.

"Don't touch!" Annora said, forgetting to keep her voice soft as she reached out and grabbed Etain's hands, flicking away a couple of ants and shuddering. "They're mean..." She tugged the sylph back, eyes immediately going back to the ants trying to rebuild their hill.

Makana pressed close to Shiro, eyes once more peering up at Kyrianna shyly, and her ears slowly coming forward. Daddy was safe. He'd make her feel better...

Sankouri, on the other hand, looked bemused, leaning in to lick the hair away from Eirwen's face with a long, wet tongue before nuzzling her neck gently. It was rare he was cuddled with this much! Most people didn't like the cool he exuded.

Fern hesitated before offering the girl towards teh other woman. "It's not like she bites or screams really loudly.. SHe's shut up a lot since we first got her."

Liusaidh continued to suckle at her hands, making a soft little noise and snuggling into the other woman.

"What's a siren? A sylph?"

Eires was acknowledged! That made the little fairy glow with pleasure, "Otay! You? I Iris!" she giggled and bounced on his shoulder slightly, her little arms hugging onto his ear.

Since she was too small too do much else.

Kyrianna laughed at the Autumn fairy, "Her name is Eires, not Iris, and she's very hyperactive."

Eires stuck out her tongue, little wings beating furiously.

"You know I love you." Kyrianna paused a little bit and turned to look at Fern, "Things die when she speaks?" she bit her lip a little bit, "My grandmother used to tell me ghost stories when I was little. They say that the Banshee's voice rang out when people were supposed to die. Is that a possibility, do you think? It's a little different but..."

Eirwen settled down immediately once her hair was removed from her face, clear blue eyes gazing adoringly at the creature. It was her hero! "Fuff!" she giggled and pet at him again, little nails scritching the best they could.

The little frost fae loved the cold. In fact, their entire house was the temperature of an igloo due to the fact if it got any warmer, she'd cry. Not that she couldn't HANDLE the heat. She just didn't like it. It made her uncomfortable. "Fuff!" she repeated.

Apparently, it was her word for "Fluffy."

Laughing softly, Shiro offered his fingertip up to Eires, as if to try and shake Eires' hand with it. "Eires, huh? I'm Shiro." The demon kept one hand still on Makana's shoulder, glad to feel her relaxing a little. "Etain, over there, with the wings? Etain's a sylph, an air elemental, essentially. Etain also apparently needs to learn about the dangers of ants," he added, groaning quietly.

Etain squeaked when her hands were tugged away, her eyes going wide. "Ants are mean?" she echoed, confused and stunned. "They're little... How're they mean? What do they do?"

"I... dunno," Annora said, dropping back into the quiet voice that was so unusual for her. "Kikuei says they're mean." She frowned at that - she'd never known the Ieldi to lie to her, but confronted with the question...

Settling Liusaidh into her arms, Trio frowned quietly, bouncing her a little. "Banshee? I ran into some stories of those when I was looking up sirens... er, my daughter over there, the blue one? She's a siren. We're being careful what she learns," she added wryly, nuzzling Liusaidh's hair. It was hard to believe someone so small and beautiful could be so dangerous...

Makana ducked more behind Shiro as Kyri talked, beginning to frown faintly. Daddy wasn't taking her somewhere to cuddle. That was odd. Daddy liked to cuddle with her, after all...

Sankouri remained silent, letting Eirwen tug and pull and play with his fur with the overly-long patience of one who'd been around TONS of children. She'd settle, once she got used to him...

"...a banshee?" Fern frowned, racking her brain for the few things she knew about legends or fay other then herself - she was from a few worlds to the left and five dimensions over, after all...

"Aren't they supposed to be harbringers of death?" Eyebrows arch quietly, shifting a bit, unconciously, from foot to foot. "So I have a screamer of death on my hands? Siren? Wait, didn't they..." Oh, remembering.

The redhead giggled madly and nuzzled back to Trio, "Gyaba?" Her voice was small, a whisper even - it was a beautiful little tone...until she heard the shift thud of something falling from a tree. It was a small sound - probably just a beetle - but it was large enough make her listen.

That was a familier sound...so her mouth clamped down, pushing her hand into her mouth once more.

Eires shook his hand with both of her tiny ones, "Nice!" she nodded sagely before settling down, her head buried against his ear. He was nice. MUCH nicer than Arta was.

The little frost baby yawned cutely and looked at the creature as she continued to pet it, gently, softly. She was getting sleepy from all the excitement - and sleeping was her favorite past time. Mostly because she got tired so easily.

"Fuff," she murmured tiredly, eyes drooping closed.

Hmmm... Shiro considered Eires, then Makana, then stepped back a couple feet, sat down, and settled Makana in his lap for some snuggletime. Clearly that's what the little girl was wanting, if she was still hiding behind him like that.

"Annora... You're being weird," Etain noted solemnly, looking up at her sister. "Why are you so quiet?"

Annora frowned at Etain, brows drawing together. She was NOT being weird. Just because she didn't want to hurt any more... Before she could finish the thought, she turned, hunching down near the ants and poking at the hill again.

Trio nodded to Fern. "Yeah, Banshees' wails are supposed to foretell death, isn't that right?" she asked Kyrianna, glancing over at her. "And sirens were the ones that lured sailors to their deaths, yes," she added, voice ever so slightly flat. "We're working to make sure Annora understands that's wrong." As she was whispered to, Trio turned back, looking down at Liusaidh sadly. "Looks like things are gonna be frustrating for you for a while, sweetie..."

That was MUCH better. Makana scrambled onto Shiro's lap, hooking a claw into his shirt as she nestled and began purring. Daddy was holding her - she liked it when he did that. He knew where to scritch to calm her nerves. Eyes drifting shut, she tugged on her paw, giving up after a moment as her claw held tightly to Shiro's shirt.

Sankouri came as close to smirking as a Zurui was capable of, setting his three cold tails over Eirwen's body in an odd parody of a blanket. This was a nice change, and the snuggling was beginning to make him dozy too.

"Huh." Fern blinked and turned her head to watch Annora with amusement on her face. "Well... it looks like you're doing a good job. Usually girls like that aren't so cute and well-adjusted.."

Liusaidh blinked back, beaming at the other with a soft giggle. Her smile was filled with toothless gums and one slobbery hand.. that was offered up to Trio as a gift.

Eirwen finally gave in to the pull of sleep, her little head nuzzling the Zurui as she shifted, got comfortable, and was still once again.

"Well, there's a bunch of us around reminding her that she's loved and adorable..." Trio paused, then rolled her eyes and grinned. "And vain. Definitely vain," she added, whith a chuckle. She eyed the drool-covered hand being offered up to her, thought wistfully of baby wipes, and then reached out, taking it. "You're pretty, too, little one..."

"Vain can be good." Fern smiled at the other woman getting along so well with her daughter. "She's going to be raised spoiled.. My lover thinks she's a gift from the Goddess or something. She looks like her mother."

Liusaidh looked delighted, fingers wriggling with a giggle, body shifting to cuddle closer. Gray eyes blinked to her mother, shoulders rolling before she started to doze.

"Oooooh. Good luck with her then," Trio laughed, then glanced at the others around. "Listen, why don't we go get a coffee. Doesn't look like Jaden's gonna answer any time soon." She handed Liusaidh back to Fern, then whistled to the kids and Sankouri, herding them toward the road. "There's a nice little hole-in-the-wall down the road a mile or so. Best coffee around."

Shiromaru

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Shiromaru

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Posted: Sun May 21, 2006 3:33 pm

The kitchen and bathroom would be packed last, the living room furniture left for the remaining members of the household; their bedrooms, however, needed to go. So it was that Shiro, Etain and Annora were in Etain's room, packing everything up for the move to the new house. Several boxes were full already, including one filled with Etain's precious chimes. Currently, Shiromaru was in the closet, folding up Etain's clothing and boxing it all, while Etain was quite carefully rolling up her few breakables, having been shown how to roll them in bubblewrap by her father.

Annora had been given the job of ensuring that all the books and music were carefully packed in a box by themselves, and had been surprisingly silent throughout the task. But her head swiveled around when they heard the front door open and close, and Trio's voice call out, "Anyone home?"

"We're in Etain's room," Shiro called back, a smile in his voice. "We're about done packing up in here already."

"MAMA!" Etain added, zipping over to her doorway so she could peer out into the hall.

Makana was holding Trio's hand, nearly clinging to her and stumbling slightly as the two walked down the hall. "Wonderful. I have news," Trio called back, waving at Etain and grinning.

Shiro blinked, then stepped out of the closet, peering at first Trio, then Makana, rather concerned. "News? Is everything okay?"

Etain had been about to pounce Trio, but when she saw Makana stumble, she flew down to the catgirl's level so she could try and take Makana's other hand.

Makana gripped Etain's hand, sniffing the air before purring deeply at the smell of her favorite sylph. They paused at the door, and Trio grinned at Shiro before looking down to Annora, who'd wrapped her arms around one of Shiro's legs to peer out. "Everything's fine. Makana's just disoriented. I told you we were going to the optometrist today, right?" she asked Shiro.

If Makana was stumbling, then Etain had to help! After all, Annora would have helped Etain in the same position, so that meant it was Etain's duty as the middle sister to help Makana, the littlest. Landing on the floor, she kept hold of Makana's hand, holding it carefully. "Won't let you fall," she informed Makana, quite seriously.

Shiromaru stroked Annora's hair when he felt the girl hug his leg, trying to be reassuring. Annora's behavior lately had left him worried -- what if the move was upsetting her? "I remember," he agreed, nodding to Trio. "How'd it go?"

"She needs glasses," Trio said succinctly, reaching down to pet Makana's hair as she watched Annora seem to relax a little from the same petting from Shiro. "I've got the prescription, and just need to head out tomorrow, once the drops they put in her eyes wear off, to get it filled. I figured in the meantime, maybe one of us could read to her," she added, smiling softly.

Makana peered at Etain, mewling softly at the way the girl's face seemed completely blurry, even up close. Her pupils were huge, the light hurting her eyes. "Go somewhere dark?" she asked, curling around Etain's arm.

"We left Mouse with Az for the moment," Trio added. "I figured it'd be a day or so before she could care for him properly."

Reaching up, Etain tried to cover Makana's eyes with her small hand. "Annora?" she called, looking back for the siren. "Makana needs somewhere dark. Come with us?"

"Good idea," Shiro agreed, then stroked Annora's hair again. "Do you want to go with your sisters?" he asked gently. "Or do you want to stay here?"

Annora hesitated, then nodded, letting go of Shiro to move to Makana's other side, planting herself between Trio and Makana. "Maybe Daddy's room? We can turn out the lights there," she said softly.

Makana nodded, liking the sound of that. "I can't see," she informed them. "Take me there."

Trio smiled, watching the three. They were really quite self-sufficient, weren't they?

Etain beamed up at Annora, pleased that the siren was coming with them, then led the way into Shiromaru's room, where it was nice and dark. The curtains were all drawn, after all, and very little light got in.

Shiromaru watched then walk off, then made his way over to Trio, sliding an arm around her waist. "It's good to see them taking care of each other."

Trio nodded, hugging Shiro warmly before tugging free. "Okay, let's get this room dealt with, hmm? Sooner we're done, the sooner we can relax."

Makana curled up on the bed, purring softly as she nestled into pillows that smelled like Mommy and Daddy. But Annora was frowning slightly. "Can't read to her," she pointed out, climbing onto the bed as well.

"So we make up a story," Etain declared, crawling up onto the bed on the other side of Makana. "We can make one up, then we don't gotta read from a book!"

Annora considered that, eyeing Etain for a moment before nodding. "You make it up," she dictated, keeping her voice soft.

Makana giggled at that, relaxing now that the light wasn't hurting her eyes so much. It was even safe to open them fully, instead of squinting all the time.

Etain blinked, then tilted her head to the side, nibbling at the end of a curl as she thought. "...I don't know where to start," she confessed after a moment. Didn't most stories start with 'once upon a time'? It was the part that came after that had her stumped.

"If it was you, what would you want to hear about?" Annora asked logically, snuggling with Makana. The feline's purrs were almost loud enough to drown her out.

Well, when it was put that way... "Once upon a time there were three princesses," Etain begain, snuggling with Makana as well as she spun out her story to the best of her childish ability.

Posted: Sat May 27, 2006 3:06 pm

The setting sun found Shiromaru in the living room of the new house, settled in a rocking chair he'd pulled out of storage. The wand was settled in a sort of sling over one shoulder, close where the demon could keep an eye on it -- Ianna had said it would start Doing Things, after all -- and the rabbit infant was in his arms, sleeping peacefully, its ears hanging out over the blanket.

Now, all Shiro could do was wait for Trio to get home with the girls.

"Shiro," Trio called out, as the door opened. "You home? We brought dinner!"

Instead of calling back, for fear of waking the baby, Shiromaru stood carefully and made his way over to the front door. "Right here," he offered quietly, once he was close to the others.

"Papa!" Etain zoomed up to see him, then stopped in mid-air, wings buzzing. "...Papa has a baby."

"Has a...hmm?" Trio blinked, looking up from where she'd been supervising Annora toeing off her shoes. "...Shiro? Is that...?"

"Karma called me," Shiro confirmed with a megawatt grin. "Told me to come pick him up. I haven't even named him yet, I have some ideas, but I wanted to see what you thought. And he's not the only one -- this wand will be summoning an infant at some point, a goddess, apparently. I got... pulled to the shop today where they were." The baby in his arms blinked awake at the talking, and blinked big blue eyes up at Trio.

Annora padded forward, eyeing the baby and wand with faint wariness. Was she going to have to share her parents with even MORE kids now? One hand slipped into Etain's, squeezing lightly.

Makana, on the other hand, moved forward toward the rabbit and sniffed delicately at him, a paw coming up to adjust her new glasses. "He smells nice," she admitted, peering up at Shiro with a shy smile.

Trio chuckled. "You look happy," she noted, leaning in around the various children to kiss him on the cheek.

Shiro carefully extricated a hand, stroking Makana's hair. "And you look nice," he informed her, grinning. "Those glasses are a good fit." Trio's kiss and comment were met with a kiss in kind. "Of course I'm happy. I'm over the moon, to be honest. You know I've always wanted a big family."

But just how big? Finally planting her feet on the ground, Etain squeezed Annora's hand in return, cuddling close to her sister. Things were getting crowded.

"Can I hold him?" Makana asked immediately, beaming now. Compliments were nice, but the bunny looked nicer...

Trio chuckled, shaking her head. "I'm glad Az offered to move in with us and help watch over things. Too many more, and things will get crazy. Er, not that they aren't already. Well, girls? Say hello to your new brother," Trio added, nudging Annora.

Annora withdrew slightly, tugging Etain with her. "Hi," she murmured, obedient and soft.

Etain willingly moved with Annora, though her 'Hello' was a bit louder than Annora's -- but not by much.

"Things are already crazy," Shiro agreed. "Makana, if you want to get settled on the sofa, I'll let you hold him over there, okay? He's had a long day, so he might sleep a lot for a while."

Makana nodded, her smile staying bright as she moved to curl up on the couch and arrange herself in what she thought would be a comfortable position for the baby. Already, though she didn't realize it, a faint purr was coming from her.

"Can I go play?" Annora asked abruptly, just as Makana opened her mouth to tell Shiro she was ready.

Trio blinked at the near-demand from her siren. "...Annora?" she asked, and Annora looked over at Trio, her eyes big and wary. "Are you okay?"

"I just wanna go play," Annora informed them firmly.

Shiromaru paused when Annora made her request, taken aback at the tone in her voice. Blinking, he looked up at Trio, brows furrowed. This one was Trio's call, he decided, then moved quietly over to the sofa so he could arrange the baby carefully in Makana's arms.

"...I wanna play too," Etain decided after a moment, still holding on to Annora's hand. She wasn't letting go of her big sister for anything!

Trio frowned at the two, looking up to Shiro before sighing. Clearly, he hadn't been any more oblivious than she was... which meant she wasn't just imagining it. "You can play in Etain's room," she informed them both, before looking up at Shiro and raising an eyebrow, her head tilting slightly toward the other side of the room.

Makana frowned faintly at the two, but the expression was gone in moments, as the soft weight of Nico settled into her arms. "Thank you..."

Etain tugged at Annora's hand before letting go and flying off to her room. At least it was mostly set up now!

Shiro nodded softly back at Trio, then arranged the rabbit infant's ears before kissing Makana's forehead. "Just be gentle with him," he murmured. "He likes having the bridge of his nose rubbed." That said, he made his way over to Trio, a worried look stealing over him.

Makana nodded, curling up tightly around the baby and purring softly. He was so tiny, and soft...

Trio waited until Shiro was with her, her eyes on Makana. When she spoke, her voice was pitched very low. "You're worried too?"

"Yes," the demon agreed, very quietly. "I am. She's been acting off for a while, and now this... It's just not like her."

"It's been ever since that day she came into Az and I sobbing, and wouldn't tell us why," Trio said, frowning and sitting down. "And she's still not talking."

Shiro followed after, sitting in the chair next to Trio's. "Should we push, or wait a bit longer to see if she tells us?"

"She still seems very close to Etain. I've... I've been kinda hoping that maybe she's talking to Etain if she's not talking to us," Trio admitted.

"I'll talk to Etain, see if Annora's said anything to her," Shiro decided with a soft sigh. "I miss the old Annora, you know?"

Trio nodded, chewing on her lower lip. "I'd suggest you talk to her, but she hasn't seemed particularly like curling up with you lately any more than she has with me... has she?"

"No," Shiro confirmed, frustratedly. "No, she hasn't. I'll talk to Etain, and if she hasn't said anything to Etain, then... we'll figure something out from there, I think. Okay?"

Trio nodded, reaching out to take Shiro's hand. "It'll work out. She's got two loving parents, plus Etain who practically worships her. She'll be okay, you know."

Shiro laced his fingers through Trio's, smiling a little over at her. "I know... I just worry. Annora's pretty special to me, that's all. But I know she'll be okay."

Trio lifted the hand to her lips, kissing his knuckles before looking over at where Makana was still curled up contentedly. "So... what's the bunny's name?"

"Actually, I had an idea for a name, but I didn't want to settle on one unless we agreed on it," Shiro confessed, his thumb running over the side of Trio's hand. "I was thinking about Nicodemus."

"Why Nicodemus?" Trio asked curiously, squeezing lightly.

Shiro shook his head. "I'm not sure. It's just a name I've always loved. I know it means 'victory of the people,' and it's Greek, but beyond that... I don't know, it just seems to fit."

Trio nodded, saying the name again softly. "Nick, hmm? Or Nicky?"

"Nico," Shiro decided quietly. "I think 'Nico'..."

"Like Necco wafers?" Trio teased softly, grinning at Shiro.

That earned a blank look from Shiromaru. "Necco wafers? What are those?"

"I'll get you some when I go to the store next," Trio promised, snickering softly. "So... tell me about this wand?"

Excitedly, Shiro pulled the wand from the sling he had it in. "Ianna said children come from wands like these. I met one, actually. Apparently, they emerge first as ghosts, then completely solidify, or something like that."

Trio blinked, holding out a hand to see if Shiro would let her hold the wand. "Not the strangest story I've heard," she admitted. "But getting up there, definitely."

Shiro willingly passed the wand over to Trio. "I know, it's pretty strange, but considering some of the things I've heard and seen..."

"Yeah, I know..." Trio admitted easily. "Like stones that summon strange animalistic humanoids and save them from a plague?"

The demon couldn't help but grin. "Speaking of strange animalistic humanoids, Hun Min said that his offer still stood to watch the kids whenever we needed a break."

"No," Trio corrected. "That's a BLESSED animalistic humanoid."

Shiro's grin grew impish. "Considering he talks to his deities and can summon monsters and miracles, I'd say he's pretty blessed, yes."

Trio chuckled, rising and handing back the wand. "C'mon... you'd better see if Makana's ever gonna give him up, and I wanna check on the girls."

Shiro carefully tucked the wand away, making sure the tea ball couldn't swing free, then leaned over and stole a kiss from Trio before rising. "Makana, sweetie, mind if I take Nico back?"

Makana hesitated, eyeing Shiro almost sadly before looking down at the sleeping rabbit. "His name is Nico?"

"Nicodemus Kalyan Maxwell-Chang," Shiro confirmed. "But Nico for short. Don't worry, you'll get to hold him all the time!"

Makana perked up a little at that, leaning in to lick Nico's cheek gently. "Promise?"

Nico opened his eyes, blinked sleepily up at Makana, then reached up to pat at her cheek. She was soft, and that was nice to touch.

Shiromaru grinned down at the pair. "I promise. It'll be really good if he has a big sister to look up to, too -- think you'll be willing to help us take care of him?"

Makana nodded vigorously, beaming down at Nico. "He patted me," she told Shiro softly, as though the demon had somehow missed it.

"I saw," Shiro agreed, and reached out to lift Nico carefully out of Makana's arms. "He likes you."

Makana clung to him for a moment, then sighed, letting him go. "I like him, too," she said quietly, reaching to pet one long ear.

Nico waved one arm at Makana cheerfully, then snuggled into his father's arms. "That's good to hear," Shiro murmured, his grin softening to a smile.

Shiromaru

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Shiromaru

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Posted: Sun May 28, 2006 8:30 pm

She'd slipped just inside the forest, tucking herself away from sight for a while. It didn't help her mood much, for even as she curled up on a log, she caught sight of the faint glittering of nearly-covered crystal shards in the earth and cringed, arms curling around herself.

"You know," came a warm, mellifluent voice from behind the siren, "usually people come into the forest to relax. You, however, look singularly depressed." The voice belonged to a pale-skinned young man, his green-scaled, iridescent tail curling behind him as he approached.

Annora jerked up, staring with wide eyes back at the man. "...Who're you?" she demanded, wariness in her eyes but no outright fear.

The dragonlike man sketched a bow once he was in front of Annora, then straightened with an honest smile. "My name is Iroke. And you, if I am not mistaken, are Annora. That would make you Shiromaru and Trio's daughter, yes?"

"You know Daddy and Mommy?" Annora asked, relaxing. If he did, that meant he must be good.

"Yes, I do. Shiromaru's my bonded -- that means that he's how I got to this world. I'm from the same world as Hun Min," Iroke explained, naming the tiger Juusanshi that often watched over the girls. "That's how I knew enough to guess your name."

"I like Hun Min," Annora offered, her voice soft and shy. "But you don't look like him."

Iroke sat gracefully on the ground across from Annora. "That's because I'm a dragon and he's a tiger."

"Like I'm a siren and Etain's a sylph?" she asked, her eyes unable to keep from watching that beautiful tail move.

"Yes, exactly." Iroke tilted his head slightly to the side then, watching the young girl. "So do you want to tell me what's wrong? They say it's easier to carry a burden if you share the load."

Annora hesitated, uncomfortable at the thought. "You... gonna tell Mommy and Daddy?"

Iroke shook his head and offered up his pinky to Annora. "I won't if you don't want me to. Pinky promise." That's what kids did, right? It'd been a while since he was around children on a regular basis. Maybe he should have paid more attention to how Hun Min handled them.

Annora frowned, moving forward to examine his pinky curiously. "Pinky promise?" she asked, then held her hand up like his, her pinky naturally curling a little.

Grinning, Iroke hooked his pinky around hers and shook them lightly. "Yep. Pinky promise. That means I can't break the promise now, no matter what."

Annora giggled softly at that, shaking the pinkies as well. "Pinky promise," she repeated thoughtfully, smiling at Iroke.

Iroke smiled back, then waggled the tip of his tail at Annora. "Now, young miss, do you feel comfortable telling me what's got you all depressed?"

At that, the smile faded, and Annora looked at him solemnly once more. "...I broke something."

The dragon blinked. "What is it you broke? And how'd it happen?"

Annora flinched at that, then got up, going to dig up the few bits of chime she could find. She flinched as she nicked a finger on one jagged end, but brought them to him nonetheless. "This. I was... was singing."

Iroke looked down at the bits of chime, holding his hands out so Annora could drop them into it. "Annora, tell me something. Have you ever heard of an art form called 'opera'?"

Annora frowned, shaking her head. "Is it like coloring? Mama said when I colored it's art."

"Nope. Opera is like a play, but you sing everything instead of speaking the lines," Iroke explained. "And in opera, the sopranos who can break glass with their voice are regarded as the paragons of their art -- that is, they're the best of the best, and highly respected. You see, the ability to create such a pure, high note as the one that's required to break glass is very rare. It's not something you should be ashamed of or depressed about. It's something you should be proud of."

Annora listened, utterly confused by the words. Proud? Of breaking a glass? But... "...What about breaking something that makes music?" she asked, pointing to the pieces of chime. "That wasn't a glass... It was one of mama's windchimes. It was my favorite."

Iroke shook his head slightly. "You didn't mean to break this specific one, now did you? You didn't even know it could happen. Trio will understand. I'm sorry it was your favorite that broke, though." He paused, there, looking down at the pieces of the chime. "If you're worried, why don't you ask about getting some singing lessons? Those will help you learn how to control and strengthen your singing voice. You have a gift in your voice, Annora."

And maybe he could find out from Trio what this particular windchime looked like before it broke, so he could replace it for the young siren. She'd been so obviously distressed!

"My voice hurts things," Annora countered, hesitating at the word lessons. "Singing lessons?" she asked, moving a little closer.

Carefully, Iroke settled the pieces down on the ground, away from Annora so she wouldn't accidentally p***k herself like she'd already done. "Lessons will help that. And then you could sing all the time, and never have to worry. You'd probably have a lot of fun with them, too, and learn all sorts of new songs. In fact, I bet you that if you wanted to, you could become really famous as a singer."

"Lessons would keep me from hurting things?" Annora blinked, staring at Iroke with obvious shock. "Really?"

"Really really," Iroke confirmed with a smile.

"And I could sing again? And learn new songs?" she repeated, leaning forward eagerly. Could this possibly be real?

"You'd have to train hard," Iroke warned, "and put your heart into all your lessons -- but I can tell you really love to sing. And yes, you could sing again, and learn all the new songs you like."

Annora nodded sharply, pouncing forward abruptly to hug Iroke tightly. "I'm gonna be an 'apra' singer, like you said," she informed him decisively, completely mispronouncing the word.

Startled by the hug, Iroke froze for all of a moment, then hugged the little girl back gently. "Opera," he corrected with a laugh. "And you'll be great."

"Will you come listen to me?" Annora asked, eyes alight. "When my voice doesn't hurt things anymore?"

"Of course I will. I'll come as often as I can," Iroke promised.

"Pinky promise?" Annora asked impishly, pulling back to hold her hand up, pinky out.

Iroke laughed aloud, hooking his pinky with hers again. "Pinky promise."

Annora beamed at him, getting up. "I'm gonna go ask mama about the lessons now," she informed him, dusting off her knees. "And about the o-per-ra," she added, carefully sounding out the word. "Do you like op-per-ra?"

"Yes, I do." The dragon grinned up at Annora, though he stayed sitting. "There are a lot of very interesting stories that are told through the opera. Maybe your mom and dad will take you sometime! Now, can you get back home okay, or do you want me to come with you?"

"I can go back okay." She hesitated, looking at the chime. "You... won't tell them, right?"

"I made you a promise that I wouldn't tell them," Iroke reminded her gently. "I think you should tell them, it might make you feel better to get it out in the open, but I'll keep your secret."

Annora nodded, smiling shyly at him. "Thank you," she called, turning to run for home. The idea of lessons was too exciting to pass up.

* * *

"Mama, Daddy, Etain!" Annora yelled as she barrelled in the front door of the new house, calling as loud as she could manage for the first time in weeks. Her shoes were torn off her feet, and then she was running through the house, narrowly avoiding boxes of still-to-be-unpacked items. "Mama!"

Startled, afraid Annora'd been injured, Shiro hurried out of the master bedroom, reaching down to try and lift Annora up. Etain was right behind him, zipping over to look over her sister anxiously. "Annora? Honey, what is it?" the demon asked, worriedly.

Annora was beaming at them, bouncing as she was lifted. "I wanna take lessons," she told them excitedly, wrapping her arms around Shiro's neck as she caught sight of Trio ducking in from the kitchen. "Can I please? I wanna learn apra!"

This was the happiest Shiro had seen the little siren in ages. "'Apra'?" he echoed, then blinked as comprehension dawned. "Oh! Opera? What sort of lessons, singing lessons?" He smiled down at her, then looked over at Trio as Etain tried to hug Annora from behind. "What do you think, love?" As far as he was concerned, anything that gave them back their happy little girl was well worth it.

Trio just stared at the joyful little girl for several seconds, while Makana peeked out of her room. "I... uh... sure," she said, when her brain finally caught up. Her eyes were a touch too shiny as she smiled at the others, one hand slipping in to settle on Annora's shoulder, squeezing lightly. "Of course, sweetie. Singing lessons would really be good for you."

Annora beamed at them, snuggling Shiro again before twisting around to give Etain a brief hug before launching herself out of Shiro's arms into Trio's, with no real regard for her safety. As she did, her fingers left a smear of blood on Shiro's shirt. "Can I really, mama? Can I go now?"

"We'll have to get them sche-... Annora, you're bleeding!" Reaching out, Shiro tried to find the hand that was bleeding. "How'd it happen?"

"I cut myself. Can I go tomorrow?" Annora demanded, bouncing in Trio's arms and completely uncaring about her wound. "Please?"

Trio chuckled softly, hugging Annora tightly. "Sounds like you're excited."

Shiro rolled his eyes, amused, then sent Etain off to get the small first aid kit from the master bathroom. He'd made a point of drilling the girls on the locations of all the kits. "I have an idea of someone who might be able to give you lessons, too, so I'll talk to him tonight and see if he's willing."

"Oh?" Trio asked, head tilting as she peered at Shiro. At her leg, Makana reached up to touch Annora's foot, jerking her paw back when Annora doubled up in pure giggles. "Who's that?" she asked, over Annora's chant of 'tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow!'

"Antigoni, one of the yuniko," Shiro explained, ruffling Makana's hair gently. "He's a singer. Classically trained, but he prefers rock. Still, I think he'd be willing to help out."

Just then, Etain came back with the first aid kit, plopping it down into her father's hands. "Thank you," Shiro said with a grin for the sylph, then nodded to Annora's hand. "Let's get that bandaged up, then I'll go find Anni and talk to him."

"Okay," Trio nodded, amused at her daughter.

Makana nuzzled into the touch, then stepped back. "She's gonna be okay?" she asked softly.

"Yeah," Shiro murmured to Makana as he started cleaning the little cut on Annora's finger. "Yeah, she's gonna be just fine."

Posted: Mon May 29, 2006 8:16 pm

Blue-green, naturally, was the color Etain was oh-so-carefully using as she worked on her nameplate, the tip of her tongue sticking out from between her lips. Little curls and stars dotted her name, and though it was rather wobbly in some places, her name was legible. "Aaaaaaal... most... done," she mumbled to herself, brushing a lock of hair out of her face and streaking her cheek with paint at the same time.

Annora was mostly oblivious to her sister, sprawled out on the plastic that layered the floor of Etain's room as she used both hands to swirl and mix the paints on her board until it almost looked like water, messy and crazy in places, but blue and white intermixed nicely nonetheless. She had no room for her name, but thought that perhaps she could add it on after, once the paint was dry.

Etain blinked over at Annora's messy plaque, then leaned over curiously. "...Looks like water," she commented. "It's pretty."

Annora beamed at her. "I have to let it dry, and then I'm gonna put my name on it," she told Etain. "...And a butterfly," came the abrupt addition.

A butterfly? Etain brightened at the thought, then deflated when she looked at her plaque. There wasn't any way to easily add on to it, she thought, and certainly no way to add wa-...

...She didn't need to add water.

Grabbing blue paint, Etain carefully daubed on a few shaky musical notes. There, that would work!

Annora blinked as she saw Etain's fast moodswings, and leaned over. It didn't take HER long to recognize those symbols. "That's music!" she beamed at her sister.

"I don't know what notes they are," Etain confessed. But it was music, at least!

Annora hesitated, then carefully pointed to the top note. "That's an Etain note," she said. "And that one right beside it is an Annora note."

Etain beamed up at Annora, giggling brightly. An Etain note and an Annora note! Perfect! "Okay," she agreed, cheerfully.

Annora grinned, throwing messy hands around Etain and hugging her tight. "I'll make an Annora butterfly to go with the Etain butterfly," she decided, scrambling away a moment later.

Happily, Etain returned the hug, all uncaring of the paint going all over her clothing. "A blue butterfly," she caroled when Annora scrambled away. "Annora-colors!"

"Okay," Annora nodded, grabbing for a dark indigo this time. "How's this?" she asked, even though it was more purple than blue. She liked the color.

"S'pretty," Etain chirped, leaning over so she could watch Annora make the butterfly. "I like it!"

Annora grinned at Etain, then sat back, rubbing her nose with one hand. As it came away, a white streak lingered. "I'm gonna be an opera singer," she said suddenly, voice very serious and careful.

Etain blinked, horribly confused. "What's an ah-per-ah singer?"

"It's... it's a singer who can break things with her voice," Annora said, trying to remember what all Iroke had said. "But that's okay because people like her breaking things."

"Wow..." Etain looked up at Annora, wide-eyed. "That's cool! Is that what the lessons're for?"

Annora nodded. "And so that I don't break anything else unless I wanna," she added without thinking.

'Anything else'? Etain peered at the siren, curiously. "What'd you break?"

Annora froze, wary eyes looking toward Etain. "Um..."

Etain just watched Annora, head tilted as she waited.

Annora slowly looked away, uncomfortable. "...Broke a chime."

"S'at how you hurt your hand?" Etain asked, now quite concerned.

"Cut it when I showed Iroke," Annora admitted, daring a glance up to Etain. "He's the one who told me about opera singers."

"Iroke's one of Papa's Joo... Jiyuu... One of his friends," Etain offered. "He likes music. An'... an' acting."

"He said he'd come to listen to me," Annora said softly, starting to smile again. "When I sing."

Etain beamed happily. "Yeah? I'll come listen too," she promised. "Whenever you sing!"

Annora reached out, hugging Etain again. "You always get to hear," she promised. "I'll never leave you out."

The sylph nestled with Annora, perfectly content. As far as she was concerned, this 'combining households' thing was pretty spiffy. "Okay! An' I'll make all your costumes! A-per-a uses pretty dresses, right?"

"The prettiest," Annora said, without the slightest clue what opera costumes were like. "And they tell stories!"

Etain giggled. "What sorta stories?"

"...Stories with horses," Annora decided. "And fish, and handsome boys."

"I wanna be in an opera," Etain declared. "I could be a faerie!" Indeed, as she was growing older, it was becoming steadily apparent that she would never be very tall.

"The prettiest faerie," Annora nodded excitedly. "And I could sing to you~"

Etain sat up a bit straighter, eyes wide as an idea popped into her mind. "We should make one up!"

"Make up an opera?" Annora asked curiously.

Etain nodded quickly. "One with faeries and fish an' boys and horses!"

"And me!" Annora said urgently.

"Of course, you're the star," Etain decided. "That's how it's gotta be."

Annora beamed. "Okay, where do we start?" she asked, abandoning the nameplates for the door. This was much more fun.

Etain hopped up as well, rubbing her hands clean on her skirt. "Gotta plan. That's what they say you're supposed to do. Brain... storming, I think it's called."

"How do you make a storm in your brain. Is that something Daddy can do?" Annora asked, immediately thinking of the water demon.

"It means... um. That you're thinking up ideas. Not a real storm," Etain explained as she hauled out a notebook and a pencil.

"But...," Annora said softly, frowning.

"What's wrong?" Etain asked, curiously.

"Real storms are fun," Annora said determinedly. "Do you think Daddy could make real storms for us? We could put it in our opera."

Oooh, that was a great idea. "Maybe," Etain chirped, beaming up at Annora. "I know Papa can make it rain!"

"So we'll have a storm... and get all wet!" Annora beamed.

"An' there's a mermaid," Etain decided. "And... Um..."

"And a fairy," Annora insisted, grabbing Etain's hand. "And a song."

It didn't take long before the two of them were busy making up their story, painting completely abandoned as they wrote. After all, this was much more fun.

Shiromaru

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Shiromaru

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Posted: Wed May 31, 2006 6:42 pm

Things were nearing completion on the house -- all the outside painting and nearly all the inside painting was done, the roof was finished, and there were fewer and fewer things to finish every day. On that list was the personalization of Nicodemus' room, something recently tacked on when the infant had joined their family, but Shiro knew it wouldn't take much to finish that.

Today, however, they had another project.

Lugging home bags of quickcrete, pretty rocks and colored spheres of glass, and several molds, the demon made his way out to the backyard and plopped everything down next to the small pond before turning around and going right back inside. "Trio? Love? Where are you at?"

"In the library," Trio called. "Almost done with this box." The library was the one room Aziraphale had absolutely insisted on. It linked to his room, and he'd taken pains to ensure it was on the large size, citing what good it would do each of the children, but with an oddly greedy look in the angel's eyes as he spoke.

"Here, let me help you with that." Shiro entered the library and reached down to help put the books away. "I brought home a project," he offered with a warm smile. "It'll take everyone to do it. I have all the supplies outside."

"Hmm?" Trio blinked, peering curiously at Shiro. "What've you got up your sleeve?"

Shiro just grinned, shaking his head. "You'll see, once we get this box done. Where are Az and Kiku? We'll need them too."

Trio paused at that, turning to peer at Shiro. She was used to him thinking about the ieldi, but... "Az too?" she asked softly.

"Aziraphale's part of our family too," Shiro pointed out, looking up at Trio in turn. "And this is a family thing."

"I... didn't expect you to think of him like that," Trio admitted quietly, smiling.

Leaning over, Shiro kissed Trio lightly. "Of course I do. How could I not? As far as I'm concerned, he's been part of this family from the beginning."

Trio kissed Shiro back, then tucked the last of the books into the shelf. "Okay, love. What are we doing?"

"Making handprint stones and putting them in the garden," Shiro explained cheerfully. "I got enough for everyone."

Trio blinked at him before her eyes lit up. "Can you round up the girls and Nico while I go get Kikuei?" she asked softly.

"Of course!" The demon turned and headed out of the room, scooping up Nicodemus before peeking into the girls' rooms. "Etain? Annora? Makana? Come on, sweethearts, we have a project for you outside."

Makana was the first to arrive, cupping Mouse in her hands as she looked around. "What project?" she demanded, bouncing a little before setting the kinoko down on a nearby earth-filled urn.

Shiro grinned, tweaking Makana's ear gently as Nico waved his hands down at the kitten-girl. "I'll tell you once we're all out there," he promised.

Etain was the next to arrive, wings buzzing as she flitted over curiously. "Papa? What're we doing?"

"You'll see once we get outside," Shiro explained.

Annora was soon after, carrying a notebook and pen. "What's going on?" she asked, looking at the others for a moment before moving to stand under Etain. "It's not time for the show yet."

Shiromaru resettled Nico in his arms. "Show?" he echoed, curiously. "And we all need to go outside. We have a project to do." Leading the way, he headed outside, stopping next to the quickcrete bags.

"But we're not ready yet," Annora started to say, then paused, peering curiously at the bags. "What's that?"

"I'll explain it when your mother gets out with Aziraphale and Kikuei," Shiro promised, and settled Nicodemus down on the grass next to him. "It'll be fun, don't worry!"

Etain blinked at her father, then touched ground so she could take Annora's hand. If Papa said it would be fun, then surely it would be!

Annora wasn't quite so ready to change mind tracks just yet. "Daddy? Can you make it rain?" she asked instead, grinning to Etain.

Makana glanced over and perked up as she saw Nico set down. Scooping Mouse up and tucking him into her pocket, she moved to sit down next to Nico, petting him.

"We're here," Trio called, stepping outside. Kikuei was right beside her, holding her hand with a hesitant look on her face, while Aziraphale trailed behind them.

Nico brightened when he recognized Makana's smell, his hands patting along the part of her arm that he could reach.

Shiro peered at Etain and Annora in confusion, one eyebrow raised. "Yes, I can," he confirmed. That was an odd question. He decided to ask later, however, instead opening up the molds so the others could see them. "Everyone gets to make a stone and put their handprints and name on it, and decorate it with smaller stones. When they're all dry, they'll be put in the garden."

That made Annora abandon the show for the moment, her eyes lighting up. "And people will see our hands?"

"Yes," Shiro confirmed, waving Annora over. "Why don't you do the first one? Here, I'll show you how." He picked up a bucket, dropoping in a bit of the quickcrete powder and adding water, mixing it.

Annora hunched over the bucket, peering inside curiously. As she watched, Aziraphale set one hand on Trio's shoulder, leaning in to murmur something in her ear. She smiled brightly at it, nodding to Az while Kikuei moved forward, releasing her hand to stop next to Annora.

Makana seemed less interested, her attention firmly on Nico.

Nico's attention was on Makana in return, trying to grab onto and grip Makana's hand.

Once the quickcrete was mixed, Shiromaru poured a bit into the mold, then nodded to Annora. "Now, press your hands into the mold," he directed, "and leave them there for a few seconds before pulling them back out." Etain was at Annora's shoulder by that point, on the other side from Kikuei, watching intently.

"Both hands?" Annora asked, pressing them both in before he could answer. "Tell me when. Can I decorate it with shiny stones? What is this stuff anyway?" she asked in quick succession.

"'This stuff' is called quickcrete," Shiro explained. "Go ahead and pull your hands out now. And I got the stones so that you could decorate it and add your name. Etain, Kiku, why don't you two try it?" Carefully, he filled two more molds, offering them to the sylph and the ieldi. Etain glanced up at Annora, then knelt and pressed her hands into the quickcrete, nose crinkling comically at the feel of it.

Kikuei was a bit more hesitant, glancing over at Nico and Makana. "Are you sure you want me to do this, too?" he asked Shiro softly.

Shiromaru smiled gently up at Kikuei. "I told you," he murmured. "You're part of our family."

Kikuei nodded, kneeling down and pressing his hands into his own mold. "...Trio said she wanted me here." Hesitant eyes lifted to Shiro's. He didn't offer anything more, but he suspected Shiro understood nonetheless.

He did, and the water demon beamed up at Kikuei. "I'm glad. Makana?" he called, raising his voice slightly. "Why don't you come over and make one? Nico will still be there when you're done."

"Is Nico making one, too?" Makana asked, not letting go of the little rabbit.

"He'll need you to help him," Shiro noted, making his way over so he could lift up Nicodemus. "Why don't you show him how to put his hands in?"

Makana lit up, nodding and moving to her own mold. "Nico?" she asked, swishing her tail in front of him to catch his attention.

Nico's gaze fixed on Makana, tilting his head up so he could sniff the air a bit better, then reached up towards Makana.

"Nico, do this," she said, planting both paws firmly in the quickcrete.

Grinning to himself, Shiro carefully put a mold close to Nico, then helped him press his little paws into the quickcrete. "There we are," he said quietly. "Now your handprints will all be in the garden." Looking up, he waved Trio and Az over. "Your turns!"

"Our tu... wait, what?" Trio blinked, eyeing the quickcrete a little more warily now that she realized her OWN hands were going in it as well.

Aziraphale took one look at her and laughed, catching her arm and drawing her to them. "Come now. It won't be so bad."

"Oh, yes, your turn," Shiro caroled, grinning with delight at her expression. "Come on, you."

Etain was already decorating hers, with her name at the top and lots of pretty bits and baubles pressed into the quickcrete around her handprints.

Annora had hesitated, but seeing Etain start decorating hers, Annora went to work as well, gathering what she could find that she liked from the bits Shiro had brought. A moment later, she grinned and carefully drew a clumsy fish and butterfly on either side.

Etain beamed up at Annora, then patted the last colored glass sphere into her stone before connecting the musical notes. There was already a bird feather pressed straight into the left side.

"What's the feather for?" Annora asked, while her mother tugged lightly at Az's grip. Trio was laughing, as was the angel.

"Birds fly, too," Etain pointed out cheerfully. "An' Kikuei's kind of a bird. Kind of."

Shiro took a moment to make his own stone, pressing his hands into it before following Annora's and Etain's examples, sketching in a single wing to one side of his name. "There we are, there's mine... Trio, Az, come on, you two! Trio, I'll tickle you if you don't!"

"But that's so simple," Trio argued, looking over his shoulder. "Look at how impressive the girls' are. You're not done yet, mister!"

"I'll add more if you come make yours," Shiro caroled, grinning.

Trio blushed, peering at the quickcrete. "Okay... what do I do?" she asked quietly.

Shiromaru daubed in a few other images, then added a few flower petals. "Pour the quickcrete into a mold," he directed with a smile, "then press your hands into it and leave them in it for a few moments so it'll set nicely. Then add your name."

"Why one wing?" she asked, as she did as he directed. As Annora finished, she made her way toward her mom, peering over into the mold.

"You need shinies, mama."

"You're right, sweetheart -- your mama needs lots of shinies. Why not this one?" Shiro offered a polished piece of rose quartz. He didn't answer Trio's question, not certain of the answer himself.

Trio blinked, hesitating over the crystal. "Is that... the way I seem to you?" she asked, faintly curious.

Uncertain of just what Trio meant, Shiro merely blinked at her, nonplussed. "What do you mean?"

"Like I need a lot of... shinies," Trio murmured, hesitating uncomfortably. "Am I shallow?" she finally finished.

Shiromaru stared at Trio, then reached out, cupping the woman's cheek. "You, love, are the furthest thing from shallow. The only reason your stone needs lots of shiny things is to try to measure up to your personality, because you're wonderful."

Trio blinked, blushing as she leaned into the touch. "Thank you," she whispered, a moment before Annora offered up HER opinion of it.

"Shinies are pretty," she explained patiently, already sticking a few glittering stones into Trio's block. "They light up when it's sunny!"

Shiro grinned up at Trio, then laughed delightedly as he watched Annora decorating her mother's stone. "Annora's right, you know."

Trio blinked down at her daughter, then smiled softly before looking up at Etain and Makana. "What about you two? Wanna help?" she asked, scrubbing at a bit of the rock that had solidified on her cheek after Shiro's touch.

Makana hesitated, glancing at Etain shyly. She was older...

Etain looked over at Makana, then offered a hand to the catgirl with a cheerful little grin. "C'mon," she chirruped.

Makana beamed, taking the hand and moving to the stone. "Can I put in something red?" she asked.

Trio chuckled. "Of course, sweetie..."

Etain added a green stone of her own, smiled happily up at her mother, then added a stone to Shiro's stone as well. There, everything was perfect now.

Makana followed with a red stone for each, and Annora yelped, adding a blue stone to Shiro's. "Water," she chirped, wrapping her arms around Shiro's.

Trio glanced over all three faces, then looked up at Shiro smiling. "Looks like I'm not the only one with shinies."

"Looks like," Shiro agreed, laughing softly. Moments later, he added a yellow stone and a feather to each stone in honor of Nicodemus and Kikuei, then glanced up at Az to see if there was anything the angel would like to add.

Az hesitated, then moved forward, looking at Shiromaru. "May I?" he asked softly, warmth in his eyes.

Shiro nodded to Aziraphale, nodding gently. "Of course."

Az reached out, murmuring something. As his finger left each stone in turn, a faint pulse of light settled into it before fading. When he was done, he turned happy eyes to Shiro. "They're blessed."

"Thank you," Shiromaru murmured, reaching up to touch Az's arm lightly. "That means a lot to me. And you need to make yours! Then we'll have everyone's done, and can get them in place."

Az smiled quietly. "They'll offer some mild protection here," he noted. "And to all who live in your home." Rolling up his sleeves, he presented his hands to Shiro. "Lead the way."

Quite contentedly, Shiromaru showed him how to pour the mold and add his prints and name, smiling happily all the while. Everything seemed perfect, lately... They truly were blessed.

Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 12:34 am

"... and there's gonna be horses and fairies and I'm gonna sing a big song but I'm not gonna break any glasses yet..."

Trio had to admit, the chatter was nice, but so very tiresome. She glanced down at the little siren whose hand she held, and smiled quietly, squeezing the tiny hand. Somewhere in the last few days, Annora had made a complete turnaround, going from the girl that had everyone in the family worried back to her old, happy self. At the moment, they were returning from a visit to the music store, and Trio carried a bag of CDs in one hand, while Sankouri padded by her side, just below them.

Opera music. Such an odd choice for a little girl, really. Perhaps she should look into Italian language lessons as well as singing lessons...

"Mama!" Annora said abruptly, jerking her hand free and darting up the worn path they'd been about to pass. "Maybe Jaden's there today!"

Trio chuckled, turning to follow Annora. It would be good to see the satyr, if he were there.

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A small figure slipped into view near the cottage... not on two legs, but four. Aeriel stared towards the approaching ones with narrowed eyes, the zurui's pose NOT one of welcome. She was hunched forward, the fur along her spine lefted as if she were making herself less of a target and more of a threat. She didn't seem to realise that they weren't approaching her yet... and that they likely hadn't even seen her. All she knew was that they were still coming closer, and the zurui bolted towards the corner of the cottage, to disappear around the side.

Well, Angie was alive. At this point, it could be debated on the 'well' part of the saying, but at least she was alive. After glancing Dulcinea over and determining the little girl's room needed to be redecorated, Angie had undertaken quite the job to fix up the place. Plants here, a small koi pond INSIDE the room, and a few other major renovations, the fox-girl was rather exhausted STILL from what she'd done. But to see the little bouncy curls swing happily every time the toddler moved around the room, was more than worth the lost energy.

Today was a break however, a chance to get away and get outdoors for a change of pace. Angie herself had been locked in the home doing the fix-ups while Dulci was being taken care of by friends, so now it was -her- time to get out with the little girl. Curious though, about why her daughter remained silent most of the time, she figured a visit to the satyr's home might be in order, so that she might ask him the specifics surrounding Dulci.

A voice were heard nearby, a silver ear pricked up at the sound. It sounded familiar, yet...unfamiliar all the same. As Dulci Lynn toddled along beside her, the fox-girl scooped her up and quickened her pace, wondering who else was coming for a visit.

Trio was oblivious to the dark zurui who'd bolted, but there was one who was not. Sankouri's gaze lifted toward Trio, then looked back in the direction of the scent he'd caught, and he tapped her leg briefly before breaking out in a run. Perhaps he could yet catch this zurui, and find out just what was going on.

Trio almost called after him, but her thought was immediately derailed when Annora caught sight of Angie and Dulci approaching. "Mama, look!" she called, running back to Trio and grabbing her hand before tugging her toward the new people, a gleam in her eye. "Hi!~" she called out, her voice loud and singsong.

Sankouri's greeting upon rounding the corner was a sudden snarl and the snapping of jaws a scant inch or two from his face. Aeriel was there, almost as if guarding something, her front paws spread wide as she planted herself directly in his way.

Whatever was behind the house... she was NOT letting him by.

Angie peered curiously at the young girl calling out to her, trying to place where she looked so familiar. And it didn't take but a moment for it to hit her. "Ahhh hello there!" Waving a hand at the pair, the red-head smiled, hiking Dulci up a bit higher on her hip. "Glad to see someone I know out and about today! How are you all this fine day?"

She was not the observant one, and so didn't even notice Trio's companion run off. So it was safe to say she hadn't seen the darker form disappear either.

Trio grinned at Angie, making her way over while Annora bounced up. "Who's that?" the little siren said, with unabashed curiosity, and pointed at Dulci. Trio snickered, reaching out to shake Angie's hand.

"She's gotten so big," she said, admiring Dulci. "We haven't seen you in forever. You oughta bring her by the house sometime."

Sankouri jerked back in surprise, eyes widening. It took a moment before he placed the Zurui - he'd never been particularly close to her mother, after all, and rather pitied her father. But this...

He edged forward, ears flat and tails low as he tried to keep from threatening her long enough to see what was beyond. Why would a zurui act this way?

Aeriel was having NONE of it. She darted to the side, snapping at him again as she growled low in her throat. "Go away..." she hissed, the zurui's eyes swirling in a mix of violet and jet black. "Leave him alone!"

The words sounded normal to Sankouri... but all anyone else would hear was a series of sharp barks coming from the side of the house.

Chuckling, Angie smiled down at Annora. "This is Dulcinea, but you can call her Dulci." Taking Trio's hand, smokey eyes rolled in amusement. "She's big, and I'm exhausted. Redoing her room with a little more 'flair' that before sure took a lot out of me. You know me. I get an idea in my head and I gotta run with it. You guys should come over to our house as well, and come see what I've done with it. I'm sure our little friend here," she reached out to ruffl Annora's hair, "would like the koi pond Dulci has in her room now."

Now, the koi pond hadn't been part of the original plans Angie'd had for the room, but seeing as she herself had wanted some more fish in the house, besides the several tanks strewn around already, she figured another, really shallow one couldn't hurt. There was a rather strong mesh screen over the top, to the little one, at this age, could crawl on top of it, without fear of getting wet, or somehow risking the idea of drowning. Later, the screen could be taken off, once Dulci got older for more enjoyment.

"Koi pond?" Annora immediately latched onto that idea, her eyes gleaming. "Mama, can I? Pleeeeeease?"

Trio just lifted a hand to rub one temple, her eyes shifting toward Angie with a 'see what you've done now' expression in them. But there was a smile on her face all the same. "Just lemme know a good time. You have my number," she pointed out, as Annora grabbed Dulci's hand.

"You like water, too?" Annora demanded gleefully, utterly ignoring the parents now in favor of far more interesting people.

Sankouri froze, eyes narrowing. He? Trio had delivered Aeriel here as a small kit, giving her to... Could Jaden be back there? Once more, he edged forward, doing his best to see beyond Aeriel.

The warnings then turned into actual threat, Aeriel lunging forward and snapping her jaws down hard on one pointed ear. Almost immediately, she had pulled back and moved again, this time aiming for his front feet. "LEAVE!"

She had been charged with protecting him... and protect him, she would. From ANYONE who came too close.

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Two other zurui heard the ruckus -- Izumi and her son Solstice. The pair trotted over to the source of the barking, coming up to flank Sankouri on either side. This one was part of the new pack, after all, and packs had to be defended. "What's going on here? Is someone hurt?" Izumi kept her voice low, trying for 'soothing'.

Not that she figured Aeriel could be soothed, but hey. It was worth a shot.

Away from the zurui, two figures appeared, one with a pair of wings that vanished as the two newcomers touched ground. Shiromaru shifted Nico in his arms, where he had been settled in a sling, then let Etain hop up onto his shoulders as they approached the others. "Now there's someone I haven't seen in a long time! Angie, how are you?" he called out, smiling warmly. And was that Dulci? He hadn't seen her in an incredibly long time.

Silver ears seemingly tipped in inky black twisted in the direction of the barks, as Angie tilted her head slightly. Something... someone else was here? Wow her attention really was shot. But her attention was drug away momentarily once again, as she smiled at Trio. "Of course. I need to clean up some last minute finishing touches on the room, then I'll be inviting plenty of people over for a "room-warming" party, so to speak. At least, I'm planning on it anyway." Laughing, the fox-girl glanced down at Annora and Dulci's reaction to the girl.

Dulci glanced, wide-eyed, at Annora, not sure what to think of her, before shyly smiling and burying her face in Angie's neck. But, even as she pulled her face away, it was obvious she wasn't pulling her hand away. Strange, Angie mused at this, but intriguing all the same. "See Dulci, here's a new friend for you. She likes the water a lot. Soon you can show her your fishies, doesn't that sound like fun?" Reddish curls bobbed as the head nodded, two blue eyes peered from around her 'mom's' neck at Annora once more.

And it wasn't but a moment or two more before both Angie and Dulci's attention wavered towards the newcomers. Angie shifted her weight, settling Dulci on her hip a bit more comfortably before waving at Shiro and Etain, and the new little one. "Hallo there! I know, I know, I just keep finding reasons to disappear." Reaching up to bring Dulci's chin around gently, so that she was facing everyone again, Angie plucked a stray curl out of the girl's eyes. "Indeed this is little Dulci. Only...not quite so little anymore."

Dulci blushed and quickly retreated to hiding her face in Angie's neck again. "She's quite shy I'm afraid, but should warm up to you guys soon."

Annora lit up as Shiro and the others appeared, and turned back to Dulci. "This is my daddy, and my sister," she said solemnly, tugging on Dulci's arm. "Come down and play with us! I bet we could find lots of neat bugs around. Flying bugs like Etain." She ignored the barking, too busy trying to get Dulci to come down.

Trio snickered softly. "She's... um... rather bossy," she said, as she leaned over to peck Shiro on the cheek. "Didn't know you were coming out, too, sweetie."

As the new zurui approached, Sankouri bristled slightly. This... could end very badly, if he didn't do SOMETHING. He drew a breath, then rushed Aeriel, doing his best to pin her so that the others could get past. They wouldn't hurt anyone who was dangerous, and Shiro and Trio could help whoever's in trouble.

The snarling suddenly turned into the sharp, high pitched warning cries that an animal sounds when it's in danger. The piercing yelps could be heard nearly EVERYWHERE by that point, and Aeriel tried to fight off the larger zurui. "NO!! This isn't your house, it's MY house, LEAVE US ALONE!"

"You should stop vanishing," Shiro informed Angie, then grinned at Dulci. "Hello, there. It's nice to see you again." He returned the kiss on the cheek to Trio, his grin spreading. "We were just out for a walk and Etain heard your voice," he explained, then paused when he heard the sound of a zurui shrieking. "...What in the blazes is going on?"

Etain blinked down at Dulci and Annora, then very solemnly tugged at a lock of Shiro's hair. "Papa, something's wrong. That's not one of ours. Someone's really upset."

Izumi and Solstice blinked at each other, then at the grappling pair, then ghosted past, low to the ground. They couldn't see anything in the immediate vicinity, so Izumi peeled off to the left and Solstice to the right, going around the building. What was Aeriel hiding?

Dulci wasn't sure what to make of so many people in one spot at the same time. Nor was she able to figure out Annora. Those thoughtful blue eyes trained onto Etain as Shiro and the little girl wandered up, seeming to admire the little girl's wings. It was a moment or two longer, however, before the bouncy red curls nodded and she eased up her grip on Angie's shirt, allowing herself to be put down beside Annora.

Angie gasped as she straightened up, turning in the direction of the yelping, her body poised to step in front of Annora and Dulci, and retrieve Dulci from the ground if need-be. But a crashing of twigs and bushes nearby nearly drove a heart-attack of her. Fortunately, it was only Simaria who'd apparently been trailing a good ways behind them, and only now catching up as she too heard the shrieks. Keeping a close eye on the other's and Dulci especially Angie pulled the siamese colored zurui aside, excuseing herself from the group for a moment, and conversed softly with her companion, easing the femme zurui's worry about whether or not Dulci was alright.

Annora blinked as Dulci was pulled aside, but shrugged, reaching out to catch Etain's hand instead. "Let's look for butterflies," she suggested, her eyes bright and happy as she tugged her sister along. A moment later, she grinned widely. "Hey! Let's have butterflies in the opera!"

Trio missed that, her focus on the ruckus behind the house. "Stay here," she murmured to Shiro, noting that he had Nico with him. "Keep yourself and the kids safe, okay?" she added, eyeing the back yard warily. What was there? She edged forward, moving to the corner of the house and peering around.

Sankouri's body twisted and shifted as he tried to keep Aeriel pinned. She'd definitely inherited something from her mother, at least, he realized, and wondered if he'd leave there without picking up a scar or two.

The young zurui was all teeth and claws as she lashed out at Sankouri. She had to get him OFF her so that she could get rid of the others. "LET GO!" she yelled, snapping at his throat and chest, as well as the front paws that were closest to her teeth.

Behind the house, all seemed quiet at first glance. It wasn't much different than the front, except for the fact that a small garden was there... or it would have been a garden if it hadn't been neglected thusfar in the spring. Beyond that was a circle of trees that seemed to thrum with power. Only one of Fey blood could enter that circle and hope to stay conscious... but it wasn't a concern at the moment. There was a figure laying on the ground just outside of it, crumpled in the grass. Unkempt black hair trailed over and around the form, splaying on the ground. Two sets of horns could be seen poking through, one larger than the other... and the figure's legs seemed to be covered in fur...

...with hooves, instead of feet.

With Trio checking on the commotion, Shiro stayed where he was, petting the dozing Nico's long ears. The fighting zurui (and the thought distressed the demon mightily) didn't seem to be waking up the infant, and Shiro could only wait for Trio and hope she didn't get hurt in the process of checking things out.

When her hand was taken, Etain brightened, letting her shyness vanish in the face of Annora's enthusiasm. "Yeah! Butterflies in the opera! An' fireflies too! We could have butterflies and fireflies all over!" She flew after Annora, only occasionally touching ground long enough to take a few steps.

It was Solstice who reached the figure first, calling out a warning cry before starting to sniff anxiously at the figure on the ground. Was there a pulse? Was there breathing? Was there any life inside the body?

Angie turned back towards Shiro and the children after a moment, watching Simaria stay with them instead of going to investigate what was wrong. As she set the curly haired child down again, Simaria carefully stood in a guarding position, watching carefully over the other two girls as well.

Dulci wasted no time toddling over to the other two girls, her blue eyes speaking the volumes that her voice would not. Or was it that she could not? Angie wasn't sure yet. Watching Etain flutter around for a moment or two she raised her arms up, gently trying to catch a gentle feel of the strange wings. She knew of these butterflies the girls were talking about. Several of many sizes and colors were painted upon the murals of her walls.

Angie watched Trio go, one of ears swung forward, listening for anything that might signal her friend to be in trouble. The other ear stayed cocked towards the children, keeping them under surveillance as well.

Annora grinned as Dulci joined them again, and watched the little girl reach toward Etain's wings. They seemed so normal now, she wondered if she'd reacted that way, too. Her own fins weren't nearly as pretty, she sometimes thought, but that was okay, because she could still make people pay attention to her. "Do you talk?" she asked bluntly. "Or is your voice dangerous, too?"

Sankouri was getting rather desperate now. Aeriel had opened up quite a few gashes, and it HURT to continue pinning her, especially since he was trying to do as little damage to her as possible. Only the sound of Trio's softly gasped word kept him from just bolting now.

"...Jaden?" Trio breathed, the word not nearly loud enough to carry to the others - even those with exceptional hearing. She scrambled forward, dropping to her knees beside him and reaching out to touch his throat, checking for a pulse.

Etain held still as Dulci touched her wings, blinking over at the other little girl, then smiled invitingly. "Do you wanna look for butterflies with us?" she offered, holding her free hand out towards Dulci. "We were gonna look for all kinds. We're writing an opera." She said it as if the poor girl would have any clue whatsoever as to what in the world an opera was.

Dulci tilted her head at Annora, not understanding what the girl said at all. Silently the little girl smiled and reached up, finally catching sight of the blue girl's fins, and gently fingering them as well. Her eyes lit up in delight, feeling the difference in textures between the wings and the fins. She was lost in her own little world, oblivious to anything that was happening with the zurui.

Angie, however, was paying just enough attention to catch Annora's question. She wished she had an answer to provide the little siren, but was out of possibilities herself. Instead, she let the question slide, figuring on asking Trio about her thoughts on it later.

Dulci, with Simaria at her side, joyfully took Etain's hand, nodding to the girls and already looking around for butterflies. It didn't matter that she had no clue what the girls were talking about, she was having fun regardless.

Annora froze as Dulci explored her fins, shivering slightly with it. But she beamed as the girl smiled, reaching up to pet the curly brown hair. "C'mon. You can play with us," she said quietly, grinning at Etain.

Etain nodded at Annora, then tried to tug at Dulci's free hand. "Butterflies," she repeated, then kicked off into the air, floating about a foot above it. It wasn't much of a height difference, but maybe it would still help her see them better!

"...She's quiet," Shiro noted as he padded closer to Angie. "Has she always been like that?"

Dulci didn't seem to notice or mind as Etain floated in the air, her hand not currently occupied with Etain's reaching out to snag Annora's hand as well. She seemed rather happy with the two girls, which both pleased and relieved Angie at the same time. The little girl's silence seemed not to bother her in her quest for friendship.

Glancing over at Shiro, the red-head nodded. "Mmm yes, she's yet to utter a sound, I'm afraid. I'm not sure whether it's normal for her, or something I should be concerned about. She doesn't seem to notice, thankfully, but it does worry me a little bit." She peeked at the silky ears in Shiro's arms. "And who do we have here?" Angie smiled, brushing off the worry and concern that the subject of Dulci's silence always brought on.

Wasabineko approached the shop, peering about for recognizable faces but coming up short. Well, that was to be expected. She hadn't exactly been around much. There was a slight hiccup from the basket strapped to her back, a sure sign that Casimir had woken up at the perfect time.

She wasn't entirely confident that this was a good idea. Everyone at home knew the rules when it came to the blindfolded bundle of joy, and those who were too young to understand such mandates were watched carefully. How exactly was she going to be cool about this in new company?

"Hello there!"

'Hello?' More people? Annora's head whipped around at that and she grinned. "Hey, more people," she said, tapping Etain's arm. "Let's go see who, huh?" Tugging the other two girls along with her, she turned and headed back, curious about Wasa and the hiccuping basket.

"Hi~," she called out without reservation, bouncing a little. "I'm Annora and this is my sister Etain and this is our friend... our friend... This is our friend and she's really nice," she finished, too busy being friendly to worry about a little thing like forgetting a name.

Little people? Not a problem. Big people? Squeak! Etain ducked behind Annora, now that she didn't have Papa to act as a barrier between herself and the new big person. Shyly, she looked up at Wasa, peeking over Annora's shoulder.

Shiro waved to Wasa as the woman joined them, smiling warmly; Angie's question, however, was met with an infatuated grin. Yes, the demon was one proud papa. "This is Nicodemus," he offered, as the bunny blinked open his eyes and yawned mightily in Angie's direction.

Dulci blinked as she was tugged in the direction of the new voices. Her eyes went wide, but she went along with the girls anyway. Looking up at this new woman, she tilted her head, not quite sure what to think of her.

Angie chuckled softly as she saw the big yawn, gently extending a finger to touch a silky ear. "Awww he's so handsome. You're a lucky one indeed." She caught Dulci being tugged over to the new person and perked her ears up, watching the siamese zurui as Simaria padded closely behind her charge. Angie couldn't remember if she'd seen this woman before, but she seemed friendly enough. In fact, Angie'd met quite a few nice people since gaining the crystal tipped wooden wand.

Wasabineko waved nervously as the attention was turned to her. "Hi!" She crouched down, resting her elbows on her knees to make her masked face level with that of the little ones. "Those are all very pretty names." She replied, giving a soft smile particularly to the face in hiding. "My name's Wasabineko... but that's a pretty big word. You can call me Wasa if you like." She pointed over her shoulder. "And over here in my basket is Casimir. He's still just a baby." She raised her eyes to the surrounding parents, giving them a nod.

"Can I see?" Annora immediately asked. "Daddy has a new baby and he's a rabbit and Makana really likes him." Clearly, the little girl was lacking the shyness her sister and friend showed. She moved closer. "Is your baby a rabbit, too? I remember when Mama brought Makana home and she was a baby and she was called a kitty." She stood on her tiptoes at the basket, trying to peek over the side. "I like the name Wasa. It's easy to say. Like Etain."

Nico reached out, patting Angie on the hand cheerfully. Unlike Etain, this little boy was not at all afraid of strangers, offering up a bubble of sounds as he woke up a bit more. "I'm incredibly lucky," Shiro murmured to Angie. "I have Trio, I have beautiful children, and I have a home. I'm incredibly lucky." That was more than he thought Angie meant, but still, it had to be said!

Etain relaxed a little when Wasa smiled at her; when she lost her guard as Annora peeked into the basket, she flitted over as well, flying up slightly to get a better view inside. "I like the name 'Wasa' too," she offered quietly. "Almost as much as 'Annora'."

Smiling sweetly at Shiro, Angie gently clapped her hand on his shoulder. "There's many who would love to be in your shoes, I'm sure. It's good to know friends are happy." If anyone had brought it up with Angie, she wouldn't admit how she missed having someone to lean on, being that she was all alone on Gaia, but she had more than enough friends to make up for the loss she'd suffered elsewhere.

Dulci, being the shortest of the three girls, tried her best to see into the basket, but was having trouble, at best. Unlike the other two, she made no attempt to try and say Wasa's name, or try and speak at all. Hopping up and down, but careful not to bump into the lady, she did her best to catch a glimpse inside the basket. And it apparently worked because within a few bounces she smiled and stood back so that the others could get their fill too.

Wasabineko chuckled and eased the straps off her shoulders and turned to sit on her rump, the basket settled in her lap. She picked at the lacings until the blankets were loose enough to let Casimir kick free. The feather-dappled baby twitched his talon-feet and gave a curious chirp. It was certain that he sensed the children near, even though they could not be seen through his blinder of cloth. He open and closed his hand in the air, trying to make contact with one of them. "Ah-coo?"

"How come he's got that funny cloth over his eyes?" Annora asked, reaching into the basket to let him hold one of her hands. She showed no ready fear of him. He was just a baby, after all, and rather cute, in an odd-looking way. "Can't he see?"

Aeriel's ears went straight up at Trio's voice... coming from BEHIND the house. She braced both paws against Sankouri's chest then and SHOVED hard, squirming out from underneath him. "Oh no you don't..." she growled, racing towards Trio with fangs bared.

Jaden showed no sign of hearing the woman... or any movement at all. His pulse was present, however, and strong. Whatever had happened to him... it didn't appear to have caused him any true harm.

The moment Aeriel started after Jaden, Izumi and Solstice abandoned their own investigation of Jaden and put themselves in front of Trio, their own fangs bared. "She's trying to HELP, you idiot," Izumi snarled, while Solstice just put his head down lower and prepared to spring at Aeriel in case he needed to.

Etain giggled at the sight of Casimir twitching his feet. "Are his eyes hurt?" she asked shyly, reaching down to take Casimir's other hand.

Shiro watched the goings-on, though Angie's words left him beaming. "Thank you," he offered to her quietly. "And what about you? Are you happy?"

Oh that was a loaded question, one without a real, or right answer. Angie simply nodded, offering a smile to Shiro. "Of course I'm happy. With friends like you and Trio, and a beautiful home, who wouldn't be happy?" Without realizing it, the girl began fiddling with the ring upon her hand, rolling it around on her finger. It was the same ring that'd caught Catta's eye, before Dulci was born.

Dulci again stepped forward to peek into the basket, simply admiring the baby within. As she saw the blinders that were the subject of the other two girls' chattering, Dulci raised a hand to her own eyes as if asking the same questions as already been asked.

Peering in her daughter's direction, watching as the zurui next to the bouncy red-curled child didn't seem to mind the woman, Angie chuckled softly, changing the subject. "I suppose I better go introduce myself, and the little one. I never remember to do that sort of thing."

Wasabineko did her best to hid her unease, trying to think of the best way to word it for young ears. "He isn't hurt. He just doesn't see the same way that you and I do, like fish can't walk on grass or how you can't hug a cactus. So he wears this little scarf so he can make friends without having to worry about his eyes." She bounced him on her knee and he gave a delighted squeal, jiggling Etain's hand that he refused to release until Wasa gave his fingers a gentle stroke.

"...Iiiit's about meal time for Nico here," Shiro decided, with one last glance towards where Trio had vanished to. "Etain, hon, let's get home. Annora, you stay put and do as Angie tells you, okay?" Etain let go of Cas and darted over to her father, and the pair took off into the air.

Annora waved once more to Casimir before Wasa wandered off with him, answering a cell phone, then turned to her dad. "Okay," she called brightly, giving Etain a big hug before turning to Dulci. "Still wanna go lookit butterflies?" she asked brightly, tugging the silent girl along.

"Solstice... get Jaelle and Isyr," Trio murmured, watching Aeriel warily. Sankouri was growling deeply from behind the other zurui, and Izumi was standing guard in front. "Aeriel? What happened to him? He needs care. Do you know where... Talis... Talistan is?" she asked, trying to recall the other fey's name.

Aeriel didn't answer... the irate zurui was pacing in circles around them, her gaze shifting back and forth between her 'charge' and the ones that were keeping her from him. Dammit, it wasn't supposed to happen this way. SHE was supposed to be keeping THEM away!

Jaden was still limp in Trio's arms, the satyr looking as though he'd been through quite a bit. The normally kept, braided hair was matted and flecked through with leaves and twigs. His skin was bruised here and there and looked as though he'd crawled through the mud on at least one occasion. About all that was left of his clothing was enough fabric of his shorts to be considered decent, and the necklace he never removed.

Dulci blinked as Wasa stood up, taking the little one with her. Then Etain and Shiro had to go. Turning to Annora, her eyes went wide, and her hands clung to the other girl's arm as if to keep her from leaving too. Hearing about butterflies again, the young dryad nodded exhuberantly and hopped up and down a few times.

Angie waved to Shiro and Etain as they left and turned towards the girls, to watch them as they played, her silence giving a chance for thoughts to permiate her mind.

Sankouri hunched down, waiting until Aeriel's attention wasn't on him before he leapt, pinning her to the ground once more with his weight. "Izumi, go to Angie. Tell her to take Annora to her house, please," Trio said, standing and lifting the dead weight of the satyr as best she could. "San, keep her there," she directed the dark blue zurui, and she made for the small house, praying the door was unlocked.

Finding it to be so, she shoved it open, pushing Jaden inside and ignoring the neglected state of the place. As soon as she could manage it, she shut the door firmly behind her, locking Aeriel and Sankouri out.

Angie kept a wary eye on the girls, watching Simaria's current state of alertness. As Izumi came over and told her what Trio had said, Angie nodded. "Annora, Dulci, c'mere please." Angie thanked the zurui messenger and held her hands out to the girls. "It looks like you'll be coming over to see Dulci's koi pond sooner than you thought, Annora." The fox-girl smiled, and glanced back at Simaria, quietly asking her to follow them back to her home, instead of wandering like the siamese normally did.

Daddy had told Annora to mind Angie, so Annora nodded cheerfully. "You can show me all over your room," she told Dulci, as the they headed off, her eyes bright and unshadowed. Izumi fell back, trailing behind them warily, nervous of Aeriel.

Shiromaru

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Shiromaru

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Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 12:40 am

Saved for Fern's visit.

Welcome to Gaia! ::

Gaia Guilds

-=Changelings=- - Arcadia's Heirs

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