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 Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 11:57 am
PRP Keeta and Ceres
Keeta was about 6 months along now, and was full into the "nesting" phase described in the books she had purchased. She found that she was actually beginning to enjoy the thought of preparing for this child, whatever it may bring with it. It was still a scary prospect of course, but she knew that the people at the Casbah would stand behind her and so she had finally started to feel better about this whole thing.
"Hmm....." she mused, scratching a spot on her nose and getting 'River's Edge' green-blue paint on it in the process. She had finally narrowed down the paint choices to a few colors and now stood facing the wall in the spare bedroom, where four different swatches had been painted. Her brow was furrowed in thought, as she tried to decide what color she thought would be best for the baby's room. After another moment staring at the wall, she was no closer to deciding than she had been a half an hour before. Sighing, and deciding she would have to wait and get some input from friends, Keeta turned back to other parts of the project.
When she had gone to the hardware store, she was told she would need to sand all the wood surfaces that would be painted over. The gentleman helping her in the paint section, who could see an person who didn't have a clue from a mile off, told her she should get a sanding belt to make the job easier. Keeta took his advice and purchased the machine, figuring that he knew much better than she. He had given her brief instructions on how to use it, but now as she stared it down, it looked a bit scary. Ceres had to put a bit more concentration into the person rather than the place since she had never been there before. It took more of her energy now that her abilities were being divided between pregnancy and 'duty'.
With the arrival of a couple of close friends most of Ceres' fears had been laid to rest. She wouldn't be a crumbling woman that Keeta didn't know, but the same strong confident one she did remember.
"Damn..." Ceres cursed out loud as she found herself in the tub of the bathroom. She had hoped it was the right bathroom. Next time would be better. She threw open the curtain. "Sky." She muttered.Sky had found himself sitting on the toilet. It was a strange thing to flush ones unmentionables down the drain. But he supposed for humans it was proper, and he'd gotten use to doing so. He grabbed Ceres' hand. "Not one of your better 'landings'."Ceres nodded in agreement. "Next time will be better." She said as she knocked on the bathroom door.Keeta was adorned in safety goggles and work gloves, having been just about to turn the sander on, when she heard a noise coming from down the hall. It sounded like knocking. Was someone at the front door?
She stepped out of the room and started heading towards the door, when she heard it again, and it was definitely not coming from the front door. It almost sounded like it was coming from the bathroom.... Was someone in her bathroom? How and why would they have gone in there? This didn't compute for Keeta, who had forgotten that detail of hers and Ceres' conversation a few months ago.
"H-hello?" she asked the door, feeling a little silly. "Is someone there?""Yes m'dear!" Ceres said as she opened the door. She wouldn't normally open the door herself as it was just like the front door of the house for her entrance. But, it was apparent that Keeta had forgotten just how she would arrive. And exception just this once couldn't hurt.
"I don't normally just go waltzing into someones home in case they are busy, or not expecting company." Ceres chuckled and shifted her position. Two didn't fit well in the door way of the bathroom, but without Sky's eyes she couldn't see a thing. "Oh! Ceres!" Keeta said, her face breaking into a smile and removing her safety goggles. "No, I wasn't expecting you, but you and Sky are welcome anyways. Come in! Come in!" she said, ushering them through the doorway into the hall.
"Forgive my appearance , if you will. I was trying to get some work done in the spare bedroom that I'm converting for the baby." She put her hands on her more pronounced belly. There was no hiding it now.
"I'm afraid I don't have a guy to be handy around the house, so it's all up to me. Can I get you guys anything? I have water, juice, a couple of sodas...." Ceres grinned at Keeta's very pronounced belly. "You are beautiful." She said with enthusiasm. "Can you feel the baby move yet?" She reached out her hand to touch, but halted. She didn't know if it was the right thing to do even if it was mother to mother.
"I'm sorry to hear that you don't have any help Keeta. If there is anything we can do we'll do our best." Ceres said as she rested both hands on her own stomach.
"I think we'd both like some apple juice." Ceres said as they both nodded their head. "Thank you," Keeta said, smiling shyly at the compliment as she led them towards the kitchen. "My friends keep telling me that enough, that I'm starting to believe them. It's hard though, when you start to feel so huge. You look beautiful too though, so I suppose I can believe it about myself." She laughed a little as she pulled the juice out of the fridge and reached for a couple of glasses. Keeta filled both and handed them to Ceres and Sky.
"And yes, I finally started to feel the baby move a couple weeks after we had that meal together. He or she is moving much more often now and I think it's to the point where other people might be able to feel it soon. The baby seems to be sleeping at the moment though. It's been quiet for a while." She filled a third glass for herself and took a sip from it before continuing. She shrugged.
"It's more work without help, but in the end it's ok. It means no bickering over how to decorate the room, or how much or little to buy, things like that. There's plenty I've seen, read and heard about with couples who argue over those kinds of things. Plus, it forces me to learn more about the technology over here. I'm afraid I'm a bit technophobic." She looked at the couple a moment, thinking.
"Well maybe there is something you could help me with. I'm stuck between a few paint colors and wouldn't mind some input." Sky took the glass with a smile. "Thank you." He said in human. One of the very few phrases he could manage."Her kicks are so prominent they hurt." Ceres said with a sigh before taking a sip of her drink. "She's more active in the evening hours right now which takes away from my sleep... Not that I get any because I cannot get comfortable." She laughed before taking another sip. "And, it disappoints Sky that she isn't active during the day... He loves to rub my belly."
"We didn't argue over the babies room. I wanted spring, my children wanted sugary sweet. We settled on 50/50, and honestly I..." She laughed. "I know they mean well, and I appreciate their help."
"I love looking at paint splotches. I would be delighted to help you pick out a color two." Ceres smiled brightly.Keeta smiled at Sky when he spoke. It had been the first time she had heard his voice. "You're welcome Sky. It's nice to hear you speak."
"Well...mine isn't all that bad yet, but I expect he or she will be soon enough. I've at least had my bladder used as a punching bag a couple of times." Keeta made a face. She was a bit concerned for Ceres though. Was it normal for the baby's kicks to hurt when there was still a couple of months before they were due? She filed it in her memory later. Maybe she would bring it up with Ceres later, but she didn't really feel that now was the time.
"I'm glad you guys didn't have problems deciding how to do the room, even though people had differing opinions. I'm sure it helped knowing you're having a girl though. Gives you a more limited color palate to choose from, in some ways. I'm a little more stuck because I don't know the sex of the baby yet. Dr. London gave me the chance to know the last time I went in, but I turned it down for some reason. Maybe I'll change my mind by the next time I go in though. I'm rather curious.
"Anyways, if you want to see the colors I've picked, why don't you follow me back to the baby's room. The samples are up on the wall already." Keeta started heading down the hallway, apple juice in hand.Ceres was a glow as she followed Sky down the hall. It was good that the pace wasn't a race down the hall. With one hand she held her juice, with the other whe pressed her hand into her back as she walked.
"I only know the sex of the child because of my heritage. There hasn't been a boy born except to the first maiden. And, he was the second born. No maiden has a way to have a second child..." Ceres said, making small talk.
"Keeta as intelligent as you are I'm sure your color choices will be beautiful. You know they say paint helps make a home." Ceres grinned. "The little patter of feet also helps." "Why can't you have a second child?" Keeta asked. There was very little she knew or understand about where Ceres came from, but then again, she figured Ceres knew very little about Evin, so they were about even. She led the two of them into the bedroom she was setting up for the baby. It was rather a mess, with plastic, paintbrushes, paint and other tools on the floor. She indicated the 4 color swatches she had put on one of the walls. All of the colors were pastel shades. They were in shades of yellow, peach, yellow-green and blue-green.
"I just can't decide. If I knew the sex of the baby maybe it would help but..." she shrugged. "And I don't want to buy any other furniture or decorations or anything until I've got a color picked out." "All the maidens before my mother and myself seduced their men to get them pregnant. They would retreat to the island and shatter their mirrors. Thus they couldn't leave the island again." Ceres said in a mater of fact way, but her tones were even. "I could probably have a second child... If i managed to do so before this one comes of age." She smiled. "But, one is plenty."
Ceres walked over to the wall, and checked out the splotches of color.
Sky remained close by since he was her only pair of eyes.
"They are so pretty." She said in awe. "You know... As pretty as these colors are why don't you make a mural instead." She smiled still viewing the colors. "A mural of your home, so your baby would know where you come from. And, I'm pretty sure where you come from doesn't depict gender."Ah, I see. That would make it difficult. Well, it sounds like you have a choice at least, and even having a choice makes things a little better." Keeta smiled and turned to look at the colors on the wall while Ceres and Sky studied them. When Ceres suggested a mural for the walls in the baby's room, Keeta was a little surprised.
"I'd never even thought of that," she admitted. "But I don't think I have the artistic talent to pull off something like that. I can paint a wall one color I think, but that's not nearly as involved as a mural. I could hire someone I suppose, but if they hadn't seen it themselves, could they really do it justice?" "Keeta may I..." Ceres touched Keeta on the shoulder. "Your eyes. I want to be allowed to see what you see. I can also see what you've seen... If you allow me." She smiled. She wasn't trying to sound strange, or out of place. She really wanted to help Keeta. "Show me, and I'll paint your walls."Keeta was a little taken aback by Ceres' request and offer. She could see what Evin looked like through her eyes? Part of her was a little worried at what else Ceres might see. Would she only see Evin? Or would she see the other more shameful pieces of her past? Keeta hesitated a moment.
"I...I guess. You could do that? You would do that for me?" "Yes, Keeta I would do this for you." Ceres offered a comforting smile. "I won't invade your mind. I'll just see what you allow me to see. I respect people. It is why I ask first." She was just trying to reassure the other since she could sense hesitance."Okay then..." Keeta said, still a bit nervous. She wondered if she would see as normal when Ceres was looking at things, or whether she would see what Ceres saw. She closed her eyes and tried to picture Evin clearly in her mind.
"Ok, I'm ready."
Keeta thought of the forests with the tall pines that stretched on forever. The people who lived out in the woods, not minding being so close to nature. The horses people used to travel far distances, instead of cars like they had here. The nights round a campfire with traveling companions. The starry skies unpolluted by city lights or smog. The river close by her little hut near Mystics. The boats that traveled on the river, carrying everything from goods, to passengers, to the occasional pirate. The general sense of peace and simplicity compared to the craziness of Gaia...and so on. To an outsider who knew their history, it might seem a lot like 16th century England with a hint of magic mixed in. Ceres was amazed how close these visions were to her own home. Except her island didn't have dozens or so people. Where she lived there was her, and her two friends. Unless you counted her mum and dad that were trees, and the animals... There were very few buildings on her island.
Ceres smiled as she captured Keeta's image in her own mind. Simplicity, with a few of the folks. She nodded her head, and turned to face the wall. She contemplated for a moment on whether to do this entirely naturalize or via magic. She had just arrived, and still had a good bit of strength. Though this wasn't her island she knew she could preform here because of the maiden in her.
Ceres nodded her head more for herself. Her magic would be best after all because she didn't have all the colors she would need with the paint provided. She settled herself on the floor near the wall. She touched her fingers to the wall. From the ground up, the wall transformed. The natural aspects were a peace of cake for her, it was the people that were most difficult.Keeta started in awe as the memories of her life in Evin were transferred in mural form onto the blank walls of her guest room. It all looked so real. Like she was actually back there looking at the places she grew up in. She almost forgot that Ceres and Sky were there, she was so memorized by what she saw. Keeta walked up to it and reached out her hand as if to touch a place in the image, but kept fingers just from touching it. She didn't know if there was wet paint, despite it being a magical transformation. The last thing she wanted to do was mess up any part of the picture.
Coming back to reality for a moment, Keeta turned around to face Ceres. "It's amazing! Thank you! I...don't know how you did it...." Her gaze was drawn once more to the walls."My talents are limited off of the island. It is the maiden in me that allows me to perform. Ceres could feel the heat on her cheeks as a blush crept onto her cheeks. She was trying to be as modest as possible. "I am very pleased that it brings you joy." She smiled, and looked over the paint buckets. "I hope the people look alright."
"Your child will feel at home in this room, as will you. It will bring ease to the task at hand." Ceres said as she stood up with help from Sky. "You know if you wanted to be there for really all you've got to do is ask. But, it will have to be another day when I am well rested." "The people look fine, Ceres. You don't need to be so modest. It really is wonderful." Keeta smiled at Ceres and Sky, but she paused as Ceres' next comment sunk in. A ponderous expression crossed her face as she considered what she'd thought she'd heard.
"You could take me to Evin?" she asked finally, caution in her eyes. Keeta held back, not because she didn't trust Ceres, but because she wasn't sure what that would mean to her if Evin were that easily accessible. Sure, she'd dreamed about going back to Evin, but only because she knew it wasn't really possible. What would she do knowing she could just appear there on a whim?Ceres studied the mural to get a feel for where Keeta came from. "Where you come from... I don't see why you would want to leave."
"Yes, I'm positive I could get you to Evin. I would just have to use your eyes again." Ceres smiled brightly. "Simply because I don't know the place, or the people..." She tapped her chin for a moment. "And, I'm sure they've got mirrors right?" "I didn't really want to leave Evin itself, but circumstances left me having to make hard choices. The two owners of the place I had long considered my home had a falling out. The woman who's "side" I was on chose to leave Evin because of it. She couldn't deal with the other owner anymore and I don't blame her. She was grossly wronged.
"Anyways, it meant either following her or staying in Evin with him always looking over my shoulder, knowing how I felt about the situation. Tess was more important to me than Evin." She stared at the mural for a moment before continuing.
"So...as much as I love Evin, I don't know if I could go back. I'll have to think about it. I may have to think about mirrors too...I think only the rich people in town had proper mirrors...The average folk, like myself had shiny pieces of metal for mirrors. Glass was a fairly rare commodity. Do metal mirrors work?"
"As long as it can hold a reflection then it should work." Ceres a bit on the exhausted side leaned against Sky. "You remember that mirror you held... It was forged in the 1550's. But, mine is a little different..."
"I'm sorry that there was a falling out, and that choices made caused you to leave home." Ceres hugged Keeta. "But, you know that just means a new chapter in your life." She stepped back to look the other in the eyes. "This one is what counts... No mater how it came about." She said touching the others stomach without another thought. "You are working on that support team we talked about right? Keeta nodded. She hoped Ceres was right about the mirrors. If they attempted a trip to Evin and the metal mirrors didn't work, she wondered what would happen. But again, Keeta also wondered whether she really did want to go back after all that. She looked down as Ceres put her hand on her belly and asked about the support team task she had been given, in a way, the last time they'd met.
"Well, yes and no," Keeta replied. "But I've established who my real friends are?"Ceres smiled as she stood up. "Whether your realize it or not you've already gotten your support group. It may be one person, it may be a hand full of people. The important part is that you know which people are best for you and your baby."
Ceres turned back to to the wall. She continued to admire the womans place of birth as she finished her apple juice. "You know... If you are hesitant in going back to your place of birth because of the incident... There is something else I could offer you.Keeta smiled when Ceres told her she already had her support group. Part of her had known that, but another part wasn't sure she had completed her "homework" properly until Ceres had said that. She turned and looked at the mural with the other woman, until she spoke again, this time of something else that might help her. Keeta raised an eyebrow as she looked at Ceres.
"What do you mean?"Ceres smiled in contemplation. "I think you just need a break from the hustle is all. Perhaps it is the reason you are longing for home even if it may not be the best option for you."
"If that is indeed what is going on I'll open my home to you for a visit." Ceres rested both hands on her belly in hopes to ease the baby. "After all you have opened your home to me. My island doesn't have a high quantity of people... It is peaceful, except for the occasional animal or two that cannot get along." It was certainly possible, what Ceres said. That Keeta simply needed a break from the relative insanity of Gaia. It certainly would help relieve some stress, she imagined. She turned and looked at Ceres.
"Do you mean today, or in general...or?" Keeta was wondering because if it was to be an extended visit, she would need to clear her work schedules. It it was just for the day, then that required less planning."What ever time you think you need I can accommodate you." Ceres said as she continued to rub her tummy. "The house is large enough that my children, and myself won't bother you. You could come and go as you please. There are plenty of trails, and as long as you stay on them you'll never get lost. I cook three meals a day, and there are snacks in the fridge. All the amenities of this place without the hustle, and people." She smiled contently. "And, when you are ready to return we can bring you here, or to any place that has a mirror.""That's very generous of you Ceres," Keeta said smiling appreciatively. "It sounds wonderful! I can't say that I could come with you here and now. I have work this evening and tomorrow, but I'll talk to my bosses and see what I can do about getting some time off for a vacation with you. And how could you or your children be a bother if I was going to be in your house?" "Understandable. I would expect you to just drop everything. The offer is for when ever you have the time. And, after this time... If the need arises again all you need to do is ask." Ceres smiled.
"My children... Well there is no sugar coating them." Ceres chuckled as she winked at Sky. "Aurora is made of ink, and refuses to grow up past the age of 8. Aurora Dawn is slick black cat anthro that thinks she's the sexiest thing born. There isn't a moment she isn't chatting it up, or partying. Ayisha is a wisp like something. We've never really figured it out, but she lives next door with her wife and twins. Tinker is a... Scientist." She laughed. "She doesn't come out of her room much, and we she does you're bound to find her on the sofa with her nose in a book. Perian is a centaur who is much like me. Cassara is the last girl, and she is a dragon. She doesn't trust men, or much of anyone. She bickers with her brother Rhine. Rhine is married, and has a little Cafe in Gaia, and likes to make a living for himself even if the island provides everything. Just don't give him anything to drink... Most of everyone stays at home with me, and refuses to leave permanently. But, those who don't live with me visit two or three times a day. If you pay attention it is a very busy house, and no one misses a violin practice.""Sounds like you've got a full house there. I don't know how you keep up with that many." She smiled. "Still, it shouldn't be a problem, after all I'm the guest there, so I should fit into whatever it is you guys are doing, or you implied that there are ways I can seek solitude if I need to. I really appreciate the offer. I'll be sure to let you know in the next week or so when I think I might be coming." Ceres nodded softly. "Forgive me Keeta... Natalia isn't happy at all that I don't have a lot of extra energy left that she needs." She sighed softly as she again rested her hands on her belly. "I must return to the island. I look forward to hearing from you."
It was something that drew Sky to Ceres at this moment in time. Wrapping his arms around her waist, giving her extra support. "Well let me show you out," Keeta said, heading towards the door of the room. She led them down the hallway to the bathroom, where they had come in.
"Get some rest. I'm glad you came to visit. It was nice seeing you as well Sky," she said, aknowledging the blue-haired man."It was a pleasure visiting you Keeta." Ceres gave her a hug, Sky shook her hand both in farewell. Sky handed Ceres her mirror out of her bag. With a couple seconds thought they disappeared.Keeta jumped a little as the two disappeared from sight. She stared at the mirror momentarily, wondering whether it would feel strange to travel in such a fashion. Well, she thought, I'll be finding out soon enough. Closing the bathroom door behind her, Keeta went back to the baby's room and sat down on the floor studying the mural, where she stayed until she had to get ready for work.
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Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 3:42 pm
Kaelwin Open RP in a public thread Kaelwin: Part TwoThe Next Morning: An awkward exchange with Kael, Keeta and Annata Kaelwin: Part ThreeThe Following Evening: More awkwardness and explosions Kaelwin: Part FourThe Following Afternoon
Brief synopsis: A new face, Kaelwin Tanner, comes into the Casbah, bringing a mysterious past with him. He is blind and apparently has some characteristics about himself that even he doesn't seem to know. He is blind, but can apparently "see" around himself with relative ease. Has an unusually intelligent horse, by the name of Grey Dream.
Keeta is the first person to befriend Kael, when he enters the bar and soon finds herself subconsciously wanting to spend more time with him. While he seems pretty able to fend for himself, she wants to take him under her wing and help him to understand the human culture that apparently he is unfamiliar with. In her conversations with Kael, other bar patrons become involved, including Annata, who seems to display some kind of jealousy about Keeta's closeness to Kael, although she will not admit it. In an effort to break the tension, Kyo, another patron, tosses a piece of fudge at Kael, only to have it explode mid-air, spooking Kael into a defensive mode of sorts. While most would think Kyo responsible for the explosion, he denies it and has no previous history of being able to cause things to explode. Things continue to get awkward as Annata and Keeta attempt to calm Kael. Later Kael returns to the bar, where he and Keeta speculate on the reasons for Annata's unusual behavior and the discuss the fact that not all fudge explodes.
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Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 2:44 pm
The Finishing Touches
Keeta looked around the room, satisfied. A few weeks after having visited with Ceres and Sky in her apartment, the baby's room was now almost finished. She stood back in the doorway to get the full effect.
As she gazed around the room, Keeta could see the mural that Ceres had created for her. She really couldn't have asked for anyone to have done a better job portraying her homeland. Since then, however, the room had remained empty. Finally, Keeta had gone out shopping again to actually purchase the furniture for the room. She had gotten some ideas when she had gone with Annata a month and a half before.
She settled on a corner crib in a medium brown, to match the tree trunks, and had lined it with buffers and a mattress pad that mirrored the colors of the leaves. Then she had found a nice area rug, also green, with leaves that continued the theme. Next came a gliding rocker with stool, a chest of drawers, and a changing table all in lighter colors to help lighten up the room. With all the green it had started to feel a bit heavy for a baby's room.
To help lighten the room even more, she had curtains made for the room out of this fabric. She figured the colors were pretty gender neutral, so she wouldn't have to worry about changing them if her guesses to the sex didn't work out.
She had placed the crib in the corner kitty corner to the door, with the changing table on the wall to the right. On the back wall, with the window, she set up the rocking chair, and the chest of drawers went on the wall opposite the changing table.
Keeta knew she'd make little changes and additions here and there, but the primary pieces of furniture were all accounted for. If someone didn't know better, they'd probably say Keeta had planned on having this baby.
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Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 4:52 pm
28 Weeks Along
Dear Diary,
You should see the baby's room! I think I've got almost everything set up. Now even if baby comes early (which I hope it doesn't for both our sakes), he or she will have a place to sleep. I'm still thinking about getting a smaller bassinet to keep in my room though. I don't want to have to walk all the way down the hall four or five times a night if baby turns out to be a restless sleeper.
In other news, a new person has started coming to the Casbah lately, and has seemed to take up residence on one of our couches. His name is Kaelwin Tanner. He's a bit unusual. He's blind, but yet seems to have no difficulty running around, and he seems simple, in a way. Much like a child. For some reason he also seems to be lacking in knowledge of Gaian/ human culture. He didn't know what a hug was or fudge. I kind of feel sorry for him.
He also has this horse that goes by Grey Dream. He's more intelligent than your average horse. There's something very strange about him, but I can't put my finger on it.
It's strange. I haven't had a desire to date or be with a man, ever since I found out I was pregnant, but I think I'm attracted to Kael. Maybe it's a bit early yet to tell for certain. Even if I am though, it looks as though I may have competition of sorts. Annata has become very flustered whenever she is around Kael and I together. I have suspicions that she's attracted to him as well, although I can't prove it. She won't admit to anything. Oh well. It's not something to worry about yet. What will be will be.
-Keeta
P.S. Oh, I set up another appointment for next week, and then a few days after that, I'm all set to go to Ceres' island. I wonder what it will be like?
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Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 5:30 pm
Merlyn slouched in one of the chairs in the waiting room, one foot tucked up on the seat, the other stuck out in front of him. He ignored the assorted magazines on the tables; he'd seen all of them. He wasn't sure if the clinic ever got anything new to read. He'd certainly never seen anything fresh since he'd been able to read. Instead, he had taken the little robot that served him as a cell phone out of his pocket. He was amusing himself by giving it simple commands and watching it hover back and forth on its tiny wings.
Today he was scheduled for another set of tests; before he could enroll in the school he was transferring to, he needed a few more vaccinations and aptitude verifications, most of which the clinic could perform and certify. Personally, he wanted the tests over with as soon as possible. These things were never particularly interesting, and tended to take up most of an afternoon.Keeta walked in, waddling a bit, seeing as she was approximately six and a half months pregnant at this point. She hoped she'd be able to see the doctor this time and get some of her questions answered, as Dr. London had been unavailable the last time she had come in.
After signing in at the now familiar receptionist's desk, she took a seat in the waiting area near what appeared to be a cat-person, perhaps in his teens. Keeta was a little confused as to why a teenage boy would be in the clinic, but shrugged it off, figuring there was a legitimate explanation whatever it may be. After several minutes of silently watching him play with his robot, she spoke.
"What is that thing you have there? It looks rather interesting. Where did you get it?" Keeta hoped she wasn't being a bother, but sitting quietly seemed to make waiting take that much longer.Merlyn glanced at Keeta as she came in; unlike him, it was pretty obvious as to why the elven woman was here. She must be pretty far along, he figured. She seemed uncomfortable. He went back to toying with the little robot, so as not to stare and seem rude.
When she spoke, however, he looked up. "It's my phone," he explained, and picked it out of the air, holding it up so she could see it. "It responds to voice commands," he added cheerfully. "I got it when I was little, so if I got lost or something it could call for me." He paused a moment, then asked, "You're having a baby, huh?" Well, that was a pretty dumb question; but if his phone was more interesting than the ancient magazines, conversation was more interesting yet."I've never seen anything like it," Keeta said, leaning closer so she could see it better. She was surprised when he told her it was a phone. If anything she had thought it was just some kind of toy.
"I'll bet it comes in handy some of the time. I haven't gotten myself a phone yet. Maybe I should, one of these days, but I don't know how often I'd use it." She didn't even use her phone at home very often. There was something decidedly impersonal about hearing someone's voice, but being unable to read their facial expression or body language, she thought. Keeta would rather just take the time to see someone in person.
"And yes, I'm having a baby, in just a little over two months," she said in response to his question, not treating it as though he had spoken the obvious. "And what brings you here, if you don't mind my asking?" "I don't remember where it came from," Merlyn said, shrugging. "It's pretty useful. I can tell it a number to dial instead of punching it in. You don't have a phone?" He sounded faintly surprised. Most people had one, if only for emergencies.
"I need to have a couple of tests done for my school records," he explained. "They've got all my other tests from here, I just need a few more pieces of paper." He made a wry face. "Are you gonna have a boy or a girl, or do you know?""No, back where I come from, phones don't even exist, so I'm not in the habit of using one, though that is slowly starting to change, as the culture of Gaia encroaches upon my previous life." Keeta almost sounded sad, but the mural in the baby's room and Ceres' standing invite to her island helped take the edge off her homesickness.
"I hope the tests aren't unpleasant, I know from recent experience that getting poked and prodded can get trying after a while, even if you know it's for a good reason. And I don't know yet. I'm trying to decide whether or not I want them to tell me on this visit. It's later than they usually say, because I turned down the offer to tell me last time, but it's getting to be harder and harder for me to wait." It was strange that at the beginning, she hadn't even wanted to be pregnant. It had been such a surprise, but as time went on, she was embracing the idea more and more."You're not Gaian?" Merlyn asked. "What world do you come from?" He seemed more curious than surprised.
"Nah. They're just scans and screenings. I don't like getting blood drawn, but the nurses are pretty good, most of them. It doesn't hurt much." Merlyn sat up straighter and put his other foot on the floor. "You have two more months, huh? It must be hard to wait," he mused."A place called Evin. Technology there is not nearly as advanced, and in a way, I like it better. Life goes slower and you can enjoy the little things more." Keeta shrugged. "I don't think I'll ever go back though."
"And yeah....two more months or so. It is and it isn't hard. In a way I want it to be over and meet this little person in here, but I'm also scared, so part of me wishes he or she would just stay in there." She rubbed her buldge before looking back up at him and smiling a little.
"Guess that's something you won't have to worry about though. You being a boy and all.""It sounds like a nice place. I'd like to see more worlds someday," Merlyn offered. "It'd be interesting to travel."
Her returned her smile. "I guess not," he agreed. "But I can sort of understand, I think. I mean, not completely, but it makes sense in a weird way." He bit one of his claws thoughtfully; he could sense an echo of the contradictory emotions as she spoke about them. It was something to think about. The feelings were opposed, and yet they coexisted. That wasn't uncommon, but it was always fascinating."I'm not sure that I even understand what I'm feeling, so it's completely understandable if you don't. It's definitely complicated and almost always changing at least a little bit. But maybe it's just part of motherhood in general?" She paused, letting out a deep breath, before going back to the subject of travel.
"So....any place in particular you want to visit? I'm not much of a traveler, myself. I would have never left Evin if it hadn't been for my friend Tess. She's the closest thing I have to a mother or father anymore, and she was leaving, so I followed her. Totally changed my life." Keeta thought about what it would be like to travel again. She'd always stayed so close to home. Not even the occasional job took her very far, but such was the nature of their level of technology. Here, you could hop on a plane and travel many times the distance one could have traveled in Evin, in the same amount of time. "I might travel some within Gaia when I've been here longer, but for now, I'm pretty much content to stay put. The only place I might go is to visit a friend. She's invited me to her island."Merlyn nodded. That also made a kind of sense.
"I don't know," he answered thoughtfully. "I've only really been in Gaia and Dream. It'd be interesting to see more of the multiverse. Maybe Cylau; Lune's told me a little about the City, and I think I'd like to meet it." Of course, the other teenager had also warned him that the planetary AI was dangerous. But that made it more interesting. "Traveling in Gaia would be interesting too," he added. "It'd be cool to see places other than Barton and Durem." He waved a hand expressively. "Not much to do here."Dream? Cylau? I'm not familiar with them. But then again my knowledge of places is still rather limited. I don't think I even knew Gaia existed until shortly after we came here." She pictured the maps in the school room when she was younger. They consisted little more than of what the terrain in a 100 mile radius of her town was like.
"What is it you find the surrounding area lacks, that you say there's not much to do?""Dream is Dad's world," Merlyn explained. "I'm part Dreamborn. And Cylau is a tech-world. It's my brother's boyfriend's homeworld - he's living here for school." He was unfazed by the concept of multiple worlds; just a fact of life, really. He had visited Dream from time to time since his infancy.
"Well, I guess there is stuff," Merlyn conceded. "But it's all stuff I've seen before, you know? It'd be nice to go places I've never seen.""I guess I can understand that. Even if I wanted to go somewhere though, I probably shouldn't for quite some time. I'd like to wait until this one is at least walking before I try to take him or her anywhere far from home. Tell me a little more about Dream. I wonder if it's anything like Evin?""I guess it'd be tough to go places with a tiny baby," Merlyn said thoughtfully. He'd never really considered the matter; he'd always been the youngest in the family, and had no personal experience with babies.
"Dream ... it changes a lot. You can get lost easily if you don't know where you're going or don't have a strong mind." Merlyn flicked his tail. "I know my way around, and I have Lilith, my nightmare onei, so I haven't gotten lost for a while." He didn't mention that he'd managed to get very thoroughly lost last year when he'd tried to run away for a while. That wasn't very impressive, and it was last year, anyhow. "It's awesome," he said, eyes going briefly distant. "I like the Forest. It's like every wild forest, all combined.""You've never done it? No siblings or anything? Well in all honesty neither have I, so I guess that makes us even." She laughed a little.
"It changes?" Keeta's eyes opened wide at that. "I'm assuming you mean something different than the regular changes that any place undergoes from weather and whatnot. Must be strange knowing a place will be different ever time you go there. Makes for no sense of stability I would imagine..." she mused, half to herself. After a moment she turned back to Merlyn.
"I like forests too. You feel so much closer to nature and so much more at peace in a for-" She paused suddenly.
"You know we've been talking this whole time and never introduced ourselves. I'm Keeta.""I have five brothers, but I'm the youngest," Merlyn explained. "I don't know much about really young babies. Just how to annoy big brothers." He grinned mischievously.
"There are places that are always the same, but the rest changes. I never really thought of it that way," he mused. "It's what it is, even if it does change." Maybe it would be different if he didn't know it so well. The thought surprised him, and he understood suddenly why dreamwalking might be more frightening for other people. Well, huh.
"Oh, yeah. I'm Merlyn," he offered in return. "Merlyn Sarihe.""Nice to meet you Merlyn," she said with a smile. "Five brothers, huh? Goodness sakes. I was an only child, although I wouldn't be surprised if there were some half siblings out there that I'm not aware of." She shook her head. If her father had gotten her mom pregnant and run off, how many other women had he done that to?
"Well I'm glad you can handle your father's world just fine. But it probably does help that you're part dreamborn like you said." She smiled and an empty silence filled the room, as she was searching for another topic to discuss. When would the receptionist call one of them? Not able to think of much, she pounced on the first topic that came to her mind. School.
"So...you said you were here to get tests for school. What's your school like? I know it's a long way off, but I figure I should still be informed of what's out there, so I know for when this one's old enough." Keeta hoped she hadn't annoyed him with the topic change. She knew not all kids were fond of school."What's it like, being an only child?" Merlyn asked thoughtfully. He'd always wondered. Less crowded, for sure; you wouldn't have to share your stuff or your bathroom. But lonely, maybe.
He wasn't sure how to respond to the next comment, and was still searching for an appropriate response when she spoke again, saving him from having to figure it out. "I was homeschooled when I was younger," he explained, "but I'm going to be enrolled in the Helios Academy for the higher-level course stuff. It's a six-year school. It takes Gaian kids and outworlders, there's dorms for the kids who aren't from here. It's supposed to be pretty good. It looks cool," he added with a grin. "I visited last week. It'll be weird, but I'm looking forward to it. The science stuff especially. We'll get to do lab work.""Well my perspective is probably a little different from that of other only children. I didn't have a 'normal' childhood, growing up with two parents that were there to support me. I was raised by the people in the local tavern. My father disappeared before I was born, and my mother was always off doing whatever someone would pay her enough to do. It meant I was passed around from employee to employee, whoever could take me for the moment, spending the occasional day or week with my mom and then she would be off again. When I was 17 she left on a job and never came back. So pretty much from my understandings of some of Gaian society, I was in Evin's version of a foster care system."
"Your school sounds interesting, but I guess something I'll have to wait for quite a while before I even consider trying to get my child in. I could try the homeschooling thing I guess, but with my work schedule it'd be easier on me if I could enroll them in some kind of public school. I'm sure there's plenty of them around here. Again, the baby's not even born yet though. Getting a bit ahead of myself.""Oh. Um, I'm sorry?" Merlyn offered lamely. It sounded rather sad to him. He was used to a big family, and he could barely remember not having two parents around.
"He'll grow up eventually. Or she," he said more cheerfully. "I bet the baby's gonna be cute." That, at least, was a safe topic."Nothing to be sorry about. The people from the bar are really like my family. One of them more or less officially took me under her wing when my mom disappeared, and I ended up following here over here to Gaia. She's the closest thing I have to a mom now, but it's what I'm used to, so it really doesn't bother me." Keeta adjusted her weight in the chair. It was so hard to get comfortable nowadays.
"Yeah...but not too fast I hope. I don't think I'm ready to deal with a teenager or anything, anytime soon...no offense." She looked over at Merlyn to make sure her comment didn't bother him."Oh - okay." Merlyn still wasn't quite sure what to say to that. It was a very different situation from his own, and he hadn't given a great deal of thought to things like that before. He was starting to think that maybe he should be thinking about it. He'd be meeting a lot more people in school, anyway, and odds were good that there would be a lot of things he wasn't used to; and if he didn't want to feel awkward and weird every time, it would be good to be less ... well, surprised ... by it.
"Not offended," he answered, smiling a little mischievously. "I'm a pain in the tail sometimes.""Oh, how's that?" Keeta asked, raising an eyebrow, an amused expression on her face. She tried to imagine what kinds of things this teen did to get himself in trouble. She hoped it wasn't anything too bad, because then she would have to worry about her own kid getting him or herself into trouble in the future."Oh, I bother my brothers, I sneak off instead of doing things I'm supposed to, things like that," Merlyn said lightly. There wasn't a great deal he had to confess beyond annoyances; anyway, those things were not the sort of things one said to strangers, or near-strangers. Some of them were his own secrets, some were not, and if there was one thing he was good at, it was keeping real secrets to himself. And Keeta seemed nervous enough. She didn't need other things to worry about. Merlyn sighed very quietly, tucked his tail around himself, and made sure his smile hadn't wavered with the brief, melancholy turn of thought."Ah, I see. I suppose I did some of that when I was your age, with the other village kids, but by that time, I was already working, in a way. I was also training and improving my fighting skills, so a lot of my mischievousness and creativity went into that." She shrugged, a little sorry she didn't have more similar life experiences to compare to his."What kind of fighting do you do?" Merlyn asked, interest caught. He leaned on his elbows, ears coming forward to listen. "Unarmed or with a weapon?"
"Well more what I used to do. I really haven't done much since I moved here, although I suppose I could get back into it when I'm no longer pregnant. Might be nice. Anyways...I'm most proficient with a staff and throwing knives, although I can hold my own reasonably well in unarmed combat. The tavern I grew up in, in Evin, was also home to a fight club, where people competed for money, honor and titles. Naturally I started picking things up and got involved as the years went by. Even held the championship title myself for a while." She smiled a little, pleased to have found a subject that interested him.
"You do any fighting yourself?""I've trained with a staff," Merlyn answered. "Since I was little. I was supposed to learn glaive, now that I'm taller, but turns out that I'm going to have to learn to use a sword." He shrugged and grinned, not looking particularly sorry about it. "What's it like to fight in a tournament? Is it exciting?"Any particular reason you're 'going to have to learn to use a sword' over a Glaive? As for the tournaments, they were pretty exciting, but sometimes not as much as you might think. There were periods where not many people were traveling through my area, so there wouldn't be much in the way of actual competition. Sometimes the owner would choose to do things in a 'Royal Rumble' fashion too, where everyone is in the ring at once, and the last man, or woman, standing wins." Her eyes went a little distant for a moment as she remembered those days.The weapon that'll be mine someday is magical," Merlyn explained cheerfully. "I didn't know it could change forms, and it seems like Dad didn't either, but for me, it's a sword. So I've been practicing the wrong style."
He listened interestedly to Keeta's description of the tournaments. "It does sound exciting, for when it was running," he said. "I've never done anything besides practice sparring." He privately had some doubt as to whether he could fight efficiently, if it came to that; the one time he'd been involved in anything resembling violence, he'd been able to sense pain from the others, and it had shaken and distracted him badly after the initial burst of adrenaline had worn off. If it ever became necessary, though, he might need to know how. He shook off the tickle of doubt. If nothing else, tournament fights were interesting for the skill and athletic prowess the participants had to have."Interesting," Keeta remarked, a little surprised at his weapons ability. "Well at least you can know about the other weapon too, though. Who knows, someday the knowledge may come in handy. Probably better you don't have to deal with real fights anyways. They may sound exciting, but sparring is a far cry from battling for your life. I've only had to do it two or three times, myself, back when I was doing the odd mercenary job, and let me tell you. It's not fun." She shook her head, recalling the time she had been involved in a feud going on between two powerful leaders in Evin, named Morigan and Dorwan. It had been dangerous to say the least, and had really tested some friendships and loyalties."It's something I have to learn, either way. And I want to." All thoughts about heritage and honor and bloodline aside, the sword had just felt right in his hands. It didn't matter as much whether he ever used it with serious intent; it was still important that he know how.
He nodded slowly, sensing the edges of what Keeta felt when she remembered fighting. "I believe you," he said after a moment, eyes serious. Perhaps there would never be any call for it. The Blade Court had fallen, after all. "I still enjoy sparring," he added, steering the conversation back onto the safe track."Haven't found any competitive outlets for fighting with it though? You'd think with everything else here, they'd have some kind of arena. Who's teaching you?" "I have lessons once a week, and I practice at home with Dad," Merlyn explained. "I haven't been old enough to try out for any of the arenas I know about. Maybe I'll be able to, now that I've grown." He ran a hand through his hair and pulled the ends of it back thoughtfully. Maybe he should cut it, he reflected; it had been getting in his face when he was active."Well I'm glad you have someone at home to help you out. I was fortunate to have that in a way, myself, growing up among all the fighters.Be sure to have some other people give you tips though. While I'm sure your father is very skilled, it's important to have a well rounded education, with knowledge of several different styles and from different people, so you can make your own style." Keeta smiled. "You don't base your morals and values in life on what you learn from just one person, right?" She watched him, waiting for a reply. It was her hope that she wasn't coming off as presumptious."No, I guess not," Merlyn answered thoughtfully. "It'd be pretty biased." He tucked one foot up under himself. "Gotta have a place to start, but then you have to have a place to go from there, too," he observed. Keeta nodded. And turned when she heard the door to the back open.
"Ms. Harding?" A nurse stood there with a pleasant smile on her face, glancing towards Keeta. "We're ready for you."
"Well it looks like it's my turn, Keeta said to Merlyn. Perhaps we'll meet again. If not, good luck with your training." Keeta smiled at him, before awkwardly getting out of her chair and heading towards the door."Good luck with your baby," Merlyn said, and watched thoughtfully after Keeta as she vanished into the hallway. She'd given him a few things to think about, at any rate, and a couple of ideas. She'd seemed interesting. Maybe he'd talk to her again sometime. If she hadn't been pregnant he would have asked if she wanted to spar with him sometime - but - well.
He settled back to wait, sighing. How long was this going to take, anyway? The ancient magazine seemed much less interesting now. Oh, well.* * * * *
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Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 5:31 pm
Keeta stood in her bathroom a suitcase at her side and a large purse over her shoulder. She was staring at the mirror with an apprehensive expression on her face. Anyone passing would have probably found it strange, but Keeta was in there with a purpose, suitcase and all. Tentatively, she reached forward and rapped her knuckles on the glass as though she were knocking on a door, though perhaps not as hard.
"I hope I did that right..." she said, her voice unsure.Ceres always knew when she was being summoned. And, with a bit of help from Sky she managed to get up off the sofa, but not with ease. Down the hall she waddled bear foot. At the end of her house, the very end, she opened the door. There in a closet sized room sat a mirror on the wall, a visitors mirror.
Knowing that most tumbled through she decided against 'pulling' Keeta through. Instead she grabbed her own mirror, and decided to go and get Keeta. She knew this would be the safest way for mommy and baby since both didn't know yet how to travel.
Ceres' 'landing' was a little better than the first. This time she wasn't in the tub, she had found herself sitting on the sinks counter right in front of Keeta. She giggled. "Bathrooms not exactly built for two is it?" She was trying to be funny as she offered her hand to Keeta. "Ready?"Keeta jumped a little and instinctively covered her belly with her hands, when Ceres suddenly appeared. Sighing with relief almost instantly though, Keeta let herself relax.
"Sorry, gave me a start there. That's the first time I've seen you come, and I've only seen you go once. I forget how sudden it is. I'm glad I did it the right way. I wasn't sure how you'd know I was calling the island, instead of maybe just knocking on my mirror like I was crazy. And no, the bathroom really isn't built for two. That's what I get for having a tiny apartment." She laughed a little before grabbing her suitcase. It was packed as lightly as she could manage. It was hard enough carrying a heavy suitcase under normal circumstances. Keeta was 7 months pregnant.
"I suppose I'm a ready as I'll ever be, although I'd appreciate knowing what to expect when we make the jump." "I haven't traveled by your standards... Not ever. Well, I have traveled by horse, and the like bareback. But that is because they are kind to me, and offer me assistance." Ceres smiled politely. "You've nothing to expect or fear. You won't even know the couple seconds have passed..."
"The only difficult part is the 'landing', but that is only when you don't know where you're going. Speaking of which... We'll arrive in a room smaller than your bathroom, but it is just an empty room... We use it for visitor arrivals and such." Ceres took told hold Keeta's hands. "So then are we ready?" "I guess so," she said, laughing a little nervously. Figuring some kind of physical contact would be necessary for both of them to make the jump, she gently grabbed Ceres' hand, before closing her eyes, waiting for them to suddenly appear on the island. It didn't take Ceres by a couple of seconds to basically switch rooms. The two of them with luggage in the closet like receiving room was a little uncomfortable. She was beginning to wonder why she had ever built this room so small.
"Sorry." Ceres whispered as she kept her hands to herself. She didn't want to surprise the other with an accidental touch, or bump in the wrong area. There she stood for several moments before inching her way out of the room. "And, you thought you bathroom was small." She laughed to lighten the mood.
Ceres took a moment to look down the hall. "Perian will you be a dear and help us with these bags?" She knew which children were home by which doors were open. It was the rules... If you were in you didn't close your door.
"Of course mother." Perian said as she came from her room. "But first you two need to move out because my rear isn't going to fit." She grinned noticing the other lady was just as pregnant as her mom.Keeta was surprised at the smoothness of the transition between her apartment and Ceres' place. It was barely noticeable other than the lack of space on the other end. She tired not to move as Ceres wiggled herself free of the tight space, taking the time to peek past her into the adjoining room.
"Oh, it's no problem," she said, when Ceres tried to apologize. Keeta smiled. "You were right about this space in comparison to my bathroom."
She watched down the hall where Ceres was looking, when she called to Perian, presumably one of her children, because the name seemed vaguely familiar from when they had talked in Keeta's apartment. She was surprised to see what appeared to be a female centaur come down the hallway towards them. Ceres had told her about each of her children, but there being so many, Keeta had forgotten most of the details of who each of them were. She hoped now she didn't embarass herself in the process.
When Perian requested that the two pregnant ladies move out of her way, Keeta obliged. She was appreciative of any help she could get. It was getting harder and harder to move these days.
"Perian?" she said when the girl got closer. "I'm Keeta. Your mother was kind enough to invite me to stay here a while." "Nice to meet you Keeta." Perian said with a smile as she hugged the other woman. "I'm Perian." She lifted the bags without a problem, and headed down towards the hall.
"I promise you the rest of the house isn't that tiney. It is actually overly large. Each room is like a Master Suite. King size bed, little sitting area, and a full sized bath." Ceres smiled. "The house has the easiest layout. Each room mirrors another. There are a total of 10 rooms down this hall once you come to the end you'll be in the living room. That is the only room with a tv... Although, it doesn't pick up much. To the right is the front and only door. To the left the kitchen and dinning area... The largest room in the house."
"You will be in the room across from me..." Ceres motioned for Keeta to follow. She didn't need assistance. It was clear from the way she walked that she knew what was all around her. "We do have a rule in this house that you don't need to follow... But, it is a bit of caution for you. When one of my children is home they must leave the door open. I also do the same so that my children understand the importance of an open house hold."
"Please do not hesitate to take advantage of this house." Ceres grinned. "Meaning you do not need to ask permission.""Right, door; Left kitchen. Got it. And I don't have much use for a TV anyways. We never had them on Evin," she said with a grin despite feeling a little overwhelmed and followed Ceres when she indicated she should come with. Keeta was a little surprised at Ceres' rule regarding the doors for her children, but she understood it. Too often closed doors meant secrets.
"I shouldn't have a problem keeping to that rule about the doors, regardless. Wouldn't do for people to think I'm being anti-social. Perhaps I'll keep it closed at night when I'm sleeping though.
"I'll try to remember that I don't need to ask for permission, but I can't promise anything,"Keeta said a little sheepishly. "I feel better asking, instead of assuming things, even when I have permission." She shrugged.Perian having put Keeta's bags into her room returned to the hall. "Don't let out mother make you think we are some horde of monsters. We really do get along well..." She chuckled. "Mother, I'm taking Aurora out... She's finally acting like she wants to grow up a little."
Ceres nodded her head. "About time." She said as she rested both hands on her bulging belly. She turned her attention to Keeta. "Sorry about that. It isn't ever a dull moment, but it's nothing like the husle and bustle of Gaia."
"How about something to eat. Then you can freshen up, and have a look around" Ceres smiled. "Oh, she's done nothing of the sort," Keeta said in reply to Perian's comment. So far her impression of the children had been pleasant. Perian had helped out without complaint and it seemed she was willing to do some things with her siblings as well.
"Something to eat sounds wonderful," said Keeta. "The little ones are always demanding more from us, are they not?""Yes. They are always are. They will even more so when they are born." Ceres grinned. "I think I will nurse. I cannot stand the thought of bottles... Been through even of them with the first seven children."
"Anything special on your mind." Ceres said as they entered the kitchen. She raised a hand, and the lights flickered on. Utensils came alive, and stood at solute awaiting command. The oven turned on as the pots collected themselves on the counter next to the utensils."I suppose I should decide that soon myself. No one in Evin ever used bottles, to my knowledge, but they can make things easier in a way, can they not? It means if you need a break, someone else can feed the baby once in a while. Why don't you like them?" Keeta turned to look when Ceres raised her hand. She forgot about the question she had asked and stared in awe as the utensils and oven started working like something out of Disney's Beauty and the Beast (not that Keeta knew what that was).
"Your kitchen cooks for you?" she asked, finally tearing her gaze away and looking at Ceres, her eyes wide.Ceres didn't have time to answer the question with Keeta's new found amusement of her kitchen. She had forgotten how others wouldn't be use to it. She smiled simply. "This island does a good bit of running on its own, but my will does its fair share to keep things together." To help in proving her point she snapped her fingers and the chair pulled out from the table. "Nifty I suppose."
Ceres with a look of thought rested her hands on her belly for a moment. "How about a couple of turkey sandwiches, and chocolate banana and peach slices." She smiled. Waving her hand to give the kitchen the go ahead to start preparing. "I seem to recall that is what you ordered when we bumped into each other the other day." "Um...sounds fine to me," she said, still memorized. "I can't say my mind's too occupied with trying to think of what I want." She wandered over to the chair that had been pulled from the table and sat down.
"I can't imagine how life would be having things like that at my relative disposal all the time. It must make things much easier for you."
"Though it may make things easier it does take a good bit of energy from me. And, most of my talents only exist on the island." Ceres smiled, and before she could seat herself Sky had entered the room."Hello." Sky actually managed to say. It was a bit harsh, but only because he was still learning. He smiled politely to Keeta. Then noticing they were about to sit down to eat he pulled a chair out for Ceres and himself."Join us Sky. I fixed extra." Ceres smiled. As she sat the food arrived at the table. "I was beginning to wonder where you had gotten to. It isn't like you to leave me for more than five minutes."Sky smiled innocently giving no reply. "That makes sense. Anything good comes with some kind of cost." Keeta turned when Sky entered, returning his greeting and smile. She was happy to see him opening up and speaking more.
"How are you Sky?" Keeta asked, as the food arrived. She hoped that speaking to him and asking him questions would get him to try to speak more. She was very curious to know this person who had apparently sacrificed much for Ceres' sake. While waiting for a reply of some kind, she bit into her sandwich.Sky gave a momentary look at Ceres as if looking for approval. The he looked at Keeta, and offered a smile. She didn't seem to mind his speech, or poke fun. What was the harm. "I am good." He said slowly sounding out each word. Though the response was short it wasn't meant to be disrespectful. "How are you?" He asked best he could.Ceres kept to herself letting Sky enjoy the spot light of his triumph.Keeta smiled widely when he responded. He had made progress in the month since they had last seen each other. She turned and smiled at Ceres as well. She didn't know Sky that well yet, but somehow she knew that those six words had been significant for him.
"That's wonderful to hear Sky. I'm doing pretty well myself, except the baby's finally killing my back on a regular basis." She shrugged, turning to Ceres again. "Such is pregnancy though, right?"
Ceres chuckled as she nodded her head. "Yes... We would begin to worry if they didn't kick us." She rested her hand on her belly. "That is the reason I don't mind that the kicks get a bit rough. I just wonder what she is dreaming of when she rough houses in my stomach... Since she has no one to play with."
Ceres skipped the sandwich and opted for just the peaches smothered in chocolate. Healthy, and bad for you all in one bite. "I finally managed to kick the hot dog craving to the curb... But, it was replaced by this one." She said as she took a bite.
Ceres' attention was momentarily derailed as she watched Cassara enter the kitchen. All manors having flown out the window with no hello, not even a look. She was rummaging in the fridge.
"Cassara there are sandwiches on the table if you cannot wait for supper." Ceres said simply a little disheartened by her daughters rudeness. "And, we have a guest you could at least button and tuck your shirt."
Cassara closed the door. She gave the two woman a look. "Whatever mom..." She managed to mumble while keeping the apple in her mouth. "Not like I have breasts or anything..." She rolled her eyes, and left the kitchen.
Ceres blushed a little. "I'm sorry... She hasn't been the same since..." She stopped there, and Sky rested his hand on her shoulder. "Well, we just don't talk about the unpleasantries."Keeta was about to comment on Ceres' food choices, letting her know that she had fallen similarly to the chocolate bananas, when she was distracted by another woman entering the room. A woman without much of an obvious figure, with a shirt that was open to anyone who cared to see what was underneath. Cassara by name, seemingly.
She silently watched as the girl crossed the room, rummaged through the fridge, spoke harshly with her mother and then left. Keeta would have greeted Cassara, but she could tell that it probably wouldn't have been received well. When Ceres said cut off her sentence, Keeta wanted to say "since what?" but knew it was none of her business and kept her thoughts to herself. If they didn't speak about it, they didn't speak about it.
"It's ok, not everyone likes meeting new people...." she said trailing off, attempting to change the subject to something a little more pleasant. "Are any of your other children home? I think I would like to meet them." "You think you would like to meet them..." Ceres repeated with a smile. She put her hands on the chair to give her extra support as she stood up. Seven months and not a pound over the norm, but she 'bulging at the seems'. "Alright then. Let me see who I can round up."
Ceres waddled out of the kitchen and down the hall. "Perian since your back from that quick shopping trip will you fetch your Rhine for me, and Ayisha as well from next door. I'd like them to meet Keeta." You could hear her saying.
Another five minutes, and she'd managed to get an assembly going. First being herself of course.
"You know I just had one more gear..." Tinker said as she came into the kitchen. Her golden hooves clopping on the flooring. She had stopped her whining near immediately when she saw Keeta. "Sorry bout that mam' I was tinkering in my room when mom demanded my attention." She gave a hearty laugh.
The laughter was silenced with the grumpy tones of Aurora Dawn. "Lets hurry up I have someplace to be. I hear there is this awesome party..." She stopped her protest, and smiled politely at the company when she entered the kitchen.
"Do I have to... She's already seen me." Cassara's tail slapped against the wall as she growled. "Only for you." She huffed as she fixed her shirt as she return to the kitchen. "Don't you even think of calling me a girl... Just because you know of my anatomy." She said to Keeta. "I go by Vlad."
Aurora finished typing the bow on her dress. "But, but mom... I'm not ready yet." She said ears twitching as she was herded into the kitchen. Youngest of the group, and recently grown she was still shy and a little kid like. "Hello Miss." She said scooting behind a sibling.
"Good thing the kitchen expands itself mom..." Perian said as she to came into the kitchen. "Or else my arse wouldn't fit with this lot." She smiled to Keeta, and her mother. "Rhine and Ayisha are on their way."
"I'm sorry a few of them are temperamental when you disturb them from their daily routine. I promise you they are a bit more pleasant other wise." Ceres smiled nervously.
Sky kept his patience with each child. He was just as disappointed as Ceres was with their attitudes. Though some did display better than others. He was still amazed at what growing up had done to them. Instead of all when they were all being bubbly, happy children they were now each individual adults. Keeta was a little overwhelmed with all the faces that came into the room. She hadn't expected Perian and "Vlad" to return to the room, seeing as she'd already met them, but there they were. Along with them were 3 others and apparently two more were on the way.
"Hi there," Keeta said, getting out of her chair with effort. "It's nice to meet all of you. You mother is always talking about you. I'm Keeta. Sorry for pulling you away from what you were doing. I just wanted to say hi, so I'd know who was going to be around while I'm here visiting." She smiled pleasantly, hoping no one was terribly put out.Cassara looked the woman over for a third time. With her figure it was doubtful the woman was anything other than a woman. For her mothers sake she could try and be friendly. After all she didn't know how long the woman was here for. "Just so long as you don't turn out to be some crazy shape shifter I'll learn to get along with you."
Aurora Dawn nudged her sister in the arm. Though she would rather be out parying at the moment she didn't see it right to allow her sister to air out the dirty laundry. It wasn't of the visitors concern. "I'm sure missing the first twenty minutes won't cause me any harm..."
"Do you like toys..." Tinker asked honestly. "I've got a room full of them that I've made. I'm sure your baby would love to have a few." She smiled.
Aurora looked before behind her sisters shoulders. "Really no trouble I'm just not use to having..." She lowered her voice drastically. "Boobs..." She was so embarrassment that she'd turned strawberry red.
"You'll get use to them." Perian put a hand on her sisters shoulder. "We're are all here to help." She winked in Aurora's direction before returning her attention to the lady. "It just takes everyone a bit of getting use to when we see someone new..."
Before Perian could say anything else Ayisha came into the kitchen. "Sorry that I'm running behind... Couldn't get the twins to sleep for anything, and we all know how Masika can be when they are screaming." She then saw the woman, and smiled. "I'm Ayisha. Pleased to meet you... I hope you enjoy your stay..."
"Ah so this is the lovely lady that brings the family together other than dinner." Rhine said as he entered the kitchen. He quickly lifted the ladies hand and placed a kiss. "I am Rhine... My lovely lady and if there is anything at all just ask."
As if everyone but Ceres and Sky were thinking the same thing they all muttered. "You're a married man."
Ceres shook her head as she laughed out loud. "There you have it... All seven of them.""One on the way." Sky said as he put his hands on Ceres' belly.Keeta blushed and cleared her throat when Rhine kissed her hand. Especially when she learned he was married. "Er...thank you. That's very kind," she said to him awkwardly and turned to the other children to get away from the moment. Remembering that another had just entered the room, she took the opportunity to greet Ayisha, stepping forward to shake her hand.
"Nice to meet you too. You have twins?" Keeta's gaze looked around at the other children and settled on 'Vlad' first.
"Shape shifter you said? I've never changed shape that I recall, other than my midsection here growing larger by the day." Keeta smiled, hoping Cassara would appreciate her attempt at humor.
"Toys, huh?" she said, turning her attention to Tinker. "Well maybe you can show me some of those later. Especially if you made them yourself. I'm not sure I could do that." Finally she turned back to Perian, after giving a quick smile to Aurora.
"I can understand that. There's a new person who's been coming regularly to the place I work and it's been taking some getting used to as well. I'm certain that there's more to him than meets the eye." "Kitchens don't run themselves..." Rhine said with a grin. "Anything at all just let me know. I don't think twice when it comes to helping out around here."
Ayisha nodded her head. "My wife carried a child, and I carried a child at the same time. We just prefer to call them twins... I really should get back to the house. She doesn't hand well when they're fussy." She smiled politely.
Cassara looked a little easier on Keeta as she manged half a smile for her.
"I hope things go well for you Keeta." Aurora smiled soflty.
"Plenty of toys, and all made by my hand." Tinker grinned. "And, your welcome to any of them. All my siblings are far to grown to play with them... And, I've far to many for just the one on the way."
Each child nodded their head as they left the kitchen. They left in somewhat better spirits. Although, each personality clearly stayed with the expressions on their faces.
"Well then Keeta." Ceres said as she clasped her hands together. "That's everyone because I doubt you'll meet Fauste or Lexiel." She smiled. "They are a couple of very close friends who live on the island.""Should I be worried about Rhine?" she asked in a quiet voice, not wanting him to overhear as the children left. "I don't want to make his spouse upset....and I wasn't aware other people lived here on the island with you. i thought it was just you and your family. Where did Fauste and Lexiel come from?""Rhine is a harmless romantic..." Ceres winked.
"Lexiel is about a four day horseback ride from here, but currently she is hanging around here to help me out. And, Fauste is about a two day horseback ride from here." Ceres smiled. "They both arrived via incidents, and now they've come to call this place home."
"I'm sure you'll be wanting to settle in, and freshen up. I'll have a more formal dinner together in about an hour." Ceres said as she cleared the empty dishes, and cleaned the kitchen with a wave of her hand."Ah, ok. I was just curious. And freshening up sounds like a wonderful idea. Thanks for everything Ceres" Keeta said, offering the other woman a smile. She stood up from her chair with a grunt of effort and headed out the door of the kitchen to her room. A nap sounded good right about now....
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Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 5:22 pm
30 Weeks Along
Dear Diary,
As I wrote the number of weeks along I am in the corner, I couldn't help but thinking, "There's only 10 weeks left before baby!" I know it's over 2 months, but it still doesn't seem very long. Pretty soon it'll be only 9 weeks...and then only 8.... It's crazy. And then, as if my life hasn't already changed enough. It's going to change again. Forever.
I'm still scared, but getting more excited as the day draws closer. I wonder what he or she will be like? Yeah I opted not to know the gender until he or she is born. I was so full of questions when I started out, but I've kind of mellowed out about the whole thing and kind of resigned myself to realizing that there are some things in life Ii simply can't control.
I'm writing to you from my room on Ceres' island. It's very nice. I took a nap earlier and I swear I've never slept better, despite the fact I'm pregnant. I'll have to find out where she got the mattress.
I haven't gotten to see much of the island itself yet, but what I have seen is beautiful. Ceres was right in telling me it would remind me of home. I can't wait to get out and explore in the next few days. I'll have to remember to bring my camera with me when I do.
Ceres introduced her children to me this afternoon. It's quite a group and mix of personalities. I don't think all of them were entirely comfortable about me staying here a while and being pulled from their activities, but hopefully that will pass. I get the feeling they will be mostly keeping to their regular routines, which is fine with me. My presence shouldn't interrupt their lives.
I can only stay for a couple weeks as it is. My work schedules wouldn't permit more. Perhaps it will be enough though. And I'm sure I'll start missing people back at the Casbah and whatnot. Anyways, I'll be sure to check in with you again sometime soon.
-Keeta
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Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 4:08 pm
Sky had decided to stay back, and tend to matters at the house. He was giving the woman folk a bit of time to themselves. If Ceres was in need he'd know one way or another.
Ceres smiled cheerfully. "A very beautiful day it is." The warm sands tickled her toes as she walked. She sat the basket of goodies down, having finally arrived to where she was taking the two of them. "I thought it would be perfect day to enjoy the beach." "I'm glad you suggested it. I was trying to decide what to do with my day." Keeta set down the blankets and towels she had been carrying, next to Ceres' basket and looked out at the water.
"I can see why you chose this spot, it's beautiful here." She smiled at the other woman, taking a deep breath of sea air.
"But, first things first! Sunscreen! Being part elf gives me very fair skin and I burn like a crisp."After sitting Ceres stretched. It felt good to do so after a long walk. "I know beauty, but I think often times it is taken for granted on my behalf."
Ceres smiled. "I've never used sunscreen, but my children do. Would you like help rubbing it on your back? I wouldn't want you to become a lobster in my care." She chuckled."That would be helpful, if you don't mind. It must be nice not having to deal with getting sunburned, because believe me, it's painful, especially if it goes deep. And then you get the itching and the peeling, and....ugh!" Keeta shuddered thinking about it, as she squirted a liberal amount of sunscreen into her left hand, before passing the bottle to Ceres."With age comes..." Ceres chuckled. "Sun immunity." She said trying to be light hearted about the mater despite Keeta's concerns which she understand completely. She took a good bit into hand, and rubbed it onto Keeta's back. Making sure it was under straps in case anything shifted. "Seriously though we wouldn't want you miserable... Baby and all would just make life hell if you were." "Yeah...we think it getting hard to stay cool now, imagine if I added that," Keeta chuckled, shaking her head as she applied sunscreen to the rest of her exposed skin. When she was finished, she placed her hands on her belly, which was made to seem even larger by the form fitting nature of the swimsuit. She had thought she'd feel like a huge dork, being in a swimsuit while pregnant, but it wasn't as bad as she'd thought.
"So have you tried doing much swimming, being this far along? I think it would be a relief to get some of the weight lifted off my ankles and back, but I'll bet it's a weird sensation.""I'm not much of a swimmer." Ceres admitted. "I would rather sit at the waters edge and feel the waves against me." She smiled as she tilted her head just enough to look upwards without the sun getting in her eyes.
"You go ahead. Don't stick on the shores on behalf." Ceres grinned. "And, don't worry... There are plenty of helpful sea critters if some where to happen.""Why don't you care for swimming? I'd have thought you'd be in the water almost every day, living on an island like this. I'm not meaning to be presumptuous, I'm just curious." Keeta glanced over at the other woman, shading her eyes, so she could better see Ceres' face.Ceres chuckled as she turned to look directly at Keeta. "As a little girl I grew up on the filthy streets of Earth in what my father says was a neighborhood of wealth." She pointed to the sea. "The only water I saw for 6 earth years, was the bathtub." She cleared her throat. "I arrived on this island in a very abrupt, accidental way... I had no parents to teach me anything. It wouldn't be for years to come until I learned that tree I found company in was my mother." She sighed softly as she again felt the waves against her feet. "Ancient, well rooted trees do not make very good swimming instructors. Bless her for I know she taught me all she could, and still continues to teach me." She ran her fingers through her hair. "And, I am far to old to start learning now..." She let out a weighted sigh."Who says you're too old to learn? I don't see why you can't learn now if you wanted to..." Keeta said, trying to be encouraging. She had always enjoyed the times when she got to go swimming. It seemed sad to her that Ceres had never enjoyed that opportunity."Rhine..." Ceres cleared her through as she curled her hair around her finger. "He is a very skilled swimmer. I erm, hung onto him once. Hung on being the key word. In the end I looked rather like a drenched cat... Never again."
Ceres wiggled her toes in the water. "You go on ahead. I've got other pleasures that I enjoy that I am certain you have not." She grinned as she motioned to the water. "The hippocampus' are out there, and I can assure you that you are safe. They act like dolphins... They just know when someone is in distress." She smiled."I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring up a bad memory," Keeta said, an apologetic expression on her face. "I hope you can forgive me for pressuring you." She shifted uncomfortably.
"Before I go, what kinds of pleasures are you referring to? If you think I have not expeirenced them or wouldn't enjoy them, I'd be curious to find out. It's more fun doing things together on a day like this anyways.""I gave up the memory willingly so do not consider it being pressured." Ceres chuckled as she stretched a bit. "I love horse back riding, as well as taking long walks. We've got some amazing sites to see on this island."
"Well for me this is my living, my job... I am constatly working even if you may not realize it. I actually enjoy it. Some days I get to bring life into the world. Where other days I just get to see some new amazing wonders."
Ceres lowered her voice. "And, if you're lucky... The equine if they like you will let you ride them." She chuckled. "Just picture yourself flying. It is amazing.""You'll have to suggest some places to visit then, and maybe you can tell me a little more about the work that you do on the island. I'm curious." She looked at Ceres, her interest piqued. Keeta gave a wink as she continued.
"As for the equines. I think I'd better wait until I'm no longer pregnant. No telling how the baby will like flying, even if I find I do." "I agree that riding Equines is a little risky in our state." Ceres grinned as she kicked her legs a bit in the water. "My suggestion is to stick to the trails. Most of the island is 'uncharted', and you could be out there for days."
Ceres stretched. "Describing my job is a little to in depth. But, best way to put it into perspective is that I need the island as much the island needs me.""Oh, I see. I didn't realize the island was so large. Guess to understand it's full size, I'll have to wait until I can see it from the air. Sounds like I should make sure I have plenty of water and a compass with me as well, just in case." She paused a moment, letting some sand run through her fingers.
"While it's beautiful and everything, and you have some special abilities being here, I don't know that I envy you this life. With you and the island being interdependent, it's difficult for you to have freedoms that some people take for granted. Would you still choose this, if given the option?""If I was given that option with my memories that I have now I would say yes. But if I was given the option without my memories... Then I'd probably say no." Ceres said leaned back a bit, but keeping enough of herself up that she wasn't nauseated.
"I have more freedom that most, but at the same time I have the least." Ceres said as she looked out toward the ocean. "In a way I am like the ocean... We can both travel to the furthest reaches, and even unknown places... However, we are bound." She smiled softly as she returned her gaze to Keeta.Keeta nodded with understanding, leaning on her side, so she was facing Ceres. Her free hand found a shell as her fingers went through the sand around her.
"That makes sense. Makes you wonder though, how your life would have been different, or mine for that matter, if we were given the option to change something significant about them.""Everything we do has an alternate choice... Life isn't straight forward. And, our choices aren't without complications as well as joys." Ceres said as she straightened up enough to rub her belly. "I regret nothing in this life... Although, not ever decision on my part has been for the best." She rested one of her hands on Keeta's knee. "Remember it isn't only age that brings wisdom, but our mistakes.""I will have to agree with you there," Keeta said, smiling at Ceres' gesture.
"I've definitely learned a lot that way..." she trailed off, looking at the water, and sitting up again. After another moment, and some effort, she got to her feet and walked forward, so that her feet were in the surf.
"I think I'm gonna go for that dip now, unless you have a different idea. I don't want to leave you up here by yourself.""You go on ahead. You are here to relax and enjoy yourself." Ceres gestured towards the ocean. "I'm happy right where I am at." She smiled softly as the waves again hit the tips of her toes.
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Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 4:12 pm
33 Weeks Along
Dear Diary,
33 weeks down, 7 to go! With the rate I've been writing in you over the course of the pregnancy, I may not write in you again until the baby's born, but I'll certainly try!
I spent two wonderful weeks on Ceres' island, but now it's been back to work for a couple days. Apparently Kael's been absent from the bar for a few days. I wonder what happened to him. Maybe he decided to move on. He mentioned traveling a lot. I'd kinda hoped he was gonna hang around, but that horse of his still bothers me.
Baby's been more active lately, or maybe I've just noticed more because he or she is bigger. Regardless, it's been keeping me up some nights. I suppose it means he or she is healthy at any rate. Well I've got to get ready for work.
-Keeta
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Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 4:16 pm
Keeta had left Kaelwin sleeping on the couch when her shift had finished the night before. Now she returned only to find him in the same place she'd left him.
"He certainly sleeps a lot...."
He sits up and shakes his head slowly, "afternoon lady Keeta..." he yawns and laughs a bit, "I didn't get alot of sleep...lots of traveling...kind of a vacation?" "Well I'm glad we can provide a safe haven for you, where you can get adequately rested. You certainly seem to need it, since you fell asleep on me last night. Maybe we need to find you someplace or some way that you can get "away" from thinking about having to perform rescues and what not. It can't be healthy, constantly being on the go like that. You'll burn yourself out and won't be good to anyone."He shakes his head, "Seeing as Gray Dream is the horse of fate you could say I'm an agent for the fates themselves to ensure what comes to pass does pass.""But where does that leave you?" she asked, concerned. He tilts his head at her, "I don't know what you mean Keeta, that leaves me doing that which I do..." "I mean that it doesn't leave you any room for accomplishing your goals in life. You're living your life through someone else's orders and wishes. What about your dreams?" She came and sat down on the couch next to him.He tilts his head, "My dreams?...Doesn't matter does it my path and tasks and all in life are set by the fates the day I was born and that is to assist Gray Dream in his tasks."Keeta raised her hands resignedly. "I don't know that we can fight fate or not. All I know is that I would have felt my life pretty meaningless, if I didn't at least have the illusion of being able to make choices. You don't have to agree with me, it's just how I feel."He nods his head slowly, "I understand...People need their illusions of control to manage and handle this life." there was something there odd in his tone, he wasn't talking like himself, but it was like someone else talking for him, and oddly enough Gray Dream was not making ANY noises outside.Keeta creased her brow when she heard the odd quality in Kaelwin's voice. Something was off here. "Are you alright Kaelwin? You sound different."Kael tilts his head a bit, "Kael is perfectly fine, however I do not trust my ward to take your blasphemy well. The fates are everything, following them and doing their tasks is the greatest honor that can be attained."Keeta blinked in surprise. "Grey Dream?" she asked, unconsciously placing her hands on her pregnany belly. There was something decidedly unnatural about talking to a horse through her friend.Kael nods slowly, "Exactly. I have done everything necessary to keep him alive and thusly his life belongs to me and the Fates. You would do well, Half-elf, to keep your nose out of matters that concern you not. For your best health of course."Keeta found herself glaring at Kaelwin, though it was not him to whom she spoke. "While it was kind of you to keep him safe, it is not your business to make choices for him! Much like a mother cares for a child until it is old enough to care for itself, that does not give the mother permanent control of the child's choices. Once that child is of age it goes out into the world. Why then should you keep control of Kaelwin, when he is clearly old enough to decide things for himself?! You call what I say blasphemy, but it is you who are blasphemous. Denying a person free will!" she had gotten a bit angry at this point and her voice was raised.Kaelwin stands up slowly, like a puppet on strings, "Blasphemy is trying to deny the fates. Ignoring them, or trying to destroy that which they have set up properly.""And how do you figure that?" she asked, standing as well. "Why is it they get to decide how our life goes? Seems to me, that if such were the case they would eliminate all who spoke against them, seeing as they claim to have control of all." Keeta knew she was treading on thin ice here, but she wouldn't see her new friend controlled in such a manner. He deserved to be free!The knife was out and Kaelwin under Gray's control, "That's what Kael and I do. We eliminate those who get in the way. But Kael is a tool, a good tool but I have had to limit his growth so I can control him." he then leaps at Keeta, aiming to stab her in the stomach. There was a burst of mystical energy and Kael drops to the floor suddenly. The knife clattering noisily. The sounds of Gray Dream rearing and neighing very unhappily outside.When Keeta had seen the knife, her eyes flashed in fear and she had started to walk backwards, still keeping her eyes on Kael's face. When he leapt at her, she reeled backwards, landing hard, her arms protectively around the baby, waiting for the stab of pain that didn't come. Instead she heard the knife fall, the thud of Kael dropping to the floor, and Grey Dream's whinnies. Heart beating rapidly, she slowly sat up, nervously looking around her, afraid that she would be attacked again. All she saw, however, was Kael on the floor like herself.
"Kael....?" she said cautiosly.He grunted, tattoos glowing all along his face, "...why...does it feel like something just...a whole orc tribe violated my head?" he grunts again as he pushes himself up, "...wait...That bastardly Gray Dream was in my head?!" he stands up and wavers a bit, "I'LL MAKE YOU INTO GLUE YOU PILE OF GARBAGE!" he yells out before collapsing backwards onto the couch, "a** soon as the dizzy ends." Keeta started to shake a bit from the shock of being attacked, now that she could see that her friend was relatively unharmed. Had she been more fully aware of her surroundings, she would have thought that the way Kael was speaking about Gray Dream was unusual for him, but all she could think now was that she agreed with his sentiments. Focusing on his face again, she saw something different.
"The tattoos....they're back," Keeta said, her voice unsteady from where she still sat on the floor.He tilts his head a bit, "Keeta, I don't have tattoos, I think I would have remembered needles poking me in the skin to put ink into it." Gray dream could be heard running off, "Good riddance!"Breathing heavily and still shaking, she forced herself onto her feet, with the aid of the couch's arm, long enough to plop down heavily on the cushions. Keeta closed her eyes, trying to steady her breathing and heartrate, her hands caressing her belly, praying that the fall and attack hadn't hurt the baby. When she was calmer, she spoke again.
"Kael, whether you remember it or not, you have tattoos on your face. And they're glowing." She paused opening her eyes and looking him full in the face.
"So he has been controlling you all this time? You always seemed to like him before. Not that I can blame you if you don't. Do...you know what just happened?"He nods his head, "Yea, he was gonna kill your child then you, couldn't let that happen so I threw every last shred of myself at him and apparently broke his blasted hold over me...You do realize I didn't actually care to be that innocent and childlike..." he rubs his head a bit.Keeta shivered when Gray's plans were laid before her in such a straightforward manner. So that was it then. Gray had tried to off her, and even her child who had played no role in angering him. Suddenly Keeta felt a wave of guilt wash over her at what she had just done. Well yes, she had helped Kael, but in the process she had put the baby at risk. The baby she may or may not have already injured by her lifestyle early in the pregnancy.
"Thank you for protecting us Kael," she said quietly, curling up as best she could on the couch. "I shouldn't have put myself in that position though. Not when it was my job to protect someone else....I'm glad it helped free you at least though. That had been my goal. To see you free. Do you think he'll come back and try something?"He shakes his head as he stands up, "I don't think he wants to risk me breaking his fatehood." the knife floats up and begins to float around Kaelwin as if it hand a mind of it's own, "It feels great to feel the mystical energies flowing again...like a dam knocked free."Keeta smiled a little from the couch, but she was still feeling guilty about what had happened. "I'm glad to see you free to be who you want to be. Without the inhibitions of the fates and Gray. You didn't deserve that. No one does."He nods his head, "I'm just happy you didn't end up stabbed Keeta." he shakes his head and tilts it towards the dagger, "...great he ditched all but one of my guardians too...blasted horse.""Guardians?" she asked curiously.He motions to the dagger, "Used to also have a spear, a mace, a hammer, a longsword and throwing blade." he taps the dagger and sighs deeply, "I'm going to have to rely upon my magic more for defense.""Goodness sakes," she said with a fair bit of surprise. "When I used to fight all I took with me was a good quality staff and half a dozen throwing knives. All that other stuff would have just weighed me down. I don't think I could even lift a mace very far....What's wrong with relying on your magic?" Keeta asked, getting up from the couch and smoothing out her shirt.
"I'm gonna get some juice. Do you want anything while I'm up?" Despite what had just happened, the waitress in her couldn't deny someone hospitality. He taps the knife and it turns into a floating grey stone, "Well...there is much power in having magic, but having weapons that intelligently fly at and attack your enemy only makes life easier." "I guess that makes sense...." she said quietly, pouring herself some apple juice and taking a sip. The cold juice felt wonderful on her throat, and she knew the sugar in it would help steady herself more.
"So...what do you plan on doing with your newfound freedom? You said that you hadn't liked being so innocent." If one searched hard enough, there was a question woven into that second statement. He smiles at Keeta, "Hang around here. Can I get some food from you Keeta?""Of course, mister 'I haven't had a real meal in five year.' What're you wanting?" She said with a smile, glad in a way that she felt up to teasing him a bit. Keeta only hoped it wasn't a touchy subject, considering what had just happened.He laughs, "Yea and that was also the last time I broke control. Geez...five years like that vegetable..." he shudders and shakes his head slowly, "I'm wanting food, real home cooked food.""Well I understood the part about real food. I just didn't know if you have a preference. We take requests you know," she said giving him a little wink. "Or I can just go back and get whatever's already cooking."He grins at Keeta, "Not sure you'd be wanting to give me what I'd like to dine on, so how about whatever's cooking." tilts his head and motions towards the couch before lying back and resting.Keeta tilts her head in curiosity and puts her hands on her hips. "Now what is it that you would be wanting to dine on? You've got me wondering now. I mean I'll get you the stuff from the back, but I really want to know what it is you're interested in. I'll do my best to provide it for you if I can. We get people with all sorts of appetites in here."He laughs and shakes her head, "You're already pregnant Keeta." is all he says before stretching out and falling asleep.Blink. Blink. Keeta stared at the sleeping form on the couch. Had he really said what she thought he said?Soft laughter is heard from the shadows. "Interesting...... This could prove entertaining."Keeta looked around for the source of the laughter, blushing, because apparently someone else had heard what was said.Brat pushed herself free of the shadows, sending a quick smile in Keeta's direction. "So..... the young man likes you......Is there anything wrong with that?""Well, no, but I wasn't expecting him to make it known in that manner, and I wasn't expecting someone else to overhear it." She shrugged a little. "Can you blame me for being a little embarassed?""Well, one of my jobs here is to be a Guardian/Lurker." She bent to peer under one of the couches
"I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't have some idea of what goes on here rofl
I guess I've reached an age where I don't find declarations like his to be either shocking or any reason for embarrassment. Oh, there it is...." She pulled a wicker basket out from under the couch, then curling up on the couch, began sorting through the colorful threads it contained."I suppose...." Keeta looked over at the basket. "What're you making?" "I'm thinking about making a baby blanket.....I haven't quite decided on a pattern yet." She sent an almost shy smile Keeta's way.
"I'd like to be able to weave some protective spells in.... but since I don't know who or what the father is....... I'm afraid to. They might backfire.""Err..." Keeta scratched the back of her head, her face clearly unsure. "Well...I'm afraid I can't help you with that problem yet...." She glanced over at Brat, unsure how much the woman knew. "I appreciate the thought though.""Meh.... I'll have to think about it a little...There's usually a way to solve any problem." She put the threads away and pushed the basket back under the couch.
"Have a good evening, Keeta." With that she faded from sight, as did the basket.
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Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 12:00 pm
He yawns and stretches as he wakes up again, the gray stone still floating about him as if nothing strange was going on. He swats it out of his way as he sits up and tilts his head to listen for activity.Figuring Kael would wake up eventually, Keeta had been in the back preparing some breakfast for him (and anyone else who popped by and wanted some). She had made pancakes, bacon, hashbrowns, scrambled eggs and fruit salad. Keeta had started to bring the dishes out to the bar when she noticed he was awake.
"Breakfast is ready when you are Kael. Let me finish bringing out the rest of it and get you a plate." She tried not to look at him directly as she finished placing the large plates of food and serving spoons.
"Go ahead and help yourself."He nods and begins serving himself, "So what are you planning to name your kid once it's born?" he began stuffing food into his mouth."Well I don't know if it's a boy or a girl yet, so it's hard to say definitively. I was thinking Alston, James, Rhys, or Miles if it's a boy, and Olivia, Kylie, Page or Cadence, if it's a girl. I mean those aren't set in stone or anything, they're just ideas." She glanced over at his plate.
"How's your home-cooked meal?"He grins at her, "Delicious...absolutely delicious..." he laughs lightly, before he starts digging into his food again. If he had eyes that worked, he would probably be watching Keeta."I'm glad you like it." Keeta grabbed a plate and served herself before taking a seat next to him. She was emanating nervousness to an extent that those sensitive to things like that would probably pick up on it. Carefully she cut up one of the pancakes, trying to pluck up the courage to ask him the thing that had been burning on her mind all night long. Between her mind, and the baby being unsettled, she hadn't gotten much sleep.
"So...did I understand correctly what you said, last night, before you fell asleep?"He tilts his head a bit, "Probably, what did you think I meant?" Keeta's voice dropped low, not wanting anyone to overhear, and her face flushed red. That you want to sleep with me?He grins and nods his head, "Good Keeta, you understand the perverse male mind quite well." he sits back, his food completely eaten, "So...what do you think of the comment?"Well I should, after having worked across town for such a long time, she thought, but kept her comments to herself. He didn't need to know about her recently past life that she wasn't proud of. Although, she figured he might find out soon enough if he pressed hard enough about where baby came from.
"Um...."Keeta didn't quite know how to answer the question. He interested her, that's for sure, but was she ready to open up again and let herself be more free. After she found out she was pregnant, she had put restrictions on herself for the sake of the baby. Was this ok?
"I don't know....?" she finally said, continuing to blush. She felt exposed discussing this out here in the bar.He smiles warmly, "That's good...I'd be worried if you were ready to jump into bed with someone you just met pretty much...let alone the fact that you're pregnant.""Um....yeah," she said, clearing her throat. After an awkward moment of silence, Keeta stood up grabbing her plate, which she had barely touched, and his.
"Can I get you anything else?" she asked, while still standing next to him. What am I doing? she thought. He shakes his head for a moment before tilting it, "Green Tea with Honey would be wonderful Keeta. Oh and it doesn't bother you that I'm not...formal, anymore does it?" "No, not really. It takes a little getting used to is all," she said, before taking the dirty plates into the back and putting them in the sink. After a moment, she came back through the swinging door and started to prepare his tea. He smiles warmly at Keeta, "Trust me, not as much so as getting used to not having a child's mind all the time..." Keeta smiled a little in return and placed the cup of hot tea before him. "I guess can understand that. I've never had my mind invaded like that, so I don't know how difficult it would be to return to normal."He shakes his head, "At least I'm being more...responsible this time...last time I went and swiped some gold and found myself some...disrespectful nightwalkers..." he gave out a light chuckle before sipping his tea.Keeta raised an eyebrow. "How'd you manage that?"He tilts his head, "I stole it from a passing merchant in a bazaar and found the red light district."A lady with soft flowing blond hair walked in from the weathers of outside. She took a seat at a bar stool, looking around for some service. It appeared as though she was very stressed, and just needed a drink."Iiiiiinteresting," she said to Kaelwin, before heading over to the lady who had taken a seat at the bar.
"Welcome to the Casbah, my name is Keeta. How can I help you?"He smirks and nods his head, "It was a lot of fun actually." he then tilts his head towards the new arrival, "Welcome, don't mind the blind man.""Oh, I know, Kael. I did my fair share of 'odd jobs,' when I was back in Evin." She gave him a little wink, which she knew he couldn't see, but perhaps he'd notice the little flirtatiousness behind it.He laughs lightly, "So that's how it happened?" he was trying to keep the tone light and still prod to find out how Keeta ended up a mother to be. Dior looked to the woman, " Oh, yeah. Hm, do you have any special drink you make here? I'd like to try something new.. original, sorry if I'm being too picky. What would you advise? ""No, Kael, it's not," she sighed and her smile faded a little despite his attempt to be humorous. She was grateful for the momentary distraction of taking the girl's order.
"Well I don't know if we have any specialties per say. But one of my personal favorites is frozen strawberries, frozen peaches and orange juice, with a shot of rum." "Just saying that combination sounds like a mouthful. I'll take it. " She smiled, taking out her money pouch, " And how much will that be, per say?" Keeta waved her hand at the purse.
"Nothing. It'll be on the house, it being your first visit and all." She gave a smile and stepped back, gathering the ingredients to make the drink. He smiles at Keeta and Dior, "Keeta, I wasn't trying to make you sad, just..you know...find out how...""I know Kael. It's just hard for me, 'cause I'm not proud of the manner in which it came about. Not even everyone who works here knows." Dior smiled back to the man, " I don't think it is very gentlemanlike to make this fine lady sad. Is something wrong? Oh, I'm sorry.. I hate to be nosy like this.""No please don't reprimand him. He was just curious and has a right to be. I would just rather not talk about it right now." Keeta finished putting all the ingredients in the blender and for a moment, conversation would be difficult as she mixed the ingredients. Finally, when Keeta finished blending the drink, she poured it into a glass and set it in front of the woman. "I hope you like it."He nods his head slowly then tilts his head towards Dior, "I would never claim to be a gentleman. Calling me that is an insult, I'm not some dandy poof that can't handle himself in the real world."With a sigh, Keeta headed over to the couch and sat down, placing her hands on her swollen belly. At nearly eight months, she was getting quite large, and the baby was getting more active. In fact, in response to her frustration it had suddenly begun to kick. A small "oof" could be heard from the direction of the couch.He smiles as he listens to Keeta move about, "Everything alright Keeta?" he asks as he moves to join her on the couch.Dior sipped her drink, a taste of delight on her face. She knew not to be so nosy, not ladylike, but she couldn't help but watch the two on the couch, jumping to conclusions in her mind."Oh, baby's just acting up and deciding to use my belly as a kicking bag. He or she's been doing that a lot lately," she said looking over at him.
"Would you like to feel?"
Before Kael could react the gray stone lands on Keeta's belly, Kael swats at it and the stone flies off before he places his hand gently upon Keeta's belly, "That is incredible...ignore the dagger stone...they all have...sentience..."Keeta was surprised by the stone landing. It seemed to have no weight at all, and Kael quickly brushed it away. She watched it fly around the room a moment, as baby obligingly gave several good kicks for Kael.
"Oof...goodness sakes. It certainly is putting on a show for you," Keeta said looking back down at her belly.
"It has sentience so it can fight for you?"He nods his head slowly, "Yes it can, that's why it's a guardian." he smiles at Keeta."Got it," she said, sighing with relief as the kicks began to subside. "I think the baby wore itself out." She leaned back into the couch more, stretching, before looking over at Kaelwin, an apprehensive expression on her face.
"So...you really want to know?"Dior finished her drink, and moved to a safe warm booth in a dimly light corner, keeping to herself while intently watching the "couple".He shakes his head slowly, "I am curious but it won't change any opinions and doesn't truly matter." he smiles warmly at Keeta."Well..." she started, looking over at the bar and seeing it empty, thinking that Dior had left. Keeta hadn't seen when the other woman had relocated herself.
"First of all, I don't know who the father is. That's a part I'm not proud of." She kept her face down and wouldn't look at him, despite the fact he couldn't see her.He reaches over and wraps his arms around her lightly, "At least the child will know one of their parents."Keeta smiled a little bit at his gesture, especially since not too long ago, he didn't even know what a hug was.
"You hug now?" she asked, leaning in to him a bit.Dior silently listened, a little ashamed to have evesdropped. She decided to stay quiet, but incase she was caught and... something happend, she carefully placed her hand on something hidden in her belt.He laughs lightly, "I'm not AS clueless about life as I came across when I was being stupified by Gray Dream." he comments back, "I even know what fudge is, the exploding part was defensive magic..."
The gray stone lands upon Dior's hand that was in her belt."Well that's good to know," she laughed a little too. It was nice resting here with his arms around her.
"So...it doesn't bother you that I don't know the father?" she asked, a little surprised at his previous response."Dior froze in a sense of shock, muttering in a low muffled voice, " Go away! Go away! " She shooed the thing off. And pulled her hand out, along with it came a high-tech gun, some sort of specified type for one particular job... vampire-hunting.He shakes his head, "I don't exactly know who mine are so...I don't see the problem, I'm just fine as I am.""And I only know one of my parents...." She looked at him and smiled before resting her head on his shoulder. Keeta thought she heard something in the area of the bar behind her, but chalked it up to the stone moving around. She didn't want to move away from her comfortable position. If it continued, however, she would investigate.The little gray stone continued to buzz around her, " This is blasphemy! " Dior's tone of voice was was agitated with stress. She quicky got up and shot straight up to the ceiling with the gun in her right hand, forgetting about Keeta and Kael on the couch.Keeta turned at the sound of the agitated voice and at first saw nothing, but then she looked up. Dior was now on the ceiling, staring at the stone which was fluttering in the space around her. Her eyes opened wide in surprise and embarrassment, as she realized that the other woman had probably overheard her and Keal's discussion.
"What's going on? Why are you on the ceiling?"Dior's face went red, oblivious to what she just did. " Oh! " She jumped down, " I'm sorry, Keeta, that stone thing was agitating me. A'lot of stress, you know. " She paused, noticing Keeta's embarresement aswell, " I'm sorry, for listening that is. I am not welcome I can tell. "He tilts his head up towards Dior, "She had to have been doing something aggressive to cause the stone to buzz her like that...not a serious threat or it would have attacked her."Keeta looked from Kael to Dior, clearly confused.
"Well...it's not that you're unwelcome, I just didn't know you were still here, else I might not have discussed that with Kael right then. That's might fault though, not yours. But what were you doing that might have been aggressive? That's what worries me." Uncertainty crossed her face.He shakes his head slightly, "She stuck her hand on that gun...that comes across as aggressive, or hostile..." he comments lightly."But why did she?" Keeta asked, glancing from Kael to Dior again."I meant nothing of it to you, just merely protection to myself. If you were to find me, well if you were some other race... I would have to kill you in my defence. Other races can't be trusted, too hostile..cannibal, barbaric. "Yup, that was it, at Dior's words the stone to turn into a dagger as Kael stood up, "Are you saying that Mystics are barbaric, savage? Are you claiming such of half-elves as well?" yea he was pissed now, enough that he wasn't even standing, he was floating and his tattoos were covering his body and glowing with a red, mystical energy.Keeta shrunk back against the couch, one arm encircling her belly at Kael's vocal outburst and display of energy. One thing was for sure, the 'new' Kael could be considerably more frightening than how he had been before. She hoped this wouldn't turn to violence and it could all be chalked up to a simple misunderstanding."If you want to twist my words into your thoughts to become that, yes. No, I hunt vampires. They overpopulate the world and some destroy humans merely for the game of it. I only think it is right to my race to protect us, wouldn't you do the same, half-elf? " She glanced at Keeta, " Aren't you causing a little too much stress for the mom-to-be, Kael? Well... I must go, but I hope you await my return. " At that notion, Dior walked out, pausing for a moment at the door, then leaving.Keeta watched, her body tense until Dior walked out the door. As soon as she was gone, Keeta let out a big sigh of relief. She hoped that if they met again, it would be on better terms. Now she looked up where Kael was floating.
"She's gone...please come down?" Keeta said, almost pleadingly.Kael landed and relaxed, "I hate hunters, so proud of the fact that they kill others who think. Peh, people like them are why there's so few mystics in the world.""I don't think she meant to offend you Kael...and it sounds as though there's a good possibility she'll be back. I hope you to can come to some kind of peace agreement. I don't like seeing you like that. It...kind of scares me." Keeta looked down and bit her lip.He shakes his head and sighs before sitting back down, "She just made a generalization about those who aren't human...she didn't specify what...sorry I took it as an attack against non-humans, those sentiments tend to run rampant.""I understand why you reacted like you did. But it gave me a fright." She leaned against him again, almost for reassurance, as he sat back down.
"Oh by the way, your nonexistent tattoos were back again. I think it has something to do with when you're using you magic," Keeta mused.He shrugs lightly as he gently wraps his arms around Keeta, as if doing so was second nature, "Huh...might have to do with being half magic...""How do you know what your background is, if you don't know either of your parents?" Keeta asked. "I mean it's obvious you have magical abilities, but how do you know you're 'half magic'?" He laughs lightly, "...well...anti-magic spells make me very weak and sick...and I lose all of my powers and can barely move when they happen so...reason states either I am partly magic or so tied into magic that I might as well be partly magic anyway." "Oh. That makes sense. Probably took only a couple times of that for you to figure it out then?" Keeta sighed contentedly and snuggled in closer to Kael. It felt so nice just sitting here like this with him. She fleetingly wondered if he was as comfortable.He actually wasn't not at the angle but he wasn't saying anything, "Yea, you tend to learn your lesson the first time around with something like that though...""Hmm...yeah. So....you said that you wanted to hang out here at the Casbah with your newfound freedom. But I imagine that can't be the only thing you want to do. You wanting to travel more? Do some things you've never done?" Unaware of his discomfort, she stayed where she was.He shakes his head, "I want to see what it's like to actually stay in one place for more than a month."Keeta nodded. "Do you need a place to stay, so you're not just crashing on the couch here at the Casbah every night.?"He tilts his head down towards then couch then back towards Keeta, "What are you suggesting?"Keeta cleared her throat. "Well....my apartment is fairly small, but I can make room for one more, if you need it. Or if that idea is uncomfortable, I can help you find a place of your own." She risked taking a glance at his face to see what his reaction would be. He nods his head, "Sure...your apartment should work just fine.""Well...ok, it's settled then." Keeta said, a bit of surprise in her voice. She hadn't quite expected him to accept her offer that easily.He nods his head slightly, "Good, that makes things easy. Not that I really have any possessions aside from what I have on me." by now the dagger was back to a grey stone."I wasn't terribly concerned about that part," Keeta said, smiling a little."How soon? Today?"He laughs lightly, "More worried about the fact that I'll be living with you?""Well, it'll be a first for me. Having a guy more or less permanently sharing my living space." She blushed a little but she wasn't sure why. It wasn't like she had said anything out of line.He nods his head slightly, "First for me too...so I guess I'll...just have to be careful about...well okay don't have to worry about accidently seeing you naked hehehe." but I bet your chest is very gropeable."I suppose that's true...." she said, sitting up a little more, unaware of all of what he was thinking. "We can go over there now if you like..."He nods his head, "Sure, lead the way."Ok, then...." With a sort of scared, sort of excited smile, Keeta headed for the door, with Kaelwin behind her.
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Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 3:52 pm
Keeta played with the keys in the lock to her apartment until she got it open. Smiling, she turned to Kaelwin and opened the door to her place, revealing the living room area that was adorned simply, with a couch and a couple of chairs.
"Well, here it is. Home sweet home."Kaelwin nods his head slowly, "Wonderful place...luckily my magic prevents the problem of having to memorize where everything is...""Well either way I don't have too much furniture to run in to," she said, stepping into the room and closing the door behind them. "On that note though, do you need a tour of sorts, or would that not help you at all? There's only two bedrooms, the one bathroom, living room and kitchen, so there's not much to the place."He shakes his head slowly, "That doesn't pose a problem at all...do not worry Keeta I'll be fine with what space I am given.""Ok then....I think the only potential problem for the moment is sleeping arrangements." She cast a sideways glance at him. "Right now I don't have a second bed, but I can get one and put it in the nursery until we figure out something better, seeing as Keeta Jr. isn't here yet. Until we get the bed you can have the couch I guess. I've been told it's pretty comfortable. Unless...." she paused and cleared her throat. "You'd rather share the bed in the master bedroom?" If he could see her, he'd have seen her face turn beet red, and notice a bit of surprise at having offered.He shakes his head slowly, "...Is the bed big enough?" was his response. He smiles slightly afterwards, able to tell just how embarrassed she was before reaching over and gently caressing Keeta's cheek. "I guess...It's a queen...." she said a bit flustered, turning to face him as he stroked her cheek. She placed one of her own hands on his, as if to keep it there longer. As she took there, she studied his face curiously, wondering what it looked like without the blindfold.He smiles as she places her hand upon his, "Okay...should be plenty then."Only half hearing his response, Keeta reached both her hands forward and the fumbled for the tie at the back of his blindfold. Feeling a bit like Christine Daae in Phantom of the Opera when she removed his mask, Keeta started to undo the blindfold slowly, seeing if Kael would stop her.He smiles and lets the blindfold drop, his eyes were milky white and moves around almost randomly, "Some reason you wanted my blindfold taken off?""I just wanted to see what you looked like. I couldn't see all your face with the blindfold on...." She caressed his face slightly, with the tips of her fingers, as if memorizing it.He nods his head slowly, "...are you...falling for me Keeta?" he asks her quietly. His eyes not exactly focused on anything."Would that be a bad thing if I was?" Keeta continued to study his face. While his roaming, milky eyes were unusual to her, they didn't make her uncomfortable like she had thought they might. They more intrigued her.He tilts his head a bit, looking thoughtful before he slowly shakes it, "I can find no reason for it to be wrong or bad other than you barely know me.""This is true...." she replied, a bit of uncertainty in her voice. "But I'll get to know you better as time goes on...I don't want to embarrass you or put you on the spot or anything. I suppose I could blame it on my hormones, being pregnant and all, but I think there's more to it than that. I mean, I stood up to Gray Dream on your behalf, despite the fact I figured he could be pretty dangerous since apparently he was controlling you....I don't know. I'm sorry. I'm done rambling." Frazzled and confused now, she took a seat on one end of her couch.He sits down on the couch as well, after covering his eyes back up, feeling naked without the blindfold. "Well...as you said, we'll figure it out as time goes on eh? And yes, you did, even though it was a risk to you and your child." He sits back and watches the stone that floats around him, "Hmmm I'll sleep on the couch for now.""If you like....but we can go get you a bed or something and I can put you up in the nursery if you'd prefer that. I mean it seems kind of useless on my part asking you to go from one couch to another, but then again you won't have random people coming in here at all hours of the day or night. That way your sleep can be more restful...I'm rambling again aren't I?" She asked, looking at him sheepishly.
"Sorry, I do that when I get nervous sometimes.""The couch is fine, I'm imposing upon you quite a bit already Keeta with accepting your invite to stay here as it is.""How would you be an imposition? No, don't even think of it as that. Frankly it'll be nice to have some company around here." Keeta smiled at him and patted him gently on the shoulder.He nods his head slightly, "I will find some way to pay rent, I do not want to put you out completely and have you pay for my share as well as yours and your child's." "If...you insist, but I wasn't going to ask for any. The point of me offering my place was so that you can have a base from which to get settled. I didn't want to see you having to hole up in the Casbah this whole time." He shakes his head slowly, "Appreciate it Keeta, I like having someplace I can call home for a moment or two but I still should still pay for my portion of things.""I suppose." She shrugged, resigning to his decision. "Any idea where or how you think you'd want to do that? Maybe I, or someone else at the Casbah can help you find something." Keeta got to her feet and headed into the open kitchen next to the living room, starting to dig through the pantry, finally closing it with a bag in hand.
"Feel like a cookie? I was in the mood for a couple." "I could take up dungeon delving, blindness puts me at an advantage in the dark after all...and my magic would make me a great boon...Cookies sound good." he sits back and taps his chin a bit.
"That should work...quite well, allows me to keep practicing and find my missing guardians." While Keeta's looking away he makes a few quick gestures and banishes off all the dust in the place. From there a few more and dust was now unable to settle, banished from entering the place. All done discreetly. "Dungeon Delving huh? In Evin, I could have guessed the locations of a few, but I wouldn't even know where to begin to look for dungeons around here," she said, as she walked over with the bag of cookies, munching on one on the way.
"What does that entail exactly?" she asked, offering him the bag of cookies. "Killing monsters, finding treasures, dealing with traps..." he answers her quietly."Dangerous stuff basically...?" she said a hint of concern in her voice.He nods his head slowly, "Dangerous stuff I can handle...as it is...if one gives a good pay off I can not work for months, or years...although I'd probably get bored and do more just to pass the time...besides...if I'm going to find my guardians again I can't be in safe places...they'll only return or be found in dangerous places.""You have to earn them back, in a way?" Keeta asked, not knowing anything about guardians other than what Kael had told her, which wasn't much.
"What I wouldn't give to take a month off when the baby comes. It would be nice if bartending and such gave good enough tips like that." She chose not to mention her other job. Besides, she would be quitting there entirely soon. She was just trying to save up enough to get her through the first couple months.He smiles, "I'll make enough to support both of us so you can rest and take care of the baby when it's born Keeta." he nods slightly and smiles at her. "I couldn't ask you to do that...." she said, embarrassed. "We've gone from me paying, to you paying your part, to you paying for everything. Again, that's not why I invited you to stay with me. It's not your responsibility to pay my way...." She would never ask it of Kael, but secretly, she couldn't help but think of how nice that would be. She could be a stay at home mom for a little while at least. Keeta was flustered enough by his offer, that she didn't notice his failure to answer the guardians question.He shakes his head, "How about this, I pay for it all the first year, then I mooch the next year, having paid for two years worth at one time. Deal?"Internally, Keeta struggled with this proposition, and had Kael been able to see her face, it would have been evident there as well. It seemed like a fair offer, and he was clearly trying to help her out, but she couldn't help but playing the what if game....what if you're not here in a year, what if we can't stand each other in a year, what if, what if.... She couldn't stand the thought of not being fair and paying her share. A month right now seemed so long. A year seemed like it was forever away. But....it would really help her out right now. And maybe it would make him stick around longer?
"I guess...I mean, it seems fair." There was clearly hesitation in her voice, but excitement too. "Just know that if anything happens, I will still honor my part of the deal, no matter where we are in a year from now. Agreed?"Kaelwin nods his head and holds his hand out to her, "That's a deal, I will hold up my own end as well Keeta. Honor is important." he smiles deeply at her at her, "Relax Keeta...and don't worry."Keeta takes the offered hand and shakes it, a smile creeping at the edge of her lips. "I'll try to relax and not to worry, Kael, but I can't promise anything. It's so hard for me to just sit back and let other people take charge sometimes. I... really appreciate what you're doing though. It will be a great help to me. It'll mean I can stay home with the baby a great deal more than I was anticipating."He shrugs and smiles warmly, "Hey, Keeta...that's what friends do right? Help each other out. I'm just happy you'll be able to bond with your child plenty." he stretches and tilts his head, "Shower is where I could use one.""Shower? I think I can help you out there." Awkwardly, Keeta forced herself up from the couch, with a grunt. Standing up was definitely getting much more difficult these days.
"Follow me." She led the way down the hall to the apartment's single bathroom and opened the door, allowing him a 'view' of the inside. There was a toilet, a single sink, with cabinets underneath and above, and a shower/tub combo.
"Here it is. Not fancy or anything, but it works just fine. Shampoo's already in the shower, and there are clean towels under the sink. Do you need help finding anything else? If not, I'll just leave you to getting settled in, and maybe take a nap."Kael waved her off, "Go, take your nap Keeta." and without even waiting for her to leave he was naked, the tattoos along his arms meet above his shoulder blades, on his back there's the tattoo of a massive spider, no tattoos seem to appear at this time anywhere else upon him as he starts up the shower and climbs in.Keeta couldn't help but stare for a minute, noticing all the tattoos and...everything else. When she realized what she was doing, however, she quickly tore her vision away and stepped out of the room, closing the door behind her. Breathing hard from confusion and embarassment, Keeta leaned against the wall and slid down until she was sitting on the floor. She could hear the water running, and him moving around the shower, through the thin wall.
"What just happened?" she asked herself, bewildered. He had indicated that she thought she was interested too quickly, but then he pulls a stunt like this. He couldn't possibly have done that on accident could he?
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