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Surprise! (AIM PRP)

Parties involved in order of first appearance: [~Lexiel~], and Kawaii_Hime_Ceres.

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Along a softly beaten path, laid deep into the grassy knoll, near the edge of a plot of wheat, strode Lexiel. She was on her way to visit a dear friend she hadn't seen in almost 3 years. She was returning, for a brief time period, from her studies back east of the ruins that Ceres had know of before their fated meeting that night that Lexiel had been shipwrecked on the Island. Out of 660 passengers and crew men, she was the only one who made it to the island.

Lexiel had been traveling for 4 days now across dense forests and grassy pastures and was slightly drained from the journey. The sight of the farm fields though gave her a burst of energy, knowing she was close, and she was now comming towards the crest of the hill where she could look down upon Ceres' home. She excitedly hurried up the hill to once again to view the sight she had left so long ago. A large cottage looking out over a stretch of grassy land before the sea spread out over the horizon. She paused to take it all in with a smile on her face, and with one deep breath, she began to run down the hill, clinging tight to her traveling bag that was half as tall as she.

Thankfully it wasn't high noon, and the day was starting to cool. Ceres sat outside under the largest tree in the yard. Her violin lay in the grass, and a book in her lap. A pillow behind her, supporting her. Her eyes half lidded as she sat there lazily nearly snoozing.

Sky wasn't that far off. He never was. Even if there wasn't persistent danger via the island he wasn't going to take any chances.

Lexiel reaches the house door, heart racing from running all the way down the hill. She opened the door and walked in.

"Ceres, I'm here..." She called into the hallway of the cottage, setting down her book bag. There was no answer. "Ceres?" She walked around a bit, curious as to where she could have been. She continued to call to her name throughout the labyrinth like cottage. Finally she decided to check outside, surprised at herself for not checking there first. Opening the main door she noticed a tree with a very interesting looking silhouette about 25 yards away. She began to approach the tree, slowly, just in case it wasn't what she thought it was.

When Sky stood defensively in front of Ceres she 'woke' with a start. The book dropped from her lap as she stood with help from Sky. She was groggy from her daze. She let out a yawn as put a hand on Sky's shoulder. "Good friend!" She smiled as she called out.

Lexiel paused where she stood, mouth slightly agape. The first that shocked her was seeing a blue haired man helping Ceres stand, the second, something a little bit more shocking than the first. The size of Ceres' gut. And of course that meant only one thing. Her friend was pregnant, and has been for a long time it seemed by the sheer size. Lexiel could hardly believe what she saw. Had she been wearing her camping gear she would have dropped it right then and there.

"How did... who is... when...am I dreaming?" Lexiel said as she began to feel a bit light headed. She swayed a bit but forced herself from collapsing and passing out. She bent over at the waist and propped herself up, hands on her knees, taking deep breaths. She chuckled a little bit. "I almost passed out just now. This isn't a joke? Nothing to scare your old friend half to death, right? You really are pregnant?" She said looking up from her braced position, seeming a bit pale, all the exhaustion returning from the past four day journey.

Ceres put her hands on her back to support her growing weight. She smiled at her friend giving her time to rezone before she'd give a round of hugs. "Certainly not a joke." She chuckled. "Five and a half months... But, you should know that... I've been sending you letters." She said in half shock as she wondered why they hadn't gotten to her friend.

Ceres gave Sky's hand a firm squeeze. "How... in vitro fertilization." She chuckled as she rubbed the lower half of her belly. The baby was awake, she knew that much because she could feel her moving. "I'm a bit scared of sex, romance, and the like." She grinned. "And, Sky here is patient with me... Though he watches me a little to close at times."

"Really? You've been sending letters? The last one I got was a responce 7 months ago telling me you'd know I was comming today... Maybe theres something wrong with my mirror..." Lexiel turned to look at the man standing next to Ceres and her jaw dropped upon recognition. It hadn't truly sunk in till this moment. "Sky?" She said indignantly, so confused and bewildered to the point where her mind began realing. He was... Hot! She noticed though that her mouth was hanging open and so she closed it blushing slightly and scratching the back of her head nervously.

"Sorry for gaping." she glanced around her, taking in the familiar sight of the farm... "So where are the others? Perian and them?"

"At the market." Ceres smiled. "And, thank god. THere isn't a moments peace with them around. If I'm not worrying about them, they are worrying about me..." She chuckled.

"Before your return I will send you with a new mirror. It will take me a little longer than normal. I'm not up to par..." She sighed, and sat back down. "I'm slowing down. I feel like all I do sometimes is eat, sleep, and pee..."

Sky tried not to laugh at Ceres' view of the day. He knew there was more to this woman that just those three things. She still managed to keep up with everything, and then some.

"I've got my mirror on me. Maybe you could just repair the existing one?" Lexiel said thoughtfully. "I wouldn't want to inconvienence you for a second. It's just in my camping gear in the cottage." She said smiling.

"I hope they come back soon though, I have presents for them. I also have something for you!" She said excitedly.

"As long as it isn't chipped, cracked, or the lack I can restore the mirror back to full use." Ceres smiled. "Just takes time now that I haven't got as much strength as before when I wasn't pregnant..."

Ceres had paused the second their was mention of gifts. "For me... Really?"

"Yeah! Come on, I'll give it to you now!" She said turning around to return to the cottage.

"I don't just come on... anymore." Ceres huffed as she stood back up. "This is more exercise than I had planned for today." She whined slightly, but quickly laughed to let the other know she was playing.

Lexiel turned around chuckling and walked at a more reasonable pace for Ceres. It took them awhile but with Sky's help they made it in under 6 minutes.

While sky helped Ceres get to the kitchen area Lexiel began digging through one of the many pockets of her camping gear. She pulled out a few bundles wrapped in a light cloth and walked into the room where Ceres rested, Sky seemed restless sitting next to Ceres and kept a slight squirm in his seat. Lexiel starred oddly at him for a brief second before sitting next to Ceres and placing down the parcels on the table. "These," Lex says, placing a hand over the palm sized parcels, "I found on the North East Beach in between a mysterious looking cave and the beach itself. I can't fully disclose the origins of the item, but it is something truly to behold." She then slid one tissue paper light parcel over to Ceres and waited in excitement.

"You know... I use to be quick in my step." Ceres smiled as she studied the wrapped package. "You know there really isn't much we know about this island other than through stories. It still surprises me how delighted you are in this place."

Ceres leaned against Sky as she finally decided to open the package.

Inside the package laid a necklace, the cording a simple black in a choker like fashion, the center piece was a rune stone with an odd emblem etched into it that seemed to resemble one little L inside a larger L, and sitting on the small L was a diamond shaped star. The stone itself sparkled brilliantly with the texture of newly polished Granite. Gracing either side of the stone were four light blue pearls and two gorgeous orbs of a glass like texture on either side that seemed aqua like in color, but when turned in the light would flash all the colors of the rainbow.

"It's nothing much. I hope you like it. Oh and the rune I found in the ruins that are quite close to the forested area where I live."

"Nothing much..." Ceres gasped. "It is beautiful." She said as she gave it a good looking over. She caressed the entire necklace, even the cord. "It's very impressive."

So what do you think the ruins mean about my existence, the islands existence?" Ceres' curiosity still got the better of her. She liked to know more about the place than just stories.

"The best parts are the aqua colored glass looking spheres. You'll never guess what I've found them to be. It's Crystallized Seaweed!" She said grabbing out a small book from a pouch at her side. She flipped it open to reveal a small diagram. "You see, the sea weed was a special type that didn't need much oxygen to survive at low depths and an underwater fault line had become a volcano which super heated the water around it. Minerals in the water binded to the seaweed and it crystallized to form these babies. Then a current that I've been tracking for a little while had swept them on shore where I discovered them. Isn't that just wild?"

"As to that rune in particular I had chizzled it from a wall in a barren little ruin deeper in the forest. It seemed pretty randomly placed and I tried translating it a little bit, using a key created from a 5 month study on the main ruins outside of the forest, and I discovered the markings were similar yet vastly different, and the rocks at the forest ruin dated back at least 16th century. I could only read a little bit of it and roughly translated the sentence that I relieved that from said, 'creation of the mystic one'. That one symbol means 'Mystic One'. Thought it was perfect for you." She said, leaning back in the chair. "That's the only one that has a rune though, the other necklaces just feature the crystallized seaweed..."

Ceres nodded with a smile. "Mystic One..." She repeated it a couple of times. "Amazing what a little bits of precious stones and minerals can make." She said as she continued to rub the gift drifting into another time.

Sky broke Ceres from her thoughts as she took the gift and put it around her neck. He smiled, and kissed her cheek where a tear had recently trickled.

Lexiel takes up the other parcels and returns them to their pouches. "I'll give the kids their gifts when they get back from their shopping excursion." She placed the parcels in her knapsack and saw the glint of her mirror. "Oh... Here it is... " She grabbed it out of the bag and walked back to the table where Ceres and Sky sat. "I don't know what could be wrong with it to tell you the truth... it seems like its fine..." She hands the mirror over to Ceres for her to take a gander at it.

"The children should be home shortly..." Ceres nodded simply as she look at the mirror. "Could just be the age of it. You know magic does wear down after a time, and my own magic isn't what it use to be." She smiled as she tapped the glass. "I'll get it fixed soon as possible."

At that point in time a loud audible gurgle could be heard coming from the general direction of Lexiel's stomach. She quickly placed a hand over it, trying to cease the unhelpable sound. "Sorry," she said, " I haven't eaten much of anything since breakfast this morning." After stating that she glanced out the window and saw the sun suspended in a golden sky approaching the horizon of the now glistening sea.

Ceres tucked the other mirror with her own. Now both were tucked in a bag Sky always carried now that contained goodies, snacks, and treats. "I shall cook a feast." She grinned.

"Besides. You're tummy isn't the only one demanding that it be satisfied with food." Ceres grinned, and reached out to grab Lexiels' hand. "Feel." She put the hand on her tummy. "She knows it is dinner time."

Lexiel's mouth salivated at the idea of a feast. When her hand was put on top of Ceres' belly every other thought escaped her. She could only focus on the soft thuds and movement which came from the stomach of her best friend... 'She really is pregnant' She thought to herself. And a smile spread warmly over her features.

"I'll help you cook if you'd like!" She said, knowing that being pregnant she might not want to stand on her feet ever few minutes to check on something. "I'll help in any ways possible while I'm here... I'm also wondering if I should extend my stay... but I don't know how my animals would take to it...Well, they aren't really mine... They live in the jungle that surrounds my house, but I feed them occasionally and they keep me company up there." She said, kind of missing the soft faces of the random forest creatures. But then she focused in on the now. "I'm wondering though if I should stay here until the baby is born... I wouldn't want to intrude though..." Lexiel said nervously.

"I would more than love the company you could provide." Ceres smiled as she headed towards the kitchen. "Even with the kids and Sky it gets a bit empty at times.

Ceres waved a hand. Cooking was a simple enough task to exert energy on and not waist to much. She sat in a chair, and focused on what she wanted to prepare. "Really... Don't need the help." She grinned as she watch the knives begin to chop fresh vegetables.

Lexiel looked over, having been away for so long she had almost completely forgot that Ceres could use her powers to do things as simple as move objects. She brushed it off though, not giving it a second thought. She was more shocked with Ceres' pregnancy than she was with her powers or age or anything.

"Miss this kitchen don't you." Ceres chuckled as she watched Lexiel and her remembrance of this place. She waved her hand again, and food began to float right from the fridge.

Lexiel could smell the food begin to warm. It made her stomach even more vocal. She looked to sky, noticing his solitary ways were projected even as a human. She wondered then how mother tree was doing. "Ceres, have you visited the grove recently? Is everything okay there?"

Ceres looked downward for a moment. "Yes, everything is well. Mother and I are still getting along as well as to be expect." She waved a hand to get something else for dinner going. "She just recently told me that despite all these years of don't love, don't have kids... To be free." She sighed. "It's all a bit confusing..."

"I wonder why the sudden change of heart." Lexiel wondered aloud. She picked up a roll and knife and butter and began buttering a roll to tide her over till everything else was done. "Also, when are the kids supposed to be back from their little excursion?"

"Mother told me she was setting me free from her foolish and selfish ways. That it was now that she could accept the fact of my death. I understand... No mother wants to out live their child." Ceres gave a weak smile. "But, it is all so new, and half the time I don't feel in control anymore... Last week when Fauste was here she helped me work through a few personal issues."

Smoke and Mirrors. (Guild PRP)

Parties involved in order of first appearance: keetabirdy, and Kawaii_Hime_Ceres.

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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.

"My talents are limited off of the island. It is the maiden in me that allows me to preform. 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 form 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 you 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, acknowledging 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.

"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."

Through the Looking Glass (Guild PRP)

Parties involved in order of first appearance: keetabirdy, and Kawaii_Hime_Ceres.

----

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 your 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.

"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 partying 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....