Welcome to Gaia! ::

"Dad~! Dad he's doing it again." The voice cut through the rumble of the dishwasher in the kitchen. D, pink haired and up to his elbows in soapy water, craned his neck to see who was calling. Obviously, it was the only child in his house that had basic conversation down: Cheylir.

D couldn't help but be surprised. It wasn't often that the blue skinned boy found himself inclined to speak. Words were as reclusive in Cheylir as the spiders and insects that hibernated in the darkest realms of the apartment complex crevices. The fact that he was speaking caused D both delight and concern - something had to be wrong to get the child to do more than point or nod.

"What's wrong? What happened?" D asked, deciding that the pots and pans could wait from their scrubbing. Drying off his arms, he tried not to smile at the petulant whine that escaped Cheylir's voice.

"He chewing on my headphones, Dad! That's the third pair! And these were the good kind! I mean I -"

The boy was pushed aside, D's eyes wide with fright. "AND YOU DIDN'T TAKE THEM AWAY!?" The snap escaped his lips as D bolted in to the connecting living room.

There, in his gently-used walker, was the little zebra-striped, tribal-marked boy. His brown ears swiveled upon D's hasty approach, but Faolan was far too interested in his newest chew toy. Drool had dripped down his chin, over the earpiece of the head phones, and had bled in to the fabric of his shirt. The chord wrapped lightly around him, ignored, though teeth marks were easily present.

"Oh no, baby - oh no! You don't want to eat that!" D hastily explained, picking up a nearby teething ring in exchange for the headphones. One hand reached for the headphones, while the other offered the rainbow teether.

Faolan hesitated in his sucking, curious by the bright display of colours, though his little fists held firm to the headphones.

"Come on - this is much nicer." D encouraged gently.

One moment, two, and D finally had to play the parent. Gently - but firmly - he removed Faolan's clawed hands from the headphones, and softly tugged it out of his jaws.

Quickly, hastily, he shoved the teething ring in Foalan's mouth before the child could get upset.

For once . . . . . .

. . . it worked.

The wolf child's face had crinkled in the form of a shriek as his headphones had been removed. But the cold chew toy, a bit softer now that it had time to defrost, in replace of the heaphones was. . . . better.

"Ghrlick. . . " The little one muttered in a noise akin to a growl. Fangs gnashing against the plastic, D could only fear for the future. As Faolan grew, he knew his fangs wouldn't be so baby-soft in time. And that meant there went the furniture, his clothing, and his toys.

But that could be worried about later.

Holding the slobbered earpieces in one hand, D turned to eye the sulking Cheylir. "Why didn't you take them away from him? He could have choked!" If Faolan had swallowed that wire. . . well. . . . god only knew what could have happened!

Perhaps he was being too parental, but D had expected Cheylir to be old enough to care for Faolan. It wasn't as if D hadn't been in the vacinity, he could see in to the living room from his place behind the kitchen sink but . . . with Cheylir watching Faolan it meant he could spend more time focused on the dishes.

Not so, apparantly.

The blue skinned boy looked up at D, before sending Faolan a glare that was as black as night. "If I took 'em away he'd wail - and nobody wants to hear that! But Dad, he broke them again. . ."

Like hell if the boy was going to use those headphones again. They were far too permeated with saliva and teeth marks. No good, according to Cheylir.

D shook his head, crossing his arms. "I don't care what he did, young man. Faolan could have gotten seriously hurt had he swallowed something on these! And you left him alone while chewing it! I don't care how loud he shrieks and screams, he's a baby! He doesn't know what he's doing - but you, Cheylir - you're older than him!

"If I can't trust you to care for your brother, who can I?"

The blue skinned one gave a sigh, still glaring solely at his brother. Stupid siblings - it was much, much better when he was an only child.

"We'll get you headphones later, when you prove that you're responsible enough to handle Faolan. Can I trust you to watch him until I finish the dishes? You can be relieved of your duties then."

Cheylir sighed. Ugh. Still with watching the dog-child. . . great. "Yeah. . . " He murmured, feeling naked without his headset.

Flopping down on the living room floor, Cheylir scoweled. D always took Faolan's side. . . . being a big brother sucked.

.Enter Satavia.

"Do you think he'll be okay with . . . it?" Cheylir questioned, kool-aid red eyes staring dubiously at the baby.

"He should be." D chattered, confident that his son wouldn't let him down. Yes, Faolan had a biting problem, but his fangers weren't necessarily sharp enough to draw blood. Yet. And the little green fairy-bear seemed to have a gentle effect on the boy.

Where Satavia had come from, D couldn't say. It had literally followed him home one evening, a green furry creature with butterfly wings. Wide eyed and innocent, it had enraptured Faolan for the entire evening. Keeping his window cracked, D had slept that evening assuming the beast would have left.

It hadn't, and it seemed it wouldn't.

"He hasn't eaten it yet," D reminded Cheylir, reaching over to gently run his fingers through the little fae's hair.

The boy gave a half-hearted shrug, turning away from son, beast and father. It would figure Faolan recieved yet another new toy. Whatever. . . .

What did Cheylir care?

He had his music - he didn't need anything else.

Faolan gave a little gurgle, reaching a clawed hand out to the blue beast. The little creature dipped low, perching carefully upon Faolan's chest. A little churr, and the creature nuzzled Faolan's hand affectionately.

"Be gentle with her, baby," D murmured, inwardly wincing as Faolan reached out to touch the beast. Maybe .. maybe it wasn't a good idea. Foalan was a child, and didn't understand the necessities of gentleness and care.

Intervening, he carefuly guided Faolan's hand. "See? Pet. Pet her. She's soft, isn't she? Very soft." Faolan's nose crinkled as his hand was snatched, but he decided hanging on to D's fingers was nice enough. Drool dribbling down his lips, Faolan's gaze stared only on the green creature.

"Pet," D murmured, dragging Faolan's clenched fist down the side of Satavia. "Pet."

"Beh," came the response, "Beh!" The little boy's face cracked in to a grin as Satavia churred a second time. "BEH!"

A Case of the Mondays With Lupe_Oceana and Little_Phantom!

.Ilruhn =/= Chew Toy.

"DAD! DAD HE'S TRYING TO EAT IT~!!!"

D practically dropped the dish he'd been so scrupilously scrubbing to bolt around the kitchen counter that seperated himself from his children. Faolan was in his walker, and it seemed the little black wisp had been keeping the small wolf child company. Cheylir was babysitting with his headphones, (as usual) when his shout had gone out.

Sure enough, there sat Faolan, trying desperately to grab the little wisp and doing all in his power to gnaw upon it.

s**t.

"No no no baby - uh-uh!" Faolan, of course, ignored anything hsi father had to say and managed to twich one of his ears half-heartedly. Why couldn't he devour his new sibling, the black and rune-covered wisp? It looked like the sweet stuff he'd been given, the pink cotton candy D had spoiled him with weeks before.

Sure, this sort of floating candy moved around and was much more interesting looking than pink. . . but . . . it looked tasty. All he wanted was a bite. Just one.

The wisp, on the other hand, (if a wisp could) seemed surprised. Considering it had a lack of substance, it easily flitted past the boys fingers and made a bee-line for D.

Faolan, of course, was miffed. Face transforming in to a pout, the little striped child gave a huff and almost looked ready to throw a tantrum.

"No crying now," D gently scolded, hoping to gods that this time his son would listen. The wisp (from what he'd seen) appeared to be unharmed. Perhaps it was starteled and confused, maybe even a little peeved at his older siblings oral fixation, but overall Ilruhn looked. . .wispy.

A good sign to say the least!

Faolan's ears went back, and surprisingly he did listen and understand. Growling lowly in his throat, the baby grunted and pounded his fists obnoxiously against the cool plastic of his walker but settled quickly.

"Here, eat this," Cheylir piped drolly, shaking a plush rabbit in front of Faolan. The poor rabbit had seen better days, it was missing both of its eyes (one swallowed, the other lost within the confines of the couch) and some of its white fluff was leaking haphazardly out of its side and stomach. Yes, Faolan had did a number on the little plush. . .

but better a rabbit then Ilruhn!

"That's right, baby," D crooned, reaching down to reassure his little son. For the life of him, he couldn't be mad at the little drooling trouble-maker. "You can't eat your brother, alright? No eating Ilruhn," he demanded, gesturing torward the black and gold wisp.

"No!" He repeated, hoping that his son would pick up the hint.

All Faolan did was growl playfully as he sunk his little fangs in to the rabbit and began to rip it to pieces as best he were able.

A violent baby, perhaps, but D could only hope it was a stage. Were all werewolf children like this. . . ?

"Play with him a bit, will ya? And try not to let Ilruhn get eaten, Chey," D requested, patting the top of his blue-skinned sons head as he passed. Whatever Cheylir had to say, D didn't listen. A flutter, as gentle as butterfly wings, wisped across his cheeks.

It was Ilruhn.

"Sorry 'bout that, you," D chattered, wishing he could be more physical in his affections to his newest child. What secrets lay beyond the gold and black, D hadn't a clue. The library baby was a mystery that D had yet to unlock. . . . At least with Faolan he knew what to expect.

With Ilruhn. . . .? Only time would tell.

So this afternoon, as I was walking with Faolan in the stroller and Ilruhn upon my shoulder, a woman and her two dogs walked past. This is the first real interraction Faolan had with dogs. Our apartment allows animals, but none on the floor have any.

Today, though, the most peculiar thing happened. Faolan had been settled quite nicely, hugging his wand and toy close to his chest. He'd fussed earlier while strapping him in, but settled quickly after the walk began. Ususally, our walks consist of a stroll around the block. Sometimes, I vary it up and take him to the park, so he can see the woods and the flowers. Since winters touch, the park runs have been rare and far between - but today, with spring here, was the first park date of the new year.

The woman had two dogs - one looked to be a rottweiler, a monster of a dog with brown and caramel fur. The other was a sort of mongrel - it had longer white, black and brown fur, and was much more delicate in stance then the rottie. It's ears stood straight, and I think the woman mentioned they thought it was a Afghan-Shepard-Samoyed mix. Whatever it was, she was a pretty dog, if a bit different then the rottie.

Making sure to pass on opposite sides, I pulled the stroller to the side to give the woman ample room. The dogs approached, and both took an instant attraction to my Faolan! They ignored the woman - Adrien was her name, I think - commands, and instantly rallyed around him.

I feared for Faolan's safety, of course. Dogs, no matter how tame, could bite. And Faolan, no matter how calm, was notorious for biting too! I'd watched and studied up on wolves and some of their dominance displays were . . . . rough. He was but a baby, I had to tell myelf, not a wolf.

Am I bad parant for forgetting? He acts more like a dog than a man. . . . I hope it's just a phase.

Of course, the two dogs did nothing but sniff curiously at Faolan. One whined and the rotties snub tail was wagging. There was no harm done, and Faolan just laughed and laughed. I haven't heard him giggle like that in a long time. I must admit, I was almost jealous. The dogs seemed to have more of an effect on him then I ever had.

. . . . .

Well, to make a long story short, Adrien had been surprised by their friendliness. It wasn't that they were anti-children, she explained, but they tended to stick to theirselves. The dogs were eventually pried off my now drool-covered son, and we went our sepereate ways. But Faolan whined and became uneasy for the rest of the trip. He seemed . . . sad.

Perhaps I should get a puppy? Maybe a playmate? Stuffed animals and movies just don't seem to be doing it. What about a dog? Maybe I should bring him to the kennel. . . No. . . .I wouldn't like him to see the animals within the cages.

Perhaps I'll look for a litter of puppies, see if Faolan bonds with any. I'll ask Cheylir, see if he minds. I think my musical son might very well enjoy the company of a pet. . . . .

We'll see, I guess.

Until then, perhaps our next family outing will be to the zoo.

As best as his limited knowledge went, the little baby didn't know what to do. After waking up from his nap, the man he knew as his father and protector had whisked him away outside. They had traveled throug the Loud Place, shining things whizzing past beside them, strangers traveling all over, down to a new Place.

Bells had announced their arrival, a shining, crystal sounds that had caused him first surprise, then a bit of delight. Their sound had pleased him, and it had caused his ears to p***k and swivel. He'd hoped, as they walked away from the sound, that they would jingle again, cause such pretty noise. . . but alas, there was nothing.

Shucks.

New scents and smells hit his nose, and the striped child remembered there were New Things to figure out. Pieces of a visual puzzle to put together. Wherever they were, it was crazy. He shifted in D's arms, tail wagging slowly behind him as his eyes devoured the room.

It was . . . small. It looked like a home, he recognized windows that showed the Loud Place and saw zippy shiny things flit to and from one place. There was a table, a couch - though it was far too bright and plush and without teeth marks to be their own. Yes, the more Faolan looked around, the less and less he recognized.

They were someplace new. . . .

Hmph. He wasn't sure he liked it. The room smelled sour . . . it didn't smell at all like the flowery aroma of candles and incense that were constantly around D's house. This smell was too . . .clean. Too fresh and sterile.

It made him uncomfortable.

"Foalan blahbluerhgande dhfnadl ahdn ierhgi nad cat jurin aheia hader," or so the exchange went through the childs ears. Ears pricked and he lookd up at D curiously. Whatever was he gurgling on about? He heard his name, and something about 'cat' . . . cat's were one of the symbols in the picture book he'd been given!

Cat, cat, cat, cat. . . . "Gwah!" He cooed happily, hoping upon hope that this new discovery meant that there would soon be a picture book in front of him.

He saw his guardian smile at him, causing him break in to a silly grin in response.

That must mean there was a book on the way! Yay books! Yay, yay, yay OMFG WHO'S THAT!?!

A glance over his shoulder caused the boy to stare. There was a small, wrinkeled thing staring at him, inches away. So enthralled with his father he hadn't even noticed this walking-prunes approach.

Ears flicked back, and he bared his teeth in warning. "Grrrrr," he tried to growl, wanting the wrinkling-thing-of-walking-flesh to go away.

It was weird.

Whatever it was.

"Faolan!" The comman, followed yet agian by jibberish, told the boy well enough that he better behave.

Looking dubiously at the pruin, he kept a small scowl on his face, but put away his teeth. Apparantly he was supposed to be nice.

Shucks.

Looking away from the stranger, he clung to his wolf-tooth wand and gave it a little shake. The tooth ratteled softly against the wand, and Faolan stared lovingly at the moon-shaped orb upon the top. It was one of his many securities in the world. . . . It was his most precious and endearing toys.

Things happened, more garbling gurglish word exchanges that Faolan cared not to hear. In fact, the baby began to grow sleepy and bored when D moved him.

Ok, not just shift him from arm to arm, but physically plopped him down on the floor. Eyes wide, boredom quickly replaced by surprise and fear, the werewolf child looked about him anxiously. The Furry Floor felt . . . . . . different. His clawed hands brushed over the shag carpet, and his brown eyes stared pathetically up at D.

;_; He didn't like this much. . . . He wanted to -

And then it happened.

"Lahdand Faolan," the strange words were directed at him, caused him to stare at D in wonderment.

A fuzzy thing was placed next to him. It was black and brown and grey, and was almost half the size of him. The little thing was covered in fur, and had tails and ears and eyes! It was the softest Stuffed Thing he'd ever had~! Reaching out a clawed hand, he quickly snatched it back when it moved.

OH MY GOD OH MY GOD IT MOVED IT MOVED!!!;alkjfadfja;ldfalfkj al;kfjafda O_O

Thoughts he didn't realize he was thinking ran through his head, fear and surprise tangling with each other. He kept his hand in the air, afraid that the moving Fuzzy Bit might move again.

What was it? How did it move? Where did it come from!?!

Was it going to eat him?

Sure enough, the Fuzzy Bit moved closer, something cold and wet on its face touching his leg. Faolan whimpered, not sure he liked it at all. . . Gold eyes turned up to his father, begging him, pleading him to take the living, moving Fuzzy Bit away!

His ears glued to his shock of blonde hair, and before he knew it, the fear had overwhelmed him. It wasn't a time to scream though, in case he cause the Fuzzy Bit alarm but . . . . One, dangerously large tear welled up in his eyes before slipping over the lid and cruising down his cheek.

A second one was soon to follow, slowly make its way down to his chin.

He was afraid to move, afraid to do anything. And the Fuzzy Bit continued to move around him! That cold dot on its face was . . .well. . cold!

Oh Dad. . . he didn't like this at all!


"Faolan~! Goadnad nadeal andlea?" Though he didn't understand what his father was saying, he heard the tenderness nad concern. "You andleanad han cat. See?" A large, tender hand reached down and touched the Fuzzy Bit!

Oh no! Dad would surely get eaten!

But the Fuzzy Bit looked up and began to rumble and resonate. SOme strange sound was emitted from its throat. . . a sound that was a little appealing, but still very scary!

A second whimpe, and a few more tears, and Faolan couldn't take it. The Fuzzy Bit was now making noise and eating his fathers hand. . . . This was just far too traumatic a day!

So the boy did the only thing he knew how to do without biting. . . .

He cried. And he cried. And he cried.

All the way home.

Journal -

So Faolan didn't do well with the kitten. Ellian felt terrible, and couldn't stop apologizing at work. The poor lady - it must be awful to live alone, with nothing but cats. Sure, she works as the floor secretary at our office during the day, but don't the nights get cold and lonely?

Ugh. Oh well, that doesn't mean Foalan and I can't go and visit her more. She's offered to babysit, but being so old, I can't help but say I'm a little nervous. Faolan might chew her to bits.

In fact . . . In fact I don't know how he does with sitters! He's gone to daycare at the office, but I can step in anytime I feel need, and I often do frequently. I wonder how he'd behave having to stay an entire day away from me?

. . . he probably wouldn't miss me as much I him.

He setteled down after getting him home last night. I still feel awful - this wasn't his 'Give me attention crying' or his 'I'm angry and don't agree with your decision' tantrums he likes to throw. This was genuine, 'Dad, I'm afraid, let's go" sadness.

Just thinking about it breaks my heart, even if the situation draws a smile to my face. The kitten was hardly 6 weeks old, and yet Faolan hated it, the dear. Perhaps when he grows we'll see how he interacts with cats. Dogs love him (no surprise) but felines? I was afraid he might eat them. . . . not sob and be afraid!

The poor baby.

Looks like a pet cat might be out of the picture. But could I afford a puppy? I don't know. Then again, maybe a cat would be a good thing. Perhaps Faolan might warm up to the idea of a feline if we had one around the house. Cheylir's been hinting at wanting a pet, and I refuse to let him have a hamster. Ugh. All I need is for Faolan to eat it, or it to chew through wires.

Still. . . there is Ilruhn. Would a cat try to eat him too? Perhaps I should wait until he's older.


So many things to think about, and so little time.

I still feel bad for Ellian. Is that going to be me thirty years from now? Will I wind up alone. . . .?

;_; I hope not.