|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2005 8:45 am
"Gyre's always been pretty active too, but I have a human friend who was pregnant, and she was telling me how much babies are supposed to sleep each day. But I guess things are different for magical babies." She grinned. All of her 'children' were born from magic. She wondered if she could ever have a child that was naturally her own.
Gyre smiled and happily dabbed a bit of glue on the end of the feather for the infant. She was very glad that someone was helping her out. "There you go! Now put it right next to this one." She pointed to the first feather she had glued on. "That way, it will look nice."
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2005 10:33 am
"I don't think I want to get pregnant, or have a relationship." Huni stated, "Not that I think there's anything wrong with that, but it's just not for me. You know what I mean?"
Paestri carefully positioned the feather as similarly to Gyre's as her chubby fingers could possibly allow her. Her dexterity, given her age, was slightly above average, nothing amazing but not shabby either. She pressed the feather to the mask and when she let go, she was pleased to find it stuck.
She scooted back a bit, trying to see if Gyre was forming a pattern of sorts with the feathers. Maybe if she got it right, she could help her more!
Just then Huni felt a vibration from her back pocket and realized it was her S-Tone's alarm going off. She had set it to remind her of an appointment she had made. With a heavy sigh, she looked to Lu apologetically.
"I hate to do this, but I have to go. Gotta go see someone for something, it was really nice meeting you and Gyre. We should do this again sometime." she declared with a bright smile as she scooped up Paestri and the over-sized stuffed bunny into her arms.
Paestri didn't want to go, but when you were her size, with her frame, and suspended in the air by a pair of arms, squirming could only do so much.
"Baaaiiii!!!" Paestri yelled as she waved goodbye to the legend.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 4:08 am
Meeting Breena
Huni had decided to return to the HQ as Paestri seemed to enjoy meeting Gyre. Hopefully they''d meet other Legends as well.
For once Pae wasn''t sleepy, she was awake because she was excited to see who was at the HQ.
Cheeks pink from the kisses of the evening wind, nose somewhat red, and eyes glittering despite the bags underneath them, a woman made her way into the old building, almost familiar with the way now.
Her steps were slow, laborious due to the large bump attached to her middle. The babe inside was growing, and more often than not Naita''s masquerade tattoo was marred by the bump of one or other body part from the child inside.
Another reason for such slow steps was the child carried without her body. This infant was rather on the small side for her age, skin pale as death''s kiss, eyes black as night. Her hair, which was long enough to envelope her body like a coccoon, was equally dark, falling in soft waves like a waterfall from whence midnight drained.
Her pretty face held angelic expression, carried even to her eyes. Breena was talented in the art of deception.
The warmth of the HQ was a welcomed thing as the red head made her way into the main room where the couches were. She gave a quiet sigh as she seated herself down, jade eyes gazing towards the entrance.
The infant in Huni''s arms followed the woman''s gaze with her own icing-pink eyes. She wondered whether or not she would meet someone, some other big person or another small person such as Gyre. Paestri smiled at the memory of the older Legend, she liked the masks and the feathers and hoped she''d see her again soon.
Headed for that room best explained as a ''lounge,'' Naita stepped up her speed a tad, as much as was possible when so weighed down.
The infant in her arms was uncharacteristically lively on this day, black eyes flicking about herself, pudgy little hands reaching out as if to grab this or that, as they caught her attention. As she was used to Breena sitting quietly until a plot entered her devious little mind, Naita was labouring under some apprehension.
Footsteps drew the red head''s attention and saw a woman arrive. Huni smiled to her, giving a little wave before she noticed the little girl in her arms.
"Hello." she greeted warmly.
Paestri cooed in delight, it may not be Gyre but it was another girl. This one was even her age! She watched Breena with interest, the other girl''s deathly pale complexion was a stark contrast to Paestri''s chocolate hue.
Gaze meeting others, Naita''s mouth curved slowly into a smile, eyes darting to the girl suddenly still in her arms. It was with some hope that her mind cried ''how bad could it be, maybe she''s in a good mood!''
"Hallo," she responded, nodding in lieu of a wave, made impossible by the two arms wrapped about her charge.
Taking in the other girl''s face, figure and coo at the sight of her, Breena''s mouth echoed that of her temporary guardian, serpentine movement flicking the edges up, mouth even opening a small way, admitting a gaze of the very caps of growing teeth.
To avoid any awkward silence from arising (as it often happened for the red head), Huni introduced herself and the little baby seated on her lap. "I''m Huni and this is Paestri." she smiled.
Paestri returned the smile, this one looked nice too! And she found this other girl very pretty.
Nodding at this introduction, Naita made a half-gesture, impeded by the babe in her arms, to herself, and then said infant.
"M''names Naita, and this kiddo is Breena."
Raising her black eyes to the adult''s face, Breena took in the other''s guardian, making her usual notes in the work of a moment. A sweet smile was extended to her, as well.
To any observer, it would seem the babe was a friendly soul.
Huni smiled at how adorable Breena was, glad that the legends they have recently encountered weren''t the anti-social sort.
"Nice to meet you both."
Paestri turned her icing pink eyes at Naita, momentarily cooing at the big person before she returned her attention to Breena. Would she know as much as Gyre, she couldn''t help but wonder and compare. Tilting her head to the side as if the gesture would enable her to find the answer.
"You too," responded Nai, before placing the babe on the floor and searching for a comfortable chair in which to rest herself.
"So how''d you wind up with... Pastry? M''self, I''ve only got this one while her real mum''s off watching children be born, or something."
Released at last, Breena eyed the one seemingly her companion for the moment.
Could be worse. Far too... sugary looking, with that pastel outfit and hair, for Breena''s liking, but then, no one had really ever met her liking. They were playthings, toys for her to dispose of as she saw fit.
Still, a charming actress she was, and she extended another smile to the babe, holding out her hand, in which was gripped a grey crystal, seemingly to have materialised out of nowhere. Breena was learning the art of illusion already, due to her kind tutor, Riife.
Seeing that Naita had set Breena on the floor, Huni thought it best to follow suit with Paestri.
"Have fun sweetie." she fondly whispered, patting the infant gently on the head. "How''d I become Paestri''s guardian? Well, funny story really, I was headed here just to poke around, see if anyone I knew was about. Passed by this bakery that I was sure wasn''t there yesterday, so curiosity and all that, I went in. I found her in the kitchen, near the ovens I think... not all that sure." Huni chuckled, rubbing the back of her nape. "Oh so you''re baby sitting for the time being?" she clarified, she was curious about Breena''s arrival, hopefully Naita would be able to tell her.
Paestri crawled over to Breena, a sweet, gentle smile on her face. She coo''ed in curiosity at how the other Legend had managed to produce the crystal from thin air. A hestitant hand reached out, not quite touching it in case Breena only wanted to show it to her.
Nodding absently, Naita nodded at the infant, quirking one brow at the other woman's story.
"Really? Dang, nicer than how Lady Siri got Breena.
Found her dead."
Though most would follow this up with more information, the woman stopped there, poking idly at a bump in her belly, where the babe inside was kicking.
On the floor, Breena held the grey item out a way further, prompting the other to take it.
She had a vast supply, and found them an easy way of building trust. Others were such suckers for a simple physical gift.
Huni smiled at first, then blinked in confusion, then practically did a double take.
"Ha? Did... you just say dead?" she asked with a scratch to her head, "I'm sorry if I misheard, I tend to do that a lot. Once someone said tinderbox and I heard ginger fox." the red head chuckled awkwardly, "Oh and how far along are you?"
Paestri's eyes widened in delight, was it really for her? Gingerly she took the crystal from Breena, her head tilting to the side ever so slightly.
"Se' kyu," she murmured, her tongue finding difficulty in the correct pronouncation of thank you. Paestri wished she had something to give in return, perhaps she would be able to find something back home? Without so much as hesitating, Paestri opened her arms as if to embrace Breena in thanks. To the infant, that was the only way she could express her gratitude in the meantime.
Even Breena's accomplished charm could, at times, find certain shows of emotion impossible.
The apparent wish of the other to grip her in an embrace shocked the babe. None but those adults had yet tried such pathetic shows. Reluctantly, eyes closed to hide the flashes of anger which arose at such blatant emotion, she leaned into the other infant, white hands touching the other's back for but a moment before she sprang away.
"Welcome," she stated simply.
Back with the other adult, Naita inclined her head for a second at this show, before returning her gaze to Huni's face.
"Mhmm, dead," she stated simply.
"Pretty far along. 'Ready to pop' my friend calls it."
The hug ended sooner than Paestri wanted, she was accustomed to long, hearty embraces, considering Huni's love for affection. But a hug was a hug and she was happy to have gotten one. Bright smile plastered on her face, Paestri once more looked at the crystal in her hand before returning her gaze to Breena.
"Wer a' hao?" she asked, getting a tad frustrated at her pronounciation. She wanted to know where and how Breena got the crystal and what exactly it was. Huni wasn't a big fan of jewelry, a couple of simple chains here and there, but nothing sparkly like what Breena gave her.
Deciding not to press the issue of being "dead" any further, Huni gave a quick glance to where Paestri and Breena were. She grinned in approval at Paestri's display of affection, the legend was so adorable.
"Ready to pop?" Huni chuckled, "Has it been difficult, being pregnant I mean? Like morning sickness, cramps and weird cravings? And do you know if it's a boy or a girl?"
Cravings? There was her obsession with pickles, but it would be a lie to claim that that was a completely new experience, related to the pregnancy.
"Uh... just more food, really."
That seemed true enough, it was rare that Naita went fifteen minutes without munching, now.
As for the sex of the baby;
"Bob's an it, currently. And whatever it is, it kicks too much."
Here, she prodded her belly, frowning. Apparently Bob was a feisty wee thing.
Back on the floor, Breena was growing tired of playing off her charm. The other child's babbling made no sense, and it aggrivated her to have to attempt to fill in the patches of the other's phrasing.
Keeping up the angelic front, however, the babe's black eyes played over the other, smile growing, tips of white teeth playing through her gums.
"Crystal," she stated simply. "Riife's crystal."
For once, though disjointed, a phrase had come out as intended. Her vocabulary was aggrivatingly low, her ability to communicate her ideas sickeningly inadequate.
"The kicking doesn't hurt does it?" the red head asked, eyeing Naita's stomach curiously.
"Hu?" the legend blinked, not sure whether or not Breena was referring to herself or to someone else.
It was at that moment that Huni's S-Tone began beeping and vibrating like mad. The red head's instinct was to squeal and jump up to her feet to try to get the electronic device from her pocket. It was only after hoping a few seconds did she manage to get at the S-Tone.
"Hello? Linny? Alright, I'll be right there," Huni turned to Naita with an apologetic look, "Sorry about this, but I gotta go. It was great meeting you and Breena, maybe we'll see each other again."
Before Paestri could get an answer from her playmate, she felt herself being scooped off the ground. She pouted at Huni, but it seems her mama was too determined to leave for the pout to work.
"Bai bai!" she waved at both Naita and Breena.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 4:09 am
It Begins Here... "Good night sweetie." Huni whispered as she tucked the infant into her crib. The woman planted a soft kiss on Paestri's forehead, and gently brushed stray strands away from the legend's face. "Sweet dreams." she added as she quietly padded out of the room.
Paestri had heard nothing, felt nothing, she was asleep too deeply. But the oddest thing was, she was aware. She was aware of the large, stuffed rabbit beside her, was aware how the bells would tinkle with every movement she made. She was aware of the sheets she lay on, was aware how they smelled like lavander and how warm they were. She was aware of the strange, tugging sensation that began at her toes that inched upwards until it reached the crown of her head.
And then for one brief of moment, Paestri felt like she was being torn apart while being burned. Or burned while being torn apart, it came and went too fast for her to be sure. Despite the agony she had undergone, Paestri did not rise from her slumber to cry out for Huni. Why? It was because she was no longer in her crib.
She was still asleep, she was aware of this, but at the same time she was aware of a young man staring at her. She was aware that he had freckled skin, copper hair and emerald eyes. His expression was hopeful, and a shy, awkward smile was on his lips.
"Is this possible?" he asks, emerald eyes twinkling.
"It will be ready tomorrow." a female voice responds.
And the young man exits. He is replaced by a pale woman, her cornsilk hair pulled back into a severe bun, giving attention to her piercing blue eyes. She is frowning, her nose wrinkled in condesencion.
"Are you certain of this?" she demands in a nasal voice.
"It will be ready tomorrow." the same voice replies pleasantly.
And the snooty woman leaves. A little girl, accompanied by her nanny enters. The little girl has her ebony hair in pigtails while her bangs cover her hazel eyes now and again, she is no older than nine. The nanny is old, a spinster, her silver hair cropped short to help her appear younger, but her amethyst eyes are sharp, aware of the dangers that might befall on her young charge.
"You promise?" the child chirps, eyes wide as saucers in a mixture of faith and excitement.
"We have your word?" the nanny chimes, the quirked brow indicative of her disbelief. It is apparent she is only humoring the child.
"It will be ready tomorrow." again the female voice assures them.
"What's gonna be ready?" Paestri finds herself asking, surprised to hear that words had been formed and made vocal.
The voice does not answer.
Darkness overcomes Paestri's vision, but for some reason the infant does not feel fear or apprehension. She feels that the lack of brilliance is but momentary. And she is proven correct as a single stream of light pierces the veil of darkness. The beam illuminates one single point where a locket in the shape of a book lies.
Paestri reaches out to the piece of jewelry with her hands, chubby fingers closing around the locket. The metal is warm to the touch, and Paestri assumes that it had been handled not too long ago. Again she is proven correct for she is given a vision of a pair of hands opening the locket.
Bright light shines forth from the piece of jewelry, its intensity is blinding, so much so that Paestri could not help but squeeze her eyes shut. Despite her lack of sight, Paestri is aware that something is emerging from the locket. Bottles and boxes and bowls and spoons spill out onto a smooth, wooden surface. The fire from an oven makes itself felt as heat radiated towards the legend. The aroma of delicious confectionary creations waft into Paestri's nostrils, eliciting a soft rumble from her stomach.
Finally, Paestri opens her eyes to see what has been made. Rather than cakes, cookies, and brownies, she finds it is morning and she is confined to the crib. The door opens and she sees her brother Linneas peer in.
He smiles fondly at her, Paestri is still not accustomed to his grown form but she recognizes the clean smell that emanates from him. She cooes in greeting, small arms raised in anticipation of being carried downstairs for breakfast.
"Morning Paestri." he greets and enters. As he bends to pick her up, he pauses, golden eyes spying something grasped in Paestri's hands. "What do you have there?" he asks.
Paestri looks down and sees the locket from her dream.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 9:00 am
The Morning After
"What's that Pae?" Linneas asked, scooping Paestri into his arms. His golden eyes peered curiously at the locket his sister held tightly in both hands. For a time, the teen stared at the piece of jewelry before turning his questioning gaze to the infant.
Paestri wanted to tell her brother about the odd dream, about the woman who spoke of something being ready by tomorrow. But all that came out was a gurgle and a baby's babble. It wasn't frustrating for Paestri, but lacking the ability of speech was still a bit annoying.
Her tiny fingers unfurled to allow her brother a better view of the object she held. Though she was unaware of what this thing was called, she was sure it held many secrets.
"Wow, did mom give you that last night?" He smiled, "No wonder she looked extra happy when she tucked you in."
Paestri shook her head at Linneas' words, it was the best way she could tell him that Huni was not the source.
Linneas of course misunderstood his sister and just chuckled as he brought her to the kitchen for breakfast. The descent along the stairway went smoothly, and from the height he gave the shop front a brief inspection, deeming it tidy enough to not require another cleaning until later in the afternoon.
Once inside the kitchen, the teen set Paestri down into a highchair before fetching her a bottle of warm milk.
Huni gave a wide yawn as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes, albeit she wasn't doing a very good job at it as she gave another huge yawn upon being seated.
"Morning." she mumbled.
"Mom, where'd you get the neat locket?" Linneas asked as he began to heat a pan. He had taken over kitchen duty the moment he had grown into a teen, for the sake of everyone's health since Huni almost burned the kitchen a few weeks ago.
"What?" Huni blinked, staring at her son blankly. Maybe she was still asleep, she was sure once her brain started working and when she was more awake she'd remember. But in the meantime, Linneas would have to explain what he meant by 'locket.'
"You know, the one you gave Paestri last night." he continued, getting a pack of bacon from the fridge along with a couple of eggs.
At the mention of the locket, Paestri stopped drinking her milk. Her focus was on Huni and Linneas, the bottle momentarily forgotten.
"Linny, I have no idea what you're talking about." Huni stated, brows knitted together in confusion. She was fully awake now and was absolutely certain she didn't know what Linneas was referring to.
Linneas took a deep sigh, his mother could be so forgetful sometimes. "This locket." he explained, directing Huni's attention to the object Paestri was clutching.
"Where did she get that?" Huni asked, rising from her seat to inspect the locket in Paestri's hands. "And what's this carved on one side?"
"I thought you knew." Linneas was now echoing his mother's confusion.
"You think the Tome had anything to do with it?"
Paestri giggled and shook her head, the expression her brother and her mother had looked so silly. "Dree!!" she declared, trying her best to tell them she received it from a dream.
"Well, if I didn't give it to her and you didn't give it to her, and the Tome didn't give it to her, who or what did?" Huni demanded, concerned about whatever this locket meant. "Hmmm, maybe there's a picture inside it that could help us out?"
Paestri didn't know one could open lockets, but then again she knew very little of the world. She wasn't sure of many of the words her mother and her brother had been using, only guessing what they meant based on context. She held out the locket to Huni before realizing how hungry she was and continued to drink from her bottle.
Carefully, Huni took the locket from Paestri's outstretched hand and held it in her own. With her free hand, she tried to pry the locket open. And spent the next ten minutes trying to open it.
"You try opening it, Linny."
Linneas did his best, but his efforts too were in vain.
"Maybe we could break it open?" Huni suggested, "Don't we have a nutcracker or something?"
At the thought of breaking the thing apart, the milk went down the wrong way and Paestri began to sputter and cough. Which of course drew the attention of her mother and brother away from the locket to making sure she was alright. She had begun to wail, not only because of the suggestion Huni had made regarding the locket but also because it was scary to suddenly not be able to breath properly.
"Awww, there, there Paestri. Mommy won't break your pretty locket, she promises. And neither will Linny, okie love?" Huni cooed, patting the Legend gently on the back to help ease the coughing. When she felt Paestri snuggle up to her, the red head gave a sigh of relief.
"Now that that's settled, it's time I showed you the joy of shopping! And I will show it to you once I remember where I left the list..."
"Mom, the grocery list is on the table beside the front door." Linneas reminded with a sigh, his mom was so forgetful.
"Oh! Right. Thanks Linny."
"Mom can you please stop calling me Linny? I'm too old for that now." he rolled his eyes and with his arms akimbo. And instantly regretted it upon seeing the hurt in Huni's expression.
"Leenee!!" Paestri suddenly exclaimed, finally managing to call her brother with a proper word. She beamed proudly at both Huni and Linneas, before trying to reach for her bottle again.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 9:02 am
Shopping Spree! Breakfast was over and the dishes had been done, it was time for one of Huni's favorite activities. Shopping! Granted that it was grocery shopping, but it was still shopping. And who said they weren't allowed to window shop along the way?
The red head gathered the legend into her arms, along with her purse and the shopping list that Linneas had to remind her of. With a sheepish grin, Huni and Paestri set off to the grocery store.
"Lookie over there, Pae, animals." Huni pointed to the pet store where several furry creatures were running around near the picture window of the shop. "Aren't they cute?"
Paestri gurgled and squirmed in Huni's grip, as if trying to transport herself to where the animals were. Her efforts were blocked by the picture glass that separated the infant from the animals.
Huni and Paestri continued on towards the grocery store, stopping now and again to look at clothes. Somewhere she had heard that the better clothes were in Isle de Gambino, but it would be too long a walk to get there. Plus, Huni realized she needed to excersize again, carrying Paestri all the time was making her arm muscles sore.
"We gotta get you a stroller." Huni winked as they passed by a shop that specialized in baby needs. "But not today, I don't have enough money." she laughed.
Paestri wondered what her mama was saying but she liked the light tone and the laughter in Huni's voice. So she grinned and cooed in response. Along the way, they walked by a mini-mart where all sorts of baked goods and sweets were found. Paestri absolutely refused to stop squirming after the scent and Huni decided there was no harm in letting the baby choose a couple of things.
Unfortunately, both Huni and Paestri shared a sweet tooth and they ended up buying nearly everything in the store.
"Okie, that's enough for today. We still have to buy groceries, Paestri." Huni laughed and informed the owner to deliver the things at her house. However, Paestri wanted to eat something. Now. And resorted to giving her mother the most adorable pair of doe eyes she could muster (a trick her older brother had taught her).
"You've been hanging around Linny too much," Huni chuckled and plucked out a heart-shaped chocolate lollipop for Paestri to nibble on. "That's all you can have right now, you can eat the rest after you've had dinner."
Paestri nodded, not caring what her mama was saying so long as she got the nummy treat. Finally, the reached the grocery store and Paestri got to ride in the cart. The metal felt cool to her skin, but the seat itself was confining. Something Paestri didn't like as there were so many things she wanted to see and look.
Every now and again, Huni would see Paestri dragging something off the shelves and into their cart. At first it was cute and Huni would just put them back, but when the legend tried to pull in a glass jar, Huni had to stop Paestri before she broke it.
"Pae, sweetie, some of these things aren't as strong as the others. Bottles like these can break and they're sharp and could cut you." she explained, trying to keep her temper in as Paestri once more tried to pluck a jar of honey.
Paestri of course didn't know what Huni was talking about, these things were so shiney and pretty, they must taste good! She couldn't understand why her mama didn't think they would, didn't she trust her judgement on food? Then again, Paestri recalled how her mama tasted and it was similar to the sensation of "knowing better" that she herself was feeling at the moment.
The rest of the shopping spree consisted of Paestri putting things in the cart and Huni returning them, and a long, thoroughly enjoyed stop at the free samples section.
"I swear, you've probably spoiled your appetite with all that stuff you've eaten," Huni rolled her eyes, though she did it fondly. At last they reached the cashier and waited in line for a good deal of time. By now, Paestri had gotten sleepy and began to doze off, it must have been the sugar crash. And by the time she woke up, she was back home.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2005 7:38 pm
Gift from Auntie Chao
Upon arriving home, Huni and Paestri both found a little package left by Chao. At first the red head had thought it was for Linneas, but as it turns out it was for Paestri!
"Well lookie whatchu got Pae." Huni chirped, bringing the package up to Paestri's room. She cut the strings binding it and made a small tear in the wrapping before letting Paestri have free reign.
Paestri poked the package, chubby fingers daintily tugging at the torn portion. It took a while before she managed to unwrap it, mainly because she wasn't pulling hard enough, afraid to really go wild and rip it apart. The gift was a prayer doll, its head was a panda and it had tiny jinglng bells around its neck. She squeaked in delight and did the first thing that came natural to her. She put it in her mouth.
"Pae!" Huni gasped, "Sweetie you don't eat this," she explained. She didn't really need to take the doll away, Paestri spat it out on her own. Apparently cloth didn't taste as good as marshmallows. "See this part?" she asked, gesturing to the loop on the doll's head. "You use this to hang it."
And with that, she hooked it near Paestri's crib. "And you should rest for a while, love. I have to go make sure they deliver our stuff on time."
Paestri yawned as Huni exited, she settled against the large pink bunny plush as well as the pretzel plushies. Her bright eyes lay focused on the prayer doll before she fell asleep.
Neither Huni nor Paestri knew that the prayer doll's essence was for Protection, but it was here and it would serve its purpose as best it can. And perhaps... one day, it would be able to do just that.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2005 9:10 pm
Meeting Prana The red head headed down the path towards the Legend HQ, she was moving at a fairly fast pace. Mainly because her arms were still a tad sore from lifting all the grocery bags yesterday and that Paestri suddenly became more active. The pink haired infant had taken to squirming more than ever, simply because she wanted to see everything, touch everything, taste everything. It was getting difficult for Huni to maintain her hold.
The locket Paestri received from her dream was safely tucked under her dress, her mama had found a spare necklace to thread it with. She was giddy and excited, for some reason she saw everything in a different way. Colors were brighter, scents were stronger, sounds were louder, and she wanted to experience them all!
Finally they arrived at the HQ, and Huni struggled to open the door while Paestri wriggled in her arms. "Wait a while longer, sweetie." Huni breathed, her arms were begining to tire. Once inside she purposely headed for the lobby where the couches and sofas were.Faevan popped her head into the HQ, and gave a smile as she spotted Huni. "Hi Huni. Long time no see." Faevan waved, holding the door open so Prana could walk in as well. Prana struggled through the doorway, carrying a large drum with her. It had been sitting on her shelf gathering dust, and she thought it would be fun to share at the HQ. After all, she remembered how much she had loved listening to music when she was a baby. With a 'oof' she placed it gently on the floor, finally looking up to spot the other two in the HQ.
"Hi." Prana waved, remembering the woman. She had seen her before, but she had a boy with her, not a girl. Curious, Prana walked a bit closer to geta better look.A familiar face! It took all of five seconds for Huni to remember the names. "Oh! Hi! Faevan! Hi there Prana." she grinned, praying to the unseen forces that that indeed was their names. "Last time I saw you two I was with Linny." she continued, internally confirming their identities. "This little bundle is Paestri." she introduced.
Paestri cooed at the sound of her name, before turning her attention to the the approaching not-as-big-as-mama person. She tilted her head, icing pink eyes wide with curiosity.
"Hoo?" she gurgled, one tiny arm reaching out to Prana.Prana peered at Paestri, her green eyes curious.
"Is she a Legend too?" Prana inquired of Huni, looking up at the woman. As Paestri cooed, Prana looked back at her, extending a finger within Paestri's reach so the infant could grab it if she'd like."How is Linny doing?" Faevan asked, plopping herself down on the couch. "Yes, she is, but I don't know much about her yet except that she is particularly drawn to baked goods." Huni replied with a fond chuckle. When Faevan asked about her son, Huni's expression became somewhat sad. "He's grown a lot, and apparently is too old for mommy's hugs and kisses." she sighed.
The change in Huni's mood did not escape Paestri, but at the moment she was much to intrigued with Prana. Her own fingers closed around the extended digit, and Paestri wondered why she had this odd taste in her mouth. It was nothing like the soft, gooey stuff mama had let her try the other day. And it wasn't like the milk she had been drinking. It certainly didn't taste like the green pastey stuff either.
"Wai?" she asked Prana.Faevan frowned a bit at the news of Linny. "That's too bad...but I'm sure he'll come around." She mused what 'grown a lot' actually meant. Last time she saw Linny, he was a mere infant with a plush mop in tow. She felt a bit happier knowing that Huni had Paestri to care for though. "Baked goods? You mean sweets?" Prana asked, curling her nose. She had such a severe distaste for super sweet paestries and baked goods. Banana bread and apple muffins were the only sweet things she could stomach so far, and there was very little sugar in either. "We'll have to get you some real fresh fruits." Prana said, touching Paestri's nose gently. "They're good for you.""Yeah, that's what Chao said as well, I figure it's best to give him his space." Huni nodded, though she did so wish that Linneas would start telling her about things again.
"Well sponge cakes, taisan loaves, soft stuff that doesn't need a strong set of teeth to eat. She loves cake icing, especially pink icing." Huni added with a grin, "But Pae'll pretty much eat anything you serve her. Would you know which fruits are in season?" the red head asked.
Paestri was never one to make demands on others, if the older Legend didn't understand her question then she wouldn't force her. She giggled at the gentle tap on her nose, and tried to do the same. Only her entire hand ended up softly brushing against Prana's nose."Frosting?" Prana stuck out her tongue, remembering her one encounter with the sticky stuff. "Well, I guess people like different things." She thought for a moment, then brightened up. "You can get strawberries now. They're soft, and naturally sweet. Maybe Paestri would like those?" She looked back at the infant, how precently had her hand against Prana's nose. "Would you like strawberries? They're red...that's almost pink." She said, gently taking Paestri's hand off her face and holding it on her own hand. "And what does 'wai?' mean..." She added as an afterthought, remembering that Paestri had murmured something to her earlier. Faevan watched Prana listen to the laundry list of sweets, and chuckled softly. "She's never liked sweets." Faevan explained lightly, still giggling. "Bowen gave her a lollipop once, I think it ended up in his hair. The only candy she'll eat is candied ginger pieces, and that's pushing it. She even used to his my sweets when she was a baby!" Faevan lamented. Paestri 'ooo'ed' in surprise at seeing Prana's tongue and just for satisfying her own curiosity she stuck out hers to see if she had one as well. She bent slightly forward, trying to see below her nose and when she saw the pink tip she pulled her tongue back in. When the older Legend continued to speak, Paestri giggled and nodded, despite not being sure what strawberries were and what natural meant.
"Wai?" she echoed, her face suddenly scrunching as she concentrated on how to explain her intention. Having no better way to explain she wanted to know why upon her touching Prana she got an odd taste in her mouth, she pointed to Prana then stuck out her own tongue and pointed to that.
"She doesn't like sweets?" Huni blinked, facing Faevan. "Almost everyone in my household has a sweet tooth, which is also why I buy a lot of toothpaste and floss." she added with a sheepish grin."Nope, she hates them. Once in a while I can get her to eat baking, provided I substutite homey for sugar. But no cookies, candy, nothing. Come to think of it, I rarely ever have sweets in my house at all anyway." Faevan thought hard. It was true. Save for the occasional cookie when she got a craving, there wasn't much that could be deemed a sweet in her home. "I wonder if Prana influenced me or vice versa..." "Your tongue?" Prana said again, looking at Paestri. She cocked her head to the side, and the laughed. "No, I don't tastes sweet..." Prana giggled, thinking that's what Paestri meant. "I wonder what I taste like?" Prana looked at her hand curiously, and touched a fingertip with her tongue. "Nothing special..." She shrugged, "...but not sweet like frosting either. Is that what you wanted to know?""Well there is always that possibility that you adjust to the child." Huni nodded, "Although I don't think I influenced the sweet tooth in Paestri, she hasn't been around me long enough."
Paestri's expression was puzzled but decided she'd look into it some other time. Maybe when Huni would go grocery shopping again and they pass by some of the free sample stands. If new ones were there, maybe one of them might have the taste!
Even though Huni had mentioned Prana's name, she recalled her mama saying two new words and thus wasn't sure which one was referring to the older Legend.
"Hoo?" she gurgled, pointing to Prana.Admittedly bad at comprehending baby speak, Prana stared at Paestri for a moment, but eventually, recognition came over her features. "I'm Prana." She pointed to herself. Despite the child's affinity for sweets, Prana liked this little Legend quite a bit. She kind of reminded her of Guinny when the other Legend was very young.Oooo! Her name started with the same sound as Paestri's! The letter P was easier for her to say than the letter G or B, though she still had some difficulty with the R's.
"Pla'a!" she repeated then pointed to herself "Paystlee!!!" she pronounced, it was the closest she ever came to Paestri. Prana was different from Gyre, but Paestri still liked her. She liked the odd taste she got from Prana and wondered what Gyre would taste like.Prana liked the way Paestri said her name. She was used to hearing 'Pwana' form the infants in the HQ, and liked the change in pronunciation. "Well, hello Paestri. Nice to meet you." She took both of Paestri's hands in hers and shook them gently. While she held Paestri's hands, she took note of the difference in theie skin colors. Paestri looked so warm and toasty, a nice brown. Prana looked almost transparent in comparison. It was like looking at the earth peeking through snow. In all appearences, Paestri really did look like a frosted cake. "I think you may be the first sweet I like." Prana jokes, taking Paestri's hands and pretending to eat them all up.Paestri gave a delighted squeak when Prana pretended to eat her hands, Huni sometimes did that, and it tickled her. She liked being tickled and Prana was the first Legend who actually held her like Huni but in a slightly gentler manner. She also noted the hue of Prana's eyes, green, and found something was very familiar about that color. She just wasn't sure if she was supposed to fear it or take comfort in it.Paestri seemed to like the tickeling, so Prana moved the cuff of her furry glove up to Paestri's nose, tickling her there too. But she paused as she noticed the hesitation in Paestri's eyes. The bright pink orbs were boring right into hers with quite a bit of interest.
"What's wrong, Paestri?"Nothing was wrong per say, it just felt familiar. But Paestri couldn't say it, she didn't know how. At least not in a manner that Prana was sure to understand. She mumbled something in baby talk, odd syllables that vaguely resembled "Remembering something" but that was the only understandable portion. The rest were incomprehensible babbles.
Huni noticed the sudden change in Paestri's mood, the infant suddenly seemed distant, and she was unable to make sense of the words.
"I think Paestri's tired, maybe she needs a nap?" Huni murmured, growing worried."We should go too." Faevan mused. "There's a lot to do today." Prana nodded, looking form her Guardian, and back to Paestri again. "Bye Paestri!" She waved cheerfully, collecting her things and returning to Faevan's side once she was ready. "I'll bring you some strawberries next time I come, ok?""It was good to see you again, Huni." Faevan waved, taking Prana's hand and leaving the HQ for the day. Huni waved goodbye to the two as she got up with Paestri in her arms. She was surprised at how quiet she had become but thought maybe it was a really delayed sugar crash?
Paestri blinked in surprise that Prana was leaving, she gave a small wave at the exiting figures before finding herself being lifted up. She couldn't figure out the significance of that color... a deep green against a canvas of white.
Wordlessly, Huni exited the HQ and headed home towards Barton.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2005 10:51 pm
Entry From A Worried WomanNight had fallen upon the Stationery Shop and most of its denizens were asleep. The kitsune and that lived within the same building was insomniac, as was Huni who had been wondering about Paestri's encounter with Prana the other day. The red head was lying atop her bed, back propped against the pillows while she stared out at night-time Barton through her window. On her lap was the diary that she kept to record the events that had been happening since Paestri's arrival.
Tonight she was going to add another entry, and once Paestri was old enough she would give the diary to the Legend as she had done with Linneas and his Tome.Huni Pi Ever since that weird pendant thing arrived, Paestri has changed somewhat. Not in a bad way though, she just seems different. She stopped bringing the large pink bunny, though she still cuddles up with it at night. And she gets into everything she possibly can, but maybe that's how babies really are? Should I be worried about Paestri? I don't know who to talk to about this or who to ask as I'm not really familiar with any of the other Legend guardians.
I'm so worried that I'll end up raising Paestri wrong, but Chao mentioned that all parents feel that way so I guess I'm 'normal' for the moment. I really should stop thinking so much.
Maybe I'll try some of the recipes in that cook book... that should keep my mind off things. I only hope I don't destroy the kitchen in the process... I'll ask Linny to help me out, he could watch over Pae for me.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2005 5:43 am
Taste Testing "Hey there, Pae." Linneas greeted as he entered his younger sister's room.
Paestri was lying on the rug, snuggled up against her stuffed toys. She had been playing a game with them, a pretend game where they were telling her stories and she would reward them with happiness if she liked it and punish them with sadness if she didn't.
Upon hearing her brother's voice, Paestri turned around to respond with a bright smile.
"Leenee!" she cooed, her hands making grabbing motions for him to pick her up.
"Sorry Pae, can't bring you around today, and neither can mom. But look, I brought you something." he grinned and presented to Paestri a box of crayons and some paper.
Ooooo! Pretty, nummy looking candy! Paestri thought with glee. However, as with many other objects, the legend found out that the crayons only looked good enough to eat.
"Plllbbbttt!!!!" Paestri made a face as she found the crayons tasted horrible. And when her brother began to laugh, Paestri pouted at him, which made him laugh all the more.
"No, silly one," Linneas laughed, trying to calm himself down, "These are crayons. And you don't eat crayons."
"Kleyo's." Paestri echoed.
"Yeah, see? This is what you're supposed to do with them," he then began to demonstrate how the crayons worked on paper.
Paestri squealed in delight, seeing the colors appear on the paper. She was reminded of the paint that Gyre had shown her, only these sticks didn't stain your hand, just the paper! Grabbing the color pink, Paestri practically attacked the blank sheets.
The teen chuckled at the intense concentration Paestri displayed as she scribbed and doodled. Quietly, he left her room to let her draw in peace.
And draw she did, little squiggles all in a crooked row, some slanting up, some slanting down, and though no shape formed, Paestri seemed satisfied with the results. She continued to draw, until she ran out of paper and resorted to the rug. However, the crayons weren't sticking well to them and the legend crawled to the walls, which the crayons worked on.
Pretty soon, she had covered a large portion of the lower wall (she wasn't tall enough to reach the top) and when the pink crayon was little more than a stubble, Paestri decided she was finished. With a yawn, she curled up on the rug, snuggled against her stuffed toys and promptly fell asleep.
Little did she know that the locket hidden beneath her dress was glowing dimly.
Ning snuck into Paestri's room to check up on the legend, as request by her bonded. And the widget nearly shrieked at the sight of the scribbles. She kept her silence and summoned Linis to her side to help her scrub off the crayons. It didn't take long for the widget and the sprocket to finish, though at some point they thought they woke Paestri up. But the legend went back to sleep, dreaming of who knows what.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 9:10 pm
[ Message temporarily off-line ]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 9:32 pm
Things That No One Really Hopes For... The entire household (which composed of Icing, Linneas, Ning and the sprockets) were on alert that day. The atmosphere was so filled with tension it could downright smother someone. It didn't begin this way, in fact it began like any other morning with Linneas fixing breakfast and Ning helping to set the table. But then Huni came down the stairs balancing Paestri in one hand and a fairly large book in the other.
"What's that, mom?" Linneas asked, eyeing the reading material in his mother's hand.
With a bright grin, Huni laid it atop the dining table to let the Tale look at it.
"I got it a few days ago," she explained.
Golden eyes widened in shock upon reading the "Baking for Stoopids" title. Linneas stared at the book, then at Huni, then back to the book.
"You... can't be serious, mom. Remember last time?" he reminded.
"Oh don't worry so much, it's not like I'm going to have the kitchen blow up on me! I'm not even going to use the gas range, just the oven."
"Which also runs on gas, mom," He stated flatly.
Paestri giggled at the exchange her mama and Leenee were making, but then she stomach grumbled and she began to squirm towards her high chair. She had learned that once she was placed in it, someone would give her something to drink or eat.
"Oh stop worrying, why do you think I got the "Baking for Stoopids" book?"
"Mom, the last recipe book you used was called "Cooking for Idiots." And from what I've read, idiot is less intelligent than stupid."
"I know that, why do you think they misspelt it on purpose? It just shows that it's even more for beginners," Huni explained as she lowered Paestri into the high chair. "Now be a dear and serve breakfast so I can start baking at once!"
And news spread quickly through the small house and most of its denizens had locked themselves away in their room on the second floor. As a precaution, Linneas had kept the shop closed, fearing that a helpless patron should enter and witness the future demolition site that was the kitchen.
"You're all over reacting!" Huni yelled out, "Aren't they Pae?" she grinned to the legend.
Paestri only giggled and clapped her hands. The dark skinned legend was mottled by flour, her cheeks, her hands, and especially the front of her apron. She was still in her high chair that was also lightly dusted by the edible white powder. Huni had given her a handful of the stuff to play with, and the legend went wild with delight. Though Paestri seemed more interested in covering herself with flour than actually eating it.
Linneas had been forbidden to enter the kitchen until the food was ready. But he was standing just outside, peering in every now and then, waiting for some disaster to occur. He had his cleaning tools ready, a blanket and a bucket of water to soak the blanket in in case he needed a way to smother the fire. He had been standing there for the past hour and a half, watching Huni create a mess and worrying for everyone's safety.
There was a soft ring, which the Tale mistook for an explotion and instantly leapt into the kitchen. Only to find Huni staring at him as she turned the oven off.
"Linny, it's just the timer."
The teen sheepishly exited and called Ning to be on standby to clean up the kitchen once Huni was finished with it.
For all the fears and worries, the cookies came out beautifully! A little singed but nothing that couldn't be scraped off. And Huni had this smug expression on her face,
"Ha! See? See? I told you all that you were over reacting! Now only Pae and I can have some of these cookies," She declared.
Paestri cocked her head to the side and wiggled in her high chair at the mention of her name.
"Meeeee!" she exclaimed, motioning that the cookies be brought to her for inspection.
Huni let the cookies cool first before she transferred them onto a plate. "For being such a little helper, Pae get first pick," Huni grinned and presented the cookies to the legend.
But Paestri didn't get any of the cookies. She just waved her hands over them several times, not even daring to touch them. Her icing pink eyes stared into Huni's in disapproval.
Quirking a brow, Huni simply shrugged and took a bite from one of the cookies.
The neighbours soon heard ambulance sirens wailing to treat the mild case of food poisoning Huni had contracted. Apparently, one of the ingredients had gone bad when she bought them. And the red head had to be confined to bed for a few days.
"See? It's not my fault. It's the ingredient's." Huni groaned to Linneas as she buried herself in her bed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 9:48 pm
Meeting LokiDue to recent events that no one truly hopes for, Linneas finds himself at the Legends HQ. He is nervous and a little fidgety for coming to a place he has been to but once and that was as an infant. He doesn't remember the layout of the location, nor does he remember who it was he met. Frankly he doesn't even remember being at the Legends HQ. His thoughts and attention had been more focused on the Stationery store his adopted mother runs with his adopted Uncle.
So why was he here?
A gurgle from the bundle in his arms reveals the answer.
"We're here, we're here." He murmurs fondly to his little sister.
Ever since Paestri received that sealed locket in her dream, she had felt more awake and energized. Not only that, but she wished she could see Gyre again and show her the locket, the way the older Legend had shown her the mask. While a little nervous about meeting new faces, Paestri was more than willing to encounter other Legends.Glaring up at the ceiling where his new keeper was ''standing'', Loki only removed his gaze from the ninja girl as he heard someone enter, and sneered at seeing they had a baby.
"Who''s the brat?" Asked Loki, acting innocent though clearly showed that he wasn''t.
"Loki." Kanth murmured in a soft but warning voice, and he went back to staring at her. "Hello... I''m Kanth, and this is Loki. Please excuse his behaviour, as we''re both going through a rough time."
Snorting, Loki crossed his arms and looked away. He didn''t want to meet anyone new; he wanted to sit in his room and thinking about where Ruri was, what she was doing, and how he was going to see her again... it almost took place of Lola.
Almost.A protective aura seemed to envelop Linneas upon hearing how Loki referred to Paestri. He had heard "brat" being mentioned before, but the tone used had been affectionate, it was different from the one the Legend used.
"I'm Linneas, and this is my little sister Paestri." He introduced, trying his best to remain smiling. Ever since that night, he had been having difficulty in keeping his temper in check. He had never felt like this when he was younger.
"And I'm sorry to hear about your situation." he added with sincerity.
Paestri coo'ed at the mention of her name as her icing pink eyes moved from Kanth to Loki. She cocked her head to the side, curious about the not-as-big-as-mama person that was looking away.
"Wai?" she asked to no one in particular."She''s very cute," Murmured Kanth, her eyes lightening for a moment as she glanced at Paestri. "They seem to grow fast, don''t they?"
Loki glared, clicking his tongue against his teeth. He saw Linneas falter, and a small smirk graced its way onto his lips. "Nothing to be sorry about... not as much as that thing you''re holding." His eyes shifted. If he was suffering, others would suffer as well.
"..." Kanth looked away. She had been so out of it lately, and hadn''t been reprimanding Loki like she should have. What would Ruri think..?"I don't really know, Pae's only been here for a short while." Linneas replied to Kanth.
The teen definately did not like the way Loki was talking about Paestri. He shot the young boy a brief but severe glare and wondered if he really was doing his little sister a favor by bringing her here.
"Someone sounds like they need a nap." he casually murmured.
Paestri was not comfortable with the tone her older brother was using. Especially since she has never heard him speak in such a manner.
"Lo'ee?" She asked, trying to figure out if Loki or Kanth were making Linneas cranky.Snorting in disgust, Loki crossed his arms and returned the glare for a moment, before looking away. He wasn't really in the mood for a fight.
Dropping to the floor, Kanth walked up to Linneas and gave a small, but sad smile. "May I hold her? She looks adorable."
Loki stared at her, baffled. She had never given him a chance like that, nor bothered to speak to him for the last few days. They had both been off in their own worlds, and all he wanted to do was watch the rain and think about Ruri.
It pissed him off, her acting like this.The teen quirked a brow at Loki's reaction to Kanth's request. It didn't use to be in his nature to make others uncomfortable, but then again, Lynn wasn't running around his mind more. Linneas looked a little tentative, almost possessive of his little sister but decided that Kanth didn't look like the sort who meant his sister any harm.
"I suppose so," He nodded, carefully handing the pink haired Legend to Kanth.
Her brother hadn't answered her question, this she attributed to the fact that he rarely understood her words. Hardly anyone at home did, but it didn't bother the infant. She cooed and giggled, and outstretched her chubby hands towards Kanth upon realizing what her brother intended to do.
"Lo'ee!" she gurgled, hoping that she would eventually get to see the other Legend up close and find out if he tasted like Prana.Cradling the infant gently in her arms, Kanth gave a small smile and reached under Paestri's chin, tickling there very lightly. "Pink is a cute color on you," She cooed.
Loki glared, and turned to leave, but was stopped by Kanth's outstretched hand on his shoulder. He muttered something without turning around, which was ignored by Kanth nonetheless.
"At least try," Kanth said softly, holding Paestri out for Loki to look. Loki finally turned around and grit his teeth together, giving a defeated 'fine' and sticking his hand out over the girls' body, as if to grab her.
He was more gentle, however, as he put his hand softly on her chest, peering at her with only a slight bit of interest in those hyena eyes of his.Linneas almost winced when Paestri gurgled Loki's name. He felt the boy didn't mean any physical harm, but still he wasn't quite comfortable about the idea of Paestri being so close to him.
Paestri giggled at Kanth's touch, she was a very ticklish infant and enjoyed tickle sessions with her mama. When she saw Loki turn to face her, she clapped in delight. Would this other Legend taste like Prana?
The moment he reached out, Paestri curled her tiny fingers around one of Loki's. And she was greatly surprised to find that he did not taste like Prana. He tasted... different.
Very different.
Again Paestri could not identify what this taste was, but the flavor made her sad. Was Loki also sad? And if so was it because he tasted like that?
"Wai?" she asked, icing pink eyes wide in concern and curiosity.Everything around Loki was forgotten as he stared at the baby within Kanth's arms, his eyes narrowing in confusion. She made that face at him; did he do something wrong? What was her problem? All he did was touch her.
Loki, however, didn't pull away; he stayed there with Paestri's fingers curled around his own, a strange emotion crossing his face as he remained standing there, his tail flicking once as if he was being very patient.
It had been a long time since anyone had touched him like that.Paestri tilted her head slightly and cooed. Given Loki's silence, the legend assumed that he didn't know why he tasted that way either. Or maybe he was like Prana and was unable to understand what she was saying? Both were possible situations, and she thought to ask again.
"Wai?" this time with her free hand she pointed to her tongue, allowing the pink organ to peek out ever so slightly from her mouth.
"No, Pae, you can't taste Loki," Linneas stated, misunderstanding his sister completely.Raising an eyebrow, Loki blinked once. Twice. And thrice. He didn't understand what she was saying at all! It both amused him, yet aggrivated him to the point where he very nearly couldn't stand it.
However, he withdrew his hand, crossing his arms and looking away. He wasn't going anywhere anytime soon, and that left Kanth to speak on both of their behalf. He didn't, however, expect her to suggest something completely different aside from them leaving at that point.
"...Would you like some tea?" The hyena boy turned, his golden ears perked up in surprise.
He still didn't have her figured out."Tea would be nice, I'll look around for some," Linneas smiled and exited to look for the HQ's kitchen. Though part of him wondered if he should have stayed with his sister, just to be safe. Huni would murder him if anything happened to Paestri, then again, she would die of guilt if she did anything to hurt Linneas. Such confusing protective natures his family had.
Paestri felt Loki's finger slip from her grasp, not to mention she didn't even get an answer from him. At this point, Paestri finally figured out that bigger-than-Paestri-people didn't understand the way she asked, maybe if she tried to talk like them it would be better?
"Wai Lo'ee tayst li'e dat?" she gurgled.Blinking owlishly at her, Loki ran her sentence over and over in his mind until he finally got it, and looked back at Kanth, who sat down with Paestri still in her arms. He kept staring at her to get her attention, but she still seemed to be off in la-la land, which made him snort in disgust.
Loki turned his attention back to the pink haired... girl thing. "Taste like what?" His eyes narrowed, and his hyena tail flicked once as he remained in thought. There was no reason for it, and he didn't know why, but he just felt... drawn to her, as if she was calling to him, to stay.
The hyena boy most certainly didn't like this feeling; it reminded him of Lola, far too much.Finally some progress! Maybe she should start talking like the other bigger-than-Paestri-peoples. But right now, Paestri had more pressing matters to attend to! Like how was she going to explain to Loki how he tasted like when she wasn't able to idenfity it either.
Her brows knitted together in a mimicry of Loki's own expression, and her lower lip jutted out as if in a pout that he didn't know what she was talking about. However, her eyes softened, and the sour pout turned into a sad, almost bitter frown. Her face stayed that way for all of five seconds before she brightened and reached out to him.
"Li'e dat!" she declared. Apparently the face she made was her explanation of the so-called "taste."Handing the cute girl to Loki to hold, Kanth smiled very briefly and darted into the kitchen to check on Linneas, to make sure he knew where everything was.
Nearly dropping the baby, Loki regained his self control and set her on the ground gently, sitting down in front of her as he crossed his legs. "... sad?" He murmured, tilting his head and scratching behind an ear. He looked away for a moment, not really sure if he should share his story with her.
Idly, he brushed back his white blouse collar, eyeing the scars there. They brought so much pain the moment he exorcised anything, but when he wasn't dealing with demons, he wasn't in any torment whatsoever.Linneas had thankfully not gotten his sense of direction from Huni and eventually found the kitchen. He was searching through the cabinets for the ingredients and mugs when Kanth arrived.
"Oh, was I taking too long?" he asked.
Paestri quirked her head to the side, was it really sadness she tasted? No, it wasn't, it was partly sadness, but it was something else. Thoughtfully she peered up at Loki and gently tugged at him.Kanth smiled at Linneas, waving her hand. "Don't mind me, I just need to talk to people. I just came to help out with making tea, as Loki's doing fine with Paestri."
Yanking his arm away without thinking, Loki's ears flattened as he looked at her. "What," He said, harshly, then bit his tongue and spoke again in a softer voice. Kanth would have maimed him if she found out he was being rude to a baby.
"What?" He spoke for the second time, and put his arm back down for her to touch if she so wanted."Loki won't hurt Paestri, right?" Linneas asked, eyeing Kanth a little worriedly. He resumed his search and came across a tin of tea leaves and brought it out of the cabinet.
Paestri whimpered in surprise at Loki's tone, her icing pink eyes watered as they threatend to start crying. Even though his voice softened and he lowered his arm, he still frightened the infant. She had never heard anyone speak like that, especially not to her. And she began to sniffle as wailing was never something she was fond of doing.She smiled reassuringly. "They'll be fine. Trust me."
Oh, they were far from fine. Loki was panicking, because of those damn reflexes of his, and now the baby was threatening to cry. Thinking fast, he glanced around his body to finally find one of his belts loosened on his arm. Grabbing it with one hand, he wrenched it free and took it off of his arm, sighing as he studied it. It hadn't been in very good shape lately, thanks to his exorcising demons and other such things, but a gift was a gift nonetheless.
"Here," He murmured, wrapping it around Paestri's arm and fastening it, leaving it loose enough so it wouldn't bother her, but tight enough for it not to fall off.
"Would you know where the kettle is, Miss Kanth?"
Paestri instantly stopped sniffling when Loki wrapped the belt around her arm. She studied the new accessory, poking it, tugging at it and (like every new thing she encountered) tasting it. It tasted like leather and had a hint of Loki in it. Paestri figured out that it wasn't for eating since it had been around Loki's arm instead of his mouth.
She looked back up at Loki as she rubbed away her tears with the back of her hand. When he didn't make a move to take the belt back, she cooed and crawled to him. Slowly, making sure he was looking, she reached out to embrace him in thanks and to say that she forgave him for scaring her."I'm afraid not-" She stopped, frowning as she took out a broken piece of the teacup, sighing. "Wonder who did this..." Kanth rolled her eyes, and shook her head. "No matter, I have one of my own." Reaching into her side packsack, she took out a large teapot which seemed to have not been able to fit into it (but did anyway, because she had just done it), and brushed off collected dust from the sides. It was a beautiful teapot, really, and it was obvious why Kanth admired it so; the teapot was in the shape of a teal dragon, with beautiful wings caressing the sides of the teapot, and the tail resembling the handle where one was to hold the teapot. The mouth was open for tea to pour out of, and one would guess it was to resemble the magnificent dragon spitting fire.
Sitting down in the chair, the female shifter took two cups from the cupboard and poured hot water into them, not at all bothering to explain how there was hot water in her dragon teapot when she had just brought it out of her packsack. She sat down, and took a cup for herself, dipping into it an unmarked teabag while providing a small smile for Linneas.
"So... tell me about yourself."
Stiffening slightly, as he was used to only Ruri doing this, Loki eventually became comfortable with an infant hugging him, and let out a small sigh. His hair blew upwards and then cascaded to the side of his forehead, falling haphazardly while his azul eyes stared at the pink-haired infant.
"I hope you like the belt," He muttered, turning his eyes to the ceiling so he wouldn't have to look at Paestri being so damn cute.Linneas first found himself another teabag before he sat down across Kanth. The Tale rubbed his chin, letting his fingers scratch at the tuft of hair as he pondered on his response.
"Well, I'm not technically a gaian because I came from a book," he shrugged, stranger things have happened and he had come to accept this. Lynn on the other hand was trying to get control of the teen's body, with little success.
Paestri beamed in delight at Loki, she was even happier that he didn't pull away this time. However, she felt that she needed to show him something too.
'I know!' she thought, releasing her hold on Loki as she pulled at her collar to reveal the locket she mysteriously acquired.
"Lo'ee!" she called, tugging at him to force his attention back on her.Nodding, Kanth leaned on her hand as she pondered this, her eyes half closed.
Loki turned to look at Paestri, blinking in slight surprise. "Whaaat?" He stared at the locket; it was gorgeous, but if she gave it to him, he didn't know if he'd be able to accept it. It looked so pretty on her, nonetheless..."And I help mom run the shop, and keep her from blowing up the kitchen," he adds with a shrug as if indicating that it was no big deal. "What about you?"
"Loo'!" Paestri declared, telling him to inspect it more. Huni and Linneas had tried to open the locket before but the piece of jewelry was seemingly fused shut. The legend wondered if Loki would have any luck with it."I went through a really rough time, losing my family, and basically... I run the mansion by myself. I drink a lot of tea, and I think that's what basically keeps me calm." Kanth murmured softly, taking another sip of her tea and leaning back in her chair. "Would you like some more?"
Loki looked at it, not being able to help but give a small smile. "It looks pretty on you. What's inside...?" He reached for it, attempting to open it but with no luck. "Ach... want me to break it for you? I'm sure it will open that way." He grinned, meaning it more of a joke as anything."My condolences on your loss," Linneas murmurs, "I don't drink much tea really, but I definately prefer it over coffee. But yes, I would like some more, thank you."
At the suggestion, Paestri's eyes widened in horror and she put the locket back under her dress. She pouted at him, Huni had mentioned trying to break it open and Paestri didn't like the idea that time either.
"Wai yu wana blea'?" she asks."Thank you, it means a lot." Nodding, Kanth poured him some more tea out of the dragon teapot, nearly dropping it as something rang in her bag. Setting it gently on the table, she reached into her bag and took out some sort of device, turning it off so it would be silent.
"Ahhh, I'm sorry. It looks like I have to depart, for now." She rose to leave, stopping for a moment. "I'll leave my teapot here so you may enjoy tea as long as you like. Don't worry about returning it, as it will return when you're done."
Loki tilted his head, squinting his eyes. "What? I don't understand..." He stopped, however, as Kanth walked out of the room. He rose up, running his fingers through his blonde hair and stretching a small bit, giving a smile to Paestri.
"I suppose we're leaving?" He asked, receiving a nod from Kanth. The hyena boy gave a wave to the other, as a sign of new friendship.Linneas nods his understanding and walks with Kanth until they were with the two Legends. He waved goodbye as he picked up Paestri into his arms.
Paestri pouted at Loki and gave a soft squeak upon feeling her older brother lift her off the ground.
"Bai Lo'ee!!" she gurgled, both arms making grabby motions at the older Legend.
"C'mon Pae, let's go home."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 11:40 pm
Entry From A Sick Woman Huni Pi Ugh, I've been sick from those cookies for the past few days. I still feel queasy now and then, but at least I can walk around without throwing up. Paestri has been having fun doodling, though I wonder why those squiggles of her are so familiar. Maybe it's just my imagination (or the food poisoning) talking, er... writing here. Linny tells me that she met another Legend, a young boy by the name of Loki. Linny doesn't like him, but he won't elaborate why. Well I think Loki's sweet for giving Paestri that belt, though I must admit it doesn't look like it suits her. It's just too leathery...
But if Paestri seems to like him, then I don't see the problem with it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2005 9:29 pm
No More Cake, Please!Huni Pi I celebrated my birthday with Linneas, Ning and Paestri last night. Linny was such a sweetie! He even made me a birthday cake with some help from Ning and Paestri. Although he sorta went too far and made too much. WAY too much. Like ten layers too much.
All three of them looked so proud and eager and in fairness the cake was pretty good. But they expected me to eat it all in one night! Egads, even if they each had two slices (which Paestri only had one because I didn't want her getting a tummy ache) we still wouldn't be able to eat it all.
I'm officially sick of cake. Well sick of cake for the time being. I only hope Linneas doesn't decide to make any more confectionaries in the coming weeks. I might have a relapse of food poisoning and that's not a good thing...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
