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 Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 11:22 am
Heading toward the door along the side wall of the room, Elle fished a large and ornate key from the ring on her belt and fit it to the lock. "Where am I from? Well, here to be exact!" With that, she pulled the door gently open...revealing the stairs to the cellar of the Villa she shared with Aki on the other side. "This is our other home, linked by Jabir's wonderful spell. I'll pop through and grab the tea, if you don't mind watching the little ones?"
Waiting for Kanilea's nod, Elle smiled and slipped through the door. It barely had time to swing shut before she was back...a piping kettle and two large mugs carefully balanced upon a tray. "I was summoned by a spell myself, much like Kudzu and perhaps Aladon as well? Kudzu arrived as an unexpected result of a Lifeseed charm...I was trying to grow a tree as a birthing gift for a friend, but I ended up with a babe instead!" Handing Kanilea a steaming mug, and a small basket of tea to choose from, Elle selected a small sachet of lemon honey mint and sank it into her own cup. "And yourself and Aladon? Where are your roots, if I may ask?"
At the word 'roots' Kudzu glanced up, gazing with blank and curious eyes at Elle. Since nothing of note seemed to be happening, he turned his attention back to the proffered snack. "Maaah." He accepted the mushy banana with one grasping hand, tasting it with a slow smile. How yummy! With the same messy hand, he batted a little plush ball toward his new friend...leaving banana fingerprints. He had no food to share, but he had many toys!
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Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 1:05 pm
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Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 10:15 am
Shaking her head, Elle smiled into her mug...enjoying the story that was unfolding between them. "I wasn't a Mishap, no...I'm an old soul, I guess you could say, summoned back for a second try." Her smile faltered for a moment, dark memories whispering at the edges of her vision. Fishing in the pouch that laid upon the table, Elle slipped a tiny piece of gnarled lotus root from the sack and dropped it delicately into her tea. No time for sad thoughts today.
Lifting her amber eyes once more to Kanilea, Elle tilted her head. "Nothing quite as exciting as being a demon, I suppose! You're more sociable than I would have expected." Her tone was warm, and her smile back...Elle made sure the young woman knew she was making light by offering a quick wink. "Life with a child is...well, everything I'd hoped it would be. Kudzu is quiet, observant, accepting...rare for a babe, and I wouldn't trade him for the world. Of course, I can't think of anything more I'd like out of life than a growing family, so I'm sure he won't be alone for long."
Stirring her tea for a bit, Elle glanced to the side as Kudzu burbled quietly....one bejemmed foot scooting to the side to kick at the ball. The edge of one of his crystals caught in the plush seam, ripping easily to expose a bit of stuffing. Elle smiled as the babe froze and stared at the white fluffy innards, watching as Kudzu pointed vaguely to try to bring Aladon's attention to the little tear.
"Aladon is having trouble sleeping, you say? Well, he is certainly a unique being...perhaps he was not meant to sleep at night? Forgive me if that sounds odd, but I've never seen Kudzu truly sleep at all. He simply settles down for a few hours, usually if its dark or cold. Maybe Aladon would be more comfortable sleeping during the day....or, if you'd like, I could mix him up a soothing tea blend? Brews and teas are my strength!"
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Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 12:00 pm
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Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 12:26 pm
Laughing at Kanilea's unexpected 'breaking and entering' comment, Elle sniffed and set down her mug with a grin. Tea was best sipped, not snorted. "Well, when you put it like that, I suppose I see the influence you mentioned." How rare to find someone with a compatible sense of humor!
"I am an herbalist of sorts, yes...though my interest lies in recreational and small fix brews. I'd certainly no apothecary, and I know little of plants outside my region and uses." Shrugging a bit, Elle reclaimed her mug and took a more careful sip. "As far as the gardens, we've toured the grounds but I didn't know we were encouraged to plant! If you'd like, we could share a garden space and take turns tending?" Such things were always more fun with company, and gardens were even more delightful when you didn't have to necessarily be the one to tend them each and every day!
Once again, Kudzu peered over his little shoulder to the women speaking...interest drawn by gentle words that seemed somehow familiar. The fluff settled to his head just as he glanced back to Aladon, and he went a bit crosseyed looking up at it. The leaves of his hair fluffed and rustled as he shook his head, sending the fluff adrift once more.
"Naahnan. Pahh." The words were just babble, but quietly spoken as he tried to pick the fluff up form the blanket with delicate and clumsy fingers. Finally giving up, Kudzu smiled a tiny bit at Aladon as though to say, 'All well, it got away!'
Elle took another sip and gave her head a slight shake. "I can't wait until they begin to speak. I'm so curious what they'll talk about! Kudzu is part amethyst, you have a good eye! The Lifeseed charm consists of a token from the birth, iron for strength and binding, the birthstone of the child, and a seed. I used gears for the iron, and a jacaranda seed for the center of the spell. Have you seen a jacaranda tree? Large open canopies, with bright green fronds and sprays of purple blossoms?" They were faily common, but Elle had no idea if they grew in the local grounds. "Well, put them all together, along with an extra token from the birth of twins, and you have a Kudzu! What was Aladon's story, of the wisdom spell?" Topping off her mug with more hot water, Elle held out the kettle to do the same for Kanilea.
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Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 2:29 pm
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Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2006 10:24 pm
"It's hard to say." Elle smiled absently, still thinking on Kani's story of the spell and coven. "He certainly has no problem making friends, though. I suppose being so calm and flexible has something to do with it. How like a plant! And yes, leaves or something close..." Laughing as Kudzu tumbled backwards, tipping over as he tried to stare up at Aladon's hand, Elle shook her head. Flexible indeed!
As Kudzu wiggled about languidly, stuck on his back like a rustling turtle, his eyes slowly closed as his mouth opened in a yawn. Elle noted this, and rose to drape a blanket over the side of the basket. "Will you be free early next week? I'm taking Kudzu on a gathering trip for a few days...he loves being out and about. When we're back, though, I'd love to get together again! Perhaps we can each invite another guest as well, a friend of Aladon's and Shamilade, a friend of Kudzu's? The more the merrier, especially for the younglings."
Kudzu cooed in agreement, although the only thing he understood was Elle's warm tone. Finally rolling on his side, the heavy babe draped himself over Aladon's legs and yawned again. If allowed, he'd rest just as content as a pile of puppies...maybe his new friend wanted a rest as well!
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Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2006 7:50 am
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Posted: Mon May 01, 2006 10:48 am
Inclining her head as Kani bundled the boy up, Elle paused by the large basket to settle one hand on Kudzu's shoulder. The babe glanced up at her touch, noticing that his companion wasn't merely hovering, he was Going Home. Eyes going the slightest bit wide, Kudzu's lips parted in a tiny smile and one hand stretched up in half a wave.
"We'll drop you a note soon, then...it's so nice to have someone to chat with, as you mentioned, and they seem to get along just fine! Well met, Kanilea and Aladon! We hope to see you soon!"
Scooping Kudzu out of the basket, huffing a bit under his mystical iron weight, Elle strolled to the door to see her guests off. They exchanged waves, and she watched till they walked 'round the bend...giving Kudzu a bounce and prompting him into another smile just before their new companions disappeared.
"Well, you've had a more exciting day than you expected, hmm? How about some food, and a little rest?" Elle's voice faded as she shut the door gently, and the echos of steps finally vanished.
Lost: Finished!
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Posted: Wed May 24, 2006 8:54 pm
New Growth~ ~...liquid clouds, bobbing and pulling apart...long yellow lotus, with a butterfly shadow...pale girl and bright eyes...watching and oh so amused...all of them danced...and spun...and sang...smoke thick in the air~Slowly, and with great resentment, Nisha fell awake. The sun was warm above her, and the grass was cool...it was the perfect chance for a nap. Why were there eyes on her, then? Staring and staring?  Picking her head up, eyes narrowed in groggy speculation, the young Forgotten focused on the shape beside her. Only a little smaller than she, all verdant and pale and purple...and a smile? Green hair? With rising annoyance, Nisha struggled to push herself into sitting. Who was this, then? For a moment, Elle's form was silhouetted in the kitchen window...but Nisha was too focused on the boy before her. Kudzu. The thought appeared in her mind as though she had willed it. Glare snapping to Desperate as he lounged nearby, Nisha mentally shoved her companion away. She didn't want to know his name! Too late. Kudzu? What kind of a stupid name was that? Nose scrunched at the babe lying peacefully beside her, Nisha finally raised her hand aggressively. This was her nap, and her grass! He better leave! The babe didn't so much as blink. Pale, cornflower blue eyes peeked back up at her, partially hidden by a mop of leafy hair. The boychild didn't seem to have a worry in the world, much less concern over the temper of the girl before him! SMACK! With an irritated swipe, Nisha brought her hand down against the babe's leg. No crying...again, he did little more than wiggle...but her hand stung like hot water! Instantly, she'd sucked in a huge breath of air. The air was split as she let it out in a classic warbling wail. Watching through her tears as Kudzu rolled a bit to the side in concern, Nisha suddenly caught glimpse of the facets near his ankle. The little white bathrobe he wore, even with the baggy brown pants, wasn't enough to hide it. Purple crystals, all along his leg! Forgetting her sobbing, just for the moment, Nisha sniffed and leaned forward with one grabby hand. They were pretty, therefore, they were hers! And she wanted them! Wet little fingers pushed along the amethyst ridges, eager and seeking. Kudzu cooed softly as though she ticked him on purpose. They weren't budging. They were... attached! Accepting this fact with instant dismay, Nisha screwed up her face into sadness once again...little hand raising for another vengeful strike. It wasn't until she brought it forcefully downward against the same leg that the baby girl remembered...Kudzu's leg was hard. A genuine shriek rose from the lawn. Pain, frustration, and humiliation warred for utmost cause as the tiny girl hollered. Her had was burning, and she had no pretties, and she wasn't done with her nap! Despair turned slowly to rage as Nisha realized that Kudzu was still smiling that same damn implacable smile. Her hand closed over a few locks of his cool hair as she lunged...fingers finding the side of his head as he turned his face reflexively. Yanking back with all her strength, Nisha practically tumbled. His hair wasn't strong like his leg, in fact, it came right out! Staring for a moment at her handful of leaves....wait, leaves?....Nisha tried to catch her breath. They were sticky and green and crumpled... Raising her eyes slowly to Kudzu, Nisha watched his face change. Wonder to confusion, confusion to concern, and then the pain washed over him. The tiny boy had never before felt pain...especially not anything so severe as the loss of a handful of hair! Trembling as he gasped for breath, Kudzu finally let go...a high, horrible keening of suffering. Nisha's smile vanished, even as it appeared. This wasn't as satisfying as she'd thought it would be. This wasn't crying....this was agony, laid bare! The girl watched in horror as thick, milky tears oozed from the babe's wounded scalp, rolling down his plump cheek. Her hand opened to release the 'hair' she'd pulled, but ony a few crinkled leaves drifted to the grass. The rest were stuck, glued to her by that same awful sap. Desperate was struggling to pull himself up even as Nisha added her voice to the cry. Her tiny heels drummed as she threw herself back, feeling as bad inside as Kudzu did out. The front door flew open as Elle dashed out, shock and empathic pain written clearly across her stricken face, but it was too late. The damage was already done.
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Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 12:04 pm
Trapped~
"Kudzu?" Elle paused by the play basket, gazing down into the empty nest of blankets, toys, and trinkets. There was no sign of the babe, other than a few leaves settled in the bottom of the basket.
She wasn't worried...her empathy picked up no distress from anywhere in the house, and he couldn't have gone far! It was curious, though, that he'd managed it by himself. Strolling into the next room, following the scattered trail of lavender petals and fallen leaves, Elle found herself in the sun room.
Kudzu sat quietly upon the floor, gazing up at the towering potted plants that crept up along the corners of the solarium. He turned to gaze at his creator solemnly, pale eyes slightly troubled. "Boh?"
"What's wrong, sweet boy?" Settling down to her knees beside the babe, Elle gathered him into her arms. Kudzu murred quietly, looking up once again to the plants. Elle followed his eyes, gazing at the collection of sprouts, flowers, and houseplants...
What was bothering him? Closing her eyes, holding the child close against her, Elle bowed her head and extended her empathy gently. His mind was calm on the surface, as it always was...but tremors of confusion and concern rippled a bit deeper. Opening her eyes once again, gazing up at the plants he stared at, it suddenly came together for her.
"Oh, Kudzu! Is that what's bothering you? They're okay, honey...see? They each have a pot, with soil, lots of sun and water..."
The child seemed unconvinced. He twisted to gaze out the windows at the solarium, at the trees and grass...and lifted one hand to point. "Aut? Auh?" The gem upon his forehead was pale, barely glinting in the sun that flooded into the bright room.
Elle sighed, a slight smile settling on her lips. The babe's compassion was sweet, but the plants were fine indoors! Weren't they? Holding Kudzu's gaze, Elle's smile faded slowly.
Perhaps...it wasn't okay. Kudzu certainly seemed serious...and though he was too young to explain, he demonstrated his wish quite clearly. Finally nodding, Elle rose and settled the babe on one hip...grabbing a small potted plant with the other hand. The change settled over him slowly as he realized she understood, a smile lighting his pale face.
"Want to help me plant it outside, then?" Elle smiled down at him, settling a kiss upon his cheek. Kudzu smiled brightly as they stepped out into the sun.
"Inku."
"You're welcome, love."
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Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 10:06 am
External RP Log: Elle, Kudzu, Erishi, and Shammi Elle, Kudzu, and Lonan Elle, Kudzu, Crow, and Lenore Elle, Kudzu, and Lonan
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Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 2:24 pm
In Preparation~
Blowing gently on the drying ink, Elle finished the last of the invitations. She'd been working so hard on cleaning and setting up for the dinner party that she'd almost forgotten to deliver the notice!
"What do you think, Kudzu?" Holding up one of the translucent invitations, glowing with subtle golds and pinks, she dangled close to the babe for inspection.
Kudzu's eyes went big. How lovely! Nodding, he reached for it with one pudgy hand, but Elle moved it gracefully away. "Not yet! We need to give them to our guests! Ready?"
Nodding again, dropping his hand without fuss, Kudzu made a little noise of acceptance. Ready!
Elle gathered up the stack of invitations, wrapped them with a white ribbon, and balanced the heavy babe on the other hip. Time to go!
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Posted: Sun Aug 27, 2006 8:59 pm
Final Touches
Only the candles were burning, windows thrown open and sheer curtains drawwn back to let the cool evening air in. The dinner wasn't until tomorrow, but she wanted to make sure everything was ready.
Turning in a slow circle in the generous dining room, Elle smiled. The orchids were beautiful nestled in their hand painted pots...gold and pink and white. For Kudzu's comfort, she didn't display cut flowers, and didn't truly need to. Living plants were so much more impressive!
Some of the food was already prepared, and a batch of slow brewing tea steaming in the kettle. Closing the windows gently, the napkins at the place settings fluttering as the slight breeze vanished, Elle sighed happily. Tomorrow was going to be wonderful!
By the time she blew out the candles and made it back down to her room, the moon was high above the ocean that lapped at the cliffs the Villa was perched upon. Kudzu was still cuddled comfortably in her blankets, never truly sleeping, but content nonetheless. Offering the lad a smile, she lifted his robes from where they were hanging.
"These will be yours!" Setting them down to pick up her own dress, Elle held it against her waist with one hand and spun in a graceful circle. "And this is mine. Think we'll look nice for our friends?"
The babe smiled, enjoying the happy tone of her voice, and nodded as he yawned. Laughing, Elle cast the dress aside and flopped down on the low bed beside him...ruffling his leafy hair.
"Well, get some rest. They'll be here tomorrow! See you in the morning, darling." His little hand patted her cheek as her eyes closed, and after a few minutes, Elle fell asleep with a smile.
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Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 10:53 am
Welcome!
Elle opened the door gently, propping it with a little gargoyle door stop statue. Her usual evening garb had been replaced by something a bit more formal...a floor length dress of crimson silk, hemmed in gold. She was still barefoot, of course, but that did little to detract.
Kudzu was barefoot as well, purple toes glnting from under the hem of his robe. His robes were brown, instead of red, but also carefully trimmed. His verdant hair was untamed, but a few beads of water still clinging to the leaves showed he was freshly showered.
Next to the babe was a basket, brimming with tiny glass bottles...each with a ribbon around their neck. He patted them idly as he sat...know better than to open them, as they were meant for other people! Besides, he had one of his own already....Elle was hanging onto it so it didn't get mixed in with the others!
The door that linked Kudzu's room to the Villa was open as well, and the smell of food was almost too much to bear. Leaning down towards the babe, Elle cupped his face gently with one hand. "Think our friends will be here soon?"
The boy beamed, the gem on his forehead a rich violet. Smiling at his guardian, in good spirits as ever, Kudzu glanced back toward the door. Who would be the first to arrive?
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