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Elle brightened visibly once Lonan entered, scooting her chair a bit to the side to make room. Wincing a bit as the two cera came tumbling in, she laughed and shook her head. Much less destructive than an elephant, at least!

As Lonan settled, her hands absently found his wing...fingers working by memory now to coax a slight reminder of oil down his feathers. "Those pictures are adorable, I had no idea Devi was ever so little!" From anyone else, it might have seemed an odd thing to say...but both Lonan and herself had arrived in this world nearly fully grown.

Kudzu did not seem disturbed by the racket, but raised one hand in grasping confusion...as though the noise could be pulled from the air. His back arched gently as he tried to lean up in Drac's arms and see who the new arrivals were.

"Monster? No...but cooking for him must have been a monstrous chore! I can't imagine how many meals it would take to grow from such a little thing!" Elle laughed at the image. Perhaps Devi used to do as Levi did now...standing at the fridge and draining an entire thing of milk, right from the carton.

Still running her fingers through Lonan's fingers, Elle watched the little aiko nose at Kudzu unexpectedly. Her voice changed just a touch as she addressed Lonan with a smile. "Such a big family! Do you have a little companion of your own, Lonan?" It seemed like family was family, but perhaps there was one in particular that Lonan cared for himself!

Kudzu gasped, unsure of what to make of the cold little nose and the gentle lick. Once his eyes focused, the aiko was gone...no, there it was! Was that...green? The shock faded slowly as Kudzu's tiny smile appeared...with a rare laugh, the babe wiggled at the company of the tiny creature. Puhbooo~" The last ended in a bit of drool, but no one seemed to mind.

Elle breathed deep as she was tugged against Lonan, smelling the apple pie instead of his warm scent. Laughing quietly, she lifted her eyes as the plates were settled before them.

"Thank you, it looks wonderful." She gave Lonan a squeeze before sitting up, waiting for the others before lifting her spoon. "What do you grow, here? Seems like a lovely spot for just about anything."

Kudzu cooed as the gentle paw dabbed at his chin, eyes closing in content relaxation. This was about as close to sleep as Elle had ever seen him...occasionally, his eyes would still flutter open to see if he'd missed anything.

While she didn't eat as slowly as Lonan, Elle ate with casual appreciation...enjoying the full flavor of each bite. Her smile blossomed as she glanced up at a small noise, and found Kudzu's hand reaching distantly for her plate.

"I doubt he's actually hungry, I'm sure apple pie looks like a lovely gooey toy! He's welcome to try a bite, if you're inclined to feed him." Taking another bite of her own, Elle smiled at the pair across the table. She'd feed him herself, but that would require leaving her seat or leaning across the table...and Drac looked like a practiced mother.

"Oh, this is wonderful. Thank you! I won't be able to stay too much longer, unfortunately...Aki's heading out today, so I'll be watching the whole bunch." She had cleaned less than half of her plate...Elle wasn't one to leave food, but Drac's portions were generous. Lonan hadn't been joking!

Leaning against her companion, enjoying the smell of clean feathers and baking spices, she sighed in contentment. "You should come up for dinner, sometime soon! I'm sure Aki would enjoy your company!"

Kudzu lost interest briefly as Leaf shifted about, nudging him gently. Giggling for no apparent reason, the baby shifted his heavy crystalline feet...rising out of his low energy mood. Good smells, soft things, and people talking! He wanted to see it more clearly!

"The mark of a good mother, regardless of species." Smiling, Elle rose...watching Drac's hand smooth Lonan's unruly hair. It was a blessing to see him at peace...after the day they had shared, Elle knew he could use some tranquility and rest. Finishing her ice cream, Elle finally had to give up on the remainder of the pie. She was stuffed!

Kudzu had gummed several spoonfuls of the mix, managing to keep most of it in his mouth! Arching as he saw Elle rise, the babe reached out one hand in curiosity. It wasn't so much that he wanted to be held by her...on some level, the babe simply wanted her to try these delicious spoonfuls from the Shiny one!

Tickling Kudzu under his chin as she passed, Elle didn't yet lift him from his comfortable spot. Instead, she pondered Lonan's words and started the hot water flowing in the sink.

"If...Devi is still away from home, I'd be happy to find him and bring word." Setting her last portion of pie on a napkin, Elle washed her plate with practiced hands before Drac could object....starting on the next dish without a second thought.

Glancing sidelong at Lonan, Elle smiled slowly once again. If Lonan were missing, she'd do the same...but she'd be far more inclined to stay by his side than simply bring word. His company was one of the richest parts of her life...there was nothing she wanted to miss.

Finishing at the sink, Elle shook her hands and dried them on the nearest towel. It would be a long walk with a heavy baby and a tummy full of pie, but one she certainly didn't mind.

"Well, when he returns, give him my best. It's been a long time since I've seen him." Smiling down at the containers, Elle mmurmured her gratitude and patted Kudzu's cheek...encouraging him to give his farewells to Draconayzia.

Burbling, the babe did just that...pursing for a messy baby kiss. The leaves at his temples rustled as he leaned his face against her cheek, smacking just like Elle always did on his pale cheek. There! A perfect kiss!

Laughing, Elle lifted him free and gave him a bounce as he settled into his sling. Leaning forward to offer Drac a hug, Elle gave the other woman a squeeze. "You have a beautiful home, and I appreciate you making me feel so welcome. Thank you, and well met."

Turning to Lonan with a slow smile as she stepped back, Elle let her hand settle upon his shoulder. Slipping into a hug, she rested against him for a few long moments...breathing deep, Elle sighed his scent.

"I will see you soon." Kudzu hiccuped in agreement.