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 Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 9:40 pm
Diary Treasured, Brother walks unannounced, but all know he arrives and when. Always knowing, Brother. Grown since last seeing; handsome. Grandfather now, loving being grandfather. Two girls; Eldest Arc of Lodestone and noise, Youngest Zhen of Chinese Writing Stone and beauty. A twinkle in Brother's eye as he feels he would not mind the sound of more little feet in his small home. Brother's Daughter also grown. Beautiful woman with the heart of a child. Both of the Earth, Porcelain. Often I ask if the Earth or Porcelain choose. It is both, they feel. It is. No words. Just feeling. Today is the proper day. The Earth calls. I answer. Brother watches. Guides me. Draws Earth symbol on my forehead. The same as Lucid, he feels. I agree. But the symbol is not for me. Symbolic for today. UnPorcelain misunderstand. Easier this way. Today, Luna Edae is no longer Little Luna Edae.
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Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 9:41 pm
[Open RP]
Swish-swish. Swish-swish. It was never easy to squeeze through the door of the clinic in intentionally too-frilly clothing, but Luna never did like flinging the door wide open. What if someone was within striking distance? She'd never forgive herself if something were to happen.
Jokeph, as always, was a few paces behind her, eyeing the clinic warily as he held a sturdy folder packed with paperwork in one gloved hand.
Updated medical records from Neilan, a note in June's handwriting read. Neither Luna nor Jokeph had an interest in the contents, however. Jokeph simply wanted to get the folder delivered.
Luna, on the other hand, scanned the clinic for anyone she knew.
Elle had been sitting in the clinic for a while now. She'd accidentally got herself a bit more sunburnt than usual, and had ended up with an entire back of red peeling skin. That somehow also reacted with the scales from her tail, the ones that trailed slightly up Elle's back.
It didn't hurt now, not after the cream she'd been able to get from the clinic, but Elle had decided to sit around and wait anyway. She wanted less sunshine on her back when she walked home... that, and she liked the excuse to wait around. Maybe she'd run into someone?
Elle glanced up at the sound of the door opening. Her jaw dropped as she stared in disbelief at who was coming through. It, that is, she looked familiar, and the man behind her was familiar. Elle felt an involuntary heat creep up her neck and cheeks at the sight of him. She might not have a huge crush on him but it was still embarrassing!
She forced herself to look back at the teenager. Just who was that, anyway?
Elle! Hihihi! With a light touch to Jokeph's shoulder (Just a few minutes, Jo?), Luna trotted toward the VERY welcome face in the clinic.
Elle! I never thanked you properly for the letter you sent! It was so beautiful and-- She slowed to a halt as she squinted at Elle. Did something happen? Are you all right?
Quietly hunched under a chair, little miss Mia counted her 10 fingers; well, at least pretended to. Caroline had gone in for some unknown reason, so she had no choice but to leisurely rest in the coolest spot...under a chair. As the door opened, Mia peeked her head out with curiosity. When her eyes caught site of Luna’s outfit, her gray eyes smiled. “Whoa.” She spoke with a loud squeal of excitement. Never had she seen an outfit of such greatness, of such frill and fancy; Mia had to have it. The toddler gazed at Luna, pondering the time to jump up and take hold of the beautiful fabric. Her eyes followed Luna and stopped as she started to speak to Elle. That was then the devious toddler started to plot.
Oh, Luna!" Elle could reconize that voice anywhere. She couldn't believe it though, Luna had gone from little kid to teenager. "I didn't reconize you for a moment, you've grown!"
She blinked at the question. "I got sunburn today. Nothing too bad, just annoying. The letter was no problem, I was wondering how you were and I thought you'd like it... and speaking of how you were, how are you?"
Elle hadn't noticed the toddler in the corner yet.
Luna was well aware of the toddler's presence. To Luna, Mia's impulses came out loud and clear.... and they brought a faint smile to her face. Her eyes seemed to twinkle as she discreetly covered her mouth with one hand, keeping a small part of her mind trained on Mia, should she attempt anything TOO rash, but otherwise trying to appear outwardly oblivious.
We have company, Luna projected as quietly as she could manage. Sssh. Don't let her know I sense her.
With that, the projections grew strong once more. Jo and I both loved it so much-- I'm going to have to do something for you in return, you know!
Something was fishy, but Mia didn’t take too much of a notice to it. She began to crawl under the rows of chairs, her aim was the chair occupied by Elle. As Mia was coming close, she paused and peeked her head out from under the chair. “Oh noes.” She cried aloud, breaking her cover. Mia slithered back beneath the chair with a sigh, a large black bag jamming up her roadway. Time for plan B. Revealing herself to the world, Mia began to stand up and amble over to Luna. “Cuse’ me m’amz.” She said in her bravest voice, like a lion. “You wanna trade dresses?” Her head wings flickered for a moment with hope as her fingers wrapped around a small part of her own soft pink jersey dress. “It soft an’ goodz for travelin’” Mia nodded with a bright grin.
Luna knew something. Elle blinked at her and gave a tiny nod when she'd been told what was going on. So instead of letting ehrself away, she just shifted in her seat so that the tail wasn't caught so bad (who designed these seats anyway?!) and answered Luna. "You don't have to, it was a lot of fun to make."
She blinked when a a loud 'oh noes!' came from underneath her and nearly jumped up out of the chair. Luna had warned her, but still... it was a very little her to fit under there!
But at the toddler's next comment, Elle tried to hide a big grin, waiting for Luna's reply.
Luna's giggles intensified at Elle's reaction, but when Mia finally came forward and asked that absolutely darling question, Luna quieted. Laughter would've been quite inappropriate in a situation like this, and Luna knew it.
Instead, she lowered herself to one knee, putting a hand on Mia's shoulders and looking her directly in the eye.
How am I going to fit into your dress, little one? The projection came with a feeling of playfulness; and even if Mia couldn't hear either, the gentle smile on Luna's face would hopefully be enough to convince her that Luna meant no harm.
Mia gazed up at Luna with large puppy eyes, and as the laughter rang in her ears, her eyes began to water. This wasn’t a laughing situation; it was a situation of life or death! The toddler glanced over at Elle with a pout and rubbed her eyes with a chubby fist. She began face Luna as she got on one knee, a pout still intact. Mia was somewhat confused when she had the same feeling she had when she spoke to Ilex; did everyone have speech impairment around here? After listening to what Luna had to say, Mia grunted. “Just becuz you fat don’t meanz we can’t trade!” Caroline always complained she couldn’t fit into some of her clothes because she was too fat, maybe Luna had the same problem.
"Aww... I'm not laughing at you, I'm laughing with you. You have very good taste in clothing!" Elle replied, wriggling out of the chair with a wince and kneeling beside Luna and the toddler.
She smiled, though she felt that frustation of her own ignorance welling up slightly. She liked kids enough, her mum sure had enough of them, but sometimes Elle had no idea what to do with them.
Luna tilted her head at Elle, a faint question being projected. Frustration? Why? She seemed just fine with Luna.
And as she turned her attention back to Mia, she mentally noted that Mia was one extremely lucky girl for asking the "fat" question to someone who knew what exactly she meant!
Yes, I don't mouthspeak well, Luna explained, smiling a bit sheepishly. And it's not that I'm fat, it's that I'm big. If you were to wear my dress, it would fall off. And if I were to wear your dress, I would rip it. With that, she patted Mia gently on the head. I wish I could have a dress as pretty as yours, but I couldn't bear to rip it.
“I not laughinz.” Mia eyed Elle, than started to randomly laugh. “I guess I doz.” She shrugged as if it were, you know, just a thing. “I guezz I no rip my dressez in doing trade.” The toddler hadn’t realized before, if she on with the trade than her precious ‘easy to travel’ dress may get ruined in the process. What a shame. Mia bit her lip than frowned. “You promiz when I get fat here, I getz to hav yo’ dresses?” Her eyes suddenly lit up as she pointed to her own flat chest.
The laughter relaxed Elle. It was just a toddler, not some ultrasensitive monster from the brink of the dark. (Like what Elle sometimes suspected Lirael to be.) She was just being silly.
"I'm sure you could find a dress just like it in a shop, you know. With lots of frills."
Luna would've quickly agreed with Elle, but found herself suddenly too embarrassed to speak-- or project any coherent thoughts.
Fat...here?!
...Well.
For perhaps the first time in her life, Luna blushed.
“Fo’ realz?” Mia asked with delight, the common saying had been implanted into her mind. Thank you MTV. “You thinkz you buyz me one?” She readied her eyes for the puppy dog of innocence look. “You knowz, I so tiny. I no monies.” Which was a fact, Mia was far too young for a job. Maybe the 'kindness of strangers' thing really worked. “Whatz wrong with herz?” Mia glanced over at Luna blushing; did she eat something and have to go to the bathroom? The toddler often turned red when she had to go.
Elle did notice Luna's blush, and for a startling moment, also noticed that Luna was 'fat there'. Luna really was a teenager! Elle wasn't sure if she should be glad for Luna or feel pity.
She laughed again at the toddler. "I might be able to find you something when I go shopping. What's your favorite color?"
Oh... wonderful. Now Elle was calling attention to it and--
...
Indeed, it would be time to clamp both hands over her mouth. It wasn't like she was going to say anything embarrassing, but the gesture was still appropriate. Luna thought.
“Omigee, you ma bestest friendz!” Mia squealed and flung her arms around Elle. “We chill sometimez?” She asked with a cheesy smile. On MTV, chill has been used many times.
Hmm, from the looks of it, it appeared that Luna was getting pretty bad. Mia resided away from Elle and waddled over to a pink bag. After a few minutes of rummaging, she held up a diaper and walked back over to Luna. “It happenz all da time. no be sorriez.” Mia repeated her own mother’s words as she flung the diaper at Luna.
"Okay, we can chill sometimes." Elle laughed, and hugged the toddler back. Well... now it wasn't going so bad. As long as the little girl didn't get teary again. Elle couldn't bear seeing little kids cry.
She blinked as Mia went off to retrieve a diaper for Luna. THat was just... huh?!
Luna couldn't get frustrated, angry, or insulted. She just... couldn't. She knew exactly what was going on in Mia's head, and it was all a perfectly logical explanation from her point of view. But one thing was quickly leading to another, which was quickly leading to another...
Her mind speech wasn't producing anything coherent. Embarrassment rolled off of her in droves. Unable to communicate in a way she thought the younger girl could understand, she went to her last resort.
"...E....Eh... Eh'kus me."
Leaving the diaper behind, she stumbled to her feet as quickly as she could -- no easy feat, considering the small platforms on her shoes -- and ran to the bathroom.
Jokeph followed her as quickly as he could manage, his face lined with worry and his thoughts unconcerned with privacy. After all, it wasn't a toilet Luna was looking for; it was isolation.
“Cool dawg.” Mia managed to produce a wink as she let loose a giggle. “Ruffruff!” She stuck out her tongue, not quite grasping the concept of ‘cool dawg’.
Mia gazed at Luna as she ran off, but the shock of hearing her speak hadn’t worn off. Her eyes glided back and forth until she realized what she had done, Mia had made an oppsie. “Ohnoes.” She put her hands on her mouth and started to waddle after Luna. As she reached the door of the bathroom, she knocked on it ...well whacked on it. “Mia make oppsie! Mia make oppsie!” The toddler cried as she hammered on the door.
"Yes, cool dog." Elle laughed too. Then she saw Luna run off, Mia followed soon after. Elle was left there blinking. Huh?
She had no idea what to do. For a few moments she thought about following but her back had started to ache again... and she could see that there was cloud cover. An even bigger plus was that she would't miss the bus!
Elle knew that now was probably a good time to rush home before the cream wore off and the sun came back. But she didn't want to leave Luna! ...on the other hand, this toddler would probably fix whatever was wrong.
And Elle would always be able to visit Luna for a girly chat. Which she intended on doing anyway.
She had no idea what to do so she scribbled a 'I'll call you or call me my phone number is ----- -Elle!', slid it under the door and hurried in the direction of the bus stop.
Luna bit her lip, staring at the door from the comfort of Jokeph's arms. She didn't want to upset Mia further, but she just couldn't will herself out. What was WRONG with her? Normally, things like that rolled off of her like water off a duck's back, but now--?
It's... all right. She finally projected, suddenly very vividly feeling Elle's absence.
“What are you doing Mia, if you have to go to the bathroom you knock nicely.” Caroline stepped in and whisked Mia into her arms.
“mommy, moomy. Mia make oppsie.” She wiggled and pleaded, her finger pointing towards the door.
“Hun, we’ll fix the oppsie later, we gotta rush home for Prject Runway.” Mia’s mom winked at Mia and patted her head gently.
Mia pouted, she knew she made an oppsie and now she needed to fix it. However, restrained in Caroline’s arms she couldn’t do anything. Luna needed a hug.
As Mia was carried away, Luna was able to send one last projection at her; that she IS having a hug.
With that, she simply sighed and returned to trying very VERY hard to collect herself.
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Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 9:42 pm
Diary-- Writing feelings is so much easier on my heart, but not my brain! Have to remember that I am not Porcelain. I think with my heart, but I also must think with my brain. It's biology. I consider the diary experiment a failure, although I see things much more clearly, reading back on them. Maybe it's just because I only recently wrote them. This is... this is so embarrassing. So embarrassing that I'm writing like I'm talking, and I suppose that's a good thing because it means these are my genuine words but...! It's all happening at once. It's too fast. Ma told me that it would probably happen this way. Wake up and sprout things I'd never expect. Of course I was expecting it. I learned in Neilan. I learned everything I needed to know. I know what sex is, and I know what menstruation is, and... and I even had to buy my first box of tampons recently. Ma did it for me before but told me to get them myself this time. And the checkout clerk looked at me and I could HEAR his mind. He KNEW it was my first time buying them and he was... he was AMUSED at my expense! But... but it's not his fault. He didn't mean any harm. He tried to be nice. It's so hard. I upset a toddler because I was so embarrassed that she called attention to my chest and... and even Elle was looking at them! Why do they have to look at them? I... I can hear their curiosity but why is it there? Why am I so upset by it? This isn't me. I shouldn't be upset. I understand and there is logic in everything they thought... even when the Little One brought me a.... brought me a diaper! Jo is being so nice. I know he doesn't like to be touched but he's always here to give me a hug when I need it. And he doesn't mind holding me when I cry because a boy down the street broke his arm after falling out of a tree. Why am I crying so easily? Why am I feeling everything so loudly? Everyone is too loud. Why do humans have to think so loud? This is very... very hard.
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Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 9:43 pm
Jokeph
Adolescence.
From Wikipedia:
G. Stanley Hall denoted this period as one of "Storm and Stress". Conflict at this developmental stage is normal and not unusual. Margaret Mead, on the other hand, attributed adolescent behavior to their culture. Piaget attributed this stage in development with greatly increased cognitive abilities, which can cause conflict as the individual has gained the cognitive ability to reason, dispute, and theorize on an adult level.
I must admit, I did not expect Mistress to experience the storms of the mind. I'd hoped that she would be able to avoid them. She is emotionally above many of the adolescents I have encountered, and that is not bias speaking. That is a simple fact.
I believed the transition to adulthood would be simpler for her. Instead, it seems to be more difficult. She is not only affected by the storms in her own mind, but the storms lurking deep within the minds of all she encounters, be they a result of adolescence or not. She has complained numerous times about the "noise." I am sensitive only to active projections, not the mental background noise that Mistress is able to hear.
How do I protect her from it? Isolate her, and she will wilt. Deafen her, and she will not be able to communicate. Ask a human to project more quietly? Well. Human nature is such that were I to ask them not to think of something, they will immediately think of it and not be able to stop.
I admit... frustration. I am unable to relate to Mistress. I emerged as I am today. I was not self-aware for much of my formation. How do I begin to advise her? How do I begin to lead her through these stormy waters?
Is it better to have the blind lead the blind? Or should I simply be as I am? A shoulder to cry on and a warm body to lean againt?
I shall simply be whatever Mistress commands of me. That is always best.
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Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 9:44 pm
June
I feel old.
Really old.
I'm not going to try to wrap my brain around this, but it honestly feels like Luna's growing up overnight. Maybe, in some respects, she is. She's gone from bubbly happy baby to bubbly happy toddler to bubbly happy child to... I'm not even sure.
Luna's been suddenly complaining of headaches. Everyone thinks too loud, she says.
This has never happened before. She's never been bothered by mental noise before. But suddenly, now?
It feels like yesterday I was her age. Maybe it was yesterday. Teen angst hit me hard. I didn't fit in all that well because of my mental near-deafness, and it didn't help that my brother was so much stronger than I was. If Luna were the same as I, I could help her through it.
Don't worry, Luna, if you can't hear. You can speak just fine, and that's all you need as a human being.
But she can hear. And she can't speak "just fine."
I don't know how to relate to her, and it's killing me. And as I agonize over how to handle this, she begs me to think more quietly.
Maybe... she needs a distraction. Maybe if she's able to keep busy, she won't notice the noise...?
Hmmm.
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Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 9:45 pm
Ummmmm... Elle came over for a sleepover, and we watched movies. I think we've both learned some very interesting things about each other, and... hee... Well! So I guess I'm Neilani after all! I thiiiiiiiiink I'm going to have to talk to brother Boyan about a few things. I've already heard about the birds and the bees, but I think I'm going to have to talk about the Illithids and the Psions. ... ... ... hee hee hee hee hee...
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Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 9:46 pm
It was a morning ritual with the Keth family. Breakfast wasn't had at home; it was held at the Jejune June Café just before June opened it for business. They always had the same things; June had a croissant and a cappuccino with irish cream flavoring, Luna had a blueberry muffin and a glass of apple juice, Ying had a donut from the shop across the street and a glass of chocolate milk, and Jokeph had a lemon pastry and a cup of black coffee.
Instructions were usually given (Ying, stay out of trouble with Zoë, Luna, keep your phone on and text me at noon to let me know you're alive, Jokeph, keep Luna out of trouble), and the day's plans discussed. Ying was taken care of by Zoë Hakugen, an energetic girl Luna's age whom Vilden used to babysit. They normally played games during the day or went out to the mall. Luna and Jokeph stayed together and would normally wander downtown Gaia in search of small, interesting shops. Luna's favorites were the clothing stores that sold dresses in the Gothic Lolita style and quirky stationary stores. Jokeph enjoyed the musty-smelling shops full of strange knicknacks. And both of them loved the pizzeria sandwiched between the bookstore and a rival coffee shop. Luna for the sweet crust, and Jokeph for the tangy sauce.
This morning, however, was a bit different. June had a newspaper with her today, and was diligently going through the classifieds, circling interesting entries with a red pen and x-ing out entries that were completely wrong.
"You lookin' for a new job?" Ying asked loudly, bringing the glass of chocolate milk to her lips and taking a swig that would make any college drinker proud.
"Not for me," June answered absently, circling another entry.
Luna and Jokeph exchanged a glance. Luna knew full well that her mother was looking for a job for her. They'd discussed it in passing the other day. June mentioned that Luna needed something to occupy her time. Luna suggested she take up a new hobby. June simply smiled and shook her head. She was thinking something a bit more... productive.
Which one did you circle? Luna asked, sipping her juice thoughtfully.
"The bookstore needs someone to do their inventory."
As much as Luna enjoyed being around books, spending the day organizing them? Pass.
The circle was crossed out, and another circle made. "Letter delivery?"
Pass.
June sighed. "You're not making this easy, Luna."
I don't want to be a mailman. Woman. A grimace as Luna took a bite of her muffin. I'm afraid of mixing up the letters.
Sigh. "Well, what about this one? The plant nursery on Main is looking for someone to tend to their stock."
Luna's eyebrow quirked and she set down her muffin. Good, June thought to herself. She had Luna's interest.
"You may have to do light sales, but it could be good practice for you. I'm sure if you explain your problems with speaking, they'll be understanding," June continued. "But your main job would be making sure the plants are healthy and strong. You're good at keeping our gardens healthy, Luna. This could be a good job for you."
...A faint smile from Luna. What's the address?
Success! "Here, I'll write it down. It's not too far from where you shop; maybe you can walk down and apply in person while you're out today."
Operation: Distract Luna. Phase one: Complete.
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Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 9:47 pm
Luna had to admit, she was excited about this whole "job" thing. And she also had to admit that her mother had a point. Distractions from the noise in her head were always welcome, and if she kept busy, maybe she'd be able to keep the overwhelming screeching to a dull hum. And besides, there was the prospect of earning her own spending money. What would she get first, anyway? Presents for her siblings and their families? Something nice for her mother? Something nice for Jokeph? That new dress she found but could never in a million years afford?
She was nearly skipping as she approached the Sprouts Nursery, and she could tell that her good mood was affecting Jokeph, as well. While he normally hung back at entrances to unfamiliar territory, this time, he was right at her side as she came in, beaming like she had already gotten the job.
But who to talk to?
There were a few people browsing the inventory, and two men in matching blue aprons tending to them. It didn't take much thought to figure out just who worked there, but...
If Luna was going to do this, she was going to do it. No backing out due to some newfound apprehension, nope.
One of the men -- the younger one -- glanced up from the couple he was assisting briefly, noting Luna and Jokeph's presence before returning his attention to the task at hand. He was wrapping things up, she noticed. He'd noticed her, but didn't know why she was here. How would she expl--
"Can I help you, ma'am?" He was already taking long strides toward her.
This was it. It was now or never, and Luna was suddenly too rattled to speak. She WOULD have to speak. She didn't know if he could "hear", and--
"He..." She bit her lip nervously. "He..rlo." At this point, she was clasping the paper in her hands so tightly that her knuckles were turning white. "I... ans'rr y'rr ..." a pause. "Herrp Walnt'd."
The man's jaw went slack for an instant; sometimes, that was a good sign. This time, it wasn't. She could hear the thoughts that went through his head. Her accent was a problem. Her nervousness was a problem. Her frilly dress and heavy makeup suggested to him someone who didn't like to get dirty. And that was a problem.
Oh no no no...
"Yeah, um..." He paused. "Look, lemme go talk t' the boss and tell 'im we got an applicant. You... wait here."
He wasn't going to rush, Luna knew. He didn't think she had a chance.
Luna wanted to cry. Her first job attempt, and they weren't even going to give her a chance! She whirled toward Jokeph, biting her lip. Jo--
She suddenly stopped, her gaze following his. He hadn't been watching the man; he'd been staring at an entire row of wilting plants.
Jo?
Jokeph glanced back at Luna, his eyes full of sympathy. He'd been listening. But at the same time...
Luna nodded slowly. She'd seen that kind of damage before. In fact, it was almost like--
She suddenly ran toward the plants, falling to her knees as she closely inspected the dirt in the pot. She could hear her stockings tear at the movement, but she didn't care. She knew what was wrong, and she knew how to fix it! That was the important thing.
She waved Jokeph over with her left hand while dipping her right index finger into the pot. A small fingerful of dirt on her hand, she slowly brought it to her lips and flicked her tongue out to taste the dirt.
...!
As Jokeph did the same, they exchanged a long glance.
Well, no wonder they needed someone to take care of the plants. They would eventually die in a soil THIS alkaline.
Most soil treatments took quite a bit of time in order to show results. But Luna knew a faster way. With her alignment, and Jokeph's abilities...
Spit here.
As they worked on the pot, they didn't even notice the two men staring at them from across the way.
Aaaand, dig here...
Work, work, work. They had the full attention of the men, but they still were too focused on the task to notice.
Finally, they were done. The soil was repaired, the pot was put back on the shelf...
...And the plant already seemed a bit healthier.
The older man was already making his way toward them. "Hey! You!"
Luna immediately leapt to her feet, hiding her dirty hands behind her back and staring at him in shock. "Ai...!"
"Yeah, you. What's your name?"
Too startled to hear the man's thoughts, Luna assumed the worst. She bit her lip again and eyed the man with a mixture of fear and shame. "...Lu-na."
He turned to Jokeph. "You. What's yours?"
No answer.
He turned back to Luna. "What's his name?"
A long pause. "...Jo."
"You're here 'bout the job?"
Luna's head snapped up. "Yeh."
"Both of you?"
Jokeph and Luna exchanged a long glance. Neither of them had considered employment for Jokeph, but if he could be near Luna...
This could possibly be too good to be true. But...
They both nodded.
"The name's Charlie; I run Sprouts. You both got the job if you want it. Ain't never seen anyone work that fast on the soil and have it work."
Luna's eyes brightened. You mean it?!
Charlie quirked an eyebrow at Luna. "What?"
Oops. But did this mean he could hear?! It was worth a try. The job's ours?
He didn't seem quite ready to believe that he was hearing her, himself. "...Yes." A pause. "Both of you talk that way?"
No... Luna glanced away. He doesn't. He uses sign language.
"Hnnn. Now ain't that odd." A shrug. "But! This is Gaia, and if I can put up with people with wings 'n' tails, I can put up with a psychic or two." He extended a hand. "Welcome to Sprouts."
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Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 9:48 pm
 Employment! What every parent hopes for their kids. The sooner they work, the sooner they earn enough money to move out. At least, that's how the train of thought normally goes. Really, I'm just happy that Luna will be able to buy her own expensive costumes, makeup, and cute stationary.
And maybe grow up enough to stop using all the tinfoil on whatever hare-brained schemes she concocts on what I can only assume was a popcorn rush... or at least the thrill of having a friend spend the night.
Jokeph has been seeming a bit twitchier than normal. ...I hope they didn't wrap him in it.
...
Anyway! I caught Luna on her first day of work! They had her treating the plants in dire need of treatment today, and they wisely put Jokeph to work where he won't have to interact with anyone. I was able to snap this picture of Luna when she had a few seconds to breathe. Such a motherly thing to do, I know.
She seems to be getting along wtih her bosses well. Charlie and... Thomas, I think his name was? Charlie owns the Nursery, and Thomas is his grown son. They're nice people, really. They remind me of the people Vilden hangs out with. Casual, laid-back, and easygoing. I wonder how he's doing, anyway?
Charlie tells me that he can already tell that Luna is going to be one of the "best damn workers" he ever had if she can keep that enthusiasm for her job up. He's also impressed with Jokeph's efficiency.
Maybe it's the motherly pride talking, but I know she won't let them down. Hell, she's never let ME down.
Besides, she's going to need to use her first paycheck to replace my damn foil.
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Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 10:23 pm
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Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 10:24 pm
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Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 10:25 pm
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Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 10:27 pm
Sometimes, it felt like Boyan and Melody lived in another country, instead of a relaxing bike ride away. No matter how hot it was at home, no matter how heavy the air felt, at Boyan and Melody's, it was always cool enough to be comfortable. The grass seemed greener, the sky seemed bluer, and even the water in the streams rolling by in the distance seemed clearer.
All tricks of the atmosphere, Luna knew, but she didn't really care.
She always enjoyed visiting her brother and his family, and today was no exception. Even Jokeph seemed quite a bit calmer around them, though less so with Boyan's two "Granddaughters", two girls with stone cores in their chests, lurking around.
But now, Melody had them under control. Go out and play, she'd instructed them. And play they did. The younger one, Zhen, was busily making a chain of daisies in a field of flowers nearby, and the elder one, Arc, was nearby, iPod on full blast and dancing.
Melody and Jokeph were at the kitchen table, both sipping tea.
And Luna and Boyan sat in the grass in the back yard, back to back, arms interlocked. It was the most comfortable way for both of them; able to focus on something else entirely and carry on vague conversations in the backs of their minds.
Luna had a reason for coming this time, Boyan noted. Normally, she just came for the company and the atmosphere, but this time...
She'd had some questions to ask. Questions about Love.
Boyan knew. He'd been expecting her.
Luna couldn't help but smile at that. Expecting her. He expected everything. Wasn't there anything he didn't expect?
Boyan smiled as well. There were a lot of things that surprised him. His baby sister having a lover, for one.
Luna didn't have a--
--Didn't she?
Their minds were silent for a while.
Maybe she did. It was strange, how it all happened. She'd just wanted to poke into Elle's mind, but she couldn't help going deeper, and deeper and--
--And it felt good, didn't it?
Maybe a little too good. It startled her.
Perhaps that was a good thing, Boyan thought. Any further, and there would've been other issues to contend with.
Like--?
Luna would just have to learn.
So Boyan didn't disapprove?
How could he disapprove of something like love? That would go against his nature as a Porcelain.
So...
...Luna should be careful. Boyan didn't want her to be hurt. Jokeph didn't want her to be hurt. Nobody wanted her to be hurt, and in love, it was very easy to do.
Did Boyan know what it was like to be hurt by love?
Maybe... maybe not. When he was a child, he loved a bar of soap. That soap was accidentally used, and it was like his heart had been ripped in half. But he recovered quickly. After all, it was a bar of soap. Nothing more. The woman he eventually married, though... she could love back. And she did love him. She didn't love him in the same way Boyan loved her, but the feelings were still there. And she and his son had been gone for a long time, but... he loved her still, and saw her in the eyes of his daughter.
Did it hurt?
It didn't... hurt. It felt empty without her, but his memories of her were always positive. And she stayed in his heart. As long as she was there, he wouldn't hurt.
What was it like to be in love?
It was different for everyone. Boyan fell in love with the way she smelled, and the way she felt to him. Every smile was precious to him, and he would do anything to see it. But, ultimately, she became a part of him.
Did Boyan know how Neilani loved? Did Ma tell him?
Ahhh, was little Luna realizing her heritage?
No, Luna was Porcelain!
Luna was human.
Porcelain!
Luna was Porcelain where it counted, Boyan reminded her. In her heart. But her mind was human. Neilani human. And her body was human. Neilani human.
And what did that matter?!
Some things were simply different for humans. And Ma DID tell him what it was like for a Neilani to love.
Luna didn't want to know after all.
Boyan begged to differ.
Luna was Porcelain!
Why was she angry about it? That was unlike her. Why did it bother her so much?
Luna wanted to be Porcelain. Luna was Porcelain. Luna's brothers were Porcelain. Luna's sisters-in-law were Porcelain. Luna's neice was Porcelain. Tsukiba was--
Tsukiba... ah... Boyan understood now. Tsukiba would want Luna to be true to her own heart.
And Luna's heart was Porcelain, so...
Ah, heh. Luna had him there. But what was so wrong with being human, mm? Was it the speaking? Boyan could speak. Melody could speak.
That was hardly the point...
...Then why cling to it?
Because Luna was Porcelain.
Luna was Luna. In the end, did it really matter?
...
Boyan didn't think so.
...
And a Neilani knew love the instant they met the person. Like a strong bond that clicked into place the instant they first met. So strong that it would never be broken. Love is identified immediately.
Did... that mean that Luna didn't love Elle?
Did it matter? What did Luna think?
Luna didn't think.
What did Luna feel?
Luna didn't know.
Whatever Luna felt, Boyan thought, she and Elle would have to find out together. That would be best.
Perhaps.
And as the clouds drifted past, Luna's and Boyan's feelings and thoughts quieted to a dull hum, Luna's slow and clear, and Boyan's vague and garbled.
The visit did nothing to clear up her feelings, but at the same time...
She would just have to wait and see.
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Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 10:28 pm
She'd nearly missed it when she came home. It was a damn good thing Jokeph had grabbed her shoulder, or both packages might've had an industrial-sized boot print in the middle. Forget picking them up and taking them inside. She'd been expecting these. She tore the note open first, throwing her gloves off before tearing at the envelope. Dear Luna, I thought you'd like these gifts, from Elle.She could feel her face growing hot. She didn't know what was inside, but, the gesture was still... Maybe she shouldn't be jumping to conclusions. With a deep breath, she opened one box. "Oooooh!" It was so cute! And practical! Well, as practical as room decorations got. Time for the second. Her heart stopped. "A...Aah..." she squeaked, turning the bracelet over and over in her hands. It was beautiful. She'd have to remind herself to breathe soon so that she'd be able to appreciate how beautiful it WAS. Maybe it WAS the time to jump to conclusions, she thought, automatically wrapping the bracelet around her wrist and fastening it. Perhaps.
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Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 10:29 pm
Luna Explains it All Hihihi, diary (And anyone else who may be reading. Shame on you!). I just realized that I might talk about a lot of people sometimes and never actually explain who they are. Well, that's going to stop now. Back on Neilan, there are quite a few important people I mention. Vilden Keth is my uncle, hence the shared family name. He's an Agent, which means he's part of the elite force in the Neilani military. Sounds important, doesn't it? Well, you wouldn't know with the way he acts. He's very casual and easygoing, and gets along with just about everyone. His nickname in training was "Smiley", apparently, because he's hardly ever without a smile on his face! He's a lot of fun to be around, and he's very strong, both physically and mentally. Lael Kiren is another Agent, we think. I don't think anyone's really sure how he got the job! He'd rather be tinkering on machines than doing his work. He's Uncle Vilden's boyfriend of quite some time, and those two get along together incredibly well. If Uncle Vilden gets out of line, Uncle Lael snaps him back, and vice versa. They're so fun to watch together. Chence Ramory is Uncle Vilden's partner in the Agents, and Uncle Lael's best friend. She's everything Uncle Vilden isn't. She's serious, focused, and very, very efficient. You'd think she'd be hard to talk to, but that isn't the case. She's a bit intimidating at first, but she's not so bad. Sometimes she even makes jokes! Uncle Vilden really likes and respects her, too. She used to be Chence Siarim (Lady Siarim to us), because... Andata Siarim is Auntie Chence's late husband. I don't know the story behind how they met, but he apparently turned her into a calm lady. From a schoolyard bully! I wish I could've met him, but he died in a training accident a long time ago. He used to be Uncle Lael's partner, but I don't know what happened. Ma tells me that I would've been named after him if I were a boy. And then there's Lillian Haladet, commander of the Agents, and our contact on Neilan. She keeps an eye on us and is constantly stopping by to run tests, check up on us, and make sure we're not causing international incidents. She had two orbs in her hands, just like Jo does. She says she uses them to shoot mental energy. I'm not really sure why she needs them. I don't think I've EVER heard of the Agents being in combat situations. OH, and she doesn't look like a commander at ALL. Ma calls her "Business Barbie", but makes me promise not to repeat it. Lately, I think she's been trying to recruit me. And really, that's about it, Diary. Sorry I don't have photos of everyone, but maybe I'll attach some if I ever get any. Bye bye! heart
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