A #8 Li's Journal

[Tahja Estes]

Alyosha

The small ball moved amongst the glass, tipping side to side almost drunkenly. It listed slightly, one side seeming to bulge out farther than the other. From that side budded a head, ears pricked upwards, tufts slowly coming into detail. The legs emerged as if the creature was walking out of the ball of spirit-like material.

The back legs followed, with the stump of a tail coming last. The little creature staggered for a moment before gaining it's footing. Bright yellow eyes blinked and looked up towards the veritable crowd of people.

(Photo: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/Aerandir/Aerandir/Li/photo_gryphon_li.jpg )

 

[Tahja Estes]

.//. Li is here!_______

On the island of Ar'idil, in one of the multiple humble homes, three misfitted family members were gathered around the table in what had been deemed as the living room. On the carved and finished table before them were the remnants of a glass jar, cork, and label. The room was lit with the soft array of blues and whites emitting from the merging life form hovering in eyesight before them.

Within several minute's time the glowing began to fade, earning a soft exhale from one of the three figures gathered about, no one really knew which. After another moment, the three's eyes adjusted... taking in the sight of the new, curious member of their family.

Tahja had been well prepared for this. She'd taken the time aside in the passing weeks to do a bit of research. She was pretty confident that she could handle anything that came her way by this point.

She'd even thought to bring along some old toys from her own childhood when she packed... mostly hand-carved by her father, but hopefully the little one would find as much enjoyment in them as Tai herself had...

The room's walls were lined with book filled shelves as well for either Kyou, Tessa, or herself to read to the Aerandir. Last of all she'd made sure there was extra space in her bedroom. The little one was going to share dwelling space with Tai until he was old enough to share with Kyou. They hadn't done much in terms of picking out decor or new toys, mostly because they didn't know at that time what it would like.

Tessa was the first to break the silence of the moment, blinking large curious red eyes and twitching her tail on the floor. Naturally it managed to catch the attention of the furry, feathered bundle. The little male squeaked, pouncing onto the couch and atop of the moving tail that Tessa unknowingly offered up, emitting an impish sounding laugh from the richly toned mouse-child. As Tessa turned about to begin teasing and playing with her new "little brother" Kyou and Tahja's tension seemed to melt away in the same instance, finally breaking the trance that had befallen the room.

Tai smiled, and Kyou gave one of his own rare grins of approval before getting up to go make dinner.

Those two had obviously taken quite the liking to one another. Tahja diverted her attention for a few moments towards Kyou only to be quietly reprimanded by the rustling of feathers against her right bare arm. Squawking in shock and... admittedly feeling a small jolt of surprise, the islander froze in mortification. That little move just earned her a pair of blank stare from both Tessa and Li.

~Oh Lord,~ Tahja could feel the heat creeping up her neck, and gave out the most pathetic sounding laugh to date in the history of Gaia. Experimentally, Li brushed her with his feathers again, looking up with a confused expression as if to say "Hey, do that again!".

Tessa laughed, covering her mouth with one hand even as she did so. "M-mom, what in the world was that??"

Huff! "Hmph! You think it's funny, do you?" And with that said she shot out a hand to tickle the other female repremandibly. The mouse responded with a loud squawk of her own and instinctively curling away, which led to--

THUD!!

The gryphon sitting on Tahja's lap jumped a bit in surprise and looked down at the other, then warbled loudly, bobbing it's head. Clearly little Li was perplexed by these strange habits... He chirruped in concern.

Tahja sighed, but smiled, looking down at the feathered-furball in her lap as he looked back up at her, creeling curiously.

Tai opened her mouth to protest, scratching gently behind Li's ears, when the aforementioned gryphon chirruped and pounced again, landing himself in Tessa's lap with a loud purr, sticking his head under her shirt.

"EEK!! Li~!!"

A full hearted laugh sounded from Tahja this time, taking the over-curious bundle and rising to stand and walking towards the living room door. "Alright now, little Li," Snicker-- "that's enough terrorizing Tessa for now." Hee hee! "Let's show you around the house instead, hmm? Maybe we'll meet some of the others if it's not too late yet."

"I dunno Tai, maybe we'll get lucky and Li will think Tessa is a good appetizer."

"Kyou!!"

Li chirruped and cocked his head curiously. Tahja only shook her head taking him along in the crook of her arm, and with a final chuckle, left the other two to their "sibling affections".

.//. Our studious little cuddler_______

It had been some time now since Li's essence merged to form the gryphon sharing their home.

Li seemed to be fairly independent, though he did tend to follow Tai all over the house. Wherever the mage went Li was always two steps behind at her heels.

He especially seemed to enjoy being close when she was writing down entries in the log that she kept just for him. It never failed, close to sunset Tahja would settle in her room with the journal, either on her desk or in her lap depending where she opted to write, and immediately after, Li would curl up beside her or in bed with her to peer at what she was doing.

So it was that the past week had been spent in reading more about Gyrfalcons and the lynx, and writing journal entries in the company of their charge. Tai wouldn't be complaining anytime soon. She was quite enjoying the little bundle's company since he provided a steady thrum of purring whenever she let him join her.

Journal Entry: November 2nd

It's been a while since I wrote much in here. We've been busy showing Li different things and introducing him to nature. We met another Aerandir and her owner, Rawiya and Ari. Both seem friendly, and I think that despite Li's little scare he's taken to Rawiya very well. She already has him wrapped around her little hoof, so I'm curious to see where this friendship goes.

I'd like to take him out to meet more Aerandir, and find more playmates for him, though he seems content to stay inside and watch me read and write. I think he's just a little shy yet. It's cute... (She smiled and scratched his head gently, getting a sleepy purr from her gryphon. He was already asleep in her lap.)

Well, he's sleeping now so I think I'll get a headstart on dinner while I can. I promised to cook upon request tonight and Tessa wants to spend some time with Li. I'll write again soon, promise. ^_^

.//. Holiday Rushes_______

Journal Entry: January 10th

The holidays have been absolutely maddening! I thought enough to order gifts ahead of time (which I still need to take snapshots of for Li's scrapbook.), but the rush of wrapping them all and sending them out to the right people, I think we're all only just recovering!

Li seemed to really enjoy Christmas, though he was very quiet when he wasn't screeching at Tessa to encourage the process. Whenever Tessa seemed to really enjoy what she found upon opening her boxes (which was everytime she opened a box!) Li made delighted purring noises, sometimes bobbing his head excitedly. Even Kyou had a difficult time not getting into the spirit of the season.

All in all Christmas was a wonderful experience to share with our little gryphon, and I'm glad that he emerged in time to enjoy it with us. Li recieved some books from me, including a brand new leatherbound journal that he may use as he sees fit once he's older, and in light of his current stage we also got him a few toys. There was a music making box, covered in shapes of different colors. When you push one of the buttons it instructs you to find the corresponding shape or color. If you get it right it plays one of eight happy little melodies! Li seems to really enjoy that and I'm plesantly surprised by how quickly he's caught on with a bit of teaching from the three of us. Our little gryphon is quite the quick one!

He recieved a hand knit blanket from Tessa, and Kyou bought him a punching bag. ((At that point in the entry Tai seemed to look a little tired, as if realizing that it was the thought that counted(!) but, what was she going to do with that boy?)) Even if he didn't have a clue what it was for at first Li did fall in love with it just as he did with all of he things he recieved from us... I'm glad. I'm glad that this first Christmas could be a special one for him.

And now I'm off to take a walk with the family. Until the next time my pen crosses these pages.

.//. A musical experience_______

Journal Entry: Febuary 19th

Tessa has been practicing the guitar quite a bit lately. Day in and day out the hut is filled with the thrums of the chords she plays, I think we've all gotten quite accustomed to hearing the accoustic takes of various songs and medleys.

Li doesn't much like the sound, however. I found that a little strange, but, I suppose it's probably painful for his sensitive hearing. I did have to ask Tessa to keep her practice sessions a little limited. She's not allowed to play unless Li isn't in the house. Kyou's just a little too smug about this fact.

I'm expecting something to come in the mail any day now, I was finally able to aquire a familiar for myself. This house is just a tad crowded but, I think one more addition won't hurt. She won't take up much room in any event, I just hope I won't have to keep her seperated from Li and Tessa, or Kyou. This will proove interesting, I don't think any of them are accustomed to talking cats, well, aside from Kyou of course.

In other news, Li managed to get into my room and envoke a little havoc on my bookshelf. (*sighs*) I've left the cleaning for later, my current thought is Li's fascination with reading. Even when there isn't anyone free to read to him or help him draw, somehow he manages to get his paws and beak on pen and paper, books or not. He stares at picture after picture, carrying around a picture book he got recently. He's already familiar with the birds of prey, wild cats, zebra, and parrots, I can't say I'm surprised there. Given that his playmate is half Mcaw and half Zebra, and he himself being half falcon and half lynx...

The picture book includes all the types of animals, their general families, pictures included of course. It was actually just one of several, he also has one for the alphabet, and numbers. I'll need to see what others I can find this week, but it'll need to wait for now. I need to go start on dinner or I'll be hearing the protests in squawks and shouts soon. (^_^; )

Until I write again!

.//. Another new Addition_______

"Say... Tai...? What in the world is that you brought home with you?"

Tahja settled the kennel carrier down on the table, the same table where Li's jars once sat. She didn't seem to be paying Kyou any mind as she hurried into the kitchen to prepare two bowls.

For a total of ten seconds he remained silent, waiting impatiently for an answer. When he got none the feline boy growled and clenched his fist, feeling his fur bristle a bit in irritation. He stomped to the door and grabbed the frame, saying with a little more force: "HEY. I said, what the heck did you bring home with you THIS time??"

"Huh?"

Tai looked up at the boy, confusion evident in the frown on her face.

"Augh! Will you stop what you're doing and listen for once?!"

Silence, a pause, an uncertain glance sideways and back, bowls still in hand. ".... I thought that's what I was doing."

"..." T__T

"Alright, alright!" Tahja laughed, settling the bowls on the counter to be filled in a few moments. Instead she backtracked into the living room and sat on the couch, opening the kennel-carrier door and encouraging a shadow to emerge. "Come on then, Sabrina, it's time to meet the rest of the family."

Kyou settled down on the floor with his arms folded, waiting with an unimpressed look upon his face. As "Sabrina" emerged she flicked both of her large ears and said in a voice close in pitch to Tai's:

"He certainly is impatient enough isn't he?"

O__O;; "What the HELL?! IT TALKED!!"

"Rude, too." Sabrina sniffed indignantly, settling neatly onto her haunches.

"You'll have to excuse him, Kyou's not used to talking animals... besides himself and his sister, of course. Neither of them have likely ever met or seen a Familiar before."

Sabrina nodded, looking Kyou over again with a much more feral and feline expression.

Li creeled and made his way from the hallway, golden eyes staring widely at the new creature as he approached, caution in his stride the closer he came. Who was this new thing in their home?

Sabrina smiled faintly and turned her eyes to Tahja.

"Your little one?"

She recieved a nod of confirmation, after which Li leapt up onto the table-- or tried. His wings aided the leap but he had a hard time trying to grip the glass surface, and fell back to the floor with a startled squawk. Tai was there immediately to pick him back up, running her hand over his head following the lay of his feathers reassuringly. They unruffled and he allowed her to set him in front of the Feather-tailed cat, eyeing her curiously with a click of his tongue.

Sabrina reached out and pawed at Li's front left in greeting, purring.

"I see, well, what's it's name?"

"His name is Li," Tai smiled, getting comfortable on the couch again.

"Well then, Li, it's a pleasure making your aquaintence."

The exchange continued on for a bit, but Kyou raised an eyebrow and rolled his eyes after a moment.

~What's with all the damn plesantries? Welcome to the house! Litterbox or outside, Li, Kyou, Tai, Monster, there are your introductions, THE END! That's all there is to it! Why are we sitting here having a conversation with a cat?!~

No one was much surprised to see Kyou getting up, muttering about talking pets. After he'd left the room Li seemed amused, by what was anyone's guess, as he couldn't speak to share his thoughts, but both women seemed to have an idea. Kyou always had been and always would be clueless.

.//. Easter's Approach_______

Journal Entry: April 10th

Easter is fast approaching, I think I'll get in touch with Ary about holding something for the kids. I'm thinking, maybe dipping eggs, then an easter egg hunt. Li does seem to enjoy challenges and I'm sure Rawiya will enjoy painting the eggs. Tessa will enjoy the opprotunity to help as well, and, Kyou.... well, I'm sure he'll lend a hand, even if he does think it's a bit childish.

Maybe the other parents around the island will want to get in on it as well. I think I'll expand this project and write up a letter to send out to each house.

Meanwhile, I've sent an order out for some old National Geographic magazines. I'd like for everyone in the house to get a little more actively involved in the nature that this place has to offer, myself included. Maybe reading about it will stimulate the urge to get out and experience it, right?

I'll be off to spend some time with Li, I want to get him started learning colors if I can.

Until the next time, then!

.//. A tiring night_______

Journal Entry: May 18th

It stormed last night, not at all uncommon for an island with such a climate. Tonight, however, our roof patches decided to give out. First it was just two in the kitchen, but then we began finding leaks in places that there had been none before. We were scrambling quite a bit to get pots and bowls in place, Sabrina shouting direction at Kyou and Tessa when I was too busy to offer such.

Through out all of this we had Li amidst the chaos trying to help. It was quite precious, really! Here we all were loosing our heads, and there Li was calmly dragging a pot across the kitchen floor as if nothing was out of the ordinary. He seems to be very level headed, I've realized.

Once everything was said and done I settled down on the couch, Li curled up in my lap. We're all exhausted by now!

I suppose that means tomorrow I'll be needing to have Kyou help me repatch the roof again. Tessa will have to babysit, not that I think she'll mind. For now, however, Li and I are going to bed. Until next time, then!

Anthony Blakewell

A Letter

Dear Tahja,

I'm not sure how much you know about how Aerandir grow but currently Li is at the phase where he should be almost ready to move onto his next level of growth. Usually with Aerandir this would involve them becoming a strange form called a wisp and then items would be brought to them which would help solidify their form.

Recently, however, it was discovered that this might be a dangerous way for things to be and so we are sending this list of items for you to gather beforehand. Once you've found all the things listed please bring them to me at the Lodge.

2 large feathers
1 large strip of metal
1 small piece of metal
A pile of beads/gems
Some thick string or a plain necklace
((ooc: At least two of the above items must be given in an RP.))


Yours,

Anthony Blakewell.