July 13, 2005 --- TOR HQ
Players: Ivy - Kayin, Kohenkyo - Turel, Dragain - Ingina, [Seraphic_Radiance] - Storm
A slender boy entered the HQ,the wolf tail he posessed made it apparent that he was a demon-a wolf demon to be exact. Though he appeared young, his wise golden eyes said otherwise. His blue hair was wet, damp strands of hair slipping into his eyes. At first he just stood there in the entrance, his eyes fixed at nothing, but then he began to take a few meek steeps into the room. No one was there..
In his arms he held a small child, his hair also wet, but he didn't seem to notice. In fact, the child didn't seem to take note of anything, his eyes a void of nothingness, and his face blank.
--
The young woman came into the HQ toting a child in her arms. Her hair, for the moment, was pulled back into a lose pony tail and it swung around as she came in. Noticing the person there, she smiled, "Hmm, I don't know you yet I'm afraid." She set down her child and walked over to the young man. "I'd be Ivy, and this is Kayin. Pleased to meet you."
Kayin looked around the room, hoping to find Turel or maybe even the strange girl he'd met before. There was more new people here and he figured he'd reached his quota on new people. Still he clung to his mother's slacks and looked up at the new people.
--
The boy's head jerked suddenly as he was pulled from his thoughts, and he spun around quickly to face the direction the voice had came from. "Oh..you startled me.." The half demon cleared his throat, a small grin on his face. "I'm Gabo, and this is Storm." He said in a steady voice, glancing down at the boy in his arms. "It's nice to meet you." Gabo added, pushing a few strands of blue hair from his face.
Storm's eyes stayed glued to the ceiling, staring at once spot as the other's talked around him.
--
Ivy tried not to giggle at the startled boy's response. "Nice to meet you Gabo, Storm." She poked Kayin on the head and he waved a very non enthusiastic 'hello'. Ivy cocked her head to the side observing Storm, "Well he's sure a cutie isn't he?"
What was wrong with his mother, did she call every infant she encountered a cutie? Kayin stared at the other child and wondered why he had such odd colored hair. The only other person he knew with weird hair was his sister... hopefully this new person was no where like his sister. Well, at least he didn't have wings... this made Kayin feel slightly better.
--
"Why thank you! Yours is as well, I can tell he'll grow up to be a very handsome man some day." Gabo offered the girl another warm smile, but he soon glanced down at the child in his arms.
"But I can't help but think there's something wrong with him..It's almost as if Storm is trapped within his mind. I mean- he doesn't respond to anything..Well, he does- but rarly." The half demon held some sadness in his voice.
"I brought him here, thinking that he'd come around if he got a chance to interact."
--
"Oh? That's so sad, hmm, Kayin say hello." She patted her son's head, "It's the first word he's learned sense I'm always telling him to say it."
Kayin looked up at his mother and then to the other child, who was not paying any attention to him. Rolling his eyes a little, he gave another weak wave and sputtered, "Hewwo."
"Well it's close enough I think." Ivy blushed. Turning to the child she leaned forward. "Hi there Storm, I'm Ivy." Smiling brightly she watched the child just stare at the ceiling.
--
"He can speak already?" Gabo asked with a tone of surprise. "That's truly amazing. He must be bright to learn so quickly." The half demon said cheerily.
The boy couldn't help but give a little laugh at this, and he ruffled Kayin's hair with his hand gently. "Well, hello to you too."
Storm's eyes flicked for a moment, but it seemed that he was only searching out another spot at which to gaze at.
"Sorry about that.." Gabo aplogized, his head bowed. "He does seem to like you, though..I'm sure of it."
--
"Honestly, I think he's only trying to learn bad words to say to his little sister. But I was surprised that he picked up on it so quickly. I'm so proud of him." Ivy smiled and ignored the nagging feeling that the boys next words would be scathing remarks.
Kayin resisted the urge to reach up and mess with his hair after the new man played with it. His mamma was always fussing with his hair so he'd gotten used to it a little... but it was still weird for a new person to do it.
Ivy looked back at Storm, "Ah I'm sure he likes me, he's just too shy to say so. Boys don't like admiting they like girls at this age." she joked but reached out to pet the boys hair, soothing it back and out of his eyes. The nurturing mother in her called for it.
--
"Oh, so he has a sister? Storm has an older brother, but they've yet to meet. Kenji, my other son, is currently visiting with a friend." Gabo blushed slightly-he was blabbing again, wasn't he? Before he could get carried away, he approached the sofa, taking a seat as he placed Storm on the floor in front of him.
Storm's eyes took their focus off the ceiling, having found the floor in it's place. His stare was so intence, it seemed as if he were examing every thread of the carpet beneath him.
--
"Yeah, little Iralia, she's still younger than him and he picks on her so much." Ivy sauntered over to have a seat near him, a toddling Kayin followed. "Perhpas your son would like to reach out to his brother some time then?"
Kayin now saw the other boy was on his level. Curiosity got the best of him and he crawled over near the boy. He didn't know what to say (or how to say it!) so instead he just nudged the boy a little. "Hewwo..."
--
Dragain walked into the HQ, Ingina in her arms. She saw Ivy whom she had met last night, and a new guy. She walked over, and gave a cheerful smile. "Hiya! I've brought Ingina back... She seems to like it here." Dragain said as she placed Ingina down beside Kayin.
Ingina remembered Kayin from last night and decided to approach him first. As for the other infant, she liked his hair, but wondered why she received no responce from him.
--
"Oh well, I guess that's just normal behavior between siblings. But someday, they'll be gald that they have eachother." Gabo spoke softly, keeping on eye on Storm..That boy was so unpredicible at times. The half demon noded at Ivy's comment. "Maybe.." Gabo's waved suddenly as another appeared in the HQ, an unfamilliar but friendly face. "Hey." He greeted with a wave.
Storm's body moved like a limp rag doll, Kayin's nudge causing him to lean slightly off balanced to the side. The boy's eyes took their attention from the floor, meeting that of the other boys. As the moments passed, nothing but scilence came from Storm, the boy taking joy at just studying the other infront of him quietly.
--
Happy that he'd got the childs attention Kayin was still a little peturbed at the odd mannerism the boy had. Well... people would be what they were. Kayin felt Ingina before he actually noticed she was there. The funny feeling came back and he looked over at her. This time he'd be a man... As she came nearer to him he held out his hand in a peace offering, ignoring the feeling. Maybe he'd introduce her to the other child.
"Hi Dragain!" Ivy waved cheerfully. She scooted a bit on the couch so the girl could sit down. "Nice to see you again. This is Gabo." She said gesturing at the boy. Ivy was pleased that there were so many people.
--
Kohenkyo skipped into HQ, her mood greatly lifted when compared with the day before. She had dressed Turel smartly & lo & behold...the child was smiling! Actually smiling without a trace or hint of hate on his eyes! She slowed to a bouncy walk & skittered over to Ivy. "Hello there Ivy! How are you this morning?" Kohenkyo asked, bringing round another child that had been following her, this one VERY different to any TOR. The little girl dressed in a pretty red dress had raven black hair to her waist, bright yellow eyes & a resemblance to a white lion tamarin. She waved to Ivy, following her mothers example.
--
Ivy smiled as Ko sailed in with Turel and someone else in tow. "Hey Ko, how's it? You seem in bright spirits today." There were so many people coming in and out. Ivy smiled down at the girl, "And who might this be?"
Kayin took his attention from Ingina and spotted Turel. He almost smiled but it didn't quite reach his face but he did wave. He was beginning to feel a bit cramped, there were too many people here, but he was glad that the boy from before was back.
--
Kohenkyo sat beside a little way from Ivy & placed Turel a little way from Kayin. She smiled brightly to Ivy & gestured to the little girl with her. "This is Melanie. She's a Zephirae angel." Kohenkyo replied. "The first of my adoptees." Kohenkyo adds with a giggle. Mel giggles also, looking over to Ivy & curtseying. "Mama has too many Miss Hawthorn." The little girl says with a smile. Kohenkyo gives her a gentle poke. "You cheeky thing you, one can never have too many." Kohenkyo replies fondly, turning back to Ivy. "How is Kayin today?"
Turel waved to Kayin & smiled, looking about himself. He didn't feel all that crowded. He looked to Kayin, wondering if the child was keeping the ball he had given him nicely.
--
Gabo grinned excitedly as Kohenkyo walked into the HQ, and he offered her a very friendly wave. "Hey, Koh! Long time no see." The half demon's eyes fell apon Turel, a very strange but charming boy that he had yet to lay eyes on until now.
Storm continued to stare at Kayin, even though it was apparent the boy's mind was elsewhere at the moment. He didn't seem to notice the other children gathering around, nor the grown ones talking up above.
--
Ivy smiled at the young girl, "Well it's lovely to meet you Melanie. Your mamma's right though, one can never have too many." Ivy returned her gaze to Ko, "Oh, he's doing just fine, he's met so many new people in these last two days. But he seems to like your boy a lot, he showed me the stone that Turel gave him. He's quite pleased with it."
Kayin reached into his pocket and pulled out the stone that Turel had given him, showing that it was still safe. Reaching into the pocket again, he produced a little medallion about the size of a quarter with pretty designs etched into it. Keith had gave it to him so he could give it to Turel and he felt quite proud of himself. Offering it to Turel, he nodded.
--
Kohenkyo waved to Gabo & looked from Turel to Ivy again. "They seems to get along well enough." the dragonwolf smiled & patted Melanie on the head. "Turel & this one here made up this morning for their misgivings about eachother, so it shows how used to others he's getting." She added in a contented tone. Melanie nodded & clambered into her mothers lap, she recognised Gabo as Kenji's keeper. "Hello Mr Gabo Sir!" the zephirae hailed him loudly & in a rather giggly manner.
Turel accepted the medallion gratefully & marvelled over it. This would be one thing that he would NOT break! He held it out to his mother who smiled & put it round his neck. Turel grinned broadly & then looked over at storm. The pinkish purple hair of this youngster piquied his interest straight away!
Kohenkyo giggled & caught Ivy's attention. "Peace offerings already." She smiled fondly.
--
"I think it's sweet that they're making friends. It's Kayin's first friend... well if you don't count my dopey brother and the guy we live with." Ivy smiled at Melanie again, "I'm glad you and Turel made up, it's nice when siblings can get along." She nodded sagely and the turned back to Ko, "I sure wish that Kayin and Iralia would make up already."
Kayin was delighted that the boy accepted the gift and mentally noted he should do something good for Keith as a thank you. Letting a rare smile cross his lips, Kayin placed the stone back into his pocket. He'd been really careful not to break it, the way he'd broken one of mamma's ear rings.
--
"Hi Ko!" Dragain said with a smile.
Ingina kept looking at all the other infants and suddenly felt very left out. She sighed and pouted, hoping that would catch their attention.
--
Remembering that he wanted to be manly, Kayin, again, reached out his hand to Ingina. Inviting her to come over and sit near them. He almost wished he'd brought something nice to give her... but he didn't really know her yet, and she still gave him the funny feeling...
--
Ingina was delighted that Kayin had at least warmed up to her. She accepted his invitation and nurged closer to him. Then, she held his hand and smiled brightly at him. Then, she made a note to herself that she ought to give him a gift of friendship.
--
Turel did likewise, holding out his hand along with kayin to encourage Ingina over to them.
Kohenkyo waved to Dragain & sat Melanie on her lap. Melanie nodded to Ivy & smiled. "It was for the best that we make up, else everyone else would indeed be sad & uncomfortable." She stated in the sage manner that children usually do when they are being serious.
--
Kayin was glad that the girl and him could be friends... until...
Pain shot straight through her grip right into his heart. His eyes went large for a moment and all there was, was the blinding pain. Then he started screaming, his scar blistering and reddening. He quickly yanked his hand away and curled into a ball. In the distant back of his head he could hear a woman screaming and a man laughing.
"Oh, my god!" Ivy swooped down to scoop Kayin up. "Baby, baby, it's okay." She looked at Ko, Gabo, and Dragain, "Sorry, this only confirms it. Geez... how absent minded of me... Kayin can't touch girls, it makes his scar burn every time. It happened with me the first time, and it's still happening with his sister." She rocked him in her arms and patted his back.
The pain was burning, right over his heart, and the screaming continued inside his head.
--
"Hello, Melanie. It's nice to see you again." Gabo chuckled to himself quietly, what a sweet girl she was. The half demon sighed suddenly, glancing down at Storm. The poor boy couldn't be much fun to the others, consitering he was a livly as a tree stump. Though maybe if he surrounded himself with others from time to time he would begin to snap out of it a bit. Gabo consitered picking the boy up and away from the other children, but he seemed to be doing fine on his own.
--
Ingina smiled even more. She really liked her new friends and decided that she would bring two over the next time Mama brought her in. Giggling, she tried to sit herself in between Turel and Kayin, feeling weird that she is the only female around.
Ingina remembered about the promise she made to herself the last time she left, and offered for Turel to touch her wings. She smiled and pointed at her wings, hoping that he would understand.
--
Kohenkyo jumped up worriedly, letting Kayin have space. "Is he alright Ivy?!" Ko exclaimed. Melanie let out a frightened squeak & hid behind her mother.
Turel looked horrified! What was wrong, he looked confusedly from Kayin to Ingina. Something was indeed wrong...but what was it! He settled his gaze on Kayin & let out a whimper. His friend....Kayin was hurting. He looked to his mother imploringly.
Kohenkyo went over & picked him up, shushing him & then setting him by storm to allow Kayin some space. Turel curled his wings around himself.
--
Ingina was really upset. There was something up with Kayin, the really nice boy. She looked at him, teary eyed, as his Mommy picked him up. She can understand abit of the adult's talking, and was sure that his pain was her fault. Tears ran down her cheeks as she started crying, mad at herself and sad for Kayin.
"Oh dear! Ingina!" Dragain said, getting worried. "I'm sorry Ivy... Ingina, come her." Dragain picked Ingina up and craddled her, whispering comforting words. Dragain stroked Ingina's hair, and Ingina's crying slowly stopped.
Ingina wipped her eyes, still feeling bad about Kayin. She refused to release her grip on Mama and remaided slient.
--
Kayin had settled down into a few fitful sobs but curled against his mother. He had enough thought to be mad that he'd come across so weak to his friends and hoped that he didn't look like a wimp. Still, the scar was already beginning to not hurt as bad and settled into a low throb.
"Oh, dear, my baby boy, it's okay." Ivy gave an apologetic look to everyone in the room. "I'm really sorry about all this, I wasn't sure, I am now. It has to do with his past I'm sure, but he really can't touch girls, they give him a lot of pain. With one hand she reached into her purse and brought out some ointment. Spreading it on his scar she let it do it's effects.
Kayin struggled against his mother while she applied the medicine but finally accepted it. It was cooling his scar down and his sobs ceased. He had to be brave and strong... He looked at her his eyes still a little red from the screaming. Pointing at the ground he announced he was ready to be put down.
He looked at Ingina in her mom's arms and felt bad that she was crying. Furrowing his brow, it didn't really make sense, but he put on a rare smile for her and waved as if to say it was alright... it wasn't though... he wasn't going to touch her again...
--
Turel wriggled, demanding that he be allowed back over to his friend. Kohenkyo went & picked him up, bringing him back to Kayin's side. Turel spread a wing & put it round him protectively. He looked to Ingina & waved the other wing to her.
Mel came out from her hiding place behind one of the sofas & sat back down. "Is Kayin alright Miss Hawthorn?" She asked quietly. Kohenkyo watched worriedly, wondering what on earth would cause Kayin to have reacted in such a manner.
--
Kayin made it a point not to hiccup into sobs again. Men didn't cry in public, nor did they make women cry and he still felt bad about Ingina crying. But having Turel put his wing around him really made him feel somewhat better. A sense of kinship was there and it helped him be more steady.
"Oh, Melanie," Ivy felt bad that the girl had seen the outburst, "He'll be okay sweetie, it's just..." she tried thinking of an easy way to explain it, when nothing came to mind, she said the first thing that came to mind, "He's allergic to girls. Except for me." Damning herself for not thinking of something better she nodded as if to assure herself.
--
Ingina looked at Kayin. She can feel Kayin's pain, and she hated that feeling. She was sure Kayin was just putting on a brave font. She let herself be placed on the floor, and sat opposite Kayin. She did not dare to touch him again. Glancing at Kayin, she was sure he felt the same way.
Ingina remembered that one of her wing feathers had dropped out the other day, and it was with Mama. She tugged at Mama's skirt and pointed at one of her wings. She hoped Mama will understand what she wants.
Dragain smiled at Ingina, pondering for a while before finally understanding what ingina wants. From a pocket, Dragain took out one of Ingina's wing feathers. "Here you go, Ingina." she said.
Ingina took the feather and offered it to Kayin. Her eyes pleaded. Can you accept this? She waited for Kayin's responce.
--
Melanie shook her head & smiled. "Its ok Mrs Hawthorn......Turel cries like that...so I'm used to it." Mel replied, her tone trying to be as bright & chirrupy as possible. Kohenkyo patted Ivy. "I'm sure it will go with time." She said comfortingly.
Turel watched Kayin like a hawk, looking back to Ingina every so often.
--
Kayin watched as Ingina sat across from him, in not a little wearily. He would be strong cause that's what he was supposed to be. She didn't look like she was doing too well either and if he caused her pain... well he felt bad about that. Still, when she held out the feather to him, he wasn't sure what would happen if he took it. "Men accept gifts when they're given and say 'Thank you,'" that's what Keith had told him and he was a man.
Reaching out he gripped the end of the feather and was desperate with relief when all he felt was the softness of it. Smiling and nodding at her he tried to say thank you, but it came out more, "Thk oo." He would need to get her something pretty. Still he retreated back to Turel.
Despite the situation, Ivy beamed at how well mannered her son was being. "I hope it goes with time too Melanie."
--
Turel held out his wing again to Ingina again as he had done last time they met. It was his kind of odd handshake. He kept his wing about Kayin still, reluctant to take it away.
Melanie nodded & sat down by her mother, who was trying very much to calm down. Despite her often bouncy attitude, she did get rather upset by people being hurt.
--
"It'll be okay Ko." Ivy felt the tension from the woman. "I just no to keep a better watch on him now." Letting herself fall into the couch. "Too much excitement for me." Ivy mentally kicked herself for letting it happen, she'd had the idea that it was bad for Kayin to touch females... but she hadn't guarded him against it. Negligence did not have it's place in parenthood.
--
Ingina was relieved that Kayin had accepted her gift and watched as he retreated back to Turel's side. She had expected it, but felt happy anyway. She wondered what had caused the other infants to be cold to her when the only one should be Kayin.
--
Kayin was actually rather taken with the feather, it was pretty and kind of glossy. If he got her something nice, and he had a reliable source that said girls liked pretty things, maybe they could still be friends. Friends who didn't touch... He nudged Turel and gestured the feather and pointed at her, saying it's okay.
--
Turel petted the feather & nodded, giving Ingina a smile & offering her his free wing again as a truce. He could sense that she thought he was indeed being cold...but he was trying his hardest.
Kohenkyo nodded & calmed herself a little. "& I thought Turel's nightmarish turns were bad." She chuckled to herself & cuddled Melanie. Melanie watched Turel curiously.
--
Ivy let out half a laugh, "It really doesn't happen often at all. I think he'll get it soon that it's not just his sister that causes the pain but all girls. It normally doesn't last long either. He seems fine now, but I'll still re-apply ointment to his scar when we get home." Ivy looked down at the children and how Turel had his wing around Kayin. "It's sweet, the way Turel wants to shelter Kayin."
Knowing that putting the feather in his pocket would ruin it, Kayin stuck it behind his ear, the way you would a pencil.
--
Kohenkyo watched her son & nodded in agreement with Ivy. "Indeed....it looks like something from their pasts might make them kindred spirits." She giggles girlishly, watching her little Turel. Melanie smiles & watches her younger brother, very much intrigued by Ingina, whom she suspected to be an agel like herself, maybe not a zephirae...but an angel none the less.
Turel sat & waited to see how Ingina would take to his handshake.
--
Ingina reached out and touched Turel's wing. They felt so leathery and rubbery. They are so cool! She offered him one of her wings to touch and decided that he is nice too.
--
Ivy smiled, "I wish I knew more about Kayin's past... but I hardly know a thing." Still it warmed her heart to watch Kayin make friends with other kids his age.
Kayin was happy that he, Turel, and Ingina could get along. He'd leave the physical communication to Turel and just use motioning.
--
Turel smiled & reached forward, careful not to catch his sharp wing talons on Kayin. He petted the soft, downy wings of Ingina & let out a small noise that basically meant the softness pleased him. He looked at his own & felt ever so slightly odd & looked rather ashamed for a few seconds afore masking it with a smile. He looked again to Kayin, smiling to show that he was being friendly.
"Oh would you look at that." She smiled & pointed to Turel, Kayin & Ingina, Turel & Ingina exchanging friendly gestures with Kayin tucked into Turel's wing. "Thats the nicest I've seen him yet." Kohenkyo remarks proudly. Mel lets out a happy giggle.
--
Kayin smiled again, and it was becoming easier, everything was going to be okay. He was still a man, Turel was now his closest friend, and he hadn't totally damaged his budding friendship with Ingina. The pain over his heart was almost like a forgotten memory and all was okay.
"They're so cute." Ivy's heart softened looking at them. "And this is the most I've ever seen Kayin smile. He's usually so solitary." A little thought popped into her head, "I bet they cause all sorts of trouble as they grow..."
--
"Well, Ingina is mischeivous... It's just that she looks so innocent, dosen't she?" Dragain said with a laugh. "I hope that they grow up behaving themselves... Now... What are the chances of that happening?"
Ingina was sure Turel liked her wings as much as she liked his. She liked both Kayin and Turel! She flapped her wings lightly and giggled cheerfully.
--
Kohenkyo let out a chuckle & nodded. "Call it intuition, but I have a feeling that those three will definately be as thick as theives throughout their lives." The dragonwolf says with a little tilt of her head, nodding to Ivy. "You might be right."
Turel patted Kayin & looked to him in a manner as if asking whether the pain had gone. He took his other hand from Ingina's wing & gave her a broad grin.
--
"Oh, they'll behave alright... while we're watching." Ivy laughed and looked over at the children. "Kayin has a slight ego... if someone puts him up for a dare, or a challenge, most likely he'll take it. It doesn't matter what type of trouble they get in though, as long as they stay friends."
Kayin, understanding Turel, pointed at his scar which was back to normal and shrugged his shoulder as if to say, "it just left." He looked at Ingina and then at Turel and realized that he felt a since of belonging, for the first time. It was a good feeling.
--
Ingina listened to the adults talking. She picked out some words which she recognised and had a funny feeling that the adults were talking about them. She looked at her new friends and smiled happily. If only she could talk. She wanted to tell her friends that she really liked them...
"They look so sweet together... I bet they would want to meet the others." Dragain said, grining happily.
--
Turel felt strangely safe with these three. Prehaps it was because he had met them before once already, or maybe it was something more potent than that. He smiled & nodded to Kayin & let out a relieved sigh, turning back to Ingina to see what she was doing. She had fallen rather quiet.
Kohenkyo nodded in agreement with Ivy, hoping that Turel would indeed be able to keep friends throughout his life, rather than pushing them away.
--
"I'm sure they will meet the others sometime." Ivy said, looking down at her watch. "Well it's been fun Ko, Dragain, Melanie, but it's time for me and Kayin to head. out." Ivy looked down at her son and felt bad for tearing him away. "Kayin sweetie, time say bye bye."
Knowing that familiar phrase, Kayin smiled at his two friends and waved to them as he got up and was swept away by his mother. Over her shoulder he peeked up and waved again.
