Welcome to Gaia! ::

It was around noon when the trio piled out of the taxi in front of the Delaran home. Lillian had called ahead to let Aphismet know that they would be coming over today. They certainly had something worth showing him too, and it couldn’t wait any longer. Tyson was the first to hop out of the car with little trouble. The lad nonchalantly walked up to the gate before turning to look back at the taxi. As if on cue, a terrible squeal ripped through the muggy air. Tyson didn’t shudder though, he’d grown used to a car voicing it’s complaints after driving around with this guy for a few days.

The yellow taxi wibbled, wobbled, and shook as a great weight struggled inside of it to get out. Awful squeals that had the potential to spilt ear drums could have been described as the car’s begs to have the beast within itself released from it’s belly. Thankfully, there were two left in the car, and the one at the end of the line used a good heave hoe to free the second.

Not one for grace with a final shove from Lillian out came stumbling a bulky armed raevan. He floated rather askew for the moments he used to gather his bearings before making a B-line in Tyson’s direction.

Lillian was the last to get out, and the one who paid the poor driver. The frightened wide eyed man couldn’t have stepped on the gas any faster. The smell of burned rubber still in the air when the kids and companion gathered at the door and rang the bell.

They were quite a sight; Lillian trying to get the boy’s hair to stay down while in the process of doing that Tyson tried to keep himself as far away from Iorek as possible.

Lillian and Tyson smiled when Aphismet opened up the door and greeted them. In unison they greeted him with a “Hello” and a few soft laughs. It had been a while since they had last seen him but the kindness that fell from his words and gestures hadn’t changed. The familiarity felt good to the Maevin siblings after all the changes that they had surpassed over the months.

Matching hazel eyes followed Aphi’s brown orbs to what had caught his attention. Immediately the expression on Tyson’s face fell to discomfort, leaving Lillian to pick up an answer for their friend.

Unlike Tyson, the young teenager held her smile and she reached back to rest a hand on the raevan’s arm. With a tug, Lillian managed to awaken their new family member from his daze. He seemed flustered from the touch, his bright green eye blinking several times as his limbs stiffened, but Lillian ignored his moment and brought him forward. “You guys seem to be pretty good too." She looked up at the raevan and then back at the pair. "Aphi, Riv, I’d like you two to meet Iorek. He’s...the new member of the family.”

Lillian kept her hand against Iorek’s arm as she used the other to direct his hand forward. “Now Iorek, why don’t you shake their hands? Do it the way I showed you…gently now.”

The young raevan’s viewable eye moved between the two unknown people before him. One looked similar to Lillian and Tyson for he too had legs but this human was taller and had a sturdier appearance than his two. While the other beside the human looked like him in one big way; he had no legs. Along with that a whirl of ribbon like his own spiral but without the holes, danced underneath him. So Lillian and Tyson were right! He wasn’t the only one of his kind.

“Iorek…?”

He jumped at the voice and cast a glance down at Lillian. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Tyson, arms folded and an uncomfortable look still on his face. Lil’s hand was still on his own, mid-tug in Aphi’s direction while her eyes stared at him with a hint of worry. Iorek blinked once more to regain his attention at the small but difficult task ahead of him. He wasn’t very good at giving handshakes since he had the tendency to squeeze too hard. Even so, he extended his large hand to Aphi while he repeated the movement of what was next over and over again in his head.

Iorek looked up from watching his handshake with Aphismet to stare at Rivener. The other raevan’s voice had certainly grabbed his attention. When his hand was released from Aphi’s grip, Iorek floated forward till he was almost face to face with RIivener. He certainly did not know the laws of one’s personal bubble.

The visible bright green eye stayed focused on Rivener. It didn’t stray from the other’s face even when Lillian gave his hand a tug, her feeble attempt to wake him from his trance. Suddenly, a smile broke his cold features. Such a simple thing became the gust of wind that blew away the awkward moment and set into action a change of behavior.

Instead of giving Rivener the blank stare for any longer, Iorek tilted his head to the side, seemingly mimicking the other raevan. He even made a grumbling sound to signify speaking. It wasn’t that he was making fun of the scorpion raevan, Iorek simply didn’t have enough knowledge to realize what he was really doing. To him, it was a natural reflex of his body.

“Iorek?”

Lillian was staring at him again. How many times did she have to say his name to get his attention? Hopefully his spacey behavior would decrease with age. She had enough trouble getting Tyson’s attention. “Aphi, that was very sweet of you. Why don’t we go inside now? Before Iorek turns into a statue on your doorstep.”

Tyson waited for the others to walk inside before he turned his attention to Rivener. His eyes had loss their sparkle, and it looked like a smile hadn’t appeared on his lips in weeks.

For a moment he didn’t say anything to the raevan. He just stood there with his arms crossed over his chest, a stance he took often now. But the look his face held, with wide eyes and a slacked jaw, Tyson appeared rather shocked at the small ounce of concern given to him by the other. Yet the surprise subsided, and the youth gave a casual shrug, his eyes on the ground before he looked back at Rivener. “Um….nothing? But you should be happy that I’m growing up. Afterall, I'm not annoying you like you said.” He replies, his voice also having lost it’s exuberance.

Lillian watched the boys very carefully, not answering Aphi for a moment as she sat herself on an available seat cushion. She too was afraid that some kind of argument or fight would break out between the raevans. After all, Reks didn’t know the rules of interaction too well. Every time she tried to explain them, they just flew over his head on an everlasting flight, seemingly never to return again. With that being said, the new youth was bound to trip up and make mistakes, but if Iorek made a big one, Rivener didn’t seem the type who would take it with a patient stride.

Luckily the raevan’s cluelessness had not entirely rubbed off on her. Lil was quick to grab back her attention and turn herself so she could speak to Aphi at a better angle. Before she even uttered some kind of response, Lillian conjured up a great sigh and released it into the air. Her body clearly responded well to this exercise, for she didn’t appear to be as stiff as she had been upon the doorstep. Yet the stress Rivener had detected earlier was still there, and physically Lillian looked less together. She had lost some weight, her eyes held a heavier gaze, and her hair had grown to touch just past her shoulders. But the significant difference from last time did not send Lillian into a melodramatic speel as to what had occurred to them these past months. She was a dignified woman, and she would hold her pride high till the end.

“We’ve hit some rough patches, but we’re recovering. It’s nothing that you have to worry yourself over. “ A smile graced her soft lips when she eased away from anything suspicious or that would give her a weak voice. Besides, Aphi didn’t need to hear about that kind of stuff. He didn’t need that on his mind, and he certainly didn’t need to develop some kind of worry for them. So instead of saying anymore on the subject, Lillian took another route. “So, how have the Delaran boys been? Up to any mischief lately? I see you dyed your hair white. I think this is the first time I've seen you with it.” Similar to the first time they had met Lillian had brought about a change of subject, now a pro at covering her tracks.

Tyson followed the other boys into the living room once Rivener had dragged in Iorek. Without anything else to say, he sat down on the couch that the two of them were closest to. Tyson was ready to watch whatever Rivener was planning, just doing exactly what he was told to do. Yet even if he was a silent figure and occasionally appearing rather sour, the youth still seemed pretty curious to see what Iorek would copy and what Rivener would try to pull off in the process. The idea that maybe tricks would be involved amused Tyson terribly that at one point, he mentally had to scold himself for thinking such juvenile things.

It took a moment for Iorek to raise his massive arms and place them behind himself, one cradling the other. But as expected once Rivener stuck his tongue out, Iorek had his out. When Rivener began to shake his head, Iorek did the exact same thing. He seemed to be more like someone’s puppet than a living-breathing raevan by the way he copied others so smoothly. For one who acted so “out there”, Iorek was beginning to show signs that he was a very observant newborn.

Before long, Iorek was beginning to wobble in the air. Unlike Rivener, he did not possess the graceful looking hands that appeared almost weightless in the air. Instead, his hands resembled those of a might beast's, and that didn't make holding his large hands behind his back a walk in the park. The position knocked off his balance and sent him into a weeble wobble mess. Yet even being set off kilter, Iorek remained dutiful and continued to stick his tongue out and shake his head at Rivener. He, the gargoyle raevan, just inched closer and closer to the potential of becoming a hazard to the other people in the room instead of a comic feature.

The smile that sat on Lillian’s lips fell, vanishing in the folds as a frown took its place. Not only did her smile vanish, but also her eyes fell as Aphi went over the occurrences. Her fingers twined with their neighbors as she wrung her hands together appearing to be a way to deal with nerves. At times she’d jump in with a few things to say.

Such as with the mention of Chloe; “I remember I read that in the paper. How is she now? Tyson and I saw her awhile ago. She was the one who took our soul bottle and fel essence.” Yet other than that Lillian listened intently to what he had to say, and put aside her questions. It wasn’t her place after all. Although that rule was forgotten when Aphi mentioned something else.

“Isi had an accident?” Her voice held a shocked tone before it converted to worry. “Is he okay? I just saw him at the Summer Festival…he seemed fine but…” Lillian trailed off when she realized how sudden she had reacted to this news, and the amount of concern she expressed. Sure she picked on the kid, but never did she desire him to be hurt. She wasn’t heartless. Try as Isi might to convince people otherwise. Her tone of voice and show of care for him was probably the total opposite of what Isi expected of her if he were here to see this.

As Aphi crossed another invisible path of conversation, Lillian notably drew herself as inwards to the back of her chair as she could. She hadn’t expected him to tell her some of his personal matters, but her heart swelled with the fact that he would even tell her one. Before Lillian could stop herself, bits and pieces of Garg’s tale started to be told.

“Iorek over there…” Lillian motioned with her shoulder to the dizzy lad beside Rivener without looking up from her clasped hands, “…has the soul of our gargoyle guardian. I doubt you remember it, but after Tyson and I ...got home from your house, he just kind of popped up in the middle of the night. He scared us half to death.“ And even though the first experience with Garg was dangerous, terrifying, and could have killed them, she laughed looking back at the memory.

“He was probably the biggest softie I ever laid eyes on. Well, he was with us anyway but I gotta say he really hated strangers. That’s why we couldn’t make it to your Halloween Party. With all those trick-or-treaters out and about, we couldn’t leave him alone without expecting a kid to be mauled. Sorry.” As she spoke, it was deeper and deeper Lillian went into the memories. She just couldn’t swim out of their murky trap.

With this new depth, Lillian appeared to become more discomforted and awkward, but even given the chance to stop the spiral she didn’t. Finally she came to a close with the story. “He took care of us for a couple of months. He probably would have stayed with us for the rest of our lives, but a few months ago he was killed after he fell from the roof. I don’t know how it happened since he was always up there. But I found his stone self shattered on the ground one morning. After that Tyson’s never has been the same. He gave up comics, lost his energy, and he barely smiles anymore. I thought that Iorek would cheer him up and bring his old self back, but now Tyson’s afraid of him ….I just don’t know what to do. ” Her hands were then raised to cover her face, shielding her from the outside world for a few seconds. After explaining all that without a pause or a stop, after she said she wouldn’t say anything, Lillian hated her selfish decision. When Lillian removed her hands, her cheeks were red with embarrassment. “Ah….Sorry Aphi. Here I said I wouldn’t bring a melodramatic air to this and now I’m being a drama queen.”

Tyson chuckled under his breath as the two raevans goofed off before him. When Iorek began to loose his balance the youth merely shook his head. Iorek had the toughest skin he had ever seen, stone to tell the truth, so what couldn’t he handle? Although the gargoyle raevan did wobble a lot but Tyson had the feeling that was brought about due to his large arms and his unfamiliarity to floating. He’d grow out of it with time.

Iorek actually managed a spin while in Rivener’s strong arms. Probably before the other could grasp what was happening, Iorek took a hold of his shoulders, a tight squeeze at first that quickly eased to a gentle grip, and held the older raevan in place for a moment. For someone who could have kissed the ground just seconds ago Iorek seemed pretty happy. A low but rich laugh broke his smile as he stared up at Rivener. He was really beginning to like this! It was fun to see what he could copy from this other raevan.

One massive hand then released Rivener’s shoulder. Iorek raised it away from Rivener’s face so there was enough room for him to give Riv a wave without breaking his nose. By the looks of it, Iorek was very pleased with himself. Not for just learning this little treat, but for also remaining gentle to the point of not breaking anything nearby.

Lillian soaked up the warmth she found in Aphismet’s strong arms like a sponge. She didn’t get many hugs like this very often: soothing, protective, and comforting. Sure she had Tyson and the occasional boyfriend, but neither felt quite like this. It was nice. Kind of like her father’s hugs but without the bear hug grip.

Resting her head against his shoulder, Lillian basked in the glow of a seemingly father to brotherly love. “Looks like you’re becoming some kind of hero, Aphi.” She murmured between soft breathy bouts of laughter, “Saving the damsels in distress, fighting the bad guys, and helping those in need. All you need now is that special happy ending.”

Of course Aphismet would accomplish that too now that he had rescued Chloe. Perhaps if it was last year, Lil would have found herself envious of the young pink-haired woman’s loving relationship with Aphi. Certainly not anymore. Over a year had passed them by since their first meeting at the Valentine day event and the time in-between then and now had given Lillian plenty of time to mature further. Aphi was now like a brother rather than someone to be interested in. Besides, from what she could see, those two belonged together. “Looks like you guys have Lady Luck on your side.” She said concerning his families good fortune. “If you ever feel like sharing it, you know our number.”

Tyson looked to Rivener and then to Iorek after Rivener suggested the game. The raevan seemed pretty content where he was. But….“Well…” Tyson’s eyes fell onto Iorek’s strong and hefty arms. They did look like they could lift quite a lot. Even though the adult in him yelled that this was a mistake, the kid side begged for the chance to have some fun. The boy huffed and puffed, fidgeted in his seat, and even drummed his fingers upon the couch’s armrest. His inner man and boy battled a great fight until a victor was declared by one simple word. “Alright.” Yet the war was not over. “But nothing that will hurt him or make a mess of your yard. I don’t want to get in trouble.”

Iorek glanced up from tracing the pattern on Rivener’s clothing to smile at Tyson. Immediately after their eyes had made contact Tyson looked away from him. Yet Iorek didn’t seem to care too much, for he got right back to pressing his index finger into the red symbols upon the black of Riv’s shirt. The absent-minded raevan didn’t even seem to realize, not one bit, that the two before him were planning something that had to do with him.

Lillian laughed along side Aphismet. By the way her sides tickled and warmed, she could tell right off the bat that it had been a while since she laughed this much. But there just had been nothing to laugh about! Summer had been a bust for the misfit family until now. What had they done most of the days? The answer: Sit in the house and try to clean away the dust and cobwebs that had settled there. Laughter and joy did not fit into a job like that. Although there was no way around it for her home was literally a mess, and even more so now that there was another person living in it.

Yet as they sat and talked, Lillian had begun to pick up the pieces of her wayward happiness. What Aphi had to say really warmed the young lass’s heart. He might not have thought much of it, but boy she did. After all, Lillian was used to being on her own and this show of a caring affection hadn’t been placed before her in what felt like dozens of years. But honestly Aphi was just too nice for his own good. He’d probably volunteer to give someone he cared for his kidney if they were ever in dire need.

Through a warm smile and a handful of stray laughs, Lillian managed to shake her head at the kind man’s subtle offer. “We’re fine, Aphi. Besides, I’m not taking your money even if we were in trouble. You earned, you keep it for yourself and your family.”

Tyson slowly stood up from the comfy couch. His uneasy expression revealed the height of how unsure he really was over Rivener’s eagerness to “try out” Iorek. Iorek was still new, and that meant he was at a higher risk of doing something stupid and getting himself hurt in the process. But did Rivener see that? Or did he just see a way to have a good time.

Even though he didn’t feel that his was a safe idea, Tyson followed after Rivener anyways. To ease his unsettled stomach that had gained an onslaught of flitting butterflies Tyson reasoned with himself that he’d just have to watch out for Iorek. Yes, he may not have liked the raevan a whole lot but he was still a member of their family. If he got himself hurt Tyson knew he’d never ever really forgive himself.

Iorek floated beside Tyson without a care in the world. He drifted along after Rivener like a leaf in the breeze. Where they were going and what was going to happen never fell to him to worry about. So far Reks hadn’t felt any sort of pain, he didn't even know it existed. For all he knew they were going outside to gather up some rocks for him to eat or they were going back into the strange thing that had brought them here.

"Yeah, that sounds like a good idea." Lillian stood from her spot as the trio exited the house. She had seen they had been talking about something earlier, and whatever it was one of them, seemingly Rivener, decided they should act upon it. Until she saw what they were planing to carry out, Lillian was left to hope that it didn't concern Iorek.