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Kasumi Roseglimmer Captain
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 Posted: Sat Feb 22, 2014 7:33 pm
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It would have been hard for anyone to keep a straight face around Iouya. He was playing it up, getting into the role of a blushing bride with great fervor. Fern was trying so hard not to laugh that she thought she was going to explode, barely able to breathe in her attempts to keep her laughter in. She didn't want to give the secret away, didn't want to be the one person who let out a loud screech and drew attention to herself either!
Her face was flushing red and she knew there were tears of mirth at the corners of her eyes. She was shaking with silent giggles, hand holding a lacy handkerchief to her mouth as she bit on it hard. She probably should have let a few giggles escape earlier, because the urge to laugh now was almost unstoppable.
***
Saberlin shot his wife a concerned look, giving her hand a squeeze as one ear angled towards her and his tail swished. "Don't hurt yourself, my flower. He'll find out in a second anyway. I would not wish you to come to harm" he was unable to stop the amusement showing on his face or in his voice as he watched the blindfolded groom stumble forwards and kneel at Iouya's feet, reaching out...having no idea as his hands slid up the smooth skin towards the frilly fabric item on Iouya's leg. Saberlin coughed slightly.
This was...awkward, but he had to admit, it was also very funny. He was glad he'd decided to film it, holding the pen-like camera device in his other hand the entire time as he filmed the scenario. Otherwise he wasn't sure he'd really want to see this. He was going to have nightmares...!
***
Iouya looked at the crowd gathered around as cheers and laughter broke out, along with shouts of encouragement, some of the guests calling out instructions to the hapless groom as he went about the infamous ritual.
"A little higher up"
"No, not there, you're meant to be getting the garter, remember?"
"Wooo!"
"That's it, grab the garter!"
The bat raised his eyebrows in a look of mock surprise and sultry as James reached for the garter that rested around his thigh, receiving shrieks of laughter and more catcalls from the onlookers.
James's comments however, tipped them over the edge. Everyone dissolved into fits of laughter as he mentioned how smooth the legs were. Iouya's eyes glowed as he held back a snort, almost giving the trick away.
Batting his eyelashes and simpering, Iouya straightened out his leg on a graceful angle, holding back the skirts of the wedding gown in a ladylike fashion and posing some more. As the garter was slipped off, he waited until the moment James had it in his hands and then put on a high pitched 'girly voice'. "All the better to match your big, manly hands my darling!"
***
Fern couldn't hold in her laughter any more, bursting into fits with the rest of the crowd. She doubled over, laughing so hard that tears streamed down her cheeks, the handkerchief fluttering out of her grasp. It was a wonder the children hadn't woken up with all this noise.
***
Iouya caught Fern's handkerchief as it drifted on the wind, fanning himself with it as at the same time, he leaned down and hooked a claw casually under the edge of James' blindfold, pulling it up off his eyes onto his head. He grinned at the groom mischievously, winking at James with devilish glee. "Hello big boy~!"
Oka and Panthe continued to sleep, occasionally letting out small mewls or sighs, or shifting slightly in their sleep. Kuloka sat nearby on a chair. He couldn't see what was happening from where he was and for that he was mighty glad, not wanting to see his dad in a dress and garter.
He got up and adjusted the blankets around the pile of toddlers, making sure they were comfortable as they slept on the mattresses. Kuloka gently tugged Oka's tail out of his cousin's mouth, replacing it quickly with a pacifier that had a kitty on the front panel. "Here you go, suck on this instead. Your cous is going to end up with a bald tail otherwise" Kuloka murmured, with a soft chuckle, stroking the boy's hair back from his forehead before going to sit back on the chair. Kuloka picked up the magazine he'd been reading, resuming his reading of places to travel. |
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Posted: Sat Feb 22, 2014 8:46 pm
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Cheria just had to join in on the laughter. She let out a snort and then laughed even harder. James stared at Iouya in shock. It was a wonder that he didn't faint right away. He even cocked his head, then he found Cheria laughing at the main table. He got up, 'stomped' over to the table and pretended to be angry with her, but couldn't stay that way for long. "Well played, Cheria, well played."
Cheria couldn't stop the laughter, and a couple snorts later, she calmed down long enough to converse. "I'm sorry James. I thought it was worthwhile, and it seems I was right." She tugged him closer and nuzzled his neck before kissing him square on the lips. He purred as he leaned in closer, but he lost his balance, and fell forward, dragging Cheria down with him. She let out a shriek, but once she landed on James, she glanced down at him and laughed. It was a rather funny situation, though Saberlin might be mortified.
***
Luke whimpered at the loud noise, trying to move away from the noise. He pawed at his ear, not really liking how it hurt it. He sucked even more vigorously on the pacifier, milking it for what it was worth. His cheeks were a bit flushed, but that's normal when you have a sleeping toddler. Caleb was not really disturbed by the noise, but he moved in closer to his cousins and even tried to find his brother. Once he found Luke, the two of them curled up together, like what they did in the womb. One head was on the others back, and vice versa. Sometimes they even moved in sync. |
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Kasumi Roseglimmer Captain
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Posted: Wed Feb 26, 2014 6:04 pm
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James playfully rolled Cheria under him as they lay on the grass and he leaned down to kiss her again, not caring who was watching. He then helped pull her to her feet as he got up again, pulling her with him towards the crowds of waiting people. “Come on, will we toss them their trinkets? You have a bouquet to throw at some poor woman and I have a garter of doom” he joked, holding the elastic frilly thing between finger and thumb.
James twirled ‘Iouya’s’ garter around one finger, breaking out into a grin. It was time for the bouquet and garter toss, before the last dances of the night and the end of the wedding party. After which the bride and groom would walk off together through a shower of bubbles and confetti, to end their perfect night. They wouldn’t be leaving on their honeymoon until the next morning, wanting to say goodbye to the twins before they went. But when they were ready, Saberlin had already promised them a car. A Jaguar had been selected for them, already decorated with ribbons and a just married sign. And Saberlin had also offered a chauffeur to do the driving for them, if they wished. Luke and Caleb would be minded by the household’s capable nannies while their parents were away, though their aunty and uncle would take care of them for a few days. Fern and Saberlin had a trip planned as well, their 6th wedding anniversary and some time to just be themselves, to spend together.
Seeing them move towards the waiting people that were clustered about, Fern carried the bouquet to Cheria and handed it to her, giggling a little at the gaggle of single men and women that had gathered behind her, waiting to catch the fateful flowers and garter.
James smiled, tossing the garter over his shoulder almost as casually as someone might toss an unwanted object. It pinged through the air like a rubber band and James spun around just in time to see it hitting someone in the forehead. Oh well, they caught it with their face, that was still catching, in a way. “Good catch!” He shouted, to the unfortunate young man, one of the gardeners for the family’s grounds and gardens.
***
He held out his hand to Cheria, hoping to pull her into one last dance before the night ended, listening to the squeals and shrieks of excitement from the ladies who had just caught her bouquet. Two of them were fighting over it, in playful competitiveness, each wanting to be the next to get married.
***
Saberlin was smiling as he walked the peaceful gardens with Fern, both of them just watching the merriment and the fairy lights around them as they wandered along the pebble paths and admired the flowers, listening to the strains of music.
"I hope they have long and happy life together, as I intend ours to be" Saberlin commented.
***
Fern sighed, leaning against him as she walked, hand on his arm, not at all minding being escorted about in such an old fashioned way. It was sort of charming, and she liked that he always treated her like she was his princess. Like she was his treasure.
"I hope so too. We're lucky the way things worked out. No messy family feuds. No fighting, or drama" she fell silent for a minute or two, just enjoying the companionable silence as they walked, their footsteps crunching lightly along the path, the music lilting and lifting their spirits.
"You know. Saberlin, it's nice being able to spend time with you, like this. It's been a long time since it's been just the two of us. You love your work. And I know we eat meals together as a family but it's not the same as this...today was fun" she paused and looked up at him and her eyes glimmered with reflections of light from the trees, her dress shimmering faintly as night air toyed with the fabric. She hesitated for several breaths, trying to find the right words to say.
"If we want all of this to last, we're going to have to work at it, aren't we? Sometimes I'm afraid it's all too good to be true. It's just a dream that's going to fade away. When things get too...routine, it worries me" she admitted.
***
His smile was gentle as he stopped and looked at her, leopard eyes glowing luminous in the dark, bright enough to equal the fairy lights that were twined around the garden. "Yes, I am glad that my sister is happy and to gain a new brother in law at the same time, another of the feline family, no less. Our alliance between other cat families is growing" he sounded pleased.
"Do you think I haven't considered that? Of course we will work at it, my lovely flower" he caressed her cheek with a gloved hand, "There will always be difficulties for us to face. There will be times when more effort must be applied than others and I for my part will pour in as much as I am able. I would invite you to join me at my work if you could but I fear it would be too dangerous, and I feel you are made for finer things, more freedom than the labs and the medical centre would give you. You should choose that which pleases you the most, pursue anything your heart truly desires. I have always offered you that freedom" he said. And then, he leaned down and whispered in her ear, his leopard ear tickling her skin. "I have booked in a holiday to celebrate our sixth wedding anniversary. I thought we could use a little time away from everything, just the two of us"
He pulled back, smiling mysteriously.
***
Fern's eyes widened as she heard what he whispered and she let out an excited shriek, throwing her arms around him. "Oh, Saberlin, really? You didn't!" she laughed, hearing his laughter as he spun her around in a circle. Fern felt like celebrating, and she happily followed when he took her hand, kissed it and lead her away back to the dance floor. |
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Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2014 8:07 pm
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Cheria swayed with James, her head resting on his chest and right under his chin. "I'm glad we were able to work through our differences. I couldn't bear the thought of being estranged from the father of the boys. I didn't know how to tell them...." Cheria stopped before she could dig herself deeper. "I am really glad I married you, James. You are a good father to them. You care for them, and even play with them. Most male nekos probably don't take part in child rearing." She tried to supress a yawn, but it didn't work. "I guess it's time to get up to bed?" She kissed him slowly, just nibbles on his bottom lip. Smiling, she put her arms around his neck and let him sway with her.
Luke whimpered and he moved his hand from underneath Caleb to scratch at his ear. Caleb woke up slightly to see what the fuss was, after all, as the oldest, he was to make sure that his brother was OK.He moved over to his side, and planted his hand on Luke's face. Luke batted Caleb's hand away and went back to sleep, now on his back. |
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Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2014 7:10 pm
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Fern looked around curiously as she walked beside Saberlin, one hand on his arm as they both followed their guide towards their accommodation up in the trees. She was pleased but not all that surprised that her leopard neko husband had chosen a rainforest location. They would be staying in a luxury room called a 'tree house' during their anniversary but when she heard the words 'tree house' she had imagined something a little more rustic. This was anything but.
Her heeled shoes tapped noisily on the swaying wooden walkway as they continued following the guide to their room and she was glad she had Sabe to hold onto. High heels were probably not made for missing all those little gaps between the wooden planks. The rope and wooden walkway was suspended up in the forest canopy and surrounded on both sides by rainforest, and Fern knew it was a long way down. She could hear and see birds of all kinds flitting around them as the cool and slightly damp air of the forest washed over her skin.
"Saberlin, this is amazing! How did you find this place?" she asked with a happy note lilting her voice.
***
"I undertook some light research in the months leading up to now" he answered smoothly, sounding pleased that she liked the place he had chosen.
"I thought it would be a nice reminder of the time we spent together in similar environments on previous occasions." Which Fern was sure to understand as they'd spent time at a tropical rainforest getaway for their own honeymoon. "Although I must admit, it proved difficult to choose a destination; I was inundated with suggestions and information after several of our staff and work colleagues found out what I was researching".
***
Fern laughed. "I see. And let me guess, you had spent the whole time covering it up so I wouldn't find out these past few months?" she giggled again when he nodded. "You didn't have to go to all that trouble. Even if I found out, I would have just been happy you thought about it Saberlin! I know how wrapped up you get in your work. But still, this is really nice" she trailed off happily, looking ahead as a small building came into view.
***
Their guide stopped and opened the door of the building, which swung open to reveal a beautiful interior. Wide windows let in lots of natural light, illuminating soft clean linens on the poster bed, and gleaming polished floors and furniture, various places carved into pictures of flowers and wildlife. There was a balcony outside two double doors at one end of the hut, and Fern also thought she saw a spa! A bunch of fresh wild flowers sat on the table.
"Mr and Mrs Harcourt, here is your accommodation. Oh and before I forget, here are the keys to your rooms" the guide explained, handing them over.
"If there's anything more we can do for you, just give us a call. You will find a telephone inside your room. Oh and by the way, just to warn you, our guests sometimes receive visits from the local wildlife, so if you see possums, snakes, lizards or birds, don't be alarmed. Sometimes people get a bit of a fright." the guide grinned. "It's all part of the rainforest experience. But if you have any problems, we're a phone call away. Anyway, I guess I better be going and let you get settled in and relax. I hope you both enjoy your stay"
***
Saberlin thanked their guide politely yet warmly as she waved and then disappeared back along the walkway. He waited for Fern to go in before stepping inside, going over to their bags which had already been brought up and starting to help unpack. "Well, what do you think?" he asked, sitting on the bed and looking around. "Will this do? Or maybe I should have got something bigger" His tail flicked uncertainly as his ears dipped back.
***
"No, this is fine. It's nice to be in a small, cosy place like this after all the space we're used to back home" Fern replied, looking around their rather roomy one bedroom space. "It's perfect" she paused, frowning slightly. "I do feel kind of guilty though. Do you think Oka and Panthe are really okay without us there? We've never been away from them this long before"
***
"They'll be just fine. After all they're with Silaeca and Iouya. I have complete trust in their abilities to take care of our clawed terrors." he reassured his wife. "Besides, Oka and Panthe are used to those two. Silaeca and Iouya will keep them so distracted that they won't have time to miss us" He said, though he knew he sounded and looked a little guilty as well. After a moment he added, "Let's bring them back some souvenirs?" |
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Kasumi Roseglimmer Captain
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Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2014 5:49 pm
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Cheria had the time of her life trying to get Luke and Caleb off her legs. "No loves, mummy and daddy need to go on holiday together."
"No!" Luke hugged her leg, and she sighed.
"We both love you both, but we need this. Look! Iouya has a bright toy for you! See that?" Cheria finally pried him off her legs and directed him toward Iouya. Luke went over to Iouya, stumbling a bit, and looked for the bright toy.
"'Ouya! Bwight 'oy?" He held up a jingly ball in his claws, his tiny claws almost piercing the fabric. Caleb wandered over to his brother, wanting to play with it as well.
"Wuke! Give!" Caleb huffed, reaching for the toy. Luke just kept pulling it closer to him.
"No, 'Web, NO!" Luke growled, his soft ears flattening down.
Cheria looked at her cubs and sighed. She looked at both Iouya and James. "Do I even stop them from fighting, or do we leave?" |
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Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2014 1:19 am
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“No, stay and say goodbye, or try to, anyway. It’s better not to sneak off, trust me. I’ve tried. There’s always waterworks when they realise later. Well, normally…all kids are different”.
Iouya laughed softly at the twin neko boys, watching them cling to their mother, then fight over a toy. “Don’t feel too left out, Dad” he clapped James on the shoulder, accidentally poking him with his long, black claws. It was a testament to how careful he was with the children that after sessions of babysitting, he and Silaeca were the ones coming out in scratch marks. “I’m sure they’re going to miss you too”.
He smiled at Cheria, meeting her gaze with a reassuring one of his own. He would distract them as best he could the minute Cheria and James walked out the door but he was giving them time to say goodbye. To James and Cheria, it wouldn’t seem like a long time, and the twins were used to the nannies, but it would be a while, and he wanted them to know they hadn’t been forgotten. When parents snuck off, it was hard on the kids when they realised later that they had just been left.
***
James sighed at the boys, shaking his head at the little growls and argument that had broken out. “Hey, hey. Remember what we said about manners and sharing. Whoever had the toy first gets to play with it first, and then it’s Caleb’s turn”, the jaguar walked over and knelt down next to his boys, gently separating them from their squabble and taking the toy; a little jingle ball made of bright fabric, with bells inside. It was hard to believe they could fight over this thing, when they had so many other toys to play with, but they’d been known to have scratch-ups over more mundane objects than this. He still hadn’t forgotten the fight over a dead butterfly they found.
“Now, I’m going to give the toy back to Luke and Iouya will tell you when it’s Caleb’s turn, okay? But before I do, are either of you going to say goodbye to us? Or do I have to leave without a goodbye hug?” he pulled a mock sad face and lowered his ears.
***
Silaeca slithered past in the background, Oka and Panthe happily seated on her back, giggling away.
“Faster, faster!” Panthe was cheering, her brother giggling behind her as they rode on the wiggly snake tail. It was slippery, and tricky to cling to, which made it that little bit more challenging. They enjoyed chasing it as well.
“Whoever falls off firsst hasss to do three lapss of the playroom, sss!” Silaeca hissed playfully at them, winking at them over her shoulder. She wasn’t going fast enough for them to be hurt if they took a tumble, nor was she far enough from the ground, which had a rug covering it.
“Tan we go down da ‘tairs?” Panthe squeaked up at her, giggling mischievously at the notion, her ears swivelling forwards hopefully. “Bump-bump!”
Oka laughed harder, parroting his sister shyly “Bump bump!”
“I’m afraid that would be sssomewhat dangerousss little missstresss” Silaeca answered gently, amused at the girl’s suggestion. “But we can play trains-ss with Luke and Caleb”
***
Fern nodded, sitting on the bed holding one of her dresses, as Saberlin put away some of his shirts and pants. “Good idea. I was thinking the same thing” she giggled, then covered a yawn behind her hand. “Ugh…travelling always makes me feel so sleepy”. She blinked tired tears from her eyes.
***
Saberlin glanced back over his shoulder, one ear swivelled towards her. “Perhaps we should go for a walk? The fresh air and light exercise ought to wake us up a bit”. He suggested, putting a few more things away in the closet, all on hangers or neatly re-folded after being in the luggage.
He took out an alarm clock brought from home and unplugged the tree house’s one, placing it in the drawer of the side table. Saberlin wanted his clocks to be reliable and there was no telling the accuracy of these public ones. Once the alarm clock was set the way he liked, he took two leaf shaped shower timers and placed one in the large bath tub and one in the shower. No water being wasted here. He placed a lint roller in the bathroom as well, because he did have fur, and it did tend to moult on things. Saberlin walked back into the bedroom and took a seat on the edge of the bed, pulling out his mobile. “I shall let them know we have arrived” And see how Panthe and Oka were coping. They should be fine, right? It had only been a couple of hours.
***
“A walk sounds good” Fern agreed, continuing their chat as they both set about getting settled in. She was on her knees on the floor, putting some of the clothes into the dresser drawers so they’d be easier to find. She didn’t mind living out of a suitcase but seeing as they were going to be here for a week at least, the drawers did come in handy.
She smiled to herself as her husband walked around the room, making sure everything was s**c and span and ‘just right’, the way he liked it. She was used to his eccentricities by now. They were one of the things she liked about him, although they could drive her up a wall at times. “Do we really need to know what time it is down to the last second, Saberlin? We are on holidays after all” Fern wondered, tutting at the thin, glass like alarm clock that was set to display different images every few minutes upon the glass. From what Saberlin told her, she knew it was powered by some sort of eco-friendly battery.
Hearing the bleep of his mobile phone being dialled, she frowned and looked over to see him making a call but relaxed when he explained why. “Okay” Fern was wondering about that too. She stepped closer and sat down beside Saberlin, leaning her head against him and hugging his arm.
***
Saberlin moved to make room for Fern. Wrapping his tail around her waist lovingly and kissing her temple, he pressed the loudspeaker button on the phone so they could both listen.
"Harcourt Residence. How may I help you?"
"Michael. It's me"
"Master Saberlin, is that you?"
"Sorry, yes, it's Saberlin. I thought you would recognise my voice. I’d like to inform those concerned that we have arrived at our destination".
"Glad to hear it, Sir. Ah, you mean Silaeca and Iouya. Certainly, sir. I'll inform them right away. Would you like me to put one of them on for you?"
"No, no, no need to interrupt them. Just, pop your head in and see how everyone is faring, if you wouldn't mind. I'm confident in the capabilities of my nannies. No need to let on that I called. Especially don't mention it to the children". They'd only be reminded that their parents were gone, and probably be upset. He would call them tomorrow. Or maybe before bed time, just to say goodnight.
"Very good sir. I'll do so while we converse so I may relay the information"
Footsteps could be heard as Michael headed towards the nursery, with its large play room, and shortly, sounds of small voices, mewls, growls, and other noises. |
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Kasumi Roseglimmer Captain
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Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2014 6:12 pm
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Luke toddled up to his father, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Don' go daddy. Pwease?" He put his arms around his daddy's neck, tucking his head in the crook of his neck. His ears flattened so they would fit in that small space.
Caleb came over as well, and joined Luke in the goodbye hug. "Weah, don' go."
Cheria smiled and bent down to hug her three men. "I know you don't want us to go, but Mummy and Daddy need time together, darlings. I know it's hard, but we'll be back, and we'll have something special for you when we do come back. Now, I want you two to be nice to each other, and especailly nice to Iouya, who's taking care of you two. Now go on and play. Luke, remember what daddy told you, OK?"
Luke nodded, and he gave her a kiss and she returned it on his small cheek. "OK mummy!" He bounded over to Iouya and grabbed the ball from him.
Caleb glanced towards his brother, but hugged his mother before joining his brother in pursuit of the jingly ball.
Cheria sighed, and she squeezed James's hand. "Now love, shall we go on our honeymoon?" |
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Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2014 4:03 am
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James hugged both of his boys tightly, kissing each of their foreheads. "See, listen to your mother. She knows what she's talking about" he said comfortingly. "We'll be back sooner than you think. Look after each other while we’re away, and make sure those nannies don’t get up to too much trouble" he said jokingly, trying to make light of the situation. He did feel bad for leaving them, seeing how much they would miss him and their mother, but he also knew that he and Cheria needed this break. Luke and Caleb were in good hands, and that made all the difference. He handed the jingle ball back to Luke, patting him on the head in that roughish fatherly gesture.
"Good lads. Maybe see if you can find the other jingle ball while we're away. I know we bought two of those things". James smiled, watching them go back to playing. They really were good kids and he was glad again that he had them. He still felt he didn't deserve them, sometimes. Them, or Cheria.
James, kissed Cheria's hand and rubbed his chin against it in an affectionate nuzzle. He was still a neko, part jaguar, and it showed. "Of course, let's go while we can. The car is waiting out front" he purred, waving to Iouya and Silaeca, catching last glimpses of their children and their niece and nephew playing before leaving the house.
Walking out of the mansion's front doors and down the stone steps beside his wife, he pointed towards the car that a chauffeur had brought around for them; a model of Jaguar that was a classic. Their bags were already in the boot, and the car door was opened by the butler, allowing them to climb into the back. James wouldn’t need to drive as the chauffeur would drive them to the airport so they could go to their honeymoon destination; somewhere romantic, where they were going to have lots of fun, relaxation and of course, romance.
((I'll post for Saberlin and Fern next post)) |
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Kasumi Roseglimmer Captain
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Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 5:57 pm
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Cheria giggled at his hand nuzzling. "Of course. Don't want them to be more clingy, now, do we?" She held his hand all the way to the car, and even when they got into the car.
"James? What did I ever do, to deserve a handsome man like you? I know the last few years weren't easy, but I just wanted to say that I admire you for sticking it out with me, and getting to know your sons. I never really knew my dad, or my mum. They both died when I was young. Everything that I know about them is from Saberlin." Cheria turned her face from his to the workd around them.
"No more doom and gloom for a bit, yeah? The sun's out, and where we're goin', it's a cat's paradise, and you and I get each other for the entire holiday." She seemed to bask in the sun while the chauffeur got them to their destination. She glanced back at him, her golden eyes examining him intently before giving him a smile. "Did you know that lions can mate up to 100 times per day while the lioness is in heat? I would be utterly exhausted if I had to do that. Once or twice is good enough for me, I think."
She scrunched up her face, as if thinking way too hard about it. And which she probably was.
***
While the parents were on their way to the airport, the lion cub twins were playing in the sunshine. Both were in lion form, and they were just a little bigger than when they were first born, even though they were only 3 years old. They chased each other around and around, sometimes catching who they were chasing. Other times they just stopped, and glanced at each other. But more often than not, they played together, the round jingly ball somewhat forgotten, though they did squabble over it a couple times.
Their dappled fur shown in the sun, the colors blending in quite nicely with the tall ornamental grasses that lined the garden. Still chasing each other, they jumped over Silaeca's tail, and Luke got stuck. Whining, he used to claws to propel him up and over, which didn't end well for the naga woman's scales. Little scratches oozed quietly with blood where his tiny claws made his mark. Other than angry outbursts of 'NO!' and hissing, there were no other disagreements from those two.
Finally, after chasing and playing with each other, the two kittens curled up together in a clump of those yellow grasses for a nap. They were tired, and soon where fast asleep, Luke's head on Caleb's back, and Caleb's head on Luke's back. If one didn't look closely, one would think they looked alike.But each brother had something different about them. But more on that later, if the time allows. They had disappeared from the regular garden, but that didn't concern them, as long as they had each other. |
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Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2014 5:52 am
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((WIP! I'll let you know when the post is finished. I still have to write what Fern and Saberlin are up to, so don't reply until I do that, okay? ^_^ I'll work on it tomorrow. I'm tired, I need to go to bed Okay, I'm done.))
James listened to Cheria talking, watching her while reclining against the comfortable seats of the car. His thumb gently traced circles against her bronzed skin, light and soothing. He closed his eyes, relaxing, a smile never leaving his lips. His ears were in a relaxed forwards pose and tips of jaguar fangs peeked from the corner of that peaceful, satisfied smile. He may not have been a workaholic like his brother in law, but the hubbub and excitement of their wedding, plus the normal stressors of everyday work and life gave him enough reason to look forwards to this time spent with Cheria, besides it being a celebration of their marriage that is.
“I don’t know. Maybe we deserve each other. Someone somewhere is probably laughing at our expense” James remarked teasingly to her question but then returned to being serious. “Though, seriously, I feel the same way about you. I never should have treated you the way I did. I was just so…unprepared for everything that happened. I was scared. Too much responsibility, all too soon. I felt I could never be the kind of person you deserved, or they deserved. I knew it couldn’t be as easy as it looks” he admitted, opening his green, gold-flecked eyes to look at her, his beautiful nekojin bride. “It would have been the worst mistake of my life if I hadn’t given you, them, and myself a second chance” He squeezed her hand gently. “I know you miss your parents. I’m sorry for what you went through when they died. Your brother…Saberlin, I mean…I noticed the way he takes care of the women in his household. He looks out for you. And I promise, I will do my best to be there for you the same way. Better…”. He leaned in and kissed her, tender, parting with another smile for her. He was glad when she changed the subject, he didn’t like to see those depths of sadness in her eyes.
“That’s the way. Smile, enjoy the day. If I know anything about doom and gloom, it’s that it doesn’t belong in our honeymoon” he encouraged her. Cheria was an inspiring person, another trait he liked about her. She could see sunshine through the rain, making the dewdrops sparkle. She had a strong spirit and a will to keep fighting. She didn’t just give up when things got tough. Together, they could work through things.
They fell into a comfortable silence for several hours, James either watching the scenery, admiring his wife, wondering over how their life together was going to be from now on, thinking about their sons, or closing his eyes and dozing, enjoying Cheria’s scent and presence, anticipation filling his heart at their approaching destination and the things they would do. Dozing lightly, James felt her stare upon him, and opened his eyes to see his bride studying him intently. One ear swivelled back slightly, whilst one went forwards, and he smirked, amused and curious. The tip of his tail lightly thwapped the car seat. James burst out laughing, her smile and comments having caught him off guard.
Once he had regained his composure, still chuckling a bit, he turned to her. “That is not what I was expecting to hear just then” the jaguar grinned, sitting up straighter. “Er…you don’t really experience that particular thing though. At least, when we were dating, I never remembered you going through…such a thing” James was blushing, struggling to find the right words. Then he leaned forwards, a smug smile spreading over his face, to speak in her ear. Her troubled expression was really cute. “You know, I believe in quality over quantity…but we can certainly try” he winked at her, playful, taking strands of her hair and letting them slip through his fingers seductively. “Don’t think too hard, it sounded like a fun challenge”. He wasn’t being entirely serious. He liked making her laugh.
The car pulled into the airport parking, and their chauffeur opened the door, getting ready to take their bags to check in as soon as they hopped out.
***
Oka and Panthe were in the garden playing as well, under the watchful eye of their nannies. Sunshine and fresh air were good for them and seeing as it was a clear day and they had youthful energy to burn, they were outside with their cousins, making the most of it.
When Luke and Caleb forgot their jingly ball, the Harcourt twins were quick to pounce on it. They were rolling it back and forth to each other, or trying to throw it to each other, sometimes able to catch it with their faster feline reflexes as well as being able to pinpoint its direction because of the jingle, yet most times they were missing it and having to run and catch it.
This part of the garden was one they hadn’t been in very often. It was further away from the house than their parents normally liked to take them, but they had gone exploring, and the nannies simply accompanied them wherever they wanted to go. So long as they remained within the grounds and did not stray into the forest or other properties surrounding them, they would be fine.
Silaeca always had her first aid kit with her, and a bag full of snacks and supplies. She didn’t mind much about the scratches on her hide. She had been scratched many times before, and probably would be scratched many more times to come. The naga knew that was one of the risks when your young charges had claws. She didn’t scold them for it unless it was intentional or had hurtful intentions behind it.
Oka and Panthe were also having nap time, asleep on the picnic blanket laid out for them under a shady tree, each with their own pillow. The naga had curled her long body around the blanket in a protective circle, leaning against the trunk of the tree, reading her novel as she let them rest. They, unlike their cousins, were not so good at controlling their transformations yet, so they were in their human forms. The panther girl was clutching a sippy cup half filled with juice that was slowly leaking onto the blanket, as the nannies hadn’t been able to pry it out of her stubborn little hands. Her brother on the other hand, was curled up, sweetly sucking on his favourite pacifier, a colourful flower crushed in his free hand. He was a gentle boy, and liked studying things, especially flowers, or things that had interesting shapes or nice colours.
Silaeca watched over those two, while unknown to Luke and Caleb, the mischievous little brothers were being watched over by the flying fox, Iouya, from up in another tree. For the bat, it was easy to tell them apart, having known them since they were babies. For anyone else, it’d be hard to tell. Well, actually, maybe it wasn’t so easy as he thought. From his upside-down perch, he could see the tall grasses they had run into and knew their rough location, but he couldn’t actually see the pair with his eyes. He just knew they had run into this tall grass patch and hadn’t come out yet, so he was watching the entire patch, thinking he’d see the grasses rustle when the cubs started moving again.
***
Silaeca turned a page of her book and yawned, comfortable and relaxed in the lazy afternoon. She was starting to feel a little sleepy herself. Since one of the butlers had approached and told her that Saberlin and Fern made it safely to their destination, she wouldn't worry.
***
Meanwhile...the clothes and items had been unpacked, so the two other adults in the family had gone for that walk they were talking about. Saberlin had chosen one of the shorter trails, only a fifteen or twenty minute walk, out of one of the brochures. He had studied the different pamphlets and guides before they got there, familiar with which trails went where. This one was still nice though, weaving gently through the trees and ferns, the sound of birds all around, the damp rainforest air filled with earthy and leafy scents. The greenery shone with the light that filtered down into the trail and it had a peaceful aura. Every so often, Saberlin would stop to look at something; a leaf, pattern on tree bark, an interesting insect. They all got his curiosity for different reasons and he explained bits and pieces to Fern, or told her his theories. It was nice to be outside in the fresh air after being on the road and already he was feeling fresher than when they arrived. He could feel the beast stretching and yawning, yearning to come out and explore the habitat that called strongly to it. But he didn't let it control him.
***
Fern listened and watched, walking beside him, nodding and smiling when he showed her things. She liked listening to his theories, asking questions, adding her two cents in. It was funny, it reminded her of Oka, they were very similar in that regard, then again, Panthe liked to explore and look at things too. But the boys were so intense when they found a new treasure. They had to feel textures, see them from different angles, look at the veins in leaves, and so on. In Oka's case, he often had to taste them as well, which did cause more than one scare for her and his papa. "This is nice" she took a deep breath of the scented air, and exhaled, "It smells good too" |
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Kasumi Roseglimmer Captain
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Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2014 3:41 pm
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Cheria grasped James's hand and smiled. "Then, let's go on an adventure, as my friend Bilbo Baggins used to say." She laughed and hugged James on a whim, burying her head into his shoulder. She stepped out on the pavement, and took in a deep breath of air.
"It must be the sunshine, I've never felt so good, nor as alive." She unburied her head to turn to look at the planes coming and going, glinting silver in the morning sun.
"Will Caleb and Luke be OK? I know they have the nannies, but I miss them something terrible. What should we get them from our trip? I know that we are cat people, but I was thinking a dog. Saberlin has his...stone thing as a pet, and..." Cheria struggled to say what she wanted to say, mainly because it was a dog, and a giant one at that, which came over to sniff at her and her cubs when they were smaller. and younger. Her fur unconsciously fluffed out in her state of mental agitation. She glanced towards James, and tugged on his hand.
"Come. We'll miss our flight, and I don't fancy spending the night in an airport." She strode purposefully towards the airport, forgetting that her hand was linked with James's, and therefore dragging him along at quick a brisk pace. Once she realized that, she quickly unlaced their fingers.
"Oh! I'm sorry James. I didn't mean to pull you along like that. Tunnel vision, you know?" She blushed, and the pink made her cheeks a dusky rose under the bronzed skin.
***
Believe it or not, it was Luke who woke up first. He yawned, letting his pink tongue curl before putting it back in his mouth when the yawn ended. He put his head back on his brother's back, and lazily halfway closed his eyes. The transition of Morning sun to Early Afternoon sun wasn't lost on him, and the need to sleep tugged back on him, wanting him to follow it back into the dark hallways of peaceful sleep, but Luke resisted. After all, he wasn't fully cat.
Caleb woke as well, but squirmed, wanting to get back up and play. But something made him stop. It was probably the rumbling of his stomach that prompted him to get up. So he did, but they were so far from the others (Iouya not included), that he didn't know which way to go. The grasses tickled his nose, and he sneezed. The grasses fluttered, but not too much. In that language that only twins can understand, which was a mixture of lion chirps, chuffs and words, Caleb was able to get his younger brother up and start following him towards the others, but since his sense of direction was all confused, he went in the wrong direction, going deeper into the grasses, rather than out of it. |
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Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2014 9:20 pm
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((Since we’re not in the LotR universe with this RP, can we just say she is talking about reading the book? Cheria can’t have met Bilbo since they live in Gaia and that really doesn’t fit in this story. PM me if you have ideas for how it could work and I might reconsider. I just don't think it really fits.))
James looked at her questioningly when she mentioned the unfamiliar name, ears dipping back, indicating his confusion. His jaguar tail curled up, as though it too wondered about this oddly named person. “Is that an old friend? I’ve never heard you mention him before now. Ah well, no matter. He’s not coming with us”. He joked lightly.
James laughed, watching Cheria. She was in high spirits and it was rubbing off on him. “Somebody’s excited” He returned her enthusiasm, grinning once more at what awaited them once they got off the plane. They made this destination something he thought would appeal to the lioness side of her.
“I’m pretty sure that’s what we’re doing right now, isn’t it? Heading to foreign countries has to count as an adventure. And I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather go with” he returned her hug readily, watching the planes with her. She worried over their boys. They couldn’t spend the whole time fretting and thinking like that. He wasn’t sure where she was going with it, mentioning pets and dogs of all things. And she had to bring up Saberlin’s stone guardian beast! That thing had grown exponentially. It resided around the mansion like an overgrown, mossy gargoyle. James shuddered. He’d been startled more than once by the creature. It could become still as a statue and would then move unexpectedly and spook people out of their wits. Apparently, this was a favourite game it played. One with which it never ceased to entertain the children and make the mansion echo with their screeches and laughter…and the screams of the hapless household staff.
“I miss them already too. I’m sure they’re fine with the nannies. Let’s talk about bringing back gifts later, okay? We’ll probably see lots of different things” James placated her, not too keen on getting into that discussion yet. He knew the feeling all too well; the guilt of leaving them out, wanting to bring back presents to make it up to them somehow. But they hadn’t even left the country yet. And her talk of a dog made him nervous. Maybe it was her nerves talking. He smoothed the frazzled fur on her ears with swift, gentle strokes. “Don’t stress. We’ll call them first thing in the morning”.
James almost tripped when she started dragging him off, hurrying to keep step with her. “F-fair enough” he stuttered, allowing himself to be pulled and dragged towards the airport terminal by his happy and excited wife. He chuckled when she realised her mistake, taking her hand while she blushed prettily. “No, it’s fine. You’re excited. Don’t worry about it. I am too. Let’s check in and get on that plane”. Seeing as it was a special occasion, they had seats booked in first class. It was going to be a long flight but at least they would travel in comfort.
***
((Thanks, you reminded me about Quarrow. I kept forgetting to write him!))
Iouya’s bat ears flicked round to catch a tiny burst of sound and his eyes roamed the waving grasses again, searching for its source. If he wasn’t mistaken, that was definitely a sneeze. “Bless you” the bat chuckled. Good to know the lion-leopard cubs were still in there somewhere and hadn’t evaded him. It would be all too easy to sneak off out of boundaries if it wasn’t for the fact that Iouya had a bat’s-eye view from above and a keen sense of hearing. He stretched his wings and flapped them a few times, thinking of doing a quick swoop over the replica savannah.
Then he heard Caleb’s chuffs and chirps. He saw the grasses start to move more vigorously in places, and knew the twins were on the move again. “Better go turn them around” Iouya muttered with a grin. It wouldn’t do his reputation any good at all if something happened to the dear little imps. It had been a while since anyone mowed those grasses but he was pretty sure there used to be a replica watering hole in them somewhere, now that he thought of it. Too bad the new gardener forgot to maintain it.
That made up his mind to go fish them out. He didn’t bother to call out a warning beforehand. The bat was mischievous and besides, they would benefit from a lesson in stealth and alertness. Iouya launched off the tree branch and with a couple of joyful flaps, was sailing over the swathes of grasses. His ears swivelled, pinpointing the targets and he dove down towards the place where the grasses rustled most. As he did, he was startled by another form gliding into the air. The Lypthera, the family’s stony pet. He was never far from the children, seeming to have taken on the role of guardian since they appeared.
Iouya plunged his arms into the grasses, attempting to pick up one of the cubs, while he let Quarrow dive for the other. Look out kitties, here I come!
***
Panthe and Oka continued to sleep in the spattered shade of the tree, dimples and patterns of sunlight and shadow dancing across their sleeping forms. Oka whined softly and rolled over, rubbing his face when an ant crawled across it, but didn't wake yet.
Panthe had a little army forming around her spilled juice stain. Ants were sneaking onto the blanket and gathering around the sweet nectar, crawling onto her hands and clothes, tickling. She stirred and began to wake, her tail thwapping the ground in irritation. Tickly, itchy ants were crawling on her, and it wouldn't be long before she woke up and gave them a taste of her wrath.
Silaeca normally would be flicking the ants off or intervening some way. Yet the naga lay with her head tilted back on the tree, fallen into a light doze, her book upon the floor near her tail, where it had dropped. Prime material for ripping and gnawing when the twins found it. They liked being read to. But if not supervised, they also loved destroying poor innocent books into confetti.
***
Fern and Saberlin were nearly finished their stroll. They were half way back on the trail leading back to the tree houses when Saberlin stopped, sniffing the air. Feline ears swung forwards in alert curiosity and he stepped to one side of the trail, pulling Fern gently with him. “Do you smell that, my flower? Come. I have an idea” he turned to smile at her, and it wasn’t his usual smile. It was the slightly devilish smirk, the playful look that he got when he was on holiday and it was only him and Fern. His eyes flashed brightly, their reflective lenses catching the light. “This isn’t marked on any of the trails or maps. But if we are careful, we may proceed without trouble” he whispered, grinning as he led her into the rainforest. He whispered or pointed as they went, showing her where to tread, pointing out branches to duck and plants to avoid touching, and looking out for pitfalls or uneven ground. He kept an eye and an ear out for snakes and spiders, though there weren’t any in their path at the moment. There was a river ahead, and the scent of native fruits and flowers. Fern, he was sure, already knew what he was planning, but it was still nice all the same. There weren’t many places he could transform without being seen.
***
“Oh…okay!” Fern looked around nervously, but there was no one else on the trail to see them, and she followed him into the forest, giggling softly. She knew straying off trails was dangerous, and heard of people getting lost and dying because they went off track without telling anyone. But she didn’t fear that happening with Sabe. He seemed to know exactly where he was going. She looked and paid attention while he murmured soft directions to her and pointed out obstacles, obeying with childlike giddiness in her steps. He probably had something he wanted to show her. And as soon as they were far enough from sight, she knew that he would shape shift. It didn’t bother her, in fact she was happy for him. This was like his favourite natural habitat. “I can’t wait to see what’s ahead” she whispered, excited, holding his hand tightly, feeling the tips of claws beneath the gloves he usually wore. “You know, you should probably take these off now. They’re going to get dirty” Fern whispered, teasing a little, as she plucked at the glove meaningfully. |
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Kasumi Roseglimmer Captain
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Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2014 8:15 pm
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When Cheria and James were safely on the plane, she reached over and kissed her husband's cheek. She was smiling, and happy for once. The plane took off, taking them to their destination. Eventually her excitement wore off and she snuggled against James's shoulder and fell asleep. She didn't wake up until the plane touched down at their destination. Getting ready for and being in the wedding must've taken a ton out of her that she didn't even realize.
***
Luke bounded past Caleb, chuffing and chirping when he fell down into the mucky watering hole. He started to howl, flailing around in the muck, trying to get out. Caleb tried to help him out, but soon he fell into the muck as well.
Finally, both cubs got out of the mucky hole OK, if not completely covered in muck. Caleb was picked up by Quarrow, and Luke ran into Iouya. Both cubs were mostly dark brown, with a few seaweed plastered on their head. It didn't smell the nicest either. Luke got tired of Iouya holding him, so he squirmed, wanting to be let down.
Caleb just went limp in Quarrow's grip, the scruff reflex kicking in already. Luke was still fighting Iouya, sometimes saying 'No' rather forcefully at times. He didn't want to go into the mansion to have a bath. He wanted a bath with Umber and Wallum. Finally he just burst into tears, and with that, he changed back into a mucky toddler human. |
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