The Harcourt Family

[Kasumi Roseglimmer]

Cheria heard Elise and dropped her flowers. "Yes? I'm right here. Is something wrong??" Her golden brown eyes flickered between Elise and Fern.

Fern smiled when she saw Cheria. "Oh Cheria, Elise and I were going to make bouquets for the nurseries. Wont you come join us?"

Elsie couldn't help laughing openly this time. She had been startled by seeing something bright blue moving around on the other side of the wall of roses but like she guessed, it had only been Cheria and the material of her beautiful dress catching the light. "Oh, it - it is you. Sorry, Mistress. Nothing was wrong. How did you end up over there?" she asked mirthfully, amused that somehow Cheria wound up in the exact same spot as Fern and she, even though they couldn't see where the others were.

Through the holes in the trellis, she eyed the stone bench Cheria had been sitting on, recalling her mother telling her that the lady who planted that garden had loved to sit out there and paint or draw the roses she loved. Some of the paintings were hung in rooms of the mansion, with sharp pronged, tiny 'E's hidden in the corners to signify the artist.

***

Nothingness. Darkness. The silence and stillness of death. Then, whatever came after.

At least, that’s what he had been expecting. Instead, there was a slow, uncertain realisation that this expectation was being comprehended, as well that there was a faint awareness of ‘being’ in some way. To have the ability to comprehend such things, perhaps one still needed to be earth bound?

Gradually, bit by bit, he began to surface from slumber…began to feel the warmth of flesh and blood and the steady beating of a heart in his chest. Slender fingers twitched slightly, lush eyelashes fluttered.

Had they done it? Incredible! Impossible, surely! Not clear whether this was a blessing or a curse but if they had then, some part of him ought to be grateful, right?

One thing was sure; he was alive.

A pair of sizzling plum coloured eyes slid open under luscious, dark lashes and blinked groggily a few times, becoming clearer as the dim look of confusion faded. “Nnh...” A soft groan left his lips. Strange, his voice sounded a little higher than he remembered it; different somehow. His hair seemed to have changed colour whilst he was out; strands of rich royal purple snaked over his shoulders and down to his waist, straight and sleek as though he’d come out of the hairdressers’. Strangest of all, there was an odd weight on his chest. He lifted a hand to rub sleep from his eye and looked down, wondering what other adjustments they might have made to his original form.

B-b-b-b-breasts! What, how, why, when did those get there?! A nerve rending shriek reverberated round the medical bay, causing people a few rooms away to look up from whatever they were doing or jolt in surprise.

“A woman! You turned me into a woman?! I’ll annihilate the lot of you!”

Cheria smiled. "Sure, I'll love to make bouquets with you." She started to look at the flowers, running her eyes over them. Selecting a few, she snipped at some tight buds, colored red, white, blue, a soft pink, gold, and even a soft bronze color. "Will these do, Fern?"

Fern smiled. "Those are lovely. They'd look gorgeous in either nursery." She of the bronze and gold buds herself, placing them in the basket with the others she had clipped. "perhaps we should head in soon so the roses don't wilt, don't you think?" She asked turning towards Elise and Cheria.

Watching carefully over this revival, Saberlin pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, ears flicking erratically. He had hoped this would be one of the easier parts of the process. Other doctors and staff scattered out of the way as their patient’s attention lanced over them.

“You! This was your idea, wasn’t it? Who are you? What have you done with my original body?”

“Whoa~!” Saberlin found himself suddenly grabbed by the collar and being jerked about roughly by an irate client with flashing purple irises that could bore into your soul. She was wobbly on her new limbs but her strength was still impressive.

Dropping his pen and clipboard by mistake, he tried to answer the snarling mercenary’s questions as patiently as he could.

“This body is only temporary. Your usual form is damaged almost beyond repair. Almost. My company specialises in achieving what most others cannot” he replied calmly, meeting the woman’s death glare with a tranquil golden gaze of his own. “To attempt to use it now would be certain death. When your old body has been completely repaired, you may live in that form once again. We needed time, so we bought some.”

“I’ll kill you! Who made you the master of life and death?!”

Great. Just great. Saberlin wanted to point out that they had at least done him the favour of giving him a nice body to inhabit in the meanwhile.

He spent the next passing hours trying to explain (without getting killed, thankyou) that one Firaish Rijksar would have to abide at the Harcourt residence under surveillance until he could be returned to his restored and repaired body.

Firaish found himself blindfolded with some sort of moving darkness and silenced with a sort of invisible barrier before being marched out of the labs and dropped off somewhere else in the house, far from the medical bays and laboratory. So, they didn’t want him to know where it was, eh?

Listening to the guards’ footsteps fading off in different directions, he sat and waited impatiently for the black smoke to dissipate, swiping at it in irritation and uttering a soft snarl. He was beginning to think it was permanent when it cleared suddenly like thin mist in sunlight, and he was able to see where he was. He looked around a small drawing room with dark wood floors, a mossy fountain and a neat miniature garden with glowing lanterns. Growling and gritting his teeth, he tugged at the dove white garments they’d given him and stared at them hatefully. If this was his punishment for absorbing his best friend on the battlefield, he supposed he deserved it. Didn’t mean he had to like it though.

***

Elsie helped gather enough flowers for three good sized bouquets before putting her clippers and spray bottle away. She looked to see which roses the others had gathered and had to agree with Fern. The colour combinations were beautiful. “Yes, let’s head back inside and find vases for all of these. I’ll make some tea and lunch for us” she replied happily, taking the lead so she could open the door for Fern and Cheria.

Once they were started on the bouquets, the maid ran off and brought a tray laid with different teas and assorted things to eat, setting it out for them on a small table.

Cheria went to her room to the crying sounds of her children. Holding both of them, she fed them. Changed their diapers, and burped them so they wouldn’t feel any discomfort. "Shush, now, momma's here." Both Luke and Caleb quieted down.

Fern smiled and followed Elise and Cheria into the house. She sat down at the table and began arranging a bouquet for the twins room. She hummed to herself for a bit, until she felt the familiar pain from earlier come back, but stronger.

When Elise returned with the tea and lunch she was feeling worse. "Elise...Could you please get Saberlin for me?" She rubbed her belly with one hand, the other gripping the seat of the chair.

Cheria put her boys back down and went into the room with Elise and Fern. Cheria nodded Elise off, and she bent down to Fern's level. "Stay calm, dont worry. Everything is gonna be ok." Her tail lashed from side to side, if it had a mind of its own.

Elsie sang softly as she poured the tea into delicate, fine bone china teacups, setting out sandwiches cut in neat mini triangles along with freshly sliced fruit and croissants.

At Fern’s question, she looked up to see the lady was in some mild discomfort. Hmm, why ever could that be?...Oh, of course!

She gave a soft gasp, nearly dropping the cupful of scalding jasmine tea she held. After a bit of a juggling act, the maid managed to save the cup and saucer from falling, though she had spilled some tea. She placed the teacup down with a sigh. Smoothing her skirt and regaining composure, she smiled and gave a small bow. “Certainly Mistress Fern, I’ll get him straight away - won’t be long” So saying, she scurried off, following the instructions Saberlin had given her to reach him and recalling his other instructions on the way. ‘In the event, though I doubt it will happen today, please, keep my flower calm, make sure she is comfortable and above all, do not make a big fuss of things. I’d like everything to go as smoothly as possible.’ Well, she was with Mistress Cheria for now, so she should be okay. Elsie hurried along.

***

A short while later Saberlin appeared in the doorway of the room, leaning against the frame slightly with a small grimace and panting, his ashy hair falling into his eyes. He bore a stunner of a black eye on the right side of his face and was clutching his ribs on the left, as though somebody had kicked him. His normally crisp white shirt was torn, with some buttons missing and his clothes and hair were somewhat askew. All in all, it looked like a rough day at work. Still, he had made it here without being ‘killed’, so that was a bonus.

Saberlin had run most of the way, following the alluring scent of roses the rest of it until he saw Fern sitting in the drawing room with Cheria kneeling by her side, both of them surrounded by gorgeous blooms of all shapes, sizes and colours.

Glancing around curiously after wiping a small amount of blood on the back of his hand (from a bitten lip. His fang tip had punctured it slightly when his patient had socked him one), Saberlin allowed a small smile to flicker across his face, wandering over to Fern. “Hello, what was going on in here? Are you ladies planning some kind of party?” he inquired, tone light and warm.

Fern smiled and gave a sigh of relief when she heard Saberlin's voice. She looked up at him, her smile fading slightly when she saw his disheveled appearance. "Saberlin..What happened to you-ooh!" She winced again, gripping the seat of her chair, panting slightly.

Cheria stiffened when she saw her brother in the disheveled state he was in. "Freshen up. I can help Fern." Her shoulders twitched, and her tail lashed. "I mean it, Saberlin. I'll watch Fern."

"Never mind that. I'll be fine." Saberlin waved off their concerns almost carelessly.

Focusing on the one he loved, he put his own needs aside. It was just a few bruises, after all. He wiped another crimson trickle, staining the snow white of his glove.

Ignoring Cheria's demand with a stubborn, somewhat arrogant lift of his chin, Saberlin leaned down by his wife and took her slender hand in his, bending to kiss her lightly before pulling away. "See, I promised you I'd be here, my dear; I always keep my word. I won't leave unless you request it" he told her quietly, strength and love flowing into the words. Normally such emotions would be rare and difficult to detect in his voice but this time they were clear, meant for her ears only.

He appreciated Cheria's help and assistance however, there was no way he was going to leave Fern's side for even a millisecond. In order to do that, he'd have to be dragged off, fighting the whole way. Honouring promises was important.

Fern held onto Saberlin's hand, his words helping to calm her down some. She squeezed his hand a bit as another wave of pain washed over her, catching her by surprise. She clung to Saberlin a little, trying to catch her breath. "Can...can we move? I want to go lay down..." She didn't think she could get up by herself at the moment.

Cheria calmed down. She nodded to Saberlin and got up from the floor. Retreating into a small room, she changed into a lioness, and came back out, her bronze fur rippling in the sun. She sat down next to Fern, as if she was protecting her.

Before Fern had finished speaking, he was already picking her up, looping one of her arms over his shoulders and letting her lean against him as he supported the rest of her weight; one arm under her legs, the other behind her back. His skin held the faint scents of sunshine and fresh air (and a light sweat today) as well as a sort of intoxicating musky, spicy smell that was always present.

Saberlin straightened up as best he could, ignoring the ache from his surely bruised ribs.

Giving lioness Cheria an appreciative look that conveyed his gratitude for her help, he carried Fern along the hallway into the nearest room, laying her down on a plush four poster bed with summer blue and white covers.

After propping up the pillows behind her, he calmly pulled out his favoured pen-like device from his shirt pocket and summoned a small team of medical staff. Watching the holographic touch screen shimmer and fade, he slipped the ‘pen’ back in his pocket and pulled up a refurbished antique chair beside the bed, taking Fern’s hand again. “That’s sorted now; the midwife will be along shortly” he informed her with a soft smile. “Anything else you require, just say the word. Cheria and I do not mind, right, little sister?” Saberlin turned to see where she was, looking for the form of a golden bronze lion strolling around.

Cheria nodded. She sat on the other side of Fern and gently, ever so gently, rubbed her head on Fern's other hand. Finally, she laid down on the floor, her eyes trained at the door. Her tail thumped on the floor as she flicked it.

Once Saberlin had placed her on the bed Fern leaned back into the pillows, holding onto his hand. She nodded slightly as he talked, squeezing his hand again as she felt another contraction. "Thanks..." She breathed, leaning back down into the pillow.

Presently, the sounds of pacing footsteps could be heard approaching from down the hallway and a team of one midwife and two other nurses came into the room, looking somewhat startled at the sight of a large lioness greeting them by the doorway. One woman shrieked and jumped out of the way, clutching her note board close as though trying to hide behind it. A hovering tray of implements and instruments drifted past her.

The other two ladies took a wide, skirting path round the side of Cheria, trying to keep from disturbing the giant cat. They had no idea who she was.

***

Hearing the shriek, Saberlin’s ears perked and his head flicked towards the scene. He sighed softly, shaking his head with a faint smile. “Please, do come in. There is no need to be afraid. That is Mistress Cheria; my younger sister.” He reassured the terrified woman with a tranquil tone, giving a small chuckle at the ladies’ reactions. The Harcourt’s ability to shift forms was a secret well guarded, even within their own home, hence why Saberlin didn’t prowl around as a leopard more often.

***

After a few more words from their boss and seeing that the rest of the people in the room were unperturbed by the existence of a lioness in their midst, the staff apologised to Cheria and greeted her properly before setting up their equipment and supplies. As the other two nurses bustled around the room, taking notes and setting up, a plump, motherly looking woman with a kind round face and a gentle smile approached Fern and helped to make her more comfortable on the bed, giving the bruntte’s arm a friendly pat as she took blood pressure and arranged pillows. “Hello there love, how are we doing? Good, good. That’s a good girl. My name is Laura Myrtle. I’ll be helping bring your little ones into this world. Sit up a little bit for me, that’s it! Take a sip of water, dear. Good girl...have you thought of any names so far?”

She kept up a light, friendly banter as she assisted the new mother, using lots of words like ‘love’ and ‘dearie’ and chuckling every so often. Moving with practised ease, it was clear she had been through this kind of scenario many times before and also enjoyed her work.

***

On the point of name choosing, Saberlin decided to butt in and add his two cents, still holding Fern’s hand in his own. “Yes, as a matter of fact. We have given it much thought; Oka for a boy and Panthe for a girl.” He smiled, stroking Fern’s hair gently as another contraction attacked her. He felt a tinge of worry and sensibly suppressed it.

Cheria got up and paced the length and breadth of the room endlessly, her tail lashing from side to side. "Saberlin....." Cheria paced still, her bronze fur rippling and catching the sun. Finally, she laid down next to the bed, keeping an eye on the midwife and the nurses.

Fern sat up some, following the midwifes instructions. She smiled a little when Saberlin mentioned the names they had chosen for the twins. "Panthe..Oka..." She cringed again, grasping Saberlin's hand. "It wont be much longer now...I'm sure of it."

He watched lioness Cheria pacing back-and-forth, back-and-forth like a pendulum and found the rhythm strangely comforting where perhaps others would have been annoyed. “It’s alright, little sister. You needn’t worry and wear yourself out. Everything is going as it should thus far” he told her with a tinge of amusement, though with more confidence than he felt. Glancing over to meet the gaze of the midwife, he silently asked her for confirmation.

Hearing Fern’s statement, Saberlin carefully removed his soiled gloves and neatly placed them on the side table. He then proceeded to rub small, soothing circles on the back of her hand with his thumb, trying to be as supportive as he could as well as take her mind off the pain. The nurses had offered her several types of medication however; it was dubious as to how effective it was.

“It’s going to be fine, my flower. No matter what, I’ll make sure…” he trailed off. How was he to make sure? He didn’t have the expertise or the knowledge. He was utterly helpless. No, Saberlin couldn’t keep that promise. Looking down and biting his lower lip lightly, he cast about for the right words, finally meeting her chocolate gaze again. “We’ll see this through to the end and everything will turn out well. You’ll see, my love. Hang in there!”

Catching his look, Laura smiled and gave Fern’s other arm a friendly squeeze. “Well now, you might be right, dearie. Let’s see how far along we are, shall we? That’s a girl…lean back for me…that’s it. Goodness, looks as though we’re progressing faster than I thought we were. You’re proven right, love” she chuckled, taking a seat by the end of the bed as the nurses helped to administer more medications, fetched instruments or water and monitored signals. “Okay, this is happening all very quickly. If you can remember your breathing techniques, they will help but if you can’t, don’t worry. We’ll encourage you what to do, love. Now, a little push – push, that’s the way…and breathe here, deep breaths…deep breaths…you’re doing wonderfully”

As the hours passed, Saberlin’s ears flickered and swivelled, whilst his tail swung almost erratically off the side of the bed, curling up at the tip then down again, sometimes shimmying around randomly or waving or lashing. These were telltale signals that for all his calm demeanour, he was beginning to feel more and more alarmed. Saberlin knew nothing about this sort of thing. This was their first pregnancy. He wasn’t fully human. His beloved was. They were having twins. She was only tiny. So many things could go wrong!

Cheria softly growled at one of the nurses who was attempting to put in a toxic substance in Fern. Showing her teeth, she hopefully scared her off. Her ears swilved, catching the sound of Mewling. Putting her paws on the bed (next to the midwife), she saw the source of the mewling. It was a tiny baby boy! She smiled a toothy lioness grin at both Fern and Saberlin.

Fern was startled by the soft mewling sound and opened her eyes to see the tiny baby boy. Fern smiled at Saberlin a little, quickly reminded that their daughter had yet to be born by another contraction. She gripped his hand again,and their son was soon followed by his twin sister. Exhausted, Fern collapsed into the pillow, smiling at Saberlin.

Saberlin’s amber orbs flashed and he also gave a low, admonishing rumble in the back of his throat once he realised what Cheria was growling at, watching the woman jolt and back away with a small shriek of fear, knocking over a tray of instruments as she did so. The med staff had already been informed that Fern was highly allergic to that particular pain relief substance and she had been dangerously close to administering it.

‘Caution!’ the warning growl said.

He was kind, however. He wouldn’t fire the nurse straight away for that. The incident would be looked into and discussed in depth later on…and then he would see. He pinned the woman with a penetrating glare in the meantime.

Pointedly double-checking what she had been about to give to her patient, the nurse gasped softly and looked suitably shocked, cheeks reddening as she put away the medicine and found the correct one, then bent to clean up the scattered items. She had almost made a serious mistake. Granted, they had all been there several hours. That had still been way too close.

The half leopard ignored the fact that his hand was once again rather crushed from being squeezed and paused in his soft words of encouragement to Fern, golden ears perking up in an instant to catch the unmistakable piercing sounds of soft, raspy, mewling cries caught somewhere between a squeak and a growl.

Seeing the tiny, half feline boy that was his son, Saberlin’s face broke into a huge and slightly wild grin, his sharp fangs showing clearly as he smiled. Joy set his fierce, cat-slitted eyes aglow. “There’s our son! Oka Harcourt.” he cheered, happiness and pride evident in his voice. “Well done, my flower. That is one twin welcomed to the world.” he congratulated Fern, kissing her cheek. His tail, as ever seeming to have a mind of its own, was held high and waving.

The kindly midwife quickly cleaned the baby off a bit and handed him to the nurses to take care of. They would take measurements, check up and weigh before cleaning him off some more, dressing him, wrapping in a soft blanket and handing him to his mother. Like his cousins Luke and Caleb, Oka seemed to have a healthy pair of lungs and continued crying throughout the entire process.

Admiring the adorable fuzz ball that was squeaking the room down, Saberlin was made aware that their baby girl was on the way when he felt his hand being crushed again, pushing his spiked claws out. “Ch!” he couldn’t help making a small sound of pain at that but soon his ears were perked again at the sounds of more crying, much louder and more squalling than her brother’s, higher pitched and raspier. Peering over to see the tiny baby girl in the midwife’s arms, his mouth fell open in astonishment and his eyes went wide. Where her brother’s damp fur was the same striking wheaten colour as his father’s, Panthe’s miniature, curved-triangular leopard ears, along with her fuzzy tail, were as black as India ink. And…it was hard to tell – Saberlin peered closer and felt his heart stop. Yes, she had her mother’s beautiful red-brown eyes.

Uttering a sigh of warmth and contentment mingled with relief and happiness, he finally let himself relax, slumping in the chair beside Fern. He pulled her arm into a gentle hug, placing kisses on the back of her hand and returning her smile with one that wouldn’t seem to leave his face. The room was blurry around him and had begun to spin slightly…it had been a long day. Still, Saberlin had never felt happier. “They’re here…they’re finally here at last. My flower…I love you…so much.” He whispered, slipping unconscious into a deep sleep as the words left his lips (against his will. He’d actually wanted to stay awake and shower her with praise).

(can I claim Panthe?) Cheria gently laid her head on Fern's arm, being careful not to crush it. "Congrats, Saberlin and Fern." With that, a streak of bronze flew out the room and came back, only with her cubs in tow, (apparently in feline form) hanging from her mouth in classic mother style. She laid them down gently, on a soft old blanket in the corner. She laid down, and let her cubs suckle, watching what Fern would do, now that she is a mother. Cheria secretly grinned to herself. She was now an aunt, and she would love being with her nephew and niece. Putting her head on her paws she closed her eyes and fell into a light sleep.
Luke and Caleb suckled, and then stopped and snuggled into their mother's body. Now against her warm belly fur, they too, fell asleep.

((thats up to Meyaira. We had that decide before you'd joined))
Fern smiled a little as Saberlin nodded off. He must be exhausted. She sat up in the bed, leaning against the headboard so she could hold the twins. Fern thanked Cheria as she congratulated her and Saberlin, watching as she quickly darted out of the room.

When Cheria returned Fern had both twins in her arms,smiling. They were so little, but absolutely perfect. She wished Saberlin had been able to stay awake a little longer, or at least long enough to get out of the chair.

((Sorry, music. We already decided beforehand. Panthe baby is mine. Oka baby is Kyu’s. X3))

Saberlin slept on, slumped uncomfortably and obliviously in the chair with his pale, sunlight hued hair falling over his eyes. He looked serene, even with the hideous black bruise on his right eye and the pierced lip and tattered clothing. A whisper light smile curled the corners of his mouth.

***

Panthe squalled at the top of her lungs, wriggling and arching her back unhappily until at last she was wrapped in something pink and fuzzy and placed in her mother’s arms. As soon as the little black pantheress was set down with Fern, she recognised her scent and sounds and calmed instantly, cries diminishing to tiny squealing mew-growls, then sniffles and finally the occasional hiccup dissolving into silence. Blinking away sparkling tears, she turned unfocused red-brown eyes towards her mother, trying to see her face. Her small leopard ears were like tufts of black silk and their fur was slightly spiky and sticking up, still a little damp. She didn’t have any teeth yet but her claws were soft and translucent, like pale grey pearl. As she grew older, they would harden and darken to be more like adult claws. Panthe gave a tiny yawn, curling her petal pink tongue.

Cheria looked up from her perch and watched the black pantheress quiet down. She was glad that Fern and Saberlin had children of their own now.

Oka squirmed and writhed, squeaking and mewling until he too was placed in his mothers arms. He quickly quieted down, Ferns familiar scent and warmth calming. He continued to squirm and wriggle around in the soft blanket, never seeming to be able to get comfortable.

Fern smiled as she watched the little pantheress settle down. She was quite a sight to see. "Hello little one. Its so good to finally meet you." She smiled again, gently brushing down the tufts of fur that were sticking up.

She then turned her attention towards Oka, who was still squirming around. "It's so good to finally meet you as well." she said, smiling. She had a feeling Oka must have been the one always moving and kicking while she was pregnant. She adjusted the soft blanket he was wrapped in so that he wasn't so uncomfortable, and he soon settled down.

It was a pity Saberlin was asleep at the moment, not only because he didn’t get to talk to his lovely family, but because the strange discovery that had everyone so intrigued since the moment it was brought back from holiday had finally decided to become active.

The perpetually mossy rock had been poked, prodded, scanned and had all kinds of tests run on it. Now, the small creature everyone knew was inside would make a grand appearance. With scientists and lab workers gathered around (at a respectable distance), tranquilisers and stun guns trained upon it, the rock-egg put on a show. At first, the movements had been slight, the occasional wobble or small rocking motion, barely detectable. These movements had grown into full on wobbling and wiggling, with rocking and rolling on the spot. Hard, persistent tapping and scraping could be heard from within. Slowly, areas of shell weakened and began to show hairline cracks, which grew into crevices, crumbling and splitting with satisfyingly crunchy crackling sounds. Crick! Crock! Crruck! Ker – RACK! The eggshell shattered like an exploding rock in an avalanche and crushed bits and pieces shrapnelled over the area, showering the delighted onlookers. There were gasps and exclamations as what appeared to be nothing more than a strangely shaped hunk of rock gave a tiny twitch, parts of it moving.

“Wow, look at that! What is it, do you think?”

“I…I don’t know. Do you think it’s a dragon? Boss wouldn’t bring one of those here would he? They’re extremely unpredictable”

“He and the Mistress didn’t exactly know what it was in the first place, now that I recall…could be one of those.”

“Uhh…I hope not. It’s more like a kind of gargoyle if you ask me. Look at that hide. I can’t tell the difference between that and a living sculpture”

“Ha ha, er…in any case, someone better let the Master know. He’ll be sorry he missed it. And Mistress too. I’m sure she’d like to hear, after she recovers a little. Can you believe it…we have two new heirs!”

The creature had made no threatening moves so far, lying where it was limply, shifting various parts of its body in an uncoordinated manner as though awakening from a very long sleep. Lifting itself onto wobbly, granite padded paws; it managed to stay standing after several attempts. The creature blinked two bulbous, citron yellow eyes and stretched itself out, making a soft sound like the scraping of rocks upon each other as it opened a tapered mouth flanked by waving feelers and yawned. Short, finely pointed spines sprouted up from its back either side of its shoulders as it did so and the guns and tranquilisers perfected their aim…but nothing dangerous happened.

Plopping itself down again amongst remains of its old home, the creature curled up in a ball and rested its chin near its tail tip, closing the lemon hued eyes to thin slits. It dragged a small chunk of ripped moss over and placed it in its mouth, chewing it awkwardly.

“What did he say the name for this project was again? I can’t find it in my notes.”

“Oh, I have them right here. He saved it on the database. Here we are…his name - it’s a male apparently -…is Quarrow.”  

[Kasumi Roseglimmer]

***

After a few minutes lying still, her tiny ears, though somewhat folded over, listening to Fern’s voice, Panthe’s tummy protested and she began to hiccup again, giving a thin mewl. Instinctively, she turned her cheek towards Fern’s finger as her mother stroked her midnight fur smooth, opening her mouth hungrily to try and grab it.

***

Saberlin was out like a light. He remained snoozing in pleasant ignorance, too exhausted for the time being. Later, when he awoke, he was going to regret sleeping in this chair.

After laying in his mothers arms for some time Oka's tummy soon began to protest as well and he began to wriggle again, letting out a soft mewl.

Fern giggled a little bit s Panthe tried to grab her finger in he mouth. "Alright little ones, don't fret." She sat up a little more, adjusting the top of her dress to make it easier for the twins to nurse.

Cheria smiled at Fern and her twins. Picking up Luke, she padded over to Saberlin to gently put the tiny lion cub in his lap. Going back to Caleb, she picked him up and placed him next to his brother on Saberlin's lap. Going back to the big soft blanket, she dragged it over to the spot where Saberlin was sleeping. She laid down and closed her eyes in sleep.

Luke cuddled up to to the warmth of his brother and Saberlin's stomach. Caleb cuddled up to Luke and Saberlin's stomach and the twins lion cubs fell asleep.

Once she was as full as her small belly would allow, Panthe’s eyelids and limbs began to grow heavy. Rounded silk ears folded down, she blinked maroon coloured orbs once or twice before long, dark lashes fluttered down to brush her rosy cheeks and she fell into a deep, dreamless slumber.

The minute panther girl lay floppy as a rag doll, warm and content, curled safely with her brother and mother in the pink cocoon that was her blanket. All that business of being born into the world had worn her out.

***

Mumbling and shifting a little, Saberlin’s luxurious, golden furred tail waved dreamily, as though it were alive, before coiling up and winding a protective circle around and behind the lion-leopard cubs in his lap.

Unknowingly, he slipped sideways in the chair after this slight movement, his new position looking about as comfortable as sleeping in a set of monkey bars.

“Does anyone possess…setofclippers?” Saberlin asked blurrily, dreaming of being stuck in a thorny, vine-like rainforest bush that kept catching on his fur and clothing, preventing him from struggling away. He dreamt that it was attacking him and scratching him, angry that he’d fallen in it: especially his hand, his ribs and his eye. It hurt so much; he could have sworn the thorns were real!

((Okay, now that our two adorable heirs and the family pet are born, the role play style may be going to change a bit. Don’t worry, it’s not scary. Lol.

In order to keep things flowing without getting stuck in a rut, Kyu and I decided to have goals to reach for each different age of the twins as they grow and also so we can keep rping our other characters along with them. Cheria and her boys are welcome to be part of the role plays of course, since they’re now a part of the family. I’ll PM everyone the details of this ‘having set goals’ business so we all know how it goes. If you have any questions, suggestions or anything you’d like to add, just let us know.

Luke was unknowingly hurting his uncle. Flexing his paws, he sometimes got Saberlin's hand his ribs, and his shirt. Squeaking softly, he butted Saberlin and then stopped. Caleb squeaked-growled and also flexed his claws. Caleb took one of Saberlin's fingers and gnawed the best he could while in his sleep.

After Oka had filled his little belly he began to grow sleepy. His eyelids drooped and his ears folded down into his silky golden hair. He soon lay limp in his mothers arms, curled up asleep in the soft blue blanket.

Once the twins had fallen asleep Fern leaned against the headboard, watching them sleep peacefully. She had started to nod off a little herself when she heard Saberlin muttering. She looked over at him, giggling a little as Luke and Caleb nibbled and Gnawed at Saberlin.

The thorny vine in Saberlin’s dream world began to grow rubber duckies on the ends of its branches which gave odd sounding squeaks when he struggled against them. Suddenly realising he was in a dream at this occurrence, Saberlin immediately fought against it, trying to get out of this horrible nightmare and force himself awake. The harder he fought though, the sleepier he became! Darkness pushed in on him, weighting his limbs down like lead, accompanied by an irritating headache which throbbed behind his eyes. And was that vine bush giggling at him?!

Eventually he wore himself out by fighting so hard and gave up, exhaling a breath he hadn’t realised he was holding. Finally, the dream released him into waking. All he’d needed to do was relax.

“Nnh…what the – ouch - ow!” It was debatable which situation had been better; the weird attacking vine or reality. Saberlin startled awake with something gnawing his finger and another something poking his bruises.

Ears pinned down in discomfort, he grunted softly and attempted to straighten up in the chair, shaking his hand to try and get whatever was latched to his finger off. He managed to get it free after a few tries and rather dazedly wiped the spit off on the hem of his shirt.

Hrm, what was this? There appeared to be some warm, soft weight on his lap. Rubbing his eyes and blinking blearily, Saberlin was able to make out the shapes of two bronze, furry cubs under a large, fuzzy blanket that covered his legs. Why were there baby lions in his room? Wait a second – this wasn’t his room. And what was he doing in a chair? This had to be another dream…Oh, right! He was in the bedroom with Fern! And their twins…and Cheria...which meant these two were Luke and Caleb. The pounding headache he’d developed wasn’t helping his thinking.

Looking around for their mother, Saberlin stumbled stiffly to his feet with another soft grunt of pain. (The bruises had had plenty of time to get sore.) As he stood, he gently picked up his adorable nephews, folded within the blanket, making sure to scoop the tiny forms up just so, so that he wouldn’t disturb them and cause Cheria a restless night.

Locating the mother in her lioness form after shuffling around the room half awake for several minutes, he knelt down and placed her babies snuggled close to her belly, where they’d feel most safe and comfortable, tucking everyone in before kissing them goodnight. There was no need to turn a light on, as he could see very well in the dark. He placed a small kiss on Cheria’s furred forehead, whispering to her before heading over to Fern. “Goodnight little sister…thank you for everything”.

Tucking his family in in the same manner, he also kissed Fern on the forehead, gently taking Oka and Panthe from her and placing them in two temporary cribs the nurses left behind – ones with clear plastic sides so the twins could be seen at all times. “Sweet dreams my flower. Sleep well. ‘M going to go and tend to these injuries now but I’ll be sleeping in the next room if you need me.” he smiled faintly and emitted a low purr, pressing his forehead to hers in that very feline guesture he had before padding silently out of the room, closing the door behind him.

Panthe stirred and whined once in her sleep on being transferred to the crib but otherwise remained zonked out, settling down quickly when her father gently smoothed the back of his finger along one of her sooty ears. She was lulled by the warmth of the blanket and a full tummy and soon looked for all the world like the essence of serenity while she slumbered.

Cheria stirred a slight bit, but she was dreaming of happier times, when her father and mother were still around. "Mother! Dont go!" "Your father and I have to go on these trips. How else will we ever continue to do what we do?" "I dont know, but take Saberlin and me with you!!" "I wish I could, but its too dangerous. Plus, there are unknown diseases out there, you might catch one, or Saberlin." "But mom, Saberlin and I know how to take care of each other and our selves!" Winny Harcourt looked at her daughter and stepson. "I guess. But promise this, behave for Iouya and SilSil, ok?" "Ok mother!" Cheria bounced up and down, her lioness traits taking over and she rubbed against her mother. Cheria woke up, sweat drenching her fur. She would get postcards from different places at least once a week, and she wondered why, since her parents were dead.

Oka whimpered a little as he was taken from the comfort of his mother, settling down again once he was laid down in the crib by his father, falling deeper into his dreamless sleep.

As Saberlin tucked in the twins Fern realized just how tired she was. She was more than halfway asleep when Saberlin wished her a good night, soon dreaming of her beautiful leopard and two adorable cubs.

New Mini Roleplay: Working Stuff Out (or, how everyone is coping in the first weeks or so, with being a family. Lol.)


((I'll post first, I guess, to start things off. =^_^= Edit: Middle of the night it is!))

Saberlin’s ears twitched and he rolled over with a small groan. His sleep was disturbed for the third time that night as he came groggily out of a deep, dreamless snooze.

“Nnn…Whassatime?” he slurred softly, sitting up and pushing the covers off as gently as possible, so as not to wake Fern, who was sleeping beside him. He lightly shook ashen strands out of his face and his pale gold eyes gleamed lemony yellow in the darkness as they fell on the alarm clock on the bedside table.

One a.m. - lovely. It had taken them until quarter past eleven to get Panthe settled. The master of the house sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, willing away the ache that still bothered him from behind his black eye.

Still, Saberlin wouldn’t complain. That was pointless. Besides, he wouldn’t have wanted things any other way. They were his children too and he’d look after them properly. Plus, Fern had got up the last time…

Sliding out of bed and stretching briefly along with a leopard sized yawn, he meandered calmly next door into the twin’s nursery, tiny night lights that looked like fireflies (scattered throughout the scene of a savannah on the walls), coming on with a soft click of his fingers. He wasn’t wearing his gloves of course, as he never wore them to bed unless he fell asleep in his day clothes. He wore instead a set of cotton pyjamas, clean and simple with a leopard pug mark sewn in palest blue on the side pocket.

Leaning over the double crib, he picked up Panthe first, as she seemed to be the one with the loudest squalling. “Okay, okay…let’s see what’s the matter.” he chuckled under his breath, checking her over. ‘No temperature, she’s not hungry…doesn’t need cleaning….fuss, fuss, fuss. What bothers her so? Hmm, perhaps she’s overly tired.’ That could well be it. Panthe seemed to love sleeping during the day and then at night, she’d be restless and active, despite the fact that they’d been kept to a routine of the complete opposite since day one. He supposed that was due to her big cat heritage. Jiggling the yowling panther baby in an attempt to calm her, he leaned down to check on his son, who had most likely been rudely awakened by his sister’s crying.

Cheria got up, her cotton pjs fitting her like a glove. over that, she had a flowly nightgown, in medieval style. Rubbing her eyes, she went to the nursery that connects to her room. Luke and Caleb were fussing. "Why are you two fussing?" Cheria went still and her ears could pick up Panthe's squealing. "Oh dear. I'll be back." Cheria went to the nursery where Panthe and Oka where, and leaned against the doorframe, looking exactly like her mother, Winny Harcourt.

Having been awakened by his sister's crying Oka wriggled slightly, his ears folded down as he wimpered softly. His wimpering soon turned to crying, joining his in his sisters restlessness.

Hearing both the twins crying Fern rolled over sleepily. Although Saberlin had already gotten up to sooth the twins she couldn't help but go check on them herself. She streached a little as she rolled out of the bed, her bare feet shuffling across to floor to the nursery.

Having poorer vision in the dark than the rest of the houses' occupants, Fern nearly walked into Cheria as she went to check on the twin. She muttered an apology as she shuffled into the nursery, rubbing her eyes. She found her way to Saberlin's side, now more awake than when she got up. "She's still fussing, huh? Poor dear.."

Panthe’s cries had by this time turned scratchety and were accompanied by notes of sheer frustration. They began increasing in volume whilst she steadily became a deeper shade of vermillion red and flailed in discomfort, her movements uncoordinated and jerky.

Shifting his baby girl to his left arm, Saberlin made shushing noises and continued to bounce her softly as he leaned down to pick up her brother, scooping Oka up with his right arm. Both arms occupied, he wondered just what to do with these two screaming kits who didn’t understand what sleep was, wishing that he had an extra set of arms to help both of them at once.

Hearing an apology by the doorway, he glanced up from soothing the twins and noticed Cheria and Fern for the first time. Saberlin’s eyes narrowed and he had to blink a few times before he realised it was Cheria. For a minute, he thought he was seeing Winny Harcourt. ‘She looks so much like mother. Strange, I never realised before’

When Fern walked over beside him, he handed the squirming Oka to her, freeing his arms to shift Panthe into a more comfortable position over his shoulder. He gave a tired smile and nodded at her remark, patting Panthe gently on the back while continuing to rock her slightly. “Mmhm, these two are still waking the entire household, it seems. Shhh, calm. Calm down princess.” He switched his attention back to Panthe as she gave a particularly violent squawking-cry. “Nnn~ there has to be a way. None of us are getting any rest.” Saberlin groaned softly, his headache starting to develop into a throbbing pain. Then, an idea struck him. There was that old, rhythmic song…an odd little poem of sorts that Winny and Jabe used to sing to Cheria and Saberlin when they were little. Saberlin wasn’t the best singer in the universe but he could recite that song perfectly. Taking a breath, he sifted the words from his memory and decided to give it a try, patting Panthe’s back in a steady, slow beat, almost like a heartbeat.

Gentle hunter
His tail plays on the ground
As he crushes the skull

Beautiful death
Who puts on a spotted robe
When he goes to his victim

Playful killer
Whose loving embrace
Splits the antelope’s heart…

The words flowed easily, more of them joining the first three verses.

Perhaps it was a little gory but it spoke of the power and nature of leopards…and it seemed to be working! Panthe’s cries had diminished a little, interspersed now with tiny hiccups.

Fern began rocking Oka gently once Saberlin handed him to her. "Oh, the poor dears..." She continued to rock Oka gently, shushing him softly as he continued to cry. Fern smiled a little as Saberlin began to sing to calm down Panthe and Oka. As Panthe's cries diminished Oka calmed down as well, soon drifting back to sleep in Ferns arms.

Cheria lingered at the door for a moment, and then left, her lioness tail drifting behind her. She wasnt needed and that was ok. She was their housekeeper, after all, and a servant, and servants dont need to go nosing into their masters and mistresses business. She went back to Luke and Caleb and smiled at the two. She was happy that she had them, and not given them up for adoption or gotten an abortion. She wouldve lived with the guilt that she killed twins, her twins. Stroking her twins on the forehead, she watched them sleep, her night vision helping her to see. She faintly remembered her own babyhood, and she touched the side pocket of her pj bottoms, and pulled out a colorful toy moth that she was given by her brother, oh so long ago. She heard footsteps outside her room, and clutching the moth toy, she peered out. "Hello? Who's there?" She hoped her voice didnt tremble with that little girl sound that she hated. She was 19 for all that was worth on Gaia!

Panthe finally flopped limp against her father’s shoulder, her hair and fur tousled and her breathing soft and steady, the red flush slowly beginning to drain from her smooth cheeks.

Saberlin breathed out a sigh and smiled, kissing the top of her head before placing her back in the crib slowly and extremely carefully, not wishing to wake her by mistake and have to do the whole thing over again.

She made a small whimper-growl noise and wrinkled her nose up as her body was laid against the mattress but otherwise stayed asleep, the fingers on one pudgy baby hand twitching a little before falling still.

“Haa, finally. We have peace” Saberlin murmured softly, sounding amused despite the weariness in his tone as he ran a hand through his hair. He gave Fern a tired half smile and an appreciative look, leaning over to give her a one armed hug and plant a kiss on her cheek. “Well done…we make a good team, right?” He grinned then began to stumble back towards their bedroom, more awake than he’d prefer.

There was a cute squeaky soft toy on the ground near the door leading to the bedroom and he avoided stepping on it just in time, able to see the toy in the dark. Thoughts of Cheria were completely forgotten for the time being. His only thought was to get whatever sleep he could before the next challenge life would throw at the new parents.

The footsteps were getting closer. Cheria put the moth toy on her bed, and stepped out, looking for the person. She thought she saw a figure go into her room and then out, carrying something out. Going to check on her twins, she let out a small gasp, they werent there! quickly changing into a lion, she padded out, and trotted on the path that the intruder took. Finding the figure, she growled and let out a loud roar, unaware of the fact that she was next to Panthe's and Oka's nursery, thus, waking them up by accident. Running, Cheria pounced on the intruder, fighting for her cubs. She eventually won, and limped away, with a broken leg and wrist. The intruder went back to its room, and huddled in the blankets, getting blood all over the blanket. Limping towards Saberlin's room, she entered and collapsed, panting and pain shooting up her leg and wrist. Groaning, she curled herself around Luke and Caleb, who were nuzzling her belly. Putting her head down she tried to go to sleep, but was awake from the pain. "I'm sorry Saberlin. Sorry Fern." She finally blacked out, her golden-bronze pelt gleamed with streaks of red in crisscrosses all around her back, face, arms, and muzzle.((Edit: Just wanted some drama cuz it seems like we dont have enough.))

Having heard the roar of the lioness out in the corridor, Saberlin was already up with two screaming babes occupying his arms, wondering what was going on. His ears were turned back and rotated in a downwards position, flicking to show agitation as he paced the nursery back and forth with Oka and Panthe yowling their heads off.

Something wasn’t right, he knew.

Besides the fact that had been Cheria’s roar just now; the fact that she was making such a ruckus in the first place. He understood the meaning of the big cat sounds; there was an intruder of some kind - and wanted to go check it out but didn’t want the twins (or his wife) put in danger. They were certainly screaming loud enough to attract plenty of attention.

Frowning, he made shushing noises at his children and his tail lashed anxiously. “It’s okay, it’s okay…daddy will call security,” he murmured to them, pressing a small inconspicuous looking button on his wristwatch then speaking into it. “…yes, hurry. Do not let them escape under any circumstances. The very attack is happening as we speak – scour the entire mansion. I want them found. Alive please, if you will…”

He wasn’t about to leave his family unprotected, even though he dearly wanted to chase after the unknown threat, but if he couldn’t do it, at least there were those loyal enough (or well paid enough) who would go in his place.

When sounds of a running lioness and then a fight broke out far away down the corridors, Saberlin could only hope the guards he had summoned would intervene in time. ‘Cheria, what trouble have you brought here, little sister?’ he wondered with a soft growl. Why did she keep so many secrets from him? She couldn’t still be affected by that event so long ago that had separated them…could she?

Perched upon a beam up near the ceiling, a stone shape watched the goings on from thin, crescent shaped cracks yet otherwise stayed still as though it had been carved out of the wall itself. Quarrow had been hanging around in the nursery ever since he’d been brought to his Master and Mistress and they’d tried to show him where he was meant to sleep and live. He preferred to act like a piece of the scenery and never left the twin’s side. Where they went, a silent, rocky shape would shadow.

Still in the nursery, Saberlin’s ears pricked and he gave a small jolt, having heard something strange amidst the howling, squawking noises of Panthe and Oka. It had come from their bedroom; a thumping sound like something large and heavy falling to the ground and then a pained groan… “What was that?”

Hearing the loud roar from the corridor, Fern hurried by Saberlin and the twins. "What's going on? Was that Cheria?" She looked to the door, frightened of what would cause her to make such a ruckus.

She turned her attention to the twins, making soft shushing noises as she gently petted their tiny ears. "Shh...It's okay little ones. Mommy and Daddy wont let anything happen to you."

When she head the thudding noise from their bedroom Fern began to get scared. She gripped Saberlin's sleeve in one hand, the other still trying to help soothe their twins. "I...I think that came from our room..You don't think who ever it is is looking for us..do you?" The she remembered Cheria's roars from earlier and became worried again. "What about Cheria? Is she alright?"

Luke started to whimper, which turned into mewling frustration, an under tone to Panthe's and Oka's screaming. Caleb joined them, butting their mother, their fur sticking up in a disorderly fashion. Cheria woke up after blacking out, and heard their distressed cries. "Oh, Luke, Caleb, I am soo sorry!" Cheria adjusted herself, trying not to move her broken leg as much as possible. She gently drew her cubs to her, and began to lick them, soothing them as best as she could. Wincing as she bumped her broken wrist, she laid back down, her cubs soothed. Luke nudged his mother's belly and suckled. Caleb did the same thing. Cheria stayed awake and once she was sure that they were done suckling, she got up, took them in her mouth and moved to a darker corner of Saberlin's room. Her eyes shown green in the dark.

The guards knocked on the door, their faces smudged with soot. "Sir, we found the 'intruder'." The same guard who had spoken lifted up a figure, with many bloody cuts from Cheria's sharp claws and teeth. The figure gulped, and its eyes darted around the room, until it rested on Quarrow.

Saberlin nodded at Fern’s questions, answering her and trying to soothe their kits at the same time. “Yes, we have an intruder. No need for alarm though. Security has been alerted. It’s Cheria I am concerned for. Trouble seems to follow her, even here…” he sighed softly, closing charcoal smudged eyes and there was a hint of sadness to the sound.

He continued to calm Panthe and Oka, passing Panthe over to Fern so he could see to Oka better.

The dark haired child was starting to calm down with the efforts and attention of both her parents, her cries sounding more flat and tired and less raspy. All that crying was wearing her out. She started to fall into an exhausted sleep.

Focusing on the door leading into the bedroom, Saberlin gave Fern’s hand a light squeeze accompanied by a half smile. “I have no idea who would be after us my flower but this sort of thing is not uncommon. They will have their reasons, whoever they are. Stay here…I’ll find out what’s going on” he instructed, gently but firmly. If Fern wanted to follow he wouldn’t stop her but he did want her to stay safe. The last thing they needed was a hostage situation.

He began walking purposefully towards the door, stepping quietly.

A shadowy shape leapt from its perch up near the ceiling and landed clumsily on the ground, claws scattering on the wooden floorboards, spiny sticks on its shoulders quivering as it scrambled the descent. Quarrow gambolled over to Fern, his claws making tiny clicking sounds as his feet skidded and slipped on the floor, lemon eyes full of curiosity. He attempted to climb up Fern’s leg, gazing at a prime spot on her shoulder, but when he realised that wasn’t going to work without digging his claws into her like a human scratching tree, he settled for sitting at her feet loyally.

Hearing the sounds of his nephews confirmed his suspicions and he walked faster, entering the darkened bedroom. He smelt something strange and casting a quick glance about the room, noticed there was blood on the ground.

An involuntary gasp left his lips when he saw Cheria awkwardly sprawled on the ground in one corner and he hurried to her side, crouching down next to her. “Sister, are you alright? Tell me, who did this to you?” Saberlin demanded, golden eyes burning so fiercely, it looked like they would spark. He bit back his fury. “Did you see their face? Remember any details? Never mind that, I can see you’ve been moving around. With these injuries, you must stay still. That wrist is broken, I can tell from here…” He reached out and gently felt the wrist, checking her over for other injuries at the same time. “And that leg is, also. Those cuts are deep.” His expression was serious. Finding a small cushion to place under Cheria’s head, he pulled out the pen-like device from his pyjama pocket and used it to summon the medical staff. He took Luke and Caleb, carrying them into the nursery and leaving them with Fern.

He had just walked back into the room when there was a knock at the door and the guards barged in, bearing Cheria’s attacker. Saberlin thanked them for their quick apprehension of the intruder. “And you can expect a suitable reward for this” he promised, noting their looks of expectancy.

Turning his attention to the figure they’d captured, he swallowed a growl when he saw who it was and flattened his ears. “You! So, you’re the one behind the attack! Please, explain to me your reasons for doing so, that I may decide the best actions in regards to our current situation.” The words were polite but Saberlin was dead serious. He meant business. The decision made would be fair of course, yet a fitting one. The one who harmed his little sister would not get off lightly.

Cheria trembled as the guards brought in her attacker. Changing back to human, she shivered in her pjs.

Faraish looked scared, very scared. "I heard a pair of babes wailing on the same floor I was on. I heard that a small family was staying in one of the rooms there,and I thought that it was you. I was still angry about what you had done to me, so I stole in, took the babes and then ran. I had no idea that the babes were lion cubs, until the mother came and attacked me.I gave her a broken wrist, a broken leg and some very deep cuts. She took the babes with her, I assume, back to her room. I went back to my room, with bleeding cuts all over from her teeth and claws. Apparently the blood left a trail and that's how the guards found me." Farish defiantly looked into Saberlin's eyes, her dark eyes glaring from behind her dark waist length hair. The muscular guard shook her, tearing her eyes of of Saberlin.

The deep cuts on Cheria started to seep through her cotton pjs and on to the nightgown that she wore over them. She put her head in her hands because she was getting dizzy from the loss of blood. Cheria put too much pressure on her broken wrist and yelped in pain. Finally, she put her head down on the cushion and closed her eyes, letting a light sleep take her away.

Luke and Caleb cuddled to together in the double crib in Panthe's and Oka's nursery. They were tired from being fought over, so they went to sleep with the occasional snuffle and slept till morning.

They were tired from being fought over, so they went to sleep with the occasional snuffle and slept till morning.  

[Kasumi Roseglimmer]

Resenting being shaken like so, Firaish kicked the guard in the shin best he could and tried to struggle free with a twist manoeuvre but was immediately leapt on by four more guards and restrained further than before. Seeing no other choice, he gave the quick explanation.

Saberlin listened to every word carefully and seemed to have reached a good conclusion as to what to do with the one who harmed his sister and disrupted an entire household before Firaish finished speaking. He regarded the electric violet stare with a blasé expression. “I see. Glare all you wish. A decision has been made.” Flicking his attention to the guards, Saberlin metered out his instructions. “After Ms. Rijksar has been treated in infirmary and all wounds properly disinfected and seen to, kindly instruct lady Lyfan to administer a certain cookie”

The guards knew exactly what their Master was referring to. Some smirked or sniggered at this order – a tracking cookie was a special kind of chip that was inserted snugly under the skin and couldn’t be removed or damaged without great difficulty. They were tiny and painless, with the ability to do various things, including notifying all guards, sentries and other personnel of the bearer’s whereabouts within a three hundred mile radius.

But Saberlin wasn’t finished. “She is to be accompanied from here on out at all times, night and day. She shall begin work as soon as possible as a full time housekeeper, grounds keeper and groomsman. This also involves routinely mucking out and taking care of our bestiary and stables. The most challenging and dirtiest tasks are to be allotted, with little to no interference from bystanders. Cleaning duties exclude places where information or items of importance may be used or acquired, such as libraries, labs, artefact storage etcetera. On top of this, she will also repay her debt to Mistress Cheria Harcourt by making up for all inconvenience caused and complying with her wishes and requests during this period. This, I will be watching carefully. Should Ms Rijksar fail to comply with these sentences, you have my full permission to hand her over to Rydell. He’s always in need of more volunteers to test out his latest…inventions. Anything more severe from her please let the repair team in the medical and bioengineering sectors know they are to halt and scrap entirely project X82”

Firaish bit down on his lip til it bled to hold back the laser like stream of words he wanted to fire at the leopard, shaking noticeably in the firm grip of the guards. It looked like pure rage from the outside but beneath the bristling exterior ran a cold current of fear and an even deeper one of sorrow. Firaish knew what Saberlin had meant by that last part - the leopard was putting it lightly but there were no uncertain terms that he’d be stuck in this body and have to seek out alternate ways to gain a new or different one, perhaps worse, if he pulled another stunt that harmed living others.

In any case, he was at least partially grateful to have his wounds treated and be able to recover somewhat before commencing ‘work’. His captor wasn’t a cruel one, he had to give him that. As for fair…nothing was fair for Firaish. He had an unnerving suspicion that whatever that cookie was, it certainly wasn’t the kind you eat.

As they dragged him out of the room, he spat at Saberlin and growled sarcastically through a hazy dizziness brought on by loss of blood from the wounds inflicted by Cheria. “You’re so kind - master of the universe”

Tail lashing, Saberlin instructed the guards that Firaish’s first cleaning task would be to remove every last trace of blood spilled by his own doing.

Meanwhile this was occurring; a medical team had arrived and were administering to the fallen Cheria while others went to check on Fern and the babes.

Cheria was placed on a floating bed and transferred to the medical bay immediately, being given medicine for shock along the way. Her broken leg and wrist were put into casts and the deep wounds and scratches were stitched and disinfected. She was also given a blood transfusion to replace the loss. It was likely she would have many stitches but thanks to the level of technology available, she should be fully recovered in a week or less.

Abandoning the idea of sleep, Saberlin spent the rest of the night making phone calls, checking on Cheria or organising business and security matters.

Finally falling asleep in the wee hours of the morning, a golden leopard form lay in the middle of the nursery floor on some cushions, keeping guard over his family. A rocky shape perched on the end of the crib doing the same. Fern may have been curled up with Saberlin leopard, snuggled into his soft fur, though he couldn’t tell whether he was dreaming it or not.

As the guards brought in the intruder, Fern inched closer to Saberlin, holding the twins closer to her. When she heard that the intruder had intended on taking Panthe and Oka she felt horrified and cradled them close again. She watched as the guards took Firaish out of the room, followed by the medical team and Cheria.

After they had left she knelt down on the floor next to Quarrow. "I know you never would have let that awful person take the twins Quarrow.." She placed the twins back in their crib, watching over them and their cousins. She was afraid to leave them again, even though she knew they would be safe.She stayed by their side until she finally couldn't stay awake any longer. Spotting Saberlin sleeping up on the floor in a nest of cushions she curled up next to him, snuggling into his soft warm fur, breathing in his scent until she finally fell asleep.

Cheria rested in the medical bay, knocked out by the pain medications that she was given for her wounds and her broken wrist and leg. Slowly waking up, Cheria tried to swing herself out of the bed so she could get an early start to the kitchen. When she stood up though, she fell back on to the bed because of the cast on her left leg. Pain shooted up her right arm, making her wince and glance at her right wrist, which was also in a cast. "Crap! That's the hand I write with!" She crawled back into the bed, still tired from the fight.

Luke woke up and whimpered. Seeing a small opening (perfect for his side), he crawled over and squeezed out and landed on the edge of the cushion nest. Luke crawled into the center of the nest, finding the warm spot- Saberlin and Fern.Luke found the warmest spot, right between Saberlin's chest and Fern's back. Wiggling the best he could, Luke fell asleep, with snuffles punctuating every other 2 minutes.

Quarrow didn’t make any sound in reply to Fern’s statement. He simply fixed her with two large, bulbous eyes and blinked them once, very slowly, before pattering over the floor and climbing his way up the leg of the wooden crib to the top (leaving claw marks that would become a permanent fixture all up that one leg and side of the crib from now on). Balancing all paws on the thin surface area after a short scrabble, he kept watch the rest of that night, perched daintily on the end of the double crib.

Hearing the sounds of her patient awake, a kind nurse with light blue hair peeked into the room and approached Cheria with a smile. “Good morning Mistress. Is there anything I can do for you?” she offered. “You seem to be doing much better than when we brought you in last night.”

The big cat sprawled out on the cushions twitched an ear, then his whiskers, then opened his mouth and gave a yawn that showed every one of his sharp white teeth before rising to his paws and stretching all over, from damp heart shaped nose to the tip of his white dipped tail. He flexed his claws and swished his tail, working out kinks and stiff areas.

He was amazed to see that it was a brand new day and well advanced. By the level of light, the scent of the air and the current temperature, he sensed that it was around eight o’ clock or perhaps a little bit after.

Saberlin had been woken not only by the activities of his nephew (he felt the small movements against his back) but by the streaming golden sunlight that flooded in through the nursery windows. Turning around, he gently nudged Luke awake and then Fern, tickling her arm with his cool, wet cat nose. He gave a soft growling sound, which sounded amused. So, she had decided to curl up with him after all. When there was a perfectly good bed to sleep on! Saberlin gave a catty grin and licked her cheek.

Panthe was still in a light sleep, which was incredibly strange for her as she was usually the first to wake.

Somehow the little panther girl had turned herself upside down during the night so her feet were facing the top end of the crib. She was also cheekily holding onto her brother’s tail, sucking on the end of it.

Though she was beginning to slowly grow more wakeful, she was catching up on all the missed out sleep from last night. She was unconsciously growing hungry however and soon she’d awake and demand in no uncertain terms to be fed. Right that instant!

Quarrow could have been a stone ornament that had come with the crib. A stone ornament with colourful green moss growing on it.

With all four paws tucked under him and his tail laid neatly out behind for balance, he was still watching over his family, unblinking, unmoving and seemingly no worse the wear for it. The tiny creature seemed to emit an air of pride in protecting them. His face displayed a look of alert satisfaction.

Luke yawned and stretched, his tiny pink tongue showing. He unsteadily got up and then crumpled back down on the cushion nest, since his 3 week old lion legs werent stable enough yet. Caleb woke up and swung his head around, looking for his brother, but being careful as not to bump Oka and Panthe. Finally finding the gaps in the crib wall, Caleb squeezed out and landed with a thwump on the cushion nest. Luke whimpered his stomach rumbling. Caleb crawled over to Luke and laid next to him, making sure that his brother was ok. Cale started to whimper too, a quiet harmony to Luke's quiet melody.

Cheria nodded. "Yeah. Some food. Most preferably a salmon wrap and some seafood soup." Cheria smiled at the nurse. "Thank you. Oh one more thing, if you dont mind, can you get my postcard collection and tell Saberlin that I'll like to see him, please. Thanks. I didnt get your name, what was it again?" Cheria laid back on the bed and allowed her body to relax for the time being. After her food was placed next to her bed and her postcards in her hands, she took a deep breath and loked at the postcards, taking the time to eat tiny bites of the salmon wrap. She was concentrating so hard, that she didnt hear Saberlin come in, and sit on her bed.

Fern groaned as she felt Saberlin nudge and nuzzle her. She didn't want to wake up yet. It was so warm curled up against Saberlin's fur. She squealed a bit as she felt his scratchy tough scrape against her cheek. "Okay, I'm up, I'm up." She sat up, giving a yawn as she stretched.

Once Fern had completely woken up she shuffled over to the crib, smiling as she saw Panthe and Oka curled up asleep. She folded her arms against the crib frame, watching them sleep peacefully.

Oka snoozed on as Panthe sucked on the end of his tail. He squirmed a little as the sunlight streamed into his eyes and rolled onto his side, tiny hands grasping his sisters tail.

If you don’t mind, could the postcards be from someone else? Maybe someone could be attempting to gain Cheria’s trust and a way into the home by posing as their deceased parents. They can even use methods to look and act like the parents. That could be kinda creepy and fun to rp. This rp could do with some 'creepy' tossed in there.))

The leopard’s tail swished mischievously when Fern stirred and grumbled. He head butted her leg affectionately, almost playfully, once she got to her feet.

Though he didn’t say a word, his expression was one of both amusement and apology. He was sorry for waking her, especially with the stressful night they’d had but he knew that at any moment now, the twins would be – ‘Ah, there we go, right on time.’

Saberlin smirked to himself, pawing at one rounded ear to try and block out the sound that suddenly filled the nursery. There were whining mews from the crib that quickly developed into screechy, rasping cries, signalling their daughter was awake and clearly starving to death.

Panthe’s calm little princess face screwed up unexpectedly, her ears drew back and she spat out the rather damp end of Oka’s tail, jolting awake when something grabbed onto her own tail.

Mahogany eyes wide, it took her a few seconds to register what had happened. The loss of something to suck on made her feel hungrier than ever – and what just pulled her tail?! Taking in a big breath, she started up her loudest cry, working up into a fine fuss and most likely waking her brother as well as everyone else in the surrounding rooms.

A soft flare of white light and her father was back in his human form, pyjamas rumpled and hair spiked at odd angles, a dark bruise that was slowly healing still covering one eye. He went into the master bedroom and threw on some clean clothes before coming back into the nursery. Drawing his long claws in carefully out of habit since he wasn’t wearing his gloves, he quickly ran his hands through his hair in an attempt to tidy it then padded over to the lion cubs protesting in the middle of the nursery, bending to scoop both of them up while he talked to Fern.

“G’morning, my flower. It would appear that everyone wants their breakfast at once.” He pointed out good humouredly, wincing at the volume of the mrowling and general fuss going on in the room. “I’ll take these two to their mother first, then come back and assist with our two and feeding Quarrow - so you can get ready and have the shower if you please.” He offered, still half awake, trying to hold onto Luke and Caleb while they squirmed and mewed. “Ow, mind the claws you two! Don’t know why Cheria lets them take on their alter forms so often...” he trailed off. “I’m sorry that we had such a…chaotic…night last night. I have a surprise for you…been meaning to give…” Saberlin was cut off by a yawn, trying to get his thoughts together over all the noise and hang onto his scrabbling nephews without dropping them. His brain normally wasn’t working until he bathed and felt water on his face. Not to mention most people didn’t find themselves with an armful of lion cubs first thing off the bat.

“Well, you shall see…let us awaken properly first. If you want extra help with anything just summon some staff.” Saberlin finished, waving a hand dismissively and narrowly avoiding Luke slipping out of his grasp. “Alright, yes, food is coming now” he told Luke and Caleb, smirking slightly as he left the room to take them down to Cheria. “Let us see if your uncle can get from here to the medical bay in one piece.”

Seeing her lean on the side of the crib, Quarrow looked up and cocked his head ever so slightly at Fern, bulging orb eyes staring at her. Making a soft grating noise in the back of his throat, he seemed to be questioning, as if to say ‘what happens now Mistress? Can I help?’

***

The nurse nodded and went to do as asked, giving her name politely; ‘Maria van Decrine’, a transfer from another world that relied heavily on herbal and alternative remedies in their medical fields.

She had come here to learn more about medicine in other countries and the use of technology in the practice, as well as how it could apply to different races and species. She was strong willed and had a very bright nature, obviously enjoying her work. However, she did give off an air that she was the type not to put up with any ‘nonsense’.

Ms. van Decrine had no sooner swept out of the room to fetch Saberlin - when he appeared! He’d already been on his way there to bring Luke and Caleb.

Sitting on the end of his sister’s bed, he eyed the scattered postcards and wondered who they were from. Placing her sons on the blankets so they could crawl to her, he watched Luke and Caleb so they didn't fall off the bed.

Since she seemed so absorbed with what she was doing, he decided to wait patiently until she noticed either him or them.

Cheria looked up from the post card. "Caleb and Luke! How did you get down here?" She looked at Saberlin, her eyebrow raised, just like her mother. She smiled, a knowing twinkle in her eye. "Oh course, your uncle would have to bring you guys down." She gathered them the best she could with a cast on her right wrist and her left hand being the only movable hand that she had without hurting anyone, especially her cubs. Changing into a lioness, she let her cubs suckle, and she relaxed as well, her eyes calm and safe. "So Saberlin, I've been getting theses postcards from Mum and Dad, and I was wondering whether you'll want to read them." She pushed them towards Saberlin, her left paw flicking them one by one to Saberlin. "Also, have some of the seafood soup. I made sure that there was enough for the both of us."

As Panthe began to wail in hunger Fern reached into the crib gently untangling her from her brother. "Aw, Don't cry princess." She scooped up the young pantheress, sitting in the rocking chair to feed her. She watched as Saberlin left and settled into the chair, beginning to nurse Panthe.

She watched Oka continue to snooze until Saberlin came back, scooping up Luke and Caleb. "It seems so. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day after all." She giggled a little. "A surprise? Ooh, I cant wait." She smiled at the thought of what it might be. Surprises were one of her favorite things.

But I'd at least like them to get to know and like each other before we consider marriage. Don't want to send the poor guy screaming. LOL.

Currently, I don't think Firaish likes her very much, as he's only really met her once and that was when she was a lioness and scratched him up for stealing her bebbies. XD

I think maybe we could get him his original body returned faster if Cheria asked it of Saberlin, once she learns the truth from Firaish about what and who he is and learns more about him In Character and they just generally get to know each other better.))

“Of course their uncle brought them down here. He had to before he lost what remained of his sanity” Saberlin added flatly, though he was only joking.

Watching her struggling, he helped Cheria with Luke and Caleb by nudging them towards their mother, putting his arm in the way when it looked like one of them would wander in the wrong direction. “Between Panthe and these two, it was quite the commotion. These little ones seem to be developing the right appetites.” He observed, watching the lion cubs snuggle in for their feed with the half smile he’d inherited from Jabe.

At her comment about the postcards, Saberlin switched his attention to them now that he was able to. He reached over and plucked up the one she’d been reading when he’d walked in, looking over it thoughtfully.

“Yes, thank you. I was about to ask where you got these from! How long have you been saving them?” Saberlin flipped it over to take in both the front and the back, looking at every corner. His face was unreadable as he studied it. He thought she had received them when Jabe and Winny were still alive and just brought them out to look at now, for something to do.

Picking up yet another card, he began reading it slowly, yellow-gold eyes narrowing. “I cannot recall their writing that clearly, though I do remember them travelling to some of these places. But…” his ears lowered somewhat, spotted tail lashing uncertainly.

“Something...something doesn’t seem right. If these are from our parents, why did they write only you? Why not send cards to me also, when they were in posession of the address?” He asked ponderingly, fixated on the date of the card in his hand. ‘…and the date! Is she saying these are recent? Impossible. That can’t be. She knows as well as I do that mother and father…if they were still around, I wouldn’t be the current owner of this household. What? The dates on the other cards are the same! Recent dates…no, what’s going on here?’ “Do you mind if I take some of these?” He added, choosing a few of the cards and slipping them into his trouser pocket without waiting for a reply.

Keeping his thoughts to himself until he knew more, Saberlin placed the remaining cards back in a neat stack beside Cheria then looked over towards the soup she offered him.

“No thank you. I really do have to head back upstairs now.”

Right on cue, his stomach growled loudly and Saberlin fidgeted in embarrassment, eyeing the soup again. “Still, it does look awfully good. I’ll take some with me…” he decided quickly, getting up and pouring some of the seafood mixture into the spare cup that had been set out. Soup in hand, he made to leave.

“I’m sorry, I cannot stay longer. I shall come down to visit again later in the day. For now, I need to see to our twins and my flower” he explained, taking a sip of the soup and smiling apologetically at Cheria.

“Rest well and recover swiftly. I’ve arranged a nanny to help care for Luke and Caleb should you desire a break from them. Oh and…” He halted a moment on his way out the door, remembering something else. “…there’s no need to worry about the attack from last night. The one responsible has been apprehended and dealt with. I commanded they repay their debt to you in full, however. I’ll send someone along to let you know of the details shortly. Have a good morning” With that, he swept off.

***

A few minutes later, Saberlin knocked lightly on the nursery door, peering into the room to see what was happening. He smiled when he saw his family, making a note to give Fern the surprise he had mentioned after breakfast. Going over to the crib, he prodded Oka gently, trying to get him to wake. If they let him oversleep, things would be tricky later on in the day.

Panthe, now contentedly full, was bright eyed and alert, both jet black ears pricked up as she looked around. She wasn’t old enough to play properly yet, though she would stay awake for an hour or two and enjoy being talked at or shown things. Her eyes could make out objects and faces quite well, though they were still somewhat fuzzy.

Cheria nodded and changed back into human and then scooped up her sleepy kids. Placing them in her sight, she ate her food, almost inhaling it. She didnt mind that Saberlin took a few of her postcards, she wanted to share them. Hearing a door open and close, she looked, up, from talking to her kids. Seeing it was Fairish, she smiled and waved, not at all upset in seeing her attacker.

Fern smiled down at Panthe, cradling the little panthress. She looked up when she heard a knock on the door, smiling some more when Saberlin walked in. "Hello dear. How is Cheria doing?" She giggled a little as he prodded Oka, trying to wake him.

Oka lay curled up in the crib, snoozing. Suddenly something was poking him! He mewled, batting at the thing poking him as he opened his eyes. Seeing his father's finger in front of him, he grabbed onto it, his spotted tail curling and uncurling.

Saberlin sighed softly at Fern’s question, noting with some relief that their daughter’s grizzling and crying had subsided.

“My sister is doing much better, though her injuries were quite severe. Fortunately, she appears to be healing rapidly thanks to the quick actions and expertise of our medical staff. There is a slight chance of some scarring though. I only wish I had got to her sooner. That way her injuries could have been prevented, or at least have been lessened to some degree.” He replied sadly.

Watching his son stir and mewl as he woke him, he took in the spikes of light, golden-white hair, the silky soft baby fuzz covering the leopard ears and tail, and the features of his face. Saberlin’s lips twitched into a warm smile “You know, I think he looks a lot like me,” he remarked quietly to his wife, almost in disbelief.

About to scoop Oka up from the mattress, he fell completely still as tiny, clawed hands wrapped around his finger, taking him by surprise.

The leopard gave a soft chuckle as the finger was pulled toward Oka’s mouth, drawing his claw back to reduce the risk of scratching his son. Picking the baby up out of the crib, he held him close as he wandered over to Fern, continuing to let his finger be ‘captured’.

“Alright, I think it’s time to let this one eat. If you hand Panthe over to me, I’ll see to cleaning and dressing her…let us swap” he grinned tiredly, wondering what on earth to dress his daughter in today. They had plenty of adorable outfits for both the twins. However, that was the problem…too many to choose from. Saberlin tried his best, but he had to admit, he was no expert on the latest in little girl fashions.

Looking around the large nursery, he wondered briefly where Quarrow was and had his question answered almost immediately. His feline ears caught the sounds of licking and crunching and he chuckled again, seeing the stony creature hunched over near a far wall, devouring something out of two matching dishes. “Looks like our miniature guardian has remembered where we left the food. I was hoping he was going to move from the side of the crib. The claw marks…” Saberlin groaned slightly, eyeing the damage to the furniture that he’d re-furbished himself.

Panthe focused innocent, wide, red-brown eyes on her mother’s face and made a sort of raspy growl sound, almost like a bleating mew. Reaching out one slightly chubby hand, she waved it around in an uncoordinated manner, making small grabbing movements as she looked at Fern’s long hair hanging down around her face. What was that? It looked pretty and it moved strangely. She wanted to get it.

***

The purple haired woman looked none too happy about being in the same room with Cheria. She merely glared and tilted her chin up a little, in an arrogant sort of manner, running her eyes over the casts and bandages which graced Cheria’s arm, leg and body. “I am here to repay whatever debt I owe to you. If you have something you want done, let me know” she stated carefully, attempting to keep a ‘respectful tone’ as she had been instructed, though it came off as being cold more than anything.

Cheria nodded. "Ok. Continue with your work then." Cheria held Luke and Caleb one by one, so they could get skin contact. For the most part, Cheria just ignored Firaish while she tended to her kids. Cheria caught the flapping of leathery wings and wondered who in the world did Saberlin talk to. She looked up, and saw that the leathery flapping belonged to a fruit bat...someone she recognized from long ago. "Ioyua? Is that you? Where's SilSil?"

Fern looked at Saberlin strangley. "You sound surprised. He's your son, of course he looks like you." She shook her head, laughing. Saberlin was so silly some times. "If he looked like anyone else, I'd be concerned we had the wrong child."

Fern smiled, laughing as Panthe grabbed for a strand of her hair. "Alright then, careful though, she might take an interest to your hair as well." She smiled and handed him Panthe, now cradling Oka in her arms. She settled back into the rocking chair to feed Oka, smiling at the sleepy little panther.

Oka mewled softly, eager to be fed. Sleeping so much had left him hungry. Once in his mothers arms he quieted down as he began to nurse, his tiny fuzzy ears perking up a little.

Busy wrestling Panthe into a clean outfit, Saberlin laughed at that, shaking his head. “Sorry, I should say what I mean. I meant…this all still kind of feels like a dream to me. It’s really hard to believe that we have a daughter and a son. I’m still trying to wrap my head around all of this; the new routine, even less sleep than normal, dropping hours off my work to spend time with my family. Please do not misunderstand- I like doing so! It’s just…” he paused to search for the right words, picking up a small bright pink jacket to put on Panthe. “…getting used to everything” Saberlin admitted.

He wasn’t afraid to tell Fern how he felt, sure that she was probably feeling much the same. After all, it was only their first weeks as parents. The whole adjustment was confusing and awkward at times but also incredibly rewarding. Despite the fact that Saberlin frequently found himself wishing he was at work when he wasn’t down in the labs following his usual schedule, he was mostly enjoying it. Finally done with changing and dressing his baby girl, he lifted her back up off the changing table and walked over to show her off proudly to Fern. “Voila...all done” he smiled, giving Panthe a small rubber chew toy to gnaw on.

Panthe gnawed the fish shaped chew toy happily, gumming it with enthusiasm as she clutched it in her tiny hands. Her tail swished to and fro as she gurgled away, not to know that she was dressed in a clashing red dress with lacy blue socks, a hot pink jacket with white buttons, a green ribbon on her tail and white and purple shoes. The outfit loudly proclaimed ‘Daddy dressed me!’.

The half bat hybrid lifted a hand to scratch the back of his neck and laughed nervously. There was a faint red tinge on his cheeks, though it was extremely difficult to tell with skin the colour of charcoal. “Eheheh…w-well, no, actually; my name is Kuloka. I’m Iouya’s eldest son…he’s away on holidays at the moment so I’m filling in for him and gaining some work experience while I’m at it. Er...pleased to meet you, Miss Cheria…I mean, Miss Harcourt…or is it Ms? Oh well, um…y’know…” he trailed off with another nervous laugh, shuffling on the spot as his velvety wings ruffled. “I am terribly sorry but I have no idea who this ‘SilSil’ person is. Do um…do they work around here?” he asked politely. That had sounded like a nickname so he wondered whether he’d know them by their full name. “Anyhow, I am here to share details about your new arrangement with Miss Rjksar. Master Harcourt has said that you can ask her to serve you in any way you want or assign her whatever kinds of tasks and errands you want done. She has to do them as part of repaying her debt to you, though he did say not to get too carried away with your requests. He left the details of how the debt can be repaid up to you. So long as Ms Rjksar is under surveillance, she is your servant” With a short little nod he finished speaking and smiled widely, seeming pleased with himself. “Phew, I think I remembered all of it! Uhh…let me know if you have any questions without answers and I’ll do my best” Kuloka sniffed the air and edged away from the seafood soup set on the table, wrinkling his nose up. He seemed fidgety, as though he wasn’t quite comfortable around someone who could turn into a big cat without warning.

“As you wish” If there had been a hint of sarcasm in the woman’s voice, it was well concealed.

Firaish nodded curtly at Cheria and backed out of the room before turning on his heel and marching out the door, nose in the air. Just behind it two guards had been awaiting him the entire time and they fell into step beside the purple haired one, keeping close watch as she stomped away in a huff.

Returning to the streaks of blood splashed all down the hallway on the higher levels, he gathered more cleaning supplies and resumed scrubbing the stains out of the floor with silent ferocity.

"Oh." Cheria wasnt suspecting that punishment on Rikajar, but then again.... "Saberlin was being protective of me. Just as I was being protective of you guys." Cheria whispered to her sleeping children. Signaling with her eyes that she need Kuloka to watch Caleb and Luke for a while, she grabbed the crutches and worked her way out of the medical bay and into the garden that flowering. Going to the bench that was hidden in a clumps of fragrant lilac bushes, she sat there, enjoying the sunshine on her fur. She was right in front of Saberlin's bedroom window, only she didnt see it because of the tower lilac bushes.

When Fern looked up to see how Saberlin had dressed Panthe she couldn't help but burst out into laughter, startling the little panther cub in her arms. "Oh dear. Perhaps I should dress the twins today. I don't think it would be best for our child to look like a living, walking rainbow." She giggled, gently rocking Oka in her arms to calm him back down.

Kuloka's velvety black ears swivelled back when Cheria whispered to the lion cubs, trying not to listen in. He was taught to be polite and that meant 'not poking your nose in to your master or mistress' business'. The fruit bat looked confused for a long moment when she gave him a sort of -look- and then just gathered up her crutches and walked on out of the room to the patient's garden. However, it didn't take him long to realise what he was supposed to be doing when he saw she had left her two children behind. Turning to the fuzzy gold furred cats, he knelt down to be closer to them and smiled at the sight. They were really quite cute! It made him forget what the fully grown lion was like. "Uhh...umm...h-hello there. My name is Kuloka! Pleased to make your acquaintance" he spoke softly to them with a warm grin, picking up a small toy to wave under Luke's nose. "Wow, look at this! It's a fishy toy. Do you like toys?" Clearly, he didn't have a clue what to do with them but he loved kids.

***

When Fern burst out laughing, startling Oka at the same time, Saberlin was somewhat taken aback. His ears flicked with confusion, though he continued to smile. Her laughter was pretty to hear. "What's so funny? Did I do something wrong?" he asked cluelessly, rocking Panthe in his arms a little when she began to whine in repsonse to her twin's crying, showing her the toy again to distract her. he wiggled his tail in front of Oka in a playful manner, trying to distract him as well.

"Er...I assumed that bright colours were greatly liked by small children. Stimulating their minds and all of that, thus the reason for the mix and match" he replied in amusement, arching a brow whilst looking down at their daughter. To his eyes, there was nothing wrong with the outfit. She looked pretty as a picture! Then again...it was kind of...a colour explosion. Saberlin joined in his wife's laughter, handing Panthe over to Fern, chew toy and all. "Alright alright, right you are. Sorry, she's not going to like being dressed twice in one morning. Let us swap again. I shall go ahead of you two and see to breakfast. We can wait for you ladies in the dining room." As he spoke, he gently took Oka from Fern's arms and lifted one of his arms gently, making him give Panthe and Fern a small wave before they both headed out of the nursery to the kitchen.

Panthe didn't seem to mind being passed around like a game of pass the parcel. She gurgled happily on her chew toy and reached once again for her mother's hair, fisting her hand into as much as she could grab and pulling it with a small squeak.

Luke cooed and gently batted at the fish toy. Caleb snuggled up into the fruit bat's side, his fuzzy spotted ears flicking a bit to get some dust off. Luke flicked his tail and smiled as he tried to get the fish toy.

Cheria sighed as she laid down on the stone bench. She was really tired, and could feel it like crazy. Closing her eyes, she fell asleep for what she thought was an hour, but some how, turned out to be longer, while the medicine worked its magic on her brusied and broken body.

Fern smiled as she took Panthe, handing Oka over to his father. "Very well then. We'll meet you downstairs for breakfast in a little while." She waved back at Oka as the two left, then turned her attention to Panthe, who had latched onto a lock of her hair. "Alright little one, lets get you into something a little less...er, colorful." She laughed a bit, setting Panthe on the changing table.

She took off the clashing blue socks, replacing them with clean, white ones. She then took off the clashing purple shoe and hot pink jacket, finding to matching white shoe and a green jacket instead. "There. Still colorful, but much less crazy." She scooped up Panthe, smiling. "That wasn't so bad,now was it?" She giggled a little, heading downstairs to the kitchen.

Oka squirmed as he was passed from one parent to the next, his spotted ears twitching as they both laughed. He looked up at his father as he took his hand to wave goodbye, the other tiny clawed hand reaching up to bat at his furred ears.

Kuloka uttered a soft laugh of delight as his attempts to engage the infants in play worked, watching the little lion cub swipe his paws at the toy. He dangled it just within reach, tugging it away in a playful yet very gentle manner so that if Luke did manage to snag it with his claws, his tiny paw wouldn’t be jerked roughly.

The bat looked down at a warm nudge against him and saw that the other kitty…what was his name again…Caleb, yes, that was it, had snuggled into his side. He shuffled his black wings, glancing nervously at the long, bony fingers and claws that he possessed before turning his hand palm up, so that the claws faced backwards and very carefully stroking Luke’s twin brother on the top of his head using the back of his fingers. There, now there was no chance of accidentally hurting one of these cute creatures and risking the wrath of their momma.

Speaking of which…she was taking her time on her walk in the garden. And this hospital room wasn’t really the sort of place for young kids, thought Kuloka, eying the clean and sparse environment. Hesitating for a moment, he shifted on the spot a bit, looking anxious, before finally he settled on his decision to take them somewhere more conducive to growing minds and rose to his feet. He scooped up Luke in one arm, Caleb in the other, holding them carefully, then walked out of the med bay and off to one of the many empty rooms scattered around the mansion, taking the boys’ familiar toys and a blanket with him.

Kuloka spent a long time trying to entertain the cubs with said toys, tried to keep them clean and out of danger and even tried having some very unsuccessful conversations with them. However, when Cheria still didn’t return after quite a long time, he began to get worried. Where was she? Didn’t she want to check on her sons? Then he realised. He completely didn’t tell her where he was going or that he was taking them anywhere! Kuloka groaned and slapped a hand to his forehead. He wasn’t a very good babysitter was he? She was going to eat him now for sure.

***

Panthe gasped when she was set back on the changing table again, taken a bit by surprise. What was happening? But – but – they had already done this thing! This getting dressed thing had already happened this morning and she hadn’t really liked it much then, either. All that being fussed over and pulled at and having things tugged over her head. “Mrrrr!” she grumbled with a raspy sound and flailed unhappily, lowering her ears, tail swishin,g enduring the change of clothing even less enthusiastically than the last time. Kicking her feet and waving her arms around, she screwed her face up and whined and cried, unfortunately making the dressing more difficult and take a bit longer, not that she knew it.

At last she was dressed – properly this time. Panthe didn’t care, just glad to be picked up again whereupon the crying quickly ceased at the sounds of Fern’s voice and giggling. Panthe’s slotted eyes widened curiously at the movement of the world around her, partially blurry as it was, and she clung to Fern, contently watching the household slip by on their way to the kitchen, her velvety ears perked and twitching at all the noises she could hear. Traces of tears were now drying on her cheeks, stressful wardrobe malfunction forgotten.

Once in the kitchen, Saberlin instructed the maids to bring some ‘things from downstairs’ which he and his colleagues had been working on before the twins were born, then carefully set Oka in one of the things once they arrived, storking his soft hair briefly. These were two small hovering carriers that floated into the room smoothly, directed by a remote control which the maid promptly handed to her boss with a very amused giggle once she’d completed the task of fetching them.

Saberlin thanked her then pressed a button on the outside of Oka’s carrier which caused a string of toys to appear with a musical sound across the top of it where the baby could see them, just within reach. Pressing another button on the remote, a leopard spot pattern in boyish blue tones melded into existence on the carrier, even decorating the blankets. He smirked slightly at his invention. Now they could keep the twins with them anywhere in the house, no problems, and the carrier could be controlled to follow them on autopilot too! He thought this invention was rather useful and already many clients were buying them from his business…popularity was soaring.

Saberlin gave the chef orders for tropical fruit platters, fruit juice, tea, croissants, bacon and eggs and a number of other breakfast foods (including waffles) before meandering through to the dining room and sitting elegantly in one of the comfy chairs at the large polished table, pulling out his mobile phone to make calls to work. He also pulled the newspapers towards him (there was more than one, Saberlin liked to read all of them to keep up with different news) and started reading up on shares and business as well as the latest news articles.

Secretly, he was sure Fern was going to love the present which he had told the maids to lay out on the dining table in full view, just next to the newspapers…it was hard to miss, such a lovely shade of blue.

Cheria awoke with a start. It was late morning by the tilt of the sunlight. "I must've been asleep a long time." Stretching gingerly, she took her crutches and walked back to the medical bay. When she got there, she noticed that her cubs were gone. "Well, Kuloka must've taken them somewhere else...That's good." Cheria hobbled to the upper levels of the mansion and tried to find Kuloka, but instead she found Saberlin. "Saberlin, have you seen Kuloka? I cant seem to find him anywhere." Seeing Oka, she hobbled to him and sat on the floor, and tickled his neck with her left hand. "You take soo much after your father, and somewhat of your grandfather too...if only he was here to see you..."

Upon being placed in the carrier Oka's ears flattened and he began to whine, reaching his tiny clawed hands out to his father. He started to tear up when his attention was draw to the string of toys now across the top of his carrier. His bright golden eyes watched the colorful toys dangling, and he reached up batting at the nearest one as he cooed happily.

As Fern entered the kitchen she was greeted with several surprises. Her eyes were first drawn to the beautiful blue garment on the table in front of her, then to the two hovering carriers on the other side of the table, one of which Oka was already settled into.
"Saberlin, what is all this?" She smiled and sat down next to him, settling Panthe into her lap.

Focused intently on his newspaper (but keeping one eye peeled to glance back at Oka every now and then), Saberlin's ears twitched at the sounds of footsteps approaching the kitchen and he looked up, expecting to see his wife and daughter. Then he realised the voice of the woman speaking belonged to his sister. "Oh...greetings little sister, are you joining us for breakfast?" Hearing her question, he blinked and set his newspaper down with a slight rustle of pages and a thoughtful frown. "Hmm, you mean the flying fox boy; Iouya's son? I believe I may have seen him heading past here on the way to one of the drawing rooms on this floor. He had two cubs with him." he answered, pouring some ice water into a glass. "Would you like something to drink? Tea, water? How are you feeling?" Watching her approach Oka, he couldn't help a small laugh. "I hope he doesn't take too much after his grandfather...otherwise God help us! If father were here, I imagine he'd have quite the influence on both our children...and not in a good way." he added.

A movement near the doorway caught his eye as he was taking a sip of his water and Saberlin glanced over to see Fern and Panthe enter the kitchen this time. His smile brightened at the sight of them both and he pulled out the chair for Fern so she could sit, kissing her cheek affectionately.

At her question, he stood and went to pick up the blue garment on the table, holding it out to her. There hung a sundress of cool cotton, simple yet pretty and well made, in a fresh sky blue shade that would nicely offset her chocolate hair and eyes. "This is a gift to you, my flower. I count myself a lucky man to be able to shower my beautiful wife with small gifts and the past week has been a little rough for both of us." he paused to break into a small grin. "Besides which, I saw you looking at this while we were on our honeymoon vacation and I thought you would like it. As for the hovering oddities over there...they are floating carriers for our twins. I figured that it would be exceedingly useful to be able to keep our children nearby whilst still having two free hands." he chuckled. "You can put Panthe in the other carrier so you can eat your breakfast if you wish. Cheria..." he turned back to his sister. "Would you like a set of these for Luke and Caleb?"

Panthe stared around the table with wide eyes, her little ears perked and swivelling as she listened to all the voices of her family and the maids talking as they bustled about the kitchen, serving things and helping the cook. She chewed on a tiny fist and gurgled, catching the sound of her brother's noises from somewhere in the room. Hm? What was that in front of her? It smelled funny and looked even weirder. She attempted to reach out a hand to touch the strange object yet she couldn't seem to control her own movements very well. Her arm flung out and flailed at the thing instead, hitting the end of the croissant (for indeed that's what it was) so that it bounced off the plate and flew through the air...  

[Kasumi Roseglimmer]

NEW POST to start things off again!

(And I'm trying not to make my replies too long this time round. Lol)

The flying croissant flipped through air, making three perfect twirls an Olympic gymnast would be jealous of and scoring ten points for each flip before landing with a plop and a splash in the jug of juice one of the waiters was carrying to the table, soaking his uniform - and scoring another twenty points for that!

Panthe burst out into high pitched giggles, kicking her legs. Whee! That was funny!

Listening to Oka coo happily at Cheria and Panthe’s giggles at the result of the bread flying away so suddenly (she found the quick movement hilarious), Saberlin smiled. He was glad that they all sounded so happy.

Since Panthe seemed content to stay perched on her Mummy’s lap and throw croissants across the room and Oka was entertained by toys and Auntie Cheria, he left the dress on a small table away from the food and put his newspapers aside. Now that everyone was here, they could eat together. Somehow, he thought, food always tasted better when you ate with friends or family.

‘Okay, everyone, eat up. Let’s talk about what we want to do today. It’s a weekend after all.” Saberlin stated. He was taking a day off for once, to spend time with his family. It was hard to tear himself from work - but he’d make up the hours somehow. It was one of his flaws being a workaholic, though he was doing a great job of working around that flaw.

***

Down the hall, in the drawing room with Luke and Caleb, Kuloka sniffed the air. Something delicious was wafting down the hallway…like…like…ah, it was the family’s breakfast! (The staff and servants usually had theirs before they went to work). Scooping up the twin lion-leopard-jaguar boys carefully, Kuloka had an idea. “Hey, maybe your Mum is having breakfast with the others. Should we go and find her?” he asked them tentatively, sounding hopeful as he walked down the hall into the dining-kitchen, a cub held in each arm. Kuloka peeked around the corner of the doorway and spotted Cheria. He stepped shyly into the room and waited near the doorway, seeing as she was busy talking to a little leopard boy at that moment.

When they saw Cheria, the cubs would probably wriggle to get down. Kuloka gulped, hoping they weren’t old enough to climb yet. He suddenly had a vision of being used as a cat tree post. Looking at their paws, he wondered “Do you two have sharp claws?” and accidentally said it out loud.  

[Incognita Ninja]

Cheria looked up and smiled when she saw Iyouya's son in the door way. "Ah, Kuloka, eating breakfast with us?" Luke squirmed and wriggled, trying to get to his mother. Caleb did the same, trying to get to his mother, to him a blurry blob. Cheria got up and took her twins from Kuloka, relieving him for the moment. She walked back into the kitchen with her two cubs, both had settled down quickly once in her arms. "Say hi to your Uncle, children.." She didnt expect them to say hello, just look at him would be fine. Caleb looked at Saberlin and waved his little chubby arms. Luke stayed nestled into Cheria, too tired to even look up.  

[Kyubii Kitsune]

Fern gasped as the croissant landed in the jug of orange juice one of the waiters was carrying. "Oh dear, I'm sorry about that." She couldn't help but giggle a little herself as Panthe burst into giggles. She turned back to Saberlin, smiling a little. "Well that certainly was an interesting way to start off the morning, wouldn't you say?"

As she ate breakfast Fern tried to think of what they could all do. With Saberlin taking the day off she could think of a thousand different activities, the problem was choosing one. She picked up a croissant and chewed it thoughtfully, careful to keep her breakfast away from Panthe lest a second waiter be drenched in orange juice.  

[Kasumi Roseglimmer]

Kuloka hesitated at Cheria’s question, fumbling for words while he shuffled in the doorway. She wasn’t mad at him? Phew! His black wings ruffled. “Well…er…”

One of the cubs began squiggling about and the fruit bat did a sort of juggling act, struggling to keep from dropping him while keeping hold of the other one. “Um…if…that is…whoa! Hold on there little one…um - if my lady and company wishes it, I’d be glad to join all of you!” he blurted out in a hurry, looking slightly flustered.

He stood still when she approached him, trying to stop the nervous tremor in one wing. Breathing a silent sigh of relief, he let the lion neko take her cubs, noticing they stopped wriggling the moment they were with her. Kuloka bowed politely then quickly went to take a seat, glancing at some fruit juice on the table.

Saberlin watched the group curiously, wearing a faint smile. Raising a hand, he waved back at Caleb with a chuckle. “My, those two are lively this morning. It looked like Kuloka would faint there for a minute.”

As the orange juice began seeping into his clothes, staining them a tropical hue and the croissant drifted soggily to the bottom of the jug, the waiter’s face was a picture of astonishment. However, he quickly regained his composure at Fern’s words, straightening up and looking professional once more. “It is not a problem Mistress. We have plenty more of both” he said pleasantly, smiling politely at she and Panthe before he swept off to find a new shirt. Fern had gained a good reputation amongst the staff for her kindness.

Kuloka carefully poured himself a drink of orange juice, making sure it was well away from any kids as he sipped at it.

Saberlin couldn’t help laughing, quite amused at their daughter. So young and already she was causing trouble. He had no doubt that Oka would do the same. He firmly pushed away a thought that said they probably had their grandfather to thank for that.

Munching on a ham, cheese and tomato croissant (toasted so the cheese melted and the outside went crispy of course) he glanced over at Fern’s dress, wondering when she could wear it, then around the table at his family. Hmm… since everyone seemed to have today off, maybe they could all do something together.

“Since our morning is off to such an interesting start, why not let’s make a day of it?” he smiled at Fern. “Let us do something different for a change. After breakfast, we could meet up outside in the grounds and take the cubs for a walk. If the weather stays nice, perhaps you and Cheria could do a spot of painting. I‘ve been wishing to show the twins the great outdoors for a while now and get out in the sun myself. The fresh air would do us all good. What does everyone think?”

Content for now, Panthe sat and giggled intermittently at Kuloka pouring the cup of juice, chewing on her fist happily. Somehow she found that funny too! It was such a bright colour.  

[Kyubii Kitsune]

As Fern ate her breakfast, she made sure to keep her food out of Panthe's reach, lest there be another incident. She smiled at Panthe's ausment with orange juice. At Saberlin's suggestion Fern's eyes. She absolutely loved the idea of a day out with the children. "That sounds like a wonderful idea. Perhaps we could even take a picnic lunch with us."

Oka giggled happily and he grasped at the colorful toys. His attention was soon drawn to the orange juice Kuloka was pouring. He was curious about the colorful liquid, and reached his tiny hands out to the glass.  

[Incognita Ninja]

Cheria nodded. "Thank sounds like a wonderful idea, Saberlin." Carefully, she put Caleb in his Uncle's lap, his bright eyes looking around. Luke glanced up, and then flopped down in his mother's lap. Cheria bit her lip in concentration trying hard not to convey worry for her youngest son.  

[Kasumi Roseglimmer]

He nodded, considering Fern's suggestion. "Yes, since we're probably going to be out all day...certainly, why not? I shall ask the cooks to pack us one" he agreed. Sure, no one was hungry now but they'd be hungry again later, most likely.

Panthe watched her mother and the rest of the people around the table, now just listening to their voices as she chewed on her clothes instead. Her panther ears remained alert and her brown eyes shifted around the room, blinking curiously. It seemed she was satisfied with her mischief for the morning.

Kuloka glanced nervously towards the infant neko and scooted a little bit away with his chair, drinking his juice as quickly as possible. "G...good kitty" he whispered, having had enough of babysitting for the moment. He wasn't too keen on ending up like the butler. "This is my drink - not for you. You won't like juice." he added, just as a precaution. It looked like Oka wanted to hold it.

Saberlin chuckled at his nephew, waving a paper serviette for him to play with as he held him carefully with his free arm. The paper fluttered as it moved, looking like a bird or moth's movements. "Thank you, Cheria. I think it will do us all good." he smiled, not noticing the other cub's odd behaviour.

***

A short time later, Saberlin waited out front of the house for everyone to meet up, Panthe nearby in her hover crib, gurgling at some of the toys strung across it: a chain of tiny fabric mice, in bright patchwork colours.

Her father carried the picnic basket and two easels, deciding they didn't need any staff to help today because it was a private family outing. He preferred it that way sometimes. It was nice to pretend to be like other more 'normal' families now and then. Glancing at his watch, he looked up to the windows of the house, awaiting Cheria, Luke, Caleb, Fern and Oka. They should be down any second.  

[Incognita Ninja]

Cheria came out of the house, her choice of clothes somewhat shocking,though modest. She was wearing demin jeans with a bright neon blue shirts with a brick red plaid shirt over that. She carried Caleb, who was still awake and a sleeping Luke in a sling on her back. "Well, I see you brought some Eseals." Her eyes glittered at her attempt at a joke, knowing full well how it annoys her brother. "I thought I would try on some of Mum's clothes today, thinking that would be more appropiate for today. I even found her necklace." Cheria pulled out a necklace, the glowing blue cyrstal on the equally glittering fine gold chain.  

[Kyubii Kitsune]

Fern soon followed out the door after Cheria, Oka giggling happily in her arms. She was wearing the new blue dress Saberlin had bought her, a wide brown belt tied around her waist along with the necklace he'd given her on their vacation.

As she spotted the easels in Saberlin's arms she smiled and hurried towards him. "Ooh, you brought easels!" She loved painting so much, and it was such a lovely day to paint. She smiled at Oka and Panthe "You're going to get to see some very amazing things today little ones!"  

[Kasumi Roseglimmer]

Saberlin looked mildly startled at the screamingly bright colours Cheria appeared in when she stepped out of the house but after a moment of gaping with his eyes rather wide, a small smirk replaced the stunned look and he simply shook his head at her.

That was Cheria for you. She was always doing something new and different.!

“Greetings little sister, I see you are feeling adventurous today. No one would be able to misplace you in this house” he remarked lightly though he meant it kindly, leaning over awkwardly with the easels to untangle Panthe’s fingers from one of her mousie toys.

Her soft claws had got caught in the toy’s whiskers.

Straightening up from her carrier once he’d managed to un-snag all Panthe’s pointy claws (she somehow managed to get her other hand tangled up as soon as he freed the first one), there was a ratting of wood as the easels attempted to all fall out of his arms.

“Y-yes…well…Fern is bringing the paints and you were supposed to bring the brushes and water” he replied to her jest, tail tip twitching with a hint of annoyance. He did have his arms full with these easels and the picnic basket was heavy. It was a bit of a juggling act to carry them all but he had put one of them on his back with a bit of rope to hold it in place.

Cheria’s teasing wasn’t too helpful. Saberlin was one that were fun to tease however - because he tended to be far too serious at times. If he didn’t have Fern or Cheria, he would probably never smile.

Lemony gold eyes glanced towards Cheria when she announced the clothes were Winny’s, showing him the necklace and Saberlin nodded quietly.The glowing blue jewel shone as beautiful as ever, catching the light and bouncing it back brilliantly. “I see.” There was a pause. Then…”They suit you well, sister. The necklace is most becoming. I think…she would have wanted you to have it” he smiled warmly, shifting on the spot as they waited for Fern. “Just be sure your little ones don’t get their paws tangled in it…Oh Panthe, not again.” Chuckling, he leant down with a clanking of wooden easels to help her untangle from her blanket this time.

He looked up at the sound of happy giggles and saw Fern and Oka appear. A large, genuine smile came to his face when he saw his wife and son. Glancing at the easels he nodded amicably.

“Yes, I thought it would be perfect weather for unleashing the creative spirits, so to speak. We have a whole day free with no distractions. It would be a shame if we let it go to waste”

A light breeze stirred the air, carrying the scents of many flowers and fresh dew from the gardens. It was delightfully enticing, beckoning them to start walking.

“My gorgeous flower, you are as lovely as Spring in that dress” Saberlin added, admiring how the dress looked on her. It accentuated the colour of her eyes and was a fresh and pretty look. The necklace added a natural touch and to him she seemed like a woodland spirit or a goddess.

He clattered over to kiss Fern's cheek as she came toward him, yet unfortunately got his hair grabbed and pulled by Oka as he went to draw away. Saberlin laughed, trying to free a hand to untangle himself but finding he needed both to hold easels and picnic basket “Er…this…used to be much easier to do”

Suddenly, Panthe squealed and giggled, waving her hands in the air. A small grey shape had just landed the side of her carrier and looked as though he was coming along for the ride.

With a soft grating noise, Quarrow announced he was coming too, sitting alertly on Panthe’s carrier and gazing at them all cheerfully with his big bulbous eyes. He had been practising how to fly and somehow followed them from the top floor.  

[Incognita Ninja]

Cheria laughed, her eyes merry. Caleb looked at his mother, his shock of golden hair flopping over into his eyes. Luke opened one eye, his shock of dark hair made him look very mysterious. Luke yawned and closed his eye and snuffled a bit. Cheria put both of her cubs on the grass and gently tickled their feet. Going over to Saberlin, she whispered something in his ear, and then dashed off into the kitchen. Coming back out, she carefully put the giant cups of water on the ground and the paintbrushes in there. Hearing something, her ears twitched, and her body tensed just a little, but she knew who was coming. ((BWHAAAAA!!!! smile ))  

[Kyubii Kitsune]

Fern giggled softly as Oka tangled his tiny claws in Saberlin's hair. "Oh, dear. Perhaps we ought to put some mittens of you so you don't get yourself stuck to everything." She gently removed Oka's claws from Saberlin's hair, giving him a swift kiss on the cheek once he was free. "There, all better." She smiled. As Quarrow perched himself on Panthe's carrier, Fern jumped, worried that the stone-like creature would tip it over, but after a moment she relaxed again.