Night had fallen over Ipela Nui and Sèimh was quietly talking with Còcaire when Keke woke and cried out, not realizing where she was. "Easy, you're safe. Everyone was rescued and the miners are going to add more props to reinforce the tunnel." the white/sea green healer was quick to reassure Keke as she stared anxiously round the room.
"What about Dèidh? Is my brother alright?" the leaf hued matoran asked still trying to sit up even though she was still too woozy to manage. "He's fine, still sleeping as are our friends." Còcaire added soothingly as she helped Keke to get comfy and Sèimh brought a drink over. "Some of the others are bringing food if you feel hungry." she said while Keke eagerly drank the juice, "Yes please and may I get something for this headache?"
"There are some herbs in your drink that will help remove it." the lavender hued healer replied, a smile crossing her mask as Dèidh mumbled and drowsily opened his eyes. "'lo beautiful." he muttered as Sèimh moved to his bedside and gently stroked his mask then dampened the cloth on his forehead. Blushing at the compliment, Sèimh carefully checked the smaller cuts and smoothed healing balm into them and the myriad of bruises covering his body.
"Hey need a hand?" Blàthas asked, he and Cadhan peering into the room, Fàidh and Teth behind them carrying covered dishes from which wafted the scent of baked fish and bread. "There's soup to come too." the seer commented, her eyes glowing happily as Eòrna yawned and sat up rubbing her eyes while her stomach growled loudly.
As the scent of supper reached them, Rùnaich, Èideag and Mèinn also woke and glanced around looking for the source of the delicious smells.
xXx
The Toa were quietly eating the lunch prepared by Rhya Nui when Turaga Anuenue suddenly sat up with a cry and burst into tears. "B-big wall of water gonna hurt 'pura and the others." she wailed hugging Lerihua as he attempted to comfort her.
"Tsunami. It seems as though he means to try and run you into the ground." the dusky Great Spirit murmured quietly to Aikane and Kokua.
Turaga Lannair glanced anxiously between the two groups before slowly moving to where Aili sat still looking stunned and exhausted. "A-aili, master a-are you...h-have you enough to eat?" the peach/light gold hued Turaga whispered, timidly resting her hand on Aili's arm. her body tensed and ready to pull away out of striking distance.
"Please, just sit with me." came the quiet reply as Aili placed her hand over Lannair's and smiled reassuringly at the nervous Turaga.
"The shadow twin Toa need to rest but we shadow matoran will get those in Ta-metru to safety." Dalu's said as she and those of the Voya Nui resistance appeared from a shaded area of the living room, "We won't be able to do anything for the metru though."
"Just as long as everyone's safe. We can rebuild later." Aikane said, leaning against a wall as a wave of giddiness swept over her. "Sit down and eat something, you'll feel better for it." Rhya Nui said as a blue glow surrounded her niece and set her on the couch beside Lerihua and Anuenue. She promptly let got of the copper hued Toa and nestled close to her sister as a dish landed neatly on Aikane's lap.
"Be quick, it comes fast." the childlike Turaga said watching as the shadow twin matoran began vanishing from sight, "We will." Dalu's replied, bowing to all present before following Balta's. Surreptitiously, the dusky Great Spirit scanned Aikane while she ate everything, which showed just how low her energy was, then glanced over to where Aili was softly talking with Lannair. Near by, her head resting on her arms, Kokua had sparked out, her wings folded over the back of the chair, even Lerihua looked exhausted as he returned to the squashy chair he'd used before Anuenue had woken up.
"We'll be alright, just need a..." Aikane murmured before also drifting off to sleep as Anuenue caught the dish she'd held. A gentle smile crossed Rhya Nui's mask as the rest of the Toa succumbed to the suggestion to sleep that she'd woven around them on their return. "They gonna be alright?" Anuenue asked placing the dish on the table and watching as Turaga Lannair placed a blanket over Aili then began tidying up the beakers and dishes. "Yes, they will be fine after this nap. It will restore them to full strength." Rhya Nui replied, smiling as the Turaga of Colour smiled back then went to join Turaga Lannair.
"I carry them, you eat now." the childlike Turaga insisted when Lannair went to lift the tray up, "B-but I must. I don't want to be punished." she protested, reaching out as Anuenue picked up the tray and headed through to the kitchen.
"You won't be and you still need to build up your strength." the dusky Great spirit reassured Lannair as she watched nervously as she approached and a sudden clatter came from the kitchen followed by a giggled "Oops." as Anuenue set the tray down a bit harder than she'd intended.
Bowing as she trembled, the peach hued Turaga allowed Rhya Nui to guide her over to the window seat. "Lunch for Lanna." the childlike Turaga sang out as she re-entered the living room carrying a fresh tray stacked with food and carefully placed it on a near by table before scrambling onto the seat to try and coax the small bird onto her hand.
xXx
"Come on, run!" Nuhrii yelled at Aroyu as they ran from the Ta-metru dock and the approaching tsunami. "I AM!" the scarlet/gold matoran snapped, scrambling over rubble, as the thunderous sound grew ever closer and gained in volume. Gasping for breath, the pair suddenly skidded to a halt having found their way was blocked by a fallen wall. "Oh spirits." Nuhrii whispered as they backed into a corner, their gaze drawn to the towering wave as it reached its zenith.
"Gotcha!" a voice yelled as hands grabbed Aroyu and Nuhrii's arms, "Shut your eyes!" another added before the shadow twin matoran dragged their real selves to safety just seconds before the tsunami hit.
...
"You can open your eyes now." Nuhrii's shadow twin said quietly as he and Aroyu's nodded to those in the Great Temple. All around them, those who were pretending to be trapped were tending to their shocked friends.
Mean while, on the stairs the spirit Turaga were venting their spleens over what had occurred in Ta- and Le-metru. After glancing at the busy matoran and then nodding to the other spirits, Dume, Lhikan, Vakama and Matau vanished to speak with Rhya Nui.
xXx
"It's no use, it's totally ruin-wrecked." Lomako muttered sadly gazing at the remains of the test track, "Then we'll just have to make the new one fast-quicker." Orkham replied quietly as he kicked at the nearest burnt timber, reducing it to ash. Moving away from the devastation, neither matoran saw the spirit of Turaga Matau briefly appear, his eyes glowing with anger.
"It's amaze-stunning how Toa Aili absorbed all that fire." Houjin murmured absently rubbing a burn on his arm while watching Acirru treat Acha's burnt leg. "Hey quit-stop that! You'll make it worse." the forest green healer grumbled when he caught a glimpse of what his friend was doing and lobbed a damp cloth at him.
Suddenly chilling laughter erupted from the coliseum and the hulking form of Makuta Teridax appeared hovering above the tower and he gazed around mockingly. "Had enough?" he sneered, glancing in the direction of Ko-metru.
In response to the question, as shouts of defiance came from the metru, the Le-matoran yelling that 'their lives were not for him', Rhya Nui appeared hovering in the air with the spirit Turaga behind her and the spirit Toa behind them.
"You know full well that the matoran will never surrender to your tyranny." she tartly replied, her power subtly boosting the matoran's shouts until the sound took on an almost visible appearance and then she began to mould it into shields which she positioned over the, as yet only, Rahkshi affected metru.
Snarling with anger, Teridax Nui attempted to destroy the now quietly humming shields by raking them with his laser vision before swearing as it refracted back, scoring deep gashes in his body.
The dusky Great Spirit also swore, her comments only audible to those closest to her. "Your brother will be able to repair the damage, Great Spirit." Pakele murmured softly while glaring at the dark figure as he roared in pain.
Back in Tein'a's living room, Anuenue and Lannair sat together silently seeking comfort and reassurance as the thunder of Makuta Teridax's outrage rattled the windows. "He's nasty, wants to hurt our friends." the childlike Turaga whispered before burying her face in the cushion she was hugging.
Understanding her terror fully well, Lannair timidly rubbed Anuenue's back until she set the cushion back and nestled trustingly against her. As the noise continued, they were joined by Kokua, who began to sing and try to drown out the noise. The Toa also woke, Lerihua grumbling until Aili sat on his lap and began tickling him.
It'll be alright 'Nue" Kokua murmured softly as further ranting shook the windows and her rainbow hued sister tried to bury her head under her wing. Curving her wing around both Turaga, the hybrid smiled when Lannair tentatively reached out to brush a finger over the feathers and giggled as she tickled her.
Snatching her hand back, Lannair froze certain that she'd made a huge mistake and waited for her punishment to begin.
"Here let me." Aili murmured to Kokua, nodding she scooped up Anuenue leaving the couch free. Sitting beside Turaga Lannair, Aili quietly sighed, wishing she could just snap her fingers and remove her fears.
Listening to those around her as they quietly talked, Lannair slowly looked up as she realized that the noise from outside had faded. Breaking off their discussion, Aikane and Kokua also looked upwards, "Mother." the Torahka murmured softly, just as the dusky Great Spirit appeared in the room.
"You weren't meant to wake so soon. How do you feel?" Rhya asked, glancing round at the Toa and smiling as Anuenue jumped from the couch and ran over to hug her tightly. "Much brighter thank you Rhya." Kokua smiled, standing up to stretch her wings before offering to fetch some drinks.
"I should be doing that." a low whisper reached Aili and she glanced curiously at her peach hued companion. Turaga Lannair was looking anxiously after their winged sister, then she silently tucked the blankets round her shoulders and followed the hybrid into the kitchen.
Glancing up from setting the mugs on a tray, Kokua smiled reassuringly when she realized Lannair had joined her. "Can I get you anything?" the hybrid asked as she crouched to be level with the peach hued Turaga as she glanced around the kitchen.
"I-I...I s-should be doing that, not you m-master." Lannair whispered, nervously gesturing to the tray and dishes of food near by.
Seeing the fear that she was doing something wrong shining in Lannair's eyes, Kokua reached out and gently squeezed her hands. "If I were to let you help me Lakino would pull my flight feathers out. You should have heard her scold us after we'd recovered from an illness and were squabbling about who had it worse."
"W-would she?" Aili heard Lannair whisper as she lent against the door frame, "Yeah and I'd wind up looking like a half plucked husi again." the Torahka giggled before smiling up at her orange hued sister. "Was Leri affected too?" she asked joining them while Kokua stood up and continued to prepare the drinks. "Uh huh, wanted to go for a swim in the sea. But he wasn't as bad as Pohatu, the healers had to get him out the fountain."
At the sound of his closefriend's laughter, Lerihua blushed then grinned sheepishly as Rhya Nui chuckled softly and settled beside Aikane. The violet hued Toa was feeling as relaxed as her brother and sisters, but she wondered when and where Teridax would strike again. "It will not be today, he damaged himself when trying to break the shields I placed over the metru."
"But Father's physical form." Aikane silently replied, her eyes troubled as she met Rhya's serene gaze, "I know niece, it worries me too."
With that reply, the dusky Great Spirit placed her arm round Aikane's shoulders and pulled her closer for a hug.
They watched Anuenue as she settled on the floor and began to pull coloured strands from the air and used them to build walls round her lightstone while Aili coaxed Turaga Lannair back into the room.
"Won't be long." Kokua called out as the front door opened and Kopeke peered round the hall door, "We've settled the Le-matoran who got injured in our homes and the others went to Po-, Onu and Ga-metru to help out. Lakino says she'll assist Acirru and Fàsach and return to check on Turaga Lannair tomorrow."
"Thank you for letting us know. Would you like a drink before heading off?" Lerihua asked as Kokua set the tray of mugs down and went to fetch a large jug of hot chocolate.
"Thanks, but I've got Lari and Dezalk staying and he's not the best of cooks." Kopeke grinned, bowing to all before departing.
"Yummy, thanks 'Kua" Anuenue giggled as she took the mug her winged sister had poured for her and eagerly sipped the chocolate.
As afternoon turned to evening, the matoran double checked their lightstones and readied their defences. Those who'd received the lightstones from Ipela Nui marvelled at the purity of the light emitted.
Macku's shadow twin grinned as her real self set the last of the Ipela stones in the window of Turaga Nokama's home, then escorted her back home. "Thanks for helping shadow sis." Macku grinned while they checked on Houjin. The mint/dark green matoran was sprawled over the spare bed, snoring loudly as his head drooped over the side.
Stifling a snicker, Macku grabbed some blankets and returned to the living room, "Of course you know he'll be mortified about driving you out the room with that racket." her shadow twin grinned wickedly.
"Yup, but after the day they've had I'm not surprised. And then there was that weird tsunami in Ta-metru displacing our friends." Macku said as she made up a rough bed on the couch.
"It's as though he meant to force our real selves into one metru." the shadow twin softly murmured while Macku downed the sleeping draught she'd readied earlier and snuggled under the blankets.
After tucking the blankets round her real self, Macku's shadow twin double checked the lightstones then joined the other shadow twins as they did the same throughout Ga-metru.
Over at the Great Temple, most of the Ta-matoran had settled for the night while Lasair and Okoth checked on the few that had been struck by water powered debris.
"They'll sleep until daybreak and feel all the better for it." the turquoise healer said as they left the room and headed back to the main chamber, "And Leus-sùl? I hear she's still in shock." her vermilion hued companion enquired as they walked down the corridor.
Okoth grimaced then sighed, "Petrified that he'll use her again and jumping at any sound louder than any of us having a lively discussion."
"That's bad." Lasair muttered quietly, drawing agreement from the older healer.
xXx
In Tein'a's home, the Toa and Kokua had spent the evening between keeping Anuenue amused and reassuring Lannair she wasn't doing anything wrong, discussing how they could help the matoran.
Meanwhile the dusky Great spirit was sat on the roof speaking with the spirit Turaga, the spirit Toa having gone to check out what their adversary was planning. Once the spirit Turaga had departed, returning to the Great Temple, Rhya refreshed the protection around Tein'a's. Jumping down from the roof, she listened to the Rahkshi hissing eagerly as they went on another rampage, then headed for the nearest group, her eyes glowing with battle light.
Half an hour later, the dusky Great Spirit straightened up as a low grumble came from above her. "I've missed all the fun." Lariska added, tucking her daggers away and she nimbly leapt from the rooftop to land beside Rhya Nui. A low chuckle came from Rhya as she touched the stunned kraata, freezing them in place, "You can still play with these, they're not dead yet." she added quietly.
When the dark huntress glanced enquiringly at her, the dusky Great Spirit smiled coldly, "I am not as forgiving as my brother when those I am called on to protect are threatened."
Turning away from where Lariska stood, her daggers now back in her grasp, Rhya Nui glanced back at her, "Would you prefer it if I woke them up?"
Before she could answer, both heard hissing approaching, then Lariska chuckled, dispatched the kraata and dashed off in the direction of the Rahkshi, light catching her daggers as she vanished round a corner.
A sigh escaped Rhya Nui and she stared up at the stars for several minutes before teleporting back to Tein'a's living room. "Are you alright?" Kokua asked quietly when Rhya joined her on a couch and offered her some chocolate. Sipping at the sweet hot liquid, the dusky Great Spirit glanced around the living room then back at her daughter, one eyebrow lifted in silent query.
"Aikane took Anuenue off to sleep and Leri and Aili are trying to convince Lannair that it's alright to use a bed and not sleep on the floor."
"Ah," Rhya murmured glancing upwards and 'watching' as Lerihua and Aili coaxed the peach hued Turaga to sleep by using their Komau, "I'll check on her later." she added, smiling as Kokua failed to stifle a yawn, set her empty mug down and bid Rhya good night before heading off to join her sisters.
Half way through the night, Turaga Lannair woke abruptly and sat up staring round the room. As the tenseness eased from her shoulders she gathered the blankets around her and prepared to move from the bed and settle on the floor. Before she could move, the door opened and the blue/dusky silver form of Rhya Nui entered.
She crossed to where Lannair sat trembling and crouched down, "I thought you might like to keep and eye on Ryuu." Rhya softly explained as the small Hikaki jumped from her shoulder and padded across the bed to gently nuzzle Lannair's hands.
"I-I will m-master." the peach/light gold hued Turaga whispered, watching Ryuu as he made a nest in the blankets and churred softly at her.
So enchanted by the small Hikaki's actions, that Lannair didn't flinch as Rhya brushed her hand over her mask returning her to sleep.
*Wise one nervous, why?* Ryuu enquired while his tall friend carefully tucked the blankets back round Lannair. After listening to Rhya's reply, the small Hikaki hissed softly to show his outrage then padded up the bed to curl tightly against Lannair's side. *I'll protect the peach/light gold wise one*
*Thank you little one, I would have asked Wotzit. But he is too boisterous for just now. Sleep well* Rhya smiled as Ryuu lent his chin on Lannair's hand and sleepily peeped good night.
…
Watching as the sky began to lighten, Ryuu felt his companion suddenly tense as she woke and stared around the room. Having reassured herself that the masters hadn't been disturbed by her movements, Lannair sat up and watched Ryuu as he stretched then began grooming.
While fussing over his wing membrane, Ryuu watched as a smile appeared on Lannair's mask as she watched him. A snort came from where Lerihua and Aili slept and her smile vanished as she tensed, glancing anxiously in their direction. But neither stirred and as Lannair slowly relaxed, her gaze fell on the paper and pencils Rhya had left when she'd brought Ryuu. And as the small Hikaki nudged Lannair's hand to reassure her, the peach hued Turaga felt a long stifled spark awaken along with the hope that her new masters wouldn't mind.
A scratching sound roused Aili and she rolled over, seeking the source of the noise and smiled as she saw Lannair awake. The peach hued Turaga was curled up on the end of the bed, a blanket about her shoulders again as she raised her pencil from a piece of paper on her lap. She glanced over to where Ryuu was sunning himself in the window, the Turaga smiling and going back to her paper. Aili curiously inched closer so as not to disturb her timid friend and watched in amazement as she continued to draw, the pencilled image of the Hikaki looking remarkably like the original. The Turaga looked more relaxed than Aili had seen her yet, even going so far as to giggle quietly as Ryuu went to snap at a floating piece of dust, only to sneeze as it flew up his nose. Aili couldn't help but chuckle as well, her heart sinking as Lannair whipped around, fear replacing the relaxed expression on her mask. She hesitated on seeing Aili who smiled reassuringly back at her.
"I-I did n-not wake you d-did I?" she whispered anxiously. Aili shook her head. "You didn't wake me," she reassured her. "If anything woke me, it was this one snoring,"
She prodded Lerihua in the ribs then shook her head as he mumbled something indistinct and rolled over.
"Hungry?" Aili asked as Lannair stretched and glanced over at her.
Lannair nodded then slipped from her bed and followed Aili.
"Take a seat," Aili said, waving to one of the stools at the bench. "What do you feel like?"
"I...I sh-should help..."
"You should sit down and allow me to do it," Aili said kindly, gently leading her over to the seat. "You still need to regain your strength,"
Lannair sat helplessly on the stool, watching Aili as she swiftly prepared breakfast, unable to suppress the feeling that it should be her working instead of the Toa. Aili smiled at her and set a large plate down in front of her before perching on the counter with her own plate.
"I don't know what you like," Aili said apologetically, taking a bite out of hers. "You'll have to tell me what you like for next time,"
Lannair managed a small smile and nodded. Silence fell for a few moments, only broken when Rhya walked passed, nodded a greeting and headed outside.
"Wh-where is sh-she going?" Lannair asked quietly. Aili watched out the window as Rhya settled against a tree and closed her eyes, slipping into a meditative trance.
"Catching a moment of quiet I think," Aili said quietly. "So long as it lasts,"
Lannair nodded quietly then flinched as somebody knocked on the door. Aili hurried over to answer it and smiled as Lakino ducked in followed by a matoran she had never seen before.
"This is Shasa by the way," Lakino said after greeting Aili. Shasa rolled her eyes at her friend before greeting Aili.
"Hey Turaga," Lakino said with a bow as Lannair peered around Aili to see who it was the healer was bowing to.
The healer moved to sit beside the Turaga and smiled reassuringly as she looked over apprehensively.
"How are your hands?" she asked, gesturing to the Turaga's bandaged wrists.
"B-better...They're n-not as s-sore," she whispered. Lakino smiled then asked if she could check them. Lannair nodded and allowed Lakino to take her wrist again and swiftly unwound the bandage.
"That's healing better than I expected," she said happily. "I don't even think I'll have to re bandage this,"
Lannair smiled tentatively as the sky blue healer applied some more of the ointment she had used last time before gently taking her other wrist and doing the same. "This one's even better," she said happily. "I didn't think they'd heal so fast,"
"Th-thank you," Lannair whispered shyly. Lakino shrugged.
"It's nothing," she said with an embarrassed laugh. "It's what I do..."
She scratched the back of her head then waved Shasa over.
"I - well Shasa here made it - brought you something," she said. "Seeing as it's so cold we thought you might need a cloak,"
Shasa reluctantly handed over the package she held while glaring at the healer. "It's...it's not our best work," she said apologetically. "It was some of the last cloth we salvaged from Ga-metru, and I didn't have time to decorate it properly,"
She watched nervously as the Turaga fumbled with the paper before drawing out a thick red piece of cloth.
"I promise when this is over and we repair our workshops and looms we'll make you something much better."
She fell silent as Lannair unfolded the cloak with trembling hands then froze as she saw the orange yellow flames the weaver had hurriedly stitched along the hem.
"I-It's b-beautiful...I-I can't...,"
The Turaga suddenly buried her mask in her hands and started weeping. The trio stared at each other helplessly for a moment before Aili gently scooped the Turaga up and moved to sit on the couch.
Both matoran slowly followed and sat on either side of them, adding their own reassurances to Aili's as the orange hued Toa tried to soothe the Turaga. Lannair nestled closer against Aili, still weeping helplessly.
When instead of the beating she expected the Toa of Fire hugged her comfortingly while one matoran rubbed her back and the other squeezed her hands, Lannair completely and utterly broke down, releasing some of the fear and mistrust she had lived with for so long.
It was a long half hour before her sobs finally lessened, turning into ragged hiccups. Aili slowly helped her sit up, with a friendly smile that faded a little on seeing her appearance. Her mask was swollen and blotchy from crying and her eyes were bright red and puffy.
"I-I'm sorry," she whispered hoarsely, wiping away fresh tears. "I-I just...everything has c-changed so quickly,"
She glanced up at Aili who nodded with a wry smile and squeezed her shoulder reassuringly.
"I-I still half expect t-to find this to all be a-a d-dream and that I'll wake t-to f-find one of th-the m-masters kicking me in the ribs,"
Tears rolled down her mask again and she tried to wipe them away.
"You've all been so kind to me, I-I can never repay you," she whispered.
"You owe us nothing Lannair," Aili answered quietly. "We only want for you to be happy here,"
Lannair glanced between Aili's reassuring mask and the friendly expressions on the matoran's masks and smiled tentatively in return.
"A-are you sure?" she asked shyly then smiled as Aili hugged her.
Silence fell for a few moments then Lakino handed Lannair a drink canister.
"You need something to drink after that," she said firmly. Lannair hesitantly accepted and lifted the canister to her mouth and took a cautious sip. On finding it full of the juice Aili had given her the previous night she drained it and carefully set it down on the table then curled up beside Aili again.
"T-thank you," she said quietly then glanced curiously around. She watched the snow falling thickly for a moment then looked back around at Aili.
"Wh-what is it like here usually? I-I mean...when b-bad things aren't h-happening?"
Aili gave a wry chuckle.
"I wouldn't know. I've not been here a fortnight myself and most of that has been..."
She trailed off, surreptitiously wiping her eyes.
"You'd have to ask one of these two, or one of the others in there," Aili continued hastily, jerking her thumb towards the bedroom.
"It's usually a beautiful place to live," Shasa said sadly. "I'm sorry you have to see it like this,"
Lakino nodded and between the pair they started to describe the island, both throwing in small stories and memories of what they had gotten up to. When Lakino wryly related the tale of a prank gone wrong in Le metru, Shasa burst out giggling.
"Oh spirits, he avoided you for a good month after that," she snickered.
"Yeah, well had Toa Gali not been kind enough to use her powers to heal me, I would have been useless for two months," Lakino grouched, rubbing her collarbone in memory. "Next time ..."
Shasa grinned.
"I feel that you are safe from further pranks in the future," she said. "Unfair, I feel, but seeing as though you've got the fine art of ear bashing honed to a point..."
"Oh come on, I'm not that bad am I?" Lakino complained, looking sheepish. She looked appealingly up at Aili who shrugged.
"I'm hardly the best person to ask," she said. "Considering I wasn't...myself...when I was under your care,"
She shuddered, then noting Lannair's worried glance at her, forced herself to smile.
"I hear though you were rather er- annoyed when the others were ill? Something about an argument over who was the sickest?"
Lakino chuckled.
"Oh, I fully admit to that - though I notice this person conveniently left out the bit where they spent nigh on two weeks complaining non stop? Not to mention the constant attempts to sneak out of bed and in several cases of the metru?"
Aili giggled.
"They failed to mention that,"
"I thought they might," Lakino grinned. "It was when I caught Reshana wandering into the kitchen while I was working in there - the look on her mask when she ran into me - while her sister tried to sneak into Le-metru to see her closefriend..."
By now even Lannair was giggling, albeit nervously.
"I'm just glad I didn't have to look after Kokua this time," Lakino added. "If ever there was an escape artist..."
"Hey, do I hear my name being mentioned?" a musical voice came from behind them as Kokua perched on the back of the couch, pretending to look annoyed.
"I was bored senseless," she admitted. "And it looked so nice outside,
Lannair smiled a little at their playful banter then stiffened as Kokua moved to snag a plate of fruit and then slip down to sit beside her.
"Want some?" Kokua asked as she picked up and peeled a piece. Lannair nodded shyly and took a small piece of one of the fruit Ferinus had brought back from Eques. Movement caught her eye and she glanced up nervously only to see Ryuu creeping along a high shelf, his eyes fixed on the plate of food in Kokua's lap. She watched him curiously as he snuck along, jumping lightly onto the curtain rod, wondering what he intended to do.
She did not have to wonder long. With a small mischievous chirp the Hikaki gathered himself up and launched across the room, swooping down neatly to land on the plate, prompting a startled squeal from Kokua.
"You little monster!" she laughed, trying to shoo him off the plate. Ryuu gave another - somewhat muffled - chirp as he leapt onto Lannair's shoulder, his jaws full of fruit.
"And to think you refused to come out with us before," Aili said, looking at the dragon lizard as he held the fruit in his front claws and bit chunks out of it. "Didn't want to leave your warm little patch of sun,"
She poked him gently under the wing then grinned as he hissed playfully at her before rubbing his head against Lannair's mask. The Turaga was torn between amusement at the Hikaki's actions and fear that she had failed in her task to take care of him.
Kokua glanced at her and squeezed her shoulder reassuringly.
"Don't fret so," she said quietly. "He does that kind of thing all the time,"
Ryuu trilled in agreement then jumped up onto Lannair's head where he perched for a moment, trilling loudly before jumping down onto Aili's shoulder then onto Lannair's lap where he rolled over, exposing his belly.
Kokua grinned, leaning over and scratching it, chuckling as the Hikaki chirped with exaggerated joy. A smile crept across Lannair's mask as he rolled over again and he nudged her hand until she started to stroke his wings.
He let out a soft whistle and curled up on her knee, resting his head on his front paws for a nap.
"If you want to finish that picture of him, you might want to do it now," Aili said with a smile. "I don't think he'll stay still for long,"