Celestine started to awaken from her peaceful slumber when Kin walked softly into her bedroom. She blinked her eyes opened, and greeted the young sorcerer as she carefully climbed out of her bed. "Ah.. good morning Kin, how are.." She cut herself off when she noticed Kin wearing a frown upon his face. "Kin, what is wrong?" Kin walked up to her, and laid her head against the High Elf's chest as he released a flood of tears. Celestine reached up a hand, and rubbed along Kin's back soothingly attempting to calm his tears.
After a couple of minutes Kin calmed down. Celestine reached her head down to nuzzle at the top of Kin's gently. "Now that's better." She rubbed at his back a little more before gently pulling back to look into his eyes which were glossy with tears. "Now Kin, please tell me what has upset you so." Giving him a soft reassuring smile.
Kin sighed deeply. "Celestine, last night I was watching over the land when I heard somebody's mind, but it was not anyone of East Liverpool. It was the mind of who I believe is our friend, Toby's father." He lowered his head, and allowed one last tear to shed from his eyes. "Oh, Celestine what I heard was horrible, and it will shatter the little child's heart if he were to find out."
Celestine laid an arm over Kin's back, and cooed. "Shh.. try to calm yourself Kin." She reached down, and nuzzled at his cheek. She placed a hand under his chin to let him look up at her. "Kin, will you please tell me what you heard?" She asked with a concerned tone.
Kin let out another deep sigh swallowing deeply, and started to explain what he heard.
A couple minutes later
Celestine's look at her friend with a saddened expression on her face with a single tear streaming from the corner of both eyes. "Oh, dear. This would definitely shatter young Toby's heart, but he must know Kin." She lifted her arm up over Kin and turned toward the balcony.
Kin reached a hand up to wipe away his last remaining tears, and looked at the High Elf. "Celestine, I trust in you. What would you like for me to do?"
Celestine's brows furrowed with anger as she looked outside over East Liverpool. "Kin, do you think you will be able to bring the young one's father here the same way you brought Toby?"
"Yes Celestine, I can do that, but why would you want to bring that monster here to East Liverpool where he could bring harm upon not only our new home, but more pain upon our young friend?" Kin showing a confused, and concerned look on his face.
Celestine closed her eyes relaxing her brows. "When you bring him here Kin, make sure to put him in the palace dungeon, until it is time for us to allow our dear Toby to see him. Alicia informed me that she, and her friends were going to make this week special for the child by each of them spending a day with him. After that, then we shall bring them all to the castle."
Kin bowed her head. "I understand Celestine, I will wait for tonight when his father is asleep." She walked up to Celestine and looked up at her with a look of worry. "I am scared Celestine that the poor child wouldn't be able to handle it. He has endured so much, and this will just shatter him." He lowered his head.
Celestine turned her head toward her friend, and lowered it touching their foreheads together to comfort him. "I know Kin. That is why he will need all of his new friends, and family to be here for him. That is why he will need us to be here for him Kin." Celestine sighed deeply, and turned to look back out over East Liverpool as the sun was rising against the aqua blue sky. "I just hope he will be able to handle this one last bit of tragic news."
Kin nodded his head slowly in agreement. "I do as well Celestine. I shall take my leave, so I may prepare myself for tonight. Is there anything you would like for me to do before I depart Celestine?"
Celestine turned her head, and gave him a warm smile. "No Kin, I will be alright for now." Kin bowed his head, and turned to walk out of Celestine's bedroom. Celestine kept her gaze outside over the land. She looked up at the sun, and closed her eyes. "Please let this small child's heart have the strength to withstand this dark secret." She opened her eyes, and let out a deep sigh before turning back toward her bedroom.
In the catacombs, Claudia was stirring lightly in her bed as she let out a soft yawn. "Oh, my what a good night's rest." She stretched both of her arms, and legs as she climbed out of her bed.
Cloudbuster who was sleeping in her stable let out a big yawn, and stretched out his legs, flapping his wings as she hopped out of her stables, and walked toward his owner. He nuzzled his beak against Claudia's back purring deeply.
Claudia smiled warmly at her Nadder, and stroked along his beak with a hand. "Good morning my precious Cloudbuster. Are you hungry?" Cloudbuster just kept purring, and let out a chirp. "Okay darling, come with mommy, and I will fix you something good for breakfast."
She walked out of her room and descended to the stairs with Cloudbuster closely behind. "Ah.. what a beautiful morning it is." She walked into the kitchen to prepare a meal for Cloudbuster. After getting his food ready, Claudia gave it to Cloudbuster in his food bowl along with a water bowl. She stroked at the top of his head. She smiled at him, and decided to prepare herself a cup of tea, and a couple of slices of toast for breakfast with apple butter spread.
While enjoying her breakfast a thought occurred to her. "Oh, today is my day to spend my little darling of a nephew." She looked over into the living room of the catacombs at the lavender chest she kept all of her gems for her design. "Also, I get to go gem hunting today as well."
She placed a hand against her chin in a thinking manner. "Celestine hasn't returned from New Rad yet. Hmm.. I wonder if the precious little child would like to accompany his Auntie Claudia today?" She smiled to herself, and clapped her hands together happily. "Oh, that is a wonderful idea. Then after we go gem hunting, I will take the little one, and Prim to the spa. He deserves to have a relaxing, and comfortable time after collecting gems."
She finished with her tea, and toast wiping her mouth clean with a napkin. "Before I leave, I must make Toby something special." A beaming smile spreading across her face as she walked through the kitchen, and ascended the stairs to her bedroom to get started working. "Oh, I just know the little dear is going to love what I have in store for him." She blushed gleefully.
Claudia made sure she had everything she need for the day. She had her bags to her back which contained the surprise she had for Toby, and grabbed a shovel, and pail. "The little dear could collect some gems of his own, and maybe make something." She smiled happily as she exited the boutique, and locked the door. She gathered a red wagon outside by the boutique that she uses to collect gems in, and placed the shovel, and pail in it.
She took a deep breath of the fresh morning air as she walked along the road back to the catacombs. She waved a hand at the citizens who would greet her. As she was walking through the city she noticed Maia sitting down with her arms crossed in front of her, and she had her head lowered down. Concerned for her mercenary friend, Claudia walked over to her.
She looked down at Maia with a warm smile. "Hello Maia dear, how are you doing on this fine morning?" She asked softly although she could tell something was wrong.
Maia let out a heavy sigh. "I am doing okay I guess." She looked up at Claudia with glossy eyes. "Oh, Maia my instincts is acting up again this morning."
Claudia sat down beside her, and reached up to rub at her back gently with a hand. "Maia dear, are you sure you just aren't feeling well? Sometimes your instincts can cause you to overreact over the smallest of things." She gave a small awkward smile.
Maia nodded, and sighed. "I know Claudia, but today I feel sad. I feel like there is somebody is saddened by something, but I can't tell who." She gasped, and looked at Claudia with wide eyes. "What if our little nephew Toby is sad?"
Claudia took a deep breath, and shook her head slowly. "Maia, why would the little dear be sad for? If something was bothering him, I know he would tell us." Giving Maia a reassuring smile, and patted her back. "Now like you always tells us, turn that frown upside down dear, and have fun today."
Maia gave a soft smile, and nodded. "You are right Claudia, the little cutie would definitely tell us if something was wrong with him. Maybe i am just overreacting." She sat up on her legs, and pulled Claudia into a big strong hug. "Thank you Claudia."
Claudia nodded, and hugged Maia back patting her on the back. "You are welcome dear." They gently broke the hug, and she gave Maia a warm smile. "Now, do you feel better dear?"
Maia nodded vigorously. "Oh, yes I feel much better." Giving Rarity a beaming smile. "So, what are you going to do today Claudia?" She asked curiously
"Well, I am planning to take out precious little nephew gm hunting with me since Celestine isn't back from New Rad yet. After, I am going to take him and Prim to the spa for a relaxing and comfortable time. He certainly will deserve it after collecting gems." Smiling happily.
"Ooh, that sounds like fun for the little cutie." Maia clapped her hands excitedly. "Since I feel much better, I am going back to the bakery, so I can help Pinkie and Fluttershy." She gave Claudia one more big hug. "You guys have fun, okay?"
Claudia laughed, and nodded. "We will Maia. You take care too my friend." Giving her a warm smile, and gathered the wagon with her hand, and waved another hand at Maia as she walked toward the catacombs.
When Claudia arrived at the sewer tunnel she could see that Prim, and Toby was outside enjoying their morning breakfast at the table. She smiled softly at the sight, and walked toward pulling the wagon along with her hand. "Good morning you two." Speaking up softly.
Prim sipped at her tea before putting it down. "Oh.. um.. good morning Claudia. How are you doing?" She asked shyly.
"Oh, I am doing wonderfully dear." She gave the princess a warm smile. "How are you doing Prim dear?"
"I am doing good. Just enjoying being outside with all my dragon friends, and my precious little one." Looking at Toby with a warm smile causing the child to blush as he ate at his oatmeal.
Claudia giggled at the little boy's blushing, and walked over to him. "And how is my dear little nephew doing today?" Giving him a blushing smile.
He finished his bite of oatmeal before speaking. "I am doing good Auntie Claudia, thank you." Giving her a soft smile as he put his empty bowl on the table, and wiped his mouth clean with a napkin.
She leaned forward, and gave him a kiss on the forehead. "You are quite welcome dear." She reached up with a hand to gently rub at his arm. "Toby, if it is okay with your auntie, how would you like to accompany your Auntie Claudia to do some hunting for gems?"
He smiled happily, and nodded. "That sounds like fun Auntie Claudia." Then he turned toward Prim with a hopeful look. "Is it okay Auntie Prim if I go with Auntie Claudia?"
Prim smiled warmly at the little boy, and nodded. "Of course sweetheart, it is okay with me." She got off her chair, and gathered her cup along with Toby's bowl. She gave him a kiss on top of his head. "Go get dressed sweetie." He nodded, and walked into the tunnel to go get ready. Prim smiled at him as she, and Claudia walked behind him to go in.
"I promise Prim that I will make sure he doesn't get hurt, and keep him safe." Claudia reassured her friend as she took the dishes to the kitchen.
Prim returned a kind smile to Claudia. "Oh, I know you will Claudia." Her eyes became a little moist as she looked at Claudia. "Thank you Claudia. You, and the others have been, so caring, and loving toward Toby since I introduced you all to him." She gave her a hug, and laid her head against Claudia's shoulder.
Claudia reached up, and rubbed at her back soothingly. "Oh, dear you know we all love the precious little child." She very gently pulled Prim in front of her, and looked sincerely into her eyes. "Listen dear, you are the main one out of all of us who really helped in healing his broken heart. If you wouldn't have taken him in, I don't know what would happen to the little dear." She rubbed at Prim's shoulder.
Claudia cleared her throat. "Now, I was thinking after we get done collecting gems, all three of us could take a trip to the spa. I think he deserves a relaxing, and comfortable spa treatment after helping his Auntie Claudia gem hunting. What do you think of that Prim?"
"Oh.. um.. well, that sounds like a good idea. Do you think Rarity and Twilight won't mind tending to Toby?" Asking with a little concern in her voice.
"Oh, my dear Prim, of course they won't mind. Remember, they gave their spa treatments to the dragons on numerous times. I am sure they will welcome him with open arms like everybody else." She gave the princess a reassuring smile. "Don't you worry your pretty pink head about it dear." Prim blushed, and nodded.
"Before I forget, it would be best if I leave this with you." She took her bags off, and placed them on the floor next to the sofa. She opened up a flap, and took out a pair of black swim trunks with outlining the bottoms of the legs. "I decided to make these for the little dear to wear in the jacuzzi at the spa."
"Oh, he will love them Claudia, just like all of your outfits you have given him." Prim gave a squeal of joy, and smiled happily.
Claudia placed the trunks back into her bags. "I do hope, so dear. For now though, let's keep it a surprise for the little dear. I will present them to him when we return from gem hunting." Prim nodded in agreement.
Toby descended the stairs wearing his royal blue outfit with a red jacket. He looked up at the two women with a big smile. "I am ready Auntie Claudia." He walked over to Prim, and gave her a warm hug around her waist. "I love you Auntie Prim. I will be back before dinner, don't worry."
She smiled warmly down at him, and nuzzled at his cheek. "I know sweetheart." She looked up at Claudia who gave her a wink. "You just be good for your Auntie Claudia, and have fun, okay sweetie?" She gave him a kiss on the forehead. "Auntie Prim loves you too Toby." Claudia smiled at the two as she carefully walked toward the door.
They gently broke the embrace as Toby turned to follow behind Claudia out of the catacombs. Claudia looked down at the little boy, and softly asked. "Toby, would you like to pull the wagon, or would you like to ride on your Auntie Claudia's back?"
He smiled up softly. "I can pull the wagon Auntie Claudia." She returned the smile, and grabbed the wagon and brought the handle toward Toby he gently grasped. He turned to look up at Prim. "Bye Auntie Prim, I will be back soon." Giving her a warm smile.
Prim placed a hand on his shoulder, and gently rubbed it. She gave him a kiss on the top of his head. "Okay sweetheart. Goodbye for now, and have fun." She waved a hand as the two headed toward the tunnel.
Claudia looked down at the small child with a warm smile as they were walking out of the tunnel. "Toby dear, if a lady may ask, did you, and your mommy do stuff like this too?"
He looked up, and nodded. "Yes Auntie Claudia. I remember we went to the beach when I was four, and we collected some sea shells." He gave a little smile. "Mommy made me a necklace out of small seashells, but daddy broke it, and threw it away after she passed away."
Claudia gasped, and frowned down at him. "Oh, dear I am truly sorry. Your father certainly was a ruffian for doing that."
He smiled up softly at her, and nodded as they arrived at the beach. He looked out at it then up at Claudia. "Auntie Claudia, how will we be able to find gems in this big place?"
Claudia giggled lightly, and smiled down at the little boy "Ah.. well, that is very simple my precious nephew. You see Toby, my shard comes in handy other than fighting than talking to Celestine. It also can detect a group of gems that are buried in the ground."
Toby nodded, and looked up at her with a bright smile. "Oh, that is neat Auntie Claudia." He giggled as he watched her shard light up.
Claudia glanced up as it glowed. "Oh, speaking of which. Just follow me dear." She carefully walked ahead as Toby followed behind with the wagon. After a short walk they came upon a spot, and Claudia placed her shard down to illuminate the spot to reveal a hole filled with colorful glimmering gems. "Aha.. there we are. Come here precious, take a look." Toby nodded placed the handle down, and walking over to Claudia.
Toby looked at them in wonder. "Oh, they are very pretty Auntie Claudia." He could see they were all different shapes, sizes, and colors twinkling like stars in the evening sky. He went over to the wagon and retrieved the shovel. "Can I help dig?"
She gave him a soft smile, and reached up to pat at his back gently. "Of course dear. Just be careful, okay?" He nodded, and started digging. She stayed close to him to make sure nothing bad happens.
After a few minutes Toby finished digging the hole, and looked in awe at the gems. "They are very pretty close up Auntie Claudia." He saw a light blue glow appear around them as Claudia took them out of the hole, and over to the wagon. She placed half in the wagon, and the other half in his bucket. He saw this, and looked up at her. "Are those for me Auntie Claudia?"
She gave him a bright smile, and nodded rubbing at his shoulder. "Of course they are for you precious. Maybe you could use them to make something special for your Auntie Prim." Blushing as her shard lit up again. "Oh, my would you look at that. Looks like there some more around here." She walked toward Toby and grab the handle, and carefully lifted the shovel out of the little boy's hands to put it back in the wagon.
"Toby dear, how about you ride on my back for the rest, and let me dig the holes? I know you have to be tired although it was just one little hole." She said giving him a worried look, and rubbing up, and down his arm gently.
Toby looked up with a little smile. "Are you sure Auntie Claudia? I am okay, and I don't want you to hurt yourself."
Claudia gave a light chuckle. "Aw.. haha.. don't worry precious, I will be more than alright. I can do an array with things, and it takes much to make me tired." Giving him a light rub on the cheek. She leaned down on her knees. "Climb up now dear." He nodded, and carefully climbed onto her back and she pulled the wagon along with them as they went to the next spot.
However, the two were unaware of the three pairs of eyes that were watching them through some bushes that were a part of the beach.
"Eh.. it's that knight." came a raspy voice from behind the bushes. "I know she can find gems with her shard, but I don't think I can handle her sword fighting techniques."
"Be quire. Do you want them to hear us?" Another yet feminine voice followed. "Look at that child on her back guys. It's a human, I'll bet he could be valuable in our plans."
"Uh, what do you mean Chloe? How could that little human get us gems?" A dep voice spoke up last.
"Gah.. do I have to explain every thing to you two? I say we nab that little pest from the knight, and make her give us the gems, or we take him hostage." The other two voices laughed evilly in agreement. They became silent as they continued to watch the two.
After collecting a final group of gems Claudia looked at the wagon which was filled up with a big mound of multi-colored jewels. She looked back, and smiled warmly at the child on her back. "Well Toby dear, I believe that should be enough. Let's get back to the catacombs shall we?"
As she turned to walk onward when the right-hand of Origa came out of the bushes. "Not so fast Lady Levantine." Chloe spoke.
"You won't be going anywhere until you give us your gems."
"Oh, dear not you three again." She felt the little boy on her back shaking, and looked back at him giving him a nuzzle. "Don't worry precious, I won't let these mean people hurt one single hair on your head." She turned around, and cleared her throat. "Now if you would be so kind to remove yourself from in front of us, then I won't have to become violent." Flicking her hair.
"Well, isn't that precious.. bleh. I don't think you will be going anywhere." Suddenly, Gorg first jumped down from the tree they were near, and held onto Claudia.
"Now Troox." Gorg yelled as Troox came down from the tree. He reached up and grabbed the small child putting him over the shoulder, and ran over to Chloe.
"Ahh. Let me go you bad man." Toby struggled in the goblin's grasp, but he wasn't big enough to get loose.
"Be quite you little runt." The goblin said as he giggled evilly.
Then Chloe eyes Claudia. "Now it is simple knight. You give us all your gems, and we will let this little one go." Chuckling. "If not, we shall take him down into the ground, and make him work for us."
Claudia swallowed deeply, but looked at the dark elf with anger. "You let my nephew go you wench." She yelled as she bit Gorg's hands that held her. He yelped and she ran toward Troox turning to ram her shoulder into him which caused him to drop Toby.
Toby fell on the ground, and quickly stood back up to see the dark elf standing above him. "Not so fast you little... OW!" Toby stomped on Chloe's foot, and ran toward Claudia. Claudia leaned down to scoop the child on her back.
Claudia was panting some as she looked behind her at the little boy. "Are you okay dear?"
He nodded. "I am okay Auntie Claudia." He looked at the three people who were joined together again. "What are those three people." He asked with a deep swallow.
"We are the generals of Queen Origa Discordia. The Queen of the dark elves, the Queen of darkness, the Queen of the monsters, and we are not humans." Chloe stomped her right foot which Toby stomped, and yelped holding it up. "OW!"
"Haha.. and there is more where that came from you ruffians." Claudia stood proudly. "Watch this Toby." She whispered behind her to the child on her back.
"Uh, hey what is she doing you guys." Gorg said.
Suddenly a branch above the three snapped, and came falling down. "AAH!" The three screamed as it fell on top of them pinning them to the ground, where Claudia caught her boomerang.
Toby laughed. "Haha.. that was good Auntie Claudia." As she pulled the wagon over to her with the gems still intact, and the gems in Toby's bucket.
"Thank you precious." She eyed the three monsters whose eyes were turning in a spherical motion. "That will teach you never to mess with Lady Claudia Levantine again you brutes." She flicked her hair, and turn to walk away.
While they left Chloe shook her head. "Guh.. Chloe, why can't we just collect weapons from now on? We have been stealing a lot, and they are much easier to get than gems."
"Yeah." Gorg agreed.
Chloe reached both of her hands up forming them into fists, and pounded the two on the top of their head. "Eh, will you both be quiet, and let's get out from under this tree branch." They grunted, and struggled to get out from underneath the branch. "Stealing weapons sound easier then diamonds though." The other two just grunted, and smacked themselves in the face with their hands.
As they were headed back to the catacombs Claudia gently let Toby down from her back for a moment. She checked over him, and patted at his clothes to get rid of the little dirt he gathered after falling to the ground. "Oh, you poor dear, are you sure you are alright Toby?" Looking down with a worried look.
He carefully took his glasses off, and wiped them with his shirt. He put them back on, and looked up at her nodding. "Yes Auntie Claudia, I am okay." He gave her a big warm hug around her neck, and laid his head against her soft chest. "Thank you for saving me from those mean people." He sighed warmly.
Claudia hugged him close with an arm, and gave him a gentle kiss on the top of his head. "Of course dear, I would never let those brutes or anybody hurt my precious little nephew." She rubbed along his back soothingly. After a minute she gently pulled him back to look him in his eyes. "I want you to listen to me Toby. When those ruffians called you a little runt, don't listen to them. You may be small, but you have such a big heart, do you understand me?"
"Yes Auntie Claudia." He smiled up softly at her as she gave him a kiss on the fore head.
"Good. Now let's just keep this rendezvous with those nasty generals a secret, okay? We don't want your Auntie Prim to be worried too much." He nodded in agreement as she kneeled down. "Hop on precious." He climbed atop Claudia's back, and once again pull the wagon as they continued on their way back to the catacombs.
Prim was in the living room water the flowers around the catacombs when she spotted the two coming in. Claudia kneeled down to let Toby climb off and he ran up with his bucket of gems. "Auntie Prim, Auntie Prim, look at what Auntie Claudia let me have." As he showed his bucket of gems.
Claudia giggled, and smiled as the small child's excitement as Prim done the same. She looked down at Toby, and gave him a kiss on the top of his head. "They are very beautiful sweetheart." She smiled softly and give him a nuzzle on the cheek. "How about you go take them upstairs, and put them somewhere safe, okay sweetie?" He nodded, and ran inside, and ascended the stairs.
The two girls followed behind. They smiled at the little boy as he was walking upstairs. Claudia walked over to her bags, and opened the flap containing Toby's swim trunks, and brought them out. She blushed happily, and clapped her hands. "Oh, I can't wait for the little dear to see these, and try them on." Prim giggled, and nodded in agreement.
Toby returned downstairs smiling softly. "Okay Auntie Prim, I got them put up safely in the chest with my clothes."
Prim smiled down at him. "That is a good place to put them sweetheart." She embraced him with an arm bring him to her, and gave him a kiss on the top of his head. She looked down at him. Toby... um.. if it is okay with you.. um.. could you maybe close your eyes for a little bit? Your Auntie Claudia has something special to give you." Toby looked up with a soft smile as he closed his eyes. She giggled lightly as she gently placed both hands on his shoulders, and carefully turned him to face Claudia.
Claudia smiled with glee as she brought the swim trunks in front of Toby. "Okay dear, open your eyes." She beamed with anticipation.
Toby carefully opened his eyes to see the pair of swim trunks. He tilted his head back to look up at Prim then looked up at Claudia. "Are these for me Auntie Claudia?" As he looked at the trunks with a big bright smile.
Claudia giggled at his happiness, and nodded. "Of course they are for you dear." She decided to kneel down on her legs, and look at him with a warm smile. "I was thinking you could wear them in the tub at the spa, if that is okay with you though."
Toby swallowed shyly. "I would like to come Auntie Claudia, but I never really been to a spa before." He lowered his head a little bit as Prim rubbed at his shoulders with her hands, and leaned her head down to nuzzle at his cheek.
"It is okay sweetheart, me and your Auntie Claudia will be there for you. I promise you will like it, and the spa staff who work there will be very gentle with you, okay sweetie?" Giving him a reassuring smile.
He blushed, and nodded as he looked up at the two girls. "Okay Auntie Prim and Auntie Claudia, I will come." Speaking softly as Prim gently scooped him up as Claudia put the swim trunks back into her bags, and placed it on her back. The three exited the catacombs as Flame and Smoke saluted them off, and closed the door. They made their way toward the spa.
As they arrived at the East Liverpool Spa, Toby could see it was a white building. It had a sign with squiggly lines above the door. The three carefully entered as Toby was getting a little nervous being to a spa before.
"Hello, and welcome to the East Liverpool Spa where we make your welcome as relaxing, and comfortable as possible." Rarity greeted the three visitors. She spotted Claudia who was a regular customer. "Oh, good afternoon Claudia." Giving her a nod of her head.
"Hello Rarity dear. I would like to have my usual, but first may I introduce you to my little nephew." She turned to look at Toby, but he was under Prim's hair. Claudia frowned a little, and walked beside Prim, and spoke softly. "Come on precious, there is no need to be nervous. Please come, and meet my good friends who work here at the spa."
Toby peeked out from under Prim's hair as he saw Claudia had a hand reached out for him to take. He swallowed deeply, and gently took her hand, and Prim kneeled down on her leg for him to be put down. Claudia smiled down at the child, and patted him on the back gently as she lead him to Rarity.
Claudia gave her a soft smile. "Rarity, I would like for you to meet Toby." She leaned her head down to speak to Toby. "Toby dear, I would like for you to meet Rarity she is one of the wonderful fashion designers who work here."
Rarity smiled down at the small child and knelt down on all two legs. "Well, hello there Toby. My, you sure are a cute little darling." She giggled, and reached up a hand to rub at his arm. "You don't have to be nervous around me. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Toby blushed, and smiled softly. "Thank you Miss Rarity. It is good to meet you too." He bowed his head respectfully.
Rarity smiled softly as the little boy's politeness. "Well, aren't you just a very sweet, and polite gentlemen as well. You don't have to call me Miss though little guy." She replied giving him a wink. She turned her head. "Hello Trixie, come meet Miss Claudia's, and Miss Prim's new little friend." She turned back to Toby. "Don't worry little guy, Trixie is gentle just like me, so you don't have to be nervous around her either." He nodded.
Suddenly Trixie Lulamoon came walking into the lobby. "Yeah Rarity." She looked at the two girls, and waved. "Oh, hey Miss Claudia, and Prim." She then looked down at the small child in front of Rarity. She knelt down on all twos.
"Aww.. and who is this little cutie pie?" She asked causing Toby to blush. She reached up with a hand to rub at the other arm of Toby's.
"Rarity, this is Toby, he is Miss Claudia's nephew, and." She looked up at Prim.
"Oh, he is my nephew also. My precious little one." She smiled along with Claudia at the two spa staff members giving caring attention to the little boy.
"Aww.. well it is nice to meet you Toby. My name is Trixie, and welcome to the East Liverpool Spa." Giving him a wink, and warm smile.
Toby smiled softly, and nodded. "It is good to meet you too Miss Trixie."
Trixie blushed and smiled at the little boy. "Aww.. there is no need to call me Miss, you little cutie. Just call me Trixie." Giving him a wink.
The two spa staff members then stood up carefully as they looked at the two girls. "So the regular for you Miss Claudia?"
Claudia nodded. "Yes dears." She smiled at the two as they lead the way as Prim came, and gently scooped Toby up. Claudia smiled at the little boy. "Don't worry Toby, you will enjoy it here, I promise." She reached up, and rubbed at his back with a hand as the three followed the two spa staff members.
As they entered into the spa from the lobby Toby looked around with his mouth agape. He saw that it was much bigger inside that it appeared outside, at least to him. To his right he saw two sets of baths one being tubs with water, and the other two which appeared to be mud baths. To his left was three lounge chairs where people laid to get massages, and pedicures. Mirrors lined the walls on the left of the spa, and in the center of the inside was a big round tub.
Toby looked up at the two spa staffs, and gently asked. "Rarity, and Trixie, is there somewhere I can maybe change into my swim trunks?"
They turned, and smiled down at him. Trixie spoke up. "Of course little cutie. Please follow me." Claudia took out his swim trunks out of her bags, and gave them to him. He gently took them, and followed Trixie.
"The jacuzzi is already nice, and warm for you Claudia, and Prim." Rarity said as she gently spread a couple of lavender, and aloe beads into the tub for the water to become more relaxing.
"Thank you kindly Rarity." Claudia bowed her head as she, and Prim climbed up onto the deck, and climbed into the tub. Where Claudia and Prim are now in their bikinis. "Mmm.. that feels oh, so nice." She turned to Prim. "What do you think Prim dear?"
"Mm.. um.. that does feel nice Claudia." The princess smiled softy as both girls laid back against the inner walls of the jacuzzi.
Toby came out of the bathroom dressed in his swim trunks, and he looked to see the girls of Claudia, and Prim at the top of the tub. He walked around to ascend the deck. The two girls smiled warmly at him.
"Well, you look absolutely adorable dear."
"Do you need help getting in sweetheart?" Prim asked, and Toby nodded. She turned, and reached up with her hands, and gently grabbed Toby from underneath his arms, and very slowly lowered him into the jacuzzi. Toby stood just tall enough above the water as he came up to his mid-chest.
"Oh, that feels nice Auntie Prim, and Auntie Claudia." As he stood on the bottom of the tub letting the warm wash over him. He gently walked to the edge of the tub to stand up against. "Mm.. it feels like the warm baths Mommy used to give me." He sighed softly as he closed his eyes at the relaxing water.
Claudia and Prim smiled at the little boy. "I knew you would like it precious. Rarity, and Trixie always makes sure their customers have a relaxing time here." Claudia giggled lightly.
The three sighed softly as they sat in the jacuzzi for a while.
After several minutes of relaxing in the tub the three carefully climbed out of with Prim gently lifting Toby out, and helping him wrap around his small form. The girls wrapped a towel over their hairs, an robes around their forms. He smiled up at her as the three descended down the stairs of the deck, and Claudia led them to the lounge chairs.
Claudia smiled at the little boy. "Now Toby, Trixie, and Rarity are just going to tend to your hands and feet. They are going to give us a pedicure. Don't worry though dear, they are very gentle when they do it." Giving him a reassuring smile as she walked to a lounge chair.
Trixie volunteered to help with Toby. She walked toward him as he laid down on the lounge chair of his choosing. Trixie gave him a warm smile. "Don't worry little cutie, I will be as gentle as possible." She reached up and rubbed at his arm to comfort him. He nodded, and gave her a soft smile. She walked to his feet. "Oh my, now don't you have the cutest little feet I ever did see." She giggled, and very lightly tickled at the soles of his feet with a hand.
He laughed happily as the two girls, and Rarity smiled at him while Rarity was tending to Claudia, and another spa staff tending to Prim.
Trixie got her nail filer, and noticed a nervous look on Toby's face. "Oh, it's okay sweetie, this isn't going to hurt. I am just going to make your fingers smooth, okay?" Giving him a little nod, and he gave a little smile. She very gently held the filer, and carefully started to file at Toby's nails. He swallowed shyly, but kept still as she was very gentle with him. She finished the first foot then moved onto the other one.
"There cutie all done. Now that didn't hurt, did it?" Asking sweetly as she gave him a soft smile, and wink.
He shook his head lightly. "No it didn't Trixie, thank you. It was nice, and gentle." She patted at his feet with her hand, and carefully walked up to his hands.
She carefully lifted one hand, and looked at it. "Aw.. you even have cute little hands Toby." Holding it in her hand, and giving it a little nuzzle. She carefully moved the hand on her hand where his wrist would sit, so she could file at his finger nails. He smiled at the carefulness she showed while tending to him.
After she got done filing the finger nails of the other hand she gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder. "All done with your hands now little cutie. Now, would you like for me to rub some lotion on your hands, and feet to keep them soft?" He nodded as she gave him a soft smile, and went to retrieve the lotion.
When Trixie returned with the lotion, and started rubbing it on Toby's feet, and hands gently Claudia looked over as she was just getting her pedicure done. She eyed at Toby's little hands, and fingers. "Toby dear, if a lady may ask, how would you like to maybe give your Auntie Claudia a little massage? I bet those little fingers of your feels can give a good massage."
Toby looked over at Claudia, and blushed. He swallowed shyly. "I don't know Auntie Claudia. I am scared I might hurt you." He frowned.
Claudia sigh softly, and gave him a reassuring smile. "Aw.. don't worry precious, you won't hurt me. I know, how about Trixie shows you how she gives me, and Prim a massage, and you can try it. Does that sound like a good idea dear?" He nodded softly.
Trixie smiled happily at the little boy. "Okay little cutie just come over with me and I will show you." She helped him off the lounge chair, and he followed behind her over to Claudia who flipped over on her tummy onto the lounge chair. Rarity stood up on her legs, and places her hands on Claudia's back. "Now just watch me Toby, and then I will let you try it." He nodded as he carefully watched.
Rarity was helping massage Prim as well. Toby watched both of the spa girls do their massages. They were gently pressing their hands into the girls' backs, and rubbing.
Trixie finished showing her massage technique with Claudia, and motioned Toby over. "Don't be shy little cutie, you can do it, I know you can." Giving him a wink as he carefully walked over to her, and Claudia.
Claudia smiled at the little boy as he stood beside her lounge chair. "It's okay precious, I know you will do a good job. Just relax, and try your best." Giving him a reassuring smile.
"Okay Auntie Claudia." He swallowed deeply, and placed his little hands on the soft and warm fur of Claudia's back. He started to gently rub at her back with his hands, and gently used his fingers to do like a kneading motion.
Claudia sighed deeply. "Mmm.. see there dear, I told you would do a good job. Mmm.. that feels nice Toby." He blushed, and carefully continued to rub at her back.
Trixie smiled warmly at the child, and rubbed at his back with a hand comfortably. "There you go cutie, you are doing a great job." He smiled, and nodded as he moved his little hands between Claudia's shoulder blades, and started to rub.
After a few minutes he finished rubbing Claudia's back. She turned to her side, and gently rubbed at his cheek giving him a gentle kiss on the forehead. "You did a wonderful job precious, thank you for that."
"You are welcome Auntie Claudia." He then looked over at Prim. "Would you like for me to give you a massage Auntie Prim?"
Prim smiled warmly and gently shook her head. "Oh, thank you very much sweetheart, but Rarity already did." He nodded, and gave a soft smile.
After spending a good time at the spa Claudia, Prim, and Toby said goodbye to the two spa girls. Claudia gave Toby a warm hug, and nuzzled at the top of his head. "I had a wonderful day with you precious, thank you again for the massage. That felt nice, and I hope you enjoyed your time at the spa." Rubbing along his back.
He looked up with a bright smile. "I did Auntie Claudia. Rarity, and Trixie were very nice, and Trixie was very gentle with me when she tended to my hands, and feet. Thank you for a great day."
"You are certainly welcome dear. Anytime you want to spend the day with your Auntie Claudia, all you have to do is let me know, okay?" He nodded as she gave him one more kiss on the forehead. She looked at Prim, and gave her a hug around her shoulders. "I had a wonderful time at the spa with you as always Prim."
"Yes, it was good and relaxing. It was especially good to spend the day at the spa with my precious little one." As she looked down at the child, and lifted him up on her back.
Claudia smiled at the two. "Well, until tomorrow dear, I shall return at the boutique." She waved a hand as she walked away pulling the wagon of gems. Prim, and Toby returned the wave as she turned to walk toward the boutique.
At New Rad Castle
Celestine was watching the sun slowly set as Kin came walking into her bedroom. Tears was streaming down his face. She saw the High Elf out on the balcony, and walked out to her. "Oh, Celestine I just got done collecting the memories of Toby's father, who is now locked up in the dungeon, and they are horrible."
Celestine laid an arm over Kin, and leaned her head down to nuzzle at his cheek." Shh.. calm yourself Kin.. Shh." She stroked along Kin's back feeling him calm down. "Shh.. that's better. Now show me what you saw in his memories." Giving him a soft smile.
Kin nodded. "As you wish Celestine, but I warn you it is heartbreaking." Celestine touched her hand with Kin's and a white light started to glow around them.
Several minutes later
Celestine had tears streaming down her own cheeks. "Oh dear." She clenched her eyes tightly, and opened them again in an angry expression. "Luna, I shall write my fellow princess knight Alicia to inform her, and the Warriors to come tomorrow. This child deserves to know the truth, and deserves to hear the truth from this monster." She gave Kin a warm hug. "Thank you for showing me Kin, I know it was hard for you too."
Kin allowed the last of tears to fall. "Yes it was Celestine, but I understand. Our young friend does deserve the truth, but I just hope it won't be too much for his little heart to take." Giving the High Elf a sad smile.
Celestine nodded in agreement. "I know Kin, but with all of us being there for him, I believe he can withstand this horrifying truth." Bowing her head respectfully. "Now I shall take my leave Kin, and go to bed. Before I do, I shall write Princess Alicia. The Terror should be back right now, so she should get it by morning."
Kin nodded as he took her place on the balcony as Celestine walked into the castle. "Goodnight Celestine." Kin spoke softly as he turned to watch the moon rise.
"Goodnight Kin." Celestine replied as she walked to her desk, and started to write her letter to Alicia.