T'rhasa was busy sewing and lightly chatting with another female when her youngest daughter, T'ralla, ran inside the tent with apparent excitement.
"Mother, they're calling you!" the girl that out of all her kits reminded her the most with her light blonde hair and dark, navy eyes almost twitched with boundless energy – so unlike her. Though confused, T'rhasa put away her sewing supplies and stood up, wobbling slightly as her legs seemed to went numb from staying too long in the same position. Smiling involuntarily, because out of all of her kits – despite the difference in looks – Ralla reminded her of Senri the most, she placed her hand on the girl's hair and delicately ruffled the blonde hair, stifling a laugh when the ten-year-old scoffed grabbing her hand and leading her out of the tent and toward one of the biggest campfires.
"Who is calling me, baby?" she asked quietly.
"T'sersa!" the girl's navy eyes winded impossibly and her tail waved with almost too-obvious enthusiasm. T'rhasa again stifled a grin, with an effort to keep a serious expression. Yes, Ralla definitely shared her boy's penance for growing easily excitable – which she couldn't help but find adorable. If ignoring the difference in coloring, Senri would have the same expression whenever her brought her an especially pretty crystal he found during playing – not to mention before she grew embarrassed about it because of other girls teasing, Ralla was as hungry for affection as her brother used to be… Feeling a painful pang in her chest, T'rhasa chased the thought away, imperceptibly taking a few, calming breaths. With Senri's birthday tomorrow, she couldn't help the way her thoughts constantly drifted toward her boy… but that was better left for when she was alone. Not dragged through the camp by her youngest kit, saving both of them the embarrassment. "There are strangers in her tent!" the girl whispered in a conspiratorial tone, tugging at her hand to get her attention. "And they're so… weird, mom!"
"Strangers?" she murmured, frowning. T'sersa was the leader of their camp – and only strangers who ever appeared in here were the occasional traders. That would be handled at the specified tent at the edge of the forest, by women trained to deal with outsiders. T'rhasa herself never left the camp, from youth trained to her role as one of the seamstresses. Condor tribe was considered as one of the big ones, she knew – split between the three distinctive parts with three Nunhs, one in the center of each. Territorial by nature as the males of their race were, it was the easiest way to keep each content. And made for an easy way to rotate the females around when Nunh changed in either part. "And why 'weird,' baby?"
"I only got a peek when T'sersa send me for you, mom… but there's a man with hair like I never saw before! Red like fire! And a girl with white hair but she's not a Seeker!" Ralla gasped and her ears lowered against her head slightly. "She's… ah… El… Elzen? Like, she got long ears but no tail, mom! How they walk properly without it is beyond me," the girl muttered with obvious confusion, furrowing her dark eyebrows with consideration and T'rhasa almost snorted a laugh at her expanse. Girls were taught about the other races – even if some, like her, never left the camp and met their representatives.
"I'm sure they're simply used to it," she snickered quietly when her daughter tossed her a deadpan stare but didn't argue the point as they arrived at the entrance of T'sersa's tent. She had no idea what exactly was this about, but she let go of her daughter's hand and smoothed her expression with a polite smile, stepping inside. Maybe an unusual request for trading…? "You called, T'sersa?" she asked the dark-haired Seeker sitting in front of two strangers – she fought not to gape at to not embarrass herself or her kit who hid behind the skirt of her dress and shamelessly gawked at the intruders with wide-open eyes.
Letting her eyes merely dart toward them when they turned their heads in her direction as she entered the massive tent, not staring was a feat. As Ralla said, they were weird. The girl was Elzen, with white hair and blue eyes that widened impossibly as she stared back at her and her mouth seemed to slightly… drop as if she was very surprised. But what truly caught her stare was the accompanying the girl male – Seeker with fiery hair bound into a braid and with the fringe held back with hairpins. Not only his hair was red, though… she barely held back a gasp when her stunned gaze met as fiery eyes, deep crimson irises that looked like the most beautiful rubies. She never saw eyes like that… and the man for some reason paled impossibly, his eyes grew huge in the truly handsome face – and she couldn't help but think he was absolutely… adorable. Twenty-something by the looks of him, he looked somewhat… nervous? Kneeling in front of T'sersa with a pile of rolls of materials in front of him and his bracer-enclosed hands gripping tightly at the material of his dark pants, his unique eyes tracked her every movement with some kind of… intent when she nodded her head toward them politely but folded her hands in front of her and focused her attention on their leader.
"Yes, T'rhasa, apparently those people wished to see you," T'sersa looked as surprised by the situation as she felt, but only knowing her since they were kits let her see that. For anyone else, her expression would be unreadable as her green eyes returned to the strangers. "As asked, this is T'rhasa Mali, one of the seamstresses of our tribe… Now, would you disclose the reason behind your visit…?" she raised her eyebrows pointedly. Frowning with confusion, she followed her gaze, looking toward the man.
"It is… a great honor to finally meet you," if possible the redhead's face went even whiter despite his very polite smile when he shot up to his feet and bowed to her. T'rhasa blinked slowly, tilting her head with confusion and unsure of what to do. "My name is G'raha Tia… me and my friend here, Alisaie Levellieur," he added, still bowed while the Elzen girl shook up and nodded her head politely but at least she stayed seated. "We, ah… hoped you may spare some time to… umm, I…" he looked up and choked, flustering impossibly as his face grow almost as red as his eyes. "Oh, wicked white… I'm messing it up," he muttered and she thinned her lips not to burst into a laugh when at that his companion rolled her blue eyes and slapped her hand over them.
"It is nice to meet you, G'raha Tia," she said softly, deciding to spare him apparent embarrassment. "And you, miss Levellieur," she nodded toward the girl behind him, then turned her gaze back to the man. "Why it would be a… honor, though…? May I be of service?" she trained her gaze on the leader and her longest friend, raising her eyebrows expectantly. When T'sersa shrugged helplessly, she looked toward the man again, that at least finally straightened, if his handsome face went even redder now as he seemed to take a few deep, calming breaths.
"I'm sorry," he said quietly and visibly sheepish. "I thought I prepared for it well… But… Ah, please, let me start over," he sighed, then to her even bigger surprise fell to his knees in front of her and bowed his head. "My name is G'raha Tia and I have the honor to be… m-mated to your son, T'senri," he said quietly and her heart stopped. That couldn't be…? "I brought those," he pointed toward the rolls of the material without raising his head. "As a… c-courting gift and as… apology for not doing this… properly. I know it is not… ah, common and I hope you'll forgive my daring but…"
"You… know my Senri?" she cut him off and ignored the warning stare of T'sersa as she dropped to her knees in front of him and almost desperately fisted her shaky hands in his red vest. When his surprised, ruby eyes shot to hers, she swallowed thickly, forcing herself to relax her hands and let them drop into her lap. "I'm… sorry, it's been so long… and I wondered what… what became of him," she dropped her eyes when they started to burn and cleared her throat.
"You don't know…?" he said slowly and when she looked up, his dark-red eyebrows were furrowed with confusion. The Elzen behind him dropped her hand in her lap and her blue eyes widened impossibly as she looked at her.
"Mother…?" Ralla delicately tugged at the hem of her dress, reminding her of her presence. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, baby," she smiled at the girl shakily, then turned her gaze toward the redhead as she slowly stood up then pulled her kit in front of her, resting her hands on her delicate shoulders for a bit of support. "Please…" she whispered, feeling her face grow impossibly hot. "…forgive me, I did not mean…"
"…oh, now I see the similarity," the Elzen girl gasped, drawing her surprised gaze. "Sorry! I just… Senri looks so different…" she shrugged helplessly, blushing slightly.
"So you do… know him?" she whispered.
"He's my best friend," the girl smiled sheepishly, then sighed and send the redhead a glare. "Raha, you completely messed it up…"
"I know," the man said with an exaggerated sigh of resignation, smiling sheepishly as he stood up. He was taller than her, but not by much. His ears twitched and lowered against his hair considerably as his gaze grew somber and somewhat… sad. "Again, I am sorry. I thought… well, I didn't expect you wouldn't know… Ah, let me say this, miss Mali, your son, Senri… he's the Warrior of Light and…"
"He's…?" she felt her mouth drop open when the kit in front of her flinched when her hands automatically tightened around her shoulders. "Sorry, baby," she gasped, letting go immediately but her gaze was stuck on the crimson eyes. "We… ah, heard of the Warrior… but my Senri…?"
Occasionally bards would visit the camp and in exchange for hospitality, regale them with the songs and stories… but none ever mentioned Warrior's name… only his title. Her gaze darted toward the T'sersa and she felt almost an automatic, wide grin split her face.
"See… told you he's special," she crooned and her gaze shot back to the redhead. "And you say… you're mated to my boy?" she never heard of two males being mated but if it was somehow possible… it made so much sense. Why her Senri was never interested in girls that fawned over his looks… why he decided to leave so early… Oh, her poor boy… he must have felt so lonely if he never mentioned…
"Ah, yes," the redhead… G'raha, cleared his throat and stepped from one foot to the other nervously, coloring again visibly. "I am… and as I said, I brought those to…" he pointed toward the pile again, his gaze turned toward it so he didn't see her delicately push Ralla aside and step toward him but he noticeably flinched when she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him in a tight hug.
"Thank you," she sighed softly, deciding that he smelled very nice – somewhat like a mix of cinnamon and almonds. Stock-still in apparent shock, she couldn't help but giggle as her heart fluttered with relief. "I don't need gifts… but to know he's… safe, means more than anything, G'raha. To know he has people who care for him… means all. And to know I have another son… and so cute to boot…" she chuckled when he flinched, leaned away, and grinned gleefully into the stunned ruby eyes. Using his surprise, she wrapped her hands around his cheeks, and instantly they heated up under her palms as his eyes widened impossibly. "…oh, I can see why he would pick you," she giggled again, with a stupid, goofy grin.
"Alisaie's right," he whispered softly, wrapping his hands around her wrists delicately. "You look nothing alike… but he has your blush and smile. I… thank you, with all my heart, for caring about him… Without you, he wouldn't be the Senri I know and love… and for that, I can never express my gratitude. But, if I might be so brave… I wanted to ask you for a favor," he smiled and his unusual eyes lit up with humor… and oh, but he was so pretty… T'rhasa dropped her arms and when he let go of her wrists, she caught his hands in hers and squeezed them reassuringly. "I've been… ah, it's his birthday tomorrow and I've been preparing a surprise for him… and I hoped you would agree to be part of it… if you like…?"
"I would love to," she grinned again as her heart fluttered wildly. She could see her boy…? Would he want to see her, though…? Her grin dropped with the thought but when she moved to pull her hands back, he tightened his around them, keeping her in place.
"He adores you," he said with confidence and such fiery determination in his voice that she was instantly mesmerized. "I know it's… confusing, especially if you weren't aware… I mean, Senri… he never stopped loving you. He couldn't stay here, but he… he misses you. He misses you but he's too scared to come back and see you," he added softly, holding her gaze while her heart jumped to pound in her throat. "He's scared… he disappointed you by leaving as he did. By the fact that he couldn't be what others wanted him to be. But I hope… I believe, it's not the case," he whispered, squeezing her hands gently.
"He could never disappoint me," she laughed softly through tears that burned her eyes. "I always knew he was… special. That he's not meant for life here," she sighed, dropping her gaze to the blue crystal hanging on the necklace around his throat. It was so pretty, too… "I should have taken him from here when I realized…"
"He didn't hold that against you," G'raha assured, but she shook her head, lifting her gaze again.
"I know… but he should," she said with a sad sigh. "I knew he's meant for something bigger… but the Warrior…?" she chuckled sadly. "I should have protected him better. He deserved better… but I was too much of a coward," she sighed again and looked to the side, smiling involuntarily at the confused frown on her daughter's face. "I wanted to leave with him…" she admitted, blushing as she looked back into the ruby irises. "If I wasn't pregnant… maybe I would," she said softly, gently tugging her hands free. "My daughter…" she nodded toward the girl, that shyly stepped forward and with very big eyes stared at the redhead when T'rhasa rested her hands on her shoulders. "…T'ralla, is the last kit of the previous Nunh… My youngest and the last of Senri's real… full sisters left in this part of the camp," she said when G'raha smiled with uncertainty at the girl, that instantly flushed darkly, dropping her gaze to her feet and fisting her small hands in the hem of her blue dress. "I tried… to do better with her after… Senri left. But I know it won't make up for my… f-failure with him," she admitted with another tiny sigh.
"Is he… really so different?" the girl whispered, looking up at the man shyly. "Mother always said he was… is special. But other girls…" she cut off, dropping her gaze with a dark blush.
T'rhasa grimaced involuntarily, delicately rubbing her hands over the girl's shoulders. Other girls mocked and teased… just like her peers did her boy was little. The girls sneered at her daughter's excitable nature and her sensitive character, bringing her down constantly. They mocked T'rhasa's obsession with her only son and they made her girl embarrassed about liking the stories about her older brother. So similar to him, if not by look but in character, she used to love to listen to her reminisce about him, curling at her feet while she saw his blankets. Not this year, though, as her girl grew self-conscious about it under the pressure of the other girls' laughs. And all things considered… it had T'rhasa almost convinced that she should do better this time, take the girl and leave… if she wasn't so scared. She knew nothing of the outside world… nothing but the life in the camp and her tasks. But…
"He's very special," G'raha dropped to one knee in front of the girl, smiling reassuringly when she again looked up shyly. "Mothercrystal herself chose him to be her Champion, after all, but what's more… he's brave and one of the best people I've ever met… even as biased as I am, obviously," he blushed but grinned at the girl and Ralla apparently similarly to T'rhasa couldn't resist but smile back. "And if you would agree…" he looked up at her and she was caught again in the mesmerizing depths of his unusual eyes. "…I would love nothing more than to bring you to meet him. Both of you, I mean. I didn't know of… T'ralla, right?" he tossed a quick smile to the girl before looking up again when she nodded with a dark blush. "She's a beauty, miss Mali. I didn't know of her… preparing my surprise for Senri but if you would see fit to take part in it… I'm sure he would love to meet her as much as to see you again," he said with such a beautiful smile and earnest look… and yes, she definitely could see why he would match her son. His eyes showed the beauty of his soul so clearly…
"I…" she took a deep breath, then steeled her spine and slightly tightened her hands on her daughter's shoulders. "As I said… I would love to… If I need some time to prepare and if you don't mind… I would like to bring something along," his blankets, one for every year she couldn't share his special day. And maybe… use this as an opportunity to learn more about the outside world. Or more… Keeping her expression carefully neutral with a slight, polite smile she turned her eyes to T'sersa. "Do you mind…? I know there's plenty to do, but one of the other seamstresses should be able to easily take over my duties for a day or two…" she said carefully, in thought praying she didn't protest and make this difficult.
"Knowing you if I say no, you won't be able to focus anyway," the woman said with a hint of amusement, then waved her hand slightly. "Fine, just don't take too long. And about those…?" she looked pointedly at the pile of materials, then at her with raised eyebrows.
"As I said, I don't need gifts," she said calmly, looking toward the redhead and in thought begging, he didn't protest. When his ruby eyes widened ever-so-slightly, she was almost sure he understood… but that wasn't possible?" But I thank you anyway, G'raha. It's very thoughtful but if you don't mind… I would offer them for the use of the tribe," she nodded politely toward her leader.
"They're yours… to do with as you please," he bowed his head slightly, then stood up and cleared his throat. "I thank you for your time and hospitality, my lady," he bowed again, this time to T'sersa and the woman smiled graciously, clearly pleased with his manners. T'rhasa was almost certain that was what earned him an audience with her in the first place. And maybe his looks… T'sersa always had a weakness for the handsome boys, and he was definitely a looker. She tried not to scowl at the thought and keep a neutral expression as she nodded toward the leader and then pulled her daughter out of the tent, more of feeling than seeing the outsiders following behind her. She stepped out of earshot of the tent – at least she hoped – and turned toward the man, obviously surprising him.
"I don't know how you want to travel," she admitted, blushing and pointedly pushing Ralla in the direction of her tent. "Be a dear, baby, and start to gather your most necessary things, okay? Some clothes and your treasures," she smiled reassuringly when her daughter blinked with surprise and bit her lip with uncertainty but complied, rushing in a sprint toward the tent she shared with the other girls her age. T'rhasa sighed with relief then turned her gaze to the ruby eyes and raised her chin pointedly, resting her hands on her hips. "Now, that she doesn't hear… All you said is true, yes? My boy is the Warrior… and he's safe and happy?"
"He is, I swear," he assured, rising his hand against his heart and bowing his head slightly.
"I second that," the Elzen girl at his side folded her arms over her chest and bounced on her heels slightly. "Obviously, he doesn't know we're here since it's supposed to be a surprise… but when Raha told me what he's planning, I agreed your presence would make this day… tomorrow, special. Senri never spoke much of living here… but of you, if he did, he only spoke… fondly."
Her heart ached, but she ignored it, turning her gaze back to her son's mate.
"I… sown a blanket for each of his birthdays while he was gone… if possible, I would like a chance to present them to him," she said carefully, watching his crimson eyes narrow slightly.
"That shouldn't be an issue," he nodded slowly, then tilted his head ever-so-slightly. "But that's not why… you stopped us, is it?" he added softly.
"No," she took a deep breath, tossing a quick look around and making sure no one else was in earshot. The Elzen girl frowned, dropping her arms to her sides. "T'ralla… she can't stay here," she finally whispered, fearlessly holding G'raha's gaze. "She's too much like Senri… too delicate and sensitive. I've been thinking… of taking her away but… I don't know anything of the outside world, G'raha. All my life… I've been here, living with and for the tribe. But for her… I would love nothing more than to see my boy again, but if you don't mind… I would like to use this as an opportunity to take her… away from here. Before they can meld her… and break her spirit. She's only ten…" she sighed softly, dropping her gaze and rubbing her eyes tiredly. "…but they already make her so… hesitant and self-conscious. And she deserves more… she can be more, I just know it… just like with Senri. So if you can… t-teach me about how to survive and…"
"Please, say no more," the man caught her hand and when she looked up with surprise, he sent her a sweet, reassuring smile. "Not here. If I can be of service to you… and Senri's sister, I would love nothing more. Please, gather the things you wish to take… We will wait as long as you need, but I would suggest haste, my lady. As we said, Senri doesn't know we're here, and I hope he doesn't grow suspicious and come looking for me… because he can," he added with a pointed look toward his companion. "Alisaie… would you mind helping miss Mali with her things?" he asked softly.
"No problem at all," the girl grinned, but they exchanged looks… like she clearly was upset about something before she smoothed her expression with a polite smile. "Please, lead the way," she said toward her.
T'rhasa sighed with relief, nodded then turned and headed toward her tent, praying she wasn't making a huge mistake.
Looking after women, G'raha exhaled slowly and smoothed his expression, folding his arms over his chest.
Well, that's unexpected, Damon hummed with consideration. What do we do, Raha?
We hope we have more time than I expected, he replied dryly, then rolled his eyes slightly. We can't leave them here, Damon. Not after what she said.
I wasn't suggesting we do, my boy, the immortal said that with almost too obvious amusement. I simply don't know how to proceed… do you?
He sighed, tightening the arms over his chest as his mind raced to find a solution for this… snag. As he said, he had no idea about the girl – only realizing whom she had to be when he saw Senri's mother in the 'real' detail. Honestly, he believed that his lover's memories kind of… colored his mother's beauty with the affection he felt for her… but no, T'rhasa was simply staggeringly beautiful if a far cry from her son. A delicate blonde with dark, navy-blue eyes – in the city would be one to make heads turn, no question about it. And her daughter was her spitting image, already showing the promise of sharing if not surpassing her mother's beauty in a few years.
Which by itself – if T'rhasa truly wished to leave the safety of her tribe – could lead to complications. Here, in the presence of nearly only women, she didn't even seem aware of how… spectacular she or her daughter looked. And if he knew his lover… Senri will take one look at his sister, the pretty T'ralla who looks exactly like the mother he adored, and will be a goner. Not to mention even his heart simply ached at the girl's sweetness.
Mhmm, Damon hummed with an agreement, apparently following his trail of thoughts. She's a great beauty… even for a mortal. Those huge, dark eyes… the immortal shamelessly sighed dreamily and G'raha snorted a laugh involuntarily. What…? I can appreciate a beauty when I see one, Raha, he scoffed, though sounding ungodly amused. But, again… what do we do with this development, boy? As you thought… Senri takes one look at them, there's no way he lets them leave for the uncertainty of her plans, right? And all things considered… even I would hesitate to have them out in the open like this, Raha. As she said, she knows nothing about the outside world – and would be just too easy prey for anyone lured in by her beauty. Or, gods forbid, her daughter's… Can you imagine?
He could, too easily. What they just went through with Diva… And men like her weren't either in a short supply.
Well… who's better than us to look after them…? He hummed toward his immortal passenger with consideration.
Do you mean…? Damon chortled, following instantly.
Yeah… we will have to look for a bigger house, he sighed with a hint of resignation. Alphinaud is going to kill me… He went through so much trouble to secure this one in such a short time, too…
I'm sure when he hears about the reason behind it he'll forgive you, the immortal assured with a soft laugh. You saw Alisaie's look, my boy… I can bet you that as soon as you're alone, she will demand you consider taking those two in.
Told you, Damon… I never take bets I know I'll lose, he chuckled involuntarily, then stilled, seeing the girl come back, running and skidding to a stop in front of him, looking up at him with adorable blush as she tightened her hands around her bag and looked around.
"I was… too fast?" she gasped, completely out of breath.
"A bit," he grinned involuntarily, because yeah… he could see similarities between her and her brother. There was something in the line of her lips and perhaps once her face will lose the baby-roundness, her nose and the shape of her eyes would be reminiscent of his mate's. "Your mother is gathering her things, T'ralla, but she should be along shortly. Are you excited?" he asked, unnecessarily seeing the wild wave of her light-furred tail and excited twitches of her ears. She was tiny, so to not tower over her, he easily fell to one knee, smiling delicately when she flushed darkly and her dark eyes grew huge. Again, the blush… almost too familiar – making his lips twitch involuntarily. Gods, but Senri is going to lose his head for this beauty, he just knew that…
He and me both, his immortal sighed and he almost nodded along.
"I… yes, very much," the girl smiled back shyly and his heart stuttered helplessly, definitely seeing his lover's image in it. "Mother… told me stories about my… b-brother… and he sounded… n-nice. Like he wouldn't… laugh at me… like girls do," another fiery blush as she dropped her gaze and picked at the material of her dark-blue dress. "And I maybe… b-bragged a bit to them, that… mom was right all along and he's as special as she… s-said," she looked up shyly through the jet-black lashes… and yeah, he was a goner instantly.
"Nothing wrong with a little bragging," he assured, sending her a wink and grinning when her whole, cute face lit up with Senri's goofy grin instantly. Oh, Twelve… she was just too precious. Fighting the sudden, irrational urge to hug her, he cleared his throat slightly. "And I assure you… He's going to adore you." Nope, no question about that. Especially when Damon in the back of his head simply… gushed, as taken with the kit.
"You… ah, think so?" she asked and broke his defenses when he nodded eagerly and she sent him another Senri-like grin. "I would… like that. If he likes me, I mean. Mother always says… he liked things I do, too. Like pretty crystals and stones… and I really like your necklace," she blurted out, blushing furiously.
"Thank you," he chuckled, hooking his finger in it to bring it up. "As it happens… I got it from your brother."
"Really…?" she gushed, forgetting for a moment of her shyness to reach out and delicately wrap her hand around the blue crystal as her tail went simply insane with enthusiasm. "It's beautiful! And… does that really mean you're… m-mated?" huge, dark eyes suddenly grew serious and her smile became hesitant. "I never heard of two… boys being m-mated."
"We are," he said quietly, holding her gaze, then smiled a bit sheepishly. "It's not very common, no… But I love your brother very much, T'ralla. And I am very lucky to have him. As your mother said… he's very special and to be with him… is a gift, I thank the gods every day."
"Good," she grinned again, that bright, goofy grin and he was lost, her tiny hands in absolute possession of his heart in a heartbeat. "If you love him, I mean!" she added, dropping her hand and blushing again, but still with that grin. "Then maybe someday I find someone as pretty to be my… m-mate," and gods… she pouted, wrapping her arms over her chest. "Other girls laugh… but I think it would be… n-nice," her grin fell and she tossed him an uncertain look. "…right?"
"The best," he chuckled, then stood up and grinned, seeing Alisaie and Senri's mother heading toward them, carrying a sizable chest between them. Without missing a beat, he jumped toward them and easily relieved them of its weight – glad when T'rhasa's eyebrows twitched with surprise but she didn't comment on his strength. "Is that all?" he asked carefully.
"Y-yes," she nodded, then smiled at her daughter, stretching out her hand toward her. "Took all your treasures, baby? I'm sure Senri will love to see your collection," she assured when the girl with a grin took her hand. "Will we… see him today?" she turned her gaze to him and bit her lip with uncertainty. "I still don't know how…"
"All in a good time, please," he said quietly with a careful look around making sure no one was watching as he simply made the chest disappear, sending it across the space to their destination.
"You know magic?" T'ralla gasped and her dark eyes lit up like stars while her tail went insane.
"A bit," he chuckled sheepishly, then nodded toward the path leading out of the camp and back to the clearing they arrived at. "If you can lead the way, Alisaie?" he asked his friend. She narrowed her eyes at him ever-so-slightly, letting him know she was dying to have that chat but nodded and without a word headed down the path. "If you please…?" he motioned after her, smiling at Senri's mother reassuringly. She took a deep breath and visibly steeled her back, tightening her hand around her daughter's... and followed his friend – and at that moment, he couldn't help but simply admire her courage.
"Will you teach me?" T'ralla gasped, letting her mother pull her along but keeping her starry eyes on him, and he could only grin at her obvious enthusiasm. "Does Senri know magic, too?" that earned him a curious look from her mother as well.
"He does, yes," he said, following them. "He's not very… interested in it, honestly, but he can use it if he wishes to. And if your mother agrees… I wouldn't mind teaching you a bit if you're really interested in it," he smiled at the girl when she squealed with enthusiasm instantly.
"I am! Can he teach me, mommy?" the girl tugged on her mother's hand.
"Ah… I don't know… I mean, if you don't m-mind?" T'rhasa hesitated visibly, furrowed her dark eyebrows as they passed the guards at the gate and headed out of the camp.
"It would be my pleasure," he admitted with a quiet chuckle. Lyna never took to magic… but who knows, maybe little T'ralla would? Once out of earshot of the guards, he moved to the blond woman's side. "After Senri's birthday… would you like to stay with us? You and your daughter, of course. I can teach her magic… and I'm sure she's going to love our kitten, Salina. I mean… at least until you figure out something better," he added – fully knowing he was lying… but hoping she doesn't figure that out. He still needed to discuss it with his lover… but he was more than sure that once the first shock wears off – with all of it – there was simply no way his mate will even want to hear of her leaving.
And the more he thought about it… the better it seemed. Knowing his lover's mind and memories… his Senri used to dream of having his mother just for himself… Yes, he'll have to look for a bigger home… but all things considered, the one Alphinaud found should be perfect for Senri's mother and sister at least until they're done with all that Fandaniel business. And they could entrust them with Sali until then…
"I…" T'rhasa hesitated and he smiled reassuringly, hoping he looked sincere and she wouldn't be too overwhelmed. He already planned to ask her to stay there, until tomorrow and the planned party – asking Y'shtola and Krile to prepare one of the empty bedrooms for guests… where he moved her chest, already. The medium size home in the Mist, Limsa Lominsa's residential area seemed perfect, but with them…
You keep forgetting about Hades and Hythlodaeus, Damon complained and he almost snorted a laugh, with effort keeping straight face. They promised to stay away for a while… but they would need their own bedroom, eventually.
Perfect, then, he replied. If you're really sure they'll WANT to live with mortals.
They will want to live with US, the immortal chortled instantly.
"I… need to think about it," T'rhasa finally whispered. "I still don't know… how Senri is going to react… if you really didn't tell him about coming here… not to mention T'ralla."
"Fair," he agreed easily, nodding, then took a deep breath and smiled involuntarily, seeing the girl look at him with adorable, huge eyes. "Something's the matter?"
"You… have a kitten?" she asked, oh, so very seriously. "A real kitten?"
"Yes," he replied, as seriously, even when his lips twitched at another wild wave of her tail. "Her name is Salina… and she's also very special."
"And… I can play with her?" the girl blinked at him, striving to look up at him around her mother. "I mean… if S-Senri doesn't… get mad?"
"He won't," he assured with a grin, wiggling his dark-red eyebrows playfully. "He might be a bit… surprised at first, but I'm sure once he cools down, he's going to…" he cut off when his linkpearl beeped. "…sorry," he pressed his finger against his lips meaningfully, with a wink at the girl before picking up. "Yes?"
"What takes you so long, my prince?" his lover's deep, evidently disgruntled voice had him smile involuntarily.
"I admit, I got distracted, Snark," he waved his hand at Alisaie when she stopped and her gaze shot toward him. In the middle of the path to the clearing and with the quickly approaching twilight… they needed to hurry. "Give me another bell at most."
"A whole bell…?" his lover whined and he snickered quietly.
"Be patient, my beast," he chided softly. "And I will make it up to you, I swear."
"Oh… that sounds promising," Senri chuckled and he couldn't help his blush when his lover's deep voice sent a shudder down his spine. And in his mother's presence… that just felt wrong! "You're still in Radz-at-Han, Raha?"
"Oh, y-yes…" he said with confidence, hoping…
"Raha… why do you sound like when you're trying to lie?" his mate chortled, catching on instantly and he cursed internally instantly.
"I'm… ah, it's a funny story, but… I'll be with you in a bell, I promise, Senri," he stammered nervously, waving wildly at Alisaie who gasped, looking around uselessly. Not that he blamed her… knowing his beast too well, he didn't even flinch – that hard – hearing too familiar by now sound of the Ascian teleportation behind his back. "Aww… busted," he sighed with resignation, turning around.
"What in the…" his lover gasped, his ice-blue eyes stuck behind G'raha's back, certainly on his unusual companions.
"Like I said, a funny story, Snark…" he smiled sheepishly when a shell-shocked gaze swiveled toward him. "…happy birthday?" he tried, praying in thought desperately.
"That's… Senri?" he heard the girl's delicate voice ask behind him and immediately started to sweat when his lover's eyes drifted toward it and widened impossibly. "He's… pretty. But how did he appear like that… Is that magic, too?"
"Senri…" T'rhasa sounded utterly uncertain, but he didn't dare to look back.
"…mom," his Warrior paled and swallowed thickly as his ears laid flatly against his head. "I…"
"Oh, Azeyma… look at you!" the female gushed, pushing G'raha aside and he obediently stepped out of the way with a gasp when she instantly pounced at his lover, looking incredibly tiny when she wrapped her arms around Senri's waist and looked up with a blinding grin – so painfully similar to his mate's. "My boy… you're so gorgeous! Even more beautiful than I remembered…"
"I…" Senri flushed furiously, apparently not knowing what to do with his hands, keeping his arms wide aside. "You're… not mad?"
"Mad?" the woman laughed brilliantly, resting her forehead against his chest. "Never, Senri… I'm just so… happy to see you. My precious boy… you grew up so much," she chuckled wetly, then nuzzled against his black shirt with a quiet snicker. "And your gorgeous mate tells me you become a hero! I always knew you're special… I'm so, so proud, my boy…"
G'raha sighed softly, watching his Warrior's expression shatter when Senri closed his eyes tightly and carefully wrapped his arms around her tiny frame.
"I… missed you," his mate whispered, lowering his head to bury his nose in her blonde locks. "…so much…"
"Does that mean…" he felt a tug on his vest and looked down at the tiny girl that looked up at him hopefully. "…he's happy? And I can play with your kitten? And you'll teach me magic?"
"Who…?" he heard and looked up, smiling sheepishly as he pulled the girl delicately to rest his hands on her shoulders as his lover gawked at her above his mother's head.
"She's my daughter," T'rhasa chuckled, pulling back from him and looking up at his face when he straightened, his gaze drifting between her and the kit. "Your sister… The night you left… I wanted to go with you, Senri… but I just found out I was with child again… and I was too scared."
"I would never ask you…" he shook his head.
"I know," she sighed, wrapping her hands around his cheeks and pulling him down until their foreheads met. "But I wanted to… I really did, Senri… my special boy," she said softly, gently tugging at his earing. G'raha felt his face heat up considerably when she turned her gaze to him, evidently realizing the similarity to his necklace and what it meant. "But to know you're happy… and with such a beautiful man, to boot… it's everything I ever wanted, Senri. I knew you wouldn't want to stay," she added softly, looking to his Warrior again. "I always regretted not being able to protect you better… but I never thought any less of you for leaving. And look at you now…" she sighed dreamily, delicately rubbing her hand against his cheek. "…so beautiful… and the Warrior of Light! But most of all… I'm so glad you found someone who loves you as much as you deserve, and I can tell," she grinned, and he nearly expired when she turned her head and winked at him. "It's in his eyes when he speaks of you… and gods, but is he pretty!"
"He is… isn't he?" his lover chuckled, pressing a tender, fond his on her forehead, before letting go of her to move in front of him… and the girl, who stood stock-still and only her tail waved with agitation, hitting G'raha's calves. "Hi," his mate said softly, falling to one knee in front of her. "So… you're my sister?"
"Mhmm," the girl hummed, clasping her hands in front of her tightly. "Mother always said a l-lot about you. And your… m-mate says you know magic! And have a kitten! And, Azeyma… but you're huge!" she gasped, then flushed darkly and dropped her gaze.
"What's your name?" his lover's deep voice rang with amusement.
"T'ralla!" the girl looked up shyly… and yeah, G'raha could see the exact moment his mate lost his heart for the girl's unbearable sweetness. His too-pretty lips twitched noticeably before his ice-blue eyes drifted up and met his gaze.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, T'ralla," his Warrior said, but looking at him… and he raised his eyebrows just slightly. "So… Ares told you?"
"Obviously," he admitted, blushing but holding his mate's gaze. "Are you… upset?" he hesitated, frowning as he couldn't feel his emotions.
"And you conspired with Alisaie," Senri smiled dryly behind him before his eyes returned to him as he stood up slowly.
"Actually… with all the Scions," he admitted with a resigned sigh… and perhaps he was pouting a little. "This is only a part… of the present."
"I see…" his Warrior blinked slowly, then leaned over the girl between them and wrapped his fingers around his chin delicately, tilting his head slightly. G'raha let him, instantly drowning in the depths of ice-blue irises, though still more than a bit uncertain. "…you know, Raha… If I wasn't already madly in love with you, this would definitely do it," he said quietly and before he knew what happened, Senri leaned in, pressing a quick, chaste kiss on his mouth. "But… later, you'll make up to me for all the sneezing," he growled softly against his lips, tossing him a deadpan stare.
Ares sold us out, Damon cackled madly and he rolled his eyes slightly.
"Promise," he said quietly, wiggling his eyebrows playfully.
"Good," his lover chuckled, then pulled back and looked down at the girl, grinning when she gawked at him owlishly. "So… want to see how it is to be so tall?" he offered, stretching his hands toward her.
"Yes!" the girl gasped, instantly catching them with a grin, then giggled madly when Senri picked her up and sat her on his shoulder.
"Where to?" his mate looked at him meaningfully.
"Just… follow me," he sighed then turned around and headed toward the clearing, passing Alisaie who quickly followed, matching his step.
"So… the whole thing is up?" she whispered, nudging his side.
"Not exactly," he whispered back, winking at her. "I'll settle them in… but the plan for tomorrow is still on," he assured and almost snorted when she grinned.
"Hey, no more scheming," his mate snapped behind them and they jumped apart, sending him a pair of innocent smiles. "Why do I even bother…" his Warrior sighed, rolling his eyes, and the girl on his shoulder giggled, followed by her mother who walked at his lover's side.
"No idea what you mean, Snark," he assured, fighting to keep on an innocent look even as his heart simply melted at the sight.
"Just… don't," Alisaie sighed with resignation, wrapping her hand around his wrist and pulling him forward to the clearing. "Anyone ever told you can't lie, Raha?"
"Well…" he scowled involuntarily.
"Gods, Alisaie…" his lover was faster. "Why do you think he needed the cowl on the First...?"
Okay… now he did pout, looking back and narrowing his eyes at his lover who chortled at his expression, then sent him a playful grin.
"Ah… makes sense," his friend snickered, tugging his sleeve. "Word of advice… better just don't talk. I'm going to go ahead… See you tomorrow?"
"Mhmm," he hummed, still glaring daggers at his lover's grin. "Don't be so smug about it, Snark."
"Snark?" Senri's mother chuckled, looking up at her son. "Fits you, I think."
"I know, right?" his mate grinned at her, wiggling his dark eyebrows playfully.
G'raha rolled his eyes and sighed with exaggerated resignation, choking down a laugh. So far so good… he could just hope his lover likes the rest of his present as much… though, judging by his expression, this part will be hard to beat.
He turned away, glad Alisaie apparently already teleported and wasn't there to witness his silly, lovesick grin… hard to imagine the amount of teasing he would have to endure if she did!
