I will apologize in advance for my little tangent. The chapter is actually just more cute family fluff.

So first things first, I got thinking about the cultures that each of the countries were based on. Bookgirl18 (who's reviews I greatly appreciate, including this one) mentioned that an engagement ring may be too much of a western convention. This got me thinking and googling extensively to research the cultures. I looked into Persian traditions (Partevia is based of the Persian Empire) as well as the Roman Empire and ancient Egypt. I figured these would be the three culture that had a chance to really shape both Sinbad and Leila's beliefs. And I put a heavy emphasis on Roman traditions, because Sinbad always seemed to fit into that culture better than Partevia's.

So, ancient Egypt. This is actually thought to be the birth place of a ring being a symbol of marriage. The circle represented eternity and the placement in the left hand was because of the vein, known as the vena amoris, which is said to run directly to the heart. Now this isn't absolutely proven information though, but is commonly believed.

So, the Roman Empire. In the Roman Empire brides were traditionally given two rings. A gold to be worn in public and an iron one to be worn at home.

And lastly, Persian traditions. During the Baleh Borān, which is the third step in a Persian engagement a gift is traditionally given to the bride by the groom's family to encourage her to accept the proposal. This is and was traditionally a ring which stems from the Zoroastrian practice, which was the official religion of the ancient Persian Empire.

So the engagement ring has a long and interesting history. Upon reading this research, it made me realize that there is also some gray area with Sinbad and Leila, because they don't exactly have a traditional family and most likely, very few know what the two believe when it come to this sort of thing. I'm going to play around with the traditions a little more in the story, including the concept of Zoroastrian.

I'm also thinking about playing with some ideas about religion between Sinbad and Leila, because I think the view points could be interesting. The ancient Persian Empire was actually really accepting of other religious view so I think it would be more of a way to understand each other rather than a religious debate. Any serious objections to this? Please let me know.

Ps. This information came from Wikipedia, but I did verify it on other websites.

I do not own magi or the characters. I do own my oc.

Chapter 8: Little Girl Part 2

—Esra's POV—

"Lala," speaks up Sinbad pointing to the empty bowl. He smiles, but she just shakes her head.

"No," she pouts.

Sin, not being one to take orders, takes the bowl and puts it upside down on her head. She pouts as pushes it off onto the ground. Now he pouts as she giggles.

The two have almost constantly been playing since they officially met, and it's beyond cute. The two toddlers making games no one really gets until they need a nap. Lala's fever is gone. Badr's having good luck at work recently. Things are going surprisingly well.

"Hi Esra," says Daria coming inside. I wave as the two toddlers turn towards her. Sinbad realizing who it is gets up and unsteadily walks over. Lala, still being a little skittish, comes over to me and hugs my leg. "It's good to see you too, Sin. I guess Lala isn't used to me yet."

"She'll come around," I say picking her up and setting her in my lap. Daria picks up Sinbad, who's still smiling. "She's still gets a little scared of Badr every once in a while."

"I can't imagine why," she laughs. "The man's a softie. Right Sin?"

Sin just replies with some noises, pulling her hair a little.

"His reaction though is priceless," I say as Lala grips my finger. I smile down as she watches me quietly, her big gray eyes looking curious. "He gets all upset and scoops her up, apologizing and hugging her. Eventually, he pouts enough she ends up giggle with Sin."

"I'm sorry I don't like upsetting a lady," remarks Badr coming inside. He smiles at us before setting his bag down and going to hold Sin.

"No way," teases Daria, turning to keep Sin to herself. "I'm going to enjoy spending time with this cutie. I hardly ever see him, you baby hog."

"I am not-"

"You are, love," I remark with a laugh. Badr looks absolutely offended and Lala giggles.

"Baba," says Lala reaching for Badr. He comes over, picking her up with one arm. She smiles and pulls at his purple hair a little. She's been entertained by the color but quickly learned Sinbad cries if she pulls his hair. "Baba."

"How were they today, Esra," he asks bouncing her a little bit earning a smile from her.

"Mostly good," I say going over and taking Sin from Daria. He's a little antsy now with Badr is home, wanting to be with his Father. "They're really cute together. She's a stubborn little girl. Lala won't let Sinbad boss her around."

"Good," he chuckles.

"Papa," whines Sinbad reaching for Badr.

Badr chuckles and sits down keeping Lala close. Once he's settled I hand Sinbad over to him.

"Not a baby hog," he says as the two start to play. "They just like me."

"Lala just likes how warm you are," I tease as she looks up at me when I say her name.

"I'm not complaining," he says as the two kids move to play with the block in front of them. "I'm still a little worried about her."

"I thought her fever went away," asks Daria as Lala let's out a little sneeze. Sinbad quickly follows.

"That's why," I say taking a rag and wiping both of their noses. "Last thing she needs is to get a cold and if Sin were to get sick…"

"You worry too much," says Badr gently. "Sinbad's a healthy kid and something tells me Lala's stronger than she looks. I'm more worried that she's in danger."

"I suppose so," I sigh. "Daria, I never asked, but is there a reason you stopped by?"

"I just wanted to check up on how everyone was doing," she replies coming closer. "A conversation came up about children and I guess I just got a little nervous. These two helped to reassure that its worth it."

"Great," laughs Badr. "They'll have another little friend soon."

"Don't go rushing me now," she laughs. "Just thinking ahead."

"No," whines Sin. I look over and Lala wants to push over the tower, but Sinbad isn't letting her. "No."

She pouts and he goes and hugs her.

"That's precious," laughs Badr. This causes both of them to look up at him. Sinbad and Lala both look confused at Badr's amusement. "You two are so cute."

"Every day," I whisper to Daria. I can't help but smile though. "This is what I deal with everyday. Obviously, he adores Sin, but Lala quickly formed a bond with him."

"Look at this face," he says pinching her cheek. She swats his hand away with a little grunt. "And she's such a little spit fire."

"Sin isn't exactly a wallflower either," laughs Daria as Sinbad tries to copy Badr's actions. Which immediately result in Lala smacking his hand and pulling his hair a little. "I can't imagine when they're teenagers."

"For now though, we have other things to focus on," laughs Badr, picking up Sinbad.

"Like," I ask going over and picking up Lala, who looks left out.

"Sin just messed himself," laughs Badr. "I'll change him."

"What a messy…" I pause and lift Lala a little smelling something. "What messy kids. I think she needs changed too."

"Consider me gone then," laughs Daria with a wave.

—Badr's POV—

I watch Lala and Sinbad sleep in between Esra and I. The two are so quiet and peaceful. Sinbad's all sprawled out and Lala curled up, sucking on her thumb. Esra's asleep on her side, facing the babies, one arm protectively draped over them.

I didn't want to fall for her, because I didn't think I deserved her. She is so beautiful and kind. And I'm just another soldier. She could have had any man she dreamed of, but she choose me.

"Baba," says a sleepy voice. I look down as Lala blinks before wiping the sleep from her eyes.

"Hi, cutie," I say moving and setting her on my chest. "Why are you up?"

She doesn't answer in any understandable words and grabs hold of my finger.

"Really," I ask as she tilts her head. She's a curious little thing. "I was just thinking about how perfect this little family is. You fit right in."

She bounces a little making more noises still holding on.

"No thanks," I pout. "Way to hurt my feeling?"

"I don't know," says a groggy voice. I turn and smile at Esra as she smiles warmly at me. "Maybe I should feel jealous that you're getting extra time with them, while I'm asleep. This a regular little thing between the two of you."

"No," I chuckle as Lala reaches towards Esra with a little grunt. I keep her in place as Esra let's her hold her finger now. "Usually If she wakes up, she just crawls onto my chest and goes right back to sleep."

"I have seen that," laughs Esra. It's a beautiful laugh that feels so light and airy. "I think it was cute when Sinbad tried to do that and she was already there. Just squished up right against her."

"I thought for sure, one of them was going to fall off," I laugh. "She seems wound up tonight."

"She was a bit ornery today," says Esra as Lala reaches to be held by her. "You said that Vartan said she is his niece?" I nod in confirmation, moving to hold Lala's hand. "Why would he take her then? I just…I have a bad feeling about what she's been through."

"Me too," I say. Lala seems very upset that I'm not letting her go to Esra. "What would you say if I brought up the idea that we go away for a while?"

"What do you mean," asks Esra.

"Lala's clearly in danger," I say as said girl pouts. "If Vartan came here there's a good chance whatever it is followed him. I'm starting to wonder if we should go to Heliohapt."

"The country he went," she asks. I nod. "I don't know. Would it even be possible? And what about our friends?"

"We could," I reply. "It wouldn't be easy but if it would keep you, Sin, and Lala safe, it's worth considering."

"Can you let me think it over," she asks. I can see that she isn't crazy about the idea. "It's a big decision."

"Of course," I say as Lala starts to squirm. "I'm going to take her for a walk," I say sitting up, keeping Lala close to my chest. "Maybe she'll go to sleep then."

"Give me her for a moment," says Esra sitting up. "You'll need to wrap her up. It's too cold."

I nod and hand the kid over to Esra. Without hesitating Lala hides her face Esra's shoulder as Esra holds her close.

"Badr, what happened," asks Esra as I get a blanket. "She was fine even a few minutes ago. She hasn't been like this since she first came here."

"I'm not sure," I say being mindful of Sin. I reach over and gently lay my hand on Lala's head. She's whimpering, but not crying. That's probably a good thing since every time she cries she gets the hiccups. "Maybe she's scared of the dark."

"But she's been fine every other night," replies Esra rubbing small circles on Lala's back. "I don't know what to do."

"We just keep doing our best," I reply. Esra lets me wrap Lala in the blanket and bring her close. She still squirms as I pull the blanket up to cover her hair. "If we do that, I think that she'll be okay. Maybe not today, but soon."

"I hope so," sighs Esra, turning to Sinbad as he makes a little noise. She lays a gently hand on his chest as he falls back into a deep sleep. "Be careful."

"Always," I say leaning over. I kiss her lightly before standing back up. "I don't plan on letting something happen to any of you."

"Baba," whines Lala, gripping my shirt in her little fist.

"Alright," I tease, watching Esra smile before turning back to the little girl. "I'm going. You're an impatient one tonight."

I go outside, Lala in my arm. The moment we get outside she shivers and snuggles closer. I chuckle and hold her close. I watch Lala look around as I move to the outer parts of town, knowing Lala isn't much of a people person. Pausing, I decide to look around at the village. I really do love living here with Esra and Sin. It's not perfect, but it's a quiet little town. It looks worn and well loved.

I glance at Lala as she lets out a little grunt. Her big gray eye are looking up, so I do the same. The sky is full of stars, the crescent moon shimmering in the sky. Turning back to Lala, her eyes are full of wonder and awe. She reaches up with her little hand wanting touch the stars.

"They're a little out of your reach," I alert her. She doesn't respond and just watches as clouds roll by.

I go over and sit down, leaning on the wall of one of the few abandoned houses. Pulling Lala so she's laying back against my chest, I set my cane aside, pulling the blanket more tightly around her to keep her warm. She doesn't even notice and just keep looking up at the sky.

"You like that," I ask. She just make a little noise, looking calmer than before. "At least now we know what calms you down."

I pat her head, letting her stay like that. It's a pretty site. I can understand why she like this so much.

"You probably need a proper name if you stay around," I say to the girl, slowly growing sleepier and calmer. "Maybe it should do with the night sky? I'll bet Esra will have a good idea. Would you like a proper name?"

She looks up at me at the mention of Esra. I know that I joke that the two kids like me best, but Lala likes Esra much better. If she is ever scared she goes right over to Esra. And Esra cares about this girl with all her heart.

Lala decided to look back up at the sky, ignoring me now. I take hold of her little hand, watching as she starts to drift off. I might as well wait until she's asleep to take her back home.

It take a while, but she does fall asleep eventually. Gently, I pick her up and move her so that her head is resting on my shoulder. Silently, I go back home feeling rather calm.

"Badr," says a woman's voice behind me as I go to walk away. I turn, frozen at the sight. "It's…it's really you."

"Suma?"