Ok, all, this was meant to be the last chapter, I swear to god. But then as I've said in the past, I do subconscious writing. Which means I just write. I don't think about it. And just write. This is what I came up with, the thing is with new characters which I am trying to develop, I started to explore them, and since they will be seen again. I thought they needed some development. So here we go x

Planting the Seeds of Family

Chapter 16

The next morning, the Udonta family woke up to freshly laundered clothes, and a relaxed air as they crossed the hallways the moment the Warlords family were exiting there's.

"Some movement, nothing to be concerned about" informed the guard, who was dismissed with a thank you from Lizxona, and who disappeared to get some sleep.

Entering the room, the two boys were in their pyjamas with both their hair sticking up as they played with Seroul's toys happily. It was almost too tempting not to disturb the scene, but both boys perked up with the promise of a delicious breakfast and some more swimming.

While Lizxona and Yondu got their sons ready, Tyorells brought down the clothes he had promised Kraglin, and the Ravager first mate was overwhelmed by the contents. All of the adornments had been removed, to give away the previous owner. But there were leather tunics and trouser which not only fitted Kraglin but would suit his frame.

"Are you sure about giving me these, aren't ya gonna want to wear them again?" Asked Kraglin, and Tyorells just shook his head, but not before Kraglin caught the wistful look in his eyes.

"Naaa, I still have to organise everything, but I haven't been on a mission with Lizxona over four years now". Kraglin guessed the comment concerned Seroul, so wisely kept his mouth shut, and his new clothing was taken by an awaiting servant to be packed and taken back to the S-Ship.

With that done, after breakfast and more playing with the boys now dressed in their swimming gear, everyone ventured to the pool. There they were met by Iztel, Proctom and Yarovesky, who after exploring the grounds and having a breakfast of their own in the servant's quarters were at what to do. And were only there to request to leave the grounds for a while.

Instead little Peter and Seroul took one look at them. And begged the trio to come swimming with them. Both of them were at a loss, but even though the Lizxona family didn't know the Ravagers that well, he was confident in the abilities and that they would never tell anyone about this, and he obviously didn't want their son disappointed.

Proctom would have to sit out, even if he was looking a million times better, then he did the day before, but Tyorells informed Iztel and Yarovesky that they were things for them to change in.

Internally Yarovesky thought it was unfair since it was clear that Yondu and Lizxona would not be swimming, and he was confused if it was an order or not.

In the small changing room, both of them stripped off. For Iztel who had poor vision, yet had no scars on his body, that indicated anything. But his well-maintained and toned body in trunks, Yarovesky looked at the leather band on his arm, before sliding it off and leaving it behind. He didn't want it to get wet, but stared at the numbers on his arm for a moment and almost jumped when Iztel hand came down on top of it.

"No one is going to care about that, lad" he said, in a similar tone he had said to Proctom more than once, which gave Yarovesky some reassurance, as the pair went out and joined the members of the family in the pool, with Proctom just sitting with his legs dangling in the water.

It took a few minutes, but they managed to relax, and both boys were just excited for their presence, and immediately begin to paddle towards them in a race.

Inside the Ridel home, there was only the presence of two people, Emau Ridel had requested her sons and husband not be present when Omevic woke up since day two of their plan was now in motion.

Omevic woke up, admits the soft blankets, initially confused but remembered the kindness of the family, and inside felt warm and safe which was unfamiliar, but he didn't mind it.

He did notice his clothes which had been given from the Ravagers were gone, to be replaced by some new clothes, that were worn but comfortable and he washed and dressed quickly, with an air of anticipation from this kindness. The clothes were brighter, with a green top which was a marked difference to what the Ravagers usually wore.

Taking the steps downwards, he was greeted in the kitchen by Emau Ridel, who just turned to the boy with a smile in her face.

"Hello Omevic did you sleep well?" to which Omevic just nodded and mumbled a "Thank you."

"Well the boys and Antoni are in the greenhouse, so we can join them after, but would you like some breakfast?" and in response Omevic stomach just growled. Yet he held back fearful of suiting by the table, and instantly, Emau was by his side.

"Omevic, I understand your fear, but there's just you in this house, just you and me, no one can hurt you…would you like to try to sit with me?"

Omevic swallowed, as his brown eyes looked at the inviting table with all manner of delicious fruits, but feeling reassured by Emau's presence, found himself nodding, and a few moments later he was sitting on a bench all by himself, with Emau next to him encouraging him to try the delicious fruits and food.

To sit like an equal still felt foreign, but soon with his tiny stomach full, and his breakfast finished since he had eaten more then he did the day before. Emau cleared her throat and produced from the side his orchid which he noticed looked less healthy then it did the day before.

"Omevic, I'm sorry to tell you., but your Orchid is suffering due to the different climate, I'm afraid if we want to save it, it has to be planted…we've found a perfect spot in the garden. So, would you like to plant it right here?" in truth, she would never tell him, she had deliberately placed it under high light to try to make it look like it was dying, just to prompt the boy.

Omevic looked at the black orchid, the first flower he had ever loved, even though he knew that if it were planted, he would never see it again. But he didn't want it to die as found himself agreeing.

A few moments later with the dishes in the washer, Omevic and Emau left the safety of the home, and to the area, the family had chosen. Emau had taken the time to tie a bandanna across his head to protect his baldness from the sun, which was a bright blue and he liked the colour.

Emau pointed out how it would get shade, and also enough moisture to thrive.

Omevic didn't ask why the hole had already been dug, and remembering the lessons from the day before placing it into the earth, and added some water. Already his orchid seemed to be looking better as Emau said to him.

"You know, the boys are at the greenhouse, would you like to go there?".

The Greenhouse was something Omevic he had wanted to see since it had been described to him, and after a short walk, the humid air engulfed them as they entered the building. It was so warm, the boys were walking around with shorts and vest tops, and all of them greeted Omevic with a friendly wave.

Antoni was sitting on a chair next to a table and was pressing cut up flowers up into a new bulb. Omevic noticed the colours of the bulbs were purple yellow red and blue, and just grew curious.

Omevic, these are called louloúdi's, they're very special to Lord Lizxona, would you like me to show you how to make them?"

Omevic replied in a small voice that he would. And before he even realised, he was sitting on the bench and being shown how to plant the flowers after pressing them together. It was explained that they sometimes didn't take, so it took a while, and each side had to be perfect since the combined scents were unique. Omevic was so enrapt by this, he almost forgot that he was sitting on the bench like an equal and forgot to be scared, internally after a lifetime of abuse he knew this family wouldn't hurt him.

At the same time, Yarovesky and Iztel were still in the water with the boys, since Kraglin and Lizxona had decided to take a break, and all of them were aware of the change in the Ravagers. Both of them were more relaxed, and for the first time, Yondu could swear he could see a genuine smile from his navigator. He has seen his ex-slaves in many circumstances, but never just having so much fun.

Iztel and Yarovesky were just letting the boy's race towards them as part of a tag team, and it was pleasing to see both the children were becoming more confident in the water. While Proctom who was just content to sit on the side was being splashed and just laughing. This situation was so different from their usual lives they just savoured it for a moment, while hopefully, everything would be ok with Omevic.

After all the louloúdi's had been planted, the boys showed him the rest of the greenhouse, explaining the exotic plants, some which would also be used for food, and he grew more curious and started finding his voice a little bit more and asking questions, which they were happy to answer.

Eventually, the family left the Greenhouse for the main house, and Omevic was pleased to be allowed back in, the family had completed their work for the day, so they instantly dispersed throughout the house, and Omevic was allowed to see more.

On the ground level was Emau's studio and Paigton explained that their mother was a highly skilled potter, and her work was highly desired, while Omevic was just in awe of the pots and vases, he was then shown the parents studios and more of the orchards.

He was feeling a bit overwhelmed when he was dragged upstairs back to the bedrooms. In his life, Omevic had never seen bedrooms of boys like him and was taken aback by the teenage stuff in Paigton's room, and the one on the verge with still toys and models in Leedi's being only ten after all.

Omevic looked at the toys, and in the back of his mind even though he had no imagination wanted to play with them when he heard the sounds of music coming from Vymoa's room, and curiosity overruled his fear. He inched forward and hung around in the doorway watching the sixteen-year-old having showered, so his blonde hair was stuck at all angles.

Vymoa year old, looked up from strumming on his stringed instrument and looked over at the whelp of an eight-year-old.

"Do you like music, Omevic, do you knew how to play the kithara? Even though he knew it was a stupid question, but it was good to hear Omevic whispering. "I don't know what that is", in response Vymoa gestured for him to come forward in his organised chaos pit of a room, which had his hunting gear in the corner, another reminder of his soon to begin Trials.

"Well my brothers, have no musical ability, though they can all sing. So, do you want to try?"

Vymoa handed the kithara to Omevic and instructed him at how to hold it. The wooded instrument felt light in his arms, as Vymoa begun to teach him how to strum the chords.

Omevic's fingers didn't work that brilliantly, a lifetime of abuse had left him with a lack of dexterity, but he managed to work his fingers until he was producing a semblance of rhythm while Vymoa encouraged him.

The sixteen-year-old Darbian had been informed to do whatever he could to make Omevic feel a part of their family unit, and hoped he as succeeding, as the rest of the family joined them in the doorway just watching the scene unfold, and feeling proud of their eldest son.

"You know, you're not bad for a newbie if you like I can teach you to play properly, and give you some decent music…don't ask Paigton, he's got rubbish taste.

"Hay", yelled out Paigton in mock offence, and everyone noticed the small smile appearing on Omevic face, it wasn't laughter, but it was getting closer, as the parents informed them that they were having an early dinner and was ready.

At the table, even with more people, Omevic approached it, feeling more confident, but still accepted the waiting arm of Antoni to be wrapped around him, as he tucked into delicious soft meats. But watching the sun on the horizon, Omevic knew he would be going back today, back to his life with the Ravagers, but right now he had this, and gripping Antoni arm tightly, he made a silent wish for this feeling, like had never felt before would never end.

At the same time another more unorthodox family were dining together it had been a perfect day, both boys had swum until they were exhausted and were now playing on the grass, while the adults just ate and chatted.

For the Ravagers especially Iztel, and Proctom, the latter who wasn't used to being waited on, he was enjoying the experiences and excellent food, and it was just a relaxed and happy air. Both Proctom and Yarovesky had removed their leather bands, so their slave markings were on display, due to the heat. It had been noticed, but not mentioned not even by the boys who had just looked at them with curiosity.

The group were regaling each other with their past exploits, and it was clear they had more in common than they initially realised when a communication came through to Lizxona, and after a glance at it, he read it out loud to the group.

"It's from the Ridel's, they said we should have our answer in two hours".

There was an uncomfortable silence, until Yarovesky spoke up, with an assurance he would never have had a few days earlier

"So, then we wait."

To be concluded.

Yes, I mean it this time.

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And a Happy New Year xx