'So you have to sense it.'
"I guess."
Mirin sat across from Askari who stared down at the rug under his feet. She'd decided against going to Sanria and Gilean with the information on Claire. They didn't seem to be spending much time dwelling on her, and Mirin wasn't going to be the one to destroy that. It didn't anger her that they were happy and isolated from what was happening. Her mother, Claire, had made her choices and seemed to be paying the price... still...
'So when I get close-'
"I can help you get close, but I won't go in with you."
'Askari... you could help me a great deal.'
"No... I... can't."
'What happened to you?' Mirin telepathed with a sigh. "He turned into a chicken," Leandra snorted as she entered the room. She plopped down on the chair and smirked. "His racist sack of shit father slapped him across the face when he tried to stand up to him. He hasn't really been the same since."
Mirin turned her gaze on Askari. She narrowed the focus of her telepathy, speaking to her brother directly. 'Is what she says true?'
'Does it matter?'
'Of course it matters, Askari... did he strike you?'
"I know when I'm being excluded, I'll go make myself useful in this dump." Leandra got up and left the room, leaving Askari to make a long lingering sigh.
"Yes," Askari answered simply.
Mirin leaned over, taking her brother in her arms. Her response back was a stiff pat on her back as Askari pulled away. "I'll get you nearby, but I don't want to see him... ever."
'I understand.'
Thus it was that Mirin found herself on the edge of a wood, alone. She could sense the presence of the camp, the tingle of magic that only those with esper blood could decipher. She took a deep breath and stepped forward and through the camouflaged barrier.
Showing posts with label Sanria. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sanria. Show all posts
Knowing Claire
Mirin sat by the stream watching the twins play. It was clear that Reggie was going to be extremely adept with magic, as the boy kept summoning globes of water into the air to try dropping them on his sister's head. Regina, too, was adept, but in the ways like her father, Orn. She dodged the water, barely keeping her balance and using the quick aid of a squirrel to race over and nibble Reggie's arm. They would both giggle and return to their play. They were growing so fast.
She leaned back and closed her eyes. What would her mother think if she could see them now? Mirin didn't assume much - her mother, Claire, had been gone for a long time now. Sanria was more of a mother to her than Claire. Though, it didn't mean she couldn't try to reach out.
'Mother,' Mirin telepathed, but got back only static. Perplexed, she tried again. 'Mother?' This time the telepath went through and a very surprised voice responded.
'Mirin? Oh Gods, I can telepath... I can reach out!'
'Mom, what are you talking about?' Mirin sent, dropping the formal mother. Something wasn't right.
'You have to talk to Gilean and Sanria, you have to tell them that Ruthivan killed my father and is in the process of moving to the Tribal camp. I need help... I desperately need help. He's lost his mind.'
'What?'
'I can't focus for long or he'll know, he has an eye on me right now. He has lashed out at me, killed your grandfather, and ... oh please, Mirin... get someone to help us. Please.'
'Of... of course,' Mirin telepathed in return. She was shocked at just how desperate her mother sounded, and even more so that this man who had stolen Claire from her father had stooped to murder.
'You know how to find the camp?'
'No... '
'Ask Askari... he can help... I hope he'll help... Gods I hope he will help. I'm ready to take my own life but he's sealed up my magic.'
'No... no mom, don't do that. I'll get help, I promise, just... hang in there.'
'Thank you, Mirin... thank you.'
The connection was broken and Mirin stared blankly ahead. How exactly did one go about stopping an esper from beating an esper?
'Twins,' she telepathed. 'We need to go inside. I have to talk to Grandma Ria and Grandpa Gilean.'
"Is bad?" Regina asked.
'No, no it's okay.'
"Why are you sad, Mama?" Reggie asked.
'I'm... not sad,' Mirin replied, but couldn't shake the tremor of anxiety that gripped her.
She leaned back and closed her eyes. What would her mother think if she could see them now? Mirin didn't assume much - her mother, Claire, had been gone for a long time now. Sanria was more of a mother to her than Claire. Though, it didn't mean she couldn't try to reach out.
'Mother,' Mirin telepathed, but got back only static. Perplexed, she tried again. 'Mother?' This time the telepath went through and a very surprised voice responded.
'Mirin? Oh Gods, I can telepath... I can reach out!'
'Mom, what are you talking about?' Mirin sent, dropping the formal mother. Something wasn't right.
'You have to talk to Gilean and Sanria, you have to tell them that Ruthivan killed my father and is in the process of moving to the Tribal camp. I need help... I desperately need help. He's lost his mind.'
'What?'
'I can't focus for long or he'll know, he has an eye on me right now. He has lashed out at me, killed your grandfather, and ... oh please, Mirin... get someone to help us. Please.'
'Of... of course,' Mirin telepathed in return. She was shocked at just how desperate her mother sounded, and even more so that this man who had stolen Claire from her father had stooped to murder.
'You know how to find the camp?'
'No... '
'Ask Askari... he can help... I hope he'll help... Gods I hope he will help. I'm ready to take my own life but he's sealed up my magic.'
'No... no mom, don't do that. I'll get help, I promise, just... hang in there.'
'Thank you, Mirin... thank you.'
The connection was broken and Mirin stared blankly ahead. How exactly did one go about stopping an esper from beating an esper?
'Twins,' she telepathed. 'We need to go inside. I have to talk to Grandma Ria and Grandpa Gilean.'
"Is bad?" Regina asked.
'No, no it's okay.'
"Why are you sad, Mama?" Reggie asked.
'I'm... not sad,' Mirin replied, but couldn't shake the tremor of anxiety that gripped her.
Situation Critical
Enmach sat across from Fenlauch. The gold-skinned being was clad in a loose tunic and breeches, his golden armor stowed neatly in the corner of the room. He stared at Enmach with a patient gaze, his hands folded over his lap. The room had a smell of rose petals and sandalwood from the incense that had long stopped burning. Enmach lowered her gaze, hoping Fenlauch would not immediately disapprove of her request.
Finally, he spoke, leaning forward as he did so. "Enmach, it needs be said that you have become too involved in Sanria's affairs."
"I am her advisor," she said quietly.
"I am aware," the baritone voice said, "but that does not mean she is permitted to call on us whenever the situation seems out of her hands."
"Fenlauch, a woman is in a very volatile relationship, it does have to do with balance."
Fenlauch gave a stare that caused Enmach to swallow and again lower her eyes. "It is personal, Enmach, and that is not why we are here."
"I know, but-"
"I am also aware of your involvement with Orn when he was seeking his mother some time ago." Enmach sank in her seat. "You deliberately circumvented our rules to aid him."
"Fenlauch, I merely-"
"Silence," Fenlauch said. The word was soft, but the power behind it was unmistakable. "You cannot keep pushing to aid them, Enmach. Your emotions have clouded your judgment. If you keep insisting on aiding them at every turn, rather than guiding them, I will have to send you home."
Enmach raised her head suddenly. "But Fenlauch, this woman is in dire need of help."
"Then guide Sanria to find help among the human beings and other assorted citizens of the realms. We are here to observe and push for overarching balance, not invest ourselves in minor affairs."
"Minor aff-"
"Enmach, you have your final warning. Advise, but disengage yourself from this matter. We have few of us as it is here, and there have been rumblings that things have been changing as far as the Gods are concerned. There are greater things we must be watchful over. Sanria will have to find help from another source. Do I make myself clear?"
Enmach stood and bowed her head in polite assent. "Yes, you have been perfectly clear."
"Good. I do not wish to hurt you, Enmach, but sometimes a keen reminder is needed to keep us on our paths."
"Yes, I understand."
"Is that all, then?"
"That is all." "Then be well, and please give Sanria my apologies when you
deliver the news."
Enmach turned and walked from Fenlauch's room. She held her head up, her expression neutral, as she walked down the halls of the castle. She shoved her emotions down as she walked to Sanria's office. It was for the greater good, she reminded herself, and with a still heavy heart, knocked lightly on the door.
Finally, he spoke, leaning forward as he did so. "Enmach, it needs be said that you have become too involved in Sanria's affairs."
"I am her advisor," she said quietly.
"I am aware," the baritone voice said, "but that does not mean she is permitted to call on us whenever the situation seems out of her hands."
"Fenlauch, a woman is in a very volatile relationship, it does have to do with balance."
Fenlauch gave a stare that caused Enmach to swallow and again lower her eyes. "It is personal, Enmach, and that is not why we are here."
"I know, but-"
"I am also aware of your involvement with Orn when he was seeking his mother some time ago." Enmach sank in her seat. "You deliberately circumvented our rules to aid him."
"Fenlauch, I merely-"
"Silence," Fenlauch said. The word was soft, but the power behind it was unmistakable. "You cannot keep pushing to aid them, Enmach. Your emotions have clouded your judgment. If you keep insisting on aiding them at every turn, rather than guiding them, I will have to send you home."
Enmach raised her head suddenly. "But Fenlauch, this woman is in dire need of help."
"Then guide Sanria to find help among the human beings and other assorted citizens of the realms. We are here to observe and push for overarching balance, not invest ourselves in minor affairs."
"Minor aff-"
"Enmach, you have your final warning. Advise, but disengage yourself from this matter. We have few of us as it is here, and there have been rumblings that things have been changing as far as the Gods are concerned. There are greater things we must be watchful over. Sanria will have to find help from another source. Do I make myself clear?"
Enmach stood and bowed her head in polite assent. "Yes, you have been perfectly clear."
"Good. I do not wish to hurt you, Enmach, but sometimes a keen reminder is needed to keep us on our paths."
"Yes, I understand."
"Is that all, then?"
"That is all." "Then be well, and please give Sanria my apologies when you
deliver the news."
Enmach turned and walked from Fenlauch's room. She held her head up, her expression neutral, as she walked down the halls of the castle. She shoved her emotions down as she walked to Sanria's office. It was for the greater good, she reminded herself, and with a still heavy heart, knocked lightly on the door.
The Unthinkable
Sanria sat at her desk in the castle. Her familiar knot of wood in the top staring back at her. It had been several days since she'd been to "visit" Claire, her mind had been reeling. She knew Claire's story, she knew Claire had been dominated completely by the man she was with, and could only arrive at one conclusion to help her solve the problem. They'd have to get rid of Ruthivan... permanently.
Killing a being to free another, was that right? The voices crept into Sanria's mind. 'Is there not a severe imbalance in that relationship? Is it not your duty to help balance?' No. Sanria shook her head in consternation. She was no killer. She sighed deeply and dug into her mind for answers. If they couldn't kill him, and he could manage to travel the planes (meaning he would most certainly return to collect Claire), what other possibility was there?
A soft knock on the door revealed Enmach, who swooped into the room under her usual graces. "Greetings Sanria. I apologize that I have not been around as of late." Sanria waved her hand dismissively, and then the idea struck her like a thunderbolt from the skies. "Enmach... have I ever told you of my friend, Claire?" "Only that she was once the lover of your husband."
Sanria shifted uncomfortably in her chair, deciding now was not the time to let Enmach in on all the facts of her relationship. She told her of Claire's life, current and past. Finally, Sanria looked at Enmach and let out a sigh. "Is it possible," here she paused, knowing that once this thought was in the world, there was no taking it back, "that we can alter his memories just as your people altered Colin's?"
Enmach knitted her brows and looked to the desk. "You realize what you are proposing is kidnapping and forcing someone to our will?" "I know..." Sanria's voice dropped to a whisper. "But if she doesn't get help..." "Does she want help? Did you ask?" "I didn't have a chance. Though it is not difficult to see that she is in dire straits." Enmach sighed heavily. "I'll talk to Fenlauch." She looked at Sanria and Sanria could see the confusion in the silver eyes. "You realize what you are suggesting is the same thing that happened to you..." Sanria looked down and gave a singular nod. "I know," she breathed as a whisper of shame.
Killing a being to free another, was that right? The voices crept into Sanria's mind. 'Is there not a severe imbalance in that relationship? Is it not your duty to help balance?' No. Sanria shook her head in consternation. She was no killer. She sighed deeply and dug into her mind for answers. If they couldn't kill him, and he could manage to travel the planes (meaning he would most certainly return to collect Claire), what other possibility was there?
A soft knock on the door revealed Enmach, who swooped into the room under her usual graces. "Greetings Sanria. I apologize that I have not been around as of late." Sanria waved her hand dismissively, and then the idea struck her like a thunderbolt from the skies. "Enmach... have I ever told you of my friend, Claire?" "Only that she was once the lover of your husband."
Sanria shifted uncomfortably in her chair, deciding now was not the time to let Enmach in on all the facts of her relationship. She told her of Claire's life, current and past. Finally, Sanria looked at Enmach and let out a sigh. "Is it possible," here she paused, knowing that once this thought was in the world, there was no taking it back, "that we can alter his memories just as your people altered Colin's?"
Enmach knitted her brows and looked to the desk. "You realize what you are proposing is kidnapping and forcing someone to our will?" "I know..." Sanria's voice dropped to a whisper. "But if she doesn't get help..." "Does she want help? Did you ask?" "I didn't have a chance. Though it is not difficult to see that she is in dire straits." Enmach sighed heavily. "I'll talk to Fenlauch." She looked at Sanria and Sanria could see the confusion in the silver eyes. "You realize what you are suggesting is the same thing that happened to you..." Sanria looked down and gave a singular nod. "I know," she breathed as a whisper of shame.
Wayward Son
Sanria knew what was about to happen before it happened, but she still could not keep Orn from exploding in front of Ruthivan. She had to at last lay a hearty slap on her son's face to break his focus. Ruthivan had turned himself into some raging demonic... thing, and Sanria knew that in that instant, he was going to turn his fury on Claire once all was said and done. If, she entertained, he didn't kill them first.
"You men and your idiotic posturing," she hissed at Orn once they had left the tent and were standing before it outside. "Did you once think of what you were doing to Claire as you were threatening the man she has to live with?! You don't even know the whole story and you're in there acting as if you can take him. As if he's never dealt with kid-napping her multiple times!"
"She shouldn't be living with that! You saw how he was with her! What more is there to the story?" Orn said.
"Orn, damn it. Did YOU think about the children? Did you see she has four and one on the way? Gods only know what he's in there doing to her because you worked him up!"
"But, I mean, he was terrible..."
"You've effectively made it so we will NEVER come back here without force."
"I was just. I mean if nobody stands up to him. Claire can't even speak up for herself."
They looked up just to hear Ruthivan's shouting from the opened door. Leandra, Askari, and Heiyu walked out- Leandra looking defiant, Askari looking cowed, and Heiyu as scared as a child could be, clinging to his father. "Are you guys okay?" Orn asked, and Leandra glared. She walked to Sanria.
"We need a place to live so I hope you have somewhere we can go because hot head over there got in a tangle with Mr. Asshole," she spat.
"Leandra... that guy. Come on. He's unbelievable."
"Shut up, Orn. You just got us kicked out of our house. Idiot."
"Why would you want to be anywhere around him? Do you know what he called Heiyu?"
"Of COURSE I know. But at least here we had a place away from you and your do-good self! We stayed out of his way and kept Heiyu out of the way too! But you couldn't just keep your stupid self home!"
Sanria let out a sigh and put a hand up, asking for peace. "I... Leandra, let's not fight. You, Askari, and Heiyu can live at the cottage. No one is there now."
"Someone has to stand up to him," Orn said. "Let him know he can't be like that... right? It's just not right."
"Yeah," Leandra snarked. "We all knew that. Sorry you were late to the party.
Sanria sent Leandra, Askari, and Heiyu to the cottage and walked over to Orn. Comforting him for a moment before they returned to the cavern. She knew he was only doing his best, they all were only trying to help. Now, the possibilities of what Claire was enduring made her feel sick to her stomach. That she'd have to tell Gilean made her feel even worse... She sighed deeply. There had to be a solution to Claire's situation. Sanria had finally seen for herself... the woman was in trouble.
"You men and your idiotic posturing," she hissed at Orn once they had left the tent and were standing before it outside. "Did you once think of what you were doing to Claire as you were threatening the man she has to live with?! You don't even know the whole story and you're in there acting as if you can take him. As if he's never dealt with kid-napping her multiple times!"
"She shouldn't be living with that! You saw how he was with her! What more is there to the story?" Orn said.
"Orn, damn it. Did YOU think about the children? Did you see she has four and one on the way? Gods only know what he's in there doing to her because you worked him up!"
"But, I mean, he was terrible..."
"You've effectively made it so we will NEVER come back here without force."
"I was just. I mean if nobody stands up to him. Claire can't even speak up for herself."
They looked up just to hear Ruthivan's shouting from the opened door. Leandra, Askari, and Heiyu walked out- Leandra looking defiant, Askari looking cowed, and Heiyu as scared as a child could be, clinging to his father. "Are you guys okay?" Orn asked, and Leandra glared. She walked to Sanria.
"We need a place to live so I hope you have somewhere we can go because hot head over there got in a tangle with Mr. Asshole," she spat.
"Leandra... that guy. Come on. He's unbelievable."
"Shut up, Orn. You just got us kicked out of our house. Idiot."
"Why would you want to be anywhere around him? Do you know what he called Heiyu?"
"Of COURSE I know. But at least here we had a place away from you and your do-good self! We stayed out of his way and kept Heiyu out of the way too! But you couldn't just keep your stupid self home!"
Sanria let out a sigh and put a hand up, asking for peace. "I... Leandra, let's not fight. You, Askari, and Heiyu can live at the cottage. No one is there now."
"Someone has to stand up to him," Orn said. "Let him know he can't be like that... right? It's just not right."
"Yeah," Leandra snarked. "We all knew that. Sorry you were late to the party.
Sanria sent Leandra, Askari, and Heiyu to the cottage and walked over to Orn. Comforting him for a moment before they returned to the cavern. She knew he was only doing his best, they all were only trying to help. Now, the possibilities of what Claire was enduring made her feel sick to her stomach. That she'd have to tell Gilean made her feel even worse... She sighed deeply. There had to be a solution to Claire's situation. Sanria had finally seen for herself... the woman was in trouble.
Expulsion (3/3)
Sanria found a way to take Orn out of the tent and Ruthivan, back to his esper form, wheeled on her. "Go get that human and your spawn. Now."
Obediently, Claire went and returned leading the small family behind her. Ruthivan approached and pointed a finger into Leandra's chest. "Get out, all of you, and don't come back."
"Dad, don't do that to her," Askari said, stepping forward. Ruthivan let forth a scathing slap. "GET OUT!" "Ruthivan," Claire said, rushing forward, gripping Ruthivan's arm. "Please, don't do this, stop, he is our son!"
Ruthivan gripped Claire's robes and snatched her to his face. "These are not pure, and I'll purge them from our presence." He shoved her away and stepped to the door as Leandra, Askari, and Heiyu filed past. "Please!! Ruthivan!! Stop!!" Claire sobbed openly. "GET OUT! And if you dare come back here, so help me, I will destroy you."
Once the three were gone, Ruthivan slammed the door behind them. He glared about the room and the other children fled his sight. He strode over and lifted Claire from the ground by her arm. "If you have anything to do with those misborn mongrels again, I'll have to take more drastic measures. Do you hear me, Claire?" He shook her, and she nodded, sobbing. "Now, get in the bedroom and clean yourself up for Gods sakes. You should be happy I've purged us of impurities. Stop your crying."
Claire stumbled into the bedroom, numb. She collapsed onto the bed and sobbed harder than she had ever before.
Obediently, Claire went and returned leading the small family behind her. Ruthivan approached and pointed a finger into Leandra's chest. "Get out, all of you, and don't come back."
"Dad, don't do that to her," Askari said, stepping forward. Ruthivan let forth a scathing slap. "GET OUT!" "Ruthivan," Claire said, rushing forward, gripping Ruthivan's arm. "Please, don't do this, stop, he is our son!"
Ruthivan gripped Claire's robes and snatched her to his face. "These are not pure, and I'll purge them from our presence." He shoved her away and stepped to the door as Leandra, Askari, and Heiyu filed past. "Please!! Ruthivan!! Stop!!" Claire sobbed openly. "GET OUT! And if you dare come back here, so help me, I will destroy you."
Once the three were gone, Ruthivan slammed the door behind them. He glared about the room and the other children fled his sight. He strode over and lifted Claire from the ground by her arm. "If you have anything to do with those misborn mongrels again, I'll have to take more drastic measures. Do you hear me, Claire?" He shook her, and she nodded, sobbing. "Now, get in the bedroom and clean yourself up for Gods sakes. You should be happy I've purged us of impurities. Stop your crying."
Claire stumbled into the bedroom, numb. She collapsed onto the bed and sobbed harder than she had ever before.
Expulsion (2/3)
Claire could sense Ruthivan's vibrations and knew that the situation was growing perilous. Still, there was nothing she could do. He gripped her arm and shook her, the first time he had ever put a hand on her. She had to admit to them she was under house arrest, that she wasn't allowed, like a child, wasn't allowed to have visitors. Still, Orn and Sanria weren't leaving, not fast enough.
Sanria seemed to get it, and Claire found a bit of relief. "I believe we've been asked to leave, so we should in order to not cause any trouble."
"Do as your mother bids, boy. You can take your sister and her mongrel with you."
"I'm sorry? What?" Orn asked.
No, not this... Claire felt frantic energy as she watched Ruthivan take a step toward Orn. "Your sister and her mongrel that she made with the boy that was intended to be my son. Do I need to speak slower for your comprehension?"
"Mongrel?"
Things were spinning and spiraling out of control and didn't stop until in a flash of light, Ruthivan was in his battle form. He looked like Ifrit, with slight differences, and was stooped into the living room being to tall for its space. Claire knew in a moment, Orn might have a battle to the death on his hands.
Claire found herself shoved roughly out of the way, shocked that Ruthivan had suddenly chosen to get physical. The fear went through her again and she found herself disgusted by her cowardice and the shame that sat on her features.
Sanria seemed to get it, and Claire found a bit of relief. "I believe we've been asked to leave, so we should in order to not cause any trouble."
"Do as your mother bids, boy. You can take your sister and her mongrel with you."
"I'm sorry? What?" Orn asked.
No, not this... Claire felt frantic energy as she watched Ruthivan take a step toward Orn. "Your sister and her mongrel that she made with the boy that was intended to be my son. Do I need to speak slower for your comprehension?"
"Mongrel?"
Things were spinning and spiraling out of control and didn't stop until in a flash of light, Ruthivan was in his battle form. He looked like Ifrit, with slight differences, and was stooped into the living room being to tall for its space. Claire knew in a moment, Orn might have a battle to the death on his hands.
Claire found herself shoved roughly out of the way, shocked that Ruthivan had suddenly chosen to get physical. The fear went through her again and she found herself disgusted by her cowardice and the shame that sat on her features.
Expulsion (1/3)
he boy was at it again. Heiyu this time had gone into the cups and glasses in the kitchen, gathered them all into his arms, and went squealing into the living room. As much as she wanted Askari or Leandra to take responsibility for the boy, she adored the time she got to spend with her grandson. It was only this small space of time, when Ruthivan took the other children to the esper camp to be with -their- grandparents. And since Ruthivan had made her a capitive in her own home with the wards, she had no where else to-
Claire stopped short. There, standing in her living room, was Sanria and Orn. It couldn't be. This was not a good thing, unexpected visitors when Ruthivan would be coming home... She would be a good hostess, she would say hello then send them on their way before Ruthivan came home.
They'd come to check on her. The fear went through her. There was no time for answering questions, no time for -
Before Claire could think of a way to get them to stop, to get them to leave, the front door opened and Ruthivan stood shocked, then evenly angered at the- "There are humans in here, Dad!!!" "Children, go out and play."
Claire looked down, her guts heavy with icy fear. "Claire, why are these people in my house?" he asked. "This is Leandra's mother and brother," she said, rounding the room to rest a hand on Ruthivan's arm. "Orn Stone. Nice to meet you Mr. Wolldon." The handshake was ignored, and Claire's fears grew by the moment. "Claire, did you not understand my desire to not have guests of this kind in my house?" "Ruthivan, it's only for a moment. They came to see Leandra and Heiyu and Askari. That's all."
"Leave."
Claire stopped short. There, standing in her living room, was Sanria and Orn. It couldn't be. This was not a good thing, unexpected visitors when Ruthivan would be coming home... She would be a good hostess, she would say hello then send them on their way before Ruthivan came home.
They'd come to check on her. The fear went through her. There was no time for answering questions, no time for -
Before Claire could think of a way to get them to stop, to get them to leave, the front door opened and Ruthivan stood shocked, then evenly angered at the- "There are humans in here, Dad!!!" "Children, go out and play."
Claire looked down, her guts heavy with icy fear. "Claire, why are these people in my house?" he asked. "This is Leandra's mother and brother," she said, rounding the room to rest a hand on Ruthivan's arm. "Orn Stone. Nice to meet you Mr. Wolldon." The handshake was ignored, and Claire's fears grew by the moment. "Claire, did you not understand my desire to not have guests of this kind in my house?" "Ruthivan, it's only for a moment. They came to see Leandra and Heiyu and Askari. That's all."
"Leave."
Discoveries in Seas of Emotion ( 2 of 2)
The plans were made to leave the next day. Gilean hadn't wanted Sanria to go with the chance she'd run into Ruthivan, and she had obliged, but changed her mind when Orn chose to come along. She watched Orn go back up the stairs to pack a bag of his own, and left Gilean and Sandorin to return her pack to the bedroom. She heard a soft shuffle and turned to see Matinus standing in the doorway.
"Hello dear one," she said with a smile. "Something you needed?" She looked at the boy's face and frowned ever so slightly. There was something wrong. "What is it?" she said with a voice of concern.
"My dad is guilty."
"Wh.. what? What do you mean?" She sat on the bed and patted the space beside her. "Come in, sit." Matinus entered and sat looking at his lap. "I don't know what he did,
but he's been feeling guilty about it."
"Well I'm sure it's nothing."
The boy looked up at her and Sanria could see fear and pain written on his features. "I don't want him to mess up and make us leave and make you leave us. I don't want to lose you as my mom."
"Matinus..." Sanria reached over, putting her arm around his shoulders. "I promise you, no matter what this is, I won't go anywhere. You're my son now and everyone here is your family." "It's just that my Dad and Colin are angry with each other a lot, and now my dad did something wrong and feels guilty. Like when you're trying not to get in trouble, and I don't know why."
"Well, it's your dad. Whatever it is, I'm sure it's nothing as bad as it seems."
"You promise you won't go anywhere or make us leave?"
"Oh, Matinus. I won't go anywhere. And you're staying right here for as long as it takes til you grow up and leave on your own."
"What if I don't want to go when I get older?"
Sanria chuckled and kissed Matinus on the top of the head. She felt a deep connection to the boy, as though he were a miniature Orn all over again. She squeezed him lightly. "Then you can live here just like Orn and Mirin. Now, stop being worried and go play."
She watched the lopsided and shy smile come onto Matinus's face and he walked out. Then, and only then, did Sanria's smile fade. Guilty for what?
"Hello dear one," she said with a smile. "Something you needed?" She looked at the boy's face and frowned ever so slightly. There was something wrong. "What is it?" she said with a voice of concern.
"My dad is guilty."
"Wh.. what? What do you mean?" She sat on the bed and patted the space beside her. "Come in, sit." Matinus entered and sat looking at his lap. "I don't know what he did,
but he's been feeling guilty about it."
"Well I'm sure it's nothing."
The boy looked up at her and Sanria could see fear and pain written on his features. "I don't want him to mess up and make us leave and make you leave us. I don't want to lose you as my mom."
"Matinus..." Sanria reached over, putting her arm around his shoulders. "I promise you, no matter what this is, I won't go anywhere. You're my son now and everyone here is your family." "It's just that my Dad and Colin are angry with each other a lot, and now my dad did something wrong and feels guilty. Like when you're trying not to get in trouble, and I don't know why."
"Well, it's your dad. Whatever it is, I'm sure it's nothing as bad as it seems."
"You promise you won't go anywhere or make us leave?"
"Oh, Matinus. I won't go anywhere. And you're staying right here for as long as it takes til you grow up and leave on your own."
"What if I don't want to go when I get older?"
Sanria chuckled and kissed Matinus on the top of the head. She felt a deep connection to the boy, as though he were a miniature Orn all over again. She squeezed him lightly. "Then you can live here just like Orn and Mirin. Now, stop being worried and go play."
She watched the lopsided and shy smile come onto Matinus's face and he walked out. Then, and only then, did Sanria's smile fade. Guilty for what?
Discoveries in Seas of Emotion ( 1 of 2 )
"Mom, you really shouldn't come. The guy is an asshole." Leandra was not known for holding back, and Sanria sighed.
"I'd like to see her for myself and possibly..."
"What?"
"Well, I know we haven't exactly talked since... since you left, but-"
"Gods mom, what did you do now. Or should I say, who?"
"Leandra, that's... nevermind. I'm back together with your father."
"Well that's great!"
"No... hang on..."
"What?"
"I'm with Gilean, too." Silence. Then:
"You're married to two guys?"
"Yes."
"Holy hells, mom. I mean... what is wrong with you?"
"Leandra, I'm doing the best I can under the circumstances, so if you
don't mind keeping your demeaning opinion to yourself-"
"Fine. Fine... I'm... glad you're at least kinda back with Dad."
"Thank you," Sanria telepathed. "When can I come to visit Claire?"
"Soon. Mr. Bitch takes their kids to visit the other Espers daily. You
need to come about noon. If he finds you there, he's probably going
to be in a mood."
"Thank you, Leandra. I love you."
"Yeah, I know."
Sanria broke the connection with her daughter and sighed. She still didn't know she had a brand new half brother, but that would be a discussion for another time. She got up and packed a few supplies in her pack. She would go to Claire, figure out how to get her out of her situation, and bring her back for Gilean. It would be as simple as that. She had nearly reached the door when Gilean appeared from the library.
He guessed immediately where she was going and why, and spent the next moments trying to convince her that it was not what he wanted. "But," she began, "don't you love Claire more than you love me? If you could be with her, wouldn't you?" "I do love Claire. I do care about what she's going through and I hate to see it. She doesn't deserve it. But to say I love her more than you?" Gilean shook his head. "That's not true, Sanria."
Sanria's heart skipped and she reached out, taking both Gilean and her baby son, Sandorin, into an embrace. As strange was it was, she had to admit to herself that she was deeply in love with Gilean, and though it was different than the deep love she had for Colin, the truth was that she felt her heart more entwined with the man in her arms now.
She pulled back just as Orn came down the stairs. "Oh, hey guys. You... going somewhere, Mom?"
"Ah, I don't think so now. I was just going to go visit Claire and Leandra. I was thinking of helping Claire if she wanted help."
"Oh. Well, is there something I can do to help?"
"I'd like to see her for myself and possibly..."
"What?"
"Well, I know we haven't exactly talked since... since you left, but-"
"Gods mom, what did you do now. Or should I say, who?"
"Leandra, that's... nevermind. I'm back together with your father."
"Well that's great!"
"No... hang on..."
"What?"
"I'm with Gilean, too." Silence. Then:
"You're married to two guys?"
"Yes."
"Holy hells, mom. I mean... what is wrong with you?"
"Leandra, I'm doing the best I can under the circumstances, so if you
don't mind keeping your demeaning opinion to yourself-"
"Fine. Fine... I'm... glad you're at least kinda back with Dad."
"Thank you," Sanria telepathed. "When can I come to visit Claire?"
"Soon. Mr. Bitch takes their kids to visit the other Espers daily. You
need to come about noon. If he finds you there, he's probably going
to be in a mood."
"Thank you, Leandra. I love you."
"Yeah, I know."
Sanria broke the connection with her daughter and sighed. She still didn't know she had a brand new half brother, but that would be a discussion for another time. She got up and packed a few supplies in her pack. She would go to Claire, figure out how to get her out of her situation, and bring her back for Gilean. It would be as simple as that. She had nearly reached the door when Gilean appeared from the library.
He guessed immediately where she was going and why, and spent the next moments trying to convince her that it was not what he wanted. "But," she began, "don't you love Claire more than you love me? If you could be with her, wouldn't you?" "I do love Claire. I do care about what she's going through and I hate to see it. She doesn't deserve it. But to say I love her more than you?" Gilean shook his head. "That's not true, Sanria."
Sanria's heart skipped and she reached out, taking both Gilean and her baby son, Sandorin, into an embrace. As strange was it was, she had to admit to herself that she was deeply in love with Gilean, and though it was different than the deep love she had for Colin, the truth was that she felt her heart more entwined with the man in her arms now.
She pulled back just as Orn came down the stairs. "Oh, hey guys. You... going somewhere, Mom?"
"Ah, I don't think so now. I was just going to go visit Claire and Leandra. I was thinking of helping Claire if she wanted help."
"Oh. Well, is there something I can do to help?"
Thinking the Impossible
As Sanria stared at the cottage, a low whistling could be heard. She turned to find Thasmudyan. She did not have the rush of emotion she used to have. It was simply like meeting an old friend - albeit one you were embarrassed to inform of your polyandry. Still, they spoke, Sanria noting the distinct absence of any questions about Nioma. He had truly let go of his daughter. She gave him a tour of the castle, inviting him to apply to the Keepers, and after a bite to eat, they said their goodbyes. Sanria checked her mental list. She could say truthfully that she was no longer in love with Thasmudyan, but she hoped that he would be part of the Keepers and remain her friend.
She returned to the cavern later that evening after finishing a bit of work. That night she spoke with Colin, determining that the two men were at odds. Colin spoke about how they should be together, and Sanria found herself thinking about the way Gilean looked at her. She had seen he and Claire together, she saw the concern on his face when she sat in the living room. She knew what it looked like when someone was holding back what they felt. She certainly thought she had seen it on Gilean's face.
Sanria offered Gilean the chance to leave, to not feel obligated to stay. The answer was a resounding no. Sanria frowned at the distress on Gilean's face and was confused. He said he loved her, wanted to be with her, that she was the mother of his children, and wanted her to want him. She felt guilty that she didn't want him to leave, but at the same time... at the same time she knew that somewhere inside of his mind, of his heart... she was his second choice.
The following day she sat at the kitchen table alone. She closed her eyes. "Leandra, I know you probably don't want to talk to me, but, I truly need your help."
The flippant acid reply came back, "What do you want, mom?"
"I need you to tell me where I can find Claire."
She returned to the cavern later that evening after finishing a bit of work. That night she spoke with Colin, determining that the two men were at odds. Colin spoke about how they should be together, and Sanria found herself thinking about the way Gilean looked at her. She had seen he and Claire together, she saw the concern on his face when she sat in the living room. She knew what it looked like when someone was holding back what they felt. She certainly thought she had seen it on Gilean's face.
Sanria offered Gilean the chance to leave, to not feel obligated to stay. The answer was a resounding no. Sanria frowned at the distress on Gilean's face and was confused. He said he loved her, wanted to be with her, that she was the mother of his children, and wanted her to want him. She felt guilty that she didn't want him to leave, but at the same time... at the same time she knew that somewhere inside of his mind, of his heart... she was his second choice.
The following day she sat at the kitchen table alone. She closed her eyes. "Leandra, I know you probably don't want to talk to me, but, I truly need your help."
The flippant acid reply came back, "What do you want, mom?"
"I need you to tell me where I can find Claire."
Turnabout (2 of 2)
Gilean's expression faltered. "No... you said something..."
"Sanria said she could see it. Something she saw when you and Claire were together." Colin shrugged dismissively. "If you don't believe me, why don't you ask Sanria yourself."
Gilean stood staring at Colin for another moment, fighting whether or not to accept what he had just been told. That is what Sanria had said, something about the way he looked at Claire. But no, that was over, Claire was gone and Sanria was his family now. He loved her, the kids loved her. Claire was gone.
Gilean's shoulders drooped a bit in defeat as he turned to leave the training room.
"Gilean!" Colin called sharply.
Gilean paused and half turned, looking over his shoulder at the decidedly intense glare of the large warrior.
"Sanria better be wrong about you and Claire. I better not be putting up with all of this if you would rather be with someone else. And you better not hurt Sanria. Because if you do..."
Gilean narrowed his eyes with a scowl and silently left the room.
"Sanria said she could see it. Something she saw when you and Claire were together." Colin shrugged dismissively. "If you don't believe me, why don't you ask Sanria yourself."
Gilean stood staring at Colin for another moment, fighting whether or not to accept what he had just been told. That is what Sanria had said, something about the way he looked at Claire. But no, that was over, Claire was gone and Sanria was his family now. He loved her, the kids loved her. Claire was gone.
Gilean's shoulders drooped a bit in defeat as he turned to leave the training room.
"Gilean!" Colin called sharply.
Gilean paused and half turned, looking over his shoulder at the decidedly intense glare of the large warrior.
"Sanria better be wrong about you and Claire. I better not be putting up with all of this if you would rather be with someone else. And you better not hurt Sanria. Because if you do..."
Gilean narrowed his eyes with a scowl and silently left the room.
Turnabout (1 of 2)
Gilean entered the upstairs training room to see Colin actively working over one of the dummies in the room with a practice blade. He took a moment to be sure the door was securely closed behind himself before turning toward the larger man with an accusing glare. "Just what are you doing?"
Colin barely spared Gilean a glance as he continued in his measured strikes. "I'm training, and I don't recall inviting you. However, if you'd like to take up a blade and spar..." Colin flashed Gilean a mocking grin.
"You know what I'm talking about. Sanria."
Colin paused in his strikes and let his arms drop, turning toward Gilean with a scowl of his own. "No, I don't know what you're talking about. Last I heard you seem to be getting everything you want so you're going to have to be a little more specific."
Gilean took a few steps toward Colin. "What did you say to her? She comes to me and starts talking about helping Claire, bringing her back, letting me be with her!"
"Well, maybe that would just be better. You could have your own family and I could have mine."
"How dare you suggest that to her," Gilean said, pointing his finger at Colin angrily, "My family is with Sanria. She's the mother of my children. Not just the babies, but Matinus and Nioma."
"I suggest you watch yourself," Colin retorted as he raised the dulled practice blade back in Gilean's direction. "Nioma's not even your child. I was going to raise her before you were even around. Just one more thing you have tried taking from me."
Gilean stood his ground for a moment, his eyes locked with Colin's and his jaw tense, before finally dropping his finger. "What did you say to her?"
"Do you want to know the funny thing," Colin scoffed with a small shrug, "I didn't say anything at all. That was all Sanria."
Colin barely spared Gilean a glance as he continued in his measured strikes. "I'm training, and I don't recall inviting you. However, if you'd like to take up a blade and spar..." Colin flashed Gilean a mocking grin.
"You know what I'm talking about. Sanria."
Colin paused in his strikes and let his arms drop, turning toward Gilean with a scowl of his own. "No, I don't know what you're talking about. Last I heard you seem to be getting everything you want so you're going to have to be a little more specific."
Gilean took a few steps toward Colin. "What did you say to her? She comes to me and starts talking about helping Claire, bringing her back, letting me be with her!"
"Well, maybe that would just be better. You could have your own family and I could have mine."
"How dare you suggest that to her," Gilean said, pointing his finger at Colin angrily, "My family is with Sanria. She's the mother of my children. Not just the babies, but Matinus and Nioma."
"I suggest you watch yourself," Colin retorted as he raised the dulled practice blade back in Gilean's direction. "Nioma's not even your child. I was going to raise her before you were even around. Just one more thing you have tried taking from me."
Gilean stood his ground for a moment, his eyes locked with Colin's and his jaw tense, before finally dropping his finger. "What did you say to her?"
"Do you want to know the funny thing," Colin scoffed with a small shrug, "I didn't say anything at all. That was all Sanria."
Deeper Confusion
Sanria had faithfully stayed clear of any intimate contact with Gilean for a week. He had healed her fully, consequently, she felt normal, but there was something amiss with the growing concern she felt coming from Gilean. He had even asked her more than once if she was ready to begin trying for another child. She politely put off answering, but felt more than a little pressured. More to the point, she had felt a bit uneasy at how Gilean had come up with any number of reasons for keeping her from spending any time with Colin. Even during the day, when she might go with Colin on a picnic, or something equally alone for the two of them. Gilean found a way to ensure that his plans came first.
The morning dawned and before Gilean left to bring them breakfast, she found herself with child... again. She knew of Gilean's lineage, she knew that he was also a follower of Lathander, and that those things paired meant he was interested in all things birth, renewal... children. She knew he had healed her, but things shouldn't have happened that fast... and when she asked, he assured her that sometimes things just happened that way. Being very fertile after the birth of a child was common. Still... he knew she was pregnant right away, as though he had looked for it, and when he found it, he breathed a sigh of relief.
Suddenly, he was open to her going to spend time with Colin. Sanria put the thoughts out of her mind. No... he wouldn't have done something like that on purpose. Colin, when he found out, was not convinced... at all. She wouldn't let him think the thoughts that she held in the back of her mind. Gilean wouldn't have duped her. That wasn't the way he did things. He wasn't like that.
She went out of the cavern and took a walk. She meandered back to the cottage and stood staring at the door. So many thoughts raced through her mind. So much had happened here, Gilean's old home. She ran a hand through her hair and stared at the ground for a moment. Gilean wouldn't have done that... it was impossible.
The morning dawned and before Gilean left to bring them breakfast, she found herself with child... again. She knew of Gilean's lineage, she knew that he was also a follower of Lathander, and that those things paired meant he was interested in all things birth, renewal... children. She knew he had healed her, but things shouldn't have happened that fast... and when she asked, he assured her that sometimes things just happened that way. Being very fertile after the birth of a child was common. Still... he knew she was pregnant right away, as though he had looked for it, and when he found it, he breathed a sigh of relief.
Suddenly, he was open to her going to spend time with Colin. Sanria put the thoughts out of her mind. No... he wouldn't have done something like that on purpose. Colin, when he found out, was not convinced... at all. She wouldn't let him think the thoughts that she held in the back of her mind. Gilean wouldn't have duped her. That wasn't the way he did things. He wasn't like that.
She went out of the cavern and took a walk. She meandered back to the cottage and stood staring at the door. So many thoughts raced through her mind. So much had happened here, Gilean's old home. She ran a hand through her hair and stared at the ground for a moment. Gilean wouldn't have done that... it was impossible.
Avoidance
"Sanria. The new pregnancy. I know what you did."
Gilean looked at Colin with momentary alarm before furrowing his own brow in anger. So Sanria had already told Colin of the new baby they had conceived that morning. But there was no way Colin could know he had aided the conception with his magic. After all, Sanria herself didn't know, and Gilean didn't plan on letting that little fact out to anyone. He leaned in closer to Colin, trying to keep their voices down. "Colin, I don't know what you are talking about but his is not the time or the place..."
"No Gilean! She told me herself. She said you knew that she would be most fertile after having Sandorin. You knew that and you kept her away from me until you could get her pregnant again herself. Admit it!"
Gilean alanced around again as a few of the visitors to the temple were starting look in their direction and whisper amongst themselves. Gilean grabbed Colin's arm and pulled him toward the door of the temple and outside. The big man allowed himself to go with minimal resistance until they were outside. He then shoved Gilean away into the outside wall of the temple, briefly knocking the breath from him.
"I know exactly what you're trying to do. You're trying to take her away from me. You think you can just keep her pregnant and having your children!? No, Gilean. It's not going to work. I'm not going to just let you have her."
Gilean took short breaths, trying to regain his composure. He stood up straight and looked back at Colin sternly. "The way I see it, you don't have a choice, do you. Maybe I should tell her about your little visit here? What do you think she would have to say about this? Hmm? Do you think she would feel our little arrangement is working? Maybe she'd just decide she's better off on her own."
Colin glared at Gilean, the big man's muscles twitching. He looked like he wanted nothing more than to punch Gilean right in the face and Gilean, for one, was glad that he hadn't indulged that desire. Colin spoke through clenched teeth. "I'm on to you Gilean. I'll play this little game because I love Sanria but she'll know eventually, too. And then, what do YOU think will happen?"
Gilean glared back at Colin until the gladiator spat on the ground and finally turned to stomp off. Gilean leaned back against the wall and wiped at the sweat which had beaded on his forehead. Perhaps what he'd done was wrong but things were finally going so well between he and Sanria. He just did what he had to do to keep their family strong. It was for the best. If Sanria ever did find out, he just hoped she could understand that.
Gilean looked at Colin with momentary alarm before furrowing his own brow in anger. So Sanria had already told Colin of the new baby they had conceived that morning. But there was no way Colin could know he had aided the conception with his magic. After all, Sanria herself didn't know, and Gilean didn't plan on letting that little fact out to anyone. He leaned in closer to Colin, trying to keep their voices down. "Colin, I don't know what you are talking about but his is not the time or the place..."
"No Gilean! She told me herself. She said you knew that she would be most fertile after having Sandorin. You knew that and you kept her away from me until you could get her pregnant again herself. Admit it!"
Gilean alanced around again as a few of the visitors to the temple were starting look in their direction and whisper amongst themselves. Gilean grabbed Colin's arm and pulled him toward the door of the temple and outside. The big man allowed himself to go with minimal resistance until they were outside. He then shoved Gilean away into the outside wall of the temple, briefly knocking the breath from him.
"I know exactly what you're trying to do. You're trying to take her away from me. You think you can just keep her pregnant and having your children!? No, Gilean. It's not going to work. I'm not going to just let you have her."
Gilean took short breaths, trying to regain his composure. He stood up straight and looked back at Colin sternly. "The way I see it, you don't have a choice, do you. Maybe I should tell her about your little visit here? What do you think she would have to say about this? Hmm? Do you think she would feel our little arrangement is working? Maybe she'd just decide she's better off on her own."
Colin glared at Gilean, the big man's muscles twitching. He looked like he wanted nothing more than to punch Gilean right in the face and Gilean, for one, was glad that he hadn't indulged that desire. Colin spoke through clenched teeth. "I'm on to you Gilean. I'll play this little game because I love Sanria but she'll know eventually, too. And then, what do YOU think will happen?"
Gilean glared back at Colin until the gladiator spat on the ground and finally turned to stomp off. Gilean leaned back against the wall and wiped at the sweat which had beaded on his forehead. Perhaps what he'd done was wrong but things were finally going so well between he and Sanria. He just did what he had to do to keep their family strong. It was for the best. If Sanria ever did find out, he just hoped she could understand that.
Confrontation
Colin stomped through the streets of Westbridge, his face full of deeply furrowed lines of anger. Sanria may be blind to what he knew Gilean's motivations to be but Colin was going to get the truth. He wanted to hear it straight from his 'friend's' mouth.
Colin stormed into the Temple of Lathander, scattering some of the small animals that lived there. He turned to the first priest he saw. "Where's Gilean?"
The elderly priest lifted a calming hand toward Colin and spoke in a soothing tone. "My son, you appear quite troubled. Father Eosos is helping another at the moment but I assure you I can help. Here, let me calm your mind first."
The priest reached his hand gently toward Colin's forehead and Colin had to restrain himself from smacking it away. Instead, he simply grabed the man's wrist with perhaps marginally more strength than was necessary. He looked upon the priest coolly. "I assure you, you cannot help me. I need to speak to Gilean. Immediately."
The priest's eyes widened in alarm and he backed away slowly. "A-alright then. No need to be so upset. I'll tell him you're here." The older man turned toward the back rooms of the temple, giving a worried look over his shoulder at Colin before disappearing through a doorway.
Colin paced back and forth with his arms folded across his chest while he waited. It was a few moments befoore Gilean emerged from the back, leading a woman and her small girl. Gilean gave a stern glance in Colin's direction before turning to the woman with a gentle smile. "She should be just fine now, but if the fever returns, please bring her back right away."
Gilean patted the little girl on the head and gave a brief farewell before turning and walking over to Colin, the kind smile immediately dropping from his face. "Colin, what is this? What are you doing here? You scared Father Levi, you know that?"
Colin pointed his finger into Gilean's face. "I know what you did, Gilean. Admit it."
Gilean gave a glance around and pushed Colin's hand down. "Colin, keep your voice down. What are you talking about?"
"Sanria. The new pregnancy. I know what you did."
Colin stormed into the Temple of Lathander, scattering some of the small animals that lived there. He turned to the first priest he saw. "Where's Gilean?"
The elderly priest lifted a calming hand toward Colin and spoke in a soothing tone. "My son, you appear quite troubled. Father Eosos is helping another at the moment but I assure you I can help. Here, let me calm your mind first."
The priest reached his hand gently toward Colin's forehead and Colin had to restrain himself from smacking it away. Instead, he simply grabed the man's wrist with perhaps marginally more strength than was necessary. He looked upon the priest coolly. "I assure you, you cannot help me. I need to speak to Gilean. Immediately."
The priest's eyes widened in alarm and he backed away slowly. "A-alright then. No need to be so upset. I'll tell him you're here." The older man turned toward the back rooms of the temple, giving a worried look over his shoulder at Colin before disappearing through a doorway.
Colin paced back and forth with his arms folded across his chest while he waited. It was a few moments befoore Gilean emerged from the back, leading a woman and her small girl. Gilean gave a stern glance in Colin's direction before turning to the woman with a gentle smile. "She should be just fine now, but if the fever returns, please bring her back right away."
Gilean patted the little girl on the head and gave a brief farewell before turning and walking over to Colin, the kind smile immediately dropping from his face. "Colin, what is this? What are you doing here? You scared Father Levi, you know that?"
Colin pointed his finger into Gilean's face. "I know what you did, Gilean. Admit it."
Gilean gave a glance around and pushed Colin's hand down. "Colin, keep your voice down. What are you talking about?"
"Sanria. The new pregnancy. I know what you did."
Conealing Tensions
This was to be her sixth child and Sanria had lost count in how many pregnancies. Gilean had chosen the name, Sandorin, which Sanria felt perfect. Her brother had been long dead now. He would have been delighted to have a little one named for him. She wondered what he'd think of all this.
They had sped up nature's processes as well, making her pregnancy go much faster than normal. Unlike the times when she'd slept with Thasmudyan, however, this time was thanks to Gilean's magic.
It was a strange day in that Sanria had the cavern to herself. Orn was at the castle, Mirin was off with the bubbly and excited twins, Colin had taken Nioma out to play, and Gilean was off with Matinus - bonding. She had been through having children before, so the sensation was not new. She felt the contractions and her water break, and knew she had a little time before things grew intense. She didn't want the family rushing back with worry. She reached out to Enmach.
A mere hour later, she was looking into the eyes of her son. He, too, seemed to take her in before falling asleep. He had only cried for a moment - the indignity of being nude - before going utterly calm. Enmach left congratulations in her wake, and Sanria was left with her son only moments before everyone came back.
Though happiness seemed to be the prevailing sentiment, Sanria could see the sorrow of Colin's face that she'd be spending more time with Gilean and Sandorin, and the hurt on Gilean's face that she hadn't called him to tend the birth. Then - something on both of their faces, buried under their joys and kindnesses - worry.
They had sped up nature's processes as well, making her pregnancy go much faster than normal. Unlike the times when she'd slept with Thasmudyan, however, this time was thanks to Gilean's magic.
It was a strange day in that Sanria had the cavern to herself. Orn was at the castle, Mirin was off with the bubbly and excited twins, Colin had taken Nioma out to play, and Gilean was off with Matinus - bonding. She had been through having children before, so the sensation was not new. She felt the contractions and her water break, and knew she had a little time before things grew intense. She didn't want the family rushing back with worry. She reached out to Enmach.
A mere hour later, she was looking into the eyes of her son. He, too, seemed to take her in before falling asleep. He had only cried for a moment - the indignity of being nude - before going utterly calm. Enmach left congratulations in her wake, and Sanria was left with her son only moments before everyone came back.
Though happiness seemed to be the prevailing sentiment, Sanria could see the sorrow of Colin's face that she'd be spending more time with Gilean and Sandorin, and the hurt on Gilean's face that she hadn't called him to tend the birth. Then - something on both of their faces, buried under their joys and kindnesses - worry.
Sandorin
Matinus looked down at the little sleeping baby and scrunched up his face and tilted his head. Babies weren't exactly his favorites - Reggie and Regina were a little bit different because they were his niece and nephew - but Sandorin, this was his half-brother. He could feel a strange calm from the little baby in front of him, like he was a lot older than he was really.
Sandorin opened his eyes just a bit and looked up at Matinus. It was freaky. He looked down to see Nioma come in and lean her face against the bars of the crib. "He's little, huh?" she asked.
"Yeah, he'll get bigger though."
"Will we be able to play with him?"
Matinus shrugged. "Probably you will, but I don't know if
I'm going to play with him."
"Why not?" Nioma squeezed her face into the bars and danced about on one leg as she looked at her half-brother.
"I'm older than you are."
"So? Mister Bunny is older than me too, and he still plays with me."
"Mister Bunny is a rabbit, not a boy."
"Mister Bunny is a mister."
Matinus smirked and left the baby behind, walking through Sandorin's bedroom, through Nioma's, and back to his own. He could tell his dad was really excited about the little baby - his baby with Sanria - which made him a little sad. He didn't seem to love him or Nioma as much as he already loved Sandorin. He could feel his dad worrying, too, like jealously worrying.
Matinus had already talked to Colin about being so afraid he made Sanria tired, but there was something a little wrong and he couldn't really figure it out. Colin felt afraid and said he thought he was going to lose Sanria to his dad, his dad felt jealous and worried, and Sanria - he just felt this weird confusion. Then, Nioma, always excitable and strange with how she could see stuff that wasn't visible. Just the other day she said Sanria's belly was sparkling. Then Sandorin... the weirdest calm baby Matinus had ever seen.
He walked upstairs and went to Orn and Mirin, but they were busy with Reggie and Regina. They were busy with them a lot. He walked outside and sat by the stream. There was a strange uneasiness that was floating around. Something too weighty for a twelve-year-old boy to worry about.
Sandorin opened his eyes just a bit and looked up at Matinus. It was freaky. He looked down to see Nioma come in and lean her face against the bars of the crib. "He's little, huh?" she asked.
"Yeah, he'll get bigger though."
"Will we be able to play with him?"
Matinus shrugged. "Probably you will, but I don't know if
I'm going to play with him."
"Why not?" Nioma squeezed her face into the bars and danced about on one leg as she looked at her half-brother.
"I'm older than you are."
"So? Mister Bunny is older than me too, and he still plays with me."
"Mister Bunny is a rabbit, not a boy."
"Mister Bunny is a mister."
Matinus smirked and left the baby behind, walking through Sandorin's bedroom, through Nioma's, and back to his own. He could tell his dad was really excited about the little baby - his baby with Sanria - which made him a little sad. He didn't seem to love him or Nioma as much as he already loved Sandorin. He could feel his dad worrying, too, like jealously worrying.
Matinus had already talked to Colin about being so afraid he made Sanria tired, but there was something a little wrong and he couldn't really figure it out. Colin felt afraid and said he thought he was going to lose Sanria to his dad, his dad felt jealous and worried, and Sanria - he just felt this weird confusion. Then, Nioma, always excitable and strange with how she could see stuff that wasn't visible. Just the other day she said Sanria's belly was sparkling. Then Sandorin... the weirdest calm baby Matinus had ever seen.
He walked upstairs and went to Orn and Mirin, but they were busy with Reggie and Regina. They were busy with them a lot. He walked outside and sat by the stream. There was a strange uneasiness that was floating around. Something too weighty for a twelve-year-old boy to worry about.
Signals
Matinus kept glancing out of the corner of his eye. It was strange watching his mom - well, his step-mom - sitting beside Colin on the grass. His attention would be pulled when Nioma would find a weird-shaped rock or something equally silly to show him, but Matinus kept looking and feeling.
It was a different love than what he felt when Sanria and his dad were together. She loved her dad and was protective of him, but the feeling Matinus felt was how when his dad and Sanria were together, their hearts kinda melted into one another. She adored his dad. With Colin, though, it was different. Matinus could feel something more here, something old that wasn't as lovely as what he'd been feeling when his dad and Sanria were together. He put his finger on it at the same moment Nioma splashed him by dropping a large stone in the stream. Colin was scared, Sanria knew it.
Matinus wiped the water from his cheek and snapped at Nioma. She looked sad for a moment, then chased after a squirrel. He sat there, feeling more. Colin was scared of something and it made him want Sanria all to himself. But, Sanria, mom, didn't feel the same. Like she knew he was afraid and it made her tired. Like she was being nice. Like she loved him less than she loved his dad.
Matinus kept stealing glances and feelings, but for a moment he was happy. He felt Sanria loved his dad more. Then they kissed and Matinus had to look away. It just looked wrong. He was happy, sure, that all the adults were getting along, but he found himself wishing it was just his dad again. Like Sanria belonged to his dad, not to two guys.
He sighed as Nioma came up, waving a muddy stick around. He shooed her away, then his mom got up and Colin got up and their time was at an end. Nioma led the way back through the forest, skipping and singing at the top of her lungs, then Sanria and Colin, then Matinus - watching, feeling, ingesting. He wasn't really sure how to feel. This whole thing was a little more than confusing. It was awkward.
It was a different love than what he felt when Sanria and his dad were together. She loved her dad and was protective of him, but the feeling Matinus felt was how when his dad and Sanria were together, their hearts kinda melted into one another. She adored his dad. With Colin, though, it was different. Matinus could feel something more here, something old that wasn't as lovely as what he'd been feeling when his dad and Sanria were together. He put his finger on it at the same moment Nioma splashed him by dropping a large stone in the stream. Colin was scared, Sanria knew it.
Matinus wiped the water from his cheek and snapped at Nioma. She looked sad for a moment, then chased after a squirrel. He sat there, feeling more. Colin was scared of something and it made him want Sanria all to himself. But, Sanria, mom, didn't feel the same. Like she knew he was afraid and it made her tired. Like she was being nice. Like she loved him less than she loved his dad.
Matinus kept stealing glances and feelings, but for a moment he was happy. He felt Sanria loved his dad more. Then they kissed and Matinus had to look away. It just looked wrong. He was happy, sure, that all the adults were getting along, but he found himself wishing it was just his dad again. Like Sanria belonged to his dad, not to two guys.
He sighed as Nioma came up, waving a muddy stick around. He shooed her away, then his mom got up and Colin got up and their time was at an end. Nioma led the way back through the forest, skipping and singing at the top of her lungs, then Sanria and Colin, then Matinus - watching, feeling, ingesting. He wasn't really sure how to feel. This whole thing was a little more than confusing. It was awkward.
Settling into Understanding
Understandably, the tension in the cavern was thick in the air. Sanria knew things wouldn't be perfect and had anticipated much of the jealousy and slight rankling which pervaded the couple's... no... triple's home. She knew within only a few days that the frustration level was on it's way to terminal, and so she called a meeting. The three of them sat at the kitchen table - she and Colin on one side, Gilean on the other.
It had been rather quickly decided that neither man wanted the affection to stop, but couldn't seem to handle seeing the other the object of that affection. As the ironed out that wrinkle, Orn, in search of milk, came into the kitchen. Sanria's heart sank at the avoidance, Orn deftly kept his eyes averted, back turned. "Orn, do we make you uncomfortable?" she asked.
"It's just... weird," he replied. And weird it was. How was this to ever work if her own son couldn't handle it?
Sanria stared down at the table, barely noting Orn coming to her side.
"Oh Mom, hey, I'm sorry, I didn't mean..."
"You are honest... that is a positive thing."
"No, I mean, I know things have been tough for you... for all of you. I'm happy you guys are happy, you know. Really, that's all I want, is to see you happy, Mom." The words were a light salve to the wound.
"Thank you, Orn." And she was rewarded with an embrace.
"I love you Mom, I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry about being honest, Orn. What feelings I feel because of it are my own."
Orn left and as though a spell had been cast, Colin relented. They made arrangements that were impossible only moments before - working out the arrival of the new baby with ease. Even when Gilean admitted his lack of prior parenting, Colin looked on him with understanding and compassion. Mirin arrived and in short order made apologies to her father for her own unkindnesses. Sanria would never have expected such a turning point in the midst of what started as potential tinderbox.
The final point, the spot where Sanria knew they were going to be okay, was when Colin rose, and left the room to let her talk to Gilean alone. They hadn't wanted one another alone with her since the Eosos side moved in. And now... Sanria's heart warmed. Certainly, things would still be difficult from time to time... but progress had come faster than she had anticipated, and everyone was settling into understanding.
It had been rather quickly decided that neither man wanted the affection to stop, but couldn't seem to handle seeing the other the object of that affection. As the ironed out that wrinkle, Orn, in search of milk, came into the kitchen. Sanria's heart sank at the avoidance, Orn deftly kept his eyes averted, back turned. "Orn, do we make you uncomfortable?" she asked.
"It's just... weird," he replied. And weird it was. How was this to ever work if her own son couldn't handle it?
Sanria stared down at the table, barely noting Orn coming to her side.
"Oh Mom, hey, I'm sorry, I didn't mean..."
"You are honest... that is a positive thing."
"No, I mean, I know things have been tough for you... for all of you. I'm happy you guys are happy, you know. Really, that's all I want, is to see you happy, Mom." The words were a light salve to the wound.
"Thank you, Orn." And she was rewarded with an embrace.
"I love you Mom, I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry about being honest, Orn. What feelings I feel because of it are my own."
Orn left and as though a spell had been cast, Colin relented. They made arrangements that were impossible only moments before - working out the arrival of the new baby with ease. Even when Gilean admitted his lack of prior parenting, Colin looked on him with understanding and compassion. Mirin arrived and in short order made apologies to her father for her own unkindnesses. Sanria would never have expected such a turning point in the midst of what started as potential tinderbox.
The final point, the spot where Sanria knew they were going to be okay, was when Colin rose, and left the room to let her talk to Gilean alone. They hadn't wanted one another alone with her since the Eosos side moved in. And now... Sanria's heart warmed. Certainly, things would still be difficult from time to time... but progress had come faster than she had anticipated, and everyone was settling into understanding.
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