Welcome to Gaia! ::

Diary,

I picked up a painting today. Well...a reproduction actually. It's one of Claude Monet's waterlillies. I've always admired his work.

Perhaps now that Kael's gone I shouldn't be spending my money so friviously. You would not believe how cheap it was though! It's high quality work and I only paid 75g! My sensible side keeps nagging at me, wondering if there is a catch of some kind, but she let me leave the store, no strings attached. What kind of catch could possibly come along with a painting?

I was thinking about hanging it in the hall by the front door, but it seems to make Joel nervous for some reason. He gets fussy whenever he's near it for too long and I can't figure out why, so I think I'll hang it in my bedroom. It'll probably be a couple days before I get to it though. I think I'll leave it in the hall closet until I'm ready to hang it.

Until later,
Keeta

Oh, what a sweet smell wafting from that ruined painting! You can ever hear the faint lapping of waves, some gentle chatter. A thin layer of water has pooled within the frame and there is a damp child sitting on the floor, brushing off her old-fashioned clothes.

It's a girl!



{ please RP your guardian finding the child and then send in the certing form for Accident > Toddler }

Sniff....Sniiiiiiifffff.....

Joel turned away from the ball chute toy he had been playing with, at noticing a strange smell. He smiled. It smelled like flowers. Maybe it was mommy? Mommy sometimes smelled like flowers. Joel turned his head toward the kitchen, where Keeta was busy getting out things for dinner. He got up a little unsteadily, before toddling over to her, to see if she was the source of the pretty smell.

Keeta smiled as he approached, putting down the cookbook she had been glancing through.

"Hey little man!" she said, ruffling his fine blue hair, as the toddler clung to her pant leg. "You ok?"

She didn't receive an answer as the boy started wandering off again, discovering that his mother was not the source of the smell. Keeta shrugged, returning to the recipe, not really thinking anything of what he was doing. Sometimes he would come up to her like that for a small bit of reassurance before he continued on with his day.

Joel started following the smell across the living room. It seemed strongest around the hall closet and on the floor, there was a small puddle of water, leaking out from under the door. The boy accidentally stepped into, and his footy pajamas immediately became soaked. Wet clothes were not comfortable clothes and he started to fuss a bit, but was too intrigued to turn away yet. As he stood there though, he started to hear noises from behind the door. Quiet voices...water...and....someone moving. The closet had never made noise before and this was too much for Joel, who was still not happy about having wet feet.

"Ma-ma!" he wailed across the house. He was scared and confused and wanted to be rescued.

Keeta sighed. Now what..... She closed the refrigerator door, having been just about to locate the ground beef she had purchased earlier in the day. Well...dinner would just have to wait a few more minutes. She hurried a little, because Joel didn't nomally call her from across the house like that, but what could be wrong inside her own house? She found him by the closet, staring wide-eyed at the door.

"What is it Joel?" she asked, trying to keep the exhaspiration out of her voice, when she didn't immediately see anything wrong. Keeta stood at the wrong angle to be able to see the puddle on the floor.

"Wa-der" he said quietly, pointing at wetness. Then he backed up to cling to her leg with more purpose than before.

Following Joel's finger to the puddle of water, Keeta frowned. Great...a water leak. It must be coming from the water heater in the garage... she thought with frustration. Inwardly she groaned as she reached for the knob, wondering what all had been damaged in there.

The painting!

She was so preoccupied with the possible damage, that she failed to notice the slight rustling sound coming from within, or the fact that a puddle of water shouldn't have been enough to startle Joel into calling her over.

To her surprise, when she opened the door, she didn't see a ruined painting. She didn't see a painting at all, just the empty frame. What she did find, however, was a little girl. Keeta could only stand and stare for a long moment, processing and trying to come up with an explanation of what she now saw in her closet.

She was seated, and as wet as the floor she was sitting on. She was rather small and Keeta guessed she couldn't be too much older than Joel. The clothes she wore were of a different time or place, Keeta was sure, as no one in Gaia dressed in this manner. It was a little blue dress and a wide-brimmed, floppy straw hat, with a ribbon 'round it. Her skin was a pale green color, her long tendrils of hair having a darker shade of the same color. Interwoven in the strands were delicate white flowers, almost as if she were a fairy or nymph from fairy tales. They reminded her somewhat of the flowers that had been in the now non-existant painting. The girl's eyes, however were a beautiful sky blue and they looked up at her now with curiosity, confusion, and...was that a little bit of...fear?

Keeta assessed her expression and realized she was probably looking frightened or intmidating, herself. She tried to relax her face and take a deep breath before speaking to the child. Joel peeked out from behind one of Keeta's legs, which he had been clinging to ever since the door was opened. He wasn't quite sure what was going on. And for that matter, neither was Keeta.

"Hello there," she said as gently as she could manage with her confusion, making a consious effort not to step closer yet, lest she frighten the child further. Keeta smiled, hoping it was as kind a smile as she pictured.

"I'm Keeta and this is Joel," she continued, indicating her son, by placing her hand on his head. The green-skinned child remained relatively quiet and still, her eyes wide.

"What's your name?" Keeta pressed when an answer didn't come on it's own. The girl just shook her head in small movements and kept looking at Keeta.

"You don't have a name?"

Head shake.

"Oh...." Keeta wasn't quite sure what to say to that. "Well I'm sure we can come up with something that you'll like...." She stood there akwardly, trying to think of something else to say to this child that had somehow appeared in her closet.

"Can you tell me where you came from?"

Shrug. "Picture?" she said, as if she wasn't sure if that was right.

Well....seeing as the painting was no longer there...and the child did seem to carry some characteristics of the painting that had disappered, it didn't seem like a completely unreasonable idea. Stranger things had happened in Gaia. Keeta resolved that as soon as was possible, however, the three of them would make a trip back to the store where she had purchased the painting, and get to the bottom of this. In the mean time...

Keeta smiled and reached out a hand, crouching down to the child's level, offering to help her up. The girl, after hesitating a moment took Keeta's hand and stood up.

Joel watched her carefully, still clinging to his momma's leg. He wasn't at all sure about this new child. He had never done well around other children, and this would be no exception, seeing as the girl would be competing for Keeta's attention. Keeta laid her other hand on his head in reassurance, before leading both of them away from the puddle of water.

At the very least, she needed to start out by getting the girl in some dry clothes. She only hoped she, having old-fashioned clothing, wouldn't object to pants. There were a few sets of clothing that Joel had yet to grow into, that she hoped could pass for uni-sex until she could get something better. As they walked, a thought occured to her and she glanced down at the child. Monet had been very fond of his wife, Camille, and she thought perhaps the old-fashioned name would suit the child. It was still a beautiful name, old-fashioned or not, by Keeta's reckoning.

"How would you feel about it, if I called you Camille?" she asked, speaking as gently as possible, ready to think of another alternative, should the name prove unfavorable. The child thought about it a moment, before looking back at Keeta and smiling.

"Camille. It a pretty name," she said nodding.

"Camille it is then," Keeta responded with a smile, glad she had found a pleasing name.

"Come on, let's get you cleaned up, and get to know each other, ok?" With a gentle hand, Keeta led them both down the hallway, hoping that this new adventure would be something she could handle. Wait until Rhine and Ceres heard about this...

Plans and Introductions

Keeta rushed around tidying the house. Not that it was filthy, but the subconcious part of her brain was wanting this to go as smoothly as possible. This somehow, in her thinking, included the removal of anything that might tip Rhine off to Camille's presence before she was ready to introduce him to the little girl.

A great deal of this was for Camille's sake as much as Rhine's. The little girl had proven to be quite introverted and while it was clear that she could speak, and speak rather well, she chose to remain silent for the most part, just watching. If something frightened her or made her nervous, she would even hide behind Keeta, whom she had already begun to see as her parental figure and guardian. Keeta wasn't too sure how she felt about this, as the idea of being a parent of two made her nervous and she hadn't had the chance to go back to the shop yet and discuss her options with the owner. Not that she just wanted to rid the house of Camille, she just didn't want to let the little girl down if she wasn't ready for the resposibility. Camille deserved better.

And with a sigh, Keeta remembered one more thing. She had also promised Ceres that she would look after Natalia when she was gone. That made Keeta the potential mother of three...and it was a frightening prospect.

Keeta glanced into the livingroom, where Camille and Joel were watching a Blue's Clues cartoon on the television. Keeta didn't quite understand the appeal, but the children seemed to enjoy it, so she didn't mind. Joel was adjusting surprisingly well to having Camille around all the time. No he didn't get along with her to where he wanted to share his things, or play with her, but he was starting to tolerate Keeta giving Camille equal amount of attention.

Frowning, she pulled herself away and continued to clean, glancing at the clock...soon she would put them down for a nap (Camille was currently sleeping in the middle of Keeta's bed at bedtime), and wait for Rhine to arrive.

Rhine's hair was still dripping wet at the ends from his quick shower. The heat of the summer made him feel as if he didn't belong in his own skin because it tightened around him as all the moisture was sucked out of him. He had long ago gotten over the complaints he had about his body...

He couldn't place the reason but he felt unnerved as he reached up to knock on Keeta's door... He was trying to be 'formal' and not arrive in her bathroom for once. He tightened his grip on the rolled up plans for the new cafe that had just finished completion- soon they would be moving into the three story building. He was worried that the love of his life wouldn't like how it had turned out though he had tried his best to make sure both couples had their needed privacy by adding another floor all together to the business/home.

"Brother," Natalia said curiously as she felt her brothers tension that she didn't understand... Despite how much she was around all her siblings she felt that she might not ever figure any of them off. She gave her brothers hand a good squeeze as she waited just as impatiently as him for Keeta to open the door... She enjoyed her visits with the lady that was both her aunt and her sister.

Keeta had finally finished cleaning and seemed satisfied at her inspection of the house. For all intents and purposes it looked normal, but clean. As soon as she had finished, she had taken Joel and Camille to their respective rooms for their naps. She had taken Camille first, because she never fought against anything reasonable, and it was of more importance that she disappear first. Joel, however, was another story. Despite the fact that he was cranky and clearly tired, he wasn't going to go down without a fight. She finally just decided to leave him and let himself just cry himself to sleep, if she stayed it would just make it worse.

She had only just left the room when there was a knock on the door. She blinked, confused, wondering if someone else had decided to drop by, because it wasn't Rhine's normal way to come in the front door. The surprise was evident on her face as she opened the door, and Joel's cries could easily be heard through the opening. After the initial groan of frustration at Joel, she stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Rhine and giving him a quick kiss, trying to make herself act normal.

"Didn't expect you to come in this way....Sorry about the noise. I just put Joel down for a nap and he's none too happy about it." She looked down at Natalia, not wanting to ignore the girl, and lightly patted her head.

"Hi there hon. Decided to come with your big brother today?"

"Thought we'd be different and show up on your doorstep." He grinned and wrapped his arms around her. Being this close he could pick up the tenseness in her body and how the hug felt almost practiced- necessary. What he didn't know is if it was because he had startled her by knocking on the front door or if it was something else.

"You should know by now that the last thing that bothers me is noise." He caressed her cheek and smiled. "After all he is our son." He knew it wasn't by blood but it was by choice. Joel and Keeta was a package deal and he was more than happy to have them both in his life... And, he couldn't wait to know more about the little boy. Soon they would truly be a family living under one roof.

"Yes!" Natalia clapped her hands in delight. "Brother told me you are going to dress up in pretty dress and say I do..." She grinned. "I just hope it means you'll ride horses with me and have tea parties every now and then and that I get to play with Joel more." She put her hands on her tiny hips and stood there 'puffed up'.

Keeta chuckled at the little girl's enthusiasm. Well she certainly planned on doing all those kinds of things with Natalia. She not only wanted to build a good relationship with the girl, but it was practically her job, what with Ceres...no...she wouldn't think about that now. There were too many other things at the moment.

"Well that's the plan," she said kneeling down to Natalia's level. "We still need to buy the pretty dress and make lots of plans first though, so you might have to wait a little while. I think I can fit in some visits with Joel and tea parties and horses in the mean time though." And I'll even have another friend to play with... Keeta added in her head.

"Well I don't want to keep you two on the porch all day. Come in!" she said stepping inside and making way for them.

"Can I get you guys anything? Water? Juice? A snack?"

Natalia clapped in delight in the fact that Keeta would be doing all those things and more with her. She was over joyed to have her joining the family. Having been here enough times previous she had memorized enough of the home to navigate without to much assistance.

Rhine grinned as he stepped inside. "Perhaps I should arrive via the mirror in the bathroom more often so you won't have us on the front porch all day." He was merely playing and his demeanor showed this. He kissed her again on the cheek.

"How about you lend me your kitchen and I'll fix us lunch..." Even though he did it for a living he loved to cook... It had after all started out as a hobby which rolled into a passion and went from there.

"I suppose that works..." Keeta said, the thought of Rhine cooking in her kitchen never having occured to her.

"Everything you need should be in the cupboards. If you tell me what you're planning I can help you fidn your way around." She glanced at the papers he held.

"So what's this you've brought with you?" She knew she was stalling by providing conversation, but part of her was hoping a good moment for introducing Camille would present itself.

Rhine looked down at the rolled up parchment and then back at Keeta. He ran his hands through his hair- almost nervously as reaction to her question. "These... Well..." He laughed dryly. "They are the lay out for the cafe and living quarters... Nothing that cannot be looked at over lunch." He smiled as he headed to the kitchen. He really didn't want to get into it before they were sitting down because if changes needed to be made he wanted to have the ability to take notes.

"Not exactly sure what I'll fix..." He said with a grin as he disappeared into the kitchen. He was one of those that could mix a little this, little that and create a dish on the fly with little to nothing at all and it actually be considered a good meal.

"Ok....well if you want to know where something in particular is let me know. I'm sorry to say my kitchen is not as well stocked as yours. I hope it has everything you need." Keeta was very curious about the parchment, but resisted the impulse to roll it open and look at it while he was cooking.

The clanging of cabinets and pots was heard but for a short moment before it was fairly silent. He opened the refrigerator several times over and at points you could almost swear he wasn't even in the kitchen at all for how silent he was.

"Come and get it," he called out as he pulled out a casserole dish from the oven. The dish contained nice sized pieces of chicken that had simmered in tomato soup, rice, and green beans.

As Rhine had been preparing the food, Keeta set the table in the kitchen with plates, glasses and all the necessary utensils. She was ready by the time he announced that the meal was finished cooking.

"That was fast! And it smells wonderful!" she remarked as she headed to the fridge to get out beverages.

"What would you like to drink Rhine? Natalia?" As she waited for their responses she unconsciously glanced toward the clock. She probably had another 30-45 minutes before all hell broke loose and both the toddlers woke up. Keeta knew she needed to find a way to broach the subject before then.

"Anything natural- fresh squeezed is preferred" Natalia replied. "Mother doesn't allow pop... or some of them other drinks that you find in other realms." Her tone revealed her rolling eyes.

Rhine chuckled and said nothing about when you get older. He ruffled his sisters hair and helped her to the table. He held her hand and showed her the empty plate and silverware.

Keeta smirked at Natalia's grown-up response before bringing two pitchers to the table. One with apple juice and one with water. She seated herself as well and started to seve herself a portion of the casserole and then served the others.

She watched as they began to eat and she waited until Rhine had just put a mouthful of casserole in his mouth before speaking. She didn't want to be interrupted and her 'confession' came tumbling out.

"Umm....Rhine. I have something to tell you...this past week I acquired a daughter. Her name is Camille and she came out of the Monet painting I bought."

Rhine continued to chew the already well chewed bite of food. He wasn't furious not in the least but he figured it was best to not say anything just yet. Finally he swallowed- silently enough before pouring himself some water and taking a swallow.

He grinned his goofy little smirk. "I believe my mother's saying applies to this situation," he finally said after a short period of time- which could have easy seemed longer than it was. "There is always room for one more. I just don't have the means to will a room into place so I'll have to hire the crew again to add a wall... Granted both rooms won't be as big as the one but they will still be more than big enough."

He ran his fingers through his hair and scratched behind his ear. "Though, in the future... As much as I like having more and more kids we might want to plan a bit better so I don't have to make accommodations on the fly," he said with a chuckle.

Keeta watched him nervously, waiting for his reaction. It seemed to take forever before that smile appeared. She listened quietly as he spoke, trying to make herself believe he was sincere about being ok with the situation (apart from the inconvenience of having to add another wall).

"You mean that? It's ok? And I know I would like to plan better too. I kind of freaked out when she showed up in my closet, but she's really sweet....And you don't have to build another wall, they're already sharing a room...." All this was said in a rush, an expression of her relief and gratitude.

Rhine couldn't help himself but to laugh when she mentioned the little girl showing up in the closet... It reminded him of a time when he ended up in a friends cabinet that had a mirror.

"Yes, I'm serious," he said as he tried his best to catch his breath. "They both need their own room... You don't expect the boy to have pink walls and flowers... And her to have blue walls and race cars... or a combination... do you?" He grinned. "Especially later on... I think he might be terrified of just how girly girls can be later on and vise versa."

"Well....I'm sure I could find something that would work, but if you insist. I just don't want to make things more difficult for you. You're already moving partly due to me..." Keeta frowned feeling like she was putting a lot on her fiancee. Just then Keeta heard a sleepy sounding grunt from behind her.

Camille was wandering from down the short hallway rubbing her eyes, her plant-like hair disheveled. Noticing the other people with Keeta at the table, she stopped where she was, not certain she wanted to come further.

"Camille, come here, it's ok. I want you to meet some special people. And I also want them to meet you." Keeta reached out to the girl encouragingly.

Rhine reached out and touched Keeta's face gently as he smiled. "Really it was time for an upgrade. When it was just me, my sister, and well..." He didn't say his wife because he didn't like to dwell on that. "It wasn't so terribly cramped. But when it came to her and her girl friend, me and you and our family... Well, let's face facts," he said with a chuckle, "it just wasn't going to work with us living all on one floor. So between that and the cafe needing more space... It was more than time for an upgrade."

Rhine's attention moved from Keeta to the little girl. His smile became warmer as if he was almost glowing. He carefully moved from the chair and knelt down in front of her. "Hello there pretty lady. My name's Rhine."

Between being half-asleep, and her overwhelming shyness, Camille took a step back to hide behind Keeta and watch this new man from a safe distance. It wasn't that Rhine was scary or moved too quickly, he was simply unfamiliar and thus she wasn't ready to be close him yet. Besides, he was really the only person she had met besides Keeta and Joel.

She silently looked past him and noticed a second new person. This person was smaller, so perhaps not as threateningand hadn't tried to put attention on her yet. Camille watched and waited seeing what might happen.

"She's very shy it seems," Keeta said as a bit an apology, putting a gentle hand on the toddler's head.

"She took to Joel and me rather easily, but maybe that's because she instincitvely knew I was her mommy, as kind of an imprinting...." She frowned not really happy with her explanation. It didn't seem right to put it in such "animalistic" terms, but she didn't know how else to explain it.

Natalia's curiosity was piqued when there was talk of another person in the room- and she heard this person as well... however, silent she was. She sat impatiently in her chair waiting for someone to show her this new person.

"Doesn't bother me a bit," Rhine said as he took a seat on the floor- dinner abandoned for the moment. "It takes time," he said patiently even if his sister was showing impatience. He wasn't about to introduce her yet to the newest member when she wasn't even ready yet to come from behind Keeta.

Natalia sighed and rolled her eyes in reaction. She muttered something that sound something like 'figures' before shoveling in a mouthful of chicken.

Camille didn't move, although the man didn't seem as unapproachable when he was more-or-less her level by sitting on the floor.

"You don't need to sit on the floor Rhine," Keeta said, her tone halfway between scolding and amusement.

"I'm sure she'll come out when she's ready..." She paused for a moment, pursing her lips thoughtfully.

"She seems to have taken on characteristics of the painting in her appearance. I wonder if it's my fault that's she's shy like this. You know, for leaving her in the closet alone for so long, when she was a painting. If I had known there was a girl inside of course I wouldn't have left the painting seculded in the dark...." The pursed lips turned into a frown the more she considered the matter.

"Keeta... Love... When not at the cafe I live on the floor," Rhine said with that ever lasting chuckle of his. "Mater of fact I know what it's like to be at a toddlers height for a good period of time. I spent most of my rearing years laying around and looking up at the world."

"Better in the closet than in a box..." Rhine said as he looked away from the little girl and towards Keeta. "Speaking of boxes... You do plan on moving in soon don't you?"

Natalia at the moment crossed her arms- she looked as if she was containing a considerable amount of anger.

"Errr..." Keeta said, not quite ready to answer his question. Truth be told, she rather privately hoped that they would wait to move in together after they were married. She wondered if the living together so soon had contributed to her and Kael's problems and she didn't want to mess it up with Rhine.

"I thought it wasn't ready yet? That things were still being built. Isn't that why you brought that with you?" she asked, glancing at the rolled up parchment her had brought in with him. Caught up in her discussion with Rhine, she didn't notice Natalia's growing frustration.

Camille noticed, however, and shrunk back further from the hostility emminating from the older girl.

"Well... It was done," Rhine said all his laughter coming to a halt. "But, now we'll need that extra wall." He glanced at the rolled up plans. "I always keep a spare of the blue prints for the just in case purposes of me needing to contract someone..."

Rhine couldn't help it. That was just the type person he was... The go get er. Once he knew what he wanted it was only a matter of time... He didn't really like to linger on things.

Natalia, no longer able to control herself, let out a whicker of frustration- in that moment she sounded almost like her father. But in the next moment she was very much like her mother as her hands found the material of what she wore and she began to straighten it out... As if also ironing out her anger as well.

"Oh...I didn't realize things had been completed. How long do you think it will take them to put in the extra wall? And..." Keeta was about to add something to her statement when Natalia's whicker cut her off. She blinked and looked up at the girl startled.

"Natalia?" she asked, not certain what was bothering the girl.

"Once I contract them about a week- two at the most..." Rhine didn't have time to say much else as the rooms attention had fallen on Natalia.

Natalia could sense that everyone had become focused on her. She really had tried to control herself. "You really are self centered brother," she said with a equine like snort. "Really, really you are." She was past the point of trying to control herself... She looked Rhine dead on which was an indicator she had control of herself and her will power... And at that moment she could see EVERYTHING in clarity.

"Natalia...wha-?" Keeta sputtered. She had never seen the girl act like this, and if Keeta knew anything about Natalia's mother, she knew Ceres would not have raised her to speak to her brother like that.

"Natalia, you shouldn't speak to your brother like that," Keeta said, scolding her somewhat. She was her godmother after all. She frowned at the girl and crossed her arms.

"And if something is bothering you, you need to tell us exactly what it is, instead of making us guess and then calling people names." Keeta hoped she wasn't stepping over some kind of boundry line by trying to parent Natalia, but she wouldn't stand for the girl speaking like that in her home.

Camille whimpered slightly at the increased tension in the room and crawled under Keeta's chair. With her shiness, she seemed to pick up on emotions of others more readily and the hostility in the room scared her.

"He knows good and well what he has done even if he did it unintentionally," Natalia said with a huff as she looked away from Rhine. Just looking at him made her that much more angrier.

"Now, now Natalia I didn't go and spoil what you wanted..." he said trying to appease her. She wasn't a 'brat' often but she had her moments. At this point in time he really just needed to focus on getting her calmed down before she exhausted herself to the point of passing out.

Natalia rolled her eyes before settling her gaze on Camille who had come to hide under the chair. "One would think I was the island reincarnated." She snorted. This side of her was more of an influence her sisters had on her... There personalities having accidentally rubbed off on her.

"Well I don't know what the problem is," Keeta said, her tone becoming angry in reaction.

"So please don't make the rest of us wonder what is going on!"

Camille whimpered again when her mother's voice got louder. Keeta realizing what was happening, calmed herself and got down, pulling Camille gently out from under the chair and into her arms. She clung to Keeta, peeking an eye over at Natalia.

"That's not funny Natalia," Keeta said evenly at the girl's last comment.

"She frightens easily and your tempertantrum isn't helping things." Her voice grew quiet and a little sad.

"I had rather hoped you two would become friends...."

Natalia's head 'flickered in a very equine fashion... "I haven't even begun," she said shortly but before anything else could be said Rhine was up off the floor with his hand over her mouth.

"Hush," he growled commandingly low in his throat. "Before you hurt yourself... Don't let it control you." He moved his hand and ran his fingers through her hair.

It took everything in her to get a hold of herself. Sometimes one thing just lead to another and then another. "I'm sorry," she said as she looked away and closed her eyes.

Keeta remained on the floor, visibly confused by what had just transpired. She was rubbing Camille's back trying to calm her, although the girl seemed to relax somewhat as soon as Natalia seemd to calm down. Her hands still held tight to keeta, however, as though she feared a repeat of the past few moments.

"What just happened....?" Keeta asked, her tone thick with uncertainty.

Rhine bit his lip hard enough that it bled. These were things that were generally not spoke of around Natalia- but at the same time Keeta deserved to know. Heck he was rather surprised she hadn't been told sooner by their mother Ceres.

After a moment he let out a sigh. He'd try his best. "It has to do a lot with what is in her blood, body, spirit, soul... you know all that." He said trying to keep it vague. "The island has always made sure that a good bulk of himself remains in the maidens offspring... She's no different. Unfortunately, that means that they act a lot like him until they can control themselves... Maidens have to shape themselves... They just don't wake up one day and say okay it's my turn to take over the island... It takes a lot of time, skill, and patience. She could actually end up turning e-v-i-l..." He actually spelled evil instead of saying it. "It is just all up to her and her level of control..."

"Seriously, brother... I didn't fall off the cherry tree yesterday. I've got ears you know and occasionally a set of working eyes. I really wish you all would let me grow up." She snorted. She couldn't help it. She was sick of being treated like a child. And, now that mother wasn't around she could express this. "Besides, I'm sure Camillie doesn't want to hear any of this... And, that is what this moment is about..."

"Oh...." It was a lame excuse for a response to all that, but it was all Keeta could manage for the moment. Natalia turn evil? The thought was almost to much to process when she thought of Ceres. Keeta didn't know if she was ready to parent an additional normal child, let alone an additional evil one. She hoped the fear that had materialized didn't show in her face or her eyes. Just in case, she looked down and kissed Camille on the head, smoothing her green hair, so she wouldn't have to look at them.

"Camille probably doesn't understand half of our discussion, so I wouldn't worry about what you say so much as what you do. I figure she's somewhere around four. When I get a chance I plan to take her to the clinic to get a basic check-up and see if they can't tell me where she is developmentally."

"She would make an adorable flower girl at your wedding," Natalia said with a grin. Her absent stare was an indicator that she could no longer see the world around her. "Speaking of which... That brings up my birthday. I want to ask you something Keeta..."

Rhine rolled his eyes knowing exactly what was coming... He didn't really like it one bit but what could he do- Natalia was his sister after all and didn't really have a say when it came to her requests.

"Perhaps," Keeta said, smiling a little at the thought of Camille preceeding her down the aisle in a cute little dress. Although...that might be overwhelming for the introverted little girl. Her mind started traveling along the line of the wedding and she almost didn't hear Natalia's last statement.

"Ask me something?" she said absentmindedly, completely missing Rhine's reaction.

"Marry my brother for my birthday," Natalia said with a wide grin. "I know it has already passed, but that's what I want as a birthday present." She played with the ends of her hair much the same way her mother did.

Rhine covered his face clearly too embarrassed to respond. It didn't matter if he already knew what was coming... It was just still to much. Maybe it was because he hadn't even set a date before his sister asking.

Keeta's head snapped up in surprise and she looked at Rhine, her face slightly pale. Get married right now? But what about inviting their friends and family and such?

"Natalia..." Keeta started gently, not wanting to rile her up again.

"I'm not sure that your brother and I are ready just yet..." were they?

"It isn't like I meant right now... But I meant shortly. Mother can take care of it... All you need to do is give her the guest list." She smiled innocently enough as if this wasn't just her doing.

"Kids ask some of the darnedest things..." Rhine said barely above a whisper.

"Rhine...." Keeta said suspiciously, but she wasn't really upset.

"Did you put Natalia up to this?"

"Seriously I didn't," Rhine said still unable to look at either Keeta or Natalia with a straight face. He really couldn't believe his sister had actually gone through with her plans of asking Keeta.

"Would you rather I ask for a bike?" Natalia questioned with a folding of her arms. "It isn't like I could ride it... And, there really isn't anything else I want... What I want, what I need is all provided for me with little to no effort."

Keeta didn't want to let the little girl down (or bring on her wrath!) but this wasn't something she could just give an easy answer to.

"I don't know Natalia. I'll have to think about it..." Not to mention that she needed to think about Joel's birthday as well. She could kick herself for not having celebrated it when it came around.

"How would you like it if I hosted a birthday party for you and Joel together? You could invite any of your friends..." Keeta trailed off hoping this idea would appeal to Natalia.

"I have no friends," Natalia said dropping the strands of hair that she had been playing with. "Unless you count you, Joel, and my siblings..." she sighed softly and began to fidget. "But I suppose a party would be fun non the less..." she said this even if she wasn't sure just what she could do. It was moments like this (when she realized how her sightless state effected her) that it hurt her the most...

Rhine came out of his embarrassed state with a sigh. He couldn't help this aspect of Keeta's life... There was only so much he and his siblings could do in helping their mother and father to raise Natalia...

"Well I can invite some of the other kids that live around here and maybe you can make some new friends?" Keeta suggested. Maybe she would even hang an invitation in the clinic for any of the children there to come. Noting Natalia's expression, she set Camille down and came over to the older girl. She placed a soft hand on one of Natalia's.

"I promise I'll make it fun for you."

"It does sound a little fun... At least there would be other kids there..." Natalia smiled softly and instinctively put her other hand on top of Keeta's. "What do you do on birthday parties?" Having never had one she didn't know what to expect...

Rhine was thankful for Keeta's motherly instincts...

It felt a little strange, having to tell Natalia the substance of a birthday party, but then she remembered that the little girl was part equine and thus matured more rapidly than some other children. She offered Rhine a smile before giving her attention back to Natalia.

"Well...at a birthday party, you invite other people over and you play games, laugh, sing songs, have cake a ice cream, open presents....You can even choose a theme for a birthday party, like a favorite show, or book. So what kinds of things would you like at your birthday party? We'll celebrate Joel too, but he's not really old enough to make a lot of those choices, so I'll let you help me with a lot of the planning."

Natalia snorted when her mind raced over the various things at a part. She couldn't ever recall her mother doing anything like that for her or for any of her siblings... Or for her father or herself for that mater. She half wondered if there was a reason.

She sat there for a good moment as she tried to think of things that she liked. "We have a TV but it is so fuzzy no one ever turns it on. They all tease mother about it because it has a huge pair of rabbit ears..." She sighed softly. "I've never actually looked at a book, but they do read to me... It is mostly fairy tails. Do you have a book you like Keeta?" This whole picking a theme was becoming tougher than she thought. She was about to get depressed again when Rhine spoke up.

"Music... Natalia you love your violin. We could make a party that involves a lot of noise..." As soon as he said it he knew he would regret it later.

Keeta cringed at Rhine's suggestion, grateful that Natalia couldn't see her. A lot of noise...She wasn't sure about that....but music? Music she could do.

"We could do a music themed party, absolutely," she said, glancing at Rhine again. "Joel just happens to really like music too, so that would work nicely if it's what you want."

Natalia clapped in delight- every bell on her jingled. "Yes, yes!" Suddenly she was excited again about the thought of having a party. "I love music! A birthday party with that theme would be awesome." She giggled.

Rhine caught Keeta's look. He grinned sheepishly. He was going to have to invest in some ear plugs... and some massage oil (for the after its over) to say thank you.

"Well sounds like we have some planning to do then," trying to maintain the level of enthusiasm. She was about to ask another question, when Joel could be heard crying from the other room. He had woken from his nap. Keeta sighed and made a face.

"But maybe we can plan in the next couple of days? I can come over to your house next time."

Rhine nodded and pointed down the hall. "I got that," he grinned and hurried out of the room.

"Is she any better?" Natalia asked. She was speaking of the little girl who she had frightened earlier. She hadn't meant to let things escalate- and now felt bad that it had

Keeta smiled at Rhine as he departed. She was grateful to him for stepping up, but at the same time, she would have been glad of an excuse to get away for a minute. There was a lot going on in her head. At Natalia's question, she looked behind her to see how Camille was doing.

The small girl was standing next to the chair, one hand gripping the side of it. Her other hand was near her mouth, as if she had recently broken the habit of sucking her thumb for comfort and so her hand automatically went there. She didn't look afraid now. Just cautious.It was quiet again except for Joel's crying, which she was used to. The older girl was calm now and not as intimidating. She stepped forward as Keeta reached out a hand to her.

"Who dat mommy?" she asked quietly, watching Nataila carefully.

"This is Natalia. She is a little girl of a friend of mine, like you are my little girl. She won't hurt you." Keeta tucked a stray lock of green hair behind Camille's ear.

"Natalia can't see the same way we do. She sees with her hands and not her eyes," Keeta continued, modeling the body parts she was describing.

"She wants to touch you, so she can see you. Is that ok? Mommy will be right here with you."

Camille looked from Natalia to Keeta with indecision plain on her face. Someone she didn't know touching her? She frowned....well if Mommy was going to be there. She paused in thought before giving a single silent nod and then clinging to Keeta for reassurance that she had made the right choice.

"It should be ok now Natalia," Keeta said. "But if I see her getting upset I'm going to ask you to stop, ok?"

"I didn't get to see much of her earlier in my moment of..." Natalia fidgeted for a moment and smiled apologetically. "So, I appreciate this opportunity." She held out her hand and waited for Keeta to take it and put it on Camille. "I understand and will stop if told. I also promise to be gentle."

Keeta seated Camille in her lap to provide further reassurance. She smiled at the little girl and nodded, trying to show how pleased she was with her cooperation, before gently taking Natalia's hand and guiding it to where she could touch Camille's hair. She figured that would be a 'safe' place to start.

Natalia smiled as her fingers curled into the little girls hair. She took a moment to rub it between her thumb and index enjoying just how soft it was... However, she did take note that it was a delicate soft like a texture you would find in the garden. "Do you just use water? or do you actually wash it?" She asked out of curiosity.

"Ummm....well I've only used water so far. When I get her to the doctor eventually, I would like to see what thet say about how to take care of her properly. You noticed it's a bit like plants then?" Keeta said, the smirk on her face could be heard in her voice. She took Natalia's hand and positioned it over one of the flowers that grew in Camille's hair.

"She also has white flowers that grow..."

Camille titled her head so she was looking up. She blinked just watching Natalia silently. Well, it seemed to be ok so far....

"Putting shampoo on flowers seems rather silly..." Natalia said with a light giggle. Only using her fingertips she traced around the flower. "It is rather amazing isn't it... How things grow.."

"It does seem a little silly," Keeta agreed. "But who knows the best way to take care of plant hair? I know there has to be some grown up people here in Gaia that have been through this and can tell me their experiences."

Keeta watched Natalia, how she gently used her hands to feel and "see." Growing things weren't the only amazing things. It seemed hard to believe that this same girl had a frightening temper-tantrum only moments before.

"Yes growing things are amazing."

"Like my mom says... A little TLC can take care of anything..." Rhine said having over heard the last bits of their conversation. Joel was securely riding his hip at the moment.

Natalia looked in the direction from which her brothers voice had come.

"Yes indeed. Thanks for getting him out of the crib." Keeta smiled and waved at Joel, who was still a little cranky from having just woken up.

He frowned and grunted before burying his face in Rhine's shoulder as if to get away from the brightness of the light. It seemed his three eyes made him more sensitive to dramatic changes in the intensity of light.

Camille shrank back ever so slighty from the big man, when he entered the room again. But....he was holding Joel and Joel seemed to be ok.

Rhine used his hand to shield Joel's face from the lights when he noticed the little boy trying his best to escape them. "You know we should go to the park."

"I suppose we could do that," Keeta said, lifiting Camille from her lap and getting up off the floor.

"It'd give us a chance to talk party ideas!" She said to Natalia.

"Just let me grab the stroller...." Keeta headed down the hall and returned a moment later with the double stroller and her "mom bag."

Rhine smiled as he took a hold of Natalia's hand. He still had a firm grip on Joel. He secretly wondered what they looked like to other. Did they look like a band of merry 'men' or a family. He hoped a family because that is what he wanted.

"You can put Joel in the stroller if you want," Keeta said as she lifted Camille and placed her in the front seat. She pulled the shading piece open, so that Camille wouldn't be in the bright afternoon sun when they got outside.

"If he's content- I'm content," Rhine said with a smile. "I'm use to carrying an lifting three or four times his weight." He kissed her cheek since the kids all seemed to be watching him earlier.

"Ok..." Keeta said shrugging, and returning the kiss on the cheek. She pushed the stroller towards the door and headed outside.

"Off we go then!"

This had better be good... (WIP)

Keeta stood outside the shop, leaning against the brand-new double stroller. Joel was asleep, shaded by the expandable part of the stroller, and Camille was quiet as usual. Keeta had given her small chick plushie for Easter and she seemed content to carry it around with her. Her eyes were constantly watching the goings on of the passing world and never seemed to tire of just looking.

Once more Keeta frowned at the shop entrance. She had been standing out there for some minutes, trying to work up the courage to go in. Confrontation was not her strong point. What was she going to say to this lady. WTF? Why do I suddenly have a little green toddler in my life? She sighed. If nothing else she wanted some answers as to Camille's nature and what to expect in the future. She already had enough unanswered questions where Joel was concerned. She didn't want any more.

Setting her jaw, her will finally resolved, she opened the door and pushed the stroller inside, looking for the shock of purple hair that she had remembered the woman having.

Bai-Shén was happily humming as she dusted a row of paintings with a dainty feather duster. Spring always made her happy as a clam, and so far nobody had come back to return a painting...or a child. All was well! She had not noticed her old customer hanging around outside, but now that she'd come in, there was a little shock of fear. Oh no!

"Hi~!" she chimed, grinning to the contrary of her shock, "How can I help you today?" She hazarded a little glance toward the stroller. Yes, she remembered the little blue-haired boy, but not so much the green--oh! That must be her! How cute! The look was only momentary so as to not begin trouble before it needed to begin.

"Hello...." Keeta said warily, trying to decide if the woman recognized her or not, and if she realized why Keeta was here.

"Do you remember me? I came and bought a painting from you a few months back. A Monet..." She paused to let the woman absorb the information and wondered whether she would have to accuse the woman before beign told the truth of the matter.

Camille watched the lady. She knew that Keeta had never brought her here previously and yet, something was familiar about her, much like the boy they had encountered at the store.

Bai-Shén crouched slightly and waved to the little girl. It didn't seem as if she remembered her. Oh well! Sometimes the spirits lay dormant for so long they forgot about her.

"Of course I remember you!" she chirped, straightening to look at the mother of the children, "I remember all my customers! I remember the painting too! Did you break it?"

Because it was a reasonable question to begin a conversation about the child with...right?

Camille smiled and waved back. Yes! This lady was definitely familiar. She was beginning to remember that this lady had been really nice to her. Sensing the tension in Keeta, she looked up at her mommy. Why didn't mommy like the nice lady?

Well if that wasn't forward Keeta didn't know what was. She blinked, slightly taken aback.

"Not exactly. My son scribbled on it, when I left it unattended for a few minutes." She paused, just looking at the woman. After a moment of silence she continued.

"I suppose you know why I'm here then."

"The child came from the painting, and you would like to know why," Bai-Shén smiled, "First and foremost, 'you break it, you buy it' I believe you say. I will gladly answer any questions you have, though. Would you like to come to the back room?" She was more or less inviting Keeta to join her in her home. It just so happened to be a part of the store.

"Yes...that pretty much covers it. And you know....why I wasn't informed of this possibility upon purchase of the painting, but I suppose we can get into that in a minute." At the invitation Keeta hesitated a moment before shrugging.

"Sure, why not?" It would feel a little like trespassing to be in the back area of a store, but she was invited so she knew she shouldn't feel that way. Maybe there would be a place for them to sit down and talk back there.

The kirin-girl nearly skipped to the back room and opened the door, revealing her "studio". It was simply one end of art supplies, a small bed, and a small bathroom and kitchen sectioned off by a curtain. Against the front wall were two chairs, and Bai-Shén pulled one out for Keeta to sit in.

"Would you like some tea?" she asked. Really, she seemed entirely oblivious to any anger the woman might be exuding.

"Um....sure, I guess. Thank you," she said, still feeling akward. She pushed the stroller towards the chairs and glanced at the two toddlers. Joel was still asleep, but she knew Camille wouldn't tollerate sitting in the stoller very long if they weren't going anywhere.

She reached for the little girl and took her into her lap as she sat down, hoping the purple-haired woman wouldn't mind the girl being out of the stroller. Keeta stroked the toddler's long green hair, feeling her fingertips brush the lily petals.

Camille was silent, which wasn't unusual, but it wasn't out of surprise or fear, which seemed to be usual causes of her silence. The girl's posture was relaxed and her eyes seemed to sparkle, almost as if she were curious. It seemed odd to Keeta that Camille wasn't afraid of this woman that was a relative stranger. She was still getting used to Rhine, and she got to see him almost every day!

As she thought, Keeta glanced around the room, noting the bed and other little comforts of home. She glanced at the shop owner, her expression carrying a hint of surprise.

"You live here?"

Oy...These past weeks have been something else. Planning a wedding and being the mother of two children is really draining on me. And I'm slowly ending up being the mother of three. Natalia is becoming more and more my reponsibility lately. I know I should have expected this, but it's still hard. I went to the clinic intending to talk to Luna, hoping she could help me sort myself out, but I ended up getting into a conversation with the Porcelin, Amena, instead. Oh well, perhaps another time.

Rhine seems to step to the side when it comes to parenting Natalia, unless I come to a situation I don't know how to deal with. It seems Natalia has these sudden bouts of anger that control her that have to do with the island's influences. This scares me! If I have anything to do with it Natalia will spend as much time away from the island as is safe and practical. I don't like the influences it has on her. I do wish Rhine would help me out more though. I appreciate that he is giving me the room to be a parent with Natalia, but when Ceres and Sky go and Rhine and I are married, I will expect him to participate in parenting Natalia as much as I am. After all, he will be doing that for Joel and Camille.

Which reminds me! Rhine wasn't the least bit upset about Camille which I am extremely grateful for. I think the only hangup he had was figuring out how to add a wall in the new building, so they could have seperate bedrooms. I told him he didn't need to do that, but he insisted. Camille is incredibly shy and is still taking time to get used to Rhine, or any new person for that matter. It's becoming pretty routine that she will hide behind me whenever she experiences something unfamiliar. I really hope she outgrows it, because goodness knows I can't stay with her when I send her to kindergarten.

I worry that I'm to blame for her shyness. She's so much like the painting...I can't help but wonder whether things that happened to the painting had an effect on her. It was left in the dark in the closet for a long time...I suppose there's no use in blaming myself for something I can't prove. I took Camille to the shop I got the painting from and the owner told me a bit about what it is that she does, but she never said anything one way or the other about the way the painting had been treated. What she did say was that Camille may start to express special abilities or magic as time goes on. It should be interesting to see how that develops. I'm sure I haven't seen the last of that woman.

I volunteered myself to host a birthday part for Natalia (and Joel, although I doubt he'll care much, young as he is). I did it as a way to distract her from having Rhine and I marry for her birthday. It's a sweet idea, but I'm not ready to rush into this. It's already been fast. She wants a music theme, which was suggested by Rhine. I can't decide if I should kiss him or kick him for that. It's a great idea, but the noise level will be rediculous. I suppose all that matters though is that Natalia is happy. She's helping me plan things, which I think is good for her. It allows us to have some quality time together and for me to get to know her.

We've decided to invite the other children in my neighborhood, as well as invite any other children of the GMFC. Natalia doesn't have any friends yet it seems, other than my family and her own. I only hope some friendships will develop for her out of this. We're going to have it at the park, where hopefully we can make as much noise as we want and no one will care. Plus, if a lot of people show up, not everyone will fit at my place.

It seems Natalia has never experienced something like a birthday party. I wonder if there's a reason for that? Either way, I'm trying to fill that void that's being created in her life. And it's even harder knowing why I'm doing that. I'm seeing less and less of Ceres for that very reason. She just hasn't had the energy to visit like she used to. I wonder how much longer she'll last, and if she'll be able to make it to the party. I worry Natalia won't enjoy herself if Ceres and Sky aren't there.

Well I suppose that's all I've got time to write tonight. (It seems every time I write more and more!) It's been a long day and I'm already going through my mental checklist of what I have to do tomorrow, not the least of the things being going shopping for a wedding dress. I'd really like to surpise Rhine with something special. Anyways, until next time,

Keeta

Splish Splash!

It had been a few more trips to the pool and Camille and Joel were ready for their fifth swimming lesson. Both were making good progress and Joel was even learning to be a bit more friendly towards the other children.

Today Keeta had invited Jiao'lan to join her. They hadn't gotten to spend much time together since the distaster at the zoo and she wanted to repair the relationship. A lot had changed since then. Joel had grown tremendously, Camille had come into her life, and now Jiao'lan was quite pregnant, which was plesant for Keeta to see. Her friend had wanted a baby so badly, and now it seemed her wish would come true soon.

They had spoken over the phone and run into each other every now and again but it had been a good month and a half since Jiao'lan had actually seen Keeta in person.

A lot had changed with her, physically, in that amount of time. The maternity blouses that looked like a circus tent on her now fit quite well. She was quite large around the middle for her size and proportionally looked like a woman in her eighth month of pregnancy with twins. Given the discrepancy with she and her mate's size it was no wonder.

The shirt she had on today was made of a lightweight cotton. It was cream coloured with gold threaded detail around the capped sleeves, rounded neckline, and the hem of the 'skirted' portion that covered her stomach. It wasn't very hot compared to the tropical climate she was used to, but then again she never experienced a summer back home while pregnant.

It seemed to make the heat far worse.

With her swayback her stomach seemed to enter a room before she did. With a hand shoved into the small of her back she managed to convince the person at the front desk that she had no intention of swimming and was let in without having to pay. Once inside, she set about to looking for that familiar shock of blue hair. She still got a lot of stares where ever she went, possibly even more so now with how advanced her pregnancy was, but she was used to it and took it all in stride.

Surion pulled his long hair into a loose pony tail in front of hte mirror in the mens room before deeming himself ready to go for a swim, He loved water but didnt feel like the lake or the stream today. This seemed to him a good alternative. Wearing only his swim trunks the male heads for the pool his eyes shifting to a vivid emerald green as he looked around the room having never been at the pool before.

Keeta was over by the wading pool, which had become the designated spot at which to drop off the children for swimming lessons. Camille was already happily sitcking her toes in the wading pool while waiting for the instructor to lead them to where they would be swimming, but Joel currently had wrapped himself around Keeta's leg and had no interest in letting go. In the few minutes they'd been there he'd already made Keeta reject her previous thinking. He had gotten into a toddler level altercation with one of the other boys in the class and was no longer interested in sharing the pool with him today.

"Wanna stay wi' mama!" he whined, doing his best to keep from being pried off of her leg.

The Keikancho-Jin's eyes caught sight of the toddler, as he was about half her size, and smiled warmly. She made her way over, her waddle more pronounced than a drunken duck. "'Avin' issues dere, Keeta?" She asked, her English having improved by leaps and bounds. The same old hempen bag was slung over her shoulder. She packed far more into it now. Snacks, juices, her coin purse, and a medical card among other things.

Surion eyes were drawn in the direction of the females hearing the children more then anything else. He looks their direction and after a moment realized he knows one of them. Pushing a loose lock of hair over one ear he approaches the small group silently

Keeta rolled her eyes, trying not to appear too frustrated as Jiao'lan approached. Her eyes quickly traveled over her friend's frame, noting how she appeared even more pregnant than the last time they'd met up. She had only just gotten Camille then.

"It would seem that way..." She said to Jiao'lan, once more getting a grip on the toddler and removing him from her leg, only to have him latch on again.

"Come on Joel...you've been having fun swimming."

Had the blue-haired boy not been absorbed in fighting to stay out of the pool, he probably would have run over to Jiao'lan with a happy grin, but luck was not on Keeta's side this morning it seemed.

Camille on the other hand noticed the woman approaching and offered a shy smile and wave. The little girl's gaze traveled beyond Jiao'lan, however, and something she saw there caused her to step behind Keeta, as if to hide.

No..., Keeta groaned ,not more hanging on mommy... She sighed and looked down at the girl.

"What is it Camille?" The green-skinned child didn't respond, but following her gaze, Keeta was able to discover the source. A well built man, with scars, blue-hair and a lip ring. Yes that would be enough to frighten Camille...She studied him as he approached. There was something familair about him....

Jiao'lan chuckled and returned the wave to Camille. As soon as the little girl ducked behind Keeta, her grey eyes followed the line of vision she had taken. She studied the figure as he approached, but managing not to stare.

The bus ride to the pool had been twenty minutes and no one saw fit to let her sit so she stood for the whole trip. Her ankles and feet were quite swollen. But, she didn't say a word. Her back hurt, but it always seemed to lately, so she dealt with it.

Afterall, it was a small price to pay for the end result.

Surion comes to a stop near the pair of adults "Hi, sorry to interupt, just looking for familiar faces, yours seems to be such" he directs this to Keeta though not ignoreing the second adult there who looked ready to pop with her clutch at any given second. He looks also to the two children, one of which seemed to him to simply be hiding, the other.... very possessive.

Another figure appeared a short time later, tugging a bit awkwardly at the suit she wore. That was one bad thing about tails, Raven decided, trying to make sure that the bottom half of her suit wasn't too low. She HAD to get two piece suits, because the others just were NOT designed with a hole in the back. Trying to cut one had proven to be just as chaotic with the results, so now she had to make due.

At least this one had more fabric than your average hair scrunchie. That was a damned cry better than most.

Normally, she could be found at the beach, but it had just been too crowded and too noisy today. So the pool, it was. At least here, there was some semblance of normalcy... and quiet.

She draped her towel over one of the loungers lined up near the side of the pool, then kicked off her sandals. One good thing about having fur... one didn't need to use suntan lotion at ALL. One bad thing, however? Man it got hot. She made sure she didn't disturb the little ones, but grinned to Camille as she passed, waving to the little girl. After that, it was a running start and she dove straight into the deep end.

Keeta looked at the man who approached and addressed her. So she was familair to him as well? She frowned, trying to figure out where they knew each other from.

"I thought you looked familair as well," Keeta said, nodding in ackowledgement. "I can't seem to place where, however. Do you ever frequent the Casbah Club? That's where I work." She fervently hoped he hadn't been a "customer" in her previous life. That would be devistatingly embarassing. Her children certainly didn't know that about her past and she didn't think Jiao'lan did either. Now was not the time to be bringing out secrets like that.

She glanced towards Jiao'lan as if wondering whether her friend could provide any clues, but instead noticing how uncomfortable she must be. Keeta certainly remembered being uncomfortable in that late stage of her pregnancy. And maybe it would give Camille a safe place to open up again before lessons started for the day. If she was in one of her hiding modes, the instructor would get nowhere with her.

"Jiao'lan, why don't you go sit down? Camille can keep you company for a few minutes, while I deal with this one?" she suggested, indicating Joel as the one to be 'dealt with.'

Camille was looking in a different direction at the moment, however, a lady passing by had waved at her and now she was watching as the lady jumped into the pool. The little girl, although still hiding behind Keeta, was curious about the lady who had been covered in fur! Like her stuffed animals!

Jiao'lan nodded, offering a a soft smile of greeting to Surion. She knew she would need to seat herself in one of the chairs near a table. The small woman shuddered to think of not being able to hoist herself up from a lounger. "C'mon, Camille...let's go 'ave a seet, eh?" She asked with a smile as she offered a hand to the little girl, the other still placed in the small of her back.

The Keikancho-Jin often wondered if she and her mate were expecting a boy or a girl. The contrast between Joel and his sister made the notion all the more exciting. She assumed her mate wanted a son as they carried on the family line. A son would reflect greatly upon his father. She had quite the list of names, too.

As she stood a foot pressed against her, its shape visible to the naked eye. The thick membrane that surrounded the baby was able to thin if pressure was exerted on it, which allowed for the definition of the toes and heel. The woman merely glanced down. "Settle, will yeh?" She said softly and as if on cue the baby attempted even more movement.

She really wanted to sit down.

"I"m sorry I"m not familiar with that place, I think I met you elsewhere... I'm Surion" He nods and pauses as Keeta addresses Jiao'lan, he saw the foot and smiles, "I don't have much reason to go to clubs, I run a club of my own"

Camille silently took Jiao'lan's offered hand. As her attention was drawn away from the furry lady, her eyes travled over Surion again and she kind of shrank against Jiao'lan, though not with the same level of fear. Mommy was talking to him and he didn't seem as scary now.

Keeta gave Jiao'lan a grateful smile, even as she wrestled with Joel again, who was still firmly attached to her leg. She looked at Surion sheepishly as she tried to continue the conversation. She pondered his name as she spoke. It was one she was certain she had heard before and not just from Surion himself.

"A club of your own huh? Well the Casbah Club is more of a bar than an actual club. What's the name of the club you run?"

Raven swam beneath the water for a moment, feeling the coolness get through to her skin and immediately felt SO much better. Her fur may be short velvet, but it was still there. Finally, she kicked her way to the surface, treading water as she brought up her hands to smooth back her hair. There was quite a little clutch of people over there... so that's where she swam to. She grinned to Camille as she approached, her ears pricking upward slightly. "Hey there," she said, nodding to the three adults in turn.

"I run a nightclub called Rhythmos Aetermus, with Cere's daughter Aurora Dawn" he pauses and watches the child picking up the scent of her fear and then squats to her height "Hey, I'm Surion... you want to see a magic trick?" he asks her

Keeta nodded to the young woman who had appeared at the pool edge next to them, trying to be friendly, but her attention was mostly occupied by the conversation with Surion and her wrestling match with Joel.

"I know that club!" she said enthusiastically. "Rhine, my mate, took me there. He's Aurora Dawn's brother, and Ceres is my mother-in-law-to-be. Afraid I didn't spend a lot of time there, however. Aurora Dawn and Rhine got into a sibling altercation and we left. But...I don't think we met in the time I was there."

Camille's attention shifted once again to the fur-covered lady when she approached, and she returned a small smile until Surion spoke to her. Her eyes opened wide at being addressed by the tall man and she froze, just looking at him.

Surion raises a brow at the idea of how small of a world it truely was "Really? Well grats on the marriage to be with your mate..." he addresses to Keeta and then smiles at the child, he took a wild guess at what was scaring her and one by one his scars disappeared, till he looked to have normal skin at the same time he asked her "Whats your favorite animal?"

The girl was cute, she had to admit, and seemed to be distracted by all the new people around her. Raven wiggled her fingers at Camille, grinning as she rested her arms folded on the side of the pool, letting her hair flow out into the water behind her.

Jiao'lan stayed standing with Camille's hand still in her own. she put her other on the young girl's shoulder and gave it a light squeeze. Her grey eyes twinkled as she watched the tall man interact with her.

She shifted her weight to her left hip slightly since both hands were now occupied. She wished she could use her tail as a sort of kick-stand much like a kangaroo would, but it just didn't have that capability. And there was no way she would leave the little girl's side, or be rude and wander away with her in tow.

At the sound of Surion's voice, however, the baby began to move with even more frevor. That was a very odd thing to her. She assumed that perhaps the child was mistaking his voice for her father's.

"Thank you," Keeta said apprecitively, in response to the congratulation. She looked over her shoulder as she heard a whistle blow. The swim instructor was trying to get parents to bring their kids over so they could get started. Sighing, Keeta turned to the group.

"Excuse me a moment, while I take Joel over to the swim class. I'll be right back for Camille." She offered an apologetic smile and akwardly made her way over, with Joel still hanging on like a leech. She hoped she could get him to hang onto Miss Linda, the swim instructor, if nothing else. She knew Camille would be safe with Jiao'lan for the few minutes she was gone.

Camille continued to stand very still and look at Surion. The lady in the water was waving to her again, but the man asked her another question. She squeezed Jiao'lan's hand and looked down before giving a whispered response.

"Frogs."

Surion's focus remains on the shy child "A frog? okay..." he liftts a hand palm side up and a ball of water forms over his hand and soon the form of hte water turns from a round ball into a fat frog, all in all the shape is about three inches long little over two wide and two tall. Once he has a fat frog on his hand whose legs were tucked against itself he lifts his other hand and creates another frog, exactly the same size and shape, but made out of a bright glow of energy. He pauses never taking his eyes of the child before bringing the two frogs together between his hands with a bright flash of light, when he opens his hands they are cupping a nearly perfectly clear crystal frog that only had a hint of blue, all the limbs were tucked against the frog so it was actually a very sturdy crystal animal, not likely to be hurt toooo badly by a child

Camille watched him, shrinking back again for a moment as she didn't know what to expect. As the water started taking shape, however, her facination got the better of her and she took a step or two closer to see better, although her hand never left Jiao'lan's. Her eyes were wide once more, but this time with wonderment.

As the water finished taking shape and the energy began to do the same thing, her mouth formed a perfect "O." All her previous fears seemed to disappate as she watched him form the crystal. When it was finished, it took a minute for her to get over what she had seen, before a smile lit up her face, crinkling her eyes.

"Pretty froggy!" she said and then hid her face, as though surpised by her own outburst. The smiled remained, however and she peeked at Surion between her fingers.

Jiao'lan's eyes lit with rapt interest as she watched Surion weave his magic. It was breathtaking. She had never seen anything made so delicately. A smile slid across her face as she chuckled at Camille's responce to her own cry of happiness.

Her feet were still nagging at her, but she ignored it. "What'd yeh say, Camille?" She said gently.

Surion chuckles and holds the frog out to the child, she could have it. He looks up at the very pregnant woman "When is your clutch due?" he asks her noticing some of her discomfort, he'd not been around anyone quite so pregnant in a very long time, so hoped the discomfort was from the child, and not his presense

"Pretty froggy..." she said quietly in response to Jiao'lan's question. When Surion held out the crystal to her, she lowered her hands in surprise, her eyes questioning. She reached out hesitantly, before drawing her hand back, the frog still in his hand.

"You make for me?" she asked uncertain. It seemed like too pretty a thing. The few times Keeta had taken her shopping already Camille had learned not to touch the "pretties."

'Clutch' was a word she was very familiar with.

"In two month..." she told him. "An' lemme tell yeh...Ah weesh et was'a clutch...Ah ain' made t'carreh a free floatin' behbeh..." She said as it kicked again. She still held onto Camille's hand, and her other rubbed the place where the baby had kicked her, hoping it would calm her down some.

Two months seemed like an eternity to the small female.

While Camille's responce wasn't what she was fishing for, it was close enough.

Surion looked at hte child hearing her question and nods "Yup, it's for you, careful with it ok?" he looks at the woman once more "Worth it in the end though.... The infant causing pain?"

Raven rested her chin on her arms, smiling softly. She liked kids... at least, she loved other people's kids. After the past week, she wasn't sure if she'd be having any, anytime soon. Or ever, for that matter. "Nice trick," she said, watching the frog come into form. "It's beautiful!" With all of the 'magical' creatures she had been surrounded with, she was a bit miffed th at all she managed to get was ears, a tail and a thin coating of fur. Ah well.

Camille let go of Jiao'lan's hand and gently reached for the crystal frog. Despite being young, she still knew what it meant to handle something carefully. She cupped it in her tiny hands and stared at it, watching it catch the sunlight and make little rainbows. Oblvious to the adults now, she giggled to herself as she looked at the crystal.

Jiao'lan nodded. "Ah knows et. Meh mate an' Ah 'ave tried fer dis behbeh fer so long." She said. "We managed t'not 'ave all de complications dat de cleenic assumed we'd 'ave." She explained.

When he asked about the baby she sighed. "Et's restless...bu' yeah...occasional'eh a toe or sommat gets meh jeest righ'..." She said moving her hand more to her side. "Almos' ever'eh time 'e moves now...dere's hardl'eh any room lef'." she made a soft sound. "Like dat..." She said, pulling a face of exhasperation.

Now that Camille seemed okay with Surion and since Keeta knew him, she was quite tempted to go have a seat, but again, she didn't want to be rude.

Surion's head turns at the new voice "Hmm?? oh, thanks, it's a water crystal" he stands up after the child takes the frog "My mother's side has the power to make them" he looks back to Jiao'lan and then glances around locating one ofh te loose chairs "Sec" he leaves the pair for only a moment bringing it back so Jiao'lan didnt have to move so far out of hte way from those she was talking to

"It's beautiful," she repeated, then realised that she must sound like a broken record. "I work at a new age shop, we sell crystals and the like... the owner would die if she saw someone just making them out of water like that." She would have gotten up and out of the water to get closer to the conversation, but it just felt too GOOD in here. Half closing her eyes, Raven turned her gaze to the feathered woman, smiling a bit sympathetically towards her. "My sister just had her baby... She said she's glad to see her feet again after all this time."

Keeta finally returned having finally gotten Joel unattached and in the water. Now she was back for Camille. When she approached, she saw the little girl fixated on something in her hands. Curious she stepped closer and saw the tiny crystal frog, and no sign of the fear she had left her with.

"What's that you have there Camille?" Keeta asked, squating so she was level with her daughter.

"I'sa little froggy! It's pretty! Lookit the colors, mama!" She looked up and grinned at Keeta.

"I can see that. Where did it come from?"

"Da man make it," Camille said pointing one hand at Surion.

"Oh, tank-yeh." she told Surion greatfully as she situated herself. she had to adjust her tail a bit but once she was off her feet it felt like heaven. She looked to the furre and nodded. "Heh, Ah ain' so worried abou' tha'." She said with a good-natured chuckle before looking back to the man. " 'Ow rude 'o meh...Ah caugh' yer name but deedn' offer meh own...Ah'm Jiao'lan...eet's a pleas'a t'meet'cha." She told him, as the baby gave another visible flail.

"Ah'ma keel yer da a'fore dis is ov'a." She whispered good-naturedly with a chuckle to her stomach as she rested her hand on the sizeable swell.

"Any Kersallian can do it but I"m sure your boss makes nice crystals too though" he smiles and looks once again to Jiao'lan "Likewise, if you have soreness I could probably help alleviate some of it" he offers as he notices Keeta return to the group

Raven chuckled at that, shrugging softly. "Sorry, you're the only Kersallian I've met." She turned her attention to the mother-to-be then, feeling badly that she hadn't offered to do anything either. Then again, it was likely her own neuroses taking hold again. She didn't HAVE to do anything... and it looked like that chair was just what she needed. "Maybe if you sit on the pool steps for a bit, it'll help?" she offered. "Water makes you feel lighter, so it'll have to do wonders for a baby's worth of extra weight."

Camille had returned to admiring the crystal and Keeta finished closing the distance between Surion, Jiao'lan and herself. She nodded once more to the young woman in the pool.

"You made that for her? It's beautiful. It sure seems to have helped her get over her shyness with you rather quickly. I'm glad....I really hope she grows out of that, because it'll only make it hard for her as she gets older....." Keeta trailed off, looking at Camille, realizing how much she had come to love the small child in the short time she'd had her. Sighing she turned back to the other adults.

"I hate to take her away when she seems to be adjusting well, but it's time for her swimming lesson."

"Sweem like a feesh now, Camille."

Jiao'lan told her with a warm smile before looking back to Surion. "Dat's ver'eh kind'o yeh." She told him. "But Ah dun wanna put'cha out...yeh came ter sweem aft'a all deed'nt 'cha?" She asked as she nodded to Raven. "Ah'll be okay...bu' tanks." The Keikancho-Jin said pleasantly. "Ah migh' try dat in'a beet if me back gets'ter actin' up again...but," She chuckled. "Once Ah got down Ah'd nev'a get meself back up. 'Sides, dese feath'as 'o mine ain' made fer swimmin'. Dey get wat'a logged real queek."

She was never used to being the center of attention and didn't really care for it, but it seemed she was most of the time. The woman told herself it was her baby, and not her but so long as she was part of the package she'd feel a little awkward about it.

"Not many outside the Hidden City to be honest, which would be why" he nods at Jiao'lan's decline to his offer, it didn't bother him either way, she was right he did come here to swim. He looks at Keeta again "Hey, gotta do what one can, can't have the kiddo afraid of me" he grins his sharp-toothy grin. He moves towards the water himself

"Its absolutely heavenly in here," Raven warned, letting her legs kick idly behind her as she half-floated there. "I don't know what I'll do when it gets really hot. But between here and the beach, I'll just have to make sure I stick around the water." She watched the little girl go off towards her swimming lesson and just chuckled. "Hope it's not her first one," she murmured, half to herself. She'd heard horror stories about how kids sometimes were afraid of water the first time they were immersed in it like this.

"No I wouldn't want that," Keeta said to Surion, chuckling. She took Camille's hand and headed towards where she had left Joel. Gently she took the crystal frog from the small girl's other hand and placed it in her pocket, with the reassurance that Camille could have it back after her swimming lesson.

Keeta glanced back at Raven as they walked away, having overheard her comment.

"No, we've been a few times before. She's doing quite well." Smiling she gave a wave to the group, which Camille mimicked before turning away and taking Camille to her lesson.

Jiao'lan looked to Raven. "Heh, Ah 'ope et doesn' get too 'ot unt'eel aft'a Ah 'ave meh behbeh." She said. "Ah guess et's de fact dat meh 'eart needs't pump 'ard'a or some'ting dat makes meh feel de 'eat more den usual." She smiled. "An' Ah'm used't de rainforest." She added with a chuckle. There was another visible kick and she seemed quite antsy all of a sudden. "S'cuse me...Ah 'ad a foot in meh bladd'a..." She said as she heaved herself up and waddled toward the lavatory.

Surion chuckles as Jiao'lan disappears "Guess thats par and partial for pregnancy" he muses loud enough for the last remaining person to hear as he submursed himself with not so much as more then a couple of ripples in the water

Raven just chuckled, nodding. "You betcha." She remembered Omi's frequent trips to excuse herself and didn't envy the Fa'e one little bit. With no one else at the side of the pool, there was really no point in staying there. Raven leaned back then, letting go with her hands and pushing off with her feet from the wall of the pool as she started to float backwards.