#fun things for toddlers gold coast

[funthingsfortoddlers]

A great way to get the whole family in the Christmas spirit is Christmas Carols!

And there are lots of great events right here on the Gold Coast. Find the best places to take your family to see Christmas Carols: https://bit.ly/3G8XrpS

[youaintnothinbuta]

Can you do Austin x reader where the reader is an Australian girl he met during the filming of Elvis on the Gold Coast, and for the first time ever, she is explaining Aussie slang to him, I think he would think some of the stuff us aussies say would be hilarious.

I ABSOLUTELY CAN pls I think I should do more Austin x aussie reader content!! I think he’d find our “culture” bewildering. Imagine the look on his face when showing him fairy bread or explaining schoolies to him. Or watching footy on the telly, I feel like he’d be so concerned 😭

“Sorry, what?”

Summary: see request.

Pairing: Austin x Aussie!reader.

Word count: 586.

Warnings: None, is Aussie slang a warning?

———————————————————————

Baz had just called it a wrap on shooting for the day, everyone had gone back to their trailers to de-costume and just take a breather. After taking your hair out and putting on your clothes you went to knock on your boyfriends door.

“Can I come in?” You called.

“Yeah, baby, doors open.” Austin replied from inside, stood at the mirror, wiping the last of his Elvis make up off.

“You hungry?” He asked, watching you sink into the chair beside him through the mirror.

“Yeah.”

“Should we go get some dinner?” At this point it was an unnecessary question, but he asked you anyway.

You turned to look at him. “Well, I’m not here to fuck spiders.”

He paused for a second, you could visibly see him trying to piece together the words that had just fallen out your mouth like a toddler learning what a sentence is.

“What?”

You just burst into laughter at the utter perplexity he stared back at you with. Your laughter caused him to chuckle a bit too, though the bewilderment didn’t leave his eyes.

“Sorry, I forget you’re American, sometimes. I’m not here to fuck spiders, like I’m not here to mess around, you know?”

“I don’t.” Austin laughed. “Is that a real saying?” He picked up his keys off the table and took your jacket in his arms.

“Mhm, it is!” You stood up, nodding proudly. The two of you exited his trailer walking to his car.

“Teach me some more.” He suggested as the two of you hopped into the car, him still smiling about what you’d said earlier.

“Okay, well, right now we’re going to get some tucker.” You said, pulling out of the car park and headed for the small restaurant hidden away near one of the more northern beaches.

“Tucka?”

“Well, you’d pronounce it tucker, but we call it tucker. Means food.”

“Tucka!!” He shouted, poking fun at your accent.

“Don’t ever do that again.” You laughed.

“Dohn’t evah do that again.” He mocked you again. You couldn’t help but crack a smile at his awful shot at an Aussie accent.

“We’re not British, you know.”

“Got anymore?”

“You could say the roads are just chockers with this peak hour traffic.”

“Chockers?”

“Yeah, it comes from chock a block. Means, like, very full or very busy. Or when it’s cold out, instead of telling me to put a jacket on, you could just tell me to rug up.”

“Rug…up?”

“Yeah, rug up, dress warm, you know.”

“Oh I like that, that one’s cute. Why don’t you ever speak to me in Aussie? I could be learning this naturally.”

“Right then, mate, chuck a u-ey cos you just missed our turn.”

You watched as a little whimper of the word ‘what’ escaped his lips.

“I’m kidding Aus, you’re going the right way.” You shook your head with a grin, turning to look out the car window to try and conceal your amusement from him.

“Am I really that foreign to you?” He teased.

“Not that foreign, just a great big idiot.”

The rest of the evening was spent by Austin googling Aussie slang, making you say them all so he could hear it in your accent, then laughing at how ridiculous they all sound. You pretended to get fed up, but seeing him almost in tears of laughter hearing things you’d hear on a daily basis growing up from the adults around you was pretty good entertainment, even if you didn’t want to admit it.

[thenestearlyeducationcentre]

Rest Assured And Enrol Your Child In A Early Education Centre

This is very true! When childrens are playing their defence is down and they play whole heartedly. Then why not interconnect the playing with learning. At an early age children's brains are on high speed development. They catch everything fast and their curiosity for everything new they see around them lets them explore more. Early childhood education centres develop an atmosphere of the same age group toddlers which stimulates them to play and learn. 

 Early education centres provide children with preschool experiences. Parents also feel comfortable leaving their children with them for a short period of time in these facilities because they provide a stable, secure, and relaxed environment. Early schools tend to generate interests of children in arts, sports, drawing, crafts, storytelling, etc. Different activities executed in childcare centres will support your toddlers' development with fun. Here are some points that clears more how early education centres are beneficial for your child: 

1. It's the first time the child has been away from home and family, even if it's only a short time. Through this, the child develops coping skills and prepares for a future without home and family.

2.Helps children in developing social skills and learning to adjust in a new atmosphere. 

3.Experience new things like music, dance, books, craft, and many more. 

4.Different activities conducted in centres develop team building, decision making, group coordination, sharing, etc. 

5.Toddlers learn to respect and take instruction from adults other than parents. 

6.Child care centres open the interest level opportunities for all. 

7.Some children might suffer from stranger anxiety. Opening up in childcare centres with the same age group toddlers help them fight with it. 

8.If you are a working parent, you can also concentrate on your work along with your child’s early development. 

 Playgroups are excellent places for folks of all kinds of home situations. If there are multiple children running around together and playing, they will learn multiple things. Indulge in a group activity that is fun loving and teaches something. Enroll your child in the best childcare centre in Gold coast, so you can rest assured with their development. 

Originally Published at-https://thenestearlyeducationcentre.blogspot.com/2022/12/rest-assured-and-enrol-your-child-in.html

[mantra4ia]

Lucifer 5x01 "Really Sad Devil Guy" Reaction'd w/spoilers

August 22nd 2020.

Mr. Said Out Bitch tradition continues. Lee Garner. I am so glad he gets another episode!!

Fishizzle II and a giant gold turtle, the comedy of this show just keeps rolling in. I bet Lee melted down one of Lucifer's gold bars to plate that tortoise. Great job set dressers.

"What the hell? / Precisely." Time to start my one-liner tally clicker. #1

BTW, I fully approve of fully bearded Lucifer. Well done Tom.

Oh, I suppose Lee Garner is getting a full dedicated episode. Props, the man and his wonderful undergarments deserve it. He put in the work! But how are they going to bring him back for season 6 now that he's dead...hmmmm.

Maze as the "new Lucifer" is a seamless transition.

The Snuggle is Real shirt. Ella's t-shirt game is still fire! B++

It's only been two months, really?! I need a bigger time jump. Charlie needs to be a toddler and Trixie needs to be old enough to drive with Lucifer.

Amenadiel running the club, yes! Checks the desires box. And in a suit no less.

Glimpse of hell - fantastic. I love to see more of how this works. Nice time manipulation element.

How many fun demon names are we going to get this season do you think? And is there just a plain old Greg or Bob somewhere, like the NBC Superstore of demons? Please say yes.

"I learned from the best." Muah, chef's kiss. Still solving cases worlds apart, that's quite poetic.

Kswiss, 8ball, and Dirty Doug, some cheesiness in this dramedy never changes. I swear, Dirty Doug reminds me of one of Jason's friends from The Good Place. That would be a hell of a crossover.

Rachel Harris is a gift. Helicoptering Charlie's education. So cute. Well at least she didn't put him in an angelic onsie.

Dan and essential oils. Such a California west coast thing.

"There was a sign, it was clearly forebidden" Muahaha! Amenadiel...are you delving into Lucifer's line of work? Catching the guilty...are you going to start punishing. Oh, this could be seasonal foreshadowing.

Gold coin marker huh...Pentacosal throwback reference?

Sensible Pantsuit and Bond Girl duo accomplished, I can take that off the list of things that I desired. Chloe doesn't mess around, and she is right. Maze's dress and that thigh slit leave no room for error. Kudos to her for running in it and simultaneously punching two potential perps.

Demon messenger from hell. Yaaaaaaaaaaaasssss, laughing so hard. The thumbs up really had me. I would have snorted if the thumb had been broken, bloody and disjointed like the rest of the criminal corpse. I swear this show is combining all my favorite situational comedy elements. Santa Clarita Diet anyone?

"Clever, manipulative bastard." Also nice throwback to "cruel, manipulative bastard" circa season 1.

Trixie!!!!!!!!! My all-star. Making goofy faces, girl after my own heart.

DAN: "we all think our kids can walk on water" LINDA: "Hadn't thought of that. Cancel swimming lessons." One line clicker #2

Ella's "I love science" shirt with an arrow through the brain, solid: B.

Of course he's a teen skittles dealer. Oh Amenadiel.

Awwwwwwwwww...Mazikeen my angel demon you are breaking my heart. Girl needs some happiness.

"Excuses, they're like assholes, everybody has one and nobody wants to hear it." Never was there a more Lucifer thing to say. One line clicker #3.

OMG, Lee's storyline is a whole metaphor for Lucifer's fall and I am crying! "You know it's just a matter of time before you screw up again" 😭😭😭

"I should have got out of the car and walked through the door. I missed my chance, what about you?" <Called it, It is a little bit of Lucifer's own hell loop.

Excellent firefight Detective. I fully approve of heads through plaster.

"I thought you could use a hand but it seems someone beat me to it." One line click #4

Oh nooooooooo, not the iconic piano, all that history! It never stood a chance. Point to Maze.

Ella and Dirty Doug, another point Maze...well well, Ella really does go for the bad and broken boys. I am taking bets now: who wants to bet Ella is a faux-Lucifer-Michael magnet?

And there it is. There's the Michael reveal. Flawlessly executed! Great musical choice to compliment the moment, "so happy together." Impeccable irony.

Grade: 7/10 "DETECTIVES!"

[the-skooma-den]

Holy shit, I’m finally done with the latona siblings

So here he is! the tall slutty middle sibling

Full profile is under the readmore

and here is a link to the profiles of the other 2 Latona siblings

Name:Jo’Thera Latona.

Age:24 at the beginning of the main plot. 27 or so by the time of Elswweyr

Race: khajiit. Cathay specifically

Class: Necromancer

Personality: A genuinely pleasant young man with a dangerous temper. 

His lack of care of those opinion of him makes him almost eerie to be around. To be in front of someone who has absolutely no need or your approval can make one feel lost, and this is a man who revels in that. He likes to confuse. Once again though, let it be emphasized his friendliness and kindness is genuine, freaking people out is just a bonus for him.

He takes a more relaxed approach to life than either of his sisters.The situations they find themselves in may be life or death, but hey it's rarely their lives in danger and having a bunch of corpses around is generally a pretty good thing for him.

Backstory: 

The younger adoptive brother of the Vestige Ava (most know her as syke).

He was born in a big town in the southern part of Elsweyr for the most part a completely normal kid. Only thing abnormal at first was his very early and clear talent for magic (which as you can imagine, makes a toddler even more of a pain in the ass to deal with).

Then around the age of 5 or 6 he started to develop some unusual fur markings, not just any fur markings. These were markings associated with the Dark moon.

A khajiit who choose to take those markings as tattoos is considered a blasphemer but to develop those markings naturally? No that had to be a bad omen. Especially combined with the ridiculously early talent for magic. (In reality the stripes mean nothing and were just an unfortunate coincidence, as was the magic) 

So his own family cast him out, left him in the street. He was able to survive on his own for a long time, but when he disappeared one night without a trace? No one looked for him. 

At 11 years old he was kidnapped by a necromancer and was being held with the intention to eventually sacrifice him in some dark ritual or another. 

He was there for a few weeks before a very young Ava snuck into the cave. She had only recently been made and Official member of the brotherhood at 15 years old (rather then just some kid who hung around cause her parents were members) and this was her first real far away from home mission. Not just some small time thief that had wronged a petty noblemen or permanently settling a debate between 2 local merchants but a real, and very dangerous mission. She was of course excited. 

In the Lair of the Necromancer (AKA some shitty cave in the southern part of elsweyr dressed up with skulls and shrines) she was surprised to find some kid locked up in a cage, or rather she was surprised to find a living kid. He was skinny, didnt look to healthy, but definitely alive. She quickly dispatched with the necromancer and when Thera told her he had no family and nowhere to go, she decided to take him with her back to the gold coast.

Ava’s foster mother,her biological bosmer aunt Lara, was surprised to say the least. Normally her younger daughter was the one to bring home strays. She listened to the boys story once, got as far as “My parents kicked me out when I was 5”  before deciding that she now had a son. 

Thera spent the rest of his childhood on the Gold Coast with his 2 new sisters, Almost immediately becoming as thick as thieves with Nia, Laras biological daughter, a bosmer only 1 year younger than him. His New older sister Ava had also been adopted by Lara, though they were actually biologically related. Ava was Lara’s niece and when her parents died it seemed only natural for Lara to take her in as her own. Ava was an Imperial, though she took heavily after her bosmer father and Khajiit grandfather. 

He looked up to both Lara and Ava immensely and emulated them as much as he could, especially Ava. Though aware of many of her flaws from the beginning he looked up to Ava as his savior, his older sister and one hell of an assassin.

If there was one thing Thera picked up from his new family it was their sense of irony and drama and quickly decided to pick up learning necromancy himself. He was encouraged to follow this interest by Lara, they were a family of dark brotherhood assassins after all, It’s not like a necromancer would stain the family name or anything. Besides Lara was quite the mage herself (as was most of the Latona family) and encouraged magical interests of any kind. He’s always proud to say that he even managed to teach his sisters a thing or 2 about magic. 

He spent his years on the Gold Coast completely refusing and rejecting Khajiit culture. They abandoned him, he would abandon it. He spoke in first person only, suppressed his accent as best he could and would never be heard spoking Ta’agra. He even went out of his way to learn a bit of Bosmeri so he could speak with his sisters in their native tongue. He wore nothing even resembling anything to a Khajiiti style. 

He only took the prefix Jo’ to his name because he liked the Irony of having earned the title through his use of profane magic. Also his friends and family could call him Jojo and that's just fun.

He joined the training Nia went through everyday to join the brotherhood (as did Ava before she officially joined) and was allowed to join a few years later at 15 years old. He took to large swords (and very large staffs) and flashy magic, after all not everyone wants quite quick assassination sometimes you want everyone and their moms to know this person is dead.

About a Year later, Nia ran away. 

Of course the whole family was devastated, Lara more than anyone else, but Jo’Thera was hurt in a special way. He knew something the other two would never quite figure out, why she did it. Nia never wanted to join the brotherhood and although she would never tell anyone but Jo’thera. She didn't think the other 2 would have understood that she DIDN’T want this, Jo’thera was aware that they absolutely would have. 

He had the objective standpoint that the others did not.

He was heart broken, but kept it to himself, not wanting to add fuel to that fire. He didn’t get mad until Nia started running her mouth and trashing the rest of the Latona family. He was spared the worst of it but he was still furious. 

After Nia left he and Ava had grown closer. They were friends before but now they were damn close to inseparable. Ava had by this point lost pretty much her entire family...twice and while her mother had pulled away after Nia’s departure he refused to leave her alone.

He was one of the only ones who really had the pulse on Ava’s slow but steady mental breakdown. 

He was also the only one who didn't just assume she killed herself after she disappeared and never stopped looking for her.

The moment he heard rumors about an odd Imperial woman running around Alinor he rushes his ass over their to look for her. He is completely correct and she is alive...though it took awhile to track her down. He didn't catch up to her until she was about to leave Valenwood for Reapers March, after she had found Nia. 

Jo’thera had stated before that he was more loyal to his family then the brotherhood, so when Ava said she wasn’t sure of she wanted to go back he was fucking read. Ripping up credit cards hes fucking ready. Well, after she confirmed she had no intention to let their mom think she was dead forever. She just wanted to “stay dead” for a little while. She just needed a break, and he could respect that, even if he doesn’t entirely approve of the how. She may not have been to the point of killing herself, but any idiot could see she was on her way to a complete mental break. She needed this in a way. 

His reunion with Nia broke his heart all over again. He was pissed and he let her know and didn’t hold back. Though they both followed their older sister after they all reunited the two of them didnt have a real conversation until Ava had left to try and regain her soul in cold harbor.

He may not forgive Nia completely, but they could at least have real conversations again. It's a start.

[buttsonthebeach]

Going Back

@makingourownstories gave me the joy of working with their amazing OCs! (Fun fact: I adore OC heavy pieces and character study pieces, never hesitate to commission me for them)

Thank you for commissioning me and trusting me with Kaylaya, Mihra, and Sarian!

My Ko-Fi || My Commissions (Slots currently open as of 7/5/19)

Pairing: Past Kaylaya Lavellan x Solas

Rating: Teen for a brief sexual reference

***********

Kaylaya Lavellan left her hart at the perimeter of Clan Lavellan's camp, where the other harts and halla grazed. The halla keeper, Ruven, saw her at once, her mouth dropping open in surprise.

"Kaylaya - you're back! Creators, we have to wake everyone -" Ruven faltered a moment, no doubt taking in the missing vallaslin. Kaylaya had written ahead about that, but her own reflection still startled her sometimes. Bare-faced as a youth. It was not something she could afford to dwell on. She hoped they would not either. She hoped there would be only joy. After what she had seen - after Solas - she needed joy.

"Shh," Kaylaya said, smiling. "Not yet. Let it be a surprise."

It was a surprise, even to her. There were parts of her that were surprised to be back here again. To have survived all that she had survived. The Conclave, the destruction of Haven, the Winter Palace, the Crossroads and the Daarvaraad. It seemed like Kaylaya had been any number of places that wanted her dead in the last three years.

And all that while, there had been only one place she actually wanted to be. Home.

"Mihra and Sarian will be beside themselves," Ruven went on. The halla pricked up their ears, picking up on her excitement. Kaylaya breathed in deep the animal smell of them. Not a pleasant smell but one that reminded her again that she was home, home, home, the place she longed for even as she enjoyed the pageantry of Orlais, the curious customs of the humans that surrounded her in Skyhold.

Ruven's eyes drifted to Kaylaya's arm. What was still left of it, after.

"Everyone will be beside themselves," she said, hugging Kaylaya at last. It was no big deal then, the part of her that was missing. Hunters returned from hunts with parts of them gone all the time. That was what Kaylaya got to be now. A hunter, and a mother, and a friend. Inquisitor no more.

"Go back to the halla," Kaylaya said. "I'll see you later."

A quiet Dalish camp was a rare thing, and Kaylaya relished the stillness, knowing she would relish the noise even more. The stillness allowed her to take it all in. The red sails of the aravels, the scuffed wheels; the lines of laundry, the leathers tanning and the herbs drying and the wide eyes of the scouts on duty, seeing her for the first time. She met their eyes and put a finger to her lips, wanting to stretch the moment out further, to take in every detail, feel every feeling, as the morning light crested the trees. It was not exactly the same - some aravels were missing, some bore the jagged scars of the fight near Wycome. But all Kaylaya could keep thinking, over and over, like a drumbeat, was: I’m home, I’m home, I’m home.

The doors to one nearby aravels opened, and sleepy elves spilled out, the first wave of hunters preparing to go out for the day's hunt. Elas, Nagas, and Folas, brothers, still unmarried given that they tumbled out of the same aravel, the one that belonged to their parents. They saw her, and their eyes slid away, and then slid back, alarmed.

"Kaylaya!"\Folas shouted, and it was no surprise, because he was always the loud one, wasn't he? The quiet moment would be gone now. And yet Kaylaya was so happy to see him, loud or not, that she could do nothing but open her arms.

"Kaylaya's back," Folas shouted, and then there was more movement, more commotion, more and more aravel doors opening, more people to embrace. Kharis, Aeson, Taeral, Ghilanna, Lyra - so many of the people she had missed, everyone she had sought to protect - and then children she had never met, toddlers and babies, pressed into her arms, the next generation of Clan Lavellan. It was not the whole clan - not after everything that happened with the Duke - her heart ached for those who would never come home - but even with that ache it was still perfect.

Her parents got their turn of course, holding her tightly as the knot of people swirled around them, as people dashed away to start cookfires, to break out the special foods they’d been saving.

“We are so happy you are home, da’len,” her mother said quietly.

And then, finally, jostling through the crowd, there was Sarian.

Tall and lanky, a weed sprung up in her absence, auburn hair and rounded ears and already smiling wide and he was here, her son, her little flame, seventeen now, the reason she did everything she did in her three years away. He was in her arms, or perhaps she was in his given his newfound height. It did not matter. He was here, and he was unharmed, and so was she, and she had come back to him just as she had promised.

"Avise," she murmured, drawing back, cupping his cheek. "Ma da'len. You are not such a little flame now, are you?"

Sarian's eyes were darting here and there and here and there, taking in every change in his mother. Kaylaya wondered what drew his eye first, what he saw, if she had changed as much as he had. Whatever he saw, it just made him hug her again, tighter this time.

"Hi Mamae," was all he said.

Kaylaya wanted to hold him forever. This tall almost-man who was her only tether to the human mage she'd met in the woods, hair like flame, magic tingling in every part of him from the crown of his head down to his toes, his voice soft and low as the sang, as they dance, as they lay together in the woods. The human son that some had muttered she should never have borne. The one who had slipped away from the clan to infiltrate Wycome alongside the Inquisition agents, determined to do just as much as everyone else when it came to defending his home. The one secret she had kept from every single person in the Inquisition. Even Leliana with all her eyes and ears.

Even from Solas.

“Out of the way, you.”

There was only one person who would dare to move Sarian aside, and it was exactly who Kaylaya expected and hoped for. Mihra. Her oldest and most steadfast friend.

“You,” Mihra murmured as they held each other. “Are never allowed to leave again. And you’re certainly not allowed to have this much fun without me, ever.”

Kaylaya laughed, and held her as tight as she could.

There were plenty of looks as Kaylaya roamed, talked, joined in the preparations for a celebration feast. People squinting and straining as they looked at her face, as if it was some trick of the light that the vallaslin was not there. The shame started to rise in her each time someone stared. What a moment of foolishness - to give up her mark of adulthood, her most obvious tie to her family, just because of the moonlight in a glade, the way she felt in his arms. Solas. She wished she could go back, tell him to give them back to her. She wished she could go back and tell him a lot of things. She wished she could go back and hold him again, too.

But she shook the feeling off each time it came. Her arms were full enough of friends, cousins, family. Sarian stuck to her side like a watchful hound, eager to join in on every story someone told, to offer his take. Kaylaya started to hear the tales of his daring in Wycome from him and from others, instead of just from Leliana’s reports.

“You terrified me with all of that, you know,” she said to him, gently scolding.

“Did Mihra write you? Or Mamaela and Babaela?”

“No. The Inquisition agents did. You are in several official Inquisition reports, you know.”

He blushed, looked shocked, scuffed his foot in the dirt. “Probably just because I’m your son.”

“No. I never told them. Any of them.” She reached up and touched his cheek with her remaining hand. She realized with a hot bolt of sadness that she would never touch him with the other again. Never hug him the way she did when he was a little boy. “The Inquisition took many things from me, but it was never going to take that. In any case - they were genuinely impressed by you. A little confused that a human had taken such interest in the fate of Clan Lavellan, and even more confused that he was part of Clan Lavellan - but otherwise, genuinely impressed. You should be proud, avise.”

She could tell he wanted to hear more, but there were drums starting up, and sweet breads rising in stone ovens, and soon there would be dancing, and Kaylaya didn’t want to talk about all of it yet, even though it was the reason she was home at all. For now she would just soak all it up. The joy, the community, the ease of coming home.

She regaled them with stories of her dragon hunts - the Vinsomer on the rain-lashed shores of the Storm Coast, the crackle of its lightning as it tried to fight them off - the shimmering gold scales of the Abyssal High Dragon in the Western Approach - the tactics and strategies she’d used against each, the close calls, the scars she had from them. And to top it off - the necklace of all ten teeth, carefully arranged by Dagna, presented to Sarian. He marveled at it, tracing the grooves and points of each tooth, smiling up at her where she stood on a tree stump, telling her tale.

And again, like a ghost, his name rose to her mind. Solas.

He’d been there for every one of those fights, after all. He always came straight to her side afterwards, checking her for injuries, sweet and gentle in his concern. He always told her stories of dragons by the firelight, of other great beasts their ancient ancestors used to hunt. She could still hear the lilt of his voice, the warmth of it, in her mind. His voice had been the same when he told her the truth of Elvhenan. The truth of who he was. When he’d left her again, in agony, in that world between worlds.

How torn she had felt then, how sad, how determined to save this man that she loved.

Now - surrounded by her clan, her son at her side, Mihra beside him - she felt only anger.

How dare he look at this world - these people - and see anything other than a place to call home? A place worth defending with his life?

The celebrations wound down, and people had to go on with their day, and that was when Kaylaya managed to draw Mihra and Sarian aside. She owed them the fullest explanation she owed anyone of what had happened. Of what had to come next.

She took them aside, away from the cozy cluster of aravels. Not far enough that they could not hear and see them, though. She needed the strength of everything they represented.

“I have a lot to tell you,” she began. “And I think I need to start at the beginning.”

So she did. She started with the quiet apostate whose stories so entranced her, who seemed so alone in the world, who frustrated her with his comments on the Dalish but always helped every refugee, every sad and lonely person he could find. She said how she’d grown to love him, how he’d grown to love her, how something had always stood between them nonetheless. How she had assumed, selfishly, that at least part of it was that he knew she was holding back too. That she had secrets of her own. How in the end his secrets dwarfed each and every one of hers.

Mihra was the one who spoke first when she was done. “So what will we do?”

Kaylaya felt the tears swarm up behind her eyes at that one simple word. We. She had not even asked them yet, and already they had said yes. Mihra with her words, and Sarian with his eager posture and his earnest eyes.

“I told my advisors I would find people he doesn’t know, and that I would save him from himself, if I could. But being back here - seeing you again - it reminds me that if he can’t see the beauty in this world he doesn’t deserve to be saved. And I can make my peace with that.”

Their arms were around her again, holding her, and Kaylaya knew she was really home.

[autumnpawtribe]

The Naming

((Preface: one, this is SERIOUSLY long.  This RP took place on January 26 of this year.  I know, I am slow to post things, you may make fun of me for it.  A special thanks to @seilune, @varianwrynn, @zynros and the multitude of others who came to celebrate))

Janaret sat on the wall, watching out on the road.  His troll mate's brothers sat with him, watching as well.  He spoke in Zandalari , playing with a peice of grass and waiting on the visitors.

Rythyren flapped, carrying his companion to their destination with a huff of frosty breath.  "Do you still have Mox'tilek? I know she cannot keep up with me.." "Your little one is fine, I assure you..." Ryleyth hummed thoughtfully, ears twitching, and cradling the little whelp in his arms. When they landed , Rythyren was quick to shift, revealing both dragon and the magister were clad in similair attire. The dragon in a silken robe of blue and white, with a cloak that ended in scale like designs of pearlescent white. Ryleyth was quick to give the sleeping whelp back to her father, adjusting his own robes. The magister was wearing crimson and gold, flowing, with a cloak that sported phoenix feathers along the bottom hem. Meanwhile, Zul'Jaryn was never far from Kit'raka, and elsewhere, Draigarth was not far from Lowenthal.

Janaret smiled, recognizing the dragon he had recently met.  He was in full Zandlari Prelate regalia, holding his weapon up high next to him as he watched and waited.

Sam arrives via gryphon, flying low, lazy circles over the gathering party to ensure he's in the right spot before landing nearby.  The bird, small and white, follows him after he dismounts, pressing her beak into his neck, his hand, his shoulder--anything, really, in hopes of a treat.  He laughs at her softly, scritching her neck and adjusting his dark travelling cloak.  His armor, where it shows through at hands and collar and feet, is silver, ceremonial, polished to a high sheen: nothing like anything he ever wore at the Cove.  His distinctive blue-crested helm sits on the pommel of his saddle. His eyes seek out Ryleyth, never a difficult task given the other man's distinctive wardrobe, and he makes his way in that direction--still with the gryphon at his side.

A portal tore through the air out of nowhere, leaving behind a shimmering shower of arcane dust that sparkled across the ground. Out from the other side stepped the mage who had spawned it, all adorned in fine Pandaren silks in shades of blues and golds, and various trinkets of Zandalari jewelry. In tow was his husband, the ranger Draigarth, who he smiled upon before turning to Janaret. "I believe I landed us in the right place..."

Rythyren seemed thoroughly distracted as he approached the trolls, offering a bright smile towards the prelate, Stepping forwards with snoozing whelp draped over his forearm. Ryleyth seemed somewhat distant, his arms folded over his chest after he had handed the young one off, his golden gaze shifting here and there, for faces he recognized, which were surprisingly few. When one in particular started his way, however, he froze, and his ears slowly perked, mouthing the name without actually speaking. Draigarth stumbled a bit on entry. Portals had never been his forte.. Adjusting chainmail with a soft grunt. "Looks like it.. Don't think there's many groupings of trolls in Hillsbrad.. I.. think?"

A loud Kodo was heard marching in, a young adult was apon its back. Hitching the beast to the ground, he'd hop off, lifting a cigar from his side, half tempted to smoke to avoid the awkward conversations he'd endure. eh.. He'll be fine. "Hau, tauren for hello." He'd smile to the group that were there. "Right place, I hope for damn sure." He'd grit his teeth. harmfull memories. but also good ones as well. It was time to barry the axe.(edited)

The troll that awaited the guests sat on the wall of the rundown keep, another male troll next to him laughing as he told jokes in Zandali.  He was dressed very simply not formally; black shirt, leather pants, shoeless as his people tended to be.  On his face was a line of blue pigment, just under his left eye, bright red hair braided down his back just past his shoulders.  His staff was a long gnarled stick covered in flowers and mushrooms, both living and in full bloom.  The druid smiled around tusks that stood straight up and angled out a bit.  His amber eyes glowed in the setting sunlight.  As he rose, he called attention to himself and spread his long arms wide as he stood tall.  The second male, standing up next to the druid, was dressed in the traditional clothing of a wandering grandmaster monk and wearing his smile proudly, face clean of all but a matching orange stripe of paint under his right eye.  He was as Red-haired as his companion, both with matching deep amber eyes.  The pair were definitely siblings, though the monk seemed to have a few years on the druid.  Next to them sat a Zandalari, standing in full regalia as the druid spoke.

“Welcome, Guests of mah bruddah Vol’raka an’ ‘is mate, Xiao Chun.  Ah be called Jura.  Dis be ouah bruddah, Venyabi and Janaret, Vol’raka and Xiao’s mate.  We ‘ere ta guide ja ta da ritual site.  Aftah da namin’, ja all welcome ta stay, eat, sing an’ dance ef ja feel da desirah, an’ make new friends mebe?  Come should ja be followin’ en peace.”

A large fel bird, green and purple in plumage, flew in from high above, circling the area before letting out a great cry before landing and flapping its wings. "There there, girl" the man said before hopping off the bird and patting her side. The great bird flapped again and took off into the sky to either perch or hunt somewhere, who knew. Zyn was dressed in his finer clothes, an ornate black leather vest with silver inlay over a black satin long sleeved shirt. Form fitting black slacks tucked into black leather boots with ornate silver inlay. His eyepatch, normally just a leather one, was also custom made (by him) of black leather with a silver inlay...lots of silver inlay.

With that, Jura shifted to a great, pale stag.  Feathers and bones dangled from a thick leather collar of sorts that lay over his shoulders at the base of a furred neck.  Turning his antlered head to the group, he began walking toward the sea on the southern coast of the region.  The monk moved to float upon a cloud of chi, beckoning those assembled as Janaret called upon a golden direhorn.

An odd-looking spiked rock moved slightly, shaking as dirt and brush fell away from its base to reveal a shell of some kind. An ankylodon wearing a silver torc rose from the earth to follow the group, eying many of them warily... perhaps even hungrily? It was hard to tell, but it seemed to slowly improve in its mood as it walked behind the group.    

The group would come upon the cliffside, the sun not quite setting in the west and the sounds of the Great Sea not far away.  There were torches around the area, tables set with food and drink set apart a little from a ritual circle closer to the cliffside.  There were several figures, mostly troll, and a few orcs in the circle as final preparations were made by an orcish girl.  Two small troll boys were playing among the tables, the older, red-crowned boy of about four chasing a green-haired barely toddler as he crawled around.  A pale haired troll woman was off to the side caring for two other small trolls, one of them squealing loudly.

Tal flew in separately from his mate, likely so they could have enough room for the children they were bringing. Anyone who might babysit was already here, so the entire family showed up, split between the backs of their two drakes. Tal's recognizable and rather massive black nether drake flew down carefully before landing and allowing its passengers to climb down. Cradled in each arm, Tal held a bundled Balore and Luna, the older Kal'dorei girl known as Ely for short, around six years of age, also climbed down; though she stuck incredibly close to Tal, nearly clinging to his leg. He offered a smile to those gathered and then spotted a few faces he did not expect to see. He immediately stared down Sam and Kagtu, his blindfold folding inward on its ever so slightly as he narrowed his eyes, trying to determine if they were friend or foe. Surely friend, since they were here. He shook himself of the worry and moved to stand beside his fiance, looking to pass him one of the twins and smile at Vynnie who was surely beside them now as well. "There is a nice crowd here, this will be a wonderful ceremony I can already feel it." He said as he began to follow along and gaze out over the cliffside as they came upon it.

As they walk, Sam heads over to Ryleyth's side quickly, the gryphon aiding in clearing a path through the crowd, but then slows down considerably.  By the flush on his face, he seems not quite certain of what to say, and settles for something neutral: "It's a beautiful location, isn't it?"

Lowenthal glanced around at the gathering crowd, curiosity glinting in a green gaze. He wasn't completely seasoned on the traditions of trolls nor pandaren, and it was easy to see his interest was piqued. Looking around for familiar faces, he made sure to wave at Rythyren, and made a mental note to meet with the dragon as well as Vol'raka at some point after the ceremony.

Kagtu tagged along, lifting both of his hands into his pocket. He'd look conflicted, being here. Along with some of the people here as well, but the past is the past, and it'd be better to look to the future. with a deep sigh, he'd look back to Tal. "..Hey." He'd say softly. yet weakly. like he was afraid to say anything else. "Didn't know you turned babysitter." He'd tease.

Vyn had ridden with his dad and had hopped off Melody with the man, but where Zyn was dressed like a proper noble (though he wasn't one), Vyn was awkwardly dressed in black slacks tucked into simple leather boots and a loose fitting black cotton shirt. He did, however, have a couple of ribbons tied to his horns thanks to his little sister Ely. "Dad...who're all these people?" he asked while standing between his two fathers and taking his baby sister in his arms.

Amongst the few orcs present, one massive male seemed incongruous with the rest- a 7 foot wall of toned muscle, clad in hide pants and a set of ornate engineer's goggles was rushing about, taking turns between hanging around a short orc woman and fussing over one of the troll babies nearby. Spotting this, the dino-thing that followed the group let out a low rumbling noise... was it laughing?

The druid called Jura spoke and letting his voice carry, addressing the gathering.  “Come, stand around da circle.  We ask ja not step en til et be time ta speak.  At da end, da Farseeah gonna ask ef ja wish ta say a few words ta mah baby niece an introduce jaself ta ‘er.  Ef ja not want ja children seein’ some tings what be a lil scary fer em.  Best leave em wit mah mate, Zaita ovah dere.” Another troll walked up to join the brothers and Aret, his own visage painted in white and green, bright orange atop, spiked, but cut at his neck and the simple robes of a druid covering his body.  He seemed to want to disappear into the crowd and sat next to his kin.  He spoke in his native tongue, looking at the crowd for a moment longer.  “Fi riva difus Deh so yeyewata honnah dim fus dim cyaa fus deh'yo cyaa chaKa deh craaweh.”

((Tsal: “So many elves.  Not my favorite people, but the one with the silver-white hair isn’t bad looking.”))

Draigarth stuck close to his husband, amused by the sparkle that had been absent in his eyes for a little while hence. He seemed pleased enough to follow along for now, though he was clearly close enough, that the predator within him would read as possessive of the Cryomancer.. at least, for a fellow predator. Rythyren smiled cheerily, nodding to Lowenthal when he noticed his adopted son. Rocking the sleeping whelp from side to side, he picked a place to settle out of the way, waiting and watching, himself. He settled off to one side with a curious expression as they were told where to settle. Ryleyth offered a weak smile, tense, as if he feared all the worst reasons for the paladin to be before him. "Y-Yes.. Yes it is... H.. How have you been?" Zul'Jaryn shifted on his feet, adjusting his garb, which consisted of traditional attire, bones and feathers hanging from robes and headdress clearly styled for the Loa he followed. Bwonsamdi.

Tal offered him a small, slightly tentative smile when Kag spoke. However, when he mentioned babysitter, Tal broke into a grin and chuckled. "Is it considered babysitting if they are your own children? Hm... I never considered." He said with a shrug. "I think you met Balore and Luna." He looked back to the sheepish Kaldorei behind him now and wrapped his free arm around her to pull her forward with a quiet nervous whimper from the girl. "This is Elysara, we call her Ely. We adopted her after Teldrassil..." He murmured the words in Orcish, glad the girl couldn't speak it well just yet, knowing that it made her upset to think about it. It was then they were called to stand around the circle, moving to guide Ely to follow him as he stood where he was indicated to so he could bear witness to the ceremony.

Lowenthal glanced at the source of the Zandalari words, and then raised a brow, looking around. Now was his chance to socialize, perhaps. "And who would that be?" he said, smiling as he pronounced the foreign words carefully.

Seilune materialized at the designated spot in a faint, amethyst dust of arcane, remnants of the magic lingering on her tulle gown as she sauntered over to the gathered group. A glowing, lilac gaze slowly swept across the woman's surroundings, taking in the spectacular sight of the cliffside view of the Great Sea, and a soft, blissful sigh escaped between her lips. "Greetings, everyone," the woman spoke with eloquence, bowing deeply to the band of faces that were both familiar and foreign to her. "A beautiful locale indeed. Most fitting for such a joyous occasion. I thank you for the humble invitation, I have not attended a ceremony of this kind before."

Kagtu moved with Tal. odd considering he was a demon hunter. The human paused. face twisting with guilt. he'd switch to Orcish as well. "..We should-" Once more, he'd pause. thinking about the past.  His face showed it. Kagtu waved to the two kids. he'd look up to Tal. Guilt cleaving his face in two. "..I'm glad your out." He'd look around, using his right hand to point to the group. "To this band of misfits. family, even, if I am bold to call it that." He'd say with a hit of heart in his voice.

Zyn gave a wave to Kagtu with a grin before moving over with Tal when they were all motioned, Vyn following his parents and probably remaining silent for the remainder of the ceremony.

The altar was not fancy.  It was a simple flat stone, propped up on three other stones to keep it off the ground.  A piece of leather, crossed with sky-blue silk, woven with tiny silver phoenices covered and kept the stone’s occupant clear of smudge or damage.  On the altar lay a simple, but heavily bound book.  The leather did not look like it came from an animal.  The pages covered in drawings and runes that could be seen from a few feet away.  It was a focal point for the troll family gathered around to welcome a new soul to their lives.  This book was their guide to the rite they sought to complete that evening.

A female troll farseer stood at the small stone altar, clad in simple leather robes, but with items and adornments that she only pulled out for very special occasions.  Traditional pigments graced her cheeks and nose, blue, red and gold over face, arms and neck where her clothing did not cover sky-blue skin.  Red and blue axebeak feathers and golden beads were woven into the shaman’s straight thin braids as she looked to her right and left, gold hoop earrings jingling from her ears.

To the shaman’s right was a tall, well built and fierce looking troll woman, standing in a simple brown linen cloth skirt and short top, forearms covered with bone and iron bracers.  The warrior woman was painted in blue and red as well, a collared, golden-scaled raptor standing quietly at her side.  The woman, her violet hair pinned and braided behind her ear on one side and shaved on the other to show off the golden hoops in her ears, gave the well trained beast an occasional scratch on the chin.

On the Farseer’s left, a small half-orc mag’har girl stood with an obsidian knife and stone bowl, a small smile on her face.  She was painted just as the other two, her hair braided simply in comparison and tucked behind her ears.  She did not wear golden earrings, but iron as her own people.  Her own robes tied at the waist by a leather strap decorated with bone beads and laced up with a black strap of leather at her chest like a bodice.  The bowl she held was old, rough and not at all ornate, but it radiated with magic for those who could sense such things.  It was  well used, and passed down along this family’s line.  The runes upon it denoted it as Zandalari in origin.

Tsal blushed, looked at the elven mage and just grinned.

"Home," Sam says to Ryleyth in a low voice as the ceremony begins, "and glad of it.  One of the others followed me and took up work there as well--I had thought to offer the same to you but...I understand if you don't wish to leave whomever you've found a place with now.  Still, you're welcome to come visit whenever you'd like."  It's awkward; he doesn't want it to be but it is, and the fears that he'd abandoned Ryleyth there echo in his voice.

Lowenthal chuckled, but seemed to take that for an answer and went back to minding his own business. He observed the altar, then whispered to Draigarth. "I wonder what they meant when they mentioned things that may not be safe for children... I am not familiar with these ceremonies."

"Ah guess et be rude fer meh to stay like dis for de ceremony," grumbled out the dino-thing as it began to be enveloped in a halo of green energy. Standing upright, the Zandalari druid strode off to one side, examining the wrapping around a 3 foot parcel nestled safely away from the group.  

Across from the druid, stood a giant of a troll and his very small pandaren mate.  The troll stood upright and was dressed in a soft gray leather kilt slung low on his hips, held up and fastened with a darker gray leather strap and small silver medallion that resembled a Rush’kah mask on his hip.  His face was free of its usual warpaint, but his shoulders were coated in blood-red pigment.  The line of what did not look like paint crossed from his right shoulder to just below his left pectoral muscle, where a new looking tattoo in the shape of a tiny gray troll handprint lay just in the palm of the pandaren paw print already on the left side of his chest.  His hair, green and gold down to just above his ankles, was not braided.  He had it bound with leather in places to keep it from flying everywhere as the evening had a bit of wind from the nearby cliff face.

The unusually small Pandaren wore something as equally traditional as that of his mate, but starkly different from the Trollish design of the others. Wrapped around his form were silks of a deep crimson with brilliant threads of gold designs inlaid into the fabric. It was a traditional Pandaren kimono, draping along his form until it was cinched in the middle with a matching crimson silk belt tied loosely at his waist. It didn’t seem to fit him just right, and the aged look of it would imply it likely wasn’t made for him and instead was passed down from someone else; perhaps a woman, given certain folds in the material that would likely be made to compensate for breasts where this Pandaren obviously had none. His hair that was usually tied up in a loose topknot of sorts was instead tied back in a tight bun with ornate Pandaren chopsticks poking out of the brightly colored locks; the chopsticks having matching intricate gold-leaf designs on them to compliment the kimono. In the Pandaren’s arms, was a snugly swaddled and slightly fussy baby troll, with light blue-gray skin and the bigger male’s green and gold hair, with a dusting of sapphire blue.  Amber eyes looked around, not focused, but following the face of her pandaren father who held her in a sling over his shoulder and chest.  The fabric, a deep green, was embroidered with intricate cloud serpents and lined with black and white rabbit fur to keep her warm.

Intrigued by the ceremony and the prospect of learning more about Troll culture, the ambassador approached the alter a touch closer, just enough to get a take a closer look but distant enough to not disturb. Seilune bowed her head to the two Trolls respectively in greeting, the woman's gaze lingering on the young Mag'har girl as a grin spread across her visage from ear to ear. "Beautiful braids," she spoke, gesturing to the hairstyle with a single, slender finger. The trail of her gaze continued to the alter itself, closely inspecting the necessary tools with a slow nod of the head, a brow lofting in curiosity at the Zandali runes etched intricately into the stone. With the flick of a wrist, a floating tome and accompanying ivory quill conjured from a puff of arcane, the writing utensil scratching away at an open page to recreate the runes she saw.

In the middle of the circle as all saw it, was a stack of dry wood that stood about three feet tall, with small parcels of herbs tied up and tossed in regular intervals around the base.  The circle was cast with white salt, a bag from the Echo isles leaning against the stone altar.  She spoke first in Zandali, then switched to Orcish. “Lok'dan honnah reespek sca tor Wha fus Deh atuad iman fus'obeah Wha im ting cyaa is difus weh cyaa ju”

((Kit : Welcome, nieces, nephews, brother and kin.  May the Loa bless this gathering.  May no harm come to those who join us.))

“Ah welcome ja, all who come ta dis place ta welcome new life.  Ef ja ‘ere, ja welcome ta da fa’das of dis child.  Ef ja mean harm, leave dis ritual, for when da spirits be comin’ da loa will be sought fer blessin’s an da family of da lil girl who be named taday.  Dem what mean harm will face da consequences of dey actions.  Ah be called Kit’raka, and ah welcome ja ta da namin’ ceremony en da way of ouah family.”

Kag looked over to were Sam, Ryley and the other guy that he met in Dalaran. He'd was tempted, The young adult desided to move his way to behind the Elf. He'd didn't bother nodding to Sam. More or less wanting to make sure nothing was pulled. "Hau." He'd reply dryly. and his gaze was put back to the Ritual. looking back at it once more. Hopefully this wouldn't be.. bloodly.(edited)

Hands clasped neatly before her as the ceremony began, Seilune's eyes snapping to Kit'raka as she began to speak. She listened closely, nodding with a soft smile on her painted lips, the tome floating idly at her side still being documented with the sights and sounds the woman was experiencing so that she may reference later. The last thing she ever wanted was to appear hostile, her eyes widening a touch at the mention of harm being inflicted , idly looking to the others who were gathered at her sides. "I wish for prosperity for ba, papa, and child," she assured with a nod. "No hostility will come from my hands, and I hope none comes at all this day."

Zyn took Balore from Tal so his fiance could focus on Ely while watching Kit, he understood some of what she was saying in Zandali, enough to put it together. Vyn on the other-hand was completely lost on the troll language, poor boy.

Rythyren's attention went from the trolls, some of which caught his interest more than others, to the ceremony as a whole, quiet, even as his little one awoke, and he pulled out something small and soft for her to chew on, a crimson colored object that smelled faintly of blood, and emanated frost. Ryleyth seemed to relax slightly. "A-ah.. I had.. thought you.. were.. s-still with them.. It.. It is good to know that you are back where you wished to be..." He swallowed hard, before looking down at his hands. "I.. I have not... been... With.. them for several weeks now.. I.. I was.. forced to leave.. by Kou.." "I don't know.. certain there are .. some form of rituals they do not wish children seeing.. Not sure what though.." Came Draigarth's response with a chuckle. Zul'jaryn was settling off to one side, watching the proceedings as he shifted a small leather satchel in his hand.

The warrior troll and mag’har woman knelt on either side of the shaman, each with knees tucked under themselves and forearms on the winter grass beneath them.  Their heads touched the ground as the druid lay down on his belly.  Xiao and Vol’raka did not kneel, but both bowed their heads in reverence as Kit’raka spoke.  The element of air seemed to toss her braids up playfully as her arms raised.  Wordlessly, the farseer seemed to call fire to lick and begin to consume the wood, the bundles of herbs slowly beginning to burn.  The sweet smell of shaman’s smoke filled the area and those that inhaled the fragrance and were affected by the shaman’s grasses, would see three ephemeral forms standing next to the parents and now sleeping infant. For those who may react negatively to certain ‘intoxicants’, even the Shaman variety, it seemed there was another bundle of herbs smoking as well. These were of Pandaren origin, smelling of the sweet calming scents known to many as the tranquility incense that many Pandaren leave lit on long journeys. It brought peace of mind, calm, serenity, and most of all would help keep people prone to paranoia from certain smokes, Shaman or otherwise, from reacting negatively and panicking. “We call ta ja, spirits who come bearin’ witness ta da namin’ of dis girl.  Come ta give ja blessin’s ta dis one of ja blood.  Cyaa Uptfeel cyaa Craaweh Cyaa difus weh weh yu iyaz dim nehjo difus smadda ting skam Difus weh yudo sca nehjo difus deh'yo”

((Kit : Come, Mothers, come fathers.  Come those who are at rest, but guide their family from afar.  Those who once, and still, grant wisdom.)) Kit gave the Shal'dorei a small smile of acknowledgement, looking to the rest of the circle of people and nodding to those she may know, which were not many.

Lowenthal tilted his head, deeply inhaling the sweet smoke that mingled with the air. It certainly brought the tranquility it promised, balancing out the effects that the shaman's smoke brought. Blinking, the mage rubbed his eyes, wondering if anyone else could see what he was suddenly seeing.

The smell hit his mind like a truck. fingers wrapping around his face. as he'd breath the smell in. "What.." He'd say softly, as he'd look back up to the Ritual, some of his paranoia was eased, The young adult looked around. he'd look to his hands. giveing a small smile. smelt like home, sweet home. Kagtu lifted his gaze once more, over to Seilune, He'd only say one thing, "Arcwine Lady!" He'd wave happly, oh man. he loved that time he tasted Arcwine.. Oh, right, the Ritual. he'd dart back. breathing heavly. calmer, more.. at peace with himself for the moment.

"For those who ain sure of what ya be seein, yes ja be seein dem," said the druid who joined the circle after he finished his inspection.

Tal smirked as he saw the smoke forming, taking a deeeeeep inhale to let some of the smoke take effect. However, he didn't think of the fact that Ely was standing right beside him. The little girl did a little sway and tugged at Tal's pants, speaking in Darnassian in a low murmur. "Papa I feel funny..." Tal looked down and bit his lip to bite back a chuckle. "Zyn, I think our little Ely just got high for the first time. Here I thought I would be the one to do it." He scooped the girl up into his arms and brought her over to Jura's mate, speaking in Zandali. "I made the mistake of not thinking about the smoke, she may be a bit anxious due to separation anxiety, but she should be alright. Jura mentioned you could watch her?" He said in a hushed tone, not wanting to distract from the ceremony.

A mirroring smile pulled at the woman's lips at the sign of acknowledgment, idly looking to Xiao and Vol'raka as Kit'raka continued to speak in Zandali. Being one who did not partake in many substances other than arcwine, the intoxicants within the fumes began to take effect on Seilune almost immediately. Her eyes fluttered shut as the fragrance sifted through her nostrils, a blissful smile pulling on her lips as a sense of calm and relief washed over her body. Upon hearing Kagtu's, her eyes snapped open, the woman nearly jumping out of her skin as she looked to him with surprise. "Oh! Hello, Kagtu!" She said, laughing awkwardly. "Please, Seilune will suffice."

Upon seeing the herbs and smelling the scent, Zyn looked to Tal before frowning and glancing over to Vyn. "Hey, take the kids te the babysitter over there fer me, aight?" With a nod, Vyn took his baby brother before nodding to Ely to follow...hopefully she followed as he moved through the crowd to keep the babies at least from getting high...they were hungry enough on a regular basis as it was.

Those influenced by the smoke would see the spirits that came most clearly.  One was a Zandalari woman, the bearing and demeanor of a matriarch in her power.  Her violet hair was spiked up and falling in braids over shoulders and back.  On her neck was a high golden collar, long ears graced with large hooped earrings, and deep amber eyes that matched the trolls who stood around the circle of whom she was ascendant.  Her clothes were in black and dark blue, a simple dress that clung to her form loosely with an obsidian bat hanging from a leather strap around her waist.  The spirit bore no accent as she spoke, her words the native language of the listener.

“I, Azu’lana, come to greet my great granddaughter.” The spectre grinned at Shu'kilo, looking around at the ones gathered to see the girl.

A smaller male, Darkspear from his look and build, materialized.  Green-skinned, he was clad in white and black, the colors of his order.  The mask he wore was that of the visage of the Loa of graves that he had served in life.  He did not pull the mask away, his balding head covered with feathers protruding from the mask.  He wore no other adornments, but his voice was full of mirth and a bit of snark as his words mimicked the Zandalari woman’s.

“I, Un’lai, come to greet my granddaughter.”

Lowenthal's eyes widened and he nudged Draigarth, speaking in a loud, awed whisper. "A ghost..."

A small pandaren woman manifested, starkly similar to the red-furred Pandaren holding Tiny, materialized. Red fur just like Xiao, long flowing hair that was tied up into a bun with chopsticks holding it in place much like Xiao was wearing. She was actually wearing the same kimono Xiao was wearing, except it was clearly made for her and the unusual folds in Xiao’s now made sense as they were filled out by the Pandaren woman’s natural curves on her upper half where Xiao had none, being a male. She looked at those gathered before looking directly at Xiao and smiling with a brightness that carried to her eyes. When she spoke, her voice was like a melody on the wind, feminine and gentle, rich with the love and warmth of a mother.

"De honored ded, I hear you have dem too."

When the voice of Mei Ling rang out, Xiao’s eyes nearly popped out of his head with how wide they opened. It was a good thing Tiny was cradled in the sling because Xiao’s head whipped around to look at her in shock and disbelief as his hands came up to his mouth and cupped over it as he gasped. “Mama…?” He whispered, his eyes glistening. When he pulled his hands away, he was smiling wide, a single tear trailing down his cheek now as he composed himself for the ritual, though not breaking eye contact with the spirit of his mother for several moments before looking forward to Kit’raka again as he needed to focus on the ritual.

Draigarth smiled softly and nodded. "So it would seem... Yes.. I.. I have spoken to my mother before... Thanks to a very kind shaman."

Azu'lana, the first spirit pointed at Shu'kilo.  "We speak Latah, Shiftah."

All that were around the salt circle stood once more, waiting patiently.

The cryomancer fell silent, looking as though he were deep in thought -- wondering why it had never occurred to him before to reach out to his own deceased kin.

When the ghosts began appearing Zyn just raised a brow before nodding and giving them all a grin, "neat". It wasn't the first time he'd seen the ghosts of others ancestors...man Xiao looked like his mom. She was cute!

Kagtu /really/ wanted to speak back to Seilune, but now wasn't the time, he'd give a salute to the Elf, then back to the Ritual. "Holy fel.. those are the spirits.." He'd saw with awe. the tauren /were/ right. Should- no. don't. the Wolfmane are your own kin. your blood, you are no human. These thoughts were pushed away as Kag gained a smile, As he said, Just like a family.

As the phantasmal apparitions manifested from the fumes' psychedelic influence, Seilune's attention was stolen by them, her eyes widening to the size of saucers in intrigue and a touch of fear. The scratching of the quill against the tome quickened, the pages turning at a rapid pace as the woman's thoughts were being recorded. "Oh Stars..." She muttered quietly to herself, a hand lifting to her mouth as she noticed Vol'raka and Xiao overwhelmed with emotion at seeing their ancestors.

“We welcome ja spirits.  May da Loa ja serve…”  Kit’raka smiled with a bow of her head.  “Or Ja Celestials as et be…  Guide dis child.”  She turned her head up to the sky, arms raised to shoulder height and palms out before she let her head drop in reverence.  Lifting her head to gaze at the fire, her voice rang out, singing her words in lyrical Zandali. “Gonk, Riva fu fus Worl, Icense fu fus Yudo. Ju caang wha deh fus oondasta fu iman siame fu siare. Ir dim iyaz quashi iman t'ief is iman difus weh cyaa is ackee iman dim skam Ting siame skam godehsi deh riva sca ju weh whutless is wha worl deh weh or'manley.  Iresh’ka, Vahari.  Quick as ja can.  No sufferin’.”

((Kit: “Gonk, Lord of the Pack, Master of the Hunt. We thank you for the offering of this child of yours.  He has been chosen this night to feed those who come to greet this new life.  Your child will provide for many and we are grateful to you both for his sacrifice."))

The troll and orc nodded, Reshka standing with knife and bowl in hand.  Vahari spoke softly to the raptor, the golden tinted animal almost cooing as she quickly snapped its neck.  One hand on the back of the beast’s head and one on the muzzle made quick work of it.  She held the animal in her arms as it attempted to slump to the ground. She stood behind the raptor’s head as the mag’har waited a moment before slicing into the dead reptile’s neck and letting blood pool into the bowl.  With great care, she left the bowl on the altar and helped the troll woman carry the beast away, their task done.

Lowenthal couldn't help but flinch at the sound of bones snapping. "Ah... so that's what they meant..." He crinkled his nose at the sight of the pooling blood, but continued to watch, curious nonetheless.

"Mmm, can smell its blood" Zyn mused, but he didn't seem to say much else, focusing on the ceremony rather than the hunger starting to build from the scent.

The human watched as the blood pulled down into the bowl. figured, he'd asume some blood would be needed. The young adult gave a soft twitch. as the crack of bones were heard. yet.. he was dull, giveing a dull yet amused face watching this.. tribal practice. In a way, he felt pride, his inner animal pleased for the ritual, even if he wasn't a Troll or Pandaran. His blood was calm, not raging. good thing he took a pill before he got here.

Janaret stood back with Jura, Venya and Tsal, watching Hari and Reshka take the raptor away, murmuring a small prayer to Gonk out of thanks.  The Three brothers watched, quietly, bending their heads as well, both Tsal and Jura Druids of the Master of the Hunt.

Like a siren beckoning the tides, the rhythmic uttering of Zandali that Kit'raka spoke lulled Seilune to its melodic effect, the woman swaying from side to side idly in her intoxication. Being an elf who followed not patron deity or religion, the mention of Loas and Celestials held not personal meaning to her, but she could appreciate the sentimental value behind the presence and offering. In her trance, she barely reacted to the grisly sound of bones snapping, her pearlescent brows merely flicking as the kill was made.

Xiao carefully removed the sling from his form and cradled Tiny in his arms before carefully passing her off to Vol’raka. He looped the sling over his mate’s neck for him as his mate held onto their daughter and then moved to the front of the circle before the altar, standing in front of the woman, his mate, and the spirits. He cleared his throat and spoke out to those gathered. “We would like to sincerely thank you for coming to our daughter’s naming ritual. I know some of you may affectionately know her as ‘Tiny’, but after today she will be granted her true name in front of all of those that matter to our little family. As some of you saw, there is a little bit of blood involved, but for those of you who might be squeamish, the worst of it should be over.” He said with a reassuring smile to those gathered. “Once we prepare the ritual and our daughter is named, we will have words from those who wish to speak them, any of you who wish to introduce yourselves to our daughter before the spirits of her ancestors. Once we finish with the formalities of the ritual, there will be a traditional meal served to honor this ceremony that I hope you all will be happy to stay for.” He looked back toward the working Trolls behind him and saw they had just about finished up and smiled back toward those gathered. “With our little greeting out of the way, it’s time to get to what you all came here for. Without further delay, I will pass this back my mate’s lovely family.” With that, he offered a small little bow of his head before making his way back beside Vol and smiling at his mate, hoping he did well for their daughter.

Zul'jaryn watched them as well, a softness in skull paint framed eyes as he watched the Raptor's sacrifice, before returning his gaze forwards, unblinking, or so it would appear.

Kit turned her head to smile at Zul'jaryn, Medi and Tir, their sons, having broken away from Zaita and sitting quietly next to their father.

Seilune smiled to Xiao fondly as he removed the sling from his body, the woman nearly squealing in excitement as Tiny was procured from the cloth and handed to her mother. She nodded slowly as he made his speech, bowing her head in turn to him as he returned the floor to Vol'raka and their kin.(edited)

Ryleyth had settled somewhat stiffly next to Sam, his ears twitching slightly. Somewhat embarrassed, and cautious, it would seem, a bit awkward, but it didn't seem to be directed at any one person, moreso if others grew too close to the effeminate mage. Rythyren, on the other hand, was all up as close as he could get, a soft chuckle escaping him as Mox'tilek bobbed lazilly out of his grasp, having to snatch her up again. "Not right now little rose... After the ceremony.. you can't cuddle yet.." The little whelp let out a soft chirrup of disappointment, looking towards her friend's bundle. Draigarth frowned slightly, letting out a low murr as the Raptor was sacrificed, somewhere between  curiosity and something more primal, like the Felidae within had been upset it couldn't join the kill, an urge he suppressed, in respect for his companions. Zul'jaryn's unblinking stare softened once more, as he briefly brushed a hand across each of the boy's backs, and offered a nod towards Kit.

Reshka, the mag’har girl, came back with a large basket of bones, stripped of most of their meat and sinew.  She was not quite covered with blood, but her arms and parts of her chest were the crimson of the drying fluid.  She placed the bones in the fire, the smell of the flesh that was left becoming charred filling the air.  The smell was a bit strange between that and the shaman’s smoke that still lingered, but not unpleasant.  At the bottom of her bundle, she pulled out the sacrificial beast’s head, moving to place it before the altar.  The jaw was removed, only the golden-scaled skin covering the bones, and glassy green eyes staring into the crowd.

Vol’raka walked up to the shaman, tiny troll in his arms snuggled in her fur-lined blanket and the big troll waving Xiao over to them.  Kit’raka dipped her fingers into the bowl of raptor’s blood and spoke to each father in turn.  The infant was between them as they faced each other, Kit positioned at the child’s feet, the assembly only able to see the top of her head once the sling was pulled away.  The hunter knelt so that the child and he were more at eye level with her pandaren father and the shaman as she performed her rites. The woman’s blue finger, coated in blood, ran from between the male troll’s eyes up above to his hairline, leaving two lines of blood again on the hunter’s left cheek.  “Vol’raka Raptahblood, dis be ja daughtah?”

The towering Darkspear nodded, smiling around his tusks as he looked down at the child and then to his aunt then mate.  “Dis be mah daughtah, Ah claim er as mine by blood.  She be ouahs.”  The tiny infant took the opportunity to whine and wiggle before settling back down again.

Turning to the pandaren monk, she left a similar mark on Xiao’s forehead, fur only lightly coated in blood.  She touched his right cheek, leaving two small marks of raptor blood on that side, marking him in the exact opposite from his mate.  “Xiao Chun Autumnpaw, dis be ja daughtah?”

Xiao smiled widely despite the blood, seeming to take it better than most would anticipate given how fussy he could get about the condition of his fur. He nodded happily and stared down at his daughter with such love in his eyes. “This is my daughter, our daughter. She may not be mine by blood, but by spirit, love, and a bond I know will never break, I claim her with all of my soul.” He looked down at Tiny and took the opportunity to lean down ever so slightly and give her a little kiss on her forehead, eliciting a happy little squeal from the girl as her Ba’s fur tickled her face ever so slightly.

Shukilo forced a smile as he watched the ceremony, stealing glances towards the babysitter's group of young ones now and then. The druid seemed both happy and profoundly sad, and after a bit of time passed, he mumbled something and had to turn away for a moment, as if hiding something.

The presence of dried blood on the girl took Seilune aback a tad, much more so than watching the earlier raptor kill. It was certainly unlike any practices performed in Suramar involving children. In her youth, she had attended parties with cakes and sweet treats, and children were covered with streamers and confetti. But this contrast to the customs to which she was accustomed only intrigued her further, the woman watching closely as the bowl of blood was brought forward for the ceremony. As the scent of bones and raptor flesh blended into the fumes of the smoke, the woman's nose twitched slightly, trying to identify its properties but soon discovered she was unable to. Part of her felt she should be slightly disgusted, given that she was aware of the grisly remains that were laid before her, but yet the rather pleasantness of the smell prohibited her to be. She smiled with fondness at the parents' combined words and expression of love for their daughter, the woman's gaze lingering on Tiny.

Kit’raka dipped her fingers in the blood again, looking down with a smile at her great niece.  “Xiao Chun, Vol’raka.  What name ja give dis child?  Da one ja claim by blood and spirit.���

Xiao’s smile turned into a grin as he looked to Vol, biting his lip in anticipation before happily speaking out. “We bestow upon our daughter the name of Tarja Tian Autumnpaw.” He was practically beaming, the epitome of pride and joy as he stood beside his mate and gazed down at their daughter.

Kagtu struggled to get to his feet, he'd start clapping. living the place up. "Tarja!" He'd lift a fist up. "Tarja! Tarja! Tarja!" He'd chant. man, was he going to remember this? Though.. he sounded full of pride, for someone he only met once.

Tarja Tian Autumnpaw, he liked it! Zyn also decided to join Kagtu in chanting "Tarja! Traja! Tarja!", full of his uncle pride.

Lowenthal merely grinned widely, clearly happy for the two parents and sharing their pride. He began to applaud in tandem with the chanting.

Tal smiled happily as he watched the beautiful ceremony before him, but when Kagtu... and then his own mate began chanting, he just facepalmed and broke into a giggle. He slowly shook his head, just grinning. "Ohhhh gods..." He didn't seem embarrassed in any way, simply incredibly amused.

"Tarja? Oh, what a beautiful name," she commented, nodding with approval. The woman looked to her left and right as the chanting began, a pale brow lofting in confusion. Was this customary at a naming ceremony? She hadn't the slightest clue, and thus she chose to stay quiet, smiling in soft amusement.

There was an audible smack as Draigarth facepalmed. Cheering? "I.. do not know if that is.. entirely.. appropriate?" The pridelord sighed. Rythyren blinked, while Ryleyth muttered. "Kag..." Zul'Jaryn spoke, a low rumble escaping that skull visage. "Calm jaself an Listen.. we ainna done yet boy."

Kit gave the human teen a look then her employer...and went back to working her magics.  Medi and Tir looked up at their mother and then to Zul'Jaryn, confused. With a nod and using her thumb, the farseer gave the tiny girl a small brush of blood on her forehead and lines on both sides of her face to mimic her parents.  The girl didn’t seem to like the fluid on her face very much letting everyone know her disapproval with a soft cry.

“An’ who ja dedicate ja child to, be et Celestial, Loa or Spirit.” Vol’raka straightened his back, smiling as Tarja wiggled in his arms, still upset at the blood on her face.  “She be dedicated ta da Spirit of da Old Shadowhuntah, Vol’jin Darkspeah.”

Kagtu paused. looking like a fish out of water. he'd slowly stop, and chuckle. Muttering a sorry under his breath, but damn, didn't he feel alive today.

Kit nodded, Vol’raka still kneeling down to be at eye level with his mate and aunt.  The woman’s voice rang out to the assembled crowd, hands in welcome and looking toward the blue tiger druid.  The old troll shifted, gray-haired and Amani in looks, walked forward toward Kit, Vol’raka and Xiao with a blue candle and small box in hand.  Kit resumed speaking as she looked to her brother. “En ouah family, dere be traditions.  Dis one, da ritual of namin’ passed down fer da generations dat stem from da Zandalari, da people of mah mothah.  Fer a male child, a bone rattle be blessed and presented by da fa’da.  A female child be gifted two paiahs of golden earrings on ‘er namin’ day.  Da first be fer ‘er childhood.  Da second be fer when she an adult.  Dis traditionally given by da ma’da.  Dis a child wit more den one fa’da.  Today, dey give ‘er da gift of er earrings.”

The old male druid stood next to the shaman, holding the candle and box, opening it and holding it out to the pandaren.  In the box was a silver needle, an ornate golden Pandaren-styled dagger, and two pairs of earrings.  Both matched save for size, golden and inlaid on the inside of the hoop with deep green jade.  Kit pulled out the needle and spoke, her voice clear and even.

“Xiao Chun, nephew, et be ja place ta complete dis task.”  Holding out the long needle and held the candle above the now fussy baby who seemed to know something was going on.  “Dis needle be da one what pierced da ears of her ancestahs, aunties, cousins, an’ morah.  Et be mah hope dat da same be said fer ja grandchildren, one day.”

Volraka held Tarja as still as he could as he looked toward Xiao, smiling seriously and giving a nod.

Zyn didn't seem ashamed at the chanting, just giving a grin up to Kit as they continued on. He had to admit, the whole ceremony was really interesting to watch!

Xiao offered a small smile and spoke toward those gathered. “I suppose since this is traditionally done by the mother, it makes sense for me to do it, hm? I am not going to be so idealistic as to think we do not all know who is the man and who is the woman in this relationship.” He said with a small chuckle before looking a bit more serious again. He murmured something in Zandali now to Tiny, though loud enough for those gathered to hear if they were listening hard enough and spoke the language. Though it was a bit stilted due to Xiao being a novice with the language, it was still coherent enough to make sense; having likely been coached by his mate. “Godehsi fu flimeff zutopong fus yudo skam ir ting cyaa J craaweh”

((Xiao: “Forgive me, dearest daughter, the pain will be over soon, I promise.”))

After he spoke, he reached for the simple yet beautiful small Pandaren blade and took a small inhale. He closed his eyes and brought the blade to the furred flesh of his palm, biting back a wince as blood slowly dripped down from his hand onto the ground. He let out a breathy sigh and reached for the needle now and carefully held the tip over the lit flame of the candle. After letting the heat sterilize the needle for a few moments, he pulled it away and placed his other hand behind the small earlobe of their daughter. He closed his eyes for a brief moment and let a bright teal energy form around the hand behind her ear, the distinctive essence of Chi gathering around him as he channeled it into their daughter. As he did, he gave a small squeeze in the cartilage of her ear, triggering some small pressure points to numb some of the pain that would soon come. He pulled his hand away now to hold the needle with the unbloodied hand and squeeze his cut hand over the tip. Another wince came with the squeeze as blood dripped out from his hand and coated the tip of the needle thoroughly.(edited)

He switched hands and put the needle between the fingers of the bloodied hand, though making sure to keep the blood from the actual part of the needle he was gripping so it wasn’t slippery, and continued to prepare. With that same hand now, he brought it back to her ear and let the mists gather in preparation before separating his fingers to leave room for the needle. In a split second, he moved the blood-soaked tip of the needle forward with lighting precision and pierced it through the sensitive flesh of their daughter’s earlobe. Immediately an ear splitting cry broke the silence as she still felt pain, even if it was lessened. However, the cry quickly began to dull to a fussy whimpering and whining as Xiao’s mists filled the wound as quickly as it formed. He made sure not to heal it completely, instead simply sealing the flesh back together where the blood was coming from but making sure not to close the actual hole and instead simply cause the flesh to seal itself shut around the needle without adhering to the metal. Once he had healed it enough to slow the bleeding but not so much as to make the needle be stuck, he pulled it back out seamlessly and finished the healing so that only a bit of pink was visible inside of the fresh piercing. He carefully took one of the gold earrings and slid them through the piercing, eliciting another whimper from Tiny before it settled in place and no longer bothered her as the metal stopped moving against the freshly healed flesh. Soon after he repeated the process on the other ear, mirroring his actions perfectly. Heat, numb, coat the needle in his blood, pre-heal, pierce, more screaming, seal the wound, remove needle, insert earring, and one last touch of healing on both and it was done.

While Tiny still fussed a bit, the second touch of healing and soothing mists seemed to be enough to soothe the infant as her fussing slowed mere squirming and unhappily babbling as Xiao nodded to Kit upon being satisfied with his healing job on them, offering their daughter an apologetic smile after. “Now you will always be mine not only in spirit… but in blood as well. Our beautiful little Tarja.”

Ryleyth winced. He did not envy her the pain of that piercing, his own hand briefly going to the delicate amethyst studs he yet wore. and his were far smaller than troll jewelry. He yet fidgeted where he stood, seeming to attempt to avoid touching anyone. Rythyren was wincing, holding a squirming whelp who didn't understand what her friend's cries meant, only that she was in pain, going so far as to feebly scratch at her father's arms. He hushed her softly in draconic, reassuring the small violet creature that everything was alright. Draigarth, too, winced, the memory of a few recent piercings leaving him with sympathy pain, though he was sporting a warm smile at the family that showed before him. Zul'jaryn seemed to be concentrating now, his swirling eyes of blue and amber closing for a moment as he recalled the words and actions he would have to commence soon.

Lowenthal empathized with the small girl; the sound of a baby's cry made his heart ache, and briefly he wondered how Calam was doing back at home before he continued to concentrate on the events.

Kagtu felt a frown, but didn't say anything, wasn't his rules. besides, ear piercing were bad ass. he thinks.

Illustrations of the objects being used for the naming ceremony were scribed into the floating tome while Seilune watched the process closely, her eyes widening and gut twisting a touch upon seeing the procurement of the Pandaren dagger. She acknowledged Kit's words with a nod, knowing that the piercing of a female child's ears was custom for these ceremony, but yet she couldn't fight the grimace that appeared on her countenance. The woman reeled at Tarja's crying, looking to the child with a sympathetic look, the  sounds of her wailing making the Shal'dorei's heart ache.

It seemed the tiny troll baby getting her ears pierced didn't bother him, though her crying made him want to calm the poor child. He also wondered how his four kids were doing, though once he looked back and saw Vyn helping with the babysitting of all the kids he knew they were all fine. Poor boy.

When the deed was done, the girl no longer fussing and her pain healed by the skills of her experienced mist weaver father, Kit waved to have them stand to the side as they passed their daughter to the shaman.  She bounced the little girl in her arms, smiling at her great niece.  “Child, da spirits gonna smile on ja, da be mah sincere wish.” “Xiao Chun, Vol’raka.  Who Ja choose ta guard an’ guide should da Loa take ja before she can care fer ‘erself?” Vahari and Reshka came back at this point, the raptor butchered and ready, both clear of blood and clothing changed  to simple half shirts and kilts.  Reshka moved to stand next to Dumbuss and watch him work, Hari moving to wrap an arm around Shukilo.

Xiao spoke up again now after Vol nodded at him, looking out in the crowd toward those he called the names of. “There are four people we trust with the life of our daughter. There are many we consider close friends, family even, but these four are ones we would trust not only with her life, but even ours if push came to shove. The woman who raised the man I love so much. Kit’raka, daughter of the Redwalker, and her mate Zul'jaryn. The other two are… well, they are my closest friends and they very well may be Vol’s as well.” He said with a smile now. “They are kind, caring, protective, and parents in their own right. Talrethriel and Zynros. Between those four, caring for our daughter if anything ever happened to us… I would have no fear for Tarja’s fate. With your collective knowledge; Darkspear,  Frostmane, Thalassian, and all of the worldly knowledge you each have between you. I trust you will raise her well in our absence, Celestials and Loa willing that never happens, but Vol’raka and I instill that trust in all four of you."

With a nod, the farseer called forth the three males that were to be spiritparents to the girl.  “Talethriel Shadethorn, Zul’jaryn Frostfirah, Zynros Shadestriker.  Ah be called as well.  Ah be acceptin’ dis task ta raise Tarja Tian Autumnpaw en da old ways of da Zandalari an Darkspeah, an da edicts of da celestials.  Ja accept dis task?  Et will be ja charge da rest of ja days an’ er’s."

Tal comes forward as he is called, grinning widely with happiness and a bit of pride at being granted such a honored position in the little girl’s life. He opened his arms as Kit offered Tarja and carefully cradled her against his chest. He was only wearing a kilt, formal at that, but simply a kilt all the same. As such, Tarja felt the warmth of exposed flesh and warmed right up to him, making happy little babbling noises as babies do while the large Sin’dorei held onto her. “I accept the honorable task of raising Tarja Tian Autumnpaw to the very best of my abilities, should the day ever come. While I am neither Darkspear nor Pandaren, I will do my best to teach her the ways of her people, if the time ever comes. Thank you, you two… really. It means a lot.” His smile was warm, his words heartfelt and genuine. He was truly honored. After leaning his head down to give Tarja a little kiss on the forehead, he carefully passed her to the man on his left who happened to be Zul’jaryn.

Taking the child gingerly from the elf, he offered the demon touched fellow a slight nod, before looking down at her. The elemental mage was wearing his finest ceremonial attire, which was to say a full length kilt, beaded halter and thick headdress that rested over his head and about his shoulders. The caster leaned down, smirking slightly. "Lil Tarja be a strong'n.. dis da bones be tellin me..  She be a fightah.. an one ah would be happeh ta teach all o' what ah know, should dere ever be a need. My eyes be seein many a ting. Ah be raised in tha old ways by a darkspear ma'da an ah be trainin her da way ah was trained, should it eva come ta pass. Till Bwonsamdi be takin us all, ya have ma word." Gently, he offered  her then to Zynros with a slight nod, his hand once more falling to the leather pouch at his side.

Stepping up to the front, Zyn eyed the crowd, nervous a little bit but just nodded before turning to the tiny troll baby. She wasn’t his, but he already loved her like family. “So uh, I’ve never done this before...I mean ye haven’t either, so here goes.” Clearing his throat, he glanced around and eyed Vol and Xiao before looking back to Tarja. “I, Zynros Shadestriker, accepts the role’a bein’ one’a ye god fathers. I promise te protect ye like me own, te sit ye when ye dads need’a do stuff, te spoil ye like the proud uncle that I am.” He also had a gift for her, his own blessings of sorts (even though the gift of blessings wasn’t happening yet). Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a tiny little braided leather bracelet, carefully putting it around her wrist. “This’s more fer ye parents than fer ye, but with this bracelet, ye dads will always know ye safe.” After he put the tiny bracelet around her wrist, he would hand her back to Vol’raka.

Vol grinned, taking Tarja back as she made noises, she liked looking at the new people.  "Ja lil one, ja gonna meet everyone who wantin' ta do so, en a bit." Kit nodded, beckoning each of the three forward to place a line of blood under their right eyes.  She brushed a line under her own right eye to match the others.  “Ah name us all fouah ta be da guardian’s of dis lil troll.  Ja be obliged ta fulfil ja oath ta dese mons an da babe.” She nodded a dismissal to the elves, turning to her own mate, Zul’jaryn.  “Ja who be called Uncle ta Vol’raka.  Ja been asked ta roll da bones.  Ja tell us da fortune of dis girl.  What da Loa speak?”

The mage, blue eyes shining a bit in the lowering light, came forward.  The book that rested on the altar was set aside a little as the big male moved to kneel on the outer side of the altar.  Zul'jaryn knelt and pulled out a bag made of leather.  The leather strap, where usually tied with a knot, was held shut by what looked to be a tooth, small and sharp, like that of a young raptor.  His hand came out with a pile of what looked to be large chips of bone, dark runes cut into the white polished pieces. He studied the ossein fragments quietly for a moment, a finger scratching his chin as he speaks.  One ear twitched, causing the chiming sound of one his chains, marks of Bwonsamdi’s claim on him.  It caused one earring to clatter as he ducked his head, looking closely at the three that came first to his sight.

"Da first be As Or Os.  Action, Thought, Inspirin' Enthusiasm.  Et brin wisdom and favah da intellectual.  She gonna go through a time where ever'tin' be about Talking, discussin'.  Time be comin' where knowledge be necessary, more den we all be knowin.  Tarja be needin' ta listen tadem what be know ta be wise an' informed en da ways of da world.  She do dis, et be a positive fer all involved.  Patience gonna be a powahful ting fer dis lil life.

Da second be Is.  She gonna need ta learn ta stand back.  Sometime et be where et best ta not take action.  Too many tings get en da way."  His hand waves from side to side, as if sweeping things from before his vision.  "Things will be troubled, en many ways.  En dat time, et be a time ta wait, ta watch.  She gonna know when et time ta take action, ef she listen ta wisdom of 'er own an othas."

He moved his finger to a third bone, smiling.  "Ger Or Gar, da third.  Transition.  Heraldin' da end of dark times.  Ever'ting happen en ets own times.  She gonna have ta learn ta adapt.  Be a willow, not a mighty tree.  Da reward be worth et when she able ta do dis.  Adapt an' be calm when tings be gettin' crazy.  En' da end, She gonna use dem skills ta do great tings en da name of 'er people.  One day, she gonna help bring change.  Othas be involved, but she gonna be one what help wit da change." "May one day, lil Tarja, ja help right da wrongs.  Be kind ef ja gotta impose ja will.  Bein' a good person be hardah den ja tink, but ja loa, ja spirit reward en dey time."

“Now, dis be da time fer blessin’s.  From da Fa’das, da spirits, da guardians, and Ja.  Ja what be ‘ere considered family en some way ta dis new family.  Et be time fer ja ta speak should ja wish.  Et not be required of da family, but et mebe nice fer a lil hello da ‘er?  Come wit’in da circle, be careful of er’ head when she given ta ja fer ‘er blessin’s.  Some of ja be from otha traditions an’ faiths.  En dis place, dem blessin’s welcome and wanted.”  Kit chuckled softly as she stood to the side with Zul’jaryn, their own sons sitting remarkably quietly next to them, but just inside of the circle with their parents.

Vol moved to take Tarja back from his Aunt, sitting on his haunches, pulling Xiao to stand next to him.

“Mah Tarja.  Daughtah.  Ah, Ja Papa Vol'raka and ja Ba Xiao Chun, choose and gift ja da name Tarja Tian.  Ah declare myself to be one who will teach you the old ways of da Loa, Zandalari an da Darkspeah.  We be helpin’ ta guide ja path and care fer ja until ja ready ta do fer jaself.  As we be settin’ ouah foot upon dis path wit’ ja, we be promisin’, ta Loa an’ Celestials both, dat we be givin’ ja what knowledge we be possessin’ and hope dem what witness dis be doin’ da same.

Wit raptor's blood we grant ja courage, wisdom, patience an’ strength of will.  Wit dese virtues, may ja fight for ja Loa, protect dem what be ja’s an’ be successful en ja walk en dis world an othas.” The troll mon passed her to her Ba, smiling down at Xiao Chun as he kissed both his daughter and mate on their foreheads.

Janaret smiled from the side, looking at his little family, grinning proudly.

While his mate was holding Tarja, Xiao picked up a nearby sealed box and carefully opened it, setting each of the seemingly mundane objects in four distinct places. One East, one North, one West, and one South. Upon finishing his preparation, Xiao took Tarja back from his mate and gazed down at her, such love in his eyes as he spoke. “I, your Ba, Xiao Chun, declare myself to be one of the ways of Pandaria. Even as Troll blood courses through you, you will be just as Pandaren as those who are furred head to toe. I promise to teach you in your Ba's ways, to pass along our ancestral knowledge and show you how to live your life to its fullest, under the Celestials and Loa both." He smiled down at the relics he had placed and continued. "With these four relics of the August Celestials, a tuft of fur from Niuzao, a shed scale of Yu'Lon, a broken claw of Xuen, and a lost feather of Chi-Ji, we grant you the fortitude of the Black Ox, the foresight of the Jade Serpent, the agility of the White Tiger, and the mindfulness to keep your hope burning as bright as the Red Crane against all odds."

Azul’ana did not take the babe, but her spirit moved to stand before Xiao Chun as he held the child in his arms.  “Great granddaughter.  Great things will come from you, equally great things expected.  There will be happiness and tragedy, wonders and pitfalls.  None here can nor should shield you from that adversity, for because of it you will grow like a flower in sand.  Never forget to grow.”

With that she moved to float behind the altar.

The beautiful kimono-clad Pandaren spirit moved forward to stand before her son and her granddaughter, smiling down at them now. As she spoke now, more than her simple announcing of her presence before, those gathered would hear where Xiao got the melodic undertone to his voice. Mei Ling had a voice that sounded like music on the wind, sweet and rich, gentle and soothing to the ears. The smile on her face carried to her words, making the harmonious notes of her words that much more euphonic. “My dear granddaughter, while I may not be living and breathing beside you, I will always be there to watch over you…” She paused to look at Xiao, her eyes sparkling with joy. “... and you.” She then looked to Vol. “All of you, in this beautiful family. Your life will be filled with more love and compassion than you will know what to do with and I know that you will become an amazing woman with an even more incredible soul. The Celestials smile upon this one… and your life will reflect that. Never forget that you have the love and support of those in the realm of the living and beyond. Your mama Mei will always watch over you.” Her smile only widened now as she stared down at the baby girl for a moment before offering one last lingering look toward her son only for him to return it with a grin of sheer joy as she moved back to stand behind the altar. Xiao didn’t even hide the tears that were streaming down his face. He was too happy to care.

The masked spirit came forward, smiling down at his youngest granddaughter.  “There were ones before you, there will be others after you.  Forget about none of them.  All will have something to teach you.  You will have something to teach them.  Lessons come in many ways, granddaughter.  Teach and Learn.  And, don’t forget to laugh.”  His spirit moved to stand behind the altar, all three watching.

Tal came forward now, Xiao smiling at him and offering his daughter over to the Illidari carefully. Tal cradled her against his chest again, more happy babbling coming from her at the unusual warmth of his skin against her. He couldn’t help but to chuckle a bit. “You beautiful little girl… you are truly lucky to have such a loving family. No matter the strife, no matter what mess life may throw at you… I know that you will always have this entire village of loving people to hold you up and make you strong enough to face anything. I am more than honored to be part of that village, to be able to be part of your little family as one of your spiritfathers. Whether you need, no matter the time, no matter the place… I will always be there, all you need to do is call. Celestials, Loa, and whatever other Pantheon may be looking… this one is special… and I know they know it. You are going to have an important life, little one. You deserve it.” With that, he smiled and carefully passed her off to Kit as she came up next.

Kit came forward, holding Tarja yet again in her arms.  Her words were in Orcish, soft and sung as a lullaby would be to her own two sons.  “Da loa keep ja safe, Ja heart guarded from harm, ja blood strong.  One day ja grow ta fight fer what ja believe en.  Dat could be da path of da motha, da path of da warriah, da path of da healin’ crone.  Whatevah et be, little Tarja, we all ‘ere ta help ja.”  She said a few more words in Zandali that caused Vol’raka to give her a look and the Spirit that was once Un’lai cough.  “Deh'yo dim J skam difus wha fu yu so han smadda fu ir smadda fu fu Iyaz Deh deh yahsoda worl m t'ief ting fu deh fus'obeah Wha skam deh ackee fi fus craaweh fu ting.”

"Tarja, ja gonna go on ta great tings.  Ah be a creature of da Loa of graves.  One day we all gonna meet 'em eat at 'is table.  Dat inevitiable.  When ja go, make sure ja sent many before ja."

Zyn took baby Tarja into his arms to hold her close to himself, smiling down to her. "Tiny...Tarja. I'm not  as good with words as ye Uncle Tal, but I as I said before, ye part'a me family an' that means ye under the protection of Shadestriker. May the Shadows ever be beneath ye, give ye a place te hide if ye need it, give ye safe haven from dangers that may lurk.  An' know that when ye be old enough, if ye wantin', I'll teach ye how te be one with the shadows." Leaning in, he kissed the girl on the forehead before handing her over to Kit with a nod.

Rythyren perked his ears, listening, thankful that when Tarja had stopped crying. After a moment, he spoke softly, with a smile. "If.. I may?... I have you lovely gentleman but a short time, however I find myself fond of you, if for nothing else than you have given someone very dear to me a new friend, and I think, perhaps, lifelong, if she has anything to say about it. As you may be aware, I hide little about what I am.. I am yet young, my youngest, however, has an eternity ahead of her." Mox'tilek perked up, before squeeking out softly. "Can I be with Tarja now?" Her snoot wiggled and a tiny serpentine tongue blepped out from where she rested in her father's arms. The entire display made Ryleyth giggle, if a bit hesitantly. The delicate magister, crossed his arms over his chest as he did so, his head down and his ears back, a flush to his cheeks. Draigarth was amused as well, though he wrapped an arm around Lowenthal, clearly something on his mind, but he wasn't talking, as he glanced sideways at his beloved.

Kit wandered to Zyn, standing next to him. "Now fer all da assmebled, et be ja time ta say hello, ef ja wantin'.  Step up an be speakin' ja words as ja be seein' fit.  An ja can aftah everyone who wants ta has held er, lil ting."    Kit now waited for whomever came up to hold her and speak.

Tal watched everything play out, grinning at the little whelpling and her incredibly adorable display. However, his gaze remained on Ryleyth the longest. Seeing the man giggle, show any sign of happiness at all really, it was something that made the Illidari incredibly happy to witness again.

Shukilo shifted from foot to foot, looking to Vahari for guidance."If et be de time for meh to speak, ah ave a gift for de family o de babe. De Loa I revere bade me make dis for jah, and ah know bettah dan ta disabeh de masta of shapes." Striding over, he collected the large hide-wrapped parcel and carried to rest before the family. Slowly he unwrapped the package, revealing a stone plinth much like the ones seen for the fallen in Pandaria. Almost three feet tall, its sloping rectangular form was topped by a silver-and-steel bowl for incense, and its base was almost a foot wide and nearly square. engraved on all four sides of it was a modified version of the Darkspear spear-and-shield that would take a moment to Identify. At the foot of the front was a metal weapon bracket, empty as Shukilo unwrapped a beautiful stone and silver mockup of of a specific glaive, of which no other quite like it had been known to exist. Reverently, he placed it in the bracket, and then stepped back and proclaimed "By order of Gonk, de master of shapes, ah shrine ta da fallen chieftain o' de Darkspear ta watch over ya home."

Vol bowed, looking to his sister and his brother-in-law of a sort.  "Ah be tankin' ja,  Dis be a blessin' on mah family, Shu'kilo, an ja too, Sistah."

Lowenthal smiled at his beloved. What do you think, love? Quite touching... I almost wish we had given Calam something like this. He communicated to his husband via thought, and through their link he wondered what the ranger was thinking.

Seilune stepped forward as the invitation for others to come forward and given their blessings to Tarja was made, the woman gingerly taking the child and cradling her in her arms as she spoke broadly. “Friends and family of this beautiful child, I am Lady Seilune Astrande. I thank all of you for the humble invitation to bear witness to Tarja’s naming ceremony, as well as for being welcoming of me. I have no tutelary deity that I follow. In fact, many of my people have abandoned the religion of old over the span of ten thousand years. But with that being said, I bestow best wishes and tidings onto Xiao, Vol’raka, Tarja, and all of you gathered here today. May this child always walk an illuminated path, one that is paved with success and strength, and that each and every one of us can give her the love and help that she needs to fulfill her goals and wishes.” A lilac gaze swept slowly to the child, resting on her cheerful visage before fluttering shut. The Shal’dorei pressed her nailed thumb upon the child’s forehead, and as she did so, the sound of soft Shalassian could be heard emitting from between the woman’s lips. “E’rath omnas…” Intricate, leyline tattoos inscribed across her periwinkle skin shifted to an amethyst hue as she muttered the incantation, a prismatic barrier of arcane engulfing Tarja’s form before becoming invisible. “I have placed a shield upon the child, one that is invisible to the naked eye to protect her from any and all that could, Titans forbid, attempt to do her harm.” Before passing Tarja to the next person who wished to speak, Seilune conjured a leyblossom with a quick flick of her wrist, carefully tucking the efflorescent flower behind the child’s pointed ear. “Erana-dora isil.”

Vol smiled, Tarja making a happy little newborn noise at the flower.  "Ah tank ja, Lady Astrande."

Reshka came forward, taking Tarja and bouncing her a little.   “I’m your cousin, Reshka.  I hope that anything I teach you will at least be positive.  I hope you have a far easier time keeping your temper than I ever have.  You should know that you have a great big family who loves you and will help guide you.  There will be punishments, and rewards.  Life’s not easy, Tarja.  The family who you choose as yours will help you through.”

Draigarth smiled softly. It would have been nice, yes... but... perhaps.. He glanced towards Rythyren, thoughtfully for a moment, before glancing back to Lowenthal. Perhaps... ah.. nevermind.... this is hardly the time.. He responded in kind.

Lowenthal lifted a brow, looking concerned. If you say so... but would you tell me later?

Xiao remained silent, watching the ceremony with a proud smile... but then Seilune's magical display made his eyes widen a bit and an impressed look crossed his features. The conjured flower caught his attention the most, grinning widely and having to resist from reaching out to touch it. "It is beautiful, and so is that gesture. Thank you, really."

It's nothing bad my love, I promise.. just.. ideas... He blushed , ducking his head and offering another smile.

Sam steps forth and takes the baby, uncapping a tiny bottle of scented oil and anointing each cheek with a little.  "I offer to you two gifts: the ferocity of Goldrinn, and the peace of the Light.  May your heart always know the balance between them, and may you never lack for the courage to do what you feel is right."  He kisses her forehead to seal the blessing, and passes her on.

Tsal, the orange-haired brother of Vol’raka smiled as he held the youngest of his niece.  “Ah be ja Uncle Tsal.  Ah not got much ta say, but May da Eart’motha guide ja en er wisdom.”

The cryomancer looked rather relieved, and smiled. "As long as you are untroubled... I think I will go congratulate the parents and meet the baby." He planted a kiss on the ranger's forehead, and stepped away into the gathering, waiting his turn patiently to meet the youngling.

Dumbuss got up and walked up the the young one, smiling wide with a box in hand. Opening it slowly, he addressed the babe as he handed an ornate mechanical raptor in Zandalari styling To Vol. "Dumbuss bring companion thingy for little one. Give to papas for now. will be fun for you when are allowed to play with later. Will help protect too. Dumbuss is with Reshka, you ever need Dumbuss, Dumbuss will smash things for you."

Reshka grinned.  "Awww its cute!  Dumbuss, no smashing one elf with other elf..."

"Well.. I mean.. Can't argue with the outcome of last time.." Jested Draigarth with a low chuckle.

Lowenthal glanced over at the mag'har woman. "Ah, that story certainly has made its rounds, hasn't it..."

"They are mated.. I'm certain he bragged about it.." Draigarth smirked.(edited)

The little Mag'har smiled.  "Oh Runda and Harken have even been regaled of THAT Exploit!"

Lowenthal exclaimed. "The only one allowed to smash Draigarth here is me."

"LOWEN!" Now the pridelord was blushing.

Dumbuss spoke.  "Need help 'frostypants'?"

The cryomancer grinned devilishly, but the gesture was countered by an innocent grin.

A bright redhaired male came forward, “Ah be Ja Uncle Jura.  Ah hope ja like mangoes.”  He gave a chuckle as he held the tiny sleepy child.  “Ja got two good fa’das.  Ja got all dese people ‘ere ta see ja.  May ja one day find ja place an’ ja footin’.  An' et sound like ja got an interestin' otha side da family as et be.."

Rythyren cleared his throat, covering mox'tilek's head. "PLEASE...."

Xiao made a quiet 'Oooh' as he saw the raptor, deciding to hold it for his mate for now. It was his curiosity that got the better of him as he found a little dial to turn and promptly began to turn it and set it down to see what it actually did.

"Of course not!" The mage let out a harrumph, flipping his ponytail over his shoulder.

Janaret:  “Tarja, Ah am Janaret.  A am new to your family, and newer to your life than you are.  Ah am welcomed by your fathers as theirs, welcomed as a new love in their life.  They welcome me as father to you as well.  I hope to be a good one, a good member of your family, So Zutopong."

Zyn moved from the group crowding around the baby over to his own kids on the far side with the babysitter and Vyn to check up on them all as well as bring Luna and Balore and Ely back over now that the scent was gone. "Hey, Tarja, why don'tcha meet ye cousins? This's Luna an' Balore." Holding a baby in each arm, he held them up to the troll baby and whoever was holding her.

As the raptor was set down, it whirred and clicked, its eyes flashing red, then yellow, then green and finally to blue. Looking around, it cocked its head one way, then the other, and let loose a tiny roar as it scampered around through peoples feet.

Lowenthal peered over shoulders in order to see the child, letting out a soft "aww".

Hari held Tarja up to see the babies, the infant very interested in looking at EVERYTHING.  “Ah be Ja Auntie Vahari.  Bwonsamdi guide ja.  May all da Loa smile.  Make sure da firah en ja belly nevah go out.  Fight fer et.”

Vol laughed, kneeling down and looking at the raptor. "Can ja make em.. full size?"

"... Oh Celestials, wait come back!" Xiao said as he hurriedly tried to scamper after the construct, looking to snatch it up and try to turn it off.

“Ah be ja Uncle Venyabi.  Not seen ya before this day, little one.  Mah blessin’ be simple.  Ef all ja can save en dis world be one, be sure et be jaself.  Nevah set jaself on firah ta keep anyone warm.  Remembah othas, but not forget jaself.”  The othre redhaired male grinned down at the girl before He and Tsal dragged Jura off.  They would be found by the fire, drinking beer and roasting pieces of raptor and Tsal inspecting the hide.

Dumbuss nodded once, then looked thoughtful. "Expensive, need to keep light.  Would need lots of special metals and would want actual hide from large dinos."

A moment into the mad scramble after the raptor, it was floating above the pandaren's head, shrouded in a glow that bordered violet and a firey orange, as Ryleyth's hand held outstretched, golden eyes glowing as he concentrated on holding it still. "Missing something?"

"Ja an Ah gonna talk latah, Cousin."  Vol nodded at Dumbuss and Reshka smirking.

"I didn't necessarily prepare a fancy speech or anything, but could I hold her for a moment?"

Hari handed Tarja over, letting Lowen hold the wiggling infant.

Xiao hadn't even noticed it was off the ground until he heard the whirring of the gears above his head and looked up. He chuckled and reached up for it, smiling as he recognized that hue of magic. He looked over to Ryleyth and nodded. "Thank you, yes. I did not realize how fast that little thing could run." He looked to Dumbuss now. "This is nicely made, Tarja will love it. I am more intrigued with it than I should be as well, but some things can't be helped, hm?" He said with a playful little glint in his eyes before he finally turned the knob the other way to cease its whirring and running.

Ever so carefully, the mage took her into his arms and held her close. As he stared down at her, he could only think of one thing: don't make her cold, don't make her cold... He smiled, cooing softly. "Hello there, pretty lady... look at how lucky you are, surrounded by love and warmth."

Rythyren smirked slightly, padding forwards a bit, before murmuring quietly to Vol'raka. "I.. did bring you something as well..." He paused for a moment, before offering a small package. "This... may help.. when her teeth begin to press farther..." The small semi-squishy object looked like a leather pouch, shaped to look like a Zandalari mask, cool to the touch, clearly enchanted.

Vol reached out to take the pouch.  "Dis bet bettah den booze on 'er gums."

Lowenthal rocked the child gently, beginning to regret having not brought a gift. After mulling it over a few moments, his eyes lit up with an idea. Balancing Tarja in one arm, he used his other hand to conjure something made of ice -- it was a small rattle, the handle shaped like an icicle. He let the baby observe it. "This is enchanted so that the cold will not bother her, but it is very delicate. If it breaks, I can make a new one without issue."

Tal waited for Lowen to finish his greeting before heading over. "May I?" He asked kindly once he finished, taking the little bundle into his arms now. “Perfect little Tarja… I am your uncle Talrethriel, one of your spirit fathers. Whenever you need help, support, advice on men even… who knows maybe you will like the Shimmerweed as much as two of your spirit fathers do.” He said with a small chuckle now. “You already have my heart even so soon after your birth. I always told Zyn children were hit and miss for me, but our beautiful twins, our wonderful Elysara, and now you… you all are a wonderful exception to that rule. I could not love any of you more if I tried and I look forward to getting to know you for the rest of your life.” He gave her a playful little boop on the nose and smiled before passing her off to the next person.

After Tal finished his speech, an unfamiliar form to almost everyone would appear near the back. An older, grizzled Pandaren with the more traditional black and white fur, spotted with bits of grey edging on the black, observed from the shadows. He was dressed in full Shado-pan formal wear, his full uniform with the low-brim hat, a large glaive strapped to his back with an ornate dragon acting as the head with the blade coming out of its mouth. He cleared his throat and stepped forward from the shadows now, speaking in an even more accented Orcish than Xiao did. “I… would like to introduce myself.” He said tentatively, staring at Xiao. Xiao’s mouth just about fell open, gaping slightly as he stared at the older man. “I-... ah… yes, please.” He said quietly, gesturing for Tal to hand Tarja over to the mysterious Pandaren. Tal seemed uncertain, but he nodded and brought the small girl over to the Pandaren as he moved to the front of the group of onlookers who had either already given their speech or were waiting to do so. The Pandaren took the child and held her against his chest, the cool leather seeming to not bother her much. He cleared his throat and spoke up. “Tarja… I am your grandfather, Lin Xuen Autumnpaw.” He a took hard swallow and offered a small smile, looking almost a bit choked up yet slightly conflicted. “I… have made my share of mistakes in life, with your father. I… look to fix those with you.” His speech was stilted as he spoke, odd pauses here and there as he tried to find the right words in Orcish without anything coming out wrong. “I may have had trouble coming to terms with… what your father chooses to do with his life, in truth, I still do. You… my granddaughter, are far too important and far too precious to let any of that get in the way of me meeting you. I am sure your fathers and I will have a long discussion after this, but right now all that matters is you and that you know… your Yeye.”(edited)

He smiled now, looking up to Xiao. “Thank you, for… inviting me.” He bowed his head slightly before offering the little girl back to her Ba. “I… am honored to meet my granddaughter.” Xiao looked like he had just seen Vol’jin come back to life, do a little dance, and then shapeshift into one of the Celestials. The shock was apparent on his features. It was only upon Tarja being given back that he snapped out of it and took her into his arms. He took a slow inhale and nodded at his father, offering a tentative smile. “I am glad you could make it. Shocked, but… glad.” It was only then the spirit of Mei Ling let out a scoffing chuckle, giving her husband all kinds of side-eye. “He knew he better come or I would go and haunt his Shado-pan tiger everyday to the point of it bucking him off every time he tried to ride it had he not.” She spoke rather hurriedly in Pandaren now, fluent and exotic, the tone pointed. “Nǐ zhīdào wǒ bùnéng xiāngxìn nǐ děngle zhème jiǔ cái jiēshòu nǐ wéiyī de érzi. Suǒyǒu zhè yīqiè dōu shì wèile nǐ yúchǔn de chuántǒng, méiyǒu rén guānxīn. Nǐ hěn xìngyùn, wǒ bùnéng dǎ nǐ yúchǔn de móhú de tóu…” Xiao had to cover his mouth to keep from laughing, the noise still escaping him as his father paled before chuckling a bit as well. “I forgot how feisty your mother is.” He murmured to Xiao before the ginger-furred male nodded back. “So did I. I have not heard one of those berratings in a very long time.” After a shared smile, Lin cleared his throat and looked at those gathered. “I will go back to the crowd, I… will see you after, I would guess.” With that, he turned back to the crowd and snuck back into the shadows of it to let the introductions continue as he watched silently.(edited)

Vol just kinda.. blinked, looked down at his furred mate, looked at the spirit again and spoke.  "Dunno Pandaren...  but..  she mad." Janaret smirked, nodding.  "His mother is.. displeased."

Vol’raka stood, Xiao in front of him, their daughter in the Pandaren’s arms and a bottle of goats milk being devoured by the tiny creature.  He spoke first in Zandali to his family.

“J ju cyaa is caang wha J iyaz honnah iman bwoyar ting oondasta Fidong sca Craaweh iman bwoyar ting reespek deh wha Ju wha deh ir ackee fu ting wehnehjo J iyaz difus Worl Noh saakes ju dim skam riva or'manley riva siame fu fus duti Ju  iman tor han wassa wehnehjo honnah wassa Tor han worl J iyaz cyaa Wha sca Duti skam iman difus han smadda wassa deh difus han whutless J craaW Caang wha deh wehnehjo fu fu wi'mek quashi is cyaa is iman dim.”

((Vol: I, we, want to thank you.  I know coming here caused some conflict.  Zulana and Alashzu have caused some trouble for you.  We may not be close as some families.  I know since Mama Azu passed, we all  just.. scattered like seeds in the wind.  We have our own lives, families, people, loves.  Our own ways.  I know soon Kit and Hari will have their own naming rites for their own children.  I just…  Thank you for thinking of me highly enough to come to this one))

His words changed to Orcish, the words far less well pronounced, but carrying.  “Tank ja, ones who may not be blood, but be family.  Ah be raised wit da teachin’s of Family ja be born ta an’ family ja choose.  Ah happy ta call all dat come taday family of mah choosin’.  We be happy ta see ja here and hope ja consider us a small part of ja family too.  Now..”  Blue hands clapped together softly, even that upsetting his apparently hungry daughter.  “Tarja be awake at leas’.  Xiao be havin’ dinnah prepared ef ja wanna eat.  Meet new frien’s, dance round da fiah.  Ef ja curious, Da Raptah, be name of Tigah.  He feed ja dis evenin’.  But der Rice an’ vegetables fer dem what not like etin’ raptah.”

When everyone did make it over to the food, they would find that alongside the raptor was a medley of Pandaren vegetables as well as freshly steamed rice. The rice had a very unique flavor, jasmine most prominently but there was something more exotic and slightly bitter. To those with a trained palate, they would be able to identify it as being Golden Lotus, the rice apparently having been steeped in the sacred Pandaren herb to bless the meal before being flavored with jasmine for taste. It was all masterfully made, the raptor counterbalancing the delicate flavors of the Pandaren cuisine with the wonderfully biting spices of Darkspear cooking. All in all, it would be delicious all around!

[nuttydefendoryouth]

Are stinky inflatable pool toys putting your kids at risk?

The researchers expressed concern that some of the products contain potentially hazardous chemicals that could pose a risk to children’s health, depending on the degree of exposure and concentration levels in the products.

The researchers conducted tests using an inflatable beach ball, a pair of swimming armbands and two bathing rings they bought off the shelf from local stores and online suppliers in Germany.(Shutterstock)

HEALTH

Are stinky inflatable kids' toys putting your kids at risk? Here’s what a study found

The researchers expressed concern that some of the products contain potentially hazardous chemicals that could pose a risk to children’s health, depending on the degree of exposure and concentration levels in the products.

Washington D.C. | By ANI

UPDATED ON APR 13, 2017 08:46 PM IST

Turns out, there are many dangerous chemicals lurking in your swimming pool that can risk your children’s health.

Inflatable sprinkler and swimming aids, like bathing rings and arm bands, often have a distinctive smell which could indicate that they contain a range of potentially hazardous substances.

Some of these compounds, which include carbonyl compounds, cyclohexanone, phenol and isophorone, might be critical when present in higher concentrations in children’s toys, said authors Christoph Wiedmer and Andrea Buettner.

Lead author Wiedmer from Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV in Germany and his team conducted tests using an inflatable pool, a pair of swimming armbands and two bathing rings they bought off the shelf from local stores and online suppliers in Germany.

A small piece of material from each sample was analysed using a variety of material analysis techniques, including one that takes infrared measurements, and it was concluded that the inflatable objects were all made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

The researchers then investigated the molecular make-up of the distinctive smells arising from the pool toys. They extracted detectable odours from each sample using solvent extraction and high vacuum distillation methods, and then identified the main odorants using a combination of sensory and common analytical approaches.

Between 32 and 46 odours were detected in each sample, of which up to thirteen were quite intense. The majority of these odorants were identified and among these were several fatty smelling mono- or di-unsaturated carbonyl compounds and their epoxidised derivatives, but also odouractive organic solvents such as cyclohexanone, isophorone, and phenol.

As part of the study, a panel of trained volunteers sniffed each product, and ascribed common odour attributes to these. They also rated the intensity of each odour, and had to guess whether these could be hazardous. Three of the products reminded the panellists of almonds, plastic and rubber, while the fourth more pungent one reminded them of glue and nail polish.

Wiedmer expressed his concern that some of the products contain potentially hazardous chemicals that could pose a risk to children’s health, depending on the degree of exposure and concentration levels in the products. Cyclohexanone can be harmful if inhaled, phenol is known to be acutely toxic and to presumably have mutagenic potential and isophorone is a category 2 carcinogen, which means that this is a suspect substance in the development of cancer in humans.

“A range of these substances are not yet resolved in their chemical structures. Likewise, potential negative effects on humans, such as irritation, smell nuisance, or other physiological or psychosomatic effects still need to be resolved,” said Wiedmer.

“Modern products such as toys and children’s products are sourced from a wide variety of chemical and physical manufacturing processes, and this complexity often makes it difficult for us to identify those containing contaminants and unwanted substances, and to determine their causes,” noted Wiedmer. “However, we found that in a number of cases our noses can guide us to ‘sniff out’ problematic products.”

The study appears in the journal Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry (ABC).

Backyards and patios have been working hard all year because of the pandemic, and this summer they can provide new ways to cool off and have fun in the water.

Whether you have a lot of space or a little, there’s gear ranging from water tables and tubs for kids to floating loungers with drink holders for adults.

One company, Minnidip, makes inflatable “adult kiddie pools” that aim to transport you to some exotic travel destination. Patterns on the Marrakesh pool reference Moroccan architectural details, while the Amalfi is a nod to the blue, yellow and white tile of the Italian coast.

“Because for me, having a pool on our urban Chicago rooftop felt like being transported to another place,” says company founder Emily Vaca. “I wanted to capture that feeling through design and pattern. “

Minnidip also offers inflatable drinks coolers and glam pool balls filled with gold confetti, among other offerings.

The only water table that lets you make waves, Little Tikes’ Island Wavemaker has a water wheel, plus cute sea creatures and a wee pirate to send paddling around the waterway or down the waterfall. Toddlers can practice their fine motor skills with Little Tikes’ Spinning Seas Water Table; small balls, a cup, a funnel and a water wheel set up the fun.

Step2’s two-sided Waterfall Discovery Wall has adjustable toggles, spinners and chutes to send the water tumbling in lots of different ways. And Lakeshore Learning’s Watch It Flow water table features three plastic logs that can be configured however you wish. Fill the logs using a hose or bucket; gates control the flow and can close up to make long tubs.

Foamo, also from the folks at Little Tikes, creates mountains of easy-to-clean-up foam when you add the nontoxic, biodegradable foam solution to water.

HOSE HAPPY

Turn on the hose and attach it to West Elm's inflatable car bed or giant shark mouth sprinklers. Fat Brain Toy’s Hydro Twist Pipeline Sprinkler has a couple of fountains, plus a bunch of wiggly worm hoses. Or hook up to BigMouth’s giant 6-foot-high unicorn, who shoots water out of her horn. There’s a ginormous ape, giraffe, dinosaur and giraffe here as well.

SWIM AND PADDLE

Giant inflatable water wheels let you find your inner hamster. You can find ones online for toddlers, while Wow Watersports has a grownup version they call the Aqua Treadmill.

Don’t forget the family pets; a nonporous, puncture-resistant floating dog bed at Frontgate comes in a bunch of colors and three sizes.

Chewy has ZippyPaws Floaterz sturdy turtle-shaped water toys for dogs, as well as rope-handled bumpers and a variety of floating balls.

A hard-sided kiddie pool can be a good non-inflatable option for cooling off; just hose it out and stow away. Other pluses: The doggos will also have fun splashing around in it, and it makes a great sand or snow play zone in colder weather. The Sun Squad Wading Kiddie Pool is inexpensive and has an embossed bottom, so it’s less slippery.

SLIDE AND RIDE

A basic heavy-duty plastic water slide or “slip and slide” can be set up in most backyards; if yours doesn’t come with an attached barrier at the bottom, make sure to put something soft there.

Studio 21 Graphix’s slide has a crash pad at the finish line, plus two lanes for racing and a sprinkler curtain to pass thru on the way down. Wow Watersports’ Strike Zone Water Slide is 25-by-6 feet of slipperiness; zigzag sprinkler patterns assure a wet ride, fat pontoons on either side keep riders inside, and two sleds are included. Got a really long yard? Get two; they can be interconnected.

If you’ve got lots of space, consider Costway’s inflatable Bounce House and Water Slide, with a bounce area, water gun, two slides, a basketball hoop and several balls. It comes with a storage bag for easy transport.

POOL STYLE

Marisa Issa of Los Angeles says her family’s favorite pool games are corn hole and a floating basketball hoop, but her favorite is a floating mat from Frontgate “that only mom can use,” she says. The sleek, minimalist white float has a headrest, and is made of marine-grade dense foam, suitable for chlorine or saltwater pools.

If you prefer sitting up a little, Frontgate’s got a floating armchair with attached ottoman. Choose from aqua, blue or flamingo pink. Or splash out on a full-size pool chaise kitted out with drink holders.

Want to hang out with a handful of friends in a backyard pool? Funboy has a 9-foot-wide floating metallic crown with drink holders. Or lounge luxuriously in the company’s Bali Cabana Lounger, with a curved integrated shade, a tropical leaf print, cup holders and handy grab ropes.

BigMouth has some food-related inflatables like a giant ice pop, pizza slice, donut, watermelon slice, cheeseburger and taco.

At first, glance, laying on an inflatable toy in shallow water seems pretty safe. After all, the water isn't deep, and there is a floating toy right there. Recently, a family's trip to the beach in Nova Scotia proved to be a harrowing reminder of why this is not the case. In August, two 5-year-olds played in shallow water – one in an inflatable ring, the other on an inflatable roller. Because the girls were in shallow water, their caregiver assumed the inflatable toys were enough. It wasn't until the girls began to drift away from that the complete danger of the situation became clear.

Inflatable toys can be dangerous

Because they are so light and buoyant, they tend to drift in the water or deflate when they get wet. That's when it's a problem. Kids don't know when their toys are deflated and cannot compensate when they're in the water. They can get trapped in the holes or strangle. When the girls got stuck, their caregiver did the right thing by calling for help. First responders rescued the girls and took them to the hospital to be treated for their injuries. While it's infrequent that inflatable toys are the source of injury to kids, it's good to know that they can pose a hazard. The numbers aren't obvious, but it seems that they're responsible for 1 in every 100 boating-related deaths in the U.S. and are one of the leading causes of drowning for children aged 4-6.

Why Inflatable Toys Can Be Dangerous

The giant inflatable was much bigger than the girls and began to drag the mattress toward shore, according to the parent of one of the girls who spoke with CTVNews. However, the inflatable ring wasn't nearly as big or heavy and was drifting with the current. The girls eventually lost hold of both and drifted a considerable distance. The girls' parents rushed to the scene and tried to retrieve their children, but the current was too firm, and the military eventually rescued them. The girls were found to be unharmed. Since this incident, many parents have expressed concerns about the safety of inflatable toys.

[funthingsfortoddlers]

We’ve made a list (and checked it twice) of Christmas Activities and Events coming up on the Gold Coast.

You can check it out here => https://bit.ly/3QKqLrx

[terkaznebes]

These days

Goddamnit I didn’t imagine that I would spend the last year of my twenties in quarantine. I wanted to drink coffee, read books, cancel plans and do nothing out of my own will! 

Did the last few years go too fast or what? I know that thirty is the new twenty (surely some people somewhere have said it, at least some insta influencers, I would bet my morning filter on this), but it’s still kind of scary, no not scary… what’s the right word? Annoying, yes it’s just plain annoying. It has nothing to do with where I wanted to be/what I wanted to have at this age, it’s more like where the hell is my great butt and why god oh why am I getting sun spots and that in between the eyebrows wrinkle? I was aware of this wrinkle at an early age. I still remember this conversation with my best friend: 

Me: “I am worried about my in between the eyebrows wrinkle.”

Her: “Like she won’t go to college or what?” 

Despite all the necessary precautions like staying away from the sun, moisturising, adopting the resting bitch face, always wearing sunglasses, that sneaky frown line still made an appearance.

Jokes aside, things are getting serious when you are nearing thirty. (I can already see my fifty year old self laughing at this, nearly spilling my afternoon whisky somewhere in the future.) 

In this past year I have had so many real adult experiences, (yet somehow the teenager within still laughed at the phrase “adult experience”), like picking up my child from kinder-garden, leaving the office on time so I could pick up my child from kinder-garden…I know it sounds like the same thing, but honestly those were two very different feelings and emotions. We also started a long distance house renovation. I can now say grown up things like: We are just putting up the roof. Or: The architects have completed the study, do you want to see it? 

My absolute favourite thing that came with adulting is the good quality of sustenance. I am so happy that we drink the good wine, the good coffee, the good whiskey and eat all the good food. Mind you, I don’t think I could handle a shitty wine hangover anymore. I need to function at 5AM most days, some days at 4.40AM and some blissful, scarce and wonderful mornings, I don’t have to open my eyes until 5.30AM. Aaah motherhood. So when choosing to go for a run or do nothing during the first nap time, it takes ALL the will and effort to put the sneakers on. I did it today though. My knee hurt a little. I am now that person who runs on that grassy patch to alleviate the impact on the concrete. I know, I know to be concerned with vanity and ageing in the time of corona. However if I can’t make fun of things anymore, that’s when there’s no point in living. I wake up every day knowing very well that I have no real problems in life, I appreciate it by being a compassionate and hopefully a kind person to those around me. 

I was supposed to be at a yoga retreat right now with Dominika. For the first time since Josefina was born, I was supposed to have four days just to myself. I remember that even when I was at uni writing my dissertation and studying for my finals, training for a half marathon, working night shifts and fundraising for Childreach, I still had a day every now and then that was just for me and for my books. I really miss those recharge days. 

Gold Coast is the perfect place to raise a child in, the weather is awesome all the time, you barely have to dress them, the veggies and fruit is always fresh and in abundance and there’s a ridiculous amount of young mums that you can hang out with. However being so far away from family sucks in this instance. I would love to just drop Josie off at grandma’s for the weekend. Don’t ever underestimate the value of having people you can trust around you. I think that’s the one downside of living in Australia. It’s all fun and games when you are just a rebel twenty-five year old, but at twenty-nine, it’s serious business. I am kidding of course, but having a kid sure does change things from that perspective. 

Despite the situation in the world (and the politics in homeland), I am actually going through a really blissful time in my life. Josie is so much more fun now that she’s progressed to toddler level. Lukas is working from home and we are like the best family unit I know. I know it is taking a worldwide toll, but when are you going to get this time to truly bond with the ones closest to you? We are taking it as a fantastic opportunity to talk, take walks, spend time on the beach, drink more than we should, plan the future and more adult experiences hahahaha. Lukas also completed a great deal of DYI and just proved to me even more that I chose the right mate for life. We will probably have to postpone our wedding, which sucks, but thanks to quarantine drinking and no yoga routine, I probably won’t fit my wedding dress anymore so just as well. I am hope everyone is staying safe. 

[thenestearlyeducationcentre]

Habits Your Little One Can Adapt At A Childcare Centre

You must have noticed how your kids react when they see something new around them. This is a sign that their brain is processing that activity and trying to get their minds around it. This mostly happens with toddlers as their brain is the most active during those years, which makes them learn things at a faster pace than others. This is why you must enrol your little one in a childcare centre on Gold Coast so the teachers there can help them polish the things they are trying to learn.

A childcare centre is not about teaching the kids subjects related to education or their syllabus. But, it includes teaching them practical things that they can practice or come across in their day to day lives. Let us have a look at how Southport’s childcare centre can help your children bring out the best in them.

Indoor facilities

The childcare centre aims to create a safe and comfortable space for your little ones. Children learn the best when they are in a familiar atmosphere. The ambience is created according to their choice so that they feel happy there.

Outdoor facilities 

To be among nature is also important for children. At a childcare centre, it is made sure that the kids spend enough time outside their classroom. The teachers engage kids to go on swings, play around with friends, and sit under a tree to listen to stories. All these activities are supported because outdoor interaction is also an important part of kids’ development.

Healthy eating

When kids are taught something, they do not take up much time to learn it because their brain is still moulding. So, when you teach kids the importance of eating green veggies in a fun way, they definitely adapt to eating them. At home, we cannot make sure that the little one is eating healthy, but in Southport’s childcare centre, it is made sure that the kids learn to eat every vegetable.

Better interaction

When kids gel up with other kids of their age, they develop a bond in no time. This is not because they like them but because they feel comfortable as their thought process matches with one another. This helps the toddlers to interact without hesitation, which is a good sign for the future.

A childcare centre focuses on kids' mental as well as physical development. They also develop motor skills like hand and eye coordination, which makes them a step ahead to face the world and be future-ready. The Nest Early Education Centre aims at furbishing the kids with excellence from the very beginning. We make sure to create a familiar and happy vibe for your little one and appreciate them in every manner possible.

View Original Source 

[lenific]

Ariel Comes To Town

@sarashouldbestudying asked “I’ve been buying the wrong underwear.”

Set in First Meetings. (Ao3)

Managing to drown a childish squeal and squeezing her cell phone too hard in the effort, Belle bounced on her feet a little as she heard the news. “Really? When?”

“Next week! Eric just came and surprised me. We’ll be staying in Storybrooke for a week!”

Since she had left to join her husband on his diplomatic travels, Ariel had rarely returned to Maine. Most of their time together consisted on Whatsapp conversations peppered with Skype and the odd reunion in New York when Eric’s job brought them back to the East Coast and Belle could convince her husband they needed some downtime away from Storybrooke.

The Golds were among the few who considered a weekend in the city more relaxing than their small town. If more people’s lives were scrutinized as theirs were by their - well-meaning, sometimes - neighbors, their preference would be more popular.

“That’s amazing!” Belle said, giving up on stealth when her happy cry made several heads swivel in her direction. Privacy wouldn't hurt, she decided, making her quick way to the library office and closing the door behind her. “You have a place to stay already? Because there’s plenty of space at home…”

“No offense, Belle, but I’d rather bear with Ruby’s grandma than any chance to run into your husband before he’s had his coffee.”

Belle chuckled. Aaron actually favored tea, just like her, but she understood Ariel’s point. At least her friend had left open the possibility of meeting the two of them ‘after coffee’, which was an improvement over her attitude when Belle had first started dating the dreaded Mr. Gold. “All right, all right. But say you’ll come for dinner at least?”

“And miss finally seeing your mini-me run around among that sea of priceless antiques and drive Gold to hysterics? With the prospect of a second set of pitter-patter in the near future? Wouldn’t miss it for the world!”

“Ariel!” Belle laughed.

Perhaps not the best time to point out that, while pictured, Gideon did look like his mother, the boy’s attitude mirrored his father down to the gleam in his eye when he crafted a deal into his favor. She could already imagine Ariel’s look when she saw it for herself.

In the end she allowed her friend the joke, especially since it was her own fault after sending her that video of Gideon’s first steps. Aaron had been nearly in tears over their boy’s progress rather than the porcelain vase that had wobbled when Gideon grabbed onto the pedestal that supported it, but the thirty-second video could be interpreted either way.

“Oh, you know we will be nice to your lo-ver-” she popped each syllable as she had since she had teased Belle over her secretive outings, before the identity of her date had blown up into unrelenting gossip “-and last time he even smiled at me. Fatherhood sits well on him.”

“He’s the best,” Belle agreed.

“All right, do not get mushy on me, French, or I’ll start on what Eric did for my birthday.” As a warning, it came three weeks too late. Belle had already gotten the detailed step-by-step recount at six in the morning the day after Ariel’s birthday (Ariel had never paid attention to timezones, and it was hopeless to expect her to wait until a reasonable hour in Maine when she had important news to share). “And now this! Oh, Belle. How can I possibly love that man even more than I already did?”

Belle smiled. From experience, she knew it was possible. “It just happens.”

“Right. We are the lucky ones. And talking about getting lucky -” mischief sprang in her voice “-you know what us being in the same town for the first time this year means, right?”

“Ariel…”

“Undies renewal!”

Denying a friend didn’t come easily for Belle, but she tried to be firm. “Ariel, no.”

Her friend snickered. “Belle, darling Belle… You know you want to.”

“I said no.”

“You’ve been saying no since we were thirteen,” Ariel reminded her.

Belle pouted. She always meant it, too. Her decision never stood strong against Ariel’s questioning—

“You don’t trust my good taste and excellent eye?”

“…no.”

“Have you ever actually felt uncomfortable in one of my choices?”

“…no.”

“Don’t have the money?”

Belle had her own salary. On top of that, Aaron would probably give him a credit card and be thankful that for once she’d spend close to what he wanted to give her.

“Yeah. That’s right. I’m talking to Mrs. Moneypants. So what’s the hangup? Did Gold not get hot seeing you in that pastel blue bikini set we got last time?”

“Ariel!”

“I’ll take that as a yes.” A snigger. “Then it’s no problem if we do it again!”

“We could use our very brief, very rare time together in something more productive.”

Ariel sighed. It was the sigh that signaled books needed to be closed and Belle dragged outside for a movie or at least a hamburger. Belle was resilient to those sighs when there was actual reading involved, but in most other cases, Ariel had always gotten her way. “Belle. You sweet angel. You fountain of patience and goodness…”

Belle rolled her eyes, mouthing along with the rest of the little speech. Ariel had perfected it since the first time a teacher had advised her to stop being distracted and follow Belle’s example.

“…you perfect child, model student, and example to us all. You can change the world and save us all. But….?”

The dramatic pause extended over long seconds.

Aaron often remarked on her stubbornness. Ariel had her beat by a mile. Resigned, Belle said, “But I’ve been buying the wrong underwear.”

"Exactly! I love you, Belle, but I wouldn’t trust you not to head straight for the most garish ensemble in a store. Probably in the wrong size, too.”

It wasn’t a crime to like bright colors. But since, twelve years ago, Ariel had pointed out that she looked like a girl of seven, Belle usually gave in to her friend’s offer to act as her shopping consultant. “Ariel,” Belle tried one last time. “I’m a mom.”

A beat of silence.

“Belle Gold,” Ariel started. It was serious. Ariel only used her married name when she needed to make an important point. “If you tell me that motherhood banned you from decent lingerie, I’m… I’m…. I’m doing something drastic, and it will probably embarrass the two of us!”

Belle sighed. It wasn’t even a threat. It was just what happened when Ariel got stubborn. Belle could imagine Ariel bringing up the subject in the middle of dinner… Aaron would either flee the scene or argue that Belle’s choices were her own (which was proof of how well he knew her, but also a useless argument against her childhood friend.) Belle would be hot red from head to toes, and Emma would never let her live it down….

It was the thought of Emma’s knowing smirk that decided her.

“Fine. We’ll make time.”

“Perfect!” Ariel gushed. “Oh. and Belle? Invite Henry’s mama along, will you? I’ve been dying to meet her, and what better place to know a girl than on a shopping excursion!”

Belle lost precious seconds as she imagined the two of them together. They would get along. Until Ariel found something where her help could be offered (and in Ariel’s mind, she was always of help), and Emma denied her.

Unstoppable force, meet unbreakable object.

At least Gold had his reputation to protect him from the worst of Ariel’s friendly overtures.

“I’m not sure…”

“Oh, don’t worry about the boys. Even if Gold can’t handle a toddler and a baby for an afternoon, I can send Eric to help. It will be good practice.”

Belle thought of Eric’s reaction to being offered as babysitter. His easygoing attitude would probably just have him shrug and ask what was the kids’ bedtime.

“I don’t know Emma’s schedule,” Belle temporized. “If she gets a job, she might not be available.”

“Aw.” Then Ariel perked up. “No worries, we’ll figure something out!”

Belle smiled. Her friend bounced back from any difficulty with an energy she had once tried to copy (and remade into a denial she had snapped from almost too late to save her relationship with Aaron) and now only admired from afar. “You meet Emma, then decide, okay?”

“Sounds fair,” Ariel said. “I can’t believe I don’t have to wait until October to see you! Oh, we’ll have so much fun. Be ready, French.”

Belle laughed. “I will, Ariel.”

The phone call tapered into the usual subjects, and ten minutes later Belle clicked the end button with a smile on her face. The smile remained even when her other conversations were related to books checked out or returned. Life as Mrs. Gold didn’t make her many friends in Storybrooke, but she wouldn’t change one thing even if it brought her closer to Ariel or Mulan.

“Good news, sweetheart?” Aaron asked when she returned home, threading an arm around her after he’d lowered himself onto the seat at her side.

Belle nodded. “Ariel is visiting.”

He gave a slight smile. “At least I won’t have to run for the hills this time. I think she actually smiled at me last time - and meant it.”

Belle tried to slap his arm, but he caught her hand and pressed a kiss onto her palm.

“It wasn’t that bad,” she murmured, leaning closer to touch her forehead to his.

Aaron chuckled. “You never heard the worst.”

“What wasn’t that bad?” Emma piped in, an expression on her face that said she wasn’t up to seeing them cuddle and whisper in the living room again. She often complained that she hadn’t skipped on the childhood trauma of finding her parents making love, just to suffer through watching her and Gold now. “Who is this Ariel?”

“My best friend,” Belle said; at the same time, Aaron heaved a sigh, “my future executioner, according to her.”

“Not without good reason,” Belle protested.

They stared at each other.

Emma looked between them, then started giggling. “Never a dull day!”

  The End 20/06/17

[russianspy24]

Devils in the Windy City - Chapter 6

Summary: Elijah travels to Chicago, led by a vague prophecy about a girl who could be the Mikaelson family’s salvation. Klaus soon confronts him, and later Rebekah is drawn into another case of family drama. However, this trip to the Windy City turns out to be longer than a short stint. The Mikaelsons discover that their lives may change forever. Including every other vampire’s.

Word Count: 5,024

Author’s Note: This story is posted on FF.net and AO3, and since I’m on Tumblr, decided to post it here. ‘Bout time I’d say. Hopefully you read and enjoy!

Warnings: Rated M

Previous Chapter - Next Chapter

Chapter 6: Mum’s the Word

The sun was setting. It was a beautiful sight. The skyscrapers of downtown, the direction in which they were walking, were silhouetted with a deep orange. The light glinted off cars that sped down Lake Shore Drive. The lake itself was darkening, but the rays hadn’t disappeared just yet, so Niklaus still had his sunglasses on, a pair of classic wayfarers. He and Elijah were strolling along the lakeshore path. Bicyclists and joggers passed them on the left.

“I’ve got an idea,” Klaus began dramatically and didn’t wait for his brother to prompt him to go ahead, “Why don’t I book a redeye flight to Los Angeles and pay a visit to the little psychic boy, snap his neck, and you take care of the witch? Or, you can wait for me, and I can help you since there’s her werewolf roomie to deal with, too. At least, you and I will get some fun out of it.”

Elijah had ended up telling his brother most of everything. The cat was out of the bag, so to speak. Klaus had left him with no choice after he’d showed up by Liza’s apartment.

“We will do no such thing,” Elijah said sternly.

“It seems to be the best solution,” Klaus argued.

“It is not. Absolutely not. You will kill no one. We will kill no one.”

“Witches and their prophecies. They never go right, ‘specially when our family is concerned, so the best thing to do is get rid of the prophets. Have you learned nothing over the years? This is how you deal with them, Elijah.”

Elijah hardened his voice like the scolding older brother that he was. “That boy is innocent. He was just delivering a message. Killing does not get rid of it. In fact, all that killing will accomplish is setting the spirit off—and it’s a witch’s spirit, no less.”  

Klaus rolled his eyes, which then followed a fit, young woman who was jogging past them. She had a nice, tight ass, even though he didn’t comment on it. “So, what do you propose we do?”

“What I wanted to do was monitor the situation—to do things my way. And you know, this wasn’t really a prophecy. There were no eloquently written words, as there usually are. It was just a message, which connected this girl to our family.”

“Right, which involves me, brother. And Rebekah. How long did you plan on keeping this from us?”

It was Elijah’s turn to roll his eyes. “As long as I saw fit—until I knew more about it.”

Klaus turned a glare on him. Elijah ignored it. “You had no right.”

“Well, now you know, Niklaus. I don’t want to argue about this. If you were a more rational person, I would’ve probably included you in on this from the start. But alas, all of your actions in the past have proven otherwise. You don’t think before you act.”

“I don’t need an analysis of my personality,” Klaus snapped.

“Then don’t ask me why, if you already know the reason,” Elijah said coolly.

Klaus was silent for a long moment, his fists clenched at his sides. He watched the people around them through his shaded glasses, looking from a pair of adults and their toddler, who was running across the grass, giggling; to an elderly couple on a stroll, hand in hand. How cute. A group of bicyclers passed. The momentary distraction of listening to heartbeats and pumping blood at various rates helped calm him, seemingly. Elijah indulged his brother’s silence as long as Klaus needed it in order for his mood to level out.

“Perhaps one of us knew this girl’s grandmother at some point,” he suggested eventually.

Elijah answered in stride. “I’ve thought of that, but I did not recognize her name,” the older brother said. “No witches from the Soviet Union jog my memory. What about you?”

“I’ve only spent time in the satellite states—and Moscow, of course. And after the fall, it was a clusterfuck.” Klaus smirked at the memories of the time he had spent in the early 90s. “Perfectly chaotic. Humans, reveling in new-found freedom, made their blood taste especially...ripe.”

“I meant during the height of the Soviet Union,” Elijah clarified.

Klaus glanced at him. “No. I tried to avoid post-war Russia. The scenery was quite boring...and I don’t like military regimes.”

“So, nothing jogs your memory either.”

“No, I suppose not,” Klaus said indifferently. He stopped all of a sudden, looking at something across the grass. Elijah followed his line of sight.

Klaus was looking at a group of people doing yoga, a group of twenty. Smirking, he watched. Elijah paused beside him but didn’t let his brother’s thoughts carry him away, thoughts which were morbid, more than likely.

“Are you going to meet with Marcel?”

“Later,” Klaus replied distractedly. The group switched to downward facing dog and he was fascinated. Yoga and the meditational arts were something that had never interested him, though. He didn’t have the temperament. But there were mostly women in the group. Their asses were in the air.

“I’ll join you,” Elijah said, watching him watch them. Instead of answering his older brother, Niklaus returned to their previous subject.

“So, if this girl has no idea what the spirit of her dead grandmother meant, then how will you go about finding out?”

Now, who looked like a stalker? The yoga enthusiasts switched to the cobra pose and those asses clenched up. They didn’t notice that they had an audience of one. Elijah resumed walking. Klaus had no choice but to follow him, albeit a few seconds behind. He caught up with several long strides, huffing impatiently.

Elijah answered once he was beside him again. “I don’t know yet, but I do know it entails keeping the girl alive.” He’d left out the part of the spirit’s message that had mentioned their family’s “salvation,” because he had no idea what to think of it and knowing Klaus—he would jump to his own conclusions. “Perhaps we need to find a way to contact the spirit again.”

“I was just about to suggest that, Elijah. Perhaps the girl herself can do a séance, and we can all sit in a circle and hold hands.”

“You’re being a smart aleck, Niklaus.”

Klaus spread his arms in a shrug, a hint of a smart-ass smile on his face. “I agree with you. Let’s go back and see the girl. Her bedtime isn’t in a couple hours, right?” He looked at his wristwatch.

Elijah dismissed the idea. “We are not going back tonight. Let’s go meet with Marcel. We’ll see the girl another day.”

Klaus deflated. “Why not tonight?”

“There is no immediate urgency,” Elijah answered simply.

Klaus hated when his ideas were shut down. “Do you not want to find out why our family should give a shit about this girl?” he questioned.

“We will bide our time and we will go about this rationally,” Elijah explained. He had to be patient. They had to be patient. He also didn’t want to rile Klaus up. Elijah wanted him to understand his reasoning. “I need her to trust me first, and right now, I am far from that goal.”

Klaus couldn’t help but turn sardonic. “She doesn’t trust you, Elijah? Why, this is a surprise. You’re usually good at building trust with humans. And you said you saved her from a couple of rapists, didn’t you?”

Elijah sighed. “Also, that same night, I had barged into her home, questioning her about her grandmother. Liza lost her a mere six months ago. Of course, she doesn’t trust me. And her roommate even less so.”

This perked Klaus back up, gave him an idea, which Elijah saw brewing behind his sunglasses. “See, that’s why you need me. The wolf girl. I should talk to her. I can get her to trust me. She’ll see that we’re…basically kin.”

“Not quite, Niklaus, and you know it.” A hybrid wasn’t the same as a werewolf.

“Ah, but I am handsome and charming.”

“Charming when you want to be,” Elijah emphasized. “Let’s cross to the other side through there.” He gestured to the pedestrian underpass they were approaching. They’d walked around the whole of Lincoln Park and were nearing the Gold Coast.

“Yes, and let’s get a cab,” Klaus agreed.

“I was thinking we’d walk to Marcel’s. It’s a beautiful evening, and downtown is magnificent at night.” Elijah loved his walks, he really did, and he couldn’t get enough of the city. Klaus, on the other hand, wasn’t a take-a-walk type. Walks didn’t exhaust him—he just didn’t like them. Plus, he was being difficult. And sight-seeing wasn’t his thing. He much preferred Europe, if he had to pick, like the city of Paris. He was very much a snob that way.

“I honestly don’t know why you like this city,” he groused when they entered the tunnel, which was lit by yellow bulbs. It was empty, save for a dog walker going in the same direction ahead of them.

“I don’t know why you don’t,” Elijah returned.

“Well, it’s the Midwest, first of all. I hate the Midwest.” Their voices echoed slightly.

“You should’ve been there at the World's Columbian Exposition. It took place here in 1893. It was a marvel. I was with Rebekah. She enjoyed it immensely with me.”

Klaus felt like he had to one-up his brother. “I was at the Exposition Universelle in Paris four years before that. The Eiffel Tower was its grand opening. I highly doubt this place had anything more impressive than that.”

Elijah didn’t fall into the trap of possible argument. Niklaus loved to argue. It was draining. “I’m not trying to compare which city is better, brother. I’m just explaining why I love Chicago.”

“Good for you,” Klaus said shortly. He just wanted to get to the other side of Lake Shore Drive.

“Rebekah and I met H.H. Holmes,” Elijah said lightly. “But the most exciting part was seeing all of the new inventions in action. You know, during the course of our long lives, we tend to miss the little details that might not seem so important in the moment. For instance, electricity was used to power the fair, did you know? And the “clasp locker” was first introduced.” Elijah could tell that his brother was tensing as Klaus quickened his pace, trudging ahead, and this was amusing, but Elijah kept his smile to himself. “That was the predecessor to the zipper, Niklaus.”

“How fascinating,” he said flatly.

“Many artists exhibited too,” Elijah said matter-of-factly.

There was one thing that had peeked Klaus’ attention. “Did you say you met H.H. Holmes? The murderer?”

Elijah pretended that it wasn’t such a big deal. “The serial killer, yes. What about him?”

Klaus looked back at him. “Did you kill him?”

“No,” Elijah said. “Why would we? It would’ve been too easy. We did give the human authorities a few leads on him, however.”

“It’s said that he killed more than 200 people, even though he confessed to killing 27,” Klaus said. He was a fan of serial killers. In a way, he was one himself, if he was in the mood. Naturally, humans who had a lust for blood and murder intrigued him. Sometimes, they even impressed him.

When they got out of the tunnel, he took his sunglasses off, put them on the edge of his collar, and shoved his hands into his pockets. Finally, something interesting to talk about. Elijah humored him.

“I always had a theory about Holmes,” Klaus was saying.

They made their way south. Cars on Lake Shore Drive whooshed past. The sun was almost set by now. The Gold Coast was a neighborhood filled with mansions, row houses, and high-rise apartments. It was historic and once compared to Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Elijah looked up, taking in the buildings as if for the first time, marveling at them, while Klaus explained his theory rather enthusiastically.

“I believe that he was the Whitechapel Murderer. Now, I had tried to find out who he was myself, at the time, to no avail. At first, I thought that he was like us, but the blood of his victims was never drained. He was without a doubt human. And I believe that I almost found him once. I chased a man across all of London. The bastard narrowly escaped on a boat that was headed toward America."

"You did? For your amusement or because you wanted to be helpful to the police?" Elijah said. Definitely not the latter.

Klaus went on. “I’m not the only one with this theory, you know. Many disprove it. But their shortcomings result from a lack of understanding the two men. Their killing styles were different, sure. The Ripper was a messy, unorganized. While Holmes was calculating and clever. But what I know about humans is that they are forever evolving, slowly, but evolving nonetheless. Perhaps it’s one of their few positive traits."

"Mm-hm," Elijah said, but he was listening. "Very true."

“The Ripper was able to evade capture, did he not?” Klaus didn’t actually want an answer, though his brother simply nodded. “He was even able to outrun me. Means he wasn’t a complete idiot. He could’ve very well gotten smarter."

“Interesting theory, Niklaus,” Elijah said. “Could be possible, perhaps.”

They continued walking. Klaus didn’t bring up flagging down a taxi. He enjoyed hearing himself talk, and he knew that Elijah was a good listener and would indulge him. And this way, Elijah got his walk, so it was a win-win.

###

“It seems that you’ve established yourself quite well here, Marcellus,” Klaus said, smirking. It was his way of expressing praise. He was impressed with his progeny’s new pad and position with the Chicago vampires, but he wasn’t going to say this straight out. Klaus also wasn’t sentimental, so when he saw Marcel that night for the first time in years, he’d gone for the mere clasp-on-the-shoulder. Marcel was a hugger. He’d been affectionate since he was a little boy.

It wasn’t that Klaus wasn’t happy to see his progeny, his “son.” He just didn’t get all emotional. Marcel, meanwhile, regaled him and Elijah with what he’d been doing in the city over a very fine scotch. They sat comfortably on the large, modern suede sectional before the large, floor to ceiling windows.

Marcel had a gorgeous view of River North. It was an area north of the loop, full of fine dining, galleries, and a lively nightlife. Tall buildings stood all around—boasting regional offices of companies such as Google, Yelp, and Motorola. Countless lights lit the streets outside.

The condo was modern and had two floors, a spiral staircase leading up. The walls and ceiling were white. The floor was a sleek, light brown wood, and the décor was very contemporary. Marcel was always more modern than the Mikaelsons. Sure, he appreciated the old world, but he was the one that stayed up to date with the times. He had the latest everything.

The kitchen and living area were connected, and other rooms branched off from them. There was a loft space upstairs with a glass railing, but the bedrooms were hidden. The wall behind Marcel had a massive collection of records. The opposite wall had a large flat screen and stereo system.

“I’ll go back to Nola eventually, but I’m going to enjoy my time here right now,” he was saying, his arms spread on the back of the couch.

The brothers were on the longer end of the sectional. Elijah sat with his knees crossed. Klaus was sitting somewhat like his progeny, completely relaxed, only with one arm on the couch, not both. Elijah didn’t seem too easily impressed, but that was fine with Marcel. He could tell that Klaus was proud.

“As I was telling Elijah the other day, Chicago runs like a well-oiled machine. There’s no curfew for the vampires, but there are strict no killing laws. Those that break them get punished accordingly, but honestly, if you follow them, you otherwise do whatever you want. Klaus, more scotch, my man?”

Obligingly, Marcel stood and reached for his maker’s now empty glass.

“Why thank you,” Klaus said.

“Elijah?” Marcel looked at the older Mikaelson.

“Still savoring this one. Thank you,” Elijah said as he glanced down at the bit of liquid bronze left in his glass. Marcel went around the couch to the bar tucked into the wall by the records.

“It’s good for a 30-year Macallan, huh?” He grinned at them both. Pouring Klaus a new glass, he went on. “So as I was saying, the vampires mind their own business, the weres mostly roam the suburbs, and the humans are in the know if they need to be. They got a helluva lot of their own issues to deal with. We stay away. If one of us intervenes, there’s got to be a good reason for it. Daylight rings are allowed. If you got ‘em, you got ‘em. If you don’t, you don’t.”

“What is it that you’re working on, Marcel?” Elijah inquired.

Marcel returned to them, handing Klaus his glass and sitting down with a refilled one of his own. He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, and eagerly answered the question. “Right now, we’re making sure the blood bank operation goes smoothly. It’s with LifeSource. The CMO is one of us, and so is the COO. Believe it or not, only 40% of the vampire population actually hunt in this city. There are plenty of willing donors, but a lot prefer blood bags nowadays.

“LifeSource gives the option of getting the blood without having to compel anyone at the local collection center too many times. Draws zero attention. The company provides free delivery to your home, or wherever you’re staying.”

“You’ve memorized the sales pitch,” Klaus teased with a chuckle, taking a sip. "Trying to sell to us?"

Marcel grinned and leaned back. “The council members—they wanted me to take over PR.” He also took a sip, looking carefully from brother to brother. “So I accepted the offer. I told them I’d stay for a couple years at least. A decade or so. Of course, I have to do well. But they like me here. They like how I’m with people.”

“You always were a smooth talker, Marcellus,” Klaus said with a faint air of affection. “But I always thought you had an interest in law.��

“Well, there are some similarities with PR. Strategy for one. Predicting outcomes, making sure all your bases are covered. And you know what, I like working with the public. I like being around people. Our kind. Doing some good.”

Klaus looked over at Elijah to see what he thought—Elijah listened, one eyebrow slightly raised—before looking back at Marcel. “I raised you well, didn’t I?” he said boastfully.

“You had some help,” Marcel said. His smile all the way up to his eyes, which looked at Elijah over the rim of his glass. Elijah nodded, his own dark eyes flitting over to Klaus. “Don’t give yourself all of the credit, Klaus,” Marcel said. “Your brother had a hand in it too.”

Klaus scowled dramatically. “Elijah gave you your schooling, while I made sure that your childhood was well rounded in other ways. Right, Marcel? Did I not? Who did you get your charisma from? Why, me, of course!” Marcel threw his head back and laughed, a warm laugh, compared to Klaus’ slightly maniacal one. “And all of those endless talks about life as I passed on my invaluable wisdom to you.”

“All right, all right,” Marcel conceded.

“Depends on your definition of wisdom, of course,” Elijah commented.

Klaus thumbed at him. “Imagine if it was he who raised you. You would’ve turned out to be smarter, sure, but what a prude you’d be!”

“Intelligence doesn’t make one a prude,” Elijah said pointedly. He finished his glass but simply held the glass in his lap.

“Hey, now, I’m smart. I did go to law school,” Marcel argued, chuckling. He was standing again, ever observant. “Let me get you that refill, Elijah.”

As he went about doing so, he listened to his maker.

“Of course, you are, my boy. What I mean to say is that I’m glad you turned out more like me and less like my boring brother,” Klaus said, a jab in his voice, directed to his brother, who shrugged it off his shoulders. Elijah's gaze drifting across the condo. Klaus liked to ball-bust at other’s expense—nothing new.

Marcel regarded them over his shoulder, at the bar, still smiling. He was an expressive man. Since he was much younger than them, he might’ve been more human than either them, mentally. But it was also his personality. He was honest and genuine. He certainly had an egotistical side as most vampires did, and could be quite vicious, but he also wasn’t bothered by showing his feelings.

“I missed you two. It’s been too long,” he said, returning with Elijah’s glass.

Klaus didn’t echo the sentiment, but he raised his own glass in a toast. “Far too long. Here’s to our unexpected reunion, my son.”

Elijah gave a somber nod. “It’s good to see you doing well, Marcel,” he said, sitting forward. He always carried himself unaffected, but Marcel knew his words were genuine.

Standing before them, Marcel held out his own glass to clink with theirs. “I hope you two stick around for a while.”

The three drank. After, Marcel decided to put on some music and went to the record player. As he did so, he changed the subject. “So, what is it that brings you guys to Chicago anyway? Elijah mentioned business.”

Elijah was quick to gloss over the answer. “Nothing important. Just some matters,” he said and stood. He wanted to see the view out the window and approached it, looking at the lights, the street below.

“Something like that,” Klaus added cryptically, and his gaze twinkled, mischievous. He reclined in his spot. “Really, I had no idea about these matters until earlier today,” he confessed.

Elijah’s back stiffened.

“My brother wasn’t going to tell me about them. I had to pry it out of him. Really, they concern me, too. The whole family, actually. Perhaps even you, Marcellus.”

Marcel had turned on some light blues, which he kept at a volume that would allow them to continue talking comfortably. He turned around, first looking at Elijah, who’d looked back at them, standing at the window, appearing absolutely disapproving; then Marcel looked at Klaus, who seemed like his diabolical self.

“It doesn’t concern him, Niklaus,” Elijah said, caution in his tone. Marcel knew it was serious when Elijah used Klaus’ full name. Marcel’s obsidian gaze bounced between them. He took a drink.

“What’s going on? Something serious?” he asked lightly.

“Potentially,” Klaus said.

Elijah had spoken over him. “No. Nothing to worry about, Marcel.”

Marcel spread his free hand as if to placate him. “Hey, if it’s not my business, that’s fine. Not trying to pry. I was just wondering what my adoptive family was up to.”

Klaus was encouraged by his words, however, much to Elijah’s chagrin. “Niklaus,” he started.

Klaus cut him off. “Elijah found himself a witch,” he explained brightly. “He’s been watching her for the better part of the week, as a matter of fact.” Marcel’s gaze jumped to Elijah, who scowled. Uh oh.

“This doesn’t involve him, Klaus.”

Klaus looked at his brother over the back of the couch. He stood up, then, facing him. “It could, Elijah. He’s family, after all. Besides, you said it yourself, you don’t know why she’s important to us. I say that Marcel should know. He could be of great help.”

Elijah’s hand was tight around his glass, not enough to break it, he wasn’t a drama queen, but his knuckles were white, and he was restraining himself. “Klaus, you simply cannot help but run your mouth.”

“Yes, so the cat’s out of the bag,” Klaus said smugly.

Marcel stepped toward them, his hand still raised, palm out. He didn’t want them fighting. He hadn’t done anything, but he was feeling culpable already. “Hey, I can keep a family secret. You know that. I won’t say anything to anyone.”

Elijah looked at him sharply. “Yes, I know, Marcel, but that’s beside the point. I told my brother that this is something I was handling. And since the situation isn’t clear yet, there was no reason to involve anyone else.” He slowly looked back at Klaus, his expression hard and reproachful. “He’s always had a fear of missing out. He simply cannot help it.”

“I think Marcel can help us,” Klaus repeated, raising his voice a few notches. The smile on his face turned tense as he approached his progeny and put an arm over his shoulders. “Perhaps not right this moment, but he’s got connections in this city now. Chicago is his playing field. We’re merely guests here.”

“I want you to feel at home,” Marcel assured him. Klaus kept looking at Elijah, trying to provoke him further.

“Come now, brother. Don’t be cross with me. You think I can’t keep my mouth shut, which may be true. In this case, I simply made an executive decision. It’s only fair, since you hadn’t been planning to tell me at all. Let’s let Marcel in on our little plan and tell him about the psychic boy and the spirit.”

“Psychic boy?” Marcel repeated.

Klaus turned his head, his arm still around him. “You watch television, don’t you? I haven’t got the time for it, but you must’ve heard of this lad. Apparently, he’s got quite the gift if he’s telling all manners of actors and celebrities their fortunes.”

Marcel drew his brows together. Elijah had turned away, raising a hand to his forehead, his index and thumb fingers pressed against respective temples. He needed a moment to compose himself. Klaus grated on the nerves. Half the day spent with him was already enough to bear.

“Are you talking about one of those reality shows?” Marcel clarified with a laugh.

“Yes, yes, those,” Klaus said, gesturing with his glass. “One of those real-life series.”

“Are you talking about….?” Marcel was thoughtful for a beat, grinning. “Are you talking about that kid? That ginger kid? What’s his name?”

Klaus didn’t know how he looked like, so he regarded Elijah, who didn’t answer. He was downright aggravated and avoided Klaus’ attention.

“Damn it. I can’t think of his name,” Marcel said. Klaus let him go, taking a swig.

“Benjamin Henry,” Elijah said at last, grudgingly.  

Marcel snapped his fingers. “That’s him. I love that kid. I saw some episodes. Like that one when he’s talking to the Kardashians.”

“Who?” Klaus asked, raising his eyebrows.

“You know. The Kardashians. As in “Keeping up with the Kardashians.””

Silence. It didn’t seem like it rang any bells with Klaus, so Marcel just waved his hand.

“Never mind. What’s Benjamin Henry got to do with you?”

And so Elijah was forced to tell him. Klaus wasn’t going to. He didn’t know the details. It was all up to his brother. Klaus sat back down on the couch, satisfied and triumphant, and Elijah remained standing and pacing. He began with the psychic boy and the spirit, explaining as levelly as he could, only wanting to explain this once. He left out details, which he hadn’t mention to Klaus, but Elijah said enough so that Marcel could wrap his mind around it.

Afterward, the bottle was almost finished. The young vampire spread his arms and said, “Let me know how I can help.”

[photograpia]

Travel Thursday: 5 Things to Know when Visiting Tokyo DisneySea

The biggest highlight of our Japan trip was spending an entire day at one of the most magical places on the planet: Tokyo DisneySea. From the time Mia, Monica, and I became best friends, we knew we wanted to travel together someday, and a Disney park was definitely on that bucketlist. At 26, we finally did it! We got to enjoy the day with someone else we grew up with- our ever-pretty friend Mica, whose infectious excitement (and Japanese speaking skills!) made the trip so much better. 

It was my first time to a Disney park outside of the US, and while most foreign Disney parks are based on the original at Anaheim, Disneysea was an entirely new concept. As with most Japanese attractions- the devil was in the details, and everything was so well thought out, over-the-top, and extra. We loved it. 

As a tribute and mini guide to anyone visiting the park, these are the 5 Things You Should Know when Visiting Tokyo Disney Sea:  

1. The Park is entirely in Japanese. 

I don’t know if this should be common knowledge, but the first time I went to a theme park that wasn’t in the states, I was suprised at how there was very little English anywhere. It think it’s a good thing- it shows how these parks really try to adapt and make things more local for the people in the places they set up. To a foreign tourist who only understands English it may be a challenge, but pertinent signs and instructions are multilingual so it shouldn’t be a deterrent to visit. Also not knowing what comes next on a ride when the narration is in Japanese makes them so much more thrilling! 

2. Tokyo DisneySea is HUGE. 

Unlike in other Disney resorts in other countries, the Tokyo Disneyland/DisneySea parks are separate (think a train station away separate) and do not offer cross park tickets. This really makes sense- to maximize the experience, do one park a day. The DisneySea park is divided into seven areas:

Mediterranean Harbour

American Harbourfront

Lost River Delta

The Arabian Coast

Port Discovery (where you’ll find the adorable Finding Dory ride)

and Mermaid Lagoon. This was my favorite part of the park- be sure to enter the actual castle and marvel at the multi-sensory King Triton’s underwater world. I felt like I was five and watching The Little Mermaid for the first time again. 

3. The rides are fantastic. Get Fastpasses whenever you can. 

These are the rides you absolutely shouldn’t miss: 

 Journey to the Center of the Earth

Tower of Terror

Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull 

Toy Story Mania (closed when we went)

Aquatopia

4. Peoplewatch. The guests themselves are part of the adventure. 

Last year when I was at the Disneyland in California, I had every intention of dressing up like Princess Jasmine (no judgement). Then I found out that this is no longer allowed for anyone over the age of 12 (understandably so, the world and time we live in warrants such restrictions to keep kids safe from creepy predators). The wonderfully creative people in Japan however found a way around this by integrating character elements into their wardrobe...and channeling all their costume restrictions on to their children. It is a glorious thing to observe.  

I’d like to point out the bear ears these adorable school kids are sporting. These are the ears of the most famous character in the entire Tokyo Disney Resort- Duffy. Who is Duffy, you may ask? Duffy is Mickey Mouse’s teddy bear. Yes, the bear is more famous than Mickey himself. So much so that they gave him a girlfriend this summer- a random violet bunny named StellaLou. 

This is my future parenting peg. Classic mother with the chic ears and her princess child.

Few families made me smile bigger than this huge one of apparent Disney fans- see also the toddler for whom this visit was probably planned, sleeping blissfully in stroller. 

Then of course- the girlfriends who all dress in the same colors, and pose in all the key photo spots with their Duffy/StellaLou stuffed animals. Only at Tokyo DisneySea. 

5. Bring lots of yen for food and merchandise. 

I wrote previously about how a visit to Tokyo DisneySea can turn into a great food trip real quick here. 

If only for the food and the merchandise, the DisneySea park is well worth a visit. While the entrance is significantly cheaper than most theme parks (as of July 2017 it’s 7400 yen for an adult or $67/Php3500), you’ll find that it’s very hard to say no to the merch. It’s also priced pretty reasonably, but the volume of things you’ll want to get can get overwhelming! Everything is so much cuter, more chic...and after such an amazing day at the park, you’ll really want something to remember your day by. Here are some examples of the kawaii culture buys you can find: 

Technology Accessories. Lots of phone cases, charms, microfiber cleaning sheets, and the like. The designs are adorable and really unique -like this one of Chip and Dale making acorn pasta! It even has a little pasta cutter charm! 

Subtly Disney Jewelry. I really loved the Disney accessories selection in Japan because it wasn’t over the top in character branding, but more chic gold elements with subtle references. As someone whose ears aren’t pierced I love that all their earrings come with softclip options too. 

My biggest regret is not buying this Queen Elsa jewelry stand. I should have. 

Cutesy-fied Star Wars Merchandise. I know, I know. Star Wars is a classic and really needs no cutesy-fying, but who can say no to making droids and ewoks even cuter?

Stationary. Gradschool has allowed me to be indulgent with these for a little longer, and for that I am glad. Couldn’t turn away from the pens, the sticky notes, the notepads! It has been the best way to remember the fun that day, even when I’m back in the stressful school environment. Thank you for the smiles, Disney. 

[labradorqldtradieassociatio-blog]

Destinations of Labrador Queensland Things to see and perform in that area

Situated north of Southport and southern of Biggera Waters, Labrador is a location renowned for its tranquil waters, serene yards and gorgeous views of South Stradbroke Island. Labrador comes from the Gold Coast suburban area of Queensland. It lies concerning 64 kilometres from the capital city of Brisbane and has a location of 4,996 square kilometers. The complying with are a few of the places and activities that you can do while you remain in Labrador.

1. Harley Park

Harley Park is one of the greatest parks on the Gold Coast. The park supplies sights of Magical Broadwater, a great ship themed kids's play ground and lots of dubious picnic tables. As a result of its very enjoyable centers, this makes Harley Park one of the most prominent park for residents. Do not forget to bring an outing rug and loosen up under the color trees in this park. Here you will find 2 play areas. Initially, a marine-themed play ground to the south and the second is a play area motivated by climbing with poles, ropes, stairways, and flying fox. Kids will have the ability to appreciate playing in the park with 2 different alternatives. Harley Park is a family recreation area that gives fun and tasks for all ages. Enjoy the beautiful Gold Coast outside weather condition!

2. Gold Coast Hockey Centre

The Gold Coast Hockey Center offers first-rate Hockey centers for the Gold Coast and Queensland Hockey neighborhoods. The rebuilding of the location was intentionally created to fulfill the assimilation of elite and area use by providing new and extra improved framework. It aims to support the growth of Hockey on the Gold Coast and produce opportunities for future training school for large competitors. There are also Clubhouses below that have facilities:

Modification rooms and facilities

Satisfying spaces and workplace

Emergency Treatment Room

Central atrium

and numerous other additional facilities

3. Pelican Feeding

Feeding pelicans at Labrador is an interesting experience to connect with nature. You are recommended to get here a little early to see thousands of pelicans entering throughout the Ian Dipple Lagoon that then make the landing behind Charis Seafoods. Make sure not to obstruct the sand area to the beach due to the fact that it is a pelican landing pad. Usually, site visitors will be guided to stand in U-shape along the road at the rear of the shop and on the sides and keep the shoreline clean. Hundreds of pelicans will show up and they will require area to gather and mingle with their various other buddies. Pelicans are really large birds if you meet up close. The flutter of pelican wings can be a little terrifying for toddlers, so make certain to keep your distance to make room for the bird. You can likewise take a walk on the sand and take excellent images.

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[vacationsoup]

New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/best-maui-adventures-youve-never-heard-about/

7 Of The Best Maui Adventures You've Probably Never Heard About

7 Of The Best Maui Adventures You’ve Never Heard About

All the guide books tell us about the most popular Maui activities such as the Road to Hana, Snorkel Tours, Whale Watching and Biking Down A Volcano but have you heard that you can be a Mermaid For A Day?  How about Rappelling down a Waterfall or Jungle Wall? 

Today we explore 7 Of The Best Maui Adventures You’ve Never Heard About.

  1. Rappel A Waterfall! 

Get your helmet on and be brave! Take a tour with Rappel Maui and see what it’s like to “walk down walls of water and rock on Maui, one of the most remote places on Earth, it’s an activity that engages all the senses.”

From their website;

About Rappel Maui Imagine the beauty, the wonder, the magic of Hawaii’s tropical rainforest and waterfalls. Now you can experience it all in the most intimate, thrilling way: Cruising down jungle canyon cliffs and natural waterfalls by way of rappelling. What is rappelling? It’s a practice used in the outdoor adventure sport of canyoneering to explore vertical terrain using fixed or anchored ropes and other equipment.

More info here: https://www.rappelmaui.com

                2. Make your own souvenir at Moana Glass Blowing.  Imagine making and taking home your own hand blown glass starfish, bowl, ornament or fish!  This is truly a great (5 Yelp Stars) and unique activity! 

More info here: https://www.blowglasshawaii.com/

  3. Paddle with a local canoe club.

Kihei Canoe Club offers a visitor paddling program which includes an introduction to Hawaiian Culture, instruction in outrigger canoe paddling, and discussion of the local sea life. Paddling sessions usually begin with E Ala E, a traditional chant to welcome the rising sun. This is followed by paddling instruction. Canoes launch about 8:00am and return approximately 9:00am. Depending on conditions, we may paddle to an outer reef to see large sea turtles, venture out to observe whales or head north toward Kealia Pond and Sugar Beach. After returning we end the program with a Mahalo chant to give thanks to the land, the sea and to Hawaiian deities such as na kupuna (ancestors) and na aumakua (family gods.) 

The visitor program is offered on Tuesday and Thursday year round, conditions permitting. Adults and children over the age of 9 are welcome to paddle with experienced club members in single or double hull outrigger canoes. We do not take reservations, so plan to be at the club early. Sign-in begins at 7:00am. This is a very popular activity and is strictly first-come, first-served. No previous experience required.

A tax deductible donation of $40 per adult is suggested and is used to support the various education and paddling programs the club offers.

More info here: http://www.kiheicanoeclub.com

  4. Be a Mermaid for a day. 

Mermaid tails are all the rage and for good reason- they are a fun and exciting way to explore the ocean! With Hawaii Mermaid Adventures, learn to swim like a mermaid while creating great memories on your Maui vacation.

Your swim instructors are certified lifeguards with years of experience. They will keep everyone safe while capturing great web-quality photos too. No extra charge!

We had a blast mermaidung with @travelchannel! . #Repost @travelchannel with @get_repost ・・・ Become the mermaid you always knew you were when you visit @hawaiimermaidadventures! 🧜‍♀️💦🧜‍♂️ #TravelChannel #ExploreYourWorld #MermaidLife #Maui

A post shared by Hawaii Mermaid (@hawaiimermaidadventures) on May 8, 2018 at 2:10pm PDT

More info here: https://hawaiimermaidadventures.com

  5. Track the stars on a Volcano Summit. “Guided Sunset & Stargazing Tours at Haleakala Summit. Join Maui Stargazing for a stunning sunset at Haleakala Summit followed by a science-based, 60 to 90-minute guided telescope tour of the cosmos. Observe the most deep-sky objects through the largest portable telescope on Haleakala. Stay warm in our winter jacket and snowboard pants in sizes from toddler to 4-XL. This Haleakala National Park astronomy tour spans five hours.”

“Start with a breathtaking sunset at the summit of Haleakala, Maui’s 10,000′ dormant volcano. Before darkness settles, we move to a family-friendly observing site for a fascinating laser-guided tour of the constellations and unparalleled views in the field setting. You’re treated to telescope views of the visible planets and deep-sky objects of the Milky Way, including nebulae, star clusters, and the galaxies beyond through a 12-inch aperture Dobsonian telescope! Maui Stargazing supplies all the necessary warm clothing to keep you comfortable throughout the stargazing session.”

More info here: https://www.mauistargazing.com

  6. Learn to play the Ukulele with Locals! Ever wanted to learn to play the Ukulele? It’s one of the top items in our Maui Bucket List. So why not take a free class with 808UkuJams?

We’ve covered this adventure in another blog post here, on Thursday evenings the Keolahou Hawaiian Congregational Church hosts 808Uke Jam, a wonderful class of ukulele enthusiast of all different levels hosted and taught by Jared Delos Santos.  It begins promptly at 7pm and ends at 9pm. This is open to those who love the ukulele and want to learn (or even if you just want to check it out).  Ukulele’s are available to rent – arrive early (give yourself at least 20 minutes to get a Ukulele, song book and music stand.)

Check out Google for some basic chords before arriving – it helps if you familiarize yourself a little.

More info here: http://808ukejams.com/

  7.  Learn about exotic fruits on a local Farm Tour.  Maui has numerous farms and many give tours. Here’s a list of Maui’s farms that showcase exotic and tropical fruits, nuts and vegetables that you might not ever find on the US Mainland.

O’o Farm’s Coffee tour – website link

Our Seed to Cup tour beings in the misting forest of Waipoli in Upcountry Maui where you will find O’o Farm. You’ll be greeted with french press coffee to start your day up on top of our farm. You will also discover with us as we take an inside look at the transformation from the fruit of a scraggly bush into the World’s second most sought after commodity. Participants connect with both agriculture history of coffee and the “seed to cup” process by strolling through our orchard and experiencing sight, sounds and smells a real roasting operation.

  Hana Gold’s Cacao Farm Tour – website link

Made in Hana, Maui – from branch to bar. Ideally situated on the Hana Coast of Maui, Hana Gold is one of Hawaii’s first cacao plantations. The unique climate and fertile volcanic soil of Hawaii gives Hana Gold Cacao a rich and complex flavor that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Call ahead and take our plantation tour! $25 per adult, kids 14 and under are free when accompanied by a paying adult. Tour Time Is 2pm.

  Ono Organic Exotic Tropical Fruit, Coffee and Chocolate Tasting Adventure – website link

Enjoy a fruit-filled “Garden of Eden.” Our Exotic Tropical Fruit Tasting Adventure includes samples of ten to twelve in-season fruits, our “ONO-licious” home grown coffee and home grown and roasted chocolate beans. Tours take place every Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. Same day reservations may be available if reserved prior to 12:30 p.m. HST.

  Maui’s Only Dragonfruit Farm – website link

We blogged about this Lahaina farm recently.

Guided Farm Tours – “Our family friendly guided walking farm tour takes about one hour. You begin with a fruit tasting in the bamboo gazebo where you will taste exotic fresh picked fruit as seasonally available. Our main dragon fruit season is July to November. Our main pineapple season is June to July. Dragon fruit, pineapple, banana, papaya, sugar cane, passion fruit and more all grow at the Maui Dragon Fruit Farm.

After the tasting, our knowledgeable guides will take you on a stroll. You will get a closer look at the plants producing this excellent fruit. See first hand how dragon fruit, pineapple, sugar cane and papaya are grown here in Hawaii and learn about the organic practices that help the fruit taste so delicious! Discover some of the plants the Hawaiian people brought with them when they first came to these islands. All this while enjoying breath-taking views of the Pacific Ocean and the West Maui Mountains.”

  Punakea Palms Working Coconut farm tours -website link

Check out our blog post about Punakea Palms to read more. Coconut Farm Tasting Tour – With Aloha we welcome you to tour our farm. Experience the sights and tastes of a working coconut farm. Learn the usefulness of the coconut tree and discover how to extract its bounty. Participate in all the stages of coconut cultivation and consumption, all while basking in the natural beauty of our farm. Take home fresh, hand-made coconut products from a truly authentic experience. Pre-Booked Reservations Required

  Have a great, yet hardly known Maui activity or adventure? Let us know in the comments below so we can share with our readers! Mahalo!

  Looking for more Maui vacation ideas? Lots of things to see and do,

come on over and visit our Local Maui Guide or Maui Events Calendar!

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