Alarra's Gems V

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/Alarra/sign2.png


Alarra's Gems resides just down the street from Trog's. Inside, black velvet draped displays showcase dozens of dazzling loose gems, intricate rings, amulets, and earrings. Here and there is peppered slender crystal wands, and stones.

A sign claims that Alarra can craft anything your heart desires and specializes in magically enchanted amulets and rings.

A small woman, with long, curly dark hair, and bright green eyes, her nametag says Rhianne, stands behind the counter ready to sell premade pieces or take specifications for custom orders that Alarra will craft later.

(Do not ask how much things cost. Alarra has no idea. Whatever you pay her, as long as it seems remotely reasonable, is how much it costs.)

There is a doorway in the back of the room, leading to a stairway. Alarra, El Jaspero, and their daughter Agneta live here.

A leopard and lion tend to prowl around the displays, when they're not hanging off Trog's cat tree of course, discouraging any theft. Two elven kids, Kint and Ala, are usually bouncing around here somewhere too...at least for the moment.

[Kyrian]

Kyrian takes a seat and smiles.

[Blood]

((Repost, in response to Jaspero's asking Blood if she wants something besides sherry.))

Blood coughs a couple of times. "Yeah. Like maybe a new liver."

[McBish]

So how is Alarra doing?

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J smiles as he pours Blood a bowl of water instead. "Lightweight."

"Alarra's well, nearly due. Gwen says it'll be this weekend for sure."

[McBish]

Well here's to a easy delivery. Lillah raises he glass.

[Blood]

Blood drinks some of the water, then glances over at Kyrian. "If you suddenly remember you have a fear of black cats because you were scarred as a child, you know who to take it out on." She looks a bit confused. "Jaspero, you sure this is water?"

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J looks at Blood. "It's clear, isn't it?" He raises his mug of tea, joining Lillah's toast.

[Kyrian]

Kyrian summons a drink to raise in toast.

To Dad, who's receiving his first child, and seeing his second married all in one weekend.

[Blood]

Blood begins to wobble slightly, unbalancing; a bit odd for a cat. "I think so, Jaspero. It's...hard to see... What was that, Argo? Argo?"

Rell appears in the shop, standing next to Blood. "Do you feel that, kitty? You're supposed to." Blood looks up at him with a feeble smile.

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

(we need to update the opening post. Mik and Thecla are gone and so is the Tarrasque)

*The llama says goodnight to everyone and trots off into the streets.*

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

((Thanks LLama.))

"Argo? No, it's grappa I think."

[Blood]

Blood continues to look at the man with the feeble little smile. Wet red spots begin to form all over her black fur.

Rell smiles, gives a mocking bow to everyone at the table, and disappears.

[McBish]

Blood are you ok?

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J looks at Blood carefully (detect magic, detect poison). "Are you alright, lass?"

[Blood]

Blood falls over, the water in her dish a deep red, the color of her name. She has no magic or poison on her, just ... blood. She still wears a feeble smile, looking into the distance, and her mouth tries to form words... "...Argo..."

The black red cat falls unconscious.

[Kyrian]

Kyrian jumps up, his player sighing at the amount of his physics homework.

[McBish]

Lillah sits up with a worried look on her face.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J gasps, grabbing a dish towel and quickly wrapping it around Blood. "No!" He does his best to stanch the red flow, trying desperately to think of a way to save her.

[Blood]

The dish towel quickly darkens. Blood continues to lay there, unconscious. Her water dish sits there, full of red liquid, like a bad omen.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El Jaspero wraps her in another towel, as it's the only thing a pirate really knows how to do for a wound. "Don't you die on me," he hisses at her as he blinks something from his eye.

[McBish]

Lillah stands up. El J let me see if I can help. She holds out a hand to place on Blood.

[Blood]

Blood barely manages to open one eye. "This is way too dramatic for me..." She struggles to stay conscious. The blood flow seems to slow down, but she's lost a lot. "God...damn it...I told you...I hate...sideplots..."

[Alarra]

Alarra hurries downstairs and over to Blood, "Oh heavens....what's happened here?"
She kneels down and sets about trying to heal the poor feline.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J cradles the soggy bundle in his arms and tries to smile. "Since when did I care what you want, cat?" He looks to Lillah and Alarra pleadingly. "If you can help her...gods, do it. Please."

[McBish]

Lillah being at the disadvantage of not being able to see where blood is lets Alarra try to heal Blood.

[Blood]

The blood flow slowly stops, and wounds knit up. Some blood is replaced. One of the scariest things in the world is to hear a cat breathing haggardly. There's a weak pulse, but there is a pulse.

[Kyrian]

Kyrian falls into NPC mode. His player likely just experienced his first nervous breakdown and is trying to recover.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J grins and brushes something from his eye. "You rotten feline, you almost had me worried." He starts to wipe the blood from her face, and it turns into a strangely gentle embrace. "What the hell happened to you?"

[Alarra]

Alarra looks Blood over carefully to see if there's anything else she can do to help, but convinced she'll at least live, and turns to El J. "What happened to her?"

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J turns to Alarra, still holding Blood and completely unaware of the blood soaking his coat. "I don't know. I poured her some water, and she drank. Then a strange little man appeared, she said 'argo' and started bleeding."

[McBish]

Argo, it sounded like a name.

[Blood]

((Rell is being possessed by an entity created by the gods (most of them, anyway, I don't think Kyrian would have helped) whose sole mission in life is to bring balance to the alignments. And Chaos is badly outnumbering Law. So Rell came over here and tried to kill off a big chaotic person in the Town.))

[McBish]

((Um is this a bad time to mention that Lillah is somewhat of a chaos god?))

[Blood]

((The entity possessing Rell has decided to start killing chaotic people one-by-one. He has a couple of reasons, but I don't want to start spewing too much here.

Oh, and Argo is Blood's son. Go figure.))

[Alarra]

(you know...chaos does badly outnumber law....that's really why alarra came about)

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

((Not to mention that she's now luring the Pirate King to her Lawful ways. The horror!))

El Jaspero nods at Lillah. "That could be. But she didn't sound angry, or upset. Almost...amused?"

[McBish]

Hm... well I think she will pull through.

[Blood]

Blood sneezes, and opens her eyes blearily. "Wuh happ'n'd?"

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J smiles, and forgets for the moment to scowl at Blood. "The water. You drank the water and said 'Argo'. Does that mean anything to you?"

[Blood]

Blood closes her eyes. "Argo..." she breathes softly. Her breathing is steady, but her mind seems a bit befuddled. She quickly falls asleep, still wrapped up in blankets and her own blood.

[McBish]

I think she needs some rest. And we should get going to. She smiles at Kyrian.

[Kyrian]

Kyrian slowly nods.

[Thes Hunter]

(( Wow, I am so glad I am neutral Bitter, don't have to worry about all that chaos, law bull. ))

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J looks at Alarra in case she makes some meaning of it. Finding none, he takes Blood to the sink and gently rinses her clean in warm water, careful not to wake her. He then pats her dry, wraps her in a clean towel and carries her upstairs.

[McBish]

Bye El J, Allara. Lillah takes Kyrian's hand, Ready to go home?

[Kyrian]

Yea. Bye Mom, Dad...

[McBish]

Lillah teleports them home.

[Alarra]

Alarra follows El J upstairs and takes his hand gently, "She'll be alright and I'm sure we'll figure it all out soon."

[Blood]

((Funny enough, Rell actually talked to Lillah the night before getting possessed. Kyrian wasn't really paying attention, and Lillah probably doesn't recognize his voice now that it's a bit more like the entity's.))

Blood continues to sleep, wrapped up in El J's blankets.

[McBish]

((Yeah, that is true.))

[Kyrian]

((Kyrian wasn't really paying attention))

((Sorry, next time I'll try to tell real life to leave me the shock alone so that I may pay attention to you. Oh, and then I likely won't have to spend the next evening yelling at my fiance because the stress finally got to me and I just fell apart.))

[Blood]

((Sorry, next time I'll try to tell real life to leave me the shock alone so that I may pay attention to you. Oh, and then I likely won't have to spend the next evening yelling at my fiance because the stress finally got to me and I just fell apart.))
((Nah, I understand. And I was referring to the character Kyrian not listening, not the player.))

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J looks at Alarra. "I know. She's a tough old critter. I just..." He chokes back a sniffle. "I was...well, you know. The kids like her."

He looks around the hallway. "Well she clearly can't sleep on her pillow tonight."

[Alarra]

Alarra takes the cat gingerly from El J's arms and walks into the nursery. "She can sleep in here for the moment." She places Blood carefully in the crib.

"She'll be fine...really." Alarra takes El J's face in her hands and gives him a long kiss before leading him one door over to their own room to turn in for the night.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

Morning finds El Jaspero standing over the crib, quietly sipping a mug of coffee. "Rest well, cat." he murmurs, then grins. "Tomorrow night someone else will be wanting to sleep here."

He straightens the covers, making sure Blood is warm enough, then heads downstairs to start breakfast for Ala and Kint.

[Blood]

Blood groans as she stands up and hops out of the crib. Sleepily, she walks into the hallway and goes right back to sleep on her pillow.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J carefully steps around Blood on his way up to the sofa, his arms laden once again with maps. He soon heads back downstairs, then returns with two bowls: one of water and one of broth in an everwarm bowl. He sets them near Blood, then heads back to the sofa for an evening of study.

[Blood]

The two bowls are both found nearly empty a few hours later. Blood sits on her pillow, now awake, but still looking a bit tired.

[Kyrian]

Kyrian appears downstairs and heads up. He smiles when he sees Blood.

Hey....how you feeling?

[Blood]

"Tired, confused..." She thinks for a moment. "I don't remember what happened. All I remember is drinking water one minute, and the feeling dizzy...and then from there, everything is a blur..."

[Kyrian]

Kyrian sits down and gently pets her.

I'm sorry, I should have done something.

[Blood]

Blood just lies down and leans into the affection slightly.

[Kyrian]

Kyrian smiles slightly.

So...living here, and paying all your treasure for it?

[Blood]

"Your father told you?" She smiles. "Oh, right. God.

Speaking of which, I was a Goddess myself, for a couple of weeks. Wasn't cut out for me." She pauses. "Gave it all up. Decided to stay here, with Jaspero and Alarra. Seem nice enough, and I don't need any money anyway."

[Kyrian]

Don't worry. I'll keep your secret safe, and I won't even touch any of it. Promise.

[Blood]

Blood smiles and closes her eyes, purring quietly.

((Somewhere, a tentacle stirs.))

[Kyrian]

Kyrian continues to gently pet her.

[Blood]

Anyone Chaotic ((To a point, obviously)) suddenly feels a powerful urge to commit suicide. After dying, their body will disappear, unless they're a PC.

Blood jumps up off the pillow angrily, and attempts to bite and scratch herself, with little success.

[Kyrian]

Kyrian ignores the urge and looks at Blood in slight shock.

Hell is wrong with you?

[Blood]

Blood doesn't answer him; she just continues to furiously attack herself. A few scratches open up, and some blood begins to show. Great. Another dramatic bloody scene for the poor cat.

[Kyrian]

Kyrian casts antimagic on the cat.

[Blood]

Blood stops and feels suddenly dizzy. She lies down on the pillow. She doesn't seem to be too badly injured.

[Kyrian]

Kyrian dispels the antimagic and heals her.

[Blood]

Blood's scratches close up, but once again, she's extremely worn out and immediately falls asleep.

[Kyrian]

Kyrian stays there for a while and just pets her.

[Blood]

Blood curls up tighter in her sleep.

[Alarra]

Alarra comes downstairs and sits at the table, thinking.

[Kyrian]

Kyrian comes in and heads to the back.

You ok, Mom?

[Alarra]

"Hmm....oh, I'm fine." Alarra doesn't really look or sound fine though, she sounds a bit sad.

[Kyrian]

Kyrian gives her a hug as he takes a seat.

What's wrong, Mom?

[Alarra]

"Why whatever would be wrong? This is one of the happiest days of my life. I'm going to have your sister after all." Alarra bursts into tears.

[Kyrian]

Kyrian gives her a hug.

Mom...

[Alarra]

"I'm sorry..." She tries to wipe the tears away quickly. "I think maybe I should go lay down."
She slips away from the table and embrace carefully and makes her way back upstairs.

[Kyrian]

Kyrian sighs and leaves.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

The door opens hard, and El J dashes in at a quick pace. He throws a bag of groceries on the counter as he heads upstairs, taking them two at a time.

"Alarra?" he calls. "Are you alright?"

[Alarra]

Alarra is curled up in bed. "I....I don't know."

[Blood]

Blood opens a sleepy eye as El J passes her, but sighs silently and continues her nap.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El Jaspero drops to his knees at the bedside, worry playing heavily on his face. He holds her hand and gently caresses her hair. "Darling, what's happening? What's wrong?"

Desperate for something, he uses his eye to scan her, attempting to detect, well...anything.

[Alarra]

Alarra lets out a long sigh, "There's nothing wrong. Everything in my life is absolutely perfect. I've never been so happy." she starts to cry again. "And I have no idea why I'm crying."

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

He keeps holding her hand and pulls himself close to her with his free hand. "I can't imagine...maybe because we're about to change our lives forever? Redefining who we are is a frightening prospect, love."

[Alarra]

Alarra nods, "Maybe." She wraps her arms around him. "I love you."

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J holds her close, cloaking her in a piratical shield against the world. "Alarra...I never even knew what love was until I met you. You're the best thing that ever happened to me, the best by far. I love and adore you, I can't stand to be away from you...I wish I had the words to tell you."

[Alarra]

Alarra smiles, "You just did." She sighs and cuddles back into the pillow, "Come lay down with me."

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

"As you wish, my love." He tosses off his coat and boots and slides under the covers with a grin, then pulls her to him. "Oh, this is nice. We haven't done this for far too long."

[Alarra]

Alarra simply sighs contentedly and curls against him, falling asleep.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J leans back, humming a quiet lullaby and enjoying the sight of Alarra at rest.

[Alarra]

After a couple hours, Alarra turns to him, "Hey....you awake?"

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J blinks. "Hmm? Yes, of course. I was just resting my eye. What's up?"

[Alarra]

"I think perhaps it's time to have a baby."

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

"Yes, I suppose it is about that time." He lies back again, savoring the afternoon, enjoying the warmth and quiet of the

"Holy crap!"

El J springs from bed and runs around to Alarra's side. "You did just say what I think you said, right?" He looks around the room, clearly intent on gathering some sort of important...somethings.

[Alarra]

Alarra laughs. "Yes, I did."

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

"Gah!"

He begins dashing about the room, gathering pillows, towels, an extra pair of socks,

"You just stay there and relax, just relax, yes."

and a book of poetry. He then throws himself down the stairs and charges back up, then goes down once again and returns with the healer's kit and a pot of tea, then smacks his forehead and runs downstairs again, then comes back up with an everwarm pitcher of water and a broom. He stands at the foot of the bed, trying to look reassuring.

"Gods, I wish I knew what I was doing."

[Alarra]

Alarra does so, still laughing, "What's the broom for?"

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J looks at the broom in surprise. "I...I'm sure it seemed useful when I picked it up." He leans it in the corner and drops to the floor at Alarra's side. "Are you alright? Is there anything you need, anything I can do for you?" He quickly looks her over, clearly trying to find something he can be useful at. "Just relax, love, I'm sure everything will be fine. Gah!" He springs up and disappears down the stairs with a clatter again.

[Blood]

All the running around wakes up the sleeping cat, who stands and walks into the bedroom, stretching.

[wxdruid]

Gwen walks into the shop.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

"Gwen! Gods be praised!" El J throws Gwen over his shoulder and runs up the stairs two at a time, then stands her up with an embarassed smile in the bedroom. "Sorry. I'm just a bit...ah!" He leaps down the stairs again.

[Alarra]

Alarra laughs, "Hey Gwen. Jas has gone crazy.."

[Kyrian]

Kyrian enters and sees Jaspero running around.

I assume that means it's time, so I'll just wait down here.

[Blood]

Blood shakes her head and follows Jaspero downstairs. "Calm down, would you?"

[wxdruid]

Gwen smiles and turns to Alarra, How are you feeling? as she starts setting out her things.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El Jaspero stops in the kitchen. He is on the verge of shaking, or crying, or both. "You don't understand, Blood. I need to do something, I just don't know what it is. Pirates are men of action."

He starts rummaging in the kitchen cabinets.

[Alarra]

"Fine." Alarra is leaning back on the bed, looking actually, quite content and relaxed.

[wxdruid]

Gwen calls down the stairs, El J, get up here!

She goes over to Alarra and examines her.

[Blood]

Blood rolls her eyes at El J and turns to Kyrian. "What would happen if your sister saw you? She probably wouldn't remember, but you never know what can be changed in time..."

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J charges up the stairs, laden with three coffee mugs, a pack of paper plates, a soup ladle and a pepper mill. "Gwen! What's up?"

[Kyrian]

Who knows Blood.

[wxdruid]

Gwen laughs, put those things down on the dresser and help your lovely wife up and off the bed for a moment.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J drops whatever he's holding right where he is and dashes over to help Alarra stand.

[Alarra]

Alarra moves away from the bed carefully, still being unable to stop laughing at El J's antics.

[Blood]

Blood eyes him. "Just... don't do anything... stupid."

The cat walks upstairs and watches El J's antics, managing to look worried and amused at the same time.

((Edit: Antics must be a common word, Alarra.))

[wxdruid]

Gwen quickly strips it and lays a special sheet down on the mattress, Now Alarra you may lay down again, are they any sheets or blankets that you don't mind getting dirty?

[Kyrian]

Kyrian sits downstairs and waits.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J looks around for a moment, torn between holding up Alarra and helping Gwen. He finally gives in and runs downstairs, returning with an old set of sheets, two throw pillows from the porch, three picnic blankets, and a tarp. He throws them all on the bed, then returns to helping Alarra stand there.

[Alarra]

"Oh...um...any of them?" And seeing El J come back with a armful of blankets, "Or those is fine."

[wxdruid]

Gwen picks out several and puts them next to Alarra. She takes the sheets and puts them in a pile at the end of the bed.

El J, did you bring up some water? We need a basin of it and some drinking water.

[Blood]

Blood flicks her tail in annoyance. As El J presumably runs back downstairs for water, she says, "He should really be controlled." She rolls her eyes. "Good call on the water, though."

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

"Water! Yes, right!"

El J throws himself back down the stairs, gives Blood a look, and runs back up with two pitchers , a basin, three soup bowls, and a washtub, all filled with water of varying temperatures.

[wxdruid]

Thank you El J, Gwen puts them in various places around the room, she picks up a mug and puts some water in it for Alarra. She puts it on the nightstand. El J, sit there, as she points next to Alarra.

[Alarra]

Alarra takes his hand when he sits down, "Would you stop fidgeting and just sit here?"

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

The Pirate King, glad at last to be told what to do, sits exactly where ordered. After a moment he reaches out for Alarra's hand, then turns into an NPC.

[wxdruid]

Gwen grins, Okay Alarra, everything is ready now.

[Blood]

Blood looks at Gwen. "In that case, I hope none of you mind me leaving." She walks out, her tail waving behind her. She sits down on her pillow and waits.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

The house is at peace, and finally El Jaspero comes downstairs with a tiny bundle in his arm. His face is utterly aglow, and he's walking as carefully as ever a man walked.

"Kyrian, Blood...meet Agneta."


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m4/epiplectic/agneta.gif


He might be holding a sacred relic, as much care as he's taking. "Isn't...isn't she beautiful?"

[Kyrian]

Kyrian jumps up and smiles at his father, and his older, baby, sister. (go figure :P)

She is, Dad.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J stands, just looking at the sleeping girl in his arm. "I can't believe it. This is really my life, isn't it?"

[Kyrian]

Kyrian reaches out and lays a hand on his father's shoulder.

And to think that tomorrow will only make it weirder...

He grins.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J tears his gaze away from Agneta to look at Kyrian with a smile. "I suppose. But weird isn't bad, son." He looks back to the bundle in his arms and softly starts weeping.

[Kyrian]

Kyrian carefully hugs his father, making sure not to harm his sister.

How's Mom doing?

[wxdruid]

Upstairs, Gwen heals Alarra, How are you feeling?

[Alarra]

Alarra can't stop smiling, in spite of being very tired. She looks at Gwen almost in awe, "I just had a baby." She pauses for a moment and just smiles, "And I've never felt better."

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J looks up, blinking tears from his eye. "She's fine, fine. Really tired, of course, resting. But she's well." He looks back at Agneta. "I can't believe it."

[Kyrian]

One down, one to go.

Kyrian looks towards the stairs.

Resting you said? So she probably shouldn't have visitors then...

[wxdruid]

Gwen hugs Alarra, I know you'll be a wonderful mother, but I want you to rest a lot for at least a week. Having a baby is hard work.

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*Atreyu opens the door and trots in, looking around to see who is there and is pleasantly surprised by what he sees.*

[Alarra]

Alarra nods, smiles, and returns the hug. "Of course." Her face suddenly falls a bit, "I can still go to the wedding tomorrow, right?"

[wxdruid]

Of course, I don't think anyone would be able to stop you. I just want you to be careful and don't over exert yourself.

[Blood]

Blood smiles as El J passes her. She decides to put in her word some other time, as many people will be congratulating them soon. She goes to sleep on her pillow.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J looks up with a brilliant smile. "Atreyu, ahoy. Look who joined us tonight." He shifts so the llama can get a good look at the baby in his arms, but turns his head to Kyrian. "I'm sure she'd be up to seeing you, son. Go on up if you want."

[Alarra]

"Well don't worry, I'll be careful." Alarra continues to sit in bed just beaming.

[wxdruid]

Gwen chuckles. Can I get you up long enough to put your bed back together?

[Kyrian]

Kyrian nods and slowly heads up the stairs. He stands outside his parent's room and lightly knocks on the door.

[Alarra]

"Oh...sorry..." Alarra slips out of bed sheepishly. She pulls a fluffy white bathrobe off a hook and wraps in it. "Come in!

[Kyrian]

Kyrian slowly opens the door and pokes his head in with a smile.

Mom?

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*The llama trots over and beams to see Agneta, his tail wagging excitedly*
"I'm amazed by how small you all start out and you're born so cute, too."

[wxdruid]

Gwen quickly strips the bed and cleans up the mess, putting it all into a separate bag. She quickly remakes the bed with clean sheets and blankets. She pulls back one corner, Alarra.

[Alarra]

"Kyrian! Did you see Agneta? Isn't she beautiful?" Alarra hurries over and hugs him, smiling so much and so big you'd swear her face must hurt by now. "Oh...I think I'm supposed to get back in bed now."

[Kyrian]

Kyrian smiles at the embrace and kisses his mother on the cheek.

As beautiful as our mother. How are you doing?

[Blood]

Blood smiles in her sleep, obviously dreaming.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

"Isn't she the most beautiful thing ever?" El Jaspero beams, then reflects a moment. "I suppose...at least the most beautiful human you've ever seen." He sighs happily. "She looks like her mother, but at least she has my eyes...both of 'em, lucky girl."

[Alarra]

Alarra lays back on the bed again. "Oh, I'm doing just great. I have the most beautiful little girl ever. Speaking of...I wish El J would bring her back. I haven't gotten to hold her nearly enough."

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

"She's adorable, El J. Easily a 40+ charisma score."

[Kyrian]

Kyrian goes over and kneels down beside his mother. He takes her hand and smiles.

I can't believe I'm an actual brother now.

[wxdruid]

Gwen tucks Alarra back in and grins at her. There's plenty of time for both of you to hold her. Please call me if you have any questions.

[Alarra]

Alarra smiles up at Gwen, "I will."

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J nods. "At the least." He tips his head, indicating the stairs. "Come on up, I'm sure Alarra is pining away for her daughter by now." He carefully, ever-so-carefully, heads up the stairs and back into the bedroom and stops in the doorway, utterly rapt at the sight of Alarra.

[wxdruid]

Gwen hugs Alarra once more before she leaves the room. She meets up with El J. Alarra is doing wonderfully, she make sure she gets enough rest.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

((He actually just arrived upstairs.))

El J blinks and smiles. "Gwen, thank you so much. I'll make sure she rests, I promise."

[wxdruid]

Good, I'll be by to check up on everyone tomorrow. Gwen goes downstairs and leaves.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J tiptoes across the room and carefully hands Agneta to her mother. "Oh," he sighs. "Oh, I...I think my heart is breaking." He stoops over the women in charge of his life, utterly stunned.

[Alarra]

Alarra cradles her daughter carefully against her chest and pats the bed next to her for El J to come sit with them, never once taking her eyes off the adorable little bundle that she's somehow produced.

[Kyrian]

Kyrian leans over and kisses his mother on the cheek. He then stands and hugs his father.

I guess that this is my cue to leave.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J manages to tear his gaze away to look at Kyrian, but it's clearly a struggle. "Yes, I think so. Your mother needs to rest, and you have your own woman to be with tonight." He looks into Kyrian's eyes and smiles. "We'll see you tomorrow, then."

[Alarra]

Alarra smiles up at him, "Yes, at the wedding...I'll be there early to see if I can help with anything."

[Kyrian]

Kyrian smiles and nods.

I'll see you both tomorrow, and I'll make sure you two get the best seats.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J chuckles. "You might actually want to save us something near an aisle, in case Agneta gets fussy. But we'll be there, lad."

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

"hehe. I bet for all his devine goodness Kyrian doesn't know how to tie a tie."

*Atreyu chuckles *

[Kyrian]

Kyrian laughs.

Goodnight Mom, Dad....Sis.

Kyrian smiles at his sister, and a tear falls from his eye as he turns and heads out for the night.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J waves to Kyrian, then shucks his coat and boots and climbs back into a very different bed than the one he left a few hours ago. "Alarra," he breathes in a voice of deep, spiritual reverence. "I've called you beautiful before, and I was right every time...but I had no idea."

[Alarra]

Alarra kisses him lightly and curls back against him, still cradling Agneta and looking like she intends to never stop holding her for the rest of her life.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J wraps his arms around Alarra and smiles. "Oh, my beautiful, beautiful girls." He murmurs. "I have never felt so whole, so wholly a man...so holy a man." He kisses her forehead ever so gently. "I love you, Alarra."

[Alarra]

Alarra smiles up at him, "I love you too." She stares back down at Agneta. "Oh...I'm hogging her. Did you want to hold her again?"

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J smiles. "We have all the time in the world, love. You hold her and I'll hold you. It's not quite the same...but it'll do." He looks at the tiny little girl in amazement. "She's so beautiful...just like you. I can't believe I had any part in it."

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*Atreyu trots off to give the 3 some alone time. He checks in on Kint and Ala and trots out into the Town*

[Alarra]

After a long while of laying contentedly together, El J takes Agneta and puts her in the small bassinet beside the bed, as they have decided that the adjoining nursery is really simply too far away.

Alarra, being exhausted, eventually falls asleep, but El J stays up far into the morning, checking on each of them every few minutes.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

Morning finds El Jaspero downstairs introducing Agneta to her various housemates. Brin gives her a slightly curious look and a quick lick, then heads upstairs to lie down on Alarra's side of the bed. Kint and Ala are another matter entirely.

She's so tiny, Uncle Jaspero.
How long will she be like that?

El J smiles as they hold Agneta's hands and tickle her feet. "I don't know. She's certainly shown herself to be a fast grower already, but even if she slows down, she'll start growing bigger in a month or so I believe."

The elf kids look at him in amazement. A month, Uncle Jaspero? Stop joking with us already. Everybody knows babies take years to grow up.

Yeah, Ala wasn't walking until she was 15.

The Pirate King chuckles and rocks Agneta. "I suppose it's different for elves, but we humans are a bit quicker than that. If you don't believe me, just watch. You'll be surprised." He looks at the bundle in his arms with absolute joy. "Just like all of us."

[Blood]

Blood walks downstairs and watches El J and the elves, but doesn't have the heart to make a snippy comment, even though she definitely has a couple. Instead, she just smiles. "Alarra seems tired. How about you make some bamhacon, and I'll keep the elves busy so you can go back upstairs."

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

"Thanks, Blood. That's...that's nice of you." He gives a surprised smile and heads back into the kitchen as the kids giggle with glee.

Yay, kitty time!

They sit down and wait for Blood, eager to begin petting her again.

[Ceika]

*Ceika walks into the store and looks around.*

Jas? You around?

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

Ala looks up from the floor where she's happily petting Blood. He's in the kitchen. Should I get him for you?

[Ceika]

*She grins and ruffles Ala's hair.* Nah, that's ok... I'll get him.

*Ceika heads into the kitchen, knocking on the door frame to alert him to her entrance.* Ahoy there, my king.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J flips a pan of frying bamhacon with a graceful one-handed twist, as the other is holding a blanket-wrapped bundle. "Ceika! Ahoy, my dear. Come in, come in!" He turns the heat down a bit and scampers over to show Ceika his daughter. "Just look at her! Isn't she fantastic?"

[Ceika]

*Ceika grins upon sight of the newborn, reaching out to gently touch her face.* Jas, she's darling! Absolutely beautiful! *She looks up at him and jests with a wink.* You sure she's yours?

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

"Were it not for my complete and utter faith in Alarra, I'd have the same thought. Though she does have my eyes...and both of 'em, lucky girl." He grins.

[Ceika]

*Ceika laughs lightly at his comment, and gives him a half hug, minding the baby when she does.* She's simply wonderful, Jas... an absolute miracle. She looks healthy. And happy... I'm so happy for you. How's Alarra? Is she well? Tired, I'd imagine... but still well?

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J nods. "She's fine, more than fine. Tired, yes, but couldn't be better. Gwen made me promise to see that she gets some rest, otherwise I think she'd be out for a walk in the countryside or something."

He smiles, then gives Ceika a look. "Ceika, would you...no, never mind."

[Ceika]

*she nods* Would I what, Jas? You know you've but to ask....

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

He thinks a moment. "Would you consider being Agneta's godmother?"

[Ceika]

*She falters for a moment, unable to hige the surprise at his request.* Her... godmother? You would... I mean, if I... but my life... *she blinks and takes a deep breath to sort out her words, then tries again* Jas, I would be honored to be Agneta's godmother, and I would fill the role to the best of my ability. On one condition. *She pauses again.* You let me hold her?

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

A broad grin breaks the Pirate King's face. "I thought you'd never ask." He carefully hands his bundle over to Ceika, then tends the bamhacon. "And don't you tell me about 'your life'. That's...that's the life I want her to have, if anything happens to us. She's going to be brilliant, smart as anything you've ever seen anda beauty for the ages. That's obvious. But if I don't, who's going to teach her to tie a running bowline, how to shoot a pistol, how to fence, how to read a shoal?" He grins at Ceika. "You're the best of the best, Ceika. I can't think of anyone other than Alarra and myself I'd trust her with more."

[Ceika]

*She smiles and carefully cuddles the bundle in her arms, cooing at her gently and rocking her slowly.* Jaspero... nothing's going to happen to you... but if it does, I will do my best to bring her up learning and living by your code, as you did for me. *She smiles proudly, his compliment hitting home.* It would be my honor and my pleasure to have even the slightest role in her life... I can think of nothing I would rather be, than Agneta's godmother. *She smiles at the baby and, in a gentle voice, starts talking about ships and the sea in general. She smiles up at El J.* Never can start too young. *She sits down at the table and talks to and rocks Agneta until El J or Alarra make her give the child back to them, while her player runs off to the bookstore.*

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J rambles through the house, serving bamhacon and various other things to people wherever they are, before returning to sit with Ceika and help her tell stories of the sea to his daughter.

[Blood]

Blood gobbles up some bamhacon and entertains the kids with stories of when she was a goddess, leaving El J to do what he wants with all the visitors, the baby, and the sleeping wife. ((:smallbiggrin:))

Did the muffin really scream?
"Yes. It was funny, watching all the people running around trying to stop the screaming muffins."
That's creepy.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

The afternoon is nearly spent when El J finally realizes what time it is.

"Egad, Ceika. I need to get myself ready, wake up Alarra, all that...we have a wedding to attend, and quite soon. I hope you'll forgive me, I'll be back in a moment."

He scampers upstairs to rouse Alarra and get them both dressed.

[Alarra]

Being the wedding's in less than ten minutes, Alarra is of course already dressed and ready to go.

She taps her foot impatiently as she waits for El J."We shouldn't be late you know....we're his parents after all."

[Ceika]

*Ceika nods, quickly masking a scowl behind a pleasant smile, and stands, still holding Agneta. She chuckles at El Jaspero's frantic scurrying. She nods to Alarra, smiling warmly.*

She's beautiful, Alarra... El J has two very beautiful and charming women in his life.

*Realizing that Alarra is ready and waiting, she reluctantly hands Agneta back to her mother, after kissing her lightly on the forehead.*

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J nods as he throws himself into his best shirt. "Yes love, yes..I know. I was just having such a time with Ceika." He whips on his finest red coat and a clean eyepatch. "There. Oh. You don't mind if Ceika's her godmother, do you?"

[Alarra]

"Of course not. Perfect choice."

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El Jaspero gives a relieved sigh and gets Alarra's coat, followed by an extra blanket and a hat for the baby. "Thanks, I'm glad you agree." He sees to it that his women are properly bundled, then smiles. "Shall we?"

[Alarra]

Alarra kisses him on the cheek and after checking again to ensure Agneta is properly bundled, they head out.

[Ceika]

*Ceika watches them leave, smiling. Realizing that she's alone in the shop, she heads out and down the street.*

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

The door opens and Alarra enters, bearing a tiny bundle wrapped in several blankets and followed closely by El Jaspero. He helps her remove her coat, then hangs his up next to hers as she heads upstairs with Agneta. He rambles about the house a bit, making sure things are shut down for the night, then follows her up to the bedroom.

He slides up behind her and they stand, holding hands and looking at their daughter in the bassinet, sharing silent thoughts of wonder and joy. Satisfied that she's warm enough, cozy enough, and settled, they finally tear themselves away and climb into their own bed, exhausted from a very eventful weekend but filled with a sense of amazed, even astounded newness.

[Blood]

Blood curls up on her pillow upstairs, agreeing with this much - a busy weekend.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

Downstairs the floor gives a little creak as the Pirate King paces the kitchen, rocking his daughter and singing to get her back to sleep:

Hush little baby, don't say a word,
Papa's going to buy you a mockingbird, darling say.
If that mockingbird won't sing,
Papa's going to buy you a diamond ring, darling say.

If that diamond ring turns brass,
Papa's going to buy you a looking glass, darling say.
If that looking glass gets broke,
Papa's going to buy you a billy goat, darling say.

O my honey if you'd be mine,
Wouldn't do nothing but starch and iron, darling say.
Starch and iron will be your trade,
I'll get drunk and lay in the shade, darling say.

She's finally cried herself out and settles down again so he carefully, quietly heads back upstairs for a few more hours of sleep for both of them.

[Alarra]

Alarra wraps her arms around him and gives him a kiss when he climbs back in bed. "You're such a great father." Soon all three are once again sleeping happily.

__________________________________________________ _________


Evening finds Alarra and the now three children huddled around the fire downstairs with cocoa and popcorn.
"Now sit right here and make sure you support her head, here like this." Alarra repositions Ala's arm slightly.
She's so tiny! Are you sure I won't break her?
Alarra laughs, "You'll be fine. Just don't get up or anything."

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

The room fills with an herbal scent, and the little family turns to see El Jaspero standing in the door, smiling and sipping a mug of tea.

Uncle Jaspero! How long have you been watching us?

He smiles and advances into the room to join them, stopping to put an arm around Alarra's shoulders. "Not long enough. Never long enough." He sits and pulls a battered green book from his pocket and begins to read:

"Afoot and light-hearted, I take to the open road,
Healthy, free, the world before me,
The long brown path before me, leading wherever I choose.

"Henceforth I ask not good-fortune—I myself am good fortune;
Henceforth I whimper no more, postpone no more, need nothing,
Strong and content, I travel the open road..."

[Blood]

Blood comes downstairs, and watches the merriment. Not wanting to get in the way, she walks over to Alarra and whispers in her ear. "You look much better. Tired, but better." She smiles. "The first birth is the easiest, or so I heard. I only had one, after all, and don't plan on another."

The unsure cat tries some of the snacks and drinks, but decides she'll stick with plain old bamhacon and water.

[Alarra]

When Blood gets near her Alarra starts petting her and pulls her down on the couch to join in the family.

[Blood]

Blood twitches her tail until she gets in a comfortable position, where she lies down and enjoys the affection until they head off to bed.

[Alarra]

After a time, El J notices that Ala has fallen asleep against Alarra's leg, and that Alarra's looking pretty tired herself and promptly shuffles everyone off to bed. Kint of course, being wide awake, protests greatly, but everyone eventually makes it to their prospective rooms. Another bedtime story, a song, and a few hugs and kisses later, the elves finally allow El J to adjourn to his own room to join Alarra and the oh so preciously sleeping Agneta.

[Kyrian]

Downstairs a letter appears.


Mom and Dad,

Thank you both for the wonderful gift. And even more so for being there at the wedding. I love you both, and Lillah and I will try our best to visit you both here in the soon coming days. Until then, thank you again, for everything. And tell Blood thank you for me as well, if you can.

Much love to the world's greatest parents,

Kyrian.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

El J stands amid the shop's display cases in his flannel robe and slippers, his daughter in one hand and Kyrian's letter in the other. He smiles fondly and shows it to her. "See what your little brother wrote? Wasn't that sweet of him? Remember how nice his wedding was?" He looks at the tiny gurgling bundle in his arm and reflects a moment. "Likely not, I suppose."

He gives a delighted sigh and resumes pacing and rocking, humming softly to Agneta as he does so.

--------------------

The Pirate King comes home for lunch and is nearly giddy with glee.

What's gotten into you, Uncle?

He produces something blue and fuzzy from his pocket. "Look! Gaelith knitted a hat and mittens for Agneta! Aren't they cute?" Ala and Kint agree that they are indeed charming, but also that lunch should be forthcoming. A platter of quesadillas is quickly produced and soon enjoyed with a pitcher of iced tea.

When is Agneta going to talk?

"Kint, dear. Please don't talk with your mouth full."

Sorry.

"That's a good lad. Well, she'll be chattering away soon enough I expect. Probably in, erh. Hmm. Well that's a good question, isn't it?" El J and Alarra share a look; they clearly have a lot of things to be learning about babies.

[Blood]

"Kint, dear. Please close your mouth when you talk."
((Wow, there's a good skill. :smallwink: I think you meant "close your mouth when you eat".))

Blood, not knowing much about babies past pregnancy, shrugs at their questions and heads upstairs for a nap on her pillow.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

((Actually I meant yet something else. Serves me right for posting in a hurry, but thanks for the catch.))

El Jaspero arrives later with a basket of takeout from Trog's and a thermos of llamanade. He does his best to hide the worried look on his face with a smile, but Alarra is way ahead of him and fires a questioning look.

"Mortia. He's back, but...not well. We'll talk later."

They finish setting the table and sit down to a meal of gyros and salads, passing Agneta around the table as arms get tired and stomachs are filled.

[Kyrian]

Kyrian enters the shop in the morning, and waits downstairs.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

((...is Kyrian still standing around here?))

The door opens and El Jaspero comes home.

Uncle Jaspero, yay!
Auntilarra made us practice our times tables today.
And verb conjugation in Celestial.

The Pirate King swings the kids over his shoulders with a laugh. "Schooling, was it? Well, she's a tough taskmaster," he says with a grin. "And right to be so. Tomorrow you can come down to the ship with me-"

Yay!
Yay!

"So you can start learning how to read a sextant and plot a course."

Awwwww.
Awwwww.

A bit of tickling later the kids' spirits are returned and they head into the kitchen to start making spaghetti and garlic bread with a tossed salad.

[Kyrian]

((Yes he is))

[Alarra]

Alarra comes down for dinner, noticing Kyrian downstairs, "Oh, Kyrian...did you come to join us for dinner? How's married life treating you?"

[Kyrian]

Kyrian grins at his mother.

Well, everything here feels....new, to me now.

[Alarra]

Alarra smiles, waving Kyrian into the kitchen to join everyone else, "And where is the lovely Lillah this evening? No honeymoon?"

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

Kint and Ala emerge from the kitchen and start setting the table.

Kyrian, what's a sextant?
And is it hard to use one?

[Kyrian]

I'll bring her by later....if I can get her up.

Kyrian laughs.

Honeymoon? Oh, we're just going to spend a lot of time at home. Neither of us really know of many places.

Kyrian smiles at Kint and Ala.

Don't know. Dad's not taught me yet.

[Alarra]

Alarra nods. "Being home can be nice as well."

She gets a pitcher of iced tea and sets it on the table.

[Kyrian]

Aramir pads inside and over to Kyrian, where he sits.

[Nevrmore]

Hawk enters the shop and turns around, waiting for Gwen.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

Ala looks at Kyrian in frustration. But you know everything.

El J pulls a piping-hot loaf of garlic bread from the oven and starts slicing it. "And you call yourself my son." He gives Kyrian a sly wink and hands the bread to Kint for table delivery.

[wxdruid]

Rain and Gwen come inside. Rain follows Aramir over to Kyrian.

Gwen politely says Hello loud enough for someone to hear her.

[Kyrian]

Hey, you're the one who hasn't taught me...

Kyrian winks back and laughs as he turns and heads back out.

Hi Gwen.

Aramir goes over and sniffs at the kids.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

"Ahoy, Gwen!" El J calls from the kitchen. "Come on back!"

[wxdruid]

Hey Kyrian, are El J and Alarra here? Ah, I hear them, Come on Hawk. I'll introduce you.

Rain lies down to watch Aramir.

[Nevrmore]

"Alright..." Hawk says, following Gwen.

[Kyrian]

Mom and Dad are in the back preparing supper. Well, Dad is, Mom's doing something.

[Alarra]

Alarra smiles and heads out toward the main shop, "Gwen...hello. We're just sitting down to dinner. You're welcome to join us if you'd like." She glances at Hawk, "Hello...I don't believe we've met. I'm Alarra."

[Nevrmore]

Hawk nods his head slightly, a more subtle form of a bow, "Hawk Geldof. It's nice to meet you, Alarra."

[wxdruid]

Gwen smiles, Hello Alarra, we're just on our way back to see El Jaspero. How are you and Agneta doing?

[Kyrian]

Kyrian vanishes for a split second, then returns with Lillah.

Here she is, Mom.

[McBish]

Hi everyone. She waves to everyone.

[Alarra]

"Oh...we're doing just great. She's upstairs asleep right now."

Alarra turns to Kyrian and laughs, "I didn't mean you had to bring her over right now. I was just wondering." But she smiles at Lillah, "Hello dear. Are the two of you staying for dinner?"

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

The Pirate King emerges from the kitchen with a massive bowl of spaghetti and red sauce, followed by Kint with a large wooden bowl of salad. "Gwen, it's wonderful to see you. Would you care to join us?"

The table wavers between adding more seats or not. Lillah's arrival doesn't seem to be helping it any.