Author: Ezili, Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2020 9:59 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

Ezili was all excited about the food as were the other kids. No one was more excited than Lucas and Simone was happy about it. Ezili caught on how to use the utensils easily enough before she started to eat her fill too. “Oh! THIS IS SO SOFT!” Ezili had some of the angel food cake that had been given to her. “LUCAS!”

She held out her fork with the angel food cake on it. “TASTE IT!” Simone looked up and motioned at Ezili. “OH!” She took the knife and slid it off onto his plate. “LIKE THAT?!” Simone nodded and chuckled a bit as she fed Fiori some of the cake.

Simone was chuckling at Lucas now, “Well, remember what you like the most and as long as it’s healthy… You can have it every morning. If It isn’t healthy you can have it mabyee every other day. Alright? All you have to do is tell our chef. This is your home now Lucas… You are free to do whatever and have whatever you want. Same with you Ezili.”

“I don’t know what I want!” Ezili was squealing as she tried more food. “BUT I LIKE IT ALL!”

Simone smiled at Lewis. “We did good.”

Author: Cerulean, Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2020 9:32 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

Lucas was excited to try the different teas, and he showed it. For most of the first part of breakfast, Lucas and Simone discussed different types of tea and what they tasted like, as well as the different effects they could have on the mind and body. It was fascinating, and Simone even mentioned a book that had a lot of this information in it, as well as where to find it in the smaller library. This gave Lucas something to look forward to after breakfast.

When Ezili walked in, Lucas was almost speechless. She was…cute. Even her disgust at the kelp she had been eating was adorable, and the boy was blown away at just how elegant she was despite herself. When he was asked to help show her how utensils work, he nodded. It wasn’t something he used often due to his upbringing, but he at least knew the basics. Nothing like a fancy noble, but better than most.

The ridiculous amount of food was served, and Lucas’ stomach growled loudly in response. He had never seen so much food in one place before, even when they had raided nobleman’s ships. Egg, sausage, bacon, toast, pancakes, waffles and anything else you could think of, you name it. It was all the boy could do to keep his wits as his plate was loaded up with more than his fill, and he scarfed it all down, taking the time to show Ezili how to use the knives and forks.

“This is amazing!” Lucas said between mouthfuls. “I’ve never…what is this? It’s SO good! Is that a melon? It’s so sweet! The bacon is practically melting…I’ve never even HAD bacon….this is incredible!”

Author: Ezili, Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2020 9:20 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

Ezili nodded, “Yes…” She looked at Simone and Simone nodded. “Yes, Daddy I’ll go,” Simone said that Daddy or Father was a good thing to call. Daddy sounded cuter to her and she kissed his cheek before running out of the room towards her own.

The maids helped her and Simone brought in some of her old dresses from Younger Simone. “These might fit her.” She had kept them just in case of a situation like this where she could give them to someone else. She thought it was going to be Dala.

“I like this one,” Ezili was holding onto a blue fabric and Simone smiled. She really did like the colors blue and purple.

“They can bring you down for breakfast when you are ready alright?” Simone checked on her one last time before she made her way to get dressed. Once she was downstairs she overheard Lucas and sat next to Lewis. “It’s tea. That particular tea is a breakfast blend. There are lots of different ones… Is that something you would be interested in trying?” Simone was trying to strike up a conversation with Lucas.

It was a good fifteen minutes later when Ezili came down with a cute off shoulder blue dress. It had been tied tightly in the back to fit her. Her long white hair had half been pulled back and braided. She was looking at the table as the butler pulled out a seat for her.

“Ezili?” Simone looked at her. “What have you been eating for the last three days?”

“Kelp!” Ezili stuck out her tongue in disgust.

“Alright, we’re going to have to teach you how to use utensils…” She looked at Lucas. “Do you think you can show her?” This would be good for Lucas. Breakfast was being brought out and it looked more like a feast. “We decided since we couldn’t have a large dinner last night for Ezili’s arrival that a breakfast celebration would be worth it. Also–” Simone cracked open a bottle of wine and poured a glass for all four of them. “A little toast to welcome home Ezili and Lucas~ We mustn’t forget that Lucas has decided to stay with us as well and that means much doesn’t it?”

“Yes!” The staff said together. “Welcome home Miss Ezili and Master Lucas!”

This should cheer both of them up. Alshaya was handed to Simone after she was done eating and she had large pinkish almost purple eyes watched the two of them now. “They are new… Do you like them Alshaya?” Her feet kicked a little as she blew bubbles and fought off a nap.

Author: Cerulean, Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2020 9:04 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

Lucas popped up from where he had fallen on the floor, and sighed. “I promise nothing was happening, I swear I just woke up and-”

Lewis sighed and sheathed the dagger. “I know very well what happened,” the assassin said with a grumble. “We’ll nail out the details later, but…just…try to keep it from happening again. Ezili, why don’t you go to your room and get ready for breakfast. One of the maids can help find you clothes.” His gaze turned to Lucas. “As for you, I’d suggest you do the same.”

As Ezili left, Lewis took one last lingering look at Lucas. “She doesn’t know better, so…don’t take advantage of this. I expect good things from you.”

Lucas shivered as the assassin left the room, leaving him to his own devices.

—

Lucas came down the steps and into the dining hall, where he took his normal seat. Awaiting him was a cup of hot colored water that smelled amazing. “What…what is this?’ he asked as he blew on it, taking a quick sip. “It’s…really good.”

Author: Ezili, Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2020 8:44 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

Ezili woke up and was rubbing her eyes in the cutest way. “I wanted to–” She yawned as she stretched on the bed. She snuggled her head into the pillow as her eyes looked up at him. “I wanted to apologize to you last night but you were asleep so I wanted to wait… I must have fallen asleep too.”

Once Lewis came in Ezili was confused and she balled up a bit. The panic had even managed to make Simone show up in her robe as she looked in on it. “Ezili?”

Ezili perked up, “I came to apologize to Lucas last night! Just like you said!”

Simone froze for a moment and chuckled, “You couldn’t sleep could you?”

The girl shook her head and Simone patted Lewis’s on the shoulder, “I think Lucas thinks you’ll be mad that Ezili is in here.”

“But why?”

“Because it’s a tad improper that’s all. People might get the wrong idea about you and Lucas.” Simone’s words didn’t reach her as Ezili did a cute little head tilt.

“But why?”

“I’ll… explain it to you later.” Simone was trying to hold her laughter in.

Author: Cerulean, Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2020 8:38 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

The night passed, and in the morning Lucas found himself waking up slowly. It was strange, though, because for some reason he felt like there was someone next to him. He opened his eyes, and was met with a pale, softly sleeping girl with silver hair. At once, he froze. His first instinct was to scream, but he pushed it down, and instead just lay there, wide eyed. Everything in his body was screaming at him to run away, but he laid there.

“E-Ezili….w-w-w-why….a-are you h-here?” he managed to ask. “Y-you should b-b-be in your room….”

–

Lewis yawned as he stepped out of Everett’s room, with the baby boy in hand. The bright eyed little boy was all excited to be awake, and was particularly grabby this morning as he tugged on Lewis’ ear. “All right, ya’ little demon…calm down. We’re gonna get breakfast in a moment. I just want to check on Lucas…” He walked down the hall, and to Lucas’ door. He knocked three times quickly.

Lucas gasped, taking in too much air at once. He started to cough and choke on nothing, and rolled off the opposite side of the bed, hitting the floor hard.

Lewis kicked the door in, dagger drawn, “Lucas!? You okay!? Is anything wr-” The assassin saw Ezili, and paused.

Huh…?

Author: Ezili, Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2020 8:25 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

Ezili calmed down relatively fast in comparison. “You’ll just have to apologize Ezili. I know you didn’t mean any harm… You didn’t know he was scared of you because he was handling it very bravely.”

Ezili nodded to her now mother as she would find out that’s what Simone would prefer to be called. “Okay… do I do it now?”

“No, maybe when he’s calmed down in a few… but his room is near yours.” Simone brushed her hair and got her dressed in a little nightgown and braided her hair. “Don’t you look cute?” Simone noticed how her ears were more elvish just like Everett’s. It looked so cute on her with her big opal eyes.

Later that night Ezili couldn’t sleep since a bed was weird to her and she peeked outside her room. Lucas’s room was easy to find. She cracked open the door and she made her way in, “Lu–” she was quiet but noticed he was asleep. She climbed onto the bed and laid her head next to his.

She was going to wait until he was awake to tell him but for some reason… his presence was enough to make her fall asleep. Why did she feel so at ease around Lucas?

Author: Cerulean, Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2020 8:19 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

Lewis took Lucas to his room, and after a while, Lucas was able to calm down. By that time, he had come to the realization that Ezili had meant no harm, and that it was all an accident. Still, this left him feeling bad about screaming, and worrying Ezili.

“It’ll have to wait till morning,” Lewis said as he walked to the door. “But the reality is that you two will need to talk it out. I’m not saying you were wrong, but I think an apology would help…” The assassin closed the door behind him, leaving Lucas alone. The boy huffed, unsure of what to do with himself. It was a little too early to go to sleep, but it was too late to do anything else, and he didn’t feel like leaving.

Finally, he closed his eyes, and just lay there. The sound of silence was amazing. There weren’t pirates laughing and fighting. There wasn’t the threat of death every day. Soon, before he knew it, he fell asleep. He dreamed of the lake water, and swimming through it, with the lake turning a pure opal color, the same color as Ezili’s eyes. It was beautiful, and haunting, but pleasant.

It was a good dream….

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2020 8:12 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

Ezili didn’t know what she did wrong and she was filled with something she had never felt better. Simone had come in after Lucas left and Ezili just started to cry. “Ezili…” Simone came out and got a blanket before wrapping her up and picking her up. She was light but also small for her age. Simone didn’t think the girl was going to grow anymore.

“It’s alright Ezili. You didn’t do anything wrong,” Simone’s voice was soft as she came out of the bedroom holding the now in full on tears Ezili. She looked at Lucas and she wasn’t mad. “She probably doesn’t realize that being naked is seen as wrong Lucas. You didn’t do anything wrong. She probably saw water and didn’t hesitate to jump in it.”

Ezili was nodding in her hands, “I didn’t mean to scare you, Lucas.”

“Shh…” Simone hugged her tightly. “She’s upset you are upset. She thinks she hurt you. I’m going to get her to sleep now.” Simone carried the little naiad off. “She likes you a lot Lucas and she doesn’t want to hurt you so she’s upset with herself.”

Author: Cerulean, Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2020 8:04 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

The water was relaxing, and as he thought of the oils, suddenly a hand formed out of the water, and grabbed them.

“Oh tha-” Everything stopped. Hand. Water. Voice. Water. Ezili.

Lucas screamed, and jumped out of the water, scrambling out the door. He fell into the hallways, hyperventilating and pointing at the bathroom, his eyes wide. “I SWEAR TO THE GODS I DIDN’T DO ANYTHING I PROMISE PLEASE DON’T EAT ME!” He was almost crying when Lewis and Simone came running. At once, Lewis wrapped the boy in a towel and blanket, holding him for a second to try and stop the shaking.

“It’s ok…we’re here…” Simone was in charge of Ezili detail, and whatever came with that. “I’ve got you, Lucas…it’s okay. It was a mistake…she doesn’t know better…no one is going to eat you.” He let the boy go, but held on to his arms for a moment. “Here…let’s get you to the room…” He helped Lucas up.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry…..” Lucas said between gasps of air. “I’m really sorry….”

“You have nothing to apologize for…”

Author: Ezili, Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2020 7:57 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

Simone looked at Lewis, “No, I haven’t seen her was busy getting the oils for Lucas’s….” Her face went white. “…for his bath.” There was a look on her face. “Ezili is in the bath. LEWIS, she is going to scare the shit out of Lucas.”

Ezili had wandered around until she had heard the sound of water. She saw the butler leave and tilted her head. Making her way inside she found warm water which was new to her. Her eyes got big and immediately she was out of her dress and in the water. When the door suddenly opened Ezili melded with it because she was scared.

It was Lucas! Maybe he would want to play in the new water with her! Once he was in the tub she slowly melded up and handed the oils to him. “They smell like flowers… I smelled flowers once before they screamed at me.”

That was when the screaming started.

Author: Cerulean, Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2020 7:50 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

Lucas was caught off guard when the butler came for him. It wasn’t something that he was used to, and it took him a moment to register what the man had said. “Oh…oh!” He did a quick bow, thanking the butler before making his way to the bathroom that was closest to his room. He almost opened the door, and then paused.

“Oh, right…clothes.” This was all new to him. He slid into his room real quick, and stripped himself down. There was no reason to take the dirty clothes with him. He grabbed a fresh pair, and took a peek out of his room. It was just a few quick steps, and everyone else was preoccupied. No one would notice, so he took several steps out, and slid into the bathroom.

The steam was warm, and there was a set of towels laid out for him. He was excited for his second ever bath. He had loved the first one, but due to the rushed nature of the situation they were in, he had to cut it short. At least this time, he’d have a chance to relax and enjoy it. He walked over, and dipped his foot in tentatively. It was the perfect temperature.

Slowly, he eased himself into the warm water, lightly splashing it.

“Ahhh….that’s…that’s the spot…” He wondered what oils that Simone had left out…

—

Lewis wandered the halls, curious. He hadn’t seen Ezili for a moment, and while she was allowed to explore, he was usually pretty good about knowing where the kids were exploring. As an assassin, it was something he was used to doing. But he couldn’t sense Ezili anywhere.

“Odd…Simone, have you seen Ezili?”

Author: Ezili, Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2020 7:37 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

Ezili had thought of Lucas as her protector since the moment he stood up for her. Sure Lewis had coerced him into doing it but Lucas had been the one to try. Simone had gone into mother mode instantly and told them that Ezili was shy and she hadn’t had the chance to be around a lot of people yet.

Simone nodded, “Now that I think about Lady Angela did have a daughter who was a bard… I bet she would help if we asked. It would be better than asking a stranger.” They were both concerned with Ezili’s safety. “After all… Ezili is very beautiful Lewis… She would fetch quite the price for noblemen.” There was concern in her eyes. “A mistress for a noblemen’s son is what they would try to do,” Simone whispered to her husband. “We’ll have to be very careful.”

She patted Lewis on the shoulder. “I have to get all the kids bathed. Ezili will you be fine to be by yourself? You can explore.”

Ezili nodded and spun around in her room before leaving to check things out.

“Master Lucas your bath is ready,” the butler came to tell him. “Lady Simone says the oils and soaps are there for you to use if you wish.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2020 6:42 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

When it was said and done, Lewis and Simone took the family back to the castle. To make it a bit easier on poor Ezili, he made sure to start from the beginning, and they gated to the entrance. When they entered the main foyer of the castle, the help greeted the new girl enthusiastically, which overwhelmed her almost immediately. Between Lewis and Simone, they managed to scatter the help, promising proper introductions later.

Lucas was surprised when Ezili took his hand, and it took everything he had not to run away. She was looking to him for support, and he had to be strong, at least for the moment. Still, when she finally let go as Lewis and Simone took her to her new room, he felt the tiniest bit relieved.

When Simone showed off the room, Lewis watched as Ezili spun around excitedly. When she was asked if she liked dancing, her entire mood lit up.

“I’m sure we can arrange something. Benin is probably too much for her right now. I’m sure after awhile, though, it shouldn’t be too difficult to get her out of the house.” The assassin crossed his arms. “We’ll have to vet them pretty hard though. Maybe Lady Angela or Lord Raith might have suggestions…”

Author: Ezili, Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2020 6:30 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

Ezili perked right up when Lucas said he would stay. “Then I’ll stay too!”

Simone took a sigh of relief. She was scared that the naiad would try and stay in the rivers of Jayou. She would have been hurt. “This means I have to get a hold of that tailor from Sularia… What was his name?”

“Kite, I can contact him. I bet he would make the cutest dresses for Ezili!” Leilah was excited a bit. “She would look good in blue or silver~”

“Let’s get her home and settled first before you try finding her a husband,” Simone sighed a bit and Leilah tilted her head.

“Oh no, I just plan for Everett,” Leilah chuckled a bit. Simone paid for the shell and handed it to Mira who was happy to hold it. The little girl was excited about Ezili too. Something about being a water friend.

Once they were back at the castle Ezili was looking around and the house help were excited about her. She immediately got overwhelmed and took Lucas’s hand. Simone looked at their hands and looked back up at Lewis. It would be something to watch. “We have a pretty room over looking the lake would you like that Ezili?”

Ezili looked up and nodded. It was a purple room with soft shades of pink. Ezili spun around in the room and looked up at Lewis and Simone, “I really like this.” Simone watched as the girl almost danced.

“Do you like dancing Ezili?”

“What’s dancing?” Ezili was confused as she stopped.

“What you were doing with your feet?”

“Oh… Yes, they were doing it… the other day. I like it.” Ezili was blushing.

“We could probably find someone who would come to the island to teach you… Would you like that?” Simone looked at Lewis as she nodded. “What do you think Lewis? I wouldn’t trust taking her to Benin and leaving her there.”

Author: Cerulean, Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2020 6:18 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

Lucas looked away, and cleared his throat. He hadn’t decided on staying, but he had at least made the promise of staying for awhile longer. But this, it kind of changed things. He felt the tiniest bit responsible for finding Ezili, but he wasn’t entirely sure how or what he could do to help. Yet, the look on Ezili’s face was something that was too hard to ignore.

“I guess…I could stay…for awhile…” Lucas said softly. “I do like the library…” His mind was far from the library, though. At least until Ezili is settled. Maybe then, I’ll leave…

Lewis looked at Lucas, and then Ezili. His eyes showed nothing, but Simone knew what he was thinking. There was something between the two, even if neither of them had a grasp on what it was. Ezili was absolutely enamored by Lucas, and from what Lewis could gather, the boy felt as though he had to be there to help the naiad.

“Well…I guess we better get back and prepare a new room.” Lewis sighed. “It’s just one after the other, isn’t it?” Despite his tone, he was happy. This was what they had wanted. Their family was growing, and thriving.

Author: Ezili, Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2020 6:10 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

Ezili’s hair was drying thanks to Simone’s fire and it revealed she had long spiraling curls in her hair. Her hair was full of volume and bounced as she bobbed her head.

“You really like it?!” Ezili squealed at Lucas and Simone smiled a bit. Maybe Ezili was what Lucas needed to get over his fear of women. Once she heard about the offer on the table to live with the Terrowins she tilted her head. “Is there a lot of water?” Water was something she felt was very important to her.

Simone smiled and got down on her level, “We live on an island in the middle of a lake. There are ponds on the island too~ I think you would really like it Ezili.”

Ezili’s opal eyes flickered up at Lucas. They were big and curious as they drank his presence in, “Is Lucas there too?”

Looking back at Lucas Simone shrugged, “If he wants to be, he hasn’t told us yet if he wants to stay.” Ezili had a disappointed look on her face.

“Oh…”

Author: Cerulean, Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2020 5:28 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

Lucas wasn’t too sure what to do with himself. The adults seemed to be talking quite a bit about things, and the girl was just sitting there quietly, interesting in what was going on, but she barely even knew of her own existence, let alone what the complexities of them were. So Lucas found himself staring at the girl who he had found.

Her eyes were pretty, he thought to himself. I hope she’ll be okay.

He realized that she started to say something. Ezili. Her name.


“I think it’s great,” he said almost immediately. When everyone gave him a look, he sheepishly hunched down and tried to make himself small. “I mean…it’s a good name.” He wanted to disappear.

Lewis looked to Simone, “Well…it’s up to her if she wants to come with us, but…something tells me she won’t say no.” He smirked and looked to the girl. “Ezili. To answer the question you asked a while ago, a home is a place where your heart feels at ease, and you can rest without worry. It’s a place that you are always welcome, and a place you can return to whenever you need.”

Lucas heard the words, and looked down. Is that what…Lewis and Simone are truly offering me?

Author: Ezili, Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2020 9:00 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

The girl looked up at him and tilted her head, “See… What?” She was kicking the water with her feet before Lewis covered her up. She snuggled up into the cloak and nodded.

“I’m on it. I’ll be there in five minutes at the very latest.” Simone was always very prompt when she gave her time tables. They always found their kids this way.

The girl tilted her head letting her odd colored eyes look directly at Lucas. “Home? What’s a home?” She was confused. “I was…” She looked mad for a moment at herself. “I… was born on a kelp bed three days ago. I drifted into the river at some point… and the big mean floating buildings almost hit me.” She pouted up at Lewis and Lucas.

Simone opened a gate and came through with Leilah. “Oh!” Simone was shocked at the sight of her and it looked like she had clothes for a girl and boy. “Here let’s get you dressed.” Simone ushered her where she and Leilah could hold up her cloak and allow her to get dressed. Simone helped her into a plain dress before they brought her back over.

Leilah looked her over and studied her. She let Lewis fill her in. “You said she melds with the water? She was born three days ago…” She thought hard and had Simone gate them back to the shop. Leilah was going through all of her books having the girl sit in front of her.

“AH! I know what she is,” She flipped through the book to a picture and showed them. “She’s a naiad. A water spirit. They can spontaneously be born so it’s not shocking she doesn’t know who she is or what she is.”

The girl tilted her head and Simone bounced Alshaya for a moment longer before humming, “Ezili.” Everyone looked at Simone. “Ezili. It means a goddess from Benin. A water goddess in a story I don't know if she was real though. Ezili is perfect.”

“Ezili?” The naiad tilted her head and pointed at herself. “I’m Ezili? I like Ezili!”

Author: Cerulean, Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2020 8:45 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

Lucas immediately turned bright red, and spun around. “I PROMISE I DIDN”T SEE ANYTHING!” he said in a very, very alarmed tone.

The assassin rolled his eyes, and with a bit of expert baby balancing, took off his cloak and wrapped the naiad in it. “I’m not sure how cold you can get, since you live in the water, but it’s probably a good idea to at least get you some clothes.” He looked at the girl curiously, trying to understand what she was saying. It wasn’t exactly that her common was bad, but more that it was broken and almost…confused.

“So let me get this straight,” Lewis said as he knelt down. Simone. Southern canals. Got a….strange one. Bring some basic clothes. A size down from Lucas…I think…might be a good idea to grab Leilah as well. “You…don’t know what you are, or where you came from?” The girl nodded in response. A simple answer for a simple question. “Lucas. You can turn around now, she’s covered.”

Lucas sheepishly turned around, but his face was still flushed. “I-is she going to be okay?”

“Probably,” Lewis said. “Little one. I don’t know how much you understand, but…I can take you somewhere safe. A place to call home…if you want. At least until you can remember something more, if need be…”

Author: Ezili, Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2020 8:34 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

The naiad could hear the commotion outside the water and popped her head up from the middle of the river to look at Lewis. It was just the top of her head so her eyes could see the baby. She moved quickly like she was part of the water because she was one with the water. She got up close and pushed herself up a bit to look at the tiny creature.

She watched Lewis’s mouth and mocked the motions at first. “…Hello?” The noise from her mouth spooked her as her arms came up and grasped at her face. It was the first time she had ever spoken. “I… can…” She looked frustrated and looked back on all the words she heard and how people used them. “Make noises too?”

After a moment, she blushed, “You’re welcome.” She said before she shook her head. “No, that’s a reply. It’s thank you?” She tilted her head questioning them both. “Chasing for three days. Who am I? Where? What am I?” She pulled herself out of the river and sat on the side looking with big eyes at her feet. “I! I HAVE LEGS TOO!” She was also naked.

Author: Cerulean, Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2020 8:29 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

Lucas saw her eyes first. It was a beautiful sky blue mixed with a spring green, and beautiful pink stars that seemed to dance. “Wow…” And immediately, water splashed in his face, and he fell back, sputtering and coughing. He was more surprised, though, at the sudden rambunctious men that came along, calling the girl who had appeared a witch, and much worse.

“But…I saw her,” Lucas said. “That wasn’t a witch…that was just a scared girl.” The boy stood up, looking at the much larger, imposing men. “Don’t yell at her, she’s probably terrified.”

“Oi, you with her!?” one of them said as he stepped in front of Lucas, towering over the smaller boy. “We can always burn more than one at the stake if we convince the Mayor…”

Lucas shrunk a little, but stood his ground. “N-no. But I don’t think….”

Behind him, there was the sound of a throat clearing. “Go on, Lucas…be confident. Speak your mind. I’m sure they’ll listen.” Lewis was simply holding Everett, staring at the three burly men. “Head up high, and with confidence…”

Lucas gulped, but stared the man in the face. “B-back off! She’s….she’s just a kid! I’m sure she doesn’t mean it.”

The larger man’s face was furious, but he noticed something strange. The silver haired man behind Lucas was smiling. But his eyes…the dead, hazel eyes that seemed to pierce through the man’s soul. They were the eyes of a ruthless killer. One that would not dare hesitate to cut them all down without a second thought.

“I-I’m sure you’re right kid,” the man said as he paled, backpedaling hard. “In fact…I’ll leave it to you to talk to her. R-r-right boys?” He looked to see that his partners were already running. “Right! Well, you…uh…have at it….”

Lucas looked at the scrambling men, and smiled. “Wow…I…I think I handled that great, right Lewis?” he said as he turned around.

Lewis nodded, “Good job. See what a good bout of confidence will do? Now…” The assassin walked over to the river, and knelt down. “Hey…you can come out. It’s safe, I promise. Lucas and I just want a chat.” He smiled warmly. “See…even Everett here wants to meet you.” As if understanding, Everett made happy baby noises.

Author: Ezili, Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2020 8:15 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

She had woken up in the river three days ago. In a bed of sea kelp, a riverboat had startled her. She didn’t have a name and she had no idea who or what she was. She knew though that the water was her home and that she could disguise herself and become one with the river.

Ezili was in a panic since she didn’t who or what she was. People had been coming around yelling at her so she would disappear and cause havoc in her confusion. Crashing boats, splashing people, and occasionally they wouldn’t realize they were getting close to her face.

The water melded to reveal a cute girl just a bit younger than Lucas. Her eyes were like blue opals and she had a head full of white hair. Immediately she squirted water at him and immediately a gang of men ran down the line, “HEY! Don’t let that sea witch escape! SHE’S BEEN CAUSING TROUBLE FOR THREE DAYS NOW AND SHE NEEDS TO PAY.”

Panic filled her eyes as she disappeared back into the water becoming one with again. The river water went calm. “WHERE THE FUCK DID SHE GO. I’ll skin the little bitch alive.”

What was a bitch? Whatever it was didn’t sound nice.

Author: Cerulean, Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2020 8:07 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

Lucas perked up at the thought of visiting the river. He had never seen one up close, and had only been on the open seas and skies for the majority of his life. Lewis smirked, since it seemed to make Lucas excited. He must have missed the part about it being haunted.

Once Leilah finished with Everett’s checkup, the trio made their way through the streets of Jayou down into one of the many canals, finding themselves at the river in no time flat. The water was gently rushing by, and it had a unique smell compared to the sea and lake water that Lucas had come to expect.

“It’s…clear,” he said, kneeling down. “So much more clear than the ocean. It’s like the lake…”

Lewis smiled, and knelt down as well, getting close enough to let Everett touch the running water. “Water,” he said to Everett. The baby made a similar sound, trying to mimic Lewis. “Not quite, but close,” the assassin said as he stood up, pulling Everett up to his nose. “You’re such a good boy though for trying!”

Lucas pushed his face closer to the water. Something was…different about this water. He could feel it. “Hey…I think…there’s….”

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2020 7:42 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

Simone bounced Alshaya once Lucas came out and she smiled at Leilah. “He’s in good health aside from the mental scarring. We might be able to give him some herbal soaks to help relieve the stress since he’ll be living with three sisters and his mother. It will take time so don’t think he won’t be scared of you. Aside from that, he is massively underweight and I suggest you start him on a meat-heavy diet but don’t forget the vegetables so he can go to the bathroom. We don’t want him to die from that. Also, exercising you need to work on his muscles. He is way below what he should be for a boy of his age.”

Leilah put her arms out for Everett, “Let me see the little man if you are going to take him with you.” Once she had Everett she baby talked him. “You are going to be such a handsome little man~ You are going to grow up and marry Nyssa or Piper… OR BOTH if you want.”

Simone let out a sigh as Leilah disappeared with the baby, “We should put him in an arranged marriage so we don’t have to deal with constant proposals~” It was a joke as she walked over and kissed Lewis on the cheek. “Hey Lucas, Lewis is going to take you to the rivers. We hear they are haunted and you might like it if you get to investigate it. Just you, your brother, and Lewis. Doesn’t that sound nice?”

After a few minutes, Leilah brought Everett back out and grinned, “He is in excellent health you’ll have to thank that wet nurse of yours! Next! See you, boys, later!” Leilah waved as Mira reluctantly went with her holding her diamond ball.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2020 7:24 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

“I’ll take him,” Lewis interjected as Ayaa tried to offer to take Lucas to the river. “No offense, Ayaa…I think it’s best if we let Lucas recover without women involved. Maybe you and Simone can go wander the town or something. I’m sure she’d love the company. Besides, I’m sure Fiori is star-” He looked to see Fiori, who had grabbed a stuffed animal off the shelf, and started chewing on it’s ear. “Ah…well, I guess I’m buying that…”

Fiori walked over to Lewis, and tugged his sleeve while still chewing on the stuffed animal. “Daddy.” She pointed to a snack on one of the shelves. The assassin smiled, “Here you go…” He grabbed it, and handed it to the girl. “I swear, you’ll eat me out of house and home if you keep this up.” Despite his words, he was smiling.

Ayaa was in awe. She had never seen him like this. Perhaps…he can change. Maybe he’ll give up killing…

The door opened from the back of the shop, and a groggy Lucas shambled out. “She said…I’m good to go…” The boy looked like a wreck, his hair all over the place. “I’d rather face the pirates again…”

“Hard to do, since they’re all dead…” Lewis replied.

Ayaa sighed. Or…not…

“Well?” Lewis asked as he looked to Leilah. “Anything wrong?”

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2020 7:08 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

Simone bounced Alshaya and nodded to Aaya, “Aye, we got the kids so fast before we knew it we had five. Lucas is the very last one we adopted. Everett was the first, he was only just barely two days old when he was given to us.”

Getting closer to Aaya she shifted Alshaya to Aaya so the purple-eyed girl could see her. The girl giggled at the blonde and Simone smiled. “When we found out I wasn’t able to conceive children it was around the time that Lewis got inspired to open an orphanage of sorts. To give good back in the world, ya know? A real blessing for our marriage. Little Everett followed a year after we bought our island. Brought to us by a goddess no less! Fiori was second, brought to us by a family friend. Poor thing was half gone by the time we got her. It took forever to get her up to proper weight.”

Simone sighed a bit and looked at Mira who was still arguing with Raile, “Mira stowed away on a ship back to our island and we decided she was a perfect fit. She has a hard time speaking common but we’ve slowly begun to understand her. Then second to last she looked down at Alshaya, “One of the trees we had transplanted was a dryad who was pregnant. She gave birth to little Alshaya here… Lewis found her in the middle of the night. Thank goodness he did because she was so cold and hungry.”

While she was bouncing Alshaya Simone nodded at Lewis. “Yeah, go do that. It might give you time to bond with him. If you take Everett you can have a boys’ day. I think that would be great. A father and his sons~”

Author: FalseHope, Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2020 6:53 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

Ayaa had heard them when they came in. It was too many to be a normal customer, so she went down to try and investigate. Surely enough, it wasn’t normal. It was them. Lewis. And Simone. But more importantly, Lewis. The man had grown in the past year, and it showed. But the gaggle of kids that seemed to follow…that was more surprising. The woman couldn’t help but stare in disbelief, when finally Simone noticed at tried to speak.

“Oh…don’t worry about me,” she said with a smile. “I just…didn’t realize you has some many children.” Ayaa was shocked when Simone handed off the youngest boy to Lewis, who seemed to take it in stride. Ayaa knew full well that Lewis could handle a knife, but to see him handle a baby was something that was almost incomprehensible. The emotionless child that he had grown up with had changed drastically.

“Poor…boy,” Ayaa said as Lucas’ screams stopped finally. “What happened to him?”

Lewis sighed, “Women. Pirates. It’s…a whole thing. Just…” He bounced Everett a bit, who started to giggle and laugh. “I honestly don’t know how he’ll react to you. I’d just…not take it personally.” The assassin thought back to the guide, and internally sighed. “Anyway…” He turned his attention back to the catalogue, and started to show off some of the more mundane pictures to Everett, who seemed to enjoy them.

Ayaa gripped the bottom of her green dress, pulling it down out of a nervous habit. Now what? “Oh! Did you here? There’s been a rumor going around Jayou that the river is haunted! People say there's a ghost! Others are saying they’ve been sprayed with water at times when the river is calm. I’ve wanted to check it out myself, but honestly Raile keeps me busy with work…” She stuck out her tongue to the shop owner, who was still arguing with the little girl, Mira.

“Maybe…I can take Lucas to see it after the checkup? Maybe it’ll help calm him down?”

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2020 6:41 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

Simone and Lewis had made it to Jayou just in time for their appointment. They had brought all of their little ones with them for their check-ups. Lucas was the first main priority. They had come in with the quite now decently sized family. Leilah understood the situation and carted off Lucas. Simone gave a gentle smile to Aaya and waved before turning her attention to the babies in the carriage.

Everett was fussing up a storm and kicking his feet which was causing his sister to cry. “Awww Everett.” Simone picked him up and immediately Alshaya calmed down. The little boy was still crying up a storm as Simone bounced him, “I know~ I bet daddy can calm you down. I bet he can~” The mother-baby talked him softly as she kissed his white hair filled head before passing him off to Lewis. “You know he only likes you when he gets like this,” Simone chuckled a bit.

She picked up Alshaya and looked back at Aaya, “It’s been a while. We’re sorry for th–” There was a scream from the office as Lucas no doubt was trying to not have Leilah touch him. “Oh no… Poor kid.”

Kali couldn’t take the screaming anymore as she slammed her workshop door open and then Leilah’s, “Sedative now,” the buff half-elf asked before manhandling the teenager and administrating the sedative where her meeker half could not. “There, fucking finally.” She came out and looked at Lewis and Simone, “Find some normal kids… Can’t ya?” There was a chuckle before she got back to work.

Simone waved her hand, “Lucas is fine. He’s just… skittish.” She bounced Alshaya. “OH RIGHT. Aaya, you haven’t seen us for a long time! I barely recognized you! These are all of our children even the screamer. We decided to adopt. These are our babies Everett and Alshaya. Our sweet toddler with the white hair is Fiori and the feisty one giving Raile attitude over the seashell– Mira, no. We’ll buy you one later okay?” Mira looked back at her and nodded. “Is our daughter Mira. The boy in the office is Lucas.”

Author: Cerulean, Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2020 6:27 PM, Post Subject: Checking Up [R/P]

There was a loud crash, followed by a loud scream. There was the sounds of scrambling, followed by another set of crashes. Lewis sighed, flipping through the catalogue in the front of Raile’s shop.

“Oh, there’s a new dagger here. Kalina has outdone herself with this one.” He showed Simone the design as there was another scream from the room behind the counter, followed by another, more serious crash. “Simone, you think we can commission her to make one? I think this would be a great toy for the basement…”

After the next series of crashes, Kalina came storming from a different room, shouting expletives as she threw the door open and charged in. There was an exceedingly loud crash, one that shook some of the wares on the counter, and then silence. Moments later, Kalina stepped out of the room huffing, and disappeared once more to her own room.

“I wonder how much longer this is going to take,” Lewis said, sighing. He glanced to the stairwell in the corner, where a strange blonde haired girl had been staring at him for the last thirty minutes. The girl was wide eyed, as if waiting for Lewis to make any move. What a weird one… He sighed.