Twice the Trouble, Twice the Fun
This group of posts is by the player of Elle McBride.
The storyline had gone that Collie was having a difficult time with her pregnancy with Rachael and Elle took the youngest set of twins, Garrick and Nicole, for a time. Elle was always a fun character to play off of and this story showcases her player's wonderful writing.
At this point, the remaining pieces to be reposted from Navarra number 211.
If you wish to post a comment, please post it here
"O' course, lass... they willna get too manna sweets."
"Aye, aye.. they're na supposed te go out in th' cold with bare feet.. I 'ave -some- common sense."
An exasperated sigh escaped from Elle's lips.
"Collie, ye've tol' me tha' afore."
More bantering from the worried mother.
"Fer th' love o' th' gods, Collie! Get out, out!" A hearty laugh carried as she ushered Collie from her house, tiny bits of reassuring words passing out every now and then.
Finally rid of her, Elle slid back inside the fashionable Victorian-style abode of the ranch, named StarShine, where she resided with her husband. She could not help but chuckle, seeing Collie in such a frenzy, but the chuckles soon came to a halt as she took a brief moment to recall the events in her friend's life that had transpired as of late.
She had told Collie just last eve to not even think about what the doctors had recommended, in terms of the unborn child. Termination was a sketchy line to her, but she knew enough to figure out that it would not be a very smart move. So what.. the child was developing faster than normal. Life was a gift in itself, and she couldn't see how in the world someone would want to give such a precious treasure away. Understanding, somewhat, the stress
Collie would be under during these next few days, she gladly accepted the invitation to watch after the two twins for awhile.
Gently shaking her head, she found her way back to the living room, where Nicole and Garrick sat, huddled close to each other on the couch, faces the epitome of innocence.
"Well, well.." Elle smiled brightly and crouched down in front of the pair, clapping her hands together in an enthusiastic gesture, doing her best to provide a cheery tone in their meeting.
"Anaone up fer cookies?"
She was not entirely sure about the layout of their bedrooms at Navarra, but she had done her best in selecting tones and decorating in the way she thought Collie would. Two single beds had been set up in one of the guest rooms, one on each side of the tastefully decorated cove. A nightstand was situated below a large window, midway between the two beds, a lamp decorated with brightly colorful pictures of horses and balloons positioned atop it.
A large, deeply entailed, red rug made up the floor between the bedpieces, leaving an expansion of room for the toys she had dragged in, of all shapes and sizes. Their two teddy bears, "Cuddles" and "Fuzzy", were placed on the bed of their choosing.
The first night as they hastened to sleep, after a strenuous ritual of teeth brushing and hair combing, Elle quietly watched from the door, lazily leaning against the framing, emerald gaze observant, almost protective, upon the children. They would lay, watching each other for a long moment, almost as if they were carrying on a wordless conversation, then turn to burrow deep into their flannel sheets, both pairs of eyes, a green and a blue, closing and drifting off into the mystical, and much needed, Land of Nod.
Satisfied that they were completely asleep, and only then, did she part from the doorway. Thinking to the events of the past day, she could already pick out striking differences between the two children. Garrick was very studious and preferred to hang back and examine everything before he stepped into it, his dark blue eyes seeming to take in all around him, while Nicole was more outgoing, in a quiet sort of manner. Earlier, when they had eaten cookies, Nicole had immediately dug her hand in the plate of confections, drawing out two for herself and handing only one to her twin brother. Elle had chuckled, somewhat impressed at this motherly fashion, yet greedy it was, and had drawn out another for the lad, his lower lip having stopped quivering upon the arrival of an even number of treats as his sister. While Nicole took a bite soon after receiving it, shooting cookie crumbs all over the floor as she voiced her approval of the bakery purchased taste, Garrick had intently taken note of the intricate icing pattern, being more appreciative about the time put in to make such a delicacy.
Ahh, they were indeed adorable children, and over the course of the next few days they would show Elle things about herself that she had never known before.
Elle always had visions of the perfect family. The perfect family, which of course, had angelic children and did quaint, sappy, little family things together, such as rising bright and early to spy the sunrise. Ahh, such tranquillity, such peace.
So, in effort to fulfill this tiny fantasy, she jostled the groggy children to a wake while it was still dark. Nicole sat up, repeatedly rubbing at her eyes, in hopes that Elle would catch on to her sublimate insinuation and let them go back to bed, to sleep. Garrick sat on the edge of his bed, legs dangling over, the death-clutch around Cuddles as he sat still and waited for the impatient Elle to put his shows on, as she insisted he needed. Then, once the overprecautious redhead had adorned the two twins in a ridiculous amount of clothing, she took a hand in each of hers and tottered down the stairs, through the living room, and out the door to the wide front porch.
There, she paused. A stolen glance toward the sky let her know she had plenty of time to set up. Her emerald gaze flickered in a conspirative manner, trying to choose the perfect spot. There was the porch swing, which in itself would gather many memories in time, for it was one of her favorite spots to cuddle with Nova. Then, there were the three porch steps, leading to the walkway from the Victorian residence. It was there she decided to stage her scene, herding Garrick and Nicole, who also clutched her own teddy bear, over to the steps, plopping down on the cold, smooth wood, a child on each side, her arms protectively looping around each of their shoulders.
Nicole began to squirm almost immediately, quietly giggling.
"Uhm.. Elle? What are we doing?"
Those words also brought Garrick to a giggling fit, and Elle soon found herself laughing along with the two. The chorus of laughter brought on a tight hug between the group, and Elle nearly missed the sun poking its way into view.
"Oh, look!" She pointed Garrick and Nicole to the rising east, where their gaze turned, little eyes brightening as they watched, though, being the children they were, not appreciating it as fully as they ought.
"I'm hungry." Garrick broke the extended silence with his words, his childish body wriggling irritably against Elle, who sighed good-naturedly, playfully tickling the young lad's sides, prepared to give in to his requests.
"Why Garrick, I'm na sure we 'ave anathin' left te eat. I believe ye ate it all yesterday..." An evidence of teasing held in her tone, making Garrick grin and wrench his way from the seating, jetting for the door. Nicole, not about to be left out, scuttled after him, giggling in a most girlish manner.
She let them go, casting her gaze back to the brightly burning sun. Her head canted to the side gently, a soft smile on her face. For the first time in a long while, belonging etched its way into her soul, and she was happy.
Horses were a grand interest of Elle's, and to find that Garrick and Nicole knew so much about them excited her greatly. Even more so, when they requested to ride, she was delighted. The whole nine yards was set into motion, Elle dressing out in the tight black riding pants and white shirt she liked so much, although she rarely ever wore them in public for fear of a knockdown on the fashion scale. Garrick and Nicole were not put to such an extreme, but boots and long pants adorned them nevertheless. The two children happily started out for the stable to choose their ride as Elle hung back to prance in front of Nova.
He was stretched out on the couch with a lengthy book as she traipsed into view of the living room. She had always been envious of his reading abilities, and chuckled at the sight of him averaging a page about every five seconds. Her hand reaching out, gently lowering the book. His gaze flickered up to her, and she twirled around daintily once she was sure she had his attentions. He chuckled with his usual comment, said in a playful tone.
"Mug another jockey, Elle?"
She snickered, leaning down and tenderly pressing her lips to his, having to grasp onto the arm of the sofa to keep from losing her balance. Grinning, she placed a few more lighter kisses on his chin as she pulled back, leaving him to his book once more and jogging toward the stable.
A series of blinks brought her eyes to adjust to the dimmed light of the horse's abode. Ribbons of light streamed through rivets in the supports making up the roof. She was met with a nice surprise, indeed, the two twins having already found, saddled, and mounted their chosen horses, Garrick on a brown speckled mare and Nicole on a darker one of the same gender.
"We've waited fer ye a long time, Elle. Hurry up."
"Her pants look tight." Nicole commented, quietly, to Garrick, who giggled and took a conspirative glance in the direction of Elle's attire, nodding his agreement to his sister.
Hearing bits and pieces of the whispering, she chuckled while making minor adjustments to the saddles and stirrups, then proceeded to select a stocky medium-sized mare from the third stall down, placing a blanketing before the saddle and hauling herself up. Garrick and Nicole watched, both their features dabbled with hints of impatience as they waited for the redhead to get a move on.
She slowly made her way to the front of the anxious couple, turning her horse to face them.
"Okay. Rule time." She took a deep breath before rattling off the list. "Dunnae go where I canna see ye, nae jumpin' fences, nae takin' yer feet out o' th' stirrups an' tryin' te stand up, nae lettin' go o' th' reins, nae full-speed runnin'." Catches her breath.
"Ready?"
Their faces shown clearly in the shady light, Garrick's mouth slightly ajar as the list of spoken rules registered with him. Nicole voiced her 'Yes' and her brother quickly followed in suit.
The ride began.
( Elaborately curved, looping handwriting makes her style. In certain spots, slurred and sometimes left out words mark evidence of a more rushed writing, perhaps from ideas that flow too quickly for all to be recorded. A limited vocabulary range and sometimes unfinished sentences. )
Journal, First Day of the New Week ----
Got up early this morning and went to the marketplace bakery for doughnuts to eat for breakfast since I didn't feel like burning something. Nicki and Garrick liked them, they seem to eat more and more every day. I read somewhere that doughnuts are good for energy, but I'm not sure where. Maybe Winters told me that, she might have been joking.
Anyways, we went riding today. They both know lots about horses. Nicki kept going out of my sight and Garrick would tell on her. Kids are silly sometimes, I can't even remember if I was like that when I was little. I took a bath when we got back because I smelled like dirty horses. Nova's horses aren't exactly real dirty, but I've seen lots better. Asked him again last night for a new, big black one. He says we have plenty, that the stable is full, but I really don't think he understands about the bond thing. I guess I was asking for a little too much when I asked for the ten-acre area to fence it in, too. He was a sweetheart anyways, and he showed me all the ones we -do- have. It's still just not the same. None of them look like the one I want. Oh well. There's always tomorrow, isn't there?
On a different note, I need to talk to Collie again. It's been more than a week and she hasn't talked or told me anything about the baby. I think Garrick and Nicole are having lots of fun, at least they act like it and tell me they are. I raided Kaylan's room for more toys, and I have to remember to put them back before she comes again, else I'll have trouble on my hands. She's a sweet little girl and all, but Nova spoils her to death.
o/' Well, you get a line and I'll get a pole, honey. You get a line and I'll get a pole, babe. You get a line and I'll get a pole, we'll go fishing in a crawdad hole, honey, bay-ab-e mine. o/'
"These, kids, are fishin' poles."
Elle threw down three wooden poles, two smaller and one large, in front of Nicole and Garrick, who obediently looked down and examined them, then nodded their understanding to her.
"Fishin', aside from duelin', horse ridin', an' flirtin', is one o' th' greatest sports there is, nae matter what anaone tells ye about it bein' lazy. Got it?"
They both bobbed their heads in unison, eyes bright with interest. Nicole reached out and took the better of the two smaller poles, twisting the loosened wire around her finger. Garrick, who looked a bit disappointed at Nicole's quick actions in getting the best looking pole, took the other one and stood it strait, gazing up its length.
"Alright, we're goin' te do this in style. Shoes off an' jeans rolled up, both o' ye." A crooked grin crossed over Elle's features, and she flopped down on the floor, commencing to remove her boots. After the short-lived task, she followed up by rolling the bottom of her jeans up over her ankles, near calf-length. Garrick immediately copied her, Nicole watching with a wrinkled nose before finally giving in and removing her own shoes, tossing them over into the pile with the others.
It was only a matter of thirty minutes later that they were lounging by the riverside, poles in hand, just waiting for a nibble on their lines. Garrick continuously fidgeted, and every time he did so Elle would explain the importance of a still pole and strait line, making Nicole issue a series of giggles. Elle had her own pole delicately balanced between her thighs, eyes closed as she reclined.
After a long while, when they were sure she had dozed off, Nicole casually tries to imitate her position, ending up with a pole in the water and a lot of worries. Both she and Garrick huddle near the edge, watching the pole as it floats down the river, taking moments to exchange glances with one another. Nicole chews on her lower lip.
"What are we going te do?" She whispers to Garrick.
"We can.. we can make a new one." He smiled, proud of his plan.
Around twenty big sticks and two meters of fishing wire later, they finally have a makeshift pole, which is carried home with the other two once Elle awakens and decides it is time to go, holding in her laughter until she gets from their sight.
o/' Well, whatcha gonna do when the pond is dry, honey? Whatcha gonna do when the pond is dry, babe? Whatcha gonna do when the pond is dry? I'll sit on the bank, catch an old horse fly, honey, bay-ab-e mine. o/'
Journal, Third Day of the New Week ---
When I was little, my Da was always telling me that I could not out-fox him, no matter how hard I tried. Yet, I still tried my hardest, and when I did, I could look at him and see the mirthful expression on his face, yet I did not exactly know what it was for. I always thought I had pulled a fast one on him. Today, I wore that same expression when Nicki and Garrick tried to fool me with a homemade fishing pole, one used in place of the one they lost (I found it washed up on the bank down river a ways). It did not hit me until I got home that it was the same exact face that my father used to make at me with, and I felt really grown up. Funny how the roles change and time seems to go by so quickly.
I've been thinking lately, with them being around, about how much fun kids are. Don't get me wrong though, I have lots of fun with Kaylan, Nova's daughter, but it's not really the same, I guess because she's the creation of Nova and another woman, and that kind of thing makes me jealous sometimes. I often wonder nowadays what our child would look like, should we choose to have one. It makes me laugh, I can not really see myself pregnant, but there is a type of security that goes along with it, and it makes people feel special. Ah, well. Even if we were to have kids, that would be a long time away, after all, we just got married, right?
Rachael Ellen Altruis MacLeod was brought into the world on the second day of February. There was not a face in the Golden Ivy Tavern that lacked a smile when she was born. Nicole was brought by with Lupton, and the little girl immediately went into her motherly way of acting, offering to hold and cuddle the newborn. The next day, the twins insisted upon having a 'party' for the newest addition to their family..
"A birthday party! We're going te have a birthday party!" Nicole danced around the house, in a most comical manner, Garrick attempting to keep up with her, gunning around on her heels. Elle was busy in the kitchen, decorating a white cake she purchased at the Marketplace earlier that morning with pink icing, spelling out, 'Happy Birthday, Rachael.' Even though the new bairn was still with Collie, both the twins insisted upon the party, and Elle suspected it was due to their addiction to sweets.
"Ye two corkers had better get yerself in 'ere afore I eat all o' th' cake up m'self!" The redhead's teasing call echoed through the plush Victorian residence, and soon was followed by the sound of rushing footsteps. A few moments later, Garrick and Nicole came careening into the kitchen, grabbing onto each other and playfully hustling for the seat nearest the cake.
They sang the ceremonial birthday song, Elle taking great pride in having taught them the Gaelic lyrics. By the time the cake had been disposed of, all three were covered in icing, and had crumbs sticking to the corners of their lips and the sleeves of their sweaters. Garrick, who had claimed the stand-up horse decoration that was on the cake, had taken to a sprawled position out on the kitchen floor, moving the plastic horse around and clicking his tongue in an imitation of a trot. Nicole soon chimed in, making little fences with her hands for the horse to jump.
As the two children played on, Elle took to a quiet spell, leaning back and balancing the head of the chair against the kitchen counter, reflecting upon the scene in front of her. The two were so innocent in their ways, so articulate, and she dreaded the time when they would soon grow up and be exposed to some of the horrors and the harsh realities of the world. She would almost be reluctant to give up Nicole and Garrick when it was time for them to return to Navarra, and she made a point in her mind to not take the time left with them for granted.
Utterly disconcerted at Buffy Winter's sudden take of leave, Elle found the next few
days to be extremely trying.. and life around the Grey Shadow household was not
exactly inviting. Nova was away training the new Corps for the ongoing civil war at Suhn,
and Nicole and Garrick had currently lost interest in the array of miniature horses and
playthings that had kept them content for the past few weeks. Her train of thought
constantly strayed from her current task to her best friend's absence, leaving her robbed
of the cheery mood she held just moments earlier.
So many things were conspiring around her. Nova's upcoming challenge from an ex-
fiancé had her on the edge of her nerves for at least a few days, until verbal comfort and
reassurance had come from his lips. The arena was buzzing with so many new faces,
and she often left the crowded basement with a headache from trying to discern
between them. Relaxing at home with the two twins was a solace of relaxation,
protecting her from the outside world, all she could do to keep from breaking down.
Journal, Fifth Day of a New Week ---
Nicole and Garrick went shopping with me today, for new toys and something to keep them busy. Nicole ended up leaving with a nice dress, a big pink ball, and a cherry-flavored lollipop. Garrick got the short end of the stick, leaving with just a new ball and a grape-flavored lollipop. I don't guess he wanted a dress, though.. so I figure that things worked out pretty good.
It's amazing to watch them, how much they have become used to, and their reactions to things that used to frighten them silly. I remember when they first got here, the look on their faces when they saw the toaster oven, sort of like I would look at Nova if he shaved his head and got a nose ring. But now they are accustomed to it, I see them toasting bread just for the sake of toasting now. I'm going to have to ask them how they do it sometimes.. I can never get it exactly right. Children are so innocent in how they can accept and respect even the most obscure of objects. Sometimes I think if I was more like a child, if everyone were more like children even, that the world would not be such a dreadful place. Oh, well. I think I can hear them running down the hall now.. I don't know if they can read, so I had better--
Writing is abruptly cut off by a parading caravan of Nicole and Garrick, sneaking up and tackling her with motions of affection. Gales of laughter, both childish and adult in nature, echo throughout the house.
The storyline had gone that Collie was having a difficult time with her pregnancy with Rachael and Elle took the youngest set of twins, Garrick and Nicole, for a time. Elle was always a fun character to play off of and this story showcases her player's wonderful writing.
At this point, the remaining pieces to be reposted from Navarra number 211.
If you wish to post a comment, please post it here
"O' course, lass... they willna get too manna sweets."
"Aye, aye.. they're na supposed te go out in th' cold with bare feet.. I 'ave -some- common sense."
An exasperated sigh escaped from Elle's lips.
"Collie, ye've tol' me tha' afore."
More bantering from the worried mother.
"Fer th' love o' th' gods, Collie! Get out, out!" A hearty laugh carried as she ushered Collie from her house, tiny bits of reassuring words passing out every now and then.
Finally rid of her, Elle slid back inside the fashionable Victorian-style abode of the ranch, named StarShine, where she resided with her husband. She could not help but chuckle, seeing Collie in such a frenzy, but the chuckles soon came to a halt as she took a brief moment to recall the events in her friend's life that had transpired as of late.
She had told Collie just last eve to not even think about what the doctors had recommended, in terms of the unborn child. Termination was a sketchy line to her, but she knew enough to figure out that it would not be a very smart move. So what.. the child was developing faster than normal. Life was a gift in itself, and she couldn't see how in the world someone would want to give such a precious treasure away. Understanding, somewhat, the stress
Collie would be under during these next few days, she gladly accepted the invitation to watch after the two twins for awhile.
Gently shaking her head, she found her way back to the living room, where Nicole and Garrick sat, huddled close to each other on the couch, faces the epitome of innocence.
"Well, well.." Elle smiled brightly and crouched down in front of the pair, clapping her hands together in an enthusiastic gesture, doing her best to provide a cheery tone in their meeting.
"Anaone up fer cookies?"
She was not entirely sure about the layout of their bedrooms at Navarra, but she had done her best in selecting tones and decorating in the way she thought Collie would. Two single beds had been set up in one of the guest rooms, one on each side of the tastefully decorated cove. A nightstand was situated below a large window, midway between the two beds, a lamp decorated with brightly colorful pictures of horses and balloons positioned atop it.
A large, deeply entailed, red rug made up the floor between the bedpieces, leaving an expansion of room for the toys she had dragged in, of all shapes and sizes. Their two teddy bears, "Cuddles" and "Fuzzy", were placed on the bed of their choosing.
The first night as they hastened to sleep, after a strenuous ritual of teeth brushing and hair combing, Elle quietly watched from the door, lazily leaning against the framing, emerald gaze observant, almost protective, upon the children. They would lay, watching each other for a long moment, almost as if they were carrying on a wordless conversation, then turn to burrow deep into their flannel sheets, both pairs of eyes, a green and a blue, closing and drifting off into the mystical, and much needed, Land of Nod.
Satisfied that they were completely asleep, and only then, did she part from the doorway. Thinking to the events of the past day, she could already pick out striking differences between the two children. Garrick was very studious and preferred to hang back and examine everything before he stepped into it, his dark blue eyes seeming to take in all around him, while Nicole was more outgoing, in a quiet sort of manner. Earlier, when they had eaten cookies, Nicole had immediately dug her hand in the plate of confections, drawing out two for herself and handing only one to her twin brother. Elle had chuckled, somewhat impressed at this motherly fashion, yet greedy it was, and had drawn out another for the lad, his lower lip having stopped quivering upon the arrival of an even number of treats as his sister. While Nicole took a bite soon after receiving it, shooting cookie crumbs all over the floor as she voiced her approval of the bakery purchased taste, Garrick had intently taken note of the intricate icing pattern, being more appreciative about the time put in to make such a delicacy.
Ahh, they were indeed adorable children, and over the course of the next few days they would show Elle things about herself that she had never known before.
Elle always had visions of the perfect family. The perfect family, which of course, had angelic children and did quaint, sappy, little family things together, such as rising bright and early to spy the sunrise. Ahh, such tranquillity, such peace.
So, in effort to fulfill this tiny fantasy, she jostled the groggy children to a wake while it was still dark. Nicole sat up, repeatedly rubbing at her eyes, in hopes that Elle would catch on to her sublimate insinuation and let them go back to bed, to sleep. Garrick sat on the edge of his bed, legs dangling over, the death-clutch around Cuddles as he sat still and waited for the impatient Elle to put his shows on, as she insisted he needed. Then, once the overprecautious redhead had adorned the two twins in a ridiculous amount of clothing, she took a hand in each of hers and tottered down the stairs, through the living room, and out the door to the wide front porch.
There, she paused. A stolen glance toward the sky let her know she had plenty of time to set up. Her emerald gaze flickered in a conspirative manner, trying to choose the perfect spot. There was the porch swing, which in itself would gather many memories in time, for it was one of her favorite spots to cuddle with Nova. Then, there were the three porch steps, leading to the walkway from the Victorian residence. It was there she decided to stage her scene, herding Garrick and Nicole, who also clutched her own teddy bear, over to the steps, plopping down on the cold, smooth wood, a child on each side, her arms protectively looping around each of their shoulders.
Nicole began to squirm almost immediately, quietly giggling.
"Uhm.. Elle? What are we doing?"
Those words also brought Garrick to a giggling fit, and Elle soon found herself laughing along with the two. The chorus of laughter brought on a tight hug between the group, and Elle nearly missed the sun poking its way into view.
"Oh, look!" She pointed Garrick and Nicole to the rising east, where their gaze turned, little eyes brightening as they watched, though, being the children they were, not appreciating it as fully as they ought.
"I'm hungry." Garrick broke the extended silence with his words, his childish body wriggling irritably against Elle, who sighed good-naturedly, playfully tickling the young lad's sides, prepared to give in to his requests.
"Why Garrick, I'm na sure we 'ave anathin' left te eat. I believe ye ate it all yesterday..." An evidence of teasing held in her tone, making Garrick grin and wrench his way from the seating, jetting for the door. Nicole, not about to be left out, scuttled after him, giggling in a most girlish manner.
She let them go, casting her gaze back to the brightly burning sun. Her head canted to the side gently, a soft smile on her face. For the first time in a long while, belonging etched its way into her soul, and she was happy.
Horses were a grand interest of Elle's, and to find that Garrick and Nicole knew so much about them excited her greatly. Even more so, when they requested to ride, she was delighted. The whole nine yards was set into motion, Elle dressing out in the tight black riding pants and white shirt she liked so much, although she rarely ever wore them in public for fear of a knockdown on the fashion scale. Garrick and Nicole were not put to such an extreme, but boots and long pants adorned them nevertheless. The two children happily started out for the stable to choose their ride as Elle hung back to prance in front of Nova.
He was stretched out on the couch with a lengthy book as she traipsed into view of the living room. She had always been envious of his reading abilities, and chuckled at the sight of him averaging a page about every five seconds. Her hand reaching out, gently lowering the book. His gaze flickered up to her, and she twirled around daintily once she was sure she had his attentions. He chuckled with his usual comment, said in a playful tone.
"Mug another jockey, Elle?"
She snickered, leaning down and tenderly pressing her lips to his, having to grasp onto the arm of the sofa to keep from losing her balance. Grinning, she placed a few more lighter kisses on his chin as she pulled back, leaving him to his book once more and jogging toward the stable.
A series of blinks brought her eyes to adjust to the dimmed light of the horse's abode. Ribbons of light streamed through rivets in the supports making up the roof. She was met with a nice surprise, indeed, the two twins having already found, saddled, and mounted their chosen horses, Garrick on a brown speckled mare and Nicole on a darker one of the same gender.
"We've waited fer ye a long time, Elle. Hurry up."
"Her pants look tight." Nicole commented, quietly, to Garrick, who giggled and took a conspirative glance in the direction of Elle's attire, nodding his agreement to his sister.
Hearing bits and pieces of the whispering, she chuckled while making minor adjustments to the saddles and stirrups, then proceeded to select a stocky medium-sized mare from the third stall down, placing a blanketing before the saddle and hauling herself up. Garrick and Nicole watched, both their features dabbled with hints of impatience as they waited for the redhead to get a move on.
She slowly made her way to the front of the anxious couple, turning her horse to face them.
"Okay. Rule time." She took a deep breath before rattling off the list. "Dunnae go where I canna see ye, nae jumpin' fences, nae takin' yer feet out o' th' stirrups an' tryin' te stand up, nae lettin' go o' th' reins, nae full-speed runnin'." Catches her breath.
"Ready?"
Their faces shown clearly in the shady light, Garrick's mouth slightly ajar as the list of spoken rules registered with him. Nicole voiced her 'Yes' and her brother quickly followed in suit.
The ride began.
( Elaborately curved, looping handwriting makes her style. In certain spots, slurred and sometimes left out words mark evidence of a more rushed writing, perhaps from ideas that flow too quickly for all to be recorded. A limited vocabulary range and sometimes unfinished sentences. )
Journal, First Day of the New Week ----
Got up early this morning and went to the marketplace bakery for doughnuts to eat for breakfast since I didn't feel like burning something. Nicki and Garrick liked them, they seem to eat more and more every day. I read somewhere that doughnuts are good for energy, but I'm not sure where. Maybe Winters told me that, she might have been joking.
Anyways, we went riding today. They both know lots about horses. Nicki kept going out of my sight and Garrick would tell on her. Kids are silly sometimes, I can't even remember if I was like that when I was little. I took a bath when we got back because I smelled like dirty horses. Nova's horses aren't exactly real dirty, but I've seen lots better. Asked him again last night for a new, big black one. He says we have plenty, that the stable is full, but I really don't think he understands about the bond thing. I guess I was asking for a little too much when I asked for the ten-acre area to fence it in, too. He was a sweetheart anyways, and he showed me all the ones we -do- have. It's still just not the same. None of them look like the one I want. Oh well. There's always tomorrow, isn't there?
On a different note, I need to talk to Collie again. It's been more than a week and she hasn't talked or told me anything about the baby. I think Garrick and Nicole are having lots of fun, at least they act like it and tell me they are. I raided Kaylan's room for more toys, and I have to remember to put them back before she comes again, else I'll have trouble on my hands. She's a sweet little girl and all, but Nova spoils her to death.
o/' Well, you get a line and I'll get a pole, honey. You get a line and I'll get a pole, babe. You get a line and I'll get a pole, we'll go fishing in a crawdad hole, honey, bay-ab-e mine. o/'
"These, kids, are fishin' poles."
Elle threw down three wooden poles, two smaller and one large, in front of Nicole and Garrick, who obediently looked down and examined them, then nodded their understanding to her.
"Fishin', aside from duelin', horse ridin', an' flirtin', is one o' th' greatest sports there is, nae matter what anaone tells ye about it bein' lazy. Got it?"
They both bobbed their heads in unison, eyes bright with interest. Nicole reached out and took the better of the two smaller poles, twisting the loosened wire around her finger. Garrick, who looked a bit disappointed at Nicole's quick actions in getting the best looking pole, took the other one and stood it strait, gazing up its length.
"Alright, we're goin' te do this in style. Shoes off an' jeans rolled up, both o' ye." A crooked grin crossed over Elle's features, and she flopped down on the floor, commencing to remove her boots. After the short-lived task, she followed up by rolling the bottom of her jeans up over her ankles, near calf-length. Garrick immediately copied her, Nicole watching with a wrinkled nose before finally giving in and removing her own shoes, tossing them over into the pile with the others.
It was only a matter of thirty minutes later that they were lounging by the riverside, poles in hand, just waiting for a nibble on their lines. Garrick continuously fidgeted, and every time he did so Elle would explain the importance of a still pole and strait line, making Nicole issue a series of giggles. Elle had her own pole delicately balanced between her thighs, eyes closed as she reclined.
After a long while, when they were sure she had dozed off, Nicole casually tries to imitate her position, ending up with a pole in the water and a lot of worries. Both she and Garrick huddle near the edge, watching the pole as it floats down the river, taking moments to exchange glances with one another. Nicole chews on her lower lip.
"What are we going te do?" She whispers to Garrick.
"We can.. we can make a new one." He smiled, proud of his plan.
Around twenty big sticks and two meters of fishing wire later, they finally have a makeshift pole, which is carried home with the other two once Elle awakens and decides it is time to go, holding in her laughter until she gets from their sight.
o/' Well, whatcha gonna do when the pond is dry, honey? Whatcha gonna do when the pond is dry, babe? Whatcha gonna do when the pond is dry? I'll sit on the bank, catch an old horse fly, honey, bay-ab-e mine. o/'
Journal, Third Day of the New Week ---
When I was little, my Da was always telling me that I could not out-fox him, no matter how hard I tried. Yet, I still tried my hardest, and when I did, I could look at him and see the mirthful expression on his face, yet I did not exactly know what it was for. I always thought I had pulled a fast one on him. Today, I wore that same expression when Nicki and Garrick tried to fool me with a homemade fishing pole, one used in place of the one they lost (I found it washed up on the bank down river a ways). It did not hit me until I got home that it was the same exact face that my father used to make at me with, and I felt really grown up. Funny how the roles change and time seems to go by so quickly.
I've been thinking lately, with them being around, about how much fun kids are. Don't get me wrong though, I have lots of fun with Kaylan, Nova's daughter, but it's not really the same, I guess because she's the creation of Nova and another woman, and that kind of thing makes me jealous sometimes. I often wonder nowadays what our child would look like, should we choose to have one. It makes me laugh, I can not really see myself pregnant, but there is a type of security that goes along with it, and it makes people feel special. Ah, well. Even if we were to have kids, that would be a long time away, after all, we just got married, right?
Rachael Ellen Altruis MacLeod was brought into the world on the second day of February. There was not a face in the Golden Ivy Tavern that lacked a smile when she was born. Nicole was brought by with Lupton, and the little girl immediately went into her motherly way of acting, offering to hold and cuddle the newborn. The next day, the twins insisted upon having a 'party' for the newest addition to their family..
"A birthday party! We're going te have a birthday party!" Nicole danced around the house, in a most comical manner, Garrick attempting to keep up with her, gunning around on her heels. Elle was busy in the kitchen, decorating a white cake she purchased at the Marketplace earlier that morning with pink icing, spelling out, 'Happy Birthday, Rachael.' Even though the new bairn was still with Collie, both the twins insisted upon the party, and Elle suspected it was due to their addiction to sweets.
"Ye two corkers had better get yerself in 'ere afore I eat all o' th' cake up m'self!" The redhead's teasing call echoed through the plush Victorian residence, and soon was followed by the sound of rushing footsteps. A few moments later, Garrick and Nicole came careening into the kitchen, grabbing onto each other and playfully hustling for the seat nearest the cake.
They sang the ceremonial birthday song, Elle taking great pride in having taught them the Gaelic lyrics. By the time the cake had been disposed of, all three were covered in icing, and had crumbs sticking to the corners of their lips and the sleeves of their sweaters. Garrick, who had claimed the stand-up horse decoration that was on the cake, had taken to a sprawled position out on the kitchen floor, moving the plastic horse around and clicking his tongue in an imitation of a trot. Nicole soon chimed in, making little fences with her hands for the horse to jump.
As the two children played on, Elle took to a quiet spell, leaning back and balancing the head of the chair against the kitchen counter, reflecting upon the scene in front of her. The two were so innocent in their ways, so articulate, and she dreaded the time when they would soon grow up and be exposed to some of the horrors and the harsh realities of the world. She would almost be reluctant to give up Nicole and Garrick when it was time for them to return to Navarra, and she made a point in her mind to not take the time left with them for granted.
Utterly disconcerted at Buffy Winter's sudden take of leave, Elle found the next few
days to be extremely trying.. and life around the Grey Shadow household was not
exactly inviting. Nova was away training the new Corps for the ongoing civil war at Suhn,
and Nicole and Garrick had currently lost interest in the array of miniature horses and
playthings that had kept them content for the past few weeks. Her train of thought
constantly strayed from her current task to her best friend's absence, leaving her robbed
of the cheery mood she held just moments earlier.
So many things were conspiring around her. Nova's upcoming challenge from an ex-
fiancé had her on the edge of her nerves for at least a few days, until verbal comfort and
reassurance had come from his lips. The arena was buzzing with so many new faces,
and she often left the crowded basement with a headache from trying to discern
between them. Relaxing at home with the two twins was a solace of relaxation,
protecting her from the outside world, all she could do to keep from breaking down.
Journal, Fifth Day of a New Week ---
Nicole and Garrick went shopping with me today, for new toys and something to keep them busy. Nicole ended up leaving with a nice dress, a big pink ball, and a cherry-flavored lollipop. Garrick got the short end of the stick, leaving with just a new ball and a grape-flavored lollipop. I don't guess he wanted a dress, though.. so I figure that things worked out pretty good.
It's amazing to watch them, how much they have become used to, and their reactions to things that used to frighten them silly. I remember when they first got here, the look on their faces when they saw the toaster oven, sort of like I would look at Nova if he shaved his head and got a nose ring. But now they are accustomed to it, I see them toasting bread just for the sake of toasting now. I'm going to have to ask them how they do it sometimes.. I can never get it exactly right. Children are so innocent in how they can accept and respect even the most obscure of objects. Sometimes I think if I was more like a child, if everyone were more like children even, that the world would not be such a dreadful place. Oh, well. I think I can hear them running down the hall now.. I don't know if they can read, so I had better--
Writing is abruptly cut off by a parading caravan of Nicole and Garrick, sneaking up and tackling her with motions of affection. Gales of laughter, both childish and adult in nature, echo throughout the house.