Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2016 4:56 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
Drae smiled and kissed Angela's palms as she held his face. "Becoming a father, I think, will change a man in any circumstances. In my case, undoubtedly I have changed for the better, and I am grateful for it," the warlock replied softly.
"Thank you, Angela. I'll go up to the Unbroken Courtyard tonight during the Witching Hours to do my work. It will not be invasive, and will not require much. If he is willing to speak with me, all should go well, I do hope," he explained. "And if all goes as planned, I should know the man better by the end of the night…"
He slipped his hand into Angela's and squeezed tightly. "I do not think you have any reason to fear. I do believe that part of his spirit still resides here, as a protector of sorts. I've sensed a calm energy on occasion, when Iva has had me tag along for the tea parties," he mentioned lightly as he watched his surrogate daughter dancing in the distance with her black plush bear, skirt and feet muddy as they typically were. "He is still here, watching over her, and you I think," he smiled.
Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2016 10:14 AM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
Drae’s hand comforted her a bit. Her green eyes held a sadness for fear that she had driven her Love away. However, it would appear that Drae had the same thoughts as she did. Returning his grip the goddess gave him a gentle smile. She was glad that Drae was more understanding, but it hurt her to think she hadn’t thought about that possibility. She had a lot of room for growing.
She brought his forehead down to her and kissed his softly. “You will be fine Drae. I understand the pain that our baby brings out in you.” Her words were blunt but they were soft so no one else could hear. “You never got this far before and you lost everything. I can understand that you have so much more on your plate than what I do.”
“You are my rock Adraejen.” She put her hands on his cheeks and smiled. “When you originally showed up here, you were not the man you are now.” She watched him lovingly for a moment. “You’ve changed, I don’t know what it is but you have.”
After a light sigh and thought, she nodded. “If you think it would help you figure things out Drae I would gladly let you do it.”
Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Mon Jul 4, 2016 10:01 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
Drae pressed a hand over Angela's as she smoothed back his hair and apologized for picking a name without consulting him. Her plea for forgiveness made his heart ache and he felt bad for making her feel this way, and gripped her hands firmly.
"I know you didn't, Love. And it isn't so much your choice that upset me, it really isn't. The truth is, I think I am more upset with myself… you see…" Drae sighed as he leaned against the wall railing that lined the garden path. "I wouldn't even be able to put forth a name that had any meaning to me," he admitted. "And for that I am actually rather ashamed. Your choice in the name, it makes complete and total sense. I only wish I had gotten to know the man before he passed. The name given has to carry significance, and I am more upset that I could not provide my own name for consideration," Drae sighed. "I have not had the good fortune of having those kinds of influences of good in my life…" he explained softly. "And for the same reason, I want to make sure that this Rohan is as good a man as you claim he is. It isn't that I don't trust you, Angela… but sometimes you have to be able to judge for yourself…" he said softly.
"Would you allow me to do that?"
Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2016 7:32 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
Angela looked deep into her lover’s eyes and sighed a bit. “It’s not because we were lovers. It’s merely a suggestion as well. I’m not doing anything without you. I’m so sorry that I didn’t bring it up as I thought about it. It’s been a long time since I’ve even had to consider someone else’s feelings on the matter.” She kissed the side of his head. “It’s because I think it would comfort Iva. I want to give her something tangible. I thought if I associated the name with the new baby as well, that it might help her stop talking to someone who won’t answer.” The goddess appeared bothered by it. “I just want them both to be alright.”
She liked that her other idea was well received and nodded. “She will make an excellent choice. I think she’ll like having him around as much as she likes Iva.” She took his hands and held them tight. “I never meant to hurt your feelings Drae. I have my flaws like everyone else, I’m just sorry you had to see my selfish side. Too many decades have I been doing this by myself. Even with Iva, I raised her. This is the very first time I’ve ever had someone to help.”
She reached up and gently pushed back his hair. “I’m sorry my love.” She whispered it softly as she kissed him. “I hope you can forgive that lapse in thought.” She held his hands tenderly and frowned. “It was never my intention to hurt you at all. I would love to hear your thoughts on names for him.”
Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2016 9:17 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
"It's more than just a little reassuring that she is sleeping soundly," Drae smiled as he slipped his hand into hers and rested his head upon hers. He was a little surprised at her announcement as to who she wanted to name the baby after Iva's father. He wasn't entirely sure how he felt about that. He understood the reasoning, but he felt a little cheated in seeing that Angela had picked a name without really consulting him. That was if the baby even ended up being a boy as Iva claimed he would be. Drae had no reason to doubt Iva, but something about the entire thing stung him. He didn't respond at first, but when it was brought up about asking Dalanesca to be the godmother to the baby, Drae actually smiled.
"I think I can wrap my head around that," Drae replied. "Dalanesca would make an excellent godmother, and I know I would feel safe letting her watch after the baby. I don't know her personally, as you do, but I would trust your judgement in this case far more than I would trust my own," he replied with a smile. Angela wanting to set up a meeting between him and Dalanesca intriged him. "I am more than willing to meet Dalanesca. I would be honored," he said nodding and then sat down upon the bench beside Angela.
"I know you can," Drae said, having complete faith in his love's ability to protect those she loved.
Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2016 6:28 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
“I for one am glad that she is getting to love and know him.” She rubbed her barely showing belly and laughed. “I have, she’s been sleeping soundly through the night. Even when Winston falls out of bed because she is a bed hog.” Even though the child’s bed probably could have fit at least ten fold.
She put her head on his shoulder and sighed lightly as she thought about the light growing in her. “I want to name the baby after Iva’s father.” Her green eyes moved up to Drae. “He was a good man who did many good things for me. He gave us Iva and gods know she wouldn’t be the way she is without influence. It’s Rosenite tradition to name a child after person who has great influence over your life. I know it’s a lot to ask but Rohan is a good name for him. If the baby is really a boy.”
Her voice was very soft as she spot to him. “I also want to make a request of a good friend of mine. She was someone who owes Iva quite a few tea parties. The new goddess that rose a few months back would make a good godmother, I think.” It was something to consider. “That way if something were to ever happen… We know he would be in good hands with her.”
She pat his hands softly and smiled up at him. “I can invite her here so you can meet her. She's a good woman Drae and I know she will be of great help for us if we ever needed it." She kissed his cheek and smiled lightly. Finding herself a bench she sat down and laughed. "I've almost forgotten how tiring it can be guarding my babies." She rubbed her belly fondly and looked up at her lover. "Not to worry though. I'll never let anything happen to him or the girls."
Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2016 3:05 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
He was grateful that he didn't have to explain his fears to her, and the kiss she planted on his cheek left him reassured. After all, this was far different from last time. This time around, the love of his life had the power to level an entire city with a sneeze, really; and she was by no means a first time mother. That, and there was no fear in the child being discovered, because Drae knew that he had become the only man that Angela was 'attached' to so to speak.
The kiss left a serene smile on his cheek and he allowed her to loop their arms together before they were walking out of the room and down the halls. Like a shot, Iva was there like a brilliant little red headed comet, and her arms were wrapping around his legs in a hug. He hugged her back before she was bouncing over to Angela and was placing her hands on her mother's stomach and speaking to the tiny baby still growing inside.
Then she was off like a shot again, no doubt to go terrorize her sisters or find someway to make herself dirty before dinner. Drae's laughter met Angela's.
"I think it is because she has been getting a chance to know him a bit more. Haven't you noticed that she hasn't really been having nightmares these past few weeks? I wonder if she is dreaming about the baby more and talking to him," he suggested as they walked out into the gardens.
Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2016 6:47 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
Drae was correct about Iva’s gift. She was no oracle and not even she understood the full powers that Iva possessed. She had certainly surprised them all in the long run. Laughing Angela thought about it even in her sea of daughters six sons were amazing. “Even if we were to have a daughter I would love the baby all the same.” The baby was part Drae after all. “Though I tend to be terrified as well but not for the same reasons. I have an imp that runs around my temple as it is. Can you imagine two of them?”
The goddess laughed as the prospect of their son being a ladies’ man. “It wouldn’t shock me at all. Even more so with his pedigree.” He rested on her for a few seconds before the jitters kicked in. A pregnant woman with the jitters was the worst as far as she was concerned. “Sorry, I don’t like to sit still sometimes.” She looked disappointed as well but still she pulled him up.
She hadn’t put his hand on her belly to feel her barely showing belly but rather to feel the power that their plum sized child. He was so small still but Angela could feel him even without the powers of her goddess.
Angela knew that it would be hard for him. She always held her gaze on him just in case he needed her support. He had lost his first unborn child and she wasn’t going to let him hurt that way again. Squeezing his hand the goddess gave him a loving look. “Everything will be alright.” She leaned over to him and kissed his cheek. He didn’t have to tell her what bothered him.
She looped her arm around his as they made their way out of the room. Iva came running own the hallway and hugged Drae first. Her eyes were so bright as she moved to the belly her mother had. “Hi baby brother! I can’t wait to meet you. We’ll have tea parties and you can meet Winston.” She kissed Angela’s belly before flying off in the other direction. Angela started laughing.
“At least she feels better about everything.”
Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2016 6:15 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
"I honestly believe that there is a lot about Iva's gift that you and I might have never imagined," Drae replied. "And I didn't exactly mean one boy in four children. I meant five sons to one Rosenite woman, that was the impressive number. But if Iva is right, we'll be making it an even six," Drae smiled. "Of course I am excited. Excited, but on some level terrified," he admitted as she rested her head on his shoulder. He slipped his arm about her and rubbed her arm and shoulder affectionately. He chuckled at the notion of their child looking a lot like him.
"Well, if he has my looks, you won't hear me complaining. We'll just have to watch out for the parade of girls he will inevitably bring home," he said, giving Angela a cheesy grin. He rested his cheek on her head and sighed, contentedly, then looked ever so slightly disappointed when she got up again. He did, however, allow himself to be pulled up of the bed.
"Yeah, I guess you're right," he smiled. "The excitement is absolutely killing me," he added with a chuckle. The chuckle and playful mood faded for him when Angela moved his hand to her belly. She wasn't showing by any means, but he could almost sense the life force growing inside her.
"Yeah. I can't wait," he replied softly. Truthfully, he was terrified. A lot of old memories were stirring, and though he would never admit to the fear he felt, he was hell bent and certain he would not let anything happen to Angela, or his unborn child. Come hell or high water it was going to be him who would have to pass to the afterlife first.
"Come on, let's take that walk."
Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Thu Jun 9, 2016 6:36 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
Iva was a gift that not even Angela had fully expected. Chuckling she took his hand softly in hers. “I never imagined it to be able to predict her own sibling. We’ll have to reassure her that we’ll spend lots of time with her still. It will be a lot of work.” She felt nervous at the thought but chuckled.
Tilting her head at him she laughed. “Not exactly one in four but.. I only have had five sons out of all of my children… It does make me a bit skeptical.” She was glad that the warlock was able to comfort her. She leaned over and rested on his shoulder. The goddess laughed a bit as she kissed his cheek. “What man isn’t excited about having a son?”
Thinking about what the baby would look like Angela laughed. “I don’t know… Perhaps I would like him to look like his handsome father.” She lifted her freehand up and stroked his hair. “We’ll have to see what the fate strings have in store for him.”
Getting up she pulled Drae to his feet and sighed softly. “We should go for a walk in the gardens. Might do us some good getting some fresh air after all the excitement.” She moved his hand to her belly and chuckled. “In a few months, you’ll be able to feel him. Exciting isn’t it?”
Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Thu Jun 9, 2016 3:41 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
It was rather amusing seeing the Goddess of Fertility so stumped as to whether or not she was pregnant that it made Drae chuckle to himself on several occasions. As it happened, Iva astounded them both, and after two months is was an apparent fact; Angela was indeed pregnant. He marveled at the young child's gifts. It was true what she said, and he had noticed it more and more, often times, her dreams did come true.
Drae sat in a chair next to Angela as she rested on the bed. He chuckled. "Yeah… yeah, she was," he said as he reached over and took one of Angela's hands. "Iva has a remarkable gift, that's for sure," Drae smiled. He looked at Angela and raised an eyebrow when she mentioned that Iva had said the baby was to be boy.
"Well… I mean, it isn't out of the question. You do have sons, after all. Not NEAR as many as you have daughters, but… four sons to one Rosenite woman, that is pretty good. So I would say that the odds of us having a boy is not as impossible as it may seem," Drae explained. "Besides that, Iva's been correct so far, so why should we doubt her now? I'm rather thrilled at the prospect of having a son," Drae smiled. "Undoubtedly, he'll have your eyes and hair."
Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Wed Jun 8, 2016 8:33 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
Iva appeared pleased with Drae’s efforts at calming her down. There was a certain comfort that the man could give the child that her mother could not. Angela gave both of them a smile and pet the child’s red hair. Waiting for when the child looked away from her Angela mouth back that she wasn’t sure. The magic that normally was in control was not for once. Angela simply hadn’t planned it, not that she would prevent it from happening.
This would be a surprise child if she was. She kissed the top of the child’s head and looked at Drae with a level of disbelief. How could the Fertility Goddess be one upped by her own child? The seer gift was certainly amazing but Angela wondered if Iva didn’t see her future but the baby’s? She laid her head down and pulled the blankets up. Mouthing to him she told him to get some sleep now. They would figure it out in the morning.
-
The morning had came but it went as well. If there was a baby her powers were being blinded maybe by the fact she had played god all these years. She wanted to be surprised and she was sure Drae did as well. So they had waited patiently to see if Iva had been correct. A month went by and then two and still she did not bleed.
She sat there in her bedroom and rested on the bed. Her hands were on her belly. “Well, she certainly was right wasn’t she?” Angela laughed a bit and smiled towards Drae. “She said he though… Do you really think we would have a son? They are so rare for Rosenites..”
Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Wed Jun 8, 2016 7:46 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
"Well, yes, if there was a baby we would need to spend a lot of time taking care of him or her, but not so much that we still couldn't play with you. And, who knows, you could always help us and play with the baby too," Drae suggested to Iva as she told them she loved them and hugged him tight.
When Iva announced that there was no If about whether or not there was going to be a baby, Drae looked at Angela, in surprise. "No, no, Iva, we would never stop loving you," Drae said quickly, still looking at Angela. He mouthed "Pregnant?" to her, looking quite incredulous as Iva continued to announce, with a tired yawn, that the baby was cute when he didn't cry, and was patting Angela's belly.
Clearly Angela was as surprised by this news as Drae was, because she was paler than Drae had ever seen her before. Drae suddenly felt the overwhelming urge to laugh, the entire scene was too comedic, but at the same time, the shock of finding out, from Iva of all people, that Angela was pregnant kept him speechless.
He patted Iva's back lightly to help her fall asleep, having a wordless conversation with Angela about what the hell had just happened.
Author: Iva, Posted: Wed Jun 8, 2016 5:50 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
Iva crawled in the middle of the two of them. It was a fitting place made comfortable for her by Drae. Her sad brown eyes looked from one parent to the next before her tears came stronger. Drae was kind and gentle as he wiped the tears from her face. They always knew it was her dreams.
Suddenly he cradled her like she was tiny and she snuggled into him more. Angela looked back at Drae for just a moment but obviously the girl had stunned her mother as well. “Not even a new baby would replace me? But wouldn’t you need all the time in the world for him? Would you still play with me and Winston?” She sniffled more at him.
“I love you too Daddy and Mommy.” She wrapped herself around him more as he wiped the final strands of tears away. “There’s no if.” She sniffled and rubbed her eyes. “There is going to be a baby! My dreams always come true. I’m just worried you’re going to replace me. If you say you’ll love me all the say then that’s okay.” She seemed tired again. “He looks cute though when he isn’t crying.” She gave them both a yawn and moved her hand over to her mother’s belly and patted it softly.
“Shouldn’t cry so much.” At Iva's words Angela's face went white as a sheet staring off at Drae like she was taken aback by the child.
Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Tue Jun 7, 2016 6:27 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
Drae stirred slightly when he heard the door open, but his eyes cracked open slightly when he heard the sniffle call for him.
"Iva?" he asked concerned. He sat up slowly as Angela bolted awake, and watched as Iva came to join them in bed, crying. Drae sat upright and adjusted the pillows and blankets so that there would be room for Iva between him and Angela as the Goddess put the crying child up on the bed with them. He wiped a tear from Iva's face as Angela asked what her dream was about, as it was usually dreams that brought the child to their chamber in tears.
Iva's response astounded Drae, and he held her tightly as she rolled and clung to him.
"What?" he asked incredulously. "Replace you? Oh, sweetheart…" he said softly as he cradled Iva in his arms, her tears dampening his nightshirt. He looked at Angela, his eyes reflecting how startled Iva's dream had left him.
"Nothing could ever replace you…" he told Iva softly. "Even IF there was a new baby, it wouldn't replace you," he told her as he lifted her chin. "Your Mother and I would love you, just the same," he told her firmly and wiped her tears away.
Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Tue Jun 7, 2016 5:36 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
Angela gave him a sweet smile. “No matter how old she is, as long as you never change she will always call you Daddy.” The Goddess was sure of that after seeing how attached the little girl was to her new father figure.
When they to their room she smirked as he kissed her neck. “I always want you to. There is no doubt about that my dear.” She pulled him near by and held him by his hips. “I’ve missed you as well.” There was a sultry sound to both their voices that they couldn’t ignore. Though it was the feeling of being around each other that made Angela whole again.
They made love like they had several times and like in good parental fashion made sure they were dressed just in case. It was a good thing they had as well. Drae snuggled up to Angela as they both laid on their sides in a peaceful slumber that both had earned.
“Daddy,” sniffled Iva as she opened the door and peeked in at them. “Mommy.” There was another pitiful sniffle as Angela bolted up right and stared at the child. She opened her arms and Iva was quick to crawl into the bed with them. Angela put her in the middle of them, the child had brought Winston as well. She pushed the child’s hair softly back.
“What did you dream about my young one?” She knew Drae would be interested too.
“That Daddy and you are going to replace me with a new baby.” Iva got even more emotional as she rolled and clung to Drae.
Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Mon Jun 6, 2016 9:00 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
"I might have to wish it upon you, so long as it means she keeps calling me Daddy, Angela Rose," Drae smiled. He chuckled softly as she kissed his cheek and followed her out of the room and waited for her to latch the door. He smiled coyly as Angela put her forehead to his.
"Well, if you are going to make it sound like a chore…" he said playfully. The next thing he knew, they were dancing down the hall. He had thought he was a smooth dancer, but Angela proved she put him to shame. Soon they were back in Angela's chambers and Angela was closing the doors behind them. The words were hardly out of her mouth before Drae was coming up behind her and slipping his arms about her waist.
"Unless you don't want me to," he said teasingly as he began untying the sash of her robe. His own robe had been discarded almost as soon as Angela had closed the door. He lifted the robe from her shoulders before he slid his hands down her sides and began kissing down along her neck. He pulled her firmly against him and rubbed his body up against her.
"I've longed to touch you for so long…" he whispered in her ear.
Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Mon Jun 6, 2016 7:32 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
Iva would have been looking at him with suspense and wide eyes as she listened but she just looked so cute laying there with a half gone look. Every once in a while she would have her eyes go shut and her head would tilt before she woke herself back up for the song. Angela thought she was so cute as she tried to fight off sleep.
Angela sat on the opposite side from Drae on the edge of the bed. Iva was so interested in the story so she tried to stay awake even though she kept nodding off. By the end she gave Drae a tired smile. “Good night, Daddy. I love you.” She was out in a matter of seconds after the words left her lips.
Angela got up and went to Drae while he wrapped his arm around her. Giving him a whimsical look she chuckled softly as not to wake the imp, “Do not curse that on me Adraejen Porthyrius.”
She kissed his cheek and took him out of the room. She latched the door as softly as possible. “Now I’m suppose to be yours tonight.” She put her forehead up to his and smiled. She spun him around in a dance much more elegantly then he did her. Leading him back to the room she was sure to close the door behind them. “I imagine you want to begin right?”
Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Sun Jun 5, 2016 9:40 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
"Glad to hear you approve," Drae smiled as he hugged Iva back and allowed her to pull him over to her bed where he sat down in a chair that was positioned near the head of the bed. "One of my stories? All right, I'll tell you one of my stories," Drae chuckled as Angela handed Iva Winston and tucked her in and kissed her good night. She looked so tired, and adorable, and rather impatient. Drae chuckled and leaned over.
"All right, one of my stories…" he said softly, he looked thoughtful. "Once upon a time… there was a strong and handsome bear, named Winston…" he began. "And as silly as it may seem, one day Winston decided he was going to get on a boat, because he wanted to go and find a special gift for this super pretty red bear and her little cub," he told Iva. "Well, while he was on this boat, something unexpected happened. The ship was attacked, by lots of these fish-faced people. Not mermaids, no that would have been much nicer. Well, these fish-people wanted Winston and the others on the boat to go to this very old ancient temple to get a very special treasure," Drae explained. "Well, Winston didn't have much choice, so he and his new friends went with the fish-people to this temple and went inside to try and find this treasure. Winston was down in this wet place for three days, fighting off all sorts of bad guys; creatures made of water, big worm things that liked to drop down from the ceiling and grab you, frog men, and an ogre with little mephits as his minions. Finally, after a long time of looking around and getting wet, Winston and his friends found this super treasure. But they realized that they couldn't give it to the mean fish people. Winston also knew that if they didn't give the fish-people this treasure, the fish people would get angry and try to hurt them. But Winston and his friends knew that they couldn't fight the fish people on their boats, so they decided to set a trap. They would make the fish people leave their boats and come to them inside the big water temple to fight them," Drae told him. "It was a big big fight, and Winston fought hard, and eventually the fish people got tired of fighting and went back to their boats. So Winston and his friends snuck out of the temple and used magic to fly over to one of the boats. Then, they used lots and lots of fireballs and blew up the other ships and then they sailed home. Winston found treasures to take home to the beautiful red bear and her cub. He came home, safe and sound," Drae told her. "And then Winston, the beautiful red bear, and the cub lived happily ever after," Drae said softly to the sleeply little girl. The warlock smiled and leaned over Iva and pressed a kiss to her forehead.
"Good night, Princess," he said softly, and pulled the covers up under her chin and tucked Winston closer to her. He stood up and walked over to Angela.
"I almost don't want her to get older," he said as he slipped his arms about Angela's waist and just watched Iva sleep.
Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Sun Jun 5, 2016 8:18 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
“Gods know she will hold a powerful grudge against you if you forget.” Angela laughed with him. “Imagine if she hadn’t liked it? Or if she hadn’t figured out it made noise.” The two of them laughed together and she gave him a smile.
When he spun her around and they slipped into the water she took a moment to look mortal for a change. The goddess was quick to slash around until he pulled her up and she laughed. “It’s alright I’ll just make sure I get you to pay me back for that.” She smiled at him as he pressed his forehead to hers. “And I love you, Adraejen.” She didn’t get many chances to say his full name but maybe she would now.
“Aye,” she shooed him out of the water and laughed as she got out and had help getting into her robe. She dried her hair the best she could before putting it up. She took his arm and walked down the halls with him until they reached Iva’s room.
Bounding to her door Iva smiled. “You don’t smell like the ocean anymore.” She hugged him and pulled him into her room. “I want to hear a story you have instead!” She pulled him over to her bed and jumped up onto the tall four poster bed. It was much bigger than she needed but just right for a little princess. Toys were littered across the room and like all mothers Angela came in and picked some of them up. She straightened the room until Iva gave her a look like she was moving her friends out of place.
“Force of habit.” She brought Winston over and Iva quickly latched onto him as Angela pushed the girl’s wild curls back and kissed her forehead. Pulling back the blankets the mother got her daughter all snuggled into bed. The girl was staring up at Drae almost impatiently. Angela laughed and nudged the man to hurry with story. The girl looked like she was half way passed out as it was.
“Mommy, Winston needs to be tucked in and kissed too.”
“Of course, all bears need to be hugged and kissed before bed.” She kissed her daughter on the tip of her nose before doing the very same to Winston. Iva snuggled into the big bear and smiled with sleep heavy now in her eyes. “Okay, you get your story then right to bed.” Iva nodded and yawned towards Drae.
Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Sun Jun 5, 2016 8:00 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
"I will not be forgetting to read to the little Imp. I've got to make sure to keep my tea party count down to one hundred at most," Drae chuckled. "And getting it down to that from five-hundred-fifty tea parties was a challenge. I am only glad that she liked the music box," Drae said with a slight laugh. He sighed as Angela kissed his head, promising that they would be together after his obligations to Iva.
"I can hardly wait," he smiled before he did his best to lift her up and spin around with her in the water. It didn't go over well, and ended with them both splashing down into the spring. Drae surfaced and pulled Angela up with him, laughing heartily.
"I'm sorry, Love. That didn't go as well as I had planned," he laughed as he pushed a sopping strand of her long red hair from her eyes, and then wiped the water from his own face. It was clear her healing had already done some good; he no longer felt the pain and stiffness in his left side and back. He felt far more rejuvenated than he had anticipated, and he knew it had to be because of her powers.
He leaned in and pressed his forehead to hers. "I love you, Angela," he told her. He took her hand and pulled her towards the edge of the spring and stepped from the water. He grabbed her robe and held it up so that she might don it on before he grabbed his own and draped it about his shoulders.
"I best go take care of Iva before she starts getting any funny ideas," he said as he tied his robe closed and quickly toweled off his hair so that he was not dripping water down the hallways. Once his hair was no longer dripping, he brushed it back out of his face and hung the towel up to dry before offering his hand to Angela so she could join him to go see Iva.
A few minutes later, Drae was knocking on Iva's door. He pushed it open, and smiled at the little girl.
"Are you ready for me, Little Princess?" he asked her. "What story have you chosen for me to read tonight?"
Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Sun Jun 5, 2016 4:17 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
Angela gave him a smile and kissed him softly. “I am sure.” But she wanted him to be with her more so than any bard. She got close to him and snuggled to him. “You better even if you had to be carried back. I would heal you as long as I could have you again.” She talked to him just as soft.
The woman nodded to her lover and chuckled. “I would love that.” She leaned in once more and kissed his lips. “You may always make me yours.” She put her forehead to his and sighed softly. “But only after you read to devil child because she would never let us forget you didn’t come to read to her. She laughed and wrapped herself around him now.
“After your bath go read to Iva and I’ll watch. It will comfort her. Tuck her and Winston into bed.” She kissed his forehead now. “Then we can focus on ourselves for a little while longer.”
Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Sun Jun 5, 2016 1:30 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
Drae smiled softly and lifted his hand up and over his shoulder to touch her face lightly. "I am certain that each of them would not mind a kind word from Mother Earth for helping ensure my safe return," he told her softly before he sank deep into the water to rid himself of the suds, then resurfaced again. He pushed his hair out of his face and wiped the water from his eyes before he turned and slipped his arms about Angela's waist.
"One way or another, my Love, I will always return to you," he promised her softly. He leaned in close and rubbed his nose to hers before he leaned in and kissed her lovingly. "No matter what," he said softly as he pulled her tightly against him. She was strong, he could feel that, but she was still incredibly soft and smooth to the touch. And she was warm in his arms, and inviting.
"I want to hold you tonight…I want to hold you in my arms and pretend for a time that time will not pass for us…" he said softly. "I have several months I need to make up to you," he told her. "After I fulfill my promises to Iva…may I make you mine again?"
Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Sun Jun 5, 2016 12:36 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
“Alas, where would we be if you weren’t adventurous.” Angela was content with bathing him as she soaked in the water herself. “I would know of the stories bards sing. I have two for daughters and many bards come here to sing their songs to me.” She gave him a soft smile. “But to live it is most terrible and I think the more you become family the more they become less fantastic and more so terrifying.” She had been amused with his scars before but not the very thought of him getting another one scared her.
Listening to his story did make her have a reaction. The air grew a bit thick as she angered for a moment or so. As soon as she calmed herself it became light once more and she tried to put her feelings aside for the story. “I am sorry my dear. I just wish that I could have been able to do more for you.” To make it worse she had little power on Parvpora compared to Canelux. She leaned forward and put her chin on her shoulder.
“I must thank your friends as well. I don’t think my heart could have taken losing you if it had gotten back to me.” She said it softly before kissing his neck again. “I am so thankful you made it back if not for myself for Iva. She adores you and I could never bare to watch her lose another parent.”
Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Fri Jun 3, 2016 5:24 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
The touch of her hands was a welcome feeling after the long time away from home, though when she grazed the marring on his side he did wince visibly before he moved to sink into the steaming waters of the spring and allowed her to get him all soapy. He moaned softly when she kissed his neck and he shook his head slightly.
"I liked the glamour of the idea of a dangerous lifestyle," Drae replied. "I'm all set and content to play the badass, but this last one took a lot out of me," he said softly. He looked back at her as she undressed and pulled her hair up off of her shoulders, and he couldn't help but smile at her. He slipped deeper into the spring and tipped his head back so that all of his hair was wet for Angela to use the soap on.
"Well, for sure they would make a great narrative for any bard, but it is quite a different thing to actually live it," Drae told Angela softly as her fingers massaged the soap through his scalp, and then used a bowl to wash away the suds. He moved to the edge of the spring and rested his arms on the warm stones, exposing his back and side to her.
He looked at her when she requested the story and he nodded slowly, and relaxed under her hands as she rubbed the salve into his still healing wounds.
"It was supposed to be a simple jaunt. Wyllmochvar to Abed, not supposed to take more that two weeks. I had the relatively good fortune to fall into business with a crew of Werebears, like me, and a crew of very capable adventurers who were looking to make a bit of gold. Honestly, if I hadn't fallen in with them, either the whole event would not have happened, or I would have died. It is as simple as that. We didn't even make it to Abed before we were set upon by a fleet, A FLEET, of sahaguin pirates. Apparently, our captain knew the whereabouts of an ancient elemental temple that the Pirate captain wanted access to. They destroyed our ship, sent out Captain Simon's crew out in a row boat, and took us with them to go claim an artifact from this ancient temple. Getting there was easily an extra three weeks, and then we were given a three day deadline to get into the temple, find the artifact, and return to the ships.
Captain Simon got us in as far as he knew the way, but left it to us to figure out what exactly it was that the Pirates wanted, and stayed behind with the long boat. Water weirds, frog men, water spirits… I was nearly drowned by a weird, was grabbed by a roper and dropped fifty feet… you can see its mark on my back. I had the satisfaction of blowing up a frost ogre and his mephits to save Simon's life. A beautiful coordinated attack, only to turn around and have to face off with the royal denizen of the elemental plane of water. Boy, was she a piece of work. Managed to not end up dead by her when my spell fizzled and created a double of me. She rained hell on that, and blasted me sixty feet away… nearly did kill me, broke my ribs and knocked me out cold in water up to your waist… I swear, if it hadn't been for that Bard, Spit, or… Ella, that was her name, I probably would have died then. Of course, we went past our deadline, we had to hold out at the entrance way of the temple as wave upon wave of sahaguin tried to do away with us… I found out the hard way that a long boat does not make a very good shield when you are up against a ballista," he said indicating to the scar on his side.
"It hurt… they managed to drag my unconscious ass to one of the ships, which we managed to take over with some ease… and then once they patched me up enough that I was able to help them blow the rest of the fleet out of the water," Drae explained. "After that, we made our way back here…" he said softly.
Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Fri Jun 3, 2016 3:40 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
Angela gave him a sly smile and disappeared for a few moments to get the soap, oils, and ointments. He would probably need them. She grabbed a good salve while she was at it and her eyes drifted over to him as he undressed. “I probably will just wash it like one would normally, burning is simply taking it too far.” She chuckled.
She came back over and ran her hands over his scars. They were all new to her and unlike the last time where she was impressed there was a sad look on her face. Maybe it was because she came close to losing him. “You weren’t kidding when you said you had a bad fight my love.” She took her time to soap him up and kissed his neck before cleaning that as well. “You simply do love the dangerous life style.”
It wasn’t long before she too undressed and pulled up her long curls. Descending into the waters she took the soap and washed the salt out of his hair. Taking a bowl near by she filled it and let the hot water run over his scalp. “You look terrible… I would say tell me the amazing stories but it’s just not the same now. Looking at how close I’ve come to losing you is all too frightening for me.”
She took the salve and rubbed it on each of his scars. “Just in case," for a moment her voice went low, "Tell me what happened…"
Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Thu Jun 2, 2016 8:04 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
Drae laughed heartily at Angela's remarks about his smell. He knew she was right. He gripped her hand tightly as they walked into her chamber. The hot spring looked incredibly inviting, and he could barely wait to shed his salt crusted clothing and soak away the last few months.
"If you are offering to dote upon me, my love, I would be a fool to refuse. Bring on the soap and your finest oils and ointments," he chuckled as he dropped his bag beside the bed and shed his coat and scarf. He sat down upon a stool and began to pull off his boots. "And I certainly won't feel bad if you want to burn this outfit," he added with a laugh as he began to undress.
He couldn't help but heave a sigh of relief as he shed his boots and socks, and undid the laces on his vest before it too was discarded to the floor. His pace was slowed when he went to remove his shirt. He moved as though the act of lifting his left arm up over his head pained him. He winced and hissed audibly before he was able to drop the once fine linen shirt to the floor. New raised and angry looking scars marred his skin, one in the middle of his back, resembling a jagged X shape, and his left side sported a scar that stretched from his hip bone to half-way up his ribs. He exhaled slowly, his right hand coming to rest upon the mark upon his side.
Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Thu Jun 2, 2016 7:29 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
It was so weird looking at the man who had rather not liked children at first, be absolutely in love with her children. He would make a fine father to them and they needed it, well everyone but Nerezza and Lucian, they had their own father here. It lifted her heart and made her feel good and relaxed about the whole situation.
“Those words are like magic to be my love.” She leaned up to him and kissed him after he rubbed his nose against hers. Iva entertained them both for a moment before running off and it made the goddess smile that she knew when to leave the two alone.
“Okay, can you read me a story before bed?” Iva smiled at him as he ruffled her hair. She ran off as soon as she got her answer.
Slipping her own arms around his neck she gave him a sly smile. “I might have to tie you to me.” She let go of him and took his hand gently. “You do smell like the ocean.” She put a hand up to her nose to tease him. “A little too much for my taste.”
Taking him into her room she led him over to the hot spring falls she had created. “Should I fetch you finest soap? Should I wash your hair? Tonight you are being doted on by your goddess.” She lightly tapped him on the nose. “And getting new clothes.” She chuckled more.
Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Wed Jun 1, 2016 9:29 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
Drae was both proud and humbled that he had earned the privilege of calling her children his children. Though it was an odd concept to think of, he wasn't sure if Angela's older children would accept him as their father figure, especially where there were a couple of them, he was pretty sure were technically older than he was. But if Iva and the younger girls wanted to accept him as their father, nothing would make him prouder.
"Who has felt your pain, and who it would pain to ever cause you more," Drae replied softly as he ran his fingers through Angela's hair and rubbed his nose lightly to hers. He broke eye contact with Angela when Iva jumped off the bench and came over to bid them good night. Drae got down on her level and kissed her forehead and ruffled her hair. "Good night, Princess. I'll come in and tuck you in shortly," he promised her before she ran off.
Drae stood back up and slipped his arms back around Angela.
"Don't worry, Angela. If I do leave, it will be for a simple errand run to Wyllmochvar, or Koshei. You'll always be able to find me," Drae promised her. "It isn't weird. I have half a mind to tether myself to the grounds for the same reason," he told her with a chuckle of his own. He took her hand and lightly pulled her to walk with him deeper into the shrine.
"And I have been dying for a proper bath…I feel like I should be put into a larder and saved for winter, I'm so salty," he said with a comedic tone to his voice.
Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Wed Jun 1, 2016 8:39 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
She could taste the ocean on him. Gods he tasted like he just came out of the ocean and into the fryer. She put her forehead against his as they talked. “I know you didn’t. It’s not your fault that you got lost.” She found herself pulled tighter to him and snuggled closer to his skin. “Sounds awful to be honest. I really feel badly about the whole thing. I wish there was somewhere we could have gotten you home sooner.”
She was a goddess and yet, not divine enough to part the sea for him. She was no master of tides. She left her arms around him and stopped the dance. “You once told me that you would need your second place because you wanted to be free.” She chuckled at him. “Now look at you. You are telling me that you just want to be here with our children. You’ve earned the right for them to be yours.” She gave him a smile.
“Iva certainly thinks your her father even if she knows your not. When she has nightmares and crawls into bed she cries and asks for you the most. You who were able to comfort her more than I ever could.” She reached up and pushed his dark hair. “I’ve missed you as well. No one could ever feel my heart like you do. You who have felt my pain.”
Iva felt the adult moment and jumped off the bench. “I’m going to go to bed. You have good fun time okay?” She came over and gave them both a kiss and grabbed her music box before running off.
“God she knows when to leave at a good time..” Despite how she felt she just kept herself close to him. “I don’t even want to let you leave the temple ever again for fear you won’t come back.” She chuckled a bit. “I know that is weird but I can’t help but feel that way.”
Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Wed Jun 1, 2016 8:25 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
As the tinkling tune of the music box continued, Drae released Iva, who rushed off to grab Angela's hand, telling her it was her turn. Angela's words of mock reluctance made Drae chuckle softly and he bowed to the woman he loved and took her hand in his, and pulled her in. He smiled and twirled Angela around as she told him she was grateful he had finally come home, and how much Iva needed him in her life. The words made Drae incredibly happy to hear, more than he ever would have admitted some months ago. To be needed was something he had missed. He lifted a hand and caressed Angela's face as she leaned in and kissed him. He was sure he still tasted of ocean, and he hoped she didn't mind the salty tang that was sure to have lingered on his skin.
"I never meant to cause you distress, my Love," Drae said softly. "You and the girls were always on my mind, and all I could think of was getting through each day just so that I could make it home to you… or at the very least set foot on land so that you would know where I was…" he told her as they swayed to the music box's tune. "But as it happened the only spit of land I found any sort of footing on was so waterlogged that I am surprise any sort of stone could still stand…" he told her honestly. He slipped his arms around her waist and pulled her close so he could inhale the fragrance that he knew would be on her skin and in her hair. All he had wanted to do was come home to hold her and Iva, and now that he had the chance, he didn't want to let go.
"I'm done traveling… whatever wanderlust I had is gone now… I just want to be here, with you and the children…"
Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Wed Jun 1, 2016 8:02 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
The goddess found a bench to sit on as the two danced around the room. Iva’s giggles filled the room and it made Angela realize just why she loved Drae to begin with. Each child he interacted with gained a father who loved the, not that Iva’s did not. She had a father she could talk with and that was healthy. Since Drae had left it worried Angela when Iva began to talk to the statue and seen how upset the girl was when no one answered. Drae was good for her.
Iva jumped down after a few minutes and pulled Angela up for her own turn to dance with Drae. “You dance with Drae now Mommy.” She offered a wide smile and Angela laughed.
“If I must.” She wrapped her arms around the warlock and twirled about with him. “You are very sweet. I am very glad that you are came home. Iva needs a father in her life and you are just the person she needs.” She leaned in and kissed Drae softly.
“I worried so much but I am glad you are home. You leaving the soil was what worried me the most. To lose you at sea and never know it was such a devastating thought.”
Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Wed Jun 1, 2016 6:23 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
Drae smiled as Iva carefully pulled the paper and string off the box and she looked at it, rather confused and almost as though she wasn't sure about the intricately carved wooden box. When she flipped it upside down and the box lid opened and the sweet lullaby tune, Drae was delighted to hear her squeal again about it being magic. Then the music stopped again when she held the box the right way, and again, the red-head looked confused and disappointed until her mother showed her how it worked. The child looked sheepish, but only smiled when she kissed his cheek and told him she would cut the required amount of tea parties down to only one hundred.
"That's a number I can work with," he smiled and he stood up and offered Iva his hands. "Shall we dance, little Princess?" he asked her as he took the music box and set it on a pedestal. He bowed to Iva and took her hands in his and began twirling her around the main hall. He smiled at Angela as he danced with Iva.
Author: Iva, Posted: Wed Jun 1, 2016 6:05 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
Iva clung to him and smiled at him. “Yup! Five hundred and fifty tea parties! You must be there with Winston and I! All participants must dress up as well.” Iva looked up to see Drae kissing her mom and she giggled. “No touchy.” She got in between again and full expected the light slap against the back of her head.
“Maybe…” Iva extended and chuckled more. Her feet hit the ground and she smiled up at Drae. “You got a present?! For me?” She squealed as she began to jump excitedly. She looked at the paper which wasn’t even pretty like the last kind but that was fine. She took the paper and gently took it off. Looking at the box she tilted it. “It’s a box. Is it magic?” She flipped the box until the lid opened on it. There was a song coming out and she squealed more.
“IT’S MAGIC. IT’S MAGIC! IT’S MAKING NOISE.” She flipped it back up and the lid shut on it making the noise stop. “It stopped.” She looked disappointed as Angela lifted the lid. “Oh…” She blushed lightly and then kissed Drae’s cheek. “Can we dance to this Drae?” She giggled softly. “Okay, maybe I’ll cut the tea parties down to one hundred.”
Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Wed Jun 1, 2016 4:45 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
Drae couldn't help but laugh heartily at the exchange between Angela and her daughter. Truly, she was her mother's daughter.
"Five hundred and fifty tea parties?!" he gasped, in fake shock, "oh boy, I've got my work cut out for me," he chuckled as Angela came to hug him. It was rather difficult to attempt to kiss Angela with Iva between, but Drae knew he would get a chance later. Unless he could distract the child. He winked at Angela when she mentioned him telling her what had happened and looked back at Iva.
"Hmmmm… maybe I can find a way to whittle down that number?" he asked Iva. He released Angela long enough to set Iva down before he reached into his pack. He pulled out a small package wrapped in plain brown paper and string and proffered it to the child.
"I, of course, did not come home empty-handed," he smiled, and glanced up at Angela. "Even if you did scare off your teacher, you were still good enough to be able to bring me home, were you not? And I always bring home presents to good little Princesses like you when I am gone for a long time," Drae told Iva and he ruffled her hair.
Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Wed Jun 1, 2016 3:12 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
Iva kissed his cheek and smiled at him. “I got really big! Mommy says that I got maybe a foot taller since you last seen me! I’m really tall now,” even though her voice was excited Angela’s eyes rolled a bit. She was still really tiny. “No, lots of trouble. Though Mommy said if I was good you would come home and you did!”
“She scared off her other teacher,” Angela was blunt as the child screamed and turned to looked at her.
“MOM.”
“Oh? I thought you called me Mommy.”
“Nuh uh, not now because you are in trouble Missy.” Oh the sass was real with this child.
“Who’s the Mommy and who is the child?” Iva stuck her tongue out at her mother and Angela sighed. “Well it is good that you are home. At least she behaves for you.”
Iva looked at him and hummed a bit before nodded. “You owe me five hundred and fifty tea party.” She held up ten fingers and smiled more.
Angela came in to give Drae a hug and Iva got between them so she could be in the middle. Kissing the top of the child’s head she kept them all close. “You will have to tell me where you’ve been when child is asleep.”
Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Tue May 31, 2016 9:34 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
Drae felt his heart soar when Angela looked at him as he entered the shrine. She was as beautiful as the last time he saw her. Then there was the little imp he had thought about almost as much as her mother, squealing with delight and flying towards him. Drae dropped his bag with thump on the floor of the main hall and swept Iva up into his arms and held the child so close to him.
"I know, Princess. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be gone so long," Drae said as he ran his fingers through her mass of red curls. "Gods, look at you. You've gotten so big while I was gone," he said as he pulled back to look at the youngest of Angela's children. "Have you been staying out of trouble?" he asked her as Angela came up and stroked Iva's hair. Drae looked sheepishly at Angela as she frowned at him.
"Everything is fine now that I am finally home," Drae replied. "It was a long journey, that lasted a lot longer than it was supposed to…" he said softly. He looked at Iva. "Can you forgive me for being gone for so long without a word?" he asked her, a sincere pleading look on his face, meant for both the child and her mother.
Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Tue May 31, 2016 9:11 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
“Mommy, I am going to count to twenty and you gotta go hide okay?” Iva giggled as she turned around and put her hands on her eyes.
Angela gave a smile and nodded to her. “Whatever you want dear, my time is yours.” Her words let off as she heard the clicking on the floor. Her green eyes looked up and a smile came to her lips. She mouthed his name. “New plan, remember what mommy told you about being good for school?”
Iva kept her eyes closed and Angela put her hands over Iva’s. She turned the child towards Drae and took their hands off. Iva’s eyes lit up and she squealed running towards him. “Drae! You’re back! Mommy said you would be back if I was good,” Iva launched herself up onto him. “You were gone for so long!”
Angela came behind the child and stroked her red hair. “It’s about time you came home… I couldn’t feel you so I got really concerned.” She frowned a bit. “I hope everything is alright.”
Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Tue May 31, 2016 9:03 PM, Post Subject: Coming Home [R/P]
The rush of stepping though the gate that took him from Wyllmochvar made Drae inhale deeply on the other side. The smell of earth, of the flowers and all that grew in the gardens brought waves of nostalgia. Gods, he had been gone too long. He adjusted the bag on his side, which bumped his left side, and he winced visibly. The damn thing still still hadn't healed properly. He couldn't complain though, most men didn't face off with a ballista and live to tell the tale.
The half-elf adjusted his scarf nervously. He had left without letting Angela know where he was going, or when he would be back. He hadn't meant to be gone as long as he was (and it had been several months). It was supposed to have been a simple little trade jaunt from Wyllmochvar to a nearby island, to trade some spices. Turned out what should have been a mere three week stint had become nearly that long in months, and most of that had been spent on a ship trying to heal.
Still, it didn't bring him any comfort. Those months spent on the ocean had separated him from Angela, and from the children he had almost come to see as his own, and had let him with absolutely no way of letting them know that he was alive and trying to make it home. He both wanted to see Angela, and was terrified of what her reaction would be to him suddenly returning to the shrine. There was also the slight apprehension that maybe she had moved on. He wasn't sure if he could handle something like that.
He squared his shoulders and began walking up the garden path. There was no use being timid in this manner. She would either be upset, or happy, and taking his time getting there would not change that outcome. His boots clicked over the smooth stones that lined the pathway to the shrine and moved up to the main doors that would take him inside. He ran his hands over the intricate designs before he slowly pushed the door open and entered the main hall almost silently.
