”And you know me.” Larka replied with with a smile as she listened to more of what Celeste had to say about Akira and her situation. ”I agree completely, Celeste.” Larka remarked simply, she shared the same thoughts as Celeste on the matter. Larka had thought a long time ago about what might have happened if she had been killed along with Lilith but their twins had survived. What would have happened to them? They would have been orphans a second time over, it could ruin them for the rest of their lives, who they have ever been able to attach to another family again?

Pushing those thoughts from her mind as they made their way to the maze Larka giggled at the sounds of Akira's giggles as she and the animals, led by Kyu, headed through the maze. From the inn they went to the market and not too long after got a surprise when a young voice called out to Akira. Larka smiled and nodded to the new child as Akira introduced Celeste and Larka as friends. Larka caught the pleading look on Celeste's face and grinned with a wink, oh they were both thinking the same thing. Stable life, a family, a place to call her home, safety all the things a little girl would need to be happy.

A man came up and Larka was on guard for a second until he spoke to the new girl and then saw Akira and already knew her name. Celeste sent Akira along with Mika and Kyu, letting the wolf pup lead her back to the couple a bit later. The girls took off but the man lingered to wait as well as Celeste then spoke what was on her mind, echoing Larka's own thoughts. But Akira's guardian spoke up first and Larka too him and smiled. ”She is that.” She looked back to Celeste with a large smile and pulled Celeste close for a hug and kiss. ”We are thinking the same thing then, ma vhenan. Truth be told, when I first met Akira the idea had crossed my mind, but I hadn't found you yet and I myself, as you know, wasn't the most stable.” The whole drinking and sleeping with random women thing probably wasn't the best way to bring up a young child. ”We'll get what she needs and find a quiet place to ask her.” She looked to the man again. ”We don't live too far from here, walking distance really, Mika would be welcome to come and visit Akira any time.” Friends her own age, or close to, would be good to have around for Akira as well Larka thought, assuming that Celeste wouldn't be against this idea.

When the girls came back, chasing Kyu and Reika along the way, Larka crouched down and smiled to Akira. ”Celeste and I want to take you shopping, Akira, find you some new clothing to wear, and something shiny if you like.” She chuckled. ”Is there a colour you like best for your clothing? An idea for a shiny you want?” Larka had coin purse on her, plus the rewards for the bounties so she wasn't short an silver at the moment.

Celeste held her, working to calm Akira down, and it worked. Akira managed to stop crying and listen to the nice woman, and agreed to help with the dishes with a sniffle. There was a bit of water, and lots of fun in the work, and Akira decided she liked it. The child enjoyed going out with the animals dancing about her feet. It was clear that there was a pack mentality with both the tiger and the wolf, and they looked to her as a play mate. She was only too happy to oblige.

Laughter never seemed to end from Akira as she chased Kyu and tried to keep her tail from Reika. Until she was called. "Um. He tall, yellow hair, brown eye. Say he merkent. He trade with Soolerya, spice for silk. Mika likes the inn." She had a decent memory when it counts. Akira frowned when the innkeeper said that they weren't there. Celeste did not give up so easily though, holding Akira's hand with a supportive squeeze. "Okay."

At the market, Akira saw a shiny hair piece that made her squeal. She ran over to look at the piece, look but not touch. "Shiny! Lookie, Larka. These better than spooky forest." The child would be content to stand there and admire them for some time, or for as long as the stall keeper would allow her, yet a familiar voice called out to her. Akira turned and waved with a smile. "Mika! We look for you." Mika was noticeably taller than Akira, and obviously older by several years. "No, these Akira's friends. Celes and Larka." Her father walked up and Akira beamed up at him. "Celes help Akira get better. Okay, Celes! Come Kyu!"

Quick as a flash, with her hand in Mika's, Akira ran off with wolf and girl. They ran to the inn and giggled on the way up the stairs, the way their hair bounced and swayed at each step. Mika produced a key from a pocket and unlocked the door. Inside, she easily found Akira's stuff who carefully went through it and ensured it was all there. "Thanks, Mika. Akira missed stuff." Kyu helped lead them back to Celeste and Larka, and she was happy to be back with them. Once reunited, she proudly held her stuff up. "Akira's bag!"

She cocked her head to the side at the proposal of shopping. Nobody had ever offered to buy her things such as that, and Akira had not even earned enough money to ensure that she can get more than anything beyond food. Larka was nice, but should she accept such generosity? This was more than just helping a child survive until the next meal. Looking down at herself, she noticed the old stains, ripped holes particularly in the knee area. When Akira looked back up at Larka, there was tears in her eyes. "Why? Akira like you already. No need buy Akira things." She was close to crying, this was a bit too overwhelming.

Reika darted off excitedly. Celeste had to fight herself not to call after the tiger cub, but kept a close eye on her nonetheless. The reasoning for Reika's actions was Kyu coming back, and she pounced the rune wolf, tumbling in a playful manner. Akira bounded toward them, Mika slowed to a walk and approached her father. "Well, I've got to get going. Stay safe, Akira," the merchant bid farewell. "Bye, Akira!" came from his daughter.

Larka told Akira that they wanted to take her shopping, but Akira seemed to be taking it wrong. Did the child think they were trying to buy her affection? Carefully, Celeste knelt before her as well, a gentle hand on the child's shoulder. "Oh, sweet child, please don't think that. We want to do it for you, not that we must. Larka and I care for you, and want to see you staying warm as winter approaches. Is that alright?" One thumb passed underneath Akira's eye, wiping away the moist bead soaking her lashes. "There now, let's go spend some shiny coins."

Akira was still so hesitant when Celeste took her hand, she looked timid and scared. This was not the reaction she had been anticipating. What kind of past has she had to be so cautious about such things? Her future will be brighter, Celeste and Larka will make certain of it. Eventually, they managed to get Akira into a clothing store, which made the store owner shriek about how filthy the child appeared. With Akira now hiding within the two women, Celeste had difficulties controlling her anger. "If having a child in need of fresh clothing is a problem, we'll take our business and precious coin elsewhere." The woman backpedaled quickly, but kept a close eye on the child, demanding that Akira didn't touch anything.

Together, the women purchased several sets of clothing, a new toy, a box of games, a compass, and a new backpack to carry her stuff in. A hairbrush, fresh soap, and a small variety of items. As for the shiny object that was promised, Akira saw a necklace she could not pass up. "Last stop, we'll pick up some food for dinner tonight. Then we'll go back to the house, put everything away, and then go for a swim. Would you like that? Oh, we could pack a picnic lunch as well! Strawberries, and bread, cheese, meats, maybe mulled cider. And something sweet for desert?" Celeste's stomach growled at the thought, causing her to chuckle.

Larka watched the reaction from Akira after Larka had said that she and Celeste wanted to take Akira shopping for some new clothing and other necessities. The tears in her eyes were heartbreaking to say the least, even more so her response, yes, Larka decided that adopting the little one was the best choice that she had Celeste had made. Celeste spoke up first kneeling down to place a hand on Akira's shoulder and speak comforting words, all of them true of course, as she wiped a tear from Akira's cheeks.

Larka could tell that Akira was still hesitant to the idea as she took Celeste's hand. They went into a clothing store but the reaction from the owner made Larka growl in anger as Akira hid behind the couple as Celeste put the woman in her place. While she kept an eye on Akira Larka kept an eye on the woman as they managed to buy some clothing for Akira that she liked and fit her well. After that they found some more items for her, all able to fit into a new backpack. Akira found a necklace she liked and Larka smiled as she got it from the shop owner and carefully fitted it around Akira's neck with a smile.

Larka could tell that Akira was still hesitant to the idea as she took Celeste's hand. They went into a clothing store but the reaction from the owner made Larka growl in anger as Akira hid behind the couple as Celeste put the woman in her place. While she kept an eye on Akira Larka kept an eye on the woman as they managed to buy some clothing for Akira that she liked and fit her well. After that they found some more items for her, all able to fit into a new backpack. Akira found a necklace she liked and Larka smiled as she got it from the shop owner and carefully fitted it around Akira's neck with a smile.

Between Larka and Celeste they got the meal ready and not much talking took place while they ate, not until dessert that is. Larka glanced to Celeste and smiled, now was a good time it felt like. Looking to the child Larka smiled and picked her words carefully, fighting to keep a tear from her eye. ”Akira, while you were with Mika, Celeste and I talked a bit.” She started. ”I myself thought about this before when you and I first met that day. We worry for you, for your safety and day to day as you try to get a meal in your belly. We.” She took a breath to stop her voice from cracking as, instead of rambling she got the point. ”We'd like to adopt you, Akira, bring you to our home, and be a family together. If you want to, we don't want to force you into it.” She added, not wanting to make the child feel like she was being forced into it, she wasn't, this was up to Akira alone. ”So, what do you think? Do you think Celeste and I could be your new mommies?” Larka hoped so, she really did. Aside from just wanting to make sure that Akira had a good life, and already loving the child, Larka just wanted kids again, a chance to raise a family with Celeste. A chance to try and get something back of what she had lost so long ago in her homeland, she knew that Lilith would watching and smiling down on her along with Keenan and Mirih. She waited for the reply, hoping that it would be a yes.

Akira wondered if she had perished and had gone to heaven for little girls.The two adults were being so kind to her, so loving and protective. It was more than she could ever have dreamed of. Yet, storekeepers continued their prejudice against her appearance. She was dirty, having not had a chance to bathe properly in some time, since before the trek across the desert. To say that she looked like a typical child would have been an understatement.

The necklace that Akira had seen was relatively simple, but she couldn't help herself. A silver chain held a carefully crafted metalic feather with a single shining miniature stone set as a dew drop. Larka placed it around her neck, and Akira was giddy with excitement for it, instantly clutching the feather in her little hand. "Thanks you. Akira loves it!"

Celeste promised a delicious lunch, and they had dropped everything off at the house before heading to the lake. Akira was eating so fast the elf laughed and warned her to slow down, the only break in the silence of the meal. Slowing down as suggested, Akira took in the beauty of the lake with the clock at the center of it. Gently rolling fields of grass and wildflowers between the lake and the maze. It was truly something to behold. Larka began to speak, and Akira turned her attention to her.

Her heart leapt into her throat, unable to speak as she felt like she got trampled by a bear into the ground. Instant tears began to fill her eyes once more. This was a dream come true, to find someone wanting to take her in and take care of her like everyone else she saw. It was too much, and Akira barely managed to shake her head as she threw herself into Larka's arm. She sobbed in her happiness. This was their reason for buying everything for her, and she knew it wasn't a ploy to get her to like them. It was to prepare her for the near future with the hopes of more.

Sitting up, Akira rubbed her eyes, sniffling. "Akira be happy to have you as mommies. Be nice not sleep under bush in snow. Thanks you… for choosing Akira." As innocent as a child could be, she lifted two strawberries and handed one to each woman as a gift. "Akira no get mommies any gift, take strawberry instead?"

The meal was prepared, and the silence ate at Celeste as she carefully watched the hungry child. She was eating so fast that Celeste burst into laughter. There was going to be a lot to work on, and Celeste knew that eating properly was going to be something they both would have to work on together. "Slow down da'len! You'll get a tummy ache eating that fast." Fortunately, the child listened, even if it did take some effort.

After the main course was consumed, Celeste looked at Larka, and Larka jumped right into the offer of adoption. Desert was forgotten for now as all attention was on Akira. Tears filled the child's eyes, her lips trembling as she tried to hold it in. Akira burst into action, throwing herself at Larka, and Celeste followed suit, wrapping the pair in her arms. She was accepting them, and her confession of how she grew up thus far broke hear heart.

"No, no more sleeping in the snow, or under a bush. You'll have a bed, blankets, coats. You'll have two animal companions, and never want for anything. We promise you this." Then another giggle came forth as Akira offered them each a strawberry as their gift. There would be time for Akira to show her appreciation, but for now, they had a child to shower love upon. Celeste took the strawberry with a ma seranas and took a bite. "Delicious. Now, how about we go for a little swim?" Lifting Akira with a swooping motion, Celeste darted to the lake and almost tossed Akira in when the child shrieked.

Keeping hold of the child and calming her, Celeste managed to learn that Akira did not know how to swim. She smiled to Akira. "Would you like to learn? Don't worry, you won't drown ever while I'm around. I promise. Watch." From the lake's surface sprouted a butterfly of water and it flew over, circling around the child's hair before landing on her nose. It was amazing to see her excitement over such a little trick, yet it served its purpose. They started her first swimming lesson.

When the tears started to form in the child's eyes they formed slowly in Larka's as well when Akira threw herself into Larka's embrace. She was sobbing, but it was a happy sobbing, as Celeste came over and joined in the hug as well. Larka smiled to Celeste before Akira started to speak about how she had lived up till now, under brush in the snow, saying she'd was happy to have them as mommies. Celeste spoke what Larka was thinking. ”What Celeste said. We'll be there for you, Akira, always, you can come to us about anything you want. We'll be one happy family.” Larka's voice was quivering, and Celeste might know the reason, since this was very close to what it was like when Larka and Lilith had adopted their twins years and years ago. They had been Akira's age at the time, so for Larka to do this over again was difficult, but not in a way that she regretted anything, just that it was bringing back memories and Larka still had trouble at times with her past.

She accepted the strawberry and giggled lightly with a smile, Larka took a bite as well as Celeste did. ”Best strawberry, ever.” Larka added with a smile, lightly squeezing Akira closer before Celeste mentioned swimming and scooped the child up. She almost tossed Akira but the little fox shrieked, confessing that she didn't know how to swim. Larka could sympathize, she didn't know how to swim either, she hated the water and she hated boats. She only liked water when it was a bath tub or shallow spring and it was nice and hot, and she was naked, that was about the only time she liked water in anyway.

The Reaver smiled as she watched Celeste use her magic to make the butterfly, and decided she'd at least get in the water as well, but not over her head. She trusted Celeste, yes, but Larka didn't trust herself in the water, she never had. She slipped out of her over clothing, just leaving herself in a small cloth, but it left her stump of a left arm exposed, but she wasn't thinking of that as she waded into the water. ”I don't know how to swim either, Akira, but Celeste can teach you.” She didn't want to instill fear into Akira so Larka for now left the part about her dislike of water out of it.

A bark came from the shore and Larka turned in time to see Kyu wanting to get into the water. But before she did the wolf pup sneezed and, given her lightning affinity a small bolt snapped out when she sneezed. That had never happened before! Larka blinked and looked to Celeste for a moment before calling out to the puppy. ”You okay, Kyu? Stay out of the water.” The puppy barked and sneezed again, and another pop of lightning crackled from her. ”Ooookay, that's going to make things interesting until she can control it.” Larka spoke mostly to herself, but then turned back to see how Akira and Celeste were making out with the swimming lessons.

Akira giggled when Celeste scooped her up, which quickly turned into panicked shrieks when it became clear she was going to be thrown into the lake, desprately clutching the elf. "Akira no swim." she admitted with distress. Celeste seemed to understand and made a promise that Akira would not drown. A beautiful water butterfly jumped from the surface of the lake and approached.

The child was wide-eyed, entranced by the sight, giggling as it flew around her. As one would with a true butterfly, she froze with amazement as it rested upon her nose, making herself crosseyed to see it. "Celes move water?" Reassured, Akira relaxed. Celeste insisted they take the kimono off, as it would only weigh her down and restrict her movement.

Even after Celeste took a few excess clothing off, the pair waded out into the water. The elf started with encouragement of trusting herself. Akira looked up as Larka joined them and frowned slightly. Had Larka always been missing the arm? Or had Akira just never noticed it? Her eyes followed the folds of skin that covered the nub, the scars there. "Larka arm… It small. Why?"

"Yes, Akira, I have control over the water. Let's take this dress off." After stripping Akira and herself of outside clothing, they went out into the water. Celeste was up to her waist, and she was holding the child as she would be almost completely under the water. Akira was truly small for her age. "The key to swimming is trusting in yourself. Trust that you can keep yourself afloat, tread water, and eventually to swim."

She instructed her how to relax her body and allow her body to float. Concentrate on breathing slowly. Yes, the water may splash over her face, but it's okay, don't panic. Celeste looked up at Kyu as the pup sneezed, and blinked in surprise. The pup was beginning to come into her elemental affinity. Larka fortunately understood that water and lightning does not mix, especially for living creatures, and advised Kyu to stay out. Reika pounced on the wolf pup, initiating a wrestling match between the two.
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After over an hour of swim lessons and general splashing about with laughter and good times, the girls got out of the lake. There was no need for towels as Celeste willed the water to leave them and return back to the lake. They got dressed, but on the way back home, Akira was scooped back up by one of the women and passed out in their arms. It was a heart warming feeling to feel so complete with such a cute child.

The women took her home, carefully went upstairs and tucked Akira into the bed of one of the rooms. Celeste gathered the items they had purchased, and as quietly as she could, organized them in the room. The clothing in the drawers, toys in a chest. She paused when she saw a weird bird like creature, the way it stared at her was unsettling. With a shudder, Celeste stuffed it at the bottom. Together, they admired the sleeping child with a smile. "Ar lath ma, Larka." she whispered.

Larka listened as Celeste explained that she could control the water when questioned about it from Akira.  Celeste helped Akira get out of the kimono and then she to removed some clothing before heading into the water together.  Larka wasn't too far behind, only getting in because Celeste and Akira were already there.  As the lesson started Larka's attention was taken for a moment by Kyu as the lightning wolf sneezed, well, lightning, so that gave her something else to keep an eye on.  But Reika the tiger didn't seem too mind the lightning and pounced on the wolf and their usual wrestling match continued once more.

But then Akira asked of Larka a question she had expected to hear from the child at this point, though, if she was honest, it was surprising that Akira hadn't asked before when they had first met.  Larka grinned to the child for a moment, picking her words carefully.  "A long time ago I was in a fight with some orcs.  I managed to survive but they cut off my left arm during the fight."  She was quick with a smile to reassure Akira.  "But that was a long time ago, and I have learned to live with one arm."  That was about as much as Larka wanted to say to that topic at the moment, and she's guess that Celeste would understand why; Akira was too young to know more about Larka's past family at the moment.  When she was old enough to understand Larka would tell the whole story, but no sooner if she could help it.

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An hour passed of lessons though Larka only waded in the water where she could stand while Celeste taught.  Celeste's power meant they needed no towels before they dressed and started to walk home.  Larka chuckled and picked Akira up easily enough like she had before and the little fox passed out in her arms.  They got her home and tucked in while Celeste put some things away and then Larka helped, though she hadn't noticed the bird as Celeste had.  After wife and wife stood close together admiring their new daughter.  "Ar lath ma… too, Celeste."  Larka replied and kissed Celeste's cheek, having paused in his words forgetting the right word.

Carefully they moved from the door to allow Akira to sleep and they went to do their own things.  "Celeste, did you want to be called mommy, mummy or mam?"  Larka asked with a large smile.  Eventually the night came and they went to bed as well.

END