Welcome to my world (Kiri)

[Kiri Honeywater]

She smiled warmly when she learned that they used fresh leaves. It was always nice to drink such fresh tea. Maybe she could learn planting tips from them so that her mother's tea could be even better. Or she could give them tips which ever the card turned. Spotting her bags she sighed in relief wondering when would be a good time to hand out the presents. A part of her highly doubted they'd like the gifts but her mother had always taught her that if she visited a person's home you came bearing gifts.

Continuing to smile she jumped a bit but laughed when the girl squealed. She'd never seen a girl so small before so adorable and precious like this. "She's strong and brave just like her big brother, huh?" Kiri beamed before turning to the mother in search of the restroom.

Once she'd found the room she washed her face taking deep even breaths. She was just worked up with nerves in pleasing his family plus fatigue. After a long, deep breath in and out she smiled at herself in the mirror her hand lifting to the pendant. Love, that's what was here and she was being shown a great gift. She dried off her face then exited in search of the family.

"Um, Locke?" Was he going to be in the same spot or had he gone off to the kitchen? Where was the kitchen? Giggling a bit she thought of calling Marko to see if he'd answer Polo, but kept her silence. Instead of searching everywhere she stopped by her bags and grabbed three small boxes. Might as well give them the gifts now.

[Locke F. Herald]

Locke was with his mother and sister in the kitchen, as she was brewing tea. He was so busy playing with his sister that he didn't hear his father come up behind him.

He clapped Locke on the back, and grinned as he wrapped his arm around his shoulder. "Wow, nice work. She's a real looker wouldn't you agree? So how did you manage to win her over, Professor?" He spoke into Locke's ear. He then twinged as he felt the stare from his wife rip right through him.

[blue]She spoke sweetly, but her voice contained a force that stopped him in his tracks. "Thankfully dear, you have raised a fine son that isn't a shameless flirt like his father." She said, planting a quick kiss on her husbands cheek. "So do try to not embarrass the poor girl, she's already nervous."[/blue]

[green]Francis scratched the back of his head. "Aw come on Randy, you know I am only fooling around..." He said, not appreciating being chastised.[/green]

[blue]She smiled softly. "Of course I know that, but later, maybe in a week. She just met us, she's not used to your sense of humor." She reminded him.[/blue]

It was at that moment that the call for him reached Locke's ears, as he leaned out into the hall to flag her down. "Over here Kiri." He said, waving her over. His arms were now vacant, as his father held Alley, twirling her cerulean hair through his fingers. Locke became aware of the packages she was holding and looked at her curiously.

"You know you didn't have to do that, right?"

[Kiri Honeywater]

Spotting Locke she smiled her eyes brightening up as she hurried to his side. At his comment she glanced down at the boxes and blushed a bit. "It's polite, and they're not very good gifts anyway." She bit her lip in slight embarrassment then followed the sound of people moving into the kitchen. The scene before her was like many scenes she had seen in books, paintings, and even TV shows of how families should look like.

She went to the table to set down the gifts hoping that they liked them. In the pink box for Alley was a medium sized stuffed bear made from discarded rabbits fur brought to her by birds, and cleaned by hand, and stuffed with down feathers. A teal bow was tied around the bear's neck and she hoped the girl wasn't allergic to anything it was made of. In the silver box was an egg. A very special egg that she had gotten on her journey to find her mother. She was giving it to Locke's father guessing he'd be able to take care of the mythical bird better than she could. Lastly in the small opalescent box was a gift her mother had given her to give to Locke's mother. It was hand crafted crystal box with a glass blown rose on top. Her mother had made it infusing magic into each inch just like she did all her artifacts.

They could open them when they wanted to and she dearly hoped they liked them. It had cost her nothing to get the gifts other than time and some effort to retrieve or make them. But she wanted to give something back to them for making Locke and being so important to him. And she wanted them to know they were important to her, and wanted to be important to them. She stared at the pile wishing that there had been a fourth box. Days and days had gone into trying to get him a gift and yet there she stood with only three boxes. She'll think of something eventually.

"Thank you for welcoming me into your beautiful home." Kiri bowed her head with a smile her hands clasped before her. "My mother sends her wishes and blessings to everyone...sorry she made me promise to say that."

She didn't like being so formal but her mother had insisted and she hated going against anything her mother told her to do. Her hand went to the pendant again it having become her nervous reassurance over time. Hopefully the tea would help calm those nerves if not she knew that she was bound to say something stupid. In a house of such smart people made her cautious of anything that left her mouth. Even if they were so warm and welcoming. Couldn't be too cautious when she might offend someone on accident. Didn't want that, heavens no.

((ooc. if this needs to be edited or changed please let me know and I will do so gladly.))

[Locke F. Herald]

Locke smiled at Kiri. "Well, I'm sure they'll love them." He replied, walking with her once they were in the kitchen. She set the gifts on the table, and before the question could be asked, a slam on the table gathered all their attention.

Alley had been moved to a small hi-chair, and upon seeing the brightly colored box in front of her, slammed her hands on the table with a wide grin. Locke laughed.

"She knows." He explained. "It was her birthday recently, so whenever she sees a decorated box, she thinks it's hers. Guess I should let her be happy..." he said, sliding the box into her reach. He held it still as she clawed and ripped at the paper, giggling as it flew off under her hands. However, she would find opening the box to be much more difficult, as she continued to try and tear at it. With a grin Locke opened the top of the box, blinking when he saw the contents. He pulled the stuffed bear from the box, and Miranda cooed with delight.

[blue]"Oh my, that is lovely!"[/blue] She remarked, as Locke made to hand it to Alley. Alley snatched the bear, with it's brightly colored bow and soft fur, and then proceed to softly bite one of it's ears, before deciding it was indeed a fine gift and hugging it tightly.

"Guess it went over well with her, though it looks like that bear might be in for a rough time with her." He said with a grin, as his mother went to open her gift. The small box was opened much neater then the child's, and so was the reaction upon opening it as she raised a hand to her mouth in shock.

[blue]"Oh my goodness..." She spoke, lowering her hands into the box and slowly lifting out the crystalline jewelry box. She held it in her hands with reverence, looking all over it. "I've never seen something this beautiful. Did you make this?" She asked of Kiri, the craftsmanship was amazing.[/blue]

Francis was slowly opening his own gift, a little curious as to what gift he might receive. After all, he was an odd one, and he was well aware of that. When he removed the lid from the box and saw the oddly patterned egg withing, he wore a quizzical look at first. And then a moment later his eyes shot open as he realized what it was.

[green]"Locke..." He spoke quietly. "Can you come here and ensure I'm not going senile in my old age and this is what I think it is?"[/green]

Confused, Locke moved over, giving Kiri a confused gaze. When he peered into the box and saw the egg, he too was confused for a moment. He'd never seen designs like that...well that wasn't really accurate, he'd never seen it in person. But now that he thought on it, he'd seen that design in one of his books, his mouth fell open when he realized what it was.

"K-Kiri, do you know what this is?" He asked, turning to her with an astonished face. Miranda leaned over, looking at the egg.

[blue]"Well what is it boys? I can't tell from just a look..."[/blue]

There was a brief pause. [green]"It's a Phoenix Egg."[/green]

The room was practically silent save for the sounds of Alley giggling about her new bear. Locke's father's mouth curved into a smile.

[green]"Jeez. I hope you're not gonna plan to upstage this for Christmas or something, I don't think my heart could take it!" He commented with a grin.[/green]

[Kiri Honeywater]

Jumping and letting out a small scream at the slam she covered her mouth in embarrassment staring at the small girl. She couldn’t believe such a small girl could produce such a loud noise! Kiri stared at Locke in shock then nodded as he explained why Alley had gotten so very excited when she saw the presents. As the girl opened her gift Kiri grinned almost as excited to see the girl’s reaction to the gift as the child was to open it. Finally when the girl had the bear in hand she giggled glad that the girl was so pleased with her gift.

“That’s alright if she’s rough with it. The rabbit skin is pretty tough and can take a beating.” She continued smiling so glad that she had passed at least one test. As the mother opened her gift Kiri bit her bottom lip her hands clasped before her mouth opening desperately that she also liked her gift. She had no idea what to get a mother so her mother had given her the idea of the jewelry box. Her mother had done the hard part of crafting the box but Kiri had helped with the rose on top at least.

“Not all of it I just helped a little. Mostly my mom made it, that’s what she does.” Another gift down and it was two for two in her favor. This was so entirely nerve racking. Now it was the big box’s turn and she shifted to face the father and the egg. When the father’s eyes popped she darted her gaze toward Locke and watched as he went to the box then also stare in amazement.
Nodding at the question she lowered her hands still clasped over her stomach. “Yes, I do.”

Kiri’s smile bloomed into her regular shining sun at Mr. Herald’s comment she was so happy that they were happy with their gifts. She could fly, or dance or something happy. “Oh, I’m so happy! So glad. Now if only I knew what to get Locke. Sad that I can get his family presents but not him.” Cringing at that last little statement she bowed her head feeling a tad silly.

“Sorry, I’m just so relieved that you like them.” She lifted her head again face shining bright with relieved happiness. Maybe she could belong here after all.

[Locke F. Herald]

[green]Francis laughed at her remark. "Yeah I know, he's just impossible to shop for! Why, I think the best gift I ever got for him was that ratty coat he wore for the last ten years. Hahahaha, kid wanted to be a scientist before most kids rode their first bike. Oooh, and that reminds me, so let me see..." He began rummaging in his pocket, then looked to Locke. "Oh hey Locke, could you go call Star for me? The whistle is in my room."[/green]

Locke arched an eyebrow, but rose and nodded. "Sure thing dad, be right back." He said as he walked for the door.

[green]Once he was out of sight Francis plucked his wallet from his pocket and plucked a slip of paper from it with a smirk on his lips. "He would be so angry with me if he was here, but what good father doesn't embarrass his own son in front of his girlfriend. Here, take a look." He said, offering a single[/green] [blue]picture[/blue] [green] to Kiri. "We had that taken when he turned four, it was the first time we could get him to let someone take his picture. But that book, it was sort of his security blanket. That and his coat, guess it did wonders for his ego." He laughed again, looking over the photo again. "Come to think of it, he was still wearing that ratty old coat when you met him, wasn't he? He only recently stopped wearing it. I think he finally got over trying to hide himself away, and I wonder who did that, eh?"[/green]

[blue]Miranda set a cup of tea in front of Kiri with a smile. "We were so worried about him for a while, imagine a boy as shy and secluded, not to mention with his father's arrogance, going to such a public place as the Academy. And he's so self-conscious too, so him being different was always a big stumbling block for him. But I don't see that from him anymore, not when he comes home. He'll take Alley outside, or for a walk around the community, and he doesn't bat an eyelash at the stares or whispers anymore." She smiled as she returned to her seat.

"But enough about that for now, you must tell us a bit about yourself Kiri. Locke doesn't talk much about you, I think he's still embarrassed to have a girlfriend. Probably thinks his father will tease him." She said, accenting the word and giving a playful stare to Francis.[/blue]

[Kiri Honeywater]

She giggled a bit at the mentioning of the coat she ended up biting her bottom lip again giving a sheepish glance over at Locke. A part of her almost missed that coat but the biggest part of her sure was glad that he’d stopped wearing the thing. He looked so much nicer now. Not that she thought he looked bad before he was adorable, but she was still glad it was gone. At the mentioning of Star she perked up and was about to suggest she call him seeing as she talked to animals but kept her mouth shut as Locke left the room. It seemed that the animals around here didn’t seem to like her anyways. Kiri reached for the piece of paper to find the most adorable picture in the world.

“He’s adorable! Precious! Oh my goodness! If he ever has kids they are going to be angels!” She cooed dancing in place a little at how utterly adorable it was. Learning all this stuff about Locke just made her smile constantly and she sat down at the table still holding the picture when Mrs. Herald sat down the cup of tea. Blushing a bit at Mr. Herald’s hint about her being the cause of Locke no longer hiding she bowed her head.

“I don’t think it was all me. I’m sure he found the strength elsewhere. He’s an amazing guy and nothing can stand in his way. I was just there at the right time.” Still smiling she took a sip of the tea and closed her eyes. “Mmm, it’s lovely. Very soothing too.”

Taking another sip she turned and listened to Locke’s mother speak at first she frowned then it turned around again. Everyone seemed so convinced she was such angel or something saving their son.

“I’m glad he can be himself. Like I said he’s amazing and might I ask who stares and whispers?” The last was said in a slightly darker tone her grip on the cup a bit tight. She’d find them. She’d find them and make them pay for saying nasty things about her Locke. Blinking slowly she shoved such thoughts away to deal with them later. It made her heart twinge a little that Locke didn’t talk much about her seeing as she talked about him constantly to her mother.

“Oh, um, I’m not all that interesting. Just a fae girl who talks to animals.” She smiled sweetly turning the cup in her hands. “I’d actually like to hear more about Locke and your family if you don’t mind. He doesn’t talk much about himself.” Or at least she didn’t think he talked too much about himself. “He had mentioned the adorable Alley though. He lights up whenever he talks about her.”

They didn’t need to know anything about her. She was boring just a fae girl who talks to animals. Nothing amazing or spectacular. No miracle worker like they believed. She was just a girl who loved their son.

[Locke F. Herald]

When Kiri denied her importance yet again Miranda took a sip of her own tea.

[blue]"It doesn't take a miracle worker. Sometimes all it takes is the right person, at the right time, to make all the difference in the world. I always knew what he needed, he needed a friend. Life hasn't been very easy for him, and he became very cynical to protect himself. I knew he needed someone who would be able to get through to him, you just happened to be that one." She said with a smile. "And don't you worry about the people who talk about him because of how he looks." She wore a serious expression now. "I used to be bothered by it too, but I learned that people are going to think as they want to. And trying to force them into thinking otherwise isn't going to do anything. Imagine two human parents giving birth to a son looking as he did? I am sure you can imagine the whispers that flew from that. But we move past it, and we learn to accept that some people will be fools. Those who are worth associating with will look beyond the surface, and see what is beyond. After all, didn't you?" She asked, sipping the tea with a smile.[/blue]

[green]Francis picked up his own cup, taking a quick swallow of it. A good deal less refined then his wife, but he smiled the same as he lowered the cup. "And who knows, it might be a blessing in disguise. He'll be a real famous one when he grows up, I just know it. Eventually people will see his difference as a marking of who he is. I think that's one of the reasons he tossed his jacket and starts displaying what he's hidden for so long. He doesn't want Alley to feel like she doesn't belong. So he wants to make a better world for her to grow up in. I wish I could have done it for him, but this is really something only he can do."[/green]

[blue]Miranda smiled, hearing Locke come back towards the room. "Someday, when you are a mother, you will understand. I promise." She pressed the cup to her lips, taking another refined sip of the tea as Locke re entered the room. "Oh, good timing. We were just talking about you. Have a seat and enjoy a cup of tea." She said, gesturing to the free chair.[/blue]

Locke sat down next to Kiri, and became aware of the picture she held. His curiosity getting better of him, he leaned over to look at it and then went red. Slowly he buried his face in his hands, groaning. "So the baby pictures started coming out already? Should I go into hiding until the worst is over?"

[Kiri Honeywater]

She sat there in complete silence as she practically got lectured by Locke's parents. Feeling horrible and stupid and just plain lousy for saying anything about the people who whispered. But she sat there smiling brightly sipping tea, and nodding at what she felt was the appropriate places.
She understood some of the things that they were saying but of course the mother was right; some of the things she just wouldn't. It was a mother thing to say. Her mother had told her many times when she was younger 'You'll understand when you're older.' Well, she was older and she still didn't understand half of the things she was supposedly supposed to. And seeing as she probably would never be a mother she didn't see that she'd ever understand Locke's mom. Even if she did become a mother it wasn't for sure that she would understand it some day. She didn't understand a lot of things so why would she understand this?

Sipping her tea like a good girl with smiles and bright features she beamed when Locke came in. She laughed lightly shaking her head. "Oh course not. I think you were adorable, it explains why you're so handsome now." He looked so cute when he blushed like that. "You're parents were just telling me a few things about you is all. Nothing embarrassing."

She set down the picture next to her cup of tea smiling down at it. So very adorable. They were so blessed so have such gorgeous children. And Locke being so smart she could only guess how much of a genius Alley would be. Blessed so very blessed.

[Locke F. Herald]

Locke felt his cheeks burn when she made the handsome comment, he awaited the teasing remark from his father so he could rebury his head into his hands.

But it didn't come, instead he took another swallow of his tea and sat their happily, the silence slightly eating on Locke's nerves. Miranda looked up and gestured towards the window.

[blue]"It seems we have a visitor..."[/blue]

And indeed, out on the open window sill, a silver falcon landed, hopping into the room and jumping over to the table.

"Hey! It's the girl again, Kiri!" The bird squawked, hopping over to her. "Hi!" He stated pleasantly, content to stand next to the girl glancing up at her. "The others want to know if it's true you can talk, I told them yes but they don't believe me. An ol' Lu is too grumpy for them to go near."

Francis laughed and spoke instead. [green]"Oh I am sure there will be plenty of time for everyone to get to know her quite well here, but..." He stopped for a moment, looking to her. "You must be very tired after the trip, do you need anything?"[/green]

[Kiri Honeywater]

Sitting there somewhat awkwardly she sipped the tea and glanced between Locke's parents and him. She was about to say something because she didn't handle silence well when she heard the distinct sound of wings. Her heart leapt thinking it was her beloved Mikail but found it to be Star. Beaming she scooted out her chair to stand and go to him but he flew to her instead.

"Hi, Star! You're looking stunning as usual." She cooed lifting a hand to stroke his gorgeous feathers. At his words she opened her mouth to excitedly respond that she would love to meet everyone but Locke's father intercepted. Biting her bottom lip she noticed that her lip was starting to get raw she was doing it so often. "Um, no I don't need anything."

They were already opening their home for her and had given her tea what more could she ask for? Well, what she wanted to ask for was the time to go play with all the animals but she kept that to herself. Glancing at Locke she smiled wondering what to do. "Um, when is dinner scheduled to occur? I always help my mom so if you need any help I can." Suddenly she remembered something that Locke might not have told his family about her.

"Mrs. Herald? Did Locke happen to tell you that I'm a vegetarian?" She bit the bottom of her lip yet again and wrung her hands hoping this was not a problem. "If it's an issue I can always get my meal elsewhere. I don't want to put you or anything."

(ooc. i'm sorry...i phail as a poster...)

[Locke F. Herald]

[blue]Miranda was able to tell what Kiri had wanted to say, a mother's ability one might say. "Oh dinner won't be ready for a little bit. A few hours time, but we can prepare a small lunch if you are hungry from your trip. And yes, he did mention. It's no surprise, Francis was a vegetarian as well when he was your age, so we kind of expected it. Don't worry." She offered sweetly, before turning to her husband. "Now dear, there will be plenty of time to speak with them in length, for now you two should relax." She said, turning her gaze to Locke and Kiri. "Locke, why don't you show her around?"[/blue]

Locke wasn't expecting to be put on the spot like that, but nodded anyway rising from his seat. As he did, Alley looked up from her bear which she had been handling with the usual grace of a 16 month old. Noticing that he was leaving, she called out.

[blue]"Up! Up!" She commanded, reaching her hands up. However that seemed to be too much excitement for the child, as she followed that action with a yawn.[/blue]

Locke smiled, picking her up as she loosely held the bear in one hand, slumping over her brothers shoulder. "I guess we should put this one down for a nap, must have been too much for her." He said with a smile. Miranda got up but Locke turned and shook his head. "It's ok, I've got her." He said, moving towards the back of the house. He arrived at a side door and opened it slowly, letting the room be exposed.

A lot of blues, greens and earthly colors flooded the room. All very natural, nothing really ostentatious. The toys stacked in the corners, brightly colored and soft as children's toys must be. A small dresser for her clothing, and still a crib which Locke moved towards as he lay her down in it. He pulled the blanket up over her form, as she pulled her bear into a hug and began snoring softly.

Quietly, Locke shut the blinds and left the room, closing the door once they were out of the room.

He stretched out himself, hearing his back pop. "Ok then, what do you say to meeting the rest of my exceptionally large family?"

[Kiri Honeywater]

Blushing she shook her head glancing at Locke's father a bit surprised that he used to be a vegetarian. "No, no, I'm fine. I was just wondering if you needed any help." Kiri bowed her head over her tea staring at it while the mother talked something stirring in her chest, and she didn't quite like it. She rubbed her thumb along the edge of the cup her facing going blank as she shoved the negative emotion away. Once it was safely tucked away she lifted her head with a soft smile her eyes bright. This was a time to be happy.

Only happy.

At the movement she turned realizing she'd missed something. Standing she giggled at Alley's actions so happy that the little girl liked the toy. Watching Locke with the child did what a lot of women experience when watching their romantic partner handle children well, melt. Not thinking much she set down her tea and followed him after bowing her head to each of his parents.

She stood just outside the room watching him handle the small girl with such loving care that it twisted her heart. Sniffling a bit she turned away from the room surprised that she had been so touched by the quiet scene. When he came back out she heard his question and wiped away the few leaked out tears. Turning back to him beaming she nodded. "Yes, of course."

[Locke F. Herald]

Locke looked at Kiri as he closed the door, his expression turning to one of worry as she wiped tears from her eyes.

"Hey hey, are you ok? My dad didn't upset you did he?" He closed with her immediately. Or maybe she was thinking on her own family. She never talked about them, and only rarely her mother.

"If somethings bothering you, I'll make it better, you know that. I don't want your time here to be unhappy." He said, now moving to grip her shoulders softly.

He didn't always understand women, he wouldn't have imagined that love for ones sister would cause such a reaction. But he wasn't going to move on until he was sure nothing was wrong.

OOC: Ack, sorry. Kind of wrote myself into a corner there.

[Kiri Honeywater]

Sniffling a bit she shook her head smiling at him not wanting him to worry. "I think I'm just overly emotional because I'm tired. You just looked so sweet with your baby sister. So much love." She lifted a hand to touch his cheek before starting down the hallway.

"And don't worry about me so much." Kiri turned a bit grinning at him. "I'm not that fragile." Not really knowing where she was going she was tempted to call for an animal to lead the way. But not wanting to intrude in Mr. Herald's home she stopped hands clasped in front of her. The animals here respected Locke's father and she would not step on anyone's toes in that matter. Even if she did love animals as much as she did.

Whenever Locke caught up with her she reached for his hand and like always smiling. "So you said something about meeting the rest of your large family? Or did you want to do something else?" She was happy as long as it was with him.

((sorry so short))[/size][/color][/font]