We're A Happy Family

[Vyn]

Somewhere, the sun was shining and birds were singing.

In the Heart of The Wood, however, light barely penetrated the dense canopy and the bird song was replaced with a far more ominous percussion that reminded Imre of bones crunching.

Ghost liked this. It liked bones, or at least it thought it might have. Canines liked bones, right? Imre, being far more accustomed to life as a bird, couldn't really give Ghost much of an answer but he welcomed the conversation as he hurried along toward home.

These foraging trips were never fun - even his fellow Tulgeys made an awful fuss when he was about - but at least he was done and nearly back to the safety of his little hovel where his precious little monsters were waiting for him under Shashi's 'tender' care. Better yet, Rosemary was due for a visit any time now and then his perfect little family would be complete again.

At last home came into view through the dense trees and Imre with a little boost from his Spade Speed Imre was bounding through the door with a low crooning rumbling loudly in his throat. As always his first stop was to the little ones, and he nudged them both in greeting and stroked them with his long tail. He lamented frequently that he couldn't spend the days talking to them, because he would. He loved them, he wanted them to know, but he spoke with body language for now. He was happy and he loved them and they knew it, which was all that truly mattered.

[Kari Muffin]

When Mommy was out they entertain themselves in various ways. On Daddy's previous visit she had brought quite a few toys and things from the Outsider. From books to blocks Daddy always had some gift on her visits.

Kafziel found herself stacking various blocks and trying her hardest to build a castle like one of the ones from the story that Daddy had told them. It took quite a bit of effort and dexterity but it had finally reached a height that she was proud enough to present it to her brother.

And then Mommy came home, the door opening and shutting was enough to throw the tower off balance. The little girl made a disappointed sound as she watched the tower tumble. All that effort went to waste....

But her mother was back and that probably meant Daddy was coming soon. It was time for her monthly visit. Maybe she would be on time for once? "Welcome home!" she said cheerfully as she nuzzled her mother in return.

Shashi had been sitting in the corner sulking. Ever since these little monsters had rolled around Imre had been all.... weird. More so than usual. Which was saying a lot. The rabbit hovered over his skin, waiting for the return of the blasted bird monster. Watching these things (how could they be called children?) was boring... and he was going to go crazy if he had to deal with this any longer.

When the bird walked into the door he perked up slightly.

[Vyn]

How frustrating this life could be sometimes. Vergel sat propped against a small cushion so that his bright, rolling eye could take everything in. That, it seemed, was all he could do. Take things in and thinking, always, always thinking.

All the youth in the world couldn't spare him the realization of how different he is.

Still, he was happy. There was always someone there to keep him company and to take him places so that he didn't have to flutter around on his weak little wings. When finally Mommy popped through the door, Vergel was torn between the disappointment of watching Kafziel's tower fall and the joy of seeing Mommy again. "Hi Mom!"


After thoroughly greeting his precious little monsters, Imre's focus switched to the sulking rabbit in the corner. He wagged his tail and made a beckoning motion with the split in his forked tail. Hopefully Shashi would like what Imre had picked up as well. Most of the heavy bag was laden with food since he hoped to be feeding Rosemary soon as well, but there were a few gems hidden in the lot.

Books, particularly, because that was Imre's forte but there was also a lovely little doll he thought Kafi would particularly enjoy. Recently his interest in arcane magics had waned in favor of more youthful pursuits, story books and children's rhymes long forgotten by most modern children and, of course, Tales of the Outside. Kafi and Vergel would never go there, but less because Imre disliked Outsiders and more because Everyone disliked them. To make up for it, Imre and Rosemary showered the children with culture.

This time, Imre's book was pristine and white with a beautiful curling script inside. Neat, mindful, and overly wordy - an old Esteberrian story book that was something between an attempt at a fairytale and a documentary about Rabbits. Probably more Vergel's style than Kafi's but it was Shashi that he hoped would be most intrigued. Ghost helped out in his typical fashion by fighting off the paper long enough to soft chirp "Bunnies~" and Imre nodded confirmation.

[Kari Muffin]

Kafziel's ears perked when she noticed that Mommy was taking something out of his package. She shuffled the blocks into a corner as she decided to go and help her brother see whatever Mom was going to show them. She took note of where her mother was waving. It was probably at his invisible friend again.

Shashi perked when he heard the word "bunnies." Without hesitation he floated towards the bird. He couldn't move very far away from his bag, but the house was small enough tha the didn't really have a problem. The rabbit craned his neck over at the book. "I wonder how accurate the Card version is...." he said more to himself than Imre and whatever lived in his head.

Kafziel nudged her brother waiting for his permission to pick him up. She didn't want to upset him. He may have been heavy but she was more than happy to carry him.

[Vyn]

Vergel's solitary eye brightened at the sight of the pristine white book. He wiggled a little in interest, but Kafziel was already on her way over and he settled down appreciatively. Sure, he could fly his way over to Mommy but it would be much more painful than it was worth. Kafziel's assistance was always welcome. 'Course you can.


Imre's forked tail wagged eagerly as he peered down at the book. He had wondered the same thing as Shashi, how accurate was it?, but unfortunately he was able to conveniently ask for another couple hours or so. Hopefully Rosemary would arrive around 4 and they could all chat over some dinner. She would surely appreciate a good story book as well!

When their little group had all gathered around, Imre delicately used his hand-paws to turn the pages. He'd actually gotten pretty skilled at maneuvering books despite his large, clumsy claws.

[Kari Muffin]

She would have smiled if she had a lower jaw. Instead she simply picked up her brother and brought him over to the book that her father had brought home. Of course she couldn't see that she had walked through the ghostly rabbit as she set her brother down.

Shashi grumbled as he switched positions. There were plenty of bad things about being dead, this was number one. Number two was being stuck with the creepy ass bird. And from the looks of it now that the bird had a happy family he was going to be part of the family as a heirloom handbag. It bothered him, but if he protest it was simply shrugged off.

Rosemary was on her way, a bag slung on her back with a variety of supplies and a few things for the children and Imre. Hopefully they wouldn't mind her being slightly later than she said she had arrived. At least she'd arrive during the time Imre could speak. Even if he had to eat for most of it, she would at least be able to give him a proper greeting.

[Vyn]

Thanks, Kafziel. Now he could properly see the book that Imre had laid open on the floor for not only his children but his lingering rabbit friend.

The swirling intricate text was fascinating, as was the use of archaic words that knowledge-hungry Vergel had yet to see before. He really wished Mum could speak so that he could ask what region those words were from. Maybe he would have to dig through a couple of the regional dictionaries later?

He'd ask Kafzi for help later after Daddy left.


Imre delighted in the sight of his children reading. Books were his greatest love - second only to his family and, to be entirely honest, they were all pretty close to books that he was no longer sure if the difference was even particularly notable.

With the children distracted and Rosemary not yet here, Imre moved off to finish putting away the groceries he'd picked up. It would be 4 before long, and he was increasingly eager for the chance to move his mouth without having to rely on Ace.

[Kari Muffin]

Even if she wasn't as brilliant as her brother she was utterly fascinated by the book. Kafzi was more than happy to turn the pages for her brother considering she was the only one who could do such a thing while her father was putting away the groceries.

The rabbit sulked at the book. Most of the bits he could read were very very wrong. It would be impossible to find a book that actually told the truth about rabbits and cards.

Rosemary arrived only a few minutes late. She knocked on the door lightly before popping in. "Helllloooo!" she said cheerfully setting down the bag of goodies. "Sorry about being late. I've got all sorts of things for everyone to make up for it!"

The wolf hybrid would be the first to admit that her children were utterly terrifying, but a small part of her couldn't help but be morbidly fascinated by little monsters. And it was really her love for Imre that kept her coming back. Who couldn't love someone as devoted as him?

[Vyn]

Imre perked the moment Rosemary came in the door, his tail instantly wagging. Ace was surprised by the excitement of the moment and his wide canine grin split the paper mask momentarily before it closed again. Soon, though, Imre would have lots to say. In the meantime, his thoughts were plastered to Rosemary's coat. Rosemary~ Welcome back~

He still couldn't believe that someone like her cared at all about a crazy monster like him, especially when he popped out his two most precious abominations in all the world.

No problem, I only just got back myself. Time for cooking now. But not before he came over to squish her into a massive Imre hug, complete with nuzzles. I missed you. He grinned wide and the mask's constant shifting revealed bits and pieces of the toothy expression as he pulled back.


Vergel fluttered when Rosemary entered the room, his little wings flapping though he didn't attempt to lift himself off the floor. It was a little painful, but Kafzi would most likely pick him up so that he could see better anyway. He'd been indignant about this necessity before, but slowly he recognized the value of it. Not to mention he had no intention of parting from his sister any time soon.

Hi Daddy! The obligatory hello, and then it was onward with the intrigue of childish minds. Gifts from Outside? Can we see now? He was so very curious about the Outside even though Mommy said it was full of bad people that would try to hurt him. Vergel and Kafzi, of course, were children, and children always had to question the validity of their parent's concerns.

[Kari Muffin]

Rosemary had to admit that it was a little sad that Imre had so much to say and didn't have the power to say it. On the bright side her coat made life easier in some aspects. And with very few people around in the Wood, she at least had an easy time sorting through the thoughts.

Though Rosemary was still slightly freaked out by her children with Imre, she couldn't help but find herself morbidly fascinated by the pair of them. Her son was a living book, and her daughter was a living deck of cards. She kind of wanted to see what would happen if they met her normal children.

She kissed Imre on the forehead and returned the hug. "I missed you too," she said brightly as she slipped the pack off her back.

Without a second though the young girl helped her brother out. Having one appendage did have it's disadvantages but she had figured early on how to use it to help her brother. It was a wonderful balancing act.

She was just as curious about the gifts as her brother was. Outside was a mean scary place, but they had plenty of neat and fantastic things!

Rosemary pulled a large book out of her bag, along with a paddle ball, and a small assortment of toys and trinkets. "This book is for your father...." she commented as she set the book on the nearby table. "I have another one for you Vergel, but it's at the bottom of the pile. I also have this."

She started using the paddle ball, showing her wonderful coordination skills. She offered it to her daughter. "Something for you to play with."

The little girl squealed with delight as she carefully set her brother down and took the gift that was offered to her. When she tried to repeat what her mother was doing and failed she made a fairly disappointed sound.

Rosemary couldn't help but snicker as she watched the girl struggle. "So, Vergel, remember how I was telling you about the Esterberry Library I visited as a child?"

The Rabbit, who was still sulking to a degree, perked up at the mention of his region. Even inf the cards were out of their heads, they did have quite the collection of books and knowledge, and this funny card did have a wonderful way with words.