"Sweet." Flynt will lead the four of them back home, the bullies being nowhere in sight. "Mom? We walked home with some friends." He says after knocking and letting himself in. She comes out of the kitchen to meet the kids. "Nice to meet you all. So what happened?" She says staring deep into her sons' eyes. "Whatever do you mean, mother? Okay fine. I got chased by that big lug Barney again and this nice girl saved me. I never got your name by the way." The mother sighs as she gives her boys a big hug. "You worry me so much sometimes. But I'm glad you're safe. Now go wash up for dinner." She says before shooing them off. She then turns to the remaining pair. "I have to thank you for helping my sons. They don't always make the right decisions. It's lucky they have such good friends to look out for them. Now you probably have plans for dinner, but if your parents are alright with it, I'd like to invite you for dessert as further thanks. I made apple pie with a graham cracker crust. You can tell me more about being a big darn hero then. Sound good?"
Gashka tries to keep her mouth from visibly watering as she nods her head. "Yes ma'am, I'll ask them when we get home. Pardon my manners, my name is Gashka and this is Tikkle, it's nice to meet you." She smiles slightly as she sticks out her hand the way her father taught her when introducing herself to someone. "Should I ask my mama and papa if they would like to join us for dessert? That way you could meet them as well. I'm sure by now you've heard of my papa," She sighs, "he's the big scary Orc everyone keeps talking about, and my mama does alot of sewing for the folks here in town. I think she can make just about anything really. Don't be too hard on them ma'am, I think those older boys were just waiting to pick on someone. They chased your sons all the way to our place, and then....well, it doesn't really matter what happened because they left." She stands there for a minute and smiles up at their mother, "Well, I guess we better head home. I have a few more chores to do before supper is ready, and I want to work up an appetite so I have room for some of that pie. Please tell them that Gashka and Tikkle will see them later. Have a pleasant evening ma'am." She bows slightly before turning and walking out of their house. As they head back home she looks at Tikkle, "Well, I guess we have some more friends now." She laughs and lightly bumps shoulders with him. "C'mon, lets race back to the farm." Without much warning, Gashka just takes off like a shot and runs through the streets.
"Why yes of course sweetie. I would love to meet the people who raised such a brave little girl. I have heard a few things about your papa, but I choose not to judge people until I've met them. And I know your mother, Kealey. She knitted this apron for me." She says gesturing towards a nice apron that is currently covered in flour but signs of flowers can be seen underneath. "Alright, now get going before you're late for dinner. I expect to see you right after with your parents. I will tell the boys that we'll have company."
Gashka smiles at her, her little tusks showing slightly. "Yes ma'am, thank you." With that the two turn around and leave.
When they reach the edge of the farm, Tikkle finally looks up from the uncharacteristically quiet demeanor he had taken since seeing Gashka's father, ears perking up at the distant sound of an Owlbear's haunting call. "Was that really your papa?" he asked, when Gashka nodded, he continued, "I saw him before, in the woods... He was so scary. I was tryina nick a couple big eggs out of a cave for some breakfast. Mama Owlbear wasn't too happy when she caught me coming out of the cave.I hit it in the right spot on the beak to make it dizzy, then I ran, but it got me. I thought it was gonna eat me until this huge Orc jumped out an tackled it. Killed it with his bare hands! I was so scared that I took my eggs and ran away. I never thought he was a normal daddy..."
After a few more steps Tikkle sniffs the air, then darts off into the woods only to reemerge after a minute with a few decently sized eggs. "These aint Owlbear, but maybe he'll like 'em too"
Gashka smiles at him and laughs, "Oh yea, he's a regular daddy alright. Complete with lectures and all if I happen to get into trouble for something." Thinking about the last time she had been caught doing something she shouldn't have, she absentmindedly rubs her backside while shaking her head.
After a few moments she looks at him, "C'mon, we better get inside and get cleaned up for supper. I need to tell mama and papa about the invitation to dessert. I'm really glad my papa was able to save you....you're a good friend Tikkle, I wouldn't have wanted anything to happen to you. Let's take papa those eggs, I'm sure he'll like them just fine." She slings an arm over one of his shoulders companionably as they walk into the house.
Once inside she finds her papa sitting in his big comfy chair. She walks up behind him and throws her arms around his neck while leaning over the back of the chair to kiss him on the cheek.
"We're home papa, and I've got something to ask you and mama....but, first Tikkle here wanted to give you these." She shoos Tikkle around to the front of the chair so he can hand the eggs to Thrainn. Noticing that he seems a little nervous she gives him an encouraging look and a smile.
Once Tikkle gives him the eggs, Gashka goes to the side of the chair and climbs up on the arm of it next to her father. "We got the boys home okay, and didn't see those big mean kids again. Their mother asked me to invite you and mama to come back over there with us this evening after supper for dessert. She said she made apple pie with a graham cracker crust. Doesn't that sound good papa? Mama's done some sewing for her, so she knows her and she said she'd like to "meet the people that raised such a brave little girl". I thought about telling her that I wasn't little, I was nine....but, I didn't want to be rude since she was bein so nice to me. What do you think papa? Would you and mama like to come with me and Tikkle for some pie at their house?" She looks at her papa with her big brown eyes while batting her eyelashes at him.
I'll let mama answer that one.
Letting her lip pout out a little she looks at her father, "But...I thought you said the other day that you were the boss?"
we moving to the gameplay thread? just wondering since I don't always see the updates.
Terra takes a drink. I wish my mother was more like yours she says a bit jealous and bit embarrassed for saying it.
After her drink she looks to Jin
you gonna teach me to fight now? she asks as she grabs one of the sticks he had.
@ Terra - I'll get that up on Monday. I wanted to give you guys the chance to finish your little scenes.
Coming in from the other room where she was lying down, Kealey looks from her daughter to her husband. "Excuse me young lady, what did you say?"
Gashka looks over to her mother, a look of surprise on her face. "I...I thought you was restin mama, I just...ummm...I was just asking papa something."
Kealey levels a look at her daughter, "Let me make something perfectly clear to you. Your father and I are a team, we work together to do what's best for this family. You do not get to pit one of us against the other. Do you understand me?"
Gashka looks ashamedly down at the floor and nods her head, [smaller]"Yes, mama. I'm sorry." She shuffles her feet on the floor as she stands next to where her father sits in his chair.
Nodding Kealey smiles at her and Tikkle, "Alright then, the two of you go get cleaned up for dinner and I'll discuss this with your father." She waits till they are out of the room before chuckling to herself.
"daww, we gotta wash up?" Tikkle was frowning, remembering how badly he hated the scrubbings at the orphanage from the sisters who thought his fur to be dirty. (they were not entirely wrong, but still there was an air of prejudice that even Tikkle picked up on)
Nevertheless, there was something intriguing behind the little half-orc's polite and mannerly exterior, and he could not help but oblige her urging to be civilized for the night.
Later, at dinner, Tikkle tried very hard to remember what his papa had taught him to do when at dinner with business associates. Eventually his talkative nature took over, and he found himself comparing hunting notes with the massive Orc and eating a very large amount of meat. No one quite minded as he entertained the family with his antics in telling the stories he had accumulated in his time alone.
This is a picture that was done by my 13 year old cousin Nikki. She knows I love Tinkerbell so she drew it for me...isn't she fabulous? I just wanted everyone to see it cause this is what I'm getting as my very first tattoo. IT's completely perfect and depicts me to a tee. I've been searching for YEARS for the perfect tattoo and now I have it, thanks to my precious little cousin. I LOVE her soooooo much!
DAAAWWWWHHHH :3
I know right? I gotta go make my sauce for the ravioli after I make a cheese quesadilla for Henry.
For cereal question, what real world language would you think Catfolk sounds like?
My initial thoughts were Swahili, Haitian Creole, or maybe Tagalog.
With their zest for life, and from what I've observed of Tikkle....I see them as being kinda Cajun, so I think the Creole would work. :o)
I think I'll make the sauce later...like around 7 or so. Henry ate his quesadilla's and I had french toast...so I don't think I need to be standing in front of the stove cooking right now.
With their zest for life, and from what I've observed of Tikkle....I see them as being kinda Cajun, so I think the Creole would work. :o)
Bahahaha! Well if that holds true, and considering that I am also a diehard fan (and an "honorary coon-a##" as I was dubbed during my time there), I think Tikkle just developed an affinity for purple and gold and Crawfish xD
LOL....I can totally see that. I LOVE it! So, I'm trying to figure out what to do about the whole pie eating thing. My brain is feelin kinda blah though....so, I'm having trouble coming up with the plan. I didn't wanna jack up the story if Mr. GM had something particular in mind. Me head dun wanna work right. LOL
Right now it kinda feels like its actually trying to split itself open so.....
You're not ruining anything, these scenes were just to setup who knows whom. And give me something to use. Wait, did I say that out loud?
*smiles wickedly* Yes, yes you did. I was confused though for a minute. When you said "I'll let mama answer that one" I thought you were speaking to Gashka, that's why I did the whole stern mother routine. Now, we've gotten through dinner...so I have to figure out what's next.
I'm here if you wanna rp out the dessert.
Kay, let me get my pasta sauce finished up and I'll be on in a few. Making ravioli tonight.
Was just reminded of my friend Derek who moved away. He played many an Orcish warrior in his day, each and every single one had profession cook at max rank.
LOL, friends keep trying to get me to open a cafe, but I don't want the headache. I just love to cook, it helps me focus and concentrate on..other things. It's like another part of therapy for me. Lol
The sauce is simmering with all it's yummy goodness, the seasoned garlic bread is in the oven, and the water is coming to a boil and getting ready to receive the pasta.
Eating dinner now...give me a little bit. Coming up with ideas....thinking...thinking.
Okay, I think I got it.
**********
Once supper is over, Gashka goes about clean up with a little more spirit than usual. With Tikkle to help her, they get things cleared and cleaned up in almost no time flat. Once they've finished Kealey calls them into their den.
"Alright, your father and I have talked and we've agreed to go over with you for dessert. Gashka, go get changed into some clean clothes and don't forget to wash your face and hands." Smiling, she looks over at Tikkle. "You too, hurry up now. We don't want to keep them waiting." She laughs as the two run out of the room to get ready.
A few minutes later they reappear, Gashka is washed and in clean clothes and Tikkle is cleaned up as well. After a short inspection by her mother to make sure that hands as well as face are acceptably clean they head over to Flynt and Nate's house for dessert.
The four of them get a few stares and some people whisper as they make their way through town, but they are so busy talking and laughing that they hardly notice.
Getting to her new friends house, Gahska knocks politely.
Meanwhile back the home to the bakers, the two brothers are also cleaning themselves up. "Hurry up you two. They will be here any minute. I will not have you two be late when you live here." Their mother yells from downstairs. The pair of brothers shove each other on the way down to the dining room. "You didn't even comb your hair." She says with a little disappointment as she tries to part their hair with her fingers. They then hear a knock on their door along with some laughter. "I'll get it!" Flynt volunteers before dashing to the door. He opens it and says. "Hi there!" To Gashka and her family before letting them in. They are led to the dining room where the rest of the family is waiting. "Greetings and welcome to our home. I am Simon, and I believe that Kealey has met my wife Wanda. And you know our two boys. Have a seat, I will start serving the pie." The father says introducing himself.
Gashka smiles and takes a seat, while Tikkle sits beside her. Kealey sits next to Thrainn and smiles at Wanda, "It's good to see you again. Thank you for inviting us over for such a treat."
Gashka seems kind of quiet while she sits listening to the grown ups talking.
"It's the least we could do for what your daughter did to help our boys." Wanda replies as she hands out the first pieces to the guests. "Now pardon me if I'm overstepping. When did you add him to your family? As far as I knew you only had the one child." She says nodding to Tikkle. Flynt and Nat wait patiently for their pieces of buttery pie.
Gashka's father shakes his head and smiles, showing some tusk while nodding at Kealey to explain. Kealey just smiles and looks from Tikkle to Gashka and then back at Wanda, she shrugs and laughs a little as she gladly takes the offered piece of pie.
"Actually, Tikkle is a friend of Gashka's. We aren't sure where he came from, but Gashka ran into him in town earlier and just...came home with him." At her mother's explanation of events, Gashka blushes. Without seeming to notice her daughters embarrassment Kealey continues, "She's always cared about others so much..."
Not being able to take anymore Gashka finally speaks up, "Mama please...." Gashka looks at Flynt's mother, "He's a good friend ma'am and just staying with us for a while. I didn't want to leave him alone in town...I didn't think it would be nice."
Kealey just eats her pie and shares a knowing look with Gashka's papa.
"I see. Well it is a very kind thing to do Gashka." Wanda says after serving her boys their treat. They dig in immediately. "You should be proud of yourself. Not many who would take someone in who they just met. I would like to think my boys would do the same." She then looks to Flynt and Nat who just garble something resembling the words 'yes mom' through mouthfuls of food. "Now, now dear. Our boys are good people too, but they have a lot of energy which gets them in trouble." Simon responds. "Now I believe that if the children are done with their dessert, maybe they should have a chance to play before they go to bed? I believe the adults should discuss something." The boys finish stuffing their mouths and wipe them on their sleeve. "Yea, we can go play hide and seek upstairs!"
Finishing their pie as well, Gashka nudges Tikkle in the arm as they excuse themselves to go play with Flynt and Nate. Before leaving the room Gashka turns to Wanda and Simon, "Thank you both for the pie, it was very good." With that, she dashes off with the others. Relieved to be out from under the grown ups scrutiny.
"Now politeness is definitely something our boys could use more of." Wanda says after the kids are out of sight.
Later on...
"Alright. I'll count to twenty and the rest of you hide. No leaving the upstairs and if you get found, you're it and I hide and we keep going." Nathan says making himself the seeker.
Downstairs again...
"Now I'm a little worried that a random little boy wandered into our town. Correct me if I'm acting a little crazy." Wanda says.
Kealey rubs her belly while looking at Thrainn, then looks back at Wanda. "She's always been kind of quiet...since Freeport. She doesn't talk much...I guess that's why we didn't mind too much when she brought Tikkle home. It meant she was starting to reach out."
Not used to playing so much with other kids, Gashka takes in her surroundings. Once Nate closes his eyes and starts counting Gashka leaves the room. She finds a room with a largish basket in it and hides under it.
Kealey shakes her head, "I don't think that it's crazy for you to be concerned, but that's why Thrainn and I agreed to let him stay with us. At least for the time being until we can find out more about him, like where he came from. Gashka has a big heart, but she's also fairly intelligent. She wouldn't have come home with him, if she didn't feel that it was safe to do so." Kealey looks at Wanda for a moment, "What is it about his wondering into town that has you worried Wanda?"
"Whiles our don't have that issue, we understand. What worries me is what if his family is looking for him? I can't imagine what he could be feeling so far away home."
Kealey and Thrainn share a look and nod. Kealey smiles at her husband before turning her attention back to Wanda, "Yes...that's something we were concerned about ourselves, but we didn't want him to feel pressured and run off again. We thought we would give him tonight and talk to both of them in the morning over some breakfast."