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Spotlight: Night (Alder and Arjuna pt4)
General | Posted 4 years agoArjuna listened to Alder recount the events and that happened out of earshot of him and felt a deep feeling of grief and agony settle in the pit of his stomach. “I should not be here.” he whispered. “I do not have the right. My affection for her was…”
“…the genuine affection of a young kitten that did not know that his first love was the wife of someone else.” Alder said, cutting his younger sibling off. “A tiny kitten who did not know anything more than how a gentle woman’s presence made him feel and that feeling was love. Arjuna, if this woman is the beautiful woman that you remember her to be, tell me, would she be offended at you offering your prayers to her, or, would she be like our beloved mother, who would not be hardhearted or dismissive of your feelings, but would thank you for them, and for not hating her for marrying someone else?
“When you, an 8 year old kitten, learned of her marital position, you simply wished her well and did everything you could to stay away from her and respect her choice. You tried your best not to think of her, but Arjuna, she was your first love. I think she would understand that she could never be wiped from your thoughts or your heart. I think she would smile and put her hand on your cheek, just like Mama does, and tell you that she is sorry that she broke your heart, but tell you that although she was your first love, she was not your true love and she would promise you that the one that you are destined to be with, is still out there and that you will meet her, one day. I think she would be grateful for your prayers for her. Despite everything, you still wish nothing but the best for her, because that is what love is. Right?”
Arjuna nodded his head, displacing watery droplets from his eyes. Alder rubbed the tears from his eyes and smiled the warm smile that he always did when he comforted his brothers.
“Come, let’s pray for her, together.” he said, softly, tenderly petting his brother’s hairless blue head.
“…the genuine affection of a young kitten that did not know that his first love was the wife of someone else.” Alder said, cutting his younger sibling off. “A tiny kitten who did not know anything more than how a gentle woman’s presence made him feel and that feeling was love. Arjuna, if this woman is the beautiful woman that you remember her to be, tell me, would she be offended at you offering your prayers to her, or, would she be like our beloved mother, who would not be hardhearted or dismissive of your feelings, but would thank you for them, and for not hating her for marrying someone else?
“When you, an 8 year old kitten, learned of her marital position, you simply wished her well and did everything you could to stay away from her and respect her choice. You tried your best not to think of her, but Arjuna, she was your first love. I think she would understand that she could never be wiped from your thoughts or your heart. I think she would smile and put her hand on your cheek, just like Mama does, and tell you that she is sorry that she broke your heart, but tell you that although she was your first love, she was not your true love and she would promise you that the one that you are destined to be with, is still out there and that you will meet her, one day. I think she would be grateful for your prayers for her. Despite everything, you still wish nothing but the best for her, because that is what love is. Right?”
Arjuna nodded his head, displacing watery droplets from his eyes. Alder rubbed the tears from his eyes and smiled the warm smile that he always did when he comforted his brothers.
“Come, let’s pray for her, together.” he said, softly, tenderly petting his brother’s hairless blue head.
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General | Posted 4 years agoArjuna was overcome with emotion and found it impossible to move or speak. Seeing that his brother was not going to be able to continue on, Alder stood up and hugged him, tightly. Arjuna began to cry on his shoulder, his body shaking with emotion.
“How did you know?” he whimpered.
“You described her to me many times when we were kittens.” he answered, still holding him tight. “You drew a picture of her and gave it to me to cheer me up, once. …I still have that picture and often look at it whenever I feel weary.
“Earlier this afternoon, when Palm brought her to me, I said nothing. I looked up and saw that you were speaking to someone and was glad of it. Since you hadn’t seen her, I continued with Palm and the villagers. When that young, lavender girl fell to her knees and cried, I came to her and she told me who it was that she had lost. I was surprised when she told me that the woman was not her mother, but rather, she was the mother of her best friend. She cried as much as because the woman was like a second mother to her, but also, that she was the actual mother to her friend.
“I feel badly for them both, because the only members of her friend’s family to survive this tragedy, were her friend, a sunny gold girl who is the eldest daughter in her family, her friend’s infant sister who had been born just days earlier and their father, a wheelchair-bound man who was already at the hospital when the flood hit. I was told that her friend was injured and unconscious, but thankfully, she is recovering in the hospital and doing well. Still, that golden queen, she has no idea what awaits her when she awakens. I am glad that even though she has lost so much, she still has her sister and her father, especially now. …she is going to need all the support she can get.”
“How did you know?” he whimpered.
“You described her to me many times when we were kittens.” he answered, still holding him tight. “You drew a picture of her and gave it to me to cheer me up, once. …I still have that picture and often look at it whenever I feel weary.
“Earlier this afternoon, when Palm brought her to me, I said nothing. I looked up and saw that you were speaking to someone and was glad of it. Since you hadn’t seen her, I continued with Palm and the villagers. When that young, lavender girl fell to her knees and cried, I came to her and she told me who it was that she had lost. I was surprised when she told me that the woman was not her mother, but rather, she was the mother of her best friend. She cried as much as because the woman was like a second mother to her, but also, that she was the actual mother to her friend.
“I feel badly for them both, because the only members of her friend’s family to survive this tragedy, were her friend, a sunny gold girl who is the eldest daughter in her family, her friend’s infant sister who had been born just days earlier and their father, a wheelchair-bound man who was already at the hospital when the flood hit. I was told that her friend was injured and unconscious, but thankfully, she is recovering in the hospital and doing well. Still, that golden queen, she has no idea what awaits her when she awakens. I am glad that even though she has lost so much, she still has her sister and her father, especially now. …she is going to need all the support she can get.”
✧ PREVIOUS PAGE ✧ FIRST PAGE ✧NEXT PAGE✧Spotlight: Night (Alder and Arjuna pt2)
General | Posted 4 years agoArjuna returned a small, quivering smile, trying his best not to be overly sorrowful. Alder placed his hand on his brother’s back and gave it a gentle rub. Wearily, Arjuna rested his head on his sibling’s shoulder, taking a moment to rest his tired soul and feel the comfort and safety he always felt in the presence of the redheaded prince. When he felt a little better after his silent respite, he lifted his head and was able to muster a more glowing smile.
Alder smiled back at his brother and pressed his brow to his. “Better?” he asked, to which the blue tom nodded. “That’s good. I was worried.”
He took a step back and turned to the rows of bodies that they stood before and kneeled down. He reached for the bindings of a wrapped body that lay in front of him and began to undo the ties. It wasn’t long before the cloth covering began to unwrap and slowly revealed the golden hair of the sleeping woman within. When Arjuna beheld the shining locks of the sleeping beauty, his heart stopped and tears began to sting his eyes. Alder looked up at him, his eyes filled with empathy and warmth.
“Come, you should pray as well.” he said, looking up at his blue brother.
Alder smiled back at his brother and pressed his brow to his. “Better?” he asked, to which the blue tom nodded. “That’s good. I was worried.”
He took a step back and turned to the rows of bodies that they stood before and kneeled down. He reached for the bindings of a wrapped body that lay in front of him and began to undo the ties. It wasn’t long before the cloth covering began to unwrap and slowly revealed the golden hair of the sleeping woman within. When Arjuna beheld the shining locks of the sleeping beauty, his heart stopped and tears began to sting his eyes. Alder looked up at him, his eyes filled with empathy and warmth.
“Come, you should pray as well.” he said, looking up at his blue brother.
✧ PREVIOUS PAGE ✧ FIRST PAGE ✧NEXT PAGE✧Spotlight: Night (Alder and Arjuna pt1)
General | Posted 4 years agoOutside, Alder and Arjuna walked through Main Street in town. The city road was where all of the dead had been lain in orderly fashion. The bodies that had been retrieved, had all been organized, covered and bound with tags describing the lost soul within. Some of the cats had been identified and named, but most were unknown and therefore had tags that were only a visual observation of an unnamed body. The brothers walked through the rows of deceased, in search of the one that the eldest prince had forgotten to pray over. Though it appeared to be a search, in fact, Alder knew exactly where he was going.
“We’re almost there.” he said to his younger sibling. “Thanks for coming with me.”
“Of course.” Arjuna replied. “I do not think that I could come outside to this place on my own, either. It’s almost as though you can hear the echoes of sorrow with every footstep.”
“Do not say such things, little brother. The bodies here are empty. Their souls have gone to a place of rest. Try not to let the silence disrupt you, too much.”
“I will try.” Arjuna said, quietly. “But, I do not think that I can.”
Alder stopped in his trek and turned to face the blue tom. “You are not alone, Arjuna. Whenever you feel overwhelmed by the quiet stillness, just remember that you are surrounded by people that love you. You do not have to go through this painfulness on your own. If the burden of despair is too heavy, then let us help you carry it.” he said, smiling warmly at the boy.
“We’re almost there.” he said to his younger sibling. “Thanks for coming with me.”
“Of course.” Arjuna replied. “I do not think that I could come outside to this place on my own, either. It’s almost as though you can hear the echoes of sorrow with every footstep.”
“Do not say such things, little brother. The bodies here are empty. Their souls have gone to a place of rest. Try not to let the silence disrupt you, too much.”
“I will try.” Arjuna said, quietly. “But, I do not think that I can.”
Alder stopped in his trek and turned to face the blue tom. “You are not alone, Arjuna. Whenever you feel overwhelmed by the quiet stillness, just remember that you are surrounded by people that love you. You do not have to go through this painfulness on your own. If the burden of despair is too heavy, then let us help you carry it.” he said, smiling warmly at the boy.
✧ PREVIOUS PAGE ✧ FIRST PAGE ✧NEXT PAGE✧Spotlight: Night (Artemis pt7)
General | Posted 4 years ago“I do not know.” Palm replied, stifling a yawn. Without another word, the youngest prince walked over to his brother’s bed and crawled in. For him, all the knowledge that he yielded on the matter had been disclosed. His presence was no longer required.
Artemis sighed and shook his head. Avalon smiled and gently patted her husband’s chest.
“Darling,” Avalon began, “the evening grows late. Our son is still just a boy and it has been a dreadfully long day. He is certainly overly exerted and needs to rest. I am certain that is the reason why Alder chose his room to house the children.”
Artemis made a puzzled face. “Oh, why is that?”
“Because, look…” she said, gesturing to the little ones that were all throughout the room. “The children are comfortable in here, a room that has been lived in and carries the scent of a person, instead of the cold, uninhabited, sterile and pristine rooms that are designed to accommodate dignitaries and leaders. This room, Alder’s room, is warm and safe and the children, all of the children,” she said, looking over at her youngest son who had already fallen asleep, “feel at ease. Do not be surprised when, come morning, we find all of our kittens sleeping in a pile together, just as they did when they were younger. Whenever something frightened or upset them, they would scuttle to their big brother’s room and sleep beside him where they knew they would be safe, because he was beside them.”
Artemis looked over at his sleeping child and could see how correct his empress was. Having all of the children in one place made it easier for all of them to be together in this distressing time of sorrow and grief and draw strength from one another. He kissed her brow and hugged her, tightly. She was correct, as she often was and he knew that he needed to defer to her wisdom. This was a situation where he needed to take a step back, and let the children take care of each other…even his own children.
Artemis sighed and shook his head. Avalon smiled and gently patted her husband’s chest.
“Darling,” Avalon began, “the evening grows late. Our son is still just a boy and it has been a dreadfully long day. He is certainly overly exerted and needs to rest. I am certain that is the reason why Alder chose his room to house the children.”
Artemis made a puzzled face. “Oh, why is that?”
“Because, look…” she said, gesturing to the little ones that were all throughout the room. “The children are comfortable in here, a room that has been lived in and carries the scent of a person, instead of the cold, uninhabited, sterile and pristine rooms that are designed to accommodate dignitaries and leaders. This room, Alder’s room, is warm and safe and the children, all of the children,” she said, looking over at her youngest son who had already fallen asleep, “feel at ease. Do not be surprised when, come morning, we find all of our kittens sleeping in a pile together, just as they did when they were younger. Whenever something frightened or upset them, they would scuttle to their big brother’s room and sleep beside him where they knew they would be safe, because he was beside them.”
Artemis looked over at his sleeping child and could see how correct his empress was. Having all of the children in one place made it easier for all of them to be together in this distressing time of sorrow and grief and draw strength from one another. He kissed her brow and hugged her, tightly. She was correct, as she often was and he knew that he needed to defer to her wisdom. This was a situation where he needed to take a step back, and let the children take care of each other…even his own children.
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General | Posted 4 years ago“Palm.” Artemis said, greeting the boy with the mention of his name.
The dark-haired boy looked at his father, almost as though he were surprised to see him. “How did affairs go with you, Father?” he asked, as he let go of the little girl’s hand and watched her bounce over to where the younger children were playing.
“Quite well.” Artemis answered. “Men from across the country are traveling to our city, even as we speak. Some will be tasked with aiding the cleanup, some with rebuilding, while others are bringing with them resources and supplies. Additional doctors and nurses should be arriving before dawn to replenish the hospital staff and allow the physicians here to rest, as I assume they must be overwhelmed with exhaustion.
“…speaking of, where is Alder?” the emperor asked.
“With Arjuna.” the prince replied.
“And where might he be?”
“Outside.”
It was always like pulling teeth with the youngest prince. To get any information from the boy, one needed to speak to him with calculated specificity, for he rarely voluntarily offered irrelevant information freely. Artemis sighed.
“What, exactly, are Alder and Arjuna doing outside? What was their reason for leaving the palace?” he asked, wearily.
“Alder said that there was a body that he had forgotten to pray over and asked that Arjuna accompany him, so that he would not have to return to the town alone.”
Finally, some answers. “I see. When will they return?” Artemis asked.
The dark-haired boy looked at his father, almost as though he were surprised to see him. “How did affairs go with you, Father?” he asked, as he let go of the little girl’s hand and watched her bounce over to where the younger children were playing.
“Quite well.” Artemis answered. “Men from across the country are traveling to our city, even as we speak. Some will be tasked with aiding the cleanup, some with rebuilding, while others are bringing with them resources and supplies. Additional doctors and nurses should be arriving before dawn to replenish the hospital staff and allow the physicians here to rest, as I assume they must be overwhelmed with exhaustion.
“…speaking of, where is Alder?” the emperor asked.
“With Arjuna.” the prince replied.
“And where might he be?”
“Outside.”
It was always like pulling teeth with the youngest prince. To get any information from the boy, one needed to speak to him with calculated specificity, for he rarely voluntarily offered irrelevant information freely. Artemis sighed.
“What, exactly, are Alder and Arjuna doing outside? What was their reason for leaving the palace?” he asked, wearily.
“Alder said that there was a body that he had forgotten to pray over and asked that Arjuna accompany him, so that he would not have to return to the town alone.”
Finally, some answers. “I see. When will they return?” Artemis asked.
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General | Posted 4 years agoCherry clasped her hands together with joy and relief. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I will let him know at once.”
“You can use the palace communications center. We can carry a message long distances, even across the seas from there. When you reach him, inform him to speak to the administration at Hall of Elders. They will direct him from there and tell him where to board their high-speed ship. And ask him to expedite his departure. There will be no need to wait for a timetable, as they will leave the dock as soon as he is onboard.”
“Understood.” she said, before taking her leave of the man and hurrying down the halls to the communications room that the emperor had spoken of.
Just as she opened the door to leave, she was startled to her prince on the other side, about to walk in. She apologized, politely, to which the young tom offered a kind pleasantry and a warm smile. He stepped aside to allow her to escape the bedroom and hurried down the hall. With the doorway now clear, the boy stepped in, holding the hand of small girl with shining hair.
“You can use the palace communications center. We can carry a message long distances, even across the seas from there. When you reach him, inform him to speak to the administration at Hall of Elders. They will direct him from there and tell him where to board their high-speed ship. And ask him to expedite his departure. There will be no need to wait for a timetable, as they will leave the dock as soon as he is onboard.”
“Understood.” she said, before taking her leave of the man and hurrying down the halls to the communications room that the emperor had spoken of.
Just as she opened the door to leave, she was startled to her prince on the other side, about to walk in. She apologized, politely, to which the young tom offered a kind pleasantry and a warm smile. He stepped aside to allow her to escape the bedroom and hurried down the hall. With the doorway now clear, the boy stepped in, holding the hand of small girl with shining hair.
✧ PREVIOUS PAGE ✧ FIRST PAGE ✧NEXT PAGE✧Spotlight: Night (Artemis pt4)
General | Posted 4 years ago“Yes, of course.” he answered. “We often host animalians from both Adohi and Panthros, so I am sure we can accommodate him and his needs.”
“Thank you for your generosity, sir. I shall inform him that he is to come here once he disembarks from the passenger ship.”
“When will he arrive?”
“The voyage from East Adohi to Calico is roughly a 5 day trip, Your Majesty. Also, he has a wife and children, not to mention his work at their local school, so although he will leave as quickly as he can, it will be no earlier than tomorrow morning that he would depart on the earliest ship.”
Artemis shook his head. “No, that is too long.”
“There are no other physicians that study psychology on any of the islands of Catriona. There are some that practice on Adohi, but—“
“No, no.” he interrupted. “What I meant was that traveling by ferry will take too long. A yacht can make the journey in less than half the time. I will communicate with the leaders in the region to allow the doctor passage on such a vessel.”
“Thank you for your generosity, sir. I shall inform him that he is to come here once he disembarks from the passenger ship.”
“When will he arrive?”
“The voyage from East Adohi to Calico is roughly a 5 day trip, Your Majesty. Also, he has a wife and children, not to mention his work at their local school, so although he will leave as quickly as he can, it will be no earlier than tomorrow morning that he would depart on the earliest ship.”
Artemis shook his head. “No, that is too long.”
“There are no other physicians that study psychology on any of the islands of Catriona. There are some that practice on Adohi, but—“
“No, no.” he interrupted. “What I meant was that traveling by ferry will take too long. A yacht can make the journey in less than half the time. I will communicate with the leaders in the region to allow the doctor passage on such a vessel.”
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General | Posted 4 years ago“Your Majesty.” she greeted Artemis.
“How are things here?” he asked, wrapping an arm around his wife’s shoulders.
“As well as can be expected.” Avalon answered.
“The younger children,” Cherry added, turning and gesturing to the youngest of the room’s occupants, “do not understand the gravity of the situation and therefore have a measure of obliviousness to it. The older children,” she said, turning to the corner where the teens were, “are not faring as well. They understand the weight of this tragedy and feel its burden rather acutely. Still, they are very young and do not know how to process their emotions well.”
“Is there anything that can be done to assist you in their treatment?”
“Yes,” she replied, with a weary sigh, “I have sent a message out to a colleague of mine who actually specializes in child psychiatry, Dr. Bravewolf. He lives in East Adohi and, as his surname implies, he is a wolf. Standing nearly twice as tall as yourself, Your Majesty, he would be more comfortable in one of the large rooms of the palace, rather than the more restrictive rooms at the inn. Would you be able to house him?”
“How are things here?” he asked, wrapping an arm around his wife’s shoulders.
“As well as can be expected.” Avalon answered.
“The younger children,” Cherry added, turning and gesturing to the youngest of the room’s occupants, “do not understand the gravity of the situation and therefore have a measure of obliviousness to it. The older children,” she said, turning to the corner where the teens were, “are not faring as well. They understand the weight of this tragedy and feel its burden rather acutely. Still, they are very young and do not know how to process their emotions well.”
“Is there anything that can be done to assist you in their treatment?”
“Yes,” she replied, with a weary sigh, “I have sent a message out to a colleague of mine who actually specializes in child psychiatry, Dr. Bravewolf. He lives in East Adohi and, as his surname implies, he is a wolf. Standing nearly twice as tall as yourself, Your Majesty, he would be more comfortable in one of the large rooms of the palace, rather than the more restrictive rooms at the inn. Would you be able to house him?”
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General | Posted 4 years agoInside the prince’s room was a veritable nursery playroom. Children of all ages romped and played with each other, merrily immersed in their games of tag, or other amusements that engaged their young minds. Watching them, one would not think a disaster had befallen their city…until they turned their gaze to the older youth. Teenagers and young adults were sitting in a corner of the room, holding and comforting each other, as unlike their younger counterparts who did not understand the scope of what was happening, they did. Fear of the unknown, fear for their families that had gone undiscovered, fears for family that were found and were being treated for their injuries and fears for the many that had been discovered, but whose lives had slipped away with the tide.
Dr. Cherry, the town’s only psychiatrist, was in their midst, assessing their various stages of grief and anxiety. She was making progress, but by the time nightfall had arisen, the number of children had inflated from 17, to 39. It was going to be difficult to treat all of the children, in addition to the adults that would surely require counseling, on her own. She needed help, so she sent for a friend of hers, a psychiatrist in Adohi that specialized in child psychology. With his help, she could return to her focus, adult therapy, while he could take over the psychiatric needs of the children. In the meantime, the children were hers to treat, along with the assistance of the empress.
When Artemis entered the room, the younger children hardly gave his arrival any attention, but the older children sprang to their feet and hurried to him, assailing him with questions about the whereabouts of their loved ones. Avalon, too, saw the entrance of her husband and walked over to him, just as the teens had reached him.
“Children, children!” Dr. Cherry called, hurrying over to the cluster of teens that had surrounded the emperor and empress. “Please, you must be still. The emperor was not responsible for locating our loved ones. He was in charge of finding people and materials to rebuild the city. I’m sorry to say it, but he has no new information about your families. The princes, Alder and Arjuna gave us the updates of everyone that had been found when they arrived.”
“Then, my parents are dead?!” one of the teenaged girls asked, her words wracked with pain.
“I didn’t say that, dear.” Cherry said, touching the girl’s shoulder. “I am only saying that there will be no new information, tonight. Let us wait until morning and hopefully, we will be able to find others that have not yet been found. All that we can do now, is wait. Come settle back down and we can discuss it more.”
The girl regarded the woman a moment longer, then solemnly, started off, back to the corner of the room that the young adults adopted as their territory. Cherry watched the girl amble off, slowly followed by the other teens that had ambushed the emperor. She sighed and turned her attention back to the monarchs.
Dr. Cherry, the town’s only psychiatrist, was in their midst, assessing their various stages of grief and anxiety. She was making progress, but by the time nightfall had arisen, the number of children had inflated from 17, to 39. It was going to be difficult to treat all of the children, in addition to the adults that would surely require counseling, on her own. She needed help, so she sent for a friend of hers, a psychiatrist in Adohi that specialized in child psychology. With his help, she could return to her focus, adult therapy, while he could take over the psychiatric needs of the children. In the meantime, the children were hers to treat, along with the assistance of the empress.
When Artemis entered the room, the younger children hardly gave his arrival any attention, but the older children sprang to their feet and hurried to him, assailing him with questions about the whereabouts of their loved ones. Avalon, too, saw the entrance of her husband and walked over to him, just as the teens had reached him.
“Children, children!” Dr. Cherry called, hurrying over to the cluster of teens that had surrounded the emperor and empress. “Please, you must be still. The emperor was not responsible for locating our loved ones. He was in charge of finding people and materials to rebuild the city. I’m sorry to say it, but he has no new information about your families. The princes, Alder and Arjuna gave us the updates of everyone that had been found when they arrived.”
“Then, my parents are dead?!” one of the teenaged girls asked, her words wracked with pain.
“I didn’t say that, dear.” Cherry said, touching the girl’s shoulder. “I am only saying that there will be no new information, tonight. Let us wait until morning and hopefully, we will be able to find others that have not yet been found. All that we can do now, is wait. Come settle back down and we can discuss it more.”
The girl regarded the woman a moment longer, then solemnly, started off, back to the corner of the room that the young adults adopted as their territory. Cherry watched the girl amble off, slowly followed by the other teens that had ambushed the emperor. She sighed and turned her attention back to the monarchs.
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General | Posted 4 years agoNightfall had come to the City of Calico. The men that had been working diligently in an effort to recover lost people and lifeless bodies, retired to the palace to rest, eat and recover from the disaster. Husbands ran to their wives and children and embraced them with love and thankfulness, thankful that they were alive and well, thankful that they could still feel the warmth of their touches and the melodic sound of their beating hearts. But, some of the men returned to broken families. Mothers, daughters, sons and others that had not survived, were not there to meet their eyes. But, though their families had been broken, the ones that had survived, were still with them to meet them with love and solidarity. Yet, there were others, still, that arrived to the palace, but had no one to run to, no one to hug with loving arms. There were others who had lost everything dear to them and instead of being welcomed by love and joy, they were met with only sadness, despair and profound loneliness.
Artemis, the emperor, had returned to the palace after a day of sorting out finances, resources and able bodies to aid in the restoration of Calico City. He had been successful in his effort and supplies, provisions and volunteers were scheduled to arrive the following day. He was received with kind words and mournful tears of his people. He spoke to them softly and kindly and assured them that their city was going to be rebuilt and that though they had lost much, they would prevail through this tragedy.
At his words, many people told him that they had already been assured as much by the First Prince, Alder, Artemis’ eldest son. He was pleased to hear that their fears and concerns had been assuaged by the young prince and took pride in their praise of the boy. He inquired about the location of his son, then left the palace vestibule on an errand to seek him out. He was told that the prince was in his room with his mother, Avalon, so that was where he started off to.
Artemis arrived at Alder’s door and was surprised to see a sentry standing beside it, with a gaggle of people sobbing either with tears of joy, but mostly, tears of sorrow, the latter being comforted by various individuals offering them solace and empathy. Those that cried with joy were holding their lost children, joyously restored to them. Those that were with sadness, held no one. The sentry briefly explained what was happening to the emperor and with a nod of his head, acknowledging he had understood what was being said to him, before opening the door and stepping in.
Artemis, the emperor, had returned to the palace after a day of sorting out finances, resources and able bodies to aid in the restoration of Calico City. He had been successful in his effort and supplies, provisions and volunteers were scheduled to arrive the following day. He was received with kind words and mournful tears of his people. He spoke to them softly and kindly and assured them that their city was going to be rebuilt and that though they had lost much, they would prevail through this tragedy.
At his words, many people told him that they had already been assured as much by the First Prince, Alder, Artemis’ eldest son. He was pleased to hear that their fears and concerns had been assuaged by the young prince and took pride in their praise of the boy. He inquired about the location of his son, then left the palace vestibule on an errand to seek him out. He was told that the prince was in his room with his mother, Avalon, so that was where he started off to.
Artemis arrived at Alder’s door and was surprised to see a sentry standing beside it, with a gaggle of people sobbing either with tears of joy, but mostly, tears of sorrow, the latter being comforted by various individuals offering them solace and empathy. Those that cried with joy were holding their lost children, joyously restored to them. Those that were with sadness, held no one. The sentry briefly explained what was happening to the emperor and with a nod of his head, acknowledging he had understood what was being said to him, before opening the door and stepping in.
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General | Posted 4 years agoAlder had been so focused on Petunia, that he did not notice the men that had stopped to watch their prince pacify, masterfully. Likewise, Arjuna had been watching his brother, mother and the small girl, as they, or rather, Alder somehow managed to get, not only the girl in good spirits, but had quickly resolved the problem as to what to do with the children. Once again, his empathy was the answer and because of it, the children would be cared for and their needs would be better met. He truly was the light and the hope for the kingdom.
“You will make a wonderful father, someday.” someone else said, making the Crowned Prince blush furiously beneath his fur.
“Well done.” another villager said. “That was a relief that I think we all needed. Seeing that little girl smiling and laughing, even now, yes, you are right, we will get through this, together.”
“Indeed.” someone else said. “I feel a little more hopeful than I did just a few minutes ago. Thank you, My Prince.”
“Thank you!” another man said, starting an avalanche of gratitude from everyone that was assembled.
Palm had seen it and now it was Arjuna’s turn to see his brother shine brightly, even among such overwhelming despair. He was the light that shone in the darkness and gave hope to everyone around him. With death and sorrow all around them, the men that had gathered before their prince were, for a moment, just a moment, forget the tragedy at their feet and take a respite from catastrophe. The eye of the storm, but a storm that was dissipating, thanks to his brother’s leadership, support and encouragement. His magic, was the ability to take people away from their pain, to dispel feelings of hopelessness and heal spirits that had been broken. His magic, was picking up the shattered pieces of joy, happiness and hopefulness and carrying them within himself, repairing them with the strength of his empathy, his compassion and his heart.
“You will make a wonderful father, someday.” someone else said, making the Crowned Prince blush furiously beneath his fur.
“Well done.” another villager said. “That was a relief that I think we all needed. Seeing that little girl smiling and laughing, even now, yes, you are right, we will get through this, together.”
“Indeed.” someone else said. “I feel a little more hopeful than I did just a few minutes ago. Thank you, My Prince.”
“Thank you!” another man said, starting an avalanche of gratitude from everyone that was assembled.
Palm had seen it and now it was Arjuna’s turn to see his brother shine brightly, even among such overwhelming despair. He was the light that shone in the darkness and gave hope to everyone around him. With death and sorrow all around them, the men that had gathered before their prince were, for a moment, just a moment, forget the tragedy at their feet and take a respite from catastrophe. The eye of the storm, but a storm that was dissipating, thanks to his brother’s leadership, support and encouragement. His magic, was the ability to take people away from their pain, to dispel feelings of hopelessness and heal spirits that had been broken. His magic, was picking up the shattered pieces of joy, happiness and hopefulness and carrying them within himself, repairing them with the strength of his empathy, his compassion and his heart.
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General | Posted 4 years ago“Okay! You and Mama are a team.” he said, setting the child down beside Avalon. “You have to race to the palace, find the best bedtime book and get to my room before I do. Got it?”
“Got it!” she sang.
“Mama, do you remember where the palace is?” he asked, smiling mischievously.
“Hmm…” Avalon mused. “I don’t think I remember. Do you know where the palace is?” she asked Petunia.
“Yes! I know where it is. It’s up there.” she said, pointing to the hill that led to the palace that stood proudly above it.
“Oh, that’s so far away.” Avalon whimpered. “I’m going to get lost. Can I hold your hand so I won’t get lost, please?”
“Yes!” she answered, holding up her hand to the empress. “I’ll show you how to get there, so you won’t get lost.”
“Thank you, so much! We’re going to win, right?”
“Yes, we are going to beat him.”
“No, I’m going to be the fastest!” Alder argued.
“No, we are going to be faster.” the girl proclaimed.
“Alright, I guess we will see. Ready?”
“Yes! Are you ready, too?” she asked, looking up at the read-headed monarch.
“Yes! I’m ready to go.” Avalon said, with playful conviction.
“Okay, then! Ready!” he said, turning and pretending to make ready to sprint off. “Set! GO!” he shouted.
As soon as he gave the command to begin, Petunia and Avalon were off, running as fast as the littlest runner could go. Meanwhile, Alder knelt on the ground, pretending to be doing something that qualified him for the race. He glanced over his shoulder to see the progress his mother and her racing companion had made. When he thought they were far enough away, he returned to his feet and sighed, wearily. Arjuna smiled at his brother with the love of a sibling. Like he thought before, it was like magic, a special magic that only his brother knew how to wield. He patted the redheaded Crowned Prince on the back and wrapped an arm around his shoulder. Alder smiled and returned the gesture, patting his little brother’s back and hugging him, lightly.
“That was incredibly sweet, young prince.” someone said.
“Got it!” she sang.
“Mama, do you remember where the palace is?” he asked, smiling mischievously.
“Hmm…” Avalon mused. “I don’t think I remember. Do you know where the palace is?” she asked Petunia.
“Yes! I know where it is. It’s up there.” she said, pointing to the hill that led to the palace that stood proudly above it.
“Oh, that’s so far away.” Avalon whimpered. “I’m going to get lost. Can I hold your hand so I won’t get lost, please?”
“Yes!” she answered, holding up her hand to the empress. “I’ll show you how to get there, so you won’t get lost.”
“Thank you, so much! We’re going to win, right?”
“Yes, we are going to beat him.”
“No, I’m going to be the fastest!” Alder argued.
“No, we are going to be faster.” the girl proclaimed.
“Alright, I guess we will see. Ready?”
“Yes! Are you ready, too?” she asked, looking up at the read-headed monarch.
“Yes! I’m ready to go.” Avalon said, with playful conviction.
“Okay, then! Ready!” he said, turning and pretending to make ready to sprint off. “Set! GO!” he shouted.
As soon as he gave the command to begin, Petunia and Avalon were off, running as fast as the littlest runner could go. Meanwhile, Alder knelt on the ground, pretending to be doing something that qualified him for the race. He glanced over his shoulder to see the progress his mother and her racing companion had made. When he thought they were far enough away, he returned to his feet and sighed, wearily. Arjuna smiled at his brother with the love of a sibling. Like he thought before, it was like magic, a special magic that only his brother knew how to wield. He patted the redheaded Crowned Prince on the back and wrapped an arm around his shoulder. Alder smiled and returned the gesture, patting his little brother’s back and hugging him, lightly.
“That was incredibly sweet, young prince.” someone said.
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General | Posted 4 years agoThe little girl nodded her small head, expectantly.
“Do you remember when I told you that I used to sleep inside her tummy?” he said, pointing at Avalon. When the child nodded, he continued. “Do you know what that makes her?” When the girl shook her head, he continued. “That amazing lady is MY mommy.”
“She’s your mommy?” Petunia asked, turning to look at Avalon.
“Yup! And she’s the greatest person in the whole wide world! I love her soooo much!” he said, raising the girl high above his head and giggling back down to him. He smiled, playfully at her and continued. “My mommy is the best and the nicest person, ever. She’s so nice, that I asked her to do me a really big favor. Do you know what it is?” She shook her head and he continued. “Well, since you want to stay with me, I asked her to take you to my room. My room is really neat. Do you know why?” Once again, the girl shook her head. “My room is neat because my bed is soooooo big!” he said, raising the girl up above his head, once more, bringing her down with a giggling smile.
”When I was little like you, my brothers and I used to jump on it. If you want to, you can jump on my bed. Then, when I finish up here, I will come inside, wash my hands and go to my room and do you know who’s going to be in my room?” She shook her head and he answered, “You are, silly!” and tickled her until she laughed and squirmed and giggled. He smiled at the girl and said, “You are going to be in my room with my mommy and all of the other kittens. And, I have a special favor that I have to ask you. You ready?” he asked. She nodded her head and looked up at him with anticipation. “Can you pick out a book to read for bedtime? I don’t know which one to read, so I need you to get one for me. But, it’s a race. We are racing to see who can finish first, you, or me? And do you know what?” he asked, earning him a head shake from her. “I’m going to win! I’m definitely going to win!”
“No! I’m going to win!” the little girl said, smiling brightly.
“No, I’m going to win!” he teased.
“No, I’m going to win!” she giggled.
“Well, there’s only one way to find out. We have to start the race. Ready?”
“Yes!” she cheered.
“Do you remember when I told you that I used to sleep inside her tummy?” he said, pointing at Avalon. When the child nodded, he continued. “Do you know what that makes her?” When the girl shook her head, he continued. “That amazing lady is MY mommy.”
“She’s your mommy?” Petunia asked, turning to look at Avalon.
“Yup! And she’s the greatest person in the whole wide world! I love her soooo much!” he said, raising the girl high above his head and giggling back down to him. He smiled, playfully at her and continued. “My mommy is the best and the nicest person, ever. She’s so nice, that I asked her to do me a really big favor. Do you know what it is?” She shook her head and he continued. “Well, since you want to stay with me, I asked her to take you to my room. My room is really neat. Do you know why?” Once again, the girl shook her head. “My room is neat because my bed is soooooo big!” he said, raising the girl up above his head, once more, bringing her down with a giggling smile.
”When I was little like you, my brothers and I used to jump on it. If you want to, you can jump on my bed. Then, when I finish up here, I will come inside, wash my hands and go to my room and do you know who’s going to be in my room?” She shook her head and he answered, “You are, silly!” and tickled her until she laughed and squirmed and giggled. He smiled at the girl and said, “You are going to be in my room with my mommy and all of the other kittens. And, I have a special favor that I have to ask you. You ready?” he asked. She nodded her head and looked up at him with anticipation. “Can you pick out a book to read for bedtime? I don’t know which one to read, so I need you to get one for me. But, it’s a race. We are racing to see who can finish first, you, or me? And do you know what?” he asked, earning him a head shake from her. “I’m going to win! I’m definitely going to win!”
“No! I’m going to win!” the little girl said, smiling brightly.
“No, I’m going to win!” he teased.
“No, I’m going to win!” she giggled.
“Well, there’s only one way to find out. We have to start the race. Ready?”
“Yes!” she cheered.
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General | Posted 4 years agoAlder smiled at her and kissed her cheek. “When that day comes, I will do my best.” he said.
“I know you will. You will shine, just like you always do.” she said. She turned her attention to her second son and petted his hairless head. “You have been here at my side since this all began.” she said, to him. “You have given comfort to the despondent and have reassured more people than I can count. You have such a gentle heart and others feel so much relief when they are near you and I couldn’t be more proud.”
Like his brother, Arjuna smiled and kissed his mother’s cheek.
Looking at both of her children, Avalon smiled. “In all this world,” she began, “there have never been born into it, children that are finer, or as beloved as the three of you. My three kittens, you are the pride and joy of my life and that I have been so favored as to have given birth to you all, is a blessing that I will forever be thankful for.” she said, as tears trickled down her cheeks. “I love you, so much."
Alder and Arjuna listened to their mother speak and felt a glow in their hearts that was always there, but shone especially bright whenever they heard their mother say those three simple words. Both of children encircled her in their shared embrace and returned her affection, saying words of love to she, the woman that had given them life. When they had concluded their heartfelt exchanges, Alder looked at the little girl that was still in his arms.
“Alright, little flower,” he said to her, “Mama is going to take you to the palace.”
“I want to stay with you…” the girl said, quietly, holding onto his tunic tighter than she had moments before.
“Okay.” he replied, cheerfully. “I have a little more work to do, here, but I have an idea. You ready?”
“I know you will. You will shine, just like you always do.” she said. She turned her attention to her second son and petted his hairless head. “You have been here at my side since this all began.” she said, to him. “You have given comfort to the despondent and have reassured more people than I can count. You have such a gentle heart and others feel so much relief when they are near you and I couldn’t be more proud.”
Like his brother, Arjuna smiled and kissed his mother’s cheek.
Looking at both of her children, Avalon smiled. “In all this world,” she began, “there have never been born into it, children that are finer, or as beloved as the three of you. My three kittens, you are the pride and joy of my life and that I have been so favored as to have given birth to you all, is a blessing that I will forever be thankful for.” she said, as tears trickled down her cheeks. “I love you, so much."
Alder and Arjuna listened to their mother speak and felt a glow in their hearts that was always there, but shone especially bright whenever they heard their mother say those three simple words. Both of children encircled her in their shared embrace and returned her affection, saying words of love to she, the woman that had given them life. When they had concluded their heartfelt exchanges, Alder looked at the little girl that was still in his arms.
“Alright, little flower,” he said to her, “Mama is going to take you to the palace.”
“I want to stay with you…” the girl said, quietly, holding onto his tunic tighter than she had moments before.
“Okay.” he replied, cheerfully. “I have a little more work to do, here, but I have an idea. You ready?”
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General | Posted 4 years ago“Thank you.” he said to the man, as he hurried off to carry out the request that had been made of him. “Mama,” Alder said, turning to his mother, “can you bring the children to my room and stay with them while we sort out their familial situations? Use my room as a nursery. Children feel better when they are among other children, so that should help their anxiety, if only a little bit.
“The doctor will be there soon. She is trained to handle these exact situations, so I know she will be a great help. She’s also a mother, so you’ll be among good company. Also, take whatever women you need to assist. The adults can endure the pain and confusion and lift each other up, but children cannot. They need help and someone to watch over them and since you’re the best mom in the world,” he said, smiling at his beloved mother, “I think you should be with the children. We will take care of things here. Have one of the guards stand outside of my room, just incase anyone comes looking for their children. Some of them will find their children there, but…” he trailed, looking over at the rows of children that were resting in an eternal sleep. He continued to look at them for a moment more, then turned and continued.
“The people whose children are not with you, will be grief-stricken.” he said, quietly. “The children must be shielded from their despair, so, please give a list of the names of the children to the guardsman, so he can verify if their little ones are in the room. It would probably be a good idea to have a few people to stand out there with him that can console those that need it. It’s not a perfect fix, but it is a temporary solution until we can figure things out.”
The look of pride that was aglow on the empress’ face was warm enough to rival the sun. She brushed her fingers through her son’s bright red hair smiled. “I am so proud of you.” she whispered, as emotions began to overwhelm her. “Your unwavering dedication to your people, your natural leadership and your loving compassion…you will be an outstanding emperor one day.”
“The doctor will be there soon. She is trained to handle these exact situations, so I know she will be a great help. She’s also a mother, so you’ll be among good company. Also, take whatever women you need to assist. The adults can endure the pain and confusion and lift each other up, but children cannot. They need help and someone to watch over them and since you’re the best mom in the world,” he said, smiling at his beloved mother, “I think you should be with the children. We will take care of things here. Have one of the guards stand outside of my room, just incase anyone comes looking for their children. Some of them will find their children there, but…” he trailed, looking over at the rows of children that were resting in an eternal sleep. He continued to look at them for a moment more, then turned and continued.
“The people whose children are not with you, will be grief-stricken.” he said, quietly. “The children must be shielded from their despair, so, please give a list of the names of the children to the guardsman, so he can verify if their little ones are in the room. It would probably be a good idea to have a few people to stand out there with him that can console those that need it. It’s not a perfect fix, but it is a temporary solution until we can figure things out.”
The look of pride that was aglow on the empress’ face was warm enough to rival the sun. She brushed her fingers through her son’s bright red hair smiled. “I am so proud of you.” she whispered, as emotions began to overwhelm her. “Your unwavering dedication to your people, your natural leadership and your loving compassion…you will be an outstanding emperor one day.”
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General | Posted 4 years agoAlder looked down at the girl who was oblivious to the losses she had sustained and pitied her, but also felt a pang of guilt, that though she had lost so much, he still had his entire family intact. Of course, she was not the only one that would have to endure a painful loss. There were so many bodies lying in rows and so many others that had yet to be retrieved. Devastation was rarely kind or limited to property or land. Almost certainly, destruction brought with it death, pain and sorrow and left behind people that did not understand why it had happened to them. Of course, there were some that did not understand why it happened, at all. The most innocent were also the most confused at times like these.
“Mama,” he began, “how many children have been separated from their families?”
“About 17, I think.” Avalon answered. “We have been sending them to the palace to be fed. In the midst of the…everything…I haven’t quite figured out where to have them placed after they finish their meals.”
Alder paused and rested his chin atop his thumb and index finger in a thoughtful pose. He was seemingly processing something, a resolution to their dilemma, no doubt. After a moment, he raised his head and spoke to one of the palace workmen that was nearby.
“I’m sorry to stop you, but I need your help.” he said.
“Of course, My Prince.” the man replied.
“Thank you. There is a psychiatrist that works at the hospital. I spoke to her, earlier, so, thankfully, I know that she survived. Can you please locate her and send her to the palace, to my room?”
“At once.” the man answered.
“Mama,” he began, “how many children have been separated from their families?”
“About 17, I think.” Avalon answered. “We have been sending them to the palace to be fed. In the midst of the…everything…I haven’t quite figured out where to have them placed after they finish their meals.”
Alder paused and rested his chin atop his thumb and index finger in a thoughtful pose. He was seemingly processing something, a resolution to their dilemma, no doubt. After a moment, he raised his head and spoke to one of the palace workmen that was nearby.
“I’m sorry to stop you, but I need your help.” he said.
“Of course, My Prince.” the man replied.
“Thank you. There is a psychiatrist that works at the hospital. I spoke to her, earlier, so, thankfully, I know that she survived. Can you please locate her and send her to the palace, to my room?”
“At once.” the man answered.
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General | Posted 4 years agoBy the grace of the Great Spirit, she nodded her head and said, “They are not here. Camilla and Max and A.J. live far away.”
A sigh of relief nearly escaped him, but as to not upset the girl, he suppressed it. “That’s so neat. Do you have to take a boat to see them, or are they here on Calico?”
“They are in the middle.” she answered. “Mommy and Daddy and me are going to move there, too, so we can help take care of the babies. There are a whole lot of them. I’m going to help a lot, too.”
The tragedy of the situation was multiplied by the fact that the girl and her parents were planning to leave the city. If they had done so the day before, her parents would still be alive. Thankfully, she had siblings, presumably older siblings, that were living somewhere in Central Calico. Hearing the news of what happened to the city would surely alarm them and they would come to check on their parents and little sister. She wasn’t going to be able to go home with her mother and father, but at least she would not have to be turned over to the orphanage. She had loved ones who would surely take her in. She had family left in the world that knew her and that she knew, as well. Given the circumstances, it was a gift, a blessing that so many other citizens would not be afforded of.
“Alright.” Alder said. “We are going to reach out to your siblings, too, so they can come here to check on you, okay?”
“Okay ! Thank you.” she replied, reaching out to him to embrace the First Prince.
He scooped the girl up into his arms and held her close as she wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him in the way that small children did. She rested her head on his chest while he gently petted her long, bright hair. He looked over at his mother, his large, expressive green eyes conveying an unspoken message. Avalon looked at her son for a moment, then brought her hand up to cover her mouth, as her eyes grew wide with shock. She removed her hand and mouthed the words, “mother and father”, to which he solemnly shook his head, silently saying that the kitten’s parents were no more. She sighed, sadly and placed her hand over her heart which grieved for the little one.
A sigh of relief nearly escaped him, but as to not upset the girl, he suppressed it. “That’s so neat. Do you have to take a boat to see them, or are they here on Calico?”
“They are in the middle.” she answered. “Mommy and Daddy and me are going to move there, too, so we can help take care of the babies. There are a whole lot of them. I’m going to help a lot, too.”
The tragedy of the situation was multiplied by the fact that the girl and her parents were planning to leave the city. If they had done so the day before, her parents would still be alive. Thankfully, she had siblings, presumably older siblings, that were living somewhere in Central Calico. Hearing the news of what happened to the city would surely alarm them and they would come to check on their parents and little sister. She wasn’t going to be able to go home with her mother and father, but at least she would not have to be turned over to the orphanage. She had loved ones who would surely take her in. She had family left in the world that knew her and that she knew, as well. Given the circumstances, it was a gift, a blessing that so many other citizens would not be afforded of.
“Alright.” Alder said. “We are going to reach out to your siblings, too, so they can come here to check on you, okay?”
“Okay ! Thank you.” she replied, reaching out to him to embrace the First Prince.
He scooped the girl up into his arms and held her close as she wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him in the way that small children did. She rested her head on his chest while he gently petted her long, bright hair. He looked over at his mother, his large, expressive green eyes conveying an unspoken message. Avalon looked at her son for a moment, then brought her hand up to cover her mouth, as her eyes grew wide with shock. She removed her hand and mouthed the words, “mother and father”, to which he solemnly shook his head, silently saying that the kitten’s parents were no more. She sighed, sadly and placed her hand over her heart which grieved for the little one.
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General | Posted 4 years agoShe nodded her head, then replied, “Mommy is really pretty and Daddy is really big.”
He smiled at her, a smile that he often showed to his brothers. “Mommy is really pretty?” he asked, the girl nodding her head, proudly. “I bet she’s really, really pretty. What color is her hair and what color is her fur?”
“Mommy is pink and pink and Mommy’s hair is white like the clouds.”
Oh no. “I see.” he said, his voice unchanged, though his heart breaking for the girl. “She does sound really pretty. What about Daddy, what does he look like?”
“Daddy is blue and blue and white and blue.” she said, happily.
Great Spirit… “I see. So, he looks like, Arjuna?” he asked, looking over at his brother. “Is he hairless like him, too?” he asked, already knowing the answer.
She nodded, eagerly. “Daddy does not have hair on his head, too. Daddy said that all of his hair is in his tail, because it’s really fluffy, like a pillow.”
“Your daddy sounds really silly.” he said, smiling kindly at her. “Okay, I’ll keep an eye out for both of them. Oh, do you have any brothers or sisters? I’ll look for them, too.”
He smiled at her, a smile that he often showed to his brothers. “Mommy is really pretty?” he asked, the girl nodding her head, proudly. “I bet she’s really, really pretty. What color is her hair and what color is her fur?”
“Mommy is pink and pink and Mommy’s hair is white like the clouds.”
Oh no. “I see.” he said, his voice unchanged, though his heart breaking for the girl. “She does sound really pretty. What about Daddy, what does he look like?”
“Daddy is blue and blue and white and blue.” she said, happily.
Great Spirit… “I see. So, he looks like, Arjuna?” he asked, looking over at his brother. “Is he hairless like him, too?” he asked, already knowing the answer.
She nodded, eagerly. “Daddy does not have hair on his head, too. Daddy said that all of his hair is in his tail, because it’s really fluffy, like a pillow.”
“Your daddy sounds really silly.” he said, smiling kindly at her. “Okay, I’ll keep an eye out for both of them. Oh, do you have any brothers or sisters? I’ll look for them, too.”
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General | Posted 4 years ago“…Petunia.” she answered, quietly.
“Petunia? That’s a pretty flower. Not like, Alder, alder is a type of tree. …a big, boring tree.” he moaned, leaning on his mother’s shoulder. “Apple is a nice tree. So is, orange and pear and…what else? Do you know any good trees?”
The girl nodded her head and said, “A peach tree.”
“Oh, that IS a good tree. I like peaches. Do you like peaches?”
She smiled and nodded her head. “I like peaches and cherries and grapes and strawberries.”
“Me too! Those are all delicious.” he said, even though the last two were fruits that did not grow on trees. “Do you like her, a lot, too?” Alder asked, gesturing to Avalon. When the girl nodded, he continued. “Me too, I like her a whole lot. Do you know why?” he asked and the girl shook her head. “Well, a long time ago, when I was really, really, really small, I used to live inside her tummy. I was asleep there for a long time with my little brothers. It was warm and safe there, not like out here where it is a little scary. Are you scared?” he asked, the girl, once again nodding. “Me too. I’m scared for my people and my family. What are you scared of?”
“Um…” she started, quietly, “I’m scared to find Mommy and Daddy.”
“Mommy and Daddy? You can’t find them?” he asked, the girl shaking her head in response. “Well, maybe we can find them. Can you tell me what they look like?”
“Petunia? That’s a pretty flower. Not like, Alder, alder is a type of tree. …a big, boring tree.” he moaned, leaning on his mother’s shoulder. “Apple is a nice tree. So is, orange and pear and…what else? Do you know any good trees?”
The girl nodded her head and said, “A peach tree.”
“Oh, that IS a good tree. I like peaches. Do you like peaches?”
She smiled and nodded her head. “I like peaches and cherries and grapes and strawberries.”
“Me too! Those are all delicious.” he said, even though the last two were fruits that did not grow on trees. “Do you like her, a lot, too?” Alder asked, gesturing to Avalon. When the girl nodded, he continued. “Me too, I like her a whole lot. Do you know why?” he asked and the girl shook her head. “Well, a long time ago, when I was really, really, really small, I used to live inside her tummy. I was asleep there for a long time with my little brothers. It was warm and safe there, not like out here where it is a little scary. Are you scared?” he asked, the girl, once again nodding. “Me too. I’m scared for my people and my family. What are you scared of?”
“Um…” she started, quietly, “I’m scared to find Mommy and Daddy.”
“Mommy and Daddy? You can’t find them?” he asked, the girl shaking her head in response. “Well, maybe we can find them. Can you tell me what they look like?”
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General | Posted 4 years ago“Hmm?” he murmured, as he felt a hand touch his shoulder. He looked up from gazing upon his hands and the invisible bond he saw, right into the bright green eyes of the eldest sibling of which that bond was shared. “Alder?” he said, surprised
The First Prince was looking at his younger brother through his large, expressive green eyes and a look of concern. “Are you alright?” he asked.
He looked at the redhead for a moment, just regarding the expression he wore and answered, “I’m alright, just a little tired.”
“Do you need to rest?” he asked, resting his hand on his brother’s blue head and massaging his ear.
The blue cat smiled and said, “No, I can keep going.”
“Are you sure?”
Arjuna nodded. Alder was certain that he was not alright. He had known him forever and could tell when something was bothering him. Quietly he pressed his brow to his and held him there for a moment, almost as though calibrating his mind and heart. After a while, he left him and pressed a hand lovingly to his cheek and smiled. Then, he turned to their mother and smiled at her, as well.
“Mama?” he asked, with a similar concern to that he held for his brother.
She smiled at her firstborn son and said, “I’m alright, dear.” she promised, touching his cheek, just as he had done to Arjuna, moments earlier.
Alder smiled and leaned into his mother’s touch, then drew his attention to the girl in his mother’s arms. The kitten was looking at him, regarding him as though he were a stranger and indeed, he was. He stooped down just a bit, lowering himself so that his gaze was level with hers. No longer towering above her, he smiled and tilted his head, playfully. She continued to look at him, as he descended to her height, but still said nothing.
“It’s nice to meet you.” he said. “My name is, Alder. What’s your name?”
The First Prince was looking at his younger brother through his large, expressive green eyes and a look of concern. “Are you alright?” he asked.
He looked at the redhead for a moment, just regarding the expression he wore and answered, “I’m alright, just a little tired.”
“Do you need to rest?” he asked, resting his hand on his brother’s blue head and massaging his ear.
The blue cat smiled and said, “No, I can keep going.”
“Are you sure?”
Arjuna nodded. Alder was certain that he was not alright. He had known him forever and could tell when something was bothering him. Quietly he pressed his brow to his and held him there for a moment, almost as though calibrating his mind and heart. After a while, he left him and pressed a hand lovingly to his cheek and smiled. Then, he turned to their mother and smiled at her, as well.
“Mama?” he asked, with a similar concern to that he held for his brother.
She smiled at her firstborn son and said, “I’m alright, dear.” she promised, touching his cheek, just as he had done to Arjuna, moments earlier.
Alder smiled and leaned into his mother’s touch, then drew his attention to the girl in his mother’s arms. The kitten was looking at him, regarding him as though he were a stranger and indeed, he was. He stooped down just a bit, lowering himself so that his gaze was level with hers. No longer towering above her, he smiled and tilted his head, playfully. She continued to look at him, as he descended to her height, but still said nothing.
“It’s nice to meet you.” he said. “My name is, Alder. What’s your name?”
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General | Posted 4 years agoShe sighed and rested her head on his shoulder, then continued. “I would speak to you about the obligations of a prince that was not the first born. I would tell you that only Alder had the freedom to chose his bride and that both you and Palm would be assigned a bride by your father. I tried to tell you, gently, that though you desired her, you could not have her, but you refused to give up hope.
“Then one day, you came running to me, crying and sobbing so pitifully. I asked what was wrong and you told me, that the woman you had fallen in love with, was married. I held you close and wiped away your tears, but every time I did, fresh tears would fall. You were so upset, that you cried yourself to sleep that night, but even sleep could not banish the gloom. Your heart ached for days and nights, almost as if you were mourning the loss of a loved one, but I suppose that in a way, you were.
“Thankfully, your brothers were able to help pull you out of your depression, even where your father and I could not, but, I suppose that was to be expected. You are triplets, after all. The three of you started your lives together, even before you emerged into the world. You have always been inseparable and you share a bond with each other that cannot be broken. I know that more than me and more than your father, it was two of them, their love for you, that gave you the strength to regain your smile, because the only thing that can abolish the love of a shattered heart, is to find a love that is even greater than that which was lost. You and your brothers have that kind of love and it was the strength of their love for you that mended your heart which had been broken. I truly believe that.”
“Then one day, you came running to me, crying and sobbing so pitifully. I asked what was wrong and you told me, that the woman you had fallen in love with, was married. I held you close and wiped away your tears, but every time I did, fresh tears would fall. You were so upset, that you cried yourself to sleep that night, but even sleep could not banish the gloom. Your heart ached for days and nights, almost as if you were mourning the loss of a loved one, but I suppose that in a way, you were.
“Thankfully, your brothers were able to help pull you out of your depression, even where your father and I could not, but, I suppose that was to be expected. You are triplets, after all. The three of you started your lives together, even before you emerged into the world. You have always been inseparable and you share a bond with each other that cannot be broken. I know that more than me and more than your father, it was two of them, their love for you, that gave you the strength to regain your smile, because the only thing that can abolish the love of a shattered heart, is to find a love that is even greater than that which was lost. You and your brothers have that kind of love and it was the strength of their love for you that mended your heart which had been broken. I truly believe that.”
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General | Posted 4 years agoSorrow began to rise up, reaching up to grasp the young tom, the boy that it had not been able to pull down. Avalon moved closer to her child and nuzzled him, gently. Though he did not feel at his best, because of a mother’s affection, he had not fallen to his worst. He returned the gesture of affection and managed a smile, albeit a sad, regretful one.
“…how did you know?” he whispered.
“I never forgot.” she answered. “How could I? A mother can never forget a person that hurts her child…and you were so hurt.
"You spoke of her many times when you were still just a kitten. You told me about her with such youthful passion whenever we were together. You told me you wanted to marry her and have her to become your princess. You had the brightest glow about you whenever you thought of her and of a future that you wished to have with her. …that worried me, because I did not know how to tell my precious little boy, that such a future, the future that he dreamed of, was an impossible one.”
“…how did you know?” he whispered.
“I never forgot.” she answered. “How could I? A mother can never forget a person that hurts her child…and you were so hurt.
"You spoke of her many times when you were still just a kitten. You told me about her with such youthful passion whenever we were together. You told me you wanted to marry her and have her to become your princess. You had the brightest glow about you whenever you thought of her and of a future that you wished to have with her. …that worried me, because I did not know how to tell my precious little boy, that such a future, the future that he dreamed of, was an impossible one.”
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General | Posted 4 years ago“Darling, are you alright?” Avalon asked, pulling Arjuna from his thoughts.
“Ah, yes.” he replied. “I’m sorry, I was only thinking.”
“About your brother?”
“…yes.” he admitted. “I…I just wish there was something that I could do for him.”
“There is something that you can do.” she said.
“What is it?”
She smiled, faintly and turned to her son as she answered, “Love him.”
Arjuna paused for a moment, then nodded his head, solemnly. If that was all that he could do, then it would be all that he did, even if he wanted to do more. But, then again, love was a powerful ailment, strong enough to heal even the most broken heart, or weary soul.
“Kitten,” Avalon said, pulling Arjuna from his thoughts, “speaking of love, are you alright?”
“Me?” he asked, confused. “Yes, I am fine, or as fine as can be expected. Why did you ask?”
“Because, of her.” Avalon answered, gesturing to the accumulation of bodies that were stretched across the grass.
How did she know, he wondered. “Mother…” he said, not know what more to say.
“Ah, yes.” he replied. “I’m sorry, I was only thinking.”
“About your brother?”
“…yes.” he admitted. “I…I just wish there was something that I could do for him.”
“There is something that you can do.” she said.
“What is it?”
She smiled, faintly and turned to her son as she answered, “Love him.”
Arjuna paused for a moment, then nodded his head, solemnly. If that was all that he could do, then it would be all that he did, even if he wanted to do more. But, then again, love was a powerful ailment, strong enough to heal even the most broken heart, or weary soul.
“Kitten,” Avalon said, pulling Arjuna from his thoughts, “speaking of love, are you alright?”
“Me?” he asked, confused. “Yes, I am fine, or as fine as can be expected. Why did you ask?”
“Because, of her.” Avalon answered, gesturing to the accumulation of bodies that were stretched across the grass.
How did she know, he wondered. “Mother…” he said, not know what more to say.
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General | Posted 4 years agoHe returned his gaze to Alder, who at that moment, was speaking to a small child that had come to him. He wasn’t sure what it was that brought the child over to his brother, but the boy was obviously distressed. Alder was kneeling before him and comforting him, like he always did. The child was crying, but even as he watched, he could see the kitten’s sadness receding as his brother spoke to him. He was smiling and touched the boy’s head, gently. He said something to him, which made the boy smile, as well, then stood up and extended his hand to the kitten and almost cheerfully, the little one placed his hand in his brother’s and they started off in the direction of the hospital.
It was like magic, his brother’s compassion and ability to touch the hearts of anyone, young or old. He had such a way about him. His smile…his smile that Arjuna only then realized, was a mask that he wore to give comfort to others, while hiding his own feelings behind it, as though his feelings were less important. Though it was a mask, it was also honest, it was the first prince’s true desire to help others that allowed him to wear such a perfect disguise and it was that knowing that upset Arjuna as greatly as it did.
Alder never cried, at least not in front of him or Palm. Did he cry at all? Even amidst this great tragedy, he did not show a modicum of his own feelings, he cared only for the peace of others. When did his brother take time to feel his own feelings? Did he allow himself to feel them at all, or did he extinguish his emotions, banishing them from his being, so that he could be the light and the hope of their kingdom? Was he forcing himself to feel nothing more?
His brother had made it to the hospital with the boy, as Arjuna pondered his worries. His compassionate older brother. His brother who encouraged others and allowed himself to feel only the positive in every situation. …except…that wasn’t right. There WAS one person of which he did display negative emotions toward. In fact, he was the only one that Alder directed something other than pleasantness and warmth. On the contrary, his feelings toward that person were not jovial, in the slightest. They were resentful and cold and unhidden to anyone that knew the First Prince well enough to see it. He only concealed repulsion for that person when there was a visitor to the palace. Then, he would don his mask of jovialness and offer nothing but pleasantries to their guests, which was something that was not artificial. He genuinely desires to greet every person with kindness and it is his honest desire to make others happy, when they would otherwise be sorrowful, or upset. …it bothers him to see others suffering.
It was like magic, his brother’s compassion and ability to touch the hearts of anyone, young or old. He had such a way about him. His smile…his smile that Arjuna only then realized, was a mask that he wore to give comfort to others, while hiding his own feelings behind it, as though his feelings were less important. Though it was a mask, it was also honest, it was the first prince’s true desire to help others that allowed him to wear such a perfect disguise and it was that knowing that upset Arjuna as greatly as it did.
Alder never cried, at least not in front of him or Palm. Did he cry at all? Even amidst this great tragedy, he did not show a modicum of his own feelings, he cared only for the peace of others. When did his brother take time to feel his own feelings? Did he allow himself to feel them at all, or did he extinguish his emotions, banishing them from his being, so that he could be the light and the hope of their kingdom? Was he forcing himself to feel nothing more?
His brother had made it to the hospital with the boy, as Arjuna pondered his worries. His compassionate older brother. His brother who encouraged others and allowed himself to feel only the positive in every situation. …except…that wasn’t right. There WAS one person of which he did display negative emotions toward. In fact, he was the only one that Alder directed something other than pleasantness and warmth. On the contrary, his feelings toward that person were not jovial, in the slightest. They were resentful and cold and unhidden to anyone that knew the First Prince well enough to see it. He only concealed repulsion for that person when there was a visitor to the palace. Then, he would don his mask of jovialness and offer nothing but pleasantries to their guests, which was something that was not artificial. He genuinely desires to greet every person with kindness and it is his honest desire to make others happy, when they would otherwise be sorrowful, or upset. …it bothers him to see others suffering.
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