| Logs |
2013 May 15
| Neverneverwhere |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
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| Realms: Taps Logs |
Song for a Solstice Winter's Night
The baby was hatched in early November, shortly after the main caravan made it safely through Donner Pass. Some of the caravaneers stay for the winter with 'Chana at Bradley's in Roseville, although the majority of them head on in to deliver their cargo to San Francisco. As the snowy days pass, 'Chana starts carrying the infant in a sling about her upper torso, and dressing her human half, so she can move around the house. She'd initially not intended to, but Bradley had calmly explained her to his staff, and they'd accepted her serpentine form with -- to her -- astonishing aplomb.
Bradley is in seventh heaven: his daughter and his priestess are feeding him in ways he'd never thought possible. To stave off boredom, Sulochana has been playing music solo and in exquisite duets with Diana, voraciously reading his library and then giving him wonderfully perceptive and inquiring conversation on the subjects she's been exploring -- as well as deliciously appreciative dinners. She's also experimenting with Poly and Pippa in how to belly dance in her current form, learning the sidhe tongue from Chanti and Sna'tha, spending the occasional night where she allows Bringer to come to her bed -- she doesn't want to get too far from the baby, after all...
The night comes, though, when Bradley walks into the drawing room in search of her, and spots her standing at the window, staring out in silent longing. Even as he paces quietly into the room, she lifts one slender hand to lay her palm lightly, wistfully on the cold glass... then a heartbeat later her tongue flickers, and he knows she's aware of his presence. He walks up behind her, resting a hand gently on her shoulder, and murmurs, "What is it, my lovely lady priestess?"
'Chana sighs, leaning back against the sturdy, comforting solidity of the manitou even as she's looking longingly out at the snowy winter landscape. He slides his arms warmly about her once-again-slender waist and leans to contentedly inhale the scent of her hair; she unwittingly gives a soft little sound of pleasure and flicks a small coil of her tail around his ankle as she considers his question. She finally murmurs quietly, "I... I wish... I miss being outside." She laughs in soft rue, glancing back and up at him as she lets the heavy drape fall closed again, "Isn't that greedy of me? I'm sorry... I'm so blessed here, and I'm always wanting more." She shakes her head, looking down at the sleeping baby in a sling about her torso, and Bringer murmurs thoughtfully, "I don't think so. Why don't you go outside, beautiful eyes?"
The Naga explains her concerns: she stays indoors because she doesn't want to alarm Bringer's neighbors; she stays in this form so the baby's milk isn't potentially affected, especially since the baby isn't yet in human form and likely won't be for another 5 or 6 months at the earliest; she stays indoors because she doesn't want to be too far from the baby and it's too cold for her to carry the infant outdoors while also playing in snow. Bringer raises an eyebrow, and after a few gently probing inquiries he asks her if she trusts him to hold the baby. She hesitates -- up until this point, barring someone occasionally bracing the baby as she tied the sling on, she has been the only one to carry the child. She's a logical and thoughtful woman, though, and she laughs ruefully as she looks up at Bringer, "If anyone would be trustworthy with the baby by now, it'd be you, wouldn't it? And you've had an infant already." He is careful and patient and slow with her nervousness, and eventually he's holding the baby -- although she does tend to hover a bit anxiously, leaning against him even without meaning to.
That winter is an amazing one for the manitou. In the process of coaxing the Naga out of her shell of insecure single parenthood he finds himself surprisingly ably assisted by his daughter, still relatively newly a woman, and delighted to have an apparent peer within the house. Initially all 'Chana will do is allow Bringer to step her through shadows, the baby tucked warmly deep within his jacket while she frisks joyously through the snow until she's cold, out on the mountainsides and far from human habitation. The sight of the exuberant snake woman frolicking through snowdrifts never fails to draw a delighted laugh from him, and eventually Diana coaxes them into letting her come too. There are a lot of often-lopsided snowmen and snowowls and snownaga created, along with some very long-tailed snow angels, much joyous laughter, and gleefully silly and ineffective snow tossing between the two giggling women.
After a few days of that, though, Diana begs 'Chana to come with them on sleigh rides. The Hetaera can wear nice tops, after all, and they can keep the thick furs carefully tucked in about the heavy tail as well as the warmly booted feet of Diana and her father. 'Chana can keep the baby in her jacket too! When Sulochana finally relents, Diana proudly presents the Naga with the smart, elegantly embroidered, fur-lined hooded cloak and muff she'd commissioned for her companion -- the younger woman had been aghast at sight of the practical but utterly unstylish parka Sura wore previously. 'Chana looks surprisingly attractive when she slithers downstairs for their first ride; Fantine found out what was happening from Diana, and made sure her lady was quite elegantly attired and coiffed. Bradley, smiling and raising a silent eyebrow, does not comment on what amazing things a corset does to a nursing woman's breasts, while Diana squeals with delight and claps her hands at how lovely her currently-people-shy friend looks.
The first ride is a smashing success, and Diana talks 'Chana and her father into many more. The two women tend to exuberantly sing seasonal carols together -- sometimes with Bradley himself singing along as he drives -- harmonizing with the cheery jingling of the bells on the pony's harness. Friendly local townsfolk can't help noticing when the smart little sleigh drives into town at night for the occasional errand, although 'Chana tends to be shyly quiet around people, fearful of both her child's and her own nature being exposed. Nevertheless, with Diana's quick and cheerful explanations when stopped, there is invariably a mix of sympathy, awe at Sulochana's fortitude, and blessings and best wishes, at hearing how the poor lady got caught by winter while traveling pregnant, and how generous the Bradleys have been in allowing her and some of her family to stay.
It's after the first of those casual meetings that Diana later and perplexedly inquires -- what is the baby's name, please? 'Chana explains a little unhappily that naming is ordinarily decided between the parents, and her baby's father is not present. Diana ponders that for a bit, then sunnily offers to stand in with her father for a temporary 'baby' name -- until Sulochana can pick a proper one with that Roy person! That causes both 'Chana and Bradley to raise amused eyebrows, but the Hetaera obligingly lists the names she's come up with, that she likes so far: Jowaki, which means firefly; Rohana, which means sandalwood; Rishima, or moonbeam; and Anumeha, which means 'after the rain.' After the meaning of each name is explained ("It's a metaphor for what?! Eeew! You can't call the baby that!" ;), the three narrow it down to Rohana or Rishima. However, once Diana discovers how much 'Chana loves the scent of sandalwood, and how it was used to protect the baby during the egg-laying, she bounces happily and announces it simply must be Rohana! Bradley just smiles fondly, admitting he loves the scent of Sulochana's hair, and the Naga is coaxed into using that name -- at least for now.
From chatting in town, of course, invitations are eventually exchanged for seasonal festivities. Diana tends to delightedly accept for them all, although 'Chana quietly demurs later, back at the house. That causes Diana to have to enlist her father's aid in persuading the Hetaera to try experimenting: surely being in human form for just a short while cannot hurt? Both forms lactate, after all, and clearly there are many here who would adore being entrusted with the child's care! Between the encouragement of the Amazons, the Bradleys, the sidhe, several other people dear to her, and her own wistful desires... eventually 'Chana finds herself trepidatiously attempting human form once more.
That too turns out to be a smashing success -- the baby does not seem to mind whatsoever, and 'Chana's milk does not stop flowing. Admittedly the nervous Naga initially changes only while the baby sleeps, and makes sure to always be in her serpentine form while nursing or feeding -- for the vast majority of the time, in fact. Still, 'Chana's newly discovered ability to occasionally take human form without unpleasant repercussions causes Diana's delighted planning to increase -- and before he knows it, Bradley has once more been involved. Never one to party much, the manitou is faintly surprised to find himself escorting two gorgeous and excited ladies to several of the town's Solstice celebrations: his glowingly happy daughter Diana, and a quietly joyous Sulochana. The Hetaera always makes sure her people know where to find her in an instant, of course, and emphasizes they should feel free to call for her immediately should anything seem at all wrong with her infant daughter... but to her somewhat bemused relief, the little snake-tailed girl baby seems to be growing sturdily and well. Further, Sulochana discovers it is a great, almost breathtaking joy to be able to dance once more -- she'd not realized how desperately she missed it! That brings great pleasure to Bradley as well, of course; he adores dancing with his rapturous holy woman.
Diana has a small but cozily lovely party at the Bradley place as well, for her father's retainers -- she's quite aware of the responsibilities of being the lady of the house -- which makes 'Chana nervous, but seems to go off without a hitch. She and her people assist as much as they can, and the Amazon sisters unwittingly cause quite a bit of excitement when they arrive downstairs as 'Chana's foster family. Though they look a few years older than 'Chana, they're still quite of marriageable age to the townsfolk -- and apparently neither of them have beaus! Warned ahead of time, the Amazon shield-sisters good-naturedly do not reveal they are indeed actually married... to each other. Mr. Bradley is roundly congratulated on having so many lovelies of marriageable age about, and a few roguish hints are dropped as to which he is planning to court. The betting seems to be on 'Chana, despite her having a child, and there are those surreptitiously counting on their fingers, trying to figure out if the little girl might be his.
At the appropriate time, Sulochana's parents arrive with Solstice gifts from the Sesha household for everyone. Solstice morning itself is held pre-dawn for Bradley himself to be able to be present as well, and is lovely and cozy, with the two extended families cheerfully mingled as presents are pulled from beneath the tree and shared. The post-dawn morning is also pleasant, with Diana, 'Chana, and 'Chana's parents driving around in the smart little sleigh to deliver presents to the Bradley retainers -- complete with cheerful Amazon and sidhe outriders, music, and much caroling from house to house. After that the day is pleasantly relaxed, with much napping, so that once the sun has set again the families gather to carol, dance, and celebrate together, while the cook outdoes himself with a splendiferous Solstice dinner -- all of which makes everyone, especially Bradley himself, extremely happy. The new year arrives and is celebrated, as well as Twelfth Night, and after that the Sesha parents depart. Winter has been progressing relatively smoothly, with no more blizzards than expected, and no disasters.
It is a week or so after Twelfth Night that Sna'tha strolls into the drawing room. Diana is there, earnestly practicing on the harpsichord with a shyly happy Fantine seated next to her as page-turner. Bringer is seated on the couch with a blissful looking 'Chana curled up against him, her eyes closed and the nursing baby cuddled up in her arms. The manitou is quietly reading Shakespeare's sonnets to the young Naga, his voice a warm rumble in the room. Sna'tha glances around, then does a mental double-take and looks again at where 'Chana's curled up next to the manitou -- especially where her tail is lightly curled entirely about one of Bringer's ankles and up the calf.
Sna'tha pulls a chair over and straddles it in front of the content-looking couple, one pair of her arms crossed on the back. Bradley pauses in his reading, one finger marking his place as he gives her a faintly inquiring look, and 'Chana's dark serpentine tongue flickers once or twice -- then she smiles and lazily opens her eyes, nearly purring, "Hey, godsmama. What's up?" Sna'tha raises a stern eyebrow at 'Chana, then simply points at Bradley's lower leg. Sulochana looks puzzled, leaning forward to see what it is the sidhe is pointing at. She stares uncomprehendingly for a few heartbeats -- then she stiffens with a small hiss of shock. Bradley straightens in alarm, glancing between the two women, but before he can say anything the Naga flings herself off the couch with a frightened sob, baby Rohana clutched tight to herself, and literally flees the room!
Bradley comes to his feet, calling after her in confusion, "'Chana? Beautiful eyes, what's wrong?" When he moves to follow, though, Sna'tha taps his arm lightly, "Let her go. How long has she been wrapping her tail around your ankle?" He turns to her almost angrily, his voice sharp, "What's that got to do with anything? What's going on? What did you do?" There's a low, almost dangerous sound to that last question, and both Diana and Fantine stare uncomprehendingly for a moment -- then Fantine jumps to her feet, politely excuses herself, and cautiously sidles around the manitou to head after her lady.
That's when Diana and her father both hear from Sna'tha about how critical a mate-bond is for a Naga, and the behavior that shows the Serpent has indeed found her Chosen. Bradley finds himself conflicted: he's glad his lovely priestess has found a Chosen and given birth with Roy... but another part of him is fiercely proud he's been at least as good for her, and actually present during the birthing -- though he understands that's not Roy's fault. It is Diana, excited at the thought of getting to spend more time with Sulochana but confused on the actual details, who asks the critical question, "So if she's bonding with Papa too... what about her bond with this Roy person? Can she bond with two people she loves?"
Bradley and Sna'tha both stare at the young woman in shock, although for different reasons. Sna'tha is wondering how she can most swiftly reunite Roy and Sulochana, in the hopes the bond hasn't been irrevocably damaged yet; Bringer is wondering how he could have missed for so long that his beautiful complementary feminine principle actually loved him! He'd been assuming for all this time that the emotion he'd been feeling in her was due to the nearly ever-present infant girl, or to some other cause. When Sna'tha worriedly reiterates her previous query about how long 'Chana'd been wrapping her tail about his ankle, the distracted manitou murmurs that it's been since shortly after the baby was born -- er, egg was laid, rather. That causes Sna'tha to swear and stalk off, planning furiously.
Diana gives them both exasperated looks -- are neither of them thinking of how poor Sulochana must feel right now?! -then decides to go and find Poly, as 'Chana's foster daughter always seems to know what to do. The young woman asks the two Amazons to go with her to help comfort poor 'Chana, explaining the situation to them as they go.
That causes both young women to smile and shake their heads amusedly at the apparent blindness of the settled folk, and they hug Diana and 'Chana both, reassuring the distraught young Naga as she weeps on Fantine's shoulder -- of course the daughter of the Lady of Serpents can bond with more than one! She's also a tiger shifter, after all -- and neither tigers nor serpents are monogamous for life.
Wasn't Mama Nightmane listening when the Shaman first foretold for her, all those years ago? Doesn't she realize she's also bonded through ritual and dear affection with Poly's blood mother -- and that's why she's also Poly's mother of the heart, and Girl's best beloved? Hasn't she realized that she already carries a bit of the Warlord's wanderlust and fierce independence in her heart, as well as the Baton Rouge king's love of both water and his rowdy, sensuous, brawling young city? This just means she's likely to love the night as well -- since she is clearly already enamored of passion. 'Chana is still worried, but she eventually stops her frightened weeping and is reassuringly cuddled by all four women until she falls asleep in a nervous catnap.
Downstairs, Bradley waits relatively patiently; he wants to talk to Sulochana alone about this to see how she feels. He's excited by the thought that she might love -- does love, apparently? -him, and the very idea makes him feel both fiercely protective and almost intoxicated -- even more than the night he got to protect her when he caught Zachariah trying to press her as she pretended to be Fantine. The hungry, agitated manitou wants desperately to be close to her, to hold her and talk to her; to wrap his arms around her smooth, sleek body and to inhale her wonderfully beloved scent... and most importantly: to ask her if it's true she loves him. He's not sure what he'll do or say if she says yes, but he does know he wants her very, very badly right now -- wants to be alone with her if he can, or at most with maybe Fantine present... and especially without Sna'tha being there.
The sidhe is clearly planning something, roaming restlessly around the house and moving stuff around a bit -- that he can hear, at least -- but the manitou doesn't get in her way; he knows eventually she'll settle for the night. Once she has, he drifts as silently as shadow upstairs and into his priestess's suite -- then freezes in shock.
The scene he is witnessing is actually rather lovely, in a way. The Naga is half reclining across her bed, the pillows propping her up and her light-reflecting scales winking softly in the firelight. Her dark hair is loose, streaming in partly gleaming, partly shadowy waves over one shoulder, and she's wearing what looks like a light, shimmery silk top -- which leaves just enough to the imagination to make Bringer tighten up inside with need. Tucked safe and secure against 'Chana's side in a cradle of coils is baby Rohana, sleeping peacefully... but even though that's lovely in its own right, it's not what has Bringer clenching his jaw as he stares like a starving man watching a banquet.
Stretched out next to Sulochana on the bed is Fantine. The little loogaroo is in her skin-shed form, and is thus a bit disturbing to look at directly. She lies almost draped over the Naga's lap, both hands near-reverently holding one of 'Chana's arms up to her, as with slow, visibly ecstatic bliss she softly licks and suckles the pale, delicate skin inside the elbow. The Naga is relaxed and smiling down at her with half-closed eyes, gently stroking her loogaroo's back and breathing slowly and deeply. The heat and intimacy of the moment smolders between the two women as Sulochana purrs in a low, nearly throbbing murmur, "You have had to skip me for months, my little one, little sister. I'm strong enough now; I would like to feed you again." To the manitou, Fantine's needy hunger and near-adoration shimmers edibly around her, and he knows neither woman is aware yet of his presence in the enfolding shadows within the dimly firelit room.
The manitou shifts just a bit and fades into the darkness of the deepest shadows near the door. He feels as if he is intruding, but cannot quite bring himself to drag his eyes away. He has been Sulochana's lover. He has been her protector. He has fed from her hungers and passion -- but she has always denied him this sort of feeding. He cannot quite tell if what he's feeling is jealousy, hunger, or some mix of both. He does know arousal is definitely part of it.
When the little loogaroo sighs and turns her head into the soft skin of the Naga's elbow, Bradley clenches his fists, pupils dilating as if it were he in Fantine's place. The signs that the small woman has started to feed are subtle but unmistakable to his rather specialized senses. 'Chana's slow, shivering inhalation as she continues to gently stroke Fantine's hair, and the way her head falls back against the pillows, are another cue. It's an action that speaks of trust and intimate relaxation between just the two of them -- especially as it bares the long, slender column of the Naga's soft throat, and exposes part of her paler upper chest.
Bradley watches for a spine-shivering moment and then realizes how intimate the moment is that he's watching -- and when he uses the term "spying upon" in his own mind, he knows he must either let them know of his presence or leave. With an effort he slips back out of the room and stands outside the door, one hand resting on the wood and his head bowed. He wants so badly to be in there, to be in Fantine's place... and surely if his lovely loves him, she would want him there?
That's when his attempts to convince himself she should stay with him falter. He has seen the love and intimacy she shares with her people. To keep her here would be to starve them of her unique abilities... and he cannot do that. But he will share everything he can with her while she's here with her daughter and her family. The manitou can feel the feeding on the other side of the door and, despite the ache low in his chest, the ache in his loins is unabated. When he feels Fantine's hunger begin to ebb, he raises his hand, hesitating only a moment before knocking. When Sulochana calmly calls out that the door is open, he turns the knob and steps in, saying, "Dear soul, we need to talk..."
Within the dim, warm, sensually musky-scented room there's still the faint tang of blood to Bringer's senses. Sulochana is also still reclining in languid grace across the bed and the pillows -- which have been fluffed up behind her -- and her eyes brighten with pleasure at sight of Bringer; his lovely greeting brings a dreamily pleased smile to her lips as well. The Naga has her 'donating' arm stretched out over her head, with the other hand pressing a small wad of bandage at the crook of her elbow. At Bringer's entry she does not bother re-arranging herself more decorously, although her tongue flickers several times, tasting his scent, and the bright-shimmering end of her tail coils and uncoils a few times.
Fantine is still skinless as she stands by the window, looking curiously to see who knocked. At sight of the big man, though, she gives a shy squeak -- rather like a nice girl caught in the nude -- and hastily changes shape into a small glowing blue ball of light floating in the air. She whizzes over to whirl once around 'Chana's head -- the Hetaera laughs affectionately, murmuring, "You're welcome, little one. Thank you for the comforting!" -- then darts out the window and is gone.
Before Bringer can speak, Sulochana flicks her gaze back to the manitou and takes a deep breath. Her tone is a bit less languid and more her usual tones as she says determinedly, "Bringer. I... yes, we need to talk, but -- but please, I need to say something to you first, all right?" She gives him a worried smile as she lowers her left arm, taking a quick peek at it to be sure it is healing nicely, then looking inquiringly back up at Bringer.
Bradley nods and perches carefully on the edge of the bed, eyes moving over her, carefully taking in the details, "Go on, lovely." He doesn't reach for her, though he very much wants to.
Sulochana takes a deep breath, then begins speaking in careful, measured tones, "I understand you may be, ahh... somewhat alarmed at what my godsmother said about Nagas and bonding. I, well, I just wanted to reassure you: I am aware of your feelings for your deceased wife, and I promise you, I never intended for this to happen! Please, I don't want you to feel any pressure or uncomfortableness with me due to this, all right? I emphatically do not wish to make things difficult at all for you and your lovely daughter Diana." She takes a deep breath, her golden-eyed gaze flicking nervously away for a moment... then back again as she visibly braces herself, "So -- so if you need us all to leave, Bringer, I will quite understand, and you should not feel bad at all about it, all right?"
Bradley feels the sting of tears at his eyes and reaches carefully for her, not wishing to startle her or the tiny infant daughter nestled in her coils. She comes quite willingly into his arms, winding about him as much as she can without disturbing Rohana; he can feel the slow curl of a slender coil turning around one of his ankles again. "I do not wish for you to leave. I wish for you to stay, permanently, but I came to say I've realized I cannot ask that of you." He feels a little rush of shame and almost doesn't go on, "I came in before I knocked, before. I saw you... and Fantine..." There's a little catch in his voice as his body reacts involuntarily to the remembered heat and intimacy. "I cannot ask you to deprive your family, and Rohana's father, of the things you feed in them."
Sulochana sighs, relaxing visibly at his words, her voice relieved, "You -- you're not upset? Oh, thank goodness!" She wraps her arms about him, leaning her head against his chest, and smiles peacefully, "Thank you for telling me, sweetheart." She's silent for a moment, listening to the steady, reassuring beat of his heart... then she says softly, "Why did you not let us know you were there, Bringer?" She's not sure why, but for some reason his answer is very important to her, and she finds herself checking his chakras as she asks.
He takes several deep breaths. These are the kinds of situations where people lie to one another to preserve feelings and dignity. These are also the kinds of situations where people with true intimacy are completely honest. His rumbling voice is gentle, "I froze. I saw her with you and knew you were going to feed her in a way that you will not feed me. It was... gorgeous and arousing and heart-breaking. Part of me wanted to watch; be a voyeur and live vicariously through Fantine's feeding. But it was not something to be shared with an outsider. And, sweet soul, you may be starting to bond with me and you may love me, but I am an outsider to Fantine. To Sna'thaid. To your true family... and so I slipped away." His chakras echo the truth of his words: the ache in his Heart, the pulse of his sacral chakra at the memory of what he saw. This is hard for him, but he is doing his best to take the correct path.
Sulochana is silent for a long moment, simply leaning against him with her tail and arms about him, her head against his chest as she listens with all her heart, her fingers brushing lightly along bare skin where she can find it. When he's done she is silent a moment longer... then she finally whispers, "I... this is why... I mean..." She takes a deep, shaky breath, laughing with soft nervousness, then lifts her head, "Bringer, w-would you do me a small favor, please? Would you put Rohana in her cradle, then come back, please?" The small wooden cradle is between the bed and the big fireplace, so the infant will be warm all the time, and close at hand to her mother.
Bringer smiles and kisses Sulochana's brow before gently lifting the tiny serpent-tailed child and taking her to her cradle, carefully tucking her in. He has had much experience at this; after all, it was he that stayed up nights with Diana. As Bringer tucks the sleeping baby in, he hears 'Chana's slightly nervous voice behind him, "Do you, ahh... know much about snakes, dear man?" When he glances back at her, he can see she's stretched out on the bed again, her tail coiled back a bit to make room for him and one arm out in silent invitation. Her tilted golden eyes are hugely dilated as she watches him, tongue flickering once or twice before she hastily continues, "We, um... we can hear a little, as well as taste and smell with our tongues." She smiles a bit shyly, glancing away for a second before she looks back at him, "So I, ahh... knew you were there. Probably not immediately, but when I leaned back as Fantine bit... there was warmth and your scent gathered where it hadn't been before, you know?" She hesitates, giving him a worried glance as she pats the bed next to her hopefully.
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