[center][h1][color=silver]The Reunion[/color][/h1][/center]

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[color=ivory]”...And that’s how I would describe the two of them.”[/color] Arya said as they walked underneath the trees of her home. There was excitement in her voice, something not even Laurien had heard before. The two walked side by side, at a very quick pace. They had decided to forgo flying, as to have a certain air of ‘surprise’ as Arya had put it. And now the two walked and talked after having spent a good bit of time traveling since their fateful encounter with the echos. 

[color=plum]”Well, they sound lovely, Arya.”[/color] Laurien mused aloud. [color=plum]”Oh! How tall are they?”[/color] she asked thoughtfully. 

[color=ivory]”Oh… Well I was taller than them before I left but now… Mother Xiaoli is really short, but don’t be fooled by that. She’s an avatar of his Holiness after all. And Mama Hermes is a little taller than her. The babies were really short though.”[/color] Arya said giving a light giggle. 

At the mention of an avatar, Laurien frowned, her battle with Vrog coming to mind. [color=plum]”Have you noticed Arya, that everyone is so… Short? Everyone I’ve met is just… Super small. I’m even taller then some gods. Can you believe such a thing?”[/color] Laurien asked her frown becoming a smile.

[color=ivory]”I wouldn’t know, I’ve really only been around Servants and they are pretty short. I always felt like a giant around them.”[/color] she said laughing, before falling silent. Laurien then put a hand on her shoulder and Arya turned to look at her. [color=plum]”It’s okay to be sad.”[/color] Laurien said to her softly. 

Arya put a hand on her’s and after a moment she sighed, saying, [color=ivory]”I know… I just want to be happy… I’m here about to see my… Other family and I’m just so nervous. What if they forgot about me? What if they don’t recognize me? What if… What if they aren’t there?”[/color] her voice came, fringed with fear.

Laurien gently squeezed her sister’s shoulder and said, [color=plum]”Nonsense. One could never forget you, and come on… You are one of the most unique looking people on Galbar, they will recognize you. And… And they will be there. I know it.”[/color] Arya quickly wiped away a tear and gave Laurien a smile. 

[color=ivory]”You’re right. Yeah… Everything will be okay. Now come on, I can hardly contain my excitement!”[/color] she said before beginning to speed walk in the direction of the house. They were close now, very close. Laurien waited a moment before shaking her head and chuckling. She then followed. As they neared the main house, Arya paid tribute to the shrines, and beckoned Laurien to do the same. Arya then stood silently, looking at her home for the first time in such a long time. It elicited such warm feelings, of happiness and joy that she did not move for a moment. Laurien stood silently behind her, taking it all in for the first time. Arya then looked back at Laurien and smiled before approaching the slider doors at the far end of the courtyard.

“Uhm… Excuse me,” came a tiny voice as Arya and Laurien neared the main house.

Both girls stopped dead in their tracks at the sound of another’s voice. Next to them in the grass sat two young girls, one considerably taller than the other, though still a speck compared to the two giantesses. The smaller one chewed on a biscuit and appeared to make great efforts to hide herself behind her older sister, who rose to her feet and bowed. 

“W-we don’t often get guests around here. I’m- No, wait… This humble servant of Yours is named--”

“Laiaaaa, y-you’re messhing up your relationshipsh again,” mumbled the younger sister with her mouth full of biscuit and covered her face with her large sleeves.

“W-well, it’s not easy to remember it all, Bayarmaa! Ugh, you’re so--!” She turned back to the two and bowed again, frantically this time. “So, so sorry! She’s really young and, well… Hi, nice to meet you! I’m Laia! Wait, no, messed it up again! Snapfruit!”

There had been a moment in time Arya had wondered if more children would come. But if she could have ever been prepared, it was not now. At the sight of the two girls, Arya gasped and fell to her knees before them, with her eyes so wide. She looked over them both. They were beautiful, so, so beautiful. [color=ivory]”Oh!”[/color] she said through happy tears, [color=ivory]”Laia, Bayarmaa. It’s so nice to meet you, little ones. My name is Arya, and that, is Laurien. W-Where are y-your mother's?”[/color] Arya said, choked up. Laurien in the meantime, had a very large smile upon her face, but said nothing.

“Oh! Well, they’re--”

"Wow!" A blue-haired girl suddenly butted into the conversation, having snuck up behind Laurien, "You musta drank [i]allllll[/i] you're milk growing up, huh?"

At the sound of the new voice, Arya and Laurien snapped their heads at the small child. Arya gasped again, and Laurien looked down with a confused look. [color=plum]”Milk?”[/color] she turned to Arya, [color=plum]”What’s that?”[/color]

"A good time!" Altansarnai giggled, "Momma says to drink it every dinner and then I can be big and strong. I'm already pretty strong too!"

[color=plum]”Why, of course you are!”[/color] Laurien said, turning back to the small girl. [color=plum]”And what’s your name, little one?”[/color] she asked. 

“Hey, Altan, don’t interrupt - it’s rude, you know!” Laia huffed.

"No, no!" Altansarnai waved her hands in front of Laia's face, "my name is--" she tapped her chin in a familiar way, "Tree-eater… Fiery Tree-eater… Of the flatlands… yes."

As Laurien chuckled out loud, Arya watched the new girl, and a smile crossed her eyes as she realized that she reminded her of Hermes. [color=plum]”Fiery Tree-Eater, Of the flatlands. It is so nice to meet you. I’m sure you have many stories to tell.”[/color] Laurien giggled. Altansarnai nodded eagerly.

Laia put her hands on her hips and huffed a little more. She then looked down at her biscuit-munching little sister, who was busy hiding behind the older sister’s legs. “Bayarmaa, could you go get mother? I think she should be in the family house - well, the big one.”

Bayarmaa looked up and nodded timidly before rushing off past Arya and Laurien as if they were chasing her. Laia bowed again. “Sorry about her - she’s a little afraid of people.”

Arya gushed as the little one ran off, her heart beating a thousand times a minute. She turned to Laia and said, [color=ivory]”That’s okay, I’m sure you don’t see many people out here anyways. It’s only natural.”[/color] she said with a warm smile.

“.. Yeah, yeah, weird people in the yard, I get it, Bayarm--” Suddenly Xiaoli stood in the doorway of the family house behind Arya and Laurien, her arms nearly dropping the sleeping Temüjin. The river girl’s eyes went wide as saucers, but soon squinted together again as they filled with tears. “A-Arya?” she whispered.

At the sound of a familiar voice, Arya perked up and turned around. Slowly the girl stood up as a new flood of tears fell down her face. [color=ivory]”M-Mother!”[/color] she said, scrambling towards her. Careful not to crush the little one in her hands, Arya gently embraced Xiaoli, sobbing as she did. [color=ivory]”I-I-I’m back.”[/color]

Xiaoli wrapped her free arm around Arya’s neck and rubbed her face deeply into her shoulder affectionately. She sniffed and said, “Welcome home, dear."

Altansarnai let out a soft "ooo" as she oogled the reunion from Laurien's side. The blue-haired girl stepped forward, her hands eager fists, "Momma, are they staying for dinner?" 

Arya pulled away from Xiaoli and said, [color=ivory]”So many little ones.”[/color] with a laugh.

Xiaoli giggled. “Yeah, you know, that’s what happens when one has a lot of time, a lot of room and a lot of--...” She looked around at her children and blushed a bit. “... Well, it happens.” She gave Altansarnai smile. “Why, yes, I was hoping they would.” She looked at the two expectantly, then noticed that there were indeed two. “Oh, pardon! I was a little overcome by the reunion.” She bowed to Laurien. “Forgive me. I’m Xiaoli, wife of Hermes and lady of the house. Who are you, may I ask?”

Laurien bowed to Xiaoli and said, [color=plum]”There is nothing to forgive, Lady Xiaoli. I am Laurien, sister to Arya.”[/color] she said with respect. [color=plum]”Your children and home, are very lovely.”[/color]

“Arya’s sister? My, Arya, you never told us you had a sister! She looks older than you, too.” Xiaoli ran her eyes up and down Laurien’s figure.

Both Laurien and Arya began to talk at once, speaking of who the older siblings was before they paused, and began laughing merrily. 

Arya then said, [color=ivory]”Well the thing is, I never knew! Father created her, and sent her out to find me.”[/color] Arya said, misty eyed as she turned to Laurien. [color=ivory]”And found me she did. But, I am definitely the older sibling.”[/color] she said with a laugh.

[color=plum]”It is true. She has me in age, but… Well… I’m taller.”[/color] Laurien said, holding her tongue in front of the children, with a childish grin.

“Taller, indeed,” Xiaoli mumbled. “I do hope you two will fit inside the house. Otherwise, we can just eat outside. Would that be alright with you, hmm?”

[color=plum]”Of course!”[/color] Laurien said, [color=plum]”Whatever is easiest, my Lady.”[/color] she beamed a smile at Xiaoli.

“Then it’s settled. Laia, dear, take Bayarmaa and Altansarnai with you and fetch Zhongcheng and Ai. Set out the tables and dishes - I’ll get back to making dinner in a minute. Oh! And tell Ansong to make some tea if you see her.” 

Laia nodded. “Yes, mother.” She then turned to Arya and Laurien with a wide smile, bowed and began to shepherd her siblings to the dining house with a big of effort: Bayarmaa on one hand was seemingly quite happy to be anywhere else but here, whereas Altansarnai looked desperately eager to study the guests more. Xiaoli sighed a little and put her hand on her hip. “Just you wait until you one day get some of your own,” she snickered.

Arya laughed. [color=ivory]”Oh, maybe one day, isn’t that a thought?”[/color] Arya mused, before looking down at the sleeping child in Xiaoli’s arms. [color=ivory]”And who might this be?”[/color] she asked quietly.

“Oh!” Xiaoli went and smiled at the small boy on her arm. “This little troublemaker is Temüjin. Don’t be fooled by his sleepy demeanour - he laid waste to Wenbo’s city models yesterday. He will no doubt be as wild as his mother when he grows up.” Xiaoli offered him to Arya. “Want to hold him?”

[color=ivory]”Oh… I…”[/color] Arya said while looking at him. [color=ivory]”It’s been so long since I… Okay.”[/color] she said taking him from Xiaoli delicately. In her arms now, she watched his peaceful face, and knew he was having a pleasant dream. [color=ivory]”Little Temüjin.”[/color] she gasped, [color=ivory]”How many? How many more?”[/color] she asked softly to Xiaoli.

“You mean how many we’re planning or how many there are?” Xiaoli snickered.

[color=ivory]”Planning? Oh my goodness, I meant how many there are now. How many are you planning!”[/color] Arya said enthusiastically. 

“His Lordship made his own recommendation, but I don’t think the two of us can go for ten thousand just yet… But I wouldn’t mind a few more. Currently, we have ten.”

[color=ivory]”Ten!”[/color] she whispered loudly, as Laurien gave a whistle. [color=ivory]”This is wonderful, so, so wonderful. I could never have even imagined. Oh I’m so… So emotional right now.”[/color] she said as tears began to well up in her eyes as she handed Temüjin back to Xiaoli. Arya began to wipe more tears away from her eyes.

"Xiaoli, I-" The familiar bold and clear (if not a little raspy) voice of Hermes called out from one of the buildings as the Dreamer exited her cloak covering her save for her stressed looking face. Her black eyes widened and with a sudden boom and a blur she exploded into a streak of speed, suddenly slamming Arya into a massive hug. The impact cleanly took Arya from her feet as Hermes squeezed happily and twirled the girl.

"Arya!" She smiled wide and placed her back on the ground, "You're back!"

[Color=ivory]"Mama!"[/color] Arya squealed with joy as she embraced Hermes back and completely broke down as she did so. Her crying was silent but very apparent as her black tears stained her face in abstract streaks. After a long pleasant hug, Arya murmured, [color=ivory]"I'm back. I'm home."[/color] 

“You are,” Hermes squeezed Arya a bit more before plopping her back onto the ground. Her dark eyes flickered to Laurien, a cheshire grin still buzzing on her lips, “Hello!”

[Color=plum]"Hello,"[/color] Laurien said chipperly, [color=plum]"I've heard a great deal about you Hermes, about both of you. I'm glad to know that Arya had a place with such lovely people to call home. So, thank you. Both of you."[/color] the tall woman said bowing.

Arya then said, [color=ivory]"Mama, that's Laurien. She's my sister and she found me when I was lost."[/color] Arya said softly.

“Well it’s a pleasure,” Hermes nodded before hooking an arm around Xiaoli’s waist, “Are you two hungry?”

They both said yes in unison, then began to giggle. Hermes nodded vigorously “Good! Because Xiaoli is making…” She contorted her face, “Sweetgrass, what’s for dinner?”

"Grilled duck, dear," Xiaoli said sweetly as she hoisted Temüjin up against her shoulder. "I reckon Laia took over the preparation now. I'm barely needed in a kitchen anymore," she giggled. "Oh, look, there they're coming with the tables…" The river girl let out a happy sigh as three children of various ages came carrying a round, medium-sized dining table. Laia was indeed missing, and little Bayarmaa carried the sitting pillows - well, as many as she could hold. 

"Here on the courtyard, please," Xiaoli said and pointed down. 

"Ugh, Altan, you're walking too fast," Zhongcheng complained as he appeared to almost trip forward with every step. 

"You're walking too slow," Altansarnai stuck her tongue out and Hermes shook her head.

"After you put the table down, go fetch the others," Hermes looked over at Altansarnai, the girl giving her an eager look. Once the table was barely on the ground, the blue-haired girl broke into a sprint, leaving Zhongcheng groaning. 

The boy sucked up his groan and pursed his lips. Hermes gave him a sorry smile and rustled his hair, inciting a quiet, "Mom." 

In seconds the rest of the children arrived spearheaded by a bouncing Altansarnai. Chagatai and Wenbo hung behind the others, a dark look in their eyes as if awaiting an impending sentence, which they were. Li seemed perky, as if forgetting his traumatic experience earlier. His tiny smile faded when he saw Arya and Laurien, quickly hiding behind a closeby Ai, arms filled with utensils and cups.

Laurien now stood next to Arya as they watched the children with bright eyes. Ten was a big family but it felt like more, with all eyes on the pair of sisters and not even all of them were there! Arya turned to Xiaoli and Hermes saying, [color=ivory]"Oh they're so beautiful and big!"[/color] she said turning to the twins. In her excitement she failed to realize the strange looks upon their faces but it did not go unnoticed by Laurien.

Xiaoli gave the boys a frown and said, "How about you sit down? Dinner should be ready any minute and- Oh! There's little Ansong!" A sweet little girl came out of the dining house with a tray. On the tray was a teapot, four teacups, another, taller cup and a plate of biscuits. She poured two of the cups half full and held the tray up to Laurien and Arya. "Are you thirsty?" 

Both girls graciously took a cup saying thanks to the little Ansong. Arya took a sip and closed her eyes as the flavors washed around and then down. It had been a long time since she tead. Laurien also took a sip, then another and another until her cup was empty. [Color=plum]"Delicious."[/color] she said cheerfully.

Ansong smiled from ear to ear and darted her eyes at Xiaoli, who winked proudly. "Right," the river girl said, "I'll check on how Laia is doing. How about you three catch up for a bit before food is served, hmm?" She nodded at Hermes, bowed almost instinctively, and headed for the kitchens. 

“Alright, well,” Hermes put her hands on her hips, “Let’s all have a seat then, yeah?” As if punctuating her words, the kids clamored to their cushions. Hermes took a big plump one at the head of the table right next to a lone blue pillow that the kids avoided. Wenbo and Chagatai sat close together, as far away from Hermes as possible without ending up on the other end of the table. Little Li on the other hand, sat right next to her around the corner, a goofy smile on his tiny face. 

After watching all of the children take a seat, Arya and Laurien both sat down at the far end of the table. Arya sat directly across from Hermes and Laurien sat on her right side. Since she was a bit too big, Laurien simply sat on the ground, pushing the pillow aside. After a moment, Arya fake coughed and said, [color=ivory]"So, introductions?"[/color] she asked chipperly. Laurien gave a simple nod, as she fidgeted with the smaller silverware.

“Oh!” Hermes smiled, “Right! So this is little Li, that is Ansong, Ai, Zhongcheng, Wenbo, Chagatai, Bayarmaa, Altansarnai, and then Temüjin and Laia are with Xiaoli.” She clasped her hands together, “And everyone, this is your older sister Arya,” She gestured towards Arya, “And her sister Laurien. So in a way, Laurien is your sister too.” Hermes cocked her head, “If that’s alright with you Laurien.”

Laurien suddenly jolted up and looked at Hermes, then to Arya who gave her a wide smile and a nod. Laurien then turned back to Hermes and said, [color=plum]"Oh, I'd be honored!"[/color] her voice was full of silky happiness. Arya in the meantime seemed to take her time studying each and everyone of her siblings.

“You’re really tall. I don’t think you’ll fit inside the guest rooms...” Ai claimed with an uncertain frown. Bayarmaa poked her head out from next to Altansarnai to stare wordlessly at Laurien. Laia quickly came running from the kitchens with two steam baskets which she promptly put on the table before rushing back.

Laurien turned to look down at AI with a soft smile. [Color=plum]"You are probably right, but that's okay. I'm perfectly happy to sleep outside. I've been doing that for… Awhile now."[/color] she said before turning to Bayarmaa and winking.

Bayarmaa once more dove for cover behind her sister. Zhongcheng raised an eyebrow and threw his hands in the air. “You sleep outside?! Why?!”

“Zhongcheng, don’t be rude!” Ai snapped. “Animals sleep outside, too.”

“Is she an animal?” Bayarmaa asked carefully.

Ai blushed with embarrassment. “Wuh-! No! Look at her!” 

"I'm an animal!" Altansarnai growled and lunged for the steam basket, only for her hand to get slapped away by her mother.

"Children, please," Hermes commanded, "Laurien is not an animal, she's family."

"Poppler's family," Zhongcheng idly mentioned while inspecting his empty plate.

"Don't be smart," Hermes narrowed her eyes and the boy shrugged and went back to his quiet studying of the plate. 

Laurien held a hand over her mouth, stifling her laughter as the children discussed her. In the courtyard gate came Laia once more, this time carrying bowls of carrots and radish chopped into long strips, as well as bowls of fermented cabbage and a jar of a thick, sticky sauce that smelled like cooked meat. She rushed back out to the kitchens promptly thereafter.

“Need some help out there?” Ansong called softly after her, but got no answer. The small girl sighed a bit and poured some more tea for Arya and Laurien. They graciously took more tea and began to sip.

"So tell me about… well everything," Hermes began looking at Laurien and Arya, "I feel like I've missed so much."

"Are you staying forever?" Altansarnai asked. 

[Color=ivory]"I think so, little one."[/color] Arya said softly to Altansarnai. There was a smile on her face that quickly faded as she looked to Hermes. [Color=ivory]"There's much to tell but… Not right now, please. I'd much rather know about here and everything that's happened. I'm sure you have many stories."[/color] 

“Of course,” Hermes smile turned to one of concern, “Well after, how about we go to my study, like we used to? As for now, life has hit a sort of rhythm.” She tapped her chin, “I admit it’s not my old adventures across Galbar, but it’s an adventure all the same. Every day looks like it’s the same as the rest… at least in name, but in actuality so many little things and experiences keep me saited, especially since it’s with my little ones.” She sighed contently, “Also my studies and various projects help keep my curiosity occupied at least.” She shook her head, “Poor Xiaoli.”

“Did somebody call?” Xiaoli asked warmly as she came into the courtyard carrying a large tray with brown-skinned, crispy duck slices. Next to her walked Laia with a jug of juice in each arm, diligently trying to mimic her mother’s proud, controlled posture with her nose almost pointing straight upwards and her back so straight it almost curved backwards. Temüjin sat tucked inside the folds of Xiaoli’s robe, making bubbles between his lips.

“Oh, we were just admiring your patience, love,” Hermes winked, “Looks good by the way.”

“It was my idea!” Li shouted suddenly, “Duck!” 

Xiaoli pursed her lips and shrugged. “My patience, huh. Well, it does take a little extra to survive for so many years with ten tiny dreamers - and a couple more with one beautiful one.” She made a teasing raspberry at Hermes and put the duck on the table. Eager to copy his mother, Temüjin made a much messier raspberry all over the person Xiaoli had to lean over - one young Ai that was growing slightly vexed at all the children noise around her. She felt something wet drip through her alabaster hair and immediately touched it, looked up and huffed.

“Moooom! Temüjin spat in my haaaaiiir!”

Xiaoli sighed. “Ai, you know how we just talked about patience? He’s a toddler - show him some.”

Temüjin made an innocent face, but it hid the sliest of smirks. Ai glared back. “He’s smirking at me, mom. He knows what he did.” Xiaoli merely shook her head and unlidded the steam baskets.

“Alright, everyone! You know how it works - grab a pancake, take some duck and vegetables, add some sauce and wrap it together. Remember to share now, okay? And-- No, Altan, guests first!”

“BUT Momma,” Altansarnai did her best Zhongcheng impression, chin up and everything, “I heard that they are family and not guests.” Zhongcheng rolled his eyes. 

[Color=ivory]"Oh please, let the children eat first! We are family after all and my appetite hasn't changed much. That okay Laurien?"[/color]

Laurien nodded. [Color=ivory]"I had a boar the other night, still hungry mind you, but I don't care if the children go first. They need to eat to get big and strong."[/color] she said smirking at Altansarnai.

“Oh come,” Hermes put some of the food on her and Xiaoli’s plate, “Take a bite, enjoy it-- these kids are well fed and can wait two seconds.”

A tiny finger prodded Laurien and Ansong looked up with her deep black eyes, “You have to.” She all but whispered. 

At the small prod, Laurien shrugged and began to do as instructed. She very tentatively took a pancake and layered it with a small bit of vegetables and duck. It was apparently that the small thing would really only serve as an appetizer to the giantess but she said nothing as she plopped the thing in her mouth and began to chew. Arya yielded as well and began to eat. Laurien let out a little gasp as she sat back shutting her eyes. 

[Color=plum]"Delicious! I haven't had food like this since I met his Holiness. It's very good, well done ladies.[/color] Arya then gave two thumbs up as she chewed. 

Xiaoli giggled. “Laia did almost all the work - it’s her you should thank.” The little girl beamed like the sun and bowed, “This servant is tha-” In her ecstacy, however, she forgot that the table was right in front of her face and dunked her forehead against it with an ‘ow!’ On the opposite side of the table, Zhongcheng, Altansarnai and Ansong all burst out into a loud cackle. Even Ai let a few snickers escape. Temüjin made a raspberry before joining in. The apple-skin red face of Laia looked up, except that it was hidden behind two palms of shame. Bayarmaa nodded understandingly. “M-mommy,” Laia sobbed.

“Alright, that’s enough laughing,” Xiaoli commanded with a hint of a smile on her face as she began to inspect Laia’s forehead.

Both Arya and Laurien flinched as Laia hit her head. They did not laugh or smile at the child, but shared an empathetic look. Arya knew she'd have to do something nice for her later, to make her feel better and as a reward for cooking such delicious food.

[i]”Pop!”[/i] A plump cloudling suddenly whizzed out of the carafe of juice, it’s cloudy lobes stained red. It crackled mischievously before zipping into Hermes’ hair. The Dreamer made a face.

“Oh so that’s where you’ve been,” She huffed and a tiny [i]Zzt![/i] answered. Hermes couldn’t help but break into a tiny laugh, “And our eleventh child, everyone.” 

[i]”Zzt!”[/i] 

Xiaoli shook her head with a roll of the eyes and a smile on the face before blowing one last time on the small bump forming on Laia’s still pink forehead. “No child of mine has a mouth like that, I can assure you.”

Laurien bent down and whispered to Arya, [color=plum]"What was that?"[/color] Arya turned and leaned into her sister's ear, [color=ivory]"That's Poppler, he's a cloudling. Native to Tendlepog."[/color] Laurien then said, [color=plum]"Well what did it say?"[/color] Arya then shrugged and said, [color=ivory]"Dunno, I don't speak cloudling. I kinda just nodded whenever he popped near me."[/color] she said with a sly smile. Laurien looked confused but said no more.

The plate of duck finally reached Wenbo and Chagatai and, with as small movements as he could manage, Wenbo stealthily began to snatch some slices of duck for his brother and himself. Chagatai swallowed a dry gulp of air and slowly ate, using his utensils lethargically, and shrinking under the gaze of Hermes. 

Hermes chewed on her duck, Xiaoli sitting down next to her. As the woman swallowed she cleared her throat, “So… boys?” Her eyes were directly on the twins, backed up by the fiery glare of Xiaoli. Arya turned her attention to the twins, for the first time realizing that something looked awry.

Wenbo squeezed his eyes together and grit his teeth. He sucked in a quiet breath, put on the brightest smile he could and went, “Yes, dear mom? Would you like me to pass anything?” 

“Have you two done any thinking on what happened?” Hermes’ usual cheery tone was serious.

Chagatai croaked a response, “Yes, mom.”

“Oh?”

“It was my fault and I feel terrible about Li. I lead them wrong.” He looked over at Zhongcheng, “But I think I did answer the problem like a leader.” 

“Yes, protecting your brother was the right thing to do - and we are both really happy that you both survived…” Xiaoli agreed. “However, the root of the issue is the fact that this happened at all. You may have solved the problem like a leader, Chaggie, but a leader wouldn’t have gotten them into this kind of trouble in the first place.”

“Li wasn’t supposed to be there,” Chagatai prodded Wenbo with his elbow.

“Y-yeah!” Wenbo supported. “He came on his own volition - that wasn’t our fault. If anything, maybe we could give him some praise for his tracking skills?” Wenbo proposed with a smirk.

“No, I don’t think we will,” Xiaoli snapped. 

“I know I did wrong,” Chagatai flourished, “And I accept the blame for that-- what else is there?”

“That’s-” Hermes pursed her lips, “Not the point. I’m glad you can see that you did wrong, but the question is… will you two do it again?”

Wenbo shook his head. “No, of course not - once, uhm, twice was more than enough. There is nothing up in this mountains but devils and--”

“Wenbo!” Xiaoli boomed and the boy appeared at least ten years younger for a moment. “Will you do it again or not?”

Wenbo felt his nose burn a little. He sat up again and cleared his throat as tiny droplets formed in the corners of his eyes. “N-no, mother,” he said staring down. Chagatai sat pale next to him, the table in a resounding silence.

Hermes sighed, “But do you know what you shouldn’t do again, hm? Is it clear what exactly you did wrong? Is it?”

“We went to the mountains--”

“No!” Hermes loudly corrected, “You disobeyed us. Exploration, adventure, all these curiosities… I can support. I want you all to be as free as you desire, but you are still our children and you have to trust that we put up these restrictions for a reason. You have to respect us enough to follow our rules, and you didn’t do that and as a result the VERY REASON we say these things happened, how do you think that makes us feel?”

Chagatai was silent, doing his best to hold in tears. Hermes sighed hot air through her nose, “Is that [i]clear?[/i]”

“Y-yes, mom,” Wenbo mumbled somberly as the tears finally began to roll. “... W-we won’t do it again.” He was silent for a moment. “S-sorry, I’m not feeling so hungry… Can I go to my room?”

“Oh no,” Hermes shook her head, “Not just yet.” She looked over at Xiaoli, who gave her a tiny nod. She sucked in a breath, “I know it is Ai’s week to babysit Temüjin and help in the kitchen, but I’m shifting that to you and Chagatai… for two weeks. Temüjin and cleanup is now your duty.”

“What!?” Chagatai went to throw his hands up but was knocked back into his seat by a glare from Xiaoli. Hermes closed her eyes and sighed.

“I’m not finished.” She pursed her lips for a while, as if figuring out her next words, “Once the two weeks are over… a few times a week I’ll be taking you two with me during my explorations. I hope maybe this way, I can sait that dreamer curiosity of yours.”

Chagatai gave Wenbo a look of both annoyance and glee, split between his punishment and his boon. Wenbo returned similar expressions, a contrasting grimace of a flat mouth and raised eyebrows. He shrugged a little and bowed his head. “Alright - that seems fair,” he said.

“Don’t rely too much on Laia. She will tell me if you don’t do your job in the kitchen, understood?” Xiaoli gave Laia a nod and she returned it with a loyal, determined look.

Hermes coughed, “Also no dessert tonight,” She brought a cut of duck to her lips and gave her twins a look, forcing a groan from Chagatai and Wenbo. Hermes nodded and plopped the duck into her mouth. After swallowing, and as chatter started at the table again, she leaned into Xiaoli’s ear.

“How was that?”

Xiaoli gave her a thumbs-up. “Personally, I would have gone for three weeks, but I feel their morale already has suffered a heavy hit. Nice plan, dear.” She pecked a small kiss on Hermes cheek and sighed. “... I really hope they’ll learn now…”

[Color=ivory]"Well that was exciting!"[/color] Arya said after a moment. 

Laurien then cleared her throat and said, [Color=plum]"What's for dessert?"[/color]

Xiaoli brushed the frown off her face and smiled. “We’re having leftovers from yesterday’s sweetgrass pudding.” Wenbo wrinkled his nose enviously and Chagatai slapped his own face.

“Oh delicious!” Hermes hummed, a crackle sounding form her hair. She patted Xiaoli’s hand, “She knows how to spoil a crowd.” Xiaoli smiled warmly. “Why, there is naturally only one way to welcome home our two daughters, right?”

[Color=ivory]"You're going to love this Laurien. It's soooo good."[/color] Arya said excitedly.

[Color=plum]"Sweetgrass? Is that grass… Which is sweet?"[/color] Laurien questioned innocently. 

“Named it myself,” Hermes smiled wide and pushed her plate away, before she could sit up, Ansong suddenly shot from her seat.

“I can get it!” 

Altansarnai also stood up, except her wicked grin contrasted Ansong’s innocent suggestion, “Me too!” 

“No, allow me,” Laia said and stood up, seemingly determined to win back her pride.

Xiaoli giggled. “Alright, why don’t you three go get it together, hmm?”

Laia put her hands on her hips. “But mother, the bowl’s small enough for one person to carry.”

Xiaoli shrugged. “All of you seem pretty eager - the energy expense of running to the kitchen should do you some good, anyway - especially Altan.”

Altansarnai looked as if she was about to say something, but then suddenly jolted, her blue hair exploding into a plume as she sprinted towards the kitchen.

“Last one there cleans the table!” 

“You know that’s not how that works!” Ansong shouted after her, getting up from her place gingerly and puffing out her already round cheeks. Laia hastened after.

“Don’t worry, baby,” Hermes gave her a soft smile, “Take your time.”  

Temüjin suddenly made a burping noise and began to reach for Hermes. Xiaoli snickered quietly and pulled him out of her robes. “Looks like a little someone misses mommy. Here, would you take him for a minute while I clean the tables?”

Hermes took Temujin and sat him on her lap. The toddler giggled happily and clapped his hands. The dreamer patted Xiaoli’s back, “Why don’t you wait until we are done with dessert, love?”

As if on cue, Altansarnai came running from the kitchen, a distraught Ansong and Laia at her heels as she giggled madly, a streak of red on the corner of her mouth. Hermes furrowed her brow but it was Xiaoli who rocketed to her feet, gripped Altansarnai by the arm and gave her a stern frown. “Altan, where’s the pudding?”

“In the bowl!” She chirped in surprise. Peeking into the ceramic bowl, the pudding was indeed there, as was a long finger mark. 

Xiaoli sighed. “Next time use a spoon, at least. Put it on the table, please. Everyone! Dessert’s here!” As the children all cheered, Wenbo raised his hand.

“Uhm… Mother, since we’re not getting any, can we leave the table, please?”

Xiaoli frowned at him, looked down at the pudding and blew some hot air out her nose. “I’m tempted to say no, but making you watch your siblings eat pudding is a bit cruel - make sure to clean up after yourselves, okay?”

Wenbo smiled and nodded as he collected his plate, cup and chopsticks. “Chaggie, you wanna come?”

“Yeah,” The small warrior shoved the last of his food he was picking at into his mouth and swallowed hard. He bowed his head to Hermes and Xiaoli before running off with his dishes. 

Arya watched as Laurien tried the sweetgrass pudding, her sister taking a spoonful much to small for her and placing it inside her mouth. For a moment there was nothing, and then a wolfish smile erupted across her face. She sighed again and said, [color=plum]”This is divine, ladies. How did you ever come up with the recipe?”[/color]

"Oh you know," Hermes idled, "Xiaoli loves sweets and I love Xiaoli… also a certain book had a good pudding recipe." She chuckled at her own joke.

“And it made life here approach one step closer to Heaven,” Xiaoli mused with a smile of bliss as she put a spoonful of pudding in her mouth. “I’ll teach it to you someday, how about that?”

Laia raised her hand. “Mother, can I try teaching her?” Xiaoli gave her a proud smile and caressed her head. 

“Laia, you’re an amazing little cook, but… How to say this, your puddings are still a bit too liquidy. With a bit more training, though, you should be fine.”

“Oh… Okay,” Laia said with a hung head.

[Color=plum]"Liquidy or not, I would love to be taught by you, Laia."[/color] Laurien said smiling at the small girl.

Laia beamed and gave Xiaoli a pleading look. The river girl rolled her eyes playfully. “Alright, alright - if your sister’s so eager, then I guess there’s no helping it. Just don’t use up all the eggs, please. They’re a bit of a hassle to collect.”

“Yes, mother!” Laia voiced in all haste and sped over to Laurien. “Let’s go, let’s go!”

[Color=plum]"Oh! Okay!"[/color] Laurien said, getting to her feet. [Color=plum]"Lead the way Lady Laia."[/color] 

“No, no, we just had some - you can make it later. Tomorrow, for example,” Xiaoli suggested. Laia huffed.

“But mother, I wanna show her!”

Xiaoli gave Laurien a look. “Is it alright with you? Sure you haven’t had your filling of pudding yet?”

Laurien winked at Xiaoli then said, [color=plum]"It's fine with me, I'm quite content."[/color] she mused.

“Alright,” she sighed, “Go on.”

Laia grabbed Laurien by the hand and began to eagerly pull her towards the kitchens. [Color=plum]"My, what a strong grip!"[/color] Laurien laughed as Laia led her away. Arya watched as her sister left, a smile on her face.

"So Arya," Hermes finally said, a smile buzzing on her face as she finished off a spoon of her pudding, "Want to set up the plans for your new house with Xiaoli and I tomorrow?"

Arya turned to Hermes, her eyes lighting up. [Color=ivory]"Oh that'd be wonderful. I'm sure Laurien would appreciate a bed her size, instead of a tree."[/color] she giggled.

"She certainly is a tall one," Hermes chuckled, "And here I thought you were the tall one around here."

[Color=ivory]"Who knows? I've noticed you both are much shorter than I remember, so I must be growing still. But I don't think I'll reach her height."[/color] Arya mused.

"Hm," Hermes frowned slightly, "I did notice that. oh well, you'll have to help with the hunt is all-- she's a bit too big. Maybe she will have a better time with the tree-eaters, she just has to take Chaggie or WenWen with her."

Arya nodded. [Color=ivory]"Ah hunting, that's always fun. Unless you are the one being hunted."[/color] she said going silent. She then blinked and said, [color=ivory]"They got in some trouble yeah? The twins?"[/color] 

"Yeah, I'm sorry you had to sit through that," Hermes nodded and pushed an empty bowl away from herself. 

[Color=ivory]"Don't even worry about it. I'm used to seeing discipline. It's good to see it here, your outnumbered after all."[/color] she said with a laugh.

"It isn't the first time," Hermes winked and slapped her pant leg, right above the deep scar on her calf. She sighed, "but no, they are all very well behaved considering their parentage." She blinked a few times.

"All right, kids, time to clean the table." She looked over at Xiaoli, "Thank you for dinner, love."

[Color=ivory]"Boys will be boys."[/color] Arya sighed. She turned to Xiaoli and said [Color=ivory]"That was very good Mom. It hit the spot."[/color]

Xiaoli smiled and waved dismissively. "A mother's duty, after all." She stacked a few bowls into a small tower. "So, Arya, what's the plan going forward? Any more adventures?" 

[Color=ivory]"There is no plan, mother."[/color] she said happily. [Color=ivory]"I'm staying home for the time being, I don't have the heart to go anywhere else right now, I've been away long enough."[/color] she said standing up, looking at all the children and her mothers. Somewhere Laurien was learning to cook and the twins were being twins.

[Color=ivory]"Home."[/color] she said aloud to no one and then began to help clean up.

[hr]

[hider=summary]

Pre-Timeskip.

Arya and Laurien arrive on Tendlepog and eventually make it to the estate. Lot’s of tears and happiness are had as Arya reunites with Xiaoli, Hermes and meets the children. Laurien is also brought into the fold, as a sister of Arya, she is also a daughter of Xiaoli and Hermes. They all share a dinner outside, wherein Chagatai and Wenbo get their punishment much to the amusement of Arya. Xiaoli then asks Arya what her plans are, and she simply states she’s going to stay home. Our lovely post ends on a high note, with the future bright.

[/hider]

[hider=Prestige Summary]
Hermes;

Start: 22
+1 for Minor role.
+1 joyous collaboration.
+1 for Major role
End: 25

Arya: The Learner, The Martial Dancer, The Compassionate, The Wanderer, The Teacher, The Sailor, Last of the Zhengwu
+21 Prestige Starting
+1 For Minor Role
+1 For Major Role
+1 For Jolly Collaboration
= +24 Prestige Ending

[hider=Skills/Abilities Learned]
+6 Prestige on Fighting
+6 Prestige on Dancing
+6 Prestige on Martial Dancing.
+1FP for flight.
+2FP for ‘evil eyes’ ability. Causes nightmares to those that distress Arya. 
[/hider]
[/hider]