Queen of the Dragons- FINAL CALL (9/6/2014)

[Shewolf13]

Celestia, Lyall, David, Draco, and Sophia are all in the Swap shop.  See first post or my Sig for the link.

[cainspath]

Celestia, Lyall, David, Draco, and Sophia are all in the Swap shop.  See first post or my Sig for the link.

OMG. Thanks. I am so waiting for Aurora! I can already see her and Hercules becoming best friends.

[Shewolf13]

Haven't forgotten about this; insomnia acting up so been a bit out of it.  Hope to get an update tomorrow along with more uploads to the Swap Shop.

[Shewolf13]

Sorry for the delay everyone.  Finally got a little sleep and then had some time tonight to get an update together.  The other issue I had was some writer's block.  I got inspired again and after asking permission, I used a little bit of different format.  Those of you familiar with Raia's Second Chances story will undoubtedly recognize the format.  If you aren't, I highly recommend checking it out!  Thanks Raia!

Without further ado, I give you a new chapter.

Chapter 11: China and Back Home

I just spent the last little while reading over my mom’s previous entries.  I’ve known the family lore since I was a kid.  Mom never kept it from me.  And I look back and can’t remember a time when I didn’t feel the power that ran through me, so it’s not that I didn’t believe her.  Still, it’s odd to look at it from her perspective.  Compared to some of my friends’ parents, she was definitely… different, some would say odd.  She just didn’t come from the same world.  What must it have been like for her?  I don’t think I ever really thought about it.  From where I stood, she was just my mom.  She was unusual, but no one could dispute how beautiful she was.  I always loved her; she was my mom.  But after reading and after really thinking about it, I realize how amazing she really was.  Not because she’s the Queen of the Dragons.  No, she’s amazing because she’s my mom.

Hm, perhaps that’s a bit too philosophical.  Mom gave me this to record our lives.  My little brother always said I tended to over-analyze and think a bit too much.  It’s just always been my way.  Though joining the force seemed a bit counterintuitive from a certain perspective, it works for me.  The puzzles are right up my alley… even if said puzzle is just figuring out who took the last donut from the breakroom…


Sophia and I are doing very well.  We’ve been together since we were teenagers and even though we just became young adults, it seems so very right.  Though Aurora was not planned and we were young, I really can’t imagine my life without my wife and my daughter.  Were we too young?  Perhaps.  Do I regret anything?  How can I when I have a beautiful, smart, and funny wife to share the rest of my life with?  Or when I look into my precious daughter’s eyes?



Graduation was held the day after our wedding.  Sophia and I both graduated with honors.  For some reason, the others voted me as Most Likely to Take Over the World.  A joke, I think.  My lovely wife was voted Most Likely to Become a Sports Star.  The whole family came out.  Mom, Dad, and Falkor sat in the front row, Aurora taking turns on each of their laps.



As a surprise, mom and dad presented Sophia and I with tickets to go to Shang Simla.  Sophia and I had talked about going there at one point, before we knew that Sophia was pregnant.  But we figured it could wait until Aurora was older.  “Draco Maxim Wyvern,” my mother told me sternly, standing with hands on her hips.  “You and Sophia deserve to have some alone time together.  You’re married now and the two of you need a bit of time to get away.  Your father and I want some alone time with Aurora anyway.  We should be allowed to spoil our granddaughter a bit without the two of you underfoot, hm?”

I knew that look all too well and quite frankly, I was powerless to resist it and to resist the way that she and my father looked at me.  Dad’s hand rested on mom’s shoulders as he stood behind her, looking at me over the top of her head, a little grin on his face.  My mother’s face was stern and brokered no argument.  Swallowing, I swooped my mother up in a bear hug and spun her around then planted a wet kiss on her cheek.  “Alright, mother.  Thank you.”  I looked at my father and grinned.  “Both of you.”

My mother picked up Aurora and tickled her even as I ran to find Sophia to tell her that we were going to Shang Simla and that she needed to pack immediately.


Sophia was ecstatic.  She was packed and ready in record time.  The taxi showed up and took us to the airport.  It was a long flight.  Sophia was able to sleep for most of it.  I spent time reading and listening to my SimPod.  Finally, after many hours and two layovers, we arrived in China.


The landscape was gorgeous and so very green.  I couldn’t help myself; I grabbed my wife and kissed her soundly.  “We’re here,” I murmured in her ear.

She grinned and threw back her head, laughing.  It was good to hear it.  We both loved our daughter but we really hadn’t had a lot of time just her and I.  We were parents before we really got a chance to see who we were together.  This honeymoon is going to be a great way to see, both together and separately, who and what we are.


From: dragonprince @MonteVista.net
To: bigdaddydragon @MonteVista.net
Subject: Checking in

Hey Mom and Dad,

Soph and I made it to China fine, just like we told you when we called.  Sorry if we were a bit… incoherent.  It was a long flight, but it was well worth it.  We really can’t thank you enough for buying the tickets.  Sohpia’s been dying to learn Sim Fu since she was a little kid and now she’s finally gotten the chance.


She’s already an orange belt.  The master at the Academy seems quite impressed with her discipline and her determination.  That’s my wife alright.


While Sophia trained hard, I decided to go exploring.  As you know, I’ve always been fascinated with knowledge.  History has always been one of my favorite subjects.  So you know I couldn’t possibly pass up the opportunity to explore the Halls of the Lost Army.  I uh… might have lost my head a bit and just “dove” right in.


I found some very interesting things though.  Sophia says I was as giddy as a school boy when we met back up at basecamp that night.  We were both so tired that we ended up sharing how our days went and then we just lay down together.  Before we both knew it, we were asleep!


How are things at home?  How’s Aurora?  Though we’ve been busy, she’s never far from our thoughts.  What’s Falkor up to?  I’m writing this at the table while I grab some breakfast, so I’m gonna sign off now.  Today promises to be another whirlwind day.  I’ll check in with you later though.  Give everyone our love.

Love,
Draco and Sophia

From: bigdaddydragon @MonteVista.net
To: dragonprince @MonteVista.net
Subject: RE: Checking in

Draco,

Your mom and I were very glad to hear that the flight went well.  Believe it or not, we actually understood all the tired-talk.  Comes from raising two kids and listening to toddler babble.  Which, your little one is doing less and less of.  In fact, she and Nana are quite the pair.  ‘Rora likes to lean over and whisper secrets into your mother’s ear.


As for Uncle Falkor, she’s also got him wrapped around her little finger, as you can well imagine.  When he gets home from school, he makes a bee-line for her crib and lifts her up into his arms.  He’s completely smitten with her, I think.  Considering how he was when she was first born… I think he was just a little scared of her.  That is most certainly gone now.


And Aurora absolutely loves her Uncle.  We’re in trouble with her, my boy.  I’m glad you’re a cop and that your wife knows how to handle herself… we’re going to need an army to keep the boys away from our little girl, huh?


And when Falkor isn’t spoiling our little Northern Light, he’s composing letters and little poems to Miss Faye.  Yup, you heard right.  He’s gotten quite sappy.  It’s actually sweet, though don’t tell him I said that.  He’s a bit sensitive about it yet.  Though he’s crazy about Faye, it’s a little hard for him to talk about.  He’s always been the more private of us all.


Anyway, loved the pictures so far.  Your mother was a little… worried, I think when she saw you in the tomb.  So if I were you, I wouldn’t tell her TOO much of what you’re exploring.  She likes to think of herself as practical and realistic, but we all know better, huh?  Look forward to your next email.  Be safe son.  Give our love to Sophia and we’ll surely give yours to Aurora.

Love,

Dad, Mom, Falkor, and little Rora

From: dragonprince @MonteVista.net
To: bigdaddydragon @MonteVista.net
Subject: RE: Checking in

LOL Dad,

Ok, I’ll keep my harrowing pictures to a minimum.  Though got some fun shots of the tombs.  China really is amazing.  Sophia and I really are having a lot of fun.  Though we’re doing some separate activities, we both return to basecamp at night and just spend time in each other’s arms. 

Sophia has already reached her green belt while we’re here and her master suggested a sparring match against another of his students.  She was amazing.



She won the first and only just lost the second one.  But it was still very impressive, all-in-all.  Oh, I have a great picture for mom.  I think she’ll appreciate the symbolism.


It’s called the Dragon’s Maw.  You know I just had to go check it out.  Here are some rather innocuous pictures of the inside of the tomb.


That’s about it.  I’ll be sure to show you the rest of the pictures when we get home.  We’ll be heading to the airport shortly.  Gonna be another long flight, but we’ll there about midafternoon for you guys.  Love you.  See you in a few hours.

Draco and Sophia


Sophia and I touched down a little ahead of schedule, thankfully.  Adventuring is great… the actual traveling not so much.  While mom and dad paid for first class seats, no flight that lasts over 15 hours is comfortable after a while.  As the taxi headed toward home, Sophia looked out the window.


“Penny for your thoughts?” I asked her, drawing her against me.

Smiling, she snuggled close.  “It’s good to be home.  As nice as it was, I’m glad we’re back.  I can’t wait to see Aurora.  I missed her.”

“Yeah, I did too.”  She laid her head on my shoulder and we both looked out the window at the familiar scenery.  Home was just around the corner now and we both wanted to catch sight of it, together.


Aurora was waiting for us.  Mom and Dad had brought her out with them.  Sophia was the first to scoop her up.


Then it was my turn.  Aurora seemed awfully happy to have her Mama and Papa back.  She wasn’t put down for quite a while.


But eventually, we all sat down to catch up a little.  Mom and Dad wanted to see the other photos that I hadn’t sent via email.  After showing them off, we went to look for Aurora.  Apparently, even in the three days we had been gone, she had gotten rather adept at hiding.


Once we found the little Simkin, we got her put to bed.


Then it was our turn to head to bed.  We were tired from the flight.  So Sophia and I bid our family goodnight, then went to bed.  As I held my wife tightly while I drifted off, I could hear the familiar sounds of the house I’d grown up in; the creaky floorboard right above our bed, the noises coming from my little brother’s room next to ours.  A smile curved my mouth.  It was good to be home.

*****

[Shewolf13]

Chapter 12: On to Childhood

Doesn’t seem possible… but my little girl is about to become a child.  As has been the tradition, we had a small party, just the family.  Sophia took her to the cake.  Somehow, she’s the more practical one of us in this regard.  Much like my mother, there was a large part of me that wanted Aurora to stay little forever.  However, I know better.  And so, the whole family gathered around the cake to watch Aurora grow up. 

“Candles, mama, candles!” she babbled.  “Down, down!”

My wife obliged and leaned down so that Aurora could blow out the candles, though Sophia helped her a bit. Once the candle was blown out, we sat her on the floor.  She stood up and whirled around as the sparkles hit.




And now my baby was no longer a baby, but a child.  She took herself to the mirror, politely refusing her mother’s offer of help.  Hm, she’s already pretty independent.  Going to have to watch out for that…  But I have to say, my little girl is beautiful.  I’m not biased at all, of course…


After we all sat down to eat cake, I was sitting there, feeling a little nostalgic and maybe just a touch melancholy as I thought about how fast time flies.  Aurora came over to me.  “Daddy?”

“Yes, sweetheart?”

“Don’t be sad.  I’m still your little girl.”

“Oh, Aurora…”  She wrapped her arms around my neck and gave me a tight squeeze.  “That’s right, you’ll always be my little girl.”

“Love you, daddy.”

“Love you too, my little Northern Light.”


While we were gone, Mom and Dad contracted for some work to be done around the house.  The dogs have their own little covered porch just for them.  They thought about enclosing it, but since they are all long-haired dogs and the cold doesn’t bother them with their fluffy coats, they left the walls open.



Mom and Dad did this because they added on a separate nursery, taking out the space that had been their area up in the top right hand corner there.  I jokingly asked my parents if they were giving us a hint by any chance.

Dad grinned at me and winked.  My mother protested, though I could tell by the hint of the blush on her cheeks that she certainly wouldn’t mind another grandbaby.  Sophia and I are open to it, but we’re not forcing the issue at the moment.  If we have another one, then we have another one.

Dad confided in me that mom is boasting about her granddaughter to anyone that will listen; like when she heads to the Elixir Shop to consign more of her serums.



There is also a pool with an adjacent hot tub as well.  “A pool hm?” I asked my dad as we looked out the window.


My dad shrugged.  “What kid doesn’t want a pool?  What adult for that matter?”  He laughed.  “See?  Looks like your wife is already enjoying it.”

I looked out, and sure enough, there was Sophia, floating languidly on a little inflatable raft.  I joined my dad in laughing.  “Well then…”


Looking back on the pictures from when Mom and Dad first started out, it’s hard to believe how far they’ve come.  They started with what amounted to little more than a one room shack. 


They worked and scraped by more often than not, relying on the money from dad’s paintings or mom’s potions or anything that the dogs ended up finding in order for us to have this now:



It’s humbling to think about really.  It makes me appreciate things even more.  They’ve given me the tools to be able to raise my daughter in comfort and make sure she wants for nothing.  I’m more and more grateful for that every day.  It’s the kind of thing that lets me run around after my daughter in a simple game of tag without having to worry about whether there will be enough money for food the next day.



Haven’t written in a while, mainly because it’s been a bit of the same, day in and day out.  Aurora started elementary school, of course and is doing even better than I did, I think.  She doesn’t ride the bus, preferring to use her powers to get her there.  I’ve been steadily progressing within the department and am very close to getting a promotion to being a traffic cop.  Sophia is still diligently working on her Sim-Fu.

In other news, though, both Gage and Gabe have become elders now.  Like their father, though, it hasn’t seemed to slow them down.



There’s been another doggie birthday; Hercules is now a mature dog.



And as you can see, now that he’s big enough, he’s already become protective of Aurora and he often sleeps in her bed at night.


Unfortunately, there is some bad news.  My wife received a call a few days ago that her mother wasn’t doing well.  Her father has been gone for a little while now.  Since Aurora was born, Sophia hasn’t been close with her family.  As mayor, a teenage daughter who became pregnant doesn’t look very good so except for a few phone calls every now and again, Sophia had no family but ours.  They’ve never even met Aurora.  It never really bothered my wife, though.  She had never been that close to her parents or to her older brother.  But still… when the inevitable call came from Eli that their mother was gone, it was difficult for her.  Imagine our surprise when Sophia was left with half of their estate.  Over $300,000.  Maybe Adalina had regretted cutting herself off from her only daughter and from her granddaughter and this was a way to apologize for it.

We talked for a long while about whether to accept it, but finally, we decided that we would use it for Aurora, put it in an account for her for University or anything that she wanted it for later on down the road.  Which… she told her mother just the other day that she really wants to learn about photography.  We have an old camera around, so Sophia gave it to her so she can start practicing now.


Winter’s here and it’s been pretty bitterly cold.  Normally, it’s not quite this bad.  The deep snow is keeping us all inside.  Mom and Dad have been up in their master suite for a while, just enjoying each other’s company.


I have to admit, Sophia and I are following their example.  What?  Aurora’s in school, so have to enjoy our time when we can, right?


Despite the cold and the amounts of snow, my little girl loves the outdoors enough that she goes up to my parents’ balcony and sits at the table out there to do her homework.


Oh and did I mention that my little brother got an award from the school?  His time in the art club (a way to keep close to Faye, from what my father has said) was good for him, got him socializing a bit more.  He’s proudly displayed the little trophy on his dresser.


Speaking of my little brother, we’re actually getting ready because in two days, he’ll be turning into a Young Adult.  He’ll join the rest of us in the work force.  He’s been a bit close-mouthed about what he wants to do after high school.  We only know he doesn’t want to go to University.  He’s done with school, he says.  We’ll see.  I have to go help get things ready.  We’re not having a big party, just the family- and Faye, of course. 

*****

[Shewolf13]

Wow, guys over 650 views!  Thanks so much!  I hope you guys are enjoying the story.  I know the last couple updates have been a bit dry and boring.  Sorry about that.  Between it being a rather boring chapter and being tired enough that I just couldn't seem to find any inspiration, I'm afraid it wasn't up to what I'd normally like to put out.  I hope you guys like this next chapter, though.  I'm rather proud of it.

Again, thanks for reading everyone.  Without further ado, here ya go!

Chapter 13: A Proud Brother and a Father’s Commentary

So there were a few hitches with Falkor’s birthday.  Nothing major.  It wasn’t like my toddler birthday, at least.  I don’t really remember it, of course, but my mother’s always been a bit leery of the candles after that.  The biggest issue was that Faye couldn’t come over until later.  So we waited until she could show up; the reason that Faye hadn’t been able to come over right away is because she was celebrating her own birthday.

Falkor stepped up to the cake, pondering a wish.  He looked at Faye, then blew out the candles.  The sparkles surrounded him as he did a spin.



And just like that, my little brother left teen-hood behind and was a Young Adult.


Once we all partook of the cake, my little brother had a question for Miss Faye.  The rest of us made ourselves scarce… actually, we were all huddled just beyond the arch that lead into the diningroom, listening in.  “What’s Uncle Falkor doing, Papa?”

I looked down at Aurora, grinning even as I put a finger to my lips.  “Just watch, baby.  You’ll see.”

I watched as Falkor lean forward and whisper something into Faye’s ear.


She looked a bit confused for a moment… at least until my little brother got down on one knee and pulled the box out of his pocket.  Gotta hand it to him… his hand didn’t even shake once.  “Faye Almeria-Mancini,” he began.  “You’ve opened my eyes to so many things.  I can’t see my life without you in it.  Would you make me the happiest man in the world and become my wife?”


There was silence for a moment and we all leaned closer, trying to hear her reply.  I’m pretty sure we were all holding our breath too.  I know my mom sure was.

Just when we thought there’d be nothing, a great squeal split the air and we craned our heads more and got to watch as Faye launched herself at Falkor, knocking him back a little bit.  Luckily, he kept his feet.  “Yesyesyesyesyesyes!” she kept blabbering.


The rest of the family figured we’d given them enough time, so then we converged on them, everyone hugging and tears flowed freely, let me tell you.  A bit of fizzy nectar was brought out and we all toasted my little brother and his fiancé.  Faye spent the night and the ladies were all up late, talking wedding plans.  The wedding won’t be for a bit yet.  Faye doesn’t want to leave her parents just yet.  Her baby brother is still quite young and she doesn’t feel right leaving too soon.  Not to mention that her parents are getting up there in years and with a new baby, they have a lot to deal with.  Much to my parents’ dismay, the two are planning on moving out shortly after their wedding.  But for now, they’re gonna concentrate on working, earning some money, and just enjoying their engagement.

The next day was my little brother’s graduation.  We all dressed up in our best and then headed out to city hall.


My little brother and Faye looked good up on stage.  There was definitely a swell of proud.  That was my little brother up there.  I’m afraid I was quite loud when it came to cheering when his name was called.  Instead of blushing though, he grinned at me and even pumped his fist as he collected his diploma.  I looked down at my daughter who was sitting next to me.  I realized with quite a jolt that it wouldn’t be that much longer before I’d be watching HER walk across that stage…   I don’t think I’m ready for that…  In fact, I KNOW I’m not.  I’m trying really hard not to think about that until I absolutely have to.

Remember how much Falkor was really pretty indifferent to school, more just saw it as a necessary evil?  Imagine our surprise when he headed to the school and applied for a job there!  Ignore his outfit… he had just gotten out of the pool.  He assured us that he changed in the locker room before putting in his application.  Regardless of his unusual attire, he got the job.  Seems surreal that my little brother is someday going to be a teacher…


It’s a bit odd for my daughter, too.  She came home from school and was doing her homework, grumbling a little about how all the kids in her class kept asking her about the new playground monitor and how she knows him.  Seems he delighted in tugging on her pigtails a little on the playground.  It’s actually nice to know that my brother will be looking after my daughter as much as he can.  She may not like it so much, but… well, it gives me peace of mind.


Not that I don’t trust her.  She’s got a pretty level head on her shoulders, really.  Though actually, she doesn’t seem to have many friends at school.  She mostly wanders around town after school, snapping pictures.  She really loves her photography.  Sophia is a little worried about how obsessed she seems with it.  I told her not to worry.  Aurora’s her own person.  She’ll make friends in her own time.



I hate writing bad news… the paper always gets a little water stained.  We lost Darcy today.  We can’t say it was unexpected.  She’d been slowing down a bit lately and spent most of her days just sleeping.  She’d rotate between all of our rooms.  Today, she was in Aurora’s room.  We heard a noise, a pained howl from Gage.  We rushed in just in time to watch as the Grim Reaper appeared outside before he disappeared, leaving us only a small urn.


The family is pretty depressed.  Though we expected it, it’s still not easy to lose a treasured family pet.  But at least she can go and join her mate, who we all knew she missed.  RIP Darcy Wyvern.  You will be missed.


Though Faye doesn’t live with us officially, she’s over here just about every night after she goes home after work.  Oh!  Did I mention that Faye joined the force?  I used what influence I have and she’s been assigned as my partner.  Falkor asked me to look after his fiancé.  He would never ask her to give up her dream of becoming a cop, but he does worry for her.  I promised him I’d do all I could to look after her.

After dinner, she and Falkor disappear into his room. 


I uh… well, I was half asleep and hadn’t had my coffee yet.  I went to use the bathroom first… and walked in on Miss Faye.  The door hadn’t been locked and the door had been ajar.  She was just climbing off her knees, looking rather green.


“You ok?” I asked her, shaking my head, trying to wake myself up.

“Ugh,” she murmured.  “Yeah.”  A sheepish grin lit her face.  “Think I just ate too much of the leftover cake.  Been craving sweets like crazy.”

“Yeah, too much sugar can have that affect.  Why don’t ya take a few hours flex time?  I can go in, get started on the paperwork.  You can join me after you feel better.”

“You sure, Draco?”

“Yes, I’m positive.  Don’t worry, I’ll put ya through your paces today to make up for it,” I told her with a grin.  She laughed as she padded back to my brother’s room to catch a little bit more sleep.  Then I left for work.  I wanted to make sure I got home on time tonight.  My little girl was becoming a teenager that night.

We were going to have a small party, just the family.  I’m both dreading this and looking forward to it.  Man… just can’t believe my little girl is growing so fast!


Soon as my shift ended, I hurried home.  I may or may not have used the sirens on my patrol car to help me beat the traffic…  I parked and then went inside.  “Hey dad,” I greet as I strolled in.  He was busy making the batter for Aurora’s cake.

“Just gotta get this in the pan, then in the oven.  Should be just about ready by the time our little Northern Light comes home from school.  How you holdin’ up?”


“Gotta say, I’m… torn.  I know she’s gonna be a beautiful young woman… but I wish it wasn’t NOW,” I admitted, shrugging one shoulder.

My dad laughed.  “Yeah, I know the feeling.  Your mother and I both do.  Time moves on, son.  There isn’t much any of us can do about it but enjoy each and every moment, even the ones that we might dread.”

Dad always seems to have great advice.  Everyone in the family tends to look to him for… well, a lot.  I can definitely see why.  I hope I’m half as wise as he is when I get to be his age.

Soon enough, Aurora came home from school and it was time.  She stood on the stool, barely thought of a wish before she leaned down to blow out the candles.


With what I would call an almost wicked little grin, she spun around as the sparkles engulfed her.


Wow… my little girl… she’s not so little now is she?  After a quick trip to the dresser and mirror, she sorted out her own look.  My daughter is gorgeous, isn’t she?  Looks so much like her mother.  Just can’t get over it, really.


I couldn’t help but stare at Aurora for a bit, until my wife took my attention away.  “We’ve done a good job, huh?” she asked me, grinning.

“Yes, yes we have.  Wow, Soph.  I still can’t believe it.”

“Mhm, is a little hard to believe, isn’t it?  And just think… before too much longer, we most likely will be meeting her first boyfriend.”

I choked on the slurp of soda I’d been about to take.  She laughed and pounded me on the back.  “That was a bit too easy,” she remarked, grinning wickedly.

“Tryin’ to kill me,” I muttered, glaring at her.  She laughed and kissed me.


What am I gonna do with the ladies in my family, hm?  Speaking of my wife… she gave us a bit of a scare the other day.  I told you she really loves our pool?  The woman’s a bit crazy about her fitness.  Even though it’s a heated pool, with winter in full swing, it’s still really cold out there.  Does that stop my wife?  Not a chance…



She must not have realized how very cold it was.  She felt dizzy and light headed.  Ended up fainting out there in the snow!  I wasn’t home; I’d had to run to the station to take care of a bit of mix-up with some evidence.  Luckily, my brother was home.  In fact, he and my daughter had sat down for a cut-throat game of Sim’s Underground.


He looked out the window and saw Sophia laying in the snow.  He rushed out.  Between him and one of the paparazzi… yes, they are still hanging around the house.  Every now and again, one of them will get just a bit too inquisitive and I threaten to haul them in for trespassing.  But this time, I owe them.


Of course… I had to find this out after I had gotten home.  Sophia insisted that she was fine.  Falkor checked her out and then gave her a bit of an earful about staying out in the cold.  He was pretty freaked out, really.  He and Sophia are pretty close and when my brother gets scared, he gets upset.


They got her bundled up and made her relax.  Needless to say, once I got home and found out what happened, I was a bit freaked out myself-


“A bit freaked out?” Sophia asked, looking over her husband’s shoulder as he wrote.  “Draco, you acted like you did when I was in labor with Aurora.”  She grinned at her husband, one brow arched.  “Glossing over that, are you?”

“Maybe,” he murmured, trying to act dignified.  “What do you expect?  How would you be if the positions were reversed?” 

“Hm, you have a point.  Still, at least make sure your journal is at least somewhat accurate, right?”

“Fine, fine,” he grumbled, as he erased what he’d written.


Ok, so when I got home, I was pretty upset.  I panicked, alright?  Sorry, the wife is looking over my shoulder and keeps snorting when I try to pass it off.  Though it turned out alright, the fact that my wife had almost frozen to death got to me… wouldn’t it get to anyone?  Anyway, I did eventually calm down, though even I have to admit that I was feeling REALLY protective for the next couple of days and wouldn’t let Sophia get out of bed or do a whole lot.

After a few days of this, my wife had finally had enough.  “Draco, I am warning you.  If you don’t stop and go back to work, I may be forced to beat you senseless.”  Considering that my wife had been steadily advancing in her martial arts and the look in her eye… I wasn’t sure she wouldn’t follow through with that threat.  So I admitted defeat.  Pulling me close, she looked into my eyes.  “Draco, I’m fine.  I promise.  I know I scared you and I’m sorry for that.  But I’m not a fragile piece of glass.  Did I mess up?  Yes.  But I’ve learned my lesson.  I’m fine now.”

“You sure?”

“Yes.  Now, c’mere.  Kiss me like you mean it.”

Who can resist an order like that, hm?  Certainly not me.

****

[cainspath]

Oh, finally met Faye!

You're family's one of those really happy family around here. And they're not boring. I suppose we just have those moments.

[Shewolf13]

Oh, finally met Faye!

You're family's one of those really happy family around here. And they're not boring. I suppose we just have those moments.

lol, yeah they are.  Seriously, the autonomous flirting just never stops between the couples.  I leave them alone for a couple minutes and when I come back, David and Celestia, and Sophia and Draco are extremely irresistible to their respective partners XD  And the throwing of wishes about one another is just ridiculous.  But there will be some drama later on.

[Rhoxi]

A happy family isn't necessarily a boring family.  This was a very sweet chapter. Aurora is gorgeous! Looks a lot like your founder, too.

[Shewolf13]

A happy family isn't necessarily a boring family.  This was a very sweet chapter. Aurora is gorgeous! Looks a lot like your founder, too.

Hehe, true enough.  Though I think I was just having issues with my writing, so it came out boring.  I actually agree with you.  But I can't help having a little bit of drama, even if the family is a happy one.

Hm, think she does?  She has her grandmother's nose, I think, as well as her eye color but her headshape is definitely Sophia's, as are her eyeshape.  Regardless though, I'm so happy how she turned out.  So far, everyone in the family is just so good looking and still fairly unique, at least I think so.

[EtnaFan666]

This is a wonderful story. A shame the skin tone didn't get passed down, though. Keep it up.

[MadasaHatter]

This is such a great story! I took a few hours to read it from start to finish and can't wait to see it progress. Was a little upset to see those rainboo genes disappear, but Aurora is still BEAUTIFUL. I got so sad every time one of the dogs died though, but you must be making some serious simoleons to have so many of them hunting.

Update soon! I want to see Aurora get a sibling!

[Trip]

Sophia and Draco are too adorable. And I finally go around to commenting! I get scared when my sims freeze too.

Aurora is a beautiful teen.

[RaiaDraconis]

Finally getting the chance to comment. I reread everything from the start...and I'm absolutely loving this! Your writing style is so engaging, and Aurora is just so huggably adorable. Definitely looking forward to more!

Sent from my C6916 using Tapatalk

[Shewolf13]

This is a wonderful story. A shame the skin tone didn't get passed down, though. Keep it up.

Yeah, I was a little disappointed that it bred out so quickly with the heir line, though it's not completely gone, as you'll see ^^

This is such a great story! I took a few hours to read it from start to finish and can't wait to see it progress. Was a little upset to see those rainboo genes disappear, but Aurora is still BEAUTIFUL. I got so sad every time one of the dogs died though, but you must be making some serious simoleons to have so many of them hunting.

Update soon! I want to see Aurora get a sibling!

Thank you very much!  I'm very flattered that you enjoy it so much ^^  Yeah, I'm very pleased with how everyone is turning out.  They are a gorgeous family so far.  And yeah, the dogs make making money really simple XD I send them out once or twice a Sim week and the money just rolls in.  Of course, they don't bring back a gem or something valuable every time, but at this point it doesn't matter XD

As far as siblings... well, not this generation, unfortunately.  There are story reasons for this though.  As well as game reasons XD

Sophia and Draco are too adorable. And I finally go around to commenting! I get scared when my sims freeze too.

Aurora is a beautiful teen.

Welcome Trip!  And thanks.  Yeah, Sophia and Draco are great.  So sappy, it's ridiculous XD  Yeah... I was like NO!!!! Luckily, Falkor and the paparazzi helped out with that one.

Finally getting the chance to comment. I reread everything from the start...and I'm absolutely loving this! Your writing style is so engaging, and Aurora is just so huggably adorable. Definitely looking forward to more!

Sent from my C6916 using Tapatalk

Thanks Raia!  I'm glad you like it. 

Sorry for the delay.  Had it written out last night but it was like 4 in the morning XD That being said, I apologize for any major grammatical errors or misspellings.  If there's anything that is glaring or makes something hard to understand, let me know.  I've done a quick read through, but I think I'm still a bit asleep enough that I might have missed things.  Anyway, here ya go!

Chapter 14: A Few Surprises

My little girl… I probably should stop calling her that, shouldn’t I?  She’s not so little anymore.  It seems like before my very eyes she went from a little nooboo wrapped in her little pink blanket and now she’s a teenage, going for her first day of high school.  Before I know it, she’s going to be a young adult and off to University… find a guy and-… Ok, gonna stop there.  I REALLY don’t want to think about that kinda stuff at the moment.  Not where my daughter is concerned.  As I was saying, she went to her first day of high school today.


Just like when she was in elementary school, she comes right home and heads up to my parents’ deck to sit out there to do her homework.  She’s just not much of an inside girl.  I don’t blame her.  She certainly takes after her mother.


My wife still insists upon spending time outside, training, no matter the weather.  At least we haven’t had a repeat of before.  I don’t think I could handle another episode like that, honestly.  I told her that the other day and she laughed.  “Oh, please.  You’re as fit as I am.  You’ll live to a ripe old age.”

“Not if my wife has a habit of scarin’ me half to death,” I retorted, grinning.  I do have to admit, though, watching her work out certainly isn’t a hardship.  There is definitely something about a woman who knows how to handle herself.


Luckily, the weather is starting to warm up and now everyone’s gettin’ in on the pool action.  Including my parents and my daughter.  I might have snuck in there once or twice as well, though I’ve been too busy with work lately to really enjoy the nice weather or the pool. 



Monte Vista is a peaceful place, for the most part, but we have our share of petty crimes.  We also have quite the reputation for investigative work and often are asked by other towns or cities for assistance.  I’m a Lieutenant now so I have a small division to look after, to oversee.


It’s rewarding work, though it keeps me away from home all hours of the night and day, but I spend what time I can with everyone.  Once I rise a bit more in rank, I’ll see about slowing down a bit, maybe.


I’m gonna be an uncle!  Faye’s been out sick for a little while and I found out why today.  It was my day off and I was just relaxing on the couch, watching some TV for once, when I happened to look out the window and saw Faye come waddling up to the door.  Yup, waddling


I recognized the gait.  Sophia had walked just like that.  And hey, I’m paid to observe.  “So that’s why you’ve been out of work!” I exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.  Then I turned to look at my brother.  “You knew!  How could you not tell us!?”

He shrugged and winked at me, throwing an arm around his fiancé’s waist.  “We wanted it to be a surprise.  Right, love?”

Faye smiled sheepishly.  “He told me I wasn’t allowed to tell.  And to be honest, I didn’t realize what it was at first.  Just thought I had some bad food at the diner.  But when it continued, I suspected it was something else.  I got a test and sure enough… When Falkor came over to visit and help me with my parents, I told everyone.  Then he swore me to secrecy.”

Falkor held up a hand before I could yell at him some more.  “Part of it was because I wanted everyone here and you’ve been busy lately.  The other part was because Faye’s morning sickness has been pretty bad and she hasn’t been out of bed much.”

“That’s true.  Haven’t wanted to get up or I risk another mad dash to the toilet,” my future sister in law murmured, making a face.

My brother kissed her, then leaned down to rub his girl’s belly, murmuring to their unborn child.


Then he pulled her close.  “I’m gonna be a daddy,” he murmured to her.


Then he turned to us all.  Everyone had gathered in the living room once Faye had arrived.  “I’m gonna be a father!” he announced.  There were cheers and tears and lots and lots of hugging.  Of course, there was talk about the wedding as well.


Even with Faye being pregnant, with her parents’ health declining, they’re pushing the wedding back a little bit.  Though it’s delayed, they see each other every day as it is.  If she’s not at our house, Falkor’s at hers when he isn’t at work.  I overheard a conversation between Dad and Falkor as I was coming into the kitchen to grab something to eat before work.  The two sat at the table.


“You don’t have to worry about it.  We have plenty of room here.  You know that.”

“I know that, Dad, and Faye does too.  But we’ve talked about it.  Draco’s the oldest.  The house is his and his family’s.  It’s ok, really.”  He grinned.  “Being in our own place will give us a little space to spread out, provide more grandchildren.  You can’t tell me you and mom don’t want more.”

Our dad laughed.  “No, I suppose I can’t tell you that.  And while your mother and I would rather keep you all here, with us, we understand.  Well, I do.  Your mother will pretend not to, but she does.”

I stepped out then.  “Falkor, you guys don’t have to leave.  Really.”

My brother let out an exasperated sigh, then laughed again.  “Not you too!  Draco, what I just told Dad is true.  It’s what Faye and I want.  The house is yours.  It’ll be Aurora’s someday as well.  And that’s fine with us.  Honestly, I’m not sure how long Faye’s parents will be around and they’ve offered us their house.  We’re going to take it.  Don’t worry, we’ll visit all the time.”

As much as I wanted to argue, I really couldn’t.  I wanted my brother and his family here, with us, but everyone has to find their own way.  Hadn’t I told my wife just that when she had talked about how Aurora seemed so very alone?  Aurora made that choice.  She does things her own way.  That’s all Falkor and Faye would be doing.  We may not like it, but we have to accept it.  And really, I’m proud of my brother.  Proud of both of them.  I can’t wait to meet my niece or nephew!

 

I think having Faye around is giving my wife ideas.  We keep talking about having another, but it just hasn’t seemed like a good time.  Sophia is constantly whispering to Faye’s belly and rubbing it gently.  I almost feel guilty about it.  But with as much as I’m working, I don’t want to leave Sophia home by herself with a baby.  And yes, I know Aurora would be there, as would my parents, but still.  I don’t want to miss things more than I already am.



Celestia curled up against her husband.  “I wish Falkor would reconsider.”

“I know you do, my Queen.  I do, too,” David murmured, holding her close.  He kissed her temple.  “But they need to make their own way, you know that.  And it’s not like they’ll be moving far.”

The Queen of the Dragons sighed.  “I know.  It’s not the same though.  But you’re right.”  A soft smile stretched the corners of her mouth upward as she took his hand in her own.


“We’ve done well, haven’t we?”

“We have,” David confirmed.  “We have two beautiful boys who are now very good men.  They’ve found someone who completes them as much as you and I complete each other.  We have a beautiful granddaughter and another grandchild on the way.  Thank you, Celestia.  Thank you for being a part of my life and making all this possible.”

Celestia hugged him tightly, unable to speak past the lump in her throat.  But in her mind, she murmured, ‘Thank you, Lyall.’


Dark red lips curled up into a soft, almost tender smile.  “You’re welcome, sister.”  Lyall sat back from the softly glowing orb in front of her.  It was good to see Celestia HAPPY.  But it wasn’t over yet… The Goddess frowned.  No, it wasn’t over.  But there had been a beginning.  And the wheels were in motion.  They could only hope that what they were doing would work…


Today’s been a rather exciting day.  I got home to some chaos.  Apparently, Aurora had been chatting with her aunt Faye about her favorite subject: photography.


According to her, she was going to ask her aunt to pose for her when she stopped, getting a funny look on her face.  “It’s time,” my daughter murmured softly.  Not a moment later, Faye froze and clutched at her belly, letting out a wail. 


Yeah… I think my brother lost his mind a little bit.  At first, he began to laugh hysterically, then just hop around like a fool.  I can relate.  When Sophia went into labor, I was a mess.  Eventually, though he recovered his head enough and he took his laboring fiancé to the hospital.


The rest of us met them there, though we waited out in the waiting room.  A few hours later, my brother came running out, a grin threatening to split his face open.  “It’s a boy!  It’s a boy!”  There were another round of hugs and tears all around.  We went in and visited with Faye and the baby for a little while and then took our leave, leaving Falkor with his family.  As we left though, Faye called to Aurora.  “Rora, how did you know?” she asked her curiously.

It took a while for Aurora to answer, but finally, she shrugged.  “I could feel it.  I… can feel things from people.  I actually felt him at that moment.”  Before anyone could comment on that, she darted out.  Sophia and I shared a concerned look.  We’d have to talk to our daughter later on.  We’d give her space and some time first, though.


Falkor emerged after his fiancé, still feeling on cloud 9.  In her arms, Faye held their son, Rickie Merik Wyvern.


When they got to Faye’s house, Falkor took his child into his arms and just looked down at him, smiling softly.  “Hello there, little one.  Welcome to the world.”



Things have calmed down a little, at least as calm as they can get around here.  Faye and Donald are still living at her parents’ house, but alternate arrangements are being made as we speak.  My daughter had her prom tonight.  She took my breath away.  She was beautiful.


Her mother and I waited up for her, of course.  No matter how much Sophia told me not to, I couldn’t help it.  I’m a protective papa, guilty as charged.  Soon as the door opened, I leapt up.  “How was it sweetie?”

My daughter laughed.  “It was great, dad!  I couldn’t stop looking at all the different dresses.  The way the light glinted off all the jewelry.  I really wish I’d thought to bring a clutch so that I could have taken my camera!”  We all took a seat in the living room so she could regale us of tales of her night.  She gushed about the shapes and the colors, the lighting and the way the angles and composition… frankly, makes my head spin a little.  Unfortunately, she certainly didn’t inherit her artistic talent from me.  That would be her mother and grandfather.

She did tell me that she got rejected for a dance.  Immediately, my hackles went up.  “What!?  Someone rejected you?  Who?  What little-“

“Draco!” my wife commanded sharply.  I subsided, but sat there brooding.

“Dad,” Aurora murmured, leaning over and putting a hand on my knee.  “It’s ok.  Really.”  The way she looked at me had me frowning. 

“Aurora… baby, what you said to your aunt.  About being able to feel other people.  What did you mean?”

She sighed and didn’t answer right away.  “I asked Gram about it when I was younger.  She calls it empathy.  It seems to have to do with the power that runs through us.  Aside from the abilities that all of us have, we all seem to have something else as well.  You’ve always been really perceptive and it’s why you’re such a good cop.  Grandma has a multitude of different powers, but because she’s trapped in mortal form, they’re weaker than what they were.  Me, I have this empathy.  I can feel what other people are feeling.”

“Oh baby,” Sophia murmured, looking down.  Then she looked back up.  “I-is that why you prefer being on your own or with just us?”

Aurora nodded.  She smiled at her mother.  “It’s alright, truly.”  She stood up and gave both of us a hug and kiss.  “Don’t feel bad, ok?  I probably should have told you before now, but I’m alright with it.  It’s as natural as breathing, really.  I’m going to go to bed.  I love you both.  Night.”

We murmured good night, and then Sophia and I stayed up a bit longer, talking about this newest revelation.  “What do you think?” she asked me, standing up.  Almost without words, we headed outside.  Like our daughter, we both enjoyed the outdoors and star gazing was one of our favorite pastimes.  And it was a good, clear night.  So we settled ourselves on the ground.


Sophia sidled close and I tucked her against my side.  “Well?”

“I think that she’s got it handled.  I wish she had told us earlier though.  If for no other reason, just so we’d know.  It can’t be easy for her, constantly feeling what other people do.”  Sophia nodded in agreement.  We sat there in silence for a long time, then we went back inside.

Sophia went to bed.  Before I joined her, I opened the door to Aurora’s room, just to check on her.  I grinned when I saw her dresser.  She had told us that she had won Prom Queen.  She had lovingly placed the crown and the picture there.


I closed the door, then slipped back to our room and slid into bed next to my wife.  I smiled softly as I slid into sleep.


The last few days have been hectic.  Got a break in a huge case my squad and I had been working.  And with Faye still on maternity leave, I spent a lot of time at the station.  If I wasn’t there, I was writing reports on the computer.


And I’m going to be busy for the foreseeable future… Faye came over today, like usual.  She’s pregnant again.


Apparently, my brother hasn’t quite figured out how that happens… I say that with a hint of sarcasm, but actually, I’m very happy for them, truly.  It’s just with being so short-handed, I won’t be home for a while.  Hopefully, by the time the baby is born, things will have slowed down enough and I’ll get a chance to see my nephew and the new baby.

Faye and Falkor are, of course, over the moon about the good news.  It really is sweet to watch them together.  This has pushed their plans back a little bit once again, but they don’t seem to mind.

****