Chapter 114--Heirship Questioned
The Frio family gathers in the living room the next morning, except for Lorelei and Everleigh, who are both still sleeping.
Torre had been filled in the night before that Marcy was his sister, a sister his parents had in the past, and that she disappeared from the house and was still missing.
Lucy sits at the piano but says: "I won't play but it calms me to sit here."
With her love of music, Carly understands how she's feeling and for the need to be calm.
They'd all had a restless night since Marcy still had not come home.
Des was pulling every string and calling in every favor to track her down.
Torre *sharing a look with Ian* "Finding Marcy is our first priority, that's a given. She's a young lady that is quite out of her depth here. And she needs our protection."
But then he takes a deep breathe and asks the question that they have all been thinking about.
Torre: "But what I'm really not understanding is how she got here in the first place. Mom? Dad? Could you please shed some light on that?"
Des knows Carly is in too fragile a state to answer just yet, so he speaks first.
Des: "Not everyone here is aware of this, but Carly has always wanted more children. She dismissed that wish back in Riverview so that Torre, Karlie Jo, and Matt and their loves, could all move to the next town with us. She loves all of her grandchildren dearly, but her desire for another child of her own keeps coming back."
Carly: "I tried to dismiss it, I did. But with my family oriented trait, it doesn't go away as easily. And then when I was cleaning down in the basement, I came across my Great-Great-Aunt Clarisse's notebooks. Notebooks that explained how to use the Time Machine she created and what could be possible with it."
Des takes up the tale: "Your mother shared the notebooks with me and we discovered that not only is it possible to go to the future or to the past, but it might be possible to have a child in either of those times too."
Carly: "And once we read that and that idea was in my head, I couldn't dismiss it anymore. The desire for another child kept coming back stronger and stronger."
Des: "And being a fairy, that desire and ability could go on for years. So we decided to take the chance and see if a child together was possible in the past. We activated the time machine and both went through. Your mother first and I followed, and it worked!"
Carly continues: "We had a beautiful baby girl, your sister Marcy! We lived through her infancy, her toddlerhood, and the beginnings of her childhood, all in what passed for minutes here. Then we made preparations to return, all three of us. But, something went wrong! And your father and I returned, alone!"
Des hears Carly's distress and takes over, saying: "Clarisse's notes indicated that a baby conceived in the past, could return to the present when they were a child, teen, or YA. But she had never tried it personally, so that part wasn't very detailed. Just in case, we made sure that Marcy's nurse and a knight we trusted, had plenty of money to care for her if things didn't go as planned. But we never dreamed she'd be lost to us for so many years! We went back again and again, but the portals kept changing, and we never ended up in the same past that Marcy was in."
Carly is composed enough to speak again: "But since Marcy has fairy genes, I could feel her essence in the portals as we got closer to the time she was in, each time it got stronger and stronger, glowing a brighter purple, but we still couldn't connect to the exact time portal."
Des continues: "But the portals sap your strength and even more so when you're using fairy magic, so we had to wait longer and longer between trips."
Carly: "But the last trip we made, I did what Clarisse told us not to do. I left a trail of sorts. A trail of small items infused with my fairy magic, and…."
Marcy *eyes aglow as she rushes through the door and hugs her mother* "I found them! I felt mother's presence every time they went through the portals, each time getting stronger as my own fairy magic grew. And after she left her 'breadcrumbs', I was able to follow them through all the right paths and it brought me home!"
Carly is almost limp with relief as Marcy is home safe and sound!
Marcy *seeing the look on her mother's face: "Oh, I've caused you distress. I'm so sorry mother. I was out at a neighbors and I've met the most wonderful man. We talked all night and then I got lost trying to find my way home. Please forgive me mother."
Carly *her voice filled with love* "Like you told me, Marcy, there's nothing to forgive, I'm just so happy that your home. Safe and sound." *startled as Marcy's words sink in* "Wait? A neighbor's? What man?"
Hearing the note of censure in her tone, Des, Torre, Lucy, and Ian, all give the reunited mother and daughter some privacy.
Marcy *unable to keep the excitement out of her voice* "The most amazing man mother! He's so handsome and kind. His father tenants a nearby farm and he's a very nice man too. Mr. Fox invited me to his home for a party, but I missed it, and then we talked and talked about gardening. He is very knowledgeable. And then his son, Dakota *she says his name with a catch in her voice* came home and we talked for hours. I didn't mean to worry you mother, but I've never felt this way before. Our eyes met and it's like I was whole for the first time. And when he kissed me…"
Carly *startled* "Kissed you? Marcy, you'd just met the man!" *frowning* "And isn't Dakota Fox engaged?"
Marcy *eyes narrowing and letting her grumpy trait show* "It was way past time for my first kiss mother! Growing up in the convent I was sheltered and protected, well fed and clothed, of course, the money you and father provided saw to that, but I was not allowed to have any fun at all! It was lessons, prayers, and daily chores each and every day. As for Dakota being engaged, his fiancé, Imogen----yes, mother I know all about her. She's not very nice to Dakota and she refuses to set a date for their nuptials. And she's been the mistress of two other men, having children with both of them. She'll be kept well as her children are of noble birth. But she's not good enough for Dakota. He deserves way better than the likes of her!"
Carly is shocked by this flood of information and realizes that her very sheltered daughter is already caught up in this new relationship and she needs to be very careful how she handles it.
Carly *softening her voice* "I have to stop thinking of you as that little child we knew Marcy. In fact, I think we need to spend some time together so I can get to know you now, as a young adult."
And what Carly learns is that the toddler she knew who was a bit Grumpy, but with a Good Sense of Humor, now has some very grown-up traits.
Traits that Carly feels might just have been caused by being brought up so strictly in a convent.
One of them is harmless enough even beneficial, like being Frugal.
But Flirty coupled with Hopeless Romantic, especially for a previously sheltered young woman suddenly having the freedom to express those traits, could lead to heartbreak and disaster!
After discussing it with Des, Carly has them spend a little more time at the chess table, so he can see where her heads at, rather than just her tender heart, and provide some much needed guidance.
After all, growing up in the middle ages, Marcy will be much more accustomed to having her father, as the head of the family, set some rules.
But Des is even more floored than Carly was as his daughter reveals something even more disturbing!
Des *calmly* "Your mother tells me that you've met a young man in the neighborhood Marcy, one you already have tender feelings for. But you know we can't just make decisions with the heart. We must be practical as well."
Marcy *thoughtfully* "Yes, the heart can be treacherous and we must curb it's faulty persuasions, lest it lead us into temptations. I've learned my lessons from the nuns well father. I have no intention of being the pawn of any man or lured into dangerous liaisons that gain me nothing but a broken heart."
Des *beaming* "It relieves my fathers' heart to hear that Marcy. But I'm a bit confused. Doesn't it disturb you at all that this man is engaged to another?"
Marcy *quite seriously* "Not in the least father. Why would I be disturbed by one fiancé when I plan on having 10 boyfriends of my own? Starting with the dreamy Dakota Fox!"
Des' hand freezes above his next move and he can only stare at his daughter in dismay!
Lorelei: "This is the time machine Fluffs, where my Aunt Marcy came through and joined the family. So where she came from has been answered, but I want to know all about her and the past and all that stuff. But, Glampa's got her corralled in the study again so I can't even talk to her directly."
Fluffs: "Could you talk to someone else about the past?"
Lorelei *excited* "Oh, I think I know just who to talk to Fluffs! You're brilliant, my friend!"
So later that evening Lorelei keeps checking the rockers until she finds Founder Jared.
They've bonded over cooking and become friends.
Jared even shares a few kitchen secrets with her and she learns a new recipe.
But then Lorelei brings up the past, and that she's only read about where Marcy came from and that she'd love to talk to Marcy about it, but hasn't been given the chance.
Then as the thought strikes her: "Oh, do you think she'd actually take me back with her to visit? Or maybe I could even go on my own!"
Jared *furiously* "The past!?! That's what you're concerned with? Get your priorities straight girl! What should concern you is the future! Your future! That girl is a threat to all you hold dear!"
Lorelei *her throat tightening* "What? What do you mean a threat to my future?"
Jared: "Think girl! Do you want the family lineage to continue through you or not? If it goes to your Aunt Marcy, her children will continue the journey, not you!"
Lorelei is too shocked to answer. Her thoughts are in a jumble. *Not to be heir? It couldn't be possible.Could it?*
Lorelei can barely sleep the rest of the night as Jared's words keeping running through her head.
First thing in the morning, she races through the house to find her parents.
But it's her Aunt Marcy she finds in the kitchen!
Lorelei *angrily* "I won't let you do it! I'll fight you all the way! I wish you'd never come here!"
Marcy doesn’t know what's going on, but she doesn't like her niece's attitude one bit.
And the feeling is mutual.
Marcy heads downstairs, followed by Lorelei, where they find Torre and Lucy.
Lorelei's so upset she just blurts out: "Daddy, is it true? Could SHE be heir instead of me?!"
Torre *shocked* "What are you talking about Lorelei? Heirship hasn't been questioned. Who told you this?"
Lorelei *gulping back tears* "Founder Jared. Last night. He told me I shouldn't be concerned with the past, but with my future. *Staring at her Aunt Marcy* "Because SHE could be a threat to all I hold dear!"
Torre has no answers for his young daughter who all thought would be the next heir.
But he's going to get some!
Heirship has never been questioned before and he's not letting it happen with his daughter.
He stalks the house impatiently, until Rae and Adam appear.
Torre *using all the discipline he has not to yell* "I need to know how my sister's return from the past affects us personally. Me and my children as heirs?"
Rae: "There's no precedent for this Torre. Marcy is a natural daughter of an heir couple. The rules say it doesn't matter when a child is born to them, all children can be considered for heir. So Marcy needs to be considered, it's only fair. Visibly she possesses Des' hair, Drudge genetics, and fairy wings----all vital components of the Frio family down through the generations."
Torre: "But what of the rule about a spouse?"
Adam: "The Watcher's looked through all the town jump rules and it only states that the heir must live with and have a child with someone from the town they are born in to bring in those town's genetics. Technically Marcy was 'born' here in Appaloosa Plains when she came through the time portal."
Torre *triumphantly* "But what about genetics from Riverview? Lucy's the one bringing in those genetics. If Marcy took over heirship, those genetics would be missing!"
Rae: "Well, Marcy could either go back and visit Riverview and find a mate or she could find a Riverview- born Sim that lives here in AP for her mate. It would set the journey back a bit, starting over with this generation. But there's no set time limit for any town. And being a fairy, she's got plenty of time."
Torre: "But there's no eligible Riverview-born Sim living here…*horror dawning* "Kraig!?! But that's impossible!? Her own sisters' husband!? No one would do that in this day and age….."
With Torre's words trailing off they know exactly what he's now thinking.
What all three of them are now thinking.
Marcy's not of this day and age.
And in the middle ages bearing a child to secure the throne or heirship was done all the time!
Rae doesn't hesitate to confront Jared as soon as she sees him.
Rae *annoyed* "Really, Dad!? You just had to blurt out heirship being questioned to Lorelei?! This is low, even for you!"
Jared *with a crafty smile* "I never said anything about heirship! The word never passed my lips!"
Rae *with a withering look* "That's the line you're going to take?! That you didn't actually SAY the word? But you conveyed the message loud and clear!"
Jared *preening* "Then my job is complete! And she's already confronted the usurper, as well as her parents. Proves she's got spunk, this granddaughter of mine, even at her young age."
Rae *shaking her head* "They're BOTH your granddaughters, Dad! We were going to discuss it among ourselves first, then pass the news on to the previous and current heir couples. THEN present it to Marcy and Lorelei."
Jared *waving his hands* "Too slow. Our deliberations and then the other heir couples could have taken awhile. Lorelei ages up in four days, so speed was of the essence. And now she'll put up a better fight!"
Rae: *frowning* "That's what you wanted from the beginning, isn't it? A fight over heirship? It's never been like that Dad. This could divide the family!"
Jared *not able to hold back a smile* "A little competition never hurt anyone. This families gotten too lax about it. She's known for years that she was the golden child, so to speak, being the only one to inherit the hair color from IP in the direct line. Then announcing she wanted to follow in my footsteps, even if it's only by following my career? It was like she was being handed heirship on a silver platter. Now she knows that if she really wants it, she'll have to prove herself! And she's already made her intentions clear."
Jared *showing just a bit of concern* "I had to do something Rae! Her Couch Potato trait might have just let her roll over and let heirship go. But now that I've presented it as more of challenge, a threat to her future children, I'm hoping her anger along with her Brave trait will be enough to keep her motivated."
Rae *nodding now* "And if you'd said nothing, and waited until we'd all discussed it calmly, clearly, she might not have realized how much she really wanted it. But putting a bug in her ear as a volatile teen, that got her going. I'm understanding your thought process a little better now, dad. I'm still not happy with it, but I understand it."
And then Torre gets more uncomfortable news.
Since he's the current heir and head of the family, he has to explain all the heirship rules to Marcy.
Nevertheless, Torre's Disciplined trait will let him do no less than his best at providing that information.
He finds Marcy and starts explaining the rules as the ghosts had explained them to him.
Marcy listens attentively and says, "So it is true then? I could be our parents heir instead of you? But would that not upset you?"
Torre *nodding* "It would. I've been heir for all the time we've been here in AP. And my daughter Lorelei has already been chosen as my heir, mostly due to her having dad's hair."
Marcy: "Ah, a hair color which I also possess, along with fairy wings, which she lacks. *nodding with understanding* "That is why she was so angry with me earlier today. I stand in her way." *puzzled* "But if this causes you and your daughter pain, why do you share this information with me? I would never have known of it and you could have gone on as before."
Torre *firmly* "Because that is not my way. It would not be disciplined or honorable to do such a thing!"
Torre and Marcy continue by discussing the spousal rules for heirship or the lack thereof actually.
Marcy: "So there is no actual need to marry just to carry on the genetics from that town by bearing a child with an original townie or their offspring. Such as Dakota Fox, yes?"
Torre: "Yes, but doesn't he have a fiancé?"
Marcy: "Oh yes, Imogen. I have heard much gossip about her already! Most of it bad! But since I want 10 boyfriends myself, I can't really cast stones now, can I?"
Torre's shocked by her blasé attitude about relationships and realizes that Marcy may not have any qualms at all about having a child with her unknown brother-in-law Kraig!
And her next words confirm it!
Marcy *thoughtfully* "But to continue to include every town's genetics, I would need to make another choice. I hear that my sister has 4 children, 2 sets of twins, and with her own husband. It is good to know he can father children. It would be better if there were more sons, but that doesn't seem to matter in your time."
He tries to laugh it off, but he's now more worried than ever!
But when Dakota invites her over, Marcy's out the door in a flash!
Once he invites her inside, she raises her lips for his kiss and he doesn't disappoint her.
She chats with Dakota about his job in the mayor's office and congratulates him on his recent promotion.
He asks her about her own job and she tells him she's been taught to be a scribe, working with old documents, but she hasn't looked into anything here in town yet.
He encourages her to check in with the local paper and see if they're hiring copy editors.
And lets her know that he really wants her to settle down here in AP!
Dakota: "We've only known each other a few days Marcy, but you're already so important to me."
Marcy *sweetly* "Important enough to be my steady guy, Dakota?"
And when I see this smug smile on her face, I know she's completed her first conquest!
Her LTW counter now shows a one and when I check her relationship panel, Dakota is now her boyfriend.
But it also shows Imogen Pelly as her enemy!
Once she gets back home, Dakota's words about getting a job must have made more of an impression on her than I thought as she heads straight for a computer.
For a child of the middle ages, Marcy has picked up on technology very quickly.
She scrolls through the positions available, finds one in Journalism working at the local paper, and accepts it.
Marcy can't help sharing her news about her new job with the rest of the family, and they all congratulate her.
All but one.
Not to be outdone, Lorelei, checks in with the local grocery store and accepts a part-time job.
Being a teen it's the best she can do with school and her after-school activities.
Lorelei *annoyed* "The family was all so happy about her finding a job Fluffs! I didn't have a choice but to get one myself. I'm too young to get something at a restaurant, but I'm in produce so I'll get to learn about the best fruits and vegetables."
Fluffs *commiserating with her best friend* "Your job sounds okay to me. But it doesn't seem fair. She doesn't have to go to school or get good grades."
Lorelei *dejectedly* "Maybe I should just give up and let her be heir Fluffs! It's so exhausting fighting this. I mean I don't need to be heir to become a chef. It would be so much easier to just lounge on the couch and watch cooking shows."
Fluffs *sadly* "But you have always talked about being heir."
Lorelei *indignantly* "But it's like they don't even want me to be heir anymore! It's her fairy wings! I never really missed them before, but now I know I'd have a better chance, if I had them too."
Fluffs: "Is there not a way to get fairy wings?"
And with these simple words, Lorelei is struck speechless as she considers the possibility!
Then Marcy gets a surprise visit from Dakota and looking into his eyes, she realizes she's done the one thing she promised herself she would never do.
She's fallen in love.
As he pulls her close, her heart flutters and she wonders if she can do this thing.
Can she give up the man she loves to be with a stranger and bear his children for heirship?
Or will her heart prove the stronger and lead her towards love?
Will Lorelei confirm Jared's greatest fear and let her Couch Potato trait win out over heirship?
Or will her Brave trait triumph and find a way to get fairy wings? But could that disqualify her from heirship?
Will Marcy follow her head or her heart?
Find out in Chapter 115--Change of Heart
Coming soon.
