The Lake Sings to Those Who Listen

Enelya let out a pitiful chuckle as he reassured her that nothing would ever surpass Allen's great detective skills. She crossed her arms, and tried to get over herself. She had two children that loved her immensly, despite the fact that she had just shown up one day, saying that she was their mother, and a husband that despite three years of separation had not simply let her die and moved on. She looked up at Allen with loving eyes, and couldn't help but feel like she was the luckiest woman in the world.

They had waited for her... and they had loved her even after her death...

"There are Post It Notes somewhere if you need to label where things are."

The Plant Lady looked up at Allen, kissed his cheek, and wrapped her arms around his torso. Post It Notes sounded like a great idea... Especially if she wanted to prevent the inevitable frustration that not being able to find things brought. She rested her head onto his chest and closed her eyes for a brief moment. "Goofy Tin Man..." She murmured. She then pulled away from him enough to look at his wonderful face, her arms still around him. "I'm so lucky to still have you by my side... Especially after so long..." Really... who could ask for more?

"And you don't have to act like a jerk!"

Alderic furrowed his little brows, growing really mad! He wasn't being a jerk! He was being a man! Like his Daddy! He was standing up for the manliness of the household! Someone had to uphold the manly standards of adventuring... Right? "Why can't you just follow the rules of adventuring!? Don't you wanna be a adventurer with me?" He really did want Adelle to be with him when he made all kinds of cool discoveries on such an exciting trip! Why'd it end up as a fight?

"At least I'm being smart! I don't want you to get a booboo."

Oooh... That kinda hurt. And Alderic felt kinda bad for making fun of his sister... He uncrossed his arms and bit his lip a bit, his little mind fuming with how to turn this situation better. "Oh! I know! You can be the nurse! And I'll be the adventurer! So you can still come and hold the bandaides and still see all the discoveries with me!" A bright smile spread across his face and his little eyes lit up and oh it was going to be great! If she didn't screw it up with her girly ways anyways...

Enelya closed her eyes, letting out a small slip of her voice, relishing in Allen's touch. His hands working over her back felt wonderful, especially after she'd be standing all day - playing with the children, cooking in the kitchen, preparing for the picnic... It was nearly noon, and the twins would be getting hungry soon!

“You’re not the only lucky one.”

Allen's sweet lips, stained with the taste of coffee pressed so lightly on Enelya's. She smiled, tears brimming her lids, as she brought her hands up to his cheeks, and let her lips linger, barely touching his. She pressed her forehead against Allen's and whispered so softly. "I love you, so much..." Her hands dropped to his neck, rubbing it softly, feeling every tendon, muscle and vein, Enelya pressed her lips against Allen's one last time before pulling away, and pulling herself out of her emotional bit. "So, I think this family has gone far too long without your guitar, love. Would you bring it to the picnic?" She wiped her eyes clean, not giving her tears a chance to fall; accompanied by a quick smile.

“You’re so smart! That’s great!”

Alderic beamed, tackled by his sister, joining into her giggling. He was smart wasn't he? In fact, he was brilliant! Of course, he got all of his brilliance from his father... and his dashing good looks from his mother! But, good looks were only useful when wanting to appeal to the ladies... But they had cooties! Ewwie!

Soon, however, little Alderic's tummy grumbled, and he looke down at it, lifting his dark red sweater. "Oooh, I'm hungry." He got up, grabbed Adelle's hand and brought them quickly into the kitchen. "Mooommmyyyyy I'm starvvvvinggg!" By this time, Enelya was asking Allen to bring his guitar. Daddy could play a guitar?!