Silent Rose Library, PaxOku, Homare-jima, Tokuno, Chesapeake (PaxLair Times) – January 17, 2006 – by Tatania Karthina –
Sitting beneath the ancient Yew tree, Milla glances at the sleeping twins on the blanket beside her. Gaius and Tara, chubby cheeks flushed with sleep are blissfully unaware of the shrieks and whoops coming from the improvised bagball field where Chase teaches three year old Kelin the finer points of the game.
Her dark blue gaze returns to the pair playing in the yard as they suddenly become quiet. As she watches, Chase squats down beside the small boy and Kelin leans in to whisper into his ear. Chase nods solemnly then taking his hand, they walk to the edge of the woods. Milla smothers a giggle as she sees the “stance” the pair take. Both stand facing a tree, legs about shoulder length apart with their hands before them. “Water it well my bonny lads.”, she whispers between smothered giggles.
_*_One Month Later_*_
Kelin and the twins sit on a thick fur before the fire in the family room. Chase walks around the house as if looking for something while Milla tends dinner in the kitchen. The entire house sparkles from it’s recent scrubbing.
“Are you sure you cleaned everything Milla? It smells like the stables in here.” Chase picks up a pillow from the couch and smells it as he speaks.
“Of course I’m certain Chase. I’ve cleaned this house from top to bottom.” She replies as she stirs butter into the green peas.
“I’ll let Caius in love.” Kissing her on the forehead as the oven buzzer and the knock on the door sounds at the same time.
Chase smiles as he walks past the children playing together. Opening the door, he exclaims, “Come in brother! Dinner is almost ready. Your timing is perfect as always.”
Caius steps inside, his nose wrinkling dramatically, “If you think I got here just in time to change diapers, you can think again. What are you feeding those kids? Smells like something died in here.”
Kelin, hearing the adults checks the diapers of Gaius and Tara and declares seriously, “Dey no poop Unkie!”
Laughing, Caius walks to the children, kissing both twins on top of their heads then picking up Kelin giving him a hug while Chase picks up Gaius and Tara. Milla is putting the platters and bowls of steaming food on the table as the men come in and settle the children in their chairs.
The dinner, once served was enjoyed as much as the conversation about the table but soon enough, the children started getting restless. Kelin grinning from ear to ear, “papa me pee pee! pease!”
Chase answered the lad, “Need help Kelin?”
Grinning from ear to ear, Kelin replied, “No Papa… me do it.”
After Kelin had left the table, Milla turned to her brother. “Why don’t you play us a song on your lute?”
Caius stretched and smiled as he pushed back from the table, “Sure Milli… I left it in the family room.”
Rich laughter floated to the dining room from the family room followed by an exclamation, “Chase! Milli! I found the source of the smell!”, Caius called out.
Brows raised, the couple hurry to the family room, each holding a baby. In the family room stood Caius beside Kelin… Kelin facing a potted plant in the corner of the room. Chase tried not to laugh as he inquired, “Son, you haven’t been going on your Mama’s potted plants have you?”
Kelin nodded and grinned as he answered, “Yes Papa! twee!!! pee pee on twee!”
“No son! Trees outside! Not in the house”, Chase replied exasperated.
Caius reaches into his pack and pulls out a toy boat, “I brought ya a gift tonight Kelin… now I know a good use for it. Come with me to the loo lad. It’s a good thing I had a good amount of ale with my dinner.”
“Now Kelin… we’re going to play sink the dragon ship. Now watch me” Caius told Kelin after he placed the toy ship in the pot. This is a fun game wee Kelin… just aim and try to sink the ship.” Caius told him as he aimed for the toy in the pot.
Kelin laughs with glee as he imitates his Uncle, finally exclaiming, “This is fun! Can I do this all the time Unkieee?”
“Of course Kelin… That’s much funner than going on the trees aye?” Caius asked him while he helped the lad wash his hands.
*-*-*-*
Over the next weeks, the potted plants began thriving again and the house smelt blissfully like roses.
***
The Saga of Kelin and his adventures will continue in “The Adventures of Kelin – Stormy”, coming soon to the bookstore at The PaxOku Silent Rose Library!
Peace and Knowledge be with you!
Tatania Karthina
17 January 2006