Silent Rose Library, PaxOku, Homare-jima, Tokuno, Chesapeake (PaxLair Times) – December 17, 2006 – by Tatania Karthina –
Christmas decorations are everywhere… large candles, Christmas trees, wreaths and sleighs with reindeer make the shopping distric in Luna a spectacle to see. Chase, being the shopper in the family has the entire brood with him shopping for gifts.
Kelin and Drago were both holding Tara’s hand and Gaius was holding Lilly’s hand as they moved from Vendor shop to Vendor shop. The children were excitedly looking for wares to spend their Christmas gold on. Much to Chase’s dismay, all three boys insisted on buying the best, most expensive girly things for Tara and Lilly, much depleting Chase’s pocket gold as well.
“We still have to get your Mama something… and something for your Mama and Papa, Drago and Lilly” spoken to the kids. “and no pretty dresses for Milla. She’ll have the baby soon enough and then we can buy her beautiful dresses again.”
Much later, Chase returns home loaded down with packages, the children all with chocolate among other sorted goodies covering hands and faces. “Used the old trick of bribery when they got tired, eh Chase?” Milla chuckles.
Chase blushes as Pudge leads the children away to wash their hands and faces before dinner, muttering about ruining their dinner. “Well, Milli, it was all I could think of I promise,” Chase said as he dropped beside his wife, his hand moving to her very large belly.
“Soon, this monster child will be here love. I’m getting so big.”
After dinner, all the kids helped Chase, Chad and Caius trim the huge Christmas tree in the family room. The household was in chaos, laughter and love filling the house to the rafters. Milla, Khali and Stormy sat watching the glee, chuckling because the men were having as much fun as the children were.
*Christmas eve**
All of the Family are gathered in the family room on this wondrous family occasion. The gifts piled high beneath the tree are quickly being reduced to shrieks of joy from the children. Bits of paper are flying through the air as gifts are opened from mothers, fathers, Aunts, Uncles, Great Aunts and Uncles, Brothers, sisters and cousins.
Milla tries to hide a grimace from everyone as another contraction passes through her, but Chase, who knows her so well knows. “Why don’t you go lie down love. You have a long night ahead of you” spoken softly to her.
“I might in awhile dearest” she says as she gives his hand a gentle squeeze, “but for now, I’d rather enjoy everyone. Besides, the children would worry if they knew and look at the fun they’re having.”
Gaius toddles to his mama and plops in what little bit of lap she has left and snuggles to her. She lifts and turns him so his head is on her shoulder and holds him close. “Mama’s lil man aren’t you Gai.” spoken more as a statement than a question. Do you think you’ve been good enough for Santa to come see you while you’re fast asleep tonight? my bonny lad?”
Gaius nods his lil head against her shoulder then remains still for a bit, clearly wore out. “See Milli” Chase speaks softly in her hear, “Gai isn’t the only one already worried about ye.”
She look around the room and spots Kelin, now a strapping young man of 6 six frowning a bit and looking to her. Milla smiles at Kelin and motions him over. “Why the frown my little Warrior?”
Kelin leans against her side, placing his head on her unoccupied shoulder, “I still didn’t get what I asked Santa for Mama” said as he wraps his lil arms around her.
“Well, young man. Santa has not made it yet tonight, but what gift has you worried so?” she asked him.
“I want a lil sister Mama” Kelin blushes a bit as he admits this.
“Ah, I see… you like the girls do you lad? Yer a good big brother too. Take good care of Tara and cousin Lilly already. But if you get a brother, will you teach him to be a gallant Warrior like you have Gaius?”
“Yes maam, but a sister is what I want.” Kelin states firmly then grins up to her, “but a brother would be just fine Mama” the lad grins to her.
“Well, young Kelin. Take your brother here back to the fun and I’ll go on up to bed. I just about think you’ll have that sister or brother in time for the Christmas Turkey” She smiles at Kelin and hugs him gently before setting Gaius down. “Go with your brother Gai. I’ll see you in the morning.”
*Christmas morning*
The labor was long and hard, the company remaining through the night, unwilling to leave once they knew. Chase stayed by her side gallantly through the night, but by morning’s first light, the miracle of birth had happened in the Steel House. Chase grinned roguishly to Milla as he sat near her on the bed. “Chad, Caius and I have a surprise for you today love” he says softly. “But first, there’s some little ones who want to see their new family.”
Chase rises and goes to the door, letting in Kelin, Gaius and Tara, who look rather shy or maybe just sleepy as they walk to the bed to look at the baby. Kelvin’s eyes grow large as he looks. “Mama! there’s 2 of them again!”
Milla laughs and answers softly, “Aye son, meet your sisters, Tempest and Chasity.”
Kelin, Gaius and Tara all smile brightly as they come closer to look. “Look!” Kelin exclaims, “Girls for us to spoil Gaius and for Tara to teach to play dress up!”
“Come on you lot. Yer Mama needs rest before the turkey.” Chase winks at Milla roguishly as he herds the little ones out to see what Santa brought them.
*Christmas Dinner*
Chase gently touches her shoulder to wake her. Milla opens her eyes and grins to her beloved husband. With another wink, Chase makes a wide sweeping gesture with his hands. All around the large bedchamber are small tables, lit by candles. Sitting at these tables are their family. The children at one. Kelin, Gaius, Tara, Lilac, Drago and Lilly. The new cradles are being guarded by the boys. Around others are their great Aunts and Uncles, Earl, Mikel, Casius, Khorton as well as brothers and sisters and their spouses, Caius, Stormy, Chyara, Sunshine, Chad, Khali, and Calamity.
“What more can we ask for Christmas mama, than to have love?” Kelin pipes up. “Merry Christmas everyone!”
***
The Saga of Kelin and his adventures will continue in “The Adventures of Kelin – The Boat Ride”, coming soon to the bookstore at The PaxOku Silent Rose Library!
Wishing You and Yours a Joyous Holiday Season!
Tatania Karthina
17 December 2006