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sordiddetailsAntheans celebrated very few things at this point in their civilization. Without religion or much resources the concepts had all fallen away. However, as populations crashed one celebration became paramount, the welcoming of the rare birth of child, or rather a child making it until they can leave the mother's pouch. In this family, who have lost so many children, this celebration holds a great importance.
The house was decorated in shear fabrics of many colors. Some were solid others sported wild or botanical patterns. The entire outside of the home and the inside were draped in colored and patterned fabrics which may be overwhelming to those not used to them. Since many of the guests might be too large or uncomfortable with so many close in small house there is also an outdoor gazebo like tent set up which is made of similar fabrics. This was where Aletayria would sit.
There were also tables that mostly held Anthean foods. Their foods were profiled in the crunchy, sour, and bitter ranges of taste with some saltiness. Bland perhaps to many without a trace of sweetness aside from a mildly alcoholic fruit drink that often opened their senses. The near black liquid is labeled with a warning to those who might have mental abilities. There are trays of brittle, thin and crisp wafers that a human might equate with pita chips and various trays of dried vegetables and leaves. There are some conspicuously human foods too. Pickles, potato chips, hard and strong flavored cheeses and deviled eggs. Food was traditional to share in this celebration as it was one of few that brought any large number of Antheans to one place.
Invitations had gone out on Tom's suggestion. Antheans needed no such thing because they could sense the new mind but the reminder that other Nexus denizens would need an invite was important. Those had been sent out days beforehand. Of course, strangers and anyone else could stop by as well. The Antheans believed the more people that say the baby in their first day, the better their health, survival and future would be.
At the appointed time, Aletayria went out into the gazebo to take guests. Zayda, out of the pouch and aware. Her eyes, bright blueish-green but slit eyed just like her mother and brother but the hair just as red and shockingly so against the extra pale skin of an Anthean baby. She was also starting to make verbal noises though, like a human baby, they didn't hold much sense yet. She was wrapped in brightly patterned striped knitted blanket, a gift from her older brother and mother wore a dress traditional to old Anthean customs before the society collapsed. Even Tom, who was about fussing with things donned bright green to be more in line with traditions.
[OOC: Visual Guide for Tom and Aletayria's house]
The house was decorated in shear fabrics of many colors. Some were solid others sported wild or botanical patterns. The entire outside of the home and the inside were draped in colored and patterned fabrics which may be overwhelming to those not used to them. Since many of the guests might be too large or uncomfortable with so many close in small house there is also an outdoor gazebo like tent set up which is made of similar fabrics. This was where Aletayria would sit.
There were also tables that mostly held Anthean foods. Their foods were profiled in the crunchy, sour, and bitter ranges of taste with some saltiness. Bland perhaps to many without a trace of sweetness aside from a mildly alcoholic fruit drink that often opened their senses. The near black liquid is labeled with a warning to those who might have mental abilities. There are trays of brittle, thin and crisp wafers that a human might equate with pita chips and various trays of dried vegetables and leaves. There are some conspicuously human foods too. Pickles, potato chips, hard and strong flavored cheeses and deviled eggs. Food was traditional to share in this celebration as it was one of few that brought any large number of Antheans to one place.
Invitations had gone out on Tom's suggestion. Antheans needed no such thing because they could sense the new mind but the reminder that other Nexus denizens would need an invite was important. Those had been sent out days beforehand. Of course, strangers and anyone else could stop by as well. The Antheans believed the more people that say the baby in their first day, the better their health, survival and future would be.
At the appointed time, Aletayria went out into the gazebo to take guests. Zayda, out of the pouch and aware. Her eyes, bright blueish-green but slit eyed just like her mother and brother but the hair just as red and shockingly so against the extra pale skin of an Anthean baby. She was also starting to make verbal noises though, like a human baby, they didn't hold much sense yet. She was wrapped in brightly patterned striped knitted blanket, a gift from her older brother and mother wore a dress traditional to old Anthean customs before the society collapsed. Even Tom, who was about fussing with things donned bright green to be more in line with traditions.
[OOC: Visual Guide for Tom and Aletayria's house]
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2021-02-17 02:39 (UTC)She didn't know if she believed that or not but it was a very common mindset among her people. "Whatever happened, we morphed from a people capable of cruelty and war to those of peace. The transition was societal, genetic and emotional. Our species changed fundamentally in the time just before my birth."
Slowly she leads them inside. The house small and open planned with a single wall down the middle that separated guest spaces from the more private back rooms.
"If you're interested in history, Thomas has studied anthropology; human and Anthean, extensively for the past 15 or 20 thousand years." She says it plainly with the same tone someone might say that a person had been at a career for five or 10 years. To an Anthean, the idea of time would be similar. It wasn't an overly extensive period of time.
Aletayria glances briefly at Ziggy and Jack in the kitchen, Jack holding the sleeping Charlie, while they raid the fridge for food. She just shakes her head because it reminds her of Tom mentioning that they ate like human teenage boys; constantly.
In the living room there are several large, comfortable white chairs where they can sit. Cards are spread out over the table between the two facing sets from the boys playing poker earlier.
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2021-02-17 07:07 (UTC)"This evolutionary change was that fast?" The little Ghost asked curiously. "Normally such changes in a species take place over thousands, sometimes millions of years." The spiritual theory was interesting. Perhaps the planet had some kind of sentience which produced the empathy in its species. It was a curious theory to ponder.
Katiri's eyes looked about them as they moved through the airy house, noting the open areas and large windows. "Your home is beautiful." She said quietly with a small smile. "I like how open it is." It was definitely different than her small quarters back in the tower. Luce nearly bumped into her side, apparently distracted by what Aletayria said.
"Thousand...years?" He whistled. "Wow. That's a very long time to dedicate to a study!"
Katiri nodded in agreement. "Thomas sounds like an interesting person to talk to. I can't imagine the amount of knowledge he must have. Some of the oldest most experienced Guardians are probably around a couple hundred years old. But no one living is that old where I am from."
They enter the living area of the house and Katiri refrains from sitting in a polite gesture. She would sit once Aletayria took a seat or extend the invitation. She did look where the Anthean woman did, seeing the figures in the kitchen. She smiled a little in tentative fondness, recognizing Ziggy with the red hair. Luce simply drifted about the room, looking at things curiously.
"Oh looks like someone was playing cards." The Ghost noted, floating over the table.
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2021-02-19 00:36 (UTC)Unfortunately, she didn't have more information. Her species after awhile gave up on the research, though here and there individuals revisited the problem for awhile. The comment about the house makes her smile.
"Tom designed it to mimic our homes with the modifications necessary to deal with precipitation and... well his need for heat when it is cold, and my need for air conditioning when it is hot." The species considerations between a human and an Anthean were very delicate. Hot for an Anthean had humans in thick sweaters and average temperatures for humans made Antheans feel over heated. "On Anthea there is only wind, no precipitation, few animals, few personal belongings. We wouldn't have windows, only colorful curtains."
She nods to Luce. "We consider our species timeless. We can die from violence or illness but otherwise our lives are immortal. You can find Antheans who have studied for centuries." It is with explaining some of their biology. "I am around 12 thousand Earth years and considered young, maybe a twenty year old human."
Aside from Jack having and eye patch and being a little thinner, looks exactly like Ziggy, right down to the scarring on their left hands.
"There's no need to wait. Antheans consider those we bring into our homes to be family while they are with us. This home is yours until you leave." She instructs so that they understand cultural differences. She does take a seat with enough space for Katiri to sit beside her.
Luce may see some photos; including one that has Aletayria, Tom, Zayda, Ziggy, Astro, Balthazar, Jack, Hannah, and his children all together like a family. There's also a photo of a reddish orange landscape with a bright blue sky.
"The kids playing poker." Aletayria shakes her head. "I'm glad there's no clothes on the floor."
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2021-03-21 22:18 (UTC)"It's beautiful." Katiri repeated in regards to the house with a small smile. "I like all the colored drapes that you have up for the occasion." The warlock marveled that Aletayria was 12 thousand Earth years old. Awoken ages were hard to judge considering their origins, so Katiri had no idea how old she technically was. "Guardians can get sick and die as well like anyone. But it's our Ghosts that are capable of healing us and raising us when we die. So in a way through them, we are in a sense, immortal." Katiri said finally, glancing over at her Ghost.
Luce looked over from where he was studying the photographs. "A Ghost's main mission is to find one person to be their charge so they can use the Light to protect humanity. I didn't know who that person would be or what they would be like. But when I found her, I knew we were destined to be together. Katiri and I are intrinsically linked." He said with open fondness.
Katiri sat next to Aletayria, flushed at the Anthean's words. Touched by them at the prospect of being considered family. Other than her fellow Guardians and especially her fireteam, she didn't really have a proper family. Not one like how most people traditionally knew one.
"Thank you." She said softly.
"Oh is that your planet?" Luce asked suddenly, spotting the picture of the alien landscape. Katiri smirked with amusement. Her Ghost could be so random.
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2021-03-29 02:34 (UTC)She is fascinated by the description of their union. "Tom has described a human ideal that is similar, Platonic soulmates. It doesn't include the resurrection benefits but I think it does some of the other aspects."
"We are few." She tells the guardian with a gentle touch to her forearm as she sits. "Hospitality and family are important."
"Yes. Those are the plains and cliffs near where I grew up and Thomas lived with his family." She is not at all bothered by the change in subjects. Antheans were often stream of conscious when they spoke and Ziggy had a way of jumping through subjects. It is a norm for her rather than the randomness being off putting.
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2021-04-11 01:26 (UTC)Katiri smiled. "We had a rocky beginning, but I honestly can't picture life without Luce."
"Someone has to stick around to make you laugh." Luce joked, eliciting a grin from the Warlock.
Katiri actually blushed when Aletayria gently touched her arm with such kind words, appreciating them and welcoming her hospitality just the same. "Most Guardians consider each other family of sorts, considering we don't have family of our own. Especially those grouped closely into fireteams. A lot of us originally died a long time ago, so any family that we may have had are long gone." Her smile turned wistful. "Or forgotten." There must have been people that she dearly loved in her past life. It always bothered her at times, that being Risen as a Guardian caused her to forget them and that life.
Luce glanced back at her from where he hovered by the pictures and she smiled at him a little to show she was fine. She was just musing as she normally did. The little Ghost turned back to the picture of Anthea. "The colors look really interesting and different to what we're used to since the sun is different than Sol. I look forward to seeing Anthea someday."
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2021-04-24 00:34 (UTC)Hard starts didn't mean that love couldn't build over time. "Laughter is definitely something Tom brought to my life. Antheans find things humorous but they don't laugh."
She listens with compassion but doesn't have much to say to Katiri on this subject. Her hand stays there on her arm in comfort because she can feel the fluctuating emotions. Sometimes all you could do was be present for someone.
"We can go sometime." She had heard Ziggy wanting to take some of his lovers to Anthea. "I have video of the surface if you'd like to see it. The difference is our blue sun and the high mineral content of our desert."
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2021-08-21 02:20 (UTC)Luce drifted over from where he was floating by the mantle, bumping into his Guardian's shoulder. "We'd love to see Anthea. If you ever need our help in saving some plant and animal life just send a message to us." He said happily. Katiri nodded with a small grin, echoing his emotions. She didn't mind the contact from Aletayria. It was comforting. "Oh, you have a video? I'd like to see it." The Awoken woman said with open curiousity. It was interesting to note the synchronized emotions coming from both Ghost and Guardian. Like they were mentally on the same page with each other.
Luce drifted closer to Aletayria, studying the small child in her arms with affection. Katiri didn't blame him for it. The infant was pretty cute. She watched Luce watching over Zayda with a small smile.
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2021-08-25 01:42 (UTC)Aletayria is grateful for the offer and reaches up to touch Luce. "Most of our plants and animals are here or on our ships until we find a new planet.
"Of course. Would you hold her while I get the screen?" Aletayria offered Katiri the small Zayda so that she could get up. It would give the two a moment to enjoy the company of the baby who was watching Luce intently. Once Zayda was settled Aletayria stepped away for a few minutes.
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2021-08-25 06:45 (UTC)"We'll be a comm message away, no matter what." He assured, knowing that Katiri would be more than willing to help the Anthean.
Katiri looked up when Zayda was held out to her. She slowly reached up to carefully get a hold on her - glowing eyes wide and her face shifting into one of quiet wonder. She'd never held an infant before. But something she couldn't explain caused her to cradle Zayda close against her chest. It felt familiar somehow. The little one in her arms was so tiny, and felt very frail compared to a human child. But the Guardian couldn't look away once her glowing eyes locked with Zayda's odd green eyes. Her pupil's were slitted. Like Aletayria's. The mother had left the room momentarily to get a screen, leaving Katiri alone holding Zayda and Luce hovering at her shoulders.
"Hi.." She whispered with a small smile, drawing her legs up to sit cross legged as she leaned back against the couch and the panels of her robes draped over her lap. Luce hadn't seen Katiri in this light before, and the Ghost watched as his Guardian rocked in small gentle motions as she hummed softly to the child.
"Isn't she cute?" Luce cooed, drifting close to Katiri's head. It was at that point that he saw the tears lining the Awoken woman's eyes. "'Tiri?" He murmured quieter.
"I wonder if this was what it was like..." Katiri murmured with quiet emotion, cuddling Zayda and closing her eyes. "I wish I could remember her."
Luce wordlessly tucked into the crook of the Guardian's shoulder and she shifted her head to rest against him as she looked down at Zayda, stroking gloved fingers gently along the red fuzz of her hair. She felt both honored and elated to have this experience, but at the same time there was an aching void in her heart she couldn't describe. Luce didn't need words to understand. He could feel it.
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2021-08-25 13:27 (UTC)Zayda's little fingers grabbed at Katiri's robes while she looked up at the two faces above her. Her emotions overflowed with affection toward the two.
Aletayria returned with, what appeared to be a clear plastic sheet in her hands, but she paused to watch and feel the moment. She hesitated, let out a breath and glanced toward the outside before back at the woman holding her baby. Her mind was on Etainia and Thomas.
"I'm not sure it's my place but..." Aletayria approached and sat by them. "... Thomas can see the past and deep into the mind. If you truly want to remember, he might be able to help."
Her words are gentle as the flutter of soft emotions coming from the Anthean woman. Zayda felt that void and reached out with warmth to nearly touch it though, even this young, she knew not to violate the private space of the mind. The offer of closeness is there though.
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2021-08-26 03:54 (UTC)"I'm not sure if that would work." Katiri murmured softly. "When I was raised as a Guardian, everything about me and my past life was wiped away. I am a clean slate. I don't even know my original name." She looked down, not sure if Aletayria knew about the Guardians or not. "Before Luce found me and raised me, I had been dead for a very long time. A couple centuries at least."
"Even if it was possible, I'm not sure if it's a good idea." Luce chimed in softly. Tones subdued. "It's typically forbidden for Guardians to look into their past lives."
Katiri met Zayda's eyes again. She was not used to feeling another person's presence in her mind like this. The child was so affectionate and loving. She could feel the infant's presence trying to reach out and touch her pain. That empty ache that her original child left behind. "Ah, little sweetling." She whispered, tears sliding down her cheeks, moved. "I wonder if my daughter was like you." Overcome, she bowed her head and held the child close.
Luce had a deep feeling of longing. It wasn't often that he wished he had arms but in moments like this he really wished he did, so that he could wrap them around Katiri. "Last year, during the Festival of the Lost, Katiri asked me to take her to where I found her remains. When I took her there, we discovered smaller remains. I did a scan and discovered that she was an offspring. A young girl. Katiri must have originally died trying to protect her. Judging by the surrounding environment, we can only assume it was a natural disaster of some kind. Their remains had been covered and protected from the elements." He spoke hushed as he bobbed closer to Aletayria. He was prepared to answer any questions she may have.
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2021-08-26 04:24 (UTC)"The ability Thomas has can see beyond many things, even time." She's not quite sure how to explain the abilities of an Anthean mind but Luce's comment gets a solemn nod. "If it is forbidden then I would not take my people to your world. Those with the sight see the past in the landscape without the ability to prevent it from happening. It's part of their sight; for Thomas, his wife, and we have reason to believe my children too."
Not that she thought an Anthean would do well in such a war like place where so many had died. The place alone would be a haunted wasteland to them that would probably drive them out of their minds.
Zayda is listening to Luce by the shift in her eyes though her presence remained close to the guardian. Aletayria is watching and feeling what is being projected into the universe by the other two. Slowly, she reaches out to thumb away the tears.
"She would have been. How could she not with such a beautiful mother?" The Anthean woman easily fell into the place of a mother figure; the kind and comforting presence of warmth.
"I understand this pain. Many of our children have been lost to the drought. Some day people might see the same beneath the sands of our home." It was a sad thought but one to share for compassion, to tell the young woman she isn't alone in her loss.
Her gaze flickered to Luce with a nod because she could only imagine what the woman felt. Still there was one more things to offer. "Our kind mourn loss together. We have yet to mourn the loss of Thomas' children. If you wish to mourn yours with us, you are welcome to bring your grief and sorrow so that it can be relieved."
no subject
2021-08-27 02:47 (UTC)Their world wasn't a safe place on a good day for most. It would be especially dangerous for the peaceful Antheans.
The cool touch from Aletayria caught Katiri by surprise and she looked up at the other woman with glowing eyes that glittered with emotion. She was obviously touched by the gentle words and the maternal warmth radiating from the Anthean. She subtly shifted towards the touch, probably not even aware that she did it.
"I am sorry your people lost so much." Katiri murmured softly. She could understand to some degree despite the different circumstances. The offer moved her enough that a couple more tears trickled down her face. Gratitude welled up in her emotions. "You are so kind. I would be honored to join you. A-as long as I am not intruding on such a solemn occasion." She looked down at the child in her arms, huffing a soft watery laugh. "I can feel her mind almost like she's trying to hug me. So warm and pure. She is such a gift."
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2021-09-01 02:49 (UTC)She really didn't understand how Thomas, or Ziggy for that matter, kept their minds together. It's an instinct for a people so touch oriented; as Katiri leans in Aletayria moves her hand up to her shoulder offering a hug to the other woman without a word.
"You are family here and your grief needs to be heard as much as ours so that we can all heal." Aletayria leaned in touching her daughter's cheek. "Zayda is what my people were before war and disaster touched them. I'm not old enough to remember that time but Thomas does, deep down below what the war and governments have done to him; ours and the humans."