Babysitting Blues (Laina)

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

[member="Laina Silvias"]


The crazy, confusing vision she'd received after departing Sio's yacht in a huff made sense to her now. Did this mean the Force was talking to her and telling her to join the Amazons? The thought made her feel rather uncomfortable. She was used to employing the Force as a can opener, in other words a tool. The idea that is was trying to guide her destiny did not sit well with her.


Or was it Laina's wolf god? Well, that was weird but more tangible than an energy field. How could energy have a will? The mention of Sio's name made her tense. "Do you have to mention me to Kerrigan? Last we talked, it didn't go well," she mumbled. It didn't occur to her that Kerrigan's opinion of her would probably improve a bit. In any case, she wasn't a person she looked forward to seeing.


She gently wrapped an arm around Morrigan, though she made sure to keep the embrace loose since she didn't want to smother the girl or wake her up. "I saw you fight. You and...I think it was the matron. I was there."

 

[Laina Silvias]

Laina's brow knitted together as she glanced to Elpsis. "You helped save me and my child. That's worth mentioned. Regardless of how poorly your last interaction with her went. It might make her think better of you, especially with how she regards me and my little girl. She was there, helped me through the birth. So, it can't hurt." She smiled slightly and patted Elpsis' hand.

She did wonder what had happened. "Maybe someday you can tell me about what happened with you two. I'm not going to push. I don't want to pry, because I believe that tends to cause unneeded tensions when I see no reason for that. I'd rather you wait until you are comfortable and willing to reveal such things in your own time."

Then she frowned, seeming a bit confused. "I'm confused. What do you mean? Did you have a vision of the future?" That wasn't the only question she had, "When did this happen?" The timing was important.

Aella then returned, coming in with a large bag filled with foods. "I brought sandwiches and some fruit." Her eyes drifted to Elpsis, "I hope there is something in it you would like. I got quite the selection since I wasn't sure what you'd like sweetie." She said warmly as she took a seat on the bed next to Elpsis and offered her the bag to find what she wanted first. It was then that she caught onto the confused look on Laina's face, and wondered what she'd walked back into.

[member="Elpsis Kallikora"]

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

[member="Laina Silvias"]


Elpsis frowned. Apparently she hadn't thought of that! "Yeah, I guess that's true. I just don't wanna cause problems for you. You've been good to me and I really like you," she said honestly, blushing slightly. "Maybe we can talk about it. Just not now. Wasn't one of my best moments," she gave the amazon's hand a squeeze.


However, Laina's reaction to her vision gave her pause. "I guess it was a vision. I get 'em sometimes. Most of 'em are freaking useless and just give me fething headaches. I had it, like, two days ago." It was then that Aella returned and she'd brought food! "Yay, sandwiches! Thanks. I like bacon," Elpsis said happily and immediately helped herself to one.

 

[Laina Silvias]

Laina nodded, "If she gets uppity just hearing your name, after you helped save me and Morrigan, seriously ... Words will be exchanged. But I don't believe that is the way it will go. Truth be told, dear I like you as well. I wouldn't be as kind or caring towards you if I didn't. That and there is a debt to be paid. You helped save me and my daughter, that isn't a small thing, hun." The Amazon gently squeezed her hand in return. "It's alright, Elpsis. Whenever you want is fine. I'm just interested in your life, and I'd like to hear about it. Just only when you are ready."

Again Laina nodded and Aella seemed to have perked up, paying more attention now as she pulled one of the sandwiches from the bag to eat. "No problem, Elpsis. Glad there's something in there you like." Reaching in she pulled out another and passed it over to Laina.

"It does sound like a vision of the future to me. Do you remember any more details or was that it?" Laina was genuinely interested. "I ask because the gift of foresight, is precious. It's something the Great White Wolf bestows on only a seldom few. It must have been important to both you and I for you to have seen this. I also have visions as well. Which is one of the reasons I was being groomed to be the next Matron."

"You get visions too?" She asked of Elpsis. "We believe visions are the voice of the wolf, speaking to you, to help guide you. Sometimes it's confusing. Sometimes it is visions of far off things that won't ever effect you and sometimes it's perfectly clear what they mean. Other times it's a puzzle to figure out, but nonetheless important and precious."

[member="Elpsis Kallikora"]

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

[member="Laina Silvias"]


Laina's words gave Elpsis pause. Perhaps without even knowing it, the darkhaired amazon had tapped into a deep-seated desire Elpsis felt. That to belong somewhere and feel like she was accepted. As opposed to just tolerated by people who wanted her to change in this or that way. Until recently, she hadn't felt that way. Not even with Firemane, since that had blown up in her face.


So she looked genuiely touched. "Thanks, that, uh, well, means a lot to me," she said, looking a bit embarrassed. She wasn't sure how to respond to such acceptance. The adoring look in her eyes conveyed what words could not. Fortunately, the sandwich offered a welcome distraction. Given the sort of life she'd led, it was no surprise that Elpsis was lacking in decorum when she attacked the sandwich with gusto, devouring it.


It was only after devouring half of her apple that she realised a ten-year old had better table manners. "Sorry," she muttered apologetically and then began to eat at a more measured, civilised pace. She furrowed her brow. Talking about her visions wasn't something she liked.


"So the wolf howled in my head and I got a one-minute show of you and her clobbering each other? Why? Because it wanted us to meet?" Her tone betrayed some scepticism, but not outright rejection. Mostly her visions just confused her and left her with a headache. Religion wasn't something she had strong opinions on.

 

[Laina Silvias]

Laina shifted on the bed, picking up Morrigan and scooted next to Elpsis so that she could wrap her arm around the young woman. "Glad to hear it, dear." She said as she pulled Morrigan onto her lap to let her sleep there on her while she snuggled against Elpsis while she nibbled on her own sandwich.

"That might be a little oversimplified. It shows you where you are meant to be. It's clear to me you are supposed to be by my side and I can respect that. It, helps me find it easier to accept you joining the tribe and taking on the risks that come with it. At the start, I didn't want you to risk your life and all you have without serious thought. But maybe I wasn't listening well enough. It showed you and me where you are supposed to be."

The dark haired woman smiled softly. "And a part of me suspects that you yearn for acceptance, for family. The tribe can offer both. Much like in a pack of wolves there is family, acceptance, even if we fight from time to time. There is strength and perhaps most importantly you'll never be alone again. So while the ideas may be foreign let them sink in for a while. You still have time to decide if this is what you desire or not. And you will not be judged on your choice either way."

[member="Elpsis Kallikora"]

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

[member="Laina Silvias"]


The redhead cuddled up against Laina when the amazon scooted over to her. She wasn't entirely sure what to think of the amazon's words. Fate, destiny and so on were concepts she did not spend time thinking about. Partly because they gave her the impression she had no control over her life.


Then again, being with Laina felt right. The woman was strong, kind, compassionate and didn't force dogma full of purple poetry down her throat. So hearing some creature had given her a nudge in the right direction wasn't the most outlandish thing she'd heard. Family. The word sounded foreign to her. It did not roll easy off the tongue. Yet it brought out a yearning she couldn't just shrug off.


"Yeah, true. I do feel comfortable with you guys and it does feel like I should help you," she admitted, running a hand through her firemane. That was what her words said. Her eyes conveyed something along the lines of 'I don't wanna be alone'. Of course, she wouldn't openly say that.


"And somehow I knew you were ok right from the bat." Having said this she impulsively leaned forward and gave Laina a kiss on the cheek. By Elpsis' standards she was being quite restrained. "So, since the big wolf says I'm hot stuff, you're not gonna dissuade me from helping?"

 

[Laina Silvias]

Laina smiled softly, happy to have her little girl on her lap and Elpsis on her shoulder. Aella had settled down on Elpsis' other side, snuggling close but leaving a little space in case the redhead didn't want her too close, yet. She had chosen that spot to keep an eye on Elpsis and her injuries. Otherwise she'd likely have cuddled up on the other side of Laina, to spend time with her sister. A woman she greatly missed over the last year.

"Glad you do feel comfortable with us, sweetie." Aella said with a smile. She gently reached over and patted Elpsis' knee in a sweet gesture towards her. "Is there anything else you need?" She asked Elpsis.

Laina was smiling, "I suppose that's a good thing. Most folks see the tattoos and assume I'm not a good person, not something that can be trusted. Most of all the think I'm some kind of criminal. So, I am happy to hear that from you." The amazon drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly, "No, I won't. I still want you to think about it though. I just think now, that I only want you to understand us before joining, so you can be a good tribal sister. But no, I won't push you away from helping or try to talk you out of it."

[member="Elpsis Kallikora"]

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

[member="Laina Silvias"]


And the scene was so sweet and adorable that it would make syrup taste sour by comparison. Elpsis was certainly feeling happy to be sandwiched between Laina and Aella. "Well, there's a thing or two I may need, but you said," the redhead pouted girlishly, then turned and planted a kiss on Aella's cheek. Subtlety, thy name was not Elpsis. Then again, she was a young woman with needs and both amazons were very beautiful.


She glanced back over to Laina. "Anyone who thinks you're bad cause of your tats, which are real sexy by the way, is a moron. You may be the kindest person I know." Well, Elpsis had known her for long, but the words were still heartfelt. "So...thanks for accepting me and givin' me a chance."


At this moment there was suddenly a knock on the door. "Laina, it's Siobhan. You in there? You and Morri ok?" The tone of voice might have conveyed a strong feeling of anxiety. The news hadn't made Siobhan a happy camper.

 

[Laina Silvias]

Aella smiled at the kiss. The girl seemed so sweet to her. "Oh, come now ... no pouting, Miss Red. Such options will be open to explore when you are rested and healthy, darling." And Aella truly meant that.

Laina smiled again, "Awww, thanks hun. They are morons but people seems no matter where, can be quite judgmental. They never take the time to get to know someone like me." She laid her head against Elpsis' shoulder. "Oh, don't worry about it, dear. We all need someone who will give us a chance to show them who we are truly. Everyone deserves that chance. Just glad you feel welcome among us."

Then the knock at the door. Laina had jumped slightly at the noise. "Yes, Siobhan we are in here. We are fine." She turned to her sister, "Aella, would you please let her in. I don't want to disturb Morrigan."

Without hesitation Aella rose from the bed and over to the door, opening it and looking over Siobhan before she motioned for her to come on into the room. "Come on in. Morrigan's asleep on Laina's lap. So don't be too loud, please."

"Siobhan, that is one of my tribal sisters, and dearest of friends, Aella. She had my back tonight." Laina said quickly to make sure there was no confusion on the subject of Aella.

[member="Elpsis Kallikora"]

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

[member="Laina Silvias"]


Feeling quite happy and in high spirits, especially since she'd been promised fun in the future, Elpsis snuggled up against both amazons. When Laina laid her head against her shoulder, she reached out to stroke that lovely dark hair. However, the noise caused by the knock and Siobhan's voice her wince strongly. All of a sudden she felt terribly nervous and exposed. Being sandwiched between the two amazons almost felt uncomfortable now, as if it were holding her in place.


But then the door opened and Siobhan crossed the threshold. The noblewoman looked out of breath and unusually dishevelled. Her firemane was a bit unruly and tousled. It seemed she'd taken off the moment she'd received Laina's message. "Laina, thank the Goddess you're ok," she said, sounding relieved.


"I'm so sorry this happened. I've taken measures to strengthen security. We'll go back to having regular guards. You can move back into the villa if you want." Was she panicking just a little bit? Perhaps. Her eyes swept across the room to take in Aella.


She took a breath, calmning herself. "You have my thanks, dear. If your Laina's family, you're mine as well." Next she looked at the young redhead. "Elpsis". The aristo seemed a bit confused.


Hearing her name, Elpsis tensed a bit. "Hey. Look, if you wanna yell at me about being a disappointment, can we save it for later? Morri had a big day and kinda needs her sleep." Massive understatement.


"I'm not gonna yell," Siobhan sighed, looking rather awkward.. "I...would like to thank you for helping. Laina and Morri are very dear to me."

 

[Laina Silvias]

Laina sensed the nervousness from Elpsis, and squeezed her hand gently, running her thumb tenderly over the back of her hand. She was trying to be as comforting as she could. Trying to show Elpsis she was safe and protected alongside her. She nodded a bit tiredly. "I promise we are alright. A little sore, a little beaten up but we'll be fine."

Aella hopped into the conversation, "Elpsis was injured pretty badly. Bit of healing and some rest now, she'll be alright. Rest of us just have scrapes, bruises but fine."

"Regular guards, we need. They've shown how desperate they are to get at me. But it gets worse, the Matron has a blood trail on me. She can literally find me anywhere I go. So it's going to be problematic. They aren't going to stop. Something's going to have to give, and I may need to go back and deal with her personally. She's gone off the deep end, hurting my other sisters, killing people on whim. I can't let that continue forever. Nor can I keep looking over my shoulder wondering when she'll send more sisters to take my baby and kill me." Laina sighed heavily, looking down to her baby girl. Sweetly, gently, she ran her thumb across the tiny girl's cheek. "I think, moving back into the villa may offer more protection."

Aella inclined her head slightly bowing to Siobhan. "She's my best friend, my sister, not by blood but in spirit. Thank you, for your acceptance."

Laina's eyes were on Siobhan as she turned to talk to Elpsis. She was ready to defend the redhead completely if need be, feeling quite defensive in that moment. Siobhan however, did as she had expected. "Siobhan there is one thing... I can't move back to the villa unless both Elpsis and Aella can come with me. I need them both. I'm not going anywhere without them. They both helped to save me and my girl tonight, I won't leave them by the wayside." Laina said firmly. They were family to her now, whether Elpsis knew it or not. Whether Siobhan knew it or not. "Will this be possible?" She asked, her eyes back on her child, looking quite worried.

[member="Elpsis Kallikora"]

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

[member="Laina Silvias"]


"I take it we can't lure the queen out and flay her alive?" Siobhan asked rhetorically. Yep, she was feeling very vengeful. Alas, she did not have anyone available whom she could take out her anger on.


"I'll do whatever I can to help you," she promised and walked over to the bed, looking down at Laina's baby girl. It seemed she needed to reassure herself that Morrigan was really alright. She briefly ran a hand across the baby's cheek before withdrawing, not wanting to risk waking her. However, a frown creased her features when Laina asked whether Elpsis and Aella could come with her to the villa. Aella was no trouble, but Elpsis was a different story.


Elpsis seemed to pick up on the shift in mood. "Look, I don't have to stay at the villa. Ain't my kind of place anyway. I can find somewhere to stay in town. Just wanna be there to help Laina and Morri. And shoot the arseholes tryin' to steal the kiddo."


Siobhan waved her words aside as if they were buzzing insects. "You can stay, Elpsis. I expect you to be civil with Aba. If you're not buddies, fine, I don't particularly care. She's a Jedi, you've got reason to dislike them, but that's not her fault. Aella, you're welcome, too."

 

[Laina Silvias]

Laina sighed, "Unfortunately luring her out isn't possible. We would have to meet her, in the middle of her territory. In the middle of all my tribal sisters, many who aren't on my side." That was the hard fact of the matter, and it sucked. It was going to be a hard fight, and it was going to be rough to get people on her side from afar.

"We do have the other exiles we can gather to help. With them on our side, should help to shift those on the fence to your side, meimei. You aren't in this alone." Aella added, trying to make Laina feel better.

"Thank you, Siobhan." Glancing up to Sio, she smiled faintly.

Laina squeezed her hand tighter. She cared about Elpsis and wanted her at her side. She wanted to protect the redhead and to have her to help protect her and her baby. Elpsis glanced to the redhead, "Would you come stay with me, Elpsis? I really do need you by my side. Morrigan needs you and she really likes you, a lot." She added.

Aella smiled, "Thank you, Siobhan. I'd be happy to stay in your home. Anything to stay at Elpsis and Laina's side." She too was already getting attached. And it was more based on how Laina felt about the young lady, than it was Aella's own feelings. Laina seemed so fond of Elpsis. So she was too. And well, the girl did seem like she needed them and would fit in quite well. Not to mention that vision said she belonged.

[member="Elpsis Kallikora"]

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

[member="Laina Silvias"]


Truly, Elpsis wasn't enthusted about returning to the villa. All the luxury there just wasn't her. Moreover, she wasn't looking forward to running into Aba again. Meeting up with a girl she now considered to be another holier than thou Jedi with a stick up her arse wasn't high on her priority list.


However, Laina wanted to go back, that was it for her. This time Elpsis felt a lot more welcome since she knew the amazons really wanted her around. Yep, the redhead totally had some abandonment issues, though these seemed to be getting better. "Yes, I'd really like to stay with you," Elpsis said immediately. Possibly sounding a bit overeager, but she was earnest. "Told you I'd stick around for you and the kiddo. 'sides, the big wolf said I belonged with you." No arguing with Great White Wolf!


Siobhan looked equal parts amused and confused. She still felt like flaying the Matron alive. Stealing babies so wasn't cool. "We can move you whenever you want. And I can make Firemane resources available to help you track down your lost sisters," she interjected.

 

[Laina Silvias]

Laina felt better hearing that. She did want to help the teenager and that would be difficult if there was much distance between them. That and she also needed help with Morrigan. Being a single mother, was no easy task and frankly Laina was as sleep deprived as mother could be. "Thank you, Elpsis. I am glad to hear it. Truly."

Now it came down to the small matter of needing to move. "Truthfully, I'm not even comfortable staying the the hotel for the night. I just, I don't feel safe. Maybe I'm being paranoid, but yeah I don't feel safe here. I don't feel like I'd sleep at all, nor would I want to.... Worrying about what could happen after a night like tonight. Elpsis is in no state to keep watch. Nor am I. Aella can, but she's only one person. I just need to be somewhere, where there are others that can help keep watch. So maybe we all can get some rest." Though she had her doubts she'd sleep at all regardless of where she was for a few days after this.

"I would appreciate and help I can get finding them. We need to get them all together again, so maybe we can end the mess the Matron has made and save other sisters from similar fates as mine."

Aella frowned a bit, "They are scattered everywhere. Running fast and far to protect themselves. So, the resources needed, I imagine may be considerable. But I at the least can give you the list of the other women exiled. It's a start, not a great one, but definitely a place to start." Certainly, it wasn't going to be an easy task.

[member="Elpsis Kallikora"]

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

[member="Laina Silvias"]


Elpsis was about to protest that she wasn't in that bad a state, but then had to suppress a yawn. Fact was, she felt tired and her body protested against rising to her feet. Besides, Laina would see through it anyway.


"You are gonna get some sleep, Laina. Even if I have to sedate you. You're not gonna do Morri any good if you're a mess," Siobhan insisted. Not the most tactful way, but her tone and expression showed she really wouldn't enjoy doing that. "Firemane's a big company with its own intel division. Give my head of intelligence, Mirien Valdier, all the details on the lost clan sisters and we can look into it, Aella. I can't promise miracles, but it should aid you."


Little did Elpsis know how connected the lovely Ms. Valdier was to her mother. "I can help...through the vision thing. Like, if you got an object one of the sisters owned. Just gotta concentrate hard enough, right?" Truth be told, Elpsis didn't really understand how visions worked, but it made some sense to her.

 

[Laina Silvias]

"Siobhan, could you sleep after something like this, if it was your daughter?" She asked softly. "And who is going to look after Morrigan? She needs someone to watch her, feed her, take care of her while I sleep. This can't be left to just anyone." Tiredness was creeping into her voice. She couldn't help it. She'd had so little rest before all this happened. It was pushing the limit of what she could manage.

Aella gave a nod, "Okay, then I'll make a list and we'll see what your company and head of intelligence can do." Her attention then turned to Elpsis. "We'll see what we can find, that I have of theirs. I don't know what Laina has either. So, we'll work on it."

"Yeah, I might have a thing or two. Though it's not quite that simple, Elpsis. But I think I can show you." She sighed softly again, gently stroking Morrigan's tiny head, just thankful the girl was alright. With luck she'd never have to know about days like today. "Could we go ahead and head to the villa, Siobhan? I'd feel better about things then I think."

[member="Elpsis Kallikora"]

 

[Elpsis Kerrigan]

[member="Laina Silvias"]


Awkward. Siobhan knitted her brow together. "No, I couldn't," Siobhan admitted. "I'm also not always that sensible. Look, you got Aela, Elpsis, me. Hell, there's Eileithya and the villa has lots of servants I can vouch for. So you don't have to carry the whole load yourself. Besides, you look like hell and I visited the place, so I should know."


The Netherworld had been confusing and annoying. Also a bit dull. She gave Aella a nod, acknowledging the amazon's point. "Ok, glad to help. As much as I don't like saying it, Kerrigan's right," Elpsis said simply, sounding quite tired herself. She could use some sleep. At least little Morri seemed alright.


Siobhan stroked across little Morrigan's tiny head, then got up. "We can leave now. Any stuff you got that needs carrying? I can send minions over to your house to fetch anything left there."

 

[Laina Silvias]

Laina nodded, "Thought as much there. Figured you'd be the same with your kiddo." Still the Amazon looked worried. She hadn't completely ever let someone else take over Morrigan's care. She'd always been there, always awake and only at most thirty feet away from her daughter at any given time. Maybe she was too protective. Just a little.

"I guess so..." She quietly admitted.

Aella stepped over, "Why don't you let me hold her for a while? Take a little break." The brunette had a plan. If Morri wasn't in her arms or in her lap, it might be easier to get the woman off to sleep. "After all, you do trust me. I know you do. And babies are nothing new to me, you know that." Trying just a little harder to get the kiddo into her arms, to give Laina a break.

"With my life." She whispered. Laina was a little hesitant at first, but finally relented With great care shifted the tiny sleeping Amazon into her sister's arms. "Please, be careful with her."

"Don't you worry, Laina. She'll be fine. You've got plenty of folks around you, me included that are more than capable of caring for your little one. Though, when we get where we are going, even I need rest. I can watch Morrigan for a little while, but I'll have to sleep eventually."

"Can you find Eileithya?" Laina asked as her attention turned to Siobhan, "I like her, trust her a enough to take care of Morri entirely while I try to sleep."At least she seemed slightly more willing to try to rest. That didn't mean, however, that she would actually fall asleep, just that she would try.

"And as for carrying stuff, I didn't bring much, just Morrigan and the most basic of things needed for her. So just the baby's bag." It was sitting in the corner, with all the things that Morrigan might need. "Was kind of in a hurry since Elpsis was badly hurt and I wasn't sure if other Sisters would show up soon." Sighing, she sleepily ran a hand through her hair, "Really just Morrigan's stuff matters back at the apartment. Well, and I suppose some clothing for myself. That's all." Priorities, at least for the most part Laina had them straight. Morrigan came first. Slowly, she got to her feet, and offered Elpsis a hand. "Do you think you can stand or do you need someone to carry you?" She asked of the young redhead.

[member="Elpsis Kallikora"]