Welcome to New Santaissa

[Mishel Kryze]

Healing, Bk 1.​

Welcome to New Santaissa, Ch 1.​

​

The Legend of Riona​

​

At four years old, Riona Hanari has seen both the worst and the best that life can give you. All at once she lost her family and gained a new one. She was found on Tabaqui by a dark Jedi acolyte named Charlyra Araano. Charlyra's master [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"], took it upon herself to oversee the young girl's well-being. Not knowing that the girl was in fact, her own biological daughter. Not that biology had ever once played into any of her maternal decisions, but Siobhan fears that this is one long hoax played upon both her and the young Riona. Who they've been affectionately calling Rio, for short. To this end, Siobhan seeks out one of her oldest and dearest friends [member="Coryth [/FONT][/SIZE][SIZE=14px][FONT=georgia]Elaris"]. A master of the healing arts, Jedi Master Elaris comes to inform her friend that Riona's biology is no hoax, and explains just how it is that Riona came to be, exactly.​

​

Morning rose over the Villa on Tygara, and there were still adjustments being made. There were not one, not two but four new little ones to adjust to. Four different types of screams and cries, and four different types of need. There were the youngest Kerrigans, Livia and Adril and then Knight Silvia's new daughter Morrigan, lastly, there was Riona. Riona was certainly the oldest of the all of them, but she was still new and still a wee little lamb. So as the morning rose, there rose babies, children, and adults. While there were servants, maids, and nannies to spare - everyone did their part.

Even little Riona who enjoyed fetching nappies, and helping to care for the wee ones. So once she was done with her part, she'd be gone for the morning, and at first she was easy enough to track. She'd follow Tegs, Sio or even one of the other ladies, Lyra, Elpsis or Tempest. Lately, it's become apparent that Rio is her mother's daughter she's taken Lacey out for runs around the property. At one point Rio figured out how to get past the guards and security. She scared her mothers half to death, thankfully one of the many Runners for Firemane had been approaching the property and recognized her.

Rio had gotten a stern talking to, and the guards have been better trained. Rio was just so eager to see the city, she could see it from her room. It wasn't that they didn't go out, but they went out so little - between babies, and training new jed-ai people there hadn't been time to play. At least not with her, and she knew there were things to be done, but Rio wanted to be held and loved just as much as the wee ones, and she wanted her mummies to herself.

This morning, though - after helping the babies she'd been lured to stay in for breakfast. Hotcakes served by Bo'Sara, normally she'd go out and run around Charlyra during her meditations, but Lyra had asked to be left alone on this morning. Since she'd begin her force training today. And so there she sat at the table, stuffing hotcakes with sweet syrups into her face. Happily eating at her morning meal with a cup of blue milk nearby. Her little feet swinging along the chair as she sat, with Bo humming a little tune. They were expecting a very important guest today, Master Elaris was to arrive soon - Rio was gonna have another fancy little chat with her, but this time she'd have her mummy Si-Si with her.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Coryth Elaris"], [member="Riona Kerrigan"]


Daughter. The word was not as foreign for Siobhan as it might have been a couple years ago. Indeed, the Kerrigan-Alcori clan's ability to take in waifs and strays and adopt them had become legendary. She was not even unused to little ones since Laina and her kiddo had settled in the villa.


However, Riona was a special case. She was not adopted. Or a grandchild like Natoline's babies. She was Siobhan's biological daughter. At least that was what her medical records said. Except...this particular girl was supposed to have two mothers. One of them was a certain Valessia Brentioch. Siobhan could not help wonder whether this was a cruel joke being played on her.


It did not diminish her love for the little one in any way. Riona was every inch her daughter, no matter whether she was her biological one or not. But she needed the certainty because what the doctors told her sounded insane. So it came to pass that Siobhan appeared in the grand dining hall. The Countess tended to be a heavy sleeper, so she was the last to arrive. However, since Coryth was expected to be here soon, she was wearing a lovely blue dress.


She was quite relieved to see that Rio was sitting at the table and not sneaking around with Lacey. There had been a stern talk after that. Siobhan had also sacked two of her guards. "Hey, there, sweetie. Did you sleep well?" Siobhan asked softly, placing a maternal kiss on Riona's forehead. "Loving the pancakes, huh? I like them, too. Don't eat too fast. That'll be bad for you. Coryth will be here soon."

 

[Mishel Kryze]

Rio with a mouth full of pancakes nodded. Managing a fork was still something of a learning process, Bo was thoughtful enough to cut the pancakes for her. Usually, the young girl dressed, herself but with Master Elaris' impending arrival her outfit chosen for her. She wore a neat little tunic with a pair of shorts. "Adril was up all night." She said after drinking about half her glass of blue milk. If Adril's crying had disturbed her, it didn't show now. It'd show later this afternoon when she'd go for her nap.

"Bo said Lyra was doing force stuff today, how long is Lyra doing force stuff for, Si-Si?" Rio often switched between Si-Si and mum, the latter was still something she was getting used to. It's only been a month or so at best since her arrival at the Villa, and at least a week since they had learned the about her. Rio didn't know there was all that much to learn, but she'd tell the Master Elaris her whole story again. "Bo makes really good pancakes," her little mind switched tracks again, "can I play with Lacey later today?"

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Riona Kerrigan"]


"Yeah, she was. Kept me up a bit. Poor thing had a bad night. She got calmer after Chesna sang her a lullaby," Siobhan said knowingly. Adril was a sweetheart, but also a rather fussy baby. In other words, more than a little like her namesake! Who knew, maybe she'd also have fire powers.


"Lyra's probably gonna be doing her Force stuff for most of the morning. She's quite dedicated, y'know. Unless Neve can distract her! And, yes, those pancakes are great," she chuckled a bit. She frowned slightly when Riona mentioned playing with Lacey. She was still unhappy about the little one's unauthorised excursions, but felt like going for a compromise. It seemed all the little girls in her house had an affinity for dangerous predators.


"If you're a good girl, you can play with Lacey, sweetie. But you must do so under supervision and not race off alone. Lacey looks cute, but she's not just a cuddly pet." Her tone was commanding and more than a little stern, but she did not raise her voice. "Maybe Auntie Coryth can come along. She loves animals." Moreover, [member="Coryth Elaris"] had Empathy and was good with animals, so riding a raptor would be safer with her around.

 

[Mishel Kryze]

Balderdash, Lacey was a cute and wonderful pet. Quite loyal to the Firemane Clan as well, or so Riona had surmised from her time with the raptor. Still, Riona supposed that her Si-Si had a point. Auntie Coryth did have a better handle on animals all together and it might better to wait for her to come along with them. The younger Kerrigan knew the tone in which her mother spoke, and was coming to know it very well. Even so, the young girl wanted to push the limits and test the boundaries of what her mothers would and would not allow. "Okay, Si-Si." Was all Siobhan would get from her on the matter, whether or not it was wholly resolved, was another question entirely.

Neve and Lyra were cute together, though from what Riona had observed Neve knew when to not disturbed Lyra. "Is she gonna do Force stuff, all morning?" The little fireball asked her voice emphasized the idea that she'd lose a playmate for most of the morning. Who was going to show her how to spot pretty rocks? Rio disliked it when the adults had to do things like this. "Neve's too nice." Her response to the idea that Neve would distract Lyra. "I like the Juna berries." She adds to their conversation on the pancakes pointing to what was left of them on her plate. The syrup was made from them as well, as evident from the coloration of the sticky sauce.

"Adril is lonely." At least from what Riona had gathered, she'd been around the babies since they came into this world. Some there at the Villa suspected it was a bond between them, a very sisterly one at that. "Livy's quiet but she's lonely too." Perhaps a bit of empathy, perhaps a bit more - no one was sure just how Force-sensitive Riona was or could be. And, in a house where the Force lives and moves through just about every other woman. It may have started to show through such a passive ability. Rio finished off the last of her pancakes and dashed off without a second thought.

She came back to the table just as fast as she had left it holding up some fabrics, slings, slings that the some of the nannies used to wear the babies around. "For Adril, and Livy." She pushed them both toward Siobhan. An assertive suggestion that she should place the two infants in the slings and keep them close to her. Then Riona thought for a moment, "Teggie can wear them too." She whispers like it's a secret.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Riona Kerrigan"]


Privately Siobhan suspected that Riona would not let this go that easily. Why? Because the girl was a Kerrigan. Stubbornness was inherent. Little Rio's reaction to the fact that Lyra had to do 'Force stuff' instead of playing with her made the Countess chuckle.


The girl was clearly a little princess. "Sometimes grown-ups have to do important stuff that seems boring to you, dear. Be happy you're not an adult yet!" Siobhan said knowingly, giving Rio an affectionate pat on the head. "But maybe she'll let you watch. It can be exciting sometimes."


There was a flicker of something on Siobhan's face when the little one mentioned that the babies were lonely. It was gone almost as soon as it appeared, but it was there. Natoline's departure and that of little Althenea pained her deeply. She could only hope that Nato would at least take care of the baby. Siobhan was not used to having toddlers around, but she wanted to be there for them instead of just outsourcing their care to maidens.


"Yeah, they are a bit lonely," she tried to keep the sadness out of her tone. "Been busy with work, but I really want to spend more time with them. Perhaps put them together with lil Morrigan since she could use the company." However, then her somber mood passed and her lips curled into a smile when she saw Riona reveal the slings the nanies used for the babies. "Oh, that's a good idea, angel. I can carry them around in the slings. Show them the estate a bit."

 

[Mishel Kryze]

Rio and Siobhan move to the main room, ready to receive Auntie Coryth. The babies were out with members of the family, and those who were to train today were out on the grounds training. Leaving Rio and Siobhan with time to themselves, which to be honest was sorely needed. The room was mostly quiet, Siobhan was reading something and Rio was busy putting something together. There was a silence but not uncomfortable, just there and for Rio. "Is Cory coming because of my test?" She was a smart girl, even for her age.

She stopped what she was doing and looked up to Siobhan. Their eyes met and Rio was genuinely curious, there'd been quite a fuss made about it. She walked toward the sofa and climbed on it, moving to sit beside Siobhan. "Si-Si?" She asks drawing a look, and for a moment she wonders if talking about Lyra and the babies would be better. "I think the babies would like it a lot, Si-Si. They like it when you and Teggie hold dem."

Curling into Si-Si, Rio ponders the news from the week before. Si-Si was her mommy, but she already had a mommy. It was very confusing and there was lots of crying. "Are you sad because of my test?" She asks.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Riona Kerrigan"]


Rio was very young, but a smart cookie. Things did not escape her notice easily. Having empathy helped. "Coryth's coming over because she wants to help spend some time with both of us and, yes, because of the test. She can explain things for us a bit," Siobhan said with a slight smile.


She reached out with her hand to stroke Riona's hair and snuggle her. The Countess felt a surge of guilt when she absorbed the meaning of Riona's last words. "No, no, angel, I'm not sad because of the test. Or because of you. Never, dear. The test results...confuse me a bit. Even I don't have all the answers. It's something I've never dealt with before, but it doesn't change things. You're my daughter and I love you. You're a lovely girl."


Her response might come across as a bit rambling, but she felt quite strongly about this. "I'm just...sad and worried because of Nato. She should be here. With Althenea, Adril and Livia." Perhaps laying this on her little one was not the best thing to do and a bit unfair, but she was only human. Losing the spitfire hurt and she could not help worrying about the baby. She wrapped her arms around Riona. Holding the little one close seemed to improve her spirits. "But I got you. Your mummies love you very much."

 

[Mishel Kryze]

Riona was pulled into a warm hug, she snuggled into her mother's embrace, feeling her strength surround her. The words that were spoken, were words that the little one needed. She had spent the last week wondering what had happened and in the past week or so a lot of things had happened. Babies were born, a baby and a sister left... A sister she had barely gotten to know, and a niece she had only just met. All of this and the awareness of the truth, that the woman who held her was hers. There was a little sniff, that followed two little arms moving to wrap around Siobhan's neck.

Eyes squeezed shut, her little body quivered with emotion. The trembles of tears as she buried her face into Siobhan's neck. For a girl so small, she cried so much. Her little eyes had seen so much, and perhaps it had been said before this. Perhaps, it had been mentioned, but the moment Siobhan had said you're my daughter and I love you. It was as if the entirety of Tygara had been lifted off of Rio's little shoulders.

And the silence that had once been in the room was now filled with a very different feeling. One that servants dared not intrude on. Ashira knew the stresses of this family, and it was a sight to behold. This child clinging to the Countess so tightly, little hands tangled in the tresses' of her mother's thick red hair. Moments passed and Rio relaxed, her body fell against Siobhan's and she sat there in her mummy's lap. Head against Sio's chest, listening to her heartbeat, a little hand into a big one. Eyes glazed over as her little mind knew not what to do with such heavy emotion. But in this moment she blinked away the distant gaze and looked up into Siobhan's eyes. And as their eyes met, something inside of Rio seemed to tick over.

"I love you too, mummy." It was so soft you could scarcely hear it, but after she had said this, she settled back to where she had been. Head against Siobhan's chest listening to her heartbeat, memorizing its rhythm.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

 

[Coryth Elaris]

Even by Coryth's definition this was strange and odd. What she'd heard hadn't quite made sense to her. Siobhan had a biological child? Without ever going through pregnancy, sex with males, and all the usual things that happened to create a child. Still, Cory knew the force worked in the most mysterious of ways and there were rumors of children conceived through the force alone. And the tiny redhead did wonder if maybe that was the case. Though it seemed more likely that some lab mistake had been made. Either way there was testing to be done and clearly much explaining depending on the results of the exam.

The tiny Jedi wandered the streets until she got down to the Villa. Reaching out she pressed the doorbell lightly and waited to be shown in. As she stood there she fidgeted with her well, rather simple clothing; a light grey tank top and a pair of well worn jeans. Coryth had never been one for extravagant things, and kept her clothing and hair simple. Even her own home held little furniture or knickknack like items. She was just too used to always being on the move, never knowing where she might end up. Such items, with her wanderings were just a burden.

Once the door was opened and Coryth was let in she was led to the pair, mother and daughter. "Morning Siobhan, Riona."

[member="Riona Kerrigan"] | [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Riona Kerrigan"], [member="Coryth Elaris"]


And so mother and daughter cuddled together on the couch. The scene was so sweet to make syrup taste sour. Siobhan seemed more at ease with Rio snuggled up close to her and the little girl's words warmed her heart, pulling her out of her sombre, melancholic mood. Her lips curled into a smile. A broad, genuine one.


The scene could only be improved by the arrival of a wild Coryth! Well, she was not very wild at the moment, but you get the point. Hopefully the lovely short stack of fire could shed some light on how Siobhan had been able to knock up another woman.


The little redhead was simply dressed, which stood in stark contrast to the ostentatious surroundings and Siobhan's fancy attire. However, the Countess was convinced that Coryth was gorgeous in anything. "Hey there, Coryth. Glad you could make it. Can I offer you anything? You're doing well?" she asked warmly. "Rio, Auntie Coryth is here."

 

[Mishel Kryze]

The moment passed and after a few seconds, they had let each other go. Riona had gotten down to continue building whatever it was she had been building. Siobhan perhaps meant to go back to reading but then there was a ring. Coryth's arrival had been announced and Rio excitedly dashed away for some reason. She had met Coryth all but once before this, when she was first being looked over after her arrival from Tabaqui. Then when her mum called that indeed, auntie Coryth had arrived she scrambled back out into the main room.

And if the young girl had planned on some wild gesture toward Coryth, it stopped before it could begin. She immediately shied away behind her mum's legs. Little hands clutching to the blue dress that her mother wore, as she peeked out to see the other redhead. The tiny dirty blonde haired girl gave the other woman a little wave before giggling and rushing off to another part of the manor.

When she returned, auntie Coryth and mummy Si-Si were sitting on the main sofa. Rio had returned with her plush tauntaun holding it tightly she climbed up on the sofa's edge and sat behind her mum. Keeping the tauntaun in her arms as she pressed herself against the back of the sofa leaning to catch a small peek of Coryth. "Hi." Rio finally worked up enough courage to say and after another moment or two. "I'm Riona." At least now they could be more formally acquainted, and little by little. The younger Kerrigan worked her way to sit between her mum and her aunt. With her body leaning against her mummy's for comfort and reassurance.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] | [member="Coryth Elaris"]

 

[Coryth Elaris]

Coryth smiled softly. She had no idea how this whole situation was going to play out. No clue how to explain how this happened. Awkward was a small understatement. If what she thought had happened, really did, well there was no good way to explain it all. No simple or easy way in the least. Still it was going to require some testing, and a good exam to be sure.

"Sio, darling happy to see you." She said quietly as she took a seat in a chair opposite them both. "Some water would be great." Her own life had been relatively peaceful. "I can't really complain. I've just mostly been hanging out on the boat, doing some work with the Eldorai here and there. Just helping out with healing, surgery, that sort of thing." That was part of her job of being of master healer, and a doctor. In addition Coryth just loved to help out where she could.

Coryth giggled a little as she saw the young girl peer around to get a look at her. She lifted her hand and waved at the young one. "Hello Riona. It's nice to see you. You've grown so big." Reaching into her purse, the tiny jedi pulled out a small stuffed Ewok and offered it to Riona. "I brought a present. A friend for your tauntaun." She at least figured it might help them get better acquainted before this whole medical thing needed it happen.

Then Coryth turned her attention to Siobhan, "How's everything going here? And Firemane?" Her natural instinct was to talk for a little while and get some tension out of the air. Mostly, she wanted Riona to get comfortable and not be as shy or nervous around her.

[member="Riona Kerrigan"]

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Riona Kerrigan"], [member="Coryth Elaris"]


"Bo, fetch Lad Elaris some water please," Siobhan called to the lovely Twi'lek servant girl. She was a relatively recent addition, but very good with lil Riona. "Happy to hear you're doing well. Kaida's being good to you?" If not, there'd be words. Siobhan was trying to be more accepting of Coryth's relationship with the elf. Even though she still thought the woman was bland and a total queen.


It was then that Riona returned with her adorable plush tauntaun. Slowly the girl worked up the courage to sit between her mother and auntie. Siobhan could understand the little one being a bit shy, but she smiled at her encouragingly and stroked her small head. "Hey there, sweetie," she said fondly.


"That's a very nice gift, Cory! Riona, say thank you to your auntie. Coryth is a very kind and wise woman...and one of my dearest friends." And I'm kinda, sorta in love with her but my love life is already way too complicated. That was the part she obviously didn't voice!


"Firemane's doing well, thanks. Got a new member: Charlyra Araano. Great girl, you should meet her someday. Galina's maturing a lot. I'm proud of her. Still so serious." She decided to keep more unpleasant topics out of the conversation. Like Ruusan or Nato vanishing. "Tegs is very busy, but happy. Having two babies and lil Rio here keeps us on our toes. Your kid's been a big help."

 

[Mishel Kryze]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] | @Coryth Elaris

Riona's eyes lit up she carefully accepted the Ewok from 'auntie' Coryth. "Thank you, auntie Coryth." Her little voice says gracefully before she slips off the sofa and goes to the other sofa across from her mother and aunt. Just as she slipped away to the recliner to play with her toys, Bo'Sara arrived. Aye, Bo had indeed been a rather newer addition to the staff, having arrived just weeks before Charlyra. The curvy twi'lek brought over a serving tray, setting out a glass of water for the Jedi Master.

"Here yew are, fresh glass of water, and I've set about some making a fresh batch of biscuits for tea." Bo explains as she dallies off back to the kitchen. Rio sees but part of the twi'lek's lekku and runs off for the kitchen, giggles are heard and Rio arrives back eating a little piece of fruit. Her hair settles around her shoulder, and as she turns to look at both her mother and aunt, you could see a proud noble line running through her veins.

The matriarchal line of House Brentioch, had somehow met with the strong-willed blood of the Kerrigans. And there before both Coryth and Siobhan was a product of this meeting. Who now sat on her heels playing with a plush Ewok and a plush Tauntaun. Ah, but she is just a girl, a daughter of the force - a woman one day she will be, her journey from girl to woman would take place here. On Tygara with her mothers Tegaea and Siobhan, but for now.

For now, she was just the girl with the ember of curiosity that continues to burn. Mother and aunt Coryth had begun to discuss things that were beyond her. Rio was more concerned with playing, and as she had the Ewok, ride along the Tauntaun her eyes lifted to the door and her thoughts scurried to the time when she and Lacey had broken past the gates and guards. It was easy enough she thought, calming the animal and then getting her little legs up and over the animal. She learned now what she'd have to do if she wanted to get out again, be a lot sneakier.

Ah, daughter of the force was one thing, but in truth... Riona Hanari, was Riona Kerrigan-Alcori a daughter of the flame.

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WcHPFUwd6U[/media]​

 

[Coryth Elaris]

Coryth's eyes light up when Kaida was mentioned, "Things are going well with Kaida, I think. She's a real sweetheart, once you get to know her." The redhead seemed genuinely happy, if not almost joyful in a manner that Coryth usually wasn't. Kaida had made quite the impact in her life, and mostly got the tiny short stack of fire to settle down a little and stop gallivanting across the galaxy, putting her life on the life for every last cause she could get her hands on. "Even things with Elpsis are going well. I wasn't sure she and I would ever get along. And almost certain she'd reject me out of hand. I'm happy she didn't. Things oddly enough, are actually going my way, and I kind of am really enjoying it."

Coryth chuckled brightly seeing the little one's reaction. "You're more than welcome little one." Her eyes following as the girl accepted the new toy and headed over to another seat.

When the Twi'lek returned, she reached out and took her water. "Thank you, it's quite appreciated Bo."

"It's good to hear, new members, growth of our girls. Galina maturing, it's good to see her growing up and adjusting to society. She's done well so far." She nodded, understanding the situation was serious and complicated. Though she did sense something beneath the surface that Siobhan didn't want to say. For now, Coryth was going to let that be. It wasn't like her to pry right then and there. "Glad to hear Elpsis is working out for you all. So many little ones running around the villa these days. Its a wonder anyone gets any sleep." Servants definitely helped.

Now for the subject at hand, Coryth wrung her hands slowly. She wasn't quite sure how to address it. Especially with the girl right there. For with children Cory had little experience, and parent like things did not come naturally to her. And the last thing she wanted to do was frighten the child by talking about what would be needed to confirm her suspicions. "So, I'm not sure how to do this." Coryth said quietly, looking a little anxious herself.

[member="Riona Kerrigan"] | [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Coryth Elaris"], [member="Riona Kerrigan"]


Siobhan noticed how Coryth's eyes lit up when frost elf's name was mentioned. It felt...odd to her, but she was trying to be accepting. She still didn't like the woman, but it was Coryth's happiness that mattered. "Ok. That's good. I'm glad that things are going well with her and that you and Elpsis are happy. I was...sad when you two were separated. But she's grown a lot and I think she really loves you," she said feelingly. It both warmed her heart...and made her a bit sad when she thought about the Nato situation, but she pushed that thought aside.


She smiled brightly at Riona when the little one went off to play with her two toys. It was so cute! "Oh, yeah. Sleep's been...a bit difficult sometimes. You would not believe how much space three little ones can take up in a bed! But Riona's too much of a lovely sweetheart for me to complain," she glanced at the girl, "even if she sneaks past the guards and takes Lacey out for rides without telling me. Yes, Rio, I know exactly what you're thinking about. You promised to be good, angel."


She took a sip from her glass of water, equally feeling a bit uncertain about how to address the sensitive subject. The fact that Riona was around made it even more awkward, but Siobhan felt that while the girl might not understand the details yet, she deserved to know. "So you...wanted to talk about the...biology stuff. I guess there's no way to talk around it and I trust your judgement. Can you break it down in normal people's Basic?"

 

[Mishel Kryze]

"Harumpth." Rio made herself known loudly as she turned and looked at her mother. How dare she! Riona would never ever, ever think about jumping the fence with Lacey again. Even if that is exactly what she was contemplating now and was only upset because her mother knew better. "I did pwomises to be good, and I am good!" She interjected into the conversation and went back to playing. She envisioned that the Ewok on the Tauntaun was her on Lacey. Racing toward the gates again and leaping over making a break for New Santaissa's main gates.

She sensed something in her mother, no. She felt something tug at her, and as she looked over her shoulder she looked at her mother and then her aunt. Looking at her two toys she put them down on the recliner and then wandered back toward the couch. Climbing up the little girl sat herself down between Coryth and Siobhan. There was much in life that Riona didn't understand, and it seemed that right now this was probably where not even her mum understood. So, Riona took Siobhan's hand in hers, little fingers intertwining with larger ones. And then she looked at the fingers, her mother's fingers. She put opened up the palm of her mother's hand and then put her palm flat against it. Lifting her gaze up to her mother's, she just smiled reassuringly.

Leaning her head against her mother's chest, she snuggled. From here Riona climbed into Siobhan's lap, like a young lion cub coming to rest within her mother's care.

[member="Coryth Elaris"] | [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

 

[Coryth Elaris]

Her relationship with Kaida and Elpsis had been both been bright spots of light shining in the darkness of Coryth's life. Both were things she never thought she'd have. She never dreamed that she'd get to have any relationship with Elpsis, much less to know her and be accepted by her. "I'm truly glad things have worked out with Elpsis the way they have." She nodded, "I believe you're right. I love the girl too. It's been strange, and different. And it's something I never thought I'd have."

Wonderful distractions seemed to occupy Riona's mind for the time being. Which was exactly what Coryth wanted. "Kids are sometimes." She did giggle at the mention of the girls taking up the bed. "I bet they steal all your blankets too and don't share." More giggling followed when talk of Lacey came up. "It's so cute. A trouble maker, just like her mum." Coryth said with a wink, entirely teasing Sio.

"Yes, I did." The redhead sighed knowing this was so not going to be fun. "I've done a fair bit of research, and well there's a rare phenomena that happens from time to time." Cory took a deep breath in and let it out slowly. She wasn't exactly so good at this explaining the magical birds and bees. "Remember all that time you spent on Gallos, with Valessia. Doing you know .. stuff." Sex, the word Coryth could barely speak when just adults were around. She wasn't about to say it now.

Her cheeks flushed a slight rosy pink so quickly. "Anyway ..." She had to get her mind off that and quick! "So, when you two ... for how long you two were .... See the force, sometimes when you place two powerful force users together... In that kind of environment, midiclorians can join together, and well ..." Yeah, Coryth was struggling to get through this. "Under the right circumstances an infant can be the result of the love, the force, and the strength of force of the two ladies there."

Coryth sighed, and shook her head. Uncomfortable might have been an understatement. "I'm almost ninety-nine percent certain that this is what happened too. A simple blood test would confirm what I already highly suspect to be true. She's yours dear."

[member="Riona Kerrigan"] | [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Riona Kerrigan"], [member="Coryth Elaris"]


"Hey, I'm not a troublemaker at all," Siobhan insisted. Really, Siobhan? Really?! Adorable little Riona curled up on the couch between them and leaned her head against her mother's chest, snuggling.


Siobhan was happy to oblige her by being her pillow. It was a rather comfortable spot to rest against. So she wrapped her arms around her girl when the little one settled into her lap, like a lioness caring for her little cub. Coryth spoke and elaborated on her research. Siobhan blinked. It was probably a good thing that she was not holding a glass because otherwise it would have shattered.


For a long moment she was completely speechless. "You're saying the Force did it? Valessia and I made Rio with space magic? This is some kind of midichlorian thing? But how? I mean...this never happened with Mirien, Anya...you," she broke off this train of thought. Riona really did not need to know how many Force-using ladies her mother had slept with!


"And...Valessia isn't a powerful Force-user, last I checked. Sure, I sensed the Force inside her, but it was faint and untrained." Of course, Siobhan was thoroughly in the dark about the Scion's heritage, which went back to a Banite Sith Lord. She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. "I...don't understand any of this....but I believe you," having said these words she hugged Riona close. "Sweetie...I'm your mother."