Welcome to Gaia! ::

Another voice chimed in, causing Siofra's edging to stop. Her attention turned to the source of the new voice. Her head tilted, looking at the newest adult to keep them captive. But this one must have been the queen they were supposed to be waiting for. Ah, yep, there it was. Queen Belwen. Oh. She blinked, blushing a little. Her sister claimed to be a princess, but this was an actual queen! It didn't matter so much, for a brief moment, that they were containing them here. Ooooh, Jollibee and Lelly were gonna be so jealous when she got to tell them!

Siofra mentally shook herself, trying to listen as the beauty was asked to go on an errand. Was she the queen's right hand? Oh, no wonder she was gorgeous, she was extremely important! Oooh, this was almost like a bad fairy tale. All of the really awesome and good stuff was there, but she wasn't free to enjoy it! At least, not the way she wanted to. Her attention snapped back to the queen as they were asked if they wanted anything else. It wasn't polite to turn down an offer like that, but was it really a good idea to eat anything here? Shaylee had, so maybe it was safe? "Um... No thank you." Siofra smiled, or at least tried to. Her stomach was in knots, even if she hadn't eaten in forever and that fruit looked super tempting. She glanced over to Elias, not sure if he was going to grab a bite to eat or not. She wasn't judging one way or the other.

"Grown? I think we kinda stopped growing, we're stuck small! And even smaller right now" She knew she was supposed to be quiet and respectful, this is a queen! But she couldn't, just couldn't, keep the outburst in. There was so much going on and they needed some serious answers, and she needed to get home to Lelly! "What's going on here? This... This isn't our home?" Siofra realized a little too late something the queen had said. "My home, his home, Siofra nodded towards Elias, "is back that way." She gave a vague gesture behind them. She was pretty sure that was the direction they'd come from. "With my mom and dad, sisters, brothers, cousins, aunts, uncles.. With my family. She was trying not to sound as panicky as she felt. Elias had been right, they should have run when they still had the chance.

This other flutter seemed to be trying way to hard to convince them to have some fruit and Elias was already feeling suspicious. She had a taste of it for herself which told him it wasn't poisoned, but it could still be bewitched or something. Yes, bewitched, he was on edge enough that he would believe all the conspiracy theories. There was no way he was eating or drinking anything while he was here.

Siofra had given her real name, and he supposed the other teenager had too, only he didn't know her name to know for sure. Elias didn't really want to give his name, but all eyes seemed to be on him now. "Elias..." He grumbled.

Finally this queen that the adults had been talking about entered. He glanced at Siofra, feeling uncertain. She was talking to them as if she knew them, but as far as Elias knew he had never met this female before. The questions he had once had about who he was had left his mind, and now the only thing he wanted to know was when they could leave. They had been waiting long enough. He didn't want to take away Siofra's opportunity to have her questions answered, so he continued to be quiet as Siofra and the other girl spoke, watching this queen with some curiousity.

Siofra spoke of their home, and none of the pae she spoke of looked like them, like these pae. He almost wanted to trust them, just because they looked like him, but maybe there was a reason why this wasn't their home from the beginning. Everything just seemed off ever since they were thrown into the line, hearing those other young flutters speak. His gaze lowered, all of this was exhausting.

The pink flutter pretended not to notice Siofra edging ever closer to the fruit bowl, as she obviously was trying to be subtle about it. At her response question, she blinked. What was 'the heck'? Did 'the heck' have to do with the Seedhiels? Maybe a third Tree was called 'the heck' somewhere that she didn't know about? But she didn't ponder much longer on it, as her question had been answered. Siofra! What a beautiful name. Her eyes flicked over to the shy girl in the corner.

She got her to talk! Surprise followed by elation flicked on Shaylee's face as the quiet girl gave her name with a prompt blush. Oh how adorable! She was simply so excited to be among the lost seedlings, marveling how healthy and well they looked. And the golden boy was Elias! Oh she actually got them to give their names. This was going so well, she had so many questions she wanted to ask...

...Which would have to wait. At the Queen's voice she stood up straighter, and noticeably quieter. Listening intently on Belwen's buzzing around, she already saw how enamored the teens were by her. Was she not just as great as they had said? Surely the lost seeds would believe them now!

"Yes ma'am." Shaylee spoke obediently before flitting off out of the room and to the busy party. She felt a bit of disappointment at having to leave and miss out on the questions and answers, but maybe if she was real fast she'd make it back without missing too much?

Lisian took a moment to look down the line of teens. His heart swelled with joy and pride as he saw his creations hanging from their necks, but especially the way they looked on them with wonder and excitement. He was proud to have put so much work into something they seemed to appreciate it. He would do every moment over again, never wanting it to be different just to see this moment again. The long days of clearing his mind for meditation, holding the flesh of the tree in his hands, and working with the wood till his hands ached. He'd gone crazy a few times, wanting to get back to his work outside, but never giving up.

He bowed deeply to the Queen as she thanked him and he was dismissed. He stepped away and took his seat, beaming. He watched some of them play with their Gudis, seeming fascinated by the animals they represented. He'd been the same way when the visions had been poured into his mind. They still came to him at times in thoughts and dreams. He loved them and some times wished he could see them for himself, but was thankful he even got to see them at all in the way he did. He'd much rather stick by his home and family, this is where his real heart was. These Elders and these up and coming adults, this is what he lived for.

Nova played with the Gudi around her neck, taking in every inch of it. The giant smile wouldn't leave her face as she examined it. It felt so awesome to know that there was something out there that just got her. Was that how this animal was? Loud and happy as she was? Her heart couldn't possibly fill with any more warmth as it already was. The Sentry and Druid had both nailed her perfectly in their gifts, she supposed that wasn't so tough. She wore her heart out there for all to see, but it still felt so good to her to know that they reached even further than that and accepted her for it.

She held it up so her friends could see “Looooook” she whispered, a bit loudly “Look how cute it is!”

All thoughts halted as the Queen once more took the center of attention. Nova's eye grew larger and larger with each word she spoke. She 'ooo'ed quietly as a pale rainbow appeared above them, unable to tear her eyes away for a moment from its magical appearance. She adore how beautiful they were... Wait! She looked frantically among the teens with her. They were being called? This was it? Why was no one moving?

Nova instantly jumped at the opportunity. No way would anything cause her to hesitate at this moment. The Queen was motioning to them, into their adulthood! This was it! Her wings fluttered madly behind her, almost propelling her ahead towards her and the elders. In a moment a white swirl was engulfing her, before spitting her out and back in sight of her Queen and the Elders. She fling her arms around her Queen and squeaked out between excited panting and tears, “Thank you! Thank you all of you!” She found herself so overwhelmed, excited tears poured down her face.

She felt... strong! She pulled away and began to hug the other Elders before noticing why that strength was filling her. She gave off a loud, excited scream, spinning around to see the other teens who hadn't crossed yet. “LOOK AT ME!” she looked specifically at the other two girls from her tree, waving her arms excitedly, “I'M SO BIG!” She looked over herself, picking up her hooves and flapping her wings. She peeked over her shoulder and screamed again, “LOOK AT THEM!” She began to flap them madly, finding herself hovering over the ground, “OH OH OH AHHH!” she wobbled in the air a bit, not completely sure of herself, but the huge smile and the laughter didn't leave her.

Lisian couldn't help the chuckle that left him at Nova's response. Of course she'd run in her excitement. He supposed he didn't really know how they would have reacted. Walked with dignity? Been hesitant as to what was to come? Guess running did make sense, they'd really been waiting patiently and quietly for young people with energy.

***

Lisian didn't have to think twice about how he'd start the celebration off. He made his way over to the pile of food that had been prepared for this special occasion and quickly piled a wooden bowl up with an array of it. He popped in a piece of fruit, sighing happily at the burst of juice that popped in his mouth as he bit in. He looked up to watch the newest adults mingle, waiting for a moment to officially congratulate them, but letting them have their time. Nova passed him in a flurry, always the busy one that one. He shook his head with a smile.

His eyes caught sight of Xiu, off on her own as usual, and he slowly made his way over to her. He held out his bowl to her in a silent offering. “Will I get the chance to try a famous scone? I hope you've set those chefs right.” he joked softly, not expecting her to respond with a smile or much of anything. He'd learned, but he still couldn't help himself. What was really getting to him was this whole situation. He'd seen her how she had been, but now... Things had slowly changed.

“Congratulation.” he said softly. “You've taken a huge step today.”

Nova had managed to make it back on the ground and was now stalking out her friends. She greeted anyone she passed before practically throwing herself at her friends in a huge hug (always being careful of their beautiful hair), “Look at ussss!” she screeched happily. She pulled away, eyes dancing, “You all are magnificent!” She held up a bowl of treats, popping a bit into her mouth, “I brought you all some. I don't know about you, but I am famished after this.”

Mazarine was silent for a while, allowing Belwen to be herself and not intrude in the moment. It was enough to tame his sudden grumpy mood and set his mind back to the present.

These were the lost seeds. They were finally home. That alone should be something to celebrate!

As the Queen asked for hugs and talked with the teens, Mazarine sat back and did what he did best. He observed. He looked over each one, seeming to draw in a better understanding of their characters and personilties. He also took in their features. None of them looked malnurished. They were all well fed and cared for.

The boy looked strong and appeared calculative. A little rough and tough nature that blended well with a smart, clever, thinking sort of attitude.

Siofra had a strong heart. It showed by the way she attempted to control her situation. Asking questions that portrayed every one's mixed emotions, taking the initiative to try something new especially when it was obvious that she was unsure of the situation. A dangerous quality, but also a very valuable one.

The third seemed... still quiet. Shy perhaps? Or was she a thinker as well? He studied her a little more as he finished his fruit and began to notice the small cuts and bruises all over her. Either she had a rough upbringing, or her thirst for adventure played a larger influence in her day to day than sitting in a room with complete strangers.

He gently placed a hand on her shoulder and leaned forward to whisper, "Are you alright?"

His hand made a subtle gesture to a random scrape on her flesh before he continued. "I can heal those for you, if you like?"

Elias' eyes widened when the queen mentioned feeling a tug to this place. It was true, he had felt a tug, but he didn't want to admit that. It wasn't this place that tugged at his heart, it was Siofra. At least that was how this teenage boy explained it to himself because he wanted to have some sort of special connection with her.

The boy snorted and shook his head in disbelief, now this crazy queen lady wanted to hug them. Elias was still, his butt firmly planted in his seat. He was surprised to see Siofra be so open as to let the queen hug her.

Even though Elias didn't want to admit that he felt the tug to the tree, it did tug at the back of his mind how the queen could know such a thing. It certainly made him feel more curious about what she had to say, but he was still wary. She thought that they had returned home, and that was not the case. "I think there's been some sort of misunderstanding..." Siofra had already explained to the queen that they had a home, why didn't she understand. "We didn't mean to intrude on your special day, we were just passing through." Elias was now through with sitting on the sidelines, letting Siofra do all the talking, she seemed a bit too smitten with the queen.

Siofra realized a few minutes too late she was hugging a complete stranger, who was trying to hold her captive. But it was a queen right? There couldn't really be any harm in hugging a queen? Could there? But the embrace was warm and inviting, a lot like the hugs she got from her family. A small light bulb was trying to click on in the back of her brain, but she wouldn't let it. These pae weren't family, no matter how much they looked alike. They were not her family. She had one of those, even if she knew she wasn't related by blood to them. She was pretty sure a few of her nephews and nieces weren't related like that to the family, and yet they were still family...

Siofra grinned a little when Elias was tackled and forced into a hug. Even if this wasn't the best situation, it was still kind of cute. "Maybe we did come from here, but I don't think we were kidnapped?" Siofra's head tilted a little. She wasn't clear on the details of how she came to be a part of the most amazing family ever, but she knew, just knew, there was no way her family would have kidnapped her! She blinked a little as Queen Belwen gushed about prayer and cries of Forn Sheedhiel. "The only tugging was to Elias.." She eyed Belwen warily again. She may think Queen Belwen and Princess Shaylee were amazing and gorgeous, but this seemed like a whole bunch of lies. Her jade eyes flicked back to the boy who had given up his home to come live with her. That tiny sense of peace she'd felt knowing someone else out there looked just like she did filled her again. Maybe that wasn't why she liked him? Even if these flutters were telling the truth about most of this stuff, Elias was still there for her.

"Um..." She balked at the idea of joining the party outside. It hadn't been so long since the last party in her home, and she liked those, but this was way way different. Maybe they could escape if they got to go outside? She was still fixed on Elias, figuring he deserved to make this choice. She'd made the terrible one that had them trapped in here at the mercy of a teenager in an adult's body. Oh. Oh! "Queen Belwen, why do we all still look like teenagers and you look like a full grown adult?"