It was one of Aidan's long days, which was rather unfortunate as it had quickly turned into a very long day for Nikhila as well. She loved her job and her family and gave them both everything she had. Some days though that simply wasn't enough, today was one of those. Having gotten out of the office with most of her sanity intact, not all but most, she'd collected the children. Not ten minutes after having done that she'd gotten a call and wound up needing to go back to the Academy, with both Noah and Avery in tow no and what should have taken perhaps twenty minutes some how took an hour with two active children with her.
Even Nikhila who more often than not looked calm cool and collected was starting to show signs of wear. The smooth sleek pony tail her had had started out in had straggly bits falling out of it. Her suit, which had been crisp and fresh was now quite distinctly wrinkled and one of the children had gotten an odd unidentified stain on the blouse, on the chest in fact, in a slightly awkward spot. All in all it made her wish it had been the full moon, the run, hunt, would be wonderful stress relief right now.
But seeing some one at their door Nikhila pushed those thoughts aside and went right back into business mode. She hoped nothing was terribly wrong and that Aidan was needed. Shifting Avery on her hip she called a greeting when they got closer and she recognized the caller. And seeing how he was dressed she relaxed a bit. If it had been serious business undoubtedly the liaison would not be so casually dressed.
"Hello Joshua. I'm afraid Aidan isn't home just now. Can I help you with something?"
Shanghai'ed (invite only)
Josh had a report to deliver to Alpha Xephier, only he couldn't find him. He and Gretta had been faithfully studying their new home and were slowly beginning to integrate themselves with Pack life here at the Den. That was the enjoyable part. Not so enjoyable, but necessary, was the need to report on those they had been helping. There weren't a terribly large numer; they only had a case or two to work on for the moment, and nothing untoward had happened recently that needed their attention. Still, the formalities must be observed, so Josh had a write-up prepared.
Xephier was not always an easy man to find, but he'd told Joshua it would be fine to deliver the report to his house in the Long Run. That suited Josh just fine, since he'd been in the habit of jogging more often. His regular workouts were going well, but static exercise in a gym was bulking him up more than he liked. He didn't want to be a musclebound freak. So, more cardio. He figured he could kill two birds with one stone this morning and drop the report off before heading out for a jog.
He knocked on the door of the home, not sure who would answer. Alpha Xephier and his wife, Nikhila, were very busy with their jobs and two children. On occasion one of the other Illamar in the Pack looked after the kids, as Josh understood it. That was a part of their jobs. During the full moon when the Amaroq ran someone needed to mind the children. It was one of the things Joshua liked about not being Gifted. While it had left a hole in his heart he filled it with this small comfort.
He was supposed to run with his Pack. That pleasure was supposed to have been his. He should be out there under the moon with him but he'd feared it his whole life, feared being coerced into a direction he didn't want to go. He knew now that he was in Nachton, safely away from Liechetenstein, he could grasp it if he wanted it. It made his heart buoyant. With a little disbelief he knew he could request it and it would be granted. And oh, how he wanted it, but he wanted to wait for the time to be right. There was too much happening.
It wasn't that he was ashamed to be Illamar; far from it. He was proud to serve his Pack any way he could. He knew those who chose to be Illamar, though, often did because they felt Gifting was not for them. They came from Amaroq families, like Josh, or they had close friends, or some other reason. There was no shame in it, nothing wrong with it. But Josh was the opposite. Something in him had always cried out for the Gift he denied himself. He could have it now. The right time... it was quickly approaching.
He raised his hand and knocked on the door of the large home again. His drifting thoughts made him even more inclined to go running and he was practically itching to deliver his report and be off.
Nikhila
12 years ago
Joshua Wesson
12 years ago
Josh gave a little respectful nod when Nikhila answered the door. "Ma'am," he said politely. "Alpha Xephier asked me to bring this to him for later."
He held up the report in its manila folder but it seemed unlikely that Nikhila could take it from him with her arms full. "Excuse my dress," he said a little self-consciously. "I thought I would go running after I dropped it off. But... do you need some help?"
He tried not to smile and make goo-goo faces at Avery. It was undignified. But tough to resist. She was a cute little girl. Toddler Noah was behind his mother, reaching up to grab her pants while babbling something demanding yet incoherent. Josh hid a smile.
"Or perhaps there's somewhere I can leave this for the Alpha."
He stood there waiting, uncertain if Nikhila would take him up on his offer of help. He knew he wasn't the most likely caregiver but he was Illamar and he was willing; it wasn't a role uncommon to those in their Pack who didn't follow the sway of the full moon.
He held up the report in its manila folder but it seemed unlikely that Nikhila could take it from him with her arms full. "Excuse my dress," he said a little self-consciously. "I thought I would go running after I dropped it off. But... do you need some help?"
He tried not to smile and make goo-goo faces at Avery. It was undignified. But tough to resist. She was a cute little girl. Toddler Noah was behind his mother, reaching up to grab her pants while babbling something demanding yet incoherent. Josh hid a smile.
"Or perhaps there's somewhere I can leave this for the Alpha."
He stood there waiting, uncertain if Nikhila would take him up on his offer of help. He knew he wasn't the most likely caregiver but he was Illamar and he was willing; it wasn't a role uncommon to those in their Pack who didn't follow the sway of the full moon.
Nikhila
12 years ago
"Nikhila."
She gently corrected. When he'd come to dinner it hadn't taken much to see that he was a very polite, proper and sincere young man. But there was really no reason for him to stand on formality now. Given what Aidan had said about him and what she'd seen about him Nikhila was predisposed to like Joshua and as such, since she did have a name and would prefer he use it.
Chuckling at his worry about his attire she was about to show him the stain on her blouse. But about that time Avery grabbed one of the straggling bits of hair and Noah tried to remove her pants. That would have been awkward for everyone. Without a second thought, he had offered to help after all, she quickly disengaged Avery's fist from her hair and transferred her to Joshua's arms.
"Would you take her for just a moment? Please?"
Of course the answer was obvious as she'd already placed her into the young man's arms. That done, in the same breath, Nikhila scooped up Noah.
"Yes my love we'll get you some apple sauce in a moment. First we have to help Joshua."
What had he said? She glanced at Joshua as he held Avery and spied the manila folder. Yes, that was right he had something to drop off. She nodded her consent.
"Of course we can leave that for him..."
But the 'where' it could be left was cut off as Noah grabbed her nose and she could hear the land line ringing inside.
"Please, come in. Let me answer that and I'll show you just where it can be left."
Truthfully, Nikhila had no intention of monopolizing Joshua for more than just a moment or two. Just long enough to pick up the phone, set her first born down and reclaim her daughter.
She gently corrected. When he'd come to dinner it hadn't taken much to see that he was a very polite, proper and sincere young man. But there was really no reason for him to stand on formality now. Given what Aidan had said about him and what she'd seen about him Nikhila was predisposed to like Joshua and as such, since she did have a name and would prefer he use it.
Chuckling at his worry about his attire she was about to show him the stain on her blouse. But about that time Avery grabbed one of the straggling bits of hair and Noah tried to remove her pants. That would have been awkward for everyone. Without a second thought, he had offered to help after all, she quickly disengaged Avery's fist from her hair and transferred her to Joshua's arms.
"Would you take her for just a moment? Please?"
Of course the answer was obvious as she'd already placed her into the young man's arms. That done, in the same breath, Nikhila scooped up Noah.
"Yes my love we'll get you some apple sauce in a moment. First we have to help Joshua."
What had he said? She glanced at Joshua as he held Avery and spied the manila folder. Yes, that was right he had something to drop off. She nodded her consent.
"Of course we can leave that for him..."
But the 'where' it could be left was cut off as Noah grabbed her nose and she could hear the land line ringing inside.
"Please, come in. Let me answer that and I'll show you just where it can be left."
Truthfully, Nikhila had no intention of monopolizing Joshua for more than just a moment or two. Just long enough to pick up the phone, set her first born down and reclaim her daughter.
Joshua Wesson
12 years ago
"Yes ma'am," Joshua said, stifling his amusement. There was no way in hell he was going to refer to the wife of the Alpha with any less than the proper level of respect. Certainly not with her children about. Definitely not alone. And absolutely no in any other company. So, yep, that was pretty much never. She could insist until she was blue in the face but manners were manners.
He was asked to take Avery just a few seconds after the baby was placed into his arms. He did manage to keep the grin off his face. Josh loved kids, although he didn't think it really showed. He had nephews and nieces of his own and didn't see them as often as he liked. As the odds of his having children of his own were slim to none he would take a dose of childhood where he could get it. There was something about them, their frank honesty, their bubbly laughter, that reminded Josh of how it had been for him before his father had been killed and everything had changed. He sometimes wished he could be a child again and have nothing to worry about. But he was who he was, and he must be as close to perfect as possible.
He settled the little girl in his arms and then bounced her a couple times, which made her giggle. "Hello Miss Avery," he said. Following Nikhila into the house he tilted his head down and touched his nose to hers, widening his eyes and softly saying "Hoooooooot!" He drew the word out and blinked owlishly at her. She laughed again.
He heard the ringing of the phone and shook his head with a soft smile. Holding his other arm out he relieved Nikhila of Noah also, freeing up her nose. "Go ahead and answer it," he said. "I think I can find apple sauce."
Normally he wouldn't have taken liberties in the Alpha's home but he did feel a little guilty for not addressing Nikhila by name as she'd requested. That, and if he was to provide any sort of help at all he did actually need to access the kitchen for the promised treat.
"Noah can show me, can't you Noah? Where is your snack?" The little boy nodded and took his fingers out of his mouth for a moment to point. Josh was pleased he had been able to make himself understood. His accent could be very confusing to children although he did his best to speak clearly and was fluent and well-versed enough that it wasn't hard for adults to understand him.
Then again, the Alpha and his entire family all spoke with varying accents. Xephier's was heavily Australian; Nikhila's was cultured and lovely, a bit of Indian and British. The Alpha's mother spoke in a soft Scottish burr. These children certainly had a lot of experience with different sounding English.
He made his way into the kitchen and from there it was a very simple task to locate the apple sauce and provide it for both children. It took him no time at all to get them both settled in at the kitchen table, Noah in a regular chair and Avery on his lap. Noah fed himself messily but Josh had found a bib for him. He contented himself with feeding Avery with a combination of owl noises and airplane sounds. Occasionally some food landed on him, but he didn't mind.
In the back of his mind, Josh observed that it seemed to be an awfully long phone call.
He was asked to take Avery just a few seconds after the baby was placed into his arms. He did manage to keep the grin off his face. Josh loved kids, although he didn't think it really showed. He had nephews and nieces of his own and didn't see them as often as he liked. As the odds of his having children of his own were slim to none he would take a dose of childhood where he could get it. There was something about them, their frank honesty, their bubbly laughter, that reminded Josh of how it had been for him before his father had been killed and everything had changed. He sometimes wished he could be a child again and have nothing to worry about. But he was who he was, and he must be as close to perfect as possible.
He settled the little girl in his arms and then bounced her a couple times, which made her giggle. "Hello Miss Avery," he said. Following Nikhila into the house he tilted his head down and touched his nose to hers, widening his eyes and softly saying "Hoooooooot!" He drew the word out and blinked owlishly at her. She laughed again.
He heard the ringing of the phone and shook his head with a soft smile. Holding his other arm out he relieved Nikhila of Noah also, freeing up her nose. "Go ahead and answer it," he said. "I think I can find apple sauce."
Normally he wouldn't have taken liberties in the Alpha's home but he did feel a little guilty for not addressing Nikhila by name as she'd requested. That, and if he was to provide any sort of help at all he did actually need to access the kitchen for the promised treat.
"Noah can show me, can't you Noah? Where is your snack?" The little boy nodded and took his fingers out of his mouth for a moment to point. Josh was pleased he had been able to make himself understood. His accent could be very confusing to children although he did his best to speak clearly and was fluent and well-versed enough that it wasn't hard for adults to understand him.
Then again, the Alpha and his entire family all spoke with varying accents. Xephier's was heavily Australian; Nikhila's was cultured and lovely, a bit of Indian and British. The Alpha's mother spoke in a soft Scottish burr. These children certainly had a lot of experience with different sounding English.
He made his way into the kitchen and from there it was a very simple task to locate the apple sauce and provide it for both children. It took him no time at all to get them both settled in at the kitchen table, Noah in a regular chair and Avery on his lap. Noah fed himself messily but Josh had found a bib for him. He contented himself with feeding Avery with a combination of owl noises and airplane sounds. Occasionally some food landed on him, but he didn't mind.
In the back of his mind, Josh observed that it seemed to be an awfully long phone call.
Nikhila
12 years ago
Nikhila shook her head but didn't push Joshua any further, while not a fan of the courtesy title, ma'am still beat Mrs. Stafford Hammerthynn. That was simply a mouthful.
She smiled as he took Avery, got the little girl to giggle and then played owl with her. That was one of Aidan's best games and both children liked it. Noah, quickly let go of her nose climbed down her and seemed to be helping Joshua find the kitchen. The toddler might only have wanted his snack but she was amused that he was doing his best to be a hospitable host. Nikhila was only able to quickly point and give sketchy directions for Joshua before bolting for the phone.
The call quickly got involved and she was forced to move to her small office space and turn on her laptop.
"No, no... we changed that. Give me just a moment I'll send the new information."
[i]Even though she was very frustrated and more than slightly cross she never raised her voice. She did, however, pin the phone between her shoulder and ear and managed to shrug her jacket off.
"Why don't you call me back after you've read through the update?"
She was half way off the phone and back to Joshua and the children when the caller half exploded. Why hadn't she just offered to send the files tomorrow? With resignation she set about explaining, soothing and smoothing over. She needed this new program accredited, they were already a semester behind their original deadline and there were students this was going to effect. Nikhila wasn't going to hang them out to dry, she was going to get this fixed.
By the time she had that crisis at least postponed and scheduled for a meeting later in the week Nikhila had completely forgotten it was Joshua watching Avery and Noah and immediately made another call. There were at least three other people she needed to drop everything for the meeting and they had to be prepared.
She smiled as he took Avery, got the little girl to giggle and then played owl with her. That was one of Aidan's best games and both children liked it. Noah, quickly let go of her nose climbed down her and seemed to be helping Joshua find the kitchen. The toddler might only have wanted his snack but she was amused that he was doing his best to be a hospitable host. Nikhila was only able to quickly point and give sketchy directions for Joshua before bolting for the phone.
The call quickly got involved and she was forced to move to her small office space and turn on her laptop.
"No, no... we changed that. Give me just a moment I'll send the new information."
[i]Even though she was very frustrated and more than slightly cross she never raised her voice. She did, however, pin the phone between her shoulder and ear and managed to shrug her jacket off.
"Why don't you call me back after you've read through the update?"
She was half way off the phone and back to Joshua and the children when the caller half exploded. Why hadn't she just offered to send the files tomorrow? With resignation she set about explaining, soothing and smoothing over. She needed this new program accredited, they were already a semester behind their original deadline and there were students this was going to effect. Nikhila wasn't going to hang them out to dry, she was going to get this fixed.
By the time she had that crisis at least postponed and scheduled for a meeting later in the week Nikhila had completely forgotten it was Joshua watching Avery and Noah and immediately made another call. There were at least three other people she needed to drop everything for the meeting and they had to be prepared.
Joshua Wesson
12 years ago
Keeping his eyes no the two children Joshua cleaned the kitchen up after their adventures with apple sauce. In the distance he could still hear Nikhila talking, sounding first frantic and then placating. He briefly wondered if she required the services of a diplomat, but he figured this diplomat was probably best off where he was, keeping the children out of her hair.
"So little wolves, what do we do now?"
Josh had nowhere pressing to be; it was early evening. He'd been working since six or so, and it was yet a bit early for dinner. He had seen a play set outside, though, and figured that would be a good entertainment for a little while.
"Should we go play?"
That seemed to meet with mutual approval. The play set was within view of the house, out in the yard, so Joshua didn't worry about it much. Everyone had shoes on and it was way too warm for jackets or coats so he simply went out with them. Noah was eager to play and Avery was content to stay with Josh, so Josh went where the toddler did.
It turned out entertaining Noah was quite easy. The little boy mostly wanted to swing, so Joshua pushed him gently, building up enough momentum in which to leave him swinging for a few moments while he lifted Avery up and gently swung her in the air while she gripped his hands, giggling.
Sliding followed the swinging, and Josh discovered Noah was tolerably competent on his feet as he climbed the very short slide. Avery did not seem to want to follow her brother this time. Instead she lifted herself to her feet and held her hands up to Josh to be swung again. He complied happily.
"So little wolves, what do we do now?"
Josh had nowhere pressing to be; it was early evening. He'd been working since six or so, and it was yet a bit early for dinner. He had seen a play set outside, though, and figured that would be a good entertainment for a little while.
"Should we go play?"
That seemed to meet with mutual approval. The play set was within view of the house, out in the yard, so Joshua didn't worry about it much. Everyone had shoes on and it was way too warm for jackets or coats so he simply went out with them. Noah was eager to play and Avery was content to stay with Josh, so Josh went where the toddler did.
It turned out entertaining Noah was quite easy. The little boy mostly wanted to swing, so Joshua pushed him gently, building up enough momentum in which to leave him swinging for a few moments while he lifted Avery up and gently swung her in the air while she gripped his hands, giggling.
Sliding followed the swinging, and Josh discovered Noah was tolerably competent on his feet as he climbed the very short slide. Avery did not seem to want to follow her brother this time. Instead she lifted herself to her feet and held her hands up to Josh to be swung again. He complied happily.
Nikhila
12 years ago
One thing led to another, each little fire seemed to spawn another but eventually that situation was contained. Not fixed, but contained and today that was good enough. Not daring to shut her laptop off she took a deep breath and fixed her pony tail, pulling all the lose ends back into it and securing it at the base of her neck. Even as she did that Nikhila knew she was forgetting something, but couldn't remember what. It was important though. It had to do with Aidan, at least she thought it did.
That bothered her. As, typically, if it was Pack business Nikhila was usually extremely careful to make notes so he could handle it quickly. But her mate wasn't here right now, it was his day at the hospital. If it was his day at the hospital though...
She was only one or two steps away from remembering what had slipped her mind when an email popped up from one of her students. The Academy was a big job and between that and the family Nikhila couldn't teach as much as she liked, but she did insist on hanging on to one class. Since Avery had come along though Nikhila was starting to think she might have to let that go in order to be fair to her students.
This email had come from a nice young man, but he was currently rather frantic about his research. Even as she told him to sign into an instant messenger program so they could discuss it, Nikhila was sure she remembered hearing the door open and close. Of course, that was absurd. No one would have come in without knocking or ringing the bell unless it was an emergency and if it was an emergency they would have found her by now. As there was no chance that it was a home invasion or anything along those lines she concentrated on Mr. Stewart's problem and getting him straightened out. Oddly enough this was the most relaxing moment of her day thus far.
That bothered her. As, typically, if it was Pack business Nikhila was usually extremely careful to make notes so he could handle it quickly. But her mate wasn't here right now, it was his day at the hospital. If it was his day at the hospital though...
She was only one or two steps away from remembering what had slipped her mind when an email popped up from one of her students. The Academy was a big job and between that and the family Nikhila couldn't teach as much as she liked, but she did insist on hanging on to one class. Since Avery had come along though Nikhila was starting to think she might have to let that go in order to be fair to her students.
This email had come from a nice young man, but he was currently rather frantic about his research. Even as she told him to sign into an instant messenger program so they could discuss it, Nikhila was sure she remembered hearing the door open and close. Of course, that was absurd. No one would have come in without knocking or ringing the bell unless it was an emergency and if it was an emergency they would have found her by now. As there was no chance that it was a home invasion or anything along those lines she concentrated on Mr. Stewart's problem and getting him straightened out. Oddly enough this was the most relaxing moment of her day thus far.
Joshua Wesson
12 years ago
Either Josh had created a monster or this was something the Alpha did with his young daughter on a regular basis, because now she wanted constant swinging. Josh reflected, as he lifted her yet again, that this must surely count as part of his daily workout.
He realized by that point that Nikhila had gotten well and truly distracted but he was all right with it. He didn't spend much time with kids at all and Noah and Avery were pretty easy. When the play set lost its appeal Noah led them back into the house to a room that was clearly a play room. There were toys everywhere, on shelves and in boxes, a mat that seemed meant for sitting on and drawing since it had a box of crayons next to it. Josh peered in and discovered they were markers instead, with a little eraser so the mat could be wiped off. Clever.
He joined Noah on the mat and they drew quietly for a time. Avery did as well, although mostly her efforts involved trying to successfully grip the marker and not so much applying it to the mat. Noah scribbled away happily with wild motions of his arm; he was too young yet to really draw but he slapped a variety of colors onto the mat (and some on himself).
Eventually even that activity wound down and Josh realized, glancing at the clock, that they'd been at it for a couple hours. Dinner time was drawing near but both children were blinking and yawning. Did they usually take an afternoon nap? Josh didn't know. If he let them sleep now, would they wake their parents up at midnight?
Well, he would have to make his best guess. He may as well let them have a little nap, so they weren't cranky at dinner. They could always be woken up, although that tended to produce cranky children as well.
Josh got them all to the little day bed under the window and, with Noah's sleepy direction, found an appropriate book to read. When everyone was carefully arranged with blankets and a favorite stuffed animal (Noah's was a wolf. How appropriate), he opened the book and began to read very slowly about a lost puppy. It took almost no time for both kids to drop off to sleep. Josh read his puppy book silently, glad that the bookcase was close by. Avery was tucked under one arm, leaning up against his side and Noah was lying on the daybed with his head on Josh's leg. So Josh simply reached around Avery and found himself a new book to read.
With some amusement, he wondered when Nikhila would realize her children had been kidnapped. Poor woman seemed harried and slightly frazzled. He was happy to give her a chance to catch up on what she had to do.
He realized by that point that Nikhila had gotten well and truly distracted but he was all right with it. He didn't spend much time with kids at all and Noah and Avery were pretty easy. When the play set lost its appeal Noah led them back into the house to a room that was clearly a play room. There were toys everywhere, on shelves and in boxes, a mat that seemed meant for sitting on and drawing since it had a box of crayons next to it. Josh peered in and discovered they were markers instead, with a little eraser so the mat could be wiped off. Clever.
He joined Noah on the mat and they drew quietly for a time. Avery did as well, although mostly her efforts involved trying to successfully grip the marker and not so much applying it to the mat. Noah scribbled away happily with wild motions of his arm; he was too young yet to really draw but he slapped a variety of colors onto the mat (and some on himself).
Eventually even that activity wound down and Josh realized, glancing at the clock, that they'd been at it for a couple hours. Dinner time was drawing near but both children were blinking and yawning. Did they usually take an afternoon nap? Josh didn't know. If he let them sleep now, would they wake their parents up at midnight?
Well, he would have to make his best guess. He may as well let them have a little nap, so they weren't cranky at dinner. They could always be woken up, although that tended to produce cranky children as well.
Josh got them all to the little day bed under the window and, with Noah's sleepy direction, found an appropriate book to read. When everyone was carefully arranged with blankets and a favorite stuffed animal (Noah's was a wolf. How appropriate), he opened the book and began to read very slowly about a lost puppy. It took almost no time for both kids to drop off to sleep. Josh read his puppy book silently, glad that the bookcase was close by. Avery was tucked under one arm, leaning up against his side and Noah was lying on the daybed with his head on Josh's leg. So Josh simply reached around Avery and found himself a new book to read.
With some amusement, he wondered when Nikhila would realize her children had been kidnapped. Poor woman seemed harried and slightly frazzled. He was happy to give her a chance to catch up on what she had to do.
Nikhila
12 years ago
"OK. Thx Prof. I think I got it now."
"Not a problem Mr. Stewart. If you are still having trouble make an appointment."
"Will do. GTG."
Nikhila just grinned as her student signed off. She didn't assume he was going back to work on the assignment. He was either running off to work or he had plans with friends. Knowing the young man she suspected the later. As long as he got his work done, and correctly, Nikhila didn't judge.
With a sigh she went dark, no more work not tonight. Leaning back in her chair Nikhila started to review the day in her head. She hadn't gotten as far as her morning meeting when everything hit her at once.
Oh dear god! The children... no they were safe, they were with Joshua. But looking at the clock she realized how long they'd been with Joshua and bolted through the house looking for them. It didn't take long to find them in the play room. It was a very sweet picture both Avery and Noah asleep with Joshua. Remembering that the young man had said he was on his way for a run and still hadn't dropped of that report though Nikhila felt incredibly guilty.
It also made it difficult to know if she should wake him or not. He looked rather peaceful.
"Not a problem Mr. Stewart. If you are still having trouble make an appointment."
"Will do. GTG."
Nikhila just grinned as her student signed off. She didn't assume he was going back to work on the assignment. He was either running off to work or he had plans with friends. Knowing the young man she suspected the later. As long as he got his work done, and correctly, Nikhila didn't judge.
With a sigh she went dark, no more work not tonight. Leaning back in her chair Nikhila started to review the day in her head. She hadn't gotten as far as her morning meeting when everything hit her at once.
Oh dear god! The children... no they were safe, they were with Joshua. But looking at the clock she realized how long they'd been with Joshua and bolted through the house looking for them. It didn't take long to find them in the play room. It was a very sweet picture both Avery and Noah asleep with Joshua. Remembering that the young man had said he was on his way for a run and still hadn't dropped of that report though Nikhila felt incredibly guilty.
It also made it difficult to know if she should wake him or not. He looked rather peaceful.
Joshua Wesson
12 years ago
Josh could only read so many kid's books to himself. Avery and Noah were truly out of it, and before he'd finished 'Goodnight Moon' he had nodded off himself, somewhere in the back of his head reasoning that a short nap never hurt anyone. He was a light sleeper; he doubted either of the children could move without waking him and he didn't think he'd truly sleep anyway, not in this position.
He was mostly right. He sensed someone in the room with them, but, having dozed off, he didn't have any idea how long it had actually been. For all he knew he'd slept the night through. Fairly certain that wasn't the case, Josh opened his eyes and looked up to see Nikhila standing there.
The first thing that registered was that he sun was still coming in through the side window at a very similar angle to when the kids had crashed out. So it couldn't have been more than fifteen or twenty minutes. The second was that he'd kind of shanghai'ed Nikhila's children.
"Sorry," he said, a sheepish smile on his lips. "I just didn't want to move them. I wasn't sure if they usually had a nap before dinner or not but," he looked down at the sleeping Avery and Noah, "they were so cute."
Josh didn't move; while the little boy and girl were definitely asleep, they too might be light sleepers and if there was one thing he'd learned growing up with four younger sisters, it was: naptime is sacred. Interrupted naps makes cranky siblings.
He was mostly right. He sensed someone in the room with them, but, having dozed off, he didn't have any idea how long it had actually been. For all he knew he'd slept the night through. Fairly certain that wasn't the case, Josh opened his eyes and looked up to see Nikhila standing there.
The first thing that registered was that he sun was still coming in through the side window at a very similar angle to when the kids had crashed out. So it couldn't have been more than fifteen or twenty minutes. The second was that he'd kind of shanghai'ed Nikhila's children.
"Sorry," he said, a sheepish smile on his lips. "I just didn't want to move them. I wasn't sure if they usually had a nap before dinner or not but," he looked down at the sleeping Avery and Noah, "they were so cute."
Josh didn't move; while the little boy and girl were definitely asleep, they too might be light sleepers and if there was one thing he'd learned growing up with four younger sisters, it was: naptime is sacred. Interrupted naps makes cranky siblings.
Nikhila
12 years ago
Living with a Pack had huge benefits as Joshua had just proved. Still Nikhila felt bad, she'd said 'a second' and had taken up hours of his time. Smiling as he woke up she gestured that he should follow.
"They'll sleep through it."
She whispered. Avery actually might wake up but if she did the little girl might also fall back to sleep right way or she might not. They'd deal with it either way. Noah, however, had a tendency to sleep like a rock. Certainly she couldn't hold him hostage until the children woke up.
Once Joshua had carefully disengaged himself, it was incidentally rather endearing to watch how he dealt with the children even while they were sleeping, she lead him through to the kitchen.
"Please don't apologize. I feel horrible, I never should have presumed. But thank you so much. I never could have gotten half of that done with them running about."
And yet she wanted another one, or two, or three; that was, however, something to discuss with Aidan.
With quiet efficiency Nikhila set about making tea. As she did so even though Joshua had obviously straighted up the kitchen after the children, she could get a faint whiff of apple. He must have given them their afternoon snack and Nikhila shook her head realizing exactly how much Noah and Avery must have put the young man through. While sweet children they were, energetic and could be very demanding.
"Please, have some tea. Is there anything I can do for you? Other than show you where to leave that report."
And she felt a little bit more sheepish than a second ago as Nikhila remembered that Joshua had indeed been here on business. But, as he could have interrupted her at any time if it was urgent or he had to be some where Nikhila didn't feel quite as guilty as she could have.
"They'll sleep through it."
She whispered. Avery actually might wake up but if she did the little girl might also fall back to sleep right way or she might not. They'd deal with it either way. Noah, however, had a tendency to sleep like a rock. Certainly she couldn't hold him hostage until the children woke up.
Once Joshua had carefully disengaged himself, it was incidentally rather endearing to watch how he dealt with the children even while they were sleeping, she lead him through to the kitchen.
"Please don't apologize. I feel horrible, I never should have presumed. But thank you so much. I never could have gotten half of that done with them running about."
And yet she wanted another one, or two, or three; that was, however, something to discuss with Aidan.
With quiet efficiency Nikhila set about making tea. As she did so even though Joshua had obviously straighted up the kitchen after the children, she could get a faint whiff of apple. He must have given them their afternoon snack and Nikhila shook her head realizing exactly how much Noah and Avery must have put the young man through. While sweet children they were, energetic and could be very demanding.
"Please, have some tea. Is there anything I can do for you? Other than show you where to leave that report."
And she felt a little bit more sheepish than a second ago as Nikhila remembered that Joshua had indeed been here on business. But, as he could have interrupted her at any time if it was urgent or he had to be some where Nikhila didn't feel quite as guilty as she could have.
Joshua Wesson
12 years ago
Joshua followed Nikhila into the kitchen once he had carefully freed himself from the clutches of the two wolves-to-be. They both continued to sleep on with minimal rolling. He located a rail along the wall that was clearly meant to keep the children from rolling off the daybed onto the floor, slid it into place, and continued out of the room.
He had anticipated Nikhila's response to his unplanned babysitting and waved off her expression of remorse with a lazy hand and a fleeting smile. Smiles didn't come easily to Josh; when they appeared they were brief and ghostly. His eyes were warm, though, and his manner relaxed. Just because he didn't smile much didn't mean he wasn't happy.
"It's okay," he said with sincerity. "I had fun with them. They're great kids."
Tea was made and Josh slid his hands around the cup that was given to him with a word of thanks. He sipped carefully, letting it cool a little, not intending to drink too much. He did plan to run, still, and he would prefer not to have to duck into the bushes for an unplanned nature break.
"No ma'am, I don't need anything else. I just wanted to make sure the Alpha got what he needed."
Honestly in the scheme of things Josh's report probably wasn't even all that important. It certainly wasn't urgent. "I'm glad I could be of assistance."
It had put him in the right place at the right time, and he was pleased about that. "If you ever need help just let me know."
That was part and parcel of being an Illamar. Amaroq had no control over the moon's ebb and flow. Even those who did wrest some time away from her monthly pull were forced to change for a short time. The Illamar in the Pack enjoyed protection, enjoyed being a part of something special and larger than themselves, and in return the Amaroq knew they had humans they could trust with the things that needed caring for when they couldn't.
He had anticipated Nikhila's response to his unplanned babysitting and waved off her expression of remorse with a lazy hand and a fleeting smile. Smiles didn't come easily to Josh; when they appeared they were brief and ghostly. His eyes were warm, though, and his manner relaxed. Just because he didn't smile much didn't mean he wasn't happy.
"It's okay," he said with sincerity. "I had fun with them. They're great kids."
Tea was made and Josh slid his hands around the cup that was given to him with a word of thanks. He sipped carefully, letting it cool a little, not intending to drink too much. He did plan to run, still, and he would prefer not to have to duck into the bushes for an unplanned nature break.
"No ma'am, I don't need anything else. I just wanted to make sure the Alpha got what he needed."
Honestly in the scheme of things Josh's report probably wasn't even all that important. It certainly wasn't urgent. "I'm glad I could be of assistance."
It had put him in the right place at the right time, and he was pleased about that. "If you ever need help just let me know."
That was part and parcel of being an Illamar. Amaroq had no control over the moon's ebb and flow. Even those who did wrest some time away from her monthly pull were forced to change for a short time. The Illamar in the Pack enjoyed protection, enjoyed being a part of something special and larger than themselves, and in return the Amaroq knew they had humans they could trust with the things that needed caring for when they couldn't.
Nikhila
12 years ago
"I would agree with you there."
They were wonderful children. She and Aidan were truly blessed and Nikhila didn't take that for granted at all. It would have been far too easy for her to have kept wandering for years, never to reunite with her mate. Fortunately things hadn't worked out that way.
Nikhila bit her tongue to keep from asking him to call her by name. She didn't want to make Joshua uncomfortable. Some day though she would convince him to relax just the tiniest iota.
"Will you at least come to dinner this weekend, or another evening if you have plans this weekend?"
Joshua was an attractive man, perhaps a bit formal and a bit serious but Nikhila didn't think it was difficult for him to have some sort of plans for the weekend. Of course, she'd never ask for specifics, Joshua seemed rather reserved, private, and Nikhila respected that.
"I may take you up on that offer at some point. But you know you are always welcome to come play, or nap. I do promise not to make you work every time."
No doubt Aidan would find this whole situation quite amusing. And thanks to his influence even Nikhila could see the humor in it and was able to make a small joke.
They were wonderful children. She and Aidan were truly blessed and Nikhila didn't take that for granted at all. It would have been far too easy for her to have kept wandering for years, never to reunite with her mate. Fortunately things hadn't worked out that way.
Nikhila bit her tongue to keep from asking him to call her by name. She didn't want to make Joshua uncomfortable. Some day though she would convince him to relax just the tiniest iota.
"Will you at least come to dinner this weekend, or another evening if you have plans this weekend?"
Joshua was an attractive man, perhaps a bit formal and a bit serious but Nikhila didn't think it was difficult for him to have some sort of plans for the weekend. Of course, she'd never ask for specifics, Joshua seemed rather reserved, private, and Nikhila respected that.
"I may take you up on that offer at some point. But you know you are always welcome to come play, or nap. I do promise not to make you work every time."
No doubt Aidan would find this whole situation quite amusing. And thanks to his influence even Nikhila could see the humor in it and was able to make a small joke.
Joshua Wesson
12 years ago
Josh ducked his head in acknowledgement of Nikhila's request. He would gladly join her family for dinner, but this weekend was not a good one.
"Actually ma'am, I do have plans this weekend. But perhaps another time."
His thoughts were instantly preoccupied with visions of a certain blond lawyer with a wicked tongue - in a number of ways. He could feel his heart pound slightly faster just thinking of him... but he gave no outward indication of his emotions, instead sipping carefully at his tea once again.
"I promise, I tend to nap in bed usually. You know, you get old, though, and you'll fall asleep anywhere."
Josh said it with a straight face. He didn't actually think he was old. Middle aged, yes. Not young anymore, certainly. But he worked hard to keep himself as youthful as possible in a world where he was already aging faster than the rest of his family. It hurt, too... his sisters, still so young, while he headed for old age at a greatly increased rate. God, he wanted to join them.
His heart hammered again. Soon, maybe. He could remain here, in Nachton, and make it his home. And join his Pack the way his whole family had.
Josh dragged his thoughts back to the present again. "I don't mind," he said to Nikhila. He wasn't going to insist further. He'd already told her he enjoyed her children. He had meant it then, and he meant it now.
"Actually ma'am, I do have plans this weekend. But perhaps another time."
His thoughts were instantly preoccupied with visions of a certain blond lawyer with a wicked tongue - in a number of ways. He could feel his heart pound slightly faster just thinking of him... but he gave no outward indication of his emotions, instead sipping carefully at his tea once again.
"I promise, I tend to nap in bed usually. You know, you get old, though, and you'll fall asleep anywhere."
Josh said it with a straight face. He didn't actually think he was old. Middle aged, yes. Not young anymore, certainly. But he worked hard to keep himself as youthful as possible in a world where he was already aging faster than the rest of his family. It hurt, too... his sisters, still so young, while he headed for old age at a greatly increased rate. God, he wanted to join them.
His heart hammered again. Soon, maybe. He could remain here, in Nachton, and make it his home. And join his Pack the way his whole family had.
Josh dragged his thoughts back to the present again. "I don't mind," he said to Nikhila. He wasn't going to insist further. He'd already told her he enjoyed her children. He had meant it then, and he meant it now.
Nikhila
12 years ago
"Good, I hope this means you're settling in and having some fun. Let me know what night works for you."
Some people, Drew came to mind, she would have just assumed had found something fun to do. Joshua seemed quite serious and very devoted to his job, it seemed rather natural to assume that work would come first and foremost. All work and no play and all that.
His 'concern' about being old and dropping off at random moments in random places brought forth a light laugh. While he was human Joshua was hardly old, and she did have ten to twenty years on him but it would have been rude to point that out.
"What I wouldn't give for a nap some days. You'll have to teach me this skill."
Sipping her tea Nikhila relaxed and watched what she saw around Joshua. She was right to trust him, even if he hadn't been part of the Pack she would have, but beyond that it was hard for Nikhila to say. Her gift was a strong one, but some times the information was vague and any scientist was only as good as their data.
"You have siblings, do you have any nieces or nephews you get to see? Although I'd imagine they are back in Lichtenstein which would make it more difficult to see them."
Some people, Drew came to mind, she would have just assumed had found something fun to do. Joshua seemed quite serious and very devoted to his job, it seemed rather natural to assume that work would come first and foremost. All work and no play and all that.
His 'concern' about being old and dropping off at random moments in random places brought forth a light laugh. While he was human Joshua was hardly old, and she did have ten to twenty years on him but it would have been rude to point that out.
"What I wouldn't give for a nap some days. You'll have to teach me this skill."
Sipping her tea Nikhila relaxed and watched what she saw around Joshua. She was right to trust him, even if he hadn't been part of the Pack she would have, but beyond that it was hard for Nikhila to say. Her gift was a strong one, but some times the information was vague and any scientist was only as good as their data.
"You have siblings, do you have any nieces or nephews you get to see? Although I'd imagine they are back in Lichtenstein which would make it more difficult to see them."
Joshua Wesson
12 years ago
"Yes ma'am. I will as soon as I know." He would enjoy a dinner with the Alpha and his family. He wanted to ask if Gretta could come along, but the invitation had not been extended to her and he didn't want to presume. Maybe he could mention when he made arrangements? Although, he didn't want Nikhila to have to add more work to her schedule.
Josh simply raised his eyebrows when Nikhila asked him to teach her how to nap in random places. Well... sometimes people didn't understand when he was making a joke. It certainly wasn't the first time and it wouldn't be the last. His sense of humor was often so understated it just flew right by unnoticed. He rarely napped, in reality. He was up at dawn, he went until after nightfall, and he was a fairly light sleeper so small noises at night would wake him up very easily. Napping just wasn't his thing.
"I'll do my best," he said. "Sometimes, it just doesn't come naturally."
He nodded when she brought up his siblings. "Yes. I have four younger sisters. They're all married, and they all have children. The Wessons are a pretty large family. We joke on holidays that we're having Liechtenstein over for dinner."
Yes, someday his family might just get too large for its own country. It could happen. There would be Wessons everywhere. Well, none from his branch since his sisters had obviously married into other families, but his mother had brothers and his father had had brothers as well, and those uncles of Josh's had married and had sons of their own. So the family legacy was safe, even without whatever small contribution Josh might have potentially made to it had he not developed a fairly strong predilection toward those of his own sex.
"I don't see them nearly as often as I like," he said, "but it means I only get to spoil them more when I do."
A brief smile graced his lips but vanished into his mug as he took another sip of tea. "And you? Are your family Kadzait as well?"
Josh had the dubious honor of being the only one of his family not Gifted. It grated on him constantly.
Josh simply raised his eyebrows when Nikhila asked him to teach her how to nap in random places. Well... sometimes people didn't understand when he was making a joke. It certainly wasn't the first time and it wouldn't be the last. His sense of humor was often so understated it just flew right by unnoticed. He rarely napped, in reality. He was up at dawn, he went until after nightfall, and he was a fairly light sleeper so small noises at night would wake him up very easily. Napping just wasn't his thing.
"I'll do my best," he said. "Sometimes, it just doesn't come naturally."
He nodded when she brought up his siblings. "Yes. I have four younger sisters. They're all married, and they all have children. The Wessons are a pretty large family. We joke on holidays that we're having Liechtenstein over for dinner."
Yes, someday his family might just get too large for its own country. It could happen. There would be Wessons everywhere. Well, none from his branch since his sisters had obviously married into other families, but his mother had brothers and his father had had brothers as well, and those uncles of Josh's had married and had sons of their own. So the family legacy was safe, even without whatever small contribution Josh might have potentially made to it had he not developed a fairly strong predilection toward those of his own sex.
"I don't see them nearly as often as I like," he said, "but it means I only get to spoil them more when I do."
A brief smile graced his lips but vanished into his mug as he took another sip of tea. "And you? Are your family Kadzait as well?"
Josh had the dubious honor of being the only one of his family not Gifted. It grated on him constantly.
Nikhila
12 years ago
Nikhila just closed her eyes and tried to ignore the ma'am. She would wear him down eventually.
"Good, I look forward to it."
She did too. She enjoyed cooking and getting to know people it was just who she was.
Apparently two understated senses of humor could make for some interesting misunderstandings. Nikhila just chuckled.
"When you have time. I'm fairly certain your lessons would be wasted on me any way."
Sleep was not something she often sought or even looked forward too. It was almost never restful. Nikhila had discovered though that when she was pregnant her body needed to sleep and she'd had some less than ideal moments stuck in one of her dreams when she just couldn't wake up.
She nodded as he talked about his family. Not at all surprised that he should have several siblings and glad they stayed in touch.
"The whole country?" Nikhila's eyes danced as she teased him, "that must make for quite a bit of washing up. I hope you at least get them to bring side dishes."
The brief smile was good to see, it animated his face and made him seem less reserved.
"Well of course, if Uncle Joshua is going to be there then it is a special occasion and everyone is happy."
Her own smile was tinged with regret, but she'd come to terms with her decision a long time ago. Occasionally she wished for something else and pondered how to correct the situation but just hadn't worked it out yet.
"No. I am the only Kadzait. My family and I haven't spoken in a very long time. I believe that they have all married and had children though."
Social media was a wonderful thing. Nikhila kept track of all of her brothers, never 'friending' them or making contact, just watching. The oldest was a brand new grandfather and the pictures of the little boy were adorable. But while she checked in on them from a distance Nikhila doubted that any of her brothers even knew where she was. They might not even know, or care, that she was still alive. But she had a happy family her and that went a long way toward making up for that.
"Good, I look forward to it."
She did too. She enjoyed cooking and getting to know people it was just who she was.
Apparently two understated senses of humor could make for some interesting misunderstandings. Nikhila just chuckled.
"When you have time. I'm fairly certain your lessons would be wasted on me any way."
Sleep was not something she often sought or even looked forward too. It was almost never restful. Nikhila had discovered though that when she was pregnant her body needed to sleep and she'd had some less than ideal moments stuck in one of her dreams when she just couldn't wake up.
She nodded as he talked about his family. Not at all surprised that he should have several siblings and glad they stayed in touch.
"The whole country?" Nikhila's eyes danced as she teased him, "that must make for quite a bit of washing up. I hope you at least get them to bring side dishes."
The brief smile was good to see, it animated his face and made him seem less reserved.
"Well of course, if Uncle Joshua is going to be there then it is a special occasion and everyone is happy."
Her own smile was tinged with regret, but she'd come to terms with her decision a long time ago. Occasionally she wished for something else and pondered how to correct the situation but just hadn't worked it out yet.
"No. I am the only Kadzait. My family and I haven't spoken in a very long time. I believe that they have all married and had children though."
Social media was a wonderful thing. Nikhila kept track of all of her brothers, never 'friending' them or making contact, just watching. The oldest was a brand new grandfather and the pictures of the little boy were adorable. But while she checked in on them from a distance Nikhila doubted that any of her brothers even knew where she was. They might not even know, or care, that she was still alive. But she had a happy family her and that went a long way toward making up for that.
Joshua Wesson
12 years ago
"Yes, exactly," Josh said, when Nikhila seemed to ask about the joke he'd described. That was the point; their family was so large they often felt like they were inviting the entire country of Liechtenstein over.
"That's not a bad idea," he said when she suggested they bring sides. "It would be a lot of leftovers though."
Really, what could you do with thirty different potato salads? Interesting experiment though. He might suggest it the next time he talked to his sisters. he nodded at Nikhila when she mentioned that a family visit was a special occasion. Sadly, it was for him. He was gone a great deal of the time, something he hadn't been able to do when he was younger, raising his sisters practically by himself. By the time he'd graduated from college, though, they were old enough to watch out for themselves, each other, and their mother. Josh had been free to find employment, which was very necessary with four younger sisters who also wanted to go to school. He was the one who had helped make that happen and he was happy he'd been able to do so.
When Nikhila said she was the only Kadzait in her family, Josh did not question further. This was his job, after all - he knew the ins and outs of how their kind came to be. If only one person in a family belonged to the Pack, there was a story behind it. It might not necessarily be traumatic, but it was almost always more than just 'I was bitten by a wolf.'
He wouldn't pry into her circumstances, but he could empathize. "I am the only one in my family who is not Gifted."
Josh wasn't particularly inclined to elaborate, but if she asked he would. He had told others in the past; it wasn't a huge horrible secret why he wasn't Gifted but he had been asked many times before. The people he helped wanted to know why he remained human, what appeal there was to it. Josh was adept at making up answers. Because for many, the human state was what they wanted. It just wasn't what he wanted for himself.
He did wonder about Nikhila's circumstances though. It was fairly common knowledge in the Pack that she was the only person the Alpha had ever Gifted. A true love story, people called it, so very romantic, with a perfect happy ending. It was good to know those existed.
((ooc: Yeah, we know Xeph has Gifted one other person who didn't live, but that's not a well-known fact at all, so rumor has it Nikhila remains the only one.))
"That's not a bad idea," he said when she suggested they bring sides. "It would be a lot of leftovers though."
Really, what could you do with thirty different potato salads? Interesting experiment though. He might suggest it the next time he talked to his sisters. he nodded at Nikhila when she mentioned that a family visit was a special occasion. Sadly, it was for him. He was gone a great deal of the time, something he hadn't been able to do when he was younger, raising his sisters practically by himself. By the time he'd graduated from college, though, they were old enough to watch out for themselves, each other, and their mother. Josh had been free to find employment, which was very necessary with four younger sisters who also wanted to go to school. He was the one who had helped make that happen and he was happy he'd been able to do so.
When Nikhila said she was the only Kadzait in her family, Josh did not question further. This was his job, after all - he knew the ins and outs of how their kind came to be. If only one person in a family belonged to the Pack, there was a story behind it. It might not necessarily be traumatic, but it was almost always more than just 'I was bitten by a wolf.'
He wouldn't pry into her circumstances, but he could empathize. "I am the only one in my family who is not Gifted."
Josh wasn't particularly inclined to elaborate, but if she asked he would. He had told others in the past; it wasn't a huge horrible secret why he wasn't Gifted but he had been asked many times before. The people he helped wanted to know why he remained human, what appeal there was to it. Josh was adept at making up answers. Because for many, the human state was what they wanted. It just wasn't what he wanted for himself.
He did wonder about Nikhila's circumstances though. It was fairly common knowledge in the Pack that she was the only person the Alpha had ever Gifted. A true love story, people called it, so very romantic, with a perfect happy ending. It was good to know those existed.
((ooc: Yeah, we know Xeph has Gifted one other person who didn't live, but that's not a well-known fact at all, so rumor has it Nikhila remains the only one.))
Nikhila
12 years ago
"Then everyone will have to take some home. Or perhaps you should invite some of the neighboring countries as well."
That would be quite the interesting pot luck dinner Nikhila decided. She'd like to attend, the buffet table would probably stretch for a mile and it would take ages to pass the peas. The logistics would be quite challenging keeping hot food hot and cold food cold and just what would the children's table look like?
Apparently their families were the mirror image of each other and Nikhila nodded in understanding. On either side of the coin it certainly presented challenges. At least, Gifted or not, Joshua still had his family and Pack. That was a plus. She remembered Lalita, one of the sisters back in Dharmasala, who, Nikhila discovered years after being gifted, had been forced to flee her family to avoid being Gifted. Times had changed for the better.
And while she did wonder how that had come to be her instinct was that Joshua wouldn't fully disclose his reasons. He would probably be quite open and honest, up to a point and she didn't want to feel like he was being put on the spot. It was hard to phrase the question just right, to give him an opportunity to explain or politely decline, but she tried.
"That can be a very hard decision to make."
It was one that she herself had considered and rejected.
"You don't see many families that have both Amaroq and Illamar."
The number was growing, she could think of several right off the top of her head and five of them were here in Nachton. And she very well could have missed some here in the city.
Nikhila hoped that her tone and inflection did indicate her curiosity and support as well as her willingness to let Joshua's story remain his own.
That would be quite the interesting pot luck dinner Nikhila decided. She'd like to attend, the buffet table would probably stretch for a mile and it would take ages to pass the peas. The logistics would be quite challenging keeping hot food hot and cold food cold and just what would the children's table look like?
Apparently their families were the mirror image of each other and Nikhila nodded in understanding. On either side of the coin it certainly presented challenges. At least, Gifted or not, Joshua still had his family and Pack. That was a plus. She remembered Lalita, one of the sisters back in Dharmasala, who, Nikhila discovered years after being gifted, had been forced to flee her family to avoid being Gifted. Times had changed for the better.
And while she did wonder how that had come to be her instinct was that Joshua wouldn't fully disclose his reasons. He would probably be quite open and honest, up to a point and she didn't want to feel like he was being put on the spot. It was hard to phrase the question just right, to give him an opportunity to explain or politely decline, but she tried.
"That can be a very hard decision to make."
It was one that she herself had considered and rejected.
"You don't see many families that have both Amaroq and Illamar."
The number was growing, she could think of several right off the top of her head and five of them were here in Nachton. And she very well could have missed some here in the city.
Nikhila hoped that her tone and inflection did indicate her curiosity and support as well as her willingness to let Joshua's story remain his own.
Joshua Wesson
12 years ago
Josh blinked at Nikhila, eyebrows raised, wondering when they had expanded the conversation to include other countries and why. "But, they aren't related," he protested mildly.
When she commented on his choice to remain un-Gifted, he lifted one shoulder noncommittally. He thought for a moment before responding.
"Not so tough in my case," he said. "Family comes first. Our Alpha wanted me to be a Piper, and I had a family to take care of."
The Alpha in Liechtenstein was not as forward-thinking as Aidan Xephier. While he wasn't the rebellious sort, he also didn't think the Illamar had any place in the Pipers. He was tolerant and reasonable to those in his Pack, and he didn't seem to have any issues with them otherwise, but he never would have invited one to be part of his guard. It made the choice simple for Josh. Besides, when he was young he'd thought his father would Gift him. His whole family had been thrown into disarray at the time of his father's death and while trying to cope with everything, young Joshua found himself wondering who would have Gifted him, anyway. One of his uncles, most likely. Or maybe his grandfather.
Sipping his tea he regarded Nikhila calmly, lest she think he was still emotional over his parent's death. "If not for the death of my father my entire family would be Amaroq, yes, but we can't predict how life will go."
He looked down into his tea mug. "To be honest, now that I'm here, and my sisters are grown and married, I had sort of given it some thought. But it will happen, I'm sure, in its own time. If it's to happen at all."
He could be patient. Or, at least, he could present the image of calm and patience. That was what he did every day.
When she commented on his choice to remain un-Gifted, he lifted one shoulder noncommittally. He thought for a moment before responding.
"Not so tough in my case," he said. "Family comes first. Our Alpha wanted me to be a Piper, and I had a family to take care of."
The Alpha in Liechtenstein was not as forward-thinking as Aidan Xephier. While he wasn't the rebellious sort, he also didn't think the Illamar had any place in the Pipers. He was tolerant and reasonable to those in his Pack, and he didn't seem to have any issues with them otherwise, but he never would have invited one to be part of his guard. It made the choice simple for Josh. Besides, when he was young he'd thought his father would Gift him. His whole family had been thrown into disarray at the time of his father's death and while trying to cope with everything, young Joshua found himself wondering who would have Gifted him, anyway. One of his uncles, most likely. Or maybe his grandfather.
Sipping his tea he regarded Nikhila calmly, lest she think he was still emotional over his parent's death. "If not for the death of my father my entire family would be Amaroq, yes, but we can't predict how life will go."
He looked down into his tea mug. "To be honest, now that I'm here, and my sisters are grown and married, I had sort of given it some thought. But it will happen, I'm sure, in its own time. If it's to happen at all."
He could be patient. Or, at least, he could present the image of calm and patience. That was what he did every day.