Celebration – Ch 145
Raphiel. The name curls my lips downward as we stalk the scant few remaining steps towards the kitchen doors. Somehow... Some way... I know she is connected to Sandra's newfound power. To why a blip of fear arced across the bond between Akiko and me when she said her name. And to why I struggle to put on a happy face as we cross the threshold into a divine, pleasantly wafting aroma filled room.
Although, admittedly, that last part doesn't need much explanation. Despite the Empress' lackluster reassurances - or rather because of them - my worries at losing my sister to some higher being eat at me with renewed, gluttonous fervor. As I resist the urge to bite my lip in worry, I remember that Sandy wanted to be a part of this next heart demon fight... maybe I can finally get some proper answers after that. I settle for the proposed idea begrudgingly, reminding myself that its only just a theory for now - even if it fits perfectly - and its not fair to the others to be lost in my head while they throw me a banquet.
So with a slight shake of my head to cast off the entrenching thoughts, I look around the room as our combined footfalls echo towards the courtyard. The remnants of a whirlwind affair with cooking strewn about the place as my teal eyes survey the scene. Pots and pans littering the sink, utensils still resting on counters or jutting between the gaps of the aforementioned cookware, the dying fire of the brick oven that still heats the room. And, of course, the scents of cooked meat and bread, spices and herbs, and the sweetness of what can only be my favorite dessert~.
Surprisingly, my tummy actually does rumble as I greedily inhale the room's bouquet. Either that tribulation took it out of me, or the excruciating experience afterwards did. Likely both, if I'm being honest. In any case, it looks like my stomach's grumbles are about to quickly be solved as our little troupe saunters past the carnage and into the courtyard where another of our group awaits us.
Gerra, just finishing placing down a tray of sliced meat, steaks, and skewers interspersed with more carnivore delights as well as perfectly charred vegetables, turns to face us as we approach. Her apron stained here and there with the evidence of her recent tirade in the kitchens.
"Welcome back, everyone~." Her southern style drawl greets us, the corners of my lip honestly reaching the tilt I've been putting on airs for at her twang. "Sammy girl and I have been hard at work gettin' this luncheon celebration ready~. Y'all make yourselves comfortable and I'll go grab her." She fixes me with a playful look, pink tail waving mischievously behind her as she levels a finger towards me, "And no sneaking off with cookies before you eat properly~. I'll know if any are missing, missy~. Hehe~."
I fake a loud scoff of offense, a hand instantly flinging behind my back as my first two fingers cross themselves. "I would never~! I'm offended, Gerra, that you think I would ravenously eat all those delicious treats while you were gone! For shame~!" The cat kin smirks even deeper as she trots up, her tail firmly coming to wrap around my waist as she leans down and kisses me softly on the lips. The sparks from both the tail's caress and her soft lips matching the color of her fur, all the while her knowing eyes peer down to me and through my little display~.
"Uh huh. I trust that about as much as I trust water not to be wet. But, you're cute for trying~." I giggle as I wrap her in a quick hug after revealing my worlds universal sign for mischief. Both of us laughing for a few moments while my head leans on her shoulders before she backs away, ruffles my hair with her tail, and then turns to hang the apron on the wall and fetch the last of our companions.
It's about that time that I remember I'm not alone and feel the heat crest on my face as I turn to behold the adoring eyes of the three women who now stand slightly behind me. "Isn't she just the most precious person ever~?" Ios says with a coy smile.
"Miss Amelia's charms are truly legendary to behold~. And something I will never tire of seeing~." Announces Jun Li with a blushing grin.
"Indeed, a sight that can even raise spirits from the dead~." Akiko proclaims with a loving smirk.
Meanies. All of them. The blush flares like a wildfire as I harumph and walk my still Jello-like lower appendages towards the bench seat. Crossing my arms decisively as I plop down in definitely not a cute way, turning my head to the sky in a fashion that is obviously nowhere close to being adorable. My rapidly beating heart splashing pink pulses across my core of course perfectly adult and natural. Anyone who says otherwise is, by law, also a meanie.
My stubborn rebuttal is met by further adoring giggles before the three women take their own places at the outdoor table. Jun Li sitting on my right while Ios seats herself to my left, Akiko taking the head chair as she is want to do. A simultaneous peck from both the closest women to my cheeks further raising the temperature of the space and my skin as black tails and small hands come to rub my back in comfort.
My arms slowly uncross as the blush reigns supreme, their warm touches easily coaxing me back to contentment as we look over the spread before us. Smaller cuts of meat, freshly tossed salads, warm and welcoming stews, and a full cooked bird that looks to be the size of a person as a center piece to the whole affair. And while their alluring scent tickles my nose, I can't for the life of me spot the cookies that I know are lying in wait... You win this round, you sexy cat lady...
"Gerra has truly out done herself, and I am positive that Samantha was of instrumental assistance as well. It has been a long while since she has roasted a whole Dreroth for us~." Jun Li opines as she finishes her own survey of the scene.
"I agree~." Akiko nods in reply, "I even spot some fish and shelled creatures from the ocean spread amongst the quarry~. Rare and hard to obtain dishes seeing how land locked we are and her inability for flight yet. She must have dedicated a good portion of her pantry to this festivity."
That reminds me of something, and I look between the two women as I ask, "Speaking of that, how far along have you guys gotten on body and soul, and spirit for Gerra? Are you running into any issues cultivating them?"
Jun Li smiles down to me as she holds my hand, "I have reached the pinnacle of the 1st Rank in my soul path; however, I am still struggling when it comes to the body technique. I have only recently arrived at the 3rd Realm of the 1st Rank in that regard. I fear it is a matter of my own lack of understanding on how to nourish my body directly in such a manner, or at least my dantian. My spiritual path already relied heavily on utilizing the soul for attacks and such, and my own natural affinity due to being a kitsune also aided my ascension. However, that means I have always had a difficult time with more physical aspects and comprehension, as continues to be the case for now."
I pat her hand in mine and give her a sympathetic smile before replying back with a confident, caring voice, "You'll get it in no time, Miss J~. You're so smart, I'm sure once you figure out the final missing pieces you'll rocket through the ranks~. If you need any help, you can always come and ask me." Her ruby eyes shine down like red spotlights, lighting up my soul with the familiar adoration the often levy on me as I blush anew and turn my face downwards some, "Though I don't know exactly how helpful I'll be..."
I sigh, fighting off my shyness to turn back and face the soft smile still waiting for me, "But I'll always do my best to help you. All of you." Her smile breaks into a peal of delight, her face leaning down to nuzzle and rub against mine as mirthful bubbles escape my mouth. Our lips periodically pecking each other's cheeks as a trio of raven black tails fly into overdrive~.
"I will gladly take you up on that offer when time allows, sweet dear~. And I thank you for it~." She whispers into my ear before breaking away, both our cheeks flushed and vibrant as her ears flutter on her head. Ugh, she's just so cute~!!
A chuckle from the other end of the table shakes us both from our conjoined stupor, our vision turning to see Akiko staring at us like we are the most precious thing in existence. Her own tails happily wagging up a storm behind her, her ears almost equally as flapping as sweet Jun Li's. "It always warms my heart beyond description to see such lovely sights~."
Again, the heat blooms to my cheeks but she mercifully continues on, "As for myself, I am similarly at the peak of 1st in soul, while my body path is nearly at the same level. Likely before we leave to meet with the..." She frowns slightly, a twang of anger flaring through our bond before she breathes out and stills herself again, "Delegation... from the capitol, I will have ascended into the 2nd Rank on both paths. So far, I have found little trouble in regard to advancing outside of time to cultivate. Something I am taking much more seriously now..."
Again, that odd sensation. The same one holding the same tenor that her voice had when she mentioned Sandra earlier. There is little I can do to stop the frown forming on my face at the thought, but I pull it back quickly. I trust her, I remind myself. If she did meet Sandy somehow, and is scared of her for some reason, then there is also a reason she hasn't told me yet. Much as it irks me to admit.
Ios clocks everything, like she always does, and opts to hold my hand that is resting in my lap. Our fingers intertwining as she squeezes it softly and whispers into my mind, 'I've been thinking that too. I didn't want to say anything 'till we were alone, but Akiko has been off when mentioning Sandra lately.'
I know, I reply mentally after giving her smaller fingers a squeeze back, But if she hasn't told me why yet, then something must be going on. Hopefully its nothing, but... well, maybe I'll take that sleep draught we got from the system a while back tonight and see if I can't get some answers out of Sands and not put Akiko in a tight spot or something.
'A great idea, sweetie.' Is all I get in reply before familiar footfalls echo from the kitchen on opening and closing of the doors. We all turn to look at the entry way to the courtyard as Gerra and Sam return with smiles and waves to our already sitting forms.
"Sorry for the wait~. Had to go pull this one off an impromptu forging session~." A southern drawl elucidates as her thumb flicks back to an annoyed blonde human.
"I was merely passing the time since we had completed the meal, Gerra." Samantha growls back, though even I can tell its that flirty growl of annoyance the two of them often share between themselves by now. Sam huffs as Gerra sticks her tongue out to her, rolling her emerald eyes before they land on the rest of us again as she gives a small bow. "I apologize for my tardiness, however I am gladdened to see all of us together for such a victorious celebration~."
She rises and fixes me with a smile that sends my heart into a tailspin, mouth drying like sun baked dirt that hasn't seen rain in months. Clover colored eyes shining in pride, and love, and joy. Those same emotions radiating off her like a sun as she gently coaxes out on honeyed words, "You did so well, little pup~. Congratulations on both the tribulation and enduring your first cleansing."
While I'm sure everyone notices my cherry red face and flustered appearance, the only other person in my eyesight right now is Gerra who coyly crosses her arms over her chest and gives me a knowing wink. A singular sharp, playful canine poking past her upper lip as she sends a cheeky wink that seals my fate and crashes out my beating heart. As a steam cloud erupts over my head and billows from my ears, I am once more reminded of the obvious fact that I am hopelessly head over heels for everyone present. And, in the best way possible, it's so annoying that they all already know it.
Another round of knowing chuckles pulls from everyone's lips but mine as I try and fail to form a response before giving up and just nodding my appreciation. Not trusting my brain or mouth to avoid making even more of a love struck fool of myself. Thankfully, everyone seems to take the hint and let me off the hook, Gerra and Sam coming to sit across from the trio of myself, Jun Li, and Ios who pat or rub my back after my little stun locked display.
Warmth and happiness easily sinking into the atmosphere as all present turn towards a clinking of a cup from the head of the table as Akiko rises with a large, easy smile. She looks over towards me, and in a more professional tone that somewhat surprises me, she begins, "Let us celebrate the advancement of one of our own. A successful climb on the ladder of power, understanding, and grace. Her first tangible steps into the realm of cultivation proper, having truly ascended past mortal beginnings and proven herself worthy and knowledgeable enough to chase after the elusive dream of Immortality. All present, join me in wishing continued success for our dear, sweet Amelia. Let her victory inspire us to resume our own climbs, lest we turn to find her nipping at our heels~. Cheers~!"
A raucous round of call and response follows, everyone shouting the ending phrase as they raise their cups high and I do my best impression of a rabbit, trying to burrow into Jun Li to hide my scarlet face. My attempts are met with easy laughter and various calls of "Here, here, little bird~!", "Excellent work, Miss Amelia~.", "Great job, sweetheart~.", "I knew you could do it, little pup~."
Ios pings my mind with a giggling laugh as they continue to shout praises at my increasingly stage frighting form, 'Hehe~. It's a tradition for folks who breakthrough to the 3rd Rank, honey. You need to raise your cup and thank them in a small speech or they'll just keep glazing you~. And yes, I'll gladly take spankings for getting to see your cute, shy face~. Love you~.'
Cheeky troll of a woman!! I'll show her spankings!! I groan audibly at the revelation, gathering my courage as I remorsefully retreat from the safety of Jun Li's bosom. Her cheering words never ceasing, though her gaze is fixed on me as I exit and gives me a wink. My ruby face matches her eyes as I give a shaky smile back and then turn to face the others as they also continue the praises.
It's... overwhelming doesn't even begin to describe it. I know I've grown so much since landing here and have received almost nothing but praise and assurance from everyone present. All of it truthful, heartfelt, and not once carrying a trace of deceit or faux pomp. But having all of them cheering for me at the same time with the biggest, goofiest grins... my heart just can't handle it.
With beyond noticeable trembling hands, I timidly reach for my own stone cup waiting patiently for me at the table. Its rough, cold exterior as welcoming as it is terrifying as I swallow down a ball of nerves and take a steadying breath. Miraculously, I'm somehow able to raise the container above my head, the action silencing the cheers and praise at last. Their voices replaced by a stillness of expectation, as if the entire estate is watching me now, as I decide to just do what I always do. Speak from the heart.
"I-I know," Great start, Aims, I think to myself at the stutter, "that I can never repay the kindness you all have shown me. The love you never fail to shower me with. And the support that I cherish to lean on. I may have only been here a short time, and have already had some stumbles along the way. Failures, regrets, moments of weakness. Things I c-can't take b-back..." I pause as my eyes begin to water much to my annoyance. My frustration at failing to keep myself in check met by a soft black tail and small finger that come to wipe away the errant drips.
I look to my sides to see the caring faces of Jun Li and Ios, each of them giving a quiet nod as I feel my heart and anxiety settle. My eyes flicking over to Samantha who keeps such a stellar defying smile that brandishes love like a cudgel, further beating my mental state back from the darkness. A certainty coming over me as I return the gaze, hoping that my own tilt of lips matches what she so effortlessly gives me before gathering myself. Courage lighting in my eyes, buoyed by the sparkling rosy flowers springing forth in my chest.
"But I wouldn't trade this group, this moment, for anything in the world. Because though I may have lost one family, who I miss dearly and frequently, you all have so kindly opened your arms and given me another. Not just for myself, but also for the last member of my old one, my sleeping soulmate. Though it's a... different kind of family, for sure," I cough a wet laugh that is met by the others at the table, my eyes now not the only ones who glisten with the sparkles of salty water, "but one that is no less loving, and giving, and cherished in my h-heart."
Tears fall again, but this time no effort is made to stop them. Not from me, nor the women at my sides. Though the comforting grasp of those same tails and arms do wrap around me that brings a smile to my damp, water-stained cheeks. In a voice that is the embodiment of love, of acceptance, and of truth, I brokenly finish with the purest of grins, "I l-love you all. *Hic* Thank you."
Celebratory cries roar from everyone, carried on the sweet, scented wind while my own cheers break between laughing, crying, and giggling as they all come around the table in a flash to hug, and kiss, and cuddle me into paradise~. The entire courtyard erupting in joy as birds join in with their cheery songs, the sun smiling its warmth on all of us gathered beneath it, and the mountain showing its approval from afar.
The rest of the evening becomes somewhat of a blur. A hazy memory gilded by the glowing veil of unadulterated joy, and love, and happiness. Of closeness and bonds. Of merriment and frazzled pink flashes from lingering hugs, darting kisses, and playful groping touches. All the while my heart sings in easy breaths. The waiting worries and chores and tasks kept at bay by the clinking of drink and laughter and togetherness. At least, I allow myself, for today.