Raeith's eyes grow round as she and Mouse pad their way into the clearing surrounding Mouse's home. "It's so pretty!"
Mouse smiles, wiggling her ears. "I think so, too. There's plenty of room for all the animals to play and lounge.. and plenty of room for you and me to walk and explore."
A big furry blur all but knocks over Mouse, and she chuckles, patting Astrid. "This is a puri, adn her name is Astrid.. her daughter, Aria, is running around somewh-OOF!" Mous eis now flat on her back with Aria looking pleased as punch at her pouncing skills.
Rae giggles, reaching a shy hand out to Astrid. The puri will hav enone of the timidity, and butted her head against Raeith, licking her cheek. She murrs quietly at the salty taste of dried tears. Aria dances around Raeith's feet, NYUUUing importantly until she gets some attention as well.
Picking herself up, Mouse grins sheepishly. "The pards are around somewhere, they wander all over the woods. For the most part, all the animals here are friendly, so don't be afraid to introduce yourself to them. Most of them don't speak our language, so if you want ot know their names, just ask me, ok?"
The girl nods slightly, her hands buried in Astrid's fur, hugging her. "So soft... It's nice to meet you."
Mouse breathes a small sigh of relief... Things coudl be going so much worse. Raeith is a very special child indeed to be able to handle herself this well after such shattering news.
"Ah.. anno.. Would.. you like to see your room, Raeith?"
The girl looks up, that same flicker of sadness moving over her eyes. "Can Astrid come, too?"
"Of course. Thalia as well." The little mouse-critter pops up from Raeith's pocket and waves her little arms. Rae giggles. "Kay."
Mouse leads her up onto the wide porch, sliding open the screen door to reveal the interior of the house. She half expects a comment on teh style of the house - she doubts Raeith has ever seen a Japanese style home - but the girl accepts the home with a child's innocence.
"Are those dragons?"
Blinking, Mouse follows Rae's pointing finger and smiles. "Oh! Those are called Jubis. I'm.. nto really certain if they're related to dragons or not. Their names are Umber and Eos."
Raeith nodded, hugging her Unico to her as she takes in this strange new home. Mouse leads her into the hall, gesturing as she passes rooms. "This is my study.. the kitchen.. sitting area. You're welcome to make yourself at home.."
Rae pauses in the doorway to the study. "You have a lot of books.."
The mouse-woman rubs her ear ^_^; "I enjoy reading. Do you like to read?"
The girl looks downwards, nodding ever so slightly. Tears threaten. "I can't read very well, though.."
Oh, her mommy read her dragon books. Duh, Mouse, DUH. Mouse clears her throat. "Well... if you like, I can teach you to read more? We can read together.. all sorts of stories. Maybe later we can go shopping and pick out some books?"
With a brave face, Rae nods. "I.. haven't been shopping."
"Well, then.. we'll need to change that." Mouse smiles and takes Raeith's hand to give it a squeeze. The golden dragon girl instinctively nestles into Mouse's side, and once more Mouse positively melts.
"Would you liiiike.. a piggyback ride?" she grins, crouching down to Rae's level. Rae giggles and nods, throwing her arms around Mouse's neck. Strong for her size, Mouse hefts the little girl up on her back and bounces around the lower level, making Rae squeal and laugh.
"Now! Let's go see your room!" Mouse climbs up the stairs with Rae hugging her neck. "Over there is my room - it's right down teh hall from yours, so don't be afraid if you ever need me.. even if it's in teh middle of the night... and HERE is your room!"
Mouse bops into the large, pale golden room. Pale gauze wraps around the four posters of the large bed, and the shelves against one wall are filled with toys. The computer is quiet and beckons to be switched on. A furin tinkles merrily as the wind breathes into the room, causing the gauzy bed to sigh.
"If there's anything you would like to change, that's fine. I didn't know what to expect.. I hope you like it.."
Rae slides down Mouse's back, takign a close look at everything. Thalia pops out again and bounces on the large bed, watching the wide eyed golden girl look around. Raeith reaches out to touch a toy on the shelf, shyly.
"Neh, those are all for you. I hope you like them.."
"For.. me?"
Mouse nods. "These over here, on this shelf were left for you by the other Fa'e.. the ones over here I got for you.."
The girl touches the Valentine's cards and gifts, feeling a little warm glow in her heart. These Fa'e didn't even know her, but they had reached out... just like this Mouse had. Maybe everything would be ok. She looks up at Mouse, wathcing the quiet hope and tenderness in the other's eyes.. the compassion. "Can I meet them..?"
Mouse's eyes widen. "Of course! Theyd' all love to meet you, I'm sure. Some of them might be impatient to, in fact."
Something catches Rae's eye in the valentine selection. Taka..? She remembers Taka.. "I want to see Taka-bat again.."
"I bet he'd love to see you too. I'll let Konaru know, so they can both come over. Would you like that?"
Rae nods and smiles bigger. Taka-bat! She runs her hands over the soft bedsheet. Maybe this will be a good adventure, too. The plushies piled on the bed draw her attention next, and she takes the opportunity to introduce Unico to all of his new friends.
Encouraged, Mouse kneels next to Rae, and introduces herself to Unico as well.
She giggles shyly, then clutches Unico close to herself "He says hi."
"Well, I'm pleased to make his aquiantence! He's been taking very good care of you - and you've been taking care of him too."
Rae put her head down to Unico's "mouth", then tugged on Mouse's shirt. "Miss Mouse? Unico says he's hungry."
Mouse blinks as if she's been hit with a frying pan. Food, you dummy, the child is of COURSE going to be hungry. "Well, then, " she manages, "Let's all go downstairs and have an early lunch. Ready?"
Rae nods, then holds her arms up. Warmly flattered, Mouse stands and hoists her onto her hip. Astrid leads the ways out the door as Raeith leans her head on Mouse's shoulder and whispers.
"Miss Mouse... I think I'll like it here.
