[IRP] Redcroft Manor

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Thea
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Re: [IRP] Redcroft Manor

Post by Thea »

Thea had never owned a cat before, or any animal for that matter. The extent of her knowledge of animals was limited to her cousin Cordelia's dogs. It was not that Thea disliked animals, it was just never an option for her. Her late mother thought that having animals inside of a home was wholly uncivilized. Eunice Winterbourne would tell her daughter that animals are unclean and carry diseases anytime the young girl dared to ask for any sort of pet. Despite having a residence that was entirely her own for six months now, she had not considered acquiring a pet... at least not until her wife asked to get a cat for Redcroft Manor.

Cats were completely mysterious creatures to her. Thea could not even recall the last time she had seen a cat let alone interacted with one, but she also had no reason to oppose cat ownership. So then came the question of acquiring a feline companion. Neither Thea nor Aileigh had any knowledge of this even though Aileigh had grown up with cats at home. It was not like there was a cat buying stall at the market that they could go to to pick one out. It was only by luck that the Winterbourne wife found a cat, or more specifically she found out that one of the maids at Redcroft had a cat who birthed a litter of kittens a few months ago.

On the nineteenth of February, Thea walked into the nursery where a noticeably pregnant Aileigh was playing with their nearly seven-month-old son.

"I have a surprise for you. A birthday surprise."

She announced without missing a beat. Thea was actually quite proud of herself for remembering her spouse's birthday and wore a slight smile as she crossed the room where Aileigh was seated.
Dorathea "Thea" Sanchari Winterbourne | Lady of Redcroft Manor | The Red Wolf
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Cousin of the Winterbournes | Mother of Zevander, Corabel, Elodie, & Lenora | Wife of Aileigh
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Aileigh
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Re: [IRP] Redcroft Manor

Post by Aileigh »

In some ways, life was close to perfect. Perhaps it was simple her opportunistic outlook on life, but she was growing comfortable in the new chapter of her story. Thea and her had adjusted to residing together and spending quiet days under the same roof. While they continued to get to know each other, Aileigh became very attached to Zevander. Four months seemed like forever and her love grew each week. She tried her best to keep him entertained and to help him learn about the strange world around him.

Next to his nursery, a second was being furnished. Two bassinets awaited their next two children, who would come before the heat of summer set upon Fenia. As her belly grew, anxiety began to settle. She had been present at every birth of her siblings except for her brothers, when she was only eleven. She knew what to expect. Yet, labour could be dangerous and as she felt her little ones kick and tumble, she wondered how difficult they would be to bring into the world.

“Are you going to be a good big brother, Zev?” Her question was playful as she gently bopped his nose. He giggled, proudly shoving a wooden figure against her hand in retaliation. Their play was disrupted when Thea entered the room. The pride that had just been on the boy’s face seemed to now be on her wife’s. She watched curiously, raising a black brow.

“A surprise? I.. Was not expecting anything for my birthday.” She admitted sheepishly, pulling Zev onto her lap. This birthday was the first time she had ever been without her family - at least her blood relatives. She could have gone to Bravia to spend time with her mothers, but she had decided to stay at Redcroft. The idea of traveling, carriage or shadows, was nauseating. Instead, she opted to stay home, relax, and enjoy her favourite meal for dinner.

With mild effort, she rose to her feet with their son in her arms. It was difficult for her to believe she was twenty. She did not feel like she had experienced much of the world. To that argument, she had only been born eleven years ago, so she supposed it made sense to feel that way.

“You have my interest and curiosity.”
Aileigh Mae Maarah Sanchari Winterbourne | Seer of BDR | Viscountess of Ettinford
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Wife to Thea | Mother of Zevander, Corabel, Elodie, Lenora, Ezra, & Imogen
Daughter of Aishe & Akos
| Sanchari Family [Profile]
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Thea
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Re: [IRP] Redcroft Manor

Post by Thea »

"Follow me."

Thea led the way from the nursery through the corridor and down a flight of stairs to the conservatory. This room was her chosen retreat from the world, but she had also chosen this room for her surprise because of the layout of the room. The area was largely free of clutter beside the plants lining the border – plus the tile floor would be easier to clean if any kitten had an accident. Thea was really just guessing on how to do this but it seemed logical to her. In the center of the room, there was a rather large wooden crate that had been brought in to enclose three small kittens, that way Aileigh could pick whichever kitten she liked best as her present.

"Come look."

She gestured towards the open crate where there was a delicate little calico, a scrawny orange tabby, and an orange-spotted white fluff-ball. The calico and the tabby were presently wrestling while the orange and white cat was pawing at the side of the crate.

"You said you wanted a cat... and one of the maids had a litter of kittens. Well, her cat had kittens. She did not have kittens. That would be weird."

She explained to her wife after she had a chance to see the kittens.

"You can pick whichever one you want, but no rush. Pick whichever one you like the most."
Dorathea "Thea" Sanchari Winterbourne | Lady of Redcroft Manor | The Red Wolf
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Cousin of the Winterbournes | Mother of Zevander, Corabel, Elodie, & Lenora | Wife of Aileigh
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Aileigh
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Re: [IRP] Redcroft Manor

Post by Aileigh »

Her curiosity continued to grow as she followed Thea out of the nursery. Zevander was content in her arms, still holding onto a wooden soldier which he waved around occasionally with a squeal. When they entered the conservatory, bright eyes immediately landed on the wooden crate. The scent of the air gave her an indication of what awaited her, but it wasn’t until she heard a mew amongst the rustling did a grin hit her lips. Excitedly, she moved to the box, Zev still in her arms. Her face brightened considerably when she saw the three kittens.

Her giddiness was evident when she sat Zev down. He was capable of sitting up on his own, but she would soon join him on the floor once she scooped up the three kittens. She placed them all down between her and Zev, hoping Thea would join them. She stretched her legs out to a ‘V’, creating a small obstacle to keep the kittens from bolting as easily, with Zev across from her. She went right to petting them all, thrilled by the idea that one would be hers. Their son seemed hypnotized by the small furlings. He dropped his toy and reached for one, who mewed when his little hands grabbed the kitten’s fur. The startled kitten quickly began to purr. Zev let out a loud squeal in response to the unusual noise. He investigated by moving his hand up and down the kitten’s back, trying to find the source of the vibration to no avail.

Aileigh laughed, wiggling her fingers along the ground to entice the kittens’ attentions. The calico was the first to pounce. Then, the orange tabby jumped at its sibling, tumbling clumsily. Meanwhile, the fluffy one stayed put in front of Zev, pawing at his hand before scattering away from his grasp. The kitten bumped into its littermates in its attempt to escape the babe, being pulled into the ongoing tussle.

“They are each so cute!” She appreciated the fact Thea said she could take her time. She wanted to pick the perfect companion, both for her and their children. So far, all three were great contenders. She wasn’t entirely sure what she was looking for, but she figured she’d know when the time was right. She did know that Thea would not be much help in the matter.

“This is a wonderful surprise.” She looked up to her wife, smile genuine and joy pure. “Thank you, Thea.”
Aileigh Mae Maarah Sanchari Winterbourne | Seer of BDR | Viscountess of Ettinford
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Wife to Thea | Mother of Zevander, Corabel, Elodie, Lenora, Ezra, & Imogen
Daughter of Aishe & Akos
| Sanchari Family [Profile]
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Thea
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Re: [IRP] Redcroft Manor

Post by Thea »

"You are welcome."

Thea answered as she awkwardly stood a bit further away from the scene. She had not a single idea what she should do. Should she leave them alone to decide? That seemed like it would just make things feel more awkward, yet standing above the two humans and the kittens was awkward all on its own. Slowly, she lowered herself down to the floor as she decided this was the least weird option. She still was further away from the kittens than her wife and son but at least she was not gawking over them.

"Are they boys or girls?"

Thea questioned after hearing Zev squawk at the orange and white one. He appeared to be very focused on this one. It was sort of cute as far as cats go.
Dorathea "Thea" Sanchari Winterbourne | Lady of Redcroft Manor | The Red Wolf
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Cousin of the Winterbournes | Mother of Zevander, Corabel, Elodie, & Lenora | Wife of Aileigh
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Aileigh
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Re: [IRP] Redcroft Manor

Post by Aileigh »

Aileigh resisted the temptation to hand a kitten to Thea when she finally sat down. Most people would be melting at the sight of the three kittens, yet Thea seemed unsure. She understood it came from the simple fact her wife had never had a pet before, while Aileigh grew up alongside animals. The difference of their upbringings were reflective of the situation.

Instead, her curiosity grew when Thea asked about their genders. It was a good question.

“I think they are old enough to tell…” She said, unsure. “Although, I do know that it’s almost a guarantee the calico is female.”

Her little fact was acquired through her vast reading. She scooped the calico up and lifted it higher, trying to get a peek.

“I think I’m right. Girl!” Confident, she picked up the orange tabby next. The result seemed to be the same. “Girl.”

Once she sat the orange one down, she worked on stealing the fluffy one from their child. Zev furrowed his brows in disappointment as his mother took the kitten, but she gently nudged the other two to him. The calico was curious and started sniffing his feet, as if she was just noticing him for the first time. The tabby seemed less interested in him, but interested in the woman who had yet to touch her.

“Oh, this one is a boy! Definitely a boy.” She gave the floof a cuddle and stroked his back before putting him back down. “Two girls and a boy.”

Aileigh wished this information was helpful in decision making, but instead she watched them with a hand placed atop her seven month baby bump. The situation felt distant, her mind focused on a different time that had yet to come. She had seen the birth of their twins and she knew what was to come. The vision was not new, but neither had it been shared with her spouse. Current life felt like a daydream before she refocused herself back to the conservatory. As she did so, she watched Zev pat the calico. The white and orange boy rubbed against him, demanding his attention again.

“I don’t think the decision is up to me.” She looked over to her wife before back to Zevander. “I think they chose each other.”

The damphyr laughed and shook her head. “So much for being my cat. Zev, did you make a friend?”

Her voice was light, not upset. The difficult decision was easy when watching the kitten with the infant. Ultimately, all she wanted was for their children to grow up in a home with pets. She absently scratched beneath the calico’s chin. “What’s happening to the other ones? I wonder if anyone we know wants a cat.”
Aileigh Mae Maarah Sanchari Winterbourne | Seer of BDR | Viscountess of Ettinford
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Wife to Thea | Mother of Zevander, Corabel, Elodie, Lenora, Ezra, & Imogen
Daughter of Aishe & Akos
| Sanchari Family [Profile]
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Thea
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Re: [IRP] Redcroft Manor

Post by Thea »

Thea was uncertain which cat was the calico until her spouse scooped up the little white one with yellow and black spots to confirm her theory that this kitten was a girl. She tried to make a mental note that this one was called 'calico' but she would probably forget later. She watched as Aileigh then picked up the orange stripped one and declared that one to be a girl as well. Finally she pried the third one away from Zev to check its gender. Meanwhile, the orange tabby had wandered in her direction. Thea looked at the being cautiously. It did not seem like it posed any immediate danger to her so she cautiously reached out a hand. The kitten sniffed her as she heard her wife pronouncing the last one to be a boy. Thea did not have a chance to respond to this.

"Ah!"

Thea cried out in surprise as the orange tabby mounted her legs and was climbing up onto her lap, digging tiny claws into her skin as it went. She took a deep breath to try to steady herself and to resist the urge to dump the kitten onto the ground.

Her cheeks were mildly flushed as she turned her head back to Aileigh who has asked a question. What would happen to their kitten's littermates? Truthfully, Thea was not certain.

"I think they will go back to the farm they came from… I am not sure. The maid would know."

Winterbourne gray eyes turned downwards towards the orange stripped cat that had curled up in her lap and was vibrating. She supposed it was kind of cute even if she had no idea what she should to do with it.
Dorathea "Thea" Sanchari Winterbourne | Lady of Redcroft Manor | The Red Wolf
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Cousin of the Winterbournes | Mother of Zevander, Corabel, Elodie, & Lenora | Wife of Aileigh
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Aileigh
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Re: [IRP] Redcroft Manor

Post by Aileigh »

Watching Thea with the kitten was amusing. It was clear as day that her wife had no clue how to handle a cat. Meanwhile, Aileigh had flipped the calico onto her back and cradled her, taking the opportunity to pet her belly. Hearing the answer to her inquiry, she looked between the kittens thoughtfully.

“What do you think about keeping them here while homes are found? I’d hate to break them up before they have a new family.” It was a daring idea, one she wasn’t sure her wife would accept. “We don’t have to keep them. Just love them until someone else can.”

And there was perhaps the largest difference between the young women. Aileigh’s heart was overflowing with love and affection. That was not to say Thea was unkind or uncaring. The damphyr just did not know how to hold back. She would care for every stray, help any fallen person, go out of her way to make someone’s day. Her warmth was an aura around her that made her vulnerable to heartaches, disappointment, and hurt. It could easily be argued that she sat there at Redcroft, heavily pregnant with an adopted son and a wife she did not love, all because of her heart. Her helpless romantic heart led her to Zhou, a man who just could not love the same way she did.

“Besides,” She sat the calico down, who promptly returned to Zev and her brother. “Having more than one kitten is much easier. They can keep each other entertained and out of trouble. It’s really not much more work to care for more when you’re already caring for one. Just like kids.”

Aileigh looked down to her belly, giving it another affectionate rub. While Thea’s pregnancy had been a nightmare, Aileigh was having a very different experience. She finally understood why her mother cherished pregnancy so much. “Just like these three while have each other.”

She looked back up with a smile and returned her attention back to their son. Two of the three kittens were tolerating his rough petting, giving occasional mews of appreciation. Bright eyes lingered on the infant for a moment before shifting to her partner. “Thank you. This is the perfect birthday gift.”
Aileigh Mae Maarah Sanchari Winterbourne | Seer of BDR | Viscountess of Ettinford
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Wife to Thea | Mother of Zevander, Corabel, Elodie, Lenora, Ezra, & Imogen
Daughter of Aishe & Akos
| Sanchari Family [Profile]
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Thea
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Re: [IRP] Redcroft Manor

Post by Thea »

Gray eyes turned back to her wife as she suggested keeping all of the kittens. She was about to protest this – surely this would be too much work – when Aileigh jumped in to add that it would not be that much extra work. She must have sensed Thea's likely protest. The gray eyes narrowed slightly at the other woman and then turned to their son who was giving rough pats to two of the kittens.

"Fine, but you are in charge of taking care of them."

Thea relented on the condition that she would not be expected to clean up after the furry creatures. She also did not know how to take care of them but that was a different story. She also had a feeling that keeping them until they found a home would turn into all three kittens permanently under the Sanchari-Winterbourne roof.

"What will you name them?"
Dorathea "Thea" Sanchari Winterbourne | Lady of Redcroft Manor | The Red Wolf
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Cousin of the Winterbournes | Mother of Zevander, Corabel, Elodie, & Lenora | Wife of Aileigh
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Aileigh
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Re: [IRP] Redcroft Manor

Post by Aileigh »

Aileigh was a bit surprised that Thea relented so easily. She was not sure she was that convincing, which made her wonder a bit. Maybe Thea actually wanted her to be happy - which thus far into their arrangement, that was a reasonable assumption. Or perhaps she just didn’t care enough to protest three little creatures running around. Maybe it was a mixture of both, but either way… She was looking forward to having something to cuddle at night. Living in a house without any animals had been difficult. Her bed felt empty and sleeping was difficult enough with a mini moon attached to her. The lull of purring and soft kneading would be the perfect lullaby tonight.

So, instead of questioning it, she beamed at her wife in gratitude. Her expression gave to a furrowed brow, gaze returning to the litter. Names? She hadn’t even begun to think! She mulled the question over for a long minute. Zev would not be helpful in naming the kittens; he was too young to offer anything but syllables and gibberish. Her mind wandered to some of her favourite stories and before she knew it, some names came to mind.

“Alright, so… The calico will be named Ginger. Your friend will be called Penny. And the boy will be Oliver.”

Yes, she liked those names. They would do nicely. Content, she scooped the newly named Ginger up to hold close and cuddle. The kitten began to purr. Life just got better.
Aileigh Mae Maarah Sanchari Winterbourne | Seer of BDR | Viscountess of Ettinford
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Wife to Thea | Mother of Zevander, Corabel, Elodie, Lenora, Ezra, & Imogen
Daughter of Aishe & Akos
| Sanchari Family [Profile]
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