On The Island of Misfit Toys (Siobhan)

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina reluctantly laid back down as Chesna translated everything for her. Reaching out, she squeezed Siobhan's hand tightly. It seemed the woman, she was getting rather attached to, almost as if Sio was her surrogate mother. With a heavy sigh she tried her best to relax as she pulled the covers up close to her chest and clung tightly to them as she rolled onto her side, snuggling close as she could to Siobhan and Chesna.

Another sigh came as Chesna rested her fingers upon Galina's temples. The words sung enthralled the young wildling and soon enough her eyes were drifting further and further closed until finally they fluttered a time or two more before all movement stopped and the redhead's slow and steady breathing returned to her as she was fast asleep. Her dreams this time, were much more peaceful and soothing as she shifted gently beneath the covers into a more comfortable position to truly rest.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Anya Venari"]

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Anya Venari"], [member="Galina"]



"Thank you, Chesna. Thanks a lot," Siobhan said with feelingly and with an expression of genuine gratitude written across her features. She gave the Eldorai a hug and a soft kiss, then moved to cover Galina with blankets and make sure she was comfortable in bed. Truth be told she was tempted to leave for a moment. After all, the girl was sleeping soundly. However, she had promised to stay the night with her. Moreover...well, she was getting attached to her, though it would probably take Siobhan time to admit that simple fact, though it was probably evident to everyone.


"I'll be staying with her," she said aloud as she likewise got under the covers and gently pulled Galina closely to her so that she would snuggle up against her warm body and prop her head up on her chest, with Siobhan wrapping an arm around her to loosely embrace her.

 

[Anya Venari]

[member="Galina"], [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

It was at times like this that Chesna might usually have made a snarky comment, but the scene was so sweet and heartwarming that she just smiled.
"You're welcome, Siobhan. Call me if you need my help. See you in the morning," she said, blowing a kiss as she quietly closed the door.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

For the first time in nearly a decade, Galina slept beyond the sunrise, her chest rising and falling slow and steady as peaceful dreams drifted through her mind. She'd not done that since crashing onto the island eight years ago.
Sometime near noon, the girl's eyes fluttered as she shifted a little restlessly in bed upon's Siobhan's chest. Her body wanting to wake but her mind still much wishing to stay in the peaceful land of dreams she'd spent so much time in after Chesna had come in and eased away the burden of the memories of the crash, losing her parents. It'd done so much good for her to have that pain eased into something much less traumatic, and harsh on her mind and soul.

Finally she opened her eyes and slowly sat up in bed looking to Siobhan who'd faithfully stayed with her through the night and well into the morning. For a change, she found herself uncertain of what she'd do, how the day would be spent, as she didn't have to head off into the harsh and dangerous forest to hunt for food, to get water, and spend every second of her day and night ensuring that she'd survive to see another sunrise and scratch another mark into the same tree in her camp, marking another day passed. Another night she'd gotten through.

Life didn't have to be like that anymore, and she knew that though things still felt so unstable to her, unsure of where life was going to lead her. But thankful it wasn't a day to day fight for survival, though it had turned into something else. What that something was, was yet to be determined.

"S-siobhan?" She spoke quietly, wondering if the other woman had been awake for a while just resting her eyes or was still sleeping, yet. At least she'd better managed to speak Siobhan's name not stuttering it as much.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Anya Venari"]

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Galina"], [member="Anya Venari"]


It took Siobhan a moment or two to rouse herself from her slumber. When she was not on a job that involved violence and bloodshed, she tended to be a rather heavy sleeper, but she managed. As she awakened and her eyes adjusted to her surroundings, she found that there was a girl sitting on top the bed and looking down at her. As a matter of fact she was a redhead. She was also very young. Probably no older than eighteen. Oh, darn, well, this was terribly awkward...she could just imagine the tabloid report about how she was seducing teenagers! It took another moment before Siobhan put two and two together and her memory started working again.


Yes, that's Galina. Your adopted daughter. You found her on the lost island in the arctic. You really need to buy one of those self-help books. Parenting for dummies. How to raise your little girl in a hundred steps. Oh, and it seemed that she was talking to herself again.


Shut up. What, you're gonna need some ground rules? No smoking, drinking or swearing in front of the kid. It sets a bad example! And you'll have to wear clothes when you go to bed She grew up alone in the wilderness after her parents died in a crash and had to fight every day to survive. I think bad language or her seeing my boobs is the least worry!


In any case it seemed the annoying inner voice of absolute trolling decided to shut up for a moment and so Siobhan could finally turn her attention to her 'little girl'. Alright, she clearly could not deny that she was getting attached. "Yes, I'm here," she spoke slowly, rousing herself to sit upright, even though the comfortable pillow was very tempting to rest on, and give the redhead a hug. "Slept well, sweetie?"

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

The wildling, who didn't look so wild anymore... actually smiled at Siobhan as she watched the woman awaken from her slumber. It brought so much joy to her just to not be alone anymore. Such a simple thing that she didn't know how much she wanted or needed until this last day and night. Human contact, she'd never take for granted again. Hell speaking to someone in her own language and being understood, she couldn't even take that for granted any longer. Not when she struggled so much to communicate without Chesna there with her special gifts.

Pulled into the embrace, Galina didn't tense for the first time against being touched and easily wrapped her arms around Sio and hugged her tightly, and reluctantly pulled away, smiling a little brighter, but there was a small hint of confusion at the woman's words. Spoken slowly, she understood actually got the words. "Yes." She said warmly her eyes lighting up brightly, happy to have truly understood basic. Joyous that she knew the reply, a true reply. Communication. Such a simple thing, yet so hard when a new language stood in the way.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Anya Venari"]

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Galina"], [member="Anya Venari"]


Galina smiling and wrapping her arms around Siobhan without any hesitation engendered all sorts of mushy, motherly feelings that the Countess would usually insist she was far too young and hot to have. No, she was not feeling maternal pride or anything like that.


"Good," she spoke softly. "You're a brave girl." This still left them with the question of what to do now. Well, presumably Galina would want breakfast. For her part Siobhan would certainly not say no to that. But how would they proceed beyond that? Showing her the villa also sounded like a good idea to make the girl feel more comfortable and safe in her surroundings. She would need basic lessons...and probably also to see a doctor because the last thing she needed was to get sick after spending a decade in the wilderness.


Right, first things first. Baby steps. So she gently patted the girl on the shoulder. What time was it anyway? Did Siobhan actually work to do on this day? Yes, sometimes did actual work. Ah, whatever, not like anyone could tell her what to do except wifey, and she had a kid to look after. "Get washed, dear. Then breakfast."

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Galina"], [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

Tegaea Alcori had spent a much less maternal night in the company of a pretty Eldorai. Still, she got up and went about her business. Forewarned by Chesna she had left her wife and potential adopted daughter alone until they finally awoke.

By that stage lunch was more on the agenda than breakfast. When Siobhan did emerge, Tegaea gave her a kiss.
“How is Galina?” she asked. “Chesna mentioned that she managed to calm her down. Is she alright now?”

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Galina nodded to Siobhan. A nod is a good answer? Yes? She at least thought so as it took a moment or two for her to pick up upon the meaning of Sio's words.

For a moment or two she looked uncertain as Siobhan spoke of getting washed up. After a minute, Galina withdrew from Sio and the bed, as she slowly headed for the bathroom, picking up the other set of clothing that Chesna had left out from night before. Clothing, she wasn't picky about as long as she had something that wasn't fur, and she didn't have to fashion herself, right now that was all she cared about.

It took her sometime, to figure things out to get herself a shower and get into the new clothing, and get ready for the day. Everything about it felt foreign, strange to her. It'd been far too long since she'd had to do these things. Far too long since she'd been anything but a rather frightened girl, forced to grow up too fast.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Tegaea Alcori"]

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Galina"], [member="Tegaea Alcori"]


"You're a brave girl, Galina," Siobhan spoke softly as the girl departed from the room with a set of clothing. Good thing that Chesna had such a...good eye for a woman's measurements and had been able to find clothes that exactly fit her!


Siobhan would wait for a bit to see whether Galina needed help getting herself washed and dressed, then likewise got herself ready for the day. Presumably she would not be going to work today! Tegaea was already waiting for her in the dining room and Siobhan eagerly reciprocated the kiss, deepening it before withdrawing.


"Yeah, she's doing better now. Nervous as can be expected, but Chesna helped soothe her dreams. Galina's a strong girl. If she wasn't tough as nails she wouldn't have survived the hell she went through," she spoke with evident fondness of the wild girl before sitting down and pouring herself a drink of whatever juice this Galaxy has.


"Anael was able to satisfy your needs last night? Not too much I hope! I'll make up my absence to you," she said playfully before her expression turned more serious. "Tempest is coming over soon. She can show Galina around the place...well, excluding the basement. Getting an idea of her surroundings should set the poor girl a bit at ease. Guess we need to talk about how we're going to go on with her."

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
A sure sign of this writer's mindset was a misreading of 'Anael's' name. Tegaea seemed to think so because she offered a sly smile.
"She was most satisfying...but not the same as having you there, of course," she said.

"A talk?" she asked cautiously. "Are you planning to have her live with us permanently?" she asked, divining the true meaning.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"], [member="Galina"]


Siobhan flushed just a bit in response, her cheeks acquiring a slight pink hue. Her wife knew her too well sometimes! "I'd...well, I know neither of us ever wanted kids and I'm very happy about the fact that there's no chance of either of us putting a bun in the others' oven but...if it's ok with you, I'd...like her to stay," she rambled on before she finally managed to get to the point.

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
"I have barely met Galina, but I trust your judgement on whether she is a worthwhile ward for us to take on. Besides, she is hardly a child, once she adopts back to the language and customs she will hardly be high maintenance. If you feel this is what is best, it's your decision," Tegaea said softly.

Tegaea did not really like children, but as mentioned Galina did not really count. At least there would be no nappies or such things. Selfishly she suspected it would take time from her wife for her, but Siobhan clearly thought strongly about this, so she could not resist.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"], [member="Galina"]


On the bright side this might actually give Tegaea more time with her wife, since in order to look after her adopted daughter Siobhan would have to spend less time fighting and be at home more often. They would be such a sweet lesbian family. With a house and a white picket fence, a Jester, a harem and a little girl they found in the wilderness!


In any case Siobhan beamed. "Thanks, thanks a lot. I'll make sure she's not a burden," she said happily, giving her wife a loving hug. "I know she's not really a child anymore, but this is a whole new world for her. I just, well, want to offer her something better after all the hell she went through. Something...well, as normal as life with us can be!" What with her having a Dark Jedi Cyborg noblewoman dominatrix as a surrogate mother.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

After emerging from the shower, and dressing slowly, her hair a bit of a wet mess ... But what could really be expected of a girl, who had last looked into a real mirror over eight years ago. Looking in one now, the young woman looking back, just didn't seem to be her. None the less a bit frustrated with her hair, Galina finally gave up, not quite sure how Chesna had managed to get her hair looking so lovely.

It was then that she headed back into her bedroom, and looked a bit puzzled. She'd only been in the house for a single night, and had heard mention of food but wasn't sure exactly where that was in relation to where she was now. None the less, it didn't stop her from cautiously leaving her room and heading out into the hallway, where she started to wander a bit aimlessly, not sure where exactly she was heading.

Walking down one set of stairs, and onward, she found herself before a door, and couldn't help but feel somehow she'd gotten very lost along the way to here. She was just reaching out to open the door. Ah, troublesome children, got to love them.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Tegaea Alcori"]

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
Seeing her wife's intent face, and seeing a way here to turn this to her advantage, Tegaea nodded.
"Very well. We can certainly look after her and make sure she has a better life than she did growing up. Of course, you'll be wanting to stay with her a lot more, I'm guessing?" she said. It would at least force Siobhan to stay more at home to help her care for the girl.

[member="Galina"]
Meanwhile, just as Galina was going to see some very interesting things, Chesna materialised at the top of the stairs.
"Galina? There you are, Tempest and Siobhan were looking for you. Don't go in down there...it's your mummies' secret room," she said tactfully.

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Her hand stopped, just as she was about to turn the knob, jumping a little as she heard Chesna's voice. "Oh..." She said softly, after a moment, though she really wasn't sure what was meant about secret room, but chose this time not to ask about it. She managed a smile, thankful for having been found by Chesna and headed up the set of stairs to her side. "I got lost." The wildling admitted softly.

"T-tempest is here?" She asked a bit excitedly to see her other rescuer.

[member="Tegaea Alcori"] [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"], [member="Galina"]


Siobhan recognised her wife's tactic for what it was, but did not seem to mind. It was nice to be wanted after all! "Yeah, I would. I found her and I think she trusts me a bit. So I want to help look after her. Means you get to see my pretty self more," she joked at the end, giving her wife a kiss.


At that Galina emerged and naturally Siobhan had to fuss over her 'little girl'. She gently took her by the hand and led her to the dining table. Presumably Chesna would translate for her. "You got lost? I should've shown you the way. Tempest'll here in a moment and we'll give you a tour of the place, dear. Food's ready."

 

[Galina Kerrigan-Alcori]

Coming into the dinning room, she waited for a translation from Chesna and nodded slowly. "I didn't remember the way to get back from last night." The redhead said quietly as she glanced between the women in the room, as Siobhan guided her towards the table and food.

The smells of lunch, wafted into the girls nose, exciting her as she took a seat beside Siobhan. Much more slowly she reached out and gathered herself a significantly smaller plate of food. Content that it wasn't going anywhere, gave her enough confidence that she didn't rush to eat it all, the need just wasn't there. Definitely an improvement over the night before.

"Thank you," More than appreciative of what had been done for her so far. At least it was easier to talk, communicate by whatever means Chesna made it possible.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Tegaea Alcori"]

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"], [member="Galina"]

Tegaea finally yielded. It wasn’t a hard decision. She’d not seen Galina much, but she seemed noble enough a savage to tolerate.
And so they sat down to lunch. During lunch though a certain furry Jester came under the table, hoping for scraps. Usually Siobhan gave in and dropped him something if he grumbled and butted her feet enough.

Now he smelt a new person. Maybe she would give him tasty treats? Waddling over, Grrbyrr gently licked Galina’s toe.
<Hungry?> he demanded as politely as possible.