Private Winds of Change

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell , Persephone Dashiell

Makai leaned back against the counter, listening in. So no dating for now, at least that's her feeling for the moment. He could certainly sympathize with her feelings. Teenagers tended to be fickle though, so why it may be her feelings now the wind could blow in a different direction in a weeks time.

"Speaking of talking....we've decided that it may be good for you to talk to someone outside of the family and friends. A professional. Someone to vent to about anything - even us. Someone who wouldn't share what you said but could give you advice and insights onto anything in your life."

Judging from her changing facial expression, things weren't going well.

"Especially with what happened with your mother and how brave you were to leave Taris and find us. That was impressive - but it also leaves a mark. Look, I had to sign up for therapy when I was older than you. It would have saved me a lot of heartache and repairing to relationships if I had started at your age I think my later teenage years would have been much, much easier. I think Ellie can agree on that front."

He took a deep breath.

"If you have questions I can answer but I've been in your shoes Persie. Don't be quick to shut the idea down."

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

Myra Arceneau Dashiell , Makai Dashiell

​

"No, travel seems like a good idea. I've never got to experience much in the galaxy. So seeing different things is a good idea, I'm open to exploring. There's a lot I want to see."

Persephone had a mental list. Some educational. Some merely for fun. Maybe some could be approved by Myra and Makai to visit. She was certain, given these new rules, that they would want some oversight. Hands curled around her trendy caf mug, wondering what project herself and Myra could work on together. Something easy.

"Maybe we can organize some stuff in my closet. You can just there with the baby but provide insight and maybe tell me where to put things or if it should just be donated. Editing the closet to my style and all that."

Yet of course there was one more thing up their sleeve. Look darkened, immediately starting to shut down. So far their suggestions had been relatively tame, especially when her friends had similar rules. Had told her similar tales. She expected these kind of things to be eventually handed down to her ; especially after some mishaps while out exploring.

"No." Persephone shook her head. "I ain't goin' to do it." Old speech pattern tended to slip out when she was stressed. "Ain't a point in it. Can't make me either."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell Persephone Dashiell

Myra stayed quiet as Makai spoke, her supportive nods filling the spaces where Persie's sharp rebuttals landed. She knew how tricky these conversations could be, especially when Persie's walls came up so quickly. Myra's gaze stayed soft, her caf untouched as she listened.

The shift in the teenager's voice, the way her accent slipped out, hit Myra like a memory -- old echoes of who the girl had been before they'd found her. She let a moment pass, long enough for the tension to settle, before speaking.

"Okay," she said simply, her voice even and calm. "You're right. No one can make you do anything, Persie." She leaned forward, resting her arms on the counter, her tone gentle but probing. "But can I ask why you're so against it?"

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"There's nothin' wrong with me. Even if there was, tellin' problems to someone who ain't got a clue isn't goin' to help."

Shoulders squared, hands still around her caf mug but not drinking. She wasn't interested in their last proposal? Rule? Idea? It was difficult for her to tell, especially now that Myra said they couldn't make her do anything. Which to her seemed more like a suggestion than an actual hard and fast rule like the other things discussed.

"No boyfriends, fine. More travelin', fine. More educatin', fine. I'm not interested in no therapy is all."

Myra Arceneau Dashiell Makai Dashiell ​

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell Persephone Dashiell

Myra studied Persie a calm but thoughtful expression. She tilted her head slightly, a gesture she often used when weighing her words. She could see the tension in the girl's posture -- the squared shoulders, the firm grip on her caf mug, the way her eyes darted between them and then to the floor. Persie was bracing herself for an argument, expecting a push.

But Myra didn't push.

Instead, she glanced at Makai, her gaze quietly inviting his input, knowing his own experiences with therapy might hold more sway. He offered a small nod, his expression one of steady support, but he stayed quiet for now.

Turning back to Persie, Myra tapped her finger lightly against her mug, letting the gentle rhythm fill the pause before she spoke. "I hear you," she said, her tone warm but measured. "And I want you to know, trying therapy... or not trying it... doesn't mean there's something wrong with you. It just means... sometimes, we all need different ways to process things."

She took a sip of her caf, then added, "For me, it wasn't easy to start. I couldn't even speak for years after my parents passed. It wasn't until I found a therapist who used art therapy that I started to open up. And Makai... well, I'm sure he could tell you about his own reasons."

She paused, giving Persie space to take it in. "That's all we're saying, really. It's not about fixing something broken, it's about finding what helps you. But if you don't want to give it a try, that's okay too. We just wanted to put it out there as an option."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell , Persephone Dashiell

Watching the back and forth between Persephone and his wife, Makai wisely remained quiet until needed. There was no need to add in his voice or thoughts yet. It would only make her feel more piled upon. More backed into a corner. This was the last thing they needed when shaky trust was already slow to build between them and the teenager.

"Everything Myra said is correct. There's many different reasons and not everything has to be about problems. Or meaning that something has to be fixed."

He didn't approach any closer, instead leaning back on the counter opposite from the island, staring at Persephone. He offered a small smile and worked to diffuse the situation.

"Tell you what. Don't say no yet but let's just put a pin on this. We will let you think about it and maybe you can do a little research on your own. Poke around ZikZok and see what others have to say. Don't just take Myra's and I's word for it, how about that? I'll ask again....hm....maybe a month from now. Sound good?"

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"Art therapy? Is that why you paint? Is that why you've been teachin' me to paint?"

Persephone didn't think so. She had been the one to seek out the skill to begin with. Learning the basics of art to assist with the fashion drawings she tended to sketch out in a book. Different ideas and looks or items she wanted customized. Sometimes it was difficult to convey in words what she wanted. Plus - what if she grew up to become a fashion designer? The skill was invaluable.

"Research on ZikZok...? Okay....no promisin' I'll change my mind." Body language relaxed a little, moving out of the spotlight so to speak it felt. Her gaze flicked between Myra and Makai, looking to see if any other surprises were coming down the pipeline. They seemed silent. No secretive looks between them. She was safe for the moment.

"Can I be excused? I'm not hungry anymore..."

Myra Arceneau Dashiell , Makai Dashiell ​

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Myra's gaze softened as she listened to Persie, noting the way her shoulders relaxed ever so slightly, the tension ebbing now that the conversation's weight was lifting. Myra shared a quick glance with Makai, both silently agreeing to let the topic rest for now. She didn't miss the flicker of curiosity in the girl's question, though, and she decided to address it gently before letting her retreat.

"No, that's not why I've been teaching you to paint," Myra said, her voice calm and warm. "I started teaching you because you asked, and because it's a skill that can help you bring your designs to life. But painting, at least for me, has always been about expression. It's a way to let out whatever's inside, even if I don't have the words for it."

She tilted her head slightly, studying the teenager. "That's why I enjoy it. And I hope it can be the same for you, just... fun. A way to create, to explore. Nothing more, nothing less."

Persie's gaze flicked between the two of them again, clearly gauging if the conversation truly was over.

"That's fair," Myra replied, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "And yes, you're excused. We can always talk more later."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell

Persephone scampered off back upstairs, back to her room judging by the sounds of combat boots trailing away. She had taken her caf mug with her and Makai suspected she was hungry but wanted to avoid further questioning. It was fair enough and a position he could appreciate the fact Persie at least listened to them towards the end.

"Could have been worse."

Pulling his skillet pancake out of the oven, Makai set it on a trivet and shook his head. For him, things went about as expected. Maybe a little better than expected. He certainly didn't expect for her to agree. Not at first. That would have been a little suspicious.

"I'll take her up some in a minute." Plates were grabbed from the counter and he set one down in front of Ellie. "So, we will check in with her in about a month, see if she did her research. I didn't expect her to agree. She's testing us. Seeing if she can trust us to not just throw her in the deep end unprepared. Smart."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Myra leaned against the counter, watching Makai divide up the skillet pancake after Persie left, her fingers tracing idle patterns on her caf mug. His words were spot-on, as usual. Persephone was testing them, and Myra couldn't fault her for it. If she were in Persie's shoes, she'd do the same thing -- probably with even more pushback.

"She's smart," Myra agreed, her voice soft, thoughtful. "Too smart sometimes, but I'm glad for it. It means she's thinking things through, not just reacting. Even if she doesn't want therapy, she's not shutting down completely. That's something."

She took another sip of her caf, letting its warmth chase away the lingering tension from the conversation. "And you're probably right. She's watching to see if we follow through or if we're just blowing smoke. Honestly, I don't blame her for being a little wary. The past year's been a lot for her."

Myra glanced down the hall where Persie had disappeared, her expression softening further. "But I really think she's still afraid we're going to ship her off once Phoebe gets here. I've told her a million times that's not happening, but... words only go so far, you know?"

She gave a pause then added as Makai served up their plates.

"Time," she said simply, her tone calm and assured. "She needs to see it, not just hear it. And we'll show her. One day at a time."

Myra smiled faintly then, the corners of her mouth curving upward even as she exhaled a quiet sigh. "One day at a time," she echoed again. "We'll check on her in a month, and perhaps by that time when Phoebe decides to grace us with her presence, maybe we'll have a little more balance. Or... at least fewer surprises in the galaxy."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell

"Yeah, I think in moments where she thinks we can't hear, I've heard the phrase 'boarding school' thrown around. Not sure where she got that idea from but who knows."

A small shake of his head, figuring she must have talked to one of her friends at the col'n termi or on a ZikZok. Sometimes Persephone was an odd little mix of practicality and dramatic ideas. Yet he agreed with his wife. Sustained effort. Flashing a small smile in her direction, he picked up his fork.

"Time we have. We'll check back in on her as planned in a month, we don't even ask if she's done her research. Let's not put any pressure on her just yet, I don't want her getting worked up again and make it seem like we're pushing one way or another."

ONE MONTH LATER

Tiny cries from a very, very angry Phoebe Colette Arceneau Dashiell filled the kitchen. The young Dashiell had been quite the force in utero and now it seemed her personality was no different. Makai expected such from a infant but this was different, a signal of what ten years in the future could behold for him as a father of daughters.

"Waiting ninety seconds for the milk to warm is outrageous I know. I'm a horrible Pa, get it out of your system now."

Tired and trying to soothe an angry Phoebe, Makai still found some time to joke despite staring at the bottle warmer, as if willing it to somehow work faster. He yawned, sure he had been tired since before his daughter was born, but not as tired as Ellie. The labor had been long and difficult even with some of the best medical interventions they could afford.

After an hour and a half of pushing Phoebe had been born at their home in an effort to reduce some anxiety from his wife. She had spent too much time in medical centers as a child and he couldn't blame her for wanting to be comfortable and relaxed while trying to bring their daughter into the world.

That was a week ago and it had been a whirlwind since.

"You remind me of your Ma, she gets hangry too if I don't feed her quickly enough." Bottle warmer finished, he chuckled as he tested the milk before beginning to feed the infant. With dark brown hair that had a gentle curl to it and light blue eyes, Phoebe favored him in the looks department but was all Ellie in the personality. Makai leaned back against the counter as she ate, shaking his head.The sun was starting to rise over the ocean, painting everything in pink and orange. "You'll get used to the waiting ninety seconds, don't worry. Can't drink straight from the tap all the time, your Ma needs sleep too."

Just as Phoebe settled down, he yawned again. Makai could have used their nanny biot, Lia, to assist with the infant but they typically reserved the droid for overnight use or to keep an eye on the baby during the day if they were in another room. Being first time parents, they were naturally cautious, even putting a biomarker patch on Phoebe's thigh and feeding the data to Lia, Thirty-Seven, and El-Three. Given the state of the galaxy, Makai felt better when more eyes - or in this case optical sensors - were on both Phoebe and Persephone.

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Myra stepped into the kitchen, her own exhaustion evident in the slow drag of her feet against the cool floor. She barely remembered what a full night's sleep felt like, and at this point, she was convinced she could function on instinct alone. Phoebe's cries had roused her before she'd even realized she was awake, though it seemed Makai had already taken charge of the situation.

Leaning against the doorframe, she watched as her husband cradled their newborn, exhaustion etched into his features but warmth in his gaze. He was dead on about Phoebe being a force of nature -- one week old, and she already had opinions about how long a bottle should take. Stars help us when she starts talking.

"She does get that from me," Myra admitted with a raspy chuckle, running a hand through her tangled waves. "But you're lucky. I don't scream about it. Usually."

Myra hummed in amusement then, pushing off the frame and padded over to Makai, reaching up to rub her thumb against the shadow of stubble on his jaw. "You should try to get some sleep after this. I can take her for a bit."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell

"Sorry, I didn't think you heard her. I mean....who can't hear her, but I was trying to prevent you from coming downstairs."

Cradling their daughter, Makai flashed a smile as her hand ran along his jaw. Phoebe was content to drink her milk now, seemingly pleased both parents were now up and doting over her. It was clear Makai was already wrapped around her finger and would do anything, even beyond reason, to make his daughter happy.

"I got a little sleep last night when Lia took over but I'm quickly figuring out she doesn't like to be fed by the nanny biot. It seems to be an only me or you situation right now, which maybe because she instinctively knows we're her parents....I don't know. Just my guess. Even Persephone isn't on her list of approved people. I'm hoping one of the grandparents will get on this VIP list though."

Makai yawned slightly and carefully leaned over, kissing Ellie on the forehead. They had naturally informed their respective parents. He knew his mother was wrapping up things at her flight school before coming over to stay in the guest house and help them out. His father was on business in the Commonwealth but would be returning soon to meet Phoebe for the first time.

"No, I got this. You sleep, you're still recovering from carrying Miss Demanding for nine months and birthing her. Just pump some milk before she murders us in our sleep. Plus..." Makai adjusted his arm slightly, Phoebe protesting the move for a moment as the food supply was interrupted. "...exhausted as I am, I'm enjoying this....I didn't think we'd ever get married for a moment there...much less be able to have our own children....I want to enjoy spending time with her. I always said to myself I would be a hands-on Pa, that things would be different."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

There was pleasure at the kiss placed upon her forehead, prompting another smile. Myra then lifted her hand to trace her fingers over Phoebe's impossibly soft curls, then let them drift along Makai's jaw, feeling the rough stubble beneath her touch. He looked like hell -- exhausted, dark circles under his eyes -- but stars, was he smitten. Completely, hopelessly wrapped around their daughter's tiny, milk-sticky fingers. And honestly? It was the most endearing thing she'd ever seen.

"Well, we'll see if time can allow Persie or one of the grandparents to be on her good list. Just needs time." Myra assured him. All babies enjoy being held, but right now, it made sense. Nine months of hearing Myra's heartbeat, breathing rhythm, and both her and Makai's voice, even if muffled, likely brought some sort of comfort for the newborn that others did not.

"She's got you wrapped around her finger," Myra murmured, amusement curling at the edges of her words. "Completely. Not even a fight."

Myra exhaled, the warmth in her smile touched with something deeper. It still felt unreal sometimes that they'd made it here. That she had made it here. A marriage, a home, a child -- it had once seemed so far out of reach that she hadn't even let herself want it. But then Makai had crashed into her life again, patient and steady, and somehow, without her even realizing, he'd built something real with her.

Her fingers curled around his where he held Phoebe, before grey eyes lifted to meet his.

"Has Persie woken up yet?" she asked, glancing toward the stairs. They both knew how much Phoebe's arrival had stirred up emotions for Persie -- excitement, uncertainty, maybe even fear that her place with them was slipping. Myra had tried to reassure her, but she knew trust took time. Consistency.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell

Makai smiled back at his wife, trying not to yawn again. They were both exhausted. He wasn't sure if he had ever been this tired in his life, it was difficult to even think about anything beyond the moment. Checking in on the business? Potential future plans such as the grandparents being able to become a 'favorite' of Phoebe? Even the thought of checking in on Persephone's educational progress for the week seemed daunting.

"She does, apparently my reading to her worked a little too well." A small roll of his eyes when Ellie mentioned being completely wrapped around Phoebe's finger. "How could I put up a fight? Moment I saw her I was gone. Seems par for the course for me and any Arceneau woman."

Her hand curled around his and he understood the unspoken message. Life was currently rough, exhausting, and grinding but it was also something both had hoped for. There was something said about going through such things with one's best friend. Makai had read enough before Phoebe was born that this experience would either cause arguments or push them closer together.

"I love you too."

He turned his head to look towards the stairs, listening for any movement that may echo through their expansive home. Head shook slightly in a 'no'. Persephone would be up soon though, if she wasn't already. Which meant he would be preparing to deal with a infant and a demanding teenager.

"Unsure,but Dad and I did soundproof her room a bit when we did the nursery so its harder to tell. She should be down soon, its almost time for breakfast and her morning ZikZok caf."

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

Much like a bantha in a china shop, Persephone came bounding down the stairs, looking quite fashionable in some leggings-sweatshirt combination. Entering the kitchen, she looked over at Myra and Makai, walking past them to get her very in-fashionable stainless durasteel Tanlee mug from the cupboard. The caf maker hadn't even been started yet, a far cry from what she was used to.

"You guys look rough. Not making this 'parent' thing look appealing..." Then she remembered her manners. "Oh, good morning."

Digging through another cabinet, she pulled down the bag of caf and went back to the machine. She had no idea how much to put in and the bag didn't have instructions. Persie frowned and supposed she would have to turn to the Holonet to figure such a thing out. Could ask Myra or Makai but they didn't even look with it.

"Can I go to the village today? Yes, I'll take the droid..."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

It was adorable to hear and see how Makai was so taken by their daughter. She gave a chuckle regarding the reference of Arceneau women, but didn't make a quip. Instead she leaned over and gave him a quick kiss.

"Love you," Myra replied, smiling warmly at Makai, only to turn as she heard the noise of the approaching teenager. She watched Persie step into the kitchen with a raised brow, a half smile tugging at her lips despite the exhaustion weighing on her. She'd been expecting the teenager's dramatic entrance, and there it was -- fashionable, unbothered, and unfiltered as always.

"Good morning," Myra replied dryly, her voice still thick with sleep. She let out a soft laugh as Persie fumbled with the caf machine. It was a small moment of normalcy in an otherwise chaotic morning.

"Yeah, we look rough. Welcome to parenthood," Myra quipped, taking another sip of her own caf. She felt a mix of pride and exhaustion with Phoebe's tiny demands and the newfound rhythm they were trying to establish as a family. "I"m sure it will get better."

"Village?" Myra repeated, pushing a lock of hair out of her face. "I think that's fine. Doing anything in particular?"

She paused, giving Makai a look that spoke volumes. They both knew Persie needed space to breathe, but sometimes that space was hard to balance with all the rules. The last thing they wanted was to stifle her completely.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell , Persephone Dashiell

There wasn't much he could do about Persie's current caf issue but chuckle, watching the teenager fumble around and consult her datapad for information. At least the teenager had the good sense to look and try to troubleshoot on her own before looking to them for guidance.

With Phoebe done eating for now, the infant was positioned against his shoulder and his hand gently patted her back, allowing for a bit more movement now that the girl was done. He listened as Persie mentioned the local village and wanting to visit. There wasn't much there but it did service the local farmers and workers and extension office, so it was about as bustling of a town as one would get for miles on end. A far cry from the mall, but there were a number of families around, which meant other bored rural teenagers.

Look was exchanged with Ellie and he shrugged a little, as if to say what's the harm.

"Meeting up with anyone or is a solo adventure?"

Probably not as subtle as he liked, but he would get there. Besides, it wasn't as if teenagers were known for telling the truth with their social activities.

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

The Holonet was her savior as the instructions came through on how to make more caf. A spoon was quickly acquired and she went to work on making a fresh pot. If she was successful then perhaps she would do a video for her followers - a debate, but if she could make it cute enough, maybe worthwhile. Having settled the matter with the caf, she turned back to address the matter of her going to the village.

The pair hadn't said no. Seemed she would get her wish after all.

"No I'm not meeting anyone." Her eyes rolled, as if Makai had just suggested the most idiotic thing in the world. "I just want some time out alone. Maybe go to the bakery and sit outside or walk around. That's all. Didn't you guys do that as kids? Just walk around?"

Shoulders shrugged. There had been no concrete plans beyond that. Her goal was to get out of the house and off the compound's expansive grounds.

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Myra arched a brow, her lips twitching at Persie's dramatic eye roll. The teenager's flair for the theatrical was unmatched, even when discussing something as mundane as a solo trip to the village. She shifted slightly, careful not to jostle the sleeping Phoebe in Makai's arms, and sipped her lukewarm caf.

"Yeah, we did that as kids," Myra replied, her tone dry with just a hint of amusement. "But our options were limited to the Farm or one of the Bazaars." They certainly snuck out and made their own fun.

Myra caught Makai's subtle shrug, that silent what's the harm lingering between them. Persie needed space, and Myra got it. Either way, the galaxy wasn't exactly the safest place, and while their little corner felt like a haven, old instincts were hard to shake.

"Alright," she said after a beat, setting her mug down with a soft clink. "Take the droid, keep your comm on, and check in after an hour. If you're staying longer, just send a message. Simple."

She gave Persie a look -- firm but not suffocating. The kind of look that said I trust you, but don't make me regret it.

"And if you bring back something from the bakery," Myra added, a sly smile creeping in, "I might even pretend I didn't hear the eye roll."