Handle With Care

Mazi Se Aima

The next round of days that led up to their beloved Mazi Se Aima, was filled with spending time with the family. Everyone had been more than joyous in learning the fact that I had been officially claimed, and they all even went as far as hugging the life out of me, which had shocked me greatly at first. Their hugs were so tight, I think I would have broken a rib or two, had Elric not eased them off me.

I found I didn't mind, though. I felt more connected to them than ever. I felt as though they were brothers of some kind to me, or just very good friends. I definitely felt the strong bond between all of us, it was so strong in fact, it felt as though there was a line made purely of energy connecting us all together.

It was a nice feeling. Tranquil, calm, a small buzzing of reassurance in the back of my skull that eased my mind quite a bit, something I was very grateful for. Being apart of their family, being accepted, and loved, it all felt so nice. It had been years since I felt so relaxed and carefree, no brewing storms within my head or anxiety-ridden worries.

Just calm. Like it used to be, so very long ago.

With that accompanying me, it didn't take long for me to get into the holiday spirit, the decorations that covered the interior of the house being the main cause of that. Everyone was getting excited, too, and I believed it had to do with the presents. To be honest, I was a bit excited as well. I wanted to see everyone's reactions to the gifts I had gotten them. I hoped they all liked them to some extent.

The eve before Mazi Se Aima, I sat in the library while Elric hung up stockings above the fireplace, which was something I was familiar with. Around this time, my biological family had done the same. The eve before the holiday, the stockings would be empty, but the next morning, they'd be filled to the brim with small gifts and tons of candy.

I didn't expect there to be one for me, as I was still new and I honestly didn't mind whether or not I had one. Elric had been hanging up all five of their's, and I thought he'd be done when he hung up his own for last, but then he reached into the box, and pulled out another one. My name had been stitched to the fuzzy white hem, as everyone else's was, and I nearly teared up at the sight. Luckily, though, Elric had kissed those tears away.

I thought he'd be done then, but it turned out, Knox had her own little kitten stocking as well. Speaking of, she had been growing much more comfortable with everyone, and she was proving to be quite rambunctious. She was nothing but a little fuzzball of energy and mischief, and she had a knack for sneak attacks on our unsuspecting ankles.

In almost no time at all, the day had progressed to the night before Mazi Se Aima. Everyone was settling down to go to bed, despite being as excited as they were. Knox was joining Elric and I tonight, the kitten curling in between our bodies as we settled in our bed.

Her purring, along with the abundant scent of peppermint, had lulled me to sleep fairly quickly. But alas, I awoke not long later, in the early hours of the morning. I had awoken feeling heavy, and sorrowful, and I knew right away what the reason was for such woe to have stricken me then.

Silently, I slipped out of bed, making sure not wake Elric. Knox awoke from my movements, but she kept just as quiet, as she followed me out of the room. I left the door cracked, and proceeded down the hallway. I stepped down the stairs, and made my way around the kitchen counter, towards the front door.

I opened it quietly, slipping out into the chilly winter air, with Knox close to my heels. I closed the door behind us, and went to sit down on the porch steps. Knox hopped up into my lap once I was situated, and curled up against my stomach for warmth.

I ran my hand over her soft fur, as I looked out into the wilderness. The morning was quiet, and still. There was no breeze, aside from the gentle wisp of a greeting that ruffled my hair slightly. There was hardly a sound, the slightest one made being the soft hoot of an owl. The morning was still in its dark blue stages, and the snow appeared ghostly against the color of the atmosphere.