Chapter Text
To say that Beldaruit was surprised by the letter he received from his former apprentice would be an understatement. He was attuned to many fighting for his attention, both young and old. Being the head of a witch society often did that. However, he would never fail to be grateful when his adopted son called for him. It provides a great relief to him when he knows he's needed by somebody he holds dear. The fact was, he would gladly stop anything for his son and upon reading the letter he quickly realized that need was more important now more than ever before.
It was a great rule that he instilled in himself, children were to be protected at all costs. No request was ever too big if it meant the well being of a child. As witches, they held many secrets in order to preserve peace; there had to be rules! But this was a different bend to the rules all together and it was necessary. He didn’t even hesitate.
Professor,
I apologise for the urgency in which I called for you but this letter pertains to the well being of one of my children and her future in our home. Recently, I discovered that Coco had sustained a serious injury as a child that has left her with a chronic condition which leaves her paralyzed from the waist down in the mornings. It causes her extreme pain and it troubles me to know that she had hid this until I discovered it on my own. I tried to help her turn over after I found her sleeping in the observatory. The pain was so severe that she screamed and was inconsolable. It has been made painfully clear that Coco's current living situation needs to be corrected in order for her to remain living here comfortably. Hence, I am writing to you to formally request that you allow her to recover in your care for a few days while me and the rest of the family remodel the home to make it more comfortable.
In addition, if there are any suggestions that you could give that would help us, help her. I would be more than happy to work with them as long as it is within reason.
Please help,
Qifrey
P.s.
I’m begging you to be reasonable! I will not have my daughter subjected to any whims that you may have while in your care!
‘Cheeky’ he thought, as he finished. Part of the joy in magic was wonder! Wonder was often brought on by experimenting with safe unknowns. That was one thing that he liked about his son's new daughter. Her sense of wonder rivaled his own! With time and gentle care. He believed she would be a witch that was full of the wonder needed for discovery! First however, one needed to feel safe enough to explore those impossibilities. At this, he remembers the more serious and heart wrenching part of the issue. Coco is often inflicted with paralysis. He knew all too well the pain that caused. Of course, he would do anything for her! The more serious point in this That he needed to know was what is her life like without assistance? And how can they make it better for her in the future? What better thing to do than to visit her?
“Riliphin” he called.
Immediately his apprentice appears.
“Yes master?”
“I will be gone in a few days to visit my grand-daughters at their Atelier. Please prepare the window way.”
“But master, are you in any condition to leave?” Riliphin asks.
“It’s a special request from your brother, Qifrey and a necessary one. The details are confidential but I’m requested to help better the life of my granddaughter. I dare say that I’m the only person who understands her unique needs intimately” He said seriously.
Understanding dawns on Riliphin. He immediately bows and takes his leave.
A few clock ticks later and the window way to Qifrey’s Atelier was linked. Of course with little warning known to its inhabitants. Beldaruit would promise no surprises to his son in terms of his daughters, but to Qifrey himself it was a god given right!
He could hear the laughter from the girls in the home. Whatever was happening was clearly exciting them. He could hear laughter and excitement as well as the distinct voices of their masters.
“What if we changed the floor, master?” The voice of Tetia floated through his ears.
“In what way, dear?” Answered the voice of Qifrey.
Beldaruit did his best to approach quietly with the sealchair. He could hear excited scribbling and the sound of paper folding as they came up with plans.
“Did’tt Coco say that she liked the way the grass felt because its soft? Why don’t we change the stone to a softer texture?” The child suggested.
“Ah! Yes, that's a good idea. Though Coco wanted the floor to light up so we would need to account for her fear of the dark.” ‘ brilliant!’ Beldaruit thought excitedly.
“Why not have the floor twinkle? Like while she isn't moving it would give a gentle glow, but when she moves, the floor would get brighter? It would remove the anxiety of it going completely dark, but only get bright when she needs it”Came the voice of Agott.
Beldaruit could feel the bubble of excitement grow within him. They were coming up with some good plans for her. He couldn't help but envy his granddaughter's family. They really were thinking of everything.
“Yes! Excellent!” Qifrey responds again.
“I think we need to consider that the floor has some give to it” came the voice of Richeh. At this point Beldaruit could see the forms of the family surrounding the kitchen table. Papers, ink pots, seals and other small contraptions were strawn all over the place. A basket was sitting by the floor full of abandoned ideas, and another one was sitting on the table with what looked like successful ideas based on the content brushbuddy sleeping in the middle and the small paper that Qifrey slipped underneath him. Brushbuddy, received some scratches as an award when he sprawled in a content ‘pwee’, before resuming his slumber.
Small bowls and silverware lay abandoned on the counter which told The grand master that they had been at this a while. The once lively fire in the stove was but an ember now in the fireplace. This was a committed family. The only question that remained was where the subject of such careful planning was. He silently looked around the area, and Coco, Nor Olruggio were present. There was an echo of disappointment when he discovered that his charge for the next few days was nowhere to be seen. It was then when he made a mistake when he unknowingly groaned, drawing the attention of Aggot.
Her eyes widened as she spotted him. He quickly brought his finger up to his lips to silence her. Qifrey ,who was facing away from him, must have noticed her surprise.
“Aggot, is there something wrong? Have you noticed something” he started to turn towards the grand master before Aggot stopped him.
“Ah! No! nothing at all master! Actually, can you tell me if this idea would work for coco?” with this she proceeds to shove a seal for a plush owl bear in this face.
“Ah! Aggott! Please, I can see the seals just fine without them being in my face! Let's settle down, please!” Thus the Adversion was successful.
Though he still ran the risk of being discovered due to the awe-struck glances she threw his way.
“Aggot, are you sure that there is nothing wrong? You seem suddenly… distracted?” Qifrey commented again. Blast him and being such a good parent! Nothing got past their father
“Ah-”
“WHY HELLO EVERYONE! GANDPAPA IS HERE TO SAVE THE DAY!!” He cried.Startling everyone except Aggot.
There were collective cheers as he was then surrounded by happy screaming girls. All three swarmed him while carefully being mindful as to not break his chair.
Recovering from his shock, Qifrey couldn't help but sigh in defeat as he pinched his nose.
“The point of a letter is to notify someone before you come” he sighed out in exasperation.
“Ah! but what better way to help than to be present?!” came the joyful retort of Beldaruit.
Sigh
“Speaking of which. Where is Coco?” He asked.
There was another sigh before Qifrey explained why Coco was absent.
“Coco, had another Flair up last night that left her in a lot of pain.. She is resting with Olruggio at the moment and will most likely be there all afternoon until the tranquil leaf wears off.” Qifrey recalled, a troubled look appearing on his face.
At this Beldaruit’s expression turned serious. Obviously this infliction needed a solution quickly and while her family was coming up with good ideas. What he needed to do was take inventory of her environment and come up with a plan of his own.
“Okay, I need to be shown all of the areas that she frequents on a regular basis. Even if she frequents everywhere, I would still like to have a look.” He said. While an idea was the grandfather of invention. If there wasn't a person in the family that fully understood what she needed, how could they know how to best help her?
“Please show me to her room, we will start there.”
The first thing that Beldaruit noticed about the home was that while for Normal people it was Ideal, for someone like himself it was entirely cumbersome. The stairs were steep and sometimes narrow for a seal chair. It was a chore for him to get up the stairs to her bedroom!
“The first thing that I would suggest is to move her room downstairs and to create a better way up the stairs where she won't have to struggle in the mornings to get up them. I recommend adding ramps to the sides so that instead of lifting her legs so much to walk up them it will allow her a gentle incline instead.” he recommended, as they all collectively followed him. He noted Qifrey noting all his suggestions seriously (if only he paid that much attention when he was a student)“I also would change the entire stairs leading to her bedroom with the same gentle incline. Instead of her door swinging open, have it slide open instead. If there is ever a need to move quickly it will be less stressful to open. Keep the locking mechanism, privacy is always important for children." He continues to observe her environment seriously from the bed to the floors, he left no room to argue. Not that anyone wanted to. Everyone was invested in learning about her care. Each child took meticulous notes on how to better Coco's environment. When asked, the other girls happily agreed to switch their living situations. Neither Richeh nor Tetia struggled in the night, if ever. They had less need to access the respective adults in the house and most days slept through the night.
“You need to provide a bathroom here. There are times when she won't feel anything. Since the doors lock, I recommend not having a door there and just having a curtain with a seal on it. She can continue to use the bath as usual but make that door slide as well” He continued.
“I’m confused, why not offer a bath here as well?” Qifrey asks.
“Safty, if her legs give out while she is in the bath. It can be a challenge in the best of times to take a bath while your legs don't work. To lessen the stress I would keep her using the bath where others can hear her when she needs them.”
Qifrey nods in agreement. Though he had a better suggestion “what if I made a shallow pool?
“That could work” good idea, if she ended up needing to clean herself up in the night, having a shallow pool would allow her to do so.” There was still the concern of drowning.
“That being said, there needs to be a way for her to call for you, seals are wonderful in normal circumstances but when you are in pain your mind isn't focused on precision. To offset her panic, I would make a call stone that is permanently in her room and in the bathroom. A sort of warning sign that calls you to her.”
Thus their afternoon was filled with various suggestions that would help coco live more comfortably. They all sat around the table when Coco and Olruggio finally appeared. Olruggio held Coco in his arms as they were greeted by a new face. For a man that pretended to be uncaring, she certainly held Coco with the gentlest of touch. Cuddling her as close as possible like he was hold a stuffed toy.
“Ah, Wonderful!” Beldaruit called out excited. He watched as Coco's face lit up like the morning sky. It was then that he came up with an idea.
“Make their ceilings mimic the sky, Qifrey” He commanded excitedly.
“Huh?!”
“All of the girls deserve the night sky!” He repeated with excitement.
“Okay” Qifrey said, with confusion on his face.
The other girls cried out with excitement. Looks like they were changing the ceilings of all the rooms.
Meanwhile, Coco was still recovering from her episode. She looked groggily around the room. Noticing this Qifrey walks over to her and takes her hand while she still was cuddled comfortably in Ollie's arms.
“Whatever do you need, Coco?” he asks softly.
“My back hurts,” she says with a wince.
“Okay, I’ll get you a compress,” Qifrey says, but before he makes his way to the sink, Beldaruit stops him.
“Olruggio, you still have snug stones, yes?” Olruggio looks over at him in confusion. Taking out the stone that he held against Coco and handing it to Beldaruit “Yeah?”
“I recommend changing the configuration to allow it to fit along her lower back where the pain is centralized.” Beldaruit took out his components and reworked the sigils that Olruggio created. When the stone was handed back to him, it widened and curved into a flexible material. “Place the stone one her lower back”
Without question, Olly places the stone where instructed.. The other residents watched as the former rock conformed to her lower body, perfectly fitting to the area that caused Coco the most pain. Before anyone could react Coco completely melted in Ollie's arms. Relief plastered on her face, she immediately falls asleep.
Everyone was stunned.
“She hasn’t been getting enough sleep at all, has she?” he asks, turning to Qifrey. What caused him pause were the tears of utter relief that fell from his eyes.
The other girls also noticed this rush over to him, surrounding him, allowing him to tightly envelope them in a tight hug of relief.
“No, she's been in such pain that sometimes she would be up through the night” Olruggio responds, his voice trembling. This must have caused him great stress as well.
Olruggio holds Coco closer.
“I can understand your feelings all too well. There is no better relief for a parent than to find a solid solution to what pains their children. However, there is more that needs to be done. If this is truly how her life is. I think that it is important that I take her in order to fit her with some of my own solutions.” He states with a smile. It was a joy to see her parents relax a little. But the extent of their relief has yet to be reached with what he has planned.
“Olruggio, you are to follow me to the great hall with coco. We will leave immediately.”
She turns to leave, leaving no room to argue. Why wake the girl from her much needed slumber when she had a perfectly good chariot to carry her? Best to make use of a readily available steed!
Beldaruit starts to turn and make is way back to the Window way.
“Master, wait!” called Qifrey.
Beldaruit turns toward him.
“Please, help her.” he begs
Beldaruit turns back. “No need to worry, she will return by the end of the week. That being said, I will inspect your work then. Consider it an impromptu test” he waves his hands as he descends the stairs, Olruggio and Coco tailing behind.
One day later…
Qifrey circled Coco's room. He crouched down to her height, laid on the floor and tried to imagine the world through her eyes. He even sat on her bed and imagined what she must have felt. It was late evening and the other girls were in bed. They hadn’t started renovations yet. Having taken his master's suggestions, they were busy with setting up the new sleeping quarters. Tetia’s things, books, drawings and various other items of hers. Lay outside the door neatly organized. They were in the process of switching rooms and reworking the layout in order to best suit the many modifications they came up with. Since Coco was with his master for the next few days, the room was already cleared of her belongings and placed in his room for the moment. One of the benefits to moving her and Aggott downstairs was that his personal rooms were right next door.
Ironically, Coco's new room would be adjacent to his which meant that he could place a sliding door right where the study area would be. If both girls needed him at all they could slide the door open without worry.
As he observed the world through her eyes, he realized that the room was much too cold. He walked over to the window and moved his hands along the seals to check for a draft. Sure enough, there was one and a serious one at that. He tisked, he should have made a point to inspect their quarters every once and a while for this. He placed his hands on the wall and noticed that for somebody struggling to move in the morning the ledge that connected the walls to the window was much too high. If she were to try and use it as a crutch, it would have been extremely hard for her.
He then lay on the floor, noting how she would have felt had she fallen off her bed. He noted that the floor would have been painful to fall on. Me pushed himself up much like she had when he first discovered her condition. In pain, it would have been torture and trying to turn over on a hard surface.
He wondered how many times she had fallen and how long she tried to hide it. As he observed the world from her perspective, the guilt started to sink in. He should have been more observant to her plights. The amount of struggles that she must have faced due to his lack of knowledge, could have easily been avoided had he been more observant. He noted that in fact for someone who struggled with partial paralysis, she must have known that she lost the use of her facilities and because of the nature of it and felt embarrassed to call for him. The main bathroom was downstairs.. She would have had a hard time trying to get there in time while also dealing with the inability to walk.
It must have been humiliating, and his heart hurt! He felt more sure now that a shallow pool just deep enough for her to crouch in would help in the event of an accident. He also would add a laundry barrel to clean her clothes as well. He wanted to add wood railings low enough that should she need them she could use them for stability. He decided that a steady incline into the pool would help as well. He moved towards the bed, inspecting the mattress and thinking of ways that would help her. The height was fine but the board underneath was warped and old. It would have been very uncomfortable, even for him!
After a few clock marks, a knock was heard.
“Qifrey, you there?” called his partner.
“Yes,” he answered. The door opened and he was greeted with a cup of erbe tea.
“Any thoughts?”
sigh
“Yes, everyday must have been torture for her. Seeing the world from her perspective. I can see why it took her so long to come to us.” He said he couldn't help but feel guilty as he sat on the ground. Because she was new, Coco most likely felt she couldn't ask for anything, including needs. She tolerated, even her pain with a smile, fearful of them knowing her secret.
“Oi! Don't get in on yourself. You didn't know-”
“But I should have!!” he yelled. Then winced, Aggott was sleeping across the way. They were much too loud! They paused for a moment and listened. When footsteps never came, they both breathed a sigh of relief.
“You need to understand that you can't be guilty of what you don't know, she didn't feel she could come to us. She hardly even knows us. I can’t blame her for not revealing something like this. It's a major secret that not many would be able to understand. Trust is something that builds over time with a healthy foundation-” Olruggio explained.
“I know but still…” He paused for a moment, then said “I know that but…I really want her to feel like we are family. This kills me more than anything else! Seeing just what she had to cope with…I care for her well being, and I want her to know that-”
“And you're doing that” Olly cut in. He looks around and takes a moment to also see the world from her view. Then deciding to switch the narrative. “She’s going to love her new room. We all pitched in to help create this for her. The best thing to do, is to put our all into making sure that she loves it” He reaches out his hand to his husband. This was another thing that they would work through, and what a beautiful thing it would be at the end.
Meanwhile…
Coco felt like she was suspended. Blissfully painless and warm.. Her body felt like it was floating on a cloud and yet she waited for this beautiful dream to turn into a nightmare. When none came, she wanted to cry in relief. She opened her eyes and looked around her. It was an unknown environment to her. At first, she wanted to panic but when a warm hard started to pet her hair, she turned only to come face to face with her grandmaster.
“Hello there, Coco.” He greeted her, gently. “How are you feeling?”
Coco took a moment to regain her bearings. Unfortunately, her legs were paralyzed. Yet, blessedly, there wasn't the usual unbearable pain. She turned to her grandfather in shock.
“Ah, I took the liberty to have the medical team administer some medication to stop the pain. It also helps with inflammation and offers a mild sedation as well.” he excitedly told her. Though Coco was too focused on the space around her to hear. Not only was she not in pain but the bed in which she was resting. It was soft! The softness hugged her in all the right places and conformed to her body, which offered much needed support! A small pillow rested in the arch of her back. Another rested under her legs, elevating them.
“I’m sure you have many questions but, I promise that you should have no fear.” Beldaruit added.
“But… I still can’t move” she said, comfort can’t provide miracles in seemed And considering the hour, it was likely that she wouldn't be moving for a while.
“I know, believe me. I know how you feel, though I have no use of mind at all. I still have moments in my past when I remember the anxiety that you're experiencing. Hoping and dreaming for the full use of my legs.” He said with a knowing smile. “I promise that I will do everything within my power to help you.” He paused, then motioned to one of his attendants. After a few moments, they brought over a chair much like his own and placed it right beside the bed.
This chair was modified to account for her size and her specific living conditions. For the most part she was still able to walk, and didn't need the chair throughout the day so the need for support around her waist was minimal. While the seal chair still provided some support, it was less bulky and the straps could be removed when necessary. Instead of the feet being shaped like hooves, they were wider and looked similar to a cat's paw. This allowed them to splay evenly on the rougher surfaces of the countryside. If there were a day when she needed to be outside during morning class, it allowed her to move freely and safely. He wanted to provide a way for her to fly but considering his son’s warning he ultimately decided against it. (party pooper!)There was a downside to this though. The seal chairs were bulky and when not in use they had a tendency to be in the way. He often had to position his own chair close enough that he could reach it. However, this can be cumbersome and there is always a risk of falling. He would need to make Qifrey aware of this fact as the chair had no mind of its own. Once Coco was out of it, it would simply be a chair. They would need to have a location handy that would be out of the way while still accessible.
Coco lay cuddled up by him. Her legs were still unable to move but they lay in a comfortable position. Plus, he enjoyed cuddling his grandchild. She was surprisingly warm!
“Coco, I have a surprise for you but, I want you to understand something. While it is meant to help you, do not look at it as a way to hinder you. If you feel like you can walk, walk freely! However, the moment that you feel the need to use it. Don't be afraid to use it in full confidence. This will also allow you to reach your goals. Use it and feel no shame in having it.” he reached over her and pointed at the new Seal chair waiting for her.
Coco looked at the spot where he pointed. When she saw the chair for the first time, her eyes lit up! It was a seal chair! and from the looks of it it was made specifically for her!
“Wow! It's for me?!” she asked, excited.
“Of course! You have a right to move freely in this world just like everyone else!” As he said this, Beldaruit couldn't help but chuckle at the similarity between coco, and a brushbuddy. Here she was with all fours of her limbs curled in front of her and surrounded by plush. She glanced at him and asked
“What?”
“Oh, nothing at all, I was just thinking that you reminded me of a cute, little brushbuddy laying there like that.”
And of course the adorable little blush that bloomed after those words caused his heart to melt even further. His grandchildren were always so cute!
“Coco, would you like to try your new chair out? At least until you regain the use of your legs.” Coco nodded in excitement. Beldaruit smiled fondly at her.
Again, Beldaruit motions towards his attendant again. They made their way towards Coco and gently lifted Coco, ensuring that she felt no pain. They then gently placed her in her new chair. Afterwards, they assisted Beldaruit on his own.
He then made his way over to her and instructed her how to use her new found freedom.
Back at the Atelie…
It was amazing what a group of five can do together. Truely! In only a few short days. They managed to change Coco's room into something magical! A room that truly fits her bright personailty!
The first thing they worked on were more practical things. The room needed to be accessible. They modified the doors, stairs, kitchen and common rooms to allow for easier movement on harder days. They blasted a hole between Qifrey’s room, and Coco's, and installed sliding doors with locks. Though the offer for any of the girls was still made clear that if they needed the same thing, that they need only ask(no blasting walls, but the door was always open). All halls were modified so that the stones lit up when touched. All parts of the walls were able to be touched, creating a soft welcoming glow. Her floor was turned into a simulation of a small field. The flowers illuminated when you walked and while stationary they simply provided a low ambient light. Her ceiling was changed using illusionary magic that not only mimicked the sky, but also had a layering of different sigils that offered ambient sounds as well. Her bed was lowered and Qifrey sought out special cotton and sponge filling to create her mattress. Offering a plush that conformed to the body of the user. (properly tested and approved by Olruggio of course) Olly made a special order of snug stones that was able to rest on the skin. Offering not only comfort but also pain relief.
What was really adorable was the collective work that the girls provided.
Tetia made four stuffed animals that had the ability to move on their own. She gave each of the other girls one as well. The toys had hidden sigils in them that when pressed, would send the toys to a trusted adult. If they ever needed something in private or if their masters were away for any reason the toys would seek them out..
Richeh made crystalline lights that hung from the ceiling. When pulled, the lights would expand into different colors and shapes, with the help of Qifrey's magic they also provided an atmospheric mist that cooled Coco without wetting her sheets. Richeh noted that when in pain, Coco tended to feel hot, this would help keep her calm until help arrived. Richeh also pointed out that each light had a string attached. When lowered, the light would dim to a color that matched the severity of the pain. This would be purposely kept from Coco in case she tried to hide it. All she would know is that it helped alleviate the pain.*
Aggott made small illusionary dragons that provided comfort when Coco slept. They breathed aroma oils as if they were fire But provided soothing scents that helped with sleep. The aroma oils were laced with lavender oils*, clasmond*, and other soothing Erbe oils that she used herself when she had panic attacks. The dragons were able to move on their own and responded to the user if they ever seemed anxious.
A small bathroom was built in Coco's room. As mentioned before, the middle of the small room was indented into the floor all but slightly. It could be filled with enough warm water to cover Coco's lap but had sigils that sensed when the water was too high. Wooden railings were built into the walls both running across the floor (in case of emergancy) and a bit higher. Qifrey had suspected that His former master would provide a seal Chair for her, so he made a space that allowed the chair to be stored when not in use. Crevices were placed around the house for easier days when Coco could walk freely. All of the stairs in the house were modified with ramps. While the middle remained proper stairs for the other residents of the house, the sides of the stairs were smooth for the Seal chair to walk on when in use.
All parts of the house had small baskets of essential supplies in case of an emergency. They had bandages, undergarments, spare clothes, extra cushions, and snug stones. If an accident happened, they were placed in a location that was easily accessible. Coco's study area no longer had a harsh ledge, but a small slope in the middle for easier access. If Coco needed to be off her legs for any reason, being able to still function normally was top priority.
One part of all this that still worried Qifrey, was pain management. No matter how comfortable the environment was, there was no avoiding the fact that when Coco had flare ups, there was no way to prevent it or soothe the pain without medicine. An even more serious fact was that as a witch, he himself couldn't provide medicine unless given by a doctor. When Coco returned home, he would take her to get pain medication. (A/n: Qifrey has no idea at this point that his master already took care of this. He’s a Good grandpapa :) ).
There was still a couple of days before Qifrey would set out to retrieve his daughter. Before then, Qifrey invited his former master over in order to give a final inspection. Apparently, while the inside of the house was very well done and received approval. There was a very serious part of the outside that concerned him. The path leading up to the house was rocky, and there were no lights that allowed anyone to see. If Coco went outside for any reason, a fall could easily cause her to trip and cause an accident. Therefore, Olruggio pulled two all-nighters painstakingly, laying down his finest creation of glowstones. The pathway reached all the way to the pillars that signaled the end of the property. If for any reason Coco were to be outside. The pathways would light up under her feet and offer a way to see in the dark.
With everything that they did. He was more hopeful and worried. He hoped that Coco would find peace with what they had done but also was worried that they might have overlooked something. He hoped that Coco would be willing to say something, if that were the case.
On the day of retrieval, Qifrey had planned to go alone. He was hoping to spend some personal time with Coco and by extent his former master. He had questions he wanted to ask. However, The other residents of the house were very loud in their complaints.
“BUT MASTER!!”- tetia
“We’re going, or you get 90 angry Richeh points!”- (Really?) Richeh
“You can’t expect us to just sit here! You’re hogging Coco!”- Olruggio
“No! I’m coming!” -Aggott
Ah, A fine symphony of protest. Just what QIfrey needed to calm his frayed nerves! All Qifrey could do was concede and take them along!
When they arrived at the grove, The group was pleasantly surprised to see Coco running up to them in a Seal chair. Though bittersweet. Qifrey was entirely grateful for the smile that seemed lost to them for a long time.
Qifey immediately moved to hug Coco tightly. He was careful not to jostle her too much but he was just so relieved that there was a way to help her like this! The others in their family quickly followed suit. All that remained in the mound of coco was her feet dangling from the chair. It was an amusing sight that the grandmaster loathed to interrupt however, there were important things to discuss.
“Ehem! While I adore this moment. We still have much to discuss before I give Coco back to you!” Called an amused Beldaruit. The family turned to give him their full attention. “First, I'm giving Coco that chair as a gift. Please be sure that she uses it when she needs it. Especially, when the pain starts. It will take time for her to get used to using it so please make sure that she is in a safe environment to do so. While the chair is sturdy, it's not indestructible so riding the chair over hard ledges is not recommended.” He continues to give instructions for how to use the chair, then follows suit by summoning the medical staff. While he was well versed in magic. Medicine was over his head.
A few moments later…
The medical staff provided a prescription for Coco to help with pain management. They gave suggestions for erbe teas, balms and medical baths that would help provide relief for coco when needed. They warned that none of these treatments were to be administered without an adult. So, it was up to Olly and Qifrey himself to help her. Though the warning was hardly needed as there was a strict rule about the children touching medicine without either of them present. This was also an opportunity for Coco to gain confidence when she needed to rely on them for help. They wanted to make it clear that she was allowed to ask them for help!
After five clock marks. They finally approached the window that opened to their home. At this point Coco was able to move freely, so Olly carried her chair for her. There was a healthy anticipation as they finally connected the runes. Qifrey lifted Coco over the passageway.
“Coco, do you trust me?” Qifrey asked,crouching down and taking hold of her hand.
“Yes” She answers.
“Good! Please, close your eyes for a moment.” he instructed.
Coco closed her eyes, then is lifted again into her master's arms. She could hear the clamor of the other children's excitement. Tetia squeaks which causes a bit of excitement to bubble up in Coco. The group ascends the stairs to the hall where the bedrooms were. It was odd to Qifrey coming home to a space so unfamiliar now, though he very much welcomed the change. Somehow, it felt more welcoming now, than before. They all stood outside Coco and Aggot's new living quarters. The girls were all but vibrating in their excitement to show Coco what they worked so hard on. Of course, if anyone would appreciate the beauty of magic. It was Coco! Olly, stood to the side with a proud smile on his face as the first signs of their creation sparkled underneath them. Qifrey softly slid the door open, and at this point he could feel the way Coco's body vibrate in his arms and he couldn't help but chuckle. They make their way down to her bedroom, again sliding the door open.
“Coco, I’m going to set you down before you open your eyes, and lay you on your new bed.”
There was a spark of apprehension when he said this. Her bed wasn't a favorite place for her before but before she could protest, she was met with the softest of beds, with warmth that immediately put her at ease.
“Okay, Coco. You can open your eyes!” she said softly
Slowly, she opened them and what she was met with took her breath away! What she saw was the night sky, and the soothing noise of the outdoors.
“Wow!” Was all she could say.
“What do you think? Are you comfortable?” Qifrey asked, watching her face bloom into the widest of smiles.. He had a feeling that she would love it!
“Master! The- The sky! It's in my room, and my bed is so soft!”
Before he could answer Tetia rushes to the bed and climbs in beside her
“Right!? We thought of all of the things you like and brought the sky inside!” she said excitedly.
Coco glances around the room, the more she looked the more that she was in awe of what they did! What really amazed her was the floors! It was a plush carpet of grass, and there were tiny illuminated flowers spanning the room! The other two girls rushed over to join her and her mouth fell open, watching as the flowers grew brighter as they moved!
“You have the girls to thank for the floors, and Olly to thank for implementing them!” Qifrey stated proudly. Even he had to admit that he was jealous. The floors were stunning. Coco glanced around the room and noted various changes that she wasn't aware of. Railings, cushions, a low level stool, even her bed were all modified for comfort. She then noticed the space behind where her master stood. Instead of the usual wall, there was an opening with a slope that led to a place she didn't know.
“Master, what's that behind you?” She asked.
“Oh this? It's your new bathroom. It's just a small one but it's more accessible. Coco breaks the small cuddle ball that the other girls formed around her and stood. Making her way beside her father and peeking behind him.
“Go ahead! It's yours!”
She walked down the ramp only to come to a door she’d never seen before. Normally, you would push it open but when she did so it wouldn't budge.
“Ah! I almost forgot! Yes! All of your doors now slide open in case of an emergency. If you ever need to move in a hurry you just slide it open and it will remain open.” Qifrey commented.
“It still has all the usual locks and such. It just functions differently” Olruggio added.
Coco slid the door open and was met with a stunning new bathroom. Her master comes behind her and describes all of the differences that would help Coco on her bad days. She slowly walks to the side of the pool and crouches in it. There wasn't any water at the moment but she noted that there was a gentle slope that almost didn't feel any different than the rest of the room.
“When it fills, it will only come up to your lap. However, I wanted to mention that should there ever be a reason that an emergency arises there are bells that are programmed to ring. This quickly dissipates the water and notifies me that you are in trouble.
He walks over and lifts her once again. Then brings her to a door in the middle of the study room.
“If you ever need me, this door is connected to my room.I implore you don’t hesitate to call for me”
“There is also a chime spell next to your bed as well, don’ hesitate to press it if Qifrey isn't around. I’ll come running, I promise.” Added Olly.
Coco was stunned at the amount of thought that went into Coco's room, Slopes, railings, pain management, glow stones, soft beds, and accessibility. She wanted for nothing, and was entirely grateful for everything!
While Coco felt relief for the first time, she couldn't help but feel a little bad that they had to go this far. Sensing her concern, Qifrey holds her a bit closer.
“I want you to feel safe and supported. You deserve to live in this world without hindrance and pain. While I can't change the past for you. I can provide open doors to your future. You need only ask and we are all here for you.”
They spent the rest of the evening fawning over the new contraptions that they all put together. Even the other residents realised how handy a lot of their contraptions really were! They never would have thought about how hard the floors were until coco arrived. How soothing a simple mimic spell would be. How helpful sliding doors were! Or what a pleasure a small bathing pool could be! especially when the girls struggled with cramps! Though the contraptions were made with coco in mind. Coco being as gentle and kind as she was, opened her doors to those who also needed it.
The paths that led to the house helped when they all arrived late at home, and even the adults couldn’t help but modify other aspects of the home for universal use. It was simple, really. Having the world be more accessible for those who need it, also offers opportunities for those who don't. If the world were built for everyone, then everyone has the right to live in it as well!
A few days later…
“Master Qifrey?” Called Coco from her side of the door.
“Yes, darling. What do you need?” he answered. There was a Hesitancy on the other side of the sliding door. “Come on in, sweetheart.”
The door slides open, and Coco comes in on her seal chair. It was another hard evening for her But with her new chair and the cushion underneath she struggled less. He watches and observes her make her way to his bed. It was late evening and he often would read before bed as a way to settle down for the evening. Coco was still getting used to her chair. The legs still wobbled when she over corrected. While she got used to it, she still needed help. As he watched her. He was met with a happy surprise!
“I need your help” she cried.. Qifrey immediately and happily puts down his book at moves to sit up providing her his full attention.
“What do you need, love?” he asked, He tied his best not to sound over excited by this new found courage.
. He watched as she extended her arms to him, and murmured “ups” Shly. He couldn't help but chuckle. This was Coco's way of asking for cuddles. He continued to chuckle as he readily lifted her out of her chair and into the bed next to him. Olly installed sigil that softened the mattress in moments such as this. It allowed his side of the bed to remain firm while offering the same level of softness that Coco's bed offered. He gently placed her beside him, then reached over to the table, and opened the drawer. Taking out a modified snug stone, he then took it and shoved the stone under Coco’s lower back. Cuddles were supposed to be a comforting experience. Pain was not allowed!.
He smiled when he noticed the extra companion that tagged along when she entered the room. He couldn’t help but laugh at the uncanny resemblance between Coco's position on the bed and the way the brush buddy snuggled in beside her. Fitting his body along hers in an effort to get comfortable. Snuggling was one thing Qifrey really enjoyed doing, and was very much welcome!. He loved being able to provide a safe place for his children and occasionally his partner. He had no problem admitting that he was firmly and proudly the big spoon! (he was also the biggest, so it was an easy win) In this case it was too easy!
While Richeh was the smallest in height, Coco was by far the lightest. Easily able to be lifted and adjusted without an issue. Qifrey was able to hold Coco firmly all day long if She wanted. Though Olly, shyly admitted that of all the girls. Coco was the one he would mindlessly pick up without fail. (They often had a wordless competition for who she ran to first when she needed to be held. Qifrey couldn’t help but bask in his current win) Her body radiated heat much like a snug stone, and of course who would deny having a warm little monkey hanging off them?
With the slow ember of the candle flickering, and the warmth radiating from his companion. He could feel Coco starting to nod off. Even he was lured to sleep.
“Papa, Thank you” The small voice whispered, startling him a moment as he drowsily nodded off. He smiled softly, moving the blanket around her. “You’re Always welcome, Coco.”