Work Text:
A dusting of snow laid along the edges of the city's streets and on the grass around the homes at Journey's End. The sun was high and the skies were clear- before long it'd melt and likely refreeze overnight. But a few crowded around the fountain had no such concerns. While a few among them were scholars looking for a change of surroundings or residents simply enjoying the sunlight, the two chairs set up in front of the fountain drew curious glances.
Not so much for the strange chairs set where they were, but the two who occupied them. On the right sat X'yahma Tia, bouncing a green-haired Miqo'te toddler on his right thigh, using his hand to keep the child steady. By his right foot, a pair of crutches laid upon the mostly dry ground. His lower left leg was bound in a cast from shin to arch, and was splayed to an awkward angle to allow him to sit.
In the other seat was a Miqo'te woman with green hair and fierce red eyes. Her attention was on the newborn she cradled in her arms. The babe was laid against her chest, grasping at whatever purchase there was to be had on her dress. An easel with a canvas was a few fulms away, the artist behind it absorbed in the work.
"X'yahma, please," Alphinaud said as he leaned out from behind the easel, "I think U'ruha's settled now, if you would keep still." He cast his eyes towards the woman and cleared his throat. "Miss Loonh-"
"Loonh Gah," she said sharply, not taking an eye off her child.
"Pray look over here, I haven't finished your face yet." Loonh Gah groaned as she looked towards the easel. X'yahma stole a glance over towards her, and smiled. It wasn't a well-fitted dress, but it was a spur of the moment decision to have this portrait done. It was a shame that Loonh Gah's grandmother can't be a part of this, but it would be some time before Loonh Gah and U'rhed would be fit to travel. To say nothing of his own troubles: Y'shtola said in jest that if he attempted to teleport, he'd likely arrive in Little Ala Mhigo without crutch and cast and simply collapse into a heap. At least, he was sure it was a jest.
As U'ruha squirmed, X'yahma scratched behind her ear, hoping it'd be enough to settle her for Alphinaud to finish her on the portrait. Loonh Gah glanced down again as the infant shifted and cooed, relaxing his grip for a moment before drawing at the fabric again. "Is he awake?" X'yahma asked.
"Dead to the world if he is," Loonh Gah said, stroking the back of his head with a finger. "All the better to get this done with sooner.
"I assure you, we're almost finished here," Alphinaud groaned as he pointed at her from behind the canvas.
"Well hurry, then. He'll be hungry when he does rouse." The toddler giggled and Loonh Gah smiled back at her. "She's getting impatient, too."
"Settle down, Loonh," X'yahma took her hand. "You'll just agitate the babe." Loonh Gah sighed as he looked back towards the easel as Alphinaud poked his head out again. "How's it coming?"
"I only need to finish you, and we'll be done here."
"Oh, if it isn't too much trouble, could you make me a little taller? Oh, and maybe give me more muscles." He didn't need to look over to know that Loonh Gah buried her face in her free hand. Alphinaud also seemed to let out a sigh of frustration. "And make my- OUCH!" Loonh Gah kicked his injured leg. His eyes stung as his wound screamed with pain.
"It doesn't hurt that bad." Loonh said, eyes forward. U'ruha laughed.
"At least you're enjoying my pain," he said to his daughter through gritted teeth.
A few minutes more and Alphinaud stepped aside, smiling. "It is done."
"Thank the sands!" Loonh Gah groaned loudly.
"It wasn't so bad."
"Want Ruha to laugh again?"
X'yahma winced at his still throbbing leg.
"Master Alphinaud, Mister X'yahma and Miss Loonh-"
"Loonh Gah," she corrected the blue-haired Elezen.
"Apologies, but lunch is served. If you would follow me to the dining hall, please." The maidservant finished.
"You go and eat without me, I'll store the portrait first." Alphinaud said.
"Yes, Master Alphinaud," the maid said, her gaze lingering on him for a moment.
With a practiced motion, Loonh Gah leaned over to her left side and grabbed a harness from the floor before setting U'rhed into the pouch. "Up we go," she said warmly as she picked up U'ruha with a little effort and held her hear her shoulder, supporting the toddler's weight with her arm. She walked away with the children as X'yahma took his time to steady himself with his crutches before following after.