Getting to know you.... [Open to all]

[Brooke Briar Steeleye]

From the Portcullis Brooke walked with a female wolf, a newcomer to the Fort and a newt that had been here for quite a while already. They chatted and made small talk but she was sure that it would be much better once they were in the comfort of the Tavern, where they could relax and actually sit at a table. Needless to say but the femme otter's footpaws were killing her!

Upon entering the beasts noted that it was Brooke. Of course she never stood on ceremony but some creatures just couldn't take a hint, they insisted on being at her beck and call, especially now because she's getting heavier with kit every single day. They ushered her to her own personal table. It was extra clean and the candle that was lit on it was of her favorite scent, raspberry/mulberry mixed.

Brooke winked at the mouse maid and then grinned. Tulip knew exactly what she wanted, even though in her condition she shouldn't have it. Most beasts though knew not to question her, lest they face the wrath of a hormonal pregnant female otter. There were hardly any creatures ready to face such a challenge. She would order a strawberry fizz with a little extra kick in it and a large bowl of vegetable leek shrimp soup with bread and then a big garlic pickle. Clearly anyone that was observant could tell that she was having cravings and was very pregnant, no doubt about it.

Once she was obviously done ordering her eyes gazed over and waited for the others to finish ordering. "Everything is on the house today. Order anything that you want." In the meantime Brooke waved her paw and the music began. A nice melody only added to the ambiance of the Tavern. Indeed it was a place of true wines and spirits.

[Aryela Jade Secray]

[glow=red,2,300]Elmera Lemardee[/glow]

Elmera spent a short time putting her horse up in the local stables before she joined Brooke and Grickle. A sack of belongings dangled over her shoulder while a lute rested comfortably on her right hip. Her stallion had not been happy with her departure, but a gentle brush down and a pawful of oats had left him content for the time being. Elmera adored her steed, even if he could be a pain at some times. He had been given as a gift to her when she was younger and she was going to make certain he received the best treatment possible.

The she-wolf brushed a lock of headfur out of her face as she stepped into the tavern. The familiar sight, smell, and sound brought a pleasant smile to the maid's face. Ah, yes, the tavern. She was so used to playing in this environment that it became like a second home to her. Her soft eyes darted to the stage. Hopefully she would be up there shortly.

Shaking her head, amused, Elmera followed Brooke to her special table. The maid hesitated then sat down beside the Commander of the great Fort. She still could not believe her good fortune. At some castles or kingdoms, she never even heard the name of the ruler, and yet here she was sitting with the otter herself. One ear flicked as Brooke ordered her rather interesting meal. A smile touched her muzzle. Yes, the she-otter was certainly pregnant to be ordering such a strange concoction. Elmera reached to her belt and began to finger her coins when Brooke spoke up.

"Everything is on the house today. Order anything that you want."

"What?" Elmera looked at Brooke in surprise. A free meal as well as free passage to the fort? The she-wolf looked confused and she glanced around as if expecting a trick of some sort. She just wasn't used to this hospitality. After a moment, she cleared her throat and spoke softly. "Milady, I...appreciate your kindness but I simply can't accept a meal like that without payment. At least allow me to entertain your tavern for my meal...if you will not accept coins."

As a traveling bard, Elmera knew how lucky she was if someone offered her free meals. In most cases, she would have taken it but it just didn't seem right to ask the Commander to pay for the meal. She blushed then looked up at the barmaid. "Do you have blancmange?" When the maid nodded, Elmera grinned and nodded. "I'll have a bowl of that with bread and...actually the Strawberry Fizz sounded rather tasty."

Once her order was in, Elmera leaned over and set her bag on the ground at her side. The lute she gently looped over a corner of her chair. She was slowly starting to relax and the smile on her muzzle seemed permanent.

[Rockpaw Steeleye]

One of the things that Rockpaw liked to keep an eye on was newcomers to the fort. He's the commander alongside Brooke after all, but he enjoys the logistics and minutiae of running a fort far more than his mate. Well, not so much enjoys them as he tends to them on a far more consistent and possibly obsessive basis. So, walking across the grounds on a daily inspection of the comings and goings through the fort's gates, he's surprised to see that Brooke is escorting somebeast he hadn't seen before. Now that was strange... a wolf. He's familiar with wolves of course, having been acquainted with Mevia Twilight, the former general. But he hasn't known a wolf personally aside from her. That and they were heading to the tavern... he had been feeling a little too dry for his tastes. And of course he had to keep an eye on Brooke, to make sure she wasn't consuming more than she should. Everybeast knew that alcoholic drinks were not the best thing for a pregnant female to drink.

He trailed them inside and glanced around to see where they had gone. He could spot them at Brooke's favorite table... the one she had commissioned for her own private use. Of course, how could he not remember? He smiled, seeing her taking a proactive stance in greeting newcomers. Even if he would inevitably be the one to do the paperwork in bringing them in. He took a few slow steps forward, thinking he'd let them talk for a couple minutes to get to know each other before barging in.

"Everything is on the house today. Order anything that you want."

He paused mid-step, ignoring the fort soldiers who jumped up to salute him as he went by. His mind had been stopped dead short. When was Brooke the type to just hand out drinks like that? He blinked and watched the others cheer happily, some of them looking Rockpaw's way to see if he'd object... he did not. He wouldn't really mind, either, had he not seen her order a fizz with some extra "kick." There was only one thing that that could mean, and it spurred him back into action.

Ho ho, now things were definitely his business! In a few quick strides, passing everybeast who smiled and waved, he was over at the private table, looking the newcomer over and extending his paw for a brusque shake.

"Hello there. Rockpaw Steeleye. Welcome to Fort Emerald Bay."

He glanced to Brooke, watching Tulip bring the orders to the table and excusing himself. He'd just drink some water after all...

"Ahh... darling," he said in a saccharine, overly concerned voice and picking up the spiked drink.

"A fizz is not supposed to contain alcohol," he reminded gently. "Don't you think that's a little... excessive?" he asked through gritted teeth.

[Brooke Briar Steeleye]

Brooke wasn't expecting to see her mate here but she wasn't about to do anything but welcome him with open arms. She smiled when she saw him, eager to have him meet the newcomer and welcome her to the Fort and she would have if he wouldn't have just allowed his protective mode to kick in and he didn't already introduce and welcome her all on his own. Brooke couldn't blame him, it was his kit after all but still she 'did' have a very stubborn streak.

He spoke to her through clenched teeth, which made her laugh. She didn't mean to laugh but she just couldn't help it. "My darling Rockpaw. Having a fizz lightly spiked with a little something extra isn't being excessive. A little bit isn't going to hurt. It's not like I'm drinking a whole pint or pitcher now is it?" She laughed and then pulled the drink to her lips with him still holding onto it. Her lips puckered in order to gain just a tiny sip.

Oh sure Brooke was the leader of a grand fort and her name may have been known through out far-far away lands but she was still a female that was still very much pregnant and married to a very overly protective male named Rockpaw Steeleye, who's name she was sure was just as known as her own. But that wouldn't stop her from trying to get her own way like a dibbun would. After all she had been so thirsty for this drink all day long!

[Aryela Jade Secray]

[glow=red,2,300]Elmera Lemardee[/glow]

Elmera was waiting for Brooke's reaction to her suggestion when a new figure suddenly approached the table. The she-wolf looked up, not needing to even guess who this creature was. The look on his face and his posture suggested both a very loving, and possibly also an over-protective husband. The she-wolf's eyes darted back to Brooke, remembering the fizz she had ordered with the extra kick. Hm, this was going to be quite interesting. Instincts urged her to scoot over and let the couple have a moment alone, but the male otter introduced himself before she had the chance.

"Hello there. Rockpaw Steeleye. Welcome to Fort Emerald Bay."

"A pleasure, Lord Steeleye," Elmera replied, smiling. “I’m Elmera Lemardee.” She shook his rather firm paw and then drew back as he accosted his mate. Ah, so she was going to be lucky enough to meet both fort leaders today. How many new beasts received that opportunity? The she-wolf scooted over, giving Rockpaw a little more room to be next to Brooke.

One ear flicked as Rockpaw warned his mate against drinking the stronger fizz. He was right, of course. Drinks were not healthy for a pregnant female, but who was she to say so? The she-wolf brushed a paw through her headfur and turned her eyes on the entertainment in the tavern, doing her best to ignore the conversation but Brooke's reply kind of brought her back into the discussion.

"My darling Rockpaw. Having a fizz lightly spiked with a little something extra isn't being excessive. A little bit isn't going to hurt. It's not like I'm drinking a whole pint or pitcher now is it?"

Oy, well this was going to open up a new can of worms. Elmera sighed and shifted. She really did not want to get caught up in a lover's quarrel. Hmm. She looked around, noting that the previous entertainment had decided to take a break. This could be fun. It would take some time for the blancmange to cook...

"If you'll excuse me," Elmera said and bowed her head politely. She unhooked the lute from her chair and wandered to a corner of the tavern where some of the musicians had set up for the afternoon. Seeing the instrument in her paws, they nodded and offered her a space. The she-wolf opened the case and took out the lute carefully. After tuning it, she whispered something to another bard. He blinked then nodded before he picked up his reed flute and began to play softly. Elmera followed his beat and began strumming the lute merrily. Within minutes, she began to sing. The musicians played softly enough that they would just be like background noise to the crowd, but that did not mean that Elmera played with any less heart.

"In days of yore she came to me
Singing merrily, oh merrily
You serpent siren of the sea
You won't capture me, capture me

For I'll sing my heart true to the sea
Words carried by the breeze, by the breeze
Songs of justice and warriors free
Winged horses galloping, galloping

Oh who shall I miss if I bow to the sky?
Ethereal song, ethereal song
The spirits chase me during the night
Laughing merrily, oh merrily

When I see that sun arise o'er the sea
Boats dancing happily, so happily
Then I'll know you've come back to me
And I'll sleep peacefully, so peacefully."

As the last note faded, Elmera sat back and smiled. The bard playing with her chuckled and nodded his head. Back at the table, Elmera's blancmange was set down, along with her drink.

[Rockpaw Steeleye]

"All right there Brooke, one sip is enough," Rockpaw said with measured patience, pulling the drink back away from her lips again when she had had her sip. That was tolerant enough, wasn't it? He could just get her a fizzy apple juice or something else that was quite boring and regular, right? One sip was more than enough for Rockpaw! He loved her and their unborn kits too much to allow for any kind of danger to threaten, even if that danger was "harmless fun" like this. He gently pushed on the cup until it was resting on the surface of the table again.

"Let's just stick with something a little less... exciting, hmm?" He put both paws around hers and silently encouraged her to let go, his one eye widening considerably to show how exasperated he might get if she didn't cooperate. Of course Rockpaw was not averse to Brooke getting tipsy once or twice, everybeast did that (and it made for some rather fun evenings when they were both a bit whimsical), but certainly not when she was pregnant with their children! Something that gave a headache in the morning was definitely not the right drink for developing children.

"You know what the healers said and I plan to stick to it! There are so many other drinks to get here that it doesn't make sense for you to-"

He turned his head away form their little dispute to listen to Elmera play. It had been a while since he had last heard something like that in the Ruby tavern, and he was polite enough not to interrupt while she was entertaining the other denizens of the fort. But this matter with a stubborn Brooke Briar Steeleye wouldn't be delayed forever, no sir! He'd get that confounded drink out of her paws if he had to drink it all himself! In fact that wasn't a bad idea, once he had pried it from her eager fingers...

[Brooke Briar Steeleye]

Brooke's tension on the drink was just as tight as Rockpaw's but she was listening as their guest introduced herself and then watched her as she silently took her leave, apparently knowing that this whole episode just may explode into a lovers quarrel. 'Smart Female.' Brooke said in her mind as she rolled her eyes at her mate, trying to smile as if they were having a pleasant conversation together.

Brooke now spoke to him through clenched teeth. "But my darling... There's not even much alcohol in a strawberry fizz. I'm sure that it won't even make me feel anything from it." Just then she pulled on the mug a little, spilling it a little on the table. Brooke looked up at him with a pouty expression on her face even though in her heart she knew that he was right. "It's only one little drink my love!" With each thing that she said her voice grew more earnest.

As they were both tugging on the drink the femme began to sing. In the middle of it all Brooke did take note of her lovely voice. She would certainly be a nice addition to the Fort. It's just what Brooke loved to see, new creatures with new talents. Indeed the Fort was very self-sufficient like that it seemed.

[Rockpaw Steeleye]

Oh, there she went, using the pouting and the dear, high-pitched voice she liked to use when she wanted to press him into doing something. But he wasn't going to be fooled this time. Rockpaw was a solid foundation, and he wouldn't be moved when it came to the health of his family. He was known, after all, for being all but implacable when he made a decision, and this was one he was putting his footpaw on. He wouldn't budge no matter how much she pleaded! Even if she promised he would go to bed without dinner and make him sleep in the keep instead of the bungalow.

Well... maybe he wouldn't go that far.

"One little drink is all you need." The mug was tugged back in Rockpaw's direction on the final word, with the drink inside sloshing back and forth. Both of them had their paws on it now, the tug-of-war adding a somewhat comical air to the entire conversation. The male otter stood over Brooke, leaning towards her and putting his face up quite close, mostly so others didn't have to hear them, and mostly so he could try and intimidate Brooke into submission. His eye was staring challengingly at her, wide and stormy, daring her to try and match it glare for glare.

"I know how you handle alcohol Brooke. A little bit? It's cute, it really is, but any more and it gets ugly! And I'm not going to let you risk more than the one sip you've already had! Why can't you just get a regular fizz?"

Poor Elmera by now had slipped into the background noise of the tavern. In fact, everybeast had, and even if they were staring Rockpaw would deal with it later. He was only annoying Brooke in order to protect her from the ravages of alcoholic drinks of course. She made it so hard to be overbearingly protective!

[Aryela Jade Secray]

Elmera spent a moment tuning her instrument while the other musicians played a little ditty to appease the crowds. The she-wolf's gaze darted over to Brooke and Rockpaw, silently taking in their moods. She could tell by Rockpaw's posture that this conversation probably wasn't going to end very well. Her eyes swept over the crowd, noting the curious expressions on their faces. More and more beasts were turning to look at the commanders, wondering what could have gotten them into a tiff.

Elmera flinched inwardly. Maybe she could lend the two otters a paw while they had their "discussion." The she-wolf leaned over and tapped one of the musicians.

"Do you know 'Devil's in Denial'?"

The musician blinked in surprise and nodded. "It's quite a fast song, miss, but aye, I know it. We normally only play that song when there's a dance or-"

"Well, let's get them dancing them," Elmera replied, smiling. The she-wolf rose to her footpaws and called out to the crowd. "The next song we're about to play needs some audience interaction. It's a pretty fast melody and much more fun if we have some dancers. What say you? Would any of you like to join in?"

At first, most of the tavern beasts stared at her nervously. It took a few minutes before two young squirrels shrugged and moved to where the musicians were standing. Soon, a few children had joined, and then another couple. Elmera nodded and gestured to another musician. She placed her lute on a stool then picked up a discarded fiddle. After tuning it a few times, she struck the first chords and then went right into the song. While she played and sang, she practically flowed through the dancing couples and children.

“Devil’s on the doorstep and he’s coming for you
Put your bow to the fiddle and play your heart true
From evening until morning, sing the whole night through
Devil’s in denial, ‘cause I’ve beaten him too

Jenna came a walking down that old dusty lane
Lookin’ for a living and to build up her name
But who should appear with that horrid refrain
The keeper of the crypt with his scythe and death’s fame

Devil’s on the doorstep and he’s coming for you
Put your bow to the fiddle and play your heart true
From evening until morning, sing the whole night through
Devil’s in denial, ‘cause I’ve beaten him too

“Jenna” said the devil to that young bard’s great fear
“You can’t cross this roadway without your payment, dear
But since I know of mercy, I’ve a challenge here
Play me past the morning and I’ll disappear.”

Devil’s on the doorstep and he’s coming for you
Put your bow to the fiddle and play your heart true
From evening until morning, sing the whole night through
Devil’s in denial, ‘cause I’ve beaten him too

Jenna thought a moment about the deadly task
But her mind soon slipped to glory in which she could bask
“I will take the bet,” said she to the hooded mask
“When night turns into morning I’ll be playing last.”

Devil’s on the doorstep and he’s coming for you
Put your bow to the fiddle and play your heart true
From evening until morning, sing the whole night through
Devil’s in denial, ‘cause I’ve beaten him too

The phantom and the bard girl played throughout the night
Playin’ and a singin’ to their musical fight
When the last moon ray turned into the first dawn’s light
The battle field of music was a shocking sight

Jenna was still playing ‘til the fiddle’s bow fell
With the bright, charming ring of the western church bell
The phantom disappeared and from what Jenna could tell
The devil’s scythe had fallen, and his bow as well

Devil’s on the doorstep and he’s coming for you
Put your bow to the fiddle and play your heart true
From evening until morning, sing the whole night through
Devil’s in denial, ‘cause I’ve beaten him too

From evening until morning, sing the whole night through
Devil’s in denial, ‘cause I’ve beaten him too.”

By the last refrain, many of the tavern beasts were lifting their voices and their mugs. More children and adults had joined the dance until only a few tables remained occupied, all of them far away from Brooke and Rockpaw. Their quarrel was forgotten as the crowd turned their attention on Elmera and her small band. As she played the last note, the beasts began clapping loudly. A pawful of coins was thrown in her direction.

Elmera gave a low bow, as did the other musicians. They were smiling now, shocked that they had managed to garner so much attention from the fortbeasts. Normally they were forgotten in the background, but this bard seemed to know how to create an active audience. Elmera grinned and waved her paw to the crowd.

"Thank you very much! Let's give a paw to our dancers!" She clapped to the squirrel couple and the children who shyly went ran back their parents. While the crowd settled, Elmera picked up the coins and brought them over to the musicians. She passed them out equally, leaving only two coins for herself.

The main musician looked at her in shock. "But miss, you did most of the playing! Surely you should take more than the rest of us!"

"No, no," Elmera shook her head. "I'm sure you play here more than I do. Take the coins and feed your families. If you'd like, I'm planning on staying around the fort for some time. We could set up a small troupe together. I would love to have other musicians to play with."

"Of course!" the lead cried. "We'd be happy to have you, lass. Thank you." He tucked the coins in his belt pouch and turned to discuss affairs with his friends.

Elmera watched him for a moment then glanced over her shoulder at Rockpaw and Brooke to see if they were calmer now. She really did want to get to her meal before it grew cold.

[Brooke Briar Steeleye]

Brooke chuckled dryly, from time to time glancing over at the guest, the very one that they should be paying attention to. After all Brooke had offered her a free meal and now here Elmera was singing and entertaining the beasts that were in the tavern. If anything the newcomer knew how to liven up a crowd. Brooke committed that to memory for later use.

Her mind went from Elmera to Rockpaw, mostly to Rockpaw because of the situation that they found themselves in. "My lover... Now you know that I can handle my alcohol. There's nothing ugly about me when I've had a few relaxing drinks. If you deny your liking me when I'm in that mood then I'd have to respectfully say that you are a liar." Brooke laughed because she knew that her mate would know 'exactly' what she was talking about. Frisky evenings with a bit of alcohol mixed in was more then a little fun for the both of them.

The tugging and pulling continued even if it didn't seem so drastic to the others that now looked completely away, being drawn out and enticed by the beautiful femme that was willing to perform for them. Brooke then winked at Rockpaw and leaned in to whisper to him. "Oh come on love.... You know that we can have evenings with spark right up until the kit is ready to be born." She laughed again as she teased him and perhaps even shocked him.

It was about this time that Rockpaw seemed like he was winning the tugging contest. Brooke then giggled and let go of the drink so that Rock would have a major part of it spill on him. Cutely then Brooke gave him a smirk. "But if you insist. I'll have a 'regular' strawberry fizz." Some more the femme chuckled and leaned back in her chair so that she could watch her mate. His reactions to things never ceased to amaze her. There interactions were what kept the flame aglow in their relationship.

[Rockpaw Steeleye]

"My lover... Now you know that I can handle my alcohol. There's nothing ugly about me when I've had a few relaxing drinks. If you deny your liking me when I'm in that mood then I'd have to respectfully say that you are a liar."

Rockpaw blinked and his eye went a little wider. Whenever she talked about things like that, he couldn't help but get a little flushed. She wasn't supposed to just blurt things like that out in public! How thankful he was that Elmera was playing enough for the other bar patrons to be distracted. He licked his lips and knew she was right; they did enjoy a few nights that were livened up by the playful effects of being tipsy. But that didn't mean she could take advantage of him like that! He kept his resolve firm and his grip on the mug secure, listening indifferently to Elmera playing in the background.

"Be that as it may, my little river flower," he said with exaggerated, sarcastic charm, "if there's anything I have to say about it, alcohol won't be through those pretty lips of yours unless I say so!"

If there was anything that Rockpaw was, it was stubborn. She wasn't going to get a drop of the stuff. It didn't even matter if it wasn't bad for her, he had just made up his mind and that was that! His obstinate personality often clashed with her more flighty, playful temperament, but it never really ended badly. They just found ways to entice each other more, such as when Brooke pulled out her jibe.

"Oh come on love.... You know that we can have evenings with spark right up until the kit is ready to be born."

Rockpaw was glad she was whispering and Elmera was drowning out the talk. His ears went red on the inside and he cleared his throat conspicuously as he glanced back and forth, infuriated with her dodgy stubbornness and greatly intrigued and pleased by it at the same time. That pretty little maid, acting the coy and playful side of otterkind to the hilt. There was no need to say things like that! But it was little exchanges like this that helped their wedding come alive. Even though he pretended to be exasperated by her, he truthfully wouldn't have her anyway. She knew how to prod and poke and get a rise out of him every time, and he gladly fell for it, never failing to be enchanted. He was about to reply when suddenly she let go and let him whip the drink in his direction, spilling it all over his paws. He looked down and sighed at the mess, snatching a towel and beginning to wipe himself off, smirking good naturedly at Brooke.

"Oh, wife... whatever am I going to do with you?" he asked as he dripped down next to her, gently tossing the cloth at her face. His other paw circled her waist so she couldn't escape, and as the song came to an end, he grabbed her with both paws and tried to pull her up and onto his lap, seeking a kiss or three while the others weren't watching. He would have his revenge for that little stunt later on, yes sir...

"A wonderful song!" he gave to Elmera as she finished. "Talent like that will be welcome around the fort, miss."

[Aryela Jade Secray]

Elmera spent a few more moments chatting with the bards until she realized the "feud" between the two otters had come to an end. Ah good, she never liked it when couples fought, even if it was bordering on playful. But then again, who was she to talk? She was not mated, and while she was certain there were plenty of suitors out there, the she-wolf had yet to find one she was interested in. Elmera dipped her head politely to the bards then excused herself. She put her lute back in its case and walked towards the table, a happy smile on her face.

"A wonderful song! Talent like that will be welcome around the fort, miss."

"I thank you," Elmera replied, bobbing her head humbly. "If you'll have my service, I'll gladly stay and fill your streets and halls with music. The musicians there," she nodded to the group, "are a good bunch of players. I think they'd be able to accompany me during feasts, if you so please."

Always the formal one.

Elmera took her seat and sniffed the bowl of blancmange. The sweet, almond aroma tickled her nose and made her stomach grumble rather loudly. She chuckled and patted it before picking up a fork. Savoring every bite, she munched on the chicken and rice, enjoying the warmth as it spread through her throat and her stomach.

The music started up again with the other players. Elmera glanced over her shoulder briefly, and was amused to find that a few of the bards were glancing at her, as if waiting for her approval. She sent them warm smiles, which made them grin widely. Yes, Elmera had been playing instruments most of her life, but she didn't try to flaunt her talent too much, unless of course she wanted to distract a large crowd from a pair of otters.

Shaking her head, Elmera looked over at Brooke and Rockpaw, her fork dropping into the bowl again. "Can you tell me a bit about Emerald Bay? I've heard stories about the fort, but I'm afraid I don't know very much about the law here, or where I should stay...if I need to sign my name anywhere. Every fort I've visited is different."

[Brooke Briar Steeleye]

Brooke couldn't help but to let out a chuckle. She wasn't laughing at the newcomer but at the fact that her and Rockpaw must seem like a pair of crazy beasts. Her emerald eyes traveled to her mate and then back to Elmera again. Brooke moved her paw over the table and gently touched her paw. "We'd be glad to tell you about the Fort but first I think that we owe you an explanation about our behavior. You see Elmera... Rockpaw doesn't want me to drink any beverages that contain alcohol in them because I'm pregnant." Brooke left off touching Elmera and then smiled at Rockpaw. "He tends to get a little protective when I'm carrying his child but I tend to get hormonal and stubborn, more so then usual." The blond femme turned back to Elmera and smiled continually.

It wasn't everyday that Brooke felt the need to explain her actions but today was the day that she wanted to. "I hope that we didn't offend you or make you feel uncomfortable in any manner." Brooke adjusted in her seating, shifting from side to side like a dibbun that was getting comfortable in it's high-chair. "But first things are first Elmera. I'd like to get to know you a bit if you don't mind. I'll start. Of course you know that I'm Brooke Briar Steeleye and this is my husband Rockpaw. We have a son and two daughters that are twins. Logan is the oldest and the girls names are Shylah and Shayna. And... As I just told you I am pregnant and expecting our fourth." Brooke laughed lightly. She felt like a baby making machine but it proved that her and Rockpaw were very much in love and in truth she loved being pregnant. She's always wanted a large family and so her dream was coming true.

In the meantime Brooke was still sitting in her mate's lap, happily, when the waitress came with her 'virgin' drink and one for Rockpaw as well. She stood there in expectation but then spoke up. "Would you two love birds like something to eat?" The femme tapped her pencil on her tablet but not before licking the tip. Brooke simply looked over her shoulder at Rockpaw. She was hungry but she didn't know if he was. "Yes please bring me some hot-root soup. No... no. That might give me heartburn. Ummm... How about some shrimp soup with some nicely toasted garlic butter bread. Yes. That's what I'll have. How about you my darling?" Brooke wiggled on his lap and smiled mischievously.