37 - Arrivals

Although autumn was well underway, there were still a few days here and there that were warm and sunny, or at least as sunny as it ever got in Moonlight Falls.

The toddler twins’ birthday fell on one of those lovely autumn days, so Maia decided to have a small party for them at one of the town’s many wilderness parks, the Gypsy’s Landing, which was a small campground area near the lake. 

She also figured all the kids would want to go off and do their own thing, so Maia decided they would celebrate with the cakes right after they arrived.

Maia had invited Paguk to see his daughters grow into children, as well as Zander and Zane whom she also considered family. But she wasn’t the only one to invite guests to the twins’ party. It seemed Seth had found himself a girlfriend. Her name was Tarah.

”Umm... didn’t you once belong to a biker gang??”

Happy birthday, Xena!

Happy birthday, Xanaia!

After cake time, the kids and guests entertained themselves.

They had water balloon fights, played chess and threw horseshoes.

Seth and Tarah hung out together.

The rest of the teens went down to the lake to fish and swim.

While everyone was occupied, Maia decided to have her fortune told. 

The seer’s name was Kezia Tem, who went by her nickname, Kizzy. She agreed to scry Maia’s future in her crystal ball.

“I see a multitude of storks, which will mean many more children in your future,” Kizzy began, “and since some appear much closer than the others, I believe you will be welcoming some new arrivals to your family very soon.”

Kizzy gazed deeper into the glowing crystal. 

“There is a storm brewing that is the result of green-eyed jealousy, which will remain hidden until the fullness of the light forces it to reveal itself.  When the dust finally settles, you will know the face of the beast you must confront.

“There is a black key to the right of a locked door.  Behind the door stands a charred tree.  You will unlock a dark family secret from the past.  The flames of vengeance are intended to destroy, but from fiery death, new life often springs.

“On the right, I see an exotic bird bearing a message; be certain to take note of any unexpected communications.

“Numerous clouds are obscuring my vision; I can’t see further beyond them. But I know these to be the powerful forces which surround you, some of darkness and some of light, as well as others that are a mixture of both.  This makes it difficult at times to tell a friend from an enemy, but you will also find that even those who seek to harm you can bring you closer to your goals, if only you seize the opportunities these challenges provide.”

Kizzy was silent while Maia contemplated her predictions.

“Some of that sounds pretty bleak, but there seems to be a way beyond the troubles you foresee for me,” Maia said finally.

“There is always hope,” Kizzy said simply.  “Besides, the future is in constant motion and the path you ultimately take may nullify any of these possibilities.”

Maia recognized the truth in that. But for today she knew her path did not lay with the unraveling of futures yet to come, but being in the present with her children.

Later that evening, they roasted marshmallows over the campfire.

A curious deer decided to stick around to see if anyone dropped any.

Kizzy told them some spooky ghost stories.

The deer decided it liked ghost stories much less than marshmallows and trotted off.

Everyone had a wonderful time and went home happy, though some took longer to leave than others.

But it wasn’t over yet.  Before they went to sleep, Xena and Xanaia made their IF’s real.

Over the next few weeks, Maia decided to start growing her hair out, and she gave herself a little makeover.

And not long after, Maia knew that at least part of Kizzy’s crystal ball reading was already coming true. 

As time passed, Maia tended her little kitchen garden.

She also continued to practice her witch and alchemy skills.

And one morning, after weeding and watering her indoor garden, she realized one of them was ready for harvesting.

She was excited to see what kind of plant the unknown seed produced. To her amazement, it was a baby!

So this was how Plantsims reproduced! No wonder Kale had become so amorous after talking about planting seeds!

Maia named her Plantsim daughter Lavender.

And shortly afterwards, Maia went into labor with Jaxen’s baby. 

Welcome Aiden!

Wait.  Make that... babies!

Welcome Ashton!!

Aaannd...

Welcome Addison!!!

After Maia had fed and put the babies down for a nap, she thought she heard the doorbell.  Maia couldn’t have been more thrilled to see who was standing there.

Hamilton had returned.