mes enfants

[beheld_beauty]

Belle has ordered the castle to array itself in preparation for guests; the family's Samarian counterparts will be spending a day here. The smaller girls are left with friends at home.

Dominique probably doesn't need to be reminded to be on her best behavior for extradimensional visitors. Céleste might. She agrees indignantly and promises to let Keziah play with Rainier and everything.

"That's all I ask," laughs Belle. "Jane, we are ready for them at any time."

And on the far end, Jane waits for a cue - and then picks Samarians up and puts them down.

Comments

[mindfields]

their respective sisters say in unison.

[campanas]

The Griffins giggle madly.

[mindfields]

Dominique and Damaris do much the same.

[campanas]

"You're each other," accuses Keziah, beaming with amusement.

"They are! And we are! And our mothers are and our fathers are," crows Céleste. "We're like pictures stamped in different colors from a block."

[mindfields]

"Very like," Dominique agrees.

[campanas]

"Gardens now," says Céleste, when they've been through every corridor of the castle.

[mindfields]

"Of course."

Gardens!

[campanas]

Rainier wants to fly, as soon as they are outside; presently one literal and two metaphorical griffins are in the air.

[mindfields]

Dominique looks at Damaris.

[carillons]

Damaris shrugs, grins, and takes off.

[campanas]

"Come on, Dominiiiiique," calls Céleste.

[mindfields]

"No, thank you," laughs Dominique.

[campanas]

"But Damaris is!" says Keziah.

[carillons]

"I am!" agrees Damaris.

[campanas]

"Flying is funnnnn, Dominiiiiiique," hollers Céleste.

[mindfields]

"I can see that you are having fun, Céleste!"

[campanas]

"You should have fun toooooo!"

[mindfields]

"But I am, cherie, I am!"

[campanas]

"You are having invisible fun!" Keziah declares.

"It must be magic!" giggles Céleste. "She's a great enchantress!" And they laugh in easy unison.

[mindfields]

Dominique cracks up.