The Raven Watches Me...or was that a Turkey?

So I'm curious. There's another side of me that I'm aware of, but you don't seem all that interested in "taking over" so to speak.

it's of no interest to me.

Then why do you exist?

to observe.

What?

to observe.

you don't like it when it's quiet, do you?

No I don't.

you don't need another side driving you nuts, 
but your mind gets worse when it is silent.

will you get rid of me?

Are you worried about that?

no but I do get to ask.

while I'm at it, should I ask why you always write?

It's therapeutic. Writing down what angers me and what may be bothering me that day helps me calm down.

don't you worry someone may find it?

your secrets will be used against you.

I'm well aware of that factor, but the alternative is acting out on those emotions. You know that's not a good idea. Speaking of writing, that's what Dr. Sautereau suggested the family do. Arwen and I met with her some time ago to discuss the clear wall that's creeping between us. Arwen says she wants us around more but insists on not actually being around us more. Adagio and I need to find some way to balance time at work to actually spend with the kids.

I admit I'm still confused by the girl. Why does she always ask for support then scream when you try to give it to her?

it is like a challenge, no?

What?

a challenge to be there where others weren't.

perhaps she does not expect someone

to actually act on that challenge.

You make no sense. I went home and asked Donatien how he felt about Adagio and I working. He said he didn't mind since he finds things to occupy himself with. The only thing is I'm not sure he's the person to ask. The seven year old has been raised by Dr. Foster, a scientist himself. By now, Donatien must know what to do when he's alone or with the nanny just as I did. Arwen however didn't have that. Rather than coping, she took care of herself and turned bitter.

In any case, Dr. Sautereau suggested that if we can't see each other that regularly, maintain contact through journals and letters. Arwen and Donatien tell us about their days, how they are feeling, etc. In turn, Adagio and I are to jot down responses, how our days went - anything to maintain that contact that's been lacking lately.

It would be the next day that Arwen started to say more of what should have been said during the session. She's not mad over the fact we are always at work and she does not expect Adagio and I to drop everything when there's an issue. It's the fact we work for Ashagi.

She's well aware of the fact the company had terrible enemies and that we are targets. Last time we said we'd focus more on her and the then baby Donatien, I ended up kidnapped while Adagio was blown to bits...oh, and the baby brother was stolen away by God knows who. I'm trying to reassure her that we are still here despite all that - we get shot, stabbed, rebuilt but we still make sure to eat together and be a family. She was four when she came to live with me and has since become adopted, lived on a private island, commuted by helicopter, gone to the best schools, eaten the best foods, and grown into a healthy sixteen year old.

This week though was about being thankful not spiteful.

 Fluffy made a return this week, for good it seems. Lily did not come back with her however. The last time I'd seen Fluffy was during the ritual where Ayr was taking blood to sacrifice for the ruins. It would seem Shiro's the one who found her and picked up a hitchhiker. A little kitten hybrid named Song. For some reason she believed she was a dog or a fox thanks to the stories Fluffy and Shiro had been filling her head with.

She asked if I would talk to Ayr about considering her return to the Pack as a healer. We certainly needed one, but I wondered if Ayr would accept after the fact she and Lily up and fled without a word. That's how Arwen came into my care in the first place - Fluffy came up to me one day and asked if I'd watch her since she'd be going somewhere.

"I need...a sheep's stomach?!"

I spent the night before Thanksgiving working on my surprise - a few culinary favorites for the Pack including assorted meats, pies, roasted vegetables, and sweets. I even tried making haggis. Since I was not going to make any effort to locate a sheep's stomach, I made my version with casing instead. When I thought about it, I have many reasons to be thankful to the Pack. I don't know if I would be where I am nor who I am if I hadn't run into Ayr.

Thanksgiving Day in Midian was oddly quiet. Despite all the chaos, people seemed to find someone to share a meal with. After bringing all the food I made with me, I laid out a few tables and warming containers then went to offer Ayr some soup. We talked about Fluffy and Arwen coming back, even got Arwen to say what she needed to say to Ayr - an apology.

She was quick to point out the the ordeal was traumatizing and all but she was also well enough in her head to tell every person she could how evil the Pack and Ayr were before running from home. Ayr admitted that seeing so many people leave because they didn't understand or approve of the ritual hurt him deeply, but he mentioned me as an example of what those same people could have done.

I dislike what Ayr had us do then and I told him that. Yet, I still serve under him, I jump when he says jump as  long as it's not to jump off a building...I didn't run from the thing I despised. I think Arwen's getting it but that will remain to be seen.

The rest of the evening was happier as everyone stopped by the sample the food. It made me happy to see the Pack gathered like this.

you will regret that second helping of chicken wings.

I change my mind.
You do need to go...