lasudio

[lasudio]

VeronaHills, Round Seventeen: Capp (B)

It was time to dip one's toe in the coveted master bedroom bathtub.

Mummy and daddy's tub was installed with a view of the bedroom window flowers, rather than tucked away in the same space as the toilet (porcelain as it was, mummy couldn't stand the sight of it while bathing). Junior, now fully immersed, could feel the appeal. Instead of suffocating in subway tiles, he was surrounded by rosewood as he sat back in rosewater. That, and he was far away from the radius of the decidedly un-demure bowel movement he experienced beforehand. Money couldn't buy the scent of rose in that regard.

"Your father has no shame," Juliette declared to Patience as they took tea in the drawing room after their joint birthday party. "I'll have Galaad prepare non-sulfurous meals for the next week. Perhaps forever. Good GOD."

If in doubt, smile and nod. Patience did just that in response to her mother's brief spell of grouching during what was otherwise a pleasant evening, and made a mental note to take care of her own gastrointenstinal health. She would start by taking more strolls - a trip to the city to walk its bustling streets was top of the agenda.

In the meantime, a small, enduring child-like part of her did have to giggle at her daddy's indiscretion. He just wanted to relax in nana and grandad's old tub! Who could fault an heir or an heiress for wanting to be comfortable, when one had so much on their plate?

[lasudio]

VeronaHills, Round Seventeen: Monty (A)

The ring glimmered on Goldie's finger and Romeo realised he was a roaming romantic no more.

It happened all at once - the social media sporting celebrity pages were calling Romeo a Silver Soccer Daddy, then he and Goldie were lit up by paparazzi when they arrived at the city stadium via black car to watch his old team play from the corporate box. He waved out at the crowd and heard a wall of cheers when he signed a ball for a little kid, which would've made a great wholesome front page moment, if that was the only thing that happened. Instead, someone shouted, "where's the ring?"

"Good question," Goldie replied coquettishly, draping herself around Romeo's shoulders like a slinky scarlet scarf. Then she winked, and the cameras snapped, and that was that. The Silver Soccer Daddy was accepting his new title with grace and finally settling down, retiring the Full Monty moniker that some less tasteful publications had bestowed him with. His family would be relieved of that!

In all the excitement of Romeo being engaged and finally doing his duty as a Monty gentleman, young Emilia quietly made the trip to Mission University and settled into Montague House, where no plebs would bother her with gossipy questions. Claudio and Olivia thought they would sleep well knowing their children were doing all the right things, so why was that prickly feeling of eyes on them so strong throughout the night..?

[lasudio]

VeronaHills, Round Seventeen: Greenman

Jason felt the breeze in the garden pick up. It seemed mother nature knew Daisy was coming home.

The boys were starting off their day chatting to the trees, whose leaves would visibly perk up in response, even if the topic was typical teenage boy fare (girls, games, memes, meat). It was a gift that fascinated Jason, who could only dream of spinning yarns with the trees. Feeling the wind change after Daisy had called and said she was on her way back to the village was very likely a wish on his part; he kept his recurring dream of waking up green and lush and aching for sunlight to himself.

Daisy requested a dip in the pool when she called ahead, so Rose and the boys had their swimmers ready to go. Mission University was a bit behind in pastoral care for faerie students; Jason was going to give a campus talk as a guest author and lobby for the installation of sunlamps and plentiful water sources (the latter was important for everyone, really). A significant donation would surely kickstart faculty enthusiasm for the project, too.

At the end of the day, whether he could hear the wind or not, Jason just hoped he was doing enough for his family.

[lasudio]

VeronaHills, Round Seventeen: Capp (Beach)

Desdemona gained a little snuffling shadow in Hannah the pug.

It took a little while for the reason to become clear. One day, aunt Regan aww'd when Hannah jumped on the couch to snuggle up to Desdemona watching telly, and made a passing remark that uncle Kent's old dog Portia once did the same when she was pregnant with Nathaniel. One pharmacy trip later and Des had her answer.

"There you are," she said, entering the dance studio to see Robert wearing a sparkling piece from Cornwall's dance wardrobe, not to dance, but to do leg extensions on the exercise machine. Des would have a word with him about proper use of borrowed costumes later, but for now, she said: "Babe, I'm pregnant." Robert lowered his feet to the ground and there was a moment of silence when only the hum of a fan could be heard, then: "Oh!" Elated utterances from both of them as Robert flew up in a glittery whirl to embrace Des.

The news was delivered Capp family-wide, and Desdemona's parents soon pulled up to the beach for a visit. Reproach for the lack of a big wedding celebration was replaced with delight for another grandchild on the way - and yes, they did approve of Robert being a university professor aligned with the success of Capp students such as cousin Nathaniel.

Hannah, also the subject of much approval, received a charcuterie board of dog treats for such clever use of her snout.

[lasudio]

VeronaHills, Round Seventeen: Monty (Uni)

Benvolio, seated in the hot tub in moonlight, unfortunately had to do some thinking before he could relax.

The housemates from the Land family were such fun. Montague House, while well appointed, would be terribly boring without their jokes, even if Benvolio didn't always fully get them. That one about sharing a room with a snoring sibling - why not just go sleep in the guest room instead?

Anyway, that wasn't the conundrum to consider - River had asked if his new girlfriend could move in. Trina Hourvitz was one of Mission University's top cheerleaders, and a big fan of River too, who very enthusiastically vouched for her: "She'll get us even more university cred. And liven up the house too!" Benvolio, at first, responded that the house was lively enough already - had River seen Delta juggle tea cups? What an absolute scream! But the guy looked so earnest that Ben had to tell him he'd think about it. So here he was, thinking about it.

The hot tub hummed as it transitioned to a gentle bubble. Finally, Ben sighed and slipped in a little more to warm his shoulders from the spring breeze that had picked up.

A cheerleader with academic, sporting, and social credit? Okay, why not. It would be discussed with the family, of course, but the simple phrase Capulet House doesn't have a cheerleader would likely gain widespread Monty approval.

[lasudio]

VeronaHills, Round Seventeen: Monty (B)

Roxie knew she'd married well; that didn't mean she was going to sit pretty on her arse for the rest of her life.

The restaurant required work, especially if garden-to-table produce was going to be a selling point (and it had to be, in a village that revered fresh fruits and vegetables). So yes, Roxie married the Monty heir, but she also signed up for hauling soil and dishing out pesticide. Then, when she was making sandwiches for the lunch rush, the dirt under her fingernails was thoroughly washed away and replaced with dots of cooking oil spat out from the hot pan. Not glamourous at all, and what a relief! Mercutio would always take her hand and kiss it at the end of the day, hospo stains and all, murmuring his Italian adorations. She'd take this life any day over sitting in a too-tight gown at a high tea table, fanning herself lest the makeup melt, her stomach growling for a proper meal.

Edwin's daughter Effie was about the same age as Osric, so the cousins met for a Monterey playdate. The visitors were given a tour of the restaurant's updated back-of-house facilities, and Roxie showed off her skill with the grill for lunch. Ed's eyes grew big with surprise when he bit into his sandwich and it produced a resounding, utterly perfect crunch; he remarked that his big sister had come a long way since the food they ate when they lived at the trailer park.

Yes - she married well, and therefore had the best cooking teacher. And gardening, and parenting. Even without the money, Mercutio Monty would still be the perfect man.

[lasudio]

VeronaHills, Round Seventeen: O'Mackey

Beasley, the new family familiar, purred straight into everyone's heart.

What the cat lacked in faerie spirit he made up for in friendliness, especially with the children. Oberon and Titania were thoroughly impressed by the ginger puss and his patience as little hands learned to pat him gently. Magical or not, animals had a great capacity to love - and when Beasley became very attached to Jules not long after he was adopted, it was love, but also a feline feeling that something else was going on!

"Your dad and I are having another baby," Jules quietly informed Robyn and Iver, taking them aside to the kitchen while their birthday party guests were enjoying cake in the lounge. "That's why I've been resting so much. But I don't want that to take focus off either of you!" Little dark blue eyes darted to her belly, then at each other. She reached out to place a hand on Beasley's fur, who was bending the rules to sit on the counter and be close to her. "Are you both okay?" she asked, earnestly.

Robyn and Iver nodded and wrapped their arms around their mum, gently. They were both so sweet, if a little shy, which Jules hadn't expected from her often fiery DNA. Perhaps incoming number three would have some extra fire in their belly.

Whatever the case, baby O'Mackey would be surrounded by warmth.

[lasudio]

VeronaHills, Round Seventeen: Capp (Uni)

People would say, "you're so quiet". Thing is, when one wasn't talking, they were listening.

That's how Nathaniel knew his cousin Ginger wanted to explore campus and meet new people as soon as she arrived to begin her freshman year. She was asking Gavin for the best food spots, then which clubs to join, then which classes had the cutest students. Nathaniel didn't need to hear a word from his other cousin to know that the escalating excited questions were making him nervous - Ginger came from a more rambunctious part of the family and they had a reputation to uphold! For now, she would have to be satisfied with pub patrons to fill her number list.

Then there was the poor lad whose father died, Rocky. Nathaniel heard sobs from his room that were muffled by Gavin's shoulder - the good man could relate and offer support, having grown up in the orphanage before aunt Cordelia knelt down and took his hand. No living parents... Nathaniel mused that his mum and dad hadn't been perfect, but at least he had them. With a start, he remembered that Gavin just lost his step-dad too! Those liberal students who spoke out in class about checking one's privilege could be onto something...

In the end, Rocky got expelled because he couldn't focus on study anymore, poor sod. The Capulet House class performance record maintained its picture of success; nobody could be too hard on a bereaved student, for one, even if the faculty were unmoved. But Daisy Greenman graduated with honours and showed off the Capp family's acknowledgement of, and support for, diverse learners such as faeries.

Nathaniel decided to keep on listening, maybe even speak up once in a while, if it prompted interesting tea to be spilled.

[lasudio]

VeronaHills, Round Seventeen: Roth

Another Roth child was on the way - and then, another.

The scans had surprised and delighted Sandra and Hal. They knew twins could happen but didn't think it would happen to them! Still, it was best for the excitement to not be too overwhelming for their number one baby boy Marley - not such a baby anymore, but still inclined to ask mum and dad to tuck him in and say goodnight. His request was accepted as always, and Sandra explained that his baby sibling was now going to be siblings, plural. He blinked, slowly drifting into sleep thanks to Hal's expertly read bedtime story and Bonnie curled up next to him in a cosy ball. Mum and dad made sure to ask - how did he feel about this change?

"I'll share my toys with both of them," Marley replied in a small, crackly voice as he yawned. Sandra and Hal smiled and let him get on with the sweet dreams he would surely have.

Summer Roth and Hollis Roth were welcomed into the world by a family who were ready to wrap them in the finest fabrics and hit go on countless, certainly not priceless gift deliveries. This was especially true for Hal's parents. Nana Stella did wish she could get more a look in when it came to the attention paid by Nana Rosalind; then again, she wanted to give her fellow lady of luncheon some grace.

Two granddaughters ensured certain traditions would carry on long after their generation was in wind.

[lasudio]

VeronaHills, Round Seventeen: Capp (A)

Cordelia was glad for Trent to have experienced another Capp family gathering before he died.

The theme was part housewarming on account of Goneril, Rosalind and Miranda moving in, part celebration of the next generation coming up. A prelude playdate with Patience and Autumn kicked off the proceedings in the afternoon, and Cordelia was pleased to observe their good manners at the tea party she MC'd. Such little dots her granddaughters were - though growing up on the farm had Autumn being more inclined to get grubby in the garden!

Next on the schedule, the family members of wine drinking age arrived, including Trent's daughter Tina. However, she didn't have a drop of Capulet Wine that evening. It was a surprise to see her waddle up to the front door belly-first, and Cordelia knew for a fact wasn't married or otherwise committed, but Trent was beside himself with happiness regardless. Had he not collapsed in the garden later that week and succumbed to years of hiking and sun damage taking their toll, he would have been a fantastic grandfather.

Presently, Cordelia made a note to discuss the matter of Tina and her baby with Goneril. She needed a non-emotive perspective on her soon-to-be step-grandchild. "Not anymore," her snippy sibling would probably remark, which would be a little thoughtless, but they would probably be right.

Some more time to grieve, then the matter would be discussed... though it seemed the topic was on more minds than one.

"I'm sorry about your step-dad, lad." Leod delivered his condelences in a husky voice as he received a massage from Tybalt in the conservatory hot tub. "Seemed nice. And just when he was about to be a grand-da."

Tybalt smiled and graciously accepted his lover's thoughts - it was easy to when it sounded like they were delivered in a lilted lullaby. On the inside, though, he wanted to crash out of the hot tub then and there and bring its water with him in a tsunami to the town centre. This bloody village! Can't mind its bloody own..!

[lasudio]

VeronaHills, Round Seventeen: Beech (Beach)

Virginia had images of her dad she wanted to remember forever.

In his recliner on the beach, the tropical pattern of his shirt blending in with the cushions, talking to mum as her spirit danced in the waves. Quinn in his arms, being the attentive grandfather he was, explaining the importance of putting on sunscreen because the sun above them could be very hot. Always wearing his crocheted bucket hat, always with a smile on his face.

Of course, Hamilton Beech was only human. Towards the end, he shied away from the sun more and more, favouring naps indoors. He began telling everyone at breakfast that he'd seen Sandy going into the bathroom when he got up to use it in the night - she was putting on her makeup and asking him where he was taking her for date night. He was frightened at first, but then began to go to bed earlier and earlier, just to be closer to seeing her again.

That morning when Scot went to wake him for breakfast and came jogging back down to take Virginia's arm with tears in his eyes, gently so as to not to worry Quinn, they knew - dad had finally gone with mum on that date night. The corners of his mouth were turned upwards; he was laid back, soaking up the sun.

Dad, mum, nana. Virginia thought back to when she was a teenager and these parents and guardians were immortal, applauding her achievements and reminding her to be good to her little brother. Oh, Rocky - how she hoped to never hear him sob like he'd done on the phone again. It wasn't fair that mum and dad wouldn't see him graduate, find a career path, find his person, start a family.

Virginia resolved to be Rocky's rock. To her delight, she and Scot were expecting a second child, but she would always make time for her little brother, and remember the sun on her dad's face.

[lasudio]

VeronaHills, Round Seventeen: Sharpe (Beach)

Aunt Mary was visiting! The beach breeze smelled peachier when she walked in the door.

Effie couldn't remember meeting her aunts and uncles when she was born. All she really knew was the pictures mum showed to her, that seemed to have so many aunts and uncles stuffed in together, they couldn't fit in the frame! But here was aunt Mary, scooping her up into warm arms, smelling sweet like the fruit salad mum made. Her face seemed to be eternally crinkled up into a smile and that made Effie want to smile too.

Everyone else in the house had been frowning more lately - not in a mean or sad way, but because of The Baby. Effie had been informed she was going to be starting school soon, which was another whole thing to deal with, but she was also going to be a Big Sister. That meant moving into a Big Girl Room upstairs.

That meant everything was changing.

All was not lost, however, because aunt Mary said: "I'm a big sister too. In fact, I'm the biggest sister, like you'll be. How cool is that?"

When baby brother Wilbur came home and was the subject of much attention, aunt Mary's wisdom perched on Effie's shoulders. She stood up tall, surveyed her old room for one last time, and set off to make The Baby welcome.

[lasudio]

VeronaHills, Round Seventeen: Wan (City)

From friendly boy to charming man: the Cian Barnett story.

He waved hello to Carmen the cashier at the game store, making sure to compliment her blue hairband matching her eyes. He invited Lilita and Vespera to hang out most days after school - it made things that much easier when they both had a simple commute upstairs to get home. He reached out to Eartha, a girl from Riverblossom Hills who had mutual contacts and was was keen to see some city sights. Soon the place was abuzz, with each peal of laughter and soft giggle adding kindling to Cian's confidence.

Patricia was the proud mum, watching her boy's posture straighten up and reach the sky. She had a girl friend visiting too, though it was a shame those words were separated in this case. Candy Hart was more beautiful in real life than the authorial portrait inside her book covers could possibly portray!

"Pat, you know I hate to disappoint when it comes to love," said Candy, "but if I were anything but straight, I would definitely know by now, and we'd be doing a lot more than just coffee." She nodded towards the group of teens making snacks in the kitchen and switched to a hushed tone. "Your casanova kid could have something going on with my sister, too. Best leave them to it."

So wise, so gracious! Pat smiled knowingly at Candy, called out a 'see you later' to Cian and the girls, and lead the way to hot cappuccinos (not a euphemism, and that was okay).

"Wow, she IS hot in real life," Cian uttered after Candy waved goodbye and shut the door. He realised when Eartha's jaw dropped that that was not the charming thing to say about a girl's much older sister, in front of said girl. Shit. Gotta save the moment!

"You know who else is hot? Vespera!"

Even the greatest of players always had a chance of fumbling the ball.

[lasudio]

VeronaHills, Round Seventeen: Furley (City)

The girls were growing up through the storm of grief.

Delilah wanted better for them than the apartment that still had their dad's cologne hanging in the air, the sting of it watering their eyes in every corner. Putting dishes away in the very same appliance that had caused the accident in front of their little eyes, the image of which they'd been reconciling in therapy ever since. Now they were teens and could make their own meals, Delilah often came across them handwashing plates and forks, shooting her smiles that were just a little big.

The landlord would probably understand and even endorse replacing the unit, but Delilah preferred the option of moving away entirely. She was surprised when she shared her perspective and the girls were unsure.

"Cian lives downstairs!" said Vespera.

"And Vespy wants to kiss him again," Lilita added for context, gently shoulder nudging her twin with a sly grin.

Connections - of course. That's why Delilah and Phin moved here in the first place. The village could only fit so many networking events in its dinky old community centres. The city was one big beautiful network of people who knew people, and its skyscrapers had a way of illustrating the sky being the limit! Delilah wasn't thinking of leaving the city for the village, though - she'd heard good things from Mitch about Desiderata Valley's growth as a cultural hub. Still, it was agreed to put a pin in the idea of moving for now.

Grief could follow them anywhere, dishwasher or not.

[lasudio]

VeronaHills, Round Seventeen: Capp (B)

It was hard, saying so many goodbyes at once.

Somerset and Ladybug, the most pair bonded cat and dog that Goneril could imagine, passed away within minutes of each other. It seemed they wanted to remain paw-in-paw on the rainbow bridge. The children came together to hug, cry, calm themselves with cups of tea, all of which was overseen (and joined in) by Rosalind, while Goneril took on the logistics of ensuring a smooth burial at Suncreek Cemetery. If they were staying on at the house, they would have been laid to rest under one of the trees in the garden, but alas - the decision had been made to accept Cordelia's proposal and move into the main house.

Another goodbye to the home that had raised five children, the youngest of which was now at university. Ginger would be in good company with her cousins at Capulet House but she would be missed: she was their chosen girl. Rosalind had to take more time to cry, hug family members, and make soothing cups of tea when their little girl left - even Goneril's stiff upper lip quivered a little.

Hal, their only boy, shared wisdom on a final visit before the big move: "home is where the heart is." Cliché but true! Goneril was not going to scoff at such platitudes tonight. They were going to be grateful and gracious in saying goodbye.

"One door closes, another opens," Hal continued, over-confidently. Goneril turned and raised their razored eyebrows at him, as if to say: now that is a plebian misstep too far, my boy. Then, they laughed.

Perhaps it could be an opportunity to relax a little.

[lasudio]

VeronaHills, Round Seventeen: Shikibu

It was time for a second opinion when it came to Kestrel's condition.

Cleo had welcomed a new medical professional on her team before retirement, one Oberon Summerdream. His education was ongoing but his perspective on faerie physiology was worth its weight in gold leaves, especially as their population was growing in the village. He happily agreed to do a favour for the doctor who gave him a chance to enter the field, and met with Kestrel in the Shikibu home.

"Honestly, I'm doing okay," the teen said, her eyes floating upwards with thought. "I do wish I could hang out outside with everyone else. But the sun, it just - fwoosh!" Her arms flew out as she delivered the onomatopeia, and Oberon couldn't help but stare at her canines as she spoke. They were rather long for - well, not just a faerie, but for anyone!

Dear Dr Shikibu,

I hope this email finds you well. I prefer a message whispered to the trees to pass along in the wind, but I digress.

Thank you for entrusting me with the task of diagnosing Kestrel. I understand this has been a work in progress and I am glad to help in any way I can.

To the point now - I have a theory.

Not all faerie clans worship the same sun, or practise the same magic. There are whispers - yes, from the trees - of rituals performed by forest dwellers that have had unintended consequences.

I believe Kestrel was born in one such clan that has attempted to gain power without an equivalent offering.

As a result, I imagine, the spirits of nature have made their displeasure clear. These forest dwellers became perhaps stronger, yes, but at the cost of their connection to the sun, who now turns them away with harsh symptoms.

I intend to research this theory further. Finding one of these sunless folk would be most beneficial to support my theory.

For now, bar any sun exposure, Kestrel is in good health. Your installation of sunlamps will continue to keep her energised. Keeping up fluids is also important; she responds well to water exposure, which is a blessing.

Would you like me to reach out to the Land family? Kestrel tells me she was at the orphanage with the boy Loren. He is likely to have the same background and condition.

Kind regards,

Oberon Summerdream | Medical Researcher

Cleo must've read the email at least ten times. Finally, a theory! A very unusual one, not necessarily founded in known science, but still - answers were possible, after all.

The third opinion she'd procured from another fae villager, Woody Weiss, hadn't been so useful for solving the medical mystery, but he did provide invaluable and non-judgmental company for Kestrel. Playing video games all night under a sunlamp? Hella valid, according to him, and maybe climate change was to blame for the harsh sun! Well, he wasn't entirely wrong about that...

While Cleo was deep in thought, the potatoes on the stove boiled over and burned, and the acrid smell wrenched her back to day-to-day reality. The fire department arrived within minutes before the whole kitchen and house could be engulfed, and while Cleo waited outside with Chloe the cat in her arms, relieved her wife and daughter were at work and school respectively, she had a horrid thought.

If Kestrel was home, she would've had to evacuate too - 'bar any sun exposure'...

Cleo wasn't sure she could trust herself to cook anymore.

[lasudio]

VeronaHills, Round Seventeen: Goldstein

Crisp air caressed Jacob and Viola on the deck of Villa de Simoleon.

Aunt Bianca's holiday home in Three Lakes was appropriately appointed, as Viola expected for a Monty family member: private sauna, private lake, private everything for honeymoon activities. Jacob hadn't grown up far from the lap of luxury either, and he was still surprised by the level of comfort afforded in the cabin, kindly loaned as their honeymoon destination.

"She asked me to take good of you," Jacob mentioned, after they both toasted to the generous Bianca Goldstein with the bottle of champagne that had been waiting in a gift basket for them on arrival. "The night before we left."

Viola exhaled, her breath noticably hanging in the air. "Me too. She asked me to take care of you." It seemed their elegant Bianca was a big cheerleader for their marriage, which made them both feel warm.

The return home was characterised by major developments that caused the family to rally around: beloved dog Ursula passed away in her sleep, having lived a long and lovely life with Antonio and the twins. Viola was particularly distraught, for days, which (coupled with some other symptoms) prompted her to take a certain test, and sure enough: not only was she grieving her best girl, but she and Jacob were expecting a baby!

Grandfathers-to-be of the house rallied around the couple. Bianca set aside sparkling grape juice and decorations for a baby shower. Carl the cat became quite attached to Viola, sleeping near her stomach at every opportunity.

Everyone wanted to be a part of the little one's journey.