Gen 8 Ch 4

Rolls for Generation 9 - Rose and Coral

Second Chance (two partners, a child with each)

Two children

Primary career: Fortune Teller (Genuine Pyschic)

1st partner's career: artist

2nd partner's career: Magician

Goal: Deadbeat parents

Fun: Partier

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First things first - Topaz quickly located the quaint French marketplace, and the art collector who was interested in her paintings. She introduced herself as Jolene Montague, and proclaimed herself 'smitten' with Topaz' artwork.

"I'll take everything you brought with you, these are amazing."

After their deal was concluded, Topaz headed out the door, eager to check out the rest of the market, but stopped short when she heard Jolene call out behind her.

"Wait a minute!" Topaz was a little taken aback when she turned to find Jolene pointing an animated finger at her chest. "You look like the adventurous type. How would you like to help me research my new book?"

Jolene's 'research', Topaz soon discovered, involved breaking into the old abandoned mansion on the edge of town. At least she recognised the traps at the entrance, from her adventures in Egypt. Who would have thought that the former owners of this French mansion would utilize the same type of traps that the ancient Egyptians used to guard their tombs?

There were more traps in the foyer; luckily the room also boasted a couple of statues that could be used to disarm them. What kind of sickos plant hidden traps in their front entrance, anyway?

This must be the library, where Jolene said Topaz would find the documents - something about a stolen nectar recipe.

Jolene had told her that anyone who managed to make their way past the traps could keep any relics they found inside, but it still seemed a little creepy to Topaz to be tip toeing about lifting vases in what looked like could be someones home.

Jolene had tasked her with finding three documents. The first had been in the library; she located the second outside in the grounds keeper's cabin.

The last one, dealing with the kidnapping of a young girl, was more difficult to find, but Topaz finally discovered it in a small office on the top floor of the mansion.

Jolene was beyond pleased when Topaz presented her with all the documentation she needed for her new book.

"How can I ever thank you?"

Topaz winked at her.

"I have an idea." She grinned as she leaned in for a quick kiss. And the rest, as they say, was history.

Topaz of course stopped off at the tattoo parlor on her way home. She decided on a simoleon symbol to represent the opulent Landgrabb mansion she had explored on her trip.

She could hardly wait to get home to her girls. She knew they were in good hands with her mom and dad, but she missed them fiercely.

"Hey, little Rosie! I missed you girls so much!"

"Mama? Wanna go see Jana! Pwease?"

"My goodness, you learned to talk so well while I was gone! Of course we can visit your cousin."

"How about you, Coral? Do want to go visit Reagan and Jana too?"

"Eeeee! Let's go now, mama!"

Agate and Jojo were not the best company, but Reagan wanted to hear all about Topaz' travels. As she described her latest adventures, Topaz couldn't help but wonder if Reagan and Jana would be getting a new little brother or sister soon. 

Meanwhile, Rose and Coral were thrilled to be playing with their little cousin. It took promises of cookies and bedtime stories to finally get them back in the car when it was time to leave.

When birthday time for the twins rolled around, Topaz went all out on their party. All the relatives were invited - Jade's daughter Crystal, now an elder, Coal's little sister Tifannie and her red-headed husband, and of course Agate and Jojo. They had brand new twin boys at home, and apologized for arriving late - their sitter had not shown up until the last minute.

 Since Rose Beryl was the oldest by a few minutes, she got to blow out her candles first.

Rose cheered enthusiastically as Coral had her turn at the cake, but Topaz suddenly felt hot tears welling up in her eyes. Her babies were growing up.

Topaz closed her eyes and sighed as Eva took the opportunity to poke fun at the proceedings. She couldn't remember any more why she had at one time fallen so hard for Eva. Those emotions had certainly died out years ago,when Eva revealed her antipathy to all things child related.

After the cake, Jojo brought out her guitar, and the dancing began.

Raven kept the drinks flowing from her usual place behind the bar.

To everyone surprise, Rose watched Tifannie's expert dance moves for a few minutes, then enthusiastically jumped out onto the dance floor, copying her great-aunt's steps perfectly.

"Come on, Coral, Reagan - come dance with me!"

"Uh... we don't know how."

"It's easy - like this!" Rose spun adroitly in a complicated dance step, while her sister and cousin watched in amazement.

"Where'd you learn how to do that?"

"I dunno, I just did it."

No one else but Topaz seemed to be aware of one special guest.

"I think that one's gonna be special," Jade gestured to where Rose was tearing up the dance floor.

"They're both special. You were right about them, you know. They're what I was searching for, all along."

And when the inevitable phone call came, asking Topaz to paint several Chinese landmarks for the Bridgeport art gallery, she agreed for one reason only - her girls were old enough now to make the trip with her.

Gen 8 Ch 3

Aunt Jade was at it again. Topaz had heard soft footsteps in the middle of the night, followed by the sounds of one of Agate's childhood video games, emanating from the study. Of course she had to investigate. Ghosts might scare most people, but not her.  Her mother brushed off the nightly noises, saying it was the house settling, but Topaz knew better.

Usually her great aunt would simply ignore her presence, but tonight she rose slowly from the old computer chair, and floated toward toward Topaz. Jade nodded knowingly as Topaz once more tried to ignore the nausea that had been plaguing her for the last few weeks. This time she failed, and found herself running for the bathroom.

She was surprised to see her aunt still waiting in the hall, after she emerged from the bathroom.

"Good for you, girl," her aunt laughed in her breathless, ghostly whisper. "I waited too long. I was too old by the time my Crystal arrived to really enjoy her. But you - heh heh. Just remember what I told you, though."

Topaz remembered. Stand on your own. Don't get tied down. There's always more fish in the sea.

But right now, she was more concerned with the implications of what Jade had just revealed. She rubbed the back of her neck in consternation. Could it be that she was pregnant? But - how? She had never...

Her aunt was fading in the light of dawn, but Topaz heard her laugh as she faded, "Tabitha's magic never fails..."

It was while she and Raven and Coal were visiting with Jojo, that Topaz revealed her secret.

"It happened in Egypt," was all the explanation she would ever give to her family.

Jojo was ecstatic at the prospect of a little niece or nephew, and Coal and Raven were thrilled about grandchild number two.

It so happened that Jojo had an announcement of her own. Topaz' baby would have a new little cousin joining her.

While Jojo and Topaz talked pregnancy and babies, Raven kept big sister Reagan occupied.

To keep herself occupied when she wasn't painting, Topaz decided to redecorate the downstairs entertainment area, using the wonders she had brought back from her Egyptian travels.

"What do you think?" She asked her brother when he came to visit.

"It's nice. You forgot the toy box though."

Topaz let out an exasperated sigh. Then she had to laugh; he was still the same old Agate, and she loved him dearly.

He was much more excited about the new life inside her, than any of the amazing relics surrounding them.

"I can't wait for the babies, can you sis? You'll have to come visit, we have a ton of toys at our house!"

Topaz didn't doubt that, and assured her little brother that she'd bring her little one to visit often.

Eva became a regular fixture in her life. She took the announcement of Topaz' pregnancy with a grain of salt, and never showed much interest in the new life growing inside her.

She always seemed to have her mind on other things....

...and more often than not, invited herself over to spend the night.

It was one of those nights, that Topaz awoke to sharp pains in her belly.

Eva completely freaked out, and in the end it was her mom who bundled her off to the hospital.

The next day she arrived home with not one, but two beautiful little girls. She named the one with her own dark skin Rose Beryl, and the one with lighter skin Coral. As she stood there, it hit home - she was a mother now, and to not one but two precious daughters, and she was overwhelmed with the responsibility of it all.

She wasn't sure what she would have done without the help of grandma and grandpa.

She had hoped that Eva would want to be a part of this whole adventure, but it was not to be. The second Coal started going on about his wonderful grandchildren, Eva reacted like some trapped creature.

"Excuse me, look at the time. I think I'm late for work!"

Eva was always happy to meet Topaz at Eugi's for drinks, although she always made a excuse when Topaz invited her home. Topaz was glad for the company, and the respite from the demands of her twins, but it grated that Eva showed no interest in her babies.

Eva always had other things on her mind, and their nights together always ended the same...

...in the elevator at Eugi's, more likely than not.

As time passed, and Rose and Coral grew into toddlers, she thought she had dispelled the wandering spirit inside her. Her children were enough, more than enough to keep her occupied.

Then one day, her phone rang as she worked at her easel.

"Ms.  Moonstone? I have a client, an art dealer in France, who would like to purchase some of your paintings. He would like to meet you in person, if possible. I have tickets ready for a flight tomorrow morning. Will you go?"

Update

Sorry there's been no update. My little dog has been sick, we had to have him put down today. Maybe later this week I'll get a chapter up. I have most of the pics, just haven't felt like writing anything.

Gen 8 Ch 2

Topaz was sad to see Jojo and her brother move out of the family home. But Coal and Raven had bought them a sprawling ranch house in the hills across the bridge - perfect for the large family that they both dreamed of.

Even though he was off on his own now, Agate would often meet the family at Coal's now very popular Community Garden.

He never failed to pack along one of his favorite cars, just in case he got too bored.

The day after Topaz returned from Egypt, she eagerly headed over to the consignment store to check on the paintings she had dropped off before she left.

"Your paintings are selling quite well, Ms. Moonstone. We'll be happy to take as many as you can provide. You have considerable talent."

Topaz blushed at the compliment. Soon she would have enough money saved to continue her adventures.

It was such a gorgeous day, she decided to walk the few blocks home from the consignment store. As she passed by the local tattoo parlor, she was intrigued by the colorful designs on display. On the spur of the moment, she  walked in to investigate further. Her recent trip had not cured her restlessness at all, and she had a sudden urge to do something wild and crazy.

"What can I get for you? This butterfly is popular with our female customers. Or perhaps a small rose on your ankle?"

Topaz frowned at the selections. She was not going for cute. "No, I want this one. On my shoulder."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

Topaz smiled, pleased with the result. Every time she looked in the mirror, it would remind her of her adventure in the Pyramid of Burning Sands. She could still feel the heat radiating from the walls, and the flames almost catching her as she leaped over the fire traps.

But returning to Egypt meant more paintings for the consignment shop. She was even getting some commissions now. Why anyone would want a rainbow zebra was beyond her, but she happily obliged.

When she wasn't painting, she was checking out the various clubs around town.

She always ended up back at Eugi's, though. There was something about her mom's place that was friendlier that most. Occasionally she would meet  Jojo there for a drink. It had been Jojo's idea to let her hair grow again.

"You always looked so good in that side braid. I don't know why you cut it all off."

"I know. I was mad at Eva, I shouldn't have let her get to me that way."

Everyone was thrilled when Jojo and Agate announced they were expecting their first baby.

"Hehe! I felt her kick!"

"Hehe! When are you gonna have one, Topaz? It would be so cool to be pregnant together!"

Topaz just laughed and shook her head.

"Who am I going to have kids with? I don't think I'll ever have kids."

"Aw, you'll find someone, I just know."

Topaz wasn't convinced. Sure, it would be great to have a kid or two, but with her traveling, and lack of a love life, it wasn't going to happen.

At last! This one should do it. Once it sells, it's off to Egypt again!

As soon as she arrived, Topaz checked in with the relic merchant again. Unfortunately she had not seen any mummitomium come into her shop recently. And when Topaz on an impulse asked after the strange woman she had met on her last trip, she was only met with silence. She thought she heard the merchant mutter something that sounded a lot like 'witch', as she turned away.

At a dead end where the mummitomium was concerned, she decided to investigate the Great Sphinx. Rumors she had picked up in the market spoke of a shrine deep inside, that would grant a boon to whomever might discover it.

As she entered the last room in the maze that was the Sphinx's interior, Topaz felt a sudden peace come over her. For a few moments everything was clear. She knew not only where to find the mummitomium, but also how she must tame the restlessness inside of her.

As soon as she left the glow of the Soulpeace Statue, however, the vision dissipated, and she found herself heading out into the desert. She walked, trying to clear her head, until she noticed the sun setting. It was getting dark, and she was out in the middle of nowhere.

"Still searching, I see."

Topaz glanced up in surprise. She had arrived at a small oasis, and there before her was the mysterious woman, the one the merchant had labeled 'witch'.

Before Topaz could say a word, she continued, " Come, sit with me a while. I rarely get company."

Intrigued, Topaz complied. It was so..peaceful here. It reminded her of something, right at the edge of her memory, but she couldn't quite place it.

After a while, the woman leaned over and whispered, "I can help you, if you wish it. A cure for your restlessness, so to speak."

She took Topaz' hand in hers and pulled her to her feet.

"Will you let me help you?" She whispered again.

Lost in her expressive lavender eyes, her heart now pounding in her throat, Topaz swallowed hard, and nodded ever so slightly.

"Come then, stay with me tonight."

Afterward, Topaz could never quite recall the details of that night; the sweet, intoxicating smell of incense filled her mind and blurred her thoughts.

She sleep dreamlessly, and woke the next morning before the sun. Tabitha - she had at last learned her name - sent her off with a gentle kiss and two pieces of mummitomium.

It was an easy task to bypass the traps into the Morcucorp headquarters, drop off the bribe, and acquire the location of the coveted relic.

The map showed a location deep inside the Pyramid of the Sky. She carefully checked the area for Morcucorp agents before venturing inside. After all that trouble, it wouldn't do to be followed.

The place was a maze of swamps and pools. Now she had to find her way through before the Morcucorp agents did.

Every second she was inside, she expected to see enemy agents creeping up behind her, but she managed to make it through, and claimed the relic for the people of Al Simhara. This was one piece that wouldn't be heading for the black market.

Back in Bridgeport, the whole episode at the oasis seemed like a distant dream. She certainly didn't feel any less restless than before. And the image of the mysterious Tabitha was fast fading from her memory. Before it faded completely, she stopped at the tattoo parlor. The tattoo artist eyed her strangely when she ordered a tattoo of a woman with long dark purple hair, but Topaz was pleased to have a permanent reminder of her second trip to Egypt.

After finishing at the tattoo parlor, she headed over to Eugi's, to meet up with the old crowd and relax a little. She was surprised to find Eva waiting in the lobby.

"I heard you were back. I was hoping I would find you here."

Topaz wasn't sure quite what to make of this.

"Uh, Hi Eva. What did you want?"

"I.. well, first I wanted to apologize for the way I treated you in high school. I was so afraid my parents would find out that I liked you. They don't approve of that kind of thing. And also.... have a drink with me? Can we talk?"

"Sure, I'll have a drink with you."

"Thanks, Topaz," Eva leaned closer. "This means so much to me."

Before Topaz realized what was happening, Eva's lips brushed against hers. She thought she had been over Eva for a long time now, but in that moment all the old feelings came rushing back, and she surprised herself by returning the kiss.

"I've never gotten over you, you know," Eva whispered seductively as Topaz hit the button for the lower level, and the doors closed behind them.