Birth
Humanity in Motion :: Nathan Lanier


02 January 2089
Mordaunt Manor
Cambridgeshire, England


The once happy dwelling place was now enveloped in darkness. Although the trinkets made of silver and gold were kept clean, the pride and glory that it once held no longer saw the cheery light of day. Heavy curtains cloaked the fenestrations, shrouding all of its rooms in mystery, deepening and preserving the memories held within the four corners of the stately home.

The deafening silence was disturbed by a towering man in his early 50s as he appeared in one of the hallways, dressed in his signature attire of command. His clothing reflected the heaviness of his surroundings; mysterious, silent, completely devoid of emotion. This man was of signature calm, albeit the strong aura of power and intimidation. The slow but steady thud of his boot heels against the carpeted floor resounded, shattering the eerie stillness of the early hours of dawn like a dull rumbling of thunder.

Despite the detached expression worn on his aged face, Aldrich was thankful for the silence that immediately coiled around his mind. A slow, heavy exhale of breath was released to the ether...and an equal amount of soothing, clean air filled his lungs, making his mind, spirit and eyes flower with renewed energy. Naturally, and by habit, Aldrich crossed the room in three clean strides to a set of coffee table, twin armchairs, and at the very heart of this small sanctuary, a silver tray bearing the finest tea set of delicate Japanese porcelain.

The man took refuge in one of the chairs, enveloping his entire back in comfort. The man began to pour the contents into one of the ivory vessels, and the liquid caught the bright light of the evening goddess, Luna. The simple liquid made of water and tea essence transformed into crystalline liquid as it arched out of the pot’s spout. Silvery steam emanated from the lip of the cup, inviting Aldrich’s lips to come and take a sip. An enormous hand wrapped around the delicate porcelain, and soon, the liquid crystal coalesced with his mortal body, lulling him to a calmer state.

If the moon could only talk, it would have made its gentle presence known to the lone man sitting inside his study. The faint glow was not missed by the azure eyes however, prompting the man to sit up, and go through all the letters that was received days prior. A truant, Aldrich made his vexation known with a loud grunt, enough to scare away a herd of Porlocks.

Letters from societies he’s a member of, all addressing issues of complaints. All of them decided to play a game of politics. Going through each letter with calloused fingers, Aldrich scrutinized each word, glaring at the parchments like an unworthy opponent. “Politics. They are one and the same.” He murmured to himself, “Ad hominem.” Carelessly throwing the letters to the floor, the tired man sat down on his chair, and sipped his tea quietly washing away the bitter taste that recently formed in his mouth.

With the silence enveloping the man like a warm blanket, Aldrich did not miss the soft pattering of elf feet on his freshly polished mahogany floor. “Burn those for me.” His voice was gentle, but with an undercurrent of authority and power. Without a moment’s hesitation, Calen, Mordred’s personal house elf was down on its knees, gathering the unwanted correspondences, and threw it at the nearest fireplace. Azure eyes kept track of the tiny creature like a hawk bat, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

“You came here for a reason, Calen. What is it?”

“I came here to deliver the good news, Master.”

“Elaborate, if you would.”

“Your grandson and granddaughter have been born. Master Mordred has personally sent me to give this to you.” A pair of elf hands reached out to the man, bearing a handsome cream coloured envelope. Aldrich, despite his excitement, kept a calm visage and took the envelope from the house elf. “That is all? You may leave.” With a snap of the elf’s finger, it was gone, and back to his master.

Carefully opening the flap, he pulled out the card bearing the birth announcement of his grandchildren. Aldrich took in a long breath, and slowly breathed out at the sight of two small human beings oblivious to the world they were born into. Somewhere in his heart, aged golden strings of paternal love wrapped lovingly around the smaller beating hearts. Though far away from him, Aldrich could feel the bond come alive. As his eyes lovingly stared at the announcement, his thoughts quickly went to his son—most probably in a state of panic, and his daughter-in-law who must be exhausted and drained from giving birth. The proud smile on his face turned into chuckles. A series of melodic baritone notes danced across the room, giving his study a breath of new life as he welcomed the new day with such good news.

Aldrich showed himself out of the house, and into the vast clearing of his stately home. 25 years ago, he had stood in the same spot with his wife Catherine, carrying his infant son Mordred. The young couple has decided to add another preposterous Mordaunt tradition.

25 years ago seemed like it was just yesterday when he held Mordred in his arms. If he had it his way, he would’ve loved to share the moment with Catherine, but just like any Mordaunt tradition—it must be kept alive no matter what.

Oh how he missed his dear, loving wife.

Proud shoulders took a few steps back. In one swift motion, Aldrich ignited the box of fireworks with his wand. The man waited, and in seconds, his eyes reflected the colourful sparks that painted the navy, velvety sky. The silence was shattered into many pieces as the cracking and popping woke up the mortals and spirits alike. No ounce of care could be seen on his face. It was his moment, and it was his entirely.

“Wake up, Catherine. Our grandchildren are here.” He kept his eyes on the colourful display way above his head, as he whispered the words to the world of the dead. He knew within the deepest recesses of his soul that his beloved wife is just around, watching the spectacle with him. “Keep them safe, my beloved wife...” he continued trying his best not to choke for distressing emotions silently made itself known. “And I miss you terribly.” A gentle breeze swept over the man’s face, and Aldrich released the pent up emotions into the ether. “Catherine...”

She was there, amongst the stars and breeze.

And as the skies turned back into a lifeless canvass of dark blue, Aldrich bowed his head back down and without much thought, went back inside the house to finally take a rest from the day’s routine.

On the other side of England, Aldrich and Catherine’s only son stood in his own clearing, gazing at the stars high above. He too lit up fireworks in honour of his twins, as well as to show his gratitude to his own parents. Mordred was sure that his mother and father are proud of him, no matter where they are now.

Life, has never been so good.

SPOILER!!: Replies!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hey Ju

*imagines Simon Cowell going "my heart just can't" and "adfjsndlkfjndsjfg"*

xD

BRAIN TWIN #2 :tackle:

And it would be an interesting RP, right? I wonder if they'll have the same or different reactions.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19

Awwww those letters are so cuteeee! I especially love the one to Noah and Catherine :3

N'aaaw. Thank you, A2! *sprinkles you with luff*