xp_logs | Sooraya & Lorna: daily life in the Underground (backdated)

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Sooraya and Lorna work with a family in the Underground.

"How about you read this for me, Anna, while I go check in with your brother. Can you circle for me the laws that you think that are fair and put a cross in front of the one you think that aren't?" Sooraya asked the tween sitting next to her on the ratty sofa, her golden skin gleaming in the low light. At the girl's nod, Sooraya moved over to her brother, his skin shining silver. "How are you doing with those dates, Eddie?"

"Hello kids." The green haired woman set down some boxes nearby, "Hey Sooraya. I think they are taking a liking to you." Lorna smiled at the scene before her.

"That looks pretty good to me. Why don't you go ahead and put them on the timeline?" Sooraya watched for a moment as Eddie started his work, then rose to greet Lorna. "Hey Lorna. I hope so, because after we are done with this, I'm gonna be giving math homework they need to finish before their math tutor comes." She grinned at bit at the groan coming from the couch, then eyed the boxes curiously. "Coming to drop of some supplies?"

"Math? So harsh." She teased, "Yup. We got some food and a few other items that the household needs. Wish I could visit all the safehouses but we will do the best we can."

A wince stole over Sooraya's face as she agreed: "Yeah, we could a bit more support there. But Nat will be happy with these." She picked up a few of the boxes, moving towards the kitchenette in the next room. "Nat, we've some supplies for you."

A slender woman with her skin gleaming the same gold as her daughter came in the room. "Thanks Sooraya. I was running empty on some things..."

"Lorna is the one who dropped them of. Not me." Sooraya added as she handed over the boxes.

"You are just as important Sooraya. What you do for the children. That is what we need more of for sure." Lorna walked in after Sooraya.

Sooraya grinned. "How about we just agree we both have our parts to play?" Her face soon turned serious. "By the way, Nat was wondering if how the safety situation is around here lately The kids are kinda getting cooped up and it's affecting their behavior." As if on cue a plaintive shout came from the tiny living room and Sooraya raised an eyebrow as if to say "See!"

"Agreed." The green haired girl said and put on her thinking cap. "I would say they are pretty safe. I don't see why they can't go to the park down the street. I would recommend that someone goes with them to watch." Turning her head to look over her shoulder. "Reminds me of me when I was their age."

Sooraya looked over at Nat and when their mother nodded, she poked her head around the door. "Pack away the history, guys. We are going to get some fresh air. I'll show you your math homework when we get back. Nat, you want to tag along? I bet you haven't been out for a bit either."

"Sure." Nat put away the final groceries, then went to get her coat.

"Lorna, why don't you join us for a bit as well?" Sooraya checked with her companion. "I don't know the neighborhood well enough yet, so an extra pair of eyes can't hurt."

"Sure." Lorna didn't have to be back at work today, so she had the afternoon free. "A little fresh air never hurt anyone."

XXX

"Glad the weather is so nice." Sooraya walked along side Lorna and Nat, Anna and Eddie chasing each other around in front of them. Many of the trees around them were bare, but the pine trees were still a bright green. "It's been raining far much the last few days. How are things going, Lorna? I hope things have been quiet?"

"I wish. But there is always something to do. I go and take my test to get my license soon. So that is exciting."

"You're right, that is pretty exciting. Is it just theory or do you also have to some practical stuff?" Sooraya asked curiously, though her eyes remained on the kids on front of her. Soft music sounded from close by and the bright lights of a small funfair cut through the quiet evening. Several people were standing around a carousel and a hotdog vendor prized his wares.

"Mom! Mom! Can we go to the fair? We haven't been for ages!" Eddie ran up to this mother.

"I have a better idea, Eddie." Lorna lowered herself to Eddie's height. "Why don't the next time I come and visit, I bring the fair to you." She knew it would be dangerous for them to wonder into populated area. Especially since they were supposed to be in hiding. "Even through in a bounce house."

Eddie looked at Lorna for a moment before turning pleading eyes on his mom. "Please?"

"I'm sorry, Eddie. We can't."

Sooraya quickly placed a comforting hand on Nat's shoulder when she noticed the tremble in her voice. "Maybe some other time, Eddie. Why don't we head to the pond? Isn't that where that swing branch is that you told me about and that you liked so much?"

"A fantastic idea, Sooraya. I've heard you can catch bullfrogs there as well." Lorna nodded trying to keep things positive. "And when we get back to the house, we can make our own hotdogs."

"And wasn't there that rare flower you wanted to show me, Anna?" Sooraya turned towards her other pupil, who was also looking rather glum. "With a bit of luck we can take some pictures and see if we can get it confirmed that it truly is the flower you are thinking of?" She firmly turned unto the path that would take them away from the fair and that would take them towards the pond. "I also have some bread, I think."

"Feeding the ducks is for children." Eddie scoffed even as he followed them down the same path.

Lorna fell in line next to Eddie, "You know, I don't think the ducks think that way." Lorna started saying, "They might even be thankful for the food. We can even name them."

Eddie was still silent as Lorna spoke: "I also think there are good climbing trees nearby." That seemed to peak his interest.

"I know there are. And there we have the pond already. Go and have some fun." Sooraya suggested to the kids as she, Nat and Lorna continued down the path that circled the pond. "Unless one of you is in the mood to climb trees?"

"Nah, I take to the skies often. I do like my feet on the ground when I can." Lorna said with a wink. From this distance she could still keep an eye on the kids, but there was no one else around - that was comforting. "Unless you have a hobby I don't know about Sooraya."

"Not my strongest suit." Nat quickly demurred, though her eyes were twinkling.

"No climbing trees unless I'm in sand form, Lorna. Am not planning on that today." Sooraya pulled a small bag of bread remains from her pocket. "I think Anna and Eddie are pretty busy... how about we go feed some ducks?"