After I completely refill my spirit lake I open my eyes and go eat. I'm starving!
I sit down at a random seat since it isn't said who's who although some do have favorites. I look at everyone seating in the table. A large number of chairs are empty where the Woods family should be and also because of the spare chairs.
"It's quiet without them." I can't help but mutter when eating.
The Myths family laughs all except Ren since he hasn't met all of the lively Woods family nor has he met everyone seating at the table. He looks around a bit scared by all the people talking.
"You must be Ren. I am Andrew Halo, Aria's father." Uncle Andrew introduces himself when noticing Ren glancing around. "You can call me Uncle Andrew or Mister Halo either is fine."
"You could even call him older brother." Aunt Imogen says before laughing.
Uncle Andrew lips tighten into a straight line before a faint blush comes over his face.
"Aiyah. It's not Uncle Andrew's fault he's the shortest." I smile adding fuel.
Uncle Andrew's blush grows.
"Don't bother about them Hubby. You're perfect." Aunt Alice says and shoots everyone a glare. "You lot stop being so naughty."
"Is it always this cheery?" Ren asks.
"Oh yes. It's even more lively with the Woods since they are loud and can't stop talking. Not to mention the fights. Oh the fights and arguments." Aunt Alice sighs.
"Don't bring them up." Aria's mouth twitches. "Just last week they ate the cake which was meant for a wedding."
"Really?" Ren eyes widen.
"At least you didn't trip into it." Aunt Imogen laughs when remembering that moment. "I still have the photo."
"You said you deleted it!" Aria cries.
Imogen shrugs. "That's what I wanted you to believe or else I wouldn't get to show it around."
"Aunt Imogen!" Aria hisses.
The two have a stare off before Aria creates a portal. Aunt Imogen springs to her feet and runs out of the room.
"Don't you dare Aria Peyton Halo!" We hear her growl before the heavy doors of the dining room close.
"Hahaha. My wife is so adorable." Austin laughs cheerily.
Ren looks at him.
"I'm Austin Fox, Atasi's father. Imogen is my wife." He introduces himself.
"Oh. Nice to meet you." Ren says ignoring the smile on Austin's face showing that he has done something.
I continue to stare at Austin before asking, "What did you do?"
"What ever do you mean, Adira Yukimura?" Austin asks with a smile.
"We can all see it Uncle Austin. Your smile has revealed you." Kian points out.
"Aw. Well if you want to know. My dear wife doesn't have the photos." Austin says.
"Where are they then?" Andrew asks.
Austin smiles.
"Austin you fox!" A scream echoes through the castle.
"This is my cue to leave. Buenas noches familia (good night family)." Austin tilts his imaginary hat before teleporting out of the room which is a benefit of the fox species and Uncle Austin's greatest escape route.
"He's going to stay in Spain." Uncle Kingsley shakes his head.
"I told Fourth Sister not to get that vacation villa." Aunt Alice shakes her head.
"That was where Ivan and Idan were conceived." Kiara says.
Everyone nods except Ren who is lost.
"Uncle Austin has fled to Spain so that he doesn't get scolded by Aunt Imogen." Reiji explains. "She has a bit of a temper when he pranks her."
Ren nods. "It's nice to be rich."
"Yes. You can buy anything you want." Reiji agrees. "But to be rich and continue to be rich you have to work hard. Thank goodness that I'm a royal guard so Little Missy pays for me."
Ren nods.
"Our family is mad." Kian mutters.
"When was it ever not?" Ivan and Idan synchronize their words again.
I shake my head and eat everything before grabbing plates that is finished.
"You don't have to Adi. It's Kala and Kailey's turn." Kiara says and urges her children to stand.
"Mother's right." Kala and Kailey agree though they don't like doing the dishes because it 'ruins' their nails.
"No. I haven't eaten with you in half a year. I'll do them." I refuse and take the empty plates to the large family kitchen and begin to wash them thoroughly.
After a while Ren walks in. He gaps in awe at the layout of the kitchen. He then notices me in the corner washing in the huge sink.
"Aren't there any maids? I haven't seen any." He starts.
"No. We have none. We do everything ourselves since there are many people trying to kill us not to mention that there are many things laying around which costs money. Some of us can flick our wrists and it's cleaned." I reply.
"Oh. Then what about the ones that can't?"
"They do it by hand." I stop and look at him. "The parents have forbidden using any magic for the punishment chores which are mainly cleaning after the animals and we have lots. The inside is left to the pixies since how many times we tell them not to they still clean up."
"The pixies do a lot."
"Yes. Without them most things wouldn't be like they are. The pixies help nourish earth so that it's beautiful. The lands that aren't beautiful it's because the pixie has either left or died since there are pixie hunters. They also do a lot in keeping the Royal Castle in Renata clean and organized. Not to mention they tend to the spirit garden which is the largest and most beautiful garden in Renata. The Purple Mountains can't compete with it." I say with a small smile.
"What do Ocean and Lion do?"
"Ocean as his name tends to the ocean and Lion tends to the deserts. They look after a portion with a lot of other pixies. They do come in all shapes and sizes as you would've read in the book."
"I did. It's fascinating. At the beginning of the year I wouldn't have known that the supernatural races weren't just stories or myths but now it's totally different. Like a new world."
"Yeah. A new world." I say absent minded.