Chapter Fifty Nine

Not long after the wedding, there was more cause for celebration in the family as it was a joint birthday for Niamara and the triplets.

Nia went first, held up to the birthday cake by her grannie to blow out the candles.

She aged up into a lovely, if somewhat over-emotional child and Tamara worried about how she would react when she understood that her mother had effectively abandoned her.

She didn't have much time to worry though as it was also time for the triplets to grow up to toddlers.

First Karal 

Followed by Kariny 

And finally Kyra.  

Mira and Liang had been invited over to the Sperie-Sabo's for a "little get-together" to celebrate the birth of Fabio and Adalyn's first child, a boy called Kane, so Tamara took charge of feeding the triplets and putting them to bed. 

The party was quite a relaxed affair, just a few friends and close family.  Mira spent some time catching up with Fabio

While Liang discussed magic, especially binding spells with Aquarius and, having recognised his heritage immediately, asked him to keep an eye out for any powers the young triplets (or Mira's new baby when it arrived) might develop while he couldn't be there.

Unfortunately, as the party was breaking up and the guests were leaving, Mira went into labour.

Liang wanted to drive her to the hospital but she insisted on going straight home instead. 

They didn't even get into the house before Mira gave birth though. 

Again she had a multiple birth, this time having twins, a boy whom they called Dyan and a girl they called Dorilys.

Unfortunately their happiness was not to last, the very next morning Liang got the phone call he'd been dreading.

"Liang, it's your mother, I'm sorry child but the binding is weakening, you're going to have to come home as quickly as you can.  I wish I could give you more time with your children but it won't hold any longer." 

"I'll be there as soon as I've said goodbye to Mira." 

Leaving the nursery, he went in search of Mira who'd just woken up.  "I'm sorry my love, I've just had a call from my mother, I have to return to Shang Simla.  Get dressed and meet me outside as soon as you can." 

Outside, he embraced her and they kissed goodbye. 

Then Mira watched as Liang began to meditate, her eyes welling up with tears she blinked to clear her gaze and he was gone. 

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Town News

• Tyson Marlin got a job in the military.
• Gideon Harris & Quynh Sperie got engaged.
• Scarlett and Elijah McKinley had (another) baby boy called Bernard.
• Ryan Crist and Faye McKinley started dating.
• Adabella Sperie and Gary Fields-Vamp started dating.
• Adalyn & Fabio Sperie-Sabo had a baby boy called Kane.

Chapter Fifty Eight

After Miralys had given birth and all three babies were safely in their cribs, she and Liang retired to her room.

Mira was tired after the long labour, but not too tired to show Liang just how pleased she was to see him and how happy she was that he'd made it in time for the birth of their children. 

In the morning Joshua and Tamara volunteered to look after the babies for the day and sent Mira and Liang off for some time alone.  The two of them were by now experienced in looking after babies and were happy to dote on their three new grandchildren.  Mira and Liang had called their little boy Karal and the two girls Kyra and Kariny.

Of course, Joshua and Tamara were careful not to leave Niamara out of things and spent plenty of time playing with her in between feeding and changing the babies.

Mira took Liang to the local beach bar, where he bought drinks for the two of them.

As the two of them drank, Mira asked Liang how he'd been able to get away given his responsibilities in Shang Simla.

"I can't remember whether I told you back in Shang Simla but when my ancestors imprisoned Dong Hua all those centuries ago, the dragon who helped them passed some magic into them and it has carried down in the blood to all of us who are descended from them.  It isn't a great deal, but it is enough that working together we are able to put the Dragon Cave where he is imprisoned out of time for a short while.  It won't last for long and my mother will call me home when she sees the spell will fail soon as if it fails that will in itself be enough to wake Dong Hua."

Mira immediately realised the unspoken import of what Liang had just told her.  "So, if you have magic in your blood passed down the generations, does that mean our children will inherit it?"

"Yes, almost certainly, although for most of us it remains dormant unless we choose to learn how to use it.  However it is possible that their powers will be stronger and that they may not remain dormant.  It's also possible that they will inherit something from your side of the family; Mother told me she saw that there are powers in your blood too."

"But don't worry too much about it now, we'll deal with that if it happens"  added Liang kissing her "for now, let's just enjoy being with each other" 

Having successfully distracted Mira from her worries, Liang then went down on one knee...

"Miralys, I know I can't be here for you and for our children permanently, and I know you can't move to Shang Simla with me, but I love you and if I can't be here I can at least give you my name and our children legitimacy.  I will understand if you want to find someone else who can be here for you, but would you do me the honour of becoming my wife?" 

"Oh, Liang, I would love to.  I know what you're doing back in Shang Simla is important and I'd rather be married to you and living apart than be with anyone else!  Of course I'll marry you!"

Meanwhile, back home, Rascal had grown from a kitten to an adult cat while everyone else was preoccupied with the babies. 

Mira and Liang sent out invitations to some of Mira's friends for a wedding at the Clemetis house a few days later, and the night before the wedding Mira realised she was pregnant again.

The wedding day itself didn't get off to a great start, as the Grim Reaper turned up to take Midnight.

The whole family were saddened see the Grim Reaper ride Midnight's spirit away, even though he had lived to a great old age.

However, it wasn't long before the guests arrived and everyone gathered in the back yard to watch Mira and Liang exchange vows.

The happy couple exchanged rings and Mira took Liang's name.  When it came to signing the register, they also made sure that the triplets were given their father's surname.

All the guests applauded (and cried) as the wedding ceremony concluded. 

Before following the newly-weds inside for the ceremonial cutting of the cake and a delicious wedding buffet. 

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Pet Spam

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Town News

• Menolly has given birth to a baby girl called Bobbie.
• Gideon Harris has been dating Stacia Fields-Vamp and Quynh Sperie.
• Tempest Ocean and Adamina Sperie have split up.
• Adabella Sperie has adopted a dog called Ancha.
• Quetzl has got a new job as a paparazzi.
• Elijah McKinley has aged to Adult and adopted a dog called Bonnie.
• Ellis Harris and Nathaniel McKinley are expecting a baby.

Chapter Fifty Seven

When Mira got back from China she found her parents had expanded the barn and added a full extra storey and a covered area for the horse stalls.

She didn't have long to see what they'd done as it was nearly time for Nia to grow up. 

Once Nia had grown up, Mira spent some time cuddling her 

And playing some tickling games. 

Once she'd put Nia to bed, the adults sat down to a family meal and Mira told her parents all about her adventures in Shang Simla.

Mira was keen to keep up her Sim Fu now she was back from China and was delighted to discover that the workout dummy and board breaker she'd ordered had already arrived.

Meanwhile, Tamara had brought Nia outdoors to teach her how to walk.  Nia seemed to really love being outdoors with all the different sights and sounds.

When Mira started feeling sick partway through the afternoon, she thought that the cake she'd eaten must have been a bit rich. 

So she went back outside and continued practising. 

It wasn't until a little while later that she realised that her sickness was actually a sign that she was pregnant. 

She immediately phoned Liang to tell him the news and he was absolutely delighted and promised to do his absolute best to make it over to Dragon Falls in time for the birth.  There were special wards they could put up around the Dragon Cave to keep things safe for short periods.

Not long after Mira discovered she was pregnant, Joshua's birthday came around.  He still didn't like strangers much so  it was just Tamara and Mira there to celebrate with him. 

Once the birthday celebrations were over, Mira told her parents about her news.  They were delighted but a little concerned when she told them the father of her unborn child was unable to come and live with her. 

Joshua in particular was concerned, remembering his childhood with only his mother around, but he put that to one side to feel his daughter's tummy and soon found himself excited at the prospect of another grandchild. 

As they all sat down to dinner, Tamara finally got round to explaining the new extension on the barn to Mira.

"We thought that since you're a grown adult now you should have your own space so we've extended the barn and added a nice little granny flat above it.  We were going to wait until Nia got a little older before moving over there but in the circumstances we'll move over there now and take Nia with us."

"Oh Mum, you don't have to do that!  The two of you shouldn't be up all hours of the night with a toddler at your age..."

"Oh don't be silly, it's not like we have jobs to go to, the horse races aren't until the evening and Joshua can garden any time of the day or night.  Besides, you shouldn't be up looking after your sister's child when you're pregnant with your own".

Despite her pregnancy, Mira found time to take Nia over to the public library and read lots of toddler books to her.  She was determined that Nia should suffer as little as possible from the lack of her parents in her life.

Meanwhile, with Mira having taken Nia out of the house, Tamara invited Menolly over to  see how she was getting on.  When she arrived it was clear that she also was pregnant.  

"Yes, it's Tyson Marlin's, but we've parted ways already.  He needn't think that me having his baby means he has any claim over me"

"Well, I'm delighted to have another grandchild, especially since Mira is having a baby too, but don't think you can leave this child with us too.  We were happy to take Nia under the circumstances but this was all your choice and you're going to have to live with the consequences."

Menolly rolled her eyes at that, "Yes, Mum, I know and I had no intention of asking you to bring this child up for me.  I don't suppose though that you'd let me have one of the kittens?  Smudge is getting awfully old now and I'd love a kitten..."

"Of course you can dear, didn't we promise you that?" 

Mira's pregnancy continued very normally and she spent a lot of time reading about what to expect through the pregnancy and once her child was born.  She couldn't exercise the way she wanted to while she was pregnant and reading helped take her mind off the fact that Liang hadn't made it over yet.

Joshua and Tamara meanwhile had moved into their new set of rooms over the barn and had taken Nia along with them where they continued to teach her important skills like using the potty properly

And Tamara spent ages teaching her how to talk and reading out loud to her. 

Liang eventually made it over to Dragon Falls and was greeted outside the house by Joshua who overcame his fear of strangers in order to make sure that Liang was going to treat his daughter properly!It turned out Liang hadn't arrived a moment too soon as Mira went into labour shortly after.  She refused to go to hospital saying that she was fine and they only needed to go if there were any problems with the delivery. As it turned out there were no problems, but there was a significant surprise as Mira gave birth not to one child but to triplets!  She, Liang and Joshua took the babies up to the nursery she'd prepared earlier (after Joshua quickly got two old cots out of storage)

In all the excitement, the family almost missed Tamara ageing up to an elder but Joshua made it over there just in time.

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Pet Spam

(Including Beauty ageing from a foal which I couldn't find space for in the story)

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Town News

• Nathaniel McKinley got a job in the military
• Scarlett McKinley aged to Adult and got a job as an equestrian
• Pacey Harris got a part-time job in the supermarket
• Gary Fields-Vamp and Irish Marlin went steady for a while but then split up
• Menolly Clemetis got pregnant by Tyson Marlin and then split up with him
• Harper Harris adopted a pet cat called Bodica
• Quyhn Sperie got a job as a professional sportswoman
• Raindrop Ocean and Anastasia McKinley started dating
• Fabio Sabo adopted a cat called Elwood, and started dating Adalyn Sperie (who had aged to YA and got a job in business), she got pregnant and they got married and changed their names to Sperie-Sabo
• Adabella Sperie aged to YA and got a job as a professional writer
• Adamina Sperie aged to YA and got a job as a cook
• Dasia Harris-Crist got a job in the music industry
• Blue Mitchell got a job in the military and adopted a kitten called Snowshoe
• Ryan Crist aged to YA and got a job as a professional sportsman
• Derrick and Dasia Harris-Crist had a baby boy called Rian
• The McKinleys adopted two foals called Boogie and Clark
• Danya Crist aged to Adult
• Seirian Roman aged to Adult
• Ellis Harris aged to YA and got a job in the fire service
• Tylar Marlin aged to YA and got a job in business
• Scarlett and Elijah McKinley are expecting another baby
• Isadora Marlin and Nathaniel McKinley started dating
• Tylar Marlin and Ryan Crist split up
• Glimmer Sabo aged to YA (but hasn't got a job yet)