How Green Becomes Wood

[pandakatiefominz]

Dark seldomly clapped, partially because he was helping to restrain his daughter--especially when the sea lion came marching, because she squirmed in his lap like she wanted to go pet the largest 'puppy' she had ever seen--but he was absolutely enjoying the show.

At the end, there was a fun "big finish" with many exciting tricks, colourful lights, and music. At the very end, the sea lions all gave a bow and were promptly all given more fish before galumphing back off stage.

 

[BookKnight]

"I think that was the coolest thing I've ever seen!" Alec grinned. "Did you see the way they moved? They have such a weird way of moving! And barking! Kind of barking. So weird! And then they get in the water and zip! So graceful and fast!"

"That was pretty cool," Xander admitted.

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"I have never seen anything quite like that," Dark admitted, standing up since the show was over, "and Ivy loved it, didn't you, Tifla? I do not know if I have ever heard you laugh quite so hard."

 

[BookKnight]

Alec grinned as he stood up. He reached out and gripped Dark's arm briefly. "Thank you for bringing us." Then he got distracted. "Look! That seagull is teasing a fish in that pond!"

Xander glanced at Ivy briefly and smiled before following Alec. "It was cool."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

Upon Alec grabbing his arm, Dark squeezed his shoulder in response, so deeply glad to have shared the experience with him. Then he turned to the seagull, "Why do they have birds in here?"

Ivy grinned back at Xander and snuggled back against her father. She, too, was having a great day.

 

[BookKnight]

"Maybe it snuck in. Gulls are very intelligent," Alec said brightly.

"It is basically an open snack bar in here," Xander snickered.

"What are we going to see next?"

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"From where?" Dark asked, looking at the gull for a moment before shaking his head, "We said we were going to eat next. Then we can go to see the Penguins and the Belugas, if you would like, or we could go to the touch tank."

 

[BookKnight]

"Could we do the touch tank after eating? Then we don't have to worry about literal fish food even if we wash well," Alec requested.

"Makes sense," Xander agreed.

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"We already decided we are eating next, so I do not think that is an issue," Dark said patiently, "the decision is what we will do after we eat. We have not had lunch yet."

 

[BookKnight]

"Let's eat and then go touch things!" Alec grinned, flexing his fingers ominously.

Xander snorted as he pointed the way to the cafe. "I don't know if he's to be trusted, Ba."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"I do not know if either of you can be trusted," Dark replied, looking at Alec's suspicious fingers, "Ivy-Qadira, your brothers are so strange."

 

[BookKnight]

"Hey, I'm not strange!" Xander protested. "I am perfectly normal. I am the most normal person here."

"I don't know. I think your 'normalicy' makes you the different one in this group," Alec giggled. "There's the cafe thing!"

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"No, Ivy is the most normal person here." Dark replied, "Yes you are, my daughter."

The cafe was situated so one wall was right by the sea otter habitat, so the best tables could eat and watch the cute little fellows, and was the sort of eatery where food is ordered at the counter and then brought to a table, so he told his sons, "You both should decide what you would like and then at least one of you go off to find a table for us."

 

[BookKnight]

The twins decided what they wanted, Xander almost instantly, and Alec stayed with Dark while Xander hunted through the tables until he found an open one with enough seats. He stood next to it so Dark could see him and waited. Alec changed his mind three times and finally stated his choice and turned away to resist the urge to look at the menu.