How Green Becomes Wood

"For a long time, it seemed we'd never manage to have a biological child, but we wanted to be parents," Daizi confided, the pain still there despite managing their dreams, "And we didn't want to use a surrogate. In the end it turned out we didn't need to, but... Well, you looked into us. I'm sure you saw the... the death record, for our son." After falling silent for a moment, Daizi took a deep breath and shook her head slightly, "Anyway, they needed adults to look after them, we wanted children to look after, so it really all fell into place. Then Ivy came and surprised us all."
 
"There's nothing to be done," Daizi replied, unable to claim it was okay, "Thank you, though, for acknowledging how we don't exactly have... Everyone's backing behind us, regarding past desires to adopt... Or parenthood in general, really. Between my disability, Dark's health, and our status as immigrants... A lot seemed rather insurmountable."
 
"There are battles that have yet to be won," Ciara agreed. "I believe that there is a way to achieve what you desire nine times out of ten, but I am not so optimistic as to believe that sheer willpower will grant you whatever you wish, or that you will always achieve. Even if you do, that does not mean the battle was not hard-won. Sacrifices should be acknowledged."
 
"I fear there are some battles which are wholly unwinnable," Daizi admitted, "It doesn't really sound like me to admit that, because I'm usually fairly optimistic, but there are just some things... And I grow weary of battle. But I... Well I don't know if you knew this, actually, but I struggled with post-partum depression for... a year? At least? And I'm better now, but I think I still have a bit of that tiredness in my bones... But there'll always be another fight, so I pick myself up again anyway." A sad smile crossed her face for a moment, but just like before she shook her head and said, "I shouldn't spend all night moping around and hammering you with all of it. What's going on with you?"
 
"Battles are rarely meant to be faced alone, and no one person needs to fight every battle they face," Ciara replied. "Rest is as important as fighting." She went to sip her drink but found it empty. "There is nothing new going on with me. I will, perhaps, be attending a festival to observe live music. I have a neohew who has informed me of a new fascination with swords, another nephew who has been keeping me informed as to his growth as an artist as well as his cat, and a niece who has not yet learned to inform upon herself."
 
"Not particularly new, no. I am not currently reading a book, though the last book I read was Oliver Twist," she said. "I am working on a crochet project, but it is not new. A sweater in different colors."
 
Ciara looked at Daizi a little blankly, unaccustomed to such enthusiasm for a crochet project, but could she really be surprised when it came from Daizi? "Two weeks. On and off when work does not take up too much time."
 
"Well, it is for Alec, actually," Ciara said hesitantly. "A Christmas gift that I thought I should make in advance in case of delays. I have already made one for Xander. I am not sure it suits his style, but I thought it might keep him warm at home around the house or workshop."
 
"Really? That's so kind of you, they'll love it. Xander will definitely wear it, just don't feel badly if when he sees it he acts sort of standoffish. He always does when he's given a gift he really cares for." Daizi warned her, "He doesn't like people seeing when a kind gesture makes him feel a strong emotion. Usually he just gets quiet and will mumble about how it's cool."
 
"Thank you for the warning. I understand completely," Ciara said, and she did, because she tended to react in the same way. She did not want to mention that she had similar gifts planned for the rest of the family (to be made slowly throughout the year), so she shifted the subject slightly. "There was a gift exchange at my work a few weeks ago. One of my coworkers gave me this... kit. It is a complete kit with all supplies provided for a crocheted plant in a hanging pot. I also worked on that, and now that I have finished it, I am not certain what to do with it."
 
"Yes. It is like a vine, though what vine, exactly, I have no idea. I can show it to you at some point, if you are interested. Perhaps Ivy would be interested in a first plant she can't kill?" Ciara asked mildly.
 
"Yes, it does hang," Ciara confirmed. "It looks nice, I suppose, and is durable enough. I will bring it to you at some point." She hoped Ivy would take it, because that would mean she wouldn't have to deal with it any longer.
 
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