Australian Honeymoon

Julie Bennett-Drage

Julie Bennett-Drage

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OOC First Name
Julie ^_^
Julie stepped out of the airport in Sydney and looked around. She had her daughter Eliza's hand in her left, and the handle of her suitcase in the other. Behind her, her husband Tristan followed holding his sleeping son Erik in his rather large arm, his small head resting on his massive left shoulder. She was not sure just who they were looking for, but she looked around, a black backpack on her back. Eliza had a Princess backpack on hers that she was fussing with. "Stop fussing. Your backpack is just fine."

She looked around, then at her husband, who was traveling under disguise. She was still adjusting to their new life, one where her husband was hunted by men that she can only describe as pure evil, as well as what she can best call wizarding police. "Ethan," she said, using his assumed name he was living under, "Do you see who we are looking for yet?" She was excited to be in the country. Julie had never been to Australia before, and being able to take the trip there for a sort of honeymoon she was excited. They would be visiting with Tristan's brother and sister in law and their two children, and possibly his sister as well.
 
Eliza walked out of the airport, her backpack not quite on her back right. She kept squirming to try to get it in the right spot, but with no luck. Her mother just told her not to keep squirming, but she couldn't help it. "Mooooooooom," she said rather exasperated. "It is not right. Who is Uncle Daisy and Aunt Leaf anyways? They have kids, right? So they have toys? Right? RIGHT?"

Realizing she was being ignored, she turned to look at her new brother, Erik. The lucky boy was sleeping and being carried around by his daddy. She was still not sure about all this stuff. Ethan and Erik were living with them now. She didn't like that the massive man was taking up her side of her mom's bed and when she would try to sneak in there at night, he would give her a hug and send her back to her bed. She gave him a slight glare, then turned to look for the people with the funny name that they were waiting for.
 
Tristan had been reminded once again that he did not enjoy travelling by muggle transport any time. He would have rather endured flying over both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans by broomstick, without stopping, than being cramped on that giant monster of a thing muggles called an airplane. The whole hellish trip he had been poked, prodded and assailed by the whining of children, much of which had been from his own child and stepdaughter, and he was still attempting to get the blood flow back into his legs. The food had been spongy and plain disgusting, and he didn't even want to think about how little sleep he had gotten. As if that wasn't enough, halfway through the ride, his polyjuice had started to wear off. He had had to get over some already displeased passengers in his row, had nearly fallen on his face attempting to get through the narrow pathways, and to top it off, he had barely fit in the bathroom once he had gotten into it. There, he had managed to replenish his store of polyjuice but did not feel any better. Now, standing around the luggage, he waited when his brother and his family were going to show up. He didn't feel all that well, and with a churning stomach he felt that he could really use a nap.

His face ashen, he looked to Julie, who had just been assuring Eliza that her backpack was indeed on straight. It took a moment to register her question. "Oh, wait a minute.." he peered above the crowd, and thought that maybe, just maybe, it was his brother's blonde head over by the newsstand. "I think that might be my brother," he stated, repositioning his arm so that Erik would be in a more comfortable position for him to carry. He motioned to Julie and Eliza to follow, making his way through people to get to the blonde man. Sure enough, he recognized the tall build, the blue eyes- and not to mention, his twin children, and his sister-in-law, Daisy. Knowing that his brother would probably not recognize him in disguise, he intoned, "By Merlin, I hate airplanes. Good to see you guys."

It was taking a while to getting adjusted to the idea of being married-to a muggle, nonetheless- but so far, he enjoyed it. He knew that some members of his family, and probably the majority of his friends would not be so open to the idea. Thankfully, at least his brother and his wife were supportive of the ring on his finger.
 
Annika was getting quite restless as she stood around in a place that she was not accustomed to. Her mommy and daddy were wearing funny clothes, and no one around looked familiar. Tugging on the bottom of her father's shirt, she demanded in a squeaky voice, "We want that!" She was of course referring to herself and her brother as she pointed at an ice cream stand not too far away from where they were. She really had no idea why they were here or what they were doing, but that didn't stop her from having a sweet tooth. She looked up to her mother with wide eyes, hoping that she would give in.
 
Lief had gotten up early with Daisy and the rest of the family so that he could meet Tristan and company at the airport. While he had no idea who the woman was, and had recently found out that she was a muggle, he was happy that his brother was able to settle down. He knew well enough what Tristan was running from, and hoped that while he was in Australia he would have a good enough cover. His blue eyes wandered to his watch. His brother's flight should be in any time now, and he hoped to Merlin that he wasn't late. Lief hated being in these itchy muggle clothes as it was, and he did not know if he could bear to sit around any longer.

The blonde man looked down to his daughter, who was currently begging for a treat. "Maybe later," he replied firmly, his accented voice trailing, "We're not going to be getting any sweets right now..."

He blinked as a man he had taken to be muggle passerby spoke to him. Usually, in places like this, people kept to themselves. It took him a moment to realize that the child in his arms was one that he definitely recognized. A warm grin pulling at his pale features, he exclaimed, "Tris- I mean Ethan. I didn't know you were going to be trying on a new face." He didn't dare say the word polyjuice out loud, just in case there were any wizarding passerby.

He wondered how long Erik was going to last in his current state. Lief would be hard pressed to forget the incident with his nephew a few Christmases ago. Registering that the woman next to his brother must be his wife and her daughter his stepchild, he turned and offered her a large hand. "You must be Julie. I am Lief." He knew that Daisy would probably be all over her in no time. "This is my wife, Daisy, and Anders and Annika." He smiled at the young girl with a rather decorative backpack, "And I take it this is Eliza?" He hoped that he wasn't coming off as odd or somesuch- but on the other hand, he had not had the opportunity to be around many muggles. His upbringing for the most part hadn't allowed it.
 
Anders looked around at the different people wandering past. He clung to his mother's legs, not quite sure what to think. He was not sure about this place. There were so many people milling about. He smiled as he realized that Annika, his sister, was begging for ice cream. He hoped that his mother or father would give in and get them some, since they were the reason they were dragged to this rather odd place. Anders was excited to see his cousin Erik. He did not remember him, but when his mother was talking about him, he sounded like fun. They were a year apart in age, and he was happy that he would have a playmate other than his sister for a bit.
 
Daisy stood near the newspaper stand looking for the familiar height and face that she was used to in her brother in law. She was still in shock that he had actually gotten married, and that the former Death Eater married a muggle at that. She had no problem with non magical folk, but was shocked that he had fallen in love with one. Anders was clinging to her leg, and the kids wanted to have ice cream. Lief responded to them before she could open her mouth. She knew he was a bit anxious to meet his new sister in law.

Soon, there was a random person talking to her husband, and she realized that Tristan must be in disguise. She looked over the tired woman that was with him, and smiled. Her sister in law was a very pretty redhead, and she could see what had attracted Tristan to her to start with. "Welcome to Australia!" she said with a smile. "Let me take that for you."
 
Following Tristan along the walk, holding Eliza's hand, she soon found herself in front of her new, magical relatives. Lief introduced himself, and the family to her, and she shook his large hand in greeting. He was no where near as large as her husband was, which shocked her, but they had the same color of eyes. "Nice to meet you Lief. And yes, this is Eliza." She smiled at him, and then allowed her new sister in law to take the suitcase. "Yes. Thank you. That would be wonderful." Julie was a bit nervous, but happy to be on the ground again. Flying was not her favorite thing to do, but she was sure that it would be less conspicuous if they traveled any other way from California. They had apparated there to save some cash, but then took a plane to Australia.
 
Tristan gave his brother a warm smile as she was recognized, setting his suitcase to the side of him. Nudging Erik awake, he set the groggy little boy down on his feet to rub his eyes and get accustomed to his family. His son probably didn't remember them but he was sure that they would get accustomed sure enough. Straightening as he stood, he exclaimed, "Merlin, flying on one of those things is a good way to kill your back." With a grin he stretched his arms, quite happy to see his brother and his family. "Gotta have precautions," he intoned, clapping Lief on the back. "Good to see you, little Brother. It has been quite a long time."

He wondered what Lief thought of the new family he had acquired over the last time he had seen him. He gave Daisy a warm smile, and hoped to Merlin that he wasn't scaring the kids with his funky eye. It was something that was constantly part of his subconscious, and then he remembered that he was still under the polyjuice. He was apt to forget about it entirely- luckily, his stores had lasted him the whole flight. He would be quite glad to revert back to his original appearance.

The man looked to his wife, and his stepdaughter, hoping that they would adjust well to this place. He was always worried that they would not agree with his way of life- moving when the need came around, disappearing almost as soon as he had come. He hoped that this trip to Australia was going to be the most of their moving around for quite a long time.

"So-" he asked, glad to note that Daisy and Julie were getting along quite well, at least for a few moments of hasty conversation, "What kind of transport is it back to your place?" He hated the idea of being stuck in another infernal muggle machine after being stuck in one for nearly a day. Eighteen hours, was it?
 
Erik shifted irritably as his father prodded him awake, his tiny form squirming in protest. "I wanna sleep!" he whined, nonetheless being forced to stand on his feet. He considered his two options- he could either plop onto his bum and throw a fit, or see what all the fuss was about. He chose the latter, considering the former was always an option no matter the situation. Tiny hands rubbing at his blue eyes, they opened to reveal someone he didn't recognize. His gaze immediately fell to two others that were nearly his own height, seemingly sigh. There were kids to play with! Announcing the fact to Eliza, he exclaimed loudly, "HI!" He didn't remember any of the people in front of him but if they had kids his and Eliza's age that wouldn't matter. Wondering who they were and sleep forgotten, he waited for someone to introduce themselves. While at first he had been excited by the plane, he had been rather cranky after his ears started to hurt and all Eliza wanted to do was color. On top of that, his father and Julie had made him stay in his seat. He had a lot of pent up energy just waiting to be expelled.
 
Lief gave his brother a smirk, and those standing by would be able to tell they were brothers. While their faces didn't mirror that of the other in any way, shape or form, they were linked by the same smile and eyes. "We'll be taking a car," he replied, "Actually, we should be heading back there now..."


In no time the Sigurd family and their guests were back in front of their home, thanking the driver and finding their way quickly out of the back. Even with the magical stretch that the enchanted car offered, Lief still found himself a little cramped. It was not long before they had gotten their guests situated into the house and were waiting to start dinner. While he was not expelling excitement like his children, he was rather pleased to have his brother and his family over. The house seemed much more full- but warm at the same time. Just as he saw warmth in his brother's eyes. Lief would have never in a million years thought he would see his brother settle down. But now, it seemed to suit him. Lief had never been a man of many emotions but he liked to see his brother truly happy. The way Julie and Tristan looked at each other reminded him of the very same way he saw Daisy. There was nothing but love there.

Nearly tripping over a stuffed dragon that had been left in the hallway, he neatly packed it away into the toy box. He and Daisy would have to soon start working on teaching the kids to clean up after themselves. It wouldn't do for anyone to break their necks.

He took a seat in the living room, not entirely sure whether to locate his brother and his wife and converse with them or wait for them to get accustomed to the place first. He did know that he didn't want to be running after any kids.
 
Annika was absolutely delighted that her uncle, or whoever he was, had brought home a girl to play with. As much as she enjoyed playing with her brother he did not seem to share her affinity for dolls. With a wide smile, she tugged at the older girl's hand. "'Liza!" she demanded bossily, a huge grin on her face and blue eyes sparkling, "Come play!" She wanted to show the other girl all of the dollies and toys that she had. Her cousin Erik and brother were long forgotten.
 
After following his father and stepmother to the room they were staying in, chattering all the while that he tailed them, he soon realized that he was being ignored and turned away in a huff. His little legs pounded against the floor as he searched the house, looking for someone his age. He had seen another little boy- his father had told him that he was his cousin and was named Anders- and while he had fun with Eliza he thought that it would be fun to play with kids of his gender for once. In any case, Annika had already snagged his stepsister. He had no recollection of this place, seeing as the last time he had been here was when he was much younger. He hopped along the hallway, having no idea whom he was going to bump into.
 
Julie was upstairs in the guest room settling her and Tristan's things in. She was excited to be there, and was much more relaxed now that she had met Daisy. Her sister in law was the friendliest person and had chatted with her the whole way back to the home. Daisy gave them a wonderful room, and the children were set to share with their cousins. As she moved about the room unpacking, she took in the way the room was decorated. Although she understood the Drage family had money, and that Daisy and Lief benefited from that fact, they did not show it. The house was tastefully decorated, and looked as though it could be any home back in Wisconsin. It was very comfortable and Julie felt at home there.

She tucked the last of the clothes in the dresser drawer and pushed the suitcase into a corner out of the way. Turning and taking in her massive husband laying on the bed with his eyes closed, she climbed up next to him and snuggled into her favorite spot. "I really like your brother and his wife. Lief is a bit quiet, but Daisy is so fun," she said softly, tilting her head up so she could give him a kiss. "She already has tons of plans for her and I, mostly involving shopping," she added with a giggle.
 
Eliza was unpacking her backpack onto her bed in the younger girls room when she heard the small girl come in. She set her bear on the bed by her pillow and her blankie. It was amazing how much stuff was able to fit into the small Disney Princess backpack after Tristan had played with it. She reached down into it and pulled out her American Girl doll as well, and then her wardrobe for her and her Littlest Pet Shop case and playset. Soon, she was being pulled by her new cousin to play dolls with her. "Okaaaaaay. What do you want to play? I like playing babies," she said with a smile.
 
Although he did not comprehend the word, Tristan was suffering a serious bout of jet lag. He could not stop yawning as he sat in the car, fighting the impulse to rest his head on his chest and nod off right then and there. He had begun to snooze lightly, his lids heavy as he sat in the car, the excited voices about him droning to a low buzz. Almost unpleasantly he was jolted awake, and groggily he stretched his long legs out of the car, realizing that his polyjuice was beginning to wear off. Grabbing two suitcases he made his way into the house, following Lief to the room he and Julie would be staying in. Thankfully, all the kids would be rooming together. Hopefully, being in the company of their cousins would deter Erik and Eliza from crawling in next to Julie and himself at nighttime.

He didn't bother with settling his things in, collapsing onto the bed, his massive form making a slight impression in the mattress. Unaware of his surroundings around him he began to doze. All too soon, it seemed, he was awakened quite groggily. A thin smile etched at his lips as he realized that it was only Julie. He rested his head in his hand, trying to force himself awake. His expression was warm, filled with a love that he had not harbored for a long, long time. He had never thought that he would get married- but now, he was glad that he had. When he was around his wife, he always felt as if his heart was going to fly out of his chest. He felt as if he were in a dream, a dream that he never wanted to end. A nagging fear lurked in the back of his mind, but he much more eager to push it away than accept it. Fate could not be so cruel to him this time around. It just wouldn't be right.

His blue eyes watery, he attempted to wipe the moisture from them with the back of his hand. He reached to Julie, entwining his fingers in her hair and playing with it softly. "I'm glad that you like them," he said softly, "They're good people." Unlike some others in his family, his brother and sister in law were very down to Earth. His voice lilted with an accent, he chuckled, "It seems that there are a lot of places to shop in Sydney. I'd be happy if I could sleep the whole time. I love it here- but the heat gets to me." Like Lief, he had been raised in a rather cold environment, and Australia was something that was still alien to him. He assumed that the Herrogard was colder than what even Julie was used to during the winter. He couldn't imagine how long it had taken Lief to get accustomed to the unbearable heat on this continent. Shifting slightly so that he would stay awake, he asked drowsily, "How are the kids settling in?" He felt bad for not keeping an eye out for them, but on the other hand he was so tired he doubted that he could pick himself up from the bed.
 
Annika's blue eyes widened as her new playmate began to pull things out of her backpack- characters and dolls that she didn't recognize. "Who's that?" she asked curiously, pointing to the American girl doll. She of course had given all of her dolls names. "I have a baby!" she exclaimed excitedly. Moving over to the play crib she snatched a baby doll by its leg, blissfully unaware of how badly she was carrying it. Holding the plastic doll out to Eliza by the calf, she stated proudly, "This is Lisa!"
 
Eliza laughed as the younger girl picked up the baby. "This is Meggie. My mom calls her Molly but I like Meggie better. Do you have a tea set? We could have a tea party!" She was excited to have a girl to play with for a change.

She liked to play with Erik, but he just was not too into dolls and tea parties. She did get her stepfather to play tea party once, but that has not happened since her mommy took a picture of him in a tiara and sipping water from the little cup, sitting awkwardly on the floor with folded legs. Eliza loved watching that moment, as Tristan tried to attack Julie for the camera and they ended up on the floor in a laughing heap. Of course, Eliza and Erik took that opportunity to join the pile and jump on top of Tristan and jump up and down. "We should find our daddies and have them play tea party with us!"
 
Annika grinned widely at Eliza, revealing a row of baby teeth. "I like Meggie too!" she stated, her lip pursing at the thought of making her father attend a tea party. It was a wonderful idea! Hopping in place, she put Lisa back down in her crib, exclaiming excitedly, "Yes! DADDY!" She bellowed the last part at the top of her lungs, waiting impatiently for her father to come running up the stairs. She giggled back at Eliza, jamming a finger into her mouth. "Daddies play tea party," she repeated, glad that she had a playmate with such great ideas.
 
"I agree. DADDY!!!!" Eliza joined in yelling for their fathers, wondering if they would actually play with them or not. She moved over to the bed that was set up for her in the room and picked up Meggie. She moved to the little table that was in the room and set her in a chair. "At least we have our babies for tea. DAAAAAAAAAAADDDDDYYYYYYYY!!!" She screamed again at the top of her lungs, and hoped that she would not have to wait much longer.
 
Annika hopped in place as she waited for her father to show up, and when he didn't, her face scrunched up in frustration. "Ima get Daddy," she stated, quitting her caterwauling for a moment to search out her father. Her tiny hand trailing along the railing, she skidded her tiny bum down the stairs, finding him immediately in the living room. "Daddy!" she exclaimed, quite loudly. "Me an' Liza gotta show you!" She put her hands behind her back, moving her body back and forth to make her little dress twirl. Her eyes were wide and blue, something that many adults found hard to say 'no' to.
 
Julie sighed as Tristan snuggled closer to her and entangled his hand in her hair. She loved just being with him like this. It was comfortable and easy -- as if this is where she was born to be. "Well, Eliza was not completely happy that she was bunking with Annika, but I believe she got over that when she saw all the dolls in her room. Erik was off and running and looked like he was going to annoy his sister and cousin. So, yeah, I think they are settled in pretty well." She chuckled at the thought, then rolled in Tristan's arms so she was facing him better, her body partially resting on his. "How are you doing? You think you are gonna make it down for dinner?" She stretched up and kissed his lips, then waited to hear what he thought.
 
Lief had taken to to the couch, folding his arms behind his head as he waited for everyone to get back downstairs. He had half a mind to take a nap, but that idea was cast to the winds as his unusually energetic daughter came toddling in, her eyes wide and pleading. Usually, that meant trouble for him. But, he did not have anything to occupy himself with. Blinking back at her, he gave her a warm smile, hoping that he wasn't setting himself up for anything bad. "Oh, you have something to show me?" he asked, his accent thick as he stood up from the couch. His daughter was dwarfed by his height. "What would that be, Annie?"
 
Tristan smiled with his teeth showing, something that he was doing quite often as of late. A year back, he had never smiled. Now, he was grinning all the time, and he had to say that he enjoyed it very much. The large man chuckled a bit as Julie explained the situation with the kids. "It sounds like everything is good then." He brought a massive hand to his mouth, trying in vain to surpress a large yawn. "I'm so tired that if you weren't here, in my arms," he wrapped an arm around her midsection as he said that, "I'd be more than knocked out right now." His brow furrowed as he thought about it. It didn't make sense that he was so tired. "I slept on that plane a lot- I don't know why I have to sleep any more. I was fine before we left." As a wizard, he of course did not understand the concept of jet lag." He shook his head. "I'm not hungry at all. I think the food on that- what was it, an air-plain, you said? has more than destroyed my appetite." Almost as if on cue, his stomach gurgled unpleasantly, feeling as if his insides were being twisted into knots.

His ear perked up as he heard little voices yelling the word 'Daddy.' He was still getting accustomed to that title from Eliza, but he didn't mind it at all. He loved his stepdaughter, and her mother of course, very much. He figured he would pretend he hadn't heard however. The man was too drained to do anything- let alone play tea party with little girls. His cheeks still reddened when he thought of Julie snapping a picture of him, looking so ridiculous. Josh had gotten more than a kick out of it when they had gone to visit him in California.
 
"Come see," Annie demanded bluntly, even at her age knowing well enough not to tell her father that she wanted him to play tea party. Reaching up and grabbing his wrist, she dragged him upstairs impatiently, hopping all the way. She was full of energy that had yet to be expelled, in a large contrast compared to her rather calm father. She grinned at Eliza as she bounced into the room, stating, "Got daddy! Where yours?"
 
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