...Dark Lover...

... Sweet Love Dandov...

2012-02-13T14:07:00.002-05:00

Research. That had been the name of the game... screw lesson plans on mythology, Daniel could lecture about it blind and asleep, but one thing he didn't have a damn clue about was his heritage. Daniel the broken Vicknian. He should have simply stuck with being No'Koan... his head shook as he leafed through another book.
Ask him about the human rationalizations for supernatural beings... dragons... werewolves. Ask him about real cultural differences between the Bastet and Werewolves... but this!? This... was a foreign language. And do you know what was less helpful... that even this information was related to a pseudo-heterosexual lifestyle.
Who was he kidding... he couldn't even bend the traditional relationship from No'Koa or Vickni for this... not that it seemed to matter. Luccan would probably rather be thrown into the icy waters of Greystone then suffer through another look from Daniel.
Apparently according to his "heritage" having two mates is generally decided by the most "powerful" in the relationship... Daniel snorted, he was definately the bottom between him and Luccan... his eyes glazed over for a moment as he chewed on his pen... mmm... bottom.
After a long delighted moment of thought he finally shook his head, releasing a shaky breath. Back to work... hey, here was a point that might fit. Generally the woman of the relationship has final say... ding ding... if anyone of those three, Daniel was definitely the woman. Perhaps Chris's maternal style had rubbed off a little more than they had on Isabelle or the twins.
Fantastic... so, so far... I'm a woman... and a bottom. This day just keeps getting better.
He grumbled to himself before flipping through more pages... there was no reason for an additional mate for child raising... or military well... He paused, looking back at where he'd been taking notes. Both Luccan and Richard were in the military... could he justify his relationship with both because of that?... doubtful, especially if they were both gone at the same time.
He grumbled as he shook his head. This was useless... what he'd needed was something that made it ok for him to be in love with two... wonderful... beautiful, different men... both of which had their own pros and cons.
Who did he think he was kidding though, even if Richard was being supportive... Luccan wasn't one to share. And honestly, Luccan could have his pick of anyone... why would he want half of Daniel?
He leaned back in the seat, staring at the pages. Was that what he was offering? Half of himself?... he wanted to think it was more... Daniel could give all of himself to both men... couldn't he? He'd thought about Luccan a.. lot... since he'd seen him on the docks, and more so since they'd shared a moment.
Oh... the moment. Daniel closed his eyes for a long second as he felt his brain rush back thoughts of Luccan holding him up against the wall, his kisses heated and strong. There was no denying that Luccan wanted him... possibly even still loved him. His eyes opened as he released a slow shaking breath.
And Richard... he felt himself shiver at the thought. The man was everything to him. Strong, handsome... loving, tender... smart and funny. Not as head strong as Luccan, but they were similar in all the good ways, and different in delightful ways. Richard knew how to take charge, but is also tender and soft... while Luccan controls every moment of the situation... with ever pleasing outcomes.
Daniel fanned himself with the note pad before closing the books. Clearly there was no amount of research that was going to answer his questions. Nothing had given him direction about a partnership between three men... he wasn't sure if it had ever even happened.
And even if it had, was it appropriate for him to want it? Could Richard truly be ok with sharing him with Luccan... and visa versa? And why could he picture himself, leaning against Luccan's form... with Richard cradled in his arms?
Daniel stood, pulling his jacket back on as he gathered the books... placing them in the discarded book bin. Maybe he needed to talk to someone who had made it work... and though he hadn't spoken to Seamus Greystone recently... now seemed like the perfect time. He had plenty of questions... that was for sure.

~*~*~*~*~

As expected Wynter arrived to pick of his daughter 15 minutes late. Though it had been a relatively long work day he still looked as if his he'd freshly ironed his clothing. He was definitely a man who was careful about his appearance... but as Eve crawled up on him still covered in gardening soil he didn't wince or shy away.
The girl was happy with her day, talking a mile a minute as she explained her day. Wynter listened intently while still managing to look up at Isabelle, a warm smile coming across his lips.
I'm... terribly sorry for running a little late, are you still willing to let me make it up to you? Say... I meet you back here in an hour... once I've dealt with this little one?
He laughed, Eve hand managed to crawl up his chest to sit on his shoulders, pushing her loose blond hair out of her face with both hands. Waving at Isabelle happily.
I get'ta see Nana and Papa!?
Her voice basically became a squeal as she clapped her hands, oh she was going to be spoiled out of her mind this evening... and eat her weight in vanilla pudding. Bring it on!
Wynter looked up at his daughter before nodding, mindless as she messed his hair up. That earned him another squeal, but he looked back at Isabelle... feeling his eyes lingering on the woman longer than was appropriate, but even with her oversized sweatshirt he couldn't deny that she was beautiful. That was why the look lingered... he was taking in the detail, and it was exquisite.
He insisted that he would be on time... agreeing for two hours when she looked at him as if he was crazy for an hour time limit.
Eve squealed all the way down the hallway as they left, hanging over her father's shoulder so she was halfway down his back. She was going to her grandparents for the night...

You... have a date? Tonight... you?
________ basically squealed when her son admitted why he needed a child free evening.
It wasn't that they'd given up hope... It was that Wynter hadn't been very respective to the idea of dating since Marisa had been arrested after eve's birth. They of course agreed to watch their only grandchild... Even promising that they wouldn't feed her tons of sugar with fingers crossed behind their backs.

Wynter returned home to.shower and change, plotting a nice evening experience that wouldn't be too demanding on the emotional scale. He cleaned up as well as one would have assumed. The question should have been whether or not Wynter couldn't look good. A smile crossed his lips as he watched himself tie the sinfully soft silk purple tie, hoping the purple would bring a smile to Isabelle's sweet face. It was a good contrast to his dark hair anyways, he checked his watch several more times before releasing a deep breath... Moment of truth Desalvo.

P.s. couldn't remember Wynter's moms name... Hence the blank.

... Love is in the Air, Kind Of...

2012-02-09T13:06:00.000-05:00

Stephan had lost nearly everything after Gloria's idiotic display of pleading before her people. It had been idiotic... or brilliant, Elizabeth had been unable to decide. It didn't matter now anyways. Her number had been up, the Hunters had been alerted to her identity, that little fucking Greystone was screaming for revenge... and simply there had been no dark hole to hide in to wait it out.
Being exiled from No'Koa was more of a discomfort than a punishment, for her plans she had needed access to those weak bastards, but unfortunately plans would need to change. So... for now she would hide away somewhere where Magnolia and Gloria wouldn't come looking for her. The Carpathian Mountains.
Large expansive territory that was slowly crawling out of chaos could be excellent cover for the woman. She could make her way between small tribes long enough to regroup.
Unfortunately a tall red haired woman with stark golden eyes stands out like a sore thumb. However, a little touch of glamour allowed Elizabeth Desalvo to blend in. Lush long midnight black hair, dark brown eyes that looked as soulless as they had in their normal color... and skin that was perfect, but darker.
Despite her appearance now many of the people she came in contact with shy away, like scared animals. Before suspicions rise again Elizabeth packed up and moved on, she didn't need attention drawn to her, especially now... and she didn't need to waste her energy killing off Carpathians.
Elizabeth stewed in her own thoughts as she hiked down the riverbed away from the last encampment, opting to leave during the middle of the night should they start their day with a witch hunt. A fur lined cloak wrapped around her, framing her face as the steam of her breath left.
With each step into the wilderness she felt rage building... rage against those bastard Hunters who had flushed out the majority of Stephan's team... rage against those responsible for Dalia's disappearance... rage for those left of her true family who lived with No'Koans.
Did they think they were honestly respected? Were they too blind to see the truth? Idiots. But, unfortunately she was too limited right now to do a damn thing about it.
At least alone in the woods she could be safe, god help anyone who came across her now... worst case scenario she'd have a new identity, more supplies, and a body to kick over a ravine.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Oh,... thank you!
Lilka's voice was full of warmth and love as she accepted the fresh baked corn muffin from one of the regular bakers. It was delicious and basically melted in her mouth as she pulled it apart, continuing her walk through the market.
Today was for herself... she had insisted that Torin go to work, she didn't need his watchful eye. Of all things, Lilka didn't need him following her like a shadow to make sure she was behaving herself, she'd already have her parents checking on her constantly. Another sigh of happiness with another bite.
Are you sure I can't carry those?
Her green eyes glanced back at the man who was quietly carrying two wrapped bolts of fabric. It had been a small battle she'd let Torin win, despite the fact that she was barely pregnant when she'd started to lift the bolts he had demanded someone help her. So she'd given in... for now.
She shook her head, pushing the door to the little space she'd taken as her studio that was nearly loaded to the ceiling with fabrics.
Right here... and, thank you... so much. I know you have many things better to do with your time.
She insisted as the man carefully placed the bolts down, smiling and shaking his hand... watching as he left her alone. Lilka turned, staring at the madness that was around her. Some things had suffered since she'd moved to the Carpathian Mountains... more so after her marriage to Torin, not for one second had she regretted a moment.
Pet projects... because idol Dandov hands are the Devil's play thing. She'd selected a panel of the most skilled artisans within the en Corr tribe, including the allied tribes. This decision hadn't been about changing anything... she didn't want to modernize the Carpathian arts... she wanted to give them more, so that beauty could continue to be created.
Cloth was for so much more than housing and basic clothing... some of the most beautiful things could be created from it, and since coming here she'd horded more than her fair share of cloth from No'Koa.
Her time was divided equally between fabrics and metal, because how could she be a Dandov and neglect what she had learned from years of training with her mother and uncle Vincent? But fortunately that was not today... no crawling into the belly of a forge... no sweating until it hurt. No... today she got to play with soft things.
Lilka sank down in one of the empty chairs, crossing her legs over the arm as she finished the last few bites of her muffin, thinking. Things were changing, perhaps more rapidly than she had realized... but nothing could make her happier.
Lilka en Corr...
She purred that out, like a love struck child fantasizing about what the perfect life could be like. A smile crossed her lips quickly... there was no pretending, no playing... this was her life.
Year after year... decade after decade Lilka had tried to bury the pain and fear. She'd numbed herself with distractions... she'd given every excuse she could think of for why she couldn't be... what everyone had wanted her to be. Why she couldn't have kept Kenneth happy... because through that grin and care freeness... she'd been hurting.
As much as she wanted to give that credit out freely, she'd been the one who had crawled out of the darkness... Lilka Dandov... alone with herself. And when there had been no one to worship her for her physical appearance... and nothing to cover up the dreaded silence... she'd hated what she'd been left with.
There had been no denying that Lilka had loved her friends and family... and most of the time she'd attempted to be what they had wanted from her... but when it had just been her... Lilka had realized just how badly she had hated herself, and how no matter how much others loved her, it wouldn't matter... not if she couldn't feel the same way about herself.
It hadn't been until she'd gone to Hakkai's temple that she'd realized just how much that self hatred had affected her... and those she'd loved. What had been so damn wrong with pacifying pain with sex? It had seemed wonderful at the time.
Having those internal voices silenced with a thick blanket of pleasure... having an unlimited amount of "medication"... it had seemed like an excellent idea, at the time. But with each day... of each year that she had been forced to reflect on her actions and choices, the ugliness had crept in.
Meeting Torin hadn't seemed like such a big deal, her first mission back as an active duty Hunter... seduction... done. Whom would have been better than a celibate Dandov who could have been satisfied with a stiff wind.
It had been different to have someone deny her... and the more he refused to just give in, the more she found herself enjoying the other aspects of their journey. They had grown together...
He had given her more than anyone she had ever known... and when she had finally gotten him... gotten what she had so desperately yearned for, nothing would ever compare.
He owned her... owned her soul and for the first time in her life, Lilka gave him everything. He hadn't even needed to ask... all that she was, was his for the taking.
She nearly purred as her eyes closed, thinking about her husband as her hands folded over her still taut stomach. Never in her life had Lilka thought that she would have so much... and it had been by giving everything away that she'd gotten the chance.
She had a husband who loved her, who she herself couldn't imagine life without... a home where she was welcomed and loved... friends and family who were proud... and now a tiny life that would be the perfect blend of everything.
Nothing was sweeter than this... she laughed to herself before sitting up quickly at the knocking sound. In moments she pulled the door to her little studio open to a group of smiling faces. She greeted them all with warmth and welcomed them inside.
I have a true surprise for you all... please...
She insisted they gather around before she pulled the covering off of one of the bolts of beautiful green silk. Carpathia get ready, silk had arrived!

*~*~*~*~*~*

Who's dad's big boy?
Nathan purred as he held Neill on his chest as the little boy dozed through his afternoon nap. It hadn't been hard for him to escape from training for a few hours... between the three of them, Nathan had been the one called back to work the soonest... and he felt like he missed out on so much every day.
With all the love in the world he leaned forward, gently kissing Neill's hair as he took a deep breath. He smelled like innocence and lavender soap... it could have put him to sleep.
A smile was across the man's lips as his eyes closed before they opened to the sound of the nursery door opening.
... so I get two napping boys for the price of one?
Thea purred, her long hair loose as it dried... she'd savoured a few moments to herself in the shower, now slipping her hand over Nathan's short hair before she leaned in... gently kissing her husband.
Half napping... I wouldn't dare sleep on the job.
Nathan laughed quietly before shifting, gingerly placing Neill's form in Thea's arms, then he stood up... stretching with a pout.
... fine... fine... you two enjoy the rest of your nap, I'll be home for dinner...
He whimpered, but calmed when Thea gave him another kiss, her hand resting on his cheek for a long moment before she patted it.
Go fight the good fight darling... we will be here when you get back.

~*~*~*~*~*~

TUCK!
Vivian's little face twisted in a knot as she huffed loudly, throwing the half broken crayon down on the ground. How dare it break! She growled, clearly aggravated as she stared at the half scribbled picture on the table.
Abigail had nearly dropped the phone when she heard her granddaughter, shaking her head as she stuttered.
I... I'm going to have to call you back, I'm sorry.
The phone was barely disconnected before she tossed it aside, picking up the huffy Vivian as she looked at the little girl.
Vivian pointed down at the broken crayon, clearly it had disappointed her... and Abigail was mortified.
Vivi... it's ok, we have more crayons.

No nana! No!
She wasn't having any part of that... the crayons had pissed her off. She was done with them. Abigail shook her head, bending down to pick up the broken pieces.
cms... Vincento Greystone. A word young man!

... Bring Aeron Lord Back ...

2012-02-03T12:41:00.000-05:00

It had gotten cold, or maybe it had simply been how he alone was feeling as Elijah walked in silence with the small band of hunters down the last of the mountains that opened up into No'Koan territory. Everyone around him had chatted quietly, the possibilities... what had happened, theories about Aeron... and secrets... and on, and on. Eli had stopped listening, he'd almost stopped caring. What did it matter now?
Clearly the young man they had found wasn't Aeron... he was Jerimiah. And he didn't know Jerimiah, and Jerimiah didn't know him. If the poor boy hadn't recognized any of those he called his closest friends... what were the chances?
He shook his head to himself, trying to pry the thoughts out of it. The silver streak in his midnight black hair shimmered in the faintest light that was available in the night sky. He knew they had been gone for some time, but couldn't tell what time it was. It was somewhere between far to early to wake, and far to late to sleep. Not that sleep would come.
His face pinched in thought again... just a few simple hours ago he'd felt his heart rush with the excitement of being able to hold Aeron's form against his through the night. The promise of what could have been the most beautiful sleep... and now he wasn't sure if his mind would ever shut up enough to let him rest again.
Not that it mattered. He wrapped his arms around himself, determining that the cold feeling was simply inside. Elijah had read more than he'd cared to about feelings of hopelessness and heart ache... he'd always assumed that those emotions had been exaggerated. He now felt that all of those words had been underplayed.
Perhaps if his death had been more painful the poor man would have had a better reference, because in this dark, cold, lonely moment he honestly thought he might be dying. He said nothing as his feet shuffled forwards, his eyes unfocused on the dark landscape stretched out before him.
Maybe he should have been able to find the happiness in it all. Perhaps Jerimiah could have his life back... but... Eli bit the inside of his cheek until it stung, vanishing the thoughts that came to him. It made him feel sicker to think that he would have traded Jerimiah without a thought to have Aeron back... so he pushed that thought as far back into his mind as he could reach.

He'd felt her before he'd heard anything. Arms still held around his chest tightly, as if his heart might actually rupture from his chest at any moment. His gold and blue eyes lifting just in time to see their match before he was enveloped in a tight hug by his sister.
Fayleen had been waiting for their return, having come all the way to De Ciel after Evelynn's news. And in this moment she was glad she had, Elijah's shoulders shook weakly as he tried to cling to the pain inside of him. Not let it escape... but as Fay whispered to him in their native language how sorry she was, it wouldn't stay in.
No sound came from him, but tears escaped easily enough. She only knew what Evelynn had relayed to her, but she had known that look in her twins eyes when he had looked upon Aeron Lord. There was nothing she could do or say... no magic strong enough to sooth away the pain that was taking residence inside of his heart.

Lilka didn't bring him back to De Ciel... so.. where? Ronan's voice was hushed off to the side with the rest of them. His eyes had fallen on the moment between Fayleen and Elijah but had quickly looked away, he'd known his own share of pain and couldn't watch much more of it.
That's what they had anticipated. Lilka brings Jerimiah to the infirmary in De Ciel, the closest territory in No'Koa... the best medical attention. But he'd checked with Cody and Juri, no sign of them.
She wouldn't have taken him with her to the en Corr tribe would she? Vodina's voice remained soft as well, being respectful as she looked to her husband, and then Johnna. Of the group of them, they would be the two to understand Lilka's motivations more.
Well she's not answering me. Vincento replied back to his wife, unable to stop himself as he reached out for her, taking her hand in his. They could have faded into the darkness, the lot of them, every once in a while glancing at Fay stroking Elijah's hair and whispering to him before they would look back at each other.
Silence... each of them realizing that they were at a stand still, too many unanswered questions and damn Lilka Dandov had to disappear with their best chance at answers.
Still silence, a few shifted around. Then Johnna sighed out a deep breath, looking around slowly. She looked pained to even say anything...
I... don't want to be more of a downer... but we have a bigger problem then where Lilka had disappeared off to. If... Vok killed Aeron, and he came here for him.

That place was abandoned. You think he had a plan? Ronan looked at Johnna, he hadn't even thought about Vok. But they both shared a look, they knew what the man was already capable of... if he could have killed Aeron, then, they had a bigger fucking problem.

Uncle Eli said he cursed him though. So.. Evelynn had started to add before Ronan shook his head, shrugging his shoulders. A curse? If he hadn't made him vanish what could good a damn curse do, and for that matter...

It's a Mirror Curse. Evelynn said very matter of factly. Her mother had educated her very well on Vicknian magic, especially in practices that would completely throw off No'Koans and Carpathians who wouldn't be use to their type of magic. Essentially what happens is, unlike normal curses that are represented by markings on the body or wards, the cursed individual shows no outward signs. The symbol manifests inside of them. The strength of the curse is dependent on the power of the cursed individual, so the stronger they are, the stronger it will be.
Once cursed the individual becomes to target of all magic used by that person. So, if he tries to burn someone... he himself will be burned instead, and so on. It is one fucking nasty thing.

Ronan's eyes had gotten a little wide, he looked at Evelynn carefully before barely smiling... his voice a touch shakey. You... don't know how to do that... do you?

Evelynn shot him a look that almost begged him to test her. Vincento was trying to figure out the math on that, his face twisted a touch, clearly he was forming a question. Soooo... if he is actually cursed, can't someone just... I don't know, get rid of it?

Yep... three ways. First, have the magic user who cursed you, or someone else who knows what they are doing get rid of it, second... cut out the affected area, though I wouldn't recommend it. Most people who know how to curse someone are going to target something you kinda need to survive, like the heart... so that's probably out. Finally, wait it out... which could take anywhere from a few days to centuries...

Ohhh... was the general look from the rest of the party. That was good though, right? They didn't have to worry about Vok sneaking into De Ciel at night and trying to do something horrific. They all shared a glance between them, standing in silence as the pre-dawn light started to peek up over the mountains.
It wasn't until Fayleen shifted with Elijah against her that everyone looked back at them. She started leading him down the hallway, lovingly touching her daughter's shoulder as she passed. Eli needed some rest and she'd sedated him enough to agree to go lay down for a little while.
They watched them pass before Vincento sighed, looking back at everyone. Alright... we have to find Lilka.

... Family Pride ...

2012-01-31T21:08:00.000-05:00

Are... you sure? The young Carpathian woman looked up to Lilka with a sight worried expression. The red haired woman was nearly naked from the waist up, for the sake of the girl she had opted to cover her breasts in a modest fashion... for now at least.
Her hair was carefully pinned up so that none of it fell on her shoulders or back, Lilka's green eyes opened as she glanced back from where she was sitting... a mirror off to her side. She paused, glancing over the carefully drawn artwork before she nodded.
Absolutely. All of it... you just tell me when I need to shift. Ok? And don't worry... I will be fine. She assured the poor girl. Drawn down Lilka's perfect, flawless alabaster skin was the en Corr tribal symbol. It stretched from her collar bone, over her shoulder, and down her back, finally coming to rest as it hugged her hip.
Lilka had gotten the Dandov family crest when she had been younger, wrapped around her rib cage as she never wanted anything to stop her from wearing strapless dresses... then after hunter training she'd gotten their classes symbol on the other side... this tattoo however was going to be the first and only to be visible to others.
The en Kragin tribe tattoo would be incorporated as well. She'd have all of her families, and that would please her.
She took a slow breath before the woman started, it would be a long process but thankfully Lilka had called for company.
Ah... no no ... it's fine. He's allowed to come in. Lilka laughed as another tried to stop Vincento from coming in the room, it was well lit and hopefully minus the needles they could enjoy coffee and chatting.
Deese and Zeches Lil... do you think you are getting enough work done? Married a week and bam... covered in a tattoo.

Hush... this is nothing. I could have gone all out. She teased, blocking out the tingling pain that was down her skin as the woman worked on the delicate detail down her back. She carefully took a sip of her coffee before her eyes looked over Vincento carefully.
I have never been known to do things half-assed... if I'm going to be an en Corr... I'm going to be one hell of an en Corr... and Carpathian. She said easily enough. Long gone was Lilka Dandov, queen of cafes and night clubs, she'd grown more than it showed most days.
So you are a Carpathian now? Vincento teased, sipping his coffee with a happy sigh, he'd been shooed away from girls day with Abigail, Vodina, and Vivian... so he'd have his own girls day.
Lilka scoffed, narrowing her eyes before she winced a touch... waiting for that bit of pain to pass.
Without a doubt. Anger me now... I'll show you. She teased with a bite to her words, but since coming with Torin Lilka had been careful to learn as much as she possibly could. She knew territories, tribes, locations... she could almost speak their language like a native and met with Amun regularly for lessons on writing.
Actually Lilka was taking to this life as if it had been exactly what she needed. But well... coffee... and Vincento were two of those little perks of No'Koa that she couldn't abandon.
Whoa.. whoa... you know I am teasing, your highness... or queen... or...

Lilka. Smart ass. Listen... keep it up and I won't have coffee the next time you come visit.

Well I wanted to see you mark up that skin of yours. I thought you had a rule. No visible tattoos... no way, no how.

And I thought we were never getting married and were going to grow old together as bitter cousins.

Touché...

It's better this way though. We are both happy. Life couldn't get much sweeter.Lilka said honestly. Since the weddings were finally over, she delighted in just being with Torin... finally, her heart and soul were at peace, and full. Speaking of happy... when do I get to see my little Greydov again!? She was absolutely precious as my flowergirl... especially with big bad daddy carrying her.
She purred a grin, knowing it made Vincento smile.
It was your way of making me your flower girl... wasn't it? I know your tricks. Well... once I can get some daddy time I'll work you in on the schedule. Are you coming back to De Ciel anytime soon?

Probably. I'll come sometime next week for a few days, can you smuggle her then? I have to get time with Jax and Ella as well... they are all growing up so fast.

Shhhhh... don't say that. Vincento whined a touch, he didn't want to think about Vivian growing up any faster than she already was.

... Mortality, Shmortality...

2011-12-01T13:37:00.003-05:00

Don't you walk away from me werecat!

The woman's voice was sharp, not to be tested... but Greyous didn't seem to be phased. He grunted, almost laughed at her words, lifting up another load of firewood he'd just finished splitting. The day was hot... like most days, but the nights were getting chilly. The winter was coming and the old man had his chores. He had no time for this madness.

Am I going to die today?

He asked casually. His eyes glancing back for a moment to look at the speechless woman. There were small pleasures in day to day life... and today he'd met his quota already.

Um... no.

Her voice was shaken. She hadn't expected that from him. Greyous shrugged his shoulders before he shook his head.

Then I don't think you have anything to interest me ghost.

Lily's face had shifted from surprised to livid... to emotionless. Those fucking werecats. Live and die, maybe they beg for good hunting... or warmer weather, but that was all their minds could worry about.
She felt a growl in her, that's what these animals did... they made her angry. She was nothing more than a ghost to them. Not part of their religion... probably because she was neither a predator or prey. Oxana the goddess of hunting over Lily the goddess of fate!? She should have caused him to trip, break his old cat neck. Instead Lily stood in silence, face blank as she stared at the old bastard's head.

It was about Savage De Ciel. But I understand... move your dead trees around.

Lily waved her hand, her form starting to vanish from beside the man. Greyous felt a shiver run down the length of his spine. Instantly he could see that gorgeous woman's face... her smile... oh, it made him light headed.
Then he remembered he hadn't simply been thinking about the woman... he turned around fully, his eyes carefully watching the ghost woman. If he'd been in his cat form the hair on his back would have stood up. The ghost came to talk about death... he'd heard the stories since he was a child... but Savage was immortal.

I... am listening.

Ohhhhh now you will listen to me? Have I pinched hard on your heart?

This was why Lily stayed away from the living. Single focuses. Life and heart, fuck everything else. Her form leaned against the closest tree, eyes analyzing each of the faint movements that Greyous had. The way he stared at her with pride for himself, but his eyes shifted down because he feared her. His shoulders were back... she couldn't deny that he was a strong man.
The silence was unbearable. Lily let it stay that way, longer than was necessary but simply to torture him. For each moment she remained quiet he shifted his weight between his feet, fear came to his eyes.

What... are you willing to sacrifice for love little boy? What are you willing to give for the life of love?

Her voice was cold. If she had her way she would disappear in her own realm, manipulate the future and keep the balance. But... over the years Kisha and Mikhail had both been chiseling some humanity into the woman. This had attempted to be niceness... but Greyous wasn't making it easy.
Greyous was stunned by her question, it was too powerful. He couldn't simply spit out some answer, what would he sacrifice for... for what? For Savage's love... for... her life? He looked to Lily's face in that moment, the ghosts white eyebrows lifted as if to say yes... though she said nothing. Now they had an understanding.

By the full moon... I'll be back for your answer Greyous... think on it carefully, it may lead to be reality.

Wait... but...

Greyous heard his voice, it sounded odd. But no matter his tone Lily vanished from his sight between blinks. He felt confused. Knowing that through stories that ghost woman had taunted and teased werecats with false future sight... but something in his stomach twisted at the thought of anything harming Savage. He'd grown very attached to her, careful... simply because he knew how much of his life was left.
He'd seen his fair share of warm summers and long winters... he regretted often when they would take walks together that it had been so late in life he'd met her. He shook his head, stacking the last pieces of wood in his arms as he headed down towards the camps.
Greyous wouldn't think about it now. No doubt though... over the next few weeks, it would haunt his thoughts. What would he give for love? What would he sacrifice for love? Life and love? How could you give a price when you didn't know the object?

... Cold Shower ...

2011-11-30T16:28:00.001-05:00

It couldn't have been cold enough. The water streaming down his bare skin had formed a sheen of ice on the floor of the shower as Elijah stood under the nozzle that had been set to pure cold water.
His skin still felt like it was on fire. If he had been laying naked in Greystone there might not have been any snow left to speak of. Frost had formed on the glass shower door. He was in misery and yet...
His hands were firmly placed against the tile wall, his back arched out and his head hung down so his mess of wet hair had fallen forward by the weight of the water. He looked defeated, even by his own doing the heat inside of him had barely started to fade. He may very well have to allow ice to encase him... would that even help? No... he doubted it.
His blue-gold eyes were closed as the rhythm of the cascading water pounded on his brain, trying desperately to break himself out of what he'd lost himself in.
He pulled his lower lip into his mouth, holding it there with his upper teeth as his tongue ran the length of it. Unique, foreign... delicious, he could still taste the sweetness of the man there... could still feel the tickle of Aeron's tongue touching over it.
He wanted to be back there. He wanted to be holding the man's body against his own... to feel the heat between them, to feel tongue and teeth and lips mixing and fighting to taste as much as possible.
Eli's eyes opened, staring at the soft grey color of the stone and tile of the shower, but what he saw was Aeron's face, eyes barely open... soft trendles of hair, lips parted from trying to breath...
It was only making things worse. His hand slipped down, pushing the handle off, the frigid water stopped. He ignored the ice on the walls around him as he stepped out. His lips were blue, almost as blue as his eyes but he seemed unphased, a little chill had never killed him.

Elijah's hand had tightened around Aeron's, fingers laced together. The soft sweet brushing of lips had twisted quickly into a passionate, heated, desperate kiss. Tongues dancing together, darting... chasing... seeking out each other.
It had been electrifying... his skin sensitive to every touch, but every touch had been worth it. A pleasurable torture. This was worth every moment that he had spent in death, that was the sweetness of life that they'd spoke of... he believed them now.
Elijah had never kissed anyone like this, he'd never imagined kissing anyone like this... and still, he wouldn't have picked anything else in any world.
That thought, and that heat had caused his free hand to slip down Aeron's chest. He could feel the strength in the man's body, the faint and subtle curve of his waist under his own stronger touch. The world was already on fire, what was the worst that could happen?
His fingers curled under the edge of Aeron's pressed shirt and moments later he felt his fingers brush against the bare skin of the man he was holding. It was decadent... soft, warm... he wanted more of it. He wanted all of it.
Wild like an animal inside of him Elijah felt a rush and growl building in him that if he'd let free would have rolled over Aeron with an unstoppable force. His whole body was aching, every moment stopped his breath and still he pushed onward... he wanted this. Wanted. Wanted.
Then like a flash he felt a chill. The warmth and pressure of Aeron Lord had vanished from his touch. The sweetness of his lips, gone. All of it, and Eli felt like groping out in the darkness to snatch him back.
There were stuttered words, then darting eyes... despite Aeron's flushed skin and staggered breath, the man vanished into the darkness.

Eli groaned as he lay down on the sinfully soft massive bear fur that was stretched over his bed. It felt good on his cold naked flesh, and the soothing scent of it was making him feel a touch better though he'd gone from incredible want... to absolute worry.
He'd done something wrong. He knew it. He'd done something he wasn't suppose to do, Aeron had high tailed it away from him before he'd had a chance to catch his breath or utter a word... and the worst part was that Elijah had no clue on what it could be.
He rolled himself over, taking half of the fur with him as he curled it around him. He didn't have it in him to get dressed... his empty stomach escaped his mind. He'd be lucky if he got sleep tonight, either he'd think of the ecstasy of Aeron Lord's lips or that interesting, new feeling of dread that can with the image of the man fleeing his presence.

... We all want something...

2011-11-29T14:17:00.005-05:00

You've done what you needed... now give him back.
Vodina's eyes were focused completely on Elise, watching as the kneeling girl slowly turned from where she had been praying. She still felt Aeron off to the side but he wasn't of any concern now. She should have known better, Elise was a dark priestess to Aneas, she was the one that would get her what she wanted.
It's not that simple Vodina.
Elise's voice was calm and lower, she knew better than to anger the girl... even if she was a friend, Vodina was blinded by her own death and that of her husband. She'd seen her mother's fury over the death of Farfello once... perhaps twice, and she didn't want to provoke that.Vodina's head shook at the words, her wild black hair loose against her shoulders and back. New eyes flashing with fury. She barely noticed as Aeron cleared his throat.
Do you say that because you've met your limits? You can have him die but can't bring him back!? If it can't be you... then take me to whomever it is that can give him back to me! He's mine!
The words were sharp and cutting. She wouldn't be calmed with reasons of how Vincento's sacrifice was for the betterment of his family. She was his family... Vivian was his family. How had his death helped them?Her back was strong, muscles flexed in anger as she was forcibly trying to hold herself back... something stronger than she had ever imagined bubbling up within her.
I've looked into the eyes of Fate... and you aren't her, you can't make the decision to take him!
I want my husband back!
*~*~*~*~*~*
The soft sounds of movement and laughter cut through the atmosphere. Golden blue eyes looked down at the slow roll of steam off the fresh bowl of soup. It smelled fantastic, like it always did. He favored it to everything else on the menu, mostly because it reminded him of the thick stews that his sister would make when snow drifts got high enough to cover the window seals. The spoon stirred the dark mess around the bowl, churning up bits of carrots and potatoes to the surface before forcing them back down into the depths. He'd yet to take a bite, eyes casually looking up and around the room, though they fell back to the food and table. He'd gotten use to evening company. Particular company. And now it was lacking. A sigh escaped his lips before he disregarded the spoon all together, favoring the small glass of whiskey that had barely been chilled with a few cubes of ice. On a regular basis Elijah reflected, but it was almost never about his own feelings. He thought of the past and the present, but never about his own place in the swirl of the universe. Tonight was different. In fact, the last few weeks had been different. He enjoyed evenings with Aeron, they laughed and spoke of books, jested about what could have been if only a small piece of history had changed. Commented on political happenings, theorized their own predictions on what was to come. And through all of that Eli had found himself yearning for something.What was that inside? Were dinners in warm pubs and full glasses of alcohol the end of it? Was he simply lonely for company? He shook his head, stray bands of silver and black hair fell into his eyes and remained ignored. No. He'd always been a loner, even as the majority of his life had been death he'd never felt the need to be around anyone in particular. His sister and her family had been a welcomed change, but he'd relied upon them just as much. He didn't need anything from Aeron Lord, and yet he felt that swirl of something crawling deep inside, like a hunger. His eyes refocused across the room, watching mindlessly as the others enjoyed themselves, the banked fires flickering light to every corner of the small place. And where he would have normally allowed himself to fall into thoughts of historical significance... instead he saw full lips curled into a wicked smile. Soft pale skin that rode the lengths up to surprisingly strong cheek bones. Eyes. Those that should he never see again would be locked in his memory. Not because of the oddness of them, ice blue and winter wooded brown, but because of what was behind them. Something soft, perhaps scared that was easily hidden behind words, but Elijah had watched it. He saw it a few times, when glasses were empty and the sounds had faded around them, kindness... and worry... other things. Sweeping up into thick wild locks of white blonde hair, perhaps purposefully messed with fingers, though Eli could imagine the wind tossing it. In his own mind, locked and safe he could see his own fingers reaching to touch it, to feel how soft he knew it had to be. He'd never said it out of feeling awkward, but he had wondered what it would feel like against his own cheek, or lost between his fingers. He could picture the strength of the man's jaw, hanging over the delicate and soft skin of his neck. Eli had thought, sleeplessly in bed a few nights before if his lips could trail over it what would it feel like... what was the scent of it... would the flush from Aeron's cheeks sink that far down? The sweet burn of the liquid from his glass filled his mouth and slipped down deep inside of him as he thought. He felt his own cheeks and face flush at the thoughts, his breathing took a turn to sharpen. There were darker things that flirted with coming to his mind. Things that he hadn't let escape. But in this moment, already lost in his own mind he felt forming images in his mind. His eyes no longer seeing the joy around him in the pub, instead he imagined the weight of the man between him and a wall, the soft sweet smell of his skin, the firm... yet gentle brush of lips against his own. His breath staggered from want... shaking with excitement and anxiety. He could feel his hands feeling the exact shape of Aeron's form that was hidden by clothing... could feel himself press his hips forward, he could feel his own hardness throbbing... his breath catching again.
Refill?
Elijah's eyes snapped up at the stranger, his breath a touch labored as a burning rush of redness spread across his cheeks. He stared at the man as if he hadn't understood him... or as if he'd just ruined the most glorious then he saw his empty glass. Without saying a word he nodded, pushing the untouched soup and empty glass to the edge of the table. He'd been afraid to part his lips to answer, almost terrified a wanting sound he'd heard in his mind would escape. Elijah watched the man disappear, his mind teasing him with more of what it had conjured, but he wouldn't dare let it... no matter what he wanted. He shifted on the bench, readjusting his pants casually... if nothing else had come to reality from the fantasy, the stiff throbbing had.
He had now moved his body back into the benched seat, perhaps he was sinking into the darkness with his thoughts. Either way, he was bothered for a moment longer as the serving man sat the fresh glass of whiskey down.
He wished that Aeron was there. He wasn't exactly sure what good it would have done him in this moment, but if the man had been there his mind wouldn't have been wondering as it was. Perhaps his skin would have still been flushed, perhaps the aching in his stomach, or the pleasurable firmness causing his pants to tighten would have waited until he was home, alone.
But now he was here, alone, turning and twisting the images of that man in his mind for his own delight. Elijah had never really thought of things like that. For years his mind had remained as innocent as he truly was. Only once, after much drinking had he dared to catch Corin Greystone between his own form and a wall... but that too had quickly passed.
However now, in the heat of the room... a room that had made his skin tingle and feel wildly warm and uncomfortable. It was the room? No... his lips curved around the top of the small glass, a deeper sip caused the heat to flush even further. This heat inside of him was the courage of whiskey and want... in that moment Elijah Desalvo was thankful his new companion hadn't come.
His eyes closed slowly, mind forcing another enjoyable image across the dark canvas... this time he could feel it more, the weight of the man pressing back against him as Eli's form held Aeron's against the wall. He could feel the man's breath like his own, panting... flushed skin keeping from burning one another through layers of clothing...
He swam in the sweet soft scent of the man's blonde hair as he leaned forward, unminding of the hold being placed on him. Eli was drunk in this moment, but off of a different sweetness... one he wouldn't mind in the morning, he was sure of that.
Eli felt hot, staggered breath poised over his ear, faint moan like sounds escaped from Aeron's throat... sounds he hadn't heard before. His own face pressed into the curve of Aeron's neck... her barely heard his own voice, and he couldn't be sure if it had escaped his lips in the small space in the pub, but he heard them clearly.
... I want you.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Lilka had remained in De Ciel for a week after Vodina had come back to life. As she had done for Vincento she offered herself to her friend... anything that was needed until Vodina assured her that she would be fine. Three weeks... Vodina had lasted longer than Vincento had in his time of need.
She'd been grateful when Torin had taken them back to Carpathia... home. She'd caught herself saying it more than once. Honestly, she had wished to ride Ramses high above it all, just to escape the feelings that had nested inside but instead she had found something to do to finish off the evening.
A few nights passed before Torin found her sitting on the edge of their bed, she was wearing a soft silken nightgown that hung to her mid-thigh, her lengthy red hair was loose, still perfect, clung to her back. She held a wine glass between her hands as her eyes stared up at him.
She loved him. Lilka knew that as if it were the only truth she'd ever known. A silent sadness in her eyes that she often dismissed when he asked had slowly faded, though he could have easily guessed it all had to do with the Foster - Greystones. Lilka shifted as Torin came closer, without a thought she shifted and placed the wine glass on the bedside table. She wanted to feel him holding her, she savored it... every moment. When he inevitably sank down to sit she shifted her weight, straddling his lap so she was facing him.
Her fingers expertly started undoing the buttons of his shirt as her green eyes looked into his, a smile warm with love crossing her lips. She loved the strength of him, the patience... the intelligence, her fingers pressed the fabric over his shoulder feeling the warmth of his skin against her hands.
She touched him with love, though often times heated... she yearned for him in ways that she'd never thought possible... and he fed a need and hunger in her that no one else had ever satisfied. Her fingers lovingly brushed back strands of his dark hair.
I... want to tell you something.
Please.
Torin's voice was soft as he shifted their weight together so he could be more comfortable, keeping Lilka exactly as she was against him. That made her smile more, but she remained where she was. Her eyes lowered for a moment to watch his hands against her hips, his fingers playing with the sinfully soft fabric of her covering.
She was quiet for a moment, reflecting on the words she was about to say.
There was hesitation, and then Lilka straightened, looking Torin en Corr directly in his dark eyes. She was her mother's daughter after all.
I want you. I want to be your wife... I want you to marry me.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The walk home through the warm afternoon air had been nice... peaceful... and mildly unbearable. The small framed woman wrapped her fingers around the railing of the stairs that led up to her front door, the other hand poised over her belly where it had remained for house.
Each day that passed she swear she couldn't have gotten bigger, and each day came and went proving Thea wrong. Other than her size and the occasional getting trapped on the couch, the pregnancy had gone swimmingly. The nursery had been completed, Nathan's mother had visited to make sure they had everything they needed and to happily meet Seamus. She had gone on and on about how handsome he looked... though she had tried to get Thea to have him dye his hair, she politely refused.
She'd been on leave from work for a few days now, preparing for the addition. Today had been a check up with the doctor and though Nathan and Seamus had wanted to go with her she'd shooed them away. Sometimes a girl just needs a moment alone, with the kicking.
Everything was reported in perfect condition, their tiny one was doing just fine... however, in a moment of weakness Thea had stared at the monitor as the doctor had been giving her the ultrasound. They'd decided not to learn the sex of the baby, to be surprised... but ... she couldn't help herself. She blamed it on the fact that she couldn't see her toes anymore... it seemed like a valid excuse.
But, her heart had sank a touch as she'd walked home. Not for herself, but she knew the fear that stayed inside Seamus... the way he looked away when Nathan would pray for a son. He's prayers had been answered, had Seamus not prayed enough?
Hey now... you in there, I'm not to be kicked during nap time.
She spoke to her stomach before getting another kick, as if he was defying her... or simply stating that it wasn't nap time yet. Her hand gently pushed the door open, and then closed as she came inside. She could hear Seamus in the other room. He'd been so wonderful, offering to take time off to stay with her, especially since she needed someone to "remove" her from certain chairs that had been marked off limits, but she hadn't listened.
Nathan had been called out for the week with the promise of getting leave once the baby was born, but right now it was just the two of them, and one of them had a dirty little secret. She took a deep breath, coming into the kitchen to the sight of him that pressed a smile over her lips, one that grew as he turned and handed her a lemonade. Sipping through the straw on the chilled liquid as Seamus kissed her before leaning down to greet their child. Happy kicks at the sound of his voice, Thea took a deep breath. Might as well get it over with, she couldn't keep it from him.
Seamus... my love... I want you to sit down. I have some news.

... Darkness is Coming...

2011-11-02T17:18:00.001-04:00

The wind rustled loose leaves violently through the darkness. She could feel them climbing over her feet like rodents, scattered back into oblivion.

Steps were hard to take, like sinking in quicksand... but the wind, it was becoming deafening. The weakest flicker of light was struggling for life at the end of the candle, clutched desperately by her hands.

She could hear them, off in the darkness lurking, clawing... screaming. She knew them as intimately as anyone who had looked into the abyss. Their voices. They wanted her, to crush her bones with their jaws, to spill her blood, to end her.

She'd been terrified of them for years, from her first glimpses of them in the amber eyes of that dark man. Then the years she'd spent inside Mateo's dark mind, holding the monsters at bay. Knowing that the moment she left him they would be back at work, breaking him down... passing out the pieces.

Her eyes focused on the hint of blue still attached to the wick. It was dying. She knew, the wind was howling... and though she had it cradled in her hand, protecting it with everything she had... it wasn't going to be enough.

It was leaving... they'd get out... it would be over. She held her breath, but before she could take another step the blue suffocated... orange amber faded to blackness, and a thin stream of smoke vanished.

Eyes shot through darkness ... she heard herself screaming as she was overtaken... weight on her back...

MOM!

Jessica snapped awake, her chest heaving from panic as she clung to Demona... it took several moments before she calmed enough to realize she was safe inside... having fallen asleep on the couch.

... The Long Lost Sister...

2011-09-26T14:17:00.002-04:00

The year had been full of minor accomplishments. High hopes had been had, but now as the winter was growing close there was nothing worth bragging about in the dark alleys as members of the pureblood movement saw one another.

Stephan and Dalia had done there damage, sure... but in the end the power of Vickni was still being held by that pathetic excuse for a leader who had decided to model herself after No'Koan's own ruiner. Perhaps that would soon change.

The warriors of the good fight had dwindled after Gloria's demonstration of bringing in No'Koan hunters to flush out outspoken members. Now things were back underground... a bubbling that would soon rise up. However, at the moment they needed a plan... and unique members.

The train shifted to a stop outside of the Capital city and a woman shifted from her seat, stood, and exited without a word or look to anyone. She was wearing a black dress, a hood covering her hair, and a veil half covering her face. The only noticeable feature were crisp golden eyes that scanned slowly the surroundings before she came away from the train and headed into the heart of the city.

Words could not describe the pure disgust she felt as she saw banners under streetlights that celebrated the soon to be union of Vickni and No'Koa. Other banners accented the joined allies ranging from the Shadow hunters to the Werewolves. Where had all of the animosity gone? Had people forgotten the hatred that had been exchanged for centuries?

She felt her teeth grit together in anger as she continued her journey further into the heart of the city, the sweep of her dress dragging barely a thought on her mind. There were more pressing matters.

It hadn't taken long to find them, which didn't thrill the woman, seclusion would need to become a priority before she would stake her existence on this party.

At first she'd been turned away by rough looking men who puffed out their chests, but once they noticed her golden eyes there was no more discussion. Despite the breeding between the races the presence of golden eyes still were the significant defining characteristic of gods/goddesses and their direct descendants.

The woman was led slowly through a surprising complex system of point checks before she finally arrived in a large room. It had several closed doors that surely led off to various places, and no windows. It smelled of moisture and mold. A large chair faced away from her but shifted and started to turn as the overly compensating Vicknian men moved back to support either side of the door frame with their shoulders.

Do you find yourself lost child? Stephan's voice was harsh and cold, it almost caused the woman to step back but she stood her ground. An almost equally chilling scoff came from behind the fabric as she laughed.

I think it is you, fallen from good graces General who is lost. Such promise your elite had and now you have been reduced to rubble. Nothing great stands for you and yet you are supported by the most despised of No'Koa. Do her cold fingers sooth away the panic of being forgotten? The woman's voice was accented heavily from No'Koa though she had fought for years to remove it. Golden eyes narrowing on Stephan who looked even less humoured than before, if that could be possible.

The man growled fairly, a sound that sent those behind her back shifting uncomfortably a few millimetres from their statuesque perches.

I've killed No'Koans for less utterances. Is that why you keep your face hidden? Pretending to be something you are not? His black eyes gained a tint of humour from his words, but the woman didn't shift or move, however, she did laugh. And it was as chilling as his own. Cold, and devoid of emotion.

In one slow movement she reached up, undoing the clasps of the mask around her face before pulling back the hood completely. A long braid of fire red hair fell, swinging mindlessly at her waist. Her skin was painfully pale and perfect. The original golden eyes made more painfully aware by the soft arches of her raised red eyebrows. Her face devoid of emotion.

I am no No'Koan Stephan. My name is Elizabeth, a descendant of Sarieva herself. I have come to put my support and faith in your uprising.

Stephan's eyebrows gained the slightest peek of interest. If anything being the descendant of a goddess almost always meant the person would have exceptional magical abilities, a pureblood that would be highly prized in their efforts. He kept his interest however hidden, shaking his head.

Your gifts may be vast, however, you are but a child. What could you possibly offer this group... and what would you want in return for your support? Those were the true questions.

Elizabeth heard the men shift again behind her but she ignored it, her eyes focused completely on Stephan. She knew she had him enthralled... and more so she knew she had what he wanted.

The silence was deafening for the longest moments. Stephan almost felt that this had become a waste of his time and was just about to dismiss her when the fiery woman spoke again.

I... am the adopted daughter of Savage De Ciel. Sister... to Magnolia De Ciel and citizen of No'Koa. Elizabeth said clearly. She wasn't thrilled with her last name being tied to No'Koan royalty, and rarely ever used it. However, in this instance it could be very, very helpful.

That grabbed Stephan's interest. Mmm... access to No'Koa, even if limited could bring a new delightful chapter to the presence of their revolution. Before he got excited he managed out.

And what do you want in return?

Again the two stared at one another, then... Elizabeth smirked.

That my dear, has yet to be determined.

... Mortality...

2011-07-29T20:29:00.000-04:00

A long time ago, back before the wild mountains were tamed, back when the land was young and still full of new discoveries. That was when the Bastet and the Werewolves hatred was born.
Two men, of equal strength and character had fallen in love with the same young woman from a small town that bordered the wilderness in which both groups lived.
Back then, the Bastet and werewolves shared a massive territory, their people separate by leadership, but often would gather together for celebrations. They even hunted together on multiple occasions. Never did a werewolf go hungry if the Bastet had food.
Since they had been born, the alpha's sons had been friends, constantly challenging each other for higher and better tasks. The next alpha of the Bastet, Haden was a tall dark haired young man with the most beautiful golden eyes had fallen in love with a beautiful young woman named Sarieva. In retaliation for Haden's choice, his best friend and biggest enemy had decided to woo Sarieva, to best Haden.
It was back then that both the werewolves and were cats were immortal. Deaths were uncommon.
For nearly a year the boys spent time with the young woman. She had no family, no connections to the town she lived in... and never came to visit the pack or pride. She was very tall. The blackest hair, made the night's sky look light blue. Her eyes, a deep rich brown, almost soulless.
Unbeknownst to anyone the young woman was a goddess who had decided to experience life in the realm. She had no intention of courting suitors... or even falling in love. But you can't stop a force like love.
Unable to stop herself, Sarieva found herself deeply... and madly in love with Haden, despite the fact that Atex (the next alpha of the Werewolves) had found himself in the same situation with her.
To be fair to both men, she called them to her one afternoon. The distance between each man had been growing, it could be felt now without words. Haden and Atex barely looked at one another as they shifted their weight, standing before Sarieva.
She explained to them, that though she cared deeply for both of them, she would only be with the man who could prove his love to her. Who was worth her love?
It became a battle of the most sacrifice in that moment between the two men. Atex promised to give up his position as alpha of the pack... Haden topped that with giving up his position and leaving the pride lands completely.
It went back and forth... for days. The men battled each other before Haden answered with one thing... that Atex wouldn't... and couldn't top. Haden offered up not only his, but the immortality of all of his people.
When Atex couldn't offer up equal or greater... Sarieva made her decision as promised. Silently delighted as she ended up with Haden.
After that day, Sarieva joined Haden. They married and before the end of the year they had a beautiful son. Though the werewolves and were cats continued to live life peacefully, Atex couldn't stop brooding over his loss.
As the years passed Haden's son grew to understand his role as the next alpha... though an alpha had never taken his/her position until he was well past adulthood. Immortality left plenty of room for learning.
It had been a quiet summer evening when the war started. Haden had taken his rounds with his son to check on the pride. Nearly home, the night went silent like never before.
It had happened quicker than thought, the man lay on the grass, his son too mortified to scream... Atex stood over him, blood covered dagger still in his hands. His eyes filled with bitter anger. Haden passed away right then, the knife having sliced through his heart. His son finally found himself, barely managing to leave his father's lifeless body and make his way home to find help.
The devastation was outrageous. The first alpha in history to be murdered... Haden's death was felt through both the Bastet pride and the Werewolf pride. Before dawn the werewolves had been ordered away from pride lands by Haden's young son.
Sarieva took it harder than anyone... her rage against losing her life mate at the hands of Atex. Long days of mourning finally ended with a punishment of her curse against the Werewolves.
To make Atex suffer for what he had done, Sarieva made every werewolf suffer the mortality her mate had. Like the were cats, they too would experience short lives.
Unable to deal with her life outside of being with Haden she retreated back to her existence as a goddess... joining him for eternity.
His son however, remained the alpha of the pride. No longer were their lives simple. A distinct separation between pride and pack. From that moment on, the werewolves and Bastet fought... alphas sent for the heads of alphas.

Azen leaned back against a tree, feeling even in his soul the heat of the afternoon. His golden eyes gazing across to Basil who had been listening intently.
Despite the man having been married to the historian of the pride, there was lacking information about many things... and he had always wondered why the two had fought so violently for so long.

But... you chose a Werewolf as your mate. Why didn't that stop the warring?

He couldn't understand. Wouldn't the marriage between the two alphas be enough to stop the fighting? His eyes scanned the man's face, feeling like a child in his presence.
Azen laughed, shaking his head as he thought back to when he had been a child... thankfully Brook wasn't with them on this afternoon... she seemed to embellish some aspects of storytelling, and then again the old man didn't need some secrets released.

We weren't alphas when we met... by chance. Deep in the woods that separate the two people... I had been hunting. That summer was sparse and it was very important for me not to come home empty handed. Unfortunately, the werewolves had suffered the same that summer... instead of pack hunts individuals were sent out to bring back anything they could.
I'd been stalking a particularly thin deer that kept getting downwind of me. Just as I was making my move for the kill out of the corner of my eye this wolf slammed into me, taking me down and the deer ran off.
We were both mortified in seeing each other... as children the stories you hear put the fear of death in you. We just stared at one another... and when nothing happened... and when neither of us eat the other's face off... we actually spoke to each other.
Those rendezvous happened more often than they should have. We would find each other in the forest, nights were spent talking for hours ... and then, well...

Azen's eyebrows lifted before he laughed, making a motion with his hand. His wife was a beautiful creature... there was no denying there had been a physical relationship between them.

It was hard, just admitting it to each other let alone to our people. When my father passed away and I took over as alpha but I waited... perhaps a year, to stop challengers for my position before I made the announcement.
I chose my mate, Brooke Del'Monka... the alpha of the werewolves. I remember that night I didn't sleep, fearful someone would come in the night to take my head.
But, slowly... our people came together again. Of course there were problems... however, by the time we wed one another many had calmed down.
There were more mouths to feed, but the extra effort paid off... with hunters from each side bringing back enough for us all.

Brook and I had three children, triplets. Your grandfather Solstice was the only of our children who could shift into a were cat. He was chosen as my successor, the next alpha of the pride. Our daughter, Cyndi, could only shift into a werewolf form, was the successor of the werewolves. And our other daughter Shanni, eventually left the pack and pride lands. But that is a different tale.

As they aged, Solstice and Cyndi continued to try and best each other... constantly feeling as if they should be the alpha of the "joined" group. By the time Brook passed away I could no longer control the war between our children.
It broke both our hearts when far after both of our deaths, Cyndi led an attack against the were cats, finally killing her brother. His young son, Hagon, left as the alpha of yet another broken pride.

But, now... I'm so very proud of you and your move towards once again gaining a peaceful relationship between the only mortal residence of Vickni.
Do you... find yourself worried about the possibility of your daughter Tokio choosing Ruel as her mate?

His eyebrows lifted in question. Basil's face thought over that for a moment. He'd been a man raised with the idea that the werewolves were those to be hated beyond all others. His mother lost at their hands, his father's life constantly threatened. He'd been a high fighter for the destruction and extermination of the werewolves... that was until he'd met Dominique.
Having his people accept her as their own,
even in his absence, they followed her unquestioningly.

I... have. But, the choice is ultimately her's... and what is in her heart. I can only hope that she does great things with her life... and that she does right by her people.

Can't we all hope such things.

Azen took a deep breath, laughing warmly before his eyes caught the sight of Kisha and Elise running towards them. It was time.

... Cora Isthic ...

2011-07-23T18:10:00.001-04:00

The black haired woman had taken leave for the afternoon from her eternal position in waiting as Aneas's General. Long was gone the werecat woman who had spent her days raising children and looking after the pride. She had spent her life as a guardian and protector, a true leader in every since... now her destiny was different.

She hadn't once regretted being used by Lily for the woman to retain her soulmate, in all honestly she couldn't deny she wouldn't have done the same had she been in that position. Now, instead of spending an eternity with her family where she had been before her momentary re-birth, she actually enjoyed what she accomplished from her new place.

Today was different. Today she escaped for a few precious hours. It had been the news of her son's death, her poor boy. It broke her heart like it would have done any mother, but she knew werecats weren't immortal. Her son had been a very strong, determined, and adventurous man... his death was tragic, but if you live dangerously... the chance to die is there.

But her grandchild? Her death was for no other reason then meanness on Azure's behalf. She had a rare opportunity, Cora's soul in the Palace of Eternity because her death had occurred in No'Koa. She would have a brief window to meet the girl before her soul would be returned.

Cora carried herself like a General, her shoulders square, her head held high. But she was polite to anyone she passed. She bowed her head slightly with each individual who deserved it before she paused outside of the door to the wing that held the souls of lost children.

Her hand hesitated on the latch before she came inside, within moments she had spoken with Emmanuel Jr. and was on her way to the room where Cora was. Like so many, she expected that Cora was experiencing a complete loss from what she had once had. Gone was her family... her friends... her way of life. It wasn't an easy adjustment for anyone, especially those who were trapped in a world outside of anything they had known.

She knocked lightly, waiting patiently. When the door opened the dark eyed woman stared down at Cora. It was possible that she looked far more intimidating then she was intending, so to compensate she smiled... it was awkward and she saw it in Cora's face.

Hello Cora... My name is Cora Isthic.

She paused, seeing if the girl registered her... and she did, her eyes wider before she thought perhaps a smile crossed Cora's young lips.

You... are my grandmother?

I am.

Why... why are you here?

Honestly, Cora hadn't seen another werecat since her death. She'd been here with No'Koan children and felt very much alone. Maybe Cora had come to get her... Cora Sr.'s eyebrows lifted in question before she nodded.

I wanted to come... meet you. You... weren't born yet when I came back for a short bit. Your brother and sister were small. You are the youngest?

Yes... I... was.

The girl shifted, letting Cora come into her room before she closed the door. The older woman remained standing as Cora turned back around, her face was red... she looked as if she might start crying.

You... didn't come... to take me back home? I... don't get to see my daddy?

Cora Sr. felt her heart retch just a touch, knowing how it felt to be torn away. But her head slowly shook, answering that question.

No. I'm sorry child. I didn't.

And... I... can't go home to my mama?

Cora shook her head, seeing tears slip down the young girl's face. The General stepped forward, and before she knew it the young woman was clinging to her, sobbing into her shirt. This strange woman... her grandmother was the only piece of home she had left in this strange world... no promise to ever see her mother or father again, she simply lost the small resolve she'd been clinging too.

... Monarque Melanthia ...

2011-06-24T14:54:00.001-04:00

Is everything ok dad?

Melanthia looked concerned as she stepped outside of her families suites into the dimly lit hallway. She tied the her robe closed, running her hand through her loose dark chocolate colored hair to get it out of her eyes.

She'd been worried about her father for years, he'd never seemed the same since her mother had been killed and though he threw himself into her work, she had seen it in his eyes, right around the fourth year anniversary... he was finished.

Starkling had, at one point looked handsome in a nice suit. Now however, the shirt was wrinkled and unbuttoned at the collar, his jacket was open and the carefully placed creases in his pants had smoothed out. He smiled softly at Melanthia, sorry to wake her at this hour but he had limited time and was now juggling much more on top of his work.

Everything is fine darling, but I... need to talk to you about something.

Ok. Um... can we sit down?

She motioned just across the hall, a few steps away from the door to a bench, following her father. They both looked tired as they sat down. She had just been about to apologize for not inviting him in... Stryker was having a camp out in the livingroom with elaborate tent set up. The shoe lace trip wire had nearly face planted her into wall and caused the De Ciel Greystone camp to lose a member.

As she parted her lips to speak Starkling exhaled a slow breath, shifting on the bench to face his daughter.

Your mother was always so very proud of you. Of all of you.

... I know dad.

She nodded, feeling her heart seize up a touch. Every single day she missed her mother, but she knew Magnolia wouldn't have wanted her children to waste away to nothingness pining for her.

Starkling nodded slowly, his eyes lowering to the floor for a moment. It wore on him, as painfully as it would have worn on anyone to lose their soulmate. His head lifted for a moment, a soft weaker smile over his lips as he looked at his daughter. She had a strong resemblance to her mother, her cheek bones, height, slender yet muscular features. She had gotten her hair from him, and those blue eyes... a hand-me-down her great grandmother.

She had grown so much before his eyes, from a hot headed young adult single handedly trying to fight the world to a more rational creature who still stood strong against the world, but did it with the wisdom and cooperation of others.

She had sacrificed being with her family for long, lonely months, insisting that she wanted to help fight against the purebloods. She had returned, from duty, exhausted but dove into her continued work with the alliances as an attaché, as well as dealing with multiple treaties and negotiations when her father's plate had been too full.

Melanthia was starting to look concerned as she watched her father sit in silence.

Dad? Are you sure you are ok? Do you want to go home and have some tea? I'll come with you...

Thank you darling, but no.. I didn't want to keep you long, I'm just trying to figure out how to share this information with you.

What?

She felt her heart stop for just a nanosecond as she mentally checked on all of her children and husband, there was no pain in her soul... Sirsinna wasn't hurt or dead.

Your nana Savage called me to her office today, she had found your mother's orders, should she ever pass away. Her wishes... should anything happens to her is that I become the Lord Consort of No'Koa.

I know dad. That's what you...

And if anything happens to me, or if I can no longer complete the duties... she has named you her hire... and Empirial Monarque of No'Koa.

He's eyes remained on Melanthia as her face went completely blank. That was not information that she had ever, even for a moment, thought that she would be processing. Her eyes, unfocused remained on the floor for a long time before she looked up at her father, worry.

Me? No... dad, that can't be right. Not Emmanuel? Not Sirsinna?

She couldn't believe it. Her heart thundering in her chest. This wasn't like a promotion in the military or a raise in respect in her work. This was... she swallowed hard, her hands coming together on her lap.

I... don't know what to say.

You don't have to say anything darling. I wanted you to know at least, should anything happen... to be prepared.

But nothing is going to happen to you dad. Right?

There was silence between them as Starkling's eyes broke away from his daughter. He hadn't thought so before meeting Lysandra, Starkling would have waited for just a glimmer of hope that Magnolia would return and when those hopes died he would have continued what he could until he simply gave up.

But now, his soulmate was alive... albeit mortal and void of memories that would tie them together, he could still feel it. What if Evening was right? What if Lysandra never remembered she was Magnolia... what if aged before his eyes and passed away. No.

Starkling shook his head to himself, unconsciously answering Melanthia's question. If Magnolia never came back to them... then he would join her. There were ways...

No darling... not any time soon. But we should start having some discussions about this, just in case. I simply wanted you to be aware.

He stood up slowly, he really aught to get back to Lysandra on Earth before she wakes and has a panic attack.

Melanthia remained on the bench, lost in her own mind before she followed suit with her father, standing to hug him close, another ache to her heart... she could smell her mother on his clothes. She finally pulled away, hugging her arms to herself as she looked at him.

We can speak more in the morning?

Of course darling. I love you...

I love you too dad. Goodnight.

She waved weakly as she watched him turn, heading down the empty hallway towards his home... Melanthia turned slowly, managing to make her way back into her home and into the bedroom before she sank down on the edge of the bed, soothed slightly by Dante's sleeping breath.

She would be the Monarque? Sweet Deese and Zech... what had her mother been thinking?

... At First Sight...

2011-06-23T16:05:00.000-04:00

"I... can't remember the last time I enjoyed an evening so much." Starkling admitted with a soft happy sigh. His hand was holding Magnolia's lovingly as they walked the almost isolated streets in Paris, far away from the tourist sites and hotels.

The air was warm, but the soft breezes carried the smell of bread and blossoming flowers around the twists and turns of building. Off in the distance they could hear music drifting out the doors of a cafe or by lonely musicians who had taken up came in front of store fronts.

It had been years since the man had enjoyed an evening, no thought of war or obligations weighing on him, some Lord Consort he was... but in this moment, nothing was more important... nothing mattered. It would take an act of Deese or Laska to pull him away at this moment.

His dark eyes glanced over at Lysandra... feeling his heart simply swell. There was not a cloud in the sky as they stepped off the sidewalk at the entrance of one of Paris's city parks. This particular one was a bit more vast, once inside it seemed as if the whole city vanished and they were completely alone.

Just a short distance ahead was a nice stone statue, several levels made it excellent for stargazing, a pass time that they had enjoyed on multiple occasions after an evening of dancing. The trees parted naturally, the great expanse of sky was glittering with stars. As always, the brightest star in the sky held special meaning... had been created several times during their existence.

He sighed happily, letting her lean against him as the looked up at the sky. "I always find this place so peaceful, do you ever come here?" He shifted his eyes to look at her face, the smile over his lips hadn't faltered throughout the night. The soft moonlight camouflaging the color of her hair, it was in that moment he saw his wife, his mind filtering the proper colors... perhaps like his son, Ronan, he had simply lost his mind. But he would have easily given his sanity to be in this world.

They sat in the silence for a long peaceful moment before he spoke again, his voice calm and soothing, the half a decade's wear on him was slipping from his shoulders. It was surprising how easily he could fall back into himself after being the ever observant and sleepless Lord Consort.

"... There's actually a story about this park. From a long, long time ago." He waited for that look. A look he could feel her make without even having his eyes on her. That one eyebrow lifted, corner of her lips raised, tilt of her head that spoke of interest without saying a word. His heart melted as she preformed it just as he had remembered before he stretched a touch, his left arm coming around her side, resting comfortably against the curve of her hip and stomach.

"Long before this city expanded, crawling over the stretch of land... it use to harbour the most elaborate garden, overcome with an array of nature's most beautiful flowers and trees that towered around those who stood under them.

A few miles from here stood a city, occupied by those surviving of what could be made by those passing through. The most diverse group of people gathered here.

A young man, completely lost in the world, was struggling with finding his place. He worked every day, his life building on doing as much as he could. And a young woman, equally lost in the world was searching for something to separate her from the titles and definitions that had been placed on her.

Two completely different lives... seemingly from two separate worlds happened, by chance.. or by the hands of fate, one night stood under the same ancient tree. Like now, the stars were shining brightly overhead, tethering their existence to all others, a blanket for comfort.

On that night, many millennia ago, the young woman, dressed in the most luxurious fabrics with intricate stitching stared into the dark eyes of the young boy, dirty from that days labor.

Something was etched in their souls on that meeting and from that day forever they could never forget each other's names.

There were more meetings, for over a year they disappeared off into the forest garden, growing to know one another before on one night, much like this night they lay on the soft grass, a blanket separating them from the breathing earth, their eyes staring up at the vastness above them.

The young man, overwhelmed with the love he had grown to harbor for the beautiful woman who was lazily laying at his side, felt with all of his heart and soul that he would never find anything as long as he lived that he would love as intensely as he did her.

As they gazed up at the speckled sky, her head resting perfectly against his shoulder he turned his head, whispering. "I want to give to you something, something that will speak for years beyond anything tangible I could find for you. Something, that no matter where you go, you will have it with you."

He looked upwards, lifting his hand to show her... and where there had once been a patch of nothingness shined the brightest star.

Starkling looked beside him as he finished a part of the story, looking at Lysandra before he took a slow breath, always looking with to their first meetings with the fondest feelings. "He named that star after her, Magnolia. And it was as bold and unforgettable as she was."

He let them linger there for a while longer, the statue over them carefully crafted from smooth stone. Donated years ago as Paris started to thrive, a woman beautiful in her height was gracefully placing her hand, with seeming love and devotion against the cheek of a kneeling angel, wings half spread, his head tilted up as they gazed into each other's eyes.

It had been a dedication to this spot... leaving Paris to always be a place that the two of them could come to, always held above and separate from the rest of Earth.

The star had faded a few times through their long life together but it always returned... and no matter where on Earth or in No'Koa you stood, Magnolia's star was ever present, watching over.

"More of the story will have to wait... to keep you hanging enough to gain another night with you." He admitted with a smile.

... Lord Consort ...

2011-06-19T20:37:00.002-04:00

It had been four days. Four long... painful days. The dark amber and chocolate eyes stared back at themselves in the reflective glass. He'd been hoping to hear news every moment that she had returned... or that Evening had new hope, but that hadn't happened. He took a long slow breath as he straightened the lengths of his coat sleeves.

He'd bottled himself up for the last three days, coming to terms with the horrid soul breaking news... with the fact that his soul mate was gone from where he always wanted her the most, by his side. Now... like times before he knew what was needed of him. Of the centuries upon centuries that he had been married to her this was the third time he'd been called to act in her place.

He'd grown, just a touch every now and then, but there was no denying that the man had become more No'Koan. Sure, he was far too patient and quiet for most, he opted for discussions instead of fighting, words over weapons, but still... when struck just right he could be vicious as the rest. Now was one of those times, he thought to himself.

"Please. Darling, surely you could reconsider." Starkling spoke in his usual soft voice as he held Magnolia against him as the lazily rested in bed. He'd only had her back for a few days they were both deserving of a morning to themselves since the Thaiyan's had been eliminated. He was more than uncomfortable having been placed in the position as the leader for No'Koa. "Name Dominique in your place should anything happen, they look at me as I am, and I am not their leader."

He hadn't been is self during that war, relying primarily on the moral-less beast dwelling deep within him. Starkling wasn't a man who thirsted for taking life, but he had been. He watched as Magnolia shifted her head softly, looking into his eyes with nothing but love before she shook her head. "I named you as my replacement should anything happen to me because of who you are Starkling, inside and out. You are careful, and wise, and calm... but in desperate times you can speak for me... can act for me like no one else" she admitted honestly to him.

"... besides, you are more No'Koan then you might think." she laughed, nuzzling her face back against his chest as he sighed softly, his nose buried in her hair. Maybe she was right, there had been disbelief, but by the end of the bloody ordeal he had been seen in a different light. Though, not a light he would have liked.

He straightened his tie, his eyes moving over the image of him, dark suit, his hair well above his shoulders, cleanly cut though still a dark brown. His eyes focused on his face... wearing the badge of his age fine lines marked the years of joy and sadness. He had tried to laugh as often as he could in his life, his wife and children... entire family brought him joy beyond description, but even now those couldn't show through. His eyes were dark.

He had called a meeting with the monarchs and lord consorts of No'Koa, extending that meeting to alphas, or generals, or leaders from any of their alliances. This problem that they had faced so very long ago was back and it needed to be stopped. Starkling took a slow deep breath before exhaling and turning away from the mirror. He walked slowly through his home, thinking about what had happened earlier that morning.

"All of them?" Dominique looked concerned as she watched Starkling. He was sitting at his desk in his office, looking less lost then he had the first or second time. Unlike before Magnolia hadn't left him with details on how to proceed, no... now he was on his own. His eyes lifted, looking at the shocked woman who's eyebrows knitted together.

"All of them. Every single one. Unless they are maimed, dead, or imprisoned." He spoke clearly. Dominique shifted her weight in the chair across from him, their faces equal in the grief of the growing awareness that Magnolia wasn't just coming back. His request was a little beyond the scope of possible. Every member of No'Koa who had ever been trained as a Hunter, every active member, every in-active member... all of them. She stood up slowly, watching the man still. "I'll do my best to get them here... " she admitted before excusing herself from his office.

Starkling's eyes followed her before he looked back at his desk. Perhaps it was a bit beyond the scope of reasonable, but Hunters were trained to be the best of No'Koa, the personal protection for Magnolia so in turn they were there for Starkling's use.

He didn't need the protection, but many would... it was long into the night before Dominique called to Starkling, they had gathered. This wasn't a meeting for the counsel, or for generals... no, this would be between Starkling and the Hunters. He made his way quickly to the large room, for the first time in ages ignoring the beauty of the stars brightly above him.

He pushed the doors open, a little taken aback at the sight of the numerous faces looking back at him. Some young, familiar... others were older, experiences. He cleared his throat.

"Thank you all for coming here. We are in dark times. Times that many of you have witnessed... or experienced. And now, the No'Koan lands, her cities, her alliances, her people... and her Lord Consort need you desperately." Starkling's eyes fanned over the gathering of people. He saw the faces of his friends, his children... his grandchildren. Only a few were dressed in the traditional hunter uniform, many others were dressed in civilian clothing, a few in priest and priestess robes.

He cleared his throat, shaking his head as his eyes pulled away from Emmanual's face back to the full room. "You knew when you took the vows of a Hunter that you would dedicated your life to the protection of these lands and everything within them. And though many of you may have found different paths for your life, that oath is stitched in your soul. Once a Hunter, always a Hunter.

This is the time however, when you go beyond being called to service for a specific reason or person. Now I call upon you to use your judgment, and to act without order. For those of you with families, I will do my very best to keep you close to them. But as of tonight you will each be assigned to a region of No'Koa or one of her alliances.

If you become aware of anyone associated with the Pureblood Movement, or you are witness to any behavior that would lead you to believe that the person is a danger to the civilians of that area you are ordered to bring that individual immediately to cells of De Ciel. Should that individual resist you, or should they attempt to harm life while you pursue them, then you shall bring their lifeless body to use... without judgment or punishment for your actions."

Starkling was being as clear as he could. Anyone who dared to act in such a way that would put innocent people at risk were wanted, dead or alive.

He spoke a bit more about this mission, those among them that were generals... or leaders... would be expected to play separate roles and were above placement. Dominique was placed in charge of selecting those best suited for each area, while some, like were excused and asked to join a separate gathering of people later that afternoon.

He hoped he was doing the right thing. He walked slowly down the hallway from their home towards the usual counsel meeting room, though already he knew it would be fuller than usual, to the point where standing would be expected. He felt exhausted already.

He'd made two discussions without the any consideration to the counsel. The Hunter decision had been the least of his worries socially however. His morning had started far before sunrise.

He stood out in the field, the mist and due chilled him as he stood staring at Katherine who had a similar expression to Starkling. She regretted the way Magnolia had been killed... and now, she was going against her laws and offering to assist the man.

"In Vickni only." she stated plainly. She wasn't going to go into No'Koa. Starkling nodded to her statement. "Vickni only, free reign to run the streets and boundaries, all three cities."

Katherine was silent for a moment, this meant that her pack would be separated for the duration but she agreed. Werewolves would act as Hunters... in the same capacity, seeking out anyone who threatened to even utter pureblood threats. He offered his hand out, shaking Katherine's when she came close.

"Don't make a move until after the meeting today, but as far as I'm concerned, bring me heads." His eyes were strong. Starkling was no match for Katherine, she could easily kill him, but out of professional respect for Magnolia she wouldn't.

He pulled the door into the counsel hall open, seeing the faces looking back at him now. But unlike before Starkling carried himself as a Lord Consort. His eyes shifted between the members of the ruling houses... to the generals and admirals... to all the eyes looking back. He took his seat... Magnolia's seat before he cleared his throat, growling.

The time has come... We shall teach this realm, and others how No'Koan’s handle their problems. With sword, and axe, and teeth... until our hands are red with blood and their souls scream for mercy in the depths of the abyss.

... Hunter Day...

2008-11-07T21:48:00.001-05:00

Alright... Listen to me Ronan!

*Lilka grabbed Ronan by the nape of his uniform cloak, the name Godspeed De Ciel across the shoulders. They were all wearing cloaks with their individual family names. The pairings had been announced a few days ago, and Lilka had been paired with Ronan.
Things had been hard since Neha's death, she knew that the boy had wanted to quit the program, sure... all of them had grieved in their own way, but they wouldn't have let him go. Now, she was his partner in this final competition and she was going to struggle enough on her own, she needed to know that he wasn't going to drag her down too.*

I need to know you aren't going to fucking leave me hanging. Got it?

Hey. I'm going to do my best, that's all I can promise Lil.

You are going to do better than your best! I know you have been slacking... and I will drag your scrawny ass to the finish if I have too... just to kick your ass. Understand!?

Deese Lil! I got it.

*Ronan yanked away from Lilka's hold as he glared at his partner with dark golden eyes. His grief had become internalized over Neha's death... he had wanted to just waste away, but now... well now he wanted to do this for Neha. His mother had been right, she would have wanted it that way.
They stared at one another for a long moment before Lilka patted his shoulder, turning slowly to go meet where the others for the competition had gathered. It would happen soon, Lilka could already feel her guts twisted in anxiousness.
The girl had worked her ass off... she trained daily with the rest of them... then she would go home and train with either of her mothers. She didn't want to win, but she sure as hell didn't want to be last either.
Everyone had hugged and gotten their good lucks from their parents, friends, partners, and in Alex's case, child. The six children dressed in full hunter uniforms with cloaks with their family names across the back, they waited at the starting line as members of the family and community were filling the stands and boxes. Magnolia would be addressing them in a few moments.
"L. Dandov", "R. Godspeed De Ciel", "V. Foster", "A. Ulric De Ciel Evans", "K. Godspeed De Ciel Wilde", and "G. Heavenheart" stood at attention as their eyes watched for Magnolia to rise and address them with the challenges that would soon be facing them.

"You are about to watch the youngest members of the hunter elite compete in a display of their training, stamina, endurance and skills. They also compete for the position of leader of their group; it is our tradition that the same group be lead by one of their peers. The ultimate winner of this competition will have this duty and honor. The competition consists of a series of obstacle courses: a full 25 km run, a 500m climb and rappel, horse race with a series of targets that must be hit and a 10km swim. The pair that finish first will then fight each other for the win, with hand to hand combat and the weapon of their choice. To make things, more interesting, we have made the terrain selection at random; however, it may represent the terrain specific to any of the realms within the alliance. I would like to take this moment to wish each Hunter the best of luck. Please take your places now."

cms... Ready to have your ass handed to you?

*Alex smirked as he stretched forward in his stance at the starting line.*

cms... This old man is going to leave you in the dust.

cms... Riiight. We will dig your grave when we get to the finish line kitty.

*Vodina and Kenneth high fived quickly before taking their positions as well. Fingers against the starting line, they nearly breathed in unison... waiting for that final call that sent them all off on the run. They had no idea what the terrain was going to be, but whatever it was... they would get through this.*

HUNTERS AT THE READY!

*Magnolia's voice commanded over the crowd of people that had come to watch the six youths strive to be the best in this group of hunters. All of them tensed, Lilka barely drew a breath as her eyes remained fixed at the blank terrain infront of them. Only for a moment she glanced over at Ronan who was looking just as intense as the rest of them.*

cms... Team Dandov/Godspeed De Ciel.

cms... to the finish!

*Ronan glanced over slowly at his partner before they both smiled, eyes back to watch for their start.*

GO!

*The voice commanded and instantly the terrain started to morph and twist, mountains and hills grew from the ground and with even more dissatisfaction as a thick covering of snow slowed the runners instantly from where they had taken off.*

cms... YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME!

*Vodina growled as she ran with all of her might through the snow, the cold that came with it barely phased them as their sole focus was on the run, they had a long way to go.
Kenneth laughed hard as he shifted into his wolf form, able to run much faster through the snow. Alex quickly followed suit, growling as he launched ahead, nearly keeping pace with Kenneth.
Gloria quickly started to fall behind since she had limited experience with snow but she was trying her best. Lilka and Vodina were nearly shoulder to shoulder as they ran. Lilka resisted the urge to trip the girl... but that would be dirty, and it was too soon to be worried about that, Gloria was still behind them all.*

It's only like this for a little while longer... then it will change!

*Ronan ran just behind Lilka, making sure she stayed infront of him, making sure that his partner would at least make it to the next phase.
The run was long and hard, snow caked their uniforms and faces. The run was almost over, they could all see the clearing of snow in the distance and the large cliff facing that they would have to repal down.
Kenneth was already there, shedding part of his uniform to escape the icy that had formed on his body while he ran as a wolf. He laughed heartily before slipping over the edge of the cliff.*

cms... Let's go Vo!

*The girl snarled as she shoved Lilka hard with her shoulder, the red haired Dandov twisted suddenly and crashed into the snow face first.
Ronan looked behind them, Gloria was catching up now.*

Damn it Lilka! Get up!

*He shifted quickly into a werecat form, a form he hadn't been in since Neha's death. Lilka was crawling out of the snow as Gloria passed them, FUCK... she was going to be last... really she was.
Alex came right to her side and before Lilka could stop herself she grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and pulled herself on his back.*

cms... Busting my balls Lil... seriously.

*He growled as he lunged forwards through the snow, racing towards the cliffs with his partner on his back.
She jumped off his back quickly as the came to the edge of the cliff, she stripped off the first layer of her uniform as she grabbed the rope, looking down. DAMN... Kenneth was nearly at the bottom. Alex and Vodina not far away from the middle. And fuck an a... Gloria was just about to the cliffs.*

Let's go! Let's go!

*Ronan hissed as he slipped over the edge of the cliff, holding his weight easily as he quickly started to repel. Lilka came right beside him, growling as she glared down at Vodina... oh she was going to cut a bitch!
She wrapped part of her cape around the rope, twisting it before holding on to it tightly.*

See you at the bottom?

I'll be there!

*Lilka laughed as she wrapped her legs around the rope before sliding down. The only thing now was the stopping. She was gaining speed as she came close to Vodina, growling. Want to push!? She shoved Vodina hard with her shoulder as she came past her.
Vodina lost her holding when she was pushed hard into the cliff wall, she growled but her hands slipped and lost her grip on the rope, rocketing towards the base.
Just before she hit the bottom she vanished and reappeared on the ground but the force that had been following her hit her just as hard. She buckled onto the ground, wincing suddenly as she tried to get back on her feet.
Kenneth jumped down once he was near the bottom, pausing beside Vodina.*

You good!? Come on!

I...

*Vodina growled through the pain that was spiking through her ankle but she got to her feet, it was only a few steps to the wall climb.
Alex lept to the bottom of the cliff quickly and started racing towards the wall.*

cms.. Gloria! Where are you!?

cms... I...I can't do this.

*Gloria was slowly inching her way down the rope, of course there had to be something with heights... of course, and she was trying to show that she wasn't terrified of falling to her death.
Alex was in his cat form, looking up at Gloria... not realizing that Ronan was so close to the bottom. Magnolia's son pushed off of the rock wall, releasing the rope and shifted into his cat form a bit high for a safe landing.*

cms... Sorry Alex!

cms... Sorry for -

*Alex howled out in surprise, shock, and a bit of pain Ronan's full weight landed right on top of him! Both cats rolled sharply to the side, Alex's legs buckled under him as he felt a few of his ribs crack under the pressure.
Ronan rolled a few feet before twisting back up on his paws, launching towards the wall. He jump up hard, clawing his way towards the top, he shifted back to his regular form to reach down for Lilka.*

Let's go Dandov!

*He grabbed her hand, pulling her up quickly as they both repelled down the rope on the other side. Gloria and Alex were out... all they had to do now was get Kenneth and Vodina.
The latter wouldn't be hard, Vodina was struggling to run towards the target section, trying desperately to figure out how she was going to mount the horse and get the weapon she needed for the next phase. Fuck her ankle hurt but she pushed forward.*

Get on the fucking horse Vo!

*Kenneth's horse reared when mounted and he took off just seconds before Ronan tried to grab the boy's leg. Vodina climbed up on the horse, biting her lower lip as she kicked the horse to go.
Ronan mounted his own horse, holding the reigns tight in his hands as he make sure Lilka was coming. This was the easy part!
Lilka vaulted onto Goliath as she grabbed the pack with her weapon. She twisted quickly as the massive black horse reared and launched forward, Lilka road him backwards as she pulled the bow out of the covering. It only took a moment to string the bow as she quickly dug for the arrows.*

You throw me Go and I will kill you! Hear me!?

*She snarled, knocking an arrow and waiting to fire at the first target. Each of the remaining hunters did well at the target practice, there were only two left when Goliath passed Vodina on her own horse. Lilka was laughing, a bit crazy... she was cackling as she drew the last arrow tight in the string. She aimed straight at Vodina's chest as she passed the girl at close range.*

Knock me down now bitch!

*Lilka cackled and released the string with deadly accuraccy. The arrow shot forwards and straight into the unsuspecting Vicknian girl's shoulder. It's force so hard that Vo flipped off the horse and crashed onto the ground hard. That was it... she was done, and fuck she thought her arm was broken.
Ronan tossed his weapon aside as he road hard on the horse, inching closer and closer to Kenneth. Oh he wasn't getting to the swimming portion, Ronan threw his leg over the side of the horse, waiting for the right moment before jumping onto the back of Kenneth's horse.*

Hey flea bag!

*He growled as he wrapped his arms around the boy's neck, holding him tight to try and throw him from the horse.*

Time to join your partner on the ground.

*He shifted quickly to Dandov steel as he yanked himself and the werewolf off the horse, angling himself in a way that he fell right ontop of him.
They both crashed into the ground, but Ronan punched Kenneth hard several times in the back before his skin faded and Lilka grabbed him up from her horse. They were almost done... as long as Kenneth didn't get back up... it would be them!
Lilka felt like celebrating as she grinned, the swimming portion was just ahead. As Goliath stopped when he was suppose to, Ronan slipped down to the ground, looking back again to make sure no one else was coming after them.*

Ok Lil... guess it's just us.

*He ran towards the water... now he just had to kick his cousin's ass... how hard could that be, Lilka was just sad at hand to hand combat. As long as she didn't crack him in the nose, he would be golden.*

You are on your own now Dandov!

*He laughed wickedly as he dove into the water swimming with all of his strength, he was oblivious to the fact that anything was going on outside of this.
Lilka shedded the last of her uniform that was loose, diving in right behind Ronan, following after him quickly.*

I'm going to drill you into the ground!

*Lilka snarled as she swam hard, when they got close to the shore she sped up grabbing ahold of Ronan's leg before she took a deep breath. She shifted to her metallic skin and sank quickly in the water, dragging Ronan under the water with her.
His struggling did nothing and air bubbles came to the surface. What was Ronan's defense now? He could struggle... he could shift to metallic and sink faster!*

cms... DEESE LILKA! Get the fuck off me!

*All that met his mind was laughter as they reached the bottom of the lake. At that moment Lilka shifted back to her normal form and pushed up towards the surface, swimming at an angle to cover more distance as she worked to be the first to the shore for their hand to hand combat.
She was gasping for breath as she crawled soaking up towards the embankment and into the circle. It was a few more moments before Ronan surfaced with coughing gags. He struggled to get to the shore, cursing and growling as he came towards Lilka.*

I... will... kill... you!

*He coughed again, Lilka had the handle of her axe in her hands but hadn't lifted it up yet to save her strength. Ronan shed his black shirt that was soaked and heavy, his own fingers got to his spear. The look on his face told Lilka he was going to kick her ass.
In the stands Dominic squeezed Grace's hand hard, sharing the image of their daughter with her wife as she practically held her breath. She had finished! She... she could win!
Starkling was practically holding Magnolia in her seat as Ronan came assure for the final part of the competition... he however was feeling the urge to cheer on his son at the same time.
Ronan came towards Lilka first, thrusting his spear quickly right towards her chest as he growled. Her axe swung around, barely missing snapping his spear as he felt the swish dangerously close to his own skin.
They faught hard at one another, Ronan sported several nice slices to his back - Lilka had a nasty wound to her side where Ronan had thrust his spear nearly into her gut. She was looking a little pale as the face of her axe rested on the ground for a few seconds as she waited for him to come back at her.*

Just give up Dandov... you look like you're gonna pass out.

*Ronan snorted as he swung his spear like a baseball bat, a little shocked when Lilka jumped right into the line of it's fire. She dropped the handle of her axe and shifted to her metallic skin, smirking wickedly as she took Ronan's moment of shock to lunge straight for him.
Even as Lilka felt herself about to just drop from being tired and in pain she knew... just one more. She could win!
Their hand to hand combat was quick even though they were both exhausted and bleeding. Ronan got several swift solid hits to Lilka's stomach and face before her trademark elbow nailed him square in the nose, sending him stumbling backwards.
Lilka hit him again, this time with a firm fist to the gut. Her metallic form giving her a solid advantage as Ronan found himself trying desperately to shift as well.*

cms.. Don't like it when you can't steal do you!? You're all on your own thief cause you ain't taking it from me this time!

*Lilka snarled as she pushed Ronan over, falling with him as they both crashed to the ground. He tried to block but she was too powerful, he felt bones in his body cracking under the pressure of her weight and the blows.
Within seconds Lilka was straddling Ronan's unconcious form, her chest heaving as she stared down at Ronan threw her one eye that wasn't swelling shut. She looked down at her blood covered hands before frowning.*

... son of a bitch.

*She hissed, three broken nails... she slipped off Ronan's chest as she shifted back to her normal form, feeling the wave of pain from her stomach as she slowly got to her feet... looking towards the stands and her mothers.*

cms... I... don't wanna play anymore.

New Pics

2008-09-24T19:32:00.002-04:00

...You are my Sunshine...

2008-09-23T18:39:00.001-04:00

I think that it's just genetics really. It's probably inevitable that she'll go insane and kill every last one of us. At least, that's what I have my money on.

*Ronan nodded with a rather serious face, he joked around a lot but he was being honest.
Raven's violet blue eyes watched Ronan carefully for a long moment before he released a slow sigh. He'd tried to talk to Lilka about it too... but all he was getting for an answer was "She's crazy. Period".
Ronan shrugged his shoulders as he finished packing up all of his books, he was done with studying for the day.*

Hey, I'm just saying. It's to be expected. Since she's been a teenager we've just accepted that Johnna's a little off the deep end and give her a wide birth when she's in a 'mood'.

*He looked up to Raven finally. The boys actually got along pretty good for two people who were pitted against each other daily for what appeared to be Fayleen Desalvo Greystone's personal enjoyment.
Raven's eyes caught Ronan's before he shrugged, having already stuffed all of his belongings into his pack. He didn't really agree with their deductions of Johnna, but he wasn't going to argue with the boy either.
They had both needed a well-deserved vacation from Fayleen's intensive training... they had both been thankful when she had taken a leave to have her babies.
Yes... there was almost nothing scarier than the eerie calm of a 9 month pregnant woman making you fight one another.
Raven had gone home to Paris for a couple of days to visit his parents and had missed out on Johnna's screaming freak out... oh, but he'd heard from Lilka that his pseudo girlfriend was on the war path.
That was a pity because he really did want to cheer her up... but at the same time he knew that she would more than likely push him away ... mentally or physically.*

Well thanks for the heads up.

*He snorted before standing up, throwing his pack over one shoulder as he headed away from the table.*

Welcome. I'm just saying... you might want to give her a few days to cool off before trying to be around her. I'd hate to have to visit you in the infirmary because she went crazy and clawed your face off.

Don't you have somewhere else you should be right now?

*Raven hid the bite to his voice as his eyes narrowed a little on Ronan.
Ronan was obviously oblivious as he nodded, pulling his own pack over his shoulder.*

Yep, taking Neha to dinner tonight so I have to go get all snazzy... I'll see you later.

*He waved carelessly before heading off in the opposite direction then Raven was going. The boy stood in silence for a moment, mentally trying to analyze his best course of action for the idea he had been entertaining.
Yes. He knew Johnna was a bit on the emotional side. Emotional in the sense that she'd rather beat your face in then cry... but nonetheless. He knew she'd been upset, over what he wasn't entirely sure... Lilka had thought it was about their weekend plans for debauchery - true, that would have gotten him in a tuff too had he not already just given in to the group's decision.
Raven shifted his pack and walked out of the library, heading back to his rooms to get changed and pick up a little something that he had been saving for a rainy day.
The boy had been born and raised in Paris. For most of his life he had played off the facade that he was a mortal child, though unlike many families who relocate to Earth - his family hadn't lost sight of their roots.
He'd gone to a regular school... but at home he was taught the histories and languages of his own realm. He had gone to visit some of his family back in the 'homeland' and because of his ability to excel in his natural magical ability had gained him a slot as Fayleen's apprentice of sorts. That was the reason he had come to No'Koa in the first place.
Sure, he really liked it here... he enjoyed the diversity of friendships he had acquired, but even more... he enjoyed Johnna.
He didn't see her as crazy. She was, a little... but he liked to think of her as passionate. The girl was fearless for others... but when it came to her own accord she seemed to look frightened from time to time.
He was a slow going kinda guy, so when she wasn't as aggressive as her cousin Lilka - he enjoyed it. The sweet moments, those were the ones he cherished. When they were alone, holding hands... maybe walking somewhere.
If no one else could see it, he could. Johnna, though fierce and passionate and wild, was still gentle and sweet and innocent.
Raven tossed his pack down on the floor inside his suites as he went back towards the bedroom. Pulling open one of his drawers he removed a leather bound box, roughly the size of a shoe box.
He couldn't help the smile that crept across his lips as he touched it. He'd been saving this for a special occasion... but a cheering up present would work too.
After a quick shower he dressed casually, he tucked the box under his arm as he left his room... walking across campus to where Johnna's suites were.
She probably wasn't there, between them they had a pretty heavy schedule, rarely got to spend time together. He wanted to do something nice... maybe a little romantic.
He set the box down outside her door, the dark leather was off set a little by the lovely little black bow that was attached to the top. He pulled a card out of his back pocket, setting it down with the present as he walked away - if nothing else it should earn him a smile.*

Johnna, would you have dinner with me? You can wear this. ~ Raven.

*Inside the box was a beautifully crafted set of matching 9mm semi automatic handguns. They were solid black with inset mother of pearl ivy designs crawling up the length of the grip.
Sure he hadn't made them... hell, he wasn't skilled in any of those areas, but he had designed them... with only her in mind.
On the bottoms of each of them, the clips were signed in beautiful calligraphy inlay 'Johnna'. Sure.., it might be a little forward. He wasn't technically dating her... he shouldn't be getting her something like this, but he hoped it would make her happy.
She could keep them in the box for all he cared, but the girl seemed to have a passion for her weapons. What could have been more non-threatening then giving a girl two great ways to defend herself for a date? He knew needless to say that she would have been armed anyways.
He liked her, maybe a little too much... but in his mind, there was nothing at all wrong with that.*

... Just the Kids...

2008-09-21T17:46:00.002-04:00

Just because you are a dork doesn't mean we all are.

*Saiya smirked as she glanced back at Haleth as she shifted the skateboard under her arm as the pack of teenagers walked through the town of De Ciel.
The Dandov twin had found a good deal of comfort in being the 'alpha' female of the gaggle of boys. Much is the way of No'Koa, the boys unconsciously and reluctantly surrendered to her.
The werecat sneered back, crossing his arms as he huffed, lingering near the back of the group.*

I'm not a dork! Ass. I just thought you were looked stupid carrying the skateboard... and not riding it.

Why? You wanna try it whiskers?

*Logan laughed, his own was held loosely against his side by one hand. His mohawk once again was limp against his forehead, the end of his dark hair tickling against the bridge of his nose as the locks were all combed forward this morning. They were finally decorated with the frosty ice blue tips that he had wanted, courtesy of his mother.
Hazen's light brown eyebrows came together as he frowned, glancing at his identical twin in a way to denote that they were both thinking the same thing.*

Whiskers?

*They said in unison, which was perfectly normal... but Hazen shook his head, flicking his brother on his arm before finishing the thought.*

I think you should come up with something a little more original there champ, he's not the only one around here with whiskers.

Right right. Deese forgive if we forget about the duo of flea bags.

*Cillian cackled as he punched Hazen in the shoulder, he was laughing. The boy was awkwardly lanky compared to the others, a testament that he was going to equal the height of his mother and father - Orion had the same air about him. They'd grow into it.*

You want fleas again there shaggy?

*Hazen sneered at the boy, it was unendingly amusing to watch the boys figure out their own age mate hierarchy.
Almost in unison the group turned to face Hazen.*

NO!

No... none of us want your damn fleas.

*Saiya laughed, shaking her head. The light of day caused her brown hair to show strands of red locks. She brushed loose tresses back behind her ears, setting the pace as they continued walking.*

Hey... worst comes to worst, we can get them matching leashes.

*Reece smirked, his own hair was a soft silver, courtesy of his grandmother. He was shorter than Cillian and Orion, but had promise to surpass his mother's height.
Simon growled deep in his throat, if he'd been in his wolf form he would have been bristly all over.*

Shut your face Reece.

*Simon was feeling about the same, growling back at the Greystone boy. Orion came to the defense of his 'cousin' even though he was technically his uncle.*

You gotta problem there leashes?

*His eyes grew dark, they boys had a history of tussling, tends to happen when you're cousins.
Now Reece and Orion stood nearly toe to toe with Hazen and Simon. Each of them growling in some shape or form.
Saiya rolled her eyes as she elbowed Logan in his ribs, shaking her head.*

Hey... you bunch of wimps. Cool your heels before I have to lay the smack down on all of ya.

*She laughed hard, smacking Reece's shoulder as she turned and kept walking. The boy's narrowed eyes laxed a little before he snorted.*

I'll get you later.

*Hazen did a superior eyeroll that he had enheritted from his mother.*

Like that will ever happen. Now move your raggedy should still be in Greystone ass...

*Hazen pushed past Reece, Orion had already been interested in the fight... since there was little promise for one, he'd moved on.
Simon snorted again, shaking his head as he laughed at Saiya.*

I'd like to see you try.

Oh really?

*Saiya stopped walking as she turned around, her eyes looking Simon over before they came back up to lock on his.*

Feeling frisky there flea bag?

*She growled a little, her fingers clutching the edge of her skateboard. Oh, she'd crack him good upside his mouth.*

Frisky enough to kick your ass Dandov.

*He growled a bit more, they'd edged closer to one another, Saiya would drop the skateboard and go at him. Her fist was clench and the moment she was about to swing...*

LOGANNN!!

*Everyone turned to look down the street. A slightly younger girl in a soft flowing beautiful dress was a couple blocks back.
Her dark brown hair was tied back with some kind of ribbon that criss crossed over the top of her head.
She was running towards the group, almost squealing as she waved, knowing that they all could see her.
Orion groaned as his whole body twisted around so he could glare at Logan, Reece and the twins did the same. Their voices low enough so she couldn't hear them.*

What part of no girls around don't you understand?

Apparently it's the no girls part. Way to go Simard.

*Haleth complained with the rest of them. One of the issues of growing up with almost all male friends... you start to get wary of any girls who try to penetrate the 'club'.
Logan frowned, pointing at Saiya as the girl stood there with all of them.*

Sheeee's a girl! Why don't we kick her out?

Psshhh... Saiya and Bianca don't count!

HEY!

*She frowned, but in all honesty the groups definition of girl was a little unusual. Sure she and her twin were girls, but they weren't girly girls. They didn't wear dresses, and they were just as rough as the rest of them. This girl... was not.*

...hi kiara...

*The bunch said dryly, waving weakly as they tried to hide their obvious sense of unhappiness at her presence.
She, clearly wasn't catching the drift. All smiles as she stopped beside Logan, nearly squealing as she reached out and hugged her cousin.*

Hi guys! What'cha doing!

Just walkin' around. Nothing exciting.

*Haleth sighed a little, Hazen and Simon shrugged it off, they usually had Holly coming after them too so they couldn't exactly say anything.
Reece looked at Orion who was just plain baffled at how everyone was just taking this 'break' in their contract. The boy loved his sister, but there would have been more conflict had Cionna actually been his age. Besides, she'd taken the torch of youngest child away from him - he was still bitter.*

We don't have any flowers or ponies or girly crap around here Kiara.

*He could have bit the air as he hissed, Eponine's daughter's smile faltered for a moment as she glanced over at Orion... she was clearly hurt by that statement.
It was hard enough trying to be a girl when 90% of all your age mates are boys, but harder still to try and hang out with them.*

Shut up Orion.

*Logan frowned, staring back at his friend as he saw Kiara's reaction.
Orion looked back from Kiara to Logan before shaking his head.*

Fine... hang out with your cousin. Let's go guys.

*Orion looked back around to his friends as they started walking off. Hazen and Simon smiled at Kiara but started following after Orion, Reece was on his way too.
Cillian and Saiya lingered back for a moment, Cillian shook his head and laughed.*

Hey... don't listen to him, he's still pissed off that you got him at the Star last week.

*Kiara huffed, crossing her arms over her chest as she gave her own variation of Eponine's seriously pissed face.*

And I'll punch him in the BACK OF THE HEAD AGAIN!

*She yelled, smirking a little when she saw Orion's shoulders tighten at her words.
Cillian laughed hard at that, patting Kiara on the shoulder... he had an older and younger sister, the girl was alright.
Saiya giggled as she dropped her skateboard down on the ground near her feet, leaning down to stuff her oversized loose shoelaces into the shoes.*

He's a moody bastard. Just tell him to fuck off next time he comes around.

*She cackled, looking at Logan, Cillian, and Haleth who had stayed back.*

Orion still hasn't figured out who runs this 'ship'.

And you think it's you?

*Logan laughed, raising a brow at the punk rocker who was standing with one foot on her skateboard.
Saiya giggled, shrugging her shoulders as she looked between the three faces.*

Hey it may not be me... but it sure as hell ain't him. He just hasn't figured that out yet.

*Kiara was laughing, looking back at the boys to see if they had decided whether or not to let her hang out with them.
Saiya waved as the skateboard rolled slowly back and forth in an unspoken signal that she was heading out.*

Sorry guys... gotta go find Bianca. I'll catch you later.

Oh, um... tell your sister hi.

*Logan's posture shifted a little as he tried to hide something. He was smiling but it had shifted into a hint of nervousness maybe.
Saiya smirked as she eyeballed Logan, she was good friends with the boy... but she already knew why he wanted to say hi to Bianca.*

Ok. Will do.

*She waved again before pushing off with one foot, she gained speed pretty quickly and before she was a block away both feet were planted on the board... swaying down the street.
Kiara watched her for a moment before looking back at Logan.*

That's soo cool. You should teach me how Logan.

Uh huh...

*He laughed a little, his focus coming back to their smaller group as he tossed his own skateboard down on the ground, motioning to his cousin.*

Have at'er champ.

*Kiara made a face, lifting up the side of her dress as she carefully put her foot on it, not exactly confident in her ability to make the thing move, let alone in a dress.
Cillian chuckled as he pushed back strands of his dark brown hair out of his face, offering Kiara his arm for balance.*

Come on... we'll get you moving.

*He smiled warmly, Kiara looked at him for a moment before taking his arm and balancing herself carefully on the board.
He walked slowly as she held to him, laughing happily as they started to gain speed. Yeah... the girl was alright.
Haleth had been minding his own business for the last few moments, holding his tongue but when Cillian and Kiara were just out of ear shot he smirked, laughing quietly.*

I still don't see how you can have a crush on her... I mean they are identical twins.

Shut up Haleth.

(So this age group consists of... Reece, Orion, Logan, Cillian, Hazen, Simon, Holly, Kiara, Haleth, Saiya, and Bianca. I play 8 of 10. *laughs hard*)

...Man Overboard...

2008-08-27T20:43:00.000-04:00

...Bring us your fear, and we shall feed on it...

Abigail!!

*Lilka was still wearing her hunter uniform as she barreled into the Greystone home in Italy. Twisting sharply as part of her uniform got caught on the door jam... she started searching the house.
She found Abigail in the kitchen, the woman had started dinner for her husband and son, something that Vincento would enjoy... she'd grown so concerned for him already.
She'd been listening to music and hadn't heard Lilka's yelling... but within seconds the panting child appeared in the kitchen doorway. She waved her hand to get Abigail's attention, the woman shifted the bowl she had been mixing cradled against one arm as she pulled one of the ear buds out.*

What in the world... Lilka, are you alright?

*Her eyebrows came together in concern as she saw the worry and panic on the girls face. Lilka was practically her daughter; the girl was constantly in the house and hanging around Vincento.
It felt like an eternity as Lilka gasped in two more breaths before speaking.*

Mateo... Vincento... fell...

*Before Lilka could even finish her sentence Abigail pulled the ipod off her arm and tossed it onto the counter. The mixing bowl barely hung on the counter for a moment then shattered on the floor. She paid it absolutely no mind.
They were training today... out on the war ships. Fell... fell... fell into that icy water!? Oh god.*

WHERE?

In.. the.. water!

NO, Where are they now!?

De Ciel.

*With that Abigail vanished from her home in Italy to go to No'Koa. Lilka wasn't far behind when the Abigail came running into the infirmary.
Her eyes darted around the waiting room quickly... Ronan, Gloria, Alex, and Kenneth were still wearing their uniforms and standing tense. Lilka joined the group as she came in right behind Abigail, going to the far end of the waiting room where Vodina was standing.
Vo had her arms wrapped around herself, eyes locked down the hallway. She was standing where she could see into the room they had taken Vincento, she barely noticed when Lilka grabbed her arm.*

Are they still with him!?

*Vo nodded, her eyes breaking to watch as the panicked Abigail went down the hallway, stopping just outside of the large room where her husband and son were being treated.
Evening, Babset, and Aidan were working between the two men... she didn't want to get in their way even though she desperately wanted to go in the room.
One of her arms wrapped around her chest as one of her hands covered her mouth. She was chewing hard on her lower lip as her eyes darted between the two men in beds.
Babset was treating Mateo for hypothermia; the large man had been stripped down and was now wrapped in heating blankets. His breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and core and outer temperatures were being monitored. As long as they heated him back up at an increasingly warm rate... there should be no problems.
He glanced back as he was re-tucking Mateo's hand under the blanket to see Abigail's form standing in the doorway, he went to talk to her while Evening and Aidan finished up on Vincento's more critical body.*

Abigail...

Just tell me they are going to be ok... please.

*Her hand was still against her mouth now as she stared at Babset. She was unaware of the five other people standing a few feet away waiting to hear about their friend and Mateo.*

Both Mateo and Vincento were exposed to extremely cold waters for a good period of time. Now we are treating Mateo for hypothermia... but Vincento also sustained some chest injuries. We will have to monitor them both... but you can come in, maybe help keep Mateo awake.

*He explained that with the hypothermia it was best to keep the patient awake and as alert as possible. They were finished repairing Vincento... but he was unconscious. They would be keeping careful watch over his healed body... they were warming him the same way they were Mateo.
Babset looked out in the waiting room at the five faces watching them. He took a deep breath before running one of his hands through his hair.*

You may go in two at a time... be calm and patient and don't try to wake Vincento. Understand?

*Five heads nodded slowly, but Lilka grabbed Vodina's arm. They would be the first two... the other's could suck it. Vodina started to object but remained silent as she followed behind Lilka who was still holding her arm.
Inside the room was quiet, both Lilka and Vodina moved to the wall side of Vincento's bed... both of the girls looked to their friend with a feel of dread and pity.
Abigail was sitting between both beds; both of her hands were squeezing Mateo's, her cheeks looked puffy as she tried to fight back tears.
It would never be easy for her to see people in hospitals... though Vicknian mortality was roughly the same as No’Koan; death was a reality in life.
She'd lost her ex-husband, her family, her son... she wouldn't be able to bear losing Mateo and Vincento. She wiped her cheek quickly with the back of one of her hands, brushing back some of Mateo's hair as she stared at her husband.*

You... You can't do that to me. Do you understand!? You can't...

*She couldn't lecture him... on one hand he was risking his life on the other he was saving their son.
She lifted his hand up in both of hers, kissing it lightly before holding it against her cheek. She looked like she might cry.*

I'd die without you.

*Her voice shook as tears slipped down her cheeks. Her chest heaved as she closed her eyes for a moment, shaking her head as she squeezed his hand tight against her cheek.
Part of her fear was soothed as his fingers gingerly moved up and down against her cheek, after a long moment she shifted and looked to their son. Her heart sank more.
Lilka was brushing back strands of his hair, shaking her head as she chewed on the side of her lip.*

Come on you damn Greystone... you're not allowed to wuss out like this... Dandov wins if you do.

*She whispered with pain in her voice, he was her best friend... she smiled weakly to Abigail when the woman looked at her.
Vo on the other hand hadn't moved since they came in the room. She'd watched Abigail with Mateo... and now she was staring at Vincento's emotionless and still face.
She felt tightness and pain in her chest... he was just laying there... like death.
...vodina... vodina...
She felt her breath deep in her lungs... it wouldn't move... her throat had tightened up, pressure against her cheeks.*

Vo... are you ok!?

*Lilka had turned her attention to the girl, her face showing even more concern as she tugged at Vodina's sleeve.
Suddenly she snapped back to the present, her green eyes leaving Vincento's face and looking up to Lilka.
All of the color had drained from her face as her lips parted and she took a slow shall breath. She nodded weakly.*

I... just need.. some air.

*She whispered before turning quickly and leaving the room, nearly blind siding Ronan as she came down the hallway.
She pushed the door to the infirmary open quickly before grabbing the railing directly across from the building. She felt nauseous... closing her eyes she gripped the railing all she could do was try and take deep breaths.*

... I've created a monster...

2008-08-25T18:16:00.001-04:00

*The trowel nearly disappeared in the dirt as Emma growled, her teeth clenched, her eyes narrowed until the crow's feet in the corners were very visible. That wasn't helping the situation.
Hell was bright and sunny, sky a crystal clear blue - it was an unsettling sight. More so as the devil sat on the ground, legs tucked under her, the fabric from her unnaturally thick gown pooled around her seated form.
Her porcelain hands coated with a mixture of soil and sweat, it was an unsettling sight, more so with the woman beside her.
Monica was wearing a beautiful little blue sun dress with floral imprints - the exact opposite to Emma's gown which would have fit in only at Greystone, or maybe the abyss. Monica's hair was parted down the middle and ended in happy bouncy pig tails. She was laughing hard.
Emma exhaled sharply before removing the trowel from the soil, tossing the dirt into a pile.*

Fuck. You.

what? What was that?

*Monica cupped one of her hands to her ear, dirt smeared on her cheek as she grinned. Taunting more.*

Speak up please. Your words were coated in some kind of sarcastic goo... I can't understand you.

*Emma sighed, shaking her head as she went back to digging in the soil. Obviously just aggravated to the point of snapping into a homicidal rage. Monica, par usual - took no heed.*

You make me want to kill small children... and puppies.

Awwww... behave cranky pants. If you aren't nice I won't help you do this.

*Mmmm... weighing her options she placed a small bulb into the hole before carefully covering it back up - starting on another.
She hadn't been planning to "play" in the garden today but like a plague Monica had just shown up and the poor devil needed something to keep her attention.*

Don't worry, I'm sure Glaciera will love them.

*Monica smiled, unaware that the struggle over Emma's face was not concerning planting flowers but the conflict to not bury her little sister under the irises.
Emma raised one of her slender eyebrows, shaking her head as she placed another bulb down.*

Thanks for reassuring me over what my mate of hundreds of thousands of years might like. Really... I feel so soothed now.

Wife.

What?

*Emma hadn't heard Monica, assuming she had thrown a smart assed comment her way and she wanted a proper reaction.
Monica raised an eyebrow in an "are you fucking crazy" type of way, very normal.*

She's your wife.

So.

Why don't you call her your wife. She is now, I don't think you've said it once.

*Monica looked more concerned about the situation then she actually felt - and much more then she should have been.
Emma sat in silence as she shifted dirt, wiping her hands on the hem of her dress before running the back of her hand across her forehead to brush back rogue strands of red hair.
Monica took the silence as being ignored and sighed, planting her own series of bulbs, covering them lovingly.
Emma glanced over to her sister before shaking her head.*

I don't like the terminology. I'm not partial to what it insinuates. She's my mate, or partner, or beloved - not my wife.

*She felt a knot start to form in her stomach, even now after all this time her mind kicked up fragments of Christian or Olric telling her that she would be their wife. Wife. She wanted nothing to do with that label.*

What's she doing for your birthday?

*The softness that Emma had been feeling was instantly kicked out of the way when she heard 'birthday'. Her shoulders tightened, lips thinned into an angry evil line, crows feet making a second appearance.*

Shut... up!

What!? Ohhh... don't you want a birthday great grandmother!?

*Monica took her basket of unplanted flowers and shifted so that she could keep planting blubs, a sly grin creeping over her unnaturally youthful face.
Emma was staring death rays to the younger woman, there was one way to guarantee a quick and righteous dead. Talk about Emma's age... and Monica knew exactly the button she was pushing.*

How old will you be this year? What... about 2 million and -

SHUT UP!

900 thousand and -

STOP!

200 and -

LALALALALA!!!

*Emma didn't even bother to wipe her hands off as she covered her ears as Monica kept speaking - mouthing the last bit.*

Ninety Nine!

*She squealed, ending the sharp noise with an unsettling cackle and a clap of her hands. Oblivious of her sister's urgent need to claw her throat out, Emma's hands slowly dropping to her lap.*

cms... She's right. That dirt on your hands has seen less years than half your age.

*Marcus lay out in the grass on his back, massive legs tucked against his chest. Some threat there... the damn hellbeast looked like a puppy.
Emma snarled as her eyes shot to her companion, the bridge of her nose crinkled, upper lip raised in threat.*

Fuck you both!

Awww... Great grandnana is angry!

Emma. Not great grand anything!

*Monica paused, frowning a little as she watched Emma, completely ignoring her foaming anger - Marcus however had opted to return to silence.*

Hold up... you mean to tell me you aren't going to let your great grandchildren call you anything but Emma?

*She looked confused, hell... Monica had great great grandchildren ... and they could call her anything.
Then again, she didn't have this hatred for getting older either.
Emma shrugged.*

I will tolerate Nana. So there... they have two choices.

*She couldn't ban that one, Juri still squealed Nana every time she saw Emma.
Monica rolled her eyes, shaking her hand as she finished planting the lilies.*

What is it that Hannah calls you?

*Emma snorted, smiling a bit.*

Bad nana.

She has noooooo idea.

Whatever.

*Emma pushed herself up off the ground, brushing dirt off her hands as she picked up her tools, they were done for now.
Monica remained seated, lovingly smiling up to the hateful woman.*

What kind of cake does bad nana want for her big bad birthday!?

*Emma stopped dead in her tracks, turning back around, golden eyes staring at Monica.*

I swear that I will break your legs if you say a word... or even write it down, do you understand me!?

*She didn't celebrate her birthday... ever. Though she had plans to drink herself numb at some point that day.
Monica put her hands up in defense, smiling innocently.*

Won't say a word.

*She shook her head, lovingly placing her fingers in the soil as Emma headed back inside. Tiny sprouts started to creep skyward from their newly found homes.
The Innocent smile twisted into a smirk as she laughed evilly - well, as evil as Monica could be.*

Psyche! Birthday girl!

*~*~*~*~*

*Vodina leaned her head back on her couch, barely frozen ice pack resting momentarily on her face as she took a break from studying. Four different large textbooks lay open to various pages as she closed her eyes - brain, full.
She didn't bother to move a muscle when she heard a knock on her door.*

... come in.

*The door swung inward, by sheer movement she knew already that it wasn't Vincento - foot steps softer, lighter - a woman.
Not Neha, she barely made a sound. Not Johnna, the girl walked like she was coming to kick ass with tightened leg muscles. Not Elise, she would have been squealing before hand - besides, she moved like an excited child. Feminine... her mind concluded without visuals.*

Hey Lilka.

*The girl stopped short for a moment before shaking her head, laughing softly.*

Have I ever told you that it creeps me out when you do that.

*She continued into the room, sinking down on the couch beside her friend, placing something on the table.*

Brought you coffee, which, by the way, was not an easy feat.

*She laughed, arm still in a sling for now so she wouldn't strain the fractures. *

Even got extra whipped cream from the buresta... she felt sorry for me, also offered to massage my owwies later. But, I'm not sharing that.

*She giggled with a smirk, chewing the end of her straw playfully as she tucked one leg under her, leaning her back against the arm of the chair.*

Too much information Lil.

*Vo laughed, head still back - face still shielded by the mostly melted pack.
Lilka cackled and shook her head.*

No, too much information would have been telling you that I'm going to fuck her later.

*Vo groaned and made a face as she pulled the pack away, lifting her head to look at Lilka who laughed hard before pausing.*

Ouch! Deese woman... you look like a calico.

Thanks... that's comforting.

*Vo laughed, picking up her coffee and took a long satisfying drink. Lilka was leaning in more to deduce the bruising pattern.*

Well shit, I wouldn't leave my room if I looked like that either.

Has anyone ever told you that you are unnaturally blunt?

On occassion.

*She giggled, still staring at Vodina's face which made the girl shift again.*

Stop looking at it!

Sorry. It's just... damn, Magnolia elbowed you hella hard.

Says the girl with a busted up arm.

*Lilka laughed, shrugging with only one shoulder since the other still hurt.*

Hey at least we have a good reason for looking like shit.

*She started to chew on her straw again, Vo gave an odd look, laughing.*

Uh... yeah. "What the hell happened to you?" "Oh nothin', just got bitch slapped by the monarch. Bitch didn't even use her fists. She's hard core like that!"

*Vodina did a mock conversation, smirking as she stirred up the excess whipped cream. They both laughed.*

Well did Vinny at least take care of you?

*Lilka raised her eyebrows in question - she was happy for her cousin but she wasn't putting complete faith in the two yet... they were both pretty intense and well... Vincento was still doing the horizontal mambo with his earthly playmates.
Who was she to judge anyways?
Vo smiled a little more innocently around the straw before shrugging.*

He hung out for a while. Brought me some of that Italian ice cream... then I think I passed out.

Gelato? Ohhh... lucky!

*Lilka fake pouted, she wanted some! Damn Vincento, he'd probably eaten it all by now.
Vo smiled, propping her legs up on the coffee table in front of the couch.*

So how's that going?

What?

You and Vinny.

*Vo paused, thinking for a moment before her smile increased a bit.*

Things are good. I'm ... having a lot of fun. He's well, surprisingly sweet.

*She was blushing, but it was hidden behind he bruising on her face. The smile was undeniable however, and it made Lilka smile right back.
Vinny confided in his cousin, knew how he felt, now she was just checking the other team.*

He's a really good guy under all that wanna-be macho Greystone bull shit.

*Lilka cackled, setting her empty cup on the table. Sure she might be half Greystone via genetics, but the girl had pure Dandov/Marriner pride.*

What about you and your guy?

*Lilka raised a confused eyebrow, clueless about who Vo was referring to.*

What guy?

Kenneth.

Oh. Umm... honey, he's not my guy.

*Vo looked confused, but then again she couldn't completely digest the thought of freely sleeping around. Probably the best reason for no one to inform her of Vincento's continued sexual escapades.
She'd end things with him quicker then he could blink.
Lilka shook her head in a no-silly-girl kind of way before giggling.*

We're partners Vo. Who well... occasionally train in a variety of ways. We both opt to have a plethora of sparring partners.

Tactful analysis.

Thanks. I de-sexified it for you.

*Lilka snorted before collecting her empty cup, looking at her watch... time to meet up with mama.*

Prude!

Slut.

*Lilka winked to Vo as she giggled, leaning to carefully hug her friend.*

See you for training tonight?

I'll be there.

*Vo hugged her back gently and then waved as Lilka headed towards the door. The girl made a peace sign with her fingers.*

Later!

*Lil vanished out into the hallway, heading to the Star to find her mama and resisting the urge to beat on Johnna's door as she passed. "Dandov in the house!"*

*~*~*~*~*~*

GREEN!

*Stryker squealed as he jumped up and down around Jessica holding out his bare arms in utter amazement at the fact he was completely green.*

Me next! Me next!

*Lilith laughed and clapped her hands joyfully Jessica put her hands on her hips, smiling down at the little girl.*

And what color do you want?

BWUE!

*She was nearly shaking with excitement as she waited, this was the coolest thing ever.
Stryker was jumping from tile to tile in the spacious kitchen, his tongue sticking out.*

I'm a big bad lizard!

*He demanded with confidence, Jessica was laughing so hard she had to hold her sides.
Oh, Farfie had to see this... seriously.
In an instant both of the twins were running around the kitchen, blue and green.
Cionna stood off to the side, silently weighing the childhood pros and cons of the situation. She didn't exactly want her skin any different.*

Cinonna no want any.

*She huffed and crossed her arms, doing such an adult frown. Jessica shrugged and smiled.*

Ok. You don't have to. It's only for a little bit though.

*There was endless entertainment in glamour spells, Cionna still didn't look convinced as she watched Stryker and Lilith playing.
Finally, after much hesitation she tugged on Jessie's dress, pointing to herself.*

Do Cinonna's hair now? Pwease.

*She added the please after a few seconds of silence, coerced by the woman's raised eyebrows.*

And, what color do you want your hair sweetheart?

Cinonna wants pink.

*She squealed, standing still in anticipation as she waited for Jessie to finish the spell. Once it was finished she looked in the mirror her babysitter was holding. Her dark silver hair was pink... but not the right color pink... and one self obsessed six year old didn't know the word fuchsia yet.*

No!

No what Cionna?

*Jessica was confused, the girl's hair was pink, what more did she want?
Cionna pointed at the mirror, realizing her mistake she shifted and pointed to her hair.*

No. Nana pink! Like tween nana! Cionna wants pwease.

*This please came with the rest of the sentence, within moments Magnolia Jr. was grinning up at her aunt. Jessica couldn't help but shake her head and laugh.*

Tank you!

*Cionna ran off to find her playmates - squealing happily.
Later that afternoon when Hyacinth came to pick up her child Jessica answered the door. She was trying her hardest to not just die of laughter in that moment.*

I... think that I might have created a monster...

*She hesitated and then pulled the door open, Cionna was waiting with her little backpack on her shoulders. Pink hair and a princess tiara.*

MAMA! Bitty tween pwincess Cinonna is ready!

*She confirmed that she was willing to go home, that it was 'ok', Hyacinth had come to pick her up. Jessica mouthed "Sorry" with a laugh as Cionna ran to hug her mama tight, grinning as best she could.*

Mama... mama...

*She yanked Hyacinth's hand to get her full attention.*

I'sa bitty nana!

*~*~*~*~*~*

*Golden eyes closed slowly as a soft, pleased sound came from Dara's lips. Her slender, feminine fingers were lost in strands of Ellesar's dark locks as she sat on the edge of his desk facing his seated form.
One of his strong hands wrapped around her waist while the other teasingly slipped the fabric from her dress over her shoulder to expose the skin.
The lacing up the back already untied, he held the soft material down against her arm as his lips and tongue tasted and caressed the uncovered desire.
Dara cooed lovingly at the unprovoked attention, her fingers tightened just a bit around his hair - legs still encased by the dress, hung gently around his form.
Down over the collar bone... down to the top of her breast... back up the curve of her neck... all the way up to her ear.
A soft moan escaped her as his lips parted, heated breath and warm tongue teased the sensitive skin - she felt his teeth barely grace the lobe.
Her lips remained parted as her breath switched from helpless to ragged. Head tilted back in silent offering to him - anything he wanted, it was his.*

I... just...

*She managed out before his tongue gently traced the outline of her ear... a more mature moan enveloped the rest of her words, hands slipping from his hair to his shoulders - clutching two fist fulls of fabric as she recovered.
Her breath was sharp pants, the muscles in her legs tightened around his form as she finally opened her eyes again.
This was... bliss. She purred as she pulled back slowly, catching her husband's eyes.*

I... have meetings. And because of you... I'm already tardy.

*She lifted a hand, tracing her fingers down his jaw line, a sexy playful smirk over her lips. Deese... she loved this man.*

Which means... I have to go.

*She slowly pulled the neckline of her dress back up to cover the exposed shoulder, cheeks very flushed from her reaction.
She really just wanted to skip the meetings and christen his new office... and desk, but she had responsibilities.*

Two hours... I'll need... a private consultation with you General.

*Her words a purrs as she leaned in, kissing him before making it more passionate and catching her tongue against his.*

cms... and if you could fix my gown... monsieur.

...Life and Death...

2008-07-07T19:14:00.001-04:00

*The room was absolutely silent save for the occasional struggled breath that managed to fill the woman's lungs. A variety of eyes watched in despair - sorrow masking faces.
Lena shook her head slowly, it rested back against the multitude of pillows as her eyes closed. She knew this feeling, knew what was happening - her time was up.
Ronan had come to Vickni at the news of the woman who was his birth mother, had taken a turn for the worst. It was strange the pain he felt over the inevitable - he'd hardly known Lena... and yet, she was suppose to be this great part of his life.
His mother... in one way or another, he reached forward and gently took her smaller hand in his. Lena's sister lingered in the doorway of the small bedroom - tears welled up in her eyes but she didn't make a sound.
Lena took another series of strained breaths before gingerly squeezing Ronan's fingers - her dark brown eyes shifted to stare at her son. She looked nothing like the boy... had she not know unquestionably that she had given birth to the boy it was possible no one would have known.
Another series of shallow breaths rattled the silence before she smiled weakly, Ronan couldn't help but smile back. They'd been left alone for the moment and Lena took the opportunity to speak.*

I'm so... very glad that... I got the chance to meet you Ronan. It will... put my soul at peace... and your father's.
I will tell him... about you... and your life. He will be so... so very proud. I know... that I am.

*She smiled weakly, another series of breaths that seemed to be getting more and more shallow before she squeezed his hand again. Ronan did the same, shifting a little in his seat so that he was closer. He could feel something deep in his soul quake... the protective spell keeping Lena in this world was dissolving with each breath that she took. He was already feeling overwhelmed with loss.
She shook her head slightly, the warmth and kindness that the boy internally knew watched him.*

Don't grieve my life child... It may have been short... but I've done... great things in having you.
I will always be with you.

*She whispered quietly, watching the boys face before they shifted - staring off past Ronan towards the corner.
Ronan twisted in the chair to look back at what had caught her attention but saw nothing - turning back.
Lena's vision remained on the vacant area... her eyes seeing what no one else could. The white haired goddess stood in silence, face expressionless - brilliant eyes watching only Lena.
She knew... she had come for her.*

I love you.

*The sound of Ronan's voice brought her back, eyes lazily making the trip back to her child's face. The next breath barely filled her lungs, the struggle to take in more hurt every fiber of her being. That however was not the cause for the tears in her eyes.
She squeezed his hand with all her might though her fingers barely wrapped around his.
Her eyes closed but it took much strength to open them again - she'd see her last sights of the world. She felt her body lifted into arms, Ronan was holding her close.
The next breath took an eternity to come to her mouth as she felt all the muscles in her body go limp. She was going.*

cms... I ... love you Ronan... always will... my son.

*She wanted to take another breath but with all of her might she couldn't force it in. Ronan just held her close to him as tears slipped down his cheeks. The silence was a heavy blanket that seemed to cover the whole world.*

*Lena opened her eyes to the scene before her. A sorrow washed over her as she watched the young boy cradle her lifeless body in his arms.
She was now standing beside the silent goddess as they both watched in silence before Lena finally turned to fully face the woman.
A sadness was visible in the blue/green orbs before it quickly vanished, leaving Lily to look even more cold and emotionless than she actually was.
Lena shook her head, she knew the woman... knew this part of the journey.*

Please... promise me that you will take care of him. Promise me that he will have a good life.

*Lena's face looked to Lily, she needed to know that Ronan would have a good life - that he wouldn't be forced to know great suffering.
Lily said nothing, her eyes still watching as Ronan finally rested Lena's body back against the pillows, her sister had rejoined and was crying.
No sound from the other world reached their ears, the steady rhythm of the two breathing was almost deafening before Lily sighed deeply.*

I promise you.

*The weight of reluctance pierced Lena deeply, but she felt a calm wash over her. Good... the poor boy didn't need to suffer anymore.*

*Half a world away the same dreadful news had been handled with a different approach. Cora sat wrapped in a thick bear fur, her arms clutching the skin, fingers tangled in the softness.
She had been silent for some time - her golden eyes watching as equally brilliant colored flames danced and licked in the fire pit. The voices of others around her came as a pleasant hum - adding to the natural melody of the night.
Life had a different look to the werecat and werewolf worlds. A look that couldn't be described to their true immortal counterparts: How did one describe the sense of mortality to someone who couldn't experience it?
How did it feel to not know that your days are numbered no matter your age?
Cora's original death had been lightening quick and though not intended, merciful. She couldn't remember suffering - there had simply been an all encompassing numbness and then silence. It wasn't like that this time.
She felt her heart sputter now and them, the constantly growing weakness throughout her body had made it nearly impossible to stand up of her own will.
So this was what it would have felt like to die naturally - she couldn't say that she cared much for it. Like watching an animal suffer when you could have simply gone for the kill.
There was no pain in her body - just the weakness. The way your muscles feel when tired and overworked and then dipped in the hot springs.
Her eyes lifted from the fire to gaze at the pale emotionless face that sat directly across from her. She'd seen it before - knew what it meant... her time had come.*

Not yet.

*It wasn't a plea, it was a demand. The tone of Cora's voice, even now, showed the strength and power that had been there through her role as alpha.
The white haired woman didn't move one way or the other in response - Lily only had one schedule, her own... and it wouldn't faultier to anyone's pleas or demands - it was coming.
She'd spent the last few days with the members of her family - saying goodbyes... her love yous. Capturing every attainable moment of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchild.
She had spent time with her family’s spouses, her brother and his children, her sister and her son Rayek and daughter Kali. Friends from before this gift - Ivy and Greyous... the whole pride had paid their respects. All but one - and she was waiting in silence for it.
The fur around her shifted as she pulled it a bit more, eyes refusing to lift back to Lily's gaze. Hagon would come and then she would be willing to go.
It wasn't long before footsteps padded through the grass towards her, the weight that was carried - the light scent that drifted in on the shifting breeze, she knew it all.
Hagon sat down slowly on the log beside Cora, his eyes looked from the fire towards her. The flickering orange glow brought out the lines that confessed each of their ages.
Cora held a fondness and love for the old lion - though their positions in one another's lives had shifted since her death - no longer a lover and a mate, but still a confidant and companion. The father of her children.
She knew him inside and out, he knew the same of her, it would be a lie to say that there wasn't still love between them... it had just evolved.
She leaned her head to the side as she closed her tired eyes, head resting against his broad shoulder as she felt his arm come around her. Her body shifted into its mold, feeling herself relax as the strain of supporting herself was lifted.
Hagon rested his cheek against her soft hair, his eyes watching the flicker of the fire in front of them.
Neither spoke, Cora felt a calmness... a relief at his comfort - she had so much to say to her dear friend.
It felt like an eternity before she finally took a deep breath, her eyes remained closed though she resituated her cheek against his shoulder.*

I always thought that my goal in death would be to wait until we could be one again. It has taken me a long time to accept that that won't be the case.
But I want you to know that I'm happy that you finally found someone who fits you so well.
Carmen is a good woman... she makes you happy. Your eyes tell of joys and depth that I'd never seen in you.

*She took another breath, twisting in his arms just a little so that she was almost cradled - Hagon adjusted as well.*

I don't need nor want your should in the next world... but please... look after our children... and their children... and...

*Her next breath caught in her throat as she struggled to swallow it. The sound of Hagon's heartbeat, a rhythms that had soothed her so many nights was one again working it's magic. It was coming quickly ... the pull was undeniable.*

I... love you... my friend. Thank you... for being here with me... through this.

*She whispered on a quaking breath, she felt Hagon's hold around her tighten just a bit. His head turned as he gently placed a kiss to the crown of her dark hair.*

I love you Cora. I promise to you that I will look after them... always. They will grieve so... to lose you again.

*His goodbye was faulty but heartfelt and true. His love for Cora had evolved since her original death, she was no longer his beloved mate and lover, she had become a dear friend but time couldn't erase their past. He would grieve her loss as would the rest of their family.*

Tell... Carmen... to take good care of you... to love you... completely.

*Another battle for breath, she felt Hagon's jagged nod as her hands slowly started to loosen around the clutched fur.*

...build ... me a... fire ... that... an alpha...

*Her words faded in and out, her breathing shuddered and then stopped - a calm and warmth washed over Cora as she was once again removed from her body.
She stood on the opposite side of the fire, eyes fixed on the scene.
Her physical form looked as if she had merely fallen asleep in his arms. Hagon didn't move - they just sat for a while in front of the fire.
It was a tradition in Bastet culture to build funeral pyers after a member of the Pride had fallen. The size of which reflected the status of the individual - their manner of death, etc.
Cora wanted what she deserved - the fire that signified the death of an alpha. Carmen could have Hagon's heart and soul, but Cora had been a dedicated and loving leader - the older members of the pride remembered. She deserved at least that respect.*

I'm ready now.

*She turned her attention away from the living world and back to the silent woman who had come to escort her to another realm of existence - a place of the past.
Cora held herself with pride and strength - so unlike the uncontrollably grief ridden woman who had been viciously pulled away from her mate and young children.
Lily caught herself smiling weakly at the sight - if one preservers through pain and loss, there is hope of one day re-finding one's self.
Lily looked upon Cora with a personal hope - even with death, life could still blossom love and self worth.*

*~*~*~*~*

*Vodina closed her eyes and drew a deep, full breath into her lungs. She had herself nearly poised on the tips of her toes, all of her weight rested on the balls of her feet as she slowly released the breath.
It was calming - with each intake of air she would roll up and stretch her body skyward - with each release it would smoothly resettle to the ground.
She had come to the Star to seek some piece of mind and to produce an outlet for the tension throughout her body.
Grace's sex talk had been helpful - but had apparently provided an invitation for her unconscious to shatter her with yet another vivid dream of Vincento.
Once again she had woken to her body tense with frustration - her mind clouded with fantastic images, and the silent strength keeping her from giving into the Greystone just a touch weaker.
At this rate she was more her own enemy against her willpower - but he still came in at a close second.
Her green eyes opened slowly to the floor of the training room. She had set up a number of obstacles and targets in a circular fashion around the outside stretch - at the halfway mark her sword was laying on the floor, then another series of targets.
She'd been precise and thorough with their spacing - her tactic for completing the series were well thought out.
After another series of deep breaths came and went before she sprang forward - running at full speed before she vaulted.
Two cartwheels shifted into a round off and forward hand spring before she neared the first vault. One hard jump and she hit it hard, doing a hand stand as she twisted her body in mid air and vanished.*

"I... i... " she whimpered softly when he cupped a breast in his warm hand and his lips closed over the hardened tip, sending shafts of fire through her as his tongue flicked over the nub, creating an ache that he eased with a gentle suckling. "I... am... lost" she whispered, her hands burying themselves in his thick auburn hair while her body arched against him in graceful need.
"So very sweet..." he murmured as he gave her other breast equal service, his hand moving in a slow caress down her stomach. "Your skin is the softest I have ever felt" he confessed.
Vodina bit her lip in an attempt to stop the soft sounds of passion trying to escape her. It was in vain, they exploded in her throat, sounding very much like a contented purr. He was turning her into a mindless receptacle for his lust, yet she could not stop her body's response to his practiced caresses. Her hands touched him whenever they could reach, moving with a shy but greedy delight that she could not control. As his kisses moved over her soft and tone midriff, his hand slid between her legs to caress and probe. She tensed slightly, briefly, then slid over the edge into a mindless state, aware only of her pleasure and an aching need that was rapidly growing within her.
Vincento sensed her final capitulation and gave a soft, nearly triumphant laugh. He had felt the passion within her, felt her tremble as she fought to subdue it, and had used all his skill to make the passion a victor. His reward was the way she was coming alive beneath him, her thrashings and the sounds of pleasure escaping her stirring him in a way he had never experienced before. As his mouth edged its way back to her breasts, his fingers sought out the heart of her, readying her for his final procession and luxuriating in the warm moistness of her, a warmth that would soon know him fully.
He wanted to savor his passion, the like of which he had never known before, but soon reached the limit of his endurance. Her smaller hands with their shy, unpracticed touches were driving him near to madness, giving him more pleasure than he had ever found beneath the skilled touches of others. His strong hands upon her slim hips to hold her steady, he eased into her, met the obstruction of her innocence and passed it, his mouth swallowed her startled cry of pain. His teeth gritted against his body's urges, he lay still, letting the pain subside and her body adjust to his intrusion.
His lips moved gently over her's as his hands stroked her body, easily away the tension. His hand on her thigh, he motioned for her to wrap them around his waist.
With a passion-induced obedience she did so, and shuddered along with him as he deepened his possession of her. Her eyes locked with his where he hovered above her, raised up on his elbows.
A soft gasp escaped her as he began to move slowly, what was left of her pain was forgotten as a nearly painful pleasure grew within her. Unaware that her eyes had turned to a deep molten color, she was held in the fierce light of his gaze. After a moment she began to move with him in nature's own rhythm.

*She reappeared 20 feet away in a diving motion through the air; catching herself on her hands before curling and rolling forward, back to her feet.
Her moves were fluid and graceful even as she went quickly from obstacle to obstacle. The first target came within reach and she spun kicked it, moving through each of the spaced targets.
Punches... kicks... each made carefully and with thought, though her heart was racing more than normal... her breath had gotten ragged and she tried to calm herself. Focus on your training.
Her feet kicked up again as she started into another round off, body tight in the right way... muscles flexed, keeping every motion neat and clean.
At the next vault she hit the springboard hard, hitting the pommel with both feet before leaping cleanly into the air, gaining much more distance.
She flipped forward, diving back towards the floor... catching herself once again on her hands, though this time she snatched up her sword as she held it cross ways to her chest, rolling forward.
As she sprung to her feet she struck at targets left and right, hitting each one with her sword. Now and then she pulled the sword back perpendicular with her chest and flipped forward through a handless cartwheel.
One more vault lay a few steps away, she ran for it... hitting it hard before vanishing.*

Vodina met his growing fierceness with an equal one of her own. Her slender arms joined her legs in holding him close while her tongue played with his as their kiss matched the growing frenzy of their movements. She was only dimly aware of the sounds that escaped him, his voice thickened by passion nearly beyond her comprehension. Suddenly the feeling within her grew to a point that alarmed her. She felt balanced on the edge of some precipice, her body drawn back like a bowstring ready to be released. Despite her growing fear she could not bring a halt to things, and suddenly she was an unwilling passenger on a journey she did not know the destination of.
"Oh... god, please... something... Vincento!"
He held her gaze and read her release there even as his ears heard her impassioned cries. His body luxuriated in her tremors of inner delight as his lips parted against the heated and moist skin of her neck. With one fierce thrust he sought his own escape, seeing in her the way her body accepted his passion's tribute before he collapsed in her arms. For long moments they lay intimately entwined, letting their minds and bodies slowly return to normalcy.

*Her green eyes held the most intense look as she reappeared on the floor, her sword separated into it's two parts as she landed on her feet, bouncing forward with both swords at her side before doing a forward handless round off.
She came down facing the last target, both swords held tightly in her hands sliced cleanly through as she finished the exercise on both knees.
She dropped the swords, panting heavily... partly because of the exercise, partly because jumping from space to space took a lot of energy... and partly because the images of Vincento over her make her completely weak. It was a toss up.
Her back loosened as her shoulders dipped forward, trying to catch her breath as beads of sweat trailed down the back of her neck into the tightly clinging fabric of her work out uniform.*

You've gotten better.

*The voice shocked her so much that her head snapped around. Muscles tight again until she saw her brother up on the observation deck of the room... she relaxed.
A light laugh escaped her as she tried to control her panting. She rolled back off her knees onto her butt, letting her body relax... she had to do that two more times today. Fucking endurance.
Benji came done the stairs onto the floor before chuckling and finding a piece of mat next to his sister.*

Well I had better be... month after month of getting the shit kicked out of me... being left in snow drifts... getting my nose, among other things, broken.

*She smiled, closing her eyes now that she was leaning back on her hands... then she opened one eye, looking to her big brother.*

Why exactly are you here?

*She paused, it wasn't normal for him to just show up... especially in No'Koa. And, well she couldn't remember inviting him.
He smiled, running his hand over his hair - short as it was, it was a habit.*

Well... actually I've got a few minutes to burn before my date.

Date?!

Yep... I've got a date. She's amazing. Seriously... I think her mission in life is to kill me slowly.

*He grinned, nudging his shoulder against her's. The two of them laughed a little.*

Well... it's about time. I was starting to think you'd never find someone. As old as you are.

Shut up! Little brat.

*They laughed again, Vo leaned forward, reconnecting her sword into one piece.*

Well I'm very happy for you. Do I get to meet her?

Yeah... but not today. We're going on a beach walk and out to dinner... besides, your sweaty. You'd ruin the vibe.

Pathetic.

*Vodina shook her head before standing back up, feeling a burn up the back of one of her legs from where she had hit a landing a little wrong. She winced but pushed past it.
Benji stood up as well, giving her a quick hug - sighing happily as he whispered.*

... i think i'm in love...

*He pulled back, winking at his sister who was smiling. She was so happy for him. She hadn't seen him smiling like that in a really long time.*

Well... you enjoy your date. I'll be here.. until someone has to drag me by my arms off the floor.

*She waved as he headed back up the stairs, waving back.*

Don't break yourself. Good luck.

*He disappeared back out of the area as she replaced her sword where it had been and slowly made her way back towards the start.
Her eyes closed as she took a deep breath, collecting herself physically and mentally ... wanting to get through it this time without Mr. Greystone making an appearance.*

... Pregnant!?...

2008-07-05T21:41:00.000-04:00

*Aidan slipped the vials one by one down in the centrifuge and closed the lid. The machine started the familiar "wrrrr" as it increased it's speed.
His eyes were barely opened as he ran both of his hands up and down his face. Triple shift... soon he'd be the walking dead.
Dimitra hadn't been feeling good near the end of his double, she was suppose to relieve him so they could relay race between work and taking care of the children.
Instead he had arranged child care for the twins and "demanded" (as much as Aidan could be demanding with his wife) that she stay at home and rest. He'd work her shift and when he had a break every now and then he would come to check on her.
He'd been home twice already, getting her something to drink - something light to eat - nearly falling asleep each time she had anted to be cuddled for a few moments.
On the second trip he had taken some blood, kissed the injection site, kissed her lips, tucked her in and told her to rest - Doctor's orders.
At least things were slow - early morning 2am had that effect. If he was lucky he could pull straight through the night, get all of the tests run, folders filed, and have everything ready when Evening and Babset got there.
The wrrrr stopped after a moment - Aidan opened the lid and started to place the vials up for a digital analysis.
He clicked the tubes into place and then went back to his filing... Deese he was going to be a busy man over the next few months. Of four current pregnancies he was over seeing the care and prenatal observations of three.
Dominique, Fayleen, and Dragan... Dimitra was with Juri, but if she still wasn't feeling well he could do it too.
He continued to dictate notes into folders before the beeping caught his attention... one analysis finished - the printer kicked on and started to grind back and forth, pushing out the results.
Aidan spun his chair around, grabbing the end of the page, his eyes expertly scanning the information, not even caring about name yet... a deep sigh bellowed from his lungs as he ripped the page out.*

Pregnant!? Seriously... another one! Deese and Zechs, what is there something in the water!?

*he shook his head, muttering as he sat form down on the counter, eyes wondering up for a patient name.*

And who's the lucky lady who will.... wait...

*He rubbed his eyes, looking back at the page that he was now holding up to his face, coloring draining away as a nervous laugh left him.*

Dimitra Ulric De Ciel Kolbold... pregnant...

*He opened the analysis machine quickly... yep, it was her blood alright.
In the rationalization that maybe the machine was broken hid did the test by hand... five pregnant woman in four weeks was just too much... had to be a mistake.
Not even close... he held the hand done test as he leaned back in his chair.*

Well... let's pray for just one this time.

*He laughed to himself. The man wasn't against more children... as long as this one was an angel, and maybe a little boy.*

... Princess Ci-nona ...

2008-06-30T21:30:00.000-04:00

*Ok... training had lost its excitement. The endurance portion of the Hunter Program had pretty much kicked Ronan's ass and now, even though they had a break he wasn't resting.
Fayleen had taken the opportunity to be a bit more intense through the duration of the boys rest... Ronan was not thrilled.
After classes each day he disappeared for several hours, returning at night looking just a bit more worse for wear and exhausted. He rarely got the chance to see Neha, the most intimate moments were him curled up beside her in bed... passed out.
Today was no exception, the boy sat outside the building where he regularly met with Fay, waiting patiently for her to come and get him. However, he had been a little shocked that Raven was there as well.*

It's...tuesday right?

*Ronan frowned a little, looking at his watch like that would help him any. He and Raven alternated days for training... they'd only been there together once or twice in the beginning.*

Or do I have the day wrong?

*He asked in almost a cheerful tone... if that was the case he could go back to sleep, maybe even take Neha out to dinner later.
Raven sank down beside the boy on the bench, he looked just as exhausted, but thankfully he hadn't been playing "hunter" with the rest of them.*

Nope... it's Tuesday.

*He said with a bit of a bite, yeah... three days in a row with Fay, fantastic.
Ronan released a deep sigh, nodding slowly as his hands came up, rubbing his face.*

So... we're both here? Do you know why?

*He tilted his head to look at Raven, the boy merely shrugged his shoulders, laughing a little.*

Nope. Maybe she's gonna say we passed and send us home.

Un... likely.

*He laughed, which fell short when he heard the door open, both boys turned quickly to see Fayleen smiling warmly.
It was disconcerting, the woman always looked bright and happy... there was no telling if she was going to brutally torture them based strictly on her facial expression.*

Come on in boys.

*She motioned for them to follow her as she headed back into the room. It was the same space each of them had been training in.
A blank space, protective rune markings were etched into the walls to keep certain things from... well... exploding. The last thing Fay needed was to explain to Magnolia why a building of the University was no more.
Raven and Ronan came into the room and sat down, both on the floor as they looked up at the woman who was standing in front of them.*

You have both been doing so well with your training and though I feel you have both succeeded to start to master your meditation and concentration exercises... and as a gift I've decided to let this get a little more physical.

*She giggled warmly, it was almost sickening how pleasantly happy she was. Ronan's eyebrows arched in wonder at what she was saying. Really? They were going to get to fight?*

In order to be able to control this first test run you will be sparing individually against me. And there are a few rules.

Against you? Are... you sure?

*Raven made a bit of a face, he wasn't exactly a fighter but the thought of hitting the smaller woman made him feel a little off.
Ronan as well shook his head, he'd been fighting and sparing with No'Koans during the Hunter training... he'd never seen or even heard of Fayleen fighting.*

I don't think that's such a good idea.

*He managed out as he glanced back to Raven, both of the boys were in agreement. They didn't want to feel bad after striking their teacher.
Fayleen paused, one of her eyebrows lifted in question as she looked between her students before smirking.*

Neither of you need to be worried, I'm a big girl... and I think I can handle it.

*She shook her head, laughing mentally... oh, poor little children. She cleared her throat, taking a breath.*

Alright... today’s exercise will consist of only one goal.

*She turned and slowly made her way to the opposite end of the room, standing a few feet away from the wall as she looked back at the boys.*

You can use any ability or gift in order to maintain your goal... to get to this circle.

*Drawn in chalk about two feet out from where she was standing was a circle, she was in the center of it... standing perfectly still as she crossed her arms.*

... That's it?.... get to the circle?

*Ronan snorted as he rolled his eyes a little, looking back to Raven who was also trying to hold back a chuckle.
This was ridiculous.*

Can we run?

*He laughed, straightening a little when he caught Fayleen's less than thrilled expression at his teasing.*

I said you are able to use any ability you wish... and since you think this will be so easy, why don't you be the first.

*She motioned for Ronan to get up... which the boy did slowly, coming up to the line that had been set for him to start at.
Easy enough... what, he'd run to the other side of the room. There was no way Fay could physically overpower him, he'd just pick her up and then stand in the circle.*

Alright. Ready?

*Fay easily held back the smirk she was feeling... a bit cocky, those damn No'Koan's had gotten to him.
Ronan nodded, he took a deep breath and when Fay motioned for him to come towards her he took off running.
Yes, running was nothing new... he did it every morning before classes to keep in shape for his other training. A couple of yards would be nothing.
Fay was standing perfectly still, almost looking bored. She didn't move into a defensive stance as Ronan raced towards her... she just stood there.
Suddenly her right hand left it's spot against her hip and flicked out, like she had been throwing a frisbee.
Ronan was about 10 feet away from her when he was lifted off the ground and shot across the space into the wall... hard. The drywall fractured nearly clean to the ceiling... his body left a deep crater in the molding before falling to the ground in a lump.
He was coughing... gasping for the breath that had just been knocked out of him, face down on the floor.
Fay's arm returned to her side as she raised a slender eyebrow at the situation at hand. After mentally assessing that the child wasn't horribly hurt she laughed quietly to herself.*

Now... I told you to use any of your gifts child. You opted to use none of them. Not a very wise decision.

*She motioned for Raven to help Ronan back to be seated... Ronan lay back on the floor... breathing slowly as he mentally cursed himself... ok, that was stupid.
Raven took his place on the line, a series of deep breaths and then Fay motioned for him to come foward.
His tactic wasn't as ballsy as Ronan's had been. He came forward slowly... watching Fay's eyes to determine just how close he could get before she'd use magic. He stopped 20 feet away from her...
Suddenly a shield of fire came up and moved towards Fay quickly, the boy ran behind it... hoping that in using his gift he could hide himself well enough to get to the circle.
Little luck there... the fire disappeared quickly, Raven looked shocked. He'd been controlling it... and it just disappeared.
Fay smirked and then a roaring wave of brilliant fire appeared right behind her and came towards Raven, passing right through Fay before engulfing the boy.
The flames and heat washed Raven back, forcing him to lose his footing before pushing him nearly back to where he had started.
Finally it dissipated ... leaving Raven looking rather smoky, the tips of his dark hair were singed. Thankfully fire didn't affect his skin, Fay had known that previously.
She stood bored at the end of the room, shaking her head.*

... Not nearly as easy as it seemed now, was it children?

No...

*Ronan coughed having finally managed to roll over on his back to take full deeper breaths. Oh he was going to be in pain tomorrow... he could already feel ever muscle between his ribs and down his back screaming from the solid blow.
Apparently his body was not a very good battering ram.
Fay walked slowly towards them, hands clasped innocently in front of her as she stopped a few feet from the battered boys. A part of her felt a little disheartened by this... they should have been smarter... should have been prepared with a block or a shield.*

Ronan. Will you go again or are you done?

*The boy whined, give up and go home... or try to stand up just to get thrown back into the wall... decisions decisions.*

... I'm... done for now... thank you.

*He sighed, Raven as well was down for the count, laying back now that his body wasn't tumbling like a bag in the wind down the floor.
Fay shook her head, sighing.*

From now on we will be meeting every day. You will be working together as well as sparing one another.
I expect you both to anticipate this exercise for tomorrow... and perhaps think a little more about your tactics and skills.
Try another stunt like that Ronan... and you'll go through the wall next time.

*She moved away from them, gathering her things before leaving the room. Her students had been so promising so far... hopefully they would quickly get back up into her good graces by actually using what they had been taught.*

See you both tomorrow.

Thank you Mrs. Desalvo Godspeed...

...De Ciel Greystone.

*The boys separated her lengthy last name between them as Fay left the room. Ronan groaned, pushing himself up off the ground before whining.*

Is it me... or is she really good?

Dude... she put your ass throw a wall.

Right... we're gonna have to have a game plan.

*He pushed himself up from the ground slowly, making faces as he stretched out his back and waist.
Raven stood up as well, dusting of pieces of char and little bits of burnt hair.*

... Or eventually we'll have windows in here.

*He chuckled, patting Ronan's shoulder lightly as they both headed for the door.*

~*~*~*~*~

*Princess of the world... that was her newest name. Ci-nona... princess of the world. It looked like sharp competition for Nana Magnolia.
The little girl was dressed in a pretty little violet and crème colored dress, little white strapped shoes and her hair in little lavender and silver ringlets.
Berets had been placed exactly so... to the child's liking, and though Emmanuel would NEVER admit it, he fixed the girl's hair alot.
Everyone seemed to have an influence on the little girl. She had Hyacinth's hands on the hips huffy face, Emmanuel's eye roll, Orion's funny faces, Cecily's childish delight and sense of humor, and ... Magnolia's sense of complete and total control. No one messed with Ci-nona!*

No more tea for the bad puppy!

*Cionna scolded her stuffed wolf as she sat at the little table in her bedroom. Plastic pink cups and saucers were set up carefully for each of the stuffed animals and herself.
Added to her outfit were Hyacinth's pearls, adorning her youngest child's head like a crown. Princess Ci-nona's Tetara.*

I'sa not a bad wolfie... bark bark bark.

But you are a bad wolfie... you ate all the cookies.

And you drank all the tea!

*Cionna's voice changed for each character as she played quietly at the table. Pouring a little more water from her teapot into all of the cups.*

Pwincess Cinona ban-dresses the wolfie!

*She laughed evilly, as evil as a 5 year old can laugh before throwing the wolf across the room - looking back to the rest of her dolls.*

Is the bestest tea.

Thank you! I made it all myself!

*She squealed at her own compliment, leaning over the table as she took drinks from each of the little cups.
The pearls on her head slipped off as she leaned over, getting caught in her hair and she made a face.
Pulling hard at the tangled necklace it finally gave way and pearls shot over the tea table and floor.
Cionna froze for a moment, looking at the bare strand that use to hold all of the pearls to the little gray circles that were now in her tea cups, on the table, and down on the light pink carpet in her bedroom.*

... uh... oh... is broken now.

*She frowned, setting the partially bare strand on the table as she got down on her hands and knees... searching the carpet now for the precious beads.
Mommy couldn't fix her tiara if she hadn't have the pieces.*

... Family History...

2008-06-27T21:37:00.000-04:00

*Soft violet eyes opened to the darkness of a shadowy bedroom. The only light coming from the dim, florescent aqua green clock.
Ezekiel's head lifted up slowly, his eyes gazing past his sleeping wife to look at the time.
4:27am...
The small sound of utter disappointment was quickly swallowed by the thundering silence around them. Savae's slow melodic breathing tried to sooth the discontent away from her husband's mind unconsciously.
He hadn't fallen asleep yet, as hard as he had tried... it just wasn't going to happen. Since his return from the Shadow lands things have been different, an undertone... something minuet.
He'd been having trouble sleeping the last couple of night... and now, even in a completely exhausted state he couldn't will himself to sleep.
Ezekiel nuzzled his face down against his pillow, soothed but the sweet scent that lingered on stray strands of Savae's hair. Strands that littered his pillow.
He was curled up behind her, holding her back against his chest so that they fit together perfectly, spooned knee to knee... chest to back... his arms wrapped around her side.
Deep in his unconscious he knew what was bothering him, what was causing him to lose sleep... but he didn't want to verbalize it... didn't want to admit it.
A deep breath escaped his parted lips as he closed his eyes, holding to his beloved wife. His head shifted, lips pressed against her bare shoulder as his mind ran through the possibilities.
He felt like a stranger in his own skin, touches and movement took longer to register than normal. His thoughts seemed clouded, his judgments a touch off.
He'd been fine on the trip back from Vickni, he'd been fine days after it all together... but now something was there.
It wasn't an illness... he had no fever, no running nose... no cough. It was something internal, something that was already a part of him.
He hadn't told Savae yet, truth was, he didn't know what he was going to say?
A ball of fear knotted in the back of his throat as he took slow deep breaths to try and sooth it away.
He knew this feeling... knew deep down what was happening to him and now he had one of two options.
He could accept it... deal with it... try and push forward, or he could deny it.
Denial sounded excellent. He wanted to lock these thoughts away somewhere and leave them for later.
Problem however, was what comes later? The nightmares, the sensitivity to bright light, the maniacal foreboding sense of evil and darkness.
Ezekiel's skin chilled at that thought, his stomach flipped into knots as his muscles grew tense... he remembered horrific bits and pieces from his adolescence. He remembered being told of his acts...
With that he lifted his head again, glancing at the cloak before making another weak frustrated sound.
4:41am...
His lips pressed against the soft skin of Savae's shoulder before his body slowly withdrew from it's nightly place of residence.
His fingers ran through his hair before he stood up, glancing back to make sure she was covered before he pulled on a pair of soft fabric pants and left the bedroom.
He paused for a moment in V'lane's bedroom door, making sure their son was still sound asleep as he made his way towards the kitchen. The darkness of their home had no effect on his ability to maneuver, "too many carrots" ... that's what Dara use to tease him with.
Nothing that light hearted came to his consciousness now as he sank down on a stool, holding a glass of water between his hands.
What if it was happening again? What if he was going to go crazy... Deese, what if he hurt Savae... or V'lane.
He felt a vice around his heart at that thought... he couldn't say that he wouldn't. He'd proven his own malice when he had killed his wife. He'd been blessed with the gods great fortune to be given one more chance... he would have nothing to plead with if he was to do it again.
And V'lane... could he harm his own son? Ezekiel felt sick with the knowledge of his answer. If completely entrapped by the darkness would there even be a pause in his thought?
Right now there was a weak quaking in his soul, but tomorrow... the next day, next week... at some point he would lose track of time and then something else take the reigns and ruin lives.
He pushed himself up off the stool and headed towards the door... his mind barely thinking about his physical action at this time.
Was it some outside source messing with him? Or was the madness just him, something that would get worse through his adulthood.
Would he be following in his genetic father's footsteps? Would he just become another one of the defective bastard Shadowhunter?*

Fuck...

*Ezekiel groaned as he stood bare chested infront of Starkling and Magnolia's suite door. Only in this moment did he understand why his unconscious had brought her here.
Maybe he was just crazy... maybe all of this was just stemming from seeing Olric in the flesh... or maybe he was right and the darkness would return over him. It didn't matter, he needed to take steps against it.
The first series of knocks went unattended... but by the end of the second series a still nearly sleep walking Starkling pulled the door open.
Both men exchanged glances, then Starkling came into the hall, closing the door behind him so Magnolia wouldn't wake.*

Good.. Morning Ezekiel. Can I help you?

*He rubbed his face, looking to the white haired boy for an explanation for his waking.
Ezekiel stood silently for a few seconds, weighing out his options... weighing out the pros and cons of telling Starkling instead of Magnolia.
He took a deep breath before looking to the Lord Consort.*

I need... to ask a favor of you.

*By the seriousness of his tone Starkling forgave his early waking... listening to the young man as he quietly explained himself in the barely lit hallway of the De Ciel palace.*

...Darkness...

2008-06-26T20:50:00.001-04:00

You'll give me exactly what I want child! You'll do as I say or I will make you wish that you had.

*The voice wasn't natural, dark and hollow... this woman wasn't Lily, she was some evil creature - something that had been hidden for far too long.
Her deep near black eyes pierced through the dim light of the cell, hidden behind a forest of midnight strands. Lily was dead set... this was what she wanted. Dalia.
The dark goddess' return would save her... the evil creature would have free reign to attack any corner of the Vicknian world that she wished... and Lily would be saved.
Every tribe or city was now allied in some way with the No'Koan empire... no longer would there be enemies to exact the needed course of darkness into lives.
The world would shift back to a time when harmony and unity thrived. It wasn't that Lily didn't want this... she did, she wished that there was no evil... no suffering... no darkness. But the truth was clear - it did, and it was necessary.
What was happiness without sadness? How could one experience true joy if there didn't also exist true sorrow?
"History repeats itself..." That's what Sarieva always told her as a child... training to replace her mother as the goddess of Fate and Time. Now, in this dark hour, Lily - the sane fibers left saw that it was true.
On one hand, she could allow the world to live in harmony... to know nothing but joy... but for how long, a few years... a decade... a century. However long Lily herself could last in this state of darkness and then it would collapse... as it had with Nulla.
She would give in, be killed or commit suicide and then the world would fall into utter chaos.
Then... it would all be left to Kisha. She couldn't do that to the girl. Even in the mess of darkness and destruction she didn't want her young apprentice to suffer such madness.
The precious organization of her timeline was lost to the need to obtain this one goal. She needed a dark presence that could out weight the increasing joy. Dalia would prove such a purpose.*

What is the most precious thing in your life little one? Ahh... your family.

*Lily had Elise pinned against the stone wall, a strong invisible force holding her there as Lily reached out, brushing strands of Elise's black and white hair back out of her eyes.
It was almost gentle as Lily placed her fingers against the girl's temple. Soulless dark eyes still locked on her great granddaughter.*

Continue to deny me. I will start to bring back the darkness one person at a time... and I will start with... your mother.

*Lily hissed as her face was nearly nose to nose with the young girl. Suddenly the room shifted, twisted a bit as a vision was given to Elise - the goddess of fate controlling the destination.*

"I'm... so... very sorry Jessica." the tall dark haired woman reached across the small space separating her from the much shorter woman.

Gloria's eyes conveyed the absolute sadness and regret that she felt for having to be the bearer of such horrid news. Jessica's face was void of any color as she shook her head quickly, unable to actually digest the news that had been given her.

"D..dead... bo... both of them?" she felt her knees give out, but Gloria caught her quickly. Her eyes showing the truth...
"I... don't know how this happened... but it looks like werewolves." Gloria's voice was just a series of sounds now as Jessica's mind screamed for her husband. Farfello had gone to Greystone for some work... and now she was utterly alone in this news.

Seamus and Olivia had both been killed in Vickni, both of them had been given immediate medical care... but nothing had helped. Now their family had to be informed.

Gloria sank down onto the floor with Jessica as the woman started to sob, barely able to catch her breath - the roundness of her stomach not helping as it pushed up on her diaphragm.

Jessica clung to Gloria, tears running down her face as she barely had the energy to contain the screaming sobs. She had lost two of her babies, and her little girl was still missing.

*The vision blurred before something else started to appear, it was a familiar sight for Elise, her mother in a room of their home.*

Jessica stared blankly into the bathroom mirror, her face void of any emotion. She was horribly pale and thin, her eyes glassy and dull.

Her hands slipped down over her flat stomach, without a word it was obvious what had happened since the last vision.

Son and daughters lost... baby lost... now she was losing herself.

"I... will be in the bath." she called out, not to anyone inparticular as she closed the bathroom door.

The water was already running in the large bath, steam curling up through the air and started to mist over the mirror.

There was absolute devastation in Jessica's eyes... she saw no comfort, saw no joy... nothing could sooth what she had been through.

Finally her eyes lowered as she locked the bathroom door, shuffling back towards the bath that was nearly full now. She didn't both to undress... didn't bother to turn off the water as she climbed in - sinking down until her whole body was underwater.

There she could screamed, all the grief and sorrow of her soul losing sound as bubbles crept to the surface.

It took her a long moment before she resurfaced, still sobbing as tears, previously lost in the bath, streamed down her face. Her body, still clothed, curled up - her arms holding her knees against her... the lip of the tub started to trickle water down into the floor as it reached it's capacity. Jessica didn't notice or care.

Her eyes were red as she opened them, tears still brimming the edges. There was nothing she could do... nothing would make her better... nothing would take away this pain. She couldn't handle it anymore...

Her body shifted a little in the water as her fingers slowly started to dig into the folds of her robe and clothing, finding exactly what she had been looking for.

The dim light of the room caught the silver surface of the small knife she pulled out of it's hiding place.

The water continued to slip into the floor... edging closer and closer towards the door.

The process was relatively quick, from the first stream of blood that escaped Jessica's wrist as she pressed the blade hard down into her skin.

She cried out as the deep gash went nearly half way up the length of her forearm. Blood started to gush quickly in the warm water... the clear liquid shifting into a deeper crimson flood.

Jessica's tense body started to lose control of her muscles and before she was completely gone her head slipped under the water. Her last breaths filled her lungs with water... the faucet continued to pour.

*Elise could suddenly feel the complete loss of her connection with her mother as the vision faded away.
Lily remained exactly where she had been, dark eyes probing the innocent child in front of her. She held no expression - there was no pity or remorse.
The woman that was once Lily was completely gone. Nothing was keeping her anchored in sanity... Mikhail was gone, hope for her universe to right itself was gone.
All that was left was this monster, dark and hollow... seething for evil, demanding it from this girl.*

Time passes all to quickly when you are with me child. Months... in the blink of an eye. You're losing precious moments.
Already half of your family has been lost because of your decision...
Your father... how long do you think he will last with her?
You've been gone so long they had feared the worst... then the twins... and the baby... now your mother.
Grief will devour him. Will he chose the easy way out? Give up? Or will the madness drive him to commit his own share of dark acts?
Will that blood lust destroy the rest of them? Your big sister Demona... will she blame herself for not being able to hold the small strands of your family together?
who will be left when I release you to tell the truth?

*Her voice was cold and calculating, in the past it had brought a part of her heart great pain when she had been forced to bring sadness and horror into the De Ciel Greystone home.
Her own blood... her family, but they weren't anymore special than a werecat... or a werewolf.*

Terror has the same weight as death and grief.

Do you still deny me child!? I'll continue until there is nothing left and the balance has reset itself.

*She hissed, staying in Elise's face as her lips slowly started to curl into a wicked smile.*

Perhaps Ezekiel will find his potential... or... perhaps this would be faster if I go ahead and take Starkling away.

*There was no humor in what she said, merely verbalizing her plan for the future. The worlds continued around them... oblivious to the fact that Lily and Elise weren't watching.*

*~*~*~*~*

Kisha Aniela De Ciel Greystone! Child... I swear to all that is holy!

*Laska came down the hallway quickly, pushing Kisha's door open with a force that smacked it up against the neighboring wall.
She looked furious. It was a very very rare occasion when Laska was actually mad and in this moment she was furious.
Her eyes narrowed as she caught sight of the girl, strands of her hair down in her eyes, she didn't even bother to push them back.*

Did you take Lily somewhere!? Did you let her go!

*She sounded like she was straining not to scream, her hand still tight around the door knob. The joy she had been feeling from babysitting was gone now, the realization that bad things were going to happen had started to sink in.*

Do you have any idea what you've done!? If she is loose somewhere... she has the ability to do whatever she wants!
She's going to do something horrible...and someone is going to kill her.

*Panic was starting to sound in her voice. She could see it now, the deranged woman kills someone... feeling nothing... and then she is killed.
It's even possible she would search out her own death... Laska brushed back her hair quickly now as she pointed to Kisha.*

Get up! We have to find her before someone else does! This is going to be... very very bad.

*She turned sharply, going to grab a few things. It was like playing hide and seek with a champion... Lily had a million places to hide away in solitude... places Laska had ever even fathomed to look.*

... Olric's Return...

2008-06-22T20:32:00.001-04:00

*Katherine's body showed the physical abuse she had sustained during the six month period she had been Olric's only outlet. Her dark, normally prying eyes sank back into her head. The strong and natural shape of her form was thin and lanky. Her body tilted to one side in evidence of broken ribs that hadn't been reset.
Olric's kicks had thankfully not forced ribs into vital organs, but the deep violet bruises up the woman's sides were evidence of damage. Her walking as well was slowly, fractures to her pelvis from mislanded kicks had done their part and she wouldn't be able to run.
Her waist length rich brown hair was stringy and matted, a discernable mass that showed no sign of separating in the future. She looked like a dog that had been left to starve at the end of a chain... and that was exactly what she was.
Her glossy disconnected eyes watched Juri, the tingling sensation that came through her previously numb left arm allowed her to move her fingers just a bit.
It was against her nature to trust people, especially anyone that wasn't a member of her pack. She had repeatedly kicked herself for not telling Uri... for not saying goodbye, for leaving on her own accord. But she had feared the white haired woman's wrath - she wouldn't survive losing her mate again.
She was silent for a long time, like she was analyzing the girl's demands. She felt for her, felt pity... felt sorrow... felt a united share of a miserable experience. She wanted to help her, she really did.*

... She won't believe me. You understand that... don't you?

*She finally spoke, shaking her head slowly as she sat curled up against the wall, more for support than for protection.
There was no way Magnolia would listen to her, it would be a trick... a ruse, ... an elaborate attempt to get the woman. Even though she hadn't made a single attempt to come against her since Uri's return.
Her eyes scanned Juri's face, then they slipped down the rest of her form before pausing on her hand.*

Give me that...

*She pointed with her good hand at the girl's wedding ring. Apparently Olric hadn't been paying close attention to her yet, even in their intimacy when she had been stripped bare.
The truth was if he did see it Juri would lose it forever... but the same could be said if she gave it to Katherine. The shell of a woman was close to death and it wasn't an easy trip over half the world to get back to her pack.
Katherine's hand remained outstretched as she watched Juri's internal struggle before finally handing it over. The werewolf slipped it onto her own hand since there was no where else to hide it before taking another deep, cold sick rattling breath as she nodded.*

Alright... let's see how well this plan of yours works child.

*It wouldn't take much for Juri to walk Katherine past the guard... they'd been walking every day. She'd be on her own out of the massive city, and she knew all too well that Olric's ban on magic covered the mass of his territory.
It had been a heart breaking feeling as she had crossed over, losing that connection with Uri.*

cms... Tell him I escaped from you, tell him I just ran alright?

*She glanced up at the girl as they slowly made their way towards the door. The dark hallways started to gain some light, they were close to an exit.
She took a deep breath, trying her best to search out every fiber of strength that she had... padding beside Juri in her lanky wolf form.
Ten feet ahead there was an open door, used to allow fresher air to slip down into the cells that normally held the same smells: mold, dust, rot... sorrow.*

cms... If she doesn't believe me... I'll come back for you child. My pack will come for you.

*She tried to sound a little more comforting, wanting Juri to know that she wouldn't be merely forgotten here in the darkness.
With that Katherine twisted suddenly, the chain around her uncollared neck slipped off and she rammed her hips into Juri's leg enough to knock the girl over.
The guard at the other end of the hallway yelled sharply, something about stop... something about get back here. He was coming quickly.
Katherine's eyes caught Juri's for a moment before she ran with all of her might towards the open door. The use of her left limb aiding.*

cms... I'll be back for you.

*And then the black wolf was gone, vanishing through the opening as the guard leaned down, helping Juri back to her feet. Cursing to himself wickedly, he was going to be in such trouble now.
Katherine darted down the stairs, keeping her body against the wall... hiding in the shadows for seconds as she tried to orientate herself with the surroundings.
It was nearly dust, she was lucky... she could travel out of the city by night, unlucky because many of the people could see as well as any night creature.
She passed people walking the streets, through markets... their eyes down, their faces expressionless.
There was no sound of laughter, no children playing... it was horribly clear that Olric's hold was not only on those in his cellar.
Her heart lifted a little... no one would try to catch her, either she should be ignored, no involvement meant not having to cower before him... or she would be silently rushed along, a sign of hope for someone.
By the time the darkness had fully covered the land she was making her way through paths on the mountains - her mind waiting for that moment when she could feel her mate again.
Juri was led silently back towards her cell, the guard had already caused himself enough problems.
The bright door at the end of the hall shifted a bit as Juri walked towards her cell. The light crinkled near the ground as fingers protruded as far as they could actually get. They were dirty, nails broken down to the quick from clawing.*

HELP ME!

*The woman's voice came from under the same crack, she had heard the commotion and hoped that if anyone else was escaping they might help her as well.
The guard snarled as he left Juri's side, the girl was smart enough not to try and run as he came towards the other door. He stomped hard onto the outstretched fingers.*

Get back in there!

*He hissed as the fingers quickly retreated back into the light, his face sharp as he pointed for Juri to get back where she belonged.
Katherine's body rolled over jagged rocks and down the hillside at a speed she couldn't help. Her head cracked sharply against a protruding stone, limbs tangled in branches and her chest was rising and falling with breaths that depicted her absolute terror.
The rush of footsteps were closing in quickly as she tried to get back to her feet, they'd catch her, send her back... and he would kill her.
In that moment her mind connected with Uri's and she pleaded with her mate to save her. She had no energy left, she'd been running all night... the dawn was coming through the tree tops.
Right as the men came towards her, cackling wickedly that they would be praised for catching the escaped prisoner a massive black werewolf came at them.
Uri crawled the first guard nearly in half, ripping open the poor soul's rib cage before he turned towards the other who was now backing away.
He would have killed him too had he not caught sight of his beloved panting and whining, her attempts to get to her feet failed as they continued to give out... falling back to her side.
The woodland guard was already running away as Uri lifted Katherine up in his arms but before he could say anything her weak message reached him.*

cms... magnolia.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Please. You helped me before.

*Jessica stood in the posh publisher's office in New York city. Her style of dress had been whispered about as she demanded a meeting with the woman, but it was dismissed as some troubled writer in a phase.
Her blue eyes were hidden behind strands of solid black hair as Jessica watched the strained look over her company's face.*

I am not a hunter Jessica... everything that I was capable of offering I did already. Please, leave me alone!

*She stood on the opposite side of her office, looking really pained at the position Jessica was putting her in.
She'd had a long life... only because she knew how to hide and how to keep herself away from those people. Those days of being a shadow hunter had long since darkened and disappeared, she had not considered herself a member of their society since Parker had been murdered.*

Please! They have my sister!

*The sadness and pain on Jessica's face brought back unsettling images, she saw some young girl locked into a cell... tortured... beaten.
A wave of nausea slammed into Shanni as she swallowed hard, forcing the very clear memories of being caged like an animal deep in the underground cells.
She'd gone from queen to captive ... married to widowed... mother to slave, all in one night. She couldn't do this... *

I can't help you child. I'm so sorry...

*The man she had married... the city she had adored... the people she had loved... her twin sons that were her world... all of them were gone, the darkness had swallowed it all. All she could call her own was this life, her ability to breath in and out... but even that was still precious.
Jessica's pleading eyes stayed on her... Shanni was a triplet, her brother Solstice and her sister Cyndi long since deac. She was the last surviving child of Azen and Krista, the last surviving member of her family. It wears on the soul... that kind of loss.
She didn't have the strength to go back there... though she was born half werewolf and half Bastet she hadn't been able to shift to either form. She'd been the odd member of her family... it seemed almost natural when she had wed Parker to adopt the keen gifts and magical abilities that he had possessed. Shanni lied, she was more Shadow hunter than she was anything else.
Jessica felt her heart crushing, Juri's suffering... Alex's suffering... and this woman wouldn't help... then something hit her, like a whisper in the back of her mind... like a hint to help her crusade.*

She's your great granddaughter.

*She blurted out before she could stop herself, her body recoiling after the outburst as she went back to keeping Shanni in her sight.
The black haired woman turned to look at Jessica, her face emotionless as she tried to understand what had just been said. Her deep brown eyes strengthened a little.
She had a great granddaughter? She had family? *

Don't try and force my hand through lying...

*Her voice nearly cracked as she spoke to Jessica, the smaller woman shook her head quickly, frowning.*

I'm not. Christian's son... Babset, his children Juri and Aidan... his grandchildren Hannah and Sylvia.
Juri is Christian's granddaughter.

*She left out the part about Ezekiel, mostly because it didn't cross her mind... mostly because it had taken too much of her to even say that bastard's name.*

... please... she's your family too.

*Jessica pleaded again, noticing that she was getting somewhere with that argument.
Shanni's tired eyes closed, the centuries pretending to be someone else... the centuries of hiding away had taken their toll on her.
But finally, after a long moment of silence she nodded her head.*

I'll help you...

~*~*~*~*~*~

*Hagon sighed as he came into the large office, it was as if time hadn't passed a second from years ago. The blond haired boy was passed out, his head resting on his arms over the edge of the desk.
He didn't want to wake him, if Alex knew he had fallen asleep he would have tortured himself for resting while Juri was still gone.
The poor boy had tortured himself every single moment of the 34 days Juri had been gone. Though he had started to channel that horrible energy into something perhaps, more helpful.
Alex's office was strung one side to the other with maps, everything that Vickni had on the Shadowlands had been given to No'Koa. The place was a mess, Alex studied maps until he fell asleep... then he'd get back to it.
Hagon was staying with the boy... knowing what was needed to help him since they'd been through this before. He made sure that Alex ate... made sure that he would get a shower now and then...
Hagon had hoped that no more cruelness would be pushed onto this young couple... she'd been missing longer now than the two had been wed.
He slowly turned the lights off in Alex's office, letting the boy rest as he shook his head, closing the door with a sigh.*

Sometimes fate… you are far too cruel.

... Punishment...

2008-06-17T22:27:00.000-04:00

*The black wolf lay motionless on the cold stone floor, legs almost under it's body. A large steel collar tightly around it's neck nearly to the point of suffocation.
A long thick linked chair left it with maybe two... or three feet of range, though it barely looked like it was able to move, let alone try and escape.
It was pitch black inside the cell, no movement, the only sound was the shallow wheezing of the animals breath.
A loud cranking noise came from the door, metal scraping metal before it was pulled open, washing light throughout the cell and exposing even more horrors.
What little food and water that had been portioned to the prisoner had gone untouched for several days now, the raw meat having started to rot. The bowl of water was filthy and still to the rim.
Proof that the animal was dying, it was laying in it's own filth - unable to even move to escape it.*

Now now... you think you will be given the liberty to chose your own way out. I'll hold your mouth open and cram this down your throat.

*Olric hissed as he came into the cell, grabbing the wolf by the scruff of the neck and lifting it off the ground. It didn't move, the only difference was the strained breath by the collar closing off the air way.
The collar kept the wearer from using any magic abilities... even shifting forms. Perfectly comfortable with his decision to unhook her from the chain, dragging her behind him as he left the cell, going across the hallway.*

Have to clean up your mess like a fucking kennel! Filthy animal... I'll break your other fucking arm... that will wake you up!

*He forced her out of her wolf form, which painted a clearer picture of the torment that had ravaged Katherine's form.
she was pale and weak, her normally fit and trim body was wasting away on her bones. Her eyes were sunken in and half closed, her rich brown hair was matted and filthy.
Olric was holding her by the collar off the floor before he slammed her back into the wall, growling viciously - her head was already tilted back which made pouring water down her throat easier.
She couldn't struggle and when she blocked the water with her tongue he held her nose closed until she was almost drowning. Breathing and swallowing water until he was satisfied that she'd had enough to survive a bit longer.*

... Now... you'll fucking eat, or I'll make you. You don't get to die until that psycho bitch gives me my wife back.

*He snarled before dropping Katherine down onto the ground, unphased by the sound of her shoulder crackling against the hard stone under her weight.
If he had his way he would have skinned the beast already, maybe make his wife a nice coming home present.*

And to think... you thought you were any competition for me. I have dogs ... I can train you.
Now eat.

*He threw a piece of raw scrap down on the floor, leaving the cell for now.
The door latched closed loudly, she was left alone again. She'd lost count of the days - maybe it had been 16... maybe 40... too many, that was for sure.
Her eyes opened, the pain from her dislocated left shoulder was almost pleasant... in a way keeping her awake.
Lily had told her to come here... to save her mate's life... to spare Uri she was suppose to be allied with the Shadow hunters.
Well, apparently Lily had sentenced her for death... she wouldn't be escaping - she'd die here.
She missed him so bad. During the first few day she had screamed for him... mentally and physically, but it had fallen on deaf ears.
She reached over slowly, her right hand weakly gripping the filthy raw meat before pulling it back towards her.
She had two choices... she could continue to starve herself and have him abuse her more, or she could eat... and be left alone, even if it was just for a little while.
It didn't matter that it was filthy, she slowly lifted it to her lips, ignoring the instinct to gag as she pulled a piece off with her teeth... laying exactly where she had fallen.*

... Goodbye Old Friend...

2008-06-03T20:23:00.000-04:00

Come on sleepy head... it's time to go.

*Dragan was slipping the last piece of artwork in her studio into a hard case cover.
She had taken the jobs that Magnolia had offered her, it came in handy that she was fluent in a multitude of languages, she could easily translate in meetings or transpose minutes.
No'Koan had been relatively easy - she used it flawlessly when she was at home with Matthew, though there had been sleep deprived occasions at work on Earth that she had confused a number of her colleagues while rattling off some answer in a foreign tongue.
Her current trail was Carpathian, it had proved to be a little more difficult.
In her off time she still helped the New York MET restore damaged paintings, that was what she was returning today.*

Lazy bones. Are you still on the bed?

*She laughed to herself as she sat the massive case against the wall as she headed down the hallway towards the bedroom. She'd been awake since Matthew had left for work... already dressed respectfully in a suit.
No one said anything when she would walk into the massive museum with a great dane, no dogs allowed didn't apply to their most valued asset.
Dragan flipped the lights on in the bedroom, Phantom was still curled up at the end of the bed.*

Phantom?

*She frowned as she came closer, worried when he didn't even lift his head. Sure... he was old for a dog - very old.
His days of jumping up at the door or climbing all over Matthew were over, he'd had arthritis in his hips which made him a little more cautious when running around.
Dragan had been in denial about her dog, he was her puppy...
She sat down on the edge of the bed, placing her hand against his massive chest - nothing. His eyes were closed, his side didn't rise and fall with breath, he didn't move at all.
Dragan felt herself about to tear up as she leaned down, hugging her dog close as she petted his still head.*

Phantom... I'm sorry.

*She whispered as tears started to trickle down her cheeks into his fur. Her eyes closed as she whimpered, still petting his fur.*

You were a good dog... a very good dog.

*~*~*~*~*~

Stop following me.

*Dominic sneered as she walked quickly down the hallways of Heaven. She'd been a little moody and up in arms since the whole Carpathian/No'Koa debacle.
Already Starnight had demanded that her cities be reinforced with more troops. And Dominic had personally sent soldiers to the pride lands now that the Bastet were once again allied with the Vicknian counsel.
That wasn't what had aggravated her... Coa had refused to send anyone to help from Hell's army.*

"What do you mean you won't fucking help them!?"

"They aren't my problem. My army hasn't been constructed to play bodyguard." Coa growled right back to Dominic, not even a little intimidated by the great woman. "We are warriors."

"And you think Heaven's army is weaker... because I'm sending them to help!?"

"You're the one who said it." Coa looked away, back to her massive book.

"I'm fucking talking to you!" Dominic growled deeper, slamming the book infront of her counterpart closed so Coa was forced to give her full attention.

"And I hear you." Coa's eyes raised in a completely livid way as she stared Dominic right back, her hands against the edge of her desk as if she was about to stand up. "If Magnolia tells Emma that we are needed then I will see fit to send my troops... but until then, I am not wasting them to stand on street corners or out in the fields of a wasteland. Got it?"

"Never fucking mind." Dominic shook her head, Coa was right - Hell's army was better for those jobs or battles that other's couldn't stomach. A perfect example would have been the war against the Thiayns. But still... Coa's blatant disregard for the opportunity to help was frustrating. "If you change your mind - "

"There's the door." Coa growled as she pointed towards her office door, having already opened the book back and was now leafing through to find her place.

*Dominic was tense and grumpy now, there was very little that she and Coa disagreed on, but sometimes she could just be dark and unresponsive.
She turned quickly, slamming Jasmine up against the wall as she bared her fangs - clearly pissed off.*

I said QUIT following me!

*Jasmine was a little startled as she made a face, grumbling as her back hit the wall hard but she looked right back at Dominic.*

What the fuck crawled up your ass and died!?

*She sneered right back, she wasn't part of Dominic's military anymore and when she had been she was right under the General... not exactly use to cowering.
Dominic let her go slowly, she hated being moody.*

Coa just ... knows how to push my buttons.

You could always kill her.

*Jasmine laughed, smirking a little as she pushed herself up off the wall.
Dominic gave Jasmine a look before shaking her head.*

Not exactly an option... especially now, I'm sure I'd that would piss her husband Liam off a little... and he would bitch to his sister Dominique... and she would find a way to make my life hell. But... thanks for the suggestion.

*She ran her gloved hands over her face as she took a deeper breath, her shoulders sinking now that she was calming down.*

... So... what the hell did you want so bad?

What?

*Jasmine raised a brow, confused for a moment before she shook her head and laughed.*

Oh... yeah, the following. I have decided... that I want to see the misses and the offspring. I'm starting to think that you're lying.

Right, because if I was lying SURELY I would leave out the part about me giving birth to a child.

*Dominic felt herself shutter internally, starting to walk down the hallway with Jasmine.*

Fine. I'll let you come with me... on one condition.

... Don't say curse words, behave myself... don't flirt with your wife, don't talk about that time you-

Ok, all of those.

*Dominic snapped quickly, keeping herself from laughing which would have robbed her of any authority that she had with the woman.
She glared over at Jasmine who was smirking, arms crossed as she huffed a little.*

Fine...

*She paused, making a bit of a face.*

But what if she's hot!? I... don't have much self control!?

*Dominic rolled her eyes, sighing as she ducked into her office to pick up a few things.*

Clearly.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Are you sure you want to come with me?

*Starnight's face twisted a bit in worry as she looked at her granddaughter. Avice had never wanted to deal with anything 'dirty'. Starnight assumed that Gloria would follow after her mother.*

Yes.

*That was all Gloria said, dressed in a beautiful and regal gown that was normal for her position in Vickni.
She wasn't a queen... she wasn't a ruler... she was the next in the blood line to become the Sovereign of her people - following in the footsteps of her great grandmother, the goddess Laska.*

I want to see every aspect of our justice and punishment system.

*Gloria hadn't really been prepped for her job to be, Avice's life expectance had been far longer then it turned out. Now the girl was trying to learn as much as possible.
That had been why she had requested to shadow under Magnolia. She saw the woman as a true leader - not weak and passive as her mother had been. Not that she hadn't loved Avice, because she had endlessly... but being a mother and being a leader should be separate things.
Starnight sighed, leading Avice down the series of hallways towards the cells where they had been keeping those suspected of killing Tamanda Winters.
There had been several violently verbal individuals throughout their kingdom but the moment Starnight's eyes fell on Bok she had a bad feeling.*

We'll start with this one.

*She growled, the man looked up slowly to the woman, his shoulders sank - elbows rested on his knees. The shield lowered as Starnight, Gloria, and several rather intimidating guards entered the space.*

Let's get started, shall we?

*Starnight hissed, she was livid to see the man again, his behavior had been dangerous - if he turned out to be a murder, she wasn't going to be pleased.
Bok was grabbed by each arm and pushed up against the wall, two guards holding him firmly - he was smart enough not to fight their hold. Starnight stepped towards the man, green eyes glaring.*

Do you have anything you'd like to confess?

*She raised her dark eyebrows, Bok said nothing - staring at his Sovereign with near disgust.
The tall woman shook her head before lifting her hands to take Bok's head between them.*

Very well... we'll do it the hard way.

*Her eyes closed as she searched through his mind, she was looking not only for traces of manipulation but for evidence of the murder.
Everyone was silent as Starnight worked, this one search would leave her physically exhausted - bt it only lasted a few moments.
Her eyes opened and stared directly into Bok's, her face was cold and emotionless as she came back to herself. Bok felt himself shiver in fear - She knew.*

Bok Jamenson, you are under arrest for the murder of Tamanda Winters.

... and for grand treason against the Vicknian empire, including treason against the allies.

*Gloria added after Starnight had finished, looking just as angry as her grandmother.
Bok's face shifted as his eyes focused on Gloria's face, he looked almost scared. He could have beaten the murder charge infront of the counsel, but the charges of treason would be harder.
Some of the counsel held his same hatred for the outsiders, but not many would publicly support a traitor.*

We'll need to call a counsel meeting.

Yes.

He'll have the opportunity to plead his case, before his punishment can be determined.

No.

*Gloria shook her head as she walked beside her grandmother, her hands down in creases of her dress.*

I'd like to do this one personally - without the counsel's consideration.

*She looked back to Starnight who seemed interested. It could be a bold move, their family had been overthrown before but if Gloria could make herself known as the future leader - it would do wonders for her later.
Starnight nodded.*

Very well. How would you like to proceed?

*Gloria paused in thought for a moment as she collected herself, the woman wasn't rash and typically put a good deal of thought into her decisions, even if it only took a few moments to fully analyze the situation.*

I'll make a public announcement and decision, and let's go ahead and let Bok's wife come say her goodbyes.

*It was nearly morbid the calm Gloria exuded, but she had her mind set and Bok would unfortunately serve as her example for proper punishment under the circumstances.*

*Gloria stood at the railing, she seemed so small on the massive balcony that normally held the full counsel and guards.
In the great courtyard the bulk of her society had gathered, members of the counsel in the front. She could hear the chatter of suspicion. Everyone knew this was concerning the young woman murdered - was it an announcement of conviction or more?
She took a deep breath, her fingers curled around the banister to hold her still - she had to look confident in her decision, and strong enough that there would not be an uprising.*

It has become a deep regret that I must speak today about the state of our world.
Prejustices and hatred are on the verge of not only separating our connected realms, but our very own communities.
This city, built by my great grandmother and the hands and minds of your ancestors was created to be a safe haven for anyone wishing to be free from the terror and tyranny of our enemy.
At what point was it decided that we, a joined people with a multitude of races, could practice such blatant disregard for the foundation of our cities?
My mother thought that the best way to deal with this was through second chances and faith.
You will not be rewarded with the same luxuries under my rule. If you find it necessary to be blatantly cruel then I shall in turn treat you with the same.
Bok Jamenson murdered Tamanda Winters, a citizen of many societies, including ours - for no just reason other than malice.
His life has been paid as a reminder of what should be expected if any one of you sees fit to play God.
Traitors will be dealt with swiftly and without mercy.

*Gloria spoke slowly, her tone harboring all of the seriousness that she felt inside. She wasn't going to tolerate this anymore.*

Don't force my hand.

*She spoke a bit more, as sure of herself as every leader should be. She assured her people that life wouldn't be any different in the cities - this pertained to criminal acts of violence and discrimination.
When she felt satisfied with her speech she left the railing and went back inside where Starnight was waiting. She was smiling - she'd heard the while speech.*

That was very good.

Yes. I guess we'll see how well it works.

*Gloria smiled a little, she still had one last thing to do for the situation.*

Where is it?

Your office, like you asked.

*Starnight made a bit of a face watching as Gloria veered off to go towards her office. She didn't follow her granddaughter now.
Gloria drummed her fingers against the box as she wrote out a note that would be accompanying the 'present' to Tora.*

"A life for a life. Now we're even. ~ Gloria Valentino"

... Nightmares Aren't Real...

2008-05-29T17:37:00.000-04:00

*Metal crashed together as Gloria and Ronan came nearly toe to toe, their swords grinding and scraping. They were both completely focused - only one goal, disarm your foe.
That had sounded easier at the time - Ronan would just pick her up and throw her across the room, she was petite. He had underestimated her abilities with a sword.*

Is that all you've got? What, no magic?

*Ronan growled as he countered her attack with one of his own.*

Thanks for reminding me buddy!

*Gloria smirked at his comment, it had made her absolutely giddy that he wasn't allowed to steal other's gifts. It had been Fayleen's newest assignment.
He wasn't permitted to use or 'steal' anyone else's abilities, and could only use magic if his life was in absolute parrell.
Her philosophy had been that the less he used the more prepared he would be on his own. Experience - it was starting to become a pain in his ass.
Gloria took the open opportunity to kick Ronan hard in the knee as she used her sword like a ram to push him back. He'd been caught off guard and fell - his weapon falling from his fingers as he braced himself for the fall - stupid move.
She laughed wickedly as she kicked his sword out of the way, aiming her steady hand and sword directly at Ronan's neck.
He rolled his eyes and sighed as he realized he had lost.*

Cheap shot.

Oh shut up! I get to win once in a while.

*Gloria sheathed her sword before offering Ronan a hand to get up - she was grinning, which just made the boy even more huffy. He did take her hand though, pulling himself up as he went to get his sword from the sidelines.
Sitting down they waited to see who the next pairing would be, Vodina's shoulders sank a little when she heard her name called with Lilka's, standing slowly.
Both girls took off their jackets and laid them where they'd been sitting - Vo slipped her sword out of it's sheath before abandoning it as well.
She still had a bandana wrapped around her neck, but today it was also holding back her hair - she didn't need it falling in her face during this exercise.
Lilka barely looked at her as she got her sword, going out to the center of the ring.
Thankfully Vincento wasn't there, Lilka was still feeling miserable over what she'd done to her cousin - and Vodina was just as frustrated over the whole ordeal of being ignored as she had been.
They both took their places before their eyes came in contact - bright green verses green and amber.
Vo swallowed hard as Lilka took the quick moment to brush back stray strands of her crimson hair.*

cms... So...are we not talking?

*Vo asked weakly as Lilka took the first advance, using her strength to try and simply hit the weapon out of Vo's fingers. She might have succeeded - Vo was completely thrown off guard by the girl in her head. But she recovered quickly.*

cms... No, we can talk.

*She said weakly as Vodina countered quickly, racing into Lilka's personal space - striking firmly, metal crashed hard.
Lilka frowned, moving just as fast as Vo across the floor - it almost felt like fencing.*

cms... What do you want to talk about?

*Lilka asked like she didn't already know, there was only one elephant in the room... it had only been a matter of time before they would have to discuss what had happened days ago.
Vo twisted her sword easily to attack one side and then the next, this was her prime weapon - it made it easier to concentrate on two different things.
She sighed, catching Lilka's eyes for a moment before they shifted positions again.*

cms... I just wanted to say... that I'm sorry about what happened. I... don't really know why I came to see you so late.

cms... I'm pretty sure you know exactly why you did it. But... you don't have to be sorry.

*Lilka commented back, she wasn't mad that she had slept with Vodina - but she was. She was mad at herself... she should have known better.
She twisted suddenly, giving Vo a nice slice to her upper arm, which made the girl growl.
Vo stepped back for a moment, quickly unlatching her sword's hilt as she felt the sting of the cut start to radiate up her arm. It took no effort before her sword came apart, now she was fighting with two.*

cms... I... was really drunk.

*Vo admitted, wielding both swords equally well which threw Lilka a bit, she had taken on the defensive and was not solely focused on blocking them both.
She laughed a little, holding her sword firmly as she pulled the longer dagger from her leg, it would at least help in blocking.*

cms... yeah, I figured. So we both were.

*Vo smiled a little at that, ok, she didn't feel as bad as she had. Lilka was sweet and funny, but it was some relief that it had been a mutual fuck up.
Lilka hissed suddenly as she twisted wrong at the worst moment, catching the tip of Vo's sword down her back - the shock of it forced her to drop her blocking dagger.*

cms... just don't assume... that I'll sleep with you every time you get huffy!

*She added a touch of a growl to that statement, the adrenaline kicked in and Lilka came towards Vo, using her upper body strength to really wail on the girl's left side, forcing the sword out of her hand.
One to one... like when they had started, Vodina shook her head quickly, recovering from losing her secondary weapon.*

cms.. Wha, I... that's not the reason I came to-

cms... Riiiiiight.

*Lilka gave her an 'oh please' look as they quickly struck at one another, she wasn't stupid. She didn't remember much of that night but she knew she had been kissed first.
She'd been too drunk to function but it had been Vodina's physical insistence that she had done everything else.
She wasn't going to say anything about Vincento... or how she was his, that she didn't have the right to do anything else with her.
Lilka couldn't lie, Vodina was gorgeous but she doubted that the girl had actually been thinking straight. Regardless, Lil didn't want or need anything serious - she was enjoying life and exploring it's possibilities, to anyone she 'enjoyed' she made it quite clear - there would be no 'commitment' or seriousness.
Vo growled deeply, she wasn't going to admit it but Lilka was right... that had been the exact reason she had gone to see her friend that night. She just wanted to put the incident behind them.*

cms... Just accept my apology so I can kick your ass.

*Vo charged Lilka, pushing the girl back further as dominated the attacks, leaving Lilka once again to block.
Lilka laughed, shaking her head as she watched Vodina... the girl was a fucking fire ball, no wonder she and Vincento clashed so much.*

cms... Fine. Apology accepted.

*Lilka admitted, letting Vodina wear herself out with the attacks. She glanced to the sidelines, their group watching intently... it had really gone on long enough.
Vo struck harder, damn near trying to chop Lilka in half. She knew unconsciously that there was nothing she had to apologize for... but Lilka and Vincento were best friends, she knew it had caused some strain on their relationship, especially since they weren't around each other anymore.
Her mind got lost for a moment as she caught on his name, snapping back to attention just in time to see Lilka in her metallic form strike much harder - Vo's sword flew across the room. It was that or have her arm taken off... though she grumbled about the outcome it had been the better move.
Lilka shifted back, smirking a little as she lightly punched Vo's shoulder.*

Nice job kicking my ass.

*She went to collect her dagger before heading back to her seat. Vo did the same... next: Kenneth vs. Alex.
Alex was already ready... they were the last group for this exercise. He flipped his sword between each hand as he waited for Kenneth to join him out on the floor.
He cleared his throat as they looked at one another, getting in his stance in preparation of attacking and blocking.*

Yeah... so, try not to give me any face shots today... I'm getting married tomorrow and don't need to sport any werewolf anger.

*He chuckled, almost grinning... the man was honestly happy. He took a deep soothing breath as he waited for the sign to go... *

~*~*~*~*~*~

*Crying couldn't encompass the emotion that Melanthia had... no, she had sobbed. The news hadn't come easy for anyone, especially the Greystone brothers - but she had taken it, extremely hard.
Mikhail... he had taken such good care of her when she had been in the most vulnerable of states and now... what was she suppose to do for him? How could she return such a huge gesture when there was absolutely nothing that could help.
She'd been sobered and quiet since she had heard about the incident at the Star. She was grateful that Dante hadn't called her to come help 'contain' the man - it wasn't that she wouldn't have done her job, but it would have broken her heart.
Melanthia gathered up a few things around the house as she left, walking slowly down the hallway. She kept her head down, her thumb unconsciously twirling her wedding ring around her finger as she held the blanket and pillow tight against her chest.
She had laid her own husband to rest in the crypt... and now the man that she had connected with on a whole different level.
She said nothing as she passed one of the guards, coming down the stairs towards the cell that was harboring Mikhail.
She's seen so many of her family there... some for petty reasons, some for the most serious. She wouldn't allow herself to show the shock and pity that she felt when she finally came around to face the man.*

Hey.

*She managed out, looking at the man that she cared so much for.*

I... brought you a few things.

*She lowered the protective shield for only a moment, stepping inside as she kept her distance. Not because she was scared of him - but because she could see the instant worry in his eyes.
She'd thrown her fair share of defectives and criminals into these cells, she knew how to raise and lower the force field - and she was able to handle herself if for any reason he came at her.
She didn't have any fear about him attacking her, but she hadn't told Dante she was coming to visit Mikhail. She didn't want him worrying either.
Melanthia carefully set the pillow and comfortable blanket down, knowing first hand that the ones used for prisoners weren't comfortable.*

I thought you might like... something a little softer.

*She smiled weakly, moving slowly as she sat down on the edge of the bed, watching him from the other side of the cell. She was holding a few things on her lap still as she patted the side of the bed beside her, letting him make up his mind if he wanted to sit down.*

Stryker and Lilith drew their uncle Mikhail some pictures yesterday... I promised I would bring them to you.

*She said, quickly catching the lump in her throat before it could become a sob. Her face was soft out of love and sorrow... not of pity, and not even close to shame.*

... is there anything else you need? Or... that you'd like to have while you're here?

*Melanthia was hands down a defiant child of Magnolia... but even her common sense had rejected her want to plead Mikhail's case.
She knew better, even if she didn't want to. It was too late, she'd have to treasure her memories of the man... her gratitude for meeting him, and let him have the dignity not to be treated like an animal when insanity finally nested.*

Please... come sit with me.

*She finally asked, she would have thrown her arms around him and hugged him as tight as she could have, but she didn't want him to jerk away.
She just wanted to be near him for a little while, and if there was anything she could do to make him even a little more comfortable she would.*

~*~*~*~*~*~

*Jessica was standing in Deese's temple, she had been decorating the space for Juri and Alex's wedding when the room suddenly dimmed.
It wasn't shocking... it normally happened when Aneas or Zechs would come into the space, she thought nothing of it as she climbed up the rungs of the latter to hang the next banner.*

Hello stranger.

*She wasn't sure yet who it was, but... she would happily greet either of them as warmly as she would Deese herself.
Her fingers slipped the loop over the pin, fully supporting the banner as she started to move to descend the latter when the floor shook.
It was light at first, like a trimmer - but that wasn't normal. It wasn't like an earthquake, it felt more familiar... the way it felt when one of the Greystone's would manipulate the ground.
She paused on the rung... looking around the space, there was nothing. She took a deep breath, shaking her head, denying the bad feeling that starting to build in her chest.
The room was growing darker and darker, as she came down the latter. The moment her bare foot hit the warm stone she heard it.
Laughter... it was dark and deep, it seemed to radiate off of the walls, surrounding her. It sounded familiar.*

Hello!?

*She called out, still holding to the latter even though she was standing on the ground. The world shifted again, this time the quakes were more violent - the tiles on the floor cracked and started to rattle with the concentration.
Jessica felt her heart stop, her knuckles so tight around one of the rungs that they were white.
Her eyes darted around room even though it was almost completely pitch black. She was scared, and the laughter just continued.*

cms.. FARFIE!

*She screamed for her husband, but reached a whole new level of panic when she felt nothing from her husband. He wasn't there... oh Deese, was he dead!! What was happening!?
She needed to get out of here, where was the door? She knew this place, knew it better than any other building, even her own home. But everything felt backwards - the latter rattled against the wall as the shaking continued.
Just run... run for it. The banner rippled and fell to the ground, roughly brushing against her shoulder which made her jump. It was too dark. Dark... dark... Jessica went almost paralyzed, it was controlled - Shadowhunters!*

... Watch her panic, she's going to scare herself straight into death... we won't have any fun then ... will we sweetheart?

*The laughter shifted to words, again... it was so familiar - put the voice with a name, Jessica screamed at herself as she sightless eyes were now directed towards the source.
She finally gathered herself enough to force light back into the temple, it was a strain - she was fighting against other magic.
Suddenly she caught the sight of two people standing on the opposite of the room, one was cloaked in darkness...but the other she knew, more than you should ever know a person.
Her hand slowly slipped from the rung of the latter as she felt all hope and happiness sucked straight from her.*

... farfie?

*She looked at him, his emotionless face and dark eyes scared her. The ground shook violantly enough this time to rip open the floor, exposing pillars of steam and rolling, boiling magma... chunks of the ground disappeared under the vibrant liquid until Jessica had no where to go.
She was pinned... feet barely standing on the ledge that had been left.*

Push her in!

*The voice squealed with excitement, having been hidden behind Farfello's body Jessica finally saw a pair of feminine hands slip over her husband's shoulders.
Jessie was screaming mentally for her husband... for him to help her... she was begging, tears rolling down her cheeks. She stared at him, arm reaching out - the burn of the steam was excruciating... but she had to try.
Her arm fell slowly... her violet eyes widened as total defeat reached her. In the dim light of the broken temple she saw her husband's lips curl up in a wickedly cruel smile.
He... was enjoying it? No... No that couldn't be... She felt the ground shaking more, a deeper side to side as chunks of the wall started to splash into the lava.*

FARFELLO! PLEASE!

*She shrieked as the small ledge keeping her alive started to crumble with the vibrations. She couldn't use her own gifts... she couldn't disappear... she was stuck, seconds before her own death.
Farfello did nothing, the smile remained as he watched with soulless eyes as she inched closer to her own demise.*

He's mine, I told you... you don't deserve him.

*The woman's face finally came into view, Jessica's shoulders sank - at the sight of the cruel woman she lost all hope.
Kitsune brushed her lips up over Farfello's cheek before she whispered through a cackling laugh.*

... push her in beloved.

...farfie.

*And with that the ground pitched fully... Jessica's swollen eyes closed as the ledge broke. At least it would be quick... her body was weightless as she fell.*

*Jessica screamed as she opened her eyes... clawing at the warm floor as she fell back into consciousness.
She sat up quickly, ignoring the cold sweat that she felt all over as her eyes darted around the temple.*

Nightmares you wake up... visions you have to be woken up... nightmares aren't real... it wasn't real... shhh... it wasn't real.

*She tried to sooth herself as she slowly started to realize she had fallen asleep while meditating... she still felt a crippling panic.
She wanted to call for Farfello... but she remained silent. Just trying to take a deep breath.*

... Bedtime Story...

2008-05-13T20:08:00.000-04:00

Dada... is story time now?

*Starla's bright eyes looked up at her daddy from where he was sitting at their home office desk. She had cute little pink footed pajamas on - clutching her toy stuffed wolf in one arm.
The other hand was lightly yanking on his pant leg. Divine smiled warmly, looking down at his daughter, she was precious.*

Is it story time already?

Uh huh!

*She nodded slowly, rubbing her eyes as she motioned to be picked up. Divine pushed himself up away from the desk helping Starla crawl onto his lap.*

Do you want daddy to get your blanket? I can tell you a story by the fire like last time.

Yeah! Is in the weeble chair!

*Her face lit up as he laughed at her, standing slowly and easily carrying his girl down the hall. They stopped in her room to get her blanket - Divine tipped her down, letting her grab it as she giggled.
Then they came out into the living room. He moved the rocking chair over closer to the fireplace before sinking down with her on his lap.
It took some adjusting but they were comfy - Starla all bundled up in her blanket, holding her wolfie.*

So, what kind of bedtime story do you want tonight baby?

Is a princess one?

*Divine took a deep breath, thinking about that - princess story, he didn't know any princess stories - then his lips curled into a smile. He shifted a bit, getting comfortable as he looked down to his baby.*

A princess story - alright. Are you ready?

*Starla nodded happily, nuzzled up beside her daddy.*

Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess who was being held captive in a dungeon by an evil monster.
She had been stolen away from her family in the middle of the night, and no one knew where she was... no one could come and save her.
She was guarded by a boy who brought her food and water.

*Divine continued the story - even doing voices for the guards and monsters. Starla of course was enthralled as she listened to her father.*

The poor little guard boy was just as much a prisner as the princess. As the days passed they found comfort in one another's company.
But the day finally came when the evil monster was going to eat the princess! They had to escape!

*Starla's tired eyes were trying so hard to stay open... she was clearly invested in the story now and she wanted to hear the end.
Divine lovingly rubbed her back as he gently rocked back and forth in the rocking chair. The sound of the fire popping and crackling was soothing.*

They pushed open the massive steel door to her cell and crept out into the dark hallway. They snuck around the corners and narrowly escaped the giant monster guards who were waiting to find them.
Up ahead there was a small crawl space - sunlight up at the top - they were almost free!
Suddenly one of the monsters saw them and attacked. He had huge claws and sharp teeth - the boy attacked him back to save the princess.
They faught viciously but the boy won - they ran for the exit.
The light was nearly blinding as they came out of the dungeon - the grass in the field tangled around their feet.
The princesses family had come to save her - the giant army was close by. They were safe.

*Divine glanced down to his daughter who was sound asleep against his chest. He continued to rock in the chair.*

After the boy had saved the princess - she saved him. They fell in love, got married, and had a beautiful little princess of their own.

*He looked up slowly and caught sight of Oleander standing against the door frame, from the look on her face, he could tell that she'd been standing there for a while.
He smiled warmly, still petting Starla's back.*

Is that the end?

*Oleander purred as she came further into the living room. Divine shook his head as he stood up slowly, holding Starla carefully as he came to his wife.
He kissed her happily - leaning his forehead against her's, whispering.*

And they lived happily ever after.

... Vacation?...

2008-05-09T21:19:00.002-04:00

*Dominic paused in the doorway of Kael's room - it was dark throughout the house and she had gotten up to get Grace a glass of water.
The boy was sprawled out over his bed, covers kicked off and lights still on. Typical. She set the glass down on his dressed before moving over to recover his sleeping form.
She tucked him in, brushing back his auburn locks before kissing his forehead. Once she was satisfied she withdrew from his room, turning the lights off.
Down the hallway a couple of steps she checked on Drustan - the boy as well was sound asleep, little arms wrapped around his favorite stuffed animal.
Dominic finally came back to their bedroom, smiling to herself at the sight of her wife.
Grace was her everything. It still amazed her how the woman was strong yet gentle, beautiful and brilliant... never in her life had she imagined that such a spectacular creature would be hers.
She gingerly reached over and handed her darling the glass of water, discarding her robe back over the chair before crawling into bed.
Dominic made a soft happy sound as she curled back up against Grace's body, lightly kissing her goddesses' shoulder.*

Monica continues to beg to get to baby sit Drustan.

*She commented as she kissed the bare skin again. It was rare that Dominic would refer to Monica as her mother... in all honesty she had been raised by Lily - that woman was more of a mother in her eyes.*

I was thinking we should go somewhere. Just the two of us... what is that called again?

*She giggled softly as she closed her eyes, wrapping Grace in her arms as the cuddled back into the covers.*

Oh, that's right... a vacation.

*She purred. They'd never been on one, just the two of them. The last had been a giant family get away - but that wasn't the same.
Since their 'major' fight Dominic had been trying to think of ways to just have happy moments. Thy had both been in the wrong, but it disgusted Dom that she had been nearly mad enough to viciously push her wife.
Even tempered, that was Dominic - even in the most stressful situations she was still calm and collected. Grace had managed to push her completely over the edge - and now in Dominic's mind she needed to make it right.*

Maybe for a few days after the Hunter competition? Kael could stay with Cillian and Drustan can visit his nana.
We can do anything... go anywhere.

*She said lovingly, nuzzling her face down into Grace's silken locks.
Dominic would never admit it... never vocalize a though that plagued her conscious. Perhaps she was the closest to understanding those with the curse - there is only one person in the entire realm of existence meant for you. But... there is an off chance that your 'soulmate' could long for someone else... Dominic feared that.
Grace was... beautiful, brilliant, witty and intense. She easily could have had her choice of anyone ... but she had Dominic. The General prayed that guilt hadn't been the foundation of their marriage and though Grace had never once acted in such a manor, she couldn't help but think it.
Dominic's love for her wife was all encompassing, if Grace were to leave her... or die, she would be devastated beyond repair - even with their children in her care.
Dante and Farfello could understand - it would be a different form of darkness that would take her, but it would eventually have the same end result.
Dominic sighed, she couldn't think like that, it would just depress her. No, Grace loved her.. she did, the woman was far too tender and loving not to.
She smiled to herself as she felt Grace's arms barely squeeze her, she had drifted back to sleep while the General had been deep in thought... as if Grace knew the sudden doubt on her wife's mind. She had extinguished it quickly with that unconscious hug.
Dom kissed her hair lightly, keeping her face nuzzled in place as she whispered.*

I love you, always.

*And her heart soothed completely as Grace's resting form snuggled closer, a barely conscious declaration given in return.*

...Vo...

2008-05-06T11:07:00.001-04:00

... Water Wings...

2008-04-24T21:50:00.001-04:00

Lilka Rose Dandov Marriner

I don't know if I want to do the Hunter Program yet.

*Lilka sat across the table from her mother, she normally came to have lunch with her parents a couple days a week, and then family dinner once or twice a week. Today she was having mommy time with Grace.
The girl had been very close to both of her parents her whole life, but since she had been tramatized as a child by the Thyains she had been ... unconciously clingy.
She pinched off a piece of blueberry muffin before popping it in her mouth.*

Ronan is gonna ask to do the next class, I guess he'll be in there with Vodina.

*She giggled, eating another piece of her lunch as she watched Grace.*

That should be funny. He's gonna have his butt handed to him... he has no idea.

*She said rather seriously - she had been really concentrating on training for fighting. She'd actually been getting pretty good...she was growing into her genetic abilities and with some decication she would quickly excel. That however wasn't what had been on the girl's mind today.
She watched her mother as she took a drink of her iced coffee before asking.*

Soo... I've been thinking alot about something... and I was wondering if maybe Uncle Vincent could maybe teach me... blacksmithing.

*It was an odd request out of nowhere for Lilka, the girl had really been invested in being a seamstress - but Lilka was much more complex than on skill.*

Cause... I was thinking -

*She paused to take another drink of her coffee, watching Grace's facial expression.*

None of Vincent's kids are doing it... and it's kinda like a Dandov tradition right?
And you could teach me too mama!

*She nearly squealed but caught herself, she would be so happy to have something else that would let her spend time with her parents.
She practiced regularly with Dominic in the Star but since starting classes in sewing she rarely had anything to do with Grace.*

I just think it makes sense mama. Besides, it's kinda like sewing - making something beautiful out of a heap of materials.

*She nodded, drinking the rest of her coffee, Lilka had her hobbies... and her daliances, but she also was pretty dedicated to her education - both physical and mental.
She would make a great blacksmith... and she had the patience to do the delicate work that had become sononomas with her family.*

Cionna Marion Godspeed De Ciel Greystone

BYE BYE RION!!

*Cionna waved to her brother on the dock as Emmanuel threw the docking ropes back up on the landing.*

Are you sure you don't want to come with us Orion?

*Emmanuel called out to his son, but the boy shook his head quickly.*

No, the last time I threw up the whole trip... You guys have fun... I'll be here on the land.

*It was ironically funny, the pureblooded No'Koan boy... a Greystone, got horrifically sea sick. Emmanuel was hoping Cionna wasn't the same way.
It was a small sail boat, he could easily handle it on his own... a little toy he and Hyacinth had for nice lazy days. Today however, it was Cionna's turn to have a daddy day. He had spent the whole morning with her instead of sending her to play with Cecily.*

Alright little girl, up to the wheel.

*He pointed, they were pointed out to open water... she wouldn't be able to do much damage.
He chuckled to himself as he let down the sails, tying them off.
Cionna squealed and raced towards the front of the boat, wearing a precious pink lifejacket.*

I'sa got it daddy!

*She grabbed the massive circle with both hands not even able to look over it.
Emmanuel came around her, hoisting her up so she could see and stand on the stool he had brought.*

There, that's better!

I can see daddy!! I is driving like a big girl!

*Cionna giggled, watching as the boat crashed through the waves. Suddenly she looked down, seeing a picture that was taped up on the wall... in child fashion she pointed and whined.*

Daddy... I want it.

What?

That!

*She pointed harder, and now that he focused he could see what she was huffing about. It was a picture of Hyacinth on Eternity Spear.*

MOMMY ON A BIG BOAT!

That's her ship sweetie.

BIGGEST BIGGEST SHIP EVER!

*She squealed, laughing happily as she grabbed the wheel again... rocking from side to side as she sang to herself.
Emmanuel shook his head, watching her with the brightest smile over his lips. His baby girl was precious and he couldn't help but send his wife a picture of what he saw.
Cionna Greystone... the girl was gonna be like her mother... sailing was in her blood.*

Simon & Hazen Godspeed De Ciel Wilde

Alright... you go that way, and I'll go this way.

No... you go that way, and I'll go this way.

Fine!

*Simon and Hazen stared at one another from under the big bush in the back yard, they were just up the hill from the lake shore that bordered their country home.
Demons... that's what their father called them. While when it was the two of them and Holly they weren't nearly as bad, but alone... and plotting, they were trouble.
Tristan had his older children down on the dock fishing, it wasn't a real teenage activity, but the man liked to do quiet things... and the kids didn't mind it if they were bored, at least they were with dad.*

Alright... let's... go!

*Both of the boys tore out from under the bush and through the yard. The dark haired boys ran as fast as they could, coming down the dock and then cannonballed on either side of their older siblings and father.*

AHHHH!!!! Brats!

*Ami growled as the water crashed over her...looking out in the lake at the two boys who were laughing hard as they swam away from the dock... pointing at their soaked family.*

I hope you boys can swim! Cause when I catch you... you'll be breathing water!

*Tristan shifted forms, diving into the lake in his wolf form and swam quickly towards the identical boys.*

SCATTER!

*Hazen whimpered as he strugged to get to the shoreline... oh... he couldn't tell if dad was joking or not... and if he wasn't, he didn't want to lose a piece of his tail.*

... Blinding Insanity...

2008-04-23T20:44:00.001-04:00

She's been this way for months now. I've tried to get her up... she won't even talk to me.

*Laska sighed as she stood in the doorway of Lily's room, she looked so sad as she watched the completely oblivious woman who had been coaxed to at least lay in the sunlight.
Books were stacked in no particular order, loose pages were torn out or shredded, words were scratched out - writing all over top of others.
Laska hadn't come to bother the girl since she had woken up. The breakfast she had set out was untouched and unnoticed.
She turned her head away slowly to look up to the woman standing beside her. She was slightly taller, she had a stone cold emotionless face - her golden eyes were focused on Lily's curled up form.*

So she hasn't left, are you absolutely sure?

She's been in this room since it started.

*Laska attested, she'd cast several spells that forbid Lily from going anywhere... or at least so she thought.
Lily had the ability to travel in an ethereal form anywhere she wished - she could materialize in a near true form even if her body was somewhere else.*

How much longer is this going to last?

*Laska asked with obvious worry in her voice, she had practically raised Lily and seeing her child in such pain... it hurt her.
She remembered what had happened to Nulla - her best friend had apparently lost her mind completely. At the time she had no idea why, but she had tried so hard to keep her safe.
Nothing could have kept her from the angry mob though... not even the Sovereign.
Nulla wasn't even secretive about her goal - the land had lived in complete peace for many years... and then she messed it all up.
Parker and Shanni Arbgot were overthrown by their son Christian who killed his father... the werewolf and Bastet, who were practically family suddenly started to wage wars against each other.
Solstice's mate had been mauled and killed... found lifeless on the were lands, and suddenly brother and sister forgot their commonality and became mortal enemies.
In her darkest hour Nulla had boasted her triumph in starting the wars and publicly vowed that the great cities would know nothing but darkness for centuries.
"What I don't complete... my daughter will!"
Laska had tried to save her, she honestly had - the best she could do was save Lily.
She had taken the girl to Sarieva... and upon her return to the city she was arrested for treason by the members of her own counsel... in front of her baby girl.
Laska herself would be tried for capital treason... for hiding away a child that in Nulla's words "Would grow up to destroy the great cities." Her death... that was the price she would be forced to pay for saving a baby from the same fate. It was worth it.

She would have stayed... would have let her people make a food of themselves and accepted her fate had it not been for Emma. She couldn't leave her five year old daughter an orphan, especially in the hands of her would be murderers.
Instead she vanished completely with her child and abandoned her kingdom to raise the children in a realm set aside for her by the great goddess.
Nulla's projected prophecy came true... the lands were forced into the darkness were no allies existed and the pleas by anyone for hope, fell on deaf ears.
It was punishment... no matter the race or religion - the gods and goddesses punished them for murdering the goddess of Fate and Time - Nulla Winters.*

We've been through this all before haven't we? I can feel your unnerving fear for a circular approach Laska... and if we aren't careful our little Lily Winters will meet the same untimely end as her mother.

I won't let that happen again.

*Laska said without any question - she felt like a child beside Sarieva.
The woman laughed dryly - even the smile that was forced by that action seemed unnatural.*

You would be surprised at just how little say you'll have child... don't trust her, no matter how rational she is.
The things that she is capable of under this cloud of darkness - they are only fathomable in the darkest of minds.
She would kill you without a thought if for any reason she thought that it might help her in her goal.
There is no age, race, or reason... she's gone blind to rationality.

But it will get better... right?

She'll either figure out a way to balance us or she'll die trying. I pray for the first... but should it be the latter, I'll come for Kisha.

*Laska's eyes moved from Lily's body back to Sarieva's face. She remembered when Lily had been young she had been taken to be trained for her destiny.*

Lily has taught her so much already, surely you won't have to take her.

The child hasn't learned it all... though there is no preparation to teach for this.

*Sari motioned back to the lifeless like form in front of them. Laska's stomach turned... it was all too understandable now why Bellaleen had refused to give up her only child to Lily... and why later Morgan had chosen a parent from an un-enterable land for her safe keeping.
Ironic how later Jessica's daughter would openly accept the fate that had been denied by two generations.*

You'll do as I say or you'll never see him again. I'll make sure even in death you won't be able to find him.

*Lily was bluffing, she couldn’t even kill the illegally returned wolf king - but Katherine didn't know that.
It was a demand - nonnegotiable. Katherine had been ordered to ally the werewolves with the shadow hunters - by any means.
Since Uri's return Katherine's rage had dwindled to near nothingness, she wasn't even interested in messing with Magnolia anymore.
For centuries Katherine's hate for the No'Koan matriarch had been almost epic. The thought that someone could have the respect of her people... a healthy and happy family, and the worst, had her mate. Had Starkling been deceased it's very possible that Katherine and Magnolia would have never met.
Katherine hadn't told anyone that she was leaving, not even Uri... she'd packed up stuff - she'd be walking for days.
Her wolf form was slower going then walking - her leg would drag under her. Useless thing.
Only good thing in her mind about this whole mess was she'd get the opportunity to take out one of Magnolia's limbs.*

Kill her... I don't care how... I don't care when. Take her lifeless body and leave it in their territory... and I will give you Juri.

You'll give her first, then I shall do your bidding.

*Olric was so sadistic there was nothing Lily could have threatened him with. Katherine would be killed, it had been agreed.*

*Lily's brown glassy eyes refocused on the window as she came back to her body - hearing voices behind her.
She knew them both but the swirl in her head made it nearly impossible to react or respond.
She just remained on the floor.
Sarieva sighed, turning her attention down to the massive white lion who was laying patiently behind her.
He was bigger than any werecat... nearly the size of a small horse when on his feet.*

Well sweetheart, should we be off?

*Her face was softer as she looked down at him, his bright golden eyes looked from Lily up to her before answering in a series of grunts and growls.
Sarieva understood him perfectly - looking back to Laska.*

I'll come back to check on her... and if she starts to get violent with you or Kisha let me know. We will take her.

*Her voice was completely serious, she didn't want to lose Lily... and they would use force to keep anyone from harming her - even herself.
Laska nodded, staying in the doorway as Sarieva and Haden headed down the hallway and vanished.
Lily barely groaned in protest as Laska put a blanket over her body, but she didn't shift to push it off of her.
She'd been this way for weeks, barely eating, not speaking to Laska or Kisha - some days she wouldn't even get out of bed.
Laska had refused to let Kisha in the room with her - and when Mikhail had come in the beginning she had been watchful.
Lily had been blind to his company - not even realizing he was near. She'd talk to herself, rambling and rushing around her office and library.
Mikhail could have been a chair - just an obstacle in her eyes as she rushed around blindly in her designated space.
Mikhail... Lily thought silently as she laid on the floor, her dark eyes had the faintest ring of blue/green color around the near black orbs. A sign of sanity.
It took a lot of effort to push her body into a sitting position. Weak fingers clutching the blanket around her shoulders as she released a slow staggered breath.
Her brief moment of consciousness left her with a deep sense of sorrow and loss. He hadn't come to see her in a while - she knew that.
The part of her that could still recognize herself missed him terribly but she didn't trust herself to open her mind to call for him. It would be a flood of chaos and darkness - he didn't need that.
She couldn't go to see him either, unable to leave - and her body was too weak to travel much more in her ethereal form.
Her fingers reached down slowly, shuffling to the plate of cold breakfast to retrieve a pancake.
She broke pieces off and ate a little... she knew that she had two choices, she could either figure out how to end this madness or she could surcome to the overwhelming urge to die.
She was tired of the pain, the madness, the loss of everything that she was. She hated not being in control of her own mind and body - it felt like something had taken over, some beast that couldn't be fed.
Death would be a sweet release - had that been why her mother had willingly let them take her when she could have easily escaped. It made sense now.
But she would leave Kisha to be pulled into this, no one should ever be made to feel totally insane.
Her head swam suddenly and she felt her shoulders sink - she wanted to cry as the darkness started to pound on her brief moment of self. It was going to swallow her up again - she'd be lost for another series of days.
Lily's eyes closed as the darkness ravaged her body.*

cms... i miss you...

*She managed out, not knowing if it got to him but as her eyes opened the color was gone. She was lost, trying desperately to find her way back - by any means.*

... Fucking Bastard! ...

2008-04-14T19:49:00.001-04:00

*Alright... focus Lil, you've got this. The golden green eyed girl stared across the mat at Ronan - her eyes narrowed a bit.
She didn't like sparring the boy, he always seemed to be right up on her whenever she would have a move prepared.*

You going to stand there all day?

*He chuckled, he was standing ready for her first attack - minimal tension in his shoulders - Lilka wasn't a threat.
She growled at his smirk and came towards him, Lilka did have a slight advantage when it was regular hand to hand - before the magic and shifting - before the trickery. The girl was fast and agile - she could have been a freaking cat. That would teach everyone for making fun of her yoga.
Lilka's first attack was ballsy - she came right into Ronan's striking range. She blocked with her left as she moved to punch the boy hard in the ribs. Ronan moved to step back away from the punch - but unfortunately hadn't noticed the girls leg come between his and hook around his calf - he fell hard down on his back.
Lilka took this opportunity to fall with - staying as close as possible - this cut off a great deal of power to Ronan's punches. She had a small window to jab him hard a couple times - right at the bottom of his ribcage where they would be easier to fracture.
Ronan growled, using his weight to roll them both - now she was under him. His legs on either side of his hips so she couldn't get away.
He took the chance to get her good right back in the side - he paid little attention to her struggling which was probably why he hadn't been prepared for the sharp blow to the underside of his jaw from her left fist.
His hold with his legs weakened enough for her to buck her hips and sending him to the side.
They separated quickly back to opposite sides of the mat - both breathing rather heavy, but Ronan laughed as he carefully touched the area under his chin.*

What the hell was that!?

Something to get your attention. I thought you might be bored with the usual broken nose.

*Lilka loved face shots - and much to Ronan's dismay the girl could sneak them in no matter how well he tried to block them.
It was one of her specialties - Ronan just assumed that any time he fought her he'd look worse in the face then anywhere else. He would joke outside of the ring that she was just jealous of his good looks so she went for his face - which normally earned him another.*

But I can fix that.

*Lilka came at him again, her body language read that she was coming for his face, but at the last second she twisted her whole body - a dangerous move as right food. Seconds before her foot came in contact with his side she shifted to granite.
Ronan took the full force - having hoped to grab her leg and spin her to the floor - but not under that strength. He heard the pop and sickening crunch of a few of his ribs as he flew a few feet - rolling over the mat and landing face down.
And there was her other specialty - she would wait until the last possible moment to shift to granite or steel so Ronan had no chance to shift and steal her abilities.
She had worked tediously to be able to do that - practicing until she could do it in any instant without thought. Ronan could steal her abilities even if she wasn't using them, but it tired him out to force it away from the person as opposed to taking it when it was readily available.
Lilka let the skin dissolve as she stood there, staring at Ronan who was still laying there - catching his breath. She wasn't dirty - she'd let him catch his breath, especially since that last kick was full force.*

You ready to give up yet?

And have my ass kicked by you? I don't want to give you the pleasure of gloating.

*He rolled over, slowly pushing himself back up, the wince made it official - she'd gotten him real good.*

For that... I'll make sure to break your nose. You like looking like a raccoon when you get black eyes?

*Ronan tried to look indifferent but he cursed mentally. Now he'd be prepared for a face hit and she'd jab him in the fractured ribs.*

That's just dirty.

*Lilka giggled, cracking her knuckles just to punctuate the point, it wasn't dirty - it was fair warning.
Ronan found his stance again feeling his pride shifting now that Lilka was technically kicking his ass. This time he came after her grabbing her right hand as she tried to punch him. He twisted her around so that he was hugging her from behind - two sharp punches to her lower back as she struggled to get free, finally heeling him right in the shin.
Ronan let her go but kicked her legs out from under her as she tried to step forward. She fell but twisted so she landed on her back, legs ready to block if he came after her.
He was careful, and quickly down over her looking for a way to pin her when BAM... elbow directly to the nose and Ronan's eyes teared up instantly.
Lilka shifted forms to throw Ronan off of her but this time he countered by shifting as well, keeping her on the ground.
He was pissed as blood started to run down his face.*

FUCK AN A Lil! You want to be punched in the face!

*He snarled, pinning one of the girl's arms with his knee, now she could only block his attempted hits - it was a trial, his next move - he'd been practicing it with Fay over the past couple of days.
Suddenly Lilka's body shifted out of the granite skin - obviously it was a surprise that she hadn't been expecting. Ronan had learned how to kick someone out of their protective skin.
Lilka was trying her damnedest to regain her ability but she couldn't and then she saw his granite fist come down towards her face. The best she could do was dodge it - so he landed the powerful blow straight down on her collar bone.
She felt the bone crunch and snap - then pain shot down her arm.
After that he moved off Lilka - smirking as he stood over the girl. He'd felt the bone break and now his pride was coming back. The trick had actually worked - he'd be proud to tell Fay.
Lilka stayed on the ground, hissing out breath at the pain and now the lack of motion from her arm. She snarled and before Ronan could move she lifted up and kicked him square in the groin.*

You fucking bastard! I have a sewing project due, why don't you break my fucking fingers while your at it!

*Ronan had dropped like a rock, sucking air in slow through his clinched teeth. He was trying his best to hold back the growing urge to throw up.
It took a moment for Lilka to get off the ground but she stood over Ronan's curled body. She looked absolutely livid.*

Use your magic now fucker! Next time you get the bright idea to pull that shit on me I'll cut your dick off!

*She snarled, it wasn't cool that he had pulled that shit without a warning. She was fine sparring Ronan but he couldn't just cancel out a girl's defense.*

You can crawl your own ass to the infirmary!

*She held her arm against her chest walking away from Ronan in anger - she had to go get this fixed before the adrenaline faded and she was in absolute pain. She'd rather he had broken her arm then her god damn collar bone.
Ronan rolled over on his back as Lilka walked away, he'd be here for a while, but he laughed weakly to himself.*

.. it was... worth it.

~*~*~*~*~*~

*Melanthia had gotten up early that morning, she'd let Dante sleep in - See she was a good wife. She'd gotten Lilith and Stryker up for day care - gave them breakfast and walked them down to school. She waved to her babies before they disappeared off with their teacher.
She had left Johnna in her bed as well, Cillian had been awake finishing up his homework before school - she poked her head into his bedroom.*

Hey sweetie, there's breakfast in the kitchen. Make sure you leave enough for your sister and father. I'll be back in a little while.

Ok mama.

*Melanthia pulled his door shut and went back to the kitchen, collecting two cups of coffee and disappeared. She wasn't working today - she didn't care how much piled up on her desk.
She'd been behind in training since the twins had been born and though she'd still spar and work out at the Star - to her she was grossly behind with the Hunter's recommended program.
That would end soon now that the babies were in school - maybe she could even persuade Dante to give her a good "roughing up".
Not this morning though - she appeared on Earth infront of the gorgeous farm house that belonged to Tristan and Sirsinna. She pushed open the screen door - it was quiet which meant that all of the demons had been sent to school. Tristan however was sitting in the kitchen, drinking coffee and reading some local paper.*

Good morning Psycho.

Morning flea bag.

*She commented back, smiling as she glanced at the man. They would pick at each other endlessly - but out of fun.*

Is she still in bed?

*Mel motioned to the staircase with one of the cups of coffee, he nodded. Today was one of Siri's day off so Mel figured she'd sleep in.
She left Tristan and headed up the stairs towards their bedroom.
She came in quietly - setting the cups down on the bedside table before crawling up on Tristan's side of the bed. She cuddled up beside her sister, letting the girl sleep as she closed her own eyes for a long moment.
She had missed this... when they had been younger there would be times the two of them and Corin would be curled up beside each other. It was soothing.
Melanthia wrapped one of her arms around her sister, getting all comfy. It had been ages since they had been around each other - just the two of them. Between work, training, families, and general chaos - there wasn't an opportunity.
Hopefully though even if it was for an hour they could hang out.
Mel didn't know what had struck her this morning, maybe it had been being scared about not being able to help Johnna... but she had desperately needed some twin time.*

... Meeting the friends...

2008-04-13T20:01:00.000-04:00

*The girl's face twisted in confusion as she sat at her desk - this was worse than she had expected. The girl spoke fluent Vicknian - and angelic, which was just a slight variation to her native tongue. She spoke the widely acknowledged common language of the realms... but she didn't know much No'Koan. She had learned some phrases - mostly military commands, and that was it.
Some phrases just didn't make sense as she tried to concentrate - classes weren't going to be easy. She'd hear the lesson, then she'd translate it mentally before writing in Vicknian in her book.
Lilka leaned over in her seat, seeing the confusion over the material. The girl had promised her mother's that she would keep an eye on the "newbie", it would be easy enough... she had several classes with her and then lived just down the hallway.
Keeping an eye on her wasn't going to be the problem... it would be introducing her to Johnna and Evelynn.
There was a certain degree of pack - animalistic hierarchy at work even in the No'Koan society, Neha could appreciate that fact - who was smarter, stronger, better?
Johnna was probably the worst - she'd size up just about anyone who looked at her. Throw her shoulders back and glare - but then again she'd pick a fight with anyone. Lilka could already tell Vodina was going to be the same kind of trouble - Deese help her when the two came toe to toe.*

Don't worry to much about the notes, she'll pass out a copy a few days before the test. Plus we get a study group together - have coffee and stay up all night. It's the true No'Koan way.

*She giggled, leaning back over in her seat but she was smiling brightly... truly joyful. Vo looked from her handwriting over to the red haired girl - her tensed shoulders relaxed as she eased up a bit - Lil's words had actually soothed her a bit. She could tell easily that Lilka was Grace's daughter - she exuded the same warmth and sweetness. She didn't read warrior from her style of clothing and demeanor - but if there was one thing she had learned in her life - don't underestimate anyone you might have to come up against.
Nothing else was said between the girls during class and as they were dismissed she motioned for Vo to follow after her.*

Come on! We are going to get some coffee and I want to introduce you to some of my fiends.

Ok, ok. I'm coming!

*Vo stuffed her books and pens into her bag, moving around some lingering students to meet back up with the red haired girl - feeling almost like a puppy getting yanked around.
Lilka rattled on the whole time they walked across campus - she found it highly amusing that Vo was scared of her mom, but then again she was her daughter.
Lil pushed open the cafe's door, an area frequented by their gang. She held it for Vo before leading her towards a table where two boys were sitting.*

Vodina, this is Ronan, Magnolia's son. And this hottie is Raven, another exchange student from Vickni.

*Raven laughed at Lilka, waving to Vo before he yanked Lil to sit down beside him. They flirted but only because it was funny, neither were interested in one another.
Ronan waved as well, offering the other chair for Vo before shaking his head.*

Hi Vodina, you'll have to excuse my cousin, she's working on her tramp black belt.

*He laughed, but Lilka was quick to reach over and punch him in the leg - it made him laugh more. Vo sank down in the empty seat, watching the three - though Ronan's comment had made her chuckle a bit.*

She's just mad - oh, and by the way I'm the original hottie.

*He flipped his collar up, trying to look all sexy and troublesome - but it broke down when Lil and Raven both started laughing hard.*

First off... Ewww! And second off, you try strutting around infront of girls like that and Neha will put a knot in that fake tail of yours faster than you can say "BABY!"

*Raven cackled, he'd gotten pretty close to Ronan since they had started having tutorials with Fay. His spunky nature was really starting to show and Ronan really needed a guy friend - though he was ok with Vincento there was probably still some remaining tension left over from him defending Neha.
Lilka leaned over to Vo, shaking her head as she giggled.*

Neha is Ronan's girlfriend, she lives across the hall from you. Oh, she's a werecat... and real easy on the eyes.

SHUT UP Lil!

*Ronan grumbled, taking a drink from his glass as he glared at the red haired devil.*

I'll do the same thing to you that I did to Vinny, so just keep your paws off.

What did you do?

*Vo was trying to follow the conversation, Lilka shook her head, not really threatened by Ronan. She'd use him as a punching bag if he worked her up.*

Oh, he and Johnna beat the living shit out of our cousin Vinny, then they took him out to the Bastet pride lands and buried him.

Well he kissed her!

*Ronan growled in defense, feeling himself getting all tense just thinking about it.
Raven shook his head, smiling at Vo as he finished his coffee.*

They deal with everything here with fists - I'd never seen this much fighting. Just be carefull who you go around looking at.
So what do you do in Vickni?

Nothing, I'm an officer in Heaven's army.

*Vo said confidently, she wasn't going to be careful - she wanted to see these fighters. She'd seen the No'Koan army in action during the allied war against the Thiayans. She hadn't been permitted in the first wave before Magnolia's capture - but afterwards her whole unit had been allowed to help sweep for survivors.
She had gotten her first kill during that siege - she was a bit older than these kids.*

You can start the Hunter program with Ronan!

Shhhhut up!

*Ronan made a face and it made Lilka laughed.*

Someone still hasn't gotten the balls to ask mommy for permission have they?
She's going to throw a fit... big time I can see it now.

Are you in the program?

*Vo looked to Lilka - it seemed a rational question in her mind, the girl had two generals for parents. Lilka shook her head still smiling.*

I'm what my mother calls a late bloomer... I have yet to decide whether becoming a Hunter is something I'm interested in.

*She giggled, moving out of her seat to take all of the empty glasses up to the counter before patting Ronan's back.*

You better get going if you're going to make it to the Star for your training. I'll be bringing Vodina with me in about half an hour - so try not to get you ass kicked before we get here.

*She pinched him hard which made the poor boy jump.*

I'm not promising anything if I'm sparring Neha.

*He smirked, she could beat him up anyday. Lilka made a face but lightly touched Vodina's shoulder.*

You want to go get ready to see the Star? We could probably find you a partner and se whatcha got.

*Vodina stood up, she liked the sound of that.*

Sounds good. It was nice to meet you both, I'm sure that I'll see you around soon.

*She followed Lilka out of the cafe and back towards the dormitories.*

Ronan can be a little cocky but he's a sweet heart. So's Neha... umm... you haven't met her, Jo, Vinny or Eve yet but they are all good - for the most part.
If you don't instantly hate Johnna then it's all up hill trust me - she's a great friend... you just have to know when to step back and let her win.

You don't talk very well about your friend. You make it sound like I should expect a punch in the face just for looking at her.

Well... you shouldn't expect it, I'm just giving you a fair warning. Don't get me wrong, I love Johnna to death - and if I was in a fight I wouldn't pick anyone on my side above her.
It's just ... she's genetically fucked when it comes to rage. Both of her parents are hunters. Her father has the Curse of Aneas, which tends to leave him on the edge between rage and patience. And her mother... mmm.. I think the correct terminology is psychotic bitch.

*Lilka pulled her uniform over her head, she had offered Vo one of her's so the girl would have something more comfortable to wear. Vo's body type wasn't as curvy as Lil's, there was no doubt that she was Grace's daughter... she looked so much like her.
Vo held the garments in her arms, looking around the girl's room... God, she had ALOT of clothes.*

I'm not promising anything if she comes after me.

*Vo said plainly, she didn't care who the girl was or who she was related to Magnolia or D'langela - if she was going to be hit she damn well would be throwing some punches.
Lilka snorted, pulling her red hair back into a ponytail.*

If she comes at you, you'll have no other choice... I figure you aren't the kind of girl who curls up and shows her belly.

*Vo smiled a little quickly changing in her room while Lilka waited outside. There was too much drama... girl/boy friends, positions as leaders, allies, and families... it was so much easier in Heaven. Soon Lilka and Vo were walking towards the Star, they would be meeting the rest of the group there.
It was almost funny from an outsiders point of view - Vo had no idea the gifts that those people processed during a spar but no one knew her abilities either. This would no doubt be an educational experience for everyone.
Lilka pulled the large door open leading in to the overlook of the arena. She paused though - looking back at Vo before whispering mentally.*

cms... seriously though, if she gets you cornered her left ribs are probably still fractured.

*Vo made a bit of a face - that was just dirty. Maybe that was a reason she didn't have any close friends... less chances of getting screwed over.
She nodded, following Lilka inside, unconsciously cracking her knuckles and flexing her wrists... just incase.*