Placing the last of her meager belongings into the small bag she packed, she glanced around at the tattered elegance of the room that was once her own. Perhaps she should just be glad her father had managed to get one last big win before he up and died. At least she didn't have furious creditors hounding her at all hours. All that was left was a very small amount of coin but every last debt had been paid off. She was now going to join her sister.

In truth she was worried. What would she find when she arrived" Last she knew, her father had given her sister away to one holding a marker for some gambling disaster when she was much younger. At the time she hadn't understood any of it, only that her father could continue to squander what little they had left on some foolish idea that he would score a big win eventually. It had come, but quite nearly to late and it had hardly been enough to pay every obligation left. Perhaps it was a blessing his body had just given up finally.

Her gaze slid towards the small wooden chest on the table and grew somber. It had only arrived two nights ago with a note about where she was to travel and meet various connections. Inside was more coin then Kaelyn had ever seen in her whole life and she rather feared it. What would happen if she used it' Would she end up wearing some stranger's collar as her sister had" Nose crinkling some, she pondered that as she pulled the heavy cloak around her nearly wispy thin frame. The dark folds showed signs of age, but also the mark of a careful needle, for the repairs had been done with great care.

In the dark hall she pulled on the hated boots and trod to the door. She had no choice but to leave. The one that now owned the old place would soon arrive to take up his new title and a pitifully poor cousin wasn't part of that inheritance. A fact made quite clear to her. After her father had simply given Myri away to pay for his wasteful wagers, shame had settled upon their name and it now stained her with the same dark color. She did have a small annual income from her mother's family, but it was not even near enough to sustain her in a hellhole. It was true she had other options, but none of them held a single ounce of appeal. She would not accept the insulting propositions she had been given. She might be poor, but she had some pride after all. If even one of them had been slightly appealing to her, she might of considered it, but the only ones seeking to take advantage of her current situation seemed to lean more towards the pig family then even she could stand.

Outside the sound of wheels coming down the cobbled road sent her out the door without a backwards glance. She could no longer call the house home and a part of her was more then glad to leave it behind.

She was startled to find she was the only traveler on this carriage but quietly let the driver help her inside where she settled, huddling into the heavy warmth of the old cloak. The air was cold and damp this day and reflected her mood perfectly. She had no idea what she would find when she arrived at this Gharnholme place, but bolstered herself up with the thought she could talk her way out of just about anything. She had learned that art when dodging creditors and was confident in those abilities. She was also a decent healer and knew the Herbal arts almost as well as her sister had. She might have something useful in which to barter.

Aside from that, she had re-read the few letters she had gotten from her missing sibling. None of them even spoke of Myri's status or even the horror of what she was, but offered glowing tales of humor and adventure. She was sure her sister was sending her a very exaggerated view of her new home and those she now served, for if it was true, Kaelyn was going to be out of her element and at a severe loss. Breathing shadows, ghosts, demons, Vampires, Orcs in War Bands and little mischievous lizards things called Frik and Frak was something she had only read about in frivolous books, she wasn't at all sure she could face such things and stay on her feet if they were real.

Knowing her sister, she was fairly certain it wasn't as bright and peaceful as Myri sought to convey. Her softhearted sister was trying to make her believe everything was fine and that she was happier where she had been taken. It would be normal enough and her way of easing her sudden departure. However, now she was to join her, she fretted. What would happen? That question was plaguing with every mile that passed.

Soon the sun would be down and they would stop. She had tried to change out the tickets, but had been refused. Her idea was to find a less expensive mode of travel, but apparently who ever had made the plans made sure such a thing wouldn't happen. It was yet another confusing thing for Kaelyn to struggle and comprehend.

Here she was, a young woman of twenty seasons feeling like a lost child. It was an annoying sensation, but she couldn't shake it off. So many things happened at once now. Fate had finally given her father that dream, but in a matter of days he was lowered into the family crypt and now she was off to the unknown and feeling like a floundering fish on the shoreline.

So many things she would have to learn to adjust to. The time differences, for Myri had said in one of her missives that time passed differently where she was. What ever that meant still left Kae feeling a bit baffled. The place was also hard to get to by all accounts, and in a realm she was totally unfamiliar with, but did know they at least spoke common.

Feeling the carriage rolling to a slow stop, she tucked a few wandering strands of red hair back over the light point of her ear and leaned to peer out. A barge stood before the flustered horses, balking at loading onto the rocking structure. She imagined this was what her sister had also seen, so many seasons back. She decided to not touch any of the money sent, for it was likely from her sister's master and if she used much, she would be beholding to him and could end up wearing a collar. Her hand moved then, touching her bare neck and she swallowed. It wasn't much, but if she had most of it to return, she might be able to talk herself out of such a fate.

The next few hours were littered with stilted conversations, resentful looks and tension until the steepled walls of the city rose ahead, the rain damp streets gleaming dully in the midday sun. A few more hours and they would arrive in the capital city of Cisroe and find rest at an Inn already arranged for her. She was looking forward to resting some and perhaps even cleaning up. Though the trip had not been difficult as everything was already taken care of, it had still been exhausting and she was quite hungry and tried from all of it.

In what she thought was a rather rapid fashion, the driver deposited the annoying pair in front of one of the many Inns lining Cisroe's main street and had the carriage moving mere minutes afterward. She could only assume he had been listening from his perch and was aware of an impending battle if he didn't hurry.

"That is a relief. Such people send my blood to boiling I'm afraid. I do hope I did not upset ye Milady." Now with only two left, he was able to stretch out long legs and ease his injured leg.

"No Milord, ye didn't upset me at all." She hadn't any idea what they would talk about for the next few hours and hoped she didn't anger him. He seemed the sort that it likely took little to set him off.

"How, um, what happened to your leg Milord, if I am not being to bold to ask?" Her gaze moving towards the bandages with a slight frown, for they were rather sloppy to her expert eye.

"A duel. Some rude lazy foppish prig insulted my Fianc"e so I killed him." Stated in a matter of fact fashion that said more about it's truth. "Would ye call that an impulsive act?"

"I would call it a fitting end to a pig personally." Her gaze continued back to his damaged leg and she shifted, feeling the urge to ease the pain she could sense in the air.

"Would ye please push that cowl back from your face. I hate talking to shadows." And edge in his voice made her respond and do as he asked and she smiled tentatively.

"I do have some healing skills. If your not adverse, I can take a look at your wound and perhaps help with the pain." She had no other choice but to ask. She knew he was in pain for it was giving her another piercing headache.

He shot her a look, and then grunted some before heaving his leg up on the seat next to her small frame. "If ye care to try I am not adverse. Bastion is a mostly human city and has little to no healers about, unlike Rysandri. Unfortunately a standard doctor meaning in simple terms, a bumbling fool, tended this. As I wanted to keep my leg intact, I felt that heading home was best else I would have remained until spring thaw.

Reaching for her own small bag, she removed a leather bundle from it and placed it to the side, then set about removing the bandage and making noises of disgust at what she found. "I think ye be correct. This is becoming septic." A dark thread was already moving up his leg from the deep puckering gash that had not healed any. She wasn't an expert, but she was also sure some form of poison was also used for the look of it was far from natural.

"When did this happen Milord?" Dark indigo blue eyes lifting with an expression of concern.

"About five days ago." This said with a wince, that sent another pang flying about her head and she blinked, blinded momentarily.

"I see. Well, let me see what I might do about this." Drawing out a number of herbs, she carefully blended them into a crisp clean cloth and pure boiled water she carried in a flask and carefully cleaned the injury with careful hands that offered delicate pressure. Softly uttered words of a language he wouldn't understand, and slowly the damage started to fade, with the infection seeping out of his skin and into a waiting rag.

"Do ye have a lighting flint' I seem to have misplaced mine." She asked as she hunted through her healing bundle and glanced over at him and her eyes widened.

"Your Elvin Milady?" He was looking at her with some surprise and grateful appreciation.

"Sort of Milord. Half Druid, a quarter Elvin and a smidgeon human I think. Not really sure about the human part. Having never seen a single one in the family line for several seasons." Giving a serene smile as she took the offered light and set the cloth a blaze and before it could burn her fingers, she dropped it out the carriage window where it was already mere ashes before even touching the ground.

"Druid" Didn't even know there was any here on Kaylieth. Where do ye hail from Milady?" Suddenly curious, he sat up and looked down at his leg in surprise, realizing the pain was nearly non-existent now.

"A place quite far away, in a different realm called Frasian." Another smile touched her pale features as she returned her belongings to her bag and settled back into her seat with relief. The headache was quite nearly gone now.

"Ah, I have heard of it. Never been, but I tend to dislike Inter-dimensional travel." He nodded then leaned to inspect his leg with curious fingers. "Ye do very good work Milady."

"Thank ye very much. I was taught well by my sister many seasons back. She learned from our mother before she passed on." She said it in an offhanded fashion, for it was simply part of her nature and she didn't require thanks or compliments for it.

"Where will ye go once you reach Cisreo?" This one was suddenly full of questions and she glanced over at him, one thin brow twitching some.

"To my sister. She is living somewhere in the wastes with a noble family." She hoped she hadn't given to much information, as she was still very uncertain about wanting to be connected with the DeAusters.

"Ah, so ye be going to Gharnholme." He lifted his arms and rested hands to the back of his neck and leaned back with a dry smile.

"Aye." She knew there was little use in denying it.

"Don't look so glum Milady. Ignore those prattling fools from earlier. It is true the family is very warlike, but hardly barbarians. In fact, they are likely more civilized then many of other clans in the realms of Tarimar. If ye go there now for protection and shelter, ye are in one of the safest places of the entire realm."

She did find some solace from those words, but still felt nervous. His reassurance did little to assuage that either. She knew that Lord DeAuster did enslave, as her sister was proof enough of that. "He is a slaver isn't he?"

"Of course. Many nobles here are. But I doubt you have to fear that. Your skills are good and as your going there of ye own free will, it's unlikely ye will end up in some collar." He smiled then one of those smooth, slick oily smiles she didn't trust one little bit and her eyes narrowed a tad.

"Tell you what, should he slap a collar on your neck, I will buy you from him." That smile deepened and she felt her temper flare and send a dark flush into her uncommonly pale cheeks.

"That is NAE funny Milord." Waspishly snapping with a look from her eyes that shot sparks.

"Well, it is a good plan. If he does enslave ye, I will rescue ye and ye can work off the collar as a healer for my own troops."

"Lets just hope your right about what ye said first. I don't think I would make a very good slave Milord. I get very moody." She tried to keep that edge of anger out of her voice, but it still held a tremor that she heard and wanted to just stomp her feet at that weakness.

"I don't know. He might. I can't say I know DeAuster very well, but I know enough that he doesn't usually enslave guests unless they ask. However, if it does happen, I will make sure to purchase you from him." He seemed to be enjoying her struggle to contain what was obviously a flash fire temper. His gaze moving down to look at tightly balled hands. Only to aware he was enjoying unsettling her, she took deep even breaths and counted from 20 backwards a half a dozen times before getting a hold of it and sank back into her seat with a snort. "I'd run away."

A bark of laugher was his instant response and he shook his head. "Doesn't work that way. Collars are funny things. One can't take a slave unless rightfully purchased. A runaway can be called back with a snap of fingers. For one obviously worried about such a thing, ye be sadly ignorant. If ye fear this, why go there?"

"I nae have anywhere else to go." Said through clenched teeth, she again started her calming count.

"Ye can always find someone to take care of you. Ye be pretty enough in that underfed, skinny way so many find fashionable." Dark eyes gleaming wickedly now and watching every flicker of expression that danced over her animated face.

Rationally she knew he had no way of knowing just how she was built, having been well covered in the enveloping cloak, but she still felt affronted at that statement and sniffed in annoyance. "I had offers like that and I turned them down thank ye. Hardly a decent way of life and poor I might be, I was still raised with morals."

"Young lady, ye are going to need to grow a thicker skin." Said with a rising of a brow and a smirk. "I have seen DeAuster's son send his sister into a rage so swiftly one could think the youth was a professional tease. He's going to pick on you for the mere fact you react. Heed those words. Not only that, throw a tantrum in front of the Lord himself and he will toss ye into one of his cages same as he would his own kin if they acted irrationally."

"I thought ye said ye didn't know him!" She was controlling the urge with surprising proficiency and was almost pleased with herself, as she didn't like being so quick to react either. She honestly considered it one of her curses and fought to bury it, but had never once thrown a "tantrum' as he was thinking.

"Oh, I don't, but I know how I would be." A light shrug and he leaned back into his seat. "Believe it or not, temper can be beaten out of one. A proven fact, and if that method fails, death does the trick."

Now that had her eyes widening and she swallowed fast. She would certain contain that overly volatile nature at all costs, since the idea of a beating or being killed for it wasn't at all appealing.

"I would offer ye a job right now if I didn't think DeAuster would find that an insult to his hospitality. One doesn't meddle in the ways of family and if ye sister is one of his house, that makes you also." Faint was the smile, but it was sincere enough for her to recognize the wisdom in his words.

"My sister is a slave with his house." Nose crinkling slightly, as she hadn't meant to say that out loud.

Surprise moved once more over his face and he looked puzzled for a moment. "That's odd. How long has she been there?"

Forgetting about the time differences, she gave him the term she had counted. "About seven seasons."

"Most odd. I had heard he had just returned to the practice but only recently, as he had stopped for some time. Ah well, it's still unlikely he would collar ye after offering you a place to go. Wild as he might be, he's not without some honor."

Soon enough the talk turned to easier conversations that passed the time until the dark gates of Cisroe rose up in the darkening sky with the lights glittering like stars along the parapets. In less time then expected Lord De"Cort who smiled easily was helping her down from the carriage.

"This be the end of ye journey for now young miss. Stop fretting and enjoy the adventure. Soon enough ye will be reunited with your sister and realize all that worry was for nothing."

"I do hope ye be right about that Milord." Still, the unknown was a hard pill to swallow and right now, she wasn't sure she was going to choke on it yet.

"I shall see ye again Milady Kaelyn. My travels continue but with the healing of my leg, I can now do so in a more comfortable manner. It has been a pleasure." He bowed over her hand in a very proper and polite fashion she could only stare at him in surprise.

Shaking herself from her awe, she smiled quietly and nodded with a perfectly executed curtsey. "It was a pleasure meeting ye as well Milord De"Cort, May the Lord and Lady of spirit guide ye."

With that said, he limped away into the gloomy shadows of the street heading deeper into the large city and Kaelyn was drawn into the warmth and comfort of the Inn by a smiling woman, her voice carrying loud enough to be heard some distance away. "We have been expecting ye. Received word from the House and will get ye well rested for tomorrow Milady."

A gentle hand brushed against Kae's cheek and Myri smiled at her sweetly. "Now we still have something of her with us. I am glad ye didn't loose them Kaely."

It was only then she noticed her sister wasn't wearing a slave collar and blinked at her in bafflement and reached out and touched the circle of bells there. "Ye no longer enslaved?"

Capturing the hand into her own, Myri sank down on the bed next to her and smiled gently. "I haven't been for a great while Kaely. I have been very happy here, tis' my home now and I be hoping ye feel the same soon too."

"Why didn't you come home?" Hurt indigo eyes rose and met her sister's turquoise gaze.

"To what sweet' Our father gave me away like nothing more then property to be bought and sold at a whim. Had I returned, what would have stopped him from doing such again and to a far less decent of a man then the one that took me first?" Another brushing of fingers to his sister's soft cheek and Myri sighed softly. "When he sold me for a debt without argument, he sold my love as well. Had he attempted the same with ye, Master Lucius would have known and gotten ye as well. As it is, I saw little reason to return. It was nae longer my home. I have a family that cares about me here. I matter."

"He considered it once ye know. Selling me off like that, but he won and the thought faded." She knew only to well that her sister was right and wouldn't speak of that again.

"Aye, I know." An impish smile danced over the elegant features so like her own and Kaelyn peered at Myri curiously.

"How could ye know about that?"

"Ah, I told ye, he was being watched and when word came he was deep in debt again, it was arranged that he would win enough to keep him afloat for a little longer." This said as Myrialla rose to her feet with a gentle pat to Kaelyn's head. "Now, do ye have need of resting or would ye like to help me" We have guests coming in and the Children will be home tonight as well. Need to change the linen in their rooms."

"I shall help of course. I rested very well last night and after all this, ah, um, excitement, I don't think sleep will be easily found." With this said she bounced up to her feet with a wide smile. "I nae need worry I shall end up in a collar Myri?"

Startled turquoise eyes widened at that then she started laughing, hands pressing lightly to her peach colored lips. "Nae, nae. Master Lucius has plenty enough at the moment and ye be here as my family. Would nae be proper. However, ye do need to watch that sharp tongue of yours. He may nae slap ye into a collar but he does expect respect as his due. Same with the Lady Fiona, she be easier to deal with sometimes, but nae one to irritate."

She nodded easily enough, hoping the garden had a lot of trees. She was getting better at managing her moods but everyone needed an outlet occasionally.

Myri moved and picked up something from the glossy wood dresser and stepped over and started to pin it on her shirt and she twisted her head to see it. "What is this?"

"Ah, until ye be known around here, this be a sign that ye are not to be touched in any manner by the various creatures we have wandering about the place. Tis for ye safety. Some can get a little rambunctious after Festivals and celebrations. Just making sure they be aware ye are not one of the stock so to speak. It be this or dress ye in white silks, and trust me when I say those can get quite dirty and easily so, this be simpler. " Her grin was infectious and filled with humor as she released the cotton folds, hoping the item didn't end up lost behind one of them.

"Come now. There be much to do. The cooks are already preparing a feast for tonight's Celebration and with company coming, I must make sure the serving girls do their jobs properly. Some can be quite rebellious."

"What shall I do for ye Myri?" Relief took the tight tension out of her features and she smiled easily, eyes lighting up and glowing with delight at being with her sibling.

"Ye can help me with the children's rooms. Cieara is nae as bad as Daniel, but I do those rooms myself as the slaves can nae touch weapons and Danny tends to leave those lying about willy nilly. I nae know what I am going to do with that boy." She sighed then laughed as she trotted gracefully off down the hall with her sister following in the same manner.

"Oh those are the children ye watch after?" Thinking they were both likely young if she remembered the few letters correctly.

"Nae as much now as they are older, but aye. They still be my charges in many way." More humor danced in her tone as she pushed open Daniel's door and sighed at the mess. "The boy be a trial."

Peering past Myri's shoulder her dark blue eyes widened at the disaster. "Is there even a bed in there?"

"Oh aye. Ye go ahead and start there, I shall go and collect the linens and we can clear up this mess in no time." A giggle fell as she saw the look on Kaelyn's face and gave her a light pat. "Nae worry. Once everything settles here, ye can become a healer for the troops and won't have to deal with this sort of mundane activities. I also asked the Lady Fiona to teach ye some basic fighting skills when she can and she has agreed most willingly."

She had not even considered learning to fight, but the thought wasn't at all distasteful and she grinned happily. "I am to learn how to fight?"

"Aye. Living here, ye will find that many can't stop in the midst of battle to save some fluff headed woman from death. So, we have to save ourselves, it's very inspiring."

Pushing her sister into the room, she chuckled softly. "I learned and if ye have continued the dancing, ye will find out it's very easy.?

"Piglet?" Thoroughly taken aback, Daniel finally managed to sputter out the word. How dare she! "PIGLET!" How dare this slave speak to him like that! He didn't care how well her ass looked; insolence to the family by a slave was intolerable. It didn't occur to him in his anger that the girl was not dressed in the silks or uniforms the slaves of the household normally wore. He stepped into the room fully, a hand beginning to come down, in preparation of slapping some sense into her. The weight of another hand coming down on his shoulder drew him short, and he glanced back, then up to meet the eyes of his father.

"There you are, Daniel." Lucius's other hand held a red-soaked rag to his throat, and tiny splatters of blood still rested on his chin, slowly drying. Daniel's own eyes squinted, wondering what had happened, when his father continued. "I need to speak with you in the Underhalls." Turning, without waiting for a reply, the elder DeAuster started to move down the hall.

"I'll be there in a few minutes." Turning back to the girl, noting she was now standing, Daniel took a step forward, but his father's voice stopped him again.

"Now, Daniel!" Stepping back to the doorway, Lucius's face showed that he was in no mood to be trifled with. He looked over to the girl, who seemed to want to crawl under the bed and hide, then back to his son before turning with a flurry of the heavy cloak and moved down the hall.

"Damn." That was muttered low, before Daniel turned back to Kaelyn. "Well, go on. Get out of here!" That appeared to be the very thing she had wanted to hear, as she muttered "Yes, milord" and fairly bolted for the door. As she passed he swatted her hard on her bottom, bringing a squeal from her.

"Don't you DARE ever do that again!" she fairly spat, rubbing her backside, her stare burning Daniel where he stood.

"Look, girl..." Daniel leaned close in toward her and was silently satisfied in seeing her flinch back from him. "The only reason you're not being whipped, is that I've gotta go." Letting her think about that, he stormed off toward the stairs heading upward.

In the Underhalls, he found Lucius standing near the great table set along its center, and moved that way. His father turned as he approached and held out two sealed envelopes. Daniel accepted them, and looked at them curiously. "What are these?"

"One is for the mayor of Torrence, the first village we claimed." The beginnings of a smile crept across Lucius's features. "It explains the new laws and taxation tables. And, the cost of not following them. The second is for Jagga, the leader of the warband occupying Torrence."

"You want me to be a delivery boy?" Daniel stared at his father hard. "I mean, why not send this with one of the soldiers" Or even Corbane?"

Lucius sighed softly, shaking his head as he regarded his son. This was becoming an all-to-familiar conversation with Daniel in recent months, as the young man edged into that nebulous time between his teens and adulthood. The elder was also acutely aware of the demon within Daniel stirring, as it also approached maturity. Combined with the hotblood of his own Beast, it meant Fiona had broken up more than one arguement between the two.

"Daniel, listen to me a minute." Spinning, Lucius walked to the dais and ascended to his chair to sit down before continued. "I've trained you to the best of my ability. You know what it means to be a commander and a fighter." He waved his hand slightly, the gesture meant to take in the Underhalls and, by rote, Gharnhome above. "The palisade we are building in Torrence is meant to give us a measure of control of the lands I have taken from that bastard Urevan so far. When winter breaks, I plan on taking the rest." He leaned forward, fires burning deep within his eyes. "When it is completed, I plan to leave you in charge of the palisade, and in turn, in charge of the defenses of Torrence and it's surrounding lands."

Daniel gaped, not having expected what he had just heard. "That's right?" Lucius continued. "Now, you will learn what it means to rule. Don't worry, you'll still be able to go out as you want." He leaned back, tossing the bloody rag to one side with an annoyed grunt.

"What about Cie?" Daniel asked, resting one foot on the dais. "She's gonna flip when she hears about this."

"Your sister is going with me." Lucius replied, resting his arms on the armrests of the throne. "It's time she experienced what you have. I have plans for her." Again, that smile, touched with the hint of evil. "Now, go. Take Dante, and you'll be back in time for the first feast.? Nodding once, Daniel turned to head for the door leading to the stairs above ground, leaving his father to quietly plot his next move on the chessboard of war.

"Ah, Master Lucius. He and Lady Fiona are usually the only ones Daniel will listen to instantly. He does also listen to me, but with less attention." Fingers snapping them and she grinned. "Remind me to bring him that balm later. I nae want that neck to get septic."

Oh this was worse then she thought. The Lord himself had walked in on that and she felt her face just flood with color. Her blasted tongue sent her right into a mess already and she could well imagine it would only get worse.

"Oh stop that fretting. Ye will nae be whipped unless ye want it and ye be safe. I shall speak with the Lady Fiona and it will be taken care of. This I promise. Now, let me take ye on a tour of the place."

Kaelyn nodded while fiddling nervously with a strand of soft red hair and followed her sister obediently into the halls. She was already cataloging the plus side to things. These halls were a fair distance away from the room she had. She had a sharp eye and could avoid the young master. She was surprisingly good at ducking and dodging creditors, one snarly young man wouldn't be at all difficult to avoid.

"By now, he's likely already forgotten about ye Kaely." As if she had read her mind, Myri glanced back over a shoulder and smiled teasingly. "Ye also might find avoiding him rough, for if he hasn't dropped ye from his thought, he will seek ye out. He was always a very stubborn child."

Muttering with an irritated glance sent from the deep blue eyes towards her sister and she sighed, one hand moving to rub at her offended derriere again with a wince. Mere moments later however, she was crowding up against her sister as she caught another flash of long black hair and thought it was him already.

"Ah, good evening to ye Milord Lorcain. Ye rooms are ready for ye. Just let me know if ye have need of anything else."

Knees shaking with relief as she noticed this one was of a slighter build and perhaps taller, but he was still no less intimidating. Ice green eyes swept over the pair, as if logging them to memory and even his voice mad her skin shiver, for it was barely above a whisper. "I need nothing currently. Thank ye." "Oh Milord, this be me younger sister Kaelyn. Come to live here now." Myri just smiled easily, not the least bit bothered by the standoffish man.

She did get a polite bow at the introduction and instantly placed this one a few notches above that Daniel. Even if the look in those artic green eyes made her believe he had already dismissed her.

Myri then took Kae's hand and pulled her along down the long dark hallway. "That was the Lady Fiona's younger brother. He's a frosty sort, but decent enough in his own way. Rumor has it he be sweet on one of the Albaelia girls. Would be a good match I wager were it to happen." Laughter floated softly from the lithe figure as she glided smoothly along. "Cieara's friendly with one of the brothers as well, so ye will likely run into them about the place eventually."

Great, more faces to remember and keep her tongue in place when doing so. She had left a land where the only people she usually saw were debt collectors to now, seeing so many her head was spinning from it. She only hoped she could keep them all in proper place and not shame herself later.

Soon enough she was shown the entire house, having been taken by Myri room by room but for a few. "I won't take ye down that way. Tis the playroom and nae for the faint of heart, for it's rather like a dungeon ye could say and if me ears be right, the Master is working anyway."

"The, the Master is?" She gasped faintly as her own ears caught a cracking sound and she winced. "Torturing someone?"

"Oh Aye. It is likely that slave that cut him earlier as I did see them dragging her this way. Tis to be expected after all." Giving a sympathetic pat to her sister's hand. "Nae ye worry now. Ye will learn it all in time."

She only hoped Myri was right, as she was then lead out into the gardens. Here, she was overjoyed to find trees and life blooming in bounty and her eyes lit up. "Oh Myri, this is lovely."

"Aye, this be the garden. Over there to the left be the herbs, though I still have to collect some in the wild. I will show ye tomorrow where I go for that. To the right be the Greenhouse. The Lady Fiona likes Calla Lilies and those nae grow without the warmth.

I also grow strawberries and other fruits there, as it's simply easier. Now, up that way around that bend is the rose garden. It even has a few blooming, as the area is warded. The winter be quite vicious down this far so we do what we can."

"Oh, your not Myri. Who are you?" Came the responding question obviously noted in Kaelyn's stunned eyes.

"A, um, I be Kaelyn, Myri's sister." She was quick to state that, having not had the chance earlier with Daniel so now, thought it best to make sure she was known.

"Oh yes, I remember. Heard you were coming. I'm Cie. Say, you don't mind if I join you here huh' Just got back from the city and feeling pretty foul. Dirty place, but it does have its uses." An impish grin accompanied the words and the girl didn't even wait, just started shedding clothing.

"I was looking for my brother and figured Aunt Myri would know where he was." She babbled continuously while undressing them slipped smoothly into the heated bathing pool.Cieara's ice green eyes just twinkled with mirth. "Can you pass the soap?"

Passing the glass bowl over to let her pick the scent, Kae just gazed wide eyed at the young woman, not at all sure just how she should respond.

"So, how ya like the place" Did Myri get a chance to take you around" Have you met any of the other family yet' What about this party huh' Wicked isn't it?" A string of questions buffeted Kaelyn and she could only blink rapidly with each one. She wasn't even sure an answer was required, since they call came at rapid fire.

"I, well, I think I will need to get used to the place." She stayed low in the water, feeling just a bit more exposed then usual and smiled weakly.

"Oh, it's not a bad place at all. Went to a few of those so-called Noble houses and it was much worse. Trust me. Rude people and the like, I hate those sort of parties, but my parents say I will have to get used to it." She made a face and crossed her eyes in an amusing fashion that Kae laughed, feeling more at ease.

"Well, fill me in. Who have you met so far?" Curious eyes matched the questioning tilt of the girl's auburn head and Kaelyn chuckled quietly.

"I met ye uncle so far and"ye brother." She tried really hard not to let her nose crinkle when she mentioned Daniel, but apparently Cieara was more perceptive then she appeared as her eyes lit up with sudden humor.

"What happened huh' Don't say "nothing" because I caught that little micro-look." A waggled finger was sent her way along with a very bright smile. "Was it Uncle Lor" He's not known to be the friendliest of creatures. Tends to be downright gloomy some days."

"Ah, nae, ye uncle was very polite." Kaelyn was now trying to figure out how to make a graceful escape, but as she started to edge towards the steps, the young woman caught her arm.

"Come on now, you have to tell me what Danny did. He's such a golden boy you know." Snorting faintly, Cie tossed her head then grinned wickedly. "If you don't tell me, I will hound you all night."

Having no idea as to what method the girl would use, and imagining the worst, Kaelyn caved in quickly, telling her the tale without a single fabrication, even including the fact she had a bit of a problem with her run away tongue.

"Ooh! That's so rich! I love it. Piglet! Ha!" She other girl fell back against the side of the tub, shaking with laughter. "It's true you know! He is a mess monster!"

Kaelyn just gazed at the girl and pushed wet hair from her eyes, totally baffled at the humor of it. "Why do ye think it's funny' He slapped me, and left a bruise!" She then rose up out of the water and pointed at her derriere, still upset over the event.

"Ooh! He did!" Gasping, Cie bent over nearly double and her laughter fell and bounced right into the water. "He is going to be totally mortified when he finds out your not a slave! Oh, I must be there when that happens! I must!"

"I plan to avoid him Milady. Tis best that way as I tend to lose control of me temper and Myri says I should learn so manage that." She had finally managed to reach the edge of the bathing pool and slipped out, where she pulled a thick plush towel about her wet frame.

"That's not going to be easy you know. Right now, its not a problem with all the men about, but once the celebrations are over in a few days, avoiding will be nearly impossible, as Danny is often around the kitchens." She then ducked her head into the steaming waters and rose up sputtering some.

"Unless Daddy takes him out on another raid and those won't come until after the thaw. If that happens, your free and clear of him, but I know it won't be easy when he's home. Besides, he's really not a bad guy. Almost puritan in how he treats ladies too. You know, boring." Grinning, she shook water from her hair and reached for the shampoo. "When he finds out he slapped you and your not one of the houses slaves, he's going to be very apologetic. Believe me."

Mere moments later, she sat shaking her head at the dress the other girl was thinking of wearing. It was far more revealing then anything she had seen ever and she just didn't think it would be a good idea.

"What do you think about this one Kaely?" Spinning about with a wide bright smile and her long waving auburn hair drifting about her like a soft cloud, she struck a pose.

"I think ye look very good in it, but ye father will likely nae like how much ye be showing." She simply couldn't help her tone, as for her, it was a rather daring gown.

"Oh. Normally I wouldn't mind tweaking Daddy's temper, but I heard some slave attacked him, so maybe your right. Don't want him bellowing at me for my style choices if he's already in a bad mood. Might end up in the kennels as he has threatened before." Her eyes twinkled with mirth as her nose crinkled then turned to find something else.

"Would ye father do that to ye?" Disbelief colored Kaelyn's tone as she sat back with a hand lifting to her cheek.

"Oh, I don't think so, but you can never tell with my father. Depends on his mood and how far he's pushed." She turned and the dark green velvet skirt swished softly about her knees. "What about this" Not as long as most, but it covers all the proper parts without being boring."

"That one looks very pretty Cie." It did cover all the correct areas even if her top was tight fitting, and even less modest then Kaelyn's own. It was however, the best of five suggestions and she didn't think she could take much more.

"Good! Now, here drape that over your shoulders it will cover you up without making you silly. Scraps of lace are just fashion faux pas Kaely." She tossed over a soft shawl made of delicate netting that rested without itching against her bosom. It didn't really cover, but she was starting to realize the reason why her idea of modesty simply didn't exist here, was that no one let it. Of course she was used to more staid,puretain fashions and would likely have to learn along with everything else about such things.

After another hour of enduring Cieara's hair styling extravaganza, she was glad to finally be moving towards the upper floor. In truth, she had enjoyed the lighthearted humor of the other girl, but after inspecting just one to many looks, she felt quite drained. As it was, Cie had settled on simply leaving her hair down and was once more, pulling her along towards the main hall. "Come on Kaely, we haven't got all night. Sun will be up before you know it!"

"Aye, I know." Her response was a touch subdued, having realized the large amount of people milling about the elegant room. She wasn't at all surprised to see she was likely the most covered female on the place, as other ladies were wearing far less then she was. Which of course made her suddenly feel over-dressed.

A quick darting search of deep blue eyes as she was tugged along into the din, then that sense of reprieve, not seeing a single male that resembled the butt swatter. "Do ye see Myri anywhere Cie??

It was another half hour or so when the room suddenly became hushed and all eyes turned towards the main doors. There a couple entered. It was obviously the lord and lady of the Keep, for Kaelyn did recognize the large auburn haired man from earlier. His timing having saved her from much worse then a mere swat to the backside. Dressed casually but with elegance, the jet-black silk shirt and soft matching suede breeches were worn obviously for comfort. While the rich coal dark boots showed quality and spoke of his obvious wealth. It was a stark contrast to the vibrant hair that fell to rest on wide shoulders and Kaelyn just blinked owlishly. He didn't look anything like he had earlier.

The woman on his arm was another surprise. She knew in an instant that she was obviously Cieara and Daniel's mother, for she had that raven black hair and the very same frigid eyes. It was however the dress she wore that brought awe to the young woman's face. Few could wear such a garment without confidence, but this lady had it in spades. Dark red velvet traced over lithe curves faithfully with a snaking inset of ebon lace that curled up her body .

Glancing over at her companion, she was gratified to see a matching look of awe on Cieara's expressive face as well. "Wow! Daddy would never let me wear something like that, but it looks smashing on Mum."

"Ye mother is very lovely Cie." And from the look of her, was another one not to trifle with. She now could confirm the distinct impression that this family was unusual and likely deadly if pushed. They were a very intimidating couple to behold.

"Well, we should get you back down there so Myri can introduce you. Would be safer, since if you run into Daddy, he won't be worse then Danny was already." She was already up and urging Kaelyn along with a laugh.

"Aye. I nae think I would want ye father glowering at me at all." Remembering what she had witnessed in the yard earlier that day, she surely didn't want any of that ferocity directed her way. Not even a smidgeon of it.

Once more she let Cieara take the lead, moving quickly down the stairs and back into the hall where she was yanked through a mob of bodies before reaching her sister once more.

"Oh good! I was hoping ye would come back when The Master and Lady arrived." Myri grinned in delight and reached to take her sister's hand. "Now, don't ye worry, this will only take a moment."

Again she was drawn across the room towards the dais and the couple chatting amicably there with a few others. "Lord Lucius Lady Fiona" This be my sister, Kaelyn Sybilla Vas Dailar."

Instantly Kaelyn curtseyed with appropriate respect and offered a nervous little smile as both sets of eyes swung about and gazed at her. The effect of that make her knees shake a bit, but she reminded herself about all the things her sister and their daughter had said, and was delighted to see her fear fade.

Both then smiled, defusing some of that commanding presence both radiated equally and returned her nod with gracious welcomes. "Your very welcome to our home Kaelyn." Said Lord Lucius.

"Aye, I am very sure ye will become more comfortable once ye have had a chance to settle in." Lady Fiona commented with a faint touch of humor gleaming in her ice-frosted eyes. Her knowing look sent a faint blush rising up in Kaelyn's pale face, suddenly aware that the lady knew what had happened with Daniel earlier and was amused.

"Thank ye Milord. I am also sure the Lady Fiona is correct. It be much to adjust to so quickly." She was quite pleased, as her voice didn't crack at all and that alone made her relax even further.

"I hear you're a natural healer Kaelyn?" He commented while leaning his large frame back into the sturdy chair.

"Aye Milord." She returned the smile with a twinkle of indigo eyes and her head bobbed. At a look from his wife, he returned with an easy smile and a nearly unnoticeable shrug.

"I am sure we shall find a use for that, but we can talk about that another time. Run along now, and don't let our daughter drag you into any trouble."

The Lady then spoke in a voice only a few levels above that of her brother and smiled faintly. "I shall also speak with ye soon about training, as ye sister feels ye might be needing some."

"Oh aye Milady." Her indigo eyes just brightened and she nodded again. "Thank ye." That wasn't at all bad, she thought as Myri led her away and she smiled happily at her sister. "See, I told ye it wouldn't take long Kaely."

"Aye, and they nae seem so scary now either Myri." Her words holding a wealth of relief.

"Well, I be glad for that. They are nae scary at all, just have a very strong aura that many find difficult to handle." Low laughter, then she was once more passing her sister back into Cieara's care.

Taking the plate from Cie's hand, she moved along with the other girl to a table where they sat down and ate, chatting easily even over the din of voices filling the large hall. Once she was done, she rose with the dish in her hand, but was halted by Cieara, who was looking at her oddly. "Oh leave the plate Kaely, the servants will pick it up." Not even waiting however, she reached out a hand to taking it away from her with a grin.

" I am nae used to that Cie" Kaelyn just gaped quietly for a moment for a moment then shook her head with a laugh. "Be this another thing I am to get used to?"

"Of course. We have servants for a reason. Need to leave something for them to earn their keep right . . . AHHhh! There he is!" Bouncing up to her feet, Cie wore a very wicked grin. "You wait right here Kaely!"

With one small hand lifting, she moved agily into the crowd waving madly and calling out to her brother. "Danny! Hey Danny!?

Cieara took the glass from Daniel and giggled. "Thanks Danny. Did you have fun today?" Her quick thinking let her skim right over what Kaely had just said and rushed into changing the topic instead.

Kaely also took the glass, hoping she didn't end up spilling it all over herself, as she was sure her nerves were shaking, but thankfully it wasn't noticeable and quickly took a drink of the rich red wine. Utterly relieved that Cie hadn't commented further and really embarrassed her.

Perhaps with the music playing, he had missed what she said also, and with one of the guest lending a toast Lucius and Fiona, she felt it might have been drowned out which was a good thing.

"Dad sent me into Torrence today, with letters to the mayor and Jagga. I was in the saddle most of the day." Daniel responded to Cieara's question while his eyes moved from one girl, to the other, then back from over the rim of his mug, while he took a sip of rich rum.

Kaelyn cheeks heated after only a few sips of wine while she listened to the pair talk and forced her self to remain still where she sat. It wasn't to bad thus far, as he was acting very polite and pleasant, just as Cie had promised.

"Daddy sent you to do that huh' Wonder why' He doesn't usually have you play mail boy." Cieara commented, then shrugged lightly then pointed over at their parents. "You see Mum's dress" Wow!"

A slightly amused look moved into Daniel's ice green gaze. "Dad's got something planned, that's all I can say." His dark head turned and he looked up to the dais, and nodded with a low whistle. "She's looking hot tonight." His gaze then returned to his sister with a slight smirk. "I figured you'd be in something similar tonight squirt."

"I was going to, but Daddy wasn't in the best of moods earlier. Some slave got loose and tried to slice him up, so I wore something less likely to set him off." Cieara then sent a wink over at Kaelyn before she tipped her head back and grinned at her brother.

Kaelyn spoke up for a moment, having something she could add to the current conversation now. "Was nae his fault, Myri said he was trying to keep the man guarding her from getting gutted and she cut him instead." Falling silently once more, she lightly fanned her cheeks before taking another sip of wine. "This be very nice, Cieara."

Daniel listened as Kaely told her short tale "Yeah, I heard about that. She's trussed up down in their playroom." He then shook his head, almost sadly, at that. "Ah...no wonder the guards were acting strange this morning."

Realizing that Kaelyn's glass was nearly empty, Cie plucked it from the other girl's hand with a wicked grin. "Since you like it, I will get you another one. Be right back." Rising and head off that quickly and heading the table of drinks.

Glancing up for a moment, Kaelyn nodded politely to Daniel's response, then watched Cieara's departure with just a hint of anxiety. "Aye. He seemed rather upset and sent the guard right into the wall. Then told them to lock the woman up down below. Myri didn't show me those rooms yet." She was now rather glad her sister hadn't felt she needed to see it.

Watching Cieara flit through the crowd, Daniel turned back toward Kaely with a quiet smile. "They have her in mom and dad's playroom. Likely tomorrow he'll tend to her, then put her in the kennels." He seemed to think she would understand that and took another sip of his rum before looking about idly. He again spoke a moment later. "At least they are not having one of those formal dances tonight." Nodding towards several couples circling the floor near the musicians.

Caught her by surprise and Kaelyn looked up at him fully for the first time since he had arrived and frowned a touch. "Ye don't like to dance Mi...Daniel?"

Just then, Cieara flittered back towards the pair, and pushed a large glass of red wine into Kaely's hand. Then, with another one of those impish grins and she waved one small elegant hand. "Be back in a moment. Going to make my hello's to the Parents." She then headed off without waiting another moment.

Daniel's face wore a look of long held tolerance to his sister's antics, but soon returned his attention to Kaelyn's question. "It's not that. I can dance." Glancing towards the couples again before looking back. "I don't know these fancy court dances." This said with a brief grimace of distaste.

She took another small sip of the refreshed wine, then caught that look on his face and shook her head. "Ye should learn those dances. They might come in handy for ye later. They are nae hard to learn either, simply need to remember how and where to step."

"So I've been told." Daniel quickly caught a passing servant and handed her his empty mug. "Aunt Myri keeps after me about that, but with my training, I don't have much time to learn the steps."

"Meaning ye nae feel it be useful eh?" Kaelyn just crinkled her nose, thinking that such a feeling was typical of a man to believe that dancing had little use. "Considering ye station, ye should take a bit of time to learn for it will likely be expected of ye to use it when visiting other noble houses."

Kaelyn was feeling a bit warm now, with her pale cheeks flushed and holding a faint dusty pink tone, but she simply took another sip of the wine, finding the flavor very pleasant and the feeling it created soothing and light.

"I didn't say it wasn't useful." Daniel's attention turned fully back to her now, arms folding before him as he settled back in an easy stance. "I have many duties both here and abroad that require my attention." For a moment, Kaely own gaze was caught by a glinting light from the glow orbs danced over the iron bracelet on his left arm.

"Ah, but I saw ye look. It was one of distaste, which means ye nae care for the act. Do ye nae like having a lady that close?" Her question seemed to fit for the look he had, but she then peered at the bracelet on his arm again, as the lights had a dreamy star aura she found rather pretty.

She then found herself blinking for a moment, as a hand lifted to brush her heated cheek. "Cie says ye like Poodle ladies, and I be thinking they would likely expect ye to at least know how to dance."

Daniel snorted low snort at her comment. "No, it's not that at all." He then glanced over toward the dais, to se what was keeping his sister. This turn of the conversation was a bit unsettling especially with someone he had just met, if the expression on his face was any indication. Kaely's next sentence however, brought his head jerking about in surprise. "She said I liked what?"

Kaely's head also turned and her gaze followed his over to Cie, who was chatting quietly with her mother then back at him. "Poodle ladies. I take that to mean ye be liking those frilly, lacy, fancy sorts that put up a fuss if they," She paused a moment, trying to remember just what Cie had said and smiled when she was able to recall it nearly perfectly. "Break a nail. That be what she said, along with many other things."

"Oh really?" Daniel's eyes narrowed a tad as he looked back toward where Cie was, then back again at Kaelyn, appearing irritated. " Well, just for the record, I do not like 'Poodles'. Nor do Frou-frous and damsels catch my fancy."

Kaely's bewildered indigo eyes rose up to peer at him curiously and her head tipped to the side for a moment, unsure she had understood that right. "Ye like boys then?" After all, he had said damsels and that to her meant woman, so she looked at him intrigued, having never met a gay man before.

Daniel took a calming breath then took drew him up slightly, and his hands came down to rest at his belt. There was a long tense pause before he continued. "No. I like girls just fine."

"Oh, ye nae have to pretend with me Mil...Daniel. I shall nae tell anyone about ye preference." A vague little smile was given before she took another sip of her drink. "I understand that ye may not want that known. Ye did say damsels, and I be knowing what that means."

Daniel's blue-green eyes narrowed as he glared at her for a second. Then, he spoke with a stiff tight tone. "Please excuse me for the moment. I need to refresh my drink." Next moment he was turning towards the wet bar, fuming silently.

Cieara, in a full rush back towards the chaos of festivalgoers, she plowed right into another young woman standing in the doorway and came to a very abrupt stop.

The young lady uttered a small "Eep!" as the collision causing her to stumble a few steps forward. Turning, she spoke instantly. "Excuse me! I didn't mean to block the way."

Catching her balance easily, even after the sudden and short stop, Kaelyn glanced around Cie at the other woman curiously. Sure it really had been Cieara's fault, for she seemed to be one that didn't look before she leaped. "I nae think ye did Miss. Cie here just be in a blind rush be all."

"Totally my fault, had something on my mind. Sorry I didn't see you before nearly running you over." Cie responded with an instant smile and twinkle from her bright green eyes.

The words brought a bit of a smile to the other girl's face, as she stepped back over to make sure Cieara was all right. "No, no, totally my fault." She then glanced around the place. "I was lost in a moment of awe for I wasn't prepared for all this." "This" Oh this isn't anything. Wait until Tomorrow night. Will be even more people around, but mostly out in the yard." Grinning, Cieara reached out and grabbed the other woman's hand and shook it. "I'm Cieara DeAuster and this is Kaelyn Vas something or other but soon to be DeAuster too."

Kaelyn eyes widened at that little bit of news and her jaw just dropped. Such things were beyond her, and she didn't understand how one could just be given a name without marriage of some formal document. "Um . . . Huh!?"

Returning the handshake with a gentle squeeze the young woman introduced herself. "Delana Sinclaire." It seemed to take a moment for Cieara's name registered and she then dropped into a small curtsey. "I beg your pardon, Miladies. I didn't recognize you."

"Oh, I'll explain in a minute Kaely." Her own ice green eyes just sparkled merrily as she watched the curtsey. "Delana, you don't have to do that bobbing thing with me, save it for my parents."

Delana straightened instantly and smiled, her thoughts unknown to Kaelyn as she looked on, feeling just a touch awkward herself. "A pleasure meeting you both."

Kaelyn was still mentally floundering about that name business but for now, she could only look at the other girl and hope some explanation came soon because she hardly could demand it right that minute.

Cieara leaned a bit, she peering intently at Delana then grinned impishly. "Your that new girl with one of the Warband, just can't remember which one it was that I heard about. You like it?"

Glancing around again, still marveling at the sights, Cie's words brought Delana's attention back fully to the two girls. "I'm with Terrak's band. And it's alright, once I convinced the others my bedroll wasn't theirs."

After refreshing his drink, and being sucked into a short conversation with one of the partygoers, a general of one of the Warband, Daniel finally made it over to where his parents sat, to talk with them for a few minutes. Then, after giving Fiona a last hug and exchanged a clasping of hands with his Father, he stepped down from the dais, allowing others access and made his way back to the buffet table where it was less crushed. It was there he caught sight of his sister with Kaelyn in tow standing at the doors. As he still wanted to have a quick chat with his sister, he started that way.

Laughing, Cieara bobbed her head. "Oh! Take a hand or so, they back off really fast then." Offering another impish grin then she was moving, dragging both along towards the drink table. "I was going to find a man for Kaelyn here, want one to' For dancing I mean." Adding the last only when she caught sight of the shocked look on Kaely's face. Delana stumbled once to keep up with Cie, and sent a quick look over Kaelyn's way. The look almost asking 'is she always like this"'

Kaelyn quite nearly took up another glass of wine, thinking it might help her mood, but instead reached for simple juice, then nodded towards Delana, having read the look and from what she knew, this was a muted form of the young lady.

"Ladies." Daniel said as he came up behind them, having changed course as they veered toward the drink table. He didn't know the third girl, and took a quick second to examine her as he stopped beside Cie.

Taking up her own glass of wine, was in the middle of pointing out potential dance partners when Daniel came up behind them and Cieara glanced over her shoulder at him. "Wine, please." Delana said to the waitress that was taking their order. She was going to enjoy herself tonight. The male voice brought her eyes over toward Daniel.

"Delana, that's my brother Daniel. Danny, this is Delana Sinclaire." Cieara quickly made the introductions, having noticed his interest in the young lady.

"Nice to meet you, Delana." Holding out a hand toward her, Daniel guessed she was one of father's soldiers, but tonight, they were out of uniform.

"Oh Kaely what about that one?" Cieara asked, pointing towards a tall figure standing with several others across the room.

Kaelyn just mumbled into her glass, she glanced up and winced, as he took a few steps and nearly stumbled over his own feet. "I nae wish to dance just now Cieara."

Delana nodded slightly to him, a hand taking his for a quick squeeze before letting go. "And you, milord."

"Please, just Daniel. Our dad's the Lord around here. Aunt Myri outdid herself with the party tonight." He said as he released Delana's hand, and looked about the room. He glanced back over again while listening to his sister.

"As she always does." Cieara replied, while her gaze moved from Delana and back to her brother with a touch of speculation. "Um."

Having apparently caught Cieara's calculating gaze, Delana quickly held out a hand. "Um, Cie" How about Kaelyn and Daniel take a turn on the floor" He's not dropping drunk." She also held up her nearly full glass, as if it might ward off the matchmaking she could sense radiating off the other girl.

Taking small measured sips of her refreshing juice, Kaelyn also gazed at the colorful array of people then glanced over at Delana, with a warm smile curling on her peach tinted lips. "Oh, he nae dances Miss."

" No, no, it's just Delana."

"Oh, Aye. Delana." Kaelyn instantly corrected while faint color touched her cheeks and she smiled sheepishly.

Delana grinned brightly back to Kaelyn, showing her no harm, no report.

Snorting faintly, Cie just rolled her eyes. "Doesn't dance....In any shape or form at this rate." She then took a breath, then shook it off and smiled at them all. "Oh never mind that, it's utterly useless anyway." She then glanced at her oblivious brother and smirked. Daniel had caught the exchange, and turned towards his sister with a brief dark glower on his face and directed right at Cie. "As a matter of fact, I'd love to dance. That is, " Placing his mug of rum down on the tabletop. "If Kaelyn is willing."

Her attention had drifted off, and Kaelyn caught snatches of conversation and of plans for more invasions. It was apparent the most here had war on their minds, so when Daniel spoke her name, she blinked upwards at him confused. "Willing to what?"

"To dance." He said, and then nodded to the side, toward the dance floor. The line there was breaking, and a waltz was starting up with the musicians changing tempo smoothly.

"Um, I guess so, I just hope ye nae stomp on my toes." Kaelyn was finding this just a tad bit odd, for he had said earlier he didn't dance, but she could hardly be rude and say no, just hoped her feet survived the effort now.

"I'll do my best not to trod on your toes." Daniel then extended a gloved hand towards her. "Shall we?"

Placing her glass down gently, Kaelyn eyed the hand for a moment, and then lightly slipped her fingers into the soft-tooled leather of his glove.

Watching this, Cieara tipped her head with one auburn brow lifting, then chuckled faintly. "Um. What is he up to now?"

Allowing her fingers to rest unmolested on his, Daniel led her out to the floor. His other hand found her waist, and began to lead her into a gentle waltz.

Stepping smoothly into the dance, Kaely let him lead just making sure her feet didn't get anywhere near his, just in case, as slippers were no protection from the hard boots, and having seen quite of bit of those earlier, she knew his would be painful.

Cieara leaned in a conspiratorial fashion towards Delana, grinning evilly. "My brother is a tad bit slow, but I am trying to help him out. Just hard when he's soooo Oblivious."

"Slow?" Delana echoed, as she moved closer to Cie, taking a sip of the rather potent wine. "You mean like retarded slow?"

"Well, not quite "That" slow, but he's got no fineness, no charisma and he's a total dud with woman." Cieara sighed with her head leaning to the side. "Uptight and stuffy and for this family, that's "slow"."

Delana giggled, hiding the action in and upraised hand. "He's not that bad looking." She then pointed at the two dancers amidst the others. "You're telling me he doesn't see anyone?"

"Not that I know of. Doesn't seem interested and only attracts Poodle woman. He's a sad case. If you would see my Father or Uncle, you would likely understand what I mean." Cie replied with another impish grin dancing over her expressive features.

Delana's face scrunched up in a slight grimace. "Oh Yuck! First time I heard the trollers called that, but yuck!" Shaking off that idea, she glanced at Cieara for a moment. "Is your is your dad here?"

"Yes he is, right over there with my mum." Cieara towards the couple surrounded by many other people up on a throne like riser. "Want to meet them Delana?"

" If you do, we should go now, as I don't think they will be here much longer." Cieara's ice green eyes glittered as she watched her parents for a moment.

"Um, I wouldn't want to. . ." Delana swallowed her drink, then set the glass down, having made up her mind. " Ok, why not!" For she realized that might not have the chance again, and wanted to make the night memorable.

"Well then." Cieara said as she put down her glass of wine and reached for Delana's arm instantly. "Lets go before it's to late. Daddy's got that look in his eye and Mum's are starting to gleam dangerously."

"What look is that?" Delana questioned, while she kept pace with Cie this time, allowing herself to be escorted over toward the throne. "I mean I don't want to disturb them or anything."

"You really don't want me to explain that. Trust me." Cieara giggled, then pushed her way past a few standing near the Dais and waved to her Parents. "Mum Daddy, I want ye to meet Delana Sinclaire, she be one of the new members of the Warband."

Delana had an idea; after all, they were married. As she was brought up she did dip into a respectful curtsey. "Milord, milady." Silently gaping at them both from the aura each projected so strongly.

Cieara watched while chuckling quietly as her father moved his hand from her mother's leg and both smiled at Delana politely.

The lady spoke, in a soft mellow tone. " Tis nice to meet ye Delana." Then offered a light dip of her dark head in acknowledgement.

Glancing at down to the two girls, he sent a warm smile to Cie, then a nod to the other young woman with her. "Well met, Delana." Sharp perceptive eyes took in her garments. "You're that girl Terrak told me about."

Glancing back towards the dancing, Cieara snickered quietly to herself before returning her gaze to her parents and Delana.

Delana was also struggling not to gape at the dress Fiona wore, knowing she never could pull that off herself. "Um, yes sir. I am. I'm a scout for his Warband."

Lucius gave a brief nod. " Ah, yes. Well, I hope you are good at it, as Terrak will be leading the vanguard south in early spring.?

"Speaking of the spring march....." Lucius said with a pat of Fio's hand, he rose to his feet. "Everyone's attention for a moment."

Cieara grin grew a bit, as that was what nearly everyone in the room was waiting to hear. Since most were unsure the campaign had ended and now would spread the word it was continuing. In her quick circuit of the room and those in attendance, she was quite aware of just what was on everyone's mind.

Kaelyn's head turned as she caught the commanding note raised from the Dais and slowed to a stop in the dancing to listen with a light tip of her head.

Delana glanced back to Cie, and then stepped down to her side as her father rose, leaning towards her with a very soft whisper. "Gods, he is tall!" Her head tipping back as Cie peered expectantly at her father, then she grinned merrily, finding the look on Delana's face vastly amusing.

Stepping forward as the noise died, his voice rose once more, booming about the hall. "Last fall, the 'Lord' Urevan insulted my wife in a public forum. For that, we have taken half his lands." His hand rose, clenching into a fist." And in the spring, we will take the other half, calling it our own!" The forceful words rang out in the halls, drawing a ragged cheer from his warriors, and a slow gathering of applause from the others that built to a crescendo.

Lucius finished his speech with little fanfare. " Everyone, enjoy tonight and the week, for we march with the thaws!" Once concluded, he sat back down beside Fio with a chilling smile, appearing to be looking forward to the destruction of Urevan.

Edging closer to Cieara, Delana still gazed at the couple above. "I see what your mom sees in him." She whispered to Cie from her spot beside the girl.

"Oh yeah, My Daddy's something isn't he?" Cieara grinned then waved to her parents, before spinning about to peer at Delana. "Now, do you see what I mean though about Danny' "

Delana glanced back, barely making out his hair through the crowd. "Who knows" Maybe he's just," She trailed off for a moment into a fit of giggles, remembering Cie's earlier words. "Slow."

"That be exactly it. Late bloomer perhaps, but he's behind." Her head turned to gaze at her brother and she gave it a light shake. "Something has to be done."

"So, I take it you have a plan?" Delana's gaze was then drawn to the Lord and lady, who had risen, and appeared to be ready to leave. She chuckled low as she looked back to Cie, who was quite infectious with her friendly attitude.

"We are part demon you know. I just think in Danny, that side of him got really lost somehow." Cieara was gazing at her brother now as if he was a puzzle she was trying to figure out."

"Part demon' You mean?" The statement had Delana blinking quite rapidly, and then she pointed to the floor. "Like that type demon?"

Still watching her brother intently, Cieara shook her head slowly. "No plan really, I just keep throwing available woman at him, and he doesn't even notice. He's like really "nice" it's scary." Laughing for a moment, then grinned at the motions of her hand. "Succubus type for the ladies, Incubus for the men type Demons."

" Whoa, thats...I mean." Getting a bit tongue-tied for a second, Delana tried again. "I mean, I've heard about demons, but I've never seen one." Then a bit of color crept in to her cheeks, as she knew she just sounded lame. "Um, perhaps we can figure out for your brother." With her tone dropping into a furtive manner, Delana's eyes twinkled with mirth.

Cieara's own voice dropped some with a giggle. "I was hoping he would like Kaely there, because he used to have a massive crush on her sister, but they got off to a really bad start. The lout messed up big time." Her eyes then turned to peer intently at Delana. "What about you? You did say he wasn't bad looking."

"Yeah, I did. Didn't mean I wanted to screw him immediately." She then giggled pointing toward the drink table. "Looks like they're done dancing for now."

Daniel motioned for the servant. "A juice, and a ale for me." Then, while the servant set the glasses to pour drinks, he looked to Kaelyn, while leaning against the edge of the serving table. "I hope you like it here. It's not bad...usually."

"I think I shall like it, once I become accustom to the way things are. Myri said she did, so I shall also. Thus far, it is nae like home for it be far more exciting." She then took the glass and sipped, then smiled, feeling her dry throat return to normal. "Thank ye."

"You're quite welcome." He then took up his own glass and raised it in a toast. "Here's to a new homecoming."

Following his lead, she lifted her glass with a twinkling smile and nodded to Daniel. "Aye. I am happy to be here."

Touching her glass with his with the crystal chime at the touch, Daniel then took a sip of the cool ale. " Good. Oh, one thing." He leaned forward a bit, as if about to tell her a great secret. "Watch out for Corbane."

"Corbane?" Kaely's own red head tipping back as he leaned in and tilted slightly. "Is this Corbane dangerous?"

Instantly Cieara's eyes moved over towards the pair and narrowed a touch. Then, one pale finger lightly tapped her lips a moment later as she spoke quietly. "True enough. Now, if he bolts for it, it went badly. Then again, she might run, since he seemed to scare her earlier. Hard to know just yet." She then turned and peered intently at Delana. "Why wouldn't ya want to screw him' He might not know much, but he isn't an Ogre."

Keeping her voice low, Delana just chuckled at Cie. "Well, for one thing, I just met him, and I'm not going to hop in the sack until I have a drink with him at least. " Words trailed off, quiet for the first time that night.

Grumbling now, Cie just sighed. "Oh well. Maybe I will just hire a woman for the night and give it to him for his birthday."

Offering a gentle pat to Cie's arm, Delana leaned in close and commented quietly. "Cie, if he's a good guy, I think we can help him."

Finishing it off with a rising of her own brow, before looking back toward the other two. Busting out laughing Cie nodded as a delicate hand patted the other girl's shoulder.

"Now, that's true enough. Your quite right about that anyway, but I don't think Danny even knows that much."

"Then he'll have to be taught." Delana responded with another giggle then took Cie's arm and started back over in that direction towards the other two.

Delana held out a glass for Cie, she took a sip of her own wine, which she had ordered from one of the nearby servants.

"Huh' What do you mean by that' Daddy "always" Takes you along and leaves me here." She didn't even try to stop the petulant drift of her lips as she took up her glass of wine and took a sip.

"He's leaving me in charge of the new palisade, and plans on taking you south in spring." Daniel had heard the plans this morning, and now he took a bit of pride in breaking the news to her, not the usual way it happened.

Cie's ice green eyes widened with surprise at that news and she snickered. "You're pulling my leg Danny. Not funny, not funny at all. Daddy is putting you in charge of something?"

"Yep, and you get to go and march in the mud and snow for a change." Daniel then raised his glass up to take a sip, gazing at intently over the rim of his mug. "You're not fibbing?" Cie demanded, giving him a very dubious look, then figured she will just ask her father first thing in the morning about that, as she wasn't trusting the look on her brother's face.

"No, I'm not." He then said as he set his glass down. "Think about it squirt. Why do you think mom's working with you now?"

"What do you know about mom working with me anyway' Well, I hope your right. Would make for a nice change of pace if I do get to go for once. Cieara quite nearly flounced, but managed to hold back, instead she took a deep drink of wine, hoping this wasn't another one of her brother's nasty teases.

"All I'm going to say sis," He said while leaning over a bit. "Is if you have any shopping to get done, do it now."

Eyeing her brother for a moment, Cie's head tipped with a bounce of auburn curls." Your serious!" Her ice green eyes growing wide and delighted. "Whoo! I get to go on a raid!" She suddenly grinned happily. "About damn time I say. I was always faster then you anyway Danny."

Delana scooted over to Kaelyn, and leaned in close. "Well, how was it?"

Turning her head, Kaelyn smiled at Delana while brushing a few wandering strands of hair back over her shoulder, leaning in to answer her question with a matching whisper. "It was fine. He be very sweet."

Glancing over at Daniel, Delana nodded, still whispering. "He looks good too." She smiled knowingly at Kaelyn. "Lucky you gets to see him everyday too."

This brought a startled look then Kaely chuckled quietly as her gaze took a slightly speculative light and moved from Delana to Daniel for a moment. This one could be more like his sister or his mother, as she was already a warrior. "Aye, but that nae means he likes me that way or I him. He be very nice of course but . . ." Her words faded with a light shrug of her shoulders.

"But what? Is he being too stuffy?" Her look saying that would be a Damn shame if that were the case. She glanced over at him again while taking a sip of her wine then almost sneezed as the tiny bubbles tickled her nose.

Leaning towards Delana, Kaelyn chuckled softly. "Nae, I don't think he be to stuffy, but I am nae his type. However, ye might be." As she was far more like Cieara, if this short acquaintance was any indication, and she was one of the Warband, meaning she knew how to fight.

"Maybe, but he danced with you." Delana gently nudged Kaely with her elbow. "Give him time girl, but don't wait too long."

At the nudge Kaelyn just laughed quietly with a mild shaking of her head. She had little idea as to what Delana was meaning, but wasn't about to show her ignorance.

Delana then moved away with a smile to Cieara. "Congrats." She said while leaning in to clasp Cie's shoulder. "You'll be heading south too!"

"Looks that way!" Grinning broadly now, Cieara drained her wine right down, looking flushed and delighted with this turn of events. "This is gonna be fun."

Glancing around, Delana drained her glass also, setting it on the table behind her. Daniel shook his head slightly, as a slow smile crept onto his face and listened to the others talk for the moment. At least they weren't going on about dresses and clothes and such.

Kaelyn was at the moment, thinking it was a very good thing they had made their peace, as it appeared he would be at the keep for some time, thus any attempt at avoiding would have been rough. She was also very happy for Cieara, as apparently it was what the young woman had been wanting, as she was overjoyed with the idea.

"Well, once Kaely gets trained, she will likely be able to go on raids too." Cieara commented, and then grinned at the other girl with a bright glint dancing in her eyes.

"Yep!" Delana then leaned in close, whispering to Cieara. "Terrak told me we're gonna be hitting the capital of Cisroe."

"Ohhh...City battle." Cie grinned impishly. "That will be so cool."

"You'll have to come over to his Warband one evening and visit!" Her thought apparent as it would be nice to be able to talk to another female, too much testosterone. "Yeah. Maybe we'll be able to collect something from the store afterward." She then glanced over at Kaelyn. "When you join us, we'll be the Terrible Trio! It was obvious that the wine had gone right to her head.

Laughing, Cieara gave and enthusiastic nod of her head. "That would be fitting enough for me, as Danny there would say I was already terrible all on my own. We will simply have to drag Kaelyn there into things, as she doesn't have that "Trouble" aura yet. But give us time. I think we can corrupt her eventually!"

"For now, I shall be helping Myri with the healing supplies. But I am also to be trained so ye Mother has said. Kaelyn she smiled, not at all sure she wanted to get into the thick of full battle just yet, or was she sure she wanted to be corrupted either.

Daniel wore a slightly ill expression, as if stuck with a sudden and horrible premonition. Not finding the idea of three of them at all appealing apparently.

"Cie, did you say earlier there's a bigger party tomorrow night?" And, just like that, Delana changed the subject.

"Oh Yes. A big feast will be held in the Arena. Lots of the locals will be in attendance for that one along with the games." Cieara replied with another slightly tipsy smile.

"Games?" Delana's eyes sparkled with sudden interest." What kind of games are we talking about?"

"Battle games, sparring and archery." Cieara said with another one of her habitual grins, and her eyes just danced impishly. "Sword play and many others."

"Does that mean I don't have to dress up for that?" Delana asked, as a wry giggle tumbled from her, then she glanced toward the other two. She then nudged Cie with her elbow.

Cieara laughed. "Oh no dressing up if you plan to get dirty. I did get this really wicked new leather suit for it, very snug fitting but effective." She then followed Delana's gaze and grinned, seeing her brother talking quietly with the other girl.

"Maybe I'll be able to show some of these nimrods a woman is just as good as a man with the bow." Making it rather obvious that many had made a few comments made, and she was defensive on the subject.

"Ah, most think woman can't do much. Of course they all give me Mum a wide berth when she comes by. However, I plan to try the whipping contest. Been practicing and have gotten rather good with the weapon." Cieara commented then took another drink from her glass and grinned.

"Oh that sounds wicked Cie. You said you had a new leather outfit' Where did you come by that?" Delana asked, having yet found a place to buy the items she wanted.

"Oh I got in the city a few days back. It's got these wicked looking metal buckles all up the front and holds me in really well and the leather pants give with any movement too." One small hand waved about in her vivid description of the outfit she knew her father was going to hate. "It's black of course, since I use those when I scout and such, or sneak up on my brother there." She grinned wickedly then.

"I'm gonna look into getting something like that, when I have the money." Delana then glanced once more over towards Daniel and grinned, seeing he was deep in conversation with Kaely. "Oh really?? Then shared that wicked smile with Cieara.

"He's not so quick to catch me when I use the shadows." Cieara was also watching her brother, who was actually....Gasp! Was it possible" Was he flirting" Her bright eyes nearly bugged at the suddenly stunning sight.

"What?" Catching Cie's look, Delana instantly glanced back over to Danny and Kaely, wondering what she had missed.

Cie instantly leaned close with her hand cupped, she whispered into Delana's ear. "For just a moment there, I thought he looked predatory. That isn't a normal facade from him. Rather like a wolf looking at a lamb chop."

Delana listened, and nodded with a smile, before turning and cupping her own hand, over the lightly pointed one of Cie's, muffling her words. "I think he likes her."

"Maybe your brother is catching up at last." Then Delana broke down into another storm of giggles, having found Cie's earlier "Slow" statement very funny.

Still whispering in a very sly fashion, she peered at Delana. "She's like Myri but not quite, so I can have hope. Hard to say with him though, he's slow and might just miss the boat even after it docks."

That comment brought another fit of giggles falling from Delana's lips, and she turned away in an effort to hide her mirth.

"I can show you the board, if you'd like?" Daniel offered, as he set his glass down on the table, finished drinking for the night, then looked questioningly at Kaelyn. Then sent a narrowed sidelong look over at his sister and her new friend, wondering for a moment just what they were plotting.

"Aye, I think I would like to have a look at this board." Kaely replied as she rose up with a soft hissing of silks, which fell in a swirl about her legs. "I am also curious. What manner of dance are ye betting on Daniel" For I know many." She could do a mean heel stomper or a gypsy seduction without missing a beat, but at the moment, she wasn't too sure she should hedge her bets. He had looked quite confident, so perhaps she should at least be prepared for a potential loss.

"I'll let you decide on that." He stated then held an arm out to her with another smile. "It's in the Arena, down that hall there. And," His head lowered letting his words fall nearer to her ear. "Not as loud as it is here."

Cieara simply wagged her auburn brows at her brother, then blew him a kiss that was soon followed by one of her wicked grins. He earned it, for the look he had sent was far less deadly then what she normal got from him.

"Oh Aye. Myri showed me this arena. Tis well stocked with many things. Some of which I nae even know." Kaelyn replied with another nod of her golden red head. She then rested her fingers on his forearm and stepped towards the doorway towards the hall, looking forward to the quiet there as well.

With one last look at his sister, he was wondering "Oh gods, what is she up to now?" But he fell into step beside Kaely and reached to take her hand before leading her towards the left and into the less lit and murkier area's of the keep.

Kaelyn gave his hand a light squeeze, as she let him lead her down into the quiet passage with a faint ringing in her ears as they had grown a bit used to the noise. "Ye will have to tell me what Dances ye know, for I have nae any idea what ye might like, should I lose that is."

"If this fails Delana, I swear here and now, I will buy him a whore for a night. Might loosen him up since he can be so darn stiff." Cieara snorted, watching the pair depart and knowing that her Slow brother wouldn't even try and steal a kiss or act any other way then a Goody Two shoes.

Delana was also watching, as Daniel and Kaely headed out, then looked at Cie quite serious. "Well, Cie, if it fails, you may need to look at getting him a guy."

Eyes going saucer wide, she gaped for a moment at Delana. "Say huh?" "Could that be possible?"

Sputtering for a moment, she gave an emphatic shake of her head with the curls springing about erratically. "It...no...He doesn't even like show tunes. He's messy and moody. Not a drama queen. He couldn't be, you know, like that." She was even unable to say it, for it simply couldn't be possible.

Delana shrugged once, then smiled at her new friend's expression. "Kaelyn's very pretty. So most would likely at least try."

"Lets leave them alone. If he doesn't try anything, then we worry. Instead, you come with me. I might have some things you can use." With another wicked grin as Cieara reached for Delana's arm and started pulling.

With a startled blink, and Delana found her self trailing after Cie again, this time to only Cie knows where.

Cieara led the girl right towards her own rooms, and muttered to herself as they passed down the long hallway. "Not that blue one, maybe that really dark red one I got that clashes with my hair. Yeah. That one. Might be a little small, but should fit decently, or with some minor tailoring."

"What was that?" Delana glanced over to Cie as she was being led down to another level of the place now. "I didn't quite hear that. My ears are still ringing from the noise upstairs."

"Oh don't worry." Cieara grinned back at Delana, and then moments later pushed open her door and dragged her inside. "This should be fun. Get you all decked out and ready to really kick some butt.?

Having woken earlier the following morning, Cieara went wandering about, looking for one of her parents within the vast keep she had grown up in, finally locating one and was heading towards the practice arena in the north wing.

The trim figure rested on one knee, with her dark head bent as if in prayer. Slow breath falling before the sudden shattering of the still quiet. Twenty-razor sharp disc all flew outwards from various directions at once and as if drawn, flew straight at the waiting woman.

Springing upwards, her feet spun about sending two of the deadly blades spiraling into the hard stonewall where they fell in shards to the floor. Even as she landed, her arms whipped up with amazing speed, sending three more flying off wildly. Like drunken little buzz saws one after the other was rendered harmless as she leapt and dodged with the ease of one carrying a well-honed skill.

The air hummed as more circled back, diving fast and sending their target rolling across the floor before they also dropped to lay in pieces, as a fast hand sent shards of another already broken outwards like deadly darts to cease their flight.

Still she moved, tumbling in an agile acrobatic display, she brought her feet down upon more, slamming them viciously into the floor then pirouetted right into the next maneuver without pausing even once.

To the young woman watching it was a stunning demonstration of talent she had been quite unaware of. Once it was completed, only a few drops of blood stained the sandy floor, leaving her mother breathing deeply and wiping at her damp brow with a dust coated hand. Around her feet lay the scattered remains of those surprisingly swift bladed circles but for the most part intact. "Are you alright Mum?"

Cieara asked as she came down the steps still in some awe, but also concerned.

"Aye. One got me, but tis" only minor enough." She responded as she gingerly fingered the slash marring a pale upper arm. "

"How many were there" I couldn't tell, as they all moved so fast it was mostly a blur."

"Oh that was about a dozen or so." Undaunted, she moved to take up a towel and started to wipe the sweat from her face, then turned her attention to the scratch. Taking out the salve from one of the cabinets and after a careful cleaning, used it to prevent infection. Around them, the room was quiet. It was early in the morning when few others were even about to take advantage of the arena and the work out gear supplied there. Hence why this was the time Fiona often used it, preferring the peace to crowds, plus her methods of training could bring harm to others.

"Does Daddy know you do that?" Wide eyed, even as she struggled to appear nonchalant, the diminutive auburn haired girl asked while leaning down to pick up one of the jagged pieces littering the arena floor.

"I nae think he does. He knows my methods are not conventional but I doubt he would approve of this." A faint smile touched rose pale lips. "Tis" a system used by the Order Cieara. Few know of it, and those that do and are not of Duihb, would call it insanity."

"Why is that?" She younger woman winced as a drop of blood rose up on the surface of her finger and she discovered just how deadly the flying discs were.

Dropping into a chair with a mug of spring water in hand, she peered over at her daughter and laughed low and soft. "Without proper training, such a technique of practice would leave one dead. Those sphere blades are immune to magic and can nae be turned off once activated. Many novices have lost limbs and more when attempting them without being properly prepared."

Fiona could feel her daughter's eyes on her and her gaze shifted to meet the questioning gaze with a slight lifting of a raven brow. "Would you teach me to do that Mum?"

There was hope in that question and excitement, which made Fiona's other brow, creep up to match the first. "Tis" a manner of practice that carries risk Cieara. If ye be thinking your father would nae like knowing I used it, I am sure discovering ye are, would be just as dangerous."

"That's not fair." The pout bloomed quickly on the younger woman's face as she spun around and stomped over to get herself some water.

"What do ye mean by that girl?" Startled, Fio could only stare in surprise at her child. "Daddy's working with Danny and helping him with his training same as you. So, what about me?" Huffing some, she dropped down next to her mother and glowered over at her.

"He's been using some of those moves on me also, and I don't think it's at all fair.?

A short time later, clad in a long black robe, Fiona settled into a seat across from her daughter and poured her self a cup of coffee before inspecting the array of food that had been brought. She could sense her daughter's impatience, as she was nearly vibrating with it, but until she was ready, the girl would simply have to wait.

Once her plate was filled with a variety of fruit and she was on her second cup, she glanced over at her Cieara. Surprisingly enough, her daughter had not said anything, but she watched every move Fiona made while wiggling in her seat. "Thank ye Cieara, for nae badgering me until my second cup."

"Oh sure Mum. I can wait a little longer." Her tone held that edge of expectancy as she grinned over, while toying with a bit of melon.

"Well, as I said. It was a long time ago." Fiona's ice green eyes glittered faintly for a moment and a smile tugged on her lips. "Ye father was a Holy Paladin at the time and quite deeply involved in various things for his Order. Yet, in the case with most "Good" organizations, jealousy and anger still breaths and one sought to have ye father removed from the game. I nae ever learned why, only that ye Grandfather received the contract and passed it along to me, for the location was unusual and better suited to my own talents. " A hand lifted, motioning about the room. "It was nae called Gharnholme then, but Raven's something. The name currently escapes me."

"So you didn't know Daddy then?" Cieara's eyes were wide and filled with interest. "Actually, I did know ye father quite well by then." Her smile was slightly cryptic for a moment, as she considered telling her daughter the entire story or just this one time. "So, ye already knew Daddy and were going to kill him anyway?"

"That be hard to explain I believe, however there was a number of things that led up to my coming here with that contract." For a moment, she wore a rather dark expression but it cleared as she glanced to Cieara and smiled faintly. "Perhaps I should explain this a bit more clearly eh?"

Nodding quickly, Cieara let her chin fall into her hand and listened with avid attention. "I met ye father a number of times prior to that one. Which I should add was the last time I saw him before he became a Death Knight, or what he is now. Back then, he was alive and only cursed by his beliefs." She paused, and then seemed to come to some sort of decision. "We were a most unlikely pair. Ye father with his holy sword and me, with my demonic nature. Nevertheless, we, over time became lovers. One of those quiet, very secretive affairs that none knew of. For if discovered, ye father would have been accused of being compromised, which I rather think he was anyway."

"But why is that Mum' You're not really evil. Dark maybe, but evil is something different."

"Ah, but to ye father's order, I was considered very dangerous. By my nature and ability alone, they viewed me personally as a serious threat. So, if the knowledge of our involvement had been discovered, he could have ended up in the gaol."

"That doesn't explain why you were going to kill him." Cieara stated with her nose crinkling.

"If ye would just let me talk, ye would find that out." A raven brow arching upwards at her daughter for a moment, then she continued. "By the time this contract passed into my hands, I was quite angry with ye father. He had broken off our affair so that he could wed another. One better suited to his beliefs and values." Her tone held a slight edge of ice with that memory.

"Wait a minute. You and Daddy were involved and having a torrid affair that he just broke off like that?" Cie snapped her fingers. "All so he could get hitched to some "Light' type?"

"Aye. That be what happened. At the time, I would have cheerfully cut his heart out and fed it to Garith." Frosty green eyes glittered with a hard cold edge, then faded as she smiled. "It was all rather dramatic but when one is young, everything holds that emotion."

Muttering a bit, Cieara just shook her head. "I would have killed him for that."

"Oh, I planned to. It was a very lucrative contract and as my own feelings were involved, I took it with some vague idea of revenge. Of course, it was one of my few failures." Fiona's rose pale lips twisting faintly.

"What happened then Mum?"

"Ah, I traveled to his keep along with two others of the Order. I knew ye father well enough to feel backup might be required.? Soon she was lost in memory, relating it to Cieara as it opened up in her mind. So vivid it could have been yesterday, but logically, she knew otherwise.

There, she quickly took notice of the lay of this chamber. Large tables littered with maps were spread, and one massive desk sat further back from them. Several chairs were placed near the fire that blazed with warmth, the flames licking the logs placed within hungrily. Only one was there at the moment, and totally unaware of her presence, but she knew the moment she left the darkness, he would know. The thought was almost satisfying but she still waited just a moment longer. Hidden eyes inspecting his face with a sense of sadness perhaps.

Soon he would be wed to another and she would be nothing more then one brief interlude. A mistake that was easily forgotten, or so the memory of that night when he had broken it off edged her thoughts, made her believe. That idea was just a tad bit galling, and hard for her take, but she would with a certain stoic acceptance. Her father always said she should never trust those claiming the "Light' as their way of life, and she knew just how right he was.

"Enough of this bit of dreaming" she thought, and quietly and with instinctive stealth, stepped clear from the black shade with one hand rising to draw the silk mask from her pale features. He instantly felt her and his head came up with a frown. "What are you doing here Fiona?" He appeared astonished that she had such nerve, but she knew before this night was ended, he would have far more concerns.

"Ah, nae happy to see me eh?" Lips twisting into a smirk, she drifted towards his desk and watched him rise instantly. "I thought it was understood that we couldn't see each other again. It's over for I am to be married in a few days." There was a tension in his face and voice she noticed, but didn't pause to consider the cause of that.

"Oh, did ye think I was coming here to revive what is already ashes" Nae, nae." The smile turned upon him now was icy cold and deadly with intent as she paused, resting a black gloved hand on the desktop.

"Then why have you come here?" She felt his anger now, and drew on it as she lightly perched on the edge of the desk.

"Ah, such curious questions ye have Lucius. Perhaps I shall answer them, then again, I might not." Garith hissed faintly at her side and received a gentle brushing of leather-covered fingers, but her gaze didn't shift from DeAuster's face.

"You need to leave Fiona. You are not welcome here as it simply isn't proper." Stuffy now as he pulled himself up to his full and impressive height in an effort to intimidate.

"Believe me, I shall leave soon enough. First however, there be something I need to do." From inside her leather vest, she yanked out the contract and tossed it on the pile already scattered on the laden desk. "I was given this, less then a fortnight ago."

He reached for it after giving her a suspicious look and unfolded the parchment; he then slowly dragged his eyes away from her to read what was within. "What is this" Is this some sick joke you seek to play on me?"

"Ah, hardly." She gave a soft but chilling laugh. "Payment for that be quite high, indeed, I could retire on what it will bring once the contract is fulfilled."

Those words brought his head up once more with a narrowing of gray eyes and he growled. "You mean you accepted this with the intent to assassinate me?" His incredulous tone brought another tight smile to her pale-lit features.

"Actually, I nae had much choice in the matter. However, it does hold a certain appeal, after all there nae be anything between us now that might stay my hand." Smirking, she slipped lightly to her feet watching him with predatory eyes. "What else would ye expect me to do?"

"I would expect you to turn it down." The growl was deepening now and she noticed his hand edging towards his belt.

"Ah, now why would I turn it down" Ye have already said I mean nothing to ye. Meaning, my actions here can nae be called personal." She was enjoying his noticeable discomfort and slowly planted her hands down in front of him and leaned. "Ye could always pay me not to kill ye here and now."

Ah, the sight of sudden outrage was delicious and he very nearly sputtered, looking for just a moment furious. "Pay you not to kill me" What makes you think I won't just kill you instead" I am hardly weak in this situation."

"That be true enough I am sure, but I can move faster then ye and ye know it." A raven brow rose upwards for a moment. "Give me one single reason why I shouldn't just kill ye were ye stand and collect a very large profit for it?"

Once she reached the far back wall and climbed over, she knew he hadn't alerted anyone about her having even been there. It was likely his shame or guilt she assumed over an act, he had been powerless to avoid.

By the time she reached her associates, she was still out of breath, discovering that she had to make distance to even use her abilities again, a fact she was certainly going to notify the Duibh Order about. Coming up next to them, she dragged a hand over her damp face, wiping away any evidence of her scattered emotions and nodded to them both in turn.

"Did ye finish the job Fiona?" Jordon asked as his sharp eyes caught sight of her damaged leathers.

"Nae. I was caught, then had to find a means of escape." She then gazed over at Gleelun.

"Be there any way ye can document those bloody wards" Those layers be a trap for our kind. I nae know how they did it either, but the others will need to be educated, and the Mage lords given a chance to find ways around them."

Gleelun's black eyes widened then he nodded and started removing items from his bag, preparing to take back the information for later dissection.

"Ye failed Fiona?" Jordon was wearing a look as his gaze moved over her, making her just a touch uncomfortable.

"Afraid so Jordon. I was caught in the act so to speak. I managed to escape but had to find a way out. The place be a maze of passages, so that took some time."

"I see. I nae think any will find fault, as ye have discovered something that holds far more dangers to us then failing to fulfill some "Lightie's" contract." He dropped a hand to her shoulder and gave it a fatherly squeeze then lowered his head to speak quietly into her ear. "Pull up the collar of ye shirt girl, there be a mark there that might draw questions ye may nae want to answer."

Instantly her hand moved, tugging the cloth up and then yanked some cord from her pocket and promptly tied it in place. She didn't fumble, just nodded to the man then started back towards the horses. Already feeling a cold empty chill filling her mind and body. Maybe later she would have time for sorrow, for now, she could only return to her home, determined she would never return to these lands again.

Fiona shook herself from the memories and gazed at her spellbound daughter before a gentle smile touched her pale features. "So now ye know about a time that I failed."

"That was"...Amazing Mum!" She was still enthralled by the tale and her light green eyes just glowed. "Why, Daddy ravished you! That's so exciting!" She was apparently romanticizing the entire tale now, a fact that Fio didn't think would hurt.

"Well, ye could say that I believe." Low laughter fell as she took up her coffee and sipped. "Of course it was many years before we met again. He had been killed shortly after that occurred and returned as a Death Knight."

"What happened to that Lord that tried to have him killed?" A curious lifting of her head and Cie brushed at a few curls falling into her eyes.

"I believe he was killed Cieara. How and by who I could nae tell ye. That likely be a story for ye father to share. Once I left, I nae returned until after reuniting with him, and paid little mind to news that came from here."

"I for one am glad you and Daddy did get back together, or Danny and I wouldn't be here now." The impish smile danced over the young woman's face and made Fiona laugh.

"That be true." Her tone held a wealth of tolerance, as Cie just grinned back at her.

"Did you ever find anyone else other then Daddy Mum?" That sudden question taking Fiona off guard for a moment and a raven brow rose upwards.

"Nae. I didn't. For once I returned home, I set about learning how to control that side of my nature Cieara. I locked it up behind ice and left it there. Many tried to get past it, but none managed. I was rather unemotional then." A faint smile, remembering the Helston's efforts having been an utter failure." It would seem however, that ye father still managed to break through those defenses in the end."

Sighing with another dreamy smile, Cie just gazed at her mother. "That's really is so romantic Mum."

"Aye, perhaps the story is, but it was nae an easy thing later. Old pain can be a difficult hurdle to overcome. Needless to say, ye father and I have gone through many times, both good and bad and have survived."

Cie was already moving to her feet with a grin. "Oh that I know Mum. I expect that it wasn't easy, but I am still really glad you're my parents." She then dropped a kiss to her mother's head and raced from the room, now in search of her father with the intent to get "His" side of that tale her mother had spun.

The Fall

Throw away my dreams This fight for my life isn't getting behind me And I've been told to scream Where no one can hear me, it doesn't mean nothing

So make me believe Just take me away from this hell I've created And I'm afraid I'm breaking my own vows knowing I'll go down in flames

"Make Me Believe" Godsmack Faceless

"Lord DeAuster, the guests are beginning to arrive." The soft voice behind him slowly brought Lucius around to face the page who had spoken. After a second's pause, he turned back to look out the battlements of the keep.

"Make them welcome, Derrus. I shall be down shortly." He didn't see the half-bow the young page made, engrossed as he was in his contemplation of the sunrise. Pennants fluttered from every battlement of Ravensfast, competing with the garish display in the courtyard and field beyond. Guests were already starting to arrive in the early morning, and carriages were slowly being lined by pages wearing the brown-on-russet colors of the church of Leorne. Personal banners shifted in the light breeze from each carriage, a testament of the personage borne within. Many had made this journey, for his marriage to Sapphire.

A part inside him was screaming that he should be happy on this occasion. Tomorrow he was to be wed, a joyous event by any means. Yet, as the weeks had passed, his mood had grown more somber, even foul at times. While neither Sapphire nor most of the staff had noticed, as he went to great pains to project the expected demeanor, his closest confidants, the knights that had been with him for the past years, could tell something was bothering their sword-liege.

Nerves, they told themselves. While Lucius had faced hordes, giants and worse, this was a whole new battle. Not even they suspected the truth.

Lucius had lost his powers. He knew it that night, as he had stood from this very battlement. He had committed one of the greatest of crimes of his church, with his relationship with the assassin Fiona. He had compounded that crime by his forcing himself on her days past. The scale was unbalanced, and Leorne had stripped the paladin of his powers. Thus far he had managed to keep the fact hidden, but it was only a matter of time until the truth was known. Then, he would face the Inquisition of the Ordo Malleous.

It was a judgement he deserved. In all likelihood, he would be judged irrevocably tainted, and then would come the Ogre's Choice; death by the pyre, or accept a quest that would most likely prove his undoing, in the hopes of regaining his honor and standing. In truth, Lucius did not know what choice he would make. But then, perhaps Leorne would give him a quest of his own. It WAS possible, but as yet his god had not answered his devotionals.

Shaking away the morose thoughts, Lucius turned and strode to the doors leading downward from the battlements. He thought to make for the kitchen to get a bite to eat, but a soft voice stopped him.

"Lucius, may I have a word?" From a side passage his betrothed stepped into view. As always, her long blonde hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail, tied with a powder-blue bow that matched her gown. Sapphire was a paladin like himself, and their union was strongly encouraged by the church. He cared for her, as she did him, but now, the dark thoughts wondered at how much"

"Yes, Sapphire?" He stepped toward her, to wrap an arm around her, but she quickly pulled back. The rites, he thought, almost bitterly. The last week of the engagement was being held by the old rites, one of which meant no touching in any way by the couple.

"Janiece is having trouble placing Sir Stavrous at the main table." She smiled sweetly, knowing his dislike for the rites, and seemed to enjoy torturing him. "Perhaps you have a suggestion?"

"Tell her to set him with Herzog and the others." He replied without preamble. "That way, the knights can swap warstories all night, and keep themselves entertained." Sapphire nodded in agreement.

"That should work. Thank you, my love." She paused, and then stepped closer, reaching out a hand to almost touch his chin. Her voice lowered slightly, "Will you be sleeping in your study again?"

"Yes." His eyes betrayed nothing to her, and a small smile came. "The rites dictate we sleep apart. And, the sofa is comfortable."

"I know. But it's only for one more night.? Lowering her hand, she swiftly turned and moved down the passage, disappearing around a corner before Lucius turned to make his own way down toward his study. Neither saw the page step out of the doorway that led to the kitchens, glancing first after one, then the other.

I hear you callin, voices are hear again I hear you whisper, taking control of me Watch the dancing shadows run away All alone once again, afraid

All these faces, changing their shapes on me I said laid it in my own world, will it ever be free" Haunted figures around me, i want them to stay There always there to protect me, this is one thing you can't take away

"Voices" Godsmack Other Side

Night lay heavy on the valley before all had gone to their chambers for the evening. Sapphire had hosted a small gathering of the ladies, using the opportunity to show her wedding gown. There had been many murmurs as she drew it out from the closet, lamplight gleaming from the many pearls embroidered on the silk. Her husband would love to see her in that, they said over glasses of wine. When asked about the price of the gown, Sapphire just smiled and turned to put it away.

For his part, Lucius had stayed near the barracks, swapping stories and drinking ale with the knights there. A few, like Herzog, had served with Lucius during the Scouring, others were newly arrived. He enjoyed the evening, his mood lightening for a time. Now, albeit a tad unsteady, the paladin lord made his way into the central keep, heading toward his study. He failed to see the shadowy figure pacing easily behind him, or he might have wondered why one of the pages was up and about. As it was, his meandering path led him before long to the living chambers on the second floor, to stand, with a hand propped against the wall, before the door to his bedchamber.

The door swung open silently on well-oiled hinges, and he took a step inside. Narrowed eyes found the bed immediately, and the sleeping form of Sapphire. Honey-blond hair spread across the pillows, the light cover rising and falling with her slow breathing. Lucius moved silently across, standing beside the bed and staring down at his fianc". So beautiful, the little voice nagged at the back of his skull. So warm, so fragile. How easy it would be to break her. Lucius gritted his teeth, his eyes closing as he fought to still the voice, but it would not let up.

You long for her, to feel her flesh. To taste her. Unbidden, fingers flexing as if fighting the move, his hand came down to softly pull back the coverlet. Sapphire shifted slightly in her sleep, half-turning away from the eyes of her betrothed, then settled again. He studied her sleeping form, his gaze moving from her face down along the hollow of her neck, to the gentle swell of her breasts, capped by soft pink nipples easily visible through the diaphanous gown. Further down the pale shadow of her mound lay open to him, and again his fingers flexed.

So easy it would be, to make her yours. Silky-soft, it was almost as though someone was whispering into his ear. You've done it before, and she cannot resist or stop you.

"No?"he growled low, turning toward the door and quickly leaving the chambers. Once outside and down the hall he paused, catching his breath, before he started off again down the darkened halls. Again, a shadow flitted behind him, pacing him until he entered the lower level, near his study. Lucius rounded a corner, leaving the view of his pursuer. The figure sought to catch up, and rounding a corner, saw a door closing fast. A gloved hand slapped against the door just as it banged shut, and the soft click of a bolt drawing into place was easily heard. Slapping the granite walls in frustration, the figure melted away again.

Turning away from the door, Lucius made his way to the small serving tray, grabbing up a bottle of rum and pulling the stopper. He didn't bother with a glass, but upended the bottle taking several deep pulls before he lowered the bottle. Sighing, he sank into the folds of the sofa, feet spread before him. Cradling the bottle almost as one would a child, he sank into alcohol-tainted memories.

The image of a raven-haired half-elf swam up unbidden, as it had every night for weeks. He could still feel her skin, clammy from being under the leathers, as he had ripped them aside. Bleary eyes moved to the desk, where he had forced his sexual need on Fiona that night. While they had made love many times before, that night he had been filled with a primal lust he hadn't felt before or since. Closing his eyes, he saw her face, looking at him from the doorway as she turned back, holding the leather jerkin in place. Her look had almost been one of pity.

Pity, you weak fool! The voice was louder, more insistent this time. She pitied you and your frail morality. "I betrayed anything we had, that night?" His words echoed low in the room, as Lucius barely knew he was speaking. You think you are the first to fall victim to your lusts" You are arrogant, and a fool. "Yeah, and look where it's gotten me."

Yes, a mere shell of a man, all alone in the world. Had Lucius remembered the words later, he would have sworn the voice held an edge of maniacal glee. Slowly toppling into a pit of self-pity. My, my, how the mighty have fallen.

Taking another deep pull of the rum, he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, looking at nowhere in particular in the room. "No, not yet." He whispered, and it sounded to his sotted mind he was trying to convince himself. Think about it, fallen one". As unconsciousness finally claimed him, a soft sinister laughter filled his thoughts, troubling the dreams that again came unbidden.

The fresh air did nothing to alleviate his growing anxiety, however. In fact, it seemed to grow worse. Lucius massaged his chest slowly for a moment, then nearly doubled over as sharp, agonizing pain suddenly shot through his entire being. He crashed down to one knee, grasping the granite crenellation with his free hand as he gasped for breath. "Sir!" The forgotten page, which some small part of his mind now identified as the young Derrus, was beside him in a second, his hands pulling at Lucius's shoulders to steady him. "Sir! What is it!"

"Go"..get .Harran?" Lucius managed to grunt between the blinding waves of pain blossoming in his chest. Derrus paused, obviously torn, but duty won out, and he raced back down the stairs, screaming for the seneschal, for anyone to come help. The warrior had almost regained his feet when another wave of intense pain seized him, and he toppled over, landing face-first on the stone.

Fighting to breathe, Lucius tried to drag himself at least to his knees, but his muscles refused to obey. It was all he could do just to draw the next ragged breath. An eternity of a second passed, lengthening into a minute, then two. Then, a shadow, and a hand grasped his shoulder to roll him over. The paralyzed paladin found himself staring into the eyes of the acolyte who had brought him the sacrament earlier.

"Interesting. You should have been long dead in your study." Glacial eyes looked down as he performed a clinical check for a pulse. "Your constitution is stronger than I thought." The acolyte leaned closer, taking Lucius" tunic and hauling him to a sitting position. "In case you're curious, you are suffering the effects of Akailis nectar." Still kneeling beside Lucius, he draped an arm around the other's shoulders, as one would a close friend. "It shuts down the body, a bit at the time. Painless, or so I'm told. And, an added bonus, it's nearly untraceable."

Nothing would move, but the anger radiating off him was almost palatable, as the other laughed low. "Do not hate me, as I'm merely the tool for my lord and master." He leaned close, as if to impart a secret. "Lord Glashion had a last message for you." His eyes narrowed, even as he broke a small smile. "Never get in the way of your betters."

Shouts from below caught his attention, and he quickly rose to his feet, giving Lucius a last pat on the head, as one would a favored pet, then disappeared down the battlement's walkway. Slowly, fighting the fire burning in his chest, Lucius brought a trembling hand up, attempting to grasp the stone to haul himself to his feet. He could still hear mocking laughter, but it wasn't until the soft words came that he realized it wasn't the assassin.

Struck down by an insignificant insect. Such a ignoble end to the truly pious"The scorn in that voice brought a inarticulate growl from Lucius, and a renewed attempt to lever himself up. Good, Good"there is still fight in you. A hint of self-satisfaction crept into the voice now, and it sent a shudder down his spine. You may be worth salvation; may be worthy to be granted a chance of revenge. But, you must first prove your worthiness to me. Lucius heard, as if from a great distance, the sound of running feet and dimly was aware of several men surrounding him. He almost seemed to be floating, and a small detached portion of his mind told him he was being lifted up. You wish to know how to do this" The voice was answering, knowing the unspoken questions, for his thoughts were jumbled, and beginning to fade.

Merely speak the word, and I shall be there. So simple, even as things were going dark around him. His knights were bearing him back into the castle, away from the sunlit battlements, while the young page raced ahead, calling for the healers. NO! You must speak it! If you cannot summon strength enough to answer me, then you are not worth my time. Speak it!

Herzog paused suddenly, as the group reached the bottom of the stairs. "Quiet!" he almost yelled in reply to the startled queries of the other knights. They instantly obeyed, holding the body of their lord steady as the senior knight bent over, turning an ear toward his master. Again, faintly, came the soft whisper of breath, and Herzog rose again, looking to the others in puzzlement as he tried to make sense of what he had heard.

"...yes".."

With a sickly thud the man slipped from the saddle and crashed to the ground. His horse, free of control, continued to run for some yards before slowing to a stop. The courier struggled to get to his feet, only to fall back to the ground with a low moan. He didn't see the form step wraithlike from the trees and ghost over to kneel beside him. Steel flashed in the pale moonlight, and with a gurgle the courier knew no more.

His assailant gripped the now lifeless shoulders and dragged him off the small road into the woods, stopping only when the road had faded from sight through the trees. Kneeling beside the corpse, he quickly drew out the rolled up parchment from the man's vest and broke the seal. Using a stray moonbeam he quickly read the missive before rolling it back again. "We'll just keep this to ourselves, won't we?" he said with a laugh to the corpse, and then quickly set about burying it in a shallow grave. Another moment, and a thin wire that he had stretched across the road, chest level to a rider, was collected. The horse, after a careful check, was unsaddled and let loose. He wasn't too concerned about it, as the beast bore no brands or distinguishing markings. After burying the saddle across the road from the body, he retrieved his own mount and started down the road back toward the keep.

Calmly riding past the sleepy guards at the gatehouse, he dismounted at the doors leading to the main hall, shoving the reigns into the waiting hand of a page as he moved by. Light footfalls barely echoed in the silent corridors as he quickly made for the study, where he knew Glashion would be. Ignoring all protocols he opened the door and stepped in, a boot kicking the heavy door closed before he moved to the desk to toss the parchment to its surface.

Glashion looked up, irritation clearly evident on his features. "Next time, knock first." Taking up the parchment, he quickly scanned its contents, his irritation turning to anger as he reread the bold script. "Damn him!"

"I warned you he would be a problem." Glashion's companion had walked over to the bar and was pouring himself a drink. "You should have let me deal with him."

"And bring the scrutiny of the Malleus on us?" Glashion retorted, tossing the parchment back to his desk. "Use your brain for a minute, Corbane. DeAuster's death could be explained away. Had his chief knight passed on at the same time, questions would have been raised."

Corbane simply laughed as he set the bottle aside, then took up his glass and moved to a chair to plop down, a leg resting over one of the armrest. "Well, now you have to deal with him." He paused, taking a long sip of the rich ale, eyes glinting in the firelight.

"I know that." Glashion sat back down behind the desk, his fingers pressing together before him. "I've already planned on sending Herzog and his followers into the mountains, charged with dealing with the orc-raiders." A thin smile grew as he considered the plan. "I doubt even such lauded knights can handle the raiders without"complications." Corbane shifted, a sinister grin breaking across his features.

"Let the orcs know they are coming, and pay them in gold from the coffers." The killer enjoyed the look of distaste that came to his employer's features. He knew Glashion hated to part with any of his fortune without need, and so the emotional dagger was dug deeper. "Use coin from DeAuster's treasury. It would be the perfect slap at his memory." Glashion thought on this a moment, then nodded.

"See to it, Corbane." He waited until his hired killer had drained his ale and stood to leave before continuing. "No mistakes. Do it quietly, and do it right."

"Hey, it's me!? A wide grin split Corbane's features, and he swept into a mocking bow before the door. Laughing, he slipped out of the study, leaving Glashion to ponder the threads of possible futures. He personally cared not about such weighty things, his concerns dwelled on the more immediate. Especially when it came to matters of gold and his moneypouch.

What he saw stopped him cold in his tracks. The holding pen had been transformed; several racks and benches now lined the walls, and a new fire pit now dominated the central portion of the room. Strapped to two of the racks were a young man and woman, their dirty-blonde hair and tribal tattoo's showing their Northras heritage. The male slumped in his bonds unconscious; the young woman struggled against the binding manacles as two robed men approached her. Any cries were muffled by the gag forced into her mouth, but her eyes were wide with fear.

"Ah, Sir Herzog. It is good to see you returned." The slick words brought Herzog about, as Glashion stepped forward from the shadowy corner. His smile infuriated the knight, who found himself having to restrain the urge to strike the cleric. "By standing there, I will assume you were successful?"

Reaching into the bag he carried, Herzog drew out its content and tossed it at Glashion, who hopped back as it plopped at his feet, eyes widened in distaste at the sight of the severed orc-head. "The raiders will no longer be a problem." He kept his features impassive, refusing to let Glashion privy to his feelings.

"Good, good?" Stepping away from the gruesome trophy the high priest approached the racks, where the cowled acolytes were stripping away the girl's shift. "The goblinoids should get the message, and leave our good people alone." He turned back to the stony-faced Herzog. "You have done well, Sir Herzog. I am very pleased."

"What about the Northras?" Herzog asked, refusing to look at the girl's debasement, keeping cold blue eyes on Glashion. "They haven't raided the lowlands in years."

"We sent a missionary to the camp these two are part of." Raising a hand, Glashion took the girls chin and slowly turned her head, as if inspecting a fruit.

"They were unreceptive to him, and when we sent a second mission, the village had disappeared."

"Meaning you tried to convert them, they killed the missionary, and you sent a military force to destroy them." Herzog couldn't keep the trace of disgust from creeping into his voice, and Glashion turned to face him.

"The barbarians will learn civility, or they will be destroyed." He stated flatly, his narrowed eyes boring into the knight's. "Blessed Leorn has decreed this, and his will be done." When Herzog didn't react, he turned back to the rack. "One way or another, they will be taught. This girl will tell us where they are hiding."

Herzog snorted, and leaned close to the Arch-prelate. "Tell me, Lord Glashion, how will she do that gagged?" He didn't bother to wait for a reply, spinning on his heel and storming from the holding pens, slamming the door behind him.

—————

Later, after making certain their barracks was secure, Herzog related his meeting with Glashion to the others. Their expressions told him that the other knights were just as stunned as he had been. "A torture chamber?" Gauth asked, incredulous. When Herzog nodded, he whistled low. "This is bad. Very bad."

"No kidding!" Solon shook his head, still trying to comprehend what his commander had related. The other more experienced men looked at one another, until Neville slowly leaned forward, an elbow resting on the table.

"Those men you asked me about arrived two weeks ago from Cisroe." His dark eyes glittered in the torchlight as he looked at Herzog. "They are not part of the Militant."

"Mercenaries?" Herzog's eyes narrowed slightly as he considered the possibility.

"Perhaps, but two wore bracers etched with the Urevan family symbol." This was another piece of the growing confusion of the puzzle. The Urevan's were one of the ruling noble families of Cisroe, and it was said that the Lord Urevan had dreams of empire. The knight did not like where his thoughts were moving, and apparently Neville picked up on his uneasiness. "What do we do now?"

Herzog was silent for long moments, and then finally sighed. "Start getting your things together. Take what you wish to keep, but keep it light."

"We're leaving?" Solon asked in surprise as Herzog stood.

"I've not received a reply from the Council. And after what I saw this afternoon?" He paused, glancing out the window, trying to see the future in the dark there. ?"I cannot serve this lord. I will petition the council personally to investigate Lord Glashion." The others had also risen, and Neville now stepped forward, settling a hand on his friend's shoulder.

"We're with you, old friend." The others nodded in agreement, and finally Herzog smiled slightly.

"Thank you." He bowed his head to them, then clasped Neville's arm. "Now hurry. We may not have much time." He turned to move to the door.

"Where are you going?" Bran rumbled, as Herzog prepared to leave.

"To say goodbye to another old friend."

Your life is fading to death When gates are open you'll pass You are alone outside your shell The astral landscapes awaits

A discovery of the secrets of life You'll reach through the skies Your eyes can see a world in the beyond The world of the demised

Symphony of the Dead Therion A"arab Zaraq Lucid Dreaming

"This cannot be!" Feeling his hold on sanity slipping Herzog stepped into the room, not even realizing he shut the door behind him. "I saw you die! I was there!"

"Yes, I died!" A low snarl rumbled from Lucius, a hand clenching into a fist. "Poisoned, by an assassin." He made no move toward Herzog, and the knight lowered his sword from its ready position. He remained still for a long second, then," How long?"

"Almost three months, my lord." Herzog couldn't tell how Lucius took the news, for the other's face remained locked in an unreadable mask. He digested this information for a silent moment, while Herzog stood frozen, unable to bring himself to move.

"The acolyte that brought me my sacrament on the wedding day was the one that poisoned me." He finally growled to Herzog, slowly walking around the table, stepping over the body lying before it. Herzog's eyes went to the corpse for a second, then moved back to Lucius. "Tell me, is he still here?"

"My lord, I haven't seen that?" the knight trailed off, dawning realization coming at last. "That's where I've seen him before!" Herzog mentally kicked himself for being a blind fool. Lucius watched him, eyes shining in the gloom of the room.

"What are you talking about?" The gravelly voice brought him back to the here and now, and he took a step back from the undead creature. His instincts told him to attack, as this could not be the man he had served, but another part reminded him that this was the man whom he had sworn himself to serve. And that part of himself, along with everything he had seen today, brought the words forward.

"That acolyte disappeared, lord, but he reappeared a week later, and was introduced as Lord Glashion's seneschal Corbane." That brought another growl from DeAuster.

"Glashion?" The undead being continued to mutter to himself as he slowly paced, much as he did in life. Again, Herzog had to wonder what was stopping him from attacking his former lord, and was surprised to realize he was actually glad to see Lucius again. "He was the one who ordered my death, Herzog." Spinning on a heel, he paced back around the table, the heavy tread making no sound in the quiet sepulcher. The living paladin could feel a deathly chill flowing from DeAuster, almost like a living blanket of cold. That blanket swirled, as he jerked a look toward Herzog. "Wait. You said he arrived?"

"Yes, my lord." Though reluctant to continue, from a nagging fear of angering DeAuster now, his loyalty loosened Herzog's tongue. "Glashion was proclaimed lord of Ravensfast a week after the burials." After what Lucius had just told him, he refused to use the cleric's title. That was earned, and in the paladin's eyes, Glashion had sunk to the lowest of the low.

"That's impossible!" Hands clenching, DeAuster paused in his pacing to glare at the paladin. "The laws would give Sapphire my name and title to this place." As each had signed and endorsed the necessary papers in front of the Arch-Cardinal weeks before the date of their intended nuptials; Sapphire would have been entitled to receive the DeAuster name and Lucius's properties, as his widow.

"My lord?" Herzog said softly, not exactly sure on how to tell his news, and then decided on the direct approach. He began again, his voice stronger this time as he stared into DeAuster's gaunt face. "My lord, the Lady Sapphire took her life the day you were interred." He vividly remembered the shock and dismay when she had been found lying across Lucius" crypt, hands clutching the hilt of her dagger where it was still buried in her chest. A stabbing pain ran through his soul at the memory, and he couldn't guess at what the other was feeling.

Slowly, as if fighting himself, the undead paladin lord turned his head to look at the other sepulcher. The cold flowing around Herzog seemed to diminish as Lucius moved toward it, a gloved hand rising to gently run across the stone. He stood silent for some moments, a dark statue in the dark, before an unearthly howl of anguish and anger erupted from him, echoing off the walls and forcing a wince from Herzog, his free hand coming to cover an ear in pain.

Whirling, Lucius immediately started for the door, and the knight hurriedly stepped back, his sword rising again to the ready position. Lucius abruptly stopped in mid-step, eyes shining like twin stars in the dim light as he fixed Herzog with his stare. His words chilled Herzog to the core, both with the timbre, and the content. "Herzog, take your men and leave this place. Leave now, and do not look back." It took a moment for the words to register in Herzogs consciousness, already on near-overload from the afternoon's events.

He should leave. He should attack this abomination. He should warn the Council of the events unfolding here. The paladin was fighting a war within himself, his sword tip dipping as the weight of the betrayal he had witnessed. And that firmed his decision. "No."

"No?" Lucius drew up to his full height, staring at Herzog for a long moment, giving the impression that he was staring deep into his soul. "Do you understand what is going to happen here?" His low voice bore into Herzog, sending another chill down his spine. "When I am done, nothing will be left alive." He stepped closer, the preternatural cold surrounding him washing over the paladin. "You have served me as a knight, and as a friend. I owe you this. Leave now, get your men out."

"My lord, I swore myself to your service years ago. I will not back out of that oath now." A soft hiss accompanied the sheathing of his sword, and Herzog bent to one knee before Lucius. "I am yours to command."

Bowing his head, Herzog waited. Inside, he felt a cold chill washing through him and the buzzing in his head abruptly faded. That could only mean one thing, and the knowledge of his actions brought another shiver, this time a fear of the unknown. "If you do this, you will be treading a path of eternal damnation." Lucius moved to stand next to him, his voice lowering to almost a whisper. "There will be no turning back."

"After what I have seen, after witnessing our "god" allowing the sins of his priests to continue, I welcome it." There was vehemence in his voice that surprised him, and a welling rage beating in his chest. He wrapped himself around that, letting it flow through him. Lucius seemed to sense the change, as he brought a hand to rest on Herzog's shoulder, bringing a gasp as the icy touch burned through clothing and armor.

"Then rise, Herzog." The knight rose, clasping Lucius's hand in his own, ignoring the pain of that grip as they clasped hands. "Now, this is what I want you to do?"

Let the bodies hit the floor (x4)

Beaten why for Can't take much more

(bridge) One - Nothing wrong with me Two - Nothing wrong with me Three - Nothing wrong with me Four - Nothing wrong with me One - Something's got to give Two - Something's got to give Three - Something's got to give Now

(chorus) Let the bodies hit the floor (x6)

Push me again This is the end

(bridge) (chorus)

Skin against skin blood and bone You're all by yourself but you're not alone You wanted in now you're here Driven by hate consumed by fear

Let the bodies hit the floor (x4)

(bridge) (chorus)

Bodies Drowning Pool Sinner

The guard at the head of the stairs nodded once, sleepily, to the six knights as they filed out of the door leading to the chapel's inner cloisters, and disappeared into the corridors of the keep. Settling back again, he relaxed again, eyes drooping with fatigue as the night bore on. In truth, he enjoyed this duty, for he was able to snatch bits of sleep in the quiet chapel, as few came there at night. He had almost fallen asleep when the door to the cloisters flew open, and he blinked into the darkness, taking a tighter hold of his spear. "Who's there?" he asked, stepping forward to peer into the dark doorway. When none answered he shrugged, closing the door and turning back toward his chair, only to run into someone standing right behind him.

?"Ey now, wha.." His question choked off as a hand closed about his throat and lifted him from the floor. The spear was dropped as he clutched at his throat, futilely clawing at the steel grip that had choked off his breath. As his air failed the guard sagged, and the sound of breaking bones echoed in the chapel as his neck was cracked. The body was dropped unceremoniously to the floor, and his killer stepped over him, moving deeper into the chapel's living area.

Five acolytes and one cleric lay sleeping in small cells, and each was dispatched quickly and quietly with a quick snapping of the neck. After the last was done, the bodies were piled in the chapel alongside that of the slain guard. Nodding to himself, DeAuster raised a hand, and began to intone words of power, bending over each corpse long enough to touch its forehead, stepping back as the last was done. In a moment, a dark smile crossed his features as the corpses jerked, and then stiffly gaining their feet, vacant eyes fixed on him. "Kill the servants." He ordered, pointing toward the front doors and, as one, the zombies turned and shambled out of the chapel.

Stepping back into the shadows of a column, DeAuster faded from sight, stepping back into view from a shadowy alcove in the military barracks, startling the two guards sitting near the door. Even as they stood with startled cries his fist lashed out, catching one in the nose and driving his head back against the stone wall, a bloody smear was left on the grey brick as the guard slumped to the floor. The other was grabbed by his tunic and slammed against the wall, then the low-lying ceiling of the alcove, then to the wall again in quick succession, before being sent flying through the door. A rain of splinters fell across the men sleeping nearest the door, and one tumbled to the floor as the body of his comrade slammed into his bed.

Roused from sleep, the guards blinked in confusion at the dark form filling the doorway for a short pause, then started scrambling for their weapons. The nearest two were quickly killed by powerful clubbing blows, the next managing one swing that was caught on a glittering blade and batted away. As he spun away, DeAuster pointed toward the center of the room and the crowd that was starting to come around their beds to attack, calling forth a small red ball that flashed across the empty space with a thought. A couple, recognizing the spell, cried out in alarm and tried to dodge as the small ball exploded into a roar of flame. The few that escaped the conflagration by ducking or through sheer luck was met with flashing steel.

**********

Herzog winced as the windows of the bunkhouse exploded outward in flames, and looked back toward Neville. The other looked at him impassively, and then nodded slowly, drawing the senior knight's attention to the main keep, where two scullery maids had run out the doors in a panic. Seeing the small group of knights clustered near the gates they bolted across the yard, screaming about "priests killing the servants".

Reaching the knights, they sought to hide behind the men. Neither in their fear noticed the slumped forms in the darkness under the arches, or the bloody blades each held. Bran and Gauth moved around behind the women, and in a swift movement, their screaming ceased. "We're damned." Solon muttered, looking over to his commander.

"You knew the price." Neville said quietly, as Herzog continued to watch the burning barracks. "We were damned the day our liege-lord died."

Herzog silently agreed, listening to the cries coming from the second floor of the barracks. Apparently several were trapped on the second floor by the flames, and several were attempting to get out through the narrow windows. The door to the barracks was open, and several men shuffled out, to wait for the ones making their escape. However, as each dropped to the ground he was set upon and literally torn apart. Some of the zombies headed for the doors to the keep, disappearing inside.

Yes, we are indeed damned.

**********

Derrus cowered behind a small dresser with his hands covering his ears, in a vain attempt to block out the screams around him. Three of the priests had entered the page's room and begun to kill each youth in turn, and only the panicked outcry from one of the boys woken by the dry snapping of bones had alerted the young men to their danger. Unfortunately the priests were blocking the way out of the room, catching the boys as they tried to escape and bodily tossing them into the walls or onto the floor.

The young man cringed as one of the priests glanced his way, and then shambled past his hiding place, chasing down the last of the page's as he tried to escape out a window. Ignoring the other's cries of pain as he was dragged back in, Derrus bolted from the dresser and ran for the door.

As he came around the frame of the door he slammed into something hard, and fell backwards into the room with a hiss of pain. Young eyes bugged in terror as a hand reached down and hauled him up by his tunic, to dangle several feet from the floor as he stared into a set of red-glowing orbs. Those eyes, in return, narrowed slightly as they studied him, and then he was slowly lowered to his feet. Derrus made no sound, terrified at the visage of the dead lord of Ravensfast, somehow returned.

The figure extended an arm, and a finger brushed the quailing youth's forehead, bringing a hissed cry of pain as frigid cold penetrated his being. "Go now." The figure pointed toward the front doors. "Run as hard as you can, and do not return." Derrus needed no other prodding, scrambling away and bolting to the door. He slid to a stop as two guardsmen entered the keep, immediately turning to reach for him. He started backward, tripped over a small table near the door, and tried to crawl as the slack-faced guardsmen chased him. Hands drawn into grasping claws were about to close on his leg, then suddenly stopped. Derrus could only watch as, slowly, the zombies straightened, and then turned to move deeper into the keep.

The young man staggered out of the keep, his heart pounding at his near escape, and moved in a daze toward the main gate. He barely noticed a group of armored men there, or how two made to grab him, only to be stopped by the outstretched arm of a third. And he did not notice the hard eyes of that one as he watched Derrus move slowly up the road and around the bend.

Leaning forward, Corbane forced Lucius to bend still farther toward the floor. "Did you know she was still a virgin?" he asked with a low chuckle, not able to resist taunting the other more. He didn't hear the soft click that came from below him, so intent he was with his needling. "Well, at least she died a woman, knowing what a true man?" the last was choked off as Lucius" arm snapped upward, gleaming blades from his gauntlets slamming into Corbane's chest. The other arm followed, grabbing his head and flipping him over Lucius" shoulder to land hard on his back, blood erupting from his mouth and the wounds in his chest.

That hand rose, to slam down below the wounds, then again, each punctuated by the snapping of ribs. Droplets of blood splattered the wall as Lucius drew back, and then slashed down along Corbane's leg, slicing through muscle and tendon to the bone. Gagging in pain, Corbane could only watch as Lucius stood slowly, reaching back to draw the dirk that still protruded from his neck and toss it to the side. "I'll be back for you, assassin. We still have unfinished business."

. Turning, Lucius moved to the passage he had seen Glashion take, and took the steps up two at a time as he chased the cleric. The passage up exited through an archway, and Lucius found himself standing in the same spot where he had collapsed those months past. Tonight though, the view of the moon was obscured by roiling smoke from the fires engulfing the keep, and screams filled the air from both those trying to fight the fire and the dying. It gave him a grim satisfaction as he stood there, watching what he had built in life crumble.

Leaving that tableau, the deathknight glanced left, then right along the battlements, searching for his quarry. In particular he studied the ways toward the gates, guessing that the noble would attempt to escape, as he realized that the keep was lost. A small part of his mind noted that he was able to see as if under a midday sun, another of the marked changes he had endured.

There! Glashion was running along the battlement, heading for the crosswalk that led to the gatehouse. Grinning ferally, Lucius stepped back through the archway, and stepped out of the crenellation's shadow in front of the cleric, who skidded to a stop in terror. "Vladimir Glashion, it is time to answer for your crimes."

Glashion shrank back, holding a hand up as if to ward him away. "Begone, foul one!" He cried out, summoning the power of Leorn in an attempt to drive him off. Lucius felt a strange tingle build around him, but with a snarl shrugged it off and started forward again. Glashion backed away, a trembling hand gripping the holy symbol hanging around his neck, holding it up as though it was a shield. "BEGONE!" Though he intended it to be filled with authority, his voice sounded timid, quaking as he was.

"Your god no longer controls me, Glashion." As he approached the cleric Lucius" face was lit by the fires below, finally allowing Glashion to recognize him, and that recognition froze him in place.

"You're dead. You're dead!" He kept repeating, shivering uncontrollably at the chilled aura that surrounded the deathknight. "I buried you!"

"You tried." Crimson gaze boring into Glashion's fear-widened eyes, Lucius" lips pulled back into a snarl. "And now, it's my turn." Reaching out, he grabbed the priest's shoulder and pulled him close. The icy grip broke the paralyzing terror that had settled on Glashion, and he beat his fists against the armored arm. Lucius ignored the attempts to force him away, dragging Glashion to the crenellation and forcing him to look into the yard below.

"Remember this, on your way to hell, Glashion?" Ignoring the terrified sounds the other was making, Lucius slowly pushed forward, dragging Glashion's feet from the stones. "Never get in the way of your betters." And with that, Vladimir Glashion was sent over the edge of the battlement, his piercing cry of denial to the heavens cut short as he reached the ground below.

Lucius stood there for a moment, looking down at the body below. He felt no satisfaction in the killing of his enemy, and as he searched his feelings, he was surprised to feel nothing at all except a dull ache of rage. Turning, he stalked along the walkway to the archway he had come through, and descended the stairs again. That dull ache blossomed as he caught sight of the broken Corbane.

The assassin was attempting to drag himself toward the stairs leading to the main hall, leaving a smeared trail of blood behind him. A large pool marked where he had lain, the hot crimson liquid pumping from his mauled legs. He had bandaged his chest and legs as best he could, but Corbane knew that, unless he made it to the chapel quickly, he would not survive this night.

A wash of bone-chilling cold gave only a seconds warning before a heavy hand clamped down over the back of his neck, hoisted the man up into the air as easily as one would a sack of potato's. "Now, Corbane, I can deal with you?"

Waking slowly under the comforting warmth of soft plush covers, she stretched lazily, pushing hair from her eyes then sitting up with a sleepy gaze moving about the room. Her dreams had been filled with some unsettling images, the like she had never had before, but she assumed it was just this place causing them. As none were frightening, simply surprising however, she wasn't upset about them, just slightly embarrassed.

Rising then, she collected clean clothes and clad in her robe, headed down to bath before seeking her sister. She assumed she was already in the kitchens, directing the servants and staff there and once clean and dressed, that was where she headed.

"Ah, good morning Kaely!" Her sister's warm voice called as she wiped her hands on a towel and headed over towards her. "Breakfast be in the dinning room, right through there." She pointed towards two tall double doors across the way. "Ye run along and get something to eat then come back here. I be needing some help with some healing balms. A few of the men got a little unruly last night and there be some bruises and cuts needing tending."

"Aye Myri. I shall gladly help ye with that." She grinned, hearing her tummy rumbling already and was soon entering the dinning room where she found Cieara already slumped at the table. "Good morning Cie."

"Morning. Don't be so loud huh?" Bloodshot eyes lifted up from under a tangle of rich auburn locks and she winced.

Knowing that look only to well, Kaely smiled and without saying another word, slipped back into the kitchens where she caught her sister and made a request. Soon she returned, pushing a steaming mug towards the other girl with another quiet smile and spoke quietly, so as not to make her head pound more then it likely was already. "Drink this. It will help."

The other girl eyed the drink then Kaelyn with suspicion before taking a cautious sniff at the liquid in the earthenware mug. "What is it?"

"It be a hang over cure." Kaely replied while she loaded herself a plate full of food and turned back to take a seat at the table.

She watched as Cieara sniffed again and looked confused, as the soft scent of mint touched her senses. "It doesn't smell to bad."

"Nae. It shouldn't taste foul either. Would nae be a good thing, for if one is already suffering, they shouldn't have to drink something that will make them feel worse." She smiled then before taking a healthy spoonful of light and fluffy scrambled eggs.

She was able to eat in relative silence, while the other young lady sipped the contents of the mug and slowly started to perk up. "Did you have fun with Daniel last night Kaely?" "Ah, and so it begins." She thought as she lifted her gaze to find herself holding Cieara's full and undivided attention. "Aye. Ye brother is very sweet Cie."

Cie decided to ignore that question, as she doubted Kaelyn would even understand, so instead She grinned, then sat up to lean into the other girl. "So, on a scale of one to ten, where would you say Danny's kissing prowess falls?"

She just gaped then, having no idea about how she could rate the kiss and couldn't believe she was being asked to. "I...um, nae know. It was a very sweet kiss."

"Sweet' SWEET" Oh hell, this just won't do!" Cie snorted, reaching for one of Kaelyn's hands then smiled wickedly. "Okay then, how did it make you feel?"

Kaely was instantly aware of why Cie sought to hold her hand, for she was very empathic naturally and she glanced over at her with a lifting brow. She was trying to determine if Kaely was lying, and not really bothering to hide it either. "Ye be full of questions that are nae any of ye business Cie."

"Well, yes. I am very nosy but you will get used to that in no time. So come on. Tell me?" She beamed a very charming smile down on Kaely and gave her hand a warm friendly squeeze.

"Will ye let me be if I do tell ye?" She couldn't fold easily, as that might give up the plan so she hesitated but still wasn't sure she wanted to share how the kisses had made her feel.

"I will for now anyway." The smile was impish and cajoling in turn as Cie squeezed her hand once again.

She sighed for a moment, glancing down at the lacy pattern on the tablecloth, then shrugged. "It made my toes curl, my breath stop and me lips tingle." No lie at all, for it had caused every one of those feelings and then some.

"Ooh! Well, that's good. Very good!" Cie looked pleased for a moment and then eyed Kaely intently.

Tugging her hand free, she glanced over at those intently watching eyes and felt her cheeks heating up a bit. "I'll not say more about it. Tis" rude to kiss and tell."

"Oh well. Alright then." Cie rose up with a stretch and another smile. "Did you sleep well last night' Had pleasant dreams?"

If anything, the color deepened in her cheeks at the query about her dreams and she nearly dropped her fork on the floor. "Aye, aye, I slept very well Cieara. Was very comfortable."

The knowing and delighted smile that curled up on Cieara's full lips was somewhat mysterious, but Kaelyn didn't understand the cause and merely assumed she was just happy to have pried the information out of her.

"Hey, can I get another one of those Hang over cures" Delana is down in my room groaning in misery and I think it would do her a world of good to drink some too." Turning for a moment to pick up an apple from the table, Cie glanced over her shoulder towards Kaelyn.

"Aye. I can get that for ye right quick." She rose smoothly, then glided off towards those double doors with the other girl trailing after her.

"I invited her to the party tonight and we are going to go shopping. Want to come along and find something too?" Cie asked before taking a crunching bite from her apple.

Before Kaely could even answer, her sister interrupted with a gentle smile. "That will have to wait for another time Cieara. Kaely is going to help me with the games today. With all that needs to be done, her help is appreciated. I just can't manage the patching up on me own while getting the feast for later prepared properly."

"Oh. Well, next time then Kaely?" Cie grinned impishly.

"Aye. That will be nice." Bright indigo eyes moved towards her sister, feeling relieved, as she wasn't quite ready to brave the perils of the town just yet. She then turned and passed another heavy mug of the remedy into Cie's waiting hand. "Tell her to drink all of it. By the time she is done, her head should feel much better."

"Okay. I'll make sure she drinks it all, even if I have to sit on her and force it down her throat." Her grin belied the threat, as it was full of mischief. Myri just laughed then, giving Cieara a swat with her towel.

"Get on with ye, ye little imp!? Only to end up caught in a tight hug by the Imp in question before she took off, humming to her self happily.

Soon enough, Kaelyn was lost in her art. Mixing and crushing herbs and blending them into a variety of healing balms that would work for every possible injury she could imagine. She even made a few her sister didn't know she could, adding them to the ever growing stack of stone spun bottles and squat little clay jars.

Myri had assumed she hadn't continued to learn, or that she had many of these old recipes in her head so likely thought she would take more time then needed and once done she turned her attention to a more frivolous past time. One small hand reaching for some mineral oils, alcohols and several varieties of dried flower filled jars.

Back home, she had used her knowledge to keep them afloat quite often. Selling the balms and had discovered that many, loved the fragrant oils she had learned to make as well. Had she of had more money, she could have likely made a living at making them for sale, but learned quickly that one had to have money to make more.

After a quick search, she discovered a dusty box of tiny crystal bottles and smiled in delight. They would work perfectly and she set about creating a few individual fragrances for the ladies of the keep.

She eventually finished up with the most difficult of scents. Having to work with some care drawing out the very subtle and sensual fragrance of the Calla lily. Using a variety of methods that soon filled the air with a soft erotic breeze.

"My, that's a lovely smell Kaely." Her sister's voice brought her head around and she grinned, gently placing a stopper in the bottle. "I see ye got done and decided to have a bit of fun eh?" Myri commented as she glided light as a feather over the floor towards her sudden shy sister.

"Aye, well, I got done with the healing balms and since ye hadn't returned, thought I would um, make a few little gifts for the ladies." She pressed a rose tinted bottle into her sister's hand and giggled at the surprise that lit up Myri's face. She slipped the delicate little top off her bottle and took a sniff, then sighed with pleasure. "Oh this be very lovely indeed. Slightly more spicy then what I usually wear but I think I be liking this more."

"Really' Do ye think the Lady Fiona, Cie and Delana will like these too' " Instantly Kaely started to hand the bottles over, for her sister to test and comment upon.

Laughing as she caught the wild flower and spice scent for Cie, then the more elegant and subtle one Kaely had made for Fiona, she nodded. "Oh aye. I know they will love them. Ye may find them asking for more at a later time once these have been used."

Picking up the last, faintly green tinted bottle, she sniffed that one, caught for a moment but the clean earthy tones captured in the bottle and sighed. "Oh, this be very lovely too. Nae flowery but still pretty and delicate."

"I made that one for Delana. She nae seems a flowery sort of girl, but more natural." Kaely grinned happily, hoping her gifts would be appreciated for she had enjoyed making them.

"Oh aye. Something like this, with a touch more pine or lemon grass would make it a tad more masculine." Carefully placing the little crystal container down with the rest and chuckled quietly.

"Would ye, would Master Lucius or Daniel like something like that?" Startled, as she hadn't even thought they would have vanity in such a way.

"Ah, aye. They would nae use it often I am sure, but occasionally." Myri replied, and then glanced up at her well-stocked shelves. "Perhaps a cedarwood, Bergamot or Balsam or for Lucius. I think for Daniel, that be a touch harder." Head tipping back lightly, she smiled for a moment then pointed at a bottle high atop. "Clove Bud, Elemi and maybe Immortelle. Of course, ye might want to try out Petitgrain or Vetiver. Both of those be good for that woodsy scent."

Her mouth had fallen open at the idea of giving Daniel anything with Clove Bud and she shook her head. "I nae can use the Clove Bud Myri, that be used to make. . . aphrodisiacs. Nae at all proper."

"Well, it be ye creation, so use what ye like for them." Her smile was wicked as she turned and hugged her sister tight. "Nae be so stiff Sweet. It only be for a scent. Nae like it will have any other effect unless magiced." She then was off, the bells chiming as she left the room singing softly to her self as she returned to the kitchen.

Kaelyn stood for a moment, then slowly collected the bottles her sister had suggested. She hadn't done such a thing for men before, so she eventually was lost in the art of finding the perfect scent that would appeal to men. Lucius's bottle was finished first, holding a warm woodsy tone with just a touch of spice without being at all over powering.

Next she worked on Daniel's. Trying out a variety of blends and finding none that seemed to fit. Giving up, she sighed, gaze shifting to the bottle of Clove Bud. She couldn't use much, or it might irritate the skin, but a touch might bring it all together without harm. Taking a quick breath, she opened the small jar and sent just one drop into the other infusion she had made. Watching it swirl down into the mingled oil and the soft odor rose upwards to tickle her nose. It was quite wonderful actually, but she was afraid he might not care for it. It wasn't at all a sweet scent but far more exotic then he seemed.

Well, he would at least not end up feeling left out, but might think her mad for making such a thing for him. For while she might believe it suited him, he could very well think otherwise. But as her time was soon to end, she carefully diluted it, and poured the new mixture into a waiting bottle.

Even before she was finished, she heard her sister call and carefully placed her gifts into a box so she could take it along.

It was a bright day with the sun bearing down and warming the chill from the air, while several groups gathered out in a large field. It was there Myri took her, calling greetings to many as they passed and ignored the various wolf whistles and playful propositions for marriage.

It was just another surprise, as it was made quite apparent that her sister was well loved and also respected in the circles they passed. As some bowed, others waved and all smiled with pleasure upon seeing her sister walking by. "They all seem to know and like ye Myri." She said with surprise, for Myri before had been quite shy.

"Aye. I have patched up many about here more then once." She smiled with ease and then lifted a hand to peer into the risers." Ah, looks like I will be leaving ye with Daniel. Ye nae mind that Kaely?"

"Oh no Myri. We have made our peace ye could say." Her own eyes turned upwards and squinted slightly where she picked him out. Boots resting on the edge of box he was in and leaned back in a lazy manner in his seat. "I hope he nae minds."

"Oh he won't Kaely. He can be a very sweet boy when he wants." Her sister laughed, while walking Kaely up towards the top where the family place was set up. "Danny' Will ye keep an eye on Kaely here" I nae want her roaming about on her own without some escort until she is better known." Meaning that she didn't want anyone to dare touch her little sister with some nefarious intentions on their minds.

Whatever deep serious thoughts he had went away in a flash as he turned and smiled easily. "Sure Myri. I can keep an eye on her."

"Take a seat Kaely and if ye have any questions, I am sure Danny here can answer them for ye. " She grinned then was off in a whirl of rainbow skirts and that common tinkling of bells.

"Have you had a good morning so far Kaelyn?" He asked, with his eyes returning to the war games below with a distracted smile.

"Oh aye. I was interrogated by ye sister first thing this morning and I think she believes there be something going on now." She grinned impishly for a moment while brushing a few wandering strands of sun kissed red hair from her dark eyes and gazed out at the field curiously. "What be that?? Pointing then for a moment at the two men circling.

Looking up from the missives at the doorway with an expression of irritation and frustration, he waved his visitor into the room. "You're late."

The young woman smiled faintly as she quietly shut the door then walked across the room to take a seat opposite his. "Actually I have arrived when I thought best. Easier to get lost in the mix, then to stand out being earlier then all the rest."

A low grunt as the paper he had been inspecting with such care was crumpled up in a hard fist and tossed into the flames of the fire blazing cheerfully in the hearth. "Waste of good coin." He muttered, before glowering at the young woman with hard cold eyes. "Did your uncle give you the amulets?"

"Yes. He didn't tell me what it was for of course, just told me to bring them to you." This said as she drew out a long box and passed it over to him with a pale hand.

A snap and the box was then opened, showing two small amulets with his family crest and he smiled tightly, then took one out and tossed it over to her. "Wear this at all times. It will keep your true intentions hidden from the demons here."

"Ah, a masking charm?" She asked, while placing the small golden coin about her neck. Then took a moment to tuck it under the collar and out of sight.

"Something that will prevent that demon stained bitch from catching on to what we are really doing here." He snapped as he rose to his feet in agitation.

"Do you plan to tell me what you require Father?" The woman asked as she leaned back, tossing some golden hair over her shoulder. "The latest intelligence reports say that DeAuster has very few weakness. Even this place is a fortress that lies beyond our ability to storm from what that waste of paper I just disposed of shows. However, we know that his wife is said to be more dangerous then he is, making her an unlikely pawn, so that leaves only his children." He started to pace in front of the warm flames that continued to dance just behind him.

"I still don't see why you require my assistance in this matter." She stated drolly with a bored gleam in the light blue eyes.

"It appears that the daughter has the same ability as her mother to just fade from sight, however the son, seems to follow more in his father's footsteps. In other words, he seems to not carry that same swiftness and cunning to elude."

"Ah, so you have already tried to grab the girl?" Still sounding quite bored, she sank back in a slouch watching her father plot.

"Twice and both times she evaded easily. She is also said to be involved with one of those Heathen Albaelias, making her difficult to tempt by other means. " His tone carried annoyance at that failure. "It will be your duty to lure the boy into a trap. From the last reports, he is not involved with anyone, but if he is anything like the rest of his cursed family, the job shouldn't take you very long. They are said to be a lustful lot." His lips twisted into an ugly line for a moment.

"Ah, so you want me to try and seduce the boy?" Her gaze now started to show a bit more interest and she sat up to listen with more care.

Turning he looked at his daughter and smiled slightly for a moment. She was the only one of his three children that was like him. The other two had no backbone to speak of, but Darina had potential and ambitions. If she succeeded in this, she would meet her goals in no time at all.

"That is the idea. You are to lure him out and away from the keep. The place is to well guarded and with all those bloody warbands camped outside it's too dangerous for anyone to act within the walls. But, if you can get him to take you further out, we can take him. Ergo, then have a weapon to use against DeAuster. Your uncle is hoping to make him return all his lands for the return of his Heir."

"I see. Is there any other information about this son that will aid me in my deception and attempted seduction?"

"That my dear daughter will be up to you to determine. Little could be gathered on him. He is usually in his father's company when he leaves this cold place, but not one of his habits are well known otherwise." A fact he found most vexing. More was known about the daughter, but even that knowledge had failed to bring her in to be used as a bargaining tool.

"Try and become friendly with the sister, she is likely to know more about Daniel then most. Get her to introduce you to him, that way he will not be suspicious of motives." He directed, with a sharp cut of his hand slicing through the air.

"That all sounds simple enough father. Few can withstand my charms when I turn up the heat after all." Darina said smugly with another toss of her golden head.

"Just in case you do fail to lure him away, I have something I want you to plant on him. A form of tracking device." He turned and handed her a small pouch. A glance inside showed nothing and she peered at him with a smirk.

"How can I put nothing on him' For this bag appears empty." She upended it and a tiny little stone fell into her palm. "Except for this tiny speck of sand."

"That's the magical tracker. Slip it into one of his pockets. He will likely not notice and later when he leaves, we can try and grab him then."

"Oh, I don't see any problem with that." Her smile was wicked as she rose to her feet and gave a lazy stretching of long limbs. A tall girl, she used her height to her advantage and her grin fell upon her father. "What is the payment for this job anyway?"

"If you succeed Darina, your uncle Lord Urevan will grant you your own estate along with the funds to manage it for a life time."

"Well, I shall try doubly hard to wrap my seductive nets around this boy then Father. With such a prize, it won't take much effort at all." The smile grew to almost blinding as she turned and drifted back towards the door.

"Ask around about this boy Darina. Find out what he likes and use that." Torvein suggested before turning his attention to the next part of the plan. He had his own part to play and hopefully would end in the downfall of Lucius DeAuster when the dust settled.

Stepping into the well-appointed office, Luc glanced about then gazed at Fiona with a lift of a brow in question. "Your working Love?"

"Just getting finished up. It would seem that we have some very curious visitors at present." This stated in a chilly tone as she placed a few things into her desk drawer and closed it. Locking it a moment later, she rose to her feet and stepped around to join him.

"Ah, and what are these snoops looking for?" He replied while slipping an arm about her waist and drawing her close.

"About Myri and her sister as well as Daniel and Cieara. None of which I find at all bodes well." Head tipping back, she brushed her fingers along his jaw and into his auburn whiskers and watched with some amusement as a hard glint reflected in his gray eyes.

"Oh really?"

"Aye. I have Sidra handling this down in the camp. She has those interested under watch now." Another tiny smile that held a faint chill in it's offering. A frown pulled at the line of his lips and he nodded shortly. Then peered down at her with the expression instantly softening. "I am quite aware that I have invited a few vipers into our home and I fully intend to let them try something that will, in the end, hang themselves."

"Aye, just as I knew ye would. However, if any of them seek to put any of this family into danger, they will nae only face ye, but also myself. Politics be damned."

Hugging her close then, he laughed deeply. "Another fact I know Love. Believe me, I am even now collecting reports on every last one of them that walk through our doors. If any them look like a threat, they shall be dealt with as always."

Relaxing into his tall form, she glanced up and smiled wickedly. "Aye, this I know, however I shall also have my own keeping an eye out."

"As I also expected." Luc smiled, then peered down at her while one hand caressed an ivory pale cheek. "You're looking a little tired Love. Perhaps you would like to get some rest before the events start this evening?" His gray eyes darkening with a hungry glint she knew only to well and she smiled lazily, her own iced green gaze meeting his with an answering light.

"Aye. I think a short nap would work wonders." Fiona's arms tightened about him while she leaned slightly to look up at him.

"Well then, let us retire for a while. For the moment everything is under control and I don't think anything will need our direct attention for a while." This stated as he led her towards the door then down the hall towards their private chambers.

Stepping out into the main kitchen again her eyes moved over the various servants and slaves working and she called out a name. "Betina" Would ye come here for a moment?"

"Aye. Give me a minute Myri." The tone was just a touch belligerent as a large woman turned and waved a paring knife at her. She was disgruntled at having to peel vegetables and didn't bother to hide it. She was usually set to cleaning things, but as everything was already spotless, she found herself working in the kitchen and made sure all about knew she wasn't pleased at the prospect.

Myri had picked one of the servants that wasn't a slave for a reason. Betina doted on Daniel and would make sure this Darina got nothing. Also, the moment the woman thought to strike her, she would likely find her head slammed into a wall. Old retired soldiers were not good targets for venom after all and often gave back as good as they got.

"What can I do ye for Myri?" Betina asked, bustling up with her heavy arms flexing a bit as she pulled off the hated apron.

"I want ye to act as Maid for the Lady Darina. She thinks she had the right to strike our servants for refusing to answer her prying questions about Daniel and I thought it might be just the thing for ye to handle."

"Did she now?" A nasty smile split the older woman's face and she reached up, smoothing down the wiry steel gray hair with another smirk. "Don't ye worry Missy, let Betina take care of that for ye. She'll nae touch another of ye girls when I get done."

"Now Betina, don't try and start a fight with her, simply watch her close. I nae trust this interest. She could be one of those dreadful gold diggers. Would nae do for Danny to be caught by such a tawdry trifle."

"Oh ye never let me have any fun Missy." Snorting a bit, Betina winked and slowly nodded. "Alright then. I shall nae give the lady any trouble if I can help it, but if she seeks to do this old lady harm, I might toss her over the side wall like refuse."

"That be the idea." She then turned and peered into her office and nodded slightly. "I shall speak with Lucius about Allannah there. She showed good instincts and loyalty and should be rewarded for it. That nasty noble witch slapped her for refusing to tell family information." She muttered for a moment then glanced back at the now glowering older woman.

"Did she" I see now. I shall gladly take care of this." From the mere look in Betina's eyes, Myri know that snooty Lady Darina was likely going to find her stay just a touch more uncomfortable even if it looked on the surface as plush as any palace around. "Give me one moment to let Allannah there go and put some cold water on her face and then some balm to ease the ache of that bruising then I shall take ye up to the "Lady's" chamber."

"Aye. That will give me time to put on the right look for this occasion." Myri should have been worried about the evil gleam in Betina's eyes, but for some reason, she found it more amusing then a concern.

Returning to her office, she smiled gently at the frightened young girl. "Allannah ye run along now and put some cool water on ye face then some of this balm." She put the jar down in front of the girl. "That will ease the pain of that bruise. After that, ye can go and help Carlin in the stables. There be plenty livestock in need of care." She knew the girl had a love of horses and was also sure that Carlin would make sure she remained safe and unharmed while with him.

"Really Mistress?" Her head lifted with surprise and she darted a look over with a slightly lopsided smile, delighted for a moment, then her gaze dropped again. "I shall nae be whipped for my rebellion?"

"Nae Allannah. Ye were right to nae speak so freely about any of the family. Had ye done that, the beating would have been swift in coming. However, ye kept ye head and tongue and will nae be required to serve that "Lady' any further."

"Oh thank ye Mistress!" She almost fell on her knees but at the staying hand that lifted, then pointed towards the door.

"Ye run along now. I am going to speak with the woman now and replace ye with someone more fitting to her volatile ways.? Myri's smile was tight and not the least bit warm as she then watched the young girl scamper off then returned to Betina.

The older woman now looked the part of a well-presented Ladies maid. Her steel gray hair was tightly restrained and she had appropriated one of the stark black uniforms. It was an unusual look for the large woman, but she carried it off with surprising dignity other then her smile, which was full of malicious scheming.

Soon enough they reached the door and Myri lifted a hand and knocked firmly, then pulled herself up to her unimpressive five-foot three inches and pasted a formally pleasant look on her usually expressive face.

In a very short time, she found herself watching Daniel as he set up the board for their game. His actions very efficient with the manner that he checked the direction then moved to set up the line. Once he was fully completed, he picked up a long thin box and walked over to her and drew it open as he stopped just in front. "Will these work for you?"

Glancing within, she saw the elegantly designed throwing daggers and reached to take one out. After a quick test, she nodded. "Aye. Though I nae mind what blades we use really." She was aware that he also carried one and had not yet seen him without it.

Hence that offer, as she thought he might prefer using it instead of the typical daggers. He simply smiled with a slightly upraised brow. "Ladies First." Stated with a motion of his hand towards the line and the waiting bullseye almost fully across the arena floor.

Taking the blade into her fingers, she just smiled quietly, then walked over to the readied line and peered down at the center of that board with slightly narrowed indigo eyes. She might not have much in the way of fighting skills, but she had a decent aim and a good arm. It had been a requirement if they wanted to eat and in the end, she had become quite good at the toss.

Drawing her arm back, she shifted her weight, leading in with her fingers placed on the dagger as a guide. With one clean overhead throw it flew in a perfect arc and slammed deep into the red circle that marked the center. "Bullseye."

He had been standing to the side, watching every move she made and nodded with ice green eyes glittering slightly with some hidden emotion she didn't understand. "I see that." He then turned on a heel and marked her score on the chalkboard. Glancing back over at her he smiled again. "Mind collecting the blade from the board" Or would you rather leave it and make this even more challenging?"

Maybe it was his tone or the way he said it, but she felt her chin lifting a bit and with a slow crossing of her arms over her chest, she tipped her head. "I say we shall leave them. I nae every turn down a challenge if possible, and the more difficult the better, for it makes the winning sweeter."

"I shall remember that." He commented then walked up to the line and with only a cursory glance, sent the throwing blade sailing and finding the board just inches under hers but still fully in the red. Without saying a word, he added their equal scoring to the board.

Feeling that edgy sense that told her she had bitten off a bit more then she could likely chew, she looked at his dagger and her head tilted for a moment. He had barely even had to prepare for that throw, unlike her who was often very serious about lining up her shots. She suddenly realized that this was likely simple for one such as him and that she had been suckered. To late now to make a fuss, but she was suddenly determined to not make this an easy win for him.

By the time they had done eight throws each, the score was still neck and neck, but she was starting to feel the tension. It was her own of course, as she still was sure he was just toying with her, but she stubbornly refused to stop. She had never backed out on a challenge yet, no matter the reason. Of course, there wasn't anything in the book about using distracting methods. He hadn't said anything about that and now her blue eyes darkened as she plotted. "What happens if we have a draw here Daniel?" She asked, stepping up for her ninth throw.

"Sudden death." Was his instant reply. "We keep on going until one of us misses a throw."

"Ah, I see.? She nodded and then turned her gaze towards the board with her brow furrowed slightly in concentration. The toss was close to being out as the blade sparked off one of his then sank deep just inside the red circle. It had been close to being a miss, but so far, she hadn't missed any yet.

A short time later she was looking at her sister and the dress she held out with a look of complete surprise. It was a lovely shade of purple and not nearly as revealing as the one she had wore the night previously. "Oh this be lovely Myri!" She almost gushed, taking the elegant creation into her hands carefully.

"Aye. I thought ye might like it. It will nae show as much skin and still be very pretty on ye." Her sister said with a mischievous smile playing on her peach tinted lips.

"Aye. That it will." Kaelyn smiled and turned to place it carefully down on the bed covers. "Now, I need something for a dance." She glanced over at her sister. "Something stuffy and very proper."

"Why do ye need something like that?" An incredulous look on Myrialla's face, as she didn't think there was such a thing in the house, unless with one of those hatchet faced Nobles that had been arriving in a steady stream since mid-morn.

"I lost a bet to Daniel. I wagered away a dance." Her nose crinkling a bit as she poked around in her own bag, finding nothing at all suitable for her plan and again her gaze moved to her sister. Myri was smiling faintly, and then shook her head as the expression faded to something a touch more stern.

"Ye are not going to do that dreadful Gaelic foot crusher. He knows many dances having watched me when he was younger and then his sister and even the kajira. Ye wagered in fair play aye?"

"Well, aye. I nae thought I would lose Myri. He won and only just." Her tone was a bit annoyed at having lost, but only that for the moment. "I nearly took him in that game of throwing blades."

"Well, that be good to hear. Means ye have a good aim. Silly little sister, that boy be very well trained. Few could have even kept up let alone nearly beat him." Her head was shaking with humor filled tolerance. "So ye should take ye only losing by one as a great accomplishment."

"Well, I still have to pay the debt of a dance. I see nae anything wrong with showing him some culture." Kaelyn stated with her chin lifting stubbornly.

"Cultures he shall nae ever have to suffer, thankfully." Snorting Myri turned, with Kaelyn's hand in her own and pulled her along towards her own rooms. "Ye will do a dance he can at least appreciated. He won after all and should be rewarded accordingly. Anything otherwise and ye would look like a very poor loser."

Kaelyn blinked for she hadn't even thought of that and after a moment in consideration, realized Myri was right. If she did some awful dance she didn't like to perform to start with, she would be disgusted with herself and wouldn't have paid the debt fairly either.

"What dance do ye think I should do Myri?" She questioned even as she was standing in front of her sister's wardrobe and looking at the various outfits with wide startled eyes. Myri instantly rattled off a number of variously innocuous dances they both knew and she slowly nodded. "Ye always did the "Spring Renewal" dance quite well. What about that one?"

Kaelyn was once again nodding slowly, while pushing hair from her eyes then looking back at the array of dancing costumes her sister had collected. Reaching up she pulled out one colorful array of scarves and silk and her sister instantly shook her head. "Nae that one. That be for a dance I would nae think at all appropriate."

"Why is that?" Kaelyn asked as her hand drifted over the soft silk and felt the warmth of the rich hues under her fingertips. "Ye did say I should do something worthy of my near accomplishment."

"That be for a dance ye likely nae know Kaely." She was already taking it from her sister's hand and placing it back into the cupboard. "This one will work for the idea of spring." Said as she pushed a soft green outfit into her younger sister's hand.

"What dance would that other one be for?" Kaelyn asked as her fingers folded about the cloth Myri thrust towards her but her eyes followed that lovely array of darker more appealing colors of the rejected garment.

"That be for a Gypsy Seduction. A dance I know I nae taught ye." Her tone was matter of fact as she turned and inspected her choice. "This will do just fine I think. When will ye do this dance?"

"Thinking tonight before the party. Nae time like now eh?" She laughed as her sister moved towards her bathing room and while her back was turned, she snatched the other outfit and hid it under the soft greens fabric.

She actually knew that dance, having learned it from a Frasian Gypsy Seerer for trade of some healing balms, but she didn't think she would tell that to her sister, who seemed to feel it was unsuitable, however, she did enjoy performing it and it was said to be one of the more unforgettable dances from her homeland. Even if she had lost, she would go down enjoying herself if nothing else.

"As I assume this dance be just for Danny, ye will nae be having music unless ye bring ye own." Myri commented as she returned with a small box in her hand and placed it on the beds. "Ye pick out some bells and I will get ye something so ye can have something to dance to."

Kaelyn was surprised as she opened the aged wooden box and found her sister's vast collection of bells. "Myri" Where did these all come from?" Her voice surprised as she let them slide through her fingers slowly. Silver and gemstones caught the light as the pure tones of the bells jangled mutedly.

"Ah, for a long time Lucius brought those back for me from his battles. He knew I loved them so. Now I simply have to many and usually wear which ever ones he gave me last." Glancing down at the silver ankles she wore with the tiny bells and diamond stars, then smiled at her sister.

Selecting a few, she gently closed the box and looked at the next one her sister held. "These are magic globes that hold different forms of music. One can't always find musicians around so when I found these I had many made." Myri said then sat them down with another soft laugh. "Ye will know most of the music. Pick something as I have them labeled."

Surprised now, Kaelyn looked over the selection and picked a few and of course slipped one into a pocket so her sister wouldn't see before showing her the two she would borrow.

"Ah, those will work very well for that dance. Now, ye go and get cleaned up Kaely. If ye want me to let Daniel know where ye want to dance, simply let me know once ye be ready."

"Aye, I shall but I have plenty of time. The party be hours away." She replied as she turned and moved towards the door.

"Aye, but ye may want to have a bit of time to change into ye more formal clothing after that dance and may even need to clean up again. Ye should at least be prepared aye?"

"Oh of course Myri. Ye be right.? Her grin was impishly as she slipped out and headed back to her rooms to plan. If nothing else, she was going to make sure that the smug winner of this bet would remember her dance for years to come.

"Hey Delana" Ever get a feeling that something is going to happen?" Cieara asked as she turned with a comb in her hand and peered at the other girl slipping on her stockings.

Delana looked up from the edge of the bed and slowly nodded, then brushed some strands of ash blond out of her face. "Yes. Many times, but it took me a while to figure out what it all meant."

"Well, I have that going on. Something is going to happen and soon. I just don't know the what." This little problem was more then even a little irritating for the young woman, as she liked knowing everything.

"Is the feeling good or bad?" Delana questioned as she rose to pick up the small bottle of perfumed oil Kaely had given her and winced a moment.

"I don't know." Cie huffed and then stalked into her bedroom in just her robe. "That's what?s bugging me. I don't know what it is and when it's coming, just feel that something is heading this way. You know, like a heavy storm you can just scent on the wind but all you see above is blue sky."

"Well, when Kaely and Daniel get out, that could be the storm you feel coming." Her friend replied as she turned and gazed at her for a moment, looking a touch guilty.

"Oh hardly. Daniel will growl a lot but he will get over it. Kaely, if she is anything like Myri will just frown and give the cold shoulder but it will then blow over. Always does."

Cie sighed for a moment waving her hand about. "It's a weird sort of heavy feeling I am getting. It's tension that I am picking up and not nice stuff, not like the party last night."

"This party is supposed to be more formal. Maybe it's just that?" Delana commented then reached for her dress, not at all certain about how she should reply.

"Well maybe. I know Mum is grumpy about the Nobility here. Daddy's not thrilled at playing politics. Myri's even showing signs of stress and she's usually unflappable." She frowned a moment then Cie turned and just hissed. "I hate this! What good is having demon blood if you can't determine the source only the emotion?"

"Who cares about the source Dear" It's the emotions that feed and that we draw energy on after all." Lyllianne said as she glided into her granddaughter's room dressed to the nines in a nearly indecent creation of strategically placed blood red lace and silk inserts that covered the parts required and little else. Stocking hissing with the brushing of the expensive fabric and Cie turned and smiled.

"You don't care where it's all coming from Grandmama?" She then asked, finding such a little detail irksome.

"Ah, you forget Sweet. I am full blooded. I can determine the source usually, but much of the time, I simply savor it. Little reason to hunt the supplier unless they are particularly delicious." She smiled wickedly then looked over at Delana with glittering green eyes.

"Ah, that be a very lovely design and looks quite nice on ye Dear." "Thank you Milady." Delana replied, finding Cieara's grandmother just a little disconcerting.

Cieara was slipping her own creation on, the dark green fabric flowing over lithe frame and hugging gentle curves by the aid of the silvery chains that made up the sides.

"Now Cieara, ye know your father is nae going to like that on ye, but I of course think it's simply lovely." Her tone saying that the idea of Luc's dislike, made her love it even more.

"You think Daddy will hate it?" She turned, tugging it into place and grinned impishly.

"Of course." Lilian replied instantly and laughed in delight.

"Should I wear something else then?" She peered at her reflection in the mirror and thought she looked great, but considering all the simmering tension, wasn't at all sure she should really push so far tonight.

"On no Cieara. That dress is simply perfect. It might help the mood filling the place. Distract a few even." Her smile was quite devious, but neither girl noticed.

"You think so Grandmama?" She glanced over at Lilian then laughed softly. "I might as well, as I am dressed now. No reason to change unless Daddy does have a total fit when he sees it."

"Then Dear, you wait until it's nearly to late for him to send you back to change. That simple. Now, do you have some hairpins" I seem to have misplaced mine."

"Oh sure, there are plenty in the Bathroom. Help yourself Grandmama." Cie smiled, then turned to pick up her shoes.

Delana leaned in close then and cupped her hand to Cie's ear. "It's about time to let them out isn't it?"

Bright green eyes twinkled as she glanced at Delana and shrugged. "A little while longer sure isn't going to hurt. Don't worry, we won't leave them in there all night, no matter how tempting that is."

Lilian's curious eyes moved from one girl to the other as she returned to the bedroom with hairpins in hand. "What have you two gotten into?"

"Oh, we tricked Danny and Kaely into the playroom and locked them up there for a while." Cie replied without any concern and grinned over at her Grandmother. "Trying to give him a little push since he's always so stuffy."

"That's your father's influence." Lilian said with a snort then grinned wickedly. "Locked them up did you? You did make sure he couldn't shadow walk out I assume?"

"Of course!" Cieara spun around and grinned right back at the older woman. "He's stuck and the only way out is either by picking the lock in the old fashion way or waiting until we let them out." Giggling wickedly, she gave her hair a pat then glanced back once again.

"I added a warding Grandmama. It won't last for long, but enough to keep him stuck at any rate. Mum would be quite upset that I used it, but I know Danny. He would have walked them both out if able. Being a closet "Goodie" hero type that he is. This way, he had to deal with a girl one on one and can't flee."

"Sounds good, but how will ye know he's done anything but be all honorable as I suspect?" A skeptical lifting a brow, as she had been working hard to corrupt Daniel, even slightly and knew he simply had too much of his father in him.

Delana shook her head at Cie, silently asking her not to share the information about the image orbs, but was seconds to late.

"Oh, we put Orbs all over the room so we can check back later." Cieara grinned wickedly then peered at Delana in some confusion.

"Ah, well I want to see them too." The smile was again devious. "If ye share, I won't tell ye Mother or Father about this."

"Grandmama! That's blackmail!" Cie exclaimed as she stopped gloating to just stare at Lyllianne in surprise.

Delana just rolled her eyes and sent Cie an "I told you so' look, as she had tried to warn her not to say anything about those items.

"Yes, it is, but if I get a peek too, I don't see the harm in it." Again Lyllianne's crimson stained lips curled into a wicked smile.

"Oh fine then. You can see them when we get them back too." She huffed in annoyance then Cie looked over at Delana. "Guess it's time to let them out. Been over two hours now and I am sure Daniel is royally peeved at me."

"Just drop them by my room after you have inspected them Dear. See you both at the Feast.? She waved an elegant hand and floated on out the door laughing.

Myri, clad in an elegant blue gown pushed her way past the men standing just outside Luc's office and sniffed. "Ladies first. I promise it will nae take me long." And of course they all stepped back offering smiles and bows and letting her through to the doors without hindrance. Tapping on the door she waited only a moment, which was just enough time for Luc to say "Come" but was already inside before he uttered the "in" part.

"I be needing to speak to ye Luc."

The tall man with the long auburn hair looked up from the reports littering his desk and nodded, instantly noting that she had high color tonight and looked ready for battle if the gleam in her eye was any indication. "One of ye "guests" slapped one of my girls today."

"Oh?" A brow lifted a touch and he placed the page down and then leaned back in his seat with a hand gesturing to one for her to take.

Sinking down with a twitching of long skirts, she nodded quickly. "Aye, and all because the girl refused to divulge information about Daniel to that "Lady"." She snorted faintly when using the term "Lady' as the woman was more a vulture then a woman at all.

"Indeed." Luc muttered, then waited for her to continue as she had only just started if the wind in her sails was read correctly.

"I want ye to reward Allannah for her loyalty. She felt that woman's questions were inappropriate and even under fear of a whipping she still refused to tell her anything. I also think the girl might be empathic and ye might want to consider training her in those ways." She drew a breath then muttered for a moment. "Ye also might want to tell Daniel to watch his back. She is nae that unattractive and might try and trap him into something, if ye get me meaning. It would nae do to have such a tacky woman hanging about the place."

That brought a slight smile to his face but he hid it behind a hand as he rested fingers against his beard for a moment. "Who was this vulgar woman Myrialla?"

"Her name be the "Lady' Darina. She be that rude Lord Torvein's daughter and a right bitch she is. Likely a gold digger I wager." Another un-lady like snort fell from her and she colored slightly, realizing she had been preaching at her little sister and here she was, letting her own tongue run away with her instead.

"Myri, I have faith in Daniel's ability to read people so I don't think he will fall for a woman like that." Luc started.

"Aye, but he be a young man with urges that she might take advantage of!" She busted out only to go silent at the quelling look he sent to her.

"Daniel is not stupid and isn't likely to go off and bed this woman. Not when there are plenty of others around that he knows better such as the kajira. If he was driven by his "urges" as you call them, he can sate himself there and knows it." Luc's voice was raised a bit, but as she went silent, his resumed or more calm range. "I shall of course look into this woman's involvements. There could be more to her curiosity then merely a free ride with Daniel."

"What ever it is, she is quite vile. Betina is now her maid and playing mute so she can keep watch without having to answer prying questions." She commented with another sharp twitching of a skirt fold.

"Betina" Mute?" That caught him off guard completely and he sat up for a moment, and then couldn't help it, he started laughing. Having a sudden vision of having to peal some dour miss down off the gate walls.

"It was her idea Lucius. I simply played along." Myri stated, not at all sure about that laughter.

"Betina was a good soldier so if she felt that was best, then let her have it. I shall let Fiona and the children know as well, just in case the lady in question mentions her mute maid." He then watched the frown fighting for dominance on Myri's expressive face.

"I would just as well toss her out on her fancy derriere Lucius. However, as she is here as a guest, I shall take pains to be polite."

"Thank you Myri for bringing this to my attention. I shall consider the matter about this girl Allannah and will be sure to have the troublemaker watched." He glanced up and nodded to the semi-translucent form floating near the back bookcases. "Right Corbane?" "Of course." He replied in gloomy tones.

"Don't worry Myri. Daniel isn't going to be tempted by this rude woman. My son isn't that dim witted and is much like I was at his age, meaning he isn't likely to want to bed her without some courting."

That wasn't what she had heard recently from Cieara, but she wisely held her tongue and just nodded, planning to keep and eye out as well. "Alright then Luc. Thank ye for giving me the time."

"Any time you need Myrialla." He rose and escorted her to the door with a faintly amused smile.

She almost made another comment about allowing a pit viper into their midst, but had a feeling it would do her little good. She now suspected that Lucius was up to something and that told her quickly she should just roll with it.

"As for the girl Allannah, give her a room of her own. I will place a note in her file and it might hasten her freedom if she continues to show such devotion to the family."

"Aye Luc. Thank ye, I am sure she will be very happy at ye generous reward.? She smiled then, sudden feeling better that something went right after all.

Then out the door she went, passing the waiting Warband leaders with a warm smile and then floated off down the hall. Returning to the kitchens to make sure everything was perfect for the night's decorous festivities.

"That's the hope Love." He smiled and let silky black hair slip through his fingers. "Well, if little else, this evening should be most interesting." She glanced at him through the reflecting glass and smiled wickedly. "Sidra also reported just before ye returned from ye meetings."

"Oh' Did she have anything to add to the rest of this house of cards we seem to be building?" He smirked slightly then leaned down to press a soft kiss to the side of her neck.

Laughing low and soft, her head tipped to the side, exposing the delicate line of her neck. "Aye. I believe that De"Cort is either sweet on Myri's sister or may think to snatch her."

His head lifted with another frown. "I do hope he isn't foolish enough to try anything with her. I don't think Myri will be the least bit happy about it, and considering her present mood, he might end up injured should he make any inappropriate attempts to take the girl from here."

"Well, were she a slave she would be of some value, as she is a natural empath and healer and still pure. According to Myri, she can also dance. Were Brutin about, we would have to keep her under a very close watch, or he would lure her into his collar in short order. So, logically, that could be why he is looking for information about the girl. Tis" also understandable, for he also deals in the slave trade Luc." Her head drifted back to rest against him as he loomed behind her looking annoyed.

"Let's just hope he has the sense he appears to, because I will not hesitate to take him down if he so much as tries to lure her away. To do that while a guest here would be a high insult and he damn well knows it." Lucius growled low under a breath.

More velvet soft laughter and she lifted her eyes up to meet his dark gray ones. "He could think ye have already collared her and may simply make a request to buy her."

"Aye. He might think that, but he will be told otherwise." The darkness in his eyes eased, as that last comment by Fiona made far more sense to him.

"I must say I admire the fact he has nae taken a room here, but remains with his men below in the camps. That shows some strength of character, as none of the rest would even think to risk the chilling night air." She smirked for a moment then caught his hand and rose, pulling him towards her. Slender arms lifted and curled about his neck and she grinned wickedly. "Just remember when ye feel that tension rising, that I love ye."

This brought a responding smile and he leaned down to press his lips to hers. "Aye. Might be the only thing that will keep me from going insane."

"Aye. That be the idea." Her smile held a touch of a siren and she gently straightened his collar. "I shall speak with Cieara about Torvein's daughter. She will likely be looking for answers to those questions and Cie can be very good at misdirection. If she is aware, she will fill the girl's head with lies or fears about Daniel and leave her to spin useless in what ever scheme she has up her ladylike sleeves." "Let me do that. Cieara keeps complaining that I don't give her anything to do. If I tell her to lead the woman astray, she will be delighted that I set her on her own personal mission." He smiled just as wickedly.

Laughter floated up from her bronze stained lips and she nodded. "Ye are quite right about that. She's even training with attention at the idea of ye letting her go with ye on the next raids. So, with such a request coming from ye, we can be sure she will either send the woman screaming from here in utter terror or making an utter fool of herself in any efforts to get close to Daniel."

"I have faith in Daniel's ability to see through such a female Fiona." Luc chided lightly and tapped her on the nose.

"Aye. But if he be anything like ye were at that age, he can be led astray. Tis" best to be safe after all."

"Hey now! It was you that led me astray after all." He returned with a teasing gleam in his gray eyes.

"I was nae talking about me, but about that other "light' woman ye almost got stuck with." She said with a light sniff.

Looking upwards for a moment, he just snorted softly then hugged her close with his hands moving against the soft fabric of her dress. "Nae any of that yet. The time is running and we have another half hour. We should go to the Hall and prepare. Would nae do to be late for our own Feast after all." She said as she slipped away with a swaying of hips, only to be caught back a second later. Head lowering to growl into her ear then.

"There is a lot we can do in a mere thirty minutes."

"Aye, but then we would end up ruffled and crumpled and have to change again, which would make us late." She replied with her head tipping back and displaying a teasing light in her frosty green eyes, then slipped once more from his arms and adjusted the top of her dress. Seconds later she handed him the breast plate and helped him into it, while he grumbled. "I knew there was a reason I hated these social events. They ruin other spur of the moment plans."

"Aye, they do that of course. Here now, put some of this on. It will distract me all night of course, but I think I can manage it." She placed a small crystal cut bottle into his hand and took up her own from the dresser.

"What the hell is this?" He looked at it then at Fiona for a moment. "I will not stink like some foppish fool, even for this Fiona."

Placing a few drops of the calla lily oil on her neck and wrists, she glanced over at him as the soft elegant scent tickled her sense then smirked slightly. "It be perfumed oil, but I think ye should smell it first before insulting Kaelyn's little thoughtful gift."

He eyed the pretty bottle suspiciously, then cautiously lifted the top for a small smell, and then looked surprised. "That's not bad. Not bad at all." It wasn't the least bit overpowering or girly at all, which pleased him. "This little thing will distract you?"

"Aye. The earthy scent of it mingled with your own will be most distracting." Again she smiled mischievously. "It be like she captured ye own special scent in a bottle and enhanced it. Hardly foppish in the least, any more then if ye wore a dress. Some men just nae can carry off that fop look and I think ye be one of those."

Pulling her close after he sprinkled a few drops into his beard and leaned down, letting the warm fragrance wash over her. "Umm. Aye. It be perfect for ye, quite tantalizing." The soft subtle perfume she wore made him growl softly and he hugged her to him tightly, lifting her up on her toes even with the spiked heels. "I was just thinking. What does it matter if we show up late" I own the place; it's my party so I should be able to show up when I want."

"Ye might think that Love, but unfortunately, that is nae the case. We need to go now.? Again she slithered agily out of his embrace so quickly he just grumbled but allowed her to take his hand and they both moved towards the door together.

Quickly adjusting his suddenly tight collar, he realized that yet another of that large family was attending and peered over as Kar lifted the trim form of Kitian down and laughed at something she said. He noted the distant expression in her eyes as she took a moment to look around, that sapphire gaze drifting right past him as if he was invisible.

She was said to be the most stable of the entire clan and it seemed that those rumors were also correct. It was here hair however that capture his attention most, as it seemed to catch fire under the light of the setting sun yet moments later he soon found his gaze intercepted by a frosty green glare shot his way. The tall black clad form simply melted out of the shadows and moved up beside her. Nodding to Kar, he was enveloped in a warm hug by the lady, who smiled with delight and soon all three were walking inside. "This should be quite and interesting evening I think." Said mostly to himself but he then felt the eyes of that cat looking at him and with a glance downward and found it sitting next to his gleaming boots. "For a cat, you live in a very intriguing place. But I am sure you already know that eh?" Leaning down he patted the feline's head then moved off towards those waiting doors.

Stepping within the thick stone walls, he was stuck instantly by the rich impact of natural wood that lined the walls and floor and the quiet hush the place simply seemed to hold in it's foundations. Long winding halls went down both sides into darkness and he nodded. Rather fitting considering what he knew. Turning towards one of the Footmen, he handed over a scroll. "Please place then in Lord DeAuster's study for his later inspection if you please." He wasn't rude enough to bring up business at such an event and followed proper decorum even if he often found such manners a bore.

"Very good sir." The man said with a deep bow then slipped away to deliver the parchment.

Turning then, he looked up at the tall doors leading into the great hall, catching sight of some ancient banners floating high above in the thick oak rafters. The entire array spoke of wealth and even taste. A fact that would send the tongue wagglers into shock, as most called this family Barbaric Heathens.

"Would you kindly move out of the way Lumpy?" The voice yet again broke his concentration and he turned to look down at "Mad" Molly and instantly stepped to the side. The woman had obviously yanked a dress on and hadn't bothered to fix her hair for it was wind tossed and mussed, nor had she given a second thought to washing her face as a faint smudge of dirt colored the tip of her nose. Even if her appearance was hasty, she still looked pretty in a rather odd sort of fashion.

She then elbowed her way past the crush at the entrance, stomping on toes and shoving carelessly. He did have a moment to admire her boldness, but was sure many others would be frowning and grumbling at her lack of manners.

Another glance down the hall where Molly had come and he saw Morguian speaking with one of the Generals and passing something over then looking up, he caught Leiance's gaze on him and instantly a fools smile masked his face. Moments later he was near the doors, talking to no one in particular. "I do hope this isn't one of those cheep bars. I hate those sort of social events. A man needs to drink to survive them after all."

He them took up a lean against the wall, looking as much like a wastrel as one could in his lazy sprawl. De"Cort knew however that the more perceptive of people might see past that illusion, but few would catch that glint in his chilly eyes, making that Albaelia yet another dangerous figure in this parade of nobility.

A sickeningly sweet and overly cloying scent then caught him and for a moment, his dark blue eyes narrowed, before he turned, catching sight of the tall blond a few feet across. Calloused fingers twitched for a moment, easing down towards the only weapon he wore this night but paused there. He frowned, knowing the she-bitch was likely looking for another target to sink her vicious claws into. His cousin still wore the scars of her antics and he felt sudden tension edging his vision. Etiquette be damned, he would warn DeAuster about that one, first chance he had and would surely keep his dagger ready, just in case she thought to attack. If there was one woman that was deserving of painful torture and a long lingering death, she was it, however her name and standing made such a thing impossible, but one day, De"Cort told himself, one day he would break her under his boot and scatter bits of her body across the land.

As the crowd at the door way started to thin out, he moved into the line, still feeling edgy and tense at the knowledge of that woman being there, but he would hide that anger. It never was good to show a weakness, especially at such proceedings.

"Won't do you any good, Kaelyn. It's made of a very thick heavy wood and the rooms also heavily warded from any escape but for Mother and Father." She spun about again with a hand pressed to her chest through the heavy cloak folds and she blinked at Daniel who was leaning lazily against one of those heinous contraptions, looking very relaxed in spite of being locked inside such a place.

"Ye knew about this?" She snapped, turning to eye the door again, thinking it could be picked if she had such skills, alas however, she didn't and frowned for a moment, thinking she should have traded to learn that instead of the dance after all.

"Not at all. I was tricked here same as you were." His chilly green gaze flicked towards the door. "Of course they didn't get Corbane's assistance for me, just my sister's knowledge of how to push."

"How did she get ye to come in here then?" Kaelyn asked as she turned her attention once more to the door and frowned at the lock.

"She told me our father wanted to speak to me. Said he was down here with the slave and that I was to come immediately." His tone was far from amused as he looked around the room and just shook his head. "I should have realized she was up to something. She was talking to fast and wouldn't look me in the eye."

"I thought ye said ye family could nae lie to each other." She sniffed then rose back to her feet and padded over towards the shelves to look for something that might work on picking the door lock.

"Usually we can't, but Cie's become adept at hiding it sometimes. Usually buries it under thoughts of other things like clothing, as that is all I got when she lured me here." He was watching her and just shook his head. "The door is set up in a way that picking the lock is not possible. My father has made sure that once it's locked, it stays that way until opened."

"What if he should be locked in accidentally then" How would he get out?" She spun and glared at him for a moment, then caught herself, as this wasn't his fault and just sighed, moving towards him slowly.

"He would Shadowwalk out. Same as my Mother, however, my little sister thought of that. Meaning we are stuck for now. They are certain to let us out in an hour or more, so relax."

"Can ye nae do this Shadowwalk?" She had no idea what it was, but he did, and if it got her out of the room, she would be fine, even if he turned into some horrible mass of sludge.

"I can, but Cieara has done something to hinder that." His frown was far from pleasing and she groaned faintly.

"Meaning we be stuck here until they decide to let us out eh?" She looked around for a moment and then at him with wide dark blue eyes.

"That's what I said. Might as well get comfortable." He reached for her cloak and was surprised when she stepped back in a hurry. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I simply feel chilly." She replied while pulling the heavy folds closer about her costume-clad form. "I do have a gift for ye." She fumbled it out of her pocket and the music stone toppled down to the floor in her haste. She blushed as he bent to retrieve it and hurried held out the small bottle. "Here, ye give me that and take this. I made it earlier this morning. Nae know if ye like such things but didn't want ye to feel left out."

She then realized she had just spoke rather fast and felt her cheeks heating even more. He reached out and took the little token but continued to hold the music in his hand and looked at her curiously. "This is one of Myri's music stones. So, I can assume that you're not dressed for the party under that very large cloak."

"Nae, I left my formal dress in my rooms." She shifted slightly with a faint jangle of bells.

"Not in your room. Cieara and Delana were kind enough to leave them in here." He pointed behind her and she turned, seeing her dress resting over the edge of a screen and just ground her teeth for a moment.

"Ye sister be evil.? She muttered then started towards the garment with the full intentions of putting it on

Kaelyn hoped she did, as she took up the little music stone and activated it, before glancing over at him. "Ye ready?"

"Aye." He held a hand out towards her with the palm upwards. "When ever you are Milady." Daniel's tone was light as he nodded just once.

At his words, Kaelyn took her place. Colorful silks swirled whisper soft against silken toned legs as she slipped down to her knees, back arching straight and drawing the soft fabric taut against her gently curved body. Breasts lifting with her head held proudly, in a showering of golden red waves and light delicate hands rested light upon silk draped thighs, in ready for the start of her performance.

In time with the music she arose smoothly a waterfall of silken folds caressing her glowing skin, while her indigo blue eyes took on a dreamy gaze, and soft peach tinted lips curling into a siren's smile.

Her shyness and fears faded, and the realization of the location also became an afterthought as she was drawn in letting the driving rhythm takes hold. Gracefully, her arms rose sensuously, fingertips feathering against soft silks, then drift free to entwine above her head in a perfect motion of harmony.

Sitting up, Daniel began to softly clap with the beat of the music he heard as he was drawn into her movements.

Soft lips parted, and a gleam of delight flashed in dark indigo eyes, as she always found such pleasure in the action. While her dainty hands fell free, descending swiftly to her sides, then in a spiraling of rainbow silks, she whirled away with the accompanying sound of bells, only to suddenly stop, sending the soft folds of fabric wrapping tightly about her gently curved figure, offering faint glimpses of golden skin. Then languidly pirouetted on a pointed toe and the soft silken cloth drifted down feather light against her flesh.

A bright light danced in the depths of Kaelyn's dark blue gaze and one small foot eased forward, soft fabric gliding against her leg with a sensual roll of her hips, that slowly increased with the beat of her heart. Wild, wind tangled hair falling over her silken clad breasts as her hands rose slowly fingers tracing patterns in the air. Her spine slowly arching back in an elegant line and accompanied by a rippling of her stomach muscles, shifting sinuously.

A half-smile tugged at Daniel's features as he watched, becoming mesmerized with her dance. His hands ceased the clapping, and came to rest on his knees as he continued to watch her intently.

Lost in the dance, she let the music flow over her, guideing her movements. With fluid grace, she rolled, slowly extending one elegant leg upwards for moment, then rose with an elegant spin on her toes, multi-colored silk fluttering like fairy wings around her twirling form, giving flashes of smooth golden skin. Her head lowered flirtatious, eyes veiled behind the rich gold and fire hair that drifted against a soft cheek as she again stood before him, hips swinging in a tantalizing motion. Almost close enough to touch, but then twirled away with the silks flying out high and wildly against her legs.

Almost reaching out, before she spun away, Daniel lowered the hand and shook his head slightly, as his smile was now full-blown.

Brilliant silks shimmered against her legs, caressing the velvety skin as her fingers rose, lifting the gossamer material in a tease, then let it flutter free as she sank to the floor before him. Still her hips writhing as the soft folds slithering down between her parted thighs, and her back arched, lifting her body towards him. Soft lips parted and Kaelyn's deep blue eyes glowed with a distracted light the dance inspired. A moment more then she folded fluidly, drifting forward the long curtain golden red hair tumbling around her on the ground in disarray, as the music came to a gentle stop.

Blinking for a moment, Daniel suddenly realized the music stopped, and he brought his hands up in a slow applause, speaking quietly. "Wow."

"Because they be boring and tame and I nae felt like doing that. They also are such steps that little girls do, and I nae feel much like a child anymore either." Kaelyn said while drawing up a leg and then started fiddling lightly with the silver bells on the circling anklet. "Myri said I needed to make sure ye remembered it after all." "Trust me, I'll remember it. " He nodded keenly. "Like I said earlier, now I owe you." This said with a grin as he continued to peer at her. "Dinner at the shore, perhaps?"

"Ye still want to take me to dinner?" Her curious eyes lifted with a sweep of long lashed and she gazed at him curiously for a moment.

"Sure! He said with surprise. "Why wouldn't I?"

"Ye won the wager. So ye nae need to really. Believe me, this, " Her hand waved outwards for a moment. "Was quite a lot of fun for me any way. I love dancing to start with."

"I know I don't need to." Daniel smiled, holding a hand out towards her. "I'd like to. I know a quiet little place, on the coast. I think you'd like it."

Kaelyn brought her hand up away from her ankle and then rested her fingers in his with a sudden smile curling on her soft lips. "Alright. I shall nae turn down a chance to see the sea."

Turning a disarming smile on her, Daniel gave her fingers a gentle squeeze. "Good." Then leaned forward to softly kiss her knuckles.

Becoming flustered, even as her fingers curled tighter into his, she had a sudden thought and glanced about for a moment and an effort to cover her own reaction to the heat of his lips against her skin. Soon her gaze fell on the locked door. "What time to ye think it is?" She then peered over towards her dress, knowing her sister would be upset if they showed up late for the party.

"Time?" Daniel then looked over towards the water clock on one shelf. "Close to time for the greeting line to form." His gaze also shifted towards the door and he muttered. "And I still need to shower and change.

Recovering some of her faculties, she gave a light shake of her head. "All ye need to do is change then. Shall we kill ye sister later?"

Laughing softly, even as he was silently cursing again. "I'll hold her for you. You know she is going to be asking questions again.

" Let her think what she wants and we shall say nothing." Kaelyn instantly replied as sparks flashed in her dark blue eyes for a moment. "Nae like she could know anyway with the door locked. There isn't any of those peeking holes here is there?" Her gaze darted about nervously.

" No. Mom and Dad like their privacy when they're in here." Daniel's frosty green eyes were also moving about the room then he shook his dark head. "I do apologize for her also." Turning back to her wearing a chagrined smile.

" This hardly be ye fault. Ye sister has much to answer for if ye ask me. What did she think this would accomplish anyway?" Kaelyn replied as she slipped down to her bare feet.

"I think she intended for us to use this." Patting the silk-clad mattress beside him, Daniel watched her as she stood and gently let her fingers slip from his. He then watched her walk towards the changing divider.

Pausing for a moment once she reached the screen Kaelyn looked back over at him and snickered faintly. "We just did, didn't we" There. That should make her quite happy."

Her smile deepened and twinkled in her large eyes with a coy tipping of her head. "Thank ye. Myri found this and I rather like it. Nae as, as chilly as the dress from last eve. Though I be sure my hair is a mess. Dancing tends to cause that." Glancing about, Daniel lifted a finger, and moved over to grab one of his mother's brushes from a table and bring it back. A giggle slipped from Kaely's lips and as she looked at the brush then at him quizzically. "I get the feeling there be more then just slave things happening in here."

Stepping behind her, he began to run it through her fiery mane. "Mom and Dad use this when they're in a mood, if you catch my meaning." Kaelyn's cheeks heated as she did catch his meaning and she blinked owlishly, but didn't move, letting him brush the tangles from her long hair. "Ye mean they, they um, play here?" She wasn't at all sure what to call it but felt "play' likely worked as good as other words.

"Aye' Again laughing softly, Daniel paused for a second to point at the dresser, filled with the clothes and jewelry Lucius brought Fiona over the years. "This is their retreat." "Oh." Shifting slightly as she glanced over at the table and her eyes widened a touch. "Ye parents are very, Hedonistic eh?"

"Cie comes by it naturally." He said with a light chuckle as he continued to work the tangles out of the silky red-gold hair. "They very much love one another. And are not afraid to show it either."

Low velvet soft laughter fell gently from Kaelyn's lips. "Ye be the odd one, Daniel?" She asked, while trying to keep from squirming, as he untangled her hair gently. He tried to be as careful as possible, pausing in his brushing to work out a tangle, then continuing.

"I'm"waiting for the right time." Finally free of the snarls, he ran his fingers through her hair then leaned to set the brush aside. "There you go."

"Thank ye again." Turning Kaelyn turned with a questioning expression. "Aye, ye are the odd one. I do think ye are right though, about waiting for the right time. Such things should nae be rushed."

Daniel smiled, and it was a genuine one. Finally, he'd found one who understood. "Exactly. Cie thinks I'm crazy, but I want that first time to be something special."

"As it should be. Ye sister is rushing into it impulsively." Kaelyn's eyes glittered wickedly for a moment. "We shall tell them nothing happened. We spent the entire time plotting revenge, as I believe that will annoy her more then anything else." The smile turned quite devilish then. "She will also be looking over her shoulder for days to come." Daniel brought a hand came up to gently stroke her cheek. "I like the way you think, Kaely." He then glanced toward the door once more. "I'm going to see if there's anything I can wear in here, since it appears they've forgotten about us."

Catching his hand, she pressed it closer to her warm cheek and laughed softly. "I hope there is something there that ye can wear. For I am sure they are going to wait until the last moment, and escape to the safety of that feast." Nodding in agreement, he walked over to the closet and started rummaging through it, hoping his father had left a few changes of clothing there. A moment later, he backed off, pants and a shirt thrown over one arm. "I think I can wear these." Daniel then moved behind the screen to change.

" Ye can always use that oil I gave ye too. It will cover up for the lack of a shower." Kaelyn suggested as she glanced up towards the screen, thinking he didn't really need it, but it might make him feel better.

" I will.? He said as he yanked off his shirt, tossing it to hang on the screen. A moment later, joined by the breeches he had been wearing. Kaelyn's blue eyes widening for a moment as she suddenly realized that shadows could be dangerous, getting a very good look at the shape of his build, then her face went beet red, wondering if he had noticed that too, when she had been using that divider earlier.

Resting her fingers against his hand lightly, Kaely smiled for a moment, pushing back the emotions buzzing in her mind as best she could. "Ye will find that someday Daniel."

He nodded, color creeping into his cheeks as he realized the direction their conversation had taken. Swallowing quickly, he glanced back to the door, and tried the handle again with his free hand. "Ah, damn Cieara." He sighed silently, and then looked over towards Kaelyn again. "Kaely, would you happen to have another of those music stones?"

"Aye." Stepping away she moved to her cloak and pulled a few more out from the pocket. "Myri gave me a couple of them. Nae know what they are however."

"Well, since we have a bit more time, perhaps we can listen to one?" Stepping over next to her, he peered down at the stones she held. "If Myri gave them to you, I'm sure they have some nice music to them." Kaelyn handed him a few, then stopped, suddenly picking up his tension now as well. "What be wrong" Now ye are emitting and nae try and tell me otherwise."

"Well." Accepting the gleaming mage powered tunes, he held up one, as if to see what was inside. "It's this place. It's getting to me." Daniel glanced over to her, and then back to the stone, hoping his cheeks weren't was red as they felt. "Giving me some rather, um, randy thoughts."

"Ye too?" Her words just falling off her tongue without a thought, but a second later, she went bright red and fumbled, dropping a few of the songs, sending them bouncing over the hard floor. "Oh dear." Daniel bent over quickly, catching one, then crouched down to start picking the rest up. He laughed low as he chased the rolling rocks down. "Yeah, me too." He then glanced up toward her eyes. "And being with a very pretty woman adds to it."

If it was even possible, her face flushed a deeper hue and she looked flustered, darting a look over at him. "Ah, umm. Thank ye for saying that. It be very sweet of ye Daniel. I think I know what ye mean as well. Ye be quite handsome also."

Daniel gathered up the last of the music rocks and stood up slowly and looked down at her. "Ah, thank you, Kaely' He grinned big, obvious color in his pale features now. "Umm, shall we try this one" Holding up a gleaming orb in his fingers.

"Aye." Kaelyn leaned a bit to see what he had and smiled impishly. "They say music can sooth a savage beast, so it should work well enough on the likes of us."

"We can only hope!" Daniel chuckled at her words he set the small orb on the table, and pressed a finger across the smooth surface to activate it. As the music began, he looked over to Kaely.

Returning his look, Kaelyn tipped her head with a hand moving to push it back from her face as it instantly slipped down towards her eyes. "What?"

"I was wondering," He glanced to the floor for a moment, then back up at her. "Would you like to dance" We may not get a chance later."

A sudden smile as she stepped towards him and nodded. "Aye, but do ye think that is wise" Considering all this errant emotion floating about?"

" Pour the energy in to the dancing, and we'll keep ourselves away from other things." He instantly replied with a smile, while the unspoken addition, not that "other things" would be a bad thing. He held out a hand to her.

Kaelyn took the offered hand and stepped up before him laughing quietly. "Aye, perhaps." Her warm fingers curled into his as she lifted her head to look at him intently. "Ye sure?"

"That I wish to dance" Yes." Daniel blinked as she stepped close to him, hiding the creeping red around the edges of his eyes for a moment, then an arm wrapped around her. He began to lead her to the beat of the music filling the room.

Hand lifting, Kaelyn rested it against his neck and followed the steps as her body relaxed into his and the buzzing in her head grew a few notches louder. In an effort to ignore it, she concentrated on the music instead, letting it drift over her.

Daniel was similarly ignoring the buzzing; instead a slight sniff took in her perfume, as his body took in the feel of hers next to his. His lower hand settled on her lower back, as they were close, and his head canted to one side slightly so he could watch her.

Lightly toying with the collar of his shirt with nervous fingers, she glanced up at him and smiled with eyes turning a dark smoky blue. Then forced her self to breath evenly as she moved smoothly against him in the slow lazy steps they were taking.

Daniel eyes found hers, and was locked with them as they slowly turned to the music. "You know, this is quite nice." He said softly, while thinking to himself. "Nice" if one counted having to think of other things also, to keep from embarrassing themselves by an intense bodily reaction.

By that point Kaelyn's fingers had slipped into his hair, stroking the silky strands and lost in the texture of it, so at his soft words, she glanced up with a momentary glaze in her eyes. Realizing he had spoken, she then laughed breathlessly. "Aye. Very nice."

Joining her in the low laughter, he swung her around and down in to a dip, then back up again to continue.

Kaelyn sank deeper into him after the dip, stumbling briefly, but quickly caught herself, feeling quite off balance suddenly. But Daniel caught her easily, slowing down and peering at her. "You okay' I didn't mean to startle you like that. He said with an apologetic smile and a gentle squeeze to the fingers he held.

Embarrassed for a moment, Kaely peeked up at him from under thick lashes and smiled sheepishly. "I'm Fine, just, just my mind, it be wandering."

" I know the feeling." Since he was quite aware of her being so close to him. Releasing her hand, his drifted lazily down to rest on one shapely hip while they danced. "This may be forward of me, but you have a lovely smile."

Kaelyn felt another wash of rose bloom on her cheeks as she looked up and tried to cover it with a soft laugh. "Ye do too Daniel."

Daniel nodded in reply, a selfsame smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "I'm curious Kaely. You said you're picking up feelings in here. Does that mean you're a telepath of some kind?"

"Um, something like that. I be empathic." Teeth catching her lower lip for a moment as she caught her hand from moving against his ear at the last moment, easing it back to his shoulder with determination.

Daniel head cocked to one side, and he concentrated on that. It helped focus him, though his body was betraying him more and more. "Emphatic. Are you very good at it?"

"I'm told I be quite good at it." Kaelyn turned a quick darting look upwards at him, picking up on his struggle now and was a bit surprised. "Though usually I get a headache. In cases such as pain or rage." Unlike now, were she was being pulled right into the emotions and was unable to draw back.

"Ahh." He nodded, mulling on that for a second. "I have a limited talent, mostly in picking up surface emotions." Daniel paused again for a slight beat of time. "Cie's better it than I am, though I have been trying to get more proficient."

"Ye may just need to concentrate. Work with it be all." At the moment, her own gift was nearly on overload, but she wasn't going to say that just now. Kaelyn was totally unaware that her own fingers were stroking the sensitive skin on his neck.

"Perhaps, and if I can learn that, I can learn better control of my blood." Daniel commented rather enigmatic, but then, he's being distracted to the point of losing control by gentle fingertips feathering against his nape. "Aunt Myri's taught me some, and my granddad has helped me refine the control, to a small degree."

"I nae have any control. Nae had a need before, but I be thinking now . . ." Kaelyn's words trailing off as she drew in a deep breath and gave a little shiver. While another intense wave of emotion rolled in to her mind.

Indeed, for she was also emitting, and Daniel was picking up on it easily. The brief shudder through her form corresponded with one in him, and his eyes reflexively closed, to hide the demon trying to stir.

Lifting her head she peered at him with dazed eyes while her hand continued to brush fingers against his neck and sighed. She didn't understand the feelings going wild within her, but she yearned nonetheless.

Daniel slowly he leaned over a bit, to brush his lips to hers in a slow kiss, even as they continued to move to the music. At this point, it was the natural thing to do and he simply followed through on it.

Kaelyn turned without even thinking what she was doing and looked up at him. Her dark blue eyes shimmering with all the repressed emotions and she signed quietly. "Kiss me again please. For that be the only time that buzzing seems to stop in my head." Those words falling from her lips without even a second's hesitation. And his response was also without thought, as his hands moved about her. Stepping closer, he leaned in and softly brushed his warm lips against her. Lingering for a moment as if savoring it, before pressing harder and deepening the kiss.

Kaelyn arms slipped upwards to encircle his neck as she leaned into him, going nearly boneless and shivered with every little feathering touch that made her feel that unusual tingle. Then, her lips parted as the pressure of his deepened, making her breath catch quickly as she felt an answering reaction welling up inside.

Instantly Daniel's arms drew her tightly to him, as he fell into the responses. Letting some of his control finally slip. Heat building with ever second, his tongue probed outward, brushing against her teeth as they kissed. Senses flared and enveloped her as he opened himself wide, allowing the passion and lingering emotions of that room sink in. Kaelyn gasped into the kiss, her mind was caught in a swelling of desire and she strained closer with delicate hands sliding into his hair and her tongue tentatively brushing against his as it slipped between her parted lips, and caused a tingling sensation to sweep over her and make her squirm. She was caught as well by the sudden onslaught of unknown needs, that she couldn't shut them out.

Strong arms almost lifting her from her feet as he turned to brace his back against the wall. He was savoring the heady taste of the wine on her lips and tongue, as his brushed hers softly, then with more urgency. Her fingers trembling then slid into his hair tangling it as she felt him shift, then let her body relax fully into his. And her lips followed his with each soft stroke and brush, and then sought to capture his once more with a light nip of teeth against them.

Daniel braced his hands against her back to steady her, and he growled low, feeling her teeth catch his bottom lip and nibble. She could feel the sting of his nails through her dress, perhaps, as they lengthened slightly, talons almost slipping into place. A sure sign of his usually repressed demon nature started to surface, stirring deep within him. No other kiss had ever made her feel so much and she moaned. The dragging of nails against the silk had her hips shifting, pressing into his and made her own lips bolder, with the agile flick of her tongue slipping feather light against his teeth. And his response, not so much demonic, but as an elder teenager holding a beautiful woman in his arms, his body reacting as nature intended as he pressed close.

Kaelyn normally would have been shocked, but as her mind was clouded with images, and her senses lost to her headlong response, she just wiggled closer with her tongue diving deeper into his lips to duel with his own. She was so utterly lost in the heat of his embrace, she moaned again and pressed herself into his tall frame. Letting hungry lips melded to his, meeting and matching the passion with surprising ease. So absorbed, she didn't hear the snick of the door being unlocked.

Daniel also missed the sound, lost in her scent and heat of the moment, the blood roaring in his ears and through his emotions. He spun her around slowly so it was now her that was resting against the wall. His hands roaming down to rest on soft hips, holding her place as he hungrily kissed her without pause, his darting tongue brushing her teeth and lips. Soft purple cloth hissed as Kaelyn's leg slid against his once her back was pressed into the wall. She still clung to him and her body undulated slightly, while lips welcomed his attentions, parting eagerly and wanting more.

Instantly, Daniel's fingers trailed down to catch the shifting leg, holding it against him. He loved the feel of lace hose, and pressed closer, trapping her between wall and himself, the contact intimate and needful. Trembling, she had no control and her hips rocked against his in response. Another soft moan floated from her then, as she no longer could tell whose emotions were whose as they all seemed to meld into one and dragged her deeper into the deep intense kiss. His fingers hooked in the tops of her hose, brushing the hot skin underneath as their lips melded as one.

Finally, Daniel's lips broke from hers, but then trailed soft brushes across her cheek. Then with a teasing breath, he took a moment to nip at her earlobe. Followed by a string of butterfly kissed downward to the joining of shoulder and neck. There he lingered, kissing and nibbling her soft skin. Tingling heat flowed from where his lips touched and she arched into him with another wiggling, her fingers dragged the raven hair back from his ears and face with another soft gasp drifting from kiss bruised lips. She was lost in a storm of sudden passion and had no experience or understanding of it; all she could do was respond.

Daniel's head slowly lifted, almost lazily and his eyes lifted meeting hers. No longer even trying to hide the inner crimson light his gaze now carried, the nascent demon stretching for the first time. Around them the air surged with some sort of electric energy, and Kaelyn's own smoky blue gaze met his, aware of the glint of red, but her hand capture his cheek in her palm. They stood still for just a moment, and then shifted closer, silk, cotton and body heat sliding faintly against the pressed hips. Later, she would feel completely mortified at her own wanton behavior, right now, she was powerless to stop her wild reactions. And he would wonder at the intensity of his sudden need for this blonde-haired woman he had held in his arms.

Reaching the hall, Delana saw the crowd waiting at the door and sighed, wondering how they would slip past that and glanced at Cie. She patted her hand lightly. "There, there hon, its not like you just walked on your parents at least. It's "just' your brother."

Muttering for a moment Cieara nodded at Delana. "Yeah, but he was...was..."ravishing" Kaely against the wall! I even think his hand was up her dress. That's just "NOT" Danny. Daddy with Mum' Always, as they can't keep their hands off each other. Danny' Never, no, no, no."

Taking a deep breath, Delana just started laughing, she couldn't help it. She had thought Cieara wanted that, but now realized, she had simply wanted something else to tease her brother about. "You are strange Cie." "I am' Why?" Cie looked up and frowned at the bodies blocking the way and snorted. "Kitchens. Lets go." She then led Delana past the mob and down into where the heady scent of roasted meats, steamed vegetables and other assorted goodies assailed the senses.

"I thought you wanted your brother to loosen up and have some fun. Seems to me now however, that seeing that he did, you're all shaken. That's strange."

"I'm just having a momentary shock. It won't last." Cieara sniffed, then pulled Delana right past the scampering servants and into the Hall, surprised to see her brother already slipping into his place. "You stay here, get a drink and wait. It's time for me to go and be the dutiful Daughter and play nicy nice with the snotty Nobles. Oh, once I get done, we can sneak back and get those image orbs. I want to see what happened to send him acting like, like My Dad.?

Delana just grinned, and then nodded, more then happy to stay in the background just then. She still felt just a little guilty for her part in the deception, but after what she saw, she was thinking she had a hand in playing cupid after all. Was a rather warming sensation and she now just wanted to baste in the glow.

Taking Daniel aside, Lucius leaned in, his voice pitched low enough so that others couldn't hear. "Where were you and your sister?" Daniel inwardly winced, and fought to remain calm. As heightened as his senses were at the moment, he could easily feel the anger in his father.

"I don't know about Cie, dad, but I was held up." How could he tell his father what had happened" He didn't have time to figure out a way, though, as the hand gripping his shoulder and painfully squeezed.

"I don't want to hear it, Daniel." Lucius forced a smile to one of the passing ladies, and then returned his attention to his son. "This isn't a game we're playing here, son." A hand moved to take in the room and gathered guest with one sweep. "This is a battle, like any other. The only difference is the field."

It was just like Lucius to liken anything to a war, Daniel thought to himself. Then amended that with how he was going to get Cieara for locking him and Kaelyn in the playroom together. "I know that, dad."

"Your actions tonight did not show it." Again a pause, as a small group of nobles and generals form Lucius's Warbands drifted closer, so he half-turned, bringing Daniel around in front of him again. "These are people we have to now deal with, like it or not. And it would behoove you to know them as well." "Yes sir." Daniel replied stiffly, starting to balk under his father's ire. The emotions of earlier made the words a bit stronger than he intended. "And I assure you, it will not happen again." He almost immediately regretted his words, as he saw his father's eyes narrow, the steel-gray orbs glittering dangerously. "See that it doesn't." The low reply was in the tone he had heard Lucius use with the enemy commanders on the battlefield, and it sent a chill down his young spine. He fought to hide it, and his own rolling emotions, knowing that his father would be able to pick them up now. "Tomorrow, you will sit in on some of my meetings with these?"nobles"." The last word was fairly spat out, showing his true feelings for many of those assembled.

Just as quickly, though, the mercurial temperament shifted, as another, softer squeeze was made. The younger man figured it due to Fiona's arrival, a slender arm slipping around both Lucius's waist and his own. He smiled to his mother in gratitude. "Be on your guard for the next few days, Daniel." Something in Lucius tone caught Daniels attention, and he looked back to his father.

"What's going on?" He asked, stepping closer to Lucius.

"Questions have been asked, about Myrialla and her sister, and about you and Cieara." Lucius's eyes roved the milling nobles, and Daniel could feel his anger. "Until we know exactly who is with us and against, we have to be cautious."

"I understand." He would be cautious, and was surprised at the twinge of anger at the thought of strangers asking about Kaelyn. Definitely something he would later mull over. "I'll keep an eye out on the girls."

"Do that. And if you see your sister, send her to me." Daniel nodded in reply, mulling the information he had been told even as he turned to give his mother a hug. Fiona leaned up to press a kiss against his cheek, after brushing back his hair to behind his ear.

"Ye just remember what your father said." She whispered to him, before stepping back into the fold of Lucius's arm again. Daniel nodded, stepping away so the next pair could greet his parents.

He had expected this of course, but that didn't mean he had to like it. Thanks to Cieara's actions, the loosely made plans he had for tomorrow would now have to wait, while he attending those meetings now. His little sister had much to answer for, and his eyes narrowed dangerously as he turned to seek her in the softly lit Great Hall.

In his first cursory sweep he couldn't find her, instead he caught a tall noble bowing elegantly over Kaelyn's hand. Before he even realized he was already moving in that direction. Daniel's barely restrained emotions flaring up in another wave of unexpected anger. "Who the hell is that?? He thought, not even aware of why he was reacting, but justified it. His parents had warned him after all, making his sudden response warranted. Or so he told himself.

Daniel extended his free hand towards the gentleman. "Greetings."

Watching the exchange, she could tell that the handshake was extremely firm, but as neither flinched, it seemed normal enough. "Milord De"Cort is the gentleman I traveled with. The one I mentioned to ye Daniel." Kaelyn commented, and then a hand rose to press at her temple, as a faint thrum of a headache suddenly started.

Leaning in closer to the young man, De"Cort's eyes caught sight of Darina a few feet away. She was hovering at a polite distance so far, but he didn't think it would last for long. "Be on your guard Milord DeAuster. There is a woman here following you, and I know for a fact she isn't to be trusted."

Finally some emotion shifted in the chilly blue-green gaze, to one of surprise, as the Noble had almost mirrored his father's earlier warning. "I am quite aware of the dangers lurking about, Milord De"Cort' Daniel replied with a pointed look at the gentleman.

Offering an easy laugh, De"Cort shook his head, even as his eyes were intently serious. "I am not a threat here, however the "Lady' Darina is. Don't let her waylay you young man. She's crippled more experienced men then you already. Heed my warnings."

De"Cort then bowed to them both with a kind smile turned upon Kaelyn. "I shall come to collect that promised dance soon Milady." A short nod to Daniel as he rose. "Milord." He then turned and moved off into the crowd.

Catching back a frown, Daniel glanced down at Kaely and was surprised by the momentary flash of pain that drifted over her face. "What's wrong Kaely?"

"I um, need to sit." She was feeling very light headed and ill and wasn't even sure she could walk on her own, but before she could state that, Daniel was already moving her towards a nearby chair and helping her into it. Once seated, she pressed her hand again to the side of her head and closed her eyes tight against the hate and rage assailing her.

Out of nowhere her sister appeared, pushing Daniel to the side and kneeling down next to Kaelyn with a cool hand touching her brow. "I thought ye looked a bit feverish, but ye nae have fever Sweet. What be wrong?"

"Tis" my head Myri." Kaelyn said quietly, trying to push those vile emotions back, but found it a struggle. The rolling waves of mingled emotions were not the least bit pleasant and amidst it all, she sensed danger. Nearly black eyes lifted to her sister and she caught her hand. Letting Myri feel just a small part of what she was experiencing.

Myri winced slightly then glanced around for a moment, her turquoise eyes finding Darina a short distance away. A spark of anger quickly restrained and she lifted her head towards Daniel. "Danny, help me bring Kaely into the kitchens. I have something there that will help. She be overloading more then likely."

Held between the two of them, Kaelyn discovered that with every step, the overwhelming emotions where starting to fade, so by the time they reached the busy kitchens, she was able to stand on her own. There still was a lingering sense of nausea, but she knew that would pass soon enough.

"Kaely sweet, ye are going to have to learn how to shut off those gifts of yours." Myri said as she moved to take a small tin down from a cabinet. "Events like this can be trying for me, meaning for you, they can be much worse." She turned and looked at her sister with worried eyes. "Danny, would ye get me a mug from the counter over to ye left please."

Instantly moving to do her bidding, Daniel returned and passed over an earthenware cup while glancing over at Kaely with concern noticeable on his pale features. "Will she be alright Myri?" He then asked, not bothering to mask his worry.

"Aye. She will be. Ye stay here with her and make sure she drinks this entire mug. It might loosen her tongue a bit, but it will muffle her innate abilities so she can survive this night with some ease." She smiled, patting him lightly on the arm. Turning then, she placed the herb-laden mug of wine down in front of her younger sister. "Ye drink all of this. Ye hear" Dinner will be ready soon and ye are free to wander off after that. Until then however, this will help."

"Aye Myri. Thank ye." Kaely replied weakly as she reached to take up the drink and sip it. Making a face, as it tasted odd, she still forced herself to drink more.

"I'll be back in a moment. Remember Danny, she is to drink all of it for it to be effective." Myri then paused having taken a few steps towards the double doors and spun back, shaking a finger at him. "Ye are nae to take advantage of her while under the influence of that drink. Ye understand??

Startled, he blinked at Myri in surprise and quietly nodded. He wouldn't do such a thing at least he didn't think he would. However, considering what had happened earlier, he wasn't quite as sure he could control himself.

Myri slipped back out into the Grand Hall and went looking for Luc and Fiona amidst the crowd of finery.

Having done her duty, Myri also nodded politely to the "Pit Viper" and glided off, returning to the kitchen with a slight flash of temper swirling in her brilliant turquoise eyes.

Luc leaned down to brush a soft kiss against Fiona's ear and whispered softly. "She's blocking us somehow. By fair means or foul."

Just as softly, she glanced up at him and smiled, but the look in her pale green eyes was anything but warm. It glinted with suspicion and distrust for the woman they had just spoken with. "What ever it is, it was designed to thwart those of us with Demon blood of some sort I suspect. Myri's sister picked it up quick and swiftly, for what ever she is using, didn't effect Kaelyn the same as us."

A momentary frown but he didn't look at Darina, just guided Fiona towards another Nobleman standing near the hearth with a mug in hand. "Corbane will be watching her closely. If she leaves the keep, she will be under the eyes of all the guards as well. Should she try anything, she will regret it." His voice rumbling with a muted growl that made Fiona smile wickedly.

"I do love it when ye get all temperamental Luc." She then turned and greeted De"Cort with another mild smile touching rose pale lips. "Good evening Milord De"Cort. I hope ye are finding ye stay here comfortable?"

Luc extended a hand and De"Cort instantly responded, exchanging a firm shake in greetings. "Indeed Milady. Everyone has been most welcoming. Including your cat."

A raven brow lifted at the last part of his reply and Fiona laughed softly, easing back into her husband's side.

"Perhaps you can explain your interest in Myri and her younger sister Kaelyn then?" Luc questioned with only the slightest narrowing of steely-gray eyes. Tired of being diplomatic Luc ignored the usual pleasantries. Also, because De"Cort seemed less annoying then most of the other nobles, Luc decided to be upfront and just ask, instead of hinting and attempting to glean information that wasn't always correct.

"I was sure you would know about that. My interest in Kaelyn was to keep a promise. We traveled together on her last leg of the journey and she had some concerns. She also extended me a kindness that I appreciated and I was only seeking to return the favor."

"Oh?" Luc's wife asked with her head leaning into the supporting shoulder of her husband.

"Yes. I was forced to travel by coach due to the winter storms and an injury to my right leg. It didn't allow for me to ride my horse in my preferred mode of transportation. Kaelyn healed that and allowed me to return to men and my horse by the following day."

De"Cort replied with a smile twitching on thin lips. "I had thought if the girl was collared, I would purchase her, then give her a job assisting my own troops. I'm sure you know only to well how difficult it is to find a decent and effective healer Lord DeAuster." "Aye. Myrialla, Kaelyn's sister is one of our better ones." Luc said, giving Fiona's slender form a light squeeze of his arm. "I hope you aware that she's part of the family now De"Cort?" Lucius left the rest unsaid, catching the slow nod and the recognition in the other man's eyes. Those few simple words warned him in the simplest not to make any attempts in that direction or else.

"Aye. I told her as much when we were traveling actually, but I did feel a need to ensure my instincts had been correct, which I am glad to see were on the mark." Dark blue eyes held a touch of wry humor. "She seemed to be a very sensitive young woman that needed to find a safe place to live. It appears to me that she has found that, for many others may not had been as respectful. I won't say that I am happy, as I did hope I would acquire a healer. However, she seems pleased about how things have come about, which in turn releases me from my hasty promise."

"Well, I be glad to see one of our current concerns coming to an end." Fiona commented with another quiet laugh and an approving light in ice green eyes.

Delana's step was light as she made her way back to the stairs leading up to the Underhalls, a cheery smile given to the guard stationed there as she swept past. Ascending the stairs, she thought about the orb-images they had caught, and given the reunion between the two, the possibilities". "Delana, girl, get a grip on yourself?" she muttered to herself as she left the stairs, moving back toward the brightly lit hall.

Pausing at a mirror to check on her makeup, she moved into the press of people, feeling the slight creep of heated blush coming to her cheeks as she caught more than one lusty stare directed her way, and not for the first time felt out of her depth. It was strange, but had she not met the auburn-haired Cieara like she had, she very much doubted she'd be here tonight, especially in such finery. It was nearly mind-boggling for the young woman from Torrence. Finally reach the bar. A small sigh of relief, and she ordered a glass of red wine from the servant manning the bar.

She had just raised her glass to take a sip when she felt someone step up behind her. She turned, found herself staring at a set of breast that looked about to spill out of the tight bodice they were bound in. Her gaze moved upward until it found the cold eyes of one of the noblewomen that had arrived recently. "You are Lady Cieara's handmaiden." Not a question, but a statement of fact. Delana's head cocked to the side in confusion.

"Um, I'm actually?" she began to say, but was almost immediately cut off by the woman, who apparently hadn't even heard her.

"I was hoping to speak to her before dinner." She swept her blonde hair back over one shoulder as she glanced about, then back to Delana. "You will announce me to her?" Even the question was more like a command, and the young warrior felt her ire starting to build. She controlled her self, though, and slipped into the role this one expected.

"My apologies, milady, but Mistress Cieara is indisposed at this time." She almost broke into a large grin, thinking about the two downstairs, but managed to keep her deferential appearance intact. "I expect her to return before dinner, however."

"Ah, I see.? came the cold reply, and a frown creased the noblewoman's features. Delana was acutely uncomfortable around her, not only because of her attitude, but by her mere height, almost four hand spans over her own five foot five stature. But when the frigid gaze moved back to her, a shiver went down her spine, something that had not occurred in her three battles thus far with the warbands.

"I was wondering if you'd care for that dance now." He asked with a soft smile, inclining his head toward the dance floor. Delana considered, and then nodded.

"I'd love to!" She held out a hand, which he took in his, and together they walked out onto the floor, mingling with the other couples there. She quickly fell into tempo with him, though she was distracted more than once by a hand roaming across her lower back and onto her backside. Twice she was able to deflect his hand back up, but the third time, when he had slipped it through the slit of her dress to rest on her bottom she gave up, letting him have his fun. The young man, whose name she learned was Jareth, made small talk as they swayed, and quickly Delana's good cheer returned.

She stayed out with Jareth for two dances, and the third had started when a low voice came from behind Delana. "Mind if I cut?" She looked back over her shoulder into the blue-green eyes of Daniel, who stood with a tight smile behind her. Jareth nodded, holding out Delana's hand to Daniel, who took it with a sure grip. Delana reached up with her free hand to rest on his shoulder, trying hard not to let the threatening blush find its way to her cheeks.

"You know we're going to get even with you two." Daniel whispered into her ear as they slowly danced. That's what Delana had been afraid she was going to hear, and her heart beat heavy at the glint in his eyes.

"Danny, it was all in fun." She tried to explain, offering him a disarming smile to put him at ease. "Cie and I were just trying to give you and Kaely a chance to be alone for a while." The look on his face told her he wasn't buying that.

"You were trying to force an issue." Came his reply, then he smiled broadly, and the younger girl could see the resemblance to his father. "But that's alright. It'll come, don't worry." Delana shook her head, her smile growing.

"Danny, are you telling me that you were locked in that room with a pretty young lady, and you weren't the least bit tempted?" She knew the truth, but dared not reveal what she knew. She looked about for Kaely, but the sea of taller people blocked her view around. "I'd hate to know our little plan failed." She raised her hand and brushed away a strand of raven-hued hair from his face.

"No comment." He growled in reply. And then, to her surprise, he leaned in close, almost hugging her. "Watch yourself and Cie, Delana." Her startled reply was quickly stopped by a squeeze of her hand, before he continued in that low whisper. "Danger could be about. Stay alert. I'll watch over Kaelyn." Delana was not sure what to think, at first assuming he was warning her about the revenge Kaely and he would bring. But no, he was talking about something different.

"I'll keep an eye out".? Her reply breathed into his ear, a soft pointed tip, a part of her noted. About that time the music ended, and the chime for the dinner rang. Daniel stepped away from her, and bowed, as Delana curtseyed to him. She looked around as people started to slow down toward the Arena, where the banquet had been prepared. She didn't see Cie or Kar, nor was Kaelyn in view. Pushing through the assembled, she stood against the wall, hoping to see them as they passed, feeling again much out of place among the mighty of the land.

"I have another duty for you, and expect that you will listen as this is a serious matter Cieara." The hand on her shoulder eased up finally and she breathed a silent sigh of relief and nodded once again to her father. It took all she had not to lift a hand and rub at the lingering ache but she managed to control that urge.

"The Lady Darina has an"interest in your brother. I want you to mislead her. Tell her lies, feed her fake facts, and while doing this, I want you to try and find out what she is doing here. If she questions you about anything, give her vague answers. If she asks about Betina, tell her she's mute and always has been that you know of. I know you can act like a bit of fluff, so make her think you are a vacant headed trifle." He muttered at her with his expression saying he expected no argument but acquiescence to this demand.

As Cieara wasn't stupid, she was aware that she might have pushed her father just a little to far, so all she could do was agreed instantly with another chastised nod of her auburn head. "Yes Daddy. I can do that."

"I have meetings in the morning, but I expect you to come to my study before they start. Do you understand" Do not think to avoid me Cieara, or I shall send the guards to find you." She sensed more then heard the unsaid threat and felt a chill race over her body in an instant and again responded with a docile nod. "Yes Daddy."

"Come along then. Your mother is waiting by the door." He simply hauled her along with him, making her have to take two steps to his one. Obviously he was still pretty angry so she forced herself to keep up with his pace, so as not to incur more of his wrath.

Cieara cast a helpless look towards Kar and Delana as they waited near the Arena entrance before she was pulled inside by her parents and led to a seat next to her brother. Her father simply drew out her seat and she sat quietly down. Knowing that to anyone watching it was seen as a polite gesture, but she knew otherwise. He was making sure she didn't try to bolt again.

Cieara did have at least one pleasant thing occur that instantly lightened her gloomy mood. Kar soon slipped into the chair beside her, slyly taking her hand under the cover of the table and squeezed it in reassurance. She forced a weak smile to Delana as she also found a place beside Kar, silently hoping that her father's temper would settle some come morning or she might end up getting a whipping. Sending a glance to her mother, she was surprised, catching a sly wink and nearly wilted in her seat with relief. Apparently her mother was going to try and make sure Luc's mood was less dangerous or volatile by sunrise.

"Well then, I shall simply help ye back to ye room Sweet." An arm slipped about her waist and she reluctantly released her death grip on the chair. Myri just chuckled softly again. "I suspected this would happen. That drink I gave ye earlier be potent, and with the added wine it is nae a wonder ye lasted even this long. Ye nae have a head for any of those things to start with."

"Aye. Ye be right." Kaelyn agreed, leaning into the steadier frame of her sister with a faint sigh. "There be much here I nae think I have a head for."

She didn't notice the curious look that brought from Myri, as she stumbled and nearly sank to her knees, forcing them to stop a moment and let her lean against a solid wall instead. Dazzled blue eyes lifting to peer at her sister and she gaze a fuzzy little smile. "I'm sorry Myri. Me feet nae seem to be working. Ye just let me stay here for a bit and clear my head and I will find my own way back to my room."

"Nonsense. Ye will end up lost in the maze of halls in the state ye be in just now Kaely." Myri fussed a moment, and then glanced over Daniel and Kar, still talking with Cie and Delana. A slight frown pulled on her brow a moment, then she waved a hand over to them. "Danny' Would ye come here for a moment?"

He nodded to Kar, glared at his sister then turned and walked over to Myri with a shake of his head then smiled. "What do you need Aunt Myri?"

"Would ye help me get Kaely back to her room please?" She said with a questioning smile and tipping of her cinnamon head. "She drank a bit more wine then she be used to and after the drink I gave her earlier, it be having a very expected effect and she is nae able to walk well enough for me to lead her."

"Oh sure. No problem." Glancing over at the others he nodded to Kar. "Catch up with you in a minute."

Between the two of them, they got half way to the rooms before Kaelyn started to sag a bit. "Oh stop. The world be spinning." She muttered, pressing a hand to her head and tried to sit down, right in the middle of the hallway.

"Kaely sweet, we almost be to ye bed." Cajoling a bit, Myri tried to get her to stay standing. "Just a little bit more."

"Aye, in a minute please." She whispered with her head bending and eyes closed tightly against the visual revolutions the walls and floors were inflicting on her. Taking a few deep even breaths, she slowly opened her fuzzy eyes and instantly closed them with a sigh. "I nae like that potion ye gave me Myri. Nae at all."

The response to that was a buzzing of voices, then her world really tilted as she was picked up in strong arms and carried. Head falling to Daniel's shoulder she eventually opened her eyes and peered at him owlishly.

"Thank ye for helping me Daniel. I nae wanted to ask Kar. Nae sure he would be safe as he does tend to have grabby hands." Myri was saying as she walked along beside him and her tipsy sister.

"I don't mind Aunt Myri." He replied with a cryptic smile and glanced down at Kaelyn, surprised to find her looking at him. "Your right about him however. Drunk or sober, he would try and cop a feel at the least."

Kaelyn heard the laughter from her sister and smiled, eyes drifting closed once again. "Ye be very handsome Daniel." She murmured nuzzling her head up under his chin and totally unaware she had spoke out loud the thoughts she had.

As autumn hued brow lifted as Myri glanced over at her sister then up at Daniel and caught back a laugh as his face instantly went a deep red. "Remember, I did say it would loosen her tongue." She commented quietly then, finding his expression a mystery.

Myri had a sinking feeling her sister would not like knowing she had done this, but she was worried. "I know something happened earlier Danny. Both yours and Kaely's color was high and she looked, to be floating on clouds. However, I shall nae pry about that. I love ye both, but she has nae had an easy time of it. Leaving me to look out for her now, and I intend to do just that."

Myri then sighed quietly, once more taking his arm and urging him towards the party. "If ye like her, I nae mind that interest, just have a care that ye nae lead her to believe there be more to your attentions unless there is. In other words, if ye just want to be just friends, ye need to tell her that. She's nae a stupid girl and will adjust accordingly."

Glancing up, she saw him nod silently and was almost sure she was making uncomfortable with her lecture and smiled at him gently. "Ye run along and have fun with ye friends Danny. Just nae stay up to much later, for I know ye are to attend those meetings with ye father tomorrow. He shall expect ye sharp." How she knew about that was anyone guess, but she did.

Arriving at the door they parted company with him turning a faint smile towards her then melting into the crowd of bodies near the bar. Myri watched for a moment, knowing that tomorrow she would have to speak with her sister on the same subject as she didn't want Kaelyn to get hurt over an innocent flirtation, having assumed that was all it was at the moment. Giving a quick shake of her head, she sailed off towards the kitchen to organize the clean up of the makeshift dinning hall.

Instantly tension radiated from Luc, as not one of his reports had noted that and his temper was starting to simmer once again. It took him a few minutes to get it under control as a red gleam sought to over take his eyes but once he had a firm grip, he muttered. "What did you want to bring to the table Gentlemen?"

"I want Torvein's daughter." De"Cort replied, speaking tightly through gritted teeth.

"Ah, opening the bids eh Luc?" Morg grinned, suddenly looking cunning and shrewd while sitting up. "Open importing and exporting without over excessive taxing or to many unwanted inspections. Free port and passage travel. If you agree to that, you get what ever you want."

Turning to look at Morg for a moment with a slight frown on his brow. "You will have to agree that none of the smuggling you do though my lands will be used against me. Meaning trafficking in weapons to my enemies. If that's agreeable, we have a deal."

"Toss in reduced slave trading and luxury taxes and I will sign the agreement." Was the young man's immediate counter-offer.

"Done." He said with a faint growl, before his gaze moved to look at De"Cort. "What will you bring?"

"Troops. Not only my own well trained men, but also those that stand under my cousin and our liege." Dark flinty blue eyes rose to meet Lucius's and smiled coldly. "Meaning, you get the entire force of Malirid's King and those who support him, for I am working as his Envoy."

An auburn brow lifted at that news and seconds later his lips twitched. "All you ask is that you get Torvein's daughter for your support?"

"Aye. You can be assured that she will not stand a trial, but die under my blade." The tone was cold as a grave and was in direct opposition to the heat and hate caught in the narrowed blue eyes.

"Ah. I will expect an agreement that you and yours will not turn about and attack me once you have all you wish." Luc said in quiet tones. "A treaty will be required, as I am aware that your king will not go back on his word once such a document is signed by his hand."

A hand lifted and he gestured towards the desk. ?You already have DeAuster. One legally binding alliance signed and sealed with the signet of Malarid, and only requires your signature and seal. Have the document provided certified if you like, for it is not a forgery but real.

With Luc still ensconced in his study, Fiona played hostess for another hour before making her way towards her children. Offering smiles to their friends, she turned her pale green gaze on them in turn with a lifted raven brow. "Both of ye should turn in soon, for ye father's meetings will be starting around ten or eleven in the morning." It wasn't a suggestion but a politely stated command and both nodded, well aware of it.

"Fiona" Would it possible for ye children to visit us tomorrow evening" Kar has suggested a pool party at the Albaelia holdings and I thought it might be a nice change for them to get away." Kitian asked with a smile and a soft twinkle in her sapphire eyes. "Aye. I nae see a problem with that, unless they have other plans, or their father sets them to some other duty." She replied turning to nod at the other woman.

"Lovely!" Kitian then looked over at Cie and Daniel. "If ye can, ye are both welcome to attend. The pool is in house and so the chill outside has little effect."

"Oh, that sounds great Kit." Cie grinned, thinking that any time away right now was a bonus, considering her father's mood at any rate. "Um, can we bring some friends along?"

"Oh bring whom ever you want Cieara. The more the merrier and there is plenty of room." Kar added with a rogue's smile.

Fiona listened for a moment, noticing that smile and her brow arched again faintly.

"There is the ritual tomorrow, but I nae think Luc will mind if they miss it." She was fairly sure neither of her children really wanted to attend the event, but there was a chance they might. "However, I shall be sure that Kaelyn does go. Myri feels she might not handle even being nearby."

"Sounds good to me." Daniel instantly replied, giving Kar a faintly narrowed look that made Fiona just a bit curious.

"Well, as long as ye father nae has other plans for ye, I see no trouble if ye go." She smiled faintly again then nodded. "Now, there be much to do tomorrow, so if ye will excuse me?"

"Thank ye Fiona for inviting us." Kitian commented with a nod. "Good evening to ye."

After the few minutes of easy pleasantries, she was finally able to escape and soon slipped into the quiet peace of their bedchambers.

Kaelyn sat up in her bed with a gasp and clutched the sheets against her slight form in shock. Wide eyes darted about for a moment before her heart started to slow down and she lifted a trembling hand to press against a hot cheek. "Goodness!" She muttered, as the dreams were still vivid in her mind. Not only that, but they had seemed quite real, as if she had been a willing participant. Even her skin tingled and she felt nearly boneless. This would have to stop, for she had no idea where such images came from, having no active experience to call upon.

Slipping from the warmth of the covers, she shivered and hurriedly dress, hoping the heat in her face faded. She would simply have to push those sultry dreams from her thoughts, or she would make herself insane before this day was over. She rushed through her morning bath, once discovering that the moment she started to linger, her mind instantly started to replay the visions she had while sleeping and getting her quite flustered.

Reaching the kitchen a short time later, she was not surprised to find her sister already there, issuing orders and organizing everyone with surprising ease.

"Ah, Kaely dear, how ye feeling this morning?" Myri asked as she finally turned and smiled to her sister before heading over to push some of her golden red strands back from her face.

"I be fine. Surprisingly, as I be sure I drank more then usual last night." She responded with a smile and brushed a soft kiss to Myri's cheek.

"What happened was more the effects of that potion Sweet. Come now, lets have some breakfast." She caught Kaelyn's hand and led her towards the dinning hall. "Fiona is sending ye off tonight to a party at the Albaelias as there be a Ritual tonight that might have a very unpleasant effect on ye."

Confused for a moment, she could only nod as Myri pushed her down into a chair and placed a plate of food down in front of her. "A party?"

"Aye. I have packed a few things as ye might be staying the night there. Would be best I be thinking." Myrialla smiled as she took her own seat next to Kaelyn and reached out to pat her hand. "Now, there be something else I need to talk to ye about."

Kaelyn was relieved for a moment, but at her sister's next statement, she darted a nervous look over at Myri. Suddenly glad the room was almost empty of any other people but for a servant or two who were standing on the far side of the large dinning hall and out of earshot. "What did ye want to talk to me about Myri?"

"Ye have a crush on Daniel and I want to make sure ye are careful."

Floored, she just stared in shock at her sister, having not realized she was so easy to read and then found her face flooding with bright color.

"Nae look so surprised. Ye said it last night after all, and I am only concerned that ye are going to be careful. Daniel is nae an easy boy to read and I just nae want to see ye break your heart over something that could just be a mild flirtation on his part." Myri's smile was gentle and sincere as she lifted her brilliant sea blue eyes to her sister. "Cieara thinks he has no experience but I be thinking he knows more then he be letting on. So ye just be aware. I love that boy as if he where my own child, but I know him. He can be very persistent in his own way when he wants something."

Completely baffled, Kaelyn could only stare at her with wide surprised eyes, and then, with a shake of her head. "I nae think I understand."

"Nae bend to easily to his will Kaely. If he does have interest ye let him chase as he be much like his father and I think he is seeking a challenge." She replied with another soft smile. "Ye have a crush, but nae let that turn ye into some weak willed lily. Ye be made of far better material then that." Myri saw Kaely still wasn't able to comprehend her meaning and she sighed for a moment. "I see I shall simply have to be blunt. Fine then. Nae let him tumble ye into bed without some effort. Believe me, this family has certain abilities that can blind one, but I think ye have the strength to be sure before that happens."

"Oh." The younger girl said as her face instantly heated up and she blushed to the roots of her golden red hair.

A knowing glitter and Myri smiled impishly. "The dreams be just a part of it Sweet, but that is actually a very good sign." Aware that she was being cryptic, Myri started to laugh melodically. "Ah, I can see some things are going to make the days a bit more lively for some time."

Cieara leaned in a slouch beside the door of her father's study, waiting for him to show up and glancing over at the time every so often. It was a little past nine and he had yet to arrive, but she would continue to stand there. There hadn't been all that many times he had been so, demanding but it seemed that she had really pushed a little beyond his current limits. All in all, she actually did think she had some pretty tolerant parents, as they didn't interfere or meddle. But that was before her father had decided to become some world power. It was possible that some things could change, even if she didn't like the idea, she knew after last night, she had to deal with it.

"I had expected you to wait until the last minute to come to my study Cieara." Her head lifted and there her father stood, looking to be in a far better mood then last night. Apparently her mom had managed to calm him right down which was a relief to her.

"Ye did say I was to meet you first thing. Been standing here for about a half hour already Daddy." She smiled mischievously and pushed away from the wall, then trailed after him as he walked inside the large book lined chamber. Taking a seat she peered at him, waiting in her own way for the other foot to stomp.

Settling his large frame into a seat he gazed at her steadily for a few minutes then seemed to reach some conclusion. "Lets start with why you were late last night Cieara" Your mother and I both stressed the importance of your presence and your bother and you seemed to have ignored that."

Glancing down at her hands, she fiddled with the seam of her leathers and sighed. "I really did lose track of time and, " she darted a look towards her father and sighed even deeper. "I had to let Danny out of the Playroom where I locked him and Kaely up earlier. Making me just late enough." Right now it was better to just come clean before he figured out what else had happened last night and this seemed to be the best one to fess up to.

An auburn brow rose upwards for a moment then furled into a frown and he grumbled for a moment. "You tricked your brother into the playroom and locked him up there?"

Cieara nodded silently, looking just guilty enough to ease some of the anger starting to stir in his steel-gray eyes.

"Apparently there is more, because he should have been able to walk out of there with no trouble. So, finish it Cieara." There was a noticeable edge now and she winced, glancing down at her boots thinking they need a cleaning.

"I, well, I um, used those old wards Mum mentioned a while back. You know, the ones that, um, trap shadow walkers." One very brief darting look and she knew she was about to get it.

Growling low he glared for a moment, but quickly caught the anger from spilling free and planted a hand on his desk with a loud smack that made her jump. "You mother will not be pleased to hear about that. Those wards are never to be used in this house. Cieara, I should"." He paused, with eyes glittering and glowing a faint red.

"I'm sorry Daddy! I never meant for either of us to be late".Honestly!" She lifted wide pleading eyes towards her father, hoping she didn't end up skinned alive, as he looked royally ticked off at the moment. "I swear, I will never, ever, ever use those wards again and I won't do anything like this again either!" Well, she would be more careful the next time at any rate.

Taking a very deep breath, as if seeking tolerance, he started to calm down slowly, just glaring silently for a long endless minute. "Those wards better not be there when I go into the Playroom later Cieara."

"They are already down Daddy. They um, take a lot of energy to maintain." She cringed faintly, hearing that cutting tone. "It was just a prank Daddy, I never meant any harm. Really!? She peeked up at him and winced once more, as he didn't look at all pleased just then.

"Your mother tells me the Albaelias have invited you and Daniel to their holding tonight. You can go, but you are not to leave their grounds unless escorted." Her eyes lit up for a moment, thinking he would have not allowed that and she instantly nodded.

"Okay Daddy. I won't go anywhere. I swear." She agreed very quickly, really wanting to get out of her parents way as soon as possible.

"See that you don't. There are dangers about right now Cieara and you have to be careful. If anything unusual happens I want you to come and tell me. Anyone you don't know tries to lure you anywhere, anyone following you. You know the drill, just be on your guard."

Light laughter and she nodded. "I always am Daddy. Last few times in the city, had some try and follow me, but I lost them." Totally unaware of what that news did to her father until she noticed the dark thundercloud fall over his face once again.

"Did you not think to let me know about that?" He started to growl again, but only that as her face was genuinely surprised, it faded quickly.

"Well no. Figured it was just some guys that didn't want to take "no' for an answer. It was really easy ditching them too."

"If such a think happens again, you need to tell me Cieara. Just promise me that you will be careful."

"I promise Daddy. I will be very careful." She was a bit confused, but he was obviously concerned for a reason so she would be very cautious.

"Good. You can run along now. If your brother is out in the hall, send him in."

She moved to her feet quickly and nodded, and without the usual hug and kiss, she just bolted out the door and found her brother right outside. "Daddy said you could go in now Danny."

He just shot her a hard look and nodded, her prank having ruined his plans for the day and now he would have to attend loads of boring meetings. His one driving thought being how he would get even, just finding the right form of revenge would take him some time.

Cieara now free from her father's mood headed out into the courtyard and trotted down towards Delana's tent and just marched right in. "Wake up Sleepy head! Got a job for you!" Then pounced on the prone form under the blankets of the cot and shook her. "Wake up De!?

Out in the stone enclosed area, an area open to the sky above, but protected by the stone walls surrounding it, Kaely was elbows deep in the herb gardens, having collected almost everything and was now carefully removing the last item when the door flew open with a bang and Fiona called out sharply. "Kaelyn, please get in here now."

Hopping to her feet, she dropped the herbs into the basket and hurried towards her with a curious look. "Something be wrong Milady?"

"Just come in here girl." Said with a tight edge on her voice and a glance behind her.

Feeling more then hearing the tension, Kaelyn hurried down the steps and entered with the door snapping closed and instantly locked behind her. "What be wrong?" Then gasped, seeing a young guard down on the ground with a servant bent over him, trying to stop the flow of blood seeping from his neck.

"Did ye see anyone while ye were outside Kaelyn?" Fiona asked, but only caught sight of the girl's back as she rushed over, and dropped to her knees.

"Get Myri." She shoved a hand at the servant then bent down, muttering in an ancient tongue with her hands pressed to the wound.

Fiona, at first glance had thought the wound fatal, but while she watched, the guard's color slowly started to return and his breathing start to even out and become less rasping. Seconds later the hall was alive with people, with Myri rushing down towards her sister looking just a bit unsettled and skidded to a stop. "Shee bannee mee! What happened?"

Sinking back to rest on her heels, Kaelyn drew a deep much needed breath and gave a shake of her head, pushing away the pain and fear that young officer had and glanced up at her sister with nearly black eyes.

"That was close, only just caught him in time." She muttered, peering down at the angry red line still marring the man's neck. "It was very deep and he lost a lot of blood. Will take time to recover."

"Did ye see anything while outside Kaelyn?" Fiona asked again, and offered a gloved hand to the girl and assisting her in rising.

"Nae Milady. I also didn't feel anything either. "Which to Kaelyn meant a lot. Who ever had done this hadn't been malicious, just vicious.

"I see." Fiona's artic green eyes gleamed then she turned speaking to one of the servants hovering a few feet behind Myrialla. "Go and get some of the Acolytes, as this soldier will need attending." She then nodded to another guard coming up behind the crowd. "Go and get Lucius. We have a situation down here that will need attention."

Her tone was just as frosty as her eyes, which were looking up and down the hallway with speculation. "Myrialla and Kaelyn, I nae want either of ye leaving the Keep without guards."

Myri nodded slowly, then her eyes widened for a moment, turning to look back down the hall then swung back to Fiona. "Cieara be out at Terrak's camp Fio. She nae had any guards with her as far as I could tell."

Crimson lit her pale green gaze and Fiona growled low, "This be some form of distraction." Then pushed her way out and was moving up the stairs in seconds.

Moments, later Luc's acolytes arrived and took charge of the injured man, with Lucius and Daniel on their heels. "What the hell is going on here?" The lord growled, seeing one of his men down and the large pool of blood staining the floor.

In no time they were down near the river and while Cie poked about on the bank, Delana found the tiny ring right where she had left it the day before. The sparkle having caught her eyes with the sunlight dancing over the gleaming surface as it sat atop a broken tree trunk. "It was here. Oh thank goodness. I really was scared when I thought I had lost it."

"All good now." Cieara replied, skipping over towards her with a swish of her cloak and grinned impishly. "Ye ready now to become a handmaiden?"

"Yes. Might as well, since I did offer." Thinking she could claim she had been drunk, but a promise was a promise.

"Great, and ye can bath and eat too. There are some bonuses to helping after all." Another merry laugh and she started back towards the keep, glancing upwards and grinned. "Looks almost pretty from here doesn't it De?"

Lifting her gaze with a hand shielding her eyes she nodded, even though it looked impressive, she wouldn't have thought to call it pretty. "Impressive more then pretty Cie."

"All in the eye of the beholder I guess." She laughed and trotted back towards the various camps. "Come on De!"

She caught sight of a flash of dark black and laughed glancing over at her friend. "Looks like Sidra's brother Lorne is hunting today too." Pointing out the large Black Panther slinking along the cliff side with agile grace.

They were now moving through an area almost deserted, with lines of empty tents lining the path, Delana glanced around then towards Cieara. "Hey, why are these tents empty Cie?"

"Oh, some of Daddy's Warbands are still out. The others put them up for when they do arrive. It's sort of a courtesy as often they show up exhausted." She grinned then turned, walking backwards. "By tonight though, they will likely be full of soldiers."

"Sooner then that girl." A rough voice said followed by a crude laugh that brought Cieara spinning with dirt flying from her booted heels and looked at the men in surprise finding three blocking the path.

"Who the hell are ye?" With one look Cieara knew he wasn't one of her father's men, as he was far to dirty for that. While her hand instantly moved down to rest on Vestia, her dagger, gripping the hilt hard.

Delana was moving closer to Cieara as several more slipped from the tents and surrounded them with a most unsettling gleam in their eyes. A quick count of ten and she was already pulling her own blade, prepared to battle.

"Well, look what we have here" Two little girls all on there're own, shall we help them back to their camp boys?" The obvious leader snorted, taking a step towards the young woman now standing back to back.

"You better back off buster! My father will gut you if you so much as try and touch me!" Cieara hissed, with eyes starting to swirl with a crimson glow but the man failed to notice that as he simply laughed.

"Oh and who is your father?" He snarled, edging ever closer with his sword circling in the air.

"Lucius DeAuster, the Lord of Gharnholme!" Dropping into a slight crouch, Cie kept her eyes pinned on his feet, biding her time.

"I don't care, I don't answer to him. Come on little girl, you can make this easy or make it really hard!? He growled, then lunged, only to end up hitting the ground heavily, sending a sharp jolt through his arm as the Cieara darted away swiftly.

Delana stopped instantly and nodded. "I wasn't going to make it easy Sir."

"Ye didn't. Some of then have proof of that." He sounded rather proud and after another pat to her shoulder, stalked off, also shouting orders to his own men.

Fiona draped an arm about Cieara's shoulder and drew her close. "Ye did very well, I managed to see from above. I see ye training is paying off, as ye kept them from pinning ye down."

"I did what ye said Mum. Besides, I didn't want any of them touching me." Cieara shuddered, leaning into the supporting arm. "How did ye know this was planned Mum?"

"I didn't, but there was some trouble up at the house and when Myri said ye were down in the camp, I followed my instinct and acted." Glad for that, or her daughter could have been shot in the back by an arrow. Fiona then looked up and relinquished her hold, allowing Luc the chance to enfold Cieara into a tight embrace.

"I swear Daddy, it wasn't my fault. We didn't do anything, just went down to find the ring Delana left by the river and were heading back to the keep when they came out of nowhere!" She stated, leaning into him still just a little shaken.

"I know Hon. Ye did very well. Held them off long enough for Lorne to raise the alarm and bring the others." Cieara could feel the rage radiating out of her father's form but it was mingled with relief as she have survived the experience almost unscathed. Her throat was a touch sore, but she knew Myri would fix that quick enough.

Fiona took a moment to step over to Delana, huddled in Cieara's cloak and smiled quietly, while one gloved hand moved to rest on her shoulder. "I am going to be training Kaelyn very soon. If ye like ye are welcome to also come along. I am nae an easy task master, but I think ye have talents ye have yet tapped Delana."

Startled, she glanced at the other woman and slowly nodded, aware she had just been offered a very important opportunity. "Yes, Milady. I would be honored."

"Good then, I shall let ye know when we are going to start. Should be in the next day or two. Ye can train until Terrak's Band is sent out for the raid." The chilly green eyes warmed just slightly and she nodded with another squeeze to the young woman's shoulder before drifting back to her husband and daughter.

"Terrak I want two guards on both of these girls, full time." Luc finally said as he slowly released Cieara and looked over to his commander.

"Aye Milord. Consider it done." He then turned and barked some orders and soon their new escorts then took both Delana and Cie back to the keep.

"There be another on a ways up the rise there." Fiona said, pointing to the spot under a large gnarled tree. "Dead, as I nae gave him a chance to fire on Cieara."

Luc growled again, aware of just how close Cieara came to harm and his eyes glittered.

"Torvein will have to answer for this." Turning then, he snarled. "Terrak and Uthor, take the dead ones and nail them up on pikes, as a warning. For the rest, chain them in the anti-chamber next to the Bone Alter. They die tonight!"

Lucius glared at the man who was settling in the chair across the desk from him with barely-disguised rage. Grand Duke Argus Torvein had been cordial to Daniel as the youth had ushered him into his father's study, and who now stood silent near the door. There was a slight pause, as the nobleman looked expectantly at Lucius. When the chaos lord spoke, his tone was low, with a steel edge. "Give me one reason why I shouldn't kill you here and now?"

Torvein blinked in apparent shock, but quickly the cold composure was regained. "It is I who should be demanding an expla?"

"YOUR MEN ATTACKED MY DAUGHTER!" Slamming his fist down as he roared in anger, Lucius fluidly rose to his feet. Torvein fairly jumped in his seat, pressing back into the leather backing, and even Daniel winced as he prepared to move to stop his father from doing anything he would later regret. But, Lucius remained where he was, crimson-flecked eyes boring into Torvein's. "You have one chance to explain this."

"I assure you, I have no idea what you are talking about!" Hands spread in a conciliatory gesture, the nobleman returned the gaze evenly. "With so many personal guards running about, how can you be sure that it was my men?" Lucius had apparently been prepared for that question, as he reached down and picked up something and tossed it into Torvien's lap, who automatically reached out to catch it. He found himself looking into the dead eyes of his guard captain, and recoiled in shock, letting the grisly object fall to the floor.

"Those who survived named him as their leader." Another object was tossed onto the desktop, a gleaming embossed amulet. "Each wore a medallion, showing loyalty to your house." With both hands resting on the desktop, Lucius glared at the pale Torvein. "So, my question stands. Why did these dogs attack my daughter?"

"Not on my order, I assure you." Taking a handkerchief from his vest pocket Torvein wiped his hands, and then gave a disgusted look at the head resting on the floor. "I have had problems with this one before, but thought he had changed his ways after his last brush with the dungeons." Tucking away the handkerchief, Torvein looked back to Lucius. "I trust your fair daughter was not injured by him?"

"Lucky for you, no." Eyes narrowed, Lucius glanced over to his son, who was listening closely. He noted the brief stray of a hand toward the sentient dagger Fiona had bequeathed Daniel, and was silently pleased. Lucius slowly settled into his own chair, his attention fully on Torvein again now. "If she had been, you would be dead now." Niceties and diplomacy be damned.

For his part, Torvein betrayed nothing now, the face of a consummate politician back in place. "The one's who perpetrated this deed shall be punished, with full disciplinary intent." Again, DeAuster's eyes narrowed, but he sat back in his chair, projecting a level of calmness now that was, if anything, more unnerving than his anger.

"Oh, they will." He smiled at the thought. "Even now, they are in my dungeons, and I will deal with them. This, of course, is non-negotiable." The nobleman frowned slightly, his own eyes narrowing, but that was the only indication of his feelings. Lucius could not pick up anything else from him, and that in it self was troubling.

"Indeed." Almost sniffing, Torvein brought his hands together once. "I would propose, then, that we get to the business at hand." Pulling out a piece of parchment, he tossed it onto the desktop. "This is a non-aggression pact, for my holdings and yours." Lucius reached for the roll and spread it out to read, as Torvein continued. "It clearly states that, as long as you do not invade my lands, I will not do the same."

"What about Urevan?" Lucius deliberately left off the title to his enemy's name, an insult to gauge Torvien's reaction. But again, he picked up nothing. "I know you are allied with him."

"Allied, yes." Torvein conceded. "But the Lord Urevan has not asked for my help in this matter as of yet." He shrugged, almost nonchalantly. "He seems content with asking the new Emperor of Terranth for aid."

Lucius considered this news for a moment. From everything he had heard, and it wasn't much, the self-styled Emperor had quickly taken over the Baron's Council of The Silver Lands in a coup, and then renamed the realm The Empire of Terranth. There was word that one of the baronies was rebelling, and the whole situation looked to draw the new Empire into war with Dragons Land to its north. For the Emperor to be sending troops to aid one who wasn't even a official part of his land, and on another continent to boot, was strange. It was a mystery that would need to be unraveled in time. Closer to home and hearth, Lucius felt"no, he knew the man sitting across from him had ordered the attack on his precious daughter. The thought of what they had intended nearly brought him up again to strangle the self-gratifying smile from Torvien's features. Capturing its master's mood, the now-awakened spirit of Drachmel hissed low, the possessed greataxe wanting blood.

No, he said to himself, even as he forced himself to slowly smile. No, you will answer to my wife in this, you miserable bastard. She will draw it out, make you suffer. "Very well, Your Grace." A momentary scratching as his quill brought ink to the parchment, signing it and tossing it back. "As long as you do not interfere in my war against Urevan, your lands are safe."

Tucking away the parchment, Torvein rose with a nod. "Excellent, Lord DeAuster. Now, pray excuse my manners, but I do have a realm to rule also." Departing pleasantries were made, and the noble was escorted back toward his suite by one of the guards. Lucius remained standing as the door shut behind him, and then he looked to Daniel, who had remained silent throughout. "Your thoughts?"

"I couldn't sense anything from him, dad." Daniel glanced at the door, then at his father. The elder DeAuster fairly radiated fury, and it touched his own hypersensitive senses. "I don't trust him."

"Neither do I." With a low growl Lucius came around his desk, pausing to set a hand on Daniel's shoulder and squeeze. "Your first lesson of diplomacy, son. Never trust except family." Releasing Daniel, he strode for the door, followed by his son. "I will not have any more meetings today. Go get something to eat.? Daniel nodded;, silently glad to be heading off, both to prepare for the party later, but also, to his sudden shame, to be away from his father. That much rage radiating was giving him a headache.