(GS Beltane Festival/Ball)

The Castle would be done up with care. The lights through out the city burned brightly in colors, of blue,greem,gold and silver. The whole twon was a buzz.Through the town smaller parties were being planned.

Within the castle streamers of gold,blue,silver and green flew high along the ceiling and down the walls. The castle smelt of roses, and night blooming jasmine.

The floors were plished, the rooms clean.

The smell of fresh baked bread,cajke and cookies floated up and down the stairs. The scent of richer foods for dinner floated out through open windows to the well lit garden.

The garden was lit with floating fae laps in the shape of roses, lillys, and tear drops. Soem lanters floated in mid air, others hung off trees or floated in the fountains. Millions of little sparkiling lights lit up the roses and jasmine bushes.

Small contained fires burned brightly,sometimes chaning colors at will.

With in the lounge the chairs and cozt couches were clean and dessed for the party, little treats were set out for guests and children.


The room were clean upstairs, for the many guests. Children were welcome to come to the ball, if old enough to stay up after dinner. Otehr wise rooms were set aside for them.

Everything was done to Salices perfect ideas. She wnated this festival to be one everyone could recall and love.

The invitaions were sent out, and the ball would be that first night, all were told that masks at the very least were a must. Ladies were wleocmed to wear thier finest dresses, the gents their finest suits or finer clothing. But it was not something Salice had as a must.


Witht he towna buzz the catsle nerely glowing. Salice smiled. There would eb fine music, dancing, good food and friends, fmaily welcomed to stay as long as they wished. For the ball was just the first night, after a grand dinner. There would be breakfast and fun for the children in the morning. Merryment to be ahd in town with shops open and emrchants about.

Salice hoped to make a jounrey to the Sacred Tree, and the Valley of Dae. If Radella allowed it.

She hoped everyone would come who could be there. A little merryment was always needed, even now at a time of peace.


So with the invites sent, and the castle and town ready all Salice could do was wait.

Now the sisters were all there. The men already left them tot heir talk as they spoke over poured glasses of brandy, wine and what ever else they coudl ever want. Salice smiled looking over at Etten then back to her sisters.

Radella came in then with Kraven. The elder was in a soft flowing green dress. Her young man wore all black. No one brought in any cases full of clothing, most could conjure anything they dared wish r had already sent their baggage ahead. Salice had many room set up for her company.

"Oh Radella you came.."She smiled to the elder. Radella nodded and watched as Kraven went to go join the men. "I may have to pay for having bribed him here." Salice snickered.

" Its your own fault Radella." That was the voice of the other wind mage. Novella stood in the door way with Magus. The dark mage wore his usual. Novella wore a dark pruple dress.Her two toned hair up. "Novella, and Magus.. come in come in.." Salice went to greet them.


During all the greetings. Sira and Damien slipped in. Damien wore dark colors, but at least it was dark blue and black.Sira wore a red dress, that was only knee high. Hera and Lang slipped in with Kane, who was put up to bed with the other children.Hera wore no dress tonight but a nice elven top and tight black pants.. Lang wasnt dressed up,Salice was amazed to see him dressed at all. Vanya was bouncing around now as Audrey and Kahn had come. Audrey had laid Joshua down but Vanya was to wide awake. Kahn was dressed nicely as Salice knew he would be. No matter what those Alcar men wore they looked nice.

As was the proof when Gabe and Anala came in. Anala was dressed in a lavender toned dress.Gabe dressed nicely, in his lighter colors. Anala laid Warner down with the rest of the children.

Soon everyone was there buzzing around the lounge and the rest of the chidlren resting save for Vanya.

Max jr., Azura,Angel, Warner,Lona,Dalryn, Kane,Amaleigh,Adaron,Joshua, and Kaleigh.All sleeping soundly up stairs Etten Micheal in the study. Shay had looked in on him as had Shea and Audrey.Salice had little to fear with so many mothers about.

Aiden sat with Damien, Max and Zhorn and the four were talking. Mila,Maewen and Emily were talking. Willow was with Radella and Novella. The Alcar men sat beside their wives. Shea and Victor were sitting alone ont he window seat. Salice was so happy to see everyone and the surpise guests of Gerog and Lori. Lori was a lovely woman, and the queen was happy to see the young captain happy.

The last two to arrive weren't expected as Drake of all people slipped into the castle, after sweet talking Cadaria into showing up to the party. He was dressed in a fine tux and wore it well. With Cadaria wearing a lovely strapless black dress that reached her ankles. Quite the pair they made.

Salice rose to announce that dinner was to be served. Vanya bounced up the full of energy teenager now and bounded for the dinning hall.

No Salice had not expected Drake and Cadaria.Whom the queen had heard much about. He was the only man dressed in a tux for dinner. She like his style. They ate and talked.Cadaria seemed to get along well with the other women.

Though she seem shy. She and Emily had much in common, dispite their differences. They had been outsides to this wild world, with so many people. But they amde a lovely couple. Salice ahd heard the talk.Hera and Jade ahd met the fallen angel. As had Darkmere. Word traveled so quickly. She was welcomed , as any other would be.

After dinner was done the plates cleared away Salice rose again. "Ladies, Gents..The masked ball will take place through out the castle, dancing to be done in the throne room. For thsoe ladies who wish to surpise their mates with their costume looks,I have set aside two ajoining rooms up stairs.Shea if youd be so kind to show the ladies up." The wind mage rose. "Ladies, follow me."

Each lady rose in turn, some gave their mates a kiss,others a little look. Hera smirked at her demon. "Behave."

Once Shea had led all the ladies away Salice looked to Etten. " I trust you all to be on your best. With the ladies in the ajoining rooms you may dress in your own rooms. I expect at the very least masks to be worn by all. Suits are not a must.. but if I do say, Lord Jones you look smashing in that tux. "She nodded to the men, on her way out she passed Aiden. "Look in on Etten Michael for me while I change, and keep an eye on the rogues.." Aiden chuckled tot he last part. "I will check on him aunt.. but I can not promise anything about the rogues in the house, there are far to many."

With that Salice went up stairs to change.

Shea came down before everyone else.The other women could easily hide.Shea was the shortest in the bunch and knew she could wear any disquise and still be known. But not to be outdone by her taller sisters and friends. Shea wore a dress of silver, though not bright silver, more tanished looking deeper nearing grey. It is strapless, with shimmering rhinetones that swirl from the top to her waist like the wind. She wears very high, high heals of spakling silver.Drop hooped earrings of that same tanished looking silver and diamond, and a black and silver lace mask. Her two tone silver and dark bkue hair is down around her shoudlers in flowing waves.

Aldaya followed the wind mage while the other women still dressed. Or fussed over their men. The archer wa smuch more sued tot he green and borwn clothes of the forest. But she wore a long flowing dress of black and silver. silver around her bust with a shimmering single shoulder strap that runs along her waist. Black from hips to feet.Silver open toed, high heel sandals. A shimmering silver braclet on her left arm, lovely square cut , drop diamond earrings, and a black mask with rhinestones, and beads handing from below the cheeks. Her longer dark blue hair up in a elegant pony tail.


Anala seemed to be following a new trend the ladies with the dark blue hair. Shea, Aldaya and herself. Used tot hese royal get togethers and all, the water mage was giddy att he thought of hidding behind a mask.Anala wore a long flowing black dress, V cut neck line with a shimmering silver and black belt about her wasit. Black lacy looking high heels, a black diamond bracelt.A simple mask , black with soft silver accents and hints of red. Her short dark blue hair down filled with small black roses.

There would be dancing in the throne room, but the funiture in the lounge had been arragned to welcome converations. The fire was low, and there was still plenty of food to be picked at, wine to be had. Guests were free to roam the full castle. Even outside in the gardens where the cool of winter had faded, spring had come leaving it lush and green. Tonight was perfect. Not too warm nor cold out.

The ladies seemed to wait there in the lounge tos ee who might come down next.

It was one of the men. His short dark blue hair gave Aiden away. Even though the youth wore a suit. It was charcole grey, with a black button down shirt. His mask was like smoke, flowing out at either side. His eyes stood out from behind that dark mask. His blue hair normally very well amnaged was geled and slightly spikey. He bowed to the ladies.

Shea smirked at her son. He looked so much like his father. But he had gained Victors rogue spirit.

Audrey checked on Joshua, the other children and put Vanya to bed before coming down stairs. She was dressed in A long purple dress, of flowing silk. A shimemring silver, and blue belt design about her waist and to one shoulder from the mid center of the dress. Silver high heels that show off her nice feet. And delicate silver earings. A purple and black lace mask with purple and violet feathers on the right side. Her long soft brown hair down wavy to her shoulders. Audrey had been raised all her life in castles with these kinds of balls, she pulled off the look of a queen, as she ahd once been.

Kulbin followed Audrey down. To no suprise to any who knew him, he wore the costume of a druid, dark green pants, with a long tunic of a deeper mossy green, a brown belt around his waist.And his mask was made of leaves of the colors of autum. His red hair was pulled tightly back.

Shea imaged had he stayed in Crendia, or gone to Sim'Tahl before meeting Shay that he would have fit the part of Druid of the Dunes well. She knew that normally he might have a dagger or sword at that belts side, but the sheath hung empty.

Now just Shea and Audrey sat in the lounge talking.

"You know, you should not dish too much with in my ear shot." Radella had come down stairs, stealthy as ever to listen to them. "I may get ideas."

Radella, though she was the elder of the group, well maybe not next to Willow,Ghallon or even Darkmere.. but.. she will not be undone by the young ones. She wears a dark blue dress witha single strap, a small slit in the bodice shows off a little cleave and skin. There is a slit on the left side of the dress showing off her leg. Her heels are black and simple, she wears only a simple silver and dark blue sapphire braclet. Her earings are sapphire studs. Her mask is elegant, looking as if ti is made of lace, it is see through, showing off her skin tone, along witht he black and dark blue of the lace. small rhinestones glitter above her eyes. Her long silver hair is down to her waist.

She chuckled as they all looked at her, those who left for the throne room to dance and others who filtered about.. They had been talking quite freely.As the women were known to do. Radella chuckled at them.

"You would have those ideas already." Shea pointed out. Radella merely grinned.

Willow heard the women talking long before she walked down the stairs. They had been talking this whole time. The issue was as always the men in their lives. So many rogues for women so proper.. or whom seemed tot he outside world to be proper. The goddess will not be out shown tonight,nor any night she wore soemthing befitting her status. Wearing a white flowing dress witha deep V cut. The dress flows past her height and pools on the floor. She wears simple yet elegant white heels.She wears hoop earrings and her ring. A white and softly blue mask,with elegant feathers dons her face. Her dark brown hair is down and straight.

Shea watched Willow pass in to the lounge and give them all a look from under that mask. Willow looked all the part of goddess tonight, more than queen for sure.

Emily followed her mother down the stairs. She felt a bit uneasy like this, so dressed up. She was not as used to the formal ways as the rest of the women were. But she wore a strapless hunter green dress with golden ribbon about the bust and back and criss crossed doen along to her waist line. Golden high heels, a sparkly golden braclet on her left arm. Small golden tear drop like hoop earrings. Her long raven hair down. Her mask is golden and black lace, with black feathers on the right side. She hoped that maybe Zhorn would dance with her tonight. The idea alone had made her get dressed. She moved in to the lounge to sit and wait.

Willow looked over at her daughter. Her style befitted her nature. Though Willow knew that Emily was far more comfortable in pants than in a dress. But she did look stunning. Her smoke colored eyes from under that golden and black mask. Her raven hair around ehr bared shoulders. Willow felt rather proud.

Sira followed the two down. She wondered what trick Damein might be up to as he was not down stairs yet. But Victor had yet to come down as well. Perhaps they were with Max and the children upstairs. The new queen of Sim'Tahl wears a dress of black and cream. Withint he cream color are floral deisngs that dominate the bottom half of the flowing yet fitted dress. It shows off her fine curves. Her shoes are black opened toed strappy high heels. She wears earrings of diamond and black onxy. A silver and black onxy braclet on her left arm, her wedding ring, and a black and silver mask. The black is mesh like lace over the mask.A very poofy feather rises from the right side of the mask.Her short reddish brown hair is down and undone.

Radella didnt move knowing Kraven hed likely stay upstairs all night.

Novella came down next. Continuing the flow of ladies ind resses as others moved off. There were a few stillw aiting but she spied Magus and almost laughed out loud as she didnt expect anything less form him. She on the other hand Wore a V cut black dress with a silvery, lacy belted look about her waist. A long cut shows off her right leg above the knee.her shoes are black and silver high heels that look almost wven She wears a woven and diamond bracelt, shimmery shiver hoop earrings. Her mask is black and silver, the silver part standing out in sequins, black and silver feathers rise from the right side of the mask.Her two tone hair is up and elegant. " Hello love." She walked up to Magus who stood in the shadow of the stairway.

Lorelei came down next. She wouldnt miss this for the world. Dressed in a merlot and black dress. The V cut dress's bodice was merlot in color shimmery with color and woven in strands of long silver thread. A rhinestone beltd look breaks the dress in two the bottom half to her fee is black yet still as shimmery as the top. A slit shows off her leg to just above the knee. She wears opened toed strappy back heels of merlot. A braclet of merlot colored stones, opened tear dropped silver earrings with small purple stones at each tear drops bottom. And a black and merlot mask, the merlot s color shimmers made of sequins. Black featehr rise fromt he right side of the mask. And shes showing off her wedding ring. She smirked as she went to go sit with those ladies still waiting their men.

A few men ahd to wait too. Salice was still upstairs as was Jade and Hera.

Shea,Sira and Audrey all sat on the couch. Maewen sat in the large cozy chair. Radella had left the lounge for the kitchen. Lori stared up the stairs for her pirate.

Emily wandered the warm gardens.Wondering if dressing up was such a grand idea for her.

Inside the couples could dance and enjoy the music.

Mila and Aiden were dancing still. Jade pulled Dark on to the floor,with a pout. Hera spun around the dance floor solo trying to get her demon to join her. Anala and Gabe did not dance at the moment they sat in the far window seat listening to the music. Aldaya and Raz had claimed the few seats by the low burning fire place. Novella and Magus were there as well, soon joined by the lone Radella who slumped in to her seat.

Shea sensed that Victor was upstairs with Mina, and would soon be down. So she rose to join Lori by the stairs.

Victor was the next one down, taking Drake's lead with a simple suit. But leaning more towards the eventual role he would be taking with Shea. The few steaks of silver hair in his hair in full view now, as he winked to his wife.

Max came down wearing a suit, but the colors of Crendia and smiled as he moved to Maewen and swept her off into a dance. He was followed by Kraven, who actually dressed up to match Radella, only for him to join her in sitting the dance out. As did Georg with Lori, with him dressed in his best captian's attire.

Kahn came down in a mix of styles, both Nosgoth and of Greenstone. Both easily worn by the middle Alcar, with Damien coming down beside him. Wearing the royal attire of Sim'Tal. Both men moved to their women, which left Zhorn yet he wasn't in the castle.

He was already outside in the garden, waiting for Emily. Wearing a shirtless number, just for her and her alone. Of course he knew she would drag him inside, but he wanted her to see his look first. Very fitting of his rogueish nature, yet she just might noticed a certain name tattooed on the front of his throat. Emily.

Outside Emily wandered. Through the lights, past the burning fires. Past the lillys and roses that bloomed. She stopped when she saw Zhorn. Shirtless,standing there waiting for her. She was about to say something to him when she noticed her name tattooed on his ebony skin.

She was honestly touched, and awed as well. "You did this for me?" She reached up and touched the marking. She liked his rogueish look. And wondered, or rather hoped he liked her dress. She lifted off her golden mask. It was dangling tied at her wrist. Her smokey eyes looked over him. As her fingers brushed that tattoo. She honestly didnt care if they went in or not. Shed dressed up for him,not for anyone else.

His skin was warm under her touch. The night air was not warm, yet not cold. The ever burning fires glowed behind them casting a soft glow to his ebony skin. Her hand looked so pale against his chest. Before she could loose her nerve she rose to her toes and kissed him deeply. For coming down to meet her? For waiting for her? For the marking upon his skin? It could have been for any or all those things.

Zhorn didn't say a word to Emily's question as he waited for her to move in closer, looking her over while she did. He did love the dress she was wearing, and answered the asked and unasked questions in his own way. As his arms wrapped around her at the kiss, returning it with the same passion she was giving him. Holding her up in that embrace and press of lips.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Georg glanced over to Radella and Cadaria as the two spoke. "Give it time, and soon you'll feel like this whole group is family. Drake is a good man, and everyone can see that he loves you dearly." The captain smiled to the woman, as he looked to his own lovely lady.

Drake happened to catch Georg's words, and smiled as he slowly sat down beside Cadaria. Slipping his hand in to her own, as he took a deep breath. One of the few times he was looking for the right words to say to her.

"What they say is right.. I wanted you to see where I spent a portion of my life. Each one of those I have introduced you to is like family to me, even if I am not related to anyone here by blood." Softly to her as he looked to her, with a squeeze of her hand.

"And if you plan to stay with me.. You'll need to know the people we'll be around as we grow old together." Smiling to her as he pressed a kiss to her cheek.

The night progressed, with more food,wine and other drinks.Talk and dancing much dancing.

It seemed at one point that every couple, even those who didnt favor dancing had taken one spin upon the floor. Salice had been seated for a while now watching as her sisters,her friends, her family danced and enjoyed the night.

Emily and Zhorn had come in shortly.It was more for Willows benifit than anyone elses. But they ahd gone again. The queen knew where they were.In the garden. ahn were dancing slowly, as were Shea and Victor. Sheas head rested on his chest. Salice smiled softly, linking her hand with Ettens.

Shea seemed different tonight.Relaxed,less worried about tomorrow and forever. More focused n the here and the now. Shay and Kulbin had left too.Salice knew they were likely too some where outside under the stars. An hour ago she had annoucned the aldies and gents could remove their masks if they had worn any. Masks were hung off wrists left on tables.Salice hung off the arm of the throne.

Aiden and Mila had gone to check on the children and when they returned Aiden nodded to Salice. The baby was fine still alseep.

As the song ended Aiden walked to his mother and ask Victor if he could cut in. Another song broke over the floor and he swept his mother off in to a dance. Beniffiting his style Victor spun Mila around the floor.

Most of the couples had reamined in the room, some by the fire, some by the far window. A few had gone to other parts of the castle or outside.But the mood was very high.

As the night went on, couples retired to bed. Some shared one last dance before leaving the throne room.

Children were checked on, tended to and put back in to bed. As the castle became quiet. Salicey their son in the crib close to their bed. The night was over, and most had retired. When they had left to go upstairs only one couple had remained in the garden. Emily and Zhorn.. two creatures very much of the hour it was.

Salice lay back out of her dress and in to her night clothes. "It was a wonderful night.." They had danced, talked and ejoyed the fullness of it.

Etten grinned over at her. Salice smiled. "Did you see that they can all sit near each other now?" She spoke of Jade,Shea,Victor and Darkmere. "There was very little hostility. And my sister seemed very happy. I have not seen her so content sonce we learned of her and Victors fate."

Etten was nodding along as he got in to bed beside her. "Tomorrow, more fun to be had." She chuckled at him, the tone in his voice made it seem like tonight had been soo very long, but she knew hed enjoyed every moment of it. Salice snickered at him as he climbed in to bed beside her.

She snuggle up against him.

She lay her head against his chest and closed her eyes.She felt his fingers brush through her hair. "Did I happen to tell you how lovely you looked tonight? "She shook her head lightly, though she knew he had told her she looked beautiful many a time that night. "You were radient."She smiled and looked up at him. "And you looked handsome, very handsome."

She snuggled up against him kissing him softly.

Breakfast was a mighty spread, the tables laden with food. There was everything one could desire out a of a breakfast.And Salice had made sure it was all self serve, you could gather what you wanted then eat it any where you saw fit, the dinning table had plates,galsses,and silverwear upon it.As well as the choice of many drinks,juices,teas,coffee,water,milk for the young ones,for today would be full of more than just the adults.

Salice dressed in her ridding wears.Though she would not be ridding. Radella had foridden that. But Salice happily dawned her lace up cream colored ridding pants, and her green elven top, that was a cross between a tunic and the robes a mage would wear. She wore her ridding boots though she knew shed sit in the carrige with the children while everyone else could ride. Shed have Etten,Rune and Vanessa for company.As well as Her children. Ther were other carriages as well for the the children. Every had a carrige or a horse they could ride out,once the day had truly begun. There would eb fun for all in the town, with shopes open,goodies to be bought.

At some point around lunch time they would all head to the Valley of Dae for a picnic. She knew some might go for a swim in the lake, which wa slikely still very cool even for the full weather. But before they could do anything theyd all ahve to eat,a nd witht he amass of guests... family.. Salice smirked as she double checked on the food.. there would have to be enough to go around.

"You could feed an army with all this food." Etten was dressed as he usually did in his dark apparel. "It will have to feed an army. Were talking our family, and whos all here isnt even everyone...think if this was a full party with everyone possible invitied, wed need more food." Etten chuckled.

"And I know how the men eat.. " They were all so tall,they needed the food.Not that the ladies didnt eat their fare share, but none could out do the men..

"And the children will be hungry.." She felt Etten pat her head. "Shall we go rouse our children?"

Salice gave it some thought, "Aye,lets go wake at least Lona and Dalryn. I will tend to getting Lona ready if you wake Dalryn for me. The baby was still sleeping we we left the room."

Etten nodded, "I will check on him then wake Dalryn."

Salice nodded leaned to her toes and kissed him.She let it linger just a moment.

"Bright eyed and bushy tailed arent we Salice?" The voice was unmistakable. Salice broke the kiss and narrowed her eyes playfully at Hera. Lang was beside her with Kane.

"You hush." Hera snickered as Queen and King brushed past them to go up stairs. Hera watched them go and wiggled her brows at Lang, before heading toward the scent of food.

Drake and Cadaria were the next two to come down, with Drake chuckling as Sira fussed at Damien. "Oh let him have some fun." To the two as he started to fix a plate for himself, with a wink down to Damien who smirked.

"So.. Cadaria was it? How good of a kisser and lover is Drake? All the women here want to know." He grinned just as Sira slapped him on the shoulder for his picking on the angelic woman. With Drake coughing at the questions, but managed not to grin at all.

Lang had overheard the questions as he linked arms with Hera. "I'd say a good one! I taught the boy how to be smooth and a rogue!" Called over his shoulder, as Hera smirked at him.

Drake would eye Hera at her first comments, getting Lang to laugh as he shook his head. Just about to say something to his wifey before she popped a berry into his mouth. Damien on the other hand stole a kiss from Sira.

"Hera you ain't woman enough to handle me." To Hera, before turning to Cadaria as he took her plate from her. Setting it on the table, with his hands then coming up to cup the sides of her neck. Thumbs caressing her cheeks, looking her in the eyes.

Without another word he leaned down, and started to softly and slowly kiss Cadaria on the lips. With his hands trailing down her shoulders and arms to her sides. With his eyes closing to let her complete the kiss and embrace.

Once everyone was awake, the castle wa s abuzz with children, parents and everyoe was eating or joking about. Salice watched as she rocked Etten Micheal in her arms. Soon they would all head out to the Valley once the morning was done with. Breakfast had beena hit and Salice could see many ahd gone back for seconds and thirds the platetrs and bowls were nearly empty. She could always count on her family to eat like a massive army.

She watched as the woemna dn men alike teased poor Cadaria. She was the newest of them, and that was her right of passage. Emily and Zhorn were the only two she had not seen since they got their plates of food. Young love. A smile at the thought.

The party had gone so well the eve before,the castle wasnt the least bit dirty from the party,nor would it be from breakfast, or any of the fun to come.

Salice spied Shea and Victor through the window in the gardens, they werent alone.Mina,Aiden,Mila,Amaleigh and Adaron were out there as well. But Shea and Victor seemed more at peace with each other. Salice had yet to tell her sister of their fathers words, shed do that once they went to the Valley.

The children ran about, or tottled about or even crawlled about. The Castle was child safe to some degree. She could see wary mothers eyes following, or Vanya following those who wandered too far. Kane was the most avid one to get in to trouble. And only Hera or Lang could get him, for anyone else got a little burst of fire enegry from the tot. Salice smirked watching the wee ones enclucling Lona and Dalyrn crawl about the lounge.

Salice looked to her sisters.Shea destine to be the Lady fo Light and Dark. If the mother had lived Keir and his madness, then she would have become the next in line. Anarya already had her destiny set before her as the Mistress of Dragons.

If Cala had not been killed then Shea would be able to stay with ehr family see her daughter grow up,marry have children of her own. But as things were Shea and Victor who would go with her would only see till Adamaina eighteet birthday.. not so old for an elf.. an adult in the eyes of the human world. but very mucha child in the elven world.. though at that age already Shea had born a son, and all three sisters were fighting battles.. with darkness with becoming who they were now.

Salice looked over Shea her hair going more and more silver by the passing day, it was riddled with streaks.Victors hair showed only a slight sign of white ..Salice snickered, they all called Shea gray haired but it was silver just as Salices own was. Looking over at Shay then she smiled, her younger sister,looked much like Ember.

Shay had her own destiny set out for her as well, to be The Lady fo Roses.. in the Rose woods as her mother was now, she was also now duchess of Rose-Whip with Kulbin at her side as duke. Kulbin planned to go with ehr when she assended to become more than mortal or immortal.. Kaleigh would be in her thrities before it ever happened. They would get to see their daughter every day grow and change...

Salice felt bad for Shea and Victor yes they would still be family and free to do as they wished, but they would be bound to Edhel Ndor, and hopefully the allied lands. There would be no Rhydin in Shea or Victors future. And they would not see Mina grow every day.. they would have affairs to attend to..

As queen Salice would look after Mina.. and Aiden,Mila and thier children as well. Salice wondered what Aiden thought of all this, he would not really be loosing his parents.. but it would feel as such. He had lost Adaron at a young age and Shea had raised him.. he was a man now, married and a father but he was still her son..

Salice looked to the youth, not yet in his first century of life. He was taller than Shea that height he got from Adaron. His eyes were dark blue, his hair shades of blue dark to light mixed in as Sheas had been when she was younger. If anyone looked at him he could pass very easily as Victors own blood. The height, his ways.. he was a rogue though settled some now as a family man. His daughter Amaleigh would one day take Sheas place as the Lady of Light and Dark..if Shea and Victor were ever killed in that state. Salice was sure Aiden would see to it they were never harmed as long as he lived.

Her massive family. She took her son , her little baby boy in her arms from Etten as he came to her side. Her consort.. and now her king. He was everything she had wanted and more. And this was their massive family.. and it wasnt even everyone that could have been there. She looked to Etten, as the othered ehade dout to the carriages with baskets for a massive picnic.

Everyone filed out some would ride horses, others would ride in carriages. As everyone left Salice waited watching as they mounte dup or got in to the carriages. Her destiny was here at this castle as Queen. One day her daughter, or one of ehr sons would take over.. or perhaps someone else in the line of GreenStone.. so mixed now with the blood of Sim'Tahl,Crendia and Nosgoth. Thier world was forever changed the day they all became allies.. for the better she knew.

The last to get in to her carrige beside Ettem and her children Salice looked at the mighty castle that had stood since Astalders time and smiled. It was a little worn around the edgdes..but it would last forever.. perfect in her mind..

Jade was holding Azura, as Angel sat up by the window edge of the carriage alone. They four would ride in the carriage together. She smiled to her brooding man. "Its hasot been that long."Jade winked at him. " But you are right, I see it too. "

Azura was nearly asleep in Jades arms but Angel was wide awake looking from the window to them both and back.

The carriages pulled away all on route to the Valley.

The Valley was green and lush, the Sacred Tree alive tall and well, its shade offered reprive from the sun. The hill sides on either side were flecked with smaller trees, bushes, and wild flowers. There were wild flowers most everywhere one could look in little patches in the grass. The carriages left at the far end the horses set to graze.

Blankets were set out over the grass, which was not to tall but also not too shorty. Baskets of food were brought and laid out on the blakets. Already the children ran and played, or tottled about..

Salice took a seat on her blanket, beside the others close tot he shade of the sacred tree. Some basked in the sun while others laid in the shade.

Salice smile dover to her sisters who both sat there beside her on their own blankets. Both sisters were smiling watching as their children, and grand children in Sheas case ran or tottled about. Adaron lay there on the blanaket covered and shaded along side Etten Michael. Sleeping. Amaleigh lay there as well. Aiden cased Mila towards the lake, the game took hold and Damein chased Sira, Max chased Maewen the couples giggling like they were all teenagers again.

Kaleigh,Mila,Azura, Max jr. ,Warner, Lona,Dalryn all tottled or walked along trying to case one another. They were under the watchful eye of Gabe and Anala at the moment. Vanya cased after her now slowly crawling brother. Audrey watched on smiling. Kanh was watching her and Vanya.

Hera and Lang were already in the lake by the sounds of the splashing so was Kane. Angel was attempting to climb the sacred tree with Dark and Jades help. Rune and V sat under the shade of the tree beside Willow and Ghallon. They all spoke softly of the lovely setting, the day ahead, and the days to come. Radella sat there with them Kraven had not come to the Valley. Radella wanted to keep and eye on V and Salice as well.

Raz and Aldaya were off alone on the hill side under their own tree. Drake was walking about wirh Cadaria. The sight of the two made Shea smirk. As did the sight of Victor in the grass with seven todlers on him. They used him like a mountain to climb. Zhorn and Emily were walking around as well,on the hill side away from onlookers. Georg and Lori walked hand in hand slowly for the lake side.

Salice did not spy Novella nor Magus there, though she knew they must have come as well. Perhaps the other wind mage had headed up on high tot he peek to look out over them or the forest beyond. Salice smiled over towards Etten who was now also in the grass laying near his blood btoher Victor letting the kids crawl over him. Kulbin took up the sport of trying to tickle Shay with the end of a reed of grass from far away.

The sisters three sat side by side and looked to the tree then to eachother. It had beena long time since they all sat there.

Once they came to this spot nearly every chance they got. Together they woudl sit have lunch and talk.. but war and peace, love and loss, family and foes.. they all ahd changed over the years, and sometimes kept thema way doing other things. Salice looked to them then. "I saw father."

That got the other twos attention. " It was not yet dawn ebfore we all had breakfast,I went to the embattlements as I once did long ago. To look out over the town and towards theses mountians, this valley that can not be seen from there and to think. His spirit came to me. He spoke to me, wished me good morning. I was surpised to see him, but also glad." Shea knew the feeling their father had come to her many times in this valley in the place victor made for him on the peek.. where Shea had once nearly died. Shay knew the feeling as well, Alcander had come to her after Zel her first love had died. He had come to her again with news of her mother, and once more after Shay became duchess of Rose-whip.

"He seemed so soild, as he always was.When we were little he used to stand up there and look out towards the places unknown. He took my hand. I was worried he was bringing me ill news, a warning perhaps.But he brought me good tidings. He spoke of the passing of Cala and the tension that has been felt in Edhel Ndor. Cala's spsirt is in the light of heaven as his is. The evil that tainted her death is gone, as is the one who killed her."

Shea sucked in her breath and Shay nodded. Salice looked over to Shea then . " Devron is dead, his spirt taken by darkness. He will never come ehre, there is too much light, so we need not fear." Salice smiled, "I felt the wind then, mothers wind, it embraced me. "She held her arms out to either side and each sister move din and Salice embraced them both. "The wind spoke your name seler. "She looked to Shea, "mother spoke your name to me, it was a whisper of hope. With every day you and Vicor grow more powerfull, as any can see with how you change with the passing of time. The wind spoke to me, that you and Victor need not fear to leave behind your children nor grand chidlren. You bot shall live and breathe here on this plane till Mina is of adult years. Then and only then will the powers take you both and change you to become who your destine to be."

Shea blinked, unsure of what to say. She looked over towards Victor who had Mina sitting on his chest. Then down at Adaron and Amaleigh. Shea sighed softly and the wind rushed through the valley, it was a soft breeze that cairred the scent of wild flowers. And for once in an age Sheas eyes went back to their natual jade color.

Salice embraced her all the tighter then.

They sat there then arms over each others shoulders.