Its that time of year.For great dances and fine food. All taking place at the Castle in GreenStone. I am sure this year will be full of family fun, as most years are.


The Winter Fest in GreenStone will take place in December. The offical start date will be the 2nd of Dec, and it can run as long as we dare to let it.

"Your not at all being helpful." Salcie peered at Shea who sat at the kitchen table.

Shea smirked and looked up at her elder sister. "Did you want my help?"

Salice tapped her foot softly.


"Face it seler'" Came Shavyns voice. "Shes no help at all."

"Shay!" Both called at the same tiem then rushed to embrace her. Kulbin chuckled fromt he door way. "Go on keep going. Don;t mone me." At his side toddled Kaleigh. "Oh theres my niece." Salice lifted the young girl up. "Lona,Mina,Warner,Dalryn,Vanya and Joshua have been waiting for more children to arrive." Kaleigh smiled and hugged her aunt.

Kulbin chuckled. "I'll take her up to see them all." He took Kaleigh away from all the possibly breakable things yet to be hung up or put out of arms reach.


"Looks like you need some help." Shay smirked. "What can I do?"

The three set forth to finsihing up the lounge and dinning room.

Hera smacked Lang lightly as they walked in. "Got room for a few guests out of the cold?" She snickered as she was embraced by Salice. V snickered and found her way to the kitchen. She said hellos as she went.She could help in the kitchen.

"Fashionably late witha guest, hmmm." Salice pondered that. "Well most of the family is already here,I assume Jade and Darkmere will be coming with Ghallon , Willow and their guest." She hugged everyone.

Aiden and Mila walked in about then. "Were here."

Shea sneered at Victor. "We cant all be tall mountains." She went to embrace her son and daughter-in-law. "Hows my grandbaby doing?" She quired Mila.

Mila snickered. " And here I thought you didn;t want to be a grand mother.Your grandson is fine Shea." Mila touched her belly softly. Down the stairs came Vanya and Audrey. Audrey had Josuha in her arms and Mina by the hand while Lona,Kaleigh ,Warner and Dalryn hung on to Vanya,Anala and Kulbin. "They couldnt be kept away all night." Mina leapped in to her brothers arms.

Aiden chuckled. "Come on.Mila and I can keep the kids busy.With maybe... those two to help."He eyed Maewen and Max. Maewen was sporting a round belly. Due to burst any day now. "I could sit." Anala lifted up her son and smiled to everyone. "I can help witht he wee ones as well."

"So I hear that I might be needed on this occasion." From the garden door Radella came. Alfreda and Albreda were no where to be seen. "I am sorry to repor my fellow elders will not be here this year. " She didnt say why. "But I brought Kraven." A look behind her.

Salice walked over and hugged Radella. "Yes well Maewen might need you.She looks ready to pop. And your always welcome." The decor was finsiehd and now the food would get started. "Audrey can show everyone to their rooms. The couples all have the laregr rooms, the children can stay witht he parents or in the nursey. Which I expanded to hold all the possibilties."She grinned at Maewen. "And anyone needing a single room can easily find one. " She was glad now more than ever that she lived in a castle. "Dinner will be at seven, eight if we need to push it back."

V had wandered off tot he kitchen but she coudl still hear everyone enter.And see Radella and kraven from where she hovere dint he kitchen.

Shea fussed at Victor then went to help decorate the throne room. It was to be the palce for the grand dances.There would be none tonight.That wouldnt happen till tomorrow at least.


Sira snickered and hugged her brother,Salice and Shay. Then punched Aiden int he arm before he coudl escape. Mila,Aiden,Anala,Audreya dn Vanya all took the children up stairs to play. "I'll help."Sira offered and smiled. "What can I do?"

Shay followed the brooding wind mage in to the throne room.

"You can help V and whom ever else had gone to the kitchen if you like." Salice offered. And bags anyone had brought would be taken up by a tall evlven man named Hon he was one of the servants in attendance for this gala.

Hera stuck her tounge out at Lang as he joined the lounging men in the lounge. Novella snickered at Magus as she went to help Shay and Shea in the throne room.

The next through the door was Aldaya and Raz. Aldaya smiled and sat ehr bags near the tohers ont he floor and was greeted by the foot men near the door and she gave a little wave around the found her way to helping out.Leaving ehr own brooding man to his own devices.


V greeted the archer and Sira as they breezed in tot he kitchen.Most fot he food was being made by the able help. Since Salice didnt cooka nd wasnt asking anyone of ehr fmaily to cook even though many could cook,a nd well. It was eaiser to hire someone to do it. "Hey V." Sira offered.

"Hello Sira, bring that lovely hunk of man with you?" V grinned at Sira.


Sira nodded. "Hes out there hidding with some of the others in the lounge."

V nodded and peered through the window opening an in tot he dinning hall and through the doors to the lounge. "And he has a shirt on, of all the luck."

Sira chuckled.

Shea brooded away from her husband and in to the throne room Salice soon followed ehr and Sahy there. Sira chuckled as a pillow hit V. V tossed it right back with perfect accuracy at Rune. Then both women smiled at Victor as he ducked in.

"Hidding?" Sira asked and smirked at him.

V wiggled her brows at him. "We could keep you company."

Hera seemed to be the only woman daring enough to sit in the lounge. Novella soon joined her after seeing to the brooding Shea. She was surpised to see Magus had hone up stairs with those tending to the wee ones. Hera grinned a the men about the lounge. Then tossed a pillow at Damien and one towards Lang. Then she just smiled innocent of any crime and pointed at Novella.

Soon it seemed everyone wa sin the large lounge. Even the wee ones. Vanya sat with Mila and Aiden and the children in the far corner by the bay window. Around them sat Lona,DalyrnKaleigh,Joshua who was in a little bouncy seat. Warner had crawled to the bay window seat and Mina sat there too. Despite Sheas brooding. Shavyn hit her sister in the head softly before snickering retearting in to Kulbins arms. Quite the gatehring. Salice stood in the door way watching everyone.

Dark and Jade along witht he twins and Ghallon and Willow and whom ever they were bringing were not there yet. Salice assumed it might be some time. So she ahd some of the hired help bring out some finger foods and things to snack on. Then she smiled to Etten across the room. "We are not all crazy." Said softly.

"Hes right we are all crasy." Azura reached for Jade and Jade took her and Angel seemed content to be carried by Dark to join the other children. Jade gave Salice a hug, and nods were given about.

V took up a palce on Runes lap and purred softly .Sira pelted the pillow at her brother then ducked to Damien pointing at him.

Aiden and Mila had the chidlren entertained for now. Shea was done brooding for now.


"Willow and Ghallon will be along tommrow most likely.Lets eat huh?" Jade stated she wa sin on the secret.


Salice looked to the brooding king. "Welcome again."She offered him her hand. Customary it seemed for the rulers to shake hands. Sira had hugged Salice, and Damien hadnt shaken Salices hand but their time would come.

"Let us go and sit about the table then shall we. Grab the wee ones , they have their own table." Each aprent went to retirve a young one and headed off tot he dinner table.

Jade smield to Heaven. "Everyone before we all go off to eating."Now as they sat aroudn the table Heaven between Dark and she. "I want to intorduce Heaven to you all. Some of you."That to Raz ,V,Gabe,Shea and Lang." Have already met her. I will be the first to admit I was surpised when I learned of her. But now I have grown to love her. And I hope all you will do the same."


A nice few words from the lycan.

Salice rose at the head of the table. "Welcome Heaven.You fit in already.We shall all ahve pelanty of time to tlak and get to know you after dinner. "

She could see that Aiden and Mila couldnt keep the children from eatting. "Dig in everyone please." There were plates of food before each guest and wine or water or what ever they dared to wish for in the glasses before them as well. And lots of second helpings.

Around the table they ate and talked and Jade smiled to Heaven. "You don't need to be worried dear.Your family."

They ate and talked of all things winter and good things to be thankful for.

After dinner the plates were cleared and everyone filled the lounge.

Now came the long winded intros. Milasat in the window seat by the by window with Azura on her lap. The other children playing by her feet with Audrey , Aldaya, and Aiden all watching.

Jade helping with the intros.

"Those two over there whith the wee ones are Aiden and Mila they are marrried, Aiden is Shea's son. The woman there witht hem witht he brown hair is Audrey you saw her in Nosgoth shes married to Kahn." A finger waggle to Adrey and Kahn. " And the woman with the short blue hair is Aldaya.She and Raz have eben dating for some time now."A wink to her son.

"Mila and Aiden are expecting their first child, a boy. And the children there are your sisters"She waved to her daughters who were playing. "Vanya."She pointed out the young elven girl with the soft blond hair,and silver toned eyes, whom looked about 11. "Shes Audreys daughter and that there."Pointing to the boy in Audreys arms. "Is Jousha, her and Kanhs son."

"The young girl with the blueish black hair there is Adamina who is Vicotr and Shea daughter." A waggle of a finger to Victor. "Thats Victor there,and you have met Shea." A nod to the short wind mage with her two toned hair. " The boy there is Dalyrn and his siter Lona." To the one fair haired Dalryn and the dark raven haired Lona she looked both toddlers playing with the rest of the children. "They are Salices children, shes with Etten and they are expecting their first child together.Salice os the Queen of GreenStone." A nod to Etten, then to Salice.

"The other dark haired boy there is Warner. Who is Gabe and Anala's son. Anala is that dark blue haired woman there by Gabes side. She is a water elemental."A nod to her son and daughter-in law.

"The other girl there with the brownish silver hair is Kaleigh she is Shayvns and Kulbins daughter."A nod to the two. "Shay is Salice and Shea's middle sister. And duchess of Rose-Whip. "

Blue eyes moved on. "The couple there is Sira and Damien." Pointing to them on the love seat. "They live in Sim'Tahl one of the allied realms.One of the other ones at least. " A smirk to them both.


"You already know Lang."A point to the sexy demon himself. " And that his wife Hera.They too are expecting."A nod tot he lovely Hera. Who was easily picked out of the room by that marking on her fair face.

"And that is Max and Maewen, they live in Crendia with Willow and Ghallon and few dozen others. Crendia is one of the allies as well."A nod to Max and Maewen. "They too are expecting."

Her eyes loked over the rooma agin. "That woman there in the lovely purple robes, is Radella. She is an elder of these lands a healer and wise woman. And with her is Kraven." A smile to them both.


"That brooding looking fellow there is Magus. Hes a sahdow mage and with him is Novella. They are much in love.Novella is a elemental wind mage.. different from Shea, and I'll let one fot hem explain how that works." Novella was easy to pick out as wellt hat bright violet tattoo above her eye stuck out.

Then on onward. "Thats Rune and V there.You've met V before. They live in the twoer near Nosgoth Castle. Rune is Ghallons adobtive son.And V is a vampire. Theres lots of elves here as you ca tell by their ears.And lots of Alcars too." A grin at Dark.

She checked the room again. Then looked to Dark whom was standing there. "Did I forget anyone?"

Jade growled and batted at him. "Hes coming?Is he really the surpise guest?" Looking around for Ghallon and Willow now. No sign of them yet. She smiled to Heaven then. "Eceryones very friendly.Go on, go talk toa few of them.You'll see."

Everyone was content now sitting and talking. The wee ones had about a half hour left to play before they would be off to bed. Salice watched the room.Nododing to Jade as she seemed to be giving Darkmeres duaghter some short long winded intros to whom was in the room. Thank goddess for the big lounge and all its cozy places to sit.

She watched the children in the far corner as they played. Tomorrow they would all ahve breakfast then go for the annual walk tot he lake and those who wanted coudl ice sakte. The kids would likely play in the snow.Salice eyed some of the asdults in the room knowing who would be part of that amssive snow fight. Then they would all ahve lunch, and share gifts , then dinner again then dancing . Salice knew ehr sisters had their dresses picked out. Tonight was more relaxed as there were guests still not there. Salice leaned off the wall by Etten kissed his cheek then went towards Jade and Heaven.


Jade smiled to Salice as she came over.

"Greetings again Heaven."Salice smiled to her. "I hope that you will feel at home ehre in GreenStone.And all of Edhel Ndor my fellow learers of the kingdoms here will gladly welcome you as well. I was wondering if youd like a map of Edhel Ndor.And then if you like I or one of mys isters would be happy to tell you all about these lands. And I am sure if youd like to be shown about I can arrage that."

Salice nodded and had someone go fetch a map and bring it to Heaven.Heaven soon ahd a map not only of Edhel Ndor but of Crendia and Sim'Tahl the other allied realms. Azura giggled at thr hair ruffle as Heaven passed.

Salice went back then to Ettens side. Jade stood back with Dark. "She'll do just fine." A wink to him ebfore she went to go chat with Radella.

In the corner witht he chidlren Aiden nodded tot he passing Heaven. She looked much like Darkmere.But had a different air about her. Mila smiled to.Everyone had been told that Heaven was coming. They all gladly welcomed her.Beside Raz stood Aldaya. Dressed in browna nd green her blue hair almost cyan in tone was cropped short. But she ehld Raz's hand softly.

Anala smiled to Heaven as Gabe passed Warner to her. "I am pleased to meet you Miss Heaven." The water mage inclinded her head to Heaven.

Aldaya stood still as a stone at Raz's side. Smiling though.

Jade smirked as the clock on the mantal stuck. "Shes like you .And everyone loves you."Siad before she palyfully reatred away.

Soon it was time for the little ones to be off to bed. Audrey,Mila,and Aiden witht he help of Vanya took the childen up stairs to their room. The kids all shared one of the igger rooms,equipted with beds,or cribs for th littleish ones. And it seemed that two by two the parents went to bid their children goodnight. They were well protected up stairs.

Now with the little ones tucked away the grown ups could talk and enjoy more grown up things.The room seemed to settle in to the soft conversation.The clock on the mantal struck ten now. The three GreenStone sisters sat on the couch now.Shavyn sat in Kulbins arms and Salice had snuggle din to Etten. While Shea idly poked Victor.

Jade snickered watching those three. Her eyes spyied Heaven talking to Raz and low and behold Aldaya was being bold holding Raz's hand even if it was lightly. Jade nudged V beside her. V looked up and smirked to Jade. "So eager tos ee your sons married off." She saw Gabe and Anala across the room with Aiden, Mila,Max and Maewen all talking. Rune was standing with Kahn,Darkemre and Audrey. Jade snickered softly. "Which one are you staring at?"

V shook her head at Jade. "Your husband." Jade snickered to that, "dashingly brooding isnt he?"

"I'd say so." Hera leaned in to them as Lang had wondered off to bother Damien and Sira. "I thought Salice was going to make this year a shirtless year for the men." Hera grinned. V snickered. Jade nodded along. "Oh you know theyd never allow it,and we'd have to do something too. I saw tomorrow you two gang up on Lang and snow him to death."She grinned. Hera might play a part in that snow game but any snow that touched her hand would likely become water after too long. "I say we team up all of us and burry Shea in the snow."A grin from Jade.

"I heard Shay saying tomorrow there will be mistle toe hanging some where. Antics will ensue then." V mentioned softly. "Maybe you should keep Dark chained to you, just in case." Jade shook her head. "I'll just stand under the mistle toe the whole night, and drag you two with me."

Heaven smiled at Anala. "Your son is really handsome."

She frown at her brother for messing up her hair she spend hours fixing. She quickly fixes it back. She careful kept a safe distance for the mistoe.

She smile at her father and then jade before she went outside, getting some fresh air.

Heaven turned her face up toward the sky, letting the flakes fall on her face. A smile played on her lips, enjoying the quiet and the beauty in the city in the winter.

She heard Sira, and turned toward her. When she offer the cloak, she took it and place it over her shoulders. "Yes, I am alright. Just getting a breath of fresh air."

"It's truely beautiful here." She smiled, at peace here. Her blue eyes turned toward Cira. "It's a lot to deal with. Everyone here is so nice. It's not that bad."

Aldaya snickered at the two brother punching each other in fun. "Gabes not dull or boring.I am sure Anala can atest to that. But yes I do adore you the way you are."The archer turned ehr eyes to the mistletoe highjinx.

Shea brooded more and more with each apssng moment the two palyed on her. Jade soon fled Vics kiss and got pushed back in to Dark. She'd be safe there. Shea peered at her husband then shook ehr ehad at Salice before she was snaged by Etten.

Outside.

Sira looked to the shadow mage and gave him a nod. Still elaning there hoping to comfort Heaven. She had to snicker a bit at his words. "We will find her someone soon enough.I am sure of it.Already in the works. " Was she joking or serious it was hard to tell. "And you should talk, you love Novella.And no one set that one up,you two were meant to be."She batted lashes at the shadow mage then snickered more looking off in to the town.

Sira ooked over to Magus knowing hed likely say nothing at first. "I've been in it about two years. I was still living in the dunes outside of Crendia where Kulbin and I and our other siblings were raised. I found my way to my brother,well we found each other really. Then I went to the summer fesival and that was that . I became part fo the fold them and soon I was fighting alogn side them and thats how I met Damien and my place in Sim'Tahl." [/color

]She looked over to Magus then, he was in an odd way part of this huge thing they called family. Allies, friends and blood made it all up. Sira could hear the guests inside going about thier tlaking. It would be time tretire before too long, tomorrow would be another day for great big fest things.

And as predicted, the shadow mage remained silent as ever. Glancing to the two women as they spoke, before he turned to head back inside. "Ask Novella about me." A thin smirk from the mage, as he moved back inside. Catching the tail end of the mistletoe chaos.

Shaking his head as he moved over to lean beside Novella, clear of the mistletoe as he would more than likely glare at anyone other than his mate..That tried to kiss him.

Soon even the adults would have to retire.The couples whom wished it had rooms together any one wishing for a single room could easily find one. Soon the castle was quiet. Childrens leeping,adults as well save for thsoe few with thier noses stuck in books.Tomorrow would be a new day.

When dawn broke six new guets made their way to the doors.Alearted by the magic Salice was already awake. Even if everyone else liked to sleep ina bit. She opened the doors to the suprised look on Willows face. Salice emrely smiled. "Welcome guests, your right on time,early in fact no one yet is up.Breakfast is being made that should wake them."She smiled to Willow and Ghallon then noted the good Captain, and three others she did not know.

Two women and one drow male. The first woman stood next to the Captain. She was an ich shorter than he in her boots, her hair was blonde short cropped close to her and neck save for one long strand braided neatly tucked behind ann elven ear. She was lovely.And Salice noted that the womans hand was twined with Captain Aurdons.

"Salice you rememebr Captain Audron,"Willow spoke mtioning to Gerog. "And this is Lori his lovely mate."To the blonde elfess. "Mae govannen ," Salice greeted them both in elven. Then stuided the woman and the drow beside her. The woman was tall, slender yet strong, her hair was raven black and softly wavy, her yes were striking, like cold blue steel, and she was fair yet not snow white as if the sun had tanned her skin.And Salice knew her to be a vampire. The drow, was tall and handsome,Salice had met few drow even as Queen. "And this is my daughter Emily and Zhorn." Willow motioned. "Vedui'." She greeted them. "Please everyone come in, shed off the cold. " Willow smiled, " Emily,Lori,Zhorn this is Salice, Queen of GreenStone, and this castle is her home, you'll come to meet many family members in the next few hours." Willow grinned.

Emily walked in to the castle amazed, more amazed thans he ahd been about Crendias great place.Lori too seemed awe struck. "Breakfast will be served very soon, till then you have free reign of the castle.There is hot tea,coffee,and other drinks int he lounge as well as some elven pastires. Please help your selves." Salice motioned them in tot he lounge, they coudl ahng the coats or cloaks up there on the nice wooden coat rack near the door if they so wished. Emily noticved no one amde a move to try to ask her or anyone else there for their weapons even though all ahd a weapon of some sort. Salice noticed Emilys gaze. "Weapons are always wlecome in GreenStone, as long as you take care not to draw them for ill reasons.But if you have a room up stairs."Willow and Ghallon would know theirs already. "I can show you the way or if you would like any bagage you have can be taken up and left safetly in your room. " That to the other four. Willow had already watched as one of the young servants took her things along with Ghallons upstairs to their room. Emily nodded softly and the same young elven girl took her things her three bags upstairs.

Salice smiled. "Please sit enjoy yourself.I am going to see how breakfast is getting along. " Off she went busy Queen.

Willow smiled and was already half way to the lounge.

Heaven was still up, she did change out of her grown and her black hair was down but still in curls. She was exploring the grounds with the help of the map. she ended up in the libary.

Georg was the one to introduce everyone when they moved into the lounge. With a side trip for him to introduce the many childern to Emily and Lori, before the three moved into the kitchen to join the others. With Etten and Victor being the ones to fix a plate of food for the others, before they sat down as well.

Ghallon glanced over to Emily and Zhorn a moment, as he watched the drow male tease and torment his daughter. Getting him to nudge Willow. "She trys so hard to ignore that she likes him." Murmured softly.

Heaven came down, a soft smile on her lips, fixing her own plate of breakfast and a glass of OJ. Her blue eyes watched around her, her family. she eat about what half on her plate.

Heaven with a smirk the kind she got from her father, hit her father right in the chest with the snow ball, she hid behind a tree. She had a hand over her mouth.

She can see how beautiful this wonderland palace is.

Heaven wanted to learn how to skate, she moves to the edge of the lake, looking around for some ice skates, biting her bottom lip. not finding any.

She moves to her sisters. "Do you want help me to build a snowman?" she asked them.

"Of course, Vanya." She started with the base, slowly working up to a big ball. "Who got the middle?"


She watch her father for a minute. then back to Aiden, giving him a soft smile.

Dark continued to watch the others as they enjoyed the moment of being able to relax. His brows then quirked as he moved towards the snowman, summoning a hat and handed it to Azure. Then smiled as she plopped it on the snowman. He then took her from Vanessa.

He then summoned a pair of ice skates for Heaven, and handed them to her. A soft smile to her as he turned to watching the others suddenly joinning in with the pelting of Shea. " Maybe that will cool her off for a while."

Dark chuckled softly as he watched Heaven as she got the snowman to dance. He then watched the childern as they pointed to it giggling. They were enjoying watching the snowman.

He then turned as Victor had joined in on pelting Shea, as it seemed most of the family were pelting the overly grouchy wind mage. Sure to get her to try and hide as all her family were using her as the starting point for a snowball war.

Dark glanced to Willow and Radella, as they took Maewen and Max back to the castle, before moving to loop his arm around Jade. " Our family just keep getting bigger." Murmured to her as he looked over the gathered family. Some pelting Shea, others on the ice skating, or taking after Heaven's lead. Making snowmen and snow women with the kids.

Lang now moved over to Hera, as he moved his arm around her. Looking over the family as well. "Soon..you will be round as you are tall." Grinning at her.

Dark chuckled as he looked to her on the last remark. "You don't have much room to talk there. Granny." Stealing a kiss to her cheek, before looking over to Shea as the pelting had finally stopped. "Maybe that will cool you off for a while." Called out to the wind mage.

Lang growled to the swat to his rear. "Well don't expect me to carry you around." Giving her rear a swat in return, before slipping off with her, and back to the castle.

Ghallon was over with Vanessa, as Rune was helping to watch over the other childern. "You two complete the other.. I haven't seen him so devoted to anyone since I have known him. You two have a long life and futurer together." Said as he patted V's shoulder.

Heaven cover a yawn. her blue eyes looks to her sisters and stepmother. "I think I might take a nap for a little while, Jade."

She smiles softly and hugs her sisters. She also hug Jade before she retired to the room she is staying in. She didn't laid down, she just sat and think for a bit.

Dark nodded to Heaven, before helping Jade with Angel and Azura. With a kiss to their brows, once they laid them down in their cribs. He then smirked at Jade, as he hip nudged her back. "Could be worse.. Could be another nagging female like you." Smiling sweetly at her.

Lang was busy teasing and tormenting Hera, quacking at her and before she could haul off and hit him for it. Smiled and kissed her cheek, knowing she'd make him pay for it later.

Dark smirked as he looped his arm around her, as they headed back down to the party. "You do nag." Hip nudging her as they moved back into the lounge. He then chuckled to watching Hera chasing Lang, and Vanessa chasing after Rune.

Lang growled to the smack to his shoulder, as he gave her shoulder a shove in return. Yet before she got hit him back, he quickly pulled hr into a lean against him. Going from being a rogue, to being a gentleman.

Rune would move to sit down, pulling a growling Vanessa into his lap. Grinning as he pressed a kiss to her cheek. He then looked around at everyone pairing up with their respected mates.

Jade snickered and growled at her brooding man and gave hima whack then smiled to Heaven. "The children are sleeping. Once they wake we will have lunch. Then we have to wear them out again, tonights the ball."Jade snickered.

Hera snickered and leaned against her demon. "That means I win."Sh e whsipered as he took he rin to elan against him, which she adored doing.

V was tugged in to Runes lap and growled playfully at him

Those awake all seemed to join in te lounge. Soon the customary gifts would be given out by Salice to every member of the family. Something simple,this year. Then once the chidlrenw ere awake Lunch would be served.

fter lunch comprised of inside and outside play for the wee ones. Some ran all over the castle playing hide and seek.Some played outside tag and other games. The adults watched and some even played along. Jade having a rousing good time outside with the twins,warner and Mina.

Shea sat inside confident that Jade,Dark,Victor and Heaven would keep an eye out. Inside Sira and Aidenw ere teaming up against Mila and Damien. They ahd swited parnetrs for the game of massive checkers laid out in the throne room. Anala,Willow and Radella played witht he chidlren inside while other parents looked on. Willow didnt worry about Emily. Lori and Emily were being shown around the castle by Gerog and Salice. Zhorn followed them along.

By the time all the games were done the chidlren were all very tired. It was just in time for everyone to go get ready for the ball. Down stairs Aiden and Shay helped Salice set up the throne room. While Shea aided Vixtor as best she coudl in the kitchen. Once the decore was done everyone could set off to get dressed to look their best for their mates.

Hera paid him no mind as she went up stairs along with allt he rest of the laides to get ready for the dancing part. Jade sikcered at Darkmere as she slipped past him. "Just for that,You have to dance two slow dances with me."She smcaked him int he rump then darted off to get dressed.

Salice was the first one done , dressed in a long green dress,her hair up. She awaited for everyone to come down and see the fine work done in the throne room. Audrey came down next. Audrey looked stunning in a crimson toned dress her dornw hair down in soft waves.

Mila came in with Aiden a few moments later. She looked lovely in blue,her silver hair up.Aiden beside ehr wore his customary suit. Shay and Kulbin were next. Shay ina long dark rose toned dress her silvery brown hair half up . Kulbin like Aiden in his normal dark suit.

Salice was not expecting Maewen or MAx at the ball. They had their new baby son to tend to. Maewen would likely be very tired.

Radella came in next wth Kraven. Salice wasnt surpised to see him in his normal clothing though it was clean dark clothing. Radella had chosen an off the shoudler puprle dress,her silver hair down. She had her arm linked with Kravens.

Novella and Magus walked in next Magus brooding in his normal wears, and Novella in a silver dress.

She was not surpised to see Jade walk in stunning ina low cut dark blue dress Darkmere behind her. Sira and Damien came in arm in arm Sira in a soft blue dress that showed a lot of leg. Shea stolled in a moment later, seeming to have embraced her dark side in a black dress with hints of silver. Salice was intenting to torment ehr poor sistr by dancing with Victor who looked dashing as always.

Aldaya slipped in in her cutomary green dress. Willow came in with Ghallon she was in white to match her partner. Anala walke dinw ith Gabe her dress sliver and simple. Slaice snickered when she saw Hera. The fire child not acustom to wearing dresses was also in black. Matching Lang perfectly. Most suprisng to Saice was Vanessa, her dress was long and a soft lavndr tone. Rune ahd a smirk on hsi face so wide.Salice could only assume V had lost some sort of bet with him.

Lori spun in. Dress in a loaned dark blue dress that looked lovely on her. She smirked to Gerog. "Come lets dance."

Salice chuckled. The ball this year was simple and easy,hired musicans played soft music and there were palces to sit and talk and not dance. She eyed one of those spos now where Emily,sitting in a long silver dress sat. The young woman looked lovely.But Salic eknew like many of the women here, Emily was not sued to dresses nor balls. Zhornw as some where hidding in the shaodws Salice was sure. Waiting to embrass the poor girl.

Jade was giggling while Jade was giggling as she leaned to Darks shoulder.

She had noticed Magus and his sudden change. Novella seemed the most shocked of everyone as he swept her away in to a dance.
It seemed all everyone could do was wonder and watch the two for a moment. Before continuing on with their dances.

Willow looked form Magus, whow as always suprising to her daughter. Still Emily sat running her fingers over that silver dress she had been loaned. Emily would look up once ina while usually to Zhorn, then away.

Novella smirked to her shadow mage. "This will be the talk of the kingdom for days to come." Dancing on Novella smirked.

Salice watched everyone as she danced.Sure to get Etten to tell her just to enjoy herself. But Salice couldnt help it,next year by this time mnay of the young ones who were now sleeping would be dancing along side everyone else. Salice looked over to Audrey wondering what the woman was thinking, if she was thinking the same thing. But Audrey looked most content dancing with Kahn. Salice was the only one witha busy mind,even normally brooding Shea was laughing and dancing with Victor.

Jade just smirked up at her brooding man.

Emily didnt say anything her eyes cut from him to her mother and Ghallon on the dance floor. They danced as if they had been dancing together for a life time. She fiddled with her dress again .All her normal courage had gone out the window.

Salice smirked to Etten at that poke. She nodded softly. He was right,always so right.She would relax her mind.Lean in to him and just let the dancing drift her away.

Sira smirked to Damien then whispered something to him and then stole Lori from Georg. Those two were up to something. The two whispered and smirked then Sira stoled over to Zhorn. She looked down to Emily then to the dark elf. Lori came up a moment later. "Why arent you dancing Emily." Lori sat down beside her smiling. Sira grinned softly. "Is she too shy to ask you?"Sira asked Zhorn. "I'll dance with him if you wont." Sira wasnt relaly flirting but she could act very well.

Emily blushed a bit more and said nothng.

Sira grinned a bit as she was swpet away in to a dance. "Sorry luv,I am already spoken for. I am just trying to open that ones eyes."Looking back to Emily and waving.

Lori looked on, "you should go over there and step in or go dance with Damien." Emily looked towards Damien then back towards Zhorn and Sira. "I dont know how to act around him.I've never had anyone near me like him."Lori looked to Gerog. "I know what you mean, you should cut in or maybe dance with Damien or Gerog."

Emily looked away again towards the other two men. "I could not." Loris brows rose. "You want to dance with Zhorn don't you? Most the men ehre are more like him than you know all have a touch of rouge in them.Expect for Ghallon." Lori grinned. "You should go dance with Damien, it would be fair Sira stole Zhorn."

Emily looked over to Damien and Gerog. Lori gave Em a nudge and slowly Emily rose and crossed the room towards Damien. Sira watched smirking.

Sira was happy to be in her lovers lap.She grinned at Lori then to Emily.

Emily blinked at Zhorn as he swept ehr away in to a dance. It was just them two.Most everyone else seemed to be gone form the throne room.People we parting the castle. She was blushing she knew it. Her eyes looked to his chest, which was a good view but she could feel his eyes upon her and her gaze shifted. He would likely leave with Georg and Lori and the rest of the crew,go back to Crendia and then leave from there eventually. Emily had made the choice already to stay in Crendia to get to know her mother,ghallon, and this family that she was now apart of.

She danced with him,flowing well for a woman who didnt dance often it was like sword fighting all in the legs, her arms were around him. And his around her, which she liked. "You are most sly,Zhorn. Here I thought I had you figured."


Salice smirked as she sat down with Etten int he lunge. Jade and Dark ahd left witht he twins and V and Rune had just gone out the door. Shay and Kulbin were staying till morning then they would go home to RoseWhip.Shea wand Victor were already retired to watching Mina or bed. Aiden and Mila had left first heading off up stairs.

Willow sat in the lounge with Ghallon. Hera and Lang were already in bed long away back in Nosgoth.

Maewen and Max were staying till morning to give Maewen time to rest. Radella and Kraven were gone, as were Novella and Magus. Salice was relaxed hearing the soft music still in the throne room. Sira and Damien came out said goodnight and headed to bed, theyd likely be gone by day break. The good Captain and Lori joined the others in the lounge.

Salice knew there was a lot to clean up. Shed think about it later. Make Shea do it.

Willow grinned looking to Ghallon she could hear the soft music as well. "My daughter may have taken one of your crew men Captain."She adressed Gerog. "It will be good for her." Willow had high opes, not too high of coarse.

Lori grinned as she sat there witht he few whom hadnt left or gone to bed. She had greatly enjoyed her time here.
Willow grinned at Lori then nodded to Georg. "Smitten."She smirked and leaned in to Ghallon.

Emily stared at Zhorna s their dance ended and he stood with her in his arms there against the throne room ball. "Your full of surpises. "She smiled softly, "thank you for the dance."She didnt move only looked up in to his eyes.

Salice looked from Ghallon to Willow then to the good captain and Lori. "I hope you stay a while at least in Crendia Captain. Take some time away from the sea,wander the realms here.You and Miss Lori will have your fill of GreenStone within due time I am sure but Edhel Ndor is vast. And my fellow rulers would welcome you in to any kingdom or town. And I am sure Sira would love to welcome you both to Sim'Thal. "Salice realxed in to Ettens arms whispered something to him then rose. "I am of to rest now,I bid you all goodnight."She headed on now elaving the lounge to Willow,Ghallon Lori and Gerog.

Moments after she left Etten would follow.

Willow relaxed in to Ghallon now. "I suppose in the morning we will head home,I hope you will stay in Crendia for a little while Georg and Lori. I am sure Emily would be happy not only to have ye both but Zhorn as well."