The night of the all ranks tournament had arrived and Topaz stepped onto the Isle and headed for her couch. Rena was already there, awaiting the arrival of the other contestants. Topaz scanned the beach then, ?Mmm, I smell cake!? She greeted the goblins with a smile and accepted her usual cup of coffee from one of them.

Rena chuckled, ?I didn?t get cake for mine.?

Topaz set a nicely wrapped box onto a cushion on the couch and settled herself beside it, ?Aww, bad goblins. Maybe they didn?t know??

Rena gave a slight shrug, ?How many are signed up tonight??

Topaz glanced at a bit of parchment, ?As of right this minute, just you, I think. Tormay found me earlier and told me that he?d not be able to come after all. Artemus, Rhaine, and Esper also sent their regrets.? Rena expressed her regrets at the small list of entrants, but Topaz smiled, ?More cake for us that way!? She took a sip of coffee, ?Do you happen to know when this governor election is to take place? Or did I miss it already??

Rena chuckled, ?It was held last week.?

Topaz groaned, ?Aww, I missed it again. Who won?? She was busily preparing for the tournament as Rena informed her that Matt had come away as the new Governor. Topaz sipped from her cup,

?Matt as in Simon?? Rena nodded and Lem arrived about then. Then she smiled at Rena, ?I think I like that result better than the last one. Although, Gnort would probably make a fine, conveniently bribable Governor.?

The goblins were particularly quick as they went about their tasks of keeping everyone set up with refreshments. Lem strode across the sand, ?Evening, is the tournament still on schedule??

Topaz indicated that more or less everything was on schedule. Lem flopped down and prepared to catch a cat nap, ?thum me when it?s time to start,?

The portal next spat out Tasslehofl as Rena glanced at Lem and muttered, ?geez?. Those who were arriving were all either Mages, or Keepers, a point that was not being lost on Rena.

Tass kicked the portal before plastering a smile on his face and turning around to face those already assembled, ?evening, so, I?ll immo-ray everyone and we can go home?? It would seem that Tass was in unusually high spirits.

Topaz chuckled, ?Good evening Tass. Is everyone ready to sing Happy Birthday for Azjah when she arrives??

Tass gave her a confused look, ?Wait, wha??

About that time, the woman walked through the portal and just caught the tail end of Topaz?s laughter. ?Evening everyone.? She settled onto her chaise and asked a goblin for her usual glass of scotch.

Tass considered turning into a platinum something or other, and then decided against it as he walked toward the Marchioness.

Azjah gave the child a smile before glancing at Lucien. She took a step closer to the pair, but kept Lucien mostly between herself and the child as she reached out to take the flowers. She was very careful not to touch either Lucien or Sylviana, but she gave the child an indulgent smile, ?They are lovely little one.?

Lucien added his wish for a happy birthday before he and Sylviana faded from view.

The Tower of Water rose from the center of the Lagoon, and Azjah smiled seeing Wyheree, whom she had not seen in many weeks. Rena murmured softly to herself, ?and another Keeper.? Wyheree walked across the bridge with a smile as she reached the shore. ?Good evening Azjah.?

Azjah smiled, ?How are you Wyh?? As she sat down again, she sent a goblin for a glass of water in which to place the bouquet of flowers.

Wyheree took a seat, ?I am faring much better, Azjah.?

Then in a blaze of gloriously lush pink bubbles, Liena arrived. She was greeted by everyone, and in her usual bubbly and ebullient manner, she returned the salutations.

Gabriel took that opportunity to fade into the visible spectrum, where he remained behind Azjah?s chaise, but his attention was on Wyheree.

Goblins hurried to set up the late arrivals with cake and something to drink, but they didn?t get too carried away, and they respected Gabriel enough not to offend him by trying to give him cake too.

Lucien faded into the visible spectrum not long after his twin had arrived, this time though, he was minus the small child. He slipped both arms around Topaz and nuzzled her neck. She leaned back happily against him, ?That went exceedingly well.? He agreed that it had, although he knew what it had cost Azjah to get that close to the child. No one else knew, and he had not expected her to do anything other than what was proper.

Azjah curled up in her chaise, awaiting the start of the tournament. Liena was looking for someone to duel with when she realized there was a tournament tonight. Chryrie Nightstar appeared in a puff of dust, still trying to clear something black from the front of her shirt as she appeared.

Wyheree continued to pick at the cake, but she managed a small smile accompanied by a wave to Chryrie. Azjah also greeted Chryrie, who returned the greetings, and an especially big smile for Wyheree.

Lucien settled onto the caller?s couch with Topaz in his lap, and noted that his twin continued to watch Wyheree closely until Topaz whispers that she was glad he could make it to the Tournament. His just simply being there improved her well being.

Wyheree took another teeny bite of her cake, and Gabriel leaned closer to her, from over her shoulder and behind her, ?You do not enjoy this tradition of birthdays?? She started abruptly at the unexpected whisper in her ear. Gabriel then straightened, saying ?Forgive me.? He had not expected her to be so startled by his question, which he had tried to keep discreetly out of other?s hearing ranges.

Chryrie looked at Wyheree as she minced at the cake, ?The way you?re eating that m?dear, I?d think it had that nasty wedding cake style frosting.?

Azjah chuckled as she took another bite of the cake, ?Actually, it?s a rather nice butter cream frosting.?

The beach area was inundated in noxious clouds as several duellists called upon the Foul Fog spells. Xeric sniffed, ?Do you smell that?? Azjah coughed as Swamp Fumes wafted her direction. Liena groaned, ?Ewwww, Azjah, that stinks soo much!? She tried to wave away the odor with the mirror she held in her hands, now befouled from the spell.

Azjah winked at Liena.

Topaz whispered to Lucien between rounds, ?You know that pretty dress will be rags by the time Ariel gets Sylviana tired out for the night.? Lucien slipped a cluster of stephanotis into Topaz?s hair while she worked. She gave him a kiss, ?Thank you, I love their scent.? He smiled a black velvet smile and told her that they suited her.

Xeric stepped away from a razor-edged water whip launched by Wyheree. ?Easy with that!?

The Isle was alight with spells being cast and countered when Harris wandered through the portal, munching a grilled cheese sandwich. Azjah caught a glimpse of the tell-tale blue hair and smiled, ?Good evening Harris.? She blew him a playful smooch from her ring.

Goblins scurried and set Harris up with a plate of birthday cake and something to drink. But Harris eyed the goblins as they shoved the plate of cake and drink into his hands, which were already holding the sandwich. He took stock of the situation, and then expediently smooshed his sandwich together with the cake, promptly devouring them simultaneously, washing them down with his drink, then hurling the empty mug at a nearby goblin. ?So, I just had cake. Why? Is it my birthday again? I?d honestly rather have presents.?

Gabriel gave Harris a dark look, he truly did not care for the blue haired menace, ?It is the Marchioness? birthday,? there came a pause before Gabriel added, ?sir? to his reply. One thing Gabriel did not consider Harris to be was gentry.

Topaz and Lucien were in their own discussion, ?I think Azjah liked our presents.? She kept here eyes on the ring, but her focus was on the man behind her.

?I have no doubt of that my dear,? he murmured as he sought to distract her from the happenings in the rings. While that did make it harder for her to keep up with the officiating, she enjoyed, and encouraged his distraction tactics.

Harris grinned at Azjah and brought a glower from Gabriel for his efforts, ?Well, your 21st birthday is always a special one.?

Azjah chuckled, ?That one passed a while back.? She wasn?t going to announce her age in front of all of these people if she could help it. But her focus remained intently on Liena.

Harris gasped dramatically, ?then it's your?. 25th?? He squinted at her from outside the rings.

Azjah?s meteors were dropped way off their intended mark as she blinked at Harris, ?Keep going,? she told him.

Meanwhile, Tass walked up to Rena as she waited out her bye with a glass of scotch in his hand. She smiled, ?That?s for me?? He blinked, never having seen her with scotch before then offered up his own drink for her consumption. ?Sure?? He grinned, ?I can go get another, or it can come to me.?

Rena laughed, ?No thanks, I?m okay for now.? Chryrie couldn?t help but snicker as her ring was closest to the pair and she heard Tass get talked out of his scotch.

Tass muttered and bent down, stealing a kiss from Rena even as he put the glass into her hand. She tried to return it to him, saying ?Really, you can keep it.? He shook his head, telling her that it really wasn?t his glass to begin with, so he couldn?t keep the glass. And before anyone could blink, a goblin ran toward him with a second glass of scotch. Rena finally accepted it and took a slow sip of the amber liquid.

Harris squinted harder at Azjah and asked if it was her 25th and a half. She laughed merrily, ?We don?t usually celebrate half-sies.?

Liena spooked Azjah with a quick fear touch, and shouted ?Boo!? at her. The Marchioness blinked and shook her finger at the bubbly young girl, ?That was not nice.? Liena giggled and added, ?but, umm? it worked!?

The first round of duels concluded just as Harris returned, towing something behind him that appeared to be covered in a sheet. His reappearance garnered several glances, notably Topaz and Scarlet. Azjah caught sight of him, pursing her lips at whatever that thing he towed behind him was. Knowing Harris, it could be just about anything.

He groaned as he lugged it across the sand, ?heavy??

Topaz chuckled, ?Are you moving in Harris??

He made his way toward Azjah?s ring, which is where he stopped. ?Nah, those towers are stuffy.?

Azjah was coughing and choking violently from one of Liena?s noxious fumes and it took a few moments before she could quirk a pale brow at Harris, ?Dare I ask??

Harris waved a dismissive hand at her, ?finish dueling.?

Liena found her way out of the noxious cloud of swamp gasses Azjah had called to the ring at the same time. When she finished choking on Liena?s, she flashed the girl a quick smile, ?Talk about a little stinker!?

Wyheree sat quietly, watching the remaining duels and picking at her cake. Gabriel continued to watch and observe her.

Azjah?s duel came to an end when she went ghostly and evaded Liena?s arctic blast. She offered Liena a handshake as she told her thank you and that the match had been nicely fought. Liena pouted but shook Azjah?s hand. Azjah smiled at her, ?Get?em in the next round.? Then she thanked Topaz and headed for Harris and his mysterious, covered object.

Harris had obviously exerted himself, but did not appear to be perspiring as she paused at the edge of the ring. Harris cleared his throat, ?Ahem, ~Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy birthday dear Azjah! Happy birthday to you!~ He had been joined along the way by the goblins, who sang the chorus line in their screeching rendition of Happy Birthday.

Scarlet glanced at the very large, covered object, ?Umm, what?s in the sheet??

She blushed as Harris sang. Then at the conclusion of his song, Harris tugged the sheet off his surprise. He revealed a life sized statue of Lenin. Only this statue was made entirely of chocolate. With Harris, one should know better than to inquire from where he?d gotten this statue on short notice, nor why for that matter.

Azjah?s brows winged upward as she recognized Lenin?s image, ?Harris?. My goodness.? She was absolutely speechless, ?how sweet.?

Scarlet blinked, ?cute.?

Harris beamed proudly, ?yeah, he is. I think his clothes are dark chocolate.?

Topaz glanced from Harris?s present and then at Lucien before she called the next matches into their rings. As Scarlet headed for her new ring assignment, she tossed over her shoulder at Azjah, ?Eat the head first!?

Harris peered at the statue, inspecting, then debated commenting on Scarlet?s admonition, then apparently he thought better of it and simply snickered to himself.

Azjah walked around the chocolate sculpture, flashing a smile at Scarlet as she inspected the creation au chocolate. ?Head first, eh??

Topaz gave Lucien a sassy wink, ?All that chocolate is giving me ideas,? she whispered to him. He lifted a black brow at her, almost in challenge for her to elaborate. She chuckled, some things better remained unanswered while in public, ?I love chocolate. It has enormous healing properties. I really should go get Gabriel some of those chocolaty candles.?

He gave her a truly puzzled look, ?What ever for??

?To keep the darkness at bay. It doesn't like the smell of sweet, creamy chocolaty goodness.? She explained to him, as though everyone knew that chocolate healed all ills.

Lucien glanced at his twin with a worried expression, then back at Topaz, ?If it were only that simple.? She gently touched his arm and told him anything was worth a try.

Harris in the mean time was discussing his prot?g?, ?Erin? She?s a fast learner. We?re already in phase two,? he explained to Azjah, who commented that it was indeed wonderful that she was doing so well. Harris mumbled, ?what?s tomorrow? Tuesday??

Azjah chuckled, ?All day.?

Harris rubbed his palms together like a small child about to get a favorite treat, ?I forget if we?re swimming or cycling. I?ll have to check the schedule.?

Azjah chuckled and headed for her chaise, ?Which is your favorite??

?Running,? he replied, ?Because she hates it.? He snickered madly, ?Especially after what I pulled.? At Azjah?s lifted brow, he continued, ?Me? I didn't do anything, really. Just some good training is all. ? He grinned widely at her.

Azjah gave him a dubious look in return, ?Harris, why is it that I am unconvinced??

He pointed at the chocolate Lenin, ?I dunno. Chocolate Lenin believes me.?

She chuckled, ?Chocolate Lenin doesn?t know you.?

?Me? I didn't do anything, really. Just some good training is all.? He protested. She mmm?hmm?d him at that, where upon he scoffed as only Harris can, ?You doubt my training methods. I'm insulted.?

She shook her head at him, ?I have no reason to doubt your training methods Harris. It?s only that what is unorthodox to you must be quite something to see.?

Chryrie had taken a page from Tass?s duelling book, and when he wasn?t looking, she?d stolen one of Tass?s skunks since he?d brought an entire army of them to the Isle this night.

Tass was pointing at the skunks, ?they did it!? But then he saw several sharp, pointy objects flying at him and he immediately hid! Wise move too! Then the 72nd Skunk Special Forces parachuted into the ring at Tass?s command. Then he promptly send the unit off to scare Xeric.

Xeric kicked sand toward Tass?s eyes, ?Take that!? But Tass?s return spell had Xeric pulling his eye lids down and howling instead.

Harris puffed a wisp of blue hair from his vision as Azjah glanced at the statue, ?That?s going to make a LOT of hot chocolate.?

Harris informed her that ?Chocolate Lenin is fantastic. Every woman should have one.?

Azjah gave him another puzzled look, ?Just women??

Harris pointed toward the chocolate statue, ?Eat some Chocolate Lenin Will.? But the goblins were already scrambling to set Will up with a plate of birthday cake and a mug of coffee. ?It?s Azjah?s birthday, and she demands that everyone partake of the Chocolate Lenin,? Harris embellished for Will.

Will felt the cake would go better with the coffee, and Azjah tossed him a knife to help himself, since she?d hijacked the knife to cut a bite of chocolate from the statue earlier. Apparently Will didn?t trust his dexterity in catching the knife, and he managed a quick spell to catch it for him.

Lem gave Will a quick wave from his ring as Harris announced that ?refusal to partake of the Chocolate Lenin is grounds for execution!?

Will gave Harris a puzzled look, ?So who?s Lenin??

Harris said, ?This guy I know. We went to college together. Party animal, I swear.?

Azjah gave Harris a dubious look, then turned to Will, ?don?t ask.?

Will gave him a slightly astonished look, ?And you turned him into chocolate as a gift to Azjah??

Harris nodded at Will, ?Pretty much.?

Will sliced off a bit of cake and chuckled, ?Beware of Harris bearing gifts!?

Harris huffed, ?I give awesome gifts. Because I am awesome.?

Azjah gave Will an odd look then, ?Believe it or not, he informs me it's cream filled.?

Will quirked a brow at Azjah, ?Strawberry?? Then he glanced at Harris, ?Yes, we will all agree you're quite gifted, Harris. Special, in fact.?

Azjah grimaced, ?I failed to inquire Will.?

Harris snickered, ?She?ll know when she finds out. It?s a surprise.?

Tass was muttering in his ring, ?Gonna have to figure out how to get the Skunk Army off the sands.?

Chryrie sent her stolen skunk back to its friends, ?Fat lotta good you did me.? Then she bolted back to her naked cake. But as she turned around, that skunk stuck its tongue out at her, and it?s friends turned in unison with their tails raised in classic threat., and then?. Fired! Thankfully she was out of range. She eyed the chocolate guy and chuckled, ?I have to get me one of those.?

Tass glanced at the chocolate Lenin, ?I know this guy Chry, his name is Kendel.?

Topaz chuckled and then grinned at Lucien, ?Chryrie has the right idea?. Without the filling of course.?

Will made a general inquiry as to whom was winning the Tournament thusfar, and Harris chimed up as he checked his watch, ?Azjah, she?s had the bye for about?. Twelve hours now. Yup.?

That elicited a chuckle from Topaz, and Azjah dropped her head, ?not QUITE that long.?

Harris snickered, ?A little hyperbole never hurt anyone.?

Azjah quirked a pale brow at him; ?Hyperbole or outright exaggeration??

He grinned widely, ?It?s your birthday, you pick.?

Will added dryly, ?People get hurt by hyperbola all the time. Rocks, artillery, peanuts?.??

Harris sat clenching and unclenching his fists, ?I don?t think I can take this anymore. I?m pretty sure this round started yesterday and it isn?t done yet.?

Topaz glanced at Lucien, ?Are you sure you're not the least bit tempted to have a bite of this delicious cake?? She took a bite and enjoyed it melting in her mouth with closed eyes and soft sounds of pure delight. He shook his head, telling her that he thought he was just fine without tasting the cake. She grinned back at him, ?I?ll give you a cake flavored kiss later.?

Harris groused, ?I hate all tournaments that I don?t win.?

Azjah chuckled, ?But you can?t win if you don?t enter.?

He grinned, ?I also can?t lose.? He wrinkled his nose, ?Losing is for losers, and I?m a winner.?

Chryrie finished off her cake and looked at her plate forlornly, as though it was impossible to obtain another piece.

Azjah was talking to Lem during the brief intermission, ?We?ve missed you Lem.?

He chuckled, ?Please know that I do regret that I am unable to compete as of late. And by compete, I mean give out free wins.? He wrapped up his duel, and glanced again at Azjah, ?Say, do I sense that you?ve gained awareness of another spell on the Island? You?re ranked a magician now??

Azjah smiled, ?Yes Lem, I have.? She did not add that she had also come into possession of the Key to the Tower of Air.

He turned back toward her, ?Congratulations on that. We could use some new blood in the Archmage tournaments.? She chuckled and advised him that she was working on it. He grinned, ?I mean, I like Topaz, and I guess Will and Vinny are alright, but we could use some fresh faces.

Scarlet had left her duel and glanced about, ?Is there any of that chocolate fellow left?? One of the goblins then sliced off a healthy sized portion and took her a plate for her enjoyment.

Topaz pulled away from Lucien?s kiss to make the announcement for the duelists, ?So we say bye bye to Liena and Tass instead of to Xeric at this point. I'll need a minute to set up the next set of rings.? Then she looked at Lem, ?I'll be posting at the conclusion of the tournament... starting a week from tomorrow, we'll have Tuesdays at the RDI. I hope we'll see lots of new faces and all of the beloved familiar ones.

Lem pondered a moment, ?Hmmm, the old RDI. It?s been ages. Do they still have the old rings and the wards set up??

Will laughed, ?aww, we?re beloved! It still has a Nexus gate, I believe.?

Topaz chuckled softly, ?Not quite like that, the entire bubble dimension will be shifting for those hours, towers and all.?

Rena muttered to herself as the next rings were called, ?I think the gods of the Isle have it in for me.? Will grinned at her, ?He?s old and slow Rena, you can best him.?

She yelled from her ring, ?I haven?t beaten him yet.? Which he informed her was no excuse.

Lem let the bolt grind out against his hand, ?Old and slow, just like my teacher said in elementary school, except for the old part.?

Xeric followed Chryrie into their appointed ring and bowed first to Chryrie and then to Topaz. She smiled and bade him the same.

Scarlet and Azjah headed for their ring as well, each bowing to the other in preparation for the first spells to be launched.

Gabriel returned to his place near the chaise and silently kept an eye on Wyheree, who rested quietly at a table near the rings. She watched the rings through sleepy eyes before saying to Rena, ?He should be tired after 17 rounds.?

Lem chuckled, ?Lem doesn?t get tired friends.? He focused on Rena, ?Why, back in my day, 17 rounds was the minimum a duel lasted. 47rounds was more of the average.? To which, Will then added that when dueling Syous they could go 60 rounds. ?Yeah, that old shielding Syous,? Lem snickered. ?And we didn?t have that portal over there either. We walked to the island, in the snow, up hill.

Will mused, ?I thought we had to row a boat, light years through space? I don?t remember any snow.?

Chryrie glanced at Lem and then back at Xeric, ?In the snow, both ways??

Lem nodded, ?In the snow, both ways. We let the old folks take the row boat,? he thumbed over in Will?s general direction.

Azjah had been summoning the noxious fumes with great success for a change, and she smiled at Scarlet as yet another spell worked, ?You know, that spell is finally working for me.?

She grimaced, ?I think it is for everyone tonight.? She looked at all of the little skunks around the Isle.

Rhaine applauded the match and its participants, which startled Wyheree. Chryrie then approached Rhaine, ?Are you alright? You seem dazed.?

The vampiress looked Chryrie?s direction, ?I?m fine.? But she added nothing more, so Chryrie squinted a moment, and decided to let it go.

Azjah thanked Rhaine and Scarlet before heading back to her chaise. When she arrived, Gabriel gave her a brief nod and then silently moved to speak to a goblin, who returned moments later with a glass of elven wine for Wyheree.

Topaz announced the results as all matched wrapped up, ?We now have to say good bye to Xeric and Scarlet. I hope you two enjoyed the duels and will stay to cheer.? She took a sip of coffee, ?Lem gets to eat some cake now, and Rena will meet Azjah in Ring of Stars, and Wyheree will meet Chryrie in Ring Blue.?

Xeric?s lips twisted into a smile that never touched his eyes, but otherwise remained silent as Wyheree sat up and took a sip of the elven wine, giving the goblin a grateful smile in the process. Then she walked slowly to her assigned ring. Gabriel?s black eyes followed her progress. He had to be careful not to let her know that the energy she gained earlier had come from him.

Azjah took a quick sip of scotch and returned to the ring, ?Duel well Rena.?

She muttered as she moved into the ring, giving Azjah a nod, ?The Isle really doesn?t like me.?

Azjah chuckled quietly, ?Why do you say that??

Rena prepared, ?First I get Lem, who had no losses, and now you, with none either.?

Will chimed up then, ?That doesn?t affect your chances Rena. Your attitude might though. You need to buck up and be aggressive.?

Topaz glanced at Lucien, ?Should we start getting presents for your family in Auriga?? He gave her a puzzled glance. ?Is it not custom there to bring presents when visiting?? She inquired. She?d never been to Auriga, and had only met his Prince and distant relatives. He nodded then, following her thoughts, informing her that yes, gifts were perfectly acceptable. She then mused, ?Do we have things in RhyDin that they do not have there??

He smiled indulgently at her, ?I am certain there are many things here.? She thought that perhaps they should take something unique to RhyDin when they made their trip to Auriga.

Rena followed Will?s advice and summoned a meteor shower that buried Azjah. Which Rena then followed up with a fearsome touch that had Azjah cowering in the corner of the ring.

Will rose, ?Well, I should be off. Congrats again Azjah, for making it this far.? He chuckled before adding, ?And I?m not talking about the Tournament.? Then he disappeared from view.

Chryrie?s voice lifted as she pointed at Wyheree, ?Gah! Woman, you need a pair of gloves!?

Wyheree looked at her delicate hands, ?Whatever for??

?Because they're colder than Robert Kidd's love life.? She started to fade, but Wyheree?s spell hit first, causing her eyes to cross and forced her to remain in this realm. She missed the flicker of sadness that crossed Wyheree?s features, but Gabriel did not miss it.

Topaz whispered quietly to Lucien, ?Did you find out where the puppy came from?? He nodded at the blonde in the ring. Topaz smiled, ?Really? That is mighty nice and generous of her, and so very unexpected.?

Lucien shrugged slightly, ?She listens well enough. You must have said we needed one.?

She shook her head, ?No, I just mentioned that it might help keep Sylvia from disappearing.?

Lucien chuckled, ?Well, she paid attention.? He knew the Marchioness paid very close attention to what was said around her, and when she could, she acted on those needs or wants. It was something he knew Topaz would understand with her ability to grant wishes.

The trip to Enceladus with Colonel Savage had been a very pleasant surprise. Azjah sat atop her Tower staring out over the Isle with unseeing eyes as she considered the short hop taken a day earlier. Colonel Savage was a very accomplished pilot, and he proved that during the transit of Saturn?s rings. She would put him in Gabriel?s class for ability, at least so far from what she?d seen of his piloting skills.

A cool draft of air brushing across her cheek like a caress brought her back to the present as she realized it was time to head down to the beach for her evening of volunteer work. The elementals seemed to anticipate her needs, and tonight with her distracted thoughts, she was grateful for their attentiveness. She floated down from her Tower and made her way across the sandy strip toward the rings forged into the rocks. As she arrived, she heard giggling from an unfamiliar voice and found a girl running up a tree peering down on two companions. None of them had she ever seen on the Isle before, so she headed for her chaise and sent a goblin for a glass of scotch.

Miko hung upside-down from a tree limb, letting her arms hang down, along with her long brown hair. It was a sight the Marchioness was unaccustomed to seeing, and the tree she hung from was the very same one that once held the squirrel that Russel used to feed. She hadn?t seen the squirrel since Russ had disappeared come to think of it. That oddity she filed away for future consideration.

Topaz walked up from the beach with a greeting, and Azjah smiled, ?Good evening Topaz.? The fairy charmed a goblin into fetching her usual cup of coffee before Topaz took a seat on one of the comfortable couches near the rings. Once settled in, she asked how Azjah was doing, and light social pleasantries ensued.

Miko allowed herself to fall from the tree, flipping and landing perfectly on her feet to stretch a moment before walking toward Azjah, ?Hiya!? She said as she approached.

Azjah smiled, ?Hello,? but Azjah had no name for the girl and was waiting for her to introduce herself.

She glanced between Topaz and Azjah, extending opposite hands toward each, ?My name?s Miko Barton,? she said with a smile.

Azjah smiled, ?very nice to meet you Miko, you looked like you were having fun.? The pure joy on the girls face was refreshing to Azjah. It was so very different from the nearly inscrutable countenances she encountered at Court.

She giggled merrily, ?Yup, hanging from trees is fun.?

Azjah laughed, ?I can?t say that I?ve ever done that.? And in truth, she had never climbed a tree. It had always been deemed inappropriate by her tutors. And by the time she was old enough to ignore her tutors, she was also molded enough not to buck too many expectations her parents had for her.

Topaz likewise greeted her, ?A pleasure to meet you, Miko Barton.? The fairy smiled impishly at her, ?weaving through branches is more fun,? then she flashed Miko a grin.

Miko nodded at Topaz, ?It is until you fall, like I did earlier.?

Azjah gave her a concerned look, ?Are you alright Miko?? The idea that someone might fall from a tree on the Isle and be injured instantly alarmed Azjah.

Topaz chuckled, ?Wings do help with that, or magic.?

Miko nodded at Azjah, ?Yup, I?m the toughest cookie in the crayon box.? She giggled and sat down on the soft sand and looked at Topaz, ?well, I don?t got either.? It was clearly observable that the girl had no wings, but that she had no magic was not overtly visible to a casual observer.

Topaz smiled at Miko, ?But, you should be careful, and ready to take off at a run, just in case Miko. I did mention that they are mean and grouchy, right?? It wasn?t exactly dissuading, but she did warn Miko in her own way that hugging that group of males could prove very risky. Not that simply running would save her from Etherean. That one has a nasty streak a mile wide.

Miko made a rude noise, ?naaaw, I can handle ?em if they try to hurt me.?

Azjah refrained from shaking her head. The girl had never met those old and experienced males before, her self assurance was in indicator of her youth in Azjah?s mind. For all of Azjah?s experience, she did not wish to test her skills against any on that list in earnest battle.

Rena stepped through the portal and glanced around the beach with a mug in her hand. She gave a nod to everyone before she took up a seat nearby. Azjah greeted her and Rena asked how the Marchioness was doing. Then she asked how the flight had gone, and Azjah said that the flight to Enceladus had gone surprisingly well. She remembered something Wil had said, and she studied Rena before asking, ?And who is Aaron??

Topaz considered some, ?despite all the rumors, I was never able to actually confirm that any of them ever bit anyone?s head off,? she flashed Miko a smile, ?so it may be perfectly safe.? She took a happy sip of her coffee.

Bran walked down from the Tower of Fire, and Topaz seized the opportunity, ?Oh, Bran can do catching falling ladies from trees too!? then she added, ?and he?s not nearly as old and not mean, and only a teensy bit grouchy.?

Miko looked at the lizard man and waved, ?Heya!? Then she giggled as Topaz added the last bit. ?Well, he?s late for that. Nexus practically threw me down one earlier.? She shot Topaz a happy grin.

Bran gave Topaz a confused expression, ?catching falling ladiesss?? He had obviously walked in on the middle of a conversation that made no sense to him as a stand alone comment.

Topaz nodded at Bran, ?Yes, Miko wants to fall from trees without getting hurt.?

Bran waved back at Miko, ?hello.? He turned his reptilian eyes back toward Topaz, ?Sshe needsss to get a parachute then.?

Miko smiled at Bran, ?I?m Miko Barton? she informed him, then glanced at Topaz, ?Hey, I don?t get hurt that easy,? But the two of them were clearly having a bit of fun with Bran.

Topaz informed Bran with no uncertainty what so ever, ?No, she needs a handsome lizard man to catch her all nice like.?

Bran squinted up into the tree as he searched out Miko?s perch, ?umm, ok.? Though he did not sound or look to be entirely convinced by Topaz?s conviction. But he dutifully stood beneath the tree and held out his scaly arms before commanding Miko, ?Jump!?

Topaz turned to Miko, ?I?m sure if you wear an outfit with pink scales, he?d be more eager to catch you.? Then she chuckled at Bran, ?But Bran, you need to wait for her to fall. Jumping and falling are not the same thing.? Topaz was in full ?Imp? mode.

Rena sipped from her mug, ?My roommate. When that stuff with Cain started, Alain suggested I get one, and since I had the empty room and he was staying in a crappy place, I asked him if he wanted to move in.? Azjah was disappointed that it was nothing more than a simple roommate. Rena was due for a bit of happiness. She then asked Rena if she could talk about where Wil had taken her. She wanted to know more about his aircraft, but their repeatedly oblique references the other night suggested that more information would be difficult to obtain.

Miko giggled at the notion, ?I should get a pink scale suit then.? And Topaz agreed whole heartedly. Somehow, the notion seemed perfectly logical to them both.

Bran was now completely confused, ?Fall? I don?t get it.? The Lizard man glanced between Topaz and Miko looking for an explanation.

Azjah greeted Scarlet as she walked through the portal then turned to Rena, ?We had a short hop to Enceladus for some Germanium clathrate.? Since Germanium clathrate was not used on Rhydin, it was unlikely that anyone on the Isle would recognize what it was used for, and why she needed it before heading off to Pyxis.

Topaz was still musing about the opera, ?Perhaps Lucien would like that opera??

Rena agreed that the opera was having a good run in RhyDin. Apparently the performances had been well attended.

Miko giggled at Bran, ?Don?t worry, if I fall, I?ll be fine.? And she waved him back toward his ring.

Topaz grinned at Bran, ?She could keep you busy all evening.? He nodded at Topaz and stated that he could imagine so as well.

Topaz then looked at Rena, ?That does go with songs and blue, but there are no roots in there, are there?? She was puzzling over something, ?Maybe his surprise is the opera after all.?

Scarlet took a seat and sat staring up at the stars, and Azjah?s gaze followed Scarlet?s. She smiled, knowing that wistful expression only too well, ?Do you enjoy the stars Scarlet??

The woman nodded, ?I do that indeed lass, and the moon.?

Azjah spoke softly to Scarlet, ?Ever traveled there??

Scarlet gave her a confused glance, ?no, have you?? Azjah smiled and nodded, telling her that she frequently headed into the starry night. Scarlet stood up and stared with incredulity at Azjah, but the twinkle in her eyes was hidden by the large brimmed hat she wore, ?would ye be willing to share how?? Her excitement radiated from her despite not being able to see her eyes.

Azjah smiled, ?How much of a sense of adventure do you have?? Scarlet laughed and told her that a sense of adventure was about all she truly had.

Miko was cheering happily for Bran, and had even produced a paper flag to wave whenever the lizard man scored. That brought a chuckle to Azjah as she made the next call, and Miko shouted, ?Yaah! Go Bran!!? Wildly waving her flag for Bran?s successful spell work.

Scarlet remained standing near Azjah?s chaise, and she glanced up at Scarlet after the call, then pointed toward the constellation known as Taurus, ?You see that cluster of stars?? She turned her eyes skyward again and nodded, ?there?s a binary star right there,? Azjah said, and pointed to a large, fuzzy spot in the constellation, ?that?s my home,? she told Scarlet. Rigel is a binary system, which is why it appears fuzzy to viewers in RhyDin.

Scarlet was clearly dubious, ?umm, how did ye get here?? She slid her gaze toward the portal, as though perhaps that was the obvious answer, but Azjah shook her head and told her that she had a vessel that sailed to the stars. The pirate girl would understand the concept of a sailing ship allusion. Once again the brim of her hat hid her eyes and the sparkle there, ?Where did you get that??

Azjah smiled, ?It was made on my home, and it?s how I got here.?

Scarlet frowned a bit, ?How much would one of those cost me, I bet there is a ton of trading and such to be had in the heavens.? She sat down on the sand and looked at the sky, pondering a wealth of ideas that only she was privy to at the moment.

Azjah gave her a startled look, which Scarlet missed completely so rapt was she upon the night sky above. Scarlet whistled for a goblin and ordered a pina colada and crab legs.

Miko was still waving her flag for Bran, and booing when ever the Minstrel managed a point, ?come on Bran! Show him your scaly mental prowess!? And about then, Bran delivered the famed ?Scaly Claw of Doom? to reach out and touch Soerl, and she waved her flag enthusiastically.

The match between Bran and Soerl ended and both duelists bowed and exited the ring before Azjah glanced at Miko, ?What did you think? I hope you?ll continue to come visit us Miko.?

She fairly bubbled, ?It was great! Then she leaned backward and was once more hanging upside-down from the branch. With a giggle, ?I will!?

Rena gave a start out of her private reveries, glancing at Azjah, ?I need to ask you a question, Azjah.? But she got quiet as Scarlet was still speaking to her about their upcoming outing.

Azjah glanced at Rena, ?alright.? But Rena waved her off and bade her complete her discussion with Scarlet first. So Azjah glanced again at Scarlet, ?why do you ask??

Scarlet smiled enigmatically, ?we will speak more of them once I take a ride in your star ship.?

Azjah nodded and glanced again at Rena with a raised brow.

Rena watched Scarlet depart, ?I know you have heard about the village Alain is building.?

Azjah nodded, ?Yes, he?s spoken about his goals and plans for the refugees.? In fact, they?d spoken at some length about how to gain employment that would make the refugees self reliant the last time she?d seen Alain.

She then continued, ?Kacey is overlooking the building of houses and things, but she has run into a problem.?

A pale brow rose in question to Rena?s comment, and she continued, ?She needs an engineer on the site, one that specializes in water, I guess. Or water systems.?

Azjah thought a moment, ?Water systems, as in dealing with ground water, like a hydrologist, or water as in treatment systems and purification??

Rena said treatment systems as far as she knew and Azjah nodded, inquiring how soon Kacey would require this specialist. Rena gave her a grin, ?Yesterday.?

Azjah groaned good naturedly, ?Ah, one of THOSE kinds of needs.?

Rena gave a soft chuckle, ?As soon as possible, really. I?m sending some men to help her build an herd, but it seems there was a problem last week, she didn?t go into detail though.?

Azjah nodded, ?We could import one from either Elnath or Rigel on a temporary basis, if she can?t find one here in RhyDin.?

Rena asked that she expedite bringing one as soon as possible, and even offered to pay him as Kacey had not been able to find the expertise she needed so far in RhyDin. Azjah agreed, ?Can you give me 5 days for transportation from Rigel?? She could communicate with contacts tonight, and hopefully the next shuttle from Rigel would bring a specialist to help Kacey.


Rena nodded and promised to let Kacey know.

Scarlet was still looking toward the heavens, and Azjah offered to take her skyward the following Wednesday. Scarlet looked quickly at the Marchioness, ?YES!!!? She jumped up and did an enthusiastic cartwheel in the sand, for which Azjah was grateful not to be abruptly touched.

Azjah chuckled, ?Do you know where the RhyDin docks are?? At Scarlet?s confused look, she told her, ?The RhyDin docks are on the east side of the city, almost directly opposite the waterfront of Badside. When you get there, give them your name, and they?ll direct you to The Star Dragon.?

She smiled and reached into her pocket, retrieving a jeweled bracelet, walking toward Azjah, ?let us just meet here lass, and ye can show me the way.?

Azjah glanced up at her, ?I?ll need to be doing the preflight checks, would you meet my Major Domo, Dyson, and allow him to bring you??

She agreed, wondering if he was cute, and Azjah had to chuckle. Adding for Scarlet, ?You won?t be able to miss Dyson, and he?s not precisely young.?

The evening concluded and Azjah rose, heading back to her Tower with a quick wave to everyone present before vanishing into the place she alone resided. She was alone, with only the elementals, and the whispers of the Tower for companionship. Gabriel had agreed that no harm could come to her here, and reluctantly agreed to give her some space.

The old man returned with a cup of tea, and Scarlet takes the chance to ask him some questions. "Thank ye, I was wondering what this is?" She asked in a sweet tone pointing to the odd moving painting.

Dyson handed Scarlet the tea with milk and honey. "That is an entertainment system madam. It will show you images of your favorite opera, or play, or musical." He had quickly decided that he couldn?t tell her movies as that would be as strange as the electronics. The mix of races and references still amazed the elderly man, but his Mistress seemed perfectly at home with this situation.

Dyson could tell she was uncomfortable and he softened a little. "We are going to the far side of RhyDin. Once we clear security, I will escort you to the Star Dragon. The Marchioness said to tell you that you are flying to the Large Magellanic Cloud today. It is close, and will give you a spectacular view of the birth of stars."

Surprised that this vessel wasn't the ship must have shown on her face. If this amazing carriage is only just that, then the Star ship must be a sight. She took a sip of the tea, and looked at the entertainment as Dyson had called it. "How does it work?" She asked with awe, sticking her pinky out as she sipped.

Dyson buried a smile as she lifted her little finger in an affectation of proper etiquette. "There are disks that are inserted into that slot," he pointed out the feed slot for the DVD. "The images are stored on the disk, and are read and in turn generate the images and sound here for your enjoyment."

Scarlet was still didn't quite understand the way the entertainment worked, but she didn't ask again. Clearly this was going to take more than a few hours of talking to get the results she needed. Her back was aching from sitting up straight, and she was not used to her face being so exposed; but she was tough and kept up the ladylike persona. Taking another sip of the tea, she asked politely another question, "What does your lady use her star ship for? Leisure?"

Dyson?s white brow lifted, ?The Star Dragon is one of five vessels the Marchioness owns. It is for business purposes mostly, but unlike the other four, it is designed for passengers. The others are cargo for delivery of goods and orders, or obtaining raw materials and components.?

He glanced at the nearly empty streets ahead of them, and then back at Scarlet, ?I suppose it is very much like most merchants, either you own your own fleet to move your products, or you must hire transportation. The Marchioness has a specialty product, and has chosen to supply her own specialized transport. I believe you will be most comfortable aboard the Star Dragon today.?

Dyson seemed to have rehearsed that answer, maybe he was still wary of the fact that Scarlet was a pirate. Usually she could make a man forget she was a pirate when she wanted, just by saying please and thank you. She smiled graciously, as if this answer pleased her; but really all it did was make her hungry for more information. A response that was so careful to tip toe around the items being transported was enough to lead Scarlet into believing that her new friend had something grand in her cargo holds. Scarlet tilted her head, gave him her best doe eyes and donned another polite smile and asked; "Can ye fly a star ship?"

The car made the last turn and slowed at the barred entry to the facility, and the driver lowered his window and provided documents to the security guard, who recognized the big, green car, and with a cursory look, waved them through the opened gates. The Maybach rolled to a stop at a privately marked parking space. ?We have arrived Mistress Scarlet, are you ready for departure?? Dyson opened his door and then opened Scarlet?s, offering his arm to her.

Scarlet suppressed her smirk, and turned it into a small smile. Weapons, she thought of her pistols hidden in her dress, and looked around at the amazing things a mere carriage contained. Surely the weapons of this land must be powerful, and valuable to all of Scarlet's causes. Dyson was offering her his arm, which he did not do when they first met, and she took it as he guided her out of the vehicle. Scarlet dropped her girlish fa?ade and looked him in the eye, and spoke in a strong, confident voice that she used when giving her crew orders. ?You are a man who takes pride in his work, and I respect ye for that." Scarlet flicked her left hand up, causing the petite cargo door of the green carriage to open. The leather bag floated towards her, and she quickly waved her hand again causing the door to shut gently.

Dyson maintained his stoic demeanor as he led her down the main aisle toward the end of the bay. There, beneath the flood lights of the base; glistened a mirror bright vessel. The entire exterior of the ship was chromium, and the silver ship sat moored on the very end of the docks, though the distinctive hum of power emanated from her as she sat in preparation for departure. From the rear of the ship, a soft aqua glow emanated from an unseen power source.

Her wings are backward swept, and the cockpit?s windows were lit from within, and two figures moved about inside. As they got closer, Azjah spotted Dyson and Scarlet and gave them a wave before she rose from the left seat to go meet them at the ramp. The check lists were completed, and they were ready to depart once Scarlet arrived.

Dyson paused at the bottom of the ramp with Scarlet. ?Your adventure begins now Mistress, I bid you good day.? He gave her a brief bow, turned then and made his way back toward the car, leaving Scarlet at the foot of the ramp with her leather bag floating beside her.

?Welcome to the Star Dragon, Scarlet. Come aboard and we?ll get you stowed and make our departure window, which will please the tower to no end.? She smiled, and about then, Gabriel materialized behind her. His six foot four inch frame all but filled the entry way before he strode down the ramp and reached for her bag.

Azjah motioned for Scarlet to follow her and at the top of the ramp, Scarlet was surrounded by an oblong space the resembled an arrowhead. Six seats clustered around a fixed low table appeared to be comfortable reclining chairs, except that each had safety devices for strapping in during take off and landing, or rough flying. The chairs were of fine black leather that is buttery soft to the touch. The furnishings were black, glass like, and chrome. The walls are a soft silvery hue, and across from the entry ramp a small alcove, that looked something like a small kitchen.

Scarlet sensed the apparition of the one called Gabriel, chill bumps formed as they usually do when supernatural beings were present, and she began to immediately mentally cast her spells of protection. Noticing almost too late that he was reaching for her bag she quickly removed the curse protecting her small fortune of tradable treasures. The whole trip would have been in vain if his vampiric hands turned to stone temporarily due to politely carrying her belongings.

Azjah was standing before a craft that made her knees buckle, but she trudged on. She was swaying as if half drunk, due to the shock, she struggled to make it up the ramp. She would not faint, only sniffling pansies fainted, the mental encouragement did not help at all.

"Bloody buggary hell...." Was the last thing she cursed as she stumbled forward in mid step, and fainted for the first time in her life.

Gabriel dropped her bag, and his preternatural speed had him catching Scarlet before she could collapse to the ground. He gaze Azjah a lift of his brow, but needed not say a word as she told him to carry her inside. ?Let?s put her in one of the guest spaces. I?ll notify the Tower that we will be delaying launch.?

Gabriel carried Scarlet to the third door on the right. It slid open with a soft hiss. He laid Scarlet atop the single bed and summoned her bag, placing it upon the foot of the bed.

Azjah returned shortly there after, and Gabriel left the two women alone.

Scarlet held her top up and gaped at the age, how could anyone trust something that old? But she didn't question Azjah's relationship with the vampire. "Thank ye lass" and Scarlet made her way to the bathroom.

She noted the gape at the age of her companion, and watched her vanish into the bathroom, calling after her, ?I?ll be in the Common area when you?re ready Scarlet.?

Meanwhile, Gabriel had contacted the tower, advising them of the delay in their launch, and he sat now in the cockpit?s right seat wrapping up final checks. He had sensed Scarlet?s trepidation about him, she fairly screamed her emotional state to him. As Azjah joined him for a moment, he gave her a fanged parody of a smile, ?She fears me for Vampyre.?

Azjah lightly touched his shoulder, ?And you will not dissuade her of that notion either, will you?? He shook his head and resumed preparations.

She emerged after nearly two hours, smelling of soap and her jasmine perfume. If she ever had a reason to want to stay in one place, it would be because of that room. Not having to fuss over transporting water and all the unpleasantness of bathing on a ship. She made her way over to the frock Azjah had left for her and inched it on. The black garment showed all her curves and muscles in a flattering, yet embarrassing display of the female form.

Azjah smiled as Scarlet stepped into the Common area. Her unease with the snug flight suit was apparent, ?Would you like to add a skirt over the top Scarlet??

"I usually don't wear skirts or dresses," Scarlet smirked at the thought; "I will get used to it." Her waist length hair was loose, still free from the ornamental comb.

Azjah nodded and left the cockpit, motioning to one of the black leather seats, ?if you will have a seat, we?ll be airborne, and I?ll show you around once we are free of RhyDinian gravitational pull.? She showed her how to affix the straps and leaned the recliner back slightly.

Scarlet was excited at the thought of going into the heavens, the same thrill she got steering through hurricanes. She felt rather silly in this suit, but shrugged it off, if Azjah could walk around in it so could she.

Gabriel sealed the ramp and the hum of engines rippled through the ship as the moorings were released. The Star Dragon eased away from the dock and toward the launch pad when Azjah?s voice reached her, ?This part is a little rough, but will only last for about 8 minutes.?

"I have been in storms that lasted for hours in a vessel less sturdy than this." Scarlet answered without fear in her voice, trying to make up for her fainting spell. The minty taste of the goo called toothpaste still empowered her taste buds and her throat was dry. But she had to concede, the paste was much better than the gritty concoctions she used back home that tasted bitter.

Scarlet startled out of a nightmare, reached for her sword out of reflex, only to find it missing. Looking around the room in a panic her eyes met Azjah's; and the temporary unknowing of where she was faded into curiosity. "What happened?" Scarlet asked in a sleepy whisper that still had shaky tones of fright.

Azjah's pale blue eyes noted her reflexive reach for the blade she had been wearing, and was glad Gabriel had thought to remove it for just such an instance. "It would seem you were overcome at the entry to the Dragon, Scarlet. Are you alright? Shall I summon medical assistance?"

Color filled her cheeks, and she put her face into her hands and ran them through her blond lockes removing the jeweled comb. "I did what?" Scarlet embarrassingly screeched, but as soon as she asked, the memory of the enormous craft entered her mind, and the phantom feeling of what happened hit her slightly. Her knees feeling weak and her head light, she came up with an explanation looking down at her leather corset, "It must have been these bloody clothes, lets no room in for a girl to take breathe..."

Azjah glanced at the corset a moment, remembering well too many Royal Balls when she too thought she might drop for want of air, ?Well, you?re going to want to get out of that thing, because what we?re going to show you will take your breath away, and space is cold.? She rose and touched the pad beside a door that whooshed open, ?you?re going to want to wear a flight suit if you still desire the trip.? Azjah?s black flight suit fit like a second skin, but that was to keep blood from pooling in extremities during the high G forces encountered during launch and landings.

"A what suit?" Scarlet asked, watching Azjah's actions. Cold sweat from the nightmare, that had nothing to do with space crafts and entertainment objects still clung to her bronzed skin. She wanted to clean up and drink something that would get the taste of sleep out of her mouth. She looked at the other woman's attire, "Can ye breathe in that, lass?? Scarlet chuckled.

Azjah gave her a wink and a smile, ?A flight suit.? She chuckled, ?Yes, believe it or not, these are somewhat stretchy, but snug enough to keep your blood from rushing to your toes during take off.? She stepped away from the ?closet?, if you could call it such, and motioned toward the foot of Scarlet?s bed, ?There is the bathroom, I?ll give you a few minutes to yourself, and when you?re ready, simply walk over here and touch the pad, the door will open, and we?ll be ready to go.?

Azjah gave Scarlet a quick instructional tour of the bathroom and all its functions, and left Scarlet on her own.

The door to the bathroom shut and Scarlet allowed herself to look amazed at the convenience of this room. She struggled with her corset, and could not remove it. Well of course she couldn't remove the damnable thing, she had a girl from the crew to help her put it on. Curses begin to flow out of her mouth in a most creative fashion. Considering the hunting knife in her boot to cut the buggery thing off was a short lived thought, and she begrudgingly went to ask Azjah for assistance.

The door whooshed open much sooner than Azjah had expected, and she had only gotten a handful of steps away from the suites. She turned and noted Scarlet still wearing the clothes she?d arrived in, and had to give a wry smile when she heard Scarlet?s request. ?Ah, forgive me for not realizing you might need a hand with that.? She turned and headed back to Scarlet?s quarters to assist in the onerous thing?s removal.

As she stood behind Scarlet unfastening the skin tight corset, she chuckled, ?I don?t think these things have changed in over two thousand years, although, we could ask Gabriel.? But truth to tell, Azjah was not so certain that Gabriel had even noticed in all that time.

She stiffened her posture at the name of the vampire roaming about, and restrained the urge not to curse as she asked, ?How old is he actually?" Feeling a wave of comfort as the corset was untied.

Azjah noted the tensing, but was not certain whether it was having an unfamiliar woman removing her corset, or something to do with Gabriel. "Gabriel was born in what most in RhyDin would call 754 BC" "So that would make him," she pondered a moment, "two thousand seven hundred sixty two years old."

Scarlet held her top up and gaped at the age, how could anyone trust something that old? But she didn't question Azjah's relationship with the vampire. "Thank ye lass" and Scarlet made her way to the bathroom.

She noted the gape at the age of her companion, and watched her vanish into the bathroom, calling after her, ?I?ll be in the Common area when you?re ready Scarlet.? Surely Scarlet had met creatures nearly that old in RhyDin?

She chuckled, ?Un-strap yourself, I?ll show you the view from the observatory.? She led Scarlet down the opposite wing from where her suite was located, pausing at the second door, her palm touching the pad and the door slid open with a soft hiss. The lights were very low, making the space nearly dark as Azjah turned on some very low output floor illumination.

?This is the observatory,? Azjah swept her arm around the space and the view ports. In front of one port sat an 11? telescope.

Scarlet looked out the windows which displayed nothing but blackness. Awe filled her, and she asked, "I suppose this is what the heavens consist of?" Chuckling to herself she commented, "No pearly gates for the bloody Catholics after all."

Azjah?s eyes slid over the expanse of blackness punctuated by the brilliance of too many suns to ever count, ?Some call this the heavens, though I don?t think this is what the religious have in mind.? She pointed toward the constellations of Mensa and Dorado, ?That is where we are going. Our navigation out here is similar to what you use to navigate the seas, that fuzzy cloud of stars is at Right ascension 05hours, 23 minutes, 34.5 seconds and Declination of -69 degrees, 45 minutes, 22 seconds. Fairly similar to your latitudes and longitudes I believe.?

Scarlet took all this information in hoping to be able to use it in the future. Staring off into the scenery she tried to wrap her mind around the notion of more than one sun.

?That fuzzy bundle of stars is the Large Magellanic Cloud. It is the birthing factory for new stars, and it is one of the closest such places to RhyDin. I thought you might like to see a star?s birth.? She gave a quick apologetic smile, ?And, I have a delivery to make.? Given Scarlet?s jumping at the chance to get into space, and that the woman was a pirate in RhyDin, Azjah suspected that she would not object to such unless she?d had trouble with the launch, and then the idea of doing it again would probably not have been too welcome.

Scarlet's dark green eyes began to twinkle, and her mind began to race. She had to get a look at the weapons, so easing her face down to a bored like expression, Scarlet fiddled with her necklace and asked, "A delivery?"

Azjah nodded. Yes, I have a customer near the cloud, and I did not think you would mind a brief detour.? The cargo hold was secured and shielded to keep any prying scans from detecting it, but none the less, Azjah would be happier once the cargo was safely delivered. She was always a bit nervous in this sector. It was here that Raavich had taken her when she?d been exchanged to free Klinton.

Scarlet turned her attention to the heavens' womb, and was amazed at the sight, but the idea of the weapons consumed her thoughts. Looking hard at the milky cloud, Scarlet asked, "Ye wouldn't mind if came with you?"

Azjah gave a soft lift of her shoulder, ?well, it is not like I can let you out on a street corner or an island, now is it?? She followed Scarlet?s gaze into the skies ahead, ?if you look there, that brilliant blue white star there is my home. Folks in RhyDin call it part of the constellation Orion also known as The Hunter.? It was the brightest star in the constellation, at the lower right leg of the Hunter.

Scarlet couldn't suppress the grin that quickly formed on her beautiful golden face. Well that was settled! Resisting the urge to do a cartwheel, she thanked Azjah, "Thank you Azjah!" The pirate turned her attention to the sun being pointed out, and wondered what the world was like. "Is it very different from Earth?" Scarlet asked, hardly noticing the scandalous space suit anymore.

Azjah ?s gaze fixed once more on Rigel, also known as Beta Orionis, ?In some ways it is very much like Earth, but in other ways it is an alien place. We have two suns, and we are very much further away from our sun than the Earth is to its sun. We don?t allow the use of magic at all. Such is a crime punishable by death on my world.? She gave a bit of a shrug. ?My world is one of contradictions Scarlet. We are technology driven, but our society is very old, and our rules can be stifling.? Few people truly understood the system from which she hailed, and the more time she spent away from Rigel, the more she realized that small detail. Azjah considered the ancient stone castles and the residences of the aristocracy as contrasted with the sleek, ultra modern homes and the glass tower where the Baronial Council was housed.

"One that kills," Scarlet had said when Azjah'd asked her if she had a preference. Azjah laid the gun into her awaiting hand. "Perhaps you should do a couple of test fires before we begin the program?" It was going to be interesting to see how she fared with such modern weaponry.

Scarlet's insides were inflamed with impatient glee, like a child waiting greedily for a treat. She held her hands out for the gun.

Raising an eyebrow Scarlet received the gun with the up most respect of Azjah's rules, even a pirate can have some order. "So ye don't have to load it with powder?" Scarlet asked turning the pistol in her dainty hands examining it carefully.

?No, this one is already powered up. This indicator,? which was flashing green on a very small diode, ?lets you know it is powered on, and this one shows you how much energy you have left in the storage cell, and this is the safety, when you take that off, you are ready to shoot.? Azjah familiarized her with the weapon?s controls that were sleekly fit into the antique looking outer skin.

Scarlet held the gun up and eyed it very closely; she was confused by the not loading mechanism. "So it is like a sword in some fashion, always ready? Is that what "charged" means?"

Azjah paused a moment, ?well, not exactly like a sword. It is more like a spring, once the spring is compressed; it is ?ready? until you release it. Only with this, the ?spring? is not released completely, so there is more than one shot. Does that make any sense??

"Aye.." Scarlet purred never taking her eyes off the weapon. Finally she looked up and looked Azjah in the eye, "So where should I aim this?"

Azjah gave Scarlet a conspiratorial grin, ?Over here.? And with that, the first target popped up, which Azjah cleanly hit with a flash of greenish blue fire where the nose had been on the target. ?As long as you fire in this direction, we?ll be just fine.?

She followed Azjah to the firing range, and imitated her. Taking a quick aim, she fired the green light at the target and hit it dead on. Scarlet was used to pulling the trigger completely, so the new weapon let out many shots, and many sparks. "This is capital!" Scarlet shrieked.

Azjah chuckled at her obvious thrill, ?You?re not too bad a shot with a new weapon. When you are ready, we can run the full simulation.?

"Thanks, and I am ready anytime you are." Scarlet said enthusiastically, looking quite different than she had this morning in that racy frock of the past. Her black suit emitted a different type of power, more intimidating, than the last.

Azjah dimmed the lights. "Time begins now." The first target popped from around a holo-corner that had not been there moments ago.

With a quick aim, Scarlet shot the target with fewer pulses of light this time.

Two more targets erupted into the room, the one on the right was a non-combatant, and the second target fired at Scarlet. The laser fire was only a sting, but enough to let Scarlet know, return fire was part of the program. The first time anyone experienced the return fire, it usually surprised them, but it also improved their aim and timing to avoid another strike.

"Bloody hell!" Scarlet winced at the sting, and gave a nervous laugh as she looked at Azjah. "Ye didn't say it did that!" Just then another pulse of light came at Scarlet again, and almost hit her in the cheek. Scarlet regained her composure and made ready for the next target.

She gave Scarlet a quick wink, ?Now just what fun would there be if nothing shot back at you?? A target appeared low, as though creeping along a sofa or settee, its laser aimed at Scarlet. Azjah stepped away from the simulation to avoid becoming a target for the computers.

Scarlet laughed at Azjah, relieved that she was finally loosening up and not acting so rigid. Her eye caught sight of the shape, quickly she crouched low, took aim and fired one green beam.

Azjah paused to look at Scarlet, "Why on Rhydin would you want one? You've a lovely assortment of blades and fire arms that are very effective." Azjah suspected Scarlet sought to advance her technology in a single leap, but that violated the business ethics her grandfather had founded the company upon. She wasn?t certain how she would convey that to the beautiful pirate.

Scarlet looked at Azjah as if that was a crazy question, and smiled as she answered, "Powder pistols are useless once they get wet." She had to have one! Imagining all the wealth that could be acquired with these weapons made Scarlet's head spin. Nobles and Royalties wealth was in her hands, if she could buy even a few of these guns.

"I love me blade, but I would love to own one of these lovelies" The pirate witch said looking Azjah innocently in the eyes.

Azjah chuckled, ?Scarlet, we can discuss it, but right now, we need to prepare for landing. My client likes things done promptly, and we had to make up nearly 2 hours during the flight. Have you ever met a Zwerg? They can be very cantankerous.? That was being polite. Zwerg were what many in RhyDin would call ?Dwarves?, but they have no genetic relationship to the dwarves of RhyDin. Their evolution had clearly followed different paths, but the similarities were still striking.

Azjah settled Scarlet back into one of the black chairs and arranged the restraints before sliding into the left seat, ?Zwerg Centurion, this is Star Dragon, requesting landing authorization.? Azjah ran through the check list and waited for approval to land.

It took 36 minutes to put the Dragon on the pad.

Biting her tongue Scarlet took her seat and impatiently waited, with of course a smile on her face.

The touch down was a bit bumpy, but as soon as the Dragon?s engines shut down, there came a clanking outside the ship. Azjah rose as did Gabriel and the boarding ramp lowered, admitting six males, not exceeding 1 meter in height. All of them heavily bearded, with braids and ornamentation woven into the hair that nearly touched the ramp. They paused in the central common area as they noticed a new face aboard the vessel. ?You have a new employee?? The gruff voice was directed at Azjah, and was none too friendly.

Repressing laughter at the little dwarfs that boarded Scarlet kept quiet and let Azjah do the talking. This wasn't her territory, and so she wouldn't interfere.

The leader of the group studied the woman aboard. Her long, white blonde hair was truly an enigma in his world. ?If she is for sale, how much do you want for her?? Still addressing Azjah, the dwarf?s eyes never left Scarlet. Her hair seemed to hold him in thrall. His Zwerg greed had surfaced in his instant wish to barter for the strange woman with the white hair.

Raising her eyebrows with amusement Scarlet bit her tongue even harder, thinking to herself, 'You'd bring me back.'

Azjah gave her a brief nod, Xermoglan would not do anything to destroy hospitality right now, but clearly he intended to find a way to keep Scarlet. She?d captured his fancy in a very unexpected way. This complicated things as it is very easy to offend a Zwerg.

Azjah took the arm of the second in command and followed him to the table, which was very low, and reminded her of the tiny tea set she had as a child, miniaturized to allow children to sit comfortably as they played at being adults.

Gabriel remained at Scarlet?s other side. Xermoglan shot him a brief glare as the big Carpathian would not be parted from the witch?s side.

Scarlet began to follow after Azjah and the little man, she could escort herself. As she walked she tried to reach into her pocket for her sterling flask, only for her hand to meet the flight suit. "Damn" she muttered to herself, and crossed her arms.

Xermoglan?s brow furrowed as he moved to keep beside the ?white? haired woman, ?We will set up the new weapon and demonstrate our ability to make good use of it,? he told Azjah as they were seated. Gabriel?s cold fingers brushed Scarlet?s arm, encouraging her to slow down and show equivalent courtesy as the leader of the group continued to frown, but he had Scarlet?s chair pulled out by another, smaller male. Then he seated himself at Scarlet?s right side.

Azjah thanked her escort and sat down across the low table from Scarlet, her pale blue eyes meeting and holding Xermoglan?s dark brown eyes. ?We appreciate this unexpected hospitality Xermoglan, son of Mohrin. If we could spare the time to stay for the demonstration, I would be most pleased to do so, but as it is, we must return Scarlet to her own home. She would be missed were we delayed overly long.?

Azjah nodded to the serving male as a mug was filled with a frothy brew. She glanced at Scarlet, ?Be careful my friend, this is strong, and very tasty.?

Xermoglan?s hand lifted ostensibly to pick up his own filled mug, but his hand brushed against the fine silk of Scarlet?s hair in the process.

Clenching her teeth with anger at the small man touching her hair, Scarlet looked at the brew, "Thanks but I don't drink the strong stuff, against me religion." She lied, wishing she had her weapons on her. The strong feeling of being hunted filled her senses, and she couldn't, nor would relax.

Xermoglan gave her a surprised look, ?Would you care for a cider? Or perhaps the juice of the Moin Berry?? He tried to think of something appropriate since she did not drink the stronger spirits his people favored. But everything he thought of was for the young ones alone.

The serving males brought out several platters of covered food, and the scent of the meal wafted across the table as they were uncovered. The largest platter had what appeared to be some sort of Armadillo like creature, the plates split down the center revealing a white meat of fine texture. The other platters had what appeared to be fowl of some sort, and vegetables that look like nothing from Rhydin.

Xermoglan offered to serve Scarlet as the second in command offered to serve Azjah. Azjah nodded as several choice bits were procured and placed onto her plate. ?Xermoglan? You honor us with the Rheabba. I have not had such a delicious meal in many ages.?

Gabriel remained mute as the plates were filled and the mugs kept topped off. It was only a matter of time before Xermoglan would show his hand.

The room went totally silent as Xermoglan?s hair turned white and fell out. Azjah fervently hoped it would regrow, but in the mean time, Xermoglan had suddenly shed the crowning glory of any adult Zwerg. One of the three who had surrounded Scarlet poked a very sharp pike into her from behind, but his hands shook as he tried to prod her away from the table.

Xermoglan?s hands flew to his head as white hair fell all around him, ?You cannot do this! Take her to the donjons!? Angry brown eyes landed on Azjah, ?Begone!?

Another wave of force knocked the dwarf poking her back, and as he flew back his hair also turned white and fell out. Giggling with power, Scarlet smiled and threatened, "If any of ye little gits think I am going any bloody where with ye, I'd think again." Pointing to the leader on the ground. "Imagine what else I can make fall off." With that Scarlet strutted out of the room, making sure Azjah and the vampire followed.

Azjah moved purposely between Scarlet and Xermoglan then as Gabriel shielded Azjah?s back as they headed for the Star Dragon. Once inside, Azjah closed the ramp and she and Gabriel powered up the engines. ?I do hope Xermoglan got his gun,? Azjah quipped as they released the moorings and began the ascent into the abyss of space once more.

Gabriel rose to check on Scarlet's safety. "You avoided a very fast escape."

Looking up at the vampire like a child in trouble, "Was that my fault?"

"It is what it is. We are going closer to the Large Magellanc Cloud." Gabriel's voice slid like black silk over her skin before he turned and took his place in the right seat.

Watching the vampire walk back to his seat, Scarlet was still angery. That weird little man desearved it, she had been very polite. Until he got too friendly and then called her a wench; but for some reason she was worried that she might have displeased Azjah.The emotions that exploded with her casting had drained most of her energy. Sighing Scarlet closed her eyes and decided to relax until they reached the cloud.

Azjah glanced at Gabriel as they set course for the Cloud, once that was done, she rose and headed for the common area. "Sleeping?"

Scarlet opened her dark emerald eyes, "No just resting....I am sorry if I instigated any of that..."

She shook her head. "No, I should have realized you would be a novelty on Zwerg territory, but I've never known him to pull something like that before."

"I guess I can have that effect on men, but they always want to own me." Scarlet smiled sleepily. "I will never be owned..."

Azjah glanced at the replicator, ?well, everything has a molecular structure, it is only a matter of replicating that molecular recipe to produce what you have now in your hand. First it replicates the glass according to a ?recipe? of sorts, and then it makes the contents and presents it to you at the perfect temperature and consistency.?

She lifted the ale to her lips again, and nearly choked as a voice spoke in her head, even after all her defenses were set. Concentrating she sent a message back, 'I seek to keep anyone out of my thoughts.' Scarlet set up her defenses again and used thrice the power as before, leaving her a little light headed...or maybe it was the ale.

"So I could in theory replicate gold?" Scarlet asked tilting her head, and looked greedily at the machine.

?There are replicators capable of such, yes, but this one is programmed for food and drink.? Azjah sipped her scotch and noted a slight sway to her, ?Are you feeling alright? Would you prefer to sit??

Gabriel?s black velvet laughter came from the cockpit once again. It was entirely without mirth.

Concentrating with all her mental powers; Scarlet set up yet another mental barrier. Then she plopped back down in to her seat. She wasn't too weak for anger and she'd be damned to let the vampire win. Giving her best soldier face she faced Azjah and asked, "I am fine thanks. So if that is possible, how can there still be material wealth?? Scarlet reclined her head back against the cushion; the mug felt as it weighed twenty times its real weight.

?Ah, that part is easy to explain. A replicator always leaves a ?tag?, so replicated materials in terms of gems or metals do not have the value of the real thing. It is also very, very expensive to maintain a replicator that does such items. Usually large institutions such as universities or large corporations are the only ones who can afford to keep such replicators.?

She glanced at the cockpit once more, then at Scarlet, ?Is he giving you a hard time?? Her suspicions had been aroused and Gabriel?s mental silence simply confirmed he was up to mischief.

The empty glass fell out of the blonde pirate's hand, and fell to the floor. All the energy she had left was gone, Scarlet was fast asleep.

Azjah picked up the dropped glass before pulling a silken coverlet from the cabinets and draped it over the woman before heading back into the cockpit. ?Gabriel, what are you doing to her??

Scarlet muttered a few curses in her sleep and curled up, falling silent once again.

Gabriel continued to monitor the shipboard systems, ?She believes her mental shields are enough to keep me out. And I found her views of me enlightening.? Then he turned soulless eyes on Azjah, ?Humans have never been able to discern the difference between the evil of the Vampyre, and the normalcy of Carpathian.? If there could have been pain in his voice, there would have been.

Scarlet awoke slowly, and yawned. She had only slept for a few minutes and due to another trick she had learned, felt refreshed and ready to finish the day.

Azjah shook her head as she studied the ship?s controls, ?and you will do nothing to change that, will you? Sometimes Gabriel, I think you like being mistaken for Vampyre.? Azjah had not heard Scarlet stir, and had reverted to vocal commentary.

Scarlet stood up and walked towards Azjah's voice, overhearing a discussion between her and the vampire. That damnable thing that made her exhaust herself into slumber, anger heated her cheeks again.

Azjah heard footsteps approach the cockpit and she shook her head again at Gabriel, ?Feeling better Scarlet??

"Sorry 'bout that, don't know what came over me." Scarlet glared at Gabriel, and then smiled as she looked at Azjah and asked, "Shall I go back to my seat?"

?Not unless you would prefer it, have a look at where we?re going.? An endless expanse of black spread out before them, but scattered in the blackness were brilliant flairs of light too numerous to count. The cosmos lay before them in a splendor only seen by those who made their way amongst the stars.

Azjah's comment only made Scarlet laugh harder, and she bent at the waist her side aching. Taking a few calming breaths Scarlet managed to answer Azjah's question, "Only as long as he treats us women folk with respect; anytime a foul thought of any kind pops into the git's tiny mind about a woman..." Scarlet began to giggle, and repressed it and finished what she was saying, "It will fall out, again and again and again." A small laugh broke way, and she wiped her eyes. Sighing hard she looked at her empty glass; I imagine he will be shining that ugly cap for many years.

?Oh dear,? came Azjah?s reply, but she too was struggling not to burst into laughter.

Gabriel appeared between the two women then; ?The Nursery? has been reached. We will enter the cloud momentarily.?

The whiskey and laughter was a nice change from the little battles Scarlet had experienced today. Noticing Azjah's lip twitching, Scarlet was about to make another comment about the dwarf when she felt the chill bumps on her flesh again.

Soulless black eyes landed on Scarlet, ?Had I desired your blood, I would have had it.? It was no brag, but a simple statement of fact.

Scarlet looked at the vampire and said calmly, "I know that, earlier the remark sort of came out wrong. I was referring to you sneaking around in my thoughts trying..." She had never really looked at him as a person before, he was beautiful in a scary way. "Besides I am sure my blood would taste rotten anyway." Scarlet teased.

Gabriel?s lips peeled back, exposing long, sharp fangs, ?I can smell your blood, and trust me, you would not be rotten.?

Azjah simply shook her head, ?Gabriel, stop.?

Scarlet shook her head and asked for another Elvin whiskey and did retort a little this time, "Well that is good to know, what does it smell like?"

Gabriel gave the Marchioness a brief bow, ?salt air, seas and magic,? and with that, he returned to the cockpit.

?We should be close now, would you like to come up front, or see a star born from the observatory??

Looking back at Azjah, "Up front if that is fine with everyone."

Gabriel took the navigator?s place and allowed Scarlet to be seated in the right seat beside the pilot. The best place to see what lay directly ahead.

Before them was a swirling miasma of dust and gas. The material was in constant motion and beginning to glow. ?This is how a star begins, as an accretion of dust and gas until it gains enough mass to ignite the nuclear furnace that makes it glow. This one is very close to igniting its furnace, and based on the mass estimates, it should be a class G star, very similar to RhyDin?s sun.?

Scarlet nodded as she listened, trying to think of nothing but what Azjah was explaining. "Class G star?" Scarlet asked finishing off the whiskey.

?A star classification system makes the sun on RhyDin a G class star, which means that it?s surface runs around 5,000 to 6000 degrees Kelvin and has a distinctly yellowish color with medium hydrogen lines when the spectra are analyzed. It all has to do with the mass of the star?s material and the temperatures and constituents that make up the fuel the star burns.? Azjah strapped in and touched a switch that reinforced the external shields. ?We are too close to remain unshielded.?

Scarlet licked her lips, and began to tremble. "Did ye say 5000 degrees?" She asked, visibly scared.

Scarlet was trying her hardest to understand half of the words that Azjah said, but it was another language to the pirate. "Capital!" Was the only comment Scarlet could reply with.

Azjah glanced at her, ?I?m speaking Greek, aren?t I??

Coherent words awoke Scarlet from her daze and she looked at Azjah apologetically, "I just don't understand, and I am a little..." Scarlet coughed nervously, "concerned about the umm heat"

Azjah glanced at the temperature read outs, ?Well, we?re inching up into the range where we need to hold back.? Amidst the numbers on the flat glass panel was one with a temperature sign behind it, and it read 4896.

"So when shall this happen?" Scarlet asked Azjah, relaxing her grip a bit. A memory of her turning a rock into a snail when she was four envaded her mind. Looking at Azjah she strained to not venture into her memories, but instead live in the here and now.

?Well, it?s happening as we watch, but if you mean the moment the nuclear furnace activates, it?s hard to predict with certainty.? A multicolored ?lightening? flare lit up the screen in front of them. ?I would say any time now.?

Something was happening to the strange thing she had been brought to witness. A flash of light in a rainbow of colors made Scarlet jump, and almost squeal. Pressing her lips together to keep any embarrassing noises in, the beautiful pirate kept her eyes glued to the happenings outside of the star ship.

The whip of ?lightening? set off a chain reaction in the roiling cloud; setting off several more spectacular whips of colored brilliance. Gabriel?s hand rested on the engines, prepared to get the Dragon out of harm?s way if this was the event they?d come to check on.

Scarlet could only stare, and mentally cast protection spells over the three passengers.

As they stood and watched, the cloud abruptly collapsed into a brilliant miasma of fire and dust, falling rapidly in on itself, but the gravitational pull was instantaneous, and the Dragon lurched toward the flare of light.

The iron grip she had on the seat earlier was infant compared to the grasp she clutched the arms with now. Looking from Azjah to Gabriel, Scarlet was hoping this was normal.

?Witness the birth of a new star Scarlet, one that we should be able to see from RhyDin on a good clear night.? Azjah gave Gabriel a nod and the Dragon began a rearward retreat from the newly born star, whose chromosphere was rapidly heating beyond the Dragon?s ability to protect them.

Sensing something was wrong catching the slight nod Azjah gave the vampire, Scarlet's felt a burden. Back home she was the one giving orders and fixing the problems; back home she was the one who gave the slight nods to trusted crew in times of trouble. "Is there anything I can do to help?" Scarlet inquired, trying not to close her eyes against the brightness of the event.

Azjah checked solar screens and reinforced them against the brilliance of the event as Gabriel set in a course for return to RhyDin. After checking all of the sensor read outs, Azjah gave Scarlet a quick smile, ?I tried not to get us cooked, but we were a little close to the fire.?

Pale and shaking Scarlet forced a smile and asked, "Are we safe now?"

Azjah nodded as she checked the temperatures again, ?Yes, we tested the shields pretty thoroughly though.? Then she turned pale blue eyes on Scarlet, ?So, what did you think??

Sighing hard as she released the seats, she turned to Azjah and exclaimed, "It was the scariest event in my life! Beautiful but terrifying, and what do you mean testing?" The color returned to the woman's face and the shaking went internal.

"I need a drink." Scarlet said, laying her face into the palms of her hands, trying to calm her nerves.

"Sounds like the punishment for a thief." Scarlet commented and the playful look returned to her dark green eyes.

Finishing the drink Scarlet smirked and levitated the glass to a table. "I couldn't visit ye on yer home long before I'd be a dead woman."

Azjah gave her a wry smile, ?And likely me for bringing you to Rigel.? She swirled the contents of her glass, ?But you were telling me about yourself. Please continue.?

"It's not that interesting really...I was a little forest imp always running about with no shoes on and playing amongst the moss. The poor animals were terrified of me." Scarlet began to chuckle, recalling her wickedness.

"Then one day I realized I had explored every inch of that forest, and decided I was to leave and see the world." Scarlet looked down at her hands, and didn't speak for a second. 'I had never even seen a lad before! So one full moon I ventured out into the world on me own with only me magic and a leather sack of full of food and such."

Azjah was surprised that Scarlet had set out alone and so young, she simply could not imagine being alone in the world, "Weren't you frightened to be so alone in an unknown world?"

"Well yes, I was a little at first....but I relished being alone more." Scarlet replied looking at Azjah. "At home the only privacy you could obtain was running wild in the forest." She chuckled lightly.

She shook her head, ?I confess, such a thing never occurred to me growing up, to simply pack my things and wander the world around me.?

Scarlet smiled and looked forward half lost in thought and said, "That was my plan since I was a child, to run away and have adventures."

?And have you had the kinds of adventures you had dreamed about?? Azjah sipped the scotch as she watched Scarlet drift back into old memories.

Scarlet's smile turned more into a devilish smirk as the daze looked vanish slowly. Replying with a playful tune, "Most I couldn't have imagined as a child, I was too innocent." With that Scarlet gave a soft laugh.

Azjah noted the smirk, ?Would you change things now, if you could??

"Of course not." The pirate replied quickly, looking around at the star ship's interior. If things had been even a slight bit altered, she might have missed this.

?So where have your adventures taken you??

"Here lass, here." The blonde said softly with a melancholy smile. Scarlet's stomach began to rumble slightly, realizing the only food she had seen all day was that disgusting dwarf food. Ignoring the hunger she looked at Azjah's wedding ring and asked, "So how about you? How long have ye been married?"

Azjah heard Scarlet?s stomach grumble, and realized that she was getting hungry as well, which meant they would be shortly making the approach back to RhyDin. ?I lived most of my life on Rigel, my parents were killed when their yacht exploded and I was 18 and preparing to head off to the University.? She rose then and headed for the replicator, ?I?ve a mind to snack, would you care for something?? Regarding her marriage, she was hoping Scarlet would forget that part of her query.

"That is horrible..."Scarlet gasped and looked at the machine. Noticing that Azjah said nothing of her marriage, Scarlet assumed the worst about the vampire. Standing up Scarlet stood next to Azjah and asked, "Is he keeping you a prisoner?"

Azjah?s surprise was clearly written in features that usually remained quite composed, ?Gabriel?? Then she laughed, ?Oh! No, no no? Gabriel and his twin brother Lucien are my companions, and work as my body guards, well, not Lucien so much any more, but Gabriel has been with me for nearly a decade now.?

A jolt of shock coursed its way through Scarlet's body. Someone had a vampire willingly as a companion, and bodyguard! Obviously this particular species was different from the one she was accustomed to dealing with.

"I think I will take that snack, yes thank you." Scarlet replied to the question asked earlier, still lost in thought.

The lightest sensation of touch trailed along the column of her throat, and the brush of whisper in her ear, ~Nothing sweeter than the blood of a woman, why would we contaminate it with dead animals?~

Azjah set down the small plate, ?They can ingest it, but they cannot keep it. In circumstances of dire need, to ?pass? as humanoid, they can, but only the older ones. Their systems are designed to function on the living blood,?

Scarlet nodded at Azjah and looked down at her food, feeling slight invisible touches. Concentrating hard and gazing without blinking at the treat she sent Gabriel another mental message, 'It would displease you to know that I am not afraid of you anymore, knowing what I know now.' Sighing as she came out of the trance, the pirate rubbed her neck.

Azjan noted her short lapse, and the rubbing of her neck, suspecting something going on between Gabriel and Scarlet. ?Actually, the Carpathian is stronger before his change, but the powers they command after the change to Vampyre are more vile. But most people don?t recognize the difference. To most people, a blood drinker is a vampire, and they never look beyond that.?

~I feel no pleasure, nor displeasure. Those are emotions.~ Came the caressed reply. ~And you are a fool to no longer fear.~

Scarlet looked at Azjah with a solemn face, "I never knew any of this..." The witch pirate looked at her hands and thought for a minute on all of this.

The voice from the vampire in the cockpit still echoed in her mind as she sent him another wave of mental words, 'I fear no man.'

?Most people don?t know it, and even fewer bother to try.? Azjah shook her head at humanity?s behaviors.

~Then you are more the fool~ came the black whisper. ~Do you fear the giant squid of the deep? Or the cougar of the mountain pass, or perhaps the dire wolf of the forest?~

Scarlet rose up and refilled her tea, and looked at Azjah sadly and smiled, as she thought on Gabriel's question briefly, ~Ye can respect something dangerous and know it can hurt you, without the terror.~

Focusing on Azjah again she commented, "Well feel better to know that you have informed at least one with understanding. Some places back home...well most places back home would burn me for what I am." Scarlet chuckled, thinking about her mother and grandmother living alone in a forest exile.

Azjah rose and set the plate and tea cup onto the counter, where they simply vanished from view beneath a flash of light. ?Humanity is notoriously closed minded.?

~Delusions do not change the outcome,~ The image of the Kracken devouring her ship echoed in her mind and then there was absolute darkness, blackness of oblivion where once the sentience had been.
Mimicking Azjah, Scarlet too laid her empty plate and cup on the counter. Another flash of light and the object was gone, "Amazing how this work without magic." She muttered before looking up up at Azjah, and smiling quite large, "Some witches deserve the stake, and some pirates deserve the noose." The witch pirate said with a wink.

Her thoughts however were quite serious however. ~We all die~

Azjah settled onto her chaise and prepared for the challenge match to begin. She took her usual glass of scotch from the goblin and sipped it.

Lydia and Soerl's arrival wearing the black tee shirts cheering for Bran gave her a bit of a chuckle, and Lydia waved toward Azjah before peering at Soerl, "Should we cheer for him, or do you think it would distract him?"

Azjah returned the wave, and when next she caught Lydia's attention, crooked a finger at her and grinned.

Soerl settled onto a chair and waved at the caller before offering, "Cheering is probably a bad idea."

She nodded and then wandered to Azjah's chaise, waving to Shandren along the way.

Azjah gave Lydia a conspiratorial smile, "thanks for coming over for a second," she didn't intend to keep her away from Soerl's side long, but the other evening she knew Lydia had heard her cryptic remarks, and the moment seemed right to share the reason for them.

Rena arrived and Azjah waved to her before glancing up at Lydia with a grin, but she kept her voice barely a whisper, which drew Lydia down closer to be able to hear her. She told Lydia that she had returned from Rigel engaged to be married, but so far, too many things had been happening for she and Wil to make a public announcement, but that instead they would tell people as time and situation allowed.

Lydia blinked a couple of times before grinning and asking if she could talk openly about it, or did Azjah prefer to keep it fairly quiet for now. Azjah smiled and asked her to keep it low key for the time being, saying then, "Sooner or later the time will be right."

Lydia gave her congratulations, which brought another smile to Azjah's features as she thanked her. Lydia wondered then if Azjah and Wil might make the formal announcement at the Harvest Festival, but Azjah said she doubted it. Too large a venue, and there would be too many people there who they didn't know and who simply would not care. No, this announcement was more suited to friends and colleagues.

The first match had ended as Vincent came from behind and secured the first round win against Bran. Azjah asked if either man required a breather, and neither one did, so she bade them commence with the second round of the challenge.

Lydia chuckled, "hmm, alright, that may be the best way then." She glanced at the rings, then quietly asked Azjah, "Who do you think will take it?"

Azjah's arctic azure gaze slid toward Lydia a moment, and then back to the ring, "Well, Bran's good?. But Vincent's got the experience factor." She had deliberately worded it that way to mimic Bran's comment about her own challenge several days earlier. Then she smiled, "Besides, I plan to have lizard hide on my wall, remember?" She winked at Lydia with a grin. Given Bran's backing Soerl, she'd promised him that his hide would hang above her mantle piece at the Palazzo.

Vincent had heard her comment, and quipped from his ring, "A few more rounds like that, and I'll have him skinned for you." His smirk was one of great confidence. Azjah shot him a grin, "Can I hold you to that?"

Lydia nodded thoughtfully, "I suppose he does." She snorted slightly at the lizard hide comment, as she'd been there for the initial exchange between Azjah and Bran. Her head was tilted slightly as she watched the ring, still clearly hoping for Bran to claim the win.

Azjah smiled, "I'd say it's up for grabs."

Vincent had treated Bran like a baked potato in the second round, and added for Azjah, "I'll try. He may be a little singed around the edges though."

Lydia glanced Azjah's way, "Seems like it's really hard to become Archmage. Having to beat out so many in a tournament, then having to beat the current Archmage, it'd be a shame if Bran lost, after having fought so well during the tournament." Azjah nodded her agreement, it was indeed a rough road with no doubts.

Soerl glanced around the beach, lifted a brow and looked again, "Why isn't Bran's girlfriend here, anyway?" He wasn't directing the query at anyone in particular, but he seemed genuinely puzzled about her absence.

Lydia bit at her lip a little as she watched the ring, "I believe it. Small goals are probably best, at first. In this sport I mean." She peered aside at Soerl, but didn't say a word.

Azjah glanced up at her, Rigelian empathy picking up on her current reaction to his question. Her tenseness was magnified given the fact that it was a reasonable question, and shouldn't have caused Lydia stress, but it had, and rather abruptly. Azjah blinked at Soerl then, "Bran has a girl friend?" She couldn't recall ever seeing Bran with a female let alone a regular one.

Lydia mumbled something or another under her breath as Soerl nodded at Azjah, "Some lizardess who wears a large cloak."

Azjah glanced at Lydia as her empathy picked up again on Lydia's heightened stress.

Lydia tried to look all innocent as Azjah glanced at her, but resorted instead to looking away and turning slightly, looking very much like someone caught with guilty hands in a plot or scheme of some sort. Azjah quirked a pale brow at the elven woman, very softly asking, "Ah, you know Bran's new girl friend in the cloak?"

Lydia froze instantly before being able to slowly turn back toward Azjah, but her response was entirely too quick and guilty sounding, "No, I've never met her. She sounds very nice though." Emphatic nodding accompanied the too rapid words.

Azjah blinked at the rapid fire response and then chuckled, clearly Lydia knew more and was reluctant to explain herself. Azjah smiled innocently, "Who told you about her? Where is she?" Azjah glanced at Bran and then back at Lydia.

Lydia continued her excessive nodding, "I don't know where she is, and, ah, Soerl did. She was there to watch the challenge, and was nice and offered him a bottle of water afterward." Lydia fidgeted a little at that point.

Azjah nodded thoughtfully, "Ah; that explains why I did not see her."

Lydia lamented then as Vincent struck Bran yet again, "I am such a jinx."

Azjah slid a pale glance at Lydia before lowering her voice for only Lydia to hear, "Is there something wrong?" Her reactions had been entirely out of proportion, and Azjah knew something was at the root of such extreme emotional reactions.

Lydia glanced up distractedly, "Hmm? Nothing." Then she realized that was not what Azjah had asked, so she just grinned a little too much, "Not at all." But she was still very nervous about all the questions being asked about Bran's girl friend.

Azjah gave Lydia one of those 'yeah, right' looks as she congratulated Bran and Vincent as the second match came to an end.

Lydia congratulated both duelers before catching Azjah's look, then she sighed and leaned closer, and the whispering commenced as she explained her dilemma in some detail. At the end, she sighed, feeling that it was such a ridiculous story in her eyes.

Azjah gave a soft, understanding chuckle, "Ah, I see."

Bran came toward them, "Thanksss for your sssupport, and?" his eyes slid toward Soerl and he caught sight for the first time of the sparkly lettering, "Whoa!"

Soerl shot him a glare, "Don't say a word!"

Lydia grinned a bit at Azjah before lifting pale blue eyes toward Bran, she just felt awkward about the shirts now, "Hey Bran? You're not in a hurry to get anywhere right now, are you?"

He wasn't and Lydia had wanted to talk to him about her pet, and she excused herself and picked up her assorted papers from the table and pulled Bran along with her. "well, you were telling me abou the various gnoll tribes, south of the city and near some marshes, right?" She unrolled some of the papers to lay out before him.

Rena rose and nodded at Azjah as she made her way out the door with her mug in her hand and Azjah waved, "Night Rena!" then she handed a passing goblin the nearly empty scotch glass before getting off the chaise and making her way toward the portal with a farewell wave to those who remained.

Lydia and Bran were deeply engrossed in discussion about gnolls when she stepped through the portal.

Soerl glanced around, ?I swore I heard my name?.?

Azjah nodded up at Wil, ?It?s a small group, thought I should make certain.? She smiled and took a sip of the scotch before offering him the glass and winking at Soerl, ?You did Minstrel.?

Wil took the glass from her with a wink and sipped the Dalwhinnie. Azjah gave him a quicksilver smile, ?Shall I send the goblins for some pears?? She?d discovered that he enjoyed sliced pears with crumbles of bleu cheese over them as much as she did, and he looked hungry to her. He?d grinned and said the pears would be excellent, so she sent the goblins to retrieve one of her favorite treats.

Lydia too had heard her name, and since there were not many people present, she turned and looked at Azjah, spotting Wil in the process. She waved and after a moment pulled away from Soerl to stand.

Soerl shot Azjah a grin as he let Lydia stand up, ?Oh. Was it in relation to something bad, like usual??

Azjah grinned back, ?If it concerns you Soerl, of course it?s bad.? Then she smiled at Lydia as she approached. ?Good evening Wil.? She leaned closer to speak quietly with Wil, who returned her smile and said good evening to her.

Soerl chuckled, ?Good to know my reputation is still intact.? Then he stood and followed Lydia. He peered over at the ring for a moment as he neared the chaise.

Wil listened to Lydia?s softly spoken words, and responded in the same quiet tones.

Azjah gave Soerl a soft laugh, ?We wouldn?t want your reputation ruined Soerl.? Then she addressed Liena and Xeric, ?So, would either of you like a break?? They had finished the second match and it was tied up 1 each.

Soerl turned back toward Azjah with a quick grin, ?No, no, that would definitely be a bad thing, Azjah.?

Lydia was nodding at Wil?s words and she leaned back while absently adjusting her ?BRAN FOR ARCHMAGE? t-shirt that matched Soerl?s. ?I think he does that all by himself,? she said to Azjah before peering at the active ring.

Azjah chuckled and gave Soerl a grin, ?Probably true Lydia.? Then she instructed the duelers to begin the third and final match. ?Alright, begin casting when ready and good luck to you both.?

Azjah?s pale gaze slid up toward Wil as she retrieved her glass of scotch from Wil?s hands before sending the goblins for pear slices with bleu cheese crumbles, ?I?m hungry? she informed him with a smile. She was hungry, but pears were not going to feed the hunger she felt looking into Wil?s eyes.

Soerl eyed Lydia a moment, then slid his attention back toward Azjah, ?trouble finds me, not the other way around.?

Wil looked at Azjah and gave her that bad boy grin as he releases the scotch to her. She kissed the corner of Wil?s mouth at that grin that melted her, then she chuckled at Soerl, ?Why is it that I doubt that??

Soerl would have chuckled, but he was busily eying Lydia again, ?I don?t know Azjah, I?m hurt that you would doubt me.?

Lydia pulled the paper umbrella out from behind her pointed ear, reaching over to try to tuck it behind Soerl?s. She glanced at Wil, ?Do you participate in this sport Wil?? She gestured toward the various empty rings around the Isle, ?or any of them?? She smiled pleasantly as she tilted her head curiously.

Azjah flashes Soerl a smile, ?Well Minstrel, the point was for me to hurt you the other night, not tonight.? She sipped the scotch with an impish smile as the goblins brought the pears and cheese.

Wil glanced at Lydia, ?Many years ago I used to descend into the dueling arena and duel, and actually quite well. But now I prefer to watch and leave the duels to others.?

Lydia would have liked to ask more, but they were not well enough acquainted, so she refrained, opting instead to say, ?Really? Which duels did you excel at the most??

Azjah offered Wil the scotch glass and motioned to an adjacent chaise asking Lydia if she?d care to join them. Then she winked at Lydia, ?He?s coy, he?s good at all of them.? She knew a little about Wil?s training, and his skills.

Wil took the scotch and looked at Lydia with a smile, ?I actually fought with a blade. Magic and fists were quite new at that time.? He had given away just how long it had been since he?d been inside a ring to duel.

Soerl grimaced a bit, ?Well, you did manage to do that a bit. I don?t think I?ll be quite as fortunate next time we meet.? He chuckled and took the paper umbrella away from his ear and tried to discreetly drop it in to Lydia?s pocket.

Lydia ws oblivious to Mr. Pickpocket, and she was unaware of the umbrella being dropped into her pocket, ?Alright, thankyou.? She nodded at Azjah as she took a seat on the chaise and was poked by the umbrella, ?Ow! What the F--?? She cut herself off and pulled the umbrella from her pocket, having just sat on the sharp part, ?How?? She blinked and shook her head, then looked back at Wil, ?So Swords? I?m bad at swords myself. That?s probably my worst sport.? She shot Soerl a dirty look and made certain that she took up all the space on the chaise.

Azjah glanced at Liena while they waited for Xeric?s return, ?Liena? Have you met my fianc??? It was the first time she?d said the word out loud in public, and her stomach filled with butterflies. Wil didn?t seem to catch her words, but Lydia did and she flashed Azjah a small smile.

LIena hadn?t met Wil, and Azjah promised to introduce them after the final match concluded. Wil smiled at Liena and looked forward to meeting her later.

Wil was saying that the only magic he had was how fast he could make drinks disappear, which elicited a merry laugh from Azjah. Soerl grinned, ?That?s a good spell to know Wil,? then he proceeded to sit down on top of Lydia?s legs as she told Wil that Soerl had a similar talent when it came to food.

Wil laughed hearing Soerl, ?It was the first I learned and I?ve put it to good use.?

Soerl chuckled and grinned at Lydia as he spoke, ?You?re likely better at it than me. Every time I try it I end up waking up in a forest or something.? His grin at Lydia was overly nice as he thanked her for making room for him on the chaise.

Azjah reached for Wil?s ribs to tickle, ?that doesn?t take magic.? She gave him a grin and offered him the shared glass of scotch.

Azjah walked through the door to the Arena. She hadn?t intended to stay long, but was curious to see who was about, and as she stood on the landing, she spotted Simini approaching the one called Drey. He was a very unpleasant fellow, and she was somewhat surprised to see the woman approaching him.

Simini?s face remained calm and composed as she assumed a non-threatening demeanor, speaking very quietly to him when she was close enough that only he could hear her. Azjah moved down the stairs, and could read Simini?s lips for the moment, ?Drey? do you remember me??

Azjah found herself an empty table and continued to watch the exchange until Taneth waved. She smiled and returned the wave before Wyheree gave her a merry wave. ?Good evening Wyheree.? Tormay was entering a ring, and she waved and wished him luck as she sought out either Hubie or Marcus.

It was then that she heard Drey bellowing, ?Rum! And lots of it!? He slapped an open hand to the counter to stress the apparently ?dire? need he had for liquor. The Cimmerian quickly composed himself and turned toward Simini, but his voice was in no way quiet as she gave her a smile that would have cracked most stone sculptures. ?ah, yes, of course.?

Simini tilted her head, not at all certain that he really did remember her, or if she was placing herself in danger?s path by speaking to him. But for reasons known only to her, she pressed on. ?Good. Because I remember you.?

Drey?s snide retort cut short any relief Simini might have felt, ?You?re the pee-wee tournament winner. Champion of Munchkins.? He punctuated his cutting remarks with a couple of quick consecutive nods. ?Congratulations.? Then his tone became dripping with sarcasm, ?Now, if you will excuse me.?

Simini canted her head, ?Yes, I won the tournament last week, but do you remember me from? before??

Drey had already turned his back on her as his glass was slid across the bar toward him, ?Don?t you just love that sound? The sound of service.? He sounded rather sincere, and despite having his back to her, he was clearly speaking to Simini.

Azjah?s attention shifted to Wyheree?s ring as she entered it to face Soerl in a swords match. ?Kick his butt Wyheree? Azjah added to her friend as she walked past.

She grinned at Azjah, but then her focus shifted to Soerl as the match began.

Soerl had saluted Wyheree and Corlanthis before glancing at Azjah with a little grin as he?d very clearly heard her cheer for Wyheree. Azjah gave the man who held ?her? Tower a wink.

Meanwhile, Simini frowned faintly, uncertain whether she was being spoken to, or not. It was becoming clear to her that Drey?s mind was apparently broken. She moved to stand next to Drey, not close enough to touch, but close enough to talk as he withdrew a handful of coins from the confines of his ebony cloak, drizzling them with a feral sneer over the counter as the metal pit-pattered like heavy rainfall from his hand. ?Get to the point,? he told her curtly as his ghostly eyes snapped back in Simini?s direction.

Simini?s face bespoke only compassion for an old friend as she stood there tolerating his verbal abuse. Then she lifted her chin, ?You have no idea who I am, do you??

He snickered as he observed her, ?What, temporary Overlord is also a shrink? Time to turn this liiiiiife arooooooound.?

She laughed, ?Shows what you know.? Then, as though trying to get a rise out of him, she added, ?Not too smart, are you??

Drey?s tone was increasingly harsh as he spoke, ?I know you?re some self righteous, self proclaimed here, confused about her place in society because your mind is so overwhelmed with the delusions of grandeur, of honor, of nothing, of void.?

She laughed, because anyone who knew Simini knew that his charges were the furthest thing from truth there could possibly be.

Drey continued, ?You remind me of a woman so pent up with the idea of success that when you plummet you can?t even notice it with your blinding pride.? His head tilted as he eyed her up in a most unsavory fashion.

Simini sighed slightly, as though wondering why she was even bothering with this, but then she tried again, ?Drey, I know we have not always gotten along, but?do you have any friends, at all??

Drey spoke flatly, ?I?m just merely describing how you?re just like all the rest. I can?t tell any of you honor code, prima-donnas apart anymore. All your faces, your personalities blend into one. So you want to ask me if I remember you? You?re not even worth remembering.?

Lydia wrapped up her duel and exited the ring just as Soerl parried one of Wyheree?s offensive cuts. Azjah booed him playfully as he glanced at her, ?What? You expect me to lose to her without trying???

Azjah gave him a radiant smile, ?I simply expect you to lose to her.?

Azjah sipped her scotch, ?It is really between the two of you, and as long as you are both happy with the arrangements, then that is all that matters.? While Azjah?s world revolved around the strict protocols of Rigel, she?d come to appreciate the looseness of RhyDin, and since they were here in RhyDin, the only thing that mattered was what they thought.

She smiled brightly, ?Oh, that makes sense.? Then she sipped her drink as Soerl took advantage of Wyheree in the ring once again, ?And we are. I don?t think we?re in a rush. I?m not. I guess I?ll have to ask Soerl about the date or whatever.? She shrugged a little before glancing again at the rings, or more precisely, at Soerl.

Azjah smiled as she savored the old scotch, ?Well, Wil and I haven?t set a date either.? She knew that they would have to set one, once the trade station became a reality, they?d be forced to carry through on their end of the bargain, and Wolfgang wouldn?t risk letting Wil escape ties to Rigel after everything that had transpired.

Soerl perforated Wyheree, and Azjah winced for her friend as Lydia?s lips twisted into a smile, ?So you two aren?t in a hurry either??

Azjah thought about that a moment. There had been so many complications on Rigel. Too many to even begin to share. She sipped the scotch to buy a moment to think how best to phrase it, ?We have a minor complication.? She struggled to keep a neutral expression; the trade station was a great deal more than a ?minor complication?.

Lydia?s brows lifted, ?Complication? Anything I can help you with??

Azjah knew there was nothing anyone in RhyDin could do to help, ?I?m not even certain I can help with them, but if they think they?re going to muck up my life, they?ve another thing coming.? And she meant that with every fiber of her being.

Lydia tilted her head, ?Who? Is someone trying to stop things for you?? She was both concerned and confused now.

Simini now had the Overlord at her back as she looked at Drey, ?either you do not remember, or you are ashamed to admit that this ?putrid hog? took your Barony from you.? She was goading the man now, changing her tactics to see if this angle might shake the man into some semblance of normalcy.

?You?re the dumbest piece of filth this side of RhyDin. You?re like a walking coloring book. I can?t even take an insult seriously from the likes of you.? He gave her a cold look.

Simini sighed, ?I have not insulted you. I see. You ARE ashamed. The coloring book wins then.? She was ready to give up.

Drey looked completely nonplussed, ?Ashamed of what? This fixation you peasants have with these tyke-like titles is really getting unhealthy. And you couldn?t beat me again.? He gave her a condescending look, ?You should always address me with an apology first, and then with Lord. Lord Starke.? He?d given her proof of recognition now. ?How about I put a knife through your filthy face??

She spoke quietly then, ?Anytime.? And was led away from Drey?s vicinity by the Russian, who was considerably larger than she was, and from his expression, he might have bodily carried her away from Drey if she hadn?t gone willingly. Xeric spoke softly to her, ?He seems to be playing with less than a full deck, and he is a good bit bigger than you are.?

Simini sat gingerly as the noble Drey appeared to be particularly riled up over something, but as he moved to stand, Azjah could see that he was horribly thin. Too thin, unnaturally thin. She frowned slightly.

Simini snorted at Xeric, ?So? You are bigger than me too.?

Xeric made his way around the table and seated himself, ?I?m not your father, but I had to offer that advice.? Then he grinned at her comment, ?I am, however, I?m not going to wig out and attack you.? His grin grew, ?I might try to get you drunk, but I won?t attack you.?

Drey trudged toward the stairs, his pale face swamped with only what could be characterized as unadulterated rage. Then he dematerialized once his foot touched the first step, or at least that was the impression one gained watching his departure.

Azjah glanced at the rings in time to hear the final call. Soerl had defeated Wyheree, and she glanced at Lydia, ?Hmmm, I?m afraid soerl needs a lesson in beating up on lovely females.? Then she took a deep breath, how to answer Lydia, ?It?s a very long story, and it revolves around Wil?s former superior officer at I.I.S.C.?

Lydia shook her head hearing the call, ?His ego?s going to be unstoppable now.? Then she turned light blue eyes on Azjah, ?What?s the I.I.S.C.??

Wyheree exited the ring and glanced at Azjah, who motioned for her to join them.

Azjah nodded then at Lydia, ?Well, it?s the agency that Wil worked for. They maintain interstellar trade routes.?

Lydia was now definitely confused, ?Inter? stellar?? She sipped her Chambord, ?It sounds important.?

Azjah smiled as she caught her momentary look of confusion, ?Wil?s job was in the stars Lydia, and my home is too.?

Soerl shook his head at Azjah, ?Oh, no, we haven?t even considered a date as of yet, so I hadn?t given that much thought. I?m not in a terrible hurry anyway.? But he slid his gaze toward Lydia as he spoke. ?Planning things isn?t really my strong suit.? He reached up and scratched the side of his head, just beneath the brim of his hat, clearly bespeaking of discomfort.

Wyheree spoke quietly to Lydia, ?I did not have that sort of party. Is that the one with the dancers??

Azjah sipped the scotch with a smile, ?there is so much to plan and make arrangements for,? she figured Soerl, since he seemed by default to be held accountable for planning might need a bit of a hint in that direction. Then she smiled at Wyheree, ?they certainly can have those dancers.?

Lydia chuckled and nodded at Wyheree, ?Yeah, I?ve heard that happens at some of those, but I?ve never been to one before.?

Azjah quirked a brow hearing both of them, and that neither had actually been to such a party before. ?Clearly ladies, we need to make amends for such missed opportunities.?

Lydia grinned, ?I?m sure G?nort will want to throw a party like that for Soerl.? She rolled her eyes before glancing at the minstrel, ?I assumed you were planning everything out.?

Wyheree finished her wine and stood, ?the hour grows late, I fear I must go.?

They wished her fair travels as Soerl snickered quietly, ?G would use it as an excuse to invite his Sugar and Sinammon.? Then he shook his head, ?I suppose I can try to plan it all?. ? But the doubt echoed strongly in his words.

Lydia?s brows rose a fraction at Azjah?s comment before she smiled at Soerl, ?Oh, I can help, I don?t expe- wait? have you met them before?? She gave him one of those suspicious looks at the mention of G?s ?lady friends?.

?Of course not. I?ve never been anywhere like that.? He rolled his eyes at her, ?Bad enough I get flirted with without paying for it everywhere I go.?

Lydia?s tone was flat, ?Yes, poor you.? Then she turned back to Azjah, ?Have you ever attended a party like that before??

Azjah nodded, ?On Rigel, the issue of a Bachelorette Party takes on interesting meaning, but yes, I have been a participant at one or two.?

Lydia?s head tilted, ?How can they get any more interesting than they already are??

?There are traditional rituals on Rigel that I have not seen or heard of being done here in RhyDin.? She sipped her scotch, wondering how Lydia would react to a proper wedding night bedding ritual, but she didn?t say anything along those lines. ?But, we do have a fair deal of shopping to accomplish.? She smiled brightly.

?We do!? Lydia returned the grin, ?All around the market. Maybe even some shops in New Haven.? To Lydia, New Haven equaled Bankrupt Soerl.

Azjah gave a merry laugh, ?Definitely New Haven!? Then she leaned closer to Lydia, whispering quietly, ?my dress will be ready for first fitting next week.? She hadn?t told Wil that, this dress was to be a surprise from concept to presentation.

Lydia smiled, ?I could get an outfit or two from Heavenly Boutique. I actually don?t own anything made by Koy.? Then she leaned closer to hear since it was clear that Azjah wasn?t keen on Soerl hearing and inadvertently saying something to Wil about it. She grinned at the news, ?Oh, I can?t wait to see it. I?m sure it?s beautiful. You have really good taste.?

Azjah smiled, ?Koy is one of the very best, you will not be disappointed.?

Lydia shook her head a bit, ?I wonder if she makes simpler things though. I?ve seen how she dresses. It?s beautiful, but not really me, at all.?

Azjah knew Lydia was the owner of a clothing shop in RhyDin, but she had never been inside the shop, and now she was gathering that Lydia?s down to earth style was what she was most comfortable with. She smiled, ?Koy makes what her clients desire, and it always looks lovely,?

Lydia suddenly looked doubtful, ?She doesn?t have anything off the rack? Is it all commissioned??

Azjah?s brow lifted, ?She has some things on the rack, but I find I prefer the custom tailored better.?

Lydia smiled fainly, ?I may wait a while before trying to get anything custom. I?ve seen her recently, and I know she?s probably close to having her child.?

Azjah nodded, ?Yes, she is close,? But she also knew that Koy had help at the Heavenly Boutique.

Lydia made a face, ?Fashion Week was too fancy for my tastes. Griffith kept dressing me up like I was his doll.? Then she shook her head, ?I was lucky G?nort attended them with me as my ?date?.? She rubbed at her arms, seemingly absently as though cold, ?I don?t think it will be too formal though.? Then she glanced again at Soerl.

Azjah chuckled, ?Formal or not, the shopping is still great fun.?

Soerl?s gaze shifted to Lydia, ?Only as formal as you care for, my love.? His shoulders lifted in a shrug. ?You know I prefer things to be simple.? He lifted his hand to pointedly glance at his ring, a platinum band, ?Proof.?

Lydia pursed her lips, ?mmm, I?d prefer it to be relatively simple too. Not too much though. We?re not getting married in our pajamas or anything silly like that.? She shook her head before smiling at Azjah, ?I?m sure it will be.?

Azjah chuckled, ?And of course, lingerie doesn?t have to be in compliance with the public attire.? Then she grinned at Lydia.

Lord Travanix moved through the entrance. His black clad form remained stiffly formal as he folded his arms behind him and watched for long minutes. Azjah glanced at the door and the one who?d given her the black ribbon that even now she sort of missed.

Soerl perked as a key word came out of Azjah?s mouth, then he peered at Lydia very closely after that.

She chuckled sheepishly at Azjah before turning toward Soerl, ?Love, stop undressing me with your eyes.?

Azjah almost told her to let him do just that, but she reined in her comment and substituted, ?And ever so much more fun.?

Soerl?s expression decried her charge, ?I wasn?t doing that!? But it was a blatant lie if his smirk was any indicator.

Lydia turned to give Azjah a stage whisper, ?I think he wouldn?t mind if I married him in lingerie.?

Azjah gave her a conspiratorial whisper in return, ?It could be arranged.?

Soerl?s blank expression sought to hide his thoughts, but he took Azjah?s words seriously, ?Really??

Lydia chuckled before rolling her eyes at Soerl. Azjah glanced at him as well, ?Of course. For that matter, you could be wed in your birthday suits if you truly desired it.? She was being horrid, but Soerl?s expression was priceless.

Lydia muttered, ?Don?t encourage him.?

Azjah worked to maintain an inscrutable demeanor before winking at Lydia. There were colonies where such was the way of marriage vows.

?That might be taking it a little far.? The idea was abandoned in his mind after he noted Lydia?s eye roll. ?Simplicity would be best. I?ve never really dressed up for anything before.?

Azjah gave a soft laugh at both of their reactions.

Lydia patted Soerl?s shoulder consolingly, ?I?m sure whatever you wear will be fine. Now I?m wondering how we find someone for the ceremony. I don?t even know who does that kind of thing.?

Azjah canted her head at both of them, ?I do hope you don?t keep it too small an affair.?

Travanix shook his head before dark eyes slid over Azjah a moment, and her skin prickled. She looked up quickly, but found nothing amiss.

?Can I at least wear my hat?? Soerl asked Lydia, even though the topic had already changed.

Lydia sighed heavily at Soerl before withdrawing her hand, ?If you want.? Which was a woman?s code for ?no? pretty much. Then she glanced at Azjah, ?You really think we shouldn?t?? Then she tilted her head noting the way Azjah was scanning the room, ?Is everything alright??

Travanix smirked a moment as he picked up on Azjah?s discomfort before he turned and headed back upstairs to the Inn.

Azjah shook herself, ?I think a comfortable group is idea, but not just the two of you. There are too many who will want to celebrate with you.? She blinked at Lydia?s question, ?I suddenly had the feeling of? how do they say it here? someone walking over my grave??

Lydia frowned a little at the expression as Soerl refrained from grumbling further about his hat. He had gotten that message loud and clear.

Azjah rubbed both arms absently after looking around, ?It?s nothing.?

Azjah left the Palazzo and headed for Twilight Isle. She exited the portal and made her way across the sand, kicking off the stilettos before settling onto the chaise she usually occupied. The goblins scurried off to retrieve her glass of scotch as Lydia wandered through the portal. Azjah smiled, ?Good evening Lydia, how are you??

She spotted Azjah and waved as she made her way toward the rings, ?I?m doing alright, how are you??

Azjah took the glass from the goblins, ?I?m well enough, how was the festival??

?It was pretty fun. Me and Soerl had a really good time, we missed the first night, but I didn?t really have an interest in it.? Her voice lowered fractionally, ?I?m not a fan of horses, and that?s when the Warlord Tournament was, anyways, couldn?t exactly miss that,? she confided to Azjah. Then she waved as Scarlet joined them, and finished up the happy face she had been drawing in the sand with her boot.

Azjah chuckled, she couldn?t imagine anyone not loving horses, ?Well, my stud won the horse show.? Then she smiled and greeted Scarlet.

Lydia?s brow lifted, ?Really? Well, congratulations on that!? She paused, ?Studs are?. Ah?. Male horses, right??

Azjah tried not to chuckle, opting to nod with a smile, ?Yes, breeding males.? She took a sip of her scotch to avoid saying anything else that might too easily be misconstrued.

Soerl slipped past the portal in a quiet manner and made his way toward the rings, waving to Azjah in the process before claiming a chair and settling onto it. When she greeted him, he flashed her a smile, ?How are you faring this evening??

?I?m very well Soerl. I have found a couple of shops that I HAVE to take your fianc? to,? She told him with an impish grin.

He chuckled and glanced at his fianc? who was currently in a ring, then back toward Azjah, ?Is that so? Somehow I feel as though that should make me wary.?

She flashes Soerl a grin that promised mischief, but said nothing.

He chuckled as he lifted his feet and settled them atop the table, ?Comforting,?

Azjah mused partly to herself, and partly for Soerl?s benefit, ?There are simply so many things to do.?

He glanced at her again, ?You really aren?t making me feel any better Azjah.?

Azjah chuckled softly, ?It could be worse Soerl. You could be forced to be planning a Court Wedding in front of your King.?

He folded his arms behind his head, ?I have no King. I sympathize for anyone who has to go through that though.?

Azjah chuckled softly, ?It is a side effect of being a Peer. One gets used to it.? She wasn?t sure she ever would, the Court demands on Peers was so much more strict than what she?d grown used to in RhyDin.

Soerl?s golden brow lifted curiously at her, ?A Peer??

?Yes, a Peer of the Realm.? Azjah nodded, ?Are you familiar at all with feudal societies??

Soerl stole a glance at Lydia?s ring, then turned once more toward Azjah, ?Slightly. I?m more familiar with the influence of religion on such a society.?

?The nobility of such societies are usually called Peers, although I never understood why.? She chuckled. It was a term that simply never seemed to fit in her view, but it was what it was. ?Religion does play a large role in our society,? she agreed. So much revolved around The Religion, and the control the Arch Bishop and his clerics tried to enforce on the people of Rigel.

?Ah, I see,? Soerl commented, ?You?re of noble blood then? Can?t say I?m surprised, you carry yourself well.? Both of them missed the glance Lydia shot them from her ring.

Azjah smiled, ?Thank you. I am cousin to the Kaiser.?

Soerl?s head tilted slightly, ?Kaiser, that was the King you spoke of then??

?Well, a Kaiser is more closely what most would call an Emperor, but yes.? Azjah wasn?t going to make all of the royal distinctions, but she felt Soerl needed to know that a Kaiser was more than a king.

Again Lydia?s covert glance at Soerl and Azjah was missed, and her expression twisted into something peculiar before she refocused on her match.

Soerl let out a low whistle, ?Cousin to this fellow??

Azjah winked, ?Now, now, let him be a pervert. Keeps life interesting.? She chuckled thinking about Wil, and hoping that he?d find the royal blue teddy as intriguing as she did. ?I found a lovely confection in royal blue that I simply had to have.?

Lydia smiled, ?Hmm, can?t really argue that.? But she quickly glanced around almost as though she were trying to make sure certain perverts weren?t in listening range and getting ideas. Then she glanced at Azjah, ?I could probably use something in red.? She pondered her own thoughts for a minute.

Azjah took a sip of the scotch, ?They will have something you?ll like, I have no doubt.?

She shot Azjah a grin, ?I think it?s more a question of what Soerl would like, moreso than me.?

?Oh, absolutely you have to keep their tastes in mind, but it has to please you too.? Azjah gave a soft chuckle, ?An old, old lover once told me that he wanted to see his women all together in a harem girl?s outfit.? She chuckled remembering Brig?s wistful expression. Not that Azjah had ever tried out that harem girl idea, but at least she knew what would please Brig. She was still learning what pleased Wil.

Lydia pondered, ?That?s true.? Then she lifted a brow as realization struck her, ?Did he have multiple women at once??

Azjah nearly choked on her drink, ?No, not that I ever knew about, but when I left RhyDin, I know he had many women. Then again, I was gone a long time.? She hadn?t expected Brig to remain solitary, it wasn?t in his nature, but neither was settling down with just one woman. Their lives had gone completely different directions, and those pages of her history were long gone, but fondly remembered.

Lydia nodded a little, ?Oh, I?ve always been the very monogamous sort, myself.?

Azjah gave Lydia a smile that bespoke her fondness for Brig, ?And he had one of those personalities that attracted women to him. I doubt he?ll ever settle down with just one.? She wouldn?t let her thoughts delve into how Brig maintained his youth, it was more than she was willing to accept. ?Yes, his lifestyle doesn?t allow for just one.? She smiled and shook off the painful memories, ?So its red you say?

Lydia nodded, ?I suppose that sort of thing works out for some people.? Lydia caught the fleeting expression and grew curious, but she wouldn?t pry about it, then she smiled, Yeah, red or maybe purple, it?s hard sometimes to find colors to match my hair thought.? She paused before continuing, ?Azjah?? Her words grew hesitant, ?I heard what you were talking about to Soerl, earlier. About your station? yeah??

Azjah hid a smile as she looked at Lydia?s hair, ?Yes, that could be problematic.

Wyheree arrived and they both greeted the ice mage.

Lydia shook her head, ?Red?s one of the few that goes with it, I think.? Then she grew serious once more, ?Anyways, if you don?t mind my asking,? her voice lowered noticeably, ?the kind of life you live? Are you happy with it?? She was certain it was an odd question, and perhaps just a touch rude, but she wasn?t learning tact from Soerl.

Azjah canted her head slightly at Lydia, ?Am I happy with it?? She pursed her lips in thought, ?It is the life I was born into Lydia. There is no real choice for me.? Azjah rose, excusing herself to go change out of her uniform. She planned to return to discuss whatever was preying on Lydia?s mind.

Lydia was pondering Azjah?s words when she walked back through the portal, and offered the blonde a smile upon her return, ?So, you?ve never wanted to ? get out of it somehow? Maybe leave it and not return??

Thoughts of the events on Rigel flashed through Azjah?s mind, when she?d considered doing just precisely that to be with Wil, but he wouldn?t let her walk away, and now she was glad that he hadn?t allowed her to give it all up. ?Why the question Lydia?? Something was bothering the elf, and Azjah sat down to listen to her.

?Just, curiosity is all,? Lydia told Azjah, but Azjah?s inherent empathy filtered through it, and her words were only partly truth, there certainly were reasons beyond curiosity.

Azjah?s brows winged up, ?Leave? How does one leave their inheritance? It would be like asking you if you have ever wanted to leave behind being Elvish. I do not always approve or agree, but my allegiance is to my Kaiser, and my role in it is fixed.? That was putting things on a very elementary plane, but Rigelian?s held to some very old and revered tenets.

It wasn?t the answer that surprised Lydia, but it wasn?t one she was prepared to hear either. Her gaze lowered, just for a moment as she nodded to Azjah before turning away to focus on the rings. Lacking for a better way of getting out of the conversation, she invited Azjah to duel and Azjah gave her the out she so clearly wanted.

Azjah asked if she should inquire what was troubling Lydia, but the elf murmured that nothing was really troubling her, and Azjah simply gave her a dubious look in reply.

Azjah scooted over on her chaise to make room for Wil, ?Will you join us my dear?? Then she shot him a quicksilver gin, ?Of course I said something about bad boys.?

After Lydia greeted Wil, Azjah studied her a moment, ?Yes, you probably should.? Keeping that kind of secret was never a good idea.

Wil sat down with Azjah and leaned in to give her a kiss.

Lydia nodded, then glanced at the ring as Azjah gave Wil a mischievous smile as she figured Lydia wouldn?t want to continue this line of discussion, so Azjah decided to tease Wil just a bit, ?Shall we tell him where we are going while Soerl is in the ring?? Azjah savored Wil?s kiss a long moment before handing him the glass of Laguvulan.

Wil took the glass and glanced between Lydia and Azjah, ?You two going somewhere??

Azjah snuggled closer to Wil, ?Oh yes, I found the perfect shop for Lydia and Soerl?s impending wedding.? She wondered if Wil would put two and two together.

Lydia turned back toward Azjah with a grin, ?I dunno. Maybe you should keep it a surprise.?

Wil sipped the Laguvulan and remembered this scotch from another time, but he choked hearing the girl?s talk, ?Oh no, not that!!?

Azjah gave Lydia a conspiratorial wink as Wil glanced at the elven woman, ?Lydia, you better rob a bank before going with Azjah? she can shop like no other.?

Azjah shot Wil an absolutely radiant smile as she remembered the royal blue lace teddy she?d purchased earlier that day, ?And I believe you will absolutely LOVE what I found there for you.? At his comment about shopping, she lightly poked his ribs with an elbow. With sufficient time, Azjah planned to find out just what things Wil liked and what he wasn?t enamored of in terms of lingerie.

Lydia chuckled and gave Wil a grin, ?I think the plan is to rob Soerl, in this case.?

Wil smirked and then chuckled, ?Ahh, good plan.? Azjah leaned against him before adding, ?Rob Soerl and find a few treasures for us.? At least she hoped they would be treasures. She smiled sweetly at Wil, ?Which, by the way, I have.? Her Cheshire cat grin was her answer to his bad boy grin.

Soerl was blissfully unaware of any impending planned theft as he continued his duel with Anushka. Lydia chuckled in amusement as Azjah teased Wil.

?You have? Treasures??? Wil blinked at Azjah then.

?Oh, absolutely,? Azjah acceded as she grinned and reached for the glass of Laguvulan that Wil still held.

He took another sip before handing over the glass, ?I love your ?treasures?, he told her with a smile.

Azjah took a sip of the scotch with an enigmatic smile at Wil before she once again relinquished the scotch back to Wil. She glanced at Lydia, ?Perhaps, If you have time, we can finish our discussion over tea and a trip to that lingerie shop tomorrow?? Azjah wanted to see what Wil?s reaction to that might be. He looked between the women and simply whistled innocently, which elicited a slow grin at Wil, ?Every bridal trousseau needs fine lingerie for all occasions.? Azjah wanted to burst out laughing, but she managed to maintain her composure.

Lydia turned toward Azjah with a nod, ?That?d be great, actually.? Then she grinned, ?I hope you don?t mind if it?s a little later in the day though? I?ve skipped enough work as it is. Erin may kill me if I keep it up. I can make myself available when ever it suits..

Azjah was savoring the warmth that Wil radiated, ?We would not want Erin to kill you.? She lifted her fact toward Wil, ?I?m so glad you were able to come out tonight my dear.?

He leaned down to place a light kiss on her nose, ?My pleasure, my darlin?. It?s good to be away for a while.?

Azjah gave him a slow, meaning filled smile, ?Agreed completely. So you think I can corrupt Lydia before her wedding??

Lydia?s pale blue gaze slid toward Azjah, ?You think I need corrupting??

Wil gave Azjah an indulgent smile and nodded slowly, ?I?m afraid so.? Then he gave her another lingering kiss.

Azjah chuckled and leaned into that kiss before whispering back, ?I?m going to give it my best shot.? Then she winked at Lydia, ?Yes, you do. Every bride needs to be pampered, spoiled and corrupted just a little.?

Wil gave Lydia a teasing smile, ?And Azjah is just the one to do it.?

Azjah shook her head, ?Well, I?m not certain I can pamper or spoil?.?

Lydia grinned at the couple, ?I?m sure Soerl is going to appreciate you instilling all those values in me. And who?s the one who corrupted you, anyways, Azjah?? Her pale blue eyes shifted pointedly at Wil.

Wil choked then, ?Me? Oh no!! I?m afraid she was corrupted long before *I* met her.? His words elicited the lift of a pale brow from Azjah, who questioned that, ?I was?? Her gaze slid back toward Lydia, ?Never.? Then Azjah added a resolute shake of her head.

Wil shot Azjah a grin, ?Of course, I just have that ability to bring it out in you.? Then he decided to stop while he was still breathing.

Lydia was trying hard not to look too amused at the pair, and she simply nodded, trying to appear all sagely and serious.

Azjah, who was just about to sip her scotch nearly choked as Wil endeavored not to smirk, but failed completely. At length, Azjah cleared her throat, ?I think silence is the better part of valor right now.? But she was chuckling inside at Wil?s expression. His arm slid around behind her and his hand slowly rubbed her back while they talked.

Lydia gave them a chuckle, ?At least in front of me.?

Azjah sat alone on the Isle. So much had changed, and she wondered if perhaps it was time to go home to Rigel for a time.

Azjah gave her a quicksilver smile as they approached, her lavender blue dress was even prettier than the description S?jira had shared with her earlier. It was fashioned from a supple cloth that hugged her torso and arms, then flared slightly and followed her hips until the hems were at her feet. Her dark eyes caught on all of the faces of the crowd that she recognized, and her heart lightened to see the ones known to her. She drew comfort from the touch of Panther?s hand at her back as they found places to sit. She leaned closer to Panther, ?Where should we be??

Panther?s dark leather kilt and dark shirt were a striking contrast to S?jira?s light blue as he headed over to a seat near the back, giving a quick return nod to Kairee as they passed. S?jira gave her a respectful nod as well before sitting down as the goblins started to cue the music.

Tass was busily making his rounds, kissing every pair of lips he could catch. He paused, wrapped Azjah into a warm hug, and kissed her soundly. ?Good evening Lord Momus,? she told him as she laughed as he continued to accost everyone on his way to the front. He moved on then, capturing Eva, Spice, Tara, Wyheree and securing stolen kisses before he arrived at the front of the planned wedding stage. Where Prince Vasaris settled into his place beside the groom, his cape was still whipping madly and violently around him, but he raised his arms and it stopped, and he waited in that pose for silence.

Kitty?s daughter Mia heard the music and stood up straighter, and waited for everyone to calm down as Fio leaned down and whispered something encouraging to Mia before giving her a light caress on the shoulder. Kitty had heard Tass? question and almost buried her face into her bouquet of flowers as she strove not to laugh so that anyone could hear her.

Prince Vasaris muttered something that sounded vaguely like ?should I start? to Tass as he eyed the crowd suspiciously.

An icy chill swept across the beach and as Azjah turned toward the direction from which the bride would come, she shivered, wishing she had brought along a jacket now. S?jira?s tinted fingertips passed over her sleeved arm as well, as though the same chill had touched her simultaneously. Then he was spotted. Travanix had arrived and the dark chill swirled around him. He wore a formal white uniform with black highlight trim and no utility belt. His auburn eyes quietly watched the procession as he stood apart from the crowd of celebrants. He was, remarkably being very well behaved for the moment, and nary a black ribbon in sight.

S?jira gave a warm smile and nod to Rena as she passed, and she waited with curiosity as she reached for Panther?s arm.

Maranya?s hands shook slightly as she undid the clasp on her cloak to reveal the strapless gown, but she quickly covered it by clasping her hands together in her lap and she appeared to wait patiently for the ceremony to begin. She draped her cloak over the back of the seat next to her, in the event that Antonio could get away from his meetings in time to attend.

Kitty had spied Lord Travanix and motioned his direction to Luse, ?He better keep his grubby ribbon giving hands to himself. If he ruins this for me, so help me, there won?t be a god in the heavens that can keep me from killing him!?

Luse gave her a nod, ?Your day,? he reminded her. The music crescendoed and Prince Vasaris turned toward the crowd, spreading his arms and boomed, ?SILENCE?. He waited a moment before lowering his arms, then cleared his throat and smiled pleasantly.

Kitty took another deep breath and gave Fio a reassuring smile and a wink for Mia, ?Go on, pumpkin.?

Lusiphur whispered, ?Quick, the savages have quieted! Move! Move!? Mia giggled and as the music suddenly got louder, she started down the aisle, flinging flower petals along behind her onto the sand as she was instructed to do.

Azjah?s pale blue gaze slid toward Mia, and she wrapped both arms around herself in her chair. Everyone else in attendance turned their focus on the flower girl. She heard Eless whisper, ?awww? before Kitty nudged Fio to start moving as well. Fio gave her a wink, ?Savages indeed!? She?d watched Mia start down the path toward the ?Lord ?of-a-Thousand Pompous Titles? and timed herself. When Mia was about half way there, she stepped out through the tent?s doors and followed, as calmly as she could.

Travanix remained silent and simply watching. It was interesting to watch, he decided, but even more interesting to sense those that were present and sensitive to his proximity. He lamented so many opportunities, but remained as still as a statue and listened intently.

Fio had a death grip on her small bouquet, and her smile as she walked that long walk with absolutely everyone watching each step. Eless whispered something only Fio could hear, and she gave her a nearly imperceptible nod of gratitude before giving Tass a small, tense smile. She then stepped aside to keep Mia company.

Kitty watched Fio go, telling herself the whole time, ?breathe, breathe, breathe!? and when Fio was half way, she nudged Luse into motion. Luse lead the bride down the aisle, perhaps a bit too fast. Whether it was because Kitty had nudged Luse so forcefully; or if it was because he ?so? wanted to give Kitty away, no one would ever know but himself the reason for his haste to deliver Kitty to the front where Tass waited.

Azjah chuckled softly seeing the bride hurried down the aisle. Then Eless rose, reminding Azjah to do the same as the Bride made her last walk as a single woman. S?jira leaned toward Panther and rested her cheek and temple against his arm very gently. Times when nothing was said sometimes held volumes for the heart. Her dark eyes watched with great interest.

Kitty shot Vasaris a hard look, ?What? No Great Warlady title? Sheesh.? But, she smiled at Tass and nodded, ?I do.?

Azjah silently compared the wording the Prince was using to the words of a Rigelian wedding. They were starkly different, and Kitty was actually required to say something. That puzzled her.

Vasaris nodded gravely, then raised his arms to declare, ?You may now kiss the bride!?

Kitty braced herself as she expected Tass to take her into a deep backward dip for this kiss. Tass on the other hand clearly remembered this part, and Kitty was taken up, with no mind at all for her dress and his lips met hers and he dipped himself backward, still hanging onto Kitty for all he was worth.

S?jira gave a soft gasp watching Tass, and she drew up onto her toes to see if the beadwork would hold up. She had done that intricate work, and it certainly was not designed for that kind of movement. As the beadwork held, she lowered back down from her toes and resettled into her chair to watch the crowd .

Azjah gave a soft chuckle watching Lord Momus. This was vintage Lord Momus!

Kitty giggled as they went a different direction, but she learned long ago to go with the flow of Lord Momus? lead.

Once the kiss was engaged, Vasaris declared, "Subjects of the Dark Queen Tara, people of RhyDin, I present to you, bound as man and wife by the power invested in me as Grand Lord Admiral of the Various Navies of the Kingdom of the Dark Star, Mr. and Mrs. Momus!"

As nearly everyone was applauding the pronouncement, Fio mouthed with a horrified expression, ?Momus? What a name!?

Kitty couldn?t help but start to giggle in the middle of the kiss at all of the cheering going on around them, and her giggling resulted in Tass righting himself with a smile coming to his lips as he and Kitty parted briefly.

The recessional music began and Kitty turned toward the crowd, waving madly as she leaned into Tass and murmured, ?I think they?re happy for us sho dalath.? His voice was soft and meant only for Kitty, ?Ala o reja en sho dalath?? She smiled, ?Vatheth a keh.?

Alain stood up and watched the newly wedded couple before he moved. Azjah gave him a nod, she had missed his entry earlier, and he returned it with a slow one of his own. He gave Lucien and some others in the crowd a little salute or wave as he headed for the portal.

Kairee gave Verin a smile, ?Now, if you have to do a wedding ceremony, this is the way to do it, short and to the point.? Azjah flashed Kairee a smile as Verin smirked. She winked at Azjah then, ?Babes, have you met Verin??

Azjah shook her head, ?No, I cannot say that we have met.? He gave her a nod as she dropped a curtsey, ?Good evening.? Rising, Azjah pulled the loaned wrap from Eless more closely around herself. ?It is a pleasure to meet one of Kairee?s friends,? Azjah told Verin. As she turned to find Eless, she slipped the wrap off and made her way toward her, ?Thank you my friend for the loan.?

Eless smiled, ?My pleasure Azjah, I know how dreadful ?tis when one doth feel cold.? Azjah nodded, the chill had come upon her suddenly, and after she?d spotted Lord Travanix, had known the source of it as well. Eless noted her expression, and asked if anything was amiss. Azjah shook her head. She nodded and then smiled as mischief danced in her eyes, ?Then thou must find Wil, m?friend.? Azjah was surprised by her suggestion, but smiled and nodded.

Kairee kept her eyes on Verin, ?Azjah and I own a mine, Verin babes.? Azjah nodded as Verin glanced between them, she added, ?A very successful one too.? Verin nodded, ?That so??

Tass turned to all gathered, lifting his voice for everyone to hear as he looked once again at Kitty, ?Kiss me? Kiss you? Party? I can?t remember which one it was.?

The crowd burst into laughter, Wyheree guessing it was more likely all three.

Kitty smiled, ?All of the above, my heart.? She winked at Tass, lifting her hand, ?Attention Everyone!? She should even have impressed Vasaris with the volume of her announcement. Thank you all for coming! There is food over there,? she pointed toward a series of tables now manned by the goblins, ?And the goblins will be serving drinks. There?s even dancing and music. Let?s party!?

Tass looked at Kitty after her announcement, ? and where are my kisses??

Kitty laughed, ?Yes, and Tass and I eagerly await kisses of congratulations!? She laughed merrily.

Gem was just waving to Azjah when Tass grabbed her, ?Gem! The first vict?er? Gem!!!? He took her into his arms and gave her a solid kiss. Kitty had been about to grab Gem, but Tazz zoomed in first, so she just chuckled. When Tass finished, he winked at Gem and handed her off to Kitty. He shared.

Gem leaned over to hug Kitty, ?Remember, always keep him wanting more.? She nodded quickly and Kitty gathered her up into a hug, laughing at her advice.

Wil glanced at Azjah and caught her teasing smile, ?It sounds like you two have a lot in common.? He glanced at S?jira, ?I think a dance or two would be quite in order.?

Azjah gave him a quicksilver smile, ?S?jira loves to dance, and I told her that she must help me dance with you to wear you out.? Merriment danced in Azjah?s eyes as she studied Wil for realization. Then she glanced apologetically at Panther, ?Unless you object?? He simply looked back at her before saying, ?As long as it does not wear her out.?

Wil?s laugh was enough to send a wave of heat through Azjah, ?Wear me out? On our wedding day? I don?t know if I will wear out, but I?ll certainly enjoy the dances.? He told S?jira with a smile.

Azjah colored at that and laughed quietly, ?We shall see my dear, we shall see.?

Wil laughed at that, ?Panther, I shall do my best not to wear your lady out on the dance floor.? But his smoky look at Azjah told another story entirely with regard to her.

S?jira was grateful for the length of her bangs that hid the warmth of her face, although she was smiling as she drew in closer to Panther.

Azjah struggled for solemnity, ?We shall tag team him Panther, I will not wear her out.? Wil gave Azjah?s hand an extra squeeze, ?We really must decide upon a day.? At that, Azjah moved closer to Wil?s side, ?Yes, we must.? Happiness radiated from her as she glanced at S?jira briefly.

S?jira settled into silence as her curious eyes watched Azjah and Wil with a smile and a nod to wish them well, finally she broke her silence when she recognized that she would not be interrupting them. :If it is said when, it seems that we will be there.? Then she quieted again, her fingertips on Panther?s side.

Wil smiled from Panther to S?jira, thinking how lovely a couple they were before turning toward Azjah to whisper in her ear soft words of love he intended only for her as his arm pulled her closer. She slipped one arm around Wil?s waist in response, speaking softly, ?If we follow the customs of Rigel, you would make that decision my dear.? She blushed at his softly spoken words and glanced at S?jira, ?We will tell you soon S?jira, I do promise.?

Wil slid his focus toward S?jira, ?Thank you S?jira. We would surely be very honored and delighted by your and Panther?s presence on our very special day.? She rewarded him with a smile at his words. Wil then gave Azjah that special look that he reserved only for her, ?Then I shall have to pick the day,? he told her. Wil was thankfully well aware of many different cultures, so it really did not surprise him that Rigelian custom would be different from RhyDinian customs.

Azjah?s blood warmed at his look, and she sought a neutral subject, ?Lord Momus was even dressed tonight Wil,? she flashed him a grin and belatedly realized she was referring to the potential lack of clothing, which only managed to cause her to blush further. She reached up then to lightly touch his cheek, ?You?ll follow the customs then?? Azjah adored Wil, and he was always the perfect gentleman with a perfectly matched sense of humor to her own.

Panther gave Azjah a curious glance then, ?Customs??

Wil placed a soft kiss on Azjah?s cheek, ?There are some customs I find quite reasonable.? He had been doing some research on Rigelian customs now that he had secured the Kaiser?s blessing for his marriage to his cousin.

Azjah smiled up at Panther, ?Rigel has some unique customs.? She grinned at Wil when he agreed it was a red letter day that Tass had actually come clothed. ?Many of us were shocked by his being clothed,? she agreed.

Wil tried to hide a smile, ?Hmmm, what a disappointment.?

Azjah nearly died on the spot, ?You would like to have a nude ceremony?? Her thoughts were racing, she certainly hoped it wasn?t a custom on Schedar that he wanted to bring into their ceremony. She hadn?t looked into it, not yet anyway.

S?jira?s surprise showed as she spoke, ?On Rigel, none wear clothes??

Wil gave Azjah a grin, ?As long as it is his ceremony and not ours.?

Azjah was immediately relieved, but she had to blink at S?jira?s question, ?Oh, the Rigelian ceremonies are fully clothed, in fact, very formal, but there are worlds where such ceremonies are indeed au natural.? Wil, thankfully, resisted the temptation to tease about that and mentioning that no one wears clothes while dancing.

Azjah gave a gentle push to Wil?s shoulder then, and looked at S?jira, ?You will find that Wil teased even more than I do.? But Azjah didn?t miss the look that Panther slid toward S?jira with his soft ?hmm? as though he were considering the benefits of a nude ceremony.

S?jira nodded to herself and glanced between them, ?More than the one called Harris?? Then S?jira caught Panther?s hmm and expression and it was her turn to poke him in the side.

Azjah grew more serious, ?Actually, to answer your question Panther, on Rigel, the women do not partake of the vows. They are done only by the male. He sets the date, he makes the promises, he swears fealty to the Kaiser on behalf of his family and wife. It is a patriarchal society, and one must trust one?s mate to accept his vows to the Kaiser and the Arch Bishop.? She glances up at Wil, ?Nor may a woman petition for divorce. That must be done by the male. A Get cannot be requested by a female.?

Wil grinned, ?Well, on Nu Ceti, the men hit the women over the head with a club and carry them off to a cave.?

Azjah looked at him and said dryly, ?I am EVER so glad we will not be married on Nu Ceti.? He laughed and found a graceful way out of that one when he told her that he would never club her because he valued his life far too much.

Panther seemed to consider the whole thing before offering, ?I do have a cave.? He turned his focus on Wil a moment. That comment brought a drop of Azjah?s head, ?Poor S?jira!? She however took it all in fun and after an initial gasp, she laughed and pressed her hand against his side.

Will looked at Panther, ?Alllll riiight! My kind of man!? He gave Panther a wink just as Azjah gave him a solid poke in the ribs. He spotted S?jira?s laugh and smiled even more broadly.

Azjah lifted a pale brow, ?We may have to amend Rigelian laws.? She intended to have some say in this marriage, at least occasionally.

Wil loved her poke in his ribs, and he pulled her closer, ?Never worry, my love, I?ll do anything to be your husband.? That elicited an adoring look from Azjah as she softly whispered, ?That is something we share then my dear.?

Panther looked from S?jira to Wil, ?I could do you a map, if you wish to make use of it.? As Azjah glanced at S?jira, offering to help if Panther turned into some form of cave man, he continued with his offer to Wil, ?Was abandoned by dwarves, the hill was fully mined.?

A female voice lifted in the twilight air, ?Wil Savage, is that your voice I hear?? Collie turned around looking for Wil, who turned around seeking the familiar voice. She waved, ?Over here!?

Azjah gave her apologies to Panther and S?jira, ?I did not mean to monopolize you S?jira. Panther, it has been good to see you as well.? Azjah gave S?jira a quick hug. She smiled, the hug had been unexpected, but she did not shy from it, and Azjah linked her arm in Wil?s, they needed to greet the newly weds. That path took them toward the woman who?d just shouted at him.

?I haven?t seen you in a coon?s age!? Wil waved and grinned. She laughed, ?A few generations of them, no doubt!?

Wil laughed, ?Well, you are looking mighty good after all these years.? He turned toward Azjah then, ?Collie and I haven?t seen each other since the old days when I used to duel.?

Collie thanked him, ?You look pretty good yourself.?

Azjah smiled at Collie, ?Good evening.? Wil slipped an arm around her waist as they paused to speak with the woman. Azjah glanced between them, ?Perhaps you can entice him to return Collie?? Wil touched Azjah?s cheek with his fingertips and gave her a kiss, ?It?s very good that I could make it.?

Collie chuckled, ?I?d try, but I?m not here very often.? She brushed some stray strands of hair out of her eyes. ?Children to raise and what not.?

Azjah?s smile up at Wil was warm, her voice soft, ?It is always good to see you, no matter where.? Then she glanced at Collie, ?So you and Collie are old friends then??

Wil nodded, ?Yes, we are, and Collie, your children must really be so much taller now.?

?That we are,? Collie confirmed, ?Yes, some have made me a grandmother.? She grinned at him, which had Wil placing his palm to his forehead, ?Have we gotten that much older?! Azjah, I knew Collie when I was VERY young.?

Azjah gave a mellifluous laugh, ?Perhaps you have my dear.? He nudged her gently and she grinned up at him, ?The Dark Ages??

He made a face at her, ?I was a little space cadet! I swear!?

Azjah coughed discreetly and gave Collie an impish wink, ?Were?? Then she waved at Xenograg, who had just finished talking to Tass and Kitty. He altered his course and headed for Azjah, Wil and Collie.

Kitty shot Vasaris a hard look, ?What? No Great Warlady title? Sheesh.? But, she smiled at Tass and nodded, ?I do.?

Vasaris nodded gravely, then raised his arms to declare, ?You may now kiss the bride!?

Kitty braced herself as she expected Tass to take her into a deep backward dip for this kiss. Tass on the other hand clearly remembered this part, and Kitty was taken up, with no mind at all for her dress and his lips met hers and he dipped himself backward, still hanging onto Kitty for all he was worth.

Once the kiss was engaged, Vasaris declared, "Subjects of the Dark Queen Tara, people of RhyDin, I present to you, bound as man and wife by the power invested in me as Grand Lord Admiral of the Various Navies of the Kingdom of the Dark Star, Mr. and Mrs. Momus!"

Tara blinked, then softly whispered to Vasaris, ?Honey? What of the?.? She swallowed hard, hating to question him because it always made him furious, ?rings??

Prince Vasaris whispered to Tara, ?There are none.? He probably would have been angry, except that he was distracted by and reveling in, the moment.

Tara was clapping reflexively as she stared at Vasaris, ?What do you mean there are none? Even WE had rings, beloved.? She called out to them, ?Congratulations Uncle Tass an? Aunt Nyx!? Then after Vasaris informed her that the rings would be tattooed on, she smiled, ?Of course beloved, how silly of me to say something.?

Tass kept his eyes on Kitty, but reached out a hand for Tara, ?There is something for you,? he told her and dropped it into her hand as she started toward her own husband, overcome with warm feelings for him, she wrapped her arms around his waist, offering her lips up to him, ?You did wonderfully my Prince. Thank you, I?m sure my Uncle and Aunt are very grateful.?

Vararis stole one hell of a kiss from Tara as his arms coiled around her, he smiled and said ?Thank you beloved, I was, happy to help.? It pained him to have to express himself so, but he did. She reached up to gently stroke his goatee, and he smiled serenely as she did so.

Tara spoke softly, ?I have some people I wish for you to meet, Vasaris.? She teared up as she watched Kitty and Tass head back down the aisle to thunderous applause.

Topaz stood and took Lucien?s offered arm, ?I do have a little something to give the couple on their way.? Lucien glanced toward the couple, ?Shall we then??

Topaz grinned up at him, ?Would you like to meet Tara first, or stand in line for our turn to congratulate the couple??

Lucien would have liked to simply vanish, but he asked her which she would prefer to do.

?Dancing with you, of course,? she told him with a grin. He promised her as many dances as she wanted, it was something he enjoyed doing with her no matter where they were. She smiled, ?That wasn?t one of the choices for first to do, but lead the way.? His obsidian eyes took in the red head called Tara as they approached her.

Tass looked at Kitty after her announcement, ? and where are my kisses??

Kitty laughed, ?Yes, and Tass and I eagerly await kisses of congratulations!? She laughed merrily.

Gem was just waving to Azjah when Tass grabbed her, ?Gem! The first vict?er? Gem!!!? He took her into his arms and gave her a solid kiss. She laughed, ?Victim! Yes!? But she merrily kissed him back, ?May you love each other forever,? she then told them both quietly.

He then looked up and spotted True and wrapped him into a hug and smooched him soundly. The poor guy blinked, ?Um, gee? I am flattered, great Kissing Warlord Tass.? He chuckled and offered his congratulations to the newlyweds as well.

Tara smiled seeing Topaz, and pointed her out to Vasaris, ?Over there is the lovely Lady Topaz. She is a great an? powerful sorceress from the Kingdom of Twilight. They say all who kiss her hand are forever blessed with?.? She paused, trying to think of something he might find attractive about it, ?acne-free skin.? She frowned seeing Lucien, ?I do not know the gentleman with her, but I?m sure he?s a powerful Warlock as well.?

Lucien paused with Topaz on his arm, and she smiled to Tara and Vasaris as they paused.

?Greetings and salutations, Lady Topaz!? She executed a curtsey, her head hung low and if she?s acting weirder than normal, it was because Prince Vasaris was standing there, and she?d told him Topaz was something she wasn?t, and hoping fervently that Vasaris wouldn?t do anything dreadful to either Topaz or Lucien. She stood and inclined her head to Lucien then, one that he returned in kind.

Vasaris bowed his head greeting Topaz, ?Witch-Queen Topaz, how, darkly delightful to meet you.? He let a sinister chuckle slip.

Tass reached down and lifted Taneth up into his arms.

Azjah stopped by the Inn on her way to Twilight Isle. It was her intention to see if S?jira would like to join her since evenings there had been so quiet, they might have more opportunity to talk without the background clamor of the Inn. She was pleasantly surprised to find S?jira and Michiko there, and both accepted her invitation for an evening on the beach.

S?jira was still apprehensive about the portal, so Azjah offered her an arm, and for fun, Michiko too as they stepped into the portal all three linked arm in arm. ?And we have arrived!!? She felt the faintest of tremble from S?jira as they arrived safely. It was probably not a good idea to have joked about the portal ?spitting? people out, like Harris and Tass, or that the sand ?swallowed? people like Harris. Azjah gave S?jira a smile, ?The last time you were here, you did not get to see the rings; perhaps this time you will see them in action. They are perfectly safe, but some of the magic here is very smelly, and some of it is terribly loud.?

They headed across the sand toward the chaises near the basalt rings. Michiko was looking around with curiosity as they headed for the chaises. Azjah was keeping up a steady stream of talk to make the transition from RhyDin to the enchanted island easier, ?Twilight Isle is sort of my home away from the Palazzo. I have not one bit of magic in me unless I am here.?

Michiko looked at her, ?Interesting, properties of the Isle??

Azjah smiled as the goblins came running, ?They are looking for your drink or food preferences.? Then she nodded at Michiko, ?Yes, seems to be a property of the Isle. I couldn?t cast a spell on the other side of that portal for love or money. Grab a chaise, make yourselves comfortable.?

S?jira gave her a curious glance, ?But you can for other things?? Her bare feet moved easily over the sands toward the rings, and she drank in the look of the area and smiled to herself.

Azjah shook her head, ?Only here S?jira. I think the Isle helps those who have no inherent magic, but once you leave the Isle?s influence, it?s gone.? She kicked off her stilettos and walked the rest of the way barefoot in the cool sand. Michiko did likewise and the goblins raced off to get beverages as they made themselves comfortable.

Azjah settled onto her chaise, ?Koy was saying that this spring?s colors are truly glorious,? as she took the scotch from the goblin, then smiled at S?jira?s question about men being on the Isle, ?There are! We have quite a few actually, more men I think than women.? The talk of spring colors had S?jira?s attention as she sat down and pulled her feet up beneath herself.

The goblins delivered Michiko?s Glenlivit, ?I?ll have to see what she can come up with in terms of office attire. I?m working for Alain?s export division, so I need to spruce up the wardrobe.?

Azjah laughed, ?You?re working for Alain?? She gave her a surprised glance before adding, ?Koy?s a miracle worker.? She smiled at S?jira, ?Koy?s leaning toward a lighter blue than I had thought about for the dress. I was thinking a deep sapphire blue, but she?s suggesting a lighter blue, more the color of my eyes.?

Michiko nodded, ?Yeah, he?s having me work on the Zeppa?s line.?

Azjah smiled, ?That man is just proving to be quite the entrepreneur!? S?jira questions what she meant, so Azjah added, ?Alain is working very hard to grow his business. He works tirelessly.?

About then, Neo arrived, and Azjah introduced S?jira and Michiko to him. During a quiet lull, Azjah glanced at Mchiko and tried hard not to blush, ?S?jira, did you happen to see, I mean, did anyone remove that box??

She shook her head, and her dark hair brushed her shoulders, ?It was seen still under your chair last night.? When Azjah groaned, she asked if something was wrong, her gaze held concern and she straightened from her nearly lounged position,

?I was hoping it had disappeared by now.? Azjah said as Neo glanced her direction, but thankfully kept his questions to himself.

S?jira studied her a moment, ?Is it about your consort? The one called Dark did not seem very kind, no matter how much he was smiling last night.?

Azjah gave her a very embarrassed laugh, ?It?s about that? that? gift that I have no need of. He was trying very hard to embarrass me, and he succeeded.? Azjah took a deep breath, ?You know how you worried that Panther may have read Franco? Well, I worry that Wil would hear of his ?gift?.

S?jira drew her knee up, and her small foot rested against the edge of the lower portion of the chaise, she then placed her chin atop her skirted knee and looked at Azjah and Michiko as she thought about it, she was beginning to understand why Azjah had been so upset about the gift.

They spoke then about colors and clothing, and the upcoming shopping excursion, and during that time, S?jira took the opportunity to walk closer to the rings and have a little better view of them. She watched the goblins scurry and hurry about, trying to assure that everyone was happy with enough food and drink. Azjah noted S?jira?s curious looks, ?You should see the Isle when there is a big tournament or party. The goblins out do themselves decorating the place with whatever theme is expected.?

Michiko and Azjah talked about Alain?s export business, and Azjah suddenly remembered that Alain had promised to send an attorney and a sorcerer to the Palazzo, but she hadn?t seen anyone so far. Michiko nodded, ?Maybe Silas. He also mentioned about speaking with you in regards to expanding the Zeppa Soda produce cross-realms.? And Azjah asked her to remind Alain that she would be leaving RhyDin the end of the week, so if they were going to get things ironed out, this week, he needed to get the men over to see her.

Liena was in mid tease with Xanth when the words ?wedding gown? caught her attention and she did a slow turn to look at Azjah.

Azjah caught her expression, ?Wedding gown. I am going to change my name to Savage.? She winked at her, and heard Neo utter a low whistle and applaud his congratulations. She buried her face against Wil?s chest, ?No pink, please, please, no pink. You have me confused with Topaz and Taneth!?

He separated himself from her and glanced down with a grin, ?You mean I have to return the tux??

Liena spoke up brightly? I would say silver with blue ribbon! It would match your hair well,? she said with a bright coo.

Azjah blushed at Neo, ?thank you Neo.? He gave her a friendly smile and one for Wil as well, ?you?re quite welcome.? She smiled hearing Liena, ?That sounds lovely Liena, Koy and I are thinking blue.?

Xanth spoke up unexpectedly, ?Perhaps not wearing white would cast doubt on your purity,?

Azjah almost choked, but smiled at Xanth, ?I have been married once Xanth, and on Rigel, white is not required, nor even expected.?

Xanth shrugged, ?Merely an observation.?

Wil smiled at S?jira, ?Seems you are right, my lady, she prefers blue.? He winked at Neo and told him that he was a lucky man, and Neo agreed, ?Yes, you are.?

Michiko chuckled softly, ?Hey, if he wants to wear pink, more power to him.?

Azjah started to tell Wil that S?jira had agreed to do some bead work for the wedding, when she heard Michiko and groaned soflty, ?It was a teasing thing from the other night. I hate pink!? She shot Liena a grin, ?silver and blue are good colors for me, thanks.? She hugged Wil tightly, ?take the pink tux back sweetie, please??

Liena shot a look at Xanth, ?Shush you, you? bone head!?

Wil gave Azjah one of his trademark grins, ?Baby, you?d make ?any? color look fabulous.? She reached up to caress his cheek, telling him that he was entirely too charming. He grinned unrepentantly then, ?Okay, I?ll take it back. It was hard to find you know. I was getting attached to it.? But he was totally joking and only trying to get a reaction from Azjah, which she delightfully gave him.

?Baby, any color but pink, please.? Then she winked at Michiko, who had grinned at Azjah indicating that she too had been

Wil chuckled and slid his arms around her, ?I guess I?ll go more traditional.? Then he looked at S?jira, ?Use really big beads, okay? You know, those big blue and pink plastic ones that string together. I?ve always loved those.?

Azjah had started to chuckle, ?I?m happy to hear that, we can do unconventional on the honeymoon.? But when he spoke to S?jira, she groaned.

Michiko laughed, ?He?s looking to be in the dog house.? Azjah grinned at her, ?He?s working on it?

Wil gave a too innocent look, ?What??

?Larger beads?? S?jira gave Azjah a knowing look about the tale she?d shared the previous night, and smiled. She gave a soft smile to herself, she had another bit of information to share with Azjah later.

Wil laughed merrily, ?Okay, I think I?ll keep out of the fashion recommendations,? and he winked at S?jira.

Azjah shot him a grin, ?After that fiasco with you and Koy, and a dress for you, and of course you?ll have to shave your legs you know.?

Wil smiled down at her, ?I?ll let you call in peace baby.? He gave her a raised brow, ?Oh no, the dress is OK, but no shaving of my legs!?

Azjah went up onto her toes for a quick kiss, ?I?m so glad you stopped in sweetie.? He returned the kiss and promised to see her later. Giving S?jira, Liena, Neo, Xanth and Michiko a wave, ?Take care, friends.? He headed back through the portal, planning a late night romantic dinner as he disappeared.

Azjah grinned at Michiko, ?I?ve warned Koy I?m looking for specific attire on our shopping trip, but I couldn?t tell her what you favored, so you?re going for the professional look?? Michiko laughed, ?As long as it isn?t pink, yeah.?