Mother's Day, one year later. (2007)

"Momma? What's that man doing near the burial mound of the Lord and Lady, I thought they locked that place."

"They did my dearest, and a long time ago. They say only family was given right to passage into that part of the field."

"But they don't have no more family do they Momma?? That's what dah said. He said they all passed and no others are here, that's why the council is here and--"

"Now my dear, let's not worry about that and finishing paying respect to your gran-mama, shall we? After all it is that time of the year."

"Alright, Momma! Then can we go and find Dah? I wanna show him my new braids and then we need to go and get your gift! But I won't tell you what it is, not even if you gave me.. Um.. TWO cookies!"

"My my! Such resolve my little oak tree! I am sure no child in Tyrsis or Tantagel is as strong willed as you.. Two cookies, eh? And just what if I gave you THREE cookies!?"

"No Momma, NO! That's not fair!"

"All is fair in gifts and cookies my dearest."

The talk between mother and daughter carried on for a few moments longer, as each took turns cleaning the stone marker where their relative eternally rested. Moments later, they gathered their belongings and began to see their way out of the cemetery, laughter and a set of loud giggles marked their departure all too well. A faint smile took form on Brian's face, as he watched the pair leave, and soon turned his attentions to an all too familar set of stone markers.

A small bucket with ladle in one hand and a wash rag and brush in the other, Brian remained where he was for a few moments,and then looked around the vacant area once more, as the highland breeze cut through the cemetery and truth be told was a much welcomed feeling. Quietly, he went to work as bucket and company were set down, and bit by bit he began to clean off each stone from top to bottom, with a careful detail as if he were some kind of stone mason, and the such. No real regard as to time and place, Brian was in his own small world once more, as he cleaned and hummed an old highland tune that he hadn't heard in what felt like a lifetime, yet came back to him as if he had sung it every day he drew breath.

After what was about an hour and a half, he stood once more and gathered the cleaning articles and quickly set them aside. Reaching for the small bag of holding, that was settled next to him, Brian opened it and reached inside. A small set of candles were drawn from the bag, and set at various point one the right side stone marker, two atop, two at the base and one centered. Brian smiled a bit, as he lit each candle and watched a moment as the flames flickered in reaction to the ever present light breeze. It was now a twilight of sorts, as the sun had begun it's descent and cast a golden hue over the hills and sky overhead that was truly wonderous in sight. The temperature began to slightly drop, giving the effect of a near perfect autumn day, the only thing that would have made it perfect would have been if is Jenai had been with him. Still that aside, it was a perfect time indeed to spend with one's parents.

Settling down in front of the markers, Brian smiled faintly once more and ran a finger over the engraved names on the weathered stones. The stones that belonged to Lord Jacyn Ravenock, and his wife Lady Mari-Elena Ravenlock. The last Lord and Lady of Tyrsis and Tantagel, and the first parents Brian ever knew when he was first flung into this world we know as Rhy'din. It had been over two decades since Brian had last seen them in the flesh, and nearly five years or so since he had last visited this site. Still, save the weathered nature and overgrown grass, it all looked exactly as it had that last time. Reaching into his bag once more, Brian then produced a small case and opened it. Inside lay two crystaline roses, one ice blue, the other dark blue. The iced one was set at the base of his Mother's marker, and the dark before his father's. A soft sigh, as Brian rocked himself a bit, and seemingly once more fell into his own world as he spoke to each of them, as if each were sitting right there with him.

"Yeah, so that's what happened, Father.. A plate full of Syrup, no less.. Uh huh.. She had me right then and there, no doubt. She is incredible in every way and I love her so much. You should have seen our first Yule Holiday together, it was amazing! I felt like a child all over again, it was nice, Mother. I know you'd love her."

A bit of laughter came forth from Bri, as he recalled that first breakfast with Jenai. The look on his face, when he watched her. The look on her face when he declared how he felt, and the look on one Isuelt when she caught wind of it, and of course the aftermath that took place within both circles of their friends and relatives, ah what a time that was.. A moment later when he calmed a hand ran through his hair and he then continued on.

"WestEnd... Now that is a mess, Mother.. Honestly, I don't know if we will ever see an end to it. It's as if one thing fades and two more appear to take it's place. I am always a step behind, more so all who are involved are in the same boat, always a step behind. Bodies continue to be found, people vanish, children suffer and worse. And I know I have enough on my plate, gods know I do, but I can't turn a blind eye, and luckily neither can those incredible souls who are lending their hands as well. They have all sacrificed for this cause, and sometimes I fear it might just be in vain. Then I hear Jenai's voice and yours too, Mother. Telling me to just do what needs to be done, and that's it. Such simple advice from a pair of incredible ladies.

gods I miss you both so much.. I would give anything to see you both again, and simply be able to reach out and just hold you. I wish Jenai could have met you, wish you could see Elena with your own eyes. But I know you are near, and that will have to do. I just wish we had more time together. But the time we had made me a very fortunate person. I've been very fortunate. Fortunate you both took me in, fortunate to have been sent to the Abbey and more so to be a part of the extended family I have helped create by following your examples. It's an amazing family, each and every one of us compliments the other to no end and even when we disagree, and fight, we can still know that everyone will be behind one another, no matter what. Just like you all showed us, when Jacyn and I were younger.

Speaking of Jacyn, I found his daughter.. Rather she found me. She is a beautiful young lady and was recently married. She is a romani, like her mother. Her name is Juleta. Also Alexander and I have made up.. It's been four years, and I missed so much. But I am trying my best to make up for lost time, he is with Lain who is an incredible woman, she literally is his other half, I am happy for them both. Also Jewell is getting married. She hasn't told me, but I did hear it. Her fiancee is a Privateer by the name of Stephen, I like him. He is a good man, and he makes her truly smile. I mean a genuine deal, like I feel with my Jenai, like Father caused you to smile Mother. It is a good time for the family, and I thank you both for that and so much more, cause if it weren't for you, I would not be here."

Losing track of time, Brian hardly realized the sun had indeed set and night had begun it's cycle once more, as stars began to make themselves known one by one. A bit of a stretch caused him to look heaven-ward, as he let his eyes settle upon that highland evening sky that he promised to one day show to Jenai. A soft sigh escaped his mouth, as he remained a few moments and then rose to his feet. A glance around his surroundings, brought another intake of breath, as the light of the moon cascaded the landscape, enveloping it in a soft glow. In reaction, the crystalline roses illuminated one after the other, and offered a beautful hue to each of the stone markers. Reaching for his bag of holding Brian stuffed his articles inside carefully, and sealed the bag once more. A warm smile took hold, as he leaned to the markers, and placed a gentle kiss to each one in turn. A trail of fingers followed, as Brian hefted the small bag a moment and regarded his parents one last time.

"Thank you both for everything you have done.. Mother thank you for all of the love you have shown me, and so much more. I know your day isn't until tommorow, but I wanted an early start, Mother. Thank you again and I love you."

Another kiss offered to the stone marker of Lady Mari-Elena Ravenock, and then Brian Alexander McDineen-Ravenlock turned, made his way down the small hill, and eventually out of the cemetery itself, then into the night. What he never noticed as he left, was the candles.. The bright yellow flames slowly changed, and settled into light blue flames, and continued to flicker as the night went on.

The Den of Shadows: A visit with Emma...


A few hour later, and Brian had finally reached his destination.. The Den of Shadows, former sanctuary of Renna, the Queen of Shadows. Former School in progress that Brian had attempted to rebuild for his ex-wife, Charlotte Ravenlock. A place that was and still is in many places feared to no end, a please that some say only a fool would dare to enter. It had been a year since Brian had been to this place, and longer since his first visit. Tethering his horse a bit aways, Bri gathered a small pack and slung it over his back, grabbed a sheathed 'Pulgasari'and headed towards the main entrance.

Truth be told, Brian had no idea what to expect as he approached the dark compound.. He knew he had just seen and spoken to Ren herself barely a week ago, but also knew by her own words she was no longer in this realm, and seemed to have no intentions of returning any time soon. A pause in his steps brought him right out of his thoughts, as he saw several men at the gate, a rather rugged looking group, he assumed to be some of her fightng force, as they looked to be barbarians, and he had no reports of any new movements in the area in regards to anyone but Ren's forces.. Old habits die hard, as Bri still kept an eye on many fronts. That aside, remaining still, Brian regarded the men quietly as his blue eyes gauged each one carefully, and once more stepped foward. After a few steps he once more paused, as the men shifted. His mouth opened to speak, but nothing came forward as the doors opened, and the men stepped aside, one even motioning him inside the Den itself. A nod was all Brian offered, as he steeled himself and slowly made his way inside, letting the darkness envelope him once more.

His skin shivered a bit, despite wearing his typical long sleeved turtle neck shirt, as he made his way farther inside. While many changes had taken place, Brian knew exactly where to go, and disregarded all else, as he continued. While he made his way memories flooded back and forth as he recalled the first time he had ever visited this place, when he had first encountered it's Mistress, and her machinations.

"You know, the time will come when you will have to kill me."

"So I hear you're a killer... I won't hold back you know.."

"If you are going to come after me, don't hold back.. I won't hold back either. If you hold back it will be an insult."

A smirk took form a moment, as he descended a most familiar set of steps, and moved farther into the sanctum of Ren. Suddenly a wave of particular memories came in a rush and caused him to pause in mid step, as a and reached for a stair rail for support.

"There are five days left and for each day I will kill someone close to you."


"If I ever, ever start to turn remotely... evil, Brian please promise me like my Mom you will...

I want you to kill me if that ever happens.."

"You killed Emma, it was you. The killer."

"I didn't mean to do it Brian, he just wouldn't stop crying, he wouldn't stop!"

"This game ends when I say it will end!"

"Release it, that's it. Be a good boy and let it out to play..."

"You have five days left. It'll be so beautiful. So beautiful."

Brian shook his head a bit and cleared himself once more.. Literally he felt shadows abound, as 'Pulgasari' reacted with a soft white glow, the sword a beacon of sorts, once more focusing the elder Ravenlock, as he continued to decend the stairs, and make his way through the main tunnel towards the throne room, and that place. Still some memories still trickled bit by bit, as he passed from room to room.


"I won't lie Ren, I do not look foward to tommorow.. I wish there were another way."

"There is no other way, this is what I planned and this is what I wanted."

"If you remember one thing in this life, know that you were loved. No matter what you said or did, no matter how good or bad. You were and are still loved by people. Nothing will ever change that. Ever."

"Goodbye Brian.."

"One thing, Brian. What will you do with Lucy, when I die?"

"Who said you were going to die, Renna? Maybe it may be my turn to die."

Such a rapport they shared... Of course death was but a short side trip for this pair, as the 'death' of Ren gave birth to one Lucy Ravenlock, the culmination of Brian, and Renna and the forces inside of each of them.. A child who never truly had a fair chance at life offered to her by Ren or Bri, yet was a remarkable child who would do great and terrible things, all at once. In the end, Lucy lived through Ren, Ren lived on as did Brian.. Otherwise we would not be following him, as he trekked about today, would we?

The throne room had been reached as Brian took a moment to let it's visage settled upon his senses.. Many times he had been here before, and many things had happened.. If these walls could talk, the stories they could tell, both involving Brian directly, and more so not involving him. That aside, Brian turned and found the entrance he was looking for.

Shifting his track, he moved into the brightly lit room. Well brightly lit compared to the rest of the Den. It was the only room within these dark walls where greenery freely growed. Where even in death there was a beacon of life.. This was holy ground, and was the only spot in the entire Den that was such. Before Brian were four graves, he recognized the first three...

"Emma... Kouta... Ren... and? Who are you?"

The bag taken from his shoulder, and 'Pulgasari' set down, as Brian took a kneel and regarded the newest addition to this sacred place. A small grave, and one that he could hardly place. He offered a silent prayer of respect to the newest addition none the less, and set about cleaning the stones of Emma and Kouta first.

"I'm sorry it's been so long, but a great deal has been going on. A lot has happened since I was last here. I wish you were here to see it all. But we know that won't happen. In any event.. I miss you and am sorry for what happened. To both of you."

The cleaning done, Brian produced another small case and withrew a single long stemmed red rose, yes crystaline. And placed it at the base of the stone marker for Emma, a smaller variant was produced and placed at the base of Kouta's in turn, and for Ren's (which still bore some damage from one seriously pissed off Charlotte Ravenlock) grave a single long stemmed rose, red in colour with thorns. Granted Ren was alive, it was a force of habit none the less, as Brian in his mind thought of the Ren of old as dead, as he considered his own self. Placing a kiss to each headstone, Brian rose once more and stepped back a moment, and simply regarded the graves a bit.

"Happy Mother's Day, Emma.. I wish you could have experienced Motherhood in a much better way, and I am sorry you are not here with us."

Brian then placed atop each stone, a small candle and lit each one. A nod to himself, as he collected his things, bagged them and made his way out of the Den once more. This time however, no more unpleasant memories assaulted him.

The better part of the afternoon was spent in a somewhat blur. On his way home, Brian had stopped by 'Marfa's Abbey' and spend some time with Mother Iscariott, and her daughters Rienna and Nyu. Of course this turned into a huge event, as word spread he had visited and others seemd to pile into Mother Iscariott's Study. And by coincidence young Garet Jax, who was also a resident at the Abbey had also paid a visit to Mother, and her daughters on this wonderous day.

Children and staff alike came to sit on, as Brian offered several tales of daring feats of the mischevious variety, and more so. Several heads of the older sisters shook, as many recalled exactly what Brian had relayed to the young children gathered. Even young Garet Jax offered a few tales from his time with the sisters. Like the time, Brian had returned to teach Garet how well, a soaked cat tossed into a gaggle of girls in PJ's acted as a tactical weapon on many levels.

Still with all the stories, Brian and Garet truly conveyed how much Mother Iscariott and her daughters meant to him, and even though Brian was not of the Order anymore, he will always cherish those women who sacrificed time, sleep and much sanity for the sake of his raising, and the raising of other children who happened to reside within these walls.

After a impromtu banquet and clean up, Brian offered his thanks once more, and said goodbye to the children, as he then packed up and headed back out, this time for home.

Along his way, thoughts came and went. Many in relation to the women in his life who acted as mothers, not only for him, but for many in turn. Those who offer, and never ask in return. Those who sacrifice time and again, for loved ones and more. Those who take in children that are not their own. It reminded Brian why he cherished his own family that much more so.

A family built on a state of mind, and not birthright. From Brian, all the all the way down. It was amazing how close knit this family truly was, especially with no blood bonds by any means, save the second generation. Brian could only hope that generation would be as strong as, this current one. A shake of head took hold, as that worry was tossed aside, as he knew they were on the right path, and would make sure all was well for future Ravenlocks.

Before Brian knew it, he had arrived once more to the compound. And was soon inside looking to the grand fae oak that stood inside the main hall. Such a wonderous sight it was, so strong, so rooted. Like each and every one of them. Rooted in eachother's strengths and weaknesses, taking strength from one another, knowing each were there for the other and more so.

Brian attention shifted, as he heard what sounded like a cry or yell and found one particular spider Monkey zipping through the braches of the oak, yet no Jenai in hot pursuit. Making his way along, Brian ran into Jeskola who advise he last saw her headed to the second floor, so that's where Brian went.

A quick search of the base floor yeilded no results, as Brian decided to check their bedroom. Quietly he opened the door and slipped inside the room, letting his eyes adjust a bit, as he softly called out.

"Baby Doll, you in here?"

Mother's Day 2007, another place..


The Glen.. Brian found himself here more so, as of late. It was amazing how tranquil this place felt, and what that alone could do for a person.. Quietly, he made his way about, and soon ended up lakeside, as he simply watched the calm waters with a faint smile, arms folded behind his back as he breathed in the fresh air..

The Glen... Perhaps it was too dark now to enjoy such scenery... But then... The dark was after all more comforting the Queen of Shadows than any other element. She had spotted the figure by the lake, and slowly snuck up behind him. With one hand touching her stomach - her eyes cried red raw, her head tilted to the side... Scarlet orbs lowering, "You're a long way out, Brian."


"Am I? I don't know.. I feel I am right at home sometimes.."

A warm smile, as he turned and regarded Ren with a nod and offered a light kiss to her head a moment, as blue eyes looked to her scarlets once more. "You look well."

"You are," Renna commented, moving past him and towards the shore of the lake, "And do I look well? I personally feel like shit," She tossed him a pathetic smile that was... Unbefitting for the betrayer. "You look better than I do."

A warm smile at the betrayer's remark, as he thought about their rather colourful pasts. Nodding a bit, he replied, "Yes you look well. I am sorry you feel like sh*t.. I look well enough, I guess. Ah yes, Happy Mother's Day, my dear."

It was heartfelt, and he meant it.

Renna winced. It was rather ironic that he would mention that... "Hm. Yeah..." She idly spoke, uninterested of the date if anything. "Beautiful as always, you look, which is kind of sickening, as I look fat," She looked to her stomach, and shook her head, "I'm in a little trouble."

Shaking his head, Brian had to smirk a bit, "You aren't fat, think of it as temporaily suffering from.. Okay yer a bit fat, but it's a good fat. Trouble you say? What happened?"

Renna snorted to that. Yes. She looked fat and it pissed her off more than.... Alex or Brian or... Well. Hawk ever could. Closing her eyes, she shrugged to herself, her wings opening so that they
could envelope her in bleackened feathers.

"What happened? What else does, Brian? I try to do something, and it blows up in my face."

"Alright, so what happened this time? I am sure it can be fixed somehow? Maybe??"

Ever the optimist, even if it was futile at times.. That's Brian for ya.

Renna gave him a glance, then back to the lake. "What would you choose, Brian? An unborn child or... Someone you love more than anything itself?"

That caught Brian a bit off guard, his response was a simple, "Oh.."

"Oh?", replied, Ren.

The question slapped him dead in the face, as many things continued to run through his head a bit, as he regarded Ren.

"That's a hard question, but if I had to choose between an unborn child or Jenai, I would take Jenai in a heartbeat, no questions asked."

Renna stared darkly at the ground, her shoulders slouching as her head bent forward, her chin pressing tightly against her chest. "Thats a... Impossible thing to say."

"I know.. And it is easier for me, because I am not a Mother."

"Hm." Renna grunted. "... Perhaps." She glanced back at him, "This might be the last time we see each other you know, if I go through with... This."

Instinctively, an arm wrapped around Ren, as he held her closely and sighed softly..

"I do not know what it is like to be in your shoes my dear, I cant imagine it.. And if this is a choice you have to make, be sure it is all for the right reasons.. May I ask why you would have to choose?"

Then it had registered somewhat, "Last time?"

The arm was... Appreciated. "Cher'een has been taken from me. If I give myself to them they will release her, but they will... Well." She smirked girmly to him, "Kill the thing inside of me, and more than likely torture me for... As long as I could last, I suppose."

"Che.. Oh Ren.. Damn, it.. Is there anything any of us can do? gods... This... This isn't good, Ren."

Brian tried to say more, he fought to say more, but the realization of what Ren shared was staggering.. He swallowed and looked to her again, and felt a pain deep within.. What parent would not want to sacrifice themselves for their child? But to do that, and lose another child in the process.."

Tilting her head, she chuckled... Trying to push away the fact she cared. Which was tough in itself, as... Well. Her eyes even betrayed, the
Betrayer.

"I'm going to try and get her back, Brian. But it... Well. Let's just say some #$%^&* has happened, and the chances are heavily stacked against me."

"Can you do it alone? Truly, can you?" The concern in his voice evident.

"No." Renna smiled, honestly speaking with little hope. "I can get her out, yes. If that what's what you mean but me?" She looked to her stomach,"The child? No. I'll have to enter battle like this, which spells little hope for... This." She stroked her stomach lovingly.

"Ren, this will not end well.. I know you know it." Stating the completely obvious, but what else could he say?

"I wish there was more that we could do."

"We?" Renna snorted, "I won't let you... There's too much at stake. I won't forgive myself if anyone of our families dies in this war, Brian."

Brian's voice softened, as he pondered the gravity of their discussion. "I wont push myself into this, but if there is anything we can do. Please let me know.. Please."

"Do you want to die?" Ren, asked him sternly.

"You asked me that before."

"Do you?" Renna tilted her head, "I may have threatened it before, but this is different. Do you want to die?"

"No I dont want do, not by a long shot, but I am not afr.. Alright, I am afraid to. But that wouldnt stop me or others from helping.. But like I said, I wont push, Ren. I promise."

As much as he wanted to say differently, Brian resigned himself to what he knew she had to do.

"This is your dance."

Renna turned to him... Her hand extending so she could touch his cheek, "Then I won't let you... F... Brian." She corrected, "It might be my dance, but it may be the last I will take. I don't want you hurt... Or Jewell. Or... Alex - though I doubt he would care in the slightest." Narrowing to the ground, she lowered her head. "I'm sorry."

Shaking his head, Brian somewhat pleaded, "Please dont be sorry.. Just be careful, and somehow. Just come back to us, Ren. Somehow. I know you do not want to hurt us, and at the same time we do not want to lose you. We love you."

Brian leaned to that touch of her's, with a faint smile.

Renna grinned, her eyes lowering as she spoke again, "I won't come back, Brian. So drop the sentimental shit." She smiled, withdrawing from the touch. "If there is a time for forgiveness than I can only ask for it now. The time we spoke in the Inn, long ago, from the time you became my... Father. From the time you kissed me. To the time you would let me go."

She would then move away from him, "Have a good one, Brian."

Answering her quickly, Brian responded with, "I figured you wouldnt, dear. But I would have to ask, and I wouldnt be me if I didnt."

With that, he continued, "You like myself were forgiven a long time ago, love of my heart, daughter of my heart, woman dear to me.. You will always be my heart, Lucy Ren, Renna Queen of Shadows, Lucy Ravenlock, Renna the Betrayer, Ren of our hearts."

As sappy as that may have sounded, it was truly heartfelt, as their bond was indeed something that transcended so much it could not be set into words.

"May you give them a reason to recall you for generatons to come, give them hell as only you may do so. Save Chereen. Its a moot point, But I am here for you in whatever capacity. Take care."

A faint, yet somber smile had accompanied, the elder Ravenlock's words.

"My name is still Lucy. Always had been..." She smiled, "You don't know how connected we are, Brian... Renna and Lucy are just names. What I am?" Renna shrugged, "Or what I am called is anyone's guess."

She slipped her foot over a shadow, and smiled back at him, "If I die, Brian. Make sure they pay." She disappeared, then.

"With my last breath, Lucy.. I will."