Once she stepped into the Realm, she took a quick glance around in order to have a thought of time. It would seem as though she made it early, much better than being late. It gave her a chance to settle in. Bandaged feet walked soundlessly through the doors into the Grand Hall. She tried to minimize the amount of bandages to bring little attention.. but her feet needed to be comfortable also. She had to think of a reason for their bandaging, and fast. She could already see familiar faces gaze going to her feet as they were to greet her.

"What happened to your feet, young Guardian?" An older woman with similar skin coloring and bright blue eyes asked. She greeted Storm in the typical fashion, a soft kiss to her right cheek, and Storm did the same.

"I had an unfortunate event with a carriage it would seem. My feet will be fine though, thank you for your concern Anna. If you will excuse me, I must find my father." Another warm smile, before she departed through the Halls and towards the back rooms. She hated lying to others.. but did she need to burden the other woman with her troubles? No, the major load of that was kept to herself, left on her own shoulders. The concern and kindness from her people was always appreciated. Once she went to Rhy'Din, she was more than aware of how different the cultures were. Some things she would never again take for granted.

Once she walked in the Guardian Chamber, she already walked upon the other three Guardians, as well as several other Airs rearranging the room to make the Earths comfortable. Plants added, the room darker than usual. The subtle things always made a difference.

"Well, it would seem as the last member of us decided to finally attend any sort of meeting." The words exited the mouth of the Guardian of the North Wind. He was short and gruff, with an attitude to match. The youngest Guardian, who also happened to be the strongest (though he would never admit) and was also a woman. None of the three mixed well in his mind.

"Thank you for your concern Lukas." She replies with a warm smile. She was more than used to his jabberings and complaints. She always returned nothing but kindness to him. He was not worth the effort to stir the pot. She worked around him when needed. Attention went to her father then. "They are on their way then?"

The last Air Guardian in the room, Anton, simply rolled his eyes and continued to set up the room, adding the four brown chairs with the others. He was not much other than Storm, and was a bit on the lanky side. Guardian of the South Wind was the exact opposite in power.. and personality of Lukas.

"Any moment..." He would have finished with 'now' but a single Earth walked into the room. All for sets of eyes went to the Earth.. and they searched for his companions. Where were the others? And... he was more than a half hour early.

He bowed slightly. "I apologize for the inconvience, but the rest of us cannot make it today. There is a situation in Lladrana." Jeremiah said with a regrettable smile. He also, happened to be the youngest and the strongest of the Earths, The Guardian of Mountains. And rightfully so, he was built as one. Dark brown skin and eyes to match. Those brown eyes then go to Storm as they usually did. She, as always, met him with a blank stare. A game usually played.

"Lladrana? Certainly you have no means of needing our help?' Her father wrinkled his nose, a similar trait of Storm. Lladara was underground... a place no Air wanted to go.

"The balance is, unfortunately, incorrect. We cannot fix the problem of Earth being overly dominate. We need one of you, to help us." Regret even showed in his eyes. He understood their discomfort. He was filling it now.. so open... in the air.. it took every ounce of his being to now leave into the darkest room available.

All the Airs were quiet. None of them wanted to go.. and this news was surprising. "Storm would be willing to go. She is the one with the least amount of responsibilities here." Lukas piped up with a smirk.

She took much self restraint to not turn around and glare. So much for a peaceful return. "Yes, I will go. I will be there come sunrise. We will.. meet again some other time." She pasted on the most polite smile she could muster. She could sense his discomfort.. it was to be her own soon.

A lingering look to her, before he bowed, and left promptly. Storm sighed inwardly.

Nothing but trouble every time.

Okay, a change of plans.. this is going to be three posts. Otherwise it is just too much to do at once.

She was up to her knees in dirt, mud and grime, along with her fellow Guardians. And though she could not stand the element, she was glad to be useful for something. All of the elements down here were unpure, tainted, and simply not balancing.

Jeremiah had explained the majority of the situation to her the morning she arrived. Though the Lladranans hated magic, they worked well with the Earth Elementals. Storm did not quite know the pact between the two cultures, she did know that in exchange for whatever, the Earth's had volunteered the Guardian's services.

She really wished they hadn't.

She felt so weak down here. Her element was not as strong as it was in Rhy'Din, or in her own realm. All her of her efforts were doubled everyone elses, and just being down here for the two days she already was a victim to nightmares. She raised a hand to settle an itch to her hairline, smearing dirt in the process. It was so time consuming, to purity anything and everything she could get her hands on. The air itself was the easiest to spread, but the most important. That was handled the day she arrived. The rest of the week, her job was to assist others with their elements. A Water came, Andrew, Guardian of the Springs, was dealing with the wells and transportation for clean water. No Fire's came.. but Storm was doing what she could without thinking, boiling water and burning whatever needed be.

This was of course, done in secrecy.

That was all the information she was entitled to. She didn't mind, the last thing she wanted to be was in charge. She just wanted to do her job and go home. It was a gruesome experience for her, but she kept her mouth silent. To her Guardians and the Lladranans. Not that she wasn't friendly to her fellow Elementals, she would just rather not be several thousand feet below ground. And the weather was a complete contrast of Rhy'Din at the time being. Despite not having a sun, the air was hot and humid always. All the Guardian eventually had no choice but to trade their robes for sleeveless shirts and shorts of thin material.

Except Storm. She wore pants, regardless what anyone said to her.

Come midday, the Guardians took a break from the grueling work of separating the pure Earth from the dead. Every speak and pebble. Food was brought around with water, along with conversation. This was when Storm preferred to be silent, taking the opportunity to replenish her body, and her mind.

"For one so young, your mind should not be so burdened." She looked up into the face of Shawn, the oldest, gentlest soul among the Earths. Without a request, he took the liberty unto himself to seat next to the lonely but lovely Air. He also had a deep streak of white along his left temple. A sign of great knowledge. Not all Elementals were fighters like herself.

Did she looked burdened? She was going to have to keep track of her facial expressions. "I was just... lost in thought." Offers a smile, before taking a drink. "I am trying to conserve my energy as much as possible. I feel drained so quickly." A good excuse, and only half accurate.

"I have a hard time believing so, young Divine." He said quietly. Grey eyes flew to him as she tenses. "Do not fear, your secret is safe with me, young one." He assures her. Of course, he face was nothing but polite and he said things with a nonchalant attitude. He almost reminded her of Everett. A ghost smile at the thought of home.

"I hate this place." Says quietly, changing the subject. "No offense Shawn, but the Lladranans are only even mildly civil with you and yours. There is no appreciation for the way we have helped them."

"You cannot hold others to the same standards as you, Storm. You can only do what you believe to be right; which is why you are here." Though she was right, and his older eyes look to those around the outskirts of the city with them, distrust in their eyes. "Besides, they will follow their leader.

She wrinkled her nose in response, and took another bite out of her apple.

He studied her from the corner of his eyes. "Isn't it time that you settled down soon with some strapping Elemental?" He said with a faint frown, trying to recall her age.

She very nearly started to choke on the food stuck inside of her throat. She forced it down, and blinked at him. Not even her father suggested such thing. Her automatic response was suppressed, and she offered something much more appropriate. "I am not mousy enough for an Elemental. I can wield weapons and magic more than most men with us. I am unusual, you know that." She hoped that was the end of that.

Oh, but it wasn't, Shawn was now curious, and felt no shame in asking such questions. "Times are changing Storm, even I see that. What of Jeremiah over there? He is the strongest among us, like you are to the Airs. That is a smart match." Of course, Shawn was using this as a shameless plug for his friend. Everyone could see the way Jeremiah practically adored her.

Another flash of green eyes went through her mind, before she spoke. "A smart match, yes. But when have I ever done the smart thing?" A cheeky grin, before the bell finally rang, and she was freed of the situation. Thank the Goddess. She gingerly took up her water and continued throughout the day to help purify. Tomorrow was going to be much worse. Tomorrow, they helped the people.

__________________________________________________ ______________________________________________
"You need me to do what?!" She practically hissed in Andrews ear.

"I need you to go into the well before I do." He stated simply. "I need you to swirl it and make it hot before I go down there. It is too small for both of us to go." His nearly white eyes were sympathetic, but there wasn't a thing he could do about it.

"Yes, you coward. I need my well fixed now, if, you don't mind." The young man said with a snicker. Attractive enough, he thought as he looked to Storm, even if she was lazy and stupid like the other Elementals. They were nothing but slaves, they were built to be ruled over.

Steel grey eyes flicker to the man who had spoken. It was the Prince himself, at the age of twenty-five, he full heartedly believed that he ruled everything on the ground underground.

Including all of them.

She kept her mouth shut, and gave a sidelong glance to Andrew. He could not help her, the young Prince already knew Andrew could not do his job without her. The darkness of the well did not scare her. It was goning deeper into the earth, deeper and farther away from the light and sky. With a deep breath, she jumped inside the well, closing her eyes as she felt the rushing winds against her skin during her fall. She wouldn't even bother to protect herself. She was energizing before she hit the water with a hard smack. She quickly swam to the surface, not gasping for air, but gasping for sunlight. Starlight. Anything that was light. It was as dark as the Prince's soul down here. It made her shudder. She had to close her eyes to catch her sense and sanity.

Green eyes.

She didn't have time to move the water or to steal heat from elsewhere. It was time to use Vanar's 'gift' for good. Her eyes glowed a dim grey with speckles of red as her whole body was vibrating heat off of her. She did not harm herself. It did not take long before the water was steaming. She then used an air platform to get herself quickly out of the well. She wasn't greeted with smiles, but with a stern look of Andrew. Not directed at her, but it would seem the Prince had said horrid words to him. He said nothing, and jumped in after her. Storm glanced at the Prince, shotting daggers with her eyes, before walking away. She didn't care if she was soaked to the skin, or that she didn't know where she was going. It was better than being in his presence.

"La schiava." He spat to her back as she walked away. The slave.

Storm had quite enough, and she turned on her heels to glare at him. Unaffected, he just raised his brow to her, as a dare. Her grey eyes started to glow, not because she was accessing anything, but for affect. The hate and fear of magic. "You can call me whatever you please, but I will not tolerate it any longer. I will not hesitate in killing you, I do not care who you are.. " She made an advance for him then, and the slightest hint of fear crossed his eyes. Poor Andrew could hear nothing as he was purifying the well.

It took only a moment, before he reached for that tender neck and grabbed her by it, using momentum to shove her onto the wall. "You hold your tongue, la schiava. I rule you down here. Do not forget that. In fact, I can and will do whatever I please with you. He smirked at her as a hand reached down to the bottom of her shirt, and gave it a violent tug, ripping it off as he did so.

Storm saw stars before her eyes as her wounded back made contact with wall. She stood sill as she listened, knowing best to not move. Not yet. And then he tore her shirt off, with every implication of having 'his' way with her. His hand loosened ever so slightly on her neck.

It was enough, for Storm to bring up her left elbow to his face, a direct contact to his nose. Surprised, his hands go to stop the sudden flow of blood exiting his nose. It took only two more steps, a shove to give her space, and a swift sidekick to his head. He fell out cold to the ground.

She could hardly contain the urge to snarl as she stared down at his body, his black soul.

"What in the name of creation did you do?" Andrew only could stare in shock at the Prince on the ground bloody, and the Air with a shirt torn off.

It was only one of the few moments that she was unconcerned with her modesty. "You may cry mercy now." She said to the prince, before looking to Andrew. "I will never help these people again. Ever." Statement made, she took the shirt that Andrew had already stripped off, and pulled it on.

She have every intention of going home early.

"Well, you have certainly been the active peacemaker, haven't you?" Was that an amused smile on her father's face?

She drummed her fingers silently on the tabletop and snickered slightly. "What else was I supposed to do? He tried to-"

"You should have just walked away Storm. Before that happened." He adds as he saw her open her mouth. He did not want to hear the story again.

"I am not a schiava. Not to anyone." She said through clenched teeth.

"A what?" Andrew asked. It seemed that only Airs understood this other form of language. To each their own, he thought.

"La schiava. The slave." She practically spat, looking between the two. It was only the three of them in the beginning, but Jeremiah was soon to follow. They were inside the Elemental Chambers, a Realm of it's own only reached with their leadership. A place for everyone to meet and feel comfortable about it.

"You have been called worse. We all have." Cornelious looked between the two men, and they nodded absently. True it was, they had a hard time blaming Storm. They were there, they understood. "Now, you have caused several problems between the Earth's and the Lladranans. You should go and help the situation."

"I think I have helped enough." She looked to Jeremiah for some help. Really, she had no desire to go back there again.

"I am going to have to agree with Storm. I think the absence of her presence will help more than her being there. I am not sure she would be safe there. She is not exactly... welcomed anymore." She shoots a glance over to him. Like she ever was before.

"Well, if Jeremiah says that is best that you are not to be there, then we will go with his word. But, you are to assist the Earth's with anything else they will need, even if you must go down there yourself to their Realm." She practically shuddered at the thought. "Now, with that settled, let's discuss the matter of Korigan Blackstone." He looked to all three, and waited for a nodd of confirmation, before continuing. "Storm has told me that she has given the Stone of Light into safe hands, and that she is going to wait until she is better-" As if on cue, she turns and covers her mouth to cough. Sniffle.

"I told her a few nights ago to bring him into the water. There is someone there at all times at the request of Adrienne. With word of him being at the docks... he can still have the Stone of Darkness around him, he drowns as any other man."

Storm looked over to Andrew. "Who knows if he will go back now, after.... perhaps it is wasted effort?" Her brows furrowed slightly as she pinched the bridge of her nose.

"I think she should have others down there with her. Have Adrienne stay there fully. Send an Earth. I'll even go. Make sure she's never alone. With a Fire... we could think of something. Even with the Lifeforce, we could find a way around the Stone."

Cornelious listened to them exchange ideas, thoughts. It would settling, to know that this younger generation of Guardians would do just fine. They worked well together, brought different perspectives.

"You could not feel if I cannot. The only advantage we would have are numbers, four humans to one. Your beings do not work against him. Nor do his work." There was silence after that statement. No one wanted to be without their being. What they were. To be torn from the meanings of your creation. Some things were indeed worse than death.

'Though Storm is right, it might be best for one of each to be down there. More bodies at work, more minds to think." He paused, considered. "Go to the rest of yours, tell them of this news. We'll meet in two days and see what the vote is." There was no noise to end the session, it simply was.

Storm's lips pressed against each other. How was she going to explain that having others would give her an even greater responsibility? To watch over three, maybe four other bodies? Hopefully the votes would turn against the idea.

But somehow she doubted it.

She remained with Anton for the next handful of songs, dancing with others. She was twirled away into the arms of another, and another as the songs remained upbeat. It did not take long however, before a lovely waltz began. She very much so wished that she could stay, and knew that she could not. She sidestepped away slowly from the crowded before she started for the training area.

Anton watched her leave, watching her happy demeanor change to one of solitude and uncertainty. Her hands were shoved into her pockets, and he bit back a sigh, before going to talk his wife into a waltz with him.

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _

She twisted away from the water stream that had threatened her presence. A version of Andrew was standing in front of her, a continuous blasts of pressured water. Storm was shielding herself while also searching for some type of shelter, just to catch her breath. Her bandages were all about her legs, making her movements slower than usual. Bruised, angry clouds were building overhead. Thunder rolling as she sent down a bolt to his head.

He was too fast for her aim as she slid behind a rock. Rain was now pouring, and the dirt below them was a sticky sort of mud now. It clung to her as she felt him try another series of pressured water blasts her direction. She turned ever so slightly to get a better view of him, before sending an air platform of steel in his direction.


He fell with a splat, back first, into the mud.

With no time to delay, she hit herself with a lightning bolt, though most would see her body disappearing. Instead, her being was taken up and inside the clouds. She only had a moment to aim, before she sent another lightning bolt to Andrew, aiming for his heart. Only this time, she was in the lightning bolt, adding the current of electricity with a stream of rain around her.

Water usually could not stand up to what they could conduct. This was no exception.

A balled fist came down harshly on a table not too far from the training area. "Bloody hell Storm, that is enough. This is utterly pointless if you will not do this correctly." The shorter man's face was almost beat red at her battle tactics.

The clouds instantly vanished, as did the rain. The light shined once again as the false Andrew also faded, a sign of death.

And there she was, appearing through the air as she had done countless times. "What? He is dead as a stone, wasn't he?" She tried to control her breathing as she stood, covered in muck.

"You know that you cannot rely on self-sacrificial tactics like that. You could have very nearly missed and could have killed yourself in the process."

She just stared at him, and bit the inside of her cheek to keep those angry comments to herself. "My task is complete, regardless how I did so. And I stand before you, unarmed, save the mud all over me. I'm going to wash before returning to Rhy'Din." She turned on her heels and started back for the Hall, the music long gone.

Even the music in her heart was only a faint whisper. So many uncertainties.

Once the moment pasted, she took up the quill, and rearranged her papers. She dipped the quill in the dark blue ink again, before reading the letter, slowly.

In need of her assistance. Elements are out of order, but there is more. A visitor came last week, called himself a Chaotic. Said he was here for trade. Killed three men and blamed the Guardians. What is the meaning of this? Please send your word of your arrival to ease this situation.

We await for your word.

She stopped, and looked over at her notes. Taking out formalities, this was the bulk of it. She didn't realize it, but a deep frown was on her forehead. What was going on with the Chaotics? First Korigan, then Assadar, and now this. She sighed something deep, the feather of the quill rubbing along her chin as she contemplated her next move.

Her concentration broke as she heard the wailings of a young boy. Oh my, he certainly did not want to go home, did he?

Wanted to stay with Auntie Storm. On the condition that she would not kiss him.

She smiled faintly before glancing to a clock. It was time that she was heading home as well. She took the letter, and her version of it, before organizing the rest. They were just going to have to wait.

Next stop was a few hours rest back at the Sanctuary, before going to speak to her fellow Guardians of such matter.

She also needed a squeeze a few words in with Ewan if given the chance.

Some things were never easy.

"Well, what is the verdict?"

Cornelious looked at the three other Guardians inside the Chambers. Meeting around the giant table that was meant for all sixteen of them. But to get them all in the same place? Very nearly impossible.

"Since the Airs cannot come to an agreement, we will remain undecided." She did not look very pleased about it, did she?

Dark grey eyes nodd to Storm, before he glanced over to Jeremiah.

"We feel as though each Element should be represented with Storm. There is a forest just outside of the city, and we could stay there. Far away enough to be undetected, but close enough to be there in a moments notice. I have volunteered to go."

Storm offered a sidelong glance to the Earth, saying nothing, and remaining expressionless. Even if her feeling conflicted. Cornelious then looked to the last of them.

"We also, feel that we should be down there as well. This is not a battle to be left alone. Adrienne knows of the city, and she will be given more instructions. This battle with Korigan affects us all." He looked, almost apologetically, to Storm.

She was about to open her mouth to speak, but she was beaten to it.

"May I second that?" The sound of another female voice had them all looking to the doorway. And, specifically Andrew, almost opened his mouth in shock.

There stood Kiara, the Guardian of Heat. Dark red hair fell down her back, tanned skin, and brilliant white eyes.

Storm's jaw clenched slightly as she realized who it was. And at her choice of clothing... or rather, the lack of it.

Kiara's title held more truth to it than what told. She dressed, barely, covering what was only needed with animal skin. Gold hoop earrings went far along her ear as she strode to the group on the other side of the room. "We also wish to send one of down. Not Vanar, not Storm. Myself." She sat unceremoniously next to Storm, white eyes were warm, as were her smile.

Warm, right. And dripping with venom.

Jeremiah and Andrew continued to just stare at her. Storm pasted on a smile for her fellow Guardian. Much of this was not her fault. Vanar's passing, Korigan destroying the Fire Realm. Kiara just did not gather all of the correct information. And in doing so, was not exactly pleased with the Air.

Cornelious watched as Kiara was practically bewitching the young men. Time to go. "It is settled then. One of each, save Air, will go to the forest outside of Rhy'Din. From there, those going will collaborate on how to settle the matters." A slight thund to the desk, as if to declare the meeting over. He stood then. "Kiara... if you will come with me? There are other matters that need attending to." His eyes told her that it would be best, for her to join him.

"Of course Cornelious." Charming smile sent in the other's direction, she eased out of her chair to follow. Easing of course. with the motive to have eyes trail over what she left bare.

Storm snickered at her back. Wonderful, a handful of people all in one place, grabbing for each other's throats. And she had to mediate it.

The ringing of meeting steel filled the training fields as her attack was deflected. Well practiced, smooth moves from both Storm and her opponent contributed to the sounds made, neither party taking injuries. It was always just a matter of time till one gave in, a matter of endurance.

This had already been going on for at least an hour. Maybe more.

Two sets of grey eyes were only on the other, seeking the next move to be made. Each move, whether with the weapon or no, was graceful as a waltz. Light on their feet, they never stayed in the same spot twice. They were all over the training fields, unaware if they were disrupting others or not.

Their clothing was not their usual Guardian silks, nor her favored turtlenecks. Sleeveless tops exposed arm muscles well-prepared for the long battle, bottoms custom fit for easy movement. One of the only times that Storm gave hints of the fitness of her body. The well-toned muscles, the endurance behind each thought out move.

The biggest difference between them was his bare feet compared to the boots on hers.

The dance continued, dragging over as if time mattered not. Each obtained a light sheen over their flesh, the only sign of work taking a toll on their bodies. She was merciless, taking the opportunity to press, to see if he was tiring. She pressed her body beyond what she should have, steel grey eyes set on victory.

It came with a swift front kick to his chest, knocking him over to his back. Her katana moved quicker than he, a breath away from a deadly kiss to his neck.

Cornelious managed to muster a smile before nodding to her. They were both openly panting now, muscles quivering, trying to put more movement out when they simply could not. She dropped her katana and wiped the sweat that beaded around her brow. No words were spoken, though silence held more meaning.

It was the first time she had ever beat him. She almost felt like some sort of celebration was at hand, if she wasn't so bloody exhausted.

She offered her hand to him, and managed to help him up. Without words, they started back towards their chambers. separate but close.

Sometimes the best way to be busy is to drive yourself into the ground. She could think of no better way.

She reached into her pocket to produce a coin with five sides in exchange for the clothing in the man's hand. "Thank you." She smiled before turning to head for the inn she was staying at. She also managed to turn every other head in the marketplace of Katmai. Some things could not be helped if you're the only one in elegant clothing.

Cloths in her arms, the sun warmed her as she took the short walk from one place to the next. She was always fascinated with the city; always loud and busy. Full of many faces, all holding unique expressions. Chic and all in the know, she was starting to fell like the sore thumb. Not because she wasn't human, but the sheer fashion difference. What you wore is everything here. If she was with the other Guardians, it wouldn't have mattered so, unfortunately that was not the current case.

Once in her room, she quickly changed into the clothing that she had purchased. Her nose wrinkled only slightly at the faded jeans as she brought them up to ride low at her hips. She was not unaccustomed to the 'modern' clothing, thanks to Janet. Still, she hated how it felt against her skin, how it fit her as a second layer. She couldn't properly run in these things to save her life. Her top wasn't much better either, sleeveless, dark as midnight, and low cut. It wasn't that low cut, but to someone accustomed to turtlenecks, she had to mentally stop bringing a hand to to bare skin. She sat down on the bed then, and fixed her boots to a more comfortable fit. If her clothing wasn't going to help her, at least her feet would be able to carry her somewhere. A glance up at the full length mirror, just to make sure she could blend. Grey eyes were outlined in black to match her boots and top, smudged by the lady downstairs. Storm nearly wept in gratitude as she made her face 'acceptable.' Least she didn't have to do it herself.

Satistfied, she stood and opened the door with her well-defined and bare arms. The only way she could pull of her look of the city was the confidence in her sway of her walk, the attitude behind it. She could be an actress if needed be.

Her next stroll within the city wasn't a long one. The tall, flat building had two guards blocking its enterance.

"I have a meeting with Myriad." Mustered up a pleasant smile to the older gentlemen. He appeared to be within his late thirties, a man well content with life. The other man.. was barely a man. No older than eighteen, and thought he could rule everything, so long as the sword remained at his side.

Even that was debatable.

The codename Myriad should have been enough to let her through. As it was every other time. The older man stepped aside, though the younger one remained defiant. Something about the grey eyes had him hold his ground. "What's yer name lady?"

All it took was a gentle push from an air platform to move him from the door. Her smile turned to a smirk as she held him in place. The frown appearing on his unmarred face showed his protest to his lack of voluntary movement. "How old are you, boy?" A deliberate move to publicly change the role. A respect of eldership.

"I'll be eighteen come June lady."

"You'll learn to step aside and do as your told. Get back to work son, and don't ever pull that nonsense again. Got it?" The boy offered a curt nodd, before she smiled at the older gentlemen, who was doing his best to not openly laugh. And with that, she opened the door and let herself in.

It took some work on her part, but she was able to find the right floor and room with little back tracking. A firm knock on the closed door. "Myriad?"

"It's open"

She turned the knob to gain her enterance. The man was in his mid-fifties, but appeared to be in the prime of his life. His tanned face lit at the sight. 'Bella donna! Come stai? Come in come in!" He moved swiftly from his seat to hug the Elemental after she shut the door.

The hug was returned. "Ciao Myriad, bene bene." She silently hoped that this wasn't going to revert to their language. She had managed to miss most of it.

"Oh, please have a seat! I know you have precious little time to talk with me. You look fabulous in black by the way." His words a hundred miles a minute, she barely could muster a thank you as she sat down before he was talking again. "Let's get down to business hmm? Then we can chat."

Didn't have a choice really, did she?

"Oh come now Storm, you're doing just fine."

She spared the young man a look from behind her piano, idly tapping on a key soft enough to not pluck the ivory piece. The practice had been long, but successful. It was a key reminder that she was far from retaining the same soul as the quartet around her. Not that it mattered really, she could appreciate the Irish and their music, even if its beat did not course through her veins.

"The top of the Minor Bee again?"

They all nodded, and Storm moved from the piano to the fiddle, the tips of her fingers retaining the satisfying burn from the strings. She was not the only one to make a change of instruments. Jodie moved from her penny whistle to the Irish bagpipes next to her, blowing in air to fill the bag. Storm slanted a look to the assortment of sticking pipes, each with their own unique sound. Jodie let her try it once, said that she was surprised that Storm even got a sound out of it.

Storm thought that it sounded of a choir of dying pigs. She would happily leave the wind instrument to Jodie.

The young men shared between the guitar, the odd drum, and a recorder. It still was not enough instruments, but they would make do. The upbeat song was not as fast as the others, but something that was easy to dance together with, rather than a jig. Memorized fingers handled the fiddle easily, as her attention went to watching the drum. It was simple really, the animal skin was pulled tight on one side, the right, and the other was left wide open. This way, the boy could change the placement of his hands, as well as the pitch. His right hand held the paddle, which was the way of bringing the drum to life.

And here was the march of the piece, tempo rising as well as the variety of the melody. The draws of her bow were shorter to match the new style to the song.

It was times like these that she was able to push matters aside and live in the now.

"Move your leg more, your balance is horrid."

"My balance is fine, Lukas." Broadsword in both of their hands, her movements were different, the wrist movements gone and in its place was her source of strength. Bare arms exposing the bunch muscles that were never seen were in fluid motions to the man in front of her. Using momentum from her back to the tips of her fingers, she was able to achieve the desired fighting style of the Fires. Not a favorite, but best to brush herself up before teaching Assadar.

"Is it? Quiet accessing the Air then, truly fight the way we are." He smirked, meeting her attacks with ease, trying to make her move her feet move; curious to push the edge.

"Worry of your own." She said smoothly, meeting his attacks with her own, pressing her iced blade to his.

"That's enough." Cornelious said, his eyes narrowing on Lukas.

"Enough indeed." And she quickly slid in close to Lukas while his hands were down, and used her upper back and arms to lift up and bring her blade up and down, the flat of the ice hitting his shoulder. Clearly having won, her blade faded in her hands and she started out of the training fields.

Cornelious approached Lukas, who was scowling and rubbing his shoulder. "Why do you have to push her so? You know she cannot walk without."

"I push her so that she grows stronger; I do not tend her the way others do." He snickered.

Cornelious just shook his head and started out after his daughter, to soothe the ruffled feathers.

"Is that everyone?" She glanced down to Anton, raising a hand to wipe the bead of sweat from her brow.

He nodded, his blue eyes studying the rooftop frame she was on. "Aye, it seems that any trace of mixed families have made it."

It had been over week since some sort of magic fell in all the elemental realms. Any without the trace of elemental lost the ability to survive in the realms they had called home. Some were more lucky than others; water and fire was considerably harsh to those who did not have the blood to support themselves. Without any ideas to the ancient magics of the land, the Guardians decided to move all of the families involved to a realm of neutrality, where they could all survive for the time being. Hundreds had started to build homes, even if they were only temporary until answers were found.

"How many injured?" She looked over her shoulder, nodding for others to continue in the work as she spoke with the Guardian.

"Many handfuls, though considering all things it could have been worse."

"And how is Jodie and the boys?"

"They are fine, though Jodie could have been much worse without you." A look of gratitude pasted through his eyes.

She smiled softly, before sighing. "I say that the homes should be finished by the end of the week, and there are plenty helping." Grey eyes move to look down a path, many homes in various stages being built. "I think I'm going to see if the healers need any help."

Blue eyes narrowed as Storm jumped down from the rooftop and landed silently on her boots. "With what healing powers?"

"Just because I am not gifted with healing does not mean I do not know how." She raises a brow idly.

" You are not speaking of.." His face holds a look of understanding. "Absolutely not Storm, you are going to need anything and everything for the next few nights."

She flashed him a smile. "I know, but I am here now, and I'm going to help those who need it. I will not do something that I cannot handle. Just some small things, I promise." She brushed past him to head up the small hill.

"I mean it Storm!" He called over his shoulder, scowled, before shaking his head and started inside the beginnings of the home she had left.

It did not take long for her to understand his meaning of 'handfuls'. People came and waited in small swells, all having similar injuries. Those left were mostly from the Earth and Water realm, neither which she strong with. And she would keep her word to not handle anything serious, though she did glance at a broken arm by an older woman.

"Storm!"

She looked over her shoulder to see the eldest of the trio of boys, Luke, start for her, dragging a young Earth with him. She recognized her as Alexa, the young lady that had taken his interest. "Aye Luke? What can I do for you?"

"It's Alexa, she has deep looking cut from.. something, we do not know what." He nodded to Alexa, and she rolled up her sleeve. It went almost halfway down her forearm, how deep she did not know. "The healers cannot see to her because they are so busy with others. Can you do something, please? Stitch it or something?"

Storm glanced more at the cut; perfect. "I will admit that my job of stitching is not any good, but I can heal it for you." The girl nodded and Storm stood closer to Alexa, both her hands going to her arm. "Do not tense, just relax." She murmured, a faint glow going to her fingertips rather than her eyes. It did not take long, and Storm's features stayed absolutely still as the cut slowly healed itself on the girl, leaving no mark behind.

Luke just grinned when Storm stood back, examining the work himself. "Oh, thank you very much Storm."

"You are both very welcome. Now if you excuse me, I am sure you father wants my help on your home." With a small smile, she nodded to the pair, before starting back down the hill. Quicker steps towards the small stream that was nearby. She rolled up the sleeve of her right arm, revealing the cut on herself. Her gaze stayed on it, her left hand dipping into the water to rub on her bleeding flesh. It was not bad, hardly deep enough for stitches in her opinion. It was already slowly healing itself, slow by magic's standards, but quicker than her usual wounds.

Satisfied with her work, she stood again, heading back for the home that held her previous attention.

"Storm, you are not the only one working for this; we all are."

She tossed a crumpled piece of paper in the waste bin. "I do not care who does it, but the situation needs fixed now, Jeremiah."

He squinted in the dim light given by the candles. "When was the last time you slept?"

"Last night."

"For how long?"

She did not answer him, instead she rocked her weight slightly from her toes to her heels, trying to stop her urge her want to pace. Her silence only answered his assumptions. "And what of Avery? Surely he releases the time spent away. And of Ew-"

"Those I care for are just fine." Even if she did not know of Ewan's progress, where ever he was. "I could not neglect them, otherwise I would not care for them then."

He shook his head slowly, taking a few step forward to close much distance between them, "Why do you burden yourself so?" She opened her mouth, but he beat her words. "It is written all over your face, Storm."

She nearly huffed, grey eyes narrowing as she took a step back, away from him. "I just want to find the answers, Jeremiah. Excuse me." She walked past him and out of the door, brown eyes following her till she was out of sight.

Dark brows furrowed along tanned skin "You are not holding me straight."

Storm looked up at him and smirked, but adjusted her platform for him. Progress was going quicker than she thought, there were many Earths facing deep fears in being within the Air Realm. Groups were formed, with many working the pure, organic materials with support given from an Air below. And though no one would sneeze at her physical capability to build a bridge, she offered more help with using her gift.

"There, do not move it."

She continued to hold the smirk on her face, "Yessir."

Jeremiah winced at the tone of his voice, before glancing down at her, his face paling slightly at the glance of never-ending sky. "I am sorry Storm, I am a bit.. demanding." Drops of the mixture on his hand fell and hit her forehead.

He could not contain his laughter as she rolled her eyes up, mumbling under her breath. She was grinning though, bringing a hand to wipe most of the mixture off of her face. "Do not worry over it."

They fell into comfortable silence then, working together with ease. She would glance around every now and then with her glowing grey eyes, the frames of many bridges finishing.

"How are you holding?" He asked some time later, a quick glance down to her.

"I have a bit more time left, but I think Anton will come relieve me, and then I will be up there with you to wear the gift off."

He chuckled slightly. "At this rate, I think all of us will have too much leftover energy to rest for at least a day or two."

She sighed softly, realizing that more days of no rest laid before her. "I know."

"I'm leaving in two days." She said quietly, glancing over the table to her father on the other side.

Though he raised his brow, he did not appear to be surprised. "Where are you off to now? a casually asked question.

"The Chaotics." Quiet words as her grey eyes continued to study his face for any reactions.


"You know where to find them?" He turned the page of the book that he was reading; knowing full well of Storms intentions, and so is face remained still.

"Yes, I know where to find a few. You know I will not risk going into the Void, yes?"

"I would not be surprised, no, but I am glad that you are not." He leaned back in his chair then. "What of Avery?"

A ghost smile came to her lips. "He knows, and he is staying with Phen at the school. You are more than welcome to visit him."


"And Ewan?"

She forced the smile to deepen slightly. "He will know.".

A small nodd, before adjusting his book for further reading. "You will come by before leaving?"

"If you wish me to."

He nodded, before his attention went back to the inked words on the page. Resisting the urge to frown, she also went back to reading, though her mind was hardly focused.

"Come down for a minute, will you?" He squinted his dark eyes against the bright sun as he looked up to try and find her.

The drowning soft thuds from the rooftop paused, and sound of her shuffling from the middle of the roof towards the edge was heard, before her face peered over from the height without fear to glance down at Jeremiah. "I will be done soon enough." and then she turned and her head disappeared from his sight.

"Please?"

She paused, his simple request bringing a small frown to her face; he was hardly ever so polite with requests. She let her face relax to an easy expression and took a deep breath to steady herself, before her eyes held the soft dim of pigment, creating a platform for her to come off the building and onto the ground near him. Tools left to their job, she wiped away the moisture forming just along her brow; letting silence ask a question.

"Come walk with me, we have not spoken in some time." Another easy smile, lifting a hand faintly to signal her to pick any direction.

Keeping a grey eye on him, she nodded, before she started to head south, hearing his familiar footsteps to the side of her. Silence grew between them as they started with an easy pace, occasionally catching an elemental going between marketplace and their own homes. "You have been very quiet as of late." He started carefully, keeping his eyes up as if the statement was casual.

"I find silence to be welcoming company." She said with ease, hands going behind her back, "But I do not think you dragged me down here to hear my silence." bold eyes going up to him.

He paused, her direct point taking him by surprise. "There is something... some things different about you."

She did not smile nor chuckle, but her voice held a tone of irony, "We can not stay stagnant with the future that is approaching."

"And what kind of future are we approaching?" He quirked a brown brow as he looked down at her, keeping the pace easy, if not lazy.

Again, she lacked her usual facial expression as her eyes narrowed. "Do not play ignorant with me, I am in no mood for it."

"What is the matter with you?" He stopped suddenly, reaching out to give her shoulders a gentle but firm shake. "Where has all of your hope and fighting spirit gone?"

"I never had one - I have just been ignorant to the situation." Her body became rigid as he touched her, eyes cold as steel with a blank expression. "Take your hands off me." not a polite request. A demand.

But instead of listening, he took off one hand from her shoulder to brush hair from her eyes; not in a romantic expression, but more like one from a brother. "Tell me who has hurt you so."

"Stop. Please." to her dismay, her stronghold was already shaking from the forward expression of concern and her voice pitched. She took a deliberate step away from him. "Please just leave me be for the time being." And before hurt could come to her eyes or face, she turned and left him standing there as she headed back for the rooftops where she could find her peace.

It was a pleasant day to be productive. Rolling her shoulders to relieve the ache, she continued to construct the last touches on one of the last bridges being built in the Air Realm. She was humming softly herself, putting only the required amount of energy into her actions, her thoughts traveling elsewhere. That was until the faint sound of footsteps had her glancing up, a faint smile appearing on her lips, "Good day, Father."

Hands casually behind his back, he did not answer her question, but instead gave her a good look over, "You appear well, Storm."

Her smile became more apparent, "Thank you, things have been going well."

"Oh, and what is different, between my girl that came to me broken-hearted but just a short time ago?"

"People do not die of a broken heart," she said, giving him a sidelong glance, ".. but it certainly helps to not have one anymore. I also have a new home, and am learning what really is of worth."

He leaned slightly on a nearby pillar, his eyes still on her, "Yes, I could see how that would change things. So then how are the both of the men in your life?"

She chuckled slightly, "They are both excellent, thank you. Perhaps you could come down soon; see my home and my men." A teasing grin.

He chuckled, "Perhaps I will... you know, I could keep him here with me for a few days, if you'd like."

She glanced up at him, looked over the never-ending edge of the bridge, "I do not know how safe he is here." Her voice was hesitant.

"He would stay with me."

She looked back up at him, "I will think on it." She then waved a hand, "You are distracting me from finishing." She hides a snicker.

"You have a few letters in your box that needs tending to, do not forget." He said with a grin, before turning around and going back from where ever he came from.

She wrinkled her nose at the idea of reading letters, but she was not going to let them dampen her spirit. She doubted anything could really dampen the past few days.

Even those bloody letters.

"I think it is a good idea." A handful of heads bobbled in visual agreement, while others had thoughtful looks spread on their faces. The Guardians were in the Guardian Chambers around the table meant for all sixteen, even though a few chairs were empty.

"Excellent, I shall see you all in a week's time then." Bright smile of her face, it was a simple way of ending their time together. Many stood up to bid farewells, or to speak on simple matters. Storm kept mostly to herself, few coming to her in thanks before they left to their respective Realms. Storm was about to exit herself, her mind already on what she was going to do with the rest of the day before a large hand came to rest on her shoulder.

"May we finish our conversation?" Jeremiah asked as Storm turned around to face him.

Storm rose a brow, noticing that Kiara was not near him, before she offered a faint smile, "Of course." No one seemed interested in their conversation, so she kept her features casual and pleasant, "What can I do for you?"

"Do you enjoy living in Rhy'Din, Storm?" He asked casually, crossing his arm over his chest as he moved those dark eyes down to her.

The question surprised her, but she offered a faint shrug, "Rhy'Din, as just the town? Not particularly, but there are a few reasons for my staying, not to mention that I can come home whenever I please. Why do you ask?"

"Well, I was thinking-"

A half-clothed figure came to join them and interrupted Jeremiah, "He wants to move there also, thinks that is a good idea even against my wishes." Kiara said with a smirk as she shot him a glance.

"I am sure Jeremiah has his reasons that are worth thinking over." She said dryly to Kiara, doing her best to keep her features pleasant before looking to Jeremiah, "If it is something you are seriously considering, I would like to hear more when you have the time." She did not bother to conceal her disappointment in the missed opportunity, "Safe travels." And with that, she turned and headed out the door, and towards the portal that would take her home.

But the sound of running feet had her containing the urge to roll her eyes, "I was not finished speaking with you."

She turned sharply on her heels to face the Fire, "I was unaware that you wished to speak with me. You only came to add your thoughts in a conversation that did not include you." She raised a brow.

Kiara sneered, "Jeremiah's conversations always include me." A slow, satisfied smile replaced the reaction of the sneer, "He knows that."

"It matters not to me, Kiara. The next time he wishes to talk to me on something, anything, you should not feel the need to interrupt. Good day." She was not going to get in the middle of them, nor was she going to tolerate Kiara's words as she turned to continue on her path.

"Duel me."

Again, she paused, and turned slightly to look at Kiara. "I bed your pardon?"

The broadsword was already appearing in her hand, "You heard me, duel me."

Stormed sighed deeply, eyes glancing up at the crimped hair that clouded her features. She gave a soft blow upwards to clear her vision, before looking back down at the calendar picture. A small frown started to appear, curious as to when that event was. Who was able to do that? She peered closer at the shirt, more than positive that she did not even own one like it. She closed it, looked at the cover, and smirked. Of course, the witch's doing.

Perfect.

She rolled her eyes, before putting it under the small stack of books. She did not see the point, really. There were at least dozens of women who would happily volunteer for such a thing, to be on a calendar that the entire town had access to.

But of course, she had no say or knowledge until it was too late.

A gentle tug on a curl brought her attention away from her thoughts as she looked over her shoulder, "Your hair is unusually long." He said idly, as if he had just noticed.

She rose a brow, "I have not had time to keep it short, though I do not mind." She then started to put the books into her pack, trying to mind hiding the calendar without appearing obvious, "I was just about to leave." She was sure that someone was going to expected a sort of explination.

Naturally.

Though she was skilled at hiding things from her Father, and so all he did was tilt his head slightly, "What do you have there?"

She practically winced, before pulling the calendar out from the bottom, "Might as well have a seat." She muttered, wondering how many more times she was going to have to explain that she did not have a part in this.

First the calendar, and then Darren's peculiar behavior. Not that this calendar was going to be of any help, and her thoughts traveling on that note nearly made her stomach turn as her father took a seat in front of her. She was going to have a long talk with that witch.

Perfect.

"Oh! Hate these things." She muttered irritably as she looked at the skin between her her forefinger and middle finger, the papercut stinging.

"Lose the battle to the paper?" A familiar voice sounded smug from the doorway. Storm looked up at grinned at Patrice, grey eyes taking a quick sweep of her face. The Earth appeared well, her body lean and limber and her tanned skin was a heathly shade.

"You look well, Patrice. Come in." Happy for the excuse to ignore the letter that gave her the cut, "And I did not lose the battle, for I managed to open it." Patrice laughed slightly and rolled her chocolate colored eyes, as Stom frowned slightly, "Where is Mike?"

"Oh, visiting your father I believe." She said happily, sitting down in one of the more comfortable looking chairs. She then rested her elbows on her knees and leaned forward, "Have you something to tell me?" Her expression looked amused.

Storm tried to supress her grin and frowned slightly, before shaking her head, "No, nothing I can think of."

Patrice laughed all the more, "You and your secrets. I just stopped by to offer my best wishes. I am very glad to see you happy." The women shared warm glances, before her son practically ran into the room and moved to jump onto Storm, "Auntie Storm!" He said with obvious delight.

"Mike!" She could not help but chuckle as she tossed his wriggling body into the air, using her gift to give him maximum height, "You are getting so big, are you going to marry me yet?" Asking her usual question before giving him a noisy kiss to his cheek.

He made a face of obvious disliking, and the kiss certainly did not help, "Eww, I'm never going to get married. Kissing is gross." He repeatedly explained to her.

Patrice chuckled and rose from her seat, "You cannot offer that to him now; give my boy false hopes." She moved and pressed her lips to the top of Storm's head, "It is good that you have found someone for you. Though I cannot help but feel sorry for the lad; you are a handful. I think I'll leave Mike here for a bit." She winked to her son before leaving.

Storm did not have time to muse over the words, as Mike adjusted to fit comfortably in her lap. She chuckled and peered down at him, "C'mon then, you can help me open these." She offered the toddler a sealed letter.

Storm stepped through the portal, her gaze already anxious from her overdue visit. The scene that greeted her held the gentle frost of white from some of the first fallen snow. She tugged down on the knitted garment on her head to try and cover her unprotected ears. She was not quite sure what to call it, but she was sure Carley had said something about it being like a beret. She could not remember. Black, fingerless gloves to match quickly went back into her pockets. "What are the point of these?" She thought out loud as she started towards the direction of the buildings.

"Chilled?" She heard a man's voice call out from over her shoulder, and she turned to see who it was. She grinned and chuckled, slowing her pace for the unexpected company.

"Perhaps." She offered to the Fire, Renan, watching as the snow slowly melted from his footsteps as he radiated heat, "Though, I suppose it is not an issue for you?"

He grinned from under his cowl, and by the looks of things, Storm's words were not entirely accurate. He was bundled with many layers of clothing with a thick cloak and full knitted gloves, "Somehow, I do not miss the cold times." He offered with a smirk, before they started towards the heart of the town.

She laughed lightly, keeping a safe distance from him despite the welcoming warmth around him, "You are a face I have not seen in some time. How are things?"

"Oh, the times are fine. Though, something I have been meaning to talk to you about...." He trailed off in thought, and Storm narrowed her eyes, "All the realms except for the Earth are without all the Guardians. Kiara-"

"Is not my concern." She easily finished for him, "I will leave that up to you; I trust your judgment." Though the look she sent him for meant to be a warning, "As for the rest of the Guardians, I was hoping to have a choosing ceremony soon. We are going to need all sixteen of us when we face the Chaotics." A hand peeked out of its pocket to graze an itch at her hairline, "Perhaps when we gather this week's end, we will discuss it."

He paused for a moment, before nodding in acceptance. They continued in silence, watching others past by them, some offering warm greetings.

They were about to part, when Storm turned on her heels, a questioning look in her eyes, "Renan, I might need your help with something. I need to create a different.... atmosphere." She said slowly, tilting her head, "Will you help me?"

"Of course... but out of curiosity, why are you trying this?" He frowned and he came back to join her pace.

"Let's just say it is for a distant future's best interest."

"I leave for a week to return to this?" Storm muttered to her companion, resisting the need for her teeth to chatter in the chilly weather. She had bundled herself as tightly as possibly within her cloak, hands tight in their pockets, her knitted hat pulled far over her ears.

Anton chuckled, glancing down as his boots left imprints in the fresh snow, "Always were fond of it."

"What I was prepared." She pointed out, keeping their pace brisk just to warm their bodies, "I think I'm going to need to find my other cloak, if it did not burn with everything else." She watched her breath after she finished her sentence, and pulled the cloak tighter.

"Well, with everyone returning, we will see just how much needs to be restored." They entered the courtyard of the Temple, finding many to be completing the finishing touches on buildings and booths despite the weather. "Now is a good time. With the Choosing Ceremony coming.."

"Yes, I know." They greeted the many that acknowledged the Guardians with waves and smiles. "We will need everyone to feel their fullest." When Anton opened the door to the Temple, she stepped through. Her thanks was lost in what her eyes came to.

Everything was nearly perfect. The Temple looked the same from before Chaotics came, "Oh, it looks wonderful." She said softly, the feeling of tears wanted to sting her eyes. Her home and her people would finally be able to move past this tragedy.

She felt Anton's hand on her shoulder, "Your Father is not going to come for some time yet. Maybe you should take a tour?"

"I think I will do just that." She pressed a kiss to his cheek. "See you in a bit."

Storm walked everywhere within that her feet would take her. The Grand Hall looked just as it was when she was a child. The table dark, long, and simple in design, with decorations of the season. She continued right, peeking her head in to see who was in the kitchen before moving on to the training fields. She stood there for many moments, taking in the painfully familiar sight. After a period of time, her boots moved to inspect the area with greater detail, finding everything fit for its uses. Moving away from there, she moved to the Guardian's room, and winced at what she saw there. Everything was restored to perfect order, except the orb. Walking towards it, she touched it briefly, feeling the lost power inside. Not dwelling on the downfall of incident, she moved to her chair, the deep color of bruised clouds adorning it. She ran a hand over it, the feeling strange but familiar at the same time.

She moved out of the Guardian Room to the simple room that held so many. Some halls were quiet, where other held the cheerful noises of families enjoying time together. The thought made the amulet around her neck more noticeable as she turned to the room that used to be her own. She paused at the door, took a deep breath, and stepped inside. The first thing she noticed was that it was bare, her cheerful colors and paintings gone. Even the quilt that was once on her bed was no longer. Furniture was replaced with those that looked the same. She moved to see what else was inside, finding a few clothing items that was perfect for the cold weather, including a thick cloak with fur linings. She simply folded it in her arms, and moved to step out.

Her eyes traveled to a leather case, one that reflected an instruments shape. She set the folded cloak on the bed and moved to pick the case up. Setting it also on the bed, she untied the barriers to reveal what she knew was inside. Her fiddle, long untouched was almost just as she left it. To the left side, it showed black streaks along the wood, reflecting its damage. With a sad smile, she picked up the bow, or what half was left of it. Maybe one day she would restore it, or buy another one. But until then, she placed it back inside, and left it on the bed. Picking the cloak back up, she moved out of the room, and headed back for the Guardian's Room.

Now she would wait, and they would discuss the details of the soon coming Choosing Ceremony.

"Well, I might have come across some... more troubling news." Shawn started, clearing his throat to gain everyone's attention. As voices drew silent, the Earth set a rather large and old book on the elongated table. His eyes lifted up, to see all the other Guardians in their proper attire with their attention on him. Drawing a deep breath, he continued. "If we are to use the Choosing Ceremony, there are several instructions listed. Majority of the list is proper times, potions, and procedures."

"What is the problem, then?" Asked Andrew, sending a questionable look to Adrienne. She however, only shrugged.

"I do not remember any difficulties the last time we did this." Cornelious spoke from his corner of the table.

"Was that not because you were Chosen last time?" Storm whispered under her breath, and Anton grinned.

"There might not have been, but no one else participated the last time other than you, Cornelious. And though you have offered, you cannot be the one who conducts the ceremony." He paused as Cornelious frowned, "It is written that there are four participants, one from each Element. And, each participant must be the last declared Guardian of their own Element."

"What?" Storm blurted, her eyes flickering over to Andrew, Jeremiah and Renan.

"In addition, the chosen participants are unable to take part in the preparations, for they must have clear hearts and minds with pure intentions." Shawn's eyes then moved to Renan, "Also, you may not be the only Guardian. You are to give Kiara her position back, but still you will be a participant. Now Renan, Storm, Jeremiah, and Adrienne, you are no longer allowed to attending anymore meeting pertaining to this subject. You may take your leave."

With a masked face, Storm stood and was quick to take her leave, hearing the other Elementals trail out after her.

"Why must I take part? We do not need more Guardians."Jeremiah mumbled to Storm, walking with her as they parted company from the Water and Fire.

"I wish I knew. We will not be able to know anything more than what we do right now. How unsettling." She moved to the pocket of her cloak and pulled out her fingerless gloves with a faint smile on her face.

He studied her, keeping her pace as they moved toward the portal to RhyDin. "Something amusing?"

She slanted him a look, "No." A whimsical sigh, "Let us go home, then. Not much more we can do here."

Dark grey eyes followed the pacing Storm, watching all the tension and anger surface. The Guardian Chambers offered the protection of silent walls that absorbed the exchanged words. "Sit down Storm."

She promptly ignored his request, and continued in her pacing. The night of little sleep showed around her eyes, and the sickening sensation had yet to leave her abdomen. "I will not allow someone to drive me away from my own home."

"What would you do, if there was only you to consider?" He shifted in his seat, seeing that she had no intention of stopping her movements.

Thrusting her hands into her pockets, she remained quiet for several moments. "Nothing." She eventually concluded, "The notes are only meant to bring unease. She did not try to break through the shields of the door."

"And what would have happened if you were not at home? If it was just Avery and his caretaker? This is much more than you, now, and so it will always be."

"I cannot just.." or could she? "Ewan and I have worked hard to make things work so that he could stay safe at home with us. Leaving him here or at Phen's will only destroy all that we have made progress on."

"I did not say that you have to leave him here, though you know that he is always most welcome. You cannot leave him in your home without you." It was a simple statement, "I am sure you can find a safer place for him to stay until you are ready to come home."

"It is just a note." She repeated, perhaps more for herself.

"It may not remain a note if you do not do something."