Aja waited patiently till the Breeze bumped lazily along the dock to order the boys to lower the ramp and then watched as they complied with her orders, going about docking procedures. They were back in Ballentine, it was home if she really thought about it. Ajay had said as much and all but ordered the girls to visit often. She had a feeling he?d make good on his threat of dragging them both back to Ballentine if they didn?t attempt to visit once a month. Ajia was keeping her calm beside her sister, knowing all too well what was racing through her twin?s mind. Swallowing hard, she gave a gentle squeeze to her sister?s shoulder and nodded softly. ?Better late then never eh?? She motioned slightly to the dock before giving a reassuring smile. She?d be here for her twin as promised. ?Right now, I?d rather battle the undead, than go into that castle..? Aja motioned towards Ballentine castle, home to her very respected brother, Ajay and his lovely wife, Sher, and sighed. ?and tell Ajay that the wedding is off.? ?Well, we?re not telling him anything but the truth, and he?ll honor that over a lie.? Ajia was confidant in that. A warm smile proved that before she spoke, ?He wants nothing but our happiness remember?? ?I know.? Aja sighed heavily, for the moment being too distracted to be annoyed at the suggestion that she would ever lie to Ajay and then looked at Ajia. ?Why can?t you be the flakey sister with the screwy love life?? Aja knew she was pouting, and it probably looked pitiful, but she was less concerned with that right now. Ajia shrugged, not sure of how to answer that one. She gave her twin a nudge and push before musing warmly. ?Get it over sis, or you?ll never live it down with the guys.? ?Stop pushing, or I tell Ajay about them sexy pictures you took for Rikki.? Aja half heartedly threatened. She would never tell Ajay about them, but it sounded like a good threat to make at the moment. ?He?ll probably ask me to give a number to Sher and you know it.? Teasing her twin while biting back a snicker. ?Brat.? Aja snapped wryly and grabbed her bag, putting the strap over her head. ?One bonus? Ajay didn?t know we were coming today, or we?d have a welcome wagon.? She started towards the ramp then. ?I hate when he does that.? ?Utoh...? Ajia gave a sheepish smile to her twin. ?Guess I shouldn?t have phoned ahead then... huh?? It was a joke, but she loved the looks her sister always made. Aja turned her head to stare at her sister in disbelief, then tilted her head a moment trying to ascertain whether or not this was another one of her jokes. ?You best be kidding, JiJi.? ?Only way to mess with ya, Ajie...? She winked then made a break for the plank to get off the ship and away from her sister before she was fed to the sharks. Aja watched her sister make a break for the ramp and sighed looking skyward. Since when did this become her life? She went for practically fifteen years with no romantic entanglements and then in the space of two years, there was nothing but entanglements. Deciding that now wouldn?t be the ideal time to ponder that, she motioned for Jarim to join her before she herself disembarked the Breeze. ?Just get ?er settled and then you and the boys take the afternoon off.? ?Yessum, Captain.? Jarim replied. The man was used to Ballentine procedure by now. He watched the Captain nod and walk off the deck after her sister knowing it was likely they wouldn?t see either twin for at least a day or two. ?Oi, Ajie! Look!? She pointed towards the castle, spotting a carriage leaving it?s gates from that distance. Aja looked where Ajia was pointing with a grin, and shielded her eyes to get a better look. ?We might miss em on their way out and have a bit of time to properly surprise them.? She paused, ?Orrrr....? Ajia was grinning broadly, ?It could just be them coming to meet us.? ?I?m sure we ain?t gonna miss them.? Aja said ruefully. ?I ain?t got that kind of luck.? ?Oh would you stop being down on yourself? I?ll sic Maria on you.? It was a real threat, and it showed as she squinted and peered to her twin. ?Yeah, yeah. Ya never had ta see Ajay look disappointed before.? Aja said quietly thinking about the last time she saw Ajay look disappointed. ?I have. This is the Huma, Nikki fiasco all over again.? ?Yeah, but this time it?s for a reason that makes you giggle like a little girl.? She wasn?t teasing too much. She was just trying to get her sister to loosen up. ?Think of that pirate of yours and let that give you strength.? Aja nudged Ajia and scowled. ?I do not giggle like a little girl.? she protested half serious. She probably did most of the time. There wasn?t much Aja didn?t find funny about things, but that didn?t mean she was going to readily admit to it either. ?That?s you.? Aja grinned then and adopted a falsetto voice. ?Oh Rikki...yer so manly and sexy!? ?You forgot to give a haughty sigh and then fan yourself a little.? Ajia snickered, but her eyes were still on that carriage as it moved down the lane. ?Could get lucky and caught him while he was at a meeting.? ?Ajay would put it aside for us. He knows the Breeze?s sails too well.? Aja jerked a thumb back to the ship. ?He probably has the entire staff scrambling right now making a big lunch.? Ajia made a face. ?Gods I hope it?s not that frilly crap he fed us last time.? There was another face before she pushed off to meet the carriage. She was a little more or less excited to see her older brother, she always was. ?Ya mean those tiny little quiche thingies?? Aja made a face about that. ?Yeah, those were bad.? ?Yeah, they were like... half the fat... and ten times the gas afterwards.? She mused as she dug her hands into her pocket, still making her way with a two step pace. Aja could only laugh at that. Ajia seemed to have a more delicate system of the two when it came to food. Well, when it came to a couple things. Of the two, Ajia was the more girly one. Aja preferred her status as ?one of the guys?. Ajia wore dresses and heels as easily as Aja wore her leathers and boots. Something that amazed Aja on a couple levels, and vice versa. Looking over her shoulder to Aja, Ajia smiled and waved her hand. ?Well come on, the more you doddle the more Ajay will fuss over you.? ?Now, yer jist cursin me.? Aja said wryly as the carriage came to a halt at the end of the dock making the workers there scurry off to the sides as the carriage door opened. Another difference between the siblings, Ajay was at home in the role of leader with all the pomp and circumstance that came with it. Aja ran Arcadia as more of one of the people, rather than the ?on the throne? type ruler. She wouldn?t know how to go about that, although she was sure Mami could teach her if she ever wanted that style of ruling. Ajay stepped out of the carriage, looking unusually relaxed in dress pants and a silk shirt. No tie, but that didn?t surprise Aja really at all, considering that the last time she was here, she gave him grief for looking overly formal. Aja gave him a wave before letting her bag drop and making a the hop skip distance in no time to hug him tightly. ?Surprise! We?re home!? she said brightly. Ajia was a bit more direct in out right tackling her brother and hugging his suit to wrinkles. ?JAY JAY!? She called out in the process, giving him a tight hug. ?My adoring sisters? he gathered them both up in a hug, then set them down to look at them. ?No new holes or scrapes. So I will assume you haven?t been in any sort of trouble lately.? ?Aja?s pure trouble, you know that Jay.? Ajia snickered, sending another tease to her twin. ?JiJi?s makin stuff up.? Aja muttered as she bent over to get her bag which was then quickly commandeered by the carriage footman. Aja just looked at the man, and exhaled slowly. She had learned not to argue with them from previous visits. They were doing as they were ordered to. ?Anyway. What? We can?t just pop in on our favorite brother?? ?I?m your only brother.? He reminded them. ?Details.? Aja waved a hand off with a grin and he laughed. ?JiJi made me come.? Aja nodded sagely. ?She was too chicken to come alone.? Aja teased Ajia back as they started for the carriage. ?I did not. I?ve come here alone before.? She slid away from her brother so that Aja could come and say hello. Granted there were thoughts of tripping her twin. Aja walked along the other side Ajay to escape the wrath of JiJi and stuck her tongue out behind his back at her twin. Seemingly unaware of the twins teasing, he put an arm around them both happy with seeing them once more. ?Only when threatened with Sher hunting you down.? she snickered. ?Nah, I?m not afraid of her and her dresses, unlike someone else we know...? She eyed her twin but put a sweet smile on her face as she looked to Jay. ?Let?s go out to eat, just the three of us. I?m starving!? ?Don?t make me separate you two.? He said humorously and let them both get into the carriage ahead of him. Ajay had recently started getting used to his sisters acting more like teenagers when together. He knew they were serious women most of the time, until in the same place at the same time then it often sounded as if they were making up for the childhood he knew none of them had. He would join in once in a while when the mood struck him. Ajia started for the carriage as she spoke. ?We could chow down at a good steak place or somethin.? Still going on about eating out rather than in. ?I?m sure Ajay has learned by now that we don?t really like the tiny scary food.? Aja grinned at her brother as she settled into the carriage. ?Right, J?? she grinned at him making him shake his head. ?No tiny, scary food.? He said with a smile. ?I now have an agreement with a cattle rancher just because of you two.? his sisters were certainly learning to relax around him more lately. ?Utoh...? Ajia put on another one of her sweet smiles. ?What made you do that? Was it the bits of half chewed food in the napkins ooorr was it the half ate plates of food?? ?The servant overhearing words like ewww and gross.? He laughed. ?I think that was the clue.? ?Yeah. Subtle ain?t our thing.? Aja grinned at Ajay who smiled back at her lovingly. ?So. Ya got a lot of kingly stuff ta do this afternoon, or can ya ditch it ta spend some time with yer sisters?? ?Do your cooks know how to cook a proper steak or do we need to send for Maria?? Ajia was all kinds of sweet, now wasn?t she? ?He knows.? Ajay reached over to tweak Ajia?s nose lightly. ?Don?t worry. You won?t starve.? Ajay leaned back in his seat then looking at Aja. ?And I can take all afternoon off for you two.? ?We?re gonna cause all kinds of hell then. Like we could have.? She nodded. ?Let?s explore the dungeons.? Leave it to Ajia to have wild fantasies about hidden chambers and libraries underneath the palace floors. ?Can we leave her in the dungeon?? Aja grinned over at Ajia. ?She?s such a pain in da ass.? ?We can not.? Ajay said firmly with a smile at the pair. ?Spoil sport.? Aja mock pouted at him trying to hide the grin. ?Just means he?s fond of me.? Bats her eyes at her twin. ?That?s only cause he only has to spend a day or two with ya. I got ya practically twenty four seven.? she chuckled seeing Ajay almost chuckling now as the sisters teased each other. Seeing Ajay smile like that made her happy, she remembered there being days he smiled rarely. ?She can?t be that bad, Aja.? he said eyeing the pair, wondering if there was something else going on. He never knew for sure with his sisters. ?Oooh, she?s not.? Aja grinned. ?She?s jist all with the girly stuff and makes Mami pester me about wearing dresses more often.? ?Aye, dresses and heels. Because she knows you?ll look pretty.? She mused as she leaned back in her spot. ?Like a duck in a tutu.? Aja laughed, along with Ajay and leaned back mirroring her sister as she looked out the window at the progress Ballentine had made. The road from the dock to the castle was lined now with businesses and quaint residential housing. The kingdom of Ballentine was quickly returning to its former glory. Returning to the place that Aja had only heard stories about. Ajay noticed her looking and motioned out the window. ?A lot has changed since the two of you were home last time.? he said proudly. ?And the statue that Ajia made of mom and dad has a place of honor in front of the castle.? he gave Ajia a proud smile. ?It looks wonderful. In case I didn?t convey that in the letter I sent.? Ajia studied the new developments, a bit choked up as she heard Ajay speak of the memorial to her mother and father. She swallowed lightly, cleared her throat, and bit her lip for a moment to hold back a few tears. It took a few hard nights before that looking glass to get it as perfect as it was going to be. She smiled gently and mused. ?Seems like things are changing in both worlds, right Aja?? Her eyes flickered to her twin in a now or never fashion. If looks could kill, Ajia might be flopping around like a fish out of water on the carriage floor about then, but instead of taking the opening about relationships, Aja gracefully ducked the not so subtle hint her sister made and commented instead on Arcadia. ?Arcadia is growing at a similar rate.? she narrowed her eyes at Ajia in warning. ?With RhyDin City being such a mess most of the time, people are always looking for somewhere nicer to be. Raise kids and what not.? ?One thing I do not miss with RhyDin.? Ajay started with a nostalgic smile. ?The constant chaos.? he relaxed back in the carriage seat. ?I rather like the lack of conflict being in Ballentine affords.? ?Well, RhyDin City?s the same. I guess that never changes.? Aja smiled slightly and patted Ajay?s knee lightly. ?Aja knows all about chaos.? Ajia piped in and Aja resisted the urge to kick her sister as she alluded again to Padriq and Tristan. ?I have you for a sister.? she said instead with a grin at Ajia as the carriage came to a stop in front of the castle. ?Chaos follows you too.? ?It does not!? Ajia protested and Aja laughed. Ajay looked between the girls and then shook his head deciding that it could?ve been a girl thing. The carriage door opened and everyone disembarked. Aja looked around at the changes in the courtyard since she had last been there, then at Ajay. ?You?ve been busy.? Aja said and smiled at Ajay as she took his arm. Ajia took the other side and they started towards the castle door. ?And Sher?s got good taste.? ?She choose Ajay.? Ajia piped in and Aja grinned up at Ajay. ?She couldn?t help it.? Aja reached up and touched Ajay?s nose lightly with a bright smile. ?The Bird?s are irresistible.? ?Speaking from experience, Aja?? Ajia said with a grin. ?Shut up, JiJi.? Aja muttered and went inside. ?What?s this now?? Ajay sounded amused. ?Great? Aja thought and sighed. ?Is someone fascinated with my baby sister?? he caught up to Aja then and put an arm around her. Aja managed to look over at Ajia. ?Remind me to maim you later, k?? ?Yeah sure, you bet.? Ajia cracked a grin knowing that at the moment she was perfectly safe on the other side of Ajay. Later on however, she was fairly sure that Aja was going to get even. ?Of course, I can?t imagine there?s a man alive who doesn?t find both of you intoxicatingly beautiful. You?re Bird women.? Ajay smiled broadly. ?Known far and wide as exotic beauties.? ?Very eloquent, brother.? Aja smiled up at him grateful as his description of them. Not that she felt that way, but she did get amused when Ajay would speak like that, get all puffed up proud. ?But I am picking up that something is going on.? they made their way into a parlor and Ajay motioned for them to sit. ?Very astute.? Aja said as she settled on the sofa then got up to pace. Ajay used to Aja by this point, knew something was bothering her. ?And his name is?? Ajay prompted lightly having learned long ago to take things slowly. ?Padriq.? Aja supplied to Ajay and waited for him to catch up. ?Wait, wait, wait.? Ajay held up his hand, pausing mid pouring of the drinks. ?Isn?t this the same one that you were involved with before?? ?Yes.? Aja answered honestly almost dreading what he was going to say next. ?And he?s still chasing you?? Ajay seemed to be gathering facts now. ?Yes.? she answered again looking at Ajay calmly. ?He?s very dedicated.? Ajay said with no small amount of surprise. ?That?s one way to put it.? Ajia said with a grin. ?If I shoot her, will you get mad?? Aja smiled sweetly at Ajia while speaking to Ajay. ?Yes.? Ajay said with a grin. ?Damn.? Aja said with mock annoyance. ?So.? Ajay started smoothly as he brought over the drinks. ?Tell me how Padriq wound back up in the picture.? ?Back in the picture?? Ajia started and that got Aja to give her that ?if-you-say-one-more-word-I?m-going-to-kill-you? look. To which Ajia followed up with a innocent bat of the eyes and lip pucker behind Ajay's back. ?He was out of the picture once Tristan came back, wasn?t he?? Ajay settled in his chair and Aja stared at him for a moment considering. ?No. Well. Yes. But no.? she sighed then and slumped in her chair. ?It?s complicated.? she looked at Ajay for a long moment. ?I know that look, Aja.? he said with a small smile. ?There?s something you don?t want to tell me about him.? ?Well... ? Aja squirmed slightly under her brothers gaze. ?It?s jist .. I don?t want..? She stammered in an un-Aja like manner. ?It?s just...? Ajia piped up. ?She doesn?t want you to worry ya know? She knows ya have a lot to handle as it is and she doesn?t want you to fret over a boy matter.? She paused, giving a small smile to her twin. ?Sides, Aja?s a tough cookie, Remember Jay? She?ll get out of this all right, she always does, because she?s a Bird, and it?s what we do.? Aja might?ve kissed Ajia right then but she knew that answer wouldn?t bail her out Ajay?s curiosity. ?I had been planning a wedding.? ?And ya might still be.? Aja said finally. ?Jist ..it?s gotten a little weird.? Aja looked at Ajia who nodded encouragement and she took a deep breath. ?Tristan isn?t the same guy I remember, Ajay. He?s not .. he can?t seem to adjust to me either.? She looked at Ajay. ?So I think it?s just gonna have to be let go.? ?Ya should see our sis with the pirate Bro. All kinds of grins and girly giggles. He might just get her wearin? a dress.? She teased her twin. ?And it?s tragic that we?ll be havin a funeral fer JiJi first.? Aja muttered before continuing. ?Ji?s right. Not the giggling part.. jist about Padriq. There?s more there with him than there is with Tristan.? Ajay just listened to the sisters, half trying not to laugh and half deciphering their method of passing along information. He had adjusted a long time ago that Aja never liked talking about her love life, but it seemed Ajia was trying to change that part. He knew the facts were tangled up in there somewhere and at some point, Aja would sort them out for him. She would find him later he knew, when Ajia wasn?t around and they would have a longer conversation. ?Will you be bringing Padriq here for us to meet?? he asked and Aja almost choked on her drink. Ajia tried not to bust up giggling. Aja swallowed hard and looked at Ajay. ?Bring Padriq here?? she blinked. ?Ya realize he?s less... uh.. sedate than I am, don?t you?? she put it as nicely as she could. ?Doesn?t matter. If this is the man you choose to have in your life, I wish to meet him.? Ajay said before turning his attention to Ajia. ?And you are seeing her first mate? Rico?? ?Ha. Yer turn.? Aja grinned at Ajia then. ?Yeah, he?s got manners too. Unlike certain pirates.? She made a face at her twin before smiling to Ajay, ?But you?ve met him before haven?t you?? ?Brat.? Aja muttered. ?Of course, I?ve met Rico before. But that was when he was just Aja?s first mate. Not someone dating my baby sister.? he shifted in his chair and smiled at Ajia. Ajia smiled broadly. ?We?re taking it painfully slow, but I?m living with it. He?s been real good to me too Jay. Real gentleman.? Nodding firmly, Ajia smiled sweetly to her brother. Aja just sighed slightly and rubbed at her head. Not only did her sister manage to be the girly one, she had managed to get the perfect guy in the eyes of her brother. Rico being a prince and all qualified as perfect for marriage, except he hadn?t yet made the type of commitment her sister wanted. She then grinned at Ajia. ?And since he?s a prince, there?s that whole perfect bloodline thing.? ?Blood or not, just like you. If he were the same as Padriq is to you, I?d love him no less.? Ajia would never deny that. ?Never said ya would.? Aja smiled then made a face at Ajia. ?Doof.? ?I know Ajay is hankerin to get one of us hitched. I remember when I spent some time here he tried introducing me to all the eligible court in Ballentine.? She peered at her brother. ?He just wants to throw a big wedding for one of us Birds.? Aja smiled at Ajay seeming to have regained her usual demeanor now that the focus was off her. ?Like mom and dad would?ve done.? ?Yes.? He smiled at the girls. They were his redemption for the entire Bird family. To put right the lost traditions of their broken up family and heal some of the damage done by Serm in his quest for the throne. ?I?m sure it will happen soon enough.? Ajia shrugged a little and sipped her drink. ?True. Ain?t like we gotta rush ta da alter.? Aja agreed then sighed a little. ?Unless Padriq has his way.? ?Yeah, he likes to put his heart into it once he knows what he wants. And he wants Aja.? Ajia teased her sister. ?And acts as if we?re all dying tomorrow or something.? Aja sipped her drink. ?Ain?t like we?re dyin anytime soon or something.? ?The man just wants to have a life time with ya, is all. You?d think he loves you.? Snickering a little. ?But, seriously.. I think his gears are stuck on full speed.? ?Does that frighten you?? Ajay asked curiously. ?Makes me a little nervous.? Aja answered Ajay after a moment. ?I mean, anyone who is that much of a rush ta get married.. I have ta wonder what the motives are.? Ajia grinned, ?He?s gonna find a way to murder you on the honey moon and steal all yer fortune for himself.? Teasing her twin playfully. Aja knew her sister was trying to lighten the mood. She just shook her head. ?Not thinkin that. But ya know I have ta be more cautious than most cause of the clan. I always have to wonder about people?s motives, Ji.? She shrugged. ?I?ve seen the way he looks at you... It?s a man in love look. That?s all.? ?Aja. Far be it for me to comment before having met the man.? Ajay said carefully, he knew any of his siblings thought on the clan were laced with unseen triggers to a darker side to his normally smiling sibling. ?But is it possible that you are over thinking the clan angle?? ?Of course it?s possible.? Aja got up from the lean she had taken, a sure sign to Ajay that one of those triggers had been tripped, cause now she was pacing. ?But it ain?t like it hasn?t happened before. Them using someone to get close ta pull a recapture.? Aja leaned against the couch, Ajay watched as she reigned in the rising temper. She looked at him knowingly and went on speaking in a practiced tone of voice. ?They failed, of course. But the thought that it?s possible is still there in my head.? ?Sis, how many men have you known like Padriq?? Ajia?s head tilted curiously, coming to rest on her brother?s shoulder. ?You can?t possibly be thinking that Padriq?s working for them. Or he?d have made a pass at me and tried to use me to get to you. You know that.? ?The clan isn?t always that obvious, Ji.? Aja sighed. ?I know.? she held up a hand to the pair of siblings. ?I?m being all paranoid. But I?ve kept everyone alive and safe being this paranoid.? ?I know you have, Aja.? Ajay tried to be diplomatic now sensing Aja?s thought process on it. ?Ajia seems convinced that he?s honest in his intentions.? ?She?s..? Aja pointed at Ajia. ?A hopeless romantic too.? ?Regardless, she is also a Bird. We?re excellent judges of character.? Ajia pursed her lips as she heard her brother and bit her tongue, merely nodding. She hoped that this judge of character was wrong on Aja?s behalf. She liked seeing her twin happy. ?And I know that.? she smiled at Ajay for a moment. ?Just saying why it makes me nervous. It?s not like I told him the story about the clan.? she nodded to Ajia. ?She only knows pieces. For that matter, so do you.? Aja paced a little. ?It was never a burden I wanted either of you ta live with.? ?Stop tryin to protect us and be happy for once yeah? We?re big kids. Right Jay?? She looked to her older brother seriously, looking for a bit of support. ?It?s time she did something for herself, rather than thinking she has to take care of everyone like some... mother hen or something. She?s gettin as bad as Maria and Mami.? Oh yes, Ajia went there. ?Ajia makes a fine point. Not sure about Maria and Mami, but the rest of it.? ?I?m tellin that ya said that.? Aja cracked a grin at Ajia for a moment then sighed looking at the pair. ?I?m out numbered. No fair.? ?We mean it, Ajie... You can?t always stick out your neck for us, it?s not fair to us or you. Let us live a little, yeah?? Both Ajia?s arms folded over her chest. ?We?ve got each other and when we need each other we?ll know how to find each other. Simple as that.? ?Never that simple when it comes to them.? Aja thought about the clan and then briefly about the plans that Parker had been coming up with that she had yet to fill Ajia in on. She wasn?t sure she was going to tell her about the plans. ?But you make a point about Padriq. I know he?s probably not with the clan.? ?A clan?s man wouldn?t go back in time for ya now would they?? Ajia pointed out, bluntly. ?Hold on.? Ajay broke in before Aja could even answer Ajia. ?He went back in time?? ?Oops..? Ajia gave her sister an apologetic look then. ?When he was trying to undo what Tru had done. With the sneaky bond thing.? Aja filled in the blanks for Ajay since he knew about what Tru had done, these were the missing pieces as to how Tristan had wound up back in her life. ?He went back, and somehow. The moment he did. It brought Tristan forward in time landing him back in Arcadia and my life. I think it was unintentional.? Aja paused then restated her idea. ?I know it was unintentional.? Ajia kept her silence, not wanting to ruin what Aja had to say. She knew that there was no need for words when discussing Padriq?s actions, they usually had a way of working themselves out in one way or another. ?Padriq has a habit. Do first. Think later.? Aja sighed. ?Sort of like me years ago.? Ajay nodded remembering. ?I don?t know what if anything would make him understand where I was coming from cause he?s .. I don?t know. He?s never had to look after anyone but him I don?t think.? Aja looked at Ajia, she knew the two had been talking. When it was her and Padriq, he was more focused on the relationship and winning Aja over than he was about telling her things. ?Well with his brothers... It?s kinda, well, you know. Kill or be killed situation.? She gave her sister a slight shrug. ?I don?t think Padriq has really had the chance to think beyond the present day. And when he does, something always happens to stop him from gettin close enough to his dreams. So rather than stop dreamin, he just keeps hope. Kinda odd considering his brothers and what not.? She shrugged again. ?Guess one of the Kidds had to adopt that charm.? ?Aja.? Ajay knew better than to come any closer when she was working stuff out in her head. ?Given what Ajia has just said, perhaps you are being a touch over protective?? ?No chances taken with yer niece and nephew. With Parker or Rikki.. and now Ajia.? Aja?s tone of voice took on a tone that Ajay had come to associate with her determination. ?None. I want zero doubt.? ?Padriq loves those kids to death and you know it. I think he?d die for those kids as much as he?d die for you. Trevor can protect himself, you taught him that. And you don?t think Parker and Rico can?t do the same? Maria would kill anyone who came close to Mara and so would I. Stop thinking of others and think of yourself Ajie. What does your bleedin gut say?? Ajia looked to her brother for support. You know? Hammer some since in to their sister. Ajay looked between the girls and almost laughed. As different as they appeared to be at times, this was one area they were similar. Do all for family. ?I still want zero doubt, Ajia. If yer gonna spend yer life with someone, you don?t want any what if?s there.? ?There?s no such thing as ZERO DOUBT Aja!? Ajia was getting a bit flustered. ?If you want zero doubt, you might as well get him dipped in gold and polished. Perfection ain?t comin or mom and dad would still be here to help us get through this. Zero Doubt is fake as they come. Either you want something or you don?t. It?s as simple as that.? Both her arms folded over her chest. ?Don?t you see how impossible you?re being? You?re being protective of anyone so that you don?t have to face a damn thing.? Aja blinked at Ajia and then busted up laughing. ?Easy killer.? she smiled at Ajay. ?Get her a scooby snack or something.? she chuckled. ?I?m allowed to have some doubts, ok? It is after all my life.? ?Aye, but there ya go avoidin things. I know it?s your life. Your life, no one else's. Start takin that into consideration, yer kids will still be there safe and sound in the end yeah? If anyone?s taught them anything it?s you. Mara knows how to keep her head clear of danger so does Trevor. For once just cut off the scared bits and do somethin other than protecting and doubting. The second something happens to fall into your lap that is amazing, you do this, don?t you?? Still snipping at her sister. ?Tru was just as head strong as Padriq, he jumped to the bond real quick, but you chalked that up to being Tru. He coulda been part of the clan to, right? You never doubted me when I waltzed in because I showed our family?s mark clear and true. But I coulda been part of the clan?s plans too.? She sighed. ?All I?m sayin, is maybe you?re just a bit TOO worried and paranoid about everyone else that you aint thinkin about yourself or letting yourself move on. You?re so wound up in keepin everyone safe Aja. It?s like you can?t see past protecting them. They?re just as much Birds as we are, down t? Rico and Parker. Even if they don?t have Bird blood like Mara and Trevor.? Aja stood letting her sister rant. She knew the girl was trying to help, but there was so much she didn?t know. Ajay took a similar stance while Ajia was talking. ?The birthmark of this family, couldn?t be faked, JiJi.? She addressed that first. It was why Aja never questioned it. ?As fer Tru. It was Tru being Tru. He was always impetuous. Not that you knew that about him.? she pointed out calmly, not so much to defend the elf she had come to know as more devious than she could have ever imagined. ?I?d known him long enough to understand how his mind worked and it wasn?t like he could hide anything from me with that bond.? ?How do you know that? He?s the one that made the bond. You were able to hide things from him, why couldn?t he hide things from you?? Ajia shook her head a little and rubbed her temples. ?All I?m saying is, you?ve got a strong gut Aja, but perhaps you?ve let it control you a bit too much. Obsessing over protecting everyone just the way I obsessed about finding Serm in that mirror and watching him die over and over again for the things he?d done. Or the way I watched mom in that mirror until I was so drunk and stupid that I lost myself with that image.? Aja thought over all of what Ajia said carefully, not sure what to say first. Ajia didn't really know Tru that well, so she got that Ajia would feel irritated as everyone else had become with the elf when he did what he did. She glanced at Ajay then back to Ajia. ?I get that you?re all with the romance of this, JiJi." she referred to Padriq then. "And I?m thrilled that one of us can do that.? ?It?s not about the romance of this, Ajie. This is about you being happy. This is about you, for once, having something that makes you happy. I know ya got your kids, but they?re leaving the nest and living their life and yada yada, blah blah... I just want you to be happy and let the paranoia go for once.? Ajia looked to her brother, hoping once again for some help on the matter. ?Ji...? Aja held up a hand, this was the part of the argument that went off the rails for her, people insisting she was unhappy somehow. ?Happy is not something that is missing from my life.? Aja ran a hand through her hair and sighed. ?I have happy. I have content. This is about the romance for me. You need to get that.? Ajia threw up her arms in defeat and shook her head. Her frame shifted for a moment, and finally she stood. She shook her head a little, ?Ya don?t get it Ajie. Least not the way I?m sayin it.? And with that she sighed and took a moment to step out. She needed a breath of fresh air, or something. Ajay watched the sisters argue, while he knew it was a serious conversation, he couldn?t help but smile a little because this is what it would?ve been like had they all been together in the house. Maybe not this exact situation, but something very close to it. He could also see the difference in how the sisters related to each other and how they each thought about different topics. Aja seemed to be more internal with her thought processes. He wasn?t sure if it was a learned behavior or not, Ajia seemed to be the more impassioned one when it came to, at least, matters of the heart. They also seemed to differ on what they believed added up to being happy. Ajia being in the camp that seemed to believe that in order to be happy, a relationship was needed and Aja seemed to think a relationship was an addition to a happy life. He smiled a little at that difference in the girls. Aja paced around then as Ajia left the room slightly irritated, then she stopped and looked at Ajay. ?Ya sure I can?t just shoot her?? ?I am.? ?She a frickin hopeless romantic, Ajay!? Aja sighed then sat down slowly regaining her composure, something he had noticed she?d been doing more often as the years went on. ?And it?s sweet and cute. And just all shades of adorable. But I?ve never been the girl who needed a guy to consider myself happy.? ?Aja," he had a calming tone that made Aja look at him. "I think it?s you that she?s fighting for. Not necessarily the man.? ?Shut up.? Aja muttered with a grin. She hadn?t been fully ready to discuss the whole situation anyway. Adding Ajia into the discussion took it to places she hadn?t yet thought about and was ill prepared to discuss. And somehow, Ajay understood that. ?Whether you know it or not," he took her gently by the shoulders then and looked at her seriously. "there are people you can lean on. Watch your back.? ?Yeah, yeah. You, Rikki, Parker.. etc, etc.? She rolled her hand, looking at Ajay in the same way he was looking at her. ?And I know that.? ?Ajia sees this as your chance to have everything she thinks you deserve.? ?And this is why you are king and I build ships, Ajay.? she smiled warmly at him. ?It?s why I sailed the blue for so many years.? Aja looked out to the patio garden where Ajia was pacing around. ?It's simple out there, ya know. People on the ship, good. People on other ships.. suspect.? ?You have to let that go sometime, Sis.? he said gently knowing that trust and Aja didn?t always go hand in hand. She had too many reasons to always be on guard. And as much as Aja had told him, he knew there was a lot she didn?t mention to him about her past. "Start embracing the now." ?I know.? Aja said with a nod, looking at him. ?For the most part, I do live in the now. But it doesn?t change my basic response to things, Ajay." Aja sighed turning slightly to watch Ajia pace around. Using the few moments to regroup. "Padriq?s tendency to go full speed makes me nervous. It always has.? she leaned back. ?I do love the guy. Not saying I don?t.? ?I believe you.? Ajay said softly not wanting to sound combative. ?I wonder if she does.? Aja motioned to the patio where Ajia was. She stood silently not minding when Ajay stood silently, behind her. "She's talking to me like she thinks somehow I don't know how much he loves me." "And do you?" he asked softly. "What?" Aja turned to look at Ajay curiously. "Know how much he loves me?" "Yes." he stood watching Ajia with Aja, giving Aja the space she needed to relate things as she felt comfortable. "Of course I know that." Aja swatted his arm lightly. ?Just saying, he?s a little .. overwhelming if you?re not used ta him.? Ajay laughed and then stood by Aja while they both watched Ajia pace restlessly around the garden. ?You know.? Ajay started quietly. ?Sometimes, it?s still a little odd to see there be two of you.? ?Tell me about it.? Aja smiled still watching her sister, she glanced at her brother. ?I promise. I?ll tell you the whole story, Ajay. In a way that makes sense.? ?I understand.? he paused, then glanced over at Aja. ?I do have one question.? Ajay asked quietly. ?Ask.? Aja said still watching her sister, but stealing a glance at Ajay. ?What will happen with Tristan?? he asked not looking at her because he knew that she responded better to that style of sharing. ?There will be a conversation.? she said simply. ?Hopefully, a calm one. And that will be that.? ?You?re worried it will turn out like Huma?? ?No. Tristan, whatever his faults, is still three times the man Huma was. He?ll handle it. Maybe he already knows.? Aja said watching Ajia inspect some plants while she thought about the recent days at the manor house. They spent more and more time doing things separately. ?I mean, he has to realize by now that we?re vastly different people than we were.? ?I know I am biased when it comes to my baby sisters.? Ajay started with a smile. ?Be that as it may, I can?t imagine someone willingly letting you go.? ?He?ll have to.? she said simply. ?Just as I had to let the idea of him go.? ?Sounds reasonable.? ?Was hoping you?d see it that way.? Aja smiled up at him. ?As fer Sher and her crazy wedding planning. Get her to hold off a while?? ?I will.? Ajay hugged Aja and kissed her head. ?Are you going to go out there now?? he motioned to the garden. ?Eh..? Aja smiled a bit watching Ajia muttering to herself. ?She?ll come back in when she?s not all hopped up.? ?I have to say,? he said carefully. ?You are a lot calmer than you used to be.? ?That?s cause I?m not all jacked up on pixie sticks.? Aja winked at him. ?I still have fun, Ajay. I still am rowdy and loud.? he chuckled at that. ?I just have more of a need now for things that are stable and in good running order. I like having that routine going so I can do other things.? ?Like driving your sister nuts?? ?That?s an added bonus?? Aja grinned at Ajay who laughed.. ?She?s got Rico ta worry over now. It?s rather fun ta watch the two of them.? ?Of the times I met him, he seemed very quiet. Reserved.? Ajay recalled the time he met the first mate of his sister. ?Oh. He is.? Aja smiled watching Ajia finally seeming to calm down some. ?Not something she likes much.? ?She?s looking for...?? Ajay prompted for more information, but would be disappointed. ?Grand romance?? Aja shrugged. ?You?ll have to ask her. I?ve been observing so far. Not asking many questions. Sort of letting it happen on its own.? ?And after the whole hiccup and him freaking me out.. I?ve pretty much taken Aja?s idea.? Shrugging her shoulders a little as she walked in. ?Kinda learn something about yourself and your feelings when your boyfriend does sorta a personality flip on you.? Both her arms folded over her chest while her brow ticked up. ?You do know that basically this means that Ajay and I get to have a private talk about you right, Aja?? She gave a small grin to her twin. Aja looked at Ajia confused about the hiccup comment. She wondered if Rico had been in the scotch prior to that. Then she grinned. ?Like ya weren?t already plannin one?? she laughed. ?Romantic intervention or some such thing.? Ajia waved it off, if Rico hadn?t told Aja about it then she wasn?t sure if she should. She moved back to her spot and sat down,? Just you wait till I get to talk with Sher.? She winked. ?That?s jist evil!? Aja laughed then smiled at Ajay. ?Speaking of our gorgeous sister in law, where might I find her? A premptive strike is needed.? she grinned at Ajay who laughed. ?She?s probably in the kitchen.? ?I?ll leave Ajia to snark at you about me while I go make the kitchen staff nervous.? She kissed Ajay?s cheek. ?Whatever she says, she?s making it up.? Aja beamed a bright smile at Ajia then before scooting out of range of being swatted and heading for the kitchen wing of the castle. ?Have fuuunn.? She snickered softly and stood, moving towards the door and locking it, or attempting to. ?She?s such a pain in the butt.? ?She can be difficult. Hard headed. But that is another fine Bird trait.? Ajay smiled proudly watching Ajia. ?One you seem to have as well.? ?Who me?? She blinked a little, staring at her brother. ?Are you sure?? ?I am.? he smiled. ?Not many people speak to Aja that way and not have their heads removed.? he chuckled. ?You were arguing pretty intently there for your point of view and didn?t back down. Indicates a strong will. Stubbornness.? ?It?s the only way to hammer something in her head.? She wrinkled her nose a little. ?I mean, she just won?t listen if it?s something she doesn?t want to hear or care about.? ?Aja has always had her own ideas.? Ajay smiled watching Ajia?s face. ?She?s very used to having things her way. Which is why I believe Huma, Nikki or even that elf, Tru, did not last long in her world.? he took a seat on the couch. ?This Padriq, from the way you made him sound is, stubborn enough to stand with her?? ?Let?s just say, when he knows and sees what he wants, he doesn?t give up. He?s been fighting this long for her... He won?t stop ?till he?s old and grey.? She answered her brother and sighed. ?Rico scared the hell outta me for a good while. Made me think about things a lot.? Ajay nodded with the information about Padriq. If anyone was going to keep up with Aja, that man sounded like a good candidate. The information was quickly filed away and he moved on to Rico. ?How did Rico scare you? He seems so laid back.? ?He is. He always has.? She said honestly, ?But a few weeks ago, he just did this 180, went completely weird on me. Started talking about me being a bad girl, and naughty this and that. Like completely treating me as if I was just another girl..? She shook her head. ?Then he started talkin bed talk, and I always remembered him telling me he was going to make it special, but he was just sorta...? She shakes her head. ?Ready to dive in all the sudden and nothing felt special about it.? Ajay listened along, thinking about what she said for a moment. ?Reaction to a change in you, or just sudden?? ?Just sudden. He said it was stress, but he?s not telling me something.? She frowned. ?When he gets it into his head that something should be private, he keeps it to himself. I?m just worried it?s going to eat at him until he snaps. And not in a good way.? Not that snapping was ever good. ?He?s always been a quiet man.? Ajay related what he knew of the man in question. ?I used to believe that was a defensive thing because your sister is so loud.? Ajay smiled gently. ?A sudden change could be triggered by events going on around him.? ?Yes, but whatever is going on around him to cause that much of a change he?s not interested in talking about... or telling me about.? She shrank a little. ?Aja said he went all strange when Stinky and his friends were hanging about the other day, but for what reason, she didn?t know.? ?Or knew and wouldn?t betray him.? Ajay patted the couch space next to him. ?Your sister would protect his secrets with her life. As he does with hers. I do wonder if she even knows how drastic his behavior has been with you, though.? ?But... there has to be like some rule about that right? I?m his girl, he can tell me anything.? She brought her hands through her hair. ?So, what is it? Does he not trust me? Or does he not want to worry me? Or am I just... blowing everything out of proportion? Aja complains about Padriq not talking to her all the time, and I know how she feels sometimes.? Ajay put his arm around Ajia lightly and patted her shoulder. This was a rare moment where he actually got to dispense some brotherly advice. ?What I know of Rico is what I have observed or the small bits that Aja has mentioned. The two of them are thick as thieves. From years of watching each other?s back on the ship.? Ajay paused remembering something Aja told him once. ?She once said there were things that were easier to tell him, rather than say me or even a paramour. Due to the close nature of their friendship.? Ajay leaned his head against Ajia?s. ?Maybe, this is one of those items for him. It would be easier for him to tell Aja but not you.? Ajia sighed, her hands moving to the bridge of her nose and rubbing it. ?I hate it when I have to compete with Aja like that, Ajay. I still feel like when he looks at me, he sees her.? Both her lips pursed in thought. ?I doubt that?s how it is.? Ajay paused thinking about the girls looking alike for a moment. He suddenly wondered how Rico did deal with them looking so much alike, at least in the face. Their fashion choices for their hair and clothes separated them well enough. ?Well. I can?t be sure. But I think it?s more their length of time together. She knows things about his life that you weren?t there for.? ?It?s easier for you, ya know. We?re both your sisters. But with me, it?s his best friend and his girlfriend. Cept, I?ve been around a lot less than she has. And deep down, when you look at our faces, I?m not sure there?s much of a difference.? She looked to her brother. ?I don?t know if any amount of time would ever mend that.? ?He didn?t strike me as the type of man to take something up that he didn?t think he could handle.? Ajay tried to offer comfort on that level at least. ?What if he thought he could handle it, but can?t?? Her eyes turned to her brother, a true sign of worry in them. ?I love Rico, Ajay, I really do... I just don?t know if that?s enough these days. I think if I were more like Aja, then maybe, but.. I dunno.? Ajay couldn?t help but laugh at that a little. He kissed Ajia on the head. ?One of your being like Aja is enough.? he smiled. ?You be yourself. If Rico didn?t like it, I?m sure he wouldn?t be in the relationship.? She nodded to her brother and sighed. ?We should probably rescue your wife.? ?Sher can handle Aja. Sometimes better than we can.? he winked at Ajia. ?But I get your point.? ?Sher is gonna faint when she learns there?s no wedding...? She said softly. ?Maybe we should stay here. Probably safer.? Ajay laughed at that and patted Ajia?s shoulder. ?If what you are saying about Padriq is true, there could still be one. Just different than Sher had intended.? ?I may be a romantic, but I?m not blind. It?s true.? She looked to her brother with a smile. ?Aja?s lucky. She?s got men crawling all over her and all of them have the hots for her in one way or another.? Ajay nodded slightly. ?And how many of them does she even notice?? he chuckled. ?I seem to recall her being sort of oblivious when she has projects going.? ?Don?t forget slave driver too.? Adds as she grins. Which Ajay laughed heartily at. ?She is rather determined when she gets going, isn?t she?? ?She just needs a whip for Christmas and the package will be complete.? Mumbles. ?Do not give her any ideas.? Ajay chuckled as he got up off the couch. ?Or any new toys.? ?Oh no, wouldn?t want to do that, considering she has enough explosives to level Arcadia in her office.? She snickered and stood as well. ?I do seem to recall her love of making them.? he smiled as he ushed them through the door and the hall leading towards the kitchen wing. She smiled as she walked with him. ?I think it?s gotten worse as she?s gotten older.? ?Oh dear heavens.? Ajay smiled. ?I would?ve thought she?d have grown out of that phase.? he smiled at Ajia. ?She told me you have a large barn you hide in with your artwork.? ?Yeah, haven?t in a while.? She gave him a small smile. ?Afraid Mom and Dad was my big must do project before I got burnt out.? ?I am glad you did. So are many of the other citizens in Ballentine.? Ajay paused for a moment and swallowed. ?They are still missed here after all these years.? Ajia paused, swallowing hard as she heard those words. ?Do you remember what they were like?? She looked to him, curiously. Ajay walked along silently for a moment before answering. ?Kind. Generous.? he started then smiled warmly. ?Loving. To each other and me.? his eyes looked misty for a moment. ?They were youthful and energetic. And I know they were looking forward to you girls. I don?t believe they knew there would two of you right away.? he smiled again. ?I do recall there being a lot of pink things being moved into the castle...? he trailed off then, knowing how that ended up. The back of her hand slid over her eyes for a moment and she cleared her throat. ?What was *he* like?? They both aught to have known who he was. It was the reason their family was broken after all. ?Was he always like Aja says he was like in the end?? Ajay glanced at Ajia, his stride slowed a bit. ?What did she say he was like?? ?Power hungry, greedy... Paranoid.? She looked to her brother with a meek look on her face. Ajay nodded at that slightly. ?Those are good descriptions.? he was silent again. ?He wanted everything handed to him. He was selfish.? ?Even as a kid? Growing up with him?? Ajia had always wondered what would make Serm snap like that, what would make her brother get into such a state. ?He was a jealous soul. He wanted to be the only one.? Ajay said simply. ?He got worse as the years went by. No one was ever sure why. Least of all me.? ?I see.? Ajia went silent, taking a few steps before pausing. ?Why did he feel like Mom and Dad had to die? Wasn?t getting rid of Aja, me, and then trying to get rid of you enough? Certainly killing them didn?t justify anything. He would have had everything he wanted as soon as they were too old.? ?In order to have the throne, our parents would have to be ?? he swallowed then. ?Gone. No other way for him to obtain the control he wished to have with them here. To many were loyal to our parents.? She swallowed lightly, nodded, and kept her silence while she walked beside her brother. She wasn?t sure what to say after that. ?I don?t believe that he thought it out all the way however.? Ajay almost smiled. ?Even if he had obtained the throne, he would?ve been the target of many attempts on his life. As I said, our parents had many loyal followers.? ?Still wasn?t enough to keep them safe.? She said, looking to her brother. ?Maybe Padriq shoulda gone back in time and warned them.? She couldn?t help but grin. Ajay raised his eyebrow to that remark. ?I don?t believe that to be wise, considering who got dragged back the last time he went. Yes?? ?Yeah... Could be another huge mess. Serm included.? Grimaces a little at the thought. ?Don?t want that.? Though, secretly, she wouldn?t mind the chance to get to shoot him once or twice. But she?d never tell anyone that. ?If Serm returned, he?d be dealing with the three of us. All grown up and able to fight back. He wouldn?t stand a chance.? Ajay seemed to smile wider at that thought. ?Well in that case...? There was a thoughtful, yet teasing tone to her voice. ?Let?s not court trouble where none presently exists. Shall we?? ?You mean let?s not court trouble while Aja?s brand of trouble keeps breeding.? She snickered lightly. ?Precisely. You know we have our hands full with her as it is.? he winked at Ajia. ?Totally.? A laugh filled the hall as she paused at the kitchen door to listen for trouble. Which they would hear some. At least hear the head chef getting irritated. ?Ya know, ya connect this doohickey ta a motor and it would go faster than by hand.? Aja was saying in the same tone that she got whenever she had an idea for something. ?It?s not a doohickey, Princess.? the head chef was saying. ?Don?t call me Princess!? Aja said adamantly. Ajia?s hand cupped over her mouth as she laughed, still listening. ?Of course.? The head chef conceeded. ?Aja,? Sher started gently. ?He?s only following protocol.? ?Protocol bites.? Aja muttered. Ajia looked to her brother, still snickering and shaking her head. ?Up to you, run for it, or walk head first into danger?? ?I believe we shall rescue the chef before Aja makes use of his knives.? Ajay was grinning then pushed the door open the rest of the way open. ?Aww. That?s always the fun part though.? Whispering to her brother before stepping through the door. Ajay chuckled lightly, then headed towards Sher and Aja. ?Aja? Are you irritating Pierre?? ?If I?m lucky.? She grinned at Ajay and shot a look to Pierre who was cursing in what sounded like French. ?I like it when cooks are angry. They either do a better job, or... they set things on fire. Both equally appealing.? She waved to Sher as she spotted her sister-in-law. ?She made you grey yet?? ?Not just yet, Miss Ajia.? Sher greeted her other sister in law warmly with a kiss to the cheek and a hug. ?Left alone long enough with her, she was bound to do so.? Snickering a little as she returned the hug and kiss to the cheek. ?I have access ta kitchen knives, JiJi.. We can make yer hair shorter in no time flat.? Aja teased. ?If it would make me look less like you, then I?m game.? She stuck out her tongue to her sister. ?Have you seen yourself in a mirror lately?? Teasing. Aja laughed and waved a hand at Ajia. ?Ya wish ya looked dis pretty.? she brushed her hair back off her shoulder haughty like with a grin. ?Girls, let?s retire to the patio away from potential weapons, shall we?? Ajay gently interrupted with a smile. ?Aja?s always packin, Ajay, you know this.? She said as she started for the door. ?Damn straight.? Aja grinned brightly heading out doors with her family. ?Never travel without a weapon.? ?All gung ho like and stuff.? Muttering lightly and teasing her sister. ?Like a cowboy.? ?Cowboy?s are pansies.? Aja nodded sagely. ?Too concerned with sheepies and horses.? ?Careful sis. You worry about things like sheepies and horses, they just look a bit more like people and ships.? She nudged her twin. ?I only worry about ?em when I gotta transport them.? Aja settled on a patio chair and glanced around at the servants making their preparations to get the family drinks. ?Have you taken to shipping livestock, Aja?? Sher asked politely. ?On occasion. We?re into moving all sorts of merchandise these days.? Aja leaned out of the way of a serving lad then returned her position. ?Livestock, stone, wood, food.. if ya can ship it, we do it.? Ajia was settled to the side, listening to her sister speak. She wasn?t as familiar with this part of the shipping as she would like, in some ways she was glad of that. ?Sounds ambitious.? Ajay said as he settled at the head of the outdoor table. ?Suppose. Keeps the yards busy, profitable fer the family.? Aja picked up her tea cup and peeked into it before shrugging and taking a drink. ?Trevor?s running the Inn. Ajia?s got the design and art thing going. Whole family is busy.? ?Quite busy, they need a vacation, you work them too hard...? She added, still grinning in her spot. ?I do not, Little Miss I Hide In My Barn.? Aja grinned at Ajia, in a sense ratting her out to Ajay and Sher about her habits. ?Swear if I let her, she would move her bed into there.? ?Rico wouldn?t let me move into the barn, you know that.? She stuck out her tongue at her sister. ?I haven?t worked on a design in weeks either.? ?Cause I would have his head if he did let ya.? she grinned and then sipped her tea. ?No, it?s because he?d miss snuggling me, you?ve seen how he acts when I?m not there. Clinging to a pillow was it?? Okay, that made her smile as she recalled what Tristan and Aja had said with her last episode of hiding. Aja just perked a brow looking very amused now as Ajay seemed to sit up a little straighter hearing that. ?You?re living with Rico, Ajia?? The tone of Ajia?s skin paled instantly. Her lips formed a big ol ?O? before she cleared her throat and attempted to gather herself. She shifted in her seat and tugged on the collar of her neck. ?Is it hot out here to anyone else?? Aja grinned amused at Ajia and watched as Ajay leaned forward slightly. ?I was not aware that you were living with Rico.? He looked at Ajia with his big protective expression then looked at Aja sternly. ?And you failed to mention that.? ?Of course I did.? Aja smiled at him. ?None of yer business if she?s living with my first mate or not.? ?Rico hasn?t done anything with me Ajay, says he?s waiting for the right time. Wants to make it perfect or something, so all we do is talk, snuggle, and sleep.? She was honest about that part at least. He didn?t need to know they bathed together. ?I can?t do anything about you. But I did have hopes of having one sister being a proper lady.? ?Proper is over rated.? Aja laughed. ?Ajay. I believe your sisters have their own lives and ideas of what is and isn?t proper.? Sher interceded on the siblings conversation. Ajay sighed. ?I do know that. I did hope though that since Ajia leans more towards civility than Aja does, there was hope for a proper princess.? ?Hang on a second, what do you mean ?proper princess??? Ajia?s tone was quite that of a mother?s or a scorned woman. ?Another eloquent representative of Ballentine would be most beneficial, Ajia. I already know I can not rely on Aja to dress the part and take the role.? Ajay related. ?There are many countries we have diplomatic relations with.? ?And you?d rather me marry a lord or prince from them I?m sure.? Both her hands folded over her chest. ?Wear dresses, hold proper in court, dance at balls, and bow like a modest woman afraid of batting her eyes wrong.? ?Rico?s a prince.? Aja grinned broadly. ?So I don?t think ya have ta worry about that bit.? ?Next thing you know Mami will get a visit from Ajay and arrange an alliance with our union.? Ajia snorted a little. That made Aja crack up into giggles. ?Ya jist gave him the idea if he didn?t already have it!? Aja barely got it out in between giggles, making Sher start to chuckle now too. ?Oh god, Rico?s going to murder me the way I keep talking.? Both her hands went to her head as she shook it. ?Now, she catches on.? Aja laughed and winked at Sher. ?I?m surprised you hadn?t warned her not to bring up that kind of thing.? Ajay looked over at Aja then with a less stern expression. ?And miss the fun of her getting all tweaked out?? It was Ajia?s turn to give her twin a deadly look, one that was sure to make someone roll in their grave. Aja merely smiled back at Ajia sweetly then looked at Ajay. ?Ya know, I had thought that ya?d given up on that whole proper royalty thing.? she smiled at Ajay. ?We?ve never been like that, Ajay. Well, you have. But.. me? Nah.? ?I?ve been trying to live up to what mom and dad would want.? That struck Ajia more than it aught to. She shifted uncomfortably and kept her silence while she sipped on one of the drinks the servants had delivered. Her eyes focused a bit off to the distance as she thought. ?I get that.? Aja nodded lightly. Ajia did as well, though hers was smaller. ?We honor them in other ways, Ajay. We always have.? ?Aja?s right, Ajay. The three of you are still alive and make them proud every day.? Sher said with a smile. Ajia shifted a little then stood. ?Excuse me for a moment.? She nodded to them in turn before stepping for the door. ?Powder room and such.? Trying to keep a modest tone. Aja watched Ajia disappear into the castle then looked at Ajay. ?Ya can?t be throwing all the pomp and circumstance stuff at her. Me? I?ll tell ya ta stuff it.? Aja grinned at Ajay. ?She?s not brave enough with ya yet ta say the same.? ?I never meant to make her uncomfortable.? ?Have you seen you being over protective?? Aja grinned at Ajay. ?Ya are formidable.? Aja leaned forward slightly. ?And mentioning mom and dad? Yeah.. that was a good way to freak her out.? ?I certainly didn?t mean to.? Ajia returned a moment later and returned to her spot at the table acting as though she was quite fine. She patted her stomach a little and sighed. ?Is food done yet?? Granted, she had fixed her hair up a little, smoothed out her clothes, and found her bag to put heels on rather than walking shoes. ?Yes, chicken girl.? Aja gave her a grin as Ajia rejoined them. ?Oh good. I?m hungry.? Ajia glanced to her twin, her brow rose a little. ?Why are you calling me a chicken now?? ?Fer fun.? Aja winked at her sister. She made a face at her sister then settled back, smiling to her brother and Sher warmly. ?What else has been happening here, besides all the new developments?? ?Just the day to day of keeping a kingdom running smoothly.? Ajay gave an easy smile then. The family caught up with what day to day meant to each of them through lunch and shared some amusing tales from their recent weeks. Later would be time for more details of why the wedding would be pushed back. For now, they just enjoyed each others company.