Into The Shadows : Growing Pains - The Lost Chronicles

[Corinthyalas]

Aye family is important to our lady here but...
Rayne came from the room that was connected to the main room where Brendan and Brayden were being kept in the series of chambers that Payne had given for her family to stay in. Cori noticed right off in the darkened room lit only by the fire that her Mama Rayne did not look well at all and was on her feet only to have her Mama wave her off. Cori had to smile to herself because standing right behind her Mama was her Pa, looking a little disheveled like he had been suddenly awakened from a sound sleep, but he was there just the same.
D'nay be jumpin' up on my account mela en' coiamin.
Coris brows knit together and she ignored her mama going to her anyway putting a hand to her cheek and then her forehead.
You look green mama..
She heard Valiant chuckle a little and shot him a look, her mamas hand on her arm made her look at her.
Yeah? Well at least this time around I'm not living in a bathing room like I was with you, it's just your brother or sister bouncing around in there Cor, you have someone using your insides for a playroom and see if you don't look a little green now and then.
Her mother winked at her and she shook her head.
I was that bad huh?
Rayne touched her cheek lovingly, Cori could see the pride her mother had for her shining in her blue eyes.
The worst my love, d'nay be lying ta ye on it. Only reason I even knew ye was there was I started losing my stomach every other minute, an then when ye grew enough for me ta really feel, ye never rested wee one. Always on the go... not much be changin' there either. Still was worth every day and night, every second. Now speakin' a bein' on the go... get outta 'ere. D'nay be lookin' at me like that King, this one here came from this body a' mine an' I think my daughter has proven on more than one occasion that she is responsible and well minded enough to be able to be off on her own without needin' babysitters. Aye I be knowin' her Da has his rules but we all need time of our own without havin' nannies right up our asses don't we Corinthyalas?
Rayne winked at her and Cori threw her arms around her mama.
Don't have to tell me twice Mama. But what if he starts in on you?
Rayne jerked her head in Valiants direction.
This one here'll step in if need be d'nay be worryin' Cori, your father isn't the only one who gets to make choices around here and I think you've earned some free time, besides I know you won't do anything to embarrass yourself or anyone else for the matter now will you?
Cori shook her head and kissed her mamas cheek.
No mama.
At this point Cori turned on Payne and took his hand in hers pulling him out of the chair.
You heard her your Majesty... free time. There's something I've been wanting to show you but I haven't been able to until now... don't worry it's nothing that will get either of us killed or make my father ballistic.
She didn't wait for any protests, Cori grabbed her black cloak and was out the door calling quietly behind her.
Might want to get something warm to put on your Majesty, I'll meet you in the garden by the jewel roses...

[Payne Ethrorrian]

Rayne, as much as I appreciate your trust in your daughter and obvious trust in me I did give my word to her father. What good is a man that can not keep his word? I know that she would not do anything to cause trouble for anyone. I know you and Condrik do not see eye to eye on things with Cori. I however need to keep the word that I have given to her Father. You must understand as much as I want to get to know Cori even better I am not going to cause problems like that for anyone. I will see if Aranor is still up he and Payten can stay enough away that we will have our privacy but close enough that her father will not have a fit if he comes across that she is with me. It is only right. As I told Cori I understand that her father does not think me to be the vilest of people but I also understand his need and want to protect his child. The last thing that i wish to do is to cause a big fight between a father and his child.

He knew where she would head it was not hard to find anyone that he wanted to. He went to Aranor and his sister to tell them what he needed. Aranor agreed and when Payten gave that look that he knew he was going to get he put his hand up.

Listen to me, I know your feelings about Condrik's rules, I know most everyone's feelings about his rules. You must realize there is more to it than just the rules he laid down. I agreed to his rules, and to go against that would be to go against my word. What do we have to stand on if not our own word. I know that you think it ridiculous and wrong that Condrik has such rules but I agreed to it because time with Cori is important to me enough that I would be willing to follow the rules.

He grinned at his sister and knew she would understand how important this was to him. He grinned at her and his eyes went outside and started to head for Cori who he knew was not going to be please with what he had done.

[Payten Shadow]

Payne thinks he needs to explain himself to me? Hmph. I'm not the one whose going to have a complete nervous breakdown because she can't breathe without having people up her ass. Aranor you have got to talk to your brother! When Payne and I were her age we were behind bars hustlin' booze and we were living Aranor. Living. Yanno my Pa was right there but at the same time he wasn't, course my situation was a little different. Coris' never had to live life on the run, but still, even with us being on the run the way were were til we settled in Pallia, I was still given my freedom. He's going to push her over the edge Bright Eyes, you can see it in her eyes. She's trying so hard to do what he says but he's slowly killing Coris spirit.
Payten was walking over the snow covered grounds heading to where Payne asked her and Aranor to be, it pissed Payten off that Cons dumbass rules didn't just affect Cori, they affected everyone else around her too, he wanted someone with her all the damn time then let him be the one standing outside freezing his ass off, Payten had a husband and a baby of her own to take care of, and wasn't Con the same one who said Aidan had his own family? Yet because of his overbearing protectiveness of Cori, everyone at one point or another was pulled away from their families to take care of his daughter.
I swear to the gods something needs to be done about this, Paynes damn lucky my Pa could sit with Ema... don't look at me like that either, if you act like this when Ema reaches this age I may have to kill you, you are not going to suffo...
Paytens words died in her throat when she saw coming towards them, no not really coming towards them but running nonetheless a wolf with the whitest blondest fur she ever saw, and over the right ear of the wolf was a dark streak of fur. Payten swore she never saw a wolf as beautiful as the one she was seeing now except for her beloved Bright Eyes. She stopped walking and put a hand on Aranors arm, the wolf saw them and stopped running. Blue eyes looked between her and Aranor and Payten swore she heard something that sounded just like a sob come from the wolf. Was that Cori?
Cor?
The wolf started backing away, and this time Payten knew she heard a whimper.
Cori...
Like an arrow shot from a bow the wolf was gone.
Aranor go after her! Did you know she could do that? I've never seen it and if I've never seen it...
Payten changed the direction they had been walking in and was now running for the palace. Her order from the time that Emalina was born for no wolves to be shot on the palace grounds and in the woods was still in effect but this wolf had yet to be seen by anyone and if any guard forgot the law that Payten laid down Cori could very well get hurt and if that happened Payten would never let anyone live it down, and Payne might very well start calling for peoples heads.

[Corinthyalas]

Cori was excited, not just because she was going to be able to have a few minutes with Payne without having any bodyguards or babysitters in her face and knowing every move she made but because she did have something she wanted to share with him. It was something that only one other person in her life had seen because to Cori it was something special that she only did now and then, and it was something she enjoyed not having to share with the world. That night in the gardens Cori was going to show Payne what her wolf looked like. Not even her parents had seen her wolf, only Aidan had because she shared every accomplishment with Aidan, just like Aidan shared every accomplishment with her. They had no secrets between them, and that was how she thought it should be with her and Payne. She heard snow being crushed beneath boots and turned around with a smile, a winter wind blew at the same time and on that wind Cori caught scents that shouldn't have been there. Her nose twitched in time with her right ear, the smile faded not entirely but the brightness from it was gone replaced with disappointment and sadness and she looked to the ground for a moment then looked up again.
Even now after my own mother said it was all right, my own mother, the woman who pushed me from her body and has as much right to make choices as my father said it was all right... I still cannot get even five minutes alone... five gods damn minutes is too much to ask for.
It wasn't Paynes fault, she knew he was just following her fathers damn rules but that night she reached her breaking point. All she wanted was to show Payne what no one else had seen except for Aidan without the chance that anyone else might see her because her ability to change forms was something she saw as special and not meant to be shared with everyone, and she couldn't even have that.
I wanted you to see this... without anyone else around... but that isn't going to happen now is it? It's pointless... all of this...
Without so much as a thought Cori took off her cloak and changed into her wolf, she didn't stand there waiting to see what Payne would say or do, she just took off running stopping only when she saw her Aunt and Uncle, and even then she didn't stop for long. Inside Cori was screaming but the sound came out in a whimpered sob and she kept on running. When she got tired from running she did something she didn't know if anyone else could do or not but in wolf form she slipped into the shadows and just ran not caring where she ended up, she just knew she was getting as far away from ribbons and curls as she could get.

[Aranor Shadow]

He followed her running in wolf form he always kept a pack with him with clothes in it. He went running after her following her and her scent until he was able to tackle her in wolf form to the ground pinning his niece. He knew in that form he could communicate with her still.

Listen Cori I know this is not what you wanted but at least give Payne a chance. We were not going to be right on you or anything just there for him to be able to keep his word to your Father. He wanted the time with you too. Listen to me Cor this is not going to solve anything. Don't you know that any of us would do anything for you. Payne is doing just what he needs to do to make things easier for you two to be together, don't you realize that?

He licked her face and winked at her. He nuzzled her gently but he was waiting for her to change forms he was not letting her take off again.

[Corinthyalas]

Get off me now.
Cori growled at her Uncle furious that she couldn't even get a few minutes to herself to think, to run off the anger that was rebuilding inside her against her father. Why did everyone around her have it in their heads she wasn't capable of thinking for herself or that they had to come rushing anytime she had a problem? Didn't they get it? They were all becoming a problem and it all stemmed from the same source. The next growl came from deep within her belly and traveled to the throat of her wolf, sometimes she thought it might have been better if she was able to go demon like everyone else around her, then maybe she could get a better handle on the havoc that that part of her liked to play with her emotions. It sucked having all of the cons of the demon blood and none of the pros. He had her pinned down and it was only making her angrier.
Don't make me ask you again. Get the fuck off me Aranor. You think this helping? You are so wrong. I'll change right here... see if I won't. This isn't about Payne... the sooner you people get that into your heads the better it will be for everyone. I'm done with this. All of it. I have followed what that man has wanted down to the letter and my own mother cannot even have a say in anything.... I'm done. I'm not living like this, under constant supervision like I am Hunter and Quin, if you would do anything for me then let me live, let me breathe, let me be who I am supposed to be imperfections and all instead of helping that bastard to drive me away. And that is whats happening Aranor. Payne does not deserve this and neither do I. Let my father find someone else to suffocate.
Cori hated feeling trapped and if he didn't get off her he was going to see more of her than he would ever want to or he was going to end up going back to Payten a little bitten up either way, he was moving. She took two seconds to rethink what she was going to do and right then she relaxed her entire being.
I can stay like this for a long time. You want to stay here with me go right on ahead but I'm not going back there, so you might as well get comfortable, it's going to be a long time before you see your wife and baby again.

[Kiara Jade]

So hunting in the morning with Payne huh? That should be interesting... are you sure it would be smart to have Cori going with? Payne might end up shooting something or rather someone if she reminds him to focus the same way she did last time.
Kiara came from the bathing room trying to keep the subject off of the cough that she could no longer keep hidden from Losa. It would spring up on her whenever it damn well pleased and sometimes there just was no way to hide it. So maybe if she just ignored that it happened more often, he might let it go. Doubtful, but worth a try.
You know I think coming here was a good idea, remind me to find something special for GraceAnne and Bryce for agreeing to hold down the fort until we get back. Oh that reminds me! When we get back Bryce will be leaving for Garreith, I want Ramseys and Ulin to escort him, after all he'll be returning with GraceAnnes present and we don't want anything happening to Bugs Devil or the precious little package he'll be coming home with now do we?
She slipped into bed beside him, fluffed her pillows though it was pointless, she rarely slept on pillows, then laid down putting her head on his chest.
Is Aidan supposed to be going with you tomorrow?
The tickle was back in her throat. Not now she thought, not again. But it was unavoidable and inevitable. She started coughing again, reaching over she grabbed a tissue and put it to her lips until the cough passed and she sank back against the pillows sighing heavily.
Oh now this is just ridiculous, I swear theres' something in the air that just does not agree with me, allergies probably, on top of the cold weather, you know I'm not as young as I used to be, this getting old doesn't agree with me either.
Jade winked at him and put the tissue down on the nightstand.
Nothing a little tea won't be able fix, I'll get some in the morning.... now Majesty, your children are all asleep, that leaves just you and me... any idea what you want to do with this alone time our are we so old that we need to go right to sleep?

[Aranor Shadow]

He got up off her and went to where he got changed and threw pants on throwing her a shirt.

Here you should be able to wear that. Now I will sit here and talk with you Cori I know Con has made some mistakes. Heck I am sure I am going to make some mistakes with Ema. I know none of this is easy on you just from things Payten has told me that she remembers. I know your father is going a bit far with things that is why Payten and I were not going to be right in things. I actually understand that you would not want to have people around. I was thinking that we all could do something not as us watching but more like us having together.

He smiled and waited for her he definitely did not want to upset her more than she already was. He smiled and ruffled her hair slightly.

Come on Cori you know it is probably hardest on you and your Da with you growing so quickly. I know that does not make things better but we can only try. I was actually hoping that you could help me with something too. I was thinking the four of us could have a special dinner if you were up for it.

He smiled slightly at her, at times he could see the child he watched grow in front of him then at times he would see her as older. He grinned at her slightly.

You know you have it the roughest kid because you are the first one out of the kids that we have had to deal with growing so quickly. Everyone is going to make mistakes Cori, but just know that people may be over reacting but they still love you. You know you are still besides your Ma where your father's sun rises and sets.

[Corinthyalas]

Still in wolf form she padded back and forth on grounds that were not quite familiar to her but not quite foreign to her either. Just how long had she been running for? Everything about where they were reminded Cori of something but she couldn't put a finger on it, all she was she felt like she did the first time she saw her mother, her blood mother, Mama Rayne. She felt like she did when her mother held her in her arms for the first time that Cori could remember. Her head tilted, one furry ear perked up.
Where are we?
She asked the question more to herself but had thought it out loud so to speak. Aranor tossed a shirt at her and went on talking, she heard him but she wasn't really listening, he might not have noticed that they weren't in Firyon anymore but she noticed. Padding behind a bush she shifted and slipped the shirt he gave her over her head then stepped out, her blue eyes taking in everything, her ears tinted pink. Someone was in the trees... trees with orange, red and golden leaves. Leaves that fell to the ground, it wasn't even winter where they were. A twig snapped and she turned around. Standing behind her were three elves, lithe and beautiful, tall and regal looking. Oh hell she thought, please tell me I didn't run all the way to Carelith. Anywhere but there, Mama Rayne is going to kill me, she thought. All of a sudden she was being pushed behind her Uncle but the funny thing was, she really didn't feel threatened at all, and when the three elves knelt down in front of Aranor Cori was a little awestruck.
Greetings Prince Aranor of Firyon, husband of Princess Paytenialias and brother to the King of Pallia.
The elves eyes flickered in her direction and flared with recognition. Cori thought she saw shock on the elven mans face and she felt her cheeks turn a little pink because she was standing there with her uncles shirt hanging to her knees.
Lady Corinthyalas...
He spoke her name and it was her turn to look shocked. He smiled a little at her while she looked at the elves over her uncles shoulder like a child peeking out from behind a hiding place.
Do not look so surprised elfling, we have known you since before your birth, and we would know you anywhere, you have your mothers eyes, and some of her face, though there are hints of your father in your features it is your mother we see before us now.
It came to Cori then, just where they were and she gasped in his ear.
Gods above we're in Lorelei...

[Payten Shadow]

Someone is really going to have to start easing up on that girl before she really goes on a rampage.
Payten made the simple statement to her brother after reminding the guards about the order concerning wolves and going back outside. Payne in Paytens opinion was looking a little lost, a whole lot defeated and maybe even a little hurt.
You know it wasn't you that set her off Payne.
She slipped her arm through his and patted his arm, then put her head on his shoulder.
Walk with me a little big brother and this time you aren't going to ignore me like you did the last time I tried talking to you. We are going to have a nice talk about this elven lady that you seem to have such an interest in, and how the two of you are going to survive what that elven lady sees as insanity. We might not remember what our transitions were like completely, but we do remember what happened afterward Payne. I don't know about your life firsthand but I do know you were no more than nineteen mortal years when GraceAnne and Coris father found you behind a bar. I know when I was Coris age in mortal years I was head over heels in love with Nash Ryder and you know what? Pa gave me the room to make my mistakes, sure he was there to guide me when I needed it but he still let me be me. That's all Cori wants and tonight, I think she just reached her limit. You didn't do anything wrong, I know you were just following what her father wants. I'm certain she knows it too, but you have to understand. Cori is wild at heart, she has such a spirit it in her, and if she is not allowed to flourish and feed that spirit, the light we all see in her eyes is going to fade into nothing. This is such a complicated situation because her father has made it that way, I know he loves her and wants to protect her but he's hurting her and he won't see it. I know you are doing everything you can to get any kind of time with her that you can, and all she wants is real time without having to watch everything she says and does. Why am I telling you all of this? So you don't think she's running from you, she's not running from you Payne, she's running from what she sees as a prison.

[Aranor Shadow]

He had waited for her to get changed his first instinct was to protect his niece when the elves came out. He was not sure where they were. He had even whispered to her.

If trouble starts take off back for Firyon and don't look back.

Then he heard the elves speak and he watched their movements. Maybe they did not have much to worry about then. He relaxed a bit when he heard the way they talked.

My lords please forgive me, for it seems we are at a disadvantage where as you know who we are but we do not know who you are.

He really hoped that Cori was right that they were in a safe place if not all hell was going to have to break loose before their eyes. He took a breath and waited to make sure. He still shielded her mostly. Anyone that knew him would know he would protect his niece no matter the cost but he had the feeling it would not come to that at all.

[Corinthyalas]

You are safe Prince, within the realm of lands known to the lady behind you, even if she cannot remember. Lady Corinthyalas is correct in her statement, you are indeed in Lorelei.
There was something about the man speaking that was also familiar to Cori and it did not stem from anything that had to do with her birth, it was something more recent like she had seen him somewhere before. His movements, the timber of his voice, all of it reminded her of someone.
Forgive us for not introducing ourselves sooner but I admit we were perhaps a little excited when the whispers on the winds told us of your arrival. It has been too long since we have seen the daughter of Raynalia Wingrider, too long since we've seen the Mother herself. My companions are Llyewen and Kipherion, and I am Gailin...
That was it! Gaius! Cori smacked her forehead and pushed her way from behind her uncle.
You have a brother...
The elf smiled at her and motioned with a finger in her direction, the other elf Kipherion stepped forward and towards her then wrapped a robe of white velvet around her.
A brother who serves the King of Firyon... I believe you and Gaius are great friends are you not my lady? We have heard much from Gaius about your well being and that of your mother. While I cannot say that I am surprised by the hardships your mother has once again seemed to overcome it does me good to learn that she is well and may have finally found the peace she has sought for all these years.
I'm going to strangle you when I see you Gaius, how could you not tell me that you were an elf of Lorelei, she thought to herself.
My mother has found peace and happiness and I think we are all grateful for that, it has... calmed her...
The elf smiled again, a knowing smile that Cori found settling and he motioned for her and Aranor to follow them.
Surely you must be a little worn from your travels, it seems that you have some of your mothers carefree spirit in you yes? Please allow us the honor of offering you food and a place to rest before you return to Firyon.
There was no way that Cori was going to turn down the chance to see her place of birth, if Aranor had any objections then he could go back to Firyon without her, but instead of causing a scene she turned to her Uncle.
We did run a long way, and I would like to see my mothers lands, I appreciate you coming for me the way you did but you don't have to stay Uncle, I'm sure that your Princess will be worried if she does not hear from you soon.

[Losa]

We are not so old that we need to go right to sleep. But you will be getting that cough checked out come morning. I will not be arguing with you about this Kiara after all you did tell me you would get it checked out if it did not clear.

He touched her face gently he could tell something was not right with her. He just hoped it was not something too serious. He knew that no matter what else happened as long as he had her he would be ok. With a smile he laid there running his fingers through her hair.

I know you are going to try and argue with me about it, but how about putting me at ease by getting it checked. Plus with Brendan getting sick we are going to need to be careful with everyone.

He would hate to do it but if it came down to it he would go to one of the people that Kiara would not be allowed to argue with.

[Kiara Jade]

I asked you about Aidan Losa, think you could answer me?
So she had a cough, hell she couldn't be expected to stay healthy everyday of her life could she? That just wasn't possible, she wasn't like Losa whose blood was tinged with whatever it was that kept him from catching so much as the sniffles.
You worry too much but if it will put your mind at ease I'll see Juniper when we return to Pallia okay? I didn't go before because it stopped for a little while. You know I am only human Majesty, not a big bad germ free demon like you. The baby has pneumonia, whatever it is I'm dealing with I know it isn't that because I've had pne...
She was caught by another coughing fit, this time it made her sit up, swing her feet over the side of the bed and bend over just a little while she held her side with one arm and the other was reaching for the tissue. Her chest felt like it was one fire and it was hard to catch her breath even after the fit passed. She sat up clutching the tissue in her fist and waved Losa off when she felt him move behind her. This was the worst one yet. It took a few minutes for her to get her breathing back to at least close normal, no matter how she tried she still felt short of breath and she felt exhausted. Leaning over to put the tissue back on the nightstand she noticed something that should not have been there. There was blood on the tissue and she quickly crumpled it up in her hand hoping that he didn't see. The last thing she wanted was for him to start worrying them both to death.
I think you're wrong you know.
She managed to smile some.
I am so old that I need to go right to sleep, lay down with me close your eyes and sleep Angel, come morning you can take me to the healers yourself if it will make you feel better okay?

[Aranor Shadow]

Thank you for the invitation Cori is right we could spend a little time here. We did not realize how far we had run. We could not deny an invitation though we can stay for awhile we do have some things in Firyon to deal with as well.

He smiled at Cori and walked next to her. He would not leave his niece no matter what lands it was.

The same princess that will miss my presence would be the same one that would read me the riot acts for leaving you here if I went back there without you. It can't hurt for us to take sometime here but remember we do have a long day ahead of us as well tomorrow in Firyon. Though I know it is important for you to see the lands of your Mother as well, lands that you were born on even if you were raised in Pallia. We could probably even find some gifts here for you to bring home. I am sure Galin would have some places we could look as well. Maybe you could help me pick something out for your aunt.

He walked with her admiring the lands but still keeping close to her. For even if they were "safe" on these lands he still knew trouble could start. Weren't these the same lands her Mother had been kidnapped from and sold and all. Granted those responsible for that had been taken care of as far as they knew.

I think we should also come back and visit when not so pressed for time. I think your Aunt Payten would like to see these lands as well.

[Losa]

Aidan will be able to go if he wants to but you know him when it comes to things with me. Sometimes he is anxious to do it and other times he would rather not be around me. Guess that might be something normal for children. I just worry sometimes about asking him about things because I know the way he looks at me at times.

He laid there and wrapped his arms around her he knew she was used to using him as her pillow. He smiled and ran his fingers through her hair.

I know you are only human as you put it, but I also know when something is wrong. I know you have been doing your best to hide it from me, but of course I am going to worry Kiara, by now you should know you are my heart.

He leaned and kissed her and just laid there holding her while talking to her.

I would feel better if the healers checked you out, just to make sure. You may be getting old but you are still beautiful to me and always will be.

He had to try and smile he was really concerned about her but he also knew that all it would do was cause more anxiousness if he said anything more about it. How could she think he would not be worried his life anything good in his life had come from his life with her.

[Corinthyalas]

Whose pressed for time?
Cori smiled sweetly at her Uncle while they walked through Lorelei, they were being led to the very house that Cori had been born in and when she saw that house her jaw dropped. House was not the word for it. On the outside it looked like a mini castle and on the inside, there were enough bedrooms for her Mama and Valiant, her Da and Ma and her brothers if they ever wanted to come stay in her mothers homelands. It was decorated warmly, inviting. She could see in her minds eye her mother walking through the house carefully placing each object and piece of furniture.
This is my mothers house?
The three with her smiled but Gailin was the only one to speak.
This is the home she had built when she found she was carrying you my lady. You have much to learn about your mother and her importance to our people Corinthyalas. As famous as she is in the mortal world... here she is just as legendary. She is a Wingrider after all, and as far as we know the last of that great families line. Your Uncle is right though Corinthyalas, you do have pressing matters to tend to in Firyon..
Cori held up a hand and smiled softly.
Do I? And you would know this how? What may seem pressing to you and to those around, may not be as important to me as I once believed. No I shouldn't say that they are not important, it is because they are so important that I have to do what I need to, to save myself, to save us both... Gailin I would like to speak with you alone... join me yes?
Cori motioned towards the other room and led him where they could speak more privately. She spent the better half of an hour explaining to the elf that Lorelei presented her with the perfect opportunity to strike out on her own, that it was time she walked her own path. She did divulge that it was best for her and for Payne as well given how her father had to have such control over her every move if she simply let the King be, it was not an easy decision for her to make by any means and it felt like she had stabbed herself in the heart but she could not subject Payne or herself to constant vigils. That very night had become the reason for her decision, Payne was so intent on not stepping one toe out of line that it made the entire situation unbearable on so many levels. The amazing thing about it all was that no one could force Cori to return to Pallia, she was Raynes daughter, half elven and Lorelei was the place of her birth, she had every right to invoke the laws of sanctuary. When she was finished speaking with him she went back to her Uncle and kissed his cheek.
You have to go back Uncle, I will help you with whatever gifts you wish to bring to the family but I'll not be returning with you, the laws of these lands state that any born here have the right to remain if they are of the age of elven consent, and I am well beyond that... Pallian laws, my fathers laws, do not apply. I know you probably think I am overreacting, but I can tell you with all honesty that I am not. I need to do this for myself, and believe it or not, for my father. You'll find out when you return to Firyon that I have been planning to leave for a while now. There is a letter for Payne in the top drawer of the dresser I was using in Firyon. Tell him I'm sorry, but I cannot keep putting him through the disaster that this became. Now if you'll excuse me... I'd like to find something more suitable to wear.

[Aranor Shadow]

All you are going to do is drive a wedge a between you and your father even more than is already there. You also told the King of Firyon that you would be with him attending the ball, I guess some were right that your interest in him is not that serious. You will be causing more problems by staying her than anything else. It will show them that they were right that you do not think with a clear head instead that you would rather over react when you do not get your way. I am disappointed in you Cori here I thought you could actually show your father where he was wrong instead of showing him he is right that you are not grown up. You are acting like a little child who is going to run away because she did not get her way. You do have commitments Cori to the Elite, to your family and to what you have said you will do. I will not be your messenger boy or anything else for that matter. You are sorely mistaken if you think your actions will do anything but cause problems. Also I am sure you will disappoint Payne as he even had something planned for at the ball. But I can see now that you are not willing to do what is needed to show people what I thought was there.

He shook his head and looked at her.

All you will do is cause problems Cori, and the only reason you were born on these lands and not with your father is because your Mother's news of her pregnancy was kept from him. No matter who's fault it was does not matter. You are also a resident of Pallia and have been going with the matters of the elite but I see that your father may have been right. I am sure the King of Firyon will find another date for the ball, and someone that can actually be willing to do what is necessary even if it is not easy. Walking away has never worked for anyone in the family, or do you forget that is why you were born here is because your Mother walked away from her marriage to your father. That the moment Gabriel Shadowbain showed up your Mother seemed to forget her vow to your father and your Mother was more interested in running from things then dealing with them. That is not something I thought that I would see from you. I was hoping your generation of the family would learn how to deal with issues without running away but I guess I was wrong. I will no longer be trying to speak to your father about things and I will be keeping myself and my family out of it, as you have played your last game with the King of Firyon as well. If you are not at the ball than it will be known that you are not serious about the King, as most said it was probably just a childish crush. Such a shame too since I have not seen my brother in law look so forward to anything as time with you. All his crime was, was trying to show your father that you both could follow simple guidelines, as your father and he have talked about things and how things would change over time.

He looked to Galin and he shook his head.

I do not think you really want to be a part of the mess that is bound to become of this. As her citizenship was changed as she was raised in Pallia. But she wants to act like a little child it will be on her. I need to return as my nephew's health is not well and I will need to be returning to remedy a treatment for his breathing that has taken a turn for the worse. Way to go Cori adding more onto your family that is already stressed that is really grown up of you.

He shook his head as he knew he had to get back because of the report he had just received and upon his arrival he looked to her parents and told them exactly where she was.

She has decided it is easier to run away from things than deal with them guess we know where she learned that from

He started working on the treatment as he was talking.

[Ariela Shadow]

That little shit. I'm sure you can imagine how shocked I was when Aranor came into the room to see to Brendan and laid is news down at our feet, Cori was gone... no she wasn't. I knew that elfling too well and the look Rayne gave me told me she was thinking the same thing I was. Remember when I told you that you'd see just how interesting and insane it was in Firyon during our stay? You're so close to seeing just what I was talking about. So. Aranor let it be known that Cori was staying in Lorelei and Rayne looked ready to bolt like it was her fault but it wasn't, she didn't talk Cori into anything, didn't push her into anything, didn't make her to anything, I had a feeling though that she was going to get caught in the crossfire and that was the last thing I needed on top of everything else. And when Aranor said what he did I was ready to belt him in the mouth. I was walking with Brayden because he wanted me and needed time with me and the elf had Brendan, she was keeping to a corner with him rocking him and humming to him the same little melody I have always hummed to my children.
Guess you know where she learned what from? To take her life in her own hands and set out on her own? Let's see, I did when I was her age, Jade was already running an Order at her age , where were you at her age Aranor? How did you get to be the wanderer again? If that was a jab at me OR at Rayne I suggest you rethink what comes out of your mouth from this point on because not a damn one of us in this room has NOT at one point or another run away from something. Let me guess what you did. You tore into her the way all you Shadow men do when someone doesn't bow down...
Would you believe that it was the elf that stopped me. I saw something that night I never thought I would ever see. Blame it on hormones or whatever you'd like but I saw the elf looking broken. Her face just fell and she looked like she had been blindsided by a sucker punch. Well isn't that what Aranor did when he came back saying what he did? I saw... you are not going to believe this... I saw a tear slide down Raynes cheek. Her voice came from the corner so quietly, it didn't sound like Rayne at all.
Freedom do be who you are is a remarkable thing. Once you get a sense of self, a taste of that freedom, it changes you forever. To know nothing of what it's like to be under constant scrutiny, constant watch, every move you make noticed and having to deal with the consequences when you don't act as you are told you will... it can break a person, in body and spirit...
Sometimes people tend to forget all that the elf has been through, and that for all her mistakes, she has learned from them and is maybe just maybe the wisest of us all, but you'd never know it because anytime she's ever tried to talk, to help by using what she's learned from her own experiences she gets ripped into yet she still comes back for more and still acts when she is needed.
We are all like branches in the wind, bending with that wind but in a hurricane, even the strongest of branches can be bent too far and will eventually snap... maybe this branch was bent too far... I'll go to Lorelei and talk her into coming home, but if anyone of us knows Cori at all, knows how she thinks and was taught to think... shadowwalking is a beautiful thing.... I think she will be in and out of Firyon a hundred times before morning, the trick is just to catch her and I am willing to bet that the first place she goes is to talk with Payne...

[Corinthyalas]

It was typical. Aranors reaction to her little announcement that she was going to be staying in Lorelei, had been just what she expected it to be. Full of minor well placed subtle insults, put downs and above else, it was one long attempt at trying to guilt her. That was what they all did, her father, Losa, Aranor, all of the men she was surrounded with always resorted to guilt trips and sudden surprise knowings of the goings on at home or elsewhere that they would use in their arsenal when they were trying to bully the women around them into giving in. This was something that Cori learned early on from watching everyone in her world and it took everything she had not to laugh in his face. He talked of her acting like a child, how did he think he looked saying what he did? Desperate and childish. She watched him leave without so much as saying goodbye, that was all right, she'd be seeing him soon enough anyway, just like she would be seeing her parents, her brothers and Payne. So she was going to stay in Lorelei for a little while, that didn't mean she was becoming a hermit and it didn't mean that she was completely letting go of everyone and everything that she loved. She felt Gailins gaze on her and she turned to him with a crooked smile.
I do apologize for what you've seen here, you have welcomed me and my kin into your lands and for this to happen as it did... was rude.
Gailin smiled back at her but there was a sadness behind his eyes that made her curious.
There is no need to apologize, we have all had to handle our transitions in our own way, I am only sorry that those in the world of mortal men, are having such difficulty understanding. From what I have been able to observe, you are intelligent and think like both of the women you call mother, and you have your fathers strong will. Combine those two elements with your Mother Raynalias' spirit and how could anyone think you would be shall we say... calmly handled ready to obey every order handed down to you. You do need to tread carefully though Corinthyalas, your mothers spirit and sharp mind have also been dangerous to her. Tell me something my lady, my brother Gaius... has he told you anything of home? Do you know why he is in Firyon? The answer is simple, our parents, long ago, tried to dictate the paths we would take... and Gaius... would have none of it, he too felt trapped and he too left home, for Firyon, and now he comes to Lorelei when he wishes to, he has not shut out his family, and I suspect that you have already made the same choice. To be your own being, but still hold them all close. I hope that your family will be understanding and see that you have not abandoned them, but something tells me this will not be the case.
Cori understood what he was saying and she appreciated his words, to be so understood by a virtual stranger but not by the people who claimed to love her, was close to being sickening. He was right, she wasn't abandoning her family, she was just doing what was best for her at that point in her life, but none of them were going to understand, no she couldn't say that. Her Ma would, Mama Rayne would, Kiara would, but the men? No. There just was no way. When she thought of the men one was front and center in her thoughts. Payne. She needed to talk to him, to really be able to talk to him, to share her thoughts, her secrets, her hopes and fears without having to be guarded with all that she said because someone in her family was always near by.
You are right Gailin I am not abandoning them and you are also right that it won't be seen that way, but they will have to make peace with who I am. I do have some matters to see to Gailin, and I do thank you for allowing me to stay here.
As soon as the elf took his leave Cori was off running through the shadows, thinking that she was going to end up giving Payne a heart attack before the night was over. She reached her destination and she was right when she thought she was going to scare him half to death. She came out of the shadows right on the balcony of his room and she opened one side of the glass double doors then peeked her head inside. Thank gods he was dressed, and he was pacing. Pacing was never a good thing. She sat down in the archway of the doors not stepping a toe into his room because one she hadn't been invited in and two if they were by some chance seen no one was going to start accusing Payne of anything.
Before you say a word your Majesty... I did not run away, I merely changed where I will call my place of residence, that does not mean that I have given up on anyone or anything, it only means that I am taking my life into my own hands as is only right. I am a good person, with morals and values, and a good mind that I use everyday, I do not lack common sense and I hold myself to a higher standard. No one wants to see that or believe that and now they do not have to. I am not bailing on my commitments to the Elite, I will still see my training through, unless I decide that it no longer suits me much like my Ma did, but once my days are my own, when I am not training I will be in Lorelei. My family can come visit me anytime they wish to.... and I would like it very much if you would visit to. This is my Independence Day Payne, but that does not mean I am going to turn into some crazed heifer that tromps all over making all the wrong choices. And just so we are clear... despite what Aranor thinks... I do not need to live in Pallia to know that I love you and I will always respect your position as King and behave the way a proper lady should so I do not ever cause you any embarrassment.
She stood up brushing the snow from her pants.
Is this the part where you tell me you don't want me to go with you to the ball tomorrow night beause you talked to Aranor and he's twisted everything around so much that it's all a big mess now? I'm not saying you did talk to Aranor I'm just asking...

[Aranor Shadow]

You want to know why I blame Rayne for this? After all the talking Con did with Cori and Payne, she told Cori it was fine for them to be unsupervised. Putting Payne your host and our friend in the position that made him have to do what he did. Rayne you knew why the rules were in place and you knew Payne agreed to them yet you did what you could to cause more problems. That was the last thing this family needed..
He took Brendan to give him the treatment he needed to he also knew the treatment would make Brendan tired so he rocked him slightly. He was not amused at what Rayne had done.
In one night's time Rayne you have managed to make things worse for Cori with her father by not being able to stand and let what was agreed to be. But why should you want to make things go the easy way? You can say you sent word to my brother about being with child but did you ever come to Pallia to tell him did you ever make sure word reached him? No what did you do you had a place built in Lorelei for you and the baby. I doubt that you ever sent word to him. You want to know when I left home I was older than Cori is, and I became the wanderer because I went to learn as much as I could after I watched my mother die from a sickness that no healer I could find had seen before. I went on my own after taking care of her, and still I return home where she is buried. We all know of my father.
He was heated normally the cool and collective one until pushed he was furious with Rayne for what had happened. He was not going to lie about what he had seen and heard. He also was keeping his voice down to not wake Brendan once his treatment was done.
I now believe that Condrik was right that she meant to keep his daughter from him. Now you have your wish Rayne.

[Condrik Shadow]

Enough Aranor everyone has been stressed. Whether what Rayne said to Cori helped to contribute to this or not you will not be talking to her like that.
He heard what Aranor was saying about what he had seen about the place Rayne had built and he raised a brow as he took Brendan.
Aranor for now I think it is best that you go let your princess know you are back. You need to get yourself calmed down
He was irritated by what he had heard then he looked to Rayne for more explanation he was curious about this all now.
Now hopefully the events of this night have not ruined what Cori was trying to build with Payne but somehow I have a feeling more damage was done tonight then you could know. I am not even going to address what Aranor said about before. But what were you thinking telling her it was ok to go against what was agreed to and putting Payne in that situation too? You know what I am not getting into this right now.
He started pacing with Brendan trying to keep both of them calm. He was rubbing his son's back and talking low to Brendan. Once his son was asleep he kissed the top of his head after he put him down to sleep.

[Payne Ethrorrian]

Yes you did run away Cori. This is not the type of woman that I can see myself with. The woman that I can see myself would not throw the fit that you did. There were set rules that were agreed to and it just shows me how much you do not care to follow rules. I will not be visiting you there. In fact you showed me tonight that I was wrong to think that you could act rationally when you do not get what you want. You put me in a bad position tonight Cori and I do not apprecciate it
He had been hurt by what she had done and he was looking at her.
I do want you to go with me tomorrow night, but not like this. You want to play things to hurt your Father I will not be a part of it. Right now there is unrest and arguing going on in my home because I chose to invite you and your family here because I thought we could have something going.
He was not amused about being put in the middle of things.
I will not be a part of this Cori there is a way I agreed to do things and I need to keep to that. If you can not see yourself staying to those rules then I can not do anything else. I gave my word to your father, and I will not go against my word. It is a matter of respect and I do not see what you did as being respectful. Not to me, not to your father, to your family or to yourself. You want people to see you as something other than a child than do not act like one. An adult does not run from their problems or their responsibility. So your father put down a couple of reasonable requests which with or without it being your family we would have someone with us. That is why I did agree to it, at least with certain members of the family we could have had fun. You did not take off on anyone else but me earlier.
He looked at her in the eyes and leaned and kissed her.
I do believe that some day you would have been my Queen if things had been different but as it stands right now, I can not see things going past tomorrow night not with the actions that you have decided to take. I need the person that I thought you were not the person that runs from their problems. I will see you tomorrow night if you choose to come. But I really do hope you will reconsider things but if not I will understand and I will withdraw the matter that I was discussing with your father. For a man that is so controlling and all as you put it, it is amazing to the things that he has agreed to while talking to me. But none of that matters with the road you have chosen

[Raynalia]

She just needed a little break Con, that's all I was doing for her. She wanted to show him something that no one had ever seen before... no not that... her wolf. She brought it up one day when we were talking, she didn't want anyone else around, it was supposed to be something between just her and Payne, without anyone else close by or right there. Something special between the two of them that she didn't have to risk anyone else happening upon and knowing. With how good she's been being I admit I didn't think giving her some time, letting her feel like she wasn't being chained down, giving her a little bit of freedom to have that moment, would be such a bad thing or create this big of a problem. As for the house in Lorelei, oh I know you probably won't believe me when I tell you this but I did have it built after I found out I was pregnant, I wrote to you about it just like I wrote to you when I found out about Cori, inviting you to come to Lorelei, I even wrote that Ari should come with you, I didn't know if you were with her or not then but I knew you were close with her and having her there might help you, but when I didn't hear anything from you I just figured you washed your hands of it all. That was my mistake, not pressing the matter further but that doesn't really matter anymore does it? Believe it or not, and I know how hard it is to believe me sometimes given how you don't trust me as far as you can pick me up and throw me I wasn't trying to start trouble.
Rayne was a little floored how Aranor placed all the blame for what was happening with Cori on her, but what hurt more was that Valiant had stayed so quiet. She was still whispering when she talked, anyone who knew her knew that was the sign that she was giving up on some level.
I don't know what I'm supposed to say, I mean anytime something happens with Cori, somehow it always gets turned around on me, even if I had nothing to do with it, I'm always getting shit thrown in my face about everything I've done so I guess the best thing for me to do is to just stay out of it all. We're all trying to do right by our daughter, but the truth is, at this point in her life, only Cori knows whats right for her. I'm not being mean about it or vicious or anything else, it is what it is, and she's at the age where we can't keep trying to hold her back. Secret talks and one person making all the rules for her... it isn't working, especially when we're all involved in her life. That's the last thing you'll hear me say about it.

[Corinthyalas]

Bullshit.
Cori said the word without anger or malice in her tone, there was no anger or even irritation, she was in fact slightly amused. She stood in the archway listening to what the King of Firyon had to say and only raised a brow a time or two at some points he made that had it been anyone else would have had her on the floor rolling with laughter. She didn't dare laugh in his face though, not when he was being so serious.
As it stands right now you are hurt because you believe I ran from you. Let me make this perfectly clear to you your Majesty, I was not running from you at all, if I were running from you, would I be here right now? Hell no. Now. I am not above admitting when I let my more impulsive nature get the better of me, but at the same time, that is part of who I am, and I seem to recall someone telling me not too long ago that I am not expected to be perfect and that I am allowed to make mistakes just like everyone else... are you telling me that you take that back? So your word means everything when it comes to my father and his ridiculous rules but it means nothing when you speak with me? You lied to me then? I'm not allowed mistakes? I'm not allowed to be imperfect? You mean that you are the same as everyone else around me then? If I don't fall into line with how you want me to be then you have no use for me?
She asked the questions while she leaned into the frame of the balcony with her arms folded across her chest and a look that said "well are you just like everyone else" on her face. She didn't give him time to answer her, she moved and went down on one knee in front of him, her hair fell down hiding her face and the slight grin that turned the corners of her mouth. Why was she grinning? Because even though he pretty much laid an ultimatum at her feet, even though he was in a sense reprimanding her like she were a child, he did it in such a way that he didn't come across as controlling or tyrannical, no he was talking in that warm rich voice that always made her heart race and he was so calm it kept her from wanting to scream at him. She kept her head bent when she spoke, if she dared look at him now she might just forget that she did have morals and values.
One woman has brought such unrest to the house of Ethrorrian has she? This woman must be strong in some pretty powerful magics then, I don't think I have ever heard such a thing in all my days, how can one wisp of a woman wreak such havoc by just being who she is? I'm sorry your Majesty but you are wrong about one thing, even if I were not here... there would be unrest in the house of Ethrorrian for no other reason than your sister has married into my family and as much as we love each other, fighting is a way of life for all of us... a day does not go by that someone is not fighting with someone else and each time your sister comes to visit you risk unrest in your house.
She lifted her head, her eyes were gleaming, and she had to fight to keep the imp like grin from her lips.
Your word is your bond, I know this, you are honorable to a fault and sometimes you have no idea how mad you drive me because of it... but... I do understand why you would be upset with me. All I can do is tell you I am sorry and I can try to behave a little better. So long as you understand that I was not running from my responsibilities, I don't need to live in Pallia to take care of my responsibilities, if that were the case I wouldn't be able to be your Queen anyway because do my responsibilities not rest with the Elite and taking care of my brothers? Quite a predicament isn't it? Anyway, I did not mean to upset you and I did not mean to hurt you and I promise I will behave for no other reason than for you, because the truth is your Highness, I will be your Queen one day, and you do need a Queen you can be proud of. Now if you will excuse me I do have a bit of a mess to clean up don't I? As for tomorrow, as it stands, if you dare think of attending this ball with anyone else, I hope it is someone that you are not too attached to, because I will take her down where she stands.
Cori winked at him and while still on one knee she fell back into the shadows and popped out in her parents rooms. She stood there for a minute without saying anything and went to the crib to check on Brendan, her hand went to his back and her brows creased together. She whispered something to her baby brother then turned around with a raised hand indicating she wasn't ready to talk yet then went and checked on Hunter and Quin, it was a ritual of hers and no matter where she was, she would always find a way to keep that ritual going. When she was through she went back into the room and saw her Mama Raynes red eyes.
Which one of you opened your mouths and started with her? Nevermind I think I know and that will be dealt with later. I'm not here to apologize for wanting to live in Lorelei, and I am not here to beg for forgiveness from any one of you for wanting to be on my own. I am here to do what I have to, to get what I want. What I want hasn't changed since the day I made it clear that I would have Payne one way or the other. Did you know that even the slightest touch from his hand creates this spark? Or that there is something inside me that tells me I belong with him? You should know. Aranor knew with Payten. Losa with Kiara. My father with both my mothers even if it took a little longer for him to come around to that realization with Ma, and I know Mama Rayne knew with Valiant... Oriana knew with Kain and Kain knew with Oriana... Bryce knew with Grace... Katie and Quinn definitely knew... and I know. To know something like this and have the one person you thought would understand getting in the way no matter how good his intentions are.... make sure you heard me right Da... I know you mean well... but it's maddening and it's killing me. Is it because you think I would move too fast? That I would rush off and do something rash? Such as what? I know I am not ready to be anyones wife yet... I'm damn sure not ready to hop into bed with anyone hell that right there is a risky matter because no matter how careful you can be there is always the chance that you could get pregnant and I really am not ready to be anyones mother yet.... I have dreams of my own that I want to live to see become a reality before I do anything else... all I am asking for is trust. Trust me to do whats right and trust in yourselves to know that you've raised me right. I really think that we need to renegotiate what my King calls these reasonable rules, because he would follow any rules that were set down just to be near me... and that's not fair to him or to me. Is it too much to ask that you just ease up a little?