Into the Shadows New Beginnings 5 Time of the Demon

[Stryder Joseph]

He lifted Pixie to him he knew where Quinn was made a quick stop there, his voice boomed out. Quinn lake now Pix having the baby.

He disappeared back into the shadows with her hurrying to the lake bringing them both right into it and kissing her.

It is going to be ok Pix you know hell of a time for Ash to decide to make an appearance.

He took off anything from waist down tucking her clothes into his waist knowing she needed to have that free from obstructions. He waited then with her rubbing her stomach and back and kissing her while waiting for Quinn. He knew once Quinn arrived it would be a bit of chaos but he would know what to do and when.

[Payten]

Garrett was up early that morning, he slept like a damn rock the night before Payten was driving everyone crazy with her mood swings but the old man and Juni told him they all just had to be patient with her, that being pregnant was different for everyone. Maybe Garrett thought his sister had lost her mind because the whole time she was pregnant she was quiet and calm then out of nowhere she just did a one eighty. Yeah he was worried about her but the old man swore up down and all around it was a just a phase. A phase. Garrett snorted seeing Cross was gone, if Cross was gone then Aranor must have come home sometime during the night. Leaving the room that was meant for Payten and Aranors baby Garrett moved through the house quietly not wanting to wake Payten or Aranor. He was going to go home and finish sleeping in his own bed. He got as far as opening the front door and found himself standing face to face with an elf. His first reaction was to grab the elf around the neck but he was stopped cold when the elf shouted loud enough to wake the dead.

Wait! I am here at the King of Firyons command! I seek Prince Aranor! Princess Paytenialias has gone into labor, his Majesties physicians are not sure if she is going to survive. I was sent to bring the Prince to Firyon.

Garrett not expecting to hear what he did ran from the door and started pounding on the bedroom door where Payten should have been sleeping.

Aranor! Wake up! Tell me Payten is in there! Aranor this is serious theres some damn elf at your door telling me that your baby is coming and that Payten is dying, he wants to take you back to Firyon!

What in the hell was going on with his sister and her husband? Aranor and Payten never went far from each other what in the hell was she doing in Firyon?




Payne was walking the floor of his chambers, his niece was secure in his arms, his sister however had still not woken and he was starting to worry. He had given the blood needed for his sister, had done everything he could possibly do, followed the physicians instructions down to the letter, and still she didn't move. She didn't even look like she was breathing. The only sign that Payten was even alive was the tears that would fall silently down her cheeks while she lay in slumber. If they were wrong or they kept the whole truth from him heads were going to roll. Where the hell was Aranor for that matter? Surely he would not stay away from Firyon no matter how bad a fight he had with Payten, not when she was in the state she was in, and he certainly wouldn't stay away from his daughter. What a mess. Payne had to believe that no matter what happened before, Payten was going to be alright and she and Aranor would work through their troubles, he had to believe that for his sisters sake, for the sake of his niece and for the sake of his brother in law.

[Cyranda]

Stryder I didn't have a say in Ashs' timing you know. You child is just like you already, big and bossy, Ash told me what I was doing not the other way around.

As calm as she had been before as soon as she was in the water any sort of fears she had no matter how small were gone. She had her back pressed into Stryders chest and was absentmindedly making figures in the water. Figures that would take shape starting in the water then flowing up to just above her head. One figure took the form of Stryder with a baby in his arms.

Poor Quinn, I know he's been helping with Con, and was probably looking forward to having some time with Katie when he was done. I feel sorta bad for asking him to come here but something keeps telling me he needs to be here. You know what I just thought of? Your soak and wet Stryder and we didn't bring anything dry to wrap Ash in or anything. Guess the whole needing to be in water thing kinda had us both panicking a little huh? Hey when Quinn gets here shadow back and get all three of us some dry clothes yeah? Don't worry we'll be fine and you won't miss a thing, the little bugger hasn't been in much of a rush to get here I doubt Ash will be born in the three minutes you'd be gone.

[Aranor Shadow]

He shot up out of bed grabbing some clothes to wear.

I will take care of this Garrett let the others know I had to go. Will send word when I know what is going on. Go on back to Firyon will be going my own way back there.

He watched as the elf went to say something to him.

I will be right there and I am telling you to go back without me if you beat me there tell King Payne I am on the way and will go to mine and Payten's room upon arrival. Go on now.

The elf disappeared and he went tearing into the shadows he knew the quickest route to Firyon and knew which room was his and Payten's. The elves looked at him one of them said something about his child already being there. He told the elf that the child was to be brought to them immediately. He had an idea when he saw his wife laying there. This one and that one went to say something he looked at them.

I appreciate what you are trying but I am her husband, a healer and physician. I will be taking over her care and I know some of what she needs. As I said go get our child and let the king know I have arrived.

He slid into bed with his wife and he had already seen the tears. He sat down and brought her up against his chest his heart beating against her back and his head on her shoulder. He whispered quietly.

I am here Payten, know we got some things to talk about but that can wait. You got to wake up and get better not going to let that baby grow up without you, I do not think I could handle things on my own either. I do love you Payten no matter how much I get aggravated by things.

He sat there playing with an ear between his fingers, when Payne came in with their child he motioned for Payne to give him the child. He propped the baby in a way that both him and Payten had a hand on the baby.

Feel that Payten that is our child our daughter, the life we created. And knowing how this child is going to grow from watching Cori no way do you want me raising this kid on my own. Bright Eyes would probably end up turning into a gray wolf.

[Quinn Lockheart]

He had woke up to Stryder's booming voice and he was sure it had woken up Condrik also looking over at the man that was recovering his cousin and his wife were laying there.

I will be back Con if you need anything send someone for me. Or I am sure someone is with Mom down in the hall.

He went to his wife and kissed her.

Looks like Pix is going to be having Ash now. I need your help Katie I need you to get towels for us all me, Pix, SJ and Ash then get clothes together I know SJ brought some of the stuff for Ash to their room here.

He took off through the shadows to the lake he knew it would take a little bit before Katie would get there.

Well seems Ash is an early riser. How you doing Pixie? SJ calm down bro it is going to be ok. Been making sure to freshen up on all of this just in case. Katie will be here in a bit she is getting towels and clothes.

He smiled at his sister in law and started checking on things. He was now in a work type mode so nothing really phased him at all.

[Condrik Shadow]

He had talked to Quinn for a bit without waking Ari, Quinn had carefully checked him out making sure not to wake Ari. Con then curled up with his wife pulling her close to him knowing she had been trying to be careful of his wounds. He sighed when he heard SJ. Damn loud mouth loud enough to wake the dead. He looked at Ari and smiled he kissed her gently and settled back down himself.

Just sleep princess I am tired. Will talk later.

He fell back asleep and then woke up and just laid there thinking about everything that had happened. He remembered something being said to him by Ori about being there in the morning.

[Cyranda]

Hi Quinn. I'm sorry I dragged you out here at this crazy hour but like I was telling your brother here, his child is big and bossy just like he is and now here we are. I'm really alright Quinn, honest a few little pains have popped up but nothing too bad yet. Course I know that is going to change at least it should right? So hey if you've been freshening up on all of this maybe you can me why I now look like I'm not even pregnant at all, I mean compared to the way I looked before holy crap... oh yeah that reminds me gonna have to get someone to clean the room we were in at the hall, waters everywhere looks like the dang bathtub exploded everywhere in there. That scared me a little but now I'm not worried about a dang thing.

She was chatting away like nothing out of the ordinary was happening which when she thought about it was kinda true, babies were being born constantly in Pallia mostly in their family, the only things that made her and Stryders baby being born a little more than ordinary to everyone was her lineage and the fact that Stryder was going to be a father. Seemed that was news in itself after all what woman in their right mind could deal with his moodiness and the temper that went along with it? She could that's who and she was absolutely in her right mind.

Quinn would you believe me if I told you Stryder is calm? Might not seem that way to you and all but really I've seen him less than calm this more than once, this is nothing is it Stryder?

While she talked and played at making her shapes with the water, the water itself started to move, gentle ripples went across the whole of the lake, a very faint white light tinted the water like the moon had fallen into the lake and was lighting the water from the bottom up, there was the soft faint sound of many voices singing a soothing melody coming from the water. Smiling softly Cyranda started singing along just as softly. She stopped to look at Quinn unafraid by what was happening around them all.

Quinn, you know don't you? Now I know why you had to be here. You have to keep him steady, calm when it happens. It's going to happen soon, tell him Quinn no matter what he thinks I will be alright. Now I know why my mother died when I was born, you know too don't you? I took in all her bodys water when I was growing inside her, no one knew, but the same will not happen here because we know what needs to be done.

Pixie shifted a little so she could see Stryder, she touched the side of his face and kissed him softly.

Don't panic dark knight, I promise everything is going to be alright tell him Quinn... Quinn it's time.

It happened then. Pixie was there held in the arms of her dark knight, and then she wasn't there at all, the lake seemed to explode around them water shot everywhere the ripples of the lake intensified to small waves and the signing was now humming gentle and soothing. When the sudden activity ran it's course the waters settled and the singing stopped replaced by the lusty cry of a baby. There was no Cyranda, but in Quinns arms lay a very loud baby boy. The lake started buzzing with new activity again, a great spire of water rose up the from the depths of the water, blue light circled the spire and a childlike laugh echoed from the spire. The water swirled around closing in on itself and the laughter grew louder the tighter the spiral became until it closed in on itself completely revealing the woman standing on the water in a simple pale blue sleeveless summer dress, long blonde hair was pulled to the side and fell down her shoulder, and her blue eyes danced with joy. On the water she moved with a graceful spring in her step until she reached the men looking at her in wonder. Silvery laughter filled the air again when she took the baby from the man who was holding him the took the hand of the other man who was looking at her like she had come down from the heavens. Water moved around him until he was standing with her. Her smile widened reaching her eyes. One arm held the baby, the other snaked around the mans neck, she pulled him close to her and kissed him lovingly.

Everything is alright Stryder, didn't I promise you it would be? Say hello to our Ash, say hello to our son.

[Payten]

She could have died Aranor, my sister could have died, my niece could have died. Do you know, do you have any idea what it was like having to decide whether or not to have your wife cut open? You should have come when I sent for you.

Paynes voice came from the corner where he had been sitting watching over his sister, keeping close to her but staying out the way of all those and were coming in and out of the room to tend to their Princess. He didn't move when Aranor arrived save to give him his daughter. The full reality of what happened and the choice he had to make on his sisters behalf finally caught up with emotionally and he watched his sisters husband come in when it was all over all of a sudden knowing what was best for Payten. In his hand he held the letter that had started the chain of events leading to his nieces birth that morning and the fragile state his twin was now in. If Aranor knew Payten at all he would have known...

How is it that I only discovered my sister a few months ago yet I seem to know her better than the man who claims to love her. You are a damn fool Aranor Shadow. My sister, my pregnant sister cannot be shown a little compassion or understanding, even sympathy by her own husband just because she acted a bit out of the ordinary. Payten is not perfect far from it but she is nothing like the woman you made her out to be in this letter. This letter that broke her heart and I know she is heart broken because I could feel the instant it shattered. Even now as she lays there unmoving except for the tears her heart cries I can feel her pain. Do you know what the last thing I heard my sister say was? That you didn't love her and she wasnt going to make you stay bound to her. I don't know everything that happened between the two of you or with her and Cross to make you react to her the way you did in this letter but I know it could not be something so bad that it was worth causing all of this. My sister is strong but the one thing that could break her is you, and that is what you have done. Look at her Aranor, take a very good look at her and hope that when she does wake she will be able to heal enough to forgive you and to realize you love her because right now as it stands she doesn't know you love her at all, your actions have spoken louder than any words ever could and I do not know if she will believe anything you have to tell her. I hope for your sake and for my nieces sake she can believe you though.

There was very little left for Payne to say, he got up and went to his sisters bedside, kissed her forhead and whispered in her ear.

You need to wake up for all of us Princess, I won't get put through losing my sister, my twin. Broken hearts can be mended Payten and your daughter does need you.

Payne left the room instructing the guards outside the door that he was to be informed the moment his sister woke but that they were to stay at their posts and no one was to in intrude on the Prince or Princess until she opened her eyes.

[Stryder Joseph]

Quinn had done what was needed of him and Stryder had been there in shock and awe. He was in shock more than anything else and once it was all done he was still in awe. He then was looking at his wife and son.


He lifted Ash up to him and looked at him.

Big and strong healthy boy look at him. How did he manage to come out of someone so small. You are going to be bigger than your Momma in no time Ash.


He was grinning and he was not sure how long they had to stay in the water but he was grinning.


Well guess we are going to disappoint Cori it's another boy.


He started playing with his son and laughing.

[Aranor Shadow]

Do you really think I wasted any time in coming? Payne what happened neither of us can change but do you really think I would purposely put either of them in danger? Do you really think I would not come as soon as I got word. Ask your servant when he got there and what I did. So do not speak of something you do not know!


He was angry but he stayed holding his wife and child he leaned her more against him and kissed the top of her head.


Your sister walked out on me Payne instead of talking about things. She left with no word of where she was. She has not been the only one going through things. My brother nearly died protecting Cori, my aunt still has not woken up. Yet instead of staying and talking to me Payten just up and left. So yes i was angry when i wrote that and none of you know what I feel for her.


He was beyond irritated who the hell was Payne to judge him.


Maybe planning on coming here is as bad as being around my family too. We just need somewwhere where it can be just us without everyone else's opinions and remarks thrown in

[Cyranda]

Quinn you know they can't stay here, talk to your brother, tell him everything really will be alright. You know what's next Quinn don't you?

Cyranda smiled at her brother in law and kissed his cheek.

Thank you Quinn.

She looked at her son and her husband, maybe she should have been a little sad but she knew she would be with them soon enough, she wasn't worried or scared about what was coming next. Her only hope was that when she came back Stryder would know and understand she had to go in order to be able to live. Leaning up she kissed the top of her sons head then her husband.

Trust me Stryder. Trust that I am doing what I have to so I can be around for a long time, so we can have our life with our son and all our children. I love you Stryder Joseph this isn't goodbye I swear to you it isn't, this is what needs to be done so I can heal. You can see me everyday until everything is the way it's meant to be all you have to do is look in waters of the lake. I promise I'll come home and back to you soon.

Cyranda kissed him one last time and dropped down with a quiet splash to the bottom of the lake, her body stretched out, her hands folded across her stomach and she closed her eyes. Orbs of white light hovered bouncing all around her and a new song hummed from the lake.

[Payten]

I'm not dying Aranor, not anymore than I already have.

Payten heard everything that went on in the room, everything Aranor said to her, everything Payne said to Aranor and Aranors reaction to her brother. Payne wasn't being an asshole to Aranor but did Aranor really listen? Did he hear the fear in her brothers voice or his concern for them all? No. She remembered everything that happened the night before up until she opened her eyes. It was dark in Firyon now, she slept the whole morning through to the afternoon and night, but nothing escaped her attention including the numbing ache in her heart. Carefully she sat up, when she winced Aranor moved to help her but she waved him off.

I can sit up on my own thank you.

When she spoke her tone was flat, the usual lilt in her voice was gone, she sounded as empty as she felt. She saw her husband with daughter and she gave a quick half hearted smile. The joy at seeing the one who was supposed to be everything to her with their child just wasn't there. Paytens heart still beat, it was still capable of love, but it was love for her daughter that filled her at that moment. Of course she loved Aranor but she was not going survive if she had to live with a man who turned on her the way he had because she was just as flawed and imperfect as the next woman. Her spirit was crushed. She kept her gaze on the baby not wanting to look at Aranor.

She's beautiful, I knew she would be. I want to name her Emalina but I know it would be selfish of me not to take her fathers opinion into consideration. When you have a moment you should find my brother and thank him, had he not taken such good care of either of us I am not sure either one of us would be here right now.

Reaching over to the table beside the bed Payten found the silver bell used to summoned servants if there was need. She rang the bell and a guard came into the room bowing his head.

How can I be of service to you your Highness'?

Payten started to take herself out of the bed and the guard rushed forward.

Your Highness do you think it wise for you to try and move so quickly already?

Accepting the guards help Payten smiled at him.

Women have babies everyday Findaráto, I will be fine, I am not going far, just into the next room of my very own chambers so that Prince Aranor can have time alone with the Princess. Please send for the King for me. Inform him that I am awake now and would like to speak with him if he is able.

Very well Highness but let me help you to the next room first.

Thank you Fin, I appreciate your help... Enjoy bonding with your daughter Prince.

Payten let the guard lead her to the next room connected with hers, he helped her to the couch and made sure she was comfortable before he left her to deliver her message to the King.

[Aranor Shadow]

He wanted to do something say something anything. He was not even sure of what to do. He sighed and sat there with their daughter looking at her and smiling. Of course she was beautiful after all her Momma was the most beautiful elf or anything that Aranor had seen. He smiled at their daughter and after awhile he got up and brought their daughter to Payten. She had fallen asleep but thought Payten might like to have time with her too once she woke. He was not going to have their daughter passed off between servants.

He looked at her his normal blue eyes were not bright or anything they were more of a gray. He looked at Payten and hurt even more. He wanted to say something anything. Though he did think of if she had talked to him instead of just up and leaving him like that the note would not have been wrote and they would have talked it out. He sighed and handed Emalina over.

She seems to like the name and she is beautiful as you said. We need to talk sometime Payten I will be next door for when you are up for it.

They had both made mistakes he knew this and he knew they could work things out if they actually tried to. He kissed the top of their daughter's head he made no motion toward Payten as he knew he would be rejected. He could not blame here there either. Though he did truly believe that they needed to not be with either family and work on their things together. It had been a rough time for them all.

[Stryder Joseph]

He had been scared for her and their child but then having Quinn there helped to settle him down some. He smiled the best he could and kissed her. He did not want her to go everyone knew he did not do well without her as crazy as she drove him at times it was also how he managed to keep it together. He smiled and held Ash and grinned at his boy.

I know you know what you need to do Pix just come home soon

It was all he could say looking at his son he knew he was going to have to get out of the water and get Ash back to the hall for the moment that is where most of his stuff was for the time being. He also wanted to show off his son to people.

He went back to the hall and stopped in to see his mother.

Mom I can not stay long but you need to wake up Ash is here and wants to meet his grandmother certainly can not meet you until you are awake.

He smiled and fussed over Ash some bringing him to the room where they temporarily set up something. He sat there rocking Ash in his arms.

[Quinn Lockheart]

He had been impressed by how SJ was able to hold it together and was glad when Katie had brought the towels and all for he needed to dry off. He snaked his arm around Katie's waist and kissed her.

Let's see Con was awake when I left, Pix will be fine once she finishes with this phase which will take time. SJ is going to be ok long as he has Ash to distract him. I do want to go to check on Mom, and Con then maybe I can sneak away and have some time with my wife if that sounds good. Just not at the lake had enough of that for one day.

He grinned and looked at her leaning to kiss her.

[Payten]

Payten just nodded at him, if she opened her mouth now she knew she would say plenty of things that she might not be able to take back and unlike some people she really did try very hard to keep herself under control. The incident at the Hall of Shadows with Cross had been a one time deal and something she did because she was scared in more ways than one, she hated feeling so out of control. There was a knock on the door and Payten bid her visitor to enter. Payne came into the room smiling brightly but the worry was there in his eyes. When he saw her holding the baby his smile widened. He bowed his head to her and she rolled her eyes at him.

You called for me Princess?

For gods sake Payne don't do that. It's just you and me here please tell me you haven't turned into one of those uppity royal types on me I don't think I could handle that right now.

Payne took off the royal robe he had been wearing showing her the black pants and black short sleeved shirt he had been wearing underneath.

Hell no I've been dying to get out of that thing all day! Aside from you scaring the hell out of everyone I've been in meetings with visiting dignitaries from Sallia, it seems your King and Queens fame has brought some sort of notoriety to Firyon, we have kingdoms coming out of woodwork wanting treaties. But enough of that. Payten why are you sitting here, you should be in bed.

I'm fine Payne. First you should know your nieces name is Emalina and second, I have a question to ask you. How did I get here? I mean I know how I remember but what I don't understand is how it happened Payne. I was so hurt and angry last night no point in even lying about that but I wasn't going to go any further than my couch in my living room. Next thing I know I'm here.

Payne took his niece from his sister while they talked.

Hell if I know. All I know is I was reading something, that I need to tell you about too as soon as you are well enough, and the next thing I know I have east winds whispering in my ear that you were coming on their sister winds from the west. Then you were here. Payten what the hell happened with you and Aranor? I read that letter he sent you, sorry but after you... well you know, one of your ladies gave me it, what the hell does Cross have to do with anything? Gods Payten you didn't sleep with him did you?

Payten shot him a look that made him regret even asking.

I sure as hell did not you dolt! Payne! I can't believe you...

Whoa slow down little sister it was just a question I never really thought you did or would. So what did happen then?

Payten explained everything to him not leaving out any detail when she was done she saw the aggravation in her brothers eyes.

So all of this happened because you went a little bonkers on everyone? Not everyone but you get what I mean? Must be something wrong with me because I would have thought people would have understood or at least been smart enough to figure out what was going on with you on their own. I've had more heart attacks in the last twenty four hours than I have had my whole life Payten, I don't know what you want to do but I suggest you two fix this one way or other. You know you can both stay here as long as you want but Payten understand something. You are my sister I love you and I will do anything for you but I cannot fix this for you.

I know that Payne, I don't want anyone to fix this. Like you said one way or the other Aranor have to do this on our own. Whatever happens is going to happen and I'm not going to let him blame anyone else for any of it if we can't fix this. As it stands right now I don't see how we can fix it. Quick apologies aren't going to make this all better.

Payne stood up and handed his niece back to his sister.

Emalina, a pretty name for a pretty little princess. Whatever you decide to do Payten I'll stand by you. I love you yanno.

I love you too yanno. Now go do whatever kingly thing it is you need to be doing. Payne tell Aranor if he's ready for this talk he says we need to have we can have it now.

Payne left but not before he went and told his sisters husband she wanted to see him, he hoped with all his heart that his sister and her husband could find some way to repair what was broken but he didn't know if Aranor understood that it Paytens heart that needed mending before they could fix anything else.

[Cross]

During the early morning hours Cross woke up, Cade was still pressed against him sleeping soundly in his arms, this brought a smile to him as it did every morning, this morning there was more than one reason for his smile. As quiet as SJ was trying to be his voice was still deep enough to reach in and pull Cross from sleep. Sitting up carefully not wanting to wake his beloved until he knew what was happening Cross was a little stunned to see SJ sitting at his mothers beside with a baby in his arms. Were those tears in the mans eyes? There was no way Cross was going to ask. He caught SJs attention when he sat up, nodding once with a smile Cross nudged Cade gently.
Cade wake up honey, your mother has a visitor I think you may want to see.
Cross still found it hard to believe that SJ and his cousin had found their place in the world with one another. They were such opposites, their initial meeting had not been a pleasant one, unpleasant was an understatement, it was so tense and ugly no one would have ever imagined the two not being able to survive without one another, yet that is what happened.
Cross had never seen his cousin so filled with happiness and he never would have thought anyone would have been able to reign her in either, but SJ could get Cyranda to stop in her steps with nothing but a look.
Let me guess... another damn boy right? Cori isn't here, someone had to say it. Congratulations SJ. How is my cousin?
Cross nearly fell over when he started to get up, did SJ just tell him she was fine resting at the bottom of the lake? He heard right alright, as soon as Cade got to her see her nephew and check on her mother, he was going to go to the lake and see for himself just what in the hell SJ was talking about.SJ left the room before Cade could really see the baby, so he waited for her to see to her mother then put an arm around her shoulder.
Why don't you go see your brother and your nephew sweetheart. I want to see Cyranda, according to your brother she's literally sleeping with the fishes. A real Lady of Lake like in the legends it sounds like.

[Katie Joy]

I'm very proud of you my Quinn. I knew you were skilled and brilliant but how did you know what was going to happen? Are you sure Randy is going to be alright? This phase as you call it is normal for someone like her? Quinn she's at the bottom of the lake look!
Katie Joy was standing at the waters edge, light bobbed beneath the water illuminating the darkness showing Cyranda laying like a princess waiting for her true loves first kiss to wake her from her sleep. Katie burned that image into her memory, Cyranda in her watery repose was going to make an amazing piece, Katie had never seen her cousin look so beautiful.
She's.. beautiful. But this is creepy Quinn. Believe me I could use time with you and definitely not here, there is no way I could enjoy any time with you here with her down there like that. Why does she need to be there like that? How long is she going to be there for? I'm really surprised that your brother didn't go diving in head first after her but then again with the baby here, I'm sure he has enough to keep his mind off where his wife is right now. So little Ash made a grand splash into the world didn't he? He sure is a big boy, I don't know how Randy went as long as she did carrying him.

[Aranor Shadow]

He went in once he was told it was ok and he sat down. He knew enough not to go and sit right by her, he knew she would not want that. He could not smile except when he looked at the sleeping baby. Then he got down in front of her not wanting to wake their baby, he looked up at her.

Payten shoot I do not even know where to begin with all of this. I know sorry is not going to fix this, I do not know if anything is going to. So much has been going on. Been wrapped up in all this business of studies and my aunt and brother. I started to feel like I was losing myself and what was important to me. Almost lost Con there to those demons, and well Dust you know she has mothered me since I was a boy. I just felt like I was losing everything. And the stuff between you and Cade shocked me and kind of got to me. I want everyone to have what they need and I just felt like Cade was needing Cross at the time and that he should not have been in sleeping in the baby's room. I know after everything else I over reacted. Then when you left instead of talking to me I felt I don't even know how to describe it and I just lashed out when you just up and left me to come here without word. Then I just snapped. I am sorry Payten.

He looked up at her he knew that things were not going to be the same for a long while if at all. He did not reach out to touch her though he wanted to.

I did some stupid things out of my own fear. Desipite me being an ass I do love you Payten I just did not know what to do with everything.

[Ariela Shadow]

Still tired pal or are you tired of being tired?

Ariela woke up that morning to find the eyes of her husband looking down at her, they weren't the eyes of a stranger any longer, and a peace she hadn't known for a weeks now washed over her making her sigh with relief. It was bad enough that Con had been acting so wrong, nothing like himself. Then when that demon attacked at the inn she thought she was going to lose him and she couldnt do a damn thing about it because she had to do the right thing and go to their daughter no matter how bad she wanted to be with him, Cori had to come first. Rayne had offered to go in her place so she could be with Con but Ari knew it would be better if she went. As soon as she was able to come home they sent Stryder for her, and he managed to piss her off in the most unbelievable way but she would deal with him later. Laying in Cons arms Ariela jerked away from him, not because she didn't want to be close to him but she was a little too close, was being held a little too tight and she didn't want to upset any of his injuries. She propped up on one elbow and touched his face.

Been a rough week huh? Well now you can add taking on a demon and surviving to the list. You know the bad part is I can't even yell at you for doing it because you did it to protect Cori, so that will be the only time I'll ever be alright with you fighting demons. I'm sorry I wasn't here pal, but Cori needed me. I came as soon as I could though, I thought about you everyday and I don't think I ever prayed so hard in all my life. Oh just so you know, Cori is alright now, she just wants to come home and see you for herself. She's also been in some deep trouble not just with me either. Orianas mother and father have been acting like the perfect doting grandparents but at the same time they haven't let her get away with anything. Ready for this one? Cori helped Griffon build a pen for one of their neighbors pigs, some elderly woman who needed the help, and she's been helping Mara at the Inn making beds scrubbing floors, they keep her busy all day and if she steps one toe out of line she gets extra chores, hence helping Griffon build the pig pen, it was part of her punishment for her little episode. Anyway, how are you feeling darlin'? You look a hell of lot better than you did last night. Can we please try and keep the scaring your wife to death down to a minimum for a little while?

[Quinn Lockheart]

Yes I am sure that she will be ok love. For her it is the way for her body to heal. See when she was born she had sucked all the water from her mother. No one had known what to expect to have to do for her mother when she came into the world. I have done a lot of research and the time can vary a bit.

He smiled and put his arm around her and went on about what he knew about the subject and looked at her with a grin.

Sorry once I knew what she was I wanted to research everything about her kind to know what to do if needed. I mean in case those who know could not be here and were not close I wanted to make sure I could help. Now what should we go and do? As I said I just want to check on the two patients briefly

[Payten]

Carefully Payten thought out what she was going to say after Aranor finished what he had to say. It would have been so easy to tell him everything was alright but the truth was it wasn't alright, and she knew that. Lying was not going to help matters any. She steeled herself against the temptation of falling back into the perfect Payten, she wasn't perfect and neither was he, how they dealt with each others imperfections however was like comparing apples and oranges. She had been so very accepting of all the changes that were happening with him, he had taken on his studies with Oriana in full force, she was so proud of him and knew how dedicated he was to bettering himself, none of that was really the issue anymore. Now she realized with everything going on around him, she had been put last on his list of what was important. Yes she had to be careful with what she said, he may have broken her heart and broken something in her that might never be able to be fixed but she could not demean all that he had accomplished for everyone else.

You wanted everyone to have what they needed... except I needed you and everyone else came first. My entire life I was taught that family came first and I kept quiet when your family needed you because I loved you, and the one time I let my fear not just for Cross but for Cade get the better of me I not only had SJ and Cade start with me but you turned on me. You of all people that I thought might understand. What was the first thing I said that day? What about Cade? Why would ask about Cade? Because she had been through enough and she tends to lose her temper, I didn't want my best friend dead nor my brother to have to deal with the pain of losing her. Then when everyone came at me, I did what I thought I had to for my family, for Cross. Last night I didn't send for Cross, he was sent to me because once again everyone else came first and there I was alone. I'm not blaming anyone for that, we all want to protect our family, I have just learned in this short time everyone else is allowed to but me. That's fine. As far as leaving you, I don't know how that happened, I didn't even know I could do something like that. I had planned on sleeping on the couch but the next thing I knew I was here. It doesn't really matter though does it? I think your lashing out as you put it, may just be your way of speaking the truth you yourself do not want to believe.

[Kayli]

See now this is the exact reason why I didn't want to come here Cameron.
Kayli sat up wrapping a sheet around herself and slapping Cameron in the leg.
We've spent all night and nearly all day in this room and you haven't gone to check on your mother or anything. Don't think I'm complaining Cam, believe me there is nothing to complain about I'm just saying you were brought here to be with your family and be here for your mother, not to spend all your time banging your girlfriend or whatever the hell I am to you.
Slipping from the bed taking the sheet with her she bumped the mattress of the bed with her leg.
Get out of that bed, take a shower and go see your mother.

[Aranor Shadow]

He looked at her and sighed his hand touched hers gently.

I was wrong Payten. What I lashed out with was just lashing out. I was scared you had left me and I was just scared with everything going on. I know it has been hard on you Payten and I know you care for Cade and Cross. What had got me going was the wording of somethings then you putting yourself in the middle of the thing with trying to take Cross away from there. It shocked me because with all we had been apart I would have thought that you would understand that Cade would need Cross's strength. I know I have been running all around and when it seemed like it was going to be ok more stuff happened. We were both wrong in things we did Payten. I sometimes to not think for as strong as you always are that at the same time that you needed me. Don't you know you could have come with me when it was things that did not put you in danger. All this stuff has had me going in circles. Half the time I did not know if I was coming or going. Guess in a way I got jealous too. I know what I feel in my heart even if my mind does not follow that. When I saw that you were gone I kind of lost it. Just going over things. I was trying to talk to you trying to understand. But it all just came out wrong and when you left me in bed and came here it upset me. I do not know how w are supposed to work through anything if we can not vent to each other. I wanted it to be that you wanted protected. I also wanted my cousin to have what she needed in Cross. There are other brothers there and just kind of struck a nerve with me.

I know you are not going to believe me right now but I love you Payten. Hell I fell for you the night I met you and you know that is true. I know this has been hard on you Payten it is adjustments need to be made and I have done awful with them. You know what I was thinking about when going through all these damn things was about how all I wanted and needed was time with you. I am so used to you having things together that it shocked me. When you left me without a word it kind of sent me into a shock that I just lost it myself.

[Condrik Shadow]

Kind of both to be honest. Ari don't pull away trust me you are not causing me pain by being against me like that. In fact it was kind of what I needed. I know Cori saw what happened. I am glad she settled down a bit. I know you came as soon as you could. I know you had to deal with Cori and she will be allowed home soon. I am glad that Mara and Griffon have been not letting her get away with things. I must say I do not like the idea of her being around Gabriel. I know that is his family and all but I just do not like it. I worry about her no matter who she is with anyways. I am doing ok Ari but I feel like I got hit by a hammer. But I got you here with me so what could be so bad about anything right now.

He needed to be as close as he could get to her. He smiled at her gently and ran his fingers through her hair.

Don't you know I would not be going anywhere? Cept right where I need to be. I know the past few weeks have been tough.