Into the Shadows New Beginnings 5 Time of the Demon

[Payten]

You're right there are other brothers, I should have done what I wanted to do in the first place and come here where my brother is, but instead of listening to my own guts I did what everyone expected me to and I stayed in Pallia. What did I do that was so wrong? I kept quiet and out of way of everything? I didn't fight with you knowing how important it was for you to learn from Oriana? How could I even think of denying you an opportunity like that? How could I come to you knowing how much you were dealing with? I didn't want to get in the way or become a distraction to you because I know how important what you have been doing is, that you needed to stay focused on matters other than me. Oh I know what I did wrong, I let my human half show itself and in nine months time acted like crazed hormonal terrified pregnant woman. My mistake it won't happen again. I lost you long before you lost yourself, I just didn't know it until last night, until this morning.

Payten couldn't look at him, when he touched her hand she moved it away from him, she didn't jerk away, she just moved and put that hand under their daughter holding her closer to her. Perfect little Emalina, she never wanted to see her daughters bright blue eyes turn to shades of gray like her fathers. Payten knew he was sorry, but it was all still too raw. The horrible things he said to her in person and in his letter didn't just hurt, they shattered her. She thought he truly knew her but now, now she believed he didn't know her at all, and she felt the same way about him.

I didn't mean to leave you, I still don't know how that happened. I've never had anything like that happen to me before, I have always been in control of my magicks. It doesn't really matter though does it?

She turned her head to stare at a painting on the wall, not really looking at it at all she just needed to look somewhere anywhere but at him.

I'm staying here Aranor, maybe with me gone you will be able find yourself again. You can see Emalina anytime you wish no matter what time of day or night it is.

[Cameron W]

Well no one in my family is going to fault me being holed up after all I am the one they had to keep kicking out of the room to go get some sleep and all. But you are right I do need to go see how things are after a shower. Will you come with me?

He looked at her and kissed her. Ok so he had been more than happy to see her and his actions had shown that and more he was sure. He smiled at her.

You are my Kayli is what you are to me as far as titles I am not sure about that.

[Ariela Shadow]

Tough isn't the word I'd use but that doesn't really matter, it's over and done with and here we are. That is all that is important right now.

Ariela moved back to where she had been before, she was still careful but if he wanted her that close to him she sure as hell wasn't going to object. When was the last time they were able to just be together like they were without it turning into a fight over some simple comment one of them made? Yeah tough didn't cover it, the last few weeks had been hell.

Don't worry about Cori right now pal. She's safe and believe it or not Gabriel agrees with you about her not being around him. Hold on one minute before you think something crazy. The first night I was in Astrail I did meet with Gabriel, he told me how Cori had been following him around wanting to know what he knew about her mother. That's only normal I would think. So one time and one time only Cori, Mara, Griffon, Gabriel and I sat down and had a long talk. He told her whatever she wanted to know about Rayne when she lived with Shadowbains, and then we all explained to her that she would be upsetting you if she tried to spend more time with him. She didn't understand at first but Mara was able to get her to see what we were trying to tell her. That was the one and only time Gabriel actually really talked to her other than to tell her she needed to go find me or Mara whenever she tried cornering him. I'm only going to say this one thing about him and then I'm not bringing him up again. He's been really patient with Cori and trying to get her to respect your feelings about him. There that's it no more talk about it. Mara and Griffon have treated all the children like they were their own grandchildren and they've done it all without making anyone feel like were stepping on toes. They are very good people. Now tell me pal, when are you going to be able to be up and out of this bed so maybe we can get some fresh air? Nothing too strenuous maybe just sit out on the balcony or something. I've missed you pal oh yeah and before I forget I love you too crazy moods and all.

[Aranor Shadow]

You were not being asked to stay in Pallia, you were being asked to be with the family members and go to Astrail where people were gathered. Where we knew you could be protected from the demon. Damn it Payten you did not lose me and I did not lose who I am. I am still the same man that used to lay in wolf form just to spend the night with you. I am still the man that you married. Yet we get into one hell of a blow out and you are willing to throw away our marriage? Maybe if you had come to me we could have avoided this point. Go ahead and fault me for being upset about you leaving me how the hell was I supposed to know what was going on? It always has mattered the things you do Payten. But what I can not take is you away from me and our daughter away from either of us. What about our dreams our life. Do you realize when it came down to it your instinct was not to want to protect me but someone else. What I did on wanting to send you to Astrail was wanting to protect you. Also to protect these lands. Do you know how easy a demon attack could happen here? Don't you know I was trying to protect you. Sure we never argued much it was bound to happen we would but this is not our home. Our home is that home that we built together for our child. Our child belongs with both of us. I wrote the note in anger of being abandoned for just speaking my mind when I thought I could tell you anything that I felt and I was trying to understand. I am not leaving her without my family we can not work on things if you are here and I am there. I also am not leaving our child behind here she belongs with me too I am her father.

He looked at her and she just was not getting it or was not willing to let herself get it.

[Kayli]

Well I've got a title for you Cameron. Whopping pain in the ass. They kept kicking you out to get some sleep, and just how much of that have you gotten so far hmm?
With a wink and a smile she pulled him off the bed and dragged him off into the bathroom. She laughed a little when he stepped into the shower after she set the water demanding to know if she was trying to boil him alive. She shrugged a little.
Cam didn't you ever notice all the steam coming from the bath in your room when I'd be too lazy to go across the hall to shower in my own room? If I want you boiling believe me when I tell you this would not be the way I would go about getting it done.
How very easy it was to be herself again, when he was gone she knew she laughed a little less, rarely smiled and a few times might have gone a little overboard when one of the local drunks tried to latch onto her backside with their hands, but now she was back to being the Kayli she knew. How funny she thought that he was able to affect her moods so much. What was even funnier was all the months they had spent together she never stopped to think there was so much more happening with them, she was just Kayli and he was just Cam and they were inseparable, looking back on it now the signs were there. Well she thought, better late than never.

[Condrik Shadow]

I am not sure Princess I hurt like hell in a lot of areas, but having you close could never hurt matters. I do not know what I would call all of it, it was strange when the demon came it was like everything settled down for me. When I had to protect Cori I was actually pretty calmed down.

His fingers played with her hair and he kissed her. He needed her and needed to be close to her to know that she was really there.

I am not saying that Mara and Griffon are not good people I mean they would have to be look at Oriana. I just do not feel that good about having any of our kids that far away or having you that far away to be honest. I know yours was necessary all I could keep thinking about was that Cori saw what she did and that I could not leave our family behind. I know Cori will want to be home soon and I actually can not wait to see her.

He looked at her and smiled and touched her face gently

As far as when I will be able to get up not sure I can answer that one

[Cameron W]

Of course you are a whopping pain in the ass. And I had come to sleep but found someone sleeping in my bed and when I went to sleep she kicked me to the floor. So yeah I was trying to get some sleep and since someone would not let me sleep I had to do something with the time.

He grinned and had got in the shower and he had to turn it down some.

If I want that steamy of a shower it would start out with you in the shower with me and something else would be causing the steam.

He laughed and waited for her. He was relaxed from the moment that she was around him.

[Cade Daemons]

I want to see that too. Hey least we know how to keep her quiet for awhile too now. But damn we best watch out when she comes to the surface she liable to talk all our ears off after having to be quiet for that long to heal her body. Didn't you know about that Cross?

The first part she knew he would know she was only teasing about. She kissed him and grinned.

Ah and Cross do you forget you are going to be Uncle Cross to this child too. Though you all do know that ball can not be played with any of the babies right?

She laughed she knew Cross was not one for ball anyways really.

[Payten]

I didn't say I was throwing anything away. I said I wanted to stay here so you could find yourself again, I never said I wouldn't go back ever. You are right about one thing. I was worried about protecting Cade and Cross both, I didn't think I needed to tell you that I worry about you every second of everyday when you aren't with me, or that when you're gone from me for more than an hour all of a sudden all I can think about is when I will get to see you again, or how every night when I lay my head down to sleep I pray for you more than I pray for anyone. That must be where I went wrong, I didn't tell you what you needed to hear, just like you couldn't see what I needed you to see. Aranor I would never, NEVER keep Ema from you but you tell me how we are going to be able to fix any of this with you never being home until it's so late I can't keep my eyes open anymore? How are we going to fix all of this when you are going to be basically living at the Hall of Shadows because those people always need someone like you or Oriana there to hold their hands through everything? They apparently need you more than I do because anytime anyone of them calls for you no matter what it is you are right there. I can't fault you for that and I could never tell you to deny any of them in their time of need but I cannot be last anymore. I'm not as strong as you think I am, and it's not one hell of blow out that has brought us to this point. It is a moment of clarity that brought us to this point. No matter how much you love me or I love you your family will always be first and I just do not fit anywhere in that equation. You asked me about our dreams and our life? It seems our dreams for our life are different. I never dreamed of any of this happening like this.

Tears welled in her eyes but she couldn't, wouldn't let them fall. If she cried she knew she would give in to that part of herself that was screaming at her to go back to Pallia, to just take life as it came at her no matter how it made her feel just because he would be there. But then there was that part of her that was screaming at her that they both deserved better, that their daughter deserved more. Now the real problem was, which side should she listen to?

[Aranor Shadow]

He looked up at her and his hand rested near her.

How can we fix this it is simple we need time that is just ours. You, me and Emalina. I need the time with you and our daughter. I need you Payten and all this other stuff this craziness I can not promise will not happen again but I will promise this I know we need to be more equal and get more time together. I know this craziness pushed us and pulled at us. I love you and even with all the craziness in our lives that could never change. Even if I get a bit cranky. I did not think we would have such a problem once I got done with my studies. Quinn is also helping out with things. Thinking maybe if we can get a few people can split duties because I need to be a husband to you and father to Emalina first about anything else. I am sorry I did not put you first Payten I should have and yes I need to hear what you think about and especially when it comes to me and to us. I am not a mind reader Payten, maybe at times I will get called to help but will have to have limits on what I can do because you are my family and so is Emalina. I know it has been crazy Payten, I was thinking maybe we could go somewhere where we can just be us and enjoy being new parents. There is a place I have been wanting you to see too. I can not make this work on my own just as you can not make it work on your own. Only way we can make this work is if we work on it together.

[Cross]

No one is going to play ball with any of the babies, not until they are around three years old anyway.
Cross swatted her backside and sent her off to wash and dress for the day, he did the same in his own room, just as he stepped from the bathroom his brother Garrett came tearing through the door so forcefully the door hit the wall putting a hole in it.
What the hell Gar! Don't these other people put enough...
Garrett blurted out what had him rushing into his little brothers room so quickly he didn't stop to think about the reaction he would get.Not hearing any word from Firyon assumed the worst and went into a panic running his mouth before knowing the full truth. All he knew was the last time he saw Aranor there was an elf stand there telling them at Payten was dying.
Paytens dead!
Cross had his brother pinned against the wall, his forearm digging into Garretts throat so fast Garrett didn't have time to do anything.
What in the hell do you mean Paytens dead? She was sound asleep when I left last night!
Cross... choking...
Cross cut Garrett loose and scrambled around the room dressing as quickly as possible while his brother told him what happened that morning.
She went to Firyon sometime after you left Cross. I don't know what happened but there was an elf this morning and he said she was there and having the baby and dying. Dying Cross, not almost died dying Aranor left and said he would send word but that was hours ago, hours that wouldnt go by if she was alright. What are we going to do Cross? Whose going to tell the old man and Uncle Richard? Jacob is going to kill himself if she's gone.
Cross sat down hard on his bed, his mind was racing. Unlike his brothers Cross was not one to overreact.
There is alot happening here, the fastest way to know would be to send one of the shadowwalkers to Firyon but I cannot ask them to leave their mother. Randy had her baby by the way, biggest damn kid I've ever seen, another boy. Kiara can get a hold of Payne. Garrett we have to believe she's not gone for now. Go tell Kiara what you know. I'll be there after I go with Cade to see our cousins baby.
Calmly Cross walked his brother to the door, he needed a minute or two for himself. When Garrett was gone and the door was closed Cross put his fist through the wall.

[Payten]

She wanted nothing more than to believe what he was saying. She knew he believed it but she had seen enough over the years to know that there was no such thing as putting limitations on what he did and did not do. If he went down that path, there would be no going back. The sad part was, he was already halfway down that path, and she had encouraged him every step of the way. If she had been selfish she would have turned into the spoiled princess he made her out to be and made him pass up the chance to reach his full potential. How could she love this man so much but not be able to think clear enough to simply agree to what he was saying? She knew why. Because he had shattered her heart into so many pieces blowing those pieces everywhere that she couldn't even find the first piece to start putting it back together again.

This isn't anything that can be settled in one night Aranor. I need to think. I won't ask you to leave, that wouldn't be fair to you or to Ema because she does need her father, but I cannot go anywhere right now. Not until I can clear my mind and really think. I know that is not what you were hoping to hear but right now it is all I can offer.

[Aranor Shadow]

I truly believe we need somewhere where we can just be us without this or that interfering. I do not believe that either place is that. That is why I asked you to go somewhere with me just us and our daughter. We never did make the journey to where I grew up when I was not at Aunt Dust's house. I would like to visit there too. I do not think that anything constructive is going to happen with our families around. They are always going to be taking one way or another when what we need is for us to work through things not for one of us to be right and one of us to be wrong. It has been hell and I was working so hard on things cause I wanted you to be proud of me. With how much you believe in me I did not want to let you down. Instead I did so in a whole other way. You know me Payten you know that letter was just in anger and hurt. I thought you had left me over something so trivial as an arguement and that cut me to the core. I did not follow you right away because I did not think you wanted me to since you had not come to tell me where you were going and you had just disappeared on me. When I heard you and Ema were in trouble I came flying through the shadows but it was too late it was already done. I do not know the one sent was so late getting there but I did not waste a moment because I do love you Payten and my life was not much of anything before you came into it.

The looks some of the elves gave him made him question if he should really stay there or not there was one thing clear he was not leaving his daughter where he was not.

[Cade Daemons]

Cade went to look for him she was done and usually he beat her in getting ready. When she found him she went and wrapped her arms around him being able to tell he was upset. Something had happened to upset him. She did not speak at first and then she put her fingers through her hair and saw his fist.

Ok Cross what is wrong I did not need to see your fist like that to know something is wrong but I do know you too well to know that when you are like this that it has to be something serious. Is it one of your brothers or sisters?

She sat there holding on to him and looking at him.

[Payten]

How can someone so intelligent be so stupid?

Payten finally looked at him, teardrops glistened on her cheeks.

Aranor Shadow I've always been proud of you with all your successes and your failures, you've never had to prove yourself to me, well except for in the beginning when I didn't know if you actually saw me or just saw a nice pair of tits and an ass. You know what I mean. You don't get it do you? You could fail over and over and over again and I would be just as proud of you as if you became the greatest healer known to man just because you were strong enough to at least try, because I know the man you are or at least I thought I did. Truth be told Aranor I didn't know that letter was in anger, just like you obviously didn't know I didn't leave you intentionally.

Hell back then the worst thing she and Aranor had to worry about was everyone thinking they had run off and gotten married without telling them. The first day she really met him came to mind. He was standing in the kitchen at the Hall of Shadows making the most foul smelling concoctions and she bounced through the door wanting to know where she was supposed to put the menus for the wedding her Pa was cooking for. He turned around and she dropped every single last menu she had been holding. She was looking at the brightest bluest eyes she had ever seen, they were so blue they were nearly glowing. His eyes always did that when he was really happy. When was the last time she saw those eyes that bright? She remembered. The night she married him out of the blue and then again when she told him he was going to be a father.

It wasn't the messengers fault, he came to you as soon as Payne knew I was in trouble. There is no right or wrong here, what this is right here, is a realization that maybe you don't know me like I thought you did. You might have spoken in anger with your letter Aranor but what about what you said before that? And what you said to me at the hall? Three times in one day you have told me you don't know me and that you didn't know I was so selfish and self absorbed like some spoiled princess, was all of that said in anger too? If it was then I don't know how I am going to be able to be alright with being turned on like that everytime I'm not perfect.

[Cross]

Garrett was just here.
Cross was shaking partly in fear and partly in anger at himself for not staying with his sister even after Aranor came home. Cross knew Aranor would never hurt Payten but everyone knew Payten was a little off the charts in how she had been thinking lately, she proved that earlier when she tossed her fit wanting him to stay with her. Rather than making it worse for his sister and calling her out in front of everyone he told her what she wanted to hear, later that night the old man did send him and Garrett to check on her and stay with her until Aranor came home, she was alone in the house what he was supposed to do? Tell the old man no?
He thinks Payten is dead. Something happened after I left last night. Payten is in Firyon, something happened with the baby and some elf was sent to get Aranor, the elf told Garrett Payten was dying. He has't heard anything so now he has this idea in his head that our sister is dead. I can't believe that and won't believe it until someone gives me real proof.

[Aranor Shadow]

He reached up and wiped the tears that glistened her cheeks.

I wanted to be the best I could for you not for anyone else. I never had anyone believe in me the way that you do other than my aunt maybe. I do not know what got into me fully Payten but I never meant to hurt you and I know I did hurt you. I would rather have a knife in my chest then hurt you. But I did and I can not change that all I can do is tell you I am sorry. I was never afraid of letting anyone down before until I was afraid of letting you down. I am sorry that I was not there for you Payten, you and Ema are the most important in my life. Who knew one look at a child and could be wrapped up so quickly.

I was not used to seeing the side of you that I saw and that worried me into a panic. I guess I was at first trying to get you to snap out of it. It was so unlike you that I was starting to worry even more. I know I was wrong in the way I handled things but do you really think after all this time that you do not know me? Look at me my eyes do not even look the same with all that has gone on. My eyes reflect my mood and look at them Payten I am lost because I do not know what I would do without you.

The more he stayed on his knees the more he started to shake he could not lose her, could not lose what mattered most to him.

[Cade Daemons]

You are right not to think the worst. Because if something did happen to Payten Aranor would not have stayed in Firyon he would be here with his family. He would need the support of everyone. As much as has been going on that man would die without her. I see how he is when he is not around her his eyes are not bright he seems troubled. Maybe all of this left Aranor to crack a bit as well. We can see what we can find out.

She leaned against him still having her arms around him and kissed him.

[Payten]

Gods Aranor, really and truly how did we get here like this? I know you're sorry, that you mean what you're saying, I don't need you to tell me either because I can see it. Grey like clouds on a dreary day, those are the eyes I see right now and I know what it means when they look like that. How do I know? Because I've never seen them look that way until now. I've seen you angry, happy, sad, worried, but not like this. You worried into a panic because your pregnant wife got a little over emotional? You didn't stop to think it might be because I was pregnant? You think changes like this are easy on woman? Look at Ari and all the others and how they behaved when they were pregnant and I slip up a little, nothing like how they were and this is what happens?

For the first time since he arrived in Firyon, Payten touched him. It was just a simple gentle little touch, she ran her thumb from his temple down his cheek, when she felt him shaking she wanted to take him in her arms and tell him everything was going to be alright but she didn't. Instead she kept her eyes locked on him, not afraid to look at him anymore, not afraid to let him see full on in her own eyes the pain her very soul had been rocked with. Softly she whispered to him.

As quickly as you made me love you, you broke my heart just as fast.

[Cross]

Well no shit honey, how could anyone do what he's been doing and be alright? He's barely able to catch a break long enough to go home unless its at some damn crazy hour when Paytens already asleep, and she's just as damn crazy right now. They went from being together everyday to barely seeing each other. That has to take it's toll on them both. They really need some time with each other away from all of this. I know if we were in their situation there is no way in hell I would let myself get pushed so much that I'd lose focus on what was most important. That came out wrong, don't get all defensive I wasn't trying to say anything bad about Aranor. I'm just saying if I had to choose between all of this and you, all of this could go up in flames and I wouldn't think twice about letting it burn.
More relaxed now Cross held Cade closer to him. How ironic that they two of them started off like enemies then one night because of his brother, she became his best friend, then the love of his life. He meant what he said, there was nothing and no one that he would ever put above her with the exception of the children they might someday have.
We should go see your mother now, Garrett can find me once he knows whats going on.

[Aranor Shadow]

We got here because I acted foolishly. You know for someone who has seen everything from others I failed my own wife, failed the woman that means everything to me. Of course my eyes are that way there is only one woman that makes my eyes so bright because of what she does to my heart. I think I was so thrown off because you did not act like any of them up until right near the end. Coupled with all the stresses I just was not thinking and I over reacted. I never wanted to hurt you, and definitely did not want to break your heart because seeing you this upset is killing me. it kills me to see what I have done. I love you more than my own life Payten.

His hand continued to touch her face gently and he went and sat next to her tentatively he put an arm around her. He whispered softly to her.

You are the one I need and want and love Payten anything else means nothing without you and our daughter. I broke my own heart too because you are my heart Payten and have been since you made yourself at home in my heart.

[Payten]

Aranor, how am I supposed to be alright? You have to understand, I know I love you with everything that I am because when Nash hurt me that was nothing, I mean nothing compared to what I feel right now. I've never hurt this bad in my entire life. Not when Nash left, not when my mother died, not ever. You didn't just break my heart you broke the deal we made!

She started crying to the point she was sniffling and hiccuping. Wiping her eyes she punched him in the arm.

You asshole, I haven't tried to strangle you but you went all multi on me again!

Word for word Payten repeated the words she said to him the night they spent sitting on the road that led to the Hall of Shadows talking, the night of Losas trial.

You are the first man I've wanted to kill in awhile Aranor Shadow. I don't know what the hell is wrong with ya but you're makin' me batty. Whatever the hell it is snap outta it!

[Cade Daemons]

She listened to him and teased his hair a little more.

I knew what you were saying Cross no need to explain it. I think he did lose focus too much so. But he would not let anything happen to her, I am sure we will come to find out it was a misunderstanding. Maybe it is a good sign we have not heard from him or them you know. We will go see Mom once you are ready to Cross. I know how close you and Payten are. I know you would not let anything come between us. I love you Cross.

She smiled at him nothing mattered to her like the man who's arms she was in.

[Aranor Shadow]

He went and gathered her up in his arms that is if she let him.

I know I hurt you badly Payten I do not know what got into me but I will tell you this straight out I am not going to let anything come between us again. You are my wife and you are the one that makes me the better man that I became well cept a night of a hell of a slip up. I know you are hurting Payten cause I can feel it in my own heart. You are a part of me like I never thought someone could be.

His fingers started to run through her hair and his other hand rubbed her back and he prayed to the gods silently that he could help to heal the woman that was his life from the hurts that he caused her. His hand brought hers to his heart.

Even mine is not as it should be right now because you are hurting and because I know I caused that hurt.

[Kiara Jade]

After another little romp that morning Kiara and Losa got ready for the day, checked what they needed to as far as the Elite went and then retired to their study, Kiara was glad to see that the new double desk had finally been moved into the room, she hated that when they had work to do one of them was always either standing or sitting in a chair. This way they could both be comfortable. They had been going over some minor contracts when Garrett came in rambling. At first Kiara thought they were going to have real problem with Aranor on their hands but then she remembered who she was dealing with. Garrett could be a little over dramatic and embellish the truth sometimes even if he didn't mean to.

Alright Garrett breathe. Just sit down and settle yourself before I slap you like a bitch.

Signing a document she slid it over to Losa.

Need you to sign that Majesty, it's the release forms for Aidan, saying we give our permisson for him to start training. Yeah yeah I know why do we need to do it, it's just a formality, all under thirteen needs one of these signed by a parent or guardian. Besides he might want to have it when he's older. Would you be able to take a little trip to Firyon my King just to set all our minds at ease? I'm sure if there were something wrong with the Princess we would have been notified by now but I would feel more at ease knowing for certain.

She leaned over and whispered to him.

And I would hate to have to kill Garrett for getting on my nerves.