Shadows Through Time : The Time of the Souls

[Madeline Somerset]

I knew it was going to be bad but I didn't think it was going to come down to this...
There had been rumors floating around, there were always rumors floating around but this time the talk was about more serious matters that had Madeline working harder at the shop. If war was to come to Pallia she didn't know what was being planned at the Hall but whatever it was she was making damn sure that the armory was going to be well stocked. She had gone so far as to stash her finished works in various places all over Pallia. Jacobs basement, the Lockheart home, even Hunters parents house had a few new swords along with bows and arrows hidden beneath the floorboards of Coris bed, the storage room at the library was nicely stocked, there were other places in the various providences where Madeline had some friends met in her travels that were more than willing to hide away whatever she needed. She didn't know what was being planned at the hall... but she knew she wasn't going to sit and do nothing, even if the rumors were proved to be false at least people were slightly prepared. The rumors she now knew were far from wrong. When Hunter went to the couch she sat on the floor sitting sideways so she could look at him while they talked, absentmindedly she played with the buttons on his shirt. She was thinking about the man who had taken her in and loved her like she was his own. Jacob was not as young as he used to be, and Maddy knew he wanted nothing more than to spend his twilight years in the town he loved.
Jacob has been a second father to me... he is too... set in his ways... he'll not leave Pallia. He was born and raised here and has always said he would die here. I can't leave him... if he would go then I would too but Hunter you know he won't. And you know he'll fight with me to leave but I just can't.
Madeline knew that Hunters life had to come before anything she wanted, hell no she didn't want him to leave but he had to, they simply had no other choice. She put her head on his thigh and looked at him, really looked at him and saw her entire life in his face.
What am I supposed to say now? Is this where I break down in tears and beg you not to go? As much as that thought has it's merits it is not a rational thought. Nothing is more important than your safety and the safety of your family. Your position on the council, your fathers position, all of it makes you a target and I can't have that. I know it sounds petty Hunter, you know I love your family but you have to promise me that if it is a choice between your life and the life of another... you have to come home to me Hunter. Your life is no less important than anyone elses and I know you would give your life for any one of them to spare their loved ones any pain but think about what would happen to me if something happened to you... you and Jacob are the only real family I have.

[Avery Panton]

Avery stopped eating the apple she had in her hand mid bite and stood there holding it looking at Chase like he was speaking another language. No one needed to tell her what was happening, her ties to Firyon and the inner workings of the realm were still strong, she still acted on Ardis' council and she knew more than she let on to anyone about what was happening within the Royal Nations, especially with Iallia and Pallia. To hear the father of her child talk of staying behind, of finding a way into the fold of the enemy, made her stomach turn. Avery was aggressive naturally, but her pregnancy had made that side of her nature even worse and she was prone to outbursts over something as simple as the bed being made the wrong way... how did he think she was going to react to the news he just dropped at her feet. She started out calm enough, setting the apple down on the counter she simply folded her arms across her stomach and very simply told him what was on her mind.

You have either lost your damn mind or you've been sneaking liquor from the inn... are you telling me that you are going to stay here... here in the middle of this madness and you expect me to what? Leave you behind? I won't do it Chase. Where would you expect me to go? To Firyon? Why so I can have some damn report come across my desk one day that you were hurt or worse? No. You cannot expect me to leave you, not now.

The more she thought about it the angrier she became, the game he was willing to play risked too much in her eyes and while she understood his reasoning she was being selfish, she belonged with Chase and he was just going to have to deal with the choice she was making. She knew why he wanted her to leave, her mother was on the council of the Elite as was Condrik, who would was most likely to become her step father, and her sister was Queen of Firyon which meant if they thought of it, their enemies could use Avery as a pawn in their game but she was not going to let it come to that, nothing was going to make her leave Pallia or Chase.

If you love me like you say you do then you won't do this to me. You won't make me leave Chase.

[Janessa]

Aidan stop. You need to listen to me and really hear what I am saying.

The whole of her life Janessa had walked the world pretty much unnoticed, she was always quiet, withdrawn, and never did anything to create waves that would bring her any sort of attention because she knew if she did, most likely that attention would be painful. Even after she was taken in by the Wakefields she still kept to herself only opening up to Trifton and their parents, there had always been something in side her wanting to get out, the Janessa that she knew she truly was but that side of her had been beaten down into submission for so long that it wasn't until she had come to Pallia, to the lands of the Shadows that she discovered what it meant to be herself. The lessons she learned in Pallia were invaluable and she learned to take the experiences of her life and bend them to serve her rather than rule her and it was those experiences she was counting on now.

Look at me Aidan and what do you see? An ordinary girl, there is nothing remarkable about me that draws any ones attention, I can move freely without anyone taking notice I'm even in the room most days. I do not act in a way that screams "hey look at me... watch every move I make." What I am trying to tell you is I am practically invisible to people, there would be no reason at all for anyone to be suspicious of me... and that mousiness that you have pointed out I have... could work to your advantage. Like you said... no one would ever see me as anything but a messenger, I am no threat to anyone. Think about it.

[Chase Bowers]

The only chances to make this work are things I would not ask of you Avery. Do you realize if you stay here with me what it means. It means denouncing all that we were raised in for show of course. It means not being able to outwardly be with your family. I can not ask that of you I know how much your family means to you. I know how much I mean to you too. Neither Aidan nor I would ask you to put yourself in the position that would need to be for you to stay here with me. I am not going to be harmed. The plan is in place that will put me in favorably in his eyes. I will have some dangers but they will pass when things are realized. I am not going to do anything that would leave you or our child without me.

He knew this could start an argument hell he knew that from before they realized what was going to have to happen to keep him there has the eyes and ears. He also knew the risk he was taking was something that he needed to do. How could he ask her to not remain true to her family? For her to stay with him she would need to separate herself from her Mother and her siblings. He sighed and leaned his head against hers.

I do not want to be without you Avery but how can any one ask you to deny who you are, and to deny your family even if it is not true? I do love you and that is why I can not ask you to deny your family like that. I mean as it stands with who you are, you would be a target.

He did not want to have to go through this. He belonged with Avery he knew that. Both of them knew that they belonged together but there was another truth as well that as much as they belonged together he would not ask her for what would be needed for her to stay with him. But he also would not force her to leave. She was her mother's daughter when it came to a lot of things and just as he would not tangle with Rayne he would not with Avery when it came down to it.

[Hunter Shadow]

The position I hold on the council also makes you a target unless we are no longer together. They would use you to get to me. I know Jacob is set in his ways I have known it since I was young. I know what he means to you, and I would not ask you to leave him.

He looked at her as she was playing with his buttons and he kissed her.

I am not sure how long I will have to be gone for. I know that this is not going to be easy on either of us. But they can not know your true feelings for me still exist nor mine for you. Or they will use that if they believe me to be one of the survivors. I will do all that I can to return to you. But you know there is always the chance that some of us will not be returning and if things are as bad as is being said there might be a chance that we could never be able to safely return.

He did not want to think about that but he knew what his duties were, he knew what as being asked of him, he also was the only other that knew what was being asked of Chase. He knew that no one could know what all was being asked. What all had been decided if they found they had to stop and go back and regroup and take time for things to be able to take place.

[Avery Panton]

You aren't asking me to do anything, I'm telling you what I am going to do and I know what it means. All of this... everything you are willing to do, it's a role and I know this. It's no different than Ardis taking on Darrens personality or my mother taking on the role of bar wench, whore or whatever else she's needed to do for our family. You are worried I will be targeted because of who I am? I can understand that worry entirely which is why you are just going to have to get used to seeing me in another light... in a role of my own and you will adjust to it Chase because I am not leaving you.

She started walking from the kitchen towards their room, since they had come back from Firyon she had moved into the Bowers house where she and Chase had started building their life, much of the house had remained the same but slowly their own personal touches were creeping in to meld with the memories that had been made in that house by GraceAnne, Bryce and the children they took for their own. She knew Chase was not going to be too pleased with what she was doing but when she thought about it, it was the safest way for her to remain in Pallia and close to him. When she reached their room she stopped him from going inside with her.

Not another step... I'm certain you don't want to see this...

Avery closed the door and after some ten minutes passed the door opened again, the face that greeted Chase was not the face he was used to seeing every morning in Firyon and since they came home, nor was it the face she had greeted him with at the ball shortly after her incident with the King of Uldermine, no this face was new and a thin perfectly arched brow raised at his reaction. The changes Avery made with the glamor magics she had been using to her advantage whenever she accompanied Astrid on a negotiation during her time in Firyon had left her looking human hiding all traces of her elven blood. Not even her own mother would know her if she saw her, unless she looked at her eyes. There were no points to her hears, her skin was a light peachy tone, her hair was still dark and curly, her eyes still the strange blue, she kept similarities of her elven self so that when Chase looked at her he would still see hints of the Avery he knew but the change was enough so that others would not know her.

Look at it this way... by day I can move around freely and by night when we lay our heads down to sleep, I can lose the disguise... like it or not this is the way it's going to be Chase. You said there were things you could not ask of me because it would keep me from my family.... you idiot you are my family.

[Aidan Shadow]

I already know that Janessa, don't you think I have realized that? Why do you think I gave you something that was one of the most important things to do that no one would even realize it. Except for when the time comes? Believe me I am using everyone to the advantages that they can be used for. The reason why you are not going in the morning has nothing to do with that. It has to do with the matter is going to be handled in its own way. But I will be using you as I can to take care of the matters that need to be that you can help with. I am heading for some rest as I suggest you do too. And keep in mind your place around here.

He was trying to keep his patience but he also knew that there was going to be a lot of things that needed executed perfectly. He knew the matter with Quinn would be handled as instructed. But he also knew that things had to go right. He hoped to the gods he was wrong about how bad this war was going to be but the back up plan had to be put in place. After the free for all there would be little time to rest it was during that rest that Avalyn and Benny would be moved without anyone else knowing. They had to be moved ahead of time he was not going to risk anything happening to his younger brother. He could not risk anything happening to him at all. He knew he had to rest even though it would not come that easily at all.

[Madeline Somerset]

Don't think like that Hunter.
Hearing him talk about the possibility of never being able to return to Pallia shocked Madeline. She could not imagine Pallia without the great family that had ruled over her lands starting hundreds of years ago. Maddy knew that night was going to be the last night that she would see Hunter and it broke her heart for more than one reason. Reasons that were no longer an option for her to tell him of, if he knew the truth he might try and stay, and nothing was going to make her put him in harms way. Pulling herself off the floor she lay down and stretched out across the length of his body, her head rested on his chest and one arm went around his neck.
With all that has been going on it would not be difficult to convince anyone that we have parted ways and not on friendly terms either, though I don't like the idea of having to pretend to hate you I can and will do it. I just don't have to do it right now.
Something he said grabbed her attention and poked at her like an annoying fly buzzing around on a hot summer day, something that she did not like the sound of at all. She lifted her head and looked at him with a hint of confusion.
What in the hell do you mean if they believe you are one of the survivors? Survivors of what? Hunter what else is going on that you have neglected to tell me...
It came to her then, what he might have meant and her eyes went wide. She knew that the Connors and the Shadows were critical thinkers and that they could plan schemes even the most brilliant of minds were not capable of uncovering so she knew in order to understand them she had to think like them and that's when it dawned on her.
Are you telling me... that .... I might have to watch you die? Even if it isn't real is this what you are telling me? I'm supposed to pretend to be glad for it? Start explaining Hunter... now.

[Chase Bowers]

He laughed when she called him an idiot and just grinned at her. He could still see the woman that he loved when he looked at her and he kissed her again. He had to grin about it.

I love you Avery and I hate that you have to do something like this. I know not many know what happened in Firyon between us, but you are right we are family and we have been family. Even before, everything else happened. I did not need no affirmed words to know that we are family. Did not even need to know about the life that grows inside of you that we created together.

He smiled and held her to him he had to get over the things that he was feeling so that he could be with her the way that they both needed. It had nothing to do with the Physical attributes of anything but it had to do with the matter of the heart. He knew that he needed her near though he would not have asked her to do any of what she was now doing they both knew that. They knew he would take whatever he could to keep her safe and still have her near.

I know you well enough not to ask if this is what you really want my love. I know I was not happy in the past about things but I also know that we can not be apart if it can be helped. We will have to see to all the things that need done as well. I just do not know how I was going to take being apart from you either. Now we do not have to worry about that, and yes I would like my pointy eared love back at night in bed.

[Janessa]

Don't worry your highness, I know my place all too well.

With nothing left to say Janessa left the Round Room and Black Rose. She had been given no other orders and the less she was seen around the manor and the hall the better it would be. She needed something to pass the time, something that would keep her occupied until it was time for her to turn in for the night and she knew the perfect place to go, the perfect outlet to help ease the troubles that were pricking at her mind. If the family was being called together one last time now was the perfect time for her to take advantage of the situation. Slipping off on her own and when she was sure there was no one around Janessa dipped into the shadows using their cover to bring her to the Fools Rush Inn. She stepped from the shadows in an unoccupied room, a room that no one knew she had been keeping for herself just for those times that she needed to be alone. She changed quickly and pulled her hair up to the back of her head then reached down under the bed for the sword she kept there. Securing that sword to her back she made her way down stairs to the main part of the inn she scanned the room until she found who she had been looking for. A slight smile turned the corners of her mouth. Janessa held a small secret that only proved just how unnoticed her movements in Pallia went, and the keeper of her secret was the only one who did notice that she had even come into the room. She tilted her head towards the kitchens of the inn and headed that way knowing he would follow. She went through the kitchen to the yard... crossed through it and took the back way to the blacksmith shop. Going through the gate Janessa sat down with her legs underneath her and waited. She didn't have to wait long. Cole came through the gate and she jumped to her feet drawing her sword with a grin.

You up for some play time Cole? I don't know about you but I could stand to lose some of this aggravation...

[Cole Shadow]

Let me guess his highness was not in the mood to play nicely again? He seems to have that affect on you. We can afford a little bit of play time. Especially since it seems his highness can get you quite riled up.

He laughed and took out his sword. Each time they played as she called it she was getting better and better. It was a secret that was worth keeping. He knew when the time came it was going to have to be known but for now it was not having to be known to anyone but them.

You know if we keep taking off together there is going to be talk that you fancy the cousin over the prince.

He laughed as they squared off he had fun teasing her from time to time because Aidan as smart as he was about somethings he just was not one that could get along well with people at times. With a grin he did some steps to see what she would do in response. He was playing but still
gave a match about it that way she could get better and see where mistakes could happen.

[Janessa]

Don't be stupid Cole..

Cole swung down, she came up to meet him, the sounds of their swords clashing echoed from the yard with every move they each made, one countering the other and so on.

Believe it or not I learned my lesson long ago when it comes to your cousin. The brat prince is of no concern to me other than having to follow those gods damn orders that the queen gave me.

Cole swung towards her head, she ducked low but had not thought about how that would give him the opportunity to knock her on her backside. He was fast and the next thing she knew she was looking up at him from the ground.

Dammit..

She muttered under her breath and was hoisted to her feet, they faced off again and Janessa made a mental not that the next time she needed to duck that she needed to remember to tuck as well.

I don't have the patience for grown men who act worse than little boys and the day people start talking about me is the day I know I've made myself too known, no one talks about me now and that's just the way I like it thank you very much. Why you say such...

He went for her head again, this time she ducked, but she didn't tuck, she swept his legs out from under him then stood over him looking down at him.

I don't know why you say some of the idiotic things that you do Cole. It's not like there is anything between Aidan and I anyway so who cares what I do? Do not mistake following orders and casual politeness as being something more Cole. Believe me I'd rather be spending my time like this here with you than dealing with Aidan. Don't misunderstand, I know he is under enormous stress right now, I just don't see how me being forced to deal with him or him being forced to deal with me is going to do anything but cause one of us to blow up at the other. It's ridiculous really.

[Cole Shadow]

He got up grinning at her and he laughed as they continued.

You know sometimes I wonder why you let him get you so riled. As much of a brat as you say he is I just do not know. Well no one can really tell the Queen know over something as simple as orders, I am sure it is painful for you to have to deal with him all the time. Nah we all know no one talks about you it is just fun to get you riled.

He grinned as he pushed her a little harder this time around.

You know Aunt Pixie says that there is an advantage to getting Uncle Stryder all worked up. But who knows if you or Aidan exploding would be good at all. So since you have no interest in him at all guess it does not matter what he is going through other than on a business type level.

He grinned he just loved to see if he could get her to change colors when talking. She used to be so easy to embarrass but not so much anymore. With a grin he started studying what she was doing

Not like Aidan has a lack of woman that would love to get his attention anyways but as you said you do not care. You should be glad he is letting you do anything around the stuff that is going on because after all you have not gone through your trials yet.

[Janessa]

There are only two types of women in the world that could probably handle Aidan... the old worn down used and abused kind that have been falling on their knees as their main profession almost all their lives and the kind that only have little bitty crowns shining in their eyes. Fortunately I am neither of those types.

Cole had her in a head lock of sorts and she jerked her head back connecting with his face, he let her go but grabbed the back of her head by the hair and threw her to the ground. As of late their little go rounds had become more intense, pretty much reflecting the atmosphere of Pallia, day to day routines were strained at best but the people tried to act as if nothing were out of the ordinary, they depended on the King and Queen and the Order of the Elite to keep them safe, to right whatever was wrong. She sprang up from the ground before he could trap her and their swords met again.

You're right Cole, it doesn't matter whats going on with Aidan personally, I've learned not to get myself involved or even try and get involved in that aspect of his life. You know his sisters tried like hell to get the two of us together at some point but truth is... I don't think he's worth the effort and for as much baggage as he used to say I carried with me... my baggage is nothing compared to his and that is one hell of a complication I don't need.

Breathing heavier now a bead of sweat trickled down her temple and she was glad for it, that meant that Cole was pushing her today unlike other days where he took it easy on her.

Why are we talking about the brat prince anyway? I don't remember starting this conversation, surely you can find something else other to run your mouth about?

[Cole Shadow]

We are talking of my cousin because he is the only man that seems to be able to get you riled up like this. See you think those are the only two types of woman that could get to Aidan but he really does not have any use for either of those types. Kimberly has been trying to sink her claws into him for sometime now. But it has not worked at all. We all have baggage with what we have been through. Some of us deal with it differently than others. Aidan is his own breed in a lot of ways. He has seen more than most would want to see. I think his sisters pushed for the two of you because they think with the differences you two would be good for each other.

He kept going at it with her the closer trouble loomed the more intense he would make the sessions.

You have no idea what Aidan is going through right now. If Kiara wants you around Aidan there is a reason for it. Guess you got to take the good with the bad right. Aidan did call for everyone to meet up here in a little bit. Guess we should not take too much longer out here not if we are going to be on time for that.

He knew that so few could even comprehend what others have been through. Somehow he thought maybe Janessa and Aidan could not get along because of the stuff each has been through but if both slowed down they might see things different.

[Janessa]

I think...

The match between Cole and Janessa ended with his sword pointed at her head and her sword pointed at his stomach.

... that people shouldn't be so concerned over what happens in anothers personal life. As for Aidan, don't think you need to defend him from me Cole. I wasn't truly badmouthing him. I am more or less pissed off that everyone around here seems to think that they have the right to get involved in my life without even thinking about what or even who I might want. Like I don't have a mind of my own and don't know what's best for me. You are right about one thing, I could never know the pressures that Aidan is under, and I don't hold that against him or judge him for it either. I'm the last person who has any right to judge anyone.

Lowering her sword she wiped the sweat from her brow and looked to the sky, the sun was starting to dip down in the horizon, night would be on them soon and like Cole said, a gathering was called for, a free for all , which meant that Janessa didn't have to be there unless she chose to be.

Go on Shadow man, I'm sure your family will be wondering whats keeping you and heaven forbid we wouldn't want those rumors you seem to be so deathly afraid of to start flying. I'll be up at the hall after I've showered and such, maybe we can have another go round there.

Janessa had no intentions of going back to the hall that night, since Triftons split with Astrid he had pulled away from her, and she wasn't as close with the royal families of Firyon or Pallia like her brother was, so she thought seeing she had to be up at dawn that she would just spend some time on her own.

[Hunter Shadow]

He had known she probably would not go with him and he held her. He leaned to kiss her and his hand rubbed over her back.

There is more going on than any of us are able to tell anyone. Just know that when I am able if I am able I will come back to you. I hope if there are any rumors of my death that they are just that rumors. Not everything is going to be as it seems. War is coming Maddy and things are being prepared for different scenarios, just know that things may not be exactly what they seem.

He smiled at her and he played with her hair some. He knew the family would be called together one last time. One last free for all. Then things would be changed. Something may change their way of life forever. He knew he could not tell her everything but what he was allowed to tell her was all he did tell her.

I will not ask you again about going with me because I know you want to stay with Jacob. I know how important that is to you. I know that he will do all that he can to protect you as well. I am going to miss you Maddy

[Cyranda]

Maybe it was a stupid thing for her to do, maybe she was just overreacting but the time that Pixie spent with Losa had been really damn unnerving and she really didn't like the idea of being around him without either Stryder or one of her sons with her. So she did what she thought she needed to without starting an uproar like she was prone to do sometimes and she just kept the dagger with her that Stryder started making her carry, only she didn't really listen to him, until after that morning. The rest of the day passed she was kept busy with Jillian and the baby and for a little while the creepy feeling she had left her. Left her that was until night started falling and she had two Elite at her door telling her that a free for all had been called and she was expected at the hall right away. Son of a bitch she thought, and then her second thought was where the hell was Stryder? Okay so she had to go to the hall, fine she would but she was actually going to try and behave so maybe no one would noticed she was there. She allowed the guards to escort her and when she arrived she slipped inside and headed for the kitchens knowing that Winter would be there and where Winter was, Pixies nephew Lucky would be, especially if Lucky knew he didn't have any duties that night. She kept the smile on her face at all times but every time she heard a new noise she was turning around hoping to find a tall brooding Dark Knight standing behind her and then she would frown a little disappointed before the smile went right back into place. At some point she started to relax so she thought she would go sit on the wall for a little while, everyone would be able to see her from there. Reaching the wall she hoisted herself up, brought one knee up and let her other leg dangle down, and watched the last of the days light change to night as the sun took it's rest for the evening.

[Madeline Somerset]

I won't see your face come morning will I?

The severity of what was happening slammed into Madeline so hard her stomach hurt, but she could not panic and she certainly could not give in to the stresses she was starting to feel. Maddy was always one who operated more on an even keel because her profession demanded patience, logic and a clear mind, she had become disciplined to a point in keeping herself calm and steady but what she was facing now could very well be her undoing.

I have to stay, not only for Jacob but for you. How is it that my staying will help you? It's simple enough Hunter... you are going to need something, someone here for you to think of, to remind you why you will come home again and someone needs to be here to make sure when that day comes that your home is ready for you.

It was probably the most ridiculous thing she had ever said to him and she half expected him to laugh at her, maybe she was hoping he would just so she could see that smile of his that made her knees weak, but there truly was no reason for him to smile at all and it hurt her deeply knowing she could not fix what was happening like she was able to mend metal.

You are just as important to me Hunter if not more important, please don't doubt that. I won't believe a damn thing I hear unless I hear it straight from you, no matter what is being said. You have to know I love you Hunter and maybe when this is all over just maybe we'll stop "living in sin" like your brother Cole teases us so badly about and shock everyone by finally getting married. See theres something else to keep you from getting yourself killed.

She almost blurted out there was another reason but with everything that was happening she was not going to give him any reason to worry. She smiled up at him and curled up closer to him.

We'll be fine I promise.

[Cole Shadow]

I just have fun teasing you Nessa. You know that I can not help myself from doing it. As far as things with Aidan what will be will be. Maybe there is more there like some think and maybe there is not but I am not someone to say one way or the other. I know you were not bad mouthing him but I do at times feel the need to protect my older cousin if for no other reason so few know all that he has been through. As far as another go around during the free for all I think I would rather your skills still stay a secret.

He smiled at her and walked with her. He leaned and kissed her cheek.

I know my family will be expecting me but I do not want to leave you walking on your own as it is becoming more and more unsafe to do alone. So what do you think Nessa which one of the boys should I tangle with first?

He knew things had not been easy for her especially with so much going on with Trifton and he just wanted to be there to help her out. He just leaned against an outside wall while waiting for her.

[Hunter Shadow]

You pick a hell of a time to decide that you want to get married Maddy. I know you will be here waiting for me if I am ever able to return. But depending on matters that happen I may never be able to return to you. I know you will take care of Uncle Jacob and he will take care of you. But there is the possibility I will never be able to come home Maddy.

He kissed her again and smiled sadly at her.

No you will not see my face come morning. There is so much going on that I do not even know what to do. Right now there is a free for all about to start and I do not even want to go to it because that would be less time with you.

He did not want to fight with her but he knew what he was thinking might start a fight.

You say I am just as important or more important Maddy but you are not willing to go with. You would rather stay here and put yourself in more danger.

[Janessa]

Dammit! Janessa knew as soon as Cole said he was going to wait for her that there was no way she was going to get out of having to go the hall. She smirked at him then went off to take care of what she needed to. She actually took her time getting dressed not because she wanted to look extra special for anyone or anything, she was actually hoping that Cole would grow bored or aggravated and leave word down at the bar that he was tired of waiting and had left without her. When she came down the stairs dressed in a white billowing skirt and matching Gyptian style blouse complete with white sandals and a white ribbon of silk tying her hair back except for a few strands that framed her face she sighed loudly seeing Cole waiting for her leaning against the banister of the stairs.

You just don't know when to take a hint do you? Fine fine, I give up. Seeing I won't be able to show off any tonight I figured there was no need for me to run around looking like I was going off on any secret missions or anything, your sure you want to walk with me don't want people talking you know.

She rolled her eyes and slipped an arm through his.

You know Cole... I have a feeling that everything is going to change after tonight... I just hope that when it's over, whatever it is... that we'll all be better off for it. All right then, come on, lets get this over with then.

[Cole Shadow]

Ah there is not much that they can say they know red heads are not my thing at all. So I am not too worried about what they say. For someone who does not care about what anyone things seems to me you got yourself all put together nicely for no one. Seems it would be a waste of the effort if you did not have someone in mind.

He grinned at her and walked with her. He listened to her and he thought about it.

Things will be ok eventually I am sure just not right away we all know that. Even without knowing everything that is going on. There is no need for swords at the free for all. Now as far as your other things that you can do well of course you can show some of them off.

He knew there was one stop he was going to make and that was to his mother's grave but he would do that quietly and along. He knew all of them had to prepare for what could be the worst of what was to come.

[Madeline Somerset]

Stop talking like that Hunter. All these if's and nevers coming from your mouth aren't doing me one damn bit of good and Quinn has already told me I cannot be put under too much stress, we already had one close call...

Madeline stopped right then and there and closed her mouth. She said a hell of alot more than she wanted to and trying to explain away what she meant without making Hunter go ballistic. They had been apart more than they were together as of late, so much so that Maddy was spending more and more time back in the house she had called home before she started staying with Hunter because Jacob did not like the idea of "his little girl" being in that house alone. She was acting like a complete ass and she knew it, how could she possibly think that she could keep something like this from him? She knew why she was doing it, he had had enough to worry about and so much on his plate she sure as hell didn't want to add another thing for him to worry over. Sighing heavily she dropped her head down onto his chest unable to bring herself to look at him knowing how angry he could possibly get over what she was going to tell him. It wasn't what she was going to tell him that was going to piss him off, it was that she didn't tell him right away.

You tell me how... I mean... how can you do what you are going to need to do, how are you going to be able to take me with you when... gods dammit Hunter, I have to stay here because I need to be near Quinn..

It was damn near impossible for her to actually say the words so Madeline jumped up, took Hunter hand and put it under her shirt. Her normally flat stomach was already starting to pooch out, she had been able to keep her secret so far because her clothes were still fitting somewhat normally and the ones that didn't she just replaced with bigger sizes so no one could tell. She wasn't big yet but it was clear what was going on.

Your baby is the reason I cannot leave Hunter, I almost lost the bitty once... while you were helping in the search for Cori... Quinn has been watching me like a hawk and when he hasn't been making sure I do everything he's told me to, he has Riley and Tegan so far up my ass their toes could wiggle out my nose....

Maddy stood there waiting a little scared of what was going to happen next.

[Janessa]

She reached over and punched Cole in the arm just as they were crossing through the gates of the courtyard of the Hall, a scowl came across her face and she pushed him.

I only took as long as I did because I was hoping you would get the damn hint that I didn't want to come here but nooo, you just had to stick around and now I'm here are you happy now?

Cole could say all he liked that Aidan could get her riled more than anyone but the way she saw it no one could push her buttons like Cole could and the truth was she was glad for it. Cole saw something in her that apparently no one else did and he pushed her everyday to better herself, he was by all rights her closest friend and he knew without her having to say anything at all that she loved him like she loved Trifton.

Would you please just be quiet and go do what you need to do, you've got that "I need to be alone" look in your eyes again, go on then Cole, I swear I won't tell any of my secrets until you say I can no matter how badly I might want to run some people through.

She laughed when she swatted his backside and ran off before he could return the gesture. People were starting to fill the courtyard and the surrounding areas and just as she thought barely anyone said two words to her as she walked the grounds, which was fine with her. What wasn't fine with her though was when she caught her brothers eye, he turned away from her but then she saw the reason why. Aurora had just come out of the halls double doors and Trifton had gone to great her. That made a genuine smile cross Janessas face, it was good that her brother had someone he could go to if he needed or wanted to. For the moment everything was right in the world, but she knew soon enough right would turn to wrong in one way or another so for that one night, she was just going to forget everything, and simply be.