Shadows Through Time : The Time of the Souls

[Sarabella]

Sara wasn't stunned at being able to hear what was happening between Jacksons father and her madre. Magics were amazing and to be able to see and hear all the way in Pallia, might have surprised someone else but Sara was used to be around the arcane, Siryans were known for their mages as well as their warriors. She was completely floored by how Jacksons father didn't look any older than she did, Ellysia didn't look much older than her either but Elly was Siryan and that explained her but Jacksons father? When Jackson came from the bathing room it took a minute for Sara to understand what he was saying. The man needed to go finish putting his clothes on she thought and the voice coming from behind her on the bed snapped her attention away from her guard.

Sarabell! Jacksons... hey Jackson do all the men where you come from look like you?

Saras head snapped around.

Nala! Did I not tell you I didn't want to hear one word! If you cannot control your tongue then maybe I should send for your father and you can spend tonight in your room?

She went back to talking with Jackson or trying to at least, she had a bigger issue on her hands now than she originally thought she was going to have. She was hoping that Ellysia would just Jacksons father do what he needed to then she could be on her way but it became so much more complicated and Jackson had to know that Ellysia would act as she was with any healer. The problem was that Sara didn't feel it was her place to tell Jackson the story but he had to understand just as she had to understand Jacksons fathers position.

Nala honey, go in the other room wait for us. There should be some picture pages for you to color , I need to talk to Jackson and it's grown up talk.

Okay Sarabell! You won't forget about me though will you?

Sara smiled at her niece.

Of course not.

Once Nala was in the other room and Jackson was back fully dressed she sat down on her bed shaking her head.

I don't want to know anymore of what happens between those two right now. I will definitely be speaking with Ellysia the next time I see her... I'm just not sure what to say to her.

A sadness came over Sara when she thought about Ellysia and what she was about to tell Jackson.

By rights this isn't even my story to tell, but you have to understand... Ellysia would be this way with any healer... I'm surprised she's behaved as well as she has. You have no idea how many times she's nearly gotten herself killed because she wouldn't listen to the healers. I was five or six when it happened, so I don't remember all the details. Jason and I were making a trip from Hallia to Sallia, I had Ellysia to guard over me and Jason had Warren guarding over him. All I remember from my own recollections is we were ambushed. Ellysia and Warren were amazing, I remember watching from the brush where Warren had hidden Jason and I... the next thing I knew I was waking up in my own bed and my father and Richard were in my room with Ellysia. I could tell that something was wrong, Ellysia had been crying and I had never seen her cry before... I haven't seen her cry since then either. As soon as she saw me awake though she wiped her years and pretended like everything was all right. It wasn't all right though. Warren had been hurt and taken to the healers, who had told Ellysia that he would survive, he just needed some stitches and plenty of rest. She put her faith in those healers only Warren never woke up, they put him to sleep and just let him die. My father didn't learn until later that Warrens death had been planned as part of a plot to kidnap Jason and use him to get to my father. With Warren out of the way getting to Jason would have been so simple. Of course my father had all the healers and anyone associated with them executed. It took almost a year to find all of the conspirators but Ellysia never gave up hope that they would be found. She stopped trusting healers entirely. Anytime I needed a healer she was right there watching everything and she would make threats like you wouldn't believe. One time I had fallen from a horse and needed to be stitched, the healer that was tending to me suggested putting me to sleep so I wouldn't feel anything when the needle was put to my skin... she shattered his jaw. The day that Warren died part of Ellysia died with him. It all happened forty two days before their wedding day, and I remember because I was going to be their flower girl and was counting down the days. So you see that is why she is pushing your father. She doesn't know about your mother just as he does not know about Warren. But I will make sure and talk to her so she knows that next time... if there is a next time... that she cannot act as is she now.

[Ellysia]

I wanted to gouge out that mans eyes with a knife and feed them to the nearest starving mangy mutt I could find roaming the streets. There is a difference between being confident, arrogant, even cocky and being a downright asshole. Mathias the healer had turned into a downright asshole. I still to this day cannot believe I just stood there while he talked down to me like I really was a little child. Literally just stood there glaring at him as much as he was spitting fire at me with those eyes. It was ridiculous to say the least. I was angry and part of that anger was old anger I thought long buried but the more I was around this man the more that anger surfaced like a ghost coming up from the grave. Isn't that exactly what was happening though? Warren. I still give a little hmph and shake my head when I think about him even now. Oh those times are far and few in between, it's been decades since his death, his murder I should say, and those responsible, healers that were meant to heal him killed him instead, were held accountable. Meaning they are all dead, their executions ordered by Saras father himself gods rest his soul. Anyway, back to the healer. I can't tell you how badly I wanted to break his face or at lease silence his voice so I wouldn't have to suffer through anymore of his high and mighty tirades but then he spoke in a way, in a tone that I knew too well. It wasn't until the end of his little rant that it happened but when it did, I changed my mind about wanting to bring physical harm upon his person because in that tone I could hear the harm, the hurt that had been done upon his soul. I backed down. Yeah you read right, I backed down. I didn't look at him when I walked passed him, maybe it's because I didn't want to see my own hurt, I was so tired of trying to deal with it even after all the time that had gone by.

Don't ever put me to sleep again.

That was all I could bring myself to say to him. I understand his intentions were good, and obviously he was well skilled in his craft, but for me it wasn't a matter of skill. It was a matter of trust and for me to trust a healer, especially one I only just met, was like expecting a merchant to trust a thief.

[Braxton Shadow]

Ah so you are the one that happened with. Don't worry about what Harper has to say about anything. After all I have some stories about her I could tell.

He grinned at her and was one to tease a bit.

I think you are in need of the tea because you have become flush thinking about Jackson.

He had to wink at her it was easy to tell she was not interested in Jackson but it sure was fun to tease her.

[Jackson Shadow]

He heard Nala and almost laughed but knew that might be seen as encouraging her to act that way. He just shook his head. He listened to her.

I can understand why she would not trust healers, but we are not the same as them. My family has done nothing but try and help your family and those associated with. I would say if either family had a reason to mistrust the other it goes the other way. I am not saying it to be mean but really think about it. Our family has done all asked for by your family and allies. All that my father asked for was her cooperation you are right we should be done listening. After all you seem in no hurry to speak to her but her biggest objection to taking care of herself is not knowing if you are ok. You heard her she wants to hear it for herself.

[Mathias_Shadow]

Well if you had gone to rest on your own then I would not have done it. So I will promise not to put you to sleep as long as you go get rest. I only did it out of concern

He started to wonder just what the hell was wrong with her. He was not one that usually gave a damn but she had such a fire about her that he had to admire.

[Sarabella]

Saras lips pursed together, a slight look of annoyance came across her face and she went to the vanity to check herself over one last time before she, Nala and her sentinel were to head out off the palace grounds and into Iallias main town of Chauncey.

It's not a matter of whose family should trust whose family. Trust is a personal choice, and I cannot and will not make that choice for Ellysia. I know you might not understand but that's all right. Every family, every land has their own way of handling matters. This is our way. Of course Ellysia is going to want to know that I am all right, but she is in capable hands that I trust... after all as you said your father is brother to the King. I in turn am not going to do anything until I can talk with her in person. You'll understand why in time, at least that is my hope.

Turning from the vanity she took measure of the man that she found interesting and easy to talk to. Brushing off some lint from his shoulder she nodded her head approvingly.

This definitely does suit you much better... all right then... I think we're ready here.

She called for Nala, wrapped a think pale silver cloak around her niece then repeated the action for herself and with Nala in one hand and her arm slipped through Jacksons she smiled excitedly, her blue eyes shining bright.

Off we go then.

They walked the halls of the palace to the main doors where the guards all bowed their heads which made Sara shake hers and Nala reached into the sack she had been carrying with her. The girl handed each guard a sweet wished them a blessed night and was leading the way through the doors and off the grounds. Sara let Nala run off ahead a few feet but no more than that and the whole time Sara without thinking about it kept her arm linked with Jacksons while they walked and took in the sights of Chauncey decorated for the occasion of the night.

Devils Night has always been something of an occasion here, it has always been one of Queen Kaynes favorite holidays, don't be too surprised if we run into her and her King out here somewhere either. The entire town incase you haven't noticed by the way the light posts and the shops are decorated gets into the spirit of this night. There is no other holiday except for Yuletide that is more celebrated. Wait until you see Iallia then Jackson... that is pure magic.

[Abigale]

Oh no you heard about the incident too?

Abigale had just managed to get the blush from her cheeks when Braxton informed her of his knowledge of the situation that had occurred between herself and his brother causing her face to heat up again. She turned her head away and decided she really had to get out of the room now so putting one foot in front of the other she moved to the door.

I think we've heard enough stories for one evening, and I am sure that your sister would not appreciate having her brother spilling tales about her that are best left untold. As for Jackson, I cannot deny that he is a sight to see but it truly does take more than looks to get me flushed. Getting tangled up in the most awkward of positions when the situations I find myself in are totally innocent usually does the deed faster than thinking of any man would.

She went through the door and down the hall trying not to look back to see if he followed, a lady never looked back, that was one of her mothers golden rules. Abigale might not have been born into a high society family but she was born into a family that was respected for their roles in the world of Pallia and the Elite, and she was expected to act as a lady would especially when in the company of their Majesties and any connected to the royal family. She reached the Great hall and to her surprise tears welled in her eyes when she saw that the Queens throne had been returned to it's rightful place. The whole of her life Abigale was in awe of Kiara and Losa Shadow, Abigales mother Briar had been nanny to Prince Aidan until the Princesses were born and then Prince Bennett, and then they too became her mothers charges. Her mother was proud of her position in the Hall, and with the family and she instilled that same sense of pride in Abigale. Smiling to herself Abigale went to the twin thrones set side by side and inspected each one making sure there was not a speck of dust on either using the work rag she had stashed in her back pocket to wipe at the simple thrones. She stepped back examining each one and her nose wrinkled. Thinking how the false king had sat upon the kings throne was not sitting well with her at all and she decided then to make a change. It was a bold move but Abigale believed that when their majesties saw the changes made... they would approve and if they didn't well it could always be undone. This is when she turned around and saw Braxton watching her. She gave him a small smile and motioned for him to come stand with her.

I hate to be a burden but I have a favor to ask. If anyone asks you had nothing to do with what is about to be done but I need you to do this for me my lord...

Leaning up on her tip toes she whispered in her ear what she needed him to do and then stood back watching the thrones change from simple black with accents of silver to silver with accents of onyx twisting their way up the sides each throne like vines and stopping at the center of each throne where two roses, one of blood red and one of pitch black, both dusted with what looked like little specks of diamonds. When Braxton was finished Abigale was so pleased she slipped her hand in his, squeezed gently and placed a small kiss on his cheek.

Thank you. My King and Queen have enough to remind them of what has happened on our lands... it isn't right that they should have to be reminded each time my King sat at his rightful place.

She let go of his hand and with the smile still on her face Abigale went to the kitchens for some tea.

[Janessa]

Janessa had left Aidan at the Hall so she could find her brother and let her see for himself that she was fine. She knew Trifton had to have been out of his mind when word spread around Pallia that the King had sent for "that little Wakefield girl... what was her name again? You know Triftons sister?..." and she had been terrified that her brother was going to do something that would get himself killed. Now that she was safe it was so important for her to find him, she didn't want to leave Aidan. not after the ordeal he had been through but Trifton had to be put first. Just as she was walking through the front door of the house that her brother and Cross Ryder had built, the house that she and Trifton lived in he was walking out, more like storming out with Rory behind him and she let out a yelp then smacked him in the arm.

Trifton Wakefield what in the hell is the matter with you scaring the hell out of a girl like that? If you wanted to be a damn only child all you had to do was say so you didn't have to try and kill me by giving me heart failure!

She didn't give her brother time to answer her before she threw herself at him, squeezed his neck with her arms and buried her face into his shoulder. No one but Trifton would understand why she started shaking the way she did or why she was suddenly crying into his shoulder hard enough to make her shake even more.

Thank the gods you're okay. I thought... I thought you would do something and I'd never see you again. Don't laugh at me Trift, I was so damn scared and if something would have happened to you I would have died...

She pulled away from her brother and thats when she noticed the wrappings underneath his shirt. Her eyes went wide and she untangled herself from him. Tears where still streaming down her face and she pointed at the shoulder where she saw the wrappings peeking out from the collar of his shirt.

What did you do? What in the hell happened to you!?

[Payten Shadow]

You're happy Bright Eyes...

Payten was propped up on one elbow looking down into the brightest bluest eyes she ever saw. It didn't matter that she saw those same eyes everyday during the years of her life with Aranor Shadow, it had been a long time since she saw his eyes that blue and that bright. So bright they were almost transparent. When Aranor arrived in Iallia and Payten saw him from the corner of her eye watching over her and their daughters she knew then that everything was going to be all right. Their lives would start to be pieced back together and both of their daughters could begin heal from the ordeal that they had both lived through. It was going to be harder for Iliana than it would be for Emalina given just how much Annie had survived but they were going to go through it all together as a family and Annie had perhaps the greatest source of strength she would need. That strength came in the form of James Kensington who had come into the room looking shaken to his soul but at the same time Payten had seen such a fierce strength in him, she could practically see his need and want to make everything right for Annie and she saw how relief washed over him when he got into the bed beside Annie, took her in his arms and held her to him like she was a treasure meant to be protected, coveted and above all else loved. That's when Payten knew Iliana no matter how hard the journey was going to be, would find her peace and live a good life. Zane would not leave Emalina while she kept her vigil over her sister, there was never any question that Emmie would live a life of love and happiness, Payten never truly worried for her. So when Aranor came to them Payten left her daughters in the care of the men who would die before they ever let harm come to either of them again and she led her husband to a room close to where their daughters room was then lavished attention on her husband in a way that she hadn't been able to in what felt like forever.

I don't want to know what you did, I don't need to know right now, you're here, our daughters are safe and that is all that matters. Just tell me that you aren't going to be getting called back there any time soon Aranor because I swear to the gods you do not want to know what will happen if you think of leaving me to go running back to that hell hole right now. I just got you back and dammit I am going to be selfish and not share you with anyone... at least not until Annie wakes up anyway. I mean it Bright Eyes, right now I've washed my hands of Pallia, you and our daughters are all that matter to me.

[Jackson Shadow]

I know you can not make her trust him or anyone else for that matter. What I was thinking of was at least you letting her know that you are ok. That seems to be one of her biggest arguments with him. So I just figured her knowing you were ok would help.

He smiled as she linked her arm through his. He watched Nala as she got a little ahead of them. He continued to watch her even while they were walking and talking. He found himself enjoying her company more. He laughed while watching Nala. He could not help it.

I am sure Ialia is nice any time of year. But yes it does look like they go all out for this which is good for the kids. The only places I have seen at Yuletide are Pallia and back home. I am just glad that things are halfway back to normal. I am just glad that you did not bite me when I went to get you from Hallia. I knew I could not risk you making any sounds though. Why is it I got the feeling that kid is going to be one tuckered out child later.

He smiled at her and watched as Nala went to get her goodies. They may have been out having fun and all but he was still on alert for any problems. He now looked at it as he had two charges. He did enjoy watching all the sights of the night.

I wonder if you are right about seeing the King and Queen out here as well. So is Nala your only niece?

[Madeline Somerset]

Madeline and Hunter exchanged their vows with their family surrounding them, and then shared their first kiss as husband and wife which almost resulted in Sage getting punched in the face for teasing Maddy about how she needed to make up her mind on just who the babys daddy was. It was funny but it wasn't funny and Maddy had reached Sage before Hunter could put his through a wall. She had Sage backed in a corner and was laughing so hard she was nearly crying.

There's no getting out of it now Hunter Shadow we all know you're this babys father and killing Sage just because he's a fool isn't very nice. You know he did alot of the dirty work around here and he did have to put up with me and my moods.

When she mentioned her moods Jacob started coughing to hide his own laughter and put a hand on Hunters shoulder.

The girls got a point Hunter my boy. You should be thanking the gods you haven't had to deal with Maddy when she goes demon. Your wife makes your uncle and father both look like sweet little boys.

Maddy shot Jacob a look before she put her hands on her belly and smiled brightly up at Hunter.

No bloodshed Hunter. We've dealt with enough of that. You're home now. Everyone all over Avurland can know the truth now and we are here together the way we were meant to be. Be happy, look around you Hunter, we're all on our way to being back to good. Can't be pissy when that's happening you know.

[Braxton Shadow]

He smiled when she asked him to do something with the thrones telling him what to do.

I have no issue with the King and Queen knowing I did it with magics. You have to understand the worst they could do is lock me up or kick me off the lands. Since this is my first trip to Pallia anyways I do not think that either would affect me too much. Just figured I could give you a story or two if Harper decided to mess with you again. I have many advantages on here I even know what she is scared of.

He walked with her to the kitchen to get some tea. He watched how she acted and how she carried herself and he had to apprecciate it. He saw so many in simliar positions look differently like they would rather be somewhere else serving someone else or not serving anyone at all.

Since you know about my family at least parts of it how about you tell me about yours over that tea. You will have to let me know which room is Harper's I have a little thing I want to do for her.

[Sarabella]

I appreciate your input Jackson but you need to let this play out the way it's going to on it's own. I told you before, not everyone handles situations the same. Ellysia is using me as an excuse to get as far away from your father and any other healer that might try and go near her. It's time she learned. And the reason I didn't bite you honestly is because I had finally fallen asleep after being awake for over twenty four hours, you caught me off guard and I can admit I was scared witless that Jason had changed his mind and moved my execution up by a day.

Sara stopped what she was saying when she caught sight of a peculiar looking woman with disheveled hair walking about cackling like some deranged witch brought to life from a storybook. She slapped a hand over her mouth to hide the giggle because behind her walked a thing... a thing was the only way Sara could describe the man walking behind the witch. He looked like some sort of monster built from different parts of different bodies. Leaning over she whispered to Jackson.

You wanted to know if we'd see the King and Queen? Well there they are... she really went all out this year... I bet she talked Zane into working his magics for her. That woman can talk anyone into just about anything.

Laughing she watched Zhulin chasing children and Kayne laughing her demented laugh. Sara laughed even harder when Zhulin made the mistake of trying to catch Nala and Nala balled up her fist punching the King in his nose. Thank the gods the girl wasn't grown enough to do real damage and Zhulin reacted by scooping her up and pretending to eat her belly.

Nala is my only niece and there are no nephews. I don't have any other brothers or sisters, there are a few Aunt and Uncles and some cousins scattered here and there on my mothers side but they never really wanted anything to do with me. They disowned my mother and thought it a sin that a bastard was made a princess. That never bothered me though, Peter has always loved me and my father never let anyone speak a bad word against me. I never wanted for anything in my life, not love or material possessions. Though material possessions have never been that important to me just like being a princess was never important to me. Would you believe me if I told you this life I have, as much as I love who I am and I know how blessed I am... I'd be happier in some little house...

She didn't finish the thought, there was no point. A sinking feeling crept up on her because the truth was, with her brother Jason dead... and she could not even bring herself to mourn for him... unless someone challenged her right to the throne, she was going to have to return to Iallia and take her place as Queen. Shaking her head she pushed those depressing thoughts from her mind. She had a few nights of freedom left and she was going to enjoy them.

What was I saying? Oh that's right. Nala. She is the only one, and I tell you there isn't a little girl more loved than that little bugger anywhere in all of Iallia and Hallia combined.

[Abigale]

Abigale laughed, she was told that her laugh was like her mothers, light and airy but she never noticed. Braxton Shadow was something else. Here he was nephew to the King and he was talking about being locked up or banished. She talked with him while she moved around the counters gathering what she needed for the tea.

I highly doubt that you will be locked up as you say or banished over something as trivial as redecorating. Even if they tried you have to understand, the Hall is my responsibility therefore anything that has to do with the keeping of the Hall falls to me, and if I asked you to do something for me that they do not approve of, I will deal with the consequences.

She leaned against the counter close to the stove while waiting for the water to boil. He asked about her family and this made her smile.

My family... well... my mother Briar is a quiet little thing, except for when she ran the Hall the same as I do now, she was nanny to the royal children and remained as such until Prince Bennett became of age, when that happened she stepped down and I took on her position as head of staff. You'll see her I'm sure if you are planning on staying in Pallia for a little while. My father Ramseys like my mother was born and raised on these lands. He's been a part of the Elite since before I was born. I don't know if you happened to notice a man walking around with a black patch over one eye? That would be my father. I don't have any brothers or sisters but I have more than enough cousins to make up for being an only child. Have you heard of the Ryders at all? My mothers brother Brody was married to Juniper Ryder. Anyway, I really don't have that much to tell about my family, we're close and there is alot of love in my family and some hellish fights between the boys when they get started but really other than that, there isn't too much more to know.

[Trifton Wakefield]

He had gone flying out the door with Rory on his heels and he grinned at his sister.

Well you know Nessa if you would watch the door you would not get so caught off guard and scared. Are you really ok?

He had held on tight to her and smiled when she started asking about the bandages.

Well see there were these guys that decided to have some fun and I had to play back. I was eing careful too but was trying to get to you to make sure that you were ok. Rory here was trying to keep me from going after anyone else. I keep telling her that I am fine. I just needed to make sure you were ok. I am surprised that Mom and Dad have not ended up here yet.

He smiled and looked to his sister and grinned.

So you want to tell me what is going on? I know what I was hearing but I figured I would not listen to anything until I got to talk to you. We can go back inside if you want.

[Aranor Shadow]

Of course I am happy, I am with you and our daughters are not far away.

He grinned and looked at her and kissed her. He teased her ears with his fingers and grinned at her, his smile was bright and he pulled her closer to him.

I am right where I need to be. No you do not need to know what I did to him. All you need to know is that he definitely could not have survived that. It is a good thing Braxton was there though to keep him from trying anything, oh and to use the magics to clean up the room afterwards. There is one thing I need to learn more is a better balance, like Oriana said to me. That is one thing she really could not achieve. Though right now all that matters to me is what is going on here with you and our babies. I know I know neither of them are babies anymore but they will always be my little girls you know that.

He smiled and he was happy to lay there right with her and he thought about things.

Annie should be waking up soon, should we go for when she wakes. I am happy right here with you but I also know we may be needed and it would be good for her to see her family is ok too.

[Hunter Shadow]

Why would I want to go back on anything. You are mine, the baby is mine and we all know that. I also know that if Sage does not learn to stop being a fool that I will find him sometime when you are not around to protect him.

He lifted to her and kissed her keeping her to him.

Well you know she is going through a rough time with the baby and all. I am sure it did not help matters that I had to be away, and that she had to put up with Sage that is enough to drive anyone nuts. Especially not knowing when we would be able to be together and be married. Also not knowing if I was going to be home for our child's entry into the world. Though now you are also going to have me here making sure you do not over do anything.

He laughed and kissed her again. He looked around at all those that did make it, and he kind of just grinned watching them all. He laughed when Phillip snuck up on Ardis and her reaction to that at first. Phillip had come in quietly and wrapped his arms around her. So he guessed there was something going on there.

I am glad you were able to enjoy this with us, unfortunately there is no food or anything here as it was just a spur of the moment decision. So I say we all go raid the kitchen and see what Winter has cooked up at the Hall.

[Janessa]

You're Rorys best friend of course she's going to be right on your ass making sure you don't do anything to get yourself killed. I'd say she's done a pretty damn good job of it too seeing I haven't been able to be around much to do it.

Janessa let out a long breath seeing her brothers smile put her right at ease. She wiggled out of his arms and sat down on the steps of the house that led to the porch and patted the spot beside her.

Sit and I'll tell you how that insane bastard thought...

Thought what? What was the point in really getting into details about how the lunatic trying to pass himself off as the King of Pallia had gotten it into his head that she would just go along with his twisted little idea to make her his Queen. It really was insane and the more she thought about it the more she wished she could get two minutes with the bastard alive just so she could drive a sword through his throat.

Let me just put it like this. If Aidan didn't arrive when he did I'd probably be dead by now. I don't know all that you heard but I am sure you caught wind that I was dragged up to the Hall. Literally Trift. I was at the Inn minding my own business... sort of... and the next thing I know I'm being told how I'm going to do this and that and hell no kiss my ass there was just no way. Anyway. You needed to make sure I was okay and I needed to make sure you were okay. You can see I'm fine. I can see your fine... for the most part. The King and Queen, and everyone else you can think of are back where they belong or are on their way home and please do not jinx us Trifton. Do you really want Mama and Papa here right now? You know how they can be. I know I know they get that way because they love us but really... we don't need them adding their insanity to everyone elses.

Janessa remembered that Rory was there and she looked over her shoulder at the woman.

Thank you by the way Rory, I know my brothers isn't always the easiest person to get along with but you're a really good friend to him and I appreciate you looking out for him.... stop giving me that look Trifton, I know you don't need a babysitter, I'm your sister I'm supposed to want you taken care of when I can't be around to do it just like you want me taken care of when you can't be around to do it. You're sure you're really okay?

[Corinthyalas]

Winters not going to have jack cooked up at the hall. Soon as Luckys feet touched Pallian soil what the hell do you think he did? Tell you what, he sure as hell is gonna be hungry when he's through with...

There it was again. Her name hollered from all different directions and Cori threw her hands up in the air in defeat.

Look. I'm not Firyon right now, not even two hours ago we were scattered all over creation, and some of us were caught up in bloodletting and now everyone is coming home, going home whatever it is they are doing, bottom line is we're all together and for the most part we've come out of this hell unscathed so I think just this once I should be able to say whatever the hell I want without all of you jumping on me. So what if Luckys busy having a go at his wife not a damn one of us are stupid here and the boy is a Deamons what the hell else did you all think he'd be doing soon as he got home? Honestly!

From the corner of her eye she saw Astrid put her head down, her blond hair was shaking and Cori knew hidden behind the flaxen veil her daughter was laughing so hard she was probably crying. Then she saw Phillip Ryder creep up on Ardis and that made her turn around ready to say something but a hand went over her mouth and her mother was telling Payne to do something to reign his wife in. Everyone starting laughing at her again, and Cori sighed behind her mothers hand.

[Madeline Shadow]

Food sounds good to me...

Maddy patted her belly and was all smiles, the demon that Jacob referred to her as was no where to be seen. Maddy had tried not to let her hormones get the better of her while Hunter was gone, but being pregnant and having to be watched the way she was had really done a number on her. It was touch and go for a little while with the baby and at one point she had been ordered to bed for a few weeks which had been hell on everyone especially Sage who did his best to make sure she want for anything if for no other reason than he didn't want Hunter killing him when he got home.

Didn't get this big by not...

Sage cut in with a wide grin on his face.

Maddy we know how you got to be that big and food doesn't have a damn thing to do with it.

Sage Ryder!

Sage took off running just incase anyone went after him and Maddy was laughing in a way she hadn't laughed for so long.

Hunter can we please go before anyone else starts? And don't worry, I've actually learned not to overdo anything. Jacob, Quinn and Sage didn't leave me with much choice.

[Payten Shadow]

Oriana was never allowed to learn balance. I swear, anytime she started doing anything for her damn self and for Kain and those boys some damn crisis would all of a sudden happen and her black magic ass would be hightailing it back to Pallia. No wonder she cracked like she did when her parents died. I think that year was the longest she stayed away and even then I know she was keeping in touch with you to make sure you weren't taking on too much. Of course you being you lied through your damn teeth to her.

Payten knew she sounded bitter but damn it in some ways she was. When she married Aranor their lives had been simple, they were able to live however they wanted and then little by little Aranor was sucked into the world that Oriana had lived in for years, and little by little Aranor was pulled from the family that he created with Payten. His sense of loyalty and duty to his brothers and their families was so strong it kept him from his own family and that burned Payten more than anything. There had been fights about it, but Payten would always ease up because she knew how important everyone was to Aranor, still it pissed her off and how stretched Aranor was trying to care for everyone and gods be damned if he was going end up like Oriana. What did Oriana tell him once? Adjusting and taking everything in stride was something Payten had learned over time but now all bets were off and even if it meant fighting with him every second of every day that he drew breath Payten was now letting anything go so easily anymore. Her family was everything to her, Aranor was everything to her and dammit they were going to have the time they needed to heal, to be a family and it was time their daughters were able to center their lives around themselves. If it meant they had to stay in Iallia so Annie could be near James so be it. If it meant staying in Iallia so Emma could finally marry Zane, then so be it.

I'm sorry darlin' but yanno how aggravated I get sometimes. I think for right now we can stay here just like this. Annie is going to want to see you, you know that but when she wakes up I think the first thing she's going to be dealing with is the shock of finding that man in bed with her and you not being there glaring about it. We'll let Annie and James have their time then you can fuss and fawn over your girl okay?

[Trifton Wakefield]

Did you just say that Aidan rescued you. So your dreamy Prince rescued you. I am surprised you are not with him right now. So has your Prince finally realized you are really alive?

He loved to tease her about Aidan. He nudged her while sitting next to her. He grinned at Rory.

Yeah well sometimes I swear Rory is worse than you when it comes to things. She would not let me go back out after I was patched up. Tried to tell her I was fine I just needed to go and make sure that you were okay. So everything is starting to come back together I take it. Yes you are right I do not need a baby sitter at all. Yes I am really okay and I know you want to make sure that I am taken care of when you are not around.

He laughed and shook his head and looked at her.

Well you know how they are especially about you. I am not sure if they will be coming or not. I will send word to them that we both are okay and see if that holds them off. But as I said you know how they are. I am surprised they did not end up here trying to help with the things going on. You know how Dad is when it comes to all of them too. After all he grew up around them and all too.

[Ardis Ethrorrian]

That's it. We are so out of here. There is no way in hell we're sticking around with my mother on one of her mouth running marathons. Sometimes she's just as bad as a damn teenager and she already has that look in her eye, she's not turning that mouth on us.
Ardis made the very matter of fact statement in hush tones and over her shoulder to the man who had mildly surprised her when he snuck up on her and put his arms around her. That could not have been very comfortable for him to begin with given she was still wearing her armor, still she couldn't keep the slight smile off her face, here it was, the very same night that the control of Pallia was returned to Losa and Kiara, the night that everyone was able to come home so to speak and Phillip Ryder found her. During the time they were all scattered around Avurland Ardis and Phillip did manage to find moments, though far and few inbetween, to spend with each other. Ardis didn't say anything else until she took Phillips hand and led him from the house. When they were outside she stopped to breathed in the air. It even smelled different than it had before, cleaner, clearer somehow.
Phillip... what are you doing here?
She asked the question quietly. If he knew what she thought about him showing up where the whole of her family was gathered and the small display of affection he showed her in front of them all... he might just laugh at her and tell her she was getting too attached and then she might have to smack him upside the head with her helmet.
I would have thought you would be with Genna right now...

[Payne Ethrorrian]

Wait you all could not control her as a child and you expect me to be able to control her. Alright then Cori you need to control that mouth of yours not everyone wants to think about what certain people are doing now that they are home. I would think that you have better uses for that mouth anyways and I know a few better uses.

He grinned and took her from her mother's hold.

Plus my Queen should know to control her mouth especially when she knows she already has my temper a bit riled after what she pulled earlier. Now I should not have to be telling someone at this age to behave. To think you all could not get her under control when she was younger how in the hell did you think she was going to turn out?

He grinned at her and winked and leaned over and whispered something in her ear. He made sure he made a few suggestions of what that mouth could be used for.

[Janessa]

You are impossible. What the hell is it with you? You're just as bad as the women around here Trifton Wakefield I swear it! Were you in on Coris bet too huh?

Janessa rolled her eyes to the sky and nudged her brother. Why did everyone have to give her such a hard time about Aidan all the time.

All of you really need to learn to just leave it alone Trift. Whatever happens will happen and people pushing or making comments isn't helping anything at all, it just aggravates me and pisses Aidan off. Besides...

She leaned back on her elbows and watched the stars in the sky, did they seem brighter than usual?

I'm not going to hold my breath or think any farther than from second to second, for all I know this whole thing could have just kicked off that part of his nature that makes him protect people and do what's right. You know a heat of the moment kind of thing. Why are you surprised I'm here and not with him Trifton? His family is coming home, his father is back where he belongs, he needs his time with them, just like I needed my time with you. Anyway... don't give Rory a hard time okay? Be glad you have such a good friend and leave it at that.

She leaned over and kissed his cheek, then gave that same cheek a light slap before she got to her feet.

I am in desperate need of a hot bath, behave yourself out here.

Janessa went into the house and to her room, gathered up everything she needed then headed for the bathing room to do exactly what she told her brother she was going to do. She was going to take a nice hot bath and scrub her skin raw if need be just to get rid of the creepy feeling that still lingered from being touched by the hands of a false king.