Shadows Through Time : The Time of the Souls

[Avalyn Shadow]

Yanno for as batty as everyone says I am sometimes I think you and your brother and sisters really are damaged by all the damn inbreeding.
Avalyn was never known for holding her tongue, she always spoke her mind with honesty that bordered on brutal even if she was never cruel about it, she always said everything with a smile on her face in a way that rarely made people tense around her. This time would be no different. She was not going to hold back her thoughts just because they might not be the same as Bennys.
You know what I think is bull? That over the years I have watched and seen every last person who was involved in whatever mishap there has been on these lands no matter how minor it has been be treated the same way. Aidan might not have carried out the deed but he sure as hell didn't do a damn thing to stop you and he gave his two cents worth. So what he has to run, poor baby his legs gonna break off? He was involved Bennett, he helped you even if he just helped you plan. You know what I think is bull? That everyone is looking at Krystynas reaction like they are too stupid to understand why she went a little haywire. How in the hell did everyone think she was going to react feeling her twin dying? How would anyone of you reacted? Don't tell me you would have been calm and cool because I've seen what you are capable of. Example? Marcus might not have put that arrow through Aidans heart but that sure as hell didn't stop you from beating him to death because he was part of the planning. You heard what Krys said, and given how all of you are when you get in that mode I don't know why anyone of you is surprised. You know what else I think is bull? That your brother was running his mouth about nothing happening to Krystyna but he has to run... cry me a river. Does he have so little faith in your mother that he really believes she's going to let Krystyna slide by? It's absurd. You know I have always heard your mother and your father and even your Aunts say that sometimes they do things that aren't understood at the time, but there is a reason why everything happens the way it does on these lands when they deal with situations like this... and I would think the so called Master of the Order would have the sense to stop for two seconds and remember that just like I would think the Crown Prince would use the sense the gods gave him and realize just what Rayne was getting at, and just what your mother is getting at. Is this the part where you tell me I have to understand that Aidan is angry and to cut him some slack because I am pretty sure that won't hold a lick of water with me right considering Krys let her fear for her twin get the better of her. You're right about one thing I tell ya, your mama isn't going to let Lex be anything other than okay, neither is your father or Adam for that matter.

[Bennett Shadow]

We have no inbreeding but sometimes I wonder about things Ava. You know I know that they all saw me as this great thing that saved my father but really all I was, was a baby. I did nothing great or anything. I was only born to two parents that love me, and that love each other.

He smiled and kissed her gently and ran his fingers through her hair. He held her to him and ran his hand over her back.

It was only a prank like ones they are always pulling why would he stop me. He had told me though that I should have put it on the entry door but then I thought I had a better chance of getting Lexi if it was on the closet door. There was nothing that seemed loose when I was in there. The situations you are speaking of are different. Marcus was not innocent in that situation, Janessa is. She has had nothing to do with any of the pranks, and nothing to do with any of the things that were pulled. Of course I was going to go after the one that plotted my death and my brother's death. This situation is not the same there was no purposeful hurt meant to be involved. Nothing was done intentionally to hurt anyone. How can you even try to compare the two incidents?

Why was it he felt he had to defend Aidan. He knew that Aidan had been given the Master of the Order by his Mother and with little thought to the fact he may not have been fully ready. That maybe he needed to learn more, and that maybe it was not time for their father to be removed from his spot.

Maybe Aidan was not ready to be Master of the Order, and Mom did that without even talking to Pa about it. Which in it's own right I do not think is right. Look I understand that Krys is upset about Lex. But the truth is we can not go around just attacking innocents to get back at one another. He has every right to be mad as hell that Krys is not being punished right off and he is. The only thing Aidan did was tell me what mixture to use and he tried to give me advice about where to put it, which if I had listened we would not be in this situation. I know that they do things for a reason but it is bullshit that Krys is going off doing what she wants just because she is upset. We learn when we are young we do not attack the innocents.

[Talen Deamons]

I can warm you up when we get there. You are right Kiara and the Conclave are the only ones that can pass judgment even knowing who she is I do not see why you all still refer to her as Helena. I know that was the name she went by before it was known she walked these lands still. But it has been long enough and I find it rather odd that she is still called that. It is no secret who she is anymore. I know you will have to answer for things just as I had to while you were gone. I had to answer for all the trouble that I got into.

He kept an arm around her and did make them move quicker to home. He knew that at anytime they could have dipped into the shadows but then he would not be bringing her home. Which he did bring her home but not at the all. At a place that was just for them it was even set up so that when she needed to rest that no sunlight enough to harm her could come in. He had wanted them to have their own place, and he had not thought after she was gone he would ever set foot in it again. Then they found out she was alive and he got some to clean it and set up things for them.

So what do you think?

He had sent someone ahead to light the fires in the fireplaces in the living room and the bedroom but he had it so that the flames would not come out. That was the advantage of having people who could do magic in the family. Anything that was needed could be done.

[Avalyn Shadow]

How can I compare the two? Easy. It's all on principle. You take two situations, break them down to the core. down to their basic foundations, and the principle is the same. How the hell have I been able to learn so much being around your family yet you all, I swear...
Avalyn rolled her eyes to the heavens and sighed. Didn't Benny realize that she was always watching? That she had always watched and learned everything that went on around her especially living on Shadowlands, observing was a part of surviving if you were a part of the clan.
Maybe Aidan wasn't entirely ready to take over but think about this and for fucks sake please stop looking for reasons to find fault with what your mother decided... she was not only a hell of alot younger than Aidan when she took over the Order but she was also the first woman to ever head an Order... did you even know that? It never really gets talked about much but I do alot of reading these days, the histories in the library really are fall over and die from heart failure amazing and sometimes just downright unbelievable. Told you I was going to learn everything so if I have to be queen one day I'll be at least a little ready for it. How do you think she got to be the kind of leader that she is Benny? She took the bull by the horns. made her mistakes, learned from them and moved on. Did it ever occur to anyone that she knows Aidan would never be ready if he wasn't given the opportunity and the honor of becoming Master? How would he ever truly learn what it means, what it takes if he just serves more or less as a lackey? Mind you those are just my thoughts on it all. Anyway, it was a prank that went all sorts of wrong and I still cannot believe that you are standing here telling me that your mother should have doled out her wrath on Krys right then and there when the girl didn't even know if her twin was going to survive. That's just as wrong as Krys going after Janessa on some levels... again break it down... see it's not keeping it simple that gets you people in trouble sometimes. You just want to see whats on the surface when something happens rather than looking to see what lies beneath. Remind me the next time I get called a nut to just remember there are more loony people out there in the world than me.

[Janessa]

Look at me.
Janessa spoke those three words at the same time she was on her feet, standing in front of Aidan. She knew he was mad as hell, and might have even gotten a little scared at how his sister had reacted to what happened to Alexis so she needed to get him to settle down without sounding like she was talking down to him.
Aidan, Krystyna was scared, and she was furious and okay she caught me a little off guard but at the same time, it wasn't your throat she had her hand on... and do you know what? I barely felt her fingers, honestly I think even in her anger she knew she wasn't going to do anything, she just wanted someone, anyone to feel as scared and angry as she was at that moment. You were the obvious choice because who would think Bennett could pull off something like that. The point I am trying to make here is if I was Krys and Trifton was Lex... I would have reacted the same way. Oh be mad at her but don't let it boil over and blow up doing damage that might not be able to be fixed Aidan. You want to know something else? I don't think anyone of you should have to answer to your mother or anyone else for this. It was a joke that backfired, it was bound to happen sooner or later and no one meant to hurt anyone. Bennett didn't set out to hurt Lexi, and Krys was just scared. As far as this run with your mother goes.... when is the last time she ran with anyone while they carried out their punishment? Stop. Breathe. Think Aidan. There has to be more to this run than what she's letting on to. So, here's what I think. Right now, we go, we get this rest, we get over being angry at Kryssy and talking shit about Rayne or anyone else and we just thank the gods that it wasn't as bad as it could have been.

[Bennett Shadow]

Mom was also treated different by her parents. She was not coddled like Aidan was by her. How was he to learn anything when he was allowed to act any way that he wanted to by Mom? Now she wants him more controlled she should of thought of that in the past when he would act out. What I am saying was the Master of the Order changed should not have just been up and done. Pa was not even a part of it, and that in itself is disrespectful to him. He worked his ass of to be what he was. Then before even being sure Aidan was ready for it she just put it in his lap. Aidan is not Mom and she needs to realize that. He was not raised exactly like her. So he can think like her at times, but having the responsibilities just put in his lap may have been too much for him at the time.

He was talking in normal tone he was not going to let himself get upset and get into a fight over it. He shook his head.

Even with Noble missing Talen had to atone for the things he did when he did them. By treat Krys different it is setting a double standard. It is not right on any level that I look at it. People have done lost their minds around here I swear. But right now I need rest and I can only hope there will be good news about Lex later.

[Aidan Shadow]

It is bullshit is what it is Janessa. I do not care what she was thinking at that point. We have been taught not to go after innocents. My Mother also knows she has things to answer for as well as going outside of the way of the Orders. So I am sure that is why she is running with us.

His arms were around her and he was holding her. He was not going to let anyone threaten her and threatening her meant threatening their child.

Krys can not just go off acting like a bitch because Lexi got hurt. I know she feels things more than other people do because Lexi is her twin. But she still went after an innocent and had no business doing so. If Mother will not handle the situation with her then I will. I will not have my sister acting like that under any circumstances. Especially when she knew whether it was me or not it was a damn prank that went wrong nothing more nothing less. It was not a matter where someone was trying to purposely hurt anyone. We all know Benny never would and I never would purposely hurt one of my siblings. So her acting like that is bull

He was still furious that his sister would even think to go near Janessa like that. His hand touched her face gently.

I love you Janessa and I am not going to stand by and just let her act like that. Even if it was someone else that she did it to I would not let it go either. But you are not someone else you are who you are. Just as everyone else has to atone for what they do Krys is no different just because she is my sister.

[Raynalia]

Jade ye c'nay be serious...
The elf had gone in to check on the twins and to see if Kiara needed anything from her when she found the fiery haired assassin looking paler than usual, and like she had just had her heart ripped out of her chest. It didn't take long for Rayne to get Kiara to spill what had her looking so troubled. The scary part in hearing Kiara talk was how calm she was. Kiara told her how she had just been sitting, watching over her daughters and listening... listening to her sons... if Jade was using her creepy leech talents to listen in, something was really wrong. Judging by what she was seeing and what she heard, it was all wrong. Both the boys had made assumptions about their mother that were so off base that Rayne had a feeling once Losa was up and about and caught wind of what had been said they were going to be in for a nasty surprise.
All these years a havin' you for a mama and knowing how you think... this is what they see you as? This is what they think of you? And they do it so easily, Jade that is frightening. Obviously Bennett has no idea just what you and Losa talk about late at night, and for him to think that you would just dump the entire order in his lap like that... there is more to being master than just being given a title.... who the hell does Bennett think was running this whole thing when Noble went missing? Seems to me it was Losa and you like its always been... so exactly how was everything just dropped on Aidans lap? That youngest of yours needs to learn to keep his mouth shut before he speaks about things he d'nay be knowin' shite about. I c'nay believe that Aidan would think ye were just gonna let Krys get off with doin' what she did either. Jade when did these boys get ta be stupid?
What really got to her was what Kiara had said afterwards, and Rayne wondered if the little Princes, either one of them had any idea just what they had done. Well if they didn't know, once Jade was able to talk to Losa, they were going to find out. They talked for a little while more then Kiara left her daughters to sleep with Adam and Rhone watching over them. What Kiara had in store for Krystyna was brilliantly scary and probably one of the harshest lessons Krys was ever going to learn but Rayne had a feeling that once it was over Krys would better for it. She just hoped that once Kiara was done with what she had in mind for her sons, they would be better for it. Now the elf was creeping into the house that she and Con called their own, the house he shared with Ari was now occupied by Hunter, Madeline and little Arianne, the house she shared with Valiant was now Rhones, and she and Con built a home of their own. Walking into the living room she was already peeling off the uniform of the Elite when she saw a mop of blonde hair pop up from the couch and sea blue eyes looking at her with a spark in them.
Aye that be a sight ta see...
She went right to the couch and deposited herself on her Saint forcing him to lay back down so she could stretch out along the length of his body.
Would ye fall over dead love iffin' I tol' ye now would be a good time for ye ta hunt down Losas' boys and whoop their asses for speakin' an' thinkin' the way they been 'bout their mama?

[Janessa]

I don't have to agree with you over everything you think and say Aidan, just like you don't have to agree with me. This time, I'm not even going to say I'm sorry and I'm not going to fight with you either, but you will know where I stand on this. I don't think your mother is going to let this go, and I think your being pretty damn unfair not letting her deal with Krystyna before you start rushing to judgement and making statements like you are. Your sister could have died over the bullshit prank that Bennett pulled, the bullshit prank you helped him with and rather than taking that into account your going off about what Krys did... or rather her lack of what she really did... to me. I think seeing I'm the one it happened to, I get a say in some of this. Stop thinking like a father and a husband Aidan. It's clouding your judgement as Master.... and as a big brother. Don't start getting bitchy with me either brat, I'm in no mood for it. Breathe. And think Aidan. Think how you were taught to and do not let your personal ties to me override your common sense right now.
Sometimes dealing with Aidan was not always easy but if life was meant to be easy it would also be very boring. Janessa knew how upset he was and she also knew he needed to ease his anger before he said or did anything that could make it all worse. She knew just how capable he was with the Order and she didn't want to see everything he worked so hard for, and all the positive changes he made blown to hell over something that had started out as an accident and caused a chain reaction that made the whole thing go from really bad to really really bad.
Your baby and I are fine, and we are tired, and we would like very much if you could please get us both tucked into bed and stay with us until it's time for you to meet with your mother and if you wouldn't mind too much... when you come home... could I please have my red head back again?

[Noble Deamons]

So this is what you were doing all those days when you told me you were on duty and you left me in that big bed all alone...
Her tone, her voice, her entire demeanor changed when they arrived at the house and Talen brought her inside showing off the house with a pride shining in his eyes. A house he had obviously put plenty of thought into. Every detail not only suited Nobles' own tastes but they were melded with Talens so perfectly that every room was made theirs. Not hers. Not his. Theirs. She took in every last detail, noticing how he had even taken the time to make sure that the windows were properly treated so when it was time for her come in out of the sun, the rays of light would not be able to reach her. He took her on a tour of their house, their house, she loved the thought of living under the same roof with Talen and only Talen, at least until they had a brood they would one day call their own, and she almost laughed when she found out that there were four bedrooms total in the house. The last room they went to was where she would spend the rest of her life sleeping beside the man she at one time thought she might be lost to forever, but that was not meant to be, and for the rest of her life she would thank the gods for whatever part they might have played in getting her home. Her smile was wide and bright, full of a happiness that needed no words and she threw her arms around his neck.
What do I think? I think Talen Deamons that I love you. I think that the home you have created for us is the most wonderfully amazing thing anyone has ever done for me and I think right now I would like very much to go to bed with my husband, that is if he thinks the world can survive without us for a little while.

[Talen Deamons]

I think the world better be able to survive without us for a few hours because otherwise they are shit out of luck. I love you Noble Deamons.

He lifted her up in his arms and kissed her. He was glad that she liked the house. He knew she would though then again he had for awhile not been sure he was going to get to share the house with her. He had worked on the plans for it down to the last detail. Of course he got help with the actual workings of it it but he knew what he had wanted for them.

Well my goal is not to leave you lonely in this bed at all. After all this is our bed in our home. I like the sounds of that. A few extra bedrooms does not hurt and I know at times duty will call. But I always liked the idea of coming home to you. Not at the Hall or at the Manor but something that is ours and ours alone. Not to have to share with anyone. I believe every couple needs their own space.

His arms were around her and he was holding her to him and kissing her again. He had sworn if he got her back he was going to make the most of every chance he got to be with her.

[Condrik Shadow]

Aidan needed his ass whipped a long time ago but people just would not do it. He has done better as of late, but still he is who he is. All the times he should have had his ass beat and he got away with shit Losa tried to tell Kiara, then big fights would break out. You can tell a lot of Aidan's changes comes from finding someone that means so much to him. So what did the boys do this time?

He had her wrapped up in his arms and was kissing her. His fingers playing with her hair some. He sighed holding her. His nephews were something else and if they had his elf this riled he could just imagine what they did. He knew about the prank that went wrong and all.

They are going to act in the different ways that they have through the years because that is who they are that is how they have been able to act. It just comes down to certain matters with the two of them. If they need to be put on their asses I am sure my brother will do it. Especially if they did something to upset their Mother. The whole thing started over a prank so I do think punishing them for a prank that went wrong is not right anyways. After all how many pranks have they pulled on each other?

[Aidan Shadow]

I have always protected my siblings from the time I was little I always watched out for all of them. I would not let just anyone near them either. I could not stand when any of them were crying you know when Lexi was little few could calm her down. Whether or not she meant harm is not the issue Janessa. The fact that she would think to raise a hand even without going through with something to you shows how much of a lesson she needs. Yes she is upset about what happened to Lexi we all are, I know their bond is different but to use that as an excuse for her behavior is bull shit. I will give my Mother time to hand out a punishment and if she does not then it is my duty to do so. I can not excuse behavior like that from anyone. To do so would to be saying that everyone can just go around acting like idiots when something goes wrong.

His arms were around her and he lifted her up to him. He knew she could go through the shadows herself but she did look a bit tired and worn out. So he lifted her bringing her back to his room he had finally got used to sharing the bed and he got them both settled in and kissing her.

I have to think like a father and a husband. I am going to be both, and not only do I need to protect the rules of the order I also need to protect my family. You know no matter how mad or anything my mother or father were at each other they would not let anything happen to the other. I have always tried to protect everyone.

He was actually happy to be alone with her for a change and had his arm around her as they laid there talking. He started to think about different things lessons learned as he would say about different things.

[Raynalia]

Ye need ta be stoppin' that Con. Jade put her foot down with that boy long ago. Iffin' when he was a wee one none of ye thought what happened ta him back then should be used as an excuse for how he acted when he was just a little boy, now that he actually be grown, I d'nay wanna be hearin' how Jade did this wrong, or Jade did that wrong. Ye all expect that woman ta have the answers ta damn near everything and when she makes a mistake, it's like the world is coming to an end....
The elf sighed and sat up not caring that she was on his stomach, he was strong enough to deal with it. She was really worried about Kiara, it had been a long time since she saw the red head looking the way she did and talking the way she was. Even though Jade had given her mortal life for a life in darkworld, she still held on to her humanity, she was still the same person at her core.
You want to know whats going on with them boys? They're bad mouthing their mother. Bennetts carrying on about how she just handed the Order over to Aidan when he wasn't ready, and how she did nothing but disrespect Losa by doing it without talking to him about it... how was she supposed to talk to him about it at the time she did it when Losa wasn't even here... she made the decisions she thought were best for the Order during that whole time when Alistar was in Losas' body. The Elite needed a sign of hope, that all was not lost during that time and who better to be that sign than Losas own son? I don't think Bennett even realizes that's when it really happened... and even then she was right there planning with Aidan, helping Aidan. Since Losa has been back whose done the majority of the Masters duties for the Order? Losa and Jade and why is that? Because Kiara and Losa both have enough sense in their heads to know Aidan still needs to be taught, still needs to learn more but he needs to be hands on in order to learn and it's not like they said "Here's the Order you're on your own". And Aidan is on a tear talking about how if his mother doesn't punish Krystyna for her little outburst like right now, he's going to deal with it. How would you feel if your entire life was devoted to your family, keeping them safe and teaching them everything they needed to survive in the world they were born into, loving them so much that you would give up your mortal self just to be near them... and then one day hear them talk about you the way she got to hear her sons talk about her? You should have seen her face Saint. She told me why she wants the boys to run with her... and you know Kiara Con, she won't come right out in front of people and tell them her business when it concerns her children... it's like they forgot who she is, how she thinks, how she works. All they can do is see with tunnel vision, and that is not good. All she wanted was for her entire family to be home for Yuletide... and this is what she gets instead. You didn't see her, but you've been around her long enough to know when she's starting to slip over the edge... and I'm pretty damn sure that's where she's heading now. The question is... how do we keep it from happening?

[Aranor Shadow]

He knew that Payten would understand about him needing to check on his nieces. No matter what wrongs happened that in Payten's eyes were Kiara's fault he knew she would not wish anything on the girls. He had seen the look on his brother's face when he saw the hair that Kryssy had. He walked to check on them and he looked at Kiara.

I will have Kryssy's hair back to normal before Losa wakes up. He should not be out like he was with Aidan or anything. He has learned to channel other energies it was what we were working on before everything went haywire.

He walked to his nieces side and he looked at the two men that looked pissed as hell.

Adam I can understand you are upset but your wife will be fine. Make her drink some of this, it will help too along with what her father did. Now I do need to take care of this hair issue.

That did not take long at all for him to fix Kryssy's hair after all he knew the color to make it though anything other than the black that it was would be better. The black was too much of a reminder of the time of the fallen. A time when so much happened and few knew the extent of it. But here they were many years later and things were better than before in a lot of ways.

[Janessa]

She tried to hold it in and not let the laughter just run rampant. At first she sounded a little like she was choking, then she went into snickering until the laughter bubbled over and just could not be contained anymore. It wasn't funny, the situation as a whole but what he said struck her in a way that she was almost laughing hysterically.
Aidan...
She needed a minute but still couldn't keep the laughter that turned into giggles from coming out of her mouth and she slapped his chest lightly, in a playful sort of way.
Aidan Connor Shadow don't you dare... you of all people ought not to be lecturing about people running around acting like idiots. I seem to remember not too long ago that this brat prince I know very well used to do nothing but walk around acting like a complete idiot while everyone else around him were behaved and cool. Listen to me brat prince..
She turned over on her stomach folding her arms on his chest and resting her chin on her arms. Her nose wrinkled seeing that damn black hair. Gods she hated it.
I'm not saying that Krys wasn't wrong you know. What I am saying is that tomorrow is Yuletide, and these lands have seen enough drama the last few months to traumatize damn near everyone, do you think maybe just maybe for me this one time you can ease up on your sister and just let you mother handle this however she is going to?
She went to say more when there was a knock on the door, and from the hall Tierneys voice called to them.
The Queen asked me to tell you that she no longer finds it necessary for you or the Crown Prince to join her your Highness. She understands that even the most well laid plans can sometimes go wrong, as none of us are perfect, something I think you more than anyone would understand Highness. She also wishes for me to tell you Merry Yule Eve.
Janessas brows knit together. That was rather odd she thought but now that Aidan didn't have to meet his mother she didn't give it another thought.
Well how do you like that? I wonder why the sudden change...

[Condrik Shadow]

I am talking about when he got older too. In fact really look at how he treated others even when he got older. You know I would never wish anything bad on Kiara, but for as long as Aidan bad mouthed his father acted like an ass to his father none of you understood what Losa was going through. And it was not just when he was a wee one, it was when he got older too until after Kiara let herself be known he was still acting like an ass to a lot of people. You are right her sons do not need to be saying shit as she has protected them for a long time. The reason people expect Kiara to have the answers to everything is that she would always go to handle the situation. We are not going to argue about Aidan though and the way he was spoiled into thinking he could do damn near anything to anyone. Since I know what Losa went through as far as things went I can not imagine what Kiara is feeling as far as things goes because she has always protected Aidan especially.

He was looking up at her and had to grin slightly. There were things they were always going to disagree on and Aidan was going to be one of them. His mind got to thinking and his fingers started tracing circles on her as he was thinking.

The boys could just be blowing off steam while talking to I am assuming their wives. Benny is right in some ways, it depends on each person's views in matters. Losa and Aidan think differently, we all think differently. You know all of them will surround each other for the Yuletide. Just as most families will do. Aidan is going to be upset think about it Rayne think of how the men in the family are when their mate is pregnant. Would you expect anything else from Aidan then to want justice to be handed down right away? I am not sure what is going on as far as the running is going, but I can see where Aidan is coming from. Krys stepped over more than one bound when going after Janessa. Even if Krys would not hurt Janessa. You know when Losa wakes up from his little nap that he is going to be one on fire demon if he knows Kiara is upset. As much as I would love to knock the boys on their asses I think it would be better for their father to deal with it. We will do as we always have done with Kiara we will be there for her like we always have been.

He started to think about things through the years and he just shook his head at his thoughts. If need be he would be dealing with his nephews he would rather not for the simple fact he knew Losa would prefer to deal with them.

[Alexis Shadow]

You don't have to talk about me like I can't hear you Uncle Aranor, I'm glad to hear that my father won't be out for long, you know it scares the hell out of my mother every time he does that thing he does.
Lexis whispered voice cut through the darkness of the room that was only dimly lit by the fire burning in the hearth. Adam always made sure when the weather was colder to keep the room warm for her. Before the last of her words fell from her lips her husband and her mother were on their feet at her bedside, she felt Adams cool hand in hers and a frown turned down the corners of her mouth.
Adam...didn't Aidan tell you I wouldn't be happy if I woke up and you hadn't fed yet? I heard everything you know, Kryssy showed me in our sleep... she really went after Janessa like that didn't she? And you went after Bennett... I gotta give that kid credit... that was one hell of a prank.
She saw the look on her mother and Adams' faces and shook her head slightly.
Don't... it was an accident... if I didn't get hurt... what do you think Krys and I would be doing right now... plotting revenge.
With Adams help she sat up, propped up by the pillows he put behind her back and once she was comfortable she crooked her finger at him until he was close to her and she whispered in his ear.
You know for a minute there I thought it was all over... and I was pissed, I didn't finally settle down just to have my life taken from me... and I think right about now you could do with hearing how I love you.
She didn't care that her mother or Uncle were in the room Adam needed to know she was okay and she needed him close to her. She kissed him then slipped her free hand into Krystynas. Her sister was still asleep and Lexi knew why. When Krys was that angry and hurt, she would force herself into a deep sleep to keep her demon from coming out to play, when Kryssys demon played she was almost as bad as Bennett, almost but not quite and Lexi knew Krys was always scared that one day she wouldn't be able to keep that demon part of herself in control.
Rhone... stop making that face if she wakes up and your face is frozen like that she's not going to be happy... why don't you take her back to her room for a little while, she'll know I'm all right when she wakes up, she just needs to sleep the demon away right now. Ma... go to bed, you should be with Pa when he wakes up. Don't fight with me on this please, I need my own time with my own husband right now...
Amazingly enough they all listened to her and once Kryssy was out of the bed Adam took her place... took his rightful place, as soon as they were truly alone Lexi curled up next to him hugging his neck, and she burst into tears.
I know it was an accident...Benny almost killed me.

[Raynalia]

Ye can be there all ye want'ta be when the shite hits the fan, I'm not hangin' around for the fall out. I d'nay be knowin' when this turned into another Jade done wrong era but I thought all of ye were well past that bullshite now.
The elf was getting riled, no one knew better than she did just how far Kiara had gone since she was sixteen years old to protect everyone around her, everyone was always so quick to place the blame for whatever went wrong on her shoulders and once again the weight of it all was starting to bring Kiara to her knees, why was it that Rayne was the only one to see that? No, that was wrong. There was no doubt in her mind that Losa could see it, and at least the elf had enough sense in her head even if no one else did to know that there was probably more going on behind closed doors with Losa trying to help his wife than anyone knew.
I'll not be arguin' about Aidan or where blame needs to be put for him being a little mother fucker, ever stop and think that maybe it ain't got a damn thing ta do with Jade that he was just born ta be a prick? He is a Shadow after all an' ye all get on your high horses 'bout how right ye all be an' how wrong the rest of the world be.
Whoever thought that she and Condrik never fought had another thing coming, they did fight, they just went about it differently now, and neither one of them no matter how angry ever walked away from the other, they always had it out until the end, and if it seemed like there was no end in sight, they would run together arguing the whole time, or take a note from Cyranda Janes book of how to fight and how to make up.
I think Jade needs ta be cut some slack okay? Can we just leave it at that before we get into a full blown fight? Save it til after the holiday aye?

[Adam Stilin]

He had slid into bed after everyone left his arms were around his wife and he kissed her. He kept his arms around her.

I know I should have fed but you are more important to me than anything Lexi don't you realize that. I could not go anywhere no matter how anyone assured me that you would be ok. When we got married you became my priority and will be my priority. Things went a bit haywire after ward. Yes I went after Benny of course Aidan got in the middle than Kira. It was one big mess. Yes Krys went after Janessa which of course set Aidan off more. You know it would have probably been a hell of a prank if it was not for you getting hurt you are still rainbow colored. Someone is going to need to let your brothers know you are ok. You know Benny was pale as hell too once he found out what happened.

He kissed her and ran his hand along the back of her neck and just smiled at her. He could not help that he was still a bit angry at her brother but she was awake so his attention was now all on her.

[Kiara Jade]

Even if she didn't have the need to breathe Kiara could breathe again as soon as she heard her babys voice and saw the fire in Lexis eyes she knew that her youngest daughter was going to be all right. Adam and Kiara had known what would have to happen if Lexi didn't recover. Lex made it clear that if anything ever happened to her, if her life could not be saved by normal means under no circumstances were her mother or Adam allowed to let her die. She made it very clear that she was not leaving her vampire to walk the world without her. Walking back to her room, she thought about everything that happened that brought them to where they were now, and she was trying to find the moment when she had failed her entire family so much that her own sons thought she had screwed everything up so badly. Well she thought, if they think they can do better, let them then. Slipping into the room she didn't go right into bed. Instead she sat on the edge of the bed watching the Angel she called her own for so long sleep. Everything about him still made her giddy like a school girl, still made her thank the gods for everyday they spent together. All their fights, all the hell they had been put through, and there they were strong, and growing stronger together still, and it was in that moment Kiara understood, that she knew, it didn't matter what she did for anyone else, no one could ever see her for who and what she really was except for Losa. Maybe she had been wrong not making him the center of everything, she was always doing what needed to be done for Pallia, for the Order, for their children, for their family and none of it seemed to do any good, so why keep doing it she thought. Why not just give it all up, walk away from it all, spend the rest of her life concentrating on her husband and only him and let her sons who thought they were so wise handle it all? Green eyes burned like emeralds on fire while she sat there thinking, just waiting for him to wake up.

[Condrik Shadow]

It is not a Jade done wrong era there are certain areas we all messed up in and I still believe that one of the biggest with her was the way that until she came back after being turned he was not held accountable. Even when he did wrong after that for quite awhile he still got away with things. Now that it is his mother on the receiving end now maybe someone can see where Losa was coming from for all those years? I am not going to argue with you about him being a prick and why. But if you think of it he is not a prick in the same way the shadow men can be and you know it. But I can think of a few other things that would be much better for our energy, arguing is a waste of energy you know that.

He pulled her down and kissed her deeply and his fingers teased her hair.

You know we are going to be there for our sister no matter what. Always have been even after all we have been through does not mean I have to agree with everything she has done in the past. But the past is that and I have seen ways she has handled other things. You know you were gone a little too long for my tastes. And Stryder needs to know there only is one person that is going to be tasting my elf and that is me.


And that is what he decided to do he was not arguing anymore about anyone else. He was not going to be able to do anything about anyone at the moment so he turned his attention to using the energy they had built up for a more productive activity. Well maybe not productive but fun and tiring. He still knew the right spots and all.

[Losa]

The last thing he knew before he was put in his bed well the last thing he had seen was the black hair. The color that his Spitfire had once had herself. That was long ago and so long ago that some never knew of it. What the hell had his son been thinking when he did that one. He did not think his son was thinking at all. He knew he did what he had to for his Banshee. From the moment she was born she was his banshee. She would throw a fit if it was not him at first, then she liked Con and Quin too he was not sure about all of that. Though most thought the proudest moment for him was when Benny was born it was not true he was proud with each of his children, but his first born child looking up at him was the day he knew. He knew that his whole world was something new.

As years went by in his mind he saw different things fights between Kiara and him, some of the unsettling things that happened. Then a time when things happened came to mind to and in that Losa thought about something that did not hit him. A lesson Kiara had taught Aidan partially by bringing a hand to him of a man that thought to start trouble with Losa.

Since Kiara's return to him his world had been more about her than anything else. His world had always had her as the center no matter what was going on. He was laying there different things started clouding his mind. Though now there was a pull on him telling him to wake up that his wife needed him. His eyes slowly opened and scanned the room for her he knew she was not far she never would be unless she was still with her children. The things replaying in his mind had shocked him a bit and there was something he had thought of he needed to revisit. The note what had the note said.

[Kiara Jade]

Well look whose decided to wake up and join the rest of the world... taking cues from the Banshee?
Kiara knew he was awake because she felt his eyes on her but when she spoke she didn't look at him, not yet. She didn't want the first thing he saw from her own eyes to be the storm of emotions that were raging right along within her. She did reach over putting her hand on his leg though just so they had some sort of physical contact shared between them.
Lex is awake, and from the way she was talking, she's well on her way being perfectly fine. Aranor got his hands on Kryssys hair, she's flaming red again thank the damn gods, I don't think anyone of us would be able to even look at her if she had to walk around like that.
She didn't mention Aidan or Bennett, it was just best for her not to and to try and cover that fact up, she moved to slide into bed next to him.
Sun will be up soon, Creedy says it's going to be a grey day, and from what I have been able to hear Abigale has everything ready for Yuletide... you know I was thinking. Maybe we could hide out here most the day, just me and you. Oh we can go to the hall and share in the holiday for a little while but whats wrong with sneaking away after we've spent some time with everyone? What do you think Angel?
She looked at him then and saw the conflict. Not really conflict, but there was something that was troubling him.
What is it Losa? You have that look on your face, and it's not the usual I just woke up from doing that thing my wife hates so much look either...

[Losa]

He looked at her and put his arms around and kissed her gently. He sighed and looked at her and kissed her.

You are right I am glad that Aranor got his hands on her hair. I do not think I could see her like that. None of you look good with that color hair.

He knew her and knew when she was avoiding something.

If you want to stay holed up just the two of us I am not one to argue against that you know. I know you wanted everyone together but time alone is good too, always has been.

He smiled and wrapped her up in his arms and looked at her.

I love you and I also know you what is wrong Spitfire?

His fingers played with her hair and he looked at her. He knew something was bothering her. Just as she knew when something was bothering him.

As soon as the holiday is over I want to go over those clothes again and also talk to Talus some more. I also need to reread that note about something. Something when I was sleeping started bugging me about it all. But this holiday is ours and we are going to enjoy it.