Eternal Echo

[Cori Shadow]

You do worry too much.
I did not like how Aidan looked, not one bit. He didn't look like he had been feeding well, and he looked tired. Do you know how hard it is for a vampire to look tired seeing they can run on little to zero sleep at all, all the time? I know he's been busy hunting as he calls it. What was he hunting? Only the rest of the thugs that were on Prossis' payroll. I didn't even try to stop him you know. It would have been pointless. I worried for him when he was out like that but Aidan is capable of taking care of himself and despite what anyone might think Aidan is capable of taking of me... when I need it.
Don't worry for me Hawk, my brothers barely even let me go to the damn bathroom alone right now, and with all of us back at Big Bertha for the time being, it eases Mamas worries too.
It's been a long time since the remaining members of the Shadow clan were under one roof, we all just wished it had happened for a different reason and it's hard making the rounds at night checking in on each one of them, seeing them all in their beds, in their own rooms, and seeing Roberts bed, his room empty. As comforting as it has been being surrounded by my brothers and sisters, I miss my husband. I know his mother and father, his brother and sister need him near so I don't say too much about how much I really do miss him. He's under enough stress and I won't be selfish and add to it. He knows I miss him, because he knows me, so I don't need to say it. I don't give a rats ass how hard it is for some to wrap their minds around Aidan and I. It's a non issue for us and that's all that matters.
Adam won't do anything because the entire Order is on alert and is keeping watch, and if so much as looks at you the wrong way, don't think I can't and won't take him out myself. I feel horrible Aidan, to the point of it making me sick to my stomach that Alexis died keeping me alive, but at the same time I am grateful and I will never take for granted what she did for me. My brother knew what he was doing too, he and Lex both did what anyone of us would have done and for Adam to think to blame you or anyone else for that matter... for him to turn on the whole family it's wrong. So many others have lost their loved ones and they have the capacity to understand that we are all imperfect, and susceptible to death whether we are human or non human. Maybe Adam will see he is wrong one day, maybe he won't. All I do know is, we... you and are here, and alive and I am not going to waste the second chance I've been given thinking of what ifs and wallowing in self pity and grief. And I am not going to walk around acting like I need to be ashamed or hide the fact that I love you Aidan Connor Shadow no matter how it might turn some peoples stomachs.

[Cole Shadow]

I was meaning about everything Tegan, I know that few can understand what I am feeling. You are right it is different than what some are going through because he is my twin. I still happen to think he should have let other things happen, but that is just me.

My fingers touched hers my hand went into hers and I looked at her. My thumb started to trace the back of her hand. So many nights, so many secrets shared between us. So many things shared between us, Didn't she see, couldn't she see that all those nights I had only needed her? I knew I had to be careful about some things and I moved over to be beside her. I made her look at me and I looked at her.

You have to listen to me Tegan. Think about this how many nights has it been you and I curled up? How many times have I tried going out with other woman and denying the fact that I need and want you. Hell I know you can think it is from grief that I am speaking this. What I am speaking is that I do love you, I have loved you, and I will continue to love you. I have hid from what I was feeling because I was scared that you did not feel the same and would not feel the same. The words needed spoken though because truth be told I cannot keep doing what I have been doing. Robert was about the only one I really ever told it to, and with him I did not have to really tell him because he already knew. I am sure Cori could tell you too. For before there was you I was compating women to Rory and how they were not good for me cause how different they were from her. WHen I met you and we started getting close I knew, and was not ready to speak that to you. I went and talked to Rory as silly as that sounds to most people, and I stood and told her that. I don't know a feeling came over me that I cannot describe as if it was that I had her approval about you. It just was different.

I stood and moved to her standing there looking at her. My hand still holding hers and my eyes meeting hers. Yes I knwo us Shadow men show emotion in our eyes. I did not care about that as well it had been a long time since I was able to let anyone see anything. She knew me though, and she would know. She should know, and there I was looking at her and my free hand went to her face and caressed the side of it.

Robert died without ever loving anyone again, we both always thought we would spend our time alone until our time came to move on to the other place. But in time I saw that was not going to be the case. Well unless you do not feel the same things as me. I love you Tegan Lockheart and you can think what you want but that is the truth. Maybe some would think it is bad timing but Robert is probably thinking it is about damn time. If words won't convince you than maybe this will

I leaned down and kissed her in a way that I had never kissed her before. Sure I had givien her some kisses when cuddled up in bed with her. As she would always tease me I would get affectionate when tired. Part of that was because when tired my guard was down and I was not always thinking about the bad that could happen too. So now well I was wide awake and was telling her what was what, and now I was showing her.

[Quin Shadow]

Of course he is here, wherever you are he is going to find some reason to sniff around you. He needs to just get over it, because you are with me.

This woman was something else I knew she could tell when I stiffened why I did. Maybe she did not see him but I did the slimeball was walking around. Course he did not come near her as I would probably kill him then again she had kissed me. I was standing there with my arms around her and kissed her holding her against me. I needed her I needed this,

It was only a matter of time before he found the way to tell her. Hunter is worse than me when it comes to words. It comes of no surprise to anyone that he loves her. Good thing you do not go off babbling in French when you know that I love you. I would not think you were snooping I know you and Molly watch out for each other just as my siblings watch out for each other, as any siblings do. Our siblings to a point are the keepers of our secrets. Though with Hunter and I it is different it is not needed to be spoken. I have known for some time that he loves her, just as he knew I love you without me having to tell him.

I know what she was getting at with me being stubborn and moody. I admit at times that I can be and could be. I know the past few days have not been easy on anyone. She was right I had not been taking care of myself right. Cori needed protected and since her husban was not able to do it, Hunter and I were going to do it. I knew Cori was with Aidan already because one of us was not with her, and that is the only way we agreed we would not be watching over her was if she was with Aidan.

I know she is with him. I know you are going to worry about me Sage but I will be alright, I just need to do what needs to be done. At the end of my day, now and any other time I am going to lay down next to you because that is where I belong.

[Kristian]

This is easy when not having to deal with all that Jade has to do on a regular basis. Then again you know I have never wanted this. At times I may say something to her about it, and all to try and get her or Losa riled. It is more so to keep them on their toes. I would be there anytime she needs me to though. I abanodend her long ago when it came to this, and other things. I will not do that again to her

My wife had her arms around me and I was smiling. I moved around in her arms so I could kiss her and look at her. My wife, those words still hard to believe. I know some have not liked the idea of it either but there was nothing anyone could do. Few realize how much I have loved her for a long time.

Adam is grieving hard, and is having trouble with Aidan and Cori because in some ways he blames them. He is hurt and angry, he may or may not lash out. We do have him being tailed. Few can relate to some of what he is going through. I know when Natalie was lost I had some issues, not being able to really be there either. Knowing that she never knew what happened with me. That she died alone always bothered me. The kids don't know I used to ho and visit her at night and watch her sleep. It is hard to lose anyone but someone you have willingly given part of your life to is different. I plan on talking to Adam some more too.

I knew Orry would understand what I was trying to say. She was the one person that I would talk to about Natalie and I looked at her and I kissed her again. I leaned my head against hers.

So what are you wanting to do? Do you want to go down there with the rest of the family or stay here?

[Tegan Lockheart]

How would you feel if Aidan, Bennett and Krystyna were to say that they think Alexis should have just let other things happen?
That was the first thing I needed to address when Cole started talking again. I am not going to apologize for my opinions on Robert and Alexis' deaths, I know first hand what happened that night and if Cole remembered any of his dream, he should know too, but he didn't really speak of it. As a matter of fact we didn't speak about that first night at Big Bertha at all.
Do not forget that more than Roberts life was lost Cole... do not forget that were it not for Alexis... you're brother and your sister would both be lost. Losa and Kiara, their children... your family as a whole have suffered on both sides and while so much was lost think of what was saved. What would have happened if Robert and Alexis did not act? Aidan and Corinthyalas would have both fallen and we would still be where we are now only you would be mourning the loss of your sister. Everything happens for a reason Cole remember that.
It was my turn to be reminded that everything does indeed happen for a reason, when he told me I had to listen to him and he went on to tell me he loved me. Hearing those words come from him more than once in such a short time, listening to him tell me how he went to his long passed wifes grave and spoke to her, and the experience he had while there, learning that he had told Robert and knowing what Robert said to me as I walked through the past by way of dreams, and then when he kissed me, really kissed me... I knew he was not speaking from grief. He was not looking for someone to just ease the pain and see him through one of his darkest times. Cole Shadow, my dearest friend, my constant companion loved me. What did I do? I lingered in that kiss until it was broken and without a word I slipped the silver chain from around my neck. Hanging from that chain was a Eye of The Ice Dragon pendant made of pewter and embedded with a blue crystal in the center, and I slipped it over his neck.
The Ancients believed the world was created of five elements: Air, Fire, Water, Earth and Ice. The Ice Dragon symbolizes their combined energy and is a symbol of harmony and stability. I give this to you now for two reasons, one so that whenever we're apart, there is still a part of me with you, something real that you can hold on to, and two... so that no matter what happens in our lives you will know that you are loved Archer and it is my hope that will always bring you some harmony even in the worst sort of chaos.
Of course there were spells of protection that had been cast on the pendant long ago and those spells would serve Cole as they have served me. I really didn't find it necessary to keep speaking, nor did I move from his arms. I was where I belonged.

[Sage Ryder]

No I just start rattling off in Italian whenever I get flustered remember?
I laughed quietly snuggling closer to Quin. He was warm which meant he fed and that was a good thing but there were still the lines of worry on his face and traces of it in his eyes. I don't blame him for worrying or for spending as much time as he has been with his family, watching over his sister and in a sense even Aidan. The whole thing was just complicated and was like a powder keg ready to blow if it wasn't handled right. I know it's going to sound bad but I'm really looking forward to the day when our lives are at least somewhat normal again. Believe it or not over hearing Molly and then listening to Quin, it did give us normal for a little while, even Dareios being around gave off a sense of normalcy because he still stalks around like a damn lost puppy and the flowers still come to the inn and those flowers still end up in the trash. The only time I was delivered flowers was when I was brought three dozen blood red tulips and I knew they were from Quin while he had been away shortly on a brief business meeting for the Generals Orders and not just because the card said "You don't have to throw these away~ Q" , I knew they were from him because I have never seen tulips so red before and of course normal tulips don't have a faint glow about them, and they certainly don't last for as long as the ones Quin sent me had... those tulips are still set at the end of the bar at the Fools Rush for all to see.
Hunter has Molly to take care of him, Cori has Aidan, all of your brothers and sisters are being seen to Quin... would it be so bad if you stopped, just for tonight and let me take care of you? I understand completely what you've been doing and why, and I know you have been coming home to me, but maybe just maybe we need a little more time than what we've had over the last few days. I'm not trying to sound selfish, but I've been watching everything going on all around us and do you know what I have seen? That even vampires can be run into the ground. Maybe not physically but emotionally you've had the shit beat out of Quin and do you know how that makes me feel because I know for as moody as you can be... as strong as you are... you do need someone to take care of you too babe.

[Oriana Mara Connor]

Your father talked to him when all this first happened, I don't think he had any luck either given what happened between Adam and Kiara, and then Kryssy and Adam. If you're going to talk to him be careful... please.
There is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that Connor could and would put Adam down if he needed to, I was just hoping that it wouldn't come to that. I'm not all that keen with the idea of Kristian being around Adam, but who the hell am I to try and stop Connor from doing what he feels is best. He's doing exactly what Kiara asked him to and even though it's only been a few days, even though all that has happened in those few days is the "free for all" Connor is still Master of the Order and he is taking that roll very seriously. And why wouldn't he? His sister needs him for this and I know he wouldn't let her down. He does feel guilty for leaving her the way he did so long ago and since his return to his sisters world he does what he can in his own way to make up for all the lies and hurt he caused her. But he won't admit it openly. That's Connor for you.
When you go to talk to Adam...take Taltos with you Kristian. It's not that I don't think you can take care of yourself, it's just like you said, Adam may or may not lash out and if he goes after you for "interfering", I'd just feel better about the whole thing if Tal was with you.
Taltos is still my best friend and my partner and still the only one aside from Connor that I trust whole heartedly. No will ever have my back like he does and I know all I have to do is ask and he'll watch Connors back.
I know what it's like to lose brothers but I haven't had to deal with what it's like to lose a life partner, I almost knew once long before Tal and Leyla were together... wow... it really has been a long time since Taltos almost bit the dust... thank god he didn't I don't know how I would have reacted honestly... all I do know is I had never been more scared in all my life and feeling helpless like I did back then... if I was ready to lose my marbles back then...
I hugged that man of mine tight breathing in his scent, yes he has a scent...
I don't want to think of how I would be if something happened to you.
He asked me what I wanted to do... for the moment I wanted to stay right where I was, with him, just as we were.

[Kiara Jade]

Losa and I haven't really been seen nor heard from since the night our daughter was brought home, and put to her final rest. We've spoken here and there but other than that we have been keeping to ourselves... keeping our own council with one another and carefully mapping out a move we were going to make that we knew was going to bring Pallia as a whole to it's knees. I'm sure you know already that every last man and woman involved in Prossis' plans are dead. That should go without saying. What you don't know is what we have been doing since. Everything is in place for it to happen, and it will happen so quietly that it will cause such an uproar. It shouldn't surprise anyone... after all... we have been talking about it for some time now. And for reasons that are our own... now is the time. All the proper documents have been taken care of... the transfers have been made... letters have been written and those involved in what is to come... will know why it was this way.
Losa and I were standing in Orianas tower looking out over our lands... Connor lands... Shadow lands taking in everything. We were in each others arms and I know he was thinking just as hard as I was. I don't think he was having second thoughts about what we were doing, but if he was I can't blame him, I've had those same second thoughts, but the truth is, for now.... this needs to be done... it's what we both need and in time all those involved will see it is what they need too.
So much has changed but so much has stayed the same... when I look at these lands, I see times from so long ago... and I believe that no matter how much time goes by... when we look at these lands again... they will remain the same. Our very souls are connected to these lands... and we will always be a part of them and of the world we created here. Two worlds made one so long ago, and nothing can undo what we have done my love.
What were we doing? Losa and I were stepping down... and doing what so many others as old as we are have done. We are going into a self imposed exile... sleep... for how long? We don't know. But we will never be far. There is a chamber deep beneath the Hall beyond the Caverns... a tomb of sorts, where Losa and I will find our rest on a bed covered in black and silver and the crests of the Elite as they have changed over the years, representing the changes that have happened with our lives, adorning the walls. Red candles rest on black wrought iron stands and there is a fire place with red velvet chairs before it for any who need to seek solace or need to be reminded that their King and Queen... Master and Mistress have not really left. We don't know if we will ever awaken... or if this rest is to be a year or a hundred years from now... we just know it is time. And in three days time... Bennett will be King... Avalyn his Queen... Aidan will be Master of the Order... Krystyna will be Mistress... and as for my brother... he will rule the Coven answering only to the King and his council as will Aidan and Krystyna. As for the council itself.... Hunter will keep his rightful place as second... Tierney, Toras, Khan, and Raven will remain in their positions as will Stryder.... and Con and Rayne... the only two who know what we are doing... the two that were charged with seeing mine and Losas wishes carried out... they will not come out of retirement... but they will be close to help with the transitions and serve temporarily as council until Aidan, Kryssy, and Bennett decide what is best for Pallia. In truth... Pallia will be ruled by four, but three answer to only one...
These are the last words written in my hand that any will read for some time... these are the words that Raynalia will read when the Order is called to stand come nightfall....

We have chosen to do it this way to avoid any fighting, arguing or long drawn out good byes... this is our final test for you all... do not fail us... and our final orders are these.
Free For All.... Live, love, laugh... be happy and hopeful even in the worst of times. Stand and fight for what is right, and above all else, protect and love each other even when times make it hard to do. Remember your training. We are Elite... we are assassins... not thugs... and more than anything remember all the love, blood, sweat and tears that were given to make us all who and what we are.... and remember this... you never know when we might return... so be good and know that you are all a part of us both and forever will be.

My hand slipped into that of my King and I leaned up into him kissing him softly, whispering to him just as softly.
I'm ready if you are. True rest after all this time. I love you Losa Shadow. Then, now, always.

[Cole Shadow]

Since Phaedra died he was just well him, but not him. It was like he forgot a lot of things about life and the way that things could be. I wish he had really tried to live again. To a point I understand why he did what he did. Though Alexis is harder to understand than it is to understand Robert.

I had my arms around her, and I would not move to pull away because well this is what I needed. This is who I needed. True my family has been rallying around each other. We have all been watching out for each other and tragedy had struck hard at the core of things. Not only was Robert lost to us Alexis had been. We had all grown up around each other, training with each other, always competing, I remember when Robert was so proud of the trick that he had learned to do with his bow and the number of arrows. How unlike some who would have loved to show off for their teacher, Robert actually had tried to hide how good he had got at it. Now there was going to be someone new some day to take on Cori but even I was not that good. Though she was the only one I had lost to. It was only right that Cori had won. Ma and Cori had made sure all of us could shoot an arrow. There I was as she slipped the chain around my neck and I smiled at her motion and I touched the crystal. I gave her something in return, remember the chains that would be made for those in our family. I took my wolf off and slid the chain over her head. She knew how important the wolf and sword was. See each of us had chains that represented a part of us. I smiled as I looked at it hanging on her, my lips found hers again and my hand brushed through her hair.

You know about these chains and my family, until I can find something more fitting for you this will be your reminder of me and what you mean to me. I know you think a lot of what I was speakng and all was out of grief, but I hope you realize now it is not from that. It is I realize now that life well needs to be lived more. We both know there are times we will not be together but still be with each other.

[Quin Shadow]

Yes I do remember you and your Italian talking babble. I swear Hunter and I are going to need to learn to keep up with you two when you get flustered. It is hard to see so much happening in so little time. I know we can not change things that have happened.

Truth be told I am not sure that I would have changed anything that had happened. I knew Robert was at peace now, and was with his Phaedra. How many times had one of us thought going on to be with the one that we loved was going to be the best answer? Now I had to wonder as so much had happened what was going to be in store for all of us in the future. I know she was wanting me to slow down and for good reason too. I had not slowed down since the threat against Cori was known. So we were there and I leaned into her. Damn she felt good and I knew it was going to be just some time.

I was thinking you are right I know she will be okay with Aidan. The others are with people, it is Cole I am truly worried about. Though I know Tegan has not left his side, nor do I think she would. We always seem to pick the gutsy women, who are not afraid to stand there and tell us how it is. We all kind of need that though, you want me to slow down and let you take care of me for tonight. Well I think I can do that but know if Adam goes on the move I will have to do something. Other than that though I am not going anywhere except with you.

[Bryce Bowers]

Things had been a bit crazy as we celebrated the lives of Alexis and Robert Shadow, I saw something I did not like. I saw Drake hovering close to my sister. That was something I did not want to see happen. After all he was the man that had hurt her worse than anyone ever should be hurt. I moved by my sister and saw Shelby as well. Shelby had started to become such a part of things.

Hey Shelb you know I was thinking about going to watch the next race Grace is going to be a part of you interested in taking the trip with me. Was thinking we could try and drag your Mom also to it. I mean unless you got some big case to get back to Amber.

I had never liked Drake Connor with Amber that is why I did what I could to keep them from being able to get in touch with each other. I do realize my keeping the letter about the twins was wrong. Drake should have known he was a Father. He was not good for my sister or for the kids. I was doing what I could to protect them. Now I do not know if she realizes I did that or not. But I knew Drake was going to play out the whole thing about his relation to Lexi and being heart broken to keep my sister near to him. His father was Lexi's cousin but they all grew up together. It was going to be an interesting time to see what would happen. THe one thing I was going to do everything I could to stop Amber and Drake from getting close agiaain. I would not let him hurt my sister.

[Amber Bowers]

Nope, no cases. Not anything important that my partners aren't handling anyway.
Bryce had joined Shelby and I, unexpectedly and it wasn't a bad thing by any means, like I said it was just unexpected. Shelby and I were sitting outside at the Inn, having coffee and talking. Drake had let me know about the man our daughter had been with earlier in the week and when he voiced his concerns about the mans age and just how he was acting around Shel, I told him I'd talk with her. We really didn't get too far in the conversation when my brother found us. I sipped at my coffee and smiled at Bryce thinking he might be the answer. I had no idea his real intentions were to get me as far away from Drake as he could.
But I can't really leave right now, there's too much going on and I've got a few confidential matters that concern the family that I have to oversee.
I didn't want to tell Bryce that my firm handles all of the families wills and such and I was going to have to hand over Roberts will to Cori at some point, Robert had made his sister executor of his will, and I was going to have to give Krystyna Alexis' will for the same reason. The only thing was, I had to make sure everything went the way it was supposed to and with the tempers of some of the people in this family, well no one ever knows what could happen.
But I think Shel having some time away with her Uncle would do her some good. She misses Seth, and even though she's fitting in pretty good around here, she still feels a little out of place. What do you think Shel? Instead of going home to see Dad you could go with Bryce and then go to Dads after?
I know I didn't let on to Shelby that I wanted her gone just until Drake and I could check out this Kenyson character. The name was familiar but honestly I don't think I ever came face to face with him.
Shelbys eyes lit up and she smiled at her Uncle.
You do know Gracies next race is less than four days off right? I mean I know it wouldn't take long to get everything together to go... but you do also know she's all the way in Sallia right? It doesn't matter... yeah sure I'll go. Besides Mom probably has some issues she needs to sort out with Drake anyway.

[Bryce Bowers]

Well get the matters handled and come with us. You know you would have fun watching her race. It always is an interesting time. It has been awhile since we were able to do anything together.

She was more disconnected from most of the family than most anyone. Drake happened to walk up and I could see him eyeing my sister. I turned and looked at him.

After all that has gone on Connor I would think you would stop sniffing around my sister. She came to help your brother, not to come to be having you following her around like a damn lost puppy. You had your chance with her, and you sent her away

I was actually coming to speak to Shelby about something that I found that I wanted her to have, but whatever Bryce.

She does not need anything from you either others have taken care of her and Seth since the time they were born. You gave up a life with her, and sent her away whether or not you knew about the twins that did not matter. You coming to play the sad card with her?

I will talk with you later, I am not going to cause a fight during a celabration of life. Of lives that were a part of our family. Bryce I will tell you this, I will speak to my daughter anytime that I wish to. There is not a damn thing that you can do about it either.

With that I saw a fire in Drake's eyes but I knew he was going to go. Why because that is what he was best at doing.

Turn your tail and run Connor it is what you do best

[Seth Grayson]

Well could you imagine what basic was like when they found out my bloodline. They were asking me to do things that I just did not do, and would not do. I know some in the family used their abilities for good but still, those abilities made us some kind of freaks in some eyes. I really did not need to be hearing about this and that. About how the Connors, and Shadows were having their issues. My Mother had brought us away from all that. I had even told the man in charge that, but he did not believe me. My uncle I guess he is had been cleared of his wife's murder when well she was found alive and everything. That he had nothing to do with anything of it except trying to save her. So there I was counting down the days until they would release me from basic then I would have some schooling before anything else. I chose the school nearest to Pallia honestly for the main reason that my sister was there. I knew if I was closer it would be a bit easier on her. There were a lot of changes that were started including that we had met the sperm donor that aided in our creation. I cannot and will not use the term Father, Dad or anything else for Drake Connor. He had not been a part of our lives until recently. To me he was just another man. My father was the man that was always there. The one that raised us, true Ma and him were divorcing but he was still the better man. The man that deserved the title of Father. So there we were on our break and one of the others decided to say something about Royalty and everything I had to just ignore it. We were standing in line for the phone call we could make and I called my Mother. I had a feeling Shelby was close by as well.

Hi Mom I do not have much time at all. I was thinking if Shelby was around you could put me on speaker. I only get five minutes. I sent out letters to you and her.

[Shelby Grayson]

Hey!
Bryce was really digging into Drake which on one hand I could understand why but on the other it just didn't seem fair and this is where I stood up, stepped in and stopped Drake from going anywhere. I eyeballed my Uncle and was shaking my head at him.
Don't do that Bryce...
Moms' phone started going off and by the look in her eyes I knew it was Seth. Okay so Drake and Bryce and their little spat was forgotten right then, right there. Mom was eyeing me then put the phone on speaker, set it down on the table and waved in the direction of the phone.
Go on Shel.... I know you've been dying to hear from him.
Damn right I had been dying to hear from him. Seth and I were the only kids in the Grayson family, we didn't have cousins or siblings, just each other and some might have thought our relationship was a little unnatural because of how close we were but I still don't know twins that aren't close like that. Isn't that what twins do?
Seth! What the hell does a sister have to do to get a call now and then huh? Two months ago you said you were going to be here and here I am two months later still waiting! That's just so wrong you know! So out with it big brother! What's up?
I knew as soon as Drake realized it was Seth on the line he wasn't going to be going anywhere. Seth and Drakes relationship has not progressed like my relationship with Drake has and how could it? Seth has only met the man all of two times and right now I know that Seth is not in the right place emotionally to consider Drake anything more than the man who helped create him. I don't blame him it took me some time to lighten up towards Drake too. Stefan will always be Daddy... what Drake becomes... that is still up in the air but at least now I admit he is my father. Maybe Seth with come around in that area one day maybe he won't. Only time will tell.

[Seth Grayson]

Shelby I do not have much time we only get five minutes, and most days I could not get to the line fast enough. Things here are good, so you and Mom going home soon? Was thinking of going to see Dad when itis all done. Call him and tell him I am okay will you.

Five minutes is not long at all and it was not that far off that I was going to be home. I did not know Drake was there hell at first I did not realize they were still in Pallia. I did when I heard Drake's voice and Bryce's voice.

Listen I made my reservations to head home next week before I go off for school are you and Mom gonna be there?

I had to make the most of the time I had which was not much at all. Think about it five minutes is not long at all. I was thinking that maybe they had lost their minds staying away from home for so long.

[Shelby Grayson]

What the hell do ya mean are Mom and I gonna be home soon? Seth don't you know Mom is staying in Pallia?
Either my brother has gone stupid or has been shell shocked or something. He knew that Mom wasn't going to be returning to Glendale, except for the holidays. Her and Dad like we all know, are getting divorced but it is a very friendly divorce and they are still the best of friends, hell every night before she goes to bed either she calls Dad or he calls her to make sure each other are all right and if there is anything serious going on with either one of them, the other is there. Dad was the first one Mom called when we all found out that Alexis and Robert were dead.
Yeah I'll call Daddy, and if you want us in Glendale we'll be there.
Even if Mom wasn't living with Dad anymore, and was moving half way across the damn country, Glendale would always be called home, that much was true and if that's where Seth wanted us to be, wanted me to be then that's where I was going to be. He did need to see Dad once basic was done and before he started school. School for Seth would be in Callia... Pallias' next door neighbor so to speak. Dad was okay with it, after all he and Mom raised us to grow up and find lives of our own.
We'll be there Seth no worries. Email me the details of your flight and everything so I can coordinate with them. I know you have to go soon, five damn minutes, that's bull, don't they know I need more time than that? Anyway we love you and we'll talk soon! Miss you!

[Drake Connor]

Bryce you need to just back off, whether you like it or not I am trying with my daughter. I really do not care if you approve or not of it. After all this time you still are going to hold on to old grudges. If you were that concerned about me being a father back then. You had plenty of opportunities to tell me. After how many times I asked you how Amber was after you would go see her. Not once did you tell me about her being pregnant. In fact your words were always to the affect of she was much better without me around. she was happy.

You were not good for her Drake and you still are not good for her. Stefan is ten times the man that you are. I am sure you are trying to find a way to use things to get close to her. You could have called any lawayer for your brother but you looked up my sister.

Why I called your sister is none of your business and right now my daughter is on the phone with my son and I am sure she would like to be able to talk to him without all of this.

I turned from Bryce and I went and stood by Shelby putting an arm gently around her. I knew it was going to be hard for her once Seth would have to hang up. I was not going to argue with Bryce I just kind of blankly stood there thinking about things. I was sure that Bryce had kept something from me long ago. I heard Seth tell his sister a few things before the line went dead. Which meant his five minutes were up.

If nothing else if he does not email you I can make sure you are back in Glendale for when he goes home. After all I do have some pretty high military clearances and I do have contacts.

Amber was staying in Pallia, I thought she was just there temporarily and my head turned and looked at her with a bit of a questioning look. I mean I knew she was staying for a bit because of Shelby but I had not known she was coming home. Well I had all but forgotten Bryce was there and I winked at her.

You still owe me a night out Amber, and just cause you are staying here does not mean you can post pone it for weeks on end.

[Losa]

I know they are ready and they have been ready. The only thing that will be left for them to do is to fill their own seats on the council. They are ready for this Spitfire. I left them all the notes that I told you I was going to. Though they will not be given to them until after we start our rest. I know this is their time, they all have been ready for it. I know that we need this, and have needed this even before we lost Lexi. I only hope that their bonds are strong enough to see them through everything. I always thought that Lexi and Adam would make it to be the heads of the coven. Never thought we would be burying her before us.

I had left a note for each of our remaining three children. I told them each things that I needed them to know in case we did not return from our sleep. Though I was sure that we would some day. Things may be thought about why we did this. Why we did it, was simply this was what we needed. We knew that our children were ready for their task and that Kristian would handle his task as the head of the coven. I looked at her holding her against me and leaning to kiss her. There is something to be said about being together for as long as we have and still have the fire together that we had. Sure it had been awhile since someone almost caught us in a more public place in a compromising position but we just learned where and when to take the risks. Now I was holding on to her and smiling while looking at her.


True rest will be good and they will know we will always be with them. I just know that when the words are spoke some will have a problem but our children will stand together. I know that. I will always love you Kiara Jade Connor Shadow, always. When we do come from our rest, well we will have to do that traveling we never got to do.

No one knows how long we will be resting for, who knows and right now all that matters is that I am doing this with my wife and that we will be together. Some day these words will be read and you will wonder what I wrote in the letters to my children. Those letters contents if they are to be shared will be shared by them. This is where for the moment I need to stop writing.

[Amber Bowers]

Bryce really was just looking out for me and I get that. He knew how hurt I had been and I know he never wanted to see me go through anything like that again. He was the one that was there pacing, worrying, holding my hand and doing everything that Drake should have been doing when Seth and Shelby came into the world. It was Bryce who from the second I knew I was pregnant and told my family that stepped in and stepped up. My brother and I are close and my children and my brother are close. But that doesn't mean that Bryce has free reign and something was telling me he played big part in Drake not getting my letter about the twins... but that one letter was not the only time I tried to get a hold of Drake. There were the emails, sent from various computers, whether from my law school, the office where I was interning at or the dam library where I would study, there were the phone calls too. Bryce couldn't have had a hand in stopping all of that but did any of it really matter? I stood up and did something I know my brother was going to rip into me for later when he got me alone, if he even waited that long.
Shel go on and take care of what you need to for Seth and tell your father I'll video conference him later so we can plan a welcome home party for him but do make sure you tell him to book Ings Palace right away, I bet Seth hasn't had any real Chinese food since he left and we all know that's his favorite.
I waited for Shelby to go and I knew she was excited because she was already hitting the button for Stefan on speed dial as she was walking away. And this is the part where I waved a hand towards Shelbys now empty chair.
You have anything else you need to be taking care of right now Drake? If not take a seat, you won't have to wait for weeks, we can take care of it right now....



And this is where this part of the histories ends... with futures mapped out but still so uncertain... with lives ending and being reborn... with rest for some and awakenings for others.... these are the words written in their own hand, of the lives of all who have ever, and will ever live and breath on Connor lands... on Shadow lands....