http://www.evernight.com/boards/canon/viewtopic.php?t=9733&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0


Alec and I walked the grounds of the hall, taking the long way to the courtyard where the elite would be assembled. By taking the long way I mean we went out the front, through the gates and walked around the great wall of stone. I needed some time with him, he needed time with me, whether we spoke or not made no difference, each of us were still dealing with the dark cloud that had settled over the hall, his attack and Rones death being the latest of events. I was just glad that he was still alive. My arm looped through his, my head rested close to his shoulder as we walked. Of course I had to open my mouth and say something, its a rare thing I keep silent no matter the circumstances.

Been one hell of a time hasn't it? I don't know how Kiara manages, it is sheer madness around here day and night it seems. Today was pretty close for you and look what happened to Rone and the others...

There it was, the beginning of a conversation I was willing to bet my life on my brother didn't want to have but I couldn't keep my feelings to myself, not this time, not for Alec, not for anyone.


.... Alec are you sure this is still the life you want to lead? I know you are set in your ways, that your part in all of this is important. I know that Kiara is like a sister to you and I am fine with that, what I am not fine with is wondering when I will have to bury the only brother I have. Look at all that has happened in just a short period of time, this is not normal Alec, not even for elite standards. I have money Alec, so much of it I don't know what to do with it all, if you want to open a shop, buy land, anything you want to do, tell me and it will be yours. Please do not think that I am being petty Alec, I worry for you, more now than ever before, it's my duty as your sister.

We stopped and I couldn't figure out why until I took the time to notice that we were back at the front of the hall, laid out looking as if he were merely sleeping was Kristian. Were it not for the paleness of his skin, I would have thought him alive. My jaw had to have hit the ground, tears sprang to my eyes seeing him, Kristian who had once been so full of life and such laughter it could make a person weep so joyful was the sound, was gone from this world. It hit me then like a lightning bolt. If Kristians body had been returned that meant....

Oriana did it Alec .... she brought him home .... I'll fetch Kiara, you get Losa just incase Raynalia has been returned as well, hopefully alive....


As much as I keep saying that I do not want to get involved, all I seem to be doing is getting involved, not in that take charge kind of way, gods no, I hate being in charge of anything unless it's one hundred percent beneficial to me. That does not mean I am so wrapped up in myself that I can't be of some use, obviously I've shown I know how to care for someone other than myself. I couldn't help it this time, I had to be nosy, had to see if Oriana had really done it. Towards the tower I went, until I heard enough noise to make me find the nearest hiding place, if she was back and caught me anywhere near that tower she'd have my head. The nearest hiding place turned out to be the small room used for storage, what I didn't understand is just what in the hell there was a sword blocking the door, it didn't matter I just freed the door, it also turned out to be the place I damn near had a heart attack and died. I opened the door and what happened? This hulking man all but fell out! Now I am used to men falling for me but this was taking the pun a wee bit too far. He was hurt, the crusted blood was all the proof I needed of that, HE was Orianas brother and if I didn't do something
SHE would have my head. Crouched on one knee looking him over more carefully this time, I saw he was a bigger mess than I had orginally thought.
Alright, I was great in high pressure situations I could handle this right? Hell no not without some healer or something, he really was a mess. Looking at him it dawned on me. Kiara was no mage, but she could heal so long as the damage wasn't to severe, but did I really want to ask her knowing what she had been through, what she was still going through? Not really. Getting to my feet I paced, I guess we all do that when we have to think and don't know where to start. I don't know which god was listening, but I was given the answer, she was the ugliest most beat up, most beautiful thing I had ever seen and I swear to this day I still think she is the most beautiful sight. Raynalia, looking like she had been beaten within an inch of her life came limping down the stairs...

Where were they? How could none of them be in the tower, the source of the chaos running rampant on the other side, what did the other side matter to them save that she had been held captive there, did they not know that Oriana still remained with that ... that... [i]thing[/]? Why werent they there doing everything they could to help? Where the hell was Condrik and why was the hall so damn quiet? Her thoughts rolled in her head like a great boulder gathering speed as it went down the side of a mountain. Her body ached, her right leg didnt seem to want to work proper and her head, hell her head was pounding. It took some time for her to be able to lift herself from the floor where she had landed after being lifted through some sort of portal, all she could recall about how she came into the tower was the bright lights, the rain, and the sudden suction pulling her upwards. She knew she had more than just Oriana to thank, but just then she couldnt think who. Getting away from that tower, getting help was at the top of her list. It took some time for her to get down the stairs but when she got close to the bottom, she didnt know who was going to faint first. Ariela when she first saw the elf coming towards her, or her for seeing of all people, the last person she ever expected to see again let alone at the hall of shadows, and that could only mean he had come.... to help her. Gabriel Shadowbain sprawled out on the hard floor was a sight that brought tears to her eyes, he looked as bad as she felt Gabriel was not one to back away from a fight,
and from the looks of it he didnt back down one bit. If Gabriel was there then where the hell was Condrik? She would have thought he would have been waiting or at least close by. A slight pang plucked at her heart, it wasnt exactly dissapointment, but she wouldnt lie to herself, she was hurt that Condrik was no where to be found. Unless he was dead, but if he was, she would have known the moment she looked at Oriana. She couldnt think of that just then, Gabriel was in obvious need of healing.

Close ye mouth Ari girl, ye be lettin' flies in.

She tried, as she always did to make light of a bad situation, all the woman were like that, she guessed it was because they had all pretty much grown up together in a sense, that was the one trait they all shared. Now she crouched down beside her former husband and assessed his injuries.

I be guessin' ye d'nay know what he tangled with do ye? D'nay looks like it was a good go round for'em this time.

Flattening herself on the floor, getting as close as she possibly could to him, the elf brought her mouth to his ear while placing one delicate hand on his chest over his heart. Whispers, unintelligable floated through the air and a soft glow of the lightest blue, the color of the elfs soul at that moment, the color of neutrality covered the injured man starting with his head and spreading to his feet until he was encased in the light. Moments passed all the while the elf whispered and finally she took her hand from him. She spoke, her broken speech gone, replaced clear annunciations, just as Mama Mara, Oriana and Gabriel had taught her...

Do you think you can open your eyes Shadowbain? Maybe even try to move?

She would have to wait to get her answer, the healing spell had drained what was left of her energy, she didnt faint or fall into unconciousness, no she was simply exhausted and didnt give a rats ass where she was, the elf curled up into a tiny ball, as she had grown used to doing during her inprisonment and fell fast asleep.

Vim's twisting face almost looked angry, but in all actuality, he was beyond anger...he was slightly disappointed because now he'd have to go through the ancient one Kain again and whatever they managed to stick in his way to get to the elf girl. But the look on his face was of pure ecstacy. He relished in the challenge, the knowledge that soon blood would be spilt upon this floor, and that for many hours and days, this woman would be dwelling on the brink of death as he tortured and dissected her body alive.

Vim licked his steel teeth in anticipation...then the twisted face turned to a smile as he circled the woman. He could feel the power of the magic that had halted him fade away...it had done little damage to him...he was created from the elements of magic, so he had a natural resistance, and a certain affinity for it. He dragged his two bladed hands along the floor as he circled her, the blades making a loud scratching sound and sending sparks all around the blades.

Hehe, you have not but added to my pleasssssure human. Now you force me to go back and caussssse more harm to my friendsssss...but that won't be for a little while, becaussssse I sssssstill have to have my fun with you...and that could lassssst a long time.

Vim could see the woman grimace and take a step away as he advanced...he chuckled with satisfaction, her fear feeding his blood lust. He could see the woman didn't have a weapon, and as long as she didn't all she could be able to use was magic, not that he was afraid of steel, but magic was the only thing that could truly stop him, and he doubted this mageling knew within herself how to destroy him. But without a weapon there wouldn't be much sport, but he would make for that disappointment with her painful screams.

Don't be sssso worried Oriana...I take the all posssssible precautionssss to make sssssure that thisss isss an experience that you never forget.

Rearing back he took a leap at the woman in an attempt to bring her to the ground beneath him.

Gabriel had what he thought was an eternity trapped in the cold recesses of what he thought was death...but he had been there before, and this wasn't what it was like. But he didn't have to worry about all of that for too long as he was brought out of his sleep and into the world of the living by someone he hadn't expected. Looking around himself slowly, still in a great deal of pain from the hammer blow to the side of his head, he saw Ariela by him, and Rayne in a ball beside him.

Seeing her there filled him with both euphoria and happiness...happy because she was back in one piece, and euphoric for all the memories it brought stirring to the surface. He felt a tear in his eye trying to fight it's way out, but that was interrupted when he remembered why it was that he was knocked unconious. Rising with a start he looked to the stairs behind him. Turning to Ariela he frowned.

Ariela, I need you to look after Ariela, I fear for Oriana's safety because I know what took me out was going after her and Rayne...please thank her for me when she rises.

Leaning down he placed a gentle kiss on Rayne's forehead and rushed up the stairs to the scrying chamber. Amazingly fast he was there and barging through the open door to see Kain kneeling weakly on the floor, running to his friend he went to his side.

Kain....are you hurt? Where is Ori?

The man was unable to answer him and simply pointed to the scrying pool and with a bound he was to the waters and peering at the fate of his sister. Growling with anger he saw his copy assaulting his sister...and things weren't looking good for Oriana.

You made a big mistake here buddy....I'm gonna fry your ass....but how do I get over there.

Gabriel looked around the room desperately...he knew close to nothing of magic and it's execution. But he knew that he was apart of magic, just as all his family was, he just never chose to use it. Perhaps if he tried hard enough, and prayed deeply enough, he could make something happen.

Closing his eyes and praying within his head, he begged the gods, any at all, to help him in aiding his sister. He thought he was trying in vain till he felt a sinking feeling and when he opened his eyes he found himself behind the doppleganger Vim, and the creature had no idea he was there....

She was going to die. Thats all there was to it, already shaking on the inside like a leaf caught in hurricane winds she made the mistake of taking a step back from the thing, that one little step told the monster all he needed to know, she was scared out of her mind. Reminding herself again and again that she was a Shadowbain, no matter how scared she might be, she would push past that fear and she would stand her ground. Not that there was much ground to stand on to begin with, her enemy was as big as her brother, naturally, he was after all a copy of Gabriel just a hell of alot meaner and a bit more made of steel, the one thing the fiend didnt have was Gabriels heart, that could work to her advantage. It dawned on her all of sudden, a thought so incredulous she nearly fell backwards. If that thing was a copy of her brother, did that mean that whatever might happen to it in the realm they were dwelling would happen to Gabriel? How could she fight against something that could ultimately destroy her brother? The thought brought with it fresh anger. Anger that rose from the pit of her stomach and traveled to her violet eyes revealing itself in little electric currents of lighting that bolted across her violet pools. Lighting soon turned to fire and danced around the beast, halting him in his pursuit.

You bore me.

Three little words followed by sudden shock, she tried her damndest to keep her features passive, to keep her eyes from going wide, to stop herself from screaming out at her brother who was lurking behind the monster, if that thing was part of Gabriel, it was sense he was there, at least that was how she thought it would work. Wasting no time the mage cast all the wards of protection she could think of around her brother, careful not to let on what she was doing, some spells after all did not require being spoken aloud, she was a being created by, born from magic, the very essence of the arcane flow in her blood, she needed no words. Now to keep the monsters attention on her. Putting out a hand palm up she looked to her hand then to the monster while smoke began to rise from her flesh from the smoke a fireball burning bright form and she bounced the ball up and down like she were in the middle of playing a game of catch rather than trying to keep alive.

Somehow I dont think this will be enough....

The center of the ball remained firey while the outer flames formed into ice.Gabriel would probably think she was losing her mind with what came from her mouth next.

We both have one of two choices here, either we can both battle it out until one of us is dead, and you cannot say for certain which one of us that would be despite your arrogance, deep inside you know there is a good chance you may not survive. If you value your exsistance, if you want the chance to try and have it out with me, you will tell me who sent you and why. If you tell me, you will get your chance and if you can best me, then I will let you have your way with me. I think the answers to my questions is a fair enough demand, or... you can die and you will die because I know, now is not my time.

Soon Gabriel would need to make his move, and when he did she would be ready to bring herself and her brother back home where they belonged and she would be more than happy to seal the portal, closing all means of escape for the fiend who would be forever lost in the realm they now stood.[/i]

Vim was poised to strike when the woman's attitude changed on the dime. This seemed to entertain the doppleganger slightly as a smile crossed his twisted features. Vim let out a disturbingly deep laugh as he watched the woman play with a ball of fire in her hands. Vim knew very well that the ball had no chance of destroying him, it might scorch his steel skin, but that was the extent of the damage.

Somehow I dont think this will be enough....

He simply smiled and nodded at the woman, his blades tapping on the ground. He knew what he was doing was probably a bad idea, but he enjoyed toying with the woman.

We both have one of two choices here, either we can both battle it out until one of us is dead, and you cannot say for certain which one of us that would be despite your arrogance, deep inside you know there is a good chance you may not survive. If you value your exsistance, if you want the chance to try and have it out with me, you will tell me who sent you and why. If you tell me, you will get your chance and if you can best me, then I will let you have your way with me. I think the answers to my questions is a fair enough demand, or... you can die and you will die because I know, now is not my time.

Here the monster laughed heartily. Vim knew without a doubt that this woman was trying to play with him, to halt her own demise and to try to steer him away from his objective, but there was no chance that Vim could steer himself away from the task that lie before him, this goal was the entire reason for his manifestation.

Hehehe...it humorssss me the very notion that you believe you may leave thissss place alive. Have no doubt that I will kill you Oriana Ssssshadowbain, for that is the reasssson of my exisssstence, and I wasssss created by the very esssssence of Chaossss. The raw energyssss that pass through my ssssteel veinssss are the powersss of pain and desssstruction. I exisssst only to desssstroy, asss do all creature of Chaossss...and it is the Chaosss godsss we thank for thissss power. But ssssince you entertain me ssso, I will indulge your itch for knowledge, for it will not help you....and I know it'sssss ansssswer will pain you further.

Vim seemed to smile knowingly as he waited a few moments to let his words sink before continuing.

You ssssee Oriana...I ssssent to kill you by the very persssson that sssstandssss behind me.

He laughed sadistically as he took a few steps to the side so his back wasn't exposed by to Gabriel.

It was Gabriel'ssssss hatred for you and Raynalia that created me. That and the magic of a very powerful nemessssisssss of yourssss..

He laughed a little again, seeing the shock and surprised looks on both of their faces.

It was Gabriel'sssss deepessst darkesssst thought that I am ssssent to fulfill, and that'sssss the very painful death of you and Raynalia....but do not fret.....I alsssssso came to claim hisssss life assss well. For that isssss the price of my employment.

Vim teased the two by making slow moves toward each of them, making them guess what he might try and do.

Now that my friendsssss issss all that you need to know. from here...well, I'm ssssure you know what will happen here.

Without so much as a warning creature left at Oriana, his blades reaching for her chest and throat.

She didnt move, she didnt need to, while the creature created with the sole purpose of killing her was created for chaos, she was a symbol of order, without one, the other could not survive, if there were no order for chaos to be wreaked upon would chaos itself not become a natural order? The two were forever entwined. The magick of her blood protected her from the steel so fixated on drawing her blood. She didnt even think she blinked with the created leapt at her. No, she barely even realized he was there. Her violet eyes were locked on Gabriel, her brother who she now knew hated her with every fiber of his being, hated her so much, so rawly it was that very same hatred that borne the steel monster. One had only to listen to hear the pure sound of her heart breaking. Dropping to her knees, her eyes still transfixed on Gabriel she ripped the fabric of her black robes enough to fully expose her throat and entire neck.

I knew I would have to make amends for the hurt I brought you Gabriel, if I had only known it ran so deep, I would have done this so much early. What better way to ease your pain and to end your hatred than to give up that which you seem to despise so....

Closing her eyes for a brief moment she whispered aloud, knowing her next words would be heard clear across to the other side....

Kain... I am so sorry, if this is what I must do to right the wrong....please don't ever stop learning, life is beautiful with both good and bad...

Eyes open her stare now bore into the eyes of the metal monster.

Do it, go on kill me, at least I will die knowing I gave my brother what he wanted on my terms, willingly... maybe then he can forgive me and maybe then he can cease to hate

Gods above, if they really exsisted, she hoped that she was right, that once Gabriel saw her about to die, once he realized she never meant to harm him, once he or rather the monster realized that Gabriels heart was stronger than any steel, she hoped she would live to see the beast meet his end.

Gabriel couldn't believe what he was hearing from the creature, there was not a fiber in his bein that wished harm upon Oriana or Raynalia, but this creature claimed to be created by his hatred? That was a lie...this creature fueled his hatred and made him hate his sister. True he was upset and even hurt, and felt betrayed by her actions, but he would never wish harm upon the one he held closest to him, his only blood left alive and the very reason for him to exist. This creature was a being of Chaos and that Chaos worked it's magics now.

Do it, go on kill me, at least I will die knowing I gave my brother what he wanted on my terms, willingly... maybe then he can forgive me and maybe then he can cease to hate.

Gabriel stood staring at his sister wide eyed in fear that she might actually mean what she was saying...and the look in her eyes told him it was true. Gabriel wanted to kill himself now...the very thought that this was what she truly believed made him feel unworthy. Made him feel like a scar upon his very existence.[/color]

He looked over at Vim and saw the exquiste joy written on his face and knew immediately that what he said, were words of malice, to make his enemies destroy themselves. Anger boiled in him as he knew that his ploy had worked. Fury burning in his eyes he drew his blade, his father's blade and squared off in front of the demon that wished harm upon those he loved more than his own life.

You may be right...I may have hated Oriana for a time....but you are wrong in your assumption that I would wish harm upon my sister! Or my wife!

With a cry of righteous fury he leapt at his enemy, his full intent was the destruction of the creature that would kill his Oriana and Rayne. Little did he know what he did was a true folly.

Rayne popped out of the pool and quickly rushed out of the room. He had managed to get to one knee, but no further before Gabriel rushed into the room. The man showed concern for him, it was in fact Gabriel, that brought a sense of releif to him. Then Kain watched as Gabriel slowly disappeared, he knew where the warrior went, and he was glad for it. Oriana would need him, Kain had already done all he could to help. By the time the one known as Ariela rushed in Kain managed to struggle to his feet. He hadn't just cast a simple spell, he poured a portion of his very being into the attack on the doppleganger.

Are you alright Kain? Do you need anything? I'm sorry I know Oriana did not want any other to enter here, but as I am sure you know Raynalia is home, and Gabriel was hurt and she that crazy little woman as bad a shape as she is in herself healed him, well now shes passed out like a bag of bricks in the hall near the bottom of the stairwell. I'm strong but not strong enough to lift her to move her on my own. Could you help me please and then we will get you taken care of. You really look horrible.


Kain nodded to her, and started to move towards the door when he heard Oriana's voice. Kain... I am so sorry, if this is what I must do to right the wrong....please don't ever stop learning, life is beautiful with both good and bad... Kain turned around and rushed to the pool, looking down seeing Oriana on her knees, telling the beast to kill her. He beat his fists against the scrying pool, and a flood of tears rushed forth. Falling into the waters below him, Kain weeped. He couldn't lose her, no not now. Kain suddenly drew his sword, and went about casting the spells he had minutes earlier, again he thrust his blade into the pool, again the same white light. However it suddenly dimmed and Kain feel back from the pool, sword in hand. He had failed, failed to finish the spell. Too much was going on within him and he was unable to concentrate. He hit the floor hard, but still remained concious.

Gabriel NO!

Leaping to her feet the word tore from her throat with such force, such emotion that the walls shook stopping everything long enough for each of the rooms occupants to wonder what had just happened. She knew what it was, how could she have been so stupid not to realize it? She had been willing to die for her brother, and her brother willing to die for her and for Raynalia in return, each realizing what the one would do for the other brought a surge of power that perhaps even their steel enemy had not expected. Now she stood watching horrified as her brother continued charged leaving her with no other choice but to throw herself in front of him.
She felt the thud of her brothers body colliding with her own, the shield that had protected her, the very same protection she had refused when she knelt to meet her end, was back in place and now surrounded Gabriel protecting him as it had her. Before she could make a move she felt herself being lifted from the ground, pulled from her brothers side, and she noticed the light that now illuminated their fathers sword. There was no time for her to question what she had seen. A brilliant white light flooded her sight nearly blinding her. Covering her eyes with her hands until the light faded she opened her eyes again. Seeing the familiar surroundings she let out a scream of rage. Her body shook and her violet eyes were as wide as moons. She was back in the tower at the hall of shadows.....

... That is no ordinary charm you wear, that is your link to her. She will know... Hard... give her a chance! She was giving up, she was telling the beast to kill her. Kain couldn't have that, what the hell was this Ariela thinking. Kain grew with anger, but at the same time he was confused... sadness, anger, love, frustration... and more it was all to much for him. The emotion mixing deep within him were exploding, as if they were a time bomb. Kain knew that Ariela was only trying to help but that didn't change the fact that Kain didn't know how to carry himself. He struggled to his feet, using his sword to help. He looked to Ariela, and resigned himself to the fact that there was nothing more he could do here to help. Suddenly a bright flash filled the room and Oriana appeared, before one could say hello Kain rushed over to her, and opened his mouth to say something, but no words came out. Joy swept over him as he was about to speak, but then it met the explosion of all the other emotions and left the warrior at a loss. He stood there, sword in hand, staring at Oriana.

*mutters about double posts*

can a mod delete this please.

Kain...

She stopped herself from screaming the moment she caught sight of Kain, never before had she seen him so lacking in color, so distraught, he looked like he was in such pain that words could not do the scene justice. Then came the passing of calmness and many other emotions that erupted leaving the man what she thought was dumbstruck. Her poor champion, she knew the cause for this turmoil and as always she was to blame. He must have seen the exchange between herself and the metal monster. He probably believed she was truly going to die. Now she went to him slipping her hand into his.

I told you I would not leave you not for a long long time Kain...

She had to reassure him, but at the same time her mind was racing, she had not returned of her own will, she knew what was happening and if she was not able to reach Gabriel he would be locked behind the seal, closed by powerful magicks that would render its caster pretty much useless for three rising and settings of the sun.

I'm alright Kain, you can check me from head to toe as proof if you need to in order to believe me, but later, now we need to get Gabriel out of there.

The news had finally reached him, he could not even recall who told him that she was alive and in the tower. He knew Oriana might try and keep him from her but he needed to see for himself that his wife was alive. She was the reason that he was still holding on to any hope at all about anything. He had been thinking alot since she had been gone even when others thought he was lost to all thought he was not. His thoughts had been on her and on what they had been through. There was not a moment be believed that she did not love him. There was not a moment he doubted his love for her. He did know that over the time she was gone and right before it he knew he needed to change. The man that he was up till right before this happened was not the man that he wanted to be. He had decided he would change for two reasons, now one of those reasons was already taken from him. He went to the tower he was not thier to pick a fight with anyone, he was only there to see his wife and find out what was going on. He had taken a few minutes to say goodbye to Robert on his own and to walk down to where he and Robert would go to goof around. He went up the stairs like they were nothing he did knock though he could feel that she was near, he knew he and Oriana had words and all but he could not keep away not when he knew his wife was back. He hated that everyone was leaving him out og the stuff but he had promised Kiara that he would do things the way they wanted. That was a major thing for him in itself. He knew they had to have thier plans and all and that if he did not go along with them that they could cause bigger problems. Now all he wanted to do is get by his wifes side and see if there was anything else that needed doing.

He had walked quietly from the room, he was not sure that she had been asleep. He looked to his younger cousin and asked Aranor to make sure no one disturbed her till he got back. He walked and found out Kristians body had been returned, he tried to search out Alec but was not sure if he would find them. He knew he would not want to move Kristians body on his own. He did not need anyone else to tell him that. He sough out whatever help that he could get to bring his body to an appropiate place.

After that he went back up to his wife. He went and sat by her. His fingers ran through her hair. He leaned and kissed her forehead.

He gently took Aidan and handed him to Aranor motioningfor him to go lay Aidan down in the room.

He ran his hand through Kiaras hair.

Spitfire we need to talk there is something I know you will want to know. I was informed that your brothers body has been returned. To make sure it was not a false account I went and checked myself, it is him love. I got help to bring him by the others. I know you will need time to say good bye to him.

.... your brothers body has been returned. To make sure it was not a false account I went and checked myself, it is him love...


Tears flowed from behind closed eyes, the facts presented were not unexpected, nor disbelieved, she knew her twin was gone from her, from the world, the only feeling she was capable of was the raw deep rooted pain, that alone was enough for her to know that one of her greatest fears had been made reality. Her hand moved from beneath the blanket and she laced her fingers through her husbands. Losa for all his faults, his stubborness, his often judgemental ways, was there solely for her, how could she tell him to go when he was really the only one she wanted near her.

I hurt angel, its all I can feel when I am not feeling empty, there is nothing but hurt. I dont know what to do Losa, I want to leave here, I want to forget this way of life and go on my way never looking back. I want a normal life, that life we dreamed of building. I hate it here and I hate what has happened here. Our children deserve better than this, you deserve better than this. My brother is dead and I cannot feel Losa...

Her head turned as if she were trying to hide the tears that now flowed so freely she could have created her own river. She cried then letting out every bit of her broken heart.

He did not care that she might push away he moved closer to her and wrapped her up in his arms or at least tried to. He leaned his head against her.

I can not tell you what to do, or what to feel love, just that I am here for you. I know you are hurting, I see it in your eyes in your action. I just want to be here with you for whatever you need from me. I can not say that we should stay or that we should go. I will tell you this though. I love you Spitfire, and my life is with you. The life I want most is a life with you. It does not matter to me whether it is here or somewhere else. But I would not ask you to give up what is your family, what is your right by birth. I know that at times this place and the things that go along with it are nuts. I will stand beside you in whatever decision you make of this. I will not fight with you whether you want us to stay here or go elsewhere.

He looked at her and stayed as close to her as she would let him. Not for him but for her, for he was still feeling a bit confused from earlier but he knew his place was with his wife.

He had let Ariela lead him. He went to where his wife was and scooped her up gently. He was being careful to not hurt her more.

We will bring her to the cabin, it will be a place that she can rest and yes I would like some help caring for her if you would not mind. How are the others, I had heard some commotion about stuff, and wanted to see if there was any help that I could give. There may be bad feelings between Ori and I now but I would still do what I could to help.

He walked with her. He laid Rayne down on the bed and then sat there.

I do not understand why such havoc keeps getting reaked for all our families. How are you holding up Ariela? I mean this whole time you have been then one there for everyone else. I know none of this can be easy on you. I worry about you and I worry for the others as well. I may not see eye to eye with most of them but its partly because I came into this world and could not handle everything all at once.

I have come to realize a lot of things about myself, about this place. I know what I need to do, and things are going to be better. I have messed up a lot but that is because I did not understand certain things. I know she will want to know of how Ori and Gabe are when she wakes. I wish there was more that i could do to help her.

I do not think I am strong enough to get through this Losa. I want to curl into a ball and stay that way until breath no longer draws from my lungs, until my heart no longer beats.... you and our babies are the only things keeping me from jumping off the nearest cliff. I dont know how to do this. I have buried my own parents, buried many that I have cared for in this order, but this... Brodrick, his family, the children, Rone, my brother, my Kristian... its too much. How do I watch them being put into the ground? My heart cannot bear it....

She realized she needed Losa more than she had been willing to admit when she had first learned that her twin was lost to her, now was not the time for her to shut her husband out, she needed him and she needed to learn that she could be weak, that could go to him and he would carry her if that was what she needed. She might have caught him off guard when she slipped out from beneath the covers and crawled into his lap. The feel of his warm skin calmed the panic that had been building inside and she buried her face in the crook of his neck and cried, really cried, not just tears, but sobs and hiccups, the whole package. She finally opened the gates allowing every bit of her heartache and pain to come flooding through.

He looked at Ariela and he shook his head. He spoke quietly.

I was not allowed to be there right when she returned, I want to be there when she wakes. I will not disturb her, I just want to sit with her. Again I almost lost her, its something I do not know what I would do if happened. I wont do anyhting to wake her or anything. I just want to be here. I know everyone has suffered losses I can not even imagine what Kiara ia going through with the loss of her brother. I know that if anything happened to my brothers it would be something like nothing else i have ever faced. Though I know hers is more because of them being twins.

I know the healer needs to come, his powers are greater than mine, and will be of more use. I cant eat anything yet Ariela but anyhting in this cabin is yours to have if you need anything.

Yes it is hard to get used to the way things are run around here and how things are, its something I have set in mind not to let get to me now. Its something I had decided on the night Rayne was taken before we went to sleep. Its the way I know I need to be in order to make some peace around here. I know I have upset a lot of people in the past, and that I hurt Rayne, not meaning too but more so out of confusion and having trouble understanding.

I was not allowed to do much for her return, but i had agreed to go along with whatever was decided to do. But now I can be here for her, and with her, and I do not want to leave.

I would have done more if I was allowed but I think Oriana wanted it left up to her and her brother and Kain for what she was saying earlier. She just does not get few get it Rayne married me knowing Gabe was alive, Ori for some reason fails to remember that. True we have had our problems but we were starting to work on things the night she got taken. The night she got taken we had decided on that.

He let her cry he just sat there and rubbed her back. He just held her close to him, he knew that she had to let it all out.

Spitfire you are strong enough, I know its hard love. I know that you are in a lot of pain and this is one of those times that no matter how much I want to that there is not a damn thing I can do to ease the pain. I do not know how to tell you to watch them be put into the ground, but you do need to be able to say good bye to Kristian. I will go with you if you will allow me to. No I was not close to Kristian, we never found the even ground, and maybe we would have but I want to be there for you. His loss is one that I can not even begin to claim to understand, none of these losses can I for what they mean to everyone else. I wish i could do more for you.
His voice stayed soft the whole time and he rubbed her back as she cried leaning his head against hers.