A strong voice came in a whisper from behind Elaina and Isabella, a familiar voice, “Oh I see, so he’s clear with you? We’ll see about that.” It whispered as the figure behind them stood up tall and suddenly asked in full voice, “Why are we whispering, by the way?” A sarcastic grin playing across his face as he waved his left hand in greeting while keeping the right, and the ring it held, hidden.

This was none other than Prince Gabriel, Isabella’s brother, who enjoyed surprising her like this anytime he came home. He had been off at the Knight Academy training recruits for the past month. However, when he heard his sister was being courted he rushed home to greet, and inspect, the prospected husbands. His white coat and suit reflected the light pouring in through the windows, his kind eyes showed no sign of the man known as Albakove’s White Death who was feared by those in the wars on both sides, as the glimmering longsword slung form his back shone with polished steel. He gazed affectionately at Isabella before speaking again, “What? No hug for your Big Brother Isa?” he asked arms wide, the ring on his right hand seeming to radiate pure light of its own.

“Yes… I’ve driven it off… though its surprising anyone could sense it…” He eyed her for a moment. “Though I assure you if I need any help vanquishing evil… then we are all doomed…” He said though his words may not have matched he spoke in such away one felt as if he was being modest. “Help me pray? I guess company wouldn’t be bad… prayers are prayers… all serve a greater purpose in their faith and its fine… your not bothering me much…” He stepped back into his room. “One whom can admit their a fool are wiser then most…”

Isabella laughed a bit as she heard her friend threaten her father, "Dad, looks like you can't go to the pool this summer, I don't wan't you to become flambe also." she said with a sweet grin. The King merely bellowed with laughter, smiling as her messed up both Isabella's hair and Elaina's, a habit he's had since they were both young girls, "C-clear?" Isabella asked with a raised eyebrow, "Thats a good thing right? You didn't threaten him did you?" Isabella asked nervously, peeking behind the door, "Alright...one peice..thats good.. I hope Tuula is behaving also.." she mentioned to Elaina, "Thanks by the way.." Isabella added before she'd forget. Elaina was pulled into a friendly bear hug, "What would I do without you?"

Isabella's eyes widened as she saw her brother, "Gabe?" she asked in suprise, "Since when did you get back... why don't you tell me these things.." she whined a bit, blinking at him, "Did you hurt your other arm?" she asked with confusion. Their father laughed and smiled at Gabriel, "Nice to have you home, I didn't mention you were coming, like I promised." Isabella glared at her father and he laughed a bit, enjoying how the events were playing by. Isabella heard Gabriel use that nickname and she crinkled her nose a bit, "Fine fine, but know this hurts me more than it hurts you.." she teased, hugging him genuinely despite herself, "So whats the shiney thing?" she asked finally, then looked over at Varnh, her face turning a dark crimson, "E-excuse me, I'm quite sorry if I seem to be ignoring you..I just haven't seen my brother in ages, feel free to join us." she smiled sweetly, still hugged onto her brother, nearly clinging, "If you're getting married I'll never forgive you Gabe." she stated flatly, "Unless it's to Elaina." she grinned, expecting to be royally shocked, literally.

(( OOC: I tried to fit in everything that concerned her, if I skipped someone who spoke to her, tell me and I'll edit, also, Elrith, you can also control the king since you're his son.))

Just as Varnh opened his mouth to reply and ask Elaina to lead the way, the King himself arrived at the door. Varnh held his tongue through the family reunion, though he nodded at the Prince's waved greeting. They seemed extremely...warm, almost overly so. He would have called it forced if they didn't have such sincerity. If they were putting on an act, it was far more skilled than Varnh could detect.

He couldn't refuse the Princess' invitation to join in, so he stepped over into the conversation space. The proximity to so many vampires made him somewhat uncomfortable, but he was adept at being unreadable, so there was no outward indication of this. The brother looked dangerous, judging by the way he carried himself. Varnh filed that away for further investigation later. Then he waited, intently watching the familial exchanges and trying to get a good read on the Princess.

((OOC: Sorry for shortness. I'm on the run.))

Alan read the letter calmly. As far as he could tell Zakia's god was up to something and Bella had went to great lengths to stop it happening, he picked up the amulet and looked at it. The crafting was amazing as the surface was a flawless solid of titanium and platinum that still somehow allowed you to see through it, in the middle of it was a near liquid gold that seemed to flow, and in that gold was many shining fragments of many different gems. If you stared at it you could just see the shape of a pentagram in the sparkles outlined in diamond and ruby dust.

Blinking he now noticed the metal was still rather dull and looking back at Bella's note he found out why. Following her instructions he slit his wrist which barely made him blink and let the blood drop onto both of the magic gems. At once the blood was taken in and after the metal had its fill the whole object glistened and started to shine. Now it was sealed and was no longer dull.

Laying them back down Alan sent them into the shadows before walking out the door and going to the practice arena where he trained in slow motion (For him.) while watching the sun slowly sink in the sky.

((Also sorry for shortness. I have a party to go to.))

He hugged her but his smile faded as she mentioned the ring. Pulling it off he stowed it in his pocket as he broke off the hug at last with a smile, though a glance to his father was one of apology. He never wore the ring in the palace, it was a sign of who he was on the battlefield, not who his sister knew him to be. “No, no sis, I’m not getting married yet. Why do I think I tossed the throne to you?” he said jokingly to her again as he looked to Elaina and nodded in friendly greeting before looking to the suitor in the room.

“Ah, so you must be one of the suitors who seeks my darling sister’s hand,” he said to the man with an outstretched hand of his own, “I’m Gabriel, her brother.” As he would shake the man’s hand he would put a great deal of force in his grip with a smile on his face. “Her very much protective older brother.” He would punctuate each of the last words with an increase in the pressure.

Reika smiled softly looking at Zakia, she felt a bit better after what he said. "Sounds good." Her hair fell in her face. "May I come in?" She didn't feel right about entering someones room without permission first. "I didn't really sense it, I smelt it. A evil presence as a very distinct smell. It can be very unnerving to those who haven't smelt it before." She said softly thinking about how it felt to be near evil, it felt like you were freezing and burning at the same time. The smell sometimes felt like it was burning the inside of the nostrils if it was strong enough.




(Brain fart.)

Isabella smiled at Varnh, "Isabella Kuran, at your service." she said in a sweet voice, a curtsy following her introduction, "I'm sorry for the delay. I hope Elaina nor my delay caused you trouble." She had to admit, he was attractive, but could they really fall in love? Werewolves and Vampires had been rivals for centuries. Like cats and dogs. She wasn't sure what to think of this, but he seemed exactly how Elaina described him, overall friendly.

She blinked at her brother and frowned, "Then what was that ring?" she asked in a curious, but still lady-like tone. She didn't like him keeping secrets from her. She never kept any from him. She was glad she had recently fed, she knew he'd complain if she looked starved, "Cause you're a lazy bum and you want to intimidate your possibly future brother in law." she retorted, giggling a bit as her tone never left it's kind, sweet tone, her words the total opposite as she insulted her brother, she then gave him a dangerous look, "Gabe, be nice...just cause you're older and a guy doesn't mean I can't beat you up." Well, thats exactly what it meant in her case, she couldn't beat him, but it never stopped the petite girl from trying before.

"Perhaps we can talk later," Alexis said to Reito. Though he really wanted to continue speaking, the hall was no place for a conversation, and he and Melissa had just experienced a bit of a shock, compounded on embarassing themselves in front of the princess. "In the mean time, Melissa and I need a chance to compose ourselves. If you will excuse us..." He and Melissa politely nodded to the boy, and retreated toward thier room.
Along the way, Alexis whispered to Melissa, "This just got interesting, didn't it? A shape shifter?"
"Makes you wonder what else is here," replied Melissa. "I'm starting to wonder if those elves were right, and there are blood drinking demons here."
"Well that's just preposterous!" scoffed Alexis.
"But there's a shape shifter. You saw her same as I did. You even saw her touching me! What makes you think there might not be blood drinking demons?"
"Because we have legends of people who can take non-human form. Sure Ms. Reika said it wasn't magic, but how else do you explain what we just saw? As for blood drinking demons: there are no legends of such fiends, and nothing we can compare them to. The elves must come in regular contact with the elven inhabitants of this land and picked up on some of thier folklore. We shouldn't trouble ourselves about it. Still, the shape shifter is interesting. I'll write it up in my journal. Madison would love to read about that."
The two entered into thier room, and Alexis retired to a chair in front of a desk. He rested his hat on the chair back. Melissa removed her helmet and fetched Alexis a ledger and a pen. While Alexis began to write, she sat down on another chair and began to inspect her rifle.

Reito smiled softly and walked into his own room to wait until his sister arrived back. He sat by a window taking a deep breath. "We sure did make quite a scene." He sighed softly pushing his black hair out of his faster after untying it tossing the black ribbon onto the bed. "Father would be disappointed with us...." He felt ashamed that he had gotten his sister mad, even more ashamed that he had allowed it to get to the point where they fought. He knew that she was actually more mature then he was, and far smarter. He was considering giving her the role of ruler of their lands. He knew it would be best and he honestly didn't want to title. He leaned back slightly looking towards the mountains, their homelands so far in the distance. Where they lived it always snowed so they were used to the extreme cold.

“If you wish… “ He said looking towards the window as a large bird like creature came in through the balcony… it was roughly the size of a horse with a long deadly beak and thick feathers on its back and wings. Light scales armored its torso it looked around stepping further into the room Zakia raised a finger for her to hold on, walking to the large creature he slipped a piece of paper off its ankle reading it quickly he rolled it back up pressing one end into a torch until it was half way burned before tossing it into the fireplace. He wrote up a new scroll before attaching it to the bird’s ankle. “Return this… to the commander… immediately…” He said motioning for Reika to enter.

Elaina nearly jumped out of her skin at the familiar voice; her thoughts racing as she saw the face that went with it. What was Gabriel doing here! Wasn’t he supposed to be gone longer? Did Tuula know? Was she blushing again! Trying to calm down, Elaina fidgeted a bit only to glare at Isabella for the marriage comment. Oh, if only her friend knew that the twins had a crush on the princess’s brother before he left; that statement would have been a lot more embarrassing than her friend intended it to be. But both sisters agreed it best to not tell their friend, and she was sticking to that agreement; so blushing was not aloud…and she had to warn Tuula before she was surprised by the sudden appearance as well.

Returning the friendly nod to Gabriel, Elaina waited until Isabella let go of her brother and was off guard before she sent a friendly shock her way; hoping it was enough to mess up the girl’s hair further for the marriage remark. Though with the second question about her causing trouble, Elaina raised both hands with a shocked expression. “Hey, he’s in one piece isn’t he? Wherever do you get these farfetched impressions of me?” she asked with a mock tone of innocence; but it was soon broke with a grin as she leaned against the door frame and watched the family and suitor exchanges. She was really starting to feel a bit out of place with the family reunion, and figured they would probably like to be alone to meet with Varnh…in fact Varnh would probably appreciate it. “I suppose I should leave all of you to get to know each other more. Is there anything else I can do to help or should I just go find some troubl…eh…double fun of my own?”

Areon

Areon looked into Tuula's eyes as she spoke. Seeing that she was a bit shy to talk about herself, even if she was trying to hide it behind her manners. Of course it wasn't polite to boast yourself with all the deeds you have attained, but to talk about yourself in general is alright. He isn't the one to talk about himself a lot, too, thought. She told him about the obvious fact of her being a wind elemental, one half of the storm, with her twin sister being the other. As she giggled about the fact, Areon found himself laughing a bit as well. He could nearly see her thoughts racing behind in her head. He heard a bit of wind rising behind her, making its way through the open windows of the corridor and every small crack. He immediately knew who this were, even before she stated it. Whenever wind elementals were... confused, they lose a bit of their control for some time. He could get to like the thought that he was the reason, why this had happened... No. He was here to marry the princess. He couldn't afford to have him distracted by this unlikely romance. The people of the frozen north needed a queen that would know how to take care of them, the elementals would be very... disappointed would he bring back another elemental, instead of the princess. They look forward to ally themselves with this big kingdom. This thoughts had only distracted Areon for short now, but most likely would hover in his mind for the rest of his stay here. He listened to her telling about her hobbies, seeing that hers weren't to different from his. After he let some time he spoke himself again.

"Don't you worry. I think you are quite an interesting person. I have to say that I enjoy the calmness of the moving clouds, too. As well as the rare beautiful flowers that bloom in the forests of the north. Sadly, there aren't as many there as here. Only the rough survive up in the north, this goes for the humans as well. You and your sister should visit me some day, the wild horses of the steppes, the clear sky, there are many sights you don't want to miss."

He waited a moment for her to think about these words. The frozen north was indeed a rough place for a human. The people that live there are only a few compared to other regions or nations, but they live with the nature and respect it. This might have been the reason, why the elementals there were quite protective of them. Rarely did the people only take for their living, it would proof fatal would the Northerners act otherwise. There was not much food up there and the minerals were hard to come by. Looking back towards Tuula, with a smile on his lips, Areon spoke up again.

"Well, now that we will spend some time together. What is it that you do to entertain yourself here? I guess we could walk outside and watch the cold moon in the sky, if you like."

---

Selinia

After Selinia had changed into her black court dress, she opened her door. For a moment she thought about letting a servant look for her hand maiden. She should have been here, to listen to her wishes, should there be any. She was so useless, maybe she should just... wait, she could have been hurt during the fall. Maybe she just needed some time to relax a bit, Selinia thought to herself. If only she wouldn't have had her thrown out from the first floor... the last she could do is to order another servant to check up on her. The next servant that came across her was roughly stopped, as she pulled him in front of her. Her eyes filled with anger, ass he didn't immediately had bowed his head in front of her, as she looked at him. Luckily for him, Selinia had looked for a servant to do something for her.

"Look for my handmaiden... Meleuda. Wait for her to be strong enough, than take her to my chambers."

The servant was slightly confused. Selinia had never showed this signs of worry about someone else in her voice. Before she could change her mind, the servant ran off to execute his orders. Selinia on her part was already on her way to her cousin's room. Her mimic was the frozen politeness, that always appeared when she was outside. This and her false words was all she did to fool not only her cousin, but everyone in the family. She stood in front of the door, not bothering to knock, she just wanted to open the door, but found it looked. This stupid girl is obviously already out to flirt with one of these suitors. She's such a ... Selinia stopped from thinking as she didn't heard voices from the corridor next to this. It was Isabella, but not only her, also her uncle and that brother of hers. This stupid guy had declined the throne as it was offered to him, but he could still proof to be a problem to Selinia. Quietly did she walk towards the corner, listening to the exchange of words, thought she remained hidden.

The Prince, introducing himself as Gabriel, offered a handshake. Varnh took it, and found the man's grip to be unpleasantly forceful. As he increased his pressure, Varnh very nearly frowned. Instead he focused on keeping his own grip even and within civil bounds. This one was aggressive and confident, probably a highly competent warrior. Varnh could guess why he was not to inherit the throne, though, and was not impressed by his threatening manner. He'd been dealing with bullies his entire life, and was somewhat disappointed that they persisted even here. He would certainly have to check up on Gabriel, however, and be cautious in his interactions. This Prince Gabriel was the first suspect. "I am Varnh Luptare, heir to the Lord of the Moonholds. I'm glad to see the Princess has such an able and motivated brother to assist her with the realm. I would also assure you that the she has nothing to fear from me, and though I do seek her hand, I understand fully that it is solely her decision to make." Varnh was curious to see what the Prince would make of that, but turned next to the Princess after she likewise introduced herself and admonished her brother.

"I suspect your brother may be appreciative of me in at least one way. I have a gift for you. A gift fit for a Princess at the center of what I suspect will become a fierce competition for your hand." He produced a small black box from one of the shelves near the door. He opened the box slowly to reveal a pendant identical to the one he wore underneath his shirt, a waxing moon. "This is a pendant created at great expense for the ruling house of each Moonhold, including the Luptare bloodline. It can draw power from the moon in a fashion modeled after the way we do. However, The power it draws is a sort of antithesis to our natural magic. It creates a wellspring of tranquility which will neutralize some of the effects of any magics directed upon the wearer. It's power waxes with the moon, so it will be less effective during the new moon, but during the full moon you will be effectively impervious to the effects of magic. This particular pendant is bound only to you, and will have no effect when worn by another. Please, take it with my compliments and those of my people."

Releasing Varnh’s hand at last he smiled with a look of ignorance, “Sorry, sometimes I forget my own strength.” He said rubbing his head and chuckling before turning to Isabella again, “I’ve shown you that ring, it was a gift from a pupil, basically a magical candle since all it does is light up.” To cover his lie, which only she seemed to constantly catch him in if he wasn’t able to distract her he extended his hand and messing up her hair for another time “You always look like you just got out of bed, and not alone.” He said with a naughty tone as he flipped his own hair back into perfect shape. Lucky him, he had inherited their mother’s manageable strands.”Not that you’d know.” He added with a look of pure enjoyment on his face as he teased her more and more before Varnh produced a gift for her and he had to smile, he was civil at least.

Gabriel did not for a moment consider that he could be completely innocent, to do so would be to invite danger, so he gave an apologetic smile to the man before speaking, “Well played good sir,” he glanced to Isabella and couldn’t help but ask, “Father, did mother always drool like that when you presented her with gifts.” Whether Isabella was actually drooling or not didn’t really matter to him, he missed messing with his dearest sister. Finally he looked to Elaina.

“Well, I believe that this was meant to be a private party and I seem to have misplaced my invitation, so I’ll take my leave, care to join me for a stroll through the garden Ela?” he asked flirtatiously, the suave tones of his voice just another weapon vampires had to attract prey, though he wouldn’t be sucking on her neck tonight, she was a good girl (then again so were the others ;D). His mother loved to read in the garden so he hoped to find her there. Extending his elbow to Elaina he waved good bye to the others and lead the way down the hall past Selina. An ominous feeling causing him to glance over toward her but he didn’t register her being there consciously, just the uneasy feeling he always got around Selina. “So Elaina, how have you been?” he asked, noting out loud that, “you’ve managed to retain your good looks and flawless complexion even dealing with that loving aggravation I call Isabella, astounding really.” He commented as he looked her up and down before moving on.

Alan's broadsword glowed in the last strands of sunlight that fell on it. Moving a step back he twirled again, his weapon ripped through the shadows and sent a guard who was watching him back in shock. Smiling he returned to his previous position and held his sword up again, this time no light lit the weapon like Gods own dagger.

He flipped the two handed sword around his wrist and sheathed in on his back before his hands fell on the twin katanas at his hips. As his hands touched the hilts he sprang backward and did a small backflip, suddenly the swords were in his hands and each one slicing a path through the air as he moved them with lightning fast speed, but still he felt he was moving in slow motion.

Eventually he looked down at his weapons and noticed that they were shining like the night sky, full of stars, that ment the moon was out.

Sheathing them he moved towards the castle, he wasn't sweating from the workout which for him was low intensity, he did notice a few of the guards gave him annoyed looks when they noticed that he hadn't really increased his breathing rate at all let alone perspired.

He moved through he castle thinking he might as well retire to his room for a while.
While walking he walked straight past Selinia and the rest of the royal family, he had to stop himself from glaring at the vampire who seemed to fancy himself a paladin.

Once he lay on his bed his eyes closed one thought come to him, that man who smelled of the goddess he jokingly called mother in-law.
Joining with the shadows he moved to the mans room and was dismayed to feel that his guard was with him, holding some kind of weapon. Appearing out of the shadows behind the woman he moved using his rune to move so fast he only looked like a streak of silver, he used this to grab the weapon in an iron grip while not at any point trying to take it from her.

Looking around he quickly addressed the man "I'm Lord Hunce, I simply want to talk and I would prefer if your guard did not use your strange weapon on me, which is why I grabbed it. I will let go once you confirm you will not attack."

Reika nodded softly and stepped into Zakia's room. The bird creature kind of unnerved her, it was scary to her. So huge and dangerous looking, none of her forms even came close to the sheer presence the creature held. She walked over to the window seeing snow white peaks. She looked homesick looking at them. She tore her gaze away from them and smiled. "Where might you be from sir?" She said with a calm look on her face.

“I am from the empire of Mercei and… I you seem to not know what that creature was… it is a Jarei commonly used by my people to reach places quicker and easier then on horseback. They are quite useful as messengers… not much to worry about preventing their coarse… now what do you require dear?” He said raising a pristine brow. His lips crossed into a charming smile… he could have told her she was a disgusting sow and she’d probably still take it as a compliment… the joy of being an orator… as long as you say it right the words are meaningless. He tucked the scroll his lord had given him deeper into his belt. “Though in another note what do you think of the princess… and the royal family… not to mention the suitors… half of them stare at her as if she’s a fresh piece of meat being dangled above their heads… and they being the feral animals stare at her hungrily… and at each other murderously…”



Mars had finally made it back to the castle after searching the city quickly. After wandering the halls she heard the princess, prince, and king. Not wanting to walk in and bring attention to herself after all she had lost the princess… she decided to go up to her room quickly changing out of her dress into her armor before returning and waiting outside the door to the room they were conversing in. The last thing she wanted was interrupt the royal family’s conversation.



Kaiden waited in the infirmary awaiting Meleuda’s status health wise. “Why does lady Selinia enjoy inflicting pain on others…” He said shaking his head with a sigh. He rubbed his neck which was still sore maybe he shouldn’t have let her grab him… or maybe he should have twisted her mind… no… he felt sick even having such a thought glancing his mind… to wish ill upon another was horrid… though after thinking a while he had the perfect idea to make up for the maid’s horrible day… he’d paint her the most relaxing picture and take her within it paint away her troubles at least for a short while.

Isabella shook her head, "Elaina's got a crush~" she stated instantly as Elaina blushed, frowning when her hair got messier, "I have enough trouble taming this.." she sighed, blinking at Varnh then smiling a bit, "He used to be worse, you caught him during his tamed years." she teased, glancing at her brother, "His behavior was worse than that of a goat..please excuse him. You won't be seeing much of him, I promise." her last statement she said looking at Gabriel, trying to make it perfectly clear. She was wondering why Varnh was being so civil to her, it couldn't be that he liked her. Was it for the throne? The money? The benefits combining the kingdoms? She wasn't sure, but it kind of depressed her that everyone was interested in what she had to offer than the princess herself, but none of these worries made it to her face, her kind smile never left, and her eyes were closed most the time she was smiling.

Isabella was going to turn down the gift, "I couldn't possibly..." she began, but that was until she saw it, her eyes sparkled a little and she blushed a bit, placing a hand over her mouth. It was incredibly beautiful, and she couldn't help thinking it was cute that it matched his, she was a sucker for romantic cliches, "It's beautiful..but I don't want to accept something this exquisite." she replied breathlessly. She'd not gotten a chance to look at the other gifts, other than the rose, but she had a weakness for jewelry, not even Gabriel knew that. Isabella instantly blushed when her brother accused her of being sexual, "Y-you know dad would have my head on a silver platter if I was doing that before marriage.." she said throwing a swing at her brother, part of her wanted to kill him for embarrassing her infront of Varnh, especially since she found him attractive, why did he mention naughty things infront of one of her interests? Did he really need to give the other male that image? She pouted, "I won't disgrace myself infront of a gentleman..but you die after I'm done here... have fun with Elaina...I find a bite she didn't ask for and I'll kill you." she warned, "Be good Elaina...and remember, breathe through your nose."

"I see, A jarei." She said softly and looked at him her bangs falling in her brown eyes. "I don't know what to think of Isabella, she seems nice. She scolded me and my brother for fighting, so in a way she's sisterly, and motherly. She seems to act like any other teenager I know, she's normal. Nothing special." She said sitting down. "As for the suitors, I've only met a human suitor, he didn't seem to know about anything like shape shifters. Makes me wonder if he'll be able to handle a vampire, or survive the other suitors. As for my brother, he isn't a dog looking for it's next meal ticket. He wants to find someone he can relate with, and he surely doesn't see the princess as meat. We shape shifters take pride in the forms we're born with, and the forms of the animals we take. But we're not beasts." She thought even more. "And I have yet to meet any of the royal family. I did catch a glimpse at the princess' friends, and her bodyguard, They all look over protective to me, they have the same look in their eyes as my brother. Caring and over protective to the extremes."

Tuula grinned as she listened to Areon speak, his voice was so calm and smooth. She found that she was enjoying just listening to him talk and it seemed they had hobbies in common. Oh, that was fantastic that meant they would have more to talk about! Her excitement grew as he mentioned her and Elaina coming to visit him at his home in the mountains. She’d heard it was simply breathtaking there and so few were able to witness it due to the harshness of living a life there. “I’d love to come visit your home and I’m sure Elaina would as well.” Well, at least she thought Elaina would and if she didn’t want to then she would be forcibly dragged.

There was a pause between them before he suggested they go outside to watch the moon. It seemed like a romantic suggestion but of course that wasn’t what he meant! Of course that also isn’t what she wanted, just to walk outside and see the scenery was completely harmless. “That sounds just lovely.” Smiling, she took his arm once more as they began to walk and looked up at him. “Now that I’ve told you about myself, why don’t you tell me a little bit about you. What are your hobbies? Are you enjoying your time here so far away from your home?”

Elaina’s mouth dropped as Isabella pointed out her crush. “How…When…You….” Catching herself stumbling over words again, Elaina gave her hand another good shock to snap out of it and shut her mouth. She must have blushed, that was the only giveaway she could think of. Darn it, now she had to tell Tuula she got busted. Luckily, her moment of embarrassment was soon covered by Isabella’s as her brother teased her; and even better her reaction to the gift from Varnh.

Surprised by the invitation from Gabriel, Elaina couldn’t help but blush at his tone; but with the parting advice from Isabella, she could have shocked the fire out of that girl if they didn’t have an audience. “You may have to wait in line to kill him if he was to bite me. I get first dibs, and you’ll have to flip with TuTu for whose next.” Smiling at her friend as she walked out with Gabriel, she hoped that all previous comments were forgotten. As the two walked to the gardens, Elaina had to fight hard to control any blushing that may come up. With her having accepted the offered arm, and now being in direct contact with Gabriel; she desperately did not want to shock anyone…but he wasn’t making it easy. Knowing she had to have blushed at his comment on her looks, then yet when he looked at her; she could already see the sparks caused by her steps. She was far too happy about the situation for anyone’s good. “I’m surprised that Isabella has been able to deal with me. So I guess it’s a balancing act of ‘who’s stunts top who’s’. Between your sister, Tuula, and myself; it’s amazing this place still has a roof.” Laughing at the thought of three girls being the downfall of a huge castle such as this, it was ridiculous and possible all in one. “Though I must say I’m glad you’re here.” she said, looking up at him with a genuine smile; before realizing what she just said and quickly glancing away. “Now if a suitor mysteriously goes missing, I will not be the first suspect.”

The day seemed to pass slowly. Alexis found himself getting impatient waiting for some word on meeting the royal family. He was still a bit embarrassed for having startled the princess, and he still hadn't mustered the courage to go have a look around again. Melissa didn't rush him either. She occasionally got up to have a look around the palace, but found no sign of the Royal Family nor heard anything about forthcoming plans for a meeting or even a banquet. It unnerved Alexis.
As he tried to pass the time by reading up on historical reports of Albakove, taken from explorer's accounts and historians from even before the age of the Sunlit Realm; Alexis suddenly felt a Presence he only felt on those rare occasions when She came to visit. His hand reached for his revolver, though he knew it would do him no good. At that same instant, Melissa squealed in surprise.
"What the fuck? How in the name of shit did you get in here, you butt-fuck?" She was more controlled than with her encounter with the shape-shifter. "Answer before I make you cough up a pair of meatballs you did not eat*!"
Alexis whirled around to meet a young man standing to the side of Melissa, bracing her rifle as though he thought she might use it - though she had long since removed the bayonet, unloaded the magazine, and was in no position to wield it as a club. He was a large boy, taller than Alexis and athletic, if not muscular. Still, Melissa was capable of making good her threat, despite this boy's obvious advantages.
"I suggest you first answer my servant's question, Lord Hunce," Alexis said coolly, eyeing the boy suspiciously after he introduced himself. "She does not need that 'strange weapon' to be lethal. She'll be the one to decide whether you want to talk or not."

*Melissa is referring to an unmentionable part of the male anatomy

“As she should… siblings should not fight one another… as I said… most suitors would kill to take her hand… not for the sake of her… but what comes with her… its sad really.” He moved to his dresser looking through the drawers until he selected a dark red suit set. “I’d make sure to not make yourself a target… some of them would leap at the prospect of taking you as leverage against your brother’s attempts of winning the princess’ hand… after all to them what is another’s happiness if they don’t win… no matter the cost.” He said dropping his pants which had been damaged by his lord’s presence before pulling on his freshly picked suit of dark red. Even while he changed his clothing he didn’t both to even attempting to keep any semblance of modesty except for his undergarments and he never let the scroll off his person. He also thought about the information on the scroll the Jarei had delivered… his plans had been changed quite a bit from what he originally planned… and he wasn’t to comfortable with such a change of target.



Mars only caught a glimpse of the prince walking away with Elaina. “Hello prince Gabriel.” She said shaking her head… she never understood why other women were falling head over heel for the prince… she shrugged stepping besides Isabella. She quietly whispered in her ear. “Please don’t run off again princess… I’m your bodyguard… if I’m not guarding you then I kind of lose my purpose milady.” She kept her eyes on Varnh even though she couldn’t see with them before speaking so he could hear her. “Hello there, I am Marzela the princess body guard and hand maiden… sun seer of the castle.” She said with a bow. Using her senses to feel out the room. Noticing the princess’ hair she pressed her palms together using her light magic to build up a good deal of heat before catching Isabella’s here between each palm and smoothing it out with heat. “There we go…”

Alan was slightly surprised with the speed the two reacted, for humans it was a great reaction time. He smiled down at the female "I didn't know you could reach through walls of magic, ill remember that, thank you." he spoke in his best serious sarcastic tone before actually answering their question "I'm a being of darkness, the being which is every shadow and every other type of darkness has adopted me and therefor I can shadow walk without being driven mad by the horrors which the shadows hold. You know it is a rare ability, the only animal I have come in contact with that can also do it are hell hounds."

Knowing that his long at ease response likely did nothing to help the females temper so he released her weapon and stepped back out of range. He smiled again and addressed the other suitor "I'm not talking about the same darkness that the goddess which you smell of controls, I'm speaking of the living presence of darkness, the heart of the whole thing."

Making himself at home on a chair he raised an eyebrow at the woman "So am I right to speak now?" he asked with mock caring and before she could answer him he addressed Alexis again "I really did just want to know why you smell of the goddess of darkness. Not many people can even claim to have been within a kingdom of such an elusive god or goddess."

(I grimaced when I read that.....)

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Bella tossed and turned as she slept, her dreams were ragged, uneven, until that is they all went blank and she sat sitting next to her father, he laughed at her but she could not understand what he was saying.
Suddenly the dream was gone and it was back to the ragged restless dreams that came after using nearly all the magic in your body.