Locien looked at her strangely at her question and then watched the butterfly landing on her nose. His eyebrows raised slightly at the humor of it. "A batch of good luck for the day." he said in elvish with a slight chuckle. He silently pulled off the tie that was on his hair and his hair fell to his shoulders in a silent way to oblige her slightly, knowing she might lecture him otherwise then order him to let her.

"I wonder when this Monarch will see your brother I wonder." He wondered aloud, pondering the first leg of the journey thus far.

Thalia looked at Locien and laughed softly. "I guess so," she said, which caused the butterfly to fly away. She got up and went behind Locien before she got on her knees. Thalia slowly ran her fingers through his hair as she used them to comb it. "I wonder too, hopefully the Monarch will see him today as time cannot be wasted. We have so many more allies to contact..." she said as she felt a bit discouraged. She hoped they would get to them all in time, before it was too late. She took the tie he had in his hand from him and draped it over her shoulder. After she continued to gently comb his hair for a while before she tied it up again. She went over to stand in front of him as she looked at his hair. Okay, looks nicer and neater now, not a hair out of place... Thalia sat in his lap and took one of his hand. She began to trace the lines on his hand with her fingertips.

"Have you met any other Drows before?" she asked as the questioned popped into her head.

Locien pondered the question for a few brief moments. "I encountered several tribes in my lifetime. Some from the south, one that's a remnant of Zaldir's attempt at society like...maybe..few days northeast." He said trying to recollect all his encounters with dark elves. He thought long and hard.

"Most of them were surprised at my upbringing. Some were not as they're familiar with what happens to battle born at times if the child somehow survives but the parents are not. It is customary in some tribes to raise the child of the defeated. Something to do with penance I believe." He continued as he mused. "The Northeastern Drow, they thought they recognized me from somewhere but brushed it off. Their society is a far cry of what Zaldir's was. But I'm just sitting here rambling about my encounters. What about you Thalia?"

"I think everyone is surprised at your upbringing, it is uncommon. It is okay that you rambled and well several Drow Chieftains have come to the castle. I mostly welcome them at most...I never really talked to many Drows on a personal level. I usually just have polite conversation with them asking them how there trip went and everything. They all seem nice enough though. I wonder if we will go by the Northeastern Drow on our way to our next destination. They seem interesting enough and maybe we will even have time to pick their minds about where they recognize you. We could end up finding out about your family, well maybe at least about someone with your eye color as it is rare. If someone has your eye color then it may be safe to assume they are related to you in some way," she said. She placed her hand against Locien's hand as she looked at the size difference.

"If we spoke to the others about it and they all agree we may see, but I wouldn't go to them unless any of the other tribes refuse to give us aid. It's because the Northeastern drow. If you've seen one you've possibly seen most. Secretive and more to the point strange in behavior." Locien shrugged embarrassed at his slight awkwardness about the subject, because that almost sounds perfectly akin to him in some retrospects. He simply just turned his attention to how she was comparing his hand size.

If his skin was of the fair kind one would tell the slight blush forming around his cheeks. However he just said nothing about it. He simply sighed and looked at the direction of the inn and chuckled. "I bet the others are having lunch." He said with a chuckle.

"Hmm they sound interesting. If we don't see them I think I will go once my brother has our kingdom back. I am surprised your Foster Father hasn't tried to pry their secrets out of them," she said playfully as she looked at Locien pointedly, but she had a teasing smile on her face. She rolled her shoulders back as she looked in the direction he had. Her eyes widen slightly and then she looked at him again. She hadn't even felt hungry yet. Thalia still felt fine with what she had made herself eat for breakfast. I guess I have lost my normal appetite, could be the grief...

"Do you want to go eat lunch? I don't want to make you miss a meal or anything," she said as she got off of him and stood. She stretched as she glanced at the woods. Her arms and hands stretched upward before she wrapped an arm around her waist. "I think I will just take a walk in the woods if anything. I could find some berries for later and practice a few things. I am not in the mood to eat...I think I am still full from breakfast. Also, I think I may need to use a little of my magic," she said. Her last sentence felt odd being spoken. She felt her magic oddly being built up inside of her. Thalia held her hand out to him to help him stand if he wished. "Come, you should go eat, you are probably hungry by now," she told him softly.

"Surprisingly enough I snacked on some dried meat I took for the road, so I am perfectly fine." Locien stated as he took Thalia's hand and got up to ponder the next thing as he heard her say she had to use her magic. "Oh, I see. Well, I guess I'll just be here, practicing my sword skills."

He fell silent as he pondered ever further the situation she presented to him. Visiting the Northeastern Drow would be one thing, but trying to make allies with them when they have unpredictability worried him. Silently he began making a practice dummy to strike at to vent out any form of frustration.

"Okay so that is good and I'll be back quickly, but if you feel lonely you can come once you are done practicing," she said as she left into the woods. Once in the woods she looked at the plants and bushes as she looked for berries. After she came to a bush with dark purple berries, picked them, and then put them into an empty pocket of her bag. Next she collected some twigs and made them into a small pile. After she generated a small amount of lighting between her hands and then she struck the twigs.

She watched as as a small fire erupted.Thalia sat down and watched the twigs burn. I'll go back once the fire dies out, which should be soon...I should be practicing with Locien though. She stood a few minutes later and stomped out the embers of the fire and rubbed the burnt twigs into the dirt with her foot. Whens he was sure the fire was out she headed back where Locien was. She took her sword quickly out on her way there.

Locien had just finished the Dummy and was pacing back and forth before getting in a ready stance before drawing his sword and aligning it with the stance, gripping the blade with both hands taking several deep breaths before slicing at the dummy a few times without hitting it to warm up, fighting with the sword was a serious matter to him. He respected the way of the blade, and it's craftsmanship if given the right materials. There is also time and effort to making the blade as well.

He then finished up his warm up by taking a deep breath before slicing at the dummy for real, the steel biting through the makeshift dummy easily. He took a deep breath before sheathing it and heard someone approach with their blade in hand. He was about to grip his sword again but the corner of his eye spotted Thalia. He sighed of slight relief. "You have your blade out. Did something Waylay you on the way back?"

“Oh, I though we could practice or that I could practice with you. I was completely undisturbed on my way back. No need to worry,” she said with a smile. She slowly walked up to him. She held her sword up as she looked over the blade before she looked at Locien. “So, what is the first thing you want to teach me?” she asked as her fingertips brushed up and down the side of the blade. Thalia licked her lips as she glanced up at the sky before she looked at Locien again.

Locien chuckled a bit as he pulled out the wooden swords he made earlier during their travels. "First things first, you sheathe your sword and take this practice one. We don't use real swords when practicing on each other unless it's to gauge sharpness." Locien stated with a slight smirk.

"Secondly, the first thing we'll go over is your fighting stance and defensive stance. Both stances can be the same or not, just depends on how you block. Show me your best stance. It's easy." He calmly waited for her to show him so he can gauge how much he has to deal with.

Thalia cheeks turned a bright pink when he spoke as she went to sheathe her sword. Next, she took the practice sword from him as she listened to the rest of what he said. Her fingers ran through her silky hair as she thought about her best stance. She bit her bottom lip nervously. Thalia put her feet shoulder length apart and bent her knees. Her cheeks darkened to an apple red. She glanced at Locien as she chewed on her bottom lip. "I am not sure what to do with my arms," she said, her voice getting softer as she spoke.

Locien used his own wooden sword to look at the status of her arms. "The practice swords have longer handles then your sword for two handed wielding so you may hold it with your dominant Arm alone to get a feel for fighting with your own sword. Your stance is good from the legs, in a real fight a stance is important. It can not only give you more balance in the fight, but if used right you can be intimidating."

"Now for defense. We will start with the basics. So, if I swung downward where would you block?" He holds his sword as if swinging downward.

Thalia moved her left arm to her side so she could hold the sword with only her right hand. She smiled at Locien. "I do not think I can be very intimidating in the first place Locien," she said as she smiled at him. She rolled her shoulders back. "Well, I would block upwards," she said. She held her sword as if she were to swing it upward. This seems easy enough for now.

"Good. Follow the same logic with all directions. That's the slight basic for blocking and parrying. Follow your opponents movement and make your movement opposite. It's should be easy at some degree of enemies we will face. However, some are and will be trained soldiers, so they'll know the beginners stuff too. As we spar in future training sessions we shall go over various fighting styles taught to me By Ildhrenion." Locien explained thoroughly and with a calm expression on his face. "Next session, I would like for you to be ready to attack me with your wooden stick."

Locien took a breath as he put his training blade away and then resumed to have a small grin on his face. "Now then, if you have complaints or worries about doing these lessons don't hesitate to ask. That goes for any other questions as well."

Marek ran to the two slightly surprised. "Guys, you won't believe what I saw pull up at the Inn.... The Queen's Horse! The meeting is happening at the Inn!!"

"Okay. Well one worry is that I don't want hurt you with the wooden stick. I honestly don't want to attack you for me to have to practice," she said as she put her wooden stick away. She knew it sounded silly, but she really didn't want to hurt Locien if she didn't have to. Thalia's brain began to try to think of ways she could learn to attack without having to use Locien for practice. She turned her head as she sensed someone run towards them. What? Why would a Queen meet at an Inn? Let's home we get her as an ally. Thalia turned in the direction of the inn.

"Come on you two, let's go meet the Queen. I doubt she will want to be kept waiting," she said before she quickly walked to the inn. She combed her hair with her fingers before she entered the inn. Once she found her siblings she discreetly went to their side.

"You seriously think I would agree to all your outrageous ideas Cildur? The trade agreement I will respect but I doubt my people will appreciate allied soldiers to come and go as they wish." This voice belonged to the Queen of Serinkas, Serai Valen the Third. Just as the three entered the inn the discussion had already commenced. Cildur felt like he was on thin ice with her, and one step could make her mad.

"And furthermore Cildur, sit up straight. Your supposed to act the part of a displaced Ruler." The Queen then said before pausing as Thalia made her entrance. She locked eyes with her in an examining way and observed her, one hand the side of her jaw, her tied long and beautiful black hair cascading to one side.

In the meanwhile Locien and Marek just silently observed them as Locien put his amulet under his tunic. Locien felt slightly on edge at the silence of the Queen's observation. If she stared at him, what would she see, or think?

"You've been through a lot child." Serai said at last, "I've seen the weight of it before on a young girl who lost her mother as well. She gives you her sympathy."

Thalia cursed herself for being late as thought about what she had heard the Queen say from a distant. She wondered what outrageous ideas Cildur was accused of having. It didn’t seem like this talk was going well. She stood straighter and held her head up higher. Looks like she isn't likely to become our ally. Maybe I could say something to try to convince her, I possibility can't make things worst than they seem to be going.

She kept her eyes locked with the Queen as she was examined and observed. Thalia kept her expression calm with a friendly smile gracing her lips. Her expression stayed the same even when the Queen spoke. She pushed rising thoughts and memories away as she quickly thought about what to say to the Queen.

“Well yes, I have been through a lot with the lost of my mother and father as well have my siblings. You can let the young girl know I thank her for her sympathy. I know it is terrible for anyone to lose a parent. I hope you agree to become our ally against the Great Evil who wants our kingdom and most likely will want to take control of every other kingdom too. If we cannot get allies then I am afraid more people, like young girls, would lose family members, like a mother,” she paused as she placed her right hand very lightly on the Queen’s left forearm, “Queen Serai, would you agree to become our ally so there doesn’t have to be anymore deaths or takeovers than necessary? We'd be honor if you became one of our allies.”

Serai observed Thalia very carefully and smiled. "I think that young girl is smiling right now dear one. I quite agree this dark being has an agenda and will not stop." She quietly turned and observed Marek and Locien guarding at a distance. The Queen gave an amused smile then, she knew how to have some fun with this.

"I will accept the alliance, but let's have a bit of fun, I'm one for a gamble. I see your Bodyguards have quite the weaponry." She hinted with a small smirk. "Why not come to my palace later in the evening. I like to judge those who follow the sword, and here's my wager. If I win in a small duel, I will still join the alliance. If I lose the duel, I will be in the alliance, plus possibly gain someone I find worthy to court with."

Marek spat out his drink in surprise as Locien calmly looked at his hand, pondering if that was a good idea. Cildur on the other hand gave a small silent nod of approval. "Very Well. I accept that offer. And I assure you, you'll have a splendid match."


"I think he is trying to force me into it. He's got another thing coming if he's throwing me under that bull. Marek can easily do it too!" Locien thought in slight annoyance, plus he had a distinct feeling that he might need more then luck to avoid this evening's events.

Thalia glanced at Locien when her brother replied to Queen Serai. Wait, I think Cildur is going to want to have Locien fight the Queen. He may be the best swordsmen here and he could win, but she would want to court him if he wins… She pushed her thoughts away as the last thing she thought caused her to feel what she assumed to be annoyance. Thalia was not sure why she felt annoyed, but she ignored the feeling. She just took in a slow deep breath, asked to be excused, and left the inn. Thalia decided a walk in the woods would relax her.

Later in the evening as they neared the Queen’s palace Thalia still couldn't help, but feel annoyed. The walk she took earlier did not help at all. Though she kept herself looking calm as she watched the clouds in the sky. I shouldn’t feel annoyed about the Queen courting Locien if that does happen. He is going to out live her, why would she want to court him? He is going to leave with us anyways once we finish here...he can't just leave us to stay with her if he wins. His Foster Father said he would be helping us so he wouldn't be able to to stay with the Queen. What if she wants to join us if Locien wins? A quiet sigh escaped her lips as she began to space out as they got closer and closer to the palace's entrance. Thalia was a few feet behind group as she kept a slow pace.

Locien had observed Thalia for a long while in the walk to the Palace. Locien had a feeling he had to think of something quick. However, he had another feeling, a darker more sinister feeling. He felt the twinge of something, something that shall change his life. It wouldn't be courtship. He was determined to let Queen Serai win.

---

Several minutes later, the group was in the throne room and Serai was wearing a different outfit, this one Black with red trimmings, and it looked more like a combat outfit. She also had a sword in her hands. "So who is going to fight me tonight Cildur?"

Cildur looked between Marek and Locien and then approached the two. Locien and Marek tightened their fists in anticipation of a fight. Cildur turned very Candy cleared his throat. "...Master Kestal is a sword maker, and knows how to use a blade incredibly well. Therefore he is a good candidate."

"None have yet bested me. So let us just see how well he holds out." Serai stated and suddenly leapt from her throne in an attacking Fashion with Locien Dodging it.

The fight was almost like a dance almost, Locien however didn't wear his fighting face as he fought. He looked annoyed at being exposed for his skills. The annoyance however was slowly beginning to throw him off his game a slight bit. Both fighters were now standing several feet away from each other and were about to strike again when there was a banging on the door. Locien's feeling of dread reappeared.

The doors opened with a crash, and slowly walking into the throne room, was a strange being, but one Thalia was familiar with, as she scarred one of it's brethren. The White Antlered Demon glowered at The Kiliran family and started to charge at them but Locien ran at the Demon and tackled it.

"This is not your fight Drow! Return to your place in our armies!" the demon shouted at its attacker and clawed at Locien's torso, and it's claws touched the amulet.

The Creature jumped back in fear as it's hand was burning with a green flame as Locien's eyes began to glow as he got up and slowly walked to the demon. "What is this?! Corellon's Tricks!? But the only Carriers of...No. That Clan was decimated! You'd have to be the Clan of the Killer of Demons! The Kestali! Die Pretender!" the Demon charged at Locien who gripped the creature by the throat.

"Return to Darkness." Locien stated in ancient elvish before switching to Common. "And tell your master who killed you." With That Locien took his sword and ran it through the demon who turned to ashes and smoke.

The amulet stopped glowing and Locien rubbed his head. "I forfeit the match. I have things to think about...." Locien then ran out of the throne room.

"Intriguing. A northeastern Drow knows how to kill a demon by instinct. You have an interesting bodyguard." Serai stated.

-----

Locien ran and slowly shook himself when he reached a small meadow behind the inn. He leaned on the tree and slowly let the tears begin to flow. It knew the name of the clan he came from. It wasn't too far from Ildhrenion's original naming of him. But he didn't know what it meant. He should have interrogated it.

"Hey. You. With the Amulet of Our Creator." a voice in his head stated. "You letting it all out? Happened to me too once upon a time. Wherever you go next go to the Pale Meadows. It's on the way in all directions where you go next. Try to keep what the demon said to yourself."

Locien sighed.

Thalia leaned against a wall once they had entered the throne room. She crossed her arms as she watched Serai and Cildur speak. She really didn’t pay attention to the fight as she assumed Locien was going to win. Thalia looked at the scab on her forearm, she was glad her cut was healing fast. Though her eyes flew to the door when she heard banging. She took out her sword slowly, but she froze and dropped it when she saw the demon. As it charged towards her and her siblings she got ready to strike it with a ball of lightening in her, but then Locien tackled it.

Why did Locien tackle it? I can’t strike it now, as he can get hurt. That idiot… She swallowed hard as she watched Locien and the demon interact. Oh, Locien eyes are glowing again… Thalia did actually feel annoyance when she couldn’t make out what they were saying. Her eyes filled with surprise when she witnessed Locien grab the demon’s throat. She carefully watched him when the amulet stopped glowing. Worry began to sink in when he said he forfeit and that he had things to think about. Her eyes landed on Serai in annoyance when she spoke and stuck the ground in front of the Queen with the lightening ball she had formed earlier.

“His name is Locien and he is our friend who just saved us from a demon. We didn’t hire anyone as a bodyguard. You shouldn't categorize elves,” she said curtly before she grabbed her sword and left the throne room. She turned her head to look at her siblings before the doors closed. “Don’t follow me please,” she added just as the doors shut. Her siblings had looked shocked, but she didn’t think about it at the moment. When outside of the palace she looked around. Locien was nowhere to be seen. A sigh of frustration escaped her lips.

Where could he have gone? I hope he is all right. Did he really need to run off like that? He must not be okay. Thalia went back to the inn. She leaned against the entrance as she took in her surroundings. Locien would need to return to the inn eventually. Thalia glanced up at the gray clouds that were beginning to fill the sky. Her skin felt tingly. She knew there would be a thunderstorm that day. Just great, I am going to need to find a cave or something underground... She put her sword in its sheath, entered the inn, and looked at the innkeeper.

“Please tell my siblings I went out for the night and that I should be back tomorrow morning. Also, you may tell them they can just leave a note to tell me where they are going if they have to leave before I return,” she said. When the innkeeper nodded she gave him a forced smile before she left the inn. She quickly walked behind the inn and across the meadow. She didn’t even notice Locien leaning against a tree there as her worries took hold of her mind. Suddenly she quickened her pace as she ran towards and then into the woods.

Locien opened his eyes as he heard footsteps rush past him. He looked up to see Thalia running through the meadow and ran right past him. He ran to follow her in haste in hopes to make sure she was alright. He had to follow her. He ran faster to try and catch up with her. He leapt in the air and used several trees as momentum for smaller leaps to accelerate him and he landed in front of Thalia.

"What are you doing out here?" He asked her almost in a shock of worry. Looking up into the sky he could tell the thunderstorm was getting close. He turned and saw something almost cave like. It was indeed a cave once he took a second glance. "Come on. We will go there." He said as he grabbed several bits of grass and twigs and leaves and fallen branches for a fire.

He walked towards the cave as he began to set up a fire and get it going. When the light of the fire was beginning to manifest, it revealed not only the tear streaks on his face, but the scratch marks from the demon upon his chest.

Thalia didn't even notice anyone was running after her until someone landed in front of her. She abruptly stopped and her hands went up to push back the person, but she froze when she realized who it was. A sigh of relief escaped her lips and she felt a bit calmer. Thalia had to push her thoughts away as her mind progressed his question. She didn't answer it right away and ended up just listening to him when he spoke again. She tried to organize her thoughts, but just took in some deep breathes.

When she walked into the cave she went all the way to the back of the cave. Her eyes filled with worry and shock when she saw Locien's face and chest once the fire had started. She walked up to Locien and hugged him tightly. Thalia then gave him a firm kiss on both of his cheeks and then forehead. Thalia held his face in her soft warm hands and looked into his eyes with concern.

"What's wrong? Why were you crying?" she asked softly. She looked at the scratch marks on his chest and decided to care for them later once she found out what was wrong with him.

Locien looked at her surprised slightly after she kissed his cheeks and forehead. It took him several minutes to get his thoughts straightened out and to try and say something different like he was crying from the pain of the scratches, some parts of the marks actually started to bleed slightly. He opened his mouth but nothing came as tears came back into his eyes.

"It, it knew. It knew who I was, from the amulet. He recognized it and said something about the clan associated with it. How it was a demon killing clan and how he said it in the plural form almost sounded like My Clan Name now." Locien stated as he slowly began to let his tears flow. "They might all be gone except for me. I might be the only one left. I'm scared Thalia. I'm scared and alone..."

He couldn't hold it in anymore as he removed her hands from his face so he could cover his face and slowly weep.