Asura smiled a bit at the woman's obvious enjoyment of speaking. It was different, others didn't treat her like this, like she was a person. She rather enjoyed this. She was always treated as the Queen to everyone else.
"Eva, I like that. They are formal because it is their way of showing respect. You must understand they don't know any other way. It would make them uncomfortable to try and rush them into being less formal. Once they adjust to you, they will how do you say...'Chill out'"
She laughed a little when Eva said the other humans were foul. She had heard similar reports.
"I am glad that you have decided to form your own opinions, it is wiser then making an enemy of me without ever meeting me."
Her eyes drifted over the woman, she was pretty, and polite, and very intriguing.
"You have questions, I will answer any of them you wish. I would prefer for you to hear things out of my lips as opposed to the rumors that fly around. I will not be offended at the nature of your questions so please don't hold back."

"Yes, I can understand that. How about... call me by my first name and don't bow as much, I think that's a nice comprimise?" Evania smiled, glad she had decided to visit the palace in the first place. If she hadn't met Calcifer...

"I agree. I dislike the notion of snap-judgements. People can be very ignorant... as for my opinion, we'll have to wait and see, but for now I'd like to state that you seem like a very fair person." Inwardly, she shunned herself for her unusual bluntness, but the Queen didn't seem to mind, and she took this as a sign to continue.

"As for questions, I have many. All I know of this world is what I have been able to observe, which is my way of saying I don't know much. But, seeing as we've just met, and I consider my running on to be rude to an extent, I'm just wondering about a few key things. First off, the afore mentioned humans talked about some sort of ritual sacrifice, but I was not able to understand much and would like to learn more. Secondly, Calcifer told me about a party, and I'm very curious as to the details. Not only for my own sake, but for the purpose of passing said information onto my... companions."

Asura enjoyed the bluntness, she could use a woman like this at court to ask the difficult questions that everyone else was afraid to ask her.
"You are not being rude by speaking. I would prefer to get as many questions out of the way before the new day starts, I have quite a busy schedule and may not be able to see you often."
She mulled the questions over in her mind a bit, how would she tell the human about the binding and put it in terms that a human would understand.
"Well then, lets start off with question one. It is not ritual sacrifice to us, we call it the binding. Once a month we gather a human child, a human dreamer. I believe the humans have labeled them as 'retarded' They are outcasts and misunderstood in your world. We take them and bind them with the tree. The tree produces leaves and we make it into a tea to drink. It allows the people to live extended periods of time. Before you become upset with what we do, think as to why we do it. If you have ever lost someone you loved you would know that you would do anything to bring them back. Now imagine they die everyday and you are forced to watch them. I love every person in this world, from my royal adviser to the lowliest commoner. I could not stand to see the misery and hatred that was breeding because of the death. I asked the people what they wanted to do, and most of them said the same thing. Whatever is necessary. So that is what we did. We take one so many can live. It was not an easy decision, and it weighs on me heavily. But I would do anything, even sacrifice myself if it would save them. I wish there was another way to achieve the same results, but so far my court and I have been unable to find an alternative. When we do the bindings will stop. I am sorry if this upsets you, but I will not lie to you or try to sugar coat the truth."
She sighed a bit hoping she was not about to call in a guard and drag a hysterical woman away.
"On a lighter note, the ball. Yes it is in your honor, the Humans. All of you are invited along with the whole kingdom. My royal tailor will dress you and all the humans to make sure your attire is appropriate. The ball will be in three days, I am sure you will be escorted by someone. We will have a fine feast, and dancing. Entertainment, and drinks. It will be lovely. I will show you the life that most humans only dream of, that is why we are the way we are. We are all your dreams after all. So you may stay at the castle if you wish, or you may go back to your companions. I must caution you about your friends. If they show hostilities in the castle, I will not hesitate to kill them. I will not have my people hurt or upset. I hope you can understand."

Kleodora watched the two talking about the girl that had waltzed into the castle "Ok joking aside what do you think she is doing in there? Maybe she is going to talk to the queen or something." She stepped out of her hiding place walking over to them, she cleared her throat pulling her hood off her head. "Or she is selling you two up the river for pissing her off don't get mad get even, right?" She ran a hand threw her hair looking Adrien up and down quickly.

She smiled at him "Kinda cute for a human you know?" She laughed lightly locking eyes with him "I'm Kleodora, you can call me Kleo if you wish. She circled around him in a non threating way "So your one of the ones that started the rebel's fight? I can see why." She chewed her lips looking him over once more, before looking at the castle "a brave one at that to come this close to here like this."

Adrien watched the girl walk up and chime in like she was part of the conversation all along. He was glad to talk to someone that wasn't all afraid of him.
"I doubt she is selling anyone out. I bet she is following her knight in shiny armor. Mr. Shiny Armor I call him. We are going to be coming here for a party of sorts."
He shrugged a bit and grinned when she complimented him.
"Your not so bad looking yourself, well for a othersider that is."
He followed her with his eyes as she circled him.
"Alright, is this like some kind of greeting here. Everyone I have met from this world has circled me, do I look like something to eat or is it just your way of saying hello."
He circled the girl, mimicking her behavior.
"Oh yes, hello my pretty, just stand right there so I may appraise you for my lunch." He stated jokingly.
He laughed a bit and nodded at her name.
"Interesting name, everyone here has such strange names. I'm Adrien, it's nice to meet you. And we don't talk of rebellions out in the open like this. The queen hears everything from her little birdies. You know anywhere we can go that will be a little safer to talk?"

Calcifer was lucky in more ways than most, but his luck ran deep when it came to his dwellings. He could, and did, have quarters in the castle, as all the guards did, but Calcifer also had a home outside of it, within the village. He lived alone, but he didn't find it lonely. It wasn't often he used it, but sometimes, it was nice to be beyond the castle. Tonight, however, he stayed in the castle. He couldn't explain it, but he felt that leaving it would not be a good idea.
He removed his armour, which he always thought made him look much smaller, and a little different. He supposed, in his way, he looked like everyone else without it.
Stripping down into his under clothes, a linen pair of trousers and a loose shirt and headed to the wash area, which was used by most of the servants. Here, the water was refreshing, and he stood beneath it, allowing the coolness to clear his head. He washed meticulously, allowing himself this time to follow simple steps that required minimal thought. It was a nice time of day, for there was no one around, most guards either on duty or home with family. Calcifer didn't have family. There was just him.
Once he could no longer stand beneath the water, he dried himself and took the short walk back to his quarters. He passed people, but would not have been able to recall any face or name if asked later. He felt tired, which he hadn't felt until Sanestra had dismissed him. He supposed that, when you see the end a long way away, you held onto the energy you needed to her there. When it suddenly loomed, psychologically the mind went into a quicker shut down.
He tumbled into his bed, without interest as of its comfort or anyone else passing. Guards shared quarters, but those who were in his room were not there and Calicifer doubted he could have stayed awake even if they were. His eyes were tired, his body sleepy. Maybe, if he rested, he could find the human girl again, Evania Slybr.
And then complete your task? his brain said, through muzzy thoughts.
But why would Sanestra think it so important that she be with him for this party. Surely there were two humans who would be ideal candidates to escort her. She would not need him. She would decline him.
But Sanestra didn't think so and he couldn't say no to Sanestra.....
That was his last thought, as sleep claimed him, and he drifted away.

She laughed at him circling her "Well it is to some but I was more checking for a hidden weapon to be honest, one can never be to lerry of strangers no matter how handsome." She nodded "At least you are smart about it, I know of a place, that is if you trust me around water, I might in fact make a snack out of you." She winked giving him a follow if you wish head tilt.

She waled down in to a small thatch of grove trees on the edge of a slow moving river that looked at best a creek. She moved a few willow branches back to what looked like a small shed. She lit a few candles in the room gesutering to the two chairs. "off the beaten trail enough for you?" She pulled her eyes away from him with a lot of will power on her part.

Tom looked around at the outdoor room, something was off and he knew it. This new girl was too upfront for his liking, and as she walked further into the room and out of hearing distance, he grabbed Adrien's arm.

"I know she looks enchanting, but I'd be wary of her, and make this conversation quick. I don't like the looks of her or this place of hers," Tom whispered. He then released Adrien's arm and walked slowly inside staying near the "door", but not even considering sitting on one of the chairs.

Did she detect approval? Evania sure hoped so... although she had yet to figure out why. When she was notified about the fate of the children and the so called "binding," she could feel tears welling up. Nodding as the Queen announced the ball (and noting the growing worry on her face), she fought to hold back her tears. The Queen was expecting to have to deal with a broken down, hysterical woman. Well, Evania suffered from some sort of insanity, that was for sure, but she was a relatively reasonable and unbiased woman. Giving up on her fight, she felt them leave trails down her dampening cheek, and cautiously laughed, attemping with haste to ebb the evergrowing flow to no avail. When Evania finally gained some control (though she hadn't been able to stop crying), she stammered, groping her mind for what to say.

"Ya... Y... you... you are a very... a very noble woman, and I.. I think... I'm sure your people appreciate it."

Asura was not surprised when the girl burst into tears. Humans were very emotional creatures, they couldn't help it.
"I upset you, that was not my intention."
She went to the girl and wiped away any tears.
"Don't cry, the children we take are reborn here, in this world. Nothing dies, it is only born into a new form. So there is no need to cry."
Asura didn't remember how humans comforted each other, it had been so long since she had seen one. So she pat the girl on the back gently.
"I am not noble. I am a monster, and I am so because I would do anything to protect my people. Anything... But I do appreciate you saying such kind words."
She resumed her seat and smiled at the woman.
"Do you have any other questions Eva?"

By the time she had calmed down, the Queen had already sat and was staring at her intently.

"I cry for the families, but do not agree that you are a monster. Yes, you are doing all you can to save your people. But I think that maybe... maybe those children live a better life here, too, one were 'oddities,' for lack of a better word, are very much accepted. I'd truly be lucky to live in such a world, one containing such things that we wouldn't think possible. Me, I've always been one to want to get away from human crap, if you'll excuse my language. My mind is a bit... to open, I suppose, and being empathatically unbiased is a double edged sword. Sometimes, looking at the things we do, it's very hard to take."

"As for the party, I'd be delighted to come. If you really do not mind I would love to stay here for a while... in truth, I don't know if I feel comfortable around my 'companions.' I've never done well around other people, other humans, what with the customs. The destruction. The discrimination. The violence... oh! I understand that, if they cause you trouble they will be taken care of in some way... thought I don't really know how I feel about killing them... but I should warn you, one of the men carries a gun. Please don't kill him for this. I'll... I'll try to pursuade him to leave it outside the castle, or perhaps he'll be smart enough to leave it on his own. We shall see."

"If you'll excuse me, and I'm sorry for the minor breakdown, if I could visit my room and get cleaned up that would be wonderful. Maybe then I could go in search for my... uh, companions and relay some of this information. Thank you so much for your warm, albeit interesting, greeting. I should really be going now, but if you wish to reach me you may do so anytime."

And with that, she curtsied and was out the door with a wave.

Daina watched through a crack in her wall as Adrien and Tom followed Kleo towards her home. Her eyes widened slightly, knowing Kleo would lead them into some kind of trap. She didn't know what would happen once they were there, there was too many different rumors about what happened there, but something would happen, and most likely not a good thing.

A movement in her right eye catching her attention, it was Evania. She seemed to be looking for the other two humans, and as far as Daina could tell she seemed fine for the most part. She quickly left her house and walked up to Evania.

"What happened are you alright?" Daina asked. She looked around to make sure no one was watching and then stealthily gently pulled Evania into her house. When she closed the door she looked back to the girl, other than her eyes looking a bit pink from what looked like crying, she seemed fine.

Kleo noticed Tom's worry she wasn't sure how to give off she wasn't going to harm either of them. She sighed goingand sitting in one of the chairs "Truth is Adrien, I have hear the rumblings about you and I wanted to here it from the horse's mouth so to speak."She flipped her hair over her shoulder looking at Tom."I am not a rebel but nor am I a loyalist. I suppose you would say I am sort of a flake at the moment." She started to mess with her rings. "I'm not sure if you've heard of me in your travels yet I have quite the rumors about me, most are lies." She smirked lightly laughter in her eyes. "But like most rumors make you sort of a force not to be messed with." She rested her back in her chair, "also keeps unwanted guests which mind you is always a plus, but my point is I am kinda of sick of being a flake on this subject." She slid her hands across the table flat. "It isn't a trick that I want to know why you are on this path but you will need help with your purposeI want to now if i should be with or against you in this event. " She looked up her dark green eyes catching Adrien blue ones. ""So give me the run down."

Adrien had relaxed a little but not enough to let his guard fully down. she had questions and he had his own versions of answers.
"The run down? I will give you my opinion if that is what you want. Everyone has to make their own choice in this matter because if I try to sway people over to my side they will leave it just as easily. I don't like the queen, I don't like that she kills human children, I don't like that she cannibalizes them, I don't like monarchy. I would prefer to instate a nice and organized democracy, where each and every citizen has a say in what goes on in the kingdom. I don't want to see any individuals sacrificed for the whole. This is just my opinion."
Adrien sighed and could feel that his time here was almost up. He was slipping more and more as his real body started to wake up.
"Shit, I have to go soon, my sleeping pills are wearing off. I will come back here to find you sometime Kleo. Tom it was great meeting you and I'm sure ill catch you around."
Adrien walked out the front door back and back towards the meadow, every step he was taking he faded a little more as his brain became more alert. Finally he was just gone.

Adrien woke up in his room freezing like always. He pulled extra covers over his body and curled up. It was good to be back but he had a productive travel. He looked at the clock 1pm. WAIT 1 PM!? Fuck... Class! He scrambled out of bed as fast as possible and dressed grabbing all his books around the room and running out the front door. He hurried down the hall and out the building making a B line for class.

Tom watched as Adrien left, he too felt himself being pulled away from this world. He nodded to Kleodora, before walking out after Adrien. He wasn't all to sure about Kleodora, she seemed nice enough, but as he was watching her talk, it seemed that the Daina girl was more sure about her information than this girl, this however was just his opinion.

He walked deeper into the forest and found a spot to sit down, when he was comfortable he closed his eyes and opened them finding himself in his room. He looked over at the clock, it said it was 10:00 a.m. He shook his head realizing he was late for work. He called in saying he had the stomach flu and had forgot to call in that morning because he was still asleep. He now had the rest of the day off, he smiled at his devious plan as he sat down in his workshop in the garage and began to work on his pottery bowls. The art thing was Ling's idea, she was thinking it would help him with after the war, and it did work, plus he liked it personally.

Sanestra smiled into her mirror, before turning away from it and standing. She swept slowly from the room and, after selecting a book from her shelves, walked toward the Queen's quarters. She knocked, loudly enough to let the Queen know she was there, but not so loud so that it would disturb her. She pushed the door gently and slowly, popping her head around the door, before walking slowly inside, closing the door behind her.
"Our guest has left," said Sanestra. This was not a question. "She seems a little more understanding of our plight than the others. I believe she shall be very interesting."
She tilted her head at he Queen.
"Your insights, Asura?"

Asura shrugged.
"She seems nice enough, a bit emotional, but aren't all humans. She may be useful. I think she has a crush on our Calcifer, it's a very interesting thing."
Asura leaned back on the couch. She should be sleeping right now but she wasn't tired. She was very happy that her favorite came to see her.
"Sit with me love, I have been very lonely lately. Divian has run off of on this quest or another, that man is so flighty."
She sighed a bit, she wasn't in love with Divian, but he did distract her from the daily life at court, which could get so very boring at times. She loved everyone more as a whole.
"What do you think of the girl?"

Kleo sighed as the both left, she hated being alone. She opened the back door stepping in to the water a sigh ripped threw her lips she missed being near the water. After she spent a few hours swimming before making her way back to her house chainging into a green leaf like dress , she wondered if either of the humans would come see her again. Maybe she should pay a visit to the queen but shoved the thoughts away.

Sanestra sat beside Asura, her arms reaching to cradle her Queen, her voice soothing, her fingers playing with Asura's beautiful hair. Divian had not been much company of late. Since he was in the Queen's favour, he now seldom was present. He would be there and when he was he lavished attention on her, but, as Aura had pointed out, he was flighty. A little sport and he was off. The funny thing was that Asura never asked Sanestra to see where he was. Her interest in him was waning, but then, if he did nothing to encourage it, Sanestra believed he would be soon just another courtier.
She kissed her Queen's temple, continuing to tease her hair.
"I am always here with you, my angel," she said. "And I shall stay until you wish to rest. I even have a book, in case you wished to read but wished not to be alone."
She smiled at Asura.
"I think she is a sweet thing, curious be that is good. She actually cares to listen, which is one of her desirable qualities," she said, tilting her head and looking into space. "She does indeed seem to be rather interested in Calcifer. I have asked him to invite her to the party as his guest. I believe she will enjoy that and I believe keeping her happy will be in our best interests. I think she may even be a valuable source of information from the human world. If she is very good, we could always give her an honorific role within the court, Human Liaison or Court Cross-Dream Peace Advisor. Having a human may be a very lucky event for you."
She smiled, turning back to Asura.
"I think your party is going to be the height of discussion and amusement," she added.

Asura leaned into Sanestra's touch enjoying every motion and caress. Sanestra always knew how to make her feel better. There was a reason that Sanestra was her favorite, she was more then just her adviser, she was her friend since the beginning. Many have come and go in her life but this woman had always stayed the same.
"Will you read me something?"
Sanestra's voice was always the most calming thing and if she didn't think it would damage the friendship she would pursue her romantically.
"I'm glad you have similar feelings about the girl. She may prove to be very useful indeed."
Asura laid her head in the woman's lap her fingers tracing delicately on her thigh. She wished she was tired but Sanestra could always calm her to the point of sleeping. Asura didn't like to sleep, she had nightmares of her human life and the horrors of their society. Such a strange thing to her now, once she was a part of that world and now she only lived for this one. At first it was a hard adjustment, but now it seemed natural to be here, she could never go back to the human world. She could never leave Sanestra and her people, who as far as she knew needed and wanted her there. But what if the humans were right, what if they really didn't need or want her, what then? How could she step down and leave the kingdom that she and her court built, her home... No that would never happen, she wouldn't let that happen. Asura pushed the negative thoughts aside and concentrated instead on her loyal friend and the comfort she was being shown.
"I hope everyone will enjoy it. A party always cheers everyone up."

Sanestra knew that it didn't matter what she read, so she opened the book she had brought with her and, balancing it so that she could hold it with one hand and use the other to stroke Asura's hair, began to read.
"David opened his eyes and then blinked. The scene before him was not as it should have been. It was right, but it wasn't how it was supposed to be. He looked down behind him. There was the cliff, with the water crashing at the base, which was a long way down. He looked before him, at the pirates that should have been boys dressed in costume and drawn beards, not men that stunk and glared...."
Sanestra had placed just a little soothing into her voice, her hypnosis not enough to truly detect, but then she never used it with malice. It was to help, which is why she used it, just a little on Asura.
The story she read to her, Asura would have read before. It was about a boy that fell into the world of make-believe whilst on stage performing a play. Every story, somewhere, existed, and sometimes the characters would switch places for a time. They would still have to complete the tale to ever get home.
Sanestra gently ran her fingers down onto Asura's forehead, walking them very softly from between her eyebrows to hairline.

Evania, searching relentlessly for the men, was startled by Daina's sudden appearance. "Well, Hello!" She jumped, grabbing her mouth. She was pulled into Daina's house and emplored as to the previous events. "Uh, not much. I meam, um I talked with the Queen, and they're holding a ball of some sort for us. I don't know how I feel about her yet, but she seemed nice. I know, I know. Looks can be decieving, et cetera et cetera et cetera. Sorry I seem so rushed, I'm looking for the guys. Oh, they might have 'gone to bed' early or something. By the way, what time is it?" Evania reached into her suitcase and brought out an old human watch. "Wha... what the hell! It must be about 2:00, and it's a school night. It's... a... school... night. 2pm is not good. Something must be wrong. Uh... gotta go!" And she was off, dashing through the forest and reaching the glen in record time, where she attemped to travel back to her own world... to no avail.

Adrien burst back into his dorm room after a long day of classes back to back. He fell back onto his bed letting all his books and paper flutter to the floor. He felt like he was going to pass out. But it was only 6pm and he tried not to. Even though he tried to stay away, the fact that his bed was warm and welcoming just made it that much easier to flutter into nowhere land. Before he realized he was asleep he was awake and in the field. Adrien looked over and there was Eva.
"Hey, whats up? Did you have some nice girl bonding time with your new pal the queen?"
He noticed she looked a little upset.
"Whats wrong?"
He got a little closer to her.
"Are you upset?"

The day had run on very smoothly and quietly, no one (except Ling) had asked and seemed angry about him playing hooky. Now his time of rest was coming to a close as the sun was sailing down. Tom got into his pajamas and settled down into bed. Ling was currently in the kitchen raiding the fridge. She had been acting odd lately, not only was she throwing up, but now she was eating food she normally didn't even touch.

Tom just shrugged it off and as he slowly went into unconsciousness. When his eyes reopened he was back in what he called, to his wife at least, LSD land. He sat up and rubbed his eyes to make sure they were clear, then he got up and began to walk to the clearing where Adrien had said they should meet. When he was there he found him and Evania talking, Evania looking scared and upset. He walked over to the two, without his gun this time for some unknown reason he had woken up without it, to see what had frightened the poor girl this time.

"What happened?" Tom asked in a serious tone.

Evania had sat there all day, fretting and pondering her fate (and of course, crying for hours on end). When Adrien entered the clearing, closely followed by Tom, she felt an odd mix of anger and relief. Luckily, the anger subsided, and she attempted to wipe away at her tearstained face. When asked about the Queen, Evania glared at the men. "She's like a curse. Maybe not her, but, uh... something here." Her shaking voice filled the clearing, and she went on in a state of horror. "Um... do you know what's going on?" At their confused looks, she elaborated. "I... didn't leave last night. I can't leave." And with that she crippled, sobbing once more.