NationStates Jolt Archive

"Glurp, you must apologise, and what did I tell you about calling people by descriptions rather than names." Lúthien said as she glared at the goblin as she stood and dusted herself off.

"Glurp know your name...but Glurp only say elves have too much fa-aggghhh" the goblin began to say before Eva wrapped her hands around his scrawny neck and shook him hard.

"Eva, stop beating up on Glurp." Lúthien commented as the princess began trying to throttle the goblin.

"And Glurp, apologise."

Eva turned to Luthien. "And you...get over here," she growled, pushing herself from the goblin and leaping at Luthien again. "No one orders me around!"

Lúthien side-stepped Eva's lunge, "Then you're in for a great deal of arguments and fights. You'll find that people tell you what to do quite often when you're a kid, at least in the non-coddled world."

Grabbing a fistful of mud, she tossed it at Luthien. "Atleast for rabble like you," she growled, rolling up another ball of mud.

The adults, meanwhile, were still tossing and turning, Rimoru trying to get out of it, only to be pulled back into it.

Kalzog sighed and figured he'd have to bring what he disliked so much upon the group...order...

"Incoherency much?" She asked as she avoided the mud ball. As she did so, she called out, "Uncle Kal, could you break up the grown-ups fight?"

Eva screamed as she ran at Luthien, her arms spread wide, knowing that this time, she's going to grab her and pummel her into the ground.

Kalzog sighed and shook his head. "What a bunch of children...all of you," he growled as he walked over to the 'adults' and roughly plucked Alegain off of Ixair. Ixair rolled off of Rimoru, and Rimoru gasped for air.

"That's much more comfortable in bed," she wheezed and chuckled.

Kalzog frowned and looked at her 'niece'. "You alright, Luthien?"

Lúthien ducked under Eva's arms knowing that a 'berzerk' opponent, while more dangerous, was less focused and effective than a calm one. She did get partially clipped and had stumbled but had avoided Eva's main thrust.

"Yes, and thank you about taking care of them." She replied

"You're welcome," Kalzog replied.

"Eva! Stop it!" Rimoru scolded as she straightened out her hair. She ran over and held onto Eva as she took a swing for Luthien.

"Get off me! I'm giving her what she deserves!"

Lúthien looked at Eva, then turned to look at Alegain and Ixair, "Are you going to keep bickering or can you be civil with each other at least?"

"Ixair doesn't seem to be responsible, he went to rescue you."

"Annoying twit," Eva growled. "Kalzog should have eaten you when he had the chance!"

Kalzog turned to Eva, but his face remained expressionless.

Ixair brushed off his sleeves and nodded. "Well, I was civil, until someone attacked me."

"Arrogant trash," Alegain replied. "Let's get out of here. The faster we get to somewhere with a bath, the better."

"Agreed," Rimoru replied with a nod.

"Then let's get inside so those who want food can eat and those who want to bathe can do so." Lúthien said as she went and opened the door that wasn't there and went to pick up Lorathin.

Kalzog waited for the others, still silent as they walked through the door.

He, however, had finally decided to keep his original idea and remain outdoors.

Eva frowned as she paused in the doorstep, debating between two different ideals. She sighed, shook her head, and walked into the door.

Coviesel followed the others into the door. Cantrell waited for a bit. "Going in Ogre?" he questioned Kalzog.

"Nope. I am going to remain out here," Kalzog replied gruffly. "Homes tend to get me...'jittery'. Especially large ones."

"Please uncle Kal?" Lúthien implored as she looked up at the ogre.

Kalzog glanced at Luthien for a second before looking up into the forest. He looked again and sighed. "Alright, fine," he growled.

"Yay." She cheered as she took Kalzog by the hand and brought him into the house.

Kalzog gently took the girl's tiny, elf hand in his large ogre hand and was lead into the doorway, anticipating some grandiose structure of some sort, common in mansions or relatively large houses he's seen before.

The door opened into a fairly standard house type design, large but comfortable and cozy. "So what does everyone want to do? Baths, food, a place to rest..."

"Baths...bah! Just food for me," Kalzog said.

"Food!" Eva replied hurredly.

Alegain and Rimoru wrapped each other tightly and smiled. "A bath for us please," they replied.

Ixair smiled. "Just food for Glurp and I, Luthien. Where's Beatrice?"

"So four for food and two for baths." She replied as she went and opened a door, steam wafting out and a pool visible in the back half. After the two went in, she went to another door to open the door to the dinning room.

"Beatrice was reading a book earlier." She added

ooc: Will likely be gone for a few hours very shortly.

ooc: No! No leaving for you!

Rimoru and Alegain smiled as they nodded their thanks to Luthien and walked through.

The hungry ones eagerly followed Luthien, and into the dining room.

"Beatrice certainly seemed the curious one," Ixair chuckled, gently ruffling Luthien's head again.

The two former royals would find a fairly large and deep bathing pool filled with water heated to the perfect temperature, as well as various cleaning supplies for them.

The others would find a table. A few minutes later, various food dishes began coming out of the the kitchen. "She is at that."

ooc: Need to eat(and get rest so I am at full functionality for tomorrow).

ooc: Baah nonsense! lol

Alegain smiled as he disrobed himself to his undergarments.

Rimoru smiled sweetly as she sat at the edge of the pool and gently kicked her legs in the water. "And I had thought we would never be able to relax or bathe again..." she whispered sadly.

"Never think that way, my love. Life is always full of surprises," Alegain smiled as he wrapped his arms around Rimoru and kissed her gently. Rimoru looked up to Alegain and sniffled quietly.

"I am worried we'll never have our old lives back," she said quietly, tears slowly rolling down her cheeks.

"Rimmy, don't think like that...look here, we have good friends, who will care for us," Alegain whispered, placing his right hand behind her head, while his other gently massaged her back.

"But it isn't ours, Allie...I feel...like I'm nothing," she whispered.

"Rimmy, even without any of your powers, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever, and will ever, lay my eyes upon. Nothing will change my opinion of that."

Rimoru smiled weakly and silently buried her head in Alegain's undershirt.

***********************************************************

"Any special seating arrangements?" Ixair asked as he looked at the table.

"Nope, it's sit as you wish." Lúthien replied

Cobiesel finally realized how tired she was. "Food and a place to rest for me." Cantrell nodded in agreement. "Same here."

"Then take a seat." Lúthien said, "Then after you get food in you, I'll show you to a place to sleep."

Cantrell and Cobiesel sat down. Cobiesel almost fell asleep righ where she sat, but she waited for some food. Cantrell on the other hand was wide awake.

A few minutes after every one was seated, platters began floating out of the kitchen to take places along pedestals in a self-serve buffet. There were meats, fishes, starches, vegetables both cooked and raw, soups, breads and a variety of desserts.

Cantrell looked at the food. "Damn." He had no idea what to take. He started with some meat, but he downed it quickly. He decided to slow down a bit, and grabbed some soup. Cobiesel had choosen some fish which she was eating, even though she was still half asleep.

Lúthien watched the others serve themselves as she got a small pot of jam, some butter and a couple slices of fresh bread.

Kalzog smiled as he walked over to a few of the pedistals and picked up as much as his massive arms could hold of raw meats.

Ixair chose several vegetables and seated himself next to Cobiesal and Luthien. He nudged Cobiesel gently in the rips. "Wake up, Miss Cobiesel," he chuckled.

Eva went directly to the desserts and began to pile her plate with as many desserts as she could. Once satisfied, she walked across from Ixair, glaring at him menacingly, before digging in.

Glurp frowned as he looked up at the pedestals. " Lutheen got any bug stuff for Glurp?"

"Well there's no bug soup, but I'm sure if you wait a bit, the cooks will find something to suit you." Lúthien replied and sure enought, a few minutes later a platter with a strange, but good smelling dish was brought out for Glurp. While not composed of insects, it would taste very good to Glurp.

Glurp smiled and took the platter. "Best hero Glurp thanks you," the goblin replied as he crawled up the table, next to Ixair. He didn't quite reach the top, even at his chair's height, however he didn't care as began to munch away at his dish.

"Nice house you have, Luthien," Ixair said quietly.

"Thank you." She replied as she buttered and jammed another slice of bread.

"How did it come to be?" Ixair asked as he sniffed the good smelling stuff Glurp was eating.

"Mine was better...until the demons came," Eva growled with a mouth stuffed with cake.

"Daddy got it." She replied, "You'll have to ask him."

"Your daddy is a very clever man," Ixair replied with a lopsided smile.

"You guys are safe!" came another feminine voice. Beatrice slowly walked into the hall, having a very tired expression on her face, as a few long, white, silky strands of hair dangled in front of her face. Despite the tired expression, she still smiled brightly, her flawless teeth glowing from her radiant smile.

Ixair smiled and nodded. "Beatrice! It is so good to see you again!"

Eva's frown deepened and she speared her cake with her fork ferociously and shoveled it into her mouth. Is this Ixair's love? she thought angrily, her eyes glaring at Beatrice.

"He's the cleverest one I know, thought his lectures are a bit boring." Lúthien replied as she noticed Beatrice enter and gave her a smile.

ooc: Gone now

"I know cleverer people," Eva grumbled.

Beatrice shied away under Eva's glare and slowly walked behind Ixair. "Where is Lorathin?" she asked quietly.

***********************************************************

Meanwhile, Alegain and Rimoru had proceeded to undress themselves and were now engaged in a romantic evening in the pool, which had, by now, filled with white foamy bubbles.

A evening of cleaning.

Alegain was gently massaging Rimoru's back, kissing her ever so gently every so often.

Rimoru kept her eyes closed, sometimes drifting off to sleep as she lay on her crossed arms along the edge of the pool. "Alley..." she moaned quietly.

"Hush now, Rimmy. Everything will be fine," Alegain whispered back, carefully massaging her bruises. Some guards seemed quite vicious in their effort to have their fun upon the empress. No better than the rebel scum that most likely helped in this...

The mage began to think of Ixair, plotting with Habdebza and that woman, just so he can sit on the throne. For all he knew, Ixair was now leading them to their doom.

"Alley...please....Alley...Ow, Alley!" Rimoru cried, pulling away from her husband.

"What's the matter, Rimmy?" he asked, looking at his hands.

"You were getting more...violent," she said sadly. "It hurt..."

"I'm sorry, my love...I'm sorry...it's just...it hurts me too," he whispered, carefully wrapping her in an embrace. Had Rimoru swam within Alegain's old spot, she would have noticed a dramatic change in temperature...

"He's sleeping." Lúthien replied

Hratio had lost himself in the maze of the palace for several minutes until he emerged into a large garden, in the distance he could see a forest. This should do.

He turned to the everpresent demons and ordered; "Go, find Kre'Tahn, i need to speak to him. Bring him and him alone here, i am not to be disturbed by anyone else."

He turned and stalked off towards the forest, searching for certain herbs, which he found without difficulty and an area teaming with natural life and energy.

He found such a place inside forest and drew a symbol on the ground, he would wait for Kre'Tahn before he would begin, it was imperitive he was not disturbed while he worked the next set of spells.

The demons nodded to Horatio and began trekking through the labyrinth that was the palace. But the demons knew where to go, with their incredible memory and the ability to know where one of their brethren has gone.

Kre-Tahn was doing as he was told, rounding up a few demons and sending them off to search for the escapees. He had met many other demons who were already searching for the prisoners and made sure they continued to carry out their orders. But when he felt his brothers getting closer to him, he stopped, knowing it could only mean a new order. He spun around when they approached behind him and muttered "What are the orders?"

"Master Druid wishes to speak with you alone in the gardens," one of the others said.

"It shall be done. For Habdebza and Valtrox," he muttered, walking the way towards the druid.

"For Habdebza and Valtrox," the others replied, before spreading out and joining in the search.

Kre'Tahn walked about the winding maze, taking paths memorized and possible paths to the garden. After a few wrong turns, he finally arrived to the garden and eventually the forest. "I am here, Master Druid."

Horatio cast a small glance at the demon and then turned back to what he was doing, he carefully took Mienna out of his pack and placed her in the center of the symbol and taking the herbs he had gathered began to crush them into a paste; "Those invaders, they have taken the prisoners, i can name several of them if needed, what means can you employ in finding them?"

"Maws. They know their targets and will search endlessly for them. Not to mention several of the Death Hounds," Kre'tahn replied.

The death hounds were deadly beasts. Dogs not touched, but gripped and strangled by the hand of demonic corruption. The beasts are somewhat larger than their average dog, easily the size of a lion. Their teeth are like daggers and their naked skin secretes a deadly poison that not only makes them near untouchable, but they also tend to use it to help make foreign objects only slide on their rather delicate hides. "You name the targets, and I shall be sure to kill them, Master Druid. Unless you wish for me to send off one of the other demons."

Horatio finished the paste and began to spread it upon Mienna's body. "Their names, Harlin, our invisable stalker who took the prisoners. The mage goes by several names, Azreal and Lorathin are the two i heard. They were accompanied by an elf named Ixiar, he may still be with them. The man in chains was Cantrell. There were others but i am not sure of their name, the ogre."

After a moment he added; "If you can order them not to kill certain targets, specify Rimoru, Habdebza wanted her a prisoner, so take them again if possible."

A thoughtful expression crossed his face and he said. "They are powerful adventurers all, you will lead a strong force of demons there, but i have something else in mind for you to do before you join the combat. Go now, make your preparations, summon your maws and set them on their task, return in little over an hour and i will clarify."

"Right away, Master Druid," Kre'tahn replied, walking out the garden and back into the maze. He traversed it again, this time reaching the room where Habdebza had risen the beasts, near the lobby.

The demon bent down and traced the large hole that once graced the floor while whispering words of enchantment. Immediately, Kre'tahn felt a terrible pain sear through his body, his muscles spazzing as he collasped to the floor.

Kre'tahn, why do you wish to unleash several more of my toys upon the world? We do not need to attract too much attention to ourselves, especially with all the villagers awaiting news from outside, came Habdebza's voice, booming inside Kre'tahn's head.

Master...several...servants have escaped. They must be dealt with by these creatures because of their innate tracking abilities...

Then, there seemed to be peace coming from within Kre'tahn's mind. Habdebza had left. Kre'tahn finally regained control of his muscles and slowly rose, just in time as a whole began to open up in the floor. The hole was wearing out, unfortunately and would only allow for speedy retrieval of perhaps twenty creatures in all.

"Death Hounds, Maws, heed your master's call and rise," the demon called out. He was met by the pained shrieks of the maws and the fearful howls of the hounds, before several maws clawed their ways out, as if knowing they had little time to wait around within the portal.

Then, several large dog-like creatures leapt out. Their heads were much larger than a normal dog and easily able to wrap their jaws around a human head. And the jaws were powerful enough to crush the head as well...or break bones. Their hides were slick and shiny with a red liquid, reminiscent of blood, as their poisonous secretians dripped to the floor. Spines lined their poorly formed skin as the skin itself seemed to be overstretched and tearing in some places. Spikes erupted at random places on the creature and disgustingly long tongues hung low from their mouths. Unlike the Maws, these creatures did not have the human-like teeth, but were pointed, easily able to tear through leather and even metal.

Once the unholy tracking team had arrived, he barked orders to them in the demonic tongue, sending them through the palace to gather a few more demons, before using the secret entrance found earlier to get out of the palace without the populace outside the gates to know what had happened within.

As the hour came, Kre'tahn once again made his way to the forest, where he had seen Horatio earlier. "What now, Master Druid?"

Cobiesel awoke and quickly jabbed Ixair in the gut. "You should let me sleep Ixair, or else you might have a refresher course of what it feels like to have your eardrums explode."

After Kre'Tahn had left Horatio had gone into a deep trance, channeling the natural life force of nature into creating a new body for Mienna. His eyes glowed green and turned unseeing as gradually over the hour a form began to grow in front of him, slowly taking a humanoid shape. Nature was repaying Mienna's long service by returning not as an animal, but a fey spirit, a creature known as a Killoren, so at one with nature that she would be able to manifest aspects of its will.

As the hour drew to a close, Horatio's vision returned and in front of him lay a beautiful female, she looked similar to an elf, but with skin that seemed a deep green colour. She was clothed in vines and leaves.

Horatio watched as she stirred, seeing the world through unfamilier eyes, unable to pick out details quite as well as she could as a bird. Her first attempts at movement were cumbersome, she tried to stretch wings that she did not have, she found she had arms instead. Panic welled inside her and she tried to back out of herself, but only managed to sit up and press herself against a tree.

Chuckling Horatio said; "Welcome back my pet." as he to lent against a tree, the act of forming this new body for her had been incredibly demanding and he was drained.

Mienna's eyes slowly focused on him and she screamed, she could recognise Horatio, but the change was a horrible shock to her.

Horatio examined her with hurt eyes; "A pleasure to see you to. I have brought you back to serve me, regardless of whether you want to or not. You will be 'escorted' to the adventurers you were with earlier, and you will stay with them. You will do this not because i tell you, but because they are the only ones who can free you from me..."

Mienna shook her head vigourously and found herself saying "No" repeatedly, though how she had formed the word was strange to her and each time she said it sounded differant.

It was at this time that Kre'tahn entered. "You have returned, i assume you overheard what i have just said. I will explain in private." He stood and walked over to Mienna and pulled her up, hiding his exhaustion from the demon. Mienna tried to push away, but found it unusual to balance on her new legs and after half a step collapsed on the floor. Horatio again pulled her up and half carried half dragged her as he made his way to some of the quarters in the palace.

He placed her in one room and locked her in, then beckoned for Kre'tahn to follow him into another, he took a seat in a chair and leaning back said; "You may think it strange that i would create her, then send her back to our enemy as a gift. However, the bond that we shared as druid and animal companion is still intact, whereever she is, i can follow and since she is now far more intelligent, i should be able to understand what she see's and hears, unwittingly, she will be a spy on our enemies." It had either not occured to him that the bond could work both ways or he was confident in his abilities to prevent it.

He took a breath and then continued. "It will be your task to take her with you when you attack them, if the battle goes unfavourably, stage some form of attack on this girl and they should rescue her, allowing us to gain more information and strike at a more opportune time. If the battle goes favourably, bring her back with you. Any Questions?"

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Mienna almost collapsed when she was pushed into the room, but managed to catch herself aganst a table, she saw the bed and felt that sleep may do her good. Stuggling she staggered over the bed, getting half way before collapsing and dragging herself along the floor for the rest before pulling herself up and eventually rolling onto it. Tears fell from her eyes as she contemplated the hopelessness of the situation. In the back of her mind a small buzz of conversation could almost be heard.

Ixair coughed out his food when Cobiesal jabbed him in the gut. "Cobiesal, you don't have to be...so..rude. Just trying to keep you awake at the table," he coughed.

"Please no fighting," Beatrice said quietly.

"Do it again!" Eva squealed.

***********************************************************


Kre'tahn frowned slightly but bowed anyways. "You do not wish us to harm her? If the attack goes favorably, you do not want us to give her to them?" he asked. "What if they retreated?"

Horatio examined the demon, He dislikes my plan? or perhaps he believes that i have little faith in his abilities... "Our ideas of favourable seem to differ, i was implying that you had killed these people, you should bring her back, if they retreat and you cannot defeat them, then continue as planned." He faced the wall between them and Mienna, "As to harming her... a few marks may help her story sound believable, but nothing too serious. Make it look like she escaped and you were trying to bring her back alive."

He paused and after a moment added; "I am by no means saying do not join the fight against the adventurers, you may do as you desire, merely make sure that everything goes to plan. Speaking of plans, i leave the location and stategy of the attack up to you. I shall be watching through the eyes of nature."

"Sorry Ixair. It was impulsive. It won't happen again." Cobiesel said, seeing that Beatrice was still worried by fighting. Cantrell had noticed that Eva was a little firebrand, waiting to go off. He ignored her comments on everything though, since it was incredibly easy to do.

"As you wish, master druid," Kre'tahn replied. I do not know if Habdebza would agree to this. He knows what we do not and more.

"Shall I take the girl now or will you lead her out with us?"


***********************************************************

Ixair was slightly surprised by Cobiesel's response, expecting another jab instead. "Oh...well...thank you!" he chuckled. "Beatrice, would you like to sit here?"

Beatrice looked at Ixair, then his spot, and smiled weakly. "No thank you," she replied.

Lúthien watched her guests interact and wondered how Lorathin had met such odd people, even knowing the story of the Gate War, they still seemed overly odd.

"Come take a seat by me," Eva said with a sweet tone that masked her poison.

Beatrice looked over at the empty seat by Eva, then by Luthien, and nodded. "Alright."

She made her way around the table and sat down next to Eva with a nervous smile.

"E-va. Eva, right?" Beatrice asked quietly.

"Yes. Be-a-trice, no?" Eva asked, mocking Beatrice's way of saying names in her head.

"That is my name," the dark elf said cheerfully.

"So it is," Eva replied with a wicked grin on her face, spearing another piece of cake.

Alegain and Rimoru had finished bathing themselves, smelling fresh with the shampoos provided, and quite content with their little, surprisingly, non-erotic games they played.

Rimoru and Alegain leaned against the edge of the pool, Alegain's arm wrapped around Rimoru as Rimoru's head rested on Alegain's shoulder.

"You were quite flirtatious as a child," Alegain chuckled as he looked into Rimoru's bright blue eyes.

"And when has that ever changed?" she giggled, kissing him gently. Alegain shifted slightly at her response, but did no other movements.

There was silence between the couple as the bubbles fizzed and popped quietly.

"I wish I remembered my past..." Alegain said quietly, his eyes looking down. He could not remember even the simplist memory of his past, who his mother was, or his father. Did he have any sisters? Brothers? How did he get his powers and why and how did he forget all this?

Alegain sighed as Rimoru pursed her lips and studied her husband silently.

"I know enough of you to know I love you," she said finally, once again nesting her head on his shoulder.

"Oh? Do you know more than I do?" he asked quietly.

An awkward silence filled the room as the seconds ticked by uncomfortably ticked by. Alegain furrowed his brows and pushed Rimoru away gently.

"Well? I would figure as husband and wife, we would be able to open ourselves up, am I right?" he asked, not quite angry, but somewhat annoyed.

Rimoru opened her mouth then closed it. "Alley, you are right. I know no more than you do. I was just implying that I love you how you are," she replied, anger rising in her own words.

"Then why the silence?" the ex-emperor growled as he climbed out of the pool. "You are so secretive to me, Rimoru. I don't understand it. I tell you everything about me and apparantly you know more about me than I do, but refuse to tell me. You lie to me, Rimoru! How do you think that makes me feel?" Alegain growled as he hastily put on his dirty clothing.

"Who says I'm lieing? I am not lieing! Why would I keep-Keep your history from you? I told you what I know of you! I was silent because...Because I figured you'd know already! And my past? Ugh, Alegain, why do you have to be so Difficult?!" she shouted back. But Alegain was already walking out the door.

Rimoru frowned and slapped the water away. Can I live with all these lies? I married him, knowing he was the man I loved...why not? Am I just not fit for marriage then? The empress let herself sink until her head was the only visible aspect of her body. I must tell him...atleast him...it's what he deserves. She began to tear up again. But then he may leave me...forever...

"Alley...come back to me!" she cried out loud, however her voice seemed to merely bounce around and get swallowed up by the pool.

Lúthien watched Eva and Beatrice talk. She wanted Lorathin to wake up and take over as, all things considered, playing hostess was something she was most certainly not well suited for nor enjoyed.

She got up to get some more bread and jam.

Alegain swung open the dining room doors, all sopping wet and dripping as he angrily made his way to the table.

"Have a fun time in the pool?" Kalzog asked as he ripped apart the cow he had in his hand.

"Shut up, ogre," Alegain growled. His eyes scanned the table but saw little out of the ordinary and went to collect food.

Eva slouched down a bit and slid her many plates of sweets to Beatrice. "Here, hold these," she whispered.

Beatrice's face lit up and she looked at Eva. "Thank you!" she giggled happily, picking up a fork and preparing to resume where the princess has stopped. Suddenly, she recieved a painful slap in the arm.

"Don't eat it, it's mine, you dolt," Eva growled.

Beatrice frowned sadly and shivered slightly as her hands crossed around her stomach. "I'm sorry," she whispered as she looked down at her lap.

Alegain sat next to Beatrice with a plate of a well balanced diet. Vegetables, fruits, several meats. He looked down at Beatrice's plate, then at Eva.

"Sit straight," he said quietly. His daughter immediately complied, but watched him warily. "What did you eat for dinner?"

"Vegetables, father," Eva replied in way that implied common use of the phrase.

"Where's your plate?"

Eva looked at Luthien for help. "Uh...it disappeered," she replied.

"I don't believe it," Alegain replied putting a forkful of broccolai in his mouth.

Ixair watched him intently as he wondered why Alegain seemed to be quite moody at the moment. However, he didn't say anything for fear of starting a fight. However...if Alegain remained here...Rimoru would probably still be in the pool...in all her glory...Ixair smiled slightly, but shook his head to shake such thoughts from his mind.

"Actually Eva slid her plate over to Beatrice." Lúthien commented, almost off-handedly, as she had noticed the slap the princess had dealt to her friend and sister

"You annoying twit!" Eva growled at Luthien, grabbing a spoon and motioning towards her.

"Eva Victoria! It is time you showed some manners," Alegain barked, surprising Ixair, Glurp, and Eva alike. Beatrice nearly fell off her chair, however now she was shaking more violently.

Eva slouched down, almost sliding down her seat as she looked up at Alegain with wide, fightful eyes. "Yes, Father," she replied weakly.

"Eat your vegetables," he growled as he calmly cut a piece of steak and put it gently in his mouth.

Eva wasn't very hungry, but this was the maddest she had ever seen her father get. It...frightened her..."Yes, father," she replied again, quietly pushing her chair away and walking to the vegetable pedestal, her face beet red with embarassment. She took a few carrots, some broccollai, cauliflower, corn, and some stranger vegetables she's never seen before.

She took it to her spot and slowly began to eat some, her eyes downcast to her plate.

"I'm sorry, my lady. But you may eat what my daughter has placed in front of you, if you wish. I am also sorry if I scared you. I am Alegain," the red-haired elf said to the shivering Beatrice.

"A-a-ale-gain. Alegain. Nice to m-m-meet you," Beatrice replied, attempting a smile, however it only came out lopsided. Ixair chuckled under his breath. "I...am...Beatrice."

"The pleasure is all mine, Beatrice," Alegain replied warmly, looking Beatrice in the eyes, before she cast them downwards at the pastries and cakes.

"Thank you," she said in reference to her food.

Lúthien was somewhat surprised at Alegain's outburst, but not nearly as much as finding out Eva's middle or last name. She was happy he'd reprimanded the annoying princess as well.

Ixair turned his attention to Luthien and smiled as he tried to get his mind off the enticing aspect of Rimoru alone. "So...you said that your 'daddy' has been performing expiraments or something like that? Of what and why?" he asked curiously as he placed a slice of a carrot in his mouth.

"Magical ones, and to find out new stuff, or at least are the expiraments he does with me. I'm not sure about his private ones." She replied with a shrug.

"He does expirements with you? Not as in you being the subject, right?" Ixair asked as he slowly pushed himself from the table. Nature was calling and he had yet to know where he would be able to relieve himself.

"Do you have some sort of...err...place to relieve myself?" he asked quietly, his cheeks turning the faintest of reds.

Lúthien chuckled, "With me, not on me. Most of them do not have a material or living subject."

She giggled again at his request for a toilet, "Yes. Go thought that door, turn left and second door on the right."

"That's good," Ixair replied in response to finding out there were no experiments being done on the little elf girl.

"And thank you," he smiled as he got up from his chair and walked out the doors and paused as he noticed Rimoru quietly sniffling in the pool.

"Your highness?" Ixair said quietly, walking slightly closer. Rimoru looked up, wiping and gave a weak smile that still made the rebel's knees feel weak.

"He-hey, Ixair," she said softly.

The urge to use the bathroom soon became second priority to Ixair as he finally got to speak with Rimoru alone...

"What is the purpose of these experiments?" Kalzog asked as he slowly joined the remaining group, bringing a few grosteque remains of raw meat.

Eva gagged violently as she saw the ogre eat in front of her, Beatrice slowly pushed away her food and looked down, once again shivering. Alegain glared at the ogre, food on his fork, a disgusted look on his face.

Kalzog ignored it all however, and continued to eat, blood dripping down his chin. "Speaking of Lorathin, when is he going to revive himself again? What a shame Rimoru still doesn't have her Kiss of Life, right?" he chuckled, glancing at Alegain, who furrowed his brows.

"Like I said, to find out new things Uncle Kal." She replied as she noticed the blood on his chin. "Do you need a napkin, as you are dripping. Daddy's probably going to be resting for a couple hours."

Kalzog's tongue flicked out, catching a few drops as he nodded. "You don't like the way I eat?" he asked with a mischievious grin.

"It's atrocious," Alegain replied. Eva nodded with another gag.

"Well, you don't see me complaining about you guys eating now do you?"

**********************************************************

"Look, you're highness-"

"Rimoru, please, Ixair. Eventually Rimmy if we get...close," she said quietly, her tears nearly gone now.

Ixair's cheeks burned brightly as he got closer. Rimoru's smile widened as she slowly pushed away from the wall.The bubbles covered up everything, however even Ixair's ears burned.

"Rimoru...uh...I-I-I'm sorry about...earlier," he managed to blurt. "I...I d-don't know what c-c-came o-o-over me..."

"Not many people do when they see me for the first time. However your reaction was...surprising," she said, pursing her lips and furrowing her brows. "None the less, you were somewhat being influenced by magic. Lorathin's..." she said quietly, before closing her eyes and submerging. She'd rather not bring it back up, because even she grew slightly angry at the event.

She once again popped up at the edge of the pool and smiled up at Ixair. "Care to join me?"

"Well you were dripping on the floor. I'm thankful the dinning room isn't carpeted and instead has lacquered wood as blood is so very difficult to get out of carpeting." Lúthien counter-teased the ogre.

"It'd leave a tasty decoration," Kalzog replied. "So, what have you been busying yourself with exactly? Give me details...or some details atleast..."

"Well I've been learning new spells, travelling, sometimes helping daddy with expiraments, playing games. Normal stuff." She replied

"Very detailed," Kalzog said with a small nod. "Sounds...fun."

Eva looked at Beatrice, then at Alegain. "Where are we going now, Father?"

Alegain turned his eyes from Kalzog to Eva and frowned slightly. "I'm not sure exactly...However..." Alegain closed his eyes and gently pat his head, a habit of his when he began to think long and hard about something. "The Palace most likely still holds a little surprise for our invaders."

The ex-emperor was of course referring to the dormant shredders safely packed away within many areas of the palace that had yet to be used.

"We need to find Mebbiwik," he finally said.

"Maybe we should leave as soon as we can, Father. The sooner we get to him, the sooner we get our palace back," Eva said, subtly implying that she did not want to be in this little group anymore. And by glancing at Luthien, she implied a reason why she did not wish to be part of this group.

Alegain, however, still had his eyes closed and had not seen it. "I'm pretty sure we still have loyalists scattered around town. We can borrow a horse or, more preferrably, a carriage in which to go down to his home. Why does he have to live so far away?" he opened his eyes and looked at Luthien. "I believe my daughter is right, however. I feel we must leave your hospitality, as I feel it isn't right, nor do I feel comfortable in doing nothing to save my family's former life and the Iskani people."

"It is. Occasionally daddy takes me to strange places or to watch interesting shows as well." She replied as the princess and emperor talked.

"If you want to go I'd be a pretty poor host keeping you here." She replied, "But I think you haven't really considered something. We are a couple days hard riding from the palace."

"But never to steal or kill, right?" Kalzog asked as he finished up his current cow.

"Then there'll be a nearby town we could go to," Alegain replied, growing frustrated. I'm not going to sit around doing nothing when my family and my people are in grave danger.

"We have, on occasion, filched things." Lúthien replied with a giggle.

"I don't think we passed by a village recently to get here, but if you wish to set out now, then you may." She replied, "Thought it might be wise to let your good lady wife finish her bath."

"I-I'm sorry, Rimoru...I...need to..." Ixair stuttered as Rimoru frowned and gave Ixair pleading eyes. The elf closed his eyes and fought to keep himself from stripping and leaping into the pool himself. The cool waters will feel good on my skin. No doubt I deserve it after several days of riding and fighting, right? I should jump right in. Rimoru won't bother me, she's married. And even if she does come to me...it's not like I can stop her right? She was the Empress...and besides, no one is watching.

Ixair shook his head again, getting those thoughts out of his head. That's when he heard water splashing down and suddenly felt a warm hand on his cheek and the gentle kiss on his chin. His eyes snapped wide open as Rimoru wrapped her arms under his, bubbles cloaked around her like bath-wear. Bubbles that were fast popping...

But Ixair couldn't pull away, Rimoru's kissing was a magnet, much like Eva's, however much much more potent. His lips found hers and he felt his body nearly give in to pure bliss. Again another kiss. Ixair felt himself leaning on Rimoru as his legs seemed to turn to jelly.

And suddenly, Rimoru pulled away, a warm smile on her lips. "Rumors are right, Ixair. You are a good kisser," she whispered, before walking back to the pool, her hips swaying seductively as the bubbles were close to revealing her bottom.

"Ahb-ahb-ahb," was all Ixair could mumble as he fell against a wall. The sound of Rimoru slowly getting in the water reached his ears and he immediately wanted to join her. However he looked away and stumbled about for a bit. "I was looking for the toilet," he muttered.

"I bet," Rimoru chuckled seductively.

Ixair turned bright red and walked out the doors, occasionally reaching out for something to keep him steady.

"We have, on occasion, filched things." Lúthien replied with a giggle.

"I don't think we passed by a village recently to get here, but if you wish to set out now, then you may." She replied, "Thought it might be wise to let your good lady wife finish her bath."

"I can't see Lorathin stealing much, much less my little elf neice," Kalzog chuckled.

"My wife is done with her bath, thank you very much. She's just...lounging..." Alegain growled, resisting the urge to say Rimoru was not good.

"Well we have." Lúthien said with a smile and a bit of a out-stuck tongue as she liked Bantering with Kalzog.

"Most females don't like being disturbed when they are lounging in warm, comfortable water." She replied, "But I'm sure she won't mind you distrubing her."

Kalzog chuckled and gently pat Luthien's little head. "Well, then you're more than a trouble maker, now aren't you?" He smiled, but inwardly he felt pain.

He was created so long ago to as a terrible machine of war, unstopable in nearly all occasions and compassion little more than a word. And now here he was, getting broken in by a little elf girl of all people.

"She'd better not mind..." Alegain growled as he got up from his chair and walked to the door, opening it roughly and walking towards the door where Rimoru swam about lazily.

Beatrice watched this all quietly, before looking at Kalzog. "A-a-a-are y-you directly re-re-related to L-l-luthien?" she asked in a shakey voice.

Kalzog smiled at the dark elf, a warm smile, but somewhat imposing nontheless, with his dagger-like teeth and all. "No. It's a long story that I would rather not tell. All in all, I indirectly rescued Luthien, who in turn was rescued by several others, Lorathin included." The ogre purposely left out the part of him trying to eat Luthien, however he wasn't sure if the little elf girl even remembered.

"Ixair had better hope he's in the bathroom," Eva chimed in suddenly as she watched the door slowly close.

She just grinned up at the ogre with a bit of a cheeky grin. Uncle Kal was weird, agressive, a very bad enemy, but also interesting and nice but that was part of why she liked him.

"Yep, uncle Kal saved me. And he's probably on his way back, unless he had to go back." She commented

"Too bad 'uncle Kal' couldn't save me all alone," Eva mumbled as she crossed her arms and pushed her plate of Vegetables to Beatrice.

"Thank you!" Beatrice smiled happily and switched from her plate of sweets to the plate of vegetables. She snatched a piece of broccolai and stuck it in her mouth, chewed speedily and frowned. She chewed more slowly and gulped. "Bleh," she said as she slid the plate back at Eva. "No thank you."

Eva chuckled a little bit and nodded. "Foul tasting stuff, vegetables," she chuckled.

Kalzog nodded. "Yeah, but don't say it out loud. Some elves live by the stuff, refusing meat," he chuckled, pointing to Ixair's seat.

"What about Luthien? Do you only eat vegetables or non-meats?" Eva asked the elf girl.

"I like both veggies and meat." She replied as she actually liked a variety of veggies and meats. She especially liked steamed broccoli, creamed corn, zucchini and carrots, as well as a variety of potatoe products.

"Do you enjoy sweets?" Eva asked with a disgusted look on her face when Luthien spoke of liking vegetables.

Beatrice nodded with a giggle. "I think Luthien does!"

Kalzog chuckled to himself as he began moving all the bones he placed on the floor into one large pile.
***********************************************************

Rimoru lay floating on her back when the door swung open, her eyes closed. "Come back to see me, Ixair?"

"What did you say?" came an enraged voice. Alegain...

Rimoru sat up and plunged into the water, flapping her arms and legs desperately. "Ale-Alegain!" she sputtered as she wiped bubbles from her eyes.

"Ixair? What were you doing with Ixair?" the ex-emperor growled menacingly.

"N-nothing! Alley! I-I don't understand!"

"Nothing, yeah...there you go lieing to me again," Alegain snarled. Rimoru lowered herself slightly in the water, shying away from her raging husband.

"He was...talking to me...we didn't do anything," she said quietly.

Alegain shook his head and rolled up his sleeves. "We're leaving. Now."

"Alley, no! I'm not done!" Rimoru said, swimming to the other side of the wall.

Alegain walked along the edge, Rimoru swimming to the opposite edge, wherever he went.

"I've had enough of you lieing and cheating to me!" Alegain shouted as he leapt into the pool.

Rimoru yelped as she swam away, remaining a relatively good distance away from her husband. For atleast ten minutes the two swam around the pool several times.

Rimoru panted but a smile was on her face as she stared at her husband, who was laughing as well.

"Rimmy, I will get you, no matter where you go," he chuckled tiredly as he swam for her one last time.

"Never!" she yelped as she backed up into the wall and climbed out. Once again, covered in a dress of bubbles. She giggled as her wet feet pit-patted to the door as she grabbed a towel and wrapped it around her waist and ran.

Alegain climbed out of the pool after her and gave chase, slipping and sliding as his boots had little traction on the wet floor.

"Yes. As well as a bunch of other foods." She replied, "Most people like sweets, well daddy doesn't like most, but he's daddy."

"Lorathin is wierd," Eva chuckled.

"Wierd in a good way," Beatrice added with a smile.

"Where is Harlin?" Kalzog asked, knowing he deposited him somewhere in the house, along with Fala and Maverion.

"He's likely in one of the bedrooms. Unless he decided to get up and go wandering of course." She replied with a shrug as the same entities that dealt with most of the house maintence would have deposited the thief in one of the beds to rest.

"Is he with the others who are resting?" Kalzog asked as he carefully stacked the bones. Another common misconception about ogres were that they were unorganized...well, many are, but Kalzog was not.

"Probably not, there are quite a few guest rooms. I could find out where he is if you want to find him." She offered as she watched Kalzog stack the bones.

"Oh, no thank you," Kalzog replied.

"May I find out where Lorathin is?" Beatrice asked quietly.

Lúthien thought for a moment and then said, "Would you excuse us for a second?"

Standing, she offered Bea her hand so she could take her to see Lorathin.

Beatrice smiled as she got up and took Luthien's hand. She frowned slightly, feeling burdonsome by leaving her, or rather, Eva's plates still on the table, but decided she'd move them after she paid Lorathin a visit.

She took Luthien's little hand and smiled at the others. "I'm ready!"

With a smile, Lúthien lead the older girl to a relatively spartan bedroom. Lorathin was sprawled on the bed, motionless save for his breathing. "Would you like me to wait for you, or are you good?"

"Are the others nearby?" Beatrice asked quietly, quietly walking up to Lorathin's bed.

"The others who are resting are relatively near by, down the hallway." She replied

ooc: Gone for the night, have job interview tomorrow, wish luck.

"Thank you, Luthien," Beatrice said, giving her a sisterly embrace. "If you want, you can remain with us," she added as she pulled away and walked by Lorathin, sitting gently on the edge of his bed.

"Is he a light sleeper?"


ooc: Best of luck, Theao! Hope you get the job if you want/need it! (I'll miss you being on often though lol)

"Normally yes, right now, no." Lúthien replied as due to his restorative, he'd be out for a while.

ooc: My onness would depend on shift, and I kind of need it(to prevent my bellybutton and spine getting a personal introduction as my food budget is, appearently, going to be getting axed soon by the 'rents).

ooc: lol darn...

Beatrice smiled and nodded as she placed her gentle hand on Lorathin's cheek and rubbed it gently, a small smile on her face as she brushed Lorathin's hair away from his face. "Bodista always remained by my side when I was sick or resting," she whispered.

"He sounds quite nice. Daddy does that for me when I'm sick as well." She replied with a faint smile as she watched Beatrice.

ooc: Appear to have gotten the job, and it's(at least for the next while) the morning shift which means that on the 9th, 10th, 13th, 16th, 17th I'll be absent till 3pm.

"As you wish, master druid," Kre'tahn replied. I do not know if Habdebza would agree to this. He knows what we do not and more.

"Shall I take the girl now or will you lead her out with us?"


"I have some things to check first, i must guage the powers that nature has granted her, among other things. You may take her when you are prepared to leave, i assume your creatures have not found them already?" Horatio examined the demon. "You seem displeased by something."

ooc: Congratz! LoL That was fast.

"Lorathin is just sleeping right? He's not sick?" Beatrice asked quietly with a slightly worried expression on her face. She continued to stroke his face, gently rubbing at his birthmarks.

***********************************************************

"My master's creatures have not found them, however they will find their targets. And I am prepared when you are," Kre'tahn replied.

"As for displeased, I do not know how master Habdebza would react to this...he does not wish to give his enemies an upper hand in combat and he would be sure to punish us all very...harmfully..."

"He's not quite sleeping, but is not sick. He used up a bit too much energy and is rebuilding his energy levels." She replied as Beatrice being a cross between girlfriendish, caring and motherly.

ooc: Yep, now to go shopping for pants. :(

The birthmarks are on his shoulders, so she's multitasking?

ooc: I thought he had birthmarks on his face? If not, I'll edit it out.

"So he's going to be fine and was not hurt, right?" Beatrice asked calmly as she slowly lifted her hand from his forehead and smiled at Luthien.

"How does this give them the upper hand? You will will have the element of surprise, a larger force, various creatures and other options." After a moment he added; "And as for Habdebza being displeased... we have lost his prisoners, he will be displeased either way, i am trying to rectify this situation." He said frowning at the demon.

OOC; Congrats Theao

"Yes, he'll be fine in a while." She agreed, thought she did wonder partially why Bea was being so attentive.

ooc: Odd eyes, hair and the scarring over his left eye but no birthmarks on his face.

Kre'tahn remained silent, not wanting to go into any more details. He just wanted to get started already. If the druid wouldn't understand, then he will recieve more punishment.

***********************************************************

Beatrice nodded and smiled. "How many others are resting?" she asked quietly.

"A few, I'm not entirely sure how many are thought." She replied

Beatrice nodded and slowly lowered herself down to Lorathin's chest and gave him a small hug, as much as she could with him laying down, before she stood up and brought her hand out for Luthien. "May I see the others?"

"Sure, but they may be sleeping or not wishing to be distrubed." She replied as she took Beatrice's hand and lead them to the the rooms containing the others, Harlin, Cantrell and Cobisel(sp).

ooc: I believe it's Harlin, Fala, and Maverion, since Cobiesal and Cantrell are still eating lol

Beatrice nodded and looked at them, trying to identify them. She recognized Harlin, however the other two were different. She quietly walked in and looked at Maverion's green skin and she held out her own arm, observing how her's was a dark purple. "What kind of elf is he?" she asked quietly.

"I'm not sure." She replied as she studied Maverion. "Maybe he's a slyph."

"A slithei?" Beatrice asked with a raised eyebrow.

"No, a slyph. They're related to nymphs and sprites and satyrs and the related races." She replied

Beatrice looked at Luthien a little longer, as if wanting to understand, but not able to. She finally let out a chuckle. "I wish I remembered more than I do now," she said quietly as she stepped next to Harlin's bed. "Are any of them wounded?"

"I'm not sure, none of them asked for bandages or anything so I'd assume not." Lúthien said as she looked over the sleeping man.

Beatrice chuckled and nodded to herself as she gently sat on Harlin's bed and once again set her delicate hand on his forehead. "Bodista always told me that a comforting hand always made things better," she said quietly. "I wonder if Bodista will ever visit me again..."

"I'm sure that you'll see him again." Lúthien replied comfortingly. Bea seemed like the kind of person who would make a natural caregiver, a rare trait.

ooc: Gone for the night.

"I hope so," Beatrice replied softly as she gently stroked Harlin in much the same way she had Lorathin, brushing his hair away with her soft hands. She began to hum a sweet, tune that sounded much like a lullaby. Her lips slowly curled into a thin smile as she continued to push away Harlin's hair.

Lúthien chuckled slightly at the drastic change that had come over Beatrice since they'd first met. Before, she seemed scared of her shadow, and now she was being mothering to a relative stranger.

Horatio frowned at the Dmons silence, unsure of whether it signified agreement or displeasure. He shrugged inwardly and after grabbing his pack left the room, responding to the demons silence in kind.

He stalked down the passage and entered Mienna's room, she was asleep on the bed, a small wet patch under her face implied she had been crying.

He considered waking her, but having her asleep served his purposes more for the moment. Drawing a chair next to the bed he meditating, trying to guage what gifts nature had given her. Returning people in a new body was not unheard of, but for her to have changed from being a bird to a humanoid was almost unprecedented. Especially a humanoid with such a naturally powerful bond with nature.

Horatio was worried by this; Am i losing natures favour? was this was some kind of a reward to me? Shrugging off the thoughts he explored the bond between them, slipping softly through her memories, finding nothing that might hint towards a reason. In furstration he began to search more vigourously and Mienna's form shifted uncomfortably on the bed, whatever dream she had been having seemed to have turned to a nightmare.

Giving up the fruitless search he slipped from her mind and decided to try more magical means. a glow appeared around her but nothing else happened, gradually it faded. Horatio frowned and focused more energy into the spell, this time there was a backlash of energy and he recoiled back in surprise, unbalancing the chair and causing him to fall back.

The noise caused woke Mienna and she turned slightly to examine the form on the floor. Her voice was saddened and laden with pity as she said "Horatio? What has happened to you?"

Kicking the chair away Horatio stood and growled at her. "I have become what those druids sought to prevent, this is what i truely am and with it comes power, power to crush those that have opposed nature's true will." He neglected to add that he also served Valtrox, but he deemed it unimportant at this time.

Mienna shrank backwards, pushing herself further away on the bed and closing into a ball; "This is not you, why are you doing this?"

Horatio growled again. "I did not come to discuss such trivial details." He stalked over to the cupboard and wrenched the door off, it was empty, he tossed the door inside and turned back to her. "I will find you some clothes, those wrappings that nature gave you will wither soon."

He did not wait for her answer and strode to the door, slamming it behind him and stalking down the corridor checking each room for clothes. Eventually he came across a demon. "Where are the rooms of the empress or her daughter?"

"The Empress' room is hidden, Master Druid, however, the Princess' room is up on the second floor, taking a left, then a right, then straight down the corridor. There are many doors down that corridor, however it is the one that is largest," the demon replied as he looked past the druid to the door in which he came out of. His hands shifted on the hilts of his swords but he made no aggressive move. "Would you like someone to accompany you?"

"I need no bodyguard." Horatio snarled at the demon before stalking down the corrider, following the directions he had been given.

He was annoyed and concerned about how his magic had produced no effect on Mienna. It had not been an offensive spell, but it raised question about if his offensive spells would hurt her. Now was not the time to test though.

He finally reached the corridor and entered the room, it was a mess, it looked like somebody had taken a bunch of things in a hurry, perhaps that was the other group that had invaded, a small matter, probably nothing important.

Horatio rummaged through the clothes and eventually something vaguely suitable. Somewhat revealing, but less so than most of the other clothes, he bundled them into a bunch and walked back to Mienna's room ignoring the demon that was standing in the hallway.

He opened the door, tossed the clothers in and said; "These are yours, get dressed." Then closed the door and stood outside.

---------------------------------------------------

While Horatio had been gone Mienna had been 'practising' moving parts of her body and after several attempts ended up sitting upright and after a few more tries could stand up without falling over. It seemed to be coming quite naturally, perhaps all those years of being around humans had made it easier, she wasn't sure.

Confident in her ability to stand she began to take small steps, trying to find her balance. Gradually she began to make her way across the room and was examining the wardrobe that Horatio had damaged when he returned with the clothes.

She made her way to the pile and seperated the various parts, she looked at them and looked at herself and slowly figured out what went where, it was a long process and there was the small but annoying echo of Horatio tapping the claws on his feet on the ground impatiantly.

Deep inside Harlin's mind, a war was being waged between light and dark. Never before had he fallen so far inward, and now he was forced to keep the encroaching darkness at bay. Only sheer force of will had kept him alive so far, and now all he wanted to do was lay down and sleep, let the darkness envelop him, and drift off forever.

In the bedroom, Harlin's eye's began darting under his eyelids, the first sign of mental activity since he had fallen unconscious.

Once again back inside, he was forced to his knees by the pressure of the darkness bearing down upon him. Still, he refused to let it take him. The thought of Shara steeled his resolve, and he set his feet underneath himself and forced himself straight again.

Of in the distance though, a light approached. The darkness couldn't touch it, and it drew Harlin eye. It was salvation incarnate, and he waited motionlessly as it approached.

Slowly it began to take form, a woman, a face Harlin had not seen for many, many years. She was humming a soft lullaby, and had a loving face. Tears welling in his eyes, Harlin formed the words he had been longing to since her death. "M-Mother?"

She looked at him and smiled as she gently stroked his cheek and forehead, "Yes little one, do not be afraid."

Harlin reached around and grasped her tightly, "I missed you."

She smiled again in the most reassuring way and said, "I know Harlin."

Gently, she pushed away from Harlin and said softly, a sad tone in her voice, "I must go now Harlin."

"No mother, you mustn't go. I need you."

A pin hole of light shot down from the infinite dark sky.

"They need you Harlin. Do not fret, we will be reunited one day, but now is not the time."

Her voice slowly drifted away as Harlin fel himself being pulled upwards, into the light. He was accelerating very quickly, and yet couldn't feel the wind rushing past. The light from above grew larger and brighter until he was saturated by it, and then suddenly, he was staring into Beatrice's beautiful face.

Softly, he began to weep.

Beatrice stared wide eyed at Harlin as he seemed to be struggling with something. His eyes moved rapidly under those eyelids and Beatrice gently resumed her stroking as she tried to relax the man.

Suddenly, he awoke, staring up at Beatrice, who froze nervously. But when he started to weep, Beatrice frowned sadly. "Don't cry," she whispered as she gently rubbed away his tears. "You will be alright."

Lúthien smiled as she watched Bea some more before commenting, "You seem like you'd make a very good mother. You're mothering him quite well."

Beatrice giggled to Luthien. "Bodista was a good mother to me. There's who I learned it from..." she replied before turning back to Harlin and gently rubbing away his tears.

"Well it seemed you learned the lessons well." She replied with a smile.

Meanwhile, and elsewhere, Lorathin began stirring slightly.

As Luthien and Beatrice were going about, looking after the resting, Rimoru and Alegain were running about the house, not even sure where they were.

Alegain fell to the floor, laughing as Rimoru lay on top of him, giggling and squealing as Alegain continuously tried to pull off Rimoru's towel and only form of cover.

He kissed her heavily, his hands moving underneath the towel and Rimoru moaned loudly and rolled away with a laugh, her blue eyes wide and giddy.

They stopped to catch their breath, panting heavily as she stared at each other. "How about we take this to one of these rooms?" Rimoru asked seductively. "It's not like...anyone will no. They are all eating dinner!" she chuckled.

Alegain joined in her laughter as he gently tickled her feet. "Alright!"

"Stop...it!" Rimoru squealed as she crawled away, her hand reaching for the door knob and opening it...revealing a rather sparse room. However, Rimoru wasn't too picky when it came to intimacy with someone she loved.

She spun so her back was on the floor as she looked up to Alegain, who carefully crawled above her. Their lips met ferociously before Rimoru pushed him away. "The bed. Now," she said sternly as she already set to work on Alegain's robe buttons.

The red haired elf only smiled and nodded as he rolled off and stood up. Only to notice Lorathin resting in bed. The ex Emperor frowned and crossed his arms across his chest. "It seems someone beat us to the bed," he whispered.

Rimoru rose up and looked, before smiling widely. "He looks like a little baby when he sleeps," she replied sweetly. "Wittle baby, Azzy," she chuckled.

Lorathin shifted slightly, causing part of the covers to fall off the bed, but otherwise remained out of it.

Rimoru snickered as she quietly tip-toed her way to the sleeping man, and crouching down so her lips were level with his ears.

"Azzy," she whispered in a rather seductive tone. "Azzy, wake up."

Alegain shifted uncomfortably. "Rimoru, come on. He's sleeping," he growled.

Rimoru looked at him and put her index finger perpendicular to her lips, to signal for silence. She then proceeded to attempt to wake Azrael up.

"Azzy, wakey wakey," she whispered, her lips inching closer. "I have something for you." And then, she gave him a gentle kiss on his cheek. Alegain cleared his throat and shifted again.

TG Blastit

Lorathin just shifted again in his semi-comatose state, rolling over so the kiss landed on his lips rather than cheek. He then curled up slightly and just continued in his state. He was still relatively oblivious to the outside world, but a faint shiver had passed through him at the kiss.

ooc: TG Breit

Rimoru smiled and giggled quietly. "Even in sleep, Azzy enjoys his kisses," she whispered.

Alegain cleared his throat and furrowed his brows. "Rimoru...let's go. You are not even dressed."

Rimoru looked at Alegain and smiled mischieviously as she slowly let her towl slide to her shoulders, revealing an ample amount of cleavage.

Alegain opened his mouth and gasped. "Rimoru...let's go," he growled, anger seeping into his voice.

Rimoru chuckled and let her towel slip a little lower as she bent over to kiss Lorathin again.

Alegain barred his teeth but didn't move...not yet...

Lorathin simply remained sleeping as Rimoru attempted to preform a Princess Charming and Sleeping Mage fix, while also attempting to riled up her husband. He just curled and snuggled up to himself some more.

If she could read the signs, she'd realize he'd wake up in a couple minutes, and be likely quite groggy at that.

"Azzy...Azzy, wakey wakey," she whispered, blowing lightly in his ear.

"That's it, Rimoru. We're leaving," Alegain growled as he walked over to her and began to tug at her arm.

"Alley, wait!" Rimoru hissed as she pulled back.

"No. Why are you doing this to me? Let's go," Alegain whispered urgently as he tugged at her harder.

"Alley, let go," Rimoru replied as she tried to pull her arm back. However, as they played tug of war with her arm, her towel would move further down her body with each jolt until finally...it fell off.

Alegain let go, his cheeks burning brightly, he knees almost buckling before him.

Rimoru's towel's vacation and Lorathin's awakening had the fortune to match up almost exactly. Waking up to Rimoru's backside brought an exclaimation of 'Mah' out of the groggy mage.

Rimoru turned a bright red when she heard Azrael's noise, although she wouldn't admit it in front of her husband, she didn't mind. In fact, if Alegain wasn't there...she may be a little more intimate with Lorathin.

But, she restrained herself and quickly grabbed the towel and wrapped it around herself.

"Good...morning...Azzy," Rimoru giggled mischieviously as she turned around.

Alegain frowned and just stared at the two.

Lorathin began blinking and shaking his head, in much the same way someone who went from deep sleep in full darkness to full awake in bright light might. Covering one eye with a hand, and squinting with the other, he replied, "Good morning Rimoru," He then yawned before continuing, "And you must be Mr. Rimoru."

A few seconds later, as he began to track better, he asked., "And may I ask how you came to be in my room?"

"Alegain," the red haired elf corrected, with a glare.

When asked how they got there, Rimoru gave Alegain a sly grin. "We were playing a game," she said mischeviously. "And we got lost..." She bit her lower lip as Alegain gave her a look as if saying "Don't say it".

"Enh ... Ooooh." Lorathin commented as he processed, still slightly out of touch with the rest of the world. "Would you like me to show you to another bedroom so you can continue your game..."

Rimoru smiled at Alegain, who loosened up slightly. How could he not want to continue their game?

"Alright," Rimoru said sweetly, wrapping her delicate hands around Lorathin's arm and pulling gently. "Wake up, sleepyhead!" she giggled.

Lorathin yawned before letting himself be pulled out of bed, in almost the same level of clothing as Rimoru had been but moments earlier, save for a brief pair of briefs. "Do either of you happen to know where the others are?"

"Nope," Rimoru replied, her eyes lingering on Lorathin's body far longer than Alegain was comfortable with.

"I left Eva in the dining room. She was eating along with everyone else I believe. Your assassin friend, along with Fala and Maverion are somewhere else."

"So, unless either of you need me for anything, I have to see how much of my larder that's been consumed by Kalzog and the girls." Lorathin commented as with Kalzog's taste in meat, and the sweet tooth of the average female, his larders were in serious danger.

Rimoru just looked up at Azrael with wide, childish eyes, biting her lower lip with the hint of a seductive smile on her lips.

Alegain continued to frown before he said "Rimoru needs a dress."

The ex-empress looked at Alegain and nodded.

"Well we don't have much call for women clothing, and certainly none that meets your figure Rimoru." He then added just loud enought to be audible, but meant for himself, "And fate willing there'll never be a need for them save for guests."

"If you do not mind me asking, what are your measurements?"

Rimoru's smiled wider and brushed several wet strands of hair away from her eyes. However she did hear his little comment about her kind of clothing for Luthien...

Perhaps I should tutor little Luthien on how to be...a little temptress...and Beatrice...

Alegain's frown deepened as he asked for Rimoru's measurements. Rimoru just giggled quietly.

"How about you measure me," she asked seductively.

"Just get her something to wear, even if it's a male robe," Alegain growled.

"Ooh, Alley, don't be such a demi-god," she giggled, gently brushing up against her husband. She walked back to Lorathin and gave him a tempting smile. "Measure me," she whispered, placing her hand on his bare chest. Alegain shifted again and cleared his throat.

As Rimoru manipulated his hands, and baited her husband, he shook his head slightly. "While I'm sure it'd be enjoyable, I don't have any experiance in the measuring department, so it'd be a futile effort." He commented with a smile.

"Well, then I guess we'll never know my measurements..." Rimoru replied with mock sadness. Her hand gently slid down Lorathin's chest before returning to her towel.

"If you want it so bad, let me measure you," Alegain growled angrily, his temper rising again. "But get some male robes ready, anyways."

"A bathrobe? Alright." Lorathin commented as he went over to a closet that wasn't there before and pulled out a rather short bathrobe that would serve more like lingere for Rimoru than anything else.

"Here you go Rimoru, hope you like it." He said as he handed her the fluffy, grey, revealing, bathrobe.

Eventually, the group would notice that Cantrell and Cobiesel had left. They would find a note that read as such. "Thank you all for your help. We must be going".

OOC- I'm taking a break from RPing for a while.

ooc: If you see this, Breit, TG.

"Oh I do," Rimoru replied seductively. She motioned for the guys to turn around by spinning her finger.

"I hope to all the gods in heaven that you do not wear that," Alegain growled to Lorathin. "And you, Rimoru, shall not wear that."

"I can wear whatever I want," she replied, sticking her tongue playfully at her husband, though clearly getting him even more frustrated. His face begun to get a reddish tint to it.

Lorathin turned so Rimoru could throw the robe on. As Alegain complained, he asked, "And what is wrong with this robe? It's comfortable and serves its purpose."

"What are you, insane? It only serves the purpose of getting her raped!" Alegain shouted. "Do you know how many hooligans wander the street only to do such a thing? I am not always there to keep them away and now that she has no powers, she can't defend herself so easily!"

"Alegain, I can too defend myself!" Rimoru shouted back. "Why do you always have to put constraints on me?"

"Because you are too free. You never take care of your child, you never take care of me, and you never take care of your people! Why are you always flirting with random strangers, Rimoru? Why? Is our marriage dust to you?"

Rimoru's eyes watered as she looked at Lorathin, then back at Alegain. "Take it back," she whispered as she put the robe on the bed and sat next to it.

Lorathin had been about to interject that he'd give her proper clothes before they left the house, that it was just to relax in, when Rimoru set out her angry rebuttle.

He wasn't quite sure who she was addressing, him with the robe or Alegain with his words and thus did nothing but simply took a few steps back. "Argue if you wish, but avoid saying things that can not be taken back in the heat."

"Get her something proper to wear, no matter what sex it's for, just nothing revealing," Alegain growled to Lorathin.

Rimoru just looked to the floor, submissive as tears gently rolled down her cheeks.

"Fine, and please modulate your tone when talking to me in my own home." Lorathin replied slightly coolly. He was starting to dislike this Alegain and how he talked to Rimoru. Walking over to the closet, he pulled out a pair of pants and a shirt.

"Then control yourself when you're interacting with my family. Last thing I want is to break them all apart," Alegain growled as he snatched the pants and shirt out of Lorathin's hands and tossed them to Rimoru. "Let's go."

Rimoru looked at Alegain and nodded slowly.

"Get out so she can change," Alegain said as he waited by the door for Lorathin to leave.

"Control myself?" Lorathin commented, "I'm not the one who's yelled at his wife, and insulted her friend and his host. If you think I want to hurt your wife, then you should think again."

As he headed toward the door, he gestured for Alegain to exit as well. If he didn't exit with Lorathin, he'd find the wall had 'moved' so that he was in the hall anyways.

"Well you certainly aren't a very good friend or host either. You seem to just want to get her into trouble. Do you not have morals? Do you not understand the commitment of marriage?"

After you," Alegain growled as Lorathin gestured to the door.

Rimoru looked up at them and wiped her eyes. "Just leave me, already," she sobbed at the two arguing men.

With the two outside the room, Lorathin replied, "You do not seem to realize that within my home, the chances of anyone trying to bother her would be minimal, and for those that did, the deepest pit that could be found in Valtrox's realm would be as heaven."

"Your wife attempted to seduce me before your marriage and was rebuffed, nothing has changed. My morals are not your concern and have weathered stress beyond your ken, as alien as they may seem." He said to the man who had no understanding or reasons of the forces that motivated him.

"Not here, you infernal fool. We are going to leave because there is nothing for us here. Our nation is being destroyed while you decide to keep us here and encourage Rimoru's flirting ways. How would you like it if your wife flirted with everyone she saw? If she had sex with every man that suited her taste? Just get us out of here with what I ask for," Alegain growled. "As I thought, you understand nothing of marriage."

***********************************************************

Rimoru lay herself on the bed and sniffled quietly. Why am I so uncontrollable? She gently got her pants on, before putting on her shirt, both being oversized, reminding her slightly of Loki the magician.

"If you wish to leave, then you may leave whenever you wish. If you really want I can return you to the palace." He commented coldly as Alegain was testing him quite severly, "I am not 'keeping' you here, at least not beyond your wish to remain. As to if my wife flirted with everyone, I'd either accept it or not have gotten married considering I'd have known that before I made the decision. Unless you were an absolute idiot, you would have known what Rimoru was like and knowing that you chose to marry her. You should accept her flaws, just like she accepts yours."

"Now you're insulting me, are you? Well, if you never knew, Rimoru found me. Before we were married, I was the only one she flirted with openly. As far as I know, she saw no one but me."

"And now that we're married, I find out she begins to cheat on me."

"Don't you dare tell me about my choices, because you have no idea what I've been through. And if you want us to die, then so be it, return us to our palace," Alegain snarled.

"So you knew nothing about Rimoru before marrying her?" He asked, thinking that either Alegain was lying or an idiot for not finding out any rumours or such before marrying an empress.

"So far, between you since I met you and Eva when she was kicking me, you are the more objectionable. You don't seem to understant much about life, that or you've become so use to being waited on and pampered you can't deal with anyone who doesn't know-tow to you."

Lorathin was slightly tempted to send Alegain back to the palace but held off because, for whatever reason, Rimoru cared about the arrogent, agressive Alegain and it would hurt her.

"It is not my fault that she would not let me out of her care, is it? Not my fault that she would not allow me to even go anywhere without her? To rarely speak with anything or anyone? You don't seem to understand much of Rimoru, but maybe it's because you spend your time blindly coming up with worthless reasons as to why you cannot get a family," Alegain shouted angrily. Clearly this man had no idea what Alegain had been through. Then again, not many have. Rimoru is very possessive about men, however feels it does not apply to her so much. "I wish Eva happened to kill you as well!"

"Stop it!" came a shout from the door as it finally opened. Rimoru waited at the door, her face tear streaked and her clothing loosely fitting. "I've had enough of you two arguing! What is wrong with you? Neither of you know me well!"

Lorathin listened to the man's rant and was about to reply when Rimoru told them to stop. "As you wish, and to avoid saying or doing something I might later regret, I bid you good-day." Lorathin commented as he headed down the corridor, before entering a door further down.

"Show us the way out, you lunatic," Alegain shouted after him, as neither Rimoru nor Alegain really knew how to get very far without getting lost in this house.

Rimoru only played with her shirt, trying to make it somewhat reveaing.

A voice came drifting back, vaguely similar to Lorathin's but somehow creepier and darker, "Then you give Eva to me?"

"What do you think, rabble? We are going to take her back," Alegain growled.

"Both of you stop it!" Rimoru shouted.

They were met only by silence before a door opened to reveal Lúthien's peeking head. "Is something wrong, I thought I heard shouting."

ooc: Gone for the night/till end of work(around 3:00pm)

"Get us out of here. I've had enough of your father's stupidity and arrogance," Alegain almost shouted, however Rimoru put a hand on his chest.

"And get us Eva, too," Rimoru added as she looked to the ceiling.

Lúthien frowned but pulled her head back in and said, "I'll be back in a few minutes Beatrice."

She then exited the room and walked over to Eva's parents, "Please come this way, and what did daddy do?"

"Alright," Beatrice replied with the barest hint of a smile.

********

"Make a fool of himself," Alegain replied, before recieving an elbow in the side.

"Your father tried to give me a bathrobe, however, it was...too revealing for someone's taste," Rimoru mumbled, raising her arms to show Luthien what she was dressed in instead, the sleeves hanging off her hands slightly and the rolled up pant legs.

"You look slightly silly in daddy's clothing." Lúthien said with a bit of a giggle at seeing Rimoru in Lorathin's clothing. "Didn't Lorathin ask for your measurements to get the right size so he could make you some clothes?"

"He did, however I don't remember them. Whenever I needed new clothing, I usually made them myself...to form around me...Not to mention when the orb hit, I seem to have forgotten a few minor things. I did tell him to measure me..."

"Let's not go there," Alegain replied angrily.

"I think I see the problem. Daddy would not do anything inappropriate, to him, with Rimoru." Lúthien commented as she looked at Alegain.

"Well, you didn't see what he was trying to do," Alegain replied, angrily, holding his side in case Rimoru jabbed him again. But she didn't.

"Let's just drop this, alright?" she asked sadly.

"Alright, would you like me to adjust those so they fit better?" The little girl asked.

ooc: Blast, you double-posted

ooc: It was worth saying twice :p

Rimoru looked at Luthien and smiled mischieviously. "Alright," she said.

"Not too much," Alegain replied.

Lúthien looked intently at Rimoru and began muttering a spell, one she used on occasion for herself and more often for Lorathin as he was not the neatest of dressers at times.

The pants shortened and tightened, not skin-tight, but not that far off. The shirt tightened as well and the coller dipped but remained demure, but no less attractive than a more plunging neckline might have been.

ooc: Lol

Rimoru smiled and looked at her changed clothing. The change was somewhat stimulating for her, but she only giggled. "Good enough?" she asked Alegain, gently kissing him in the cheek.

"Yeah, I suppose," her husband grumbled in return.

Rimoru spun around and kneeled, giving Luthien a big squeeze and kissing her gently on the forehead. "Thank you, Luthy. But I don't think your daddy will be able to wear this anymore," she giggled, gently stroking the girl's hair.

"Not unless he makes a few rather radical changes." She agreed with a giggle.

"Do you want to get something to eat before you leave, or would you still like to depart now?" Lúthien asked as they arrived outside the door to the dining room.

"We'll-" Alegain began until Rimoru interrupted.

"Eat, thank you Luthy," Rimoru said as she held her stomach. "I still haven't eaten!" The ex-empress explained to her husband's annoyed glance.

The little elf smiled as she opened the door to let the two adults in where the others were dining. "Help yourself, and if you want something that is not present feel free to ask and I'll see what's available."

Rimoru nodded happily to Luthien and walked into the hall.

"Mother!" Eva shouted cheerfully. "About time!"

"I needed to get changed," Rimoru replied as she made her way to the food and picked out a few vegetables, before walking to the table. She frowned slightly as she realized all her life, she's really only sat at the heads of the table. So much is going to change, even the little things in life. She shrugged and made her way awkwardly next to Eva, where Beatrice sat.

"So you like vegetables as well?" Lúthien asked as she noticed what Rimoru had put on her plate.

"Of course," Rimoru replied with a mischieviously smile.

"No, she doesn't," Eva chimed in, recieving a jab at her side, giving her a little squeal of laughter.

"Well, considering I cannot control my weight magically...I must eat...healthier," Rimoru giggled.

"Ah, well that's always a good reason. I like them because they taste good as well." She replied with a smile at the mother-daughter play, thought also slightly sad.

Rimoru smiled as she watched Luthien's somewhat sad expression. Rimoru frowned slowly, coming up with a hypothesis for this sadness, however not wanting to assume anything.

"Luthy, something the matter?" Rimoru asked. If the little elf didn't answer, Rimoru would ask her in private. She was determined to get to the bottom of this, and Eva nor Alegain would stop her.

Mienna had finally finished dressing herself and was exmining both the clothing and her new body in her reflection in a mirror. Of the clothes Horatio had brought she had finally settled on a pair of trousers and a shirt, they were not an ideal fit, but they would do, and she felt more comfortable in them than in a dress.

She reached up and awkwardly stroked her silky white hair back behind her ears and brushed her hand across her cheek, feeling the unblemished softness.

A noise at the door startled her and she turned to confront the source of it, Horatio had entered the room and was staring at her coldly, in his hand he held his rapier by the sheath, the belt it was attached to dangled loosly.

Horatio approached slowly and Meinna backed away slightly, Horatio was not showing any signs of aggresion, but he seemed to radiate a natural aura of malice and hatred.

"Take it." Horatio said thrusting the rapier at Mienna, she backed further, shaking her head, stopping against the broken cupboard she gathered her courage and trying to sound forceful muttered; "Save your pity for others demon."

Horatio laughed and pressed the rapier against her. "It was an order, not a request." Mostly out of reflex Mienna's hands closed around the rapier and Horatio let go. "Good, now come." He turned and stalked out of the door. Mienna followed humbly, unsure of what was happening, she had moved one of her hands onto the handle of the sword and was tempted to draw it and attack the monster infront of her.

Sweating she glanced at horatio, then back at the sword, old loyalty warred with new urges. Horatio sensed her confusion and smiled. "You will have a chance to use it soon enough." He stated ominously as they passed the entrance to the gardens. He paused and adressed one of the demons there. "Find me a sword, something large and sharp, preferably curved." Then he turned to the other. "Bring me Kre'tahn."

As the demons scurried off he advanced onto an open grassy patch and signalled for Mienna to take up a position opposite. "Draw the sword and be prepared to defend yourself." He said.

And so Mienna did, but she was not planning to wait to defend herself, she charged at Horatio swinging the rapier like a club. He caught it effortlessly and laughed. Then grabbed her by the throat and brought his face to her ear. "Stab them with the pointy end." He then threw her back, she felt unusually comfortable as she was flung through the air and managed to land gracefully on her feet and leapt toward Horatio again, clumsily trying to score a hit as he dodged, weaved or simply deflected the blade, though when he did small cuts were appearing since the edges of the blade were sharp.

When the demons returned with Kre'tahn, they would find the two locked in battle, though Horatio having the upper hand.

Kre'tahn once again found himself walking towards the garden, where he heard the undeniable swish of a sword slicing through the air. In instinct, the demon drew all four of his blades and proceeded through the garden, his blades protecting him from all sides, or in a position to.

When he finally got to the clearing, he took a step nearer before pausing. Horatio seemed to have the upper hand, however that should not stop them from strengthing that position.

"Wait. If he dies, he dies. We will live without him," a demon said as he placed a hand on the other demon's shoulders.

Kre'tahn frowned, but lowered his weapons, ready to help, despite his orders.

Then, several more demons came in, holding a variety of scimitars, some larger than usual, others smaller.

"Master Druid, these are scimitars found within an armory," one of the demons said as he reached the clearing.

Horatio kept an eye on the entering demons, he saw Kre'tahn enter and almost join the fight, but when he glanced again after dodging an attack the demon had stopped. His attention was drawn to the others with a collection of weapons, he gave them a quick glance and his eyes settled on some of the larger ones.

He almost let his attention stay too long as he misjudged her swing and she left a long scratch along his as he dodged past her, tripping her with a leg and pushing her down with a hand, leaving her sprawled on the floor panting. Vines wrapped around her to hold her there.

Horatio strode over to the weapons and picked up a large one, feeling for balance and thickness, he frowned and threw it aside, he did this with several before finding one that suited his taste, and raised it in front of him, just in time. The vines holding Mienna had released her from their grasp and she ran up behind him as silently as she could, her bare feet not making a sound on the soft grass.

As he raised the sword Horatio saw a moving reflection in the blade and spun to deflect it. Good, she is learning fast. though he couldn't help but wonder how powerful she could be after it all, the vines had not been a complex spell, but she had overscome it without difficulty.

Horatio deflected the blow but not enough to totally protect himself, a slash almost a mirror of the previous one was left down the other arm. Mienna pulled away stepped back, she was panting and was trying to be more careful. Horatio was also tired and blood was trickling from the wounds, but he paid them no heed as he took the scimitar in two hands and advanced towards her, swinging the larger blade hard and changing direction rapidly, his newfound demonic stregth made it seem almost weightless.

Mienna was backing away blocking and dodging the various attacks. But he resistance was becoming weaker and eventually Horatio knocked the rapier from her hand. She fell to her knees and Horatio brought the blade broadside against the side of her head, knocking her unconcious, spwarled out against the floor.

The force of the blow had seemingly affected him as well, he staggered back and put a hand against his head then shook it off. He picked up the rapier and kneeling beside Mienna returned it to the sheath at her waist. After a moment he stood and turned to face Kre'Tahn, a slightly glazed look in his eyes and a somewhat distant tone in his voice, "Put here where you will, you may take her when you leave. Remember, she is not to be harmed. I will be in my room... thinking on certain matters." He then walked past the demons and back towards his room, taking the scimitar with him, leaving a small trail of blood droplets.

When he arrived he tossed the sword onto a bed and crumpled into a chair, he closed his eyes and rested his head against his hands, the dull throbbing was slowly ebbing away, it had started as he ended the fight. It was just from losing some blood, that is the only possible cause. He knew there was another option, but he did not want to consider the possible implications.

He was lost in thought and ignored the other marks on his body, they were not deep enough to cause serious damage and had already stopped bleeding.

"Not really." Lúthien replied with a faint smile before going to get an apple from a pile of fruit.

Rimoru smiled and nodded as she calmly ate, however she kept her eyes on the little elf girl.

Alegain sighed impatiently as he sat next to Rimoru, not enjoying staying as long as they have been. "Let's go."

***********************************************************

Kre'tahn nodded and sheathed his blades as he walked over to the unconscious creature and tossed her over his right shoulder, before looking at the others. "Let us give chase."

The demons nodded and soon followed the path taken by their minions to find the escapees.

Lúthien finished her bite of apple and looked at the fidgetty Alegain. "So you'd like to leave now, before Rimoru's finished eating?"

"She's done," Alegain replied, motioning towards his wife.

Rimoru sat chewing her last piece of lettuce, looking at her husband with wide, curious eyes.

"Let's go mother..." Eva whispered, tugging gently at Rimoru's sleeve. Rimoru looked at her and slowed down before nodding.

"Yes, I'm sorry Luthy. We must get going. The more time we give Habdebza, the more time he gets to prepare for a counter-attack," Rimoru replied.

Kalzog stared at them, silently, and appeared as though he was about to say something, however, he did not.

"If you don't mind me asking, where are you planning on going and what will you do there?" Lúthien asked as, at least to her, it seemed that Alegain hadn't thought out what he planned to do and that seemed to cry out problems when there were enemies after you, especially when you were in an all but unreachable abode.

Rimoru looked at Eva and Alegain and was about to speak, when Alegain spoke up.

"We've been over this already. We will go to Mebbiwik's, where he will probably have something we could do. Maybe some palace defense that was installed or what not," Alegain replied, recieving another jab from his wife at his rudeness.

"Do you know how to get to Mebbiwik's place?" She asked, before adding, "If you wish to go, then I'll see you to the door."

"Yes and yes," Alegain replied.

"Where's Azzy?" Rimoru asked, getting a sigh from her husband. "I wish to see him before we leave. And I must speak to you alone, as well."

"Would you like to wait here?" Lúthien asked Alegain before standing and offering her hand to Rimoru so she could lead her to Lorathin.

"Alright," Alegain said gruffly as he watched Rimoru take Luthien's hand in hers.

Rimoru smiled as she followed the smaller else, gently giving her a little squeeze on her hand.

After they'd left the dining room, Lúthien commented with a bit of a giggle, "Your husband is odd."

"All men are," Rimoru chuckled as she crouched down to Luthien's level. "Luthy, you are such a beautiful little elf," she commented on as she carefully observed the elf's face and pushed several strands of hair away from her ears.

"Anyways," Rimoru commented as her smile slowly vanished. "I saw your expression in the dining room when we spoke of vegetables. You showed happiness, and yet, there was that shadow of sadness lurking at the corners. Please explain."

"And they think we are." She replied with a giggle, giggling a bit more when Rimoru's ministrations tickled her ear.

"Watching you and Eva reminded me of how I use to play with mom." Lúthien said, a proto-tear forming in one eye at the memory that was tempered by time, but still painful none-the-less.

Rimoru's hypothosis was proven right, and wrong. She had just thought she wanted a motherly figure, considering all she had to care for her was Lorathin and occasionally, the brutish ogre, Kalzog. Two masculine influences never taught their female child how to be a lady, especially an ogre.

Rimoru frowned and gently wrapped her hands around Luthien. "Luthy, although I rarely got to see my parents, I had different feelings than you do. I wish I could help counsel you, but I cannot. What I can do, however, is be your god-mother. In your daddy's letters, he told me so much about you and how proud he was of you. I couldn't wait until I had the chance to meet you in person, and here you stand before me."

Rimoru squeezed Luthien gently and kissed her on the forehead. "I may not be your mother, but I can try to."

"God-mother?" She asked as she blinked a couple times in mild confusion.

"I think that might be nice. Do you mind if I call you aunty Rimoru?" Lúthien asked as she returned the partial hug.

"You may, Luthy. You may even call me Auntie Rimmy if you so please," Rimoru giggled as she squeezed her again and looked into her pretty eyes. "I will have to ask your daddy first, however, not to mention I need to finish a few personal matters with him. May you show him to me?"

Lúthien giggled along with Rimoru as she was hugged again. "Alright, let's go see daddy."

Leading Rimoru throught a trio of doors and a few corridors, they arrived outside a doorway that was different from the rest, more elaborate without really being really noticable. Knocking on the door, she called out, "Lorathin, come out."

Stepping back, the door opened to reveal Lorathin, but with something subtly different than normal about him. "What would you like?"

"You know what I would like. The question is, what will you give me," Rimoru replied with a mischievious smile, taking a few steps closer to Lorathin, within range of a kiss.

"Ah, but as your husband," A faint emphasis on the word, "Says, I do not hold that title and thus it is inappropriate." He replied

If Rimoru looked into his eyes, she would feel a darkness from them. Not evil, but certainly not pleasent.

"I suppose he is right..." Rimoru said quietly as she looked at Lorathin, her eyes looking into his. She frowned slightly and gently pulled Luthien closer to her.

"I have asked Luthy if I may be her God-Mother, and she has agreed. I figured little Luthy needs some female influence in her life," she chuckled quietly and gave the smaller elf's hand a squeeze. " However you must make the final decision."

"Then you have your answer already." He replied, "Now unless you have something else?"

Meanwhile Lúthien felt the gentle pull and looked at Lorathin. Reaching out, she heard the wrongness in the mind of Lorathin. She then gently tugged on Rimmy's shirt.

Rimoru looked down at Luthien and frowned slightly. "Alright, thank you, Azrael," Rimoru said formally. She was not sure if Luthien wanted her to say anything else, or if she just wanted to bring her away.

"Then I imagine I shall see you later." Lorathin commented before closing the door on them.

Once the door was shut, Lúthien spoke. "That's not Lorathin, or at least not the regular Lorathin. It seemed like he was focused on a bunch of things, and something else was seeping out."

Rimoru frowned. "He should learn to control that," she whispered. "Does he do it often?" She had begun to worry about the safety of the elf girl now. If Lorathin was becoming something else, something...darker...who knows what may happen to Luthien.

"I've never felt it happen before." Lúthien said, worried for Lorathin. She had a bit of a suspicion that it was related to is worry for Rimoru, the palace escapade and his arguments with Alegain, but wasn't entirey sure.

"I'm curious as to if I have anything to do with is..." Rimoru whispered sadly. She looked at Luthien and gently stroked her cheek. "Luthy, if Azzy does anything mean to you, make sure to tell me. I have never seen this side of him. Although I may not be able to do much right now, I still may be able to help."

"Now, I'm afraid I must get going. It's not really comfortable to go from god-like Empress to common beggar," she chuckled as she took hold of Luthien's hand again and waited for the little elf girl to lead her to the door. "Atleast he agreed to let me be your god-mother...although I'm not so much a god," she teased as they walked.

"I don't think it's you directly, but I think daddy's concern for you was partially involved." She replied as she gave Rimmy a hug. "I will Auntie Rimmy."

"Do you have to go?" Lúthien asked, "At least do you have to go alone? What if whoever attacked the palace comes looking for you?"

"I must reclaim my throne and my people," Rimoru said like the stereotypical polititian. "And my dignity," she added almost to herself.

"Alegain and Eva may go with me. I will drop Eva down with Mebbiwik, and I may be able to pick up some bodyguards along the way. I still have my...charm," she giggled. "You are more than welcome to join me, Luthy, but I will be sure to keep you and Eva in a safe place."

"Maybe we should ask some of the others, like uncle Kal, to come along as well. I'm pretty sure he'd be willing to help." She replied as she could, usually, twist Kalzog around her little finger.

Rimoru smiled and nodded to Luthien. "You do seem to be able to persuade your uncle to do a lot of things," she giggled. "Any help would be appreciated."

"Alright, let's go see the others." Lúthien said as she offered her hand to Rimoru.

Rimoru once again took the little girl's hand and walked with her back to the dining hall.

Alegain was sitting impatiently, his eyes glancing at both Ixair and his awkward companion, Glurp, who sat loudly slurping at whatever he had on his plate.

Ixair nervously tapped his fingers on the table as the tension in the room was so evident, one expected another brawl to break out. The elf's eyes scanned the room quickly, an instinct of a rebel leader to look out for himself.

Eva sat swinging her fearsome legs, humming a quiet tune, however someone observant enough would notice her eyes would dart to Kalzog and especially Ixair for the longest time, and one may even notice her licking her lips.

Alegain was the first to notice his wife and smiled weakly. "Ready to go?"

"Depends," Rimoru replied, immediately getting a bad reaction from her husband. "Alley, we're going to need help getting to Mebbiwik. Likely Habdebza and the cult are searching for us intently, with the objective of having us killed or perhaps brought back for torture. I don't want that Alley...you have to understand..." Rimoru's eyes began to get glossy with tears. She knew whenever she put on an act such as this, Alegain practically bent to her will. Sadness and intimacy were two things Alegain fell for...and he sometimes fell hard, all for Rimoru's sake. However, it was important now.

Alegain sighed and looked down at the table, his natural defenses kicking in. How could he succumb if he didn't see? His fingers tapped impatiently on the table as he furrowed his brows. He sighed again as Rimoru walked up behind him.

This was part two of her attack. If her first attack didn't work, there was usually time for the second one.

Rimoru gently brushed up against Alegain, a shiver going up his spin. Her slender hands gently massaged his shoulders as her lips went up to his ears. "Please?" she whispered with a little kiss.

Alegain's eyes closed and he fought back the urge to moan. Instead, he just let out a quiet sigh and met Rimoru's lips, a gentle kiss coming from the two. "Alright...alright...let's just hurry, please?"

Rimoru smiled and continued to massage her husband, giving Luthien a look as if saying, "now it's your turn".

Lúthien watched her god-mother, a still odd term, manipulate her husband. Kalzog. being who he was. necessitated a different approach. Walking over to Kalzog, she turned on her 'little girl eyes' and looked up at the ogre.

"Uncle Kal, would you do me a favour?" She asked, her voice full of 'be nice to the little girl and say yes' qualities that always seemed to work on Kalzog.

Kalzog turned his dull red eyes on Luthien as his lips twitched once. "And what may this favor be?" he asked gruffly, with a hint of cautiousness.

The ogre was worried what it might include, as if Luthien had the will to do it, she could probably make Kalzog play dolls with her...however, it would take a lot of persuasion...

"Could you help me find someone?" She asked, "A mister Mebbiwik. Daddy told me stories about him, but he's not feeling well so will you take me, and aunty, to find him? Please?"

"Mebbiwik? That little cretin is anti-social. Somehow I doubt your father would be friends with him," Kalzog replied with a raised eyebrow. "And who is your aunty?"

Kalzog knew he certainly had on wife and he had not heard of her having an aunt at all during their previous meetings. The only other one Kalzog could think of being her aunt was Ar'mai, but that elf disappeered for the longest time. Not that the ogre cared. He wouldn't have cared if everyone in the household just fell down dead, unless of course, Luthien did as well. And possibly Eva.

"Do you plan on killing him?"

"I never said daddy was his friend, I said he told me stories about him that were funny and interesting and I wanted to meet the silly gnome." Lúthien replied with a shake of her head at her uncle, by adoption.

"Maybe if he's mean we can be mean back to him, but I won't know until I met him, so please?"

Kalzog frowned, still not knowing who this 'aunty' was. "I don't see how he can be funny, however some of his inventions may be of interest...if you were an inventor..."

Kalzog's frown deepened as the mention of inventor brought him to another little girl named Marlene. Also a brilliant inventor...and the undoing of Rothargot.

"Mebbiwik is near the southern border of the Iskan. There will be plenty of fighting where we'll be heading..." Rimoru commented on as she massaged her husband, who was trying desperately not to fall asleep under her gently touch.

"No, not an inventor. Everything I try to build falls apart." She says with a giggle. "Please will you come with me and aunty Rimmy to see the gnome? It'll make me happy."

"I'll make you a big cake and steak." She added, appealing to the ogre's stomach on one hand, and heart on the other.

Kalzog inwardly groaned when Eva giggled. Her being happy softened him up. Now food, however, was the icing of the cake.

"Alright, alright, I'll go with you," Kalzog grumbled, trying hard not to sound so easily persuaded. "Now when did Rimoru become your aunt? She certainly isn't my wife..." He added, trying to change the subject.

"Thank heavens..." Alegain almost whispered as his eyes barey opened.

"I am Luthy's god-mother," Rimoru replied with a smile. Alegain's eyes widened and he slowly turned his head to face her.

"Really?" he asked lazily. Rimoru bit her lower lip and smiled as she nodded. Alegain only chuckled as he lowered his head again and closed his eyes.

"Does that mean that...I am related to...her?" Eva replied with an annoyed tone.

Lúthien gave Kalzog a big hug when he said he'd come. She wanted to give him it around the neck, but he was a bit too tall for that. "Aunty Rimmy became my god-mother, so does that mean you can be my god-father?" She asked the ogre.

She then looked over at Eva and commented, with a very faintly relieved tone that the more perceptive adults might pick up but unlike that Eva would, "I don't think we are."

"Uncle is fine," Kalzog replied with his eyes closed at Luthien hugged him. He resisted the act of placing his own hand around her, or lifting her up to hug her in his massive chest. Although he may wish to remain an uncle, he would probably defend the girl with his life.

Eva relaxed and smiled. "So we're not cousins or anything? I won't have to get you any sort of gifts for holidays or your birthday?"

After she finished hugging her uncle, the little elf turned to Eva and replied, "Nope, but then that goes both ways afterall Eva."

"Good. You wouldn't have anything I'd want," Eva replied snoodly, her nose high in the air and her hands crossed around her chest. "You'd probably find your gift in some dump heap."

Although, Eva did wonder what sort of 'gift' Lorathin spoke of earlier before she kneed him in the nether-regions. Perhaps she'd need to 'persuade' him to give it to her, or atleast tell her what it is.

"Some beings do have most interesting garbage, at least garbage to them, but of value to the rest of us." Lúthien replied to the prissy princess.

"Eva, enough," Rimoru said softly to her daughter as Alegain snored quietly under Rimoru's delicate hands. The ex-empress smiled as she walked to her daughter and smiled. "You and Luthien could get along so well if you let her."

The princess grunted and looked at Luthien angrily. After several long moments, her face softened up and she smiled at her mother. "I doubt it," she chuckled.

"It would be interesting to learn of your experiances and views." Lúthien commented, a tentative offer of ceasation of verbal hostilities.

Eva looked at Luthien again and frowned. Again several minutes passed as Rimoru took a different approach to her daughter. Massages worked wonders on both Alegain and Eva, however, Rimoru knew what else worked on her girl.

"We can help Luthy...you know..." Rimoru whispered mischieviously. "With her way of life...you know...make her more...like us..." she added as Eva only gave her a confused look.

"Nooo...she can't get anything with a body like that," Eva whispered back angrily.

"You never know what wonders the right clothing can do," Rimoru replied as she knew Luthien was a beautiful elf. However, nothing like a little teaching, flirting, and new dresswear couldn't do to make this studious girl into, virtually, another Rimoru or Eva. However, they would make sure she didn't get anywhere as close to their talents on fishing for men. Atleast good looking ones.

Eva gave her mother a mischievious smile and looked at Luthien. "Everyone wants to know my experiences and views. But....since you are, somewhat, my cousin...I will be more than happy to tell you," Eva said with a cute little smile that inwardly held poison.

Lúthien looked over, wondering what Rimmy and Eva were whispering about. She was pretty sure it was she who they were whispering about, but the what was also something that might be nice to find out.

"That would be nice, it would give me a chance to learn more about you." She replied

In the comfort of Bea's arms, Harlin cried tears of anguish at the loss of his mother for the second time in his life. Slowly, Harlin blinked and looked up at the beautiful face of Beatrice wearing an expression of concern. Sniffling and wiping his eyes, he attempted to hide the fact that he'd been crying, not knowing that she'd been watching him the whole time.

"Hello Beatrice," he said with a slightly tremulous voice. Looking past her though, he noticed the posts of the bed, and felt the soft down beneath him. Looking back at Beatrice with concern, he asked, "Where are we?"

"And me to know you," Eva replied with a smile.

Kalzog carefully studied both young girls, busy getting food out from between his teeth with his tongue.

"Glurp know both elf girls too?" the gobling piped up suddenly.

"Ew, no!" came a rapid response from Eva. Ixair just laughed at the response.

"Little girls, especially elf girls, don't care much for goblins, much less goblin jokes," Ixair whispered to Glurp, who just made a quiet "Humph" noise.

***********************************************************

"Hush, Harlin," Beatrice whispered slightly nervously. "We are in a bedroom inside Lorathin's home."

She looked down as her hands unwrapped themselves from the assassin and settled down on her lap. Her large eyes looked up occasionally, but she never kept eye contact. "Are...are you alright?" she asked quietly.

Harlin closed his eyes momentarily, and then opened them, shaking his head slightly, "I'm very tired, but I'll be alright after I eat something. Are the ones I rescued safe as well?"

"They are," Beatrice replied with a gentle smile, motioning towards a few beds nearby. "They are all here...resting soundly."

Beatrice's eyes slowly rose and met Harlins. "You are very brave," she whispered. "Thank you..."

She giggled at the goblin. Unlike Eva she found Glurp interesting, weird as heck, but interesting. "Maybe later Glurp."

Glurp smiled. "Glurp won't disappoint Lootheen. Glurp has great stories of hero deeds that Glurp has done and Ixy almost ruined."

Ixair sighed and looked at both Eva and Luthien, subtly shaking his head and putting a finger on his mouth, as if saying 'don't let him tell you'.

"So, when should we leave?" Eva asked rather hastily.

Rimoru looked at Luthien and pursed her lips. "How long will it take to get you ready and everyone else who is to come?"