NationStates Jolt Archive

You tried to destroy us Abaddon, and failed ultimately. We thrive now, perhaps better than we ever have before. The region has become stronger as a whole, now that we are all aware of the strength of demons in mass numbers. New friendships have formed, old ruins of fallen nations now are being rebuilt into new civilizations. Yes, my most hated foe, you have failed terribly.

A smile crept across the face of the woman standing in the fields with waist high grass that stretched as far as the eye could see. Only a few years ago, all these lands had been trampled, pitted, and covered in the filth of billions of demons. Turning, she gazed upon the reconstructed city of Turath, it's buildings gleaming fresh with their coats of paint. Glass windows caught the sun's reflection, making the city appear as if it were holistic in a sense.

She turned her attention to the east, toward the unseen lands of Arithon beyond the River Aria. Arithon now held domain over lands that had once belonged to Tarlachia, those lands now a permanent landscape of hellish wastelands. You got what you wanted, you son of a bitch. she thought of the demon lord, a slight scowl on her face.

A distant whistle, clear to her came from the city, causing her to turn and watch as a distant figure waved at her, then struck a staff on the ground in front of them. Instantly a second later, a spiral construct of arcane energy appeared before her, and a voice filtered through. "My lady, we've received notice that Shalamar of Cat's Keep desires personal consult with you."

Aeris smiled as she heard the name of the woman, "I'll be there in a moment." she replied, watching as the arcane construct shimmered from sight. Taking a look around at the vast grasslands, she inhaled the earthy scent and turned back to the city. As she walked casually forward, a portal appeared in her path, and she stepped through as if it were nothing more than a simple doorway. A brief moment in between worlds, and she appeared within the main hall of the reconstructed Halls of Light.

Instantly, her attention was drawn to a single figure standing nearby, conversing with Tarlachian aides. She approached with calm demeanor and a polite smile. "Welcome to Turath."

The visitor turned at once and smiled politely in return, bowing to her status. "Empress. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Dr. Daveed Roth, here on behalf of Lady Shalamar. I bear a letter from her for you."

"Then you are most welcome here in my Halls, Doctor Roth." Aeris replied as she accepted the letter and opened it immediately. She scanned the handwriting and looked up once finished. "An invitation? I wonder what for?"

The doctor looked directly at her, "That is for you to find out, my lady."

Aeris thought on this for a moment, then spoke louder than usual, "Toreli." Instantly, as if appearing from the shadows, a young elven girl came quickly, bowing respectfully. Aeris looked at her, "Inform my council I will be gone for a few days at most. They'll know what to do."

"Yes my lady." Toreli replied, casting her green eyes upon the doctor for a brief moment, inspecting him in full before turning and departing as quickly and as silently as she had come.

Aeris nodded to the doctor. "When?"

The doctor smiled, "Now, if you wish." He received a nod after watching the empress merely glance down at her clothing. It rippled suddenly as if blown by the wind and changed to that of a white, full length form fitting dress. Her shoulders were bare, the fabrics sweeping upward from her bosom to encircle her neck.

He looked back at her face once more, "Then, we shall step there."

Aeris accepted the proposal and held her hand out to his. "Lead the way."

Daveed (http://www.atddm.com/dar.htm) smiled down at the Empress, his laugh lines deepening and tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. "At your command." He replied at Stepped, a shifting though alternate realities that was to those with the ability to do so was simply opening a door between rooms. Even if those 'rooms' were thousands, even thousands of light years apart. And Stepping though too no more time than crossing a conventional threshold.

The tall Laranzu- he stood fully six foot ten inches, but was so perfectly proportioned that he did not seem as tall as he was - and his guest took one breath in the spring scented air of Turath and the next of air still crips and even a touch chill -for their destination was located deep in the Lossefanyar Athan Snow beyond the Sky, a massive mountain system that rivaled the better known Himalayas in breath and heights.

The valley that was home to Cats Keep was warmer, and the air denser than one might expect, but the Lady of Cats Keep liked her comfort as much as she did her privacy and her abilities granted her both. Cats Keep's hidden location just added to the security and privacy. Wild flowers bloomed in riotous profussion, and the sounds of foals at play carried from the lushly grassed paddocks where they jostled about under the eatchful eyes of their mothers.

"However I think there is some one who'd like to spend a little time with you first." Daveed bowed over Aeris's hand and Stepped again, vanishing in the blink of an eye.

"I've missed you." The voice was very familiar though Aeris hadn't heard it in nearly two years, since the night she'd nearly killed it's owner. HRH the Crown Prince of Tanaara, Robert Ryan Fortier -Hexx stood in the shade of a towering oak, a transplant to the valley, one of hundreds of seedlings brought to the once nearly barren valley by Shalamar years ago.

He looked older than his now twenty years. Her inquerries into his health and where abouts had been answered evaseively by his mother, Queen Mercedez.

Mercy sat in Shalamar's spacious sun room, enjoying the tranquility of the valley and the delicate aroma of spearmint tea. The two women, so different from one another, had sat in companionable silence for nearly an hour before Shalamar spoke, and with her usual bluntness. "Are you sure that you and Raven suit? He's not human, and you can't mistake him for such."

"It doesn't matter to me. Perhaps that very fact is what makes us so good together. He's the first man since Robert who makes me feel like I'm just only and solely Mercy. But he never forgets either that I am Queen, and a working monarch at that. He's a working noble himself and his holdings are far vaster than just one planet side nation." Mercy smiled softly at the thought of Raven, Duke Izanami of the Tanaran Empire. Then she sighed and tucked a silky soft lock of golden blonde hair behind an ear. "However there is the more than likely chance he'll be the next Emperor. Kaylinde ande Hans are about two hairs from just up and abdicating, and neither their Raven " She spoke of Kaylinde's and Han's much loved son who also bore the same name." Or Michiko's Race have any interest in ruling, so when they call for the standings it will, in most all likelyhood, go to Raven. And if so I'll pass the crown to Rob. He's been raised to it, and I think the confirmation election would overwhelmingly support him. He's been very publicly active in the rebuilding and relocation effort."

Shalamar nodded "He's spent over ten years, cumulative, in Shadow training with the Cadre and it shows, even if people don't recognise why ther're responding to him. Ands despite being half Imitoran he won't take any shit off of them." Shalamar frowned. "I don't like it Mercy, I don't like it one bit. I've never minded meddling but I think we went a bit too far."

Mercy knew exactly what the older woman - older by nearly twelve thousand years - was speaking of. "We had to Shal. Otherwise she would have toasted the island." Though she too frowned and setting aside her tea cup rose to pace the dark rose granite floor of the sunroom, her comfortable jade green gown, with it's elvin embroidery and tailoring, flowing like water about her body.

Shalamar nodded, though her frown didn't ease. She knew exactly what Charlene Firwalker was capable of doing. And producing a heat strike that would rival the surface of the sun for temperature... It would have put her in a coma and perhaps even killed her - but that would be poor consolation to the billions dead in Imitora. She sighed deeply. There had been nothing else they could have done. Young women in love aren't prone to be reasonable when the one they loved was unjustly incarcerated with little chance of ever being a frre man again. "I know bit I don't have to like it, and the barriers are going to eventually breeak down. She'll either suicide or ..." Shalamar's voice trailed off. Some of the potential out comes were too unpleasant to contemplate.

Shalamar didn't much like Imitorans, and the feeling was probably returned. Letting Charli loose on them would have been well deserved retribution for the island nation's governments actions.

Mercy changed the subject and drew her friends thoughts away from that which could not be fixed, not without an unacceptable degree of pushing into another nations internal business.

"Do you think Aeris will be ameniable?" Mercy wasn't usually this open a worrier, but she was going to propose an openness between soverign nations that was not usually found without the involved nations uniting.

Shal snorted and briskly refilled Mercy's tea cup "Look Tanaara has only checked passports during times of war, your border crossings are more to have station houses for your mountain ranger patrols, and what tarrifs that still exist are not directed at Tarlachia. And my contribution will make her feel a lot better about the wastelands border."

Aeris's face turned from a neutral look to that of one pleased to encounter another whom she cared greatly about. Spinning about, she smiled broadly and quickly took the Crown Prince in an embrace. She held him, just happy to know he was here.

When she parted, she stepped back and looked up at him, studying his face in silence. "I'm so glad you're all right. I tried to talk to you, even to just inquire as to your well-being, but your mother obviously wasn't going to give me what I wished. I can't blame her though. You almost did die..."

She furrowed her brow a moment, studying the prince's face. She moved closer and brought a hand up to his cheek, turning it to the side a moment. "You've changed. Older. Wiser. More confident." She turned his face back gently before releasing him. She stared into his eyes, using no magic to penetrate his mind. It soon became apparent anyway. She inhaled slightly, "You've experienced loss." She tilted her head, her gaze still locked with his. "Not just any loss, loss of a companion, no, several companions. Brothers?" At last, she nodded in understanding, "No you've gone through at least one battle."

Compassion filled her eyes as she caressed his cheek once more, "I know the pain you feel." she whispered, before her hand slid down and fell back down to her side.

Looking down at the earth beneath her feet, she thought to herself for a time. Looking up, she caught him looking past her, surveying the landscape with wariness, caution. Curse of veterans. she thought to herself.

At last, she smiled warmly at him, the carefree behavior returning to her persona. "Come with me. I'm supposed to meet Shalamar for a meeting. I'd like it if you were there with me."

Rob had returned the embrace, hugging Aeris to him tightly, but all the while his eyes scanned the lay of the valley, his well honed and augumented senses missing nothing.

He let her turn his face this way and that, revelling in the sensation of her soft hands upon him. When she spoke of loss - for there is never battle without the ultimate sacrifice - he nodded still un speaking. He didn't need to, she knew full well the cost of war.

While she looked down, silent for a long moment, he tore his eyes from her, a hard, hard thing to do. But he did, and once more swept the landscape. Then she looked up and spoke about the meeting with Shalamar and he grinned his old rakish grin. His eyes locked with hers, she was the sole object of his focus...

"Oh Shalamar can wait." He swept her to him, gently but undeniably, and his lips were hungry for hers. As the kiss deepened Aeris became aware of his augumented strength, far greater than a human should have but under complete control. He held her tenderly, reverently even, but the passion in his kiss spoke of his true feelings.

When finally the kiss ended he looked at Aeris, his smile whicked and knowing "Still want to go have a hen fest with a bunch of old ladies?"

"And I know the real reason you're fretting." Shalamar said shrewdly as she watched Mercy continute to pace, ignoring the freshly poured cup of tea. " or should I say both reasons you are fretting."

Mercy spun about, her skirts flareing out, her storm blue eyes crackling with anger, which faded as she took a deep breath and slolwy let it out. "Yes I'm pregnant, and yes I'm worried sick about Rob going back. He's adamant about being part of the 'final push' as he puts it and whike it may be but five weeks or so here, if their timetable goes as scheduled, but five years there. And he could so easily die."

"It's hard letting go isn't it? It has always seemed to me that one never stops being a mother." Shalamar had never raised human children She always maintained that she hadn't the temperment for it. Her horses and cats were her children and she had always known that even had she but a purely human lifespan she'd outlive them.

She'd learned to love, and let go a long, long time ago, and believed like Lazarus Long, that one can never stop loving just because you will outlive those you love - equine, feline and human alike. Though currently she was between relationships. The utter betrayal of Cats Keep and her by Corwin had hurt her badly, more than she admitted to even herself. She wasn't ready to risk such hurt again any time soon.

"You ought to go spend a few weeks in Shadow yourself." Shalamar suggested as she reached out with her abilities and scanned Mercy. That Mercy hadn't given her permission mattered not a whit to her. "Fraternal twins, male and female. Free of genetic defects and healthy." She held up a hand deflecting Mercys glare.

"Yes I am a snoopy old witch. Yes nosey, yes old and yes I'm wiccan" Shalamar spoke so tartly that Mercy could not sustain her glare of outrage.

Mercy shook her head, laughing, and settled back down in her chair. "Maybe I will, but I do wonder whats become of Aeris and Daveed. I hope she wasn't too busy to come"

Shalamar knew full where Aeris was and who she was with, but she didn't hink that Mercy needed to know. "I'm sure it's just a brief delay. It's not like this has to be signed, sealed and delivered in the next hour."

The kiss was indeed powerful in its own right and once it had ended, she frowned in slight disappointment. She had missed his lips, and his scent, and the kiss had well awakened that long buried desire she held for him.

"Still want to go have a hen fest with a bunch of old ladies?"

His grin was smug, one that Aeris returned with her own. Giggling slightly, she shook her head negatively before encircling his hand with hers. She brought it up to inspect the veins and muscles in his forearm, noting the strength he held in his fingers. She recalled the embrace shared only moments ago, and recalled the feeling of safety she felt.

It was a feeling she had not felt in a very, very long time.

Looking back up at him, she raised an eyebrow, "Are you tempting fate by being with me? I might hurt you again..." She slipped her face into that of a slight worry, "And I'd hate to do that. Besides, your mother swore she'd kill me this time around."

Turning, the two of them began walking down a barely distinguishable path. She looked away into the valley, her elven eyes picking out the movements of a squirrel on the other side of the valley, leaping between branches with another squirrel. "And, I can't hide from her empire for long. Tanara has a far greater pool of resources to use to hunt someone down than Tarlachia does to hide."

Rob threw back his head and laughed at her worry that she might hurt him. "Aeris, my lady love, I'm not as I was. My fathers genetics have not only woken up, but I sought the best the Empire had to offer in the way of ehnacements and augmentations. " He kissed her hand that held his and eased his hand loose. Then he swooped her up, his hands on her hips and tossed her up, Aeris flying a good twenty feet in the air before falling back. Rob caught her in his arms with no effort, holding her lightly as a piece of down. "Your weight is nothing and a full strength attack from you would scarce harm me."

However what ever he had been in battle against obviously could. Aeris could see the fine traceries of well healed scars. Scars that at time of their infliction would have been massive and potentially cost him the arms they ran down. However she had seen enought of the Empires healing to know he'd been quickly in the hands of their best physicians and healers.

"But I wish to take you " He paused slightly and she knew he had deliberately laden that phrase with double meanings "out to a fine dinner, then dancing and then to a secluded glade..."

Flung into the air like nothing more than a doll, Aeris instinctively sought to right herself before she willed away that desire, trusting her fall to his arms, and finding it true. She looked into his eyes, listening as he informed her of his upgrades, bringing a small smile to her lips. "You sound like a computer of sorts. All these upgrades."

Then, her face grew serious as she matched her expression with her tone. "That night, you've only seen a very small part of my strength. That was only my physical strength, mind you. You would be wise to not fall in the way of my full strength one day. Despite your upgrades, it is quite possible that I can kill you still."

Then, her expression grew lighter again, the subtle message intermingled with his spoken words well caught. "Dinner, dancing, and privacy, oh my..." she replied with a knowing, loving smile. "You're going to have to do more than just apply your charm, you know." She let her eyes harden slightly, the message well received by him.

Indicating that he should let her stand once more, she waited until he complied before reaching up with both hands and encircling his neck, pulling him close for another passionate kiss. When they parted, she met their foreheads. "We shall do that then. However, I have to meet with Shalamar now. My duties command my attention now. I know she's expecting me."

Her eyebrows rose upward as she stared into his eyes, "All right?"

Oh Aeris I know that I am not even part angel, and can not stand against all of your abilities." He laughed, unphased by the differences between them.

"My charm is not that undeniable, Aeris, that I well know, and am glad of it. Too much charm is as damanging to the owner of it as those it is turn on."

He reveled in the kiss they shared and sighed slightly when it ended. He wanted to sweep her up and spirit her away but he knew that she would not appreciate that. They both had duties that often claimed first priority in their lives. However he had learned that letting duty always come first wasn't healthy.

He met her eyes and nodded solemnly. That seriousness lasted until he dropped a kiss on her nose and he smiled dow at her "I shall pick you up tonight, after sunset. Now do you really want me to go with you? If so lead the way."

"Yes," she replied instantly while looking up at him, "Come with me." Her arm reached out and snaked into the crook of his own. In silence they walked back together, only parting arms as they entered the front doors of Shalamar's residence, and made their way to the sound of voices coming from the sun room.

Standing in the doorway to the parlor, Aeris looked unto the two women conversing with each other, a slight smile on her face as she saw that they were quite at ease with one another. She cleared her throat and entered the sun room.

"Mae govannen Mercedez, Shalamar. How nice to see you two again!" she greeted as she halted before them. "My apologies for not coming right away. I was tied up."

Mercy gave the couple a close look and raised an eyebrow for a second, then smiled. Once inside the sprawling house Rob had taken advantage of the unusually wide hall ways to walk beside Aeris, his arm about her trim waist.

"Good morning Aeris, Rob. I wasn't expecting to see you here." She cocked her head at her son, taking in his unrepenetent grin.

Shalamar ignored the interplay between mother and son and thanked Aeris for coming "It's been awhile since we've visited, and well..."

"Mother I said I'd be taking care of something of great importance, and I have been." Rob stated truthfully as he seated Aeris on one of the comforably padded wicker couches and sat down next to her.

Shalamar offered then both tea. "This is more than just a friendly gathering though Aeris. Mercy and I want to waylay you with a proposal of the greatest importance."

"Mother I said I'd be taking care of something of great importance, and I have been."

Aeris's eyes instantly widened as she turned slightly to look at him. Great job at being subtle about it. she chastised him silently before turning and seating herself on the wicker couch and listening as Shalamar spoke to her.

"This is more than just a friendly gathering though Aeris. Mercy and I want to waylay you with a proposal of the greatest importance."

Aeris nodded in understanding, though unsure as to what would require them to meet in person for more than just a meeting of old friends. She held a hand up while simultaneously holding a teacup in the other hand. "If it's in regards to our recent trouble securing humanitarian funds for the rest of the refugees, I do not wish to have Tarlachia owe a greater debt to Tanara or Cat's Keep than is already owed. We will manage just fine. It will just take some reworking of our budgets."

What is between you and I is of greatest importance to me. And I hope of at least some small importance to you." His reply was barely a whisper in her mind and his eyes, as they held hers, were completely serious.'

"You don't owe either of us or our nations, Aeris, nor does Tarlachia. This will be communicated officially government to government within a day or two." She paused to let that sink in, the forgiving of war debts was not common.

"We all three know who wields the power in each of our respective nations." Mercy said firmly "Excluding my heir here, it is the three of us. And I have a proposal that I want to make directly, without a bunch of folderol and diplomatic negotiations."

She frowned slightly and admitted "Well, we all know there will have to be some of that, but I felt if we could work out the basics now ,the ruffles and flourishes could be added by those that enjoy such nonsense."

"I want our three nations to be formal allies, with no barriers to trade and travel. Most Favored Nation status and yet more. No passports, save for showing an identification card. No tarrifs, no protective pricing and import export restrictions." Their nations never had really competed in the arenas that traditionally produced governmental protectionism.

"Any of your citizens who wish to receive an education from at Tanaaran universities will have the same entrance requirements, and the same tuition as residents of Tanaara. Any of your citizens who wish to seek treatment at our medical centers will receive the same levels of treatment as our residents do."

Mercy had carefully chosen her words, for a resident of Tanaara and a citizen of Tanaara were not one and the same. But residents who were not citizens still received preferential treatment and lower rates than those who were resident aliens or just visitors.

She went on with her proposal, offering to make available to Tarlachia some of the latest technology from the Empire. Break-throughs that no one on Earth, save the daughter nation of the Empire, had been yet privy too.

Suggesting that Tanaara and Tarlachia work together in modifying the deep space habitats that Tarlachia's decimated population had sheltered in during the recent war into off planet manufacturing facilities and agriculture depots. "No worrying about drought or blight to affect crops. No worrying about factories producing pollutants." Mercy added, pausing to let Aeris think for a bit, over the proposal.

Aeris could hardly contain the surprise that crossed her face as the list of benefits grew longer by the minute. Setting the tea down on the saucer, she continued listening more intently, carefully thinking over everything being said. It was a big risk for Tarlachia or even either of the two other nations in question. It was a risk of trust, and of vulnerability.

For several minutes Aeris sat in silence, now having sat back to rest her back against the soft cushions. She could feel the eyes of all on her, and was subconsciously annoyed by this. However, she pushed that aside. It was a decision that was not to be taken lightly and she knew that they would all hang onto each word she said in reply very carefully. When she did speak at last, she did so with a sure tone and direct eye contact with the other two women.

"Tarlachia shall accept this rather generous proposal. I cannot see anything that would harm Tarlachia or its citizens with the execution of this formal alliance. Granted, while the Tanaran empire indeed holds the trump card in technological ventures, and Cat's Keep holds sway in Shadow practices, Tarlachia itself can offer her finest in arcane technology, a field that even Tanara could use some help in. Tarlachia can also offer its own medical advancements. Tanaaran residents will have the same level of rights and benefits as is offered to Tarlachians."

She fell silent to catch her breath and gather more thoughts together. "I think I don't need to state this, but I will for the sake of posterity. Our alliance means full assistance if necessary in future conflicts within our nations and empires, or in conflicts with outside governments or forces."

Once again, she fell silent, but this time was looking at Mercy thoughtfully. She licked her lips and brought her hands together to clasp them casually. She studied Mercy's gaze, noting differing emotions that betrayed themselves to her inspection. "There's one other thing I must ask." she began, giving a quick glance to Shalamar in the process, "Something on a personal level. I need your forgiveness, Mercy."

Silence filled the space between them, yet Aeris was not finished. "And...I'd like to have your approval as a friend and as his mother." She reached next to her and picked up Rob Ryan's hand, holding it tightly. "I've tried to deny the feelings, the emotions in favor of ruling Tarlachia, but I cannot deny my heart. Each day passes and I feel like I'm dying inside a little bit."

Her eyes broke contact with Mercy and looked to Rob Ryan, "And I realized earlier that I've been dying a little bit each day from the very beginning and didn't realize it until now."

Her gaze remained locked with Rob Ryan's for another moment before it looked back at Mercy. "It's in your hands now." she said at last before falling silent.

'My forgiveness?'Mercy thought bewhilderedly for a moment, then she shook her head as she realized what Aeris was refering to. In a swirl of heavy skirts she stood and moved over to Aeris. Tugging her to her feet she hugged her. "Oh no! You do not need my forgiveness, I need yours! I was being a perfect beast of a mother, and 'tis I who owe you an apology for letting you bear such a heavy burden."

Rob stodd and enveloped both of the women in a tight embrace. "Now this I need to do more often, not save it for special occassions." He smiled down at the two so very special ladies in his life.

Mercy smiled up at him and her breath caught in her throat at how much she saw of Robert Francis Fortier in him. 'Oh, Rob, you would be so proud of the man your son has become. I can never forgive myself for not letting you know of him. I wish you could see him. I think you'd be happy at the way I've raised him, I think I've done a good job, I hope I have...' Her mental voice trailed away as she thought for a moment on her life now. 'I've never once regretted having your child even though there could never have been an 'us'. I love you Rob, and always will, in the depths of my heart. I think you'd like Raven. He's much like you but oh so very different. Rest well Rob, until you come round again.'

Her heart sad yet light she spoke aloud looking at Aeris. "I never had parents for some one to ask permission of, but I like to think that they'd say what I'm about to. Aeris, you have no need of my approval, nor does Rob. You are both adults and capable of knowing your own hearts and wishes. But I give it anyway. Be happy, work hard on your 'us' and if you ever need some one to be a hearing ear, you know how to find me and I will always have time for you." She looked back up at Rob. "And that goes for you as well.. I'll do my damnedest to never play favorites."

The retired couple that had fostered the unwanted orphan had been wonderful and loving but they had never pretened to be parents, instead being friends and mentors to the then frail and sickly child that Mercy had been. She thought of them for a moment as she looked at her son and his love and knew they'd be happy for hers and their happiness. Tanaaran's could be a cold and calculating people especially around outsiders, but they were far and away their best when happily among family and they could be themselves.

Shalamar smiled briefly at the touching tableau the trio made but knew that there were other things that had to be hashed out among the three nations.

With a not very muffled "harrummp!" She grinned as the three stepped apart, Mercy returning to her chair and Rob reseating Aeris but not letting of her hand.

Mercy's openness for forgiving Aeris was surprising to say the least, but entirely welcomed. Aeris could almost feel the weight lifting from her soul, and she breathed freely from the self-inflicted burden for the first time in years. Happiness was in her eyes as she sat down again.

Looking over at Shalamar, she nodded, "My apologies. I should have held that until the end. Shall we continue?"

She leaned back, her hand clenching Rob Ryan's own tenderly, her fingers stroking his. She could feel the minuscule hairs on his hand brushing lightly against her touch. His veins pushed up from the top of his hand, subtle, yet still noticeable. She could feel callouses on the inside of his palm, and knew that they were from hard work in the field.

A glance to Mercy whom now had returned to her seat and sipping her tea once more. Her eyes met Aeris, and she received a smile.

"No you shouldn't have waited." Shalamar replied tartly but with a warm smile of her own. "Now I'm letting Mercy take the lead in all this as we have already discussed this extensively between the two of us and hammered out any differences between our two nations. Though Cats Keep can scarely be called a nation."

Cats Keep's population numbered scarely fifty thousand, all but a insignificant handful, having been refugees from destroyed nations but a few months agoi. Though in truth the true nativews while scarecely a thousand in number were not insignificant in the least. They were the original inhabitants of the Shadow Realm that was known as Cats Keep, and a number were nearfly as old, and nearly as powerful as Shalamar herself. They had already created a completely functioning Tower, and the 'overworld' - that psuedo reality - manifestatioon of the psionic - seethed with enhergies as they worked tirelessly to finish the semi subterranian arcology that had been designed and created to rehome the refugees that had bee selected.

Every refugee with more than the most minimal of Talent, and willing to swear oath to Cats Keep had been brought to the snug valley.

"Population size alone does not determine how powerful a nation is." Mercy contradicted with a smile. "And of course full defense and protection, and all Itelligence shared."

Mercy turned to legal matters. "It's generally standard that such things as full extradition to criminals appliies. Standard handling of broken laws with the understanding that while ignorance of the law is no excuse, the judges take non resident into account on misdemenaor crimes? And what about the many forms of personal union that Tanaarans have. Will they be honored in Tarlachia? " Now she was speaking of the many, and in some countries completely illegal, forms of 'marriage' that Tanaarans practised.

She didn't think that would be a problem, but she had to have such laid out as Tanaaran laws and customs were not 'the usual" in many aspects

Aeris nodded in regards to the criminal extraditions. "Criminals will be tried under Tarlachian law if they commit crimes on Tarlachian soil, no matter how minor. Those that visit Tarlachia must respect her laws, and failure to do so will render them subject to full criminal prosecution and sentencing. After they have served their sentences, they are free to be extradited to your respective nations."

She looked between them and shook her head, "I'm sorry, but my government takes a very strong stance on law enforcement. If we don't prosecute those that violate Tarlachian law knowingly to the fullest extent of the law as we do for any Tarlachians, then this leaves us with a potential influx of criminals who think they'll be able to get away with it. However, if they truly are unaware of their misdemeanors, they will be considered on an individual basis."

Taking a moment to sip some of the tea, she continued a moment later, "Marriage unions, in whatever form are considered the personal nature of those involved. It is not our business to ensure relationships are kept in line with our beliefs. However, visitors and resident aliens must follow Tarlachian law regarding marriage if they wish to marry within Tarlachian jurisdiction. We are a nation that supports monogamous marriages for the most part. However, upon providing proper documentation of marriage in one of your nations, they will be allowed to live under the regulations of marriage on Tarlachian soil for as long as they keep their identifications up-to-date, and they do not apply for Tarlachian citizenship. Once under Tarlachian citizenship, they must abide by Tarlachian law and previous marriages must be dissolved, or the case appealed for special consideration. Our courts are very strict however. Very few are approved to continue their marriages as they have prior to their citizenship. Individuals must remain in the country for ten years before applying for citizenship. Any of their offspring born during this ten year period are to be considered in every respect, fully Tarlachian. I'm also sure you're aware that the potential for dual-citizenship status is also an option."

Aeris simply gave an apologetic look to the two women, "These laws have been in place long before I have been in power, and have served us well." Another thought came to mind as she spoke, "Regarding aliens who wish to work in Tarlachia, they will also be subject to Tarlachian law regarding taxes and the like. However, we do have some benefits set aside for those aliens with this. Work permit extensions for the length of their tenure, amongst other things."

Looking between them, she nodded, "I think that covers things so far. After you inform me of each of your nation's laws and practices, is there anything else you'd like to discuss?"

Mercy and Shalamar grinned at Aeris's request for their countries laws. Shalamr pi9cked up a sheaf of papers. "Here's where ours differs from yours. Tanaara's in green, mine in blue and yours in black. With 'touchy subjects" highlighted in yellow."

Public nudity -legal in both Cats Keep and Tanaara. Sexual orientation - no bodys business but the individuals and other consenting adults. Religion, again, not the governemnts concern, no exemption from taxes, ones concerns but preaching in public and prostelysing forbidden. Human and animal sacrifice forbidden. Rape and childe abuse- death penality crimes.
Dueling - legal. Slavery - closely regulated, primarily penal slavery and debt bondgae. What consenting adults do in the privacy of their own property is their own business. Citizen status, and with right to vote and own certain types of property, own certain types of weapons, and hold certain positions within the government - must be earned by Federal service - not necessarily military service. Mandatory education through age sixteen. Citizens pay no income taxes, resident aliens and non citizen residents do.

Mercy looked at Aeris after the Empress had studied the list for a time. "Do you see any difficulties?"

Aeris nodded after a moment, "The public nudity. I assume you have some regulations in place regarding such in the presence of certain individuals, such as children? While legal in your nations, it is illegal in Tarlachia. I would advise you post warnings to international travelers regarding such, amongst other things." She looked down at the papers in hand, "Also, you say no exemption from taxes, yet give citizens a benefit of no income-tax. A little contradictory, don't you think?" She raised an eyebrow in amusement.

It was clear she had more to say, and she did speak after another few moments, "Slavery in your definitions are pretty much the same that is used in Tarlachia. Dueling is also legal and deaths from such are considered at participants risk. Spectators' deaths; innocents that is, are investigated and prosecuted as necessary."

Her finger moved down the sheet of paper to the next topic, "Military service is mandatory for citizens for a minimum of five years, to be served anytime between the ages of 18 and 30. Immortals are adhered to a specific age range as it pertains to their race. Further service after that is at the individual's discretion. Foreigners-turned-citizen older than 30 are to check with their local precinct office for a physical and psychological screening to determine eligibility of service." Aeris looked up at the two of them, "It is likely that the laws concerning military service will change in the not-too-distant future as the circumstances which spawned their existence, are no longer around. If it does change, it will change to an all-volunteer process. It probably will gain steam in Parliament when reconstruction projects and refugee projects are completed."

"Ownership of weapons are the rights of citizens and resident aliens after a six month period of training, screening, and background check. Weaponry passed down through family members are an exception on the premise that elders properly teach recipients proper use, respect for others, and sound judgment. Violations of this will incur a revoke of weapon ownership until satisfactory results are obtained in re-qualifications. International travelers must possess proper papers regarding legal ownership of weaponry from your nations without fear of seizure by Tarlachian officials."

Setting the papers down, she smiled at the two of them, "That is all that I feel may be a difference between our nations. As far as I can tell, this wraps up the last of issues regarding legal differences between our nations. Everything else is either the same, or quite similar enough to not truly matter."

Mercy and Shal both shook their heads at Aeris's comment about restrictions on nudity. "Nope, no restrictions oh where, how and infront of whom on nudity. I think we all need to post warnings." Mercy commented.

Common sense kept most of those in Cats Keep clothed when outside, it could get artic colde in the winter and the summer's nights were often chill. In Tanaara it was custom that you dressed for business, for formal occassions, and certain jobs required clothes for health and safety reasons, .but other than that it was completely optiona, and acceptable in their society.

"Citizens have eearned their citizenship, and thus are ezxempt from income taxes, while those who choose not to earn citizenship, or are resident aliens are subject to a flat rate income tax. " Mercy replied seeing no contradiction in that at all.

Tanaarans did federal for a minimum of five years and had annual responsibilities after that for life. And with the Tanaran Empires Prolong drugs and treatments becoming readily available, the life spans of Tanaarans were increasing amazingly. There was already talk of increasing the time of service, and allowing that length to be split in half.

Even she, who had not recieved what was called First Generation Prolong until her forties, could now live to be two hundred or so, healthy and cognizant, with no mental imparement. Rob Ryan who had recieved the most recent advancement, what was called Third Generation Prolong, might live six or seven hundred years, if not more - though this was due in part to the amazing genetics he had inherited from his father. I wonder how old Robert really was when we met. He looked no older than I and he never spoke of his family to me. Momentarily her anger over his death, and the deaths of other Fortiers at the hands of Imitora's government flared white hot and she wished, just a little, for Charli's abilities.'Oh to be able to dispense justice!' A part of her whispered before she forced it down and turned her thoughts to the matters at hand.

"Ownership and carrying of weapons we didn't think would be a point of contention." Shalamar said in answer to Aeri's laying out of the situation in Tarlachia "Ours are very similar, save that in Tanaara every citizen is required to own certain weapons and maintain proficiency with them. Residents are allowed to own and carry with standards exactly like yous save that on inherited wweapons they still must prove qualified." Mercy commented.

"Now on to other things. How would you like a completely free - we would just have to pay to have the infrastructure installed - mag lev high speed train system. Michiko has found out that the Tanara is going to 'portals on one of their daughter world and they just finished installing a nice mag lev system they won't need any more. We'd just have to provide the power and of course the stations and concourses. But they have several tens of thousands of miles of track, the pylons - it is an elevated system, the cars, both passenger and freigth, and utterly no need for them. They'll even bring it to us." Mercy offered.

Shalamar looked out the wide windows at the mountains "Well elevated it may be but you're still going to have to tunnel through the mountains. How about, in exchange for a spur running to my new arcology, I'll have the Tower create and shape the tunnels. No blasting, no drilling, no tectonic shifting or faulting, and what we slag out will be very useable as building materials."

A leaf of paper was held out to Aeris detailing the maglev train's statistics and complete with a picture. She looked it over while thinking. "We have long since been using portals for those who are gifted to create such that are strong enough to cover vast distances. For those not gifted or strong enough, we have a scattering of portal stations around the nation. However, we do sometimes get cases of those who are unused to the effects that portals sometimes give, especially in incidents of turbulent weather, galactic conditions, not to mention the shock it sometimes give people when they fully realize that in a process of only stepping through a portal, they literally moved over a distance such as a thousand miles in seconds time."

She held the paper up for a moment, "I like this idea, and it might appeal to those who are fearful to use portals or simply don't like them."

She gave a wry smile, "Although, instead of having your Tower reshape the mountains, we could do a mixture of portals, tunnels and train systems. Make it appear no different than moving through a tunnel. Physical effects suffered, if any at all, could be blamed on magnetic forces that happen to be stronger in the presence of mountains, which is true in itself. I can order special teams to establish permanent portals for these systems in all our nations as well as set specific parameters about what can and cannot pass through the portals."

She looked at each of them, "That way, those that wish to pass into any of our nations via the tunnels, cannot do so in underground fashion if they have ill intentions against either nation or individuals within any nation. Saboteurs cannot destroy tunnels if there isn't much of a tunnel to destroy in the first place."

She continued after a moment, "Which brings me to my next thought. Security around the mag trains would have to be heightened, the pylons and tracks checked regularly for interference or hostile weaponry, explosives."

"It would be an expense that I'd already thought of, Aeris. Security would have to be equal to what is found at our Beanstalk, or at T.I.G." Mercy spoke of the Tanaaran InterGalactic starport , finished just a few years ago, about the same time the beanstlk had opened. "It will naturally be a target for the disaffected and for external enemies, but I know we can protec our side of it, and I am equally sure your people woiuld have no trouble intergrateing it into the security you use around your portals,"

"Howqever gbefore we think of linking trains that ravel at over four hundred and fifty miles per hour to Portals, I think we'd need appropriate surveys done. Aeris, why don't se set such up with tecnicians from the Empire, one of my psigeologists, and some of your Mages skilled in portal construction. I know at least part of the massif has some heavy magnatite formations, and that might mess up both the trains and the Portal." Shalamar suggested. "And as far as saboteurs going after the tunnels" Her smile was cold, and more than a little shark like. "They wouldn't live long." Shalamar had eyes and ears among the beings that lived deep within the mountains. Beings that prefered to shun the surface, and had generally no love for those that came from the surface. They made an exception for Shalamar and those now living in the still under construction arcology, for reasons known only to them.

"A good idea." Aeris intoned with a nod of her head, "We'll gather teams from each nation to work together for this project. They can figure out what needs to be done, what can be simply shifted aside, and so on."

Aeris looked over at Rob Ryan who had been quiet during their discussions. His eyes although maginally interested in the proceedings, showed great boredom. He had even begun to feel his eyelids drooping, threatening to take him away within the confines of his mind. She gave him a reassuring pat on the arm and a small smile.

She looked back to the women, "How are situations in your parts of the empire not of this world? We've been having a few rogue mercenaries and smugglers passing through our outposts, but it's nothing we're terribly worried about now. As soon as our work here on Earth is finished, the full might of Tarlachia's attention will be focused on its holdings throughout this galaxy."

Rob wasn't really bored, but he had sat in on all the preliminary discussions between his mother and ther Lady of Cats Keep. However while it may have been only two years here on Earth, he'd spent ten years in Shadow, and become a soldier, and like all good soldiers he'd learned to sleep when he could.

And right now sitting comfortably next to Aeris, her hand him his, and no need to stay alert he let his eyes close and just leace fill him. He reutrned her smile with a drousy one of his and bringing her hand to his lips gently kised the back of it. He was quite content to be exactly where he was.

Mercy nodded at Aeris spoke of turning the enegeries of Tarlachia off world. "The offer to aide in transforming those habitats your people lived in during hte war into manufacvturing and agrocultural depots still stands. We've had a fe raids by the demons that have been plaguing Blue Anthem, but nothing serious enough to mobilize anything more than the local forces." She replied happy that for the last two years nothing had been keeping her nation from steadily growing it's own presence in space.

"I've heard that along the south coast, near Imitora they've been having a real problem with old fashioned pirates." Shalamar mentioned.

That opened Rob's eyes

A nod gave indication that she understood the offer regarding the habitats.

"Pirates?" Aeris asked with a chuckle. "Old fashioned pirates? That'd be a sight to see!" Her face grew solemn for a moment though as she looked them in the eye.

"Honestly, with all the support Imitora has shown in the conference, I hardly think I want to even dispose valuable troops to defend Imitoran lands. Sure, Tarlachia owes them their gratitude for their assistance in the Dark War, but I doubt Imitora needs assistance in capturing a few idealistic pirates."

She looked at Rob for a moment, "Although, chances are, they'll just blast them out of the water without so much as a warning." She shook her head disapprovingly, "That would be in-character for them though. They wouldn't want to waste government resources on such petty matters."

"My use of the term, old fashioned pirates, is actually misleading" Shalamar chuckled. "They have apparently picked up no few relatively modern warships. No sails and black powder cannon. And their not picking on merchant shiiping , or at least not much. No they are going after pleasure yatch. You do realize that a 'standard' mega yatch can fet more than just a few million dollars, even after the expense of cleaning the blood up."

"Though the looks on the Imitoran's faces when they shot back might be interesting to see." Rob sat up straighter, but did not let go of Aeris's hand. "When you say 'relatively modern' what do you mean Lady Shalamar. Do you have any images?"

Shalamar concentrated. "These are the two sorts that have been seen most often." She said as first one image (http://www.atddm.com/fab1.jpg) then second image (http://www.atddm.com/fab2.jpg)

Rob studied them intently. "Both of those are thoroughly modern."

"Modern and well armed." Aeris corrected Rob as she tapped the photos and indicated toward the guns. "These almost look like military craft, thinly disguised as civilian ships."

She sighed, "Considering the location of the piracy you've mentioned, that's far from Tarlachia's waters, the closest distance being over three thousand miles away." She shook her head, "Until the piracy reaches into the bay and starts to pick at Tarlachian ships, we do nothing. Except for those that might be in the area that also belong to citizens or residents of either of your nations. However, you must understand, Tarlachia will not be a regional police state. It will mind its own affairs and international affairs that are important enough to pay heed to."

She looked back at the map spread out on the table, sliding her finger around the general area of concern, "The nations surrounding this area should provide their own forces if they want to see this ended. If they can't do so, then they can petition the international avenues for assistance."

She cocked her head at the women, "And so far, I've heard nothing beyond what you've told me today."

"I understand Aeris, and I wasn't suggesting that you, or we play police for the whole region, but if they have these." Shalamar shook her head. She had no coast line to waorry about. "But there are few nation in that area. Imitora, Caebhersiobh, and Grazhkjistan are the closest. And they will be the first to have to deal with the activities, but the passage to the inner sea could bge easily bottled up" She noted.

“That first one is a stretched version of Turkeys Marit fast attack boats, developed by Onuk shipyards for coastal and littoral operations.” Rob had searched his memory to bring up the naval operations data he’d studied “ If I remember correct the Turkish navy has about twenty five of them, and other nations along the Med use them as well. China has pirated a version and the Philippines operates a considerable number.” He recited from memory, seeing the textbook in his mind “Utilizing a V hull, they can accelerate to up to sixty four knots in calm water and maintain fifty knots at sea state three. The boat has a crew of four, can transport up to ten passengers or a mission payload of two tons, including sensors, weapons mounts and divers support equipment. It can be easily reconfigured to perform specific missions, including search and rescue, security and patrol – with weapons packages, including electro-optically directed stabilized gun and missile turrets, and special operations and divers support.”

Rob continued, concern well evident in his voice. “We use a variant of this, ourselves mother. We designed it for special operations, such as covert surveillance, long range covert insertion and recovery of special forces, anti-terrorist raids, interception and boarding of vessels, and interdiction of illegal marine activities. Ours has a low profile, and a specially protected keel to enable safe beaching, without damaging the hull. The boat has a redesigned rear section, can carry inflatable boats and can be operated as a "mini mother” ship, in support of naval commandos operations. “

“The second is a Kartal, also used by the Turkish Navy, but German built, and is armed with torpedoes as well as deck guns.” He looked at the ladies, and his tone was grim “If those are in the hands of pirates there is a serious problem. If they are blank flagged operatives of hostile nations we also a serious problem. If those are out there, what of larger larger ships operating with them?"

Shalamar shook her head "I've heard rumors that there are, but no positive confirmations or images."

Aeris let her expression harden as she looked at them, "Blocking the strait would be the last mistake they ever make. They will find myself, and those of other nations who use the strait to be highly displeased. Rest assured, that if they try such a foolish move, they will find the fury of my armies upon them."

Her expression grew lighter, almost as a mock, "And I'm sure you both are quite aware of what Tarlachia can dish out, and nor are we rusty from lack of warfare."

Her mind unwittingly brought forth memories of the Dark War, and in reaction, she lowered her head and dropped it into a waiting hand. The screams of the murdered crying for justice, the fields of bodies, demon and Tarlachian alike, the blood that coated the earth in a crimson haze, and the explosions that seemed to never have an ending. She trembled slightly as she sat there captivated by the memories before they faded as fast as they had come.

She shook her head as if to clear them further from her mind before looking back up at them. "I'm sorry, I need a break. Can we continue these discussions later?" Tears slid down her face as she spoke, betraying her mental stability even further.

Rob gathered Aeris into his arms, drawing her into his lap. He cradeled her to him and let her cry, his voice a soothing wordless murmur.

Mercy and Shalamar slipped quietly away, but not before each of hem laid a hand briefly on the Emperess's shoulder, sharing her grief and pain.

Nodding absently at the ladies as they left, Rob's attention was solely on her as he rocked her gently. "Don't worry love I can maneuver things so that the pirates get dealt with before theres any need for calling out armies. No more Tarlachians need die, no more love." His whisper was adamant.

Aeris merely nodded to Rob as she simply let her head rest on his shoulder, and the deep rumble of his voice echoing in her ear. "I'd like that." she whispered at last in reply. She scooped up his hand with hers, bringing it up to curl against her chest and his hand against her lips for a light kiss. Her hair, loose had curled around her neck closest to him.

Looking outward to the trees outside, she sighed. She knew she would never be parted of the link to the dead that she had, a curse and a blessing unto itself. It gave her the memories, and yet, if she dared, it gave her an immense strength borne to her by the sheer will of the departed. 'The Dead Wrath', she had called it once after experiencing it in its full strength against the demon hordes that had been swarming to attack her. Those allies nearby, had watched as an endless stream of spirits seemed to leave her body, swarming forth in angry swirls around each on-coming demon. The looks of fear upon creatures of darkness was almost a paradox, and yet they learned then the error of their ways. They learned that even the dead could strike back with all fury mustered.

"Let's go for a walk. Some fresh air will help." she suggested at last, lifting her head to look at Rob in the eyes. "Please?"

Still holding her he stood then carfully set her down, letting her stand on her own two feet. "As you wish Aeris." He leant over and burried his face in her loosened hair. "Mmmmmmmm you smell just wonderful." He murmured as he took a deep breath of her, enjoying the unique scent that was hers alone.

Then with a peaceful sigh Rob stepped back, though he didn't let go of her hand. He didn't hurry, but matched his stride to hers as the couple went out through one of the many double doors that opened on to the deck off of the sun room.

Shalamar's sprawling house sat on a mountain side, and over looked the valley that ran north and south. The sun room was on the south side to take in every drop of golden sunshine and gave an excellent view of one of the many streams that tumbled down the mountain in a series of dramatic water falls. The deck was broad and curved along the side of the house and here and there flights of stairs led doen to terraces and path ways.

"Would you like to walk along the deck, or for us to make our way down to the valley?" Rob asked, as he brushed an errant lock of hair from Aeris's cheek where a freshet of wind had tangled it with her eyelashes.

"The valley." Aeris replied immediately, leading the way down one path nearest her. She stopped for a moment, removing her elven shoes and holding them in hand as she allowed her feet to touch the earth, feeling its warmth and coolness with each step. She sensed that Rob remained a few steps back, and could feel his eyes upon her. Glancing back to him, she saw that he was studying her with a slight smirk upon his face. She simply shook her head and smiled in return as she turned her attention back to the path in front of her.

"Having fun?" she asked over her shoulder for a moment as she leapt lightly onto a moss covered rock near the swirling waters of the river. Another unnaturally balanced leap and she was on another rock over six feet away and alone in the river. Several more rocks were scattered about, but this one was large enough for her to sit upon and dangle her legs in the cool waters.

She looked up at Rob and giggled at his expression, "What? Surely you can leap to one of these rocks?"

"Without a problem. The problem is that I find myself completely blinded by your beauty." Rob's leaps did not have the otherworldly grace that Aeris's had but soon enough he was comfortably standing on the one nearest her. He had been unfazed by the fact that it's dome was slick with moss and spray from the rushing waters.

A blossom swirling down the streams waters caught his attention and quickly he scooped it up. Rob held it carefully, shaking the wild rose lightly to dash off the droplets of water clinging to the petals. He stretched over and offered it to Aeris. "It can not compete with you for sheer loveliness but it should do as a temproaray adornment."

"You speak dangerous words, you know." Aeris noted to Rob as she accepted the flora and twirled it in her fingers for a moment. She watched him adjust his footing, then seat himself on the rock. Only then did she reach up and tuck the flower amongst the strands of hair that curled around her slightly pointed ear.

"But thank you anyway." she continued, "it was sweet." She turned her attention back to the waters for a moment, allowing the river's voices to speak to her in its whispers and eloquations. It spoke to her in a language that only elves knew of, for its harmonious tones were taught by them. Peaceful drops we are, and yet our way is made. Through sand and rock, through earth and plant we move. Death remains afar, and life abounds with joy.

To Rob, the water's whispers would have a rather soothing allure, a soothing peace that spoke subconsciously to him. He would never know what the waters said, but he would somehow understand somewhere within his soul.

"The waters are content with us here." she informed him as she dipped a hand into the water and scooped some of it up into her palm. She studied its surface, and then with a mischievous smile, tossed it all toward Rob.

Rob's reaction was almost completely internal, the only outwards sign of ruthlessly disciplined reaction was the contraction of his pupils as he made himself sit and take the palm full of water across his face and shoulders. There was only one person in the universe that he would not have had to control a reaction towards and sadly Aeris was no longer that person. However she was the one he had given his heart to unreservedly years agos, and ths the combat honed responses never manifested where she could be aware of them.

His mother had thought that in the last two years he'd spent but a bare decade in Shadow, but she had been busy, too busy to realise that some of his field classes hadn't been exactly 'in the field' in Tanaara. He'd spent nearly fifteen years in Shadow, and the last five, from which he'd returned but three days ago, had been spent on the front, first as a noncom, then a junior officer, and just promoted again. Mercy would have been upset had she known. He was slated to go back in four days, though his mother hadn't yet been informed. He was avoiding that until he absolutely had too tell her. the various injuries he'd recieved was more information he'd not told his mother of, but fortunately most had been nothing more than minor.

Rob threw back his head and laughed, enjoying the feel of the chilly water across his cheeks. " Oh so you want to play wet?" With that he sprang back to his feet and before Aeris could react, leapt for her, wrapping his arms about her. Then he deliberately toppled the two of them into the crystaline waters of the river with a tremendous splach.

Shrieking in laughter, Aeris fell with Rob into the cold waters. Once underwater, she shoved away from him, diving downward to the river's bottom and allowing the current to propel her movements away from him. She glanced back as she exhaled some used air, and saw that he was some distance away, still unsure of where she had gone.

A smile crossed her face for a moment before she turned and lunged downward into the depths of the natural pool, slipping into the shadows of an overhang. She spied a trapped air bubble and thusly exhaled the remainder of the air in her lungs and moving toward it to inhale all if it.

Pushing herself downward deeper into the shadows, she clutched a rock and looked outward, waiting for Rob to come searching. She was an elf and as elves go, they had a naturally longer ability to remain underwater longer than humans. Such was their connection to the earth that they became adept in its many environments.

Rob stayed submerged, as Aeris wiggled free, his augumented eyesight taking but a fraction of a second to adjust to his watery envrionment. He had a feeling that Aeris had no idea how long he could stay under. The nanos that permiated every cell of his body, and particularly those in his lungs, would scavenge every oxygen molecule available.

He didn't bother to go searching for her though. His senoir noncom was an elf and Rob had learned how well elves could swim underwater. Instead he hoisted himself out of the river and shook himself off. Then he pulled a small cube from his pocket and with one thumb nail depressed a small indent even further. He set it some two dozen feet away from him and activated the commo that took up part of his laft wrist bracer. "Supply side, could I have some stuff 'shot down?"

He quickly listed off the items he wanted and signed off.

After some time, she realized that he was not coming, and further, her lungs were about to give completely. Pushing upward through the water, she broke surface and inhaled a fresh lungful of air. Rob had yet to see her, and so she dove under the water and swam upstream. She maneuvered stealthily around behind him, then planted her feet upon the river's bottom.

With a lunge, she shot upwards and reached out to yank him off the river's bank and pull him into the waters again. She caught his momentary surprised look before he instinctively braced himself for the water's impact.

She did not let go as she pulled him deeper into the river, then halted. Surfacing for air, she moved closer with a sly smile and wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist.

She kissed him softly, momentarily nibbling on his lower lip. She released his lip and pouted, "You didn't come after me."

"You'll say it's arrogance if I say I knew you'd come to me. So let me just say I trusted us to be together." Rob kissed her back, his arms tightening about her slender waist and supporting her weight.

"Besides I wanted to make sure that there were plenty of warm, dry towels for when we finally got out." One hand slid up to cradle the back of her head as he kissed her lips before laying a line of kisses over to one exquisite ear.

His tongue traced a path up to the sensitive pointed tip, before dropping back to nibble delicately on the velvety skin of her earlobe.

A low hum sounded from the river bank and the a faint whoosh of displaced air as a large cannister materialized atop the cube Rob had tossed out. "Ah, dry towels and dry clothes. Come lady of my heart lets get you out of these sopping wet things."

Turning instantly as the sound of the canister humming nearby, she instinctively slipped into a partial defensive mode. Rob might have noticed her tense at first, and almost have a sort of electrical energy about her, then relax as she noted no danger to either of them.

She gave Rob a nod, then released her body from him and swimming to the river's bank. In a moment she was standing beside the river, both arms wrapped around herself from the contrast of temperatures between the water and air. She waited until Rob emerged from the waters before approaching the canister and opening it. Inside, there was a slight heat coming from the items inside, an indication that the towels had indeed been warmed. A light laugh escaped her lips as she withdrew one of the towels and wrapped it around her slender form, tucking it into place.

She handed Rob his towel and then pulled out a dress with elven embroidery. She smiled again to herself. It was clear that someone had been paying attention to her favored styles. Looking up at Rob as she held the dress in one arm, she flashed him a pearly smile, then waited until he turned his attention to the canister for his own clothing. Her fingers undid the towel, letting it drop to her ankles. In seconds, the wet clothing was peeled off as well.

Slipping her arms through the bottom of the dress, she pulled it down over her body and settled it into place, glancing over at Rob once she was done. She caught his gaze and blushed in response. "My, you are bad." she mockingly scolded him with a wave of her finger.

"Oh no my lady, I am very good." Ryan had shucked his wet clothes with no modesty, he was Tanaaran after all. Leisurely he toweled off, far more interested in Aeris than getting redressed.

"After all not only did I provide dry clothes but a picknic basket as well." He pulled on a pair of jeans and buttoned them up. He handed her a thick soft blanket and picked the afore mentioned basket up. "What about atop that big boulder over there, or would you prefer that pile of pine needles?""

The boulder was about ten foot on a side and the top was some eight feet over their heads, while the pine needs piled in drifts uner the trees and were deeply shaded.

"These needles will suit just fine." Aeris decided aloud before moving toward them and throwing the blanket outward to settle down. She plopped down, curling her legs up beside her as she watched Rob put the basket down and seat himself.

She turned her attention upward as a gust of wind blew through the trees. Like the waters, they had their own voice. She smiled slightly at this. Aeris then rose and planted herself right in Rob's lap, knocking him down purposely. Atop him, she gave a Cheshire grin, then settled herself lengthwise along him. Her heart pounded strongly, her lips continuously kissing him. "We'll eat later." she whispered between kisses.

Her hand reached out blindly and pushed the basket away out of his reach with a small burst of energy. Her eyes met his, "I've a different hunger..."

"As do I " Rob murmured as his eyes darkened with passion, then his lips became too busy for mere talk. He stretcherd out completely to provide a more comfortable surface for Aeris to lay upon .Running fingertips lightly down the length of her spine he smiled inside as she trembled and moaned deep in her throat at his touch.

He broke form the kisses they were sharing "You have too many clothes on love for one so hungry. Shouldn't we really do something about them?" His voice teased as one hand glided down and found the hem of the gown she'd donned but a few minutes earlier. Gently he began working it upwards, baring first her ankles and calves, then it was above her knees...

Some time later..

Sweat beaded down Aeris's skin as she lay on her backside, and Rob next to her. A content smile was on her face as she looked skyward, her mind peaceful. She sighed softly, recalling the moments they had shared.

Rising to a sitting position, she reached out with a finger, pulling the basket closer at last with a tendril of energy. Opening it, she withdrew some food and held some out to Rob while biting into her own share.

From time to time, she kept looking back at him, giving a small smile, until at last she put the basket on the other side of her and nestled in close to him. Leaning against him, she resumed her meal in silence, choosing to let the tranquility of the location speak magnitudes of peace to them.

Rob could have lain curled up around Aeris for all eternity, but his stomach growled as she sat up enough to pull the basket close. "I could have gotten that love" he murmured as he nuzzed the back of her neck gently. He drew in a deep breath, his senses buzzing with the scent of their shared pleasure.

He took a ripe peach from the basket and absently bit in, his eyes never leaving Aeris's silken skinned form, sharing initmate smiles with her. Rob brought an arm about her as she leaned against him, his hand caressing her side and flank. Eventually he finished and tossed the pit deep into the trees. "You seem content, my love. Did I please you?"

Licking the remnants of any food on her fingers, Aeris replied, "If you hadn't, rest assured, you would have gotten hell from me." She twisted around to look at him, "But, you did." She kissed him briefly.

Shivering slightly as darkness crept over the edges of the mountains, she pulled his arm around her form, relishing in his warmth. She laid her head down on his arm, and twirled her free hand for a moment. The air around them stilled, and warmth enveloped them completely. A warmth that could almost be mistaken for a comforter of sorts, when in reality it was an dome that slowly faded away the surrounding landscape and left only the skies visible to them. None outside would know of their presence there, even if they looked directly at it no matter their level of expertise in detecting arcane elements around them. Such was the desire for privacy that Aeris wished at this time.

"I wish I could just stay here for as long as I wished." she whispered, feeling the nudging annoyance of duty calling to her thoughts. She shoved them away, determined to extract all comfort that she could from this time. Duty would wait. It already had taken nearly a thousand years without so much as a protest.

Her mind wandered back in time, back to the days when she was but an orphaned, dirty child in the streets of Emerald City, Assington. She remembered the kind man whom had eventually earned her trust, the man known as Zero, and later as Raphael. He was long gone now, having passed into the realm of the dead, and once again orphaning her. She reacted by applying herself to the duties she had as princess, and later, Empress of Tarlachia.

Now, she was wrapped in the comfort and security of her lover, and she did not want to leave. For the first time, she began to despise the duties that called for her attention. He'll have duties as well. she thought grudgingly to herself. I've got to let him go when it's time.

She closed her eyes softly as her thoughts returned to the happier moments shared earlier.

"I have no desore to face your wrath so I'm glad I proved to be an adept student" He grinned pleased at having pleased her, and dropped a playful kiss on her nose..

"Mmmmm I'm glad you can do that." Rob said as the majick settled over them, keeping the pair wam and private. "I can't even sense majical energies, much to the annoyance of my staff sargeant."

He stroked her hair as she whispered of how much she'd she'd like to stay. "Love, we'll stay as long as you like, but I have to leave in three days. I promised that I'd be back." Like all Tanaarans Rob's word was his bond, never lightly given and kept despite all costs.

He knew how she felt though, he had utterly no desire to leave her arms. "Here, let me give you a taste of other skills I learned." He rolled her on to her stomach and knelt over her. His strong hands went to her neck just below her ears and he began giving her a relaxing massage, moving slowly down her neck to her shoulders.

Aeris's eyes rolled back in her head as she felt his hands firmly, yet gently working her muscles loose, slowly and surely meeting and negotiating with each knot to successful ending. She felt his hands moving down her body as he progressed, kneading, pulling, pushing and turning her into an entirely relaxed state. Once he reached her feet however, she giggled in reaction for a moment, then steeled her nerves to allow him to continued uninhibited.

She felt him turn her over, and repeat the process again starting at her neck. From time to time, she smiled as she kept her eyes closed, trusting herself to his care.

After what seemed an eternity, she noticed he had ceased his work and opened one eye at him, "I'm so stealing you for these more often!" she commented him, "You surely have magic hands, even if you don't have true arcane abilities. There are more forms of arcane, some of which are more easily accessible to the less gifted. You've got an easy enough ability to harness and work the chi of the body."

Pleasure shared is pleasured doubled...

Rob just smilled at Aeris's comment about chi. He knew full well that there were many energies withing the body to be harnessed and exploited. And with every intent of pleasurable ruthlessness he set about bringing Aeris into a state of sublime joy.

Many men never figure out that the entirety of the body can be an erogenous zone, but Rob wasn't just any man. He made sure that Aeris was intimately familiar with both of those facts before letting her drift off to dreams, exhausted and sated.

As she slept he reached over and pulled a small psitech device from the pocket of his crumpled jeans. Strapping it to his wrist, slowly as he did not want to jostle Aeris, he keyed it open and chose a destination from the preset list. Then he pulled the blanket about Aeris, and stood holding her easily in his arms. Once she was safely cradled against his chest he activated it and the couple disappeared from Cats Keep.

Intricately, Aeris had subconsciously taken note of their departure from the Shadow world, and although every sense in her demanded that she awaken and spring to her defense, she rejected such, having felt him pick her up and cradle her in his arms. She trusted that he wouldn't harm her. He very well knew what would happen if he even tried such anyway.

Instead, she just snuggled closer in his embrace, murmuring to herself as she allowed her mind to depart from its near-consciousness state once again.

"Where are we going?" she murmured quietly to him just before she drifted off.

"Sadly just to my suite at Hexx house. The place I bought isn't ready yet, though I think you'll like it when they've delivered the furniture." He spoke softly as he carried her through the spacious cream hued bedroom with it's accents of antique gold and moss green. He held her easily and still in a whisper ordered the 'Jeeves' - the household computer - to begin filling the tub. "And make sure to turn on the water jets. Let Hoyle know that I'm here, with a Lady and not to be disturbed, but he can make sure the fridge is stocked."

His valet was a man of utter discretion, and would see that he and Aeris were not bothered save for the direst of emergencies.

Once the tub was mostly full - and that took a while as it was large enough for three or so, he stepped in and slid Aeris out of the blanket and into the gently steaming water, which began to froth as the jacuzzi started. "Wake up a little Love, I wouldn't want you to drown."
He tossed the psitech device aside, he wasn't certain if a tub full of water might not adversely affect it and eased himself into the tub next to her.

Aeris had awakened instantly as she felt the water first touch and surround her legs, moving upward to gently and soothingly embrace the remainder of her body. She smiled softly to him as he entered the tub a few moments later.

"I won't drown." she said while sitting forward and reaching out for one of the shower scrub sponges and handing it over her shoulder to him. Her arms wrapped around her knees in front of her, and her chin rested upon the top of her knees. She closed her eyes as she focused on the jets gently beating against her flesh and muscles, the soft yet firm pressure Rob used as he scrubbed her backside.

"This is nice." she murmured, then turned her head to look at him, "You're spoiling me, aren't you, you bastard?"

"And I intend to keep on doing it as often as you'll let me. Bastardy is not a Tanaaran concept, besides I know who my father was." He smiled and kept on gently scrubing her back.

He moved on to her front, forsakeing a scrub for a much softer sponge. The glycerine soap was soothing, redolent with the scent of juniper, sage and lavender. Once she was clean he turned on the hand held shower head and washed her thick hair. Rob carefully removed the tiny bits of pine bark and needles that had become tangled in her tresses.

"I've been told that you should polish a ladies hair dry with a silk cloth. I'm not sure if I have one though, as I've never been sure where the staff hides the clean pillow cases. I guess one of my shirts will have to make do." He leaned over and klissed each eyelid, a feather light brush against the exquisitely sensitive skin.

He paused as his enhanced hearing caught the faint sounds of Hoyle setting a fire in the suite's fire place. He'd closed the bathroom door and the walls were thick, but it was satisfying to know that his hearing was sensitive enough to catch the faint sounds even over the rush of wather though the jacuzzi's jets.

"Hoyle will have a tray of food waiting for us and probably hot tea. Would you prefer something other?" Rob asked as he rinsed her hair one last time.

Running a few fingers through small knots in her hair, Aeris then turned around, indicating with a spin of her own hand that he do the same. Picking up the scrub sponge, she ran her free hand across his skin, feeling the taut muscles and following with the sponge a second later.

She moved in gentle circular motions, and leaned in from time to time to place soft lips upon his flesh. A fingernail trailed his spine, running over each vertebrae, sending a chill up his spine. He twitched accordingly, causing her to chuckle softly, before she switched to the soft sponge and finished cleaning him.

Like him, she too had heard earlier the distinct sound of a fire coaxed to life, and now it's distinguishable crackling and the scent of wood burning was noticeable in a pleasant sense. An arm snaked around Rob's chest, holding him close to her as she kissed his neck. "Thank you." she whispered in his ear before nibbling on it for a moment. "You have no idea how much I needed this break from my normal routine."

Her lips followed his neck, brushing just beneath his clean-cut hairline, then moved to his opposite ear, "I love you."

With that, she held him down as she stood and stepped out of the reservoir, pulled a towel around her body, and left the bathroom as she finished tucking the last of it in her bosom. Her hair, she simply shook and ran her hands through them a few times before she picked up a brush nearby on a dresser and stood in front of the mirror to watch her progress. She could feel the warmth of the fire from across the room, and the crackling of the fire was relaxing.

Rob paused as he began to dry off, the plush towel forgotten in his broad hands as he took in the sight of Aeris brushing her hair.

Her last words reverberated throughout his body. Slowly he approached where she stood. He took the brush from her hands and gently turned her towards him. One hand cupped her chin, raising her eyes so that they met his storm cloud blue ones..Intent eyes, a voice deep and solemn as he declared himself.

"Aeris you have held my heart from the first time I ever saw you. Mother had just moved us into the palace. You and Michiko had come to discuss Tanaara's wider entry into the war. It was so cold the rain was all but sleet and the gardens were a disaster from the quakes." Despite being Crown Princesss Mercedez had refused to move to the palace until Holli had died and she become Queen. "Your shoulders and wings were bowed with grief, your feathers sodden. Grey despair hung over you like a shroud. I was just about to turn seven, and we - Melody and I, peeked out of the curtains of my still uncomfortably unfamiliar new rooms."

"But some how you found, in the gathering gloom, the one single surviving rose bush. It had one shabby bloom left, most of it's petals stripped away...You reached out and touched it, just the gentlest finger tip touch. Your shoulders and wings straightened. There was a glow about you and the rose, an aetherial light. Melody, she was just about three then, said 'Angel'. I took her hand she wasn't any happier than I was about moving to the palace and I replied "Yes, thats our Angel."

He looked back into hearts memory thinking of his A'rhea, Melody, who had died two years ago, his eyes darkening with time gentled grief. "I'd like to name our first daughter Melody Mercedez Ael Fortier - Greenwood."

She listened intently, never once looking away from his gaze as he told her of the childhood story. She remembered that rose bush, how it had struggled to survive the brutal consequences of an upturned earth. She thought she had been alone at the time, and only then had she shifted into her angelic form to administer a salve unto the earth, starting with the rose bush.

The land's turmoil had troubled her, but that small measure of healing gave her hope, and it was a hope she clung to for the duration of the war.

"A sweet story...You weren't supposed to see me at that time though." she said quietly to Rob as she turned away and took the brush from him again to continue pushing the bristles through her thick nearly waist-length hair.

She fell silent for a few moments as she thought about the name suggested. She looked up at him and shook her head, "It's a lovely name, though I'd personally leave out the ancestry names, save for your first last name, and mine. No child should have to remember a long list of names simply when being asked their identification. For official paperwork, I suppose it could be allowed then. However, it is custom of my people for the mother to listen to the inner voice's wisdom as to a child's name upon the moment of birth. It will reveal, in a sense, a child's path in life." She looked in the mirror back at Rob, "If it's all right with you, I'd like to wait until then to decide on a name."

She paused and turned back to him, lowering the brush to tap it against his chest. "As much as you may wish, the time for a child is not now, or soon. When the time is ready, we will know."

She saw his expression, a fleeting look of disappointment before it set into his predictable stone face look. She sighed, "Patience. There is a time for everything."

Rob's outer calm never wavered, but his inner calm shattered. "I hope you are right Aeris." He signed and half turned away his voice a harsh whisper. "The General Staff is expecting as much as ninety percent causalties with this last operation, even with the addition of Tanaran troops."

Cats Keep and it's inhabitants had originally been wrenched from the Shadow Realm by Lady Shalamar in a 'final option' maneuver that had landed them in Fatal Terrain. A smoking wreck of a country and people but their foes were weak here and easily dispatched. However the vast majority had not been comfortable back in 'reality' - this Earth was not the one they'd left, nearly twelve thousand years by their recogning.

Time passed differently in the Shadow Realm, that alternate dimention, other reality that was so malleable by gifted minds. A year there was but a week 'here', and while you kept what you gained or lost in Shadow, when you returned, save for physical ageing. However time spent in Shadow altered one on levels too subtle and discrete for mere science and technology to discern - usually...

And so Shalamar had sent them back to the Shadow Realm, only a relative handfull staying behind with her. However the invaders they had fled from so precipitously werew still there, and the Realmers had to fight to regain every inch of the Realm they had shaped and molded. It had been a Millenial War for them lasting by now, over one thousand years, but at last they were ready for the end game. An end game that would destroy the invaders and seal their portal into Shadow forever or see the end of the Realm.

He smiled, turning his thoughts back to her and their present. "What ever name your inner voice hears will be perfect Aeris my love. Though did you know that in the language of the Tanaran Empire, and thus the root language for Tanaara, 'Ael' means winged, 'Ae' meaing 'flight, the ability to fly'." He slid his arms about her waist and picked her up, though he was partially turned and the twisting as he lifted her ripped the nanoskin from the viscious wound in his side. He swallowed a gasp and carefully carried her over to set her on the bed.

"I'll be right back Love." He said as he turned towards the bathroom, all too aware of the blood trickling down his side, and hoping that Aeris was too drousy to.

The scent of blood met Aeris, and in a matter of a half second, her composure and tone took an altogether different manner, one that might have even frightened Rob.

"Robert, you stop right there." she demanded, having already risen from the bed and approached him. Her eyes were serious, albeit concerned. She shook her head to him to dissuade any arguments otherwise. "Why didn't you tell me?" she asked as she waved her hand over the bloodied fabrics. Instantly, they peeled off the wound and fluttered to rest in trash can nearby.

She watched as more blood came freely now, no longer inhibited. At once, her hand hovered over the wound. A glow began to show beneath her fingers, and subsequently, a much more powerful radiant light surrounded her. Within moments, she had taken her alternative form, and her wings remained folded in place, breaking the soft flowing of her golden hair.

A whisper in an ethereal language, and Robert found himself frozen in place as she closed her eyes and visualized the wound in every detail. Muscles and flesh flowed back together, regrowing rapidly as she gave more attention to each. Then, skin slid effortlessly over the wound, and she opened her eyes at last, finally looking into his.

"Don't you ever hide something like this from me again." she growled at him with the concern one might expect from a mother, "Are there any more?"

Rob laughed as he wrapped her lightly in his arms.. "Would we have made love had you known? I doubt it. The nano skin was healing it fine, though I think the dunking in that icy water skocked it enough to cause a reaction. I was told that if I wouldn't spend time in a pod I could use the medical skin and the healing would be both slower and leave a scar." He shrugged, having a scar mean little to him.

The nanoskin was Tanaran Empire medical technology for battlefield first aid, and technically wasn't supposed to be used continuoiusly, or for such deep wounds. Despite the nanite packs he'd recieved during his augumentation as a Cadreman, and his all but impenetrable armor, the wound had been nearly fatal, and it was the nanos that permiated him, and the systems built into the armor, that had kept him from dieing until his unit's medic could reach him.

"I wouldn't risk missing having a chance to spend time with you. Thats more important. Truly I wasn't trying to hide it from you. The nanoskin looks and feels just like the real thing, and between my nanites and the ones in the 'skin, there's no pain as it heals." He said, half way defiant. "I was busy with other thoughts, and just forgot about it." He wasn't fibbing, he had forgotten, though he might have had nightmares once he'd fallen asleep.

"Your wings are so beautiful, why do you hide them?" He asked, both curious and far more interested in her than in his wounds.

Pulling free of his arms, she continued to look at him sternly. "Robert. You didn't answer my question. Are there other wounds I need to know about? I will take care of them if so."

Robert shook his head negatively, saying nothing.

She sighed as she thought about his question regarding her wings. "They are not for show. I don't like flaunting my power. That's not what they're there for."

Her pupil-less eyes pierced his with an unsettling gaze, a gaze that seemed to violently demolish any walls he might have up in his mind regarding secret thoughts or dark secrets. Although she was not doing anything like such, it was a side effect of those that looked upon her or others like her. The purity of angelics often unveiled the shames and secrets of those that wished to not reveal such. Everything that could be known, was known through the eyes as if they were a mirror of the mind within. Even shadowed creatures like Shalamar would have been quite hard pressed to keep certain thoughts locked up.

In the darkness, a single ray of light would reveal all.

Aeris closed her eyes and exhaled, feeling the wings recede back into her flesh and replaced by the angelic tattoo that was upon her shoulder blades. Rob, having looked away once again because of the intense glow, now turned back to see the Aeris persona he was more familiar with. Her eyes were back to the emerald green irises, and her hair had returned to the auburn hair of her elven lineage.

A gentle hand touched his forearm lightly before she turned and made her way to the heavy glass door off to the side of the room. She pushed one door open and emerged out onto a balcony, where she made her way to the stone railing, seated herself and swung her legs out over the emptiness beyond. Looking upward to the stars far above, she let her mind visit memories of long ago. She was relaxed, but like all elves and angelics, she held countless memories that would never be forgotten.

Quietly, a soft voice carried a song of elven lore unto the night sky. As if reacting and perhaps it was, the wind picked up and the scents of the landscape were carried afresh. A hand reached out to snatch a small flower floating on the wind, turning it inward to her inquisitive, calm gaze.

Secrets he had a plenty, confidential information on matters of military and national security, but shame there was none of. Most of Rob's fautls were also his strengths. The courage of his convictions, pride in his people and nation, loyality, honor, a protectiveness that could be overwhelming, a sense of duty that could be overriding...strengths that could also weaknesses, and be used against him.

Rob went to fetch robes for them both, to let Aeris have some time alone. A vague sadness tugged at him. Part of him had been afraid that things wouldn't go right and they hadn't. He was just happy that he had had a chance to tell Aeris how he felt about her. He'd waited for years, not just the ones here, but the nearly twenty he'd experienced in the Shadow Realm, to have a chance to speak his heart. Robert knew would be content with that. And the joy he'd found in her arms was a balm he'd hold tight to his heart.

He found one that he thought would look wonderful with her bright auburn hair. He'd been surprized to see it change to rich gold as she'd shifted form, he'd not remembered that from the time in the garden.. "Though it was such a dreary evening all the colours were leached from everything." he murmured as he pulled on jeans and a tee. "Oh sodding... I don't have a Stepp programed for Tarlachia." He muttered to himself as he wrapped the psitech Stepp about his wrist. He closed his eyes briefly as anger at his lack of preplanneing washed over him. But he shook it off. "I just made an ass of me, not like I haven't before." He grumped to himself. No, the night had not happened as he had planned. He'd apologise and arrange for a aerospace courier to take Aeris home.

With the dressing gown over his arm he went back into the suite, and stepped out on to the balcony. "Aeris, I'm sorry. My lack of planning means that I'm going to have to russle up an aerospace courier to get you home."

The song continued through his interruption yet she heard everything he had said. Turning to face him, she swung her legs over the railing once more and finished the last notes as she looked at him with a relaxed expression. Seeing the robes in his arm, she glanced down as she realized she was still in her towel. A chuckle followed as she lighted upon soft feet and approached him to take one of the robes.

"Robert," she said as she slipped her arms through the holes and pulled the robe around herself. "Enough of that talk. I can get us back easily enough. Besides, I'm not ready to leave anytime soon." Her emerald eyes studied him, "I'm not angry Robert, I forgive you." She pulled him close and kissed him.

Her fingers held firm to his hand, pulling him to the bed inside while leaving the door open behind them. She pulled the covers down and slipped into the bed while still pulling him along. "Please." she pleaded, "I just want to spend time with you."

Robert blinked 'Forgive me for what? I have no idea what she was mad at. The wound? I lived, it was healing ...' he wondered mentally, though he was wise enough to know he'd have to ask later, maybe years later.

He let her tug him over to the bed, and into it. "Love you don't ever have to leave." He stretched out, tucking her against him. "I will always find a way to spend all the time you wish with you, spoiling you thoroughly rotten. You deserve it."

However his innate honesty wouldn't let him leave his questions unsettled, despite the wisdom that suggested to leave the subject alone for now. "Aeris. I don't understand why you were angry with me. I got wounded, warriors do. You're one and you should understand that. You got injured during hte Dark War. I lived, I was healing. I forgot about it. You are more important to me than a wound. Now if you want to be angry at the demon that gave it to me, thats kind of futile, I killed it."

Aeris sighed as she nestled her head on his chest to listen to his heartbeat. "I understand. It just surprised me to see you wounded, and my instincts took over. That's something you're going to have to get used to." She looked up at him with a smile, "I'm glad to hear you paid your offender his due and proper."

She held the gaze for a moment, then rested her head back in the same place again. "One day, I'll take you someplace special. Someplace unique in such a way that looking upon it might actually change you in some way." She sensed his questioning thoughts and shook her head, "Don't ask. I won't tell you. You'll have to experience it for yourself."

She curled her arm around his stomach and exhaled quietly as she stared across the room blankly. No thoughts entertained her now, nor did she allow any. She just wanted to savor the moments of silence she shared with him.

"I'd love to see your special place sometime.."Rob made sure the silk coverlet was pulled about them and savored the feel of Aeris laying against him. He couldn't keep one hand from stroking her satiny auburn hair.

" I know what you mean about instincts." He chuckled ruefully "That's what got me shredded in the first place. Maureen isn't but knee high to a mouse and when that eleven foot behemoth avalanched on her, I headed in when I should have trusted her to get herself out of the situation. She's a wickedly dirty fighter, nastier than I am." He grinned to himself thinking of the chewing out he'd gotten over the incident.

" I promise to contain my instincts if you'll contain yours" He offered as he traced a finger tip down the length of the arm she had stretched across him. "Save in certain things of course."

"Contain my instincts? Hah!" she replied with a grin, "That's like asking me to stop breathing for the rest of my life or taking shallow breaths no matter what." She poked him in the side playfully, "But I'll try. That much I'll give you."

She fell silent as she listened to the steady heartbeat next to her ear.

"Tell me about Maureen." she requested.

"Maureen? Well she's happily married to the son of my staff sergeant, D'heen -and six others, Or'velliard, Nat'raanz, Maureen, Tinueviel, Helene, Junii, and Khedra -a fairly typical group marriage. All in the same company of course, save that Drew and Tinueviel are retired and watching over the kids. I think that there are nine kids in the family now. All save Nat'raanz, Maureen and Helene are full or part Elvin. Our company has more Elvin heritaged in it than most. Most Elvin heritaged lack some of the physical and psych qualifications needed to get into the Cadre. Nat'raanz's a Grendel. He's one of only a dozen in the entire Cadre as well."

He paused a moment to think about Maureen specifically. "Maureen is small, has fire red hair that curls too much to make her happy. She loves the color green, but her eyes are blue. She reads advanced physics texts for fun and does exquisite embroidery. Well. I'm told it's exquisite, to me it just looks pretty and she seems to do it with the greatest of ease She can't cook, but that doesn't stop her from trying. We usually find reasons to not be in the chapter house when she takes over the kitchen. She's a good friend and doesn't mind that their captain has to keep running off and leaving the 'little looies' to run the day to day things." He paused and added with no special emphasis. " Maureen was also my first lover, and she made sure I learned right."

Aeris's eyes widened slightly at the mention of the Grendels. Very few of the already dwindling population of Grendels had survived the vigilante hunts by many Tarlachians, whether they were guilty or not in their relation and loyalty to Abaddon in the early days of the war. That, and the corruption and violence that had proved to break them apart from within.

"First lover?" she asked with an amused look, "I'd imagine that was comedic." She lifted her head and pulled herself up for a soft kiss, "I'd say you learned well." She settled back down again, her face now buried in his neck as she closed her eyes and imagined him with Maureen. Failing this, she opened them again and sighed, turning her head slightly to gaze into the fireplace in silence.

Rob savored their kiss, enjoying each one as if it were not only their first but their last, aware of nothing but the moment. When she sighed he looked down at the top of her head, then nuzzeled the silken mass of her bright auburn hair.

"I hope I did - Learn well that is. I didn't want to come to you with no knowledge of what may please or not and how to share pleasure." He said softly.

Rob grew suddenly concerned. He had been raised in a culture that frowned on jealousy, where sexuality was celebrated not shamed, and love was shared among many - but he'd learned of it in later years when he'd been exposed to less enlightened cultures. He'd not seen much of it in Tarlachian society, but his exposure had been limited, and his contact of late with Aeris even more so.

"Beloved, are you upset by this? Maureen is a dear friend, some one I love as a friend and sister warrior. She is not the love of my heart and soul. You are and you shouoldn't feel threatened by the love I feel for her, it does not make my love for you any less. It's not like I only have so much love to give."

A startling laugh escaped Aeris as she sat up and curled up her knees in laughter. "Oh Rob, believe me, I am not afraid of Maureen, nor your concern you hold for her. That is all well and good."

She turned to look at him, "However, I know how things work back in your homelands. Choosing only one partner for sexual relations is frowned upon,for it is open for any others. However, I am Tarlachian, and I hold the values of my people dear at heart as well. While it may appear we are jealous of those we have relations with, particularly lovers and spouses, it is not jealousy. Rather, it's a measure of respect, a measure of value. When two lovers or spouses conjoin, they do so knowing that they love only one other in that regard, and not engaging in sexual recourse with others is like a statement of that love. That self-restraint, that deep respect is what we feel is the "perfect love" that so many seek and so few ever find."

She lingered on those last words for a few moments as she glanced downward, "I hope you understand. I'd not want to impose on your beliefs, make you feel obligated to follow such. "And I am well aware that there are many forms of love."

Back at Cats Keep, as Shalamar and Mercy finished cleaning up after the dinner they'd fixed themselves, Shalamar having kicked the servants out some time ago.

"Mercy are you sure about having Raven's children? Have you discussed how much of the Grendel genetics they'll have?" Shalamar asked bluntly.

Grendels, as the Tanaran exploration team that had first encountered the alien race some six hundred years ago named them, were possibly the most dangerous sentient life form in the known universe.Not only were they as intellegent ashumans if not more so, they had a higher psionic potential, were completely unaffected by majical energies, and were practically unkillable.They were true theriomorphs, shapeshifters of unrivaled ability, capable to altering dwon to the DNA level, including the four bases. Fortuantely they had, as a race. little taste for conquest, and welcomed the Tanarans, the first humans they'd encountered warmly. Additional good fortune - humans didn't taste good.

Shalamar had only a general overview of knowledge about Grendels and their culture, and she worried for her friend.

Mercy chuckled as she put away the last plate after drying it and tossing her towel on to the sink. "Yes we have, extensively, for over three years now. I spent a month last summer upon their homeworld. We're going to lock their shifting, well, Raven is, until they are old enough to consciously control it and then use their ability to shift as an earned priviledge, that can be taken away if they get out of control. I know it's not a perfect solution, but Raven and I are determined not to abuse it. Nor are are we going to let them abuse the ability either."

She didn't mention that during her visit to the Grendel homeworld she and Raven had already been Bonded in an uniquely Grendel ritual. That was something supremely private, though it had been witnessed by several billion Grendels, as she and Raven had merged their minds for a time being and aware as only one. Mercy felt a tingle sweep through ehr at the memories and she blushed, ducking her face.

Shalamar caught the fringes of those emotions and memories and mock scolded her young friend. "You shouldn't be thinking things like that around an old woman. I think you need to spend more nights with Raven. Since we don't have anything more 'official' to deal with I'm sending you home." She declared and before Mercy could rreply the golden haired Tanaaran queen found herself in her private suite.

And Raven waiting, an anticipatory smile upon his lips.

Rob listened to Aeris's statements with a smile at her assertion that she had no desire to obligate him, to impose on him.

"But Aeris, Lady Love, Lady of my Heart, what if..."

First Rob's next words were lost under the furious thumping on the suites heavy door and then by the voice bellowing though it.

It was a rough gravelly voice, one used to being heard over the din of battle. "Captain, the General Lianne sent me, we have a problem and all officers are being recalled NOW"

It certainly wasn't the soft voice of Robert's long time valet.

"Oh Damn. Aeris, If I make it though this alive, you are going to marry me, or give me a very good reason why not. Now kiss me and I have to go." He drew her close and kissed her passionately.

Aeris was alarmed at the urgency of the moment, yet his question took her by surprise. That was...romantic. she thought fleetingly as she too rose from the bed and pulled a robe around herself. She approached Rob as he finished dressing quickly, and held his arms with her hands, forcing him to stop what he was doing.

When she was sure she had his attention, she kissed him for several long moments, then looked him in the eye. "If you want the answer to that question, I suggest you stay alive then."

She smiled and reached into her bosom, pulling free something from seemingly beneath her robe, yet it truly came from elsewhere. She held her hand out, opening her fingers to allow him to see what she held.

It was a white golden, hollow star.

"Take it. This is my promise that I'll be waiting for you to return."

Rob went to one knee so that she could be the one to slip it over his head. His voice was rough with suppressed emotion "I'll stay alive. For you I'll find the will to stay alive." He had no idea how much that will was going to be needed in the days to come. He closed his hand briefly about the star and brought it too his lips.

Once she had settled it about his neck he stood and pulled her into one last kiss. Then he was forcing himself to set Aeris aside and heading for the door.

"Robert..." Aeris called out just as he was about to disappear from sight. She watched as he looked back questioningly. "Be safe." she spoke to him, the words perfectly natural of a worried lover.

However, what he didn't know was that the words had enchanted the necklace that now hung from his neck. It's mysterious enchantment would have its purpose, and would only come alive at that time.

He nodded silently, and disappeared from sight. Sighing in worry, she turned and sat down on the edge of the bed, her eyes closed as she whispered prayers to her ancestors to protect him and return him alive.

Two hours and three long Stepps later Captain Rober Ryan Fortier - Hexx was listening to his Staff Sergeant 's concise reports as he waited for Field General Marjorie Lianne to summon him for a staff meeting.

"They're planning a multiple front incursion. The word is is that it cost us our highest placed insider though." Sergeant Bearclaw growled as did Rob.

Rob had known Evandim Whitestar. He could only hope that the 'word' was off this time, though it seldom was.

He'd said his good byes to Aeris. He'd hated to leave her but he knew she understood. He'd also left messages for his mother - upon being informed that she and Raven were spending time together he'd adamantly refused to interupt them.

The Field Generals Aide threw open the doors to the meeting room. He and Bearclaw gave one another speaking glances as Rob stood and headed in.

She awoke with a start, looking around the unfamiliar room with wide eyes until she had the memories re-inform her of where she was. Sighing, she pushed herself upward, adjusted her twisted clothing, and got out of the bed. Her hair hung haphazardly over her shoulders and in her face, but she didn't care to do much more than push it out of her face.

Walking over to the balcony doorway, she opened it and looked out onto the landscape.

She silently wondered what Rob was doing at this time.

Time in the Shadow Realm, that otherworld of limitless potential, flows differently in the far less malleable real we call reality. one hundred and sixty eight hours, a week on earth - translated to eight thousand seven hundred and sixty hours - a year, in Shadow. By the time Aeris awaoke Robert was in the field and already tired of his supposedly supremely comfortable, made custom for him. Every piece of the Carde's armor was made specifically for them, fully custom tailored for each one's physical paramaters and quirks. But like all armor - from the first to what ever technology will consider the final product - it wasn't comfortable.

Captain Robert Ryan Fortier - Hexx's unit was deployed in full stealth mode, waiting for a a major break through that had been reported as part of the enemies plans.

Three years in...

Rob shook his head as he tried to make some sense of the display hovering in front of his eyes. It wasn't any use however, he and what remaind of his team were deeper into the other side than any born of 'Reality' had ever been...and returned to tell of it. Snarling under his breath he swung around and took a mark one mod one eyeball check - though his eyeballs weren't unmodified - of the figures behind him. He could only hope that the warped figures arrayed in a semi circle at his back were the remains of his team. No a one of them looked even remotely human, and he knew he looked no less strange, though he was minimally less affected than they were.

He didn't know them as well as he would have liked, they'd only been together for six months. He'd lost all but one of his original team when they'd been tasked to bring out a group of prisoners the Enemy had taken. He and Nat'raanz had been the only two survivors of what had been intelled and classified as a 'routine' mission, though no mission was ever that. Rob and his experienced team had known that sallient fact and planned accordingly. He'd had brought out proof that the Shadow Realm Intellegnce Officer that had been assigned to the planning of the operation had lied, falsified information. He hadn't killed the woman, though it had ben a near thing. She'd only lived long enough to confess her guilt and be formally condemned. Her execution hadn't brought back the people that had become family to him though.

His very public near near murder of the woman had caught him all the shit assignments, and part of him hoped that one day he didn't come back.

Three weeks.

A long time with countless possibilities of death.

Positive thoughts, Aeris, positive thoughts! Damn you girl! Don't bring him what he doesn't need. Just believe.

He'll return...he better return or I'll bring him back and kill him for dying on me.

Water trickled from her palm as she scooped some up from the bowl and sprinkled it lightly onto the garden outside an elven dwelling in the Aria Forest. The forest was strong, and even having only been a decade or so since the Dark War, it had grown back to its former beauty and allure at a startling rate. One simply would find it extremely difficult to destroy the Gaia of this world.

She hummed quietly to herself an ancient song that stretched back through the thousands of years since the beginnings of the lands that had come to be known as Tarlachia. It was a song that celebrated life and survival. It also told of the struggles against the many forms of death, and how each life on this world was protected by the powerful Gaia that penetrated all aspects of living whether anyone realized it or not. Aeris herself had only seen Gaia once in her lifetime, and even she had been humbled by its quixotic power, its mysterious harmonious unity of peacefulness and motherly love.

She remembered how all those that she loved, had been briefly seen in the vast non-conforming shape that was Gaia. Family, friends, her fellow Tarlachians, creatures and beasts of the world. All were there, and peaceful.

Turning her attention to a particular flower, she smiled as she looked upon it's rare beauty, pleased to see its petals had remained strong. Looking loving upon the flower, she spoke quietly in her native language. "Live long and strong so that I might see the gifts you hold hidden within." The flower instantly seemed to react, straightening itself more so, exerting its right to live. Good. Keep fighting. she thought to herself as she seated herself on a bench nearby and simply appreciated the beauty of the world around her.

Rob knelt next to a lump of bone and blood, a welter of gore that had once been his point man. Though none of them had looked even faintly human in far too long. He shook his head and took a deep breath. He no longer even felt human. His consciousness was being lost under a red tide of primal emotion, a savage fury that was completely undismaying.

He sprang to his feet with unnatural vigor, ignoring the massive rent in his armor, though that armoe was no longer seperate from his physical being. He hefted the heavy weapon in his hands with contemptous ease, and with a toss of his head he summonedc the others to follow him.

The force delved even deeper, now accustioned to the weirdling reality of the Hell dimention. Time had little meaning as they fought their way towards their ultimate objective, the portal that they needed to seal.

Beings indescribable dived at them from trubulent skies of liquid metal, only to be shredded by the weapons the unit bore. They weapons had themselves gbeen transmorgafied into something unimaginable by the human mind, but it what was effective her and so by will alone they held the weapons to their current form and lethality.

The ground trembled and quaked nearly continuously and the spell singer of the party was stretching her throat into irreperable ruin as her song kept the physicality about them in a some what coherent order. The moons bled a virulent green rain that managed to break through her sheild and one of the team died screaming in pleasure as the shards of liquid dissolved his flesh from his skin...

Seven and a half weeks. Nearly two months since she had seen him, and still nothing from him. The only indication she had that he was still alive was the flower. The lone flower that stood strong against the dark forces of the world.

Her fingers slid softly across the weathered bark of the ancient tree of the Greenwood clan. She was halfway up into its branches, leaning against the main trunk, swinging her legs over the side. She was pleased to know the tree had survived the Dark War. The power of the Greenwood clan was strong, especially with the remains of their spirits within the tree's many roots and branches.

They had a problem with dying easily. Such was the same in the next life as well. Aeris' thoughts turned to Rob once again, and a small smile crept across her face as she remembered his embrace, closing her eyes to remember his face and warm smile.

She exhaled, savoring the peaceful embrace of the clan tree and listening to the soothing voice of the wind as it came from the sea, which lay within sight now of the tree. The Dark War had changed the landscape in Tarlachia drastically enough that over the past years since the war, the shoreline of the sea had been gradually succumbing to erosion. Some years it was worse than others, but now, it seemed to be finally stabilizing. However, she knew it wouldn't fully stop for a long, long time. The River Aria flowed more forcefully now, its banks widening, threatening further its northern reaches further north and split the entire region in half finally.

"Mae govannen, dear." came the ethereal voice suddenly, its tone soft, the voice familiar to Aeris. She turned her head to see the spirit of a face she hadn't seen in a long time now.

"Mother!" she exclaimed, sitting up just a bit more as she reached out a hand. Arleni reached out as well, her hand passing through Aeris' own. "What are you doing here?"

Arleni simply smiled, her eyes seeming to gaze upon Aeris' soul. She nodded after a moment, flicking her eyes up to her daughter's own. "You have found peace, though gone at the moment. Who is he?"

"Robert Fortier-Hexx...a wonderful man. He's no longer the silly boy he was once. He's grown older, wiser...and oh mother...he's quite the romantic..." Aeris replied, containing herself somewhat.

"And he is gone for now-"

"But he lives still." Aeris interrupted, "And that makes me happy. But I'd love for him to return in one piece, with nothing changed about him."

"Aeris, dear...you know well the taxing cost of war." Arleni spoke quietly, knowing she had hit the mark when she saw her daughter's eyes fall. "He'll return, but he'll be different. It's always the case. It cannot be avoided."

Her ethereal hand reached forward, brushing Aeris' cheek, "But smile dear...I've seen the book of the Living. His name remains for many more pages..."

Aeris looked up, a new hope in her eyes. "Really?"

Her mother nodded. She looked lovingly upon her daughter, the hand now joined by the other on the other cheek, "Will you join with him? Become his soul mate?"

Aeris nodded softly, her hand moving up to hover around the form of her mother's slender wrists. "I love him so much..."

"Then do so. You'll find a happiness I regret never having found myself. Provide an heir to the clan, so we may continue our legacy."

"In due time." Aeris replied at last, watching as her mother leaned forward to kiss her with the breath of the wind, then fade away slowly. She leaned back on the tree, sighing softly.

Her mother's voice returned a moment later, borne upon the wind.

"I love you Aeris, so much."

He couldn't be sure if what he was seeing was a visual, or a scent, or a taste. All Rob knew was that the crystal given him a the start of the mission now glowed, or his ravaged brain interperted it as glowing, and that was what counted. He'd been briefed - the keyed crystal was attuned to the Portal's energies, and would activate when in range of the device he carried.

He looked up, only his di'Catenas bond with the Grendel allowing him to know for certain that the multiarmed monstrostiy standing at this side was Nat'raanz. The other survivor of the team, their spell singer Amareen, lay unconscious a few feet away, slowly succumbing to her devestating wounds. Rob and Nat'raanz had done all they could for her, but that was limited to dosing her heavily with what they devoutly hoped were still pain meds.

Rob braced his left arm on top of the flat rock he'd chosen and nodded at his shieldman. The Grendel nodded, his warped and terrifying face twisted even further with suppressed emotion. They had made all the preperations that they could, and Nat'raanz had given Rob a large a transfusion of his own fluids as he dared. The more powerful Grendel's could become human down to the DNA level, and he was a master in his own right, but one could never be one hundred percent positive of what would happen.

However there was no time and no place for close and careful observation. They had only minutes at best before their unravelling shields failed completely and the enemy knew they were there. He watched as Rob closed his eyes. Then with reaction times that human eyes could not follow he brought the massive axe up and around, shearing Rob's arm off cleanly below the turniquet. He screamed as his more than brother screamed, the two twining as one.


Rob's throat burned, raw from the scream, and the short harsh pants his breath was coming in. His eyes had flown open as the axe had struck. He wouldn't allow Nat'raanz go have to bear it alone. He watched as the Grendel went to his knees, the axe hurled out of sight. "Nat' get the mag bottle out, now, get it out." He hoped that his commands got throught to the alien, and for a long moment he wasn't sure if they had.

Then the Grendel nodded and looked at Rob, pain etched in every linament of his face, and the scent of his anguish washed over both of them. "Yes D'harraren, yes" Then he was picking up the amputated limb with his lower pseudo hands while his left upper hand dug for a razor keen knife.

In seconds he had the glowing sphere, a translucent globe roughly the size of a ping pong ball, dug out of the already decaying flesh of Rob's lost left arm.

Rob tossed it up and down in the palm of his right hand, apparently fascinated by it's near weightlessness, so at odds with it's incredibly desctuctive power. Useing it as a focus to move through, then past the pain, acknowledging, accepting, becoming one with, then it was as if had never been... 'Go on Nat, get out of here, make it home."

"But Rob, D'harraren" The Grendel once again used the term that like many in the Tanaaran languge had no corolary else where, and had many meanings and shades of meanings. One created by a people that knew that they came back, would be reborn sooner or later, a word that spoke of bonds that transcended the body that one wore currently.

"No, Brother of my heart, twin in death and life." Rob spoke firmly, making it an unalterable order. They already knew that the remote triger wouldn't work. That meant it had to be detonated on site.

"Go Tell the Cadre"

Sometimes, individuals find interesting ways to pass the time as they wait for loved ones to return from warfare. Aeris was finding herself to not be an exception to this rule, as she now took a step out onto the waters of the River Aria. However, she did not sink into the depths of the flowing current. Rather, it held firm beneath her feet. A small smile could be seen on her face as she gazed contemplatively into the waters below.

Her sapphire dress flowed smoothly around her form, which puddled downward around her feet, floating atop the waters, hiding her feet from sight. The low neckline gracefully flowed over the curve of her breasts, curling back to hug her stomach. The sleeves flowed equally smoothly down the lengths of her toned feminine arms until it ended in a "v" just above her middle finger. It was an elegant dress, and yet she loved its embrace, loved how it seemed so natural to the picturesque world that she was in now.

Lifting her left arm slightly, she hummed softly, her voice carrying throughout the area with ease. The air seemed to relax, the wind picking up as it swirled about her. Strands of hair whipped about gently, caressing her face, flowing about her shoulders. Everything seen, heard, and experienced was fluid, and it was in moments like these that Aeris could feel the most relaxed, could sense the things happening in this world and parallel worlds.

Her eyes, now changing color to match the mood she was in, gazed softly into the waters and saw the face of her lover smiling back up at her. Was he sleeping? She did not know for sure, but she just somehow knew he was seeing her as well. She hoped that he was taking comfort in this, using this vision to bring him strength. Her voice flowed like honey unto the air, word of elven origin and angelic mixed together, words that became understood to his ears even though he did not speak any of her special languages. Words that spoke of her love for him, words that wished him stability and life, and victory. Words that held power...

Slowly, steadily, she controlled the variable element of the waters, her fingers gently weaving intricate designs all around her, tendrils of lifewater still flowing from the river, through the patterns and eventually returning to the river once more, the source of life. Such was the pattern of life in the world, and such was the true harmony with the rarely seen, but always present Gaia.

With one last look down upon the waters to her lover's handsome face, she smiled and sung with beautiful notes the song that filled her heart and soul. Along the riverbanks now, creatures of the forest dared the open shores to gaze with wonder upon the creature that sung intoxicating songs of beauty that so enraptured and filled their world on this day.

Her steps were soft, having already carried her downstream, each step carrying her two steps of her pace on dry ground. She watched as the trees moved by silently, silent audiences of ancient trees that still withstood the turmoils of time and the cruel civilized world, a world that tried to smother the powerfully harmonic nature of peoples more in tune with the balance of the natural world. The river was wider now, and the waters flowing more powerfully, and yet she remained in control, serenity surrounding her amongst the alluring rushing waters that emptied at last into the Sea seen now on the horizon as a great deep blue surface that shone brilliantly in the sunlight. The closer she moved to the vast sea, the more intricate the water borne patterns became as they surrounded her, flowing with her dancing movements as if they were almost a second skin.

Beneath her feet now, water surged upward to carry her above the moss covered rocks that sat in the river, rocks that caused the waters to froth and churn with a quiet fury. At the delta, the waters slowed as they met the welcoming sea with a whisper. She, at last, delicately stepped onto a rock, then another, and finally stood upon the firm, rich earth of the river's edge. As she did so, the watery patterns returned to the flowing ebb of the river with silent movements. She gazed out upon the Sea with a smile upon her face still.

She was at peace, and nothing could harm her now. Her lover was alive still, this she knew in her heart, and for her, that was all that mattered.

The Imitorans like to think they're the only ones with certain traditions, a loyality and will that goes beyond blood and bone. Well, just cause we don't tattoo it all over our bodies doesn't mean we don't. Bah, arrogance is relative, we're just quiet about our than they are. Though Some day I'm going to watch a Imitoran say thank you with out that damned smirk of theirs on their lips. Rob used his inner monolog of what he planned to do in the future to keep hhimself from thinking how little time he had left, in his current incarnation. His wounds, and the need for stealth had recuded him to pulling his recalcitrant body along with his right hand, pushing as best he could with broken legs. He'd put the containment object in his mouth, the better to keep from inadvertantly screaming aloud. The nanos, his augumentations, and his armor were doing too good a job, twisted and warped as they were. Had they been less damaged he might even have had hope that they would keep him alive when the specially designed mater anti mater device allowed the two to meet.

It had been created specificaaly to function here, usung matter and anti matter obtained from this dimention at the cost of far too many lives But each one of those lives will have been well spent when I close the portal Rob acknowledged their sacrifice with a mental salute.

Then he was where he had decided before he had started his painful, scrabbleing journey would be the best place. The eldrich energies of the Portal irridated the area, twisting even the reality of the Hell dimention further. Time functioned , if it could be said to be functioning at all in no comprehendable by the human mind fashion. Rob saw a child running in a field of sunflowers, a silver balloon in her hand, and wondered if she were his daughter, for he could see his mother's eyes, and Aeris's hair, and the faint ghostly out line of wings, then the taste of salt overwhelmed his ears leaving them echoing in shades of auburgine...

The countdown tapped out in searing pulse beats against his heart and with a last effort he threw the glowing org so that it sialed to where the distortion was strongest, right as twisted monstrosities reached for him. Their claws rasped against his sundered armor as the universe collapsed into a point of infinitely dark light.

I love you Aer...

In the exact moment that Rob's life became weighed on the scale of Life and Death, the balance remained perfectly even, despite the weight of deadly strength of the antimatter weapon. Time froze, or at least crawled to an extreme slowness. Light and dark became grey, matter became antimatter, and reason turned to chaos. Nothing was for sure, nothing was definite. Except one small thing.

The star necklace shone with an extreme otherworldly brilliance upon the still form of Robert Fortier-Hexx. His eyes were open, gazing blankly outward, and his every movement frozen in action. The star talisman rose effortlessly from his chest, spun in the air and hummed melodically in a voice that sounded a lot like another voice Rob knew. Quickly, a blue, flexible element of another dimension resonated with pulsating beats from the star, enveloping the prone soldier that lay helplessly upon the ground, his legs destroyed, his armor nearly done for as well.

Gently, it lifted him, and then in the blink of an eye both the Talisman and its protectee disappeared from this hellish realm...

Somewhere else, somewhere safe, the body was deposited gently, and the talisman returned to rest on the soldier's chest. Life is chosen. it whispered deep within the subconsciousness of the soldier's psyche. Love endures all...

However while Robert Ryan Fortier Hexx might yet live, he is not safe, nor has he been returned to 'Reality'. His comatose body lies some where in the depths of the Hell Dimention.

To join in the rescue attempt, for surely such will follow, you dear readers need to go to

Phoenix Alliance (http://atddm.com/phpBB2/index.php) and register.

Please, drop me a TG here letting me know what nick you registered as, so I can activate your account.