Introduction
War is over, and Erutino lies mostly at peace. Queen Wing and First Dark Blade now sit on the throne. But the War did not come with out a cost. Many died on both sides of the conflict. Now, social upheaval plagues the nation, and Queen Wing pushes through the council bills reforming the rights of Lights and Darks everywhere. With Blade by her side, the political portion if complete. But now it's not the politics that are an issue, but the people.
Not every Dark wants his Light to have freedom after all.
Society
Education
It is generally held that the Dark, as the stronger, more protective, and also more sedate 'leader' of the two is to provide physically for the weaker more excitable Light twin, thought the Light twin often acts almost as a caregiver to the Dark, cooking, cleaning and generally seeing to the Darks more emotional needs. In this way the two balance each other, and really do not understand how to live without the other.
Thus, the Dark Academy of a sector is never more than a half mile away from the Light Academy, and though separate dorms are available, and encouraged, during these years, it is not uncommon to find Light twins making their way to the Dark's room at night, as Lights do not like being left alone.
However, in the event a Dark takes a Warrior job, or a Traveler job, there are dorms available for the Light half of the twinset. This is provided so the Dark twin may never need to worry of the safety of his/her light twin as the Light Compounds and Light Dorms are some of the heaviest guarded places in a Shapeshifter world/colony.
Each shapeshifter is required to take ten years of Basic Education at an Academy and past that will take an apprenticeship to learn a job field if not going in one of the Academy fields.
There are of course as many fields of education in their culture as there are in their culture. However there are several distinct fields that use the Academy system rather than the standard mentorship system used after Basic Education. These fields are as follows:
Medical
Healers are an integral part of any society, but especially the accident prone Shapeshifters one. This field is almost exclusively dominated by Lights, though there is the occasional Dark working with his/her Light twin out of devotion. It takes 10 years to master.
Warrior
Warriors are integral to any society, but especially one that is as large and rambunctious as Shapeshifters. Each colony and settlement has a large percentage of warriors to ensure the Laws are followed. This is an exclusively Dark field, with one exception in the form of Hope. She is obviously a fairly recent exception and is never actually used in this field. This class includes everything from the Queen's Elite Guard to the common guardsman on the street. It takes from 5-20 years to master, depending on job field.
Traveler
Travelers are the dimensional explorers of the shapeshifter society and the vanguard of the colonization efforts. It is there job to locate suitable worlds that already have a society set up so that Shapeshifters may infiltrate and slowly overwhelm the native inhabitants by sheer numbers. Though they have their own special Compound in Erutino, the Homeworld of Shapeshifter society, most Travelers rarely even settle in a place for more than two weeks. These are mostly Darks as well. Only after having completed the Warrior Academy can a Shifter go on to become a Traveler. It takes 20 years to master.
Colonists
These shifters are trained to blend in in a variety of worlds with a large variety of different tech levels and environments. Often the world they will travel to is picked at the start of their education, so that they may become highly familiar with their world. Both Lights and Darks enter into the field, often as pairs, and many times after being mated as well. It is the largest Academy and the easiest to enter. The government encourages as many shifters as possible to go there, to the point where it is the only Academy in which you get paid to go. However, because it wouldn't do for shapeshifter to stick out on their new world, they are often limited to the birthing cycle of whatever the dominant species is in that world. It takes ten years to master.
Other fields, are often populated heavily by Lights as many Darks go off the the Warrior class. The Lights however are happy to support their Darks, knowing that each has it's place in society.
Government
The Shapeshifter society is a monarchy, with and elected not inherited Noble class, though the Royal family does inherit to the eldest Light. The Queen of Shapeshifters is always the Light of the eldest surviving twinset at the previous Queen's death.
Religion
Religion
Shapeshifters have a full pantheon of twenty Goddesses, though religion plays a small role in their lifestyles. Still, they do observe a Holy Day on each equinox and solstice, along with a Feast Day for each Goddess.
List of Goddesses
♪ Lona – Creator of the Shapeshifters. Goddess of Life, Peace, Joy and Chaos.
♪ Pharaoi - Goddess of Death, Disease, and the Dead.
♪ Sarsail – Goddess of Sailors, Waters, Seas, Floods, and Droughts
♪ Bostaua – Night, Earth, Metal, Ores, and Gems
♪ Hinthu - Goddess of Light, Day, Fire, Dawn and the Sun
♪ Kelabha - Goddess of the Sky, Weather, Air, and Wind
♪ Kiathot – Goddess of Advice, Wisdom, Cunning, Counsel, Intellect, Planning, Forethought, and Prophecies
♪ Matepha - Goddess of Crafters, Handicrafts, Workers, Merchants and Prosperity.
♪ Asihkan - Goddess of Truth, Oaths, Reason, Language, Writing and Memory
♪ Sarllah - Goddess of Afterthought, Excuses, and the Senses
♪ Aurnotho - Goddess of Heroes, Courage, Strategy and Renown
♪ Pholo - Goddess of Tracking, War, Warfare, Warcraft, and Weapons
♪ Yudh - Goddess of Nature, Harvest, Animals, Wilderness, and Shifting
♪ Eiateila - Goddess of Destruction, Bloodlust, Violence, and Violent Anger
♪ Urlo – Goddess of Messengers, Travelers, Trade, and Diplomacy
♪ Shamotulsyne - Goddess of Healing, Music, Poetry, Art and Artisians.
♪ Phate - Goddess of Wine, Parties, Madness, Drunkenness, and Rash Action
♪ Yshane - Goddess of Lust, Beauty, Pleasure and Fame
♪ Skrona - Goddess of Divine law, Order, Mortal Law, Kings, Heirs, and Empires. Patron Goddess of Dark twins.
♪ Othugli - Goddess of the Home, the Moon, Dusk, Fertility, Childbirth, Marriage, and Love. Patron Goddess of Light twins.
Holy Days!
High Holy – Holiest of days and beginning of New Year. Roughly Corresponds with the Winter Solstice.
Feast Days ins order:
Tshyui Holy Week – Lona, Pharaoi Sarsail, Bostaua, Hinthu
Saiyui Holy Week – Kelabha Kiathot, Matepha, Asihkan, Sarllah
Saryui Holy Week – Aurnotho, Pholo, Yudh, Eiateila, Urlo
Phoyui Holy Week – Shamotulsyne, Phate, Yshane, Skrona, Othugli
Technology level
Shapeshifters have found a way to combine technology with their magic and have space-age technology with the ability to colonize and cross lightyears in short amounts of time. However, they have never seen the point of robots, so have a very small robot population.
They do have Implants used with Travelers exclusively that allow the Travelers to understand and speak in any language as long as the implant is functioning. electricity of any level can knock it out though ambient electricity and static electricity often only destroy the ability to speak and understand a handful of languages. These implants are self repairing and planted onto the brain itself, where it proceeds to integrate with the brain on it's own.
Naming conventions
Shapeshifters are often named after something that can be tattooed, with names such as Flower, or Stone being all too common. this is done simply because on birth, shapeshifters are tattooed with their twin's name on the back of their left hand.
Monetary System
1 gold standard dollar is worth ½ Tellin
Tellin are broken into ½ tellin and ¼ tellin.
There are 5 Tellin in a Cowrie.
There are 8 Cowrie in an Ancilla.
There are 3 Ancilla in a Trochus.
There are 10 Trochus in a Cardita.
Shapeshifting
A Shapeshifter cannot shift into a creature s/he has never seen. They have to understand the basic of that creatures anatomy in order to shift. Because of this, anatomy is taught in the basic schools. Talented shifters are able to understand the patterns of anatomy and shift into whatever they see.
Often shifters stick to a humanoid form, though the color, size, and feature may be different. The ability to shift into inanimate unliving objects, or into non-sentient creatures is greatly restricted. Only the oldest of shifters can manage inanimate objects. Generally, this is possible after 250 year mark, though it is very difficult and energy consuming. As most shifters don't make it past 100, due to the nature of their species, this is a very rare occurance.
Often directly after shifting into an unfamiliar form, a shifter experiences a loss of balance. Even shifting to a familiar form can cause a loss of balance if the size descrepancy between the two was vaste, or the shape shares very few similarites.
Shifting form that walks on four legs, to an upright form that walks on two legs is often very disconcerting and takes a minute or two to reorientate the balance. It is wise to stay still for this minute, though not neccessary. Recovery time can be shorter, though no shorter, for such a drastic change, than thirty seconds.
Shifters tend to choose one gender and stick to it, if only for ease of identification. Because of this, they also tend to stick to one form, though of course there are some rebels.
Shifting can be exhausting. It takes energy to shift and because of the energy consumption, there is a limit to how many shifts can be made in one day. Over shifting can lead to death.
Growth
Oddly enough, in their natural form, a shifter does not stop growing. They are generally born between 14-20 inches long, not including tail length, and grow at a rate of 3 inches a year on average, until the age of 22. At this point the growth rate slows down to half an inch per year. Above the age of 200, it has been observed to slow down to 1/4th an inch per year, though it is never smaller than that.
This makes Queen Wing, argueably one of the oldest shapeshifters currently alive, a staggering 218 in long (18ft 2 in or 5m 37cm). Hope is 186 in long (15 ft 6in or 4m 72.cm).
Calender
Summer - Hinyui, Saryui, Asiyui, Yudyui
Fall - Ateyui, Phoyui, Lonyui, Eiayui
Winter - Skryui, Tshyui, Othyui, Kiayui
Spring - Samyui, Saiyui, Urlyui, Phayui
Weeks:
There are five days in each week and 366 days in a year. The left over day is the first day of the year, considered the High Holy Day when the worlds were made. There are 73 weeks in a year.
Each month has between four and five weeks, with some months starting with a holy week that is not actually considered part of the month. They have four weeks each, not including the holy week. These odd months are Tshyui, Saiyui, Saryui, and Phoyoi.
The 'short' four week months are: Othyui, Samyui, Urlyui, Hinyui, Asiyui, Yudyui, Ateyui, and Lonyui
The 'long' five week months are: Asiyui, Eiayui, Skryui, Kiayui, and Phayui
Days of the week: Othuoi Bostoi Kelaoi Mateoi Yshaoi
On Lights and Darks
Birth
All Shifters are born in twinsets, a Light twin and a Dark twin. Due to the rather genderless nature of shapeshifters, their roles in society are based more on their brith order than on the preferred gender.
Because the Light twin is born second, and born grasping the Dark's heel, they are considered the weaker of the two. This means that in life, it it the Light twins duty to care for the home, and to care for any children they may have in the future, including birthing. The Dark twin is considered the stronger of the two and has the duty to protect the twin and provide for them. The Dark twin controls the political, social, and economic portiosn of the Light twins life.
These twins are raised together for the first six years of their life, before entering into seperate Academies often on the same campus. Normally there is more than one twinset born in each. The litters can produce as much as eight kits, or four twinsets. Single twinsets births are extremely rare.
As an example of the average birthing level, Hope's mother gave birth to 747 twinsets before her death in her 98th year of living having given birth from age 23 to age 98, though she died shortly after her last litter was born do to a shifting accident involving a goose form and a hunter. Hope, like most shapeshifters, has never met all of her many, many siblings, and doesn't actually know who they may be outside of her own litter.
Relationships
Between Light and Dark
The Light very much is taught that the needs of the Dark go before the needs of the Light, while the Dark is taught the opposite is true. This means that each is highly concerned that the other's needs are well met and so always strives, not for themselves, but for their twin.
A Light will follow her Dark to the end of the Earths if need be, and often follows her Dark's commands without a seconds thought, knowing that her Dark would never order anything that could cause a Light harm. She will back away from any relationship her Dark even vaguely hints at disapproving of.
A Dark on the other hand, often will go out of her way to fulfill any wish of her Light, especially the little reasonable ones. She will defend the Light from all the harder parts of life and cushion her life's journey to the best of her ability, refusing to allow the Light's hand to go to anyone who can not defend the Light well form life's hardships.
Marriage and most friendships must be approved of by the Dark. Often a Light will seek out the Dark's approval before even speaking to a stranger, though there are many Lights not like this.
Friendships
In this, the Light often has a great deal of control, as Dark's tend to be withdrawn creatures. The outgoing Light will cheerfully make friends with Light and Dark alike, dragging her Dark behind her with an unmitigated glee. The only stopping force in this would be a subtle glance, or a word from her Dark which may slow her down or stop her completely, though never for long.
Family
Shapeshifter families are not close at all, with the only bond normally being one of blood to the sheer size. While yearmates and littermates may know eachother well enough to jump to each others defense, mostly close family bonds are only formed between the littermates of a season, with a more cousinly bond to the other yearmates.
Romance
A Light may seek younger than her Dark would like, but she will not do more than glance at, smile happily, and perhaps make lighthearted conversation unless her Dark allows her too. Often, due to the over-protectiveness of Darks, a Light will have never even kissed until she settles in on her final and normally only relationship. This has led to a very persistent myth among Lights that no one thinks to dispel: A Light can only be with one person their entire lifetime.
Mating
Mating is the permanent marriage bond between to shapeshifters. It allows each to maintain a supernaturally level of awareness with each other, always aware of how the other is doing physical and emotionally as well as establishing a telepathic bond between the two. Light's consider this highly sacred, and while Darks appreciate it highly, they don't take the same religious view of the act of mating as Light do, though they tend to agree strongly on the ceremony of mating.
Shapeshifters mate only in pairs, twinset marrying twinset. Because of Hope and Snow's unique situation however, Hope long ago resolved to marry a non-shapeshifter without a twin, as she hadn't found her twin. Now that she has, that may or may not change, depending on her twin almost entirely.
Death
An all too common problem, this species has an average lifespan of 95, despite being capable of living well until their 3,000s. Unfortunately, due to the mating bond and the twinbond, the death of just one Shapeshifter takes down their twin, their mate, and often their twin's mate as well.
The Climax is in a forum, unlike the rest which was chat. It can be found here, and is closed to all comers.
Not every Dark wants his Light to have freedom after all.
Society
Education
It is generally held that the Dark, as the stronger, more protective, and also more sedate 'leader' of the two is to provide physically for the weaker more excitable Light twin, thought the Light twin often acts almost as a caregiver to the Dark, cooking, cleaning and generally seeing to the Darks more emotional needs. In this way the two balance each other, and really do not understand how to live without the other.
Thus, the Dark Academy of a sector is never more than a half mile away from the Light Academy, and though separate dorms are available, and encouraged, during these years, it is not uncommon to find Light twins making their way to the Dark's room at night, as Lights do not like being left alone.
However, in the event a Dark takes a Warrior job, or a Traveler job, there are dorms available for the Light half of the twinset. This is provided so the Dark twin may never need to worry of the safety of his/her light twin as the Light Compounds and Light Dorms are some of the heaviest guarded places in a Shapeshifter world/colony.
Each shapeshifter is required to take ten years of Basic Education at an Academy and past that will take an apprenticeship to learn a job field if not going in one of the Academy fields.
There are of course as many fields of education in their culture as there are in their culture. However there are several distinct fields that use the Academy system rather than the standard mentorship system used after Basic Education. These fields are as follows:
Medical
Healers are an integral part of any society, but especially the accident prone Shapeshifters one. This field is almost exclusively dominated by Lights, though there is the occasional Dark working with his/her Light twin out of devotion. It takes 10 years to master.
Warrior
Warriors are integral to any society, but especially one that is as large and rambunctious as Shapeshifters. Each colony and settlement has a large percentage of warriors to ensure the Laws are followed. This is an exclusively Dark field, with one exception in the form of Hope. She is obviously a fairly recent exception and is never actually used in this field. This class includes everything from the Queen's Elite Guard to the common guardsman on the street. It takes from 5-20 years to master, depending on job field.
Traveler
Travelers are the dimensional explorers of the shapeshifter society and the vanguard of the colonization efforts. It is there job to locate suitable worlds that already have a society set up so that Shapeshifters may infiltrate and slowly overwhelm the native inhabitants by sheer numbers. Though they have their own special Compound in Erutino, the Homeworld of Shapeshifter society, most Travelers rarely even settle in a place for more than two weeks. These are mostly Darks as well. Only after having completed the Warrior Academy can a Shifter go on to become a Traveler. It takes 20 years to master.
Colonists
These shifters are trained to blend in in a variety of worlds with a large variety of different tech levels and environments. Often the world they will travel to is picked at the start of their education, so that they may become highly familiar with their world. Both Lights and Darks enter into the field, often as pairs, and many times after being mated as well. It is the largest Academy and the easiest to enter. The government encourages as many shifters as possible to go there, to the point where it is the only Academy in which you get paid to go. However, because it wouldn't do for shapeshifter to stick out on their new world, they are often limited to the birthing cycle of whatever the dominant species is in that world. It takes ten years to master.
Other fields, are often populated heavily by Lights as many Darks go off the the Warrior class. The Lights however are happy to support their Darks, knowing that each has it's place in society.
Government
The Shapeshifter society is a monarchy, with and elected not inherited Noble class, though the Royal family does inherit to the eldest Light. The Queen of Shapeshifters is always the Light of the eldest surviving twinset at the previous Queen's death.
Religion
Religion
Shapeshifters have a full pantheon of twenty Goddesses, though religion plays a small role in their lifestyles. Still, they do observe a Holy Day on each equinox and solstice, along with a Feast Day for each Goddess.
List of Goddesses
♪ Lona – Creator of the Shapeshifters. Goddess of Life, Peace, Joy and Chaos.
♪ Pharaoi - Goddess of Death, Disease, and the Dead.
♪ Sarsail – Goddess of Sailors, Waters, Seas, Floods, and Droughts
♪ Bostaua – Night, Earth, Metal, Ores, and Gems
♪ Hinthu - Goddess of Light, Day, Fire, Dawn and the Sun
♪ Kelabha - Goddess of the Sky, Weather, Air, and Wind
♪ Kiathot – Goddess of Advice, Wisdom, Cunning, Counsel, Intellect, Planning, Forethought, and Prophecies
♪ Matepha - Goddess of Crafters, Handicrafts, Workers, Merchants and Prosperity.
♪ Asihkan - Goddess of Truth, Oaths, Reason, Language, Writing and Memory
♪ Sarllah - Goddess of Afterthought, Excuses, and the Senses
♪ Aurnotho - Goddess of Heroes, Courage, Strategy and Renown
♪ Pholo - Goddess of Tracking, War, Warfare, Warcraft, and Weapons
♪ Yudh - Goddess of Nature, Harvest, Animals, Wilderness, and Shifting
♪ Eiateila - Goddess of Destruction, Bloodlust, Violence, and Violent Anger
♪ Urlo – Goddess of Messengers, Travelers, Trade, and Diplomacy
♪ Shamotulsyne - Goddess of Healing, Music, Poetry, Art and Artisians.
♪ Phate - Goddess of Wine, Parties, Madness, Drunkenness, and Rash Action
♪ Yshane - Goddess of Lust, Beauty, Pleasure and Fame
♪ Skrona - Goddess of Divine law, Order, Mortal Law, Kings, Heirs, and Empires. Patron Goddess of Dark twins.
♪ Othugli - Goddess of the Home, the Moon, Dusk, Fertility, Childbirth, Marriage, and Love. Patron Goddess of Light twins.
Holy Days!
High Holy – Holiest of days and beginning of New Year. Roughly Corresponds with the Winter Solstice.
Feast Days ins order:
Tshyui Holy Week – Lona, Pharaoi Sarsail, Bostaua, Hinthu
Saiyui Holy Week – Kelabha Kiathot, Matepha, Asihkan, Sarllah
Saryui Holy Week – Aurnotho, Pholo, Yudh, Eiateila, Urlo
Phoyui Holy Week – Shamotulsyne, Phate, Yshane, Skrona, Othugli
Technology level
Shapeshifters have found a way to combine technology with their magic and have space-age technology with the ability to colonize and cross lightyears in short amounts of time. However, they have never seen the point of robots, so have a very small robot population.
They do have Implants used with Travelers exclusively that allow the Travelers to understand and speak in any language as long as the implant is functioning. electricity of any level can knock it out though ambient electricity and static electricity often only destroy the ability to speak and understand a handful of languages. These implants are self repairing and planted onto the brain itself, where it proceeds to integrate with the brain on it's own.
Naming conventions
Shapeshifters are often named after something that can be tattooed, with names such as Flower, or Stone being all too common. this is done simply because on birth, shapeshifters are tattooed with their twin's name on the back of their left hand.
Monetary System
1 gold standard dollar is worth ½ Tellin
Tellin are broken into ½ tellin and ¼ tellin.
There are 5 Tellin in a Cowrie.
There are 8 Cowrie in an Ancilla.
There are 3 Ancilla in a Trochus.
There are 10 Trochus in a Cardita.
Shapeshifting
A Shapeshifter cannot shift into a creature s/he has never seen. They have to understand the basic of that creatures anatomy in order to shift. Because of this, anatomy is taught in the basic schools. Talented shifters are able to understand the patterns of anatomy and shift into whatever they see.
Often shifters stick to a humanoid form, though the color, size, and feature may be different. The ability to shift into inanimate unliving objects, or into non-sentient creatures is greatly restricted. Only the oldest of shifters can manage inanimate objects. Generally, this is possible after 250 year mark, though it is very difficult and energy consuming. As most shifters don't make it past 100, due to the nature of their species, this is a very rare occurance.
Often directly after shifting into an unfamiliar form, a shifter experiences a loss of balance. Even shifting to a familiar form can cause a loss of balance if the size descrepancy between the two was vaste, or the shape shares very few similarites.
Shifting form that walks on four legs, to an upright form that walks on two legs is often very disconcerting and takes a minute or two to reorientate the balance. It is wise to stay still for this minute, though not neccessary. Recovery time can be shorter, though no shorter, for such a drastic change, than thirty seconds.
Shifters tend to choose one gender and stick to it, if only for ease of identification. Because of this, they also tend to stick to one form, though of course there are some rebels.
Shifting can be exhausting. It takes energy to shift and because of the energy consumption, there is a limit to how many shifts can be made in one day. Over shifting can lead to death.
Growth
Oddly enough, in their natural form, a shifter does not stop growing. They are generally born between 14-20 inches long, not including tail length, and grow at a rate of 3 inches a year on average, until the age of 22. At this point the growth rate slows down to half an inch per year. Above the age of 200, it has been observed to slow down to 1/4th an inch per year, though it is never smaller than that.
This makes Queen Wing, argueably one of the oldest shapeshifters currently alive, a staggering 218 in long (18ft 2 in or 5m 37cm). Hope is 186 in long (15 ft 6in or 4m 72.cm).
Calender
Summer - Hinyui, Saryui, Asiyui, Yudyui
Fall - Ateyui, Phoyui, Lonyui, Eiayui
Winter - Skryui, Tshyui, Othyui, Kiayui
Spring - Samyui, Saiyui, Urlyui, Phayui
Weeks:
There are five days in each week and 366 days in a year. The left over day is the first day of the year, considered the High Holy Day when the worlds were made. There are 73 weeks in a year.
Each month has between four and five weeks, with some months starting with a holy week that is not actually considered part of the month. They have four weeks each, not including the holy week. These odd months are Tshyui, Saiyui, Saryui, and Phoyoi.
The 'short' four week months are: Othyui, Samyui, Urlyui, Hinyui, Asiyui, Yudyui, Ateyui, and Lonyui
The 'long' five week months are: Asiyui, Eiayui, Skryui, Kiayui, and Phayui
Days of the week: Othuoi Bostoi Kelaoi Mateoi Yshaoi
On Lights and Darks
Birth
All Shifters are born in twinsets, a Light twin and a Dark twin. Due to the rather genderless nature of shapeshifters, their roles in society are based more on their brith order than on the preferred gender.
Because the Light twin is born second, and born grasping the Dark's heel, they are considered the weaker of the two. This means that in life, it it the Light twins duty to care for the home, and to care for any children they may have in the future, including birthing. The Dark twin is considered the stronger of the two and has the duty to protect the twin and provide for them. The Dark twin controls the political, social, and economic portiosn of the Light twins life.
These twins are raised together for the first six years of their life, before entering into seperate Academies often on the same campus. Normally there is more than one twinset born in each. The litters can produce as much as eight kits, or four twinsets. Single twinsets births are extremely rare.
As an example of the average birthing level, Hope's mother gave birth to 747 twinsets before her death in her 98th year of living having given birth from age 23 to age 98, though she died shortly after her last litter was born do to a shifting accident involving a goose form and a hunter. Hope, like most shapeshifters, has never met all of her many, many siblings, and doesn't actually know who they may be outside of her own litter.
Relationships
Between Light and Dark
The Light very much is taught that the needs of the Dark go before the needs of the Light, while the Dark is taught the opposite is true. This means that each is highly concerned that the other's needs are well met and so always strives, not for themselves, but for their twin.
A Light will follow her Dark to the end of the Earths if need be, and often follows her Dark's commands without a seconds thought, knowing that her Dark would never order anything that could cause a Light harm. She will back away from any relationship her Dark even vaguely hints at disapproving of.
A Dark on the other hand, often will go out of her way to fulfill any wish of her Light, especially the little reasonable ones. She will defend the Light from all the harder parts of life and cushion her life's journey to the best of her ability, refusing to allow the Light's hand to go to anyone who can not defend the Light well form life's hardships.
Marriage and most friendships must be approved of by the Dark. Often a Light will seek out the Dark's approval before even speaking to a stranger, though there are many Lights not like this.
Friendships
In this, the Light often has a great deal of control, as Dark's tend to be withdrawn creatures. The outgoing Light will cheerfully make friends with Light and Dark alike, dragging her Dark behind her with an unmitigated glee. The only stopping force in this would be a subtle glance, or a word from her Dark which may slow her down or stop her completely, though never for long.
Family
Shapeshifter families are not close at all, with the only bond normally being one of blood to the sheer size. While yearmates and littermates may know eachother well enough to jump to each others defense, mostly close family bonds are only formed between the littermates of a season, with a more cousinly bond to the other yearmates.
Romance
A Light may seek younger than her Dark would like, but she will not do more than glance at, smile happily, and perhaps make lighthearted conversation unless her Dark allows her too. Often, due to the over-protectiveness of Darks, a Light will have never even kissed until she settles in on her final and normally only relationship. This has led to a very persistent myth among Lights that no one thinks to dispel: A Light can only be with one person their entire lifetime.
Mating
Mating is the permanent marriage bond between to shapeshifters. It allows each to maintain a supernaturally level of awareness with each other, always aware of how the other is doing physical and emotionally as well as establishing a telepathic bond between the two. Light's consider this highly sacred, and while Darks appreciate it highly, they don't take the same religious view of the act of mating as Light do, though they tend to agree strongly on the ceremony of mating.
Shapeshifters mate only in pairs, twinset marrying twinset. Because of Hope and Snow's unique situation however, Hope long ago resolved to marry a non-shapeshifter without a twin, as she hadn't found her twin. Now that she has, that may or may not change, depending on her twin almost entirely.
Death
An all too common problem, this species has an average lifespan of 95, despite being capable of living well until their 3,000s. Unfortunately, due to the mating bond and the twinbond, the death of just one Shapeshifter takes down their twin, their mate, and often their twin's mate as well.
The Climax is in a forum, unlike the rest which was chat. It can be found here, and is closed to all comers.
Threads
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The Story
Snow Anona frowned at their lost closeness, deciding to have the last word on the matter by kissing his cheek as she walked through the doorway, nodding at him with a soft smile.
“We were not eavesdropping. Kendra asked us kindly to stay out of her way whilst she was designing and by the time we realised there was something going on in here. We didn’t want to disturb.”
Then her tone faded into sweetness, bringing herself down beside them, planting kisses on their cheeks before embracing her dear Light first. “Congratulations to you both,” she murmured, her flush still evident on her cheeks but entirely forgotten. Such joy.
Kendra blushed even more fiercely at that especially knowing that people were listening in. “Yes… well,” she stumbled, thankfully saved from a reply by Hope’s shouting and then Steph’s entry.
She beamed between all three of them, most brightly at her partner, returning Snow’s kiss with a quick hug, holding onto Hope’s hands and refusing to let go.
“We were not eavesdropping. Kendra asked us kindly to stay out of her way whilst she was designing and by the time we realised there was something going on in here. We didn’t want to disturb.”
Then her tone faded into sweetness, bringing herself down beside them, planting kisses on their cheeks before embracing her dear Light first. “Congratulations to you both,” she murmured, her flush still evident on her cheeks but entirely forgotten. Such joy.
Kendra blushed even more fiercely at that especially knowing that people were listening in. “Yes… well,” she stumbled, thankfully saved from a reply by Hope’s shouting and then Steph’s entry.
She beamed between all three of them, most brightly at her partner, returning Snow’s kiss with a quick hug, holding onto Hope’s hands and refusing to let go.
Snow Anona frowned at their lost closeness, deciding to have the last word on the matter by kissing his cheek as she walked through the doorway, nodding at him with a soft smile.
“We were not eavesdropping. Kendra asked us kindly to stay out of her way whilst she was designing and by the time we realised there was something going on in here. We didn’t want to disturb.”
Then her tone faded into sweetness, bringing herself down beside them, planting kisses on their cheeks before embracing her dear Light first. “Congratulations to you both,” she murmured, her flush still evident on her cheeks but entirely forgotten. Such joy.
Kendra blushed even more fiercely at that especially knowing that people were listening in. “Yes… well,” she stumbled, thankfully saved from a reply by Hope’s shouting and then Steph’s entry.
She beamed between all three of them, most brightly at her partner, returning Snow’s kiss with a quick hug, holding onto Hope’s hands and refusing to let go.
“We were not eavesdropping. Kendra asked us kindly to stay out of her way whilst she was designing and by the time we realised there was something going on in here. We didn’t want to disturb.”
Then her tone faded into sweetness, bringing herself down beside them, planting kisses on their cheeks before embracing her dear Light first. “Congratulations to you both,” she murmured, her flush still evident on her cheeks but entirely forgotten. Such joy.
Kendra blushed even more fiercely at that especially knowing that people were listening in. “Yes… well,” she stumbled, thankfully saved from a reply by Hope’s shouting and then Steph’s entry.
She beamed between all three of them, most brightly at her partner, returning Snow’s kiss with a quick hug, holding onto Hope’s hands and refusing to let go.
Hope Anona grins happily at her twins hugs, returning it quickly, before squeezing Kendra's hand in response to the hand holding. Oh tonight was absolutely perfect! "Thanks! And you were too eavesdropping. You eavesdropper." She teases, staying close to her fiance happily.
Steph Grey watches the moment with prideful happiness, but decides not to intrude, simply leaning against the wall out of the way of the three's attention and letting the scene unfold.
He flashes back to his time window shopping at a fine jewelry store, the beautiful rings he saw... but instead, grabbed some chocolates. They had been through so much, so fast, but no. They weren't ready for that.
He flashes back to his time window shopping at a fine jewelry store, the beautiful rings he saw... but instead, grabbed some chocolates. They had been through so much, so fast, but no. They weren't ready for that.
Snow Anona smirked just a little. “You’re welcome,” she returned, knowing that they hadn’t been eavesdropping at all, her cheeks flushing a little. Not at all.
Then she released her sister and embraced Kendra instead. “Congratulations to you as well and thank you so much for making my sister happy,” she offered before standing and looking across at Steph in wry amusement.
“Do men of your species not hug people in joy?” she mused out loud before glimpsing the blueprint on the workdesk. Oh my… Her eyes tightened but that moment quickly passed. “Hope, Kendra; how about I cook a celebratory meal?”
Kendra accepted the hug, very pleased that Snow was happy about this. She knew how important the Dark’s approval was to Hope. “Thank you. I’ll do my best to keep at it.”
At Snow’s request she nodded, relieved.
Then she released her sister and embraced Kendra instead. “Congratulations to you as well and thank you so much for making my sister happy,” she offered before standing and looking across at Steph in wry amusement.
“Do men of your species not hug people in joy?” she mused out loud before glimpsing the blueprint on the workdesk. Oh my… Her eyes tightened but that moment quickly passed. “Hope, Kendra; how about I cook a celebratory meal?”
Kendra accepted the hug, very pleased that Snow was happy about this. She knew how important the Dark’s approval was to Hope. “Thank you. I’ll do my best to keep at it.”
At Snow’s request she nodded, relieved.
Hope Anona grins happily. "I'd love it." She tells Snow happily. "You're an amazing cook." Seeing their interaction made Hope positively beam.
"And men of your psecies obviously lack Steph. the woman however..." she strails off, smiling lovingly at Kendra.
"And men of your psecies obviously lack Steph. the woman however..." she strails off, smiling lovingly at Kendra.
Snow Anona laughed openly at her sister’s return jibe at Steph, already moving towards the kitchen in accordance with the accepted request.
“I’m inclined to disagree however,” she said simply, setting about opening cupboards and finding out where things were kept. Logically it seemed.
Kendra looked startled at that comment but right now had no trouble taking it in her stride, her smile turning from amused to affectionate.
“I’m inclined to disagree however,” she said simply, setting about opening cupboards and finding out where things were kept. Logically it seemed.
Kendra looked startled at that comment but right now had no trouble taking it in her stride, her smile turning from amused to affectionate.
“
Hehe, this is so the wrong seven to be going to bed at. I must fix this.
”
Kendra Lawrence smiled down at those designs with a grin. After she had returned from the bar, she had set back to work, having the place to herself for once.
The silence was at the same time both a relief and worrying. She was getting used to having people around.
The silence was at the same time both a relief and worrying. She was getting used to having people around.
Hope Anona slips into the apartment with a smile, wrapping her arms around Kendra quietly. With a pleased, "Boo!" She kisses Kendra's cheek.
It was wonderful to have such a beautiful person like Kendra as her love.
It was wonderful to have such a beautiful person like Kendra as her love.
Kendra Lawrence started at the sudden embrace, blushing a little at the kiss. "How do you do that?" she wondered aloud about her love's ability to sneak in without her noticing.
Her face was covered in smudges, as were her fingers... but she'd never looked happier.
Her face was covered in smudges, as were her fingers... but she'd never looked happier.
Hope Anona grins slightly. "Cat's paws. Or rather, I pad my feet like a cat's paw and walk quickly and quietly. It seems to work." She tells the other girl highly amused. "Don't let Snow know."
She had to be able to one-up her sister in the sneaking department after all. It was essential to her sanity.
She had to be able to one-up her sister in the sneaking department after all. It was essential to her sanity.
Kendra Lawrence grinned in return, giving her twin a sly look of contemplation before nodding. "I won't; you know I think you're capable of knowing when things are dangerous," she explained, giving Hope a kiss on her nose.
"Oh! I heard something a little alarming."
"Oh! I heard something a little alarming."
Hope Anona frowns slightly. "What'd you hear? Nothing too bad I hope." As long as it didn't put her family in danger she could handle it, but still. Alarming did not equal good. Not by a long shot.
Kendra Lawrence set her pencil down, turning to face Hope with a sly smile. "I heard you tried to get Steph to 'dance' with you... for practice," she said slowly, looking at her partner levelly. "You really have no idea do you?"
Hope Anona blushes bright read and shakes her head, highly embaraased. She couldn't believe she had! Oh... "I don't know anything. They don't teach us any of this at Light Academy, and at Warrior and Traveler, the Darks just didn't discuss that!"
Her cheeks are a rather vivid shade of pink.
Her cheeks are a rather vivid shade of pink.
Kendra Lawrence brought her arms around her sweet, innocent Hope with a soft smile. "It's okay... really. It's just... that's not something you should ask others to practise with you," she soothed, looking uncomfortable.
"Ah... love, have you ever heard the word sex?"
"Ah... love, have you ever heard the word sex?"
Hope Anona turns bright red. "I...I think I heard it mentioned, once or twice. I really don't know what it is though." She bites her bottom lip and looks to Kendra.
"Could you tell me?"
"Could you tell me?"
Kendra Lawrence looked stricken for a moment, losing her comforting persona. "I... my goodness... what kind of culture keeps half their population oblivious like that?!" she cried out, upset for some reason.
Clinically, she knew just how to describe 'dancing', but by her pencils, what if someone had hurt Hope before now in that way and she never even knew?!
Clinically, she knew just how to describe 'dancing', but by her pencils, what if someone had hurt Hope before now in that way and she never even knew?!
Hope Anona frowns slightly. "There are some problems with our culture, I will admit. But is it really that important Kendra?" She is curious now, still uncertain over it all.
Kendra Lawrence blinked, forcing herself to calm. "Yes... yes it really is my sweetheart. What if... what if some poor Light had been abused... and they didn't even think they had been... because it wasn
Kendra Lawrence "because it wasn't dancing... Sex... making children, it's a very personal thing for a lot of people. You can't just be ignorant to that."
Of all the things Kendra thought of her Hope, the last thing she wanted was to believe her naive, but goodness, she was. "I will tell you. Of course I will tell you. I'm nervous but..."
Of all the things Kendra thought of her Hope, the last thing she wanted was to believe her naive, but goodness, she was. "I will tell you. Of course I will tell you. I'm nervous but..."
Hope Anona frowns slightly. "Abuse? Like...when people hit each other? No Dark would ever hurt a Light Kendra. It just isn't done." She is clearly highly confused. "I mean, even in Warrior Academy, they barely tapped me if I did get hit. Most of them keps the blows from hitting me though."
"And I didn't know Sex is how children were made. I thought the goddess jsut put them in your belly after you had been mated."
"And I didn't know Sex is how children were made. I thought the goddess jsut put them in your belly after you had been mated."
Kendra Lawrence 's eyes softened. If their society was really like that, then Kendra was envious. Truly. "Then I'm glad... but it happens a lot away from Shape Shifter society, my sweetheart. I've no personal experience but... but..."
She trailed off, closing her eyes and sighing, unable to help a laugh. "Oh Hope," she breathed, giving her little Light another kiss. "No; children are made through biology, though it may feel like a gift from the Goddesses."
She trailed off, closing her eyes and sighing, unable to help a laugh. "Oh Hope," she breathed, giving her little Light another kiss. "No; children are made through biology, though it may feel like a gift from the Goddesses."
Hope Anona frowns slightly, but nods, uncertain. As far as she knew, her society was truly like that, but she hadn't been allowed near many twinsets, not truly. Still she kisses Kendra back gently, and smiles. "Biology? Like...plant cells and stuff?" Lights were not taught a whit of science, not really. Math Hope had taught herself, strugglign the entire way. it was partly why Kendra's drawing fascinated ehr so much.
"You have to explain."
"You have to explain."
Kendra Lawrence shook her head, quelling her gall at the dependency that people like her dear Light must have upon their Darks.
Instead, she changed her tactics. "Sort of like plants. Can I ask you to do a favour for me?"
Instead, she changed her tactics. "Sort of like plants. Can I ask you to do a favour for me?"
Hope Anona nods happily. "Anything!" She promises Kendra happily. "You know I'd do anything for you." She meant it too.
Kendra Lawrence almost beamed in response. She was nervous; no, that was an understatement - she was terrified of what she was about to ask.
Hope trusted her so much; was she really that deserving? "I... I... know you don't like it... but if you..."
Then she mumbled something that sounded awfully like 'if you shape shift into a guy, then I can show you...'
Hope trusted her so much; was she really that deserving? "I... I... know you don't like it... but if you..."
Then she mumbled something that sounded awfully like 'if you shape shift into a guy, then I can show you...'
Hope Anona bites her bottom lip then nods slwoly. "I...I can. You'll have to give me a few moments afterwards though. It's...not the easiest of shifts." It wasn't either. It required a level of skill and dedication most didn't have, as well as an intimiate understanding of anatomy. Slowly, carefully, Hope changes forms, growing taller, her breast changing to a muscled chest. Her hips disappears into a man's hips and she loooks to Kendra, hair shorter but eyes still blue.
As she speaks, it's obvious her voice is deeper as well. "In...in this gender, I am known as Halo...but...you can still call me Hope." It was awkward for her to be a him, but she could manage it.
As she speaks, it's obvious her voice is deeper as well. "In...in this gender, I am known as Halo...but...you can still call me Hope." It was awkward for her to be a him, but she could manage it.
Kendra Lawrence blanched, looking quite shocked. "I'm sorry! You can change back... I don't want you to be uncomfortable," she reasoned, babbling like a panicked child.
"When we 'dance'... I want you to be yourself, not Halo. I'll do some research into how... girls go about such a thing together. I want my Hope, my beautiful girl."
Not that Halo wasn't attractive, but she didn't love him... no, definitely Hope. So there.
"When we 'dance'... I want you to be yourself, not Halo. I'll do some research into how... girls go about such a thing together. I want my Hope, my beautiful girl."
Not that Halo wasn't attractive, but she didn't love him... no, definitely Hope. So there.
Hope Anona relaxes the control she has on that shape quickly, happily, and returns to her Hope form much sooner. "I...thank you. Being Halo is draining."
Kendra Lawrence hugged her fiancee tightly. "Hope... you are my Hope," she murmured, nodding. "I can teach you what I do know now... if... you like," she said haltingly, biting her lip and colouring vibrantly.
Hope Anona blushes brightly and nods. "I...I'd like that. Yes." She would like it quite a bit too. "C-Can we?" She stutters, nervous as to Kendra's reaction.
Kendra Lawrence pulls back and takes a deep breath, nodding confidently, feeling less so on the inside, but Hope would never laugh at her.
So, with this in mind, she reached out her hand to her girlfriend. "We can," she grinned, trying to relax. Everything would be alright if they were together.
So, with this in mind, she reached out her hand to her girlfriend. "We can," she grinned, trying to relax. Everything would be alright if they were together.
The setting changes from Kendra's Apartment to Steph's Apartment
Kendra Lawrence couldn't believe her luck. First, she had convinced Hope that it would be *fine* to pop out whilst Snow was in the bathroom. Then, she had played innocent Kendra oh so well when Snow re-emerged, convinced the Dark that Hope had had a call from Steph and that they'd both be home soon.
There had been a smile of anticipation on the Dark's lips then. How she would enjoy revealing the truth. Snow Anona, one of the best warriors to emerge from the Academy had gone soft.
Now she waited for Steph to return.
There had been a smile of anticipation on the Dark's lips then. How she would enjoy revealing the truth. Snow Anona, one of the best warriors to emerge from the Academy had gone soft.
Now she waited for Steph to return.
Steph Grey passed right through the door of his suite which opened for him upon detecting the pass in his pocket. He was quite dirty, having been out in the woods with Kruxis training, and was exhausted more mentally than physically. His friend had put him through the works.
Upon entering, he sees Kendra alone. "Uh... Hi, Kendra. Didn't expect to see you here." He -was- going to toss off his dirty shirt, but for now he just removed his jacket.
Upon entering, he sees Kendra alone. "Uh... Hi, Kendra. Didn't expect to see you here." He -was- going to toss off his dirty shirt, but for now he just removed his jacket.
Kendra Lawrence "Steph!" she'd cried out immediately. Her state was sorry to be sure, messed up and her arm in a make-shift splint. "We got attacked... at my place. Snow and Hope went out looking for you but I stayed here, just in case you came back."
Her face was all fear and pain. After all, a broken arm still hurt.
Her face was all fear and pain. After all, a broken arm still hurt.
Steph Grey His jacket tossed to the side, he noticed her injury... but it was her words that set him off the edge. "What? Attacked by who?" he said angrily, going over to his medicine drawer for a first aid kit and some pain killers. "Here, take a seat. Let's get you patched up."
Kendra Lawrence Perfect. "I'm... okay. Snow and Hope did the best they could," she replied, eyes watching as he moved across the room. She would have to time this well.
"Thunder and Rain. I think they were littermates of Hope and Snow. They... turned on Hope and then Snow attacked Thunder. Rain attacked me when I was trying to take him away from the violence."
"Thunder and Rain. I think they were littermates of Hope and Snow. They... turned on Hope and then Snow attacked Thunder. Rain attacked me when I was trying to take him away from the violence."
Steph Grey was nearly steaming with rage, and he almost dropped the bottle of pain killers he had collected. "Their own siblings... huh? What's next, the fucking pope?"
He goes over to the couch, but notices she is still where she was. "I can't patch that arm up if you're standing around, come sit down."
He goes over to the couch, but notices she is still where she was. "I can't patch that arm up if you're standing around, come sit down."
Kendra Lawrence didn't smile at that. She figured Kendra wouldn't. "I... pope?" she replied, moving over to the couch as instructed, sitting down delicately beside him.
"They only just left. I'm sure they'll be a while. How was your day?" she asked friendlily.
"They only just left. I'm sure they'll be a while. How was your day?" she asked friendlily.
Steph Grey She questioned who the pope was? That caught him. He paused... Snow knew where he was going. Why would she go look for him? Kendra was human, and she didn't know the Pope...? and here she was, standing around in his place, which she had never BEEN before to know where it is, with her broken arm.
He drops the first aid kit and the bottle where he stands, turning to face... Thunder? Rain? It didn't matter. His pistol was up, and he was holding it at the fake's head.
"You have three seconds to shift, before I kill you. If you move, I kill you. And if you don't start explaining just what the hell you want with Hope and Snow, I'll kill you painfully."
He drops the first aid kit and the bottle where he stands, turning to face... Thunder? Rain? It didn't matter. His pistol was up, and he was holding it at the fake's head.
"You have three seconds to shift, before I kill you. If you move, I kill you. And if you don't start explaining just what the hell you want with Hope and Snow, I'll kill you painfully."
Kendra Lawrence scowled at the pistol. "Come now," she said in Kendra's innocent voice, the sultry tone ruining the innocent architect's persona. "Kill me and you'll never find..."
There was a crash against the double doors that led to Steph's apartment, making Kendra scowl further. "Smart Dark. She'll be next, after the little human girl. We won't kill them; just torture them."
There was a crash against the double doors that led to Steph's apartment, making Kendra scowl further. "Smart Dark. She'll be next, after the little human girl. We won't kill them; just torture them."
Hope Anona follows Snow into Stephs' apartment, taking full advantage of the smashed doors her eyes wide. Why were they coming here? Kendra hadn't minded her leaving too badly and-
Then sh caught sight of Steph holding a gun to Kendra's head, fury in every ounce of her being. Oh. Oh no he did not. With a snarl she launches herself between Stpeh and Kendra, protecting the woman as best she cane.
"Get the hell away from my girl!" she orders, glaring at Steph as the false Kendra smirks and wraps her arms around Hope, faking a sob rather loudly.
"Hope! It's horrible, he just started threatening me." She sobs again, burying her face into the very protective Light's back.
Then sh caught sight of Steph holding a gun to Kendra's head, fury in every ounce of her being. Oh. Oh no he did not. With a snarl she launches herself between Stpeh and Kendra, protecting the woman as best she cane.
"Get the hell away from my girl!" she orders, glaring at Steph as the false Kendra smirks and wraps her arms around Hope, faking a sob rather loudly.
"Hope! It's horrible, he just started threatening me." She sobs again, burying her face into the very protective Light's back.
Steph Grey tries to keep his gun trained on the fake. He knew she was a fake... she actually said... ugh, he couldn't let Hope be so naive. She was attacked by shape shifters, for Christ's sake: How could she not expect this?!
"Hope, she's a shape shifter! I can prove it, my laptop is linked to surveillance cameras in this room!" he points to the laptop which was open and on on his coffee table. "Check for yourself, the bitch admitted it."
When Blade stepped over the wreckage of the doors, his eyes were alight with fire. "You cunt." he says, drawing his .500 S&W and pointing it at the head of the faker. "You aren't even carrying a scanning mask, you incompetent pig. Who sent you, the Council?" he barked angrily, pulling back the hammer.
"Hope, she's a shape shifter! I can prove it, my laptop is linked to surveillance cameras in this room!" he points to the laptop which was open and on on his coffee table. "Check for yourself, the bitch admitted it."
When Blade stepped over the wreckage of the doors, his eyes were alight with fire. "You cunt." he says, drawing his .500 S&W and pointing it at the head of the faker. "You aren't even carrying a scanning mask, you incompetent pig. Who sent you, the Council?" he barked angrily, pulling back the hammer.
Steph Grey Blade turned to face Steph for only a moment, keeping his weapon trained on the shifter. "I'll explain later.
Snow Anona looked barely relieved for a second. Steph knew. Thank Goddesses... "Hope?!" she cried out disbelievingly, watching her twin dive past her helplessly to put herself near the imposter. "No... no. Light, that's Rain!"
Please, she begged silently, eyes fixated on her sister. Please believe me. "Steph, don't take your gun off that fake."
Blade stepped in alongside her, grinning despite herself at his accusation. "If they're not our littermates, which I'm beginning to suspect they weren't, yes the Council."
Sheathing her mace, she knew that tact was going to have to be used here. Trust and faith. Not violence. As such, she began to walk forward, stopping a few feet from her dear, sweet sister. "That's not Kendra, dear Light."
Please, she begged silently, eyes fixated on her sister. Please believe me. "Steph, don't take your gun off that fake."
Blade stepped in alongside her, grinning despite herself at his accusation. "If they're not our littermates, which I'm beginning to suspect they weren't, yes the Council."
Sheathing her mace, she knew that tact was going to have to be used here. Trust and faith. Not violence. As such, she began to walk forward, stopping a few feet from her dear, sweet sister. "That's not Kendra, dear Light."
Hope Anona snarls at them both staying protectively in front of the sobbing and clearly frightened Kendra. Guns. She hated guns. Why did Darks all seem to want to solve the world's problems with guns. She hisses at Blade and Steph, reaching behind her to gently touch her girlfriend.
The false Kendra immediately clings to the hand, nuzzling it. Unfortunately, that was thw wrong move to make. Hope's eyes flashed an unholy red as she pulls away from the false Kendra her own gun drawn and aimed in seconds.
This close not even Bad Aim Hope could miss and she shot, blasting the false Kendra's arm off. Oh dear. She was pissed. "Where is my mate." She demands of the other, now screaming in pain, shifter.
The false Kendra immediately clings to the hand, nuzzling it. Unfortunately, that was thw wrong move to make. Hope's eyes flashed an unholy red as she pulls away from the false Kendra her own gun drawn and aimed in seconds.
This close not even Bad Aim Hope could miss and she shot, blasting the false Kendra's arm off. Oh dear. She was pissed. "Where is my mate." She demands of the other, now screaming in pain, shifter.
Steph Grey Hope's sudden realization gave Blade the room he needed to advance. He launches forward, kicking the now extremely wounded shifter to the ground. He pulls out a strange kind of needle from his belt, and forces it down into the shifter.
It was a shape shifter torture device, a phase-blocker, which would keep her from shifting without express permission granted by his implant... unique gear to the Queen's Elite.
"Now, start talking. Where is her mate..." he pointed at Hope, "and who sent you here. Trust me, I have some -very- painful toys with me, and I'm allowed to use every single one of them in the name of her defense... and even if you do escape, you'll be tried, executed, and stripped of your honor. Now..." the magnum was now forced to her temple, the hammer still clicked back.
"Speak."
It was a shape shifter torture device, a phase-blocker, which would keep her from shifting without express permission granted by his implant... unique gear to the Queen's Elite.
"Now, start talking. Where is her mate..." he pointed at Hope, "and who sent you here. Trust me, I have some -very- painful toys with me, and I'm allowed to use every single one of them in the name of her defense... and even if you do escape, you'll be tried, executed, and stripped of your honor. Now..." the magnum was now forced to her temple, the hammer still clicked back.
"Speak."
Snow Anona shot across the room in a flash alongside Blade, putting a hand over the barrel of her sister's gun. If she shot again, it would take Snow's hand off.
"Kill them and we never find Kendra," she clarified with calm. "You did well, dear Light. I'm proud of you."
Her eyes were furious, trained on the imposter, who had not only kidnapped Kendra but also attempted to injure her dear heart and sister.
"The equipment clearly makes the male," she muttered, looking intensely frustrated at Blade. But she was grateful.
"Kill them and we never find Kendra," she clarified with calm. "You did well, dear Light. I'm proud of you."
Her eyes were furious, trained on the imposter, who had not only kidnapped Kendra but also attempted to injure her dear heart and sister.
"The equipment clearly makes the male," she muttered, looking intensely frustrated at Blade. But she was grateful.
Hope Anona The false Kendra snarls and struggles dispite the excruciating pain she's in. "That bitch isn't mated at all!" She snarls to Blade.
Hope snarls back, snapping her teeth at the imposter in warning. Still, she lowers her gun, though only to avoid shooting her sister. Instead, she aims to take out thr imposters foot. As she shoot, the imposter struggles, causign the bolt of plasma to only tak off about half the foot. Still Hope snarled in plasure at that hit.
The imposter however, screams in pains once more. "Don't know! don't know!"
Hope snarls back, snapping her teeth at the imposter in warning. Still, she lowers her gun, though only to avoid shooting her sister. Instead, she aims to take out thr imposters foot. As she shoot, the imposter struggles, causign the bolt of plasma to only tak off about half the foot. Still Hope snarled in plasure at that hit.
The imposter however, screams in pains once more. "Don't know! don't know!"
Steph Grey just holstered his pistol, and crashed onto his couch, looking down to the ground.. listening to whatever confession the creature had offered.
Blade wasn't about to let this pig off so easy. You lying coward!" he sneers. "And she -is- mated by human standards, if you sickeningly inept serpents had a clue about your Intel. Answer my questions!"
His next toy was a very similar looking needle, although it was blue instead of the other red... this one -forced- shifting. "If I put this into you, the conflict between the phase blocker and this will demolecularlize you temporarily and cause you a pain reserved those who have earned an eternity of burning in hell."
"Now... SPEAK!"
Blade wasn't about to let this pig off so easy. You lying coward!" he sneers. "And she -is- mated by human standards, if you sickeningly inept serpents had a clue about your Intel. Answer my questions!"
His next toy was a very similar looking needle, although it was blue instead of the other red... this one -forced- shifting. "If I put this into you, the conflict between the phase blocker and this will demolecularlize you temporarily and cause you a pain reserved those who have earned an eternity of burning in hell."
"Now... SPEAK!"
Snow Anona judged her sister without seeing, confident that now Blade had hold of the shifter, Hope would calm down. Hope was a fickle thing and immediately after the shot, the Dark grabbed the pistol and tried to yank it forcefully out of her grip.
"What if you hit Blade? Huh?" she challenged, hopefully holding the bright pink pistol in her iron grip, trying not to focus on Steph too much.
He had no idea... "Love... everything's much worse than we thought. Forgive me."
"What if you hit Blade? Huh?" she challenged, hopefully holding the bright pink pistol in her iron grip, trying not to focus on Steph too much.
He had no idea... "Love... everything's much worse than we thought. Forgive me."
Steph Grey shakes his head. "I know. That's why I'm back early." he said darkly. He didn't explain himself further... yet.
Hope Anona The Imposter is shivering in pain and fear as Blade describes the effects of the shoots and spills her guts. The council had sent her, though she didn't know for sure whcich members. They're ahdns were covered. Kendra could be foudn right where she had been left, cornered as 'Rain.' She had an amulet on her, disguising her as Rain in the imposter's presence, but once she was gone, simply causing there to be a strong aversion to go near her.
Hope listens in stony silence to this painfileld an babbled confession and nods. "Blade. Give her the shot." She orders, completely heartlessly. "The we're talking about your intel's voyearistic tendencies."
Hope listens in stony silence to this painfileld an babbled confession and nods. "Blade. Give her the shot." She orders, completely heartlessly. "The we're talking about your intel's voyearistic tendencies."
Snow Anona nodded, setting Hope's pistol on the coffee table. She would do the same thing if someone had hurt Steph, her eyes falling on him as she took his hand in hers. "Come, we're going to get Kendra," she said, sighing heavily.
And you can also tell me what you mean.
"Blade, do what you will with them. If I can assume that the other assailant was their twin, neither of them deserve life."
And you can also tell me what you mean.
"Blade, do what you will with them. If I can assume that the other assailant was their twin, neither of them deserve life."
Steph Grey "Gladly." Blade hisses, plunging the needle into the faker.
They wouldn't even have time to scream before their body would crumble into a bleeding jelly that looked like it was boiling on the ground. He left it that way for several seconds, and pulled it back out... giving her... him... it time to rephase.
Too late. It was dead. The puddle of goo began to evaporate into nothingness.
"We'll be checking intel for an unexplained, sudden death, so we'll know who their pair was can identify them that way. In the mean time, we finally have solid proof of the Council's actions, now we just need evidence so the Queen can start removing some heads."
His gaze turns to Steph. "You. You did well. You're Steph Grey, correct? Snow's to-be mate?"
Steph simply nods, taking Snows hand. "Let's go find her."
They wouldn't even have time to scream before their body would crumble into a bleeding jelly that looked like it was boiling on the ground. He left it that way for several seconds, and pulled it back out... giving her... him... it time to rephase.
Too late. It was dead. The puddle of goo began to evaporate into nothingness.
"We'll be checking intel for an unexplained, sudden death, so we'll know who their pair was can identify them that way. In the mean time, we finally have solid proof of the Council's actions, now we just need evidence so the Queen can start removing some heads."
His gaze turns to Steph. "You. You did well. You're Steph Grey, correct? Snow's to-be mate?"
Steph simply nods, taking Snows hand. "Let's go find her."
Snow Anona felt a small smile grace her lips, even in the horror and dark realisation of all this. All Hope needed to do was give permission and they would be bound. Snow would personally see to it. "Indeed," she replied to Steph, tugging him to his feet gently and going past the mess and painful memories unseeing.
The sooner they got Kendra back, the better.
The sooner they got Kendra back, the better.
The setting changes from Steph's Apartment to Kendra's Apartment
Snow Anona was extremely wary. Both had acted in Darkish manners, so it was entirely likely that they were equals, but in fact two separate Darks. What if the second one had returned to take Kendra? What would they do then?
The drive over had been relatively silent, Snow fussing a little bit just to make sure that Steph wasn't too tired or freaked out.
Now they stood in front of Kendra's apartment door and realised something quite prominent. They didn't have a key.
The drive over had been relatively silent, Snow fussing a little bit just to make sure that Steph wasn't too tired or freaked out.
Now they stood in front of Kendra's apartment door and realised something quite prominent. They didn't have a key.
Steph Grey Despite Snow's fussing, Steph wasn't going to piss around with this situation. In all likelyhood, the two that had attacked Hope Kendra and Snow weren't a pair, but two Dark's.... that meant that the other might still be in there.
He had brough his SPAS-12 Combat shotgun, just to be confident that he was the one packing overkill.
Upon the discovery that they were locked out, Steph looked over to Snow. "Stand back." he said blankly,... his expression was oddly cold. There was no anger, fear, or panic... almost like he had expected these events all along.
Two thunderous bursts of the shotgun had the hinges of the door blown in, and they were inside the room. Shotgun pointed forward, Steph advances...
He had brough his SPAS-12 Combat shotgun, just to be confident that he was the one packing overkill.
Upon the discovery that they were locked out, Steph looked over to Snow. "Stand back." he said blankly,... his expression was oddly cold. There was no anger, fear, or panic... almost like he had expected these events all along.
Two thunderous bursts of the shotgun had the hinges of the door blown in, and they were inside the room. Shotgun pointed forward, Steph advances...
Snow Anona watched with a shiver of fear at her beloved's actions. Something clearly had changed... "Steph," she whispered, reaching out a hand to his shoulder, hoping to halt his movements. "What happened?"
Steph Grey stopped at her touch. The shotgun pointed to the ground, and he half turned his head to give her the impression of his attention. "I was shown a few things. Things that scare the hell out of me... I'll explain when we find Kendra."
Snow Anona sighed nodding, taking point past Steph if he did not try and prevent her, heading immediately for the open door of Kendra's bedroom, sighing in relief at the sight of a prone 'Rain' on the floor, a bruise forming where Hope had pistol-whipped the poor transfigured girl.
Steph Grey put his shotgun back out front as he searched the rest of the apartment, making himself useful as Snow made sure Kendra was alright.
After a few moments of checking every area of the apartment, he shouted back to her. "Clear!"
After a few moments of checking every area of the apartment, he shouted back to her. "Clear!"
Snow Anona had reached Kendra when Steph shouted through, nodding in recognition. Indeed, there was a strong revulsion for her to step near the fallen girl. However, her desire to return her sister's mate to her was much stronger than that.
It took not a moment to discover the amulet that was hiding Kendra's true form, ripping it over her head in a moment to restore the broken architect's features in a moment.
"Goddess," she breathed, arching up Kendra's neck. Her arm was broken and left untreated for so long, a hand coming to smooth the hair away from her face. "She's alright. Injured but fine."
It took not a moment to discover the amulet that was hiding Kendra's true form, ripping it over her head in a moment to restore the broken architect's features in a moment.
"Goddess," she breathed, arching up Kendra's neck. Her arm was broken and left untreated for so long, a hand coming to smooth the hair away from her face. "She's alright. Injured but fine."
Steph Grey went into the room where poor Kendra was held. "How injured?" he said before seeing her for himself.
"Son of a bitch..." he scowled, kneeling down to check her injuries. Indeed, her arm was messed up very badly. She was going to need hospital attention... not to mention a couple of other bruises.
"We're going to get you help, Kendra... you're going to be okay."
"Son of a bitch..." he scowled, kneeling down to check her injuries. Indeed, her arm was messed up very badly. She was going to need hospital attention... not to mention a couple of other bruises.
"We're going to get you help, Kendra... you're going to be okay."
Snow Anona stood, picking up the broken girl like she was a limp rag doll before setting her on the bed with a heavy sigh, drawing out a first-aid kit.
Kendra was unconscious, which would make this easier. "Talk to me whilst I work Steph. What happened?" she queried as she set about drawing about implements to create a second splint for her second Light.
Kendra was unconscious, which would make this easier. "Talk to me whilst I work Steph. What happened?" she queried as she set about drawing about implements to create a second splint for her second Light.
Steph Grey shakes his head, other than finding the safe toddler who appeared to be distressed out of his expertise, the apartment was completely quiet as far as he could tell. Shotgun still held at the ready, he wanders back to the bed where Snow was taking care of Kendra, and he decides to at least briefly answer her question, knowing that she would press him for more anyway.
He pulls three bottle-like objects out of his pocket, oddly designed with two larger ends connected by a smaller tube with no apparent opening on any surface. There was sand contained in different positions in all three.
He sets them on the bed within Snow's eyesight. "Do you know what these are?"
He pulls three bottle-like objects out of his pocket, oddly designed with two larger ends connected by a smaller tube with no apparent opening on any surface. There was sand contained in different positions in all three.
He sets them on the bed within Snow's eyesight. "Do you know what these are?"
Snow Anona glanced up briefly at the objects. "Sand-timers," she replied off-handedly, busying herself with organising a proper splint for Kendra's damaged arm.
"What do they have to do with anything?"
"What do they have to do with anything?"
Steph Grey [color=navy]"These are very special sand timers... He showed me where my past wife, Autumn, had perished. In the chamber where these were kept."
He pulls a fourth out, and tosses it on the bed with the others. It hits one of the others, but not even the slightest crack appears in either as though they were made out of some kind of invincible glass. "These are what Kruxis called the timers of fate. They're representations of a link to our own souls, counting down a timer to our deaths."
"That one is hers." it was still mostly full, and ticking very, very slowly.
He points to the second one... it was empty, no longer ticking. "This was mine. Autumn died because she... She switched them." his voice quiets in sorrow, but he carries on: that wasn't the point of what he needed to tell Snow. Neither of them needed that right now.
He points to the last two... both at the exact same amount of time, but oddly, the sand was frozen in place, with some particles simply floating in place. "These are yours and Hope's." They may hav
He pulls a fourth out, and tosses it on the bed with the others. It hits one of the others, but not even the slightest crack appears in either as though they were made out of some kind of invincible glass. "These are what Kruxis called the timers of fate. They're representations of a link to our own souls, counting down a timer to our deaths."
"That one is hers." it was still mostly full, and ticking very, very slowly.
He points to the second one... it was empty, no longer ticking. "This was mine. Autumn died because she... She switched them." his voice quiets in sorrow, but he carries on: that wasn't the point of what he needed to tell Snow. Neither of them needed that right now.
He points to the last two... both at the exact same amount of time, but oddly, the sand was frozen in place, with some particles simply floating in place. "These are yours and Hope's." They may hav
“
/me\
He points to the last two... both at the exact same amount of time, but oddly, the sand was frozen in place, with some particles simply floating in place. "These are yours and Hope's." They may have been frozen... but they were almost empty. ”
He points to the last two... both at the exact same amount of time, but oddly, the sand was frozen in place, with some particles simply floating in place. "These are yours and Hope's." They may have been frozen... but they were almost empty. ”
“
/me
He points to the last two... both at the exact same amount of time, but oddly, the sand was frozen in place, with some particles simply floating in place. "These are yours and Hope's." They may have been frozen... but they were almost empty. ”
He points to the last two... both at the exact same amount of time, but oddly, the sand was frozen in place, with some particles simply floating in place. "These are yours and Hope's." They may have been frozen... but they were almost empty. ”
Steph Grey He points to the last two... both at the exact same amount of time, but oddly, the sand was frozen in place, with some particles simply floating in place. "These are yours and Hope's." They may have been frozen... but they were almost empty.
Snow Anona stopped working at that. Wife? Good gracious, that was news to her, but that probably wasn't what he wanted to confess, suppressing the envy from her eyes immediately.
Timers of Fate, eh? Well she knew what she thought of Fate. Kendra's was fine - expected. His explanation of Autumn made her smile involuntarily. Doing that for him, just so he could live; she decided she would have liked this woman, no matter Steph's affection for her.
But it was the last two he seemed to hold the most concern for, her reddish eyes frowning alongside her mouth and then her eyes looked up at Steph's and realised what it meant. "Frozen in the point before death..." she breathed. They were living on borrowed time. Always had been, since the moment they'd both died the first time.
She fell backwards a little, stumbling from the shock. What did this even mean?!
Timers of Fate, eh? Well she knew what she thought of Fate. Kendra's was fine - expected. His explanation of Autumn made her smile involuntarily. Doing that for him, just so he could live; she decided she would have liked this woman, no matter Steph's affection for her.
But it was the last two he seemed to hold the most concern for, her reddish eyes frowning alongside her mouth and then her eyes looked up at Steph's and realised what it meant. "Frozen in the point before death..." she breathed. They were living on borrowed time. Always had been, since the moment they'd both died the first time.
She fell backwards a little, stumbling from the shock. What did this even mean?!
Steph Grey continues. "Kruxis explained that it means you're bound by fate." a pause. "And until it's fulfilled, you're free from the chains of destiny."
"... what worries me is what happens after whatever that fate is... and I don't even know if I can stop it."
"... what worries me is what happens after whatever that fate is... and I don't even know if I can stop it."
Snow Anona looked afraid. Intensely afraid. "Blade said Hope had a destiny. Borrowed time..." She looked across at him, sorrow filling her eyes. "I'll never let you become my mate, Steph. The cost of that is too great."
Hope Anona appears in the apartment's living room, and immediately forges ahead to the bedroom. "Kendra!" She calls out, not botherign to check her passeneger as she normally did. Blade could take care of himself as far as she was concerned.
The Light had been, unfortunately, un avoidably detains, somethign she was not pleased with. Someone up there had a serious death wish, and Hope was highly upset over their interference. No matter though. The woman made her way to Kendra's side, pushing by Steph and Snow to get there. "Oh Kendra, heart, please forgive me."
Her fingers hover above where she pistol whipped her fiance and she sobs, obviously about to break down. Too much! It was all too much.
The Light had been, unfortunately, un avoidably detains, somethign she was not pleased with. Someone up there had a serious death wish, and Hope was highly upset over their interference. No matter though. The woman made her way to Kendra's side, pushing by Steph and Snow to get there. "Oh Kendra, heart, please forgive me."
Her fingers hover above where she pistol whipped her fiance and she sobs, obviously about to break down. Too much! It was all too much.
Steph Grey [color=navy]quickly grabs the timers off the bed and stashes them in his jacket again before Hope can see them. She didn't need to know this... not yet. Seeing Kendra like this she didn't need to be told she was living on a thin line of borrowed time. Instead, he just stands back, and let's the moment unfold.
Blade had appeared with her, the bodyguard only barely noted the presence of the others before he was marching around the apartment scanning for any signs of shape shifters: they could be hiding as a mouse under the couch, anything. He also checked for surveillance bugs and other spying equipment.
Angrily, he discovers one, his scanner picking up a small disc hidden behind a couch cushion. He pulls it out, and squeezes it until it shatters. An even smaller disc is contained within, which he keeps.
Going back to the bedroom where the others resided, he was about to interrupt with demands that they equip themselves properly, but instead just waits until the distressed Hope had her time with the woman his Int
Blade had appeared with her, the bodyguard only barely noted the presence of the others before he was marching around the apartment scanning for any signs of shape shifters: they could be hiding as a mouse under the couch, anything. He also checked for surveillance bugs and other spying equipment.
Angrily, he discovers one, his scanner picking up a small disc hidden behind a couch cushion. He pulls it out, and squeezes it until it shatters. An even smaller disc is contained within, which he keeps.
Going back to the bedroom where the others resided, he was about to interrupt with demands that they equip themselves properly, but instead just waits until the distressed Hope had her time with the woman his Int
Steph Grey Going back to the bedroom where the others resided, he was about to interrupt with demands that they equip themselves properly, but instead just waits until the distressed Hope had her time with the woman his Intel identified as her fiancee... the person the scum from Steph's apartment tried to copy.
Snow Anona looked across at Steph and then down at her sister, not wanting to ruin the moment. Kendra’s arm could be healed later and although the human female was unconscious, she knew her Light needed this moment.
Instead of hovering, she walked past Blade into the living room, feeling suffocated by the truths her Dark seemed to enjoy pouring on her like hot coal, burnt into her mind and onto her heart.
Kendra would wake soon, she knew, but Snow wanted her mind clear for that to accept her failure.
Instead of hovering, she walked past Blade into the living room, feeling suffocated by the truths her Dark seemed to enjoy pouring on her like hot coal, burnt into her mind and onto her heart.
Kendra would wake soon, she knew, but Snow wanted her mind clear for that to accept her failure.
Hope Anona sobs, into her hands, at the site of Kendra. A broken arm, a concussion...what had she done? Hope touched the slit in Kendra shirt where the shifters own knife had cut into her and begins shaking violently. Never again. Never again would shw allow anything like this to happen.
There was, to the Light's knowledge, only one way to accomplish this. A mate bond would prevent this misunderstanding from ever happening again. As soon as Kendra was ready then. Hope refused to allow herself to be frightened over the idea.
"Blade!" She snarls, still remaining protectively by Kendra's side. "Get your ass in here!" She had censored herself heavily, just saying that. But still. Manners. She chided herself, almost reflexively.
There was, to the Light's knowledge, only one way to accomplish this. A mate bond would prevent this misunderstanding from ever happening again. As soon as Kendra was ready then. Hope refused to allow herself to be frightened over the idea.
"Blade!" She snarls, still remaining protectively by Kendra's side. "Get your ass in here!" She had censored herself heavily, just saying that. But still. Manners. She chided herself, almost reflexively.
Steph Grey brushes past Blade, following Snow to the living room. He stops beside her, and puts an arm around her shoulder in comfort... speaking to ensure the neither Blade nor Hope would hear him.
"Now that I know where the Chamber of Fate is... there has to be something I can do. Autumn proved that the manipulation of the timers is possible... I'll find a way to save you. I promise."
With a kiss on the cheek for reassurance, he continues. "Just remember... this changes nothing, alright? I love you, and I promised to protect you and Hope, and I'll do everything in my power to make sure that this insignificant little chunk of glass doesn't ruin that for us." -c-
"Now that I know where the Chamber of Fate is... there has to be something I can do. Autumn proved that the manipulation of the timers is possible... I'll find a way to save you. I promise."
With a kiss on the cheek for reassurance, he continues. "Just remember... this changes nothing, alright? I love you, and I promised to protect you and Hope, and I'll do everything in my power to make sure that this insignificant little chunk of glass doesn't ruin that for us." -c-
Steph Grey Blade enters the room at Hope's command, his expression indifferent. "What do you require of me?"
Snow Anona felt the arm and groaned, her weakness creeping up on her like a snake sliding silently through long grass. "I'm done fighting Fate Steph. I meant what I said. If I mate with you, you'll die with me. I won't have that."
And don't make promises you can't keep.
The kiss made her sigh, curling into him reflexively, needing him close to her. Safety. He would protect her, when she couldn't protect herself. "I love you too. I want to believe you, but now with Blade here, I feel like I'm just in the way."
And don't make promises you can't keep.
The kiss made her sigh, curling into him reflexively, needing him close to her. Safety. He would protect her, when she couldn't protect herself. "I love you too. I want to believe you, but now with Blade here, I feel like I'm just in the way."
Hope Anona snarls at him, warning him not to get too close. As far as she was concerned, no one was allowed too close to Kendra right now. "Equipment." She rumbles, everything about her showing how tense she is.
"So that I will be able to identify shifters on sight, no matter what form they're in. guns. and Lots of those little needles you used on the bastard back at Steph's." She lists, gently petting Kendra's head, even though the unconscious woman wouldn't know, and the action was almost directly opposite of her voice.
This would never happen again.
"So that I will be able to identify shifters on sight, no matter what form they're in. guns. and Lots of those little needles you used on the bastard back at Steph's." She lists, gently petting Kendra's head, even though the unconscious woman wouldn't know, and the action was almost directly opposite of her voice.
This would never happen again.
Steph Grey shakes his head, having nothing to say to that. He still hadn't talked to this Blade man properly... just who the hell was this guy?
Instead, he simply keeps his arm around his Dark, seeking to comfort her.
Blade stops, also at her command. He promptly answers her. "That was the intention. I'm not only here to protect you, but to make sure you have the ability to not only fight at a caliber beyond anything in the Academies, but to keep yourselves alive in the presence of all of the galaxy's best hunters."
He sighs. "And for exactly why this is all happening, I'll will explain it all to you the moment you're ready... for now, it seems you all have your hands..." he frowns. "... quite full."
Instead, he simply keeps his arm around his Dark, seeking to comfort her.
Blade stops, also at her command. He promptly answers her. "That was the intention. I'm not only here to protect you, but to make sure you have the ability to not only fight at a caliber beyond anything in the Academies, but to keep yourselves alive in the presence of all of the galaxy's best hunters."
He sighs. "And for exactly why this is all happening, I'll will explain it all to you the moment you're ready... for now, it seems you all have your hands..." he frowns. "... quite full."
Hope Anona nods satisfied, and climbs into the bad, curled protectively around Kendra. "Go fetch a healer, Blade. We'll be safe enough here, for now." She shoos him away, having figured out that he would, apparently, do whatever she ordered. "I won't have Kendra heal so slowly. I want he better within the hour."
Impatient, impertinent and rude, but Hope was too angry for anything else right now. "And..." She pauses, looking a bit embarrassed. "Could you, possibly, have Snow and Steph come in. I need a hug or two."
Impatient, impertinent and rude, but Hope was too angry for anything else right now. "And..." She pauses, looking a bit embarrassed. "Could you, possibly, have Snow and Steph come in. I need a hug or two."
Steph Grey Blade shakes his head, annoyed that he was sent for that task. He suddenly wished his Light Bow was here with him, a pang of longing for his other half making him hesitate before he turns to the door. "I'll be back within the hour." he explains, leaving the room.
Before he leaves the apartment altogether, he speaks to Snow and Steph who were standing in the living area. "You two, Hope wishes to see you." With that, he leaves. -c-
Before he leaves the apartment altogether, he speaks to Snow and Steph who were standing in the living area. "You two, Hope wishes to see you." With that, he leaves. -c-
Steph Grey nods at Blade, and gives Snow a quick kiss on the cheek. "Comon, the poor girl probably needs some comforting."
With that he goes to the bedroom with Hope and Kendra, his face melting into one of pure sympathy seeing Hope's tormented expression... the little beacon of boundless light in front of him was quickly turning into the vengeful killer she so effectively contrasted before this catastrophe.
"Are you going to be okay?" he says to her quietly.
With that he goes to the bedroom with Hope and Kendra, his face melting into one of pure sympathy seeing Hope's tormented expression... the little beacon of boundless light in front of him was quickly turning into the vengeful killer she so effectively contrasted before this catastrophe.
"Are you going to be okay?" he says to her quietly.
Snow Anona Snow managed a nod of consent, her eyes falling upon her Light with despondency that she didn't think possible before this day. "My Light..." she breathed, her own troubles pushed to the background in favour of comfort.
It took some effort, but she perched herself precariously on the bed, her hands resting on both Hope and Kendra's shoulders.
Now she felt truly helpless, beckoning Steph over with a look of support.
It took some effort, but she perched herself precariously on the bed, her hands resting on both Hope and Kendra's shoulders.
Now she felt truly helpless, beckoning Steph over with a look of support.
Hope Anona shakes her head, looking upset. "No! I didn't want that man to die. I was just so upset and I lost my temper, and then I made Blade kill him." But this point she's cryign hard enough she can't go on, obviously highly upset by her own actions.
Between finding out that she was the one who had hurt Kendra, and helping kill a man, Hope was torn to pieces. At Snow's gentle touch, Hope leans into her twin, clearly feeling better with the touch. "Snow, how do I make them stop?"
Between finding out that she was the one who had hurt Kendra, and helping kill a man, Hope was torn to pieces. At Snow's gentle touch, Hope leans into her twin, clearly feeling better with the touch. "Snow, how do I make them stop?"
Steph Grey approaches, taking a seat beside Hope. "Somehow, I think that man was going to kill the imposter anyway." he says, recalling the professional, yet still violently satisfied look on Blade's face when he had done the deed. "Hope, any of us would have done the same thing. If Blade hadn't done it, I would have done it. If I hadn't done it, Snow probably would have." he looks over to his Dark... hoping that he didn't assume incorrectly.
But then, quickly his attention returned to the distressed Light. "When someone threatens someone we love, it's a part of who we are to lash out to protect them. That's not a weakness, it's what it means to be strong if you're willing to commit to indecencies in the name of protecting the ones you care about."
He sighs... "at least that's how I see it."
But then, quickly his attention returned to the distressed Light. "When someone threatens someone we love, it's a part of who we are to lash out to protect them. That's not a weakness, it's what it means to be strong if you're willing to commit to indecencies in the name of protecting the ones you care about."
He sighs... "at least that's how I see it."
Snow Anona shook her head. "He had one chance. I would have let him go free... this time."
It hurt to admit that but she still had her honour, if not her stoicism to hold close to her, like armour. "We will make them stop through fortitude and strength. Kendra will be fine and we will educate her so that she is not fooled again. If you can take on the task of keeping her safe, then Steph and I will dedicate ourselves to making you two safe."
She didn't mention Blade; he'd be a prick and butt in when he wanted to, most likely. That's what most men did, glancing over at Steph with a wry grin. "I agree with Steph; you taught those coming after us a valuable lesson. We are not to be trifled with."
It hurt to admit that but she still had her honour, if not her stoicism to hold close to her, like armour. "We will make them stop through fortitude and strength. Kendra will be fine and we will educate her so that she is not fooled again. If you can take on the task of keeping her safe, then Steph and I will dedicate ourselves to making you two safe."
She didn't mention Blade; he'd be a prick and butt in when he wanted to, most likely. That's what most men did, glancing over at Steph with a wry grin. "I agree with Steph; you taught those coming after us a valuable lesson. We are not to be trifled with."
Steph Grey shakes his head. "That's what I'm worried about. Whoever's coming after us, they'll turn up the heat now."
Hope Anona shivers again, keeping her hed touchign Kendra's gently. "I...I don't want to have to kill again Snow. Please don't let me." She says, knowing her temper will no doubt get the worst of her again, soon enough. It had been doing it so often lately she was beginning to wonder what was wrong with her.
Poor Hope. She knew little enough about her own biology that she would continue to have no clue. (Bwahahahahahahahaha!)
Poor Hope. She knew little enough about her own biology that she would continue to have no clue. (Bwahahahahahahahaha!)
Snow Anona looked up at her Dark with a confident, almost arrogant smile. “Then we have to get better and fast. Kendra’s blueprint for your guns is at your place. That’s the start. Then you and I learn to fight together cohesively and apart sensibly. Hope learns self-control and Kendra wariness.”
Her strategy emerged effortlessly, as if she’d been wanting to say the words for so long, her trepidation at Steph’s earlier revelation leaving her face, eyes hardening at Hope’s plea to her. “Never again, dear Light. “You will never spill blood again, by order or your own hand. I swear it.”
Her strategy emerged effortlessly, as if she’d been wanting to say the words for so long, her trepidation at Steph’s earlier revelation leaving her face, eyes hardening at Hope’s plea to her. “Never again, dear Light. “You will never spill blood again, by order or your own hand. I swear it.”
Steph Grey frowns. If only that promise was one Hope would be able to realistically keep... Steph had a feeling that whoever was trying to kill them, they would not allow the liberty of picking their first line of defense.
He only hoped that when the time comes, all of them would be ready.
He only hoped that when the time comes, all of them would be ready.
The setting changes from Kendra's Apartment to Steph's Apartment
Steph Grey started the engine as Snow speechlessly sat down in the passenger seat beside him. He hesitates to leave, though... instead just looking out the front windshield, his mind occupied with everything that was happening.
"... Just what kind of shit have we got ourselves into?"
Hope... responsible for bringing cultural change to a society of trillions scattered across the Multiverse...? Has there ever been a more unfathomable task assigned to one person?
Let alone to someone so innocent as Hope...
"... Just what kind of shit have we got ourselves into?"
Hope... responsible for bringing cultural change to a society of trillions scattered across the Multiverse...? Has there ever been a more unfathomable task assigned to one person?
Let alone to someone so innocent as Hope...
Snow Anona slid into the passenger seat, looking across to him at his rather abrupt question, wincing because in all actuality, it wasn't his fight. Yet, he would take it in his stride and commit.
So, she didn't answer that, reaching a hand across the distance between them to try and go inside his jacket pocket. "Hope says ask next time, okay? Otherwise, they're a bit stunned but forgive you."
So, she didn't answer that, reaching a hand across the distance between them to try and go inside his jacket pocket. "Hope says ask next time, okay? Otherwise, they're a bit stunned but forgive you."
“
With a turn of the key, the car started with a purr-like rumble, and they were off the side of the road into the concrete jungle. "I just want to do what I can to protect you all. I guess they already knew that, though..."
He sighs. "I'm more worried about this Blade guy and everything he said. I'm half stunned that he would bring this all onto Hope's shoulders... but at the same time... it's a once in a lifetime opportunity - no, more than that!"
He shakes his head. "Still, it's not right for anyone to force that on one person. Hope would be right to refuse." ”
He sighs. "I'm more worried about this Blade guy and everything he said. I'm half stunned that he would bring this all onto Hope's shoulders... but at the same time... it's a once in a lifetime opportunity - no, more than that!"
He shakes his head. "Still, it's not right for anyone to force that on one person. Hope would be right to refuse." ”
Snow Anona successfully drew out those little sand timers, smiling a little at his admission. Of course they knew; he was worse than her at times. Hope accepted it and Kendra smiled throughout, confident in a happy resolution.
Definite Lights, the two of them. "Blade is a true Dark; taking on the burdens of the world and expecting everyone - except his Light, naturally - to do the same. He is what I was. Once."
They started to move and instinctively she reached for the seatbelt, clicking it into place with her free hand, the other holding two frozen in time devices. "If she accepts and I wager in time she will, we need to be ready to defend her. From everything."
Definite Lights, the two of them. "Blade is a true Dark; taking on the burdens of the world and expecting everyone - except his Light, naturally - to do the same. He is what I was. Once."
They started to move and instinctively she reached for the seatbelt, clicking it into place with her free hand, the other holding two frozen in time devices. "If she accepts and I wager in time she will, we need to be ready to defend her. From everything."
“
He nods, ignoring her having taken the sand timers. They were nothing but clocks, and replacements that tell the same thing would apparently grow back at the Chamber of Fate.
Although, he felt terribly guilty for bringing it up.
"A true Dark..." he kicked that one around in his head for a minute. "I guess I underestimated just how strong the twin bond is... I look at that man and see the same devotion to his sister as the bond between parent and child."
Her last words make him nod. "Defending people is part of the job I've been doing for my whole life. I've made my obligations. All that's left is to put them to action."
This brings a grin to his face, his mind back in business. "First thing we need to do is get a safe house. Neither of our apartments are safe anymore, and that bar sure as hell ain't any better." ”
Although, he felt terribly guilty for bringing it up.
"A true Dark..." he kicked that one around in his head for a minute. "I guess I underestimated just how strong the twin bond is... I look at that man and see the same devotion to his sister as the bond between parent and child."
Her last words make him nod. "Defending people is part of the job I've been doing for my whole life. I've made my obligations. All that's left is to put them to action."
This brings a grin to his face, his mind back in business. "First thing we need to do is get a safe house. Neither of our apartments are safe anymore, and that bar sure as hell ain't any better." ”
Snow Anona listened to the clinks as the two little items collided in her hand. It was harrowing, holding them physically. Would breaking them kill her and Hope for good?
No, she told herself firmly. Do not even think about that. His words about the bond brought her out of her reverie, nodding. "I... was always ousted for my lack of comprehension of that strong bond, forged over years and years of companionship."
Despite everything, she wryly grinned at his business-like manner, trying not to look at him too much. "Is that all we are to you? Obligations?" she half-teased, resting the sand timers in her own jacket pocket for now.
For a time, she pondered upon his words. They needed a safe place... one they could access easily from the city... "The bar is the worst place; I'm almost glad I decided to come with you, though I loathe leaving Hope without my presence." -c-
No, she told herself firmly. Do not even think about that. His words about the bond brought her out of her reverie, nodding. "I... was always ousted for my lack of comprehension of that strong bond, forged over years and years of companionship."
Despite everything, she wryly grinned at his business-like manner, trying not to look at him too much. "Is that all we are to you? Obligations?" she half-teased, resting the sand timers in her own jacket pocket for now.
For a time, she pondered upon his words. They needed a safe place... one they could access easily from the city... "The bar is the worst place; I'm almost glad I decided to come with you, though I loathe leaving Hope without my presence." -c-
Snow Anona A safe house, eh? "Something like Hope's teleportation could be useful and if we could wire it so it only responds to the specific call of those who mean Hope no harm - perhaps using a keyword or even a mind-scan to prove intentions... It's a start, at least." -e-
“
He shook his head, still confidently grinning. "Snow, if all you were to me were obligations, I would have been long gone by now. If I will ask anything of you, it's that you don't mistake my intentions as a simple urge to retain my promises... I love you, and hell nor high water is going to change that."
It sounded so simple coming out of his mouth... but he didn't think he had meant anything in his life more than what he had said... although the gravity of what exactly he had promised was only just starting strike him.
Her idea makes him nod. "That sounds like a secure plan if any, if it can be done... we'll have to ask Hope how we can do that. We could hide in any little cranny in the universe like that, probably." ”
It sounded so simple coming out of his mouth... but he didn't think he had meant anything in his life more than what he had said... although the gravity of what exactly he had promised was only just starting strike him.
Her idea makes him nod. "That sounds like a secure plan if any, if it can be done... we'll have to ask Hope how we can do that. We could hide in any little cranny in the universe like that, probably." ”
Snow Anona Good, he had taken her playful jibe as intended and his mood seemed to brighten. There, now she felt better also, though a twinge of guilt flickered through her eyes as she turned to face him, startled by the clarity of his words. "You had no idea what you were getting yourself into when you made those vows. I would not blame you if you wanted to run for the hills after tonight."
Her reasoning was quickly off-set by a kiss to her own fingertips, lightly pressed against his cheek moments after. She didn't want to distract him from driving too much. "You know I love you as well but I meant what I said earlier; in combat, we must put those feelings aside, trust one another to live and fight on, no matter the injuries we sustain."
He liked her idea; good, she didn't feel quite so useless anymore, drawing his approval around her like a warm blanket. "Indeed. We could use an accessible place as the entry point. A frequented shop perhaps, to throw them off." -c-
Her reasoning was quickly off-set by a kiss to her own fingertips, lightly pressed against his cheek moments after. She didn't want to distract him from driving too much. "You know I love you as well but I meant what I said earlier; in combat, we must put those feelings aside, trust one another to live and fight on, no matter the injuries we sustain."
He liked her idea; good, she didn't feel quite so useless anymore, drawing his approval around her like a warm blanket. "Indeed. We could use an accessible place as the entry point. A frequented shop perhaps, to throw them off." -c-
Snow Anona Hope. Her dear, easily provoked Hope. Her sister was in the middle of something so much larger than her and Snow would give anything to ease that burden, even if it was only formulating ideas. -e-
Steph Grey was warmed by her touch, heart melting with the gesture... but his attention could barely leave the road. At least their apartments weren't too far away from each other.
Her reminder of his duties steeled him. It was the only time he had hesitated for a second to be her lover... it put both of them at risk. If he was brought in on the mate bond, his death would take them down too. "It scares the hell out of me, Snow, knowing the danger you two will be in... I live and breath danger but this is something on a whole new caliber. Knowing I'm with you and the others helps, but..."
"...This ain't going to be easy... and I'm with you until the end of it."
Suddenly, his eyes drifted to those damned sand timers... Was their sacrifice really worth it? Was there no other way?
No. He would find a way. Those damned objects would not define their fate. -c-
Her reminder of his duties steeled him. It was the only time he had hesitated for a second to be her lover... it put both of them at risk. If he was brought in on the mate bond, his death would take them down too. "It scares the hell out of me, Snow, knowing the danger you two will be in... I live and breath danger but this is something on a whole new caliber. Knowing I'm with you and the others helps, but..."
"...This ain't going to be easy... and I'm with you until the end of it."
Suddenly, his eyes drifted to those damned sand timers... Was their sacrifice really worth it? Was there no other way?
No. He would find a way. Those damned objects would not define their fate. -c-
Steph Grey Locations flowed through his mind, he considered several locations. "It can't be too public, or it would be too easy to trace us or draw suspicion. An alleyway, maybe, or somewhere outside of town."
"That, and we need to go weapons shopping." he sighed. "The cops would probably have been called to assess the damage of my apartment, so all of my guns will be on file. I need to get fresh pieces, and wipe my computer drives so those tracking bugs will be useless... and we need somewhere to stay for the night. My place is just as insecure as Kendra's."
"That, and we need to go weapons shopping." he sighed. "The cops would probably have been called to assess the damage of my apartment, so all of my guns will be on file. I need to get fresh pieces, and wipe my computer drives so those tracking bugs will be useless... and we need somewhere to stay for the night. My place is just as insecure as Kendra's."
Snow Anona tried not to show her own fear, her eyes averting to the side. "I meant what I said earlier; I will not mate with you. I refuse to be your end," she asserted, her hand coming back to rest upon her lap, reddish eyes cast downwards. "I've spent my whole life search for her... just to hold her in my arms and be with her, like is my right. Easy has never been something I sat comfortably with."
She noted his gaze to the sand timers. "If we can't escape it... I'll waste not one moment that I live with you by my side."
Then their conversation returned to no less serious, but more practical matters. "The lake... it would be appropriate. It's sufficiently out of the way and visited enough not to cause great suspicion," she offered as a potential location, pausing in her thoughts to listen to his concerns.
She felt quite awful for breaking down his door, realising in that moment that her mace was still at Kendra's place. Now she felt vulnerable. -c-
She noted his gaze to the sand timers. "If we can't escape it... I'll waste not one moment that I live with you by my side."
Then their conversation returned to no less serious, but more practical matters. "The lake... it would be appropriate. It's sufficiently out of the way and visited enough not to cause great suspicion," she offered as a potential location, pausing in her thoughts to listen to his concerns.
She felt quite awful for breaking down his door, realising in that moment that her mace was still at Kendra's place. Now she felt vulnerable. -c-
Snow Anona "Let us handle getting you new equipment. Hopefully Kendra's blueprint will be retrievable from the police and if not, she won't mind drawing it up again, I assure you. Let us shifters handle that part; I'm sure Blade will enjoy being helpful."
She said the name with some scorn, like she thought less of him than she did, discarding that thought immediately. "As for a place to stay, we'll just have to stay awake at your place as you're correct, it is not safe to sleep there. Unless you know of a place we can go?" -e-
She said the name with some scorn, like she thought less of him than she did, discarding that thought immediately. "As for a place to stay, we'll just have to stay awake at your place as you're correct, it is not safe to sleep there. Unless you know of a place we can go?" -e-
“
It hurt him more than he would ever admit out loud when she said that to him, but he would argue it anyway... any indication of a good mood fading away. "Snow... there's no waste in every moment we spend together. I'm not going to sit here and listen to that, just so you can abandon everything we've gained together."
He was almost angry, but when he questioned the feeling, he calmed down again... why was he angry? "I won't accept the rolls of fate. I never have, and I never will, and if I'm not going to give up on you, that's my choice... just don't push me away because you feel it's your responsibility to hold my feelings on your shoulders. Because it's not. I'll follow you to the ends of the Multiverse before turning away because those little..." he points at the sand timers "... things tell me you're going to die."
-c- ”
He was almost angry, but when he questioned the feeling, he calmed down again... why was he angry? "I won't accept the rolls of fate. I never have, and I never will, and if I'm not going to give up on you, that's my choice... just don't push me away because you feel it's your responsibility to hold my feelings on your shoulders. Because it's not. I'll follow you to the ends of the Multiverse before turning away because those little..." he points at the sand timers "... things tell me you're going to die."
-c- ”
“
The rest of her words caught up with him, and he calmed down back into business mode. "...Anyway, yeah, I know a couple of people. This friend of mine, Gage Birse, hes an ex black-ops spook, now he deals in military grade weapons and the like. He also has a couple of old government-owned and abandoned safe houses, we should be able to borrow one for the night. I can remotely kill my computer's disks from there, if the cop's haven't taken them offline... which they probably didn't." ”
The rest of her words caught up with him, and he calmed down back into business mode. "...Anyway, yeah, I know a couple of people. This friend of mine, Gage Birse, hes an ex black-ops spook, now he deals in military grade weapons and the like. He also has a couple of old government-owned and abandoned safe houses, we should be able to borrow one for the night. I can remotely kill my computer's disks from there, if the cop's haven't taken them offline... which they probably didn't." ”
Snow Anona [color=maroon]Always, he chastened her and yet at the same time, reminded her of her grounding. He had very clearly - and quite aggressively, she noted - declared his intentions to never give up on her. Why couldn't she give him that same devotion and courtesy?
Because knowing that her death would kill him destroyed her more than it did thinking of Hope. The latter bond was involuntary but making that commitment to Steph... she would be binding him to die with her. "I... you're right, of course," she replied lamely, her eyes fixed upon him with confusion and yet, uncomprehending recognition of him.
"But if you... I won't kill you."
His return to business made her brain snap back into logical means. He needed comforting but she couldn't do that in the car. "Okay. I trust you on this and I'll even give you your space to do what you need to do," she acquiesced, looking down at her hands. Deferring to another was a strange thing for her and although she was loathe to do it with Blade, Steph... it was easier with him. [/c
Because knowing that her death would kill him destroyed her more than it did thinking of Hope. The latter bond was involuntary but making that commitment to Steph... she would be binding him to die with her. "I... you're right, of course," she replied lamely, her eyes fixed upon him with confusion and yet, uncomprehending recognition of him.
"But if you... I won't kill you."
His return to business made her brain snap back into logical means. He needed comforting but she couldn't do that in the car. "Okay. I trust you on this and I'll even give you your space to do what you need to do," she acquiesced, looking down at her hands. Deferring to another was a strange thing for her and although she was loathe to do it with Blade, Steph... it was easier with him. [/c
Steph Grey sighs. "Snow... if I left you... I would just live and die with nothing but regret." it was a hard thing to explain... especially while he was -driving-, but it needed to be said. "I would carry on, doing what? Killing people for money, and every night until I die it'll haunt me how I just left you to be alone until Fate silently pulled you into your grave."
"I can't do that. Don't ask me to do that." he says quietly.
"I can't do that. Don't ask me to do that." he says quietly.
Snow Anona fought the urge to stab knives harder into the wound; to tell him that watching her die would be the worst. That watching him die would kill her, both literally and emotionally. "We shouldn't be having this discussion right now," she countered, a hand coming up to fiddle with her hair-tie; a sigh of restraint.
"Once we're settled for the night somewhere, then we'll carry on."
"Once we're settled for the night somewhere, then we'll carry on."
“
"Alright." he said, guilt taking over. And what about her feelings? Should she be forced to know that it's their connection that drove him to his grave? If only she could understand that a grave found with someone you love is the only grave anyone could ever want. The ominous shroud of death is a realm where loneliness alone can tear apart the souls of the mightiest... to live his life in guilt or die early with satisfaction? That was the choice he had made for himself.
But was it so much to ask of fate that they could live on, together? Was fate so cruel to take from him the chance for fulfillment?
No. He already had fulfillment. Fate couldn ”
But was it so much to ask of fate that they could live on, together? Was fate so cruel to take from him the chance for fulfillment?
No. He already had fulfillment. Fate couldn ”
“
Fate couldn't take that from them.
They were starting to reach Gage's place, in a dirty looking neighborhood that no one sane could truly call home... but to him, Steph knew, the only home was back in the field where he belonged. Steph was distracted for a moment by pity for his friend.
"We'll be there soon." -e- ”
They were starting to reach Gage's place, in a dirty looking neighborhood that no one sane could truly call home... but to him, Steph knew, the only home was back in the field where he belonged. Steph was distracted for a moment by pity for his friend.
"We'll be there soon." -e- ”
Snow Anona They had fallen into quiet for a long while following his one word reply and Snow hadn't much liked the company of her thoughts. It brought her indignation closer to the surface; it made her furious to think that she had no control anymore, especially not over Hope and Steph. What was she if not her Light's protector and her Dark's equal?
Nothing, she reasoned darkly. Nothing at all.
Nothing, she reasoned darkly. Nothing at all.
Steph Grey The car eventually was turned into a side street and then pulled out in front of house that was much cleaner looking than most of the others on the block, but less by maintenance rather than simple misuse. Whoever this Gage man was, he didn't appear to have much love for decoration or making a place homely. -c-
Steph Grey The car stops in the driveway, and the engine is cut. Before either of them can even get out of the car, a rugged looking figure comes out of the house with a shotgun... but he quickly recognizes Steph's signature car and lowers it.
As Steph opens the door with a smile, the man named Gage Birse slings the shotgun over his back, and puts on a welcoming grin.
"Didn't expect to see you back so soon, what happened to your toys this time?"
Steph shook his head, sharing Gage's friendly grin. "It's a long story... suffice to say, I'll be doing a complete restock while I'm here. Also, I need to borrow one of your old safehouses for the night."... before continuing, he waits for Snow to exit the car. -e-
As Steph opens the door with a smile, the man named Gage Birse slings the shotgun over his back, and puts on a welcoming grin.
"Didn't expect to see you back so soon, what happened to your toys this time?"
Steph shook his head, sharing Gage's friendly grin. "It's a long story... suffice to say, I'll be doing a complete restock while I'm here. Also, I need to borrow one of your old safehouses for the night."... before continuing, he waits for Snow to exit the car. -e-
Snow Anona felt a tad nervous as they pulled into the unfamiliar driveway, eyes immediately cool as the man with the weapon emerged.
Then Steph got out and as the two shared a friendly exchange, Snow slid herself out of the car, closing the door with a gentle shove.
Her stance was that of quiet observation, falling into old practices instinctively. She would not speak unless spoken and especially not before being introduced.
Then Steph got out and as the two shared a friendly exchange, Snow slid herself out of the car, closing the door with a gentle shove.
Her stance was that of quiet observation, falling into old practices instinctively. She would not speak unless spoken and especially not before being introduced.
Steph Grey offered a hand to gesture to Snow. "Gage, meet Snow. Snow, this is Gage."
The scruffy looking man, cigarette hanging from his mouth, offered a curt nod, dropping the shotgun off of his shoulder to a loose grip at his side. "Nice to meet you." He looked between Steph and Snow. "Known each other long?"
Steph understood his meaning. "Don't worry about that, she can be trusted. You have my word..."
"I trust you." he says with a tone that suggests he's not quite convinced. "Come on inside, stash is in the basement." he eyes Snow with suspicion rather than checking her out, but it might be mistaken for such.
The scruffy looking man, cigarette hanging from his mouth, offered a curt nod, dropping the shotgun off of his shoulder to a loose grip at his side. "Nice to meet you." He looked between Steph and Snow. "Known each other long?"
Steph understood his meaning. "Don't worry about that, she can be trusted. You have my word..."
"I trust you." he says with a tone that suggests he's not quite convinced. "Come on inside, stash is in the basement." he eyes Snow with suspicion rather than checking her out, but it might be mistaken for such.
Snow Anona nodded at the now identified Gage in return, her gesture slightly brisker on account of her holding back... well, everything. "The same to you."
The questioning was something not unfamiliar to her but yet, she found herself appeased by the fact that he didn't trust her off Steph
The questioning was something not unfamiliar to her but yet, she found herself appeased by the fact that he didn't trust her off Steph
Snow Anona The questioning was something not unfamiliar to her but yet, she found herself appeased by the fact that he didn't trust her off Steph's word. Good - sensible.
"I'll prove that faith not misplaced," she returned, a slight smile coming to her face.
Now she would remain silent and let Steph talk, following silently wherever her Dark went.
"I'll prove that faith not misplaced," she returned, a slight smile coming to her face.
Now she would remain silent and let Steph talk, following silently wherever her Dark went.
Steph Grey led the two to the front door, and Gage let Steph in first... but before Snow could pass through, he stopped her.
"I've lived a long time and I've seen a lot of people both trustworthy and not, and I don't get any bad vibes from you..." he whispers. "But, if you misplace my trust, or his... you ever seen Steph fight?" he points back to his friend. "I taught him everything he knows."
His expression spoke of no lie.
With that, he allowed her to pass, calling back up to Steph. "You know the way, help yourself to the armory and just stack up a bill. I'll deal with the expenses from your usual accounts..."
He changes direction, going into the kitchen. "You two want anything to drink?" he yells back to them.
"I've lived a long time and I've seen a lot of people both trustworthy and not, and I don't get any bad vibes from you..." he whispers. "But, if you misplace my trust, or his... you ever seen Steph fight?" he points back to his friend. "I taught him everything he knows."
His expression spoke of no lie.
With that, he allowed her to pass, calling back up to Steph. "You know the way, help yourself to the armory and just stack up a bill. I'll deal with the expenses from your usual accounts..."
He changes direction, going into the kitchen. "You two want anything to drink?" he yells back to them.
Snow Anona listened, a slight grin forming on her lips at Gage's words, her eyes flickering to the man in question, lighting up with awareness. "I've seen and if you're his mentor, I owe you my life also. I would never hurt Steph... I would sooner die."
After her response, she passed him with no obstructions, choosing to settle in the living area, though she took no seat. Instead, her eyes never left Steph until he vanished from her sight, the query reaching her ears.
She was thirsty. "A glass of water would not go amiss... if it's no trouble," she said over-courteously, wincing.
After her response, she passed him with no obstructions, choosing to settle in the living area, though she took no seat. Instead, her eyes never left Steph until he vanished from her sight, the query reaching her ears.
She was thirsty. "A glass of water would not go amiss... if it's no trouble," she said over-courteously, wincing.
Steph Grey calls back out at Gage's request. "Whiskey!"
When he notices Snow take a seat, he stops and turns around. "You don't want to take a look at the armory, Snow? Maybe you'll find something to your liking." he says with an eyebrow raised, trying to tempt her into spending a bit of shopping time with her.
Gage comes out surprisingly quickly with two mugs in one hand, and a similarly sized glass in the other. He hands Snow the glass as he passes, and Steph rushes over to claim his own drink.
"I gotta make a call and make sure the safehouse I'm thinking of is empty, if it is, you can use that." Gage grunts to Steph, but loud enough so Snow could hear.
"I appreciate it. Take whatever tips you want from the stash." he said.
"I don't want your merc money..." Gage grumbled. "Just gimme enough to replace the guns and we'll call it even."
To this, Steph simply shrugs.
When he notices Snow take a seat, he stops and turns around. "You don't want to take a look at the armory, Snow? Maybe you'll find something to your liking." he says with an eyebrow raised, trying to tempt her into spending a bit of shopping time with her.
Gage comes out surprisingly quickly with two mugs in one hand, and a similarly sized glass in the other. He hands Snow the glass as he passes, and Steph rushes over to claim his own drink.
"I gotta make a call and make sure the safehouse I'm thinking of is empty, if it is, you can use that." Gage grunts to Steph, but loud enough so Snow could hear.
"I appreciate it. Take whatever tips you want from the stash." he said.
"I don't want your merc money..." Gage grumbled. "Just gimme enough to replace the guns and we'll call it even."
To this, Steph simply shrugs.
Snow Anona looked like she was almost tempted, taking the glass from Gage with a small 'thank you' as she pondered. "Very well. I don't acquire new equipment often and I won't use your money to fund myself," she explained, pushing off the wall to begin to follow him.
Her eyes darted between the two. Mentor and student once, eh? She accepted right then that she knew as little about him as he did about her.
And yet they loved one another. How strange.
Her eyes darted between the two. Mentor and student once, eh? She accepted right then that she knew as little about him as he did about her.
And yet they loved one another. How strange.
Steph Grey leads the way down to Gage's basement, passing a series of dirty, misused rooms, assuming that she were to follow him.
Steph Grey gets to the basement, letting himself into the padlock-guarded door that he appeared to know the code for off by heart. The door swung open into a room that was sterile and brightly lit compared to the rest of the house.
Rack upon rack, shelf upon shelf, and table next to table filling the surprisingly large room was filled to the brim of tons of different guns of all shapes and sizes. Assault rifles, handguns, shotguns, sub machine guns, sniper rifles, LMG's, and even chain guns were stored about neatly.
"Welcome to the supermarket." he says to Snow when she would catch up to him. "Sure beats close shopping." he snickers.
Rack upon rack, shelf upon shelf, and table next to table filling the surprisingly large room was filled to the brim of tons of different guns of all shapes and sizes. Assault rifles, handguns, shotguns, sub machine guns, sniper rifles, LMG's, and even chain guns were stored about neatly.
"Welcome to the supermarket." he says to Snow when she would catch up to him. "Sure beats close shopping." he snickers.
Snow Anona followed briskly, a little relieved to be out of the presence of Gage, unwilling to admit she felt a little jealous of his close relationship with Steph.
After quite some time, they reached the basement, by-passing various large and unused rooms, making the warrior wonder at the need for such a place if you weren't going to use it.
The display of weaponry was impressive, frowning at the almost exclusivity of the projectile weaponry. She had her heart rather set on that boomerang still.
"I'll even agree that the company is better too," she teased in return, finally dropping her cool demeanor, her negative emotions only flickering through for a moment.
Then she schooled herself back into calm. Later, she told herself.
After quite some time, they reached the basement, by-passing various large and unused rooms, making the warrior wonder at the need for such a place if you weren't going to use it.
The display of weaponry was impressive, frowning at the almost exclusivity of the projectile weaponry. She had her heart rather set on that boomerang still.
"I'll even agree that the company is better too," she teased in return, finally dropping her cool demeanor, her negative emotions only flickering through for a moment.
Then she schooled herself back into calm. Later, she told herself.
Steph Grey starts almost skipping through the room like a kid in a candy store. "If you see anything you like, let me know... I know you wanted that boomerang but hey, maybe something will catch your fancy."
He stops only two racks in, where there is a big stack of assault rifles. He pulls down two, an XM8 machine gun variant and a FAMAS Marksman, the former a longer weapon with a drum magazine and the latter a more skeletal looking bullpup-condensed gun with a long barrel and a sniper scope.
"I always love coming here, he even has a range out back for testing these babies out. Just completely ignoring the implications of owning these things and comparing them based on your own tastes."
He seems almost giddy with enjoyment.
He stops only two racks in, where there is a big stack of assault rifles. He pulls down two, an XM8 machine gun variant and a FAMAS Marksman, the former a longer weapon with a drum magazine and the latter a more skeletal looking bullpup-condensed gun with a long barrel and a sniper scope.
"I always love coming here, he even has a range out back for testing these babies out. Just completely ignoring the implications of owning these things and comparing them based on your own tastes."
He seems almost giddy with enjoyment.
Snow Anona resisted the urge to smirk at that particular comment, her eyes scanning the shelves with almost disinterest. Something in this room caught her fancy alright, but nothing Gage had.
Then she realised that she was channelling her anger into more constructive vents and shook her head firmly, listening to Steph but not really paying attention, dancing her hand over a few handguns. She hadn't been lying earlier; she wasn't going to use his money to fund herself.
"You're... cute like this," she commented, noting the irony of someone being adorable whilst holding a powerful rifle. Yet, he managed it.
Then she realised that she was channelling her anger into more constructive vents and shook her head firmly, listening to Steph but not really paying attention, dancing her hand over a few handguns. She hadn't been lying earlier; she wasn't going to use his money to fund herself.
"You're... cute like this," she commented, noting the irony of someone being adorable whilst holding a powerful rifle. Yet, he managed it.
Steph Grey turns to her, holding the XM8 up with a wide, satisfied grin. "I think this gun would make -anyone- look good." he says, completely oblivious to her meaning.
He put down the rifle when he noticed her sliding a hand across the handguns... and he went to stand beside her, pulling out a couple.
Both were fairly large. Well, overkill large. One was 11" barrel 12 shot revolver, the next looked like a normal pistol but longer. Steph seemed to hold them up naturally as though they -didn't- appear impossible unwieldy.
"Guns like this you don't even need to fire. Intimidation is just as much a weapon as any gun, some times."
He put down the rifle when he noticed her sliding a hand across the handguns... and he went to stand beside her, pulling out a couple.
Both were fairly large. Well, overkill large. One was 11" barrel 12 shot revolver, the next looked like a normal pistol but longer. Steph seemed to hold them up naturally as though they -didn't- appear impossible unwieldy.
"Guns like this you don't even need to fire. Intimidation is just as much a weapon as any gun, some times."
Snow Anona tried not to look too startled at his abrupt closeness, listening to his explanation with something akin to pleasure. That wasn't half a bad idea, if she could get over her issue with wielding such devastatingly misused weaponry.
"Intimidation can be just as much achieved by a well-placed sentence or blow from a mace, but it is... something to consider. I can't get anything anyway," she reminded him, reaching to take the pistols from him to set them back down.
"Boomerang for me." Her grin was playful, the serious talk seeming to have calmed her down somewhat.
"Intimidation can be just as much achieved by a well-placed sentence or blow from a mace, but it is... something to consider. I can't get anything anyway," she reminded him, reaching to take the pistols from him to set them back down.
"Boomerang for me." Her grin was playful, the serious talk seeming to have calmed her down somewhat.
Steph Grey frowned. "Can't get anything? I have enough to buy this whole armory twenty times, sweetheart. Buying one of these would be like buying you coffee." he explains... but he already knew she wouldn't take up up on his offer.
When he mentioned the boomerang, he just frowned. A boomerang over these beauties, where's the justice!?
"Suit yourself." he says, letting her take the weapons from him. "My offer still stands..." he says, planting a playful kiss on the cheek before going back to his giddy search. He stops by the shotguns aisle next.
"Spas-12... m1101A..." he grumbles to himself, grabbing several weapons off the shelf. "God, I hope there's enough room in my trunk for everything I want to bring."
When he mentioned the boomerang, he just frowned. A boomerang over these beauties, where's the justice!?
"Suit yourself." he says, letting her take the weapons from him. "My offer still stands..." he says, planting a playful kiss on the cheek before going back to his giddy search. He stops by the shotguns aisle next.
"Spas-12... m1101A..." he grumbles to himself, grabbing several weapons off the shelf. "God, I hope there's enough room in my trunk for everything I want to bring."
Snow Anona blinked at the endearment, still not quite used to him doing so. Hope and Kendra were openly affectionate but him and her... not so much.
His frown made her laugh though. "My choice... Besides," she gestured to him after she set the guns down. "If I get good with these, I won't need you anymore."
Then there was a moment deliberation as she slid her right-hand glove off, watching it change to a rather large size as she removed it. "Here; I want you to take it."
It was her energy shield; she wanted him to be able to protect himself whilst keeping his hands free.
She tried not to blush at the kiss, focusing hard upon the guns that he was talking about. Her knowledge was nearly as good as his, but she just wasn't interested.
His frown made her laugh though. "My choice... Besides," she gestured to him after she set the guns down. "If I get good with these, I won't need you anymore."
Then there was a moment deliberation as she slid her right-hand glove off, watching it change to a rather large size as she removed it. "Here; I want you to take it."
It was her energy shield; she wanted him to be able to protect himself whilst keeping his hands free.
She tried not to blush at the kiss, focusing hard upon the guns that he was talking about. Her knowledge was nearly as good as his, but she just wasn't interested.
Steph Grey frowned skeptically when she jabbed at him. Only useful for his bullet expertise? Really? It hurt him subconsciously, but he was too amused with the moment to care.
He merely blinked at her offer, staring at the glove for a couple of seconds.
"Wait. You're already hurt in ranged combat and you want to give your best defense to even the playing field with? Forget it, Snow. You need it more than I do." he nudges it back to her, absolutely refusing to take something like that off of her hands.
In the meantime, he had a small pile going of different weapons on an otherwise empty center table, and he wandered off to another shelf nearby... the sniper rifles.
He merely blinked at her offer, staring at the glove for a couple of seconds.
"Wait. You're already hurt in ranged combat and you want to give your best defense to even the playing field with? Forget it, Snow. You need it more than I do." he nudges it back to her, absolutely refusing to take something like that off of her hands.
In the meantime, he had a small pile going of different weapons on an otherwise empty center table, and he wandered off to another shelf nearby... the sniper rifles.
Snow Anona frowned herself now, letting him walk away from her without a word, her grip tightening on the glove noticeably. Fine.
Instead of replying and starting an argument about how she was allowed to be concerned for his well-being as well, Snow moved out of his line of sight before raging silently at a very precise point in the wall. As if it had done her foul, not her apparent partner.
Instead of replying and starting an argument about how she was allowed to be concerned for his well-being as well, Snow moved out of his line of sight before raging silently at a very precise point in the wall. As if it had done her foul, not her apparent partner.
Steph Grey was intent on the sniper rifles aisle, and a M14 EBR catches his eye. He pulls it off the wrack, and starts admiring the forest camo hanging off of it.
Then he notices Snow scowling, and his face falls. He puts down the rifle with the others, and moves in behind to comfort her. His arms wrap around her waist, should she allow.
"I'm sorry, okay? I didn't mean offense by it... but something like that is far better used in your hands. I'll find weapons and armor that fit my niche, okay? Just let me feel my way around... I'm totally new to the melee combat world."
He doesn't let her go, instead just hoping he could comfort her... although his grip was loose enough that she could shake free should she try.
Then he notices Snow scowling, and his face falls. He puts down the rifle with the others, and moves in behind to comfort her. His arms wrap around her waist, should she allow.
"I'm sorry, okay? I didn't mean offense by it... but something like that is far better used in your hands. I'll find weapons and armor that fit my niche, okay? Just let me feel my way around... I'm totally new to the melee combat world."
He doesn't let her go, instead just hoping he could comfort her... although his grip was loose enough that she could shake free should she try.
Snow Anona barely noted the clattering of metal against the racks ceasing until she felt him try to embrace her, reflexively flinching away.
"It wasn't for melee combat, you prat! It was for when others shoot you. Nothing gets throw that shield, not even your plasma!"
It was wrong to be this frustrated over such a small thing but she couldn't help it, stiffening a little as she went to walk away. "I won't do this here; I will not make a fool of myself in front of strangers. I'll make my way back to the bar."
Then she was making her way through the racks, knowing her words were foolish but they had been deliberate. Something in her subconscious was begging him to come after her.
If she'd have noticed it, no doubt Snow would have kept her trap shut and just left.
"It wasn't for melee combat, you prat! It was for when others shoot you. Nothing gets throw that shield, not even your plasma!"
It was wrong to be this frustrated over such a small thing but she couldn't help it, stiffening a little as she went to walk away. "I won't do this here; I will not make a fool of myself in front of strangers. I'll make my way back to the bar."
Then she was making her way through the racks, knowing her words were foolish but they had been deliberate. Something in her subconscious was begging him to come after her.
If she'd have noticed it, no doubt Snow would have kept her trap shut and just left.
Steph Grey is suddenly forced out of his position as Snow gets going to leave. He stands there, stunned for a second at how angry she had seemed. Did he say something wrong? He -thought- what he said was logical.
"Wait, Snow!" he says, but he doesn't chase her yet... only if she doesn't stop.
"Wait, Snow!" he says, but he doesn't chase her yet... only if she doesn't stop.
Snow Anona flinched, halting abruptly halfway through a step, lowering her foot to the floor with a stomp. What could he possibly want to say to her?
Apologise, she told herself sternly, before he does. He hasn't done anything wrong. "It's not you... it's never you," she said quietly.
Apologise, she told herself sternly, before he does. He hasn't done anything wrong. "It's not you... it's never you," she said quietly.
Steph Grey quickly scurries up behind her, leaning on a rack next to her. His face is a stern look of both worry and sympathy. Something was wrong...
Well, a lot was wrong, but something in particular was wrong. He would try to comfort her. It was all he could do... because he certainly wasn't going to let her walk, unarmed, through this neighborhood all the way back to the bar. Even she can't take on a street gang of six or more armed men with her fists.
"Well, then what is it? We talked about this." His hands touch her waist delicately, but he doesn't pull into another embrace... he just aims to show that he's there for her. "Gage is upstairs doing whatever, on the phone. This place is just as private as any other place... you can talk to me."
"What's troubling you, Snow?"
Well, a lot was wrong, but something in particular was wrong. He would try to comfort her. It was all he could do... because he certainly wasn't going to let her walk, unarmed, through this neighborhood all the way back to the bar. Even she can't take on a street gang of six or more armed men with her fists.
"Well, then what is it? We talked about this." His hands touch her waist delicately, but he doesn't pull into another embrace... he just aims to show that he's there for her. "Gage is upstairs doing whatever, on the phone. This place is just as private as any other place... you can talk to me."
"What's troubling you, Snow?"
Snow Anona vented her frustration physically, tightening her hand on her glove reflexively. She would not snap at him, sighing at his touch.
"This isn't easy for me. I can't just talk," she tried to explain, aiming to take a step away from, waving her hands in a dismissive gesture. "So much, Steph and I don't want to snap at you. You're... innocent. You've done nothing to earn my fury. Let me go and rage at some idiot who thinks it's a good idea to attack me in the street."
"This isn't easy for me. I can't just talk," she tried to explain, aiming to take a step away from, waving her hands in a dismissive gesture. "So much, Steph and I don't want to snap at you. You're... innocent. You've done nothing to earn my fury. Let me go and rage at some idiot who thinks it's a good idea to attack me in the street."
Steph Grey frowned as she pulls away from him again, this time he doesn't bother re-closing the distance, it was obviously just making her lash out. "Well if you put it that way, you definitely shouldn't go." reminded again of the seediness of that neighborhood.
He sighs. "Innocent. If only you knew how ironic that sounds on my end." he pauses for a moment, thinking what to say. "Look, one of the jobs I took on when I made my vows to you was to be there when you needed to vent, right? If something's itching at you, just let it go. That's what I'm here for."
He sighs. "Innocent. If only you knew how ironic that sounds on my end." he pauses for a moment, thinking what to say. "Look, one of the jobs I took on when I made my vows to you was to be there when you needed to vent, right? If something's itching at you, just let it go. That's what I'm here for."
Snow Anona whirled on him then, finally feeling that last thread snap. Why wouldn't he just let her go and stop her from doing what she was about to do?!
"And why not?! I'm not a Light Steph; I can take care of myself," she snapped, taking a step forward back towards him but making no bid to touch him. "You really want to know what
"And why not?! I'm not a Light Steph; I can take care of myself," she snapped, taking a step forward back towards him but making no bid to touch him. "You really want to know what
Snow Anona "And why not?! I'm not a Light Steph; I can take care of myself," she snapped, taking a step forward back towards him but making no bid to touch him. "You really want to know what's bothering me?"
Her tone was harsh, her eyes like amber - just as they had been when she had confronted Blade. "I'm being superceded in my duty by a prick who I actually believe is better at it than me. I feel helpless that I can't make you feel any better about your own concerns about all this. I lost control with Thunder and nearly got myself killed."
She threw the glove away, feeling the distinct urge to pick up one of the guns and possibly turn it on herself. Then she realised that wouldn't make life any better; Steph would stop her anyway.
"And every, single, fucking time you try and be nice to me - to help me - I react like this! Me feeling is a very bad thing."
Her tone was harsh, her eyes like amber - just as they had been when she had confronted Blade. "I'm being superceded in my duty by a prick who I actually believe is better at it than me. I feel helpless that I can't make you feel any better about your own concerns about all this. I lost control with Thunder and nearly got myself killed."
She threw the glove away, feeling the distinct urge to pick up one of the guns and possibly turn it on herself. Then she realised that wouldn't make life any better; Steph would stop her anyway.
"And every, single, fucking time you try and be nice to me - to help me - I react like this! Me feeling is a very bad thing."
Steph Grey "No." he says sternly. "You're not a light, and until recently, you never had a Light. Kendra is taking up your Light's time, and that's why you need my help. You were never taught how to deal with any of these emotions you're feeling."
"Now." he says. "Let's take this one step at a time. If you were useless, why would the Queen have waited until you two were reunited to step in? Why wouldn't they just carry out their plans, I don't know, two hundred fucking years ago before she had obligations like Kendra to worry about?"
His voice quiets to her last comment. "And maybe you're forgetting again, but I love you. Trying to support you is my choice, because I know from experience that feeling is -not- a bad thing. Instead you're running around with the emotional maturity of a small child with no one to confide to but me. Not only was I aware of this fact when I fell in love with you, but I'm just as willing to help you as I was the day I fucked you on my couch!"
"Now." he says. "Let's take this one step at a time. If you were useless, why would the Queen have waited until you two were reunited to step in? Why wouldn't they just carry out their plans, I don't know, two hundred fucking years ago before she had obligations like Kendra to worry about?"
His voice quiets to her last comment. "And maybe you're forgetting again, but I love you. Trying to support you is my choice, because I know from experience that feeling is -not- a bad thing. Instead you're running around with the emotional maturity of a small child with no one to confide to but me. Not only was I aware of this fact when I fell in love with you, but I'm just as willing to help you as I was the day I fucked you on my couch!"
Snow Anona felt like she'd been slapped. Hard. In all actuality, she supposed she had. His verbal reprimands made her hesitate, not at all sure what to say. If she even could say anything to that.
Her mouth opened to argue, but there was no solid argument to fall back upon; he had her, hook, line and sinker. So, she closed it again.
She wasn't even aware her eyes had widened to the size of saucers by the end. "I..." she started, looking away, starting to shake quite abruptly.
Crying was not going to solve anything, she told herself sternly. "It's because we were reunited that she had to step in, because Hope told her superiors that I found her. She was oblivious, like I was to the threats we faced because everyone decided it would be better to just leave us in the bloody dark."
Emotional maturity of a child? She smirked at that, knowing he was right. "Thank you. I needed that."
Her mouth opened to argue, but there was no solid argument to fall back upon; he had her, hook, line and sinker. So, she closed it again.
She wasn't even aware her eyes had widened to the size of saucers by the end. "I..." she started, looking away, starting to shake quite abruptly.
Crying was not going to solve anything, she told herself sternly. "It's because we were reunited that she had to step in, because Hope told her superiors that I found her. She was oblivious, like I was to the threats we faced because everyone decided it would be better to just leave us in the bloody dark."
Emotional maturity of a child? She smirked at that, knowing he was right. "Thank you. I needed that."
Steph Grey almost wanted to take the first ship out of Wing City and talk to this so called Queen himself and ask just what right she had to do this to Hope and Snow... "Snow... you're a strong fighter with a stronger heart, and you care nothing more than for the ones around you. That's what I love about you. What more can anyone ask of you? Hell, what more can I ask you for?"
He looks down into her eyes and takes her hands within his own, hoping that his words would make their way right into her heart. "We all have choices to make. I just want you to remember that everything I do is my choice, and everything you do is your choice. I choose to love you. Hope chooses to accept you as her Dark, despite being drowned in spite of them for centuries..."
"I should also mention, that Blade didn't look at any of us the same way as he did you. He was sizing you up as an equal, he gave the rest of us the cold shoulder... trust me, I note these things."
He looks down into her eyes and takes her hands within his own, hoping that his words would make their way right into her heart. "We all have choices to make. I just want you to remember that everything I do is my choice, and everything you do is your choice. I choose to love you. Hope chooses to accept you as her Dark, despite being drowned in spite of them for centuries..."
"I should also mention, that Blade didn't look at any of us the same way as he did you. He was sizing you up as an equal, he gave the rest of us the cold shoulder... trust me, I note these things."
Snow Anona reflected her sisterhood to Hope in that moment, blinking up at him with determination in her eyes. It was gone as soon as she nodded but still, it had flashed there for a second. She so wanted to be good enough; to be worthy of everything he thought of her.
Speechless, she let him take her hands numbly, listening and understanding on a subconscious level and eventually it seeped into her consciousness. The reaction was immediate; she realised quite a lot all at once, her eyes tightening.
Her choices, huh? "If I ever meet those who did that to Hope at the Academy, they're going to wish they'd never been born. That's my choice," she growled protectively. -c-
Speechless, she let him take her hands numbly, listening and understanding on a subconscious level and eventually it seeped into her consciousness. The reaction was immediate; she realised quite a lot all at once, her eyes tightening.
Her choices, huh? "If I ever meet those who did that to Hope at the Academy, they're going to wish they'd never been born. That's my choice," she growled protectively. -c-
Snow Anona Yes, she chose to love him as well but she looked appalled at his assessment of Blade, shaking her head vehemently. "Hardly. He thinks me rash, unthinking and far too unstable," she spluttered, but there was a glow to her cheeks.
He was complimenting her. "You're mad for loving me. Totally stark raving mad, but I love you too and I don't think I'll ever stop." -e-
He was complimenting her. "You're mad for loving me. Totally stark raving mad, but I love you too and I don't think I'll ever stop." -e-
Steph Grey "Mad for loving you?" he chuckles. "Perhaps. But the only thing separating a mad man from a genius is whether he wins."
"And this..." he says with a smile. "... I definitely consider a victory."
"And this..." he says with a smile. "... I definitely consider a victory."
Steph Grey
He just shares that moment with her, looking into those eyes he found it so easy to get lost in.
But they couldn't stand there in Gage's basement forever. "I'm just going to grab a couple more toys, and then we can get going... Gage would have found one of his old places by now." he whispers. He leans in for a reassuring kiss.
He just shares that moment with her, looking into those eyes he found it so easy to get lost in.
But they couldn't stand there in Gage's basement forever. "I'm just going to grab a couple more toys, and then we can get going... Gage would have found one of his old places by now." he whispers. He leans in for a reassuring kiss.
Snow Anona wondered if he knew that he was the worst thing for her emotional state, constantly throwing her off-centre. This time, she was making a conscious effort to just go with it and she had to admit, that made it the teeniest bit easier.
Thank the Goddesses.
That smile. He better never do that in combat or they were screwed. "Then you'd be a genius then," she murmured absently, feeling her agitation melt away like it had never existed.
"Mhmm," she replied in response to his assertion. "So you better get on that then. I'd hate to drag you away from your toy collecting."
She didn't push him away but made a little shooing gesture with her hands, a small smile on her lips as he leaned forward.
That took her by surprise but she welcomed it, feeling calmed and comforted by this particular kiss. Now she pulled back, albeit reluctantly, a little lingering. "You really should get back to your little task."
Thank the Goddesses.
That smile. He better never do that in combat or they were screwed. "Then you'd be a genius then," she murmured absently, feeling her agitation melt away like it had never existed.
"Mhmm," she replied in response to his assertion. "So you better get on that then. I'd hate to drag you away from your toy collecting."
She didn't push him away but made a little shooing gesture with her hands, a small smile on her lips as he leaned forward.
That took her by surprise but she welcomed it, feeling calmed and comforted by this particular kiss. Now she pulled back, albeit reluctantly, a little lingering. "You really should get back to your little task."
Steph Grey pulls his face back from hers. "If you insist..." he says. Although, breaking off so soon gave him a pang to approach again... but he would leave her alone for now. There would be plenty of time for kisses later, when he wasn't in his mentor's basement.
He doesn't bounce around this time, instead just picking out his favorites and throwing them into a pile, taking mere moments at each section to pick one, not picking out anything particularly massive except for a Barret .50 caliber sniper rifle, which was almost a massive five feet long.
Before long, he had a notepad out from his coat and he was quietly tacking on expenses, checking a little price tag on each weapon and copying it down...
He doesn't bounce around this time, instead just picking out his favorites and throwing them into a pile, taking mere moments at each section to pick one, not picking out anything particularly massive except for a Barret .50 caliber sniper rifle, which was almost a massive five feet long.
Before long, he had a notepad out from his coat and he was quietly tacking on expenses, checking a little price tag on each weapon and copying it down...
Snow Anona raised an eyebrow at him, catching his expression with a soft smile. She was only insisting because otherwise they
Snow Anona raised an eyebrow at him, catching his expression with a soft smile. She was only insisting because otherwise they'd end up spending the whole evening here.
Instead of watching him with amusement, Snow now observed him with a touch of serenity melding in with intensity. If only she could figure out the key to this feeling; then she'd be set.
Instead of watching him with amusement, Snow now observed him with a touch of serenity melding in with intensity. If only she could figure out the key to this feeling; then she'd be set.
Steph Grey stops scribbling down prices and looks back up to her with an eyebrow raised, as if he hoped she would say yes. "Last chance, I still think you should take a look around... we aren't in a rush."
Apparently he didn't much like the idea of that boomerang...
Apparently he didn't much like the idea of that boomerang...
Snow Anona opened her mouth to protest, but her expression made her sigh in defeat. There was a nod and then she glanced around. Rifles and shotguns were out - she would need a gun that allowed for quick inter-change between her mace.
"You really want me to have a gun?" she teased, before shrugging her approval. "Then help. It's your money. Single-handed only. I need to make quick changes between melee and ranged."
"You really want me to have a gun?" she teased, before shrugging her approval. "Then help. It's your money. Single-handed only. I need to make quick changes between melee and ranged."
Steph Grey nods, and slides back over to the handguns section, dozens of different types all lined up in racks and the more expensive ones on shelves.
The first two he pulls out are both fairly large handguns, a revolver and a heavy pistol.
The revolver was monstrously long, with a scope running all along the top barrel. It was finished in a nice silver, with a red band around the handle. "Taurus Raging Bull 22H. Heavy rounds, intimidating, good for one hit kill snapshots. Originally designed for elephant hunting."
He shows the other weapon. "This is the classic Magnum Research Desert Eagle, the first magnum and still the best to fire the .50AE round famous for it's use in heavy machine guns to use against vehicles. Same principle, just a bit shorter range but also easier to reload... it also comes in plenty of different colours." He looks at the shelves, and it appears that Gage has quite a collection of them indeed.
He sets those on the table for consideration, before grabbing more...
The first two he pulls out are both fairly large handguns, a revolver and a heavy pistol.
The revolver was monstrously long, with a scope running all along the top barrel. It was finished in a nice silver, with a red band around the handle. "Taurus Raging Bull 22H. Heavy rounds, intimidating, good for one hit kill snapshots. Originally designed for elephant hunting."
He shows the other weapon. "This is the classic Magnum Research Desert Eagle, the first magnum and still the best to fire the .50AE round famous for it's use in heavy machine guns to use against vehicles. Same principle, just a bit shorter range but also easier to reload... it also comes in plenty of different colours." He looks at the shelves, and it appears that Gage has quite a collection of them indeed.
He sets those on the table for consideration, before grabbing more...
Snow Anona When he got right to it, it amused her vaguely before wiping the grin off her face and focusing on what he was telling her, as it would ultimately be her choice to pick a gun that she liked.
The Raging Bull was hideous to her, scowling openly at it. She didn't care if it could take out elephants... it was awful. Besides, she wasn't after one hit kills. Not yet.
So instead, she hefted the magnum off the table, testing its weight in her hand and smiling idly. Other girls admired clothing and shoes; she liked shopping for weapons, albeit not normally this kind.
It looked nice in her hand, tilting it this way and that to get a good look before setting it back on the table. Steph wasn't done gathering yet, it seemed...
The Raging Bull was hideous to her, scowling openly at it. She didn't care if it could take out elephants... it was awful. Besides, she wasn't after one hit kills. Not yet.
So instead, she hefted the magnum off the table, testing its weight in her hand and smiling idly. Other girls admired clothing and shoes; she liked shopping for weapons, albeit not normally this kind.
It looked nice in her hand, tilting it this way and that to get a good look before setting it back on the table. Steph wasn't done gathering yet, it seemed...
“
The next two weapons were smaller and more practical looking, both of these were black but next to each of them in the wracks there were several different colours, albeit less variety than the Desert Eagle.
The first was a small, one handed sub-machine gun, that looked almost featureless. "This is the Steyr TMP, one of the most wieldy automatic weapons every built that isn't just an auto pistol like the G18. This thing is very modular, with available scopes, laser sights, and silencers for any situation..." starting to sound like an advertiser, but still with a grin, he sets it on the table.
The second was a much more basic looking pistol. "This is the famous H&K USP, professional, reliable, and has a very large number of parts and accessories. It's accurate, easy to store, and a very convenient go-to weapon for quick draws and storage." He puts that one on the table as well.
"Of these four... like any in particular? It'll round it out a bit, Gage has a lot here." ”
The first was a small, one handed sub-machine gun, that looked almost featureless. "This is the Steyr TMP, one of the most wieldy automatic weapons every built that isn't just an auto pistol like the G18. This thing is very modular, with available scopes, laser sights, and silencers for any situation..." starting to sound like an advertiser, but still with a grin, he sets it on the table.
The second was a much more basic looking pistol. "This is the famous H&K USP, professional, reliable, and has a very large number of parts and accessories. It's accurate, easy to store, and a very convenient go-to weapon for quick draws and storage." He puts that one on the table as well.
"Of these four... like any in particular? It'll round it out a bit, Gage has a lot here." ”
Snow Anona didn't look terribly impressed with the Steyr TMP, though his grin seemed to ably keep the frown from her mouth, if not her eyes. He really did love guns with a passion and that did bring a smile to her face.
The fourth choice was simple in appearance but Snow didn't really particularly care for customisation when it came to this choice. Really, she was only doing it for Steph anyway, though her eyes kept drifting back to the Desert Eagle.
Slowly, she nodded towards her chosen style, feeling a little grin crawl onto her lips. "The magnum. I'm not sure why though. It's a pull... like it was with my mace. It's not exactly common for women to go around throwing maces about the place."
The fourth choice was simple in appearance but Snow didn't really particularly care for customisation when it came to this choice. Really, she was only doing it for Steph anyway, though her eyes kept drifting back to the Desert Eagle.
Slowly, she nodded towards her chosen style, feeling a little grin crawl onto her lips. "The magnum. I'm not sure why though. It's a pull... like it was with my mace. It's not exactly common for women to go around throwing maces about the place."
Steph Grey nods, before putting the other three back. "The desert eagle's been a tentative choice for a long time. It's got a lot of bark, just often people tend to consider it overkill and go for more efficient weapons..." he says, apparently disappointed.
"But I would them around any day." the grin returns. Going through the rack, he looks for weapons in a similar light but stops... there really was nothing quite like the Desert Eagle.
"Whole bunch of colors here for them... gold, blue, even one in tiger camouflage!" he says, partly surprised.
"But I would them around any day." the grin returns. Going through the rack, he looks for weapons in a similar light but stops... there really was nothing quite like the Desert Eagle.
"Whole bunch of colors here for them... gold, blue, even one in tiger camouflage!" he says, partly surprised.
Snow Anona 's smile didn't waver at his seeming disappointment at her choice. He lived for these guns and was a master in using them but she... she just wanted it for emergencies. That was all, so the Desert Eagle would do fine.
Snow walked after him, leaning over his shoulder curiously at the different colours, a little bemused at some of the more gaudy ones.
In particular, a navy blue one caught her eye and she reached out, looking to him for permission to pick it up. After all, until they paid for it, it was technically still Gage's weapon.
But he wasn't around, so she looked to the next best thing.
Snow walked after him, leaning over his shoulder curiously at the different colours, a little bemused at some of the more gaudy ones.
In particular, a navy blue one caught her eye and she reached out, looking to him for permission to pick it up. After all, until they paid for it, it was technically still Gage's weapon.
But he wasn't around, so she looked to the next best thing.
Steph Grey nodded to her approach to the weapon. "Go ahead, I'll throw it on the bill." he says with a smile. With that, he goes over to his notepad again to scribble that detail down...
"In fact, grab a gold one and a silver one for me, will you? I miss using those guns."
"In fact, grab a gold one and a silver one for me, will you? I miss using those guns."
Snow Anona quirked an eyebrow at his colour choices, but nodded, retrieving the specified guns, eyes narrowing at the colouring. Awful choices in her opinion but as long as he didn't expect her to use them.
Obligingly, she carried the three pistols over to the rather significant pile, wondering how all this was going to fit in his car. "Thank you," she said haltingly, eying her new weapon once more before setting it down.
Obligingly, she carried the three pistols over to the rather significant pile, wondering how all this was going to fit in his car. "Thank you," she said haltingly, eying her new weapon once more before setting it down.
Steph Grey finishes the bill, before turning up to face her. "Don't thank me... I bugged the hell out of you to pick one up. God knows you might not even end up using it..."
Beside the bill, there was a note that he would call with a delivery location later. For now, he just pocketed his two Desert Eagles.
"Alright. We're set." he says with a smile.
Beside the bill, there was a note that he would call with a delivery location later. For now, he just pocketed his two Desert Eagles.
"Alright. We're set." he says with a smile.
Snow Anona chuckled. That he had, but she reckoned it was better to wear a pistol and not use it than need one and not have one in the long run.
As he scribbled down the last of the note, eying his handwriting with a smile, she retrieved her glove, sliding it back on.
"Back upstairs then?" she questioned, watching as the glove adjusted to her hand again.
As he scribbled down the last of the note, eying his handwriting with a smile, she retrieved her glove, sliding it back on.
"Back upstairs then?" she questioned, watching as the glove adjusted to her hand again.
Steph Grey leads the way into the small apartment lent to them by Gage. It was a small, one room place that was spotless as if room service had been here a few times to make sure the place was ready for when it's official tenant returned: which was no one but the ghosts the government would send around once every few months.
Finally glad to relax after everything that happened that day, Steph crashes on the couch, head lying back. "Long day..." he breaths.
Finally glad to relax after everything that happened that day, Steph crashes on the couch, head lying back. "Long day..." he breaths.
Snow Anona slid off her jacket, draping it over the back off the couch with a slight grin. "You're not done yet my love," she cooed in his ear.
Then, she clocked him over the back of the head with her hand. "No more bugging! If you really want to keep tabs, let Kendra know and she can gussy up some communicators. That way, I don't feel like my partner is a stalker."
Then, she clocked him over the back of the head with her hand. "No more bugging! If you really want to keep tabs, let Kendra know and she can gussy up some communicators. That way, I don't feel like my partner is a stalker."
Steph Grey takes the hit with a wince. Damnit, he thought he got off scott free. "Alright!" he says, rubbing his head where she had hit him.
"I only meant well, okay? I should have told you first but it just felt like second nature... don't know, don't care, right...? I wasn't expecting anything like this to happen..."
"I only meant well, okay? I should have told you first but it just felt like second nature... don't know, don't care, right...? I wasn't expecting anything like this to happen..."
Snow Anona frowned but nodded slowly, bent over towards the back of the couch, her arms crossed and rested upon it languidly. She looked surprisingly content with that act of violence. "I know you did and if you really want to, I'll let you keep tabs on me. One of us should usually be with the girls at all times, so if you watch me, things will be alright."
Then her head tilted towards his, leaning forward to try and remove the hand that was rubbing the spot she had slapped. If she succeeded she would kiss it gently. "I think I hit you harder than I meant to. Sorry."
Then her head tilted towards his, leaning forward to try and remove the hand that was rubbing the spot she had slapped. If she succeeded she would kiss it gently. "I think I hit you harder than I meant to. Sorry."
Steph Grey let her move his hands away, left with naught but a frown. "It's alright. I deserved that."
He sighs and shakes his head. "It's just hard not to worry. One of us has been close to death, like, how many times in the past couple of weeks...? It was an act of paranoia, and I should have talked to you all first."
He looks over to her, intent to let her know his apology was sincere. "I had no right to watch any of you without your permission."
He sighs and shakes his head. "It's just hard not to worry. One of us has been close to death, like, how many times in the past couple of weeks...? It was an act of paranoia, and I should have talked to you all first."
He looks over to her, intent to let her know his apology was sincere. "I had no right to watch any of you without your permission."
Snow Anona reached forward, placing a finger over his lips with a sigh of discontentment. "You had to talk about death and conflict didn't you? We were having an honest-to-Goddess couply moment for a second there," she chided, tutting.
His last words had obviously made her think a moment and then she nodded enthusiastically. "As Hope said, just ask next time. We're not going to stop you unless it's dangerous to our health as a collective."
Then, a mischievous grin crossed her lips as she straightened, stretching her arms out like a cat. They had spent a lot of time driving today. "Besides, you can't help but watch me," she teased before turning to go in search of potential drinks.
Did they even stock safe houses with food and drink at such short notice? She was surely about to find out.
His last words had obviously made her think a moment and then she nodded enthusiastically. "As Hope said, just ask next time. We're not going to stop you unless it's dangerous to our health as a collective."
Then, a mischievous grin crossed her lips as she straightened, stretching her arms out like a cat. They had spent a lot of time driving today. "Besides, you can't help but watch me," she teased before turning to go in search of potential drinks.
Did they even stock safe houses with food and drink at such short notice? She was surely about to find out.
Steph Grey was frowning as she walked out to the kitchen. "No kidding..." he said under his breath, watching her backside as she disappeared into the other room.
"Gage told me the fridge and the pantries should have plenty in them." he yelled out to her.
He paused for a moment, looking around the room, before he realizes what he needs. "If there's any alcohol out there, I would love a glass...!" if the Government was so kind as to stock their black-ops safehouses with alcohol, which he certainly doubted.
"Gage told me the fridge and the pantries should have plenty in them." he yelled out to her.
He paused for a moment, looking around the room, before he realizes what he needs. "If there's any alcohol out there, I would love a glass...!" if the Government was so kind as to stock their black-ops safehouses with alcohol, which he certainly doubted.
Snow Anona nodded at Steph's advice as she disappeared, her attention on the pristinely kept kitchen. Really, they had cleaned up before both of them had arrived.
Quickly, she set about acquiring tumbler glasses - top left cupboard - and opened the fridge to get some orange juice for herself. She had very little self-control around Steph when they were alone as it was. Alcohol wasn't going to help her cause.
There was a spot more of rummaging through cupboard before search ended fruitless. No alcohol for her Dark, she thought, a little disappointment that she couldn't give him what he'd asked for.
Instead, she poured two glasses of orange juice and sauntered back out to the living/sleeping area, daintily offering one glass to him. Then, she collapsed on the sofa herself, careful not to spill her drink as she did so.
"No luck I'm afraid. Apparently the government forgot to include a mini-bar in their establishments of secrecy," she joked, grinning.
Quickly, she set about acquiring tumbler glasses - top left cupboard - and opened the fridge to get some orange juice for herself. She had very little self-control around Steph when they were alone as it was. Alcohol wasn't going to help her cause.
There was a spot more of rummaging through cupboard before search ended fruitless. No alcohol for her Dark, she thought, a little disappointment that she couldn't give him what he'd asked for.
Instead, she poured two glasses of orange juice and sauntered back out to the living/sleeping area, daintily offering one glass to him. Then, she collapsed on the sofa herself, careful not to spill her drink as she did so.
"No luck I'm afraid. Apparently the government forgot to include a mini-bar in their establishments of secrecy," she joked, grinning.
Steph Grey shook his head, accepting the drink and taking a sip immediately, at least glad to quench the minor thirst he was experiencing. "It's okay. I didn't really expect any but it doesn't hurt to be sure."
He sighs, laying his head back on the couch again and looking to the ceiling if only only for a moment, before his head rolled in her direction. "It's nice to have some downtime for a change... it's been a crazy week."
He sighs, laying his head back on the couch again and looking to the ceiling if only only for a moment, before his head rolled in her direction. "It's nice to have some downtime for a change... it's been a crazy week."
Snow Anona took a long drink from her own glass, setting it down on the table after a satisfied sigh. "Still. You wanted it. We need to carry around liquor in future," she noted with a smile at the constant, odd lolling of his head.
An eyebrow shot up at that statement? Their Lights were currently staying in the bar with Bow and Blade because both of their apartments had been trashed by the two Darks. Now, they were resting in a government safe house and he called this downtime?
"Strange man; calling this downtime," she muttered, reaching up a hand to muss his hair with a grin. "It has. Everything just sort of... exploded."
An eyebrow shot up at that statement? Their Lights were currently staying in the bar with Bow and Blade because both of their apartments had been trashed by the two Darks. Now, they were resting in a government safe house and he called this downtime?
"Strange man; calling this downtime," she muttered, reaching up a hand to muss his hair with a grin. "It has. Everything just sort of... exploded."
Steph Grey "Yup, this is downtime." he grinned. "You think this is bad? One time, I was stuck in North Korea on a job for the US, they wanted me to recover the abort codes for this one nuclear missile silo... turns out that everything within a mile of that place was jammed, so, of course my contacts thought I was dead when I dropped off radio..."
He looked back up, and rolls his eyes. "I must have burned through enough ammo to start a small war, and my only break after wards was the ride in the helicopter to my debriefing before I was on my next job."
He smiled happily when she messed with his hair; he didn't really care about his state right now. Instead of getting drunk from alcohol, he would get drunk off the presence of his lover.
He looked back up, and rolls his eyes. "I must have burned through enough ammo to start a small war, and my only break after wards was the ride in the helicopter to my debriefing before I was on my next job."
He smiled happily when she messed with his hair; he didn't really care about his state right now. Instead of getting drunk from alcohol, he would get drunk off the presence of his lover.
Snow Anona blinked, trying not to rise to his challenge and failing miserably, retracting her hand with a sly smile. "That does sound pretty bad, I agree," she said slowly before raising a thoughtful finger to her cheek, tapping.
"Fine, fine. This counts as downtime. Calm before the storm and all that garbage," she assented, grinning. "I think you bought enough guns today to start a small war. Planning on repeating the past, hmm?"
"Fine, fine. This counts as downtime. Calm before the storm and all that garbage," she assented, grinning. "I think you bought enough guns today to start a small war. Planning on repeating the past, hmm?"
Steph Grey "Well, a wise man once told me..." it was probably obvious he was talking about Gage. "If you don't know what to expect, bring enough to kill anything and everything." he said this with a devilish grin.
"We go way back, me and Gage. I used to be a Marine Ranger when I was approached by him to join Black ops. We worked together for a while until I finally had enough of being a government pawn..."
He sighed. "...I left, and he stayed until he retired."
"We go way back, me and Gage. I used to be a Marine Ranger when I was approached by him to join Black ops. We worked together for a while until I finally had enough of being a government pawn..."
He sighed. "...I left, and he stayed until he retired."
Snow Anona knew that feeling, turning away from Steph at his grin. Every encounter they had in private would not turn into sex. "It's little wonder he was so touchy about trusting me then," she mused aloud, blinking as she realised what she'd said.
Oh bugger. There was a moment where she sipped at her orange juice, hoping that he didn't ask further. "I say better to be the target of governmental rage than their pawn any day," she said briskly, setting her glass down with a sigh.
"There will be no killing on my watch... unless they fucked with any of us. Then there will be killing and it will be by me, using my brand new shiny gun."
Oh bugger. There was a moment where she sipped at her orange juice, hoping that he didn't ask further. "I say better to be the target of governmental rage than their pawn any day," she said briskly, setting her glass down with a sigh.
"There will be no killing on my watch... unless they fucked with any of us. Then there will be killing and it will be by me, using my brand new shiny gun."
Steph Grey shook his head, taking a drink of his juice. "Unfortunately, Snow, that might be the case, and I don't know about you, but I'm not about to hesitate in my own or any of your defense." he said completely seriously.
... but his smile returned playfully. "But... I would very much like to have the chance to prove to Blade that I'm not the pushover he seems to think I am."
... but his smile returned playfully. "But... I would very much like to have the chance to prove to Blade that I'm not the pushover he seems to think I am."
Steph Grey Her last comment made him smile. "I'm going to have to put you through advanced techniques with that yet, especially if you're gonna learn to quick draw..."
To demonstrate what he meant, the Desert Eagle he had just bought seemed to appear in his hands just like magic, although everything around was disturbed by the insanely fast movement, including his drink... which, while it was shaken, it didn't spill a drop. He was holding the silver weapon by the barrel, pointing the handle to her.
To demonstrate what he meant, the Desert Eagle he had just bought seemed to appear in his hands just like magic, although everything around was disturbed by the insanely fast movement, including his drink... which, while it was shaken, it didn't spill a drop. He was holding the silver weapon by the barrel, pointing the handle to her.
Snow Anona He stunned her sometimes, looking across at him and judging him deadly serious. Any man that would collect such an armoury and intervene in combat they were stupidly out-matched in to save someone was quite capable of killing for them also, she wagered. "We'll get our chance; he's only one person and I wager he cares for Bow just as much as you and I do for Hope."
Snow smiled, despite herself. That reason had brought them to their second meeting; training. "Show-off," she shot back at his impossibly fast drawing of his new weapon.
The effects made her raise an eyebrow in question at him, but she said nothing out loud, taking the gun by the handle with a grin. Carefully, almost as if she was out of practice, she spun the gun around on her finger.
It really was a nice weight; out of the four choices he had drawn out for her, this was by far the best one for her. "Silver, really?" she posed, looking a little bit disappointed in him.
Snow smiled, despite herself. That reason had brought them to their second meeting; training. "Show-off," she shot back at his impossibly fast drawing of his new weapon.
The effects made her raise an eyebrow in question at him, but she said nothing out loud, taking the gun by the handle with a grin. Carefully, almost as if she was out of practice, she spun the gun around on her finger.
It really was a nice weight; out of the four choices he had drawn out for her, this was by far the best one for her. "Silver, really?" she posed, looking a little bit disappointed in him.
Steph Grey nodded. "That's the standard color for them, it makes a good counterbalance to the gold one. It may seem pompous, but being skilled in a weapon that also gives off style is a big thing in the mercenary world. Trademarks like that are part of what keeps clients coming back... advertisement, if you will."
He shook his head but he was still smiling. "I won't be worrying about that any more, probably, but old habits die hard... besides. I like the color." he says matter-of-factly.
He shook his head but he was still smiling. "I won't be worrying about that any more, probably, but old habits die hard... besides. I like the color." he says matter-of-factly.
Snow Anona gripped the gun's handle again, chuckling at his last words. "And here I thought you had taste, Steph Grey," she mock-taunted before setting the gun down on the table with a dull clink.
"We were two quite different types of mercenary, weren't we?" she queried rhetorically, cocking her head to the left against the cushions of the sofa.
She had always kept a low profile, ducking below the radar of government and police. Evidently he had done the same but still... having trademarks suggested a very different lifestyle.
"Old habits do die hard," she agreed, thinking upon her situation with him. Right now, she felt more relaxed than she had been in decades and she knew it.
Later, she would revert back and it would take so much effort to break her down again. Why did he even bother?
"We were two quite different types of mercenary, weren't we?" she queried rhetorically, cocking her head to the left against the cushions of the sofa.
She had always kept a low profile, ducking below the radar of government and police. Evidently he had done the same but still... having trademarks suggested a very different lifestyle.
"Old habits do die hard," she agreed, thinking upon her situation with him. Right now, she felt more relaxed than she had been in decades and she knew it.
Later, she would revert back and it would take so much effort to break her down again. Why did he even bother?
Steph Grey nods solemly. "Old habits -do- die hard... hell, old -anything- dies hard." he says, the society Hope was meant to reconfigure came to mind. A lot of things came to mind, actually; so many things that were built upon time and taught across generations that are wrong but so hard to fix because of how integrated they were...
He supposed that finally she was seeing how this was downtime. He was relaxed, he was sure she was relaxed due to all of the playful quips... and he had just ran out of orange juice, too lazy to get another glass. Oh well. He sets it down.
He supposed that finally she was seeing how this was downtime. He was relaxed, he was sure she was relaxed due to all of the playful quips... and he had just ran out of orange juice, too lazy to get another glass. Oh well. He sets it down.
Snow Anona guessed he must be deep in thought as their banter filled conversation descended into silence. Not that she minded, watching Steph with a careful eye, bemused as he refused to get up and fetch some more orange juice.
Well, she was hardly his serving girl but she did prop her glass loosely into his hand, smiling playfully as she lay back against the cushions.
It was a nice feeling to just sink into cushions, arms resting either side of her. Hmm, safe houses had comfy sofas.
Well, she was hardly his serving girl but she did prop her glass loosely into his hand, smiling playfully as she lay back against the cushions.
It was a nice feeling to just sink into cushions, arms resting either side of her. Hmm, safe houses had comfy sofas.
Steph Grey looks to his hand, now loosely holding up her empty glass, and sighs. Guess he was getting more drinks after all. "Want a refill?" he says with a raised eyebrow. It was mostly rhetorical question, considering she had given him the glass... but he wanted one as well anyway, so he stood from the couch getting his own glass rather than wait for a nanswer.
Steph Grey looked at the HALF FULL glass Snow had set loosely in his hand with a warm smile. He knew it would be redundant to make sure she didn't want it, so he happily took a drink from it.
"It's boggling, you know... what we're getting ourselves into." he says quietly, before turning to face her again.
"It's boggling, you know... what we're getting ourselves into." he says quietly, before turning to face her again.
Snow Anona felt herself smile in contentment and then he brought up their situation. Again. Abruptly, she sat up straight, putting another finger to his lips. "Hush already. You've got me relaxed. Don't wind me back up again; I'm good enough at that myself."
He had turned to her and so she took advantage of that, leaning in to give him a swift kiss before going to lie back down. "The weather, chipmunks... anything but that."
He had turned to her and so she took advantage of that, leaning in to give him a swift kiss before going to lie back down. "The weather, chipmunks... anything but that."
Steph Grey almost pulled her in with his lips... he enjoyed kisses from her far too much. When she spoke, he shrugged, seeing her point all too well. "I like chipmunks." he says jokingly. "And the weather is fantastic, lately."
He looked at her with a wide grin, and then closed the distance, putting an arm around her back... just wanting to cuddle, for a change.
When was the last time he had cuddled with anyone...? He couldn't even remember. It was an odd place, under odd circumstances... but it was with her. That's all he really wanted.
He looked at her with a wide grin, and then closed the distance, putting an arm around her back... just wanting to cuddle, for a change.
When was the last time he had cuddled with anyone...? He couldn't even remember. It was an odd place, under odd circumstances... but it was with her. That's all he really wanted.
Snow Anona laughed at his turn on her comments, feeling her lips tingle slightly with the after-effects of their kiss. Intoxicating things, they were - blast him.
Snow had never cuddled before, staring at him in unabashed shock. He didn't seem like he wanted that from her but here he was, snuggling up against her like she was a large cuddly toy.
Well, now she felt a little awkward, stiffening ever so slightly.
Snow had never cuddled before, staring at him in unabashed shock. He didn't seem like he wanted that from her but here he was, snuggling up against her like she was a large cuddly toy.
Well, now she felt a little awkward, stiffening ever so slightly.
Steph Grey turned his head to look into her eyes, with an eyebrow raised. "You're stiff again." he said, completely oblivious to the fact that she might not have ever done this before... still his contact remained, augmented by a quick kiss to her neck to maybe calm her down.
Then, he suddenly realized... what? "You've never cuddled to anyone before?"
Then, he suddenly realized... what? "You've never cuddled to anyone before?"
Snow Anona didn't say anything at first, eyes fluttering closed at the kiss to her neck. Really, she was trying to be calm about this!
The question made her shake her head instinctively, trying to force her limbs to relax. "I was primarily... driven by lust seeking out partners in the past. Darks and Lights wouldn't touch me with a ten foot barge pole because I was alone."
So no, she hadn't cuddled before and it was very strange.
The question made her shake her head instinctively, trying to force her limbs to relax. "I was primarily... driven by lust seeking out partners in the past. Darks and Lights wouldn't touch me with a ten foot barge pole because I was alone."
So no, she hadn't cuddled before and it was very strange.
Steph Grey shook his head... the poor woman had been denied affectionate physical contact for over two hundred years? Steph didn't know if he would be able to handle that. He was amazed Snow could.
"Well, it's the same thing as a hug, right? except more prolonged." ... and sometimes leads to sex, he didn't add... "If it would help, I could give you another massage. You seemed to enjoy it last time."
"Well, it's the same thing as a hug, right? except more prolonged." ... and sometimes leads to sex, he didn't add... "If it would help, I could give you another massage. You seemed to enjoy it last time."
Snow Anona shrugged at his stunned reaction. It was hard to miss something you'd never known existed. Now she had his arm around her and that she knew what was going on, she smiled lightly.
"A prolonged hug?" she queried, falling silent for a moment as she seriously considered his request, before shaking her head slowly. There was a pause and she brought her own arm up to wrap around his waist, turning so that she leaned into him propped up on her left side.
"I enjoyed it a great deal and I will likely ask you for more in the future," she mused with fond memories dancing across her mind. "But for now, I can cuddle."
She then leaned forward and kissed him gently on the lips, not pulling away unless he did. Steph was quite sweet sometimes, not even seeming galled at her lack of knowledge of cuddles.
"A prolonged hug?" she queried, falling silent for a moment as she seriously considered his request, before shaking her head slowly. There was a pause and she brought her own arm up to wrap around his waist, turning so that she leaned into him propped up on her left side.
"I enjoyed it a great deal and I will likely ask you for more in the future," she mused with fond memories dancing across her mind. "But for now, I can cuddle."
She then leaned forward and kissed him gently on the lips, not pulling away unless he did. Steph was quite sweet sometimes, not even seeming galled at her lack of knowledge of cuddles.
Steph Grey was glad she wasn't so adverse to the idea. Her arm going around him let him close the distance the rest of the way to the point where their warmth was evenly shared, and he enjoyed every bit of the contact.
When her lips met his, he was surprised for a moment before remembering that she hadn't done this before. Oh well, kissing was fine as part of cuddling in -his- book... he melted into it, keeping the kiss going more than gladly.
When her lips met his, he was surprised for a moment before remembering that she hadn't done this before. Oh well, kissing was fine as part of cuddling in -his- book... he melted into it, keeping the kiss going more than gladly.
Snow Anona smiled, pressing herself against him in reactionary response, pleased he had pulled away from her. Though - perhaps arrogantly so - she hadn't expected him to, parting her lips ever so slightly to deepen the kiss for a few seconds before pulling away completely.
Her eyes were bright with merriment. "I think I like this cuddling lark," she intoned, squeezing him just a little with her arm.
Her eyes were bright with merriment. "I think I like this cuddling lark," she intoned, squeezing him just a little with her arm.
Steph Grey smiled back to her lovingly. "It's a shame you went so long without it... guess we're going to have to make up for lost time." he says with a wide grin, closing the gap to kiss her again, re-deepening it with wider strokes and barely opened eyes... his arms tightened their grip, not keen to let her go.
Snow Anona Whatever she might have been going to say in reply was muffled as her lips connected with his again and this time, he was more insistent upon her attentions.
Technically, she shouldn't have been surprised, melting into the kiss like butter did when cut with a warm knife. It would be difficult to pull away and so this time she surrendered to him, earnestly returning his gesture of love.
Technically, she shouldn't have been surprised, melting into the kiss like butter did when cut with a warm knife. It would be difficult to pull away and so this time she surrendered to him, earnestly returning his gesture of love.
Steph Grey toyed with the idea of taking it further. They were alone, making out on the couch again... but his self control kicked in, he didn't want to take advantage of her like that.
Nonetheless, his free hand rested on her opposite thigh, and began to stroke it smoothly. So close together... even her scent was driving him mad, flaring him up. Her posture softened into him and his grip became more gentle and caring as it did, his hands becoming less fixed into place as she softened.
No. Self control. The kissing only slowed a bit as his mind relaxed a bit... he had made a promise to ask Hope before he would do this again.
Although, subconsciously... he wished he could put that aside... just for tonight.
Nonetheless, his free hand rested on her opposite thigh, and began to stroke it smoothly. So close together... even her scent was driving him mad, flaring him up. Her posture softened into him and his grip became more gentle and caring as it did, his hands becoming less fixed into place as she softened.
No. Self control. The kissing only slowed a bit as his mind relaxed a bit... he had made a promise to ask Hope before he would do this again.
Although, subconsciously... he wished he could put that aside... just for tonight.
Snow Anona Instinctively shuddered at the sudden soft, yet teasing hand on her thigh, closing her eyes slowly at the motion.
She shifted closer, eager to make sure there was nothing between them, gently bringing her previously unused hand to rest on his shoulder, tilting him just so towards her.
Then she tried to break away, needing oxygen, offering a leg intertwined with his two in compensation. She would go back, but air first.
She shifted closer, eager to make sure there was nothing between them, gently bringing her previously unused hand to rest on his shoulder, tilting him just so towards her.
Then she tried to break away, needing oxygen, offering a leg intertwined with his two in compensation. She would go back, but air first.
Steph Grey reacted to her sudden pulls, breaking their kisses to give them both a chance to breath... although the moment they were done gasping, he would move in to reseal their lip's passionate dance. Her shifted leg made the hand on her opposite thigh instead drift over closer to him onto her offered leg, where he would rub her thigh more roughly towards the gap between her legs.
The setting changes from Steph's Apartment to The Park
Snow Anona strode along the path in as relaxed a manner she could muster. This was for the good of them all, she reasoned in her head. Blade was impossible to crack - to get along with - so perhaps talking with his Light might help them bridge the gaps.
She could only hope.
It was a nice enough day. The sun was shining but it wasn't particularly warm and as Snow looked back across her right shoulder at Bow, she managed a soft smile.
That might've been Hope if they had been together and despite all of her years alone, the Dark wouldn't have wanted her sister to be so timid. "I'm glad you agreed to come out with me Bow. I've yet to thank you properly for healing Kendra," she started, broaching conversation bravely.
She could only hope.
It was a nice enough day. The sun was shining but it wasn't particularly warm and as Snow looked back across her right shoulder at Bow, she managed a soft smile.
That might've been Hope if they had been together and despite all of her years alone, the Dark wouldn't have wanted her sister to be so timid. "I'm glad you agreed to come out with me Bow. I've yet to thank you properly for healing Kendra," she started, broaching conversation bravely.
Blade Ulenna Bow smiled as brightly as the sun that shone down them. "You're quite welcome. I've lived for helping people, and I'm glad I could find a way to still do that despite coming here with my brother."
She looks up to the taller Shifter. She was almost exactly as Bow had imagined; distraught with feelings about finding her Light, but equally dedicated. Bow kept seeing that flicker of uncertainty in her eyes, and it almost made the older Light giggle some times.
She looks up to the taller Shifter. She was almost exactly as Bow had imagined; distraught with feelings about finding her Light, but equally dedicated. Bow kept seeing that flicker of uncertainty in her eyes, and it almost made the older Light giggle some times.
Snow Anona nodded slowly, bringing her eyes back up to the sky for a moment, sighing. "I get the feeling we're going to need all the hope we can get. Hope will accept her responsibility at some point."
Snow was torn in so many directions and it killed her that one of them meant that she would have to follow her family into darkness, not knowing whether they were going to survive the night.
"Your Dark... he is a puzzle." She grinned then, her gaze falling upon the Light with a soft smile. "He wants to help but he won't relent to us. It is our lives as well."
Snow was torn in so many directions and it killed her that one of them meant that she would have to follow her family into darkness, not knowing whether they were going to survive the night.
"Your Dark... he is a puzzle." She grinned then, her gaze falling upon the Light with a soft smile. "He wants to help but he won't relent to us. It is our lives as well."
Blade Ulenna Bow nods with an understanding frown, as though she were an old sensei giving a lecture. "He can be a real jerk, some times... well, to most people. To him, manners and consideration are just things that get in the way of his job. He only means well for you all."
Snow Anona chuckled, pleased at the Light's honesty. Although she would never admit to it, she had been worried that Bow was going to be a typical Light in personality as well as appearance.
"Most people? I expect he's only not a jerk to you and her Majesty herself," she returned quickly, waving a hand out dismissively. "It's no matter though. I know you speak the truth. I just wish we could find some common ground with him."
"Most people? I expect he's only not a jerk to you and her Majesty herself," she returned quickly, waving a hand out dismissively. "It's no matter though. I know you speak the truth. I just wish we could find some common ground with him."
Blade Ulenna Bow shakes her head. Snow was asking the Light to peep on her Dark's feelings... and that would be terrible of her. Although, it would be nice in the end to see everyone get along. Bow was growing tired of the bickering already. Why couldn't everyone just be friends?
"You suspect right!" she says cheerily. "If you want some common ground with him though, it'll be a tough ride. Blade is a pretty straightforward guy. He takes care of me, and he listens to the Queen."
"You suspect right!" she says cheerily. "If you want some common ground with him though, it'll be a tough ride. Blade is a pretty straightforward guy. He takes care of me, and he listens to the Queen."
Snow Anona knew she was being under-handed and abhorred herself for it, but it wasn't as if Blade was being particularly amiable about the whole situation. He was gritting through their conversations, remembering his duty and nothing else.
All they had in common was their species really. "I see. I'm not going to ask for your help. That would be wrong of me," she explained, halting in her steps for a moment.
They were pretty faraway from any other people in the park, so that didn't cause a problem. "I've an idea to crack him somewhat. It'll have to be away from you Lights of course. He seems to care for you a great deal and I won't ever put you in harm's way."
All they had in common was their species really. "I see. I'm not going to ask for your help. That would be wrong of me," she explained, halting in her steps for a moment.
They were pretty faraway from any other people in the park, so that didn't cause a problem. "I've an idea to crack him somewhat. It'll have to be away from you Lights of course. He seems to care for you a great deal and I won't ever put you in harm's way."
Blade Ulenna Bow stopped with her, spinning on her heels to face the Dark and waving a finger in front of her face, as though to tell her she was a bad girl. "Hey." she said as sternly as the bubbly Light could. "Don't try anything crazy, okay? I'm sure if you just talked to him he would be more understanding."
She shakes her head. "Snow, remember how you two met? The first thing you did was try to punch him. Of course you can expect bad blood, right? Just get to know him!"
She shakes her head. "Snow, remember how you two met? The first thing you did was try to punch him. Of course you can expect bad blood, right? Just get to know him!"
Snow Anona looked remarkably stunned at Bow's reaction, a small smile gracing her lips at the girl's attempt at authoritative. "Crazy? Sparring is not crazy," she said with a grin. Darks communicated best via combat. That was the best language she understood. Other than... No, not now, she told herself sternly.
Just get to know him? Snow snorted in amusement. Yeah she could just see it - her and Blade sitting down to... hang on, that wasn't half a bad idea. "Okay. Okay then. Bow, do you mind staying the night with Hope and Kendra tonight?" she asked, her hands coming together in front of her.
Poker night. She grinned.
Just get to know him? Snow snorted in amusement. Yeah she could just see it - her and Blade sitting down to... hang on, that wasn't half a bad idea. "Okay. Okay then. Bow, do you mind staying the night with Hope and Kendra tonight?" she asked, her hands coming together in front of her.
Poker night. She grinned.
Blade Ulenna Bow raised an eyebrow. Was she really thinking what she thought she was thinking?
No. Absolutely not.
Bow nodded happily after giving it a couple seconds of thought. "Sure! I could just turn into kitty form and curl up in their room, if it's okay with them."
No. Absolutely not.
Bow nodded happily after giving it a couple seconds of thought. "Sure! I could just turn into kitty form and curl up in their room, if it's okay with them."
Snow Anona looked pleased with that notion; her Light wouldn't mind at all. She hoped. "Thank you. I appreciate this. Hopefully a couple of games of cards will provide enough casual conversation and time to ease the tension."
She looked a lot happier suddenly. Steph could play too though she wagered he had a damned good pokerface. Bollocks.
She looked a lot happier suddenly. Steph could play too though she wagered he had a damned good pokerface. Bollocks.
Blade Ulenna Talking about kitty form, Bow suddenly shifts into a small white cat. Her tail sways freely as a bright and perfectly round pair of eyes stare up at the Dark. Would she pet the little one? Would she?
Snow Anona Yes, she had been all bravado and surety earlier but standing outside their room's door, Snow confessed she felt a little cowed. They didn't get along well and what if he rejected her invitation? Then they'd just all be back where they started.
Reluctantly, she forced herself to raise a hand to the wood of the door, knocking rapidly three times.
Reluctantly, she forced herself to raise a hand to the wood of the door, knocking rapidly three times.
The setting changes from The Park to Multi-Dimensional
Snow Anona Yes, she had been all bravado and surety earlier but standing outside their room's door, Snow confessed she felt a little cowed. They didn't get along well and what if he rejected her invitation? Then they'd just all be back where they started.
Reluctantly, she forced herself to raise a hand to the wood of the door, knocking rapidly three times.
Reluctantly, she forced herself to raise a hand to the wood of the door, knocking rapidly three times.
The setting changes from Multi-Dimensional to The Palace
Wing of House Erutin glances around curiously, searchign for Blade quite happily. Tallie had absolutely promised that he was sending for Blade to reutnr, and Wing did so want to be there when that happened. She bounces on her chair happily, eagerly.
Blade Ulenna entered the throne room with gusto, his Queen's summons driving him to see her without a hint of hesitation in his steps. Gratified to finally be within her presence again, he stops before her in her seat, and bends to one knee.
"Your majesty." he greets, head bowed in respect.
"Your majesty." he greets, head bowed in respect.
Wing of House Erutin smiles brightly at him. "Rise Blade! Rise and tell me ho you're doing? How is your charge treatign you? Talon says he met he the toher day, but you know him. He's horribly vague on details."
Blade Ulenna smiled at her kind greeting, and stood up from his knee, offering her his gaze as opposed to the bow. "My sister and I have been well, and as has been young Hope and her sister. Although, I have troubling news to report."
He falls slightly into a frown. "The Council has already mobilized, I arrived only just in time to see the trailing end of an assassination attempt. We didn't gain much knowledge out of the assassin other than the fact that he was indeed working with the Council."
He sighs, and shakes his head. "On the bright side, the Anona twins seem to have surrounded themselves with very capable allies in the form of their mates. I am certain that between the six of us, no harm will come to the twins."
He falls slightly into a frown. "The Council has already mobilized, I arrived only just in time to see the trailing end of an assassination attempt. We didn't gain much knowledge out of the assassin other than the fact that he was indeed working with the Council."
He sighs, and shakes his head. "On the bright side, the Anona twins seem to have surrounded themselves with very capable allies in the form of their mates. I am certain that between the six of us, no harm will come to the twins."
Wing of House Erutin beams at Blade, bouncing slightly. "Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful." It was good to hear that everyone was well. Though at the news of the council already on the move, her smile falls. "Oh blast. Those men." She sighs heavily. "I'm glad to hear they have such capable allies, though I admit to some surprise. I wasn't aware that there were any twinsets anywhere near Snow and Hope. Unless Snow arranged something for when she did find her twin?" It was, after all, entirely possible.
"Tell me about these mates. And since you claim that all will be well, I'll make sure Tallie doesn't sent further guards out, despite his crush on little Hope.
"Tell me about these mates. And since you claim that all will be well, I'll make sure Tallie doesn't sent further guards out, despite his crush on little Hope.
Blade Ulenna grits his teeth, and hesitates before answering her queries about their mates. "Your majesty... their mates are not Shifters, but mortal humans."
He stands in silence, waiting for her reaction.
He stands in silence, waiting for her reaction.
Wing of House Erutin 's eyes go wide in shock. "Humans? Mere mortals?" She verifies before takign a deep breath. "I see. Well." How was she supposed to react to that. Finally deciding on a path she nods. "Alright then. Tell me of them. Are they at least twins, or has Hope far exceeded my expectations of revolutionary."
Blade Ulenna shakes his head, distraught that the news brought his Queen such a start. "No, they are not related. Hope's mate is a human woman, a fantastic designer and architect by the name of Kendra Lawrence. Snow's mate is a man named Steph Grey, who is a skilled gunslinger and is surprisingly devoted to their cause. Last I heard before I left, both twins are now engaged to their mate, Steph having proposed only last night."
He sighs. "This must come as a surprise to you, your Majesty, but I assure you I speak no fable."
He sighs. "This must come as a surprise to you, your Majesty, but I assure you I speak no fable."
Wing of House Erutin nods slowly. "I...see. I suppose as long as they love each other I can do naught but approve." She says, sounding slightly amused. "Very well. As long as their mates are devoted to them, and understand that leaving it simply not an option, I have no issue."
She grins mischviousl. "Has Tallie foudn out yet?"
She grins mischviousl. "Has Tallie foudn out yet?"
Blade Ulenna shakes his head, partially sharing her devious grin. "I don't believe so. He seems disturbingly attracted to Hope, and that hasn't appeared to have deviated so I can only assume he remains ignorant of the status of her relationship."
Wing of House Erutin giggles, covering her mouth with her hand. "Oh he's had a crush on Little Hope since she was a week old. I think he's more in love with the idea of her than her, but it is very amusing to watch him worry." She admits with a happy grin.
Blade Ulenna 's grin turns to a warmer, reassured smile. "I don't doubt it."
Then, he sighs. "The only real problem I have had with this assignment so far is that Hope has an awful tendency to try to escape her grasp. While I can see where she is coming from with her independence, both natural and developed... it's making keeping tabs on her simply infuriating. I've had my implant upgraded to track her better, but..."
Again, he sighs. "I'm sorry, your majesty. It is not my place to grovel."
Then, he sighs. "The only real problem I have had with this assignment so far is that Hope has an awful tendency to try to escape her grasp. While I can see where she is coming from with her independence, both natural and developed... it's making keeping tabs on her simply infuriating. I've had my implant upgraded to track her better, but..."
Again, he sighs. "I'm sorry, your majesty. It is not my place to grovel."
Wing of House Erutin looks amused. "She is a handful, isn't she?" She looks slightly amused. "Even as a babe she had a tendency to try and escape from everyone but Tallie. It was actually rather cute."
She looks to him amused, and jots down a a note. "You know Tallie would never let me leave Erutin without an entire contingent of guards, but here. As Director of the travelers, even an MIA one she answers to me, and an order from the Queen ought to help."
She looks to him amused, and jots down a a note. "You know Tallie would never let me leave Erutin without an entire contingent of guards, but here. As Director of the travelers, even an MIA one she answers to me, and an order from the Queen ought to help."
Blade Ulenna 's eyes widen at her suggestion. "Oh, I.." He shakes his head to clear out the cobwebs. "That would certainly help, I would think, although I'm not sure if she would be so compliant. If I may, your Majesty, I think I would prefer trying to earn her trust on my own. Trying to get out the easy way like that may very well make her turn a blind eye."
He looks to the ground. "She was already upset enough as it was when I explained to her what she was to be put up to."
He looks to the ground. "She was already upset enough as it was when I explained to her what she was to be put up to."
Wing of House Erutin nods. "Keep this in reserve then. And I had hoped she'd be more accepting of it, but I really don't blame her." She shrugs and smiles. "Still, Perhaps eventually she'll be willing enough to return and meet with me over the situation. Please, suggest it to her when you feel the tiem is right."
Blade Ulenna nods. "Of course. You will be done, your Majesty." He bows quickly, accepting the order.
"Should I be leaving to return to her side immediately, then, or would you prefer I stay the night?" he asks outright, trying not to balance bias towards either option.
"Should I be leaving to return to her side immediately, then, or would you prefer I stay the night?" he asks outright, trying not to balance bias towards either option.
Wing of House Erutin looks slightly amused. "You say her cell is strong? Stay here for the night. I miss my favorite guard." She says with a pout. "Besides, I'm sure you have catching up to do with the others."
Blade Ulenna nods. Her favorite guard, huh? He appreciated the sentiment, but he kept the emotion to himself. "Of course."
He almost wants to walk away, but his curiosity begged him to stay. The seriousness about what he was going to ask made him frown. "My Lady, if I may... what should we be trying to accomplish? Hope has told me of some progress she has made in convincing her fellow Lights to look to her cause, but... I cannot help but be consumed with doubt."
He almost wants to walk away, but his curiosity begged him to stay. The seriousness about what he was going to ask made him frown. "My Lady, if I may... what should we be trying to accomplish? Hope has told me of some progress she has made in convincing her fellow Lights to look to her cause, but... I cannot help but be consumed with doubt."
Wing of House Erutin smiles slightly. "I understand the doubt. It is hard to believe in such a girl, isn't it? For now, I need her to slowly bring about a social change, and do what she must to convicne those on the outlying colonies that Lights and Darks are equal. It will have to, I'm afraid, move from teh outside in."
Blade Ulenna nods in understanding. "For all of the time it takes, rest assured, my Queen, that I will be at her side as long as you command."
Regardless, he can't help but space out, his eyes zoning into the distance. "I suppose all I can do now is protect her best I can, and hope for the best. My power is hers."
Regardless, he can't help but space out, his eyes zoning into the distance. "I suppose all I can do now is protect her best I can, and hope for the best. My power is hers."
Wing of House Erutin nods and smiles. "Get whatever upgrades you need to track the little Light. No doubt she'll test each and every single one fo them out. And do give her some room. It will be dificult to instigate change when she is too sheltered."
Blade Ulenna "Understood." then, he sees fit to mention another part of his business in returning to the castle... "As well, I would like permission to collect implantation supplies from the medical quarter. Some upgrades can only be done with supplies we do not have, and it is best that all of us involved with the Anona Twins, including the twins themselves, be armed to the teeth with the best technology we have available."
Wing of House Erutin nods. "Do so. No doubt Snow is chomping at the bit to get an implant herself. And see about having Hope teach the lot of you the basics of teleportation. Transportation takes much logner to learn, but I'm sure you'll all be able to learn teleportation in a short order."
Blade Ulenna nods in turn. "Snow has already been implanted, she awoke from her surgery the previous night, although we are out of supplies for upgrades.... Although..." he frowns. "I'm not certain how willing Hope would be to teach us teleportation, especially considering how it would help me track her better. I shall ask, as per your command, though."
Wing of House Erutin waves a hand. "Perhaps get Snow to ask then. You would merely be there as her guard, and if you picked up the basics then..." She shrugs, "What is it the humans say? Que sera,sera."
Blade Ulenna pushed his way through the large double doors at the front of the regal throne room of Erutino Palace, audience chamber to his liege, Queen Wing. For her and no one else, he was dressed his absolute best in full commander
Blade Ulenna - full commander uniform, with every detail down to perfectly polished boots glinting in the sunlight through massive windows.
The fall of said boots were one of the only sounds reverberating through the chamber as he walked, sword extended but sheathed as part of his uniform, towards the throne where Her Majesty sat.
Upon reaching a speakable distance, with a bow, he sunk to one knee.
"Your majesty, Dark Blade Ulenna reporting."
The fall of said boots were one of the only sounds reverberating through the chamber as he walked, sword extended but sheathed as part of his uniform, towards the throne where Her Majesty sat.
Upon reaching a speakable distance, with a bow, he sunk to one knee.
"Your majesty, Dark Blade Ulenna reporting."
Wing of House Erutin lounges in her throne, very bored. As Blade appears, she perks up immediately and straightens up. With out a doubt, he was her favorite Dark, next to her won. If Talon would just be amenable to breaking traditions, everything would have gone much smoother already, she was sure.
"Rise, Blade. Rise and tell me what you have to say, favored among my guard." And favored he was, as he no doubt knew. Otherwise, she would never have made the decision to send him so far away where she couldn't keep an eye on him, to protect a person very dear to her kingdom's future.
"Tell me of Hope's latest misadventures. She isn't pregnant yet is she? You must discourage this until things have settled. Somehow."
"Rise, Blade. Rise and tell me what you have to say, favored among my guard." And favored he was, as he no doubt knew. Otherwise, she would never have made the decision to send him so far away where she couldn't keep an eye on him, to protect a person very dear to her kingdom's future.
"Tell me of Hope's latest misadventures. She isn't pregnant yet is she? You must discourage this until things have settled. Somehow."
Blade Ulenna stands with a wide smile at her questions, dissipating his weapon in its sheath. Ah, the dearest Queen and her amiable concerns. How they were a beacon in his day next to his comparatively confrontational encounter with Hope.
"No, she is of good health and as far as I can tell, remains... mostly flowered.... however..." he adds with his smile rapidly dissapating, "I come with little more good news than that."
This was the part he hated. Wrecking the dear Queen's mood.
"No, she is of good health and as far as I can tell, remains... mostly flowered.... however..." he adds with his smile rapidly dissapating, "I come with little more good news than that."
This was the part he hated. Wrecking the dear Queen's mood.
Wing of House Erutin frowns at this and nods. "Go on then Blade. Tell me what our beloved fools on the council have done now. I can only assuem it is them, after all." She sighs, wishing that she didn't have to govern with such hard headed fools.
Blade Ulenna hesitates for a moment. Go on then, Blade. Admit your failure.
Shut up, conscience.
With a sigh, he elaborates. "Your perception is naught but astute, as always, my Lady. I... I am afraid I had almost lost the dear Light on my watch. A council assassin had her in her grip, but thankfully for my own blunder t'was only to deliver a message of warning. A warning we will no doubt, ignore."
Shut up, conscience.
With a sigh, he elaborates. "Your perception is naught but astute, as always, my Lady. I... I am afraid I had almost lost the dear Light on my watch. A council assassin had her in her grip, but thankfully for my own blunder t'was only to deliver a message of warning. A warning we will no doubt, ignore."
Wing of House Erutin winces and shakes her head. "I wish it were nto so, my Blade. We will simply have to keep a closer watch on our Light. She is a handful, after all." She leans foreward and smiles at him. "Do not worry over so Blade. She is still alive, after all. And a warning is all they dare send now, thank the goddesses. She is fast becoming a public figure you know."
Blade Ulenna [color=navy]nods, thankful for her forgiveness. "If not for her request to send me here to collect information on the second set of troubling news... my eye would still be on her. For now, she is under the care of a warrior I have come to trust as loyal and incredibly skilled."
For he had indeed sparred with Kruxis, who had handed the Shifter's ass to him, to his shame.
"... and yes, it appears her popularity is ballooning more rapidly than anyone could have possibly anticipated. She has a plan in motion that has destroyed even my own expectations for her capabilities, that I unfortunately have promised by blood not to share any details of. But, as for the other set of news..." he carries right along before she can, quite easily, pry the information out of him...
"As you may very well have heard by now, the Council is proceeding with their planned research on breaking the sacred Twin Bond. It is Hope's desire to halt this research indefinitely, and my own as well, should your royal permission allow us such a deviation
For he had indeed sparred with Kruxis, who had handed the Shifter's ass to him, to his shame.
"... and yes, it appears her popularity is ballooning more rapidly than anyone could have possibly anticipated. She has a plan in motion that has destroyed even my own expectations for her capabilities, that I unfortunately have promised by blood not to share any details of. But, as for the other set of news..." he carries right along before she can, quite easily, pry the information out of him...
"As you may very well have heard by now, the Council is proceeding with their planned research on breaking the sacred Twin Bond. It is Hope's desire to halt this research indefinitely, and my own as well, should your royal permission allow us such a deviation
Wing of House Erutin shivers at this mention and nods quickly. "Do it. As soon as you can, please. I...just mentioning this subject distresses me. Greatly." It did too. The very idea of being twinless was completely horrorific to her. What woudl she do without Talon?
Well, other than throw Blade down and have her way. But really, that was a moot point.
Well, other than throw Blade down and have her way. But really, that was a moot point.
Blade Ulenna nods quickly. "It will be done, your majesty. Although... her plan calls for non-lethal ending of the research, while my own reccomendation leads to the utter destruction of the facility and the incarceration of all involved under Royal order, but I of course require your permission for such an advancement..."
He sighs. "So, it of course comes to your own decision, your Majesty. I will follow your command by my honor, and your decision is law... but I feel that a harsh example must be made if we are to prevent a possible catastrophe. I... doubt I need to extrapolate the risks if there is even a trace left of this research when all is said and done."
He felt cruel for placing this decision on her, but it desperately needed to be said. He truly had very little confidence in passive action. If not for said Darks having Lights, he would slaughter them all... but life in prison would have to do.
He sighs. "So, it of course comes to your own decision, your Majesty. I will follow your command by my honor, and your decision is law... but I feel that a harsh example must be made if we are to prevent a possible catastrophe. I... doubt I need to extrapolate the risks if there is even a trace left of this research when all is said and done."
He felt cruel for placing this decision on her, but it desperately needed to be said. He truly had very little confidence in passive action. If not for said Darks having Lights, he would slaughter them all... but life in prison would have to do.
Wing of House Erutin takes a deep breath, uncertain. "I...I admit to being conflicted on this, my Blade. However, I am afraid, in this I will defer to the leader of the rebellion, if only so nothing happens to y- bring about war on our people. The council cannot know I sanction many of your actions. Destroy it in the non lethal manner, but..see about destroying the buildign as well. Perhaps a pip explosion or gas explosion or something that is 'clearly' an accident, to hide your hand in the matter."
She knew better than to say that she could nto stand what the council would do to him, should they discover his hand in all this. A body guard for the director fo the travelers was odd, but understandable, as she was a Light. But for Blade to kill would be...
Well. It would be a death sentence for him, at the council's hands.
She knew better than to say that she could nto stand what the council would do to him, should they discover his hand in all this. A body guard for the director fo the travelers was odd, but understandable, as she was a Light. But for Blade to kill would be...
Well. It would be a death sentence for him, at the council's hands.
Blade Ulenna sighs for a moment, but he well understood the meaning behind her decision. "Your will be done, my Lady. The research will be disposed of and the premises destroyed."
He tried to come up with some excuse to stay and talk longer, but their business was more or less concluded. Bah, Hope could wait a few more minutes. He trusts Kruxis.
"I... also need to ask. Should push comes to shove when the rebellion inevitably starts... any actual action would be horribly one sided in the favor of the Council. Is our faith so far into Hope that we do not have a plan to settle any eventual confrontation?"
After all... he feared that if Wing were to directly step in should an emergency occur... the Council may very well target her. That he would -not- abide. Not while he was with Hope.
He tried to come up with some excuse to stay and talk longer, but their business was more or less concluded. Bah, Hope could wait a few more minutes. He trusts Kruxis.
"I... also need to ask. Should push comes to shove when the rebellion inevitably starts... any actual action would be horribly one sided in the favor of the Council. Is our faith so far into Hope that we do not have a plan to settle any eventual confrontation?"
After all... he feared that if Wing were to directly step in should an emergency occur... the Council may very well target her. That he would -not- abide. Not while he was with Hope.
Wing of House Erutin smiles at Blade and stands from her thron taking a step off it's dias and glancing about. Talon should be gone for sometime soon. Though it was forbidden, she couldn't help but moving closer.
"Blade, if violence is need, we are in trouble. Use what skills you can to sabotage before you try violence. I would suggest Guerilla tactics. It may be the only choice."
Sad but true. "I fully expect violence ot tear apart our streets."
"Blade, if violence is need, we are in trouble. Use what skills you can to sabotage before you try violence. I would suggest Guerilla tactics. It may be the only choice."
Sad but true. "I fully expect violence ot tear apart our streets."
Blade Ulenna nods. "You will have me loyally until my last breath... anything that can be done for our favor will be done. Should worse come to worse, there is none amongst our race that could stop me from obliterating the council. It is that threat that will always remain as a last string.
Her approach... so forbidden, her sacred self within arms reach but no matter how much he wished to, his duty told him to keep back. He didn't move... he just relished her presence.
"But, nonetheless... me and my men are few, and the Darks of our society are many. I can protect you and Hope... but I cannot fight a war."
After all, that was what Hope was for... if he never had confidence in her, he had it now. She would have an idea. "My trust is with the young Light Anona, now."
Her approach... so forbidden, her sacred self within arms reach but no matter how much he wished to, his duty told him to keep back. He didn't move... he just relished her presence.
"But, nonetheless... me and my men are few, and the Darks of our society are many. I can protect you and Hope... but I cannot fight a war."
After all, that was what Hope was for... if he never had confidence in her, he had it now. She would have an idea. "My trust is with the young Light Anona, now."
Wing of House Erutin nods. "We must trust her." Ever so gently, she places a hand on his shoulder, uncertain. Talon kept her from most physical contact, so she wasn't certain how to proceed.
"My...My twin will be gone for some time, off on matters he will never explain. Spend time with me? The other guards, are much more formal." They were also all out of the room, so they would be safe from prying eyes. She always had the guards leave when she was in Blade's presence, so he could whisper to her what she needed to know without eyes on them.
"My...My twin will be gone for some time, off on matters he will never explain. Spend time with me? The other guards, are much more formal." They were also all out of the room, so they would be safe from prying eyes. She always had the guards leave when she was in Blade's presence, so he could whisper to her what she needed to know without eyes on them.
Blade Ulenna sighed... taking all too strong a note that they seemed to be alone. She must have ordered the rest of the guard away...
It was her touch that set him off, taking a deep breath as though to cool down his heart that was speeding up with contact. So forbidden. So wanted... He could worry about the First Dark, later. "Alright... I will." he says, not adding on his usual 'by your command...'. This was something different. All the same, he could have been oh so wrong. Maybe she just felt more secure under his watch?
It was her touch that set him off, taking a deep breath as though to cool down his heart that was speeding up with contact. So forbidden. So wanted... He could worry about the First Dark, later. "Alright... I will." he says, not adding on his usual 'by your command...'. This was something different. All the same, he could have been oh so wrong. Maybe she just felt more secure under his watch?
Wing of House Erutin bites her bottom lip, nervous still and drops her hand. "Tell me Blade. How...How forward thinking is your twin? I know my own is very stagnant in his, but...Bow? I do no know her as well as I would like."
The answer was incredibly important to her. Though she could never define exacly why.
The answer was incredibly important to her. Though she could never define exacly why.
Blade Ulenna bows his head, hesitating. "My sister... she was once as dogmatic about our ways as any of us, purely through being taught so... but, both of us have changed being with Hope. She is a beacon, that girl... now both of us question what we are."
He looks back up to his Queen, looking down to her face. "I know she seeks love outside of our race, now. She confessed so to me herself, convinced that the Anona's success on that matter was proof that the old ways are perhaps not what we always made them out to be."
He spoke heresy. Two hundred years ago if he had said this out loud in front of anyone else with power he probably would have been executed... but he felt secure to be honest with her Majesty. With Wing Erutin...
He looks back up to his Queen, looking down to her face. "I know she seeks love outside of our race, now. She confessed so to me herself, convinced that the Anona's success on that matter was proof that the old ways are perhaps not what we always made them out to be."
He spoke heresy. Two hundred years ago if he had said this out loud in front of anyone else with power he probably would have been executed... but he felt secure to be honest with her Majesty. With Wing Erutin...
Wing of House Erutin glances about, almsot as if she's frightened, before moving closer and standing on her toes to ever so shyly kiss his cheek, should he allow it. "That...That pleases me more than anything else." She admits, before coloring.
"It would be selfish of me to ask her too though, and I find I cannot do such."
"It would be selfish of me to ask her too though, and I find I cannot do such."
Blade Ulenna 's heart almost stops with her kiss. Did... she feel the same way? He didn't know what to think of it, such a display...
Oh... so forbidden. So wanted.
He wanted to take her hands in his so desperately, longing for her touch again. Her lips... "I'm glad." he says quietly, realizing he had been standing there hesitating.
"I'm sure, my Queen Wing, that she would be as delighted to answer that as I was." he says, barely avoiding coloring himself, still feeling the brush of her lips on his cheek.
Oh... so forbidden. So wanted.
He wanted to take her hands in his so desperately, longing for her touch again. Her lips... "I'm glad." he says quietly, realizing he had been standing there hesitating.
"I'm sure, my Queen Wing, that she would be as delighted to answer that as I was." he says, barely avoiding coloring himself, still feeling the brush of her lips on his cheek.
Wing of House Erutin bites her bottom lip. "Please, call me Winnie, when it is just us too. I would not even include Talon among that number." She murmurs to him, shyly reaching for his hand. She had seen couples with their hands linked, after all.
Perhaps Blade would allow that touch as well. Though his hesitance frightened her.
"Please, my Blade. Do not feel you must because I am your Queen though. I would never have that." She tells him, her cheeks painted a rosy red.
Perhaps Blade would allow that touch as well. Though his hesitance frightened her.
"Please, my Blade. Do not feel you must because I am your Queen though. I would never have that." She tells him, her cheeks painted a rosy red.
Blade Ulenna was gratified to see her hand extended... the moments of hesitation shortened, and he reached out to take her own half way, ever so careful not to bring her pain.
So soft was her skin... so sacred. "I will, Winnie." he says affectionately. He reaches for her other hand, intoxicated by her touch... but everything about his instincts built over three hundred years told him to go back.
"If not my Queen, Winnie... what would you rather?" he asks, as though speaking too loudly would shatter her.
So soft was her skin... so sacred. "I will, Winnie." he says affectionately. He reaches for her other hand, intoxicated by her touch... but everything about his instincts built over three hundred years told him to go back.
"If not my Queen, Winnie... what would you rather?" he asks, as though speaking too loudly would shatter her.
Wing of House Erutin glances up at him from under lowered lashes. "Your friend at the least. More later, if I can convince my wretched twin to allow such a thing. He is always such a brute when it comes to me though."
He was also determined to fidn a suitable mate for her, now that it had become clear even to him that Hope and Snow were untouchable.
He was also determined to fidn a suitable mate for her, now that it had become clear even to him that Hope and Snow were untouchable.
Blade Ulenna 's heart sank. The First Dark... of course. Of course she would need his approval. Sense flowed back into him, but still the rest of the dam Hope had built for him held strong.
"Friend, then." but more later, she had said... but the First Dark would never allow it. They treated each other with respect but had always been underlying at odds, or, at least, that was how Blade saw it.
Still, it brought such a small chuckle out of him... "I used to be the same way with Bow. Hope is such a powerful influence... I can't help but watch her mingle with naught but a smile, now."
"Friend, then." but more later, she had said... but the First Dark would never allow it. They treated each other with respect but had always been underlying at odds, or, at least, that was how Blade saw it.
Still, it brought such a small chuckle out of him... "I used to be the same way with Bow. Hope is such a powerful influence... I can't help but watch her mingle with naught but a smile, now."
Wing of House Erutin shakes her head. "I am queen. You would think I was a puppy with how he treats me. I suppose I am lucky enough to be queen. His bedfellows never seem to leave quite the same, though no doubt he doesn't think I've noticed him take any!"
Blade Ulenna was left with the slightest sting of anger at her words. Of course, the womanizing bastard would carry on with his mistresses while leaving his Light to her loneliness... he had killed men for less, before.
"It's a great thing, Hope is fighting for." he says quietly... but he couldn't help but worry. "... he has no right to coddle you like that, Winnie."
There, he dared say it. "After all, you are the Queen. Have you no right to your own desires when he lords such over you like that?" he stopped purely out of guilt. What did he expect to do, turn her against her own twin? Ridiculous.
"I am sorry." he says, bowing his head. "That was not my place to say."
"It's a great thing, Hope is fighting for." he says quietly... but he couldn't help but worry. "... he has no right to coddle you like that, Winnie."
There, he dared say it. "After all, you are the Queen. Have you no right to your own desires when he lords such over you like that?" he stopped purely out of guilt. What did he expect to do, turn her against her own twin? Ridiculous.
"I am sorry." he says, bowing his head. "That was not my place to say."
Wing of House Erutin laughs and shakes ehr head. "It is my twin's own behavior we aim to change. His and every Dark whose behavior is ismilar. That is what it will take to win this conflict." She admits, placing her free hand on his cheek. "Now. We must seperate quickly. My twin approaches."
He hand linger slightly, as she looks up at him, not wanting to seperate at all.
He hand linger slightly, as she looks up at him, not wanting to seperate at all.
Blade Ulenna 's hand drifts up to her own, relishing her touch for a few long moments before his self control wraps his fingers around hers and pulls her away gently, finally letting her go, his heart begging the opposite.
"Of course." he says... avoiding the nickname within earshot of the First Dark. There may very well be a time when they would conflict, but that time was not yet... not until the eyes of Lights across the Multiverse were open.
"Of course." he says... avoiding the nickname within earshot of the First Dark. There may very well be a time when they would conflict, but that time was not yet... not until the eyes of Lights across the Multiverse were open.
Talon of House Erutin slips into the grand throne room, just in time to see his little Light locked in an embrace with the First Guard. The First Dark growls loudly, and stalks over to them, though they have separated by then. "Dark Blade, how dare you touch the Queen's sacred flesh!"
Blade Ulenna turns, half enraged, half shocked by his entrance... but he remembered his place. "First Dark!" he fell to one knee.
"I sought no ill thought or intent, my liege. I beg your forgiveness." he says, head bowed to the ground... lying through his teeth. Sacred she was... but not yours, Talon.
"I sought no ill thought or intent, my liege. I beg your forgiveness." he says, head bowed to the ground... lying through his teeth. Sacred she was... but not yours, Talon.
Wing of House Erutin jumps away from Blade and slips into her throne as fast as she can, absolutley horrified. "Talon please, it was all my fault. Bl- Guard Ulenna would never even approach me on his own, you know him that well surely!" She begs of her brother knowing she can't make him see sense.
Talon of House Erutin snarls at Blade. "Out! You took advantage of a Light's innocence and lured ehr to you! Out now, least I kill you! As it is, My dear Light will be signign you exile papers on the morrow." He says, intent on making her do jsut that.
Blade Ulenna resisted the urge, the horrifyingly strong urge to snap back... but that urge only grew. This... womanizing maniac, this "First Dark" demanded him to step out of the service of the Queen, no, the woman, that he had served for three hundred years more closely than he ever had.
He would not abide it. Hope would be proud.
"No." he says quietly, at first. Then, he stands. He owes no homage to this pathetic, soul-less monster. He faces Talon. "A wind of change is coming, a beacon that signals freedom for the suppressed. Man-whores like yourself will on longer sit in power, deluded by powers thought sacredly theirs."
He drew his sword and pointed straight at Talon.
"Mark my words, that that wind is a fierce one, and I will be riding it's current to the demise of the ill-gotten powers of those like you, Talon Erutin. You threaten me death; then so be it. Draw your weapon, and let me show you finally, after three hundred years of serving as your loyal dog, who is truly the stronger.
He would not abide it. Hope would be proud.
"No." he says quietly, at first. Then, he stands. He owes no homage to this pathetic, soul-less monster. He faces Talon. "A wind of change is coming, a beacon that signals freedom for the suppressed. Man-whores like yourself will on longer sit in power, deluded by powers thought sacredly theirs."
He drew his sword and pointed straight at Talon.
"Mark my words, that that wind is a fierce one, and I will be riding it's current to the demise of the ill-gotten powers of those like you, Talon Erutin. You threaten me death; then so be it. Draw your weapon, and let me show you finally, after three hundred years of serving as your loyal dog, who is truly the stronger.
Blade Ulenna did not intend to kill him... for that would slay his dearest Wing. No, he would humiliate him. Show him the false extent of his power.
Wing of House Erutin shakes her head. "I shant sign any papers, Talon, not against Blade!" She tells him firmly, then looks between the two, going silent in fear. For what else could she, weaponless, do?
Talon of House Erutin draws his weapon with an omninc shink sound. He glances to the side at Wing, dismissively. "You'll do as I say, Wing. Bcause I said it." He tells her quite firmly.
"And a loyal dog, you? Ha! More like a mutt who place I plan on teaching you!" He says, charging Blade, intent on destroying him in front of Wing.
"And a loyal dog, you? Ha! More like a mutt who place I plan on teaching you!" He says, charging Blade, intent on destroying him in front of Wing.
Blade Ulenna smirks, holding his ground and tilting his weapon so it is pointing diagonally, downwards. This was going to be incredibly satisfying.
"Let us see how polished your swordplay, is, Talon, when you have been spending your free hours with mistresses?" he mocks, ready to deflect whatever he throws at him.
Reluctantly, he does not draw his magnum. One shot of that thing would definitely kill him, and that would be catastrophic... no, he had to disarm him or disable him.
"Let us see how polished your swordplay, is, Talon, when you have been spending your free hours with mistresses?" he mocks, ready to deflect whatever he throws at him.
Reluctantly, he does not draw his magnum. One shot of that thing would definitely kill him, and that would be catastrophic... no, he had to disarm him or disable him.
Talon of House Erutin laughs and strikes at Blade, aiming to cut him in twain about the middle. He would destroy this brat, remove him frolm hope's side, somehow destroy the mating and the win bonds, and have little Hope for his own.
She would, no doubt, prefer him as it stood. He'd take care of her mate, hre brat, and her twin and have Hope to himself, to be locked ot his bed.
She would, no doubt, prefer him as it stood. He'd take care of her mate, hre brat, and her twin and have Hope to himself, to be locked ot his bed.
Blade Ulenna blocked his slash deftly, bringing his own blade in the way and giving little ground for the momentum as they clashed. His free arm then swung to elbow the madly charging Dark in the face, aiming to throw him off balance, or if the hit was direct enough, knock him out there and then.
Talon was also very, very lucky that Blade cannot read minds, or this would be a very, very bloody scene.
Talon was also very, very lucky that Blade cannot read minds, or this would be a very, very bloody scene.
Talon of House Erutin attempts to dodge, but it has been too many years since he hasd even drawn his sowrd, and the First Dark goes down heavily, much to his own shock.
This he would ever have expected. He was th First Dark, forbidden to touch except by explicit permision, none owuld ever harm him.
It appeared, he was wrong. And reflexes that were weak now would, once he regained himself, have to be honed again.
This he would ever have expected. He was th First Dark, forbidden to touch except by explicit permision, none owuld ever harm him.
It appeared, he was wrong. And reflexes that were weak now would, once he regained himself, have to be honed again.
Blade Ulenna brings his elbow back as the political giant struck the floor of the throne room. He twirls his sword, activating its Ice sheath, and brings the tip to bear down to him... daring him to move. Like this, he could remove limbs without killing him.
"Pathetic." Blade hisses. "You were honestly never afraid? Never afraid that even one amongst trillions would see the disgusting nature of your seat and seek to put you down like the dog you are?" he says cruelly... almost completely forgetting the presence of Wing.
"If it weren't for your sister, I would put you down now."
"Pathetic." Blade hisses. "You were honestly never afraid? Never afraid that even one amongst trillions would see the disgusting nature of your seat and seek to put you down like the dog you are?" he says cruelly... almost completely forgetting the presence of Wing.
"If it weren't for your sister, I would put you down now."
Talon of House Erutin stares up at Blade in absolute horror and faints dead away from fear. As he does so, he loses control of his bowels, causing a wet spot to appear on hi s pants.
This was the vaunted First Dark. So certain of himself, he had denied himself security and training.
This was the vaunted First Dark. So certain of himself, he had denied himself security and training.
Wing of House Erutin stares in horror at the short but horrifyign battle and moves form the trone ot Blade's side, checking on her twin. "I know he lives, as I do too but..."
She shivers. "I do no believe it safe for me to be in the palace anymore, Blade. But where can I possibly go?" She seems shrunken in on hrself. "With me there, surely Hope would be in that much more danger?"
"Either way, I must have my vestments of office with me, if only to keep him from doing horrible things in my name. Specifically my seal, as I already wear my ring."
She shivers. "I do no believe it safe for me to be in the palace anymore, Blade. But where can I possibly go?" She seems shrunken in on hrself. "With me there, surely Hope would be in that much more danger?"
"Either way, I must have my vestments of office with me, if only to keep him from doing horrible things in my name. Specifically my seal, as I already wear my ring."
Blade Ulenna sheaths his weapon. "We have been preparing a Safe House on Terra that will suit our needs more than nicely, and I am sure that the others will more than welcome your company... Winnie." he says, quickly calming down with a mixture of her soothing words and the satisfaction of his victory.
"Neither you or Hope will be in danger under my watch. The Council has no power over me, and with me at your side, they have no power over you." he assures... only fleetingly reminded of his near failure back in the bar. No. He would redouble his efforts, especially if the Queen were to come with him.
"As always, I follow your command. I can best keep both you and Hope safe back on Terra, away from the prying eyes of the Council."
He tried to think of anything else that could help him. "I... I don't know about the rest of the guard." he said, wondering if they should be brought along. "While extra protection they may represent, they also represent extra attention."
"Neither you or Hope will be in danger under my watch. The Council has no power over me, and with me at your side, they have no power over you." he assures... only fleetingly reminded of his near failure back in the bar. No. He would redouble his efforts, especially if the Queen were to come with him.
"As always, I follow your command. I can best keep both you and Hope safe back on Terra, away from the prying eyes of the Council."
He tried to think of anything else that could help him. "I... I don't know about the rest of the guard." he said, wondering if they should be brought along. "While extra protection they may represent, they also represent extra attention."
Wing of House Erutin shake sher head. "They will answer to Hope now. Hope and you of course, as her soldiers. She will need able bodied fighters after all. Even to train her other fighters, if jsut that. I can live wiht just you as a guard, though it is cruel to do that to you. Two charges is...will be difficult, I imagine." She murmurs, looking to him.
"I. Oh!" She gives in and throws herself at him, hugging his fiercely. "I can not help but be glad!"
"I. Oh!" She gives in and throws herself at him, hugging his fiercely. "I can not help but be glad!"
Blade Ulenna gasps as he is touched by her embrace, and he shares it with her, wrapping his arms around her comfortingly. The Sacred skin of the... No, she is no Goddess. She is Winnie. The woman he...
"I will do everything you ask." he says, almost breathless. "Difficulty is naught next to my duty to you... and my duty to Hope."
So be it. He would defend them to the death. He would train Hope, Snow, Steph, the lot of them. They were the Royal Guard, now... everything he stood for over the last three hundred years is now all on the line.
"I swear, Winnie, I will protect you. I will see this through to the end, or until I draw my last breath in your service." he vows quietly.
"I will do everything you ask." he says, almost breathless. "Difficulty is naught next to my duty to you... and my duty to Hope."
So be it. He would defend them to the death. He would train Hope, Snow, Steph, the lot of them. They were the Royal Guard, now... everything he stood for over the last three hundred years is now all on the line.
"I swear, Winnie, I will protect you. I will see this through to the end, or until I draw my last breath in your service." he vows quietly.
Steph Grey is sitting, cross legged and shirtless in the middle of the living room floor with his eyes closed and his hands resting on his knees. His breathing is slow, and deep... he is meditating, connecting with the spirit forces of The Mother.
Which, being in the safehouse, was limited to the soul of the potted plant in the corner. Oh well.
The coffee table is shifted out of his way, off of the mini-carpet between the couch and the TV. On the table is a half empty bottle of rum, although Steph still seems to have his balance, or perhaps is simply boggled on the drink so much that his conversation with the potted plant was purely in his own imagination. Or not.
Which, being in the safehouse, was limited to the soul of the potted plant in the corner. Oh well.
The coffee table is shifted out of his way, off of the mini-carpet between the couch and the TV. On the table is a half empty bottle of rum, although Steph still seems to have his balance, or perhaps is simply boggled on the drink so much that his conversation with the potted plant was purely in his own imagination. Or not.
Snow Anona fumbled with the keys to the safehouse, grinning in triumph as the door slid open a margin, putting her foot forward to hold it open as she knelt to retrieve the bags, pushing the door open wide with her right shoulder and halting immediately as she saw the room's rearrangement before her, a half-naked Steph positioned in the centre.
"Well darn," she muttered under her breath, setting down the bags as quietly as she could before going to leave again. The irony of telling Kruxis that she would try and relax her mate enough to convince him to visit the groves again and then barely minutes later, walking in on him meditating... It was not lost on her.
"Well darn," she muttered under her breath, setting down the bags as quietly as she could before going to leave again. The irony of telling Kruxis that she would try and relax her mate enough to convince him to visit the groves again and then barely minutes later, walking in on him meditating... It was not lost on her.
Steph Grey took a sudden, deep breath as his eyes shot open. The door opening, even quietly as it did, was enough to snap him out of his perfect concentration. Had he been one of those elder stiffs he had met in the Forest Guardian's village, he would be bellowing out in anger right now. But what was left of his senses from his meditation told him who was at the door, and he was filled with naught but joy.
He turned to look at her to confirm what his inner eye saw. "Snow! How was the trip home?" he asks with a smile, settling his breathing from having been startled.
He turned to look at her to confirm what his inner eye saw. "Snow! How was the trip home?" he asks with a smile, settling his breathing from having been startled.
Snow Anona paused at the open doorway at the bright greeting, feeling her apprehension melt away as she turned to lean against the now closed front door to see his smile. "It was... painless, unlike the meetings upon Erutino itself," she started, sliding down to crouch near the floor with a sigh of relief. "I've never been so glad to be home though... with you."
Then she halted, bringing up a hand to carelessly run through her ponytail. "I'm sorry for not telling you where I was going, but I feared you might stop me. Erutino is a dangerous place for us right now." And I'm planning on going back there often, she thought with a grimace. He wasn't going to like that.
Then she halted, bringing up a hand to carelessly run through her ponytail. "I'm sorry for not telling you where I was going, but I feared you might stop me. Erutino is a dangerous place for us right now." And I'm planning on going back there often, she thought with a grimace. He wasn't going to like that.
Steph Grey sighs, and shakes his head, taking his hands off of his knees and lying back, not as much to relax as to close the distance between them a bit. "It's alright, Snow. I trust you to keep yourself safe, just promise me you'll be careful..."
He almost said not to forget what was at stake, but how would that make what he felt for her look? He was worried for her the very same. His smile doesn't fade.
"I'm glad you're back, though, too." he says, wrapping an arm around her back to give her a one handed hug. "I miss you when you're gone."
He almost said not to forget what was at stake, but how would that make what he felt for her look? He was worried for her the very same. His smile doesn't fade.
"I'm glad you're back, though, too." he says, wrapping an arm around her back to give her a one handed hug. "I miss you when you're gone."
Blade Ulenna approached the door to his and Winnie's split of the "borrowed" government Safe House that Steph had supplied... it was a far cry from the palace, and he felt best checking up on her.
He had with him a cup of strawberry flavored tea, just as something to help her relax if she needed it.
Taking a deep breath, he knocks on her door.
He had with him a cup of strawberry flavored tea, just as something to help her relax if she needed it.
Taking a deep breath, he knocks on her door.
Wing of House Erutin looks up from sitting on her bed, essentially bored and beams bright, standing and making ehr way to the door. The woman opens it a crack, sees it Blade and beams brightly, throwing open the door and hugging him, carefuly of the tea.
"Blade! Hello."
"Blade! Hello."
Blade Ulenna wraps his free arm around her, holding up the tea so it would remain balanced within the mug. He smiles down to her. "Hello, Winnie." he says contently.
"I came to check on you, to see how you're settling in." he says, leaning down and planting a short kiss on the top of her head. "... and I got you a little something. Some tea."
"I came to check on you, to see how you're settling in." he says, leaning down and planting a short kiss on the top of her head. "... and I got you a little something. Some tea."
Wing of House Erutin smiles and accepts the tea, blsuhing, obviously pleased. "Thank you. It smells delicious." She tells him, happy it was there. She takes a sip, lets out a pleased noise, and sips more. "Tastes even better!"
"And I'm settling in very well! The bed is comfortable."
"And I'm settling in very well! The bed is comfortable."
Blade Ulenna smiles, gratified that she seemed to be doing alright. "A far cry from the castle, surely, but I am glad you're okay." Although he already knew the poor woman was home sick... but there was nothing he could do about that.
"We should be able to move to the country house we have planned within the next few days, so we can get our hands on more suitable quarters for you." he says with a nod.
Her contentment made him content... her smile melting his heart like butter. How he loved it, so.
"We should be able to move to the country house we have planned within the next few days, so we can get our hands on more suitable quarters for you." he says with a nod.
Her contentment made him content... her smile melting his heart like butter. How he loved it, so.
Wing of House Erutin smiles, obviously pleased. "I can't wait. Will it be large enough we each have our own rooms, or will we ahve to...share?" Shesays, uncertain.
Blade Ulenna shakes his head. "I'm not sure yet."... but then his smile turns playful. "Although, I wouldn't mind sharing. Would you?" he chuckles.
He'd probably quickly feel bad for teasing her, though.
He'd probably quickly feel bad for teasing her, though.
Wing of House Erutin looks up at him and smiles shyly. "With you I wouldn't." She tells him,her naivity clear on this amtter. "I...I suspect I would enjoy it too much even."
Blade Ulenna 's heart skipped a beat. Well, he certainly wasn't expecting THAT response... "We'll have to see what the house is like, then... because that might be a poss- err, necessity." he stops himself.
Goddesses, did he really almost let himself say that? He was sickened with himself for a moment, He was acting like a damned animal in front of... Shut up, Blade. This is Winnie, You love her. Shut up.
Goddesses, did he really almost let himself say that? He was sickened with himself for a moment, He was acting like a damned animal in front of... Shut up, Blade. This is Winnie, You love her. Shut up.
Wing of House Erutin blushes pleased. "I. I could only do such a thing with my mate, of course. But. I suppose my intended would work as well. Or even just my boyfriend." She says, ucnertain if she's pushing too fast. It's jsut, she ahd waited so very long.
Blade Ulenna leans down and kisses her on the forehead. Her intended... yes, indeed. They would be mated before the Goddesses... some day. "Well, we would be joining the club... Steph and Snow, Hope and Kendra..." he sighs, suddenly realizing how left out he had been.
Probably still would be, he thought with an inner groan. He tried to dismiss that train of thought.
"I'm honored that you think of me that way, Winnie..." he says quietly. "And I think of you the same." he tries to reassure.
Probably still would be, he thought with an inner groan. He tried to dismiss that train of thought.
"I'm honored that you think of me that way, Winnie..." he says quietly. "And I think of you the same." he tries to reassure.
Wing of House Erutin shivers in pleasures and tilts her head, offering her lips for a kiss. "I have thought of you that way for many many years" She admits, quietly.
Blade Ulenna leans down and accepts the kiss gratefully, holding it as long as she would allow him... as though the kiss itself were reassurance that he had felt the exact same way.
His hands snake around her waist to keep her close to him, relishing her warmth bonded with his own.
His hands snake around her waist to keep her close to him, relishing her warmth bonded with his own.
Wing of House Erutin breaks the kiss shyly and smiles up at him. "I." She shivers an dlooks up at him, takign a deep breath, "Make lvoe to me? We...We don't have to mate tonight, if you don't want. But... love me?"
Blade Ulenna holds her to him tightly, beaming down at her. "By your command..." he jokes, leaning down to kiss her again, holding her tightly to him. The kiss was more passionate, this time... less restricted by his mannerisms. Her title as the Queen had been completely washed from his mind, for those moments~ she was now just the woman he loved so dearly.
Wing of House Erutin returns the kiss full force, enjoying the sensations very much, and as presses ehrself against Blade.
Blade Ulenna reaches one hand that was once on her back further down, over her Majesty's ass to just under it, so he could lift her up. He turns her around as he collapses back on the bed, holding her up on his lap... all the while, passionately enjoying the kiss.
Wing of House Erutin gasps and stares at him in shock, uncertain as to how she go there. "Oh. Blade please?" She begs him before the scene is cut off due to the rules.
“
thats a wrap, pack 'er up
”
Blade Ulenna if anyone in the multiverse reads this, poke me on MSN [email protected]
Snow Anona had barely just arrived back at the safe house, stripping her dirty and red stained orange jacket from her aching upper body and throwing it on the couch with a sigh, overwhelmed that Steph seemed to be in absentia. She had not been looking forward to explaining her appearance to him.
Hopefully there would be a day or so before they met up again and the bruises would have faded somewhat, the Dark suppressing winces half the time. Winterfly was discarded in the far corner, looking battered and bloody.
Hopefully there would be a day or so before they met up again and the bruises would have faded somewhat, the Dark suppressing winces half the time. Winterfly was discarded in the far corner, looking battered and bloody.
“
/me
"... I do hope you haven't forgotten how important your safety is, Dark Anona..." a voice, almost tired with having to press constant reminders to this woman, who had just entered the safe house he had been in, waiting for her. He was leaning against a wall without a view of the door, but she would be able to see him now as she walked in.
He didn't turn to face her. "... I respect you as a warrior, but sometimes I think you forget that you are linked to the Hope of trillions." ”
"... I do hope you haven't forgotten how important your safety is, Dark Anona..." a voice, almost tired with having to press constant reminders to this woman, who had just entered the safe house he had been in, waiting for her. He was leaning against a wall without a view of the door, but she would be able to see him now as she walked in.
He didn't turn to face her. "... I respect you as a warrior, but sometimes I think you forget that you are linked to the Hope of trillions." ”
Blade Ulenna
"... I do hope you haven't forgotten how important your safety is, Dark Anona..." a voice, almost tired with having to press constant reminders to this woman, who had just entered the safe house he had been in, waiting for her. He was leaning against a wall without a view of the door, but she would be able to see him now as she walked in.
He didn't turn to face her. "... I respect you as a warrior, but sometimes I think you forget that you are linked to the Hope of trillions."
"... I do hope you haven't forgotten how important your safety is, Dark Anona..." a voice, almost tired with having to press constant reminders to this woman, who had just entered the safe house he had been in, waiting for her. He was leaning against a wall without a view of the door, but she would be able to see him now as she walked in.
He didn't turn to face her. "... I respect you as a warrior, but sometimes I think you forget that you are linked to the Hope of trillions."
Snow Anona glared at his back momentarily before sighing, waving a hand at him as if dismissing him physically would make him go away, sliding the front door closed with a tired grimace.
“I don’t forget, Dark Blade. I never forget. I assure you that the people I engaged with are much, much worse than I am right now,” she said coolly, undoing her ponytail blithely, uncaring that the other was present. “I found out who had hired those who abused Thunder and Rain’s identities and made sure they wouldn’t try such a thing again…”
She trailed off, eyes closing as she sighed heavily. How best to word this without making it seem like she was turning traitor? “I… heard some things whilst I was on Erutino. Things that made me think that we need to take this fight to more… subtle levels.”
“I don’t forget, Dark Blade. I never forget. I assure you that the people I engaged with are much, much worse than I am right now,” she said coolly, undoing her ponytail blithely, uncaring that the other was present. “I found out who had hired those who abused Thunder and Rain’s identities and made sure they wouldn’t try such a thing again…”
She trailed off, eyes closing as she sighed heavily. How best to word this without making it seem like she was turning traitor? “I… heard some things whilst I was on Erutino. Things that made me think that we need to take this fight to more… subtle levels.”
Blade Ulenna leaned his head back, his gaze meeting the roof. Making progress... that is good. "Just, in the future, I want to know where you are going incase the Council sets a trap for you. Don't forget, they still have command of the second through seventh battle groups. That is more than enough to kill a warrior even of your skill." he reminds... also subtly reminding that the first was under the direct command of the Royal military sect... in other words, him, or the first dark with Winnie's permission.
Which, basically meant, he had the royal fleet under his direct command.
Then her news... "I see." he says. "I have been trying to advocate subtlety from the start, even through my own hypocrisy I have legally kidnapped the Queen... but it is good to know at least one of us is in the proper headspace."
Although, the way she said it... "What do you have in mind?"
Which, basically meant, he had the royal fleet under his direct command.
Then her news... "I see." he says. "I have been trying to advocate subtlety from the start, even through my own hypocrisy I have legally kidnapped the Queen... but it is good to know at least one of us is in the proper headspace."
Although, the way she said it... "What do you have in mind?"
Snow Anona [color=maroon]strode across the room to stand alongside him, watching his gaze at the ceiling with a quirked smile. “First Dark Talon is ruthless… who knows what he might do to cripple our resources… even exile the first battle group. You always know where I am Blade.”
Surprisingly, she didn’t sound annoyed at that - merely acceptant. It was a fact of this conflict, just like Steph’s actions and soon, her own. Sullying her own hands to secure her sister’s success.
“Yes… kidnapping the Queen… helpful as I was worried for her safety on Erutino but not entirely wise in hindsight.” There was nothing said of Blade and Wing’s budding romance; that was their business, not hers, even if Blade chose to stick his nose into her relationships at will.
His query made her grin unreservedly, her eagerness obvious if he turned to look at her. “Some of the Council are not as agreeable to hunting Hope as we would have imagined. I’m planning on taking up residence on Erutino and working on wedging this gap further and further.”
Her h
Surprisingly, she didn’t sound annoyed at that - merely acceptant. It was a fact of this conflict, just like Steph’s actions and soon, her own. Sullying her own hands to secure her sister’s success.
“Yes… kidnapping the Queen… helpful as I was worried for her safety on Erutino but not entirely wise in hindsight.” There was nothing said of Blade and Wing’s budding romance; that was their business, not hers, even if Blade chose to stick his nose into her relationships at will.
His query made her grin unreservedly, her eagerness obvious if he turned to look at her. “Some of the Council are not as agreeable to hunting Hope as we would have imagined. I’m planning on taking up residence on Erutino and working on wedging this gap further and further.”
Her h
Snow Anona Her hands came to the back of her head, clasped as she sighed. “You do a superb job here keeping everyone protected but we need to target them now, subtly. I… plan to offer my ‘loyalty’ to Talon, under the guise of seeking desperate measures to keep Hope safe. Obviously, I know he’s a stupid waste of space but needs must.” -e-
Blade Ulenna shakes his head. "That is the beautiful thing about the position we are in... Talon has no power without the Queen to sign any release orders. For all intents and purposes, he is removed as a threat until he can rally enough political support to put an emergency command transfer in effect..."
Which was more than enough time for him to work up the courage to ask Winnie to be his mate, in which time he would be named First Dark and this little proxy war would be effectively over in their cell's favor.
"Not wise, originally, but politically it works to our advantage, and it buys us time... not to mention I am much more comfortable having a closer eye on her. It would be in the council's best interest to kill her, now... and they will not get away with an attempt while I am in the fray. Should they attempt and fail, I will be there as a witness to have their power expunged immediately and legally."
Things looked pretty good for them, actually. -c-
Which was more than enough time for him to work up the courage to ask Winnie to be his mate, in which time he would be named First Dark and this little proxy war would be effectively over in their cell's favor.
"Not wise, originally, but politically it works to our advantage, and it buys us time... not to mention I am much more comfortable having a closer eye on her. It would be in the council's best interest to kill her, now... and they will not get away with an attempt while I am in the fray. Should they attempt and fail, I will be there as a witness to have their power expunged immediately and legally."
Things looked pretty good for them, actually. -c-
Blade Ulenna fell into a frown at the explanation of her plan, though...
He sighs. "I hope you are a good actor, Snow... a wise tactical choice, certainly, but risky. Should he see through your ruse, he will have a very catastrophically deadly knife to our throats... and I would have to sacrifice every advantage I have gained over these past weeks to rescue you. I hope you know what you're getting into."
Other than that, he didn't seem that rejecting to the idea. It was ingenious, really. Ingenious, but suicidal. "Will I have a way to keep in touch with you while you are there?"
He sighs. "I hope you are a good actor, Snow... a wise tactical choice, certainly, but risky. Should he see through your ruse, he will have a very catastrophically deadly knife to our throats... and I would have to sacrifice every advantage I have gained over these past weeks to rescue you. I hope you know what you're getting into."
Other than that, he didn't seem that rejecting to the idea. It was ingenious, really. Ingenious, but suicidal. "Will I have a way to keep in touch with you while you are there?"
Snow Anona Snow nodded at his explanation, though there were circumstances that she was already aware of, quite acutely. “So, it would be advantageous to have someone on the inside to let us know if he is trying to pull such a stunt, wouldn’t it?”
His defence of Wing was admirable but Snow worried that it might supersede his sense, given time, her reddish eyes upon him, contemplating that scenario before shaking her head. If the Queen told him to protect Hope, he would do so without hesitation, though he might regret it later.
His claim made her sigh, waving a hand in mild irritation. “We can’t trust the Council not to defect underhandedly to the First Dark now the Queen and by the Goddesses, if they put an attempt on her life, it will be covertly for certain. Barely any traces back to them. Cowards.” -c-
His defence of Wing was admirable but Snow worried that it might supersede his sense, given time, her reddish eyes upon him, contemplating that scenario before shaking her head. If the Queen told him to protect Hope, he would do so without hesitation, though he might regret it later.
His claim made her sigh, waving a hand in mild irritation. “We can’t trust the Council not to defect underhandedly to the First Dark now the Queen and by the Goddesses, if they put an attempt on her life, it will be covertly for certain. Barely any traces back to them. Cowards.” -c-
Snow Anona She looked thoroughly disgusted with those Darks on the Council, listening to Blade’s cautions with attentiveness that she normally did not allow him, understanding his fears whole-heartedly. “I know. I thought about it long and hard and even considered sending you instead but it has to be me, I think. No one there barely know my appearance and it would make sense for me… the Dark ‘desperate to keep her Light safe’ to go and throw herself at the feet of the enemy. I am a wonderful actor, if kept away from Lights I actually listen to for a time.” -c-
Snow Anona At his query, she shifted her eyes away, pointing to the communicator on her undertop. “This is foolproof… telepathic almost, so I can give basic reports through Hope. Otherwise, I need you to have faith in Steph. I plan on giving him a single location teleporter and a genetic scrambler to my quarters in Erutino, meaning that he can manage brief visits so I can give him reports to relate back to you. Don’t argue; you cannot afford for your attention to be diverted from the stronghold, which I will never visit. It pains me, but I trust the protection of all our Lights to Kruxis, Steph and yourself now.”
Her eyes glazed over, shrugging impassively. “His visits keep me grounded and focused upon my true goals, rather than the ones that Talon and the Council will try and affix upon my mind. It is suicidal, but I’m just crazy enough to pull this off, with my contacts back on Erutino, Steph’s resources and good, old-fashioned faith in myself.” -e-
Her eyes glazed over, shrugging impassively. “His visits keep me grounded and focused upon my true goals, rather than the ones that Talon and the Council will try and affix upon my mind. It is suicidal, but I’m just crazy enough to pull this off, with my contacts back on Erutino, Steph’s resources and good, old-fashioned faith in myself.” -e-
Blade Ulenna listens attentively, then nods at all she had said solemnly. To put it simply... he had no argument. She had made sound precautions, the plan was solid, and the rewards great.
"Then... I suppose I have no choice but to trust you. The Lights will be safe here. Just... one more word of caution..." he says with a sigh, finally turning his gaze to meet her.
She looked good with her hair down, he thought absently. "Talon and his men... they will offer you power. The will show you what you can gain by taking up their cause, and they will certainly whet your appetite... for, at the end of the day, you are still a Dark. I only wish it were as simple as telling you to evade temptation... just keep our goals in mind, and remember what you're fighting for. If you ever have any doubts, even for a moment, detach yourself and return here. Promise me that, at least."
"Then... I suppose I have no choice but to trust you. The Lights will be safe here. Just... one more word of caution..." he says with a sigh, finally turning his gaze to meet her.
She looked good with her hair down, he thought absently. "Talon and his men... they will offer you power. The will show you what you can gain by taking up their cause, and they will certainly whet your appetite... for, at the end of the day, you are still a Dark. I only wish it were as simple as telling you to evade temptation... just keep our goals in mind, and remember what you're fighting for. If you ever have any doubts, even for a moment, detach yourself and return here. Promise me that, at least."
Snow Anona looked relieved and enthused by that admittance, glancing up at Blade as he turned.
Ah yes, she had considered that possibility over and over, raising a hand up to fiddle idly with a front strand of her - a sigh of thoughtfulness, one rarely seen. “I will always remember what I will lose by siding with those deceitful, foul shifters. Hope, Kendra, Rachel, Steph and yes, I admit, even you and Bow,” she said, smiling lightly as she leant against the wall, arms folded across her front loosely. “I promise and I’ll make my mate vow to subdue and bring me back here if he feels I’ve lost my way.”
In truth, Snow believed that there was very little that the Council and indeed, the First Dark himself could offer her that would halt her loathing of them after their attacks on Kendra and Hope. She could surely only hate them more if they’d gone after Rachel.
She almost hoped they did try and fail, just so she could relish in backstabbing them all that tad bit more.
Ah yes, she had considered that possibility over and over, raising a hand up to fiddle idly with a front strand of her - a sigh of thoughtfulness, one rarely seen. “I will always remember what I will lose by siding with those deceitful, foul shifters. Hope, Kendra, Rachel, Steph and yes, I admit, even you and Bow,” she said, smiling lightly as she leant against the wall, arms folded across her front loosely. “I promise and I’ll make my mate vow to subdue and bring me back here if he feels I’ve lost my way.”
In truth, Snow believed that there was very little that the Council and indeed, the First Dark himself could offer her that would halt her loathing of them after their attacks on Kendra and Hope. She could surely only hate them more if they’d gone after Rachel.
She almost hoped they did try and fail, just so she could relish in backstabbing them all that tad bit more.
Blade Ulenna nods, reassured. "That's all I ask."
"Oh... and one more thing." he adds, shifting himself so he would propel himself up off the wall to stand straight. He reaches into one of his pockets, pulling out what looks like a golden badge in the shape of a sun, with a crescent moon inside of it. A bejeweled sword was in the center... the entire badge taking up the space of his palm.
He tosses it to her lightly so it would be easier to catch. "Welcome to the Royal Guard. That badge will give you authorization to get into anything in the Queen's realm, no matter how top secret or confidential. Use that power wisely."
"Oh... and one more thing." he adds, shifting himself so he would propel himself up off the wall to stand straight. He reaches into one of his pockets, pulling out what looks like a golden badge in the shape of a sun, with a crescent moon inside of it. A bejeweled sword was in the center... the entire badge taking up the space of his palm.
He tosses it to her lightly so it would be easier to catch. "Welcome to the Royal Guard. That badge will give you authorization to get into anything in the Queen's realm, no matter how top secret or confidential. Use that power wisely."
Blade Ulenna "... it will also give you command of any Royally controlled military assets, so keep that in mind if none of us are available for backup and you need it."
Snow Anona Snow openly stared at Blade and his produced item, catching it with solid reflexes, turning it over in her hand with serious consideration, listening to his words with painful intensity. She had walked away from this responsibility once; it would be stupid to do so again, when the Queen was within her cell’s care.
“It’s an honour,” she said simply, meeting his eyes and nodding surely. “I will use this power with the utmost care. You know that or you wouldn’t have even considered handing this to me.”
Her awe was fleeting, schooling herself back into her natural stoicism, though her posture was relaxed as she saluted him appropriately. Her grin came easily afterwards as she curtly bowed respectfully, taking a step back to allow the movement. -c-
“It’s an honour,” she said simply, meeting his eyes and nodding surely. “I will use this power with the utmost care. You know that or you wouldn’t have even considered handing this to me.”
Her awe was fleeting, schooling herself back into her natural stoicism, though her posture was relaxed as she saluted him appropriately. Her grin came easily afterwards as she curtly bowed respectfully, taking a step back to allow the movement. -c-
Snow Anona “I should probably kept this hidden from them when I go across there. Pay it no mind if I don’t wear it openly if we meet on Erutino; it will always be on my person, never fear. Another reminder of my true purpose,” she said brightly, before considering something.
“Also, I’m not a Dark anymore, as I told Hope. I am a Grey now; a blend of both Dark and Light. The very thing the Council fear existing. How droll, don’t you think?” she said, cocking her head to the side as she rolled up her sleeve, revealing a rather large yellowing bruise on her left forearm, scowling.
“Anything else we need to discuss, or can I work on getting myself sorted?” -e-
“Also, I’m not a Dark anymore, as I told Hope. I am a Grey now; a blend of both Dark and Light. The very thing the Council fear existing. How droll, don’t you think?” she said, cocking her head to the side as she rolled up her sleeve, revealing a rather large yellowing bruise on her left forearm, scowling.
“Anything else we need to discuss, or can I work on getting myself sorted?” -e-
Blade Ulenna smiles fleetingly at her positive reaction to his gift, half expecting her to have thrown it in his face expecting a tracking bug in it or something. Which there was, but the one in her implant was more effective... and the bugs are in all of the badges, including his own, so it was kind of a moot point. At least the Council couldn't track them.
She mentions keeping it hidden. Of course, what was he, an idiot? "I obviously wouldn't expect you to flash that around while you are trying to play a covert role... consider it a backup weapon for emergencies, and a symbol of trust for my- our comrades back on Erutino. Show one of the Guard the badge, and you will get their trust. Utilize that alliance as you will, I trust every one of them with my life." ... subtly reminding her that, her now being initiated... he extended the same sentiment to her. -c-
She mentions keeping it hidden. Of course, what was he, an idiot? "I obviously wouldn't expect you to flash that around while you are trying to play a covert role... consider it a backup weapon for emergencies, and a symbol of trust for my- our comrades back on Erutino. Show one of the Guard the badge, and you will get their trust. Utilize that alliance as you will, I trust every one of them with my life." ... subtly reminding her that, her now being initiated... he extended the same sentiment to her. -c-
Blade Ulenna shakes his head at her last question. "No, I think I covered everything... just make sure to tell us all your intent before you leave, so no one worries... Oh, and get me an address to a place I can ship some more equipment to. I believe I mentioned to Hope earlier that I had requisitioned some advanced Guard-exclusive gear that will give you a major edge if push comes to shove."
"... but other than that, yes. I will leave you be." -3-
"... but other than that, yes. I will leave you be." -3-
Blade Ulenna sighed to himself. A Grey... the concept was harrowing. It also made him chuckle when he realized Steph's last name was the very same. Who knows, by the end of this, he might end up the exact same way... Bow? Not for a while. She still couldn't even pick up a weapon in self defense. Maybe some day.
Snow Anona quirked an eyebrow up at his obvious meaning, wishing it hadn't taken them this blasted long to get onto the right page about this whole working together nonsense. "I trust you with hers as well. Unfailingly." The return of the sentiment was clear, her expression turning solemn for a time. His giving her equipment would not do at all.
Her address in the capital was not given out lightly. "I will make sure to inform everyone of my decision, though perhaps not in such clear details to everyone unless they ask," she paused then, looking shifty and regreftul. "I'll let Steph handle the shipping of equipment. The less contact I have with you all, the better my story will hold, though I am grateful for any help you can provide."
His admittance that he would leave made her nod, turning momentarily to fetch the first-aid kit from the bedroom area, settling back on the sofa, her eyes on Blade as her hands instinctively worked. She knew her way around this kit quite well by now.
Her address in the capital was not given out lightly. "I will make sure to inform everyone of my decision, though perhaps not in such clear details to everyone unless they ask," she paused then, looking shifty and regreftul. "I'll let Steph handle the shipping of equipment. The less contact I have with you all, the better my story will hold, though I am grateful for any help you can provide."
His admittance that he would leave made her nod, turning momentarily to fetch the first-aid kit from the bedroom area, settling back on the sofa, her eyes on Blade as her hands instinctively worked. She knew her way around this kit quite well by now.
Blade Ulenna shakes his head. "If not shipping directly to you, I'll just have it brought to you by one of our teammates. This isn't exactly something we can just walk through a spaceport customs security check." he says with a frown.
"... anyway, I have preparations of my own to tend to. Hope will be mobilizing her plan to kill the research on breaking the Twin Bond, a plan in which I play a vital role. We have planning to do." he says, starting for the door.
... but he stops, before touching the handle, looking back to her. "... Snow? Good luck."
With that, he walks out the door, closing it quietly behind him.
"... anyway, I have preparations of my own to tend to. Hope will be mobilizing her plan to kill the research on breaking the Twin Bond, a plan in which I play a vital role. We have planning to do." he says, starting for the door.
... but he stops, before touching the handle, looking back to her. "... Snow? Good luck."
With that, he walks out the door, closing it quietly behind him.
Snow Anona couldn't promise that and hated herself for it, knowing that it was best to get that out of the way first but not wanting to ruin this reunion, turning her body into his at his one-armed embrace to wrap her arms around him properly, nodding her agreement fiercely. "I missed you as well. Goddesses only know what possessed me to leave in the first place," she confessed, bent to the side on her knees now.
Then she sighed, clinging to him tighter than usual. "Yet... we need to talk."
Her words were heavy; it would be much, much harder explaining all this to Steph than it had been Blade. She was terrified he wouldn't understand.
Then she sighed, clinging to him tighter than usual. "Yet... we need to talk."
Her words were heavy; it would be much, much harder explaining all this to Steph than it had been Blade. She was terrified he wouldn't understand.
Steph Grey sighed, pulling her in with his one arm tightly to give her a squeezing hug before just letting his grip relax. "Alright, then..." this was going to be another emotional moment, apparently. Luckily he had only just finished meditating, so he was at peace with himself.
Blade had given him a rough idea, though, before he said he would just let her explain the rest herself. She was leaving for Erutino to act as a double agent... but he didn't know much more than that.
Blade had given him a rough idea, though, before he said he would just let her explain the rest herself. She was leaving for Erutino to act as a double agent... but he didn't know much more than that.
Snow Anona took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment as she pulled away to look at him, letting her hands rest on his upper arms, barely holding onto him. "Whilst I was away at Erutino, I heard rumours that some of the Council were not as dedicated to Hope's failure as they would like us to believe. I've... spoken with Blade and worked out a plan in my own mind to elimenate as many risks as I can... but the short of it is that I'm going back and I won't be returning to Terra for a long while."
This was the hard part; admitting the less savoury part of her planning - serving under Talon, hardly a friend of theirs, her eyes flashing with uncertainty for the first time since she had spoken to Blade on this. -c-
This was the hard part; admitting the less savoury part of her planning - serving under Talon, hardly a friend of theirs, her eyes flashing with uncertainty for the first time since she had spoken to Blade on this. -c-
Snow Anona "I plan to offer my 'allegiance'," she said the word with distaste, frowning. "To the First Dark, under the pretense that I am exploiting all avenues to protect Hope's life. Portraying myself as a desperate Dark trying to protect her Light from the big bad Council, if you will. Of course, I have the utmost faith in all three of you - Kruxis, Blade and yourself - but if I can get in with Talon... in with the Council, I can work on the doubts and hopefully lead it to rebellion or even disbanding."
She thought about continuing on and getting the whole explanation done with now but she forced herself to stop with a deep breath. One step at a time. -e-
She thought about continuing on and getting the whole explanation done with now but she forced herself to stop with a deep breath. One step at a time. -e-
Steph Grey closed his eyes and sighed, listening well as she explained herself to him. It sounded good up until she mentioned working under Talon, which wrenched from him thoughts he would have best left surpressed...
'...Steph! Steph, take the hostages and go!...
'...Steph! Steph, take the hostages and go!...
/me
'... I'm not leaving without you!...'
'... Just go, you idiot! Or they'll kill us both! We have a mission, finish it!...'
'... I'll come back for you, Mina! I promise! Just hang in there!...'
'... I know you will!...'
His eyes snap back open, and he looks back to her... letting his heart relax for a moment. His meditation served him well. "I..." No. Mina is alive. She was alright. She forgave you. You trust Snow, let her go.
He shook the memories out of her head, before pulling her into him again and holding her tightly. "Go on..." he urged, relishing every moment of contact.
'... I'm not leaving without you!...'
'... Just go, you idiot! Or they'll kill us both! We have a mission, finish it!...'
'... I'll come back for you, Mina! I promise! Just hang in there!...'
'... I know you will!...'
His eyes snap back open, and he looks back to her... letting his heart relax for a moment. His meditation served him well. "I..." No. Mina is alive. She was alright. She forgave you. You trust Snow, let her go.
He shook the memories out of her head, before pulling her into him again and holding her tightly. "Go on..." he urged, relishing every moment of contact.
Steph Grey
'... I'm not leaving without you!...'
'... Just go, you idiot! Or they'll kill us both! We have a mission, finish it!...'
'... I'll come back for you, Mina! I promise! Just hang in there!...'
'... I know you will!...'
His eyes snap back open, and he looks back to her... letting his heart relax for a moment. His meditation served him well. "I..." No. Mina is alive. She was alright. She forgave you. You trust Snow, let her go.
He shook the memories out of her head, before pulling her into him again and holding her tightly. "Go on..." he urged, relishing every moment of contact.
'... I'm not leaving without you!...'
'... Just go, you idiot! Or they'll kill us both! We have a mission, finish it!...'
'... I'll come back for you, Mina! I promise! Just hang in there!...'
'... I know you will!...'
His eyes snap back open, and he looks back to her... letting his heart relax for a moment. His meditation served him well. "I..." No. Mina is alive. She was alright. She forgave you. You trust Snow, let her go.
He shook the memories out of her head, before pulling her into him again and holding her tightly. "Go on..." he urged, relishing every moment of contact.
Snow Anona waited for a reaction growing more and more nervous by the second. After what he had told her yesterday, she had expected the slightly haunted look in his eyes. She was willingly putting herself into the lion's den; she knew what she was getting herself into. She hoped.
He tugged her back towards him and she made no attempt to resist, tilting her head upwards awkwardly so that she could look at him still, nodding slowly. "I have a residence over there and will assume a position underneath Talon but between my own contacts and the two webs of support offered to me by Blade and yourself - if you'll kindly allow me that - I will... I will use all methods at my disposal." -c-
He tugged her back towards him and she made no attempt to resist, tilting her head upwards awkwardly so that she could look at him still, nodding slowly. "I have a residence over there and will assume a position underneath Talon but between my own contacts and the two webs of support offered to me by Blade and yourself - if you'll kindly allow me that - I will... I will use all methods at my disposal." -c-
Snow Anona Her voice was still impressively steady, tightening her grip upon him. "I won't be living in the stronghold, lest I lead the Council to Hope but I need..." She faltered then, aware what she was going ask of him was a significant load that he should not have to bear, but as she looked into his eyes, calm and attentive, Snow realised that no matter anything else, he wanted to help her.
So she would let him. "I want... you to be my connection to the cell back here. I've acquired some... rather interesting technology to enable you to come to Erutino undetected, but I need to know you're willing to be my partner in crime before I explain anything."
That pause was pregnant with her apprehension. After the way she had treated him before, she had no right to demand his trust so faithfully. -e-
So she would let him. "I want... you to be my connection to the cell back here. I've acquired some... rather interesting technology to enable you to come to Erutino undetected, but I need to know you're willing to be my partner in crime before I explain anything."
That pause was pregnant with her apprehension. After the way she had treated him before, she had no right to demand his trust so faithfully. -e-
Steph Grey nods without hesitation when she finishes her explanation. "Of course. Any way I can help." he says, his eyes softening in an incredible amount of relief that she was going to accept his aid... although it still pained him knowing that she wouldn't be around. Still, he reminded himself, he is a soldier... and so is she. He knew all too well that the mission came before his own feelings.
He leaned down and kissed her, softly as though worried he would break her if he pressed too hard. That longing, apologetic look in her eyes... she left him with desire to sooth it. His other hand wrapped around her side so that his grip on her would be more complete.
"Just promise me one thing... that you won't put yourself in any unnecessary danger... all of us back here care for you. But... the reward is only as great as the risk, right?" -c-
He leaned down and kissed her, softly as though worried he would break her if he pressed too hard. That longing, apologetic look in her eyes... she left him with desire to sooth it. His other hand wrapped around her side so that his grip on her would be more complete.
"Just promise me one thing... that you won't put yourself in any unnecessary danger... all of us back here care for you. But... the reward is only as great as the risk, right?" -c-
Steph Grey
It only boiled down to his feelings about Talon, he found himself with worries that he would claim her as his own, or force her into acting as an unwilling hostage to get at Hope. That thought gripped his heart and squeezed at it... and he so desperately wished it was an option to kill him. -e-
It only boiled down to his feelings about Talon, he found himself with worries that he would claim her as his own, or force her into acting as an unwilling hostage to get at Hope. That thought gripped his heart and squeezed at it... and he so desperately wished it was an option to kill him. -e-
Snow Anona looked positively relieved as he offered his assistance whole-heartedly, a little caught off-guard by the abrupt kiss, though she quickly recovered, pressing upwards to make the kiss a little firmer. I won't break, she tried to tell him, sighing in relief as he moved to hold her more securely. His words made her wince, knowing that most of this danger was unneccessary though as he said, the reward was more than worth her self-sacrifice.
"And I care for you all; it's what I'm doing this, to ensure our survival. I'm glad you understand that. It makes this easier." -c-
"And I care for you all; it's what I'm doing this, to ensure our survival. I'm glad you understand that. It makes this easier." -c-
Snow Anona Now she drew back a little, ducking her right hand down between them to unclip a strange device from her belt, reaching to fasten it to his own. "That's a single location teleporter with a built-in genetic scrambler. It's keyed in to my residence on Erutino and only you can use it. If a human landed on our home world - in my quarters, they'd notice it in seconds, but a shifter... they'd pay them no mind. They'll assume that I'm..." She looked disgusted, glancing away from him, hating herself a little for this road she had set herself going down. -c-
Snow Anona Her look as she faced back towards him was imploring. "I will only see you after I leave Terra this time. Blade perhaps on occasion... but it's you I'm going to need to rely on... to keep me focused and dedicated to the right cause. They will try and tempt me... try and use me. I'm more resistant than I used to be... A Grey now, as I told Hope and Blade. I'm not a pure Dark and glad of it but everyone has their price."
And she knew hers... oh yes, she did. -e-
And she knew hers... oh yes, she did. -e-
Steph Grey held the kiss until she broke it to continue speaking, keeping their faces that close until she drew back again. When she clipped the device on his belt, he looked down at it in curiosity... and then she explained. Assume that she's cheating on him, he finished for her in his own mind. Helpful for the ruse... but ugh, the very idea sickened him, a ruse through it may be.
Their fault for being so gullible, he supposed. Snow was loyal to him... "I understand." he says as her sentence trails off.
His arms reached around her back and rubbed her reassuringly as she continued. They would try to break her... he tossed that thought around in his head. Would they be able to? What did they have to say that could turn them against their cause...? He had no idea, and that's what scared him the most. -c-
Their fault for being so gullible, he supposed. Snow was loyal to him... "I understand." he says as her sentence trails off.
His arms reached around her back and rubbed her reassuringly as she continued. They would try to break her... he tossed that thought around in his head. Would they be able to? What did they have to say that could turn them against their cause...? He had no idea, and that's what scared him the most. -c-
[i] She was a Grey now... he beamed down to her as she said that, sending his eyes down to the ring she wore. That was the symbol, the reminder to him that she was his... that she was something different amongst trillions of her kind.
"Just remember what you're fighting for... and that we're all here to help you if something goes wrong. You asked me to trust you, and I do... so all I can do is accept your judgment and wish you the best of luck."
One of his hands reaches down under her hips and lifts her onto his lap, so she was sitting across it. "I love you, Snow..." he whispers into her ear, hugging her tightly. "I know you have to do this... and I'm grateful you're giving me the chance to check up on you... I'll be there for you, okay?" he reassured quietly, -e-
"Just remember what you're fighting for... and that we're all here to help you if something goes wrong. You asked me to trust you, and I do... so all I can do is accept your judgment and wish you the best of luck."
One of his hands reaches down under her hips and lifts her onto his lap, so she was sitting across it. "I love you, Snow..." he whispers into her ear, hugging her tightly. "I know you have to do this... and I'm grateful you're giving me the chance to check up on you... I'll be there for you, okay?" he reassured quietly, -e-
Snow Anona His acceptance of that trickery made her feel sick to her stomach, immensely relieved knowing that she could never betray him that way; could not betray his trust at all. Her hands tightened around his arms as she watched his gaze flicker down to her left hand, taking a very deep breath. Second time lucky, she could only hope, waiting for the right moment.
"I will... Blade made me promise to pull out if I'm in over my head but I also need you to vow that if you think I'm in over my head, that you will get me out of there, by any means neccessary." His luck giving triggered a vault of self-confidence in her, going from strength to strength in her resolve. If Hope, Kendra and Rachel gave her the same answer, she would endure. -c-
"I will... Blade made me promise to pull out if I'm in over my head but I also need you to vow that if you think I'm in over my head, that you will get me out of there, by any means neccessary." His luck giving triggered a vault of self-confidence in her, going from strength to strength in her resolve. If Hope, Kendra and Rachel gave her the same answer, she would endure. -c-
Snow Anona Her eyes flickered with surprised bemusement at his lifting, unresisting and craving the closeness that she knew she would miss achingly when she left, leaning her head against his shoulder with a soft sigh. "I love you... so damn much Steph. If I didn't have to go... if I didn't think I could succeed, I'd stay right here with you. You have to know that, right?"
She was beyond pleased that her allowances for him to check on her had been recieved so well, beaming for the first time since seeing him again. Breathe, she told herself, meeting his eyes with determination. "I want to give you one more way to check on me... to keep us as close as we can be without physically being inside one another." -e-
She was beyond pleased that her allowances for him to check on her had been recieved so well, beaming for the first time since seeing him again. Breathe, she told herself, meeting his eyes with determination. "I want to give you one more way to check on me... to keep us as close as we can be without physically being inside one another." -e-
Steph Grey nodded, only hoping that if the time came where she had doubts... he would be able to see through any ruse. Could she lie to him? No, but she could deny weakness... which terrified him. He was finding his trust difficult to rely in, but he forced himself to regardless. "I won't hesitate if I think you're in danger... and not only physically. You have my word."
He leaned down to kiss her neck at her more affectionate words, leaning his head on her shoulder and holding her so close to him... dreading that moment where he would have to let her go. "I know... and it pains me to see you go, but I know it's necessary. I'll just have to settle with being grateful that I can still keep in touch..."
He smiled at her choice of words... "Of course... although being physically inside each other never hurts, too." he says with a chuckle, rubbing her playfully perhaps a bit inappropriately but quickly abandoning that pursuit.
He leaned down to kiss her neck at her more affectionate words, leaning his head on her shoulder and holding her so close to him... dreading that moment where he would have to let her go. "I know... and it pains me to see you go, but I know it's necessary. I'll just have to settle with being grateful that I can still keep in touch..."
He smiled at her choice of words... "Of course... although being physically inside each other never hurts, too." he says with a chuckle, rubbing her playfully perhaps a bit inappropriately but quickly abandoning that pursuit.
Snow Anona was much gratified by that vow, relaxing her body a little more into his grip, letting him know that she trusted him and perhaps more importantly, that he could trust her to be honest with him. To be herself - but only with him and Hope.
"Thank you," she murmured earnestly into him, her arms moving to tighten their grip around his waist, her gaze tilting upwards to meet his. "Yes. I think I'd go mad if I couldn't see or hold you and talk to Hope."
Her smile turned into a playful grin at his words, groaning in frustration at his brief but meaningful touch. "Goddess... I'm trying to be serious here and you're..." She chuckled, raising her left hand to turn his face down to hers, swallowing as she felt her throat go dry. It didn't help.
"M... marry me Steph Grey. Tonight."
"Thank you," she murmured earnestly into him, her arms moving to tighten their grip around his waist, her gaze tilting upwards to meet his. "Yes. I think I'd go mad if I couldn't see or hold you and talk to Hope."
Her smile turned into a playful grin at his words, groaning in frustration at his brief but meaningful touch. "Goddess... I'm trying to be serious here and you're..." She chuckled, raising her left hand to turn his face down to hers, swallowing as she felt her throat go dry. It didn't help.
"M... marry me Steph Grey. Tonight."
Steph Grey playfully shifted his grip, chuckling until his heart almost stopped when she dropped that request. Did she...? She did. He might have hesitated out of the suddenness.. but not out of consideration. He didn't have to.
He leans down and kisses her, breaking only millimeters so he could speak. "... Okay."
What did they have to do? How did Shifter mating work...? He would have to wait and see.
He leans down and kisses her, breaking only millimeters so he could speak. "... Okay."
What did they have to do? How did Shifter mating work...? He would have to wait and see.
Snow Anona felt fear grip at her heart as there was only silence in wake of her whispered request, wondering if she was trying to rush things or whether he didn't want to, because she was leaving him and who would want an absentee wife?
Then his kiss brought her out of her rambling panicking, her gaze only intensifying as he leant back enough so that he could reply. His answer made her grin sillily. She would have looked quite the fool if he had said no, after her brief spat of planning.
Immediately, the hand that had previously rested on his cheek snaked around the back of his neck, pulling him back down towards her again for a long, soft and lingering kiss as she pulled away this time. Her cheeks were flushed, eyes bright with enthusiasm and adoration. "Then we need to leave. I did a little bit of planning... perhaps arrogantly so, but still..."
Then his kiss brought her out of her rambling panicking, her gaze only intensifying as he leant back enough so that he could reply. His answer made her grin sillily. She would have looked quite the fool if he had said no, after her brief spat of planning.
Immediately, the hand that had previously rested on his cheek snaked around the back of his neck, pulling him back down towards her again for a long, soft and lingering kiss as she pulled away this time. Her cheeks were flushed, eyes bright with enthusiasm and adoration. "Then we need to leave. I did a little bit of planning... perhaps arrogantly so, but still..."
Steph Grey takes the kiss, his arms stroking higher up her back in their grip and holding it until she broke off. "Okay." he says, any sadness that would have came with her getting off of his lap replaced by his joy. His face spoke wonderment and anticipation.
Arrogantly so? He shakes his head at that. "No, not at all, my love... I would never deny you... I want this too."
Arrogantly so? He shakes his head at that. "No, not at all, my love... I would never deny you... I want this too."
Snow Anona got up most reluctantly, beaming down at him as she leaned foward to offer him a hand to help him to his feet. "I... I'm glad. So, so glad," she returned, glancing across at the bedroom, looking nervous for a moment.
Ugh. Skirts. How she disliked them.
Ugh. Skirts. How she disliked them.
Steph Grey looks at her hand for a moment, thinking, wait, aren't our positions supposed to be reversed? Nonetheless, he takes it after a moment and lets her get him up.
"So... uh..." he asks, scratching the back of his head. "What do we do?" he asks out of curiosity.
"So... uh..." he asks, scratching the back of his head. "What do we do?" he asks out of curiosity.
Snow Anona caught his look of confusion, but the beginnings of her chuckle were quickly silenced, releasing his hand and walking away from him rather too quickly, reaching the archway that separated the living and bedroom areas somewhat, leaning against it heavily.
"... I... don't know," she whispered, ever so quietly, though he'd catch the words if he had followed her. "No one ever told me how."
The woman sounded impossibly sad at that, because he had seemed so intrigued earlier. Shifter mating was a mystery to her.
"... I... don't know," she whispered, ever so quietly, though he'd catch the words if he had followed her. "No one ever told me how."
The woman sounded impossibly sad at that, because he had seemed so intrigued earlier. Shifter mating was a mystery to her.
Steph Grey raised an eyebrow. "You... don't..." Ah, it must have been a Light thing... wow, they were more segregated than they thought. She had gone two hundred years without knowing how to tie the knot...?
He walks up behind her, and lies a hand on her shoulder reassuringly. "Think we should ask Hope...? Or we could just like, make it up." he says with a chuckle. "After all... the bond between us is as solid as it will ever be, right? We just need to make it official in both of our minds for the Mate Bond to seal... at least, that's how I think of it."
He might have been completely wrong, but at least his words might have worked to comfort her.
He walks up behind her, and lies a hand on her shoulder reassuringly. "Think we should ask Hope...? Or we could just like, make it up." he says with a chuckle. "After all... the bond between us is as solid as it will ever be, right? We just need to make it official in both of our minds for the Mate Bond to seal... at least, that's how I think of it."
He might have been completely wrong, but at least his words might have worked to comfort her.
Snow Anona turned to face him almost abruptly, careful to keep the touch on her shoulder as in tact as she could manage, a fearful look in her eyes. "No! No... I don't want Hope to know... that I... don't," she finished lamely, a slight smile flickering at his suggestion that they just 'make it up'.
He guessed correctly, she asserted from the little Snow knew, her eyes leaving his to jerk towards her wardrobe. "There has to be vows exchanged to dedicate to one another. It doesn't matter what vows... as long as they are earnestly sworn." -c-
He guessed correctly, she asserted from the little Snow knew, her eyes leaving his to jerk towards her wardrobe. "There has to be vows exchanged to dedicate to one another. It doesn't matter what vows... as long as they are earnestly sworn." -c-
Then she jerked backwards, dodging the archway deftly to open her wardrobe, revealing something that hadn't been there before she had returned from Erutino. "I... I'm going to plan a proper celebration when I come back for good, but for now... I just got a simple... dress and two rings. I borrowed money from Kendra," she admitted with a sly smile.
Her unhooking of the dress revealing a teal-coloured thigh skimming satin dress that shimmered under the indoor lighting, skirt fanning with the movement. The wide straps would leave her arms bared and the cinched waist of the dress would accentuate the swell of her cleavage more than the scoop neckline already did. Petticoats... Goddess, there were even two petticoats. How had she been talked into this?
"Well.. what do you think?" she questioned quietly, blushing as she turned the dress to face him. -e-
Her unhooking of the dress revealing a teal-coloured thigh skimming satin dress that shimmered under the indoor lighting, skirt fanning with the movement. The wide straps would leave her arms bared and the cinched waist of the dress would accentuate the swell of her cleavage more than the scoop neckline already did. Petticoats... Goddess, there were even two petticoats. How had she been talked into this?
"Well.. what do you think?" she questioned quietly, blushing as she turned the dress to face him. -e-
Vows, then... he had given the subject a lot of thought but he never finalized what he would actually say, his mind rushing over all of his quick jotted ideas as she broke from his grasp...
He gave it deep consideration, leaning against the arch. A proper celebration... proper vows, between two mercenaries. Christ, he did not deserve this goodness, but he was certainly not about to deny it out of guilt. Vows, vows...
Then, his eyes were graced by a woman completely unrecognizable if not for that face and loosed hair he knew so well... she stunned him, his jaw slackening as he pushed himself up off of the wall to keep himself from sliding down it like a dork.
"You... you're gorgeous." he barely manages to gasp, quickly grasping at cliche dripping metaphors in a hope to do her visage justice. "I used to look up to the moon every night, trying to picture what the love of my life would look like in a dress matching the moonlight... that dream does not do you justice." he says quietly.
He gave it deep consideration, leaning against the arch. A proper celebration... proper vows, between two mercenaries. Christ, he did not deserve this goodness, but he was certainly not about to deny it out of guilt. Vows, vows...
Then, his eyes were graced by a woman completely unrecognizable if not for that face and loosed hair he knew so well... she stunned him, his jaw slackening as he pushed himself up off of the wall to keep himself from sliding down it like a dork.
"You... you're gorgeous." he barely manages to gasp, quickly grasping at cliche dripping metaphors in a hope to do her visage justice. "I used to look up to the moon every night, trying to picture what the love of my life would look like in a dress matching the moonlight... that dream does not do you justice." he says quietly.
Snow Anona There was just a moment to discard the outerwear she had removed to reveal her dainty-looking dress, staring at him in near mortification as he didn't say anything at first, blushing crimson and going to turn away, barely able to...
"Gorgeous?" she repeated, stunned as she fought to keep herself facing him, the skirt's hem dancing across her thighs, cool fabric against warm skin. He... he was comparing her to... to... "You jest... surely," she muttered, shaking her head as she brought her arms about her front defensively, feeling self-conscious at such praise for even though outwardly she was confused, inside she glowed with pleasure and love. -c-
"Gorgeous?" she repeated, stunned as she fought to keep herself facing him, the skirt's hem dancing across her thighs, cool fabric against warm skin. He... he was comparing her to... to... "You jest... surely," she muttered, shaking her head as she brought her arms about her front defensively, feeling self-conscious at such praise for even though outwardly she was confused, inside she glowed with pleasure and love. -c-
Snow Anona Her eyes reflected this, nodding absently. "We should..." Go. They should go, turning slightly back into the wardrobe to fish out a small little fabric pouch that jingled slightly when it moved. "If you don't like them... We can get different ones afterwards."
Awkwardly, Snow took a step forward, intensely aware that she was wearing a skirt, it seemed. -e-
Awkwardly, Snow took a step forward, intensely aware that she was wearing a skirt, it seemed. -e-
Steph Grey didn't wait for her to show her the rings... instead, he felt awkward only half dressed in front of her, and took a moment before prying his eyes off of her, going to find his own wardrobe... looking for the suit he had grabbed one day, feeling he would need it before the stronghold was ready. He was right.
When he emerged again a bit more than a couple minutes later, he was as buzzed up as he could be without having time to shower. He was in a black sports jacket and matching dress pants, with a smart blue tie, a well folded white cloth placed properly in the breast pocket. His hands were behind his back, and he was smiling brightly.
He looked a bit rattled, still reeling in surprise at the suddenness of all of this... but he looked his best, if not for his hair being a bit scruffy which he quickly tried to mat down with his hand. He chuckled when he was finished.
"I look like a fool next to you, love." he says, shaking his head.
When he emerged again a bit more than a couple minutes later, he was as buzzed up as he could be without having time to shower. He was in a black sports jacket and matching dress pants, with a smart blue tie, a well folded white cloth placed properly in the breast pocket. His hands were behind his back, and he was smiling brightly.
He looked a bit rattled, still reeling in surprise at the suddenness of all of this... but he looked his best, if not for his hair being a bit scruffy which he quickly tried to mat down with his hand. He chuckled when he was finished.
"I look like a fool next to you, love." he says, shaking his head.
Snow Anona had barely loosened the strings on the pouch when he had walked away from her, eyes watching him as he vanished behind his wardrobe door, dawning reaching her eyes. He was going to change - oh her dear heart, did he not know she'd have married him in jeans and a t-shirt? Secretly, she thought he looked best in that anyway, even if it was dreadful fighting attire.
In the time it took him to dress himself to an adequate standard, Snow had slipped the little rings out onto her palm, toying with them with her fingers. They were made from titanium - durable and easy to clean - with no gemstones whatsoever. Instead, if one looked inside both of the rings, they would notice that each solid silvery band had a different symbol engraved. -c-
In the time it took him to dress himself to an adequate standard, Snow had slipped the little rings out onto her palm, toying with them with her fingers. They were made from titanium - durable and easy to clean - with no gemstones whatsoever. Instead, if one looked inside both of the rings, they would notice that each solid silvery band had a different symbol engraved. -c-
Snow Anona The larger ring - the one meant for Steph - there was a recognisable snowflake etched and the smaller, more feminine one had a similar engraving, except that it matched the symbol that she had first seen upon his guns. Guns she had named, twice now.
Her attention was quickly drawn away from the little pieces of jewelry back to her soon to be husband, shivering a little at that particular notion, smiling with delight at his attire, overjoyed that he had taken the initiative, closing the distance between them, shaking her head in admonishment at his own appearance. "You could be dressed in dungarees for all it matters. I would stand proud beside you for the honour to call you mine officially," she breathed, fingers coming up to smooth his hair herself.
She was elated, calm and filled with adrenaline, all at the same time. If only she could always feel like this. Life would be incredible indeed. -e-
Her attention was quickly drawn away from the little pieces of jewelry back to her soon to be husband, shivering a little at that particular notion, smiling with delight at his attire, overjoyed that he had taken the initiative, closing the distance between them, shaking her head in admonishment at his own appearance. "You could be dressed in dungarees for all it matters. I would stand proud beside you for the honour to call you mine officially," she breathed, fingers coming up to smooth his hair herself.
She was elated, calm and filled with adrenaline, all at the same time. If only she could always feel like this. Life would be incredible indeed. -e-
Steph Grey smiled brightly, leaning in to nuzzle her nose with his own. His arms hesitated for a moment, as though thinking he would damage her art-like visage by laying hands on her, but then his grip met her hips gently. "We could argue that all day, love, but at the end of it I'll still be making every effort to be my best for you." he says affectionately.
He draws back just enough so that he wouldn't bump her while he looked down to the rings... they looked simple, until he noticed the engravements...
He draws back just enough so that he wouldn't bump her while he looked down to the rings... they looked simple, until he noticed the engravements...
[i] The Grey Wolf, the Druidic elders had called him... So, she and Kruxis had met after all.
"You know... the elders of the Forest Guardians asked me what animal I would like to bond with when I accepted the task of becoming a druid... the Grey Wolf came to mind... do you know why?" he asks, looking up to her.
"You know... the elders of the Forest Guardians asked me what animal I would like to bond with when I accepted the task of becoming a druid... the Grey Wolf came to mind... do you know why?" he asks, looking up to her.
Snow Anona In a moment of simple affection, Snow rubbed her nose against his in return, watching with careful attention as he moved hesitantly to grasp her about her hips, shuffling a tiny step forward again.
Ah, he recognisd the symbols! Good; she had worried that he wouldn't, bringing up her free hand to settle upon his waist with a shake of his head. "I could... hazard a guess, but I'd rather you told me, love," she urged, brushing her fingers idly against him. Druids bonded with an animal? Well, you learnt something new everyday.
Ah, he recognisd the symbols! Good; she had worried that he wouldn't, bringing up her free hand to settle upon his waist with a shake of his head. "I could... hazard a guess, but I'd rather you told me, love," she urged, brushing her fingers idly against him. Druids bonded with an animal? Well, you learnt something new everyday.
"Well..." he started, letting his hands wrap around her back instead, feeling her form through the dress. "... one of the most common expressions dealing with wolves are of course, calling an old gunslinger a Lone Wolf... but the Wolf was never meant to be lonely. They hunt in packs, relying on each other and developing team work to survive." he explains quietly.
"The first time I went out in the woods looking for them, looking for Kruxis, I saw one. It was injured, bleeding heavily from one of it's legs because it tried to attack a wild boar on its own... I chased it off, and helped nurse the poor thing's leg. When I was done, the rest of its pack came to find it and... well, they didn't even attack or bark like I thought they would. All they cared about was getting their pack mate back... they didn't even scold the injured one for running off on his own." -c-
"The first time I went out in the woods looking for them, looking for Kruxis, I saw one. It was injured, bleeding heavily from one of it's legs because it tried to attack a wild boar on its own... I chased it off, and helped nurse the poor thing's leg. When I was done, the rest of its pack came to find it and... well, they didn't even attack or bark like I thought they would. All they cared about was getting their pack mate back... they didn't even scold the injured one for running off on his own." -c-
"That was when I started thinking... I spent all of this time alone, being the lone wolf and trying to tackle on everything alone. Trying to take responsibility for everything, when I was surrounded by friends and loved ones who would happily bind my injuries for me and help me take down those impossible foes... I met you, and I saw what you and Hope had. It took seeing a relationship that simply couldn't be broken to realize that friends aren't a burden, a responsibility or a garden you have to tend... we're social creatures, like the wolves, simply because we can't carry everything on our own." he finishes quietly.
Snow Anona Her guess had been on the right tracks, though she would have been hard pushed to guess the whole story off sheer creativity. The idea of the Pack... Their cell - devoted to the protection of all at the cost of no one. His reminder of her relationship with Hope brought a smile to her face, unexplicably pleased that it was that that had maintained their contact that had blossomed into something she had never dared dream for in her wildest dreams.
Mostly because Darks didn't consider relationships until their Lights were paired... But, if she had dreamed... "I never imagined I'd be so blessed by the Goddesses to find such a devoted partner. Alone we are weak. Only when combining our efforts are we truly strong and that sort of responsibility will feel like nothing compared to the joy and contentment it brings." -c-
Mostly because Darks didn't consider relationships until their Lights were paired... But, if she had dreamed... "I never imagined I'd be so blessed by the Goddesses to find such a devoted partner. Alone we are weak. Only when combining our efforts are we truly strong and that sort of responsibility will feel like nothing compared to the joy and contentment it brings." -c-
Her smile only grew broader as she reached behind her to try and give him her ring to hold. "You never have to be alone in suffering or joy anymore and neither do I. Every step of the way, we shall walk together," she reaffirmed, reaching up to press a butterfly soft kiss against his lips, leant slightly forward. -e-
Steph Grey looked down, letting her place her ring in his open palm. "Together..." he repeats before she kisses him. He intensifies it only a bit, taking a deep breath through the nose as he almost melts into it... but no, his own vows. He broke off reluctantly.
"Every step of the way..." he says quietly, looking her straight in the eyes. "Through days both bright and dark, humid and frigid I'll walk beside you, helping you and accepting your help in turn. I'll walk this dark road together with you until and beyond it's end... until I issue my last breath in your service, and in undying love for you." he vowed solemly.
"Do you accept my vows?" he says, holding the smaller, snowflake engraved ring between two fingers to slip it on one of her own. He looks up to her again, gazing right into her beautiful auburn orbs... getting lost in them, and in the woman he was devoting himself to.
"Every step of the way..." he says quietly, looking her straight in the eyes. "Through days both bright and dark, humid and frigid I'll walk beside you, helping you and accepting your help in turn. I'll walk this dark road together with you until and beyond it's end... until I issue my last breath in your service, and in undying love for you." he vowed solemly.
"Do you accept my vows?" he says, holding the smaller, snowflake engraved ring between two fingers to slip it on one of her own. He looks up to her again, gazing right into her beautiful auburn orbs... getting lost in them, and in the woman he was devoting himself to.
Snow Anona gave a cry of muted protest as he moved away from her, but the intensity eminating from him in waves halted her physical urges and needs, listening to him and realising what they were doing. Right now. Snow damn near spluttered in disbelief, her reddish eyes as wide as they could go, barely being able to do much more except nod at his question.
"I accept them... wholeheartedly. I accept you," she said simply, unsure which finger, or even hand, the ring was supposed to go on. Snow really, really hoped he knew, as her mind was euphoric, all logic and common sense swept away in her adoring devotion.
"I accept them... wholeheartedly. I accept you," she said simply, unsure which finger, or even hand, the ring was supposed to go on. Snow really, really hoped he knew, as her mind was euphoric, all logic and common sense swept away in her adoring devotion.
Steph Grey answered her acceptance with only a short, soft kiss, his eyes fluttering closed for it before he pulled back again. He looked down to her hand that was extended to him, and smiled, almost chuckling... the poor girl, she was clueless.
He took her ring finger on her left hand... the heart-hand... and slipped the smaller ring onto it, before looking up and smiling at her. "There."
He took her ring finger on her left hand... the heart-hand... and slipped the smaller ring onto it, before looking up and smiling at her. "There."
Snow Anona smiled shyly as it became evident that Steph was quite aware of her blunder, her embarrassment drowned by absolutely everything else she was feeling right now, his smile sending a pleasant and familiar feeling that was warming her body from within.
It was only as lukewarm metal encircled her finger that she looked down, looking bashful for a moment as his single word before her breath was stolen from her as something jerked within her, her left hand shooting out to grasp his tightly. "I can feel... it," she murmured, staring at him in fascination.
Now, to complete it, Snow releasing him and bringing up her right hand that held the ring loosely between her fingers. It seemed like cheating to repeat her own earlier spoken unofficial vows in these permanent ones, but she had meant every last word earlier. "No matter where our road goes, you never have to be alone in suffering or joy anymore and neither do I. Every step of the way, we shall walk together. I will spend every moment being a pillar for you to lean on, like you provide so wonderfully for me and when that fateful day comes, I will fall contented by your side... knowing that I can then spend every moment of eternity loving you so completely."
She took his left hand with her own, unwavering except for a slight jolt of energy. This was going to be an experience, flickerings of something pressing insistently against her conscious most impatiently. "Do you accept my vows?" she asked, smiling lovingly at him. There was nothing else in the world; no routine ceremony could encapsulate this moment.
It was only as lukewarm metal encircled her finger that she looked down, looking bashful for a moment as his single word before her breath was stolen from her as something jerked within her, her left hand shooting out to grasp his tightly. "I can feel... it," she murmured, staring at him in fascination.
Now, to complete it, Snow releasing him and bringing up her right hand that held the ring loosely between her fingers. It seemed like cheating to repeat her own earlier spoken unofficial vows in these permanent ones, but she had meant every last word earlier. "No matter where our road goes, you never have to be alone in suffering or joy anymore and neither do I. Every step of the way, we shall walk together. I will spend every moment being a pillar for you to lean on, like you provide so wonderfully for me and when that fateful day comes, I will fall contented by your side... knowing that I can then spend every moment of eternity loving you so completely."
She took his left hand with her own, unwavering except for a slight jolt of energy. This was going to be an experience, flickerings of something pressing insistently against her conscious most impatiently. "Do you accept my vows?" she asked, smiling lovingly at him. There was nothing else in the world; no routine ceremony could encapsulate this moment.
Steph Grey took a deep breath as he, too, felt something... not only the pleasure and adrenaline of the moment, but something else. It felt... something like his druid abilities, but his curiosity felt... sated even without an answer. It didn't matter what it was... all he knew is that it was emanating from his lover, and it felt good.
"I accept your vows, and will hold them with me for all of time." he says confidently, slipping his ring finger through that loop that would stay on it for the rest of his life without a moment's hesitation.
The moment it was secure, his warm, loving smile almost began pained as he closed in on her, longing for contact... although she wouldn't notice the expression until he was curing that longing, his lips meeting hers passionately. Every step of the way... together... and now, they would die together, too. Their souls would be bound together with the same magical fervor as his love was already, the love he knew was returned.
There was no doubt, no hesitation; just her, the beautiful, strong and caring Snow Grey that was renamed in his very arms... he would have broken to tell her he loved her again, like he would every day for the rest of his life whether she was there with him or not... if not for the passionate contact they shared.
"I accept your vows, and will hold them with me for all of time." he says confidently, slipping his ring finger through that loop that would stay on it for the rest of his life without a moment's hesitation.
The moment it was secure, his warm, loving smile almost began pained as he closed in on her, longing for contact... although she wouldn't notice the expression until he was curing that longing, his lips meeting hers passionately. Every step of the way... together... and now, they would die together, too. Their souls would be bound together with the same magical fervor as his love was already, the love he knew was returned.
There was no doubt, no hesitation; just her, the beautiful, strong and caring Snow Grey that was renamed in his very arms... he would have broken to tell her he loved her again, like he would every day for the rest of his life whether she was there with him or not... if not for the passionate contact they shared.
Snow Anona There it was, igniting the moment that that ring slipped onto Steph's finger, the intensity of her reciprocated hitting her solidly. Of course, she knew what was supposed to happen after mating... the consequences of searing two souls together forever. It would come slowly at first but the awareness would settle into them over the next few hours.
He came straight towards her, his need to touch her throbbing on the threshold of her consciousness, taken aback by that and the ferocity of his kiss, though she quickly found her stride, her arms coming up around his neck, refusing to allow air or space between them.
I love you. She disbelievingly tested the telepatheic bond that they were supposed to share now - the only part she had found herself scoffing at, focusing on breathing through her nose as she pulled herself flush against him.
He came straight towards her, his need to touch her throbbing on the threshold of her consciousness, taken aback by that and the ferocity of his kiss, though she quickly found her stride, her arms coming up around his neck, refusing to allow air or space between them.
I love you. She disbelievingly tested the telepatheic bond that they were supposed to share now - the only part she had found herself scoffing at, focusing on breathing through her nose as she pulled herself flush against him.
Steph Grey continued kissing her, but almost broke when he heard her speak... Did you say something? he tried to say, disbelieving that she spoke when they were so fiercely kissing...
He broke it that time, his eyes widening in shock. Did I just speak to you through my mind?! He was still pressed against her, their lips only parted just a tad. I.. I...
He broke it that time, his eyes widening in shock. Did I just speak to you through my mind?! He was still pressed against her, their lips only parted just a tad. I.. I...
Snow Anona reached a hand around to the back of his head, unable to help a chuckle at his mental confusion. "Yes Steph. I tried to explain to you that night. Mating connects us two in the physical, emotional and even in the mind." She gestured to herself generally, her heart and forehead in turn, before repeating the motions against him.
I told you I wanted us to be as close as we could possibly be. Should I have told you before... I should have! Blast! Her disappointment in herself flooded acutely from her to Steph, Snow not entirely used to the connection yet. It would always be uncontrollable though; they could not hide from one another now, ever again.
I told you I wanted us to be as close as we could possibly be. Should I have told you before... I should have! Blast! Her disappointment in herself flooded acutely from her to Steph, Snow not entirely used to the connection yet. It would always be uncontrollable though; they could not hide from one another now, ever again.
Steph Grey shakes his head quickly, feeling she misunderstood. No, no, it's alright... I'm just a bit surprised. This is wonderful. he thinks to her, re closing the kiss with renewed passion.
Now he could say I love you, Snow. So damn much. ... while he kissed her.
Now he could say I love you, Snow. So damn much. ... while he kissed her.
Snow Anona felt his feelings fluctuate abruptly between reassurance and fierce passion, her senses lost in his recapturing of her lips, sighing contentedly and feeling a little shudder of... something. He was in her mind and that shook something deep. I love you too, Steph. Now, kiss me like you'll die if you don't.
Her arms tightened about him, the hand at the back of his head holding him against her lips with barely any leeway. She felt like she would never let him go.
Her arms tightened about him, the hand at the back of his head holding him against her lips with barely any leeway. She felt like she would never let him go.
The setting changes from Steph's Apartment to Country Home
Steph Grey pulls the keypad for his car out of his pocket, popping both his and the passenger doors open out of manners for Hope.
"Real estate's getting cheap around here because of all the random disasters, so there should be a lot of good places on sale. A lot of the richer guys are leaving out of paranoia... we should be able to find a nice place easy enough."
He gets into the driver seat and shuts his door, waiting for Hope before turning the car on.
"Real estate's getting cheap around here because of all the random disasters, so there should be a lot of good places on sale. A lot of the richer guys are leaving out of paranoia... we should be able to find a nice place easy enough."
He gets into the driver seat and shuts his door, waiting for Hope before turning the car on.
Hope Anona slips into the passenger seat and nods. "It's not as if I can't afford it. We still need a big place though, despite the cheap prices. That might make it a bit pricier." She smiles slightly and looks at him. "I insist on a yard at least, for the kids. Because we will have more than jsu tRachel, eventually."
Steph Grey starts the car, her engine's gentle purr signaling him to coax the gear shift into drive and pull out of the bar. "A yard will be the easy part. It's finding a place with enough bedrooms that's going to be the problem..."
He smiles to himself, letting his imagination run wild. God, it was good to be rich. "We can get a pool, a ten car garage... jaccuzi..." his imagination took a turn for the worse, there. Damn, he missed Snow already. This was going to suck.
He smiles to himself, letting his imagination run wild. God, it was good to be rich. "We can get a pool, a ten car garage... jaccuzi..." his imagination took a turn for the worse, there. Damn, he missed Snow already. This was going to suck.
Hope Anona grins slightly. Definitely huge them/ Let's see. Wing, Blade, you and Snow, me and Kendra, Bow. Rachel. That's...six already. So...ten rooms? Maybe more." She says calmly. "After all, I plan on actually carign for children I have, not jsut abandoning them to their fate." She says firmly, seriously.
The setting changes from Multi-Dimensional to Country Home
Steph Grey nods sternly. "Good. No child deserves to be cast out on their own."
That led him thinking about children... would him and Snow ever have a child? Probably. Hell of a pair of parents they would make... two mercenaries of different species. Good thing there would be plenty of help about...
Could he see himself that way? As a father? It was mind boggling. His mind returned to the task at hand, though.
"This is going to be a hell of a mansion. Me and Mina ran a few jobs recently and my split puts me up to just over twenty seven million USD, which should be enough." although he knew that Hope would probably offer her share. "Especially if I want to get some of the security measures I want... cameras set up, maybe a few auto turrets, I wouldn't mind getting a hunting dog. Or five. I wonder how much tanks go for around here?"
That led him thinking about children... would him and Snow ever have a child? Probably. Hell of a pair of parents they would make... two mercenaries of different species. Good thing there would be plenty of help about...
Could he see himself that way? As a father? It was mind boggling. His mind returned to the task at hand, though.
"This is going to be a hell of a mansion. Me and Mina ran a few jobs recently and my split puts me up to just over twenty seven million USD, which should be enough." although he knew that Hope would probably offer her share. "Especially if I want to get some of the security measures I want... cameras set up, maybe a few auto turrets, I wouldn't mind getting a hunting dog. Or five. I wonder how much tanks go for around here?"
Hope Anona grins at Steph. "I can put in half if you will. And That's an awful lot to spend on a house." She tells him. "And...Please keep in mind we want it to be kid friendly. I've alrady got Rachel cursing. So no tanks."
The house was shuffling with noise with the others unpacking and making their way around the new place, the mansion-like house out in the country that the Anona twins and all of their built entourage would be staying... Blade and Winnie were, of course, no exception to this. However, having little possessions he brought with him out of the castle, he had finished hours ago, and the Dark simply saw fit now to assist the Queen with her own, probably much busier sorting.
He approached the door to their room, which was closed as she sorted herself. Her favorite warm strawberry tea was in a mug in his left hand, as his right knocked on the door politely.
Although, she probably wouldn't have minded if he simply barged in, he let his manners take presidency this time.
He approached the door to their room, which was closed as she sorted herself. Her favorite warm strawberry tea was in a mug in his left hand, as his right knocked on the door politely.
Although, she probably wouldn't have minded if he simply barged in, he let his manners take presidency this time.
The house was shuffling with noise with the others unpacking and making their way around the new place, the mansion-like house out in the country that the Anona twins and all of their built entourage would be staying... Blade and Winnie were, of course, no exception to this. However, having little possessions he brought with him out of the castle, he had finished hours ago, and the Dark simply saw fit now to assist the Queen with her own, probably much busier sorting.
He approached the door to their room, which was closed as she sorted herself. Her favorite warm strawberry tea was in a mug in his left hand, as his right knocked on the door politely.
Although, she probably wouldn't have minded if he simply barged in, he let his manners take presidency this time.
He approached the door to their room, which was closed as she sorted herself. Her favorite warm strawberry tea was in a mug in his left hand, as his right knocked on the door politely.
Although, she probably wouldn't have minded if he simply barged in, he let his manners take presidency this time.
Hope Anona glances up at the door and smiles brightly, placing the lingerie she was holding back into her suitcase. she had been so busy unpacking all else, she had only just gotten to the clothes! Ah well, at least she was fast and organizaed enough her room was fast looking like it was hers again.
"Come in!" She calls out, smiling brightly.
"Come in!" She calls out, smiling brightly.
Wing of House Erutin glances up at the door and smiles brightly, placing the lingerie she was holding back into her suitcase. she had been so busy unpacking all else, she had only just gotten to the clothes! Ah well, at least she was fast and organizaed enough her room was fast looking like it was hers again.
"Come in!" She calls out, smiling brightly. Her player is blushign ever so slightly now at her double fail.
"Come in!" She calls out, smiling brightly. Her player is blushign ever so slightly now at her double fail.
Blade Ulenna opens the door with a wide, contented smile. "Everything going well?" he asks before he is even completely in the room. He closes the door behind him, careful not to spill the drink.
"I brought your favourite." he says, approaching her and offering the mug filled with the aromatic tea. "Need any help with unpacking? I'm already done, so I'd be glad to lend a hand..."
Although, he was shamed to say that most of the pleasantries were a ruse... while they were in a good mood, there was something much more grim they had to discuss... sooner, rather than later. A minor sadness behind his smile might have given him away.
"I brought your favourite." he says, approaching her and offering the mug filled with the aromatic tea. "Need any help with unpacking? I'm already done, so I'd be glad to lend a hand..."
Although, he was shamed to say that most of the pleasantries were a ruse... while they were in a good mood, there was something much more grim they had to discuss... sooner, rather than later. A minor sadness behind his smile might have given him away.
Wing of House Erutin smiles and accepts the tea and sips it, relaxing. "I only really have clothes left. I'm afraid I didn't leave the palace with much. Mostly, all I have results from a shopping trip with Hope." Which took two days and many dimensions. The girls were very picky that way.
"You seem...worried? What's wrong?" She asks, concerned. After the other night, which made her blush to think of, she had become even more in tune with his emotions. As if they didn't have centuries of knowing each other for that already.
The woman sips the tea again, watchign him wiht a smile.
"You seem...worried? What's wrong?" She asks, concerned. After the other night, which made her blush to think of, she had become even more in tune with his emotions. As if they didn't have centuries of knowing each other for that already.
The woman sips the tea again, watchign him wiht a smile.
Blade Ulenna takes a seat on the bed with a sigh, looking away from her for the first moment or two. "Not a cheery topic, unfortunately..." he says regretfully, most of his smile fading. He shakes his head, not wanting to even bring this up right now, but... every hour counted, now.
"Please, a seat with me, my love." he says, gesturing to the soft padding of the bed beside him.
"Please, a seat with me, my love." he says, gesturing to the soft padding of the bed beside him.
Wing of House Erutin blushes and sits next to him, so happy to hear the endearment from him. "I am sorry to hear the topic saddens you. Would...would a kiss perhaps make it better?" She asks him, shyly offering up her lips, if he wished.
It would certainly make her feel better. Though she felt rahter like she was playign with fire, considerign the setting.
It would certainly make her feel better. Though she felt rahter like she was playign with fire, considerign the setting.
Blade Ulenna shifted closer to her, he wrapped one arm around her back then leaned down to place his lips on her softly... but he pulled back before he could savour it enough to distract him from his purpose. "I'm afraid it is for you I worry, Winnie... for the topic is your brother." he says quietly.
He felt horrible for bringing such a glum topic, but it had to be said. He would never have brought it up if it weren't necessary... and hopefully she would understand.
He felt horrible for bringing such a glum topic, but it had to be said. He would never have brought it up if it weren't necessary... and hopefully she would understand.
Wing of House Erutin winces. "What..what has Talon done this time?" She murmurs. "I am glad to be away from him, no mistake, but he is still my twin." She tells Blade, feeling a little uplifted at the brief kiss.
"He only tries his best by me, but...Lately he has been off." she murmurs. By lately, the woman meant the last two centureis or so. Sicne shortly after Hope was born actually.
"He only tries his best by me, but...Lately he has been off." she murmurs. By lately, the woman meant the last two centureis or so. Sicne shortly after Hope was born actually.
Blade Ulenna shakes his head quickly. "It is not for what he has done, but what he could do... I..." it pained him to say this, to have to try to remind her that she was against him, now. This was quickly becoming a war, and he had brought his lover on the opposite side of the battlefield from her own brother... a fact that tore at him.
"We... are at a point where Talon has to be considered just as much our enemy as the rest of the council... because he is a direct threat to our first line of defense, and that is our political standing." he explains, letting the arm around her back cuddle her to him in reassurance.
"We... are at a point where Talon has to be considered just as much our enemy as the rest of the council... because he is a direct threat to our first line of defense, and that is our political standing." he explains, letting the arm around her back cuddle her to him in reassurance.
Wing of House Erutin lets lose a short whining nose before cutting it off, a sound of great distress. She cuddles into Blade's side. This was. Considering her own twin. Oh. Oh she was so glad it was not her leading this revolution. So very glad.
"I. What are we to do?" She ask quietly, a hint of desperation in her voice that she deperately tries to quail. This was not court, and here she was noy Queen Wing though.
Merely a very scared Winnie.
"I. What are we to do?" She ask quietly, a hint of desperation in her voice that she deperately tries to quail. This was not court, and here she was noy Queen Wing though.
Merely a very scared Winnie.
Blade Ulenna plants a reassuring kiss on her forehead, bringing his grip on her tighter to comfort her as best he could... "I just want you to know that... if things get out of hand, it might be necessary to subdue or capture him... and I need to know that you won't try and stop me when it comes to that. As long as he is the First Dark, he has the ability to call a state of emergency and have all of your powers granted to him, and then this war will be effectively over before it even began."
He rubs her back gently, offering what solace he could in his grip... the poor woman should never be made to have to choose between her cause and her family... that was too cruel a sacrifice.
He rubs her back gently, offering what solace he could in his grip... the poor woman should never be made to have to choose between her cause and her family... that was too cruel a sacrifice.
Wing of House Erutin lets a few tears slip down her face. "He. He only has that ability while I am unmated." She reminds him, not certain what she is tryign to say. "But..." She shakes her head, frightened.
"I. Oh Blade. Do what you must. I will not interfere." But oh how it would hurt not to.
"I. Oh Blade. Do what you must. I will not interfere." But oh how it would hurt not to.
Blade Ulenna shakes his head quickly. "I won't hurt him, okay? It's only necessary to keep him out of Royal office... right now, the only thing stopping him is that you are with me, and I am a royal confidant. If they legally pin me for kidnapping you..."
He sighs. "That is down to the Council, thankfully they are as slow as they are against us. We have a couple of weeks... but the deed will need to be done soon."
He grimaced. This was the hard part. "Winnie... it pains me so terribly to ask this... but I need to know if there is an easy way to make this work. If there is a weakness he has, or a bait we can use to keep him from using his powers on us... I..." he hugs her tightly, and offers her a kiss on the cheek.
"We can make this far easier and more painless if you know anything that can help." It almost brought him to tears having to say it...
He sighs. "That is down to the Council, thankfully they are as slow as they are against us. We have a couple of weeks... but the deed will need to be done soon."
He grimaced. This was the hard part. "Winnie... it pains me so terribly to ask this... but I need to know if there is an easy way to make this work. If there is a weakness he has, or a bait we can use to keep him from using his powers on us... I..." he hugs her tightly, and offers her a kiss on the cheek.
"We can make this far easier and more painless if you know anything that can help." It almost brought him to tears having to say it...
Wing of House Erutin frowns, thinking, though it pains her too. "I. The only weakness I know of is his obsession with Hope." She admits quietly. "I do not often pay attention to such things, I am sorry." She admits quietly.
"I. I am sorry, my Blade. I am not a fighter. I have never been one, and now I feel useless." She murmurs. "As for bait... Hope and I are the only bait I can think of. He is somewhat fond of Snow as well, though more of a teacher and student than anything else. He arranged all her tutors, after all."
"I. I am sorry, my Blade. I am not a fighter. I have never been one, and now I feel useless." She murmurs. "As for bait... Hope and I are the only bait I can think of. He is somewhat fond of Snow as well, though more of a teacher and student than anything else. He arranged all her tutors, after all."
Blade Ulenna nods, assured. "Thank you... that will help knowing that. I knew only little of his liking for Hope but..." he lets the idea toss around in his head. The possibilities were endless. Hope was remarkably difficult to catch; and she could run circles around him. It would be child's play to offer him council with her in exchange for time, or maybe it would even be possible to convince Hope to play him like a fiddle.
"You will never be useless, dearest... that you have said alone is more than enough to help, and I'm proud of you." he says quietly. "Snow... has already arranged to play double agent under the guise of wanting to trade her loyalty in exchange for protection of Hope... and if what you say is the case, that will make it much easier. My faith is with her plan."
Now, he just needed to make sure the Dark had all of the protection she needed. Whistle should be enough... she had never let him down before. "Do not worry, though... I have arranged Whistle to act as her personal guardian angel while she is there. Not even a fly will lay a hand on her."
"You will never be useless, dearest... that you have said alone is more than enough to help, and I'm proud of you." he says quietly. "Snow... has already arranged to play double agent under the guise of wanting to trade her loyalty in exchange for protection of Hope... and if what you say is the case, that will make it much easier. My faith is with her plan."
Now, he just needed to make sure the Dark had all of the protection she needed. Whistle should be enough... she had never let him down before. "Do not worry, though... I have arranged Whistle to act as her personal guardian angel while she is there. Not even a fly will lay a hand on her."
Wing of House Erutin nods. "With Whistle, no one could. She is. She is extraordinary." Winnie admits. "Disconcerting, but extraordinary." Winnie knew her guards well, after all. "Snow is in excellent hands then. and...I wish you to be my personal guard once more, my Blade. Is a..perhaps only part-time guard possible for our Hope. Or do you think that she would fight too much?"
With Hope, there was never any telling. At all.
With Hope, there was never any telling. At all.
Blade Ulenna shook his head, with a relieved smile. "I don't know if we can ever arrange but one guard to keep an eye on her... she is as difficult to watch as she is to catch. I feel confident with Steph, Kruxis and Mina around, however... and Hope appears to trust the former enough, from what I can see. I think we can count on her safety." he says with a confident nod.
"And as for you... I will, of course, serve you as faithfully as I always have. Our love has changed nothing in that respect; I will defend you as loyally as I always have and always will."
"And as for you... I will, of course, serve you as faithfully as I always have. Our love has changed nothing in that respect; I will defend you as loyally as I always have and always will."
Wing of House Erutin smiles and nods regally, cuddling into him. "You are my heart, my Blade. I am glad I will always have you." She tells him, takign another sip of her half forgotten tea.
"Plus, you make excellent tea! Truly excellent."
"Plus, you make excellent tea! Truly excellent."
Blade Ulenna chuckles, nuzzling his nose into her neck. "I'm glad you enjoy it so much. Snow showed me how to do it so well, she's a fantastic cook herself, which surprised me." he says much more cheerfully, letting his grip tighten with her cuddles.
"I love you, Winnie... passionately. As long as I'm at your side, I promise your safety and every service I can possibly offer you."
"I love you, Winnie... passionately. As long as I'm at your side, I promise your safety and every service I can possibly offer you."
Wing of House Erutin smiles slightly. "Very well. I suppose you can help me unpack then!" She tells him mischiviously. "I'm afraid I was going ot start wiht my underthings...."
Blade Ulenna plants an affectionate kiss on her cheek. "Well then, I could always leave if you're embarrassed." he jokes, chuckling away.
Wing of House Erutin grins slightly. "Oh...You can stay and help. That is, if it's not too much for you. After all, I have worn all of these...rather intimate pieces."
Quite possibly the only reason Snow hadn't broken down in tears by now had been Kendra's careful reassurance that Hope would understand in time, whether it be by her own realisation or from influence from others in the cell. Still, as she slid open the door to the safehouse, she couldn't resist the urge to slam it closed just a tad, tugging off Winterfly's harness and tossing it into the corner.
Eyes unseeing, she glanced about the apartment. Steph wasn't within obvious immediate view. That didn't mean he wasn't here of course.
Eyes unseeing, she glanced about the apartment. Steph wasn't within obvious immediate view. That didn't mean he wasn't here of course.
Two peculiar things would be found about the safehouse as she entered it... One, all of the blinds were closed, and it was almost completely dark if not for a lamp sitting on the coffee table in front of the couch. The second, and the impossibly more strange, was the sounds of snakes hissing and slithering about at regular intervals... it would have been eerie without the strange, almost comical
thrashing about and bumping as though two people were quite actively throwing eachother about.
This stopped as soon as Snow's presence was known, falling into silence until all of the sudden, a form dropped out of the roof seemingly from nowhere... a hiss of a snake could be heard as they landed.
Arms wrapped around Snow's waist from behind, but rather than a forced grip it was more of a playful hug.
"Boo." Steph's voice said.
This stopped as soon as Snow's presence was known, falling into silence until all of the sudden, a form dropped out of the roof seemingly from nowhere... a hiss of a snake could be heard as they landed.
Arms wrapped around Snow's waist from behind, but rather than a forced grip it was more of a playful hug.
"Boo." Steph's voice said.
Steph Grey was wearing a quite evil grin. "Sorry, love." he says, releasing her if she were to push away. "I'm feeling a bit... odd right now, I'm trying to tame the Aspect of the Serpent and it's like trying to mount a rhinoceros." he says, his grin not fading in the slightest.
He reaches behind him to turn the lights on, and then the random hisses of snakes die out as he lets the aspect go... his grin faded to a welcoming smile as he did so, and his breathing slowed in apparent relaxation.
"It ain't easy. God knows what taming the Bear will be like."
He reaches behind him to turn the lights on, and then the random hisses of snakes die out as he lets the aspect go... his grin faded to a welcoming smile as he did so, and his breathing slowed in apparent relaxation.
"It ain't easy. God knows what taming the Bear will be like."
Snow Grey hadn't actually expected him to release her, stumbling back a few steps to look at him in befuddlement, blinking once. “I... no, you're fine. I'm just a little tetchy from...” She trailed off, shrugging as if she didn't want to continue that train of thought.
Her eyes adjusted easily as the lights flickered back on, Snow barely noticing the hissing of snakes against the silence of the room, through her instinct was to set on guard. Last time she had heard that sound, Steph had very nearly severely wounded her.
Now, as he reverted back to a softer persona, she found herself doing the same, her muscles slowly untightening, even managing a small grin at his comment. “You... be alright. Just make sure you do that in an open space... preferably away from Rachel and the Lights.”
The Lights. Hope. She winced, turning to remove her orange jacket in a bid to give something else for her mind to think about. Anything but Hope.
Her eyes adjusted easily as the lights flickered back on, Snow barely noticing the hissing of snakes against the silence of the room, through her instinct was to set on guard. Last time she had heard that sound, Steph had very nearly severely wounded her.
Now, as he reverted back to a softer persona, she found herself doing the same, her muscles slowly untightening, even managing a small grin at his comment. “You... be alright. Just make sure you do that in an open space... preferably away from Rachel and the Lights.”
The Lights. Hope. She winced, turning to remove her orange jacket in a bid to give something else for her mind to think about. Anything but Hope.
Steph Grey sighed when he felt through their connection what she was feeling. "Snow, honey..." he started, going towards the couch to sit his shirtless body down to gain some much needed rest.
"You have to do what you have to do, Snow... and I know she understands that. The time apart may be painful, but consider the rewards! By the end of this, when you're reunited, are you going to look back on this and regret it because of the time spent away?" he says, trying to reassure her.
He pats a palm down twice on the couch seat next to him, beckoning her to sit and relax so he'd have a better chance to comfort her in more detail...
"You have to do what you have to do, Snow... and I know she understands that. The time apart may be painful, but consider the rewards! By the end of this, when you're reunited, are you going to look back on this and regret it because of the time spent away?" he says, trying to reassure her.
He pats a palm down twice on the couch seat next to him, beckoning her to sit and relax so he'd have a better chance to comfort her in more detail...
Snow Grey ried not to snap at the endearment, knowing it would do her mood no good and after all, she told herself firmly, Steph understood everything now. He could feel her just as clearly as she could feel him, if she focused on making herself aware or if she had nothing else to concentrate on. Like now.
His comforting came across across verbally, mentally and physically and after she threw her jacket to the floor beside her mace, Snow collapsed onto the couch beside Steph, reluctant to even try and argue against him. He was right after all; Hope was just upset and now her Dark was.
“I... no, of course I won't regret the time spent apart. I'm... doing this for her; to give her her freedom of choice and the chance to live. She...If Kendra hadn't been so understanding, I'd have broke down and told her I'd stay though. I swear to the Goddesses.”
She had sank rather sprawling into the couch, her left hand grasping Steph's left solidly. Whatever was she going to do without him around all the time?
His comforting came across across verbally, mentally and physically and after she threw her jacket to the floor beside her mace, Snow collapsed onto the couch beside Steph, reluctant to even try and argue against him. He was right after all; Hope was just upset and now her Dark was.
“I... no, of course I won't regret the time spent apart. I'm... doing this for her; to give her her freedom of choice and the chance to live. She...If Kendra hadn't been so understanding, I'd have broke down and told her I'd stay though. I swear to the Goddesses.”
She had sank rather sprawling into the couch, her left hand grasping Steph's left solidly. Whatever was she going to do without him around all the time?
Steph Grey took her grip, grateful for the contact and sealed it further, nudging over to her and leaning in to nuzzle her neck. He spoke feather soft, transmitting whatever comfort and reassurance he could.
"Then you have nothing to worry about, sweetheart." he whispers. "No separation comes without grief... but it's as temporary as your leave. Just take that longing to be with her and let it be your motivation."
He offers a sensual, relaxing kiss to her cheek, trying his best to soothe her.
"Then you have nothing to worry about, sweetheart." he whispers. "No separation comes without grief... but it's as temporary as your leave. Just take that longing to be with her and let it be your motivation."
He offers a sensual, relaxing kiss to her cheek, trying his best to soothe her.
Snow Grey felt some of her distress melt away at his touch, a tad amused by his nuzzling but the light bursts of breathing on her neck in tandem with his comforting feelings being felt across their connection made her sigh.
There was a brief nod of assent at his words, knowing that she should have been more worried had she not been so cut up over their separation. “As I said... Hope is my purpose and you... You are my strength,” she mumbled, leaning forwards into him, eyes closed.
A flicker of desire ignited at that kiss, Snow discontentedly wondered whether she would ever sate her want for him. However, the relaxation offered won out and she leant into him, her other arm coming up to wrap around his waist, needing to feel him near her – to cherish these moments.
There was a brief nod of assent at his words, knowing that she should have been more worried had she not been so cut up over their separation. “As I said... Hope is my purpose and you... You are my strength,” she mumbled, leaning forwards into him, eyes closed.
A flicker of desire ignited at that kiss, Snow discontentedly wondered whether she would ever sate her want for him. However, the relaxation offered won out and she leant into him, her other arm coming up to wrap around his waist, needing to feel him near her – to cherish these moments.
Steph Grey had a flicker of gratification as she seemed to come to at least a half-peace with her worries. Her advancement in the grip had him take a bit more liberty and lift her legs up, setting them across his lap so he could hold her more completely. One arm wrapped around her waist, the other around her back.
"Then I guess I'm going to have to make sure to visit you every time I can, huh?" he says with a joking smile, transmitting that he would regardless. His intention was to shower her with enough affection now to last her until his first visit. Possible? Probably not... but it would be fun to try.
"Then I guess I'm going to have to make sure to visit you every time I can, huh?" he says with a joking smile, transmitting that he would regardless. His intention was to shower her with enough affection now to last her until his first visit. Possible? Probably not... but it would be fun to try.
Snow Grey sunk against him easily, even swinging her legs across to ease her passage from her seat beside him to being seated almost across him. Her left hand reached down to hold his wrist at her waist whilst the other wrapped around his back some more, tightening her hold.
Her head nodded against his chest. “You better. Thank you so damned much,” she said, tilting her head upwards to meet his gaze solidly, feeling his promise in her mind like a blanket over all her negativity.
Her head nodded against his chest. “You better. Thank you so damned much,” she said, tilting her head upwards to meet his gaze solidly, feeling his promise in her mind like a blanket over all her negativity.
Steph Grey leaned his head down to kiss the top of her head affectionately, smiling all the while. "You're very welcome, love... I'd never leave you alone like that in the heart of the enemy without what comfort I can offer. Every time you need me there, you contact me, okay?" he asked quietly, rubbing her back gently. I'm here now... I love you.
It wasn't even in his mindset to reach down to pet her inappropriately, right now... he just saught to comfort her, and no resistance was recquired to beat out any dirty thoughts. It was just him, her, and all of the worries of the world washing away for the time they were together. He could feel her insecurities draining away, which comforted him too.
It wasn't even in his mindset to reach down to pet her inappropriately, right now... he just saught to comfort her, and no resistance was recquired to beat out any dirty thoughts. It was just him, her, and all of the worries of the world washing away for the time they were together. He could feel her insecurities draining away, which comforted him too.
Snow Grey smiled blithely at the kiss, letting his words wash over her like his feelings were, focusing only on him, reassured immensely as there became no boundaries between her and him again. Their emotions were merging again. I love you too. I'll always call if I need you and I'll make myself available if you need me.
The rubbing made her sigh in simple pleasure, enthused by the contentment that was taking them, tilting her head up again to kiss his lips softly, eyes open and coloured more brown than red. Lighter than normal but it could be a trick of the light.
There was a light buzzing coming from the bathroom but Snow paid it no mind. It was probably an insect of some kind.
The rubbing made her sigh in simple pleasure, enthused by the contentment that was taking them, tilting her head up again to kiss his lips softly, eyes open and coloured more brown than red. Lighter than normal but it could be a trick of the light.
There was a light buzzing coming from the bathroom but Snow paid it no mind. It was probably an insect of some kind.
Steph Grey leaned into the kiss, turning up the heat a bit and holding it as long as she would allow him. He relished her lips like they were the one place he belonged, pulling her in for that extra close position where they could kiss all day if they wanted to...
... but it wasn't long before he noticed the buzzing, and so did she, apparently. He tried to let her take his attention but it started to annoy him to no end. What the hell is that buzzing...? his mind practically groaned.
... but it wasn't long before he noticed the buzzing, and so did she, apparently. He tried to let her take his attention but it started to annoy him to no end. What the hell is that buzzing...? his mind practically groaned.
Snow Grey chuckled against his lips, adoring their bodies being flush up against one another... well, as much as they could be when she was tilted across him. She responded to his mental frustration by tightening her grip around his waist, focusing on letting her desire and focus upon him flow across to him effortlessly.
Hush, my love. Surely I can distract you well enough? she urged, the hand at her waist sliding down between them to provide a more obvious distraction, fingers dancing around the hem of his shirt.
The buzzing grew a tad louder.
Hush, my love. Surely I can distract you well enough? she urged, the hand at her waist sliding down between them to provide a more obvious distraction, fingers dancing around the hem of his shirt.
The buzzing grew a tad louder.
Steph Grey let himself into her distraction as much as he could, chuckling in turn as her hand slid down to the hem of his shirt. The hand around her waist fiddled with the hem of her own as well, but...
... then that blasted buzzing got louder. No, he had to fix that first or it was going to drive him mad. That buzzing is not far off from what my weapons make when their bayonets are ignited. No, I need to check it out.
He extremely reluctantly lets go of her, gently shifting her legs off of his lap... before reaching to Azul which was on the coffee table and snapping the charge into Kill range.
He stood, and walked towards the bathroom...
... then that blasted buzzing got louder. No, he had to fix that first or it was going to drive him mad. That buzzing is not far off from what my weapons make when their bayonets are ignited. No, I need to check it out.
He extremely reluctantly lets go of her, gently shifting her legs off of his lap... before reaching to Azul which was on the coffee table and snapping the charge into Kill range.
He stood, and walked towards the bathroom...
Snow Grey huffed rather indignantly, though she firmly resisted the urge to fold her arms and sulk. Honestly! A perfectly pleasant moment, ruined by some no doubt insignificant occurrence. Hmph. I bet it's just an insect.
From the open doorway of the bathroom a rather large hornet emerged, flying towards Steph, the angry buzzing intensifying as it launched towards him, aiming for an attack against his left-hand side.
From the open doorway of the bathroom a rather large hornet emerged, flying towards Steph, the angry buzzing intensifying as it launched towards him, aiming for an attack against his left-hand side.
Steph Grey didn't attack it, rather, his eyes closed and he reached out an outstretched hand... it was on the fly, but what better time to test out his connection with the Mother?
His mind reached out to the wasp... but wait, this wasp wasn't a normal wasp. It wasn't even a....
Fuck. Shifter.
Not having any time to react properly anymore, he simply used his free hand to swat it to the side as best he could.
His mind reached out to the wasp... but wait, this wasp wasn't a normal wasp. It wasn't even a....
Fuck. Shifter.
Not having any time to react properly anymore, he simply used his free hand to swat it to the side as best he could.
Snow Grey felt Steph's confusion and sat up immediately to turn towards the bathroom, eyes widening. That was not natural, she thought hurriedly, getting to her feet just as the hornet landed on the human, sinking its stinger in.
Then the door burst open and the poor woman didn't know where to look, her reddish eyes going as wide as they could possibly go at the short female standing at the safehouse's front door. “Reverie?!”
However, the brightly clothed, short statured Dark paid no attention to Snow, exclaiming heatedly, “Mystic said that the bad man was touching his Dark!”
Mystic said what now?! The newly married Grey turned around again, hand at her hand as the hornet retreated. Mystic! she cried out mentally, a wave of hurt, pain and long forgotten tenderness leaping through her.
Then the door burst open and the poor woman didn't know where to look, her reddish eyes going as wide as they could possibly go at the short female standing at the safehouse's front door. “Reverie?!”
However, the brightly clothed, short statured Dark paid no attention to Snow, exclaiming heatedly, “Mystic said that the bad man was touching his Dark!”
Mystic said what now?! The newly married Grey turned around again, hand at her hand as the hornet retreated. Mystic! she cried out mentally, a wave of hurt, pain and long forgotten tenderness leaping through her.
Steph Grey hissed loudly as the stinger sank in. God damn hornets! He switched to the Aspect of the Lion, and roared so loudly and angrily at the wasp shifter that had attacked him that the shockwave was enough to shake the foundations of the house. "I swear to God, you have less than three seconds to shift before I vapourize you." he said indignantly.
He was further frustrated by a sudden wash of a completely opposite array of emotions from Snow... his grip around his pistol tightened, waiting for... Mystic, if that was this Shifter's name, to get the hell off.
He was further frustrated by a sudden wash of a completely opposite array of emotions from Snow... his grip around his pistol tightened, waiting for... Mystic, if that was this Shifter's name, to get the hell off.
Snow Grey staggered from the force of the roar and the assault of such horrendously opposite emotions flooding over her consciousness.
The hornet chuckled before Shifting out to his normal appearance. He stood a little shorter than Snow, a mad mess of brown hair sitting atop a face of rugged good looks and sea green eyes. Unusually, it looked like he was well-built and between the two of them, one would have imagined he the Dark and Reverie the Light.
His clothes were all-black and skin-tight; he had obviously snuck into the apartment earlier on. He tutted disapprovingly towards the human, a derisive sneer on his lips. “This is the best you could do to replace me Snow? A weak, easily influenced human?”
Snow's gun was out faster than she had thought possible, aiming directly at Mystic. “Steph is not your replacement, you arrogant, stuck-up prick! Your Dark? You gave me up so don't me that bullshit!”
Reverie looked between all three, a hand raising to her head in pain, though her eyes flashed a little at the roar. So much emotion!
The hornet chuckled before Shifting out to his normal appearance. He stood a little shorter than Snow, a mad mess of brown hair sitting atop a face of rugged good looks and sea green eyes. Unusually, it looked like he was well-built and between the two of them, one would have imagined he the Dark and Reverie the Light.
His clothes were all-black and skin-tight; he had obviously snuck into the apartment earlier on. He tutted disapprovingly towards the human, a derisive sneer on his lips. “This is the best you could do to replace me Snow? A weak, easily influenced human?”
Snow's gun was out faster than she had thought possible, aiming directly at Mystic. “Steph is not your replacement, you arrogant, stuck-up prick! Your Dark? You gave me up so don't me that bullshit!”
Reverie looked between all three, a hand raising to her head in pain, though her eyes flashed a little at the roar. So much emotion!
The setting changes from Steph's Apartment to Luna and Sol's House
Hope Anona asks if you can see this?
The setting changes from Luna and Sol's House to Steph's Apartment
Steph Grey 's anger came not just from the minor pain, but from two other things; one, the random intrusion... and two, the wave of dizziness that was hitting him rapidly.
He was deadly allergic to hornet stings.
Feeling dizziness wash over him in moments, he collapsed to one knee, but quickly found the effort, especially though his Aspect, to scramble into the bedroom where he found his emergency injector right where he left it on the end table. He plunged it into his shoulder as he collapsed into the floor, writhing not out of pain but just to keep the blood flowing to his muscles.
Relief began to flow through him rapidly, but he still couldn't speak. Instead, he needed to reassure Snow... I'm okay, allergic reaction, I'm okay."
He was deadly allergic to hornet stings.
Feeling dizziness wash over him in moments, he collapsed to one knee, but quickly found the effort, especially though his Aspect, to scramble into the bedroom where he found his emergency injector right where he left it on the end table. He plunged it into his shoulder as he collapsed into the floor, writhing not out of pain but just to keep the blood flowing to his muscles.
Relief began to flow through him rapidly, but he still couldn't speak. Instead, he needed to reassure Snow... I'm okay, allergic reaction, I'm okay."
The setting changes from Steph's Apartment to Luna and Sol's House
Luna not sure who sees this but yes
The setting changes from Luna and Sol's House to Steph's Apartment
Snow Grey Mystic sardonically grinned at Steph's reaction to his prior attack, letting the human past him to his allergy injector.
“Mystic, that wasn't very nice to do to Sno-Sno's partner!” Reverie whined, nearly white eyes flitting between Steph and her Light.
Snow was torn between fury, shared pain from her mate and now intense relief, settling upon the first as she strode across the room, pistol whipping the Light across the face, rather stunned when he took the hit, his grin unfading as he turned back towards her. “You would have killed a stranger for doing such a thing back in the day, Snow Anona. He's made you soft.”
Snow responded by firing a shot into the wall just to the left of his head. “You are fucking lucky I like Reverie!” she growled, the gun now trained upon him. “What do you want?”
You don't feel fine! If I didn't think he might attack you again, I'd... Are you sure you are okay? Her mental voice was thick with worry and barely concealed agitation.
“Mystic, that wasn't very nice to do to Sno-Sno's partner!” Reverie whined, nearly white eyes flitting between Steph and her Light.
Snow was torn between fury, shared pain from her mate and now intense relief, settling upon the first as she strode across the room, pistol whipping the Light across the face, rather stunned when he took the hit, his grin unfading as he turned back towards her. “You would have killed a stranger for doing such a thing back in the day, Snow Anona. He's made you soft.”
Snow responded by firing a shot into the wall just to the left of his head. “You are fucking lucky I like Reverie!” she growled, the gun now trained upon him. “What do you want?”
You don't feel fine! If I didn't think he might attack you again, I'd... Are you sure you are okay? Her mental voice was thick with worry and barely concealed agitation.
I'm alright, the medication is kicking in quick I think... I think I can stand... he reassures, trying such. He was again surprised by the willpower granted by the Lion when he found such actually quite easy, and in a moment or two he was on his feet shaking the blood flow back into his head.
Then his anger returned... built upon Snow's with his own, although at the same time, he restricted himself because she appeared to know these two.
Just who -are- these jokers? he asked her telepathically. He was starting to get sick of the twin bond, really. He was practically spayed and neutered in combat as long as there was a Light to worry about.
Then his anger returned... built upon Snow's with his own, although at the same time, he restricted himself because she appeared to know these two.
Just who -are- these jokers? he asked her telepathically. He was starting to get sick of the twin bond, really. He was practically spayed and neutered in combat as long as there was a Light to worry about.
The setting changes from Steph's Apartment to The Cheap Sword Saloon
Luna realises that it does move him but doesn't show up under the name until the page is refreshed
The setting changes from The Cheap Sword Saloon to Steph's Apartment
Snow Grey 's eyes flickered across to Steph as he stood, though her attention was focused on Mystic just in case he tried anything dumb. Their combined anger made her right hand shake and immediately she lowered the gun, holstering it. “You two know how to make a fucking entrance.” There was no amusement in her voice, only contempt. “Steph, this is Mystic and Reverie... I...”
“Snow and I were partners back in the day!” Reverie pipped up cheerily, waving towards Steph with moderate concern in her eyes. “I think they're still mad Mystic. Apologise!”
Her huff made the Light chuckle, shaking his head as he made a bid to reach for Snow, who responded by slapping his hand away angrily, a feral growl coming from her. “Yes Mystic, do apologise before we both rip you apart.”
Her tone was sickeningly sweet, her hand still around the wrist that had tried to go for her waist and the Light's smirk flickered away for a moment. “Fine. Although it's absurd, I apologise for keeping this man's dirty hands off my fiancée.”
Snow spluttered at that, releasing Mystic and taking numerous steps back towards Steph. “Your... Get the hell out. Right now.”
Reverie shook her head, looking very annoyed at her Light. “We can't do that. We're to take to your residence on Erutino.”
I'm going nowhere with that fucking mentalist. Her thought went straight to Steph, reaching back blindly for his hand.
“Snow and I were partners back in the day!” Reverie pipped up cheerily, waving towards Steph with moderate concern in her eyes. “I think they're still mad Mystic. Apologise!”
Her huff made the Light chuckle, shaking his head as he made a bid to reach for Snow, who responded by slapping his hand away angrily, a feral growl coming from her. “Yes Mystic, do apologise before we both rip you apart.”
Her tone was sickeningly sweet, her hand still around the wrist that had tried to go for her waist and the Light's smirk flickered away for a moment. “Fine. Although it's absurd, I apologise for keeping this man's dirty hands off my fiancée.”
Snow spluttered at that, releasing Mystic and taking numerous steps back towards Steph. “Your... Get the hell out. Right now.”
Reverie shook her head, looking very annoyed at her Light. “We can't do that. We're to take to your residence on Erutino.”
I'm going nowhere with that fucking mentalist. Her thought went straight to Steph, reaching back blindly for his hand.
Steph Grey obliged, walking over to take a stance beside her and take her hand with the one that wasn't occupied with Azul... that hand's trigger finger becoming very quickly itchy. Fiancee, huh? No wonder that didn't work out... you give me the word, Snow, and I'll gut this thing like a pig.
Wait, taking her to Erutino...? Was this an escort that Talon had sent? He turns to Snow. "I'm sure we can arrange alternate transport, Snow."
He was suddenly all the more worried about her going, if she was going to be stuck with the company of assholes like these. He points Azul at Mystic. "Oh, you can leave, and you will... whether by your own will or in a body bag. Make your pick."
Wait, taking her to Erutino...? Was this an escort that Talon had sent? He turns to Snow. "I'm sure we can arrange alternate transport, Snow."
He was suddenly all the more worried about her going, if she was going to be stuck with the company of assholes like these. He points Azul at Mystic. "Oh, you can leave, and you will... whether by your own will or in a body bag. Make your pick."
Snow Grey gripped Steph's hand with an iron-like grip, terrified and confused though there was a touch of gratitude in her at his unspoken offer. He's usually not this much of a prick to his friends. Thank you though, as always my love.
Mystic scowled dually at the words and the gun pointed in his direction. “First Dark Talon thought that it was best that people you trusted took you to your residence,” he replied smoothly, only a touch frustrated. “After all, we were all you had on Merinio...”
The woman's grip tightened on her love's hand as fright and crippling memories flashed through her mind, unable to speak. Luckily, Reverie silenced her twin with a glare before looking across at Steph with extreme upset. “Sno-Sno... I'm sorry. We didn't come here to upset you and especially not to dig up the past!”
“It...fine. I've not have any nightmares for thirty years.” Her voice was deathly quiet, shaking her head slowly.
Mystic scowled dually at the words and the gun pointed in his direction. “First Dark Talon thought that it was best that people you trusted took you to your residence,” he replied smoothly, only a touch frustrated. “After all, we were all you had on Merinio...”
The woman's grip tightened on her love's hand as fright and crippling memories flashed through her mind, unable to speak. Luckily, Reverie silenced her twin with a glare before looking across at Steph with extreme upset. “Sno-Sno... I'm sorry. We didn't come here to upset you and especially not to dig up the past!”
“It...fine. I've not have any nightmares for thirty years.” Her voice was deathly quiet, shaking her head slowly.
Mystic seemed to back off at Reverie's glance, so Steph did the same... lowering Azul, but not killing its power. Your choice, love. Are you going to go with them or not? Blade should have a way to get you there.
He deeply wished she would say yes... bring dragged out there by a former fiancee? Talon either was oblivious to the word trust or was simply determined to infuriate him. Oh how much he would like to riddle this shifter with bullet holes and send him back to Erutino in a gift wrapped box... but no, not without Snow's approval.
"Sounds like I'm not the only one with romantic ghosts..." he was of course referring to Mina, although his mind broadcasted that he certainly didn't mean to compare on similar grounds. He glares at Mystic. "You lay a hand on her, and I'll know through the mate bond... and you will have a very short life expectancy. Do you under stand?"
He deeply wished she would say yes... bring dragged out there by a former fiancee? Talon either was oblivious to the word trust or was simply determined to infuriate him. Oh how much he would like to riddle this shifter with bullet holes and send him back to Erutino in a gift wrapped box... but no, not without Snow's approval.
"Sounds like I'm not the only one with romantic ghosts..." he was of course referring to Mina, although his mind broadcasted that he certainly didn't mean to compare on similar grounds. He glares at Mystic. "You lay a hand on her, and I'll know through the mate bond... and you will have a very short life expectancy. Do you under stand?"
Snow Grey Mystic seemed to back off at Reverie's glance, so Steph did the same... lowering Azul, but not killing its power. Your choice, love. Are you going to go with them or not? Blade should have a way to get you there.
He deeply wished she would say yes... bring dragged out there by a former fiancee? Talon either was oblivious to the word trust or was simply determined to infuriate him. Oh how much he would like to riddle this shifter with bullet holes and send him back to Erutino in a gift wrapped box... but no, not without Snow's approval.
"Sounds like I'm not the only one with romantic ghosts..." he was of course referring to Mina, although his mind broadcasted that he certainly didn't mean to compare on similar grounds. He glares at Mystic. "You lay a hand on her, and I'll know through the mate bond... and you will have a very short life expectancy. Do you under stand?"
He deeply wished she would say yes... bring dragged out there by a former fiancee? Talon either was oblivious to the word trust or was simply determined to infuriate him. Oh how much he would like to riddle this shifter with bullet holes and send him back to Erutino in a gift wrapped box... but no, not without Snow's approval.
"Sounds like I'm not the only one with romantic ghosts..." he was of course referring to Mina, although his mind broadcasted that he certainly didn't mean to compare on similar grounds. He glares at Mystic. "You lay a hand on her, and I'll know through the mate bond... and you will have a very short life expectancy. Do you under stand?"
Snow Grey Reverie looked positively appalled at Snow's admittance. Everything had been over one hundred and fifty years ago! “Well... I'm glad,” was all she managed to say, hoping that Mystic didn't make this any more difficult than it now was.
Snow sighed in relief as the situation seemed to cool slightly, like when a ice cube started to melt upon warm skin, but you could remove an ice cube from melting. If I don't, it'll seem like I don't trust Talon at all. He's testing me right from the get-go. Wanker. I can handle Mystic, as much as I can feel you would like to.
At Steph's words, Mystic chuckled darkly, waving a hand towards Steph's wife with a primal grin. “I'm not a ghost; she is mine by rights...”
He trailed off, his expression turning positively foul at Steph's admittance and Snow immediately stepped forward, flinching as the mistake was made. Ah well, they'd have to work with it. “You abandoned me Mystic. You refused to do what Steph has sworn to do; to help me find and protect Hope. Always.”
Mystic's hands had tightened into balls at his sides. Good; he was not nearly as annoying when he was angry.
Snow sighed in relief as the situation seemed to cool slightly, like when a ice cube started to melt upon warm skin, but you could remove an ice cube from melting. If I don't, it'll seem like I don't trust Talon at all. He's testing me right from the get-go. Wanker. I can handle Mystic, as much as I can feel you would like to.
At Steph's words, Mystic chuckled darkly, waving a hand towards Steph's wife with a primal grin. “I'm not a ghost; she is mine by rights...”
He trailed off, his expression turning positively foul at Steph's admittance and Snow immediately stepped forward, flinching as the mistake was made. Ah well, they'd have to work with it. “You abandoned me Mystic. You refused to do what Steph has sworn to do; to help me find and protect Hope. Always.”
Mystic's hands had tightened into balls at his sides. Good; he was not nearly as annoying when he was angry.
Steph Grey immediately felt a flash of guilt when he remembered he was supposed to be keeping their relationship secret.. but yes, they would have to roll with it. He cursed himself. Do what you have to... and don't hesitate to call me if something goes awry. Something doesn't feel right about this.
"What right says she is yours?" he spits. "None that'll protect you from a bullet to the head, I assure you." he says, but he doesn't lift Azul.
He kept his mouth shut after that, letting his dearest do the talking...
"What right says she is yours?" he spits. "None that'll protect you from a bullet to the head, I assure you." he says, but he doesn't lift Azul.
He kept his mouth shut after that, letting his dearest do the talking...
The guilt that flooded through to her made Snow tug at their joined hands, kissing him softly if he turned towards her, an understanding smile on her lips. Mistakes happen, dear husband. I've already sworn to fall back on you if I have need, even it is small.
Before she could cut across any answer Mystic might have given, Reverie beat her to the punch, having flitted across the room during her silence, grasping her Light around the arm securely.
“Hush Mystic. She never knew,” she said almost imperceptibly and although he still looked furious, there was a visible effort for him to try and relax. “We're due to travel off world to Santos on a mission soon, Sno-Sno. He'll be out of your hair.” Her voice was firm and unrelenting, her role as Dark slipping out.
Mystic seemed to have taken a stance of glaring through Snow at Steph, especially after her obvious display of affection towards him. “I bet he doesn't do it as good as I do,” he spat hatefully.
That caught Snow's attention, eyes reflecting sincerity and simplicity as she tilted her head to face her ex-partner's Light, looking thoughtful. “No. No that's true... He does it so much better,” she stated truthfully, a slight flush coming to her cheeks as she interlaced her fingers with Steph's.
Take that you tosspot, she thought triumphantly as Mystic turned twelve shades of purple.
Before she could cut across any answer Mystic might have given, Reverie beat her to the punch, having flitted across the room during her silence, grasping her Light around the arm securely.
“Hush Mystic. She never knew,” she said almost imperceptibly and although he still looked furious, there was a visible effort for him to try and relax. “We're due to travel off world to Santos on a mission soon, Sno-Sno. He'll be out of your hair.” Her voice was firm and unrelenting, her role as Dark slipping out.
Mystic seemed to have taken a stance of glaring through Snow at Steph, especially after her obvious display of affection towards him. “I bet he doesn't do it as good as I do,” he spat hatefully.
That caught Snow's attention, eyes reflecting sincerity and simplicity as she tilted her head to face her ex-partner's Light, looking thoughtful. “No. No that's true... He does it so much better,” she stated truthfully, a slight flush coming to her cheeks as she interlaced her fingers with Steph's.
Take that you tosspot, she thought triumphantly as Mystic turned twelve shades of purple.
Steph Grey 's fingers wrap around hers in turn, and he accepts the kiss gratefully, half because he enjoyed it and half because it felt so good to rub it into this bastard's face. Whenever you're ready... I guess this is goodbye.
Although he would have wished for a more.... intimately eventful good bye, this would have to do.
Although he would have wished for a more.... intimately eventful good bye, this would have to do.
The setting changes from Steph's Apartment to The Palace
Luna Stood there wondering where to go next, why was he even doing this. Something about testing his skills he had repeated over and over in his mind. But in broad daylight, into one of the most secure places in Erutino? There was no turning back now; he’d dodged the main gate easily enough and was stood on the second fork after the servants back entrance. He had no idea where he was going,
The throne room would be a wonderful target, he thought as he stared down the three possible passageways in front of him, now if only he had the faintest idea where he was going.
“If in doubt left is right,” Luna said to himself, half under his breath, half out-loud to reassure him he still had some marbles left in the small bag his life had given him.
So without a second thought down the left passage he darted, going from what little shadows there were, making sure to remain as silent as he had ever been.
Bingo
As he reached the end of the corridor it turned into a spiral staircase leading upwards.
You know these sorts of buildings you’d expect to be bustling with people at this time of the day… Well I’m not going to look Kaithot in the mouth.
Jinxing his good fortune the sound of footsteps came from above him. Quickly looking around Luna found nothing except a small slit in the wall obvious some form of window for the stairwell, and barely enough space to squeeze out of. It was either hang for dear life, or take a step back and Luna never took a step back.
The throne room would be a wonderful target, he thought as he stared down the three possible passageways in front of him, now if only he had the faintest idea where he was going.
“If in doubt left is right,” Luna said to himself, half under his breath, half out-loud to reassure him he still had some marbles left in the small bag his life had given him.
So without a second thought down the left passage he darted, going from what little shadows there were, making sure to remain as silent as he had ever been.
Bingo
As he reached the end of the corridor it turned into a spiral staircase leading upwards.
You know these sorts of buildings you’d expect to be bustling with people at this time of the day… Well I’m not going to look Kaithot in the mouth.
Jinxing his good fortune the sound of footsteps came from above him. Quickly looking around Luna found nothing except a small slit in the wall obvious some form of window for the stairwell, and barely enough space to squeeze out of. It was either hang for dear life, or take a step back and Luna never took a step back.
The footsteps he heard materialized into the form of two armed men descending down the spiral staircase. Beginning their shift? Getting off? Their jolly demeanor suggested the latter. They chattered away as they would as they started down the very hallway that Luna had been hiding...
... and luckily for Luna, their aloof chatter kept their attention off of him. They walk right by...
Until a loud clattering of something hitting the floor stopped them in their tracks.
"What the..?"
"Man, you dropped a mag."
"Oh." The first reached down to claim it, his eyes taking a look around before he set it back onto his belt. Something felt... odd.
Luna has managed to squeeze through the gap and was hanging to the bottom of the ledge with all his might, his only hope was that nobody from the ground saw him, and the guards didn’t decided they wanted to take a look at the scenery.
Move on… Phate’s shinning ass, move, you stupid guards. He thought as he hung for dear life knowing he could hold it for a couple of minutes if he had to but the longer he was outside the more likely someone was going to see him on the ground below.
Especially as for some reason more and more people were gathering by the front gate.
Move on… Phate’s shinning ass, move, you stupid guards. He thought as he hung for dear life knowing he could hold it for a couple of minutes if he had to but the longer he was outside the more likely someone was going to see him on the ground below.
Especially as for some reason more and more people were gathering by the front gate.
"Man, you see something?"
It was a few moments of silence and tension before the first, still half bent over with his hand to the recovered mag, shook his head. "Nah, just a ghost I think."
"You need a drink more than I do sometimes."
"Hey, I ain't the one with the troublemaker Light. "
"We'll call it a draw, then."
"Whatever."
The two continued on their way, chattering about Goddesses knew what as the footsteps carried on... completely oblivious to the one hiding right out of their sight all the while.
It was a few moments of silence and tension before the first, still half bent over with his hand to the recovered mag, shook his head. "Nah, just a ghost I think."
"You need a drink more than I do sometimes."
"Hey, I ain't the one with the troublemaker Light. "
"We'll call it a draw, then."
"Whatever."
The two continued on their way, chattering about Goddesses knew what as the footsteps carried on... completely oblivious to the one hiding right out of their sight all the while.
A sigh escaped his lips, surprised that he had actually been holding his breath. He started to hoist himself up back through the small window slit. Edging himself back into the stairwell listening both up and down the stairs, experience telling him that one obstacle was usually followed by two or three more.
Well they must have come from somewhere, I guess that’s a given He snickered to himself at the obviousness of his own thought. Placing his feet back onto solid ground he continued his journey up the stairs until he finally reached the third floor.
“This looks as good a place as any.” He said peering out of the staircase spying a pair of servants walking away from his staircase, in an easterly direction leaving him to go south deeper into the castle.
He smiled as he pressed onwards down the hallway, Lots of small stone alcoves and shadowy corners in the ceiling he could prop himself into if he needed to. He had passed several doors which he listened at, to no avail, finding them to be almost as solid as the walls he was hugging. Finally he reached crossroads and stood there wondering whether to attempt reaching the centre of the palace or continue skirting the outer corridors.
Well they must have come from somewhere, I guess that’s a given He snickered to himself at the obviousness of his own thought. Placing his feet back onto solid ground he continued his journey up the stairs until he finally reached the third floor.
“This looks as good a place as any.” He said peering out of the staircase spying a pair of servants walking away from his staircase, in an easterly direction leaving him to go south deeper into the castle.
He smiled as he pressed onwards down the hallway, Lots of small stone alcoves and shadowy corners in the ceiling he could prop himself into if he needed to. He had passed several doors which he listened at, to no avail, finding them to be almost as solid as the walls he was hugging. Finally he reached crossroads and stood there wondering whether to attempt reaching the centre of the palace or continue skirting the outer corridors.
Snow Grey was not looking forward to this, having been given the 'okay' to enter the palace, deemed not a threat and also... she was approved by the First Dark to see him. It had been years since she had laid eyes, let alone feet within the royal grounds, not that she was given much time to admire the scenery, ushering along by a member of the Royal Guard towards the central building.
It was an elegant and ornately twisting pearly coloured structure, almost like those in human fairy tales, but the Dark hardly cared for architecture, noting the heavy security with both respect and chagrin. There would be eyes for Talon everywhere. She'd have to be ever so careful... all the time.
Then her eyes flitted away from her singular escort, widening as she spotted the most curious sight – a Shifter hanging outside one of the second floor window. So much for good security. “Is he supposed to be there?” she asked nonchalantly to her escort, waving a hand towards Luna with a clipped wave, suggesting that she was not pleased.
Of course, she couldn't care less but appearances must hold... “An intruder must be dealt with swiftly and best not to trouble the First Dark with such a small matter. It is not his job to be concerned with security; only to secure order in his Light's absence.”
In reality, she was deeply impressed that someone had broken into the palace. Something to store away for later, certainly, watching as Luna hoisted himself back inside the window and disappeared from her sight.
It was an elegant and ornately twisting pearly coloured structure, almost like those in human fairy tales, but the Dark hardly cared for architecture, noting the heavy security with both respect and chagrin. There would be eyes for Talon everywhere. She'd have to be ever so careful... all the time.
Then her eyes flitted away from her singular escort, widening as she spotted the most curious sight – a Shifter hanging outside one of the second floor window. So much for good security. “Is he supposed to be there?” she asked nonchalantly to her escort, waving a hand towards Luna with a clipped wave, suggesting that she was not pleased.
Of course, she couldn't care less but appearances must hold... “An intruder must be dealt with swiftly and best not to trouble the First Dark with such a small matter. It is not his job to be concerned with security; only to secure order in his Light's absence.”
In reality, she was deeply impressed that someone had broken into the palace. Something to store away for later, certainly, watching as Luna hoisted himself back inside the window and disappeared from her sight.
Whistle Vatidor sat quietly behind the holographic infared-security monitors that allowed her eyes to be on every coorridor, stairway and visual angle of the palace at once. Oh how she hated her patrol-command shifts... redundant, boring, and in a century of service, only two times had anything interesting happened. It was a wonder she didn't simply fall asleep sometimes.
Several things were keeping her attention rapt today. One was her peculiar orders and behavior from her Commander, Blade. He appeared to kidnap the Queen almost at random with no explaination, and now apparently she was waiting for a woman named Snow Anona and was apparently assigned to keep said Dark safe as though she were the Queen herself. No explaination, as usual.
The second thing that bothered her was that there was a boy running around the palace like he thought no one knew where he was. Strange. Did he not expect tighter security?
A pity. Although the look on his face would be interesting, as on his current path, he was going to pass right by her observation office. Convenient!
It also appeared Dark Anona had arrived as well. Coincidence? Sure... then she noticed that said Dark was moving to apprehend the young intruder.
This would make for a good show, she mused to herself, leaning back in her seat to watch the scene unfold.
Several things were keeping her attention rapt today. One was her peculiar orders and behavior from her Commander, Blade. He appeared to kidnap the Queen almost at random with no explaination, and now apparently she was waiting for a woman named Snow Anona and was apparently assigned to keep said Dark safe as though she were the Queen herself. No explaination, as usual.
The second thing that bothered her was that there was a boy running around the palace like he thought no one knew where he was. Strange. Did he not expect tighter security?
A pity. Although the look on his face would be interesting, as on his current path, he was going to pass right by her observation office. Convenient!
It also appeared Dark Anona had arrived as well. Coincidence? Sure... then she noticed that said Dark was moving to apprehend the young intruder.
This would make for a good show, she mused to herself, leaning back in her seat to watch the scene unfold.
Left or right. Left or right….. hmmmm. Right
He turned and moved further into the palace, the throne room had to be around here somewhere, but where were all the guards, something had to be wrong.
So much for a test, oh well.
The walls were immaculately clean something Luna had never seen before, not even a speck of dust besmirched their pristine shade of pearl. The carpet that covered only the middle section of the floor seemed to made out of the most exotic fur he had ever seen, a strange iridescent fiber, which changed colour as he tilted his head looking at it.
“The high life, is it really worth it?” he spoke to himself wondering what it was he was really doing here, he didn’t need money. There wasn’t anyone in the slums that doubted his skill and ability, but still it just seemed so boring. Nothing there to thrill him anymore, Sol was at home. Irritating little Asihkan turd. The thought of the whimpering boy through Luna into a sudden rage as he hit a nearby vase to the floor, shattering it into several pieces spilling a strange gelatos’ glob onto the floor which obviously acted as water for the strange flowers.
“SHIT” He said loudly as he looked around quickly and ran down the corridor.
He turned and moved further into the palace, the throne room had to be around here somewhere, but where were all the guards, something had to be wrong.
So much for a test, oh well.
The walls were immaculately clean something Luna had never seen before, not even a speck of dust besmirched their pristine shade of pearl. The carpet that covered only the middle section of the floor seemed to made out of the most exotic fur he had ever seen, a strange iridescent fiber, which changed colour as he tilted his head looking at it.
“The high life, is it really worth it?” he spoke to himself wondering what it was he was really doing here, he didn’t need money. There wasn’t anyone in the slums that doubted his skill and ability, but still it just seemed so boring. Nothing there to thrill him anymore, Sol was at home. Irritating little Asihkan turd. The thought of the whimpering boy through Luna into a sudden rage as he hit a nearby vase to the floor, shattering it into several pieces spilling a strange gelatos’ glob onto the floor which obviously acted as water for the strange flowers.
“SHIT” He said loudly as he looked around quickly and ran down the corridor.
Snow Grey had left her singular guard in the dust. From what she had been able to recall of the palace's layout, which luckily and perhaps disturbingly hadn't changed much at all from her last visit. From the direction that the intruder had headed in, he was heading towards the third floor staircase. If the place really hadn't changed... He was heading towards... Snow smirked.
Well, that was just too perfect. A way to get into Talon's good books and prove herself to the Guards.
For the first time in weeks, there was no Blade or Steph holding her back and she naturally slipped into her comfortable and understood mindset, only this time, the job was different.
The job – To gain Talon's trust and bring down their enemy from within.
By any means necessary.
A loud curse word drew her attention immediately, her flight towards the third floor having been impeded by no one, not even guards, mace drawn out.
She shot down the corridor towards the sound, rapid footsteps reaching her ears. Ah, fool thought he could run from the Royal Guard. How quaint.
Well, that was just too perfect. A way to get into Talon's good books and prove herself to the Guards.
For the first time in weeks, there was no Blade or Steph holding her back and she naturally slipped into her comfortable and understood mindset, only this time, the job was different.
The job – To gain Talon's trust and bring down their enemy from within.
By any means necessary.
A loud curse word drew her attention immediately, her flight towards the third floor having been impeded by no one, not even guards, mace drawn out.
She shot down the corridor towards the sound, rapid footsteps reaching her ears. Ah, fool thought he could run from the Royal Guard. How quaint.
Whistle Vatidor smirked as Snow gave chase to the intruder. Well, she wasn't about to surrender the fly in her nest to this newcomer...
As the boy incredibly conveniently approached the door to her office, she heard a shattering of a vase out in the hallway. It made her raise an eyebrow in disgust... how did her guards let this amateur get so deeply inside?
Indifferently in expression, but quite amused under that surface, she flings the door open as Luna would have been going by it... and should he not react in time, the door would plow right into him and knock him clean over.
As the boy incredibly conveniently approached the door to her office, she heard a shattering of a vase out in the hallway. It made her raise an eyebrow in disgust... how did her guards let this amateur get so deeply inside?
Indifferently in expression, but quite amused under that surface, she flings the door open as Luna would have been going by it... and should he not react in time, the door would plow right into him and knock him clean over.
Running down the corridor, footsteps echoed from behind him filling the hallway. About three to four people he guessed from the pitch, tempo and texture of the echoes. But his focus was on his unknown destination. He couldn’t go back; he was stuck on the inside of a place he didn’t know, with no way to get outside.
Phate guide me ever onwards. With those final thoughts he picked up the pace running at full speed down the corridor. Suddenly a door opened in front of him. To fast to be a passerby, someone else to escape from goody.
The door came out fast and hard in an attempt to collide with Luna. Whoever was on the far side was probably hoping to stun him with it. However Luna ran up the door as it reached the peck of its movement and used the forward motion of the door to counter his footsteps up the door itself. His momentum lead him up over the top of the door which as he crested he saw a woman on the far said starting to peer around the door having not felt the collision she expected.
“Missed me” He said jeeringly as he jumped forward from the top of the door into a rolling run as he continued down the passageway to hopefully his freedom.
Phate guide me ever onwards. With those final thoughts he picked up the pace running at full speed down the corridor. Suddenly a door opened in front of him. To fast to be a passerby, someone else to escape from goody.
The door came out fast and hard in an attempt to collide with Luna. Whoever was on the far side was probably hoping to stun him with it. However Luna ran up the door as it reached the peck of its movement and used the forward motion of the door to counter his footsteps up the door itself. His momentum lead him up over the top of the door which as he crested he saw a woman on the far said starting to peer around the door having not felt the collision she expected.
“Missed me” He said jeeringly as he jumped forward from the top of the door into a rolling run as he continued down the passageway to hopefully his freedom.
It was only as Snow watched the intruder seemingly scale an open door, an emotion flickering across her face but she didn't halt for one moment, using the precious seconds that he was travelling vertically to close the distance between them to merely feet.
She was unable to see who was on the other side of the door, supposing an unsuspecting servant as she dashed around the obstruction, barely noticing Whistle out of the corner of her eye.
That did not look like a servant. Think about that later.
Chasing Snow did not do well at, especially when the quarry was especially nimble.
She was unable to see who was on the other side of the door, supposing an unsuspecting servant as she dashed around the obstruction, barely noticing Whistle out of the corner of her eye.
That did not look like a servant. Think about that later.
Chasing Snow did not do well at, especially when the quarry was especially nimble.
Whistle introduced her favorite weapon into the fray, doing two things... one, getting the troublesome door out of the way seemingly by magic, then a flicker and a loud snap of flying wire would be heard, wrapping themselves around Luna's ankles as though they were being controlled by some obscene puppet master.
All the while, Whistle would grant no mind or expression to either of the two, simply demonstrating, her face as blank as though she were reading a good book.
All the while, Whistle would grant no mind or expression to either of the two, simply demonstrating, her face as blank as though she were reading a good book.
A whistle of air flicked past Luna in a peculiar manner, then all of a sudden something tightened around his ankle a invisible string of some kind, which caused him to slam hard against the carpeted floor.
Shit, at least I didn’t break my nose…. He thought as he now lay motionless on the floor. He rolled over calmly lying on his back now looking up at the two women who were chasing him.
“Hello, You don’t happen to know where the little boy’s room is?” He asked with a playful smile on his face, knowing full well how much trouble he was in.
Shit, at least I didn’t break my nose…. He thought as he now lay motionless on the floor. He rolled over calmly lying on his back now looking up at the two women who were chasing him.
“Hello, You don’t happen to know where the little boy’s room is?” He asked with a playful smile on his face, knowing full well how much trouble he was in.
Luckily for Snow, she had noticed the wires, glinting in the dim light of the corridor, using Whistle's successful attack to draw her magnum out in seconds, dropping to attempt to secure Luna to the floor with her legs, thighs across his stomach. The nozzle of the gun was pointed straight into the Dark's forehead if she succeeded.
“You think this is a game?” she hissed, though her face was a picture of controlled calm.
“You think this is a game?” she hissed, though her face was a picture of controlled calm.
Snow seemed to have a good grip on the boy, so Whistle released the grip of the wires and spooled them back in... there she stood, simply evaluating how Snow would deal with this intruder.
Her implant made her eyes glow teal for a moment as she inspected her physique and the profile of the intruder... oddly, nothing on the boy... but more interesting yet was that Snow was in possession of a Royal Guard badge... and a black ops implant.
Interesting.
Her implant made her eyes glow teal for a moment as she inspected her physique and the profile of the intruder... oddly, nothing on the boy... but more interesting yet was that Snow was in possession of a Royal Guard badge... and a black ops implant.
Interesting.
“Game? Yeah I guess it was a game, looks like I lost” He said as he reached up and scratched the back of his harmlessly, waiting to be shot on the spot at any point.
Looks like this is it Sol, Good riddance.
“So what is it, execution on the spot, would ruin these wonderfully expensive carpets but I guess you prissy’s can afford new ones. Or will it be a trip to the prison cells of Arcatera, Hmmm?” He smirked as the gun was thrust closer in his face. “By the twenty goddesses just shot me already if you’re going to.”
Looks like this is it Sol, Good riddance.
“So what is it, execution on the spot, would ruin these wonderfully expensive carpets but I guess you prissy’s can afford new ones. Or will it be a trip to the prison cells of Arcatera, Hmmm?” He smirked as the gun was thrust closer in his face. “By the twenty goddesses just shot me already if you’re going to.”
Instead, Snow kept the pistol trained upon Luna, a flicker of respect and even amusement at the kid's antics, leaning in low for a moment. “If I was going to kill you, you'd be dead already... kid,” she murmured before getting up, tugging the Dark to his feet as she did so, slipping handcuffs out of her side compartment on her belt to restrain the intruder.
Then she jerked Luna forward, pushing him towards Whistle with a look of deference. “I've no authority here, but I suggest just tossing the kid out. He's hardly any trouble,” she offered, shrugging impassively. “Otherwise I will shoot him next time.”
As Luna went past her, she murmured a single sentence. “Brat, you've no idea what you got yourself into here. Get out. Now.”
Then she jerked Luna forward, pushing him towards Whistle with a look of deference. “I've no authority here, but I suggest just tossing the kid out. He's hardly any trouble,” she offered, shrugging impassively. “Otherwise I will shoot him next time.”
As Luna went past her, she murmured a single sentence. “Brat, you've no idea what you got yourself into here. Get out. Now.”
Whistle shakes her head at Snow's turn over of the intruder. "Oh, but I think you do..." she says quietly. "You carry the mark."
That said, she pulls a golden badge out of her own pocket. "You have arrived at last, Dark Anona...." then she turned her attention to the kid, her wire (thick, noncutting) lunges out again and grips him around the shoulders.
"You will be coming with me." Then she looks back to Snow again... "We will talk later."
That said, she pulls a golden badge out of her own pocket. "You have arrived at last, Dark Anona...." then she turned her attention to the kid, her wire (thick, noncutting) lunges out again and grips him around the shoulders.
"You will be coming with me." Then she looks back to Snow again... "We will talk later."
“I feel like a kids new toy at a playground. Share girls.” He said as he was passed from one to the other with the handful of remarks thrown his way. Maybe he didn’t know what he was getting into but it was fun and worth his time.
Might even do it again sometime…maybe Then his head spiked, Dark Anona…..Anona… I know that name He couldn’t quite place the name and that infuriated him to no end. Then it sunk in Hope and Snow Anona, the split pair from several centuries ago, they were supposed to be dead he though, or was that different Snow and Hope. He knew so many names that they all melded into one every now and then.
“Dark… That’s Snow Anona, I didn’t know I was in the presence of Royalty or I’d have tried harder sorry.” He said playfully as the wires squeezed around him tighter signaling his silent co-operation. To which he quickly submitted to.
Might even do it again sometime…maybe Then his head spiked, Dark Anona…..Anona… I know that name He couldn’t quite place the name and that infuriated him to no end. Then it sunk in Hope and Snow Anona, the split pair from several centuries ago, they were supposed to be dead he though, or was that different Snow and Hope. He knew so many names that they all melded into one every now and then.
“Dark… That’s Snow Anona, I didn’t know I was in the presence of Royalty or I’d have tried harder sorry.” He said playfully as the wires squeezed around him tighter signaling his silent co-operation. To which he quickly submitted to.
Things were never simple were they? Talon would throw a fit if he found out that Blade had done that and this stranger was throwing about the truth like it was free candy. Snow fought the urge to correct his last name, settling for sighing and nodding.
The kid was out of her hands and that was all she cared about... until the brat identified her almost right off the bat, clipping the young Dark around the back of the head as he was pulled over to Whistle's side.
“I am not royalty and you should be grateful for your life, not yapping away your knowledge like it's evaporating,” she chided harshly, looking across at the other Royal Guard with a stern look. “I need to go and meet with First Dark Talon; I'm already late, which isn't a great start.”
The kid was out of her hands and that was all she cared about... until the brat identified her almost right off the bat, clipping the young Dark around the back of the head as he was pulled over to Whistle's side.
“I am not royalty and you should be grateful for your life, not yapping away your knowledge like it's evaporating,” she chided harshly, looking across at the other Royal Guard with a stern look. “I need to go and meet with First Dark Talon; I'm already late, which isn't a great start.”
Things were never simple were they? Talon would throw a fit if he found out that Blade had done that and this stranger was throwing about the truth like it was free candy. Snow fought the urge to correct his last name, settling for sighing and nodding.
The kid was out of her hands and that was all she cared about... until the brat identified her almost right off the bat, clipping the young Dark around the back of the head as he was pulled over to Whistle's side.
“I am not royalty and you should be grateful for your life, not yapping away your knowledge like it's evaporating,” she chided harshly, looking across at the other Royal Guard with a stern look. “I need to go and meet with First Dark Talon; I'm already late, which isn't a great start.”
The kid was out of her hands and that was all she cared about... until the brat identified her almost right off the bat, clipping the young Dark around the back of the head as he was pulled over to Whistle's side.
“I am not royalty and you should be grateful for your life, not yapping away your knowledge like it's evaporating,” she chided harshly, looking across at the other Royal Guard with a stern look. “I need to go and meet with First Dark Talon; I'm already late, which isn't a great start.”
Whistle shakes her head slowly. "No harm done... he will be quicker to blame those responsible for getting you here, regardless." she says with little emotion, tightening the wires around Luna further so he is quite throughly tied up while still capable of walking.
"Simply tell him you were instrumental in catching an intruder, and that I am moving to interrogate him." she wsays with an almost amused glare to the boy. "And, as I said... we will talk later. And worry not about what you say within these walls, he does not have access to the surveillance network."
She tugs on the restraining wires of her prisoner with her mind, her hands not actually moving. "As for you... I imagine I have a few questions. I do hope you plan to answer me without resistance, and you may just get out of this with your life."
"Simply tell him you were instrumental in catching an intruder, and that I am moving to interrogate him." she wsays with an almost amused glare to the boy. "And, as I said... we will talk later. And worry not about what you say within these walls, he does not have access to the surveillance network."
She tugs on the restraining wires of her prisoner with her mind, her hands not actually moving. "As for you... I imagine I have a few questions. I do hope you plan to answer me without resistance, and you may just get out of this with your life."
“I’ll answer whatever the pretty lady wants, so long as I get to keep all my limbs and appendages.” He said as he was lead away from the woman named Snow.
Now she’s someone I wouldn’t mind seeing again. Even for a highborn. He thought as his footsteps seemed to fall by themselves, before long he found himself sat in a seat of some kind within an empty room except for a single other chair and plain table between the two. Alone he sat and waited for whatever it was he was waiting for.
Now she’s someone I wouldn’t mind seeing again. Even for a highborn. He thought as his footsteps seemed to fall by themselves, before long he found himself sat in a seat of some kind within an empty room except for a single other chair and plain table between the two. Alone he sat and waited for whatever it was he was waiting for.
That little tidbit of information hardly filled Snow with enthusiasm for the rapidly closing in meeting, but alas she wasn't sure who to trust any more, nodding slowly as Whistle admitted Talon's ignorance at the surveillance network. The First Dark was a coward but no fool; she would still exercise caution – he still had ears after all.
The unusual manipulation of the wires made her blink but then her stoicism returned, bowing briskly at Whistle before heading back towards the Throne Room... or where it had used to be.
The unusual manipulation of the wires made her blink but then her stoicism returned, bowing briskly at Whistle before heading back towards the Throne Room... or where it had used to be.
Whistle leads her... victim into the interrogation room. She closes the door behind them, gratified thta this idiot seemed to at least have the common sense not to resist a Royal Guard elite.
As soon as the door slammed shut, the wires seemed to loosen but instead the faint glitter of much thinner ones seemed to float in the air about him. "Attempt to stand and you will be cut into ribbons, quite painfully. Now..." she says completely emotionlessly, pulling up a free chair from the side and taking a seat in it.
"Let us get the obvious questions out of the way. What is your name, and why have you come here?"
As soon as the door slammed shut, the wires seemed to loosen but instead the faint glitter of much thinner ones seemed to float in the air about him. "Attempt to stand and you will be cut into ribbons, quite painfully. Now..." she says completely emotionlessly, pulling up a free chair from the side and taking a seat in it.
"Let us get the obvious questions out of the way. What is your name, and why have you come here?"
“Yeah I guess you Highborn wouldn’t know the King of the slums if he came and kissed your gold slippers. Well I’m Luna, and this here is the palace why else would I have come here? Because you can’t stop me.” He said with a smirk even though he was sat in the cell of an interrogation room, knowing full well that they just stopped him.
This is one broad who should just mind her own business and let me go, its not like they’re going to kill me now they’ve gone to all this effort. Not even like I was here for anything either, but like a Highborn’s going to believe me. Once again you’ve screwed yourself royal. He snickered at the unintentional pun in his head, before looking back at the woman.
“Can I ask some questions now?”
This is one broad who should just mind her own business and let me go, its not like they’re going to kill me now they’ve gone to all this effort. Not even like I was here for anything either, but like a Highborn’s going to believe me. Once again you’ve screwed yourself royal. He snickered at the unintentional pun in his head, before looking back at the woman.
“Can I ask some questions now?”
"No" she says, flicking the wire in a bit to cut his cheek barely enough to draw blood. "You would be wise to avoid the cheek, street rat. This is an interrogation, not some police questioning shit." she says, still completely without expression.
"Now, you will tell me why you have come to the castle, Luna, without simply booking a tour... and based on your direction, you were heading to the throne room. Do you not watch the news? The Queen is not even here to entertain your childish antics."
"Now, you will tell me why you have come to the castle, Luna, without simply booking a tour... and based on your direction, you were heading to the throne room. Do you not watch the news? The Queen is not even here to entertain your childish antics."
The setting changes from The Palace to Country Home
Hope Anona opens the double doors that lead to the bedroom wing and smiles slightly. "Come on Rachel! You can pick any of these rooms out, and we'll decorate it however you want." She promises with a smile. They would too. Money was no issue here. "I'll let you choose your room before everyone else, okay?"
Rachel beamed up at her second mother with a smile. It should have been strange to her, to have two mothers and no father figure especially after having one of each prior to Kendra taking her in, but really... She was a child who was loved and cared for and there were men around, so it wasn't like it mattered.
One really should question the wisdom of having such protective men and fiercely independent women around her... But she didn't even think about that.
“Pink and Green!” The little girl's cry came almost immediately, joyous in all forms, beginning to dash down the corridors excitedly, peeking into all the rooms.
One really should question the wisdom of having such protective men and fiercely independent women around her... But she didn't even think about that.
“Pink and Green!” The little girl's cry came almost immediately, joyous in all forms, beginning to dash down the corridors excitedly, peeking into all the rooms.
Hope Anona grins and follows her daughter at a trot. Of course. Pink and green. Sheshould have known. "Alright." She says with a smile as her daughter dashes about in search of the perfect room. "Pink and green it is."
It was a while before Rachel stopped darting from door to door, oohing and ahhing. It was such a big house and some of the bedrooms were nearly as large as half of Gambit's. She eventually paused at the three door on the right, creamy coloured that would no doubt be brightly coloured one day with stickers.
She just managed to reach the brass doorknob and turned it, revealing a sight that made the little girl positively beam. This was the one.
It was divided into two sections by a white curtain, which only further lit up the room after the giant bay window, which conquered the entire outer wall. This room didn't come with a bathroom, though there was one just down the hall – a family bathroom.
All her toys would fit in here and maybe even that dollhouse she'd seen Mummy Kendra designing. “Mummy Hope, can I have this one?” she queried excitedly, turning to face her mother with bright hope in her eyes.
She just managed to reach the brass doorknob and turned it, revealing a sight that made the little girl positively beam. This was the one.
It was divided into two sections by a white curtain, which only further lit up the room after the giant bay window, which conquered the entire outer wall. This room didn't come with a bathroom, though there was one just down the hall – a family bathroom.
All her toys would fit in here and maybe even that dollhouse she'd seen Mummy Kendra designing. “Mummy Hope, can I have this one?” she queried excitedly, turning to face her mother with bright hope in her eyes.
Hope Anona grins widely and nods happily. Hers and Kendra's room wouldn't be too far away then, and with All the fortifications Rachel would be safe. The woman glances out of the bay widnow and grins. "And look! You can see aunt Snow's Ice Cream truck out your window." She says happily, looking at the giant pink tank. When Steph and Snow saw that, they'd half die.
Rachel dashed to the bay window excitedly, pressing her face and hands up against the glass as only a young child could do, smudging the glass remarkably well. Indeed, Snow's 'Ice Cream Truck' was visible across the way, though the Dark would adamantly refuse to claim ownership.
That disaster was Steph's, but Rachel knew none of that, crowing delightedly and pointing. “This is really our home now; we'll stay here forever?”
That disaster was Steph's, but Rachel knew none of that, crowing delightedly and pointing. “This is really our home now; we'll stay here forever?”
Hope Anona grins and nods happily. "Forever and ever." She promises brightly pickign her daughter up and swinging ehr in the air. "As long was we choose to." She promises with a happy smile.
Kendra Anona Rachel half-shrieked in happiness as her mother scooped her up, nodding and smiling delightedly. “Ever and ever!” she cried out, arms reaching out for a hug from Hope.
“Can... can I have a park in the garden?” she asked with enthusiasm. Oh gracious, this was going to be a spoiled child.
“Can... can I have a park in the garden?” she asked with enthusiasm. Oh gracious, this was going to be a spoiled child.
Hope Anona hugs Rachel tightly and nods. "Of course! A big one, and a tree house too. How's that sound?" She says happily. Anything for her little girl. After all the family went through, it was the least she could do after all.
Kendra Anona Rachel beamed, wriggling happily, glowing with simple joy. “A tree house? Really?” She hugged her mother tightly. “Thank you, thank you – thank you! You're one of the best mummies ever!”
Hope Anona beams happily, pleased at the statement. "You're so sweet@ My darling little Rachel." She says, hugging her daughter and smiling. This child would be spoiled rotten. Though Hope doubted the girl could ever be rottne.
The compliment made Rachel glow with appreciation, cuddling her mother. Home was safe and fun and this innocent child was largely oblivious to all that went on around her and what she did hear, Mummy Kendra told her not to worry about.
So she didn't. Her mummies knew best.
So she didn't. Her mummies knew best.
The setting changes from Country Home to The Palace
Hesitation coursed through the Dark as she stood in front of the throne room's ornately designed double doors. Determination to protect her sister and cell had carried her through solidly to this point but the actuality of stepping through those doors – what it would mean made her halt for a few moments.
Then, she lifted her left arm and with an open palm, pushed the handle down and swung the door open almost soundlessly, stepping into the rather large and airy chamber that had its queen suspiciously absent.
All that was left of the royal twinset was First Dark Talon Erutin and he was standing before her now, Snow careful to not meet his gaze, bowing deeply and deferentially, already feeling the knot of unease tightening in her stomach.
“First Dark, thank you for seeing me,” she said smoothly, straightening, her eyes stoic. “I am indebted to you for this chance.”
Then, she lifted her left arm and with an open palm, pushed the handle down and swung the door open almost soundlessly, stepping into the rather large and airy chamber that had its queen suspiciously absent.
All that was left of the royal twinset was First Dark Talon Erutin and he was standing before her now, Snow careful to not meet his gaze, bowing deeply and deferentially, already feeling the knot of unease tightening in her stomach.
“First Dark, thank you for seeing me,” she said smoothly, straightening, her eyes stoic. “I am indebted to you for this chance.”
Talon of House Erutin nods slowly. "You do. Dark Snow. And you may think your Light. Were it not for Light Hope, you would receive no chance, but death." He says calmly. "As it is, I am fond of your twin. Should you wish to bring her with you, one day, do not hesitate. Although my Light has been kidnapped, I would gladly keep her entertained." Oh how gladly he would too.
"Now. Explain yourself, little mercenary. Tell me why I should allow you to stay." He says calmly. Of course, with her here, he'd have a direct line to the little Light. Or at least the knowledge that she'd remain some what safe. For now.
"Now. Explain yourself, little mercenary. Tell me why I should allow you to stay." He says calmly. Of course, with her here, he'd have a direct line to the little Light. Or at least the knowledge that she'd remain some what safe. For now.
Snow was working off trained skills and lashings of emotional guidance. Maintain that façade of servitude and desperation but never once let yourself lose your temper; never forget who you are fighting for.
She was sure he would like to entertain her dear sister, probably about as much as she wanted to unload her clip into his chest, but she merely nodded quickly instead, her arms still at her sides. “I come here to offer my services to you; to bring this conflict between my sister and the Council that will hopefully leave my sister alive and the Council appeased.”
Her explanation was spoken matter of factly. Only if he was showing difficulty would she even try and let herself emotionally crack. Hope was safe from all their grubby hands and now she was here, she was right within their nest.
She was sure he would like to entertain her dear sister, probably about as much as she wanted to unload her clip into his chest, but she merely nodded quickly instead, her arms still at her sides. “I come here to offer my services to you; to bring this conflict between my sister and the Council that will hopefully leave my sister alive and the Council appeased.”
Her explanation was spoken matter of factly. Only if he was showing difficulty would she even try and let herself emotionally crack. Hope was safe from all their grubby hands and now she was here, she was right within their nest.
Talon of House Erutin raises an eyebrow. "Oh? You are the...ambassador to their cause?" He murmurs moving from the throne which he had been lounging on to pace around snow, examining her. "A wise choice. Very well. You and the council may work out a compromise. I have no doubt it will take some time though." He says calmly.
"But considere yourself the Light's representative." He tells her calmly. "I will see your Light a few tiems whilst you are here however, if you expect to remain in your...position." He tells her calmly.
"Not to worry. You may supervise us the entire time."
"But considere yourself the Light's representative." He tells her calmly. "I will see your Light a few tiems whilst you are here however, if you expect to remain in your...position." He tells her calmly.
"Not to worry. You may supervise us the entire time."
Ambassador? Very well; if he desired to place a name on her coming, then that was fine. “Yes,” she affirmed, staring straight forward rather than allowing his pacing to unnerve her. What did he think she was, a Dark green out of the Academy? “It will. Time we don't have. The sooner I get started, the better.”
Hope's voice. Yes, she was.
Her eyes snapped to his at the term to her position, keeping the scowl from her face and schooling it into a frown of displeasure. “Forgive me for my hesitation on that note. It is one thing to bring myself into the lion's den, but another one entirely to bring my sister to Erutino.”
Yet, she knew he would not budge without her word given. A sigh, raising her arms to cross them in what looked like a frustrated gesture. In truth, it was so she could touch her fingertips to the snowflake that rested on her shirt.
Hope. Talon has a term if I'm to remain on Erutino. He wishes to see you a few times. I will supervise but don't agree for the sake of the mission. I'll come straight home if you'd rather not.
Hope's voice. Yes, she was.
Her eyes snapped to his at the term to her position, keeping the scowl from her face and schooling it into a frown of displeasure. “Forgive me for my hesitation on that note. It is one thing to bring myself into the lion's den, but another one entirely to bring my sister to Erutino.”
Yet, she knew he would not budge without her word given. A sigh, raising her arms to cross them in what looked like a frustrated gesture. In truth, it was so she could touch her fingertips to the snowflake that rested on her shirt.
Hope. Talon has a term if I'm to remain on Erutino. He wishes to see you a few times. I will supervise but don't agree for the sake of the mission. I'll come straight home if you'd rather not.
Talon of House Erutin awaits the decision understandingly. "Of course. I would not endanger my own Light in such a way without some thought. However you will not have long." He warns her firmyl.
He would see his future mate. Once the research was complete, he would destroy his mate's current paramour, and become hers easily.
Snow! I'm scared, a little, but if you'll be there, I'm sure I'll be fine. Let's do this, okay? We need you there, and I can handle Talon for a while. Besides! This way I can see you!
As Hope responded, Talon's eyes zeroed in on the Snowflake that snow had touched. Fascinating. Though he doubted the Dark would wear it without a purpose.
He would see his future mate. Once the research was complete, he would destroy his mate's current paramour, and become hers easily.
Snow! I'm scared, a little, but if you'll be there, I'm sure I'll be fine. Let's do this, okay? We need you there, and I can handle Talon for a while. Besides! This way I can see you!
As Hope responded, Talon's eyes zeroed in on the Snowflake that snow had touched. Fascinating. Though he doubted the Dark would wear it without a purpose.
Her eyes narrowed a touch at his granting of a short time. Foul man. “Thank you for your understanding, but I'm afraid I must refuse your demand. If that means that this arrangement will not work, so be it. I'll not intentionally bring my Light to a place of such peril for her,” she explained shortly, dipping her head deferentially.
Despite Hope's agreement, Snow knew she would not be able to abide Talon within two galaxies of her sister without wanting to slit his throat. Blade wouldn't allow it; there were too many risks.
She would take the Council down but not this way, it seemed.
My Light, you are so brave. I will do my part here, but not through risking your life and potentially suffering. After all, I'm here to try and protect you, not send you into harm's way.
Talon had seen the snowflake, Snow noted with a raised eyebrow, looking nonplussed at that incident. What he didn't know wouldn't hurt him.
Despite Hope's agreement, Snow knew she would not be able to abide Talon within two galaxies of her sister without wanting to slit his throat. Blade wouldn't allow it; there were too many risks.
She would take the Council down but not this way, it seemed.
My Light, you are so brave. I will do my part here, but not through risking your life and potentially suffering. After all, I'm here to try and protect you, not send you into harm's way.
Talon had seen the snowflake, Snow noted with a raised eyebrow, looking nonplussed at that incident. What he didn't know wouldn't hurt him.
Talon of House Erutin frowns darkly and shakes his head. "If you will not bring her to me, perhaps I could come to her?" He offers, generously. "Either way, if you do not wish to be arrested, then you will agree to my most generous terms. Two meetings. Long ones. You may have however many guards you desire to make her feel safe." He tells her firmly.
"Should you not agree, the elite guard is a mere signal away." He points out. "For Hope's sake, I would agree."
Snow! No, you have to be able to do the political part. I can always leave if I feel the least bit threatened. Make that part of the agreement if you must, but please! I need you there. Please?
"Should you not agree, the elite guard is a mere signal away." He points out. "For Hope's sake, I would agree."
Snow! No, you have to be able to do the political part. I can always leave if I feel the least bit threatened. Make that part of the agreement if you must, but please! I need you there. Please?
Now Snow stiffened. He was threatening her and she knew that the elite guard would be more than a match for her. She was a skilled woman, not a god. Calm yourself. Hope's suggestion made her relax ever so slightly. Trust her Light to think sensibly.
“Two meetings but Hope gets to pick when they end. We'll set a preliminary time of two hours but if my Light even feels the slightest bit unsafe, she can leave,” she returned. Damn political manoeuvrings to the end of the universe if it meant Hope might come to harm.
But she was Hope's Grey and thus, she would fulfil her wishes until the day they died.
I have made the terms to him... After he threatened me with arrest, she thought to herself drily.
“Two meetings but Hope gets to pick when they end. We'll set a preliminary time of two hours but if my Light even feels the slightest bit unsafe, she can leave,” she returned. Damn political manoeuvrings to the end of the universe if it meant Hope might come to harm.
But she was Hope's Grey and thus, she would fulfil her wishes until the day they died.
I have made the terms to him... After he threatened me with arrest, she thought to herself drily.
Talon of House Erutin smiles and nods. "Done. We will provide you with your own home...Ambassador Anona. Take some time to recover, and I'll have a schedule of Council meetings sent to you. You may, of course, sit in as many as it takes. Though I warn you that we will not accept you speaking up." He tells her firmly.
Talon of House Erutin Oh! Snow did he accept? What are the terms, let me know.
Talon stand back, his arms crossed wiht pleasure. Perfect. Absolutely perfect.
Talon stand back, his arms crossed wiht pleasure. Perfect. Absolutely perfect.
“I have my own residence,” she said without relenting, deciding not to bother correcting him on her surname. It hardly mattered and the less the interfering worm knew, the better.
Ha, trying to keep her influence down eh? Too bad for the First Dark that she aimed to make her presence known outside the Council chambers. “Very well. I'm not that politically-minded anyway.”
He... did, though I am disliking the look in his eyes intensely. The terms are the sessions are set at a two hour limit – there are two of them – and you may leave his presence whenever you feel unsafe. My Light, you do not have to do this.
Ha, trying to keep her influence down eh? Too bad for the First Dark that she aimed to make her presence known outside the Council chambers. “Very well. I'm not that politically-minded anyway.”
He... did, though I am disliking the look in his eyes intensely. The terms are the sessions are set at a two hour limit – there are two of them – and you may leave his presence whenever you feel unsafe. My Light, you do not have to do this.
Talon of House Erutin smiles slightly. "Ah. Of course, forgive me for not figuring that you would be so independent. Now. I wish to set up the first meeting. Immediately." He says calmly. she would give in. He had the high ground and no doubt Hopw would come if she felt her twin needed her.
"And I am sorry to hear you are not politically-minded. You negotiate so well." She says with a smile. That was true enough.
I will do what ever it takes Snow. and four hours with him. It's not so bad, yes? That's...Well, I can handle foru hours. I'm mated, and he can't touch me. Not really.
"And I am sorry to hear you are not politically-minded. You negotiate so well." She says with a smile. That was true enough.
I will do what ever it takes Snow. and four hours with him. It's not so bad, yes? That's...Well, I can handle foru hours. I'm mated, and he can't touch me. Not really.
That insistence made Snow shake her head instinctively, though the soft sigh that came from her lips was contradictory to her refusal. “Do you mean you wish to arrange it now or you wish for it to happen now, First Dark? Hope is a mother; she cannot just drop Rachel and Kendra to come to the call of anyone else. Not even you.”
Snow cheered inwardly, ever so slightly. She didn't care about rubbing Hope's mated status in Talon's face; almost grinned. “Well, I'm sure I'll find another task to put my skills into, I'm sure,” she said silkily, shrugging.
Four hours with him is two hundred and thirty-nine minutes more than I ever want you to spend in his presence and no, he can't touch you. I'll... make sure he doesn't.
After all, breaking the bastard's fingers wouldn't hurt Wing at all.
Snow cheered inwardly, ever so slightly. She didn't care about rubbing Hope's mated status in Talon's face; almost grinned. “Well, I'm sure I'll find another task to put my skills into, I'm sure,” she said silkily, shrugging.
Four hours with him is two hundred and thirty-nine minutes more than I ever want you to spend in his presence and no, he can't touch you. I'll... make sure he doesn't.
After all, breaking the bastard's fingers wouldn't hurt Wing at all.
Talon of House Erutin raises an eyebrow. "An hour then. You have an hour. I'm sure that is plenty of time to arrange for care for the...child." He says calmly. "And no doubt protection for Hope's little playmate." He says calmly. "Now. Arrange what you must. I'm sure it won't be an issue."
An hour was certainly enough to arrange childcare...but not enough to arrange enough security that Snow would feel comfortable, which was his intent. He smiled slightly. Perfect. He'd get to see his little Hope.
I'll be fine! what's going on Snow? What's happening?
An hour was certainly enough to arrange childcare...but not enough to arrange enough security that Snow would feel comfortable, which was his intent. He smiled slightly. Perfect. He'd get to see his little Hope.
I'll be fine! what's going on Snow? What's happening?
“It is adequate time to do both,” she agreed with a nod of her head, her plan already forming in her mind. Blade would come with Hope without a second thought and Steph could remain at the country house to protect Bow, Kendra, Rachel and Wing from prospective threats. Mina too, if she was available.
Talon smiled, which forced Snow to resist the urge to shudder.
Hope, can you be ready to come to the throne room in an hour with Blade? Talon's calling in his first meeting now.
Then she focused her mind, reaching out for Steph. My heart, can you be at the country house in the next hour to watch over the Lights and Rachel? Mina as well too if she's available.
Talon smiled, which forced Snow to resist the urge to shudder.
Hope, can you be ready to come to the throne room in an hour with Blade? Talon's calling in his first meeting now.
Then she focused her mind, reaching out for Steph. My heart, can you be at the country house in the next hour to watch over the Lights and Rachel? Mina as well too if she's available.
Steph Grey had been behind the gun range back on Terra playing with some of his new purchases, filtering out a massive amount of rage that he couldn't seem to get rid of... then he heard Snow's voice over the flow of emotion.
Sure I can, I'll give Mina a call too. What's wrong, honey?
Sure I can, I'll give Mina a call too. What's wrong, honey?
Talon of House Erutin goes back to lounging in the throne. "I suppose you are communicating with your mate to speak to your twin? Please, let me know when you are ready. I will...call for a traveler to take us where we must go." He says calmly.
Perhaps he would even get to view their new home. It would be lovely.
Perhaps he would even get to view their new home. It would be lovely.
Um. I should be able. Kendra and I aren't busy. And Kendra wouldn't mind if she has to watch Rachel. Not too much.
Just hearing Steph's acceptance made her relax inwardly, if not on the outside. Thank you. Talon... Just Talon.
The Shifter's eyes flitted to Talon as he spoke with something akin to contempt. “We'll likely be staying right here, unless I hear different from my twin,” she informed him coldly, not liking that he had known about her mating and calling her by her maiden name.
If you want to meet him somewhere else, just say so. Anywhere but the country house is fine. I'm sending Steph and Mina over to the house whilst Blade's not there. Just in case, so Rachel will have tons of babysitters.
The Shifter's eyes flitted to Talon as he spoke with something akin to contempt. “We'll likely be staying right here, unless I hear different from my twin,” she informed him coldly, not liking that he had known about her mating and calling her by her maiden name.
If you want to meet him somewhere else, just say so. Anywhere but the country house is fine. I'm sending Steph and Mina over to the house whilst Blade's not there. Just in case, so Rachel will have tons of babysitters.
Blade Ulenna Oh... the first dark dude? Alright, no problem. We'll make sure the place is locked down tight while Blade's away. Don't worry. With that, he checked the clip on the rifle he was using, and started back towards the house, pulling out his cellphone...
Talon of House Erutin grins widely. "Very well. I have the feeling that we will not be speaking much. You seem to dislike me." He says calmly. "I can't imagine why. I have always been very friendly to you." He says, amused seeming. "So, Ambassador Anona, tell me what you ultimately hope to accomplish." He asks of her with a smile.
Let's see how many buttons he could push on this Dark while she was stuck here. It would be fun.
Let's see how many buttons he could push on this Dark while she was stuck here. It would be fun.
*chuckles, despite herself* Yes, him though telling me not to worry is like telling you not to love guns I wager. I love you. Stay safe.
Then her good humour vanished, firmly resisting the urge to rise to any of Talon's bait, though she conceded silently that he had a point when it came to the fact that he had never unfriendly to her before now.
Really, it was just a feeling. One of those sinking in the bottom of your stomach feelings. “I hope... to convince the Council that it would be unwise to simply take my sister out of the picture. They need not surrender all their influence for things to change,” she explained, waving a hand as she spoke smoothly.
Very well my Light. At the beach in an hour it is. Tell Blade he can bring along whomever he wishes to guard you from his forces. The more people the better, but it might be wise to let Talon think we trust him. After all, Blade and I are good enough to keep him from you.
Then she motioned to the First Dark with one hand, breaking the communication link with her twin. “We'll need a teleportation device to get to the meeting place. You should recall it,” she snapped bitingly.
Then her good humour vanished, firmly resisting the urge to rise to any of Talon's bait, though she conceded silently that he had a point when it came to the fact that he had never unfriendly to her before now.
Really, it was just a feeling. One of those sinking in the bottom of your stomach feelings. “I hope... to convince the Council that it would be unwise to simply take my sister out of the picture. They need not surrender all their influence for things to change,” she explained, waving a hand as she spoke smoothly.
Very well my Light. At the beach in an hour it is. Tell Blade he can bring along whomever he wishes to guard you from his forces. The more people the better, but it might be wise to let Talon think we trust him. After all, Blade and I are good enough to keep him from you.
Then she motioned to the First Dark with one hand, breaking the communication link with her twin. “We'll need a teleportation device to get to the meeting place. You should recall it,” she snapped bitingly.
Steph Grey keeps the car going straight as it fades through the hidden teleportation rift that Hope had set up, effectively hiding their home from everyone but those living in it. In a flash, the Corvette was rolling down the paved driveway of the mansion.
He took a deep breath, trying to mete out all of his anger, much of it still lingering from exposing his mind to both the Lion and the Serpent. He was flown right into the blood rage and he never sated it; and that was a feeling worse than a hangover. Still, he resisted getting angry at young Rachel. None of this was her fault.
It was his for letting her get the teleporter. It was Hope's for introducing her to that psychotic Assassin... so they were both to blame; they would either both yell or neither.
He pulled the car to a stop, shutting it off and groaning to himself, not wanting to get out to face the parents.
He took a deep breath, trying to mete out all of his anger, much of it still lingering from exposing his mind to both the Lion and the Serpent. He was flown right into the blood rage and he never sated it; and that was a feeling worse than a hangover. Still, he resisted getting angry at young Rachel. None of this was her fault.
It was his for letting her get the teleporter. It was Hope's for introducing her to that psychotic Assassin... so they were both to blame; they would either both yell or neither.
He pulled the car to a stop, shutting it off and groaning to himself, not wanting to get out to face the parents.
Steph Grey parked the Corvette next to the tank in the driveway, popping open the door and pulling open Rachel's back door. "Alright, Rachel, we're home."
Without waiting for her to get out, he wanders towards the tank and opens the back hatch. "Let's get you some ice cream." he says, clamboring inside and getting at the cooler.
He got to work at the case of strawberry ice cream, absently grabbing a cone from a little dispenser that was sitting beside the cooler.
Without waiting for her to get out, he wanders towards the tank and opens the back hatch. "Let's get you some ice cream." he says, clamboring inside and getting at the cooler.
He got to work at the case of strawberry ice cream, absently grabbing a cone from a little dispenser that was sitting beside the cooler.
Steph Grey chuckled, grateful for the comic relief. "What, did you think I was lying?" He walks out the back hatch with a prepped ice cream cone for the girl, handing it to her kindly.
As soon as she took it, he would nod. "Let's go see mummy Hope."
As soon as she took it, he would nod. "Let's go see mummy Hope."
Steph Grey shakes his head quickly. "No, no need for that." he says, wondering exactly what those buttons would do.
He leads the girl up to the house and through the front door into the atrium, spotting Hope almost immediately. He didn't know what to say first, so he simply held the door open for Rachel with a sigh. He'd see how she reacted to seeing her daughter come home from a place that -wasn't- the play room.
He leads the girl up to the house and through the front door into the atrium, spotting Hope almost immediately. He didn't know what to say first, so he simply held the door open for Rachel with a sigh. He'd see how she reacted to seeing her daughter come home from a place that -wasn't- the play room.
Hope Anona looks up, sees Rachel with the ice cream and in Steph's presence and groans. "Rachel! Come here, you naughty child. Where ddi you go, and what did you do this time?" She demands. "And who gave you ice cream for doing it!"
Rachel looks immediately contrite. "I took Uncle Steph's telo-port thingy and went to the place where Unca Sassin works." She says, sniffling.
Rachel looks immediately contrite. "I took Uncle Steph's telo-port thingy and went to the place where Unca Sassin works." She says, sniffling.
Steph Grey sighs, taking a seat and shaking his head as he does so. "That pretty much sums it up... but seriously, Uncle Assassin?"
He had to hear her justify it. It was driving him nuts.
He had to hear her justify it. It was driving him nuts.
Hope Anona looks to Steph. "Oh yes. He gets to play 'Hostage' with Rachel when he needs to, and in return I receiced a vial full of some concotion that when put in water or juice will turn Talon into a vegetable. I merely need a chance to use it." She turns her attention back to Rachel and begins to scolds the child for stealing and disappearing like that. With a sigh, she ends the lecture by shakign her head. "Rachel, I love you dearling. But please, please don't do that again. You could have been hurt super bad."
Rachel looks horribly upset now and hugs her mom tightly. "I coulda died?"
"You coulda died."
Rachel looks horribly upset now and hugs her mom tightly. "I coulda died?"
"You coulda died."
Steph Grey groaned. That had to have been... bartering your daughter's safety for a poison Bow probably could have made in her sleep!? Hell, even Mina or Snow probably knew where to get that.
"In other news, said Assassin tried to show her how to use a flash bang grenade and damn near blew the poor girl's ears out. He doesn't know the meaning of "no" either, even when looking down the barrel of Azul."
He sighed. "And when did you think it was a good idea to give an Assassin a way to teleportively recall your daughter?"
"In other news, said Assassin tried to show her how to use a flash bang grenade and damn near blew the poor girl's ears out. He doesn't know the meaning of "no" either, even when looking down the barrel of Azul."
He sighed. "And when did you think it was a good idea to give an Assassin a way to teleportively recall your daughter?"
Hope Anona sends Rachel to her room to think over what she did and winces. "Well, he won't actually hurt her. If some one even tries, he's promised to take her to a safe place before going back to deal with the issue." She points out.
"He knew she was safe, and..." She shrugs sheepishly. "Was probably trying to be a good uncle, in his own way. His way is just a bit different."
"He knew she was safe, and..." She shrugs sheepishly. "Was probably trying to be a good uncle, in his own way. His way is just a bit different."
Steph Grey shook his head. "And what happens if the Council hires him again and he has a way to use your daughter as trap bait?"
A shit storm, that's what... and the group that they were, they would probably deal with it well enough, but still... he was quickly starting to see why Blade started drinking as heavily as he does.
A shit storm, that's what... and the group that they were, they would probably deal with it well enough, but still... he was quickly starting to see why Blade started drinking as heavily as he does.
Hope Anona raises an eyebrow and pulls a small device out of her goggles. "Override, duh. I pull her to me, and Get out of there." She points out calmly. "She's safe with him. He's one fo my best friends." She points out, looking annoyed.
"Listen, he won't hurt her or let her get hurt. Even if he tries to use her agaisnt us, he won't."
"Listen, he won't hurt her or let her get hurt. Even if he tries to use her agaisnt us, he won't."
Steph Grey groans, laying his head back in the sun chair, completely in disbelief. "I still can't believe you trust an assassin."
Which then signaled him to the irony that he too was an assassin. He suddenly felt like a moron... but then again, she had known him a lot longer... and his life is linked to hers because of his marriage to Snow.
Which suddenly scared the shit out of him, if this was the caution she was going to exercise.
"As long as you have a backup plan, but I still don't like it... that, and we need to keep our 'porters in the secure weapons locker or the tank for now on where she can't get to them.
God, he never considered how difficult it would be to child-proof a house with him and Blade living in it... he suddenly wondered how Bow managed to keep all of her medical chemicals out of her reach.
Which then signaled him to the irony that he too was an assassin. He suddenly felt like a moron... but then again, she had known him a lot longer... and his life is linked to hers because of his marriage to Snow.
Which suddenly scared the shit out of him, if this was the caution she was going to exercise.
"As long as you have a backup plan, but I still don't like it... that, and we need to keep our 'porters in the secure weapons locker or the tank for now on where she can't get to them.
God, he never considered how difficult it would be to child-proof a house with him and Blade living in it... he suddenly wondered how Bow managed to keep all of her medical chemicals out of her reach.
Hope Anona sighs. "Did she tell you about her wrist watch. The green button summons me there, no matter what I am doing. But the red button." she grisn sadistically. "If she's ever in danger, she needs to hit the red button and she'll be encased in a super hard, magic proof, bullet proof shield." She tells him, slightly annoyed her thought her so iresponsible. "Besides which, it also sommons a dragon to guard her. A huge one." She shrugs.
"More than that seemed overdone for the protection of one four year old girl, no matter how precious."
"More than that seemed overdone for the protection of one four year old girl, no matter how precious."
Steph Grey raised an eyebrow. "How the heck does a wrist watch summon a dragon?"
It did seem like overkill, but he was relieved that he appeared to be mistaken in the impression that Hope had completely left Rachel in the dark like that.
It did seem like overkill, but he was relieved that he appeared to be mistaken in the impression that Hope had completely left Rachel in the dark like that.
Hope Anona shrugs slightly. "Not really sure. But it works. I would suggest not testing it though. She knows not to touch the button unless she has no other choice." She pointed out calmly.
"I'll talk to the Assassin about suitable tiems to provide the child with weapons." She grumbles.
"I'll talk to the Assassin about suitable tiems to provide the child with weapons." She grumbles.
Steph Grey wanted to point out she was about to press them as they arrived home, but he left that as it was.
"Regardless... you know what happened and we'll leave it at that. I really need a drink..." he said sheepishly, but now too lazy to get up.
"Damnit, actually, I think I'm out of rum... ugh." He drank the last of it before his evening with Snow, he remembered. "I swear, Mina and Blade need to start pitching in if they're going to drink half my stash." he said with a joking grin.
"Regardless... you know what happened and we'll leave it at that. I really need a drink..." he said sheepishly, but now too lazy to get up.
"Damnit, actually, I think I'm out of rum... ugh." He drank the last of it before his evening with Snow, he remembered. "I swear, Mina and Blade need to start pitching in if they're going to drink half my stash." he said with a joking grin.
Hope Anona grins slightly. "Check the tank. There should be an unopened box there." She waves a hand. "If not, Snow owes me more1"
Steph Grey raised an eyebrow. "You've been hiding booze in my tank? Bah, I thought I was the only one who hid alcohol in there." he said with a chuckle.
A distant roar of a lion deep within his mind told him to stay away from it, though. "Ugh... I popped my Aspects in the bar when the Assassin started screwing around with the flashbang and I never sated them... I need to meditate soon or I'm going to be in a world of pain." he groaned. The last time this happened he ignored Kruxis' warning and his heart nearly stopped he was so sick.
A distant roar of a lion deep within his mind told him to stay away from it, though. "Ugh... I popped my Aspects in the bar when the Assassin started screwing around with the flashbang and I never sated them... I need to meditate soon or I'm going to be in a world of pain." he groaned. The last time this happened he ignored Kruxis' warning and his heart nearly stopped he was so sick.
Hope Anona nods and stretches. "Go meditate. I'll go let Rachel know i forgive her and to go play." she says with a grin. "She's a sweet child, but her insatiable curiosity is going to kill us one day."
Steph Grey sighed, finally standing up. "That's what I'm afraid of... because God knows, if one of us go down..."
He didn't even want to think about it. He shook his head out and started from the atrium towards the arch that lead further into the manor; he was going to the gardens in the back yard where he could listen to the most serene voices of the Mother; flowers.
He didn't even want to think about it. He shook his head out and started from the atrium towards the arch that lead further into the manor; he was going to the gardens in the back yard where he could listen to the most serene voices of the Mother; flowers.
Hope Anona walks in through the gates, carrying a small confused looking child on her shoulders. The little boy has lond hair and blue eyes and looks and smells as if he hasn't bathed in a month.
That doesn't stop Hope from being entirely pleased.
That doesn't stop Hope from being entirely pleased.
Blade Ulenna was laying on the grass in front of the manor closer to the porch, apparently quite relaxed. He was snoring away, but his rest was disturbed as he heard the gates open. The noise being so slight with the distance, it was still enough to wake him up and make him alert.
He sat up, seeing who it was... Hope was carrying a small child he didn't recognize.
Oh god. Goddesses, tell him it isn't true.
He sat up, seeing who it was... Hope was carrying a small child he didn't recognize.
Oh god. Goddesses, tell him it isn't true.
Hope Anona looked about the house for Kendra, almost dreading this confrontation. But she hadn't been able to sleep last night, and knew she needed to talk to her lady love.
Kendra Anona has just set Rachel down for her afternoon nap and Henry was playing outside with Steph. Bless the man, he was getting anxious and she was doing all she could to keep him distracted. Luckily, getting him to handle kids seemed to work pretty well so far.
Currently, she was washing dishes in the rather large country style kitchen, forgoing the dishwasher that they had built-in. She was definitely a housewife at heart.
Currently, she was washing dishes in the rather large country style kitchen, forgoing the dishwasher that they had built-in. She was definitely a housewife at heart.
Hope Anona founds her and smiled slightly, the scene touchign her heart. The woman wrapped her arms around her wife and smiled. "Hey. We have to talk, love. And what I'm going to say is gonna land me on the couch."
Kendra Anona really didn't like the sound of that, turning in her partner's embrace, frowning, still wiping a dish dry. “I sincerely doubt that, unless you went and gave our daughter to another grenade wielding stranger,” she chuckled, setting the dish down on the side with a ceramic clink on top the others.
Her hands settled over Hope's shoulders, clasping loosely at the back of the Shifter's neck.
Her hands settled over Hope's shoulders, clasping loosely at the back of the Shifter's neck.
Hope Anona winced. "Not quite. More like...Well." She mutters, rapid-fire, what she was confessing, obviously feeling horrible "IsortakindakissedNorrington."
Kendra Anona blinked, before laughing out loud at the speed with which her mate had spoken. “Slow down darling,” she urged, not even trying to decipher the... “Norrington?”
She wasn't sure whether to feel shocked or outraged, carefully playing back the rest of the sentence in her mind, falling backwards against the counter, a hand gripping it nervously. “Did you kiss him... or he you?”
She wasn't sure whether to feel shocked or outraged, carefully playing back the rest of the sentence in her mind, falling backwards against the counter, a hand gripping it nervously. “Did you kiss him... or he you?”
Steph Grey was cursing over... something, his feet dangling out of the hatch of the Ice Cream Truck which was parked in the lane way of the manor. It was a nice day, which in turn magnified the heat in the cockpit... just one more frustration to add to the list.
He had a call earlier that day from Gage Birse, warning him that the FBI found a way onto Terra and were coming after him. If that wasn't bad enough, they were apparently cooperating with the Aschen these days. That basically meant he couldn't spend much time in the bar anymore if he didn't want to get sniped out.
So instead of getting extremely drunk, he was trying to fix his tank, the main gun of which partly melted down from the plasma fire it took back on Telraxia. He was trying to replace the aiming joint, and it was not going well... needless to say most of the bolts holding it in place were completely melted down... and tank armor wasn't going to give in to conventional metal cutters.
He had a call earlier that day from Gage Birse, warning him that the FBI found a way onto Terra and were coming after him. If that wasn't bad enough, they were apparently cooperating with the Aschen these days. That basically meant he couldn't spend much time in the bar anymore if he didn't want to get sniped out.
So instead of getting extremely drunk, he was trying to fix his tank, the main gun of which partly melted down from the plasma fire it took back on Telraxia. He was trying to replace the aiming joint, and it was not going well... needless to say most of the bolts holding it in place were completely melted down... and tank armor wasn't going to give in to conventional metal cutters.
Dawn had brought awakening to the newly returned Grey, who had spent quite a few moments just lying in bed, wondering where the hell she was... until she had tilted on her side to recognise the person next to her. Steph. Oh. Home. Her sigh of relief and quirky smile of happiness was instantaneous, sliding out of bed.
When they had talked about their bedroom before she had left... Bloody hell, he hadn't been joking. This place was magnificent and as she gazed out the giant bay window to a few fields that she was positive belonged to the house, she felt her stress slowly melting away.
However, after she had left the bedroom, her frustration had quickly returned in a very different form and it was like this that she finally approached a rather big... garage, knocking on the steel shutter before sliding in the side-door. “Hello?” she called out, hoping to find someone in this godforsaken house.
“Please let someone be in here; I hate being lost,” she mumbled under her breath. Noises from inside the ice cream truck... tank, she mentally corrected suggested that she was definitely not alone.
When they had talked about their bedroom before she had left... Bloody hell, he hadn't been joking. This place was magnificent and as she gazed out the giant bay window to a few fields that she was positive belonged to the house, she felt her stress slowly melting away.
However, after she had left the bedroom, her frustration had quickly returned in a very different form and it was like this that she finally approached a rather big... garage, knocking on the steel shutter before sliding in the side-door. “Hello?” she called out, hoping to find someone in this godforsaken house.
“Please let someone be in here; I hate being lost,” she mumbled under her breath. Noises from inside the ice cream truck... tank, she mentally corrected suggested that she was definitely not alone.
Steph Grey popped out of the hatch with a grin on his face, being satisfied with having got some more terribly warped bolts out of place. The main gun barrel was now teetering like it was hanging in place by a thread.
He was about to swing the sledge hammer he was holding recklessly at the joint, when he saw Snow coming out of the garage in his direction. "Snow, babe!" he called out to her. "Sleep well?"
He was about to swing the sledge hammer he was holding recklessly at the joint, when he saw Snow coming out of the garage in his direction. "Snow, babe!" he called out to her. "Sleep well?"
Bright sunshine descended upon the whole area, illuminating the peculiarly designed tactical vehicle. She thought she had been imagining things yesterday but no, there it was. An Ice Cream Truck. As if on cue, the owner popped up through the hatch, a silly grin on his face for some reason.
His satisfaction came across in waves, reaching and looking awkwardly up at Steph as he noticed her presence. It seemed that clothes weren't in short supply around here, managing to acquire a decent pair of shorts and a vest top to combat the heat. Yet, there was still sweat on her brow.
For a second, she almost missed the coolness of the facility. Almost. “I've been out for days and days on a cold steel bed. I slept like a rock,” she returned with a bright smile, eyes appraisingly looking up and down the vehicle. 'Really?' she seemed to say with her expression.
His satisfaction came across in waves, reaching and looking awkwardly up at Steph as he noticed her presence. It seemed that clothes weren't in short supply around here, managing to acquire a decent pair of shorts and a vest top to combat the heat. Yet, there was still sweat on her brow.
For a second, she almost missed the coolness of the facility. Almost. “I've been out for days and days on a cold steel bed. I slept like a rock,” she returned with a bright smile, eyes appraisingly looking up and down the vehicle. 'Really?' she seemed to say with her expression.
Steph Grey sent back waves of relief when he felt her comfort for himself. Leaving the tank be for now, he set the hammer down on the rim of the hatch and jumped down to the tarmac, approaching his lover. "It's a running joke. Kendra didn't want Rachel exposed to a tank so... behold, the ice cream truck. Complete with an ice cream cooler mounted with the air conditioning." he said with a chuckle.
Snow Grey bit back a laugh at that, though a grin crept onto her lips. “Let it never be said that you are not sensitive to others' needs, eh?” she returned, before looking back at the tank. “I don't want to distract you though. That looks like it took a beating.”
Contradictory to her words, she began walking towards him as well. She knew next to nothing about vehicles so helping him was hardly productive. “Is there any ice cream in there? It's bloody hot out here,” she questioned with a curious smile.
Contradictory to her words, she began walking towards him as well. She knew next to nothing about vehicles so helping him was hardly productive. “Is there any ice cream in there? It's bloody hot out here,” she questioned with a curious smile.
Steph Grey nodded. "Yeah, just jump in the hatch and the cooler is at the opening into the passenger bay just behind the cockpit." he said, pointing to the top of the tank.
"God, it IS hot out here, isn't it?" he said, pulling off his T-shirt and using it as a sweat rag for his forehead before tossing it on the hull of the tank and jumping back up onto it, reaching for his hammer.
"God, it IS hot out here, isn't it?" he said, pulling off his T-shirt and using it as a sweat rag for his forehead before tossing it on the hull of the tank and jumping back up onto it, reaching for his hammer.
Snow Grey raised an eyebrow at his disrobing, edging around him towards the tank with a sly grin on her lips, hoisting herself up into the vehicle with minimal effort, gasping at the heat inside the cockpit. She had thought outside was bad!
“You want one too?” she called up, her head peeking out of the door, an arm supporting her against the hot metal just barely. She felt normal and boring and for once, was completely thrilled about it. It was good to be home.
“You want one too?” she called up, her head peeking out of the door, an arm supporting her against the hot metal just barely. She felt normal and boring and for once, was completely thrilled about it. It was good to be home.
Steph Grey shook his head, sliding the hammer into his grip. "Not until I'm done with this... I have to get this stupid thing off so I can measure it and go find a manufacturer who'll give me a replacement. The whole damn barrel is junk." he said with a sigh. "I wish Tucker was here. He did this shit like breathing..."
Snow Grey hesitated, closing the cooler again with a lamented sigh, swinging herself back out of the truck in a moment, beginning to clamber atop it with little effort. “Lemme help them. I have no idea what I can do, but two pairs of hands are better than one right?” she suggested, sitting herself beside him and the wasted gun barrel.
That was her fault; this difficulty. “Tucker? Another friend like Gage?” she asked placidly, placing a hand around the twisted metal and giving a firm tug. It shifted ever so slightly to the left with that small effort.
Dexterous no. Strong; oh yes.
That was her fault; this difficulty. “Tucker? Another friend like Gage?” she asked placidly, placing a hand around the twisted metal and giving a firm tug. It shifted ever so slightly to the left with that small effort.
Dexterous no. Strong; oh yes.
Steph Grey nodded, digging the head of the hammer into the broken metal of the joint to gain mechanical leverage to help pull it off. "Yeah... same squad, Tucker was our mechanics genius and tech geek. He was always the one telling the other techs to get out of the way during pre-op prep. He got job offers for higher up R&D stuff alll of the time but for some reason, he always stuck with us black ops spooks. Although he's behind a desk now, he got shot up bad during the hunt for Bin-Laden and'll probably never fight again,. let alone do tank repairs."
He sighed and gave a tug at the barrel joint, causing it to shift more. A little more effort from the two and it would definitely come ajar...
He sighed and gave a tug at the barrel joint, causing it to shift more. A little more effort from the two and it would definitely come ajar...
Snow Grey stayed focused on tugging at the metal as he relayed the past of the unfortunate Tucker, her eyes almost closed over as she squinted in the sunlight. “I don't blame him; good teammates like you and Gage don't come along very often,” she said respectfully, a hint of pride in what could be seen of her reddish eyes.
Bin-Laden rang a bell somewhere in her mind from her years upon Earth but otherwise, her attention focused on the metal lump as it came free from the fitting. Success came easily today, it seemed. “There you go...” she said, giving Steph a side-long look. “You know, Shifter healers are a lot better than human ones. We could talk to Bow about your ex-comrade. You should do as much as you can for those you respect and like.”
Bin-Laden rang a bell somewhere in her mind from her years upon Earth but otherwise, her attention focused on the metal lump as it came free from the fitting. Success came easily today, it seemed. “There you go...” she said, giving Steph a side-long look. “You know, Shifter healers are a lot better than human ones. We could talk to Bow about your ex-comrade. You should do as much as you can for those you respect and like.”
Steph Grey slumped the barrel over and kicked it off of the hull, rolling it over the edge until it slammed down on the tarmc. Then, he pickd up his T-shirt again and wwiped off the sweat he was working up. "I already thought about that, but I can't risk contact back to Earth. Too many people want me dead over there... and besides, he has a spinal. If he suddenly recovered from that without a recorded explanation the FBI will know exactly what happened and will be on my like flies to shit."
He huffed a deep breath of physical relief as he sat down next to his dearest. "I'll take the measurements later... god knows it might just be cheaper in the end to get another tank but whatever. I have other things to think about..."
He huffed a deep breath of physical relief as he sat down next to his dearest. "I'll take the measurements later... god knows it might just be cheaper in the end to get another tank but whatever. I have other things to think about..."
Snow Grey watched the barrel roll off the truck with a measure of surprise, flinching notably as it collided dully with the black surface. “You know we could get him cured without you even being involved Steph, except in primary contact,” she looked at him sidelong, tilting herself so the sun was at her back.
Now she could actually look at him, her eyes narrowed in concern. “Like what?” she urged, reaching a hand forward to touch his knee, trying to take the hammer away from him with her free one. He hardly needed it now. “We can fix the truck. We've got time and I'm sure equipment somewhere in this house.”
Now she could actually look at him, her eyes narrowed in concern. “Like what?” she urged, reaching a hand forward to touch his knee, trying to take the hammer away from him with her free one. He hardly needed it now. “We can fix the truck. We've got time and I'm sure equipment somewhere in this house.”
Hope Anona blushed. "Well, he kissed me. But I sorta kissed back..." she looks highly ashamed of herself. "I disappeared mid kiss. I couldn't believe I did that! I just...reacted.
It was impossible to for her to hide the sheer mortification, shaking her head in near disbelief. This wasn't happening... “I... When?” She choked out the words, looking deeply wounded. Kendra herself had pushed him away immediately but Hope had... oh God.
Hope Anona sniffed. "A few days ago. It was raining, and he took me for a swim. He has this trick wiht an umbrella. I didn't mean to! I just...responded." Tears were in her eyes and the woman looked truly sad.
With speed of mind that Kendra hadn't known she possessed, she calculated that to be... after Norrington had done the same to her. Her reaction was instantaneous, shaking her head in disbelief. “He tried to do the same to me; just before he tried it with you. When I see him next... I'll... I'll!”
He had not only made her feel bad for rejecting him, but then he had tried it on with Hope. That... just wasn't acceptable! “Sweetheart,” she soothed, her hands caressing her mate lovingly, trying to calm her. “It wasn't your fault, okay?”
He had not only made her feel bad for rejecting him, but then he had tried it on with Hope. That... just wasn't acceptable! “Sweetheart,” she soothed, her hands caressing her mate lovingly, trying to calm her. “It wasn't your fault, okay?”
Hope Anona looked up at Kendra, wide eyes, and hugged her mate desperately. "I'm sorry! i though he was my friend. I never meant to!" She clung to Kendra, tears in her eyes.
Kendra Anona smiled down at her mate, all smiles and comfort for her, forcing her outrage into another recess until she came across Norrington next. “I know... I know... it's okay; there's no need to cry. I believe you,” she reassured, rocking Hope gently in her arms.
Kendra Anona gave a rather dark smile that was reminiscent of their Darks, neither shaking or nodding her head. “I'm disappointed and hurt that you kissed him back my heart, don't ever dispute that, but... I can't get angry at you for falling for his show when I did the same.”
She carefully left out the part where she had almost jumped off the water torrent to get away from him, looking pained for a moment. “Besides, how would I punish you any more than it seems you've done yourself? You need comfort and support from me, not rejection.”
She carefully left out the part where she had almost jumped off the water torrent to get away from him, looking pained for a moment. “Besides, how would I punish you any more than it seems you've done yourself? You need comfort and support from me, not rejection.”
Hope Anona clung to her mate, trying to balance herself. "Thank you. I'm so sorry. Sorry, sorry, sorry." At this point, she's slipped into her native tongue, though Kendra's implant was no doubt translating it.
Kendra Anona took Hope against her with a smile, holding her tightly. “You're welcome and stop apologising; in any language!” she urged, running a hand through Hope's hair. Nothing else mattered in that moment other than making her mate feel okay.
Snow Grey was waiting out in the back garden for her sister – finally. She'd gone through a rather pleasant meeting with Blade before this, solely so she could tell everything to Hope. No lies. Hopefully she wouldn't be too upset, not after she explained. Her rather optimistic meeting had set her in a rather rational mindset, one that meant she could tackle her sister's emotions with ease.
Sitting on a wooden swing, she waited.
Sitting on a wooden swing, she waited.
Hope Anona made her way out to the back garden, knowing she'd ifnd ehr sister there, and hoping her sister would be fine. The woman glanced around and spotted Snow immediately. She couldn't help herself.
Hope raced over to Snow as fast as she could and half tackled her sister in a tight hug, tears streaming down her face. "Snow!"
Hope raced over to Snow as fast as she could and half tackled her sister in a tight hug, tears streaming down her face. "Snow!"
The rather powerful hug took the Grey off balance, just managing to keep her grip on her sister secure, holding her fiercely. “Hope... my dear sister. Forgive me,” she whispered softly, stroking Hope's back with a smile of relief.
Hope Anona cried tears of relief as she clung to ehr sister. It was a few moments before she was able to regain control over herself, and even then, she held on tight. "There's nothign to forgive. Are you okay? All in one piece?" She asked, clearly concerend. "I'll kill him! kill him, kill him kill him!"
Snow Grey gave her sister the time she needed to cry and calm, though notably neither of them relented on their fierce hold of one another. It had been too long apart. “All in one piece I assure you,” she said, a frown forming on her lips.
“No Hope. Talon will get what's coming to him in due course – for all his crimes. For now, he is just a gnat compared to some of our other problems, like the curfew back home and...” A sigh of discontentment. “There's a facility here in Wing City. I've... already spoken to Kendra and the children and now... I just need to speak to you. Please... don't go outside our safe zone unless you're with one of us – Blade, Steph, me or even Norrington.”
Even though she had said please, the tone of Snow's voice indicated that she wasn't asking; she was politely instructing.
“No Hope. Talon will get what's coming to him in due course – for all his crimes. For now, he is just a gnat compared to some of our other problems, like the curfew back home and...” A sigh of discontentment. “There's a facility here in Wing City. I've... already spoken to Kendra and the children and now... I just need to speak to you. Please... don't go outside our safe zone unless you're with one of us – Blade, Steph, me or even Norrington.”
Even though she had said please, the tone of Snow's voice indicated that she wasn't asking; she was politely instructing.
Hope Anona went perfectly still at the instruction, thinking it over, though she clung desperately for her sister. Slowly, she nodded, holding tightly to her sister. "Okay. I'll stick close to you guys." she said quietly, agreeing. She sniffed and clung tightly to her sister.
"Never again, mmkay? I was so scared the entire time, and thent hey went off and elft em here and-" She bursts into tears once more.
"Never again, mmkay? I was so scared the entire time, and thent hey went off and elft em here and-" She bursts into tears once more.
The intense relief at Hope's agreement made Snow lose her composure for a moment. So this was what it felt like to be Blade. Huh. “Thank you; watch the children closely as well, wrapping her arms a little more securely around her Light. “Agreed; I'm never going anywhere without back-up ever again.”
The cost was simply too high. “I know they did, but you should have seen them Hope. They were in and out within five minutes. Just the two of them. Any more would have been... look, I'm home and everyone is safe. That's all that matters.”
The cost was simply too high. “I know they did, but you should have seen them Hope. They were in and out within five minutes. Just the two of them. Any more would have been... look, I'm home and everyone is safe. That's all that matters.”
Hope Anona hugged her twin tighter, shivering slightly. "I'm glad you're save. I-" She winced, knowing Snow would shoot the plan down. "I think I know how to end it all, Snow." She said quietly, hiding her face. "You wont' like it. At all."
Snow Grey raised an eyebrow, the prospect of an end to all of this much too tempting not to ask, but how high would the cost be? “Just because I might not like it shouldn't be a reason not to hear it. Come on; it can't be that bad.”
Hope Anona winced and clung to her sister. "I. I still have one meeting with Talon. I'm going to let him go with me. Norrington gave me some coma-juice, to send him straight into a coma. If we get Winnie on the throne again, while I deal with Talon..." She said quietly.
"As long as Blade and Winnie are mated, once Winnie sits on the throne again. Blade becomes First Dark. The mix shouldn't effect Winnie at all, jsut Talon."
"As long as Blade and Winnie are mated, once Winnie sits on the throne again. Blade becomes First Dark. The mix shouldn't effect Winnie at all, jsut Talon."
Her initial response came out in a fierce, feral growl. “Absolutely not! I just got a verbal beating off Blade for putting you at risk by being an idiot. There are other options Hope; we're a group of nearly all Shifters. One of us could become you – go in your place...”
Besides, you owe Talon nothing but that coma injection. She snarled angrily. “He broke the deal when he bloody gassed me, my Light. No way am I letting you go alone, especially when the terms were that I was to be present at every meeting.”
The bare bones of the plan weren't terrible though... and Blade and Winnie would make a good pair on the throne. At least Blade listened to the queen. “It's not a bad plan Hope, but you're not going to see him. I'd sever myself from you and die first,” she declared harshly.
Besides, you owe Talon nothing but that coma injection. She snarled angrily. “He broke the deal when he bloody gassed me, my Light. No way am I letting you go alone, especially when the terms were that I was to be present at every meeting.”
The bare bones of the plan weren't terrible though... and Blade and Winnie would make a good pair on the throne. At least Blade listened to the queen. “It's not a bad plan Hope, but you're not going to see him. I'd sever myself from you and die first,” she declared harshly.
[i]So much for keeping your cool, Snow thought drily, allowing Hope to cling to her again and shaking her head most vehemently. “I wouldn't... you know I wouldn't, but that should tell you how much I'm against you attempting this...”
Then she stopped. Her Hope was the chosen one; the one destined to bring about... She looked mortified. What if it had to be Hope? Oh Goddesses! “I am your twin and I will never leave. I promise!” she vowed, shifting off the swing to bring them both gently to the ground, her sister's weight barely a trouble to move./i]
Then she stopped. Her Hope was the chosen one; the one destined to bring about... She looked mortified. What if it had to be Hope? Oh Goddesses! “I am your twin and I will never leave. I promise!” she vowed, shifting off the swing to bring them both gently to the ground, her sister's weight barely a trouble to move./i]
Hope Anona clung tightly to her sister, curling up in her lap and nodding. "Okay. You better not." she murmured quietly. "I don't want to lose you. Not again." She murmured, slowly calming down.
Her mind focuses and she clung even tighter to her twin, no doubt bruising her at this point. "He gassed you? She asked, not liking the sound of that. "Maybe...maybe if Whistle did it. Blade needs to be with Winnie, to get her to the throne room, and you aren't doing it." she said, very firmly. "I won't let you!"
Her mind focuses and she clung even tighter to her twin, no doubt bruising her at this point. "He gassed you? She asked, not liking the sound of that. "Maybe...maybe if Whistle did it. Blade needs to be with Winnie, to get her to the throne room, and you aren't doing it." she said, very firmly. "I won't let you!"
Snow Grey obligingly cuddled her sister up against her, not bothering about being overlooked like this in their highly protected home. “You won't; I promise,” she vowed softly, barely audible.
Hope's fingers were clinging painfully tight to her body by this point but it wasn't anything that Snow hadn't felt before, avoiding answering her twin's question. Admitting her ordeal to Blade had been hard enough; she couldn't stand to see the horror in her Light's eyes. His sympathy had been comforting, at least.
“Whistle is a possibility, as you're right, Blade would need to be with Winnie and I couldn't do it, as much as I want to drive that needle home myself. Steph and I will need to be ready to be back-up. Kendra and the children I'd definitely leave here, as I would you if I thought you'd stay put.”
Hope's fingers were clinging painfully tight to her body by this point but it wasn't anything that Snow hadn't felt before, avoiding answering her twin's question. Admitting her ordeal to Blade had been hard enough; she couldn't stand to see the horror in her Light's eyes. His sympathy had been comforting, at least.
“Whistle is a possibility, as you're right, Blade would need to be with Winnie and I couldn't do it, as much as I want to drive that needle home myself. Steph and I will need to be ready to be back-up. Kendra and the children I'd definitely leave here, as I would you if I thought you'd stay put.”
Hope Anona smiled lightly. "I'll ask Norrington to protect Kendra and the kids. With the defenses we have here, he should be able to handle it on his own." She said quietly. "Whistle may know someone willing, if she says no, and you're right. I wouldn't stay behind." She thought it over quickly. "If Whistle agrees, I'll go with Blade and Winnie, to help out there." She said quietly.
She relaxed her grip slightly. "Is that okay?"
She relaxed her grip slightly. "Is that okay?"
Snow Grey breathed a sigh of relief, nodding in compliance with Hope's edited idea. It was sound, employing nearly all their resources, giving everyone roles that they'd be able to fulfil to the best of their ability.
It just might work. She smothered down the potential end in sight that it raised in her, looking down at her twin with a very proud smile. “You're hardly an average Light and Blade will need all the help he can get. It's more than okay. We knew at the end that it was going to take nearly all of us to do this and Kendra's part will be played before the final enactment, creating equipment that we're going to need.”
Her thoughts flitted through potential body doubles for Hope, coming up fairly trumps. “Once we've discussed the idea with the others, we can start to consider concrete plans. This might actually work, Hope.”
It just might work. She smothered down the potential end in sight that it raised in her, looking down at her twin with a very proud smile. “You're hardly an average Light and Blade will need all the help he can get. It's more than okay. We knew at the end that it was going to take nearly all of us to do this and Kendra's part will be played before the final enactment, creating equipment that we're going to need.”
Her thoughts flitted through potential body doubles for Hope, coming up fairly trumps. “Once we've discussed the idea with the others, we can start to consider concrete plans. This might actually work, Hope.”
Hope Anona beamed brightly, not telling her sister that she intended to send her double with Blade and Winnie, rather than go herself. She. She had to do this, just had to. It was the only way. The woman hugged her sister happily. "I'm glad you're back Snow. Everything is crazy here. Between the stupid revolution and Norrington, everythign is insane!"
Snow Grey returned the hug heartily, nodding. “So am I, but what's going on with Norrington? The revolution I'm quite well clued in on, but what is he doing?” she enquired, looking suspicious. As far as she knew, he was just Rachel's uncle Ssassin.
Hope Anona grinned slightly. "You should hear him! He wants to be wiht Kendra and I. Not in a sexual way, but kind of like a pet cat, s'far as I can tell. Or as he puts it, better than best friend, but not as much as lover." He was a nutter in her mind, but a harmless one.
"He said he wanted to share a bed wiht Kendra and I, but not in a sexual way. It's very confusing!"
"He said he wanted to share a bed wiht Kendra and I, but not in a sexual way. It's very confusing!"
Well, that was a startling change of topic, Snow thought with not a small bit of confusion. “He... wants to be... like a third, non-sexual partner?” she questioned succinctly, chuckling in amusement. “So that explains his awkwardness with Kendra earlier. She doesn't strike me as the type to take that well.”
Hope Anona snickered. "No. I'm...coping, but I still freak out occasionally. He wants kisses included, and doesn't hesitate to kiss us. Unfortunately." Twice now, he had kissed Hope, though she was so high the second time, she coudln't recall it.
Snow Grey was torn between telling this somewhat stranger what for when it came to her sister and her mate and simply letting things take their course naturally. “Coping... right. Well, I can't say I'm pleased but if it's what you want, then... Okay. Just be careful. Kendra is very devoted to you and the children.”
Kissing other people didn't sound like something a couple did; not to Snow anyway. Luckily she trusted Steph with her life – literally – but if another woman or man tried to move on him... well, she couldn't be held responsible for her actions.
Kissing other people didn't sound like something a couple did; not to Snow anyway. Luckily she trusted Steph with her life – literally – but if another woman or man tried to move on him... well, she couldn't be held responsible for her actions.
Hope Anona clung tightly to her twin and smiled. "Yeah. Kendra is my heart and soul. she's my reason for living. I. I wouldn't never betray her in anyway." She said quietly, a peaceful loving smile on ehr face at the thought of Kendra
Hope Anona had a doll in hand, putting the clothes back on the little thing. Near her, Rachel was fast asleep in her princess sleeping bag a doll in her arms, and Henry lay next to her, snuggle with a teddy and wrapped up in his own Power Rangers bag. The two were fast asleep, and is was clear Hope was merely re-dressing the little girl's nude dolls.
How they all ended up naked, she never knew. Children were so confusing. Adorable, but confusing.
How they all ended up naked, she never knew. Children were so confusing. Adorable, but confusing.
Kendra Anona was leaning against the doorframe to the play room, mustering up the courage to speak to her mate, knowing it wasn't going to be a fun conversation. Despite everything, she did like spending time with Norrington but... she wanted to be with Hope alone.
Sharing... wasn't in her, not when it came to that sense. “Dear heart,” she whispered, watching her love redress the dolls that Rachel seemed to enjoy stripping down. Their little girl hadn't quite got the grasp of putting the clothes back on yet. “Can you come outside for a minute?”
Sharing... wasn't in her, not when it came to that sense. “Dear heart,” she whispered, watching her love redress the dolls that Rachel seemed to enjoy stripping down. Their little girl hadn't quite got the grasp of putting the clothes back on yet. “Can you come outside for a minute?”
Hope Anona glanced up at the doorway and smiled brightly, placing the doll on the ground and heading straight to her love. Unable to help herself, she greeted Kendra with a kiss, if allowed.
"What do you need, my heart?" She murmured, so as to not wake the children. She held Henry's transporter in her pocket, so at least she didn't have to worry about that.
"What do you need, my heart?" She murmured, so as to not wake the children. She held Henry's transporter in her pocket, so at least she didn't have to worry about that.
The young woman returned the kiss gently, smiling weakly as she realised quite how lucky she was to have such good friends around her, even if making her do the right thing meant... “I'm not happy,” she admitted, grey eyes sliding closed as she tried to cover her face with her hands.
This was worse than she had imagined.
This was worse than she had imagined.
“I don't want to make anyone else unhappy... everything would be alright I thought... but then I spoke with Lucian and he...” She hiccuped, leaning into the embrace, taking both strength and love from it. “I thought I could bear this one discomfort for you. Your happiness is more important to me than anything!”
She took in a deep breath and then, slowly drew her face up from her hands, thankfully not crying yet. “I know Norrington means no harm but... you're my mate. No one else's. I'm so sorry.”
She took in a deep breath and then, slowly drew her face up from her hands, thankfully not crying yet. “I know Norrington means no harm but... you're my mate. No one else's. I'm so sorry.”
Hope Anona smiled gently, and kissed her mate's forehead. Was that it? Oh Kendra. She smiled down at her, her gentlest most loving smile, and pushed the issue of who Lucian was out of her mind.
"Than consider it done. I'll let Norrington know it won't work out, okay?" She was actually thoroughly touched the Kendra was so possessive over her. "I promise, my feelings aren't hurt, and I don't mind at all."
"You're happiness is more important to me than anything else, my heart. If there is ever a problem, just let me know." Norrington would be upset, but he could deal with it.
"Than consider it done. I'll let Norrington know it won't work out, okay?" She was actually thoroughly touched the Kendra was so possessive over her. "I promise, my feelings aren't hurt, and I don't mind at all."
"You're happiness is more important to me than anything else, my heart. If there is ever a problem, just let me know." Norrington would be upset, but he could deal with it.
Kendra Anona stared at her mate like she'd never seen her before, blinking before a slow smile crept across her lips. It wasn't particularly strong or a happy smile but still, it was something. “I... Oh Hope,” she mumbled out, her hands finally reaching around the Shifter to hug her fiercely, burying her head against her shoulder.
“Thank you, my dear heart.” Her words were breathed but earnestly meant. “I will in the future; I just... there's so much going on and by comparison... I didn't want to distract you.”
“Thank you, my dear heart.” Her words were breathed but earnestly meant. “I will in the future; I just... there's so much going on and by comparison... I didn't want to distract you.”
Kendra Anona nodded against her mate with a muttering that might have been a 'thank you'. “I know... I should have known on my own, but... I know you want this to be over; for everyone to be safe again. So, I thought it could wait until afterwards, you know?” The architect's voice was small, but muffled as she drew away from Hope.
“And you to me. Selfless as each other. I'm sorry. I think you liked Norrington a lot. That way.” It was strange; she seemed to have no trouble saying it, believing that her mate was quite allowed to fancy other people, just not go after them. Yes. That was well.
“And you to me. Selfless as each other. I'm sorry. I think you liked Norrington a lot. That way.” It was strange; she seemed to have no trouble saying it, believing that her mate was quite allowed to fancy other people, just not go after them. Yes. That was well.
Hope Anona grinned. "Norrington is more like a brother to me. You are my own and only. I think he just has me and you both all confused as to what he wants. Or maybe I'm just too dense, yeah?" She smiled and shook her head. "You have my heart Kendra. Just you."
Norrington was more her best friend, then anything else.
Norrington was more her best friend, then anything else.
Kendra Anona couldn't help but agree. “Very confused. Brothers don't kiss their sisters,” she admitted with a frown before waving a hand, brushing that train of thought aside. Instead, she leaned into her mate for another kiss, sighing happily.
“And you have mine, Hope. Forever and always.”
“And you have mine, Hope. Forever and always.”
Hope Anona was just more confused by this fact, but shrugged it off and accepted it. Kendra would surely know. Humans were far too confusing. The woman returned the kiss and smiled slightly. Everything was good in her world once more. Most definitely.
The setting changes from Country Home to Steph's Apartment
Wing of House Erutin waited impatiently for someone to arrive in teh old apartment. SHe shoudlnt be here, where the dooe was still broken down, but on the other hand, how could she possibly resist?
The setting changes from Steph's Apartment to The Palace
Wing of House Erutin was lounging across her throne, a fine art she had learned from Hope. It was a bit odd, she decided, to be sitting sideways so, and really, anyone could come in any moment, and it would be horrible for her image...
But it reminded her of simpler times, and so she lounged.
But it reminded her of simpler times, and so she lounged.
Blade Ulenna pushed the large, ornate main doors of the throne room open wearily. A fully armored and quite scuffed looking First Dark groaned the moment the door was shut beside him. He shifted his shoulders which gave off loud cracks from the movement. Not really caring where they ended up, he unlocked the latches on his pauldrons and let the shoulderguards drop to the floor loudly, further freeing his apparently sore shoulders.
He almost went to kneel as he approached the throne, and then he remembered. Amongst all of his responsibilities, breaking those old habits were proving to be one of the biggest pains in the ass. Then, he stopped on the aisle, not sure what he wanted to do. Go to bed? Did he have anything else urgent to take care of?
He almost went to kneel as he approached the throne, and then he remembered. Amongst all of his responsibilities, breaking those old habits were proving to be one of the biggest pains in the ass. Then, he stopped on the aisle, not sure what he wanted to do. Go to bed? Did he have anything else urgent to take care of?
Wing of House Erutin sat up straight and then got off her throne, and walked straight up to her mate. "You have had a very long day. I can tell just looking at you." she murmured and began to give him a shoulder rub. "Are people still fighting?"
She needed Hope better for this reason. The Light was able to unite a bunch of fools easier than her Queen ever could.
She needed Hope better for this reason. The Light was able to unite a bunch of fools easier than her Queen ever could.
Blade Ulenna sighed, but it was a relieved sigh at the tension being kneaded out of his shoulders. "People will always fight. Just, for now, they fight for a reason that is now on my shoulders to correct... but honestly, I need to learn to delegate. Or I need to pick a successor. I'm not so sure Snow is going to accept."
Wing of House Erutin smiled slightly. "I doubt it. Not with Kendra missing. And you need a successor if only because you're king now, my love. You can't constantly battle." She pointed out, knowing he didn't want to even think that. "Run the candidates by me, and I'll help."
Blade Ulenna shook his head, clearly frustrated. He slipped armored gloves off onto the floor and placed his admittedly dirty hands on her sides. "That's percisely the problem. At the moment, there are no other candidates. We're talking about choosing someone to be trusted with your protection. Especially while we border on civil war, there are only so many I can trust."
Wing of House Erutin smiled and wrapped her hands around his neck. "You are my protection. They are merely auxiliary fro now. In the event of an emergency, I'll go visit Miss Rebel Legend, as they're calling her, via Spiral." She smiled at him and kissed the edge of his lips.
"Now. What about Whistle? She has experience in the Guard? Perhaps Wave? Rock is fairly bright also."
"Now. What about Whistle? She has experience in the Guard? Perhaps Wave? Rock is fairly bright also."
Blade Ulenna frowned. "If I have to pick anyone else from the current guard, it will be Shield. He is both dependable and capable, but he still isn't as versatile as I'd like. Perhaps with more training he will befit the position." He instead offered her a stronger kiss, showing off his relief that he was back with her in the castle after such an eventful day.
"Or we could skip all of the nonsense if Snow would accept the role.
"Or we could skip all of the nonsense if Snow would accept the role.
Wing of House Erutin grinned at him and kissed him back, quit passionately. "We could. But you and I both know she won't. And versatility can be taught. Tell Shield about the offer, explain the hesitation. You can hand over the basic duties to him, and help him with the bigger things." She smiled gently at him and began to sway. "In the meantime, I could use you here. The Dark Council is refusing to listen to me."
Blade Ulenna sighed. "I have no doubt they are. I just returned from wrecking one of their main compounds in the city. Darks loyal to Talon are using it as a base. Thankfully, the Council won't have much power left after that. We could quite frankly have the lot of them executed and replaced and call it a political reform, should we desire."
Wing of House Erutin looked uneasy at that and hid her face in his chest. "I shall promise to think of it, but I would rather merely replace them with more forward thinking Darks. But the Dark Council is your responsibility Mr. Guard."
She smiled up at him. "Has Bow checked on Hope today?"
She smiled up at him. "Has Bow checked on Hope today?"
Blade Ulenna wrapped his arms around her totally, now, affectionately holding her to himself; but not so tight she would be pressed against the dirty armor plate he was still wearing. "I haven't heard from Bow yet today, but she is prompt in her duties. I don't even think there is a need to ask her."
Wing of House Erutin nodded. "As long as there is continued improvement, I'll be happy. I just wish there was more I could do to help out. I feel so guilty." She sighed and began to unbuckle his plate armor.
"I am getting this off of you. We're perfectly safe in the palace. Plus, I want to be pressed against your flesh, not a cold piece of metal."
"I am getting this off of you. We're perfectly safe in the palace. Plus, I want to be pressed against your flesh, not a cold piece of metal."
Blade Ulenna backed away from her, getting at the buckles that she didn't and letting it all fall away from him. He stretched widely once he was completely free, opting to slide past her into the throne, lifting her gently on the way there and sitting her on his lap.
"There's nothing to be guilty about, love. You've done your part in setting this into motion. War is my business."
"There's nothing to be guilty about, love. You've done your part in setting this into motion. War is my business."
Wing of House Erutin smiled and curled up on his lap. "Too true. I couldn't even stomach all the crashing and banging of retaking the palace." She grinned slightly. "Which they finally finished repairing today! Down to the last, finally!" She grinned ever so slightly and kissed him.
"Out fo all of us, you caused the most damage."
"Out fo all of us, you caused the most damage."
Blade Ulenna grinned, recieving the kiss gladly. "What can I say, I was in quite the hurry, after all." He held his lover to him tightly, stroking her gently.
Wing of House Erutin laughed and squirmed in his lap. "There are hurries and then there are hurries, my handsome king." She purred the last three words, runnign a finger down his chest.
Blade Ulenna smiled. "It was nothing they could fix promptly." Her wandering finger was met with a light kiss to the forehead, shifting her slightly in on his lap so she would be more intimate and comfortable.
Wing of House Erutin smiled slightly and rested against him. "Mmm. I love you, my Blade and King." She murmured, relaxing on his lap. Despite her earlier lounging, she was just as tense as he had been when he entered, though for very different reasons.
Blade Ulenna smield warmly. "I love you too." He hugged her tightly and held her there. "I just wish we had more time to relax so soon after our wedding."
Wing of House Erutin smiled slightly. "There's always the nights. I enjoy those the best. And we'll have them to ourselves until we finally have an heir." She pointed out, purring happily.
Wing of House Erutin grinned and shook her head. "Not too much. Though we can always claim to be constantly working on heirs. Considering how accident prone our people are..." She trailed off meaningfully.
"And I enjoy our nights more than I enjoyed you bringing my rose tea. Though that was perhaps, the best ritual we have ever done."
"And I enjoy our nights more than I enjoyed you bringing my rose tea. Though that was perhaps, the best ritual we have ever done."
Blade Ulenna nodded. "Once things settle down, I swear to you it will be like it was at the home again."
Wing of House Erutin smiled slightly. "I am glad. I miss those stolen moments over tea. I fear I haven't touched a cup since home. I don't think I will either. Not until things are as they should be."
Blade Ulenna kissed her gently. "Wise indeed. We wouldn't want to spoil the pleasure of it, would we?"
Wing of House Erutin returned the light kiss and smiled. "Never. Besides. No one in the palace makes my tea as perfectly as you do." She smiled slightly and kissed him a bit more passionately. "I should tell you now. The tailor has finished your regalia. And I can't wait to see you in it. Though I don't promise we would make it quite to our own room."
Blade Ulenna groaned playfully. "Regalia? More uniforms? Bah. I'm the king now, can't I change that?" he said with a chuckle.
Wing of House Erutin grinned and whispered in his ear. "But I love seeing you in uniform. It makes you look even more powerful that you already are." She traced his jaw to emphasize how very much she enjoyed it.
Wing of House Erutin smiled happily and leaned against him. "Mm. Thank you. I promise you never have to wear it outside of ceremonies, my heart. You're more than handsome enough without it.":
Blade Ulenna replied without words, instead closing the gap again and kissing her neck smoothly and holding her against him. His grip around her lowered so that his arms were closer to her waist so he could pull her even closer to him.
Wing of House Erutin smiled at his tenderness and held him close as well, kissing his cheek lovingly. He was her world and she loved him dearly for it.
The setting changes from The Palace to Country Home
Steph Grey sat alone on the larger of the leather couches in the Home, stretched out so his back could relax some more in a chair that wasn't his car seat. As awesome as the car was, no matter how comfy a seat is, being locked in the same position for hours gets irritating.
In one hand, a M1911 .45 ACP hung loosely just out of habit of always having a gun on hand, and in the other, a corked bottle of scotch. Was he grieving? A little of each, actually. Their team had pulled off a stunning victory; but at the worst cost; an innocent, Kendra, was lost in the chaos.
See, when a soldier dies, everyone accepts the loss and goes on with their life proud that they died honorably. But when an innocent dies and all the soldiers survive... that's the worst feeling. The guilt. It should have been me.
While Hope was undoubtly going through the most pain, Steph had his own burden.
I should have been faster. I should have been here.
The scotch didn't help much.
In one hand, a M1911 .45 ACP hung loosely just out of habit of always having a gun on hand, and in the other, a corked bottle of scotch. Was he grieving? A little of each, actually. Their team had pulled off a stunning victory; but at the worst cost; an innocent, Kendra, was lost in the chaos.
See, when a soldier dies, everyone accepts the loss and goes on with their life proud that they died honorably. But when an innocent dies and all the soldiers survive... that's the worst feeling. The guilt. It should have been me.
While Hope was undoubtly going through the most pain, Steph had his own burden.
I should have been faster. I should have been here.
The scotch didn't help much.
For a while, time had stood still in the Home. Of all their occupants prior to the resolution, only Hope, Snow, Steph and the children remained. The logical departures she understood and easily accepted but... the sacrifice made by Hope and Kendra would not release its iron grip upon her conscience. Whilst Hope had banished herself to temporary, if painful insanity, Snow had been entirely lucid.
Every moment that she could spare away from Hope and Steph had been seized, searching for glimpses and rumours of their lost cell member. The broken bond meant they didn't even know if she lived. That hurt most. Snow could give her twin no answers; no closure.
The front door closed with a click, the Dark cursing a little under her breath at another fruitless day. Blade's offer looked more and more tempting by the hour, but that would mean giving up on Kendra.
Actually moving on. “Right, because any of us are doing that well,” she muttered beneath her breath, opening the living room door and slipping in. It was a measure of surprise and a frown that she noticed Steph.
“Don't.”
The scotch in his hand had her full gaze for a moment. “This... isn't working,” Snow admitted, raising her eyes to meet his meaningfully. “Hope's improving but we're still grieving.”
Every moment that she could spare away from Hope and Steph had been seized, searching for glimpses and rumours of their lost cell member. The broken bond meant they didn't even know if she lived. That hurt most. Snow could give her twin no answers; no closure.
The front door closed with a click, the Dark cursing a little under her breath at another fruitless day. Blade's offer looked more and more tempting by the hour, but that would mean giving up on Kendra.
Actually moving on. “Right, because any of us are doing that well,” she muttered beneath her breath, opening the living room door and slipping in. It was a measure of surprise and a frown that she noticed Steph.
“Don't.”
The scotch in his hand had her full gaze for a moment. “This... isn't working,” Snow admitted, raising her eyes to meet his meaningfully. “Hope's improving but we're still grieving.”
Steph Grey looked back down to the bottle and groaned, letting it slide off of the couch and hit the floor without much fanfare. It wasn't a long enough drop to shatter the thick bottle. The pistol though, he clung onto. He wished so dearly this was a problem he could just shoot.
"You're right, it's not. Gambits didn't help much other than some people claimed to have seen someone resembling her picture but with no other information. I can't even guarantee she's alive, but at least it's a start."
He sighed, eyes finally moving up to meet hers. "Still, it's progress. Kind of. At least it's something to hope for." The hand that was once holding the scotch beckoned only lightly, offering his lover a seat beside her.
"You're right, it's not. Gambits didn't help much other than some people claimed to have seen someone resembling her picture but with no other information. I can't even guarantee she's alive, but at least it's a start."
He sighed, eyes finally moving up to meet hers. "Still, it's progress. Kind of. At least it's something to hope for." The hand that was once holding the scotch beckoned only lightly, offering his lover a seat beside her.
Her relief at his releasing of the bottle made her sigh, considering the options. Stay here, search and grasp at straws or go to Erutino, get Hope the help she needs to stabilise and work at the problems together the pair of Darks could help fix. It seemed like such a simple choice but really, was anything but in her eyes.
“'To hope for',” Snow chuckled at the play on words humourlessly, judging for a moment before stepping across the room slowly, slipping beside him at an angle so she was facing him. “That's the thing. What if we get a lead, spend months chasing it and still get no where? I... just...”
She didn't want to say that Kendra wouldn't have wanted that, but felt it unfair. That sounded like she was dead and to all of them, it seemed like she was very much alive. “I suppose it's a blessing that the children don't remember her. It would be terrible for them.”
“'To hope for',” Snow chuckled at the play on words humourlessly, judging for a moment before stepping across the room slowly, slipping beside him at an angle so she was facing him. “That's the thing. What if we get a lead, spend months chasing it and still get no where? I... just...”
She didn't want to say that Kendra wouldn't have wanted that, but felt it unfair. That sounded like she was dead and to all of them, it seemed like she was very much alive. “I suppose it's a blessing that the children don't remember her. It would be terrible for them.”
Steph Grey nodded slowly. "The trick is, if she was given the same treatment, she won't have her memories either. Is it even fair to her to bring her back into this life even if she is alive?"
That question had been hanging on his conscience for a while. "Even if we end up finding her... will it be for the best?" He looked at the .45 in his hand, grumbling at it out of irritation and tossing it onto the coffee table in front of him. It slid all the way across and almost onto the floor if not barely hanging onto the edge. He laid his head back again.
"I don't know what to think anymore."
That question had been hanging on his conscience for a while. "Even if we end up finding her... will it be for the best?" He looked at the .45 in his hand, grumbling at it out of irritation and tossing it onto the coffee table in front of him. It slid all the way across and almost onto the floor if not barely hanging onto the edge. He laid his head back again.
"I don't know what to think anymore."
Though she wanted to, Snow didn't snap at Steph for daring to suggest such a thing, even deflating somewhat. Quite frankly, he was right. Even if they did find her, wherever she was, having seen the children suffer so could they really do that to Kendra as well?
The thud of metal sliding across wood startled her from answering immediately, her hand coming to cover his now free one in a gesture of comfort. “On the same note, I'd feel like I failed her if she's alive and we didn't look but... you're right.”
She was so glad Hope was asleep. “If she found her way back to Hope on her own, it'd be a different story I suppose.”
The thud of metal sliding across wood startled her from answering immediately, her hand coming to cover his now free one in a gesture of comfort. “On the same note, I'd feel like I failed her if she's alive and we didn't look but... you're right.”
She was so glad Hope was asleep. “If she found her way back to Hope on her own, it'd be a different story I suppose.”
Steph Grey "But we know she won't."
That realization hung on the air with it's dear friend silence. He started grasping at straws. "Thinking about taking Blade's offer?"
That realization hung on the air with it's dear friend silence. He started grasping at straws. "Thinking about taking Blade's offer?"
Snow gratefully took the topic change for all it was worth, looking sheepish for the first time in the conversation. “Yes, actually. The healers on Erutino are second to none and Hope needs proper care and there are people who we can rely on to help with Henry and Rachel's education.”
Clearly, all the good reasons except her own. Did Snow want to go? Yes. She couldn't stand it here any more. It wasn't safe in her eyes. “Would you mind?”
Clearly, all the good reasons except her own. Did Snow want to go? Yes. She couldn't stand it here any more. It wasn't safe in her eyes. “Would you mind?”
Steph Grey shook his head quickly. "I would probably end up going with you. It may seem odd, but really, where else do I have to go? I was always a drifter. I finally got something to hold onto and I'm not about to let it escape."
Illustrating his point, he shuffled closer and wrapped an arm around her waist. "Whatever you decide; I'll be there. I'm sure Blade will have a use for me somewhere there. Maybe they'll even accept a human as part of the guard, too."
Illustrating his point, he shuffled closer and wrapped an arm around her waist. "Whatever you decide; I'll be there. I'm sure Blade will have a use for me somewhere there. Maybe they'll even accept a human as part of the guard, too."
“I'm not going anywhere. Did I happen to mention if you didn't agree to come, you were going in a locked suitcase?” she half-joked, though the humour in her voice wasn't quite there. In fact, it almost sounded serious. Snow did lean into him quite easily, her fingers intertwining with his on their joined hands. “Maybe? I can't imagine anyone better suited to the Guard than one who risked his life for its protectees.”
Pride softened her hardened gaze for a few moments, looking at Steph strangely. “I'd like you there with me. It was hell being away from you the first time and even if I could visit... it doesn't beat coming home to you.”
Pride softened her hardened gaze for a few moments, looking at Steph strangely. “I'd like you there with me. It was hell being away from you the first time and even if I could visit... it doesn't beat coming home to you.”
Steph Grey leaned in and gave her a soft kiss, matching the affection of their now joined hands. "Sounds like a plan, then, doesn't it?" his smile warmed.
The thought of the idea was uplifting in way that made their current troubles easy to forget. Was he ready to let Kendra go? He was, but he still felt bad for Hope. His smile faded again.
"And again, it's also better we have Shifters to take a better look at Hope."
The thought of the idea was uplifting in way that made their current troubles easy to forget. Was he ready to let Kendra go? He was, but he still felt bad for Hope. His smile faded again.
"And again, it's also better we have Shifters to take a better look at Hope."
Gently was the gesture returned, Snow feeling a little of her frustration melt away, her smile a touch satisfied. She didn't think a day went by that she wasn't grateful for having found this particular mate. “It... does,” she assented, feeling the same worries weigh upon her own mind, doubled by his fears.
“Yes. Besides, I would feel uneasy letting anyone other than those trusted by my allies to take her out of my sight,” she admitted begrudgingly, looking decidedly nervous at the prospect in any capacity. “I let her down; when she needed me, I was angry at her for a pointless mistake.”
Except, if Snow hadn't been furious... she might have tried to escape quicker. Self-loathing seeped into her expression and she looked away pointedly. She knew he could feel it, but it made her feel marginally better.
“Yes. Besides, I would feel uneasy letting anyone other than those trusted by my allies to take her out of my sight,” she admitted begrudgingly, looking decidedly nervous at the prospect in any capacity. “I let her down; when she needed me, I was angry at her for a pointless mistake.”
Except, if Snow hadn't been furious... she might have tried to escape quicker. Self-loathing seeped into her expression and she looked away pointedly. She knew he could feel it, but it made her feel marginally better.
Steph Grey felt her guilt and closed the gap further, the hand still wrapped around her pulling her against him in further attempts to comfort her. "You shouldn't feel guilty. There's nothing any of us could have done. We didn't even know the Home was compromised, much less poised for an attack. We didn't make any mistakes."
Unexpectedly Snow resisted the embrace, bringing her reddish eyes to look at him again. They were unforgiving. “I knew he had planned something from the moment that wretched bastard stepped out...” Of course, she also knew that if she had tried to leave to save Kendra, something awful might have happened to Hope.
It would have happened. Their bond... would have been ripped to shreds by the obsessions of a madman. “I will always feel guilty for not leaving my twin's mate with better protection that an outsider.”
Her mouth was set in a grim line, thoughts nearly all dark.
It would have happened. Their bond... would have been ripped to shreds by the obsessions of a madman. “I will always feel guilty for not leaving my twin's mate with better protection that an outsider.”
Her mouth was set in a grim line, thoughts nearly all dark.
Steph Grey sighed, letting his grip go and taking away his gaze. He looked down at the bottle again before dismissing the scotch idea entirely. "Either way, I heard Hope got a delicious taste of revenge, even though it didn't seem to help. It always does for me."
Her expression shifted to one of almost dark joy at that comment, not letting go of Steph's hand despite his moving back. “I bet it feels like an empty victory to her now but...” Her lips curved in a feral grin. “I don't think I've ever been prouder of her. She faced Talon like a Dark.”
Revenge? She seemed to deflated somewhat, but not losing her intense gaze. “It seems I'll be denied that. I don't think my desire to slaughter Talon slowly outweighs my preference for Wing as alive.”
Revenge? She seemed to deflated somewhat, but not losing her intense gaze. “It seems I'll be denied that. I don't think my desire to slaughter Talon slowly outweighs my preference for Wing as alive.”
Steph Grey grinned darkly as well. "I'm sure you could ask Blade about more insurgence shells. Bow tells me he has the guard working overtime wiping out the last of Talon's followers. You could always get some release on them. Reminds me of when I was hunting the FBI high command back in Washington. I don't think I had fonder memories before some of the events here."
His suggestion was tempting but from past experience, the Dark knew it would do no good save giving the Guard less fleeing followers to deal with and probably a ton of paperwork from the way she'd do it. Surprising considering the topic, but Snow raised her free hand to touch it to his cheek tenderly.
“... Maybe. I just... it wasn't their fault Talon was a twisted man. Now... if I could find the bastards that had hurt Kendra and Hope...” Oh that she would enjoy. “I'm pleased you consider memories with all of us to be fond. We've not exactly seen eye to eye all the time.”
“... Maybe. I just... it wasn't their fault Talon was a twisted man. Now... if I could find the bastards that had hurt Kendra and Hope...” Oh that she would enjoy. “I'm pleased you consider memories with all of us to be fond. We've not exactly seen eye to eye all the time.”
Steph Grey shrugged. "Well, yes, but they WERE responsible for developing the serum that split the bond. I think that is at least worth something. Hell, if you don't do it, I probably will, if not for the shooting practice. I need to kill something. Leak out the stress."
He made one more, more casual move to close the distance between them. Who knows, he might actually succeed in lightening the mood. So many to kill, so little time. T'was his life, and he had learned to enjoy exactly that.
He made one more, more casual move to close the distance between them. Who knows, he might actually succeed in lightening the mood. So many to kill, so little time. T'was his life, and he had learned to enjoy exactly that.
The expression that followed his explanation was one of pleasant awareness and the fact that Steph seemed just as eager to cause hurt to those who had wronged them... well, that just made her smile. “Alright, you twisted my arm. I'll talk to Blade. The Guard probably have better things to do anyway.” She didn't really believe this for a moment. Everyone in the Palace was dedicating to cleansing the damage done by Talon.
She didn't shy away from him this time, though she did raise an eyebrow at his second attempt. Remarkably brave considering her earlier mood. “You're lucky I like you, you know that?”
She didn't shy away from him this time, though she did raise an eyebrow at his second attempt. Remarkably brave considering her earlier mood. “You're lucky I like you, you know that?”
Steph Grey chuckled brightly. "Lucky? No way, babe. That was skill." His grin was quite wide indeed.
His mind cycled through the things he would be leaving behind; was he really a drifter now? He remembered his time with Kruxis and the Autumnpaw Druids... but his training was long since complete with them. Any training from then on in was done on his own. Maybe some day he would come back and see them again; but for now... no. He was ready to leave.
"I'm going to miss this place a little. I've grown quite attached to this place."
His mind cycled through the things he would be leaving behind; was he really a drifter now? He remembered his time with Kruxis and the Autumnpaw Druids... but his training was long since complete with them. Any training from then on in was done on his own. Maybe some day he would come back and see them again; but for now... no. He was ready to leave.
"I'm going to miss this place a little. I've grown quite attached to this place."
Snow could not help but chuckle at that little display of confidence, prodding a finger against his chest lightly. “Hmm. Skill. Right,” she jokingly mocked, pressing a kiss against his nose lightly. Her dark smile finally turned softer, particularly at his confession for missing what had become home.
Would she? Wing City would always have a fond place in her memories for all it had brought her but... staying here, especially in this house, was wrong. It was like she had finished reading a book and was staring at the back pages, hoping for the story to continue. Their time here wasn't brief, but it was over.
“I'm taking with me what I found here, so I have no such attachments,” she confessed, though her understanding over his was sent across their bond in waves. “It's not hard to travel back here.”
Would she? Wing City would always have a fond place in her memories for all it had brought her but... staying here, especially in this house, was wrong. It was like she had finished reading a book and was staring at the back pages, hoping for the story to continue. Their time here wasn't brief, but it was over.
“I'm taking with me what I found here, so I have no such attachments,” she confessed, though her understanding over his was sent across their bond in waves. “It's not hard to travel back here.”
Steph Grey squeezed her just once in affection, sending it through their bond in waves as well. She was right, of course; there was nothing left to do here. Any more time spent here would just be fruitless hours blown in the bar, or meditating out in the woods.
"True. It's not like we can't take vacation breaks back here when we want to. I'd hate to waste such an awesome home; especially considering the price tag."
Which took another thing into consideration. "Then again, american dollars won't be worth hell in Erutino anyway so, hell. I hope there's a high demand for people who can fight out there."
"True. It's not like we can't take vacation breaks back here when we want to. I'd hate to waste such an awesome home; especially considering the price tag."
Which took another thing into consideration. "Then again, american dollars won't be worth hell in Erutino anyway so, hell. I hope there's a high demand for people who can fight out there."
It was very hard for Snow not to explain that she wanted to sell this place or at least, never come back. Her reluctance to return wouldn't go unnoticed, no doubt. “Well, if I join the Guard, it's not like I won't have funds and I do have a home over there already. So don't go spending millions on guns until we've done a few jobs and we'll be fine,” she reassured, glancing at him impishly as a thought struck her.
“You're right; we can't take the money over there... so...” Her grin was positively childish. “Anything in particular you want to do, seeing as I'm not in a doom mood thanks to your skilled self?”
“You're right; we can't take the money over there... so...” Her grin was positively childish. “Anything in particular you want to do, seeing as I'm not in a doom mood thanks to your skilled self?”
"Welll...." he turned to her with the same smile. "There's a few things I have in mind." His eyes began to wander, but he'd let her take that step. Even he had a limit as to how far he'd brashly push her.
"Or we could completely scrap the vacation idea and just shoot up the whole house. It's like taking down a very big house of cards except way more fun."
"Or we could completely scrap the vacation idea and just shoot up the whole house. It's like taking down a very big house of cards except way more fun."
Snow tutted at him, resisting the urge to waggle a finger in front of his face, though she did let her smile turn a little more interested. “Darling, you don't have to buy that.” Then she looked around the living room sweepingly, judging his other suggestion temporarily before nodding.
“I like that much better, though isn't that a waste of your money spent?” she inquired, tracing a finger idly up his arm.
“I like that much better, though isn't that a waste of your money spent?” she inquired, tracing a finger idly up his arm.
Steph Grey chuckled. "So is leaving the planet entirely. I'll leave some in a bank just in case, but for the most part, I don't need it anymore."
Hope Anona sat in the rocker chair, lap covered and stared at the window longingly. She sighed slightly and looked down at her hands, before resuming staring. Kendra, her heart cried. Alone, cried her soul.
Steph Grey was fresh out of the shower, looking snappier than normal. There were only so many loose ends left to tend to before leaving the Home for good for Erutino...
Hope Anona thought a moment. "Kendra. She can't remember me." She pointed out slowly. "She doesn't miss me. I'm just a stranger." she murmured. "I guess I pissed Othugli off." she murmured.
Hope Anona stood slowly and walked over to him. "Steph. I think this msut be grief. I. I don't want to go to Erutino. But..." The woman shook her head and sighed. "I highed soem detectives. Shifters. They'll find her. Until then, I want to go far away. This place. It has too many memories." She looked to him uncertain, and hugged herself.
"But I don't want to go either."
"But I don't want to go either."
Steph Grey stood up with her, approaching from behind and hugging her tightly. "I know this might be hard to accept, but do you think it's fair to her to bring her back to this life with no memory of it? To drag her back into war? I spent half of my life grieving, and had I not married Snow, that would have been half of it I wouldn't be able to get back... but you..."
He sighed. "I know the pain. I know how long it takes to heal, and it ain't good... but it heals eventually. For now, we have to heal the rest of the damage as best we can."
He sighed. "I know the pain. I know how long it takes to heal, and it ain't good... but it heals eventually. For now, we have to heal the rest of the damage as best we can."
Hope Anona nodded slowly. "I don't want to see the doctors. But I won't press the issue. Kendra. She's he own person. She has her own life. The kids don't remember. I guess. I guess I'll heal."
Steph Grey squeezed her tightly. "You have to. For your own sake and everyone's. It's that ability that makes you so strong, and the reason Wing picked you out of septillions. You know that, right?"
He sighed quietly. "We're going to be leaving for Erutino soon. Snow and I are going to take up spots replacing Blade in the Royal Guard. The only thing that his place will hold are memories both painful and sweet. I plan to demolish it... my money won't be worth anything off world, so there's no reason to sell."
He sighed quietly. "We're going to be leaving for Erutino soon. Snow and I are going to take up spots replacing Blade in the Royal Guard. The only thing that his place will hold are memories both painful and sweet. I plan to demolish it... my money won't be worth anything off world, so there's no reason to sell."
Hope Anona nodded slowly. "Bummer. I liked this place." She murmured, and held onto him. "You're a good brother Steph." She said quietly. With a hollow laugh, she released him. "Want to know a secret?"
Steph Grey raised an eyebrow. "Sure, what is it?" She seemed a bit bright now, but he knew it was probably without merit. No one is that strong.
Hope Anona smiled. "Talon began courting me in year 221 of Wing's Reing. It's year 303." She revealed quietly. "We never met til recently, but I've got an entire filign cabinet full of letters."
Steph Grey chuckled. "Heh. Sounds like a stalker that got what he deserved. His fall came all too late, if you ask me."
He let her go and walked to the window, crossing his arms and staring out of it. "I'm not so sure I'm going to miss this place as much. The place itself seemed so empty without the series of events we just cleaned up. It felt more like an outpost than a home, to me."
He let her go and walked to the window, crossing his arms and staring out of it. "I'm not so sure I'm going to miss this place as much. The place itself seemed so empty without the series of events we just cleaned up. It felt more like an outpost than a home, to me."
Hope Anona grinned. "The tank did not help. Henry loved it. I think he'll adore all the guns waiting for him." She admitted. The woman paused and looked to Steph. "I'll get you an implant. So you can speak to everyonr there. We don't exactly speak common." She was trying hard to stay bright, though it was hard.
"Do you...Do you think Kendra will be okay?"
"Do you...Do you think Kendra will be okay?"
Steph Grey nodded. "She will. She's a smart woman and can make it on her own. Think of it this way... this is her free ticket out of the shifter civil war."
He turned back to her again. "There's probably more I'm going to need. Bow tells me my bonding with Snow is starting to change my physiology, so I actually had to go to Erutino whether I liked it or not just so she would have easy access to me. Go figure."
He turned back to her again. "There's probably more I'm going to need. Bow tells me my bonding with Snow is starting to change my physiology, so I actually had to go to Erutino whether I liked it or not just so she would have easy access to me. Go figure."
Hope Anona laughed and nodded. "I didn't know that. I don't know any shifter that married anyone not a shifter, though I guess they must be out there. If you like, I can try and find them for you?" She offered.
"Do you. I. They're gonna put a new implant in me soon. An entirely new one. It's real hard, but the healer said that now is the best time. Do you think I should ask to see if they can induce amnesia or soemthing?"
"Do you. I. They're gonna put a new implant in me soon. An entirely new one. It's real hard, but the healer said that now is the best time. Do you think I should ask to see if they can induce amnesia or soemthing?"
Steph Grey 's smile faded immediately, and he went deep into thought. When he thought of an answer, he approached her again, instead sitting in the couch and beckoning her to sit beside him.
It was time to impart some gung-ho war wisdom. "Hope. Do you know why a warrior shows off his scars instead of covering them up?"
It was time to impart some gung-ho war wisdom. "Hope. Do you know why a warrior shows off his scars instead of covering them up?"
Hope Anona cautiously sat down next to him. "Not really. Why?" She asked, wrapping her arms around her. She was still too thin, in all her forms. Not eating enough, according to Bow and hte healers.
Steph Grey answered. "Because a warrior isn't measured by how prepared he is, or by how much training he did. A warrior is measured by what he survived. When you take away the scars and the memories, what you learned from that pain is gone. We develop as people when we learn the pain of our sacrifices and loss... this I can tell you from experience."
Hope Anona sighed and looked away. "What could I learn form this? Henry and Rachel aren't even being raised, not really. Rachel's a good girl, but Henry is wild."
Steph Grey looks away from her. "Well, that's an easy one... have you ever felt the love for Kendra for anyone else in your time alive? Now you know both the joys and pains of honest love... one of the most valuable lessons we can."
Hope Anona smiled weakly. "I guess. It'll all be okay, won't it." She laughed, a bitter pain-filled mockery of a laugh. "At least I knew her. She was a ray of sunshine in my world, and at least I knew her."
Steph Grey wrapped an arm around her back. "You have a long time to live, Hope. You'll find that feeling again. I promise you that."
Hope Anona covered her face in her hands and wept, leaning against her brother-in-law. She simply leaned against him and wept. It was all too much. She couldn't still be happy, not now.
Steph Grey knew her pain. He hugged her close to him, and did what he could to comfort her. It was all he could do.
The setting changes from Country Home to The Throne Room
Blade returned to the throne room once more after yet another long day. This time, it was addressing the Council of Darks; proclaiming his own domination of the empire and laying down the rules as far as treatment of Lights went. Now, fair treatment of Lights was the law... anything that was illegal to do to a Dark is now the same for a Light.
Now it was just a manner of cleaning up the remaining mess with the might of the law on his side.
He didn't bother to change out of his new First Dark's regalia; an outfit he personally thought looked quite ridiculous if not for it's grandeur. He definitely wasn't going to make a habit of wearing it around.
Other than the normal guards, he was alone in the throne room. The guardsmen made no reaction to his presence, standing still in the shapeshifted form of statues.
Now it was just a manner of cleaning up the remaining mess with the might of the law on his side.
He didn't bother to change out of his new First Dark's regalia; an outfit he personally thought looked quite ridiculous if not for it's grandeur. He definitely wasn't going to make a habit of wearing it around.
Other than the normal guards, he was alone in the throne room. The guardsmen made no reaction to his presence, standing still in the shapeshifted form of statues.
Wing of House Erutin sat on her throne, her crown on her head, and in a full length dress and regalia, though less Blade's full regalia. She had a long day of listening to complaints and mediating. Now though, she waited.
And the man she waited for came through the doors just as she grew tired of waiting. Happily, she stood to meet him, and took the few short steps to the edge of the dais, not stepping off, just yet.
"First Dark! You're finished so soon?" She couldn't help the longing or adoration, or keep it from her face. No doubt the guards were picking up on her barely controlled exuberance at seeing Blade again.
Had she a tail, it would be wagging. As it was, she was very nearly vibrating with joy.
And the man she waited for came through the doors just as she grew tired of waiting. Happily, she stood to meet him, and took the few short steps to the edge of the dais, not stepping off, just yet.
"First Dark! You're finished so soon?" She couldn't help the longing or adoration, or keep it from her face. No doubt the guards were picking up on her barely controlled exuberance at seeing Blade again.
Had she a tail, it would be wagging. As it was, she was very nearly vibrating with joy.
Blade Ulenna nodded as he continued his stride across the room, delighted to be back to his beloved after a day of infuriating politics. He embraced her fully.
"Today I learned just how stubborn the council can be. I am glad Whistle so perfectly compiled a list of sins each councillor had against his Light so that I was able to use proof of them to denounce every uprising against my claims. I made good progress but... I tire."
"Today I learned just how stubborn the council can be. I am glad Whistle so perfectly compiled a list of sins each councillor had against his Light so that I was able to use proof of them to denounce every uprising against my claims. I made good progress but... I tire."
Wing of House Erutin led him back to the thrones so he could sit and smiled gently at him, pushing him down lightly, fully intending to sit on his lap. "Any progress against them is good progress." She admitted quietly, glancing around at the guards. It wasn't as if she didn't trust them, but still.
"Their terms are up soon enough, and then you can appoint better ones, my heart." She smiled up at him. "I am glad Whistle makes such a good advisor."
"Their terms are up soon enough, and then you can appoint better ones, my heart." She smiled up at him. "I am glad Whistle makes such a good advisor."
Blade Ulenna did exactly as she urged, taking a seat on the throne and allowing his lover a seat upon him. "An advisor? Absolutley not; but as an information retrieval agent she is unmatched... and since she can kill those who attempt to assassinate her, it makes her incredibly versatile. I'll admit I'm quickly finding more uses for many of the Guard now that I'm in a political position. Before I only thought about combat roles but their abilities have so much more potential when you put them into a more general perspective."
Wing of House Erutin laughed and hugged him. "Don't overwork my poor Guard! And do let me know if we need more, or may need more in the future. I can summon the Director of the Warriors in a second and he'll let us know whom he consideres the best of his graduates."
She smiled brightly. "He's a kind man, but he'd do better talking to you than me. Very...set in his ways." She hesitated to say old fashioned. But it was true.
She smiled brightly. "He's a kind man, but he'd do better talking to you than me. Very...set in his ways." She hesitated to say old fashioned. But it was true.
Blade Ulenna nodded whilst hugging her back. "I know the man and have dealt with him before. Funny, the first time I met him he was asking me to feature in a combat demonstration tour across the planet's Dark academies. He respects me quite a bit but... still. It is my own responsibility to choose my successors, then it will be in the hands of whoever I choose to pick the rest of the team."
He sighed deeply. "Besides, I still await an answer from Snow."
He sighed deeply. "Besides, I still await an answer from Snow."
Wing of House Erutin nodded and smiled. "I still think you should have other options as back up. Snow is very dedicated to her sister, now that they have found each other." Almost amused, Winnie rest against her mate's chest. "Though if the Traveler Director's office ends up in my palace, jsut so she can be closer to her twin, I will be unimpressed."
Blade Ulenna chuckled. "I'm sure we can avoid that, although for the first bit it would be better to have Hope here. She is still under Bow's supervision. We own plenty of office property in the city we can put her in when the time comes."
He set a head on the back of her head and stroked her hair gently, holding her to him. "If not Snow, I will probably give the position to Wave. She's extremely strategically intelligent, and mages just tend to make better rear line commanders regardless."
He set a head on the back of her head and stroked her hair gently, holding her to him. "If not Snow, I will probably give the position to Wave. She's extremely strategically intelligent, and mages just tend to make better rear line commanders regardless."
Wing of House Erutin grinned slightly and nodded. "Most mages, I would call frail. But not Wave. She can be scary." Wing admitted. The woman relaxed into the stroking, purring happily. "Mmm. You're gonna make me fall asleep."
Blade Ulenna smiled warmly. "We could always use more sleep..."
He started rambling on as he thought about Wave's candidacy. "Yes, if there is anything that makes me hesitate in Wave's direction it is that she tends to mark conflicts personally. She has very little professional separation. Although... that is usually expected. I was a rare exception, so I'm told."
He started rambling on as he thought about Wave's candidacy. "Yes, if there is anything that makes me hesitate in Wave's direction it is that she tends to mark conflicts personally. She has very little professional separation. Although... that is usually expected. I was a rare exception, so I'm told."
Wing of House Erutin blushed and smiled. "Wave would make an excellent candidate. As would Shield, whom you were thinking fo yesterday. But Snow will be the best for it, I am sure."
She glanced over the throne room full of guards. "though I do wonder why the high security today love?"
She glanced over the throne room full of guards. "though I do wonder why the high security today love?"
Blade Ulenna 's smile faded, turning into a dark frown. "I dealt with an assassination attempt today. I feared you might also be a target, so I upped security to match. The Guard is too busy to deal with castle watch over the next couple of weeks and my political enemys know it. Unfortunately for them, there is no assassin in this empire who can match me. He was good, but... too young. Too cocky."
Wing of House Erutin clung tightly to him and began to visually check him over, clearly very concerned for her mate. "An Assassin! Blade!" She whined in the back of her throat, not even conscience of it and pulled back a bit to run her hands over him, just in case her eyes missed anything.
No doubt the guard as amused with her antics, but she didn't care for their opinions now. Her Blade had been attacked!
No doubt the guard as amused with her antics, but she didn't care for their opinions now. Her Blade had been attacked!
Blade Ulenna hugged her closer to him again. "Love... Wing... relax. You forget who I am. Fighting off such an attempt is as natural to me as breathing after so long. My new position doesn't make me any less apt in danger. Just think of it as when you'd so easily send me to fight before. I am still the same man."
Wing of House Erutin huffed and hugged him close. "Assassins are another matter! Sneaky little thieves is what they are! I am not at all fond of them." She clung to him, resting against his chest to hear his heartbeat.
"I have never easily sent you into battle, my Blade. I have always been much too fond of you for my own good." She admitted, smiling gently at the sound of his heart, strong and steady.
"I have never easily sent you into battle, my Blade. I have always been much too fond of you for my own good." She admitted, smiling gently at the sound of his heart, strong and steady.
Blade Ulenna smiled once more, drinking in her affection and hugging her tightly. "And yet, I emerge victorious... and, please, love. Half of my team is made up of assassins, remember. I'm on the higher tier of them myself." he said with a chuckle.
He leaned down and gave her a brief kiss. "The danger is there. I knew it would be; and I'm conveniently the best man for the job. As are my teammates."
He leaned down and gave her a brief kiss. "The danger is there. I knew it would be; and I'm conveniently the best man for the job. As are my teammates."
Wing of House Erutin kissed him back chastely, and smiled. "Mm. But I like the assassins that work for me. Especially the ones protecting me. I pay them all very very well to keep me very, very safe."
She kissed him again, a bit less than chastely. "And I never said you weren't sneaky. Perhaps not a thief, but you're damned sneaky."
She kissed him again, a bit less than chastely. "And I never said you weren't sneaky. Perhaps not a thief, but you're damned sneaky."
Blade Ulenna chuckled quietly. "I can be sneaky if I want to. I still remember when I rescued Whistle and her Light from the experimental compound in the Stygian system. I was posing as part of their security staff for a weak before I eliminated their entire defense system. They had no idea it was me until I finally started killing people in open air."
Wing of House Erutin shook her head. "Mmm. no War Stories! Tell those to the guard!" She declared cheerfully, tickled Blade's side, in an attempt to make him laugh. With him, there was no telling if it would work.
And with him, it unfortunately didn't. He had nervous weaknesses surpressed by his implant. It was mandatory for hte guard.
"Fine, fine. Be boring." he said with a chuckle, bucking his hips once gently to rock her on his lap. He tickled her sides lightly in turn.
"Fine, fine. Be boring." he said with a chuckle, bucking his hips once gently to rock her on his lap. He tickled her sides lightly in turn.
Wing of House Erutin had no such implant. Actually, the only thing her implant did was filter data, remind her of appointments, and allow her to summon aid. Silly thing. the Queen laughed and squirming on him, rubbing up against him rather purposefully, though from any of the guard's view, they'd see nothign illicit about it.
"Blade! Oh!"
"Blade! Oh!"
Blade Ulenna grinned nearly evily. "You know, I could use some downtime after dealing with corrupt politicians and assassins all day. How about we retire to the inner sanctum?"
Wing of House Erutin blushed and slide off his lap, looking happy. "I would like that. I'm sure I could help you relax somehow..." She smiled coyly at him, and stepped off the dais, head held high as she glanced over her shoulder at him, expectantly.
"Coming?"
"Coming?"
Blade Ulenna twiched his neck quickly, stretching out, before finally standing. With one last nod to the frozen guards around him, he turned back to her. "But of course."
The setting changes from The Throne Room to Snow's Residence
Hope Anona appeared outside the door and beams, knocking and entering pleased. "Snow! Snow, are you in here?" She was fairly certain her twin was. After all, there weren't too many places the other could have gone. "Snow! I have somethign to talk to you about."
Snow was indeed there, picking up the last few boxes of her belongings to transfer over to the new residence in the palace. It seemed wasteful to hold two lodgings and thus had downsized to a smaller, private studio apartment elsewhere in the city when Steph and she wanted to get away from it all.
Her sister's voice brought a soft, but sad smile to her lips. Hope wanting to talk was hardly ever good these days but she straightened and turned to face her regardless. "Hello to you too, my Light. What is it?"
Her sister's voice brought a soft, but sad smile to her lips. Hope wanting to talk was hardly ever good these days but she straightened and turned to face her regardless. "Hello to you too, my Light. What is it?"
Hope Anona smiled happily and hugged her twin pleased, finding her quickly. She smiled slightly and then made herself beam in happiness as she stuck her tongue out at Snow to try and get her to really smile.
"So. I was thinking about moving! There's this small place. It's great for me and the kids, and Henry really isn't adjusting well to Erutino at all." Bullies at the school. Arguements with the principal over where to put her some. She didn't have time to teach him. He had been pulled out of the school and tutored, but even that was a nightmare.
She was pretty sure this amount of rebellion wasn't supposed to happen until he was a teenager.
"So. I was thinking about moving! There's this small place. It's great for me and the kids, and Henry really isn't adjusting well to Erutino at all." Bullies at the school. Arguements with the principal over where to put her some. She didn't have time to teach him. He had been pulled out of the school and tutored, but even that was a nightmare.
She was pretty sure this amount of rebellion wasn't supposed to happen until he was a teenager.
Snow Grey received the hug, returning it without her expression changing except for a raised eyebrow at her sister's playfulness especially considering the subject matter.
"You think you're ready to go out there alone? The civil war isn't over yet and you are needed her a great deal more than you like to admit to yourself," Snow replied sagely, though nodding at Henry's lack of adjustment. It wasn't exactly a secret.
Rachel was turning out to be a fine Light-inclined human it seemed. "But is it fair to move one just because the other isn't coping?"
"You think you're ready to go out there alone? The civil war isn't over yet and you are needed her a great deal more than you like to admit to yourself," Snow replied sagely, though nodding at Henry's lack of adjustment. It wasn't exactly a secret.
Rachel was turning out to be a fine Light-inclined human it seemed. "But is it fair to move one just because the other isn't coping?"
Hope Anona smiled slightly. "There's no coping and then there's what Henry is doing. Rahcel is a flexible little girl, inclined to happiness and joy. Henry, well..." She shook her head, unimpressed. "Norry would help out. He thinks he can help Henry out a lot, and we'd be crashing with him."
Norrington? Snow's frown appeared at that but said nothing on the subject. This was about the children, not her Light's... No. Focus. "Have you tried a different school for him; maybe got his sister to try and introduce him to her friends?"
Hope Anona smiled slightly. "He's got a private tutor now, but that's only appeared to give him free time. I'm goign to try and fins a different school. The problem is placement."
The principals and her could never agree what type of child Henry was. Light or Dark. Hope tried pointing out that he was a child, but nothing had worked yet. Truth told, she'd be supplementing Rachel's education as it was.
"And it doesn't help that none of the little Darks will accept him. Brats."
"And it doesn't help that none of the little Darks will accept him. Brats."
Snow's expression belied amusement, resting a hand gently at the side of her sister's face. Henry was a human child and didn't deserve to be forced into the 'quotas' of Shifter society. "It will be hard for her regardless. Perhaps you could send Henry to live with Norrington for a bit, see if he copes better over there and if so, consider moving back yourself?"
It wasn't like it took long to teleport back to Terra.
It wasn't like it took long to teleport back to Terra.
Hope Anona smiled slightly. "I'd rather move there entirely. I. I think I'm ready now. I think I could see Kendra without, you know, trying anything, or crying or anything like that." She wasn't certain to tell the turht. "And Norry is blind now. He needs to be taken care of too. I mean, he can still take care of himself. But, well. He's having a hard time."
No one wanted to hire a blind assassin.
No one wanted to hire a blind assassin.
The Dark broke away from the loose embrace the sisters were sharing to lean on the mantlepiece. How to word this so it didn't seem like she was belittling her Light? None. Great. "The situation with Kendra is irrelevant. You are needed here Hope, just as I am. Instead of fighting with the queen and teaching your son to argue and give up when he doesn't get what he wants, how about you actually try staying and showing him that perseverance pays off too?"
Norrington was another issue entirely but he wasn't her sibling, nor her niece or nephew.
Norrington was another issue entirely but he wasn't her sibling, nor her niece or nephew.
Reviews
22/30
Characterization: Advanced
Plot: Proficient
Depth: Advanced
Style: Proficient
Mechanics: Proficient
Overall: Proficient
Absenthia wrote:For a introductory role-play, this one does well. The members although few, create a clear, concise tale of a society in trouble due to the inability to change. This tale is told through sets off twins, called lights and darks. These characters and their society have been thought through to a extremely thorough degree.