[A Cold Winter] Frozen Pipes

The morning was dark and bitterly cold, with the changing of seasons sent winter to Dentarius in full force, Kane had already made his exit early in the morning as Aerian now sat on the edge of the bed waiting for Aishani to wake, her hand slid along the quilt along her thigh gently, almost absently in her actions.

Quietly she sat watching Aishani and had been for some time, the chilling air outside had of course signalled that the grounds outside would likely be white and for a while.

As always, regardless of being with Kane or alone, Aishani kept a knife hidden in the case of her own pillow. She was peacefully sleeping, appearing a resting dark angel with her ashen skin and scar over her brow, eye and ending at the apple of her cheek. Aishani crooned softly to the contact of Aerian's hand upon her thigh, while amidst her slumber mistaking the caress to Kane. The comforter was drawn up to her chin to fend off the coldness in the air, the nip of winter whispering to her, cheeks and nose.

Slowly, slumber began to lift from her, which was when she realized her predicament. A hand reaching for the knife within her pillow, but, she fell short when her lids fluttered open to the sight of Aerian. Beneath the sheets, Aishani always slept in the nude. "Yes, Aerian?" She whispered softly. "Did Kane leave you here to keep an eye on me?"

“No, the door was ….” Aerian shifted awkwardly once more drawing her hands to her lap “I just wanted to check in on you” She stood now drawing her cloak to her tightly “It’s the winter seasons, dad has gone to make some repairs to the pipes, seems they froze during the night and cracked, which is why we are all freezing our tits off”

She made her way to the door placing one hand upon it “Breakfast will be ready soon, Dad will most likely meet us there.” Her words were slow as she eyed Aishani for a moment “I should go get dressed, not the image I want everyone else to see me in such loose fitting clothes”

Aishani sat up now as Aerian stood, watching her closely in the reaction from her, but, in the process the comforter managed to fall down. Just enough to reveal the mounds with the pert dark buds, which were nibbled upon by the cold. She lifted the heel of her palm to rub at her eyes. "You aren't wearing anything beneath the cloak, are you?" Aishani mused softly, while slipping from the comforter to move and gather her clothing in one hand. Back to her with the webbed scarring exposed, as well as her plump naked bottom. "Aerian, before you go, I want to ask you something. How many times have you spied on your father and our intimate moments?" She inquired, while beginning to get dressed.

“I’m not that twisted, so never, and that’s a truth, there’s something a little too weird in watching my father. Not that he’s not a good looking man, but not my taste. I said I’m happy he has you, the twelve knows if anyone deserves something good it’s him” She halted turning to face Aishani keeping her cloak tight to her “Can’t say I haven’t heard you though, but that’s good too, I love my father and he is the only man who will ever get that, I just happen to feel heavily for the woman he is with”

Aerian looked to the floor idly scuffing them with her feet before she drew herself tightly together “Anyway forget about it OK, we should go down for breakfast” idly Aerian took a step back as he back hit the edge of the door with a dull thud she smiled softly “Put it down to the same thing everyone else done, me throwing a teenage tantrum because I can’t get my own way”

Aishani considered Aerian for a moment, standing and situating her jeans up with a tug while she had grown comfortable within this pants and wears no undergarment. She slipped on the red shoulder shirt and then wrapped the corset around with a fix of the hook and eyes, even the latches.

"I can never forget about it, Aerian. I am well aware that you love your father and wish him happiness. I am honoured that you feel as such, I can't share the exact feeling, but, I do love you and hold you dear, regardless of your so called 'tantrums'. Fine, then, you aren't wearing anything beneath your cloak, because, if you were, then it would be tight against you." She neared Aerian and pressed her lips against her cheek, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I will see you in the dining hall."

Aerian smiled softly leaning into her hand for a moment before she watched her leave, a quiet snap of her neck and Aerian made her way to her room. She leaned back on the door as it closed, slowly she slid down to sit on the floor her knees drawn into her chest as her arms locked tight around them. 

The air in the dining hall was slightly warmer as the three fires were blazing high casting at least some heat into the room. The staff as ever were busy filling the table and the rest busy clearing the mess made by the early riser. Kane swept through the hall, a dark black robe fell from his shoulders and was heavy in its movements about his feet, the thud of heavy boots on marble echoes from the high walls. The other odd part of Kane were the heavy gloves that now padded his hands and the red flush of a bitter cold that had previously been attacking his face.

As he turned into the dining he caught her scent feeling it punch through the cold ridden facet he was previously occupying. His eyes flicked to her as she made her descent from the stairs into the hall “Morning my love” he spoke softly as he slipped up beside her capturing her in a kiss for a moment “My apologies for the cold, turns out we have some broken pipework, will take a day or two to repair once Abrams delivers the new pipework”

Aishani smirked after Kane's lips pressed against hers, rubbing her hands upon his forearms and biceps to fend off the chill. "You are frozen, Kane. Yes, I heard about the pipes cracking and I want to help in the repair. It will look good for the people to see me working as well."

“Yea kinda cold out there” Kane grinned “Snows have hit so it’ll bring things to a slight halt around here, it will also buy us time to deal with other things before any real threat of advancing armies and the likes” Kane shrugged softly as he made his way to the table “But with winters come a lot more work, stables and cattle and all those kind of things need to be tended so our house must be willing to aid when and where we can, the last convoy from Elvera will be due and all that needs going into storage, the heating shouldn’t take long to repair”

As ever Kane waited until Aishani was seated before taking his own seat just as Aerian and Hades made their way to join them. “We will be headed into the outlands to ensure the outer villages are secure for the winter, we’ll be gone a day or two” Hades stated before taking an apple and the disappearing off down the hall closely followed by Aerian who said nothing as she made her way after her Uncle.

Kane looked for a moment before looking to Aishani “My daughter still fighting with her feelings?” His question was obvious enough to point out he knew his daughter well enough despite her claims otherwise “That was almost a cold a reception as the weather outside”

Aishani sat down offering Kane a smirk, as well as her sleight of hand in a caress on his own in the silent show of gratitude and affection. She looked to the appearance of Hades and Aerian, a brow inclined to his casual demeanour then at Aerian, leaning forward to gather an apple to throw perfectly aimed at Aerian to catch on her follow of Hades.

"She still struggles, but, given time Aerian will learn to accept things as they are and her own loss. I am concerned about her spending too much time with Hades and his attitude on coping, but, he has his good impression upon her." She gathered her cup to sip the hot tea.

“Hades has his view on the world, but he has learnt his lessons well, I sometimes wonder how much damage isolating herself from her mother does, still it has to be better than the damage that would be done if she had not” Kane eyed Aishani softly “Still she is my daughter and for that I will be ever grateful”

“Perhaps given time she will come to respect you in a similar place, after all the situation of the female half of your parentage seems to something you both share” An odd observation from Kane yet it held some truth for them. “As do I with my father it is an odd world we seem to inherit”

Aishani looked to Kane as he spoke, always that golden and milky hue fixed on him when he speaks. A small smirk formed upon her plush lips, crushed against the rim of her cup, but, then returned to cutting the fruits on her plate. Still, she never touched meat, eggs on occasion were eaten but not often.

"Give consideration, to the fact of isolation from her mother can be the benefit of both in the end. Aerian is very observant and picks up on much, more than most would give her credit for. She saw how empty you were before my arrival and perhaps that crazy ex-wife of yours...well, she looks at Aerian knowing that she is half your blood and her own. A pawn, still her daughter. But, I'm not here to judge in the slightest, I love you as well as Aerian. She is a part of you, as you are a part of her." Aishani plopped a chunk of fruit into her mouth, chewing delicately. "Yes, this time does call for planning and defences, because, possibly as we speak Ceremon and Z'ress are planning the opposite." She covered her mouth in a swallow. "Now, as for the cold. So long as I have you to keep me warm at night...as well as various other times of the day, I think I can fend off the winter quite nicely."

“Our winters are harsh, it’s a sad fact that some will simply not make it through, the coming days will see a few make their way here, children and older folk who simply cannot afford to feed their families as well as keep them warm. A month or so from now and trips to Dentarius will be all but impossible, unless you happen to be able to fly of course. We have tried to correct this but failed sadly, still we do everything we can, Hades and Aerian will ensure those in the outer villages are stocked and supplied and the rest will be sent to us” Kane finished his plate before sitting back “As for keeping you warm that will never be a question, I am yours as you are mine, and the house will be less cold once we make repairs, had I bothered to check a week or so ago this whole thing may have been avoided but we have had other things to deal with”

The maids began clearing the tables and diverting the remaining food to the guest houses and east wing dining halls, as other began cleaning the area “Still as I said winter does afford us time to prepare, when the ice breaks we will be ready for Ceremon and your mother” he slid up from his seat and slipping behind her to rest his hands on her shoulders “You are correct though my love, my daughter sees much than she will ever let on, it is the reason I put a bow in her hands long before I put a blade there, she is the best tracker and archer in the realm, she just ironically needs to learn to temper her temper”

As the maids began to clear the table, Aishani lifted a hand to caress his own. She lifted his hand to nuzzle against her cheek and nose while running the silken lips upon his palm "Kane, do not blame yourself for what could have been. In the end, it is how it is fixed that matters. We will fix things, you and I. I'm not afraid to lift a hammer, nor assist in the stables. Aerian is young, she has not yet faced all the trials that we have, but, since we have supporting her even subtly is the right path now. We each know, how it feels to be abandoned and betrayed by those parents...so does she, it took time to rise above and I have no doubt that she will in time see that."

“Let’s just hope she is last Elcarus child to suffer such things, still there is much to be done here so we should probably getting started” Kane replied his hands taking hers gently drawing her to feet and kissing her forehead gently “I think Elsa had some winter clothes sent to the castle they should be in our room by now, she figured with this weather you could do with a little extra to keep you warm”

Aishani stood with Kane's guidance, lifting her gaze up to him with an inclined brow and a slow smirk forming upon her lips. "Elsa, she spoils me, but, I don't think she was the only one that had a part in this."

“I pay her well” Kane grinned playfully before leading her back toward the stairs, the spiral staircase led directly to their room, or more to the hallway on which their room was, it just happened to be a few steps from the top that made such a journey easy enough.

As they neared the top the young maid quickly made her way from the room bowing before Kane “Forgive me milord, I had forgotten to bring the clothes up as requested” Her words came quickly in a babble of explanation before Kane hand halted her words.

“Its fine, are they delivered now?” He asked gently

“Y..yes milord, all laid as directed, Lady Elsa was quite specific about that” The girl replied quickly

“Thank you” Kane replied as the girl bowed once more and hurried off down the hallway. Kane simply shook his head and opened the door to allow Aishani in, as stated the bed was now lined with various clothes all of thicker fabrics “Elsa and I had the fabrics specifically imported, it seems she wanted to ensure all your winter garments were completely natural at their core, she seemed to relish the challenge for you, she wanted to avoid animal hide and furs?” 

Aishani chuckled to Kane's words, nudging into him while the pair ascended the spiral stairs to the hall of their shared room, met with a female maid. A brow inclined while she smirked to the woman that appeared to be in a hurry. "Oh, no, don't upset, Elsa. I'd truly hate to see the capabilities of that woman when she is upset." She linked her arms within his while walking into the bed chambers with him.

Aishani departed and entered within to inspect the lain out clothing, then paused to glance at Kane. "You picked up on that, hm?" She ran her fingers over the thicker denims, as well as a tops and more corsets. "She definitely does know my taste." She hesitated at the coat is was long and thick, but, very light. Plus a few scarves and gloves, but, when she stopped at the black pair of leggings, Aishani tilted her head. "Are those female stockings for...a dress? They...seem thicker..." She picked up the leggings, while pulling on the stretchy fabric.

“She has done you proud my love, it is all designed to keep you warm” Kane slipped his arms around her waist drawing her into him a soft kiss to her neck. 

There was a knock at the door as Kane looked back then let his embrace slip from her crossing to the door, as ever he opened it with caution his weight in the path so any attempt to push past him would be stopped abruptly.

“Delivery milord, from Master Abrams” The voice was male and confident enough in his words, as he handed Kane a long box “The rest is been taken to the east wings access tunnels, he agreed to meet you there milord”

“I will be along soon, I suspect Abrams will require certain talents of mine to solve our problem” The voice agreed then footsteps retreated down the hall as Kane closed the door crossing back to the bed. The box he opened slowly allowing Aishani to see the treasure inside revealed, the metal a pale blue yet the tint was barely noticeable, the handles were it seemed wrapped in a fluid and yet it was as the same jewel in her necklace, the twin blades sat upon a deep red velvet cushion as Kane stood back watching her reaction 

“We managed to agree with a mine on the very outskirts of the realm, while our mythril issues won’t go away anytime soon they have seen fit to furnish us with enough Mythril to outfit the Dentarian Guards, I had Abrams craft these from the first pieces of mythril that were brought from the forge. I know you aren’t short of weaponry but well a couple more can’t hurt”

She folded over her hands upon Kane's forearms with a lean back against him, the black leggings hanging down when the door was knocked upon and he departed to answer. Aishani kept aware of the presence of Kane's defensive manner, slung the leggings over a shoulder with her hand on a throwing knife fixed to the strap at her thigh the other at her dagger.

"I will join you, Kane. Just as soon as I figure this clothing thing out..." Aishani mumbled, relaxing to the conversation that ended between the two men. She then looked to the box that was set on the bed, tilting her head to the side with curiosity, as it covered a bit of clothing that she was deciding upon.

Then as the lid was lofted, she stared down to the contents, frozen in place to the sight of the blades and out of reflex, her hand lifted to touch at the necklace from Kane to the display of the hilts. She looked from the box to Kane and then back again. Aishani lowered her fingers to grace the hilt, caressing the surface as one may a lover, very carefully extracting one and holding it in her hand. Measuring the balance and weight, then setting the weapon back upon the velvet pillow.

She abruptly leapt up to wrap her legs around his waist and capture his face between her slender hands, crushing her lips against his.

He responded to the deep kiss his hands instinctively slipping to her hips as he felt the wave of passion between them. His mind spun in the passion and her scent before his sense returned and the kiss broke “I take it you like them then, the balance should be right but if not Abrams can correct it”

Her scent overwhelmed him, to the rush of her warm lips upon his in the fanatical movement of the kiss, caressing his slick muscle against his with her hands upon his shoulders as support. But, the articulate smack was heard when he departed, she stared at him while a smirk formed on her lips. "Thank you, Kane. I...I can always use more weapons but these are my prize." Slowly, reluctantly, her legs lowered to glide her down his body to the floor, leaving his body throbbing with her retreating presence.

His eyes glittered with play filled intent as he watch her just for a moment before he made his way to box his finger tracing the blade for a moment “I’m glad you like them, I was always confident you would” he closed the box laying on the table beside the bed. 

His hands took hers for a moment as he led her to the end of the bed, slowly he eased her back his hands taking hers and slowly eased them above her head before the snap was heard locking her arms over her head. He didn’t say a word as he slowly knelt easing her thighs apart locking her legs as he watched her his hands slid along her thighs as she was now locked spread eagled to the end of the bed.

She looked to Kane as he took her hands and followed the lead to the edge of the bed, settling easing down by, it was when the click was heard that Aishani tilted her head to attain a visual of the binds that kept her arms above her. Aishani tested the security of the binds to her wrists, distracted for the brief moment while her legs were cuffed and then a slow smirk formed on her plush lips, fully aware of Kane's intentions now. Closing her eyes when his hands, glided up her thighs.

Slowly he stood stepping back before he made his way to the box collecting one of the blades. “You know the best part of all we have together?” His words were soft and yet carried an edge of intent “The trust we have had, from the moment we met to this moment, you are defenceless and I am armed” He crossed back to her tracing the blade down her chest slowly “But I promised to show you this world in all its magic”

Slowly he eased the knife to the edge of her tunic, one simple motion sliced it open all the way through and through the corset as well, it didn’t take long before her top half was completely exposed to him, her clothing in a pile on the floor “The fun thing about Elsa’s work is it is pretty much indestructible” He quietly picked it up from the floor intact placing it on the bed behind her, his body slipping tight against her as he kissed the flesh of her shoulders and down her collar bone and chest. 

As they lay lost in the moment the kiss just as deep and hungry yet fulfilled by their exchange, his body still trembled as the extreme stimulation began to dissipate from the moment. Finally feeling some level of control he propped himself on his elbow, the air around them beginning to cool as winter reclaimed the air they had warmed with such an aggressive passion.

“That’s certainly one way to warm a man up” he breathed softly “Not that I would ever complain about such an action”

She pitifully gave chase after his lips when he departed, a soft violet hue upon her cheeks and dusted upon her body to the intense fire of their passion for each other. Aishani adjusted a slight to accommodate Kane and lay on her hip with a lead for him to mirror the same, her nails gently prancing upon his side and back in a nearly apologetic sweep.

Aishani chuckled, moistening her lips, her golden eye fixed on him expressing such admiration that it was nearly overwhelming. "Speak for yourself." She then moved to press her body against his, to fend of the chill in the air that began to nip at them. "Thank you, Kane. I love you."

“I love you too Aishani, more with each passing moment, waking each day and knowing I have you to draw strength from and to protect makes this life just little bit easier to bear” he lent into kiss her forehead softly as he laid back he moaned “As much as I would enjoy spending today in bed with you my love, we have work that needs to be done, but rest assured I am not finished with you today”

A sly grin curled his lips as he moved to dress, “But I will warn you it is harsh out there my love, but Elsa has ensured you are prepared you for that” he smiled as he finally threw on his cloak 

She smirked to the press of his lips against her forehead, nodding to him and rising to his silent promise of his intent. Aishani dressed in a pair of thick pants and a corset with a long sleeved shirt and a black knit sweater, wearing boots that were thick and slid a long heavy coat upon her. Fixing the new weapons to each hip, throwing knives upon her thighs and grinned, gathering a pair of gloves that were mits but also fingerless option on a flap to cover the digits. "I have been in winter's, Kane. I am aware of the harshness. But, I am willing to do such to repair and benefit others in the long run."

[New Alliances] Impressions of the Past

Aishani lowered from Kane's arms, though, remained near to him with a hand and a smirk to the exclamation from the female, tilting her head with a chuckle. "You can say...I just fell into his arms." She mused with a pat upon Kane's chest and a light graze of her fingernails. While most women may shy from being presented naked before others, Aishani was the opposite, in her society it was not scorned to display ones body and as much skin as possible. She departed from Kane to provide a hand forward in offering to this woman. "I'm Aishani. You are the seamstress, I suppose? Excuse the...clothing. In that FALL...we may have gotten a little dirty."

Elsa took Aishanis hand before drawing her to her eyes trailing the length of her body, a soft lick of her lips with a soft smile “She is quite the picture my Lord, quite the picture indeed” She stepped back her hands traced the webbed scarring with intrigue for a moment before she stepped back and circled around her slowly.

“A pretty picture indeed, I take it there’s a reason you came to me?” She eyed Kane for a minute “He’s quite the charmer, smart, a rowdy bunch for family though, you should watch him or he may be inside you before you have a chance to argue the point” Elsa spoke soft leaning against her ear so her words flowed directly to Aishania, her hands slipped over her ass just for a moment then down the back of her thighs “Or perhaps it’s a little late for that?”

“Elsa, please” Kane shook his head softly rattling some of the rain water from the tips of his hair “She likes the look of Denim, and seeing as there is only one place in the entire realm that spin it correctly, naturally I came to see you” 

Elsa almost bounced infront of Aishani “Well we can do more than that, you’re not shy of a few coppers and I have fabric to spare so we can create whatever she desires” She stopped as she cocked her head just for a moment “Drow? Wonder when the last time we had one of your kind in our realm” and with that she stepped back “I do apologise if my contact is inappropriate but sizing us women folk correctly would require direct contact, part of my gift” 

Aishani inclined a brow with a placement of her hands upon the contour of her hips, her golden eye watching Elsa while the woman was not ashamed to touch her, the webbed markings were risen, as was the cruel scars webbing upon her back. Her grizzly scar adding to her exotic appeal, while that succulent aroma was spent to Kane. Upon one bosom was the darkening of a bruise and a dot of broken skin.

A smirk formed on her lips to the smack by Elsa and the latter comment. "Can't argue if the same is a mutual desire." Aishani chuckled to the childlike enthusiasm displayed by Elsa when Kane mentioned denim. "I'm not one for fashion, unfortunately. That would be the surrogate...I keep to the simple things." Aishani rolled a shoulder dismissively. "No more inappropriate then appropriate. You are a woman of talents, there is a method to this...uh, madness. Wait, how did you know--Never mind, little should surprise me at this point. The only other Drow in this realm is me and my surrogate. Trust me, you don't want to run into that cunt."

Elsa grinned “Such an expressive woman, you have found quite the rare beauty here Kane, I do hope you treat her right, or wrong if she so desires” A wicked grin as she turned her hips swayed as she crossed the room her fingers tracing Kane for a moment before he batted them away “Always the spoil sport” She grinned softly

“So we have a second in our midst?” She asked as she rummaged among the various fabrics her face disappearing amongst wall of fabric. 

“Yea, and far less pleasant than Aishani, she seems to have taken up residence with Ceremon” Kane replied as he kept his eyes trained on Aishani, not that Elsa wasn’t pleasing to the eye or the fact he was avoiding anything that may misconstrue their relationship to Aishani but for the pure Elsa was and remained so one of his oldest friends a relationship he had no desire to complicate.

“Ah you boys and your daddy issues” Elsa almost popped back up out of the fabric a thick roll of uncut denim which she promptly dropped at Aishanis feet and with a flick of her foot rolled out some, she slipped behind Aishani and pushed her to step upon it “Any colour preference? Other fabric desires? We can make anything you want here, and sometimes more, feel free to stretch he’s paying after all” 

“Kane simply reached inside his now soggy cloak and dropped the pouch of Gold on the side beside, Elsa swept quickly across the room and playfully snatched up the purse shaking it with a satisfying rattle “He never skimps on quality”

Aishani considered Elsa in silence, absorbing the interactions between the two, as her lush lips formed into a smirk. She looked down at the roll of denim that was at her feet, when Elsa was behind her, the webbed scarring glared at her to the push on the fabric. Aishani was unprepared and stumbled with a chuckle. "Surprise me. All I have is in that messy sod of clothing over there that is drenched. I prefer corsets and fixture at my mid-section to...well, show what I was blessed with." Aishani inclined a brow to the toss of the coin pouch, then chuckled. "Are you TRYING to spoil me, Kane?"

Elsa cupped her breasts from behind with a gentle approach lifting them slightly “Well show what you have my dear, it’s what us ladies are here for” Elsa slipped forward and added a couple of extra fabrics to the pile then stepped back.

The fabric twisted and shifted slipping up along Aishani as Elsa watched quietly the fabrics twisted and wove into garments that would fit perfectly, as extra pieces slipped and fell away Aishani would be left fully clothed.

Kane looked with a soft look, his eyes tracing every curve slowly “Another perfect fit Elsa” He mused softly only for her clap her hands together with a soft chuckle “Indeed, she fits well, I do hope you treat her well, well our business here is concluded unless there is anything else I can get for you? Kane you have clothes in the back as I’m still waiting for you to collect them”

Kane disappeared returning after a few moments, jeans that held his legs a shirt that was loose fitting but allowed free movement should he need it, the colours were dark but not too dark, his cloak was dark royal blue trimmed with gold and the Elcarus Dragon upon the back.

Aishani stood still, while Elsa surprised her again but then she simply chuckled with a slow shake of her head. Her eye widened in wonder, while the fabrics wove and twisted into garments before her and wrapped her in the threads of fine clothing. "Now, that is a neat trick..." She glanced to Kane, then to the mirror, turning from side to side. The fabric of the denim clung to her suggestively, roosting at the birth of her hips and forming to her bottom perfectly, even a pair of strange boots on her feet that appeared to be a slight heavier than normal but sturdy. It was the corset that left her speechless, moving closer to the mirror on inspection, the stiff structure was made of black leather side panels with buckles near the base, the front had a design of in the background and black on the foreground with a dash of gold to bring out her eyes and clips to keep the fabric closed and ties in the back. A long sleeve red shirt that scooped so low that it was hidden beneath the corset bust line, her bosom was plump and appeared with such detail it was a witness of her mounds threatening to pop with each breath. But, by the fit and security of the clothing, it was perfect and would not give. Her thumb fit through the side of the lengthy sleeves to keep it in place.

She simply stared at her reflection, this was a narcissistic means but in disbelief. Her neck was delicate and bare while the ashen skin was beautiful, even if the webbed scarring showed on the back portion. 

Kane stepped behind her slowly, his hands slid to her hips gently “She works magic does our dear Elsa, no finer seamstress in the realm and worth every penny” His voice was soft

“Yes, yes you can stop with the flattery, well to me at least” Elsa grinned “But I must insist it’s time to move along, I must make a living here, though I’ve more than made enough to eat tonight, still my life would be boring if I just served the Elcarus’ now wouldn’t it?” She hugged Aishani with a smile “You keep him safe my dear, and I hope to see you before you tire of his miserable mug” her last words were a tease as she slipped off toward the back of the shop.

Kane simply shook his head as he took her hand gently “Anything else we can get while we are already in town? I think it’s time to show you off just a little bit”

The moment his hands made contact to her hips, the spell was broken and she placed her hands upon his while swaying her hips briefly. "I now, understand why..." She mumbled, then turned to glance to Elsa with a chuckle and departed to return the embrace, then wriggled her fingers in a farewell. "No, no better seamstress. I highly doubt, I'd tire."

Her golden hue retuned to Kane, now, she appeared even more an exotic find, rare amongst this realm all together. She hesitated when he took her hand, lifting the rise to press against her lips, then moved to the pile of their soaked clothing to remove her weapons to fix upon her hips and then to each thigh. "Show me off? Pfft. I want a necklace...believe it or not, but, I'd like you to choose it. I feel so sexy right now...don't take me down a dark alley, I don't think I could stop myself from having my way with you."

“Oh trust me when I say the temptation to lead you down a dark alley and have my way with you is quite, strong. Also for the record you look absolutely mouth-watering” Kane led her from the shop and out into the dull day, the rains had for the moment given way to a dark sky.

He led her through the huge open market, traders already resuming selling their wares, many ranged from simple trinkets for the home, to fruits and vegetables. Kane looked each stall over carefully before moving them along. The rows were neat and yet seemed so busy, as they moved along, they turned off from the market past the local tavern and down to another row of shops the first of which was the Smiths shop.

“Morning Milord, good to see you out and about for a change” The burly man chirped, he was shorter in stature, a fiery red beard and arms that looked as if they could crush a man.

“A pleasure to be out Abram, how’s trade?” Kane replied as he drew Aishani to him, Abram eyed her with a pleasant smile before waving his hammer at the rear of the shop 

“Not so bad, bloody recruits are damaging more armour than I can fix, but aye it’s not too bad, starting to even out now after the wars you know” 

“Mythril still an issue?” Kanes words were quick yet curious

“Aye, used most of stores in the war, mines are dry round here milord” 

“I’m working on it” Kane replied softly

“Aye milord we know you are, still what I make is as good without the mythril, just aint as resilient, your girl need anything?” He stated finally smiling as he looked to her “She looks like she knows how to handle a weapon”

“Talk to her as if she’s not here and you may just find out how well” Kane quipped 

“I’m not fighter milord, I can make em but I can’t use em” Abram replied with another wave of his hammer

“Relax Abram, You know if we need anything I’d only ever come to you” Kane replied as he directed Aishani back toward the row of shops the two exchanged quipped goodbyes and they were off again.

She curled her hand within his while they left the shop, the streets muddy but not so much that it caused a problem, even now considering that she had boots. In the market, she eyed a fruit that seemed to catch her attention, at breakfast, would Kane note, that she hadn't touched anything that had meat. Casually, Aishani glanced over various other vendors while keeping in step with Kane.

Aishani glanced to Kane when they arrived at the Smiths shop, her golden eye looking to the displayed blades that were laid out, eyeing them as a female may a piece of jewellery or a new dress. She paused on her inspection to move to Kane's side, listening to the conversation in order to be attentive to the economy of this area, turning her body to curl at Kane's side. A smirk forming on her lips when the smithy spoke to her in a third person way, her head tilted with a wink to Abram.

She offered parting words with him, while, curling at Kane's arm in their walk away. "Oh, you loved, every moment of that." She muse, glancing up to him with a smirk. "So what is the problem with mythril? As I gathered due to the Dragon Wars, the stores have been depleted and the mines all but gutted. Is there no alternative?"

Her golden eye was fixed on him while her milky gave that eerie pretence of a damaged pupil by the cloudy scarring from the scar that breeched from her brow across her nose to her cheek. But, her hand snuck beneath his cloak to knead and caress her nails upon his shirt.

“We generally use it to strengthen weapons, so only small amounts are required, during the war we were creating weapons directly from Mythril, I supposed it was just quicker, still in essence the mine here is dry. I have reached out to Elvera their mines are much deeper and eventually I’m sure they will send us some” Kane kept lead through the long street and down the hill to a small shop at the end, the window was filled with various trinkets all of gold or silver.

Kane nudged open the door as he led Aishani in, the air was stale from those shops that weren’t visited too often, the door creaked as the bell chimed their arrival. It took a few moments before the gaunt woman came through the curtain.

“Welcome to The Pot of Silver…..” Her voice trailed off as her eyes made contact with Kane “Milord Kane?!” She would have bowed had her health not allowed for such an action, not that it mattered as Kane waved her off 

“You would think I never visit town often” He mused idly as he led Aishani to the counter “I have come for something special, for the dearest woman in my life” Kanes eyes flicked over the counter as he eyed the various pieces. 

“Something special for the special Lady?” Her voice was barely above a cracked whisper “Perhaps we could have something crafted for you?” Kane looked to her in thought as his eyes searched for whatever it was that he wanted.

Aishani nodded to him, while he explained things and then followed him through the door, while the stale aroma whispered in the shop but that lingering scent of Aishani overrode the smell.

She offered a nod to the woman as she appeared, chuckling to her reaction from Kane, but then nodded to the female with agreement to Kane's words. Then she leaned over the counter to look at the various jewellery, but, primarily allowed Kane the space to choose for her, since this was his gift to her.

There were many that hid beneath the dusty glass of the counter, as Kanes eyes skimmed them his caught sight of a single silver dragon, wrapped around a stone that appeared to twist and shimmer as if it was made of liquid. He looked to the stone for a few moments before tapping the glass.

The woman brought it up the chain was a heavy silver, the carved dragon as well, it clattered as she placed it upon the counter before Kane. “A signet of the Elcarus line milord” She stated softly as if trying to explain away the dragon.

“You know there has never been a dragon blood in our line, oddly yet the dragon is the sigil of our house, perhaps the fact they are both graceful and destructive is the reason?” The woman looked to Kane curious to his words 

“We believe you were born of dragon, is that not how you drove them away?” She replied softly

“Wasn’t technically us, the Unicorn and Dires had more to do with that” Kane shrugged softly “We helped but their intervention saved us all” Kane turned to face Aishani “So what do you think and feel free to be honest, I haven’t wished to buy a gift for a woman in few years so my taste  may be considered outdated”

Aishani watched Kane in silence while he skimmed the items beneath the dusty display case that covered the counter, leaning in to peer at the item he indicated by a tap of the glass. She moistened her lips as it was placed on the counter with a tink, then shifted her golden eye to rest upon him. A smirk slowly forming on her lips to the explanation from the woman and then Kane's elaboration on the topic.

Aishani shook her head while lifting a finger to caress the necklace, then looked up to Kane. "No, Kane, it is perfect and beautiful. You aren't that out of date." She whispered softly. Turning with her back to him, sweeping her hair from her shoulders to display her naked neck for him to place the jewellery upon her, once again the webbed scarring glared at him.

Kane stepped behind her letting the chin slip through his fingers to halt as he opened the clasp, the eased it up over her head and down to her chest, the dragon would nestle just between her breasts the chain settling along in a perfect V shape.

It was heavy but uncomfortably so as he finally snapped the clasp shut. His hands rested on her shoulders for a moment before he smiled softly. “Well it’s good to see you appreciate my taste” He once more handed over a small pouch of silver as the assistant opened it.

“Milord there is far more here than the value of such a trinket” She insisted Kane simply smiled softly “I know, but for the happiness of my beloved there is no price” He stepped back with thought before settling against the counter off to the side “Thank you milord, your patronage as ever is most welcome”

Aishani lifted her hand after the necklace was placed around her neck, the tail of the dragon perfectly settled between the contours of her bosom, settled with an essence of his open claim upon her. Her fingertips caressed the jewel and then the shape of the dragon, turning to face him with a smile. "If I didn't, I wouldn't be here." She winked to him, though, curled at his side and laced fingers within his.

She released his hand when he made his move to stand at the counter off to the side to display his appreciation to the woman, then offered her own with a tip of her chin and a smile. "Thank you, I will hold this necklace in high regard, should anyone ask, I will send them in your direction."

“Thank you milady” The woman nodded and then with a curt nod slipped back into the darkness that was the rear of the shop. Kane took Aishanis hips gently and led her back into the street, his hand held the door so it closed silently behind them.

“You would think me royalty in these parts, I truly wish they would accept me as nothing more than the hometown boy I am” He sighed softly “Still I am flattered they believe in me so much” The air was cool around them, moist from the rain that still threatened to fall. As they walked back up toward the market the air was warm with the scent of fresh bread, the market still buzzing with activity.

Aishani glanced to Kane at his placement of his hands on her hips, slipping her own upon his and then turning to lace the digits within his, falling in step beside his lead. She kept caressing the gift from him, like it was an incredible treasure, but also it was sensual with the touch.

"Then, maybe, you should be more presentable to the public, Kane? Join the workers and prove that you are more than willing to be in their shoes to assist. Does wonder with morale." She gave his hand a squeeze and drug him to a flower cart. "I would like to do something for you." Aishani then gathered four roses, paying with some money in her pocket. "I want to honour those...that you have lost." 

Kane nodded softly his eyes suddenly carried a lost look, the pain of each loss all too clear before just as quick it vanished replaced by the same strength that held him together for so long. The faith that world around him would always be there and above all that he would be there for them.

“It is well known I tend the fields here as much as those who them, I work with them and never ask what I would be unwilling to do myself, I take nothing from them and I never will” Kane shrugged softly “This is my home and they know my life will be spent defending each and every one of them” As he led her from the market and back to the road toward the Mansion, merchants were now headed into town having passed their testing process from the Mansion. The walked as the air cooled around them, though it had been a dismal day it had so far held off from raining on them any further.

“Our family cemetery is to the far east of the grounds, at least our departed are still close to home, the dead are prone to not staying dead in this realm, most become guides to one or another of us” Kane led her through the gates looping in the opposite direction of the house and down past the vegetable fields to the high fences and iron worked fencing that was the edge of Elcarus Cemetery. 

    

Aishani tilted her head when she caught the lost expression and pain, lifting a hand to place upon his bicep while watching him in silence until they began to walk with the flowers in her hand. She remained silent, while her scent offered him comfort and support, when they neared the Mansion then took a path down past the fields and to the cemetery.

"It is beautiful, the way you spoke of those long past. Yes, no matter the events, they are always in our hearts." She offered his hand a squeeze, as during their walk it had travelled down to lace fingers within his. "Shall we then?"

Kane nodded his hand ran over the steel of the bars as they slid open. He stepped in the gravel of the cemetery path crunching beneath his feet. With practiced and measured steps he led her through the cemetery to a line of 3 gravestones one weathered and beaten by years of weather and yet each word still as clear as they day it was erected. ‘In Eternal Memory of Love Nelliah Elcarus’ the other two were not so big but carried the same inscription on both ‘Beloved by Us All, You Gave Your Life So May Lead Ours’ Krystal Elcarus, Haunted Elcarus. 

Kane stood before his mother’s grave his hands folded at his chest “May the Twelve Guide Us” he spoke barely above a whisper. 

She kept in step alongside him, while walking upon the gravel path of the cemetery, Aishani face the three grave markers. Aishani gently gathered Kane's hand in her own, lacing her fingers and his with the dethorned stem of the rose, moving forward to Nelliah's headstone and slowly kneeling down. To guide their combined hands to set the flower down, unable to remove her gaze from the headstone. "She must have been an amazing woman, your mother..." Aishani whispered. "Do you think, she would have liked me?"

Kane knelt his fingers laced through hers, his eyes resting on the rose as her words settled through him “I never met her, at least alive, she died during our birth, most say that’s what inevitably sent our father off the deep end. I have met her on the astral planes, I know she is watching us, she was there to pick me up after Ascondia all but destroyed what was left of me. I think she would welcome you, ask that you stand with me no matter the risk or the cost, be my strength as I will be yours” Kane drew her hand to his heart.

“She would ask that you ensure I stay on the path that our name has built, we do right by the realm and its people, but yes she likes you, if she didn’t I would already know it” 

Aishani watched Kane in silence and stood as he placed her hand upon his heart. Her golden eyes flicked to the headstone and then up to him. She lifted his hand now fingers laced with his to puts her lips against each knuckle. "She was a strong woman to bring you into this world. As I intend to remain by your side. To be your strength in weak times and to be your heart with love."

She offered him a smile then moved to Krystal's stone. Repeating the same. Their hands combined to place the rose upon the foot of the marker and then the same to Haunted. Offering each a time of silence to reflect and honour. "I would have liked to have met your brothers... Everyone in the realm beyond deserve to be honoured. When we done tonight let is make three place settings for them and invite them in superior and essence to dine with us."

Kane squeezed her hand softly as the air drew close around them a mist creeping in around their feet as the world around them seemingly faded behind the grey fog. 

A light seemingly shimmered before the graves pale figures could be seen, the first a look alike of Kane, except for the bright blonde hair that seemed to only brighten those emerald eyes, the second seemingly taller than the first hair so dark it was harder to ignore that same piercing look, the final was female soft gentle almost, bright silver hair, grey eyes and long almost as lost as Kanes, they stepped through their respective graves before standing before them.

“He’s right you know, the dead don’t tend to stay very dead around here” The blonde quipped 

“Don’t frighten the girl” The woman snapped a motherly admonishment “But of course she doesn’t look the type to scare easily “Allow me to do this properly, I am Lady Nelliah Elcarus, though of course the lady part is entirely unnecessary, this is my son Haunted and the loud mouth would be Krystal” 

Aishani lifted her gaze upwards to Kane while he proceeded to squeeze her hand, a smirk upon the corners of her plush lips, but in the process of returning her focus to the graves that was when her eyes caught sight of the mist. Like a blanket it began to cover the ground at their feet, a brow inclining in a look back to Kane, but the instant the pale figures appeared her attention remained fixed on each male and then the woman in the middle.

The slow and thick purring chuckle fell from her lips to the interaction between the blonde and the woman, it didn't take a genius to recognize those green eyes and the arrival from each grave marker. "It is a pleasure to meet each of you, I'm Aishani. Though, to Kane's words of always being watched, I surmise that you already know this."

“An introduction of yourself is both polite and very much appreciated, I would offer my hand but my current plight prevents such an act, still I welcome you to my home, I do hope my son has treated you with the respect such an honoured lady would deserve” Nelliahs voice was soft almost serene each word chosen carefully much as Kane would “But to answer your own question Aishani, I do indeed approve”

“He is been reckless in his need to satisfy an urge he brings her in without so much as check she wouldn’t kill him in his sleep, did he not learn from last time?” Haunted snapped “And yet he doing so he found an ally none of us could question, I fail to see how he does such a thing so well”

“Because unlike you, he ain’t got a stick up his ass” Krys grinned “Of course had you chosen to kill him, well” Krystal waved idly around the three of them

Nelliah raised he hand to silence the boys instantly they did so “Forgive them, it seems when they lost their physical form they also misplaced their manners, but they only seek to watch over their brother, much like yourself? So tell me what is your opinion of your current situation? Feel free to be direct it’s hard to offend the already dead, we are here to guide those of our family as we are bound to do by the twelve that brought us to be”

Aishani offered Nelliah a smile when the motherly ghost apparition spoke her approval. "Thank you, Lady Nelliah, it is much appriciated." 

She glanced to the wicked snap of Haunted's voice, tilting her head with a smirk forming upon her plush lips, her golden eye humming softly with a faint glow. "We all have urges, to deny them at times, could be detrimental to ones health. But, sometimes, the sudden circumstances can draw in a much needed ally from strange places...or realms in Kane's case." Aishani placed a small squeeze upon his hand in her own. "They are male and at times, their mind moves much faster than their words."

Aishani fell silent when Nelliah directed her questions upon her. "My current situation, is tied to Kane. From Ceremon and my surrogate, Z'ress. I have survived thus far, but, there comes a point to stop surviving and stand tall. The reason is because, I was considered weak and a stain upon the Tor'tar House fabric. I still do not know, how I ended up in this realm, but, there are times that two fates intertwine for the betterment of each involved, plus the benefit of the realm as a whole. If I had a choice to do everything over again, knowing what I do now, I would not have changed a damn thing, because for one, I would not be standing here in this realm and to finally find a mate in my life." She paused. "My situation is a burden on me and others around me, because, I brought Z'ress here and since she is an enemy, this ties her to Ceremon."

“I wouldn’t consider such things your fault, there are few who Ceremon will listen to. Sadly that may be my greatest failure that I could not protect the man I loved. Still as you say it is best not to dwell upon what you cannot control” Nelliah straightened herself for a moment “Hmm seems our time here is done, at least for the moment. We will meet again I hope Aishani, Kane you know what must be done, and what is expected of you, we will speak again”

“Take care of things topside brother, we will lend what strength we can” Krystal bowed gently “Look after him” the last was directed at Aishani

“You must find strength in each other, the realm will look to you both for strength” Haunted added quietly “You must both be ready to lead”

Aishani inhaled deeply while her hand tightened upon his own, seeking for the first time strength from the words spent from Haunted. But, she nodded in silence offering a small smirk, which turned sour and cooked. "Yes, I will look after him that is a promise that I intend to keep not only for him, but to you all."

Nelliahs head inclined in reply as they shimmered into darkness, the mist fading from around them as the dull light of what was now dusk poured in to surround them, Kane once more knelt into the dirt his hand pressed to the foot of his mothers grave just for a moment.

“It seems they do indeed like you, while such visits are rare, the fact they chose to come to us, I know now I made the right choice” He stood slowly his hands slipping to her hips as he drew her to him, his hand slipping to her back in a deep embrace “Not that I ever doubted you or my choices”

She melted into his embrace, resting her cheek on his chest while looking to the grave markers. Her arms lifted to wrap around his waist, a small smile upon her lips, then she hooked her chin on his chest. "Oh, you do? You doubted?" Aishani teased him with a poke to his ribs but chuckled. "Kane, it was nice to have met your family now. I will admit...ready to lead does frighten me. I've never done so before."

“I’m not dead, that’s a testament in its own right, had you not taken out our enemies, I may not have walked out of that attack alive. Though in truth you can lead merely by showing strength, nothing more is expected of you that you are willing to give. Should the time come, I have no doubt in you doing the right thing for us all” Kane held her close kissing the top of her head gently “I’m grateful you’re here it has allowed me to find strength, something I had been lacking of late”

Aishani closed her eyes, returning the rest of her cheek against his chest, while her fingertips kneaded into his lower back, lifting the lids offered the focus of her golden hue upon the trio of headstones before her. "Kane, you give yourself little credit. You are strong, far strong then I could ever have imagined. But, I am glad that you find strength within me, while I find such within you. I will be by your side, through the thick and thin." She paused briefly, allowing for silence to settle before speaking again after a time. "Shall we return to dine? I still would like to place three empty place settings on the table, I wish to honour your mother and two brothers, this night. As they have honoured me with their presence."

Kane smiled his eyes on her as he nodded. He led her from the cemetery grounds and back to the mansion, as they cut back through the busy kitchens staff nodded and stated greetings as they made their way through.

As they moved out of the Kitchen and up the short stairway into the dining hall, Kane halted turning to Aishani. “I know you won’t, but should you chose to walk away now would be the time to do so, I only point this out as from here on out, you will not only be my partner but assumed to be second in command. You say I have strength I am unaware but that truth comes from my knowledge that those around me can be trusted without a second thought, they will put the realm above themselves, I will gladly lay down my life to protect you Aishani, but I suspect you already know that. From here we are equals together and in the eyes of those around us” Kane drew breath shifting awkwardly knowing the details he had just posed would indeed send someone lesser running from the halls.

Aishani walked quietly at his side, the sound of their feet crunching on the gravel and thumping gently on the ground, her hand had worked the path to curl fingers within his. She nodded and spoke greetings to those that offered her such on the way through the kitchen.

She lifted her golden eye to rest upon him, when he stopped. Her head tilted to his words, as the raven feather within the dark dreads winked to him, Aishani's lips formed slowly into a smirk. "Your assumption is correct, Kane. Any other would flee at your words, but, as I have said, I am done running. It is time to stand up and fight, a cause far greater than survival but life. This world has shown me cruelty but also taught me a lesson in love, which I will never forget. Walking away would solve nothing, I would rather be here. With you. With your family. Yes, equals that share the same cause, even bed. As I would lay my life down for you, would it call for it, even Hades or Aerian." She lifted a hand to caress his cheek, offering him a smile that bled through the smirk. "I love you, Kane Elcarus. Nothing and no one can change my mind. This world is something worth fighting for."

“It is indeed worth fighting for” Kane replied softly “Even when it seems like it isn’t” As they reached the dining hall table they took their seats Kane as always at the head but holding the chair beside back allowing Aishani to take her place. Beside Kane sat the place for Nelliah, beside hers was Krystal and Haunted respectively as Hades made his way in he stood by the place setting with a gentle bow he took place besides Haunted.

Aerian glanced for a moment as she made her way then smiled softly before taking her place beside Aishani. A silent prayer was said by all before the table filled with other staff and merchants and the kitchen staff began to fill the table with food. The order had been righted and finally Dentarius had begun to heal from age old wounds.

Aishani inhaled deeply after accepting the offered seat from Kane, caressing his forearm in the passing.  But, she looked to the empty place settings for Nelliah, Krystal and Haunted, smiling to herself inwardly, but glanced to the arrival of Hades and then to Aerian when she took her seat next to herself. Extending a hand to gather Aerian's and then Kane's, speaking softly in the prayer, she released their hands and began to eat in silence. Her golden hue flicking to Kane every now and then, as well as Hades and Aerian. Now, she had found a place, in which she belonged and it was within Dentarius.