[A Cold Winter] Unwanted Surprises

The descent into the basement was fairly quick the same route to the hidden was almost the root to the damaged heating elements, the staff and metalworkers had already removed the cracked pipes huge tubes of metal bent apart by the cold ice that had flooded them just a day earlier.

“We’ll be needing those fancy magicks of yours soon milord” Abrams called as he caught sight of them, and the bottom of the room the green fires burned high, this was referred to as dragon flame a never ending fire that burned to keep the waters of the mansion heated.

“Of course Abrams” Kane quietly removed his gloves the flicker of flames danced over his hand as the pipes were hoisted into place they were heavy as staff shuddered to hold them in place.

Aishani lowered down to the basement of the estate, acknowledging the familiar pathing that appeared to nearly lead to the hidden laboratory. Her eyes took in the individuals within the area from staff to metalworkers. She glanced to Abrams with a wave at his presence, Aishani pulled the covers of the mits back to reveal the fingerless gloves and moved down to assist the staff to set the pipes into place after Kane's assistance. She was abnormally strong for her height and size but not terribly so, offering her help without question.

Kane eyed her for a moment with a grin, before he moved to the point where the new lines joined the old one, quietly his hand ran over the pipe a crackle emitted for a few moments before his hand came away the pipe glowing a dark red but sealed to the old pipe work, crossing to the other side he repeated this process and the pipe held in place.

“Always amazes me you can bend fires like that milord” Abrams chorused softly

“Easy enough when you’ve had a century or two to practice with, we can open the water lines now?”

“Aye milord, should warm you all up in no time” Abrams smiled

“Thank you for your prompt response to our issues”

“Well if you lot freeze to death who’s going to look after the rest of us this winter?” Abrams shrugged before extending his hand, Kane promptly made the shake before walking back to Aishani.

“The supply wagons have arrived that would be our next stop”

She straightened when Kane neared her, a smirk on her plush lips while stepping back to watch his word. Tilting her head to the side at the fusion of the metal of the pipes, glancing to Abrams with a chuckle. But, she moved to ensure that all the other staff and metal workers were good, then a nod to Kane. "Well, then what are we waiting for?"

Kane nodded softly taking her hand as they all left back out through underground and out into the court yard which was now full of wagon and horses and soldier in the blue and greys of the Elveran Army, it was at this point Kanes walk slowed, the far side of the courtyard housed a large blue and silver carriage, the side bore the Silver Horse of the royal court.

“Oh great” Kane groaned quietly “Well this is going to be fun” the sarcasm in his voice was as obvious as the caravan as the door opened the frame of a young woman, dark red curls framed the face of a woman who was accustomed to getting her own way, instinctively Kane drew Aishani to him.

Aishani considered the soldiers, then her eyes narrowed on the blue and grey of the Elveran Army. Her eyes barely had a chance to catch the appearance of a female with dark red tendrils and glanced distractedly to Kane when he drew her close; it was almost protective but possessive, a search for strength from her. The crispness of the cold air swirled and nipped at their cheeks and noses, but her exotic aroma permeated Kane's senses. Silently stating that she was present and not going any place.

Kanes eyes never moved from the woman as she strode across the courtyard staff skittering from her path. She stepped in front of Kane before eying Aishani carefully studying her, another moment before her voice came snapping Kane from his annoyed state.

“You do know the correct greeting for the Queen is to kneel before her?” Her words were emotionless and cold, her eyes now staring into Kanes, the awkward moment held them for a moment.

“Unless you’re on grounds where the power of the crown is no longer acknowledged” Kane replied his voice now veined with the same ice that had taken hold of the realm

“You may be an independent state, but you still answer to the crown Kane, we know that” She replied

“We will support the crown when needed, we don’t answer to you or the High Council” His words actually took her by surprise as she snapped a glare to Aishani, her curls flowing in the motion “He is always so unreasonable?” again her voice dripped with sarcasm.

Aishani straightened when the female eyed her, though, left her gloved hand curled within Kane's, but, never once did she stand down from the woman's gaze. Allowing for Kane to handle the situation for the most part until the directly acknowledged by her. "Perhaps, you should consider the cause for him to be reasonable to you. A Queen would not demand that anyone bow in neutral grounds, such should be done without push or snap. The title is a privileged not to be overlooked, respect is earned and NEVER given."

“A title I was forced into at just twelve years old, used for one end or another, beaten as I grew into my own mind, and now because some believe I use things to my own mind there is a High Council who seek to take power for themselves while I sit and watch my lands fall apart. They would have him executed without question nor trial, did he tell you that part? That he abused his power” Kane growled snapping her attention to him, his voice was sharp yet not without concern, not for Ascondia but any implication she may bend the story to fit her agenda.

“I used no one Ascondia, but you are correct without the protection of a free city that you afforded me I would be hunted like any other bounty. I would be likely caught and I would indeed be executed, seeing how you will always harbour a soft spot in that ice cage you call a heart I was given Dentarius, which brings us to why you are here?” 

“Oh stop worrying so much Kane, I’m not here for your woman, though I would appreciate the return of my property, and my bounty hunter or him to repay the two hundred thousand in gold I paid him upfront” Ascondia shrugged softly “I wanted to discuss a new threat, apparently your loving father has found himself a new power mate, and I want to ensure he isn’t coming after the throne again”

Kane almost threw his hands up in disbelief yet the act was a mental one Aishani would see in her mind as Kane shifted back to the straight faced side he showed her these days “I think it’s more likely he is coming for us, so you can rest easy Ascondia, as usual I have things under control, I won’t be needing the crowns help to deal with family matters”

“Hmm very well, I will stay the night and we will return to Elvera tomorrow, perhaps I can catch a word with our daughter before I leave” Ascondia shrugged his answer off before stepping toward the mansion “I trust this will be fine?”

Kane scratched his head idly in thought before he replied “Funny thing about that, Aerian rode out with Hades this morning, headed to check the outer provinces, though I now wonder if perhaps she didn’t go because she knew you were close, all these years and you still haven’t found a way to talk to her”

“She is stubborn, and resents me, that is not my doing” Ascondia snapped back coldly

Aishani looked to her with only a brow inclined and her expression remaining passive without much reveal of emotion. "Clearly, any benefit to your own personal vendetta need remain at the glass carriage you ride to remain there. I am well aware of all things considering. Everyone has their own motives, it is to discern if such is detrimental to others...Thank for the property by the way, seems you must have cherished it once upon a time, but, isn't that how all tales begin? In your case, manipulation and betrayal are in your blood. Seems, you must have to bite the blade and swallow the money you paid in full, because, he clearly took the money and ran."

A smirk formed on her lips, while it was subtle with the shadows darkening on the corners of her mouth. "He has a point, Ascondia." But she stepped forward at the mention of Aerian. "Regardless, if you think it is your fault or not for the resentment Aerian has, there is much she deals with and all you think of is yourself. Might have a wonderful conversation with your reflection, because, the mouth moves but only you are heard talking."

“Such a spirited woman, he does like them fiery does he not?” Ascondia grinned throwing Kane a glance before striding off toward the mansion. Several guards fell in line behind her as did a row of maids and other Court personnel.

Kane waited for a few moments “I do so wish that woman would just leave me be” He sighed softly before walking toward the wagons that were heavily loaded “Still at least she brought the supplies with her, there is a small mercy in the fact no one would be stupid enough to attempt to rip a caravan of supplies off while they are with the Royal Guards”

“Indeed Kane, we would gut them before they got close enough” Called a tall man now striding toward him “The Royal Guard as good as we have ever been, at least since you were in command” The man was tall and looked young yet his hair was aged with silver, he held a hand to Kane who promptly responded with a firm shake.

“Alvin, they have you in command now?” His voice was etched with curiosity

“Indeed, the Queen has put several more trusted of us in more key positions, between you and I, I fear the High Council may be after the power of the throne, I fear they may attempt to assassinate her” The man lowered his voice so none so close could hear his words “Our lady dispatched Alastair Grimloshi to bring back your girl, one of our scouting party later found him with arrows in his back at the bottom of Dragons Gorge”

Kane eyed the gates for a moment in thought before considering his answer “For two hundred thousand pieces of gold, there are many who would be out to take the contract from him” His voice had become level as spoke in thought

“But not so many stupid enough to try and take them from him, also he still had the fee with him, he was executed my lord, and most likely by the high council to an end we cannot determine” Kane handed off a bag of grain to the men now creating a line between the wagons and the storage areas of the mansion each would pass it to the next.

“And he would undoubtedly had realised that should he have come here, I would have put an arrow in his head myself, he may have been the pet hunter of the crown but I have a hard time forgiving treason” Kane handed another bag down to Aishani before pulling another to him, this pattern he repeated for a few more bags “So why come to me?”

“Because I have yet to find a man who can question your honour my lord” Replied Alvin “And without you I’d just be another corpse on the battle field, you pulled us out that day at the cost of your own family, I have never forgotten”

“Me either” Kane bit darkly “But what do you expect me to do?”

“Watch her back, just as you always have Kane” Alvin replied his words almost now a plead

“No” Kane replied simply handing off yet another sack of grain

Aishani remained still for a few moments, a tick tick of her nail tapped upon the hilt of her sheathed dagger to her side, while the narrow of her eyes were so venomous that it would nearly poison an onlooker by the simple glance of it. When Kane spoke it was as though her spell shattered and Aishani looked to him with a smug nod. "That is the only decent thing, which she has brought with her benefiting anyone but herself."

She turned her golden eye to rest upon the man that spoke, listening to the conversation, now the informal introduction of Alvin. She accepted each bag of grain that was handed down to her, amidst the discussion, turning it to the next in the daisy chain line. Aishani kept her thoughts to herself, on one passing of the grain, her hand caressed against his own with a brief wash of her gaze and a cascade of her scent swirled around him in the frigid air.

Now, her silence spoken, while a chuckle rolled from her lips in that fantastic purr. "She is the Queen, always a struggle to keep and maintain such a position is part of the life of those of higher privilege. I do not pretend to understand the circumstances, nor do I care. There is far more at play then I believe you realize, Alvin, each thread to web and with just the wrong footing a trap can emerge to send the spider for a feast. But spiders do not eat slowly, no. They send in an enzyme that slowly rots the inside, spoiling it. Then..." She made a slurping sound. "Be wary that which side you are on. The life can be sucked from you. Duty is duty, I understand such things. But, do not hesitate for a moment to consider that on the drop of a coin, all that can change and challenge the very air you breathe." She then returned to the passing of the grain. "In other words, the QUEEN can look after herself, as we have to on our own family matters."

“I would not betray my duty milady, I am the third to this position after Kane, the other two well met ends not so pretty” Alvin sighed softly “So far I have been fortunate to walk the line between the intent of the High Council and ensuring our Queen stays safe”

“Alvin, you are safe here, the council are not stupid enough to risk bringing the force of Dentarius against them, be it to Ascondias end or another, but rest assured that is where my obligation to protect Ascondia begins and ends, you are free to conduct any inquires you wish here. Find your spies and I will ensure they never see the light of Elvera again” Kanes final words came sharp and with enough for anyone in earshot to hear a warning that any attempt on any from the Elveran party on his lands would not be permitted, as he slid down from the wagon having offloaded the last of the grains.

“I will have the East Wings assigned as normal to the royal party, now if you’ll excuse me Aishani and I have much to do in preparation for Dentarius surviving this winter” Kane bowed lightly as he swept off down the courtyard he halted just for a moment “Alvin my words count for anyone just so you are aware” and with that he headed off toward the stables with Aishani.

Aishani smirked to the sharp velocity of Kane's impending words, stepping back to wait for him to jump from the wagon. Once he was down upon the grounds, her mitted hand met with his in the walk to the stables. "Kane, I don't like this...Something is rubbing me wrong about this entire scenario. Almost like it is a distraction from other things at hand, we need to remain focused. I am not aware of how Ascondia fits into this, but, rest assured, Z'ress can weave such a web that it is lethal to any that step foot in her trap. We need to weigh things, because, I would not put it past my mother to test your loyalties; meaning pitting me against Ascondia to make you decide, even Aerian. It is discerning to me and quite troubling. Yet, again, I may be getting too far ahead of myself on this." Her tone was a rolling purr in her whisper, to keep such from eavesdropping ears.

“It would seem a storm is brewing to distract us, though I suspect this is no more than a test of my patience, there is truth to the High Council trying to dethrone Ascondia, without her they would be free to seize control of the realm” He paused “I have desire to be drawn into a political war on war front and all-out war with Ceremon on the other, but I am almost certain this is no more than Ascondias attempt to mess with my head, after all I suspect I will always remain her favourite play toy” Kane caressed her hand gently.

“Z’ress and Ceremon will have to sit and wait for winter to pass before they can take another shot at us, so for the moment we will indeed focus on what’s in front of us and survive this winter” As they walked it began to snow, small yet enough to frost the ground quickly, by the time they reached the stables it had already stopped “I would of course warn you to watch your back around Ascondia, right now you are in her way and you’ve already eluded her once”

As the entered the stables he halted turning to her “On the subject of Grimloshi and that been the second time I’ve heard is name do I suspect my daughter is responsible for his death?” Kane stepped to the side to grab a bale of hay “Not that it matters after all Alastair was no more going to meet such an end, after all had he shown up here trying to take you it would have been my arrow ending him”

"Mmhm, yes, it would not surprise me. She really thinks that she has you wrapped around her little finger. I understand her position but she has to understand that you are not at her beck and call especially here. I still know the location of her necklace, in which, she will not get it back until the charm is broken and removed. I would not wish to see you in any state of mind control." Aishani glanced to the ground as it was dusted with the snow, but, when near the stables, she turned Kane gently. "Honestly, Kane, I would not be surprised if Aerian had a part in Grimloshi."

“Ascondia may think she is in control, I assure that will never be the case again” Kane replied softly handing her a shovel, as he placed the bale of hay down and sat upon it “As you said we have bigger things to have our minds on than a game of who can mess up Kanes head the worst” he shrugged the comment about Ascondia or his father was all too evident, finally he stood “So do you wish to clean or feed them?”

Aishani watched him for a few moments in silence, accepting the shovel but neared him to caress his cheek and lifting his chin upwards to look upon her. But, as he stood, she stepped back and looked at the stable, then to him. "Things are often faster when working together on one project. I say that we feed the horses and then bathe them. I'm sure we will make short work of it, Kane." 

As they worked clearing the stables Kane was working the floors clearing the muck into a barrow which was then promptly taken outdoors, a sudden panic cut through him before he was able to push it down, evidently aware as his nails bit into the wood of the stall. As it subsided Kane continued to help with the cleaning of the stables. 

“This is the last of things for today” Kane spoke softly as their tasks were done, standing the remnants of the bale in the trays by the door. They walked out into the yard Kanes fingers laced through hers as they headed back toward the mansion he halted, his eyes searching the high walls of the outer perimeter before he shook his head and they once more resumed their path to the house. 

Aishani moved quickly when Kane's hand latched to the wood of the stall, instantly at his side for support, while a hand was upon his chest and another on his back. She inspected him with her golden eye, while moistening her lips. But, as the tension melted from his muscles, she retracted, leaving it be for the time as he never spoke on the cause for his actions.

She nodded to him, having shed her coat and moving to slip it back on over her shoulders, but, her eyes remained on him in the leave of the stable. Aishani followed his gaze to the high perimeter walls and then back to him, keeping in step with him to the estate.

When entering, they heard a commotion in the kitchen followed by screams and pots and pans falling down, almost as though the clatter of smashing plates were heard behind the closed doors. She exchanged a glance with Kane, then withdrew her new daggers with a spin in her hand the cover of the mit already tugged down to expose her fingers.

As the door to the kitchen was burst open, one of the kitchen staff was throwing anything within arm's reach at the large spider covered in thick black fur with dark brown strips up and down the legs. Those chitinous plated ridges of the sharp legs were lifted as though to fend off the assault. "Shadow! There you are." She said, while sheathing her weapons and a smile formed on her lips, as though, welcoming a long lost friend back. The palp extensions appeared to chatter, while the soft clicking of the legs were heard in the movements over to greet Aishani. But, as the palps continued to chitter, a seeming dark cloud covered her and it was apparent.

"Kane...to our room. I have need to speak to you in privacy, Shadow is going to join us..." Without awaiting a reaction further from Kane, Aishani left the kitchen to make for the stairs with Shadow following her closely like a loyal dog, merchants and staff gasped and jumped out of the way to the ghastly sight.

Kane groaned as he lent against the kitchen wall, before finally waving off the protests of having Shadow in the mansion. He drew one long breath then righted himself as he strode from the kitchen and up the stairway to their room.

“Please tell me there are no more surprises today, I’m not sure my poor head can handle them” He groaned stripping off his cloak simply letting it fall to the ground and waling to sit in the window the cold air at least for the moment wiping the pain from his mind.

Aishani closed the door after he entered the room and Shadow began to explore around the floor and even climbed the walls to nestle comfortably in a corner that was possibly near a pipe. She turned to face him as he settled on the window perch. Aishani parted her lips to speak but fell silent, removing her gloves and coat, gathering his own to drape over a chair together. Then proceeded to settle across from him while guiding him to lean and lay his head in her lap, fingertips gently working in a massage upon his temples while her opposing hand combed through his threads.

"I wish, I could say that it wasn't a surprise, Kane. But, I have had Shadow keeping watch upon Aerian whenever she leaves the estate. It is no different than her leave with Hades..." She paused, swallowing thickly. "Winter or not...we cannot remain here. She told me that Aerian and Hades were attacked...and taken to Ceremon's castle. Shadow was right to come back immediately, she knows that she was outnumbered and held no chance against them. Let us pack warm clothing and food, we have to leave at once. But, my concern is the fact that Ascondia is here now. To leave her within this estate does not settle well with me without you or I present. Is that the cause of the pain or headaches?" Aishani fell silent, caressing her fingers through his dark threads, but watching him for his reaction.

Kane remained silent his eyes closed as the knot in his stomach twisted into a cold feeling, it would be hard to miss the wave of emotion that ripped through his mind anyone close enough would feel it, yet he remained silent. Chaos ripped at him from every direction and in that moment he allowed it to.

It took a few minutes but finally he pushed the wave down sitting “No the headache is because Aerian is in severe pain, or serious trouble, or throwing a temper tantrum sometimes its hard to know for sure” he breathed slowly the thoughts finally beginning to make sense to him “We will have to go alone, I cannot dimish forces here in Dentarius, even for my daughter or my brother”

He shifted awkwardly as he sat slowly “As for Ascondia we are left with two options, one leave and pray she leaves in the morning as she is supposed to do, unfortunately no one in Dentarius is capable of making sure that happens, secondly we take her with us, she is a skilled mage and not too bad at close quarters combat, a prospect I admittedly do not envy” He scratched his head awkwardly unnerved by his own suggestion as to taking the one person in the realm he actually did not wish to be around longer than needed “It does however concern her daughter”

Aishani clicked her tongue upon the roof of her mouth, narrowing her gaze outside the window. "While I do not care for the suggestion to bring her with us...I cannot argue that this involves her daughter. I have seen the tension between her, you and Ascondia. The relationship the three of you share is stretched to the limit, it is ready to break. This is in the best interest of Aerian that is important. Ceremon...I know he must be capable of torture, but, she is kin...as far as Z'ress is concerned, kin or not, is very cruel and heartless. After all she is out for blood to end my link to life, her own flesh and blood." She fell silent for a time. "I believe we need to bring this to her attention. There is to be none of her noisy men, except perhaps Alvin. The less attention we get the better."

“I would agree the less of us that approach Ceremons hide away, the better and also you are correct in your assumption Ceremon wouldn’t hurt Aerian, he is honourable in never harming her, Z’ress I’m far from sure and Hareavor … has already broken Aerian more than she or I would care to admit” He sat slowly his eyes looking out of the window in silent thought for a moment.

“We should go speak with the Queen” He spoke coldly his tone and choice of words simple in their statement she was the queen and nothing beyond their daughter mattered to him “Just when things between Aerian and I looked like they may finally begin to repair themselves” He sighed softly kissing her cheek gently “Whatever happens I’m glad I have you”

"Unforeseen events, Kane. The bond that I have seen that never dies is that between family. She may act like a brat at times. Aerian loves you and I believe after we rescue her, which we will, you two need to spend time together. I have a feeling she will need you." She pressed her lips to his briefly when he withdrew from the kiss to her cheek, curling a hand within his and instilling a squeeze. "You will have me at your side, no matter the circumstance. She is the Queen to you and only a title to me which I will not acknowledge since I am not from this realm. Undeniably the mother of Aerian...Enough talk, I will send Shadow ahead to scout for us."

The blade spider thudded to the floor looking stunned for a moment then moved to Aishani, the palp chattering against the venom dripped fangs. A smile formed on her lips, while running her fingers through the dark fur and nodding. "I will see you soon enough, stay warm and safe, Shadow." Aishani stood now, guiding Kane to rise and open the window to allow Shadow the exit.

After watching the spider skitter on the high walls then disappear from sight. "Kane, my love, it is time to visit the red-haired witch of the West."

[New Alliances] A Few Answers To Even More Questions

Kane turned the flash of his blade as a shower of sparks erupted, Hades lunged forward to be caught in shoulder with a stiff elbow, Hades struck back just as quickly hitting Kane square in the chest with the palm of his hand sending Kane to the ground in a fit of breathless attempted coughing.

“Getting slow old man” Hades chuckled softly extending his hand, only for Kane to yank him to the ground shifting his weight to end up behind with his blade across Hades’ throat

“And you’re getting soft” Kane replied as he let the blade the drop

“Impressive, I taught you one too many tricks it seems” Hades replied now finding his feet and sheathing his weapon, mirrored by Kane.

“You taught me not to trust anyone including family, had I remained that way I’d be as whacked out as Hareavor” Kane shrugged softly before his mind reeled at her scent, it sunk into him so quickly as he turned and grinned

“You appear unharmed, that has to be a good thing” Hades remarked “Our dear Aerian is just full of surprises, I trust I can speak freely?”

Kane nodded in reply “You can, she is as much a part of this as any of us”

“Speaking of our dear cloned failure, he is out hunting, I’m fairly sure it’s on Ceremons orders and I’m fairly sure his werewolf side kick won’t be far behind him, both with intent to maim any females remotely attached to you, he also has orders to take Aerian, it’s a dangerous game but ultimately whatever happens Kane you’re the final goal” Hades voice dropped his words now cut with an air of force

“It amazes me you’re almost always aware of Ceremons orders, if he touches my daughter it will be the last think he ever gets to do, the fields around the Mansion have been strengthened there is no way in without us knowing” Kane replied calmly as Aishani reached his side his arm wrapped around her waist drawing her against him his lips find hers for a moment

“Get a room, but Kane we cannot guarantee there is no way in, Ceremon built this house never forget that” Hades replied

“Trust me, I haven’t, I also have a lead we are going to follow up on, so I would be grateful if you ensure my guards are aware of the impending attempts on our lives” Kane replied

“Yes milord” Hades mocked playfully with a curt bow he slipped away

“Ever the joker, still it’s good he’s here, one more blade in the hands of an Elcarus on our own grounds” Kane smiled softly

Aishani hesitated at the door, inclining a brow with a small smirk coiling upon her lush lips, instead of entering, she calmly folded her arms over her chest with a lean of her shoulder to the frame. Her golden eyes watching the two brothers in a sparring match of not only physical combat but tongue as well. When the two men were finished, she straightened to move into the room at Kane's side, tilting her head when Hades spoke while Kane's arm was wrapped around her waist. She wriggled her fingers to the disappearance of Hades.

She was silent for a long time while lingering in her thoughts, fingertips kneading into his side and chest with a rest of her cheek against him, then lifting her gaze to Kane. "Clone...brother? Werewolf?"

Kane scratched his head awkwardly as the realisation of how complex things were becoming dawned on him. Finally he kissed her forehead with a smiled and led the way through the Mansion and down into the cold of the cellar, they wound through beer caskets and empty barrels, boxes and all manner of things that were upon roof to floor shelves, finally they reached an open area that was simply dark, Kane reached over the wall before several sconces came to life cast in a dull amber light into the dreary empty space.

He walked the wall tapping several times until the sound of grating stone could be heard and the wall slid down into the ground, beyond was a burnt out lab, some of the equipment still intact though long covered in dirt and spider webs.

“This was my father’s lab, here he would find the key to creating life itself, well no he figured that out the normal way but, they made their way through standing by a table, leather straps and all manor or damaged instruments and empty glass bottle. “Here he found a way to create life from life, Hades is not brother by blood, or more accurately he wasn’t. Hades was born human, from their realm, abducted at 7 years old and then modified by our DNA, me, Haunted and Krystal. It worked too, our genetics overwrote his and Hades was essentially born, and raised with us as our brother. Unfortunately there was a darkness in him, one we attribute to human nature once they have power they will inevitably wield it, by the time Hades maturity he was essentially mad and eventually turned on us all.  He destroyed this place and we believed all of Ceremons research”

They moved through to the burn remains of books and papers and a desk as Kane ran his hand over it “Ceremon wanted to control our power, not as a father but for his own end, that’s what set Hades off the deep end, and the reason He and I were at war for so long, thankfully trapping him in a mountain cavern for a hundred years or so finally tempered into looking at the realm as it really is, something to be protected, we are the fine line for many but Elcarus is the last line of defence, if I ever had doubt about Hades before they were put to rest during the Dragon Wars, he got most of the townsfolk out, and helped bring down a Dragon, granted it was on top of my house but still he is Elcarus by blood now”

Kane sat on the edge of my desk “That’s a whole lot of history that has little to do with our current plight but, Hareavor is a second attempt at perfecting what he failed with Hades, and without us to temper the human darkness, Hare …. He is a whole different breed of darkness, for as cruel and cold as Ceremon is and can be, he does know where the line is, he brought his armies to the Dragon War for no other reason than to protect the Everlands, Hare simply sat by waiting for us to die, the only act he perpetrated during that war was the torture and rape of the Dragon Warlocks daughters, sent her home in a dozen pieces” Kane shifted awkwardly “There is not an ounce of remorse in that creature, and werewolves are as they sound half man half wolf, same thing that would have taken me had Aerian and yourself not been on the field that day. Very strong, single minded and hard to stop, thankfully none too bright except for Trila, he has grown with Hareavor and as such is fiercely loyal and almost a part of him”

His eyes now settled on Aishani “They do not care for family, nor loyalty, Hareavor only tolerates Ceremon because Ceremon is key to understanding his own power, or Ceremon is the only man Hare has loyalty to I couldn’t say for sure, but he does have a dangerous affliction for rape and torture no matter race or gender”

Aishani met his gaze with her singular golden hue after the press of his lips to her forehead, an understanding to her patience and intelligence washing over him. She remained by his side in silence, her presence always slithering into his senses and fending off the mouldy moisture from the cellar. She looked to the sconces that came to life and illuminated the area in dull eerie light.

 

Quietly, she stood aside, until the grating sound erupted in a shatter of the silence. Advancing in the silence that followed with the wall falling into the ground to reveal the interior of a burnt lab. She moved to various equipment, inspecting with her eyes narrowed. At the instant he spoke, she turned her attention to Kane. "You make it seem as though he had no right to turn and burn this lab, I am sure it harbours hate and anger in him." She picked up a book when she moved to stand near to Kane, blowing on the binding with a brush of her fingertips, then set it down to walk away. "You keep speaking of darkness...like it is a plague, everyone has the darkness in them, Kane. We ALL have it. Granted. It appears differently in others." She allowed for his words to enter more, looking to his lean. "He is waiting for the right time. Hare. If he is as cruel, heartless of a beast as you say and has his werewolf companion...he is waiting for the moment to strike Ceremon down and with my...well Z'ress in the picture, this could be...bad..."

“I’ve had time to deal with Hades darkness, it was our genetics that amplified the human desire for complete power, he … well has a wicked grasp with fire, I know we all have a darkness it’s a defence system, merely meant his was out of control for a time. As for Hare, well that’s a whole different field, I wouldn’t even call it darkness with him, just pure unfiltered evil” Kane shrugged softly “He already knows his attack point we can be sure of that, we have to wait until he tries, a concept I am not so comfortable with”

He finally slid off the desk and down into the dirt shoving aside several crisp books before reaching into the floor another click and another panel exposed down into a darker much colder place “I hate this place” he murmured softly before climbing down, the air sickened with stench of death and decay, Kane flicked his wrist and a shower of flames burst forth settling alight anything it could touch, the room was round and of solid stone, the walls covered in chains and skeletal corpses. “I have been in here twice since we found out about this place, once to let anyone go who was still alive and now” His voice was edged with an uncertainty “One of these has our answers, what they are I will know when I find her”

"Of course," Aishani nodded, though, lounged against the desk now with her fingers curled at the rim and legs extended out with a link at her ankles. She watched him again in silence, considering him while straightening and tilting her head to the presence of the now open panel. She placed a hand upon his shoulder to offer him a show of silent support and strength, while the death lingered with decay, it was her scent that masked the smell to be as though through a veil. She looked around the round room, then tested the chains briefly, while being respectful of the skeletons. "She?"

“Yes, she was Ascondias sister, and the first to be taken by Ceremon. The Exaltias are perhaps the only family we know of that predate ours. They are also the most powerful, even diluted down the ability to open transdimensional portals wouldn’t be beyond their capabilities, Ascondia can open them easy enough but I’m sure it wasn’t her based on the location alone” Kane cocked his head slightly as he circled the room “We were going to bring her up to lay her to rest but our hands were tied by my former wife and she ordered the crypt sealed and not to be disturbed, evidently I just breached that rule” Kane slowed as he knelt beside a corpse his hand ran through the dirt for a moment before his eyes closed “I had a theory that we were the last to be born of his blood, and after Arianna disappeared without traced, to be found in this hell hole afterward, I am fairly sure that he did indeed father another child and somehow that line is responsible for not one but two vortices been opened, the first bringing the dragons and the second, well that brought you”

“To open them the line has to be pure which is why with enough preparation and rest I can open them, Ceremon, Ascondia, Sarantha, Aerian are about the others capable or so we thought” Kane sighed softly he bowed slightly to the corpse before walking back to Aishani 

“It seems we have a piece of the puzzle, now we should let the dead rest”

Aishani remained silent at the entry of the room, simply content to watch. She silently allowed for his words to seep in, moistening her lips. She lifted a hand to lightly rub at the back of her neck, appearing to be mildly confused. "So...wait, if, I understand correctly. The ones that I know of in that list are Ceremon and Ascondia and Aerian. Who is Sarantha? Also, what piece of the puzzle are you speaking of? I appear to be even more confused than we started, Kane. Trust, me, I am struggling to understand, I am not from this realm and it is much different than my own." She skimmed her eyes over the round room, resting on the skeletons, but then tipped her head and spoke in a soft language, it was her native tongue and dripped as luscious as silk, but it was unneeded to be spoke in common to understand that she was paying her own personal respects. Then stepped back to leave the room with Kane.

“I know it’s a lot to take in, which granted is mostly just me rambling in thought” Kane smiled softly as he ran his hand back over the panel to seal it shut. He stood now resting back on the desk “Forgive me, I didn’t mean to drop so much information on you, but it serves the greater picture if so much information isn’t in just one person’s hands. So the remains down there are mostly early experiments of Ceremons, as he tried to find a way to duplicate his children’s powers in the hands of just one vessel as he liked to call them” Kane shifted awkwardly “But one is Arianna who was taken by Ceremon and I suspected had a child, at some point I’m assuming he lost they child and they vanished into the wind, this has never been confirmed and despite my observations below is still guess work.”

Kane paused a moment to allow her to digest the information “So that been the information we haves means we can reasonably guess that, our half-sister or a descendant of that sister is responsible for opening the vortex, because we can safely eliminate everyone else we know is capable of doing it. Or at least I’m fairly sure we can”

“Sarantha is the realms only true White Mage, her family are responsible for the balance of the very realm itself, and when I say family I mean just her, the Ravensfields have watched over the health of the Everlands for some time and they are created by the realm or at least that’s how we believe it works. Hard to say their history is closely guarded” 

Kane shrugged softly “But it’s her duty to protect not harm, so we can take her out of the equation as well” Kane looked to her “Any of this making sense?”

"So essentially, it could be any of those that you have named that opened the vortex, or this possible half-sibling which we really have no concrete proof that exists in the first place." 

She folded her arms behind her back, drinking in the interior of this burnt lab. "Though, there is a possibility that Hare and his little dog will be after us due to that and another called Alastair. We need to be on our toes, but, more than that we have to find answers."

“Grimloshi? What does he have to do with this?” Kane looked almost perplexed “The last I heard of him he was in a dungeon beneath the castle after he attempted to rape Ascondia, though I’m perplexed as to why she didn’t cut his heart out but nevertheless, I suspect Hare wants us for your mother, or they want to pull you away from me to lower my defences” 

Kane shrugged softly in thought before looking to her as he slipped off the desk his eyes settled on her, her scent now once more settling him “We’re a threat together it would seem, you and I seem to be at the centre of something neither of us wanted to be”

Aishani considered him, while, lifting a shoulder in a shrug. "I'm simply ensuring that you have all agents covered, Kane. I have not heard pleasant things about Alastair, doesn't surprise me, since Aerian is the one that brought it up to me. In fact, he was the one that put out the bounty on me." She turned to face him with her golden eyes, a smirk forming slowly on her luscious lips. "Yes, perhaps, though, I absolutely love something in MY centre. We are a formidable force, that is for sure, so we need to stick together to strengthen that, but, with Aerian and Hades, it will be even more of a danger."

“I am grateful for your counsel my love, it makes thinking so much easier with you here, at least puzzle thinking” He grinned softly “And as long as we are on Elcarus ground, the advantage remains ours” Kane smiled softly “Now I think it’s time we got out of this place, I never was too comfortable in areas where my fathers soul have been” He slid from the desk and made his way to the door, as they step through the wall slid back into place.

They made their way back through the cellar but through another route that brought them out behind the Mansion into the open grounds and the rain that now hammered down, Kane merely looked up and groaned “Come on” he muttered darkly “Well the weather is beyond unfortunately”

Aishani winked to Kane and then chuckled, while her succulent aroma caressed him and added a sense of clarity beyond that of the residual soul of Ceremon. She curled her fingers within his while they left behind the haunting lab and cellar, now standing behind the mansion. An impish grin formed on her face to his dismal reaction to the pounding rain, but, she gathered his hand and pulled on it, spinning in the rain as it pelted her face and soaked her tunic, leather beading with the water, but, through the transparency of her tunic the dark flesh with the dark buds was seen.

"Don't be so smug. Enjoy it! It's beautiful. It annoys, gives life, causes floods and even makes for slippery sex."

“Now that we can both agree on” He smiled stepping to her his hands catching her hips firmly halting her movement, his eyes met hers as he moved to catch her lips, long deep and lingering his hands drawing her tight against him, his body crackled with a deep desire only brought out in her presence.

Aishani tilted her chin a slight to compensate for the height difference, then instead, leapt up to wrap her legs around his waist with a link of the ankles at his back. Her lips moulding against his, while the caress of the rain trickled upon their faces and hair, lifting her scent even more to his senses. The kiss moulded to each other, deepening the affection while her hand cupped at his cheeks, she parted after a drag of her teeth to his lip with an articulate plop. A smirk on her lips while the rain glistened on the surface and she brushed some hair from his features. "So, now, where to?"

“I still owe you some new clothes” He smiled softly “So a visit to our seamstress seems to be in order, she should have what we need ready by now” his hands slipped up her back as he returned to the kiss “But seeing how your already wet perhaps I should help with that?” his voice carried a tease that was as full of intent as the act of his hands running back along her spine.

"Excellent." She said but dove deeply into the kiss again, her fingers weaving into his wet hair and becoming tangled in the passion that her lips spoke eagerly against his. Her scent was even more smouldering to his senses as her taste was just as divine in the crispness of the rain. But she unwound from him in a slide down his body, to land on her knees. "I bet this is a first..." Aishani whispered, struggling to find the way to open his pants then fingers landing on the zipper. She tugged it down and slipped her hand within, while, the rain continued to pour upon her and threaten his uncovered beast, but, then the heat of her lips enveloped him. Tongue pinned initially, then roaming in praise to stimulate the thing flesh wrapping, forcing him as deeply as possible and effectively in her throat. But, she didn't stop and continued to feast on him, her golden eye humming softly in the dim light, while her lips were stretched to accommodate the girth.

His body tensed as she took control of his raging erection, a low growl as she swallowed him down, each time his member disappeared down her throat he would moan deeply, the speed at which she carried out the act built his need extremely quickly, his hands wrapped into her hair as he allowed her to continue against him.

The air was cool as the rain came down in near sheets quickly soaking through their clothes his hand tensed blocking her from finishing him to quickly as he sunk into the dirt in front of her kissing her hungrily before they collapsed into the cold damp earth, his hands fumbled at her waist to ease her leggings down just enough to allow his hand to find her heated core his fingers dipping deep into her.

Aishani gasped when his fleshy morsel was removed abruptly from the heat of her mouth, looking to him through lust lidded eyes, but the response of her lips fell upon his own when the kiss was inducted. Now, her heat absent from his tool, it was replaced with the stroking by the palm of her hand. 

 

Her other hand assisted Kane in the open of her leggings, in that instant that they collapsed and a stillness froze her lips in a tilt of her head back in a growl to the announcement of his digit sunk into her heated core and embraced by the molten silk folds of her passage. Her lips returned to his with an articulate smack, slick muscle not hesitating to breech his lips, a hand curling into the threads of his own hair, before yanking back and biting at that soft spot that connected his neck and shoulder, lapping at the surface. Her scent overwhelming as the crispness of the rain appeared to infuse such even more with such clarity it was amazing.

His mind was awash with the deep seated need for her, her scent and the scent of fresh rain only served to heighten the whole mix as he sunk deep into the kiss, caressing her tongue against hers. His hand now flicked against her clit before slipping deep into her slowly slipping back from her heated centre before plunging back into her.

His free hand slipped from her hair and down over her breast caressing the nipple through the now soaked fabric. As he slowly broke the kiss he looked into her eyes his breathing hoarse and broken.

Her slick muscle twirled and pranced against his on the dance floor of their passion, still stroking with her hand and alternating between the pressure and angle. A gasp and growl fed into the kiss when his digit departed from the molten heat of her core to flick over her secret button and then to return, upon reflex her body angled to press into him with a roll of her hips with her dark buds pert in arousal. She then pulled down her leggings to her shins, pushing him to his back while, lifting herself up to place his exposed member to her hot passage.

Lowering herself with a drop, causing him to be surrounded by the heat of her body, throbbing against his in the incredibly tight embrace that guided him to breech past the sanctum to her gates, ankles still linked by the fabric as she rolled her hips and pressed downward with her abdomen to cause a stir within her womb then it went deeper and pressed into the very back of her sanctum, causing her to tilt her head back with a howl of pleasure.

Feeling his length entering her, the wave of heat rolled off her as a low moan slipped from his lips, his back arced pushing him deeper up against her, and slowly his hips rolled grinding himself against her pelvic bone.

The rain wasn’t even notable to them now heat from their bodies meshed to form a bubble that suspended them in each other. The heat of her surrounding him only served to heighten the moment as his hands now raked down the wet fabric of her shirt urging her against him harder.

Aishani tilted her head back while giving praise to this moment, the rain cruelly pounding upon her face and body, though, worked her hips in a clockwise and counter clockwise gyration and looked down to him with her hands pressed against her tunic. Her palms cradled her bosom with index and thumb rolling and pinching the notable buds, then that was enough and she pulled down the neckline to expose the glorious ashen mounds now splattering with water, beading and rolling down with the very bridge of her nips. In that very moment, his hands raked down her back to the urge. She gave in while her sounds were nearing grunts to screams, literally bouncing violently upon him with each stride pushing into her core to claim her very womb, to fill her. Then he felt the throbbing of her flower beginning to come alive, then he felt the pressure that threatened to force him out, but, then he felt the rush of heat and she stiffened with an arch back and quivered, the silken folds milking him and pleading. She collapsed down now, pressed against his, her lips lusting upon his flesh, then to his lips with a passionate kiss, spilling with such emotion that it was smothering him with her presence and scent that was amazing. 

As he felt himself erupt filling her hard with his seed his whole body shuddered, as she collapsed toward him his hands caught her hair dragging her into that violent kiss, eager and hungry all in the same sense. His eyes closed just a little before he broke from the kiss.

With intent he turned her body hitting the now soaked ground with a splash as she displaced the water beneath his hand had rid her of the now soaked legs dumping them beside in that moment he was upon on her driving himself back into her, her scent and the rain had kept him alive his hands locked her arms over her head as he now took to a more violent force each thrust sent the sound of wet flesh colliding with wet flesh echoing around them. His rhythm was both forceful and aggressive with express desire of filling her a second time, the force with which he buried himself inside her would leave them stinging in the moment before their naked flesh collided again.

It was long before he growled his mouth coming down against her breast in a rough bite against the tender flesh his back tense as again he erupted inside her filling her once more.

A growl parted her lips to the inflation of his fleshy tube that pressed against her folds throbbing with life due to the stimulation her body was indulging in. She fell into the intensity of the kiss, the carnal hunger raging within both lovers, it was like a wave of desire that crashed against both of them. 

 

The sound that broke the embrace left Aishani gasping for air, suckling on his lower lip, but the lock was shattered when in the soaked ground she was turned with a grunt of surprise to the control that he forced upon her. But, a smirk formed on her lips while, Aishani appeared to be even more aroused due to this turn of events. When her arms lifted to work upon his back beneath the cloak, she was found in the manacles of his hands, writhing beneath him with each clap of their flesh upon flesh intense. The water was tranquil in the rhythm, while the song of their bodies was splashing, slippery. The forcefulness that he thrust upon her increased a violet to her cheeks and the volume of her voice new no boundaries between every scream that was cut short by the abuse at her hips, eyes rolling into the back of her skull with mouth hung open. A hiss slithered past her lips to the ferocious bite upon her bosom, while his whisper of release rose in the instant the explosion occurred Kane caught her own rushing forth to greet his. In the press of his mouth upon her bosom, now, he began to taste her in all the rush of her fiery blood, as a few droplets trickled upon his pallet to such a luscious crimson essence.

He lay against her for that moment before slowly easing back to his knees a wicked smile on his face as he looked to their now soaked clothes in a pile in the ground. “Well now this is going to be fun” His eyes caught hers with a sparkle “How are we to get indoors and get dressed without the entire house knowing we are currently half naked?”

Somehow during the entire intimate moment, her clothing was removed and now she lay upon the soaked ground, glistening like a goddess amongst the falling rain. She propped herself up, as the spider web markings, upon her under sternum and just above her naval, glistened in the light almost as though winking to him. A smirk forming slowly upon her lush lips. "That does pose a problem. I thought we were going to see this seamstress? Unfortunately, I have no clean clothing with me..." But, she adjusted to stand, looking around and gathering her wet clothing in her arms then lifting Kane's cloak to drape over his shoulders. "I have an idea. Carry me. So long as I am in physical contact with you, I can force a blink to move the both of us."

“Well wont be the first time I’ve arrived at Elsa’s naked and soaked from the rain” He looked to her “A long story I promise to share someday” With that he scooped her into his arms standing, he dragged their clothes into a pile at his feet and with a smile nodded “The shop is on the inner edge of town, south of the market, she has a block up on me dropping in so let’s hope your’s lets us through, blinking may prove most useful for us soon enough”

He held her tight to him, feeling the world around them disappear in the instant they reappeared the sweet scent of various herbs filled both their senses and the scream of a young woman.

“My dear god Lord Elcarus, what in the twelve are you doing!” The woman was all with dark blonde curls, as she now stood with her hands at her hips, the glare was all but show as she now caught sight of Aishani as she unfurled from Kanes arms “Well now has my Lord found himself a lady?”

[New Alliances] The Female Element

As they entered the main hall the mansion was busy with the daily goings of merchants and traders as they passed through toward town, some would nod dutiful to Kane as he passed bow, a gentle bow to Aishani. The maids quickly swept through keeping things in order. 

Kane directed Aishani to the table as they sat they were soon joined by Hades and Aerian, for the moment they ate in silence, there were things to discuss of course but for the moment they could wait.

Aishani walked beside Kane while acknowledging those that provided as much to her in kind, she complimented Kane on the organization of the maids that floated around dealing with the individuals on placement.

Now settled at the dining table, she set herself near to Kane while remaining on her own side. She greeted Hades with a tip of her chin and a wink to Aerian, though, as food was provided, she methodically made a plate of various different fruits and sweet bun. But, Kane would discover that she did not touch the eggs or meat. When the silence lingered too long amidst the dine, Aishani's golden eye fixed on Kane then swept to the plates of the others. She dabbed at her mouth with the napkin, folding it with a set to the side, indicated that she was finished and ready to begin the discussion. A hand was upon Kane's knee beneath the table with her fingertips coyly and stealthily running against his hidden package.

Aerian threw Aishani a knowing smile before folding her hands on the table, her eyes remained on Aishani as she spoke.

“The portal was indeed opened from our side, a multiversal vortex that links anywhere it finds the fabric of reality thin enough. As far as I’ve been able to determine and this is by no means the whole truth, the Dragus are trying to find allies”

As the words came Kane visibly tensed at the group involved, his body becoming rigid.

“She’s right, as far as we can tell they are trying to find allies with magi power, enough” Hades didn’t get chance before Kane cut him off

“To bring back the Dragons, they are taking another run at the realm, do we know who is at the head?” Kane voice was cut with nerves far darker than he had been known to use before. “So Aishani and Ceremon?”

“Not part of the plan, so far as we can tell, at least we’re sure Aishani isn’t, but Ceremon and well, you can never be too sure, we’re still looking into it” Hades replied before draining his wine glass “If there’s a link we’ll find it, but I will gladly admit that I was wrong and you my dear brother were correct in your decision to protect her, she is innocent in all this chaos”

Aerian smiled as she eyed Aishani, before dismissing herself from the table “I would like a word alone Aishani, should you find the time” and with that she strode off down the hall toward her room.

Hades shrugged softly “She’s an odd one, but she did express he admiration of your combat skills, so it seems you will be stuck with us for the foreseeable future, of course I don’t doubt you’d be fine protecting yourself, I just suspect my brother wouldn’t be able to focus on protecting us, if you’re not by his side”

Aishani listened in silence, her investigative fingers to Kane's hidden gift lifted to only rest upon his thigh. To the tension that caused his body to grow rigid, she incited a soft pressure of strength. Her golden eye flashed to Hades, then to Aerian when the female requested conference alone.

"Regardless..." Her rolling purr parted her lips, while lifting her hand from Kane's thigh, leaving her presence in a haunt even beneath the denim. "I am not familiar with Ceremon, though, if he is cunning and strong, by a technical term. Z'ress goes after those stronger, then cuts them down at their weakest. She is after me because, I am weak in her eyes due to our society. The Drow have been pushed back as of recent due to their slave trade watchers of Faerun have been pushing back and rest assured that Z'ress is attempting new outlets for the Drow to have a place to call their own. So this is a double edged sword at play. A game of tag. But, her motivation would be myself, to any extent necessary, everything else is trivial."

She then glanced to Kane, then to Hades. "We all have our strengths, though, I do believe, he gives himself even less credit then you do. As I have understood, the Elysium are the protectors of the realm, that being said, if I was present or not, still such remains and would occur. I am no more innocent then the next, but, in this, I am merely trying to survive. Even the strongest know when to fight solo and when to seek assistance." Aishani rose leaning over to press her lips against Kane's. "I had many many years of training and lessons of survival. Excuse me, then. It seems your daughter wishes a word, I will leave you two to discuss. On my account, keep it civil, hmm?"

Aishani caressed Kane's cheek in the passing and patted Hades on the shoulder, leaving to search out Aerian in her room. Knocking on the door, waiting patiently.

Aerian slid open the door just a little before stepping back to allow Aishani in, her room was far more Spartan, only essentials and storage. The window was concealed with a thick curtains allowing only small amounts of light, the rest carried by the single lantern on a dresser by the bed. 

“I was unsure you’d come, considering …. Well I have already apologised enough, please forgive the cloak and dagger act, there is nothing untoward in all this, I just wanted to have you to myself” Her words came muddled the child in her lost behind the attempt at adulthood, while she was in the realms years older in terms of development she was indeed still quite young.

“It seems while a huge part of me is truly grateful Dad has found someone so unique, who matches him so well, it seems you …. Oh god” Aerian sighed sinking onto her bed falling back to lay looking to the canopy of the dark wood bed.

Aishani entered the room, her golden eye skimming the interior briefly to drink in the furnishings and taste. But glanced to Aerian as the woman moved to settle on the bed, tilting her head a slight, causing the dreads to shift on her shoulders to drape upon her bosom and down her back. "I have no reason not to come, when you request it of me, Aerian. Everyone can be selfish at times. It is only natural." She inclined a brow to the woman's actions and moved to settle on the foot corner of the bed, always observant.

Since Aerian was of Kane's blood, there was a part of her that spoke to Aerian in the faint scent of her mouth-watering aroma, while it was diluted but still present in the essence of Aishani's being. "I'm pleased to see that you feel grateful for your father. It seems...?"

“Yes, of course, I want both of my parents happy, but my mother is a more complex issue to figure so I avoid it, but Dad has been to hell, back and beyond he deserves some happiness” Slowly she sat turning to face Aishani drawing her knees to her chest.

“The problem isn’t with him, or even you really” Aerians mind reeled faster than her mouth could process, the scent of Aishani was indeed lingering in the back of her senses, less than her father as Aerian only had a small trace of Vampire within her “It’s good seeing him happy, when he has a reason to fight he is the man I remember, the one who’s stories are sung by bards in taverns, the hero of the realm. It’s been a long while since he has been that man, I think loosing Uncle Krys and Haunted hurt him worse than he will ever let us know. We will need that strength” 

She looked to the door quietly as she chewed her lip in thought, her mind still process the infinite amount of information that seemed to be laid out before her “Something big is coming, that much I’m sure of, you and Dad are seemingly the focus of it, that much we know. The problem is me” She looked for the door to Aishani then down to her knees “Not in the war but … no wonder folk say I shouldn’t talk a lot”

Aishani sat and listened to Aerian, her golden eye fixed on her while it was focused, attentive to the woman's words. Though when she finished speaking, Aishani rose to sit closer to Aerian folded into herself on the bed and placed a hand upon her knee. "Aerian, everyone has been to hell and back, it is different for all of us. No situation is ever felt the same from one person to the next. You must face the fact, there is a chance that he may never be the man that you once knew. Challenges. Choices and life events that are beyond our control change an individual. But, you desire the best of your father and his strength. It is his strength in himself that needs to be steady, only he can do that with support of family and friends. Oh, I agree with you on speaking of something is coming, my...well Z'ress, is capable of much in her cruel and calculative mind...combined with what I witnessed here in the hall of Ceremon, the combined forces will be difficult. But, I will not let things fall to the best of my abilities."

Aishani tilted her head then considered something. "Aerian, what is the reason you wished to speak with me? It is the two of us and I respect your own talents on the field...quite the marksmen, or women in this case."

“You came from Elvera right? It is no accident I ended up with the contract to collect and return you, not that I had any intent of returning you to my mother. I took the contract from the original hunter, he was a jackass anyways, and has never been too good with returning female bounties in a fit state to stand trial or such” Aerian kept her eyes down as she let her words come “

“I saw you, in the tavern of Elvera, I was going to follow and see where you ended up, but you had to run before I got a chance” Aerian looked up “But you ended up in my home anyway, the problem is you found my father and now my head is all messed up and I’m trying to put it to the back of mind and help with this but it’s hard to ignore something like that right?”

She turned to face Aerian, running her pink tongue across those plush berry stained lips. "Have you told your father or Uncle about the contract by Grimloshi, especially about talking to the skeletons at the bottom of the gorge? That goes for the two of us, being caught off guard." Aishani sat on the edge of Aerian's bed, placing a hand on hers. "I'm not sure that I understand, but, if I am guessing, you are struggling with the fact that you are attracted to me?"

“Uncle Hades knows, Alastair picked the wrong day to think an Elcarus girl would be an easy target, I planned to simply take the contract and send him on his way. He had other ideas and Uncle H … well he isn’t known for wasting time with threats.” Aerian shrugged softly “It’s probably for the best women will be better off all around with him gone, I doubt my father would lose sleep over it either”

She looked to her hand turning it as she laced her fingers through Aishani “As for your question, then yes that would be the simple explanation”

"Alastair, appears to think with his dick then his brain and uses force to make his intention know. There are many in this world, even my own of Faerun. Your Uncle is a wise man to utilize such." Aishani lowered her gaze to Aerian's fingers woven together within her own, inciting a simple squeeze. "I appreciate the flatter to capture a dashing and beautiful woman's attention. I have no means to lead you on, I know you have lost and in that lost are walking aimlessly through your life, looking to fill the void in the hole of your heart. I have seen it time and time again. But, I want you to understand, as much as I wish to remain forever, I cannot guarantee such given the situation and the dangers life given to us. I have finally understood what it means to love, thanks to your father. But, that also extends to you, Aerian. You are a part of him, as much as he is a part of you. Hades...well, I don't know him as I do you. You are young, beautiful and incredibly strong, even resilient. As I love Kane, I love you as well." Aishani caressed Aerian's cheek. "I know, this may not be that which, you desire to hear. I am here for you, Aerian. I don't pass judgment. If I am lucky, I may be around for a long time yet."

Aerian sat silent her eyes on their entwined fingers as the words floated through her head slowly. Each one processed with interest before she finally drew a deep breath “I know, you’re with my father, and in time I can come to terms with that fact, he always did have a way of finding the really good ones. I don’t expect of you Aishani except of course you don’t hurt my father, he … I don’t think he’d survive another loss, he is the strongest person I have ever known” She chewed her lip once more before drawing Aishanis hand to her cheek just for a moment “But I thought you should know if I act awkward or weird it’s not because I’m a temperamental teenager or bitter and angry like every in Dentarius would have you believe, but because …. Well because I really like you both as my father’s partner or lover or anything that may come but as yourself too”

Aishani watched Aerian with that golden eye, tilting her head a slight to the gesture that caused her hand to be lifted in a rest against Aerian's cheek, thumb caressing the cheekbone. She smiled to her, it was gentle and caring. "Aerian, I see much of your father in you. I will tell him, that which I will tell you. You are strong, I saw it the moment, I met you. Each has a strength in different things and ideals. Loss happens...it is a part of life, we either, rise and overcome or fall down a dark path of resentment and hatred. I saw a woman, that was struggling to overcome something, accept yourself for whom you are. I will be around, if you need to talk or need me to just calm you down. I will do what it is I can. You are not alone, always remember that. Your father loves you and wishes to be there for you, but, he has a hard time finding that path to you without fighting those vines that protect. You should let him in, might be surprised." Aishani lowered her hand still in Aerian's and leaned forward, pressing her plush lips against her cheek, leaning back with a squeeze on her hand and rising. "I better get out there, before your Uncle does something...or even your father to irritate the other."

“You should have been around when they were trying to kill each other, those were real fun times” Aerian quipped softly “He loves you, I can see it in everything about him, so when you guys get married I’m not calling you Mom” Aerian diverted her eyes quickly as she stretched her legs “it’d just be weird”

And with that she slid off the opposite side of the bed stretching her arms over her head slowly before turning, the confused young child now seemingly gone to be replaced with Aerian Elcarus, the one everybody believed was cold and uncaring.

Aishani chuckled to the returned antics of Aerian, but, now, she had insight to the young woman and accepted her for all that she was. She lifted her hand to open the door and to return to the dining hall, when nearing Kane would clearly catch that succulent scent that he was denied in her time away with Aerian.