[A Cold Winter] We Have A Plan

Kane eyed the horizon quietly, it had been a long couple of weeks for them all, Ascondia had complained of one thing or another and Alvin was slowly becoming less patient with Kanes temperament toward the Queen.

It was as Kane pushed up from the cold snow he caught the blade against the back of his neck, instinct took him for a blade only to have it snatched away

.

“Easy now fella” A cold tone caught him “We don’t wanna be killing ya”

As Kane turned the whole group were pinned with blades to their throats, Ascondia was ranting about been the Queen with Alvin reminding them assault of the Queen was punishable by death.

“Now just why is our great Queen out so far from her nice protected throne?” The captor crowed in reply

“Because occasionally we have more important things to worry about” Kane snapped in reply “Now how about you release us and we all go our own way and forget this whole thing happened, before it gets real ugly real fast”

“We’re the ones armed good sir, and you all will hand over your coins then we’ll be on our way” The leader or at least Kane figured he was the leader as the other four had their attention on him, the fourth held a bow to the group of Alvin, Ascondia and Aishani.

“Five on Four my love what do you figure their odds to be?” Kane tossed the remark to Aishania a playful glare in his eye

Aishani flicked her golden eye to Kane from her position beside him, a smirk forming upon her plush lips, while from her hand pressed against his but in the contact there was the sense of something solid being placed within his palm. By feel, it was clear that this was a throwing knife that was strapped upon her thigh but removed in enough time before being caught off guard by the bandits. "Depends..." She purred.

That is when he felt the static build in the air, a sign of Aishani preparing to possess the ability drawn on her by the webbed markings, blink. Her hand lifted in a lightening fast strike to the assailant that held her pinned by her throat, blinking to stand before him and utilize his own weapon to plunge into his gullet. Then before the others could react, the static increased when she appeared to the man keeping Ascondia pinned to slit his throat while the other was shot in the leg with a throwing knife. Turning to step forward in another issued blink, but something appeared from the forest. In a flash the archer was skewered, with a bloody choke. Now, Shadow have arrived at the perfect time.

"Keep the gimp, alive." She said while blinking to fall to her knees before Shadow, caressing those dangerous legs with her mitted hand and crooning to the arachnid that was the size of a large dog. The front legs lofted and lightly tapped at her shoulder.

As the blade reached his hand Kane took a step forward then ducked under the leader ending behind him his hands snapping to the front and back of his head and one sharp turn the resounding snap of the bones in his neck sent him to the ground.

The others barely had time to react as the emerald flash of flame saw him behind Alvins captor burying the short knife into his spine not fatal but crippling. The arrival of shadow saw three dead and two injured but for the moment alive, Kane simply spun the blade in his hand beore retrieving his blade.

“The problem with raiders is they always think they have the upper hand” Quietly he wiped the blade on one of the fallen before turning to face the others “So I’m going to assume this wasn’t random, no one in their right mind attacks the Queen”

“No milord, Regal said we could do it” Groaned the one Kane had dropped moments before “said you’d be good for coin, also said you weren’t exactly yourself of late, he said you were weak”

“Said you were no threat” Piped the second of their captives.

“Had this attack been a week earlier I’m fairly sure they’d still be dead, my point is why would you attack” Kane now crouched before the one he had injured his blade pressed to his cheek “Just for the money?”

“Yes milord, Regal said it would be easy, said you wouldn’t hurt civilians” Kane laughed coldly “You threatened the Queen, we already established the punishment for that, and as for us we are little busy with something so this is time I don’t need to waste”

Aishani straightened from her arachnid companion, while the blade spider moved at her side to lift those front legs in the direction of Ascondia and Alvin, almost as though deciphering the threat those two possessed. She glanced to Shadow then placed a hand upon the lifted leg, as though a silent communication was relaying between the two and reluctantly the pulpits stilled. "Shadow speaks of another. Who else did you happen to bring with you...?" She growled softly, walking through the snow, the white blanket crunching beneath her feet to grasp the hair within her slender fingers to yank back and force his eyes to peer deeply within her own.

“N … n … no one” He croaked under Kanes blade, the weight had nicked the flesh of his cheek sending a trail of blood down his cheek “I swear to you mailady”

Aishani narrowed her gaze to the man, nearing him with a tilt of her head while leaning closer to him and gliding her tongue against his cheek to lick the trail of blood and whisper beside his ear. "I don't like liars..." She growled, yanking his head back then releasing her tangled fingers from his hair, straightening. She then narrowed her gaze to the surrounding area outwards from their current position, while a flash of blades flew through the air, aimed for Ascondia. Such things happened in a matter of seconds, leaving Aishani to reach with a step forward and disappearing only to stand before the Queen with a smirk, grabbing her and then the static of a powerful pull caused them to disappear and appear near Kane in the next moment as throwing knives were lodged into the snow.

Snow fell from a tree, surprisingly high up, as a figure wrapped in leather crouched like a perfectly poised panther, ready to strike. Her hair was darker then night, while her skin resembled the snow but was kissed with a subtle red to the tip of her nose. Lips a deep red while her eye's held an intents black hue. 

At her hip was a long sword, sheathed. A cloak wrapped her shoulders, hood down, while nestled between the beauteous full bosom was a necklace with a red ruby, incrusted in silver and that is when Kane would recognize the sigil of Rexialis House. Such was a well-known house to deal in all illegal trades, including the flesh, thieves and mostly the best assassin's but after the Dragon Wars, seemingly dropped off the face of the realm. But, now, he was face to face with one.

Kane didn’t hesitate as he kicked his captive back into the snow, rising straight to the full 7 foot frame that suddenly looked far more dangerous than he had in some time, his eyes darkened as he watched the newcomer.

“We have enough problems to deal, they just keep coming today” His eyes stayed on the newcomer as Alvin moved to put himself between Aishani and Ascondia “I have the Queen covered Lady Aishani, I fear Lord Kane may need you”

“You know me so I’ll leave you to do your introduction, though a family reputation for murder mayhem, slave trading and more leaves little guess work”

The female remained calm, while balancing herself perfectly on the limb without so much as a hand for balance. Aishani rounded from behind Alvin to stand at Kane's side, with Shadow at her side protectively. This female simply tilted her head to the side while the smirk grew to a wolfish grin now. Now, in a thought the Rexialis House, it was run by the Billote's since a marriage bound the two houses together to give birth to a ruthless group that was primarily all family in the higher ranks.

She remained at a height, to gain an overall perspective of the group below her. Those dark eyes flashed as though assessing the situation. Extending her arm back while retrieving the hand with a flash of blades upon the fingers, like a fan with a flick of her wrist, she sent the knives through the air as the female turned to rush further away utilizing branches as her leverage. She meant to escape.

Aishani was already in pursuit, feet crushing in the snow, then silent in a leap up that landed her on the branch that the female previously had occupied, flashing from one branch to another. Even with the ability to blink, while Aishani was gaining on the female, she still was faster. Shadow gave chase from the ground level and was exceedingly faster than both fading into the distance, when Kane would arrive, he would find a flash of weapons and a web was being created to trap the female.

Kane eyed the female a light nod to Aishani before closing in on the woman his eyes had grown cold and his patience all but worn thin his blade snapped the tree above her head carving a chunk from the tree with ease.

“Let’s try this again, you know who I am, I already figure your from Evermore, so my guess would be Dragons Keep, which means you’re working for my father, which means you’re not leaving this forest alive” Kane shrugged calmly “I’m tired of fighting with his support troops trying to slow me down, because he knows I will kill just about anyone to get to my daughter, so anything you wish to impart on me I suggest you do so now before I allow my lover to pluck you apart piece by piece, or Shadow”

Kane eyed Shadow for a moment “Take your pick” his voice was unnaturally clam and any emotion was drowned in the wave of frustration that now boiled just below the surface of his patience.

There was a thud and the crack of a tree branch that sounded like thunder in the otherwise silent skeleton of a forest, followed by a grunt. Then steps in the snow, as though, someone was fighting in the distance. The sound of fist meeting body was heard, while this was short lived and Aishani came back with a trickle of blood from her nose. Her plush lips were twisted in a triumphant smirk, Shadow was behind her, as the struggling female was wrapped in a netlike web and being pulled.

The female growled and cried out while attempting to chew and pull the webbing apart, Aishani then stopped at Kane's side, clearing her throat. "Now, let's try this again. Kane, my love, after you." The female within had a swollen eye and a split lip, not nearly as beautiful as before while her black eyes flashed dangerous, similar to a cornered animal. Aishani ran a finger to her bloodied nose, while licking the digit clean.

Ascondia had now caught up her eyes flashing dangerously as she closed in on the newcomer. As she rounded on her Kane caught her wrist.

“Get off me Kane” She barked angrily.

“Stay put!” Kanes voice was cold and sharp enough to make Ascondia throw him a glare

“I am the fucking Queen and she will answer to me!” Ascondia snarled back

“You’re the Queen, with one guard and a really pissed off demon, a giant Spider and a drow, you might want to think where the threat is actually coming from” And with that he nodded to Alvin who pulled Ascondia to the side

“Tempers are a little frayed as you can imagine, so if you’d care to tell us what we want, maybe I’ll forgo slitting your throat”

The female in the webbed netting simply sat and glared at all of them, those dark eyes like chips of obsidian. "I'm sorry, I seem to have been running away, when you were shouting at me. I missed everything you asked...my name. It is Virra Billote. You are Kane...you must be the daughter that psycho bitch, Z'ress, is after and will stop at nothing to get." A smirk spread upon her split and bleeding lip, spitting the blood into the snow and staining it red. "I followed that ... spider. I didn't know an Elcarus had the potential to summon and control such a creature."

Aishani grew bored while crouching in the snow, her attention diverted to Shadow, a smirk on her lips. Then she stood, while nearing Kane. "My love, Aerian is alive. Not doing well...but, alive."

“And we’re still a day or so out even without rest” Kane sighed softly before looking to Virra “You are correct the spider is not my trick, as you said we cannot do such things, Aishani on the other hand” Kane smiled softly “Let me put it this way you are of House Rexialis which pretty much makes you a wanted criminal across the entire realm, I will make it go away, for you, providing you help me get my daughter and brother out of my fathers hands”

Kane quickly drew a map into the snow “We can’t go in the main doors their mages would tear us apart before we got close, there is however an old cellar that collapsed right before my grandfather died, which leads into the old detention cells and then into the newer ones, we can get in and out quietly, providing we know what’s waiting for us and what condition Aerian and Hades are in”

"You mean that red head and guy...that kinda looks like you? Wow. You really are Ceremon's son, he made the same deal with my father. The terms were to protect the house in a long term sense...Hey, wait! You can't go near the castle..." She stopped mid-sentence, then fell silent, poking holes with her finger in the snow beneath her.

Aishani flicked her gaze up from the map that was being drawn to the girl, narrowing her eyes upon Virra. "My love...I'm going to knock her out..." She growled, it was clear the venture and having to tolerate the Queen, without intimacy, was definitely winding her up to be dangerous, her patience wearing thin.

"What good would that do you?" Virra spat. "Besides, you don't know what is awaiting you, should you arrive. That entrance you spoke of is not really hidden anymore. After all, if I know about it and Shadow does...then." She shrugged passively, tentatively touching her lip. "You really think, it would matter? No protection could keep me safe from my father or the House. As you said, I'm a wanted criminal, better off dead then by his hand."

“And I’m Kane Elcarus, she’s the Queen we can actually make YOU’RE crimes disappear” Kane was careful to ensure she understood this was to her and her alone “You can take residence In Dentarius there isn’t a place that’s safer, well except the mansion but … still we will proect you as if you are our own, and you might want to be aware Ceremon has an army of lunatics with no real power between them, he collects them like pets” Kane stood striding back and forth with though for a moment “So yes the redhead and guy that sort of appears like me, not the crazy one you understand the one they have locked up, time is running out, I need to get to Aerian, I need to know what we’re walking into, please I need your help”

Kane could feel the frustration fighting with the fear of losing his only chance to pull his daughter out in one piece “I failed her once before I’ll be damned if that happens again, you have my word you will be protected with all the power of House Elcarus and Dentarius itself” again he made sure she understood this was for her and her alone.

There was silence from Virra while her dark eyes looked over Kane and then Ascondia skeptically. When Kane stood, Aishani placed a hand of comfort and support upon his bicep with the curl of her nails into the thick coat that he wore, her delicious aroma slithering in his sense, crisp as the fallen snow around them to further such stability from her.

"Fine. I'll help..." Virra whispered, as though her voice trembled. "Just let me out of this...web...net...thingy..."

Kane spun on his heel rounding on her “I’ll trust you, I expect you to do the same” With that he ran his hand over Aishanis shoulder gently “Let her out” as he turned  to face Ascondia and Alvin his voice dropped “We’ll set up camp here tonight, it’s late, she’ll need time to rest”

He sheathed his weapon at his hip and turned to face Virra “And you will tell us all we need to get them out, that’s our deal, once they are out and safe so are you” Alvin was very quickly busy with erecting the tents against the dark backdrop of the forest, Ascondia as ever was complaining a Queen shouldn’t have to erect her own tent much less sleep rough each night as they had for some time now.

Virra's eyes flashed to Aishani when Kane gave his lover the go ahead to release her. Aishani briefly nodded to Kane, moving over and releasing the tether fasten to the webbed netting by whispering a few words and it melted away, she then turned to move and assist Alvin in lifting the tents up. 

But, suddenly, Ascondia was cut short of her complaining while a snowball was thrown in her direction, Aishani leaned down packing another, tossing it up and down in a threat, her plush lips formed into a coy smirk. "I think...you can pitch in. I'll help teach you how to pitch your OWN tent." She tossed the snowball aside and moved to assist Ascondia in rising. "But I am NOT going to do it for you when you have two able hands. We are all in this together, quit...your bitching."

Virra was rolling over laughing in the snow now, to the sight of Ascondia. "I like her. I take that back, you are nothing like that psycho bitch, Z'ress." But, at the venomous glare cast by Aishani, she scrambled to rise and moved over to the map. She considered it for a moment in silence, then settled down and beginning to add on more cells and drew frowny faces even a penis and a pussy, snickering but then smothered it out. "I'll explain everything once things are settled."

Kane reached into his back pack pulling out a length of rope eying Virra for a moment “Do I need to waste my time tying you up, or will you behave while we go get dinner?” It was a statement rather than an actual choice an inclination of trust.

Quietly he rose to his feet collecting his bow as he threw a glance to Aishani and Ascondia who had at least stopped complaining and was busy erecting her tent, Alvin had already begun preparing the fire. He waited until he felt Aishani at his side as they ducked out into the forest in search of their next meal.

Virra rolled a shoulder passively to Kane's words that left neither trust or lack thereof. Her dark eyes were startlingly beautiful against her porcelain skin, a lazy one-side smirk formed upon her lips, leaving him to believe this female was always up to no good. In a way, reminding him of Aerian. But, she extended her arms forward with her wrists next to the other. "Got it, Kane. Might be best...for now, if not for you but for me."

It took sometime before Aishani moved to his side, her golden eye flashing upwards to him with a nod. When they ducked into the forest, Shadow came with them, an extra hand in capturing a meal.

Kane edged along his foot setps barely registering, impressively quiet for a man of his size, he ducked between a growth or bush and high rising rocks out into an isolated cove of sorts.

The moment she followed him through he rounded on her his lips capturing hers hungrily for a few moments before he dropped back. “I wanted to thank you, I wouldn’t have gotten this far without you, or Shadow, and I’m pretty sure our dear Queen would have long since lost her head” he rolled his shoulder slowly with a smile.

“I know all this isn’t helping things, for either of us in a lot of ways, but we’re almost at our destination, I am finally feeling far better all thanks to you” He smiled softly as he crept toward the edge of the lake, the water crystal clear and ice cold as it vanished over the edge and down into the waiting rivers below “We will hit Evermore soon, the terrain is terrible and weather worse, I don’t know what’s to come and that bothers me”

Shadow passed them, while leaping from tree to tree, skittering soundlessly on the snow. Aishani was as though a ghost at his back, following him down and between a growth. Yet, the instant he turned, Aishani's eyes widened briefly in surprise to the press of his lips against hers. That succulent warmth sung clear into his core, stirring with the recovered sweep of her own plush surface, giving into the moment with such thirst it was insatiable. As he stood back, her eyes were closed and then lids lifted slowly, looking up to him with that golden hue humming softly in the dying light.

A smirk formed upon the luscious surface of her lips, tilting her head walking with him to peer over the edge, then back to him. She lifted a hand, covered in the mitt, her eyes fixed to him while her aroma was slithering into his senses. "That is where you are wrong. While, yes, the circumstances prevent us of...certain pleasures. This is helping us grow, Kane. We are here in this frigid hell, joining for the same cause and goal ultimately. No one ever sees eye to eye, but, the strength is growing. There is one thing, I do know. You will have me at your side to face the unknown, together we will overcome our obstacles. You are not facing any of this alone. So long as I breathe, you never will." She glanced over her shoulder sharply, then up to a tree. Across the lake, was a female doe attempting to gather bark from the trees due to the lush grass being settled beneath the snow for the winter.

Kane crouched beside her “I don’t doubt you Aishani, never have from the moment we met, my problem is I don’t know Ascondias end game and our new house guest could be walking us right into our parents hands” 

He drew the bow slowly his eyes stayed on the doe before the arrow took flight absolute and clean dropping the doe with practiced accuracy, he smiled softly as he drew back slowly, and he kissed her cheek as they walked toward the fallen animal.

“So what do you think of our guest can we trust her? She reminds me too much of Aerian and in a lot of ways that bothers, but she may be our only hope of getting Aerian and Hades out alive”

Aishani remained silent as Kane took aim and shot down the doe, glancing to him when he pressed his lips against her icy cheek and stood. Shadow was already moving to the deer, weaving a web into a net very much the same to which caught Virra, when finished, she assisted Kane on placing the body of the doe into the net. "Anyone's end game is a potential threat. But, right now, we are on fixed on getting Aerian out, Hades as well. Let us focus on this, but, be prepared. As for our...guest, I am not entirely too sure what to think. But, it does not hurt to be at the ready. She does remind me of Aerian, amusingly so. In fact, that could help our cause, especially since she has seen her and knows the exactly location."

“Yet she has yet to confirm if Aerian is still alive, or what state she was in before she followed Shadow to us” Kane sighed softly his eyes now focused on the doe “It bothers me that I don’t even know if my daughter is still alive”

As they finished wraping the doe Kane sat just for a moment allowing the pain of the situation to take hold before one deep breath pushed it all back to the back of his mind “Well time to get us all fed, we should find you something to eat as well, I know you’re not so keen on meat as the rest of our party” A soft smile that he had tried not to forget such a detail.

Aishani placed a hand upon his bicep, her display of comfort and strength. "Kane, you know she is still alive, as well as Hades. Do not give in so easily. Yes, I understand that we don't have proof, but, in my heart I know they are both alive. It would not suit Z'ress's purpose to have them dead. Perhaps, after everyone has full stomachs conversation would come easier. Not to mention, I can have a snowball ready any moment for Ascondia, believe it or not, that felt good." Her plush lips formed into a wicked smirk, but as he made the mention of her diet, Aishani chuckled. "I made sure to pack extra dried fruit, my love. I will be fine, plus it is difficult to maintain my diet in the winter, I know that."

Kane chuckled at the snowball comment “That was fun to watch” before he nodded “Another piece to the already rather large puzzle at hand it would seem, though I’m now certain Ceremon is responsible for a large piece things to come” Kane shrugged as they began the task of taking the doe to camp.

They walked back in silence as Kanes mind attempted to fit things together, as well as quell the urges that now sat just below the surface the need for her overwhelming but their task would for the moment prevent those actions. As they entered camp Ascondia had finally finished with her tent and Alvin had built a makeshift spit over the fire, he looked to where he had left Virra who seemingly was still present in camp.

Shadow skittered ahead of them in the direction of the camp now, while her presence was spoken like a scream beside him in the sensual scent that her frigid skin drifted to his senses. The thing with Aishani, was that neither needed to speak to fill empty space, each took time to savour the presence of the other. A deeper connection between them growing on this venture.

Aishani moved over to inspect the tent that was pitched by Ascondia and congratulated her on a job well done, while returning to Kane's side to assist him on cleaning the deer to cook for the others. While she preferred vegetables and fruit, it was clear she was a hunter and knew how to prepare the animal with her daggers.

Virra sat apart from the others, her dark eyes drinking everything in and watching. As her body remained relaxed, even casual in the binds fixed to her wrists, almost nonchalant about the situation.

Kane cut through the pelt with practised ease handing of the cut as it extended beyond his reach, it wasn’t long before the meat over the fire and the scent of meat wafting through the camp. Kane made one slow circle to check the perimeter before settling back by the fire.

As the meat cooked Kane offered a plate to Virra “You look like you haven’t eaten well in a while, you probably should” it was at this point Ascondia burst into another rant on why he was treating the prisoner so well and barely paying attention to the Queen, Kane simply allowed her the moment then continued with his offering.

“You don’t even care” Ascondia spat angrily

“Ascondia, you need to calm down, and realise that not everything you say is the law, and out here, even less so” Kane replied darkly “We need her, and for that she needs to remain alive, I said we would protect and I assure you that is what I intend to do, remember Dentarius does not answer to the crown”

Aishani settled by the fire boiling down snow to make a mushroom and vegetable stew to go with the deer, since she decided to instead focus on spicing the food while her and Alvin discussed the type of spices that she brought with her. She chuckled but when Ascondia burst out in her spoiled rant, Aishani turned her a bored expression to her. Beginning to hand out bowls with the stew now that the meat was ready.

Virra looked to Kane then to Ascondia. "You're nothing but a spoiled brat, I don't see a Queen right now." She said calmly, but, there was a little impishness in her tone that was relayed by the lazy one sided smirk. Patting her lap for the food. "That red head, Aerian, I think you called her...she is alive you know?" Virra said lifting some meat to nibble on. "That other one too...the one you call Hades. Poor shape last time I saw them. Apparently, Z'ress decided there would be a benefit to stripping them of their clothing."

“Hareavor torture tactics” Kane fell silent he didn’t need further pieces of the puzzle to that line Kane placed his bowl down and made his way to the outskirts his mind now turning far faster than he could handle.

Virra looked to him when he stood, her dark eyes flashing, though, she returned to eating from her plate.

Soon, there was a presence beside him, he didn't need to look in order for him to know it was Aishani. A hand was placed within his, while without a word, she lead him from the group to find a rock to settle upon and offered him a bowl. "My love, you have to eat. You will do none of us any good, that does include your daughter, if you don't eat." The rock was large enough for the two of them to sit, Aishani settled first and when Kane did, she wrapped her arms around him and folded her legs to keep him near but allowing hi enough space to eat.

He ate slowly, the wave of emotion that flooded from would be enough for her to feel, anger mixed with fear at simply knowing he was too late to prevent the attack on Aerian. As he finished he simply stared into the empty bowl “I don’t know if she will come back from this, I knew what was coming and I’m still too late”

His words were more a thought spoken aloud though for only the two of them to hear, Aishanis presence had for the moment settled him or at least given him a measure of control blocking the darker emotions from taking root “We need to leave at first light, we cannot hold off any longer that, I would go now, but I still need to rest as best I can”

He lay his head against hers as he tried to make sense of things.

Aishani remained silent, allowing him to know that she was present as he ate. Listening to him, but as his head leaned in to her, she lifted her chin to allow a roost over his crown, and her fingers wove through his hair. "Give your daughter some benefit of the doubt, Kane. She is a fighter and strong, takes after her father. You have bounced back from so much tragedy, granted, it left scars and scars remain long after. But, with time, such marks are forgotten and fade." She fell silent for a moment, perhaps, contemplating her own words due to the webbed scars that marred her back. "Yes, you are right. You need rest, as do we all. I would not cloud your mind with making sense of things. But, I do know one thing, Ceremon will go to any extent to get what he wants and so will Z'ress...a dangerous affair. Do not think so deeply inward, my love. You know, exactly what Ceremon wants...don't you?"

“Your mother wants you and my father wants me, seems we are about to deliver them just that, I just plan to snatch it way just as fast” He felt his resolve finally settle in his hands taking hers as he led her to their tent, just before they reached the camp he stopped “We can’t put our newcomer with Ascondia, nor with Alvin it seems tonight we have a house guest”

Aishani cleaned off the bowl in the snow and then looked to him while removing her legs and arms, her heat lingering upon him and appeared to feed his resolve. She curled her hand within his, looking up to him with her golden hue while the other milky ghost of her eye was fixed to him. She stopped after he did, then looked to Virra sitting away from Ascondia and Alvin. "Hm. Well, then we have a guest. I'll set up another bedroll for her in the tent." Aishani lifted her hand to curl around the nape of his neck, drawing his lips down to press against her own. While it was a briefest of kisses, this held a passion that stole the very breath away from him, but, she walked away with her hips playing beautifully against the jeans and heavy coat. Moving to dip within their arranged tent.

[A Cold Winter] A Confused Child

Aerian was bitterly cold, she huddled into the corner as best she could keeping her knees to her chest in an effort to stay warm. Winter was in the Everlands in full and violent force. Every part of her hurt especially after Hareavor had got done with her just a few hours earlier and act that made her sick to even think about.

She whimpered into her knees as another wave of pain rattled through her as she tried to mentally piece the layout of the area she was been held, her mind still fighting to maintain the control that allowed her to simply be herself. It wasn’t far to the room that Hareavor had tortured her in, never did it in the cell as it was open and Hades was only a few doors down, the room was sealed with a heavy iron door and well she guessed the walls were solid within. The door next to it led up to the castle she suspected that would be her way through. 

Once more she mentally counted the steps then she waited.

That is when Aerian heard the violent click of those heels, announcing the nearing presence of Z'ress, instead of earlier, they passed Hades' cell and proceeded to halt before Aerian's own.

Sure enough, the door was cried upon opening. Standing on the other side was Z'ress, adorning a tray with a pitcher and cup, the smell drifted was scrumptious. Stepping within, she was flanked by the two werewolves, as they stood by the door and the third guard closed the cell. Z'ress glanced back to the two imposing wolves, snapping her fingers when they looked to her with a snarl, she remained steady in her stance and eventually the door was opened and closed.

She moved to sit in the middle of the room, beckoning Aerian forward with a nudge of the tray. Z'ress then scooped up the food, it was delectable to a starving stomach. "Liver to help with the iron in your blood for the loss. Orange juice to add the necessary sugars in the body." Z'ress began to pour the juice from the pitcher. "Tell me. Has Hareavor touched you since we last spoke?"

Aerian remained in the corner her stomach growling loud enough to be heard “Since this morning? Then you and Ceremon visited just after so, no he hasn’t gotten back around to it yet but he will” Her words came on a flood of emotion which Aerian chose to promptly choke down wiping the tears angrily from her eyes.

“Why are you looking out for me? You know I won’t turn her over, nor will I will turn over the mansion, so unless you’re not quite as mental as Aishani tells it …. This seems a lot of effot to play nice?” I was half question half statement a ramble from the confused mind that Aerian was violently fighting to control.

Z'ress remained silent to Aerian's flood of questions, simply holding the fork forward to extend the vegetables and meat to the red head. The scent was indeed stirring her empty stomach, while Z'ress poured the juice with her other hand. "Eat, it is impolite to talk while ignoring my offer to you. As far as Hareavor is concerned, unless, he values his manhood, he will not touch you again." 

Her crimson eyes remained fixed on Aerian, still held with little emotion and absolutely no compassion for the injured girl, that flow of her white hair around her shoulders was like snow blowing in the cruel winter gales.

Aerian looked for a moment before crawling across the room, awkwardly she crossed her legs to sit in front, it was now the bruising was all too clear, almost every inch of her upper thighs were purple or blue, “Funny my dad says the same thing” she took the offered liver, not exactly a favourite but understanding the reasons enough were correct. She chewed slowly, feeling it finally hit her stomach as she swallowed.

Aerian didn’t speak only ate finally feeling some of her body fight back in response to more than the chunks of weeks old bread they had been fed to simply keep them alive.

Z'ress still kept her silence, while ensuring that Aerian ate and then offered her the cup of juice. "It is knowledge that you are stubborn and refuse to comply. Your grandfather, has a weak spot for you, which is to your own advantage. You spoke to me of wanting something you can never have, I am in the same seat as you. Everyone seems against me gathering my own flesh and blood. You see, I simply want to take her home. She has caused enough trouble in this realm and do not hesitate to consider for just a moment that if the situation best suits her, she will leave."

Those crimson eyes travelled upon her upper thighs, the bruising well defined. She then lifted her hand while the webbing of violet wrapped her and pulsed, as Aerian felt a warmth enter her body, as healing was occurring. It was minimal, perhaps, to avoid a shock to the body, but, Z'ress simply watched her.

Aerian watched the webbing vanish into her skin feeling the pain ease, she drank slowly “Ceremon may claim he has a soft spot, but only because he knows IF I wound up dead, my father would rip this castle apart and everyone and everything in it” She finished the juice and another bite of food before she slid back a little “Make no mistake Z’ress, he is afraid of my father, everyone is”

She shrugged softly that slight edge that kept others from getting close no crept into her body, the way she held or at least tried to as much as you could through the pain and the bruising and being naked, the latter barely bothered her anymore though the ice in the air wasn’t helping matters. “But you want your daughter, who will serve critical in protecting this realm, I already know this to be true, I’ve seen her in action, I fell in love with her, before she found my father” She drew a short breath “That one stung. Nevertheless I was sent to watch over her and ensure she got to Dentarius, which is why the bounty hunter my mother dispatched to take her life is now at the bottom of a ravine with half a dozen arrows in his spine, war is coming and we need her”

Z'ress tipped her chin a slight in a jut, at Aerian's words, those crimson eyes fixed on her with an impending chill that seemed to cause the room to grow even colder. "I have heard that twice now. Must be difficult for you, then. To watch the interaction between the two, to know, if only you moved faster that COULD have been you. Doesn't that make you angry? To have her beneath you, writhing and screaming out your name, instead of his? I taught her very well indeed, her manipulation is top of the line. I'm impressed."

She considered Aerian. "Why do you torment yourself? You allow for this to happen to you, perhaps, not knowingly. You wish pain to...numb, some part of you." Z'ress moved on hands and knees to crawl closer to Aerian, this image reminded Aerian as a predator stalking pray. "Was it your father? Your mother? Ah...yes, a lover. Was she taken away? Oh, no, I think killed..."

It caught her square in the chest her entire body tensed visibly at Z’ress’ words watching her move toward her the pain of Mayas death merely held her in place. Her mind simply shutdown as the defences fell all within a moment “I couldn’t protect her, couldn’t stop him, couldn’t find him, will kill him when I do” the words came in a flood, this time she didn’t even bother wiping her eyes falling back onto the floor her entire body exposed to Z’ress.

Her breasts were exposed and just as bruised as the rest of her, a layer of dirt missed leaving almost no area of her body untouched with deep dark patches, her hair had become matted and clung to her scalp with barely any motion, her brain reeled in a wave of confusion she could barely process. 

“It doesn’t matter none of it, because if you remover her from the equasion that this realm is so finally balanced upon you will kill us all, if the Everlands falls, then every realm from here to the netherealms will fall one after another until there are none left” Aerians words were oddly chilled as if not spoken by her but they were from deep within the desperate pit that she now fought to bury once more “I couldn’t protect Maya but I will protect Aishani I love her, she found dad I can make peace with that, eventually…..” her voice trailed off thoughts of Aishani swimming through her mind before her brain hit her with another wave of confusion and pain. 

Z'ress ran her tongue across the ruby polished lips, once Aerian reacted the way that she had. As Aerian was on the floor, she felt those ice cold hands creep up both her legs, but, then a tingling followed. Perhaps, it was her imagination, but, those hands continued to travel upon her naked form. Brushing the breath of frost upon her petals, while it was frigid, again that strange warmth remained, a look to Z'ress provided the display of her crimson eyes glowing like two embers of the deepest logs. Then her hands moved upwards from her hips to her bosom, slowly and very gently each was taken into Z'ress's hands, while tender kneading took place but it did not remain. Z'ress was healing her to the fullest, ridding the pain and the bruises, then met Aerian's gaze, as their mounds met with the thin fabric between them, her pert buds tickling that of Aerian's.

But, the instant that contact was made, Z'ress lifted from her and swept the red-head in her arms, cradling her close to her bosom. She was as though, swept into a drift of snow, but it was comforting. "Then, I will be here for a very long time it seems. It seems everyone is so wrapped up in their own desires and wants, which leaves you at the bottom of the pile, doesn't it? You never allowed anyone to comfort you. Caress your hair and tell you that everything will be all right. But, you know that isn't going to happen, don't you?"

As her hands crept over her body Aerian felt her body react, her flesh rippled with goosebumps, as her hands crept over her intimate parts she felt a whimper slip past which she promptly bit back midway through, her nipples hardened the instant Z’ress’ hands touched them.

It was as she took her in her Aerians that for the first time in a long time Aerian felt true panic, the kind that twists your insides, Aerian could feel her body heel and yet her strength remained all but gone as she twisted quickly out of Z’ress’ grasp slithering back along the floor, she remained on her hands with her feet planted against the floor “I don’t need to be told I’ll be OK, I have watched my life break down so many times it no longer matters, I survive because I’m Elcarus or because I’m stubborn to die depending on whom you ask”

She felt the panic settle which allowed her to drop the defensive posture, she couldn’t take Z’ress she had already worked that out, she was healed but she was far from healthy in that moment “Does make me curious as to your end game beyond retrieving your daughter, I mean you said she gravitates toward protective men, but you, you sided with a certified whack job and by my math you would have got to Dentarius and my father long before Aishani, which means Ceremon was already aware of your arrival” Aerian stopped her train of thought as she settled back “He knew, he brought you here, but why, certainly not to seduce his lesbian granddaughter that capture was does because the opportunity arose” She tipped her head ever so slightly as she let her eyes now trail every inch of Z’ress she could see, her own body still heated from being touched.

Z'ress sat motionless on the floor when Aerian escaped her arms, almost as though, expecting such, in the dimness of the room, her now snow white hair adding an almost surreal aura around her. "You survive. Because, unlike my daughter, you are NOT weak." She began to place the food on the try, calmly, including the pitcher but left the cup. Slowly she rose with perfect posture, while in the background light, ever contour and curve was revealed in contrast beneath the thin fabric. Z'ress turned now, while the wink of a pert bud was caught and then the shift of the fabric revealed the supple bottom that was contoured perfectly and a quick flash of the petals beneath.

Those cruel heels began to click in her walk to the cell door. "I would reconsider things, as they are. Do not pretend to know me, nor my plans. No one knows this, but, me alone. I risk everything to leave my house to my daughters in my stead...Yes, Aishani's sisters. I have much more to lose than her, nor any of you." She lifted her hand to knock on the door.

“I wouldn’t assume to know anything Z’ress, except the pieces of a larger I have, I would just make sure you’re on the right side for the right reasons, love is just as powerful as hate and I have family filled with both” Finally Aerian made her way to her feet leaning back on the wall, her body once more exposed though somewhat less unclean than before “Maybe next time you can clean me up properly, I still have more of Hareavor on me than I’d like”

Z'ress hesitated, but, did not turn to face her. "There are other meals, throughout the day. You will see me again, Aerian." The door opened to reveal the human and the two werewolves, she stepped through and pivoted on her heel to walk away. After the door moaned closed in defeat of the now lonely cell, the only remaining sound was the clicking of her heels upon each slow and steady step.

[A Cold Winter] Meanwhile in Dragons Keep

Hareavor wiped the blood from his hands another day and still no answers as he made his way back to the library where his father was as usual busy pouring over notes and books. Hareavor propped himself on the edge of the table.

Ceremon simply looked up his eyes cold and distant as he eyed Hareavor “Did she give anything up?” His voice was level and yet somehow dark, his eyes carried no emotion framed by the silver hair.

“No stupid bitch is still adamant her asshole father will come for her” Hareavor shrugged, his features we’re almost identical to Kanes except his eyes a far darker green and scars across portions of his face left deep slices through the flesh. He unlike Kane had also aged much further.

“That is my granddaughter, do not speak of her in such a manner lest you wish to lose your tongue my boy” Ceremon snapped back darkly “Now where is our guest? And which of the two has she met so far?”

“You are not one to tolerate such disrespect and yet from her you do?” Hareavor bit back and no sooner had the words left his mouth than Ceremon was upon him pinning him to the desk a blade pressed to the back of his head 

“You will show her the respect I expect, you will treat her if she is me do I make myself clear boy?” Ceremon growled each word almost as darkly as the last, Hareavor finally was able to free himself only to stand and nod in reply then storm off out of the room. 

No more than a few moments later, was the cruel click of heels heard upon the passage outside the library, announcing the nearing presence of Z'ress. 

Clearly, by the way she moved, Z'ress was drenched in power and female sexuality, such oozed from her the instant she breeched the door into the library. Her hair framed her smooth ashen features, imitating the fallen snow that blanketed the realm in a deep freeze. Those crimson eyes were stunning, while capable of captivating a room with the arachnid venom from one glance, her lips were stained a beautiful and deep crimson. Rarely, if ever, had Ceremon seen the woman smile in tone or expression. In physical aspect, she held the daunting and delicious curves given to her daughter, Aishani, though, her bosom was more womanly and full, especially in the plumpness captivated behind the corset that drew focus to her small waist and beautiful birthing hips, a skirt with slits up to the hips with the exposure of her luscious legs. She had a whip fixed to her hip that was cruel with strips of metal that held a wicked hooks on the end, all her attire held a reminiscent touch of a spider insignia.

Z'ress stopped no more than a few feet from the door, those piercing crimson eyes fixed upon him, expression enigmatic and calculating at the same time. "Hareavor, has shown them torture...I could be, mistaken, but we need information. They know now, what happens when crossing us. It is time to break them." Her words slithered past her lips in a sensual purr, meddled with a hiss. She tipped her chin a moment, running the pink tongue slowly across her polished lips.

Ceremon snapped a look in her direction his eyes cold and dark the green of his eyes barely even detectable now as his eyes met hers “She is my granddaughter, and while he is good at what he does there are limits to what I will allow” His voice was dark “While I admire your want to make men bow, here we do not, or rather I do not” His eyes glittered just for a moment in that last statement

“Try Hades, perhaps he will be more forthcoming in selling out your daughter for her execution” Ceremon look to Hareavor for a moment before he stood “Perhaps you and I should go speak with him, I wonder how he would react to a women he can’t intimidate”

Her crimson eyes remained fixed on Ceremon's with indifference, expression calm, almost as though it was chiselled from the very ice of a raging river hidden beneath. When she spoke her words were a hiss, full of that potent venom. "That is your weakness, Ceremon.  That little rat, squeals and cries for her father. She has such seeded love for him and faith...Twist it, use that against her to believe that he has abandoned her, make her favour you. But..." She added as an afterthought, turning, the shift of the fabric exposed those glorious stems and bare bottom beneath, her back him. "...I am sure, that a little...persuasion to Hades, may prove beneficial." Z'ress held her hand upwards with her palm down, a silent command for Ceremon to gather such and the two to go into the dungeons.  

Ceremon eyed her for a moment curious and frustrated all in the same “You do not know the sheer defiance of my granddaughter, she would never turn on her father even for the right price” Ceremon strode off down the hall and then down the stairway and into the cold hall that led to the cells.

“Hades however, well he may be a failed experiment but as you say he may be swayed, with the correct incentive” His eyes travelled over her body slowly, before he pulled himself to height and made his way to the cell that contained his son. As the door open Hades snapped back into the corner, his flesh discoloured from the assaults he had suffered from, a cough sent a spray of blood across the floor.

“Finally got bored of your dog been unable to get the job done?” Hades growled though the words carried little threat, Ceremon simply stood and looked 

The sound of her heels clicked mercilessly upon the floor in his wake, the stride itself speaking of unbridled strength and a demand to be respected. When the door was open and Hades moved to the back corner, her expression remained calm and eerily neutral, stepping further into the cell while holding a hand forward for Ceremon to remain in his position. Z'ress moved to stand before Hades, those hips powerful in the sway and it was more than clear that she was used to displaying her sensuality. "Do you find pain arousing, Hades? You are torment yourself for a female that is not of this realm and could very easily turn on you, your brother and your family, if she sees fit. You see, she is weak and will syphon the strength from those around her. Do you think, she will remain when the threat is removed?"

Hades raised his eyes to her just for a moment before another round of coughing sent blood spraying across the floor, as the pain subsided he raised his eyes

“I would apologise but not really my style, as for your daughter she isn’t my problem, my brother made a choice so anything that arises from that is on his head, though she didn’t look too much of a threat the last time I saw her. I’m also pretty sure she wouldn’t hesitate to lay her life down for him or Aerian, unlike say your pet asshole behind you, he would bury you if it served his purpose” Hades drew a rattled breath “Now if you don’t mind I need to rest, I doubt my niece will have given me up for dead just yet”

He sank back against the wall the pain finally taking him from consciousness, his breathing hard and broken

Z'ress tilted her head a slight, watching Hades as he spoke and then grew unconscious. The rise and fall of her shoulders, dictated her breathing, remaining calm and even. She neared the blood on the floor, while kneeling down and bending forward upon all fours, her tongue drug against the crimson stain on the cold surface. But, then soon after, straightened with a look to the unconscious Hades. "He is disgusting. I will heal him, what fun is it to have a broken toy to play with?" She fell silent for a moment, while closing her eyes, while her ruby polished lips began to flutter in an incantation, but, a hand pointed to Hades as a dark violet light erupted from her fingers to wrap around Hades like a webbing, throbbing before dissipating. "He needs to be bound again. That effect will heal him overtime, so I can work into his will...Hareover will not touch him. I will feed him and clean him.  Alert me when he is awake and the food is ready, he will either learn how patient I can be or exactly how I do so love to play rough..."

She turned on her heel, but, stopped when at Ceremon's side, glancing to him. "Have Hareover gather me a metal bucket and seven rats...Hades will eventually, learn, NEVER to cross me." Those cruel heels abused the floor beneath her, while her hips swayed to guide each delicious leg forward to her walk.

Ceremon could only smile at such a dark request “You know my son will not take kindly to be treated like a common servant, nor will he take kindly to him not been the one to handle the torture, the boy does love such a thing” With that he shrugged and made his way down the hall, eying the door to Aerians cell for a moment.

“Perhaps he will bend, but as for break? That will be interesting to see” Ceremon unlocked the door and stepped in the scream echoed down the hall as the terror simply tore from Aerian before she shrank into the corner, her eyes bright emerald green but her body showed similar signs to Hades

“You don’t deserve us” Aerian snarled coldly “Don’t preach family when you serve your own interests, I pray my father finds the strength to finally end you”

Ceremon merely shrugged “He has been unable to do so for so long, he is weak my child, he will always remain so, and I assure you he is not coming for you, I suspect he doesn’t even know you are missing, but  do want you to meet a dear friend of mine”

Z'ress appeared indifferent to his comment on behest of Hareavor, stopping in the grizzly corridor for him to leave the room. She then walked with him to Aerian's cell, remaining just outside and when Ceremon made the pretence of an introduction, the click of her heels was heard upon her entry.

"Poor creature..." She whispered softly, this was cold with viperous intent, those crimson eyes fixed on Aerian. "You know, all this pain can end. Everyone, serves their own interests in the end, Aerian, that does include your father. Consider this, just for a moment. He is in a nice warm bed, oblivious of the pain and torment that you are undergoing right at this very moment. Possibly even fucking my daughter until she can't see straight. Such a pitiful creature she is, so weak and pathetic, always finding those in strength to protect her...because, she can't herself. I should have ended her life the moment her first breath. But, now, we are at an impasse. You are much more impressive than her." Z'ress moved to stand before Ceremon. "Get me warm water and a cloth, Ceremon. I will tend to her wounds personally, she deserves more than this. Food as well, possibly starving. Mouldy bread and cheese will not do for your...granddaughter." She then neared Aerian, crouching with splayed fingers supporting her, caressing Aerian's cheek. "Do you want this all to end, my darling?"

Aerian looked up through the dirt on her face she remained as indifferent as she could manage “My father may be a lot of things, weak to some” She eyed Ceremon darkly “A hero to others, but he has never once abandoned me, the only regret I have now is it’s his softness that stopped me putting an arrow through both your heads” Her words snapped darkly “But really how can you end this? How do you ease the pain of been violated because your …. Because someone sees you as a plaything as a toy to tortured? Or because you lost someone so dear that every fucking breath hurts? Or because you can’t have someone you want? I doubt that even you can help you have to have a heart to even begin to figure it out”

Aerian swallowed awkwardly “He could have stopped it, he chose not, I wont trust anyone in this place” as she spoke she drew her knees awkwardly to her chest “He knows I will die before I do”

“Stubborn as ever Aerian, sadly Hare does as he will, even the gods cannot control him, had I left the means to do so I would have ended up with another Hades on my hands and that wont do” Ceremon snapped back coldly

“At least Uncle H has a heart” Aerian bit back darkly

“We will see about that!” Ceremon snarled as he strode from the room waiting in the hallway

Z'ress tilted her head to the side, hair as pure as freshly fallen snow, not acknowledging Ceremon in his outburst, nor the spat between relations. She then caressed upon Aerian's cheek a slight more, her skin was as cold as the frigid weather outside, just as cruel. Her crimson eyes fixed upon Aerian, slowly she shook her head. 

"Those, my darling, are trials in life. You are wrong, though, I have lost and suffered with every breath I take. I want someone but cannot have them, too many obstacles in my way. We all have various differences in our own, it is what doesn't kill us that makes us stronger. But, I can accommodate, would you accommodate me. Words, mean nothing to you in this state, so allow me to prove this to you. Behave and you will be treated well; misbehave...you will not be treated so well." 

Abruptly, Aerian felt the pressure of both, Z'ress's hands upon the side of the temple, then the venomous drip of her whisper beside her ear. "Do not discredit me. Ceremon has a soft spot for you, I do not. So, do not push me and I will tend to you." She pressed her lips against Aerian's ear in a kiss, but, then Aerian felt a tingling throughout her body, as though caressed in the sun during spring and a throbbing to state of her healing. "I will return to check on your healing process and feed you, something other than the disgusting slop, I am sure...IF they have. Consider my words, my darling." Z'ress then was facing her, leaning in to press her lips against Aerian's with the slip of her slick muscle, although, brief. Straightening, she rose and turned, leaving the cell without another word, nor glance to the red head.

Once the tormented hinges groaned to close the cell behind them, Z'ress glanced to Ceremon with a shift of her eyes and never her body. "Hareavor touches her. I will kill him. He will ruin my plans."

“He may consider that a challenge” His words came almost jovially as they walked back through the hall and up into the library, he turned to face her his eyes soft or as soft as a serial pyschos could appear “She will not turn, even with Hares abuse she has never turned on him, she is very good at what she does, be careful with her Z’ress” 

His words were level and yet carried that faithful truth that once in while he was capable of “They are unaware of her disappearance, but when Kane learns of it, he will come and he will come in force, we cannot hold of the Dentarian Army, those we have around us are kept by fear and and warmth of the castle but they will not die willingly for us save a few, your time is limited so work quickly” And with that he seated himself at the desk of books “I will keep hare away from Aerian I cannot promise the same for Hades”

Z'ress remained silent, as always her heels heard in her wake, speaking of her presence beside him. Her posture was proper with shoulders squared back and held with pride, dignity. The power in her essence was nearly smothering when they made way into the library, idly, she moved to look over a few books, a fingertip caressing over the binding in her sultry stroll.

"Do not...rush me, Ceremon." Those words dripped with venom laced malice. "I already gathered that the little rat is capable of weaselling out of any situation, unfortunately for her. Gained trust would not work on either, if Hareavor plays with EITHER of them. He has a palm and can rape any woman outside these walls. Surprised you don't have slaves. You know for a fact, that Kane is not en-route now? I know, if I was in the situation that Aishani placed herself in, I would not take an army. Too large and noisy. No...I don't trust it."

“It’s far too messy to have women around here, you have for yourself seen the damage my boy does to them, the last …. Well, it took days to clean the room after he was done, sadly he is far too good at what he does. I wonder how long before Kane or indeed Hades puts a blade through him” Ceremon shrugged softly “Still that’s cost for turning humans into us, leave their morals intact and I get Hades take them away and I’m left with Hareavor, maybe next time I’ll try for a balance”

“Providing I don’t kill them first” Hareavor spat as he walked back into the library “The little bitch is claiming she cannot be touched, which is not what we agreed” He eyed Ceremon his glare ice cold there was nothing in his eyes but anger and a deep cold pit “She will lead us right into the heart of Dentarius I just need a little more time”

“You will leave her be” Ceremon growled “And Hades for the moment, they need time to heal, we cannot have them dying before winters end”

“If they’re not dead by winters end we will be, you know he will bring the force …” Hareavors voice trailed off “You want him to come?” It was half realisation half a thought out loud “The winter would likely kill him during the trek here, you could take Dentarius with no resistance”

“Sadly not, even if he dies the fields stay in place, we cannot take the mansion without those down and that requires Elcarus blood” Hare was about to point out the obvious “Not yours, nor mine we were not born there our power is not rooted there”

“Neither was the little bitch” Hareavor snapped

“No but her father was, I can all but imagine it will work the same way, Z’ress will tend to their interrogation for now, you will double the guards outside, and replace the ones that die, we need to keep our eyes and ears open” Ceremon waved Hareavor off who simply stormed from the room muttering and cursing both Z’ress and his father.

“The boy has a temper pay him no mind, his insults are mere words to us” Ceremon spoke over his rant loud enough for Hareavor to catch as he left.

Z'ress turned when Hareavor entered the library, tipping her chin in a slight jut. The movement of her tongue rolling beneath her plush polished lips was heard in a soft click at the suction in the roof of her mouth. Her crimson eyes were focused on Hareavor when the ice slipped from his tone, the chill in his voice and the anger apparent. When Ceremon turned his focus to her, Z'ress was leaning over his chair with a hand on his open book and curled at the back of his chair. Those eerie eyes remained solid and fixed on him, as though, peering deeply into him.

"He means nothing to me." She hissed, dipping close to Ceremon's ear in a whisper. "Hareavor is not broken...a wild stallion to run loose and cause chaos. That was your mistake in his creation. Do NOT go soft, that is the weakness others will feast upon." The warm moisture of Z'ress's breath prickled upon his lobe and neck. "I will now go check on the food, then tend to each." She dipped down to glide the warmth of her slick tongue from the collar of his neck to his lobe, then straightened to leave the library.

Ceremon actually looked stunned for a moment by her act as he slid from the chair to catch her wrist, his hand wrapped around her wrist with enough force to block her attempt to leave “I have not gone soft in the five centuries I’ve been around, I generally do as I please and the results may not be pretty but they are effective” his voice was low and dark “Now you and I agreed we would work to a common goal to deal with your daughter, I did not expect my children to become part of the equation, however now they are they will be eliminated and will take my mansion back, make no mistake that is my end goal”

His hand drew her to him they cold grey of his eyes settled on hers “And you can return to your world and dominate the men like you are so used to, but here you are as I an equal in all things I will not be treated like a child Z’ress” He grazed his fangs against her neck slowly “I like you don’t make me regret that”

Z'ress tipped her chin a slight while not offering defiance in his catch and interruption from her procession to the entry of the library, spun to face him, ashen features calm and ruby lips glistening with life against the reflection of the lighting in the room. Succulent and captivating. She lifted a finger, wagging it at him while clicking her tongue in a tsk-tsk. "Then do not act like a child, my viper." She hissed, angling her head to the side while offering him open terrain on her satin flesh.  "All I have heard when it comes to conversations between your family, is disagreement and yapping. Take those reigns as the patriarch...rule over them, this is beyond love, such a word doesn't exist in my vocabulary. Then accept me for the challenge I am, Ceremon, my viper, bite back."

[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."