Welcome to Gaia! ::

The next morning came swiftly. She hadn't even heard Ana finish her shower or leave the bathroom. Yawning, she sat up and stretched, drawing the covers back. Slipping her feet into a set of slippers, she reached for her robe. Had she possibly over slept? And would they still be there in the front room? Opening the door, she peeked out. "Good morning.. Everyone decent?" She'd remembered Lucian's comment the night before and blushed once more as she called out down the hall. Dawning her robe, she tied the sash and exited the room, making her way to the kitchen to start coffee and breakfast.

"Ahhh.. good to see that you're awake." Came a voice from the couch. His blue eyes peered at her from over a book. In his hand was yet another goblet of wine, almost as if the first one had never left him in the first place. This time, however, it seemed to not be filled near as far as it had been last night and drinking it came much slower. Still, he seemed distant, as though he was lost in whatever book he was reading and her presence had barely disturbed it.

As she entered the kitchen, Anastasia was already dressed, this time in a different white gown than what she had been wearing the day before. This one had embroidery flowing up one side and over her chest. It was shorter than the other, flowing out by her knees in layers which made it poof slightly at the ends, with a white ribbon tied into a bow at her waist. She wore knee high white boots.

There were already skillets on the stove, filled with multiple things that were sizzling and filled the room with wonderful scents. When she saw her, she jumped a little. "Oh, sorry! I hope you don't mind... "

She smiled and shook her head at the sight of the goblet. "Good morning to you as well Lucian. " She was a little surprised when she smelled that breakfast was all ready apparently being prepared. "Good morning Ana, No worries.. I was just about to come in here myself to start things.. I didn't sleep in too late I hope.." Walking over to the counter, she started pulling things out to start the coffee brewing. "Coffee ready or do I need to make some?" It was her morning ritual, grab some coffee.. read the paper.. then shower.

"Well..." A blush painted her cheeks and she pointed toward the coffee pot. "I wasn't sure how to work your machine... Lucian tried to help.. I think he blew it up." Everything was cleaned up by this time, but the machine clearly wasn't doing anything, or even lighting up. It looked as though the lid wasn't sitting properly on the top anymore and there may have been a crack or two in the pot itself.

"Not my fault!" He yelled loud enough for them to hear from the other room.

Anastasia mused, narrowing her eyes, "Don't blame it on me! You're the one that insisted on figuring it out! I was going to wait until she woke up." She was clearly frustrated which seemed to be why Lucian was now in the living room reading. She had banned him from entering and destroying anything else.

She looked at the coffee pot then to Ana, her expression was blank the entire time during the explanation. A smirk cracked the mask of her face and she started to chuckle. The chuckle broke into complete and utter laughter. It had all been a reminder of the time she and her siblings had managed to destroy the waffle iron rather than figure out how to actually work it.. Batter had been EVERY where in the kitchen that day.

Wiping a few tears aside, her laughter died down. "It's fine.. I needed a new one any way.. This one only made about six cups.. and On occasion.. I drink about twelve. " She picked up the small contraption and put it in the rubbish bin before putting the coffee and filters back into the cupboard she'd retrieved them from. "I'm going to go take a shower then I'll be back to help with anything you need."

She hadn't been expecting that reaction, though she guessed it might change if she realized exactly what else Lucian had broke before she managed to shew him out of the room. She sighed to herself guessing that meant that a shopping trip was going to be on the agenda, and she knew that meant that Lucian would make it a long trip. Sometimes she didn't mind shopping, but Lucian always made it take far longer than she would have liked. "Okay.." She said timidly, blinking somewhat. "Breakfast should be ready by the time you get out. And I'll make some coffee for you.." She had managed to find a kettle and was already boiling water. She was more comfortable doing it this way anyhow.

Lucian watched over the brim of his book as Delphi entered the room again. "If you don't mind, I'd like to take one myself when you're done." He had been waiting for her to get up so he could. He hadn't wanted to wake her until then.

She paused and nodded. "Of course! I have the shower upstairs so let me get you some towels." She walked down the hall and disappeared behind the door to her room. When she returned, she had a towel and a bottle of spare shampoo and conditioner. "Here, you can use the shower upstairs unless you really want to wait till I'm done to use the master bathroom." She offered him the items in her hand. "There's soap up there.. I think... But this is some shampoo and conditioner for your hair."

He nodded a thanks and grabbed the items, his hand lightly brushing hers before retreating with them. "My thanks." He gave her a smile and turned, waving at Anastasia in the kitchen. "See you in a bit!" His hand moved carelessly through the air as he began to move toward the stairs.

Anastasia practically ignored her brother as she continued cooking, humming lightly to herself.

A tinge of pink touched her cheeks as she felt his hand brush hers. "You're welcome.." She watched him leave a moment before shaking her head. Returning to her own room, she carefully set out her clothes for the day and started the shower. Locking the bathroom door, she started her own routine.

A few moments later, she emerged from her bedroom, clean and clothed. Her hair had been braided and pulled up leaving her neck bare and the bow at her neck in back visible. Stepping into the living room, she looked around. Had they already started breakfast?

Anastasia was just finishing things up as Delphi came back in. She began setting up plates in a very organized and neat fashion. She made a variety of things, fresh blueberry muffins, Caramel Apple French Toast, Eggs Benedict, Bacon and Omelets all served with fresh squeezed Orange Juice, Tea and fresh ground coffee that she made using the kettle. When she finished setting it up, she wiped her hands on the apron and sighed, looking over it to make sure it was perfect. She knew that Lucian would be a moment, so she said a small incantation to keep the food warm until he finally made it down.

When she heard movement in the other room, she appeared in the doorway. "Ahh, so you made it back first, it looks like. Not that I'm really that surprised.. He likes to take his time."

She smirked some. "Pea cocking in the mirror hmm?" She chuckled some and entered the kitchen. "My sister takes ages in the bathroom as well.." She shook her head and looked at the spread. "Wow.. Everything looks amazing, Ana.." She wondered what else the woman had done. "Well.. if he's going to be a while.. I might as well wash some of the dishes that went into making this meal. "Chuckling she headed for the sink. Pausing at the dish washer, she hesitated. "Lucian.. he didn't touch my dishwasher did he?"

Rolling her eyes, she nodded slowly. "Probably. I thought I took a while... but he makes it look like I'm hardly in there." At the question she turned a little sheepish, but shook her head all the same. "No.." Though it was the truth there was obviously more she was hiding. To keep herself quiet she started busying herself gathering up the dishes to help. She tried to keep things tidy as she went, but some of the dishes were piled on the counter instead of in the sink, since they wouldn't all fit. She used a lot more dishes than most home cooks, which meant that there was a lot to be properly cleaned.

Rinsing each dish off, she scrubbed what needed to be scrubbed and started stacking them in the racks as she went. once the last piece was in the dishwasher, she put the dishwasher liquid in and a packed to do some extra cleaning. Turning the knob, she shut the door and locked it before turning it on. "Do I want to know what else he touched?" She said chuckling. "I don't mind.. it's just a reminder of the time my sister and brother and I all tried to make waffles in the waffle iron.. we wound up breaking the iron and sent batter.. every where in the kitchen with the mixer..."

Hesitating, Anastasia pointed to one of the cabinets where she had stuffed a couple small appliances. "I'm sorry... I stopped him as soon as I knew, but he woke up before me..." She grabbed a few more dishes and began scrubbing at them, not daring to look as Delphi investigated the contents.

Walking over to the cabinet and opened the door. Peeking inside, she saw her blender, toaster, and a few other things. "Ah.. well.. I guess this means he's hopeless at electronics.. definitely not our techy then." She giggled lightly. "I should get some water..." Picking up a glass, she put it under the dispenser and pushed the button. Nothing happened.. absolutely nothing... Quirking an eyebrow, she pressed the button once more... The machine made a whine and water spurted every where.

Jumping back, she calmly placed the cup on the counter. That had been about a two thousand dollar piece of equipment. "I'll be right back..." Calmly she left the room and walked upstairs. She followed to the door, and gave it a sharp knock.

As her head hung low, Ana scratched it in frustration. "You should have seen what he did to the kitchen when we were still on the ship... I think the quartermaster about killed both of us.." Still, she felt bad for not mentioning everything that had been broken, though Lucian had made her promise at his own of replacing everything. When she tried the water, Anastasia made a face, flinching when it whined. "Yeah... that..." She was having trouble with coming up with excuses for her brother's idiocies. Though, the scene when it happened was what woke her up this morning and it was comical while it was happening, but she could completely understand Delphi's frustration having been in her shoes before.

As the water shot out, Anastasia jumped back herself and frowned. Now that she hadn't expected. When she saw Delphi leave, however, she knew her brother was in trouble and she couldn't help but giggle a little. Well.. she guessed she'd clean up at least then.

When Delphi had knocked, "One moment please." Came from the other side. The water shut off and it wasn't more than a minute or two before the door opened to reveal a very half naked man. The only thing covering him was a towel at his hip. He held another towel, drying his long black hair that was clinging to him. "Ah, Delphi, would you like to join me?"

Her eyes never left his face as he opened the door. Growling, she pointed at the stairs. " You broke my refrigerator!" Her tone was more commanding, a tone that had made many a man shrink back at home in fear of not her, but her uncle. She held herself to every inch of her height. "The small appliances.. fine.. ok.. so you're a bit accident prone with tech.. but my water machine?"

It was then that his words sunk in. Her eyes flicked first to his hair then to his towel and it all started to click. "You should be so lucky.." Her eyes flicked back to his face. "You can work off the debt to that machine.. The smaller things I'll forget.. but that was a two thousand dollar machine you broke in there now hurry your pampered a** up and stop pea cocking so we can all eat." She turned on her heal and walked back down the stairs, her face some where during her rant had turned into a deep red blush. Even annoyed, he'd still managed to gain some sort of an upper hand on her and disarm her with just standing there...

"Refrigerator?" He made a face but otherwise seemed completely unperturbed by her anger. He continued drying his hair, uncaring of anything that she was yelling at him about. "Oh!" It finally dawned on him. "Your bartender. Well, he didn't give me what drink I wanted.. so I had to put him in his place." His shoulders slunk back somewhat, and the towel moved, showing more of his leg. His nose wrinkled and he blinked at her, he clearly still wasn't sure why it was such a big deal in the first place. "If your truly worried about it, I'll have it taken care of after breakfast."

As she stormed back down the stairs, a flash of light came and he appeared right in front of her. "Now.. I do believe we were talking.." There was a large smile curling at the ends of his lips as he lazily held out one arm, a goblet of wine placed carelessly in his fingers. "Are you sure you wouldn't like to join me? The water is still warm."

She flushed even more red in the face, the blush creeping in on her ears. "No.. I won't be joining you in the shower..." She was trying to keep her composure and clearly was loosing it. "Just... forget the damned thing I'll call a repair man to come fix it.." Sighing, she attempted to walk past him. The last thing she wanted was for him to loose that towel in a scuffle. "Just, please hurry up in the bathroom..."

He tilted his head to one side, frowning at her. "I meant it when I said I'd fix it." He straightened, his hand still held out with the goblet though it was closer to his body now. "If it's that big of a deal I'll do it now.." His voice almost sounded forlorn. He turned and started walking toward the kitchen, his steps graceful, hips languidly swaying. "George, bring the wine please." The Unseen Servant went passed her, holding the bottle of wine on ice, with even the little towel over his arm.

"Lucian.. what the ******** are you wearing!" Her eyes were wide as she saw her brother enter.

"Oh, Dear Sister, do be quiet." He waved her off and moved toward the refrigerator. He knelt down and began drawing runes on the floor. "This will only take a few minutes."

She smacked her hand to her forehead and drug it down her face. Walking in after him, she grumbled several profanities under her breath. Pulling out a chair, she sighed and sat down. "Lucian.. I'm sorry.. I popped off and I wasn't even calm about it.." Rubbing her temples, she looked over. "Just.. go finish your shower... the fridge will wait.."

"Now Dear Lady.." He said, his tone disapproving and he never once looked up from his work, "A moment please, I'm almost finished." He scribbled out a few more runes around the refrigerator. When he finished the magic snapped and he said a few incantations. The refrigerator lit up for a moment before settling back into its usual color. "There." He said, standing up to his full height which would have towered over either girl even while on their feet. "I'm done with my shower.." He stated, walking passed both of them. "I suppose I'll go get dressed." He moved out of the kitchen and back towards the stairs.

Anastasia sighed, plopping down in a chair which seemed uncharacteristic for her usual lady like charm. "Welcome to my world..."

She watched after him a moment and sighed once again, resting her forehead on the table. She had a feeling that what ever friend ship they had she'd managed to drive a wedge between them. There wasn't anything she could do to shake the feeling.

She kept her eyes closed as they waited for him to return. Suddenly, she was less hungry than she had been before. This day was already starting to look bleak.

Anastasia put her hand on Delphi's shoulder as she rose from her seat. "It'll be okay, he just has a flare for the dramatic." She heard the timer on the oven go off and she walked toward it, pulling the door open. A sweet aroma filled the air as she grabbed some pot holders and pulled out the pan. Sitting in it was the Monkey Bread Coffee Cake that Delphi had given them the evening before. "I managed to duplicate the recipe, maybe that'll cheer you up.."

Lucian finally returned, a goblet still in one hand as he entered. He was wearing his signature skin tight leather pants. He moved to sit on the chair beside Delphi. His eyes glanced over the food and he smiled, "It all looks very delicious, Ana."

She nodded toward both of them, letting out a breath of anxiety. "Thank you Lucian.." She glanced at Delphi and turned to sit down. This morning definitely hadn't started like she pictured it. Perhaps the day before she would have even been happy about their sudden squabble, but currently it was only going to cause trouble if they had still planned to pull off this heist in the next couple days. And call her chicken, but it was her life on the line.

She hadn't even offered to look at Lucian as she made to sit down beside her. She looked at the monkey bread and gave a small smile. "Thanks Ana..." She reached for the pitcher of orange juice, grabbing the handle, she lifted the pitcher and began pouring it's contents into a glass.

"I'll take care of the dishes after breakfast. You cooked so it's only right that you don't have to clean." She was deliberately avoiding eye contact with the man. It wasn't that she was still angry.. she wasn't. It was because she'd lost her temper and she knew it.

At his statement she actually snorted. She lifted her hand to her mouth, trying to cover it up as she giggled. "You haven't met my brother yet.." As she settled down, she let out a breath while glancing out over the sky. "I have no way of reaching her." She explained. "And my brother can find me easily enough, so there is no use moving from where we are." She imagined he had gone to grab Alfred for exactly that. The spirit was very useful in a number of ways, one of which being the ability to track whomever was tethered to him, in this case, Anastasia. It wasn't information he'd give out to just anyone, but Anastasia had let Lucian use him on a number of occasions that Alfred had allowed his oath to be carried to him as well.

Bamph. When Lucian had appeared out of no where beside her, she jumped. "Lucian!" She yelled, "Don't do that!" She went to smack him and he caught her hand like nothing was the matter and just pushed it aside. When she saw the bundle under his arm she knew she was right. "Delphi.. she's gone." She stated, a frown on her lips. What she hadn't expected, however, was to see the shadows behind him move as two women came out. "And these two are..?"


They seemed similar enough, both sporting long hair. One had black hair that fell almost to her calves while the other had hair falling to her mid back, strands of black and white framing her face. Both had motifs of stars and the moon adorning them. The one with multicolored hair wearing a dress of elegant design, silk, mostly likely. It was fashionable and yet held a era of victorian, much too dated to not be authentic somehow. The girl beside her was younger, seemed much more quiet. She was wearing more modern clothing, pants and a cute little top. On her skin was henna tattoos winding all the way up her face. "I'm Khide Canias." Said the older of the two. "It's a pleasure to meet you. And this is my half sister, Nalaehi Shadowstorm." The younger of the two curtseyed, but she didn't say much else. She seemed very confused and preferred to stay behind the older one.

Lucian nodded at the girls, but as his expression scanned over his sister he frowned when he saw the other male. "It looks as though I'm not the only one with company.." He stated, pushing the skull further up his side so he could offer a hand. "I'm Lucian Blackmoon, Anastasia's brother." It could be noted, however, that he was still wearing his skin tight pants without a sign of a shirt anywhere to be seen. At the mention of Delphi he mused, "She hasn't returned?"

Anastasia just shook her head. "I haven't seen her.."

He actually stumbled and had to catch his balance by flaring his wings to balance himself and not tip over. "The hell?" He muttered and looked around like he hadn't been expecting to see a random person materialize from no where, because in truth.. he hadn't. "I'm.. Avery.." His look was still clearly stunned and his face had a red hand print mark over his cheek that was starting to swell a little. Extending his hand, he took Lucian's offered hand and shook it.

Her wisping form darted from the clouds and zigged then zagged for a little bit. It was pulling towards her home before it changed direction all together. She headed for the woods another wisp soon bursting from the clouds and following after her. She was leading whom ever it was away. The silvery streak of smoke wound down into the woods where it stalled for a long moment before bursting back from the woods and into the house in a hurry.

"It's nice to meet you." He replied. He narrowed his eyes at the red mark and looked at Ana in question. He heard in his mind which caused him to burst out laughing. "You wouldn't be the first one she's hit." He stated, merriment in his tone for a moment. "But honestly, if that's all she's done to you, count it a blessing." He turned to the girls. "Get Nalaehi in the house, we don't need her out in this in case something goes wrong." Khide nodded to his command as she took a hold of her sister's arm and directed her inside.

It was in that moment that the sudden burst came into the house. Khide's immediately acted to attention, throwing up a shield between the two of them and whomever was coming. "Stop." Anastasia said, walking passed the girls toward Delphi's smokey form. "Its Delphi." She replied and leaned down toward her, trying to see if she was okay.

Avery rubbed his cheek and winced slightly. "Yeah... I suppose I kinda had it coming.. But no offence.. but she can be a bit of a stubborn bone head." He jerked a thumb to indicate Ana as he said it. "I found her in a field..." He shook his head lightly. "Happened to have been passing by and came upon her." He watched the display, the burst of smoke.. Ok.. this was increasingly one strange day.

She wound around close to the ceiling. She was speculating the other two strangers in her house before she allowed herself to drift down the hall and into her room. Lucian was there.. and some one else.. A stranger.. perhaps this wasn't a good time to have come home.. Still here she was, home and she needed to solidify herself before she could talk.

"Yeah?" He tilted his head to one side, a smile pulling at his lips. His shoulders shrugged carelessly. "She's definitely a headache, that's for sure." He saw Anastasia shoot him a glare and he laughed again. "See what I mean?" He was about to continue the conversation when he saw the smoke too. His heart leapt and he wanted to rush to Delphi's side. Instead, he came in and told everyone to hold back and give her some room.

Anastasia, however, moved toward the bedroom. "Delphi?" After entering she closed the bedroom door and turned her eyes so that she could materialize without any eyes upon her. "Are you okay?"

Avery Made his way into the house looking from one to the other and shrugging. Finally he looked back at Lucian. "Yeah.. She kept trying to run me off.. saying something about danger.. saving 'her' and some other stuff.. I'd originally thought it was boyfriend troubles when I saw her crying in that field.. Apparently I was wrong.."

When the door was closed, the smokey form swirled upon it's self finally becoming solid once more. Her hair was no longer even braided and hung to her waist loose. Reaching for her robe, she pulled it on before sitting on her bed. She's worried it might be one of them.. and there in the clouds, she had her fears confirmed. "It's one of them.. " She shook her head. "Is the house closed? I lost him in the woods.. but he knows where I live.. " Her eyes were frantic as she spoke. She took in a deep breath she wanted to scream to burst into smoke and span out once more. Closing her eyes didn't help. She only say that silvery smokey form giving chase. Hatred complete hatred seethed from it's movements.

As she calmed, she let out the breath she'd held and collected her thoughts. Picking some clothes from her bed side dresser, she dressed in a set of jeans and a shirt with 3/4 inch sleeves. "Ana... Who are all those people out there?"

She waited to turn around until after Delphi gave the signal that it was safe. After she gave the signal to Lucian she let out a long drawn out sigh. Her eyes were still swollen and they itched somewhat. She rubbed at them with the back of her hand, almost feline in nature. "The healers.. I assume. Lucian apparently felt the need to bring them here since we hadn't gone to them." She moved to sit on the bed beside her. "The boy.. is a stray I picked up. I tried to shake him, but he wanted to follow.." She rolled her eyes and sat her hands in her lap. "Should we leave? If you aren't safe here we shouldn't stay."


Boyfriend troubles? That thought caused Lucian to stop in his tracks before glancing at the man. So she was crying. He really wasn't that surprised, but he had hoped she was doing better than he predicted. "Ana... is complicated.." He said, studying the boy. "Probably one of the most complicated females you'll ever meet in your life." He crossed his arms. "So what's your interest? She doesn't exactly give out the welcoming mat to strangers." He moved to set into picking the boy's brain when he heard Anastasia's voice in his head. Musing, he began shutting the doors and locking them, double checking the windows just in case.

"A stray?" This warranted a chuckle. "You make him sound like some little lost puppy that you gave a hand out to and then he followed you home.." She shook her head some. He can't get in.. at least not through smoking in..." She had a feeling that he was still in the woods, skulking about and watching. "It's male that's for sure..." She tucked her knees up and wrapped her arms around them. "It's personal.. At least that's how it felt up there.. I couldn't shake him without going into the woods." She gave an involuntary shudder.


"I don't know.. You haven't met my sister...." He gave a chuckle knowing that Antoinette wouldn't be too pleased with his comment. "Then again.. My mother is more difficult than her.. She has to be.. it's part of her work." He shrugged watching Lucian lock up the house. "Everything looks like something's about to happen.. " He looked to the sky. "It's like a huge storm's about to pour on us..."

"Might as well be." She frowned, not feeling easy at all about what was happening. "I'm not even sure why he came... Men are stupid sometimes.." She fidgeted. "Are you sure it'll keep him out?" She stood up, no longer able to stay still, pacing back and forth through the room. "Should we call Lucian or the healers? They still need to do their job.." She was sure that Delphi hadn't wanted to be without Lucian and now that she had changed her job was over.

He quirked one brow toward him after testing the locks on one of the windows. "You still didn't answer my question. Though that was a nice bate and switch tactic. What is your interest in my sister?" His tone was much more serious and demanding this time. He moved from the window and pulled the blinds. "I've met all sorts of fiery women.. And unless your mother or sister is something other than the normal inhabitance here.. I can promise you that Anastasia's had lifetimes to exceed their stubbornness. But it keeps things interesting, at the very least." He rolled one shoulder into a shrug, his eyes shifting toward the door that was leading to Delphi's room. He hoped Anastasia wasn't going postal in there. He wanted to trust her, but there was no telling how her emotions had flared. To the male's naivety, he frowned. "You have no idea what you're getting yourself into... do you? Perhaps you should leave? I wouldn't want your mother's wrath coming down on me for putting her son in unknowing danger."

"Maybe he's a little sweet on you?" She smiled and shook her head. "Yes.. they can be.. they can also be something to fear..." She was meaning of course the unknown in the woods. "I'm sure it'll keep him out.. I made certain that when things were closed and locked he had no way in.. If I can't smoke out without leaving doors open.. then he can't smoke in.. So unless he wants to try and muscle his way in here.. He's out in the storm." She sighed and finally loosened her legs leaning her head back against the head board. "Yeah.. we should likely let them in.. No doubt your brother wants to lecture me for my stunt..." She hesitated a moment."I'm sorry Ana.. I guess I haven't been a very good friend to you.. I did try.. Honestly.. And.. if you'll have me.. I'd still like for us to be friends.."

"My interest in her was to keep her safe from herself and what ever she was trying to coax down on her." He shook his head lightly. "She seemed like she needed some one to snap her to her senses.. I'm not going to try and lie and say I didn't notice her for the view.. that would be both stupid and well.. untrue. But trust me when I say that my intentions were only pure." He looked to the door as the rain started to fall. "I know how to handle myself.. When one mother has an infinity for blades and the other for guns and making those that does her wrong or gets in the way of her target suffer.. You learn to take care of yourself." He stated stubbornly. "But if you'd rather I leave.. Then I won't over stay any.. welcome I might have had.." His tone never changed as he looked to the rain outside and the thunder that followed the flashes of light from the dark clouds.

"Oh gods.. don't even joke.." That was the last thing she needed to think about given the current circumstances. "He's nothing more than a boy.. He's too naive to survive me." Some air escaped from her nose as she turned away, eyes narrowing. She grimaced as she said a small prayer to Sehanine. She couldn't dare even... But she was thinking about it, wasn't she? Even if it was in protest, it was there. That thought disturbed her. She had to put it out of her mind and think about the task at hand.

At the rest of Delphi's rant, her brows furrowed. Just what had Lucian told her? What had occurred from then to now that she wasn't aware of? The apology felt strange to her, like something was being hidden from her. "What are you talking about..." She had a sinking feeling she knew. She had a feeling she was about to kill Lucian.

His pale blue eyes kept pace with the male. He held one hand to his chin, listening to his explanation. "Well.. my sister is very attractive, that I believe." He stated, shifting his weight to the other foot. "But I seriously doubt your entire intentions were pure.. No matter how noble they truly were. Sometimes.. you can't help it, especially with a pretty lady." He let out a breath, snapping his fingers. Just as quickly as he motioned, a floating bottle of wine appeared out of no where along with some glasses. "Would you like some?" He motioned to the girls too, to which they both nodded.

"You should know, regardless, that my sister can take care of herself." He stated, ordering the glasses to be delivered to the two females who were sitting upon the couch. "She talks a big game when she's upset.. but I seriously doubt she meant harm to herself." He hoped. Regardless, he still had faith that his sister could be reasoned with and wouldn't throw her life away so carelessly. "I'm not saying that you don't know how to defend yourself. But what we're in the middle of is more than defending oneself, its a matter of everyone. That's still not my concern though, I'm sure you can do enough. However, it is possible for any of us to get hurt. If that can gain me your mother's wrath.." He put a hand on Avery's shoulder. "Just know that if you're in this.. it could be brutal.. and you won't be the same.. ever again."

"Well He's a handsome puppy, It could be worse.." She chuckled lightly. She frowned as Ana grimaced. "Never mind.." She heaved a small sigh. It was plain that Ana was clueless and why upset her before she could talk to her brother. "We should talk to the healers.. Besides... your brother should hear what I've learned about our thief."

Avery looked stunned a moment as the floating glasses went past him. Most certainly his ideas of the world were being questioned in this moment. "I'm sure she is very capable.. She had enough snap in that slap that it reminded me just how much physical strength women can carry... the point is.. she shouldn't have to fight alone.. not if some one is willing to stand beside her to fight." He looked to the other two women a moment before back at Lucian. "My mother's wrath would be far worse on me if she learned I fled when others needed aid. I'm not saying I'm the most skilled in battle.. but I'm no push over either.." He paused a moment. "I may not like to rush off into physical battles, because I'd prefer to talk them out logically.. but.. some times action is what needs to be taken. I will accept any Results in my actions the blame is my own. You are dissolved from fault if I stay."

"Well.. he is.. at least..." Sighing, she looked away for a moment before thinking about the other part of the conversation. She let the silence extend between them for a while, though she made no move to exit the room. "What... did he say.." She repeated, anger in her question. Her hands were clutched again, though despite the anger it seemed there was more pain in her eyes, sorrow perhaps. She felt her stomach lurch and twist, causing her to feel a sickness rise into her throat.


When he decided not to partake of the wine, Lucian shrugged and lifted the glass to his mouth, red liquid flowing into his mouth. Ah.. that was better.. something to take his mind of the current struggle. He listened to the male but he seemed almost distracted somehow. "In all my years with my sister.. I've learned that when she has decided what she's going to do, there is no stopping her. If you plan on standing in her way.. you better learn how to stand up for yourself or she'll eat you alive. She doesn't take commands very well..." He shook his head to himself. If this male was going to try to protect his sister, he needed to learn some very vital things. Most of all being, that if he hadn't planned on dominating Ana, she would very easily make an example out of him. He wasn't joking when he said his sister was complicated.

Moving his weight to one side, he held the goblet aloft, twirling the liquid lazily. "Tell me.. when my sister was in that field.. What did you say? What did you do? I noticed she was wearing a jacket that wasn't hers, so I'm taking liberties in saying it was yours. Did you touch her? Hug her? Show any sort of affection?" He knew from the previous conversation that she was crying. It was easy to see from her swollen eyes. Anastasia, however, didn't seem calm.. or even attached to him in any way.. which led him to the conclusion that he hadn't tried to comfort her. There was a lot that could be said for his sister, but in the end she was a female and she enjoyed physical touch more than she'd ever admit.

She met the other woman's gaze directly. "He apologized.. and made me promise that if you I found you and you weren't in any danger I wouldn't confront you in any way." It was a bit of a half truth.. she'd deliberately pixied some things out leaving them out as.. irrelevant in the current situation. "He was worried about you so I didn't give him a choice.. With or without his consent I was going to take to the skies to search for you." Her voice was calm as she spoke. "I convinced him to go and look for you, check and make sure you hadn't gone home or worse.. When he left.." She made motion with her hand. "Poof.. smoke.."

"She's a pistol that's for sure.. She looks so.. delecate though.." He spoke the last directing his gaze else where." I'm sorry.. I spoke out of turn." Clearing his throat, he finally met the other's gaze once more. "When I got close enough to not have to yell, I noticed she seemed.. chilled. So I offered her mu coat." He shrug. "It was only what any other decent man worth his salt would have done." He actually looked a little uncomfortable at the assumptions that he had actually touched her let alone hugged to console the poor woman. "Mr Blackmoon... I'm not a brute.. Your sister though crying.. She's not some one I know so very well. I felt it rather improper to try to hug her.. After all.. I didn't want there to be any misunderstandings between herself and I especially when she'd asked if I had come to kill her.. Think of how strange that sounds to some one you don't even know past their name..." He shook his head sending his ponytail flailing behind him. "I didn't want to set off any triggers and was trying to softly convince her to talk things out.. I even offered to buy her something warm to drink in a cafe to sooth her nerves.. What ever transpired left her, as far as I could tell, In a self destructive state.. I assure you that I was only trying to help Ad yes.. I scolded her and told her she was being stubborn and childish and that's why my face swells with her hand print." He shrugged calmly. He'd laid it all out. Her brother needed to know what had happened. "Maybe.. just maybe you can talk to her.. what ever it is.. it can't be so bad..."

Anastasia frowned at her, "No.." She said. "I didn't ask you what happened.. I asked you what he told you." Her brows wrinkled as she shifted her gaze toward the woman. "Everything you just said... none of it... would have made you apologize the way that you just did.. Maybe to Lucian, but not to me. So then.. why is it that you felt the need.. to profusely apologize for looking for me... Why did you look for me in the first place.." Her eyes narrowed as she looked in Delphi's direction.


"She is." He confirmed, holding out his glass so his servant could refill it. He moved toward the couch and sat down, one leg propped over the other. "But not in the way you think. Anastasia is very self sufficant, she's strong willed, strong in magic.. She needs no one to protect her, and if she ever does.. I'm there." He took a sip, eyes drawn to the boy. "However, my sister is very emotional. So emotional she has drawn up walls to protect herself. Once those walls break... lets just say.. anything could shatter her."

"You misunderstand my reasonings. I never called you a brute, nor would I think you one. I'm not a brute, either. But I have enough strength to hold my ground to her as well. " He could feel Khide's eyes on him as he spoke, it made him feel slightly uncomfortable. "You should have held her." He said this with complete certainty. "If a woman is crying, self destructive, in pain.. hold her. There is no other way to defuse the situation, to make them feel better.. to ensure that what's broken can be repaired again than to hold them." His statement was as if he was schooling a child. "And never, ever scold them. Especially if they're in pain. All you're doing by doing that is making them break more. And in that case, you deserved it." He heard a giggle come from the girls, his eyes shifting toward them to see Nalaehi covering her mouth.

To the last bit of the statement his eyes flashed. "No." There was a shock of pain in his face. "There is nothing I can do to help her." He took another drink of the glass, "You see.. I'm the reason she's crying."

She sighed a little exasperated already. She might as well be better off slicing her veigns open and bleeding out. The answer to Ana's question was about the same any ways. "That he cared for me in return.." She mumbled the answer. "Ana.. if you're going to be angry with anyone.. then be angry with me.. not him.. I shouldn't have said anything to him after all.. I should have just locked myself away this morning and let the two of you go.." She steadied herself, waiting for the blows to start. "I looked for you because you mean that much to your brother.. to see the pain of the thought of loosing you to your own devices shadowing his face.." She shook her head. "And because I view you as a friend.. "

He sighed. All his up bringing and the sea of estrogen he lived within hadn't even taught him anything like this.. You'd have thought with two mothers a sister two aunts a female cousin and two grand mothers he'd have known this.. but he hadn't. "I.. I didn't know.. I thought I was respecting her space.." He sighed heavily. "Females need to come with manuals..." He sighed leaning against a wall and rubbing his temples. "Then there is nothing you can say to her?" He shook his head. "Surely a sibling spat couldn't have been that bad.. could it have been?"

"He.... He what....?" Her voice cracked and she began to hyperventilate. It hadn't been what she was talking about, so when Delphi replied with it her face completely drained of color. She had seen the signs, but he had flirted with other girls dozens of times, so why? Why was she so different? She felt her heart lurch forward and she abruptly ran into the bathroom, throwing vile into the toilet. She felt herself oddly thankful that they hadn't managed to eat breakfast that morning. She started heaving, her stomach was so locked up and twisted that she felt like she could burst. Tears were stinging her eyes, her throat raw and screaming. Why... Why would he do this to her???


At Avery's exasperation, Lucian let out a laugh. His leg switched from one to the other. "I may not know how to figure out all women.... but consider me your manual for Anastasia. Believe me... you'll need all the help you can get." As he finished his jest, he felt something pull at his tattoos. His merriment quickly was lost and his eyes faded in color. He instantly felt his chest tighten and he couldn't breathe. "Anastasia..." Clutching his stomach, he fought the urge to throw up. The goblet dropped from his hand as he moved up from the couch toward Delphi's door and knocked on it. "Delphi? Is everything okay?"

She walked into the bathroom sighing heavily. Grabbing a wash cloth, She ran it under some water before wringing it out and handing it to Ana. "Ana..." Her words cut off as she heard Lucian at her door. No doubt he had felt the disturbance with his sister and come to check it out..

Walking to the door, she opened it a crack and peered out. "Ana's a little ill.." She frowned and was already herself kicking herself mentally. Chewing on her bottom lip she thought long and hard before finally opening the door. "You should likely talk to her..."

She stepped aside to let him pass. She'd let the cat out of the bag only because she'd thought that Ana had known more than she did. Her reaction as it was.. was every indication that she'd been wrong. "I'm afraid.. I said something I shouldn't have.." She felt a little defeated in this.

Avery chuckled and shook his head lightly. "I'll have to keep that in mind..." He smiled some, the smile only lasted a little while before Lucian's reaction. Something was more than a little off here. "Is everything.. okay?" He started to follow but paused. perhaps this really was none of his business.. Apart of him genuinely wanted to know.. He'd heard Anastasia's name.. so he was a little concerned to say the least. Still... he forced himself to stay put and not get involved just yet.

He frowned at the other woman's comment. He wasn't trying to make things worse for Ana. Still as they regarded him with that look.. he couldn't help but to feel that maybe some how they were right. Was his presence here hurting Ana some how? Pushing himself from the wall, his gaze went to the hall both smoke, woman and Lucian had disappeared down and frowned yet again. "Am I truly hurting her so much by my presence?"

As the word came out, His mind reeled the other direction. Perhaps he was meant to console her.. not to leave.. A stubbornness set in his eyes as he walked past both women. If her brother could do nothing for her.. then perhaps, just maybe he himself could. Folding his wings behind him and against his back, he walked down the hall to the door which now stood open.

Delphi's stomach wrenched as she watched the display between the twins. She'd caused this.. Ana's suffering now had been because of her words. How could she have been so stupid? Her face was shadowed with her guilt, the inner lecture she'd been giving herself was only interrupted when Lucian came back from within the bathroom.

Closing her eyes, she allowed him to brush her cheek, nuzzling her face into his palm as he did so. As she looked into his face, she sighed defeated. "I won't make you choose.." Her gaze went to the bathroom. "She's your sister.. I couldn't make yo choose between myself and her." She chewed on her lower lip. Thoughts were scrambling through her mind all at once, a whirl of them. "I thought she knew.. I thought she'd been here and seen.." Shaking her head, she pulled her face from his palm. "I told her... I'm sorry Lucian.. Gods be damned I told her what had happened because I thought she knew more than she did.." Her sentence broke off as she saw Avery entering the room.


He walked in without invitation into the room. Usually he'd have been more respectful in the home of a stranger, but if what Khide had said was right, formalities would have to wait. some times it was better to ask for forgiveness rather than permission.

He didn't speak a word as he passed both Lucian and The woman he presumed must be the silver smoke that had burst into the house before. "Anastasia..." Entering the bathroom, he knelt down beside her his wings brushing against the floor as he did so. "It's all right.." He cooed, soft warm words.. gentle tones. Reaching out, he didn't wait for her reaction at all. Didn't hesitate to see if she'd reject his company. Opening both arms and wings alike, he enveloped her into a hug from behind. "It's ok.. just.. let it out.. cry if you need to.. you'll feel better.." He was sure he's have a matching welt on the other side

Khide mused, shaking her head back and forth. Nalaehi frowned and looked at him directly, "She meant that you should go to her." She confirmed. "My sister is an empath.. and she can feel what the girl is feeling. She needs someone there for her." After her statement she shrank back a little again, using Khide as armor.

Lucian continued to brush Delphi's face with the back of his hand. However, at her statements, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. "I know you wouldn't." He said in hushed tones. "You're too kind.. and gentle.. Most females.." Shaking his head from his thoughts, he leaned down to kiss her head. "Delphi.. you've been surprisingly gentle through out all of this.. And I'm so sorry that everything that's been happening to you.. hurting you.. is because of us. I'm sorry you've been brought into this.." His fingers shifted from her face to softly pulling her face upward to look at him. He was vaguely aware of the other male's presence but made no effort to cast him a glance. Shifting his weight, he bent down to press his lips against hers. "Like I told Ana... I'm not going anywhere Delphi.. I'm right here.. for both of you."


Anastasia had her knees up high, her arms wrapped around them with her face hidden from view. Her long white hair was spilling out around her as if to help shield everything. When she heard his voice and felt his presence she flinched, inching backwards almost as if a frightened animal. She was scared and in this state she had almost reverted back to her childhood when her dad would hit her. When she was instead met with compassion, her hard shell began to melt and she pressed herself against him. Her sobbing began anew. In this state she had almost seemed like a small child, unable to come to grips with reality. "I'm sorry.." She said in repetition. "You're probably regretting every meeting me.."

Her eyes were wide and her face burned with a new blush. The warmth of his lips still lingered even after they were gone. Her gaze didn't leave his face for a long period of time she was left without words. There wasn't anything that could be said. Accepting her silence, She hugged him close to her. She was relieved? Had she truly thought he'd leave? Her heart felt like bursting not in anguish.. but joy.. His words had eased something within her as she stood, snuggling against him. She'd some how managed even to put Ana's presence out of her mind..

Avery removed one arm from around her though not the corresponding wing has he shifted to sit on his heels and pull her further into his lap. He stroked her hair gently. "Shh shh shh.." His tones continued to be the soft soothing comforting tones he'd been using. "I don't regret anything Anastasia.." His lips had been barely above her hair as he spoke so she would likely be the only one hearing him. His breath stirred a few strands as he continued. "If life was always a heppy journey we wouldn't learn to enjoy the happy moments we have..." The corners of his mouth curved into a small gentle smile. "I'm here... Let me be the wall for you in this your hour of need.."

Lucian continued to hold her tightly to him, stroking his hand down the length of her back and up again. He was glad to have her close, her softness keeping him only vaguely distracted. His ears, however, were poised for any noise coming out from the bathroom should he need to come to his sister's aid. It wasn't that he thought the male would do her harm, but he was unsure how far his sister's hysterics could force her. At the tug of his tattoos, however, he relaxed more, feeling her slowly calming. At that a small smile of relief came to his face and he hugged Delphi even tighter. Was this finally all going to be over..? The struggle that he had been keeping in the back of his mind for almost two years. No. He knew that it would take his sister much longer to finally move on, but this was at least a start. Maybe things would finally be okay..


At that she slightly scoffed, though a forced smirk pulled at her lips only slightly. "You'd think with everything I've been through then... That I'd be as happy as a clown.." As he moved, she slightly moved with him, mostly because all her strength had been spent and she was just barely holding herself up anymore. She rubbed at her eyes with the back of her hand, trying to remove the tears that were causing her vision to be blurry. Well.. Delphi was definitely right about one thing.. He was handsome. She stayed close for a little while, half burying her face against him as she hiccuped a few more times. "Still.. I'm not sure this is how you pictured today going when you got up this morning.."

Finally, she looked up, tilting her head only slightly to see his face. The hint of a smile caused her to finally pull her head further away from him, slight confusion on her own. "WIll she be okay?" Her voice had been barely a whisper as she asked, not wanting to offend Ana. Still, she didn't pull herself any further, her hands were still idly tracing the curves of his upper back. It was her own comfort that kept her doing so.. skin to skin contact had that way about soothing her when she was feeling nervous about things. She'd been listening.. In a way she felt Ana was now partially hers to protect as well.. and certainly so because it was under her roof that the group was gathered.. The group.. the healer.. Her head turned and her vision darted down the hall. "We should give those two a moment... I'll fill you in with what happened after you left once we're out there.."

Avery listened as she spoke. "We don't always see the silver linings that lace things.. some times they even seem almost non existent. But they're there.." Looking around the bathroom, he found a box of tissues. Opening a wing to let his arm pass, he grabbed the box from the counter and offered it to her. "I try not to speculate what my day will be like.. I'm never right and so.. why try to decide for my self something I have no power over? I may have the ability to make decisions.. but there is never any way for me to determine what the results of every option put before me.. So why worry over it?" Leaning back, he opened his wings enough to see her. He offered her a gentle smile. "Feel any better?"

He gave a worried little smile, but slowly nodded. "For now.. at least. I can't guarantee how she'll be in the future. It's going to be hard on her.. no matter what. But she's finally calming down." He was sure that standing here holding Delphi wouldn't help the situation if Ana had decided to pick now to come through the room. He gently kissed her, his arms wrapping around her hips in a soft squeeze before letting go. "Should we move to the living room then? It might be easier to address the majority all at once. We can fill in Ana and Avery later." Still, he wasn't sure how comfortable she was with filling in two strangers, so he left the decision up to her.


She tilted her head, wiping away some of her tears as she took the tissues. "Oh gods.. You're an optimist.." Her tone made it sound like it was a joke and a shocking revelation all at the same time. She gave a short choking laugh that caused more tears to sting her eyes. She was sure the optimism would annoy her in due time, for now she just thought it ironic that of all things Sehanine would put her in this position. Had she not followed her? Had everything she done not been in her name? Perhaps it was karma stabbing her in the back. Gods knew she deserved it.

Despite all the turbulent thoughts, she didn't veer away from him. She kept herself close, enjoying the warmth of his skin against hers. It had been... well.. honestly.. she wasn't sure if she had ever been held like this. Maybe, if she could remember that far back, her mother had a couple of times while their father wasn't watching, but it had been so long ago that she had forgotten what it felt like. "A little.." She replied hesitantly. Another tear escaped her eyes and she blinked. "Don't.. please don't leave yet.." It was almost as if she were begging. At her own behest, she shifted closer, moving her head to rest on his shoulder, her eyes resting upon him in earnest.

She gave a faint smile at his answer. "As long as she's calming down.. To be honest I had feared she might try to take things out on you.. So I told her it was my fault..." She held up a hand to stop any comments he might try to make. "If she had attacked I had every intention to go to smoke.. I was prepared for it.. At least as smoke she cannot inflict physical damage." Glancing into the bathroom she nodded"Sounds like as good a plan as any..." She allowed him to let her go, dropping her own arms and pulling away towards the hall. "Ah.. so the stray has a name.." She chuckled lightly before making her way into the Living room.

"Welcome.." She smiled regarding the two women in her living room with a smile. "I'm Delphi.. I'm sorry if my other form gave you a fright earlier.." She crossed the room and took her seat in a large over stuffed arm chair, crossing her legs at the ankles and sitting forward. "While Ana's momentarily indisposed.. There are some things at hand to discuss I think."

"Only some days." He chuckled. He was prone to having his own bad days after all. He shifted his weight around some, trying to take a more comfortable position for himself and her. "Good.. I'm glad You're starting to feel a little better." He flashed her an honest smile. "I won't leave.. I promise." He allowed her to shift around as she needed and curled the wing at her back, back around the shield her once more. "I'll be here... If you want to talk about anything.. I'll listen.. if not.. I'll sit here and cuddle you." He was remembering Lucian's words earlier. The man had never said much about pure compassion.. A gentle hand.. maybe.. but nothing about pure compassion with no other alternate motives.

He shook his head, "If she decided to take things out on me, she wouldn't get very far anyhow. I know exactly how to handle her. You shouldn't be putting yourself at risk like that.." He took one of her hands, lanced his fingers in hers before kissing the back of it. "She didn't hurt you.. did she..?" He looked her over though he saw no physical signs of harm. "Stray...?" He tilted his head quizzically, not sure of what he missed.

When she agreed to his proposal, he followed behind her. He gave a quick glance toward the bathroom and took a small detour, knocking on the frame before taking a half step inside. "Ana.." He was surprised to see her completely wrapped in the other male's wings. His brow raised. Well it looked as though Avery took his advice. "Delphi and I are going to talk with the healers.. if you two want to stay in here a little longer we'll fill you in later." He then turned and walked out into the living room to stand next to Delphi. "Before we begin.. This is Khide and her sister Nalaehi." They both bowed their head at the introduction.


Anastasia's lips turned to a small content smile. She let her eyes shift close. "Thank you.." She said quietly. "I'm not sure why you care... but.. I am thankful.." Lifting a hand, she began tugging softly at her hair, pulling some of it behind her ears. It was a coy little gesture perhaps out of vulnerability. Her lids flipped open but she was staring at her hands now, slightly confused at what all of this had meant. Yes.. she knew that this wouldn't have happened had she not been so emotionally unstable, but it hadn't changed that it had happened. She hated playing the part of a meek girl, but under all of her walls that was what she was. That was perhaps why she tried to come off so hard and strong, to keep anyone from seeing that part of her.. and now he had.


At the sudden sound of her brother, Anastasia jumped. Her face instantly turned red and she tried to hide it though she knew it was no use. "Umm... okay.." His words brought her back into reality, a reality she had been trying to escape for the past half hour or so. She didn't want to leave his warmth, it had been increasingly too long since someone showed her anything but hatred other than her brother. Not even Jaron had been this kind to her. After he left, her eyes glanced upward to meet Avery's. "Do you want to go join them then..?" She hoped he'd say no, but she knew she had to return to reality eventually, no matter how much she wanted to protest.

She frowned slightly. "She didn't hurt me.. she just.. stammered and then became physically ill..." She chuckled lightly. "Ana referred to him as her stray." She shook her head lightly.

It was when he finally joined her and introduced the ladies to her she nodded once more. Glancing up at him standing at her side while she sat, she had a moment to think that it reminded her of a book or movie where the guard took stance beside the ruling force. Smirking, she shook her head and looked back to the two women. "It's a Pleasure meeting you both." She looked back at the hall to see if maybe the other two would show up.

Not seeing them, she continued. "Now.. When Ana left and we split up.. I took the form you saw before and took to the skies.. It's the easiest way to make a search for my kind.. To lend in, I mingled along the clouds and it was in these clouds I saw something.. Another smoked form.. I have no doubt our thief is another of my father's kind.. And this is no mere theft but something personal.. It's how it felt when he was chasing me through the storm..." She continued to explain the distraction the other had proved to be, the chase even her in ability to commence her search for Ana. Her story continued into just when she shot out of the thick storm cover and had started making her way back to the house. "I had a moment to glance back.. to make certain I'd lost him in the storm... That's when I saw him still there.. And that's why I lead him into the woods... I lost him there.. for a moment I'm sure.. The stone wasn't his worries.. It was bait." She frowned as she said the last bit. "Now he's still out there no doubt skulking about... And he knows for sure that I can phase to smoke.. Which proves another issue.." Grumbling she looked back to Lucian. She wanted to reach out and feel comfort but couldn't allow herself that. Instead, she straightened up further in her chair. "Those of us who can phase like that.. we have to have our vision to change.. Hood him and you can effectively keep him hostage.. If we catch him.. We'll need a hood."

"You're welcome.." It was all he could say. He hadn't known her long and he was willing to console her. Why? Maybe it was because he had a sister.. or maybe it was because he couldn't see a woman cry.. who knew. He'd stiffened as he heard the knock on the door. He'd been wondering if Lucian would be sore with him.. But when his words came they weren't about the situation.

Glancing down, he saw the blush burning on Anastasia's face and couldn't help noticing the attractiveness of it. "If you want to go.. we shall.. If not.. then we'll stay.. I'd be a fool to say I wasn't enjoying the cuddle session though." He flashed her a warm smile once more.

He was thankful that Anastasia hadn't hurt her, but surprised all the same. It wasn't like his sister to shy away from hurting someone who easily be coined with making her suffer. Had she done that for him? Maybe that was why she had gotten so sick, Anastasia's emotions had boiled too far and it gave her adverse reactions. Still, his expression turned perturbed about referring to Avery as a stray. He sighed, he couldn't convince himself that he always knew what she was thinking.

He listened to the explanation, a frown on his face. "So.. he's definitely coming after you..." He tapped his foot on the ground, not sure how to go about all of this. "Are you still sure you want to go after the stone? Or should we come up with something else?" At the mention of capturing the said individual, he knew that would be near impossible. He was use to killing things that went after him, not sparing their lives. But if that's what she wanted he'd try. "Do you think there is someone else behind it?"


She bit down on her lip, shaking her head slowly. There was something almost innocent about the way she looked. "I.. don't think I'm ready quite yet.." She tried to play it off as something more reasonable, and despite the fact that she wasn't ready to face everyone yet, there was enough of it that just being near him was a reason too. At his jest, her eyes shoot up and she blinked, the blush returning fever red. She lifted her hand and hit his shoulder though it was much more playful and soft than the first time she had hit him and it was likely to barely graze him much less leave a mark.

She could hear what one of her uncles would have been saying about now clear in her head. 'Stupid girl, You brought this upon yourself.. So figure out your own solutions." Sighing she brought her hands up to rub her temples. "Undoubtedly..." Looking from one woman to the other, she heaved a small sigh. She knew how her mother would handle this and it was starting to sink in just what She'd done by trying to learn more. She'd made her presence known.

"What out thief didn't count on is that I'm not a pure breed...." The smirk that crawled across her face was almost wicked. "The stone is still the plan. Let the hunter become the hunted within his own trap. After we get a hood on him he'll be easier to deal with. If there is some one playing puppet master behind our thief then we'll know after some... questioning." Her eyes flicked to Lucian beside her. "After we know more about what's going on from our thief he's disposable, no longer of importance a threat like that cannot be set loose."


He smiled warmly that calm light reaching his eyes as he did so. "Then we shall stay a little longer till you're ready. I'm in no particular hurry any ways." He chuckled some. His legs were starting to tingle but he didn't want to disturb her comfort. As the blushed a deep red once more, he couldn't help but to grin. His shoulder moved only slightly as she struck him playfully. It was good to see that she was at least a little more relaxed now.

Moving one arm under the crook of her knees, he lifted her with a bit of ease and rose to his feet. Looking around the room he settled to move to the side of the tub and sit there resting her on his lap once more, her feet now dangling off to one side. This put his wings brushing against the bottom of the tub but at least the blood flow to his legs wasn't being cut off. "I hope you don't mind, my legs were falling asleep."

He drew in a breath, not entirely liking the idea, but he nodded. Looking at Delphi, he whispered, "Are you sure you're okay?" He had noticed how uncomfortable she seemed and it made him uneasy. However, she was the one that knew the most about her father's race and because of that he had very little to offer. "Is there anything else we need to know?" After speaking, he turned to glance toward the girls, "I think they should look at us, than at your wards to make sure anything that's possibly been tainted be purified."

Khide nodded and stood to her feet. "If it's alright, we can begin with the two of you. Though I don't suggest anyone traveling through the wards further until we've had a chance to examine them as well."


When he scooped her up in his arms, she let out a soft squeak, pushing her face against his chest. The blush had continued to grow warm against her cheeks. She wrapped her arms around his neck so she'd feel more stable until he sat back down. After he moved to the ground, she glanced up, the blush almost cherry red now. "Umm... sorry.." She removed her arms awkwardly and began smoothing out her dress. She unzipped the jacket she had been wearing, feeling suddenly warm. "Would.. do you want it back?" She asked, pulling it from her arms. To his question she shook her head back and forth, nibbling lightly on her lip. "No.. umm.. it's fine." She half hid her face behind her dreds. It suddenly dawned on her how timid she was acting and it bugged her slightly. She hated showing this side of herself more than anything, she wasn't even sure why she was acting this way. How had he brought this out of her so easily? Did she dare break the silence.. the intimacy? She couldn't make up in her mind rather she really wanted it to stop or not. Maybe she was over thinking things?

She took a deep breath and held it for a moment before letting it out slowly. "I'm.. I'm fine... Just.. shaken still... I'm beginning to see why they had tried to talk me out of seeking more information out on them..." She thought long and hard. "Well.. they're expecting to see me.. to find me.. We can't exactly use me as bait.. but.. I can be in disguise to help.. I'll need a set of men's clothes though. And when we question him.... It'd be best to do so in a room he cannot escape.." She frowned lightly but nodded all the same. "Let them take a look at you first..." She was trying to think of anything about her father's people that could be of use. Sadly, she was coming up blank.


She took a deep breath and held it for a moment before letting it out slowly. "I'm.. I'm fine... Just.. shaken still... I'm beginning to see why they had tried to talk me out of seeking more information out on them..." She thought long and hard. "Well.. they're expecting to see me.. to find me.. We can't exactly use me as bait.. but.. I can be in disguise to help.. I'll need a set of men's clothes though. And when we question him.... It'd be best to do so in a room he cannot escape.." She frowned lightly but nodded all the same. "Let them take a look at you first..." She was trying to think of anything about her father's people that could be of use. Sadly, she was coming up blank.


"No?" Lucian tilted his head, a smile on his face. "But that's exactly what we'll do.. If they want you, they'll find you." He laid his hand on her shoulder, a twinkle in his eyes. He nodded toward Khide and she came over, Nalaehi at her side. Both girls laid their hands over him, a soft glowing coming from their hands. "I have an idea on what to do, but I don't want to go into detail here." He looked at her. "Just trust me."


She became startled a little at his thoughts, flushing as she glanced away. She hadn't meant to read them, but sometimes, especially when her walls were down it was a habit. It had usually come from wanting to keep herself protected at all times, something that had kept her alive one too many times. That said, she felt strange about the thought. He may have liked the way she was acting, but to her it left her too open for attack.. too easily manipulated. It was a weakness. "Umm.. thanks.." She laid the jacket on her lap so that it didn't get dirty. Now that her arms were bare, she noticed the warmth of his body more which made her feel even more strangely.


She was still torn rather she liked the feeling or not. But upon letting herself relax a little, she decided in the end that it made her feel more safe. And odd thought, when she knew it was the exact opposite.

Blinking, "Is it.. still hurting?" She was surprised. Perhaps she was too use to Lucian who blew off her attacks like they were nothing. Lifting her hand, she touched the area she had hit earlier. When she realized that she touched his face she flushed more, pulling her hand away. "It's okay.. You've.. more than made up for it now.." A small chuckle came from her throat. "But yes, you deserved it."

he furrowed her brow and sank back into the plush chair. She'd expected him to be angry with her again. "So.. I'm going to the museum as bait then.." She paused waiting while the healers did their job. "I trust you... If I didn't.. You two never would have been allowed any where near my home.. no offence Lucian.." She smirked some as she watched him closer. She then watched the Healers working. "Find anything?" She was hoping they wouldn't....

"Ah... it only stings a little..." He winced slightly just around his eyes when she touched the welt. Smiling once more, he shook his head again sending his ponytail shaking. "I should have been... nicer...I guess I'm used to my sister's bone-headedness where you have to practically yell at her to get through.." He knew it wasn't an excuse.. nothing was. "So.. I'm sorry.. I know it's no excuse.. but.. It's the truth. My actions were out of line.." Reaching up, he brushed her dreds from her face to get a better view.

He raised a finger and shook his head. "I didn't say that." He watched the girls circle him while they did their analysis. "Like I said, just trust me. I won't put you at risk if I can help it." He put a hand on hers, smiling softly at her.

Khide frowned after she finished, shifting her gaze toward her sister. "Definitely something. Whatever it is, it's definitely blocking some magical energy like a plug. Nothing serious though, thankfully. It could take some work to fix it." She bent toward Delphi to examine her as well and nodded, "As I figured, much the same."

Nalaehi chewed on her lip carefully. "I think I can do it." She said, though in her unsurety she glanced toward Khide. "I mean.. if you think I can? I can see the weave of the magic.. and I think I can undo it." She was looking for some sort of affirmation.

Khide smiled softly and put her hand on the younger girl's head. "If you think you can do it I'll trust you. I'll do what I can to help guide your magic." She let out a breath. "Of course, if you two trust us enough? Nalaehi is new to this, but she has a lot more natural skill than I do, I trust that if she says she can do it she can."


"You yell at your sister?" Her nose wrinkled. She guessed there were times when Lucian yelled at her, but it was usually a disapproving gesture or tone of his voice. Still, she couldn't imagine him using the tone with her that Avery had when they first met. Lucian had always been gentle with her, despite hating almost everything she had chosen to do with her life.. he never did anything to make her feel terrible about it, even if she knew he wanted her to stop. She now realized just how oddly thankful she was for that. "I guess she's even more hard headed than me?" She giggled softly.

She shook her head though, "What's done is done, right?" Was she really that much more sensitive than other females? She hated that thought regardless of how true it might be. "It's okay. Consider it as never happening." When he moved her dreds, she gave a small smile as she shifted some of them behind her ears.

She sighed and let it go. What ever he was planning might as well be saved for where ever he was more comfortable explaining. "Al right.. Lets just agree to discuss it later."

Turning her attention to the two women she gave a small nod. "If Lucian trusts the two of you.. then I can trust you as well.. A warning.. there are things in this house that are best left.... undisturbed. She was meaning of course the altar in her bed room behind the screen.

Giving a sheepish sort of look, he scratched the back of his head. "Yeah... Occasionally.. She's a bit... well she's a tough nut to crack some times.. I think she gets it from our mothers...." He gave a nervous sort of chuckle. "Thanks Anastasia... You're quite nice..." He let his hand drop away from her and held her gaze a moment. "So.. Mind telling me just what I've gotten myself into now?"

He was right, she'd have to trust him. with the unknown factor of just what had happened and to who or what.... She couldn't trust that everything meant to be kept secret would be. Watching the healers work, she had a moment to muse to herself. She'd seen some routine scans before.. using different runes for different things.

Closing her eyes, she tried to close herself off from the hum of magic around. Even the dull songs emitted from the earth were starting to become too much for her thoughts to handle. She wanted to open a window, to let in fresh air. Pursing her lips together, she grumbled profanities in a language most common among the high court demons of her world. When she opened her eyes once more she cast a look to the window. The storm was still raging on and though it was mid day, the sky looked near dark as night. She was beginning to feel like a trapped animal. It wasn't long before she found herself rising from her chair only to pace the floor. Part of her wanted to burst free from the house, take to the skies once more and play in the storm as smoke, while the other part of her understood the necessity of being couped up in this house.

She needed something to do and needed to do it now. Heading to the kitchen, she put a kettle on the stove and turned it on to boil the water inside. While waiting on that, she retrieved the left over and mostly untouched coffee cake that Ana had made that morning, putting it on a large tray with some plates and napkins. Opening the door to her basement, she disappeared down the stairs only to return moments later with a very old and dusty looking bottle. She wiped the bottle clean and set it with the cake. By now the kettle had started to whistle. Turning it off, she poured the hot water into a teapot over a bag of herbal tea and set it too on the tray to steep.

Finally she returned from the kitchen, tray in hand with mugs and glasses alike. She herself was leaning more towards the contents of the bottle. She wasn't often one for drinking.. not in excess at least. Not after her cousin Shari had labeled her Hell-fire when upset. Still she thought.. one drink shouldn't be an issue.. right? Maybe it'd even help her to relax.

"I brought something to nibble.. I thought we might have some hungry people.. I know Lucian didn't eat breakfast... so It was a thought.. You can help yourselves if you like.." Setting the tray down on the coffee table, she returned to her plush chair just as the women finished their ordeal with Lucian.

Avery blinked a few times. "Well.. Yeah.. Mothers.. as in two moms..." He didn't quite grasp the confusion of this possibility. "I am certain I'm referring to you.. You're kinda like my cousin Jo.. She's rough and gruff and puts up a fuss.. but.. deep down.. she's actually nice.. I guess she figures if she talks softly and carries a big stick others will avoid trying to harm her.. My aunt's quite the push over you see.. can't seem to say no when some one asks her to do things so she winds up being taken advantage of by just about everyone.." He watched her as she unzipped her boots and kicked them off. holding an arm out to brace her steady as she did so. It left more of her legs visible than they had been before and it struck him... this was the first time he had actually noticed the shapeliness of her legs at all. Directing his gaze away a faint barely noticeable pink tinge set into his cheeks as he shook his head and cleared his throat. "Don't worry about it... Some times you need to give your feet a rest from shoes..."

Aside from the females in his family, it dawned on him... she had been the first woman he had actually consoled let alone had in his lap. Swallowing a lump that had appeared seemingly out of no where, his ear caught the sound of the kettle whistling. "Sounds like some one's making tea..." He was trying to keep the conversation more proper, less from diving to any lewd subjects. He was a male.. he was not without boundaries or tact.

When she brought back the cake, Nalaehi smiled a bit. "That's really nice of you! Umm... do you want us to continue on you?" Her head shifted to the side, her long hair falling to the ground below her. She didn't want to push, but the sooner they got this done the better.

Lucian smiled at them and sat up, looking at Delphi. He moved a hand forward to touch her cheek. "Are you okay? You seem really distracted." He was getting worried about her. He knew that being here and being anxious wasn't going to do her any good, though he wasn't quite sure what he could do about it. At least not until whatever was out there was finally gone.


Anastasia was still confused about the possibility of two mothers. She'd never really heard of it before. "I..." She opened her mouth to speak but then shut it, shaking her head. "Sorry.. I mean.. I know girls back in my home who like other girls... But I've never really heard of having two mothers before.." She chewed her lip. It seemed most of the girls she had traveled with back at the ship had at least some sort of inclination towards other females, rather they acted on it or not. (Well, she was sure that none of them did.. except maybe Kora.. She was.. ahem. Lets just say that she made Anastasia feel very modest.) That hadn't changed, however, that most all children had had fathers, of some sort or another. So this sounded very weird to her. "Were you.. adopted? I mean.. I..." She frowned, glancing away. "Pardon me.. I'm new... to this world... I don't.. I'm sorry.."

Blinking, she wasn't quite sure she liked being compared to someone who was a pushover. She understood he wasn't trying to call her one, but she had been strong her entire life. So maybe she was submissive when it came to males, that didn't mean she liked being pushed around either. "I wouldn't say I'm nice.." She insisted. "There... is still a lot you don't know about me.." Flushing, she glanced away. She was afraid if he did know the real her that he'd yell at her the same way he did his sister. He'd be sure to run away. Tilting her head toward him, she nodded. "Would you like to get up and get some?" She had to admit, she was still slightly hungry since she hadn't ate that morning and now that her stomach wasn't so sick.

"Thank Ana.. she made it this morning..." She thought about it. "You can continue.. Just tell me what you need me to do.. I assume this isn't anything like burning the spell off..." She had to wonder how you'd burn off the spell but it had been something her mother had mentioned once when she was a child..

Her eyes flicked to Lucian and she gave a small nod. "I'm fine.. for now.. Just growing restless..." She reached up, stalling his fingers before they reached her face. "I Promise.. I'm fine.. Having so much magic around me all at once.. It's been a bit.... over whelming But once everything fixed.. and out uninvited stalker is dealt with.. I should be fine.."

" I think you are.. On the inside at least..." He shrugged some. "Look everyone has their demons.. Who am I to judge you for yours? I certainly displayed myself as rather a knuckle head earlier.. And still you've forgiven me when some wouldn't have.." Avery chuckled some. "No.. My parents were blessed by Kuon-Yin..." Ah.. so she was new to these lands that explained something. "In your terms I guess you could say we're little Miracles.. It's actually quite common among out kind." He looked towards the open door. "If you're ready to go out and mingle, then sure.. I did offer to get you a hot beverage.. didn't I?" He glanced back at her. "

"Well... umm..." Nalaehi took a deep breath, trying to gather all the explanations she could think of during her training. It was true she was still in training, which is why Khide had accompanied her, but she had definitely grown a lot stronger in the past few years. "Well, I think, everyone's magic is different. I'm not sure what "burning a spell off" means exactly.. But my magic is.." Her nose scrunched up somewhat. "I can see magic.. it's ebbs and flows.. It appears to me as lines of a piece of art. When I see it, I can understand how to take the lines and change it. Does that make sense?" She moved closer, pulling her knees under herself. "So I can begin whenever you'd like." She smiled politely almost as if she were a small child. "All I need you to do is lay down on the couch and try to keep your thoughts blank."

When she rejected his touch, he frowned and returned his hand to his side. Had he made her upset somehow? He nodded and let out a breath, not sure how to help her. "Well, if I can help in any way.. just let me know.." He felt useless. He couldn't help his sister and he couldn't help Delphi either. He was beginning to wonder if he had done something terrible he wasn't aware of. Shaking his head from his thoughts, he leaned back in a chair, watching the girls set to work.


Her head tilted to the side some, not sure what he meant exactly. "Koun-Yin? A god I'm guessing?" So the people of this land got blessings from a god to have children? That must have been exhausting for any god to have to handle. She couldn't imagine Sehanine doing anything of the like. What a strange world... It still all sounded very weird to her and she knew it would take her a while to get use to it. Perhaps she could see if Alfred could come up with some information for her.

She let out a breath but nodded. She guessed it was time to finally face reality. She had put him out for quite a while. "I suppose we should before my brother comes looking for me.." It probably wasn't far from the truth, then again, with everything that had just happened maybe not. She was the one who had made a fool out of herself. If Delphi hadn't known before, than she definitely did now.

"Lucian... Just.." She stood up from the chair and moved to the couch. "It it ok to touch while this is happening??" She looked questioningly to the two women. She wanted his comfort.. really she did.. if she had had her way she'd have crawled into the same chair as him.

Still, she settled herself on the couch, holding her hand out for him in case the healers said it was ok. She closed her eyes, trying to center herself, empty her mind of everything while she could. This was proving to be a difficult task. Her mind was far to busy with things. Concerns, thoughts, worries.. and even the danger this could mean for those around her.

"Koun-Yin is a deity.."He nodded at her guess. "We have several actually.. Some live among us while others... they keep their distance." He figured it was for good reasoning for sure if they wanted to keep to themselves. "Ah.. You think he'd really come in here.. I mean.. He does know you're still in here, doesn't he?" he offered her a smile as he looked at her. "So.. Shall we walk, or your you like to be carried in?" He flashed her a cheeky sort of grin and a wink.

Nalaehi giggled softly and nodded. "I'm looking for something in particular. I think I can separate it without it effecting Lucian again." The girl blushed. "The only thing being to not let your mind wander too much or it can change what magics I'm currently sensing, as love.. in a way.. is magic. That is to say.. all emotions are.." She caught herself, stuttering softly. "So if you can keep your mind blank, I'm more than fine with it." She hoped she hadn't sounded too awkward as she explained.

Lucian gently grasped her hand, intertwining his fingers in hers. "It'll be okay.." He said softly, trying to get her to relax.

Nalaehi looked at both of them before closing her eyes, beginning the same process she had with Lucian. It had taken her a little bit longer than it had with him, but she eventually found what she was looking for and finished the ritual as she drew it, quite literally, to a close. "There." She said some time later. "I'm sorry it took longer. The tag was similar to your own inner magic, so it took a little to make sure which one it was. But its finished." She offered a small smile toward both of them.


"Lucian?" She made a face. "My brother is kind of lacking in tact. He knows how to make women swoon over him... and how best to act during a dinner party.. But he also has an arrogant side when he thinks he knows best.." She let her voice trail off, her head shifting back and forth. "I wouldn't put it passed him." She thought for a long moment, chewing on a finger absentmindedly. "I guess that makes him the god of fertility of some sort?" It would take her much too long to learn the gods, she feared. Besides that point she preferred to stay with the gods she already knew. She touched the moon pendant around her neck. Would Sehanine even forgive her if she paid homage to a deity outside of their world? Even if she could hardly feel Sehanine's presence here, she couldn't dream of worshiping someone else.

At his question her cheeks went bright red. "I.. I... Umm.. I can walk.." She looked away, trying to have her hair shield her face. She moved to grab her boots, not wanting him to see how flushed he had made her.

She flushed deeply as Nalaehi explained. "Oh..." She gave Lucian's hand a small squeeze as she tried to focus on nothing at all, to push everything out of her mind so the woman could work.

Sitting up, she frowned deeply. "Close to my own magic.." She shook her head. "It's because he knows half of what I am.. He's able to wind magic to suit it.." She uttered another curse in high demonic tongue. Looking at Lucian she realized what this could mean. "I'm sorry... I think my restlessness could have been caused by what ever it was.." She frowned once more.. "I'm feeling better.." She leaned her head in, brushing her lips against his fingertips. "I'm sorry if I've worried you.. It was like something was driving me... stir-crazy.."


"He did seem to think himself quite the expert on ladies..." She watched her a moment, watching the blush spread across her cheeks. "Well.. Koun-Yin is a female if I recall right.. But it would seem to fit..." He let her move to get her shoes. "Are you sure?" He was still a little concerned for her. When she moved from his lap, he stood and offered her his arm once more. He was more so sincere this time. Still, he gave her a kindly smile. "Shall we then?"

"I can't really comment on that.." She said, "All I know was it was a little harder to find on you." She stood to her feet and shot a glance at Lucian. "If your sister is ready I'd like to take a look at her soon." Noticing the curse, however, Nalaehi blinked softly toward Delphi. "It seems we have some things in common." She let out a soft giggle and returned to her sister's side.

Lucian stood to his feet, letting his hand drift over Delphi's face. "I think we were all experiencing it." He replied, letting himself draw in a breath to calm. "Its perhaps part of the reason for the fight this morning.. There is no telling how much of it had effected us." He wrapped his arms around her in a hug, briefly touching his lips to the top of her head. "I should go get Ana though, maybe her mood will lighten once she's looked at." Though he seriously doubted her outburst had little to do with it.


With a roll of her eyes, "He thinks he's the expert on everything." She replied. "He's annoying that way." She said this matter-of-factly, like her brother's annoyance was more than she could tolerate on most days. Though she guessed in a way that was why most women were drawn to him.. Well that and the fact that he could pass as a male supermodel. "Ahh.. my apologies, I didn't know." She said in regard to the goddess. "I hope she doesn't hold that against me." At his question, she blushed furiously again. There was a part of her that wanted to remain in his arms, next to his warmth, though she knew that was something she should get over. She couldn't remain coddled for the rest of her life like some infant. Besides the fact that it would be rather suspicious to the other occupants if they came into the living room like that. In the end, the more reasonable part of her psyche won out. "I'm sure.." She answered, pulling the boots up into her arms. Nodding slightly, she felt very awkward about walking with her hand on his arm, but she figured if he could get over a strange clinging to him, than she should get over the formality.

She sighed some, glad to be free of that aggrivation. If there was one thing she didn't like.. it was feeling like she was snappish for no good reason. Looking to Nalaehi she smiled some. "High court?" She asked the question canting her head off to the side some. It wasn't every day she found some one who could actually understand her. "Lucian.. I hope you're right.." She still felt guilty over what had been said. The out come had surely not been something she'd been expecting after all.

She hugged him back, lingering a small moment before leaning towards the coffee table and the tray that rest upon it. Grabbing a glass, she picked up the bottle and Pulled the cork. She poured the rich deep red liquid into the glass and set the bottle back down. Swirling the deep aged wine around in the glass, she lifted it to her nose to be sure it was still good for drinking. Satisfied, she took a sip and moved to a chair to allow the healers to use the couch for Ana.

He lead her through the room and down the hall, walking at a steady pace. As he lead her into the living room, he looked around at everyone. "Ah well.. I thought I'd heard a kettle.." He meant of course the teapot.. He cast a look around at each individual a moment before looking to Ana once more. He was watching to make sure she would be good to be surrounded by them all at once now.

To the question, Khide was actually the one that spoke up. She hugged her sister to her, gently touching her head. "Our mother is one of the Cndra. The demons of our world. Granddaughter to the Betrayer. It didn't end very well, however, she no longer talks very much about it other than our affinity with the darkness." She looked down and smiled gently at Nalaehi. "Nalaehi... is.. more or less a clone. She has many memories that my mother has, but has since become her own person. Even her magic is drastically different than my mother's."

"I do believe what we consider to be 'High Court' to be very different from other worlds, though Nalaehi was never apart of it. Both my father and my mother were apart of a Counsel meant to protect our world from the Cndra. I was apart of it, until we came here." She tried to explain, and smiled gently. "My mother has always been an advocate of reforming and helping others with a darker past. So you can say we get excited to meet others of our kind, even if they call a different world their own."

"If I'm not mistaken.. the other side.. the one that I had trouble with.. It seems slightly similar to Khide's father." Nalaehi replied, seeming very interested. "Though vastly different at the same time."

Khide's eyes lit up in curiosity. "Oh?" She glanced at Nalaehi in question, blinking several times.

"Um hmm.." She nodded, almost bouncing a little in her shoes. "Well, the magic seems similar.. I'm not sure how much of it is the same though."

Khide considered this for a little while, thinking. "My father.. he's a Balkorm, the last of his race. They were.. strong, almost giants. In my world they were guardians of Unicorns, keepers of magical stones." She said as if to explain what Nalaehi was talking about. She wondered if it was true, it had been a while since she had much, if at all, anything in common with another.

Lucian listened to the tale but nodded toward Delphi. "I'm fine." He answered. Truth was he was just worried about Anastasia still, and the pressure to keep everyone safe was weighing on him. He was sure he could do it, but until it was over he had to make sure everything fell perfectly into place.


When they entered the living room, Anastasia let out a breath. She immediately felt even more awkward when all the eyes turned to look at the pair of them. She frowned, keeping herself close to Avery. She nodded slowly though she wasn't sure of the own validity of her assurance.

Nalaehi giggled softly when she saw them enter the room. "Awww... they almost look like a bride and groom, don't they?" Her own cheeks flushed in thought.

Anastasia's face went bright red. "Ahh.. what? I mean.. uhh... no!" She removed her hand from his arm, instantly fumbling for the right words to say.

She listened to the other two ladies a moment as they explained. "Ah... I think I understand." She smiled some. She glanced to Lucian a quick moment before continuing. "My mother is the younger sister of Lucifer in our world...." She fidgeted a moment. After Lucian's first reaction, she was feeling a little.. uncomfortable mentioning his name. Still her hand found him once more this time her fingertips idly played on the skin of his arm. It was a most fae like action from her world which made sense to her giving her bloodline. "My father.. He was son to the leader of one of the clans of Fairy dragons in our world.. Some also refer to them as faedragons...." The more nervous she grew, she closer she drew to Lucian till her fore arm finally rested along side his.

It was when Ana entered the room that she drew her arm away slowly. She didn't want to chance another upstart after Avery had calmed her down once more. Tucking her feet into her chair off to her side, she wrapped her hands around the glass and sipped, her eyes moving to rest on the window and the rain that was still bombarding it.


His own face turned scarlet at Nalaehi's words. As Ana pulled her arm away, he raised his own to scratch awkwardly at the back of his head. "Ah well... I wouldn't say that.. I hardly know her and all.." He too was fumbling, trying to come up with something to say that wouldn't insult anyone in the room. "What I mean is.. We're not even an Item so.." His glance darted to Ana looking for some sort of help here. His wings shifted as a nervous action.

Her eyes flicked from the window back to Khide. "I'd be willing to talk about it again.. Perhaps after Ana has been looked at and everything has been checked out.." She drank deeply from the wine glass in her hands once more. "That being said, I'm not entirely sure today would be a good day to talk about my father, our world, or my mother's family.. " She gave the woman a small smile to show she wasn't upset.

She looked back over to Lucian and offered him another smile. "I brought up some wine from the basement... That is if you're thirsty..." She moved, leaning forward and taking some of the cake for herself to nibble on. She was sure Ana was still likely angry with her.. with both of them.. how could she not be?

Avery chuckled nervously. "Yes.. Just friends.." He said to collaborate her story. Still, he glanced towards Ana. His heart had skipped a beat as he saw her blush, they way she was trying to avoid eye contact... It just made her that much more... adorable. Clearing her throat, he looked at the tea. "I think.. I shall have a glass of tea.. if I may that is..

"Help yourself.. It's an herbal tea..." She smiled once more waving a hand to indicate to the boy that he shouldn't be afraid to make himself more at ease.

Lucian turned his eyes from his sister back to Delphi. "I'd love some." He said. He still wasn't sure to make out of the situation and because of that he was keeping quiet. A part of him was still waiting for his sister to go postal, the other part of him felt odd to see the other male so close to her. Shaking his head from the thought, he leaned further in his chair, pulling his legs to a more restful position. "Since its nearing late afternoon, perhaps after all this is over we should find something to eat?"

Anastasia opened her mouth to say something but quickly shut it. Was that a snide remark toward her? She had made a lovely meal earlier, it wasn't her fault if he had to ruin it with his bickering. Her eyes shifted toward the windows. She was sure that in this storm with the possible threat looming over them that they wouldn't be able to find a quick meal outside the house. That said, supplies were getting low after she had spent all morning cooking. She wasn't quite sure what she could come up with in a timely manner with what was left. She didn't want to get into Delphi's personal food, if she didn't have to.

Noticing the silent fight between the two, Khide nodded at Delphi, trying to break the awkwardness, but didn't press the issue. "That's quite alright." She replied. Her eyes shifted toward Anastasia and Avery, lowering her head into a bow in their direction. "If you don't mind, I think we should take a look at both of you to make sure neither of you were tainted. We can figure out the details of food later, if that's alright."

Anastasia mused, chewing on her lower lip. Glancing at Avery for a moment, she suddenly felt very overwhelmed as everyone was staring at her. "Umm.. yeah.. right." She stammered for a long moment before walking forward to the couch where Nalaehi politely indicated. Once there, she began the same ritual she had done on the other two previously.

She grabbed the bottle along with a wine glass. Pouring the contents into the glass, she offered him the filled glass before putting the wine bottle down. "I brought this wine with me from home... It's one of the few things from there I really couldn't leave behind." She chuckled lightly. Still, her eyes flicked between the twins a little unsure. Something wasn't right that was painfully obvious. Still she tried to 'tip toe' around the situation at hand. "Quite right.. food can wait... If you're feeling a bit.. peckish.. there's cake." The look she gave a warning look to Lucian not to push anything.

Avery blinked a little bit confused. "No offence.. but.. Just how is it that I could have been targeted??" He wasn't sure.. after all He'd just stumbled into this hornets nest today. So how was it that he was at risk? Or was it because he'd been so close to Ana? Still, he gave a small nod as he made his way to the table and started to pour himself a cup of tea.

"It should be good.." She took another sip, relaxing in her chair. "It's about 300 years old..." She said it nonchalant as thought it were a common thing to find in one's house hold. She was starting to feel a little more relaxed now, her glass nearly empty as it were. She'd drank it faster than she'd indented.

When Ana addressed her, she smiled and looked in her direction. "Sure, help yourself.. There's plenty of dry goods in the basement too.." She lifted the glass to her lips once more, emptying it of it's contents before leaning forward and pouring herself another glass. Curling back up into her chair, she looked almost cat like in the way she lounged. Pink gemstone like eyes watched over the room from over her glass. "Let me know when you've completed your scan over my wards..." She stifled a small yawn. The trouble with having such a busy day was when you finally relaxed you became tired. The fact that she has exhausted a great deal of energy phasing to smoke earlier had finally caught up with her. Now that her adrenalin wasn't kicked into over drive, she was feeling a little drowsy. Setting her glass down on a coaster, she nuzzled her cheek into the plush arm of the chair, just watching the room.

Avery nodded as he took a sip of tea. "Of course.. What ever will help you find a solution to the problem at hand." He set his tea down, opening and folding his wings once more. "I can't exactly lay on my back though... would standing be fine? Other wise I can sprawl out on my stomach.." His wings ruffled once more as to give emphasis as to why he wouldn't lie on his back.

Delphi tilted her head to look at Lucian in the chair beside hers. "I'm just a little.. run down.." She tried to explain the best she could without letting him know why. Yawning again, she gave him a reassuring smile. "I'll be fine.. I just need a little cat nap." She chuckled lightly. She trusted him to look after things, Of all the people in this world He likely had gained more of her trust than any other she'd met so far.

Avery smiled glad he hadn't been tainted by what ever it was the rest seemed so worried about. "Well.. I guess maybe I didn't come into contact with what ever the three of them had..." Looking around, he searched the room for something to sit on. A stool would have been preferred by him in all reality. Finding nothing, he settled for leaning against the wall. Strange goings on.. That was what this was to him. Something out of the norm. Likely none of his business too. However, that didn't mean he wasn't willing to help. He'd cast his lot in the moment he'd decided to follow Ana rather than to leave.

She smiled drowsily as hi kissed her forehead. "I think I'll be fine here.." Her eyes were starting to drift closed before the blanket or pillow came. One thing was certain she'd always picked out her furniture for comfort and the chair she was in was one of the most comfy she'd seen.

It was the faint scent of blood on the air that tore her from her nap with a sound that was more like a snarl from a dragon than the girl in the chair. Her eyes flicked open a touch of that primal side to them as they darted around the room. She was scanning for intruders into her lair for this house was indeed her lair. "Who's hurt." She sat up in her chair, counting heads in the room as it were.

He'd grown bored of just standing around, nothing to do no real additions to the conversations.. or lack there of. He'd pushed himself off the wall and walked into the kitchen to see if he could help. When he heard her declaration of pain, he quickened his pace to try and help. "I'm sorry Anastasia... I was just coming to see if I could be of assistance. I never meant for you to hurt yourself." He was trying to help, grabbing another towel to help stop the bleeding with.

Lucian's eyes shot up when he saw Delphi's reaction. Lucian had figured enough what had happened from his link with his twin. He had felt it before on occasion and wasn't at all concerned. "Anastasia cut herself." He stated as if he already knew without even checking on her. He moved off of the chair. "I'll go check on her, you just relax."


Her head shifted around to see Avery. She drew in a breath as she felt the sting roll through her hand. "It's okay.." She stated, holding it close. She turned on the faucet and removed the towel, letting the water clean the wound. "I shouldn't have been so jumpy.." She took the offered towel after shutting off the water. "I didn't get any blood into the vegetables.. did I?" She leaned over to take a look at the cutting board, sighing when she saw blood on the edge of the wood. She couldn't be too careful, she'd have to toss the whole thing.


When Lucian entered, Anastasia frowned somewhat. He moved toward her as though Avery wasn't even there. "Are you okay?" He grabbed her hand and instantly took off the towel to see the damage, and despite how abrupt he had been about it he had done it very gently.

"I'm fine.." She tensed up when her hand flared in pain again, blood flowing down her hand. She pulled her hand away from him and stuffed it under the faucet again.

"I'll go see if Delphi has any bandages.." He replied, looking from Ana to Avery and back again. He frowned, shaking his head as he moved back into the living room to Delphi's form to see if she was still awake.

She frowned at Lucian some. Her count had the room missing some one who had been there before she'd drifted off to sleep. Avery.. Had he some how caused the injury? She'd tried to settle back into the comfort of the chair to continue to sleep. However, her mind wasn't cooperating with her. Apparently her body felt as though that small little down time had been enough for her.

When she saw Lucian return from the kitchen, she gave him a quizzical look. "How bad was it?" It was the best question for the situation. At least it hadn't been a forceful entry.. That was enough to help make her mind at ease after everything that had happened.

Avery frowned at Lucian's response. "I truly am sorry Miss Anastasia..." He frowned feeling some how defeated. He wanted to help.. not cause more trouble. He was silently lecturing himself for not speaking up before entering the room. Tensions seemed to be running high as it were after all.