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Drama
(AIM RP); Part I

Keeta had arrived at work that day with a lot on her mind. She was closing and had left Joel with Kael back at the apartment, so at least Joel wasn't one of the issues she had to contend with. Yesterday she had received a reply to the letter she had sent Ceres, but the content of it worried her. There were certainly some things going on, on the island that were more dramatic than usual and Keeta just hoped that everything would be ok.

And of course there was the craziness in her mind surrounding her recent engagement to Kael. It was wonderful and she was happier than she could imagine, but it was hard to get her head around and she was having difficulty deciding what she wanted to do as far as the wedding. Kael was pressuring her to make decisions, but it was so hard! She was grateful that she would have a friend to talk to about it all. Somehow though, she felt like the concerns hinted at in Ceres' letter overshadowed her own.

With a sigh, she set to cleaning some of the dishes in the sink while she waited for customers, trying to clear her mind. It would be a while before the evening crowd showed up, so now all she was waiting for was Ceres.

"Sky, no mater how places we go... I'm always amazed at how people keep up their bathrooms." Ceres said as she swung her feet playfully. She was currently perched on the edge of the sink.

"This is certainly one of the cleaner ones." Sky chuckled. He was happy to see her in a slightly playful mood considering the most recent to-do's in their lives. He helped her down. "Let's get out of her before some lady walks in and thinks we are attempting at doing the unthinkable..."

Ceres nodded her head. "Alright then." Arm and arm she headed to the door of the bathroom so they could exit and enter Keeta's place of business.

Keeta thought she heard voices coming from the bathroom all of the sudden, but she wasn't sure until the door opened. She smiled when she recognized the two voices. Ceres and Sky had come after all. She called to them from her spot behind the bar as she wiped her wet hands on a towel.

"Ceres! Sky! I'm out here."

Ceres waved at Keeta as she put on her best smile. For the moment she wanted to focus on Keeta, and all things positive that involved her friend. "Keeta!"

"Looks like the nights still young, and that we've got a good chance at striking up a decent conversation." Sky grinned as he carefully lead Ceres.

"Well seeing as there's only a sinkful of dishes over there to keep me occupied otherwise, I'd say I'm looking forward to a good conversation," she said to Sky as she leaned forward and hugged her friend.

"Are you ok? The way you sounded in your letter, I was worried..." Keeta said to Ceres, apparently trying to do the same thing, in focusing on her friend and not on herself.

Ceres cleared her throat. "My troubles could fill a roll of parchment... But honestly before I get into that can of worms with what I do know I could really use some good news." She smiled as she returned the hug.

"I can take care of those dishes for you." Sky offered with a motion of his hand. "That will give you ladies a bit of time together before everyone else can everything you've to say to one another..."

"You don't need to do that," Keeta said waving her hand at Sky as she stepped back from the hug.

"It'll give me something to do if it's slow after you two have left. Good news you say....well, you already know that Kael has come back. And I'm so excited! Joel is really happy to have him back. I'm glad he doesn't hold grudges, because he couldn't understand the circumstances behind Kael's disappearance. I only know the bare details. I think he doesn't want me to know what he went though because he doesn't want to lay that burden on me. Anyways, long story short, he was held captive, but managed to escape and come back to us last week. And when he did....well..." Keeta blushed and raised her left hand for their examination. On it sat a small gold band with ornate patterning. It wasn't jeweled, but was still beautiful.

"Oh, good heavens..." Ceres said grabbing Keeta's hand. "When's the date?" All the rest of the news out the window with the news of an engagement. She pulled Keeta's hand to where he could see it. "Isn't it beautiful."

"Not as beautiful as the lady who wears it." Sky chuckled. "Cong-" As Sky stopped they both finished the brief sentence.

Keeta blushed deeper and put her hand down when they were finished examining the ring.

"Thanks...and we haven't set one yet. We're still trying to work out whether we want to do all the elaborate things that generally go with a wedding, or something more simple. I think we've decided we want to have it here at the Casbah either way. I know it's not a traditional place for a wedding, but it's where we met and where much of our "family" is so..." She smiled and shrugged.

"I wish you all the luck in the heavens." Ceres smiled. "You deserve it... To be happy." She sighed contently. "I am sure you could turn this place into a lovely place to have a wedding." She leaned forward and whispered to Keeta. "If you need anything at all, money included, please don't hesitate."

"But Ceres! I...I couldn't..." she said, fidgeting. She was always uncomfortable taking advantage of other people's generosity.

Ceres straightened up. "A proper lady shouldn't consider any less than a perfect wedding. Especially a lady who hasn't had a wedding before." She smiled. "You can always use the isle as a place to vacation... I've been meaning to build a hut on the beach." She chuckled.

"I'll mention it to Kael. I know I wouldn't have any objections to the Island, and perhaps he wouldn't feel so...different there, with your diverse family and all. He's not as humaniod looking as he used to be....And of course, if I'm going to be helping out with Natalia, he should get to know her at the very least..." Keeta privately told herself that vacationing on the isle was the most she intended to accept of Cere's hospitality, for the time being at any rate. It wouldn't be a large wedding and she felt she and Kael would be able to cover the costs of things. Having it in the Casbah meant that they wouldn't have to rent a hall, or cater, and if Ceres was offering the island it meant they would be saving money a lot of places.

"Just remember dear... The offers on the table. You are part of our family." Ceres said as her finger idly traced the pattern of the table. "We do not look at each others appearance all that much in detail because that opens the door to finding fault. She chuckled.

Sky put a hand of Ceres' hand. He could easily tell when she was worrying if she was smiling. He then rubbed her back in hopes of comforting her.

Keeta saw Sky's movement and recognized what he was trying to do for Ceres. She frowned slightly in concern and stepped closer.

"So...what's going on that you alluded to in your letter Ceres? Like you said, we're family and I want to help, if I can..."

"It's all a mess... A really big mess." Ceres sighed, and leaned into Sky. She still held her smile as she forced herself to not shed tears. She didn't need anyone really coming onto her 'problems'. "I don't even know where to begin..."

"Begin where it's most comfortable...I just want to help..." Keeta said soothingly, before walking over to a nearby table and pulling out a chair for Ceres.

"Here. Sit down, let me make you some tea." She started heading behind the counter, giving Ceres' shoulder a squeeze as she walked past.

"Rhine is ending his marriage... That is the easiest of the news to swallow." Ceres sighed. Now she really would have to clue Sky in on Natalia... Unless she could drag Rhines situation out (doubtful though). "Not that it hasn't had its share of issues from the get go..."

Sky sat down next to Ceres. He put his hand on her knee. Rubbing it occasionally to try and get her to stay calm. He didn't exactly know what Ceres meant by 'easiest news to swallow'.

Keeta's brow furrowed and she pursed her lips slightly. That news didn't sit well. From what she knew of Rhine, a lack of obligation to a single person might lead to a series of actions that he might regret. Rhine had even flirted with her on the couple times she'd met him...

"That must be really hard for him...do you know what made them decide to end it?" she asked, while filling a kettle with water and starting it to heat on the stove.

"Not really sure... Other than they just grew apart." Ceres sighed as she rubbed her temple. She was starting to feel how stressed she was. "I've gotten over bigger hurtles than this. It is just..." She mumbled incoherently.

Keeta came over to Ceres' side and placed a hand on the shoulder opposite Sky while she was waiting for the water to boil. The kettle would whistle when it was ready. This was beginning to worry her more than before. She had never seen Ceres look so frustrated.

"It's just what?" she asked, trying to make Ceres feel as comfortable as possible. She wanted to throw a questioning glance to Sky, but whatever he saw, so would Ceres, so she forced the desire back and waited for Ceres' response.

"Couldn't things happen one at a time instead of all at once." Ceres was calming down with the added attention of Keeta. "One would think that once your kids are grown they are set in their ways, and well off in the world... You know?"

Sky lifted up the bag they always brought. He knew they had tissues in here somewhere... And, he knew that Ceres would be needing them shortly.

"Something else happened?" Keeta asked gently, trying to keep the surprise out of her voice. She didn't want to agitate Ceres further. As she waited for a response, the kettle began to blow, and she hurried over behind the counter.

"Soothing hot tea coming up!" she said, before returning to Ceres' side a moment later with a tea cup of steaming hot water, and a couple of tea bag choices, not knowing Ceres' preference. She placed them in front of her friend and then returned to her vigil.

"Thank You." Ceres said waving her hand over it to cool it just a touch so it was drinkable. She wrapped her hands around the cup enjoying the warmth. She drew in a breath to calm herself before taking a sip.

"I've see it happen once before... Rhine had a crush when he was around Natalia's age. Then again how can I get into ages. I mean ones one thing and the other is another. But it hadn't been long since Rhine had hatched, and it really hasn't been long since Natalia was born... But, I don't know if dragons mature differently... All the children are just so different."

Ceres' hands were shaky as she took a sip of tea.

Sky having found the tissues sat them on the table. "Take it easy." He said steading her hand.

This hadn't been the kind of topic that she'd been expecting. A childhood crush? What was so worrying about that? That is, if she was understanding what Ceres was trying to say. Her movement from one thought to the next didn't seem to be entirely linear with what she was trying to explain.

"So....Natalia has a crush? Or Rhine?" That could explain the ending of the marriage as well. She hoped she wasn't pressing too hard, but she wanted her friend to get this off her chest so she and Sky could help her in whatever ways they could.

"Natalia, and she won't say who... But I can only guess." Ceres said as she sat the cup down. She was so shaky that she nearly shook the contents out. "I'm a terrible mother... terrible... It is all my fault. I shouldn't have been gone so long. I didn't mean to be."

It was apparent that Sky was as clueless as Keeta even if he tried to not act it. He continued to help Ceres in steadying her hands.

"You are NOT a terrible mother," Keeta said, trying to keep her voice on the fine line, between kindness and firmness. She rubbed Ceres' shoulder, trying to figure out where this anxiety was coming from.

"What's so worrying about a childhood crush?" she asked, making her voice more gentle again.

"Because I know it is the island. I just know. No one goes into the fog except Sky, the children, and myself... And even then none of of us venture in without a purpose." Ceres had tears running down her cheeks. She could no longer contain herself.

"I left her alone. I assumed someone would be there to watch over her while I was out. There hasn't ever been a time there wasn't... I told her I'd be right back and to find the perfect hiding spot." Ceres sucked in a breath and she used the tissues. "How she got out of the house, and past the gate... Oh, I'm a terrible mother... Terrible."

"You-mean-Natalia-went-into-the-fog..." Every word slowly trickled out of Sky's mouth and into the conversation. Now he was beginning to understand why things with Ceres hadn't been right over the past week or so. But, what didn't make since is why Natalia was still the same bubbly child. The fog could do terrible things to a person with uncontrollable fears.

"Oh Ceres..." Keeta bit her lip. She could understand how accidentally leaving her child alone would make her feel like that. Heck, she would feel like that if she had assumed someone was there to watch Joel and there hadn't been. But...it was an accident and Natalia had apparently made it back in one piece...

"But she's ok...you didn't mean to...." she said, trying to reassure Ceres, but Sky's reaction told her this was no normal fog.

"What is the fog you're talking about?" Keeta asked, confused. She didn't mean to draw the conversation away from it's focus, but this seemed like a critical point that she didn't understand. "And how could she have a crush on the island? Wouldn't that be like having a crush on her Kiwi toy?"

Sky new that Ceres wouldn't paint the best of pictures in her current state... Hell in any state you couldn't really paint the best of pictures. The island when it took the form of a 'human' was down right nasty. A disgusting person with good looks who had done horrible, terrible things.

"The island can take the form of a human." Sky said trying to keep his voice as calm as possible. "But, it takes a lot of energy so it isn't something that happens all that often... It really, really has to want something." He chewed on his lips, something he rarely did if at all. "We try and not talk about the acts committed..."

"The fogs no better..." Ceres said trying again to get a sip of tea despite shaky hands. "With the exception it doesn't literately rape people... Just your mind. The fog is to protect my mother who has been turned into a tree... It is a defense mechanism to deter people." Having had a couple sips she sat down her cup again. "If you are not strong enough of heart you will just end up else where on the island... But not after some serious mind torture. That fog uses your fears against you."

Sky sighed as he could only imagine what had happened. He didn't want to think of what could happen, or would happen if the island pursued Natalia.

Keeta's eyes grew wide at this description and tried to picture it in her mind. None of her images were pleasant in nature. She thought she might have heard bits and pieces of the story of the fog and the island before, but nothing that gave her an outright definition like this. And now that Natalia was involved made it frightening, if what she imagined was similar to the real thing. She could understand now why Ceres was so upset.

"You....think it's after Natalia?" she asked quietly, her voice catching slightly.

"Yes..." Ceres said barely above a whisper despite her loud sobs. "And, for whatever the reason no good can come of it." She sighed as she sat down the tissue.

"We'll face it-" Sky said as he wrapped his arms around Ceres' waist. "-together."

Keeta pursed her lips as she thought. There had to be some kind of solution to this...An idea came to mind, but even if it worked, it wouldn't be easy for any involved

"Would she be more protected here?"

"Natalia needs the island as much as the island needs her... It is the ways of every maiden." Ceres took in a couple deep breaths trying to find comfort in Sky's touch. But her fears were just to great, and she was just to angry at herself. There were minor mistakes, and then there catastrophic ones... "And, no matter where I take her on the island the island can get to her."

Sky dug out a couple more tissues, and pocketed the used ones. He didn't know exactly what to say because he was sure what ever thought he had Ceres had already had.

"I'm sorry Ceres. I don't know what else to say. But if I can ever be of any help to you or her, all you have to do is ask...." She tried to comfort her friend, but in her gut she knew that, for the moment at least, her efforts were in vain.

Ceres nodded softly. "All I feel we can do for now is teach her right from wrong, good from evil... But, we must not instill fear into her heart. Courage, and bravery are key factors." She said in dry whisper. All her tears were dispensed. Even if she wanted to cry further she couldn't.

Keeta nodded silently. She would do her best to teach Natalia those things, just like she would do her best to teach Joel. It would be hard to put on a brave face for her though.

"In the mean time I guess I'll have to incorporate the island into my tales. I just always hoped that I wouldn't have to..." Ceres sipped the finally bit of her tea.

Keeta nodded again, letting Ceres think aloud. Incorporating the island into the tales would at least give Natalia some background knowledge about her crush, but couldn't it potentially instill that fear Ceres talked about? She would have to be very tactful and careful if she were to walk that fine line successfully. For the moment, however, Keeta kept her reservations to herself. Ceres already had enough to think about.

"Would you like more tea?" she asked, noticing Ceres finish off what was in her cup. She almost felt she was being insensitive, but what did one do or say to someone in this situation? It's not like Keeta had the power to change anything, so she would just listen and be there however Ceres needed her to be.

"No thank you dear." Ceres finally managed a smile. "We've over come so many hurtles since we've adopted children. And, I suppose this is no time to think less." Her change of heart was sudden, but it was coming from the fact that hse had gotten things off of her chest.

"Hurtles is an understatement..." Sky chuckled.

"Tell me about some of them..."Keeta pressed gently, sensing that talking was helping Ceres to feel calmer.

"Ayisha turns into a tree when she gets over emotional. Aurora acts like a child constantly, although we are working through that..." Ceres had to go through years of memories, and when there was already so much stored it became a little difficult.

"Rhine and Cassara have the largest file of 'oops'." Sky grinned. "Especially Rhine with his charisma".

"You've hinted before at some of the difficulties he's had with that. Heck, I've felt the effects of it some myself." Keeta blushed slightly remembering the two times she had encountered the oldest son."

"Don't ask me where I went 'wrong' with Rhine... I couldn't tell you. He was the first dragon/human I raised, and the first male." Ceres grinned. "Maybe it was all the girls he was around. Rhine and Cass at the time were the youngest of them... And, Cass didn't come till later."

"Rhine always favored Tinker... And, really when it came down to it Rhine found all the rest of his sisters to be noisy. Thus he avoided him." Sky said putting his hand on top of Ceres'.

"I wouldn't say you ever went wrong with him. He just is who he is..." She shrugged. If Joel turned out like that, sure it wouldn't make her the happiest mother on the planet, but she would still love him and accept him for whatever he turned out to be.

Ceres chuckled. "He is who he is... As is the rest of my children. They are who they are..." She sighed heavily. That even meant Natalia. She half feared that this was is it... That the end of the 'curse' involved non other than Natalia herself. "Maybe the islands plan will backfire..." She said allowed as a finished thought.

"Like how? And do you even have an idea of what his plans are, except that they apparently involve Natalia...?"

"I don't know how or, even his plans..." Ceres traced the rim of the tea cup. Her eyes became expressionless as she stared blankly at the way. "But... The island has a way of evening the field even against itself. It is the sense of balance that is inevitable."

"Can you give me an example? I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean." Keeta frowned slightly. This was going to be a much harder problem to deal with if she didn't understand the 'rules' that went along with it.

"It is the most basic law of any universe. For every action there is an equal reaction." Ceres stopped her finger from circling the tea cup. "That is why over time on the island the island became so dependent on its maiden. The maiden balances out the island." She hoped that made since. It was so much easier to understand when were born into it, or had lived it for long periods of time.

"Hmm...." Keeta said as she thought, her gaze becoming slightly distant as she mulled over all Ceres had told her.

Change

"I just don't understand Kael....I don't! I love you but...you just haven't been acting the same, ever since you got back. I realize you went through some serious things but I don't know if I can continue to deal with this...." When she recieved no response, Keeta shook her head and left the room, slamming the door.

It had been a few months since Kael had returned. At first everything had seemed wonderful, but lately he had become distant and different. Whether he would admit it or not, his experiences while he was gone had changed him into someone Keeta didn't know. It was only their relief at having one another back, that had masked it at the beginning.

Keeta picked up Joel out of his playpen and strapped him into his stroller. She needed to go for a walk or something to cool herself off. She still loved him, but this had been something she had needed to do more and more frequently lately as Kael disapeared more and more into himself.

After getting Joel settled, she headed out the door, glancing behind her, but finding no sign that Kael was going to make an attempt to stop her. Sighing, she headed for the park, trying to reason things out as she walked.

She wasn't able to make sense of much of his behavior, but the fresh air and being around living things helped to cool her temper. Keeta supposed it was the elf in her, wanting to be close to nature. Joel always enjoyed being outside as well. A ways into the park there was a playground area and Keeta headed in that direction. There, she sat down with Joel in the sand, letting him explore the texture of it while she worked through her thoughts.

It was getting harder and harder to put up with his mood swings and silence. If things didn't change soon, she didn't know how long she would be able to take it. She could stick with him a good while, and take the pain and heartache, because she loved him. But not forever.

Keeta's eyes glanced down at the engagement band that sat on her left hand. It was beautiful. Kael had made a good choice. Sighing, she twisted it between her fingers. Well...she would go home today. She would stick around even if it was difficult right now. After all, she had made Kael a promise. Even if they weren't married yet, she would stick by him. After all, what relationship didn't have problems? Maybe it was just a phase he was going though....She would hope in that for both their sake, and for Joel's. Kael was the only father he had ever known, even if they were not biologically related, and that was not a issue she treated lightly.

When it started to get close to sunset, Keeta loaded Joel back into his stroller and headed home, hoping for the best.

Despite owning a cafe, entertainment establishment Rhine couldn't remember the last time he'd actually combed his hair, brushed his teeth, or done any routine maintenance. He looked himself over in the mirror having finally climbing out of bed.

Sometime later he was leaving his little 'home' that was above his establishment. He always loved this place, or he use to. He had poured his heart into it... Like other things. Talking with his rents, and his sisters hadn't made matters any better.

Sighing heavily as he arrived at an establishment Ceres' had heard his mother mention. Keeta, the lady he met in the kitchen those couple of times worked here... He knew that much. He tucked in his shirt, and straightened himself. Looking as best as a possible he entered, and found himself a seat at the bar.

Keeta turned around at the sound of someone seating themselves, from where she had been putting away some clean glasses. She couldn't hide her surprise when she saw who it was. Rhine, Ceres' son. What was he doing here? Presumably not just for a visit. She didn't know him well enough for him to be dropping in for a chat like that. Keeta knew it must be to have a drink then.

Something nagged at the back of her mind, something Cassara ("Vlad") had said when Keeta had last been at the island, but she couldn't place what was said and pushed it from her mind. All she could remember was what Ceres had said about his recent failure in the relationship department and she figured he would not care to be reminded of that. She put on her best smile and walked the few steps toward where he was sitting and leaned across the bar, resting on her forearms.

"Well hi there Rhine. Nice to see you! I must say I never expected to see you wander in through the doors of the Casbah."

Rhine gave Keeta a look as he put on his best smile. He took her hand, and placed a gentle kiss. But, past that he couldn't hold the smile in place. His fingers idly traced the lines of the wooden bar. "Normally busy with work, family, and marr-" He could no longer say that. Marriage was a thing of the past. He sighed as his fists clenched shut. 'I won't cry.' He told himself... After all he had just showered, brushed his teeth and hair, and promised himself a good night out.

Keeta didn't blush as much as she usually did when he kissed her hand. She had begun to accept this as a normal manner of greeting for him. Her smile faded as well though, when his did and his sentence ended abruptly. Feeling slightly uncomfortable at how quickly the topic had turned to his recent misfortune, she stood up straighter, but tried to keep her tone normal.

"Well you're here now?" she said tentatively, trying to bring her smile back. "Anything I can get you?"

Rhine didn't lift his head, but did lift his eyes to look at her. Did she know, or didn't she... about what alcohol did to him? He was sure either his sister, or his mother had slipped that information. In any case, he could take advantage of this situation. "How about a Smirnoff?"

"Sure! Any particular flavor?" she asked, picking up a glass from the shelf under the bar and setting it in front of him.

"Raspberry tea." Rhine grinned. The tea flavors that Smirnoff created hardly tasted of alcohol, and he consume them rather quickly one after another.

Nodding, Keeta retrieved the bottle and returned quickly, popping the top off, before placing it in front of him.

"There you are," she said with a smile, happy to see the grin on his face. Well if that didn't perk him right up. She could understand wanting to get lost in the oblivion alcohol offered. Before Joel, she had been one of those people, and she knew Rhine must be hurting pretty bad right now.

"Might wanna go ahead and get a few spares... It is going to be a long night, and you'll have trouble keeping up." Rhine said as he took the bottle. He tipped his head, and didn't stop till it was gone. His tail a curled around the barstool as he made himself as comfortable as possible.

Keeta bit back the surprised reply that threatened to escape at his request and then downing of the entire bottle. She wanted to suggest he take it easy, but even if he were Ceres' son, it wouldn't do to talk to him as if he weren't a normal customer. Still, she knew what downing a bottle like that would have done to her. Nodding, she went back and grabbed three more bottles, popping the top off the first and setting them next to him on the bar. She picked up the empty and placed it in the large recycling bin in an alcove next to the kitchen.

"You ever had one of those days were everything-" Rhine shook his head, and bit his lip. He fingered the rim of the bottle eying it as if it were something between an enemy and a friend. He wanted to get away, and to not remember a thing. He didn't care if this was the best way. He finally took the bottle and down half of it before setting it down on the counter. "- Everything should have been perfect... different."

"I suppose everyone has had a day or two like that in their lives..." she said with a slight shrug, leaning across the bar again. "Perfect things don't always remain perfect no matter how much you wish it. We all have disappointments and let downs..." Keeta chewed on her lip slightly, hoping she wasn't opening a can of worms.

"I should have stuck to the drink, and then men... And said ******** it to the woman, and the business." Rhine's charismatic charm still remained despite his near vicious words that he spoke. He looked away from Keeta, and down at the bottle. His tail uncurled, and recurled. He could get away with tonight because tomorrow he wouldn't remember. It would be Keeta's word against his own. With that he finished the bottle, and reached for another.

"Ah...." was all she said. She never knew how to respond to those who came in here to remove their troubles with the alcohol and until it kicked in, confess them to the bartender. Keeta had become good at listening and nodding in the right places over the years, letting them vent their frustrations. She hoped she could nod and "uh-huh" to a child of a friend as effectively.

Rhine didn't have any trouble with the cap on the bottle. He wanted it, and wanted it now. He licked his lips. He didn't know if it was the alcohol, or Keeta that was more on his mind. "I shouldn't be here doing this-" But, really he didn't care as he downed everything the third bottle had to offer. He could already feel the effects. He was beginning to wonder how hard it would be to persuade someone to accompany him... If even just for a walk. Though he didn't know if that would be such a good idea because really he didn't know if he could contain himself once the bar wasn't between them.

"It's ok," she said. Keeta had heard that one before and she just nodded sympathetically, trying to remain non-judgmental like with any other customer. She didn't realize that his words held a heavier significance than did the ones of the normal people who came here to drown out their sorrows. Inwardly she cringed as she saw he had already downed three bottles. He must have really needed it. She picked up the other two empties and placed them in the recycling bin with the first.

"Couple more please." Rhine said finishing the one in hand. He eyed the empty bottle as he realized that he was hungry. "You wouldn't happen to have anything to eat to go with it would you?" He was still more than half tempted to ask her out. He just wanted to take her out for a harmless stroll. However, he wasn't sure how wise that was considering he knew how he acted, or so he'd been told at least. Out there, there wouldn't be a bar between them.

Keeta chewed on her lip again and nodded after a moment at the request for more liquor. He seemed ok, his speech wasn't slurred yet or anything that she could see. She just didn't want him to drink himself to the point of sickness or passing out. When he asked for food, she was grateful for the excuse to delay getting him the drinks for a moment.

"What did you have in mind?" Keeta asked, pulling out the appetizer menu. It had pretty typical fare, with onion rings, fries, sliders, potato skins, calamari and mozzarella sticks.

"Keeta have I ever told you before how pretty you are?" Rhine said with a grin throwing all caution to the wind. To hell with it. He hadn't done anything 'foolish' in years.

"Um...n-no?" she said, turning pink all the way to her ears. That hadn't been what she meant when she asked if he knew what he had in mind to eat. In an effort to redirect him she pointed back at the menu.

"I personally really like the mozzarella sticks, but any of these are available."

"If a beautiful lady such as yourself suggests mozzarella sticks-" Rhine grinned. "Then that is what I shall have... With a couple more rounds of course." He handed her the empty bottle, and the grin didn't leave his face.

"Coming right up..." she said, trying to keep the confusion out of her voice. With a small sigh of relief, she headed into the back and put a serving in the fryer, before coming back out front and placing two more bottles on the counter. Keeta wondered briefly if she should be giving them to him, despite his faculties apparently being in order.

Rhine was busy playing with his ring, weaving it between his fingers. He looked up at Keeta with her return. He knew it wouldn't be with food because it would take time to cook. Old 'sticks' were anything but good. He grinned when she set out another round. "Thanks."

"You're welcome. Anything else I can get for you?" Keeta asked, not sure if she wanted to know the answer. At least the timer on the mozzarella sticks would go off in a couple moments and it would give her an excuse to go in the back again.

'Just a decent screw.' Was Rhine's first thought, and somehow he managed to not say it aloud. He sat his ring on the counter, and opened one of the bottles. "Not at the moment unless you are on the menu." He didn't realize that was probably just as bad as the first thought he'd contained.

Keeta swallowed hard and cleared her throat before responding. "I don't think I'm listed on there, but let me check." She handed him the menu and went down the list in front of him. "Doesn't look like it...." She was still pink with embarrassment and took a step back, leaning against the counter behind the bar.

"You sure it isn't listed under the fine print... Or, one of those menu items you only get if you frequent the place." Rhine couldn't wipe the grin from his face. 'Waisted' as he was he still had all his wits about it. He for the most part was Rhine, just 4 times hornier. He took a moment to down half the bottle.

"Pretty sure..." Keeta jumped with surprise when the timer went off in the back, signaling the mozzarella sticks were finished cooking. She quickly excused herself and headed through the swinging door to remove them from the fryer. As she fished them out, she couldn't help thinking several things to herself. Why was he being so pushy? Was he like this normally and just hid it when around his family? Sure I've had customers come on like this before, I mean this is a bar, but still, he's Ceres' son! The sticks successfully placed in a basket, she came through the doors a moment later and placed the steaming food in front of him.

"Careful," she warned him, as she set them down. "They're hot, don't want you to burn yourself."

Rhine barely pays attention to the 'sticks'. He heard her mention they were hot. Well Keeta was hot, but he didn't care. He wanted her. He rubbed his legs, and grinned. It was a really good thing the bar was between them, though he could easily fix that in a heart beat. But, he didn't want to embarrass her. This was strange. Part of his brain was actually functioning.

"One day, while going to the store, I passed by a nursing home. On the front lawn were six old ladies lying naked on the grass. I thought this was a bit unusual, but continued on my way to the store-" Rhine began. It was a joke he'd heard from on of the customers at his establishment. He didn't care if it was appropriate.

"On my return trip, I passed the same nursing home with the same six old ladies lying naked on the lawn. This time my curiosity got the best of me, and I went inside to talk to the Nursing Home Administrator. 'Do you know there are six ladies lying naked on your front lawn?'-" Rhine paused for effect."

"'Yes,' she said. 'They 're retired prostitutes, and they're having a yard sale." Now that Rhine had finished he was sure it was a terrible pickup line, if it could even be counted as one. But, really he didn't care.

Keeta blinked and didn't speak for a moment, in order to process what she had heard. Deciding she had heard correctly, she raised an eyebrow at him.

"Alrightly then..." she said, trying to keep her tone neutral. Inwardly she knew it would be a bad time to mention she had almost been as much before Joel came along. Rhine might take that as too much of an invitation.

"I'll keep it in mind to stay away from nursing homes if I don't want to see any naked older women."

"I think you will age beautifully." Rhine licked his lips as he finally picked up a 'stick'. One by one he cracked them in half, and then he again left them alone. He down the rest of the bottle. He could resist himself. He just had to stretch.

"Well I hope you're right in that regard. That would be a nice genetic present my father could leave me..." She glanced at his treatment of the sticks and shrugged slightly. Well they were his food, he could do with him as he liked.

"Before I forget." Rhine said reaching behind him. He dropped a small pouch on the counter. "Don't start counting till the evenings over. And, don't forget your tip... And, make it a good one." 'Since I cannot give the tip I want.' He said with a wicked grin that couldn't be contained. He need someone right now really, really bad.

"Thank you. I'll just leave it right there until you're ready to settle your tab. Don't want you to think I would run off with your money or anything." Oy....she needed a drink, but that would both be illegal and dumb with the current circumstances, so she just pulled a bottle of water from the fridge to occupy her instead.

"I know you wouldn't run off with it. I just know. If my mother trusts you, then I trust you." Rhine said simply enough. He eyed her water bottle. "Why not trade in the apron and join me." He patted the stool next to him. He was really trying...

"Well, I won't trade in the apron, as I'm the only one here at the moment, but sure, I'll sit down." She was thinking not to be rude, but she hoped it wasn't a bad decision on her part. Slightly nervously, she stepped 'round the counter and took the offered stool.

Rhine had to catch his breath because it was knocked out of him. She looked even better sitting next to him. He put a hand on her shoulder, and smiled. "'Stick'?" He said putting the basket between them with his free hand.

"Sure, thanks..." She said, trying to smile back and taking one of the half sticks from the basket and chewing on it thoughtfully before glancing at him.

"Aren't you going to have any? You were the one that ordered them..." Keeta said, nodding towards the basket. She took another swig of her water.

"Just to get your attention." Rhine said as he picked one up. "I'm not actually use to eating around others other than at the family dinner table." For a brief moment he eyed his wedding band, and sighed. The thing was useless now. So much time wasted.

Keeta nodded and followed his gaze, glancing at the ring sitting on the bar counter. Then she awkwardly turned to look at the one sitting on her own left hand. She blushed again wondering if Rhine had seen it and to keep from having to say anything she grabbed another stick and started chewing again.

"The blush flatters you." Rhine said wanting to reach out and touch her cheeks. Instead he occupied his hands with sticks, and booze. The busier they were the less tempted he was.

Keeta ducked her head now, wishing she could control that particular habit. It made her into one of those people who 'wore their hearts on their sleeves.'

"Ermmm....thanks I guess," she said quietly.

"Every curve is sensual- I bet you'd make a divine dancer." There was a twinkle in Rhine's eyes as he whispered those words in her direction, but purposely not making them directly for her so she didn't get that embarrassed. He waited a few moments before taking a long swig of the beverage.

Keeta tried to think of some excuse to put some distance between them without being rude, but couldn't come up with anything. If Kael were here, she knew Rhine would be in for it. She hoped he didn't decide to come with Joel and pick her up from work. Not to be rude though, she tried to make a reasonable response to his comment.

"I used to dance, but not since Joel..."

"We are musicians... I myself love to see what moves people, inspires them." Rhine said setting the bottle down. He didn't know how many he had, had or how many he could still manage. He was near that point he was content. Maybe it was age that helped in curving his apatite for sex when he consumed alcohol- or maybe it was the memories of her.

"Ah.....and what inspires you?" she asked, hoping it wasn't a dangerous question

"Nothing-" Rhine answered a little to quickly, but right now that was entirely true. "I was a green and yellow child who poured my heart into one source, and now..." He shook his head letting out a long, low sigh. "Not even my music could save me."

Keeta frowned at the direction the conversation had taken. True, his advances had made her uncomfortable, but this wasn't much better. She hated seeing people depressed. Cautiously she laid a hand on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry you're going through a rough time. Is there anything I can do?"

"Guess it was pointless to get this-" Rhine said as he rolled up the sleeve of his shirt. "You any good at reading Runes?" He asked. "The middle isn't one. It is just a symbol based on her name... Jasmine."

"Not really..." she said in response to his question. If she had lived with the elves, perhaps she would have studied runes. But she was the daughter of a barkeep and mercenary and didn't receive more than the necessary education.

"It's beautiful though..."

"Thank you." Rhine said stretching the length of himself out. He decided to not really get into what they mean at this moment. "I suppose though that a flower is better than someones name." He said as he munched on another stick.

"True, because unless you choose to tell it to someone they'll just choose to think is a design you chose because you liked it, and nothing more." She rubbed his shoulder gently, trying to comfort him.

"Really makes me look pansy then doesn't he." Rhine laughed despite that being a somewhat negative comment about himself. But, he had meant it all in good fun considering that he really swung both ways. "Really though you should let me play for you sometime."

"Music? If you play guitar, I'm pretty sure one of our regulars keeps one here that you could use. And no I don't think it makes you look like a pansy." Keeta made a face at the idea.

"I play the violin." Rhine grinned. "Very well mater-of-fact, but it hasn't been always. Cassara is the real player, among my other sisters. There isn't a child yet who Ceres hasn't taught to play." He inhaled deeply before returning to the bottle. After all even if the thought had occurred to stop, did he have a reason?

"Well, I don't play anything. Never have. My time growing up was spent learning how to fight with my chosen mediums of quarterstaff and throwing knives." She shrugged. "But sure, I would love to hear you play, next time you have your violin. Joel seems to enjoy music. Maybe you should play for him too."

"Would be a pleasure." Rhine said. "Next time I'll be sure to bring my violin." He swung his tail around gently enough it didn't break anything. "My strongest weapon other than my teeth and claws, but those only come in dragon form." He chuckled. "And, as a kid I never studied anything but the back of my eye lids. I didn't make a turn around until I met her..."

"Ah..." Keeta said, not knowing what else to say to him. It seemed she would not be able to keep him on a more comfortable topic.

"Maybe I should just find a nice spot under a cozy window with just enough light. A nice rug would be nice. Right under the rays of sunshine. And, take a nap." Rhine was starting to remember his favorite past time in vivid detail.

Keeta glanced out the window, where the sunlight was starting to dwindle. "Well...that might have to wait until tomorrow if you want he sunshine to be warm....Are you sure there's nothing I can do to help?" she asked, trying to redirect him again. His advances had been more comfortable than this. She had, had her fair share of them when she had worked dancing, and as a bartender it was par for the course. Part of her was concerned whether she could keep herself in line if he decided to pursue it again. Now she was emotionally involved and that had got her every time when she didn't care so much about being monogamous.

"A fine woman such as yourself could more than occupy my mind." Rhine didn't realize how feral his grin was. He didn't even know whether or not he could still control himself if he had the opportunity to turn down Keeta if she did sway to the 'yes' side of things. He let his tail settle down again, and wrap around the chair.

"More, such as...?" she prodded gently, glancing at the clock. Her replacement would be here soon. She wasn't closing tonight, so her shift was due to end at 7. Keeta was toying with the idea of suggesting a walk, to help calm Rhine down, not realizing Rhine had been thinking the same thing earlier, but with different intentions.

"With you I'm positive there wouldn't be a thing else on my mind-" Rhine's tongue caressed the mouth of the bottle. His breathing was slow, but it was enough. "Just thoughts of pleasuring every available inch of you."

Keeta's breathing altered too, trying to keep an handle on herself. Her heart was pounding with indecision. She wanted to help him, but was it worth doing that to Kael? Would he forgive her? She looked down at the engagement ring on her finger again, chewing on her lip.

"I want to help you..." she said softly. And if she was being honest with herself, it wasn't just that she wanted to help him. Part of her missed the carefree nature of those days before Joel was born...

"Could help you just as much as it could help me." Rhine whispered as he leaned forward. "And no ones going to tell unless you go telling." His lips were barely inches from Keeta's. He wanted so bad to tangle his fingers in her silky strands, and to take those lips for himself.

"Not here..." she breathed. For they were still sitting in the open area of the bar, where people WOULD go telling if they were discovered. She forced herself to pull away and glanced at the clock. Five til...She knew whoever was scheduled next would be showing up momentarily. Grabbing his hand she stood and pulled him towards the door.

Rhine managed to grab his ring, but left the bag of money on the table. He'd still have to pay his tab, and tomorrow he wouldn't remember to do so. Someone would just be getting a fairly heavily tip. Then again he had drank a good bit. He gave Keeta's hand a firm, but gentle squeeze. He was looking forward to this. He was looking forward to this. And, at this moment wherever they were going he didn't care, he just wanted to get there.

Guilty Conscience

Keeta struggled through the front door, trying to its swing as she came inside, a large bag of groceries in each arm. Finally managing it without damaging anything, she covered the last distance to the kitchen and set the bags down on the counter, turning to look for Joel and Kael as she did so.

They were both on the couch, Kael watching TV and Joel reaching for his mother. He made an effort to scoot towards her a little, just one more indication that he would be crawling any day now. Despite her exhaustion, she came over and scooped him up, rewarding him with a smile for his effort.

"Was he good?" Keeta asked Kael, who had still not turned to her. He shrugged, indicating that there was nothing in Joel's behavior to be worth mentioning. Sighing in frustration, she turned away, about to go put the groceries away, when Kael's voice broke the silence briefly.

"Some mail came for you," he said, waving a hand at the coffee table to indicate where it had landed after he had sifted through the envelopes.

The Fog Tells My Secret (AIM PRP)

Ceres felt that she was hardly presentable in her mind as she put on her house coat, and pulled it tight. She hadn't had time to do anything with her hair. She knew that later that morning she was expecting Keeta, but at this hour... She sighed softly and and quietly as possible went down the hall.

Keeta had awoken early, Joel and Kael were still asleep and she was content to leave them lie. Kael knew she was supposed to be going to the island this morning. It had to be early else she would be late for work. She shiverred slightly as she got dressed putting on a turtleneck sweater, and jeans for once. The morning air was getting cooler as fall headed towards winter and her skirts were no longer warm enough.

When she was ready, she got out the mirror and transported herself to the island, hoping she didn't wake anyone in the household.

Ceres opened the door to the guest room in mid yawn. Finally, she saw Keeta. "It is 6 am... Did I cross my wires?" She asked as she motioned the other in.

"Forgive me for not being ready." Ceres said as she pulled her hair over her shoulder. "Let me get breakfast going, and some coffee."

It hadn't dawned on her why Keeta had showed up early, or if there was a reason at all. Her door was always open even the really early hours.

"Nothing to forgive, I know I'm here early. I'm sorry if it's a problem..." Ceres' disheveled appearance didn't bother Keeta. Everyone had the right to look like that in the morning. Keeta knew she hadn't looked too wonderful this morning either before she'd had a chance to clean herself up.

"I was up early, and well..." she didn't want to finish the thought aloud, about how she was avoiding Kael. Especially not when Ceres was under the impression they were going to be doing wedding planning today. So she finished the sentence with another thing that had been troubling her a bit.

"The Fog. You said we had to go through it to visit you mother, and depending on how it affects me, I want to make sure I have some time to recover from the experience before I have to go to work...."

Ceres grabbed her tooth brush and paste on the way to the kitchen. "I don't mind at all." She smiled gently enough. "I can be up at any hour, and ready at any moment... With prior notice." She chuckled.

Ceres took a moment to look over her shoulder at Keeta. "The fog that protects my mother has some of thee strongest magic the isle has to offer. It can take ones fears and make them reality. It forces them to face what they fear the most." She said as she held her tooth brush in her mouth.

"If you want we can meet her another day, and just stick to the wedding plans today." Ceres said as she twirled her finger. Her hair began to braid herself. She was deviating from her normal do simply because she didn't feel like taking the extra time to section it off.

"Oh, no, today is fine, I just wanted to make sure I allowed for whatever might happen. I remembered what you had told me about the fog before...." She fidgeted slightly as she also knew she would rather go through the fog than think about the wedding plans right now. Keeta didn't have the heart to tell Ceres yet that there very well might not be a wedding at all.

Ceres sat her tooth brush on the edge of the kitchen sink. She leaned on the counter as she waved her hand. The coffee pot sprang to life along with the rest of the kitchen. "Hope you can hungry." She said as the food floated from the fridge.

Finally Ceres stretched, and then re tightened her bathrobe. She couldn't at this particular moment remember what she wore to bed. She knew it was modest... But, that was all she could say. She knew she didn't own underwear.

For once her eyes were uncovered as she looked Keeta over. "Something troubles you?" She asked.

"I'm just nervous," she said, smiling slightly, hoping her answer would satisfy Ceres. And truthfully she was. She wasn't sure what kinds of things she might experience going through the fog.

"But I think breakfast will help. I didn't eat before I headed over, because I didn't want to wake Joel and Kael, They were both sound asleep when I left."

"Many brides are nervous before their big day." Ceres said as she pulled out a pair of chairs. "Breakfast will be ready any moment, and probably a pile of people with it." She chuckled.

Keeta smiled and nodded. "I hope Natalia is among them. I know she was eager to see me again, and I'm eager to get to know her better."

"Actually I'm surprised Natalia isn't already up. She is usually the first to rise." Ceres grinned. "Ah, coffee." She grinned as she waved her hand. A couple of cups and the pot floated towards them. "Or, do you prefer juice?"

"I'd rather have juice, if you don't mind. Not much of a coffee drinker," she said with an apologetic shrug.

"Normally I'm a juice person." Ceres chuckled. "But, this morning called for coffee." She again waved her hand so juice arrived on the table. "Apple and orange. Take your pick."

"You know Rhine's been acting strange lately. He actually seems happy considering he only just recently ended his marriage." Ceres said as she fixed her coffee. "I suppose I should expect from him. He is a romantic."

"Thank you, it's delicious. And I'm glad to hear that Rhine is doing ok. I know something like that has got to be hard on him." Keeta looked at her juice as she spoke, so she wouldn't have to look Ceres in the eyes. She wasn't sure whether she suspected anything.

"Is something the mater Keeta?" She couldn't help but to not notice. "You haven't looked me once in the eye since you came, and frankly I don't think you've had a true smile that wasn't troubled..."

"Is it the fact I'm in my house coat?" Ceres again pulled her house coat a little tighter as she swirled her finger making sure that breakfast was taking care of itself.

Keeta looked up at Ceres, her expression a little less composed this time. Obviously she wasn't going to fool Ceres into thinking that everything was as it should be.

"Oh things have just been a bit complicated of late, but it'll all get resolved soon I'm pretty certain." She laughed slightly, as she glanced at the housecoat. "And no your housecoat doesn't bother me. Believe me I've seen women in a lot less before."

Pink tinged Ceres' cheeks before she cleared her throat. She dropped her hands and fiddled with the coat edges that was in her lap. "You aren't pregnant again are you?" She asked in a low voice. She really couldn't see how getting married was all that complicated other than a few of the plans. "Because what ever dress you pick out I can alter it to fit you... Every curve just right." She smiled honestly enough as a friend would who wanted to help.

Keeta's mouth dropped open slightly. That's what she was thinking? Well at least it wasn't what was really happening.

"Uh...no. No I'm not," she said, and couldn't help chuckling a little at the thought. Now that would make things more complicated.

"Just some of my own issues I need to work out. That's all."

Ceres reached out and touched Keeta's engagement ring. "Then perhaps you ought not commit to him just yet... Especially if one's heart is troubled." She settled her own gaze on Keeta. "This is no decision to be taken lightly."

"I know that Ceres..." She clenched her hand until she could feel the metal band pressing against her palm.

"Perhaps we should make that journey another day." It was all Ceres could think to say. If Keeta was this trouble she'd hate to see what it could do to her because it was obvious that these troubles could easily be turned into fear.

Keeta shook her head. She wasn't going to back down now.

"No, it'll be fine. I want to go."

Ceres nodded as she thought for a moment. "Perhaps it will be a good thing. Because it will make you work through what troubles you. That way you could see the solution." She smiled positively as she again waved her hand. She began to set the tables so that when the food was ready they would be ready. "Just remember it is going to be a brutal experience if you fear anything at all..."

"I understand..." she said more quietly this time, watching idly as the dishes made their way to the table. Keeta sat more upright as a dish headed for the place in front of her, so she wouldn't be in the way.

Natalia dragging a blanket and her kiwi behind her came into the kitchen. She rubbed her eyes as she yawned. "I smell bacon." She counted each chair till she found her favorite. She climbed up into the chair. "Juice please." She asked as she put Kiwi on the table.

"We have company Natalia." Ceres said as she put a napkin around kiwi so that he wouldn't get dirty with syrup and other breakfast items.

"Hi honey," Keeta said, wondering if the girl could recognize her voice already.

"I told you I'd come see you soon. Did you and Kiwi sleep well?"

"Yes, miss Keeta we both sleep real good." Natalia grinned as she looked in the direction of Keeta's voice. "We both ready for breakfast. Are you ready for breakfast?

Ceres chuckled. "Now don't go asking a million questions before we even begin to eat."

"It's ok," Keeta said with a smile. "Gets me ready for when Joel hits this age. And yes I am ready for breakfast," she finished, turning back to Natalia.

"Kiwi likes bacon." Natalia grinned as she clapped happily. "Keeta like bacon? I like it to." She felt around her area of the table to find her silverware and plate.

Ceres chuckled knowing very well everyone else ate kiwi's bacon. But, no one had the heart to say anything since Natalia was so young.

"Yes I like bacon. I'm glad to know Kiwi has such a healthy appetite," she said glancing at Ceres and giving a wink.

"He doesn't like those small, round green things." Natalia said as she felt further around the table. "No juice mommy?" She asked not finding it in its normal area.

"Oh heavens I'm sorry dear." Ceres said as she waved her hand and a cup appeared. She then manually poured her daughter some juice, and put her hands on the cup.

"Small round green things?" Keeta asked, not sure if she had the correct vegetable in mind. "Peas?"

"Yes, those things." Natalia said making a face.

Ceres chuckled as she motioned for breakfast to make its way to the table. "Well looks like it is just the three of us this morning."

"Well that's ok, makes it nice and peaceful. I think mornings are the best time of day. The air is fresh and there's all these possibilities ahead of you." Keeta shrugged as she reached for a piece of bacon from the plate when it landed on the table.

Ceres grinned. "That is the spirit!" She said as she fixed Natalia's plate before her own. "I'm sure that the rest of the crew will be around. Some sooner, others later."

"Well it's fine if they don't. I know they all have their own lives going on. I wouldn't presume they drop things on my behalf." Keeta took a healthy bite of a pancake and eggs, before washing it down with some juice, hoping it wasn't a poor choice to go into the fog the first time with a full stomach.

"Actually my children rarely miss breakfast and dinner... It is lunch that table is scarce for the head count." Ceres said as she poured syrup on Natalia's pancakes, and cut them up for her. "... But, it is still early." She chuckled and took a bite of bacon.

Keeta wondered if she had remembered to tell Rhine she would be visiting today. She hoped she had, so she would know not to make an appearance this morning. It would be even harder to keep their secret is they were both in the same room as Ceres.

"Indeed it is. Again I apologize if I came too early."

"Never to early." Ceres said with a grin. "My mirror is always open-" She took a bite of eggs, and played with her bacon for a moment. "It isn't like I do anything dirty or anything unless you count gardening."

"Thanks for that Ceres," she said, before continuing to eat quietly. Every so often she glanced over at Natalia and watched the little girl and her interaction with the world around her. She was eager to see Joel get to this stage in his life, wondering how he would be similar and different from Ceres' toddler. Keeta had never paid much attention to the development of other children before, but now it was interesting to her.

"Kiwi done mommy. I done to." Natalia said pushing her plate to the side. "I wash hands then I be back for Kiwi. Tell him to no get lost." She carefully climbed down, and headed out of the room. "I be back." She called out."

Ceres just smiled. "He's been in the family since I brought Ayisha home." She said as she took a moment to clean up Kiwi. "Although, I don't believe every child played with him... Natalia has certainly enjoyed him the most I believe."

Sky rubbed Ceres' shoulders startling her for a moment. "I just saw a blue blur skipping down the hall... I take it she has already eaten and is full of sugar." He chuckled.

"She certainly does seem to take him everywhere," Keeta commented, inclining her head towards Sky.

"How're you this morning?"

"I suppose I'm as well as any other morning," Sky said as he yawned. He then took a seat, and started to fix his plate.

Ceres chuckled, "There are only three people in this house that are morning people. Tinker, Perian, and Natalia." She put the Kiwi back in the spot where it was.

"I'm fortunate in that I can be whatever I need to be," Keeta responded with a smile. "Although mostly it requires me being a night owl, seeing as I work in a bar." She twisted the ring on her finger thinking about whether she was going to be able to find someone to watch Joel at night if she and Kael split. She wouldn't expect Rhine to do that when he had his own restaurant to run.

Even if it was barely noticeable, Ceres could sense difference in Keeta's demeanor. She decided it was best to not provoke Keeta into talking. The less her friend worried the better. She sighed as she collected the dishes.

Sky watched Ceres knowing that she was holding back. He busied himself with eating his breakfast. Occasionally offering a smile.

"So when do you think we should head out?" Keeta asked after an uncomfortable moment of silence, rising to help Ceres clear the table.

"Don't worry about it dear," Ceres smiled as she dumped the dishes into the sink. She pulled her bathrobe closed once more when she noticed Sky giving her a look over. "The kids can take care of it. I'll go get dressed, and we can get going."

"Ok, sounds good," Keeta said, nodding and returning to her chair, still preoccupied, her thoughts now returning to the fog as she waited. What would she experience there?

Ceres returned a few minutes later still tucking her self in place, and getting things in position. She swirled her fingers and let her hair brush and hair ties do its thing. "What's got you down?" She asked noticing how down Keeta looked.

"Oh, nothing, I'm just lost in my thoughts," Keeta said, quickly placing a reassuring smile on her face. It wouldn't do to have Ceres worry and question her. She didn't want to lie to her friend any more than she was, especially since lieing wasn't something she did well.

Ceres decided to drop it since it was apparent that her friend didn't want to talk about it. She put her hair brush up and smiled. "Alright then," she said to Keeta as she put her hand on Sky.

Sky stood up with a nod of his head. "Old times," he smiled as he took his hand in hers and rubbed it on his face.

Keeta looked down, realizing she was making her friend uncomfortable with her standoffishness. But...she knew it would make Ceres even more uncomfortable if she knew the truth. Sighing quietly, she wondered if it had been a poor choice to come, when she had such concerns on her mind. Ceres and Sky weren't people who missed things easily. It was really hard to keep things from them, especially since she didn't want to keep things from them.

Nodding to Sky, she headed out the door to wait for Ceres while they had their moment. It didn't feel like something she should be intruding on.

Sky walked out the door with Ceres. He let go of her hand as he took a couple steps forward. Though they didn't find it as whimsical anymore they were sure it would be so some. For every step he took he transformed into a Pegasus. First his arms and legs became hooves, then slowly his middle, and finally his head. He reared up, and pranced on his hind legs.

Ceres waited for him to come down from the magical high. She patted him on the muzzle. Looking into his eyes and finding peace for the moment she smiled. "Go on," she whispered.

Keeta watched, transfixed, as Sky transformed from a humaniod to a pegasus. She had never seen him change before and it was astonishing to her. She couldn't help but utter a very quiet, "Wow...."

Ceres unfastened the waist piece knowing Sky wouldn't need it. She folded it with a smile. She patted his rear. "Go on now before you miss the run," she was speaking in equine.

Sky whickered and tossed his head up and down. Nuzzling Ceres before he backed up and circled. He was a bit of showoff in this form. Nuzzling Keeta, and then running off into the distance.

"Come on," Ceres said with a smile as she motioned to Keeta. "It isn't wise to take Equines so we are on foot. Hope you brought your walking shoes."

Keeta petted him awkwardly in the brief moment he nuzzled her. She wasn't sure how normal "human boundaries" applied to a man that was now a winged horse, and was grateful that he quickly hurried off, so she wouldn't have time to think about it too much.

"Walking is no bother to me," Keeta said, nodding confidently. She was used to walking, cars and the like never existing in Evin, and she was never wealthy enough there to purchase a horse.

"Lead the way."

Ceres chuckled at the thought of shoes. She herself had never worn them, or found a use for them. She knew a few of her children found uses. She didn't linger on those thoughts and led the way. The grass tickled her toes and the sun caressed her skin.

Keeta followed silently, taking in the scenery as they passed, as they were heading to a part of the island she had never visited before. In fact she had seen very little of the island in the times she had visited, only going where Ceres, Sky or the children had led.

The walk Ceres had taken them on was long, and basically silent. She figured Keeta would want to take in her surroundings. It really was a beautiful walk.

"I won't be able to hold your hand," Ceres said as she stopped at the edge of hazed over area. "Honestly, I cannot bail you out. You have to face your own demons." She felt herself tighten in the chest. She didn't know if this was right with how troubled her friend seemed.

Keeta's brow furrowed slightly, as her stomach flip-flopped, and her heart started pounding when she faced the hazy area. After a moment of silent self-encouragement she nodded and took a decisive step forward.

"I understand. Just...don't let me get lost."

"If your demons are strong enough they can destroy you from the inside out," Ceres said not able to look Keeta in the eyes. "If you can deal with them, but cannot come to terms with them you'll end up lost. You'll come out somewhere other than here." She slowly stepped into the fog. "If you have faith in yourself I'll see you in the middle." She finally smiled as she looked the other in the eyes. "I have faith in you."

Keeta took a tenative step into the fog and instantly she was bombarded with images as clear as if they were really happening in front of her. First there was Kael yelling at her because he had found out about Rhine. Him snatching Joel out of her arms telling her she was a horrible mother. Then there was Rhine and they were happy for a moment, but then he turned away from her as if he was disgusted with her. Then there was no one. She was alone. She called out in the endless emptyness for them.

"Joel! Kael! Rhine!" She looked around frantically for them, but they were not to be found. "No! Come back! No! No!" she cried into the darkness, but she could not even hear an echo in return.

Ceres could feel every inch of her tighten and begin to tingle. She was just steps from her mother- not that there was ever a middle for her. She never interfered because she knew she wasn't aloud. She wasn't suppose to rescue people from the islands traps- but, this was her fault. She had lead Keeta here and sent her to the wolves so to speak. She took a heavy breath and stopped in her step. She remained in the fog as she closed her eyes. "Keeta," she called out.

Faintly, seeming more dreamlike than the vision she was currently immersed in, Keeta thought she heard someone calling her name. In faint hope, she turned towards the voice.

"Rhine? Kael?" she called out desperately.

Ceres sighed heavily before she focused all her energy in her voice. It was Keeta that mattered and the islands 'silly' rules. "Keeta," she called again. She felt compelled to hold out her hand and did so.

Keeta walked closer to the voice, but felt repelled by it in some fashion as well, like it was difficult to make her way closer, but she still moved towards it. Suddenly there appeared a hand in the darkness, and Keeta made her way towards it. When she was close enough, she gripped it tightly.

Ceres didn't know who Keeta thought the hand belonged to- that part wasn't in her control. This was Keeta's reality now even if she had a hand in altering it just a smidge to pull her through it. "Keeta," she again called out. She wanted to keep Keeta heading in the right direction.

She followed the hand wherever it led, knowing instinctively that somehow it was there to help her. She responded again to the voice, hoping the owner of the hand would identify themself, never considering that it might be Ceres. In her world for the moment, there existed only three others, only two of which could have been the owner of the hand, as the third was not yet walking.

"Kael? Rhine? Answer me!?"

"Keeta," Ceres called out even louder. Her voice was stronger, sturdier. She wanted to pull Keeta through this even if it was against the rules. Those who were not strong enough were not meant to find the middle... But, Ceres couldn't bare to loose Keeta. She was starting to feel the strain as her limited energy was becoming drained.

Keeta frowned. That didn't sound like either of their voices. In fact....it sounded feminine. She became unsure. She was the only woman who belonged here. Who was this person? Had she come to take Kael and Rhine away from her? Fear of loss crawled though her once more.

"Who are you?"

"Mistress of the Island," Ceres said firmly. She didn't care if it gave her away, and altered Keeta's 'reality'- What she did care was getting her through this before the fog consumed them both. It wasn't that Ceres was doubting herself it was the fact that she was nearly out of resources.

"Island...." Keeta murmured, her mind suddenly becoming less focused on the two men. She had been on an island...with a friend. She had been trying to go somewhere with her. Ceres...

"Ceres...."

Ceres looked celestial almost wispy when Keeta came in contact with her. She did not look as exhausted as she felt. Carefully she pulled her friend from the fog. "I thought-" she took a breath as she returned to looking like her normal self, "you'd never make it."

Keeta blinked as she stepped into the center, coming out of a mental fog as much as a physical one.

"I..." she trailed off, shaking her head. She didn't know what to say, how to separate dream from reality right at that moment. It had all seemed so real.

"You what-," Ceres said as she leaned herself up against a tree. "Learned something. That is entirely the point. The fog strengthens one’s self. You must be stronger than you think because here you are... And, you aren't torn from the inside out. Though you do look a bit pale." She fisted her hand and held her chest. She wouldn't tell Keeta that she had interfered...

Keeta nodded slowly, trying to convince herself that what Ceres said was true.

"I suppose..." She looked back at the fog that surrounded them.

"We have to go through it again when we leave?"

"Yes- again," Ceres said as she brushed herself back into place. This getting old bit was getting old and quick. "Come along," she said with a motion of her hand."

"You shouldn't worry... It is easier to get out than in. For it is more than willing let go than it is to let you come in." She said trying to reassure her friend.

"Well...that's a relief..." Keeta said, following Ceres. Although it was still difficult to separate what had been reality and what had been a dream in there, Keeta knew she would rather not repeat the experience. If nothing else, she felt unsettled by the whole thing, and she had no idea that Ceres had overheard her calling in the fog. Nor did she truly remember what it was that she had called out in the first place.

"I know my son's a good man and all," Ceres said having hoped to avoid this all together, but she couldn't put it out of her mind why Keeta would be calling out to Rhine and Kael. "But why call out to him?"

"Hm?" Keeta looked up at Ceres, with a slightly confused expression. She thought she had called out to someone in the fog. Had she truly been calling out to...Rhine and Kael? Her cheeks turned a slight shade of pink.

"Was I?" she clarified, slightly hoping that Ceres would drop the matter upon seeing her confusion. If she truly had been calling out to Rhine...well, she didn't really want to tell Ceres why. But from the look of things, Keeta knew that soon she may not have a choice.

"I will not excuse his actions," Ceres said as she continued forward. "I never have. I've made him deal with the consequences. I just hope he doesn't have to deal with-" She shook her head and tried to smile.

"I just hope that eventually you will trust me enough to tell me why."

"What actions are you anticipating him needing to deal with?" Keeta asked, curious as to what conclusions Ceres had already come to. If she guessed right, there would be no point in trying to continue to keep it from her.

"And I hope you know I trust you implicitly Ceres. If it's anyone I don't trust, it's myself."

"My son may be a good person but I know he is foolish. I know he takes one too many risks especially when it comes to love- or, what he thinks is love." Ceres turned and looked in the direction of Keeta's voice. "What I hope is that he doesn't have to deal with a double scoop of heartache... "

Keeta fidgeted as they walked and didn't immediately respond to Ceres. Some of her words had hit her hard and she wasn't quite sure how to deal with them. Was she being foolish, pursuing him? Kael had been so distant lately though...and Rhine so warm and comforting. Once more, she unconsciously twisted the ring on her left hand.

"What makes you think that awaits him?" she finally said.

"When will it end Keeta?" Ceres asked as she watched Keeta twist the ring on her finger. "You cannot keep running between two men. And for whoever it is you decide upon what happens when the next poor fool comes along. I just see disappointment one way or another for my son. If not now then when the next fool comes along."

Keeta stopped and took in a shuddering breath, not looking at Ceres. It was true...she had cheated on Kael and was 'running between two men.' And now when her friend threw the truth in her face, Keeta could feel the guilt, shame and confusion she had been carrying with her rise to the surface. She concentrated on breathing, praying that she wouldn't break down. Not now. When she felt more in control she looked up at Ceres, her eyes shimmering with the threat of tears that she tried to hold back definatly.

"I don't want to be in this situation. I don't want to be doing this to either of them, myself, or my son. But here I am. I cannot take back what has been done. I thought I loved Kael. And I think I did....before he disappeared. When he came back, he was an altered man, and I did not see it right away, so joyful I was at his return. He asked me to marry him on the day of his return and of course I accepted, considering the time I had waited for him and remembering what we had had. But he was no longer the man I loved. He has grown distant and bitter, and even his physical self has been altered." Keeta paused there and turned away, pacing as she poured out the trials that had been eating away at her for the past months.

"And yet...he still loves my son. I can see it in the way he interacts with him....and he is the only father Joel has ever known, even if Joel is not his blood." She sighed, shaking in emotion. "Then Rhine came along. He had always been flirtatious with me, but you had identified that as part of his nature, so I initially never thought anything of it. When his wife left...he came to my bar with the weight of the world on his shoulders. I wanted to help him, and so I gave him what he needed at the time. But....a bond formed between us, and I found that I needed him, as much as he needed me. And it has continued as such since then. The bond has only grown stronger and the only reason I do not give myself to him completely is that I have already promised myself to another, even though I do not love Kael any longer.

"It is a choice I feel terrible about having to make. I do not wish to hurt either man, and it is tearing me up inside as well. It is not a decision I make lightly or I would have already gone though with it. I pray it is a choice I will never have to make again, for all our sakes. I would never purposly influct pain on another...." Running out of words, Keeta dropped her head, and waited for Ceres' judgement.

Ceres listened and weight every word carefully. She could tell that her freind was being honest in the entirety of the mater. Having never been in this type of situation before she couldn't say she understood. But she did know it had to be hard.

"I won't pass judgment on your morals Keeta- I never have," she finally said as she took a couple steps toward her friend. "But, from what you've said your heart already knows what it wants... Or, perhaps that is just me being selfish as a mother."

Ceres rested her hand on her friends shoulder before pulling her into a hug.

Keeta gratefully accepted, gripping Ceres tightly and glad of the fact that she had not been given a further tongue-lashing by her lover's mother.

"That's just it though....I'm trying to be a good mother as well..."

"A good mother is a happy one. If you are always skipping out to be with another man what do you think that will say to your son?" Ceres said as she continued to hold Keeta.

"But that would also mean tearing him away from the only father he's ever known....again..."

"Keeta-" Ceres said as she broken the two of them apart and looked the other in the eyes. "Joel's young enough to forget. And, Kael's old enough to forgive." She kept her voice sturdy as she spoke. "If Kael wants to stick around and watch the little tyke grow up... Then that's great. It just means the boy gets two daddies."

Keeta pursed her lips as she considered this and nodded.

"Regardless, it is not something that can be resolved where we stand. Let's keep going...this is not why we came."

Ceres nodded her head and with a flick of her hip she turned and walked away. She supposed that Keeta just didn't want to talk about it- or, dwell on it for that mater.

In silence, Keeta followed, hoping she had not offended the blonde mistress of the island with her redirection. It was just, with things out in the open, Keeta knew she had to pick a course of action and it was a path she would have to tread alone.

"Visitors!" It came from no where yet every where. The voice was ancient and worn. Defiantly feminine. "I don't get many of those-" Came the voice again as branches of a large tree sprang to life.

"Mother," Ceres said eagerly as she touched one of the lower branches. "This is Keeta," she said with a smile as she motioned to the lady slightly behind her.

"Hello," Keeta said, as she stepped out from behind Ceres. She would never admit it, but she felt slightly foolish, speaking to a tree.

"It's nice to meet you."

"Pleasure is all mine child. I can assure you of that." She chuckled. "I don't get many visitors especially ones that aren't family."

"Well you are important to Ceres, so I thought I should meet you at least. We've kind of adopted each other and so I'm trying to become familar with the important parts of her life. You have a wonderful daughter and she has helped me so much."

"Good to know she was raised well. Then again it could be all the years of practice." A branch moved across and over Keeta's shoulders. "Then family it is." Though there wasn't a physical smile it was in her voice.

Akwardly, Keeta tried to "hug" the branch back and smiled back at the tree, glancing a moment at Ceres to see if she was doing alright.

"I'm glad to be a part of your family, as that seems to be a more and more difficult thing for me to hold on to these days."

"Sometimes the most difficult things have the simplest of solutions."

Ceres chuckled. "She's wise beyond her years."

"I suppose that's true. But only if you can see the solution..."

"Perhaps it is time to take time for yourself and no one else," came the voice from inside the tree. "But, perhaps I say that because I have to much time on my hand to think and to be left alone."

"Like a vacation?" Keeta asked, laughing slightly, but her face was serious, showing she was listening to the words of the tree. She glanced again at Ceres.

"You could think of it like that," came the voice again but this time it sounded almost like it was coming from the wind. The tree leaves rustled as the branches swayed gently enough.

Ceres glanced at Keeta and smiled.

Keeta nodded and lapsed into silence. She had very much wanted to meet Ceres' mother, but now could think of nothing to say.

"Well dears as much as I appreciate the visits-," she couldn't help herself as she let out a long wispy yawn.

"We'll come again," Ceres said as she again touched one of the lower branches.

Keeta nodded mimicking Ceres' movements, laying a gentle hand on one of the tree's lower branches.

"Indeed. It was nice to meet you."

With that Ceres turned around and headed back for the thick fog. She decided it was best to just remain in silence.

Keeta followed, hesitating at the edge once more. She took a deep breath and focused her thoughts on Ceres, hoping it would help her through this time.

Ceres was gone in an instant and even quicker was she through the fog. She waited for Keeta hoping that she wouldn't have to help her again. She didn't know if she had the energy to do so.

The fog tried to bombard her with the same fears, but she tried to ignore them and their hold on her was not as strong as before. Maybe, like Ceres said, because the fog didn't mind people leaving as much as coming. Maybe because she was more resolute in her decision. Or maybe because she knew better what to expect. Either way, she pressed forward, trying to remain focused on her friend and trying to fend off the lies with confident declarations of what she knew to be true. She didn't make it through as quickly, or at quite the same spot as Ceres, but moments later, she appeared on the other side.

"Not too bad," Ceres said with a grin. "Quicker out than in." She chuckled and took her friends hand. "Lets get to the house quick so we can get some dinner going."