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2010-03-12 00:29:58

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Archive 1- past

Deidad Island

Turan made his way around the camp perimeter, enjoying the cool breeze. He could sense somthing masking its' prescence near by "You may reveal yourself when you chose, but know that i am aware of your presence" he said quietly. He did not wish to alarm anyone of the camp guards. Ketsuri smiled even you have not lost your skill my old master he thought, stepping from the tree line in front of Turan. Turan stopped, he had not seen Ketsuri in many years "You've come to finish what you couldn't when you left?" he asked guardedly "No, just come to warn you my former master" Ketsuri said icily "The young girl will be hunted starting now, interfere and i will kill you, stay out of the way and you will live" Turan snorted "Your arrogance will be your down fall young one" Ketsuri took a step back, dissapearing into the woods as he headed off to Ketsuri's study. Turan kept his hand on his swords' hilt "So my friend, it would seem that our blades may cross yet" he said quietly to himself. Turan decided for now to keep a close eye on those of Ketsuri's ilk. He made his way to the Crystal Academy, in search of somone who could better preform his task, as they could keep a lower profile.

Turan made his way to the perimeter of the grounds. A dark Iron gate stood before them in the evening. Having riden for who knows how long, he was ready for a comfortable couch an a decent nights rest. The long path up looked almost haunted. A hooded figure came out of the shadows "Welcome back Turan" it said before dissapearing. The elves had guarded and kept the place well.

"It's beautiful." Roan said as she rode next to Turan, with Nadya in her arms.

"Welcome ladies to your new home" Turan shot a single dart of fire up each side of the path, lighting the way "There's even a fountain and a pool" he said softly, glad to have his way lit.

"Well I can't wait for a hot shower and food." Roan said. "Then I think we should let Nadya go eat while we have alittle chat."

I don't need to eat for a while... I'm fine, Roan... Nadya meowed.

"Well as soon as you're settled in, i'll be out back" Turan said, putting his horse out for the night "Any room that is unlocked you can have, as for the hot shower....i don't know what that is, but you can draw water for a bath at the pump in your room and heat it if you want it warm" he dissapeared into the mansion.

No hot showers Roan almost cried right there. "Okay."

Nadya leaped from Roan's arms, shifting back just before landing on the ground. "Pretty around here..."

Turan finished cleaning up. Finding a fresh suit of cloths, this one a saphire blue, the kind nobility would wear. Making his way out to the ancient terrace gardens he found the water fall pool. Perching himself on a rock, he began to play an ancient tune on a flute he had found, though he didn't remember being able to play, the song he did remember. A mournful tune that he realized must have been taught to him as a child as a memorial to the losses and wars of the past.

"Thats beautiful." Roan said as she came out to great him. It took her a while, but she figured out how to work the hot water, and she managed to find a clean simple white dress that was strapless. "This place has so much magic and history to it." Roan could see some of the colors of the aura of it, which only happened in old buildings because of the emotions and past contected to it. "I've never seen a place like it. It's such a pretty blue color."

"It is where i was born" Turan said quietly "Unfortunately the one who told me this was killed before he could tell me anything more, but yes it is beautiful. It is most in the spring, when the fire flies dance at night and the birds and everything sings" He looked at her "The dress suits you well, i take by your appearance that you got the water to work?"

"You look beautiful, Roan..." Nadya said coming up.

"Thank you Nadya. Yes, it took me a while, but I figured it out." Roan said as sat on a bench. "It's rare that I see the flow of magic in a place, but it is so clear here." Roan touched one of the soft blue aura from the water. She saw a picture of children playing, and plashing each other. She even thought that one looked a bit like Turan, but the omage was to blured to see.

"Yes it is prevelent here, the wood elves guard this place when i'm away, and their magic revolves around Nature, so perhaps that is why it is so prevelent" his voice was almost dreamy as he looked at the lip of the pool on the far side that emptied out into the sea.

"No, that's not it." Roan opened her eyes. "I don't know how to discribe it, but I'll give it a try." She took a breath. "What I feel, the colors I see isn't magic. I just call it that because I can't think of an alternative. I see emotions that people have left. The past that took place here. In a way I'm an empath. However, I only feel emotions from objects and building. My mom is the only person whose feelings I can tell like I do everything else. I get auras of anger and intent from everyone else." Roan felt odd talking about it. She had never gone into detail about what she could do before, not even with her mother. "Lets just say I'm diffrent from the people were I come from."

"You say that as if it's somthing to be ashamed of?" Turan said quietly "I had a feeling you where like that when you said you could tell when we lied, because i knew you where no psycher"

"No I'm no psycher as say." Roan smiled a bit. "But were I come from it is something to be ashamed of. This magic and life you all love dies out." She was from the future she would know. "There were are burning of those who were thought of as witches." Roan had been to the place were the salam witch trials took place. She had night mares for years afterwards. She felt the pain of the women as they burned. "I've spent my life hiding it." A tear fell down her face. "Damn it! what's with the water works?"

Turan turned towards her "You feel emotions of others, no matter how old or young they are. Like i said, it's nothing to be ashamed of, nor these so called water works...you're a girl...it's alright to act like one" he said gently, wondering if he had overstepped himself.

Nadya hugged Roan.

"It's not that don't try to act like a boy. And by the way if it wasn't because I know your trying to help, I'd try, notice I did say 'try' to hit you. No girl want someone to say that their not acting like a girl." Roan hugged Nadya back. "It's just I've always had to be independent and do things fo my self. Even the family trip I was on I had spent four years aving the money for that. "That's when it hit her. "My mother is alone on an ice mountian, and she hates the cold."

Turan laughed softly "I never said you where trying to act like a boy either" a troubled look crossed his face when she mentioned her mother "She may hate the cold, but she'll survive"

"Oh, she'll survive, but she wont be happy about it. That woman survives the strangest things." Roan smiled. "In a lot of ways I'm a lot like her, but she always seems to think I'm like my fathermore."

Nadya started to hug herself. "You have her though at least..."

Turan put an arm on Nadya's shoulder "Like i've told you Nadya, you aren't alone" he said softly.

"I know...but...I've been alone for so long..."

"I know the feeling" Turan replied, trying not to sound indifferent. He turned to Roan "Why do Humans crave immortality?"

"I... don't know...." she said.

Roan shrugged her shoulders. "I've never understood that, not even in the movies." She slapt her head. "Nethermind you don't know what the movies are. I sure don;t want immortality, why live as you watch everyone you know die. Plus I belive the longer you live the more of your humanity to lose."

"That is if you are a human, i've heard elves can grant immortality to those that they love....i don't know if that's true or not though...never gotten that far...that i know of, oh how i wish i could remember" He said whistfully "Immortality is both blessing and curse, but like i said i don't know why Humans insist on blugeoning each others brains out for it...it's quite obscene"

Nadya nodded.

"I really wouldn't know." Roan said as she looked backed to the water, which she notice something was coming out of it." What?" She picked up a peice of paper that had magically appeard. "Wow, listen to this."

To: Roan, Turan and all of your party
I Formally invite you to the Midwinter Ball held at the Phoenix Palace.
We, the court, hope that you will attend and honor us with your apereance.
-Counciler of the King

"The Phoenix Kingdom? A... ball...? really?" Nadya said looking at the note in Roan's hands.

"Yeay a Ball." Roan said. "Turan didn't you mention something about this earlier?"

"Yes...but how do they know we are here?" A note of caution touched his voice "Unless of course the elves picked it up for me"

"Or maybe this guy wants us there for a reason" Roan thought about it. "Either way I'll trust your judgement. Do we go or stay?"

"I haven't been outside of the Griffon Kingdom...." Nadya said softly.

"We'll go, though i hope you got a good look at Ketsuri. Despite my encounters with him i haven't really been able to remember is appearance...though i doubt the flash backs have helped"

"Might as well. I'll go get my things so we can leave." Roan was a bit depressed., She hoped she got to come back here.

"It's a ball..." Nadya said, looking down.

"Yup a ball." Roan said then went in side to get her things.

"You two look ready for a ball..."

"Well lets get going." Roan said, Getting back up on her horse.

Nadya nodded, and just brushed off her dress again.

Turan left his long sword, removing several throwing knives and stars and setting them all in an alcove "Well then off we go" he said abit cheerfully.

Nadya looked at Turan. I will be disappear during the ball... I want to be older at the ball... she thought to him.

Of course, might make me seem less of a pervert now that i think about it he thought back to her funney how it just occured to me how awkward that's going to look

What coming to the ball with a young woman and a little child? she giggled.

no, showing up with an 18 year old human girl with a ten year old girl....yeah that would go over real well he laughed.

Okay... I'm not doing it now... I... don't want to too many to know that I can.... shift my age...

You mean your going as a child?! I'd prefer not, but if you're more comfortable that way then i guess it can't be helped he sighed.

I won't go in as a child... I'll let you two go in, then go in by my self...

Very well he mounted his horse, leaving even the simplest of weapons stacked against the alcove by the fountain "Driad en tul ne tha, Aiathen nitha tiel nor dun. Namarie" he said to an Elf standing next to him. With a bow the elf dissapeared into the mansion.

"What am I going to ride? Or am I going to have to be a kitten again?" Nadya asked with a smile.

Turan let out a low wistle. A brown chestnut horse walked up to him "You can ride Yavanna if you wish" he said with a smile "You won't need a saddle or any tack whatsoever, so long as you know how to ride"

Nadya stroked Yavanna's nose. "Thank you Turan..." she said, and leapt up onto the horse, smiling.

"She's yours" Turan circled Orion "Ready when you are ladies"

Nadya smiled more. "I'm ready.."

"I'm ready." Roan said.

"You'll be a belle at the ball, Roan..." nadya said.

"That she will" he gave Orion a nudge with his boot. The horse snorted before cantering off.

Roan followed still thinking of manes for her horse.

I'm here when you wish to talk, love.... ((continued from the forest))

They came into the area.

My past....that clan that i told you about...they've found me...after four hundred years they found me...

Love...I'm here for you...I'm going to tell you now....when we've gotten inside the mansion and I'm out of this box...I'm going to give you a big hug.... you need it...

And yet i want to put you away where they can't get you...but i must say that a hug would be appreciated he laughed softly.

Nadya laughed lightly in his mind. The mansion came into view.

Abarhi had two elves turn each of the horses into their stalls, while another took the cage housing Nadya "If you drop that i will personally see to it that you die the most miserable death imaginable" he snarled after the young maid stumbled. He made his way to his rooms on the secound floor to attend to his wounds.

He made it to his rooms, as the elf maid took the cage off to another room.

He tore his blood stained shirt from his body "Damn...so it really is true then" he said quietly, a Dark angel tatoo glowed white on his chest and back. It looked like a shattered an torn angel though with all the scars. He gritted his teeth and reset the arm, sighing with satisfaction as they healed themselves quickly. He flexed his arm, the pain was subsiding but still there. He dismissed the healer.

Abarahi? came Nadya's voice in his head.

yes Nadya?

When am I going to get on of this cage? ((The elf was never told to open it....))

Abarhi laughed, shooing the doteing healer away to go open up the cage.

He found the cage on a table in a room used to as teasure room of sorts.

He looked some what indignant "They put you in the store room? What does it take to get a half decent set of helping hands" he sighed. He forgot he hadn't put a shirt back on to cover his badly scared body.

Abarahi?

"Yes Nadya?" he shut the blinds to block out the sunlight.

Did I just get put somewhere...? Because it was very bumping....

I handed you off to a maid an told her to put you in a room....apparently she saw fit to put you in with the exotic artifacts an such....you can eat her if you like Abarhi wasn't to happy she got put in with the other animals and treasures. He felt a cool breeze trace the scars on his back.

Can I get out now? she asked curiously.

"Of course" he unlatched the cage "How are you love?" he set her down.

As soon as he had sat her down on the ground, Nadya shifted back, smiling at him. "I'm fine now, love...thank you for letting me out..." she giggled. She looked over his bare chest. "Love...?" She placed a hand on his chest gently.

Now he really turned red "Uh...yes Nadya?" he stammered, kicking himself for forgetting.

"The angel....the scars...." she whispered. Nadya looked up at him worried.

"The angel is what's left of the symbol that marked me as property of the clan...the scars...well...i suppose it comes with the territory" he said slowly. He didn't want to sound insensitive to her worry.

"...of the clan..." he heard her whisper to herself. "Angels of death?" she asked. She placed her other hand on his chest, letting her fingers run against it gently.

"Angelus Oscuri....Angels of Darkness" he shuddered slightly at her touch "The assasin clan i was interred in for all those years...most of these scars are from the training"

Nadya wrapped her arms around him, her hands resting gently against his back, and her head against his chest. "I love you...." she whispered, her breath glidding against his bare chest.

"I love you to Nadya" he breathed softly. He was acutely aware of just what a bloody mess he was, as it wasn't uncommon for some of the deeper scars to reopen when he fought "Did you want to eat the maid? I'm sure she's cowering right outside the door" a muffled cry confirmed his suspicions.

She kissed his chest. "She didn't know.......I...want to clean you up..." she whispered.

He tensed slightly at her kiss "I know she didn't....you may if you want to" His entire being had been tuned to one faucet; the art of combat, to him love or any emotion of the type where things almost completely foriegn....though he'd be an idiot to even attempt to convince himself that such a strange feeling wasn't unwelcomed.

"Where is your room?" she asked softly.

"Right next door" he kissed the top of her forehead, stroking her back lightly "You alright?"

Nadya nodded, walking with him to his room. "I....you had tensed...I hadn't done anything, did I?"

"I don't usually let people get close to me, just ask Turan...so much as a hand shake was rare" he laughed lightly "Comes from not wanting to get to close to people...lest you be ordered to kill them....it was somthing ingrained into my mind when the clan trained me...it took me awhile in their service to finally realize why" he said quietly.

Nadya nodded, and gently sat him down on the bed. She left the room, coming back in with a bowl and a cloth. She started to kiss and wash off his chest.

His muscles quivered, somtimes exagerating the depth or breadth of the scars "Thank you" he said softly

Nadya nodded, smiling lovingly at him. She continued to clean his chest, and then started working at cleaning his back. He felt a light kiss on the back of his neck.

He shuddered slightly before exhaling, most of this was entirely alien to him. He had done away with the notion of love courtesy of the clan, though now; now he was glad he had begun to rethink that.

She slowed her cleaning of his back, the cloth moving slowly and her other hand resting gently against his should blade. "I...I'm no doing anything....you don't want me to....am I....?" she whispered.

"No, just everything i'm not used to or didn't think would ever happen" he said softly with a smile.

She nodded. She finished, and sat the cloth down. Nadya moved around to face him, blushing. "You're all cleamed up...." she said softly.

"Thanks" he said quietly "Why so red?"

"I...I hadn't seen...someone bare....chested...I....you make me feel...so...I like it..."

He flushed red "Sorry....i'll go put somthing on if it makes you uncomfortable love"

Nadya shook her head, blushing more, taking hold on his hand. "No...I...like it...love it...I...." She hugged onto him.

He drew her close and held her "Love you to Nadya"

She snuggled into his chest. "Abarahi... you are so wonderful to me...."

"Because i treat you with respect an not like a monster?" he said soflty, gently stroking her back.

"Yes...and you don't treat me like a child....I know I had been a child, but even years ago I was still treated with more respect than I had before you, Roan and Turan...." Nadya said softly looking up at him cutely.

He kissed her "You're not a child, nor do you act like one so i don't treat you like a child" he smiled softly.

Nadya kissed back. "Thank you....now...ah....I'm hungry...." she giggled cutely.

"An just how can i help you with that?" he laughed

"Normal...food...silly...I had licked some of your blood...so I won't get sick....."

"Not that i would mind giving you more, but i think i'll put that terrified little maid to work...Turan will have my ass for it...i think she's supposed to be Roan's personal" he laughed "What do you want to eat then?"

"I don't know... are you hungry?"

"A shattered arm tends to cure an appatiete" he laughed.

She giggled. "Then... water?"

A moment later the young maid walked in, shaking visibly "H...he..here you g-g-g-go sssire" she said shakily setting the pitcher down "Thank you, now please don't listen in and spy on us...that's rude" he said dismissivly.

Nadya looked at the maid. "Don't...or I will do something you won't really like...."

The Maid's eyes grew wide an she paled before running out of the room "Well now i think i'll be hearing from Turan about that one...." he laughed "I think at one point in time she liked me, not denying it she's cute....spoken for though" he turned to her and kissed her softly.

Nadya kissed back. "Turan will hear about me too... and I would hope you are spoken for..." she giggled.

"Yes...." Abarhi realized that as she said it. Turan would know, he wouldn't hide their relationship, but he knew the ancient elf wouldn't at all like it "I hope so as well"

"I love you, Abarahi....but I hope you know that I was talking about my threat to the girl..."

He smiled "Love you to Nadya, an yes but he'd get more mad at me than you because well...simply because our relationship is more that of master and apprentice...which is why he won't appreciate the love i have for you...not that i care"

"More than master and apprentice?" she asked softly.

"I am for all intents and purposes his, and i have served him for years out a blood oath made for saving my life so long ago. I consider that debt to be well repayed, and even then....i'm with you and if he has a problem with that then i'll adress that issue when it comes to it" he kissed her neck.

"I would hope that he'd understand....." she purred at the kiss.

"Don't count on it" he placed another kiss at the base of her neck.

She purred. "I'll fight him for you...."

"No, i'll keep him away from you....the last time he drew to much attention to who i loved and...well...as you can guess she died" he said softly. He was bitter over his past, yet he still respected the old elf for all he'd done or at least tried to do.

"She....died....oh Abarahi....I'm so sorry...." Nadya whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck, holding on to him.

"It comes with the Territory, and Turan was worried that she might be an agent from the clan trying to kill me....turns out he tells a clansmen and he finds her..." he bowed his head "That was over a hundred years ago, but now i have you....and i'm not about to let you go" thoughts of the rougue assasin that met them at the gate, causing him to hold her alittle tighter.

Nadya hugged on to him closer still. "Please don't let me go...."

"Now why would i do that?" he exhaled down her neck "I love you Nadya, and the sins of my past won't come between that"

She burried her face in his neck, kissing it.

He rested his head on her shoulder, dozeing off slowly....as much as he wanted to enjoy the moment, his body was tired and worn "I mean that, my past....my past won't come between you and i Nadya" he said softly. He was contemplateing hiding her, or even distancing himself from her. He kicked himself mentally for it though as that fell under punishing her for his past.

"I know...I know...." she said softly. She leaned back against the head board of the bed, keeping Abarahi's head against her. "You should rest...."

He curled up, resting his head on her chest, he wasn't tired enough to sleep "Rouse me love if you need me" he said wearily.

"I will...I promise...." she said softly, letting her fingers run gently through his hair, stroking it.

He dozed off, shivering slightly at her touch. His dreams however where haunted by the face of the assasin. The face was familiar, and it troubled him. Then his mind began to peace together when, where and why he knew him. His body broke into a cold sweat as he slept fitfully.

He felt himself being gently shaken.

He shot up, one of his hands blazing with electrical energy. He sighed, the blue currents dissapeared "You alright love?" he asked softly. He realized his mind had nearly recovered completely from Gurthar's cruel trick.

"I'm okay, Abarahi...I... was worried about you...you were shaking...." she said softly.

"I know who our gate visitor is; He's from the same clan and i'm pretty sure he was once my best friends....i can't remember his name, but i know he's powerful.....but i suppose i'll worry about it when it comes to it" he sighed, leaning back against the head board, jumping slightly as his back popped.

Nadya placed a hand on his cheek. "I'll be here for you...in person...in spirit...." she then giggled. "...in kitty... always...."

He laughed "But how to protect you....especially from the one we ran into today" he said slowly before realizing he was thinking "I don't want you to get caught up in this...." he heard a door open downstairs, flinching at the noise.

Nadya grabbed him in a hug. "Shh.... I'm sure it's okay....it's probably just a maid or something.....and we'll figure out the protection thing...."

"Oh it might have been the maid but alas it isn't" a cold voice came from the door, causing Abarhi to jump "What do you want?" he asked coldly "Just to tell you that your former brothers and sisters don't take to kindly and will be paying you a visit soon" He drew Nadya closer to him "All i ask is that she is left out of this, or have you also come so low as murder?"

Nadya looked at the man, glaring. "Leave us be, sir...."

The man laughed "Oh you mean the man you let so close to you hasn't told you? He's a traitor, he betrayed those who raised him....some even to their deaths" Abarhi gave a start "You call my breaking ties with one who would have us murder anyone for a price? Forgive me if i refuse to be a mercenary" A harsh laugh came in reply "You betrayed your squad of ten men and women, leading them into an ambush by an Imperial regiment and aided in their slaughter...now tell me if that isn't the worse kind of treachery" Abarhi snarled "You forget that the clan is guilty of wors" "So just because it is worse does that make you not a traitor? We did what we did because they refused to obey orders" Abarhi's body tensed "So you murdered their entire family and tortured them into oblivion? Be gone Xaphon, i am no longer a part of the clan nor will i ever be"

"Just leave here now, you are not wanted here sir....!" Nadya cried.

"Have it your way...sleep with a traitor and a murderer" Xaphon dissapeared. Abarhi was angry, and the considerable amount of body heat being given off was testement to that. He had forgotten about the incident Xaphon had mentioned....an it began setting in on him.

"Abarahi..." Nadya said softly. "Abarahi....I....I'm not leaving you...." She snuggled into his chest.

He wrapped one arm around her, lifting the rest of her up by her knees and holding her close to him "If you see him Nadya, let me know....i won't let them have you" he said quietly "So then where does that leave us then?"

Nadya nodded into his chest. "We..... have to tell Turan...I....I don't like how he just walked in... like that...." she whispered.

"It's what we are trained to do....no matter how many guards, no matter high the walls....there's nothing that will keep them out" he said softly, giving her a gentle squeeze.

"He....still needs to know....doesn't he?" Nadya asked, looking up at him.

"Perhaps, there isn't anything he can do so the only thing he'd do is move me to the guest house atop that hill so they go there and don't end up killing Roan" Abarhi acted and to an extent even believed that in the scheme of things his life held little or no real value.

"We....could hide out....in my old family home.....couldn't we too? I....I don't want to lose you....I don't want you hurt....you value me, love me....just like I for you...."

"No, because i don't want you to relive the memories of your family....we'll stay here and i won't let anything happen to you" he said firmly.

"I would be safe with you, love.... I love you....but....as you wish...." she said softly, snuggling into him.

He's still here Abarhi thought to himself. He could sense the other assasin milling around, he doubted Turan would be at all pleasant to Xaphon either, which got a smile out of him "I don't suppose i could convince you to dissappear for awhile?....but then again that would be unfair to you"

"I'd....do anything for you, Abarahi...I don't want you to be hurt because of me..." she whispered, hugging him more.

"Well then we're at a bit of delema....because i'd have to be no longer breathing before i let anyone with the intent to harm you, near you" he kissed the top of her forehead, drawing her closer to him.

"And I'd fight to keep anything from happening to you...." she said in a whisper.

He laughed softly "Nadya, why is it that you love me? I guess...what is it that drew you to me?"

"I could talk to you...and...you didn't know me, but you wanted to help me find answers to questions I had given up on.... you....gave me hope...that maybe I didn't have to hide as a child anymore...."

"No you don't, you're beautiful Nadya" He traced his fingers across her arm all the way up to her cheek.

Nadya blushed. "You....didn't just look at me.... you saw more of me....to what's inside me....." She ran her fingers up and down his chest.

"And how is that love?" his muscles quivered slightly at her touch.

"You spoke to me like I was a person and not some piece of meat...or something to win...."

"Your affections and love i saw as somthing to win, but no....you are no peace of meat or an object Nadya....unless you would call love such...but i don't think it is" he kissed her gently.

Nadya kissed back. "You can't win love....you earn love....just as you have earned mine, and I love I have earned your's....."

"That you have" he kissed her neck Xaphon....you spoil this moment and you will truely find out what i am capable of he warned the assasin. He knew he was no where near by, but some how it made him jumpy...on edge, and rather protective.

Nadya seemed to purr as he did that. "Abarahi...." she whispered happily. "My love....."

He exhaled along her neck "Yes Nadya?"

"Thank you...again....for everything...." she whispered into his chest.

"No need to thank me love, i'd do it all over again" he said softly.

Nadya leaned up, kissing him. "I'll always thank you...because....I feel safe...."

"Well if you insist" the warrior in him screamed for practice and training, but it was somthing that no matter how annoying it became...he was content to ignore for the time being.

Nadya looked at him. "You want to go do something...."

"What did you have in mind love?"

"I don't know....I just don't feel like I can sit still right now...."

"Hmmm, well i suppose i could start teaching you like you asked me to, to defend yourself"

Nadya kissed him. "That would be wonderful..." she said softly.

She soon found herself still in his arms but in a huge underground training arena "Turan and i found this when we where chasing a band of pirates down...it's got a full weapons store room, and even animal cages...leading me to believe that at one point there where gladiatoral competitions held here"

"Oh wow..." she whispered, looking around. "It's so huge..."

He let fly a gout of flame towards the walls, catching the small oil reservior that hung in a channel on the ceiling. The light was more than enough to light the chamber. He set her down "So then, what weapon do you wish me to teach you to use love?"

"I...wow...." Nadya mouthed, moving over to the weapons. "The daggar....the whip....the bow.....oh I don't know...."

Abarhi took a long silver chain from a wooden box. At the end of the chain there was a short, single edged blade "Which weapon love? And i hope you can heal yourself...because i can't guranetee there won't be blood" he said softly before he realised just how unsavory the very idea of cutting her was.

Nadya looked at him. "I can heal myself..." She picked up a pair of bracers that had retrakable claws, and put them on. She turned and smiled at him. "I'll use these first..."

"Hmmm, very well" he reappeared some distance from her "I suppose then since you chose one of the more complex weapons to learn with, then i'll use one of the more difficult weapon to fight with....normally i would advise against taking hawks talons agains an oponent with a sword....the bracers might break if the combat is intense enough...but since i'm using this" he held up a seeminly harmless chain "There shouldn't be a problem"

"This is why I am learning, silly..."

He took hold of the chain, whipping it around in a large arc towards her deflect with one hand, anticipate the blow attack...always attack, with a weapon like this you want to get inside the the cicle, but be careful...if the chain catches you then the blade will whip around with enough force to cut through steel plate armor she heard in her head as the thin chain bearing the blade made an eerie whistling noise through the air.

Nadya nodded, moving to a fighting stance that looked to be the one of a mimic from training of decades ago. Nadya then moved, seeming to move and then disappear. There was a cling of metals as Nadya reappeared pulling her arm back in close to her body, rushing Abarahi. She was inside the circle, the hawk talons slicing through the air as she ran. Nadya then moved to attack Abarahi.

Abarhi smiled you learn well...but never assume you know all there i to know about your opponent he let fly a secound chain at her as a brought the first one in. His movements appeared almost artistic, and he had chosen such a set because of the skill required to use them effectively.

I don't assume...I'm a predator, remember...its instinct.... she giggled in his mind, as she jumped, blocking at the second chain, before running along it towards him. She dove at him, always keeping an arm ready for the chains. She seemed to disappear again, but then she reappeared. Nadya had be sliced by one of the blades from the chains, but Abarahi's own blood was mixing with her's. She knelt down low, defensively, now seeming to notice the cut to her shoulder.

Abarhi smiled you forgot about the first blade he said as it came back at her.

And you didn't notice that I got you just as you got me... Nadya thought, as she blocked the first blade, rushing him again.

He smiled well now i think i'll use normal blades instead of an assasin's choice weapon he appeared in the weapon room, grabbing a matched set of black bladed elven battle swords before reappearing behind her "Enjoying yourself love?"

"I can see why my brother enjoyed training...so we're moving to blade to blade now?" she asked.

He brought one of the swords down hard "Yes" he wasn't even breathing heavily.

Nadya jumped back, doing a flip. "Whoa...holy cow..." She then went on the attack, getting in close enough to hook his leg, pulling out and up with her vampiric strength.

He propelled himself in a summersault over her, hitting a nerve point that would render her arm useless "Bladed weapons aren't all there is to use" he said quietly.

Nadya stood there, looking at her arm. "Well...Abarahi...this is the first time I've done this...remember...I wouldn't know...."

"Sorry love, i'll work out the knot for you when we're done how's that sound? I guess i got carried away...haven't trained much in what seems like an age and it feels good to get back into the arena" he smiled warmly.

Nadya smiled at Abarahi. "That sounds like a great plan love...what do you suggest I use instead of the Hawk Talons...?"

He held out her slender arm "Well, you're nimble, and strong, but not fast or quick enough to use somthing like a hawks talon in confrontational combat" He handed her one of the Elven swords "Try this" he kissed her before backing up "When you're ready love"

"Again, training can help that..." she said with a smile. Nadya moved the elven sword a bit, and smiled more. "I'm ready..."

"When you fight, never whach your opponents blade...whach their hands" he said bringing up his sword in a wide arc.

Nadya nodded, watching his hands, before moving in. There was a cling as the blades hit. "And their feet..." she mouthed. He felt himself being jerked back as his legs were swept out.

He smiled, reappearing behind her "Don't count on such things" he said bringing his blade down in a flury of blows.

Nadya spun around, blocking the blows. She rushed him, getting close so that the blades were of no use. He felt a sharp pain just behind his ear.

He stumbled backwards, his head ringing with pain "You learn fast" suddenly he vanished "Hmmmm...should i cheat?...or play by the rules?" she heard a voice echoe around the chamber, followed by a mischevious laugh.

Nadya sweared under her breath. She knelt down, extending her senses all around her.

"Oooh how fun, so you want to train on that level as well? Hmm...well you won't find me unless i let you...remind me to tease you with this latter" he laughed, making it seem like he was in one place intentionally.

You're the one that took it to this level... Nadya thought to him. Nadya sniffed the air, for Abarahi's blood, finding it, and she swung her wrist swiftly. Abarahi could hear the whistle of air, and then the thud as a hair pin dug into the wall near his head.

Good, you learn fast love....now lets see you try that without your acute sense of smell she found she couldn't track him that way. Then Xaphon appeared on the far side of the room "Well well, Abarhi...training somone so soon?"

Nadya stiffened, spinning to glare at him, the elven blade up in a guarded position. "You..."

Abarhi reappeared right behind her, placing a hand on her shoulder "You made a mistak Xaphon.....i don't need to hold back here" he placed his sword in the ground. He turned to Nadya "He won't hurt you" he spun on his heel to face Xaphon, unleashing a blast of energy that tore a trench through the floor all the way to Xaphon.

Nadya backed up. "Abarahi....I..." She watched from the side.

Xaphon stood in the middle of the trench, cloths and skin blackened and charred "My my Abarhi...you've grown in your power" Abarhi smiled, extending his hand. Xaphon twitched in pain, struggling against an apparent invisible weight, letting fly a torrent of lightning at Abarhi.

"Abarahi!" Nadya knew he knew what he was doing, but she was still scared.

Abarhi's eyes widened as he caught the blast. He reacted to it to quickly and it burned into his stomach. Whreching slightly, blood flecking his lips as he glared venomously at Xaphon "Well now...it's time to end this" Xaphone colapsed, blood streaming from his eyes, mouth, nose and ears "They...they are coming" Xaphon breathed before fading to ashes. Abarhi sighed.

Nadya ran up to Abarahi, hugging him. "Abarahi...what did he mean? What...happened to him?"

"He's trying to say that the rest of the clan is coming...but he failed to mention that he didn't make it back yet....as to what happened to him...he died" Abarhi examined the burns laced across his stomach "Minor injuries...they don't even hurt"

"You...sure?" she asked worried.

"They do, but they aren't bleeding anymore so i think ill be fine love" he looked at her intently, it worried...even scared him that there where many who knew she was close to him.

"Abarahi...I...I'm glad that you'll be fine...I...I'm sorry if I distracted you...." she said softly.

"What do you mean by distraction love?" he said gently "You want to train alittle more or would you like to head upstair?"

"I want to head upstairs...and I was meaning my scream...my shout of your name....I...I was scared...." she replied softly.

"What scared you love? You don't need to be sorry...i was the one who scared you" he said gently.

"I was scared that he'd...kill you...." she whispered the last part. She hugged onto him closer.

"Well he would have left you alone then so if only for that then it wouldn't have been so bad right?" he hugged her "He's only after me...he and whoever he has under his control...so if i where eliminated then that'd be the last you ever saw of them"

"I don't care if I don't see them or do see them......" she whispered, hugging on closely. "As long as we are together....I will never leaver you...."

"Nor will i Nadya" he smiled "I just wish you didn't have to be so made aware of the past...." he said slowly.

"Have I run because of your past?" Nadya asked softly, hugging him gently.

"No....not yet" he sighed, gathering up the weapons they had used to return them. He kissed her forehead.

She smiled up at him. "I never going to run...."

He smiled "Nor I Nadya" he went to lock the door "Well Xaphon it appeares decided to destroy the lock....no idea what he could have wanted with the weapons room" he shrugged, sending an awaiting attendant up to fetch a new lock and key.

"I wonder...." she said thoughtfully looking around the room.

Abarhi had retrieved his personal suit of armor and weapons "Some time soon we should get you fitted for somthing like this" he smiled at her "Hey! be careful with that!" he shouted as one of the guantlets went clattering to the floor.

"Thank you...I'm sure that I would have done better out of this dress...." she giggled.

"I can imagine it would be hard to fight in...even these clothes are abomidable to try an fight in...though elemental duels aren't a problem" he yawned "These things are so restrictive...much prefer a suit of armor or at least somthing tighter fitting"

Nadya giggled. "I'd like the tighter fitting on you...."

He gave her an odd look as his ears slightly reddened "What do you mean by that?"

"I...think you know what I mean..." Nadya whispered blushing. "As do your ears...."

"Well i'm quite obviously clueless and my mind is slightly wild in it's imagination and is somthing foriegn even to me" he placed a hand on each shoulder an looked her in the eye with a smile.

"I..." she blushed as she looked into his eyes. "I...love your muscles..."

He smiled "It's not like they're somthing off those drug induced berserkers or somthing" he laughed, kissing her forehead "So what do you want to do now love?"

Nadya giggled. "Berserkers are over rated... and I can't really do much right now...because of the daylight...."

"Yes....but that still doesn't answer my question" The huge mansion was lit by candles and the heavy set windows shuttered and curtained.

She blushed. "I...want to walk with you...around the mansion..."

"Well then" he swept her momentarily off her feet "Where to?" he set her down.

She giggled happily. "Are there any secret passages? Those are fun to explore...."

"Hmmm...well, there are...which ones have and don't have a hell hound hiding in them is another story all together" he laughed, shuddering slightly at the thought of maybe running into one of the horrid beasts "So then...where to?"

"Is there....a library?" she asked softly.

"Of course" he led her to the door of the library "Right ahead there love...just as the Hydra for directions" he was teasing her, but he couldn't resist. She heard shutters slamming and curtains falling from behind the doors.

"They're making it safe for me...that's wonderful..."

He laughed "You silly girl.....do you even know what a Hydra or Hell hound are? Don't worry, there aren't any here" he laughed, pushing the doors open.

"Hell hound...guardians of the underworld......Hydra.... dragon like serpents which if you cut off one head, two grow...." Nadya said cutely, smiling up at him.

"I stand corrected" he laughed "Yes...I'd almost rather face a hell hound than a Hydra...neither one are pleasent to fight" he grimaced, subconcieously rubbing his shoulder "Well now love, peruse at your pleasure" he gestured with a sweeping hand over the dozens of tall book shelves.

Nadya smiled, and kissed his cheek. She then ran off, roaming the shelves of the library. She pulled a few books from all over the library. She walked back over towards Abarahi, setting the books on a nearby table. The titles read: The World's List of Weapons, The Guide to Tracking, and Healing Plants and Medicines.

"I believe these where found locked in a storage vault here...as was most of the things now found in this house...strange isn't it? One would think that the family that once lived here was either trying to hide their belongings or going away" he looked at them "Planning on becoming a book worm love?"

Nadya looked up at him, cutely. "Nope.... Healing is always useful.... I want to learn some more about tracking that I haven't already taught myself through living by myself.....and I want to have more knowledge of weapons for the next time you and I spar...."

"Alright, then read up my little book worm" he laughed, picking up an old book from under a floor board and dropping into a high back chair.

"I am no book worm, mister...." she said giggling. "What do you have there....?"

"It's an old account of one of the occupants of this house...i think it was before Turan's time here...though there is mention of a family...so it could be a servants' diary" he had his nose in the book, it's badly damaged cover showing signs of somthing huge scaring it "These four claw scars are proving to be annoying"

"Have you tried to fold the pieces of the pages down and close enough to each other to try and reform the pages?"

"In some cases that works...but with others..." he showed her a page that was covered in a crusty browned layer and nearly shredded copletely "This is blood, so whoever was ready this was attacked....though the author must have completed the book cause there's writing in all the pages....i just haven't gotten very far because it's written in ancient elvish an i can't read it very well"

"Could you...teach me elvish?"

"Which form?" he laughed.

"Forms? How many forms are there?"

"There's ancient high elven, common elven and then there's Sea elf" he smiled at her.

"Oh wow..that's alot..." Nadya said softly in amazement. "Do you know all of those?"

"Yes i do, it's just been awhile since i've had to read the written form so i read slower than most"

"Common elf...that would be a good place to start, right?"

"Actually i could probably only teach you high elven" he admitted sheepishly

"Really?" she asked softly. "It's amazing that you know all of those"

"Comes in handy" he said softly

Nadya kissed him. "I'd love to learn it...."

"The most ancient will sometimes sound guteral...indeed dark at times, but at others it is eloquent" he kissed her loveingly.

She kissed back. "Isn't that the same with all languages...?"

"True" he nestled her neck.

Nadya purred a little. "Would you like to go somewhere else for our...private lesson?" she asked cutely.

"What did you have in mind love?" he nosed her ear, moving over to grab a few books on the subject.

"The bedroom or a inside garden or...I don't know...."

"Unfortunately there aren't any inside guardens, so where else?" he returned with two ancient looking books.

"A sitting room that is relaxing?"

"Right this way" he led her back down the hall, making a right and heading deeper into the mansion. He opened to huge door, leading into a large room "Do you want the stained glass windows covered love?"

"We could sit over there..." she said softly pointing to a deeply shadowed area.

He smiled, he stood at the center beneath the glass dome, drawing deeply as the suns rays hit his body, the fire element in him awakening and sending him in a trance momentarily. He shook himself from it, drawing the curtains over the dome and windows.

"That looked...so beautiful...."

"What did?" he looked around

"You...standing in the light...."

"Well unfortunately the light is dangerous to you my love so i won't be doing that again" he kissed her.

Nadya sighed, nodding, walking over to the large couches. "You are so lucky...."

"You have an odd definition of Lucky, but then again i was always more at home in the shade of night"

"You are lucky that you have been able to even see the world during the light of the sun...."

He looked at her "It is far more beautiful at night love" he said softly, realizing that being who she was, meant she had litterally never seen the light of day.

Nadya looked up at Abarahi. "Really? I trust you, love..."

"And why is that?" he appeared behing her with his mouth inches from her neck, he was in a rare mood and decided to tease "Knowing who and what i am, you still trust me?" he asked alittle playfully.

"One...you aren't something that feeds on vampires....second we are both creatures of the night in a way....and I love you..." she purred, leaning back against him and the breath on her neck.

"I actually fell in love with both a Crusnik and a Vampire...they where the best of friends actually" he nestled her neck with his nose "And no, i won't eat you, i'm not a Crusnik or somthing along that line" he teased.

"A Crusnik and a Vampire...? Friends...?" she asked softly. "Why did that Crus...." her question went under finished as she purr, leaning back against him.

"Why did he attack me? Or lure you to attack me? Because he wanted to show just how vulnerable i am with you" He said softly in her ear.

"Vulnerable with me? Abarahi... I don't want you to be hurt....because of me..." she whispered, turning in his arms, hugging him.

"I am vulnerable because of you, because i love you Nadya....and that's not somthing i wish to mend"

"I love you so much...." Nadya whispered.

"Glad to know my feelings don't go unrequited" he said playfully "Now then, what do you wish to know about each language?"

"I want to know...special statements...I want to hear it...."

"Such as?"

Nadya smiled at him, and kissed his cheek. "I love you..." she whispered.

He smiled "Amin mela ille" he kissed the back of her neck gently.

"That's pretty...." she whispered. "So beautiful..."

"Lle naa vanima meaning; you are beautiful" he said softly "Now i can think of a few words that Turan would have for Roan...though it looked like she was shapping up so perhaps that isn't fair of me to say" he laughed softly.

Nadya looked back at him. "I know what you mean...I show them at the Inn...they were anguring.... and I love what you had just said before that...."

"It's like she can't decide wether or not to piss him off to the point of him being ready to strangle her...or hide behind him and let him protect her" he laughed "Good luck trying to get close to him though...for one he doesn't like humans all that much, and for another...she's so young he considers her practically a baby...which compared to him...well she kinda is" he looked down at her "It's true" he said softly.

Nadya nodded, and then kissed him. "A min mela ille....." she whispered.

He smiled "Amin naa ille i am yours" he held her kiss.

Nadya kissed back. "I love...elvish....." she whispered.

"It has a way of eloquently communicating that which other languages easily fail to" he felt his heart pounding in his ears again.

"Amin naa ille Amin mela ille" she said softly, smiling up at him.

"ille Mela en' coiamin you are the love of my life" he sat down next to her, putting an arm on her shoulder.

Nadya looked at Abarahi. "I could listen to you speak elvish all night long...."

"Melamin ille es nie tu estelar? my love, don't you mean all day long?" he said softly, yawing at the realization he hadn't slept much.

Nadya yawned. "We...need to sleep...." She snuggled against him on the couch, pulling her legs under her.

"No complaints there" he yawned as well and to think you and i where talking about going to the gladiator arenas Turan...my my how things change he thought pleasantly to himself.

Nadya moved, laying her head on his lap, an arm laying of his lap two, holding on to him, falling to sleep.

He smiled, picking her up gently and cradling her in his arms before dozing off completely.

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Turan rode up to the mansion, the evening light glinting off the stair railing heads, though somthing didn't seem quite right what have you been up to Abarhi? he asked mentally.

Abarhi stirred from a sound sleep at the mental prodding who are you? he saw Nadya curled up in his arms. He smiled It's me Abarhi, i've come back from the ball with Roan Abarhi stiffened slightly at the realization.

Nadya curled up close to Abarhi. "Abarhi...." she murmured in her sleep with a soft smile across her face.

"Yes Nadya?" he didn't realize she was still asleep, not that he was much more awake How was the ball? he asked Turan I now remember why such things so irritated me....and you sound preoccupied....with what if you don't mind my prodding? Abarhi tensed, before kicking himself....there was no point in hiding it maybe because i'm half asleep and in love he could only imagine the look on Turan's face.

Nadya snuggled in more, her fingers wrapping around tightly yet gently to his shirt, as she continued to breath softly. "I....love....you...."

He kissed her softly "I love you to Nadya"

Turan lifted Roan off the horse gently "Well for now there's a nice couch in the library that ill set you down on while i have your room prepared" he said more to himself Abarhi...your not drunk are you?...I'm hear with Roan and i doubt you'd ever live down making a circus of yourself in front of her Abarhi nearly jumped and flushed red.

Nadya moved her head against his chest, smiling.

He noosed her softly What the bloody hell? When was i ever drunk?!?!?! he tried hard to remember Think of it...it's the reason why you got run out of a house Abarhi's eyes widened That drink was spiked! he sighed.

Turan walked in "Yes i know it was spiked Abarhi, but it never ceases to entertain me your...re..action...what the hell?!"

Abarhi awoke alittle more from his half daze "What the hell what?...keep it down will you....been awake for longer than what i usually care to"

Nadya moved more, snuggling, holding on more as if the yelling was distrubing her sleep.

Turan raised an eyebrow "You being shirtless, and cozied up the way you are would suggest that...and who is she anyways?"

Abarhi drew his arm alittle closer around her "She is Nadya, and get your mind out of the gutter" he growled.

"Abarhi...." yawned Nadya. "What's going on?" She yawned again.

He kissed her "It's fine love" knowing full well that it would irratate Turan "And you're one to be talking Turan...you have an eighteen year old human asleep in your arms" he was in a foul mood

Turan took two steps back, looking livid. He set Roan down "She fell asleep on the way back" he fumed.

Nadya looked over at Turan's voice. "Turan....I....Hi....Turan....I...."

"Nadya...Nadya who Abarhi? I thought we agreed no one comes back to the mansion without my express permission?" Turan was tired, and irritated "How long has this been going on any ways?"

"Nadya Nyx you dumb ass, and what are you?...my mother?" Abarhi fumed, shaking slightly even as he drew Nadya alittle closer still.

"Turan...don't you remember....I had said I could shift my age...." Nadya said, looking directly at Turna, before yawning again.

"Yes i remember...but i thought you said Abarhi you wouldn't have anything more to do with Vampires after...well, you know...after the last one nearly ate you"

Abarhi shuddered "She's not an assasin Turan" he said simply

Nadya looked down sadly. "Last....time?"

Nadya, love don't worry about it he kissed her reassuringly on the top of her head "Turan i think you've said enough....so go attend to your human...and if you want to trade barbs about one's past i could say similar things about you and humans so don't get me started....so if you don't mind...not only have you woken her, but also upset her"

Nadya shook her head. "I'm just worried about you Abarhi...." Nadya looked at Turan. "You haven't upset me...I'm...it's just I've been up during the day....very tired..." she said softly.

Turan barked a command in an ancient tongue, two figures followed him out of the Library. He needed to cool off and unwind. For him that was dueling for hours.

Abarhi looked down at her "Worried?....why is that Nadya?" he yawned.

Because I don't want to cause any trouble for you.... Nadya snuggled against Abarhi.

Roan's eyes flickered open as she slowly woke. She found her self in a library, with no one in sight. were am I? The last thing I remembe is getting on a horse with Turan. She got up and streched. She made her way down the hall to end up in a court yard were she saw Turan practicing. She was to far away, but she wasn't sure if he was wearing a shirt.

Turan and his five opponents stood in the small dias, he had hung his shirt up on a nearby tree "Alright....begin" he said calmly. The five charged him and the dual began.

you won't cause trouble for me Nadya

As Roan approached she did see he wasn't wearing a shirt, causing her to blush. However, she also noticed that he seemed to have something on his mind. "Shot." Roan suddenly realized he must have found out about Abarhi and Nadya. "He has no right to be this angry about it." She thought out loud.

Turan was practicing his favourite type of dual, first blood. He had elminated two, he turned when she said that, grimacing in pain as two blades; each from a seperate opponent lashed across his back....leaving a gory X wound "Why do you think i've come out here" he sighed. He handed his two sword over to the referee before walking toward the water. The wound not even appearing to phase him.

"I hope he comes to like the idea..." Nadya whispered.

"Not that it matters if he does or not" he kissed her "It won't change anything"

Nadya nodded, kissing back.

Roan looked side to side. "Are you talking to me?" She said, a little frightened by the tone in his voice

"Who else?" he said quickly. Most of his back was now stained red from the blood, highlighting the few older scars that had been obviously more severe. He was headed down to the shores, walking at a slow pace on account the wounds made it hard for him to walk very fast at all.

Nadya hugged onto Abarhi. To Roan, Nadya thought, Roan....he...he didn't know it was me....and Turan's upset with me.....

that still doen't give him the right Nadya. It isn't his hear on the line or anything. You both deserve happiness ad I refuse to let him get in the way. Take your new partner and disappear for a bit so I can talk to him alone. "Wait." Roan called after hm as she ran to stand next to him. "When we sit down you're going to let me wash those wounds." She demanded.

Nadya looked up at Abarhi. "Can we...go to a private room?" she asked him softly.

"Of course" he yawned, still not quite awake and sure of what the hell just happened.

"I'm headed down to the water...the salt cleans it out" Turan muttered tonelessly. He was in pain, and not at all in the mood to be trifled with.

"Your in pain Turan, please don't take that out on me. Plus There's no way you'll be able to reach the wounds on your back, just let me help you" She said with a hand on his shoulder. "Plus you promised me some R&R, and I've yet to see the beach in this wrld." she smiled up at him.

"I'm not taking it out on you Roan" he said softly. He sighed "If you wish to clean them out so bad then i won't stop you" he wasn't about to fight her, or go against his promise "Well what would you like to do then?...after staining your dress with my blood" he laughed, though it sent a spear of pain through him.

Roan winced for him. "You always seem to be in so much pain." she whispered, but quickly whipped the thought from he brain. "I've never really had down time before so I don't know what to do actually. But for now I just want to siton the beach." and knock some sense into him, but that could wait.

"It is the curse of immortality....though not always a curse...and i heard that" he teased.

Roan's face flushed. "Stop your teas...." Roan stoped as she saw he beach, it was breath taking.The sand was soft and white, the water the clearest blue she had ever seen, and the way the moon reflected of the ocean made it look mystical. "Wow!" she said breathless ly.

He smiled "You where saying?"

"Huh?" she said with wide doe eyes,when she turned to look at him. "Sorry, this is place is the greatest thing I've ever seen. It's so untouched by man. I hope it remains that way." She walked past him to feel the sand on her toes. She closed her eyes and let the wind blow through her hair.

"You're the first mortal to ever come here" he said with a bit of surprise in his voice. He sauntered up to the shore line, before taking a dive into the water. Feeling the salt water sting each of the two wounds. He loved the cold water, and as Roan had said....it was unspoilt by man which made it all the better.

Roan laughed as water splashed her as Turan dived into the water. "It feels nice." She said as she danced on the shore, the waves rolling up to cover her ankles. She could feel the glow of the moon on her, causing a warnth to spread from the tips of her toes to her head.

Turan smiled, his normally neat, braided and well kept hair now hanging wilding about him down to his elbows. The tips of the strands where dyed a reddish hue from the blood that had been washed away.

Roan noticed the red in the water and stoped dancing to look at him. "Are you okay?" she leaned her head to the side so she could observe him.

He looked at her confused before realizing what it was that cause her to ask "Roan" he said sweetly "It's just blood, and yes i'm perfectly fine...i'll be alittle stiff for a couple days but otherwise fine"

"I'm glad." She smiled at him. "Part of me wishes I could share this place with others, but the other is repulsed by the idea." She sighed and sat on the edge of the dry sand. "My mom always hated the beach, but I've loved it. It makes me a feel a bit closer to my father."

"The beach for me is a sign of reflection....but it serves to remind me what i am bound to as well" he thought out loud "You said you never knew your father yet the beach reminds you of him...may i ask how so?"

Roan's face paled. She closed her eyes and fought the tears. "When I was little my mom was put into the hopista because of some strange disease. However, I was home alone for a few days, the next door neighbor watched me, and I found old diaries of my mother. She talks all about my father, and thier marrage together. There was also a picture where he was holding me in his arms at a beach; however, the picture was faded so i was unable to see what his face lloked like. I was actually reading one of them when I was taken from my world to here."

"I'm sorry" he said near inaudibly, deciding not to press any further questions. He shook his hair out, holding up the reddened tips with an irritated sigh "That's going to take time to get out" he said to himself as he walked towards a rocky formation that tappered off into a small cliff over looking the sea.

She giggled at him. "You have nothing to apologize for, its just a simple question. Plus it helps to talk about the weights of the soul. And i love my mother. I believe she would have liked you." She stood and streched. "Aren't you cold in the water? It has to feel like ice."

Turan shrugged as a wave washed over him "The water is near freezing but it doesn't bother me...until i can't feel my legs" he teased, walking along the shore line to the rocky promitory.

"Haha." Roan said sarcasticaly, and followed him, to sit down on one of the rocks. "Turan may I ask you something personal?" She said not looking him in the eye, but looking towards the vast sea.

"Of course" he sank into a rock that looked like it had been used as a couch for some time.

"Why are you so angry at Nadya and Abarhi?" She only asked to understand, not to judge. "I just don't understand why. Please don't think that I'm judging you, you must have your reasons." I wasn't what she was originally going to ask him, but she chickened out.

"Because the last time Abarhi fell in love....it was with a Vampire and she very nearly saw to it that we both died...two of the elves who where attending took the poisoned glasses reserved for Abarhi and I without either they or the Vamp knowing....and they died a rather hideous death...and the one before the would be killer got Abarhi caught up in the purging wars that Griffon waged on the Vampires when they came after his wife.....i just don't want a repeat of the last two...it's nothing against Nadya or Abarhi" he gazed alittle intently at her "But that wasn't what you where originally going to ask me was it?"

Roan ignored his last statement. "Do you think Nadya as helpless? Better yet, are either Abarhi or you the same person you were back then? People change Turan, and as they do so does the world around them. "Roan sighed and looked at her hands in her lap. "Have you ever thought of why the two of you survived that night? I don't believe it was so you could live your life alone and unhappy." She looked bck up at the ocean. "And it was you who trusted Nadya firts, so do you trust your own judgement?"

"No i don't think Nadya is helpless, and no we are not the same as so long ago, yet likewise do i not trust my own judgement" he stated simply "I never said i wished him unhappy....i just don't want to see him go through the same thing for a third time...not that i have a say in the matter...he knows full well my opinions and why they exist"

"They say the third times the charm. Plus you know you care about him, and as much as he hates it your opinion matters. At least let him know that your only problem is that you care for his safety. And yes I know it sounds weird, but even I can tell you secretly hope they are happy together. I know I do, and their relationship scares my wits out of me." She stood and walked over to him, laying a hand on his upper shoulder. "Don't let the horrors of your past win. Don't let them control the now."

"Maybe....and Nadya certainly is a sweet gal....i just don't want to be scampering about the house because of some sweet heart turned killer on a rampage...it gets old" he laughed. He shuddered slightly at her touch "Horrors of the past? What if those horrors live with you every day? And what's to say they control me?" his tone wasn't defensive, but relaxed.

"Then just tell them be repectful and keep their dignaty. I have no desire to seem them 'scampering' around the house either. Actually I'm repulsed by the idea." Roan shuttered at the thought of seeing them being super lovey dovey all the time. " as for you horrors questions, find something that makes you happy. Because tell me your honestly happy with your life? Tell me that you don't feel lonely? I know I do, and I've never lost the things you have." She looked him straight in the eye. "Maybe when this is over you'll find something that puts an actuall smile on your face, not one of your twisted, dark humor ones. At least a smile that last then just fleating moments."

"I know they will....or else they can take it else where" he shook his head as if trying to clear the thought from it "That makes me happy? Interesting thing....and that depends on what you mean by happy with my life. For me life uninterupted would last till the very foundations of this world gave out" he managed a half smile "That's unlikely Roan.....the only happiness i've known is fleeting and it's unlikely to change" he stopped himself from saying more.

Roan smiled at him. "It's nice to know that even you are clueless about somethings." She said, while turning back to the ocean. "You'll find happiness."

"Is it cluelessness? Or simply a lack of will do dream anymore?" he said softly "And what if i don't look for it anymore?"

"But you do." Roan said. It was a statement, not a question.

He laughed, not harshly but there was a note of bitterness in it "So you can read minds now Roan? I've tried finding happiness but after so many centuries i don't see the point in seeking somthing that isn't my lot to have"

"If you say so." Roan said, but her smile never left her face. He'd realize it when the time came. She had faith enough for the both of them. "I want to see all the wonders of this world." Nadya I think the two of you will be find now Roan thought.

He smiled faintly "The wonders of this world? I suppose there are many if you know where to look for them"

"Roan's eyes lit up, "What type of wonders are there?" She was always the adventurous type of person; however, she has to have some type of home base. "What isyour favorite place here in Tyradias?"

"Here....where all manner of care and worry can simply be forgotten till outside the walls....but as for wonders. I suppose each of the palaces, and then the there is the Crystal academy.." he yawned.

"I'd ask what the crystall academy is, but for now I think we both could use some sleep. In the morning we should meet up with Nadya and Abarhi and figure out what we should do. " Roan said, wiping the sleep from her eyes. "
i wonder what the future will hold for me." Ad sooner or later Roan was going to have to tell Turan everything about herselve, even what she really did know already.

"That's if we can rouse those two anytime soon" he rolled his eyes "I have little need of rest, believe it or not i slept most the way back from the ball, and yes all in due time" he made no indication that he was moving from his high rocky perch.

Roan was uncompfortable, and couldn't seem to find the right spot. As she was shifting around she slipped, heading straight towards Turan. "Ah!"

and this is going to get awkward Turan thought to himself as he caught her "You alright?"

Roan felt a blush creep all the way from her neck to her cheeks. "Sorry" she squeeaked out. Although, she couldn't seem to get back up, and saddly she found the comfy spot, on his lap.

He was glad she couldn't see his ears hidden under his hair....they where by now bright red "No worries...i suppose better me than the rocks below" he allowed himself a laugh.

Roan swore she turned even redder, expeially when she slipped and fell backinto his lap/ "I'm so sorry. i can't seem to get up." She had never been in a situation like this with a guy before. And Tuan was more than any normal guy in her world, there were the abs to start with.

He set her on a ledge above him "That better?" He stretched out as a cool breeze produced a smile from him "Like i said...better you fall into me than dash yourself on the rocks...hate to see you marred in such a way"

"Thanks." She mumbled. Well this couldn't get much worse. Roan thought, but then a small amount of water splashed on her, causing her to shiver from the cold. Roan sighed, then looked at the sea while she wrapped her arms around her to keep herself warm.

"Cold?" he asked softly, spitting water out of his mouth....the wave had been higher than expected. He saw most the way to where they sat was covered in water from the rising tide.

"A little." Roan said as she held herself a bit tighter. "If you could have changed anything in your life what would it be?" Roan asked, trying to talk so maybe warmth would return.

"Kept what i cared about closer, and that which would hurt it farther" a burst of flame appeared in his hand as he placed it next to her. He looked dreamily out to where they had walked that's going to be interesting getting back he thought to himself.

"Thanks." Roan said as she crept closer to the fire to dry. Roan sat and thought for a while. After alomost an hour of silence she stood up. "I think I'm going to head back." her head was full of thoughts she wanted to think over. "Night."

"Night" he said softly. He wasn't leaving, it had been awhile since he had a chance to simply sit here without a care in the world.

Roan waved then headed down the each back to the closes thing she was going to know as home for a while. Thought's raced in her head. How was she suppose to help this land? How was her family connected to Tyradias? How did her mother know about this place? And what was her problem with her powers? Something was shifting inside her, but she didn't know what it was. Rpan soghed and rubbed her head. She would ponder all this in the morning. She knocked on Nadya's door, hoping she could wishe her and Abarhi goodnight.

Turan sighed, happy to be alone in the chilling night. The waves crashed around him, till he sent forth a flaming pillar with such forced it caused him to crack the rock he was on "Now that that is out of my System...time to enjoy the night" he yawned, remembering that he still had two sword wounds in his back. Not wishing to move, he dosed off.

Nadya walked with Abarhi through the shadows of the halls, heading back to the bedroom they had been in earlier.

Abarhi followed.

Nadya went over to the bed, and waited for Abarhi to lay down. "I... Roan wanted us to run away for a bit...but I'm too tired..." she yawned.

"You've been asleep all day" he teased, curling up in a stack of pillows "Yeah somthing tells me Roan's going to piss Turan off to the point of bursting a blood vessel" he laughed.

"Roan...said for you and I to run off for a bit...."

"And what's wrong with that?" he smiled

Nadya looked him, leaning against him. "Do you want to head away from here for a bit then? At night fall....? Give Turan some space...." she asked softly.

"Personally i wouldn't mind it, but this is the most secure place....and i doubt Corus and company would leave us in peace....Turan will be fine...Roan will more than occupy his time" he wrapped his arms around her.

Nadya's arms snaked around him, as she nodded. "Okay love..."

"Wonder how long it will be before Roan drives Turan insane or visa versa" he said with a surpressed laugh.

"I hope it's Roan that drives Turan insane....so that he's too distracted to care about us...." she said, snuggling into them.

"How's about the both of them go insane, jump off a cliff and spare us all one big unwanted headache?" his tone indicating his joking displeasure.

Nadya giggled shaking her head. "I'm glad you're just joking...just as long as they leave us alone for a long time..."

"A very long time....and who says i'm joking entirely?" he teased.

Nadya laughed lightly. "You silly assasin..."

"Who you calling silly? you foxy Vampire"

Nadya blushed. "I'm....foxy......?"

"Yes, you are and very beautiful" what if i'm falling under a spell? a voice spoke into his mind that he kept to himself.

Nadya kissed his cheek. "Thank you....for everything.....for being here...with me...."

"You're welcome love" he said softly nosing her. He felt hesitation play at the edges of his mind as past experiances told him to do anything but let him fall into what had nearly killed him before.

"Thank you for letting me be my true self.... the self that is not a child... that is a young lady...." she said softly. "I will do anything to keep safe and happy...."

"Any time Nadya" he held her tight, almost as if doing so would blot out the doubt creeping at his mind Turan i owe you an ass kicking you bastard! his frustration was near palpable. He wanted to forget his mistakes...if anything that particular one and enjoy what he had while he still had it.

Her hold on him tightened too. She kissed his chest.

He shuddered alittle at the touch of her lips "You alright Nadya?"

"I'm okay, Abarhi...." she said softly, moving her head to look up at him. "I'm just loving being like this...."

"As am i" he hated to bring it up, but figured it was probably one of the few times alone they would be getting if current events had their way "What do we do about our earlier visitor and then Turan? I think Turan will get over it....he's more shocked than anything"

"Turan...was shocked...so much so he forgot that he had seen me when we both were in Corus's study.....but our earlier vistor....is there anyway that we could set up something that could alart us to their coming....?"

"After what Turan did to the last one....i doubt they'll come around while he is here....he found a type of viper whose venome will slowly decay a targeted limb or organ....Turan got tired of the local elves being terrorized and being sold as slaves so he captured a few and tortured them with that venom in such a way...well i'll spare you the detail" he shuddered "He won't tell me where they are though....he's afraid ill put it to good use" he laughed.

"Have you ever seen the the viper?"

"Once...and you have to shock it in order to even handle it lest it bite you" he nipped her neck playfully "It's got a diamond pattern on it that's all i know....oh and tempermental....very tempermental"

Nadya giggled when he nipped her neck. "That tickled....."

"Oh really?" she had worked him into a light mood.

"Yes... it felt nice...." Nadya said softly, smiling up at him, and then kissing his shoulder blade.

He nibbled more with a surpressed laugh, shaking slightly at the feeling of her lips on his shoulder "Wonder how long it will take for either Roan or Turan to drive the other crazy" he couldn't keep his mind off it, partly because he preffered the two irritating each other than him, and he got a kick out their bickering.

"Well..." she purred. "With the mood Turan was in....I'd say not that long..." She started to nibble his shoulder.

He laughed softly "Somone getting hungry?" he teased

Nadya blushed. "I..."She nodded softly. "I...just don't want to hurt you....." she whispered.

"If you want to then you may....just don't make me pass out" he poked her nose playfully with a laugh.

Nadya looked up at him. "Really? You'd let me?"

"If you want....like i said preferably without me passing out though"

Nadya kissed him on the lips. "Thank you love...and I promise...I won't..." She then kissed his neck gently, and then kissed it again. She then bit his neck, her fangs feeling more like a slight sting.

He shivered, placing a hand on her neck softly.

Nadya drank just enough, where Abarhi wouldn't pass out. She pulled back, and then just licked the area where she had bitten him.

Abarhi shuddered, not sure which of two feelings he liked more; the pain or the pleasure that was mixed in with the pain "Enjoy your snack?" his voice had a deep and somewhat rough tone to it.

Nadya nodded, blushing. "Your blood...it was....mmmmm...good...." she said softly, kissing him. "I enjoyed it.... I won't do that unless you say it's okay....I don't want to hurt you...."

"There's so much scar tissue and muscle on my shoulders and neck i'm surprised you could find a working vein" he laughed "Don't worry..i won't let you hurt me" he said softly.

"I'm glad you'll watch me..." she said softly smiling. "And...I could hear your blood pumping....that gave me an idea..." she giggled.

"I've heard that a Vampire can taste when another Vampire has drank from the same source...is that true?" he asked casually with a yawn.

Nadya looked at him. "It's true.... I've heard of it happening before.... but I've also heard that the vampire can also see images that happened around the time of the other feeding....but I don't know..." she said softly. Nadya started to concentrate on the blood left in her mouth.

He breathed a sigh of relief, not knowing that she was trying to concentrate and find what he had asked about. He had kept it from her simply because he didn't want to upset her....his last experiance with a vampire hadn't exactly been the best.

"Abarhi...why were you asking?" she asked softly.

He hesitated "Somthing in my past love" he kissed her forehead lightly.

"What Turan had said..." Nadya said softly. "Love...you don't have to tell me....just know that I love you with all of my heart..." She then kissed him.

"Yes what Turan had said....it's true...." he said softly, holding her kiss in place awhile longer.

"I'm not going to eat you...." she whispered, and kissed him again.

"Thank you...that's preferable" he teased "I know you won't Nadya...i trust you love" nosed her neck.

"I find it preferable too..." she giggled, snuggling into him.

He ran his hand up her back softly, pulling her close to him "I love you Nadya"

Nadya ran a hand up and down his chest, tracing his abs. "I love you too Abarhi...."

He shuddered, nosing her neck slightly before exhaling softly.

Nadya snuggled into him more, and ran her hand over his chest again.

He turned her over so her back was facing him, sliding the upper part of her dress down just enough to toy with her back, neck and ear "How are you love?"

Nadya purred. "I'm wonderful....if you keep doing things like that....it feel soo good...."

He nosed the back of her neck, wrapping his arms around her stomach "Glad to hear it love" he whispered in her ear.

Nadya leaned back against him, tilting her head to the side. "Mhmmmm..."

He nipped her ear before kissing her cheek "You deserve it love"

Nadya giggled. "You deserve this too you know love..." she purred.

"I'm just glad i can make you happy...from what you've told me you haven't known that in awhile....and i'm just happy to love you and make you happy" he kissed her.

"Thank you Abarhi.... I feel the same when it comes to you....you're so great to me that I just want to give some back to you...." she said kissing back.

"Thank you Nadya" he rested his head atop hers, content as could be "Watch it'll be just my luck to get disturbed" he laughed softly.

"I hope your's and my lucky holds..." she giggled.

"You mean you want to get disturbed? Because i can gurentee you the looks on Roan and Turan's faces will be memorable"

"I'm fine with Roan and Turan...it's guest like before I hope don't disturbed...." she giggled snuggling into him.

"Hmmm, no i doubt that would be a problem...and even if they did i wouldn't let them hurt you" he said softly. The warrior in him cried out for the usual hours of training that he'd be engaged in by now....that normally dominant side was supressed...and he was content to leave it so for the moment.

"And I wouldn't let them take you from me..." she whispered before kissing his neck gently. "Do you want to go work out?"

"I'm fine, haven't slept much in the last couple of days" he poked her stomach teasingly then yawned.

"Alright love..." she giggled, poking him back.

He grabbed her, pulling her tightly to him with a kiss "How's about we dissappear for awhile?...forget this little mess that is arising" he said absentmindedly before realizing he was speaking aloud and how ridiculous it must sound.

"I'd love to..." Nadya giggled, smiling after kissing him back. "Where do you want to disappear to?"

"I don't know...some where....hear i know you'd be safest, yet i've always wondered what it'd be like to travel to the other islands" his voice was almost dreamy.

"Let's do that...before I went to the ball with Roan and Turan in the Phoenix Kingdom, I have never been outside of Griffon Kingdom..."

"When do you want to begin this little adventure of ours then love?" he yawned.

"Preferably when you are rested up and not so tired, love..." she said with a kiss to his cheek.

He smiled, running his hand down her back "First time i've rested like this in ages" he purred.

She snuggled into him. "Mmmm.... I'm glad...."

He nosed her, stroking her back gently "What's on your mind love?"

"You are on my mind..."

"What about?"

"our meeting.... the ball...all the way to this moment..." she whispered, and kissed his neck. "I love you so much...."

He sighed with a shiver "What about it?" he was enjoying listening to her talk.

"It was like I was lifted up from the darkness of the night that is my home..." she whispered softly, and kissed him, running her fingers over his chest.

"By the hand of an assasin? And how is that?" his voice shook slightly at her touch. He kissed her shoulder, working his way to her neck.

"Yes by the hand of...and assasin...." she purred, leaning her neck more for his lips. "You are...of light and darkness....assasin or not....you've lite up my life...."

"You say that inspite of the visitors?" he laughed softly, going back over her necks and shoulders an gently mouthing them "And how is it that i did that?" he asked softly

"I..." she started slowly. "I didn't want to be a bother to Turan or to Roan...being a vampire...I can't travel that easily....I was going to....leave after the ball...they'd be able to move more freely with out me...but..." Nadya looked into his eyes. "I met you....and it was like..." she kissed him. "I couldn't leave...I had never felt so happy...because if I hadn't met them...I may not have met you...and it just lights up my heart...having you in my life...I feel I can do just about anything..."

He held her kiss, tracing her neck and shoulders with his fingers "I'm glad i met you Nadya..."now i only hope this isn't a dream his mind finished what he didn't voice "Ya know at the ball? I thought i was getting in way over my head...but now?" he kissed her again "Now i'm happy even if i did"

"I am too, Abarhi...I am too..."

"You know Roan is repulsed by the idea of our relationship? First time i've ever read an emotion other than pissyness at Turan" he laughed softly "I don't see why...considering she taking a liking to Turan inspight of how ardently she opposes him at times...."

"But...why? She...he..." Nadya just snuggled into his chest.

"Somthing about a predator prey relationship doesn't always sit well with people" he said with a shrug "Quite honestly i find it more disturbing an eighteen year old human taking a liking to somone who only counts the centuries rather than the years that he's lived...."

"I've never been a predator either....I...never had to be...until...and they attacked me first...." she whispered.

"I never said you where love....i just don't think they like the notion of a Vampire and an elf who isn't a vampire falling in love...not that i care" he stroked her back gently.

"We're both immortal in our own ways....and having a willing blood source was how I and my family used to live....they didn't just go out and murder....we had humans and others that were loyal to our family, that worked on our lands....we kept them safe from bandits.... but it was the ones that worked directly within the walls of our manor home that even knew that we were vampires, and they agreed to allow us to drain some of their blood to fill our cups....we never bit their necks unless they asked to be a vampire or they wished to live and not die of illness..." she whispered.

"You aren't a murderer love, and like you said they where willing...the image of a vampire though is one who feeds off the blood of other living beings...and that in itself many find repulsive. And yes we are both Immortal in our own ways, and it never ceases to amaze me that mortals crave inmortality...knowing naught the burden they would incure in such a thing. The magic of the elves...it is said can grant a mortal lover immortality, though Turan would know far more about this than i would" he sighed.

"I'm a born vampire...I was born...I had been a baby...and I can grow old...I just have a unique gift went it comes to my own aging....even I can have a child....if...it weren't for the drinking of blood and the sun killing us...I'd be like an elf...."

"So you can experiance everything that say an elf or a human can, except the sun is lethal to you? At least you can age, i can't....i remain the same until i am killed. And being an elf isn't all it's chalked up to be...we have our own problems...namely being so obstinant and divided in race and belief that we can never unite even if we wanted to"

Nadya snuggled into him. "I can keep myself at one age thanks to my gift...."

"You needn't do that for me love...i'll love you no matter what" he nosed her

"I want to....just as I choose to stay a little girl for my mother...."

"Why? Why confine yourself for me? and to what end?"

"Out of love....I did for my mother....I want to for you...." she whispered and kissed him.

"You never cease to amaze me Nadya" he said softly, kissing her in return.

"Love you...." she giggled, snuggling into him.

"Love you to" he exhaled down her with a light laugh.

Nadya snuggled into his chest. "You are so wonderful...."

"And you're beautiful, how is that though? I treat you like you deserve and i'm wonderful for that?" he kissed her underneath her chin.

She purred at the kiss. "Because you have made me the happiest in a long time..."

He kissed her all the way down her neck to the top of her dress "And how is that?"

She shivered and purred. "Because I never knew this type of happiness.... and after....I never thought I'd feel any great happiness family or this...." she purred out, tilting her neck more to the side.

He kissed the side of her neck exposed to him "Well now love...and how do you like it?" he whispered in her ear.

"I love it...all of it...." she whispered. She moved and started to kiss his neck and then slowly to his chest.

He shivered, his muscles tensing, stroking her hair and neck gently.

She pulled back, and then just laid against him.

He made himself comfortable, starting todooze off alittle even.

"In the night....do you want to head out?" Nadya whispered, ending in a yawn.

"If you wish to, then yes i don't see why not love"

Nadya nodded into his chest. "Alright...."

He drew her close against him, kicking himself for his heart pounding in his ears "Where do you want to go Nadya?"

"I thought maybe we could travel to the other islands....I liked the idea when you suggested it....could leave Roan and Turan a note....that's if only you want to....I'm sure you'd want to get back to training which I like that idea too...I could watch..."

"Nadya...i've been training non-stop nearly for the better part of 500 years or so...a few weeks aren't going to hurt that one bit. Yes i suppose it would be proper to leave a note"

She snuggled in with another yawn... we can't have them worrying....so...head out at...around night fall....?"

"Whatever suits your fancy love" he yawned inturn.

Nadya nodded, and soon fell asleep again.

He sat up, keeping her head rested on his chest with his arm around her. He wanted to sleep, but didn't dare for fear of waking and finding it all a dream or missing somthing he would have wanted to see. He contented himself with rest for the time being and whaching her sleep.

When night fully came upon them, Nadya slowly sat up, stretching out like a cat. "Mmmmm....Good Morning, Abarhi...."

"Good morning" he smiled "Sleep well?"

"Yes...did you?" she asked curiously, looking up at him.

"For the hour or so that i did sleep? yes i did" he yawned.

"Will you be able to ride?"

"I'm neither tired nor drunk so yes i will ride" he teased.

Nadya giggled, and kissed his cheek. "I'm glad..."

"So when do you want to leave? I wrote the note and had it placed in the library....kinda left a cruel joke in there to...hope you don't mind" he laughed.

"As well as you don't cause him to be too mad at your joke," Nadya giggled. She stood up off the bed. "Now I just need to find some better traveling clothes..."

He wandered into what looked like an armory closet. Returning wearing what he had worn back at the inn, only this time there weren't any holes torn in it from a fight.

"Don't you look ready for a fight..." she said, smiling and giggling.

"And yet i have neither weapons nor armor" he smiled in return. For once this was true, he had forgone even the normal coat of mail.

"I'm sure you could do alot with just your hands...."

"As i'm sure you're well aware of" he teased. He retrieved a cross bow "These little devils always have a knack for coming in handy..." he tossed it, a satchel full of bolts, and an arm mount for it into a pack.

"I'm sure... will you'll show me how to use it?

"Of course, now then...i think there's a few things that you could wear in the room across the hall"

"Great... I'll check it out....meet you in the stables...?" she asked headed for the door.

"Will do" he smiled.

Nadya smiled and left his room, and went into the other room, closing the door.

Abarhi looked over the letter he had written, laughing lightly to himself.

Nadya opened the door after hearing the knock. "Roan..." she said with a smile. She was dressed in traveler's pants and a tunic top. "How was the rest of your day?"

Roan smiled at her. "It was great. I just came from the beach and wanted to wish you and Abarhi godnight before I headed off to bed."

Nadya hugged Roan. "You have a goodnight...I...I'm sorry about being asleep on Abarhi when you and Turan came in... he was showing me how to use some weapons, and then he was teaching me some elvish..."

Abarhi, pack and letter in hand smiled at Nadya "Ready when you are"

"Don't worry about it, and I don;t think the two of You will have to worry about Turan. You two were just the last straw to a very taxing week. " Roan said as she hugged Nadya back. "Night. I hope both of you get some rest. In the morining were going to have a meeting and cumilate all the information we've gathered then go from there."

Nadya giggled. "Roan...this is my morning...." she said smiling. "I'll tell Abarhi about the meeting..."

"Thanks. and I mean my morning. And will you please sk Abarhi to check on Turan before he goes t sleep. Turan is ne the beach, and I don;t want im to fall a sleep there and catch a cold." Roan said worries.

Nadya nodded giggling. "I'll definitely ask him to do that..."

"He should be fine Roan....he does that alot...drives the poor house keepers crazy with worry" he laughed. Abarhi looked at Nadya "Anything you want to bring in particular?"

"A nice bag for day travel for me to sleep in....no more of the box..." she giggled.

He shook his head with a slight laugh "Of course, i can't have you turning crisp as a roasted chicken now can i?"

"No you can't...though, Abarhi, Roan was just telling me that in the morning there is going to be a meeting to talk about what information we have all heard..."

"Then shall we wait? It's entirely up to you love"

"We'll wait....it may be important...."

"Well I'll see you in the moring. And Abarhi I would still appricate it if you check on him. I'm a worry wort I know, but I still worry." Roan said as she waved them night and walked back to her room.

Abarhi nodded, heading out to check on Turan. The wind was unusually cold and with a slight rain. He waded through the high surf to Turan's spot before sitting down noiselessly in front of him "You know she worries about you?" Turan nearly yelled from being scared "What? who? and don't scare me like that...you should know better!" he growled. Abarhi shook his head "Roan, yes she worries about you...and what the hell! Where did those two wounds come from?...they've opened up again" Turan frowned "Practice...now leave me be....you woke me up an i was in the middle of a rather pleasant dream" Abarhi sighed before returning. He sat in front of the back door drying off.

Nadya sighed watching them.

Abarhi set the towl on the floor casting one last glance at the path leading down to the beach "Just dont get yourself washed out to sea you bloody bastard...after all we've survived that would be a most ignomous end" he said to himself.

Roan sighed as she looked out the window from her bed. His wounds are bound to reopen she thought, but the thoughts are a distration from her real worries. Ever time she thought about it, she kept coming to the same conclusion. Some how her mother knew about Tyradias and her father was here some how. In addition, she knew that she was going to have to figure out the feelins she was having. Was it safe to care, and create bond with the people here? What would happen when or if she had to leave? would it get to be her decision? She finally slipped off to sleep, ut tears ran down her face as she slept. Roan didn't like feelin vulnerable.

Turan stalked into the room, dripping wet head to toe "Damn waves" he mumbled. His wounds had reopened, and had stained most his back and hair red. Abarhi jumped "Well i guess we are even....and do you want me to patch those up, or are you going to wait till morning when you'll have to peel the sheets from your back?"

Roan twist and turned in her bed as she slept, a nightmare plagueing her dreams. Roan walked down a grassy meadow, which was covered in a dark shadow, that chilled her. "Whose there?" She called out loeking around for whom ever she felt watching her. "So you are the choisen one. I'm surprised. I didn't think Tyrnia would ever let you come back to this place after she chose to take you away. But then again she never did have much power." Roan heard a voice, but she still couldn't see who it belonged too. "Who are you? Who is Tyrnia? Please tell me what you want with me." She heard laughter through her head

Turan sat silently in his room, listening to Roan's dream "So...your past soon will reveal itself young one...What a terrifying burden" he said quietly to himself.

"The time will cme when we shall met in person, but for now I will enjoy watching your travels." The voice continued. Roan felt the fear take root in her entire body. "What the hell do you want with me?" She yelled and demanded. This man had no right to do this, expecially in her head. "I'm not some tool, I'm a human being!" "Quite!" Roan winced from the pain from the man's yelling. "Mind your place. YOu are an underling with no right to speak to a god with such disrespect." Roan froze in place as a ten foot black figue appeared infront of her. "You are just like your mother. I should have killed her when I had the chance, but no I let her go to a different dimension. Tyrnia was a fool, hopefully that is one trait I hope you did't inherite from your parents.

Turan gave a start. He had never believed in the gods, considering them little more than fickle beings who are best left alone "And yet you don't have anything to do with this....except by a blood line that you had no control over"

"No!" Roan screamed in her head. "No one will ever control my actions and life." Roan bolted awake , sweat and a chill spread across her body. Tears flowed down her face, and she was unable to stop them. An hour went by befor she f=got out of bed, knowing sleep wasn't going to come. In stead she decided to go back to the place Turan had taken her previously, the beach.

Turan heard her light foot steps, half tempted to follow her but decided against it "So...the gods now meddle in your life as well...and for what? Somthing you don't even have a part in save for things you had no control over" he said softly to himself.

Roan felt a calm come over her as she let the breeze come over her. Every once in a while a tear would flow down her face; however, she had made a decision. Oneshe hoped the others wouls agree on. It would all depend on the metting in the morning.

Nadya walked out into the open air of the outdoors, breathing in the beach air. She walked up to the edge of the water, letting it wash up over her feet.

"It's beautiful isn't it?" Abarhi had come up noiselessly behind her.

Nadya looked back at him. "Yes...it is....the moon light on the water...so beautiful..."

"Just like you" he smiled "I wish you could see it in a sunset, or sunrise...to be honest i've yet to see such a more beautiful assortment of colors"

"It would be amazing if I could..." Nadya said softly, hugging him.

"That it would, but i'll leave you now to enjoy what you can love" he said softly.

Nadya nodded, looking out at the water, watching the ripples in the water.

Abarhi walked away as silently as he had come, heading for the path to the House.

Nadya turned from the water hoping to still see him.

Right before the stairs he took a turn down leading to a door way somewhat hidden. He was headed down to practice. Once down in the darkened pit, so dark few would even be able to see. Abarhi however, felt at home in the palpable blackness. He let fly a ray of fire, lighting up the once grand and well used meeting hall.

Nadya walked back inside, hugging herself as if she were cold. She wasn't cold but she was deep in thought. She was...no is a vampire, how could she think of being with Abarhi. She didn't want to hurt him, to put him in harms way, or to put Turan or Roan in more harm than they were now. She was locked in the darkness of night, and they had both. She headed for one of the empty bedrooms, just sitting on the bed, hugging her knees. Turan...may I...speak with you...? Even if it's just in the mind....?

Turan smiled yes Nadya, what is it?

Turan...I'm sorry... I...you had been so kind to me...you and Roan....and Abarhi.... I... have experienced many things that I haven't been able to in a long time....or haven't experienced at all...I...the ball....just being with people....because of meeting Abarhi I was able to find out that my brother is somewhere out there... that there is a possiblityy that he is still alive....I...I... got to have a small training session with Abarhi...and could see why people train....it was thrilling.....and... Turan...I...even learned some elvish... I... Turan...I don't want to hurt you or Roan or Abarhi....I'll leave if you wish me to...I...can understand...you all can travel easier than I can....I...I'm just going to leave..... her voice was soft in his mind.

Turan gave a start You do not have to leave if you do not want to Nadya, nor do you pose any danger to us. There is nothing keeping you here or preventing you from leaving by force Nadya. I'm glad he could do that for you, and i'm sure you've done alot for him as well

You had been upset...and... we hadn't done anything... I...he told me about you saving him and more...and I...Turan....

Turan laughed gently in her mind Nadya, you worry to much...the frustration came with the surprise...ask Abarhi...i don't like surprises at all. Yes Abarhi and i have been through alot....probably put the boy through more than what i should have to....but no matter, i'm not about to interfere if that's what you're afraid of little one

It was... but I was also afraid because...I can be a distraction if something happens...and I...thank you Turan...I...I just don't want to lose this new family...you, Abarhi, and Roan....

He laughed a laugh not heard by even Abarhi, one of actual happiness not fabricated Nadya, you won't lose us...not on our accounts and i doubt on any account at all....speaking of your love where'd he get himself lost to?

He may have gone to train....I don't know...I...I fought him with hawk talons and an elven sword....and I've never used them before....

hmmm a set of hawks talons? A very good weapon of choice for one such as yourself he mused One would think he'd be by your side so long as you're here and well....wonder what's happened to make him start training so much lately

I don't know...I never understand warriors and their training...but I found it fun....and Abarhi didn't think that hawk talon were good for me...but then again that was the first time I had found or trained like that....

Few do Nadya, and if you want i can make you a set of talons fitted for your personal use. Did he mention anything to you? I haven't had a chance to talk to him lately and i cant help but wonder if somthings come up Turan was fishing for answers. He had a feeling the past had paid him another visit, but wasn't about to come to conclusions.

I'd like that Turan...and...he asked me if a vampire could read in a sense the past, knowing information from when another vampire had feed on the person......

I've heard of that as well....though i doubt you'd want to reed those memories...i don't think he'd want you to read them either only because he wouldn't want to hurt you though...that'd be the only reason why

When he asked me that...I had...feed off him....I wanted to because of what you had said....as if I'd be like the vampire that had hurt him.... she whispered.

i know Nadya, and there's nothing wrong with it if he willingly let you, and you're not like the last one...i think even you would have found it hard to be around the last one...she was....interesting he laughed gently

Thank you...I don't want to be a pain.... she thought to him, relaxing more than she had been.

You aren't, if you want to know about being a pain then talk to Abarhi about his former vamp girl friend....now that was a pain. She was such a...i guess snob would be the word for it

I...I don't want to ask...I don't want to bring up bad memories....

I don't think you will, i almost am inclined to believe that he wants you to ask him.....

You really think so?

Nadya....he loves you, that much is obvious, and i think he wants to tell you everything about his past but he's afraid to because he doesn't want to upset you. Has he mentioned anything about his past catching up with him? Or anything that would agitate him? Turan was fishing for answers now, this wasn't like Abarhi to train so hard so frequently.

I... I...Turan...There was someone... from a...the clan....I....

You sound frightened Nadya...what was his name? his voice in her mind was soothing and understanding, which hid his tension.

I was scared for Abarhi...I... she described the man from the clan.

Well now that certainly answers alot...between you coming into his life and those visits...you've given him somone to protect Nadya, and if you can't find him then he'll most likely be in the arena

I...want to protect him....

Be careful what you want so badly Nadya...you may just get what you want. I don't think Abarhi will let anything get that close to you though

You think so? Is there only one training arena?

About you getting what you're asking for? A chance to protect him? Or him not letting anything get close to you with the intent to harm you? The answer to both is yes. No there is more than one training pit...there's an older one whose entrance is down by the beach

I lost sight of him by the beach...I had gone out there to see the view...

He's most likely then at the deep underground one by the beach. It's a realatively obscure door....i'm thinking it was for games of a much more violent and secretive maner...so who knows what was caged there

Nadya got up off the bed and left her room. I'm going to go find him....

Well then just keep a look out for the tremors and you'll be getting close then....and you'll probably be in for quite a show he laughed softly.

As long as nothing happens like at the ball... I'm sure I'll enjoy seeing it.... She was walking down the hall, heading for the door to the beach.

What happened at the ball? Abarhi hadn't told Turan about Gurthar's attack.

The man that wanted me as a snack...he used me to hurt Abarhi....and... Nadya told him, walking more slowly now, looking about the beach.

ahhh, so you ran into a Crusnik did you? Strange.....they seldom reveal themselves...keep an eye on Abarhi...he'll want to hunt him down which right now would not be a good idea..especialy if this particular goon is with Corus

Turan....you met this Crusnik....in Corus's study...

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