untitled: Beginnings

 

 

 Eos, having been dragged along with  his relative Adorna to visit Jinasen, was now just wandering the halls. Of course the moment they met up they'd ducked somewhere private, so he had decided to wander off and find something interesting to do that did not envolve watching the two entwined. The halls were lonely, his footsteps echoing off the stony walls. He was not used to this place, of the different smells and sights. There must be something to amuse him awhile. 

 

The youth makes his way from the soldiers' barracks that is at the far end of Urius' fine manor towards the main compound with its tall austere buildings with the windows looming down like the glaring eyes. Eos finds himself wandering through a garden of no particular beauty, for most of what grows there is tangled and weeded - a forgotten patch of earth no bigger than a cell with a tiny fountain in the middle. There are windows on all sides of him, producing a sensation of being watched from all angles. 

 

Eos frowned. He never much liked that feeling, but if he saw the man he was hoping to see, perhaps the day would be saved. Eos had had a crush on Urius' nephew, Falcon, since Ceata had been kidnapped. The Starc was fascinating.

 

However, Falcon was not to be found in the halls that Eos had searched thus far, so he sat at the edge of this tiny unattended garden and thinks. If he somehow finds Urius, perhaps he might also find his icy nephew with the pale blue eyes. Then again, if he finds Urius, he might just find Rowan, and that man is not to be trusted. What a predicament poor little Eos is in, causing him to pout most cutely. However, it is as he is in the midst of his sad scoffing, he soon hears the sound of footsteps coming down the hall. Is it his Starc boy toy come to him at last?!

 

Perking up, the slim male eyes the entrance expectantly. He hoped it was him. Eos was at that age  where he would be finding a mate; his eyes set on that pale eyed Starc. He sighed wistfully. How could he even think about being with him if he didn't know whether Falcon was even aware of his existance, or whether he already had his eye on some pretty woman or man? What if he wasn't Falcon's type? Finding love was hard.

 

Eos pondered these things with worry as he sat himself up and stared towards the hallway that connected the little garden to the rest of the house via an open arch. The beautiful young Shadowshifter could see the tall shadow of a person as they walked from the dimly lit hallway, but was disappointed when the boot that shadow was connected with belonged to none other than the irritable Valen cleric, Alpheus. He was a slender youth with very few muscles to define him. What muscle he did have, however, was covered in long flowing robes of white with gold and blue trimming. His hair is long and slicked back, a wheat golden trail of it running down his back. Eyes that are sharp and crisply grey widen slightly at the sight of Eos.

 

"What are you doing here?" Alpheus asks, clutching his books against his chest. 

 

Eos blushed. "I came with Adorna to visit, but she got distracted. So I'm wandering." He replied crisply, shifting uncomfortably under the  angel's disapproving eyes. He did not want to seem silly by saying he was hoping to find Falcon. Alpheus would just scoff at him, though he would probably do so anyway.

 

 Alpheus scoffed, his look of disdain evident. "Probably looking for that no-good Starc..." he says as he stands there with his books against him. It was well known that Alpheus and Falcon did not get along. Both of them, along with Jingarther, Jinaven's son, were competing for the chance to be Prince Sahenna's Second. Alpheus was the intellectual of the three, possessing wonderful skills for organization, research, politics, and academics. His strict attitude at times seemed similar to Falcon's, but the two could never come to agree on anything. They hated each other with a passion, mostly because of their similar competitive natures. 

 

  Eos pouted his bottom lip out in annoyance. "Falcon is plenty good!" He retorted hotly and blushed, looking away before his displeasure gave him away.. Of course the other would be spiteful of Eos liking his rival, to Alpheus, Falcon was the enemy. "Do you know where he is?" He asked tensely.

 

Alpheus' eyes narrowed slightly, their grey color turning darker from the action. "...God, this is sickening. You actually LOVE him, don't you. Otherwise, I would see no reason for the batting of your eyes or the coy blushing when you're around him." He looks away, possibly from disgust or from jealousy. "And his refusal to deter such obvious attempts at flirting is just as unsettling to my stomach..."

 

 Eos went bright red, lavender eyes round as saucers. " S-shut up! What does it matter if I do!?" He asked sharply, glaring at the other. What a snide ass!

 

"Because he is not allowed to marry. It is sickening to think he would want to devote his life to anyone other than Sahenna...Do you even KNOW the penalties for breaking an oath as serious as the one Falcon has taken? By your blank stare, it is quite obvious you do not..." Alpheus' words are mean and sharp. He has never liked Eos all that much - in fact, he doesn't seem to like anyone. Alpheus is a very bitter and lonely person, having grown up in the Valen household among unspeakable horrors. He found solitude and safety in the collection of old tomes his father left him. Now he hardly speaks with people, unless absolutely necessary...or to hurt their feelings. Such a bitter youth Alpheus is. 

 

"What do you mean?" Eos asked, confused.  Not knowing the strange working of these angels. Those he has grown up with were far kinder and a much happier lot, even with their tasks. Sure they had their arguments, but they resolved them without killing each other or being life long enemies.

 

"He is to become Sahenna's Second or Third or Fourth...In doing so, he gives up all his rights to marriage or happiness. To be a Second is to be married to your job...Your union is forbidden. Even though Sahenna has yet to choose what order he will place us, we still belong to him. Our parents signed off on that. If Falcon is to break that, he will be placed into an arranged marriage and shipped off to some other part of Heaven," Alpheus replies with no less of a bite to his tone. he can see the worry in Eos' eyes and merely scoffs at it - a typical Valen reaction. "I can't believe you didn't know this! It only proves the depth of your ignorance."

 

His eyes widened and the edges crinkled in distress. Surely Sahenna would not mind him being lovers with his Second? Sahenna was very kind. He had seemed so when he'd met him before. But this news made his heart ache and tears bite at the edges of his eyes.  "O-Oh..."

 

"Oi! Stop scarin' the hell out o' him, yah tight-ass pencil pusher!" comes a familiar voice from the hall behind Alpheus. The blond turns and glares as the green-haired Jin youth steps out from the building, having obviously heard all the conversation. He frowns upon Alpheus for picking on Eos so...After all, Jingarther knows how much Alpheus would want to have Falcon to himself - he's just a very lonely Valen. "Dun't you pay no mind to 'im, Eos...I dun't think Sahen'd EVER deny you two happiness," Jingarther reassures with his big Jin smile.

 

"You have no proof of that, Jingarther," Alpheus replied crossly. "It is against the law for Falcon to break his oath."

 

"The law my ass! I ain't scared o' a bunch o' stuffy wigged Valens n' their damn law." Jingarther frowns upon Alpheus, sticking out a finger and wagging it in his face. "An' shame on yah fer tryin' to pick on Falcon through Eos! Pickin' on the poor lil' cutie ain't gonna make Sahena pick you first and you know it." Alpheus glares at Jingarther, but says nothing and turns towards the hall.

 

"Do whatever you want, Jin...I have no interest in this anymore." Alpheus then walks away, leaving Eos with his silver-eyed savior.

 

 

 Eos was upset, slim hands folded before him. He took most after his mother, the beautiful little Rowen and his pretty lavender eyes darkened and deepened with worry. A slight, slim creature that seemed to take after a faery than a death angel. "Do you think Sahenna would not allow it?" He asked hesitantly, eyes downcast.

 

Jingarther sighs and walks over to Eos, sitting beside him on the edge of the small fountain. Eos leans lightly against Jingarther, able to smell on him the scent of sweat and earth, the sharp and sweet smell of pine and wood. Jingarther welcomes the youth closer by placing an arm around him, petting his head as he would do to one of his little brothers. "Dun't you let ol' Alpheus get to yah...He jus' can't stand no competition. I'm sure, even if Falcon ain't gonna be his Second, Sahen wouldn't refuse him the right to a lover...I mean, jus' think o' Falcon's parents! Did you know his Da is a Second too?"

 

 Eos shook his head, blinking up at Jingarther curiously, eyes wide.  They are very beautiful, gold lashes fringing them. Perhaps the most striking think about slim, little Eos. He had never heard of his crush's parents,  intrigued to hear of these mysterious people.

 

"Well, his Da is a Second to Prince Conrard, one o' Prince Rowan's peers. Anyways, Lord Stannis - that's Falcon's Da -, he done fell in love with the fiercest woman ever to carry a sword. She's teh only female general to ever fight in a real battlefield setting. Prince Conrard let 'em marry an' now they've got them three kids, Falcon bein' the youngest." Jingarther smiles, petting the other's shoulder. "So, yah see? If an ol' hardass like Conrard is gonna let his Second marry, I'm sure Sahena'd let you be with Falcon...granted you went thorugh all them proper proceedures...which, honestly, ain't worth a lick. My parents ain't ever gone through all them ceremonies an' they're doing jus' fine." Jingarther shrugs. "I guess them Valens an' them Starcs are jus' funny that way."

 

 

Eos smiled up at the big Jin and leaned up to peck him on the cheek. "Thank you Jingarther... that makes me feel much better." He breathed in relief and hugged, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. Sometimes a friend was all one needed to feel better. A bit of reassurance.

 

 Jingarther smiled, petting the other's blonde head. "Aww...Dun't you go an' be cute like that, lest I take ya from Falcon fer good. Now, what'n the hell are you doin' here? This ain't no place fer you, what with Alpheus skulkin' around...You come 'ere with Adorna or somethin'?" Jingarther asks, concern evident in his silvery eyes.

 

 Eos nodded, smiling. "She likes to come here, I like to tag along." He chuckled. "They are rutting in Jinasen's office... it's funny." He mused, leaning into the warmth of Jingarther's sturdy young frame. Really, if he wasn't so enchanted by Falcon he'd have turned his attentions onto the kind young Jin.

 

 Jingarther rolls his eyes, thinking of his uncle's antics. "Oi...I can't believe mah uncle...He's the most impulsive of the eighteen uncles I have." Jingarther shakes his head, letting Eos snuggle close to him as he drapes his forest green cape over the other's slender shoulders. The garment almost wraps around Eos completely like a blanket. "Anyways, why dun't we go inta the kitchen? I was jus' on my way there fer a snack...Maybe Falcon's there, though I dun't know. I could help yah look fer 'im."

 

"Ok." He chirruped, laughing at the look on the other man's face. It was quite amusing just how much Adorna and Jinasen were doing gods knew what on the man's desk. You could tell they adored each other though, especially the way their eyes lit up brightly upon seeing each other. "I'd like that."

 

 Jingarther smiles and nods, getting up then and helping Eos stand. "Good! Cause I make a MEAN sandwich, I tell yah...Mayo n' cheese n' lots o' meat...I think you'll like it. Oh! An' I bet Cook has got some o' her nice oatmeal cookies with rye bread rolls and soup. Mmm...I ain't had mah lunch yet, so I'm STARVIN'," Jingarther blathers on all the way to the kitchens. They are in the further part of the manor, nearly opposite the barracks, with the outdoor ovens and the high chimney stacks for various fire pits that hold all sorts of bubbling honeyed and spiced meats. There seems to be a nice lamb roast already turning for the evening's meal and the spit boy tends to it with care beside his intensely hot oven. Jingarther gets Eos to sit, already being coddled by some of the servants there.

 

"Ooh! He's so precious! Look at those lovely eyes," one of the maids exclaims when she gets up close to look at Eos, petting his cheek. Another remarks about his hair and another about his smooth skin. Cook just shakes her head and smiles.

 

"I dun't know why you didn't come 'ere earlier, youngin'...Look at yah! All skin' n' bones...What DO them Death Angels feed you?" She shakes her head again. "So skinny!"

 

 Eos beamed up at her. "Lots of food, but I just can't seem to get any bigger! You better feed me." He cooed charmingly, working her over with every sly bat of his lashes and bright smile. They always fed him good when he came in here and he adored all the attention. Very much a little charmer, Eos was.

 

 "Goodness, with such a darn sweet smile, you'd think you were a cookie!" Cook laughs, her red curls bouncing. She's a Jin, naturally, for she has the experience of raising many children to know just how to feed an entire household. Her eyes are small, but jolly and brilliant. They sparkle like stars as she kneads the sweet dough for honey rolls. Though her face is freckled and a bit sun burnt, she has the creamiest skin - proof that she's from the mountains. She smiles upon Eos and watches as one of the maids hands him some sweet treats she baked only that morning and a glass of fresh milk. "Now, you eat up, lil'un...I dun't want you to leave 'ere with an empty tummy. I jus' wouldn't forgive myself." She looks up then, seeing some of the servants fluttering by the doorway, all wanting to get a peek at Eos. She puffs right up like a mother hen and brandishes her rolling pin. "Out, the lot of yah! Can't yah see the lil'un is tryin' to eat? Back to work! Shoo! Shoo!"

 

Jingarther only laughs, taking a moment from the sandwich he made to smile at Eos. "I think you're pretty popular 'ere, eh? You can even' make my aunt feel like a mother again, tho' all her children are already grown."

 

 

Eos beamed, nibbling contentedly at his treats. He was very much spoiled, but even so, he was loyal and gentle. A perfect little healer and mother if ever he was to get what he desired.  "Hehe, yes, I am, aren't I?" He grinned.

 

Jingarther laughed, petting his head. "Yer alright there, lil' cutie...I dun't think Falcon'd ever have a chance resistin' you." At the words, Cook seems to turn back from yelling at the servants with a concerned look.

 

"What's this about Falcon yer talkin' about, 'Garther? Dun't tell me our lil'un has fallen fer someone else other than a Jin..." Cook has always been quite adamant about Eos marrying one of her family members. She reasons that only a Jin could love Eos enough. 

 

 

Eos blushed and laughed sheepishly. "I have a crush on Falcon..." He admitted shyly, kicking his slim legs beneath the rough worn table top. They were panty-hosed and the smock he wore was of a pale, dusty green. Eos chose to dress as he pleased and if he wanted to wear stockings and a smock, so be it. "Can't help it, though there are lots of handsome, wunnerful Jins. " He cooed between bites.

 

 

"Yes! An' you should be marryin' one o' 'em so I can really call you mah lil' baby," Cook says with a pout, putting one floured hand on her hip as she stares down at Eos. "An' what a bland ol' Starc you chose! Though...I guess it's damn better than a Valen. Aside from dear Prince Rowan, there ain't any Valen I'd call marriagable..All them stuffy n' angry n' mean...Why, if it weren't fer Prince Rowan, I'd call ALL Valens a sour lot fer sure!" She turns back to her kneading, frowning. Jingarther just sighs.

 

"Awww, c'mon, Cook...Falcon aint' a bad guy...I mean, hell, I work with 'em. Though he ain't the most sociable person, he ain't bad either." Cook just glares at her nephew.

 

"No! He ain't deserving - not one lick! He ain't deserving of the lil'un...he jus' wouldn't love 'im enough, I tell yah. Not enough at all!"

 

 

Eos flushed and squirmed in his seat. He adored the cook, but goodness, he just could not help himself. Falcon attracted him, everything about him. He sighed. "I like him though... and he's nice to me at least." he shrugged and looked down at him lap. As nice as a Starc could be.

 

 

Cook scoffed, frowning still as she wanted so badly to make little Eos a part of her family. However, upon seeing his uncomfortable  look, she leaned over and gave him a little kiss on the cheek. "Fine...I guess I should jus' be happy that ye're happy, lil' one...but, even so, what makes 'im so special? Sure, he's handsome enough, but does he do all the nice things that 'Garther does for you?" Shes stops, thinking a moment and then slapping her hand on her thigh. "I know! You should marry 'Garther." Jingarther almost spits all over Eos, but has the sense of mind to turn away before spitting out his beer. He wipes his mouth, staring with wide eyes.

 

"Cook -!" he protests, having not expected her to say that. "Dun't yah start matchmakin' me, now!"

 

 

Eos laughed loudly and shook his head. "No! I love him bunches, but not like that!" He grinned and squirmed in embarrassed amusement. Silly cook, she was so much fun. "But if stuff goes wrong with Falcon, I'll have my pick of Jins, won't I?" He smirked cheekily up at her.

 

Cook's freckles almost bulge off her cheeks from her wide smile. She reaches over and wraps an arm around Eos, giving him a motherly kiss. "Oooh! O' course yah will! Any one o' my relatives, you can have yer pick of. I promise!" she coos happily, Eos' comment having made her day. Even so, Eos does not wish to ever give up on Falcon. There's something about the youth that is alluring. Perhaps this is how Ceata feels about his own Starc.

 

"Well, we're sorry tah eat n' run, Cook, but I dun promised Eos 'ere that I'd help 'im find 'is B'loved. See yah tonight a dinner?" Jingarther asks, getting a frown from Cook.

 

"Yes! An' dont' you go runnin' off chasin' skirts. I need yah to help me sent out the platters, yah got it?" Cooks voice is stern, but Jingarther casually waves her off.

 

"Yeah, yeah...I promise. Now, c'mon, Eos. I think I might know where that pesky Starc is."

 

 

Eos hugged the cook and kissed her cheek before flitting off to follow his friend from the kitchens. He hoped they'd find Falcon, perhaps this time he'd get it through the Starc's head that he wanted him. Maybe he'd even have to use 'Exodus Tactics' as his father so elegantly explained the hit and run ravage attacks the scarred man so often used on his lovers.

 

 

Jingarther walked along beside the youth, heading down some twisting hallways. Eos was surprised when he suddenly broke from his thoughts and looked around, seeing they were in a stone statue garden that he remembers faintly. This was the place where Ranmaru and Urius fought while he and his brother Varun stole Ceata away. However, what was strangest about this place is that it was snowing...In the middle of August, snow blanketed the ground and continued to fall in little fluffy bits against the many statues, covering them like a shroud. Jingarther simply smiles. "Looks like he's here...It's just a matter of finding where," he says, looking around.

 

Eos  glanced around quickly before stepping into the snow. His boots made a crisp squeaking noise as he began walking, searching for Falcon among the statue ridden garden. He felt a warm flutter in his gut, excited that he was close to seeing Falcon again.

 

The garden was vast with many contorted figures high on stone platforms. Fountains existed there as well, but their water had been frozen in mid-spout. Oh, and the air was so cold. Eos could feel it tickling his skin despite the warmth that filled him, making his cheeks rosy and his nose runny. He ignored the cold though, knowing it meant his icy Starc was around. It didn't take too long to locate him in a rounded square, the air circulating around him so as to make the snowflakes dance at his command. Falcon's powers swirled around him like a fine shield of constantly moving air just hovering over his skin and his black skin-tight muscle shirt. The fabric clung to him and revealed every sensual contour of fine sinew that rippled as he moved with the air. He was running drills with his moves, sending snow this way and that, blanketing the area around him with the fine downy ice crystals. His movements were fluid and graceful, reminding Eos of Exodus when he trains. 

 

Eos shivered in delight. Much like Exodus, save that Exodus was an aunt to him and Falcon was... so much more. He watched with round eyes as the other man practiced, his smock fluttering about wildly in the winds that the other made, his long blond hair fluttering about his beautiful, smooth face. For some reason he couldn't find words. They died on his tongue. Here he was and Eos couldn't even get himself to shout out a greeting.

 

 

Falcon stilled only after a few more minutes of practice, ending with a neutral stance as he let his power fade from him like water rippling off his back. Immediately the snow stopped and the air became warm again, already melting the snow he had created. Falcon closed his eyes and breathed deeply, his body feeling warmed from such prolonged training. He had been at it since early morning and had only stopped for quick meals. Now he felt as though it would be a good time to see Urius to ask for more duties. As of late, there hadn't been enough work for him to amuse himself...and certainly not enough to get Eos out of his mind. Even as he slipped from one position to another with faultless acuracy, he would at time envision Eos' face before his and slip up...He didn't understand why he was so plagued. It made him uneasy. "I should go ask to do some paperwork. Such tediousness will surely cure me of my ailment."

 

"Hello Falcon." The soft voice that often caused him to slip up when he got distracted breathed. Falcon must have been surprised, for he froze and looked wide eyed upon seeing the slim hybrid standing there and watching him. Finally his tongue had unfroze.

 

Falcon didn't quite know what to say, his mouth slightly agape at the sight of the pretty little blonde that had been haunting his waking hours as of late. Then again, he'd also had dreams about Eos as well...but, surely, he had no intention of revealing their explicit nature to anyone. "E-Eos..." he says softly, shock evident in his voice and in his wide ice-blue eyes. He remembers himself though and turns to bow, showing respect for King Lazarus' son. "Good afternoon."

 

Eos beamed at him, walking over swiftly. "Good afternoon to you, lord Falcon." He greeted him warmly, "How are you this fine day?" He asked, cocking his head as he gazed upon this man.  Gods, so gorgeous. How funny that he found himself drawn to a Starc of all races.

 

Falcon bit down the urge to blush, trying to maintain that neutral Starc poise that was so famous among his family. Still, he had a hard time hiding his delight, as his eyes sparkled wonderfully with Eos so close - as though they would admit his feelings even before he could fully grasp such emotions for himself. "I am well. Forgive me for not noticing you - I was in the middle of training," Falcon replies, tearing himself away from the beautiful Eos for a moment to pick up a towel that had been hanging off a statue. He dusts the snow off of it and uses it to dab the sweat from his pale skin.

 

 

"That is fine... it was a joy to watch you. You are very skilled." He mused, walking closer to the man he was enthralled with. "Very, very skilled." He beamed.  Being this close made his heart hammer and delighted shivers raced up his spine.

 

The Starc youth could not suppress his blush then and cleared his throat, looking away with a degree of nervousness. Falcon was never taught how he should court a young beauty like Eos, so the situation made him a bit tense. In the way of most formal romances, he would have gone to Eos' father first and asked to properly "date" Lazarus' son. However, Falcon was not certain if he should do that, what with his duties to Sahenna...and yet...God, the sight of Eos made his chest feel incredibly tight - as well as his pants, but that was another matter entirely. "Um...thank you. I appreciate the compliment. However, I have to be going. I needed to ask my Lord Uncle if he would need my assistance."

 

 Eos frowned, obviously having hoped to steal some of the others time. It would seem the man did not wish to stay in his presence any longer. Eos sighed and nodded. "It was nice seeing you..." He uttered, hiding his dejected look from the man.

 

 

Falcon bowed formally and walked off brusquely, trying to hide his growing blush. He could never manage to talk to Eos for more than a few seconds without feeling dizzy from it. His heart was beating so quickly...what was this irregular pulse of his? This strange heady feeling seemed to increase when he stopped just a moment to look back at the other's figure standing in the snow. Gods, was he beautiful. It made Falcon feel all the more uneasy and he continued on his way. Poor Eos was left to sulk, though Jingarther had seen the exchange and knew enough of Falcon's behavior to realize he was flustered...Falcon was just... Very, very dense. Either way, Jingarther went to console his dear friend.

 

"It's alright, lil' cutie," he started, walking up through the snow that was quickly reverting to slush. "I think you actually made him flustered. That ain't no lil' feat there...I think he likes yah."

 

 

Eos smiled shyly up at Jingarther, sad eyes lower to the slushy ground. "That is good... I just wish I could do more than say hello before he wanders off. Ranmaru and Varun have more luck with their lovers then I do getting one I want." He grumbled in disappointement.

 

Jingarther laughed a little. "What do yah mean? Varun ain't even got a lover and yer brother Ranmaru is...well....he's a special guy, let's just put it that way. I dun't think either of 'em have come so close as you have." The words don't seem to make Eos any happier, worrying Jingarther. He stands there in the snow for a bit, considering things...and then realizing they really do need some help. He reaches out, taking Eos' hand. "C'mon, we're gonna go talk to yer mom."

 

Eos smiled slightly. At least his brothers were able to get bed fellows. Eos did not like taking random lovers, it made him uncomfortable. Varun, despite his scholarly ways, had slept with enough young men and women to make the angelic courts titter with scandal, since a good many of them were from there! As for Ranmaru? He got around when he felt like it.

 

"Hmm...And if we can't find yer mom, maybe we should go an' see Ceata...Hell, he went n' got himself a damn Starc, he should have some advice fer gettin' you one o' yers," Jingarther says as he leads Eos back towards the room where Urius keeps a portal. This portal can connect to any universe he wishes to go to, allowing Urius to go out on errands if he needs to. Of course, it also allows for people like Adorna to come through to his home, but that's only a minor annoyance. Jingarther uses the portal now to step through into the Realm of Death, ending up at the front gate to Death's Castle.

 

Eos followed him, his face a barely concealed mask of worry and unhappiness. He shrugged, smiling at the other male. "I hope so... I don't want to be an old maid!" He chortled nervously, hugging onto the Jins' arm  for much needed support.

 

"You won't, love...If Falcon's too stupid to get you, you know yah always got me," Jingarther replies as they head in through the gates, greeted by some Death Angels. Meanwhile, Rowen is busy with his own stubborn lover as Rughal is still rather displeased with the idea of Varun going to be Rowan's apprentice. Rughal has been sulking angrily for days, and even Rowen's stern words can't get him out of it. 

 

"Now, now, Rughal... you're sulking like a child." Rowen grunted, touching the others cheek with slim, soft digits. The beautiful death angel smiled wryly at him, for he was older then Rughal and liked to rub it in sometimes. More so because he looked like the younger of the pair. How wonderful was that?

 

Rughal gave him a little glare, knowing just was Rowen was doing and frowning for it. "And you seem rather lacking in concern - rather unlike a mother," Rughal replies tartly as he sits in his chair with his arms crossed. He hasn't slept with Rowen or Lazarus in a while. He's been staying in his study, working ceaselessly on various things. Most which he wouldn't care to bother with otherwise.

 

"Sweetheart... I am worried, but I am not going to sulk over it like a child. Death had the final choice in this and he approved it." That had started everyone, since Death very well knew what happened between Ceata and Rowan not to mention  the run ins that Absinthe had. The immortal was cunning, though what went through the god's head was a complete unknown, and if he decided he wanted to send one of the princes to train under Rowan, there was little anyone could do about it.

 

Rughal growls at the thought, knowing that even he, being Varun's father, could not contest Death. It made him angrier than ever and he sat there in his chair, glaring at the wall. "But Rowan hasn't even approved anything...We have no confirmation that he's even going to allow the whole thing to go through..."

 

"All the better then, hmmm? If he does not approve then Lazarus goes mad and Varun stays here." Was his tart reply, eying the other with a sudden venom. "Rughal... this is important to Lazarus, but Death's interest in this makes it important for all of us! He has gone out of his way to make allies with all those that he can." He had better be careful, his temper could be as hot and vicious as Rughal's. Many a night had been spent smoldering alone after a fight.

 

"Even so, he doesn't need a backstabbing Angel as a friend...Do you even know what's going on outside of Death's Realm? The Sombs are on the brink of war because of people like that bastard Rowan-Adonis...I don't want to see Varun get caught up in that," Rughal replies with a growl, staring at the wall still and ignoring Rowen's harsh glare.

 

Rowan glowered at him. "Do you really think me so ignorant!? Of course I know!" He cried and threw his hands up in the air. It made the tight shirt he was wearing bunch tightly to his skin, outlining his nipples and supple stomach in such a manner as to distract his lover. "I have been keeping track of  a lot for both Lazarus and Death!"

 

"Then that begs the question even more, Rowen! Why are you allowing our son to go there? It IS only because of Lazarus, isn't it? I would accept that fact if you would just say it, but trying to cover it up with some sort of benefit beyond the obvious just...well...it infuriates me! Let's just come out and say it - Rowan-Adonis has us by the balls. Even so, I can't believe Death would just take it lying down! Not only this, but what happened to Ceata!" Rughal growls, looking to his lover with rage in his eyes. It is not an anger for his beloved by any measure, but merely his own hatred towards the Angelic Prince that seethes forth into his molten smoke-colored eyes. "That mark is unmistakable, Rowan! Who else would have done it?"

 

Rowen snapped his teeth at the other, glowering. The rage and helplessness on his face was unveiled, just as clear as the pain at how mad his lover was. There was nothing he could do about it, Rughal would shove him off if he tried to calm him and Rowen was not in the mood to even touch Rughal, let alone try to comfort him. "Fine! I admit it! Everything you say is truth because it HAS to be, right!?" He shrieked, his eyes blazing. "Because angels have so much more power then us, hmm?! Because Death is just some naive fool and Lazarus is insane!? Fine!" He stalked out of the room and slammed the door behind him, off to go and brood elsewhere till his temper cooled.

 

Rughal growled as he sat there, glaring off into the distance. He felt helpless and he hated that, wanting with all his heart for Rowen and Lazarus and Death to open their eyes...Rughal knew they were falling deeper and deeper into a trap. It all started those many years ago when Ceata was only a child. Ever since Ceata declared he wanted Urius as his mate, they had been hooked to the infamous Prince definitely. Rughal is worried that this is only the beginning...First Ceata, then Lazarus, then his son Varun. Just what was Rowan-Adonis getting at? And why couldn't Rowen see beyond his own anger to at least CONVERSE about the problem with him? Rughal growled again and gripped his chair, letting the shadows slip in around him as he sat alone in the night.

 

 Meanwhile, Jingarther has made his way deeper into Death's Castle with little Eos by his side. He is searching for any sign of Rowen or Ceata, hoping that, somehow, he may find someone to give proper advice to the saddened little Shadowshifter.

 

What they found was a very lazy Ceata wriggling about in the grass out in the garden. He was laying out in the cooling air and pawing at a fat flower, looking like some large white cat. Taking a much needed break from whatever it was a prince did all day. Perhaps thinking about life, or something.  He blinked up at the two when they stumbled upon him. "Oi? What do you need?"

 

 

"Ah! Jus' the man we was lookin' for...Ceata, you remember me, don't yah? I'm Jingarther...Sahena's bodyguard," Jingarther says as he points to himself, hoping that his face jars Ceata's memory. Jingarther then takes Eos by the shoulders and places the youth in front of him. "This lil' lad is havin' some trouble gettin' a Starc to like 'im. Since I ain't ever gone after a Starc on account of their natures, I thought maybe you could help us out...well, seein' as you got in Lord Urius' pants n' all."

 

 

Ceata chortled lazily at them, a silly grin on his face. "Hmmm? Oh, you mean Falcon, yes?" He mused aloud and sat up before yawning and stretching. His shirt lay beside him and his muscles rippled as he shifted. There was no way that pale skin would do anything but burn. "Well... should be easy enough to tell you how."

 

Jingarther smiled and nodded. "Yup...I knew you were the one to talk to...See what I tell yah, lil cutie? Ain't nothin' to it...Now, Ceata, jus' how would you go about this? I'mma bit curious to know too, seein' as there're plenty of them purdy Starc girls that're jus' askin' fer it."

 

 

He grinned and Eos perked hopefully. "Well, as you both know, Stracs go about in a general haze of haughty ignorance." He drawled, stretching out on the grass again. "They never seem impressed and they sorta ignore you unless you press to get their attentions.  What you have to do is keep pressing, keep worming your way in, though subtly! You don't wanna scare 'em until you have them in the palm of your hand!" He laughed deviously, a wide grin spreading across the young man's pale face. Ironic that the younger of the two would be giving the elder advice.

 

 

Jingarther quirked a brow. "I really have a hard time believing that applies to Lord Urius...but, hell, I guess it's good enough advice," he replies, scratching his head lightly. "But, yah know, Falcon ain't gonna crack like that...Lord Urius may succumb to that there ass shakin' an' a pair o' frilly panties, but I dun't know what Falcon'd do in that there same situation."

 

 

"Of course not! He's a different man... you gotta observe him and see how he ticks!" Ceata scoffed, "Tell me, what does Falcon like?" He asked, twirling a pale finger around the freshly cut blades of grass. The smell of it thick in their nostrils.

 

Jingarther ponders that really hard, it obvious that the gears in his mind are turning by that squelched up look he gets. He strokes his chin for a few minutes more before raising his hands and shrugging. "Dunno! I mean...He ain't much social with us...He's a good fighter, though...Spends a lot o' time trainin' alone. Lot like Lord Urius in that way...He got one o' them senses of justice...an' he HATES Alpheus, but that's jus' because the two're competing against each other...He's the jealous type, I'd think. Can't stand another man gettin' in on what he wants...But, well, ANYWAY, I guess there ain't much else but fightin' an' studying an' battle...Them Starcs aren't big on beer and women." Jingarther pauses a moment, sighing. "What I wouldn't do for a bit o' both right now..."

 

 

Eos froze. Yes, he was the jealous type, wasn't he? An idea formed, remembering Echo's playful come ons. His elder brother already knew and knowing him, he had probably brought it up to Falcon to see what would happen. A riled angel was endlessly amusing after all. "I think I know how to get his attention..." Eos gasped.

 

"Eh? Yah do?" Jingarther blinked, staring at the sweet little Eos who was now smiling with such a cunning air about him. It was a smile Eos wore often in the Castle, for he almost always was thinking of a way to get what he wanted - and almost always got that method to work for him somehow. Even though Eos would blindly follow someone if what they suggested was fun, he was just as good at plotting as Varun. His cuteness just made things all the easier. 

 

Eos nodded. "Yes.... I am going to flirt with him and then flirt with other men." He grinned. "If he responds, then I'll know if he likes me." He flushed slightly, combing his fingers through his long strawberry blond locks. If Falcon liked him... That was the key word.

 

 

Jingarther frowned. "But...ain't that kinda mean? I mean...that'd hurt 'im." He looks down, pouting slightly at the very idea. "I know that'd hurt me...I couldn't dun stand nothin' like that. I'd be sad n' depressed...But I suppose there ain't many other ways. Whaddaya think, Ceata?"

 

 

Ceata nodded, pursing his lips in thought, "It's mean, but Starcs are thick headed and he'll need a nice nip in the ass to react." He chuckled thoughtfully and glanced at Eos. "Give it a shot."

 

Jingarther sighed and shook his head. "I jus' hope I ain't ever gonna fall in love with a Shadowshifter...You guys'd easily have me eatin' out of the palm o' yer hand," Jingarther says rightfully, seeing the two giggling beauties beside him and wondering if such cuteness won't just take over the world. Poor Falcon is in for something dreadful, though, in the end, it will likely be for his own good...That is, if Ranmaru will allow it.

 

"What are you guys talking about?" comes a voice from behind them as Ranmaru glares down at his little brother and his childhood friend Ceata. He can't believe what he's hearing! Eos is in love with Falcon? The very thought enrages him as he can't imagine his sweet little brother going to that cocky Angel. Then again, he's just sore from losing so many times to Falcon.

 

Eos blushed furiously and  narrowed his eyes balefully at his brother in return. "Yeah?! Wanna fight about it?" He demanded defensively, looking ready to bite his brother if he even tried to reply. Ceata chortled in amusement, stretching out and nibbling on a blade of grass. Might be in for a show if Ranmaru kept it up.

 

 

"YES, I want to fight you about it! Damn it, Eos, don't you know what's going on with Varun? Getting more ties to devious and evil Angels isn't going to help that!" Ranmaru protests, causing Jingarther to pout a little. Still, he lays down in the grass beside Ceata and contents himself with weaving a few blades together, enjoying the sun in Death's gardens. "Besides, Falcon is an asshole with that cocky smirk of his and that holier-than-thou attitude...He's a menace! How can you even think of making THAT kind of a person your mate?"

 

"You're just butt-hurt cause he keeps beating you!" Eos snapped loudly, glowering at his brother. Ceata snorted, nearly choking on a laugh. Eos glared at him as well before turning it back on his brother. "And he's not evil! He's very nice!"

 

"How do you know that? He's probably working for that Prince Rowan guy or whatever! He could be part of the reason why mom and dad keep fighting with each other and yet you want to MATE with him? Damn it, Eos, I know you're cute and innocent and stuff, but this is just stupid!" Ranmaru retorts, getting an angry glare from Eos. The little one can be sweet and innocent at times, but he has Rowen's legendary temper and has been known to use it when he doesn't get his way. Jingarther gulps and sits up a little, meaning to run if bloodshed begins.

 

In the next few minutes there was no time for Ranmaru to move before the little blond was on him and giving him the beating of his life. If he thought getting his ass kicked by Falcon was bad, Eos beating him was ten times worse. Not only did he punch, he ripped with his little fingernails and left all sorts of bloody marks until Ceata dragged him off and even then the small man was snarling and trying to get at his brother.

 

Ranmaru spits out some blood and stares with wide grey eyes over at his snarling brother, unbelieving that he would just turn on him like that. He growls and gets to his feet, flying at Eos and getting into an all-out brawl. Only Rei passing by manages to break them up, leaving both a bit bruised and bleeding, but otherwise no worse for the wear. Jingarther looks terrified, now certain he'll never fall in love with a Shadowshifter.

 

Eos was still growling. He was hoping his brother would support him in his quest for a lover, but no! He was saying such horrible things about him and it made him more than a bit angry! He ground his teeth, scowling. Rei glared daggers upon them, making the both of them wilt. "No more of this or I will take you both to see Death." He growled.

 

 

"Sorry, Rei...It won't happen again," Ranmaru says, though he's still glaring at Eos. He hurts like he's never hurt before, knowing that Falcon can sometimes bat him out of the way or freeze his foot, but it's nothing like little claw marks all over the skin. Ranmaru is most thankful that he is able to heal himself, or he would have a very hard time explaining this to his enraged mother. 

 "Um...why dun't I get goin', here? Eheh...No need fer me to loiter," Jingarther pipes in, hoping that someone can direct him towards a portal so he can run very far and very fast. He had no idea that Eos was so powerful! It gives him a new respect for the little lovely and a new fear as well.

 

Ceata chortled and helped him up. "Come along, I'll take you out." He purrs cheekily and tugged the other along after him. No need forcing the poor Jin to put up with two pissy hybrids! Eos nodded to Rei, though he knew it just might happen again if Ranmaru kept it up. His temper was as fiery as his parents'.

 

 

Jingarther followed Ceata along through the halls, seeing various Death Angels pass by either going to work or sending messages to and from Death. He can't believe what an amazing place Death's Castle is, peeking in through open doors when he gets a moment to see all the wonders behind them...As well as some very interesting positions he had not yet considered.  Shadowshifters really are inventive! In any case, he turns at last to look at Ceata, offering the other a shy smile. "So...uh...how're things goin' fer you lately?"

 

 

"Very well..." He rumbled pleasantly, eyes soft and thoughtful. He had been doing something secretive for his lord lately, something only  royalty could do. He had been peering into Absinthe's dreams at times, tugging things from the others mind after run ins with Rowan and then passing on the bits of information to Death. They were learning some interesting things, though as of yet, Rowan was still a neutral and no danger. It was a hard task and one he was still very new to.

 

 

Jingarther pondered the look on the other's face, but was never one to delve deeper when someone looked as though their thoughts were preoccupied. Jingarther simply smiled at Ceata, taking his answer for what it was. "That's good tah hear...It wouldn't make Lord Urius none too happy if you weren't doin' well."

 

 Ceata laughed softly, looking impishly at the other man. "Of course not, which is why I try my hardest to be a happy little monster." He grinned, walking along. Life was good and Ceata, was still childish. They passed a beautiful male angel in his room playing a harp beautiously. Ceata smiled. "Daire gets better and better each day... I have no idea how he does it..."

 

Jingarther's eyes seem to lighten up when he peeks into the room, seeing the lovely angel and blushing. "...Is he some sorta God or somethin'? He sure does play beautifully..." Jingarther says as he lingers just a moment more to look, but continues on. My, with so many beautiful Death Angels around, it would be quite easy for a Jin to get smitten.

 

"He is the leader of the patron angels of art, Muses." Ceata replied, "He's very beautiful, but his heart is damn near unattainable. You can have plenty of his beautiful body, but he will not love a soul. He is jaded in a way." Ceata shrugged.

 

"Oh...I see..." Jingarther sighs, looking back towards the door where Daire was. He feels sad for someone who cannot love, but says nothing more of it. It certainly isn't his business, even if he does pity the beautiful creature that will never know what it feels like to give away one's heart. The two merely continue down the hallway, Jingarther pausing a moment when he sees the double doors that lead into the main hall. "What's in there?"

 

"Oh that? Just the Hall. Doubles as a dining room for everyone." He chuckled. "Wanna go in?" he asked brightly,  enthusiastic as he leads the other over to at least peek into the large room. It is massive and gorgeous, one could get lost in thought while contemplating the many faces carved in the ceiling around the glass that lets in the growing evening light. It expands outward, open, like lacework across the glass, a masterpiece.

 

 

"Wow..." Jingarther whispers, staring at all the grandeur with wide silvery eyes. He steps forth onto the shined tiled floor, the patterns flowing into one beautiful mosaic that centers around the great crystal chandelier hanging down from the high ceiling. His footsteps echo through the hall, giving the room an eerie feeling. "This looks like one o' them beautiful ball rooms at the Palace..." Jingarther says, speaking of the Tenshihana Palace in heaven that very few Jins ever get to see. Only because he is one of Prince Sahenna's bodyguards has he ever had the chance to witness similar grandure of the Angelic sort.

 

"Lovely, isn't it?" Ceata grinned at him, his eyes half closed and thoughtful. "We've not had a party in a long while, but this is where we would throw a function if we were to have one. We eat here, we hold meetings here unless they are private and this is where we come to talk and enjoy ourselves much like one giant family."

 

"Oh, we got one o' those sorts of halls...Mah Great great great great great half-grandfather built this grand ol' beer hall fer us an' we have all our family functions there...Though...it kinda needed to be expanded a few times over, what with the addition of a couple hundred more cousins 'n such. Still, it does good for them smaller family occasi'ns," Jingarther replies with a smile, walking over to a pillar and putting his hand upon it. He can't believe how lovely this place is, having known only simple whitewashed walls and wooden beams all his life. The Jin manor is nothing like House Valen, Starc, Maestar, or Tenshihana. It's built on the edge of the Vale outside of the Citadel and surrounded by trees, built of the turf and the stone around them. It's nothing like the fine stone walls here.

 

Ceata leaned in. "I like to sneak in here sometimes late at night with one of my lovers and have sex. The cries echo delightfully." He breathed teasingly. "I love it very much, it's rather fun." Ah to be young and amorous. How anything got done was a mystery.

 

 

Jingarther blushed outright. "I think yer jus' about hornier than mah dad...An' that ain't no small feat," Jingarther says as he moves away from Ceata, feeling a bit awkward around the youth. He can't imagine that this person managed to snag the most serious and strict Starc Lord he's ever known. Then again, it is said that opposites attract. Suddenly Jingarther wonders if maybe Dair might be attracted to him...It seems impossible.

 

What Daire was attracted to was a mystery, his lovers far and few between. They last no more than a night at the longest. Jingarther would be but another body to warm his bed. Ceata grinned. "I am horrible." He replied smuggly. "No then, you wanted to leave? Or do you wanna look around more?"

 

Jingarther sighed. "I should probably leave...I gotta get back n' make sure Sahenna's okay. He's...uh...purdy upset after hearin' he's gonna get auctioned off soon. I'm jus' glad we Jins don't get no arranged marriages. We follow our hearts," Jingarther says as he taps his chest where his heart is with a smile. The young Jin can't imagine what it must be like to live the life of a Valen, a Starc, or any of the other Houses. It seems that, even though the Jins are hated, they possess the most freedom out of any of the Angels. It's the silver lining, one could say.

 

"Oh? I imagine." Ceata replied and led the way to the door. No, he really couldn't. Ceata couldn't imagine it even if he tried. "Portal should be opened and waiting for you. Off you go now. Take good care of Sahenna." He smiled and patted the Jin comradely on the shoulder.

 

Jingarther turned back a moment, frowning lightly. "Um...couldya tell Eos that I'll see 'im later? I jus' hope he's okay...an' that Ranmaru guy too." Such a caring little sweetheart Jingarther is.  He needs a lover.

 

Ceata snorted in amusement. "Of course, I will tell them." He grinned and waved the man off and out of the castle. He had other business to attend to and leading a Jin around wasn't part of that. Nor was wearing pants.

 

Meanwhile, as Ceata is busy getting his nookie on, a certain Angelic Prince is pacing his room in anger. Sahena has spent the last few hours in his room, angered by his father's choice to arrange a marriage for him without even so much as a mention of it. He's still reeling from his loss to Lazarus (for a loss is inevitable) and the tantalizing few moments he spent in the man's arms. Sahena stares out into the ornamental gardens with their long pond with a dropping edge that blends into the horizon, falling down into a pool below to give the pond a feeling of an unending surface. Beyond that are high stone walls that cut off the Vale from Rowan's mountainside manor. Far in the distance from the rolling green hills and forested valleys inhabited by simple Angelic folk - Regular Angels, as they are called -, one can see the Citadel rising high into the clouds and cutting into the rain-pregnant sky as the light from the setting sun basks everything in a golden peachy glow.

 

Sahena leans against the panes of glass at his window, staring into the distance. He wonders if Lazarus is thinking about him in just that moment, feeling almost starved for news of him. What an irritation it is to be banned from seeing him until the ball to be held in his honor - a ball in which he will be auctioned off like a piece of meat. It makes him angry just thinking of it.

 

The tall shadowshifter was very much thinking of him. He sat, his hair being played with by Akita. The small albino's breath is warm and sweet against his cheek, making him shiver and lean more into the touches.  All he can do is hope and pray that he will be able to win the young Valen's hand, hating that he must use his own son to try and sway Rowan. Death however, was extremely insistant on it, the look in those dark eyes strange. He is not quite sure why his lord so desires this, but he is glad of it. His lord's workings are strange, even after living with him for so many years, Lazarus has not come to fully understand the god. Whatever idea he'd gotten into his head, it would aid him.

 

 

As Lazarus sat and enjoyed the soft hands of his darling Akita, the beautiful albino that had remained by his side for so long, he heard the sound of little feet padding along the floor. Lazarus then saw pretty pale eyes peeking from the doorway with a long fall of gradiented gold-to-red hair with little streaks of black. Aoi crooned softly when she saw Lazarus, having slipped away from her mommy, Ai, for a bit to find the big Shadowshifter who often gave her treats. Her little twin sister was not far behind her, bearing the same markings as Ai with the pale eyes of their fathers. "....'Azuras?" 

 

 

Lazarus smiled slightly, tipping his head to peek at the little ones. He was always amazed by the children that the hybrid had birthed. Fascinating creatures. Ai was a wonder. " Yes little ones?" He asked quietly, gazing fondly down at the tiny children while his pale fingers toyed with a fold in his robes.

 

Aoi shifted nervously before him, looking back at her little sister who was the braver of the two. Still, Aoi had her moments when she could be forward. She would likely be as coy as her mother when she got older. Aoi's sister, Akika, would more than likely have Nathaniel's temperament.  Bratty but oooh-so-sexy! "Um...'Azuras, we was wonderin' if you could tell us a story...Momma is sleepin' 'cause he gots pregnants again...and big brother is off with our daddies to do work for Death-sama...so...um...We cames to bug you."

 

 

Lazarus chuckled softly, the pleasant rumble of his deep voice pleasing to the ear. Deep, smooth like polished stone. "Oh? Well I think I could sit with you two for a while and tell you a story..." He replied, patting his lap so that they would know it was fine to take a seat. He made a fine, comfortable chair as he'd learned from his own children.

 

 

Aoi took her seat only after Akika bounced up into Lazarus' lap. She sat down and then looked up at him expectantly, finding him nice and comfortable to lean against. Lazarus was much like their big brother - Ai's first child with Nathaniel and Balthazar. He was soft and warm and had a very lovely voice. Aoi could fall alseep listening to her brother tell tales. She also enjoyed her fathers' cuddles and her mother's singing. There were so many people here who loved her, and, even though Lazarus was not family, Lazarus felt like the other brother she didn't have yet, but likely would soon. 

 

 Lazarus pet their hair as they sat in his lap, smiling warmly down at them. "Shall I tell you a tale of a prince and a dark lord, my little ones?" He asked them, smiling playfully down at the two little girls. This would keep him from tearing his hair out in stress as he waited for the ball. A distraction, innocent and reassuring.

 

 Aoi and Akika nodded, Akika taking a strand of hair that Akita was not playing with, running her fingers through the black strands lovingly. She smiles so sweetly up at Lazarus, looks as innocent and lovely as her mother. They would certainly be beautiful hybrids when they grew older. And Uzuri had even offered to take them under her wing when they became old enough to learn how to fight. As it was, Uzuri had already offered a safe haven to the Shadowshifters saved from CRISIS - at least those who Death could not shelter himself. "Please, please, tell us," Aoi said as she nuzzled up against Lazarus, smiling. 

 

 

"A long, long time ago... a prince was lost alone in a deep, dark wood. He was lonely and hurt and the wolves were closing in." He began softly, smiling down at them. "Running from them, he ran right into the arms of the lord once thought but a ghost and he was fearful and angry with this lord, for he demanded things of him in return for saving him. But slowly, slowly the two befriended one another and this friendship grew and blossomed and they became lovers." He smiled. "But one day, the prince was murdered and the dark lord was left shattered and filled with a deep sorrow. Many years he waited for his prince to return to him till one day, he found him again, healthy and safe and his forever."

 

 Aoi sighed and nuzzled up against Lazarus, loving the sound of his voice. Still, Akika was curious and raised her hand politely to make a comment. "But why didn't the Lord save the Prince from being murdered? If he loved him so much, he wouldn't leave him...like how Daddy will never leave Mommy," Akika says innocently, her pale eyes glimmering with confusion.

 

 "Sometimes you cannot stop something like that, little one." Lazarus replied with a sigh. "It hurts, but life is never fair." He kissed their foreheads and hugged them before telling them ancient shadowshifter tales, all of them beautiful, some of them sad and many with a great, beautiful ending. They went on for some time, his soothing, warm voice lulling the two small girls.

 

Eventually the two began to get sleepy, their heads lulling and Aoi simply closing her eyes and curling up in Lazarus' arms. Akika tried her very best to stay awake and hear everything, but the clock soon struck midnight and she too was fast asleep in Lazarus' arms. As Lazarus held them, he couldn't help but think of that night before Sahena had left him. He looked so defenseless in his arms, sleeping there for the last time. There would have been so many things Lazarus would have said then if he knew,  but he didn't...How could he have known? Such questions remained unanswered when Lazarus looked up to see Balthazar in the doorway. He smiled upon his children when he saw them. "I had thought they would have come here..."

 

 

"They always do." He replied with a soft chuckle, dark eyes cast down upon the pair asleep in his arms.. "Care to take these little beauties off my lap before I am tempted to eat them up?" He teased and smiled, offering their father their tiny bodies to scoop into his arms.

 

 

Balthazar leaned down and picked up his sleeping children, holding the two little girls in his arms as they snoozed away. They were precious to him and likely he would never have daughters again...As Lazarus said, it was rare for shadowshifters, even hybrids to have female children. Ai truly was an amazing case. "How goes it with you? I hear you must go to Heaven tomorrow for some grand occassion...The girls will surely miss hearing your tales, since my brother, son, and I will be off on business for Lord Death again."

 

"It goes well... and how is your son? He has grown beautifully." Lazarus replied with a tip of his head as he gazed at the other male. He was dreading tomorrow, so much fear in his heart that he would not get Sahenna. There would be many there, all with the same goal: claim Sahena as their own. There was no love in this political dance. If Lazarus couldn't pull this off, Sahena would be lost to him forever.

 

Such fear was exactly what Rowan wanted. He certainly knew how to play with Lazarus and with all these little hooks he was putting into Death's warriors, it seemed as though his plan would work beautifully. Winning Varun was essential to it. If not, everything would crumble before the end came. "Akito is doing rather well. He's become quite skilled - even more than my brother and I. I can't believe what Exodus' training has done...oh, and your guidance, of course. I am truly in your debt," Balthazar replied, holding his sleeping daughters in his arms. It would not be long before they had another addition to their family.

 

The big male chuckled softly. As much as Rowan desired, Lazarus would not be as easy as he thought. The man was resolved, but he would survive it. He was healing, but he was still aching.  Aches eventually dulled."You are very much welcome, Balthazar." He replied warmly.

 

 

Balthazar smiled as he looked to Lazarus, his eyes gentle. "Thank you. And I wish you luck tomorrow." With that, Balthazar turns to leave, meeting his son Akito in the hallway. He hands off Aoi to Akito, seeing as it's hard to carry both seven-year-olds at the same time. 

 

 Lazarus sighed. He hoped luck was on his side, he  worried he was already out of luck.. He glanced at Akita, smiling slightly at the pale albino. "You will do my hair tomorrow, yes?"  Akita smiled. "Of course my lord."