Arman's pale jade eyes slid over the screens, leaning forward on the console before him. He didn't look himself right now, if people in the government could see him now they wouldn't recognize him, and the nobility would have been shocked. No tailored suit, no polished shoes, faint stubble instead of smooth immaculately shaven. Dark green leather leggings hugged his long legs tucked into thigh high black boots that had scuffed well abused steel plates to guard shins knees and thighs, a soft cream colored shirt was untied at the top hanging open, the sleeves rolled up and a dark green leather vest hugged his torso, no cravat, no precious jewels, he wore one earring, a ruby, the only thing of his wife's found where she had died the day he'd lost her and his son Zen.
Zen had been a wonderful child, quiet, Farron had had lungs that could scream the estate down while he was a baby, but Zen had been wonderfully quiet…it was his magic that had been somewhat a challenge. He'd been born wrapped in those black wings, they'd opened slowly, almost wary and protective from the moment Zen had been born. They had been out for the first several weeks of his life…almost like a second child he and Ganier and Mrs. Elan had to handle, they reached for things, seemingly things Zen was interested in, would pull things to Zen and they had to be quick to intercept them.
They had vanished when he was about 6 weeks old but the markings across his shoulders were still there and Ganier's spirits had almost fought over him, she was a celestial summoner, held the 7 Ivory Keys of Enoch, 7 Archangels of immense strength that were loyal and had made Ganier far stronger than her 5' tall slender frame hinted at, the woman could make Arman's arms sore when they sparred, wielding a long sword far bigger and heavier than she should have been able to handle as if it were a letter opener.
She was so beautiful, vibrant, full of laughter and a bold outgoing nature he envied at times, her older brother Tessorin, or Tesso as most called him had helped make her quite the tomboy too, she hated dresses, at home she was always in shorts breeches or jeans and he never managed to get up as easily as she did, she always made it downstairs before him, would be out swimming or on a horse or in the practice ring with her spirits while he was still too groggy to fully function.
He'd loved her from the moment they had met, he'd reached to take her hand as Mirinda Fasion was introducing them at a party and he'd known when he'd met her eyes…her beautiful sky blue eyes, her golden hair hanging down pinned with fine jewels because (he learned later) like hell was she bothering with some time consuming up-do like most of the other ladies wore. Her parents were dignitaries, her father a Baron, they had held the seaside lands where the city of Lucress was, Ganier Lucress, the beloved daughter of the Baron Lucress and Arman had been lost in that moment. He'd been considering dating Mirinda when he'd gone to that Ball. Mirinda was the sister of his friend Lyra, who worked with him and his father in the consulate.
He had become the most sought after young bachelor in Bosco by then, 18, the only son of the Archduke of Infinesse, tall, built like his father with his mothers eyes, Arman was charming, friendly, a little shy and reserved because he was an only child but he was seeking marriage, knew he had to marry and soon, at 18 his father was pushing him hard that way and Mirinda Fasion would have been a good choice, she was from a good family, was a rising star in the Boscan airfleet and had been openly pursuing him for months, showing up at every social gathering he attended and sending him letters and invitations to meet for things that he'd been turning down.
His father, though, had left with his mother for a prolonged diplomatic mission into Xillia leaving Arman in charge of things and the young heir realized quickly he didn't like being alone…and that maybe it was time to really consider what his father had been pushing…that he should at least get engaged.
Then…Ganier Lucress had slid her hand into his.
"Your grace," She'd curtsied like a dancer, and he'd suddenly been keenly aware of many young noblemen watching them, glaring daggers at him, Mirinda looking crestfallen and he hadn't known why for a bit…by the end of the evening though…he'd broken from the party to walk in the moonlit gardens with Ganier and that was it. His heart wasn't his anymore, it was hers. She was sharply intelligent, already had the entire set of the ivory keys, was already lethal with a sword in her hands.
She could sing, dance, loved playing the piano, she adored the Pradesh estate the moment she saw it, enjoyed horses as much as he did, and had a secret love of sordid romance novels…a vice he himself had that she discovered when she'd dropped a book from her bag and he'd snatched it up, blinking in surprise.
"This is Seraphin's new novel…" He said in surprise and eyed her, holding it up out of her reach and she'd narrowed her eyes on him. "How did you get this? It's not out yet…"
"I know the author…give it back, I like those books…they're easy to relax and read when I need to wind down." She'd said, standing with a hip popped out and holding her hand out expectantly.
Arman had smirked, and turned from her, walking away quickly, opening the book to start reading it and she'd gasped "Arman! Give it back!"
"I love this author." He'd told her and she'd almost tripped chasing after him.
"Don't tease me…you're a damned ducal heir, you don't read romance novels." Ganier had snapped, her sass coming out quickly now as the tall man kept her from getting her book.
"I am not "damned" I'm just the Heir of the Archduchy….and I absolutely do read these when I have free time, Savage Surrender was a masterpiece. I read it four times and I've been waiting for this one to come out!" Arman had said, fending her off easily because she was so short beside his 6'3" height.
She had stopped and stared at him, eyes wide and he'd frozen…been completely captivated by her, standing there in the moonlight in the King's rose garden, her blue eyes reflecting the starry sky as the silvery light gleamed on her silken hair, her gown shining in cascades of blue silk that looked out of place with her hands on her hips and her stance anything but ladylike. His heart had hammered in his chest and his hand had sank with the book, she'd suddenly stomped on his foot and as he'd gasped and bent her fist slammed into his stomach and knocked the wind out of him, he'd crumpled to the ground as she'd snatched her book from his loose fingers on his way to the ground.
She'd stood over him, tucking the book back into her bag, bag vanishing into requip storage she'd looked him over, laying on his side holding his mid-section trying to regain his breath, his perfect tailored suit now covered with grass and dirt.
"I'll lend it to you when I'm done reading it…don't steal from a summoner, Arman Pradesh…we aren't nice about that sort of thing." She'd told him as she'd helped him back to his feet.
She had been the focus of his attention from that night forward, she'd gotten pregnant two months later and they were married before the end of the year…his parents had been killed on the mission they had been on and he just had seen no reason to drag things out…Ganier was his happiness, his life…with his parents gone, the weight of his title damn near crushed him with his grief and she'd been there, pregnant and unprepared for becoming an Archduchess it hadn't mattered, she'd stepped to his side and risen to everything that came with being his wife.
She'd lit up Infinesse, made every day a thing of wonder and joy for Arman…and losing her had almost ruined him. Had it not been for her brother Tesso and Farron…he might have died of his grief. Losing Ganier and their son…but he had to care for Farron, who was only 6 at the time, and grieving his mother and baby brother. He'd thrown himself into his work, into being a father, had adopted children he encountered while fighting to end child slavery until the house was a never ending rowdy home of chaos and happy children.
That had been more than 20 years ago, he was still single, unable to even imagine another woman at his side he'd been blessedly busy with his large family, as a single father it had consumed every spare moment and he'd wanted it that way, it made it easy to refuse all the marriage offers, all the requests to date again…his children had grown loved and supported, Arman had done all he needed to do and much more for each of them and Farron had grown up with brothers and sisters in a house full of love, understanding and acceptance and Arman knew he'd not made a mistake there, plenty of small ones, but choosing to honor Ganier's wish to have a big family…to fill their house…it had been the right thing to do for both Farron and himself and each of them was as precious to Arman as Farron was, he adored his children.
It had made the empty seats at the table…the cold side of his bed…easier to bear. He'd lived for years believing his son was dead…and Zen had been here…in Pergrand…growing up a slave, abused instead of loved, tormented, tortured…male slaves didn't have easy lives in Pergrand, the "Pleasure Industry" in Pergrand was not like it was in Bosco, where workers were clean, healthy, respected and the pleasure industry was respected and supported…in the patriarchal society of Pergrand power was everything, you either had it, or you didn't…if you didn't, you could end up truly deeply suffering, and nobody had less power than a slave.
His son had become a Gladiator…fighting in an arena for his life…to entertain people. Gladiator games weren't unique to Pergrand…having slaves fight wasn't unique either, Xillian had similar games, several countries did…but in Pergrand the Gladiators were lusted over by the nobility who enjoyed dominating something that had proven itself to be powerful and deadly. He knew nobles paid to rape Gladiators, it was one of the ways the owners of Gladiators made money. He couldn't even wrap his head around just how much his son must have suffered…while his family was living their lives unaware he was alive.
Well…he was going to get his son back…all of his children were present, Kaleb had mobilized all he had access to, which was more than formidable…White Sea was so large the guild had enough mages and power it could have overthrown a country with relative ease. Not since the Holy Wars had this many mages moved to fight for something…and they were ready, poised…to fight for Arman's son. They were going to try to break him out in a subtle, undercover operation, quiet with minimal fighting…if they could. That was Arman's plan, minimal loss of life, minimal risk…if they could pull it off. If not? Then the Armada of the Fairstar family, of Clan Dolfeini and over 5000 mages would level Damascas if they had to.
Vander, his youngest son, was uniquely equipped for this. Born to the Hussen clan on the grass sea Vander was a shadowquip, a dark magic user that could make shadows work for him, he could dive into the voids between planes of existence, push the beings of darkness that existed in those voids. He was a highly decorated Bloodhunter, one of Bosco's elite assassin spies, only his partner held more "honor" than Vander did and Presca Martel was seated working less than ten feet from Arman's side while Vander was infiltrating the stadium in the center of Damascass…the city of slaves.
It was strange, looking out over the pristine city bustling with trade and wealth, to think this city was the largest slave exchange in the world. In the white granite and marble of that arena, Vander was somewhere trying to locate the wing where Zen was. He wanted Zen back…the stakes were high…there was nothing Arman wouldn't risk for this…except his children, and he hoped he'd made that clear as he'd looked at all of them as they had traveled to Pergrand.
"You will not take big risks…don't…I want Zen back…and we will get him back if I have to raze that whole damn country…but I won't lose any of you for it…you're my children and I don't intend to trade the grief of loosing Zen for loosing one of you…you hear me?" He met each unique set of eyes until they each had softened…until smiles had tipped lips and faces had blushed under their fathers firm assertion that they were loved…precious to him to the point he'd rather fight harder and longer than risk any of them.
Vander was the only one he worried about there…his youngest son was…not known for caution. The extreme opposite really, Vander walked where angels would fear to tread, danced there with wild abandon and confidence. It was well earned, the man trained like a beast, had mastered a magic that usually killed those born with it before they reached the age of 10, had bonded with two Havati serpents…dragon kin flying serpents that were highly intelligent and the most venomous creatures on the planet. Vander literally had that venom flowing in his blood throughout his body now, his youngest son was lethal on almost every level and capable of sliding through shadows, moving from shadow to shadow on the edge of "reality" inside their plane, he could get into places nothing else could, sliding through sealed doors in the shadows created between compressed metal and plastic sealants, between sequenced wards designed to immobilize, injure or kill anyone who tried to get into a place. With magic involved in security on their world, there was more than locks and physical barriers involved.
Vander could undo locks, was well educated in runes and sequences, spoke almost as many languages as Arman and Farron as Ambassadors did, could write them, read them, and was painfully experienced in getting through difficult security systems meant to keep spies like him out. He'd been successful, hugely so, but he'd come home more than once so injured that it had taken him weeks, even months to recover when he came up against something new…he was still young, in his early 20s and had been fighting these fights since he was 15, when the Steel Council had decided, once he was in his mandatory military service…that they were going to "keep" him, make him into a Bloodhunter.
So, his sarcastic, mouthy, defiant devil may care son…had become that instead of the Sudehpah he'd said he wanted to be. Arman had hated it, had fought the council over it, wanting his children to be able to pursue whatever they wanted, but with Vander…because he was so talented, his magic so rare, the Council had held firm, they wouldn't let Vander out of service and Arman, short of breaking the law, couldn't do anything about how his son was assigned or how the Citadel trained him.
The frustration, pain, anger, seeing the youth suffer, all of it though had created what Vander now was, and enabled him to be able to do what he was doing now…infiltrating a highly secure facility in the heart of an enemy nation without setting off alarms so they could locate Zen and hopefully get him out without having to risk all the lives lined up ready to take on this fight.
Out on the deck of the ship Kaleb was standing, letting the crisp spring air over Damascas sharpen his senses while he tried to track where and how Vander was with his magic, something Kaleb was suited to…his Mindbender magic was potent and he already had a link into Vander's mind, something he maintained throughout his family, keeping a little "touch" into each of them so they could communicate whenever they needed to and keep track of each other easily. Everyone had learned growing up how to block it, how to even shut Kaleb out with effective certainty in spite of his overwhelming abilities, it had helped…because Kaleb tended to have no choice than to constantly be hearing people's surface thoughts, which were often disjointed and all over, nonsensical tidbits of their reactions to whatever they were experiencing in their day.Enough Kaleb would get debilitating migraines through his childhood until he'd mastered blocking people out and shielding himself from the onslaught, especially in crowded spaces, the older he got the greater the range of his abilities which added to the intrusion into his head.
Kaleb now had a vast range, his siblings could be in other countries and he could still "talk" to them through the link. Now he was using it to follow Vander's movements semi-well…Vander could dive into those voids so well even Kaleb would lose him because he just wouldn't be in their world while he was. It was a little un-nerving, every time he got deep and out of reach was like he'd died.
The infiltration went smoothly but once Vander was in Kaleb grit his teeth, again losing track of him, the ward system though, not just Vander dancing in and out of their plane was actually interfering and that wasn't something even Kaleb, ranked as a wizard saint by Bosco's Magic Counil, had ever experienced before.…
"I found him." Vander emerged from the shadows, staggering and going to his knees on the deck of the Reaper. Toby's ship was far and away the easiest one to hide, the Starluna had docked, Austeel registering along with Ambrose and Gideon and their father Solomon under the guise of visiting Palance before his wedding, which was planned for a few months away in the fall. Palance being there had given them the chance to get a lot of people into Pergrand, visiting him and meeting his finance and Ephraim VonVoss was welcoming them all with open arms and a graciousness that had made this whole thing work out so much better than they had hoped for.
Kaleb's eyes widened as Cristoff rushed forward to help Vander as blood started pooling under the man as he sagged and fell on his side and then it was visible, his leather melting back away from dozens of holes through him that were about 1 inch wide.
"What the hell happened?" Kaleb gasped, Cris didn't spare him the warning look he knew he deserved…what had happened was less important than Vander being on the deck bleeding riddled with holes.
"Security is tight…nasty ass wards on the A-Rank section….I made a mistake…" Vander rasped, groaning as the smell of mint washed over him and Cristoffs magic made all the pain go away.
"You weren't supposed to go in…you were supposed to locate the wing and come back.." Kaleb grumbled, kneeling now, not concerned about the blood ruining his pants. Their father was fortunately…on the command deck working with Romino, the guilds senior archive mage, filtering through systems while Presca mapped out the power grid for the stadium.
"Yeah…no fun in that…I found him…I can show you where on the map of the place he is, I was able to get in…the wards aren't as tight about getting in…it was when I went out that this happened." Vander said speaking until Cris shushed him.
"Shut up…you can give a report mentally…your lungs are both compromised you ass…I need you to stop using them to talk." Cris snapped
So…like I was saying, the wards are light going in, you don't even SEE the main sequences until you try to get out, they're not designed to keep people out…they're designed very much to keep people IN. Vander said, switching to the family link, which meant everyone in the family heard him now.
Arman came out the doors a moment later and sucked in a breath. "Vander!" the man hurried over, soon kneeling by Kaleb, while Cris worked.
"He'll be ok…I just need him still and not talking." Cris assured them.
We'll need Ariss…there's no cracking those wards Kaleb, whoever wrote them knows their shit and was dead serious about keeping people in there. Vander said
Ariss is here…if anyone can break the wards it'll be him. Kalleb responded looking toward where another Fairstar ship was, the ship was invisible, cloaked right then but it had already gone into Damascas, dropped off the key people, including Ariss, who would be among the "Party Guests" attending the engagement party for Palance and Ephraim that Gregorian Damascas had offered to host. Ephraim hadn't turned the Marquis down, this was a chance for him to network more, introduce his husband's family and friends around, show off the union he'd made.
Ephraim was aware that Palance kept changing the list of people leading up to the party, and he had his suspicions as to why, but in all honesty…he didn't care. Palance was stunning, successful, from a good family, owned a large extremely valuable airship of his own, understood business and hadn't just held his own when Ephraim had been introducing him around to business associates and friends…Palance was charming, caught subjects fast and could join conversations well without sounding awkward…Ephraim felt like he'd hit the jackpot with this marriage so whatever Palance was doing? He was going to go along with it and even help if he was needed.
He didn't exactly love the way his country ran, wasn't a fan of some of the laws, especially around slaves and women in particular, he did what he could and wanted progressive change, he felt like…Palance at his side would just make him stronger, and he was willing to be whatever Palance needed him to be in this. There were over 200 guests, half of them were invited by Palance, which had the Pergrandian people pretty excited, knowing Palance wasn't from Pergrand and that his guests would be from other countries, likely known through Palance's merchant work and travels around the world.
Invitations had been sent out to all of the nobility in Pergrand and Ephraim was a popular man who others wanted to keep in good favor since he ran the Gladiator circuit and was president of the owners association. More than a few were also hoping to meet some lovely influential foreigner they might win at least a date with too, it was a perfect opportunity, one nobody with any sense would want to miss.
Ephraim was talking quietly with the head of his security at the moment though…somehow, a few days ago…something had triggered escape prevention wards…the heaviest ones, the ones that only tripped if something was actually managing to somehow get out of the coliseum A-Rank wing and nothing…ever…had done that before. The wards weren't faulty…they'd been tested and triple checked at this point since the event had happened…
"So the runic mage found nothing…" He said and his man nodded frowning apologetically "Nothing my lord, no trace of anything, not a drop of blood or a stray hair…I had looked into the possibility of a shadow mage? But the wards are set to reach into shadows, into unseen space when passage heading out is detected, we have that phase mage that works with Lord Mortimer…final designs were put together to seize teleports of every variety, light, sound, air…nothing can leave unless it flows either with permission or with one of your seals and you haven't given seals out in years."
Ephraim nodded thoughtfully, glancing toward where Palance was standing, looking stunning in a Pergrandian suit he'd bought for him just yesterday for this party, the man's striking black and white hair hanging around his shoulders, he was standing by his younger brother Austeel and a few nobles talking, smiling and enjoying some wine. He hadn't given a seal to Palance yet…not wanting to burden the man with work outside of what he was used to yet but they had discussed Palance taking on some of the work Ephraim did…getting involved in helping run the circuit and the stadiums.
"So no shadow mage could pass out of the wing…" He handed the report back to the man. "Keep digging, something got in…and I don't mind that…what I mind is that something got out…nothing escapes my Stadiums…not ever." Ephraim said firmly and the man saluted, bowed and hurried away, Ephraim turning smiling and hurrying back to Palance's side.
"Forgive me, business never rests, not even when there's a party that matters to me more than the business does." he said and Palance smiled at him, vivid blue eyes warmer than they had been, Ephraim would like to think affection was starting to happen but it was probably just the good wine.
Two men were off to the side, speaking with Solomon. One had silver hair and was wearing a black and gold dress, embroidered with golden Ankhs and an Anubian collar; the other was very much not human, fox tails that shifted and made it hard to truly count them, the white fur soft, white ears flicking and listening about. The silver haired man moved towards Palace and smiled faintly, "Austeel…Palance, yes? When you have the time…like your family…you are welcomed by the clan, so…we can get your clan tattoos."
Palance smiled at Ephraim's intrigued look "You're going to get tattoos?"
"I am yes, my family has them, I should as well." Palance affirmed. There was some murmuring, an entourage coming into the grand hall, the King among them, Raimarc looking resplendent in the red black and gold of the royal family.
Ephraim looked over, his expression not faltering, his smile not leaving his lips though the happiness dimmed a bit in his eyes. He'd invited the royal family…he was a noble, he had to, he'd hoped Raimarc wouldn't attend given how the man tended to dim the mood of a party…but…with the number of foreigners here for Palance…it wasn't surprising Raimarc had decided to attend.
The man held out a hand to Ephraim, completely seemingly uncaring of the new arrival. "Hestor Kadenza, of Clan Dolfeini, which Palance belongs to."
Ephraim took the hand held out to him, bending over it to kiss the back of it. "I am honored you came all this way Mr. Kedanza, you'll likely want to meet Prince Ivan, he's a devout follower of the Anubian order and advocates for it here in Pergrand. It's a pleasure knowing my husbands people align into some of the same beliefs we hold dear here. Dolfeini is an active clan then? I've done some reading since Palance and I became engaged, I was saddened to see some clans are not still active."
Hestor gave a small nod, "Yes, we are a sea facing clan. We have been active since the old clan wars. Venus is the patron of the clan. My family has Stellan roots from the Anubian city across the border."
"That's fascinating." Ephraim smiled angling a bit to see if he could spot Ivan, maybe have the prince directed this way. "I won't lie, I'm excited that I'm marrying a man with such ties. I hope to become an asset to your clan."
Hestor gave a faint smile, "yes, well..my boys do like their new family well. They are at home though. This is not a place that I feel…no offense meant…safe to bring them to currently."
"You have children? How wonderful, how old are they?" Ephraim asked
Hestor nodded as he slowly sipped his drink, "Ten, three of them, triplets…the backache was tremendous."
Ephraims eyes widened "From…carrying them after they were born?"
Across the way Raimarc was standing, already a glass of wine in his hand, sipping it, smiling faintly…leave it to Count VonVoss to throw an incredible party…there were so many important people here, most of the senate was present and the food looked incredible, the wine was delicious…he could see exotic men among the crowds of people, some so stunning he was practically drooling. He'd not gotten news from Uram that the Dark Eagles ownership had been handed over, and he was annoyed, planned to confront Uram here, see if he could bully his baby brother into finally giving him the Gladiator. It was possible Hesha might attend this, he and Ephraim were friends…and if Hesha did, maybe he'd get to corner the Treasure too…he wasn't seeing lavender hair anywhere though…
Hestor looked amused, "no, during the pregnancy…they had nannies and attendants in Stella for a few years."
"Hestor is what you call a treasure Ephraim…he can carry children." Palance explained and Ephraim stilled, hesitating over his wine glass and glancing toward the King then back at Hestor.
"You…look a lot like our Treasure…we've got one that's been here since he was a baby…I doubt he'll be here…he's been in Icefall with Grand Duke Hesha because…well…he and the King had some disagreements…" Ephraim chose his words carefully, there were too many ears here, he couldn't speak ill of the King, especially with the King present.
Hestor let out a curious sound, "well..fate can be odd…perhaps he is from a fringe part of my extended stellan blood." he gave a faint shrug, "I've found that it is best to not think too much on odd events unless there is a reason to focus on them."
In his search for lavender hair, Raimarc was noting the black and white hair clearly a family trait of Ephraim's fiance, and he spotted a man with white hair and tall fox ears, pursed his lips…that one looked promising…very attractive, he saw Uram, pink hair wasn't common in Pergrand after all but then he saw silver and narrowed his eyes. The Anubian robes were odd…the Treasure was Venusian…but it had to be him, there was no mistaking that face, those blue eyes…he turned, starting over and put off by the mans confidence…he owned the ground he stood on and that was unlike Damien, the treasure he'd known since childhood.
Damien was soft spoken, peaceful, all about love and patience, it was why he'd been easy to prey on, to force into pregnancies he hadn't wanted. Something Raimarc was honestly wanting to do again, he had other plans working right now but dragging Damien into his bed again sure wouldn't hurt his feelings any. Yet this mans smile wasn't soft…what had Hesha done?!
"I want to speak with the treasure." Raimarc said as he reached the group. "Count Ephraim, lord Fairstar, congratulations on your marriage arrangement, I'd like to take the treasure aside for a discussion." He said firmly
Hestor slowly sipped his drink and turned to look at the man, "Yes, you are doing so now, your Majesty."
"No…in private." Raimarc smirked, his expression turning predatory
"I am afraid that I did tell my fiance that I would not do so while I was here tending to Clan matters with Lord Fairstar," Hestor smiled faintly, a sharp smile.
"Your majesty, Please, you have never met Master Hestor Kedanza of Bosco before." Ephraim interjected before Raimarcs suddenly angry expression led to an incident. Clearly Raimarc had seen the resemblance of this man to the treasure he knew.
Hestor held out a hand, "Hestor Kedanza…High Priest of Anubis of Stella, a pleasure. I'm afraid I've never been called a Treasure…an impedance, but never a treasure."
"You…aren't Damien…" Raimarc blinked but took Hestors hand and bent over it.
"No…never been called that in my life, unfortunately..and the Princess of Bosco had many choice names for me," Hestor smiled, "Until recently."
"But…you're a treasure." Raimarc was processing this, interest sparking again.
"Engaged sire, Hestor is engaged to be married." Ephraim said
"But not married yet." Raimarc smiled "Maybe I could convince you to stay here instead."
Hestor blinked very slowly, features holding no emotion, "I cannot. My sons would be very upset should I not return…one of them might actually burn down a village. He's quite impish that way."
"You have sons…" Raimarcs interest went up and Ephraim cursed internally, the King was difficult on a good day and if he scented the possibility of an heir he could get in spite of his curse…
"Yes, all three are summoners, like myself, like my family line," Hestor shrugged a bit, "again, one's a little bit of an energetic thing…who will destroy things randomly."
"We should discuss that Hestor…usually a summoner who hasn't picked up a noted first key by 6 and is overactive, even hyperactive? That's a trait weaponsmasters display." Palance said and even Raimarc blinked, turning to look with interest at Palance
"I see…should I be disturbed that he is biologically like me as well? I had attributed it partly to that…as the four classifications…well weaponmaster has the least documentation…" Hestor looked thoughtful, "On top of discussing your clan markings…there was talk of looking into the pearl trade and…one of my parents pointed out that I am a…teacher and should see if there are any celestial based mage children that do need that assistance."
"There may be some here…but when you go back to Bosco, Austeel should sit down with your son, let him try a contract weapon and see if it's a fit." Palance suggested nodding to Austeel who had drifted a bit, drawn over to a group of men that were more than a little interested in the exotic looking young man.
"That is my future brother in law Lord Quincey." Ephraim called, leveling a warning look on Quincey and his friends, he wasn't going to let Quincey turn one of his future relatives into one of their victims.
Quincey smiled "And he is as handsome as his brother." Quincey waved turning back to the conversation.
"You're a treasure from Bosco…a summoner, engaged to who?" Raimarc asked, not interested in what Quincey was doing, if his friend could score a Fairstar for some fun more power to him, he'd handle Ephraim getting upset, if the young man was stupid enough to get angled into something he deserved it. The Fairstars were dressed well, had their hair down, if they didn't want attention they should have presented themselves more conservatively.
Hestor shrugged, "third son of a noble. Very nice, the boys like him."
"I see, are you from a Noble family yourself?" Raimarc asked, seeming curious but he wasn't stupid, there was no way this man wasn't related to Damien, there were too many similarities, anyone who knew Damien would see it and he hadn't spotted any lavender colored hair, Duke Hesha had long lavender hair, stood out in crowds…so Damien was likely still in Icefall.
"One of the founding families of clan Dolfeini…" Hestor smiled faintly, "and a Stellan family that goes back to Tian Xia before Stella was settled."
"A Tian Xian line, straight from the cradle of Celestial Magics." Uram had come over, he'd spotted Hestor and seen Raimarc there, noted the robes and had come over to make sure Raimarc didn't do something stupid…again.
Hestor nodded, "yes…the hair color is…the family genetics that trace us back to the blessing of Mehturt…Summoners…"
"Beautiful truly." Raimarc smiled
At Uram's elbow bi-colored eyes looked up carefully, leopard ears twitched and a fluffy spotted tail curved around the legs of the man. He looked at Uram, who met his eyes and clearly something passed between them. Uram's eyes widened for a moment and Raimarc frowned.
"No mind talking at a party, Uram." He snapped
Uram blinked "I don't know what you mean brother, I was discussing what Giermo will dance to tonight, he's going to dance for Ephraim and Palance…a gift for Ephraim." Uram said smoothly and Raimarc pursed his lips, his frown giving way to a hint of embarrassment.
Hestor looked delighted for a second, "oh, I do so love surprises that come from that sort of mental conversation, they always seem the best…because you do not know what is coming."
"I see…" Raimarc smiled at Hestor "forgive my rudeness…Uram is a mindbender mage and he's had silent talks leaving me out since we were children…I'm too sensitive about it it seems. My apologies Uram…that does sound lovely."
"Yes, Palance and I would be honored if Giermo would like to add to the entertainment tonight. I do have two matches planned, we've got a silver ice bear from Icerend for the Dark Eagle tonight." Ephraim smiled proudly, he'd been saving that bear for a special occasion, it was not going to be easy to defeat and he was still trying to get Rayven to agree to let the Steel Wolf join the Dark Eagle against it.
Kaleb, did you get that? Hestor asked mentally as he sipped his drink, "I've heard about this Dark Eagle more than a few times…I'm afraid I do not…understand everything yet, only that he is a gladiator?" he gave a very polite smile "it is not a common sort of thing in Bosco..or Stella, so not something I have been exposed to."
Yes, they have him fighting tonight for the party, perfect…we'll have a good chance at him then. Kaleb responded
in otherwords…entertain the sleazy thing until that time? Hestor asked
I'm sorry Hes, Raimarc is one of our biggest obstacles, him and Lord Quincey are the ones most likely to send things spiraling. Kaleb pointed out
I got it…i'll need a bath. Hestor pulled out his com and seemed to send a message, keeping it where no one could see but himself. After a few moments, he let out a low hum, "Alright…while my fiance does not want…privacy with people here.." He smiled faintly at Raimarc as he put the com away, "he has agreed to accompanying you, if you'd like that?"
Uram blanched and so did Ephraim "Oh no, you would miss out on the something…please, dinner will be served in just a few minutes and the entertainment will begin."
"Nothing wrong with being the King's…date for the evening," Hestor smiled "correct? Just a few hours. I am very peckish"
Ivan, Damiens doppelganger is standing here about to let Raimarc walk him off and he's a fucking dignitary from Bosco HELP Uram called to his brother.
I'm still in the middle of fucking evacuations! Ivan shot back of course he's doing SOMETHING! I can't get there…we know Estrelle is coming…they should be here tomorrow morning. I need him there as long as possible so that he and those morons he calls supporters…do not realize that the city is a ghost town…or will be.
Uram glanced at Giermo and the man moved to head for the tables and fetch drinks.
Hestor smiled faintly, "so…your Majesty…how about I regale you with a tale of getting a princess removed from her title?" he understood mindbending magic and as he made sure the man's focus was on him, he sipped his drink *if this works like the one I know…you can hear this. I am aware that I am in a possibly very bad situation. Part of being a summoner. I'm pretty, I'm deadly, I'm good at distractions. If he attempts anything…I will be the one chastised for an international incident by friends this time…and my fiance is the third son of a noble…and guildmaster of White Sea. he didn't seem to spare any attention for anyone but Raimarc, realizing people were trying to keep the king focused..or distracted.
*You are identical to the Treasure Damien, who Raimarc has raped more than once, forced into pregnancies Damien did not want and wasn't even old enough to handle. Be very very careful and if he pushes hard? Call…I will come immediately, I know how to stop him.* Uram said
That name haunts me. It is the name that was given to my stillborn twin Hestor admitted do not worry. I can handle myself, but thank you for telling me that I have some additional allies in this
Raimarc knew how to be charming, and he knew how to flirt though he wasn't exactly subtle about it. He didn't give a damn if Hestor was engaged to some third born son, he was on the arm of a King and would be lucky to stay there, if he played his cards well, he might get the man alone and then…well…if Hestor became pregnant Raimarc could force him to stay in Pergrand, whoever the man's fiance was they could wait, or just fuck off entirely, if this Treasure was good in bed and gave birth to sons? He'd fucking KEEP him, he could ruin the mans reputation, tell his fiance he'd cheated on him because he got starstruck being with a King when he was just engaged to some third born piece of shit.
The party continued, Ephraim made certain Raimarc didn't get a chance to steer Hestor off somewhere, keeping people around the King and while that was managed well, he did lose track of some of the others, but nobody he would consider as dangerous as Raimarc.
Austeel wasn't foolish, he knew the objectives of the evening and how important they were, what he wasn't especially great at was maneuvering people, he'd been raised too honest, he was straight forward as a person and didn't have the social manipulation thing down well, certainly not on a level where he could hold his own among Pergrandians who had all mastered it before they reached puberty.
It culminating in him making a mistake and following Quinceys brother to see the buffet table, the man saying he'd point out some dishes that Austeel should try, the next thing he knew he was in a hall off the main ballroom and something had stabbed his arm. His vision was just starting to cloud when he saw black and red, heard a purring voice.
"Aww…seeking fun away from the crowds? Where's the fun in that?" As Austeel hit the floor Mitchel narrowed his eyes, his older brother should be coming soon, he'd steered their prey off alone…done it quick and quiet…he didn't know who this was…hadn't seen him but the lilt in his voice was a Boscan accent.
"And you are?" He demanded "I'm from the Quincey Barony…he's past the age of consent." He nodded to the dazed man on the floor.
"You mean he's past conscious enough to give consent…why use drugs? Too afraid to ask? There are Boscans here, we like being asked." The man stepped under one of the few lights in the abandoned hall, this hallway connected the ballroom to the administration offices, guests weren't coming this way and there were guards at the doors he'd damn well paid, he stilled though as the light hit red streaked black hair and a handsome face, full lips tipped into a flirty smile.
"Honestly…you're gonna drug one of the hosts' brothers? Seems like social suicide to me…especially when you could have so much more fun with a Boscan that was actually willing to play." The dark man tilted his head, he wore a flawless dark suit that hugged a fine body and Mitchel licked his lips.
"You saying you want to take his place? " He waved toward the man on the ground.
The dark one smirked "Oh baby, I'm all conscious and responsive…I'd be so much more fun…"
Mitchel smiled then, the plan had been simple…get a Fairstar, drug them up, have some fun, and leave him in the room they had told the King about, one of the administrative offices Mitchel had gotten a key for, the King wanted to try one of the black and white brothers, said it was so he could be sure the family belonged in Pergrand…and of course Robert and Mitchel had been all over the idea given how good the Fairstar brothers looked. The King had wanted Solomon, but something about the Peacock on Solomons shoulder had given Mitchel the creeps so they had decided the younger brother was the better choice since Toby looked like he could break a truck in half with his bare hands.
This man though…exotic, gorgeous, he had this dark aura that promised sin on levels that had Mitchel about stumbling over himself to get his hands on the man. He'd barely gotten a kiss, was drinking in the taste of cherries and smoke when the doors opened and his brother came into the hall, Robert frowning a bit seeing Austeel abandoned on the floor and Mitchel pressing a taller darker man against the wall.
"Oooo, more than one? This night just got better." The dark man purred and Mitchel grinned beckoning his brother.
"Found a better one…doesn't even need to be drugged, the King will love him." Mitchell said and Robert glanced from Austeel to the one against the wall who was looking at him with eyes that promised way more than he'd hoped for tonight. He smiled "You know…you may be right…Raimarc wanted a Fairstar…but I bet he'll like you just fine."
"Wait…a foursome?" The dark man moaned, lifting a leg and rubbing his thigh between Mitchels legs making him suck in a sharp breath. "And here I thought I was in for a boring night watching engagement speeches and some asshole beating up a bear."
"We play rough." Robert warned as he approached, loving the wine red color of the dark mans eyes.
"Oh…so do I…so that works for me." The man purred and Robert leaned in, undoing the mans tie, the brothers starting to drag the dark one toward the office and it wasn't hard, he didn't resist, they got him all the way into the office and Robert started pulling out restraints, turning to get them out of the drawer they had stashed everything in when he felt a faint breeze, heard his brother groan and chuckled.
"Better calm down Mitch, you'll peak way too soon, the Kings busy trying to score that Treasure, might be a while before he…" He turned and trailed off, eyes widening seeing his brother's body falling to the floor, the man's head still held up by its hair in the dark man's hand.
"Aww…he came early…peaked too soon…lets make sure you do too." The dark man smiled and Robert opened his mouth to scream…but it was lost, smothered by a gloved hand as he felt his whole life just drain from his body, going limp he was lowered to the floor and calm grey eyes fixed on the man on the desk, looking around.
"You made a mess…" He grumbled "We have to clean this up before the King heads this way."
Vander rolled his eyes and dropped the head, a shadow opening, swallowing both bodies and making them disappear. "I'll let Kaleb know…maybe he can send Xally down or Ariss can cast a rune or something…it's not that bad, I channeled most of the blood into the voids…just got some on the desk…look, not a single drop on my suit." Vander grinned proudly turning around and catching his tie when Presca threw it at him, his partner unimpressed.
"Cida? Can you see this room through your scope?" Presca asked into his ear piece eyeing the windows and opening blinds.
"Oui, whatcha need?" Came the response. The Encan woman yawning, she was bored more than anything, she couldn't just actively help in this operation.
"I mean…I'm feeling a little regicide, you know? Raimarc comes in and you introduce him to your bullet collection." Vander said, as he buttoned his shirt and jacket and got his tie sorted back out.
"Kaleb didn't clear us to kill the King." Presca said blandly
"Better to ask forgiveness than permission." Vander countered
"Van…it's the King of Pergrand." Presca sighed "It would mess with our exit…possibly with Palance's arrangement here."
"Liquid lead an' mercury. It'll feel like a bug bite, kill in about two weeks," Cida said, "was really helpful in th'past."
Vander turned and blew a kiss at the window then grinned at his scowling partner.
"See? Plausible deniability…even you can't have an issue with that. I say if Raimarc comes to this room expecting to rape Austeel he really should meet Cida's best." Vander said and Presca pressed his lips together.
"It is really shitty they were planning that…" Presca grudgingly agreed, if Vander hadn't overheard them and followed Austeel…the man would have been naked tied up on the desk by now…
Cida's voice was gentle "this is 'ow they justify bein' strong: druggin' an' rapin'. They d'serve this."
Presca sighed, pushing brown curls from his face and looking at the window knowing Cida saw him. "Nothing that will immediately kill him…"
"Nope, can adjust th' mix too if ya want. Ya got a target time?" Cida asked, "i can go up ta like…three weeks…"
"We'll be out of here completely in less than 10 hours, two days tops, don't give him time to seek much revenge." Presca said
"Or would ya rath'r…" Cida said "jest paralyze 'im? Cuz…we got th' Estrellan's on th' way too…"
Presca hummed and Vander smirked "I say paralyze him…we can set him up in here all pretty for the Estrellans to find…I could even tie a bow on his dick."
Presca made a face "Gross…not a completely bad idea though…we'd need to move him to Romell so they find him before he dies of dehydration or something." the man said, completely practical even given the subject matter.
Vander sat on the desk and looked between the window and Presca, knowing his team mates could figure these details out…he would do the heavy lifting and staging.
"Cadmium," Cida said, "takes about twenty four hours to paralyze. he'll go on his merry way…an' jest…seize as it attacks nerves an' motor function. Which means ya two go back ta…watchin' th' othr's."
Presca slapped Vanders leg getting a gratifying hiss even if the hard muscle he hit made his hand sting. "Ok, we'll leave the room, it's clean enough, I blew most of the lights so they won't work anyway. Keep an eye on this room Cida." he said, turning to leave the room
"I jest got a coffee…" Cida said…and then there was a shimmer in the corner, something metal curling in through the window…and forming into a small spike above the curtains, "I'll watch, ya two go keep people safe."
"I love being watched…I feel so pretty." Vander grinned, sliding off the desk and following Presca, a moment later a lacrima was pressed to Austeels chest and the man vanished, teleported to the Reaper for Cristoff to evaluate and treat for whatever had been injected into him. Then…the guards on those doors were bypassed so they didn't know anything had happened, Presca emerging from the shadows past the buffet table and Vander re-entering the ballroom from near the stage just as the orchestra started playing and Giermo began dancing…drawing all of the guests to their seats as the stage slowly started sinking, the seating areas rising, the floor smoothly separating so the stage sank and the ballroom became a small indoor arena around that stage. Giermo dancing fluidly, the veils he wore swirling from smooth flawless pale skin and a slender body, he'd been enhanced…and the golden dragon tattoo that dominated his back was on display as he danced, Sevens finest science moving to the music like a snowflake on a breeze.
Ariss was moving around. The man watching, moving between people…almost knowing what would make people red in the face with a few words while being charming and he'd stopped next to Uram at one point, having a soft conversation after watching Giermo on the stage.
Uram had stared at the man "I…he is literally my property…"
Ariss spoke softly, "I am a dragonkyn…a Kitsune…." the ink blue eyes turned to Uram, "I have waited hundreds of years for him."
Uram pressed his lips together, looking to the stage where Giremo danced "You have to keep him safe…I care about him, he's taught my children, and been my companion for most of my life…he was given to me when I was 7 years old…"
"I will find a way to allow you to visit if you desire," Ariss said, "and…he will be safe, my greatest treasure."
Uram nodded quietly, making sure nobody was looking and putting a command stick into Ariss's hand "I understand about Dragonkyn…and I know you are not lying to me…he's got all but one of the keys he needs to complete his set…"
"...he'll get it as soon as we leave, I know where it is," Ariss pursed his lips, "I can smell the…angel on him."
Uram looked at Ariss seriously, keeping his emotions off his face, he'd been looking for a safe way to get Giermo out of Pergrand for years, Raimarc fancied him, like Raimarc fancied anything his brothers had and liked and keeping him safe hadn't been easy, he wouldn't pass up a chance to see his friend into the hands of a Dragonkyn mage that would cherish him…protect him…keep him safe. "If he ever needs anything, reach out." he said, eyes going to the stage, careful not to show the grief he felt suddenly, realizing…he was losing the man, Giermo had been his quiet companion most of his life, had helped him raise his sons, had been there to hold him when he'd learned Delilah had been taken to harvest…years of friendship…and this night was probably the last he'd have around him…
Ariss passed the man a card, "my com identification. You can call at any time." he was watching the stage calmly, ears perked forward.
"Thank you…so much." Uram breathed, eyes locked on his friend now, Giermos dancing had always been impressive, mesmerizing, and now he wanted to memorize it all, every movement, so he would never forget the beautiful friend he'd had.
Ariss murmured "no…thank you. For keeping him safe until now…" he smiled a bit "so many years alone…and now salvation."
"A mate is a Dragonkyns greatest treasure…a friend told me that." Uram said
"I am also a Kitsune," Ariss said, shaking his head, "it..has kept me stable."
"A kitsune and a snowleopard…" Uram smiled "Wait until you see him play with a ball in his leopard form…"
"He'll get along well with the other two cat shifters, I'm sure," Ariss looked amused, "we may have to reinforce the bay windows for weight.."
"Oh he loves laying in windows…and by fireplaces…his fur is…there's nothing so soft, I've spent thousands on pillows and blankets trying to get something close for myself and my sons…nothing compares to how soft he is." Uram chuckled shaking his head.
"Family is sacred," Ariss said, "...I've lost enough over the centuries to know. Do not think of this as him just leaving. You will see him again, you and your children as well."
"I would love that…I own him…but only because he was given to me and owning him kept him safe. He's precious to me, a precious friend. You're from Bosco…he'll thrive there." Uram observed
Ariss nodded, "he will." he smiled faintly, watching Giermo and going quiet, ears swiveling to take in the rest of the room.
Dragonkyn only ever had one mate, like a Dragon, they could find potential mates…but only ever could have one, their mate stabilized them, grounded them, made their ageless nature something they could not only endure but that they could thrive in. They needed their mate…like air to keep from being driven mad by the draconic nature…real dragons were the same way…they needed a mate, a companion for all the ages at their side and the magic of dragons made that union something that blessed the mate with the ageless nature, they would share life, if the Dragonkyn died…so too would the mate, and vice versa, but barring the massive damage it would take to kill one of them…they would live…forever, would never age.
Ariss held two magics there, the Dragonkyn magic gifted to him by Dulliruth, who had chosen the precocious child as his and placed a piece of his soul within him, and the Kitsune, which had allowed Ariss to..not age until he wanted to, he'd remained a small child for centuries, until he'd finally met people he wanted to grow with, not be separated from by the adulthood line. He'd watched a potential grow, thrive and bloom and become strong, and he'd let that one go…remain a friend, because they had ambitions far from libraries and books and studies, but this one? This one he could take out of a slave collar, this one had a magic that loved libraries and books, would thrive at his side…would fit into his life without having to give up anything he loved. Unlike the other one.
Rowan had made his rounds…the plants on the buffet table draining away toxins he'd found in a few dishes, Ephraim had really good security but there were people here who wouldn't mind having the Count out of the way.
Raimarc sat next to Hestor, watching the Sevenese dancer thoughtfully. His eyes scanned the assembled people, most of whom were seated now watching, the entertainment had begun, tables rose before people and wait staff were bringing appetizers and drinks as the evening began…Ephraims talent for spectacle and entertainment becoming clear.
Hestor was careful with his food, elegant, relaxed, but somehow managing to make sure nothing touched his plate unless he wanted it to be there. He made small talk, was firm, if a bit coy, but he exuded confidence, the confidence of someone who was not weak, despite wearing a dress, despite being slender, despite wearing make up. There was an elegant strength to the man that many would call timeless.
Raimarc was enjoying the evening in spite of himself, he knew fun waited for him in a room off the main hall they were in, and he did want to get to that, Fairstar was proud, the men held their heads high, they had a wild air to them…more Pirate than Privateer, a defiance that a noble line rarely carried well, yet Palance had displayed it plenty and so had his brothers from what Raimarc had seen, he'd looked into the family, and liked what he'd found, they had defied their whole country, Austeel, the one that should be tied up and plenty broken in for him by now, had blasted into an MCC re-education camp, taken on hundreds of MCC forces and broken his little brother out and escaped with him…
The whole story had made him smile, had made him hatch the plan to have the young man, claim that fine thing and conquer that defiant territory like only he could. He loved the idea of forcing such a fierce and wild man to submit to him, it was a thrill he loved, and he wanted this treasure…he'd birthed sons…maybe Damien was just tainted, incapable…maybe it was because Damien was so soft and gentle…so he could not bear sons in spite of a stupid curse…maybe getting the Anubian version that was so confident would make the difference? He didn't know but he was willing to try, it wasn't him who would carry the child after all, why should he care how hard it was or what risks were involved.
Giermo danced through two beautiful pieces and Uram was waving off many offers and a few more offers just to pay him handsome sums to let someone borrow the pretty shape shifter for the night.
"No, I've already made a deal with the Boscans." Uram smiled, taking a seat near Raimarc, who frowned at him. Glancing around, he didn't see Ivan…Sergei he knew had gone on some sort of business trip, his ship was gone, his best one too, so he obviously had somewhere important to be, he'd left some large expensive gifts for the couple and Raimarc had needed to scramble to get something a little better to give himself because he'd be damned if Sergei would upstage him there.
He did see Duke Rayven, and Gregorian was seated at Ephraim's table…Ivan was usually somewhere around Rayven or Gregorian…Rayven had been someone Ivan had gotten along with well during his academy days and Gregorian was always near the closer circle around the royal family, he'd been Sergei's closest friend growing up, a friendship their father had encouraged because Damascas was the center of Pergrand's economy. Keeping the Damascas family close made sense and Raimarc had always taken care around Gregorian…wanting the same good will there his father had enjoyed.
Gregorian was one of very few people Raimarc had never hurt or harmed in some way, he'd taken steps…gone to some lengths to make sure of that. Watching now he saw Gregorian talking with Solomon Fairstar and pursed his lips…not sure he wanted Greg too close to the Fairstars given where Solomon's son was right now, maybe he wouldn't go to that room…Gregorian was smiling, laughing at something Solomon said and Raimarc had good intelligence that said it was highly likely Gregorian and Palance had slept together…Gregorian might feel some friendship toward the Fairstars…
No, he couldn't risk pissing off the Marquis of Damascas…the Quincey brothers could have their fun…it was fine if they pissed Gregorian off…he smirked faintly, it could be amusing, seeing Robert and Mitchel suddenly struggling to purchase slaves and run any sort of trade agreements through Damascas after this…if Gregorian complained about their actions he could even punish them…it wasn't like Robert and his brother would do anything, they couldn't, Raimarc was the only reason Robert hadn't gone to prison by now for fucking little boys and Mitchel had beaten the Earl of Mortimer damn near to death when Atticus had tried to refuse joining a little sex party with Mitchel and some of his friends while those two had been dating.
Duke Hesha had wanted blood, Atticus was his friend, and he wanted Mitchel dead, had brought charges, and Raimarc had stepped in, calmed things down, let off his pressure for Hesha to bring Damien back to the capital so he'd settle down, made sure Uram's healer had gone to Atticus and saved the man. Atticus hadn't died, sure he had scars and hadn't really poked his head out much since then but Atticus staying in his laboratory was a good thing, more military advancements.
He smiled at Hestor as the bear was released into the ring below them, the massive silver coated beast roaring. "His coat is the same color as your hair, very beautiful." he observed
Hestor bowed his head slightly and smiled a bit, "it is a very majestic animal. I'm more partial to polar type bears than others..they're more at home in water than other types of bears."
"You said your home was by the water, I suppose that fits." Raimarc smirked coldly as the bear was dragged back by heavy chains on its collar, the doors on the other side of the ring opening.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, as a gift to me…Prince Uram and Duke Rayven have allowed me to arrange this fight featuring The Dark Eagle and the Steel Wolf!" Ephraim said into a microphone brought to him. "I want to thank them both, aside from the one title match last year these two Gladiators have never been in a ring together…I'm sure you are all aware…Icerend Snowbears are extremely dangerous…able to use breath weapons and their bites and claw injuries are usually fatal due to the necrotic magic that permeates them as they grow up on the iceplains of Icerend. This bear weighs in at 2200lbs and stands 18 feet high at the shoulder, the plan was to have a full 6 man team fight him, but instead, to honor my engagement to Palance…the top two gladiators in the country will take it on!"
Hestor sipped his drink, then watched, lips half parting and he murmured "well…now that…is a very nice specimen of a man…" he could appreciate the form, the body. He loved Kaleb, but he wasn't blind, knew how to appreciate a person from a non-sexual view and what he could see was a body that he would love to clothe, love to work with Dominic to clothe.
The Dark Eagle came into the ring, single pauldron on his right shoulder strapped on with a snug leather strap across his broad chest, a simple studded short armored skirt left most of his legs bare and simple shin guards glinted on his lower legs, his feet bare so he didn't have to remove the magic canceller cuffs on his ankles, heavy manacles on his wrists and a golden slave collar around his neck. He spun a longsword in his hand, long dark hair tied back out of his way.
"He's magnificent…just about masculine perfection…so far…untamed, because my brother refuses to break him." Raimarc sneered, eyes raking over the tall Boscan.
The Steel Wolf entered from another set of doors, similarly clad in a single pauldron for his upper body, short armor skirt, but he had a thick white tail, tall wolf ears on top of a thick head of white hair, orange eyes on the bear as he curled lips back off heavy sharp fangs.
The crowd roared as the bear was released, hungry, tormented plenty leading up to this moment and always eager for blood it snarled and charged, it apparently saw the Steel Wolf as the bigger threat, going for him as the Eagle darted to the side with speed and agility that didn't fit his substantial size.
This is it…Vander get ready…you're going to pull him right out of this fight…there are no wards except what's protecting the audience from the ring, nothing beneath the ring… Kaleb's voice came into the heads of everyone there for the rescue.
Be safe. Hestor leaned forward a bit, watching the fight with intensity, lips half parted as he murmured, "Anubis…such speed.."
"He gets a lot of opponents…they always underestimate him because he's so big…but he moves like a man half his size." Raimarc said, leaning forward to watch.
Zen knew an immediate kill wasn't acceptable…he'd been punished for them in the past, this bear was a rare opponent, a special event with mostly nobility in the unique "arena" that Ephraim had designed just for events like this. So, he clipped the bears flank, keeping his blow light, enough to sting, not enough to do much damage, breaking its focus so it turned its head from lunging at the Wolf, the wolf though dipped to the opposite side of the bear, using what the Eagle had done and clipping the bear as well, nailing its shoulder and the animal roared, choosing to follow through its swing at Zen but the Gladiators sword sparked as gleaming steel capped claws raked along the weapon.
He cursed under his breath, legs burning as the bear leaned in with the swing, putting some real weight behind it that he had to hold up and the crowd shouted in appreciation as the famous black wings emerged, slamming down to help brace him and keep him from coming off his feet. Muscle tensed under gleaming oiled tan skin, the Gladiators were always prepared for the fights, made to look even better than they already did, Pergrand sold the spectacle, of raw masculine power and ferocity.
The fight got fast then, the bear wasn't as slow as its size would seem to limit it to either and it could run damn fast, could jump, and it wasn't dumb, Icerend snowbears were known for being intelligent predators and this big male was sharp, it wanted to live, and it wanted to eat, if it wanted both it had to kill these men and it knew it.
Both Zen and the Wolf were pushed to real limits, their skill and physical strength and agility painfully tested for far longer than most fights lasted. The usual fight lasted about 10 to 15 minutes, this one reached 30 minutes before the bear and the men started really getting nasty. The gladiators weren't pulling punches to prolong things anymore, realizing the damage they were doing wasn't getting the results they needed, injuries froze over and the bear kept going…
Both men were dripping sweat, neither one bleeding yet, both well aware they couldn't let claws or teeth land because of the bear's necrotic nature.
Hestor knew they were waiting for an opening, but he wasn't sure what they would be able to use at this point. He sat back a few moments prior, watching still and taking deep breaths as the fight continued. He could see the tiredness growing. They needed a distraction and needed it fast to get him out of there. It needs to be soon..they're tiring.
Zen is mentally closed off, but I'll push harder. Kaleb responded and Zen visibly staggered, grabbing at his head for a moment, then he recovered, looked at the bear and charged it, dropping and skidding underneath it, sword dragging along its side and under it as he went, laying it open and disappearing under it. The Steel wolf lunged in at the same time, cleaving for all he was worth at the bears other side, the bears necrotic innards spilled, the animal thrashing and going down seemingly right on Zen, people bolting to their feet in shocked surprise as the bear thrashed about in its death throws, the Steel wolf dodging away but wide eyed and snarling, rushing in as soon as he could trying to shove the massive dead bear up and get at the gladiator that had disappeared underneath it.
Raimarc put a hand over his mouth, shock there followed by a dark glee…maybe he hadn't tamed the Eagle…but Arman would never know the gruesome death his precious child had just had…crushed under a bear and probably dissolved in its necrotic guts…
The wolf staggered back, arms and hands burned by the extreme cold and already showing festering from the necrotic toxins the bear was riddled with. Guards rushed into the ring, dragging the roaring gladiator away before he could dive in again to try to find the Eagle.
I have him…I'm going to need help Vander said in the group link
Cris, Xally, be ready… Kaleb called
Everyone, use this, we leave NOW
I will as soon as I can get back. Hestor replied, he had a bit more to navigate to leave.
There was some chaos, people were shocked, horrified, A-ranks didn't go down like that, especially not the top A-rank in the country. Ephraim was trying to calm the crowd, calling for men to get chains into the bear and for a containment field to go up that hid the arena from view so the crowd could calm down. Raimarc stood "I need to see the removal of that bear…I want its pelt…" He said firmly "Excuse me Hestor." He said, heading for Ephraim's table.
Ariss was pulling Giermo back away through the crowd, disappearing around a corner…literally activating an emergency lacrima as they went.
Hestor slowly stood, watching and bowing his head a bit and taking a breath, he slowly moved through the crowd away from Raimarc and then was nodding to the fairstars as he went, sliding through the crowd quickly to find a place to use his emergency lacrima to get out.
Guards were helping guests to find comfortable places, bringing drinks, the crowd settled, some deciding that was all they wanted to see, the Dark Eagle had been well known and popular for several years, some were fans and were very upset about seeing him go down. Ephraim made a show of comforting Palance, making excuses that his new husband wasn't yet used to such spectacle and leading him away while ordering the next entertainer to come to occupy the crowd.
Shadows opened on the deck of the Reaper and Zen fell from them, Vander staggering out behind him, both covered in gore from the bear, the necrotic tissue eating at them with alarming voracity.
Cris met Zen's wide alarmed eyes "Sleep Zen." he said abruptly and the big man went limp, flopping onto the deck completely out cold so Cris could get to him as he and Xally started cleaning away the gore, sending it off the deck of the ship while working not to gag or get much on themselves, trying to minimize the damage.
Cida blinked and looked over, "well..shit..am I still doin' tha'?" she had hopped up on the railing as her nose picked up the smell.
Ariss and Giermo appeared, the kitsune lifting the other man up, "you'll be able to call them later. After we're safe."
Giermo was a little wide eyed, looking at Zen as Cristoff worked on him, clearing away the infection and burns steadily whille Xally did the same thing with Vander, the whole time grumbling at him about him needing heavy healing twice on one mission.
Ariss made sure to set Giermo down in a safe place and used the controller to remove the collar on the man. He was semi used to chaos thanks to White Sea. He smiled a bit and murmured, "we'll talk in a bit…I feel as if you are going to want to see to him as well….and I have to go speak to someone to assist you."
Ariss drew himself up and walked to Farron, pulling him to the side and speaking quietly, knowing only Farron and probably Arman would hear, "Farron…he has the same keys as your mother did…he is missing one key, Farron…" the man looked at him for a moment, pleading gently with his eyes as his ears drooped.
Farron was in the middle of watching his long believed dead brother being healed and blinked in a mixture of shock and confusion because he hadn't expected to hear that.
"What?" He frowned, looking at Ariss, not sure he'd heard him right.
Ariss let out a low whine, nodding towards Giermo, "...he's got the same set that your mother had…which means he should be able to help your brother…"
Farron stared at Ariss for a few moments and then looked at Zen, then the blonde man that was huddled now by Zen, staying out of Cris and Armans way but still there.
"He has my mothers keys…the set of angels then?" He asked softly.
Ariss nodded and smiled faintly, "yes…and..will be very special to me, hopefully."
Farron looked at Ariss "You've been a friend of my family since we were children…" He said quietly, reaching into his shirt, he pulled a gold chain and an ivory key from his shirt.
"You…all made me want to grow up," Ariss admitted, "made me want to join..time."
Farron held the key out to him after pulling the chain back over his head. "I…have other things that remind me of my mother…though Raphael used to rock me to sleep some nights." He smiled wistfully
Ariss nuzzled Farron's shoulder gently and murmured, "Thank you…and I am sure…he will still try to be there." he held the key and then moved back to Giermo…putting the hand over the other's shoulder and murmuring, "...you need this."
Giermo turned, sucking in a breath, his eyes widened, locked on the white key. "Oh my Gods…Raphael…" he looked at Ariss "You…you have Raphael…"
"Farron had it," Ariss said gently, "his mother gave it to him all those years ago."
Giermo took the key, holding it to his chest and hugging Ariss with his free arm "Thank you…thank you so much…"
Ariss let out a low purr and murmured "we'll talk about the reason later..for now..you have things to do."
Giermo nodded, eyes going to the key again as he stepped back "Raphael…" he said and vanished in a shower of gold. The beautiful bonde gone into a key trial to earn a contract with the Archangel.
Ariss took a sharp breath at the disappearance, he'd been expecting it, knew it was normal but it still made the dragon within him lurch unpleasantly at their potential disappearing out of their reach, he let out the breath he'd sucked in and then stood there, pursing his lips. He couldn't help much with healing, but he could watch what was going on. He'd gotten a look at the wards at the stadium, but he had a lot to go through with that. He moved back to stand next to Farron, taking a deep breath, all he could do…was wait.
There were about three ticks of the clock and Giermo reappeared, this time with a massive platinum haired Archangel who knelt down by Cristoff, a hand going to Zen's chest and Cristoff looked…relieved, eyes going up as the Archangels magic surged through Zen, his gray skin turning tanned and smooth again, his breathing deepening.
Giermo wasn't in the veils and skimpy clothes he'd been in before either, he was clothed now in soft grey pants, black boots and a bulky sweater. His long blonde hair was clean and tied back and he held a thick book he looked around once Raphael was with Zen and went to Ariss smiling. Ariss…the handsome man who had gotten him out of Pergrand…who had gently removed the slave collar he'd worn for as long as he could remember. A Dragonkyn, that had purred at him, had pulled strings to put a precious key in his hand. He knew what it all meant and it made his heart race.
From his first Ivory key he'd known he was the Keeper of Angels, that he would grow and gather the Enochian 7, the Ivory keys of the 7 Archangels that would help him to be the guide, protector and comfort to those mages who held Archangel magic on Ensla. Uram had been very good about getting him out for key hunts, to accumulate the keys and build his strength, his knowledge, with each Angel he got smarter, knew more, was more and more capable. He knew Zen was the cornerstone, the first born Evening Star. When he'd gotten Gabriels key the black winged General of the Heavenly Host had taught him all about how the triads worked. Always the Evening Star would be first, opening the door, holding it open for the magic to find the other two. Once Zen was there…it was just a matter of time, when the first triad, based from Zen, was complete, others would emerge.
When every organized nation had a triad, variants would start being born or would emerge. The magic would grow as it was meant to, until the world had their own "Host" that would protect it, make Ensla too dangerous for the armies of Hell to risk pushing at. It started with Zen, and he'd known he had to keep Zen alive…he'd done a lot, all that was within his reach to do…but now Zen was free of Pergrand, the shackles and inhibitors that had suppressed his magic his entire life, that had kept it from coaxing out the other two of his triad, were gone. He could bring forth their wings, he was the Keeper. His eyes were warm on Ariss, feeling a connection there already and he was happy about it…a tall and handsome Dragonkyn, a Kitsune, the fox types wwwere always delightfully clever and he wasn't upset about what he suspected her was to Ariss, he just needed to get some things worked out.
"Thank you…Raphael was the last one I was looking for…I have them all now…I'm…well…I'm good." he said and reached to kiss the mans cheek.
Ariss smiled softly, "this is Farron, he had the key…I just simply…knew you needed it. I'm very glad you are better." he took a breath and let out a low sound, "we will be able to talk more, I don't want to interfere with what you need to do…I should have time still."
"Oh…Farron is one of the people I need to see." Giermo smiled and reached out, touching Farron's cheek, Farron's eyes widened, turning gold and lighting up, golden wings ripping through his clothes and making him stagger a step back with a startled cry.
Hestor appeared and let out a sound, "oh for fuck's sake…really!?"
"Push your magic into your wings and pull it back into you to make the wings retract."" Giermo chuckled as Farron was staring, head jerking from side to side to see the golden wings. Patting Farron's arm Giermo walked past him into the command deck where there was soon a flash of golden light.
Hestor was moving after and then let out a strangled sound as he looked into the room, letting out a string of curses in Stellan.
Kaleb stood, shock on his face, a pair of pearl white wings curving from his shoulders. Giermo was beaming
"The Triad is complete…now…others will start emerging all over the world…a triad in each nation…" he said quietly
Hestor was still cursing and trying to process, fixated on at least something he could control, figure out…and cursing seemed to be the current thing that his mind was using to process…Kaleb. Farron, ironically, made sense…Zen had wings…of course Farron did…
Hestor took a breath after a moment and looked up, "fuck…my…life." things just got complicated…he just knew they did. He wasn't sure how complicated yet, but it was.
Giermo guided Kaleb through retracting his wings…something the tall blonde did while absently rubbing his forehead, more than a little overwhelmed in the moment, a whole new magic set…on top of what he already knew…his magical capacity had even increased, the refill rate almost quadrupled and the whole thing had him light headed and trying to think, he was still coordinating people…trying to get them out of Pergrandian airspace while the Fairstars covered their departure and prevented too much suspicion.
Hestor moved into the room, fingers flying over the com system to send messages. They needed to get out, get out now while there was still chaos.
More people teleported to the hidden ships and they started moving, in less than 10 minutes, the people returning to Bosco were aboard, Zen was being carried to a cabin to rest, Vander was as well and they were on their way back home, gaining altitude to get above the biting cold of Icerend as they crossed the border into its territory.
Hestor was watching the northern horizon, watching out north for a reason. He pursed his lips as he took a breath, just seeing the eerie glow that meant more chaos was to come, "...Zen is alright? Or will be?"
"Cris says they got the necrotic infection out of both him and Vander, they both just need some rest, and yes, Zen will be fine…the slave control stick Uram gave to Ariss even works on Zens collar…so we can get that off of him." Kaleb smiled a little shakily
Hestor nodded as he stood there, "so…I guess we've got more to deal with..other than…just us."
Kaleb frowned and reached out, tugging the other into his arms and kissing his forehead "Nothing as important as that…you're my priority Hes, you and the boys." Kaleb said, pushing down his concerns, his worry about having to learn a whole new type of magic. It didn't matter that much, he'd learn, he had to, Hestor, Zen, getting everyone safely home, those were the things that really mattered right now.
Hestor nodded as he leaned into Kaleb, "I gave the order to pull back over com signal. We're on the way home…" he pursed his lips, "...Raimarc Karadin is also creepy."
Kaleb cringed, hugging Hestor tighter to him. "I feel like I need to bathe you a few times…"
Hestor chortled a bit, "I do need a bath, but…just…every instinct told me to be on my guard."
"We found he'd arranged to drug a Fairstar had lord Quincey and his brother do it, they were going to take whichever one they got to a room on the complex and rape them, with the King planning to come after a while and join them." Presca said, dropping into the chair by a range scanner.
"Vander overheard them,,,was tailing Austeel and intercepted Mitchel Quincy just as he was drugging Austeel. The Quincey brothers are…not going to be around anymore."
"...that's…" Hestor scowled, "it explains so many tensing at my agreement to stay with Raimarc."
"Yes…the King isn't to be trusted at all. We also heard the Estrellan Armada is indeed activating and someone in Romell was evacuating people while we were busy with the party." Kaleb said
Hestor pointed towards the north, "That glow, I assume…it..just inspires fear…" he sighed a bit, "Things are about to get complicated more so than normal…because…the MCC should be coming as well."
"I'm sure they will be…they aren't the types to give up easily." Kaleb agreed
Hestor let out a low sound and mumbled, "Farron and wings was a logical leap…you…were not."
Kaleb blushed and shook his head a hand smoothing silver hair back as he looked into Hestors steel blue eyes. He was still reeling over Hestor proposing, overjoyed by it. He knew Hestor loved him, their relationship hadn't been easy through the years Hestor was gathering his keyset, but Hestor had always been there…even while pushing Kaleb away, refusing his advances, he'd napped in the bay window behind Kalebs desk…ordered him meals and made sure he ate them…would come sometimes from the window and thread his fingers through Kalebs hair making the man just melt in his hands. It hadn't been easy, but he couldn't see it any other way, Hestor was just…Hestor, you loved him or you hated him…and Kaleb loved him, with all his heart. "I don't know what to tell you…I don't know who my parents were, my first memories were…my father pulling me out of that cage on the Joyan slave ship."
"It's fine," Hestor said, as calmly as he could. He had a lot of locked away memories himself from over the years, most of them childhood ones due to the trials of his keys, "it is what it is."
Kaleb smiled "Doesn't change the fact you proposed…and I'm holding you to it," Kaleb said holding his hand out where the ring caught the light.
"...I got…abnormally jealous over her touching you," Hestor admitted, lips pursed, "Normally I can brush it off, but…she was being a little bitch and…I got more than a little petty to create chaos so we could come get your brother. I meant it, but…we can both be honest that..the timing was petty…"
"It fits you…I was planning galaxy roses and soft lighting, getting Mr. Elan to cook your favorite meal and having my Dad watch the kids for a night…you tried to strangle the Princess of Bosco…" Kaleb's smile fell though as he drew Hestor a little ways away from the others, Giermo returning to checking on Zen promising lessons would be starting…
"Hes she did a lot more than touch my leg…maybe now, that's she's been dethroned, Cris and I can come forward with all of it, but Farron's going to be angry."
"You should," Hestor scowled, "I…saw the state you two were in a few times…they all need to know she's fucking evil and she should have stayed dead…I know it will..probably air more than you'd like to air, Kaleb, but…even in my worst times? I did not…would not ever think to do what she did." the man pursed his lips a bit as he let his head rest against Kaleb's shoulder, "we'll weather the storm."
"We will, I love you, I've always loved you." Kaleb said his hand still gently stroke Hestors hair, everything had gotten so complex, he didn't blame Lorence, the child had come to White Sea and that was what White Sea was created for…to be sanctuary, protection, education and a way for a mage to have an honest good life. Saving children…Gods if White Sea did nothing else it should always do that, it wasn't Lorence's fault these things had happened…if anything, Lorence coming had triggered the chain of events that had brought Zen to them, had brought an Armada back to Eventide Bay…and a family of good people to White Sea. No, he didn't blame Lorence for the complexities they faced, the real threats rising, he'd just revealed where the evil was…and now it was up to the good and the just, to stand up to it and prevent it from gaining more power. " Zen will recover physically very quickly…and we may need to stay in Pelerno for a while so I can help with the mental part…" He smiled "You can redecorate the Pelerno masters mansion."
Hestor chuckled and then paused, "...one of the Karadins…had your magic, Kaleb."
Kaleb stilled "Mindbender? Among the Karadins?!" That alarmed him, his magic was meant to be a healing sort of magic but it was easy to use it as a weapon.
Hestor nodded, "yes…he warned me about Raimarc. Pink hair…features more delicate than the others, not by much but…the pink hair was not dyed. He…" his brow furrowed, "similar in demeanor to you. Calm, collected…I don't think he was bad."
"Hard to imagine a Karadin as anything but evil given our experiences with the family to this point…" Kaleb admitted, not doubting but wary, Gustan Karadin was why Zen had spent his life in slavery with his family told he was dead.
Hestor said gently, "and hard for people that know of Bosco to think that Kurino was an evil bitch, Kaleb."
Kaleb snorted "Touche…alright…I'll warn my team and warn the Fairstars, if there's a mindbender around, Palance and his family need to be very careful."
"Preparation is key," Hestor smiled, "hope for the best, prepare for the worst…"
Kaleb let out a breath and looked around at the busy command bridge, Toby Fairstar was glancing their way curiously.
"We will, while we're licking our wounds and healing."
Hestor brought a hand up to lightly wave Toby over, though he wasn't moving really, most trying to process and recover.
The man left the command console and came to them, bowing his head a bit. "Masters." Toby was the largest of the Fairstar brothers, as big as his father, tall and imposing, his hair the same half black half white though a good bit of the white was underneath the black hair giving him a darker appearance. His ship reflected him, dark and powerful and he carried a dark keyset, the Black Fates, a black pavo peacock even rested on the back of the captains chair, watching them. But, the seal of Anubis decorated several prominent places on the deck and on the ship, Toby was a devout follower of the Anubian order.
Hestor smiled faintly, "let Palance and your family know..there is a mindbender in Pergrand. Prince Uram is one."
Toby pressed his lips together, brow creasing in a frown "That will make things more complicated…I'll let Lance know." he nodded
"It will, but better to know than to be caught off guard," Hestor said quietly, "he…did not give me the creeps like his brother…but the magic is powerful."
"The men who attacked Austeel, they're dead right? Lance and I need to know…we won't let them keep breathing if they survived…" Toby asked
"As far as I'm aware…Vander was the one that dealt with them…which…means they are most likely…no longer living," Hestor pursed his lips.
Toby smirked "Good…I like Vander already." The man said "I'll go let the family know about that Mindbender, did you need us to do anything else?"
"No..you are clan, it was information that you needed to know," Hestor shrugged a bit, "that and I get this feeling that we're going to be dealing with the MCC again soon…so be ready."
Toby smiled "Oh…they haven't fought anything but the Starluna…and while Austeels ship is good…it wasn't built with sustained heavy combat in mind…" He patted the console closest to him "The Reaper was built for war…So was the Patriarch and the Wanderlust…we'll be ready for them."
Hestor snorted, "I like them..then again..I proposed and then attempted to strangle someone..I may be not all there.."
"What mage is?" Toby shrugged "We're all a little insane." the man chuckled, turning to go send the messages needed and Kaleb looked at Hestor "We wont get back to Bosco until tomorrow, how does a hot bath and room service sound?"
Hestor smiled a bit and nodded, "sounds good." he chuckled softly as he kissed Kaleb's collarbone and mumbled, "i'll make up…trying to kill someone after proposing somehow."
"No need, I feel all protected." Kaleb teased, hand sliding into Hestors so they could head for their cabin.
Hestor let out a laugh, despite it all, "well..I'm glad."
The flight back to Bosco was uneventful, though Zen slept the entire time. Cristoff insisted letting him do so was the best idea, he'd been through more than a little trauma and letting him rest was ideal, so Zen was carried into his childhood home, and laid down in the room that had been his when he was small, it hadn't changed much except the little toddler bed had been replaced with a proper adult bed, Cristoff was not as tall as Zen but the two were built similarly, years working as a model had given him a fairly good eye for sizes so Cristoffs closet was raided to get some clothes for Zen ready and the family settled in at the estate outside Pelerno, waiting for the man to wake up.
Arman, handled the wait as best he could, no sleeping, getting badgered by the Elans and his healer children to sleep and eat, neither of which he really did much. He compromised a little, moving a recliner into Zen's room and napping there between reading and handling work from Zen's bedside.
White Sea returned to its usual work, the surface of things not disturbed by the families rescue of their brother, few outside even had a clue anything had happened at all. The news was dominated by the bigger events in the world. The ongoing civil war in Seven and the Estrellan Empires mobilization of the Armada.
While the Pradesh family waited for Zen to wake…the world waited to see what the Estrellan Empire would do.