The Call

[Max452]

OOC: Thread title is inspired by Regina Spektor's song, The Call. hehe, I think its quite appropriate. lol.

It had been almost six months since he had last seen her. Ian was going crazy without his sister around. He never knew that being separated from her for this long would affect him so, although he would never openly admit that he missed her. True, he had always been more independant than her, but still, he missed her presence, and it also seemed like his parents did as well. Celesti wasn't the same without his twin. Ian sighed. Well, their separation wouldn't last long.

Roland had come to visit Einar and Gianna. Apparently he had come to update them about Eva's progress, but to Ian, that seemed odd. Why would a teacher from New Doru Arabea come to update about Eva? His parents had been in constant scrying contact with his sister and also their rings would tell them if something was wrong. At the thought of his ring, he glanced down, half tempted to utter the spell that would unite him with his Sister. She was so lucky to be a Rider! He was a bit jealous, but happy for her. He absently wondered what the dragon was like now, and if it was as big as Stigandr and Gladia! Probably not. What was even more curious was that Roland left soon after - not even staying for a full hour. He had left with another Rider, promising to be back later that night.

Shrugging, Ian made way to his home, contemplating about dragon riders in general, and perhaps wondering if he could get Stigandr or Gladia to give him a ride to New Doru Arabea without his parents knowing...he just wanted to visit.

A familiar voice reached his ears as he overheard his parents talking to one another.

"I think it would be best for him, Gianna." Einar's voice escaped from the kitchen. "Roland says he has potential and I think it would be good for Ian to see his sister...and protect her as well."

Little did Ian know, that Einar and Gianna were discussing Roland's offer to personally tutor Ian due to his massive magical abilities.

OOC: Let the fun commence!

[Trinn]

OOC:

The thought of sending off Ian to New Doru Arabea as well made Gianna's heart flutter uncomfortably. She really had no reason to worry. After all, Eva was fine there. Flourishing, really. And Ian was already such a strong young lad. "It would be nice to know that Eva had someone familiar around again." she agreed with Einar, while she looked down at her hand and nervously twisted her wedding band around her finger. "It is my hope that perhaps, if he were to go there, that he may impress a dragon hatchling." she confided to her husband. To think that there son might be left out of the bond made her feel slightly sick, for it meant that she would, most likely, live to see her son grow old and die before she herself did, despite his elven heritage. "Alright." she said at last, with a heavy sigh. "He shall go, then."

[Tismri]

OOC: O.o This is going to be soooooo weird...but here goes. lol

Cortell walked liesurely down the streets of Celesti making his way to where his mother and adoptive father lived. He had been out patrolling the outskirts of the town, watching for any threats to the town. He had been taught his entire life to protect those he cherished, and in reality that had become this entire village.
Well...almost the entire village.
As he walked toward home, he spotted Ian near his own parents' house, standing under a window as if listening. Cortell liked the kid well enough most of the time, but occasionally he would do something that would just grate against him. Maybe it just had something to do with the fact that he had to share all the girls' attention with him. The females all seemed evenly split in their affections between the two of them.
Cortell mentally sighed, his mother's admonishments from many years echoing in his head. Women are something to be cherished and protected, Cortell, she would tell him, almost fervently, as if she was afraid of him thinking otherwise. You need to care about them, and not toy with them as if they are just entertaining.
He knew by now why she was so afraid, of course. By the time he was thirteen, his mother's paranoia got to him and he started asking questions of Marcus, and later of Gianna and Einar. He learned the identity of his father, a man named Tyr Valentine, and how he had used and abused both Gianna and his mother, and how he had cause Einar to go mad, and was overall a very shallow, even genuinely evil man. Cortell was, of course, repulsed by the thought, and refused to acknowledge this man, knowing Marcus as his only real father.
Still, there was nothing wrong with having some fun with a few girls, right? Just flirt with them a bit. Cortell shrugged the thought off and approached Ian.
"What are you up to, Ian?" he asked the other boy curiously, wondering why he was listening under his kitchen window.

[Max452]

"He'll be fine, my love." Einar reassured his wife before kissing her gently. "Our children will be fine." He rested his forehead against her's as he brought her into an embrace.

Ian's mind thrilled at the prospect of what he had just overheard! He was going to New Doru Arabea!!! He was going to see his sister again! And maybe become a Dragon Rider too! That caused a smile to form. As a rider, he could help make things better! His thoughts stopped as he heard his father speak again.

"You know, Gianna, the house is going to be quite empty without the children around, and you know how much I've grown accustomed to a full house..." Einar's expression turned devious. "We'll have plenty of opportunites to fill it again..."

Ian thought he just vomited in his mouth. That was something he wished he never overheard! The young man tried not to shiver at the thought of his parents being intimate, but rather concentrated on the prospect of being a Rider with his Sister. Well, this was going to be great! Ian decided that he would sneak off and wait until his parents were...less mushy before bombarding them. However, at that thought, he heard a voice behind him, causing him to tense. He recognized that voice. Glancing over his shoulder, he pressed his finger against his lip and tapped his mind as to communicate with Cortell.

Father and Mother have decided to let me go and train with the dragon riders! He explained with some enthusiasm. I don't want them to find out that I overheard...

"And yet, here you are, eavesdropping." Einar's voice caused his son to jump.
"Father!" Ian stood up straight as his father looked at him and then at Cortell.
"Well, that saves me some time to explain. I'm assuming you want to go?" Einar tried his best to look stern, but the thin smile was slowly forming.
"YES! Yes, I do, Father!" Ian cried out with excitment.
"Go on and pack then. Roland will be back to guide us all. We'll fly together to drop you off, and I know your mother will be excited to see Eva, as she us."
"Yes, sir!" Ian nodded his head. "It's good to see you, Cortell, sorry can't talk!" Ian replied, for once not showing any annoyance with his friend as he ran inside the house to gather his things.

Einar chuckled and nodded for Cortell to come inside the house - the young man was partically family and never really needed permission to enter. "How are you, Cortell?" Einar asked as he stood by his wife.

[Trinn]

Gianna smirked at Einar's comment, letting him kiss her. What he didn't know was that she, in fact, was pregnant again. How far along, she couldn't yet quite tell. Before she could surprise him with the news, their nice kiss was interrupted. Gianna rolled her eyes, sensing Ian's presence. She followed Einar out of the house and stood back as he tried to scold their son. She watched Ian run off with a bit of sadness. How soon children grew up. Gianna let her eyes follow Ian as long as she could, before he was lost in sight. He will be alright. Gladia said, brushing up against her mind. Gianna immediately relaxed. Gladia was the constant in her life, the bond that gave her strength and constant company. Of course, Einar did all these things too, but he understood the feeling of the bond as well. And that was why she was overjoyed, really, when Eva did indeed become a rider, and why she hoped Ian would too experience it.

[Tismri]

Cortell watched the interaction between Ian and Einar with some amusement. He knew Ian would be happy to see his sister again, as well as have a chance to be trained under the Riders. For a second, he felt a twinge of jealousy. He had always loved dragons, and riding of them, having done so almost since he was born. But he often felt as if no dragon would ever choose to be with him. He wasn't worthy of such a relationship, or responsibility. He had enough to do here, with his mother and the rest of Celesti, including his younger half-siblings. He vowed to always watch after his mother, no matter what.
He gave a nod to Einar as he was invited into their home. "I can't stay too long. Mother is expecting me home soon." He looked off where Ian had run, trying to hide his jealousy. Then he turned back to the older man. "I inspected the countryside today," he reported. "Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. A couple hours after noon, something briefly disturbed the animals in the woods to the east. I guess it was a hunter or something. Other than that, all is quiet."

[Max452]

Leading Gianna back inside, Cortell behind him, Einar nodded along to the young man's report. "I understand." Einar replied to Cortell's concern of spending time with them. Although he did not show it, Einar was a bit disappointed that he couldn't stay. He had after all, grown to love Cortell as his son and ever since he grew up, Einar saw less and less of him. Despite his physical characteristics, which Einar had long ago accepted, Cortell was nothing like Tyr - he was far more kindhearted and selfless. Einar listened to Cortell's report as he gestured for all of them to sit at their dining table. Something seemed...odd about Cortell's report; not odd about the boy, but the mention of the small disturbance. The thought lingered briefly before Ian came dashing back in, his pack ready.
"I'm ready!" Ian proclaimed with an uncharacteristic show of emotion.
Einar smiled. "Roland won't be here until tonight, but I'm glad you're prepared." His attention then turned to Cortell. "Cortell, would you like to join us in visiting Bromsland? I'm sure your Mother wouldn't mind, nor Roland. That elf has been eager to invite people to visit."

***
"Are you sure about this, Vana?" Kyler asked as his eyes darted across the clearing to his daughter; Typhon and Viel seemingly entertaining her. "Its been awhile since we last ventured out of the Spine...what if she's not ready?" He asked, concern filled in voice as he looked back at his lover. It wasn't that he truly didn't think Maude was ready to be exposed to the Riders, but it was mostly Kyler's father protectiveness, as well as caution toward how the Riders would react to his and Vana's presence. Sixteen years of hiding...did the Varden, or even the Riders forgive them?

***
"Pleeeeasssssseeee Teodora! Can we please visit Bromsland!" Tristan asked his wife in his best pleading/begging voice. Sixteen years may have passed, but Tristan seemed to still act like a child sometimes, especially when he wanted something (minus the important duties he had to fullfill). Nope, only his playful nature truly shone when around his family and close friends. Plus, he might have done it just to annoy Teodora so she could banter with him; it was the best way they seemed to show they cared.

Romulus glanced over at his wife and away from Tristan's odd behaviour. "I think we shouldn't have told him about us visiting the Dragon Riders, Tenel Ka." The Ranger smirked. "He'll just be whiny after Teodora smacks him." He added with a comical whisper.

[Trinn]

Vana held out her old red cloak, examining it for any blemishes. The sight of the red cape brought back a vast pool of memories, bloody memories, for the most part. Still, it was a part of her. The red rider. Kyler's voice brought her out of her thoughts, and she carefully folded the cloak back up. "I am sure." she said stoutly. "Our daughter has been cooped up in these woods for too long. Her world is tiny, and I would not wish to hide any part of it from her." She fell silent, thinking. Her voice fell to a whisper as she went on, "We have given the Dragon Riders no reason to come after us. The varden, they didn't really try very hard to find us in the first place. We have.. punished, ourselves for our part in the empire war by this long banishment. I would say that was payment enough." Her eyes grew suddenly tender. "But it wasn't really all that terrible. I've had you by my side all along, and Maude.... anyways, even if the dragon riders decide to take us captive, they could not rightfully hold Maude against her will. She is no fugitive."
***

Teodora raised a skeptical eyebrow, arms crossed stubbornly over her chest. "I don't know why we really need to go visit a raging group of oversized lizards." she said, although she had gained a great amount of respect for dragons. After all, she was a rider now herself. Sixteen years about, she figured. Her dragon had hatched for her just before the final battle. "I mean, perhaps Torrick would enjoy seeing someone besides Trinity and Caedus... But what of the children! Silly man! Our children will tear the riders nice new city apart!"

[Max452]

Kyler nodded, argeeing with Vana on her perspective. They had banished themselves for too long and it was not fair for their daughter to suffer the same fate; she had done nothing wrong. Kyler tenderly caressed Vana's cheek with his finger. "And by your side, I will forever stay." He told her gently. He finally relented his worry for exposing Maude. It was time to start things anew and to give Maude a better future than themselves. "You are too hard on yourself, Shur'tugal." He whispered to her, referring to being held captive for their past. "They will see we are willing to make amends; I don't doubt they'll wish to try something with us, but if they do, I will not let our family be torn apart." He assured her, glancing briefly over to Typhon who was making an image out of a rock from this fiery flames. He could hear Typhon's thoughts as he projected it to Maude.
Now guess, Maude! Guess what I made! Typhon finished his masterpiece and moved a bit to let his bond's hatchling look at the fish he had made from firebreathing.

***
"Ah, they'll behave! Besides, you cannot tell me that you're not at least a bit curious on what the new land holds? Its been boring here! Please, please, please! I'll make it up to you! I'll let you order me around; you can do whatever you like with me!" Tristan tried to reason with her, hoping to appeal to her. "Think of it as an ambassador quest! They've never seen the Ismalian dragons, its only fair that we negotiate with them to allow potential Ismalian riders!" He added his political debate, grateful that his time with Tenel Ka and the Court had taught him a thing or two.

[Trinn]

"Nor will I." Vana agreed. "I don't intend on forgetting who I was though. I think, if New Doru Arabea excepts us, we should stay there for a bit. I have valuable talents they could use. Also..." she frowned, then went on, "The Spine feels more dangerous than ever. Strange crys in the night, spirits flashing through the woods in droves... Our home is no longer safe. The longer we stay here, the more in peril our lives will become." Vana suddenly shuddered. "Indeed, the sooner we leave, the better!". Vana continued her packing, though there wasn't much. The cloak had been one of the last items, and she had already gathered enough wild nuts and berries to eat while they flew. Getting meat would be no problem, not with Viel and Typhon around. She looked at the two dragons now, especially Viel. Ever since the end of the war, her bond had seemed somewhat depressed. Viel was bitter about being beaten, and for a while, she was almost crazed with getting revenge on the Varden. But Viel was over that now, for the most part. She lay down with her head on her paws, watching Typhon's flames with half-slit eyes. No doubt tired from all the eggs she was carrying in her belly. Yet another reason to travel to Bromsland. It would be Viel's first clutch. She had held off from mating with Typhon than Vana had expected. If there was one thing about Viel, it was that she didn't settle for anything but the best. But Typhon was wily, and he had finally caught the red dragon.
~~

Maude lay on her stomach, watching Typhon mold the rock with his flames. She was fascinated by the way the flames licked the stone, melting it into shape. The heat felt as if it might scorch her hair off, but she didn't budge an inch. With the finished product now before her, she scrambled to her feet to examine all angles. "Why, Typhon, it's a fish!" she exclaimed and smirked. "You're a clever craftsman, ice-scales. What about you Viel, why don't you try it out." She asked the garnet colored dragon.

I'm conserving my energy for the journey, young hatchling. Viel replied in a kind tone. My eggs will be ready soon, and I'll need to keep them warm with my flames. That's what my instincts tell me, anyways. she added in a slightly mystified tone. Maud laughed and kissed Viel on the nose.
***
"The Ismalians become riders!" Teodora scoffed, throwing her hands in the air. "What a ridiculous notion, wool-headed man! Remember, magic doesn't work right with us! We can't even cast spells without them backfiring!" To make her point, Teodora uttered "Adurna!" pointing a finger at a goblet full of water. The water flew into the air and suddenly formed into icicles, which shattered and fell to the floor. "That is not what I wanted to happen!"

[Tismri]

Cortell's eyes widened at Einar's invitation. The thought of going to visit Bromsland thrilled him; he'd always wanted to see other dragons, wondering if they were all like Rauthr and Stigandr and Gladia. Though, when he thought about it, those three had as diverse personalities as one could expect from three individuals.
"I would be honored, sir," he said respectfully. He had grown up viewing Einar as something between a father and an uncle and respected him greatly. "But, are you sure that would be wise? If you, Ian, and I all leave, there will be few left to protect the town." Taking care of his family and friends was always his top priority. Not that he doubted his mother and Marcus' abilities, but he just thought he could be the best at it. Still, his longing to visit the land of the Riders...perhaps, if he was incredibly lucky, become one himself...showed through the excitement in his eyes and voice.
~~~~~
Tenel Ka groaned as she heard Tristan's all-to-familiar whining, although she smiled slightly at it. She smirked at Rom as he came over and spoke to her.
"Too true," she agreed with him, "but I suppose time and marriage and fatherhood alone are not enough to change a man. Besides, he does have a valid point." She watched as Teodora demonstrated the Ismalian's broken magical abilities.
"But, Teodora," she called, speaking to her cousin's wife, "That is part of the point of this visit. I plan to go to help with the instruction of teaching our people how to wield magic. Our people have the potential, as proven by you, me, and Tristan. The difficulty lies in training ourselves, as we cannot rely upon the methods our Alagaesian neighbors used." She glanced back at her husband for a second, thinking on the times they had practiced magic together, and his occasional frustration that she couldn't do exactly what he instructed her, no matter how precise the wording was. "Am I not correct, Romulus? We can still use magic effectively, and accomplish our will. We just need to be a bit more open-minded about it." She sighed aloud, knowing that this was pretty much going to be her opening argument for training Ismalian magicians and Riders, although she expected to meet resistance.

[Max452]

Kyler nodded. "New Doru Arabea would be stupid to ignore the contributions you offer." He assured his wife, and truthfully, he too wanted to remain with the Dragon Riders. They would be close to Maude, and it would give them all purpose again. Also, Kyler had also sensed the shift in the Spine. "I know. I've felt it too. Something...something dark is coming; I can't explain how I know, its just...it gives me an ill feeling." He tried to explain his feelings to her as he helped finish packing the remainder of their things.

Typhon hummed with approval. Yay! You got it! His tail whisked back and forth with happiness at the praise he got from Maude. The ice dragon looked over to his mate when the hatchling directed her gaze at her. His gaze was one of pride; she was carrying his hatchlings. It had taken much time to get Viel to notice him as a potential mate. At first, he only ever say the red dragon as a friend, but after the war, Typhon realized that he had harbored deeper feelings for Viel, especially after seeing her wounded so. The end of the war was hard on them both, as Typhon was not too keen on hiding like prey. He had voiced his opinions countless times, but in the end, he found reason in both Kyler and Vana's logic. The Varden two-leggeds were hardpressed to forgive and it was safer for them to remain hidden for awhile, especially when his bond found out that his mate was carrying his own hatchling. Indeed, the years of isolation had changed them all, and for Typhon, it made him mature more and to be more assertive and confident; he had to be if he was to protect those dear to him. Not to mention, the maturity he gained both mentally and physically had gained Viel's eye. The ice dragon manuevered carefully behind Maude to reach his mate, nuzzling her gently on the neck. I sense Kyler and Vana are done packing. We must hurry if we want to make the journey in a day. He informed her.

***
Einar smiled. That boy was always thinking about the tribe. "It is all right, Cortell. The Ayati are visiting tomorrow. We've also made arrangements to protect the tribe; other members are coming to aid whilst we are away and Aiden and Lenora are here as well. And do not forget about Dylan. The tribe will be fine for a few weeks, whilst we visit. Go on, go tell your Mother. I'm certain she'll let you leave her for a bit." He smirked as he heard the flutter of wings outside. "Ah, best hurry, Cortell. I think I hear Roland and his friend."

***
"Well of course that's not what you wanted; you hate pointy things!" Tristan groaned with annoyance as he watched the icicle form a puddle on the floor. He was grateful then when Tenel Ka interrupted and placed her input. He could see Rom's merging smirk at something that was just uttered between them, but ignored it as he returned his attention to Teodora. "That's very true, Teodora. Think about what we have to offer, and not to mention how many female instructors are there in New Doru Arabea? Hmm? You wouldn't want to leave those Riders to be taught solely by men!" He added, coaxing her slowly to allow them to go.

"Yes, we do need to be more open-minded about this whole situation." Romulus finally commented. "This is a chance for Ismalia to strengthen its ties with Alagaesia and to strengthen Ismalia itself." He explained, knowing that Tenel Ka had grand plans to make Ismalia a powerful country. "This will also provide us much needed protection should future threats arise." He added.

[Trinn]

Viel turned her head towards Typhon, flicking her tongue out to taste his scent. He had become a fine dragon indeed, and she had secretly been quite happy that he had caught her as mate. Thinking of traveling to this New Doru Arabea, Viel wondered who the leader of the hunt was there. Saphira... just thinking of the blue dragon made Viel's scales rise in anger and jealousy, feelings that she could never quite get rid of. Then we must fly. She said to Typhon, and carefully stood. The eggs inside of her felt heavy, and she was sure this would be a large clutch. Bending her neck, she nudged Maude with her snout towards Vana. Go help your mother saddle me up hatchling. The young girl smirked at Viel's terminology, but obeyed respectfully.
~~~

Soon enough, the two dragons were saddled and ready for a long flight. Vana nimbly climbed into the saddle and pulled Maude up in front of her. "You won't be able to fly long with Viel." She told her daughter. "The extra weight will hinder her flight after a while." Maude nodded as she got comfortable in the saddle.

"Yes, I know. You're the one who wanted me flying with you right now in the first place." She retorted with a smile.

"Yes, well, I'm your mother." Maude rolled her eyes, and before the motion was even complete, Viel was launching herself skyward.
***

"Alright, alright." Teodora said with a sigh. "You're all right, we should go to this Bromsland. What a strange name though."
Bromsland! Torrick said excitedly in the back of her mind. He had been persuading her the whole time too. "We must gather the children then. Where is my Tatiana. I swear that girl is the only logical person in this family sometimes. Men and Queens... ai."

[Tismri]

Cortell nodded to Einar and, after flashing his winning grin, rushed outside and down the street to his mother's house.
"Mother! Marcus! I'm home!" he called out to his parents. He dropped his pack that he had carried during the day while scouting and was stopped in his tracks by the sight of his mother leaning against the kitchen doorframe, arms crossed and a stern look on her face. She seemed to be waiting for something.
"Uh...did I miss something?" he asked cautiously. Marola sighed and rolled her eyes at her impossible son, and then tapped the side of her head.
"No matter how much you might think otherwise, son, we're always connected here." She crossed her arms again and stared, continuing to watch him. Then she sighed, almost sadly. "So when are you leaving?" she asked him. He stared, almost shocked. He'd thought there would be at least some discussion.
"Err...well, Einar and his family are leaving tonight with Roland," he said cautiously. "I was invited to accompany them." His mother's brilliant eyes turned downcast, and he could feel her sorrow and sensed she was summoning courage.
"Well then, you better hurry and pack," she said, forcing a smile. Marola knew it was time to let her little boy go. She couldn't always protect him, and she knew he was a man now, capable of making his own decisions. Cortell's grin returned--for Marola her sweet son's smile, but also an eerie reminder of Tyr--and he kissed her cheek. "Thank you, Mother," he told her before he hurried to his room to pack.
"Make sure to take time to say goodbye to your father and siblings!" she called after him. She returned to the kitchen table where she had been sitting with Marcus while waiting for Cortell to come home, discussing with him the possiblity of Cortell leaving. Marcus had to take a long time in convincing her to let him go.
~~~~~
Tenel Ka smiled as the whole family seemed to gang up in convincing Teodora to let them go. The Queen Mother really couldn't see what the woman's problem could be, aside from possibly disliking strangers. She smiled a little at Teodora's comment on the land's name.
"I believe the Rider Eragon named it in honor of his father," she explained. Suddenly, Teza Mae skipped into the room and hugged her father, looking excitedly from person to person.
"So, when are we going?" she asked expectantly, knowing full well her parents were going nowhere without her.

[Max452]

The flight was long, with breaks here and there for food and rest. Kyler watched the skies turn into an azure color as he viewed the grand new land that they had hoped to soon live upon. He could feel Typhon's worried thoughts, especially ones of Viel; the dragon would glance briefly at his mate, making sure she was all right. Sending one another reassuring thoughts, they continued to fly over the massive waters, grateful to finally see land...

***
OOC: Anyone wanna play Roland's ride? lol

Einar nearly laughed as he watched Cortell speed off to speak to his Mother. The former assassin Rider turned to look at his family. "Well, I think its almost time."
"I'm excited to see Eva." Ian admitted, once he knew that Cortell was out of earshot.
Einar smiled. "Me too." He went over to Gianna. "I'll go get our things." He told her as he gave her a peck on the lips and disappeared into their bedroom.

Outside, Roland was conversing with the dragons that had gathered around the house, pleased to see the dragons flourshing, and now the Riders. He never would have believed that he would get a chance to redeem himself. The former Rider no longer posed as a tanner, although, he was now the main person to make the dragon saddles, but as the teacher he once was. He no longer wore a bandage over his head, opting only for a strapless eyepatch that was held in place by magic. Roland glanced over to his companion.
"I sense that they have agreed to our proposal." The elf sounded pleased as he gazed up at the sky. A new dawn was approaching and he was glad that he could help.

***
Tristan whooped and hugged Teodora affectionatly. "Thank you! You're the best!" He kissed her after she wondered where their daughter was.
"I'm right here, Mother." Tatiana appeared, already equipped with her knives and bow, and a pack on her back. She had followed Teza Mae inside, knowing already that her Mother would relinquish her argument. "I just finished packing everything. Torrick and Trinity are already saddle too. I managed to get my dear brothers to help..." She grumbled at the last comment. "I had to bribe them, of course." She rolled her eyes. "Boys."

Tristan refrained from smirking at his daughter. She was so much like her mother. "Now, now, be nice, Tati. But, thank you for getting that done. Your Mother is right, you are the smart one." He winked at her, "just don't tell your brothers that I said that."
Tatiana blushed at her Father's comment. He always did like to embarrass her. "I could have told you that..." She muttered as she folded her arms. "Can we go now? I want to get out of this crystalized place and into some fresh action!" She proclaimed.

As Tristan, Teodora and Tatiana were conversing, Rom was distracted by his daughter's hug. "Hello Teza Mae." He kissed the top of her head as he returned her hug. "We leave as soon as our families are packed." He informed her. "Go and get your brother, Teza Mae. I''ll go gather our things and saddle up Caedus." He informed the two most important women in his life.