You Found Me

[Max452]

OOC: Title inspired by the Fray - For Teza Mae

The sound of clay and glass shattering never registered into the ears of a frantic father. Romulus had just cleared the table from all obstacles as he gently, if a bit urgently, placed his wounded daughter onto the wooden table.

"Baby, its okay. Daddy's here, okay? No one's going to harm you. Daddy's here. Daddy's going to make it all right." Romulus whispered to his daughter, tears in his eyes as he recalled how he found her. Discarded like trash and nearly dead. He nearly died at the sight. That was not how his daughter should be treated. "Daddy's here..." He gently stroked her hair and cheek, letting her know he was here. He desperatly tried to hold his emotions together.

"THERE IS NO CHANCE IN HELL THAT I'M LETTING YOU GO NEAR HER!" Kyler's voice shouted from the corner of the room, where he was pratically snarling at Sidhion, who had a cool expression on his face.

"You're letting your emotions cloud your judgement, Kyler. I know what I'm doing. I have spent over a century learning about the Ismalians and their hinderance to magic. If you recall, I even used magic accuratly on you before you had the Emerald."

"Don't remind me about the torture you put me through!" Kyler yelled back.

"And you are only half Ismalian." Sidhion continued as if he didn't hear his comment. "Princess Teza Mae is a quarter elf. Magic will work more effectively than on you or a full Ismalian. I can save her if you allow me to!"

"I won't let you touch her!" Kyler screamed out. "She is 3/4's Ismalian, Sidhion! She is more susceptiable to magic backfiring on her!"

"Then would you rather leave her to die, Kyler? Or make this poor girl live as a cripple, when there is a chance that we can fix this." Sidhion asked.

Kyler remained silent, but his glares were very deadly at the moment.

Romulus desperately tried to hold it together for his daughter. How did this chaos come about? Upon the moment he had found his daughter, everything there after was a blur. He remembered his agonized cry as he found his daughter. He could recall holding her, rocking her back and forth, telling her that he was here and everything would be all right. Anger had filled him, but his protectiveness and fear of her health had dominated his thoughts. He immediately scryed for Tenel Ka. How he related his message through his stumbling and hysteric words, he would never know. He did his best then, to stop the bleeding, to ease her pain the best he could, but it sometimes didn't work because of his daughter's dominant bloodline. Soon after, he was amazed that Sidhion had come. He had attacked the man, out of sheer protectiveness, recalling the man's madness. Due to his hysteric state, Romulus knew he didn't fight well and Sidhion had overcomed him with ease. However, what surprised Romulus was the man's words.

Be still, Romulus Kingsley. I mean only to help. Your wife contacted Tismri for help as she is closer. Tismri contacted me soon after. My place is not far oft. We must hurry to save your daughter. Tismri, your wife, and others are on their way; we are gathering the best magicians for her. I will help you fix this. Sidhion explained in the Ancient Language, so no doubt would be there, and gently released Romulus.

The young father merely cried out of grief and happiness, grateful that aid had come for his little baby girl. It was again a blur as things began to move quickly. Romulus had carried his daughter while they flew on Locien. They had just arrived, as well as Kyler, Tismri, and others. He thought he spotted Aradan as well, but in his haste, wasn't sure. He only hoped Tenel Ka would arrive soon; she would know what to do. She was always the collective and calm one...she would...Oh gods...what would happen when she'll see what they did to their baby...he'll kill them all for harming her...

"Daddy's here." Romulus whispered again, ignoring the world as he hovered over his daughter. "Mommy's on her way. Shh...its going to be okay." He glanced up at the two fighting Riders. "Please..." Romulus's soft, pleading voice penetrated to the two Riders. "...help us..." Rom's expression was that of a worried father, begging for help.

"Kyler...please." Sidhion stared at his son, whose eyes seemed to soften and he quietly nodded. Sidhion immediately rushed to Teza Mae's side. "I cannot do this alone. She has suffered much damage. We will need much energy to complete this spell..." Sidhion explained to all in the room and proceeded to explain to them what was needed to be done.

***
"You think she'll be okay?" Aradan asked Seth. The two boys sat at the bottom of the tree house, having been banded from going up there.
"What you think?" Seth asked, glancing to the sound of Aradan's voice.
"Teza Mae is strong." Aradan stared up the stair, wishing he was there, beside his girlfriend. He had caught a brief glimpse of what had happened to her and that only increased his guilt of letting her go off by herself. He shouldn't have done that. He should have gone with her. He hoped she would forgive him for that. He hoped that he would even have a chance to even apologize... Teza Mae...don't you die on me. I love you too much to let you go.

[Tismri]

Teza Mae stared longingly at her father, her heartbeat pattering at half its strength. Tears fell from her remaining eye, and she longed to tell him she was sorry. So sorry for running off on her own, sorry for worrying him so, sorry for what had happened. But words could no longer form for her. She couldn't even manage to say "Daddy" anymore. She'd just sobbed in his arms; half of her thought she was delierious from the pain and simply imagining him, but if that was so, she didn't want to wake back up into reality. When she saw him coming for her, she'd crawled toward him, pulling herself forward with her left arm until he reached her. Now she clutched him with her good hand, her right arm lying limp and useless over the edge of the table.
She heard the sound of shouting from another room and winced, which caused her endless pain to flare again. Sachiko had left her ears perfectly intact, and she could hear everything around her. The look she gave her father suddenly turned exasperated, her old personality still remaining despite her trauma. Will you tell them to just get on with it? her expression demanded. Finally, the two elder Riders seemed to turn their attention on her. But the prospect of being healed scared her almost as much as the torture she'd just suffered. She'd seen the effect magic often had on Ismalians. This could very well hurt even worse than her prior suffering. Suddenly terrified, she clung more tightly to her father, a whine escaping her throat.

Tismri stood to the side of the room, waiting patiently. She really thought that now was neither the time nor the place for Kyler and Sidhion to be having this discussion. She'd brought Kyler because of his experience with Ismalian magic. She knew there was going to be trouble with Sidhion, but she had hoped they would be able to restrain themselves until after the princess was out of danger.
It took the sound of Romulus' pleading voice to snap them out of their shouting match. She knew the two of them would likely be at it again later, but she rather hoped that seeing Sidhion perform so carefully on the girl would cause Kyler to see how he had changed.
~~~~~
Caedus landed in the clearing next to the solitary treehouse, with Garrus following swiftly after. He'd spotted the young dragon flying frantically, searching for his Rider. Caedus had managed to calm him down and guide him in the right direction. The instant they landed, Garrus reared up and attempted to tear the house open to get a glimpse of his Rider. Ismrolde quickly put him at ease.
Peace, young one. Your Rider is in there. She is being tended to; she will be all right. Garrus growled as he was pulled away, but soon calmed into a less frantic but more miserable state.
I couldn't protect her, he moaned, a mournful roar escaping him as he curled around. Princess nearly died and I was helpless.
You are still young and have much to learn. What occurred to your Rider was not your fault.
~~~~~
The instant Caedus touched the ground, Tenel Ka jumped from his saddle and ran to the house. Her way was momentarily blocked by Garrus, but she squeezed around him quickly and made it to the door. She charged through the house, passing by Aradan and Seth, and joining the adults. She felt her heart stop when she spotted her daughter on the table.
"T-Teza Mae," she said, feeling tears already falling. Her own family could be ruthless at times, but this was barbaric. She ran over and stroked the girl's hair. "Oh, Teza Mae...my sweet girl..." The queen felt a bit light-headed, very near fainting as she saw the extend of the damaged caused to her girl.

[Max452]

Romulus held his daughter close as the others began to form around them. He heard her whimper and knew she was afraid of the healing; the effects of magic on Ismalians always seemed to cause pain. Romulus gave his daughter a calming sensation, a memory of their family together in the woods. "Just hold onto me, Teza Mae. It's just going to hurt a little bit longer, okay? I'm not leaving you, so just look only at me okay? Daddy and Mommy are here now." He nearly broke down when Tenal Ka came rushing in, seeing her expression of how damaged their daughter really was. Romulus had never felt so vulnerable before. In all his battles and life-threatening challenges, never once did he felt so helpless and scared. He glanced over at Sidhion when the elf spoke, having gathered all the adults around the table.

"Now, listen to me, we must do this precisely or she will have permanent damage. I need all of us hold hands, save her parents as the young one needs reassurance and calmness in this process; I need her relaxed as possible." Sidhion explained to all in the room. "I will begin to sing the spell of healing that I have designed just for her, as I finish the first stanza, then one by one you must follow, each starting after the other has finished the first stanza. Essentially, it is known as a round for those familiar with music; the spell will be thus more powerful than if I merely stated it as it is." He then handed out the spell he had concoted while he was flying Romulus and Teza Mae back to his home. "This requires much energy and will take as long as it is necessary to heal our young Princess."

"Take my energy, as much as you need - just save her." Romulus pleaded, feeling more emotional than he had ever before.

Sidhion nodded. "When the time comes, we will, but stay calm and focused, Romulus; your daughter needs your strength and comfort that only you and your wife can offer." The elf turned back to the others, but then looked back at the frantic parents. "Remember, she must stay as relaxed as possible. Though this spell is precise, it can still be harmful for Teza Mae as she is being healed; we need her to remain calm as not to disrupt the healing. I would suggest binding her, but I have a feeling she will be more relaxed in the arms of her parents." Sidhion proclaimed before gesturing the other adults to gather around the table in a circle, holding hands.

Kyler, knowing he had to do this, was still a bit bitter to have to hold Sidhion's hand, but did it nonetheless - for the young Princess. He memorized the song of healing that Sidhion made and was surprised to see how intricately careful and accurate it was. It seemed he had created this so that the young Princess would not suffer so much, but receive the same amount of power and healing that the Ancient Language could offer. He thought back on the words of his wife, Vana, and Tismri gave him months ago. Let go of the anger. Kyler thought just maybe, Sidhion had changed...maybe.

"All right, we shall begin." Sidhion declared, waiting for a moment as the parents gathered around their child.

"Its going to start now, Teza Mae. Just look at us, okay? Daddy and Mommy aren't going anywhere. Just relax as best you can. Daddy's going to take you and Mommy to a special memory, okay? Just concentrate on that memory with us and the pain won't be so bad. Daddy promises, okay?" Romulus explained to his daughter before opening up his mind to his family; he idly wished that Jason was here, but knew that he was safer where he was at the moment.

Romulus dove into his memories and showed Teza Mae all of the feelings and emotions he had when he first held her, when he taught her how to ride a horse, when her Mother showed her how to ride a dragon, their first hunting trip, the first time Teza Mae killed a stag, the times when he held her when she was scared or sick, the times when he was just being silly and chased her around the palace, and most of all, the times he showed her how to track. Romulus practically showed his daughter her whole life through his eyes and the emotions of love and pride that he had for his daughter. I love you, my little Teza Mae. He told her as he physically held her.

While Romulus and Tenal Ka were preoccupied with their daughter, Sidhion began his spell. It held the melody of a lullaby as the words flew softly, carefully, and affectionately from Sidhion's mouth. The spell would take hours to perform, as Teza Mae was drastically wounded, but the energy from around them would sustain them. Teza Mae had many loved ones around her, and Sidhion was not going to let them down, his son included.

***
After the first verse, Kyler joined in, reciting the spell and following the melody that Sidhion had crafted. The words of healing seemed not only to heal the young girl, but perhaps, the heart of a broken man.

[Tismri]

Teza Mae couldn't completely quell the fear she felt at the prospect of her healing, but she did everything she could to relax. Tenel Ka cradled her head in her lap, stroking her hair while Romulus also held her. She closed her eye, still whimpering but trying to focus on the memories her father was sharing with her. As the healing began, Teza Mae felt as if all the pain she had been suffering tripled in intensity and nearly began panicking; her father's soothing memories served to stablize her. She relaxed as best she could in her parents' arms while she continued to suffer through her miserable agony.

Tismri gently took ahold of Sidhion and Kyler's hands as they began their song of healing. Sidhion truly was a master of the arcane arts, and he was putting it to must better use now than he ever had in the past. Somehow, she sensed the words were even affecting her; she was feeling relieved of her stress and sorrow over her missing students, and more joyful than she had in months, despite the circumstances. As Kyler's part in the healing song ended, Tismri picked up hers, her voice gently echoing the words. She would take as long as necessary to heal this dear student of hers.
***
The passing hours were nearly endless for Teza Mae, the continuance of her misery dragging forever. Still, her parents' presence soothed her, and the gentle singing lulled her. Eventually, she even managed to fall asleep in spite of the pain, her father's memories chasing away the nightmares that hunted her.

While she was sleeping, the healing was completed. Or, as complete as could be on an Ismalian. Nothing was entirely back to the way it had been. Her arm would occasionally spasm in pain, one of her feet might give out as she walked. Her tounge was nearly perfect, but she had a noticeable lisp when she spoke. As for her eye...the white was bloodred, and her vision through it was always tinted that color.

Once the process was complete, Teza Mae opened her eyes, and a cruel smile crossed her face. The voice that resonated from her as she spoke did not belong to her, but it was as if the message had been planted in her. Her eyes found Tenel Ka.
"You have managed to heal your daughter. I am impressed," Katriana's voice said through her. "To be honest, I would have thought she was beyond saving, elven-Ismalian-Alagaesian mutt that she is. But that just makes this so much more delicious. I wish I could see the look on your face.
"Know this, oh Queen Mother of Ismalia. Your land shall be mine. With the fall of Alagaesia and the destruction of the Riders, Ismalia will simply collapse into my waiting hands. And rest assured: You will suffer a fate even more terrible than your daughter's suffering when that day comes." The speech trailed off into a maniacal laugh. Tenel Ka was left staring in shock, perfectly still as her eyes gazed down at her daughter, whose eyes were once again closed as if she had been sleeping peacefully the entire time. She was horrified by what she had just witnessed. That monster had used her daughter to spread a message.
"That thing must die," she said, her voice low and threatening.

Teza Mae stirred slightly. The pain was gone. Or she thought it was. She was still imagining some of it, but that was just from being used to it for so long. It was as if the absence of the pain was almost painful in itself. She sat up slowly, not noticing the shocked expression on her mother's face. She looked around the room through woozy, somewhat red-tinted eyes. Her eyes fell on her parents.
"Mother," she said, the feel of her new tounge forming words like nothing she'd ever experienced before. "Daddy." She reached and hugged them, sobbing all over again.

[Max452]

Romulus was relieved when he saw Teza Mae's wounds being healed as the three Riders sang their song. He continued to share his memories with his daughter, even while she finally slept to soothe her dreams. Once they were finished, the Father was utterly spent and stiff from watching over his daughter, but he did not care. When the healing was finally done, Rom's eyes warmed when he spotted his daughter's eyes open, but they faded into a smoldering sun as he realized that the Shade Rider was speaking through his daughter. "You dare attack my family, Shade, for that I will make your life and death miserable. It will be my blade that seeps into your heart! You will regret the moment you thought of harming my family. I will come for you." Romulus promised angrily before the Shade's evil presence departed. "I'll kill her." Rom replied to his wife in an unrecognizable anger. No one threatened or harmed his family without retribution. No one.

Rom's anger seemed to calm when he felt his daughter stir in his arms. For a moment, he thought it was the Shade controlling her as Sidhion once did with him, but the look in her eyes dissipated that thought. He allowed his daughter some breathing room before she embraced him tightly. He returned it with as much force and love he possessed. "Teza Mae. My little Teza Mae." He shed some tears, but did not sob as he hugged his daughter. "I'm glad you're better." He whispered in her ear as he kissed her head. "I was so worried." He held her close with one hand, while the other went to grip his wife's hand, giving it a tight, but not uncomfortable squeeze. Their daughter was alive.

***
Sidhion watched the family for a moment before leaving the room quietly. He was extremely exhausted, but he mostly wanted to give the family some time for themselves. "My bedroom is available for her to rest; she'll need it." Sidhion told them all before leaving the room.

***
Kyler watched Sidhion leave, but turned his attention back to the family. "I am glad she is well." He inclined his head, noticing Teza Mae's red eye, but saying nothing. It was better than having none. The healing was a risking one. This was all they could offer her, and it was better than most. He too, left quietly, allowing the family their privacy.

[Tismri]

Teza Mae could hardly breathe with her father's tight embrace, but she didn't care. The feel of his strong arms around her was more important to her than any physical comfort right now. And after everything she had just suffered through, she hardly noticed how tight his hold on her was. She felt her mother's arm wrapped around her as well, her hand coming around to join her father's. The princess tried to dry her eyes, stop the endless flow of her tears, but they just kept on coming.
"Thank you, Daddy," she said. She felt like a little girl again. This had all just been a bad nightmare, and he helped to chase them away. "I love you...I love you, Mother," she added, turning. She missed Jason, wishing he were present as well. He must be deep in his studies right now. Or perhaps angry that she had run off and put herself in danger without even telling him. She felt guilty, then another individual crossed her mind.
"Aradan," she said. "Is Aradan here? I...I...I need to apologize to him...I need...to see him." Her longing for him increased with every moment. He was her best friend and, after her father, her first love. She was shaking a little, still weak and frail, exhausted and her mind still fragile.
~~~~~
Tismri followed after Sidhion and Kyler, leaving the family to themselves. She was in a more relaxed state of mind, now that she knew Teza Mae was out of danger for the moment. She approached her mate and gently took his hand, for the moment paying no heed to Kyler.
"Sidhion, thank you," she told him, genuine and earnest. "You have done so much, first for Glory and Seth, and now for Teza Mae. We would all be in dire straits were not for you."

[Max452]

"You know I would always find you, Teza Mae." Romulus assured his daughter as he loosed his grip on her and allowed her to finally breathe. At the mention of Aradan, Romulus rose one eyebrow, but let his questions stay silent. "Aye, he's downstairs; quite worried about you." He glanced at Tenel Ka for a moment, wondering what she thought of their daughter's questions. "I think its best for you to rest for now, Teza Mae. you can speak with Aradan when you're rested." Rom told her daughter, feeling a bit uneasy about Aradan. He had a funny suspicion that Aradan was more than a friend, despite what they had assured him the first time they met.

***
Sidhion paused when he felt a warm touch. He turned himself slightly as was greeted by Tismri. He smiled at her as Kyler walked by them, giving them a curious glance as he went downstairs. "You're too kind, Tismri." He continued to hold her hand. "It is the least I can do after everything that I have done." He eyes grew distant as he thought about the past. He blinked and the memories seemed to vanish for a moment. He kissed her hand. "I've missed you." He expressed to her. "I am glad you are well despite the circumstances."

[Tismri]

When her father mentioned that Aradan was downstairs, Teza Mae took off at as fast a run as she could manage. She felt dizzy and stumbled a few times, but nothing was going to stop her from seeing her boyfriend. She hardly even heard what else her father was telling her. She knew she had to see him. She ran past Sidhion and Tismri and past Kyler, nearly falling down the stairs in her haste. Then she did fall, collapsing on him and hugging him as fiercely as she had her father; she didn't even care what her dad was thinking at the moment as she shuddered against Aradan, sobbing anew.
"Aradan, I'm sorry," she cried. Her run had sapped what little strength she had left and she sagged against him. "I'm so sorry; I know you wanted to come with me. I was being stupid and selfish wanting to go off on my own. I shouldn't have gone, or I should have let you come with me. I'm so so sorry."

Tenel Ka watched her daughter charge out the room and down the stairs with an indominable purpose. A suspicion crossed her mind then, and she was sure the same thought had come to her husband. She took his hand tightly and gave him a warning look, just in case he got any ideas. A small, warm smile crossed her face, though she was still exhausted from worrying over her daughter's fate.
"You and I started out as just friends," she reminded him gently. It had taken Sidhion's interference, in fact, that brought the two of them closer.
~~~~~
Tismri smiled at Sidhion's words, though she was still a bit saddened as he reflected on the past. She embraced him, glancing back for a second as Teza Mae ran past them, making a beeline for the stairs. Then she returned her attention to her mate.
"I have been better," she confessed to him. The past few months had been quite trying for her, leaving her strained and stressed. But being with Sidhion again seemed to melt most of those sensations away. "I've missed you as well. In spite of all the young Riders, I find Bromsland a rather lonely place at times." Her emerald eyes stared into his meaningfully, her longing to be with him more evident.

[Max452]

Rom blinked as his daughter ran off. He knew that look. His daughter had a boyfriend! They lied to him!!! He was going to show that boy what happened to liars. Romulus was about to march after his daughter when a firm grip slipped into his hand. His eyes flickered over to Tenel Ka, and she was sending him very scary warning glare. His amber eyes sombered as he realized that his daughter was growing up. He nodded, if a bit reluctantly to his wife. "Aye. I suppose I won't kill him. I'll save my anger for that accursed Shade." Romulus declared as he thought about Katriana. "Should we allow her to be running off like that? She's just been healed. She needs to rest." Rom pouted, allowing his concern for his daughter to push away his anger.

***
Aradan spotted Master Kyler coming down the stairs, a tired, but reassuring grin on his face as he made eye contact with Aradan. Teza Mae was going to be fine. He was then, his eyes spotted Teza Mae running pass their Master and flying toward him. He caught her then, holding her tightly as she did him. "Teza Mae! You're okay! I was so worried!" The young man declared, feeling her begin to cry against him. "No...its my fault I should have gone with you; I shouldn't have let you go off. Its all my fault...you...you wouldn't have gotten hurt if it wasn't for me." He felt incredibly guilty since the day she took off and felt even worse when he learned that she was wounded. Not caring about letting his Masters know, Aradan had taken off to go find Teza Mae, only to find Master Tismri's scolding glare. He was confined to Bromsland until further notice, but the moment he spotted Master Tismri leaving a few days later, Aradan and Veryan made a break for it! They followed their Master to where Teza Mae was. He cared little of the punishment that awaited him for leaving, but all he cared about was Teza Mae. He held her close, recalling how she looked when he first saw her as her father carried her in. It was his fault that she was like that; he should have protected her. "I'm sorry too!" Aradan held back tears as he held her. "I'm so sorry; its my fault."

***
Sidhion held Tismri as she hugged him, missing the warmth and love she provided. He smiled gently as she too declared that she missed him; it meant that she really loved him. "I can imagine how lonely the nights can be." He teased her for a moment before her gaze caused him to fluster. If not for his guests he would have taken her right then. His eyes shone with his own longing, but his sanity kept him composed from doing something rash in front of his guests. "Soon, my love. Soon." He whispered to her as he held her closer. "Our duty for this night is not yet finished; I must prepare proper lodging for all, and then, afterward, I believe I had promised to help relieve your stress until you are properly satisfied." He gave her a gently kiss on the lips before separating himself from her, a ravaneous and frustrated look was on his face as he did so. He cleared his throat. "The young Princess will have my chambers for tonight; Aradan can rest with Seth, and I shall go conjure more rooms for Romulus and Tenel Ka, as well as for Kyler and yourself." He told her, trying his best to behave himself with Tismri. "I, I think the west side will be suitable." He stated, rather in a flustered state, as he took off toward the west side of the tree house, intending to sing some extra rooms into existance.

[Tismri]

Teza Mae held onto Aradan tightly, her breath coming in hiccuping sobs as she spoke, interrupting her sentences occasionally, and her lisp becoming more prominent in her emotional state. "Don't be. Thtupid. I purpothely. Didn't let you know when I wath going. And I cauthed you. Tho much. Worry. I'm thorry." She pulled back and stared at him, nearly sinking to the ground as the world was suddenly spinning around her. "I wath tho thcared that I wouldn't thee you again. I love you." She pulled up to kiss him, but the world suddenly turned black as she nearly fainted from her continued weakness.
~~~~~
Tenel Ka stared after the direction in which their daughter vanished. She sighed, knowing Rom would never stop worrying about their little girl, especially after what just happened. "I'm sure she'll be fine," she tried to soothe him. "It's better for her to go see him, or she would never rest easy. If need be, she can be carried to bed."
~~~~~
Tismri couldn't help but smirk slightly at the frustration on Sidhion's face. The presence of guests caused their reunion to be somewhat hindered. She smiled after he kissed her, and his flustered attitude made her want to simply laugh.
"Very well, hjarta iet. I will allow you to tend to your hostly duties. Just don't forget about your duty to me." She winked at him, then went to the desk in his study, sitting to write a while.

[Max452]

"It doesn't matter - you're here now. You're safe. I'm never leaving you alone again." Aradan promised Teza Mae, finding at first hard to understand her, but gathering what she was saying quickly when he followed her emotions. "I love you too, Teza Mae." Aradan whispered to her, about to kiss her when she passed out on him. He caught her swiftly and lifted her up in his arms, holding her by her back and legs. He gazed at her gently, relieved that she was all right now. He had noticed her new red eye, as well as the lisp, all wondering if these were the affects of healing on Ismalians. It didn't matter to him. He loved her all the same; she was still Teza Mae to him, no matter what she looked like.

"I think she will be comfortable in Master Sidhion's bed; I heard him say that is where she will be resting tonight." Seth finally spoke, having overheard the two lovers in somberness; their interaction made him miss Glory.

Aradan straightened himself, having forgotten that Seth was there. "Uh, yeah...thanks..." Aradan replied, embarrassed.

"No problem. I'm...I'm going to go check on the dragons." Seth told his peer as he left the bottom of the stairs to go see how all the dragons where, if only to get away from his own torment of losing Glory. He should have gone with her...and then she wouldn't have been ensnared by the Shade too. The blind Rider sighed as he left Aradan (who was heading up the stairs), wishing, if just maybe, the Glory he loved was still there...and that she remembered him.

***
Aradan went up the stairs, passing Kyler who was back inside, fixing some tea for everyone. He heard singing in the other side of the tree and wondered what was going on. Aradan continued to carry Teza Mae when he spotted Master Tismri. "Um, Master Tismri, Teza Mae fell asleep, is there a place she can rest comfortably?" He asked his Master, trying to avoid eye contact since he deliberately disobeyed her.

***
"Oh, I assure you, I will never forget my duties to you." Sidhion winked playfully at Tismri before heading off to construct two extra bedrooms for Kyler and Tismri.

***
"I know...its just, I feel uneasy when she is out of my sight." Romulus confessed to his wife. "I don't think I'll be letting her wander far from my gaze for awhile; do you think it best if we stay in Bromsland or return our family back to Gil'ead and train them there?" He asked his wife, feeling that he would not allow his family to separate from him; the moment Teza Mae was rested he was going to Bromsland and making sure his son was safe as well.

[Tismri]

Tismri glanced up when she heard Aradan's nervous question. She gave him a stern, but sympathetic gaze; she did not like it when she was so outrageously disobeyed, but for these circumstances, she would allow it to slide. She saw the way Teza Mae had run down the stairs, the way Aradan held her carefully now. In fact, she had been watching their relationship unfold before her, even so much as knowing that they would sneak off into the woods on weekends.
"Master Sidhion's room is through there," she pointed with her quill. "He has graciously offerred his bed to her for the duration of her time here." She gazed at the two of them for another moment, almost contemplative, before returning to her writing.
~~~~~
Tenel Ka gave a small sigh at Rom's question, staring at the floorboards. She knew her husband wouldn't rest easy after what just happened to Teza Mae, and the protective part of her agreed with him. But Teza Mae and Jason were not going to be children much longer. Their daughter was already courting someone, as unbelieveable as that sounded. She knew they wouldn't always be able to hold their children close, and Tenel Ka feared that the more tightly they tried to cling, the more easily their children might slip away from them.
"For their sake, I think Bromsland would be best. They would be farther from the war, and back among friends. But...my place...my duty to our people requires me to remain in Gil'ead with our troops." Duty first was constantly drilled into her mind, and even now she had trouble breaking out of that mindset.
~~~~~
Garrus lay, curled around and unmoving, the occasional moan emitting from him. He felt like a worthless dragon. He was unable to protect his Rider. He could sense her danger so near to where he was, although whatever those evil two-legged had poured into his princess' mouth while she was unconscious had somehow closed off their ability to communicate. He had tried to reach her, but several dragons had been holding him down, viciously keeping him fro, getting to her until it was too late. By the time they let go, she was gone.
He knew now that she was safe. She was resting in the elven house in tree, her afflictions repaired. But he had been able to do nothing for her. He was worthless.

[Trinn]

OOC: DID EVERYBODY JUST FORGET ABOUT JASON!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHH Poor guy. I shall have to explain his absence.

The dragon hit the ground too slowly, in Jason's mind. In fact, the whole journey had been too slow. He ripped saddle straps off his legs and fell to the earth, landing clumsily on his hands and knees. The bruises forming there he hardly noticed as he ran, heart pounding, towards the home in the tree.

He had been in the woods of meditation when he saw the dragons flying overhead. Ismrolde led the way. Then Aradan's dragon. There were others, but he remembered feeling immediate concern. Sometime later, someone was kind enough to tell him of the evil that had befallen his twin. Shortly after that, he had found a rider merciful enough to deliver him here. Had his parents thought it a mercy, to leave him out of this? It was more a torture.

He ran through the house now, Eyes wide and enraged and miserable. "Tezza!" he roared, nostrils flaring from his panting. "Tezza!" He shouted again, hardly noticing Seth or Aradan. He found his father though, and to even his surprise, he grabbed the man by the front of his shirt and did his best to push Romulus. "Where is she! Why didn't you tell me!" he raged, angry for the first time ever at his father. It was more than anger though. But he was angry at Tezza too. And more than anything, he was mad at himself. He hated himself. He failed in his sacred duty to protect the princess, his sister, his twin.

[Max452]

OOC: *Blink blink* No.... *smiles innocently* He was mentioned....yeah...lol....sorry....=/

Holding Teza Mae in his arms, Aradan gave Tismri a grateful smile. "Thank you, Master Tismri." His eyes looked very apologetic as he stared at his master and walked into Sidhion's room. Gently, the half elf Rider placed Teza Mae onto the soft bed. He gave her a small smile, brushing back her hair, before carefully pulling himself away from her. "Goodnight, Teza Mae." He whispered and motioned to leave, having noticed Jason speeding in toward his father earlier. The boy looked very angry, which was understandable...they did just leave him in Bromsland without telling him about Teza Mae.

***
Romulus frowned. He did not like the idea of Tenel Ka being alone while he was with their children, nor did he like the idea of Teza Mae and Jason being alone if he were to go with Tenel Ka. He opened his mouth, about to ask something when he spotted his son rushing in and nearly tackling him in his anger. Romulus lowered his eyes to make eye contact with his son's. His heart ached and softened as he watched his son, angry and hurt, demand his answers. "Jason." Romulus softly placed one hand on his son's shoulder and the other on his cheek to get him to look at him clearly. "I'm sorry." An apologetic, soft, smile on Rom's face as he spoke to his son. "We didn't mean to not tell you; we just wanted you safe. Teza Mae, I think," Rom paused, locating his daughter's presence and finding it near the bedroom, "is sleeping now." He informed his son. "Come here!" He embraced his son, filled with all the worry of a parent and at the same time, grateful that Jason was safe. "I love you, son." He hugged his boy, very relieved that their children were safe now.

***
Seth walked over to the dragons and carefully met Hyperion with the others. He's doing a bit better, but a lot quieter than normal. Hyperion told his rider, after speaking with Veryan. Seth directed his blind gaze to Garrus and then carefully approached the dragon. "Garrus, is it? I am Seth, Rider of Hyperion. How...how are you feeling?" He asked the dragon, wanting to comfort him in some way.

[Tismri]

OOC: Haha, yeah...Well Tezzie did leave Bromsland without telling anyone except Aradan, and even he didn't know when she was going to leave. But yay, the family's all together now.

Tenel Ka was momentarily stunned when Jason suddenly charged into the room very unexpectedly. She made a face when he started yelling at Rom; she had never seen her son so angry before, but she knew it was mostly out of fear for Teza Mae.
"We did not tell you because we knew you would want to come, and I thought you would be safest in Bromsland. I know I was wrong though, son, and I am sorry for that. Your sister is safe and out of danger now." When Rom went to embrace him, Tenel Ka was right there with him, wrapping her arms around her son's waist--he'd gotten a bit taller since she last saw him, she noticed. "Shards, I am glad you are safe!" Jason had a level head on his shoulders, less inclined to explore than his sister unless Teza Mae dragged him along with her. Tenel Ka knew he would do anything to keep his twin safe, and to have her in such a life-threatening condition likely nearly broke him.
~~~~~
Garrus hardly took notice of the other dragons, or the two-legged that approached him. When he was spoken to, he opened one eye and gazed at Seth with a sorrowful expression. Princess nearly died, he stated simply. And I couldn't protect her. I am a worthless dragon if I cannot care for my dear Rider.