[Pinkie]

Mizuki couldnt help the reaction as Thalion reached for his face. The slight flinch was not intended but it was to late to take it back now. Seeing the light flecks of red and the motion of the hand made him think of the punch he had got from the male earlier that evening. Though as the hand dropped and Thalion took some steps away was when Mizuki realized how Thalion felt. He could feel the sorrow and frustration through the link and he matched it.

Though as Thalion continued to speak Mizuki just stood there. Even as the male turned and walked a little ways away he stood there like he was frozen to the spot. After Thalion stopped speaking Mizuki made up his mind as the male once again turned to leave.

With swift movements he was behind the male with his arms around the males chest as he hugged him close in a tight embrace. Mizukis arms shook a little as he held tightly to the male "I didnt think you were happy..." Mizuki said lightly as he pressed his non bruised cheek to Thalions back. Breathing deeply he sighed a little "...you dont have to show that you are all the time..." He said lightly "But..." Here was when Mizuki paused a moment.

His hands gripped the males shirt as he hugged him tighter if possible. His emotions were taking over and Mizuki knew that and he knew that it was a matter of time before Thalion did as well. The link would help but also the little heaves of his chest as he couldnt help the little tears that flooded out of light lavender eyes as he cried a little. "I really didnt mean to push him that far..." Mizuki said lightly "I...just want him to succeed...the thought of loosing him..." Mizuki said before he growled "Of loosing you...it scares me more then anything in this world" He said in an almost broken whisper.

After a few moments Mizuki loosened his grip but only to turn the male around in his arms. By this time the tiny flecks of red were there yes but not as bright or thick as they were. Mizuki looked right into those eyes with his own tear filled ones "Thalion I..." Though he paused a moment "I am sorry...for everything" He said with a little hiccup as he hugged the male hiding his head in a dark chest. It took a moment or two but he was glad when those arms rapped around him and hugged him back.

After a little bit of time Mizuki moved and pulled back just a little so he could look into the dark face before him "You...say that your still happy..." Mizuki lightly as his ears dipped back some "...show me...?" Mizuki asked in a broken whisper as he looked to Thalion with almost pleading eyes. It had been many a moon since the couple shared everything that they were with each other. Mizuki missed it...all of it. The kisses the light touches. Everything was far and few between now and it saddened him. Though after a moment or two when the male didnt respond his ears dipped lower as he frowned some "...Please..." He asked lightly as his hands gripped Thalions back tighter

[Rosekitten]

He was frustrated. He had been for a while, there were quite a few things that weighted on his mind and he had just ignored them all the while they were here. Just seeing Mizuki flinch back from him made everything sink in that he could have prevented all of this. If he had just stepped up a little or pushed to keep them from drifting apart like this. Of course a relationship took two for it to work but he could have done anything differently. But the damage was already done now.

He wasn't sure if he was actually planning to see Mizuki tomorrow or not if the other had let him walk away. Maybe he would have stayed low for a while to try and sort things out or to allow Mizuki some space as he felt it was hardly fair to expect the other to want him around after today. Though those ideas stopped as he suddenly felt arms around him preventing him from leaving or taking any steps further.

His ears dropped a little listening to the other start by saying he didn't think he as happy. He wasn't with how things were going but that never meant he wasn't happy still being with Mizuki... hardly. The thought never crossed his mind in truth. But the longer he thought about it the other had plenty of reasons to think that Thalion had lost any feelings for him. The last time they did anything together, even just something simple like this, was.. he had no idea when.

Even now with just Mizuki holding onto him he wasn't sure he could ask for more, what even caused them to start going at one another's throats over the years? It wasn't the children that was certain, heck if anything the two young ones kind of forced them to speak to one another over the past few years. Though this was when Mizuki seemed to go on saying sorry again.

He felt the hicks in the breath from the other still holding onto him and the grip tighten like Mizuki would lose him if he dared to release his hold. He knew what fear Mizuki had at losing Nytria or himself. It made sense he wanted the boy to succeed. Even to the point he was blind to what was right in front of him. Really it was the same fear that had kept Thalion at a odds with what he should do.

He knew he had to fix this problem, but there was a fear that tugged at his mind. What if it made things worse on Nytria. He'd never forgive himself if out of all of this trying to find a solution he didn't cure the child as well. Let alone what if the cure didn't work on the child even? What then, he'd be forced to watch their son grow up not knowing when or if he'd make it let alone how long he'd make it. Heck Thalion was only twenty-eight and seemed to be nearly doomed as it was.

Though his mind snapped back to what was going on around him as Mizuki loosened his grip a little. Though a unvoiced question was answered as Mizuki turned him around looking at him. He didn't want to look honestly, seeing that flash of fear before when the other flinched was enough. To see it again.. he didn't want to. Though it wasn't there for the moment. He knew there were still traces of the rage from earlier but it was dying slowly. He wasn't holding onto it because he wanted to, he wasn't even mad current, not in the slightest but it just refused to go away.

When Mizuki spoke again and moved hugging him he flinched a little. He wasn't sure why really, maybe out of worry. He wasn't sure how easily thing could turn around from this to back to a moment where he didn't know what was going on again. There was those words again though. Sorry. Mizuki had nothing to be sorry over. Thalion knew his limits, he had told himself before that conversation started that he needed to back down from it after he had said what needed to be said.

Either way he hesitated before finally moving his arms to hold Mizuki in return. He half forgot what it even felt like to have the other close. Even when they slept together in the same bed Mizuki had moved away. He forgot when that first happened, he should have stopped things back then when he noticed it. But maybe things weren't as lost as they seemed to be, they were here now weren't they?

All the while Thalion had stayed quiet letting Mizuki talk and say what he needed to. He wasn't sure what to say really and it was hard to even fit the right words together that needed to be said. But never the less Mizuki went on, moving back a little to look at him. This was when Mizuki spoke again bringing up what was said earlier. The words that followed with that pleading look was enough to destroy anyone.

Show him... how? Where did he even begin to show him. He wasn't even sure he knew how to show him anymore. They had been apart for so long he almost felt like he had to go back to square one to even know what he was doing. But now things were different... he wanted to show him he almost screamed in his head just to move or do something. Even just something simple just anything was better then just standing there.

It was a good thing Mizuki spoke again pleading with him. He felt the sadness behind that please as the hands on the back of his shirt gripped tighter. Though by now he gave up on thinking what was the right answer to what Mizuki sought out. He knew the answer and it was everything. They both had just missed the other even though both sides had been all but ignoring the other for the past year plus.

Moving a little he needed to test it. He wasn't sure what he would have done if Mizuki had flinched away again but the other didn't this time as he rested a hand on the non bruised side of Mizuki's face. After that he knew what he needed to do. At the least to start things as he kissed the other. Though it wasn't just a quick kiss. No it was one that had been needed for quite a while.

He only broke it finally to get air and to speak. "I.. you don't have to be sorry... it's my fault I knew and I never said anything all this time." He knew that there was a breaking point he just .. he figured things would go away he guessed but they just kept building. "You wouldn't have known, even about Nytria thats not your fault... if I had just come to you sooner I could have prevented all of this." He knew what Nytria was going through better then anyone. Even the stubborn determination that nearly ended it.

Though with those words he held onto Mizuki a little tighter with the one arm still around him to keep him close. Not like the other was going anywhere still holding onto his short. "I love you Mizuki.. the last thing I wanted was for any of this to happen." He didn't let the other get any words in just yet before he kissed him again. Conflicting emotions he wasn't sure if he should be sad things had to come to this or happy that maybe they could fix it.

[Pinkie]

After the please Mizuki stood there in Thalions arms looking at the male. He knew that what he said was what he wanted...he wanted to feel the male kiss him, hug him...everything that came with it. Though after what had happened Mizuki was not sure if he would get what he wanted. It was not until he saw the hand rise that he gave a little smile.

As the hand was placed on his cheek he closed his eyes and rubbed it lightly into the dark hand that rested there. However he didnt have very long to think of that warm hand as he felt a brush of lips against his. He didnt think twice as he kissed Thalion back. It was a slow deep kiss that was filled with many emotions. The two only breaking it so Thalion could speak.

"I.. you don't have to be sorry... it's my fault I knew and I never said anything all this time." No it was not the males fault. Well in a way it was but it was also his and he knew that. "The blame is not yours or mine...it is ours" Mizuki said lightly looking at Thalion. "There was no preventing anything...I should of thought more about it" He said in a broken tone.

Though that ended as he looked to Thalion again as the male spoke. How long had it been since he heard those words of endearment? Mizuki couldnt recall and it gave his heart a light pain to think about. Though at the same time it made his heart flutter. "I love you to Thalion" Mizuki said as his ears dipped a little "I never stopped and I never will" He said leaning in a little "Even if we fight on somethings..." He said with a little laugh.

Mizuki leaned in the rest of the way after that as he kissed Thalion again. Moving his arms from Thalions back he moved them up to rest around broad shoulders as Mizuki kissed him. Those kisses moved from a mouth, along a jaw line to a pointed ear. Licking the lobe lightly he gave little kisses until the pointed tip where he gave a sharp nip.

Moving his lips lightly he brushed them against Thalions ear lightly before he spoke "Hmmm....Are you going to show me..." Mizuki asked lightly before he gave a little lick "...or....do I have to show you?" He asked as he moved his hands from around Thalions neck to trail them down a muscled chest.

[Rosekitten]

That was true it was their fault, a joined effort in this. Things being let go for so long. Not listening to each other. It was all the cause of this. There was a number of things they could have done differently and should have but it was too late for that now. Hopefully lessons learned and there wouldn't be a repeat of this.

IT was the next words he had wanted to hear though, he wasn't sure if they still held the same meaning or if he had wasted his breath saying them himself. Though it seemed they did have meaning, the mix of emotions from Mizuki said that. Though he smirked a little as the last comment. "Just sometimes?" Seemed like anymore that's all they knew how to do.

Another kiss soon followed Mizuki's words, though this seemed to lead the other into more then just a mere simple kiss. Each newly placed kiss that lead up Mizuki nipping the tip of his ear. That final action was what finally got rid of that lingering rage from before, it had been fading during this whole time but he had more important things to think about at the moment.

"That does not sound like I have much of a choice now does it?" Having still retrying to steady his breath from the slight gasp he ended up letting out from the nip. He didn't give Mizuki time to say anything before he moved picking the other up and carrying him to the bed before sitting him on the edge.

If the other protested he ignored it though he doubted Mizuki was going to protest to anything between them right now. Kissing the other once more as he sat on the edge of the bed he kept fighting the reminder of what had happened earlier by the bruise on Mizuki's face. "You don't have to show me something I already know" He said before pushing the other back against the bed staying over top of him and kissing him once more.

Though that kiss slowly lead into a few others and soft nips as he moved from his lips to his neck and down to a now exposed collarbone after he had moved the robe a little. There was no point in rushing things.. not when they had all but avoided each over for almost a year if not longer.

[Pinkie]

Oh Thalion had a choice but he was sure the male was going to go in the same direction as himself. Both of them wanted it so why fight it? This was when he gave a nip to Thalions ear and he heard the little gasp from the male. It was rare that he got to hear anything like that. So when it happened he gave a little smile. Yes he loved those little noises and exhales of breath from the male. It made everything worth while.

However he seemed to have more effect on the male then he thought as he was picked up and moved to the bed. Mizuki didnt protest the movement. No instead he tilted his head a little and kissed the underside of Thalions chin. This was when he was placed on the bed and Mizuki leaned back a little looking to Thalion. Though that lean soon turned into him being pushed back into the bed as Thalion climbed over him. Mizuki gave a little growl as he rested his head back.

Mizuki sighed a little as his eyes closed half way as Thalion leaned down and kissed him. Those kisses soon moved down from his mouth to his neck as a dark hand gently moved the robes off pale shoulders. Mizuki couldnt help the little shudder that ran through his body as he felt the kisses and nips that were placed on his collar bone. It was a weekness of his and he knew that.

Moving his arms pale hands rubbed up the sides of the male before back down to the hem of the shirt. Grasping it he pulled it over the males head and threw it to the side. As soon as it was gone those pale hands were back to where they wanted to be, resting on dark skin. Lightly brushing his fingers over a dark back he moved and rested them on those hips above him. Looking up to Thalion as the male moved Mizuki gave a smile before he leaned up.

Bringing his mouth to a pointed ear he growled a little "Let me hear your voice....just this once..." He said in a husked whisper as he nipped the ear before falling back down. Looking up at the male his eyes were half lidded and his cheeks were red with a blush. Mizuki gave Thalion a little smile.

[Rosekitten]

Of course there was no protesting. They both wanted this if not needed it. All this time and they had been together but not at the same time. Where did things start to go wrong at? He didn't remember and hardly cared at this point. He had wasted so much time when they could have both had more time together.

After the shirt was pulled off and Mizuki had rested his hands again was when the other seemed to move and speak near his ear before nipping it once more causing a slight shiver to follow. It was something he normally fought against, every so often Mizki would manage some noise... Though giving in once wouldn't kill him. Leaning a little he kissed Mizuki before speaking. "You make it hard to say no looking at me like that." It was the truth.

Even with that being said he still never bothered to rush things, not till it seemed like all they were doing was tormenting each other. Mizuki got his wish though maybe request was a better word. Once things were finally over and the two were laying there it hardly took more then a few moments for Mizuki to claim laying in the spot he use to lay. Curled up against the other and close.

Maybe all was not lost just yet.. He had missed all of this. Just having the other close and spending time together. The touches and kisses just everything. It had been a while when he remembered being this relaxed to be honest. Mizuki seemed more then tired though as he almost thought the other had passed out almost as soon as he got comfortable. Kissing the top of Mizuki's forehead he told him good night, even if he didn't hear him.

The next day came and Mizuki seemed against the idea of training Nytria. The boy was confused by this after having Mizuki drill into his head for so long to train daily and to push things to their limit. Granted the child still needed to recover anyway. None the less his sibling was happy with this news as she stayed by his side the whole night. Though known to anyone else she called her brother stupid and that he had caused father and papa to fight again. Though she was far more sensitive to the limit her brother had then he was. Not that children understood this.

The two kids settled and healing was well on it's way was when Thalion finally decided he needed to get this over with before he hurt Mizuki again or worse. They were still in the room though out of ear shot of the two kids as he pulled Mizuki to the side. "I need to do something.."

Was how he started this. Though Mizuki looked at him oddly at this. "I need to fix this... you know what I'm talking about. I can't stay like this it'll progressively get worse if I try ignoring it any longer." Worse could mean he could even hurt the children or kill Mizuki or anyone for that matter. That was the last thing he wanted.

"There is a catch though.. I was told there is a chance that going through with this it could cure Nytria.." Mizuki seemed to question why that was a bad thing. "The other part of that is it could also not cure him and actually make things worse. The better odds it just won't cure him and we'll still have to figure something out." Mizuki probably saw what conflict Thalion had now, he was worried that if he followed through with this he could end up hurting Nytria.

"But I don't think I have a real choice unless you count locking me up somewhere I can't hurt anyone or myself as a option." It was a option and if they didn't go through with this then it was their only option. He wasn't sure if after it got to a certain point if it could be cured even.

[Pinkie]

They needed to talk...well that was not a good thing. Usually those words fallowed with a fight though Mizuki hoped not this time. After a moment of Thalion speaking Mizuki growled a little "I agree that it dose need fixed" Mizuki said "I didnt want to say anything but I knew it was getting worse...the link gives more then I thought" He said with a little shrug of his shoulders.

However as the male continued to speak his ears dipped back. He dudnt understand how curing the young male was a bad thing though as Thalion continued he understood. "Its a chance that needs to happen" Mizuki said "I mean..there are other ways to stop it" He said "Though I really do not wish to take away Nyrias magic...blocking those channels..." Mizuki shook his head "I dont wish that on anyone" He said with a little shiver.

However this was when Thalion continued to speak "But I don't think I have a real choice unless you count locking me up somewhere I can't hurt anyone or myself as a option." At that Mizuki shook his head. No that was not an option "No...I will do everything in power to prevent that" He said leaning in and giving the male a kiss "I couldnt stand knowing you were locked away much less by my hand" He said before he gave a smirk "Unless I could get those cuffs back" He said with a little laugh "Though that cave is so far away"

[Rosekitten]

By the way Mizuki acted he was sure the other thought this was going to lead to a fight. If it did it wasn't the intention. "Heh.. yeah.. I figured you probably could tell.." The link had changed a lot of things. Mainly emotions being next to impossible to hide. This in turn the other probably saw just how easy that balance was tipped over almost nothing now.

Mizuki mentioned blocking the magic channels as Thalion tensed a little. "Er.. no.. we're not going that route.." He spoke before rubbing his own wrist a little. "Later its his choice but now when he's a child.." He had tried sealing his own magic when he fist made those cuffs. To say the least the scar on one wrist proved how well that went, he nearly thought he had doomed himself that day.

"I know you will. I'm more worried that it might be our only option. There is a chance that my old man was wrong and this method might not change anything or it might just be a temporary fix." Well if he never mentioned it before he did now, bringing up that this was information he got from his father. Though he never said when he got the information...

Mizuki smirking and speaking of those cuffs against made Thalion laugh weakly. "Well I'll keep my mouth shut on having made a improved pair and what I did with them." Granted he had worked with the master smith here and so the older male knew how to make them if Mizuki actually wanted a pair.. plus the originals were there as well of the improved ones.

"I'd rather avoid being locked up somewhere unless it's for certain reasons.." He said before he kissed the other resting one hand at Mizuki's hips keeping him close. Though other then special conditions he'd probably go crazy being forced to stay in one spot for a extended period of time.

"Either way.. thats the options we have. Either I go there and work my way to the vault in the castle or we seal my own powers." Option two meant a lot of pain for Mizuki though. Option one had a high chance of death at the same time. Though it wasn't like he was planning to take over the capital.. so they didn't need a large group really just enough to take care of trouble if it came up.

[Pinkie]

Mizuki smiled at that "Improved ones huh..." He said with a little wiggle of his hips. Mizuki also had to agree with the male. He really didnt want to have to lock Thalion away. Not if he could avoid it. So if there was other options he was greatfull for them. Though it was not the option he was hoping for. "So...You want to go back to the drow kingdom and head for the vault to look for a cure that might not even work?" Mizuki asked lightly.

Looking to Thalion he gave a smile "High chance of death and a small chance of success...seems normal to me" Mizuki said with a shrug of his shoulders. Though after that he had to laugh. It was a response he would expect from Thalion not himself. It would seem the male had rubbed off on him in more ways then one.

As the kiss came and the hand on the hip Mizuki smiled "We will gather everything that is needed and make arrangements for the kids" Mizuki said lightly "A small group should be good enough" He said with a smile before he leaned in and kissed the male "Just another day in paradise" He said with a smile as he moved and nipped at Thalions neck with a little growl.

Though any thoughts he had were over as soon as they began as a little voice was heard to his right "Papa are you and daddy fighting again?" Belquiri asked and Mizuki smiled. Turning his head he shook it as he looked down at the little one "Oh no my dear...its quite the opposite" He said with a smile as he let go of Thalion and bent over picking up Belquiri before turning a little. The child now between Thalion and himself.

Leaning into Thalion Mizuki rested his head on one shoulder as Belquirirs little one rested on his chest. "Your daddy and I were just talking" He said with a smile "about how cute and adorable you are!" He said leaning in and playfully nibbeling the childs neck making nom sounds all the while Belquiri laughed and kicked about "Daddy save me!" She said in between giggles.

[Rosekitten]

He shrugged a little as Mizuki said it seemed normal. "Well would it help saying I'm taking advice from someone who's been dead over twenty years then? That makes it not normal." Though that was a bit of a smart answer. He didn't want to say what real choice did they have in it all. If they didn't go the problem was going to get worse. That and they had no idea how much time they had to find another cure even.

Yeah plans for the children was the first step. They were safer here that as certain. Though as Mizuki mentioned paradise he laughed a little at the voice that rang up questioning if they were fighting again. Mizuki scooped the child up after saying no to her. Nope not this time.. maybe not for a while.

Though that was when Mizuki seemed to go on and say that they were talking about how cute and adorable she was. Well that was a good cover up. Though when Mizuki started playing with the girl was when talking seemed to be at it's end as Belquiri tried to free herself from what Mizuki was doing. To admit it he'd miss this when they got older. Though for now he had time to enjoy some of the small things he had been neglecting for a while. Really things they both had been neglecting.

Easily prying Belquiri from Mizuki he moved over to where one of the empty beds were seeing as this was the children's room and Nytria was in the other. Well for the moment the young male was anyway. Tossing Belquiri on the bed as she moved to be sitting up apparently amused by this as she squeaked a little. Mizuki had taken a few steps towards them by now as he grabbed one of the wooden swords and tossed it at Mizuki.

"run, I'll fend off the savage lass." Belquiri laughed a little as she moved to duck over the side of the bed. Though Thalion didn't get much time to bask in the slight glory he had at the moment as Nytria half tackled him from behind and promptly sat on his back before speaking up. "Get him Papa!" The boy apparently feeling a bit better today said. "Wait what? How was that fair?" Thalion half complained though if he had wanted to get up he probably could have. Granted he wasn't expecting a tackle that was for sure.

[Pinkie]

Mizuki smiled as Thalion took Belquiri before lightly tossing the young female onto one of the beds. Only having a split moment to catch the wooden sword as Thalion spoke "Run, I'll fend off the savage lass." He couldnt help but take some steps forward "Hardly fair to against one!" Mizuki said in a playfull matter but his smile only grew as he saw what was coming.

It was a habit the young child had since he was able to do it. Laughing Mizuki watched as Nytria ran into the room and dive bombed Thalion forcing the male to lay face first into the bed as the child sat on his back. "Get him papa!" Mizuki laughed and couldnt help but jump onto the bed lightly hitting Thalion with the wooden sword "Take that and that!" Mizuki said as Nytria clapped his hands "You show him papa!" He said and Mizuki laughed.

Though that laugh turned into a gasp as he himself found to be face first into the bed below as Belquiri jumped on his back "Meany stop beating daddy!" She said taking the wooden sword and hitting Mizuki with it. Mizuki squawked "No no not the beating!" He all but yelled as he moved his head and hid it in Thalions chest "Protect me from your evil childern!" He said with a laugh as he heard from both of them at the same time "WE ARE NOT EVIL!"

[Rosekitten]

Two on one huh, even Thalion could have seen what was coming. Least by now anyway. Nytria had gotten bigger over the years. To say the least Thalion wasn't sure how many more they had for stuff like this. If years at all, though he wasn't dwelling on such a thought at the moment as the young boy called out for Mizuki to get him.

He had given the sword up in the process of this as Mizuki played along with this attack. "Oh gods no.. attacking the unarmed even!" Though this was when apparently Belquiri came to his rescue saying stop beating daddy before she managed to get Mizuki down and freed the sword from him.

Though this was when Mizuki spoke and hid his head against Thalion's chest. "Wait why are they mine when they are evil?" Though once more the children repeated they weren't evil. Either way he half curled around Mizuki's head and chest to guard it from Belquiri. Though it was a short lived attach as Nytria took up trying to defend papa.

At the least for siblings they never had to worry about them going too far. It was odd they rarely fought thinking on it as he moved a little to sit up getting Mizuki to sit up with him. "I think it's safe for now." He joked with a slight laugh as the two kids seemed to be distracted for the time being.

[Pinkie]

Sitting up with Thalion he groaned a little "Good thing to...I dont know how mcuh I would of lasted" He said with a little smile. However this was when Mizuki gave a smile "Either way thats enough playing for now" Mizuki said with a sigh looking to the kids "Its time for your studies" He said to them both and laughed a little at Nytria groaning but Belquiri almost clapping. Yes they were completely different yet so much the same.

After that the conversation between the two became a reality as they got ready. It was decided a small group was to go so it was Thalion, Damien, and himself. That was the plan anyways. It had taken some time almost two weeks for all the arrangements to happen. Getting the sears to cover while he was gone it would only take a few weeks at most. At least so he hopped.

Taking with Neimi and Raden the two childern were placed within their care as the small group got ready to go "Papa why cant we come?" Nytria asked tilting his head as he stood there holding Belquiris hand "Yeah why cant we come?" She asked tilting her head the other way then her brother. Mizuki smiled "This is not a trip or mission for kids" He said bending over placing his head between them.

Turning he gave Nytria a kiss to the head before turning and doing the same to Belquiri. Pulling back a little he smiled "Now...do as your papa says. Be good for your aunt and uncle" Mizuki said before glaring "Papa means it" He said in a stern voice "No running off, no trouble...do your studies and your training..." Mizuki said "Maybe you could convince uncle Raden to take you for some walks to" He said and smiled at the glare he got from the male.

"Now be good" He said standing and turning before getting up on the horse that was beside Thalion and Damien. "Neimi...watch them like a hawk this time" He said with a smile "We dont need a repeat of last time now do we?" He asked with a smile and a nod before turning his horse and heading down the large stone road leading to the draw bridge that would take them out of the castle grounds.

[Rosekitten]

It had taken some time before things plans were settled and what they needed to take with them was gathered. They settled on as small a group as possible. It was thought to take a few of the others but for the sake of not standing out more then they had to they decided it was safer just to take Damien with them. Mizuki would repeat the spell he had used the last time they were there and hopefully none would be the wiser.

Though at this point things were already settled and good byes had been said, they were waiting on Mizuki to reinforce the word Thalion had said of no causing trouble. Neimi shook her head at the comment of a repeat. "No.. none of that." She looked down thinking back on it. Surely they were more well behaved by now. At the least Thalion had less to worry about Nytria now, Mizuki had slacked up on the training so the chances of the boy pushing himself were unlikely unless something drastic happened.

The two still complained that they wouldn't get in the way and all of that. "We'll be back before you know it." Belquiri seemed unconvinced of this as she pouted a little. "Promise?" Thalion nodded a little Mizuki agreeing. Damien started to say something but Thalion stopped him. "Say one milord comment I'm kicking you from your horse so help me.." Though he knew at least a few were coming.

None the less the two were in the care of Neimi and Raden as they set off. It was going to be a long trip, from here to the Drow capital was quite a trip even by horse. Though the trip there wasn't what anyone was worried about. It was their plan going over without any issues. There were plenty of flaws in the plan but they hardly wanted to try to start a new war and take the city by force.

None the less there was trouble a few days after they had left the Wood elf capital. Belquiri quickly shook her sibling as she seemed panicked. "We're leaving" She spoke quickly as he blinked at her before being dragged behind her. "I left a note and we'll be back ... I already packed things we might need." Neimi and Raden were out cold, she was Mizuki's daughter alright. She had drugged both of them with a sleeping tonic. They would be out for a few hours at least or at most a half a day if not longer.

None the less she dragged her brother with her who quickly agreed to the idea of wanting to help their parents. Headstrong was a word for this. But Raden and Neimi were going to have heart attacks once they woke and found that there were horses missing and a note that they would be back soon. They knew where the two would run off to or rather after...

[Pinkie]

The trip was a long and draining one. Because of the link they could only walk for so long before one of them needed to stop and breath. That added more time then one would think. Now a week and a day or so later the small group found them selfs at the drow capital. Getting in was easy though finding a place to stay was a more interesting thing to do. After their last visit it would seem that the current queen was on a bit of a rampage.

Some of the village was ruined as if a raid happened and the proof of that was the still smoking wood of some of the shops. Though lucky for them Damien still knew of some people that would be of great help. So that was the first place they headed. It was a little herb shop almost off to the side and forgotten as it was between homes instead of other shops.

As they came up to the door Damien turned to the two of them. Mizuki this time even dressed the part of a drow. Down to clothes and the like. There was no way he was sticking out this time not when his back twinged everytime he thought of the first time they had been here. "Dont make any sudden movements around him" Damien said "After a few raids...Nester became a little skittish" He said with a small smile.

Entering the shop Damien headed in first fallowing by Mizuki then Thalion. The door was closed behind them and at the sound of the little bell there was a soft low voice "H-hello?" Mizuki heard as he saw a little head pop out from behind a drape that rested behind the counter. Taking a step out the male looked up "Awww...Damien! Dont do that to me!" The little male said placing a hand on his chest as he gave a sigh.

Little glasses rested on a small nose. White hair framed a dark face as pointed ears stuck out and were almost always dipped down. Standing a little over five feet he was shy and cautious of almost everyone. "Sorry Nester I didnt mean to" Damien said with a little laugh "But I brought some friends here that need your help" He said with a smile.

Turning he motioned to Mizuki first "This is Mizuki..." He said and He bowed lightly. "And this...this is Thalion" Damien said as he stepped aside. This was when Nester stopped as he looked to Thalion "By the goddess...so the rumor was true" He said a little though as Thalion growled he shrunk back almost flinching. "S-sorry" The male said lightly taking a step back.

This was when he moved and went around the counter to the front door. Locking it he closed the blinds "W-well come to the b-back" He said moving and making his way back there. As they all reached the back of the small house there was a table with four chairs "Please...sit" He said moving to the little kitchen "I will make some tea" Nester said "Maybe something to bring up energy" The male said as he went to a shelf as looked over the herbs.

Mizuki couldnt help it. Moving over he stood by the male "My...what a lovelie collection!" He said and Nester jumped a little "Sorry" Mizukis aid lightly and the male shook his head "I am still missing so much" He said and Mizuki smiled "You have some that I dont" Mizuki said almost amazed. Mizuki prided himself in his herbs though as he looked here he saw some that he didnt have.

"You are a herb man?" Nester asked and Mizuki nodded "Oh yes so indeed" He said "I find my self using more herbs then anything" He said with a smile "So for the tea I am assuming your doing a white lilly blend?" Mizuki asked and the male smiled "The base of it yes" Nester said as he grabbed something else from the shelf and Mizuki frowned "Why would you add golden glow?" He asked a little shocked "Well for one it added the healing factor to sore muscles not only the calming effect for the head as well as the taste" He said with a smile.

Mizuki took a step back "Hmm...I never once thought of that" He said crossing his arms as his ears dipped back a little "Its a great way to help everything at one go" He said as he mixed the herbs and put them in the hot water "Yes...I see that" The smell that reached his nose soon after was that of vanilla. "Nester my man you and I need to sit and chat about some things" Mizuki said as he moved and sat back at the table beside Thalion.

[Rosekitten]

"A little... I think a raid would make me more then a little.." Thalion's reply to not making any sudden movements around this so called contact Damien seemed to have. He had a feeling that Damien had kept in touch with quite a few contacts ... It was every so often he would bring up news of what was happening here and that things were only getting worse. Though Thalion still swore he had enough to deal with without trying to take over a city so it would never happen nor could he do anything about what was going on here without causing a small war at the least.

It was funny in a way, everyone spoke of how fearless the drow were. Yet here was a little man that nearly seemed to have a heart attack at the mere sound of someone entering the shop. Though as soon as Damien started speaking Thalion knew what reaction was coming. Oh here things went again... Here he was just starting to get use to dealing with the guards at the wood elven capital let alone anyone else here finding out said rumors of one of the royals being alive were true.

Though after the slight huff Thalion gave as he seemed to state the rumors were true it caused the man to shrink back. Damien shook his head a little saying he was like that. But more details could be explained later when they were not in the open front of the shop. Either way the group followed where they were told to go to be out of sight and maybe be allowed a bit of a breather for the time being till they got into some of the more complicated problems.. like getting into the vault and from there into the passage Thalion needed to get to.

Once they were relocated to a small house and told to sit was when Thalion started going over what they needed to do with Damien. They both knew the castle layout and as far as they knew nothing had been changed so it should be easy enough to get in and out without much trouble. Though this was when he noticed Mizuki seemed to get a new spark of energy from the herb collection this contact seemed to have.

Being linked it was hard yo mask the excitement Mizuki seemed to express at the moment at talking with the other. He would never admit to being jealous but he was and he hid it well. Even with being linked Thalion was a master of hiding what his thoughts or true feelings were when he so wanted to. Instead he busied himself with talking to Damien as they seemed to agree on the best path to take. There shouldn't be too many guards posted at the areas they had to pass through and if they timed it they could avoid them altogether.

Granted he didn't like the way Mizuki seemed to be almost overly friendly with this new found companion.. but saying something would hardly help things at the moment. Though at Damien and Thalion mentioning getting to the vaults was when Nester spoke up after a few moments and the tea was finished. "Did you get my last message Damien?" The older knight shook his head no as Nester looked down a little.

"The queen finally cornered the Death wizard and the knight of shadow." Damien frowned at this news, they were both strong allies as he rested his head on his hands propping his elbows on the table to remain eye level with Thalion. Though this made Thalion speak up. "What? How did they get her?" He seemed almost in shock at the mentioning of one of the two figures as Nester seemed to explain that the two had been laying low for a while but recently the Queen had become more active in her hunt for those still loyal to the crown.

"Rumors of not she was not taking chances on some uprising happening under her feet." He stated about the queen. "Tsk.. damn it" Thalion's ears went back as he tried to relax a little again and Damien seemed to watch him before speaking. "you're conflicted." "Yes I am, if we leave them they are as good as dead. but going to the dungeon is hardly a easy feat... though it should have a passage that puts us closer to where I need to be.. if we get that far."

Damien closed his eyes thinking about it a moment. He knew that the knight spoken of was Thalion's instructor. Besides his father shoving as much magical knowledge down his throat he also had a battle hardened knight that trained him. Damien had helped train Thalion as a child as well but his main master was currently being held in a cell awaiting the fate the queen saw fit.

"They would both be powerful allies." Damien stated knowing Thalion knew that and he was still more conflicted with going out of the way to try and spare them. "Ugh... leaving them there isn't a option is it.. " He muttered a little before sighing. "If it starts looking bad we'll have no choice but leaving them there means I won't sleep well." There seemed to be more to it then that. He owed her... if it wasn't for her he'd be dead, even if she had been hard on him when he was younger it was because of that he was even alive still.

Besides that it was his fault they were both in there. If he had never shown up here then they would be doing whatever they were doing. Though they were hardly the only ones in the cells at the moment. A day prior to Thalion and Mizuki and Damien getting to the city Neimi and Raden had located the children and were talked into just going to see the city. The group had poor luck running into patrols and the two children having signs of being Drow half breeds. The Queen did not like half breed muts as she called them and they would be dealt with as well as the other mut with them, being Raden, and the human.