Dissent V.3 (1 x 1)

[ty_tay]

Pallon gasped for air, remaining motionless for a few moments. At the sound of Rins voice he shot up only to lean heavily on one arm with a pained groan and wince. He spoke hoarsely, "Rin..." and reached out to his wife once more to take her hand.

Nianna growled and bit Taivils arm to make him release her. She rushed over to Rin and Falriens side ignoring her husbands curses and daughters frightened whimpers. "Sisian! It's ok, were all here. Liam is fine. Pallon is... Well not so fine... But that's normal."

Aiiin was soon to follow Levin into the open, not hesitating at the sight of a stranger. He turned to give Crii a look, telling his son silently what he already knew to do. He hushed the now snarling hound as he came to stand next to his uncle. He seemed far calmer than the rest of the family as he observed the scared stranger. "It's an old magic, Uncle. One that every king of our people has come to know through our crown..."

Crii snapped from his daze the moment he met his fathers gaze and nodded slightly at Falriens demand. He let his voice ring out loud and clear, "Everyone, please return to your homes, or at the very least leave the palace grounds. Anyone the is not authorized to be on palace grounds will be punished by me personally. Guards, you know your duties!" He didn't so much as bat an eye as the guests and nobles began to be escorted out of the hall. He moved forward to stand with the rest of his family, observing the stranger.

Felsii had followed after her husband but moved towards Rin and her mother. She kneeled on the ground next to them, setting Aidien next to her as he held tightly to her dress. " Falrien, do you want me to check Rin over?" There was clear worry in her voice.

The stranger winced away from every little noise though his attention turned towards Rin with a hopeful look as she spoke a name. "An-an-ante-anteros?" His voice was hoarse and shaky as if he hadn't spoken in a very long time and was followed by him coughing almost violently. He shrunk away as members of the family drew near, even more so as they showed their hostility. He made himself as small as possible as he felt the frightening glares turned on him and covered his head with his shaking hands. If one listened closely they could hear very faint murmurings of an old ceverian dialect that sounded as though he were pleading for mercy.

Venn couldn't help but squeak slightly as Quail shook him. He flinched at the sudden harsh words and almost seemed to shrink back. He met Quails gaze as he was told and almost seemed to hold his breath as the Ceverian man spouted off. He let out a long sigh and seemed to relax once he was released, though he did fold his arms tightly. He let his gaze wander down to the floor as Quail continued, his thoughts seeming to calm and fall into order at least somewhat. "I... You're probably right... I don't... I don't always think about what he may or may not know when its common place for someone you or me..."

Mage listened once again as Marc admitted to what had been his downfall and nodded slightly. "Well I don't think youll have to worry much on that last part. Venn doesn't give up easily when its something he loves, and considering you two made it this far when only a year ago he swore hed never be married... Well lets just say I'm not too worried on one little fight." He let out a soft chuckle. "That wasn't hostile, Marc..." He slowly started to move forward and motioned for Marc to follow as he mumbled an incatation. Strange tattoo like markings appeared on Mages hand and continued up his arm, disappearing under his sleeve, as a small ball of light formed and began to float in front of them as if waiting to lead them. "What you are going to do is find Venn, wrap him in a hug so he cant run away and feels safe. Then youre going to tell him exactly what you told me in that you wanted to protect it from being broken and didn't know what it fully meant and will never take it off again unless its needed." He glanced back to Marc and waited for him to start following as the little light danced around his hand impatiently. "Unless youd rather let him calm down over-night..."

Hrolleif huffed slightly in response though kept a smile until he too noticed the lights. He looked up at the gems and then to the door, the hair on the back of his neck standing on end as a sudden uneasiness washed over him. He looked back to the girls and Seb, moving quickly and giving off a protective feeling as he quickly swept up whatever they had missed. " We need to go. Somethings not right..."

Seb shifted uneasily at the flicker, getting the same feeling Hrolleif was. For once he nodded in agreement to the ex-alpha, looking worriedly at the two girls.

[ScarletFang]

As her mind began to calm from her families presence, Rin was finally able to crack open her eyes long enough to grasp her husbands hand and wiggled free to lay beside him, "O-o-oh my Haalin, w-what happened to you"?! She forced herself to open her eyes fully with a hiss and let her sights adjust before quickly giving Pallon and Liam a once over and looking to Nianna, "I-I suppose we were a bit overdue for some of our signature bad luck". She chuckled nervously as she took Pallons head in her hands, resting her forehead on his, "Speak to me, love".

Falrien let her daughter shift and move toward her downed husband without so much as a word. The elder womans affect was calm in a sense until one looked at her eyes where her fury and mistrust shone brightly as she tried to think of a plan. She snapped out of her state the moment Felsii spoke and she nodded anxiously, "That would be much appreciated by all, dear. Thank you. Come, perhaps two healers can discern what just happened". Her hands began to glow as well after a few moments.

Levin pursed his lips as he gave the stranger a hard look, though it held no malcontent towards him as he observed his injuries and his mind tried to piece things together, "A power only known to the kings of our nation enveloping a bloodied stranger on the floor of the great hall. Sounds like quite a mystery. Regardless... we need to get his wounds sorted out before they do the same to him". He listened intently as the stranger spoke in a skewed tongue and his brows furrowed tighter, "Curiouser and curiouser".

Hamish continued to try and calm his great grandson as the child whimpered, succeeding marginally as he wiped the tears away with one large hand. He cautiously approached the couple on the floor as his granddaughter waved him over and placed the toddler on the floor beside his parents, but didnt dare leave their side, "Seems like ah small bit o' tripe compared te all de t'ings we faced durin' de war, lass. Yer 'usband will be fine en time".

Quail gasped in pseudo-shock and leaned forward with two fingers placed behind his ear in a grand gesture of sarcasm, "Bestill my fabulous heart, say it again! The Know-it-all was wrong? That mustve taken a lot to swallow all that pride, but I'm proud of you for it". He flicked his braid back over his shoulder as his more serious persona took hold yet again, "So, we've calmed down a bit, you can think straight again, I didnt have to smack you for messing up my make up, things are looking up already! Now that this lovely heart-to-heart is over, I suggest going to find your jungle man before he goes full idiot trying to find you". He smiled charmingly at the healer, though slight impatience still clearly hung in his peachy gaze.

Marc's gaze never left the ground as Mage gave him his 'orders'. He flicked his feral eyes up to the castor when he offered his final question and used his bardiche to hoist himself up onto his feet looking somewhat irritated. He didnt so much as question the sudden appearance change of the smaller man and stopped beside him with his weapon slung over one shoulder, "If I dont go after him now, I'm not worthy of his forgiveness later. Take me to my husband, Julien".

Viveka could feel the hair on the back of her neck stand on end when Leif spoke, immediately going into high alert as she felt the entirety of the atmosphere around them shift with an unseen force. She shifted to her wolven form before her ears shot up in alarm when the sound of a roar echoed past them down every hallway from all sides and she growled, her hackles raising from her mane to her tail "That's never a good sign! What the **** was that"?! She jogged to the open door and looked down either end of the hall, but nothing seemed amiss save for one unknown scent. She pointed her nose in the direction of the unfamiliar smell, "Someone is here and I dont like it... blood, lots of blood and .... something else, something weird...".

Priiya exchanged a glance with her brother then up to Seb as things began to escalate a second time then near jumped when she heard the horrid wailing, "Are we being invaded?! That wasnt a lizard"! She, too, shifted and cautiously went to stand beside Viveka at the door. She waited a few moments and, when nothing happened, took a few quick whiffs of the air before wincing, "I've never smelled anything like this before either".

[ty_tay]

Pallon seemed to relax a bit once Rin went back to a normal state and got closer to him. He let out a slight chuckle. "I think you just electrocuted me? Certainly made my heart skip a beat, but you do that on a normal basis." He gently cupped her cheek as she rested her forehead against his and gave her a gentle, worried look. "Are you ok, Rin? Perhaps you should lie down..."

Nianna released a breath of relief as Rin calmed some. She smiled and chuckled slightly with a nod, glancing back as a peeved looking Taivil joined her with a huff. "I suppose so, but I really hoped that wed all have good luck for a little while longer."

Taivil grumbled under his breath as he gave his wife a look.

Felsii gave a nod to Falrien and moved towards Rin with a gentle motion. She mumbled gently under her breath as her hands began to glow faintly. She didn't seem to notice as her son released her dress.

Aidien wandered away from his mother, towards the elder males that observed the stranger on the floor. He cocked his head slightly in a curious manner as the stranger whimpered and looked in confusion to the adults, not understanding why they weren't trying to comfort the man as they had always done to himself and the other children. Without another moment of hesitation her ran past the adults, slowing to a walk as he got a few steps from the stranger. He crouched down in front of the young man and tried to get a look at his face in confused concern. "... why sad?"

Crillin listened to his father and great uncle converse, giving a nod of agreement to the suggestion of getting the strangers wounds healed. His attention snapped immediately to his soon as the toddler ran past them and approached thee young man man. "Aidien!?" He started forward to catch and retrieve the child only to be stopped by the firm hand of his father. He looked aghast at his father , his gaze quickly returning to his son with worry.

Aiiin nodded in agreement to Levin. "That would be the wisest choice of action... It would seem our new guest has more to share than we might have anticipated as well..." He tensed as he noticed his grandson run past, but quickly grabbed his sons arm to keep him from running after the boy. He shook his head slightly and returned his gaze back to the two in front of them. "...Approaching might make matters worse."

Pariahs entire body shook in fear and from his injuries. He flinched slightly as he heard someone approaching quickly and let out an involuntary whimper. He seemed to freeze the moment he heard a childs voice before slowly lifting his head. His eyes widened in shock before softening to a gentle and relieved look as his entire body relaxed. He slowly reached out and brushed back the little prince's hair with a look that was clear he would never hurt this child nor any other and let out a gentle, garbled purr. "...It's ok... Little Aidien..."

Venn gave Quail a look for his sarcastic remarks and tightly folded his arms across his chest, clearly still holding uncertainty. He nodded slightly at what the other man had to say next. "Yeah... Thank you for not 'smacking' me... I should go back, but I think I made him angry as well, and... Well, hes not exactly easy to calm when hes mad, especially if youre the one that made him mad." He let out a soft sigh before his gaze flicked to the sudden appearance of a glowing orb that began to circle him and Quail while periodically bouncing off of him.

Mage smirked slightly as Marc came to him and gave the lorren a nod. "As you say..." With a subtle flick of his fingers the orb flew away from them and seemed to wait for them to follow. He moved after the little glowing orb at a brisk walk, following the thing through the halls until it quickly vanished around the corner and he paused to look at Marc and gestured silently for him to proceed.

Hrolleif changed forms as Viveka did, his fur standing on end making him look even more imposing to anyone that would possibly approach them. His ears pinned back and he let out an involuntary deep growl at the sound of the roar. He followed Viveka, moving tostand behind her and catch the same scent as she did. Without warning he wrapped an arm around her aand pulled her back into the room, taking her place at the door and checking both directions of the hallway. "Whatever it is, it isn't human or wolf. We need to go to Klojen and the rest of the pack." He glanced back to the girls and Seb, the look in his eyes telling them he wasn't going to let them out of the safety of the room unless they agreed.

Seb flinched at the noise and let out a whine. He changed form as the others did, feeling safer in doing so though still clearly terrified as his tail was tucked and ears pinned flat. He moved to stand with Priiya, wrapping an arm around her to both protect her and seek reassurance.

[ScarletFang]

"Theres only one way to go once you hit rock bottom and that's up. Our luck will return, eventually," Rin tried to reassure her friend before choking back an amused laugh, "He's fine alright. Even when thrown by some ungodly magic, you still find time to make me blush, you big push over". She purred and pulled Liam into a tight hug, comforting their son as she laid motionless for Felsii to look her over before glancing to Taivil and offering a more sarcastic smile, "What? Did I electrocute you too"?

"Te reaper was mortally wounded from ah wee little bite. E's sure te die by sunset" Hamish goaded as Taivil drew nearer the group. He huffed out a gruff chuckle before snapping his attention to the chaos behind him, hand on his swords hilt as he blocked his family from the rising tensions, "Ach, yer mam's lost 'er *** mind"!

Falrien had moved aside to allow Felsii room to work when she heard the commotion closer to the stranger and froze in horror. Her maternal instincts overwhelmed her sense of judgement as she twisted on her heel and practically threw herself at the man with a feral hiss.

The woman was mere seconds from landing on the stranger when she collided with something much larger than she anticipated. A shadow had appeared between the two, his blackened features still too familiar to her and the family as he smiled down at the elder princess. Darhem was quick to wrap both arms around Falrien before she could slip away, effectively trapping her as she struggled against him, "Sorry, darlin. I dont call the shots on this one". He motioned to the eldest family member as he stepped forward.

Levin was surrounded by the writhing whisps of his reapers magic, his golden red eyes boaring into his daughter with absolute authority and severe disappointment, "So it's come to this, eh? To attack a wounded man because the youngest among us has the decency to see if he's truly well? That behavior was atrocious. I taught you better than that. Darhem, you will take my granddaughter and her family to their chambers to recover. Falrien will accompany them as well while I take this young man to the infirmary". Once his orders were given, the elder reaper then turned to the young man with a much gentler smile, "Son, let me be the first to apologize. Your entrance has us a bit spooked, but thats no excuse and no way to treat a new guest. Will you be so kind as to accompany an old man"?

Quail smiled triumphantly as he stood straight again and gave the healer a stiff nod, "Of course, Fickle. I only use it as a last resort after all". He rolled his eyes and waved his hands in circles as he spoke, "Cant you just, I dont know, forgive each other or something? How do you know he's angry anyway? He could be wallowing in self-pity like you were". His attention immediately snapped to the orb of light and he cocked his head in slight amusement, "Now theres something interesting". It didnt take long for his small smirk to grow into a devious smile as he heard heavy footsteps echo down the hall, "I'd start thinking up something to say right about now".

Marc strode after the orb at a quick pace, his brows knitted together as if he were furious as he turned corners and near bolted down halls with his weapon on his shoulder. His eyes softened almost immediately once he spotted Venn and he broke into a run before dropping his bardiche to the side and falling to his knees to wrap the healer in a tight hug, "...". He buried his face against the mans chest as he hugged him in silence before finally looking him in the eye, "Vennellen, I have hurt you in ways I'll never forgive myself for. I-I didnt know, I didnt want to break it, I... I'm so sorry". He slowly released the man and slid down to sit fully on his knees with head hung low in true lorren fashion of submission, "I dont deserve this happiness...".

Viveka's attention was set on the end of the hall as her mind raced to place the strange call they had all heard. She smirked slightly feeling Leif so near before gasping as she was thrown back into the room, "H-Hey"! She coughed lightly before giving the male an incredulous look, "You couldve just told me to move"! She eyed the hall before looking back to him with a rebellious glare that held the slightest inkling of fear as she spoke again, "My mother and aunt might still be out there...". She folded her arms tightly against herself contemplating whether she could slip by the male that blocked them in.

"I-I agree with Leif on this one, Viv. I was going to suggest the same thing actually. It's more likely at this point that your mother and aunt are with the tribe already or better yet not even in the palace anymore after what happened," Priiya gave her friend an encouraging nod before hugging Sebastian's arms and cuddling up against him. She tenderly caressed his cheek with her hand, "Its ok, Seb. I wont let anything hurt you ever again. Everything will be alright".

[ty_tay]

"I certainly hope youre right, Rin..." Nianna replied in a slightly softer voice. She shifted on her feet with a slight sigh before her attention shot to the nearby commotion.

Pallon gave Rin a loving smile and slight chuckle. "What can I say? You always bring out a certain side of me." He gently brushed backed Liams hair as his mother hugged him and shared a few quiet words with Felsii and let out a relieved sigh. He glanced to the suddenly angry Falrien but his attention quickly returned to his wife and son.

Taivil bared a fang at Hamish with a faint growl. "Drawing blood isnt a 'wee little bite' when it comes to my wife, Hamish." He held up the arm Nianna had sunk her fangs into to reveal four rather deep gashes. He seemed unphased as Flarien went off and let his gaze drop to his cousin and her husband.

Felsii was quick to check over Rins vitals and ease the worried mind of Pallon whom she believed should also be monitored after recieving such a shock. Though her thoughts quickly strayed elsewhere as Falrien became enraged and she realized her son was with the stranger from the gem. She quickly returned to her feet, "Aidien!"

Pariah looked up as he heard the sudden hiss and reacted quickly, practically throwing himself in front of the child next to him to shield him from what he feared to be a vicious onslaught. His eyes were screwed shut and his head down in fear though he stood with his arms splayed in a protective manner. After a moment he looked up confused when he was not attacked and shrunk into himself, wrapping his arms tightly around his torso. He flinched away as Levin spoke to him and peered at him with clear fear and untrust. It was a moment before he slowly nodded though he showed no sign of moving from where he stood.

Aidien looked in confusion at the adults uncertain about what had just happened.

Aiiin released his sons arm as Falrien was halted by Darhem. He watched her silently for a moment before turning his gaze to the stranger and his grandson. "Uncle Levin, I believe Criilin and I shall accompany you if our guest doesnt mind."

Crii nodded in agreement to his fathers suggestion though his eyes had never left his son. He took a small step forward and motioned for Aidien to come to him only to be slightly peeved when the toddler didnt listen to him and continued to hid behind the stranger.

"Its not always that simple, Quail... I left without telling him a proper reason after fighting about something else... I made him feel hurt, I could see it in his eyes, and guys like Marc... They get angry when theyre hurt." Venn replied quietly. He turned around just as Marc got to him and froze slightly as he was wrapped in a hug. He hesitated for a moment before gently placing a hand on his husbands back and stroking the larger mans hair back. "Marc?" He met the lorrens gaze with a sad one of his own. He couldnt bring himself to speak as Marc did and was reluctant to let him go as he moved to his knees. "Marc... Im sorry. I shouldnt have gotten so angry with you. It was my own fault." He moved to kneel opposite of Marc and gently took his hands. "I shouldnt have assumed you knew what something meant... I... I dont deserve you and it scares me that youll realize this and leave me..."

Mage slowly followed after Marc, choosing to lean against the wall a short ways away to give the two space. He gave a slight wave to Quail before someone coming up behind him caught his attention. He frowned at what he was told and attempted to distract the man further.

Cali pulled his arm away from Mage as the smaller man tried to keep him back. He strode forward, pausing at the couple before looking at Quail and proceeding to him. He gently, but firmly took hold of Quails upper arm. He leaned in to murmur into his ear, "Im sorry but Ive been instructed to escort everyone out of the palace..." He gave Quail a quick but subtle once over before speaking in an even quieter tone, "you look absolutely stunning, by the way."

Hrolleif didnt so much as bat and eye at Vivekas refute or the rebellion in her eyes, however his posture and expression would tell her all shed need to know. He didnt care if she hated him for it, but he was goin to protect her and the other two in the room even if it he had to lock them in. "... Your mother and aunt would know to protect the tribe first. Only once their safety is confirmed should anyone attempt to investigate."

Sebastien leaned into Priiyas reassurances with a gentle whine. He nuzzled her to show that he had heard her.

[ScarletFang]

"I dont know, I'd say I have at least a 50/50 chance of being sort of right," Rin shifted upright with a slight wince, her body sore but otherwise intact as she pulled her son onto her lap. She kissed her husbands forehead with a warm purr, trying to calm their son even though she knew full well what her mother was feeling and instead looked up to her cousiin once more, "That, my dear cousiin, is why you dont mess with a mother". Her lips curled up into a sad smile at the voice that she recognized as her father come from amidst the crowd.

Hamish chortled in a gravelly, amused, tone and rolled his eyes at the reaper, clearly brushing off his irritated grumblings, "Ach, are ye goin te cry, ye poor wee bairn? Ye've seen plenty more blood den dat en yer travels, all ye need es a good healer an a still drink". He seemed to freeze as the hand on his sword gripped its hilt with white knuckles and lost all interest in the small family as his green gaze bore into the shadowy figure of his lost son.

Falrien shrunk back from the harsh tone of her father, hiding against Darhems ghostly chest and slowly calming as she was scolded. She couldnt bring herself to lift her gaze to the others around her and muttered what sounded to be an apology to the stranger amongst them, "I-I am truly sorry, young man. I dont- I dont know what came over me". She peaked over her captors shoulder before clinging to the armor of her captor as she was lifted unexpectedly.

Darhem gave a firm nod to Levin as he was given orders and scooped Falrien up without a word of warning so she would try to escape, "Alright you lot, you heard the scary reaper. Let's get you up and back to your rooms or it's my phantom hide on the line". He smiled to his brother then down to his daughter and her family on his way by before striding past his father without a second glance.

Levin's magicks were quickly fading as he cleared his throat and took in several deep breathes before appearing much calmer and open, "Of course, boys. You're both welcome to accompany us". He chuckled lightly at the young father before reaching out his hand to the young prince with a happy smile, "And you are welcome to come as well, youngster. It appears you've made a new friend and we cant have those worry worts hogging him all to themselves, can we"?

Marc gently squeezed the healers hands as he took his own though still refused to look at him. He listened in reverent silence, hanging on the mans every word until his last made the lorrens wild eyes spark to life and he brought one hand up to gently cup Venns cheek. He moved even closer to rest his forehead on his husbands and chuckled halfheartedly, "My Vennellen, I could never leave you. We are bound to each other and even if I had the power to leave, I couldnt... You've changed my life for the better in so many ways, leaving you would mean sacrificing a part of myself that I wouldnt be able to live without". He tenderly placed a kiss to the mans forehead before smiling down at him, "I think we've both been a little 'moronic, imbecilic, abhorrent, and irrisponsible' today, eh"?

"Mmm yes he looks absolutely infuriated at the moment. He's simply terrifying, in fact" Quail rolled his eyes with a faint smirk as the pair confided in each other. He was about to leave when he noticed Caliciian at the last moment and his features grew vastly brighter. He cocked a brow when he was grabbed only for his eyes to lock onto the generals with a perturbed hiss, "WHA-"?! He felt the breathe catch in his throat as he was blindsided by the mans compliment and his cheeks flushed, "Uh... th-thank you..." He glanced to Mage as if passing the authority over the pair to him before pulling Caliciian aside, "I'm going to need a better excuse than that to skip the party of the century, Cali".

Viveka could feel her mane begin to bristle the longer she stared down her mate, calculating the chances of slipping by him to find her family before a gentle hand came to rest on her shoulder and she flinched. She glanced to Priiya for a moment, silent and stoic before releasing an irritated snort, "Fine! But we're getting nothing done just sitting in here! I refuse to stay put and do nothing, let's go"! She slipped away from the pair to stand toe to toe with Hrolleif, letting loose a conflicted sigh as she took his hand and squeezed it, secretly looking for reassurance beneath her irksome guise, "Lead on, pretty boy".

Priiya withdrew her hand with a soft smile as Viveka finally decided to listen and gently removed herself from Sebastiens grasp before taking his hand to lead him as well, "Come on, Seb. As long as we stick together we'll be fine".

[ty_tay]

Nianna chuckled softly in response to Rin. She turned and took Kaisiin from Taivil much to the disagreement of the reaper, and motioned for him to help Rin and Pallon. She kissed her daughters head as the child hid against her with a slight whine.

Taivil huffed slightly. "I was just trying to make sure she and the baby didn't get hurt or stressed..." He growled slightly and gave Nianna a looked as she took their daughter. He rolled his eyes and moved to help Pallon to his feet. "Fine... On your feet Band-Aid." He hoisted Pallon up with a grumble and helped him remain balanced.

Pallon purred as his forehead was kissed and attempted to help calm their son by brushing his air back gently. He shot a glare to Taivil for the nickname, but accepted his help. He was unsteady on his feet as he stood much to his dismay and required Taivils assistance to remain up right.

Felsii let out a slight whine as she looked between her son and the couple that still needed her help. She met her husbands gaze briefly before sighing and giving him a nod, trusting that he would do what he must if their son was in danger. She turned on her heel to return to Rin and offered her a hand to stand up.

Aiiin gave a nod to Levin before glancing to the stranger and then his son.

Aidien watched his father sigh in exasperation and share a look with his mother before his attention went to
Levin as the old man spoke to him. He mumbled what sounded like and agreement before finally stepping out from behind the stranger, though he didn't move forward. He stopped and looked up at the young man that had 'protected' him and offered him his hand to hold as he would with any of his family.

Pariah flinched slightly as the formerly furious woman addressed him. He watched in silence at the exchanges going on around him, clearly still terrified of those around him. He looked down at Aidien as the young prince offered him his hand. It wasn't more than a seconds hesitation for him to give the toddler his hand to hold, appearing as if hed never hurt a fly let alone the child hed just protected. He glanced nervously at the adults as Adien led him forward, towards them.

Venn leaned into Marcs touch, a stray tear rolling down his cheek as he did so. He met his husbands gaze as he leaned in and listened intently to his words. "Marc..." He sighed gently in a relieved manner and looked up at the Lorren man with watery eyes. He let out a single airy laugh at the words he had used not so long ago and fell into Marcs chest, wrapping him in a tight hug and nodding slightly as he hid his face against him.

Caliciian didn't seemed phased as Quail hissed though his cheeks were every so slightly flushed. Even with the slight tone of pink it was clear that he was serious in both his task of escorting everyone out and the compliment he had given Quail. He didn't object as the other man pulled him away from the others though he did glance back only to receive a glare from Mage before meeting Quails gaze once more. He sighed lightly and rubbed the back of his neck almost as if stressed. "The party has ended. Rather abruptly I might add. No one who isn't a necessary part of the staff or who lives in the castle is allowed to remain on palace grounds. I'm not even allowed to stay once the halls are cleared." He moved to gently tuck a stray lock if Quails hair behind his ear almost absently. "Don't worry though, Adiira and her baby are safe, they hadn't made it into the party yet. No one is really sure what happened but there is some very strange magic in the mix and an even stranger young man appeared out of no where from the kings crown and Princess Viorin was channeling some arcane spirit or what not. The family needs to figure out whats happening and until then they want people away to make sure everything is safe..."

Hrollief didn't break eye-contact and continued to watch Viveka even as her attention turned to his sister. He gave a slight nod as she conceded to them. He met her gaze once more as she stood in front of him. His posture seemed to relax ever so slightly as she took his hand and gave a nod. He wasted no more time as he turned and led them out of the room, still holding onto Vivekas hand and only pausing for a moment to check that the hall was clear before heading towards where the pack resided.

Sebastien let out a whine as Priiya escaped his hold, but gladly accepted her hand, squeezing it gently as they began to follow. He remained slightly behind Priiya as if to shield her should anything come for them from behind.

[ScarletFang]

Rin gently shifted Liam onto her hip as the toddler clung to her in search of comfort. She shifted into a kneeling position with great effort before accepting Felsii's hand and stumbling onto her feet. Her legs felt as if they were made of jelly and her knees threatened to buckle as she fought through the pain to stay upright, "I think I have a greater respect for all those achy early morning wake ups, love". She groaned as she finally stood straight and tried not to lean too heavily on the queen as she squeezed her hand, "Thank you, darling. I'm sure Aidien will be fine with his father and the others".

Hamish watched with a firmly set jaw as Darhem walked past, wanting to reach out to him but finding his hands were stuck to his sides and wouldnt move even with the greatest persuasion. The elder jerked his head as a hand came to rest on his shoulder, looking ready to tear into the person before he relaxed slightly at the sight of Temsic. The eldest ushered his father to follow the pair as they disappeared into the hall.

Falrien remained in reverent silence as she was carried to her daughters chambers, reflecting in the scolding she had just recieved. Her head rested on Darhems shoulder as she closed her eyes, her brows knitted with ever constant worry before a faint whisper caused her to chuckle lightly.

Darhem had retained his military posture in the presence of his father and the family, but once in the hallway he eased his guise and murmured softly to his love, "It'll be alright, darlin. You were just trying to protect them".

Levin withdrew his hand to place on his dragon cane with an even wider smile, "Seems someone's already getting attached. All right everyone, this way at a slow pace for our guest". He turned and began to lead the group once the halls occupants began to thin, the click of his cane on stone giving a steady rhythm as he started to hum an old tune.

Marc caught Venn and practically engulfed him in a hug, bent on protecting him from the world if need be as he rested his cheek atop the healers head. He blinked back his fears, banishing them to the recesses of his mind once again as he rubbed his husbands back gently, "I'm here, my Vennellen". He only opened his eyes when he caught Caliciian's reasoning for being there and turned his attention to Mage, becoming slightly more protective as he stared past the caster further down the hall, "Sounds like they need your help, Mage. I'll get Venn the h*** out of here and we'll regroup later".

Quail hugged himself as he eyed Caliciian, wanting to compliment him as well but resisting the urge once the general admitted his task and its reasoning. He tensed as his attention snapped back toward the hall where the others resided then seemed to calm greatly at the reassurance his cousin and her child were safe. He had inadvertently leaned into the mans touch as his hair was fixed and pinched the bridge of his nose to avoid smudging his flawless makeup, "Somehow this night only lands in my top 5 weirdest moments, but I'll regale you with those juicy tidbits later. I hate wasting a good outfit but for now... I'll behave, so count yourself incredibly lucky".

[ty_tay]

Felsii gripped Rins hand firmly as she helped her to stand, hoisting her up and wrapping an arm around her back to keep her steady. She chuckled slightly at Rins words to her husband before glancing back to her son and the stranger. She let out a soft sigh in response to Rin. "Anytime... I know he will be, but I cant help but worry about my baby being so near such a stranger..." She started to move forward, assisting Rin as she did so.

Pallon couldnt help but smile in return to Rins words. "Welcome to getting older, sweetheart. Itll only get worse as time goes on." He moved with Taivil as the reaper began to follow the others to where he and Rin could recover from the strange ordeal.

Taivil followed the others, giving the stranger and Aidien a glance as well. It was a moment before he spoke, "honestly, Felsii, Im more worried about the stranger." He met her aghast gaze with his own serious one. "The guy terrified and severely wounded, not to mention its pretty obvious that the only people here he isnt frightened of are the children. At the very least I dont think it should be Aidien youre worried about." He glanced to his wife and daughter to make sure they were keeping up and ok.

Aiiin gave a slight nod and began to follow after Levin with Vaird joining him at his side. After a few moments he moved to walk at his uncles side. At one look it would be clear he was somewhat disturbed by the situation and deep in thought.

Pariah hesitantly followed after the two royals, glancing around nervously as Criilin followed behind him and Aidien. He limped heavily as he moved, but still held onto the small princes hand almost as if he were a parent afraid to loose him in a crowd.

Criilin followed after the group, watching with narrowed eyes. As they moved further away from the others and the longer he watched the strangers reactions the more he seemed to relax and become calm about the entire situation. He paused for a moment as the warning Toli had left him and his family came to mind. "Could this be...?"

Venn squeezed Marc tightly as he was engulfed in the larger mans hug. He pulled away just enough to look at the others as they talked and discussed what was going on. It was a moment before he pulled away completely so he could stand, though he did still hold tightly to Marcs hand. "If we must leave then its best we do so now..." It was obvious he had become uncomfortable with the mention of strange magicks.

Mage gave a nod to Marc as the man came to his conclusion, though he did not seem at all pleased about the knowledge of old magicks in the palace. "If its a family matter then I stay out of it until they tell me themselves to get involved, however I do need to go and make sure Daveanna and Cecilia are safe." He glanced to his cousin before meeting Marcs gaze again. "Take a route as far from the great hall as possible. Venn may or may not have told you hes extremely vulnrable to unknown magicks and their effects, especially when hes emotionally unstable." He ignored the half glare his cousin gave him.

Cali seemed to loose himself for a moment as Quail leaned into his touch, though he quickly regained his composure with a melodic warm chuckle at the mans words. "I would certainly like to here them, Quail... Its not the outfit that makes the ensemble, its the one wearing it. And I thank you for that." He glanced to the others, "well as long as you all intend to leave then Ive done my duty..." He looked to Quail once more and offered him his arm. "May I be so honored as to escort you out?"

[ScarletFang]

Rin scoffed playfully with a slight grin at her husbands words, "What are you talking about, love? We'll stay young forever... at least at heart...". She forced herself to move with the group, stealing a final glance at her grandfather and their 'guest', a twinge of an unknown familiarity enveloping her curious gaze before they disappeared from view and she turned back to Felsii with a bit more confidence, "What else would you expect, darling? He has the heart of a king. So eager to help others, it's one thing we can learn from our children".

Hamish stood as guard just outside his granddaughters bedroom suite, arms firmly folded across his chest with a killer scowl before his gaze shifted to the sound of movement and he relaxed slightly, "Inside, de lot o' ya. Ey'll give ye 5 minutes te settle yer ***** an gods help ye if ey go in dere an yer still up an about afore de healers get te ye". He opened the door for them with a much softer look of concern.

Falrien had been set in a chair with a blanket gently draped over her shoulders as she leaned to one side, Darhem standing beside her in a military fashion though his ethereal presence was obviously beginning to wane. Her downcast gaze flicked up as the door was opened and she was immediately on her feet to meet her family, "Viorin! Oh, dear child! Come, sit on your bed with Liam! Pallon, you too dear, let me get a good look at you all! What happened"?!

Temsic had been sitting opposite Falrien as he quietly exchanged a few words with his ghostly brother, motioning to the door discreetly before standing as it opened unexpectedly. He released the hilt of his sword when he saw his family enter and went to accompany his father with one last look of disappointment to his brothers spirit, "No need for us to crowd the room. If any of you need anything, Hamish and I will be just outside".

Levin would frequently glance over his shoulder to the group that followed, offering a smile whenever he managed to meet Pariah's gaze. Sweat had begun to appear on his brow and his breathing was slightly labored, but he kept on at a steady pace, "We'll have to get that limp of yours looked at as well, young man. If nothing else, I know an expert cane craftsman". He chuckled once before finally turning into the infirmary, heading over to a cot, and collapsing onto the bedside with an exhausted sigh, "*** these old bones, it used to be so much easier 50 years ago".

Marc stood as well, reaching a hand to collect his bardiche that laid on the floor beside them. He gave Venn a reassuring squeeze of his hand before nodding to Mage as if he had been given direct orders from a general, "Aye, I think we can manage that ...probably... and if trouble happens to find us, well....". He lifted his weapon in one hand looking ready for a fight before ever so gently pulling Venn in the direction of the closest exit, "Stay close, Vennellen, and dont do anything too stupid, Mage".

"Im sure you would and youre *** right it is! What kind of fabulous man would I be if I let the clothes wear me"? Quail huffed, the usual sassy spark returning with a flick of his braid over his shoulder. His attention shifted to the mans outstretched arm then back to the group behind them before hesitantly accepting the offer, hiding his inner glee with a curvy smile, "You most certainly may".