To Give You My Name...

[BadInfluence]

He was quiet for the whole trip, or at least for the most part, having his own reasons for it. One? He was a bit tired. Between himself and Nautilous they had put in double, triple, quadruple time… Energy… Attention to Detail… Determination… Chutzpa… Into making sure those troops were ready to go at a moments notice. There was no time to be sloppy or half assed, an attack could come at any time, from anywhere and they knew at the moment they were little more than sitting ducks with targets… They didn’t want to rely on their ally’s house for defense, these troupes would have to be battle ready in days, not months and able to defend their House should the need arise. No time had been wasted between the two of them and they knew, when it came time for them to go topside that the army would be ready to fight and defend if needed, there’d ne no issues or fears of clashing with the allied house… All? Was in perfect order…

If only they could have scheduled the weather as smoothly as they had their army because coming up here hit him like a ton of bricks. He always wore multiple layers of clothing, it was vital to his line of work and a part of him for so many years he didn’t know how to go without them. He also knew flat out that this many layers would give him heat stroke if not kill him outright and because of that? He had agreed to change into something incredibly light and thin, leaving him feeling extraordinarily naked, even a bit… Shall we say… Shy? Because of that he barely spoke at all, preferring to remain by his sister who was always his rock, his guardian when he felt so… Unsettled…

The camel ride was easy enough for him though, if you can ride a Bison you can easily ride a camel, if anything the Camel was a hell of a lot sweeter tempered and smelled a damn sight better too. He opted to just remain silent even then outside of small busts of conversation with Nautlous, simply preferring to watch his sister as she rode, the way she was taking in this world she had only ever read about… “It’s more than you ever imagined, isn’t it?... I can tell… Even out here with nothing but rolling sand dunes… You’re mesmerized…” He knew… He could feel it through the link they had always shared, she was falling in love and she didn’t even know it, she hadn’t even seen true beauty… Not yet… This place was a blank canvas… Imagine how she might feel when the colors of life began to paint it’s vivid hues on it…

Arriving in the city he reached out and took her hand, lacing their fingers together while Nautilous and his miniature look alike tore off into the stalls and began to buy up anything that took their fancy, especially spices and food stuffs. “When I see him like this…It’s easy to believe how young he actually is. Imagine that he hasn’t gotten to do this here in who knows how many years… Maybe the last time he was here… He didn’t have the money to buy everything he wanted… And now? He’s richer than anyone could imagine and still… The small things like shopping with his friends and family bring him more joy than the gold ever could… We have chosen to marry a very interesting man my sweet sister… He will never bore…” There was no way he could… Brains, beauty, brawn… A Golden heart and a cold blooded disposition to anyone who went against those he loved… Complex yet honest, a mystery and yet straight forward, the man was an enigma wrapped up in a riddle and with the most beautiful smile he had ever seen to top it off… He loved the man he did, with his heart and soul combined he had never wanted another man, never cared for the same sex in a romantic matter… But much like his sister he had fallen for this golden god hook, line and sinker, and he had no intentions of ever wriggling himself off that hook.

The shopping spree over they entered the hotel and he could only nod in approval, it was everything they could need and a little more pizazz than that, that little extra which made it utterly perfect… It was cool, comfortable, well shaded and just by looking around you could tell the place was high end… Into the shared suite they were ushered as they all went into their own rooms, dropping off clothes and what ever else they brought along before getting comfortable, setting things up as they liked… Nautilus was out in the foye ordering the food up and setting up things as he felt were going to be needed and in that time he looked to Gia and pulled her in close… Kissing the center of her forehead while cradling her cheeks. “I have missed you so my sweet sister… Between my duties as your Patron and assisting Nautilous in how a Drow army is set up, I fear I have been neglecting you and sparing time only for the bare minimum, please forgive me my little button cap…” He felt horrible he did, at the end of the day he would fall into bed with them and hold them tight, falling into a revere hard and fast even while the two made love beside him. He wished he had more time.. More energy… But unlike Nautilous he wasn’t used to this sort of thing, he had been very care free, as wild as the wind as a Harlequin and this was very different. He had to train his body to adjust to something better, something harder, and because of that? He was adding on the muscle like she had never seen before, strong and with very little fat his body looked every inch like a Drow God and then a little extra beside…

“Come… You must be over stimulated… The first time on the surface packs a punch unlike nothing else and today you traveled through an area so hot few can tolerate it… Here… Let me care for you my sweet…” He said as he would guide her to the room, asking Jacob to plate them up only vegetarian dishes as he had to look after Gia for a while, they’d be out soon enough and not to worry… Once he had Gia behind closed doors he carefully, reverently kissed down her body as he removed that beautiful dress, leaving her naked underneath and a beautiful map for him to explore… Peppering her with kisses and loving touches before he’d stand up once more and guide her to the bed. Once she was there? He’d guide her to lay on her stomach and he’d pull a vial out of his bag, popping the cork on something familiar to her, a bottle of neroli oil but not from her own personal stores. This one he had seen at one of the vendors and purchased it himself just for her… He’d upend the bottle slightly over her skin and let the cool oil dribble and spatter along her bare skin, from the base of her neck down to the soles of her feet, ensuring there was enough to achieve his end goal… “On my travels I ran into a man who was a master massager…” He said quietly as he began to rub her down, using firm long strokes at first to get the blood moving, to relax the muscles and ease her into it… Each stroke was perfect, the ideal pressure and length, the faultless press of fingers and thumb in all the right places… Within minutes she’d feel like butter under his hands, leaning over her body to make sure every supple inch of her gorgeous body was treated to heaven in the form of his fingertips…

He'd do this for almost an hour, turning her into a boneless, ultra-relaxed mass of beautiful limbs and torso. Almost to the point where she would be dancing on the verge of sleep and just as she floated on that edge he’d move her legs just a bit, parting them so he could work on the delicate inner leg muscles, the ones that had been a bit abused and stretched on the camel ride over… He’d work up and down, from knee to groin and back again, but every time he came up high… He’d touch her core… Ever so lightly… Seemingly accidental… Innocent even… This would go on for another half hour before he had her twitching and writhing, his words light, teasing as he’d ask what was wrong… Feigning perfect gullibility as he had no idea what was wrong… And he’d stick with it until she’d feel him pressing a bit harder into her back… Up along her ass… He was as naked as she was and with her legs parted like that he easily took advantage of the situation and slid himself home inside her in the sweetest, most erotic, pleasurable stroke she’d ever felt from him… Once there his movements were like magic, like a dance as he slid deep inside her over and over again, melting her with those succulent strokes from his cock… Grinding… Pushing… His hand sliding down under her to sweetly stroke over her clit with well oiled fingers, gently pulling her towards an orgasm like the way a song begins only to end at some point, but the whole time your floating on music… And that was what he was doing for her right now… Playing music for her with throbbing shaft until she found her peak, until she shattered so sweet and soft it would be like a dream, only then would he slowly pull out of her when that last quake left her… Resuming his massage of her body until she felt more relaxed and satisfied than she ever had in her life… From there? Unless she had other plans they’d relax together until it was time to go out and mingle for their late lunch, getting dressed once more to head out and eat, to enjoy conversation now that his beloved soon to be wife was much more centered and relaxed….

[Deleted]

Incredible.. one of a few words that could even begin to describe how this day had started for her.. a smooth and easy trip through the webways..stepping into an immense amount of heat.. more than she was thought she had felt before.. sure she had lived near volcanic areas.. but this was different.. it was so drying.. it was most assuredly a place where one learnt quickly to keep their mouth closed... she was easily mesmerised by the light.. it was just so foreign to her.. all of this was.. feeling the softness of the sand as Nautilous poured it through her fingers.. watching as it glistened and sparkled.. she was out of her depth.. So far out of it.. she knew nothing here.. and if she were truthful.. deep down that was a little.. frightening.. they all changed into their respective outfits.. clothing that was much lighter.. looser.. it wouldn't cling to the skin.. before they stepped out into the awaiting desert sun.. oh her breath was taken.. the area before them was vast and it just seemed to go on forever.. hills and planes of golden sands.. the comment about her looking like a phoenix had her bowing her head.. it was a nice compliment.. though the remark about wedding proposals-.. Well.. im not married yet.. -it was a quiet tease.. before the camels they would be riding would come into view and her displeasure from such an act was easily read.. unimpressed.. she huffed and begrudgingly got up onto that beast as instructed.. giving Nautilous a bit of a look as he attempted to give her a hand.. ushering him away with a gesture..they travelled onward.. toward this city they were heading for... she drank in the sights .. the fact that it was just so bare.. there was nothing but sand.. and maybe a tree dotted here and there.. and the heat was all encompassing.. like someone holding you captive with a warmed blanket.. she took a breath when Thaylan spoke to her.. turning her attention toward him .. -.. Its just so big. -she spoke softly.. -.. I .. I honestly had no idea..-he was right.. she was utterly taken by it.. all of it...they had read books about this as children.. she had seen drawn pictures and crude conjured images.. but all of it didn't even come close to experiencing it ..

they arrived soon after.. she dismounted as quickly as was possible.. adjusting the dress a little.. making sure those long lengths of flowing fabric fell back into place.. she smiled when he reached for her hand.. their fingers interlacing.. walking quietly ..side by side.. she would watch as Nautilous did infact take off running with Rose toward the open stalls.. packing possessions a plenty .. her head came down to rest there upon his shoulder-..He is just a bundle of youthful energy..-she responded in turn-..Realistically those three are much closer in age.. so.. seeing them act in similar ways isn't so surprising.. He is quite unpredictable.. -she gave his hand a light squeeze.. -.. Ill have to show you what happened last night.. where he ended up..restrained.. -that garnet gaze lifted to linger on his own for a moment.. before she would raise his hand to brush her lips to the back of it.. they would wander through the streets.. past the many stalls of spices and fruit.. of foods she'd never seen before and scents she didn't recognise.. It was utterly overwhelming.. some of the trinkets were stunning.. the hair pins..and bracelets.. the paper caught her eye.. being the avid writer she was.. but all she really .. really wanted to do.. was find some walls to be enclosed within.. it was almost as if the sheer open-ness of everything was causing her issue.. at least to begin with.. they reached the Hotel.. the place they would be staying in.. it was beautiful.. and a little cooler which was nice.. fountains and fine furnishings.. before they would find their place in the group lounge.. food was being ordered.. people were settling in and relaxing.. cooling off.. her lids half closed when she felt his lips pressing to her forehead.. his warm hands cradling her cheeks.. -.. mm.. I have missed you too brother.. -she spoke softly.. her hands rose to cup against his own.. gazing across to him as he stood before her.. she gave a little shake of her head-.. no.. You havent been neglecting me.. youve been preparing our House and subjects.. there is no forgiveness necessary.. I assure you.. -she lifted up on her toes a little.. the lack of heels on her feet meant she had dropped a little in the height department but not too much.. she pressed a kiss to his forehead in return-.. You couldn't disappoint me.. ever..


-he ordered them some food. and guided her back into their bedroom.. the door closing quietly behind them.. she sighed at those kisses.. the way he was removing the layers.. the golden dress.. leaving her bare.. naked.. before she was guided to the bed.. settling to rest there upon her stomach.. the bedding was cool against her warmed skin..the scent of neroli filled the room when he opened the bottle.. she tensed a little.. and a gasp sounded when the oil splashed down upon her skin.. trickling down the length of her.. her toes curled under.. -.. I wonder.. -her head rested atop the pillow there.. reaching back to draw her hair up off her shoulders-.. is there anything you cant do my dear sweet brother?.. -she smiled... letting her eyes close over as he begun this massage.. and as expected and adored he was incredibly good at it.. those firm long strokes had her whining.. had her melting beneath his touch.. she was so tense to begin with.. her body had been quite wound up by all the over stimulation.. so this.. this was perfect.. he knew precisely what she needed..he was rewarded with pleasurable sounds when he drew her further and further down.. she softened.. she sighed.. her lids grew heavier.. her breathing slowed.. though she managed a murmur when he began to rub her inner thighs.. her body jerking whenever he brushed so innocently against her heated core.. the twitching would continue.. it was impossible not to.. his question though on what was wrong had her chuckling-.. mmhmm.. like you dont know.. you are a horrible tease my love.. -she whined so softly.. she felt so good.. her body was incredibly relaxed... she was veritable putty in his hands.. feeling the weight pressing against her lower back.. sliding over her ass .. before he just slid that thick hard cock right into her.. she sucked in a long sharp breath as her head lifted off the pillow.. -.. Oh god.. -she whimpered.. she moaned so deeply..

the movements were smooth as silk.. like the most fluid and soothing dance.. her legs flexed.. her toes curled.. she whined.. she groaned.. she sighed and gasped.. those oil coated fingers reaching down to stroke over her clit were met with her head pressing down into the pillow.. a much higher pitched moan sounding.. her body was already so pliant.. so relaxed.. that she felt every single move he made.. the rocking.. the grinding.. the pressing deeper...deeper.. before she inevitably broke.. she shattered in the softest most honeyed cry ..her body trembling.. sagging against the soft cotton bedding as he slowly withdrew.. she murmured.. -.. wow..-an almost breathless sigh.. she reached for him.. fingers beckoning him to come to her side.. -.. oh my god you are.. you are such a beautiful man.. -she looked across to him through half closed eyes.. rolling slowly onto her side as fingers found his cheeks.. drawing him in.. she needed that kiss.. that sweet loving matched union they had known for years.. his lips. his breath.. his taste.. his tongue.. all of it.. -.. thankyou.. -she whispered.. reaching to wrap her arms around him.. to draw him in close.. she had missed him terribly.. -I swear I couldn't love you more than I do right now.. and yet I know that I will tomorrow.. -whispered into his ear quietly-.. I have missed you terribly.. even knowing you were just outside .. was enough to cause an ache to develop.. a desire to be born.. a need to just see you.. -she tilted her head-.. but I also understand how hard you are working right now.. So so hard.. for the betterment of our House.. our Home..
for our Family.. for us.. and I am so proud of you..

-she gave him a brilliant smile.. looking up to him there.. even if she was in that almost catatonic state.. she just felt honoured to have him at her side.. -.. When we get back.. -she spoke softly.. reaching for his right hand.. sliding her own across it.. a prickle of energy.. a slight weight felt against his palm-.. I want to Marry you brother..I dont want to wait anymore.. I want it all official.. I want it all tied up and done .. no more excuses.. nothing more getting in the way.. I want to be your wife.. I want you.. I want us.. I want it all.. -she would pull her fingers back revealing the stunning masculine ring.. a rich black gold with diamonds dotted in the sides.. and a vibrant garnet stone.. it matched the colours of their eyes.. her hair.. that vivid deep red.. something they shared.. - You hold my heart my love.. and I cant wait to spend the rest of my life with you.. -she would steal his lips once more.. drawing from them a beautifully haunting kiss. a smile playing about her lips when it slowly broke-.. Youve done so much for me.. So much over the past few weeks.. I know you're uncomfortable right now.. in as much as you have made me feel utterly fantastic.. and my god brother did you make me feel good.. -her fingers traced down along the curve of his jawline..- tell me.. what I can do for you?.. what do you want.. what do you need.. Anything at all.. -she whispered into his ear.. -.. Anything..

Ring

[Deleted]

...a flicker of energy.. a crackle of light.. and when she woke from her slumber she'd find a neatly folded note there resting upon the bed.. might not be a bad idea that she read it before everyone came back.. might even call it luck that she wakes before say.. Jacob comes back..



R,

Are you serious?

Where are you?

-A


..the crown seal on the back was unmistakable.. the note contained was short.. to the point..he honestly had no idea where she was.. the only way he could respond was more or less a 'return to sender' spell.. 

[Deleted]

if he were completely honest he was loving ALL of this.. the experience as a whole was so far quite exciting.. the heat.. well that left a little to be desired but overall.. there was just so much to do.. the clothing choices were.. odd but really quite comfortable.. freeing really.. as opposed to the slacks and tucked in shirts he usually sported.. the eye makeup made his eyes water a little.. but he understood the reasoning.. her complaints about the camels had him smiling.. it was adorable.. cute even that she was more or less chucking a tantrum over having to ride a camel .. before they all knew it though they were on their way toward this place called Luxor.. or.. something like that.. arriving within a few hours.. the water and cucumbers surely doing their job to keep his mouth and throat from drying out too much.. Shopping seemed to be on the menu next.. the stalls were open.. spices and fruits.. all kinds of meats and foods.. trinkets and clothing.. there was something for everyone.. he was dragged around a little.. by the likes of Nautilous and his beautiful wife to be.. so many things were purchased.. the language he kind of caught.. but for the most part it was still very foreign.. so he let Nautilous do all the talking.. he asked him if they could pop by later.. perhaps without the women in their company.. nodding at the response.. hearing that it wasn't possible for the females to head out after dark anyway-.. peculiar.. but I guess.. its just almost opposite of where we are currently residing isn't it.. different cultures.. different laws.. -he had seen quite a few gifts he would like to purchase for her.. little things like pins for her hair.. jewellery and beautifully made glass boxes.. but he would leave it.. just for now.. the paper and inks had him mesmerised.. he could feel the quality beneath his finger tips. and the sheer amount of colours that were available was incredible.. he was stunned.. shocked even.. -.. You're not wrong.. Ive not seen anything like this before.. ever.. not even in Arvandor.. the paper is perfection.. there would be literally no bleed on this.. I am impressed.. and the ink varities.. Oh.. -hand to his heart-.. stunned.. I will take a great deal of these.. and they will keep me well stocked for quite some time..

-he couldn't be sure when he would be back here.. so figured if there was a time to stock up. it was now.. and that bag of holding would come in handy for sure.. purchases were made and the five of them headed onward to this Hotel that Nautilous had set up for them all.. it was spectacular.. stunning.. the waterfalls had him fascinated and it was as she thought.. because they were more or less inside.. it was not something he had come across.. into their shared quarters everyone would settle.. he took the advice from Thaylan to order some vegetarian styled meals for Gia and himself.. offering a nod and a smile before those two disappeared behind closed doors.. he smiled to Rose.. watching as she also slipped off to perhaps get changed.. he remained behind.. to listen to this story.. he would always enjoy hearing about other peoples lives.. how they got to where they were today.. where they were born.. the hardships and the celebrations.. it was all equally as important to him.. a glass of wine in his hand as he leant against the doorframe.. nodding-.. This brothel in Cairo.. is that the one you were talking about?.. -in the letter.. the one you wanted to show him?.. -.. You have lived a very.. very colourful life Nautilous.. and I have no doubt you have many stories to tell..-he took a drink from the glass-.. I am really looking forward to learning more.. if you're comfortable to tell of course.. -he had a feeling some of it would be.. perhaps a bit.. tender and he didn't want to pry.. but he was genuinely interested.. intrigued even by the man he would soon be calling his Father.. -.. Tonight you'l have to give me a bit of a tour..

-he glanced across as she came back in to join them.. his brow rising a little when she asked about wether or not his stomach was bothering him-.. uh.. no.. not at all love.. is everything ok?.. -he questioned.. curiously and clearly concerned. =.. maybe its just different foods.. or maybe a touch of dehydration.. what with it being so hot out.. the treck here you probably lost a lot of fluid.. make sure you settle in.. relax.. put your feet up and drink.. -the evening came swiftly.. quicker than perhaps anyone had expected.. but that tended to happen when you were away.. he was unsure if leaving her was a good thing.. concern still littered about his features.. but she pressed him to go.. -.. You get a message to me.. if anything happens or if you arent feeling good ok?.. I wont be going too far.. -he leant in.. a kiss small kiss to her lips.. before he and Nautilous would head out.. -.. Thaylan wont be joining us?.. -he questioned as they moved to step out the front of the Hotel.. his hands clasped before him.. -.. I hope she's going to be ok.. I mean I feel fine.. everyone else looked ok.. maybe something she ate just isn't sitting quite well.. she is eating A lot.. -he laughed a little and reached around to scratch against the back of his neck.. he just figured it was because she was pregnant...some women tended to feast whilst others famined.. it was all case by case.. the two of them walked.. he followed the lead Nautilous gave..staying close but drinking in all the sights as the lanterns were lit all around them-.. Tell me.. how are you fitting in?.. down there?. -he rubbed his lips together-.. I dont get to see a lot of you.. or at least I havent yet.. I mean I saw you in the arena.. but that was about it.. -he slid his hands down into the side pockets on his robes-.. Ill be honest.. im struggling a bit with it.. I dont hate it.. not at all.. and I do understand the reasoning for the things we have to do.. but.. i guess.. I was taught a completely different way.. and disconnecting from that is becoming a lot more difficult than I expected it to.. -he exhaled-.. The only thing getting me through right now is knowing that she is flying ahead.. leaps and bounds.. I am hearing such good things about her work with the Matron and the lady of the House we are staying in.. it filters through down to me on occasion.. they are very impressed.. and it makes me incredibly happy for her..

[BadInfluence]

“I think it’s based on the local religion here… Women used to be a higher status but when Christianity or rather when Muslim came into the area it all changed. They believe women are somewhere between the epitome of sin and wickedness and fragile creatures who can’t think for themselves…” Regardless of where that one lay women were considered lower than camels in their value and worth which was incredibly sad no matter how you looked at it. Then again that was just a part of the faction here, the reason for the curfew for women was just to keep the peace, at least during they day they didn’t have to wear a burka and hide like many of the other women did, they could wear what they pleased as they moved along. She and Nautilous were neck and neck, buying up this and that to take back with them, having a grand time shopping together before they’d get to the wealthier districts and she saw the way Jacob was looking at a variety of things. Particularly, she noted, the paper store. She watched as he was just enchanted by it all, the quality and the colors, the variations and the extremely high quality of it all. She listened as Nautilous explained a bit about it as Jacob responded and she just smiled, tilting her head a little to the side as she did so, just marveling at this beautiful man who she got to call her own. A fortune a this disposal, enough wealth to buy everything in that market place a hundred times over, and yet this? Something so simple… Was what made his heart beat faster… Made his blood sing… She truly did have a very special man… “So then you wouldn’t mind if I bought you some as a late birthday gift hmm?” She asked by his ear with a gentle nudge and a wink with a smile on her lips. She wouldn’t say it loudly oh no, she knew he was incredibly dodgy about anyone knowing when it came around, preferring to spend it in quiet celebration if at all… Well she threw that one to the wind but she’d not had a chance to buy him anything in regards to a gift. This? Seemed like a rather perfect one to take a gamble on. Of course this would be for later though, after everyone was settled back into their rooms and had eaten, perhaps even tomorrow given today was mostly just to settle into ones bones and adjust to the heat. That alone could drain anyone in this place.



Once they arrived at their hotel she noticed the way he seemed completely awestruck by the fountains and took it as a mental note, something to keep in mind, find a way to turn it into something he might be able to enjoy on a more regular basis… She knew it was hard on him right now, more than he was even going to be letting on, but right now she was at a loss as to how to lessen or if possible negate the strain on him. She didn’t like him struggling, even moreso that he did it in so much silence, he would desperately need someone to vent to but she had a feeling he’d rarely bend her ear on it… So if putting a fountain or something around his area, buying specialty paper and inks, and if possible ordering him to her side for an hour or two and just letting him release some of that pressure by drawing or something of the like? Then bet your damn skippy ass she’d be all over that like sumac on a rash. Entering the suit it was open and airy, though sparing of any large furniture or lush fabrics, perhaps because such would hold onto the heat too much? After all the room was quite a bit cooler than the outside had been, the air across the pool was a wonderful addition and the fans spinning only helped circulate the air so it remained fresh, and if that was the cost of a few less items of furniture? So be it. She excused herself though, not long after Gia and Thaylan had split off themselves, her stomach was a touch off, a bit wonky and she wasn’t about to have the vapors in front of company. When she came back a few minutes later she asked Jacob of he had any sort of an upset, a bubble or a burble, pressure or anything of the sort but it seemed it was just her. “Oh yes, utterly sweetheart, please don’t worry. I think it was the cumin honestly, it always makes me a bit particular in the tummy, I just thought I’d have outgrown it by now is all. I’ll be sure to take a nice bath and a nap while you boys run around like Alibaba out there.” She said with a smile and leaning on him while they ate their delicious and refreshing lunch, sticking to the lighter side of things herself today given her stomach felt a touch wonky, better to let it settle than shake it up more. After dinner she heartily encouraged him to go and explore, those one on one things with his father were precious and rare, she wanted them to have that time together before going back down to Menzoberranzan where they’d both be caught up with their duties again. “You’re utterly precious when you’re a worry wart you know that? I love it. I promise I’ll message you right away if anything seems off. Chances are it’s just because of the newest additions is all, nothing more, now you go and have fun! You’ve worked so hard, go out there and stretch a little, get lose and have a few drinks and get a little wild. Let your dad show you what the night life is like here and you soak up ever bit. I’ll be right here waiting for you when you get back.”



And with that? They were out the door and she was in the room after a swim and a shower, getting to the task at hand so to speak, a few unexpected revelations coming to the fore that were best handled here on the surface before things got back into the swing of life. Ace had a right to know he was a father but that was about as far as she was going to let that rope dangle. She knew what it was like to be an orphan and Jacob knew what it was like to be raised thinking that someone else was your father, they both had ended up with the shortest possible end of the stick of life family wise and she wasn’t about to do that to their children. If Ace decided he didn’t want to be a father? Then so be it and that was the end of that. She didn’t think Jacob would have an issue but if they did then they’d just come to it when they crossed. For right now? She was making the right choice but not letting it travel beyond the bare minimum. Ace had made his choice, made it perfectly clear to her that she was not the one for him, that their feelings just weren’t meant for the long haul. Did she understand it? Not really… But Gia had made a valid point when she said holding onto it only hurt herself… So she’d just let it go down the stream of life and didn’t look back… Once the letter was done and sent off she had laid herself down to rest until the men came back from their adventures.



The magic was what gave it away before anything else did, that sudden crackle, very rare here in the surface as the letter appeared out of thin air. Definitely not Jacob, he wouldn’t have sent a letter, they sent bubble recordings if it was incredibly important which it would have to have been given they were on a little vacation. Not Gia, she knew her magic at this point, this had a different feel… Different but familiar, something she never thought she’d encounter again, something she’d like to avoid until a certain date rolled around… What was he getting at? Well no… That wasn’t entirely fair. She knew the letter she had sent had to have been one hell of a damn shock and he would want to know… She just didn’t expect it in the end despite the odds of this probably outcome. She really didn’t think he’d care enough to be interested outside of perhaps the baby’s position as heir. She sighed as she dragged herself into a sitting position and rubbed the sleep from her face before she’d flip his letter over and write a message back. She wasn’t about to go through that mess again…

“A,
I’d never joke about this.
Doesn’t matter where I am. You have bigger concerns on your plate.
-R”

She’d send it back the same way it came, not giving any clues or hints as to where she was, the last thing she wanted was him popping into her life now that it was finally settling into something really beautiful. Different, yes, but beautiful all the same.

[BadInfluence]

“You my dear, are utterly horrid at times, in case you were unaware.” He said with the warmest of laughs as he looked at her with love ever so apparent in her eyes. She was right, she wasn’t married yet, and she was a complete tease to remind him of it too. “But if you’re so keen then I suppose I could enter negotiations for you… Starting bid of thirty camels is the usual go for a woman of good breeding.” And yes, he was teasing, he knew if she had her way things like Camels would never exist and he wouldn’t exactly blame her for it either. They were pretty damned cantankerous beasts but they were the most reliable thing to ride in existence so it was just one of those things you dealt with for the convenience.

Once in town he and Rose took off together, they were both shrewd but for different reasons, he loved a good deal and Rose had been used to pinching pennies her whole life. Between the two of them they made quite the haul and definitely helped several families in that area prosper for a good month at least. He gave Gia and Thaylan their time together, they would switch on and off like this probably the duration of their entire marriage, ensuring the one on one relationships thrived as well as the trio they shared. It wouldn’t be easy but it wasn’t going to be hard either, they just had to keep balance in mind, be considerate of each other’s needs and then the needs of the relationship on the whole. He’d give them a good chunk of the day and the night for them to catch up, it was only fair since after his fight he’d been coddled and loved on by her, it was time for them to switch roles and let them settle in for a minute.

He and Jacob caught up a conversation, one he fell into easily, Rose herself having the gist of it for the most part in regards to why the women were kept to a curfew and the like. “It’s the exact opposite in a lot of ways yes. It’s strange I know but it’s been like this for years. It’s a sort of reverse chivalry, they basically keep women out of the way and out of trouble so they don’t have to think about it, dressing it up quite prettily under religion and the like.” It was this sort of behavior that ended up driving women to him by the hundreds. Who the hell wants to be fucked by men like that? When your seen as less valuable than a camel but expected to do a hundred times more work. Then again it was this exact type of thought and behavior that made him a very, very rich man indeed, so he couldn’t complain too much. Not really… As they strode up high street he saw the way Jacob was taken with the paper and he just smiled honestly. His son could be fascinated and afford all manner of luxury, live better than a hundred kings on his income and his inheritance, and yet what did he get excited for? Paper. Ink. Charcoals and water colors… “You’re right on that part. The inks here don’t bleed or fade and the paper won’t yellow for at least a hundred years. Even the paints can be revived with a bit of water which makes them virtually perfect for this climate. But if you think the window wears are impressive you should see their stock in the back. They have gold ink in a variety of colors. It lends the most beautiful sheen to your writing and I’ve seen paintings done with them that are beyond stunning.”

Then again he know all about those and more because he had always been an avid letter writer, and as a whore he made sure to write plenty of love notes to his patrons, kept them coming back for more and falling deeper in love with him and his poetry. It was a useful talent and it was important that he make sure those letters were always of the highest quality. It made them feel special and wanted and really, wasn’t that why they went to him in the first place? To feel special? To feel wanted? Oh sure, pleasure was definitely high on the menu, but honestly people would have been shocked at how many times his little trysts were more about making a woman feel like a goddess than it was about making her scream in pleasure. A woman? Unlike a man? She needs emotional pleasure before she needs the sexual. If you can give her both? Well then you’re set for life because she’ll never wander. Sadly most men can’t even do one or the other, if they could? Well he’d be out of business quick.

Into the hotel they went and like the royalty they were, they were set up in a beautiful suite with everything they could possibly want or need, Rose heading off to one room and Gia and Thaylan to the other. That left just him and Jacob as he ordered a late lunch for everyone, primarily cooler things, nothing to heavy that would upset the stomach in the heat. When he was done ordering he couldn’t help the laugh as Jacob asked if the brothel he talked about was the same one he was going to take him to in Cairo. “One and the same. It’s the biggest one in Egypt, indeed most of the world barring Amsterdam and Italy, those two have rivals and I’ve worked in them both at different times.” Settling down on a large cushion on the floor he got comfortable and rolled his neck a bit, the heat was warm and welcoming, like a hug to him but he was still working out some tenderness and aches from the fight. He was healed up to travel yes but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t be aching a bit. “Colorful is a good way to put it. It was certainly very far from ordinary. But the same can be said for yours my son. You are no wallflower yourself, you’ve achieved more in your years than I ever did, look at you… The leading Doctor of his era, indeed one of the greatest of all time and only getting better, constantly improving and discovering… Your mind is never still or stagnant, you have an incredible gift and you use it every day, and I know even when you stop being a doctor? You’re still going to be changing the world with your writing.” Jacob was a gem, a light in his world, and one of the most gifted and talented young men he had ever met. No one else had he ever met could boast of the things that Jacob had done and yet the man himself was always so humble and reserved…

“I’d be happy to if you think Rose will let you go? I understand you get to spend about as much time with her as I do with Gia.” Which was some but no where near as much as he’d like, something he was sure was the same for Jacob, but then again it did make him all the happier when he did get to see her… Distance makes the heart grow fonder? You know… It’s pretty damn apt… “Though in regards to telling you things, you have only ever had to ask, I’m an open book but far from a recording… You have to ask.” Chuckling as he winked over the edge of his glass, the drink within was something with herbs in it, he never in his life could pick them all out because it was just… Well… Herbs. It was meant to refresh and rehydrate, let the body process the liquids a bit faster so you didn’t feel sluggish or drugged at the end of a long day. He watched silently as Jacob and Rose curled in together for a little while, eating their meals as they chattered lightly back and forth, everyone enjoying the light conversation and pointedly ignoring the moans from the other room. They were, after all, all adults here… And they’d all seen each other fuck. Nothing new to see or hear in that way and they just let the two go about their business without any interruption. Rose got up after eating and stepped away to take a bit of a nap, easily reading the concern on Jacob’s face and in his voice, a bit of a grin on his face as he shook his head. “You’ll go grey, you know… You taught her yourself Jacob, if something was wrong she’d tell you.” A gentle reminder not to worry… After all he himself had been the king worry wart and in the end? It just brought a lot of sorrow. Instead of worrying this time around? He was just going to enjoy it, to celebrate and let Gia tell him if anything was up rather than stressing out about it, a mother knew a hell of a lot more about her body than a husband did after all. “Thaylan wont be joining us no, he’s balls deep in his sister right now and they got a deal to catch up on, we’ll probably head out together later into the night after they’ve had their fun.” After all, the REALLY fun stuff started much later in the night, right now they were just heading out in the twilight to do a bit of walking… A touch of catching up because he and his son hadn’t had a chance to catch up in a quick minute now and he was missing the conversations they had.

As they walked and chatted he lead him to some of the less traveled walkways, places where the more exotic wares were for sale, the areas where you had to know about or you’d never find them… Ancient papyrus scrolls with all manners of spells written on them in hieroglyphs, jewelry stolen from this or that dead king’s tomb, mummies of animals such as cats and alligators… “It’s strange but I fit in better down there than I have anywhere else. I might be a slave to Gia but I am a king in my own right down there… I have my army, my soldiers who trust me and who I in turn trust. I have my assassins and my archers, I have admirations and respect, I’m seen as a leader rather than a rich retired whore… Down there… My money? Don’t put me in any particular standing… What does? Is my skill… For the first time in my life I’m being judged by others on what I can do versus what I can do for them…” It was liberating for him in a lot of ways. Sure, the flipped role was strange, he chaffed a bit at it but he and Gia had a beautiful understanding… He couldn’t always kneel for her but he’d try to bend as often as he could, it would take time and a lot of trust building, patience on both sides but what they had? It was worth every single drop of sweat and every moment of anxiety or discomfort. It was a bit disconcerting to hear that Jacob was having a hard time with it though but he should have expected as much. Jacob had always been a kind heart, the nitty gritty decisions of the world were often not something he had to deal with, his mother and he himself had often ensured none of that ever touched him… Rose herself had even done much of the same for him… But now? It was all there, reading it’s ugly face at him, making him take account for it and face it head on.

“Why not come with me then? You’re a skilled fighter and Naggoth was only just a couple of months behind you now, you’ve hardly had time to rust and I could really use someone like you by my side, help me find a different way to teach those who might be struggling a bit.” Not everyone learned the same way after all, sometimes people needed a different approach, something off the beaten track so to speak. Jacob would be an extremely good asset to him and that was more important than Jacob accessing the slaves health. They could find a drow doctor to do that for them if that was the case. He wasn’t about to see his son ruined by Drow tradition when there was another way to go about it. Even in Jacob didn’t want to help him with the army? Then he could teach those who had an affinity for healing and then train up a new class of Doctors down in Menzoberranzan. There was always a solution to just about every problem in the world. “But look… It’s good that she’s doing well, and down there she’s free from those meddling God’s influence, she can heal and get healthy… I can teach her how to build up her walls so they can’t get back in… So while it’s important for her, good for her, you have to remember you matter too. I can’t say I have a lot of power down there because I don’t. It’s a woman’s world, they rule in all things and they have more power, more sway than we do… But that doesn’t mean I can’t talk to Gia and see if there is something else you can do that is productive, that makes you feel good, feel useful but that also doesn’t cause you so much internal conflict. I really wish you would have written me son, if I had known this was hard for you I would have done something a lot earlier, there’s no reason for you to struggle. You’re not locked into that position like Rose is, we just need to find a place where you fit, where you can thrive.” And he was sure there was something like that down there… Gia talked about the drug dealers and their vital role in Drow society… So who was to say then that Jacob couldn’t become one? He had an excellent head on his shoulders and once he figured out the components to those drugs he’d be able to recreate them, even improve on them, giving Gia one hell of a leverage over just about every other house… Talk about a bottomless revenue option… Definitely something to look into in the future…

They’d take a few other turns to the outlying areas of the city, far more nitty gritty, the men here looked a bit more like Alli Baba and his fifty thieves than anything noble but this was the place where the good stuff happened. He’d lead them to a small building, really little more than a hole in the wall with a sheet over the door, no one even bothered to put one up since it kept getting knocked off it’s hinges. Once inside the air was sweet and heavy, opium was being smoked in various pipes as well as hashish, and the alcohol? Was free flowing as water. He’d snag them a table and order a bottle of licorice liquor, coffee liquor, and absinthe along with a hookah. Once they all arrived he began to mix and match the drinks and add in a good portion of coffee so rich it was black. He’d then blend the opium and the hashish together in the large bowl atop the hookah and light it, offering one of the silver stemmed pipes for Jacob to enjoy, taking the other himself and enjoying a long smooth draw, exhaling on a contented sigh… Some things? Are just so homey… So familiar… It makes your bones ache in a good way. He’d then offer Jacob his drink in a clay cup as anything finer here was just going to be shattered with his group. The drink? Tasted sweet but not sticky, was light on the tongue and didn’t burn till it hit the middle of your chest and down, settling like a fire in your belly that lingered for some moments. It was a terrifically enjoyable drink but it packed a punch which meant he limited exactly how much Jacob got lest he get so royally fucked he’d not be able to enjoy tonight out.

“So tell me, now that it is just you and I, I saw you looking at the jewelry store here. Are you thinking about getting a ring? Or something else?” He was not about to presume on the relationship between those two. While he had seen a ring on Jacob’s finger, he hadn’t seen one on hers, and given that shit with Ace had happened a bit too recently? He wasn’t sure if that hadn’t shaken them up a bit. Maybe made them a little leery? More cautious? Then of course there was the fact of Crow being there now, was perhaps his son’s other side keeping them apart? Though he doubted such considering he knew exactly who was making love to Rose on that couch during the party… But in the end? Who could honestly say? He hadn’t had a chance to ask and in all honesty he was a bit leery of prying into anything right now. He’d made a right fucking mess of his life before now and he wasn’t sure if he was going to be able to do anything right again for… Well… A really long time. But in the end he’d learned a lot… A lot of what not to do but still it was progress…

[BadInfluence]

“This world is strange but beautiful in many ways… This place is so open it feels like forever… Then there is the salt sea that reminds you of how small you are in the scheme of things… And then rain forests where everything is so crowded in and closed up that you feel you can’t take a breath without leaves pressing against your face and roots entering your lungs… There’s deep canyons where light has painted the walls red and then mountains so high no one has ever been able to climb to the top…” He’d met plenty of people who had been to these places and he’d even been in a couple himself, through forests and through several canyons, across the sea and through some places so wide and devoid of a single other being that it made one feel terribly alone… It was all very different really but not in a bad way, it was just what it was, different. He had seen a lot of beauty up here, but he’d also seen a lot of beauty in their home too, it was all just a matter of appreciating things that were alien to what you knew. He was sure now that they had figured out the way to allow Gia on the surface without agonizing pain that they’d go on many more adventures when time allowed, moments between births of their children and hostile take overs… Little weekends much as their mother had done when they were children… And how amusing it was now as adults to realize her mothers little trips out were to the surface were she would meet with their father and have a romantic get away…

Once they had dismounted he couldn’t help the almost silent chuckle as he watched the trio pop off a bit, Jacob dragged along by his lover and Nautilous leading the way and translating, their youthful energy just abounding like sunshine in the morning. “Close enough… Nautilous is about to enter his fortieth year of age, Jacob is in his early thirties, but Rose is indeed the kitten of the group. She only just turned eighteen. When I found out I wasn’t sure if I should be proud or ashamed of that night in the pool.” Talk about some EXTREME cradle robbing. If Gia thought she was bad with Nautilous imagine how he felt savaging a girl just off her mothers tit so to speak. Bit of a mixed bag that one but definitely enough to make him leery of ever playing in that particular pool again. “His unpredictable nature is I think a great part of his charm… Just being around him is energizing, makes me feel much younger than I am when I am near him, it’s quite enjoyable.” Which was part of why he utterly adored the man. He loved him true enough, Nautilous was his first man, his only man too in all honesty. He just couldn’t see himself feeling the same way about any other male, Nautilous was special, a one of a kind specimen with a tender yet fierce heart and a charm that just wouldn’t quit. Don Juan with the heart of a broken Knight, addictive and beautiful without a doubt, and impossible to resist. Though when she said that Nautilous had to be restrained he blinked down at her just a bit, their height only a couple of inches apart but enough for him to have a little lead, a brow rising on his face. The kiss to the back of his hand was returned with a squeeze of his own but she couldn’t just drop that in his lap and expect him not to notice? “Why did he end up restrained? Did he get out of hand?” Not that he feared that Nautilous would get violent with Gia rather it was more a concern that he had perhaps tried to push too far. The man was a dominant through and through which would make it difficult for him to understand just how different his role would be. He wasn’t going to be surprised if Gia had to restrain him if he got a little too Dommy but even so he hadn’t been expecting it.

Once they were in their hotel room he made sure to be by her side, confessing he felt as if he had bene neglecting her, with the amount of work that lay ahead of them and the schedule they were now on with daughters on the way? He was pushing ahead as strong and as fast as he could but that also meant there was little to no time for leisure… “I can at least say with some pride that by the time our daughters arrive we will be fully settled as a House once more… Your banners will fly, the skulls of your enemies will dance in the wind as they hang from your castle walls, and the bards will sing your praise far and wide.” He knew for a fact they would be ready and well established by the time her labor came upon her. It was why they were working so hard to make sure everything was in order. They’d stand after ordering their dinners and he’d lead her to their room, the larger of the two given it was to be shared by three people, closing the door behind him and putting himself to the task of making sure she was going to be thoroughly spoiled. She did however make him chuckle as he was running her down, the question she had was adorable and sweet, entirely charming too if he said so himself. “Fly… I have yet to master that particular ability yet.” He teased back as he made sure to manipulate, pull and stroke every muscle in such a way as to reduce her to butter, easing away the stress and over-stimulation from the day. As he went on there was no way to deny he was warming her up in a different way, he knew what she needed even before she did, he had always had that insight into her and was able to satisfy virtually ever need she had…

“I never tease, I always, always follow through.” He corrected her with his own grin as he kept building her up yet melting her at the same time, bringing her through this incredibly pleasured loop before he knew the time was right and he slid home inside her, making slow… Sumptuous love to her with her body as soft and pliant as a kitten in the sun. He didn’t push or use her body for his own pleasure, this was all about her, giving her the sweet night cap she needed to be able to relax for the rest of the day and enjoy a languid night. Not a stroke did he miss with cock or fingers until she climaxed, making sure she rode it out to that perfect completion, body awash with nothing but decadent oxytocin and dopamine… Withdrawing he fell into the bed beside her, wrapped in her arms as much as she was in his, glowing under her praise and compliments… There were few things that felt better than hearing her shower him with such sweet words, she always knew how to make him feel like a god, a man beyond the common… Moving in at her bidding he pressed his lips over hers in a fairy tale sort of kiss that slowly, gently ended as she thanked him, saying she loved him so very much… “Then it is a good thing I plan on being around for all of those tomorrows till there isn’t another one to be had…” He said back softly as they both knew their love for each other was formless and fathomless, it was everything and more, never ending… “I promise to make more time as soon as I can… I miss you more than words can express and it is painful to be apart from you even though we are but a few hundred feet away.”

What shocked him was the presentation of the ring, it was all so beautifully official now wasn’t it? And the ring? Was a stunning piece of work that he had never seen before, one of a kind and fit for a king, a statement piece and also a perfect representation of status and power… He slid it onto his finger before kissing the top of it and cradling her cheek in his palm, stroking his fingers along her down soft skin, the beautiful hue of it in contrast to her brilliant red hair… “I have always been yours… Always. I should start on my list of promises then so I can be sure that you are properly appeased by my pledge lest that spider bite become permanent.” He knew she’d never actually kill him but this was tradition and he knew she wanted to follow it. Who was he to deny her what ever her heart desired? Words whispered, sweet kisses shared before she asked him if he wanted anything, if he needed… “Such a hard question… I have all I need here, in my arms, in this bed I share… My sweet sister, soon to be my wife, the lover we share who will be our husband… Two beautiful little girls on the way… Any drow male knows they are blessed with just one but I have all three…” And he meant it… From the bottom of his heart… “But I would not be against stumbling in upon you and a certain doctor… Thanks to our lover you have become aware of my secret desires… My little fetish… And I am truly blessed to have such a stunningly gorgeous little sister that fulfilling it is so very easy… She need simply crook her finger and we can both enjoy ourselves…” But this was entirely up to her. As he had said, he was blessed and happy, content… But if she really wanted to spoil him utterly rotten seeing her domming either Rose or even Jacob would be utterly lush… That was only if she wished it though and that was the truth… “For right now though… Let’s get a nap in shall we? A nice refreshing bit of rest before dinner and the nights entertainments…”

[Deleted]

It was peculiar to learn about this place.. and how it was almost the polar opposite of the underdark.. how here the women were kept at home.. were held under curfew.. not allowed out at night and how it was rare for them to be allowed to wander alone.. -.. Its odd.. but I guess, thats just how they do things here.. every place is a little different.. I know of more than one place on the surface where they treat their women much the same.. and then others where it is a lot more equal.. I guess.. its all about cohesion.. what works and what doesn't.. I mean I guess in some respects ignorance is bliss.. for if they dont know any better then they dont really crave more.. -he rubbed his cheek a little.. a thoughtful expression settling on his features.. he was content to just wander the street vendors. glancing at the items on sale.. the jewellery.. the spices.. but it was the paper and ink that caught his eye.. the sheer quality it held was remarkable to him.. like nothing he had ever experienced or seen before.. let alone layed his hands on, it reminded him in part of the papers used in the record books back in Arvandor.. in the heavily detailed passages where there was gold and the most vivid reds used.. -.. Im so impressed by this.. I know it might sound almost silly.. what wth all manner of riches to be had here.. but this.. this speaks to me on a completley different level.. -he glanced toward her when she mentioned his Birthday and he rolled his neck a little.. a quiet somewhat awkward laugh sounding.. Oh he didn't like bringing it up.. he preferred to .. well suffer in silence whenever it came around.. never really one to fuss.. they moved back toward the hotel.. the groups separating a little.. lunch was ordered.. something light.. something easy that wouldn't sit too heavily in stomachs that were not used to it.. he rested close to her.. his arm around her as he and Nautilous spoke about the brothels.. only for the conversation to be turned onto himself.. about his own accolades and his cheeks coloured a little.. bashful as he always and forever would be.. he pinched the bridge of his nose just lightly-.. Ahh.. you flatter me.. -he glanced up with a smile.. nodding his head-.. Kind words.. I have worked very hard to get to where I am.. but.. ive enjoyed it.. I guess.. I was lucky.. in that regard.. where I found the thing that I wanted.. that I needed.. and it in turn helped me get through some pretty hard living conditions.. especially when I was a bit younger.. but.. I know this much for certain.. there are a few people that have made me the person I am today.. that have gotten me to this point.. and one of them is you Nautilous.. so for all you can say I have achieved this.. and that.. and trail off the letters that have become attached to the end of my name as a professional.. I wouldn't be here.. if it werent for your imput.. so I thankyou..-hand to his heart.. -

.. I think Rose needs a bit of a rest.. -he nodded-.. and I dont think she would mind if I went for a bit of a wander.. stretched my legs and the like.. I will take your advice on though.. and Ill be sure to ask more questions in the future.. -he chuckled.. sinking back in the chair.. a drink in his hand.. a bowl of food that he was taking small amounts from every so often.. his concern was easily read though when she spoke about feeling unwell.. he felt perfectly fine so figured it wasn't the food so much.. though she was pregnant so perhaps it just wasn't sitting right.. -.. As long as you're sure.. -he motioned.. reaching across to slide his hand across hers.. giving a light squeeze.. nodding when she told him she would message him should anything go wrong..- Make sure you do.. else I send messenger back to check on you.. -he gave her a smile.. watching as she disappeared behind the chamber doors.. before he heard the comment about going grey .. he shot you a salute-.. Oh.. so thats why you're colouring your hair now is it?.. -he bit back a grin there as he laughed.. drinking down the remainder of that herbal cocktail.. the bowl and cups were placed down.. the two of them heading out into the late afternoon.. early evening.. it was a little cooler.. but still so much warmer than anywhere he had really been before.. -.. You have plans for this evening then?.. -he questioned.. curious as to what was going to be happening.. -.. Its been a while since ive been out in the evening without Rose.. ought to be interesting.. -the two of them walked the long alleyways.. the walkways .. it was so exotic.. so different.. so interesting... he just soaked it all in.. he asked about how you were fitting in.. -. Wonderful.. you do look.. happier.. lighter if you will.. could even say younger.. -he chuckled-.. not so much stress in your expression.. or your voice.. you dont look.. worried.. -it was a bittersweet topic.. for it involved his Mother.. and he knew that whilst she was putting on a brave front.. things werent as seamless as they seemed to be for you..

he mentioned that he was having a bit more of a hard time in Menzoberranzan.. that the doctor part.. was in essence.. bothering him.. that he understood the reasoning for removing the dead weight so to speak.. but that didn't mean it didn't hurt his conscience.. because it did.. a lot.. he tilted his head when you mentioned moving across to be with him.. the reasoning of him already being a trained fighter.. he paused.. it was a train of thought he had not wandered down.. -.. mm.. I mean.. do you think the Matron would be okay with that?.. -he took a breath.. his hands clasping.. before crossing about his chest-.. I dont want to sound ungrateful... and Im not..I mean the job itself is not a bad one.. it's just I'm struggling with it.. my moral compass only swings so far .. and whilst my medical knowledge is useful in this department.. the killing off the elderly or the ill.. when there is really nothing wrong with them thats not fixable.. well.. -another quiet breath-. realistically.. long term.. I think ill begin to resent it.. and hate it.. and I dont want to fall into that position because I know Rose is doing so incredibly well.. and the last thing I want to do is pull her out of it.. She had So much trouble on the surface at the college.. like.. -his brows furrowed-.. a ridiculous amount.. lesser beings would have quit in her position.. of that I have no doubt.. -his hands rose as he rubbed against the back of his neck-..I dont want to put you in an odd position either.. I know this is all so very new to you as well.. If you think you might be able to speak with Gia.. about it.. I wouldn't be against it.. I guess the worst she can say is no.. -he nodded-..

I didn't write.. because frankly.. You needed to be focusing on you at that time.. -his hand came down to rest upon your shoulder-.. I may have been an outsider at the time.. but I was not blind to what was going on.. and the last thing you needed was something else on your plate.. -they took a few more turns.. down a few more streets before he noticed the area changing.. shifting.. darker.. a bit more seedy.. he had seen areas like this on the surface.. it was usually where all the thieves lived.. the dealers and the fighting circles.. he'd follow into the venue.. before sinking down to sit.. his gaze.. that duo colouring shifted.. the scent of opium was thick.. of alcohol.. spirits and tobacco.. an intriguing mixture that would send just about anyone high.. his head tilted as he watched you making up the mixtures.. the drinks first.. the colour looked like liquid death.. and then the mixture for the hookah.. he reached for the offered silver stemmed pipe.. drawing back on it slowly.. lingering.. before the exhale was just as smooth.. the drink though in the odd cup made his brow rise-.. this going to sit me on my ass?.. or kill me?.. You know she will kick your ass if I return to the hotel off my face.. -he laughed shaking his head.. lifting the cup as he took in its scent.. the coffee was the strongest.. and of course the absinth.. he recognised the smell from the batches his Mother used to make.. he took a drink of it.. and then another.. it went down pretty smooth.. tasted quite nice actually.. until it hit his chest and his eyes widened a little.. he reached up punching against the material.. whining a bit-.. Fuck.. -he glanced across to you -.. Wow.. -he whistled.. having to clear his throat more than a few times as it burnt all the way down to his gut.. -.. Wooow.. .. I dont know whats in that.. but.. fuck thats hot.. -he swallowed.. reaching up to rub his forehead as he placed the cup down.. his hands came down to rest there upon his lap as you questioned him about the ring..-.. mm.. yes.. -he nodded-.. I have been looking for a while now.. just keeping my eyes open for just the right one. wih everything that happened.. -he waved his hand a little-.. its a bit of a tough patch.. but.. I made my choice.. I want to marry her.. I want her.. not anyone else.. I can feel it.. in my heart.. in my gut.. Rose is home to me.. she's my anchor point.. my grounder.. Im not about to let her go.. -he rubbed his lips together-.. I want to marry her soon.. she doesn't know this..she figured we are still waiting on the year..

-he nodded.. sinking back in his chair.. his head was getting a little foggy-.. but no.. Ive had a chat with Anouk.. and the Matron.. mind you ive sworn them to secrecy which is why you wouldn't know about this yet.. but.. once we get to the Navere home.. I want You.. to marry us.. apparently there is a place there.. that would be perfect.. Ill give her 2 days to get organised, gather up whomever we want to attend.. and then.. no more waiting.. This whole thing.. us all being down here is the start of a huge new adventure.. and I couldn't think of a better way to do that.. then to start a new chapter.. -he paused-.. but.. there's something I need you to do.. and ive been holding off.. on this.. but.. I can see.. -he reached across for your hand.. turning it over.. where the new ring rested on your hand-.. where this is all going.. -he slid his hand down into the shoulder satchel he was wearing.. and pulled out a small glass box.. he placed it down on the table.. inside it contained Sydels ring.. -.. I know.. laws of the land dictate you can marry in the underdark.. and still be connected in other realms.. its because the laws dont seem to hover between them.. Menzoberranzan being a law unto itself.. and thats fine.. -he nodded-.. but she cant.. -his gaze lifted to look to you-.. she's tied to you.. until you sever this.. Whilst its customary for both parties to do this.. to meet up at the ever burning chalice..-he paused-.. I dont.. well I dont know wether its what you need right now..I could be wrong and I am open to being corrected..  Im not forcing you to do anything.. and I wont presume to know what you are feeling or pretend to.. -he shook his head-.. I am simply offering to be the third party.. since I am of blood.. and relation to you both.. and whilst it might not be purely kosher to all the gods.. Ive got two in my ear that might just rumble down the line to hopefully get the rest to accept it.. I will take the rings for you.. Or you can do it.. but.. it has to be one or the other.. -He loved that you were connected to Gia and that you looked so incredibly happy.. it lightened his heart to see you smiling.. he was just making sure that the loose ends that could be easily forgotten about since they weren't an issue for you per-say.. in amongst all that sweetness and light.. were tied up.. -

[Deleted]

.. it didn't take long for that message to swing back.. still using that same piece of paper, just the writing was on a different side.. folded a few more times over.. the magical crackle was unmistakable.. she knew who it was.. but he had no anchor point as to where these letters were going.. so he couldn't trace her that easily..


R

Are you insane right now?.. You dont know whats on my plate. If you are indeed pregnant with my child, Id kind of like to know where you are.

If you dont tell me, It wont be too hard to find out
.
-A

[Deleted]

The two of them wandered the streets behind the 'children' as they took off running.. buying up all and sundry.. she remained there hand in hand with her love.. the one whom held her heart from the very.. very start.. they spoke quietly.. he told her all about the beauty of the surface world.. and the places where the sun shone brightly.. -.. seems I have missed a lot staying down below as long as I have.. I look forward to all these new experiences with you.. -her fingers curled a little tighter around his as her head came down to rest on his shoulder.. she laughed when he wasn't sure wether to be proud of ashamed of the pool night what with Rose being quite so young-.. Ah.. you probably taught her quite a few things my love.. there's nothing wrong with youth.. they certainly have the stamina.. just not the finesse..--she mentioned Nautilous being restrained.. and how she would show him -.. mm.. Well ill give you the orb later you can have a look for yourself.. I know how much you like to watch..-the sharpened point of her nail lightly scraped against the inside of his palm-.. He did yes.. though I'm not certain he knew how to contain himself.. seems partaking in his blood had a rather interesting effect on him.. he became.. utterly and almost violently insatiable.. he climaxed from the bite alone.. and then from there he just got hotter and hotter.. he tried to hold me down.. I may have.. tormented him a little.. demanded i give him more..and that if I didn't he was going to take it by force.. -she spoke softly.. close to his ear.. - so I reminded him that I gave him precisely what he deserved and not a lick more.. before i restrained him to the bed.. and I took what I wanted.. Several times..he broke in the end.. and thats why he is wearing my ring..

-they arrived at the hotel soon after.. lunch was ordered.. vegetarian for them.. at least it seemed the safest option.. before they slipped away into their private chambers.. -.. It makes my heart sing to see those banners being erected brother.. the satisfaction from such an action.. is sublime.. -he stripped her of her clothing.. the beautiful gold dress just toppled to the floor.. before he had her settled down upon the bed.. massaging away all her worries.. her troubles.. and the fact she was just so overwhelmed by it all.. she couldn't help the laugh at the flying comment-.. mm.. Oh but you will Master it.. I have nothing but faith in you.. you dont fail.. -and he never really did.. he was always so good at what he did.. it didn't seem to matter what it was.. he teased and tormented her.. the massage was perfection.. it lowered her down.. softened her.. she was melting beneath his touch.. before he surprised her.. suddenly and swift by making slow smooth love to her.. it was akin to the perfect melody.. utterly beautiful music.. she was in heaven.. her head was filled with the most luscious fog.. her body was pliant.. she gripped those soft cotton sheets as her cries were sweet and delicate.. before she shattered.. the climax was the stress relief she needed. it took that sharp edge off.. it made all the stress just melt away.. she beckoned him to her.. wanting him close as she praised him.. thoroughly and completely.. she was So proud of him.. - I look forward to seeing you more.. and I know that I will once everything is settled.. we are just in that transition period where everything is kind of up in the air.. but once the armies are trained and set up.. they will practically run themselves.. and I will have You.. in my room round the clock.. like I used to.. -she shot him a wink.. a smile there about her lips.. her lids were still half closed.. she was riding that warmth he had given her.. the oils making her body feel smooth and soft.. she gave him the ring.. presented it to him.. telling him she desired his hand.. as soon as was possible.. no more waiting.. nothing more getting in the way.. no horrible husbands.. no more sneaking around.. She wanted him.. at her side.. publicly..her smile only brightened when he spoke about being hers always and how he was going to start on the list of promises-.. Oh I am looking forward to hearing those.. it would be a shame to lose you.. after all this time.. -it was a bit cheeky.. and her lips curled to tell as much.. she asked him what he desired.. anything at all and she'd get it or do it .. but all he wanted was to remain there on the bed with her.. -..You are a true sweetheart brother.. and I know its probably not very Matronly of me to say.. but.. I am lucky.. to have you in my life.. -she reached to cradle his cheek.. fingers lightly caressing the skin...hearing his little request though of maybe stumbling in on her with either Doctor had her rubbing her lips together-.. Oh really?.. well.. I will certainly keep that in mind for the future..maybe as a treat.. -she leant in to capture his lips once more.. a soft sweet lingering kiss.. before she would roll over so her back was pressed to him.. she would draw his arm around her.. pulling him in close.. more or less spooning as it would take little to no time for the two of them to drift off into an afternoon mild reverie.. only the thin cotton sheet at waist height.. -

[BadInfluence]

He wasn’t giving her a lot of options, was he? He always had been like that though, very overbearing in a lot of ways, his charisma and personality tended to wash everything else out under its torrential stream of existence. She knew they couldn’t keep writing letters back and forth like this, it was going to leave a trail and a trail meant evidence, evidence she was no where near ready or prepared to handle or explain. Her best choice of action right now was to go and play on his turf. She knew where he was, it was his den, his pit of despair and his prison. If he was hurting? He was in Splinter. Celebrating? Splinter. Bored? Splinter. It was the one constant in his life probably more than anything else ever had been before and since his last choice of action? Likely will only ever be the one.



She knew Jacob was out having a good time but she also knew she wasn’t a liar and if she left without telling him and he came back early? He’d worry himself sick and end up ruining his night which was the last thing she wanted to do. Pocketing the note from Ace she wrote another letter, this one to Jacob, sending it off in the form of a lovely little bubble shaped like a bell. While it held her writing, it was enchanted to speak the words on the paper in her voice so he would know she was ok, recording her as she did so. “Hey Papa Bear! Now that you’re out with your father I get a chance to go out and make a few errands without you knowing what I’m doing.” She said with a wink as she blew him a kiss. “I’m feeling a lot better after some water and a nap so I am going to pop out to Arvandor to gather up something I’ve had in the works for a little bit and drop off some more designs for Anouk. I also want to pick up some ginger and willow bark since it’s impossible to find any of a high quality here on the surface and I’ll be needing it for the next bit with our little family. I promise I’ll be back before you so don’t you worry about me! Send me a note if you want me to pick up anything for you while I’m there ok? I love you soooo much! Now have fun! Let Lose! And enjoy any of those pretty girls that I KNOW are giving you quite the eye! Hugs and Kisses!” She finished with another kiss to the recording before she sealed it all up and sent it his way.



With that done it was easier now, drawing on the magical plain she drew forth a dress that was suitable for Splinter, though this time there was nothing submissive about it. It was a power statement, something suitable for Menzoberranzan society, sharp and lethal… The shoes on her feet alone could pierce flesh if she stepped on an errant hand for instance… Her hair was tied back sharply high atop her head, falling down in sweet lose waves down her back, a deep red, almost black lipstick on her full pout and sleek black liner around her eyes with a shocking red and black fade eyeshadow… Gloves with elongated nails on them to complete the image… Between all of this and the skin tight breast bearing dress she wore there was no way in hell a soul in that place could think she was anything less than a complete and utter dominatrix.



It took a portal to get to Splinter from where she was but she was granted easy access. While she and Ace were no longer aligned she was still a Princess as far as anyone knew so she was welcome just about anywhere. She knew she drew whispers the moment she came in, even if nothing left this place that didn’t mean nothing came into it and it was well known news by now that she and Ace had split up, some had even blamed her for the current state of things… Well… Let them talk, they could whisper all they want about her, she was well and above the rabble and she’d not worry herself about the comments of the common ants… She was only here to talk and nothing more, and while she had told Ace the fact that she was four months pregnant she didn’t even look as if she were one, her body was fuller… More curvaceous… The height she had gained only made her curves all the more sumptuous, her figure more gorgeous, more sensual and erotic. The Drow style of dress? Only set it off in such a way it was like the frosting on a cake.



Little tits overflowed the sharp leather cups of her dress, the sides of her areola visible around the sharp black fabric, that delicate pink amid a sea of beautifully pearlescent flesh… Just the barest hints of freckles like a star pattern across her skin as the light caressed her in it’s ruddy red glow… Settling down on the stool beside him she knew he hadn’t noticed her arrival, he was deep in his cups and smelled like he had bathed in opium for a while now, tapping her nails on the counter to get his attention without being overt. “I’d rather not play games with letters and things. I’d also rather you not come to me at any time that suits your fancy so I opted for a middle ground and came to you instead.” It was her compromise… “We can talk about this here or we can do it somewhere more private, that’s your choice.” She said as kindly as she could, her voice was gentle and soft, pitched to his ears only. “My time here is limited so I’d appreciate it if we didn’t dawdle…”






dress     makeup     hair     gloves     shoes

[BadInfluence]

“Better to live life like an elephant in the woods, solitary and at peace… That’s an old saying I heard once from a very wise man. It’s impossible to miss what you have never seen, to long for what you have not seen another have, to yearn for what you have never known. There is a peace and happiness to a life with simplicity…” Hence why the women hadn’t flat out overthrown the men here despite outnumbering them. The fact was that they didn’t know any better on the whole and because of that men got to skate by with this sort of Neanderthal like behavior sans consequence. They dropped the subject shortly after though, things turning to a much more amusing and enjoyable pastime, shopping and sampling the wears that were on hand. Jacob was especially taken by the Parchment Shop and Rose had made that little quip about his birthday, his own smile lifting on his face as he knew how Jacob felt about it, for some reason the boy never saw it as a reason to celebrate… Perhaps because of the occurrence of his birth? But one way or the other Jacob had never been one to want to laud any sort of praise or attention on himself. “There’s nothing silly about what you love or what inspires you. All that matters is that this is what you like, this is what makes you happy, so what does it matter if others don’t understand it. You do and you’re opinion is the only one you should take to heart.” A lesson he had learned the hard way… You can’t make everyone happy… You can’t even make a lot of people happy… But the person you can? Was yourself. Happiness comes from the inside and if people like you and are drawn to it? They’ll be happy too without any effort on anyone’s part.

The couples split off as he figured they would, it was a big change, a large culture shock. He would have been surprised if everyone took it in stride. He thought nothing of it and instead took on the quiet time he had with Jacob with a good deal of zeal and enjoyment, even before Menzoberranzan he had little chance to talk to his son, their lives were always busy in some form or another. Their few meetings were usually due to family events and special holidays which were never enough time in his mind… But perhaps things would be changing soon? He would find out as the weeks passed. The two of them chatted back and forth and while Jacob was quite interested in his past and he answered the questions honestly, he felt his son needed to accept his own limelight too, rather than constantly casting it on others… “My heart is overjoyed to know that I played such an important part on your life but you know son, one of these days it might just behoove you to take some of that limelight you shine on others and cast a little on yourself, your always so reserved and shy… I know you have your reasons and I know they’re all deeply felt, you do nothing in half measures or without reason son but let me tell you, you deserve the spotlight more than most of us. Very few people are as loving and supportive as you are, fewer still as understanding and open minded, so take some of your own advice for just a moment? Don’t hide your light under a bushel because you’re afraid others might take offense to it. The Sun and Stars all have a time to shine… Maybe it’s time to start letting yours come?” It was all meant with a warm and loving heart. He adored Jacob with everything he had, he was the son he’d always dreamed of, always wanted but hadn’t been blessed with. He was his pride and joy, his source of never ending happiness, the reason he believed good still existed in his world when everything else was so dark… “But that’s all I’ll say on the matter and I won’t bring it up again… For a while at least.” Said with a chuckle and a wink before Rose would come back out and snack a bit, nibbling here and there before she’d bid them to have fun, she was a little off color and wanted to rest up.

Words were shared about letting go of worrying a bit too much and that it would drive him grey, such a shame in those gorgeous deep black locks too, especially when he was too young to be sporting them. The joke about dying his hair though made him laugh and nodded his head with a shrug. “You got me. I’m luck I’m blond because it blends in pretty well but it’s not going to last much longer before my streak becomes a bit too thick to disguise. Dying it is a much more convenient option.” He’d not tell Jacob the real reason behind him dying it right now, that would perhaps come later but at the moment, well at the moment he wasn’t about to drag any weight into the conversation that was just meant to be happy and relaxing. “I do, I have some of the evening planned just for us to chat and catch up, then later on tonight when it’s cooler and everyones rested up I planned on bringing in some dancing girls for everyones enjoyment.” Some great music, better food, the alcohol would be flowing freely for those who wanted to partake and all manner of sweet finger foods to nibble on. The girls were skilled and beautiful belly dancers and there were men as well who used scimitars in theirs, and of course a little surprise gift, an old caravan traveler he had been friends with many years ago to tell them all stories of the things he had seen and all the adventures found on the high sands. Once the food and drink were finished they’d head out in the somewhat cooler evening, the sun starting to sink down in a glorious ruby setting of twilight as he lead the way, the two of them chatting ever so comfortably between each other as questions were asked and answered.

“Honestly I feel better down there, I really do… It’s sort of like… Before I was wearing clothes, shoes that were far too small for me, they pinched and restricted me and made me feel awkward and uncomfortable… But now I’m in something that fits, something I can move in, something that feels made just for me… Though I won’t deny that there are times that it’s weird too, the food for instance I am still trying to acclimate to, and being a slave is… Not something I would ever honestly think I would be again. It’s funny in a way… When I left this city I was a slave… And now I am back and a slave still just… Different owners… But I can’t say I regret it…” Not falling in love… Not finding a home at last… People who valued and appreciated him… Genuinely loved him without filters or constraints… And as they chatted back and forth he realized, hopefully not too late, that Jacob was struggling horrifically in his position. Not something that would show outwardly oh no, this was a torture of the soul, an agony of the heart and a war upon the mind… Everything wrong was happening on the inside and no one would notice… And he was so damned glad that Jacob had told him now rather than to continue on and let himself die a little more every day just so someone else could flourish. He wasn’t a tree for saplings to grow out of his decaying trunk, he was a man, his son and he valued him far beyond that… And he had a feeling he hadn’t told Rose a single bit of this either… Which meant that not only did Rose not know, but Jacob was trying to keep it all burried down deep, to try and keep the peace… “There is one large boon to being a Sheild Master. For every victory I win, I earn the right to ask for what ever I want and it is given to me, I will simply ask to have you at my side. Plus it also makes things better for Gia because it will free Thaylan up and since he is her Patron he needs to be at her side far more than he is able to with us splitting the work. You killing yourself in a role that does not suit you isn’t something she would wish either… Gia is… Firm… Stern… She rules with an iron fist this much goes without saying… She is, down to her toes, a Matron… But she’s also the warmest, kindest woman I have EVER met in my life, and when she loves she loves so hard it can kill… She doesn’t want people to suffer or to struggle, especially not the people she cares for and I know she does care for you in a way, if she didn’t then she wouldn’t have allowed you to come down even if Rose made it a condition to her employment.” There was nothing for Gia, or for anyone to gain keeping Jacob in the position of a butcher basically, but there was much to be gained by moving him to into the army as his right hand man. It freed up Thaylan and allowed a slave to do the work that they were intended to do, after all such was the way of it, and there was always one or two males or even a Priestess who could easily do this chore themselves.

A turn here… An alley there… The place got darker, seedier as they went along, the music got louder and the smells of alcohol were stronger… Smoke drifted out of doorways and windows, some sticky sweet with opium, others the smell of charred mutton and lamb… “But look Jacob… I know you’re self-sacrificing, you always have been, that’s a part of your charm and why I love you dearly. But Rose and I? We’ll be utterly distraught if you just suffered in silence and didn’t tell us. Rose had her troubles I know, it really would have broken a lesser person but you? You suffering and not telling her? Now that WOULD break her.” A fact he didn’t think Jacob was completely aware of… Caela had always pushed him to be excellent for her own pride… Garafin was more reserved, understanding but of the mind that a man makes his own path, between the two of them though Jacob never really got to learn how to be greedy… To take a measure of self care… To understand that others not only cared for him but would worry when he remained so silent. Out of every soul he had ever met? The only person who was more self-sacrificing was his mother… This time? He wasn’t going to let him sink and drown like he had his mother without realizing it… He would not make the same mistake twice. When they got to his favorite little den of dissolution he found a table towards the back and made his orders, the gold flowing freely form his hand to the owners which meant everything was pure and free from tampering, nothing watered down or mixed with a lesser filler… AS they chatted he made the drinks up, a touch of this and a splash of that before adding the coffee, lifting his cup to Jacob and smiling at the question. “Depends on how your tolerance is these days.” If he was, say like his twenty first birthday where they took him out whoring for the first time and he got so drunk he passed out in a pile of women, well then yes… This was going to sit him on his ass like a tuckered out toddler… But if he had a bit more tolerance then he was just going to feel really, REALLY good, that perfect level of buzz where everything just glows and the world is absolutely perfect.

Taking a drag from the hookah he grinned at the instant reaction and nodded his head like a wise old sage. “Mmmhmm… It’s the licorice. When it ferments and becomes alcohol it’s insanely potent but smoother than powdered silk, it carries the other alcohols within it so it keeps the burn sweet till it hits your stomach where they all mix and THAT is when the heat comes in, and there is nothing better than that during the cold desert nights.” For all it got hotter than the sun out there during the day? Even in the summer at night it got quite cold indeed which made it the reason he picked the dink of choice for his first night here. There was a magic about the old ways, the traditions and the habits, things he was subtly introducing to Jacob in his own way. While they did that he asked Jacob if the request for a bit of a private shop go was to find a rink for Rose and he settled back quietly to listen, watching the way Jacobs face became so animated, open and readable… And he knew… Ace was still a lingering problem for all Jacob said it was all washed and dried… He held his tongue on that knowledge though, for a while at least he figured it would linger in the air between them, like smoke from an extinguished fire it was going to hang about acrid within the nostrils of everyone involved… As it went on though a brow rose on his face at the cheekiness of that secret his son held. He had no idea, no one had told him or even let an inkling of it slip, it was all so very hush hush and it was damn rare something actually snuck by him like that. He sat up a bit, taking another draw off the hookah before he’d home the bit and place his hands folded on the table, giving Jacob his full attention. “I would be honored to marry you two Jacob, I know you two are meant to be together, your love has endured everything meant to rip it apart and it only grows stronger with every challenge… I’ll work on the ceremony as soon as we return so I can make it something completely unique to you and your new life together.”

But for all that being said Jacob pulled another lurcher on him and he stopped dead in his tracks, even his heart seemed to stall out a bit when he saw that ring placed on the table, his entire chest began to ache and feel as if his ribs were going to crack… It had been a beautiful dream… They’d tried… So god damned hard… Without really realizing it he reached out and took the box from him and flipped the lid open, taking the ring out and gently resting it in the palm of his hand, the pink diamond the exact same hue as her blush on those rare occasions… “I loved her… So fucking much… I tried so hard every day to love her past her pain… Past the horrors of her life… The things that hurt her, scarred her, killed her bit by bit… I loved her far past remembering to love myself…” Being with Gia, even for these few weeks, it had taught him so much about love… About life… About himself… She didn’t try to make him into something he wasn’t… She simply let him become who he was always meant to be by silently, lovingly supporting him, watching from the sidelines and cheering him on… “Your mother…-“ He started, his voice catching a bit as that lump began to form, causing him to clear his throat a bit and swallow rather thickly before he’d try again… The raw emotion in his voice was so damn real… Almost too honest to be heard without an echo of the emotion to be felt by the listener. “We were bad… From the start… I saw her and I had to have her for all the wrong reasons… Your mother loved the attention, loved to yank me around like a yo-yo and I loved the abuse, the anger and the hate… The violence… We were toxic, volatile and poisoned, we constantly fought and hurt each other like it was our favorite hobby… She sent assassins to kill me… I raped her and forced her to have your little sister… For years… So many years there was nothing but negative emotions that bound us together… A vicious sort of love-hate that killed us both slowly…” He said on a shuddering sigh, closing his eyes for a moment as he forced himself to take a deep breath, rubbing his eyes a bit to remove the sting from the start of tears trying to form. “It wasn’t till later… Much later that we realized we wanted something more… Something different… We knew we loved each other but by that point… We knew the earth was scorched and salted between us… We poisoned it ourselves with zeal and wild abandon but we tried anyways…” And they had… They both had tried so hard, sacrificing more and more to try and get something healthy to grow and flourish, pouring years of blood sweat and tears into it… So many lost babies… So many hard nights where they both suffered in silence because they were trying to spare the other the pain they felt… “When Gia came in… I’d just lost another baby with your mother and this one… This one hurt the worst… I broke down and Gia held me… She spoke so kindly to me and on a whim… On something I asked because I was hurting so deeply… She showed me what love was… Genuine love that’s from the heart, free from years of taint and ruin, not scarred or crippled… It was pure… She made me feel… She made me feel something I’d never felt before and I fell hard… So hard…”

It was in those moments he realized that what he and Sydel were fighting so hard to create was never going to happen. You can’t simply undo years of torture just because you want to. He’d hurt Sydel in ways she could never forget. Sydel had hurt him in ways that he could never move past. There was no way to salvage anything, all they’d be doing was wasting years of their lives, pretending they’d be able to do it because it was ‘different’ this time… But different wasn’t what it was… It was just delusions… “My timing was shit… I left her when she needed me the most but I hoped… In doing so she could hate me. That she would hate me, despise me, cut me from her life and her heart so she’d never think of me again… I wanted her to go to Diovan because those two… They were always supposed to be together… They’re the love that comes in fairytales but I… I was the villain… I destroyed their story out of my own pettiness and greed… With me gone… I wish, every single day, I pray with all I got in me that she and Diovan can finally get the happy ever after they were meant to be…” The ring, still in his hand, a reminder of what had once been… What could never be… He took his own ring out of his pouch and pressed it next to hers, the two so very different in style and shape, a very real hint that they couldn’t mesh… Something he should have seen so much earlier… “I’m afraid to let her go… If I sever the link I won’t know if she’s hurt… If she’s in pain…- I feel like… If I let this link go then I won’t be able to save her anymore…” It wasn’t out of greed that he hadn’t done it… It was the exact opposite… It was because he really had loved Sydel with all his heart and more but… Sometimes love… Complete and utter devotion… It just isn’t enough to make something work… “Your right though… I want her to have her fairytale but I’m still being the villain parading about like a knight… I’ll take the rings myself… I have a few things that I need to say to her and I won’t be a coward and write a letter… She deserves a lot better than that…”

He was silent for some time still, making them a few more drinks before he’d hit that hookah a bit hard, letting it all wrap him up in some comfortable numbness before it would just slowly roll over… A warm blanket that allowed him to push away the feelings from earlier, to focus on the good feelings, the happy high… He rounded back by leaning on the table and looking at Jacob for a minute with a bit of a grin. “By the way… Ya know… I saw everything you did at that pool party… D’ja know that?... Made me all sortsa proud to see you steppin inta something more macho… Yer a fine man, strong and fierce, ya need to stretch that side of ye out more… An from wha I saw she wasn’ complainin ‘cept when ya stopped-…” He said with a laugh and yes… He was pretty sauced at the moment which meant Jacob… Was likely RIGHT up there with him… Which meant they were both pretty plenty drunk and more than a little happy go lucky! “But ya know… Gia there… She topped me… Made me a good little bitch… An ya know… I gotta say… It’s pretty god damned hot when a woman… takes control like that ya know… Making you beg for it… Somethin bout it-… Just kinky as fuck… Thinkin I had… Like… The best orgasms ever… when Gia had me all… Tied up and used me like a whore… Ya get that with wee flower baby?... Rose is switchy pitchy so I think like… she gotta topped ya once? Stick it to ya?... Ja like it?... Cause ya kno-… Ace is a bottom yeah?” He said with a laugh and a slap to the table, making the glasses rattle a little as he tapped the side of his nose, leaning in all secret like and whispering to Jacob across the table. “Tirithin knew… Thought Ace was gonna turn out all faggoty… Beat the subby out of him…Or so he thought but deep down… Ace and all his issues… Cause he not built to be a leader… He needed someone like Rose… Dom him… Take the lead yeah?... Same with you… You were so put together… Strong… He leaned on you… Cause deep down… He wants nothing more… Than to be collared and loved… ‘Sad that he fucked it up… Cause y’all were good for him… Coulda been good… But he’s too proud… Didn’t wanna admit his needs… ‘So ya know… His loss…”

[Deleted]

The letters were easy.. a few words written across folded pieces of paper.. resent back the very way they came.. like a childrens game.. but he had no idea where she was.. the last time he had seen her was at the estate party that Nautilous had organised.. but he figured once he heard of that big bust up that they had all moved on.. he  figured she was in Arvandor.. or maybe back on the surface getting back into her medicine.. when he said he would catch up with her at some point he meant it.. he would.. just perhaps not right now.. when he was of a clearer head to do some sleuthing.. but realistically his mind was numb.. the amount of opium he had imbibed should have killed him.. but no.. just left that comfortable numbness that he figured Diovan would have understood and perhaps related to..he was seated atop one of the stools at the bar.. fingers curled around a glass of whisky.. the tender having given him more than his fair share and then some.. but you never ever cut off the boss..they could drink themselves to death if they chose it...for the most part Splinter was empty.. he had sent all and sundry away.. he just wanted to be left to his own devices..

he didn't notice the magic use.. or feel it.. what he did catch on was the nails tapping against the wooden bar top.. before he glanced up over the rim of the glass.. Oh.. Oh now he was not expecting to see her and his reaction said as much.. he literally stumbled back off his stool.. landing hard enough on his ass down on the floor.. the glass shattered as it bounced a couple of times.. slicing into the thick of his palm-.. FUCK.. -he groaned.. staggering up to his feet as he gripped his hand.. pulling the chunk of glass from that open wound which made it bleed all the more-.. My god woman..-he cursed and hissed as he grabbed for one of the newly folded towels from the table.. the tender came over to help and he ushered her away..-.. Leave me.. All of you.. Now.. -his voice rose as the staff disappeared out through their respective doors.. he rounded the bar.. looking for something that was more like a bandage.. there would be a kit here somewhere.. it was just a matter of finding it.. but his head was fucked.. he would have had better luck finding a needle in a haystack..-.. Rather hypocritical isn't it?.. so I cant drop in on you.. but You can drop in on me whenever you damn well feel like it?.. -he exhaled.. giving up on the search as he glanced across to her there.. his head tilting as he noticed the change in attire.. the outfit was a lot more dominatrix and a lot less submissive like she was leading him to believe she wanted.. which confused him Even more..So you're sure.. -he asked cautiously-.. that the baby is mine?.. I mean we were all together during that period.. Does Jacob know? -he questioned.. guessing that was a hard no.. but figuring it was better to ask than to make assumptions..-

[Deleted]

The two of them had settled down in this.. off the main road.. dark little corner establishment.. partaking in some of the most dangerous liquor he was sure he had ever seen.. and the hookah.. but it meant the conversation flowed freely.. there was little to no restraint.. and thats what they needed.. to just let loose.. they spoke on how things were going in their new home away from home.. he was so pleased to hear you were doing as well as you were.. he could tell.. from something as simple as the way you held your head that things were different down there.. that even amongst the slavery you were finding an amount of freedom you had not experienced before.. -.. The food .. yes.. it's quite odd.. its not that its unpalatable.. just vastly different from what I am used to.. so I can totally relate.. -he had mentioned the hard time he was having.. struggling with ending peoples lives unnecessarily and earlier than they should have been.. he had done his damnest to just deal.. to suck it up and go about his day.. but it was slowly eating away at him like an acid drip.. and over time it would destroy his entire foundation and by then it would be far too late.. the option though to move along into the soldiers ranks certainly peaked his interest.. he had done some fighting.. and had been trained to within an inch of his life when he was sent back to Naggaroth for re-education.. so he had the skills... he just needed the direction and the commands that would come from his superiors.. and then he would be one hell of a powerful weapon.. his head tilted when you mentioned being able to ask for whatever you desired when a victory was on the table-.. Really?.. thats quite something indeed.. begs the question.. what did you ask for this time?.. what was your first request?.. if of course you dont mind me asking.. if you wish it to remain private.. well.. -he held his hands up in surrender-.. no harm.. no stress.. but yes.. I would really like it if you were able to ask the Matron to shift me over to your corner.. Id be more than happy to help out.. to do whatever it took to get you those victories over and over again..-he nursed the clay cup.. glancing down into it as you described the Matron to him.. as the hard , firm, stern woman but one with the kindest heart.. he offered a smile.. nodding his head-.. Ill admit I dont know her.. as well as you do.. but.. I can see..her in Anya.. and I imagine it would take someone pretty special to be able to bring up such a fine young woman like that.. Hard, but fair.. soft when it counts.. I will be waiting on your answer with baited breath.. -he smiled.. he took a drink from what was offered and it went down incredibly smooth only to burn like a fucker once it hit his chest..

he coughed several times.. smacking his fist against the fabric of his robes.. -.. Wow.. thats.. thats strong.. -he laughed.. he wasn't quite the light weight he used to be.. but he was no where near your level.. you'd be able to drink him under the table in no time if they continued on at this pace..sinking back in his chair a little.. dipping his head back as he took a nice long breath.. he let the secret out.. finally.. about wanting to marry Rose.. and soon.. that he had spoken a little about it with the Matron.. but that it was all kept hush hush until he had the chance to speak with you about it personally.. because.. well.. he wanted You to marry them.. he couldnt think of anyone more important.. and his smile only grew when you agreed.. -.. Wonderful.. thankyou.. I was thinking shortly after arriving at our destination I would give her the heads up.. the ring.. I will be hopefully be purchasing on ths trip.. and a little notice to keep her on her toes.. before I come to you.. no doubt a huge bundle of nerves.. -this next part.. he struggled with.. and he had been trying to find the right time.. the right place.. the right moment.. but.. it just never happened.. so he bit the bullet and he placed the little glass ring box down on the table.. bringing up the fact that.. whilst you would be able to marry whomever you desired in Menzoberranzan.. his Mother wouldn't if they were still attached.. he fell silent as he watched you.. and it stung to see the way your face fell.. to hear your breath catch.. to see the way you picked up the ring only to cradle it as if it were made of spun sugar.. he nodded.. remaining silent as you spoke about your love for Sydel.. and how hard you had tried.. he reached his hand across.. placing it upon your shoulder.. giving a light squeeze as you let it all out.. a monumental amount of raw honesty.. it sounded painful and he could see the way it registered upon your features.. especially your eye.. he took a quiet breath.. allowing the silence to settle between them.. for a moment-.. Its a tough one.. and thats why i offered to do this for you.. I'm not entirely certain she is ready to see you.. but then again its not something that can be left to continue on in the direction it is.. If you are certain you want to do this.. I wont stand in your way..

-he gave a little shake of his head-.. I just ask of you to be gentle.. I found this.. -he motioned to the ring you were holding-.. in the garden.. and she was gone.. by rights she should have stayed .. I wanted to keep a closer eye on her recovery.. she had just died afterall.. so.. yes.. i will admit your timing.. was poor.. but I guess.. sometimes we dont get to choose these things.. they are thrust upon our laps..and we do our best to deal with them in a way that seems right at the time.. Your not the villain Nautious.. and you never were.. You were dealt many hands in your life.. and you did what you could.. with what you had.. I know you loved her.. I saw it.. it was not the same as what you are experiencing now.. no.. not at all.. but it was love.. and she loved you..From the outside looking in.. you two were never perfect.. but you were as perfect as two broken people could ever be.. it just maybe wasn't meant to be long term.. -he rubbed his lips together-.. I caution you though.. Elvish divorce is.. incredibly rare.. I can only recall maybe 2 , or 3 cases where it was actually approved...the way they have set this up.. the having to meet.. to disolve the partnership usually ends up with the partners reuniting.. -he glanced across to you-.. I might suggest you speak about this with Gia.. before you go.. but.. thats all it is.. a suggestion.. Im here for you regardless of the outcome.. -but he would never pick a side.. he knew you would never ask it of him.. he was the middle party and thats where he would remain.. he did love his Mother.. the relationship they shared was.. a little strained.. he hoped that by choosing to come down to work in the Underdark that it wouldn't sever it.. but from the outside looking in he understood that it looked as though all the people she knew.. apart from Diovan.. had decided to side with the one person who cut her off.. he would remain in contact with her.. regularly.. to try and keep the gates open to conversation.. and hopefully a future caring relationship..

.the two of them fell silent.. the topic was heavy.. so heavy that it almost ruined the mood.. the hookah though helped.. a lot.. it smoothed out the raw edges.. it numbed the body and the brain.. he sunk down a little lower in his seat.. blinking a few times as he began to feel fuzzy.. he glanced toward you when you mentioned the pool party antics and he laughed.. covering his hand over his mouth-.. No.. you didn't watch.. -he grinned.. -.. did you?.. it was a pretty hot night tho right?.. -he nodded.. a few more times than was necessary-.. I remember it all very vividly.. -he rubbed at the side of his head as he felt his cheeks colour considerably-.. she's a fucking fine woman my Rose.. stunning.. gorgeous..and.. that body.. i mean.. Fuck..drive a man to an early grave.. -he laughed.. his head dipped forward before he blinked and he pulled it back up..listening to you raving on about Gia domming you..-.. Ha! about time someone put you back in your place.. -he smirked.. laughing quietly as he glanced down into his empty cup-.. youre right tho.. women.. in that role.. -he waved his hand infront of his face-.. Hot.. gets the blood pumping.. cause they can be such sweet things.. only to turn on you.. and like.. your jaw hits the floor.. cause it almost doesn't suit.. but then it does and its.. just Wow.. yes.. yes.. Rose has topped me.. utterly.. completley.. a few times even.. very.. very.. very nice.. giving me some memories to wander through on those quieter nights.. -he laughed-.. but hey.. its also damn hot when they drop though.. -he nodded a few more times.. taking another draw back from that silver pipe.. holding it a moment or two longer before exhaling slowly-.. down on their knees.. doing everything.. anything to please.. Rose is a fucking beautiful switch.. what about.. the Matron tho.. like.she seems a bit tough for that.. think you're strong enough to break her?.. -his brows rose.. it was almost a challenge wasn't it.. laughing quietly as he sunk a little lower in his seat-..Bet you cant.. -his grin only widened.. though when you mentioned Ace was a bottom he paused-.. Nahhhh.. you're dreaming. no way he's a submissive.. he's far to.. macho for that.. too alpha to bottom.. -he waved his hand dismissively-.. I dont believe it.. nope.. -though he leant in when you began to whisper.. giving him all the gossip about Ace and his Father.. how all the man needed was a collar-.. Wha?!.. nah.. no.. I dont.. really?.. are you sure?.. -he blinked.. rubbing his chin-.. I honestly had no idea!.. he's like.. purely dominant.. to the point of almost violence at times.. -he laughed-.. Ohhhhhhh maybe he's over compensating.. Ohh.. maybe you're right.. -he nodded-.. intriguing!.. but.. no.. I.. look.. look man.. I -he paused.. his brows drew inward-.. Ill level with you.. I'm worried.. like.. that he's going to swoop in and take her.. like.. he's just so fucking charismatic.. it'd break my heart man.. -he made a face-.. I dont know.. just.. a funny feeling I guess.. he's always gotten whatever he wanted.. whenever he wanted it..Ill kill him.. I mean it.. I .. like.. I am beginning to unerstand the fued you had with your Brother.. I see a war on the horizon.. I dont see him backing off.. I dont know what to do.. like.. i guess.. i cant really do anything.. -he chuckled.. he was still high as a kite.. which meant serious conversations came out all wrong-.. its up to her in the end..

[BadInfluence]

It wasn’t a surprise to see him suddenly jump back like he had seen a ghost. It was however a shock to see him land so hard on his ass. She had always known him to be more of the graceful sort, not feminine but definitely not clumsy, not to this level to be sure. That just told her he’d been hitting the opium and alcohol like all the answers were found at the bottom of pipe and bottle… “I don’t think God has anything to do with this, unless you mean Baccus to which case it seems you’ve been doing him quite proud.” She said gently as she slid off the stool easily and followed him around the bar, carefully reaching out to catch his hand in hers, pressing down on the cloth firmly before she’d lead him to one of the couches for him to sit down. And if he didn’t go right away? She’d make him by pulling his knees out with her foot so he’d have to sit.

She’d leave him there, knowing he was watching her, she could feel it in the way her skin tingled here and there. Well she’d grown a bit, changed a lot, matured even more… There was a lot that had happened in the months since they’d split so she wasn’t going to read anything more into it than that. She ducked behind the bar counter and easily found the kit and brought it back with her, settling on the couch beside him where she’d pull his hand into her lap and she’d gently pull the cloth off, accessing the damage before she’d pull out needle and thread from the kit. “You can’t drop on me because it would get you killed, plain and simple Ace, but I know you’re pride and if I told you that you’d just gun for it even harder.” She splashed the iodine over his hand and she knew it burned but that pain might help clear some of the fog in his head, wiping off the excess before she’d start to stitch him up with careful, precise lines. By the time he had healed up? There’d barely even be a line. As she worked he talked and she gave a delicate shrug of her shoulders. “I’m positive. If I wasn’t I wouldn’t have told you.” She said softly as she worked, neat, perfect lines as the wound was closing up before his eyes. “I’d rather it be simple and have them both be Jacobs honestly…” One of them being Aces, a son and heir, that just complicated things beyond anything she even wanted to get into.

“No he doesn’t know and I don’t think I will either.” What good would it do? She was herself up in the air about even letting Ace be a father, after all he had walked away from them without a backwards glance, left a few notes instead of facing them. “You’ve rescinded the throne and now your little brother is King, you have no need for an heir and these babies do not need a complicated life, I won’t let that happen.” One thing that had come from the society they now lived in? She was much stronger, firmer in her belief and herself, she shone with confidence and self-assuredness that she had never had before. “I came to tell you face to face that I am keeping them and they will be raised together with Jacob and I.” What did he need a kid for anyways right? He was a roving bachelor, always the playboy, the weather man with the silver tongue. A kid would only weigh him down and now that he was free of the crown he had no reason to even care about an heir. His little bother? Could easily just bite the bullet and knock a girl up as a surrogate but marry the man of his dreams. Easy wash.

“There…” She said as she finished the last stitch and bound his hand in lose gauze to keep it clean as the wound set itself and would begin to heal in no time. “Just keep it clean and it will heal just fine. I’m leaving now, I have things I must attend to and I will be missed if I linger here. Don’t write me again please, when it’s time I’ll let you know, I’ll send his information and his name.” He had said his goodbye… In her mind? Child or not he had no right to her or Jacob, not anymore… “I meant what I said earlier in case you get it in your head to try and find me… You will be killed on sight and if, by some miracle you make it past the first round, Jacob will end you himself.” That much she knew for a fact. Even if Jacob might have hesitated she knew for a face Crow would surface and end Ace in a bloody display of organs, odds and ends, a messy ending and one she’d rather spare them from. She had taken a few steps away when she paused, looking around this empty place, the darkness and how it’s entire existence was specifically geared to make people forget… To hide secrets and let people live on in a fantasy without reality crashing in. She let out a soft sight and turned around to him there on that couch and walked over, bending down she wrapped him in her arms, a warm hug that held the last of the love she had once held for him… A parting gift and a chance to free herself at last… “I’m sorry that you felt it was the right choice to leave… My heart aches for you, knowing you’ll spend the rest of your life in places like this, hiding from the world but even more so from yourself…” She said against his cheek where she pressed a deep red kiss before she pulled away and stepped back. “We really loved you, broken and scarred, jaded and hurt we did… We wanted the best for you, we would have done anything to help you, to see you rise above your pain…”

She was saying this because she had to. Because she was carrying it around and she had every right to say it all, regardless of if he wanted to hear it or not. “We wish you well at this point Aeson, live your life well and let us live ours, we’re happy and hope you find some measure of that yourself.” And if he did nothing to stop her or the like? She’d leave him there, feeling so much lighter herself, revived and full of energy. A load had been shifted from her shoulders, she was able to say goodbye on her own terms as well as lay down her laws, making sure there was no confusion on anyone’s part. Ace knew to stay away and not write her ever again, he would be informed when his son was born, the details of it and his name which was all he needed. From there? Barring any changes in her plan she’d portal out of there without leaving a trace and enter the Surface once more, back in her suite but she didn’t change out of the gear, she left it on for when Jacob came back. She had a feeling Nautilous was getting ripped drunk with him and she had ever plan to make good use of his inebriated state and make one hell of a lush night for her beloved King.

[Deleted]

He had rounded that bar pretty quickly.. leaving quite a trail of blood in his wake.. the chunk of glass that had sliced into his palm was not small or thin by any means.. -.. Judgement.. thats classy.. -he scoffed.. giving a shake of his head as he grabbed a hold of the towel .. plying it to his hand as he held it in place.. he paused a moment when she went to lead him out to the couch.. before he sunk down to sit.. sagging against the leather cushions.. he glanced down at the slowly colouring fabric.. the pressure was only helping a little.. she returned with the kit.. seating just across from him.. his hand resting there against the shine of her outfit.. he huffed when she said he'd be killed if he went looking for her-.. whatever.. utter nonsense.. where the fuck are you that Id be killed on site? and by Whom? Im not some weak little boy Rose.. I can handle myself.. and have done so before for a great many years than you have even drawn breath.. -his body tensed-.. FUCK.. -he hissed through his teeth as that iodine struck him like a white hot knife..his fingers twitched and it chased away a hell of a lot of the fog that had been sitting permanently in his mind.. chasing opium and alcohol on the daily for a month solid would do that.. the ravaging sing the liquid produced numbed the pain that would have come from the stitching.. he asked if she was sure if the child was his.. her response was natural.. it told him all he needed to know.. but the fact she wasn't going to tell Jacob caused his brows to rise-.. So.. youve just come here to torture me then?.. -he nodded.. the corners of his lips curled as he laughed.. -.. Thats rather fucking cruel of you isn't it?.. Why even tell me at all?.. -he tilted his head.. moving to stand then when she finished up working on his hand.. before he shoved it down into the pocket of his jeans-.. To torture me.. Wow.. -he nodded.. dragging his tongue across his teeth-.. Fair play I guess.. though Im surprised youd be so underhanded to Jacob.. I recall you telling me you hated secrets.. and yet this one is pretty fucking huge.. does he even know you're here?.. Ahhh no he doesnt..and thats why you cant stay long..

-he scratched at his stubble laden chin-.. You cant pretend for a moment to know what goes on in the running of a kingdom.. Youve barely even scratched the surface of a 'princess' to know Anything.. or to even presume to know.. let alone to give me or my brother advice.. -he took a threatening step toward her-.. You didn't come here to talk about raising your children and keeping them away.. You came here to see me.. You came here to torment me with the idea that one of those children is Mine.. but that youre going to loard it over me for the rest of my life by pretending it isn't.. Oh but no you're going to ask me for a name.. -he bowed-.. how noble of you.. Do you not see how that just reeks of selfish disregard and deception.. You could have easily gone about your days.. had your children.. kept it to yourself like you have said you're going to.. and not said a word to me.. I have no ties to you.. I have no ties to any of you.. what would stop me from going to Jacob and letting him know?.. Nothing.. -his steel gaze narrowed -.. Ahh.. Im going to put it down to you being so young because a woman of age.. of ..class wouldn't make such a juvenile mistake.. especially not coming here.. into My domain.. thinking you could just walk out.. -if she tried to port out.. tried to summon her earthy energies she'd find them shackled down.. they wouldn't work.. Not in here.. no magic worked in the main room.. and the doors where the staff had exited were all closed.. and locked when they left.. his arms rose and crossed about his chest-.

. I wont be killed on site.. and if Jacob thinks he can drop me down.. then.. Im all for seeing what the boy can do.. for I highly doubt it will be his baby face thats still standing once the cloud of dust settles.. You seem to forget that I'm more than triple your age.. Both of you.. Ive been on this plane and others so much longer that most of the people you know.. Ive had a lot of spare time on my hands and ive honed my skills to a precise lethal art.. sure ive gotten caught unawares in the past.. in my youth.. but.. that was a very long time ago.. and that stupidity is long gone.. You wont tell me what to do Rose.. You're not my Mother.. You're certainly not my wife.. You have no claim on me.. I on the other hand.. -he motioned toward her stomach-.. have a claim on you.. -he stalked toward her.. making her back up toward the wall.. -.. Dont presume to know what I need or want.. or what makes me happy.. -his boot had slid down to rest between those spiked heels of hers and he knocked her thighs apart.. that dress having to glide up her sun kissed skin in the process.. it had no give in it afterall.. he was incredibly close to her.. steel grey eyes staring down into those golden pools of hers-.. You sent a kitten into the lions den.. this is my home.. and it looks like you're stuck.. -his fingers reached and suddenly gripped her chin.. guiding her head to the side as he whispered down into her ear-.. Until I let you go.. I dont want to hear your sob story.. I dont want to hear about love and well wishes and roses..all the sweet things that come with a picket fence style life.. You know..marriage.. where you pop out a few kids.. and get comfortable ..fat.. and your husband fucks off most nights because he cant stand the sight of you.. the kind of future your gunning for.. -his fingers slid down from her chin to her throat-.. but thats not what you really need is it.. its a nice dream.. but beneath it all.. You couldn't stay away from me.. You couldn't wait to send me that letter just so that it would give you a Reason to come here.. it's been eating away at you.. just under the skin.. You cant stand it..

[BadInfluence]

“I wouldn’t say you missed, rather more that you saved it up so that when you would be able to appreciate it fully when you decided to come up, nothing more my sweet sister.” When she was younger she had all the pressures of running a house, a name to live up to, a little girl to raise… Now? Her daughter was full grown and a proud priestess, her house was rising again and her banners were flying, she was in the perfect situation to have both a Patron and a Shield Master to guard her and three heirs on the way. Right now? Was one of the best times to go traveling, dip her toes into the water, see how it suited her. As they chattered he couldn’t help the chuckle when she said that he had probably taught her a thing or two in that pool room, in all honesty if he had taught her anything? She had taught him something too. That ass? Was sublime. He had thoroughly enjoyed the bounce and there was something to be said about a woman who could climax off the bat, it was all rather erotic honestly, he’d definitely found his fair share of pleasure in her little frame… But at the same time there was just no comparing to his sweet sister. Supple and dominating, perfectly shaped and gorgeously wicked, and a pussy that just would. Not. Quit. It was heavenly and he would always want her more than anyone else. “It was definitely enjoyable even if I feel a twinge of guilt for savaging such a little thing… But to be fair the pleasure outweighs the guilt.” He said with a chuckle as they stayed hand in hand, her head on his shoulder as they soaked up each others presence, chatting back and forth as they caught up and she filled him in on a few little things…

Or rather more like big things…

A brow rose quite cleanly on his forehead as he watched her explain what had happened, the way her feeding off of him had started Nautilous off the deep end of a sexual rabbit hole, causing him to chuckle as he could only imagine that… Going from lunch to a veritable horn dog, how in the world did he have enough blood to spare to fill that rather large organ all things considered, it should have been enough to make him faint from the shift! “I do love to watch, it’s my guiltiest pleasure I confess, and my favorite one to indulge in too.” He’d started it by realizing he found pleasure in watching others be intimate, then as he got older and his body began to change he realized it was of a sexual nature, a sort of second hand gratification from it. Then he and Gia began to explore and once she was married? That desire became a fully formed fetish that stuck with him to this day, his one weakness really, promise him what he craved and he’d go through quite a few hoops. Goddess save him if anyone ever found out that particular link. Lifting her hand to his mouth he suckled the inside of her wrist while their fingers were linked, that sharp nail along his palm was impossible to miss, harder to deny… Thank all the Gods for lose robes right? It easily hit a few things so long as she didn’t push him beyond that particular point… “I’m glad to see you found a way for him to submit to you without having to push hard. I always trusted you’d be the one to find a way, honestly I envy you having seen it first hand, it must have been glorious… Such a prime specimen, the wild stallion of fire and light, knuckling under your light caress… Your blood must have been singing.”

Once behind the closed doors of the hotel he set to work on making sure she was comfortable, rubbing her down with her favorite oil of all time, keeping his strokes firm and long so that she could easily sink down into bliss without a drop of effort on her part. “Then we shall simply have to keep erecting them over every fallen House, the sands will be stained red forever in the bloody wake of your march my sweet love, spiders shall sing your praises and Llolth will smile down on you.” He was sure of it, oh entirely so, if anyone could earn that Goddess’s particular favor it was his fierce yet sweet sister. As he rubbed her down she asked if there was anything he couldn’t do, and indeed there was one, and her cheeky but loving response was sweet and filled him with quite a bit of warmth. “Your faith in me is greater than any gift you could bestow on me, my glorious Mistress, I will always do all I can to ensure you never lose it in me.” And he did try. He lived for her, down to the soles of his feet all he did was for her, for their family and their future together. What ever made her happy? Made him happy. When she thrived? He flourished. When she was happy? He was content, when she was sad he was miserable, for everything she felt he did too.

He took the initiative to see to ALL of her needs, to give her that perfect ending to melt the last bit of stress away like mist under the sun, an idea ending to that slow and loving massage. To say that he wasn’t wound a little tight? Would be a lie. Making love to her always stirred his passions to a frenzy but this wasn’t about him, this was about her, her first trip to the surface and all the new experiences raining down on her like a summer storm. When she hit that climax and her body was as limp and soft as freshly washed brushed cotton he withdrew and curled in against her, basking in her praise and her compliments, it was almost as good as an orgasm to him and this wouldn’t be the first time he had gone without. She had been his only lover before Nautilous so he had spent years keeping himself in check. This? Was just a familiar ache he knew would fade perfectly well in time. Words sweet and soft whispered between them as he held her, watching her float down slowly, a feather on the wind. “It will be for a little while but there are things in the work your Shield Master is looking into that will help give me much more time than I have been allowing myself to spare… Which means all of it will be just as you wish, in your room around the clock, hard and ready for you at a moments notice.” He teased but they both knew it was a promise. When they had those rare bubbles of time together without a hundred eyes on them? She would do just that… Keep him locked up in a room, claiming he was ill and that she would be tending him on her mothers orders, randomly checking in on him to make sure he was still hard and aching for her… Hadn’t touched himself or eased the pressure of her constant teasing… Oh those days… Her sweet wet pussy on his cock as she brought herself to an orgasm but strictly forbade him from having one… Constantly locked into that pain and pleasure loop until she decided otherwise…

The proposal and the ring were a dream come true for him, one they had shared since they were children, long before their sexual desires had ever even come to fruition… They had always wanted to be married, never to be apart, to live and die side by side forever more… And this was just another step in that dream come true as he held her close and whispered the words upon his heart, kissing her gently when he mentioned that he better start to work on those promises because he certainly didn’t want to die, he had to make sure he gave her all that she wanted in oath and deed or he’d be a very dead drow indeed. “Indeed it would be, you’d have to find another well hung drow who knows how to make you cum and train him up from scratch, almost seems too much work…” He teased her right back as he just held her, stroking his hands over her as she asked him what he wanted and he had it all right there in his arms, though he confessed that he wouldn’t exactly say no to accidentally stumbling in on her and one of the good doctors… He didn’t care which it was going to be insanely erotic regardless of which one she caught in her web. But that said? He pulled her in close against him, wrapping her up in his body as she became the little spoon and fell quickly asleep together through the hottest part of the day.

[BadInfluence]

“Hardly. Already on the offensive I see… This is going to be fun…” She said under her breath as she moved around to catch his hand in hers, pressing down on it as she lead him to the couch to sit down so he wouldn’t keep his blood pressure up, therefor lessening the bleeding in his hand at least a little. She popped around the side of the bar and got that medical kit, pulling out the iodine and the needle and thread, talking to him as she worked… Trying to explain in very simple words that he couldn’t find her, if he went looking he literally would be killed on site, there’d be no questions asked if he went galivanting off down in Menzoberranzan… Especially now with there being war among the houses as the power play began anew for the first time in several years. Any pale skin wouldn’t even be spared a glance, let alone the mercy of a poisoned arrow, it would just be a shot through the heart and let the spiders feast on him. “It doesn’t matter where I am Ace, please put your pride aside and just listen, this is no joking matter.” She said gently, for all he was coming off as angry and brash she was level headed, her tone firm but kind. She poured the iodine along his skin and as he tensed and hissed she leaned down and blew her breath across his hand to ease some of the sing, to lessen the burn just a bit, enough to make it… Well… A little more bearable…

She began stitching it up for him then, his questions answered and she had a few things to say herself, though the way he snapped back? She had hoped this would have gone smoother but in the end she shouldn’t have been surprised… Ace was like a short fuse barrel of gun powder. It took next to nothing to set him off and when he did it was with all manner of bang and violence… She let out a gentle sigh as she looked across at him and his theatrics… No… No that wasn’t kind and she wasn’t going to let herself think that either. He was hurting… Why, now that she didn’t know, she couldn’t exactly pin it… He’d left her, said that he didn’t love her anymore, that she wasn’t the one for him. So… Why? He probably had an entire army of little offspring who were his from his many dalliances, he probably knew of all of them too, so then why was hers so important? Hers, out of probably hundreds? “I felt it was the right thing to do. This little one isn’t the only child you’ve fathered out of wedlock I’m sure, but unlike them I felt it was right to tell you, face to face so you’d understand the situation with a better clarity.” She had felt it was the right thing to do but now? Oooooh boy, now he was making her regret it much as someone who gets burned picking up a hot kettle regrets their actions, she should of perhaps put more forethought into this but she felt her window of action was a touch too small to procrastinate. “Please Ace don’t be dramatic, I have no intents to torture you, if I did it wouldn’t be this.” This was devolving into something nasty quicker than even she feared it might.

“I said I was thinking about it, please stop presuming things and putting words in my mouth Ace, you’re agitated and not thinking clearly.” And all the while she kept stitching his hand up calmly while inside he was making her grit her teeth a bit. The longer he talked the more she regretted coming down and now? Oh now it was time for the insults to be thrown. She just closed her mind down for those moments and let him vent, get all that bile out of him because obviously he had a whole lot to say, and not a damn drop of it was pretty. She finished his hand up for him and left him there on the couch, stepping away to go and portal out of this place, to leave him as she had said her piece. There was no reason to stay any longer after all. She looked over her shoulder as he began to advance and if he thought she was afraid of him? He had another thing coming. The only way he could ever hurt her? He had already done. She’d cried for days when he left, cut all ties like it was so easy, snipping the strings like a puppet master throwing away a useless prop. Now? Sure, he could hit her if he wanted to, but this time? She would hit back and she would hit back hard. Her hands were by her side as she looked him dead in the eyes and refused to back down. “I know your drunk and high so I am going to let those insults slide this time Aeson Koehler… You’re obviously not yourself and far from thinking as clearly as you should be.” She said before she’d give her last goodbye, she wanted to try and leave things on a better note, a bitter sweet farewell that would give them both closer… Or at least herself… She just wanted to be able to move on with a clean and clear conscience, to be married without feeling like things were left unfinished, to close that door completely and not fear that it might open again and haunt her.

As she tried to open the portal though she realized that it wasn’t working, a flash of shock on her face as she pulled all her magical energy forward but it just sputtered out like trying to light a candle under water, confusion darting across her eyes before she gave it up. Seemed she’d just have to leave the good old fashioned way, pausing as she turned to leave, seeing him there with his arms crossed as she continued to jab at her. He was starting to make some deep wounds in her though it wouldn’t show on the surface, but that last one, that vicious slash about not being his wife… That one hurt more than she wanted to let on, more than she would dare let him see, keeping her face a still mask and her eyes shuttered by long dark lashes… She gave him room as he advanced, she didn’t want him near her right now, all the civility and well meaning she had held for him when she came was gone and inside all that pain she had felt when he first left? Was back, reading it’s mean, ugly head and gnashing vicious teeth at her. “You seem to take exceedingly gleeful pride in the fact you made sure we’d never marry, yet you call me cruel, for telling you the truth? When was the last time you looked in a mirror when you spoke? When was the last time you told yourself the truth I wonder?” She asked before she felt her back hitting the wall, a shiver, a spark but she shut it down before it blossomed into anything. She was not exactly savoring this position, it left her vulnerable, unable to escape should he try to hit her or pin her down. She might have grown a few inches but she was still petit and he was far from it. Drunk and high he likely had shit for control over his body and that put her in some very real danger of extreme damage being delt…

How to manage this… She was already accessing the situation, looking about the room quickly for escapes, finding the shortest rout out of there so she’d be able to get out before he could catch her… She just had to drop him… How? There was a chair she could push him over, knock him down and allow her to run while he stumbled, likely struggling because of his altered state… Her gloves had claws on them which she could use like miniature blades if she had to, they’d hurt but far from lethal, they might be enough to make him keep his distance… “This child is mine first Ace, you have no claim on me or him, you gave up that right and you don’t get to change your mind now.” She shot back as he himself delt a few more verbal blows before he shoved that skirt of her dress up, hissing as the leather bit into her skin like a rope, it was real leather so it had a little give but no where near enough to keep it from stinging… Feeling it continue to roll up her thighs as he forced them apart… His eyes boring down into her and for a moment… Just a flash… She remembered them looking down at her… Soft and tender… Loving… The memory spinning out more as she remembered the smell on the air, their bodies dancing together as she taught him how to make love, and to give and receive it… Because of that he was able to touch her, her mind was off somewhere for a split second which was too damned long, feeling his calloused hands against her skin. “I know more about you than anyone, Kintsugi…” she said as she looked up at him even with his fingers on her chin. [/i] “I know how broken you are… How much you hate it… This image you feel you have to be and how it’s not what you are… The constant war at trying to make yourself into what you were never meant to be.” [/i] If he could touch her then the same went for her. She reached out and pressed her hands over his abs, the place where that deep scar lay, the one that had marked the moment where he had almost lost his life. “Constantly chasing down anything to make you feel like you belong, belong to someone or to something, anything that wasn’t what everyone expects you to be.”

His words against her ear were cruel… Mocking and scathing… Vile and vicious. Was that all it was? Was that what he thought marriage was? Popping out kids and getting fat? Fucking off because a skinny bar bitch was better than the wife at home? That’s the mans view of marriage, selfish and cruel, self-serving and completely delusional. He might see marriage that way but it wasn’t what it was, not really, and certainly not for her. He was laboring under false pretenses and ideas that weren’t her. He spoke from the position of someone that used to know her, who had heard her soft speeches and saw the dreams she spun in the clouds, the child in her… The one that had died because of him. Now? She was different. She was stronger, harder, she fought for what was real and what she wanted without giving into cliché’s and what other people thought was right. She wanted a marriage full of love, she didn’t give a fuck about a picket fence or anything like that, so long as their house was a home for their children it didn’t matter. Home was where your heart was and that could be anywhere. He knew her as a child… He had yet to meet her as a woman.

“Your pipe dreams are quite colorful aren’t they Ace?” She said as he wrapped his fingers around her throat, her hands coming up from his stomach to grip each finger and pull it off of her skin, watching him the entire time she did so. “It’s precious that you think I entered her a kitten… I’m still young but I’m no cat, I’m a pit viper, and you know what’s so bad about us little ones?” She asked, removing the last touch of his fingers from her skin with more strength than he knew she had, much like Jacob they were far stronger than they appeared. “We can’t control our bite… We’re far more lethal than the adults and it’s wise to avoid us entirely lest you wind up dead.” Stepping away from that wall she switched the tables and swung him against it that time, pinning him by his shoulders to that same wall, nails digging through fabric and into skin. She leaned in this time, pressing her body flush against his, all those sweet supple curves and then more… She’d filled out, matured a bit more, just a hint at the ravishing beauty she would be when she finally grew all the way up and dropped the sweet innocence of youth. “You want to think that you’re so irresistible, the don juan who makes all the girls wet with just a look, everything with a cunt just weeping at the want to jump on your cock.” Pressing in firmer, fuller, her hips over his in a way he knew all too intimately… The curse of former lovers is the echo of remembering just how they moved… “You’re a pretty silver fox Ace I won’t lie, you made me wet and fucked me beautifully, you knew how to make me cum and I enjoyed you in bed thoroughly.” And she had… They were excellent lovers that went without saying, deliciously matched and the age difference just made it that much hotter, that went without saying. “But that’s all in the past now baby. This body pressed against you? You don’t have a single claim on it anymore. I know you remember how it felt atop you… Bet you wake up at night in a cold sweat… Aching for the feeling of my perfect little pussy wrapped around your prick and making you cum for me… Remembering the way you’d shout when you lost control.” She purred as one good turn deserved another. He wanted to play the game? Fine. She’d play but she’d do it her way and she wasn’t about to do it by his rules.

A shift in her weight, her thigh sliding between his now, pressing up so her knee was pressed against his balls with just enough force to give him a bit of a panic… A little jerk of her leg would send him a shower of pain if she wanted to. “Remember which of us left the other Ace… You left me. You only saw what was under your nose, unable to see the forest through the trees, and that’s your loss.” She pressed in a little harder… A Little firmer… Those sweet little tits just about spilling out of that tight leather dress with the plunging cups. “I was lost to Slaanesh and he had perfect control over my influence and my impulse and I fought every day to remain myself… But you were so wrapped up in your own little world you couldn’t be bothered to see the signs.” She released one of his shoulders to cradle his cheek in her palm, dragging that clawed nail along his skin, just enough to sting as though he cut himself with his razor. “I escaped him… I’m free now and I live my life My way. No man controls me and no man ever will, I am my own Mistress and my life is mine to live, with and without whomever I chose.” It was her turn to rise on her toes as she guided his head to the side, by force if he resisted, her lips brushing against the shell of his ear… Her tongue darting out to flick along the tip. “You cut ties far too early Ace… You left the show before it had even begun and now you have to live with the choices You Made. I wanted to leave on a softer note, to close things between us with warmer feelings, to part amicably but you decided to…. What did you say?... Fuck off?...” She said with a sharp snap of her teeth by his ear before she’d release him and step out of his reach and turn her back on him. “Play your games with some other little girl who hasn’t found her spine yet, some tender hearted thing to sharpen your claws on.” She’d left her warnings and made her stance clear, she hadn’t been cruel though he sure as fuck had been with her… She’d only gotten sharp at the end and even then she hadn’t spat have the venom at him as he had her so she could say she at least left with her dignity intact. He had his warnings… With that she’d head for the closest door to head out, irritated that her magic was on lock in here but it was a small hinderance, once she was outside she’d be gone like a ghost without anyone the wiser.

[BadInfluence]

Free flowing conversations were some of the best in his mind. Mix the right amount of drugs and alcohol and you can have some of the most beautiful revelations come from some of the simplest talks. It was incredibly enjoyable just to catch up with Jacob, to steal this time away from the duties he had taken on and just focus on the people he loved, the family he had chosen all by himself. The place was perfect for it too, no one who was there gave two fucks about them or their conversation, they were just two guys drinking and smoking and having a good time. The money was free and rounds were bought for everyone there, ensuring everyone was having a good time and happy, far too jovial to complain about a single thing besides the heat. “I know right? I mean it tastes good but there’s something about the textures you know? It’s just not like anything I’ve had before so I kind of wait till I’m almost starving then I just wolf it all down. Part of why I’m so glad we came back to my home up here, the food here is delicious and it holds well in the heat so we can supplement a few meals with things a little more familiar, help make the transition a little easier you know?”” And oh the wonders of it too, the alcohol kept coming, the hookah kept burning… The conversation continued as the two of them talked about how their life was changing, the good and the bad of it, the changes and things like that. He told Jacob that he would make sure he got to be with him, even if it meant using the reward system at the end of every battle, in his mind it was an excellent wish to have granted and it would benefit so many people in the end. That was however a last resort, he knew that Gia would see the wisdom in him moving up into the ranks of the army, it would free up Thaylans time AND give them a warrior mage in the process.

“I asked for you of course… Well, I asked for this vacation here to the surface so that I could adopt you formally, I wanted to take everyone that is important in my life right now to be a part of it. You’re one of my greatest joys Jacob, I got a feeling a good chunk of my requests will be for things that will benefit you and your little family, I really don’t want for much of anything and knowing I can do something for you makes me happy.” And he meant it too, he wanted for next to nothing as Gia’s slave and her Shield Master, there were no favors or wishes he wanted for himself as he had all his heart could yearn for. But what he did want? Was the happiness and the means to thrive for his son and his wife to be. “I really don’t think Gia will need me to use one of those to get you to my side though, it’s just far more beneficial all the way around, after all she’s got no idea you’re a fighter and an amazing magic user. She just thought you were a skilled doctor so set you accordingly. Once she’s been informed she’ll see why it’s so good for you to be by my side and then it’s a wash from there.” Another glass, a few more drags on the pipe as he told her about Gia, just how amazing she was to him. Honestly he had no idea women like Gia could exist, women who could be fierce and ferocious but somehow loving, the most generous soul and the warmest of hearts… Gia was his swan song, she was the last, the end of all his searching because he had it all in her. Every little thing he could have dreamed of and then even more besides that he was coming to see every day he got to spend by her side. Yes he knew it had started rough, their beginning was far from a fairy tale, even more removed from being smooth but it was worth it… So worth it to be with her like they were…

They spoke about Anya and he laughed a bit and scratched his chin. “I’m waiting for the day when Gia tells her we worked it out so I can see her again without fear of her striking me down for hurting her mother. She’s a sweet young woman and we’ve been talking about bringing Aysil down here with us, she’s a bit too wild for Arvandor, a little too free spirited if you know what I mean… Anya could use a companion around her own age and Aysil seriously needs someone with a strong enough hand to reel her back in and give her a nice foundation to build on.” He couldn’t think of anyone better for Aysil to work under than Anya and vice verse, Gia was completely on track when she said that the two would learn a lot from each other, one who was too rigid would learn to bend and the other who was too flightly would gain the ability to ground herself. It was the perfect mix in all honesty. “I’ll see what she says tonight, touch base with her and feel it out, see where it goes from there but if all goes well I can have an answer for you come the morning… I can’t guarantee it but it’s a possibility to look forward to.” Said with a smile as he raised his glass in a salute to Jacob before he’d toss it back, laughing at the end as Jacob enjoyed the hit, it was so hard not to. It tasted amazing and didn’t even burn till the very end, meaning you got to really enjoy the whole thing from start to finish, rare in most alcohols and almost unheard of here on the surface. “It is indeed but that is what makes it so good!” Laughing he mixed up two more glasses, he knew this area like the back of his hand, he’d easily be able to lead them back home even if he was completely shit faced and off his gord black out drunk.

Hearing about how Jacob was going to marry Rose a lot earlier than a year, well that just made him beam, he was so thrilled to hear it his heart was virtually singing in his chest. He didn’t mind at all that Jacob had felt it out with Gia and Anouk first, what mattered was that his son, his pride and joy was going to marry the woman of his dreams. His soul mate. His perfect partner. His best friend. His partner in crime. Honestly he couldn’t have picked a better partner for his son if he had hand crafted one himself. He was thrilled to be able to marry them, already in his mind he was going over what sort of versus he might say, what spin to put on the traditional views… They were special to him so they needed, no, deserved something that was going to be a one of a kind marriage ceremony. The fact that Gia knew of a place that was perfect for it, not to mention that Anouk was already helping to design things was just the best thing ever, totally perfect in every way. “It’s going to be the most amazing marriage ceremony you’ll see, Me and my Gia, we’ll pull out all the stops and make sure that it’s perfectly suited to the two of you.” And it would be… It would be a representation of the two as close as they could get and it would be stunning, no expense would be spared, they’d burn through gold like it was confetti if that was what it took. The ring though, now that was going to be a little tricky because there was a lot of vendors around here, Egyptians LOVED their jewelry and had been making it for eons. “The ring is gonna be a biggie though, you throw a stick and you can find someone who sells beautiful jewelry, so we need to refine what you want… What metals and type of gems, specific cuts and styles too, then we can narrow it down to which area you want to shop at. We’ll get it perfect, I’ll take you to every place here if we need to, take all night even. We’ll find this ring of your dreams to give to the girl who owns your heart.”

And it was all happy conversations… Warm, good feelings, joy and all sorts of merry on the nice high from alcohol and hashish… Until Jacob brought out that ring. He didn’t hold anything against Jacob for it, he totally understood why he had brought it up, why it was important to do this because a the end of the day? It was the right thing to do for her. He’d cut their ties so she could be free but he hadn’t really finished the job, not yet, there was still more work to be done… A final act to make sure she’d never be tied to him again… And while they spoke, while he was honest about his feelings to Jacob, revealing it all in raw heartfelt honesty… The ups and downs, the struggle to make it work, and how at the end… He had done the best he could and done all within his power to set her free… To let her find a happy… Healthy… Genuine love and her own special kind of fairy tale… But the reluctance to sever the last tie… No one knew about that one… Not till he told Jacob… The fear that if he did… He’d not be able to save her if she needed it… All the same though he was right… It wasn’t fair to keep her constantly tied to him by that last thread… Not if he wanted her to really have everything he said… “If you do it for me… Do you think she would show up? Do you think she’d go?” He asked softly… He wanted her to know he was setting her free, cutting the last tie, but he wanted to say goodbye too… Though he also knew that Jacob was spot on… She wasn’t ready to see him… She might never be. “I don’t think she’ll ever want to see me again… All I’d do is open up so many wounds that she’s trying to heal you know? A harsh slap of a reminder from something I really just want her to forget and move on from… It’s hard… It really is… I don’t want to hurt her anymore Jacob… I did enough of that to last her several lifetimes…”

He ducked his head a bit as he returned the ring to it’s box along with his own. There was no real clear answer to it, if he went he’d hurt her, if he didn’t she’d think he was a coward and didn’t care… He had to put aside thoughts of pride and image and try to think about what was going to be the best for everyone involved. “I will definitely tell her all about this, Gia loved her too, very much… It’s why all of this became even more complicated than it should have perhaps been. Still at the end of the day there’s not much else to be done, is there? It happened and now we are all on a very different path than the one we were on originally. I just wish with all my heart that this new path is going to bring all of us much happier times.” One thing was for sure, he hid nothing from Gia what so ever, all of this would be discussed between them and mulled over. Two minds were better than one and given Thaylan into the mix chances were they’d find the absolute best way to cover all this and make it so it went over as well as such a thing possibly could.

That aside though he went to save the mood, he knew it was heavy and sad between them with all that had been spoken, Jacobs kind words warmed his heart and it felt good to know that Jacob didn’t think less of him for what had happened. He switched the conversation to something a bit kinkier as they tossed back a couple more rounds, by this time he was really feeling it which meant Jacob was in that PERFECT spot… Drunk but not too drunk, high but not TOO high, that ideal heavenly slice of altered consciousness that made it all so damned good. He confessed he had totally watched them fuck, he and Rose there in the pool room, the part with Thaylan and all that sweet naughty juicy bits. It was a damn kinky show and everyone had certainly been watching those two more than a bit! “The hottest night! Man so much sex and it was all so dam good ya? Like… Everyone felt fucking incredible… Pussy was everywhere… Sounds of sex and all that sweaty scent of it on the air…” Oh everyone had enjoyed that night without a doubt! He took another hit as Jacob laughed and totally called him on it when he said Gia had topped him, dropped him down like a good little switch, even got him begging! “Ikno righ?! Like- What tha hell I been missin! Woner what made ya like it sa much n then Gia went an dropped me like a good little bitch… Used me like she wanted an I couln’ move ah muscle… Them orgasms do… Whooooooo man! Dem orgasms are something else!” And it was unlike anything he had ever felt before. Bottoming to Gia? Felt so damn good it was worth bending. “She looks like she knows wha she’s doin for yah in that role tho, yeah? Like ya sound like it really do it for yah, so she gotta know what she’s doin, an I bet seein somethin all tiny like that putting ya in a spot haha! Gotta be niiiiiiice.” He knew he liked it with Gia though he wasn’t sure if he was ready to be totally honestly with her on that point. He enjoyed it but he still wasn’t sure he could do it on command and he didn’t want her to think less of him if he didn’t. Hearing about Gia and bending though oh man! He laughed and spluttered there on the pipe as he enjoyed a nice belly laugh before he’d resume his smoke and finish off his drink before he’d speak on that part. “Nope! Most I got outta her was her not being a dom an more meetin me like a soft female but droppin her? Ah hell no man! I tried and she served me ma ass on a plate!”

And she had! But because of that she had also taught him how to bend for the first time out of nothing more than the desire to do so, making it a rare, luscious memory of his to roll over. As they chatted though he brought up Ace and his little dirty secret, the only reason he knew was when he had kissed Ace that one time at the party a couple of years ago, guy was high as a fucking kite and totally didn’t expect it. Because of that Ace’s reactions were totally unfiltered and he felt the way Ace dropped instantly into something very subby indeed before his mind caught up with his body and he closed it off. He told Jacob the reason he felt that Ace had picked himself and Rose for his partners, two switches, one who leaned harder into the dom of it and the other who was more of a sub side. They were all beautifully and ideally matched… If Ace would admit what he was. It was the lies, the pretending to be what he wasn’t that had really driven the wedge in the relationship, fear on more than a few sides killed it before it got to really grow… A sad thing in the end really or they could have had what he had with Thaylan and Gia… “He is I swear it. He dropped to me once when he was high as fuck, I kissed him on a whim and he went super soft just like you do for your Rose when she tops you, like I do for my Gia… Just melted before his mind caught up with him and he shut it off fast which makes me think he’s always covering. Gotta be ten times more macho than anyone else so the world doesn’t look to close.” He leaned in and went on to explain what he knew about Tirithon, the way he had tried to beat anything like that out of his kids, Ace had taken the worst of it too to keep Ryker safe. Because of that Ace was locked in a really vicious cycle where he was never going to be happy, healthy or even remotely at peace until it was broken, either by his own hand or someone elses. “Ace is like that dude with a really little dick, he’s gotta talk a big game so no one knows, but deep down it’s all bluff you know? Trust me… I would be willing to bet my fortune that he’s a subby at heart if not a switch like you two…” But as they spoke Jacob confessed some of his own fears, his concerns and his thoughts and as Jacob spoke he poured them another drink and it was his turn to reach out, to grip his shoulder and give it a pat.

“Look, Jacob, Ace is a good looking guy who basically eats hearts for breakfast and farts charima that’s true. But look, yeah? Here’s the issue. You ain’t scared of him. You scared of you.” He said, tapping Jacob’s chest for a moment there, right over the spot where his heart beat. “Like Garafin let Caela bully him around and you sadly learned a lot of them behaviors growing up… Cara did the same to you and it only made ya think in yer head that it’s just how it’s gonna be, that any woman you with gonna be like Caela, like Cara… They gonna hurt you and walk all over you cause you think like Garafin did that you just gotta take it an be content with scraps of affection.” And it was an ugly truth but a true one. He’d seen Garafin suffer for YEARS in silence under the bullshit from Caela… Watched history repeat itself with Cara and Jacob and th way Jacob just took it, thinking that when you loved someone that’s what you did, you just took it and didn’t say anything cause if you did? Like it somehow meant you didn’t love them. “I aint gonan say you wront about Ace though… I think by now he be regrettin what he did, dun like the bed he made, realizing he stacked it with shit rather than silken sheets yah? But here the thing… An I gonna tell you the truth cause you need ta hear it. Rose? She don made her choice yeah? She only went with Ace cause you asked her.” And that’s how it had happened too and he knew it cause he’d gotten bits and pieces of it from all involved… Enough to paint the full picture. “When Ace left dem letters, what Rose say huh? Say she miss him? Want him back? Nah. She said she hated him and the time she wasted on him… Look…” He said, patting his hand on the table to get his attention, not that he needed to cause the two of them were damn near side to side now talking to one another. “All Ace might get from Rose? Is a bit of tail. But her heart? Her soul? Her life? Man nah, dats yours, all yours. She loves you with all she got and I know dat more than I know my own reflection.” He said with a nod of his head, realizing that it made the room spin which was a pretty good tell that it was time to cut the alcohol for the night and work on the coffee more. “Like if you ran inta Ace an the situation was right, you kno you’d kiss him and then you’d fall into bed hot and heavy as ya always have, sometimes the body is attracted but the rest? Nah… It all bout situation but romance? Never.”

He knew this because he was pretty aware himself that, if the situation came up for what ever reason and everything just lines up perfectly for he and Sydel to fall into bed again, he knew he wouldn’t be able to resist. He Loved Gia with all he had, a fierce and trueness to it that he had never felt before in his life, she was his perfect mate in every way… But he also knew if the fates aligned he’d slip right back into bed with Sydel and he’d enjoy every minute of it… Till the sun rose and reality came crashing in… Then they’d have the fuck-rets… But till then? Yep… It would happen and he had some of the strongest will out there… Jacob would fall back into bed with Ace if the cards were right… Same with Rose… Just like Gia would have fallen back in with her human lover if he were still alive, or the drow he had sent along to her to help her get out of the wreckage of her destroyed kingdom, it was all about situation… “But you gotta know… No no no noooooooo matter what happens? Even if y’all slip up and sometimes find yarselves in a situation like that… Don for a moment think y’all catching the feels or nothin like that… Lust aint love kiddo ya know that… But with that said if he gets stupid and tries to make her his?” He said with a shrug of a shoulder and looked down at the table where a fly was crawling on the surface, slapping his hand down on it hard and killing it instantly. “Then you just smash him… A man gotta fight for what is his sometimes, especially when it’s his woman cause they be like precious things, treasures you know? There always gonan be some asshole sticking his hand in the pile and you gotta cut it off. A woman is a beautiful thing, rare and true, men will do anything to get them and it aint their fault. You gotta understand that they needs protecting from wolves is all… But you cant let them know it if they strong like ours are… Ya gotta be all sneaky and shit… but if it comes to it… We’ll take Ace out… Make sure he can’t bother her no more… If Adelaide starts shit I’ll just tell her that I’ll make it known she hired me to kill Tirithon… then the whole kingdom would fall. Don’t think she’d risk that one.” He said with a firm nod of his head before he stood up and the room span which only served to make him laugh as he righted himself for a moment. It had been a LONG time since he got to enjoy something like this…

Leaving a bag of gold at the bar he made sure that everyone in there got to party good for the rest of the night before he’d go over to Jacob and help him up, leading him out the door as they wove and weaved a bit, wobbling down the paths a bit as they chatted and sang and had a damned good time… On they’d walk before he’d take them up a different sort of high street like the one they had been on, this one was more specialized, windowfront upon windowfront showing off only the most dazzling and beautiful jewelry Jacob would have ever seen… It even put the stuff the elves made to shame they were that beautiful. Once there they’d go from window to window so Jacob could look around to his hearts content and see if he might be able to find the ring of his dreams for his sweet Rose.

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He laughed when she started talking about how many children he had to have Fathered out of wedlock-.. Thats awfully brave of you to make such an assumption.. What are you getting at with that huh?.. You dont know shit about my life little miss.. Thinking you're above everyone.. Oh no honey.. news flash.. You're not.. -he was clearly unimpressed with her holler than thou attitude.. she had literally popped into his home.. after telling him she was pregnant with his child.. Only to then say she was going to keep it a secret from her soon to be husband.. all this After requesting he come up with a name.. utterly ridiculous and incredibly cruel.. but no.. butter wouldn't melt in her mouth.. something he was coming to learn.. he moved to stand when she finished patching up his hand.. watching as she struggled with her magic use.. soon figuring it out that none could be used in the main bar area.. it was a safety issue.. in such a closed space.. it just happened to work in his favour in this regard.. his hand rose as he rubbed it across his chin-.. Drunk and High.. without a doubt.. so.. You're going to be gracious enough to let the insults I have thrown at you slide.. But I just have to suck the ones you continue to throw at me up right?.. just deal?.. take it like a man so to speak.. because Youre not high or drunk.. so you must be speaking truth.. right?.. -he advanced on her.. closing the gap between them in a very short amount of time.. her back was soon pressed to the wall.. -.. I dont need to look in a mirror when I speak.. I know my own truth.. as for marrying you.. -he shrugged his shoulders-.. when you went from demure kind little sweetheart to raving sexual deviant I took my exit.. something I was well within my rights to do.. I refuse to stay in a relationship that does nothing for me.. Im old enough to know better.. Ill never settle just to make someone else happy Rose.. its a two way street.. if I suddenly changed and started desiring something that you did not.. I wouldn' expect you to stay either.. But.. hey.. Im preaching to the choir here.. becuase you see No fault in your actions.. I left because I wasn't happy.. I saw the direction things were going and It was not a place I wanted to visit.. so rather than stay.. and pretend.. I left..

-he laughed when she said he had no claim to the child-.. You know little of elvish law my dear ignorant child.. You wrote me.. declaring the child was mine.. When its born it will be known as a Koehler and heir to the Throne. Careful..Your youth is showing.. -he forced her knees to part.. reaching to gain a grip on her chin.. his words.. his whispers right beside her ear..giving her a few more home truths.. she came here with the intent to torment him.. he knew this.. he picked up on it pretty damn quickly.. but he wouldn't take it laying down.. he faltered when she called him Kintsugi.. it struck him and it showed...a flash in those steel grey eyes.. it was enough for her to take a small amont of power back.. enough for him to lose his concentration.. as she plyed his fingers away from her throat.. -.. Fuck you Rose.. -he snapped.. she was getting incredibly mouthy.. and yet she would have seen it as dominance.. it just wasn't coming out as she might have perhaps hoped it would.. it was brash, unoriginal and risky.. all she was managing to achieve from this display was to piss him off and give him future ammunition for the future.. this would not end here.. he knew that much.. and she was giving away far to much information.. one day.. she might learn to keep her pretty mouth closed.. though he doubted it.. she did like the sound of her own voice afterall.. she gained the upperhand.. his back was suddenly and violently pressed to the wall.. he landed with a grunt.. with a darkened growl as he stared back at her.. her nails digging through the fabric was felt against his skin though he didn't flinch.. his skin was already scarred and a lot stronger than hers.. he could take a lot more pain than she would Ever imagine.. -.. You talk a big game

-he spat back at her.. listening to her talking about being unable to control her bite and being some kind of pit vper.. he felt her body pressing to his.. the way it easily sculpted in.. to be truthful they were a perfect fit.. where his body dipped hers curved.. his steel gaze narrowed as she continued to goad him.. -.. I dont think im irresistible Rose.. I know I am.. -he would forever be confident and cocky.. Nautilous got away with it and no one else seemed to mind.. and yet whenever he did the same..well he got called out for it.. Oh he noticed.. he saw all those pretty colourful double standards.. He knew she read all those books.. practically salivated over the man-whore.. but god forbid he had some confidence.. and suddenly a huge fucking target appeared on his back.. still.. he'd not admit to such short comings.. Ever.. he growled when she pressed in harder against him.. his body would inevitably betray him.. it was something that was uncontrollable even for stronger men.. but with the history they shared it just made it all the harder.. his teeth snapped down when she started poking about him waking in a cold sweat.. desiring nothing more than her pussy.. and hers alone.. he rolled his eyes.. -.. So.. on one hand.. Im the one being cocky.. by thinking Im all that.. But you.. Oh no.. You thinking your gods fucking gift in the bedroom with a pussy that no man can ever beat is .. well thats just all kosher .. normal.. no issue.. because confidence in a woman is something to be proud of.. but dont you dare let a male have the same.. Your pathetic..-he laughed shaking his head.. he looked clearly entertained- .. You're hot Rose.. -he shrugged as best he could in his current position-.. Your cunt was a lot of fun to play with.. You were a lot of fun to play with and yes I enjoyed it.. You knew it.. its Not news.. to Anyone.. Do you want me to stand here and spout about how many times you lost control?.. How you begged for it?.. How you practically drooled spit when you're throat was filled up?.. Dont try and grate on my nerves lovely.. You couldn't have been more of a whore in the bedroom if you tried.. I never complained.. and Neither did you.. Hell The very first time we slept together could be classed as Rape.. and who's idea was that?.. -he tilted his head-.. It was your favourite boy Jacobs.. Getting me to Fuck you whilst you slept.. Getting You to believe it was him until you finally woke up.. Oh but sweet kind hearted young Jacob could never Ever do no wrong.. right?.. Its all about Aeson.. The dark brooding son of a bitch that just breaks everything.. he's too cocky.. he's too confident.. He thinks he's gods gift.. blah blah blah..

-the corners of his lips curled and her jerked against her hold.. -.. You are just the female version of me Rose.. a whore in pretty skin.. You will break his heart.. Id even put a wager on it.. -he hissed a breath through his teeth when she shoved her knee up into his balls.. -.. I saw all I needed to see.. -he uttered slightly strained.. No one Man or woman should be made to stay with someone they see is no longer desirable.. You wanted More than I was willing to give.. and I wasn't going to bend that way.. Im not apologising for that.. Grow the Fuck up Rose..You are just all bent out of shape because I embarrassed you, I made you feel dirty when I left.. Thats an issue with self confidence only you can solve.. I never judged you for your kinks.. I just didn't Share them with you -his teeth were bared when she dragged that nail across his cheek.. before his head was rocked to the side.. the tongue on his ear had him tensing.. that was a cheap shot.. before she suddenly pulled back.. -.. You'l be back.. You talk a big game about me waking up with cold sweats.. I know I haunt your dreams Rose.. Goodluck...-he laughed.. his arms raising to cross about his chest.. he didn't move from that wall.. he remained right where she left him-.. Ill be seeing you real soon..

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He really hoped that Gia would come to the party about him moving across from the medical field to the soldiers.. deep down he felt he would be more useful in the long run.. for he knew.. if he kept this up at the pace it was it would ruin him and he'd probably snap.. -.. I really hope so, Ill be waiting to hear.. -he nodded a little..they spoke about Aysil and Anya.. and how the two would compliment each other once they moved down into the Underdark with the rest of them..-.. Ahh Im sure Anya will come around quite quickly, I spent a bit of time with her the last time I was at Gias home.. a long time ago.. she's just being fiercely protective of her Mother.. as most children would be I guess.. -he rubbed his lips together-.. so everyones going to be down there.. soon.. all of us.. -his hands slid back behind his neck.. rubbing a little.. it seemed as if their life.. as they knew it.. their pocket of friends and selected members of family had moved together.. just leaving two.. outside that growing bubble.. -.. Aysil just needs to stretch i think.. she's been held pretty tightly under Arvandorian rule for the entirety of her life so far.. so rebelling makes sense.. everyone else in the family had ventured out.. she's just not had the chance.. Menzoberranzan will be quite an experience.. freedom to move whilst also being restricted.. but as a female she wont feel that restriction quite so harshly.. -he nodded-.. she will be a fine addition once trained up.. with the best of her parents epecially when it comes to magic use.. a wise choice.. -he held up his hand then.. crossing his fingers- hopefully ill be down at your side when we head back that way in a few days.. will be nice to see if I can knock you down a few pegs.. -he nudged your side with his elbow..

laughing a little.. time came around to talk about the wedding and what he was planning.. he had spoken a little with Gia about it.. and now it was time to reveal it to you.. he was overjoyed at the idea of marrying his sweetheart finally.. they'd waited long enough.. which really was nothing compared to others.. but for him it felt like forever.. the secret though would remain.. it was meant to be a surprise.. he would give her short notice.. but everything would be organised behind the scenes.. all she had to do was turn up.. his smile only grew when you were happy for him.. how it would be an amazing ceremony .. but he still did have to find a ring-.. I really dont know.. like.. I figure it will be one of those things.. where I will know when I see it?.. I dont have an image in mind.. I dont know anything about gems or cuts or styles.. its not an area I would have ever specialised in.. I know sweet fuck all about jewellery.. just what I think looks nice.. But thankyou.. really.. Like I guess I could wander the streets by myself till I found something.. but I figure you know this place like the back of your hand.. You're bound to find the shops that have things that are a little more.. unique.. I want something that no one else has.. kind of like Rose.. she's one of a kind.. -he smiled.. a true honest genuine smile.. his heart just swelled in his chest whenever he thought about her.. she was Everything to him.. in every single way.. the conversation though.. took a quick swing down.. when he placed that ring upon the table.. he had struggled so much.. deciding when would be the best time to do this.. waiting.. and waiting.. and it never seemed right.. so .. now it was.. and it cut him seeing the way your face fell so dramatically.. he could see the hurt.. and pain in your eyes as you placed that dainty ring against your palm along side your own.. -.. I really dont know if she would show up.. I mean.. if I go I imagine she might yes.. I guess.. the chances would possibly be higher.. -he exhaled.. pausing a moment-.. I can only imagine how hard this is.. for both of you.. The time you spent together is quite vast and not something that is so easily forgotten.. or ignored.. and thats where I think you might need to.. well.. rethink that thought process.. wanting her to forget.. she cant.. just like you cant..

-he reached across..placing his hand on your shoulder.. he did not agree with the way you did this.. how it had all happened.. the timing was wrong.. very very wrong.. but in the end.. it was not his story.. he was chapter in the book that was Nautilous and Sydel.. its ending was a sad one.. and quite abrubt ..there was no closure there.. no smooth finale.. it just.. stopped.. he mentioned speaking with Gia about it.. -.. I think it would be a good idea to discuss it with Gia yes.. I mean there were quite a few holes put in those bridges.. I dont think they were burnt .. -he tilted his head-.. I think its all reparable.. i dont think those bridges will ever be quite the same again.. but.. -he paused-.. love doesn't turn to hate overnight Nautilous.. in this instance I feel.. there is pain.. perhaps even longing and confusion.. mistakes were made.. but time will settle it.. and communication.. I dont think she hates you.. I really dont.. as for taking these rings.. I will give you a little time to decide.. you just let me know.. the offer is on the table.. I will take them if you cant.. -he nodded.. perhaps it would come down to him taking the rings to the chalice.. and you following.. it would almost be a sneaky way to do it but.. in the end.. it would have both parties in the one area.. they both sagged against their seats.. drinking down a bit more of that incredibly tasty yet violently potent alcohol.. more tokes on the hookah and the fun fog rolled back in.. the topic turned to the night at the pools.. and how everyone was in fine form that night.. So so much sex.. he laughed and nodded-.. No one throws a party quite like the drow.. -he lifted his cup -.. and that.. That was small.. i mean.. I dont know if youve been to one of their battle run soirees.. but Fuck.. its a veritable fucking orgy.. -he laughed shaking his head.. that was when he found his 'friend' fucking his wife.. it was at one of those.. so he saw it all first hand.. the memories that hurt were numbed by the drugs.. but the rest were as clear as crystal.. talking on women topping them though.. Oh they both had thoughts on it.. and how damn fine it was to experience-.. Yes!.. how fucking hot is it when they take over.. when you cant move.. and they just Take it.. -he nodded...his hand rubbing across his chin-.. and they fucking tease you.. like.. until you're begging for it..and you just want to scream bloody murder and break the rope and just .. y'know...Fuck them till the itch is scratched.. Ahh..women.. be the death of us..

-he grinned and laughed.. he asked if you would be topping Gia only to see you nearly fall off your seat laughing.. he gripped the table to stop from falling down himself-.. fuuuck.. really?.. got yourself a tough nut.. never thought id see the day you .. someone stronger than you!.. -he grinned-.. still.. you look mighty fucking satisfied.. -laughing as he lifted his cup to you once more-.. plus.. plus.. I hear.. -he pressed his finger to the side of his nose .. well after a few attempts-.. that you have babies.. babies on the way.. Fuck man.. how potent are you?! -he slapped his hand against your back-.. wishin you all the best tho..couldn't have happened to a better more deserving man.. -he downed a bit more of the drink before he noticed his cup was empty and he glanced down into it for a little longer than was normal.. the topic turned to Ace and how he was actually submissive.. it was hard to believe for sure.. -.. Woooow.. yeah.. nah.. I.. I dont know man.. he's pretty fucking strong.. but.. maybe.. yeah.. ike.. I guess.. -he nodded-.. wow..thats surprising.. -he spoke about his concerns though when it came to Aeson.. and how he thought Rose would go back to him.. turning to look to you when you spoke about him being scared of himself.. and how his upbringing had caused him to be this way.. -.. mm.. maybe.. Garrafins a damn fine guy tho.. didn't care much for Caela.. -he shrugged his shoulders.. dropping his cup to the table.. -.. yeeeeah I dont know.. like.. you cant make someone go with someone else.. y'know? i think yep.. in the beginning she didn't like him. but.. she did in the end.. and i think she still does.. talks in her sleep man.. -nodding his head-.. called for him a few times..-he shoved his hands down into his pockets-.. mmm.. i knowman.. I know.. it makes sense.. I dont want to think she would.. but.. im also realistic.. -he shrugged-.. i guess only time will tell.. i love her to pieces man.. like.. all of her.. he can fuck off.. -he waved his hand-.. im done.. that books closed man..-he knew you were right though.. given the right time.. the right place.. he would probably fall back into bed with him.. it was a weakness they all shared to some degree.. even the strongest fell under the right circumstances.. -.. yeah.. i know.. ill sort it if it heads down that road.. i dont think it will tho.. where we are currently living.. lot harder to get to us.. but.. if he tries anything ill lay him out.. no doubt about it.. im not putting up with any shit.. not anymore.. -he shook his head..-.. i know youve got my back man.. i appreciate it.. id do the same for you tho i doubt youd ever need it.. -he laughed.. the gold bag was left and the two stumbled their way out of the little drug den.. wandering down the sandy road.. tripping over their own feet.. laughing at nothing in particular.. leaning on one another for balance.. the ring shopping was a treat.. his vision though was blurry as fuck.. still each and every piece on display was pretty.. he was stunned at how unique it all was.. like nothing he had seen before.. even managing to point a few out.. though realistically when he saw those same ones in the light of day he'd probably reel back in horror.. still it was an incredibly entertaining and educational night.. one.. he would god willing remember for quite some time to come.. as long as the hangover didn't absolutely kill him in the process-

[BadInfluence]

“I’m trying to figure out why my child would matter more than the others is why I’m saying that. Remember Ace you told me yourself that you likely had several, I’m not making these things up, I’m recounting the things you’ve told me.” And that was the point there… Everything she said, well at least a good chunk of it, was all built off of what she knew of him. What he had told her. “If I’m wrong then you lied to me, because everything I know about you is what you told me Ace, plain and simple.” God this was getting ugly so fast… It was like a sewer main under pressure suddenly ruptured and offal was just spraying everywhere like a poisoned rain and she couldn’t stop it once it started. Why did this go sideways on her SO fast? Yeah so she might be being selfish or greedy because she wanted him to know about his child but just because she wanted him to know didn’t mean… She just… He kept hammering at her and making her so defensive, making her angry and her words, her reasons were getting so messed up and muddled… The more he said the more it hurt, and the more it hurt the more she refused to let it show, the more hastily tossed up walls she put around herself to try and stay safe… Still… He was making her react without thinking and when he pressed her to the wall she pushed him back with raw pain on her face before she quickly shut it down. “You talk about me not knowing you? The same can be said for you knowing nothing about me Ace! You never even cared to think that I was struggling! That I was scared! You promised to protect me! I TRUSTED You! And then you left! You left! When I needed you THE MOST!” Her voice cracked… Broke…

It was a mad dash, a terrified scrabble to get herself back under control, crawling under the ever more flimsy costume of control. “I wrote you because I didn’t want-“ She said before she caught herself, biting her tongue as hard as she could, tasting blood on her lips before she’d speak. “I wrote to you because I wanted you to care, alright? Because this baby was made out of love, because it’s precious, because I wanted you to know that he was made the night you gave me the balsa wood flower.” She said with her throat getting ever tighter, her nails digging into the leather of her gloves, struggling so much harder than he knew… Than he likely cared… “I just wanted you to know you made something really precious and beautiful Ace, that despite everything you lost in the fire you gained something too, something that will always be yours!” She said as she pushed him again, her emotions were running far too high, a dangerous thing for a pregnant woman too… It’s far too easy for emotion to end up becoming the very source of every single motivation. She took the offensive this time and pressed her hands against his stomach, regardless of everything going up here she did know him, she knew him better than anyone else likely ever would. Even so though it did nothing good… And that was probably her fault… Because now she was just in chaos mode, reaction rather than thought, pure emotional upheaval and pain.

“Your right and you know what the worst part of that is Ace? Is that you know it. You think I WANT To still want you after everything? That I love you still? Does that make you happy Ace?” She shot back. Make your chest swell up and puff out in pride that even after you broke my heart, even after you broke ME, I still love the man who binds himself with gold.” And it fucking HURT. It was why she tried SO hard to hate him, because hate was pure and cleansing, hate cauterized and cleansed… And given enough time? She might have been able to actually sever the ties… But this baby… It would ensure she never got that end… She’d see his face in his, his smile and his laughter in it, and it would destroy her from the inside out every single day. The hard punch of his words hit her low… They’d been playing on mostly the same field but that? Oh that was below the mother fucking belt and it hurt to her soul…

She stepped away from him and shook her head softly… “Before we met you were the same as I was slowly being warped into becoming… The exact same… But I loved you even knowing that. Knew I was never going to be enough and it hurt sure… But I loved you anyways…” God dammit… She felt the tear before she even knew it had spilled and she hastily wiped her cheek. “I came here… With completely different intentions… I wanted to try and make you stay away but part on good terms because I can’t be around you and NOT love you. Then I ended up getting scared because being around you just Hurts… It fucking HURTS… And I can’t stand it…” She said, her voice quivering as her chin shook before she covered her mouth, the tears starting to fall before she’d turn away and start to head towards the door. “I said all the wrong things and yeah… You’re right… I’m young… I’m stupid… Especially around you… You’re the only person I break around… I’m my worst version around you… All I ever wanted to do was impress you… Make you proud… I wanted to be a slut because I wanted to give you everything you could crave… I wanted to be the good girl that you could be proud of calling your wife… And I can’t balance the two… NO one can… But I tried my best anyways.” She said, pausing at the door with her hands on it, her shoulders dropped and trembling. “Your amazing Ace… And your probably right… I will break his heart because of this… Because I can push myself as hard as I can… DO everything right… But I won’t be worthy of him… No more than I was for you… Cause at the end of the day? They were always right… If you don’t dream… You can’t be hurt… The one rule they taught me and I thought I could escape it… Pretty stupid huh?” She said with a watery laugh before she forced the lock open and pushed the door and headed out… Not to Egypt but somewhere she had called home for a long time… Back to the orphanage… Just for a little while… Before she’d then portal back to Egypt with a heart of broken glass and a soul of lead… And yet somehow…

Somehow she found the strength inside to get out of that outfit and into something much softer and lighter, forcing a smile to her face because yeah… Her life was a fucking mess in so many ways… But she had a man who loved her and who she loved with her entire soul, a man who was far too good for her and she knew it, knew it more now than she had ever before… And maybe… If she tried hard enough… Worked long enough… Devoted her entire being… Then one day she might be good enough for him… One day…

[Deleted]

Perfection.. was there really any other way to describe it.. when she began to stir.. began to wake from her late afternon slumber she just felt incredible.. his arm around her.. his warmth behind her.. she tilted her head back a little.. letting her lips brush to the corner of his cheek.. not wishing to wake him just yet.. he'd done so much for her.. and it was something she would be forever greatful for.. slipping out of between those sheets she moved into the side room.. the bathroom where she would freshen up.. a nice luke warm shower.. the sweetest smelling soaps and the softest sponges.. it was soothing.. relaxing.. though her body already felt incredibly at ease.. her dear brother had made sure of that.. pulling a robe about her.. perfumed lotions were drawn across her skin.. her hair was pulled up off her shoulders.. revealing the long soft curves of her neck.. a veritable pile of ruby curls held in a high pony tail.. her outfit was one chosen from the cupboards.. not something she owned.. but the green would throw quite a contrast against her skin colouring.. and her eyes.. it was a full length halter styled gown ..made from the softest emerald chiffon with gold plates snaking their way around her midsection.. high golden peep toe heels upon her feet... it flowed beautifully when she moved.. weighing so little that she wouldn't feel much if any of the heat.. she drew that colour across her lips.. vivid red.. before she would return to the bedroom.. fingers up within her hair.. sliding delicate leaf shaped pins into it.. her gaze would glance across to his naked frame still relaxing there upon their bed..- Im hungry.. -she slid her fingers across her midsection.. -.. and I am at a loss.. in this realm my dear sweet Brother it appears I am at your whim.. for I cant leave..without an escort.. Would you do me the gracious honour of taking me out to dinner?.. -the corners of her painted lips curled into a grin as she laughed a little.. the sheer idea that a Matron would have to ask Anyone.. let alone a male to take her out to dinner was utter madness.. but here it was.. protocol demanded it.. so she was.. bending-

Dress

[BadInfluence]

In all honesty he saw no reason why she wouldn’t. There were plenty who could do his job after all, many who would appreciate the change of position that it offered, and honestly? It was a complete waste to keep Jacob in a position that would ruin him as a doctor when in fact putting him in the army was such a better fit for everyone involved. “I’ll talk to her as soon as I see her. She’s firm but far from stubborn, so long as it is beneficial she’ll go for it, she’s incredibly progressive as far as Matron’s go from what I’ve heard.” Outside of that though, from all he could see of her personally and all he had seen from her through her letters and the social gatherings she once held, she had always been fair. Plus? He had a feeling if he asked the right way there’d be very little she would deny him. Speaking of Aysil coming down though, originally it wasn’t quite his plan but when it was brought up it made a good deal of sense to do it, at the very least Aysil would learn a good many things that would serve her in the long run of her life. At the most? She might find herself turning into the young woman he always knew she could be if she applied herself rather than ran wild as she seemed wont to do lately… “Well not quite… Aylan has been taken in by Vivian and is a very happy child where he currently is, so really it is just yourself, your lovely Rose and now Aysil… Without me in Arvandor I fear what she would get into.” Sydel had always struggled with children, it was like the very act of bearing a child and raising it was just out of her scope of ability, and through no fault of her own. The trauma and sadness, the pent up emotions and fear, the worry about Jacob through her entire pregnancy when alive meant that they were always going to be tangled up with every child thereafter. Almost as if it were a sort of haunting of her, constantly causing her trouble and fatigue, making her doubt herself and therefor becoming distant. It wasn’t that she didn’t have any motherly instincts, you messed with one of her children and you were deader than a door nail, but in regards to affection or showing tender emotions? That was just out of her means.

“Gia feels Anya needs someone to show her how to have some fun and let her hair down, and I believe than Anya and her steady ways will be a good influence, it’s a win win… But you certainly put it beautifully and quite concise, color me impressed, you certainly put a cap on it. Then again you know, you’ve always had a talent for finding the kernel of truth in everything, no matter how murky.” He said with a chuckle and they drank and smoked, ah the bonding they shared when it was just the two of them, the deep and heartfelt conversations and the light hearted laughter… If you looked at them from the outside? If Jacob were just a little younger they’d easily be seen as a father and son without a doubt, they shared enough common features to mark them as related after all. The nudge to his side made him grin and shrug, holding up his hand, palm up to show it was empty. “You might very well. My magics gone so all I have now are just my natural abilities. Hit me hard enough and I’d go down just as much as the next guy, so if I were you, I’d get my hits in now cause I’ll pop you back for them later on.” It would be good to go head to head too, he wanted to see how much he had been taught in Naggoth as well as what he might need help in, how much more physical endurance he needed and how much more muscle to build up. “But you know, Gia might just give into my request to have you as my right hand man just to watch you drop me, as much as she loves me she adores watching me get reminded I am not the Alpha and Omega of all male-dom.” Oh it was hard not to snigger there too, honestly she was right, he had an ego the size of the damned world and so far no one had the skills or power to prove to him otherwise… Until he met her. She had the uncanny knack of being able to pop him right on his ass without too much effort on her part, or at least it seemed that way, more than a little disconcerting without a doubt!

They spoke about the impending wedding, what a celebrating of love and joy to be had, his heart was insanely happy for Jacob too. His first marriage had been little more than a roller coaster of emotions, love and depression virtually hand in hand and his son, ah his son at times had more of himself in him than his own biological father… That being the rather… Unhealthy at times… Knack for sticking it out long past the point where any sane person would have turned tail and headed for the mountains. Rose though? Yes, no one was perfect, no one ever could be… But he had seen Rose fight for him, stick up for him and push him to be his best self, understood all his quirks and loved him without ever once wanting to change him. Rose was a fighter and someone who stood their ground for something they believed in, and while he honestly saw she had her own fair set of flaws, a lot of those would slowly ease away as she grew up. As it stood it was so easy to forget just how preciously young she was, she had done so much in a short time she easily passed herself off as a woman almost twice her years, and then randomly… You’d see these pops of naivety and juvenile behavior that just BAM, reminded you front and center that in the end she was still a very young woman who seemed to be in a very big rush to do… Well… Everything. That was part of her charm though and that same get up and go attitude was everything Jacob needed in his own mind, someone to keep him young, from getting far too serious and book-ish and locking himself up in rooms with pens and candles into all hours of the night. “It will be… I know with each of the ones I have picked out there was an incredible amount of thought put into them, I designed them both because I knew what I wanted to represent, and each one was vastly different from the other. I knew what I wanted but you? You’re a bit different than me because I run poetic but you run artistic, which means we’re the reverse when it comes down to a ring, you’ll pick something that speaks to your soul and I design mine.” He said with a laugh as they chattered on about this, it was a great conversation honestly, he knew jewelry insanely well. How could he not? Growing up in Egypt meant that all manner of precious stones and metals came through here with the same regularity as the Nile. “One of a kind means a specialty shop, not your run of the mill ‘I’m sorry I fucked your sister’ dealer, you’ll want something family owned and run… Something old but with a history of romance… Egypt is sensual but romance doesn’t really come into our jewelry… However Egypt is made of more than just Arabs and Persians, we have Greek and Roman as well, and those cultures have an incredibly fine hand at the more poetic and romantic style of jewelry… Lucky for us I happen to actually know just such a shop… Give generations in Egypt but their roots are from Rome, came over with Caesar of all people, been here ever since… I don’t know if the owner I knew is still alive but I know his son was training up to take over so we’ll be in good hands…”

Speaking of rings though was naturally going to lead into something else and honestly it felt… Healing… To let the emotions come out like he had. He’d spent his whole life constantly burring them, hiding them, making it out so that they didn’t exist… It was so unhealthy and he hadn’t even realized it until Gia explained just how precious and vital those emotions were… Feeling and expressing them were a part of life and it’s richness… Denying them made it so he was living half a life at best… “Harder for her than I… We had a long run together but towards the end… I started to see the holes and the issues where as I never shared that… I just kept it going… I didn’t want to reveal that I was failing… That WE were failing… I just kept dressing it up and throwing things at it to try and patch the cracks… But your mother… She never knew…” And that was another source of his very deep guilt. It was easier for him because he’d been holding onto the pain for a long time, he’d seen the holes and the cracks forming every passing year, he just kept up the illusion that nothing was there because he wanted to be with her always… He loved Sydel, Gia knew it and he did too, but the love they had wasn’t something that could have gone on for them anymore… He had cut her loose so she could be free but Jacob was right… Keeping the rings, keeping the marriage in tact… It was just tethering her down in a different, perhaps even crueler way, keeping her tied to him but apart… A dog on a leash after you’ve abandoned it… And his reason? Was he wanted to be able to save her if she got hurt… If she needed him… Selfless and selfish all at once the wish was a walking egotistical oxymoron… “I will… She is a lot like you in the way that she can easily find her way to the root of everything and discover the best way to approach a situation. As for Gia and Sydel… I think Gia feels incredibly guilty… She never intended this to happen, no more than I did, and when push came to shove… I think in a way Gia might have stopped it all to spare Sydel the pain. She loved her very much and they had… A lot of sadness and sorrow between them for a long time that never got resolved…”

Might never be resolved given the current situation. Honestly he couldn’t have fucked that thing up any more if he had needed to in order to save his life. He fucked it up SO badly that literally there was no scale that one could use to measure his absolute and complete failure to do a damn thing right in that situation. Push had come to shove and he had for the first time? Not fought against it… And in so many ways he was so much healthier now, happier, he was in the right place… But the cost… It was so high he wondered if he could ever honestly justify it… “I appreciate the chance to think it over all the same though… On one hand I want to do this the right way… But on the other if these gods meddle in our lives like they have a habit of doing, I can’t justify the risk to losing what I am building for myself here, I don’t just live for Gia… For you… For Aysil… For the first time I’m living for ME… Putting myself first in ways I never have before and if that stops… If Sydel and I fall back in… We’ll only keep ruining ourselves, each other in the process of fighting, trying to make it work… She’s this clear versatile water and I’m oil… You can mix us but we never say long… We’ll always end up never being able to become one.” And he was never going to risk what he had with Gia, their little girl on the way, the budding relationship and the constant adventure of learning someone who loved you unconditionally from the start…

The drugs and alcohol were flowing freely by this point and the conversation turned lecherous as was entirely normal for a couple of guys hanging out without a feminine ear to hear and become offended by the topic. “Hell that party was the first time in my life I ever got high, I was smelling the color nine kid, that was insanely good!” That had been an INCREDIBLE night, talk about some insanely hot sex, being topped and bottomed AND taking a dick to the ass for the first time in decades? Holy. Fucking. Shit. He got the chills just remembering! “Never been to their parties before that one no, plenty of invites but never came down, though the next house I’m set to destroy is apparently a heavy hitter… Wars definitely on the horizon for this one and you’ll be right by my side. I imagine the party and the spoils found in that house will cause one hell of a fuck frenzy. Makes me wonder if I should keep Rose hidden away from you till your blood cools a bit or poor thing wont be able to walk for a week.” That was said with a hearty chuckle and more than a little pride for his son. His boy? Knew how to fuck proper! Slow and sweet or he could bring the beatings and heat, which ever one was called for his boy could deal it out in spades, just the epitome of a perfect man in his eyes. Given the change in their situation though they were both essentially bottoms to their women which was, at least for him, one hell of a change but something he was being taught to love in sweet bite sized doses. “Gia tied me to the fucking bed with leather and made me watch as she came but I couldn’t until she let me, holy fucking SHIT I never knew, seriously talk about suddenly discovering a new taste or color. Changes the entire game! And I don’t know about you? But like fuck… The orgasms are soooo much better that way. Can’t figure it out but it’s insanely good. Like… Addictive.” Ah! That was such a confession too! Fingers crossed that a certain Matron didn’t find that out because she’d be able to use it against him to her advantage for the rest of his life without a doubt.

“Good God Thaylan pegged me when Gia had me bottoming… I hadn’t had a guy fuck me in almost two decades so this rocked my world, I couldn’t fucking think let alone breathe, shit’s just… Damn… The things they do to you when you’re all tied up… Your ego says you should fight it and pound them till you nut, but deep down the other side of you KNOWS that they’re going to treat you so fucking good, to just sit back and let them… One hell of a war of the Ego and the Id.” He laughed as the conversation flowed faster than the alcohol and he was having one hell of a fine night indeed! Then as they rolled about this way and that topic wise he couldn’t help but nearly slide out of his seat laughing at the idea of ever actually topping Gia. She was fierce and strong, she wouldn’t bend unless she wanted to and he didn’t see her doing that any time soon! She loved having him under her palm like a house cat! Why let him think he was a tiger when she had him showing her his belly? “Seriously. It’s addictive. I think I get why you’re so hooked on Rose in that way, you find this woman who’s so fucking tough and resilient but loving, its like meth in your veins… You can’t get off the high and you’ll never get enough of it.” Ah! But then shocker of shockers! Jacob knew about the babies on the way and here he and Gia had kept it all insanely low key! A certain blondie must have been sharing a bit of pillow talk! Tut tut! “I do indeed! First night! Got me a little girl on the way. What about you huh? Got any little ones on your fine blond beauty? Or you two waiting?” He knew about the miscarriages after all so he wouldn’t blame them for waiting if they wanted to. But that quickly rolled into the topic of Ace and he just gave his two cents, he figured Ace had to be a sub somehow, he was way too pushy and aggressive to not me. A man who’s comfortable in his own position will totally bend, unafraid to explore a little. What was the worst that could happen right? You might like it. But Ace? Seemed to be insanely offended, even appalled if you even remotely suggested it might be a fun switch, a change of pace…

“Now I aint sayin Garafin’s not up ta snuff, nah man, no way! Love that man, first male lover I had of my own free will, always got a spot on my heart for him. But like, he puts up with a lot of shit, or did yeah? So like, you picked that up from him, just putting up with shit even if you was miserable cause it’s what a good man does. Like, look at me, I did the same shit with ya mum for years.” He was worse then all of them combined in that front but up until meeting Gia? You’d never have heard him say that out loud! Let alone even think it. Though hearing Rose talk about it in her sleep really knocked him pretty solid. From all he had heard from her? She wouldn’t have pissed on Ace to put him out… Which made him wonder just how deep that went. Was it surface? Or was there something deeper going on? He knew how hard it was going to be to let go of someone you’d almost married, but he also knew too Rose was still just a kid in so many ways, stuck in that awkward as fuck phase between maturity and idiocy… “Does she now? Like, she say any details? Or just his name? Cause the way he ended it… Maybe she just trying to like, resolve it in her head, like work through it?” He was throwing the bait into the water to see what happened. That might very well be it, unresolved emotions, the constipation of feelings that was leading to all manner of discomfort in several areas. “But that said look my boy, if he comes back and I don’t think he would, cause like you said Menzo aint exactly no damn walk in the park to get in or out of… But if he did don’t let her see and don’t give her a chance to talk about it.” He said as he nodded his head, his own past rearing up a bit, bitter but… Not as much as it once was… “Your mum… Had a lover named Chris… She was fucking BONKERS for him… Like she did everything for him, loved him, would have licked the ground he walked on if it meant he’d notice her a bit more… Even knocked her up.” He said with a nod of his head before he’d speak on. “And like… I saw this shit… I was angry… Angier than I ever been before… So when those two met up for a little fuck fest… I went in and broke his neck in front of her.” Oh yeah no… He’d been insanely vicious in those moments, he’d snapped Chris’s neck so hard it turned clean around and Sydel had fucking lost it, she literally went mad but he hadn’t cared at the time. He was so fucking pissed off his only regret was that he didn’t let them fuck while he did it just for that extra oomph… Now? Well now it was different, entirely so, but back then? “Your mum hated me for it for a long time. Really long time… We broke up for a while cause she couldn’t stand me… So take it from me who learned his lesson the hard way… Level that shit between you two without her having even he smallest chance to find out. I’ll even help you do it if we gotta but don’t fuck up like I did.”

They were done for the night here though, any more alcohol and they’d be useless to everyone and anyone, letting him lean on his shoulder he’d drop the bag of gold for everyone elses night out and they’d begin to walk back to the hotel… Taking him a longer route around that he’d be able to slowly sober up from as well as showing off all the many wears of the town, and when Jacob noticed something nice? Well he’d take him in of course! They’d bicker and barter a fair bit, and he’d make sure Jacob didn’t buy anything to be ashamed of, anything that was gawdy or tacky got tossed out ASAP. But the pretty stuff? The stuff that would suit Rose? Now those he was all for and by the time they’d make it back to the hotel? They’d have quite a few gifts in tow… And as they arrived and passing through the dining room area he saw that Gia and Thaylan were sitting down to a nice quiet dinner which left him, Jacob and Rose to chat it up together in their room, unless of course they decided to dine in downstairs as well. A bit of a waste if they did as he had ordered a night of pleasant entertainment with actors and dancers and story tellers as only the Egyptians can do… “Head on up and give your Rose some lovins… I’m gonna change some of the plans tonight a bit before I head up. Gia and Thaylan are having dinner down here so no need to be quiet if you wanna you know what with her.” He said with an obvious wink and a jab of his elbow with a laugh as he did just what he said… He’d make sure plenty of herbed water was sent up to the room for Jacob to drink therefor avoiding the hangover of doom… He? Was cutting out the dancing girls and instead focusing on bringing up desserts and the story teller…

[BadInfluence]

Sleep had hit him like the dead and he fell into his miniature revere so hard he couldn’t even remember closing his eyes, let alone falling asleep and he likely would have remained so for some time if not for those sly, sweet fingers dancing along his stomach which tickled just enough to wake him. “Mmm?” He said groggily as he pulled himself from that deep sleep, unaware that she had even left the bed, let alone ran herself a shower. All he knew? Was one minute he was asleep and now? He wasn’t. He gave a yawn and found himself stretching from tip to toe, every muscle on display as he moved, slowly waking up a body that hadn’t done so much as twitched while he slept. He dragged open eyelids that were a little on the heavy side to see her in a glorious dress that looked like liquid emerald and gold had been swirled together and then the finest of spiderweb silk had been dipped in it, the color doing truly unholy things against her skin, just such a gorgeous contrast it was incredibly beautiful. “Eilistraee herself could not compare…” He breathed and while he knew it was virtually a sin and then some to utter such a thing in this current moment it was the truest words he had ever spoken. “When did you slip out and find the time to somehow make yourself even more ravishing than you normally are my sweet sister?” He’d asked as he pulled himself up to a seated position, reaching for the glass of water on the side table and refreshing himself, after their ah… Dalliance… He was a touch on the thirsty side.



Of course he had almost dropped the glass when he realized that she had actually asked him to take her to dinner. They had never actually gone out together in public before, not in a romantic sense, or really as anything other than siblings in their youth and now as her Patron in waiting… Love and romance were kept behind the closed doors in Menzoberranzan, it was something that was often forgotten under the wave of drugs and lust that were the day to day of the Drow, leaving such fairy tale things to the Matrons and the occasional male slave who dreamed of something more… So to say this took him as a surprise was indeed a shock. He knew she loved him, just as much as he loved her, but he never thought that he’d see the day when something like this came along. Was he upset? Bothered? Oh far from it, though he was suddenly incredibly nervous, this was in every essence of the word their first date. Talk about becoming a bundle of nerves as he sat the glass down and nodded his head. “I think there is some food in the living area, something to snack on while I go and get ready if you please? I won’t take long.”



If she gave her permission he’d head into that same shower and start to scrub himself probably more thoroughly than he ever had before, not that he was ever dirty or anything but he was REALLY paying attention to detail, the pull of magic now and then just going to show how seriously he was taking this. He made sure to have his hair freshly cut and his face shaved, certain areas got their very first go over as he’d never thought about it before now, taking the leads from what he had seen Nautilous do… From head to toe he made sure everything was perfection before he’d pick out the cologne for the night, something impressive to knock her off her feet, something that would make her want to keep her head burried in his neck and addicted to the scent… The choice? Something Nautilous himself had prepared, a trial vial he called it, a gift he had made for him in thanks for what he had done for he and his sister… He had yet to smell it but when he did? He was floored… Top Notes of Labdanum ciste, Coriander, Orange, Davana, Frankincense, Blackberry with Heart Notes of Honey, Bay, Cinnamon, Orchid, Rose, Clove, Celery seeds, Gaiac Wood, the deepest base notes of Patchouli, Opoponax, Myrrh, Atlas cedarwood, Musk, Moss, Ambergris, Oud wood… This was something else ENTIRELY… And he could only imagine the cost of what it took to make something that smelled so damned incredible.



Brushing his hair back from his face he even put a bit of product in it, nothing much, just something to keep it from devolving into it’s usual charming but wild style… The dress? Was something that was common around here, not quite the robes from earlier as those were a touch too casual, he wanted something that would set up her own dress… He had never worn something so fancy before, he was glad there wasn’t a ton of belts, bells or whistles like he had seen on some of the things Nautilous wore, as it was this might be too much for him but he managed! It was all light and breathable silk and linen, the style of a long shirt and robe with a sort of half cape, a pair of light pants under it and low silk slippers for men… The color? Was a vibrant and stunning red that would set off her hair when they were near each other and the gold would compliment the same shade that was spun through her dress.



A bit more magic pull, this from a few different places, something he’d had waiting and something he had seen earlier… A few things picked up and hidden away… Once he was done he’d carry the little bits in his hands behind his back as he would walk out of the room, hopefully she had found something small to snack on lest she think he was a bit too tasty, deciding to eat him instead… With a smile just for her on his face he came forward towards her and pulled out from behind his back a small jar, nothing fancy, tied with a spider silk ribbon… What was inside? Was a bouquet of vibrantly colored flowers, desert plants that grew out of the sands like multi-hued ghosts, there one day and gone the next with the sudden and infrequent rains… Even some of those incredibly rare oranges that grew around the oasis, small and tart but precious for their color and shape, like small colored globules of wax. In the other hand? He brought out a gift, something to match her dress and make her look just a little bit more like the Goddess he knew she was, revealing to her the matching set of earrings and the hair piece… Perfect coordinated to match the gold leaf’s in her hair… Last but not least? A sheaf of gold leaf paper, gently he would touch it to the sides of her hair where he’d leave a random but beautiful pattern of hammered gold against the pale ashen ivory of her skin and the vibrant red of her hair…



Once he was done applying the gold leaf and the ornament to her hair? He’d offer her his arm and wait patiently for her to take it, and as she did she might notice he was shaking just a little, something he’d never done before in his life. “Forgive me my sweet sister… I find myself a bit… Not shy but… Something akin to it… A word… An emotion that escapes my comprehension… This is our first date and I feel… A bit like a youth all over again the first time I tried to kiss you… A bit worried that I do not measure up but… Quite determined to be the best regardless…” Spoken with soft words and yet he was still smiling all the same as he’d lead her out of their room and into the main area where they’d gather more than a few good stares, many whispering and wondering what royal couple was in Luxor for the holidays, none had been reported so there was quite the buzz… People making way for them, respectful inclines of their heads as they would do for royalty, the head butler would come forward, all elegance and refined manners… After all this was THE high end of the high end of Luxor, the landing of Pharos since ancient times, they’d never do something so disgraceful as rush…Their manners? Incredibly polished and perfect as they were escorted to the best table in the house, a little private and with the best view of the Nile next to their room, a decadent and sweet but surprisingly complex and bubbly wine was brought for them and poured out while a tray of cheeses and fruits were laid out for them to nibble on while orders were taken and placed.






outfit     gold leaf     hair ornament and earings 1     hair ornament 2     flowers

[Deleted]

His reactions to her were precious.. they brought a smile to her face.. and when he requested she go settle in the main room.. to perhaps find a small snack.. or just relax whilst he got ready she would of course give him that opportunity.. her hand gently sliding across his own before she slipped out.. drawing the door closed behind her.. the feeling of the gowns from this place was still so foreign to her.. so light in comparison to the heavy layered velvet and corsets that a Matron would normally wear..it was a new kind of freedom she had not felt in quite some time.. she moved out into the main common area.. it was so quiet.. everyone must have been out.. gone out for the afternoon and into the late evening.. still it was nice.. she sunk down to sit.. one leg crossing neatly over its partner as she reached for a glass .. pouring herself some of that herbed water.. still getting used to being away from home.. being around new and different people.. she took another drink.. allowing the coolness of it linger in her mouth before movement caught the corner of her eye.. her brows drew in.. a curious look settled.. she watched the shadowy figure before it ended up there within the common area.. it would be then that she would realise it was you.. but.. that clothing made her brow remain raised.. she placed the glass down.. sitting up a little..-.. Rose.. -she spoke softly.. it was a greeting before she realised your face was quite puffy.. eyes were bloodshot.. she blinked.. placing her hands down as she moved to stand from her seat-.. Whats wrong?.. -her head tilted as you continued to walk through the common area at quite a pace.. almost running.. though maybe struggling a little in those incredibly high heels.. she turned.. watching you as you did so before she glanced between the chamber door where Thaylan was getting ready.. and the vanishing sight of leather and spikes shadowing around a corner.. she knew she had time and she knew he would understand should he come out and she wasn't there..

a folded note card was left with one of the servers.. that just asked him to wait a little longer.. before she slipped down the long corridor toward what would have been your chambers.. coming to a slow stop in a flourish of emerald green chiffon as she rapped her knuckles lightly against the door-.. Rose?.. -she'd call out-.. Its just me.. I'm going to come in.. -she wasn't about to ask for permission.. and plus even if the door was locked a little magical intervention would have made short work of that.. the door creaked open.. she moved to slip inside.. letting it close behind her.. the lock drawn..the gentle click of heels would sound as she made her way across the bedroom.. she wouldn't say anything.. she could feel the weight of whatever it was.. it was so heavy in the room.. coming up to you.. her hand.. soft and warm would come to your shoulder before she would draw you around and she would embrace you.. her arms would wrap around you.. guiding your head to her shoulder.. youd be able to pick up on the soft steady beat of her heart.. that scent of liquorice and citrus.. still she said nothing.. sometimes a lot more was said without words.. and she figured this was one of those times-

[BadInfluence]

Everything had gone so wrong, so fast, she felt like it had all spun out of her hands like a tornado of emotions and bad choices. Her actions were poorly thought out, she should have been thinking ahead, planning and plotting for every possible eventuality. Instead? She’d gone down there like a pregnant eighteen year old with a broken heart and a mind without a real clear game plan. Was it any wonder it had gone to shit? Every part of what she had done was literally begging for things to go wrong. What she should have done? Was thought it out. Kept it to letters. Asked him to wait for her and then thought about what exactly she wanted to do. She just… Hadn’t… Maybe her heartache was too fresh, maybe the fact she still loved him despite it all clouded her judgement, but regardless of the why or how? She was back in Egypt and she was crumbling without even knowing how to hold it together for the next five minutes, let alone for the rest of her life.

She was entirely unaware that Gia had seen her, quickly keeping her face averted, realizing her dress? Yeah no… That alone was going to give a lot of things away… Things she wasn’t ready to admit to herself that had even happened… “Hello Gia… I’ll be just a moment…” She uttered quickly as she dashed off to her room, those damn heels, it made it all more than a little perilous but she managed… At least until she got to her room when the strap broke and she hit the side of the bed with her knees, wincing but forcing herself up, stripping down and throwing it all in a bad before pulling on a light linen gown that was shapeless and quite plain… Hiding… She was hiding. She was removing the make-up and pulling her hair down when Gia had knocked on the door. She wasn’t ready for anyone or anything right now but she also knew she couldn’t do anything to stop her from coming in either…

What happened next though was entirely unexpected… She had dried her face and put on a false smile that was more brittle than quick cooled glass, but when Gia pulled her in for a hug she just stood there unmoving for a moment before she just crumbled, her arms coming up around Gia’s shoulders as she just began to cry… One of those true break downs where it’s just all coming out because you can’t pull the walls up in time, the floor is just too strong, too fast to be stopped… It had to run it’s course… By the time the worst of it had passed she sniffed her nose a bit loudly on accident and smiled a bit sheepishly… “I really hope Anya knows how lucky she is to have such a loving mother…” She wondered sometimes if her own mother might have loved her like that? Cared about her, wanted her safe, to give her arms to cry into… Seeing her grandmother though she doubted it entirely… Witch elves and compassion were oil and water. They’d never mix.

She didn’t leave the hold right away though, she stayed there as the last tears ran down her cheeks, soaking up what it felt like to have a mom for a few moments… Learning from this something vital, something utterly essential to her own future, when she would be a mother too… Slowly, reluctantly she would part from Gia before she’d guide her to the bed where they could both sit, her hands gripping and twisting the fabric of her dress in her hands as she spoke. “I don’t believe I told you before you employed me but I’ve had a history of repeated miscarriages in my life so far… I never made it farther than two months before I lost the baby or babies so I didn’t tell you that I was pregnant when you asked me to work for you.” Gia needed to know as her employer and it was something she and Jacob had talked about often, trying to find a time when it was best to break the news, hopefully to a neutral at best response… And how funny it was to know at the time that was their main concern… How Gia was going to take her being pregnant while in her employ. Oh what easy days those had been…. “I was doing a scan on myself today when I realized I wasn’t ill but rather my twins were moving… And during that scan I realized that one of those twins is Ace’s… At the time I got pregnant Jacob Ace and I were… Much like you and Nautilous with Thaylan…” But no where near as smooth, as healthy or functioning as that trio was… It wasn’t bad it just wasn’t healthy, even she had seen that, known that… So had Jacob and Ace but for some reason they just kept on dancing even though they knew their steps weren’t matching the music… “I don’t know what to do… Where to go… I have no idea how to chart my path… Where to step… How to go on from here..." She said on a quivering sigh, all of this was really out of her scope and she didn't know how many times she could tell that to herself in hopes that it might just magically make sense, but it wasn't going to come out that way no matter what she tried... "Jacob knows I’m pregnant but he doesn’t know once is Aces and I’m scared if Jacob finds out then I’ll lose him too… I can live on my own you know… I can do really great by myself cause I’m used to it… But I don’t WANT to… I’m making this little family for myself and I don’t want to go to a time without them….”

A family was something she'd never had, and like she had said to Ace before she left, dreams were something he hadn't allowed herself to have either. Not before she met Jacob. He told her through word and deed that it was more than ok dream, and not only was it ok, but he even taught her HOW to dream. He was her first in every single way and she was so happy with him she really, really was, she just wished she knew how to cut out this other part of her life... To just make it so that it didn't hurt anymore, that it could go back to the way it had been before she met Ace, before she'd been introduced to the darker side of sensuality... Before the blinders had been ripped off and her mother had gained full influence of her mind and her body. When she was a much sweeter, more innocent version of herself, maybe then she could be spared this sort of heart ache...

[Deleted]

She could feel it..the minute she entered your chambers that something was very wrong.. the air was heavy and thick.. her heart was hurting.. for you.. so she said nothing.. no words were needed from her right then.. and she hugged you.. as expected you crumbled into her.. crying.. she held you that little bit tighter.. arms slowly gliding up and down your back.. a smile was brought to her face at the compliment about her Mothering skills-.. Ahh ..well I do believe I have my own Mother to thank for that my dear.. some of us arent as lucky to have been gifted with such.. so its my duty to make sure I pass it on.. -she held on for as long as you needed.. not pulling away until you did.. the pair of them settled atop the bed there.. her hands fell to her lap.. her head remaining a little tilted.. watching as you twisted and turned the fabric of your dress.. she reached across.. placing her hands over your own.. -.. breathe a moment.. in and out.. -she nodded.. - and when you find a place.. where its calm.. and quiet.. then speak.. for your emotions right now are brittle and sharp.. you have given them a lot more power than they deserve.. in and out.. -she took in a deep breath herself.. and exhaled it slowly before she would release your hands.. allowing you to continue.. you revealed your issues with pregnancy.. namely miscarriage.. she looked a little surprised at the announcement..-.. You're pregnant Rose?..-her painted lips curled into a smile-.. Well that is wonderful news.. is it not?.. I have been blessed in my life.. to not have had to experience that of miscarriage.. but I have known women that have.. -she exhaled softly-.. its something that never really goes away.. I do sincerely hope you know that its nothing you have done.. sometimes.. its just not meant to be.. but.. hearing that you are pregnant now.. well thats unexpected news.. I want you to know this.. -she paused.. a trait that Anya had picked up on.. choosing words wisely before allowing them to spring free-.. You can come to me.. about anything my dear.. Do not be afraid.. My decision to hire you would not have changed if I had of known

-she nodded a little-.. It just means we need to change a few things around thats all.. Children.. are a blessing.. -her hand rose and pressed to her heart-.. and we hold them in Such high regard.. You will be well looked after.. more so now that you are in a somewhat fragile state.. But I implore you.. to talk to me.. about anything that will possibly hinder your work with us.. Its just to protect you.. so we know what we are working with.. -she offered a smile and a nod.. listening as you spoke about being ill.. and the scan-.. Your babies are moving?.. -her brows drew inward-.. How far along are you my dear?.. I mean you're not showing what so ever.. when I was pregnant with Anya I couldn't have hid it even if I tried.. -she laughed a little.. though falling silent when she heard about Ace.. and suddenly everything was making a bit more sense.. she nodded..-.. mm does Aeson know?.. about the baby?.. -concern settled into those garnet coloured eyes-.. this almost feels a bit like dejavu doesn't it.. though we have switched roles.. -she motioned between them both.. for when Nautilous and her had cut ties and she found out she was pregnant it struck her so deeply.- You have put yourself in such a corner Rose.. and its not good for you.. or your newest additions.. I know a little about young Jacobs upbringing.. bits and pieces.. stories that I learnt through my relationship with his Mother.. -she inclined her head-.. I think you are selling him a little short.. dont you?.. I seem to recall him caring for a child.. from his first marriage that was not his.. everyone knew it wasn't his.. even he.. but it didn't phase him.. Jacob has a very big heart and whilst you currently reside in the lions share.. I have no doubt that your children.. will slide right into a position much the same..Taking chances that might end up in failure are frightening.. but if we dont.. then we never grow.. we never learn.. and we are doomed to repeat the same cycle over and over again..

-her hand reached across.. resting atop your knee.. she knew not the reason the trio broke up.. only that they did.. and suddenly- Your peace is more important than driving yourself crazy trying to understand why something happened the way it did.. Let it go sweetheart.. let it go.. -concern remained as she looked to you.. reaching with her free hand to wipe a few more tears from your cheeks-.. Sometimes letting things go is an act of far greater power than defending or hanging on.. We dont let it go because we think we can control it.. Honey.. if a person shows you their true colours dont waste your energy trying to repaint them.. If the situation isn't serving you.. or growing you.. dont try to control it...just let it go.. -she rubbed her lips together.. -.. Stop wasting energy on people who make you feel that youre hard to love.. One of the best moments in your life sweet Rose.. is finding the courage to let go of what you can not change.. and its hard.. I know its hard.. Its not really holding on thats the issue , its more.. what we are holding onto.. -her hands slid down to take yours once more.. fingers intertwined-.. We can either hold onto things that weigh us down.. or lift us up.. You have to understand that people will come and go in your life.. You are so young and its going to happen often.. Stop holding onto those who have let go of you.. -she brushed the sides of your hands with her thumbs-.. sometimes the person who hurt you.. they wont have the answers .. You have to find them yourself.. They wont have the reasons.. You have to learn them yourself.. and they wont always give you closure.. -she exhaled-.. You have to do that yourself.. -she reached up to cup your cheek once more-..

Please.. remember.. if we dont heal from the pain of our past my dear.. We will bleed all over our future.. I only want to see you flourish sweetheart.. I dont like to see you upset.. or drowning like this.. I cant tell you what to do.. in the end the decisions will always be yours.. just like your choices.. but.. I guess.. one thing has served me well in my Oh so very many years walking the underdark and beyond.. Honesty.. its a freedom that so many take for granted.. lies are a prison.. they hold you and strangle you.. for the sake of your sanity.. for your children.. -she smiled-.. tell Jacob the truth.. You know whats in your heart.. You know whats right.. -her hand fell back to her side-.. Ill tell you this.. Aeson will remain there.. for ever.. there is no point trying to deny it.. the feeling wont just go away.. my first love.. other than my dear Brother of course was Auric.. and he will forever remain in here.. -she tapped her fingers to her chest-.. and whilst the time I spent with him is behind me.. I dont look back.. I have far to much to live for right in front of me..and so do you.. -she leant in to press her lips to your forehead-.. congratulations my dear.. I am thrilled to learn of your news.. but I wont tell a soul.. until you are ready .. its not mine to tell..

[BadInfluence]

“It must be so nice… Having a mother you could lean on, who could help you, teach and guide you… I’m envious…” She’d had nuns who rapped knuckles and made you kneel on grains of rice if you failed a lesson, you had to hold your arms out and balance on a beam like Jesus if you committed anything they saw as a sin, the punishments were varied and creative as only the religious can be… She’d learned nothing about mothering or what it was like to have someone who loved you, who cared about you and wanted to see you succeed, her first real taste of anything even remotely compassionate and loving had come from Jacob… Was it any wonder she was devoted to him heart and soul? She wanted to stay in that embrace longer, like, for the next year and she might be better for it but she was afraid of over staying her welcome so to speak… She was afraid that if she didn’t break that heavenly hold that she would end up being chided for it and she’s much rather preserve the sweet memory even if it was tinged with salty tears… She’d moved to sit on the bed and guided Gia with her, her hands twisting the fabric back and forth, desperate to feel like she could control something… It wasn’t till Gia spoke about breathing that she realized she was in something of a loop and her breathing was ragged, haggard and rushed, panicked… She forced herself to stop, to breathe in and out, in her nose and out her lips… Slow… Steady… Breaking the panicked cycle she had started herself on… Trying to re-center herself as best she could… When she was a bit more grounded she began to tell Gia what had happened, the change in her situation, the surprise of the things that had come along… “Jacob and I… We really wanted to start a family but it never really… Worked out… I kept having miscarriages….” But in the light of realizing she and Jacob were half brother and sister it made sense… Maybe the tree forked in too much…

It had been a source of worry for her, revealing her pregnancy to Gia, afraid that it would end up souring her work and her position in Gia’s eyes. She really was working so hard, devoting herself to every task and she was flourishing, growing up in more ways than just mentally… The Drow certainly had the worst sort of reputation because since she had come down? She’d ran into opposition sure but they gave her a chance to prove otherwise and once she did? They were some of the kindest of people… Open and honest… More even tempered than many she had run into… And as she waited, Gia’s words and the pause, she feared the shoe was about to fall… Holding her breath without even realizing it before Gia spoke and she just let it all out in a whoosh as her shoulders slumped and a knot of tension finally unraveled… “Thank Lloth… I was so scared…” She said as she pressed her hands to her face, pressing her eyes to keep the tears from starting all over again. “I’ve been so happy in your employ and it’s been so good for me that I was afraid… Really afraid of loosing it…” She was free, she was finally resting, truly resting… Her thoughts were her own, her actions and desires, all of them were herself… Something she hadn’t felt in almost two years and the silence… Oh that sweet… Sweet silence… Only her own voice between her ears it was beautiful… Like poetry… “I promise it wont effect my work, it hasn’t so far which means I should be good with what I currently handle, at least until the last trimester…” She said softly, wanting Gia to know she wasn’t about to shirk a single thing, and while she would look out for herself and her children she was still going to do her best.

Those words were so kind though… Was this what it was like to have a mother? Someone who loved you… Was in your corner… Full of sage wisdom and advice for just about anything that came up? If so… Oh how blessed were those to have them. “Yeah… Pretty frequently since this afternoon for some reason… It’s sort of like… Pinwheels of motion inside… Like summersaults…” It was the strangest sensation and she was seriously trying to figure it out, like why they were so active all of a sudden, or if perhaps this was just how babies were? How pregnancy was? “Um… If I timed it right… Between four and five months… It’s hard to really pin it because scanning myself distorts the imagine and the information… I haven’t been brave enough to ask Jacob… We sort of decided to let it go because of how many times I’ve lost them…” What would Jacob think? To realize that he was, short of a horrendous accident, going to be a father in eight months? And what would he think when he realized that her pregnancy wasn’t what she thought… It wasn’t from the night she and Ace had made love for the first time… It was actually the first night they had all slept together. She explained that the children weren’t Jacobs alone though, she had more than one child inside her and each was from a different father, not exactly rare but not common either… It was bound to happen when you were as active as the three of them were. “I made the mistake of telling Ace… I shouldn’t have, I realize that now, especially when I have no plans on having him in this childs life…” Oh what a huge mistake to make too… She should have known better but her emotions were chaos and thinking straight was certainly not her strong point. “Oh very much… But I am grateful and happy that yours has come out to such a happy conclusion… Sometimes it works…Just not all the time.” And she knew from what both Jacob and Crow had said… Ace? Was not welcome by any means. Ace had made his choice and the two of them were happily rid of him.

The more Gia spoke though the more she found the turbulent waters of her soul calming, it was like she somehow calmed the storm, her words were a spell she was casting to quell the roaring beast inside… How strange and yet how sweet… If Nautilous and Gia married… Then would that make Gia her mother in law? Would she actually have something like that in her life? She had no idea but… Was it horrible to hope? Because she needed someone like Gia in her life… She really… She really just…. She needed that mother figure that she had never had… “Jacob is every fairy tale and dream come true for me… When I say that I love him? It’s no where near close enough to how I feel… Love isn’t a strong enough word and I could scour the cosmos across all time and space and I’d still not acquire enough words in enough languages to explain what I feel for him and how much he means to me…” She loved Jacob so much that she would happily, singing and skipping along, sign her soul away to a hell unlike anything else… A never ending torture for all eternity… And do it with a smile on her face if it meant that Jacob would be happy… “Jacob just wants to be a father… We want a family between us, we two orphans, we want what we never had but… For reasons that aren’t anywhere near as selfish as that probably sounds…” She paused for a moment in a touch of shock as Gia wiped her tears away for her and she found herself leaning against her side, her head on her shoulder and her arm around her waist, just holding her… Not forced or awkward but very much the way a small child holds their mother when they’ve had a very rough go of it for a while…

“I just… I went down there to get closure and ask him to stay away from us… I just knew in my gut no matter what happened… Ace would find out I had his baby… I thought if I took the initiative then I could nip it all in the bud… Keep my babies and the man I love safe… Only now in hindsight I realize that was just the pipe dream of a young girl.” It just wasn’t going to happen… She really had tried to do this with the best of intentions but it had all gone to hell so incredibly fast… A stray spark, meant to light a candle had instead lit the world full of dry tinder on fire, everything was burning and all she could do was stare in abject fear at what she had done… So much damage… From one little motion… Even so… Gia’s words were real… Genuine… And full of so much wisdom as their hands linked and she just held onto her. “I think your right… No one ever told me that and I realize… I probably went looking for answers that didn’t exist. There’s no real easy answer, is there? It’s not something someone can tell me or that I can read in a book… It’s a puzzle I have to solve myself with the pieces I have.” Was this how Anya was so calm and sweet? Wise beyond her years? Anya was always so well put together, so grounded and peaceful, just being around her was like finding the eye in the storm… It was amazing the things a woman can do when their mother loves them… And all over again she felt so very envious of her friend but… Happy too… Because Anya loved with a pure soul and a person like that deserved such an amazing mother… “I am happy with you in Menzoberranzan… It’s hard to miss the sun when I feel so satisfied where I am. I feel safe and myself for the first time under your rule and I am really happy… Genuinely so…” With Ace… Gia was right… Ace was always going to be in her heart but at the same time that didn’t mean she had to leave the door open for him. He had made it really clear in that meeting just how little he thought of her, the insults were heavy and razor sharp, and if she ever thought he loved her…. Well she was fairly positive after that she’d just been a game to him… A fun pastime and nothing more…

She might never get the closure she wanted. She would live the rest of her life with the scars he left her with but scars didn’t stop a person from living… From laughing or dancing… From finding beauty in the world… Especially not from loving… Jacob was right… So was Gia… Ace was a ship that wanted to sink, was pulling it’s own hull apart to take on more water by the day, and she was wasting her time trying to bail it out. Ace wanted to drown and no matter how hard she tried to save him she couldn’t… He would never take her love or her help because that would be counter productive of his goal… And even though she had so desperately wanted to save the man repaired with gold she also knew that at this point… Ace had made his choice… She now made hers… “Thank you…. So much…” She said as she felt things like massive lead weights just falling off of her, chips and bricks and boulders of it being shed, shaking them off like bothersome leaves… Feeling so much lighter for it too… IT wasn’t going to be easy no, but now she had a path, she had a compass and she had a map… She could navigate this new terrain and fill in the blanks as she went along… She could do this… “Even with these ugly moments I have a beautiful, happy life, with a man who loves and supports me…. Even when I ask him to follow me to a place where few elves have ever tread…” IT wasn’t that she ever forgot she was so blessed… It was that sometimes she got so concerned about the storm cloud in the sky that she sometimes failed to realize the sun in her life was far stronger than any little cloud… “I think I’ll tell him tonight… We have a policy of no secrets and we’ve held it up from the start. If I let this brew it won’t get any better after all…”

The kiss to her forehead was probably one of the best things ever and she just found herself sighing and nodding her head, reaching up to hug her one more time, after all she knew Gia had a date to go on and she had spent the time with her when she could be out and about with the man she loves. She hugged Gia with all the love a daughter would for her mother… “I really hope that you and Nautilous get married so I can have you as a mother in my life… I never knew what it meant to have one… Not till now… Thank you for treating me like a daughter tonight, I needed it so much more than words can say, and I only hope one day I can do for you what you did for me… Now I’ll stop taking up your time, you have a date to go on and I hope you get treated like the amazing woman you are….” And with that? She’d bid Gia a good date and she’d go to the bathroom to wash her face, the scent in there was incredible which meant that Thaylan had really gone above and beyond, and she really hoped the two had a great night. She herself was going to wait for Jacob to come back and hopefully… Hopefully he’d just be happy the babies were healthy and moving… That she was officially out of the danger zone and before they knew it they’d be parents…

[Deleted]

My Mother was one of a kind.. I will say that much.. she was firm.. but fair.. and she adored her children.. -though she was certain Chaka would have disagreed if she were alive to hear it.. -.. mm.. but no.. -she shook her head-.. dont envy my situation sweetheart.. Blessed is he who has learned to admire but not envy.. to follow but not imitate.. to praise but not flatter.. and to lead but not manipulate.. Be graceful dear Rose.. it is something you will learn with time.. -she offered you a smile.. a little nod of her head.. settling in to listen to the conversation.. learning then of the pregnancy.. and how it had been kept hidden for a few reasons.. how much you wanted to start a family.. and how much misfortune that had befallen upon you due to miscarriages..she felt heart sore for you.. learning you had gone through so much.. so whilst she understood the need to keep the pregnancies private.. she also made sure you understood that it was Ok to come to her.. to talk to her about anything that could possibly hinder the job you had been given.. -.. Ah.. no dont be frightened.. Im not the kind of person that would send you on you way simply because you had gotten pregnant.. It pleases me to hear you are enjoying the position I have given you, I have been hearing good things.. -her hands rested there upon her lap-.. and Ive seen them too.. especially with how well you treated Nautilous after the arena fight.. You're an incredibly talented young woman.. and being pregnant wouldn't affect you all that much.. just here and there a few changes will need to be made.. but nothing that will cause too much issue I assure you.. so really.. relax.. -she smiled when you described the babies movements.. the somersaults-.. I remember when Anya used to kick and turn.. though that was Quite some time ago.. it's a beautiful feeling..

-she tilted her head when you said you werent brave enough to ask Jacob for a scan.. reaching across her hand came down to rest upon yours-.. Its time to be brave my dear.. for your childrens sakes.. and for your family.. Ask Jacob.. for your own piece of mind.. -she asked if Aeson knew about the children.. only to hear that you had gone and told him.. she exhaled.. nodding-.. mm.. that has the chance to make things a little more difficult in the future.. but not impossible.. We will figure something out.. we still have a few months to organise it..-she knew what it meant..and how much power Ace could have when the child was born.. but there would be ways.. she had managed to keep Anyas paternity a secret.. for a long.. long time..-.. Aeson will find it hard to get to us regardless.. so.. it gives us time to.. sort the issues out.. dont let it worry you.. Us drow can be incredibly creative when the needs arise.. and I am certain Thaylan will know what to do.. -the two of them spoke at length.. she offered as much advice as she could.. sage words one might hear from a Mother.. calming and centred.. enough to be a anchor for someone who might be feeling like they were floating out to sea.. -.. You are very new to Menzoberranzan.. its a wild and magical place.. and we havent even gotten to my home yet.. but as i have told Nautilous.. You are more than welcome to take regular jaunts to the surface with guards.. soak in that sunshine whenever you desire or need it.. it can feel.. a little boxed in down there once you have been out.. but it warms my heart to hear you are really happy..-her parting words.. were to use honesty.. that it held such a freedom in it.. that lies and deception were always such a prison in comparison.. she reached across to cradle your cheek when you agreed and said you would speak with Jacob tonight-.. I think that sounds best .. yes I agree..your heart will thankyou for it afterwards.. I promise.. -she leant in to press her lips to your forehead .. a warm embrace followed and she slowly moved to stand.. the comment about Nautilous made her laugh a little.. holding up her hand.. the ring glittering in the candle lighting-.. You might get your wish sooner than you think.. Enjoy your evening young Rose.. and remember.. I have an open door policy.. If you ever need to talk.. just come to me..

-she lingered for a moment longer before she turned and made her graceful way out.. drawing that door closed behind her as she made her way back out to the main common area.. catching sight of her dear Thaylan as he stepped out of their shared chambers.. her hand rose as she pressed it over her heart.. -.. Wow.. You look.. stunning.. Very handsome my love.. very very handsome.. -her smile only grew as she moved to approach him.. her head tilting when he pulled out the jar.. -.. Oh? whats this?.. -she reached for it.. taking it from him as she glanced down to the blooms it contained.. all the different colours.. such rarities.. -. Oh its beautiful.. Thankyou.. -Only for him to bring out a second gift.. the earrings and the hair piece.. her gaze lifted to look to him.. garnet to his rich red-.. Oh my.. -her smile brightened a little more as she took the earrings.. sliding them into place.. left.. and right.. the hairpiece was perfect.. she reached around to push it into place.. -.. I.. I really dont know what to say..this is.. perfect.. thankyou.. -she slid in the final few clips before he surprised her Again with the gold leaf.. her lids closed as he payed attention to her hair.. a special something they shared since they were much younger.. glancing up into the reflective mirror there as she could see the gold patterns splashed across her vibrantly coloured hair and she just adored it.. and it showed.. right there on her face.. she reached across to him.. fingers cradling his cheek.. -.. You my dear sweet love are Such a beautiful Man.. -he offered her his arm and she slid hers into place.. only to then notice the tremble.. her brows furrowed.. a look of slight concern and confusion settled.. before he explained.. he was nervous.. something she honestly never thought she would see from him.. guiding him around.. so they were face to face.. -.. You are precious.. utterly and completley.. -she whispered...leaning in to brush her lips to his just softly.. -.. You're nervous.. and its so incredibly cute to see you stuttering just a little.. it shows me.. -her free hand came to rest there over his heart-.. whats in here..what youre feeling.. and I love you even more for it.. I remember Mother telling me once.. -she reached up to caress along his jawline-.. The longer you have to wait for something the more you will appreciate when it finally arrives...

-just beneath his full lips-.. The harder you have to fight for something the more priceless it will become once you achieve it.. And the more pain you have to endure on your journey the sweeter the arrival at your destination.. -she tapped the end of his nose with a finger tip-.. I think we have all three my dear sweet Brother.. We have waited.. We have fought..and we have endured so much pain.. But you were always worth waiting for.. Always worth fighting for.. Worth the risk.. You are worth it.. to me my love.. Dont ever forget it.. -she lingered there a moment.. before she would walk at his side.. leaning against him every so often.. her fingers gripping his arm.. the stares were entertaining..thanks to her breeding she would only ever hold herself like a Matron.. which.. on the surface would have been akin to royalty breeding.. they were shown to their table.. that quiet semi private booth with the stunning views.. the bubbly wine was something she had not seen before.. and it almost perplexed her.. but it was nice all the same.. just very different to the usual deep reds and venom laced beverages from home.. the fruits and cheeses all quite appetising.. she glanced out over the picturesque view.. it was captivating.. -.. I'm feeling.. really quite blessed.. beyond measure.. everything seems to be.. falling into place.. -she reached for his hand.. giving it a squeeze- Im incredibly greatful and so very thankful.. for all the help and assistance I have had.. its a position.. that only so many months back I never ever would have seen myself in.. had I of not gotten that letter.. -her brows drew in a little-.. to go to Silverthorn with Anya from Sydel.. -she rubbed her lips together.. Oh that guilt was skirting around the edges of her blessings.. -.. I never would have seen you again.. and.. it set off such a chain reaction.. -..she'd wanted to thank Sydel.. but then everything flipped upside down and.. that one part of her life felt a little hopeless-.. This is all just so beautiful..