Lest you Reap what you Sow Set in 1333

[Lady Shaden Aramoire]

( the following will move around the map but is set in the Gilded Lily for continuity sake.. this sl is open for all those who wish to join in the adventure Please talk to Rae or Twi if you want to take a more spotlight role in the fun)


Shaden : She loved the winter... the Holidays and the time indoors with a warm fire and plenty of company.. there was always and abundance of company at the Lily it seemed and never ending parade of Lily's and their suitors.. the mood was jovial and celebratory the wine and mulled cider flowing freely as the conversation and revelry.. Things were well for all in the Lily.. the peace in the land seemed to have settled into a wondrous and prosperous time under Adam and Bess's reign and the flourishing economy brought in new traders to the port town.. New Traders meant new clients for the Lily.. new Lily's as well to be trained.. This was what Shaden spent her time on these days in her retirement from being an actual courtesan and now as her role as Madam and Mentor.. as well as her private role as wife, spy and confidant to the Mor Traith. Tonight Found her in her study going over paperwork while she listened to the newest Lily , Maren recite poetry so that she lost her bucolic accent and had a more formal tone to her voice... " Again.. and remember to shorten the length of your vowels.. do not draw them out.. that is a sure sign of a farmers daughter" she smiled and winked at the beauty and went back to her figuring.

Nicholas: Three years swept by like ribbons fluttering in the wind, one minute there, the next caught up and gone, swept off to new shores and it was such with Skye, like a ribbon caught up in the wind and swept off the land flourished, the people thrived and in the blink of an eye, time was gone. There would be no forgetting through where the time had gone, each second ticking by like minutes. He was now four years into Skye, Nearly four years now married to the one true love he had not thought to ever find but always had known and now three years past the search of his son called off. After the first year he had begun to loose what little hope he had left and two years ago it had all but died and he had called off the search. Life went on didn't it? Brom, his childhood companion and brother in arms had offered to come to Skye after being called off the search and Nicholas was remiss to refuse despite the memories Athelia brought of his son. The man had fit in nicely and in the year that followed with new trade and new lilies, he had taken position of second under Nicholas. Shaden still owned the Lily but Nicholas insisted on maintaining security, not that he did not trust his wife's skill but he had been at it longer then she had. There was no reason for tightened security in such peaceful times but Nicholas was protective of the Madam of the Gilded Lily and her lilies within. Peace did not mean less danger. Two more guards had been hired as well to keep the doors and man the place when Nicholas and Brom were not there, Robert and Richard, Brom had recommended them and Nicholas had agreed. It was tonight that had one within the house and one outside while Nicholas and Brom were away doing 'manly things' he had told Gerda and Shaden. The door clicked open and both men laughed as they entered and moved down the hall as Gerda pointed to the study. "Your wife is going to kill you" Brom voice bounced off the walls. "Shut up, I'm not ready to tell her" Nicholas replied though hushed as he knocked on the study door then pushed it open pausing to see the newest Lily there. "Apologize Madam Aramoire. I didn't know you had such lovely company" He grinned at the young girl as Brom peeked over from behind him. "Knew there was a reason I liked this job" He offered his own opinion before Nic was shoving him down the hall with a barking baritone voice "Go eat!"


Shaden : Maren jumped as the door opened and then smiled brightly perhaps a little too fondly toward Brom and then blushed softly returning to her recitation " very good Maren... why don't you go practice your serving skill, and get Brom something to eat he looks as if he's wasting away, because My boorish Husband does not see fit to nourish his men with food instead with mead " she wrinkled her nose playfully at Nicholas as she stood gracefully following Maren to the door and shutting it before leaning back upon it with a suspicious grin.. " Why would your wife kill you?" her hearing was perfect.. almost uncanny but then again she did have a mastery of the dark arts of spying and such... "Keeping secrets are you ?" she tilted her head.. playfully... perhaps but there was a soft glint to her eye that dared him to lie..

Nicholas: Silvery blue eyes followed the look Maren gave Brom but it was the way the girl dashed out of the room in prospect to tend to Brom that had him groaning. "You are going to have many broken hearted women if you keep that up" Though he would grin at his wife then. "He is a good knight, a good brother in arms, a fine friend but a shotty excuse for a companion for the fair sex." A thick brow rose, so she had heard but he was going to play dumb for a minute...or two. "uhhh hmmm" He himmed and hawwed as he used his good arm to wrap about his wife drawing her away from the door as he bent to kiss her lips. "You seee I...." he sighed as he released her. "I kissed a beautiful woman today, there I said it!" He shrugged his shoulders as his good hand rose and fell to slap his thigh as he teased her. She was of course the beautiful woman. "Secrets? What secrets? There be no secrets here my lovely." That million dollar smile etched across his lips towards his wife.

Shaden : " Mhhhhhhhh " she moaned into the kiss and grinned up at him as he lifted his lips from hers, " I kissed a cad and a liar.. today...and I promised myself it would not happen again.. so I shall be sleeping alone tonight " she smiled back at him teasingly that trillion dollar smile.. the one that had made a many of man wish to trade places with the one called Stryker.. then ducked beneath his arm moving back to her desk... with a sassy swish of her hips beneath the dark blue brocade of her gown that's lines set off her figure flawlessly.. upon her face was a smile because she knew what effect that swish would have on her husband.. but she banished the coy smile as she turned back toward him and retook her seat.. picking up her quill as if to continue working.. " oh... there is a parcel for Brom on the sideboard.. it came by messenger this afternoon.. see he gets it please"

Nicholas: "A cad...now that is one I have not been called before, I shall have to remember that." He growled back as watched her hips sway. Damnable vixen this one. She kept the old man feeling alive even as his knee made him limp and his right hand nearly useless at this point except when he forced it and then he ached for days and sweated with the intense pain of it. "How is the young one doing?" Referring to the newest Lily as he strolled towards her desk and leaned in to see what she had been writing before his attention caught the parcel he was gesturing to. "What am a messenger boy?" He teased as a thick brow rose in wonder at the package. "Damn woman, can I surprise you no longer? Must you know everything" He teased in that gruff growly nature of his with a hard look her way but he had to turn away quick to keep the look from slipping from his face as he hefted the parcel up in his good hand and moved towards the door before shifting the balance of it to the other arm and used the good hand to open the door. "Brom! Package!" He called out, waited and then stuck his arm out the door with the package before shutting the door again. "There, package delivered" He sighed as he moved to fall into one of her chairs across from the desk. "I tell you, dirty job mine."

Shaden : " Maren will be fine if she can rid herself of that Sleat Accent it's as thick as cold porridge " she chuckled and looked up at him with a knowing look.. " If I am to be killing you soon I should at least know what for..?" the smile she gave him was perfectly sweet and banal as she grinned at him... " MY hero " she snickered and looked up with a wife's discerning eye... " So your not going to tell me..?" she rolled her eyes.. and shook her head... " I suppose the honeymoon is over now it will be secrets and lies.. and you sleeping on the couch " she fought the urge to chuckle out loud , he knew dam well she couldn't' refuse him one kiss let alone a night apart even over a disagreement.. " It's awfully cold to be sleeping alone"

Nicholas: "Hmmm" He mused about Maren. "She can do it, she has potential that one, if she stays away from Brom, at least keep a good eye she takes that potion you make the girls drink to keep from pregnancy." His good hand tapped against his leg as a brow rose in his wife's direction as if he lost what she said but that coy grin on his lips, she knew better to think he had not been listening. "Oh I am not trying to keep it from you sweetheart, just trying to find the best way to tell you." He shifted to slump within the chair and sighed again. That bad? No of course not but it all depended on how Shaden saw it. "I've been getting offers the last couple of months on that townhouse you bought before Joy was born and I have seriously been considering them. We both know there is no way we can go back there. The memory of your kidnapping there, the blood on the walls will serve to remind me about you and Joy and most of all you. I have the files of the offers but I wasn't about to accept on your behalf. It did get me to thinking though..." He paused to gauge her reaction, considering for a moment to let her talk of what he had said. "There's more to it, with the offers, it gave me an idea, one that has come to be more and more a good idea. With the expansion of the Lily, or at least it's Lilies..." He stopped there, giving her a moment to digest the information.

Shaden : " giving me lessons on how to run the Lily? don't' you think I have that under control by now ?" she scowled at him when he deigned to tell her how to keep her Lily's from becoming mothers. She was about to rebuff him further but as he begin to speak about the townhouse her mouth drew closed in a tight line, she had never been able to go back there.. had pushed the though of the place from her mind all these years. yet she couldn't seemed to sell off the place that had held so many of her dreams of family, of being a mother.. a wife.. it was her new beginning.. that had went tragically wrong.. now it was a tomb to all that she had lost.. she paled slightly and then nodded for him to continue, suddenly silent for once in her life all the playfulness sapped from her

Nicholas: "No, you run the Lily, at least the girls, I run security, but I know Brom..." He offered and sighed as he rolled his eyes skyward, good lord he was trying to give her good advice! Hunkering down further into the chair, his legs stretched out in front of him, he gripped his bad hand by the wrist with the good one and posed them on the back of his head. This was part of the reason he didn't want to tell her and why the interested buyers had come to him, as her guard, not her husband. Their married life kept on much of the down low as possible despite her being off the market as it was as far as being a Lily went. "Now one offer I received was more then fair, far better then fair and combine that with money I have set aside over the years. I was doing some riding today with Brom out in the country, not to far off from town. A bigger place would mean rooms for all sorts of entertaining for the Lilies, with the right kind of space, we might even add some prospects for the Clients. A bigger place, a right sized barn for the horses, land to ride, it offers more in way of companionship for client and lily, not to mention the prospect of expanding, more Lilies perhaps." He shifted to sit up, dropping his hands from behind his head to rest his elbows against his knees. "Shaden, I want you to be happy...You don't say it and you don't have to, I know every breath of you, I know it pains you that we don't have the army your sister calls a family has, the fault might not be yours. Did you ever think of that? I am not as young as I once was, but what God wills sweetheart, we just need to be patient." He paused again and sucked in a breath to sigh again. "I want to do this to give us both a new start, and those girls. This business, this place, the girls, they have always made you happy." He stopped again, this time to a knock on the door before Brom was poking his head in. "I need to talk to you Stryker" His playful nature gone. Just by using his last name, Nicholas knew something was up. "In a minute Brom.." "But.." "In a God Damn minute!" Nicholas face hardened and Brom knew well enough to back off. "Sure...sure..just, come find me ok" The door clicked shut again.

Shaden : She had listened to each and every word and when he begin to find fault in himself for their lack of children she had come to her feet.. and to his.. kneeling before him his hands both good and bad were grasp in hers.. liquid sea green eyes full of warmth, never icy and cold with him glittered with unshed tears... " Shhhhh Nicholas.. my heart knows only your love ..." as he continued she nearly melted with the love that was overflowing for him.. how dearly about to respond when Brom interrupted.. and was banished with curses.. " Nicholas.. for shame at your language " she chided him as she slid into his lap looping her arms about his neck and pressing a kiss to his forehead in a long what Brom needs" she slid from his lap.. her hand going to the flat of her stomach as she turned from him... inside she felt sick.. just remembering the townhouse.. but she would not show him the weakness.. not when he had been so caring and sweet in his intent.

Nicholas: "I'm trying to have a heartfelt conversation with my wife" He grumbled through he pressed his face against her neck. Never would he see fault in this woman who sat within his lap and now held him so lovingly within her arms. He could not see how God could punish such a God fearing and Good and Big hearted woman that was his wife. Because of her profession? Never, he could not see God punishing her for that. He truly felt himself old at times, old enough that the fault was his own. He did not think her a raging beast who would scream but that he had not consulted her before taking the drive himself up to this point. He hadn't even told her he bought the plot of land all ready with his own money. He was not a vagabond though he choose to live simply enough. "All right, we go see it tomorrow" He spoke again as he slid off his lap. Pushing his good hand against the armrest of the chair and his other elbow, he heaved himself out of the chair. He paused to lean in to kiss the nape of his wife's neck. "If he's impregnated someone I am going to murder him...I'll be careful not to bloody the floor" He teased at her ear before he was sliding out the door in search of his damnable brother in arms. Gerda pointed him out into the gardens were the man was pacing back and forth.

Brom: Despite Nicholas demand that he call off the search for his son. Brom had in fact deceived his friend. There was just to much evidence from the island that said his son, if not his wife had made it off alive. He had spent years tracking down former residents of the island and their accounts of the Stryker farm and its family within. Most knew Nicholas had gone off to war and his wife and son has stayed behind and many had reported that while Soren had not been seen when the Volcano had erupted, there had been a dark haired boy with the likeness of silvery blue eyes on the last ship out. The last report had made him sure it was Jadrien when the old woman had reported the little boy had twin golden rings engraved with foreign writing. Nicholas has cut off the search far to soon and while Brom was inclined to understand his friends loss of hope through the years, Brom had not. "I need leave to go to England." It was the first thing out of his mouth. Joking aside, he now found it logical to be blunt.

Nicholas: A thick brow etched upward as he looked at his friend pacing. Just what had the man in a bind. The words were out and Nic hummed in a deep baritone voice as he thrust his hands behind his back. "Why?" Simple and to the point. If that was the way Brom wanted it.

Brom: "The last person I interviewed before you pulled me off Jadrien trail didn't remember where the boat was heading, I later found out the boat was heading to England. After that the trail went cold but now there are new reports that some of the volcanic orphans of the island were purchased by work houses and that Jadrien was one of them. I've now got new information on which workhouse he will be in. I think you should come to."

Nicholas: Nicholas for a few minutes stood stock silent and hard faced, his arms slowly loosening from behind his back until it was clear his jaw was locked tight in anger. "You disobeyed my orders?" Strange these would be the first words out of his mouth. His shoulders rolled, bringing him to his full height. "Listen to me and listen good. My son is dead, stop..."

Brom: "But Stryker" Brom interrupted waving the letter in the mans face.

Nicholas: Nicholas lost it. "I TOLD YOU TO LAY OFF, MY SON IS DEAD, LEAVE WELL ENOUGH ALONE DAMN IT, LEAVE IT ALL THE HELL ALONE!" He screamed as he gripped Brom by the shirt and threw him against the side of the house before storming out of the garden gate.

Shaden : Shaden had settled in the library for a moment before following Nicholas out... she was standing in the shadows of the portico and heard everything.. watching her husband stalk away... her heart dropped... he was giving up.. when there was hope... he had blamed himself for their lack of children... her heart broke for her husband.. who had just before been intent on giving her , her happiness with whatever he possessed.. and now.. he gave up on his... for a moment she thought to go after him.. but knowing him and his stubborn streak.. he would not listen an go silent.. perhaps even leave to go drink off his misery.. instead she stepped from the shadows and spoke softly to Brom.. "Tell me of this news.. how reliable is it?"

Brom: Thrown against the wall, he didn't resist, sliding down slightly in defeat as his jaw worked back and forth watching his best friend stalking out of the gate. Righting himself, he fixed his clothing and was ready to ball the paper in his hand when Shaden stepped from the shadows. Damn, woman had Skillz! He contemplated disobeying his friend and honestly, his king but then again, as his wife, Shaden was now his Queen, he had just not formally worn loyalty to her yet. With a heavy sigh, he held out the letter to her. Attached was a drawing of the boy in question. "Very...I sent out inquiries without a description of the boy except silvery blue eyes and this is the drawing I received. Jadrien has always looked like his father except his hair is his mothers, black, straight...Jadrien was five when he went missing, if he knew him then, you'd know, I've no doubt in my mind this boy is Jadrien, though reports say he goes by Jay..."


Shaden : She took the paper drawing and moved to study it by the light that poured from the doors of the portico.. there was a strong resemblance to Nicholas.. that was for sure... her fingers caressed over the lines of the boys face and she smiled softly... " Tell me what you need for us to go to England and find him... I'm sure I can get Ealora.. to outfit her ship.. for us..." her mind was already working out the logistics of the matter... " If Nicholas will not go I will.. I'll bring home his son.. " she had made her mind up and the more words that left her lips to Brom the more confident she was in her decision.. there was no stopping her once she settled her mind upon it.. " He will likely forbid it.. it's his way of not being hurt and disappointed again.. so we will go in Secret.. do not speak of this to him "

Brom: With Shaden studying the drawing, Brom’s arms went behind his back taking on the stance of at ease from his military days. If he could not trust in Nicholas to hear him out, he knew he could trust in Shaden and he knew too that involving her was dangerous, not the journey but to Nicholas rage. He contemplated this as Shaden spoke and rested his stance as he brought his hand out and up. "Hold on a minute, My Lady, I am more willing to go and incur his wrath, but I am just his....brother in arms, you are his wife. I do not want to risk what could be a fight between you two for you to go. You know him as well as I do, he will forbid either of us to go, but I can slip away easier then you can. He will know if you leave. What do you plan on telling him that he does not think something is up?"
Shaden : " we make the plans... and sail with the tide in a weeks time.. I shall give him a little something to let him sleep late.. he will forgive me when I come home with his Son... " she smiled confidently... swiping away Brom's worries... " You just find a few trusted men to go with us.. and I will go see Ealora tonight.. and get her to loan us her ship.. it should be a quick trip.." she was excited and overconfident.. a ball of energy but then when you wanted something done... Shaden was the most likely person to see it so.

Brom: "I shall see it done then My Queen." Brom nodded his head. Honestly he knew Shaden these past three years to set her mind to something and see it done. "Have you something to quill his anger? You think it quickly banished when he wakes and find you nowhere on the island?" Brom lip tipped up halfway in a grin before it slid away. "Make it not a week, a few days. You risk to much time to pass between now and then for it to be discovered. Not that your sister cannot be trusted but her husband and prying ears?" He shook his head. "Gossip is the serpents poison in which men and women fall prey too" Poetic wasn't it?

Shaden: " Yes a few days then... I shall go to Ealora now..." she smiled and turned to leave the garden then turned back and without thinking threw her arms about his neck and kissed his cheek softly.. " I cannot wait.." now if anyone were to see this they might think a romance happening between Brom and the Lady.. with her impassioned joy and declaration of not waiting.. it was fodder for suspicion to be sure.. she turned rushing to the door in a flurry of skirts then stopped waving softly to the beguiled man... " Soon " she whispered and then disappeared inside.. immediately getting her cloak and calling for her horse to be readied.


Brom: "I refuse not my Queen and find myself a foolish man." He retorted with a laugh as one arm went to embrace her and then release her. The shadows held so many secrets and those just waiting like the serpent of a gossiping tongue to loosen upon the masses. This moment could of been seen by none but would they be that lucky, only time could really tell. "You cannot wait and I see myself walking swiftly and knowingly into my death!" He joked at her back as she went through the door. Now Brom was quite skilled in masking true motive, to see her wishes done and without cause for alarm or suspicion, he could do it but he knew very well what he was getting them into and kept it to himself for despite the years, did Shaden truly know the bounds to which Nicholas rage could go? He could only pray God make it gentle in finding the mans son.

Nicholas: He was being as ass, he knew it when he had gotten halfway down the block and yet for the longest moment he couldn't move once he had stopped, could not bring himself to turn around. He had never manhandled Brom before and it weighed as heavily on him as much as it this new information had. Could his son be alive? Guilt wanted to win out, he had screamed because if it were true he did not want to face that awful question his son would have. 'Why didn't you find me earlier, Why didn't you come for me earlier?' and the truth was so painful. finally he moved, hefting a sigh as he turned on the balls of his feet and returned back to the Lilies garden gate. The sight shocked him, not only shocked but confused and enraged him. His wife's arms around his brother. She couldn't wait? For what?! He never had cause to distrust his wife but his eyes saw it, the intimate way the hug seemed. His jaw locked and he again turned, this time heading for the Tavern and a good stiff drink to drown his anger in.

Shaden : It was a scant few moments before Merribell was brought round to the kitchen door and Shaden was upon her back and headed toward the townhouse of her sister Ealora.. some 20 minutes later she was upon her doorstep... rapping hastily on the door almost hopping from foot to foot in her exuberance to talk with her sister. Once the door opened and the servant showed her inside .. she relayed the importance of her needing to talk to Ealora then waited by the fire... pacing back and forth.

Ealora: Shaden of course would be shown into the family room while being instructed Ealora was out on her daily run, having taken up the habit after the triplets were born. Lucky Ealora had been gone for near an hour now and so she would be returning any minute. It was only a mere five minutes later that the front door clicked closed with Ealora huffing and puffing with the exertion of her run as she was told Shaden was here to see her. The look on Ealora's face was not worn but shocked and worried as she met Shaden in the family room, her russet hair pulled back into a pony tail, the white tunic top rumbled against the dark brown pants and her boots loosened of dirt by stomping on the front step mat. Still wouldn't track dirt or mud into her home despite exercising. "Shaden...What's wrong?" She spoke between gasps.

Shaden : She was a bundle of nerves it seemed as she rushed Ealora hugging her tightly " I know I have not been the best of sisters.. and I should do better but I come to beg a favor and if you grant me this I will baby sit.. or paint your toes whatever you desire.. and I will pay for everything your crew the supplies... everything... I need your boat " she cringed realizing that Ealora would take offense to the boat part.. it was a ship after all the storm shadow.. " It won't be dangerous I just need to get to London fast.." she smiled that puppy dog please begging smile that younger sisters were so fond of.

Ealora: It was not that she had never hugged her sister before but the hug now shocked and amused Ealora enough that she laughed as she embraced her sister around the middle and as she rambled on, Ealora lead her to the sofa and sat down with her on it. "Wait wait..." Ealora quipped before laughing again to remove her arm from her sisters waist to rub at her forehead trying to digest the jumble of words. "Ok well..hmm where to start" Her head slanted slightly to the side as she spoke. "First of all, where do you get the idea that your a bad sister? Secondly, while your trip might not be dangerous, why do you need to get to London? Payment and all aside, Maahes makes good money as do I now, even though its not piracy" She shrugged her shoulders and canted her head at her sister offering that signature singular slender eyebrow raise upward. "An its a ship, tell me why you need my ship. I'm not promising anything till I hear what this is all about, I know you to well. The last time you needed my help like this, you were dressing up like a common harlot and I was breaking into a prison to free Kendrew with you."

Shaden : "It's Nicholas son.. we have a report that is very reliable that he is in an orphanage in London.. a work House.. " she shoved the drawing and letter at Ealora.. " Nicholas refuses to believe again.. it's been five years... he's so hurt..." her voice broke as she spoke of her husbands pain... " So I want to go.. and bring Jadrian home.. for Nicholas.. " she bounced about a veritable ball of energy while Ealora looked over the drawing.. " Please Ealora.. I need to do this for him... it's his son... if you don't let me borrow your Ship... I'll.. find another.. my mind is made up "

Ealora: For several seconds Ealora sat in silence after digesting Shaden's information. She had foolishly believed her son dead only for him to end up in Malice clutches. If not for Shaden she would never of even known her son was alive and she remembered well the look in Shaden's eyes when she had taken Issa away from her. She, Ealora, now had six kids were her sister had none. For Issa and for Shaden's happiness, Ealora could not refuse her the request she asked. As Shaden bounced around, Ealora's head dipped to the drawing thrust into her hands. The boy looked like Nicholas, even Ealora couldn't doubt it. "All right, Shaden. Ok." She sighed as she folded the parchment and handed the papers back. "I know what it is like to loose hope, to believe your child is dead and to have one person bring about the single most beautiful feeling in the word. Relief and overwhelming happiness. Because of you, I have Issa. Now because of you, Nicholas can have his son back, and you can finally see what a fine mother you would make." Rising from the couch, she brushed her hands against the top of her head. "Uh the Shadow Storm is set to sail to London in two days time for trade relations any way’s so don't worry about payment, I'm all ready making money, another body on board won't be a hassle nor dent payment. I'll have Taylor and Scarlett keep an eye on you, be your bodyguards of sorts while you go around town."

Shaden : "Brom will be with me as well as a few other men.. just in case.. there is any need " she smiled and hugged her sister tightly " Thank you.. it means the world to me... and it will to Nicholas when I return with his son" she smiled softly... " I have another favor... to ask.." now she looked sheepish this might be a big one... " When I leave.. can you keep it secret from Nicholas... he will be furious.. but he would forbid me to go.. if he knew.. and we could loose the chance to find Jadrian" ohhh leave Ealora with a pissed off Nic..

Ealora: Squeezing her sister tight, she hummed in amusement before it quickly fell to a groan. Oh great, keep this from Nicholas, that was going to be fun. "Hey...I was a pirate before I was your sister, secrets were my life. An you were my sister before he was my brother in law. He shall not hear it from my lips. I may of mended my ways but I am still a pirate at heart." She winked as she squeezed her sister again then let out a laugh. "You know, Maahes is going to kill me when he finds out. " She fixed her sister with a stern but teasing stare. "The things I do for you."*


Shaden : " I love you" she hugged her back tightly then stood " I have much to do... I will see you in the morning to finalize everything.. and send my trunks over as well when Nicholas isn't' about " she grasp her cloak and swirled it about her shoulders... " I should get back before he suspects I'm up to something..." and like that she was out and gone again returning to the Lily... about the same Time as Nicholas did... flushed and out of breath.. her hair mussed from a swift ride.. color high in her cheeks.. she looked like she had come from a fresh roll in the hay.

Nicholas: He'd only had one drink, his stomach felt sick with the image filtering within his head of his wife in Brom's arms. He trusted her, his heart screamed and yet his mind continued to drone the image within his mind placing the smallest seed of doubt within his heart. She was a courtesan once it pulsated. Could a leopard change its spots for stripes. It was only when the whores arm went around his shoulders did Nic reason he better go home before he did something stupid. It was just a hug and drunk an stupid, no he wouldn't finish the thought, he loved Shaden but it was meeting her there with her hair a mess and her out of breath did his heart squeeze painfully within his chest and his face flinched slightly as if he had been struck. "Come from havin fun did you?" he quipped with as he pushed a hand through his hair.

Shaden : " I went on a ride... Merry needed a workout she's been in the stable for weeks during the snow... I rode over to Ealora's for a bit " she looked at him oddly noting his surliness... " Have you been Drinking?" she took off her riding gloves and cloak and dropped them on a sideboard.. heading up the stairs... " I need a bath.. care to join me...?" of course she had no clue that he would take offense to that ... as if she needed to wash the scent of another from her body... "I thought we would discuss this property we are going to see tomorrow?" she prattled on as she ascended the stairs toward their suite.

Nicholas: "Yes, I needed a drink" His dropped his hand from his hair leaving some of it sticking up as his hand run down his face. "No I don't want to join you..." The images in his head now just made him groan all the deeper. "I'm going to lay down..." and try to get these images out of my head of you with another man. He didn't say it, couldn't say it but oh how he was thinking it. He followed after her, slowly, trudging up each step until they got to their suite and he flopped down on the bed, covering his face with his arm. "What did you want to discuss about it?" Good, work with this, it would get the images out of his head.

Shaden: She begin to undress the moment she entered their room dropping her clothes across the floor.. as she moved to the bath... lovely Gerda had already prepared it.. sometimes she thought the woman was psychic.. a few drops of rose oil into the steaming water and she sighed... " Tell me about it.. you saw it I want to know all about it before we ride out.. is it in good repair.. does it have gardens.. ?" she turned her nude form like that of a sea nymph lean and flawless... and moved to him on the bed... leaning down to kiss his chest seductively... " Are you sure... you will not join me?"

Nicholas: Slowly his eyes peeked out from beneath his arm to watch his wife as she prepared the bath with rose oil and then removed her clothing. Despite the thoughts swirling around in his head, he marveled at the beauty of her body, despite the images, he still very much desired his wife. Sliding his arm over his eyes again as she spoke, he sighed an slowly kicked his boots to the floor. "It's several acres of grasslands, no property on it but enough for a big home and a big garden if you wished it. The forest tree line is at the edge of the land, dirt road land leading through the path to the large patch of land. Could put a gate up."His eyes peeked out again as she kissed his cheek. Damn vixen. With a low growl, he heaved upward and began to remove his clothing to join her.

Shaden : Before he could leave the bed.. she had crawled atop him... kissing him soundly... using her body to tease and seduce him fingers pulling thru his hair and her voice whispering his name... she wanted to love him so fiercely that he would not forget in his anger that was sure to come in the days ahead.. give him something to hold onto with dear life when she disappeared...to find his son... little did she know she was feeding his suspicions of infidelity with her display of passionate need.

Nicholas: His arms wove around her middle as she crawled on top of him, his lips claiming hers passionately and hungrily, nearly in anger as she whispered his name over and over in a passionate need that drove him crazy with the thought of her speaking that way to someone else. Not that their love life was not passionate enough but the fierceness of her need this time only added fuel to the fire and when he made love to his wife tonight it was in passionate anger, nearly painfully harsh as every fiber of his mind screamed to rid the touch of another from her skin.

Shaden: The bath was never used.. that night grown cold as their passion raged.. his passion and anger fueled her fire to scalding heights.. in the days to come he would curse her nails that had marked his back.. and her teeth that had sank into his shoulders... her own body marked and bruised as his... never one to turn from the lustiest of acts... they were almost animalistic in their need.. both needed for different reasons.. it would be a night she held in her heart and soul.. for eternity... but would he.. in the trials to come... understand her depth and breath of love for him.. or would he think her a betrayer ?

[Lady Shaden Aramoire]

Shaden : Shaden had risen early, sending her trunks to the Shadow storm as discussed with Ealora the day before.. her journey to England to find Nicholas's son should only take a fortnight... perhaps a bit longer.. and then when she returned She Nicholas and his son would begin their new life as a family.. His suggestion of Building a New Lily.. a fresh start on the outskirts of town seemed a portent of good things to come.. New beginnings prosperous times... Nicholas had gone into town to see about the land deed for the new property.. and Shaden found herself down at the stables.. Merribel needed a good brushing out.. and a little tlc before she left in the morning on her little mission to rescue Jadrian. So it was that she was dressed in a warm woolen dress of robins egg blue.. her hair now longer than when he had last seen her.. almost to her waist.. was pulled back into a thick braid. as she worked currying the bay mare in it's stall.

Trades: The sounds of busy town life drifted lightly on the wind. Amidst the hustle and bustle, the stable door darkened as a shadow came to rest before it. There was a gentle rapping on the door jamb from a scarred knuckle. Clad in the garb she had seen him in so many times before, the burly figure stepped within the threshold. " 'Allo Shaden."

Shaden : She turned when the light had darkened by his massive form blocking the midmorning winter light that streamed into the stables.. " Jack?" her voice was almost in disbelief as she shaded her eyes with her hands to stall the glare from behind him... " Is it really you?" her face showed her curiosity as she stepped toward him... " It's been so long.. I thought you had left these lands for good"

Trades: -=The hearty voice rumbled softly within the confines of the stable. A calloused hand reached out to her, palm up.=- Aye, 'tis me. And aye, at times I had thought the same meself.

Shaden: He had probably thought to find her still angry or hurt with him.. after all they had not left their relationship on good terms.. but had gone silently away from each other without a word.. but the years in his absence had tempered her somewhat.. and life had been good to her... now married and settled she understood that every journey had a beginning.. and he was hers in Skye.. and Nicholas was her ending... Perhaps then eh would be surprised when she took a few steps toward him and hugged him tightly as if greeting and old dear friend... " How have you been what have you been doing.. you must tell me" she smiled pressing a kiss to his cheek then rocking back on her heels... this was a different Shaden than he had left.. this was a woman.. of certainty.. not a girl of doubt.

Trades: -=The hulking frame stumbled a bit and under the wrinkled brim he fairly gawked for a moment. Of all the scenarios possible, this one was least expected, but perhaps most welcome. Burly arms returned the embrace tightly.=- I...I've been down a rough road. But it is so very good tae see ye, Shaden, and in such good spirits. I'm nae much fer stories, but ye know that. I've heard smatterings about ye, but it makes me glad tae see ye.

Shaden : Her smile was infectious and she chuckled nodding in agreement that indeed she knew he was not one for stories of his life.. a secretive man by nature.. but a good man.. despite the demise of their relationship.. " Have you seen Maahes.. He and Ealora have 6 children now.." she did not comment that she herself had none.. and indeed had birthed a daughter that was stillborn.. and could have been his.. but that was in the past... " I was just about to go up to the house and have some tea.. it's freezing out here " she smiled softly " Care to join me old friend ? you look like you could use a cup of something warm.. perhaps with a little something else in it for good measure "

Trades: Six?...Well, that should nae be surprise- -=The hearty voice caught as the invite finally registered. The man who was always the epitome of observation and calculation was now mired in his expectations. But that infectious smile was quickly melting years of pent up doubt and shame.=- Aye, that sounds wonderful. Can I help ye finish here?

Shaden : " I just have to give her some oats" she motioned to the bag that weighed near 60 lbs near the door.. he would probably wonder how she had intended to move it. but then again.. Shaden could move mountains when she wanted.. very little was impossible for her... " She still refuses barely and rye.. only oats for my girl" she spoke lovingly of the mare she had always cherished.. Leaning against a stable post she watched him as he hefted the bag of oats with little effort.. and chuckled same old Jack.

Trades -=As she expected, the bag was hefted, half before it was ever really considered. The ease of her laughter was all that was needed for confirmation. Despite bearing the load, board shoulders visibly relaxed, and a slow smile parted his grizzled features.=- My, ye've grown, Shaden - quite well, too. -=The brim swiveled to scan the stable.=- Ye got a feed bag hidin' around here?

Shaden: On Her stall door near her tack... " she laughed and wondered at his comment.. she had grown.. she did not feel taller, she took it in stride though.. thinking perhaps his memory had made her shorter ... " I would say you have grown as well but then again you were always as big as the mountains.. " the wrinkle of her nose when she laughed was iconic.. and a sure sign that she held not one iota of ill will toward him.. though she could still be as ditzy as he remembered. " So what brings you back my way " she questioned as she watched him tend her mare.

Trades: -=A hearty chuckle burbled from the barrel chest. He worked methodically as he spoke, but the cadence and care were casual.=- Well, quite a few things. One, tae see ye once again. I'm very glad I didnae talk meself out of visiting. Two, tae see if I can stir up trouble for Maahes again, and three, I also am in need of work.


Shaden : She blushed softly.. as he describe his number one reason and then chuckled over the stirring up trouble for Maahes and needing work " well I can help with number one and three.. but number two you do at your own peril" she chuckled.. and waved him toward the door of the stables.. "Come on lets have a spot of tea and discuss what kind of work your after ?”

[Lady Shaden Aramoire]

(this takes place after the Market hub bub with Marius.. The panties and nuts.. If you wish to read that … ask Liv she has the log!)

Trades: -=Standing in the noise of the busy marketplace, Jack stood still holding the parcels. The hearty voice continued softly towards the fire-haired lass.=- So ye never did tell me where ye were off tae, nor about how ye knew of work fer me.

Shaden : She watched as Maahes and Ealora as well as the gypsy couple disappeared into the crowd and then turned her attention to Jack once again... " England, London to be precise.. but it's a secret... sorta a Mission I want no one to know of.. " she dimpled.. a bit of the old Shaden showing through.. she was nothing but trouble wrapped in beauty.... it seemed to find her no matter what .. wherever she went.. so did trouble.. She turned heading back to the carriage that was awaiting her to return to the Lily. " Nicholas and I bought a parcel of Land just outside town.. we are going to build a bigger and better Lily.. it's so successful that we are expanding.. so we will need many with such skills as you have .. especially in the mechanical aspect.. you see.. I have big plans and dreams for some of the most unique things you can think of for the New Lily " she teased him with the thoughts of making such fantastical creations.. knowing she was holding a bone before a hound.. and that he would likely pounce on it.
one thing about Jack Trades.. he never backed down from a challenge.. especially one that involved creating wonders.

Trades: -=The brawny frame stepped forward quickly. Her words about the work mostly passed over him as rain might over the thick oilskin that flapped lightly with the motion. His path crossed in front of her's where it stopped and turned to face her, blocking her path. The voice started to rumble a bit now with a soured tinge.=- Secret mission? Nae one tae know? Hold on there a minute, Shaden. The last I remember of ye and secret missions took over a week tae reclaim yer sanity.

Shaden : She stopped as he blocked her path and gave him that signature smile.. " Tis nothing so ominous.. as that.. Nicholas son has been missing some five years now.. thought to be dead.. when a Volcano erupted on their Island home.. yet there were rumors the boy survived.. but Nicholas has searched all these long years.. and has given up... We received a letter and sketch that could be the boy.. but Nicholas has been broken over these last years disappointments and refused to send anyone.. So I am going.. to find his son and bring him home.. He would forbid me if he knew.. please... keep my secret old friend?" she gave him that endearing look.. one almost like a puppy that you could not resist.. I promise there is no danger... I'll be safe with Ealora's Crew.. nothing will happen."

Trades: -=The words fell rapid fire from his lips. Despite his fondness and trust of her, he knew a courtesan's whiles and could not ignore the alarms ringing in his ears.=- Letters and a sketch? From whom? And whence? Why has it taken five years fer them tae contact ye despite the exhaustive search? Shaden I distrust this premise.

Shaden : "It is from his own agents.. and there were leads in the past that lead to this point.. he had called off the search... but his Man Brom who has lead the search.. continued ..even though Nicholas ordered it done and over " how could she explain to Jack the pain and torture Nicholas had been thru over this loss.. " I have to try.. I will be in good hands do not worry" she stepped around him opening the carriage door and setting her packages inside.. then turned to him.. " I appreciate your concern.. really.. but I will be fine.. and hopefully return a few weeks from now with my stepson.."

Trades: -=A grumble rumbled within the barrel chest. There was no reply or motion for several moments. Calloused hands proffered the parcels still in tow toward her. Will Ealora be stayin' with ye?

Shaden : "No she has too much at home with her children.. Nicholas old Friend Brom will be with me as well as Ealora's Captain.. Scarlett and her first mate Taylor.. really I will be fine.." she took the other packages and stowed them into the carriage and then turned back to him.. lifting up on tiptoe.. to press a kiss to his cheek.. " Do not grumble so.. it makes you seem like a bear" she winked rocking back on her heels and then offered him another smile. As snow begin to fall from the heavens.. " Care to ride with me to the property I was telling you about so you can see where the new Lily will be built?"

Trades: -=The brim fell slightly.=- Very well, but if'n ye donnae make it back, I'll never fergive ye. Nae after the road I've just traveled. Let's see this property then. Have ye thought of what ye want it tae look like? -=A scarred and meaty hand offered to help her into the carriage=-

Shaden : She chuckled at his scolding and nodded.. " I have to much to come back to now Jack " with that she took his hand and ascended into the carriage arranging parcels so he could take a seat as well.. not long after they were headed out to the countryside and the Land that She and Nicholas had purchased just the day before.. " I want it to be grand.. overly lavish like some fantasy palace.. where dreams could come true no matter what they are... " already the future shone in her eyes.. she did indeed have big plans that was worth coming home too.. " And I want a smaller House.. down by the Lake.. something that will suffice for Nicholas, Jadrian and Myself as a home.. a boy cannot be raised in a courtesan house you know.. it's just not proper" she rambled on until they reached their destination.. the snow having let up somewhat.. now just lazy flakes floating thru the afternoon air...

Trades: -=Steele grey eyes scanned unbrokenly over the landscape, but the tones of her familiar voice were not lost on him in the least.=- Overly lavish...small house by the lake...And I take it not only glamour, but discretion and the ability to corral crowds will be paramount tae the function of the new Lily. Aye?

Shaden : indeed.. wonderful gardens with secretive alcove.. stables where gentleman could keep their horses for weeks on end.. and little bungalows for privacy for those patrons who keep one girl solely.. a wading pool with statues that spurt water.." She gushed on excited about the new place.. almost like a child on Christmas day.. one wondered if he had forgotten about how infectious her moods could be..

Trades: -=Already the "toymaker's" mind was swimming in ideas, but as always the brim remained level on his head.=- This will take some doing. -=A phrase rarely used by the master craftsman.=- It will need a squad of servants tae keep it in shape, and more tae build it. Have ye made any sketches? Has the Lily really ben so successful as to finance all this? -=The brim now turned toward her, searching through her excitement.=-


Shaden: She blushed and then nodded " The lily has been very successful.. and Nicholas has monies as well.." she would not go into the truth of Nicholas past life that indeed he held Royal Riches at his disposal.. " And I came into a inheritance you might say" again she blushed deeper.. wondering if Jack had heard the rumors.. that Shaden had helped to turn Robert the Bruce back to the Side of Skye and Scotland against the invading English.. that she had tended him in his last days.. and was known as the Consort of Robert the Bruce.. some rumors even said they were wed in secret.. none the less.. whatever had happened in those days.. Shaden would never lack for wealth again.

Trades: -=The hulking figure leaned back against the carriage seat. The only reply came after a few moments.=- I see. My, how much I've missed... -=The brim swiveled back toward that vacant property.=- Sketches. I am skilled enough tae know nae tae build a building fer a woman without going over every detail that a visitor might see. Though rest assured, it will be a house that Jack built. It will function quite well in all regards. -=If she remembered enough about him, he would not need to explain further.=-

Shaden: "I have sketches at home I've already done.. and I shall do more on the ship.. something to take up my time.. a ship is quite boring when your all to your lonesome." she dimpled " I'll give you the general layoutof the house so you can begin to acquire the things for the foundation.. by the time you get supplies for that I should be back "

Trades Very well. Also, some things I'd like you to think of specifically while ye sketch: Doors, windows, door handles, keys, stairway railings, what kind of main room ye'd like guests tae received in, the bungalows, washing basins, tubs, and fireplaces.

Shaden : She nodded as they discussed plans all the way back to the Lily... perhaps she should have consulted Nic before hiring Jack as a project Manager.. after all the history there.. but it never entered her mind to think her Husband would question her decision or her judgment on the matter .. Truthfully it was a blessing to have Jack's Skill in the construction of the New Lily.. and she was as happy as a lark about it.. Soon enough the Carriage pulled up before the Lily's steps and she was struck with a though she had not been thinking on before.. " Where are you staying.. do you have sufficient money to get a room?"

Trades: -=Exiting the carriage as well, he stopped mid-motion as the question struck him and broke him out of thoughts and machinations. Then broad shoulders shook slightly with mirth.=- I had nae made that part up yet. Though I always have a room. Just a question of where.

Shaden : " If you need an advance to tide you over .. I can see you comfortable housed and fed " she grinned at him as she left the carriage with his help.. alighting on the sidewalk.. the driver already retrieving her parcels... " Perhaps some company for the evening as well?" she realized that came out wrong an amended it quickly " One of the Lily's... I've retired.. "



Trades: -=A hand clapped her shoulder with a gentlest beguiling its appearance, but not uncommon to her form. Another short chuckle escaped the shade under the brim at her hasty recovery.=- Aye, I figured, hun. Yer hospitality is perhaps a little better than I merit. A room and a meal will make me comfortable and grateful. Though methinks I'll sleep alone this night. As ye go, I might even recommend ye seek out yer hubby afore ye run off tae execute yer plans.

Shaden : "I had planned on it " she confessed " give him somthing to help his anger pass before I leave " she wasn't dumb after all... " A room and a meal it is.. and should you have need of more I will see to that as well , in the form of one of the Lily's.. " she chuckled taking her parcels in and leading him in as well.. calling for Gerda to ready her guest a room

Trades: -=A warm smile parted his lips to her as the brim dipped in a nod, shading his features again as they entered. The cadence and posture that had softened while in the presence of Shaden alone returned to their straight and metered norms. The brim stayed low and held the shadows close. Gerda of course would receive a courteous nod a rumbled greeting.=-

Shaden : She would shoo away the gathering Lily's from him.. sending some to prepare his room and others off to deal with patrons.. it was never a dull moment around the place.. Gerda made sure that dinner was being readied and announce that Nicholas was gone still to the Land assessors on the business of the new tract of property.. that left Shaden with no one to dine with.. " Care to dine with me?" she quipped already pulling him along into the private dining room.. a small chamber for intimate dinners or normally where she and Nicholas at together.

Trades: -=As they gathered, before being shoo-ed, the other Lily's had been given little besides the stare of shadow and oilskin. A gesture of gratitude to Gerda was interrupted by Shaden's tugging. Already pulled within, his voice spoke low and quiet, but still managed to rumble within the small confines.=- Sure. I donnae mind, but being that yer hubby is away, will this nae seem a bit improper?

Shaden : She waved her hand.. " Nicholas is satisfied that I love him completely and that I would never do anything improper. it's called trust ... we have that in spades!" she chuckled but left the door to the parlor open all the same. Soon enough Gerda was serving them dinner.. a proper venison stew and yeast rolls.. with a dark rich red wine.. the fire crackled merrily in the hearth and she had to say she was content with the way things had turned out with her and Jack.. not all former lovers could be good
friends.. he was a good man.. and indeed... she was lucky to have him as a friend.

Trades: -=Amongst the glamour and finery of the Lily, sitting there before a fine meal and a lovely lady (one even that he had called lover) the darkly clad hulk of a man surely looked quite out of place. For the first time in the longest time he could remember, the man with all the answers, the tact and skill for any situation, felt as out of place as he looked. As he ate, he found himself to be hungrier than he thought, and quickly finished his first helping.=- This stew is delicious.

Shaden : She spooned him out another helping onto his plate " Gerda is a wonder in the kitchen.. she rules with and Iron fist god Love her.. " she smiled as she picked at her food.. her upcoming trip had her anxious, because she knew she was risking Nicholas' anger with her in the process.. and the though was more than she could bear... " Another roll?" she passed him the basket full and then butter.. and stood refilling their glasses then retook her seat.. " Care to take my mind off my troubles and regale me
with your adventures since you have been gone?

Trades: -=Under the brim, sidelong glances checked the open doorway at intervals. As she served him, he also wondered what good fortune brought him back to a wonderful woman. In his musing, though, the senses were still active. He knew Shaden, and despite her impeccable grace of friendship, his jaw tightened slightly. Hunger drove him to break his manners slightly and speak while enjoying more of the wonderful stew. His voice stayed low as to not carry out the door.=- Aye, I do, but that may nae be the most productive thing to speak of this eve. Troubles are best eased by dealing with them. I may prove tae be a good sounding board fer yer ideas.

Shaden : "I'm just anxious about the trip.. I have not been without Nicholas at my side in some 4 years.. I do not want to anger him.. but he will forbid it should I tell him I'm going.. and he could loose Jadrian forever.. it is a chance I need to take for his happiness. but it fills me with apprehension all the same.. there is aught for it.. save to go and come back as quickly as I can.. " she shrugged her elegant shoulders and offered up a smile that was not at all confident in that her husband would not strangle her when she returned home.. hopefully with his Son
Trades: -=There was a quick drag of red wine.=- Well, let us start at the beginning then. Why would he forbid ye going? What about it would anger him so? -=Another bite of stew muffled the next words.=- Truly my compliments tae the chef. It is wonderfully prepared and yet I can still tell that it was a doe - much sweeter than a buck.

Shaden : He has given up Jadrian for dead... his searching has been fruitless and he not only lost his wife and son but the unborn she carried as well.. and then there was the child I birth that he was willing to father.." she blushed.. " Our Daughter Joy died at birth.. he's lost so much.. he cannot take another disappointment and when Brom told him.. that there was news.. he simply forbid anyone to search.. once his mind is made up.. there is no changing it " she held a sad far away look on her face as she remembered the tiny red haired girl that she had carried some nine months only to birth still... " I know what it's like to loose a child.. if there is a chance Jadrian is alive.. then I have to see for myself.. and bring him home if possible"

Trades: -=There could be heard a small *urk* right before a calloused fist lashed out to thump himself hard in the chest a few times. He coughed and sputtered a bit of the stew on the nice tablecloth. Several labored breath were taken before graveled words left him.=- Shaden...ye never...he was willing...why did ye nae...damnit...

Shaden: " What?" she looked at him oddly had he misunderstood her.. she watched him cough and sputter... with an arch of her brow.. unsure of how to answer his question or even what it was...about... " Why didn't I what?"


Trades -=The brim snapped up and Steele grey eyes met hers.=- Maybe the road was harder on me than I thought, but ye never told me we had a child.

Shaden : I was pregnant when you left... it could have been yours.. or Robert the Bruces... " she looked at him oddly... " I though that was why you left... because you could not face the possibility..." her voice trailed off... " it is in the past now Jack.. it cannot be undone... We will never know for sure who her father was.. but she was loved immensely.. by both Nicholas and Myself.. and I miss her still to this day.. her name was Joy... she was a blessing and a gift." her eyes welled with tears... a hand pressed shakily to her lips.. 4 years and still she was overcome by grief.. no wonder she wanted to find Nicholas son so badly.. she wanted a family.

Trades -=He sat still, but made no attempt to disguise the sorrow in his voice.=- Nae, though a child might have made me stay. It seems we are back tae tales of me journey back. I left because we were on the threshold of fulfilling the single most driving force in me life. I was leading, but when I turned the rest of he had stopped following. I couldnae turn back once i was so close, so I attempted on me own...and I failed...the rest has been a matter of doing whatever was necessary tae keep body and soul taegether long enough tae come back, maybe make a home, maybe make another attempt.


Shaden “ so many mistakes " she offered in a whisper.. standing and moving toward the fire... her arms wrapping about her shoulders to comfort herself suddenly chilled... " I am sorry.. I know this is a shock.. and I know how much it hurts... I thought you knew..." she could not face him.. the sorrow in his voice tore at her heart...

Trades: -=He simply rose and stepped over to her, arms slipping around her waist from behind as he rested a grizzled cheek against her head.=-

Shaden : She did not resist his embrace.. leaned back into it closing her eyes.. and sighing deeply... not knowing what to say for once in her life.. her fingers closing over his scarred hands.. with a gentle caress.. for long moments they would stand like that in silence before the fire.. little did they know prying eyes watched.. assuming they saw an intimate embrace of lovers.. oh how this moment would come into play sometime later... but for now.. the prying eyes merely watched and cataloged the two.. until they turned from the fire which made the vantage point no longer available.. their actions hidden from her.. it was a Lily known as Maren.

[Lady Shaden Aramoire]

Shaden: It was before dawn.. not that she had slept much that night... she watched him sleeping... the rise and fall of his chest as he slumbered.. how she loved this man.. the man who had made his life her own.. gave her his entirety.. he was in effect her knight in shinning armor.. patient kind loving.. passionate.. no one could ask for more in a husband.. or friend.. and it was this very thing this consuming love for him that guided her now in her mission to set out for England... London.. to find his son.. She knew he sheltered his heart from the possibility of another fruitless search, another dead end, another disappointment after so many years of searching and never finding a clue that lead to the boy.. and now when such good evidence was presented.. he was so broken over the years of searching that he refused to search any longer.. he had given up... but she would never give up.. she would find Jadrien.. and bring him home to his father... Nicholas would have moved Heaven and Hell to save Joy.. and she would do no less to save Jadrien.. Knowing he would forbid it.. she choose not to tell him.. the last few days spent in secretive machinations with Brom and Ealora on securing their passage and luggage onto the Shadow Storm.. there had been little time to spend with Nicholas, save the nights... now she had watched him fall asleep.. until the first fingers of dawn begin to light the winter sky... fearing that he would wake should she kiss him... she slipped from the bed.. and padded across the room.. and dressed quietly... taking one last look... at him as she eased open the door then closed it silently... headed down the stairs and outside where Brom awaited already... " We must hurry to catch the tide.. " she turned once again looking up at the window of the room they shared.. it was for the best.. and he would understand when she came home with Jadrien... Upon Merribel's back she climbed and turned the little mare toward the docks.. the scene was set in motion.. and little did she understand the things that would come of this doings... secrets between husbands and wives.. never a good thing.

Nicholas: Little did Shaden know that Brom had been sure to slip him a sleeping draught into his evening meal glass. He knew very well Nicholas woke with the littlest movements and so as Shaden watched him sleep that he was so deep under, he barely registered as there. With his bad arm hanging off the bed, the other was jammed under his pillow as he lay on his stomach. The last couple of days had been torture so had he even known he would of welcomed the chance to finally sleep without dreaming of Shaden in another mans arms, particular Brom's considering the pair seemed to disappear the last couple days at nearly the exact time. Something was up, he just couldn't put his finger on it. Never would he assume Brom would disobey his order and go after Jadrien, he knew to well Nicholas heart could not take more disappointment. Not after all these years, not after losing Joy either. Something was up, to bad he assumed it to be the worst thing, Shaden was having an affair with Brom and why not, he had no battle scars, both hands worked, neither knee bothered him more days then not. He was an old man compared to all Brom had in way of working limbs. As she left the bed he moved, perhaps scaring her into stopping but he was turning to his side and cradling her pillow against his body, spooning the inadament object and giving a grunt in his sleep as he kicked his leg, his knee making an audible pop before he curled his leg back again. The door shut and the man, slept on, oblivious to his plans of his wife and how much they would affect him in the coming days.

Brom: Brom bounced from one foot to the other, his breath puffing out in billows of white against dawn's wintry morning until Shaden appeared, her reigns were held out even as she stopped to look up to the window. "Still time to turn back you know.." He cautioned against her ear. "Don't worry, he's sleeping like a baby" Brom couldn't take credit for the draught, he had gotten the idea from Shaden. He paused to see Shaden onto her horse before climbing up into the saddle of his own. "Don't worry my Queen, we shall be back before you know." Brom expected this to go quick and smoothly and how wrong the man was. Turning his horse towards the street, he stayed a beat behind Shaden's own horse as they raced to meet the docks and spearhead the events that would rock foundation of the Aramoire and Stryker union.

Shaden: "I can't turn back now Brom.. we have to bring Jadrian home " she smiled at the man then spurred Meribell toward the docks... just in time it seemed as the crew was in full action.. a groom took the horses as both Shaden and Brom boarded the Shadow Storm.. she felt sick at her stomach.. at lying and deceiving Nicholas.. and the fact that Brom had drugged him... even now she fretted over the headache he would wake with.. as if he had been drinking for days... yet she knew he would forgive her anything once he held Jadrien in his arms once again. The crew was making ready to sail.. Taylor and Scarlett giving orders out like a well oiled machine.. Shaden knew her way around the Shadow Storm well and directed Brom down to the Cabin he would be using.. while she Headed to Ealora's Cabin she would Share with Scarlett..

Taylor: "Bring her around and set the sails in!" Taylor called as he left the Beng at the helm. Scarlett bellowing orders from the mast as she climbed up to the crows nest. "Shaden..." Taylor grinned at the courtesan having always gotten along with the woman as Ealora's sister. "We're getting underway now, good timing. Ealora conveyed her best wishes on your journey, and instructed us to follow any and all commands you may have." He gave a squeeze to the woman's shoulder before his voice rose over Shaden's head. "Oy, Edison, watch the main sail, you blasted...excuse me Shaden" His voice lowered to her as he moved away to assist the man. "Beng, steady as she goes, kiss the sun for us, aye?" His voice rose again as Shaden and Brom moved out of sight below deck.

Nicholas: Dawn was peeling into the windows as Nicholas roused from his drugged stupor. Groaning, he pushed his good hand over his forehead and through his hair to the back of his head were it pounded furiously. He could hear the household moving around as if they were pounding around inside his own bedroom. Slowly he released Shaden's pillow and groggily lifted his head. "Shay?" He called soft voiced with a pounding head as if she was in part of the room he could not see. The walk in closet perhaps? Women lived in closets didn't they? Groaning, he rolled himself out of bed and shrugged on a pair of pants and tunic. Mornings were usually his strong suit, had he been drinking last night? Slowly slugging his way towards the door he pulled it open and called out "Gerda! Where's Shaden?!" and winced as the bark made the pounding in his head worse.

Shaden: Once alone.. she was second guessing herself.. looking out the window of the Shadow Storm as Turas Lan.. and Nicholas slipped further away with each rocking motion the ship made.. with a deep sigh she offered prayers begging that the time apart would be short.. and the reunion of father and son.. wife and husband would give them the family that Jadrien deserved.. and she and Nicholas dreamed of.. if she could not give him a child of her body.. then Jadrien would become a child of her heart.. Soon enough the open seas were before them.. the Isle faded away into the morning mist... leaving her with nothing to cling to in sight.. the long night or worry before had taken it's toll.. and Ealora's bed called to her like a siren.. sleep...was what she needed now.

Brom: Everything was settled into his room and he suspected with Shaden's longing looks back home often, that she was second guessing herself. Brom had the same gift as Nic did, being able to read people like a book. He would find sleep but not before Shaden would. Heading back uptop he was not hard to find the Captain's Quarters and rapped lightly on the door before poking his head in. "Shaden...brought you some of that draught, thought you might want to use it to help you sleep." He flipped the tiny green bottle in his hand and then held it out to her. "You didn't sleep much last night." It wasn't a question, he knew by looking at her she hadn't slept much. "Just keep thinking about the good that will come of this...come on." He ushered her softly towards the bed. "I'll keep watch over you, no harm will come to you while I am here. I swear it."

Nicholas: Growling like a bear roused from hibernation he lumbered down the halls of the Lily, looking through each door to find his wife and growing more irritated with each room that did not hold her from him. He knew he had been drugged by this point, he remembered well not drinking last night. But who would of done it and why? "Brom!" he winced again as he shouted. "God damn it, where the hell is everyone?" He growled low to no one in particular, alone as he descended the steps. "Gerda!" He called and winced again. He was going to kill whoever gave him the drug. Some of the girls sitting in the main sitting room looked up at him as he came down the stairs. He lifted a hand in a silent apology. "Seen my wife?" he asked in a softer voice and all the girls mimicked each other as they shook their head. He nodded and began to trek towards the kitchen.

Shaden: "I'm sure sleep will find me soon enough Brom.. there is no need to keep watch over me.. what could happen on my sisters ship?" she chuckled.. she knew she was completely safe aboard the Shadow Storm, as long as their were no gales or acts of God to send them to the darkest depths she was more than safe.. she had been on this ship for months at a time and knew the crew well she had no apprehensions about her surroundings.. it was what she left behind.. and how quickly she could go back that made her worry... She and Nicholas had not been apart for even a night in over 4 years now... how would she sleep without his arms about her.. his breath on her cheek.. to say that she loved him.. was the most understated phrase ever attached to the action of love... he was her heart and her life.. and she hated that he was going to be angry with her, and more that he was not with her now.. they should be going together to find Jadrian.

Brom: He watched her for a minute, trying to calculate if she was lying or not but her face was worn and tired and he knew she didn't need it. That did not stop him from placing the little vile on the table before making sure she was tucked into the bed. "you mean an ex pirate ship?" He quipped with a grin as he pulled the covers up around her. "Get some sleep, we're making open waters all ready, saw it when I came on deck. I'll be below, didn't sleep much myself. Let me know if you need anything.." He stood after tucking her in and moved to the door. "Good night my Queen" he spoke softly before shutting the door behind her and going to find some shut eye for himself.

Nicholas: The kitchen was empty but Gerda had been hard at work as a plate of sticky buns was sitting on a plate on the counter. Sighing heavily, he threw himself down onto a stool and eyed the puns but the drug had given him an upset stomach as well. Much like a hang over. Grunting with the pound of his head his hand rose again to press against his forehead before pushing hard through his hair. Wasn't anyone around to tell him what the hell was going on?!*

Maren: It was the wide doe eye country girl Maren.. fresh from Straun that made her way into the Kitchen in search of the wonderful aramo that was the sticky buns.. " mmmmmm Gerda it smells wonderful" the lith and long strides of the girl was usually not missed by any man.. she was exquisite.. tall and blond with wavey golden locks that fell below her waist.. and her eyes were a stunning mossy green that seemed fresh as spring in the dead of winter.. " Sir Stryker.. good morning " she eyed him balefully ashe groaned out his misery.. " To much to drink last night ?" she had a odd way of blurting out the truth of the matter something that Shaden had been trying to correct... she simply took a plate and glass filled it with milk and settled across the table from him.. liberating one of the sticky buns with the exhuberance of a child.. licking her fingers in delight at the wonderful confection.

Shaden: It was not long after Brom tucked her in bed.. and then disappeared that she did indeed reach for the little bottle of sleeping mana.. just this once she told herself.. just today.. it was bitter and thick.. and worked quickly... soon enough she was lost to oblivion.. dreamless sleep.. where she did not wornder what her husband was thinking and doing as he woke to find her gone..

Nicholas: His hair stuck up in places as his hand left it. His eyes were bloodshot, as if he had been drinking. His fingers massaged the back of his neck as he sucked in deep and even breaths to still the pound of his head and the roll of his stomach as Marin pranced into the room in the sweet country girl manner of hers. In some ways she reminded him of Shaden, the curls of her hair and her country manner, that reminded him of Rachel, his first wife. Leaning his elbows against the counter he watched the girl collect her milk and bun and licking at her fingers. For any other man, it would of made them stiff at the sight but Nic was just watching the girl and recognizing all the mistakes Shaden would of pointed out. Remembering Shaden and that she was still missing in action as it were only raised his ire. Was she off somewhere with Brom getting her freak on? He cranked his head left and then right, the bones popping in their place with the tension in his neck. "Good Morning Maren, No, I didn't drink last night, someome slipped me a sleeping draught." Raising his elbows up from the table he sighed. "You seen my wife?"

Maren : "mmmhhmmmm " those grass green eyes lifted to him ringed in long lashes that fluttered charmingly.. while she finished chewing a mouthful of sticky bun.. a dribble of carmel sticking to her chin she caught it up with her finger and licked it away before finishing her answer " I saw her leave before dawn.. she went for a ride I belive.. with Brom.. he was waiting for her with her mare out front" she poured another glass of milk.. unaware.. or was she... of the hornets nest she was shaking up... " Mistress sure likes to ride early.. I woudlnt' get outta bed this early if I hadn't smelled thiese buns " she took another bite just as Gerda begin to shush her..

Gerda:" you should watch your tounge talking bout things you dont' know.. never make assumptions.. or speak of others business.. Lily's are discreet " she scolded the girl.. a blush on the old womans cheeks.. she knew dam well what that sounded like.. to Nicholas.. but she was also as certain as the Sun that there was no hanky panky going on betwix Brom and Shaden.. " Nicholas.. drink this " she put a small glass of fizzing water befor him.. " it'll help with your head" then she turnd back to Maren.. " Off with you.. your still in your night clothes and you have class with HEather for the harp dont you?"

Nicholas: His Fingers stilled against his neck, his jaw flexed from left to right then stopped but it was no less tense. He watched Maren as she ate at her bun and the carmel dripping down her chin until her finger caught it back to her mouth. All this he watched with his anger rising each moment. Shaden was out with Brom now, probably getting their jollies off right at this moment. She had just left his bed too! Maren's actions seemed innocent but Nicholas actually wondered through his anger if the girl was coming onto him with the way she was eating the bun and his felt his body reacting, the front of his pants going red hot with the thought. God Bless Gerda, the woman appearing gave him second though and let the feeling decrease before he was making a play on it. "At least she is telling the truth were others are lying straight in my face" He nearly growled it at Gerda. How long had the woman been hiding Shaden's affair from him? She had no loyalties to Nic, despite if she liked him or not. He eyed the fizzy water Gerda put before him, took a swig and pushed up from his chair. "I need a bath and them I'm going after them...any idea which way they were headed Maren?"

Maren: " Toward the docks I think " she blinked as Gerda scolded her and then stood.. the robe she wore fell open revealing an almost see thru nightgown, the lines of her breast obvious.. was it cold in the kitchen.. was there a draft.. she didn't' bother to pull it back closed.. if Sir Nicholas wanted to look why not let him.. she would do whatever it took to climb the rank of the Lillies.. it was not easy being the newest Lily.. and she was at an disadvantage being a country girl.. with no real training up till now.. again Gerda shooed her own with a kitchen to well shaking her head at the girls obvious flirting with Nicholas.. she cast him a smile and then flounced out of the kitchen with a soft grin on her lips..

Gerda:" I know what your thinking Nic and your wrong.. SHaden loves you.. true enough she's been acting oddly these past couple days but I can swear on a bible I don't' believe for a moment she would betray you.. when she gets home you too will have to sit down and straighten things out.. before you both cause yourself misery.. " Be careful where your planting your oats.. because you reap what you sow Mister.. you reap what you sow " she admonished him before he left the room.. perhaps tha would ring in his ears and keep him from acting like a fool.. heavens knows.. Shaden could drive a man to distraction

Nicholas: His face was usually stock and silent observation but it was etched with shock this time. The docks? Why would Shaden and Brom go to the docks. He was hardly listening to Gerda as Maren robe swayed open. Gods above the girl was going to kill him before he got a chance to bash Brom face in and shake Shaden silly. His hand rose to pull this hair again, a stress signal as silvery blue eyes left the girl as she disappeared from the kitchen. He nearly did not hear what Gerda was saying. He took another gulp of the fizzy drink to settle his roaming stomach as he focused on the womans face as she spoke, trying to find the lies within them and falling short. With a sigh, his shoulders slumped. he was so torn between what his eyes saw and what was displayed before him to what his heart told him. "Gerda, send one of my men down to the docks, Richard, he is trustworthy, have him inquire as to if Shaden has been seen there this morning. If she's not been seen there, nothing to worry about then hmm?" He quipped as he pushed off the table and moved down the hall, his long strides made sure he caught up with Maren quick and reached for the girls arm, jerking her back towards him. "Maren" His voice came out a bit more gruff then he meant it to. "Watch who you flirt with around here hmm" His head dipped down to her ear. "Close your robe too, never know who is going to be leering at you around here." He released her arm and took a step back, his eyes lowering to her still open robe. Gods above he was going to need a cold shower. "I have a man out on errand for me, you let me know when he gets back." Rage, rage fueled his desires to hurt Shaden as he was being hurt, he knew it and thats why he cautioned himself to take a cold shower before he did anything stupid. Turning on his heels, he pushed himself to get up the stairs and away from the girl, let his anger cool. Shaden would be home soon no doubt and he would do as Gerda said and talk to her.*


Maren: An hour or so later Maren would knock on his door.. " your Man has returned.. and is waiting downstairs with news " she spoke thru the door.. and waited for his answer.. now dressed in a serviceable blue day gown she was properly attired as he had wished, her longhair bound up and pinned in a fashionable do.. Richard had already told her the news.. and she knew Sir Styker would be furious.. and should he have need of her.. she would be available.... She knew the Mistress had been seen boarding the Shadow Storm with Brom.. it seemed as if Shaden had left her husband..

Nicholas: He had a bath brought up and soaked for nearly that whole hour. When the knock came, he had just finished fastening his pants. His head rose. "Come in" He called as he reached for the button down shirt over the chair in the corner and pulled it on. He figured Maren would have the news. Each button was lazily being done up as Maren came in. He smiled at the look of her. It was indeed presentable and right for her. He was pleased that she was presenting herself in a better light then a common whore. He prided himself that Shaden taught the girls to be ladies of intelligence, better then a common whore who spread her legs in back alleyways. In these few seconds he would remember every second that began to burn like ticks of sand through an hourglass. It would be the burning of his heart in these moments. He just didn't know it yet. "Well?"


Maren: He say's she left on the Shadow storm with the tide Sir... with Master Brom headed out to sea " she cringed as she watched for the explosion on his face.. it must be hard to know the woman you loved just sailed away with another..one you considered your brother as well.. double betrayal.. she closed the door and leaned back against it.. watching him warily... "He's waiting to tell you himself if you want to hear the particulars"

Nicholas: "Left on the Shadow Storm?" He questioned as if he had not heard her. He stood so stock and still for a few moments before flying at the closet. The doors were nearly ripped off their hinges and clothes went flying across the room, panties, corsets, gowns, all of it was thrown out of the closet so he could get to the back to where Shaden travel trunks usually were. He found the space empty and felt his heart go cold. THAT bytch! He emerged from the closet, his chest heaving to keep the rage from exploding and yet it did not seem to work as he gave a mighty kick to the tub and sent it on its side spilling water across the floor. Both hands rose now and he ignored the pain in his useless hand as he forced his fingers open as both hands clutched at the side of his head. With a growl, he wrenched his hands away and moved towards Marin, he looked half crazed but pulled the girl away from the door with surprisingly gentle nature and wrenched the door open. "GET ME THAT bytch PIRATE EALORA!" He screamed down the hallway before stalking away from the door and Marin in his quest to destroy any remants of Shaden from the room.

Maren: Maren watched wide eyed and somewhat afraid as he raged.. never had she seen a man so angry he was like a bull in a china shop.. "Nicholas calm down " she used his given name.. as she reached out for his shoulder to calm him.. then squealed as he sent the tub crashing over.. water pouring out runinng the expensive carpets upon the floor.. when he grasp her and pushed her aside she could do nothing but Galk... He was a lunitic.. stark raving mad

Nicholas: He was a man possessed. God had seeming to forgive him his past had sent him an angel and had now turned out to be a demon. She had taken everything of him, he has given her everything. How could Shaden leave him? He had destroyed the room until he had no more strength left and fell into the chair and buried his face into his hands, defeated. The angel of his dreams had left him and her sister had helped her do it. His brother in arms, no, his brother in law, Rachel's own brother, the one man to watch his back through one hellish war after another had run off with his wife. Was this punishment for not saving Rachel? Of not being able to pull her up from the cliff? Had his best friend and confident done this on purpose? Was it possible the two had fallen in love? Shaden had ever right to fear Nicholas rage, he had promised to never love another, to allow the animal in him she saw sometimes in the bedroom free, to never be the same man should she go. She had said she loved him. He felt himself shaking, remember the passionate way in which she had straddled him, the way she had rubbed against him as if to rid the scent of another from her, how excited she had been, how moist she was then, to moist. He felt his stomach turn and groaned as he began to rock and forth in the chair.*

Maren: She stood watching it all.. when he finally stopped his rampage she moved to him.. sinking on the floor at his knee.. her fingers lifting to smooth back his hair from his face.. there were no words she could say.. to him.. only her touch to perhaps sooth him somewhat.. what did you do when you watched someone fall apart before your very eyes... it was heart wrenching to witness a man in such a state.. as she ran her fingers thru his hair she cooed softly... and the truth of her existence began to form in her mind... Shaden had and immense power over this man... many men.. she wanted that power.. craved it.. she would take it.. first from this man.. and then from many... with Shaden gone there would be room for a new mistress and she would step into the role.. and into Nicholas bed in the same movement.. a plan formulated in her mind.. already she was planting the seeds.. " Shhhhhh Nicholas.... shhhhhh "

Nicholas: His mouth parted to let out slow and even breaths as if he were falling asleep there in the chair but really he was trying to calm himself. Calm the rage, the pain, the horror as things seemed to fall into place. As Maren fell down to her knees before him, her hand at his hair, his eyes closed and his shoulders relaxed some. His good hand moved to still her hands at his hair as his face raised from the balled fist of his bad hand. "You approach the tiger without fear there is no cage between you to save your precious life?" His smile was sad, heartbroken as he slowly let his hand fall away from his wrist to stare down at the floor. How many minutes had passed now, when was that damnable pirate going to get here? He was going to have it out of Ealora even if he had to kill her. She had aided Shaden leaving this he knew by Shaden leaving on the Shadow Storm, but he had to hear it from the one person he knew would not lie about Shaden's whereabouts and that was her sister, the bytch pirate. It was no secret the two of them did not get along. Maahes believed Ealora reformed and Nic knew better, then again Maahes never liked him. That family was no doubt gunning to help Shaden get away from him.*

Maren: "I risk it because the tiger is wounded and needs caring for.. what kind of woman would I be not to help.. in some small way " she knelt now at his feet taking up his hands in her own... rubbing them soflty... " Shall I fetch you some wine.. or perhaps something stronger?"

Nicholas: "You are a sweet girl..." He commented hollow like. He meant it but he just couldn't get his voice to work right. Lids slid closed again as she took his hands into her own and rubbed softly at them. He pulled in a deep breath and slowly let it out. "No...not right now, I need a level head when dealing with the pirate. Tonight though, I will need the strongest stuff they have on the island." A knock sounded at the door and Richard stood with a confused expression at the mess, knowing what he did not make this any more clearer to him.

Richard:"Boss, the General's wife is here, she is downstairs for you".

Nicholas: Removing his hands from Maren's, he slowly stood. "Fine, get some people in here to clean up this mess please Richard. "With shoulders slumped, the retired Knight went to face what he knew would be his doom, to seek the truth and begin the tremors of the earthquake that would rock the foundations of his marriage.

[Chief Baliff Ealora]

Ealora:It had been a trying day, first Shaden and left and with the dawn came the worry that perhaps she should of gone with her. Ealora trusted her crew completely and though she had slim dealings with Brom, even she trusted the man to keep Shaden safe but the woman attracted trouble like bees to honey! Maahes was going to be pissed, of that she had absolutely no doubt but she knew to she couldn't tell him the real reason why Shaden was gone and risk him going to Nicholas, despite the fact Maahes didn't have much liking for him.She knew what she was summoned to the Lily with Shaden's absence and she had come prepared, that was, with her sai's sheathed behind her back in their holster. Lead into the Salon, the Lilies lounging there seemed to give her an apologetic look before vacating the room. This was going to be bad. That she knew too as she waited for Richard to alert Nicholas to her presence while her hands went behind her back to clasp the handles of the twin pitchfork like weapons. Not that she planned on attacking anyone, but just in case...

Nicholas:She was waiting for him, hands poised behind her back and staring him down when he came in. He was a man defeated but instantly felt the anger rising him again and wishing he had accepted Maren offer of a drink first. He knew by the way she was standing, hands behind her back that she had her weapons on her. "Weapons aren't permitted in the Lily. My men will take them from you..." He ushered to Richard and Robert to move to collect them as he stood across her.

Ealora:Instantly thumbs lifted the clasps that held the Sai's in place and the weapons were drawn as Robert approached her right and Richard her left the sharp pointed ends ushered at each men, Celadon eyes drawing left and right at each gentleman and then Nic. "They can try...but I'd really hate to see Shaden's carpets stained with blood. Such stains are very hard to get out you know. I'm sure your men are more then capable of fighting men in wars but are they prepared for a pirate? Because I promise you, I may of been stripped of the title for quite some time but that doesn't mean I have forgotten how to fight like one." She jerked, urging Richard to move a step closer to her as his hand outstretched at her. With her attention on him, Robert thought he was free to attack from behind. Ealora was a mother of Six, her eyes needed in every direction at all times. Three years of toddlers running around had honed her skills well and she swiveled on her heels and brought the sai's up and together and posed at his neck, with a flick of both wrists, his neck would be severed from his head but she stopped short of nicking at his neck. "Try me pretty boy" She growled low as Richard reacted in defense of his brother.

Nicholas:"Enough!" Nicholas voice boomed into the room and Richard stopped in his tracks while Robert stayed statue still with hands up. He rather liked his neck on his shoulders! "Leave us" He boomed in a rather low voice to his guards. If he ever forgave Ealora for this, he'd have her train with his men in situations against pirates. Never knew when it would come in handy. "Leave. Now" Each word punctuated when each man did not move and finally Richard retreated while Robert slowly worked his way from between the scissoring blades. With slight bows at the waist they both left the room and closed the doors behind them. "I realize now you might need them considering I might just choke the life out of you. You took my wife away from me, allowed her to leave me. Why would you do that to me?" It surprised even him to be so calm right now considering how much he wished to watch her face turn blue with lack of oxygen as his hands strangled her neck.

Ealora:As each retreated, the sai's were slowly pulled down and hands went behind her back, crisscrossing to put the sai's back into their place. The grin on her lips was nearly triumphant. HA! she seemed to be laughing at them without actually making the sound till her focus turned on Nicholas as the doors were closed. "You know, you truly are an idiot Nicholas" Thumbs slid the straps back over the sai's and pressed to click it closed. "I've never held any loyalty to you except as my sisters husband. So now all of a sudden you think I owe you something? Saving my sisters life years ago when she was captured in my place? Hmm." Her head tilted up, a single eyebrow going up with the question. "Trust me, you weren't the only person capable of finding her then. An I am still of the mind that you seduced her at her weakest point. That doesn't make you a man in my eyes, that makes you a coward."

Nicholas:"YOU WEREN'T THERE!" He felt himself loose control as his voice boomed an echo across the room. "I WAS THERE DAMN IT, I DELIVERED THAT STILL BORN BABY AND WATCHED HER BREAK DOWN! WHERE THE HELL WERE YOU WHEN SHE WAS A SHELL OF HER FORMER SELF? YOU DIDN'T PULL HER BACK FROM MADNESS, I DID!" He was shaking with emotion, anger and rage fueled his desire to murder the bytch in front of him. "I loved her, with every fiber of my being" His voice cracked but no tears would come, his throat was sticking. "My own man, and you knew...you helped them run off together, you owe me the reason why my wife was to chicken to tell me goodbye, to chicken to tell me she didn't want me anymore! She left you to explain, NOW EXPLAIN!"

Ealora:Ealora's head tilted up as he boomed, Maahes was much louder when he was angry and even then she did not flinch. All amusement in her face left to a stark darkness that even Maahes would of remembered during her pirating days. "I...was fighting to give birth to my son and remain alive. I don't owe you a god damn thing Stryker. I did what I had to do to remain with my family. I visited hell and bargained with the devil for my family. Can you ever say you did the same? No, blame God for your run of chytty luck and all gone wrong marriages. God hates you? For what? Doing your duty, doing what you swore to do. You are a hypocrite in its truest form. Calling yourself a knight and then when something goes wrong, blame God because you do unimaginable things in the name of loyalty. Tell your wife marriage is a partnership and then forbid her things because you are against it? You can't capture wind within your hand, it will not stay as you expect it to." Each word was so cold and not like the Ealora everyone had come to know, love and respect. She was doing it to keep him from finding out the truth and not realizing it drove the spike into the fountain even more. As harsh as she was being, she tried to be somewhat fair. "You love her Nicholas, truly love her, then have faith in her. You've known her this long. Do you really think Shaden would do something like this when claiming to love you with everything she has? Or has it come to the point that you break? I know insanity Nicholas, its been driven into me like the mythical harpies of Greece who punished criminals with insanity for their misdeeds."

Nicholas:Sliding into a chair, Nicholas let his head hang as a hand went out to stop her. "You don't know a damn thing about me then. Just shut up, Ealora. Just close your God damn mouth!" The last growled low. Part of him wanted to listen to her, believe that Shaden would never hurt him like this but another part of him looked at the evidence at hand. Was Ealora just trying to temper his hurt and rage for the sake of Shaden? That he didn't track her down in her affair and strike her dead? God, the thought made him shudder. Seeing the life drain out of Shaden was not something he wanted but God above he wanted to hurt her as she was now hurting him. "I can't deny what I have seen, my eyes do not lead my false but my heart....and yet everything I have SEEN" He wasn't speaking to her anymore, more himself. Shaden had broken seeing the stillborn form of their daughter Joy and now Nicholas broke as she had in the absence of her. "Where did she go Ealora? just tell me. Please, for my sanity, tell me." His voice had softened and yes he a knight of the old ways was begging a former pirate.

Ealora:Ealora relaxed where she stood. It was true she did not understand what her sister saw in the Knight. Usually Knights seemed to kiss ass to rise through the ranks but Nicholas never had. He had even refused to join the war when it had come at first. Not until things seemed dire did he join and she was not sure if that made him brave or just a coward or even if he did it out of guilt for the men dying or his love for Shaden. He had never taken time to know Nicholas Stryker as Shaden had Maahes but then Shaden and Maahes really had no choice in the beginning, stuck on Ealora's ship with Jack Trades. Letting her shoulders relax as her body did, she moved a step and then another to take a kneel down beside the man. "Nicholas, I love my sister as she loves me. We have never judged one another our past misdeeds or misfortunes. When I needed her most, she was there for me. To save my life when it was near a close end and my families life when I was...dead. For her love, I cannot betray her. I cannot tell you."

Nicholas:Nicholas felt the rage swell in him again, covering the grief as the pirate took knee beside him. He had moved before he knew he had. His fingers had ached in opening and yet he did not feel it until he had Ealora by the shirt and was lifted her off the ground and slamming her back against the wall. "Once a pirate, always a pirate! Once a whore..."

Ealora:He didn't have time to finish the sentence as Ealora foot kicked up into his stomach. With a OMMPPHHFF he had released her and she slid down to land on her feet against the wall. Pushing from it to give her room, her fist came back and forward into his face.

Nicholas:He sucked in wave after wave of breath as his stomach rippled with pain but it was nothing compared to the fist in his face. Stars bursts of light crossed his eyes while everything went back and he went tumbling over the couch.

Ealora:As calmly as if she were having a peaceful conversation she rounded the couch and again crouched at the crumpled form of the Knight on the floor by the couch. "If you value your life at all...you will never try to finish that sentence ever again. Go to church Nicholas and pray for forgiveness for even thinking it. Now, listen to me and listen good. I'm not going to tell you where Shaden went, even had this gone sweetly, I still would not tell you." Rolling the man to his back, she edged closer to whisper in his ear "Take my advice now, go lock yourself in your room. Think about Shaden and not what you think she has now done to you. Think about these years past. Work yourself through this little madness of yours and when your level headed again. We'll talk. Until then, don't even think of summoning me because I promise you, it will end badly" When she was finished, she drew upward to her full height. Richard and Robert had appeared when they heard the commotion and stood silent as Ealora passed them until finally moving after Nicholas still on the floor.

Nicholas:As The men reached for him, he kicked and punched. "Get.Away.From.Me." He growled low as his nose trickled blood down his lips. Both men drew back with worried and skeptical looks until drawing backward and around the couch until leaving the room completely. For more then a moment Nicholas lay there staring at the ceiling. Sans the pirate nearly knocking his lights out and the blood running down his lips from his nose, this reminded him of flipping over the couch when he had been blind. Shaden had wanted to laugh, he could hear it in her voice even as it was etched with concern if he was all right. How she had laid upon him then and kissed his eyelids as if to make them better. This room held so many memories like that. Of laying on the couch with Shaden in his arms, heartbroken over Jack Trades leaving. How he had held her then, accidentally kissed her. Feeling his body react like any mans would for a second before the guilt had settled in. He had never counted on falling in love with the courtesan in the first place and yet it had always seemed as if he had been meant to be with her but that did not mean she had meant to be with him. Fate could be cruel like that. He laid there for a better part of an hour, working over Ealora's ever word in his mind. Perhaps she was right, he was making himself mad. He was loosing control all on his own. Where Shaden had merely just been there as a hollow person, he was acting like a mad man. What did that say to his character? Finally he moved, time was something he just couldn't stomach right now, he didn't want to know how much of the day he had lost as he went upstairs to find the mess he had made cleaned up, the rug he had ruined removed and a bottle of whiskey on the table with a glass. He would take Ealora's advice and lock himself away, for tonight. Drink would be his solace and his companion tonight.

[Lady Shaden Aramoire]

Shaden : The days had passed at sea with nothing of note.. it was the same each day and fair weather and a goodly wind had seen them safely to England's shores.. Had Shaden known what was happening back home at the Lily, she might have had the Shadow Storm turn about on it's sails and head back to Skye.. How could she have possibly known the venomous lies that would be told, the half truths and innuendo that would take root in Nicholas's heart and mind.. never once did she think he would think she had left for another man.. especially his own blood brother Brom.. or anyone else for that matter. She loved Nicholas without end he was her life.. he was her everything.. that was why in fact she was doing this.. to make sure he had his son in his life.. to return to him what they longed for.. a child.. a family.. it was both their most feverent dream. She knew the wrenching guilt, shame and pain that Jadrien's supposed death.. and each clue that offered false hope in the past years had caused her husband.. she saw it in his eyes.. heard it in his voice when Jadrien was mentioned.. and listened to his mumbling in his sleep.. when his waking strength left him and his mind wept in his sleep for the son, the family he had lost in the past. Shaden may not be able to give him children of his own from her flesh.. but she would be dammed if there was a child of his flesh somewhere in the world.. and she did not try..to bring him home. Her thoughts lay with her husband as the ship anchored in port.. longboats away to ferry passengers to the docks.. She herself standing on the port side looking over the busy city... out there.. somewhere was Nicholas' son... " soon Jadrien.. soon.. you shall see your father once more"

Brom: With the letter he had received and the drawing of Jadrien rolled up and stowed away in his breast pocket, he lounged with a foot propped up on the railing and hanging onto a line as the ship rounded into the port. England, Nicholas and he had been here in their youth, before Nicholas had married his step sister Rachel. It seemed a lifetime ago, a time belonging utterly to someone else as the memories of it seemed foreign in this time that England was now a land hammered down by the Gaelic nation of Skye. Had there been another option? Brom had not been apart of the war that ravaged both lands but he had seen many times before what came of lands conquered by another. Some thrived, and some fell to ruin, like Athelia which had become near a wasteland of scorched crash and crumbling buildings. Had Nicholas ever told Shaden of Athelia, the days before its downfall and the aftermath? He hadn't in him to ask, what Shaden and Nic had, he could not interfere with nor tell tales of glory that weren't his though he had been in the background. "Finally" He breathed as he stepped off the railing and let go of the line to move towards Shaden. "I'd nearly forgotten how much I hate ships..." He grumbled low while they waited for their horses stored below to be brought up from the holding. The city had been nearly been reduced to rubble during the war of nations, a message to King Edward at the time. Now three years gone by and the city seemed brought back from death. Which of course could be no small wonder with the work houses of children opening, doing the labor that would cripple a grown man. Even the thought made his jaw tighten. "Do you want to find an Inn and freshen up with a bath or something to eat first?" This was her voyage, even if he had gathered the information, she had insisted on coming, and she was, his Queen.

Shaden : She chuckled good naturedly as Brom confessed his hatred of ships , and his grumbling growl " It's not so bad.. Ealora's Ship is wonderful compared to some I've been on " she nodded softly, a wisp of red curls playing in the light sea breeze, it was winter and cold.. but she braved it with rosy cheeks.. anxious to get into town and find her stepson.. " We should get a room and get the horses settled.. send them with.. one of your man to secure some rooms.."She turned looking at him with a smile.. raring to go.. " If you have the information on where Jadrien is I say there is no time like the present.." a brow arched upward in challenge.. easy in easy out.. was what she was hoping for .

Brom: "You can talk, you did not spend the night in a room the size of a broom closet" His hand lifted to rub at the back of his neck. A tall man, the small bed in the closet sized room had not fit him and he had slept like all cokeeyed. With a turn of his neck, it seemed to pop the bones back into place with an eerie crack but he groaned out his satisfaction of it as if being caressed by a lover. "I'll send a man to the nearest Inn to the docks to secure rooms but the workhouse is at the far end of London, best we mount up least we spend all day fighting crowds in the streets. I promised no harm to you and I do not trust you to the streets and the pick pockets, thieves and murderers around here." His hand rose to touch the edge of her elbow. Though her smile could melt the coldest of hearts, he felt a twinge of pity, for her, yes. She had not endured all the searches to come up empty handed and though he held high hopes today, he feared too disappoint as he did each and every time and every lead that went sour. He could not for the life of him, banish her hopes. "Lets make our way then." With his hand still at her elbow, his hand lifted and his fingers went to his lips to whistle shrilly before his hand was lifting to circle his head. Keep the formation tight. The horses had been brought up and waited on the docks for them. "After you, my Queen."

Shaden: Into the long boats and to the docks they went, Brom ever the gentleman catching her when she mis-stepped and almost tumbled out of the long boat at one point with a laugh she thanked him patting his shoulder with fondness "Nicholas is lucky to have you as his brother" she meant it.. Nicholas could not have done better had they shared blood , Brom was as much kin as any that shared a mother and father could be. She was thankful for his help and his company on this journey for she knew she could not do it alone.. Soon enough they were on the docks and mounted heading toward the far end of London, weaving thru the crowds.. This Lady and her Guardians.. already those on the streets with reasons to rumor spread them like wildfire.. A Scottish Ship , From the Isle of Skye.. and a Lady.. some whispered to be the Famed Flame of Skye.. Robert the Bruce's Consort.. was here in London.

Brom: He would shake his head with a laugh as he righted her from falling into the water. "Well I don't know about that. Once upon a time, for a short time mind you, I hated him." He winked as they made to the docks and he helped her up to the boardwalk itself and then up onto her horse. The last to mount up, that shrill whistle sounded again before he was taking up the reigns leading at the right of her and a company of two more at the back of them. Nicholas himself had trained him to keep eyes front but be aware of the surroundings around him. "Nicholas is lucky my lady, to have found a woman such as you. God rest her, Rachel loved him for the silent and nerdy thing he was back then but their marriage as short as it was, could very well of failed when each war changed him. He isn't the same man he was back then and he is an all different man around him. You wrap him tightly about your finger. You know that?" People scampered to get out of the way of the entourage, carts pulled aside on the wide cobblestone streets to allow them easy passage. He had come to Skye after Shaden little jaunt with Robert the Bruce, but Nicholas had filled him in on his amazing wife. Brom himself found himself quite surprised and fought to keep the grin from sliding over his lips. Flame of Skye indeed.

Shaden : " do you have the address " she fidgeting in the saddle.. nervous, expectant worried.. " Who is your contact and do you know who is in charge of the workhouse .. who shall we need to see " In her inside cloak pocket were of course letters of introduction , as well as council from the Mor'Traith himself should she need them.. aboard the ship was a small casket of gold coins.. should she need more than the bag she carried on her person.. She wasn't above buying Jadrien's way out of the workhouse.. nothing would stop her.. if it cost her everything she owned and more.

Brom: "Shaden, take deep breaths...don't faint out of the saddle, at least not to the left, I can catch you here on the right" He teased with a wayward grin tilting one side of his mouth. "You doubt me now, now that you insisted on coming and we're in England?" He pushed his feet against the foot holders of the saddle, readjusting his behind and relieve the ache he was giving his....well..."Shaden you ever seen a workhouse?" He tilted his head in her direction. "With children as workers? It's not a pretty sight and Nicholas will damn well kill both of us you come back with his son AND a load of kids from the workhouse. So you just take a deep breath. I will obey you in many things but you insisted on coming. Know any money you give on behalf of those kids is only going to go into the Forman's pockets. You got a good heart Shaden but don't let it rule you here." They turned the streets, waving through them as if treading water until the docks were left behind them and the city expanded on like the ocean had before for them. "This here workhouse we're going to, its a quarry processing plant. Kids work down to produce the stone the need for buildings or what have you, some are brought up to the factory and chipped away looking for precious stones. That's the plant we're going to. The information I received a month ago only said Jay had been known to be in the quarry but the one following it with his picture said he worked as one of the ledger boys takin care of the books. See old Craft, he gets away with any mishaps by blamin the kids. Any figures missing, goes over his head and to the ones who keep the books. Half of them don't even know how to count right much less keep the process of the plant." He pointed to one of the large factory's in the distance. "That there is it, see no smoke, no need to burn the furnace when the work doesn't demand it. Less money out of pocket means more in. You just keep your cool, understand?"

Shaden : " I understand." she nodded trying to compose herself.. already the thoughts of such a horrible place loomed in her mind.. how could someone treated children that way, yet she knew how.. the world turned on greed.. and children were in no short supply.. orphans especially after the wars.. She herself had been sold as a five year old child.. by her parents.. a source of irritation for her stepfather who believed her a product of an midsummer' nights revelry when wine was flowing freely, and her mother even freer... Shaden had been sold to a purveyor of Courtesans.. brought up and classically trained.. in such a house.. it was something few people knew.. in fact in all of Skye she had only shared the truth of her childhood with Nicholas completely.. Ealora knew bits and pieces.. but Nicholas knew all.. perhaps it was Shaden's childhood that called out to her so when children's misery abounded. " I sure if I return home with Jadrien.. Nicholas wouldn't' mind a dozen or more so " she teased Brom before he pointed out the factory they were headed too.. " I promise to be on my best behavior " she smiled softly , and spurred her mount onward.. never did it dawn on her the Nicholas would find that her taking Merribel with her was a damming nail in the coffin of his suspicion of her.. you see.. Shaden had Merribel before she came to Skye.. now with both Horse and Mistress gone..Nicholas must think it for good.

Brom: "Good" He gave a sound nod of his head. He would as he said, follow her in anything she wished but finding truths within lies was a tricky business and even though Brom knew nothing of Shaden's dealing with spy business, he had been the one to uncover every fiber that came his way about Jadrien. He gave a grunt to her tease, any other time he would of laughed openly but he gave her a stern look that said NO, just as Nicholas would of done in a serious situation. "Follow my lead. Hopefully this Forman will be as stupid as some of the people I've dealt with in the past. Pray this goes easy hmm." Brom was as religious as Nicholas and Shaden, he regularly attended mass and found it essential to his sanity to pray for forgiveness when he had sinned, which in the latest years was every day. The man was a rogue and he knew it. With a quick glance at her hand, he nodded to himself his approval and drew from the breast pocket of his vest, Nicholas wedding ring. It matched Shaden's and he had promised himself when he took it from a sleeping draught knocked out Nic, he would return it when they got back. He found no harm in it. Little did he know how much harm it was doing now when Nicholas couldn't find it. With a shove, he slid the ring on and kicked the horse into a gallop up the winding path to the warehouse. "Hail, Forman!" He called to the door as he reigned in the horse and dismounted first before moving to get Shaden down.

Craft: Forman Craft was a fat and portly man who despite his wealth gained from using children as workers, wore near rags. The round pot belly was more defined with the belt resting nearly hidden underneath it and his face was broken out in pimples from the sweat that dripped down his face despite the cold weather but a fat belly would do that to you. "Oy, what do you lot want here?" He spoke as he came from the warehouse door out to the four horse and patrons arriving.

Brom: "My wife and I have business with you good man." Brom retorted as he helped Shaden down and slipped his hand around her waist while the other held her hand in his.

Shaden : Her eyes widened as he pulled out the ring she knew so well.. a blink but there was not time to question him as they were before the foreman before she could phrase her query.. soon enough Brom's hands were about her waist hoisting her down to the ground.. lingering for a moment .. no doubt part of his act.. then his hand slipped over hers almost pulling her along.. True to form she pasted on a cool smile tilting her head up at her would be husband.. the fine cut of her riding habit, Prussian blue trimmed in silver fox, with a matching cloak, sapphires flashing at her ears and throat.. all proclaimed her to be a lady of wealth and title.. the fact that her handsome 'husband' was equally nobly attired had slipped her notice in her anxiousness to find Jadrien.. now she slipped into spy mode.. now everything was noticed cataloged and analyzed with a cautious eye.. perhaps she had gotten soft in the past few years, her spying days quite over, and settling into married bliss with Nicholas.. but the talent would serve her well in this venue.. she hoped.. silently she stood beside Brom.. what a pair they made..

Brom: His hand tightened about Shaden's waist as he raised her hand to his lips to press a kiss against them before he was shifting to stand beside her to lay her hand in the crock of his arm. "Lord Fenton and this is my wife, Lady Margaret. We come from our lands, Suffolk where we've started a clothing factory, heard about a man, Mr. Craft, turning a better profit by the way of using discarded children. What does an Earl need of more money though right? You see the problem is, the children we've got taking care of our ledgers are damn sore at it. We heard you have yourself a grade A bookkeeper. I'd be willing to pay you triple what he is worth and of course talk about trading portions of our businesses to each other. Lots of masonry stone needed out in our country. You could make quite a profit hands down."

Craft: Crafts face lifted and he had started to pant with the idea of being associated with an Earl and not to mention the money he could make. Triple what the kids were worth! This was his lucky day. Sweat had begun to pour down his face again as he waved a fat hand at them. "Please, my Lord...my Lady...lets not talk business out in the open. Never know who could be listening. Heard of me have you? Great pleasure, Great joy." True the man didn't want his rivals knowing he had such a great offer as he waved them inside. The door lead to a large room strewn with tables. The sound inside was unimaginable, the constant clang of hammer and chisel hitting stone. Dirt faced seeming sunk in to the bone looked up from all around then slammed back down to their work. There was a set of stairs that lead upward. To the man's bedroom no doubt and office where the ledger kids worked pouring over books of numbers. "Heard about one of them did you? All of them are good kids, very fine kids indeed. Smart as a whip. Any one of them would do for you but who am I to judge. What's the name of this one you're lookin for?"

Shaden : Once they were inside the factory it was all Shaden could do to keep on the mask of indifference.. her hand lifted to her mouth as if to stall the smell of fetid flesh and sweat, urine and defecation.. but in truth it was to keep from crying at the sight of all the children there.. oh gods.. had Nicholas son been treated this way.. her hand trembled inside Brom's as they made their way, the foreman prattled on, but she didn't hear him, her eyes locked on the hundreds of tiny faces that bore the dirt and grim of this place, the malnutrition and horror.. for a moment she stumbled feeling weak kneed and caught herself on Brom's strong arm.. a flush of anger staining her cheeks as the foreman looked at her with concern.. where was his concern for these children.. indignant ire and anger begin to well in her heart, it beat wildly in direct objection to what she say in this hellish place .

Brom: Brom kept his eyes foreword, intentionally not looking at the children less he break his little character portrayal. He felt Shaden shudder and his arm went about her waist as her cheeks began to flame. His arm tightened, hard, against her hip. Keep. Your. Cool. It seemed to speak without the need of his lips moving. "You must forgive my wife, we are newly with child. Our first. She insisted on coming. Women you understand, hormones raging, she could not stand for us to be apart."

Craft: Craft nodded as he rubbed a new bout of sweat from his face and wiped it on his pants. "Quite right, quite right. Congratulations my lady!" He huffed out of breath all ready from their little jaunt from door to the stairs only a few feet away. "Errr, the kids name? What was it you said again"

Brom: "J...something. Jay? I don't remember the particulars. Black hair, blue or something eyes." His arm slowly loosened from Shaden when he was sure she was steady again.

Craft: "Ah right" The Forman turned and then stopped. "Errr...Why don't we work out the particulars of payment first and what you would like to trade, our portions of business first." He was stalling or rather trying to ring the nobles in first.

Shaden : Her hand moved possessively over her belly as if indeed it sheltered new life, and she gave her husband an adoring look.. though the thought of grinding her heel into his boot was making more sense.. harmonies and such.. indeed.. can't stand to be apart.. she almost coughed outright.. but she managed to keep cool and smile..moving along with them as they discussed the particulars.. but when he begin to stall she spoke " We would like to see the boy first.. test him to make sure our money is well spent " she gave the foreman a beautiful and coquettish smile.. meant to melt his black heart..

Craft: Chubby hands came together, ringing into his sweat stained top. the thoughts of grander and riches, dealing with the well to do of England were slipping his grasp rapidly. "Well you see my Lady, that boy, he was right fine at his job, right fine boy, very smart, did as he was told. I was offered some three weeks back a fine price for him. Couldn't refuse such a good price. My good friend Larry bought him, owns a ship buildin warehouse down by the docks."

Brom: Brom groaned and the irritation showed on his face as he jerked Shaden back from the stairs. "Then we shall go barter our business with him...Sha...Shame that. Come Margaret."

Craft: "Wait wait!" The fat old man looked ready to have a heart attack. "See ol Larry ain't there. Finished a right fine ship last week and took it out for a spin, to test her ya know. He ain't available to discuss no business and I know his men won't let you near the boy, noble or not. Beg your pardon my good Lord. That shouldn't mean though that we couldn't do business. You pay me triple what they paid me and I'll get the boy back for you and then we can do business."

Brom: Brom was hardly listening. Cursing himself for nearly saying Shaden. Finally he let the mans words settle in and snorted. "You want me to pay for you to get him back and then pay you for him?" He shook his head as he lay a hand on Shaden back. "I'll tell you what though, I'll leave these plans I had drawn up the other day for you. They more then make a fair trade for your information. I'll come by on the morrow and we'll sign them and make you a wealthy man hmm. I see no reason for us to loose out on money even if you don't have the boy." From his pocket he drew a velvet black coin pouch filled with coin and as he tossed the fake papers on a nearby table, the coin purse weighted the papers down. "An this, is if you can tell me when this Larry, will be back."

Craft: The Lord and Lady no longer had his attention. The papers and money bag did. He was going to be RICH! "Tomorrow. Said he would only be gone about five or six days. Today is day six, should be back by tomorrow." Waddling like an overly pregnant woman, he snatched the papers and money bag up before the Lord changed his mind.

Shaden : Her eyes had widened when Brom almost said her name.. but recovered quickly and tossed the man the papers and coins.. she wanted to rail against him to make him tell them where Jadrien was.. now... she couldn't' wait another day could she..? Her eyebrow raised when the man said this Larry would be back on the morrow.. " We will send a man round at noon.. if this Larry is back then we will conclude our business. it can be both lucrative to you and your friend I assure you " she nodded.. and turned with Brom.. heading out of the factory, every fiber in her being screamed for her to do something about the children there.. but she couldn't'.. for Jadrien's sake.. and it was breaking her heart.. she vowed right then and there that as soon as Jadrien was in hand.. she was coming back and doing something.. she didn't know what yet.. but something had to be done for these children.

Brom: He didn't wait for Craft to offer to see them out. Instead with a hand to Shaden's back, he ushered her out the door and helped her back onto her horse before taking his own. He knew she wanted to do something about the children, he did too but he just couldn't, not yet. Just has Shaden was planning something, he too was planning something in his own mind. The guards were still waiting to see them back on the road and when they were a good distance from the factory he let out a sigh. "One more day won't hurt us Shaden. Keep faith. It's only one more day." He fell silent then but after a minute or so he let out a booming laugh. "Ah well, you will have to continue acting like my wife, the Lady Margaret though. If this Larry has a warehouse by the docks and Craft tells him about Lord Fenton and Lady Margaret, we can't go acting like Shaden and her guard Brom though."

Shaden : She was beyond angry " I cannot believe him.. that sorry son of a bytch.. he lives off those children's misery " she raged as soon as they were out of range of the factory.. shaking with the anger of righteousness.. " I swear when we get Jadrien I'm going back there and slap the smirk off his face.. I'm going to ruin him " her passionate nature may have been in question till this point but she was not longer a cool noble lady she was MAD with the whole situation " I don't care what we have to do to get Jadrien back " she snapped at Brom.. without meaning too and then looked at his finger " Why do you have Nicholas's ring?" her slender eyebrow was raised.. of course she knew the answer he had taken it for his ruse.. but wouldn't another one have worked as well.. she was just pissed.. pissed..pissed.. and he was the easiest target at the moment.. now that they were in front of the Inn.. she slid off Merribel herself.. still fuming over the days events and meeting that cretin.. Forman person.. she shivered in disgust.. " I suppose Lord Fenton you should go arrange for us a room " she almost snorted.. Shaden in hissy fit mode Brom probably felt sorry for Nick now that he had witnessed this side of her.

Brom: "Shaden, I know you're angry, but please let me handle that man. I promised to keep you safe and if that means me chaining you to the bed and making sure you don't create extra trouble, I will." He shot her a stern look that meant he would do it without a second guess. He only smirked as she ranted and raved. Spitfire red head. Yeah he was wondering when the fire of her temper would show through like the shine of her red hair. Those red heads, they all had a temper. Where he could of taken offense that her rage was turned on him, he merely shrugged. "Nicholas has the ability to see people and what they don't say by their face. I have the ability to a quick mind in any type of situation and creating the needed ruse. It has gotten us through many battles victories. The minute you decided to join this little hunt, I knew I needed his ring if the need came up that we had to act married. Your rings were best because they match. Most noblemen have matching rings made when they marry, a secret pleasure to see something they created, something as simple as a band, the likeness of their own, means they OWN their wives. Their mark without branding them like cows and horses." He fell silent as they rounded the Inn and slipped off a second after her. Damn it woman, in her rage, she was threatening to ruin their rouse. The guards accompanying them jumped down to collect the reigns as a Lord and Lady would never do such on their own. Moving around the horse, he grasped Shaden up into his arms and planted a sound kiss against her lips. An experienced kisser, his lips melded against her own like butter for the barest of moments before his lips slid over her cheek to her ear. "Don't....let your anger ruin this Shaden. You do, I chain you up and send you on the Shadow Storm back to Skye as cargo hmm." Now that he made it seem as if he were a passionate Lord soothing his wife's irritation, he let her go and swiftly moved inside to secure them a room. He was going to spend the night on the floor, now he rather preferred the cramped bunk in the broom closet of a room on the ship!

Shaden : She was about to finish her rant when she was kissed.. and soundly so.. her eyes blinked wide.. as he manhandled her.. expertly.. who knew Brom had it in him.. she was stunned.. no one had kissed her in years save Nicholas.. stunned into silence.. that any onlooker would take for passionate stupor.. a blush rose on her face making her seem all the more in love.. as he whispered against her ear.. she nodded softly as if soothed by her husband and followed him dutifully inside to await him arranging for the room... soon enough they were on their way upstairs.. but once inside the room it would be a whole different story.

[Sir Nicholas Stryker]

Warning: Post pertains some sexual content.[/color]

Nicholas:The sun rolling high into the sky and shining bright and beautiful in the Gilded Lily windows, especially Shaden and Nicholas window. She loved that, Shaden, when the light hit the window and crawled across the bed cascading them in a glow. He always awoke to her grinning with it. Usually he found it quite charming and becoming of his wife to see her bathed in a glow seeming to be brought on by God but Shaden was gone and had been few days now. Groaning as the light from the window hit his face, he rolled, the wrong way and slammed against the floor beside the bed, to hung over from the night before to catch himself and he cursed loudly not even minding the empty whiskey bottle as he rolled across the floor and clanged dully against three others. The bottle to him sounded though as is if it were hitting a whole rack of empty bottles and he groaned deeper as a hand rose to press against her forehead as he let his head lull back against the end table by the bed. He had been a shut in for days now, of course he took food when it was left outside his door but he would talk to no one, leaving the duties of guarding the Lily to Robert and Richard while he drank himself into a stupor. He had even stopped shaving and bore the roots of a thick shadow on his face which was scratched next as he cast red rimmed eyes over the room, searching. Nope, still no Shaden.

Maren: Maren walked past Nicholas and Shadens room once more, trying to screw up the courage to open the door and go in, but courage failed her yet again.. until she heard the clanging of the bottles.. picking up the tray of breakfast Gerda had sent her up with.. she knocked lighlty at the door.. then toed it open... " Sir Stryker.. I have your breakfast" she was appalled at the sight of the room.. it was trashed.. her nose wrinkling at the stale stench, whiskey , sweat, was that vomit she smelled.. her eyes took in the shadowy form that was Nicholas and she cringed visibly.. he looked like hell...! Settling the tray on the table she begin to pick up the strewn clothing and torn remmenants of things that belonged to Shaden.. righting chairs and setting about small things that had been thrown but not broken.. then the task of picking up the many bottles that littered the floor. " Im not one for housekeepin myself.. but this is bad " she tried to coax a smile out of him while she straightened up " Go on.. eat.. Gerda will have my hide if you do not.. and all the other girls are scared to even come up "

Nicholas: His head lazily pulled up from the table as he was ready to fall back asleep. Letting out a humm that sounded more like a groan, he rubbed the back of his neck as he wobbled to get onto his hands and knees and finally right himself with a push of his elbow against the bed. "Thanks Maren. You don't have to be doin that.." Apologetic voice murmured as she explained Gerda would be mad, well let the old woman be mad but he felt ashamed for scaring the girls. A lazy grin pulled the side of his lips then fell. "I have been a bear haven't I?" He scratched his his scalp and sighed. He needed a bath and he needed to straighten the room. He had been acting like a fool. A lunatic and he knew it. Even with his head pounding and his stomach rolling, seems things clearer then they had in days. He wobbled his way to the table and fell into a chair looking over what Gerda had left out on the tray. Sweet Coffee! He poured a cup from the pot and set it back onto the tray before taking a sip from the cup, black, just the way he liked it and just the way he was behaving. He cringed with the thought but more the sounds the bottles were making as she picked them up. "No no, Maren...please, my head." He groaned again as he held and massaged the back of his head. "Well you can tell them to no longer be afraid. I've been acting a fool. Ealora was right."

Maren: Maren settled the bottles as quietly as possibly near the door " Would you like for me to send up someone with bath water?" no sooner than the words had left her lips did her brow furrow over Cornish blue hues in question.. " Who was right about what?" poor man was obviously broken due to his wife running off with another.. but then again.. shouldn't he have expected as much marrying a courtesan.. and not just any courtesan.. Maren had not been in Turas Lan long.. but she had heard of the Famed Flame of Skye well before she had moved from the bucolic province of Sleat to the Capitol city.. It was said by many that she had bewitched not only Robert the Bruce himself.. possibly playing a role in his death with her doings.. but also the Mor Traith.. that every man that cast his eyes upon her wished to have her.. poor Nicholas.. It was in coming to Turas Lan that she met some of the Lily's and then decided to become one herself.. such as it was she couldn't' say she saw what all the fuss was about Shaden.. she was pretty enough.. but the stories had made her seem like a goddess.. frankly in Maren's eyes.. She herself was much prettier and fresher than the Madam.. and certainly not as used. Shaden seemed nice enough.. but the rumors were always in the back of Maren's mind.. suspicious creature that she was.. not to mention ambitious.. she wanted everything here.. in the Lily.. all the wealth and grandeur.. and the power.. and before her lay the path.. a half drunken disheveled heartbroken man.. it was like unearthing a gold mine.

Nicholas: Sometimes the stories of Shaden were more grand the actual being. People and their rumors. One thing was for certain though, Shaden did indeed attract trouble like bees to honey and Nicholas often wondered why such a beautiful and adventurous woman wanted him, an old knight tired of the fight and ready to settle but then that had always been his dream hadn't it, a family and despite being a courtesan, Shaden had wanted it to but had never thought herself worthy of it. "I look that bad huh?" He half heartedly joked when she asked if he wanted a bath. "but yes, a bath would be nice. Get rid of his scruff." His hand massaged the beard beginning at his chin as he eyed the tray and wondering if he should try it even if his stomach rolled in protest to the food there. "Hmm, oh, Shaden's sister Ealora. Pirate, The Lord General's wife?" He was surprised the girl didn't know of Ealora. She was as famous as Shaden for her trouble. The Shadow Witch of Skye. "She said I was being, lunatic and she's right. I based my facts on stupidity." His good hand lifted to pinch the bridge of his nose and then fan out to rub at his eyes as he lounged back in the chair, sliding down till his neck rested on the top of the back of the chair and his legs spread out over the floor beside the table. "I acted irrationally, I should be focusing on her return, mad as I will be that she left. There has to be good reason. Maybe we need another vacation. I should take her to Athelia, perhaps she thought I was kidding that she's now a Queen, perhaps she thought I was ashamed of her. I should send word to Athelia, tell them to plan a Coronation for her." He pushed up and then groaned as he settled back again. Reminder Number one, don't EVER drink that much ever again.

Maren:She listened to him half in shock.. she had heard of the Pirate Witch as well, her eyes grew wider than their normal doe eyed size and blinked widely " They are sisters?" witches they had to be.. casting spells on those around them it was the only plausible explanation in her mind.. and then he continued on.. Athelia.. King.. Queen.. his worth doubled ten fold in the span of the seconds it to for him to speak.. suddenly he glowed golden in her eyes... her mind churning away on just how she could win this man over.. and become a Queen.. " You based you facts on what you know as truth.. not stupidity.. your wife left with another man without telling you anything.. but I guess that is the way of being married to a courtesan.. you would be used to sharing her with clients.. perhaps that was all it was and extended contract and she will be back " she let her words settle innocently enough as if she had no agenda of her own.. she scooped up the bottles and made way for the door, knowing he would not let the conversation end at that.

Nicholas: "Well, not blood related." His hand rose from his eyes to wave in gesture of drop it "Long Story". Pulling himself up within the chair, he tried his hand as a flapjack, plain, he tore a piece off and stuffed into his mouth. Forcing himself to chew and swallow as she continued on talking. Damn she had to bring up Shaden left with another man, and not just any man, Brom. He was trying really hard to trust her. "Maren, my wife was not an active courtesan. She gave that up when we were married. Why in the world do you think I would be sharing her with Clients? What do you mean an extended contract?" His stomach rolled and twisted but he forced himself to rip another piece of flapjack from the plate and pop it into his mouth.

Maren: " I though.... " her words trailed off as if embarrassed or unsure of what she was about to say... " Of course.. whatever you say Sir Stryker " she gave him a look that told him there was more she knew.. blushed and turned to the door " I'll see someone gets your bath " her words were quiet as if she held a secret.. of course it was just what she wanted to portray.. innocence.. let Shaden be the guilty party.

Nicholas: "Hold on a minute Maren...you know something." He slid up until he was no longer leaning in the chair and slid to the edge. "Wait a minute, Maren, come back here. What's going on?" All ready his mind was turning with shadows of doubt. Had Shaden been cuckolding him? He had never been an idiot and though they had worked out most of their issues in four years of marriage, he saw how men looked at his wife in visiting the Lily and even in all this time could not learn to curb his jealousy despite never seeing her react to the gestures of men towards her. She had always been so regal about it and when she put them off, it was always gently, teasingly....or was it a put off? Like an insect, he was flying into the spiders web.

Maren: " I shouldn't say... but even Gerda knew.. I mean she served them dinner... and all and he stayed overnight here.. " she stammered and blushed deep red as if she actually didn't want to spill the beans on her employer... " I I'm so sorry... she's been so good to me.. taking me in off the street and teaching me so much.. I just can't " she gave him the pleading.. don't make me tell.. when inside she was bursting at the seams to lay this bombshell at his feet.

Nicholas: "Gerda knew what? Maren.." He asked all most gently with a tint of need in knowing what the hell she was talking about. He didn't want to slip into that lunatic mode of his again but he wanted to know. No he needed to know. "Who stayed here overnight?" His elbow went to the armrest of the chair as he leaned towards her. Shaden had perhaps always seen him as a knight, never seeing the man that had ruled a Kingdom. In this moment he looked like the King trying to wade out the traitor in his Kingdom, wrong traitor of course but he couldn't of known that. Pressing his hand against the armrest, he pulled himself up as she blushed and looked so stricken about outing someone who had saved her. Crossing around the table, he took the bottles from her hands and turned to set them down on the table. Raising his hand, he took her chin in his hand and raised her eyes to his. "I promise you Maren, no one is going to throw you out." He found her loyalty admirable, her guilt evident of her sweet nature. "Am I such a horrible man that I must be made out to be the fool? Am I not worthy enough to know the truth?" His hand fell away from her chin as he sighed and leaned against the door. "I don't know who to trust anymore."

Maren: " The other girls knew his name... Jack Trades... they had dinner in the private salon.. I saw them there.. he was holding her before the fire.. and talking in whispers... the night before she left." her hand went to her lips as it tumbled out as he tilted her chin upward to his face.... " He stayed the night.. upstairs.. in the green room.." she trembled before him as if fearing the fate of the bearer of the bad news.. " I thought he was a client.. but Heather and Jayne were talking about how he was Mistress Aramoire's lover... before you... and how he might have been the father of her child.." nail in coffin raise up all the past... " I just though.. after her being the Kings Consort.. I heard the stories... that you... knew.. what she did away from you " sly little snake...

Nicholas: His face flinched at the name. He didn't need to look at her to know she was fearing him raging out again. He wondered now how insane he had looked when Shaden had disappeared. His foot kicked at the door, though it only made a dull thump for how little effort he put into it. "Yeah...yeah he was her lover before me. She was with him when I came along. I wasn't looking to get into her pants ya know. Just looking to move on." He pushed off the door and moved about the room to keep himself from falling apart again. Spying a half bottle of whiskey on the end table on his side of the bed he turned his pace over the floor to it and raised the uncorked bottle to his lips to take a drink. Rule Number One was out the window. "I was that child's father. I was the only father that child would of ever known." He shuddered with the memory of Joy's Birth fresh in his mind. Tipping the bottle up again, he took another drink and hissed as it burned its way down his throat. "All my children have been taken from me. My son, my daughter, the baby my former wife Soren carried. All of it, down the drain." He swung the bottle lazily as he quieted and let the thoughts invade his mind like poison. "No I didn't know.." Again the bottle lifted and another swig. "God, you punish me so much. You punish us when you love us. Do me a favor. Love me less..." He set the bottle down to run through his hair as he slumped against the bed.

Maren: She moved to his side settling at his knee as he swigged the whiskey... " I'm sorry... I know it hurts... but perhaps it's better you know now.. when you have no children with her.. to complicate things..." upside.. he needed an upside... " There will be other women who would gladly give you more children.." her eyes widened slightly as she lay her hand on his knee comfortingly... for a long moment... then rose " I'll return with your bath water" up she moved to the door and disappeared.. it would be half an hour later.. when he had time to digest Shaden's betrayal and begin to need justice.. to lash out.. that she returned.. waiting for the servant boys to fill the tub then closing the door as they made their way out.. timid and shy she seemed. but already she was formulating a plan to become a Queen.

Nicholas: Silvery blue eyes fell on the small and innocent little thing at his knee. A thick brow rose in wonder. Was she kidding? Did she know nothing of his luck with women. He was doomed to failure both with women and children. So his thoughts were running as her hand went to his knee. God the touch of a woman iddled with drink and he felt himself responding to the lingering touch and thanked God as she left the room and he shifted on the bed, using a hand to shirt himself within his pants. Damn it damn it! The bottle was set on the side table before his arm was going over his eyes. Gladly other woman to give him children but not betray him? Was it even possible? Lifting his arm, he rubbed his fingers against his forehead and sighed into the empty space of the room. So Shaden had been cuckolding him with Trades. How long had this been going on? She hadn't even told him the man was back in town, now he saw why. First Trades and then his brother in arms. Brom always had a way of charming women into falling in love with him or at least falling into his bed. Shaden hadn't just fallen into his bed, she had fallen in love with him then, seeing them embrace in the Gardens. He had seen something he shouldn't had...their escape plan perhaps. Even with the whiskey his bad hand ached dully and he brought his hand down to massage the stiff fingers and stopped. His wedding ring was gone. Sliding off the bed, he searched all around the bed and floor for it. It was there the boys and Maren found him but it wasn't till he looked up did he realize, it didn't slip off, not with his fingers curled to his hand stiff. They had taken it. Shaden had taken it when she had run off with Brom. Well, now she was getting her urges taken care of by Brom, and God knew how many other men. Why not him. He watched Maren let the boys out and close the door. Such a timid and shy little thing but all ready his mind was going back to her hand on his thigh and he felt himself responding to it again.

Maren: She watched him look for something beneath and in the bed wondering indeed if he had went mad... her brows furrowed " Can I help you find something...?" she moved toward the bed.. pulling the sheets from it and shaking them out.. incase whatever he was looking for was there.. then tossin them in a heap on the floor as she finished stripping the bed.. the sheets smelled stale and of booze.. " Go ahead start your bath I'll change the bedclothes " she turned her back toward him as if he were a brother or something.. pretending not to be interested at all was the best way to gain a man's interest.. as she moved about the large bed.. she lifted onto one knee atop it.. pulling the covers off.. making sure he had a perfect line of sight to her heart shaped behind, her skirts lifting enough to show him stockings and a flash of garter as she innocently worked.. long golden locks of hair fell over her shoulders in ripples that was much like a mermaids.. silky and seductive.. her form was taller than Shaden's but more lith and long... her bust not as big.. her hips not yet curved with full womanhood.. she was young and sweet and brought to mind summer days and honey.. warm sunshine.. sweet grass and blue skies... the perfect foil for a man in need.. in the middle of a cold hard lonely winter.

Nicholas: "It's not there...my ring.." He growled low, the thought alone making his rage seethe beneath his skin. Unlatching his shirt, he pulled it from his shoulders as she turned around and began to strip the bed. For a moment he focused on getting into the tub, removing his pants and sloshing into the tub but it was as she worked around the bed and put a knee onto it that his attention went to her again. God above! A man possessed he catch the rise of her skirt and the flash of stocking and garter coupled with the warm water was working his body into a frenzy until he felt his blood boiling beneath the skin. He realized absently that he was washing the same arm over and over again and dipped his body further in the water to wash the soap away from his body. With a low groan he submerged himself in the tub to wet his hair then lathered it with soap and dunked under again to rinse it. To his knowledge, she was innocently changing the bed, to bad his thoughts weren't so innocent in mentally undressing her with his mind.

Maren: She turned as he came up from beneath the water chuckling as if he were a naughty child.. " you still have soap in your hair" hands on her hips she moved toward him.. picking up a water pitcher from the table.. and dunking it in the hot water.. " Close your eyes" she knelt beside the tub.. holding the pitcher aloft.. then streamed it slowly over his head.. truth be told.. there was no soap in his hair.. it was just her way of getting closer.. once the pitcher had been emptied.. she rocked back on her heels.. and gave him a shy smile.. " There all clean " she pronounced.. in the process of rinsing his hair she had.. accidentally on purpose spilled some of the water down the front of her dress.. making the light yellow fabric almost translucent and clingy.. as her eyes caught with his she feigned embarrassment looking down at her bodice.. the clinging fabric and the obvious dark shadows of her nipples..now erect and displayed for him.. " Clumsy me "

Nicholas: She was laughing at him? Yes the man actually looked down at the water to see if his neither region could be seen through the water. Ah, his hair. He chuckled as he dipped his head back and sighed as he closed his eyes and let the water cascade over his hair. He felt his skin flame to life with her touch against his head to remove the rest of the soap, or the nonexistent soap. Poor dumb fellow. His head lifted as the pitchers waterfall stopped and his hand rose to push the water off his face and then went back through his hair to indeed make sure it was clean. As her head went down to her bodice, so did his eyes. Little minx knew what she was doing but such embarrassment escaped him as he stared at the clinging material. Many times he had made love to Shaden like an animal in heat, some primal urge in him to possess all of her and he felt that primal urge rising in him again as he stared at the dark circles of the girls breasts. Shifting in the tub, his arm shot out to grip Maren by the waist and drag her back towards the tub as his lips descended upon her own in a low hungry growl.

Maren: Ka CHING.. the sound of gold.. trumpets blaring.. a coronation.. everything she desired was in his eyes.. then he pulled her halfway into the tub, possessing her lips.. soft and colored like strawberries.. tasting sweet of morning Danish icing... she was perfectly pliable in his hands.. a soft little moan of pleasure as her lips opened to his.. exquisitely... hands splaying across his chest.. not in protestation but curling inward in invitation..." Nicholas" she breathed his name softy leaning into him... so easy.. she almost pitied him.. but he was her future.. he would give her the world and more... all he had to do was forget Shaden.

Nicholas: He groaned with the sweet taste of her lips. Ambrosia to him, fueling his desires as he struggled up from the tub, locking his arms around her waist as he stood within the tub then climbed out. Slowly he was walking her backwards towards the bed. The inviting curl of her fingers, the way she breathed his name. It was all fueling him as he clasped her hard about the waist with his bad arm and let his other hand travel to the nape of her neckline. With a few hard tugs, the material gave way and his lips left hers to snake from her lips downward. He had thought to shave after bathing but now all thoughts of removing the scruff were gone as it raked at her skin along with his lips like sandpaper. Gripping at where the fabric had stopped ripping, he yanked again ripping the material to her stomach to give him better access. Now satisfied that he could taste her flesh further, his hand traveled down her hip till he found the heat of her thighs, bunching the skirt till he felt the end in his fingers, his hand curled under to the prize beneath. His hand teased at the inside of her thigh, feeling the creamy flesh of her skin as it worked upward towards the jewel he was really seeking.

Maren:In her mind she heard angels singing.. she would get the just reward she sought.. already she felt the weight of a crown upon her head.. even as her dress was ripped from her body.. his stubbled chin leaving welts and scratches upon her fair flesh.. she could care less... she had been with many men for far less.. and the prize at the end of the day was her place in the sun.. oh she would love this man.. or at least what he was... she would give him children.. they would return to his country and rule.. and her life would be magical.. a far cry from the dairy farm in sleat where she came from.. soft moans and sweet words of pleasure left her lips as he feasted on her body and she refused him nothing .. everything she was was granted to him... his sweet delectable innocent country girl... had just managed a coup de tat` on the Mistress of the Lily...Pawn.... takes King from Queen check and mate.


(Censored)[/color]


Nicholas: Releasing her shoulder from his lips, he began to pant and gasp as his hips still moved in small spasms willing themselves forward, pushing hard against her ass as his fingers gripped at her thighs while he slowly began to ease from his release. Growling low, he let his forehead run along her back as he held her for a moment and then slowly began to retreat from within her with a groan. There was no kissing, no murmurs of love and no invitation of cuddling but a simple flop to the open side of the bed as his chest continued to rise and fall in rapid succession to his panting. His hand still on her thigh, moved over and around her buttock, feeling the curve of that particular globe in his hand before he was removing it, pressing his palm against his forehead to calm himself. "Jesus, Mary and Joseph" He groaned as he wiggled this way and that on his back to find a comfortable spot before going still again so he could catch his breath.

Maren:She rolled onto her side... her ruse still not complete.. until he wanted her to stay.. to be with him... shyly she picked up the shredded clothes.. moving as if she though he might abuse her or yell at her.. slowly she begin to try and put the rended dress on.. her back to him.. little sounds of frustration emitting from her.. hoping that she emulated the shame and horror of being taken by the Master of the house.. her shoulder shook softly.. would he feel compassion.. guilt... enough to take her in his arms.. and make promises she would hold him too.. it was essential that he want her to stay.. that he feel..concerned for her.. responsible... that he would want her and her alone.. perhaps reliving her of her need for clients.. her eyes scanned the room as she waited patiently hoping the fool would not fall asleep as so many men did after sex... all the lovely things that belonged to Shaden would soon be hers... to bad the dresses would have to be altered.. but so be it.. the jewels.. they would fit nicely.. her eyes looked over the jewelry box on the vanity stand with greed.. but she calmed herself.. lest she give herself away..she was playing poor sweet innocent.. Maren..

Nicholas: His palm rubbed against his forehead again as he watched her slink off the bed to collect her ruined clothing. Oh Jesus what had he done! "Maren" He watched her shoulders shake and felt ashamed of the way he had acted. Rolling onto his side, his legs swung off the side of the bed as he sat up and reached for her. Poor dumb fool, he drew the girl into his arms. "I'm sorry, Jesus, I'm sorry" He groaned in misery as he drew her to him. "Come on, come lay down with me." He pushed the ruin dress from her shoulders as he pulled her onto the bed, rolling away only to collect the blanket from the ground and fan it out over them as he laid down beside her. He enveloped her into his arms, his hand stroking her backside as she faced him. "I promised you, no ones going to throw you out of here. I promise you Maren, I'll do right by you...I...am sorry, I don't know what came over me." His hand lifted to push the golden curls away from her face. He knew exactly what came over him, something he couldn't help. Shaden knew about it. No one else did. "Don't worry, I promise you, no one else will lay a finger on you." He meant to harm her but how could he know if she took it the another way. "We'll have you wear one of Shaden's dress when you leave but for now, sleep...no one's going to harm you here, not while I'm here. Sleep." He commented softly as he went back to rubbing at her backside to soothe her. Booze, Bath and now sex, the old foolish knight was tired and began to drift off to sleep himself, his hand slowing its caress and laying over her waist as he slipped into a dreamless sleep not realizing now, he had deeply cracked the foundation of it all.

[Lady Shaden Aramoire]

Shaden : Shaden was in the dinning hall of the Inn fidgeting over her tea.. she had added 6 spoons of sugar to it so far waiting for Brom to return with news of Jadrien whereabouts.. lifting the cup to her lips she scowled at the overly sweet tea that was now lukewarm and settled it back upon the table.. she hated waiting.. her thoughts moved over the previous night sharing a room with Brom.. not her most favorite activity but not as bad as she had suspected... To keep up the ruse of them being married it was a necessity.. and after her bath he had returned to the room.. rolling out his blanket on the floor as a gentleman would.. at first she was content with this arrangement.. until his constant shifting about and cursing under his breath had interrupted her hardest attempts to find sleep, she had peered over the end of the bed exasperated beyond belief.. " We are both adults.. and I have in the course of my years shared my bed.. if you don't sleep in the bed you will catch your death of cold.. or wrench your back.. and be of no use to Me or Jadrien.. I insist " she pulled back the covers that sheltered her from London's bitter cold and motioned him in.. " No arguments.. I need sleep and your moving about will not do" her finger pointed at the empty side of the small inn bed....soon enough he had relented and moved into the bed.. probably thanking god.. or at least his back was.. he was not a young man anymore... it was less than an hour after falling asleep that Shaden would curse the decision.. as she listened to the loud obnoxious rhymic snoring opera that was Brom.. good gods in Heaven above what had she done to deserve this.. a goose down pillow wrapped about her head barely muffled the sounds.. so it was that when Brom did return to the Inn Dinning hall , he would find a less fresh , unrested, anxious Shaden awaiting him.. just hope he didn't taste the tea.
Brom: When he had left again in the morning it was with his promise to hog tie her and throw her on the Shadow Storm back to Skye if she did anything to ruin his investigation. He had worked to long and hard on endless trails that went cold and dead for her to ruin it now. Besides, he had reasons to take care of Mr. Craft, unknown to Shaden and Nic the order in which Brom had initiated himself into since coming to Skye. He left her, dressed the part of a Lord of Sussex to brush around to make sure they didn't hit any more roadblocks and that Mr. Larry master shipbuilder was back in town. He left chipper but that was because he had not had to spend the night on the floor, much as he had protested at first but the bed looked inviting when she pulled the covers back. Never did it enter his mind the woman within the bed. This was his brother in arms wife and his Queen to boot. He had sunk into the empty space of the small inn bed and pulled the covers over his body. It was better then the bed on the Shadow Storm but not much space, not with Shaden beside him and before he found sleep he was as solid as a rock on the ground on his side of the bed, that was until sleep found him and his mouth cokeed open to shake the heavens with his ungodly snoring. In the depths of sleep he rolled to his side flinging a leg over Shaden's and later his arm followed pulling her body back into his own, perhaps dreaming of a lover as his chin rested against her shoulder. While Shaden cursed her decision to allow him on the bed where likely he would of been the one with unrest in the morning. He had a rather good night sleep and he bounced slightly in his step when he came through the dining room to her side, leaning down to briefly kiss her cheek like a lordly husband would do before taking his chair. "I have good news" He mused as he took the teacup and took a swallow before replacing the cup on the saucer again with a scrunch of his face. God in heaven! She was trying to kill him! Clearing his throat of the lukewarm sugary mess he shifted in the chair. "The good Master shipbuilder has returned from his trip and has agreed to see us."

Shaden : Luckily for him she had slept through the cuddling incident, which happened in the wee small hours of the morning, the only few hours she had slept at all, and he had risen before her.. one did wonder though what he thought when he had to untangle himself from about her.. or that she had nestled into his embrace quite nicely.. a warm bundle of femininity.. Nicholas was a lucky man... anyway... when he dropped a kiss on her cheek she was indeed hundreds of miles away deep in though of her husband and their last passionate night together.. her heart swelling with love for him.. and imagining how happy he was going to be when she and Brom brought Jadrien home.. the smile on her face was radiant.. as he dropped that kiss.. even more so.. cementing the ruse they played for the masses of being Married folk... She laughed slightly as he sputtered and made a god awful face at the tea, offering an apologetic shrug " I was distracted " then a warm smile as he announced good news.. and then and excited little yelp as she leapt up and wrapped her arms about his neck pressing a kiss to his cheek.. " When do we go.. I cannot wait.. what should I wear..do you have news that Jadrien is there for sure " bundle of nerves and energy.. but for all the right reasons.. no matter how much it annoyed Brom.. her heart was in the right place.

Brom: Surprisingly it had not phased him to wake up holding her. He had merely released her, cheeked to make sure clothing was in place and sighed in relief before crawling from the bed. No harm no foul but next time he was going to insist sleeping on the floor to be sure! He let out a laugh as she yelped only to hug him excitedly. Yesterday she had been antsy and annoyed and now she was a thousand miles away only to leap quite literally back into the woman. Lucky man his brother. This woman kept him alive, Brom was more sure of it now then ever. "We go when you're ready, wear what you think the Lady of Sussex would wear, and no there is no solid information that Jadrien is there. I could not inquire to far into it now that people know the Lord and Lady of Sussex are in town and are 'shopping' as it were for hands for their new business venture. To inquire to much in name would raise suspicion. "but if you're not sure what to wear, lets just say my Lady wife, you will be most pleased by your garment upstairs" He winked with a grin as he leaned back in the chair. "I now wait on you lady wife."

Shaden : She eyed him suspiciously.. her smile waning when he had no direct news of Jadrien.. and then mysteriously had secreted a surprise upstairs.. hmmmm " I shan't be long.. " she quipped.. a shiver running up her spine when she turned and caught an unsavory looking character in the corner eyeing her.. with intensity... as she made for the stairs he left his lean upon a table and stood.. making his way behind her... to call out to Brom would raise alarm.. so she hurried up the stairs as quickly as possible.. turning down the narrow hall that lead to their room.. the shadow of the man loomed on the stairway and she had scant few seconds to decide.. to go into her room would be a trap.. as it had no outlet at all and was a sheer drop of over sixteen feet from the window.. glacial green hues moved down to the set of servant stairs at the end of the hall that went upward.. and it was there she raced. toward the attic.
Brom: "Shaden, I have been doing this for nearly five years...you can't let every step trip you up and make you lose hope. God has a plan for us all." He had raised forward and lowered his voice in calling her Shaden. It was a risk but one he was willing to take when she was so concerned over another dead end. As she seemed taken by the surprise upstairs he grinned and leaned back within his chair pulling paper and tobacco bag from his pocket to roll himself a cigarette while he waited. laying the square sheet against his knee, fingers dug in the pouch and sprinkled the tobacco onto the paper before the pouch was shifted back into his pocket and he rolled the paper, bringing it to his lip to lick the end to seal it off. He hadn't missed the man getting up from his table when Shaden had left and he gave it a moment or two to decide if it was a threat or not. When the man didn't immediately return Brom stuffed the hand rolled cigarette behind his ear and lifted up from his chair. He caught the mans backside rounding the corner at the top of the stairs as he reached them. Damn woman, now he understood why Nic said he was going to die of a heart attack one of these days! Slowly as to not make the boards creak, he ushered himself up them, one by one in pursuit.

Shaden : Thru the servant quarters of the attic she ran.. as quickly and quietly as possible.. behind her she heard the echo of the door swing open.. as she looked for a place to hide.. a secondary way out.. something.. but there was nothing save the dormer windows.. oh how she hated roofs.. without much thought she was through the window and closing it behind her without a sound.. easing along the cornice board to lay flat against the roof, hopefully the man could not see her from the window... the wind and snow was freezing as she realized she was not dressed for outside.. shivering against the dampened rushes that made up the rooftop, her feet threatened to slip off as they went numb she cursed silently... her eyes scanning for a way down.. or back into the attic.. but how long would her assailant lye in wait... minutes ticked by but seemed like hours made even more hellish by the wind and snow...


Filtch: Filtch had been watching the Lady all morning.. seeing her pull out her velvet purse full of gold coins to pay for a cup o tea... gold for a cup o tea mind you.. wealthy bytch.. had more money than she had the brains for... well he could help her with her problem relive her of that little purse.. and maybe get his hands on those tits as well... he bided his time till she went upstairs alone and followed her.. oh she was a sly one.. must have heard him coming.. playing games this one was.. See Filtch considered himself quite the ladies man.. at least in the meat markets where he normally worked , nothing ladies liked better than fresh meat.. but he wasn't' one to let opportunity go to waste.. when he saw the swish of her skirts heading up into the attic he knew he had her right and well cornered.. indeed.. he might get more than a handful of tit.. no servants were upstairs this time o day.. they were all below.. serving breakfast to the gentry.. a fools smile complete with broken and rotted teeth shone in the dim light ' Oh lady.. where are you?" he called.. when he didn't' see her , locking the door behind him... " no use hiding now.. I know your here and there is no way out "

Brom: As he turned the corner, he didn't see anything and cursed silently. Fast feet the both of them. He had called Nic a wimp but now he saw what the man was talking about. Attracting trouble like honey and bees. Creeping down the hall, he moved to the bedroom door and pushed it open to look inside. No Shaden so she had not gone in there. Smart woman, it would of been a dead end. Closing the door behind him, he moved down the hall opening random doors, just to check receiving a yelp from a chemise covered woman, his hand lifted in apology and she smiled in return removing the blanket from her body invite. Groaning silently he shook his head and smiled in apology as she shut the door on her stunned face and moved further down the hall towards the attic. Oh Holy hell, that was another dead end, where the hell was she figuring on doing when she got there and had no way out! Again he crept up the stairs taking each one slowly, sliding a foot onto each step and ever so slowly putting his weight upon it till he reached the top. Leaning in, he listened for movement. Hearing footsteps, his hand went to the handle just as the lock clicked. His jaw set tight as he heard the man mumbling for Shaden to come out. Gripping the handle, he leaned his weight back upon one foot till he heard the man shuffling away from the door and then threw his weight hard against the door, the door buckled and he leaned back and pressed again hard with his shoulder. The old lock gave wave in rotting wood as the door crashed open for him to get through. "You" He growled as he pointed at the man now seeming rooted to the spot in fear. "I didn't do nuffin!" He stammered with hands up as Brom crossed the floor hands outstretched. Without a word he took the man by the face, one hand on his forehead the other on the back of his neck and with a quick jerk there was a sickening crack and he let the body tumble to the floor without a thought to breaking the mans neck as he stepped over the body looking around for Shaden. "Shaden!"

Shaden : She was almost frozen solid... her lean against the rooftop to be out of sight proving a unwise choice as melting snow flowed down the rushes and soaked her to the bone... shivering and teeth chattering she closed her eyes praying silently for time to pass.. much more and she would have to brave going inside again.. or freeze to death.. her foot slipped slightly and she scrabbled back upward grasping onto the rushes with fingers that were stiff and cold...to gain her balance once more... granted had there not been the rush of the wind.. and the pounding of her heart she might have heard Brom's bellowing... but she didn't.. knowing she couldn't' stay out much longer.. she made the decision to try and make it to the other side of the roof.. and come in the opposite side windows... doggedly she begin the climb.. god she hated roofs.. and for once was thankful both that she had been a spy for so long.. and that now she had mostly given it up.. much to Nicholas's relief... god she hated ROOFS!

Brom: He checked around the beds in the attic space and the closets before a cold wind hit his back and he swiveled fast on his heels. God let him be wrong. Sprinting across the floor, he poked half his body out of the window. "Shaden!" he bellowed again only to see her foot as she climbed upwards. The woman was insane! Gripping the edge of the window seal, he climbed out shuddering with the melting snow that hit the back of his neck. Fucccckkk! He was going to kill her. "Shaden, don't move!" He growled as booted feet edged along the seal to where she was climbing around the corner. Shaden might of hated roves but Brom, hated heights! Forcing himself not to look down, he tiptoed across ledge to the corner. "Shaden!" He growled again while reciting in his mind don't look down, don't look down, don't look down! Gripping the corner of the building, he swung around and offered his hand out to her. "Shaden, give me your hand"


Shaden : Icy cold fingers gripped his as he offered his hand.. relived that he was there which meant the man chasing her wasn't... shivering she was pulled into his arms and back through the window into the attic space teeth chattered as she tried to say thank you.. soaking wet she had been out there for over half an hour it seemed.. her whole body jerked with the spasms of being frozen solid " thaaaann nkkkk youuu wheeerr iss " her eyes looked around balefully as she saw the body of the man who had followed her.. his neck at an odd angle... " whooo.... wasss he ee"' she shivered even more.. wanting to know why the man was after her and who he worked for.. was Jadrien safe... the though exploded in her head what if someone was trying to keep them from Jadrien.. suddenly she was pulling away from Brom almost stumbling toward the broken door... " we have to get to Jadrien... " panic and hypothermia.. poor Brom.

Brom: "Are you f**king crazy!" He scolded as he took her hand in his own and pulled her to him and into the opposite window. Stumbling into the window, he pulled her frozen body against his own. "Damn it woman, you should of just called to me, what if you catch a death of a cold? What if you had fallen and died? I was sworn to protect you, use it damn it" Letting go of her, he yanked a blanket from one of the beds and wrapped it around her. "Don't worry about him" He gave little notice to the body, not as she did and in her panic, was struggling out of his arms. "Just a low level thief Shaden, damn it" He caught up to her, rolled her up into the blanket like a taco and lifted her into his arms "You're soaking wet and freezing Shaden, Jadrien's not going to matter if you die on me!" He hissed as he carried her from the attic and back to their room where a fire was still going in the hearth, barely. Setting her down on her feet, he unwrapped her first so she could get out of her soaking clothes. "Take those off" He commanded as he went to lock the door and then stoke the fire to life. As she was undressing, he was hastily shrugging out of his own as if there were two lovers to heated for foreplay but this was a far cry from to lovers and he was afraid she would freeze to death before the fire could warm her. "Come here." He barked as he tore the dry blanket from the bed her. "Put your arms around me, hug yourself close to me. My body heat will help warm you."


Shaden : She shivered like mad, first shaking her head no to him as he pulled her close and then gratefully accepting his warm.. it was like manna from heaven as his body heat infused her chilled flesh.. doing as he said her teeth still chattering , her arms looped about his chest and her face buried into his shoulder... now twice in her life Brom had managed to silence her.. he was a miracle worker it seemed.. it would be long moments that they stayed this way, his hand moving over her back and arms to warm her.. as she warmed and the shivering subsided a drowsy languid haze filled her and she leaned against him in exhaustion

Brom: Moving his mouth against her neck, he breathed hot against her neck to help warm her as his arms continued to move against her back despite aching in exhaustion after a while. "No matter what happens in life, you gotta fight to live. Don't forget, I knew Nicholas before you. He is a different man around you, your his sun and his moon. Without you, I don't think he'd recover this time. The worthwhile things are worth fighting for. Don't forget that." He stopped moving his hands as she sunk against him in a drowsy exhaustion. Lifting her up, he held the blanket around them as he held her in his arms. In his haste to get the blanket off the bed, the garment box had fallen off and a navy colored gown had slightly spilled out, kicking it aside for the moment, he moved to lay her down in the bed before crawling into the other side and drawing her against him again, afraid if he let her go from cold to warm to cold again that she would get sick. Any other man would of found excitement to have this woman naked within their own naked body but in his fear of not being able to protect Shaden from death, his body was not reacting and for once thanked God for that. "Sleep for a while Shaden, we've got plenty of time." He murmured against her ear as he resumed rubbing her back.

Shaden : She was like a fragile doll in his arms as he settled her on the bed wrapping his body about her... telling her of Nicholas love for her she smiled and murmured softly " I love him with all my heart.. he is my sun, my moon and my sky... I could not have lived without him... you are wrong Brom.. it is he who saved me.. no the other way around..." as he bade her sleep she snuggled back into him.. not even thinking of how this would look.. or if it was improper he was warmth.. and comfort, security.. she nuzzled into his chest, her breath soft as she drifted... " don't let me sleep long.. we have... to go... " her words trailed off as sleep overtook her...a soft cadence of sweet breath upon his chest and the occasional shiver in her sleep the only semblance of life in her chilled form.. wrapped within his arms.

[Lady Shaden Aramoire]

Nicholas: He gave a heave of a sigh as he awoke from the darkness of no dreams. Just a black empty hole where time did not exist when the body was not awake. His arm was thrown over Marren's middle and suddenly the morning was awash with what he had done. Slowly he pulled his arm from her middle and rolled to his back. The room was dark except for a small patch of light where the moonlight hit the window. Pushing a hand through his hair, he let out a low sigh letting the memories of the morning soak through his mind against the haze of animalistic passion he had felt for the girl beside him. He felt the idiot and the fool, he had used her for his revenge when she had been nothing but innocent and sweet. Now more then ever he would see his promise that she was protected and cared for seen out. Such a sweet and innocent thing as she was, he would see it that he was issued as her sole patron so that she did not have endure the touch of another, the memory of how her body shook and her face painted pink after he had taken her still fresh in his mind. Wiggling slowly off the bed, he moved towards the dresser to find himself a pair of pants. Trying to be careful enough not to wake her.

Maren: "Nicholas?" her voice flowed like warm honey as he dressed... " what time is it?" she yawned sleepily and stretched.. artfully, the cover falling back from her breast.. revealing the tiny bruises and bite marks he had left upon her shyly she pulled the cover upward , but only after he had a good look.. baleful cornflower blue eyes gazed at him with what looked like cowed eyed adoration... " oh good lord... it's dark... Gerda is going to kill me " a tinge of panic in her voice was enough to induce his knight in shinning armor inner self to rise to the occasion..

Gerda: As if mentioning her name caused her to appear.. there were three stiff knocks on the door then it pushed open, the voice stern and brooking no argument " Nicholas.. weather or not you want to.. your going to put down the drink and come out of this room and eat dinner like a proper....... " her eyes widened at the scene before her.. him dressing and Marren in Shaden's bed.. mussed from being f**ked... her mouth flew open in shock and her finger lifted accusingly as did her voice.. the door still half agape.. " I canna believe what I'm seeing.. are you mad.. have you gone Daft?" she shook her head and scowled at him " barely three days she be gone and you do this.. you don't even know the whys and what's of it ?" the finger turned toward Marren accusingly " Get yourself dressed and out of here Missy before I put you on the street.." she was furious with them both.. " Thinking you can sleep in the Mistress bed... you belong on the street where she found ya " she turned back to Nic... " and you... I though more of you than this... drunk or not " the disappointment and anger at him was palpable.

Nicholas: Buttoning the top closed he turned still bare chested towards the sound of her voice. "I'm here." Deep baritone voice floated against the night. Bathed in the pale moonlight, he all most grinned at the angel look of her, till he saw bruising and bite marks mapped on her body and he shuddered. He did not like it when he did it to Shaden unthinking of anything but possessing her completely and he did not like it now on Marren. "Gerda does not OWN this place..."He mused sourly, still bitter at the old woman for taking Shaden side. Still thinking Gerda had known Shaden betrayed him. Ah, the devil made her presence known and his jaw tightened at the way he looked in on the scene before her. Though it was exactly as she thought it was, he did not like being told of what he had done, nor that Shaden was some Angel when she had left him. "SHUT IT!" He boomed at Gerda as she told Marren to get out then turned her venom on him. "Shaden has been gone three days, you would of thought if she was some holier then thou mission she would of told her husband above all things, she has left me Gerda to be with Brom and you would of thought more of me?" He shook his head, his face tight and angry. Slowly he moved towards Marren and put his hand against her shoulder, half shielding her from the old woman. "You don't have the authority to throw her out. She stays, and from now on, I will be listed as her sole patron. Now you have a choice Gerda, stay and keep your nose out of my business, or leave. Though it would pain me to see you go, this is not brought on Marren's head. I seduced her.."

Maren: Marren fairly sunk against him pulling the covers up to shield herself.. oh this was perfect.. she couldn't' have imagined it better if she tried.. except and then there they were.. some of the Lily's outside the door peering in upon the circus.. with delight and glee.. women and girls always liked drama.. and a few of them had felt the sting of Gerda's words before.. some actually liked hearing her get her comeuppance.. while Mary Jayne and Heather, the trio of longstanding Lily's merely gave Nicholas a look of damnation. Oh they would be next to go.. then the place would be hers to run.. with Nicholas help of course... SOLE PATRON.. better and better.. the puzzled was falling completely into place and all she had to do was stand there looking innocent.. something she was good at

Gerda: Gerda flinched as he shouted at her and steeled herself with an aristocratic stare in his direction and then a nod.. " You have my resignation then.. I hold the title papers on the town house and that is Where Shaden can find me when she comes home to this WHOREHOUSE your creatin..!" she untied the starched white apron from her hips and tossed it at his feet " And anyone who wants is welcome there.. cause you arn't whores your Shaden’s Courtesans... Lily's... not some man stealing slut " her eyes moved back over to Marren.. " She picked you off the street and gave you everything and this is how you repay her?" then back to Nic... " Shaden loves you with all her heart.. I know she hasn't left you.... in here " she put a fist to her heart as tears welled in her old eyes... " But she will leave you for sure .. for this... " she shook her head and turned stomping out of the room headed to pack her bags... some of the other Lily's stared and gawked.. but Heather Mary and Jayne just turned.. following Gerda.. Mary turning as she moved away and shaking her head.. almost said something.. the just moved on.

Nicholas: When Marren shrank against him, his hand tightened on her shoulder though he didn't look at her as he faced off with Gerda. His shoulders sunk some as the lady announced her resignation. He truly did care for the old woman but in his state of mind, the woman had sided with Shaden and her leaving and he could not in his stubborn prideful anger beg her to stay. "Very well then. Those of you who do not wish to stay, can indeed leave and you will not be thought of harshly for it." He released Marren to move to Gerda, stepping over the apron she threw at his feet. "Your keys..." His voice dipped with a coldness the woman hadn't ever seen of him as he took them into hand and retreated a step or two to stare at Mary Jayne and Heather as they shook their heads at him. His jaw tightened as his fist wrapped around the keys. "You two can go as well if you think so little of me, yet my opinion of you both still remains in high regard." His gaze swept over the other girls. "Those of you who wish to stay, will still conduct yourself in the manner in which you were taught by the former mistress. Despite what Gerda says, this is not a whorehouse." Catching the door, he gave a nod of his head. "About your business." Then the door was closed in their faces as he turned to move to Marren in the bed. "Like I said, no harm will come to you."

Maren: She was practically celebrating inside yet she kept on the mask of shock and embarrassment until he closed the door, rushing to him and into his arms " Oh Nicholas.. you can't let them go... they run the place.. you can't do this for me I'll go... I shouldn't' have.. I'm so stupid... " she begin her artful tears... pressing her face into his chest.. tug at his heart strings.. zing... then she pulled away.. taking the blanket with her intending to leave the room or so she played at it... " I'll get my things... " it was a big risk.. at this point he could come to his senses and put her out.. but she gambled that instead.. he would reel her in.. such a noble and good man.. what an idiot

Nicholas: His arms moved about her as she slammed into his chest. With a sigh, he held her close and tight while she had her little rant and tears. As she struggled away, he caught her arm and pulled her back to him. "Marren..." He soothed with a sigh before cupping her face in his hands. "I have brought this on myself, this has nothing to do with you. Much as Gerda makes it seem so." Idiot was indeed taking all the blame. He always strived to be a good man despite what people would think of him past this day, even good men stumbled. It was human. "They need to go, they will not stay with you here and I will not see you harmed as was my promise. I was not lying. I take you on as your sole patron. You will never be without the things you need nor your wants while I am around. Do you think they would stay and abide by this holding their tongues? They talk when they do not know the whole situation and I cannot abide those who judge without knowing. Casting stones when they themselves hold their own sins?" He shook his head sweeping the golden curls away from her face. "I will manage...we will manage in due time."

Maren: We... he said we... god love an ignorant fool... " I will help you anyway I can I feel so responsible... " she gave him a puppy dog look and lifted her hands to his face.. " you are so good to me.. I don't deserve you " she whispered in that young girls adoring tone.. he would sole patron her.. pay her board and keep buy her beautiful things while she took over Shaden's Life.. it was perfect.. she couldn't' have asked for more.

Gerda: It was less than an hour Later that Gerda, Jayne, Heather and Mary left the Lily.. the servants told to pack up their remaining things and bring them to the townhouse.. where they would be sitting up household.. The Head Groomsman was given a task as well.. to alert them when Shaden returned.. and Gerda knew in her heart that Shaden would return.. the second task he was given was a note... deliverable to Ealora... telling her of the happenings this night and where Gerda and the girls could be found.

Nicholas: When he had said they would manage, he meant they would manage until they found help that could do the books and keep the house. Not that they would manage the Lily, but he had no idea she thought differently of it. That was still in his eyes, just a Lily. She would have to work harder then that to win a hand over the Lily and even then it would be a struggle. This was still Shaden's place in his mind, it always had been. She had been building it up before he got there. He was remiss to take control himself. It brought him great pain to do so and to see them go. His family was breaking and it was all his fault and he knew it. He smiled though sadly as she turned that adoring look of hers towards him. "Perhaps not hmm" He was teasing, half heartedly as he released her face. Slowly he moved to the window and looked out into the night. He saw the trio's departure and it left him with such a heavy heart that he hung his head.

[Sir Nicholas Stryker]

Brom: Brom had intended Shaden to change and go to the docks. Unfortunately things had not worked out. Instead he had spent the day in bed naked with Shaden and while that might of been every mans dream, he was not exactly like every other man. Instead he lay awake while Shaden slept, her quaking from her run with snow on the window seal of the attic slowly subsiding. Yet Brom had miraculously convinced her to stay in bed one more day. Well not convinced, threatened was more like to chain her up and haul her back home if she didn't at least rest one more day and stay warm. A physician had been sent for and Shaden had been given the all clear or at least Lady Margaret was given the all clear as the Lord Fenton was bid to stay outside and pace with the worry she would come down sick although it seemed to people he was more worried about his wife's delicate condition. It had swept town all ready that not only were they visiting but the Lady Margaret was expecting. It had never occurred anyone to question the reality of the situation, most nobles never made face in London and even when they did it was with a low profile. When she was given the all clear, he waited for her to dress knowing she was eager to get to the shipyard of 'Larry' and find Jadrien. He had made sure to have her new dress cleaned after having it dumped on the floor and waited in the dining room of the Inn having sent a messenger ahead that Lord Fenton and Lady Margaret would like to meet with Master Larry. Now all he needed was Shaden.


Shaden: She moved like silken water down the steps, had Brom been inclined to notice the way the dark blue dress hugged her curves, highlighting ever sweet inch of her 5 foot 3 frame, making her seem like a dream come true, But to Brom she was not a Woman so much as a responsibility, and a problem he wished he didn't have it seemed.. When she had awoken he had been gone, which simplified the task of.. oh.. dam we were naked.. down to a thank you for your concern.. when the Physician was brought round to check her, after threats and much pouting, and no small amount of arguing she had done as directed.. he was being a bully and she hated it.. but took it because that was what was needed to him , her nose wrinkled in a way she couldn't help, seeming to turn up a bit, and her brows were stuck in the arched position.. a sure sign she was still.. annoyed by being treated like a child.


Brom: She was his responsibility because he had taken her on this mission and because he was still Nicholas man despite Nicholas long absent from the throne and head of the army. So Shaden was his responsibility because she was in essence his Queen much as he joked about it, was still to, a fact. Rolling the handmade cigarette in his fingers, he grinned at the news in the newspaper laid out on the table. So, a mysterious fire had taken the high street quarry warehouse, no one hurt but the children had all but vanished that had been working there. Funny. Much as it humored him, he could not help but feel heartsick that the bastard would get more and rebuild and not to mention, there were other workhouses where children labored hard enough to break the back of even a grown man. Sucking in a low breath of the tobacco his head rose as Shaden came into sight and he blew the gray billowing smoke out slowly turning his head up that it did not flow in her face. "You look absolutely stunning" He snuffed the cigarette out in a tray and left it smoldering within it. "Would you like to take a while more to eat?" He had not been embarrassed to wake up naked beside her when he had finally slept. At least she showed no signs of illness and he had done it out of duty, not trying to get the woman into bed with him for sex.


Shaden: " no I'm fine, I couldn't' eat a thing " her voice was clipped and still tinged with annoyance..with him for his bullish behavior, " Thank you for the dress " still she had her manners... though to most in the Inn, might think the Lord and Lady having a tiff the cold way she greeted him.. she wrinkled her nose at the cigarette and frown " You will have to stop that nasty habit before the baby comes " she grinned challengingly at him as the serving girl neared and a few other people stretched their ears to listen in on their conversation.. her hands found her belly in and age old maternal pose.. and for a moment her heart twinge as she remembered the feel of Joy inside her....

Brom: "You're quite welcome my dear, it makes you look like an angel" He hummed as he grinned up at her before slowly rising as she said she couldn't eat. Catching her elbow, he pressed a kiss against her cheek before lifting his coat from the back of the chair. His own attire was formal like, black trousers and a gray full sleeved shirt with the black overcoat trimmed in gray as well. Shrugging the coat on he let out a humph of a laugh. Vixen. "We've a while yet till that happens but if my lady wishes it, I will stop" He put his hand to the small of her back to lead her from the Inn. "The dock isn't far off so I didn't see the need to call the horses, I sent a messenger on that Master Larry should expect us. Are you ready for this, Margaret?" Gray colored eyes turned sideways to Shaden as if asking if she was ready to play another part for them and not give herself away as the red headed witch of Skye.

Shaden: " I was born ready " she chimed up at him giving him a honey sweet smile, that almost verbally challenged him to drop dead.. her arm snaked thru his as they walked.. like the loving couple they portrayed, she couldn't' wait to get home with Jadrien, she swore she would never tolerate Brom and his... orders again after that.. ohhh he just made her sooooo mad! " I cannot wait to go and fetch our boy.. just lead the way " she crooned.. looking up at him adoringly as people passed and commented about the Earl of Susexx and his fire haired wife.. what a lovely couple..!

Brom: "I wish you wouldn't pout, it draws lines against your face. To see you sick or the life of our child in danger would break my heart. I hope you understand that" He cooed down at her in challenge. It was the only apologize she was going to get. Though she had insisted on coming along, he was still in charge and would not apologize over much for the decisions he made for her safety. "I am overly pleased the physician has said you are well." In other words, he was going to be glad to deliver her to Nicholas and wash his hands of being responsible for her trouble attracting ways! "There was news in the paper today, that nice quarry owners warehouse burned down, no one was harmed but the children who worked there seem to have disappeared. Imagine that hmm?" He turned his head slightly to look down at her with a grin before his head lifted again making sure to nod his head to the right people and ignore the others though there were a few unfortunate ones that caught his attention enough that he slipped a few gold coins in hands that begged for it as they passed. "Ah see there my dear, the long red roof, that is our destination" He called out all for show of course.

Shaden: Her feet took a mistep as he related the warehouse fire.. and she caught herself clinging to his arm to right herself, before looking up at him... with wide eyes.. a little smile on her lips.. " I can't imigine what has happened to all those children... where they could possibly be? " her voice shifted as a man seemed to walk to close to them " However it's none of my concern..." she watched as he pointed to the red roof.. and noticed the man shadowing them also looked up at the direction Brom pointed to... " Not that far now.. I think I shall make it.. " her hand found her belly again as she leaned her head on her husbands shoulder , in what looked like a loving gesture, whispering what was mistaken by the general public as sweet nothings as she nuzzled her nose against him tenderly " we are being followed ... the young man with the honey cake.." the young man was finishing off a peice of pastry trying to look nonchalant as he leaned against a livery post...

Brom: "Quite remarkable isn't it, a wonder indeed." He caught himself grinning down at her, his arm moving around her waist as she stumbled and then slid ever so slowly across her lower back in what seemed like a loving gesture of man and wife. As she nuzzled her face against his cheek, he let out a laugh, turning his head to brush a kiss against her cheek. "I know" He whispered in what seemed like a couple merely playing at affection in public. His hand rounded on her back again as he kissed her lips then nuzzled his face against her neck, lifting slightly to whisper in her ear. "There is an alley way coming up, lets see if he follows, feign morning sickness..." Brushing his lips against the hollow of her neck before he lifted up and his hand giving a squeeze to her bottom for effect.

Shaden: " I don't feel sick " she grinned.. up at him.. as he nuzzled her neck.. she took his hand and pulled him into the alleyway.. a man would much rather spy on a couple intent on sneaking a bit of privacy , than a puking woman.. into the alley they went, her laughing and pulling her reluctant husband with a coy.. smile... once into the alley way, she grasp his shirtfront pulling him down to her lips.. seeing their follower come to the corner and peer in.. she backed toward the wall... her words a breathless demand " I need you now... " the look on her face one of a woman that would not be denied... oh how could their shadow resist such a show!

Brom: He stumbled, for effect as she pulled him into the alley before letting out a laugh to let their followers know where they were going and undeniable what their intentions were. "You stir the fires of any man my darling wife" He growled, eyeing her for assurance their follower was coming as he advanced on her only to dip and draw the ends of her skirt upward as he pressed himself in close to her though he kept his front fully covered, he made the show of seeming to release himself as he grasped as Shaden's thigh and drawing himself into her as his head dipped to her shoulder and he groaned as if satisfied to be within her. What a show indeed.

Shaden: As his head dropped onto her shoulder she nuzzled and kissed his neck sneaking a peek at their admirer.. Brom's hand sliding up her thigh lifting her from the ground in what approximated passionate lovemaking between a man and his wife almost had her giggling at the absurdity of it, Brom was supposedly some kind of ladies man, and yet his... show.. had only lasted minutes.. " He's still there... " she whispered against his ear... " minute man "

Brom: "Normally I would take offense to that if I wasn't the Lord Fenton. Who ever said Nobles lasted longer" He growled against her ear except his voice was laced with humor as he released her thighs with his show only lasting a few minutes. Brom would never call himself out as any kind of great lover, even if it was to save face but had this been an attack, their follower would not of waited for them to finish to advance on them. Get them while they were going or less inclined to be able to attack back. "He is no threat, yet..." He made show of kissing her lips once more as he smoothed her skirts back into place and slid his hand around her back to draw her from the wall. "Come, we can reach the warehouse from here, around that corner." He pointed down the alley and the sharp turn left as he drew her with him down the way.

Master Larry: 'Master Larry' was waiting for them at the door with the messenger when Brom and Shaden arrived. A fine cut man, his shoulder length dirty blonde hair was tied back into a pony tail and his coat was a deep navy blue with golden buttons clasping closed in front. All in all the man looked pleasant and rather personable as he grinned at the pair. "Lord Fenton and Lady Margaret I presume?" The man slipped a few silver coins in the messenger boys hand and the boy scampered off after a brief tip of his hat to the Lord and Lady. "I have all ready received word from Mr. Craft has all ready written me of your visit, shame that it came a day before the accident at his factory. But no one was hurt thank God for that. My Lady Margaret, your cheeks looked flush, I do hope this English weather is not disagreeing with you. Shall we go inside for tea?"

Shaden: " The weather suits me well enough.. and tea would be Lovely " she smiled courtly at the man, he was a step above Mr Craft, but still gave her the heebie jeebies. She clung to Lord Fenton as if indeed she was crazy in love with him, her eyes shooting him adoring looks that made the cover story of her coming with him because she could not bear to be without him.. sickeningly... appropriate from the love sick way she gazed at him in adoration.. " My husband tells me I should stay at the Inn.. but I just love London so and find myself bored without his presence.. I trust you will... entertain my curiosity of things in this industry.. I just find commerce fascinating " she prattled on as he lead them to his office.. for tea.

Brom: Brom let his hand fall to the small of her back again smiling at Larry as he gave a nod of his head, his hand clasped Shaden's in his own as he gave it a squeeze to let her know to relax it a bit. Adoring yes but she was borderlining on freaky for even him. "My wife has a fansy for the workings of business. It is quite an adoring hobby for her." He turned his eyes down to Shaden, stooping to kiss her cheek before he was following after Master Larry. True the man was a little to chipper for Brom's taste but he was indeed a step above Craft in his manner and clothing.

Master Larry: Tapping a folded piece of parchment against his hand, he eyed the lady and then the lord before giving a nod of his head. "I envy that of you my lady, I find the lack of intelligence even in a hobby of ladies rather lacking and not of my patience." Turning he ushered the two into the door which lead to a small front room of stairs on the left and a door to the factory on the right. Since the window was frosted it was hard to see into the warehouse itself. He lead the pair up the stairs to the the office were a fire was roaring in the hearth and the tea was all ready set out on a table with four waiting chairs. The interesting thing about his office was the bay windows on the right of the office that looked down over the warehouse were men were hard at work on the next ship being built. The strange part were the children working as well, some coating boards with lacker and others carrying around buckets of tools and bolts but the strange part was how clean and happy they seemed. No 'Master' Larry was not like any workhouse Lord that many knew. He tried his kids right and they were paid good to boot! "So Craft told me in his letter you are interested in one of my book keepers?" He spoke as he pulled out a chair for 'Lady Margaret'.

Shaden: She settled in the chair that he pulled out for her.. arranging her skirts as she looked up at her husband and gave him another sweet smile... " I agree I think that women should have a basic understanding of their Husbands business enterprises.. in case well... one day he strays and she has to kill him and take over the finances " she chuckled teasingly " Not that I have to worry about that with my Fenton " she grinned up at Larry and noted the well run place and the state of the children was much better than in the quarry.. " I do say your company is very well run, and looks as if your employees are happy and well maintained.. do tell us your secret ?" she leaned forward feigning interest, in his answer.. but her brain just kept scanning the window behind him into the warehouse looking for Jadrien.

Brom: As Larry seated Shaden, he took one of his own. He had known Larry ran a good business so had not fretted over lingering a day longer to have Shaden in bed and checked out. See Shaden, mean for nothing! He leaned back, grinning at Shaden as she spoke and let out a laugh. "no my dear, I am quite enamored with you" He teased in reply before addressing Larry. "Yes, we are looking for a Jason or Jay...honestly can't remember the name. I am told he is the best and am willing to pay top dollar for him."

Master Larry: He sat Shaden and then turned to pour her a cup of a tea and then Brom a cup of tea and his own before he shifted to his own seat unbuttoning his coat before he finally sat down. To Shaden he gave a queer sort of look at her joke before cracking a grin and letting out a small laugh to be polite though it unsettled him a bit, the ladies humor. "Indeed, most noble ladies, you will forgive me, have no idea how to run a business and end up leaving it to the most ghastly of people who run it into the ground. Like Craft, sorry to say.." He waited till the two had set their tea how they liked it before pouring just a small amount of cream into his own and leaning back again. "My secret? No secret dear lady, I grew up on the streets, I willingly went to one of the first workhouses that ever opened and it was in poor condition, it was horribly hot in summer and terribly cold in winter. I saw many of my friends sicken an die with illness from working to hard. I vowed when I left there I would never treat my workers the same way, little did I know the former owner of this business would take me under his wing and teach me everything I know so that I could make my promise a reality. I have long been bargaining unfortunates away from Craft and from the streets..." He sighed and waved a hand to dismiss any more jabbering. "Enough of me though. I can talk about the past for hours if you let me. I do not have a Jason my Lord Fenton, but Jay, I do have a lad by that name working here. He's just in the back room" He gestured his head to a closed door on the far side of the office.

Shaden: Her heart almost lept out of her chest.. he was just thru the door.. her hands stayed the tea cup from ratteling and it was all she could muster to stay in her seat " You sound like a very good Man Master Larry.. there are not many left in these times... " she smiled softly... "Can we meet the boy.. perhaps see some of his work "

Master Larry: "Thank you my lady, it is a sad and sorry time to see fools such as Craft profiting on these children." He sat back leaning an ankle on his knee and his fingers tapping against his upturned knee. "I would love for you to meet him, except for a small problem." He paused to shift his eyes between Brom and Shaden. "You see, I know the Earl of Sussex, his name is Brian and that ship being built down there is his present for his soon to be bride the Lady Anne of Chesterfield." He stopped here again to take his ankle off his knee and set it on the floor. "Which begs the questions of who the two of you really are and what you really want with my book keeper." Again his eyes moved between the two of them waiting for an answer.

Brom: Brom's hand reached for Shaden's arm and gave it a squeeze as her tea cup rattled against its saucer and he nodded his agreement of her statement but when Larry outted them he could do nothing but sigh and lean back in his chair as he waved a hand at Shaden. She could offer her explanation.

Shaden: Her faced blushed furiously at being outted, but then she looked at Brom's wave of his hand,, great cover story there old pal.. just wait till we are alone.. she thought inside her head, but turned her attention back to Larry... "The truth... your correct we are not the The Earl of Sussex and his Lady, we have come from Skye... to find someone very Dear to my Husband.. his son.. though dead some four years ago when a tragic eruption of a volcano sent his Island home into chaos.. the boy an his mother were presumed dead.. though afterwards there were reports that perhaps it was not so.. all these years my husband has searched for his son.. and almost given up hope... weeks ago we were sent a sketch.. of a boy that could be him.. his name at birth was Jadrian Stryker... we think your book keeper.. may be my stepson..." her words rang with truth and conviction, her eyes pleading for understanding.. it was perhaps the most real, Brom had ever seen Shaden.. her love for a child unknown to her was astonishing, as was her love for her husband that shown clearly on her face, and each word she spoke it rang clear and honest.. " We took on please... but we knew not what kind of people we would be dealing with.. and Jadrien's.. very life is at stake.. we could take no chances.. "

Master Larry: Larry sat back within his chair, hand under his chin as he looked from Brom to Shaden for the reason behind their deception. As she spoke, he searched her face for any mistruth but every word she spoke seemed to ring to the truth. Even after she had stopped talking he sat stock and silent. "Well, had it not been for the real Earl stopping by the day before yesterday, I never would of known your little deception was not real." He shifted in his chair to sit up again with a sigh. "I can see no falsehood iny our words but there is a problem. I will however, not out you as I understand Skye is not held in high regard here in London right now. We must all have deception at least once if not more in our lives. I live it every day when I leave this place to secure the future of children still within the worst workhouses and those on the streets. I deal with the low lives of London my dear and so understand your reason for it and your story....a sad one indeed. I am old romantic and sap for happy endings. I do hope yours comes to a happy end." He again shifted in the chair to turn and call out. "Jay, will you come here a moment!"

Brom: Brom could not help but secretly grin. Though the woman looked pure angel right now, he knew he could not tell it in such a heartfelt manner as she could. He was playing on the mans simple and gentle heart much as it pained him to play the man at all even when it was truh and in a small way, use Shaden as means to achieve their goal. He could nearly do a fist pump with the mans words. Aha! Goal nearly achieved, it would be complete when they were on their way home with Jadrien.

Jadrien: The door opened and in came the 9 year old equivalence of Nicholas. Every bit a match for the drawing they had received except the jet black hair of his mothers he looked every bit of his father from silvery blue eyes to the shape of his jaw line. Clothed in brown slacks and a cream colored tunic top, he looked no worse for wear then the kids down in the warehouse. "I only finished the recent order form ten minutes ago Master Larry, you couldn't of found any problems yet!" His lips turned into a small smile that could be a map of his fathers million dollar smile if it hadn't fallen so fast on sight of Shaden and Brom. He knew Brom and all of a sudden he stopped halfway between the door and the trio. "Hey Uncle Brom.."It sounded so casual and yet so accusing to. As if asking what he was doing here. Had Jadrien even given up ever seeing his father again? Four years did that to a boy.

Shaden: Her eyes turned to Brom as Jadrian came inside, her breath catching in her throat.. no she didn't need Brom's nod to know it was Jadrian.. he was Nicholas's son thru and thru... " Jadrian..?" already her eyes brimmed with tears... as she slowly stood up.. her bottom lip trembled softly... " Oh good lord above thank you... " she whispered as she moved toward him slowly.. then knelt before him.. as he spoke to Brom in that casual yet condemning way.. " We have been looking for you so long... " her hands reached out to touch his shoulders lightly... " Your father will be so Happy... " now the tears slipped down over her cheeks... " We had almost lost hope "

Brom: Brom slowly stood as Jadrien came from the back room. It was a joyous moment that made his heart swell with pride that his promise was finally being fulfilled and yet it was also hollow. It was over, his search. As happy as it was for a moment the question lingered on his mind, what now? Moving to the side of the desk, he watched Shaden with a shake of his head though with a smile. "Jadrien, this is Shaden, she is your Father's wife." He didn't want to say she was his new mother, that would be a slap in the face of Soren and he didn't know how Jadrien would react to that just yet.

Jadrien: Silvery blue eyes moved from his Uncle to Shaden, the woman now clasping his shoulders and crying. A brow etched upward in confusion and wonder. "It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Shaden." He spoke this first before shifting his eyes to Brom and then Master Larry who waved his hand in invite to what he wanted to do. The man had been good to him, he felt sort of sorry to just leave him. "My fathers been looking for me?" He sounded surprised and doubtful. Shrugging off Shaden's hands, he took a step back shaking his head. "I can't go with you, I won't leave Gemma here."

Shaden: She smiled at Jadrian as he greeted her so politely realizing she must look a bit crazy.. she wiped at her tears.. and settled back on her heels.. " Yes your father has been searching for you.. and Brom too.. as well as others your father had employed to find you... He followed every lead.. every scrap of paper.. every rumor.. " she turned looking to Brom for confirmation " Brom has scarcely rested.. until we lost the trail.. and heard no more of you... until a few weeks ago when some of the Agents we contracted to find you sent us a sketch..." she took a deep breath... " You father has never quit loving you or trying to find you.. neither has Brom... " for a long moment she paused as he looked from Brom to Larry then back and shrugged off her hands from his shoulders... and announce he could not go ' Who is Gemma...?" her brows furrowed slightly and then she saw the movement over his shoulder... at the door.. a young girl perhaps 8 or 9 peered out at them.. the look on her face distraught and angry... scared... " Gemma ?" Shaden's voice was directed toward the little girl... as she beckoned her forward with a gentle hand...then looked at Larry with Questioning eyes..

Brom: He'd let Shaden explain what they went through to find him. She needed time to bond with Jadrien and the boy needed someone to cling to finally after so long standing on his own. When Jadrien said he could not go because of Gemma he turned a questioning eye to Larry and then back to Jadrien and finally noticing the little girl behind him. Sighing, he sunk into his chair and shrugged. "If Master Larry does not mind losing the both of you, then Gemma could come. I don't think Shaden would mind and if you will not leave without her, I do not see any other way."

Master Larry: Larry sighed and shrugged, again offering his hand up to Jadrien for what the boy wanted to do. "He wouldn't leave Craft's without her either, I did not suspect he would leave here without her either. Jadrien, if you will not do without her, then she may go with you, I do not own either of you. Gemma, if you want to go..."

Jadrien: Honestly while he thought Shaden's tears odd having never met her, it was quite endearing to the nine year old boy but still he would not budge, he would not leave without Gemma and as Shaden saw her coming in, Jadrien moved to join her, his hand taking Gemma into his own. "They found my Father Gemma. But I won't go without you. Come with me? I promised you we'd have a family. Remember all those nights talking about our dreams? About having people who care about us? love...a real family, maybe a dog. We can have that family now Gemma. I won't go without you though. You're part of my family now." Squeezing her hand in his own, when she nodded, he turned to look at Brom and Shaden. "Ok then, lets go home."

[Jack Trades]

Jack Trades: The brawny frame stood quietly by while the Master Mason introduced himself to the mounted Bess. One of the two foremen came forward from the lunch crowd and addressed Jack. "Sir?"
"Aye?" the reply came without ceremony as the hulking frame turned towards him.
"Sir," he said scratching his head, "the masons are setting up, and some of this doesnae make sense tae me. I know they answer to the head mason, but it looks all wrong."
"Donnae be troubled," the hearty voiced rumbled soothingly. "The masters be such fer a reason. In fact, why donnae ye take the rest of the day off. There nae be much else fer ye tae do today. I'll still pay ye fer a full day."
"Yessir," the foreman nodded, "and thank you."

Marren McCleod: Of course news traveled fast about and in and around Turas Lan.. and it all seemed to culminate at the Lily.. seemed there were many and interesting men, using the coin that Jack paid, to buy themselves some of the famed delights of the Gilded Lily. It seemed none had a problem telling of the work they were contracted to do.. either, building a New Grand Lily... for none other than Jack Trades it seemed.. tongues wagged and of course things would always get blown out of proportion, skewed and twisted.. but with the latest events at the Lily.. well.. who could blame the speculation.. After all it seemed that Shaden had Left Nicholas.. for his best Friend Brom.. and disappeared to parts unknown.. and if that wasn't shocking enough.. Nicholas had taken one of the Lily's to his own bed.. and was now her Sole Patron.. further more he had fired Gerda, and some of the Lily's had left with her.. now it was a split house.. it seemed.. foundering without a leader... actually a new leader was emerging in the tall lithe frame of Nicholas's new Lily Marren... and when she got wind of the fact that Jack Trades was building a new Lily.. for Shaden.. well she had to go and see for herself.. it was a hitch in her knot that she needed to untangle and retie.. in a manner.. that would befit her.. and damage Shaden all the more.. so it was that Marren.. the beautiful blond country girl did arrive on horseback at the site of the build... poised atop a cream colored mare.. she looked over the massive build... her eyes scanning for the man she had seen with Shaden at the Lily.. this Jack Trades

Jack Trades: The iconically clad Trades waited while Arnold and Bess exchanged pleasantries as esteemed folk should. When a whistle sounded and lunch began to give way to the afternoon's work, only then did the hearty timbre call to them. "Master, I apologize, but time be short. There be much fer us tae discuss."
Arnold turned from Bess, his cheery expression souring to a sneer at Trades, "Of course, time is always short in construction. Don't you think I know that? I taught you better manners than this!"
"Fergive me, but please endure this fer the moment."
Ach, very well, und only because I shall not keep our guest from pressing matters,' Arnold sighed. With a resumed cheer he excused himself from Bess and started to walk with Trades toward the spartan shack.

Marren McCleod: The cream colored mare, begin to pick it's way down the hill once the target of Jack Trades had been acquired.., rider and horse moved toward the shack with a grimace of distaste.. how could this.. have been what Shaden was with before Nicholas.. the man was a giant.. and lived in a shack.. practically and ogre - well she could go back to him because Nicholas was far from her reach now.. now that she carried his child in her belly.. he would never leave her for that Barren redheaded bytch... and she knew it.. but still.. it was nice to have information.. and a secondary plan.. " Mr. Trades...?" she called to him before he entered the Shack.. still sitting primly upon her mare, the cornflower blue riding habit doing little to disguise her figure.. Marren was indeed a beautiful girl.. and most of the men about were stopping to turn and gawk at her.. long blond ringlets bounced over her shoulders as she cast a beautiful smile to them all.. she was one accomplished actress

Jack Trades: The boot-leather-hinged door swung open to reveal the oilskin clad ogre. "Who be callin' fer Trades?" the hearty timbre rumbled in a monotone manner that was slightly tinged with
impatience.

Marren McCleod: " I am Sir... I'm from the Lily... I heard you were building a new one and my curiosity got the better of me " she would play at being the silly blond.. it served her well on many occasions She slipped down from her saddle.. holding the reigns in her hand and turned up a wholesome smile to him, as her eyes scanned the site in feigned wonderment... " It's so big... amazing.. "

Jack Trades: The weather-beaten brim canted slightly to the side. It swiveled and craned back behind the doorjamb for a moment as something was whispered. Trades then exited the shack, closing the door behind him. If the shack had a porch or stoop, Jack would still be standing on it as the voice rumbled on from under the brim. "Aye, it'll be a big building. I imagine that being a Lily ye'll enjoy it judging by yer reaction. So a curious lass comes out all the way tae see me. What would ye like tae know? And how might I address this lovely guest?

Marren McCleod: Marren.. will be fine " she smiled so that the dimples pulled in the corners of her lips and leaned toward him... a bit.. she seemed like such a nice girl.. didn't she.. " I want to know everything.. when it will be finished.. who commissioned it.. when Shaden is coming back.. we are all wondering.. ?" like and excited child on Christmas she babbled on.. harmless enough right " Can you show me what the plans are?"

Jack Trades: The hulking frame stood stolidly, unmoved by her proximity. A moment passed before the wrinkled brim shook slowly. "I be quite sorry, Marren. I hate tae damper yer enthusiasm, but this be a construction site. 'Tis nae fit fer tourism. Would ye nae prefer tae see it when it be finished? 'Twill be like opening yer Christmas gifts.

Marren McCleod: She pouted artfully... gazing up at him with puppy dog eyes.. "But I rode all the way out.. could you not spare a little time.. and when will it be finished.. when Shaden comes home.. when is that " she looked about up on tiptoe curiously once more... " I cannot wait for her to see it... she will be so happy "

Jack Trades: A calloused and ogre-ish hand parted the folds of oilskin cloth to lightly buck the pouting lady's chin as if she were a child. "Truly it be a shame, darlin', but 'twould be a worse shame if'n ye carried that pout all day. Donnae let it trouble ye. Is it correct then that Shaden has nae sent word tae the Lily of her return?"

Marren McCleod: She shook her head slightly at his question " We all worry over her.. it's been over a month now.. some say she is gone for good.. " one could only hope...she thought hatefully in her mind.. each day that passed without Shaden home helped her immensely.. slowly she was taking over Shaden's life, with Nic and the Lily... " We are left in limbo " she even managed to look upset, and her eyes watered with.. false emotions.. " When I heard you were building a Lily.. I though perhaps you had word.. or something?" she gave him a hopeful look that would sear most men's souls.. she was good!

Jack Trades: The walking shadow stood as stolidly as ever during the display, but the wrinkled brim shook pitifully as she finished. "Aye, beastly bad luck it is. Ye poor souls. I can tell ye've been sick over this. How be the rest of the house fairin' during this limbo? Are things still running smoothly? Do the couriers still deliver parcels from abroad on schedule? Have ye spoken tae them at all?

Marren McCleod: She lied... " We send someone each day to the docks.. to seek her sisters ship.. or word.. and nothing... The girls are fractious and scared.. they no not their future.. we all depended on her so much " she bit her lip turning from him a moment to peer at the house... " It was my hope... that you might know something..." she didn't mention Nic nor Gerda's firing.. that would bring up things far to volatile..

Jack Trades: Broad shoulders rose slightly in a shrug, setting the oilskin to rustle slightly. "Well, in theory those ye sent out after the ship ought tae bring the best news back the fastest if'n ye've given them naught else tae do. I be truly sorry that I cannae help ye. Please, get some rest. Go have a drink at the Lily and tell Gerda tae put it on me tab. I can have one of me men walk ye and yer steed out.

Marren McCleod: She wanted to stamp her feet and slap the beast that thwarted her questions.. did it show for a moment in her eyes.. as they narrowed... then widened once more as she pasted on a disappointed look... " It seems my trip was wasted then... and I have nothing more to report to the girls.. they will be most upset.. " she sighed heavily.. pouring it on thick... and turned toward her horse.. despicable dirty bum.. she hoped he and Shaden ended up together they deserved one another.. and the shack he lived in!

Jack Trades: The brawny figure stayed where he was until the lovely maiden had mounted her steed and trotted off. Only after witnessing Marren had left did Trades venture back into the shack. The interior was light by a single lantern. In the warm glow sat a rough-hewn table at which sat the finely dressed Arnold Shulz and velvet-cloaked figure still wearing the hood.
"Und who vas that?" the Master Mason asked.
"That was Marren, come tae spy on us. It would seem me men didnae exaggerate her beauty, but apparently she isnae smart enough tae know that the happenings of a brothel are always on the lips of a work camp comprised almost exclusively of men. Time be short," Trades whispered to them. The brim centered on the cloaked figure, though the voice did not rise, "Is yer tea still warm?" The hulking frame sat at the table. "Now, please start from the beginning again, Gerda."

[Sir Nicholas Stryker]

Nicholas: Things in the Gilded Lily did not seem the same since Gerda and the trio had left. Now nearly a month since Shaden's disappearance. Nicholas had tried to keep the Lily to the standards going despite Gerda calling it a whore house now. His heart broke for the old woman even though the anger at her for siding with Shaden. Not a bad business men, he kept the books and hired a maid to also take care of the cooking Gerda had left behind. But he had driven her to that choice with his ultimatum. For hours he spent toiling over the books to make sure he knew the ins and outs and other times he merely spent wandering as if lost. Things just weren't the same without Gerda there but he was trying, trying desperately to move on. He had spent the night in the office with the books on the desk in front of him reading over the numbers and letters until they went blurry and he finally succumbed to sleep, his head tilted over the back of the chair, legs splayed out behind the open space of the desk and arms hanging over the armrests of the chairs in laziness of sleep.

Marren: Marren had used the time, well.. both to insinuate herself further into Nic's life, his bed, seeing to his every need, making herself indispensable... even now she smiled before the long mirror as she dressed letting her fingers splay over her belly... wouldn't he be surprised... if gossip were true he and Shaden had tried to have children for years.. even lost one.. though the gossip was it.. was not Nic's child... and now here she was.. pregnant with the Next Stryker heir... it was perfect... the link in the chain that would forge them together forever.. a child... She looked at his side of the bed.. it was unslept in and she frowned... wondering what had kept him this time... he seemed lost sometimes... staying in the office pouring over the books as if that would bring his wayward wife back.. well it was Time for him to move on... indeed... With Gerda, Heather.. Jayne.. and Mary gone.. it was easy to slip into the role of Alpha female... especially when sleeping with the boss each night.. she pinched her cheeks bringing about that sweet blush.. as she smoothed down the long lengths of green velvet.. a few ruffles had been added to make it longer for her.. thank god Shaden was relatively the same size elsewhere.. short little wench.. though... Marren was much more.. proportion in her own mind.., turning from the mirror she made her way down into the main room... all the girls greeted her with respect.. she liked that... a lot.. She gathered them together.. for the morning meeting.. " We all know Nicholas is still having trouble with his temper.. so the less we bother him with tedious everyday things.. the better for him.. so all your questions and needs you can see me for.. and I'll handle them or relay them to him " it was her way of seizing control under the guise of being considerate and helpful... an so far it had worked like a jewel... She sent one of the girls off to go fetch coffee as she approached the office.. and pushed into the room with a soft smile... " Nicholas.. time to wake up it's morning darling " so sweet.. he was so gullible. [/color]

Nicholas: He was dreaming of Shaden laying inside him in bed, or rather over him, using her hair to rouse him and he grinned even his sleep. "Fiery witch" He mumbled and then jerked his eyelids fluttering as a blurry Marren came into view. "Hmmm" He mused before moving and instantly groaning with the movement as stiff muscles cried out to be moved especially after sleeping in such a weird position all night long. Marren had seemed a God send in his eyes at first, always attentive to his needs, always so sweet and pliable to his....rage and lust. Stupid idiot yes but sometimes her constant bugging got under his skin. He found himself comparing her with Shaden at times and then finding his temper rising at even thinking of his lost wife. Sliding down further in the chair to ease the ache of his neck when it moved, he grinned sleepily at her. The curtains had been left open over the windows without Gerda to close them. It was a wonder they hadn't woke him but now they bathed Marren in a soft glow. "Look an Angel" He mused in a teasing manner before lifting his good hand to push through his hair with a groaning sigh. The door opened to admit the girl that Marren had sent to fetch coffee and she grinned at Nicholas as she set down a tray with a pot of the brew and a cup along with cream, all he ever put into it. The girl lingered a moment offering Nicholas a longer smile before floating out and closing the door behind her. He found his head turning to smile at the girl and tilt as she left before lifting again. Really he was wondering if he had gone crazy and did not remember her for some old man reason or if she was new but it did so look like he was checking her out.

Marren: "An Angel that can see you need your neck rubbed " she purred walking around behind him and beginning to massage the sore tight muscles softly, her nails grazing his neck teasingly until the girl Tricia came in and begin to flirt with him.. with a lingering smile.. suddenly the angel had a bit of bite to her.. " That will be all Tricia " her fingers stilled in his hair.. as she watched him check the girl out.. a brow raised in annoyance but she kept it from her voice... " You work to hard Lover... we should.. go out.. do something to take your mind off things .. perhaps a trip.. just the two of us?" she needed more time alone with him, without all the feminine distractions about the Lily to cement their bond... her teeth worried over her bottom lip... should she tell him now? or wait.. [/color]

Nicholas: He let out a laugh as she moved behind him but the laugh quickly died to a moan. "Are you trying to put me into a trance to ask for something? You don't need that you know." He mused in a tease as he rolled his head this way and that as she rubbed then stilled to see Tricia did indeed leave. Tricia. Definitely new he mused before turning his head to get a look at Marren. Was she jealous? He couldn't help but grin at her words though. "Lover? Look at you, first a shy little farm girl now a purring little minx." He couldn't deny hearing Marren speak what would normally been such a dirty word to her before, now turned him on. "Ahh a trip, I thought you meant out for the day. I could use a day outdoors but as far as a trip...I am not so sure, with the Lily in such a twist of authority. Where did you want to go?" He twisted in the seat to see her worrying her lip between her teeth. Frowning, he snaked an arm around her waist and drew her down into his lap. "What's happened? Why are you frowning?"

Marren: She laughed as he categorized her as a minx... if he only knew.. god he was thick she pasted on a smile to push away the worried frown.. " I just worry for you is all... your under such stress.. I just want you to be happy... I want to make you happy in any way I can " she moved to his lap and settled in wiggling just so.. the green velvet that was previously Shaden's rustling like a whisper.. long blond waves lay on his shoulder.. " Anywhere with you would be wonderful... " she purred.. softly as her fingers played over his chest teasingly... " Just you and me... alone.. nothing to worry about.. doesn't that sound fine?"[/color]

Nicholas: "Marren, you've got to stop worrying about me. I am going to be stressed no matter the day or time. It's part of me" He mused with a heavy sigh, her worry though sweet was one of the things that began to get on his nerves and now grated against them like nails on a chalkboard. He let his arms circle her waist as she fell into his lap and wiggled. Closing his eyes he let out a groan at the effect it was having on him. All ready his pants were tightening to near being painful. Opening his eyes again, he watched the desk as she lay her head against his shoulder and teased his chest with her fingers. "It does sound nice..."He paused there and frowned. Was that..."Marren are you wearing Shaden's dress?"*

Marren: She looked shocked at his accusing harsh tone.. her eyes taking on that puppy dog just got kicked look.. long lashes blinking hastily... " I... I ... Only had a few.. and since she left.. and they were just laying around.. I didn't think" her tears begin to fall now.. playing at being a silly little girl... " And with being pregnant... " ace from her sleeve.. " I've gained weight and the others didn't fit..." she sobbed.. pushing out of his lap and heading for the door in a childish run. [/color]

Nicholas: He sat back waiting for her answer. Yes in some manner it did offend him that Marren was wearing Shaden's clothing. It made him feel guilty all of a sudden. So much for his hard on. As she began to blubber he nearly groaned but then she was off his lap and heading to the door before the word 'pregnant' registered. She was nearly at the door when he was out of his seat and after her, taking her into his arms. "Marren. I'm sorry, I'm sorry" He soothed as he held her to him. "Did you....did you say pregnant?" He took a step back holding her at arms length to see her face, to make sure she was telling the truth. She was going to have his baby? His face was blank except for the shock until he let out a sigh as he went to his knees, his face pressing into her stomach as he closed his eyes. God above was giving him another chance!


Marren: "Yes " sniffle sniffle " Yes.. about a month now.. it must have happened that first night... or soon after " she hiccupped and when he fell to his knees her hands went into the thick mass of his hair softly stroking it... " I'm sorry.. I wanted to tell you... later.. when we were alone somewhere away from here.. " she blubbered.. still sniffling like a child as her apparent crisis was averted by his joyful news... " Since I had not started seeing clients yet, because Shaden hadn't deemed me through with training I had not begun to take the ...tonic the other girls take to keep from getting pregnant.. " I'm sorry... " on the inside she was leaping for joy he was taking it so well... on the outside she was acting as if she had committed a crime..[/color

Nicholas: He let out a sigh against her belly. He was an idiot, he hadn't even thought of checking or even thinking about her being on the tonic that prevented pregnancy. This was all his fault but even as the guilt flooded over him he felt a glimmer of hope. "No, don't be sorry, this isn't your fault...this is.." He sighed and shook his head suddenly letting out a laugh. "I can't put it to words. I thought...my chance to create life was over." He cupped her sides and pressed his cheek against her stomach silently praying to God the child live this time. Joy had not been his, not by blood but he would of fight like hell if anyone had dared say otherwise. Shaden birthing that stillborn angel had broken him and now he felt joy...and fear. Slowly he rocked back on his heels and stood. "I am at a loss for words with joy" Joy...even just the word squeezed his heart. Would this child be a girl? Perhaps it was a sin but he prayed so.

Marren: "your happy?" she faked unbelieving... " Truly... I was afraid you would be mad... " she dropped onto her knees with him and hugged him tightly.... " Nicholas" she murmured as she kissed him softly " I always dreamed of having a family it was something I thought lost to me... because of my circumstance" she smiled radiantly at him already she heard the sounds of church bells ringing.. a wedding.. a coronation.. the gods were good.[/color]

Nicholas: "Yes I am happy" He laughed as he held her tight before drawing her up with him but the look on his face was plain, he wasn't so sure about the family part. Pregnant women were sensitive though so he would not voice this. He would of course seen her taken care of and the baby but them being a family? Despite the pain Shaden had inflicted on him, he still loved her and madly. With a mild smile against his lips, he clasped her hand in his good one and motioned his head to the door. "Come on, we're going shopping, you need clothes that can be let out as you grow and we can look at some baby stuff if you like. We'll take in some lunch, spend that day together, like you wanted." As stupid as he seemed sometimes, he was trying to avoid the talk of family for the moment.

[Lady Shaden Aramoire]

Shaden : IT was few days until the Shadow Storm had finished it's merchant business and reloaded for the trip home to Skye.. in those days Shaden showered the children with love and attention buying them new clothes and such.. Jadrian and Gemma both asking for books as they were intelligent children.. Once on the Ship Jadrian and Gemma both Shared Shaden's ( Ealora's ) cabin while Brom was relegated to a smaller room alone. Dinner however was served together in the Main Cabin and Shaden and the Children awaited Brom's arrival before eating..the evening meal.

Brom: He could endure a smaller room if it meant that they were on their way home. To see Shaden so happily lavishing the children with attention was heartwarming. The woman made a remarkable mother in such a short timeframe but it was not surprising with a sister who had six kids. Shaden had plenty of practice. With a short knock on the door, it fell open to admit first Brom's head with a grin and then his body as he closed the door behind him. "so what is for dinner hard tack and gruel?" He teased while ruffling Jadrien's hair and giving Gemma cheek a little brush with a finger and a smile.

Shaden : 'No fresh fish chowder and bread... nothing fancy if that is what you were wishing " she smiled at him and nodded toward his seat.. " join us please " she moved to serve them all from the tureen of chowder pouring cups of tea for the children and wine for herself and Brom... quietly she blessed the food, while holding both children's hands.. and they in turn reached for Brom's.. wonder what he thought of the Religious Courtesan.. she was a surprise if nothing else.. " Amen.....Ok lets eat " she smiled as she broke off pieces of bread and handed them to Gemma and Jadrian.. then Brom.. " I cannot wait until we dock tomorrow I feel as if we've been gone for ages " her eyes shown with happiness and anticipation , she was eager to see her husband again... " I have to thank you Brom but I don’t' know how... nothing seems enough.. for what you have done for us " she gave him a most sincere and winning gaze that softened with fondness.. and caring for him...

Brom: "Fish" He made a face, he would eat fish but it wasn't his favorite. "That is the problem with a life at sea, you eat from the sea as a person would on land. I look forward to a nice thick steak when we hit land" He moved to his seat before he took two tiny hands into either of his own and bowed his head. The children were looking to him for opinion when silently he was uttering the prayer himself and then humming "Amen" to finish. Taking the bread he began to break his piece into smaller ones of the fish chowder as he used his spoon to mix it around. The kids barreled in and Brom grinned in silence. Kids would eat anything! Laying his spoon aside, he eyed Shaden in her saying she had to thank him as he reached for his wine. After a swallow of wine he let out a laugh, wiping his napkin across his face as he set the glass of wine down and reached for his spoon again. "You have no need to thank me Shaden but your thanks is appreciated." He took a bite and raised his hand to cover his mouth as he grimaced at the taste. Fish, yuck! Licking his lips, he lowered his hand into his lap again. "You should be happy to be going home. It's been a month now that we've been gone. An you told your sister we wouldn't long, I don't know if I should bet you she'll be mad or that she'll be pregnant when we go back. She always seems to be one or the other or sometimes both."

Shaden : She laughed outright and then nodded.. " I think with the cargo I bring home that neither Nic nor Ealora can stay mad at me for long " she grinned as the children finished up their meal.. and wandered over to the bed and begin reading their books.. now sleepy and full, and winding down for the day. " I will buy you 20 steaks if that is what you wish " she winked as she cleared the dishes afterward.. and stretched.. " Care to join me up on deck.. I want to get some air.. " The kids had all but fallen asleep safe and comfortable and she had been cooped up in the Cabin most of the day .

Brom: He ate what he could but given his distaste for fish it was not much and so he sipped wine and watched Shaden and the children eat instead until Jadrien pulled Gemma off to bed. Intelligent or not it seemed the pair did not do anything without the others approval. It also made Brom wonder if Jadrien would take Gemma as his wife and rightful queen when the title of King of Athelia was passed on. "What the hell would I do with twenty steaks!" He chipped in with a laugh as he stood and helped clear away dinner before nodding and ushering her out the door with cloak in hand for warmth. "Are you going to sleep at all tonight? Your anxious enough to fall overboard you know" He teased as he wrapped the cloak about her shoulders.

Shaden : " I just cannot wait for Nicholas to see him.. I mean all these years.. he thought him dead.. and now.. he has his son back..." she was ecstatic with joy, and had no inkling that her life was about to take a tragic turn.. she move the railing and looked out over the passing waves highlighted by the moonlight.. " We tried for years now to have a child of our own.. with no luck.. He longs for one as do I.. but.. I hope Jadrian will fill that void.. as it looks as if I will not be able to bear him a child " her voice held a tinge of sadness that was overwhelmed by the joy of finding Jadrian " I cannot imagine how much his heart is going to burst with joy " she smiled turning to Brom... " You are the best friend he and I could wish for.. we are lucky to have you in our lives..."

Brom: "I am pleased, for you and for Nic. Neither of you have had it easy through the years. Sometimes, when we think our prayers are not heard by God, they are. They are just not answered in a way we wished they were." He followed her to the rail although turned his back to the waves and pressed his hip back to the railing and crossed one leg over the other. "God may not wish to you bear a child, yet, but don't think your chances are over. Things tend to happen when you least expect them." He let out a huff at the obvious compliment. "Through all the lady hogging and snoring and pestering and bullying, ok yeah, guess I am a good guy" He plucked at his shirt for gesture and laughed. "You seem to forget Shaden, your the reason Nic is so alive now."

Shaden : "He is the reason I can love and live .. as I am.. he is my heart and soul.. my soul mate.. I do not think I could live without him " she smiled softly and it was obvious that she adored and was complety in love smitten crazy nutso about her husband.. " He accepted me for who I am.. flaws and all.. never judged.. and was patient beyond any mans means.. " she laughed thinking all they had been though over the years... " It's hard to find words to express just how much I love him.. for him I would do anything " she lifted her shoulders and moved about with the excitement of a child.. " Tomorrow cannot get here soon enough "

Brom: "Ah the lament of a lover" He teased with a roll of his eyes and followed her as she danced about with excitement. "no doubt your new and improved Lily will be underway as well. I doubt you will have much time to lavish your husband with affection when you get home. What a shame you will be able to spend days in bed as I assume you and he will want to do." He crossed his arms over his chest then and shook his head. "It will not get here with you dancing around waiting for it. You should be resting, tomorrow is undoubtly a big day and you will need your sleep"

Shaden " I will make time to Lavish him, and the children " she took a deep breath in and nodded " The New Lily should be well underway as the Lake house... it will be a new start for the Stryker Family.. all of us. " she blushed as he called her out on the dancing with inpatients.. " I don't know if I can sleep..." she admitted almost like a little girl... " it's like a dream come true.. for us.. " she threw her arms about his neck and hugged him tightly... "thank you Brom.. thank you so much for everything "

Brom: "You know, the two of you should renew your vows with a formal wedding when the new Lily is done, right within its halls. I know your original wedding was not so open as your marriage now is seen. What a glorious event could be had there, a new start for a now full family." His mouth turned into a grin as she blushed and then he let out a laugh as she threw her arms around him and he wiggled his arms from folded to unfolding and wrapping around her to return the hug. "It is all I am, no need to thank the man for what he is and what he has vowed to do in life." He gave a pat to her back before letting her go. "I still have some of that sleeping drought I gave to Nicholas if you would like some to sleep"

Shaden " no no.. I don't think I should sleep though the morning coming into port " she chuckled.. " Ohhh Brom.. his ring ?" she looked down at Broms finger where the ring resided.. and then quirked a brow as she reached up to undo the clasp on the necklace that had once held her wedding band a secret.. she would place Nic’s ring on the chain close to her heart " I think my husband will want that back "

Brom: "oh yes" His gaze fell to the ring on his finger as he brought his hand up and let out a laugh. "always wondered how men could stand a band of metal around their finger all the time but I have to admit, I haven't even thought of it being there. Think this has reformed me?" He teased with a wiggle of his brows as he tugged at the ring. "uh..." His face twisted with the pain as the band stopped at his knuckle and would not pass. "I uh...can't get it off.." He held his hand out to Shaden with the ring still posed at his knuckle where it would not pass.

Shaden : She laughed " Perhaps it is the woman you were pretending to be married to that lightened the burden " she was teasing him of course for much of their pretend marriage he had wanted to strangle her.. when she saw the ring was stuck she rolled her eyes heavenward.. " your hand better be clean Brom " she warned as she lifted it and without warning, brought it to her lips, letting her lips surround the digit, wetting the ring and lubricating it easily with her tongue.. some might have found this erotic and a Testament to the talents of her tongue and lips.. but she was intent on getting the ring from his finger.. a warm soft gentle pull of her lips and the ring slipped off into her mouth.. she lifted her head and grinned at him. sticking out her tongue the ring on the tip.. " Got it "

Brom: "Ha! If ever I needed testament to why I shouldn't marry its pretending to be married to you. Troublemaker" He was teasing of course. "Then perhaps I should not of been messing around in the pig pin this morning" He joked again but it stuck in his throat as her lips closed over his finger to lube the digit into surrendering the metal ring. Eyes widened as she used skill of her tongue to wet his finger around the ring and feeling it sliding off his hand made him shudder before he was wiping his hand against his shirt and shaking his head. "You know, water or lard would of worked just as well." He continued to eye her with her tongue sticking out and the ring like an ornament upon it. "That's a good look for you" He teased again rubbing his finger still slick against his pants. Yeah he was not looking forward to getting to land to. Shaden was his brother in arms wife and it was not her he desired as much as her lips on his finger and what the image it conjured in his head did.

Shaden : " I gained my objective " she winked.. at him playfully not even thinking she would cause the man a miserable night of bluish tint in his nether's.. She plucked the ring from her tongue tip and slid it onto the chain " For a man who lives in a Courtesan House you are a might bit stuff Brom " she teased.. as she fidgeted with the clasp trying to rehook it without much success " A little help?" she turned her back lifting up the long red curls, the scent of orchids and jasmine assailed him.. how long had it been he had been without a woman now.. save the time that Shaden was in his bed shivering like a drowned frozen kitten.. looking for warmth, and half dead.. poor Brom .

Brom: "I'll get one of your girls to work that out for me" He retorted before groaning as she turned for help in clasping the necklace again. Rolling his eyes skyward, he prayed the Lord tell him why he created this one! Damnable woman, now more then ever he understood why Nicholas said she would be the death of him one day. It had been nearly a month since he had a woman in his bed, the night before they left Skye for England to exact and he was looking forward to that moment once more as he took the clasp within his hand and began to fiddle with it. Finally he got the ends hooks and released the chain to let it slid into place. "There ya go. All safe and sound.”

Shaden : " thank you kind sire " she batted her eyes playfully at him " Again I owe you a debt " how wonderful to see her happy and joyful, playful and teasing even if she did drive him to distraction.. it was part of her charm wasn't it?

Brom: He could not help but return her grin letting out a laugh as he brought a hand up and gently pushed her forehead in a gesture of play. "You are truly a silly little creature Shaden. God help my brother for the fool knows not what he has gotten himself into, years into it or not. You will be the death of him I am sure, hopefully in the bedroom then outside of it though I warrant." Again he crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the railing. "You owe me no debt for clasping a necklace. Good lord woman" He rolled his eyes and laughed. "Silly little thing, mmhmm."

[Lady Shaden Aramoire]

Nicholas: Mornings in Skye were something to behold. All most always every morning was never the same. There was a spark to the mornings just as there was to the evenings but each spark was different. A new day, a fresh start all over again from the day before. This was the spark that hummed against the horizon and grew with each passing hour that the sun rose in the sky. For Nic the morning was starting off brilliantly, he had a child on the way and although he still skirted around talking about the future as far as marriage and commitment went. He felt good. He was going to be a father. Although he had hired a new house keeper, the work at the Lily was never done and after breakfast he went from room to room helping to strip the beds for their daily cleaning and then back downstairs to help clean the dishes from breakfast so the housekeeper could get to work on lunch and by late morning when the weather had cooled, he went out to the garden to work on the new basinet for the new baby. A project he had taken up since Marren had told him she was pregnant.

Shaden: The tide brought the Shadow Storm into harbor.. a clean beautiful morning, almost before the ropes were tied the gangplank not yet sounding it's familiar thunk on the dockside.. was she down it and off... waving furiously to a coach driver.. as Brom and the Children followed behind.. it seemed as if her feet never touched the ground, so happy and excited she was to be home.. to be coming home to her husband and bringing his son with him... She turned as the carriage that would take them to the Lily rolled to a stop, hurrying Brom and the Children on... " Hurry.. up you slow pokes " she grinned good-naturedly at them.. she had spent most of the morning making sure all was perfect.. Jadrian and Gemma were dressed in their fine new clothes... and she herself in a beautiful spring green gown, trimmed in embroidered daisies.. perfect curls pulled back in a girlish confection of curls, topped with a matching bow.. but nothing outshone the pure radiance of the joyous smile on her face.. Soon enough the carriage was pulling into the drive of the Lily.. and she was out before Brom could hand her down.. racing up the stairs and throwing open the door... turning to wave them all on with an almost comical look.. " He's going to be so surprised!" she grinned.. all the way over in the carriage she had spoke non stop about how wonderful, and great Nicholas was.. and how much he loved Jadrian and would come to love Gemma.. how they were all going to be one happy family... The children and Brom Followed her into the grand entry way.. as her voice rang out in sweet melodic tone " Nicholas....? Nicholas... " she called for him.. only to be disappointed.. one of the Chamber maids coming to see what the commotion was about.. " Ahhhh.. Natalia.. Where is My Husband..? her eyes scanned the hallway " Don't tell me he's out ?" her joy was contagious and in her sublime mood she didn't notice the stricken almost shocked looked on the maids face.. not that of the Lily's that were now coming to see what the commotion was... " In the garden miss " Natalia pointed out the French doors of the grand Salon... Shaden turned looking at the children and Brom " Wait here till I come get you.. he's going to just be so happy " her demeanor was that of a cokeer spaniel on crack.. so happy to be home.. with that she almost ran out the French doors and into the garden calling his name... " Nicholas..! I'm Home " and when she saw him... it was all she could do to constrain herself.. throwing her arms about his neck and kissing him soundly.. the kiss of a wife.. long missing her husband.. a kiss of passion, love, longing and joy.. all shared in the moment... before she broke it and released him... " Wait.. right there... I have the best surprise for you ever! " for a minute the look on his face registered in her brain but she was already half turning to go back and get Jadrien.. " I know you angry with me but just wait.. ok " she blew him a kiss and ran back into the house.. only to return a moment later... with Jadrien... his son at her side... " Nicholas... we found him... it's Jadrien "

Nicholas: For a while he toiled on the basinet. It wasn't anything yet, it didn't even look like a basinet yet, just carved wooden parts that he was sanding down to fit the pieces together. The sun beating down on him made him sweat enough that he finally removed his shirt and tossed it over a chair before continuing his work. He heard the carriage in the front, the front door slamming and frowned. What in the hell...taking up his shirt, he wiped his face and chest down while groaning as stood from his stiff position. Was that....it couldn't be...He heard Shaden's voice and shook his head, growling low as he thrust his good hand through his hair. Damn she-devil was invading his thoughts again when he was finally ridding her from them. As the French doors came open and the fiery haired demon presented himself he finally understood she wasn't invading his mind again. She was here. His face was shocked for a moment until her body met his and her lips crashed against his own. Finally his heart lifted after over a months turmoil. All the anger and rage fell away for a moment as his arms circled around her, one hand around her waist holding tight as his other hand captured her head and he kissed her hard willing to possession of her all over again. The woman had a power about her, she captured him all over again. As he released her, he felt the guilt and anger coming over him tightening the lines on his face as his mouth opened to yell at her then stopped. Gone for a month and she had a surprise for him! Like she hadn't been gone at all. "Shaden" He growled low in warning even as she hushed him and held up a hand before disappearing inside again. When she returned with Jadrien, he took a step back as if he had been struck, his face falling and for once the dark lines of his face eased and he went nearly white. "Jadrien?"

Jadrien: He was reluctant to leave Gemma but when Shaden urged he came. He had come to respect the woman who was his fathers wife. Time would tell if it all worked out. She promised many things but did she understand what years of disappointment did to the soul? He watched his mother die and had slowly over the years like his father, lost the hope of ever seeing his other parent ever again. He wanted family, wanted the weight of an adult off his shoulders. He was a smart kid, he knew it but he wanted to be a kid. He stood awkwardly by Shaden in the fine clothing she had picked out for him nervously kicking his foot into the dirt before offering his father a sheepish grin. "Hi Dad" He muttered before turning his head to look at Shaden who urged him forward and he went willingly enough to stand in front of his father.


Nicholas: As Jadrien came closer to him, he fell to his knees, his hands coming to his sons shoulders. "My son" He muttered before letting out a laugh as his good hand lifted to ruffle the ebony hair of his sons head. "Still have your mothers hair...and my eyes. You looked so much like her when you were younger, your mother. Now that you've grown...you look like me. I always wondered" He stopped, his Addams apple jiggling as he swallowed a lump and pulled his son into a tight hug. "I'm so sorry" He mumbled against his sons shoulder. "I followed every lead...I tried everything.." He continued to babble against his sons shoulder before drawing him back to look at his face again. All of a sudden the realization hit him, Shaden hadn't left HIM, she had left FOR him. She had left to find Jadrien when he couldn't anymore. Guilt crashed upon him hard, his chest tightened and throbbed painfully. His head dropped into his hand while the other clutched at his chest. God forgive him, what had he done! God forgive him!!

Shaden : She urged Jadrian closer to Nicholas.. with a gentle hand then stood behind him with a hand of support on his shoulder, her eyes fastened on her husband as tears of joy slipped down her cheeks.. she could see how very much her Husband loved and needed his son in his life.. and she knew without a doubt she had done the right thing in going to find him... as he hugged Jadrien almost crying against the boys shoulder in so much joy.. she dropped on her knees, her arms reaching wide to encircle them both.. well almost.. " I told you Jadrien.. your father loves you and has been looking for you all the time.. now.. we are together.. forever a family " her lips kissed softly on Jadrien's temple then moved over to Nic's cheek nuzzling softly " I love you so " she whispered against his cheek.. " There is more... " she kissed his nose.. and nodded her head standing.. " Gemma ?" she called for the girl who stood with Brom at the doorway, a small delicate thing with a mass of chestnut hair and eyes.. she shyly approached.. the last few steps almost running to the safety of Shaden skirts... her hand winding into Shaden's for comfort.. "Gemma... this is Jadrien's father Nicholas... my husband.." she knelt down closer to the girl.. as Nicholas and Jadrien were still in an embrace.. " Gemma is from Athelia as well.. she's been with Jadrien all along.. " her eyes lifted to Nicholas.. and she smiled gently... " She is a part of our family as well.. " she hugged the girl for effect, knowing that Gemma's fear was to be separated from Jadrien.. her gaze moved back to Nicholas.. and seeing his face.. and the guilt and disappointment there.. she questioned it.. but not before Gemma spoke out " He doesn’t want me " her hand squeezed against Shaden's tightly " look at his face.. he's going to send me away " she begin to pull away from Shaden turning to run toward Brom.. " Gemma no ! " she held onto her.. " No.. honey he's just surprised .. it's a lot to take in. sweet pea.. " she pulled her into her embrace.. and hugged her tightly whispering softly against her ear in a soothing matter and turned her eyes back to Nic in a questioning look .

Nicholas: Grasping Jadrien around the waist, he set him against his knee breathing through the tightness in his chest as he offered Shaden the best smile he could muster. More? He didn't think he could take more. He was on the verge of a heart attack as it was. When Shaden urged Gemma forward, his eyes turned to the little girl. She looked familiar. Had he known Gemma mother? Not in the sense he would be her father but he thought he saw one of his chambermaids from Athelia in the girls face. "Gemma, its a pleasure to meet you. You look like Celine, a girl I knew in Athelia" He offered wincing as his face gave away his feelings, not towards Gemma, poor thing, getting the brunt of an emotion not geared towards her. "no no honey, its not you. You're very welcome here. We're going to be a family" He nodded his head even as the sharp pain of guilt stabbed at his chest again. Giving a pat to Jadrien back, he held his hand out to Gemma. Jadrien urged her forward and Nic managed his best smile, ignoring Shaden's questioning look for right now. "Well fresh off the boat, couldn't of had a great breakfast. I am sure Lori still has some sticky buns and milk left over from breakfast." He smiled as he nodded his head to the doors. "You tell her I said you both can have as many as you want hmm" He winked and sent the kids on their way before sitting back on his heels as he rubbed at his chest and sighed. Suddenly he wanted a church confession like never before and yet he had never been so scared in his life about what he had done.

Shaden: "Lori? who is Lori.. where is Gerda I've told all the kids about her..." she chattered as Nic hugged and welcomed Gemma everything was perfect in her world.. or so she thought " Whatever you want today kids we are celebrating.. cake and cream for breakfast.. and we shall have a huge party to celebrate.. " she grinned and leaned in to hug them both.. before hopping up, all smiled turned to her husband... as she looked over her shoulder at Brom leaning in the doorway... '"Brom was a great help... I couldn't have done it without him.. and With Ealora's ship.." Gemma's hand on her skirt tugging had her looking down and the little girl leaned up on tiptoe to whisper something.. Shaden laughed softly and nodded... " Yes yes I know.. I didn't get you two a proper breakfast.. I was in such a rush.." as if on cue Jadrien's stomach rumbled in agreement.. and she laughed

Brom: " I'll take em to the kitchen.. so you two can have a moment " Brom stuck out his hand toward Nicholas.. and shook it in a brotherly manner... had he known what Nicholas' heart had accused him of, while they had been gone he might have punched him solid in the jaw.. "Good to be back My King " he grinned and scooped Gemma up tickling her a bit.. an nodding to Jadrien.. " Come on then.. Gerda makes the best breakfast in town.. " he moved off with his charges.. with a wink to Shaden.. they had done good

Nicholas: He gave a wave his hand to her question. He couldn't just yet. Give him a minute, get the kids out of the way maybe. He was using them as an excuse that was it, yeah not in front of the kids. It was a good excuse and he smiled at Brom as he took his hand in that brotherly way and gave it a shake though his grin faltered as did his hand in his friends. He waited, watching Brom and kids trudge off for a good and sugary breakfast, to bad Gerda wasn't making it. He sighed as his good hand came up to brush through his hair as his eyes turned to Shaden and then away as he paced a step and then turned. "Gerda, isn't here anymore" He started and then stopped. "We had a fight, I gave her the choice and she walked out. Couple of the girls went with her." Slowly sank down to sit on the edge of a bench with a heavy sigh again. "Shaden, I thought you left me" As a way of an explanation to begin with.

Shaden : "What?" she looked as if he were playing some awful joke.. " You let Gerda go.. but she's part of the Family.. Nicholas.. how.. nothing is so important that it would cause that " she frowned her mind already working over how she would mend the rift no matter what it was between Gerda and Nic.. she couldn't imagine what " What was it about.. " and then he confessed he though she had left him.. her eyes softened.. and she shook her head softly.. moving to sink before him on her knees taking his hands, both the good and the bad in hers.. " oh my darling forgive me.. but the lead was such a good one.. and you refused to let Brom go... I just had this feeling... that this was the time to find Jadrien.. " her hands lifted to his face and softly caressed his cheeks.. her love for him obvious in her touch.. " I'm so sorry , I knew you would forbid it.. because your heart couldn't' take another disappointment.. so I went myself.. I could never leave you.. your my heart... my life.. " she was just about to lean up to kiss him when they were interrupted...

Marren :" Nic.. are you out here working on the babies cradle... your so good to me " she had been watching from the doorway, and saw everything.. heard everything, felt her world falling apart.. she would stop this in it's tracks.. once Shaden knew she was carrying his child.. then all hell would break loose.. but it had to look as if she was merely walking in on them.. not that it was contrived... she came round a rose bush.. and gasp.. seeing Shaden kneeling almost kissing Nic... oh that chyt would stop now... her face paled.. her hand going to her belly that carried his child splayed out in a maternal sprawl.. even though she wasn't showing.. it was an age old.. gesture... " I... I " she stammered.. looking stunned and hurt at the couple.. what a great actress she was.. tears even welled up in her eyes... as she froze.. staring at them .

Nic: "It's not a joke Shaden, I gave her the choice and she resigned. She is staying at some townhouse or something. I don't remember now. I was a little drunk the night before." He waved his hand and slumped against the bench defeated. As she took his hands, his head lifted to look her in the face. Taking his good hand from hers, he plucked the matching band in her head out to let her hair tumble to her shoulders. "Shaden, shhh" He ushered, he didn't want her kindness right now, didn't deserve it. Didn't deserve her. "Don't be sorry. You're right.." He muttered as he took his hands from hers and pushed them through her hair before cupping her cheeks. "I love you so much woman, your my world. You left and it fell apart. It all fell apart and its my fault" As she raised up to kiss him, his thumb stroked her chin as he helped to usher her up before Marren interrupted. Oh sweet Jesus. Lids slid closed as he let Shaden's go and bow his head. She had to say baby. Now the real struggle started. The want and need to keep his wife against keeping his promise to Marren. "Marren.."He spoke in a sigh as he slid back on the bench to give enough space so that he could get up. "Shaden...I" He started and stopped shifting to stand between the two woman and looking hopelessly lost. "Shaden, I was unfaithful..." There he said it but all thanks to Marren at this point else he might not of said it at all. "Marren, is carrying my child." and he would stand there, even if she struck him, he would not fight back. He deserved it.

Shaden : Had it been any other situation.. it might have been comical the play of confusion and the enlightenment..all portrayed on her face as clearly as if a play write had penned it there.. tragedy..utter tragedy.. her eyes went to Marren’s shocked countenance.. then to her belly, long lashes blinking in comprehension, her brow.. drawn into furrows.. as she looked back to Nicholas.. " no.. " she shook her head as if to dispel his words.. " no.. no.. no.. " it sounded loudly in her head but was barely a whisper as she felt her knees begin to buckle.. her lips moved as she backed away from him, but no words came out.. as if she couldn't' find the connection from her brain to her lips to voice the agony she was feeling... " Marren?" her eyes sought his as if wanting confirmation " your.. baby.. " her head shook again in disbelief.. her curls framing her face a high relief of the face of one betrayed... " I don't understand.. you? and Marren ?" her face had gone deathly pale as all her blood seem to rush to the aching wound that was her broken heart... her hands lifting in a supllicative way.. asking why.. as if pleading for him to deny it.. then her eyes left his .. moving to the ground...she was shell shocked.. on survival mode..

Marren: It was all Marren could do to keep the satisfied smirk off her face... " We though you had run off with Brom.. we didn't know " she wanted Shaden to feel the weight of the matter on her shoulders, to alleviate the blame from herself and Nicholas... " You didn't tell anyone... what should he have though " she moved toward Nicholas.. reaching out to take his and... stand by your man.. and all that...

Nicholas: He felt his heart explode with guilt with the look on her face. As her knees buckled, he moved forward to catch her and was brushed off as she found the strength to stand and back away from him and he stopped again. His shoulders fell in defeat. "Shaden, I am so sorry. I never..." He stopped. He couldn't say he never meant this to happen with Marren here and risk her upsetting and loosing the baby. His fear that a repeat of Joy would happen all over again stilled him from saying what he really wished to say. He couldn't even say it was just one time. Perhaps that might of made it less worse? Ha! now he was trying to make himself seem less of the bad guy and it wasn't working. He knew at this point he was scum. His head turned as Marren joined him and took his hand, he wanted to shake her off but fear again held him back. No that wasn't it at all! It wasn't Shaden's fault, it was his! His jaw tightened in anger at Marren. The blame was his and before he had felt bad for pushing himself on the girl but now she was trying to place the blame on Shaden. While yes, part of the blame was her impulse to take off and not say anything, he had climbed into bed with someone else, he broke his vows. Not her. "Shaden.." He started and again stopped. What could he say to fix this? Nothing.

Brom: Leaving the kids stuffing themselves with sticky buns, he had been at the back door watching the lovers reuniting. He had seen Marren come from nowhere, he had heard the news as Shaden backed away from any help. He couldn't believe his ears. For a moment he thought it a cruel joke, a way to get back at Shaden for leaving in the first place but that would be to cruel and none of them were laughing. Leaving his own hiding place, he got there in time as Shaden nearly buckled to the ground again, catching her in his arms, he held her till she had the strength to stand on her own again. "Shaden are you all right?" Stupid question but he wanted to make sure she could stand on her own before he was lunging at Nicholas throwing a fist into the mans face until both of them tumbled to the ground. "She brought back your son and this is the thanks you give her!!"Brom growled down at his once brother in arms as he pummeled him fist over fist.

Shaden : Her eyes lifted and fastened on his hand joined with Marren's.. the way Marren defended him.. and stood beside him spoke volumes of their relationship.. no mere one night stand.. her heart shattered all the more.. she had been a courtesan for too long to mistake a lovers look, of adoration that Marren had for Nicholas.. and when his hand stayed within hers.. she though the world would surely stop spinning and melt into dust.. and yet a cool breeze blew across her face whipping a curl over her brow.. as she felt Brom’s arms encircled her waist.. and keep her from tumbling to the ground like some broken china doll.. one who was left to fall, no longer valued..as a new doll took her place... She nodded, no words to Brom as they would not come from a constricted throat.. and then he was launching himself at Nicholas.. slow to react he had landed several punches before she grasp at his arm.. " Brom.. No... no....I need to go... I can't be here.. please... " it was a plea from the depths of her soul.. " I can't breath... " her hand came to her chest as if willing her heart to keep beating.. as she turned.. running from the garden toward the stables.. she wouldn’t go inside.. the children couldn't' see her like this.. oh god what had she done.. she had promised them a family.. and now... this...

Marren: There would be only one thing she would ever thank Shaden for and that was pulling Brom from Nicholas... other than that she didn't care... she delighted in the sheer misery and grief on Shaden's face, knowing at this point she would never take Nicholas back.. she felt as if she had won... when Nic was released from Brom's grasp.. she fell at his side, crying softly as she checked him for injuries.. all the while the self serving pity chatter continued.. " I'm so sorry this is all my fault.. I didn't know.. she was here...Nic.. please be all right please... "

Brom: His chest was heaving as Shaden urged him off of Nic. Grasping Shaden's arm to steady her, his steps matched her own as she rushed from the gardens and through the house out the door to the stables. Every the faithful Guard at her side as he had been these past months. He didn't give a glance back. Didn't need to, still fuming mad, he would of killed Nic had he the chance.

Nicholas: Tumbling to the ground with his brother in arms, he didn't defend himself as the blows rained down against his face and he felt his nose break under the assault. His head was reeling when the blows stopped and it took him a minute to realize Shaden and Brom were gone and Marren was whimpering at his side as the blood slowly snaked down from his broken nose and split lip. Spitting blood onto the grass, he rolled to his side. In that moment he could smack Marren just for her whimpering which grated on his nerves each time she did it. "Marren, shut up" He barked as he jerked away from her touch sniffling and wincing as his nose became to throb horribly. Reaching a hand up, he gently wiped the blood from his nose and upper lip. "For once in your life, shut the f**k up" He growled in her direction. "Grow a god damn backbone. This isn't all your fault, its mostly mine." Again he spit blood onto the ground. Damn he had bit his tongue on the fall down. Crawling to his hands and knees, he waved a hand to her pampering. "Just, stop it" He muttered as he stumbled to his feet. He didn't want the kids to see him like this either so when he went through the house, he was careful to stay out of their way till he got upstairs. So much for a beautiful day.

Shaden : It wasn't until she was in the stables, far from his sight and Marren's that she broke.. falling to her knees and leaning against a stall wall, her misery rained down, sobbing hysterically like a child, into her palms that covered her face.. great wracking sobs punctuated by gasp of breath , so harshly she cried that her whole body shook, and her voice strained from the pain that welled up inside and poured from her like a tidal wave of grief.. it was perhaps the most complete devastating display of grief that Brom would ever witness.. even in war, death was expected.. loss was expected.. but she had gone from the happiest day in her life to betrayal and despair in a matter of an hour..she rocked back in forth in her misery.. she had not hurt this much since she lost Joy... but even then she had Nicholas to turn to... to comfort and love her.. now.. she was alone.. without anchor in the world.. without......alone.her greatest fear realized... that she would be alone.. always.. only Nicholas had ever delved so deeply within her soul.. opened her up so completely that she learned to love..and it had brought her to this.. the precipice... the very edge of reason..

Brom: As he reached the Stable door, he heard her sobbing and sighed. As like Nic, his hand lifted to brush through his hair as he gave her another minute to cry it out on her own before he slowly made his way inside. "Shaden, none of this is your fault" He offered as he shifted his pants to kneel down in front of her. Slowly he sat upon the straw and drew his arms about her, pulling her into his arms and rocking her back and forth while he let her continue to cry it out. "God tests out strength....don't let this be the test you fail Shaden." He soothed against her ear. "Your strong and you'll get through this. You've survived everything up until now hmm?" He leaned his chin on the top of her head as he continued to rock her back and forth. "You have somewhere you can go? Take the kids? I don't trust them here with that girl, Marren. We could take the kids there, where ever, let you work through this, decide what you want to do. Don't make any decisions yet. Just...tell me where you want to go and I'll take you there."

Marren: When he barked at her she pulled back her hands as if burned.. then burst into more tears... her face a perfect picture of hurt.. She didn't' say anything only followed him up the stairs.. to their room pouring him a basin of water and handing him a cloth... playing the good wife.. as it were... then moving to the window to peer toward the Stables..

Nicholas: He glared at Marren through his one good eye, the other now swelling with the punch as he snatched the cloth from her hands. As she moved away from him, he lowered into a chair and wiped his nose and lip before leaning to clean the cloth and then place it over his eye as he slumped back within the chair. "Get out" He spoke slightly muffled from behind the cloth. "Just, leave me alone right now Marren. Go back to your own room."

Shaden : Slowly her sobs turned to little gasp and croaks, and hiccups.. like a child in his arms he rocked her gently, while she wiped at her eyes like a child with the back of her hands... her mind reeling with self damnation, guilt, and shame... what had she done.. to make him think she would have left him.. had she not loved him well enough.. had she been so lacking as a wife.. when Brom spoke of the children.. her thoughts changed.. and focused slightly... a few ragged intakes of breath and sniffles as she worked her mind back to the present... " The townhouse... Gerda is there... " now it made sense.. she knew that Gerda and Nic had likely fought over Marren.. all the sudden she wanted nothing more than one of the old woman's reassuring hugs... " The Children.. oh gods.. what do we tell them.. " she turned glacial green hues that shown with misery and uncertainness up to him... " If they see me like this they will know something's wrong.. I promised them a family... and and " her bottom lip begin to tremble softly... the emotion almost breaking her again...dark lashes fanned closed as she tried to regain her composure..again.. a thing hard-won.. her hand lifting to her forehead..as if to induce some though of what to tell the children... and how she would ever manage to face them and hold herself together...


Brom: "All right, then we'll go to Gerda. I am sure she will take you in, she left for you hmm. That means something" It was meant to be a compliment as he offered her a reassurance smile. "Let the old woman give you and the kids some of her best comfort" He crew back to raise his hand to brush across her cheeks, wiping the tears away. "Give yourself a minute or two. You're stronger then you think, especially when it comes to protecting the kids" His hand cupped her chin, his thumb brushing her lip as it trembled. "Don't spend another minute crying Shaden. Don't let your heart break just yet. Your not breaking your promise to them. We'll tell them the Lily is no place for Children, its the truth in a sense. Above that they don't need to know anything else, and you're not denying them access to Nicholas should he or they want it. It's the best we can offer them right now. We'll enroll them into school come the new week as well. That should help matters and you can take time to decide what you want to do about your family." He offered her another reassuring smile. "Keep your chin up."

Marren: She turned from the window walking past him.... " I don't believe them... I still think there is something between them.. he fought for her.. because of her against you.. and then ran after her... " she moved to the door... and turned giving him a sorrowful look... " I can see now though We..." her hand splayed across her belly... " aren't as important.." She closed the door behind her.. heading for her room... feeling less like she had won all the sudden.. and not realizing that her venom showed a bit when she still accused Shaden and Brom of being a little too friendly

Nicholas: Wiggling the cloth to the side, he looked at her through his good eye, his brow slanted downward in a what the hell are you talking about kind of way, irritated and in no mood for games. "Brom has always been the knight in shining armor for damsels in distress. I was a fool to ever think..." He stopped and pushed the rag to cover his face again as he tilted his head back. He felt her close but didn't look at her. He was disgusted, more with himself then her but Marren had twicked his last nerve by standing up for him for he had seen the way it had placed more of the blame of Shaden then should of been. Something just didn't sit right all of a sudden and yet he couldn't put his finger on it. "Don't ever assume my child isn't important" He spoke from behind the cloth before heaving a sigh as he tried to elevate his head in a way it didn't throb so bad. Brom had good aim. As the door clicked closed behind her, he let out a groaning sigh. "God, what have I done. Help your son in this his hour of weakness, show me the mercy I don't deserve. f**k, my head hurts"

Shaden: One thing that Brom was right about was.. in fact Shaden was much stronger than she knew herself... She took a few moments to compose herself.. and after a while she was ready to stand.. smiling wryly at Brom.. she kissed his cheek "What would I do without you ?" then stood looking toward the main house... " You go get the children ready.. and I will tell Nicholas where we will be.. I can't just take his son without telling him " she put on her bravest face and.. took a deep breath... " I won't be long ".. squaring her shoulders she moved back toward the house with Brom beside her.. once inside she asked some of the Lily's that were standing about where Nicholas had gone and the pointed upstairs and she nodded.. not saying anymore to fuel the rampant gossip that was going to bloom in the wake of all this.. Had she had more fortitude she might have told them all that this was her House and her Business and that She was back.. but instead she merely looked upward and begin the trek to their rooms... his room... the place didn't even feel like hers anymore... as she topped the stairs she saw Marren turning the corner.. to head to the Lily's quarters.. at least they weren't together... at the moment she hoped... knocking on the door she waited to hear his voice.. " Nicholas... it's Shaden..."

Nicholas: Shifting in the chair at the knock, he was prepared for it to be Marren whimpering again asking if he was mad at her. Damn right he was mad at her but it was Shaden and his heart began to race within his chest. Pulling the rag from face, he sat up within the chair before tossing the rag into the basin of water. "come in" He mumbled while lifting himself out of the chair to cross the room to the dresser to find a new shirt which he slowly pulled over his head and down before sitting on the edge of the bed. He wouldn't of faulted Shaden if she came storming in and told him to get out or even that she wanted a divorce though he prayed to God it was neither. He loved his wife. All men made mistakes, it was what made them human. This was the mother load of mistakes though and he would deal with the consequences as they were dealt.

Shaden: The door opened.. and she barely made it thru the threshold.. there was no anger in her features, just abject misery... when she saw his battered face she started toward him.. wanting to sooth his hurts.. then stopped.. her hands fidgeting with each other before her.. as if she didn't know how... to not love him.. her eyes looked everywhere but up at him... " I'm going to go to the townhouse with Gerda... I can't... be here... right now... and I don't think it would be good for the children.. to be here.. without someone.. familiar.. they are still quite fragile... Jadrian won't be without Gemma.. they are very close " she was rambling and stumbling over her words.. trying to let him know she was taking the children " you can come.. and visit them of course..." how was it that all she wanted to do was be enfolded in his arms and have him tell her everything was going to be all right.. when he was the source of the pain... it was unreasonable.. and yet.. it was what she craved most.. just to feel his love... as now she felt as if it had been ripped from her...

Nicholas: He wanted to laugh, even cracked a smile when she started at him then stopped but even that brought out a wince as his hand lifted to dab at the new blood dripping from his lip. Looks works then it feels was an understatement, it probably looked less worse then what it felt like but again, he deserved it all and so would suffer in silence of it. He did stand when she came in, wanting to pull her into his arms and sooth the misery from her face. The misery that he caused. When she spoke, he sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat again. "I understand" He mumbled, he hadn't expected her to stay around him, but her leave and him stay? Didn't seem right. It didn't seem right his wife was leaving again and he would have to stay behind but he had to give her space right? "The Lily is no place for kids. I...agree there" His hand lifted to rub at the stubble at his chin before dropping. "Thank you, for the offer to visit them. For...what you have done Shaden. I...don't deserve you. By rights, I wouldn't fault you if you wanted a divorce though God knows, I don't want it. I don't deserve you, but I have you...and this is what I do. It isn't right. I know that. God will surely punish me for this, he has all ready" Now he was rambling. "Shaden, what Marren said, it isn't true. None of this is your fault. If I wasn't a stubborn ass, you might of come to me, told me where you were going and I would of let you but I am a stubborn ass and I believed...lies..things my mind made up because my world fell apart without you." He was pacing and he stopped to move closer to her. "I never meant any of this to happen Shaden and I can't take it back. There's a baby on the way, I promised Marren she wouldn't be put out, she would be taken care of. I can't break that promise." She would likely strike him he wagered she would but he reached out to take her waist and pull her to him. "I don't love her Shaden, I love the baby in her, from the moment she told me about it. I love you, you're my world. I need you to know that before you go" His head dipped as he embraced her in a hug, ignoring the pain as he pressed his face into her neck.

Shaden : She had stood there like some mute.. listening to his words.. some of them sank in others just buzzed in her head like a swarm of bees.. it was too much... and then he was holding her.. saying he loved her... she melted into him for the space of minutes.. drawing from the comfort she had always sough in his arms.. until she realized what was happening.. her hands cupped his face and she kissed his cheek tenderly... " I know... I know" she soothed.. then wriggled from his arms backing away from him... " Children are precious things... and I understand loving one .. before it is even born" she took a deep breath and grasp the door frame lightly , " Of course she would not be turned out.. she's a Lily, she signed a contract.. this is her home.. and Even were it not your child.. I would never see a Lily on the street.. " she spoke..cooly like the Madame of the Lily now... " I need time.. Nicholas... to get these things sorted in my head.. and.. I cannot do it here.. with you and Marren.. I just can't.. you know where I'll be..." she backed out of the door.. then turned to move down the bannistered hallway..

Brom: Carrying Gemma and Jadrien following ahead, he had told the kids they would be staying at the townhouse, that this house was no place for Children and when Jadrien had asked if his father was coming, Brom had lied out right and said Nic had to stay to guard the Lily but would visit them. Seeing Shaden, he nudged Jadrien towards her and smiled at the woman. "Carriage is waiting outside. I sent a messenger on to your sister as well letting her know you're home and where to find you." He kept it simple in front of the kids, letting her know in so many words that he did let Ealora know they were home, what happened and to come see her sister as soon as she could. Gerda's tender care and her sisters love, that's what Shaden needed right now. "I sent word on to Gerda to that we would be coming within the hour." He set Gemma on her feet and immediately the little girl clung to Shaden's skirts while Jadrien was hefted up onto Brom back like a piggy back ride. "Tomorrow is a new day Shaden and tomorrow, will be better" He muttered at her ear as he lead her out of the Lily to the waiting carriage.

[Master Jean-Claude d'Aquitaine]

From childhood's hour I have not been
As others were -- I have not seen
As others saw -- I could not bring
My passions from a common spring --
From the same source I have not taken
My sorrow -- I could not awaken
My heart to joy at the same tone --
And all I lov'd -- I lov'd alone --
Then -- in my childhood -- in the dawn
Of a most stormy life -- was drawn
From ev'ry depth of good and ill
The mystery which binds me still --
From the torrent, or the fountain --
From the red cliff of the mountain --
From the sun that 'round me roll'd
In its autumn tint of gold --
From the lightning in the sky
As it pass'd me flying by --
From the thunder, and the storm --
And the cloud that took the form
(When the rest of Heaven was blue)
Of a demon in my view --
~Edgar Allan Poe

@--'--,---

Jean-Claude of Aquitaine:

The day had come quickly with the dawn only lasting a moments breath as the sun only rose into the belly of thick dark storm clouds. Well into the evening the rage of thunder pressed on, with the wind sweeping back over the spine of the nation and blowing away the deadly remnants of the winter. Old dead decaying leaves gathered at his feet, held in place if only for a moment with each carefully placed lean on the tip of his cane. The rich heavy ruby held between gloved hands as the other kept the silk hat atop his head. Clad in all black, the gentleman looked very much the part of some foreign Comte whose birthright dated back further then that of the nation here. Jean-Claude held his captivation well in the crowds of the common, and the intrigue of the noble who could recognize the motion in which he carried himself. Still cold enough for his coat he kept it close fighting through the slowing motion of the winds. Rains refused to fall though the few that dare slip away seemed to echo the heart in which he felt upon the doorstep there at the Lily's entrance. A gloved hand came to call, an old friend who read into the rumors as clear if they left the lips of the redhead vixen. He had come for Shaden, but to the door of the retired knight. "Nicholas." Never did he call the man by his pet name, and put forth honor and dignity in a name that in this hour held very little. (d

Nicholas of Athelia: [/u][/color]

Stormclouds early in the day meant he was stuck inside and stuck, with her, Marren, the witch of his current demise though he took full responsibility for the actions that had landed him at the Lily and his wife in a townhouse with half their staff. He had hired more when Gerda had left but the Lily with his thick walls vibrating with years of stories seemed hollow and wounded along with what he had done. It did not rain, it threatened to and Nic find irony enough to laugh that God was punishing him more, shoving him inside with the pain of his existance. It had only been a few days since Shaden had come home and left again taking all the warmth of feiry red hair and deep abiding love with her and Nic looked as if he had reverted to his hermit days, his shirt untucked from his pant wrinkled and a mess with his face unshaven. His eyes drooped with no sleep as Marren complained about sleeping alone and because despite his guilt, he could not refuse her, all for a promise that she would be well taken care of. He had just visited the parlor where some of the Lilies who had stayed were entertaining guests, at this point he didn't give a damn how he looked when he waltzed in to refill his whiskey glass and back out when the knock came. Flicking the door open, he actually laughed when he saw Jean Claude there. "Jean Claude" He waved his whiskey glass at him sloshing some onto the floor. Damn it. He kicked at it with a pant leg moppping it up with the end of his pants as he gestured Jean inside. "Shaden's not here. But I think you would know that by now." He cast a dark but humorous look at the man as he gestured him to follow to the office. There was more whiskey there, he forgot. "Drink?" He offered as he shut the door behind him drowning out the sounds of rivalry in the parlor to the quiet of the office.*

Jean-Claude of Aquitaine:

At the sight of the man Jean-Claude felt himself go weak, his stomach turning as his chest burned, and even a gentleman's hand clenched over the ruby. However, as always he kept a calm collected demeanor shaking his head when the man wasn't looking, "No. It appears she is not here, and this is the way you treat her home? All of her good earned hard work." The place was a mess compared to how the redhead kept it. "She has taken room not far from here, and I have come to help you out." In many ways then one. Though Nic's laughter could have seen his knuckles through his face. As always he greeted the Lilies with such compassion and warm gestures though as the office door closed behind them, he would stare down the bridge of his nose at the other man she chose over him. Funny, he had to want to laugh, though perhaps this was what drew Shaden into him. "Nicholas, do you know the difference between a whore house and this place?" He spoke in a rather dry tone, letting his hands come together as he folded them between him. "Class. Rumors of your mistress, Shaden's leaving, and now your state.." He knew his words were being ignored through the empty glances of a drunk, but still he demanded answers. "What do you have to say for yourself?" (d

Nicholas of Athelia: [/u][/color]

He wasn't laughing at the man himself, more that Jean Claude was on the doorstep when Nic knew very well that Jean knew Shaden wasn't here. It was true the two of them had never gotten along, loving the same woman would do that to men. As he clicked the door shut, he swung around the man, turning his head to watch him as he spoke. God above, more punishment, he was going to be lectured! Tipping the glass back, he took the contents of whiskey in one swallow before swinging behind the desk to pour himself another as he sighed. "I know that Jean Claude. Gerda was right, this place goes down hill with Shaden but she choose to leave and I let her go. I couldn't keep her here and she needed time for herself." He poured half a glass, put the stopper in the bottle and fell into the chair behind the desk to hang his hand and let his one good hand run through his hair and down his beard. "This is your helping me?" He smirked at the gentleman through a drunken haze before slumping further in the chair. "What do I have to say.."He rumbled low and then sighed again, he seemed to be doing that a lot lately. "I messed up Jean, I thought she had left me, with my brother in arms. I let my mind come up with things and ended up in bed with a Lily who is now going to have my child." He swiped his good hand against his forehead and grunted. "I can't change that, I know I did wrong an I know I will have to pay for it. I accept whatever Shaden wants, even if its in leaving me. God knows I don't want that but I know my actions may of caused it."*

Jean-Claude of Aquitaine:

"Mon dieu...un tel désordre..Nicholas..conasse" Jean-Claude spoke between his lips, a small sigh as he moved to see to the mess of a man. "You are only human, mon ami.." He spoke then quietly slowly, "But let me remind you. She did not leave this Lily..but you. You run her hard earned business into the ground, taint it's name with your whisky breath..I'll see personally clean the floors with your face." He spoke in as much of a threatening voice that was needed, but forever held that collected nature as he found the seat across from the man. Easing down into the chair it was hard to imagine that Jean-Claude would even be able to lift the man, enough tear apart his limbs. However, with any finely bound book; looks could be deceiving. "I will start with this. Sitting here destroying her home, spilling.." He waved his gloved hand to the spill to motion to whatever it was the man called a drink. "Such on her floors, and greeting clients in any manner as this, is clearly unacceptable." His fingers laced over the ruby of his cane as he continued, "As to your problems let us start with the first. If I know Shaden, like I think I do..sitting here like this, will not get you very far. This Lily in which is carrying your child..where is she? Upstairs I would assume? Happily content carrying your child? Monsieur, perhaps you only know what you have been told, but I shall also tell you I am indeed a wicked man, who would happily terminate that life inside her." Just so long as he got the corpse of the child. "Carry on your merry little way, let the lusty months of Spring sweep back your lover."Black eyes like spider webs spun around the idea in which he placed before the aged knight, seemed to come to life like gears turning. "You actions did indeed cause it." The harsh truth, but nothing less. "You have that trollop here with you? How does that make the Lady feel?" Well it certainly did make him feel alive with boiling rage. Perhaps, he'd do them all a favor and off the knight right here. (d

Nicholas of Athelia: [/u][/color]

"Just..just stop with the french, I barely understand it when I am sober" He waved his hand and reached for his drink only to jerk back. No he wanted to start clearing his head with the frenchmen here. For a while he sat silent just listening to the man talk. Yes Shaden left him, he got that part. Yes he was running her business into the ground, he knew that to. No one ran this place like Shaden did. People critized her, calling her a whore when she had nothing but class and a big open warm heart. When he mentioned Marren and it began to sink into his brain what Jean was offering he jumped up effectively slamming his hand into his glass and shattering it, blood instantly began to spurt over the desk and he cursed as he jerked his good hand back, shaking it with the glass pieces sticking out of it. Dirtier words had never left his mouth then and as he panted from pain, dark and angry eyes lifted to Jean. "DON'T you even THINK about touching her, or my child. That's MY child and Shaden as much as it pains her, would kill you for doing such a thing. You would pray for death before I was through with you if you harm my child." slowly and painfully he worked his nearly useless hand stretching the space between knuckles to grip with the glass as his fingers could not anymore to yank the glass from it. "Yes she is here, She is bound by contract and I made a promise to protect her and let no harm come to her. As much as she is part of my wrongs, I cannot break my promise. This child Jean Claude, has done no wrong and deserves the chance to live and be loved. I have sworn to God to see it done." One by one the chunks of glass hit the desk with a small ping. "I love Shaden, with all my soul. You said it, I am human, I have done wrong being human but that doesn't mean I love her any less, I love her more through all of this." His head lifted as if he knew what Jean was thinking and he smiled.*
 
Jean-Claude of Aquitaine:

To the parlor doors he went, the sounds of the fight had reached the rooms like the waves upon the sand--and the attention was not necessary. "Madam." He spoke with a small bow of his head to one of the Lily's as he met her eyes, but soon closed the doors. His cane had been left on the arm of the chair, the limp so freely displayed seemed more from stiffness then pain. "Mon ami.." Jean-Claude started opening the breast pocket of his coat to find a small glass vial there, and the contents thrown back quickly to pass through thin pale lips. The excess had not had a chance to run the length of his chin before captured by the back of his silk glove. "Forgive me, but you need this."The tip of the ruby cane was taken turned over his wrist in a single motion and swept across the man's face as if he were to clean garbage from the streets. The large gem crashed against the finely toned features of the man, and would have the knight pinned then against the parlor wall. A very different wild man stood there pinning him, nearly breaking free from the layers of fine fabric with harsh exasperated breaths. This was not the love of a brother protecting a sister, but a former lover who once held that heart..he knew how it broke. From the ground Nicholas was lifted, and all the frail lines of the thin man seemed suddenly filled. Solid black eyes bore holes into the other man's, burning his rage for the stupid fool to see. From then the collar of the knight was let go only to be tossed across the fine wooden floors of the Lily, and Nicholas would find himself on the flat of his back looking up onto the darkness. "IT is not a life, not yet. That woman upstairs, no doubt knew what she was doing. You can not have both." He hissed, bending to the take the man's shirt in his gloved hand once again arching Nic's back from the floor enough that his snarl was deathly close to the other. "THIS is your chance to wake up. You are human. You make mistakes, but sitting around sulking like foolish child will get you no where." It was satan that spoke then, a devil from the dark that had so rarely seen let go. So many thought him just another filly frenchman, but little knew the true madness that lurked behind blue eyes. His hair was wild atop his head, but spilled like black oil over his shoulders nearly touching the floor with his lean. Releasing Nic he let the man fall back to only pin his shirt once again with the pointed tip of his cane so that he would still be forced to look up. "I suggest you get up, sober up, and man up." From down the bridge of his nose he looked to the man, the tone still so stern but more of his normal less of an angry wolf howling through the night. "You'll not have either one of them." With that he let Nic go taking a step back, waiting for Nic to make the right move. (d

Nicholas of Athelia: [/u][/color]

He stood as Jean Claude moved away, in his haze he thought the man was leaving, until the cane crashed upon his face. "Fotawha" Left his mouth, an unintelligible word that had no sign of being corrected as his back slammed against the wall and he groaned as instantly his jaw began to ache. Well this was worse then a fist! An it was sobering! Yet not sobering enough that he realized he was sailing and then landing on the floor, rolling to his back to stare at the ceiling. The frenchman was kicking his ass and worse then that, he was letting him though not completely intentionally! Heaved upward like a limp doll, he simply let the man dangle him like a fine doll for a child close to the floor as he spit and snarled. Say it don't spray it brother! Yet he found himself growing tense with anger, his jaw locking in a growl as he was released only to be pinned with that cane again. "IT is a child to me, I lost a child when my former wife died at the hands of God and his volcano and then Shaden and I lost Joy and ever since we have been trying for a child and God has not answered us. Marren is pregnant with my child, and because of it Shaden may leave me but that doesn't mean I am just going to sit back and take it. You didn't fight and I won, I have her and her love." The cane left his chest and he struggled to get up with a pounding head, aching and bleeding hand and a useless hand. This just got better and better. Panting in his effort to get up and partly in rage, he fought to breath between words. "I don't love Marren, I love my wife, I love Shaden but I want this child and God help me for admitting it if it is a sin but if Shaden would take me back, I want this child for her. She is a good mother. She found my son, she brought him home. I want Shaden, my children, this...child in Marren." His hand moved against his face and he felt the blood smear against his cheek. The ruby of the cane had cut him and he winced with the sting of wiping the cut. "I want us to be a family. I want to get past this and by God Jean Claude, I will have it."*

Jean-Claude of Aquitaine:


A bit of pride swelled in his chest as he watched the fire rise again in the man across from him. "Ah, there you are." The gentleman stood straight, filling the space nearly from floor to ceiling and his hands collected before him to lace over the ruby. "Nicholas, no one is trying to take her from you. You are pushing her away. You let her leave while keeping another here? Think of it. Monsieur, I have been around scoundrels long enough to know they can get away with murder in the eyes of their loved ones if they truly felt a mistake had been made." Peregrine was prime example. "Marren wishes for you to simply have the child? Have you not thought of her heart?" Oh what a mess this man was in, but at least he was sobering some and could actually talk through it. He wanted so badly to out right slap the man, at the statement about winning like Shaden was some prize to be had, a trophy on the shelf. He didn't fight, so how could have their been an endgame? "Then go get it!" He hit the edge of his cane onto the floor. "You run out there right now. You go sweep her off her feet. Take her roses. Beg her to understand, but don't you DARE let her walk away. THAT is how you fight for someone, mon ami. Now go!" He wanted to spook him like one would a stray to get him going. "And don't you use your lack of being able to have children an excuse as to why you f**ked her to begin with! Damn fool." He ran a hand through his hair in an attempt to correct it. (d

Nicholas of Athelia: [/u][/color]

"Marren is under contract. By Shaden's contract she has to stay here. Until she is released from the contract or bought out, she can not be dismissed. Only Shaden has that power." He shook his head as he spoke, limping his way to a cabinet to get a bandage and a rag for the bleeding before falling into a chair. "By the way, you hit like a girl" He joked somewhat with a grin before wincing as his cheek ached with the smile and stung to boot. "Jean, I cannot push Shaden, you know that as well as I do. She needs time, a minute, a day, a week. She will have it. I am not saying I will not fight for her. Just...not tonight. I don't want her or the kids to see me drunk nor beaten up to boot." Silvery blue eyes lifted to the frilly man in accusation. At the mention of what Marren wanted he groaned. How the hell had he ever let the woman wile him with her whining. "I... don't know what Marren wants but I damn sure will have it worked out. First you accuse her of knowing what she was doing now you accuse me of breaking her heart in what I want?" He stared at the man with a coke of his head to the side before shaking it in confusion from side to side. "I will work it out Jean. I am not sure yet how I will do it but it will be done. Shaden hurts and Marren might hurt in the future but I will see the future secured for my family." He pressed the cloth to his face and angled it so his shoulder put pressure on his cheek while winding the bandage around his hand. "I go tomorrow to see my kids, you have my word, I will fight for my wife and Jean..." Though his head did not move, his eyes did. "Thanks"*

Jean-Claude of Aquitaine:


"Then tell Shaden to put it on my tab. She can have her payment in first pick of the Spring season." Meaning his dresses, "Or coin. Either way I'll take her off your hands." He would flip open the small folded leather pouch to place the right note on the table, and square his eyes with Nic. "The child will live, you have my word." Dark eyes looked around for his hat and as he started to take a step he found himself leaning on the cane once more. He had to work harder on the elixir, the side effects were few and far between but the end effect was well worth it. "There is no need to thank me, Nicholas. I should hope you would do the same for me." He smiled to the man a small crooked little seeing eerie..unfitting..strange..Jean-Claude was better without it. "Stop your drinking, and wallowing in self pity. You got yourself into this mess, now man up and get out of it. I'll expect her delivered tomorrow at my shop? I am not even certain if I know which one Marren is, but if she sold herself to Shaden..then how different will it be to sit at the right hand of the devil." (d

Nicholas of Athelia: [/u][/color]

"Jean, I can't take this transaction. This is up to Shaden" He slid the money back towards the man. "Marren isn't a piece of cattle Jean and thats my child within her. Thank you, but Shaden, Marren and I will work this out. We are all adults. I wasn't there for my sons mothers pregnancy of him and it killed me when she showed up on my doorstep ready to burst. I found joy in seeing Shaden belly swell with child. I can't not see Marren belly swell with our child. We made a mistake but that child is not a mistake and I know Shaden will feel that way. I know Shaden would love the child as much as I do now. Thats the type of woman she is. He let out a hum of a laugh that he would do the same for Jean. Yes he would, especially if it meant beating the man up! Kidding. "I know the devil, her name is Ursula" He joked about the courtesan who helped Shaden run the Lily and then shook his head with his joke and to answer Jean's question. "Go talk to Shaden, if she accepts your buyout of Marren contract then so be it. I will not stand in the way of it. But its not my decision to make, nor my right to accept it. Though it would be appreciated. I don't love Marren, its true, but I did wrong, by her and yes by Shaden. If I am to man up, I am to handle it on my own."*

Jean-Claude of Aquitaine:


Perhaps so few knew the truth of the matter that Adelaide's daughter was not his, and he stood in the very same place Shaden stood now. Ada however, ran with the pregnancy to Avaria to have the child, and though he waited on the ship just out of reach it damn near killed him not to be at her side. The true father had not known of the baby, nor that it was his until the fall of the Underdark. So Jean-Claude knew what they were getting themselves into, and in this he was thankful for the 4th to move in sweep away the temptation so that he could be with his lover. He would enjoy the company of the Lily, and needed the extra hands at his shop. What good was she to Shaden pregnant anyway? But to serve as a painful reminder of what she wasn't going through. He had felt his heart break with her over the years as she watched Ealora have so many children, and stood by her when Joy had passed. He had known of the infants death before she had ever left her mother's womb. That night was one of the few that had ever brought him to his knees before God, and even then his prayers were not answered. Suddenly he felt himself quiet, in the arms of the great chair by the fire as his heart beat in his chest. "You thought she had left...you followed your natural urge..surrounded by beautiful women everyday, it is no wonder. You made a mistake." He hissed again anger finding the man's eyes. "You can't have it both ways. It will kill her to watch you touch that stomach. Nic think of how much of a pig that makes you, Shaden will be so hurt. It is best Marren disappears. Trust me. "She will love that child, no doubt. I do not think she will not..but her husband's child with another growing inside another?" He shook his head letting his fingers trail in thought over his lip. "You need to find you a room at the Inn, get out of here. You need to get Marren out." His fingers squeezed on his bridge of his nose as he took a deep breath and whispered, "She'll be so hurt to watch that child grow." (d


Nicholas of Athelia: [/u][/color]

"Jean, I don't want to argue with you about this. I think you underestimate Shaden." He shifted in the chair, occasionally dabbling his face with the cloth to see if the blood had stopped flowing. For a moment he sat silent, he didn't want another fight, this time he would fight Jean Claude back. "I appreciate you literally beating some sense into me. I appreciate you wanting to help but again, I realize what your saying now. If I am to man up then I will, I will handle this, with Shaden. This is part of her decision and Marren. WE will work this out. We are grown ups." His hand lifted to brush against his beard. He needed to shave. "You say I cannot have it both ways, but you don't really knwo that. I am not saying I want it both ways, my wife and a mistress. If Shaden releases Marren from her contract and Marren wants to come work for you, I have no problem for that but I mean to see my child grow and be born. It is not a bad idea though, to get Marren out of her. Perhaps I will purchase a townhouse for her, and perhaps I should move into the Inn for now. Let Shaden come home to run the place." He waved his now bandaged hand. "Just, let us handle this now Jean Claude and know your help was appreciated. Please.." Nic was not one to say please often.

Jean-Claude of Aquitaine:

He laughed, shaking his head as he stood to rise. "Nic..go work it out with Shaden before you go buying your mistress a townhouse, but yes..get out of here. I'll not have you or her reputation pull this place down." He started for the door, "Shaden is a very strong woman, who can bounce back from this no problem..with or without you, but this is her Lily, given to her by our King. You need to be out by tomorrow, the both of you until you know where you stand with your..wife." A bit bitter on the matter, but he was right. Jean-Claude was that wise old crow who perched himself on various places showing up always at the right time. "You can not have them both, Nic...but perhaps stepping up and not being a bastard father to your child is best. It would be the high road."WIth that he pulled the door behind him smiling at the few younger Lilies who came to greet him, asking of the Spring line, and wondering of his trips to Paris. Always did he feel so welcome here, even if it were his primal more..masculine instincts kicking in. He did need to go see Shaden, make sure she was well taken care of; perhaps knock some sense into her or knock her up..one or the other. (d

[Jack Trades]

Jack Trades: A waxing moon gave a dim imitation of daylight to the construction site. All was quite save a few campfires still burning in the small hamlet of tents that had taken root on Shaden's property. The foreman's shack was dark and silent, as were the streets at the edge of her land. Though slowly warming to Spring's touch, the stone and cement that formed the foundation of her new house still lay quite cold. Treadmill cranes and freshly built scaffolding began to climb like ivy scaling an invisible wall.

Shaden Aramoire: She had not been able to sleep.. to many things weighed on her mind.. so it was in the late of night she rode out to the Site of the Grand Lily.. where it would be one day.. at least.. if construction went well.. Merribell was happy to get the chance for some exercise.. but flustered at being roused in the middle of the night.. as usual the mare was her fractious and testy self.. but that was part of her personality.. it was then late in the night when the Madam of the Lily did appear on site.. most of the workers asleep.. or retired into their tents for the night.. Cantering up.. she slipped from Merribell's saddle and onto the ground.. her reigns tied to a low oak limb just outside the construction site.. from there she moved quietly in the moonlight like some ethereal cloaked vision.. to see what had gone on during her absence

Jack Trades: Just the cloaked figure was about to enter the last clearing around the new birthed foundation, a low grumble rumbled in the darkness. Soured and gravel-laden, it grated over the chilled air like steel over rough granite. The words were thick and slightly slurred, but still quite clear. "I told ye the site be clos'd! Nae tourists! Now...Marren, ye know ye can be arr'st'd fer spyin' on a mason's work, don' ye nae? Ye hear me lass!?" The darkness did not part, and the rumble eddied back into the night as if no corporal form had uttered the words.

Shaden Aramoire: "I would think that I would be allowed on my own construction site " she turned facing the gruff growl with a grin, the cowl of her cloak falling back and revealing the fiery curls and sparkling eyes of Shaden to him.. " The work goes well I take it ?" she flinched as he said Marren's name.. so she had been here as well.. what part of her life hadn't the girl tried to insert herself into..?

Jack Trades: The grumble suddenly roared like thunder peeling off its fickle creator. "Donnae give me that shyte, ye smilin' she-witch!" The shadows parted as the oilskin clad toymaker barreled forward like an angry boar. A single motion drew long curved blade, black as the night he had just stepped from. The blade was pointed at the Shaden's face, hovering just few inches from her nose while the grumble rumbled on. "There nae be 'nough pl'sntreez in the world tae fool me. Yer a lousy actress. Wearin' Shaden's stuff does nae make ye her - ye bytch. And this nae be yer site. Nor will it e'er! 'Tis Shaden's! And if nae hers, then it be mine! And I have reason tae cut ye in twain he'e and now! Just twitch once, pr'test yer ill-gotten pos'tion, and I w'll celebrate Passo'er early with yer blood on the new Lily's doorstep!" The keen of eye might have noticed a bottle in tow of Jack's free hand, and though the blade stayed motionless, his bulk swayed slightly on its feet.

Shaden Aramoire: "Really Jack.. drinking alone " she grinned lifting her eyes to him.. " Tis me Shaden.. I've come home.. " she didn't move noting that he was drunk and swaying.. and apt to cut her nose from her face by accident.. " Let me step into the moonlight so you can fully see me.. " she requested , her voice not much above a whisper.. it was obvious that Jack was not impressed by Marren.. whatever their previous meeting had been..

Jack Trades: The grumble lilted upward in disbelief sparking rage. "Ye think me daft!? I can still smell a rat nae m'tter how m'ch perfume ye wear! Aye, go on. Enjoy yer last glimpse of the moon afore I cut'cher thighs open and let the muscles evi'sur-evier..evhishurate...pop out tae sides!" The blade poked at her slightly to prod her on to play out this little farce.

Shaden Aramoire: She almost chuckled had the knife not been so close to her face she might.. the blade poked at her shoulder as she backed into the moonlight.. it's silver fingers brushing over her features.. highlighting in stark relief that it was indeed his former lover and not Marren.. " Do you believe me now.. and I hope I do not smell like a rat.. I pay a premium price for this perfume " she laughed.. at the look on his face.. and gave him a motherly look.. " Why are you drowning your senses in whiskey Jack?"

Jack Trades: The blade dropped to his side limply, cutting a small line in the earth. The shadow of a man swayed for a moment before the blade was retracted into the folds of oilskin cloth. "Daft I be..." His now free hand reached out to steady himself on a large stone that had yet to be set, but managed to only numbly flop against it. His bulk followed, sliding down its length until it thudded in a heap of oilskin at its base and spilling some of the bottle still in hand. The free hand pushed against the ground, but the hulking frame did not budge. "Shaden...I still cannae believe it's ye. I'm sorry...I spent a bit of your money on booze."

Shaden Aramoire: She moved before him and knelt as he hit the ground picking up the bottle and righting it.. " I don't care if you buy booze or not.. what I care about is why you feel the need to be so drunk.. what ails you Jack ?" she handed him back the bottle and then settled on a pile of stones that had yet to be, cut or honed in the proper shapes for adding to the foundation.. " it's sure enough me.. though by your words I see you have met the bane of my existence Marren.. what business did she have here?"

Jack Trades: He shifted a bit bodily, reaching something of a more seated position, but the weather beaten brim hung low as did the head underneath it, shading his features form the dim moonlight. The grumble subsided to a hushed timbre that straddled the line between speech and whisper, though the words were still thick. "I'd hug ye if'n I had the strength. It be very good tae see ye again." The thought seemed to trail off. "I seem tae remember meeting ye on a night like this...seated by stones...in a graveyard." The brim bobbed a bit before refocusing. "Marren...she came by once. She wanted tae know about the construction, if I knew when ye'd be back, and
Jack Trades: I'm certain she wanted tae know how tae wrest yer new house intae her hands."

Shaden Aramoire: " I remember that night.. you me and Kendrew.. drinking in the graveyard.. it was memorable to say the least... " she chuckled leaning forward to hug him tightly before retaking her position on the stone pile.. and look thoughtfully.. " She may have my husband.. and be baring his child.. but she will not have either of the Lily's.. la Petite.. nor La Grande.. " she pulled the cloak about her straightening it's folds... " I've seen a barrister to complete the paperwork.. and have released her from her contract. and settled a sum of money on her for her keeping.. she is no longer my business "

Jack Trades: "Good," the reply came simply, "It'll save me washin' blood off me fine work." The bottle rose in an arc to meet his lips in a swig, but halted. It wavered in his hand for a moment as he seemed to ponder, before dropping back to the ground. "I've been watching, but only from afar. Was yer search successful? How are ye holdin' up, Shaden?

Shaden Aramoire: She made a sound of a laugh that was wry and dry.. at his proclamation of spilling Marren's blood... and for all the world that she wanted to blame the girl.. it was not her fault that Shaden had left without telling Nicholas where and what she was doing.. nor that Nicholas had not trusted their marriage.. and her.. to keep himself from Marren's bed... " Marren is a casualty of mistrust and failure in my marriage.. not it's cause.. Nicholas actually thought that I was having an affair with his brother in Arms Brom.. as well as you... " she blushed softly " not that you aren't both handsome virile men, but I've kept my vows.. to Nic.. and intended on doing so for the rest of my life.. " she looked saddened for a moment and then smiled.. ' But yes... we found Jadrien.. and another orphan from Athelia.. as well and brought them home.. they are wonderful children..." the look on her face spoke volumes of the love she already bore both children.. and she did not further expound on how she was holding up.. it was obvious.. she couldn't sleep and was out roaming the countryside at all hours... she leaned forward and pressed her hand out toward him in asking for the bottle.. " I think I need a drink as well "

Jack Trades: "Intended?" The brim canted up a bit at her now, as he studied how her face beamed brighter than the moon. An unsteady motion passed the bottle off to her. "Do ye still intend tae keep those vows?" He paused while she
Jack Trades: drank. "Ye know, in a sense I could be angry with Nic. Nae fer mixin' with Marren, but fer stepping intae the life I was hoping fer when we all came back aboard the StormShadow...Ye know, if'n it'll help ye sleep, I do have a bedroll in the shack. Different location and all that. I'd watch o'er ye."

Shaden Aramoire: She handed him back the bottle after she took a nice long pull and looked thoughtful for a moment.. " I don't know what I intend to do... it seems that the fates do not decree me an easy path.. " she shook her head softly as if making a joke at her own expense.. " All I know now is that there are three children .. Jadrien , Gemma and this unborn child.. who's lives have to be put in order before I can.. even think about my own.. Jadrien and Gemma are my main concern.. I've spent my last few days.. wallowing in self pity that gets nothing accomplished.. nor makes anything better.. " her eyes lifted to him when he spoke of being angry with Nic.. his confession of wanting a life with her.. when he had come back.. glacial hues that held a deep hurt and sadness in them.. " Tell me what happened while you were gone... I though you had left me.. " ironic that she though he had left her.. and moved on with Nic.. and now the same said thing had happened when Nic thought she had left him and moved on with Marren.. the difference was however.. Nic and Shaden were married.. and it had been less that two months Shaden had been gone.. and Jack had been gone.. now some 4 years...

Jack Trades: "I see. Well, ye can take heart in that ye'll have me tae talk with." Taking the bottle back, it rose and fell in a short swig as the conversation grew headier. The barrel chest expanded with a deep breath before slowly exhaling. The hearty voice dropped all semblance of warmth or cheer as if it were a stone in a deep lake. "Long before I met any of ye, I languished while trying tae launch the endeavor we set upon. Now I languish still. Only now it be worse since much has been spoiled in the attempt, and many lives have been lost. Ye asked me what happened...I cannae tell ye. I couldnae tell the three of ye afore we landed on the treasure, and I cannae tell ye now that we be further from it than ever before. Maahes and Ealora are fat and happy in their home. Ye have children tae care for and a homestead tae make yer own again. Maahes I think has another war fer me tae fight with him, and I have a house tae build fer ye. I hope I can secure another trip from Maahes, but I willnae tear ye from loving children that ye love in return. I have tae go back, but should I nae return...this house shall be the most I can give ye."

Shaden Aramoire: She listened to him and as he spoke she rose and moved to his side.. settling in next to him a slight shiver before she brought her cloak about her.. stealing his warmth as the chill of the night settled about them.. " Maahes and Ealora have children as well.. do not think me so frail I could not aid you.. if need be.." she teased him as she curled in beneath his arm, then stole the bottle taking a drink... " And why do you say you wouldn't' come back.. why cannot you find your treasure and return..?" she looked up at him with inquisitive and questioning eyes.. " It may take years to build La Grand Lily.. will you stay until it's complete.. or are you merely gathering coin and supplies for a voyage that will take you forever from these shores?" her mind wandered over the past and the future... wondering where this time next year would see her.. watching Nicholas and Marren.. with their child ... with Jadrian and Gemma.. while she was alone.. in her Grand Lily... sometimes looking into the future made one long for the past.. and sometimes.. it was just sad.. daunting and hazy... no one new what the future held.. for any of them..

Jack Trades: As she settled, a burly arm curled over her slender shoulders as it had many times in the past, drawing part of the poncho over her and into the warmth underneath. Though at her question, he stiffened and in a very rare moment, the hearty voice rumbled in exasperation. "Coin and suppl-...what, do ye think I spent four years just sitting at the docks waitin' tae bum a ride across the pond!? I-" He stopped, grumbling under his breath. The voice softened again as his bulk settled against her. "I cannae tell ye. I couldnae trust the three of ye with that information afore we were there, and I still cannae, especially since I couldnae keep ye all
Jack Trades: with me through the first time. But rest assured, Shaden, I will complete the tasks that I have undertaken."

Shaden Aramoire: She froze as he let out his exasperation, and frustration.. deeming her.. Maahes and Ealora... untrustworthy... her face fell in disappointment.. " I'm sorry... I have failed you.. " she moved to get up, her emotions already raw and showing from her failure of a marriage.. " It seems to be a particular gift.. failing those I care for " three steps and she was away from him.. her few sips of whiskey not making a dent in her usual grace and fleetness of foot before he could react she was at Merribell's side, cursing roundly as she tried to untangle the reigns from the low branch now that Merri had moved about so to cause it to tangle.. angry jerks of the leather as she cursed even more. "Dammit Merri do you always make such a mess "

Jack Trades: Though slow to rise, he made it to his feet. The strong constitution of the brawny frame bore through the poisonous effects of the alcohol. Now given some time to sober a little while talking, a roughly straight line could be walked towards the fleeing Shaden. Steady strides brought him to her, where his arms wrapped over and around her angry jerks, holding her gently but unyielding to her struggle with the reigns. The voice rumbled softly and sadly in her ear. "Shaden, I've failed ye too. And I've failed so much afterward. Yet ye greeted me back with open arms. There nae be need tae run from me. I be building a house for ye, that ye might
Jack Trades: live happily in it, however ye choose."

Shaden Aramoire: His gentleness undone her.. he held her and the fight went out of her as she turned in his arms burrowing into his chest like a sorrowful child, " Jack.. I'm so lost.. I don't know anything anymore..." she sobbed miserably... " only that I've made so many mistakes.. that I can never take back.. I'm sorry.. " she sobbed against his chest.. she had thought all her crying done and over.. yet again her misery surfaced to the top...

Jack Trades: There were no words. He held her close while she sobbed. Without hurry, the embrace lasted until the tears slowed enough for a gentle touch from rough and scarred hands to usher her to the spartanly built shack. Somberly and tenderly, he urged her within. Shortly after the door shut, the warm glow of a light filtered through the seams of the shack and a thin plume of smoke wafted from the short, barely existent, chimney stack atop the roof.

[Lady Shaden Aramoire]

Shaden had pasted on a happy face for the sake of the children.. Jadrien and Gemma.. but it was after the two had been tucked in bed.. and the house was quiet.. for the most part.. only Gerda downstairs proofing bread for the next days meal.. Heather Jayne and Mary gone out for the night... and Shaden alone in her room.. a small fire crackling.. ledger books from the Lily scattered on her bed.. she had no thoughts of figures and money this night , though she knew well the place was a mess after her absence.. her misery had overtaken her and she sat staring into the dying flames.. trying to understand the circumstances.. to will them away.. wake from this nightmare.. anything.. but face the reality.. she had lost her husband... to another.. two nights had passed and he had not come for her... she had thought he would come... but he didn't.. she was all cried out.. at least for the night.. and now a numbness had settled in.. leaving a bleak emptiness in her soul..

The rains had yet to let up, heavens of the world following close in hand with the emotions running high through the vacant streets of the spring time highlands. Scotland seemed to hold more eerie gloom to it then any one land his dark eyes had known. Yet there was a cool careful calm to the seeming collected world at their fingertips. Jean-Claude found comfort, an ease to his madness even though his body ached from the damp cold. However, the rains of the Spring were wild and violent like the heart that beat behind his chest. As the thunder rolled, and the lighting flashed he could not help but absently wonder this world alone. The streets in which were always so full of life were empty, and not even the sound of his cane could be heard clicking over the cobblestone from the heavy downpour. Perhaps he should not have called at this hour, or in the state in which she would find him at her door. Yet...God was in the rain, and as it fell over the marble carved flesh of his face he worried she no longer felt the same. A knock would come to the door as the world returned to him, and he laughed in how foolish he was being. It was thrilling really..."I do not wish to come in, Gerda..fear not." He watched the look of the woman clearly not willing to clean up such a mess as this man would leave, "But if you would not mind..I would like to speak to Shaden."

Gerda laughed.. at the sight of him normally so proper and fine.. now wet, like a creature from the sea, she shook her head and beckoned him in.. even though she did not relish the idea of cleaning up the puddles he made.. " You know well she would skin me for leaving you out on the stoop.. but stay off the carpets " her hands waved him off the expensive carpets " She's up in her room.. barely comes out.. I'll tell her your here..?" her eyes questioned... almost putting the thought in his mind.. that he should go up.. Gerda herself was furious at Nicholas.. even more so now that Shaden was home and it seemed he had abandon her for that whore Marren.. the old woman almost felt it would serve Nicholas right if Jean Claude moved in on Shaden.. after all these years.. she was now wondering if that wasn't the way it should have been in the first place..

"I gave in on my cover..the rains are too harsh." He smiled to the woman taking the towel, and starting to dab at his hair as the overcoat was pulled away. There was a wildness to his hair that when wet curled ever so lightly, making it appear soaked to with black oil; a family trademark. The mysterious Comte's son who was born on the witching hour, now stood in the midst of it all. "I shall go up, if you do not mind." A well trained gentleman was not one to push past his roll, but he felt her heart ache in the midst of it all. Tonight was a very different night, and in a split motion the proper man stood then outside the bedroom of the Lady. Like a puppet pulled with his string he corrected his stance, fluffed the silk around his neck and let himself in. A bold man tonight, but had it been there already? "Shaden.."

Upon the breath of his word she turned.. half way to him.. somehow not at all surprised to see him.. there was no emotion on her face just the cold blankness of one who was lost... like a Wendy to a peterpan, she looked indeed like a lost little girl.. sitting on the floor before the fire.. scarlet curls pulled back in a girlish bow, a pale yellow nightgown, and blue woolen shawl, pulled about her shoulders.. bare toes toward the fire... " Jean Claude.. please.. come in " it was a wan smile.. the best she could do as a offering of proper greeting.. " I suppose the rumors have spread.. ?"

Careful yet strong steps carried him across the floor in a slow manner, and he stopped about half way through to curl his hands over the tip of his cane. "Rumors somehow always seem to find their way, but it was in my dreams did I first learn." A strange realization that even he did not want to admit, but his lover only made them stronger. He could have felt her pain through even the heavy rains. In the quiet that passed between them he did not find the words easy, but in all his glory and proper state slowly eased to the floor next to her reaching out to place a gloved hand over her own. "This too shall pass." Eye level with her he had a strong grip on the ruby to help with his posture and to soon be beside her; the warm fire a welcome feeling. With his back to the fire he caught her gaze and lifted his hand to touch her chin gently, "My darling how are you?" His voice was so very gentle, warm--inviting; how it hurt to see her like this!

"yes yes.. and what does not kill us makes us stronger " she laughed wryly... " though to not feel this pain I would suffer and infants weakness and never be strong again " her faced turned to his as his cold hand turned her chin so that he could see her eyes.. glacial green hues that were reddened and haloed with darkened circles.., she tried a brave smile but failed miserably.. settling for a tightening of her lips.. and a apologetic shrug of her shoulder " I'm a fool... that is how I am... I live in a world of sex, betrayal and misery.. and I am foolish enough to believe that a band of gold and a vow.. would somehow make such things impossible in my own marriage... I tell all my girls when I'm training them.. love is something that does not exist.. it's a commodity to be bought and sold.. never believe.. I failed that lesson miserably.. I bought my own fantasy.. hook line and sinker " she confessed sadly then turned back to the flames... " She is having his child... another thing I failed at... "

His heart broke for her, and that cold hand cupped her cheek gently to only let his fingers find the back of her neck to pull her into his embrace. "Mon cher..Où ce soleil a disparu ?" He whispered against her hair, "He is but a man..He thought you were gone. Nicholas is just as much a mess as you." He soothed against her as she opened her heart, a very true passionate one. How could she be so willing to teach one thing, but feel another? With her still in his arms he would let his hands fall away if only for a moment coming around her to undo the buttons of his gloves and pull them away. She knew of his deformity, the punishment for being different, and in this moment he wanted to feel her, comfort her as a man should. The mangled mess of hands returned to her, cool to the touch but the fire could easily take that chill. "I have not the right words, Shaden, but to try and remind you that this will not be the end..your love together is stronger then this. He was a fool, still is..I have said this from the beginning. I can not make excuses for him. I judge his weakness, of the flesh. I am ashamed, and have told him." As a matter of fact Nic sported a new gash. Going quiet for a moment he took a deep breath, listening to the rain outside coming off the medicine he felt his eyes grow heavy until they closed as he pressed his cheek against the crown of her head.

Oh how she needed his touch.. she felt the most ugly woman on the planet.. a barren, abandoned woman.. alone and bereft.. tossed over for a fertile and young girl.. who could give her husband what she could not.. " You do not understand Jean Claude... he did not come for me... he still has not... he choose her " his words about Nicholas.. barely phased her as she shook her head... " I’m sure he's embarrassed and ashamed.. but it seems he made his choice.. " how raw and open a heart could be when displayed so.. she was pulled into his embrace.. her body as cold as his.. hers emotionally so.. still no tears had come since he arrived, perhaps the heavens themselves were opening up themselves against her misery.. a crackle of lightening.. and she flinched... " There is nothing left to do.. but untangle our lives and let him go... I cannot compete with a child.. or a woman who can give him one "

Jean-Claude took a deep breath, and kissed gently her temple, "Then you have done everything that you can." He spoke gently against her neck. "Let it go. Get dressed. Let me take you out. I shall take you to dinner, dance the night away. You will forget him." Though he knew it to be easier said then done. However, he would not think Nic to pick such a woman over Shaden. “Do not be afraid of the storm, Mon Cher.." His hand came to rub her back, "Come..get dressed, let us get out of here away from this world for the night." The night belonged to them, their hearts and all the rest of the life beyond those doors. Brushing her hair back from her face he tucked the small fallen strands from her tie away. It had grown so much since it was cut away. "Perhaps we shall head to my shop and pick out something new eh?" He smiled those dark eyes seeming void of any emotion pulled on the forward front of her current state--he hurt for her so dearly.

She shook her head softly " I would be sad.. company.. and I suspect your Ada will be missing you.. to know you were out dancing with me might bring her the same sadness I feel tonight " she leaned forward and kissed his cheek softly... " Tempting me with dresses.. that is a clever ploy.. knowing my like of shopping.. " a hint of a smile was directed at him... as she mulled over the offer... "I would not offend you by placing my burdens on your shoulders.. when once you offered me your heart.. it seems.. disresptful.. somehow, to use you to forget my misery.. when you once offered me joy " her shame showed on her face.. at her lack of caring for him... " I have been remiss .. I should have asked after your family.. how are they ?"

"Oh come now. Adelaide would be thrilled I am out from my work. My dancing is not what she calls...whatever it is she does." It certainly wasn't dancing--passing her arms around her head like some wild fairy. Even now he shook his head, and smiled thinking of her out there somewhere dancing about. "Mon Chatte, does not enjoy my work. Nor does she wear them ever. I might as well spoil someone no?" Genna enjoyed playing dress up, but much like her mother seemed to dirty the design in no time. "Nothing will heal the heart faster then good company, laughter, and a first look at the spring line." His lips brushed against her neck, the angle very dear and the kiss very tender, "Come now..get dressed."



Mmm, you are mistaken. I fear I've not had time to be a good boy. Between France, England, Skye, and the occasional business trip to Italy. I've had my hands full." He stood slowly the pain of the motion a shift of a scowl over his face, and nothing more. From there he slowly moved to stand behind her sweeping a fallen curl back into place.

She watched him in the mirror, a faint smile gracing her lips until she saw the scowl.. " The weather pains you.. and yet you brave it to console me... whatever have I done good in life to deserve a friend such as you dear Jean? " always she used the abbreviated version of his name.. somehow making it all the more intimate and personal.. bringing back haunting memories.. her hands finished the artful confection of curls pinning the last one securely...


"I'm in dire need of assistants. Have you any in mind?" He hummed lightly while decorating her neck with the tips of his fingers before turning to dress his hands once more. "I shall happily subcontract a few of your girls should they wish to learn. I would like to see Julian off to England." The spoiled brat who he had taken under his wing.

Julian?" she questioned, her flesh reacting to his chilled fingertips with shivers and goose bumps, a soft laugh more like the joyful girl he knew she could be.. lifted from her lips, as he played a symphony of touch across the sensitive skin of her neck.. every woman had a sweet spot.. and he had found it.. " I think I have someone in mind.. though not a Lily.. a country girl.. very gifted with a needle and thread.. though she works too hard, and is quite shy. She came looking for work as a Lily.. but though she is pretty.. I didn't think she would be able to work as a Lily.. she has a tender heart.." she smiled up at him.. ready to leave her rooms for the first time in days

"Julian is my apprentice."There was nothing better to heal the heart then that of good company, and a he drew her cloak around her he would see to it Gerda knew of their departure with the promise of a safe return. No doubt, she had her doubts..."So tell me," He started as the night rolled through and the rain let up. The walk was not far from her rooms, but the shop closer to the Lily then he wished so they took the wooded path. It would ruin his hem, but for her she was worth it.


The walk was indeed a good idea,, when at first they turned toward the Lily she slowed.. almost turning around.. then he directed her into the wood, she was relived.. she didn't know what she would do should they walk by and see Nic and Marren.. together.. or worse.. The rain slicked new leaves of spring dripped wet diamonds onto them as they made their way down the pathways toward his shop..her holding the hem of her skirt high, showing off her delicate ankles and calves as no proper woman would.. but then again.. very few women had the immense appreciation of fashion that Shaden did.. and a little leg was a well sacrifice for a perfectly stitched hem.. " It's beautiful here.. almost like in another world.. " the serenity and cleanness of the woods after a rain, seemed to be a soothing balm to her soul.. calming her.. as did the man at her side..

As the moments passed with their walk he had noticed something so different about her. Shaden was not a woman who needed a man so to speak, but in this moment her closeness made it clear she was in dire need of him, as a friend, a companion, and an open heart to listen. Jean-Claude kept her close, even as they walked her arm looped through his and he held her tight.

The garden outside the store was in dire need of a trim, and a new coat of paint would be dire once the weather warmed. However, the roses stems were starting to turn green in hope of a bright Spring blossom.As they came in through the back gate she looked about.. " You will have a abundance of roses soon... At the Lily.. there are so many I planted last year.. I was looking forward.... " her voice trailed off reality setting back in.. as she looked up at him pained.. " Your garden will be lovely.. perhaps I shall sit in the swing and take in the perfume of your roses.. " she changed the subject quietly trying to remove her circumstance from the forefront of her mind for now

"So...tell me, how was your trip to England? My garden is in need of work. I am not home enough to tend it. Adelaide's business is growing so quickly that even she hasn't the time to lend her assistant, or even her own fruitful hands." How he loved those hands so.They were a strange pair he and his lover. He could not hold her back, but how he did love to hold her. Ada's wildness was much of what made her so special, her charm and open heart held her many lovers where he only selected a very few. His affection wasn't the same as her own. His heart went out in conversations, laughter, and close moments like this. Perhaps it was his age, but in fact Jean-Claude found the best kind of love was in fruitful whim. The little bookkeeper had won him, the affection of a mentor, and even her chaperone Claramae had a deep seeded soft spot on his heart. Between them there was very little save for the Italian Princess Ana-Catalina, but even that held it's regard. He simply enjoyed her company, and the sweet owl like eyes. It was Shaden who had a dear hold on him. Always had. Always will. However, now his love was restricted, for the friendship they held together was far more precious to him then any old night of passion.

"It was successful... we Found Jadrien.. Nicholas's son.. as well as a little girl who has been with him all this time she is also from Athelia.. her name is Gemma.. I was planning on adopting her.. " again she stalled.. " but with things as they are... the two of them are close.. and should Nicholas decide.. to take Jadrien.. well... I couldn't separate them.. for my own selfish needs... though I have fallen madly in love with both the children.. " she smiled and the maternal love she had for Gemma and Jadrien was apparent.. it was some basic drive in her to love.. everyone around her..her heart was so wide open though it was almost scary..what was it in her background that had her searching so hard for love.. as if she wasn't worthy.. did she even know...that she did? "Anyway " she shook her head and waved her hand as they passed through the threshold of his Shop... " There were hundreds of children in workshops... there.. horrible situations.. disgusting really all for men to make a profit from... I was lucky enough for and Audience with Claramae.. and she set an orphans reclamation plan in order.. and set about a Minister of Children's affairs to see to it.. Of course.. I will be working with her on funding " she smiled proud of her accomplishments in helping the orphaned children in England.

Once he listened to her talk of England he went quiet, being the right hand man to Claramae he would no doubt dig his worth where it counted on her project."Perhaps we shall partner on another endeavor. One more passionate then simply our trade." Lily's and Jean's shop went hand in hand, "But I have another project that could very well fund your program, Shaden. One that I do need a business partner in." He collected her hand and gracefully sat her down upon one of the plush red chairs as he went to gather her a glass of his finest. (He always had the best)

"This city is in dire need of the arts. A theatre, an opera hall..something. The land just by the sea vacant would be divine. Nothing as grand as in Paris, but think of the revenue it would turn around." Always the mind of business, his head was in the future. "I would like to meet with the engineers for ideas of rigs. The models I have constructed work very well, but the real life of it…" He mused, " Well..add real weight behind it." Closing the distance between her he would offer her the glass, moving to open the hatch where the chandelier hung and lit on it's own. The room filled with light, glittering around the surface of each perfected gem of design. Every gown like his science--brilliant. It was madness for a man to be so open, but he knew the market well. The money from his self-made empire gave him light to live a free man, and spent his whole life now behind old books.

She settled down in his fancy red chairs.. odd that he the very pargon of taste and class would choose red velvet when she herself abstained in the Lily.. but then again.. Jean perhaps had an affinity for all things red.. as indeed he brought her back a glass of the same shade, a dark decadent wine that was so fine as to be rare. She sipped it, closing her eyes enjoying the fruity dark bouquet on her tongue.. quite the connosuire.. it seemed.. "Mmmmmmmm delightful " the sweet hints on the back of the palate were perfect.. " Exquisite.. as everything you do is " glacial green hues opened and fastened upon him as he spoke of his newest dream... " you do know I am constructing a New Lily... Jack Trades is building it for me.. he has crews working night and day.. outside the city.. a sprawling complex, with private bungalows.. a dinning hall even an indoor roman bath... it's quite the endeavor.. perhaps we could incorporate something there.. or.. near the water would be good as well.. bring in lots of trade from the docks.. " she mused swirling her wine then sipping again, her eyes roving over the selection of creations from the inner workings of the self styled mad man.. yet she thought him shear genius.. for what other man so worshiped the form of women to make perfection from fabric and drape them as goddess's ?


"Jack?" He was surprised to have learned she would even let the foul man before her again. Jean-Claude made himself busy preparing the space for her to dress. "It is inspiring the season." He started gently, "The new colors can certainly make you feel a new person." His hand came to draw in a bit of his own glass. "Shaden..I have never judged you, not once, and I will not." He turned upon her then, "But in this moment I have never seen you so not yourself.." Closing the space between them he would comment about how she commented on the wine but not the gowns before her. She was in no mood to be a doll, when on the inside she felt so ugly.

"Yes Jack.. don't look so surprised.. It has been four years, and the pain replaced.. by Nicholas..love.." her words trailed off for a moment it seemed she had forgotten.. her current pain.. was she so fragile that her mind was slipping to places it shouldn't be.. or perhaps Jeans wine was more potent than they suspected.. or the company so soothing that for the space of a breath she had forgotten the betrayal and heartache.. " Trades is a good man.. with bad timing.. " she smiled wryly.. thinking on what Trades had said the night before.. about being angry with Nic for stepping into a life that he himself had wanted to return to.. " Things have changed.. I've Changed since the days of Trades and Shaden.. so why hold a grudge over past history.. I'm sure you know something of what I speak.. being you " she artfully changed the subject to him as she stood sitting her wine aside.. and moving toward the racks of beautiful dresses " You've outdone yourself, once again.. " she pulled aside a few of his most decadent and exquisite creations... holding them up before herself at the mirror then replacing them on the hangers... he was right normally by this time she would be in full mode of trying them on.. all of them.. but tonight she did not feel worthy of even his most demure concoction.. " It's hard to be oneself when the thing you gauged yourself by.. no longer exist.. " she was speaking of her love and marriage to Nicholas.



And thus the night carried on the things said and done only to be revealed at later times, friends, confidants and former lovers , making plans and mending the past…it was most like tailoring and exquisite gown, it took time… careful planning, and an inordinate amount of perfectly placed stitches to hold it all in place..

[Sir Nicholas Stryker]

Nicholas: That Morning, Nic sent word to the townhouse and Shaden that he was coming to see the kids. He didn't want to just show up on the doorstep and surprise her, the kids and the other household of the Lily staying there. No doubt Gerda would open the door just to slam it in his face. After spending a few days in a drunken stupor, he had sobered up, cleaned up and shaven. No need for the kids or Shaden to see him messed up. On the way to the house he stopped by the market and bought some candy for the kids as well as some toys, a fake shield and sword for Jadrien and a two dolls with fine dresses. Real ladies. With the parcels under his arm, he rapped on the door with his foot and then waited with his breath held.

Gerda:Gerda indeed opened the door, the stern grey haired gatekeeper who stood between him and his family.. for a long moment she stared him down cold as Ice.. " She says I am to let you in.. the children are in the drawing room " her disappointment and disgust in him were keen... as she pointed her finger toward the drawing room.. where Jadrian and Gemma were plunking and picking at the piano forte making what they considered music as Heather tried to teach them the basics.. the sound of their laughter and Heathers good natured chiding was like music on the wind, happiness.. and light.. something that had been missing in their lives for a long time.. Even Gerda smiled as she opened the doors... " They are precious children see you don't disappoint them.." the rest was left unsaid.. like you disappointed Shaden.

Nicholas: He was holding two bouquet of flowers in his mouth, one of white roses the other of lilies. Shuffling his mass of parcels around, he took the lilies under his arm and held the roses out to Gerda. Yes the old woman was mad as hell at hime and he knew it, still, he offered her some kind of peace as he handed the flowers over before crossing the threshold to follow her to the drawing room. The sound of plucking keys made him hum with a small laugh as he stopped outside the doors. "Where is Shaden?" He questioned in his pause. "I brought her.." He stopped again to shuffle the presents to hold the lilies out. "These..." He held the flowers still before poking a glance inside the family room and smiling at the kids as they giggled and tried learning as Heather was instructing them. "I won't, that's a promise" Nic didn't make promises he didn't keep.

Gerda:I'm not sure she's receiving visitors now... " Gerda's tone was protective.. and somehow punishing where she relegated him to visitor.. Taking the Roses she arched a sever brow at him... and glanced upward.. two nights had gone by .. She had tried to console Shaden.. the first night was only sobs and tears.. then that vacant blank stare.. yet somehow she managed to pull herself together and take meals and make time for the Children.. and if one didn't look to closely at the portrait she painted.. they might be fooled by the craftsmanship of the facade.. but not Gerda... Shaden was like a daughter to her.. she knew the girls soul was broken open.. and not likely easily put back together.. but she had come to Love Nicholas like as son as well.. and the desperation and love in his eyes for Shaden, made her look upward toward Shaden's room.. " Tread easy.. as if walking on glass... I haven't seen her so fragile.. since... Joy "

Nicholas: His face was bruised, a fresh one amass the dotted fading ones of Brom, he had gotten into a fight that was clear as his bandaged hand held the lilies out to Gerda with a sigh. "I understand. Will you take these to her? Let her know I wish to see her after I visit with the kids? Ask if she will see me, if not, I understand" He handed the lilies over and then pressed past the threshold of the sitting room grinning as Jadrien turned to look and then jumped up from the bench to run at his father. "Dad!" He let out a yell as he jumped against his parcel ridden father. "Ohhh" Nic groaned and then laughed. "Your getting to big, you'll break your brittle fathers bones" He teased while handing over the parcel of sword and shield. "Gemma, I have something for you too" An he handed the boxes with the dolls inside over to her before shaking the bag of treats. "An candy for you both, but for after supper. Have you eaten yet?" He limped to a chair and sank into it with a sigh. This felt so strange, to see his son after so long apart and yet it felt so right. His family, the one he thought God would deny him. He would make this right. Now more then ever he knew it.

Gemma:Gemma turned big brown eyes up at the man who was Jadrien's father.. when he offered her presents and shook the bag of candy.. for a moment she was tempted as she moved toward him and stood looking at him with a frown.. "Miss Shaden says you are a guard.. have you been fighting " her keen eyes looked at his battered face and bandaged hand.. with suspicion.. "That your job keeps you from being here much..?" she was an intelligent child and not often tricked by candy nor dolls.. her voice didn't hide the fact she knew something was going on.. but not quite what it was.. she awaited his answer while looking at the dolls, but not picking them up.. she was as wary as a rabbit..

Gerda:Gerda Took the Liiy's into the kitchen and arranged them in a vase, then up the stairs to Shaden.. knocking on the door.. she entered after the faint words of enter were heard...

Shaden:" he's here.. I know... I heard his voice.. " she smiled wanly.. lack of sleep and depression, grief had settled upon her face and frame and she showed the signs in stark relief.. her eyes took in the lily's.. stargazers.. her favorite.. pale pink to bright pink striped white Lilly's the biggest of the family, already their fragrance filled her room with their exotic scent... as Gerda placed them on the dresser...

Gerda:"He wants to see you after he's visited with the children.. looks a might rough.. been fighting it seems "

Nicholas: He groaned as he shifted about to find a comfortable spot but smiled at the little girl. Would his daughter with Soren, or Joy, been as beautiful and smart as this little girl was? She was going to be a perfect reflection of Shaden when she grew up, not of looks but of mind and heart. He could tell. "Yes I am a guard at the Lily." He answered truthfully before giving good thought to his next answer. "Lets just say I have had sense literally beaten into me." He winced and winced as the healing scratch on his cheek stretched and threatened to break the newly coming skin. "It does. There are still Lilies at the house that need looking after and with not enough men, I cannot abandon my place, even for my children. The Lily is not a good place for children, much as I want to be with you two all the time. Gemma, some adults make promises and break them. No doubt you two have seen much of that in the past couple of years but I do not make promises I do not intend to keep and we will all be together soon. We are a family, even if for right now we are parted." He slid to the edge of the chair to be eye to eye with her when he made that promise. Jadrien was near dancing about the room with shield on one arm and waving the sword with the other. "Hey hey, not in the house. You break your mothers fine things and she'll kill me." He let out a laugh and rubbed his hand against the back of his head. So many years lost. How did one fall into the role again when he had lost hope long ago? This was going to take time. "Do you not like your dolls Gemma?" He turned silvery blue eyes to the little girl.

Gemma: "The dolls are so fine.. I fear to touch them " she stood looking at them as if they were rare jewels.. she was three when Athelia imploded and her world was swept away in a sea of ashes and mud.. she had never had a doll.. and her world was comprised of Jadrien and nothing more.. survivors the both of them.. it was by their wits and intelligence and some quirk of fate they survived.. they had never had a childhood.. in the normal sense.. and it was somewhat confusing to her as to what to do.. She looked back up at him and then to Jadrien.. as the talk of promises and family flew about, looking at Jadrien to see if he believed in such things.. and when Nicholas spoke of Shaden as their mother.. she tilted her head.. slightly... and frowned... " I don't remember my real mother.." she picked up the dolls still in their boxes and turned walking over to the piano stool where she arranged them looking over them with a quizzical stare..

Shaden: Meanwhile upstairs... " Tell him I will see him in the office.. here are some things we should discuss , after he visits with the children " the two days that had passed she had worried that he wouldn't come at all.. hearing his voice she realized she had indeed been waiting for him.. but in those two days she had also come to the conclusion after a long talk with Corren.. that she needed to put her house in order. and that meant taking her business back.. as well as her life.. She may have lost her husband.. but there was more to Shaden.. than her marriage..

Nicholas: He smiled, though sadly. What had his son and Gemma been through. Growing up to fast and not by choice. "You will not break them Gemma, but take your time. No one is going to take them from you." He sat back to watch her move to the piano as Jadrien continued to play in the room swinging the sword despite being told not to. At the mention of her mother, Nic sighed and pushed himself out of the chair. "Heather...please" He coo'd to the lily as he took Gemma hand and lead her to the floor. "Remember I told you that you looked like a woman I knew in Athelia..." He pulled the little girl up and settled her feet on his as Heather began to drum a tune and he began to dance with her in a circle, her on his feet. "Her name was Celine, and you have her hair...and her eyes..." He smiled down at the little girl. "Want to know more?"

Gemma:The little girl danced with him, her feet atop his as she looked up smiling warily as he spoke of her mother.. her eyes lit up.. something in her needed confirmation that she did indeed belong.. to someone .. and was not just and orphan of life.. " Please... tell me " she whispered... as if listening to a fairy tale...

Nicholas: "Well, see there was this King and she was one of his ladies within his court. Very refined and yet she was very smart." He grinned down at the little girl while he waltzed her around the room. "She looked like spring when she wore blue, beautiful and bright. She had a laugh like a bird singing. Very whimsical." For the better part of an hour he danced her around the room, even pulling his son in by letting the little boy climb onto his back, Jadrien thought this was good fun riding his fathers back while he danced with Gemma. "Her favorite flower was daisies. She had a garden full of them." Every now and then giving her small little details as he remembered them. Bending even with Jadrien on his back and lifted Gemma up into his arms. "An she loved...dancing" He seemed to hum in a sing song baritone voice before twirling her about the room, Jadrien hanging on as he twirled them around furniture. When finally it was time to wash up for dinner, he let the kids down and kneeled down to give Gemma cheek "I'll come tomorrow for more stories hmm" He winked before lifting resisting the urge to groan as his knees popped. He waited till Gerda saw the kids out and as the old woman jerked her head to the office, Nic grinned and crossed to give the old woman's cheek a kiss then dashed out the room before she could smack him but it was when he got to office door did he feel his knees weak. Sucking in a breath and knocking, he actually waited for Shaden to tell him to come in.

Shaden: "Come in" her voice was soft and held a tone of sadness and anticipation.., settled behind the desk she didn't' rise as he entered... her eyes looking down at a stack of papers.. and finally lifting as he came in... " Hello Nicholas " her voice was guarded.. " It sounded as if you were having a good time with the children.. Jadrien has been asking of you I'm glad you made time.. to come see him " she almost snapped at him... but kept her cool.. she had expected him the night before.. and then had cried herself to sleep thinking he had made a choice to stay with Marren.. at least now he came to see Gemma and Jadrien... her heart was breaking but it was better to get things over with now, before the children had to much time to get attached to her.. should he make the decision to stay with Marren.. and his past two nights absence had made that clear..

Nicholas:Turning the knob, he poked his head in before opening the door wider to admit his body before he twirled to shut the door behind him. His heart dropped when she did not look at him as he came in, did not even bother getting up. Was this it then? Was she going to say she was going to divorce him he wondered. "I did. They are wonderful kids" He smiled in spite of himself as he crossed the room and took a seat on the other side of the desk. Clearing his throat, he kicked his foot as he sat down. "Well, I wanted to give them time to settle into the change, first England then the Lily and then here. I wanted to give you time. You said you needed it." He let his arms rest against the armrests of the chair, folding his bandaged hand on top of his other. "I also didn't want them seeing me drunk or beaten up. Had to get some sense knocked into me." He hummed in a small laugh before clearing his throat again. "Thank you for seeing me, I didn't think you would.."

Shaden: Her eyes lifted from the papers before her.. " I don't seem to know what I want.. lately.. " she shook her head softly as she surveyed the damage to his face " Brom?" she winced as she cataloged the wounds.. making note to speak with Brom about not beating Nicholas up anymore.. " You shouldn't drink.. you know how you get " it was a wifely tone she took with him as she rose and then settled back in her chair.. she had almost moved to him.. to check his wounds but then sat back down unsure.. " Your welcome here.. your Jadrien's father.. and he has missed you something terrible these past days.. quite eager to get reacquainted with you " unspoken... I've missed you too.. her eyes softened.. and when the words threatened to spill she looked again at her papers, shuffling them nervously... " I spoke to a barrister and had him draw up some papers "

Nicholas: "Brom yes, and Jean Claude, he came by the other day" He shifted in his chair. Yes he has said been beaten because he had not fought back. The man had indeed knocked some sense into him. "Yes, I've given it up since the beating. It's quite something when a frilly french men beats you up" He grinned dispite himself then shifted in the chair again. "I miss my children...I miss my wife." He stated with a sigh before looking up quizzically. "Papers? What papers?

Shaden:She rose laying the papers out in three sets before him... " This one is an affirmation that the Gilded Lily belongs to me as sole proprietor, before our marriage and remains mine until this day, there is no shared ownership of it.. I just need your signature affirming that... and this is a bill of sale.. for the land the New Lily is being built on.. as you bought it with your funds I am buying you out with a 10% profit.. which is more than generous.. profit for you.. with the exchange of funds I shall also be the sole owner of that property as well.." she took a deep breath and lifted the third stack of papers.. " This is not for you, but I wish for you to convey it to Marren.. along with this " she pushed a note of payment toward him... " Her contract was for five years.. I'm buying her out.. of it.. she will have ample money both for her expenses as well as a sum to draw upon for a dowry as all Lily's do... More than enough to keep her.. well settled ... I'm giving her 5 days to find alternate lodging.. I cannot run my business with my husbands mistress under my roof..." she pushed all three sets of papers toward him and reclaimed her seat before her legs buckled.. finally breathing again.. " In 5 days time I will return to the Lily.. but until then Gerda, Jayne and Heather will run it in my absence.. the people you hired while I was gone.. will be kept.. there is no reason to upend their lives because of our personal problems.

Nicholas: He shifted to lean forward in his chair as she lay before him, listening intently on what each one was about. Slowly he pulled the first one in front of him, his eyes scanning the lettering before pushing it back and then taking up the other as she explained each one and he glanced over them. The third he didn't touch, it was for Marren and he would convey it but he didn't need to know what it said. With a heavy sigh and without signing the papers, he sat back within the chair. "You are entitled to think low of me because of Marren, this I understand but do you think I am so low to take what you built before we married?" Silvery blue eyes raised to hers with a bit of hurt shining through them. "I bought the land for the new Lily, for you...if you had read the papers I gave you about the land, it has your name, not mine." He shifted forward, reaching for a pen to sign without her answer then stopped hummed with a bitter laugh. "My mistress?" He shoved hard, knocking the chair back as he stood and swiftly moved to the door and turned the lock into place before crossing the floor and grabbing up a pen to sign the first two papers before throwing the pen down and again moving this time around the desk. "Get up" He commanded.

Shaden: She watched him with shock.. and flinched as he slammed and banged about, her eyes widening.. almost with fear as he stalked around the desk and commanded her to get up... she had played the ice queen with him, for fear of breaking into pieces before him.. " Nicholas" she questioned but rose none the less facing him.. staring him in the eye.. unflinching.. not a trace of emotion on her face... " I did not mean to think you would take anything.. I'm just protecting myself.. and my business.." she took a step back.. to better look at him.. " I don't know what is in your mind or what you want.. but I know.. I cannot afford to loose everything.. not you and the Lily... I cannot make your choice for you.. but the business is mine.. and that is a choice I have made.. "

Nicholas:"Protect your business Shaden, right now I don't give a damn about the business. I only care about it because it means so much to you but right now, I don't give a damn" His voice was a low growl and as she took a step back he advanced, backing her up until she hit the wall. "I'll don't have papers drawn up to show you what I give a damn about." Even as his hand stung with gripping her waist, he gripped her with both hands, lifting her up as he pressed his body into hers, forcing her to wrap her legs around him as he let go of her waist and used his weight to pin her against the wall. "I give a damn about my kids, Jadrien and Gemma. I give damn about my wife. I was going to let you leave me, I was going to let you divorce me without a fight because I felt it a fair punishment for betraying you." His arms moved to either side of the wall by her head so she was forced to look at him. "I've decided though that's its to much torture to live without you. Marren is not my mistress, I made a mistake and now there is an innocent child on the way who didn't make this mistake, its parents did. This is not my child Shaden, this is our child. Marren be damned, I want MY family back. I want my wife back." His hands slid against the wall to capture her head as his lips crushed down against her own with passion, fire, anger and most of all love. "Tell me you don't love me, and I'll leave" He growled against her lips before claiming them again.

Shaden: She was literally taken aback.. pushed and pinned like a helpless butterfly beneath the weight of his body and his anger.. and his self damnation... her whole body trembled as she was lifted.. her mouth opening to speak only to be silenced by a passionate kiss... " I cannot.. " she whispered.. to his question " I do love you... but... " tears sprang unbidden and coursed down her cheeks... as she broke.. never had he seen such grief since she lost Joy.. her head resting against his chest as she sobbed, arms wreathing his neck seeking comfort all the while shattering in his arms, " Why.... why didn't you trust us.. me... I don't understand... ?"

Nicholas: He sank to his knees, drawing her against his body as he went and he let her sob, holding tightly around her sides. Why? He wasn't sure he could answer that. for a while he simply held her, let her cry while he thought of the question. "I am not sure I can give you reason that will make any of this better or right. The only thing I can say, is I love you with such a fire and a passion that for you to leave without word of where or why, my heart broke and my mind unraveled, created illusions out of nothing. I saw you in the garden with Brom the night before you left, hugging him and then you came back out of breath and needing a bath and I thought you two had..." He stopped and pressed his forehead to her shoulder. "Then Marren told me you had a secret dinner with that Jack Trades guy and that he stayed overnight and the fact Maribel was gone with you, when you never take her. I thought you had left me. My mind so unraveled found no other explanation for it." He pulled back, raising his hands to cup her face and look at her. "I'm so sorry Shaden, I love you, I have always loved you."

Shaden: He sobs had calmed to little gasp of breath, almost childish in nature as he spoke her eyes lifting to him... " I've never been unfaithful to you... not even with Robert.. though I know you wondered... and with Jean.. I swear it.. upon my life... Nicholas, when you saw Brom and me... it was after you had forbid him to search for Jadrien.. the hug was because he agreed to go with me.. I was going with or without him.. the lead was to good.. and you would not hear of searching any longer..." her lips pulled tight when he spoke of Marren talking to him about her dealings with Trades... " Jack and I had dinner in the Lily, and he had no place to stay.. so I lent him a room for the night.. he slept quite alone I assure you... we were talking over the construction of the New Lily... I hired him that night... nothing more.. Had you been here I would have invited you to join us... I wasn't hiding anything from you " she sniffled again.. and took a deep breath... gazing up at him.. " How many days did you wait before you took her to your bed... how many days is our marriage worth..?" she already had an idea.. for Marren to know she was with child it had to be within a few days... of her leaving.. " Do you think me such a whore that I would lie with Trades in one night and with Brom on the next day.. and then come home to you...?" she pushed at his chest and tried to wriggle out of his grasp... " She's giving you the thing I cannot.. in less time than it took for us to find Jadrien.. you replaced me.. in every facet of your life.. and made a child with her.."

Nicholas: "I know that now. I was a fool to think so. I told you, my mind came undone with my heartbreak." He retorted in a low hum as she began to explain and he couldn't help but laugh and hold her tighter. Very like Shaden to explain when he knew what he thought he wasn't right. Stroking her cheeks, his head leaned down against her own. When she asked how many days, he let go of her face and sighed. "Shaden..." He seemed to beg her not to ask that. "I believe you...you don't have to explain but what your asking...do you really want to know?" His eyes along with his voice begged her to tell him to forget it but as she fought to pull herself away from him, his arms locked around her and pulled her hard against his chest, enough that he huffed with the force. "Shaden, stop! Stop fighting woman!" He growled low as she struggled to get away from him. "A few days all right, there does that make you happy!" He growled when she wouldn't give up her struggle but nor was he letting her go. "Our marriage is worth more then ten thousand Marren's but there's only one Shaden and that's the one I want. I don't want Marren damn it, I want you! Be damned what she has done, I made a child and I can't take it back, but should that child suffer for the sins of its father? Will its mother make a sin of it to? YOUR its mother Shaden, Marren be damned! I want this child with you, not her!" As she got her hands free from his chest, he let her go but grabbed her arms above her head before she could wiggle away and forced them behind her back, wrapping his arms about her body to pin them behind her back. With a low growl, his lips descended again to capture her lips in a kiss. "Tell me you don't love me, that you don't want me and I'll leave" He offered in a whisper against her lips.

Shaden:" I don't know if I will ever be happy again " she voiced as he asked her if she was happy knowing it had only been a few days.. and then he begin talking of the child and she felt physically sick.. " You cannot have this child with me... it's not my child.. no matter how much you wish it so..." as he pinned her she gave him the truth of her misery.. in the look of pure utter disappointment.. not in him but in herself.. " I am not a true wife to you because I cannot give you a child... it's obvious the problem was with me.. " her shoulders shrugged softly and her tears begin anew.. " You cannot take her child away from her.. that would be cruel.. and I wouldn't stand for it.. She nor that child deserved this mess.." her hand raked thru her hair in agitation... " I won't have you regretting your life with me when you could have a life with a woman who can bear your children.. " selfless loving act on her part... " I love you to much.. to deny you that.. You Marren Jadrien and the new baby.. and Gemma could be a family... the one you always wanted.. the one I couldn't ... I couldn't ... give you " her voice broke as she offered him the out.. " It's the logical thing to do.."

Nicholas: "If your unhappiness is to be with me, then I will leave" He offered. "Just say it and I will walk away Shaden but if you love me, I am going to fight for you, because I love you." He released her then, setting his hands at her waist then when she didn't struggle anymore but as she spoke of the logical thing to do he began to growl angrily again. "so you want me with a woman I don't love because she can give me a child and that makes her a good wife? She is a selfish bytch who WHINES when she doesn't get her way, if she wasn't pregnant, I would kill her! A true wife, ha!" He pushed against her hips, pushing her off his lap and crawled backward to bang his head back against the desk. "A true wife, Shaden, stands beside her husband to be his strength when he has none, she can stand on her own two feet while she gladly stands beside her husband. She is his witness to life, as he is hers. THAT is a true wife Shaden. f**k being able to have kids. WE have kids Shaden, Jadrien and Gemma. Screw being able to have a child of our own. If God doesn't see it fit, then we will be content and happy with what we have and we will be blessed for it." He got to his hands and knees, crawling to where he pushed her off his lap. Pushing his chest against her own, he laid her back on the floorboard, laying his body over her own. "An even if I have to share custody with Marren with this child coming, she or he will still be our child.." Lowering his hands by her head, he stroked his good hand through her hair while running the knuckles of his useless hand down her face. "You, Shaden, are my true wife...I want no other."

Shaden: Pushed back onto the floor.. and pinned with the weight of his body.. she had no choice but to listen to his words.. feverent at first.. and then calming as he told her of his wish to be with her.. and that she was his one true wife eyes widened and blinked back the tears.. that still threatened.. how many times had she bolstered herself , telling herself she would not break and cry before him, she would not beg and plead, that she would keep her dignity in the face of this humiliation.. and yet.. when faced with his own torment.. his own self hatred over his actions.. and her own guilt in her part of setting the wheels of doom in motion.. she could not help it.. tears that glittered like diamonds fell from dark lashes.. over pale flesh that had seen to many nights alone and without sleep.. over her cheeks dampening her hair.. what could she say to that.. could she forget his betrayal.. already she forgave him in her heart.. knowing by the look on his face.. the feel of misery in his words.. and the tinge of hope in his voice that he regretted his affair with Marren... " Would that we could turn back time.. but we can't.. there is no way to make this all go away... " her voice broke and she trembled beneath him, closing her eyes.. tightly and inhaling trying to calm herself.. " You cannot expect her to go through this pregnancy without you... I know .. that pain.. when I was pregnant with Joy... Trades left me.. not knowing if it was his child or Roberts... do you remember... how that tore me apart... that he would walk away..?" glacial greens hues lifted to Nicholas as she pushed him upward with gentle hands so she could sit.. " It is unfair to put that kind of stress upon Her... Marren... when it is not her fault the situation she finds herself within.. " she rose to a seated position and leaned back against the wall.. with a heavy sigh.. " As much as I want to tell you she is your problem and deal with her... I would not see you hurt her... in that way.. She is the mother of your child... and deserves that respect ".

Nicholas: Bracing most of his weight on his elbows, he stroked his hands through her hair as he watched the emotions play across her face. As the tears started running down her cheeks, his hand lifted to smooth them away from one side and move to the other only to have the other soaked again with tears. As she spoke he sighed, cupping her face as his forehead fell to rest against her own before he was shuffling backward as she pushed him back to sit up. Scooting back he leaned against the desk again, drumming his head back against it as his good hand worked through his hair while he kicked his feet out in front of him. She was right there, he had seen what being pregnant with Joy had done to her, or what Trades had done in walking away and he would not wish it on anyone, even Marren. He couldn't walk away from her now any more then he could walk away from Shaden then. Shaden had not been his obligation, he could of very well walked away and not held her late at night on the couch while she cried but he had. Still doing so with Marren now, he would break Shaden's heart even more then he was now. Did she understand that? "Do you understand what you ask of me?" He wouldn't meet her eye as the lines on his face seemed to grow heavier and thus advance his age another ten years. Reaching his good hand up to grip the desk, he rose on crackling knees and rolled his shoulders back which cracked with years of wear as well. "I shall endeavor to see the kids in a few days, I suspect the termination of Marren contract will have her in a tiff and with only a few days to relocate her and myself, I will have to sacrifice my time with them till it is all settled." He reached for the papers intended for Marren, his jaw locking in irritation at Shaden for wanting to find the good in people not worthy of it. She was sending him back to hell and she knew it, that irritated him. "You know..Marren said you hadn't put her on your special concoction yet, so its no wonder she got pregnant. I was stupid enough to think you would make it an official duty after joining the Lily. Not that I blame you, never would on that account." He slapped the papers against his thigh and sighed. "You know, I'll never understand how you can forgive that pig of a King and lend such a warm and caring hand to him after what he did to you, and me...oh its not Marren's fault, its all my own?" He smiled albeit a little cruelly when he finally met her eye before starting towards the door.

Shaden:"Nicholas... I did not say you had to leave the Lily ".. as he rose so did she.. her hands clasping before her... " nor be her lover.. only not walk out completely on her.. Settle her, and your own thoughts... I have not given up on us " She shook her head moving toward him as he snapped at her about the exiler the lily's used to stop conception.. " her training was not complete.. so she was not taking customers.. only when she had officially become a lily would I start her on it.. after she had a physician examine her and find her fit for work , just in case she was already with child before coming to the Lily.. " that answered his question but his next words had stunned her slightly she took his hand halting his progression out the door.. coming round him to look up in his face.. " You are not the only one that is angry.. we both made mistakes and I certainly have blame in this as well.. I am not blaming it all on you... not at all.. " her eyes softened as her hand lifted to trace the new mark across his cheek.. with her thumb.. " Jean Claude told me.. what you said... that we are adults.. and will work this out..... would you rather I rage and throw a fit making you choose.. telling you I wish her and that child never to exist.. perhaps attack you.. with the anger and rage that I feel deep down?" her other hand lifted to cup his cheek.. " Trust me I considered it and much more... but gelding you would serve no purpose.. I think " it was an attempt at humor and to soften the hurt they both felt.. the anger they both felt and the depondence they both would endure.. " She is only 17 years old.. and not wise in the ways of the world as we are.. so I cannot find fault in her.. for laying with you.. trying to take my place... it is the nature of the beast.. when you are a courtesan to try and rise to the top. But while there are Marren and her child to consider there is also Jadrien and Gemma.. I promised them a Family when we got home to Turas Lan and I intend to keep that promise.. in the best way I know how... so now it falls to you to make decisions.. I cannot tell you that things will be perfect.. nor as they were.. there is to much hurt.. and anger for me to say the words and have meaning behind them.. now.. but I... I haven't given up on us Nicholas and I won't.. until I see.. that you have " she reached up about her neck and unclasp the locket there taking his ring from the chain.. and holding it out to him... " If you want it back..." her eyes actually showed fear that he would not take it.. and it was perhaps the first time Nicholas would even think.. that Shaden had feared loosing him.. as much or more as he feared loosing her.

Nicholas:Her arm to still him did its trick, he stopped in place and his jaw set tighter, not wanting to go into an argument he was sure this conversation was going to. His chin jerked as her hand lifted to touch at the newest mark upon his face. It was healing well so it did not sting as she traced her fingers over it. Damn frilly frenchman with his ruby cane. "I meant it Shaden, WE as adults will handle this. but did he also tell you I could not have it both ways? A wife and a woman carrying his child? did he tell you how he offered to take care of it for me so I could get you back?" His eyebrow arched upward, he wasn't trying to get Jean in trouble but he wasn't going to let the man look like a completely nice guy without intentions of his own. "how he would buy Marren and have her work in his shop? Did he tell you I refused him and threatened to kill him if he touched Marren or harmed my child?" He reached his hand up take her hand away from his cheek. "I don't blame on abandoning her or the child but I'm not planning on taking her to my bed ever again either." He held her hand in his own against his chest as he inhaled and sighed. "Do you think she would not throw a fit to be put out of the Lily and not stand beside her as I promised? You ask me to do the right thing, and it is like you, your warm and kind heart. To rage and bash would so be out of character for you but I have this feeling as easy as we try to make it, there is going to be a long struggle ahead of us. I do not think she will make thinks so easy. I have no right to ask it of you, but I need you to trust me now. She will make demands in her fear she will be left alone, in some things I can bend, in others I will not. In one is leaving you and my family. Know you, that will be one resolve on which I will never budge." When she reached around her neck to remove the locket and then his ring, he had to laugh. So she did have it. One day when the anger and grief wasn't so bad for them he would ask what she had needed it for. Plucking the ring from her fingers, he let his teeth grind as he forced the fingers of his bad hand straight, a feat that beaded sweat on his forehead as he slid the ring back onto his finger and then with a sigh let the fingers curl back in again and ease the pain. Reaching his good hand up, he clasped her chin and brought his mouth down on her own.

Shaden:" this is not about Jean " though she was shocked that Jean would offer to take care of the problem..it was not a surprise.. and she was almost touched that he would offer to buy out Marren's contract to salve Shaden's Pride.. but no matter had Nicholas chosen Marren, Shaden would have still paid out her contract, and released her from the Lily without penalty.. such was the way of business and if a failure at personal matters of the heart.. She was not a failure at Business.. and that was what Marren was to her business..There is plenty enough money in the dissolution of her contract for her keeping.. she is not turned out into the streets.. but nor will she remain a Lily working as a Pregnant woman either.. I have never allowed it and will not in her case either, because of her situation. " As she listened to his fears about Marren's reaction to all this.. " I do not see this as being an easy road... nor even a comfortable one for all involved... perhaps not even a happy ending.. but I would rather hurt with you, than be alone without.. and I would rather say that I tried.. to honor our marriage and our vows , even if this ends up badly... " she smiled as he took the ring straightening out his fingers and slipping it on.. it was as if he were reaffirming their commitment, and it made her heart swell with emotion.

Nicholas: Pulling her lips with his own, he gave her a deep and tender lingering kiss. With a hum of a sigh he pulled away holding her chin in his hand for a moment more before releasing it. "There...put your fears to rest" He offered with a small smile creasing the sides of his lips. "I should get back to the Lily and deliver your papers to Marren. I shall come see the kids and you tomorrow. Perhaps we should all have a picnic, reaffirm to them we're going to be a family. They are great kids Shaden, and no this will not be easy or pain free, but we will do it. I love you, Shaden Aramoire Stryker"

[Sir Nicholas Stryker]

Marren: She had been furious all evening... first all Jean Claude had beaten Nic up, then convinced him to go after Shaden.. which he did as soon as he sobered up enough to walk straight.. that in itself boded no good, because Nic would be thinking clearly for the first time in months.. his drinking was horrid since Shaden had originally left.. which was good for Marren.. because it made him easier to handle..All night she had worried that he wouldn't come home to the Lily.. yet late well after midnight he had returned going to his room and locking the door.. that boded no good either.. since Shaden had got back he had not bedded her nor even offered affection.. So she was seeing now that she would have to be the one to pursue him.. so it was with the Morning that she went downstairs and had Lori fix him a breakfast.. then carried it up to his room... Knocking on the door she held the tray, presenting a perfect picture of loveliness.. fresh and dewy young and beautiful.. how could he resist.. She hoped.

Nicholas: He did not look forward to going back to the Lily, of sleeping in bed without Shaden. He knew his actions would mean some measure of punishment that it would not be so easy to secure his life with Shaden again but damned if he was not going to try and Shaden had made it clear she was not giving up on them which was a good sign but facing Marren and giving her Shaden's papers was not going to be an easy feat and he could just imagine Marren reaction. So like a coward he had come home and went straight to his room, locking the door to her advances but he knew he could not avoid her forever, especially with his child growing inside her belly. When the knock sounded on the door, he turned towards the sound while he shrugged a new shirt onto his shoulders, wincing at the pain in his muscles from being beaten up not only by Brom but the frilly frenchmen as well. Sighing he fixed the collar as he moved to release the lock from the door and pull it open. Managing a smile, he pulled the door open further. "Good Morning Marren. How are you feeling today?"

Marren:Large cornflower blue eyes smiled up at him holding the breakfast tray like a perfect paradoy of a perfect wife.. she was all golden and new.. the light blue gown she wore one that he had bought her to accommodate her soon to be increasing size.. a dainty bow tied beneath her breast to allow for the graceful folds that would soon burgeon with the curve of their child.. She offered him the adoring almost moon pie look of a girl in love.. then a small frown of sympathy.. " I am well.... I brought you breakfast " the tray had all his favorites cooked just the way he liked.. she would spoil him senseless if he would just let her " I though.. well.. since you came home late.. " words left unsaid.. but her face related her sympathy for him that his quest to go to his wife had left him alone... " That you might need.. someone to.. comfort you " it was both endearing and a offering.. somehow seeming innocent yet alluring for a man whos' wife had sent him away in the middle of the night.. at least that is what she crafted it to appear , as if she felt sorry things had not worked out the way he had wished. Stupid Jean Claude... she would love to see him roasting on a spit now.. for if not for him Nic would still be drinking and pliable. and Marren would be in control.

Nicholas: Fixing the cuffs on his shirt, he managed a smile as he nodded to the table within the room. "Thank you, please, come in and set it down." He stepped back to allow her to enter before shutting the door behind her. Funny, this room never had seemed the same when Shaden left, it still did not seem right and the memories of taking Marren into his marital bed seemed wrong and hummed off the walls as if accusing him all over again. He couldn't help but smile at her wanting to comfort him. Of course she would think Shaden had sent him away, in sense she had but he had left of his own accord to. To give her time to rest and to sort through all they had talked about. His eyes went to the contract Shaden had sent with him for Marren and he sighed. He could not put it off forever, Gerda and the girls would be coming home today. "I am fine Marren but I am glad you are here, we need to talk..." Moving to a chair, he pulled it out for her before moving to retrieve the contract from the bedside table and move back to the table with the tray. All his favorites and still he did not feel hungry. Still he poured himself a cup of coffee and took the seat. "I spoke with Shaden yesterday after I went to see the kids. We had some business to conduct but she also asked me to relay some business with you." He paused to push the contract towards her. "This is your contract, or rather the buyout of your contract. Shaden wishes to terminate the five year agreement the two of you came to you. In this describes the buyout of said contract and the money you will receive from it." He paused again to take a breath. "It is more then a fair amount that will give you a dowry to draw from, as all the lily's get in the end of their contract, amble money to draw from and keep you comfortable but also with it is the necessity that you vacate the premises within a five day period. Gerda, Heather and Jayne will be returning today to resume business for Shaden until the five days in which she will return." As he finished, he sucked in a new breath and took a sip off coffee.

Marren:He said he was glad she was there.. her face brightened like a small child's on Christmas Morning.. and then fell as he continued pushing the papers toward her.. as he spoke she lifted them, scanning them with wide eyes that shone with tears.. her lip quivering as he continued to speak. Her gaze stayed centered on the contract.. for a long time as he took a deep breath and a drink of his coffee. Inside her mind she was calculating the risk.. determining what ploy to use on him that would let her win this game that Shaden was now intent on playing.. cleaver bytch to relegate her to a business matter to be bought and sent away.. but Shaden had not counted on Marren's intelligence nor her competitiveness.. Shaden's offer on her contract was indeed thrice if not more the normal price for a buyout and dowry.. not shabby at all , but it was a paupers sum upside what she stood to gain as the Mother of Nic's child, and the Queen of Athelia.. if she could rid the world of Shaden she would have it made.. She stood letting her hand lay over the still flat of her belly.. " At least ti's not too late " the look on her face was that of a woman in pain, and testing her conscience.. " I wish you and your wife all the best " She turned heading for the door praying her ploy worked, before even her hand turned the knob.. Nic was such a knight in shinning armor.. would he allow her to walk out of his life... with his child forever?

Nicholas:"Marren" He spoke her name with a sigh as he set his cup down and set his hand on the table to aid himself as he pushed himself to the edge of the chair as she rose and moved towards the door. "I am not finished, get back here" His voice was gruff and stern. Raising from his chair, he gripped her arm and whirled her back towards her chair. "I will be looking for a place for you with my own money so you don't have to dip into your own. Also since you are with child, my child, I will be paying for your trips to the midwife to ensure yours and the childs safety. Also since Gerda and the girls are returning, I'll be retaining Lori for your services and paying her salary so again you don't have to pay out from the amount you are given in your contract release." Pressing his knuckles into the table, he leaned across it towards her. "Let me make this perfectly clear Marren, I love my wife.." He paused and if she didn't hear him he stated again. "I love my wife. I want a life with my wife. What happened between us...happened but I am not above doing my duty by you and this child. This is also my child. Don't make me go to the Duke and Duchess to secure my rights as the father so you don't do anything stupid because let me make it perfectly clear, if you even THINK of harming my child within you, I will ring your neck" He pressed back and shoved the papers towards her. "Now be a woman, for once, and sign the damn papers."

Marren: She sulked in the chair he placed her in.. her lips pouting , wide cornflower blue eyes brimming with tears and pain, inside she wanted to kill Shaden and Slap Nicholas silly.. as he yelled at her , commanding her, setting her life out for her she wanted even more to Kill Shaden.. it was Shaden's fault that Nicholas was acting this way.. she would bet her life on it that the barren bytch was behind it all! She took the papers in her hands looking them over then settle them back on the table raising her eyes to him once again... " So.. I and our Child is just some mistake you made... and I am to be treated like some brood mare.. and this child your prize possession.. since your Barren Wife could not give you a child ?" her face flushed deeply at the shame... " You wish to buy my womb.. and what.. when I deliver your child you will hand it over to her to raise.. then what.. sell me to another house? or some farmer ?" her voice raised to almost hysterics.. " Is this.. your sense of Honor? your sense of Morality ?" she grasp the papers signing it with a flourish... and shoving them back at him as if they were the articles of his damnation... " I love you... I would have done everything for you.. been anything you wished.. I am giving you the greatest gift a woman can give.. and yet you treat me as if a bytch dog in the street " her hand raised as if to strike him.. then fell at her side... " You are not fit to father my child... and it's my body.. I will do what I wish with it... " She turned from him once again... " Go to the Duke and Duchess I don't' care... I will swear it's not yours... and who better to believe than a whore..." her lips tremble " Have my money ready by the end of the day I will pack my things and you can go about your perfect life.. but not with me or my child "


Nicholas:Now the little viper came out of her shell, he was counting on that, counting on her showing her true colors and she was showing them with vengeance. What a fool he had been and now he confirmed with a clear mind what he had suspected even with an alcohol clouded mind. Marren was intelligent and devious. He was not above believing she had planned this all. "so much for the woman who took you off the streets hmm? Now you call her names?" His brow rose as he challenged her to keep shoving her foot into her mouth as he tapped his hand on the table and then growled as his hand swept the tray and its contents on the floor as he grabbed at her, pulling her up out of the chair. "THIS is why Shaden is a better woman then you will EVEr be Marren. The fact she is a woman and your a child is testament to that. You can't even take this with dignity! NEVER did she mention taking your child or selling you off, putting words into her mouth and trying to make her look like less then what she is. A good WOMAN. You love me? what the hell do you know about me? That's a joke Marren and now I see you for what you truly are." He shoved her away from him, allowing her to raise her hand at him and then turn away from him. Again his lips peeled back in a growl as he grabbed her arm and pulled her to him. "You think they are going to believe the words of a whore above a knight of their realm and his household? You forget your moves were never your own Marren and you were watched constantly. You are unfit to be a mother acting like this and so help me God I will have you locked up until the child is born to see no harm come to it." He backed her into the door and held her there. "The greatest gift a woman can give is her heart and soul Marren, not a child. God makes the decision to give children as quickly as he can take it away but one thing he doesn't mess with is the heart and soul of a woman and who she gives them to. My sense of honor and morality are seeing you and the child taken care of and not put out onto the street. Don't question something you know nothing about."



Marren: " you used me... and continue to do so..." she spat like an angry cornered cat as he pinned her to the door.. "First to slake your revenge and hatred of a woman you love so much but trusted not out of your sight.. You praise her.. but this was the same woman you thought had f**ked your best friend and others ... and left you... Shaden may be a good woman.. but you are not a good man.. not even honest with yourself.. You would see me dead and this child in her hands.. you are evil!" she hissed.. hoping that she hit her mark well... it did no good to attack Shaden for it only enflamed him, better yet attack his on matter of trust and lack of control in himself... " She takes you back... she is a fool.. moreso than I am "

Nicholas:"I didn't use you Marren but I am trying to do the right thing by a mistake and yes I will admit, it was a mistake to take you to my bed without knowing the truth of my wife and she never betrayed me as I did her. So in her possession you would not take me back?" He stopped to grin, even let out a laugh. "This is the difference between you and Shaden and this is why I love her. I would see you well taken care of, our child well taken care of. You anger me by threatening our child, enough that yes, I would see you dead if you harmed our child." He sighed and lifted his hand to smooth her hair back away from her face. "Marren, I am sorry for what has transpired, if your heart is wounded by the decisions I have made. I never sought to deceive or use you but I am being honest that I love my wife and want to be with her. I will do right by her but I will also do right by you, and I am trying in my offer to see all your needs taken care of, your own health taken care of and not for the sake of the child. You have the chance to grow into a woman now Marren, the choices are in front of you, you can be a good woman or you can be vindictive and spiteful. The choice is completely yours but know that in taking revenge, there are consequences. I want to see the goodness in you Marren. I want to see you grow into a fine woman, a good mother. A mother our child will be blessed to know. I don't want to take the baby from you, I want to see you raise our child and yes, be apart of its life."

Marren: " If my heart is wounded?" she laughed the dry brittle laugh of one heartbroken, and in that moment it was almost impossible not to realize she was just barely a woman, only seventeen years.. perhaps it was the first bit of truth he had seen in her, just a glimmer... " I had thoughts of being a wife to you, of raising this child and many more... in your Land.. the one you told me of... you ask if you have hurt me.. you have destroyed me.. set me aside for another... and now I will be tied to you forever by this child.. each day I will know I was not good enough to be with you, but good enough to bear your child.. tell me.. will we be one big happy family.. will my bastard know your legitimate children... or will it only be me who is sent into exile for the crime of the love and passion I gave you ?" she had a valid point.. would she be relegated to the edges of his life.. would her child... or would there be room for her in his life as well... She stood.. and moved toward the door... " You want what you want without thinking of what anyone else wants.. or needs... how will your Son feel about this.. how will you explain, how will your wife deal with knowing your mistake will forever impact your lives.. how will she look at our child, or me without seeing your infidelity.. " she stood and moved away... " Be reasonable Nicholas.. the best thing would be if it just all went away... "

All in One Mind [11:05 P.M.]: "Marren, as adults we will work this out. That is if you can act like one." He groaned as he moved to sit on the bed and run his hand through his hair. "Children don't need to know the faults of their parents. Jadrien and Gemma will deal with this as they see fit, they are bright children and Shaden and I will work through this as a husband and wife can. I am not going to toss her out but nor am I tossing you out either nor our child. Shaden is a good enough woman that she will see this through, perhaps one day her heart will not hurt as much by my infidelity, perhaps one day yours might. Yes it would be easier if this all went away, but its not the right thing, its the cowards way out Marren. We should not punish our child for what has transpired between us. It's not right and no its not just because I want this child. I am not sending you into exile, I am here, offering the services I can. I am not going to leave my wife Marren. I could walk away and take no obligation and make you do this all on your own but I am not and its not for me, its for you and our child though God knows I want it."*

Marren: " and you care not for my feelings in the matter.. nor your wife, or children's.. we will all just soldier on?" she scoffed at him " You are a simple man Nicholas.. you think life will just work out... I want better for my child than just to be your bastard.. I want better for me.. than to be your dirty secret, whom you keep at arms length.. hidden away.. throwing your money at me to behave... That still makes me your brood mare and your whore " she stood.. and turned.. " I want what is owed to me by nightfall and I will go away.. where you nor your family need be bothered by me nor my belly " her fingers fell again to the flat of her tummy... " I give you my word I will not do away with the child.. believe it or not I love this child that we made... but I won't be beholding to you for anything more..." she stared him down now... standing at the door... " I'll go pack "

Nicholas: Folding his hands in front of him or rather cupping his good hand over his bad hand he watched her and marveled that he had ever lain with the girl. What a child she was. "I am simple yes. Not everything just works out Marren, you have to WORK at it for it all to fall into place. God knows I am trying." He squared his shoulders back and sighed. He couldn't say anything to keep her here nor would he. He had a choice, he could not as Jean Claude had said, have it both ways. He loved Shaden, that was the choice he had made. "I will relay your request to Shaden and bear in mind you wish to do this on your own but my offer still stands Marren, I will help you out with anything you need regarding yourself and the child. I do care about you Marren, I just don't love you...not like I do Shaden. We made something beautiful together, I would like to be apart of it." He made no move to stop her from leaving. "I can only offer you what is in me to give, I don't want to make you my secret nor my broad mare or whore. I promise you our child will not be seen as a bastard, I fully intend to claim the child as my own if asked. Just, keep in mind, you need only ask what I can give you."

Marren: Inside she seethed.. unable to understand that he would allow her to walk away... what a hypocrite.. to claim to love their child and pick a barren whore above them.. if she could hate him she did so in this moment, but there were many more moments to be held in her life and she would see that Nicholas was tortured over each and every one.. " I'll be at the crown and thistle you can forward my settlement there.. " her tone held the hurt of a young girl, who's dreams were crushed.. but inside she was already planning her comeback.. oh how he would regret this day.. and his decisions.

[Sir Nicholas Stryker]

Nicholas: By midday he was ready to get back to Shaden and the children waiting only to welcome Gerda and the girls back, to see them settled before he would leave the Lily in Gerda capable hands. Marren contract was held tightly in his fist, rolled into a tube that swung lazily as he walked. There was a brief backtrack into the markets before he was rounding back towards the townhouse with crate being carried by four strapping men, not like himself, old man that he was and despite the morning he had with Marren, he grinned at the thought. Old man with two young kids and virile young wife he was in love with. For once Nicholas did not see any danger looming, although he should. When he reached the house and found it empty, at first he frowned till he heard the laughter coming from the back. Ushering the men to follow him, he moved through the house to the backyard beyond and watched Jadrien and Gemma giggling as they chased one another with blindfolds on, often bumping into each other and falling over before carefully getting up and running after each others sounds of giggling. "Why aren't you two in school?" He boomed and when both kids jerked to a stop and yanked their blindfolds up with horrified faces, Nicholas couldn't hold it and began laughing. "We're off today Daddy" Jadrien chimed before curious eyes went to the men and crate behind his father. "Is that so?" Nicholas chimed as he stepped out of the way so the men could carry the crate into the yard. "Been good? Doing your homework? Getting good grades?" Nicholas boomed with a sideways parental look at the two. Jadrien head vigorously nodded and when he saw Gemma just standing there, nudged her to nod to. "Good, then have your surprise" He spoke as the men departed back through the house and he sat on a chair to watch them peel the lid off the crate. Jadrien squealed first as he lifted the great Dane puppy from the crate. "A Puppy!" He chimed at the gray and black speckled dog who looked like it had rolled in ashes from the fireplace. Nicholas merely laughed as he settled into a chair ignoring the crackling of his knees. "Now the dog can be worn out by your endless energy and not your old Dad."

Shaden: She had been upstairs leaning against the window watching the two play below in the garden, lost in though of how wonderful it was to have children and their laughter at last in her life, opening the window, she was just about to call down to the pair, when she heard Nicholas voice..she could not help but smile at how her heart gave a little leap of excitement even before he came into view.. a tiny thaw of the icy shield that had built up around it since she had returned home.. leaning back inside the window so she would not interrupt the scene she watched in silence, watching the obvious adoration of Jadrien, to his father, Gemma's shy hesitation yet obvious want of a parents love.. then the announcement of a gift, her eyes widened as the crate came into view and they both opened it with squeals of delight as the gangly large puppy bounced out with a playful romp about the garden yard, both children happily chasing him, before suddenly Jadrien turn and ran full tilt toward Nicholas catching him in a full hug, that tightened before the boy merely said " Thanks Dad" then bounded off to continue his play with Gemma and the puppy, soon enough all three were rolling about on the garden lawn, as the puppy tackled and playfully mauled them both. From her vantage point Shaden could see it all.. and could honestly think of nothing better in the whole world than seeing the children happily playing, their father in the backyard with them.. it was a moment in which it seemed all her hopes and dreams were realized .. a happy family, her family... her eyes moved to Nicholas as he lounged watching the children and she felt a little flutter of nervousness..one part of her hoping he was back, and would ask to stay...as he had not before..just assuming that she needed time and space, another part of her dreaded him being there, an ever constant reminder of the trust they had lost between them, and how much things had changed.. cowardly she just stood watching, holding onto the moment knowing it would too soon slip away and she would return to the reality of things... Another woman carried his child.. and her vision of a happy family was as far away as she could even fathom..

Nicholas: Nicholas let out a grunt and laughed as Jadrien nearly tackled him out of the chair. "You're welcome my son, but mind you, both of you have a hand in taking care of him, not your mother" He retorted as the boy bounced off to play with Gemma and the puppy. "nor me!" He offered as his son went tumbling down the steps. A grin curled his lips as they both bounded after the puppy which tumbled and rolled over them after capturing an ankle and yanking them to the ground. None of it alarmed him for the two giggled and laughed with happiness at the play, never a scream of terror uttered. After a moment he set the documents aside and took two strides off the porch lifting Gemma into his arms as she ran from the dog and didn't notice Nicholas approach, carrying her on his one arm, his longer legs took longer strides as Jadrien charged after his father and the puppy after Jadrien, such a strange assembly until the dog passed Jadrien, nipped playfully at Nicholas heel to trip him up and he went down, rolling with Gemma in his arms. Jadrien gave a mighty roar before jumping into the air and landing ontop of Gemma and his father which made Nicholas jerk on the ground as if he had been stomped on letting out an "oaffghhh!" as Jadrien laughed and began to tickle him. "tickle tickle tickle! Tickle Gemma!" He chimed while Nicholas rolled this way and that at the tickling and the now licking of the dogs tongue on his face. Able to roll on his side, he propped himself up and heaved until he was on his hands and knees with Jadrien and Gemma shrieking to stay on his backside. "pony pony!" Jadrien squealed then slapping at his fathers behind and Nicholas groaned only to obey as he marched around the yard with the two children on his backside and the Puppy bounding along, jumping every once in a while to get at the kids who continued to shriek and giggle madly.

Shaden: She couldn't help but laugh as the trio fell onto the lawn and the puppy pounced them all licking with slobbery intent right in Nicholas face, then the sight of him giving pony rides was enough to make the laughter erupt once more as her hand lifted to her mouth to keep from interrupting the play, though it was probably much to late, she was mesmerized by the sight below her, and almost afraid to join in, what happened if Nic decided he no longer wanted her, and wanted Marren.. would he take Jadrien away.. how could she separate Jadrien and Gemma so many uncertain's ran thru her mind, that the laughter was abruptly forgotten as she turned from the window. Leaving nothing but the movement of lace curtains in the spring breeze to note she was there.

Nicholas: "All right all right" Nicholas groaned as he fell over and Gemma and Jadrien with him. "Enough, your poor old father" He moaned horribly. This did not stop the terrible two as they got back up and began romping in the yard again with the playful puppy. Panting on the ground, Nicholas turned his head in time to see the curtain swaying and rolled to get up. "All right you two, don't go beyond the gate. An figure out a name for the mutt" He the later he teased as he dusted himself off while climbing the porch steps and took the contract again only to go find Shaden in her room. This time he did not bother knocking as he swung the door open but stopped at the threshold with hands behind his back. "An why does the Queen stay in her tower with the door unlocked?" He teased rocking back and forth on his heels.

Shaden: She turned abruptly as he entered the room, and gave him a bashful smile at his question, she was hanging the latest of Jean's newest creations, that had just been delivered to her that morning, holding up one of such delicate silk it was almost transparent, she stood caught like a doe in his gaze, stilled for a moment then laughed trying to follow his casual lead then her eyes fell to the contract and her lips tighten perceptibly " Ahh the contract " she held the dress to her chest as if it were armor a barrier... so he had come only to return the contract. the look of disappointment was fleeting but there and undeniable, he probably had no idea that the famous courtesan, one of the most sought after women in Skye, was feeling anything but royal or queenly, and feared more than anything that he had turned his eye to a younger more beautiful girl... her pride was bashed in, her spirit broken, and her confidence crushed. Before when tragedy had struck her she had him to turn to... now... she only had herself, and she was finding her own comfort woefully inadequate as of late. An elegant hand was held out to receive the contract, as she ushered him over the threshold into her new bedroom with a movement of long fingers "Was she pleased with the settlement ?" of course she wasn't she had effectively removed her from the Lily with the swipe of a pen,and the clink of coins, but what else was there to say?

Nicholas: His brow turned upward at the sheer silky thing she held and when she pressed it against her body, his face turned even more curious until she mentioned the contract and he looked down as if he hadn't realized he was holding it all this time. "Yes, signed and sealed." He waved the rolled up parchment before slapping it against his thigh. "What in the name of God is that sheer thing for?" He gestured the contract to the silky thing she held pressed against her catching the disappointed look in her eyes and his head cokeed in confusion. For once he didn't know why the look was on her face. As she gestured her hand out for the contract he stepped past the threshold. He had not knocked but at least he waited to be gestured in. "Pleased?" He let out a laugh as he handed the contract over before moving a step back and doing a turn about the room. "She was not pleased, but she signed it because I told her too." He moved again, this time stepping up to her, his good hand rose and cupped her cheek as he wove his other arm about her waist to draw her close. "I told her the truth Shaden.." He paused brushing the hair away from her eyes and letting his hand slide down her cheek. "I told her I love my wife and want a life with my wife.." His hand moved to capture the back of her neck, his thumb stroking down the line of her throat. "She is at the Crown and Thistle, left an hour before Gerda and the girls arrived. She wished me to relay to you her wish to have her money tonight, delivered to her there." He wouldn't go into more detail about what was said, why should Shaden suffer what Marren had called him, even if Shaden had been mentioned, there really was no need to make her current suffering greater.

Shaden:"Jean though it suited me, " she shook her head softly laying the dress on the bed, the fact was Jean had made it for her, in case Nicholas chose Marren, and Shaden would return to work as a lily, it would be very arousing to a client, should she need... distracting, oddly enough Jean had managed to fit it perfectly to her body as if he had memorized each curve and hallow... when had the man found time? She took the contract opened it scanning it for a signature and laid it on the bed while he paced the room, and spoke of his conversation with Marren,but it was when he returned to her touching her cheek softly that her eyes closed relishing the touch as a drunk relishes a dram of whiskey..an feeling of euphoria, at a single touch.. how could one man hold such sway over her, she should want to hurt him, like he hurt her, to break his heart into a thousand tiny pieces as hers was.. but all she wanted was to hear the words he spoke next... he wanted a live with his wife... he wanted her.. he loved her..she trembled as his thumb stroked down over her throat... and exhaled raggedly... she wanted to ask him to swear or promise her that he would love only her from now on, but then his voice returned to Marren's situation, it was like ice water tossed in her face..she swallowed harshly then took a step back... " I'll see it sent over before the night is over " her voice shook slightly as she turned looking out the window at the scene below " The children love the puppy... "

Nicholas:"Notice, I didn't ask WHO it was from, I asked WHAT it was for" He soothed against her ear as he took the garment from her, held it up to the sunlight to see it poking through the fabric and then tossed it on the bed before folding her into his arms again. Always he was in need of his wife, feeling the agonizing torture of her loss of her like hot pokers thrust into his heart. He knew he should of kept back, not touched her, given her space and yet he needed to touch her, savor her skin as he once had and hoped to do again, one day. Despite himself he grinned knowing the thing was from Jean. "I have competition again?" He teased lowering his head to brush his lips against her forehead. As her breath came out ragged he grinned and dipped his head to kiss her only to have her move back and over to the window. Sighing, he stood there for a moment before going to join her. "Shaden...what is the matter?" His arms weave there way around her stomach and his head dipped to lay his chin against her shoulder to watch the scene she was watching before his head turned away. "Why do you look as if I have just stabbed you in the heart?"

Shaden:His arms encircled her and at first she was stiff and cold, then took a deep breath and relaxed back into him as he questioned her in the tone she knew was sincere and caring " I cannot help but hurt, when you even speak her name, while, proclaiming love for me.. touching me " an admission that cost her the remaining ounce of pride she had..there was a catch in her voice that boded tears on the horizon, yet they did not fall... " This is something that I will have to learn, because she carries your child and will be in our lives forever.. There will never be a day I do not have a reminder of this... and I don't know where or how to go forward, when all I want to do is go back and make things as they were... when we loved each other and trusted each other without question.. now there will always be doubt.." she shook her head softly before leaning it against the window sill.. and sighing.. " To answer your question of Jean.. no ... you have no competition with him... he is Happy with his lover Ada, I do not tempt him at all." perhaps in that statement Nic would notice his wife's lack of self confidence, how demoralized she was..

Nicholas:He gave a kiss to her neck and the hollow behind her ear before his cheek found the side of her head before giving a sigh as he listened to her talk. Perhaps he should tell her about what Marren said about the child and what he had said in return. Lids slid closed as he pressed his hands over her stomach, pulling her back against him before releasing her so she could lean against the window as she wished. "Shaden, I couldn't help but mention her name. To not say it would be to completely condemn what happened and never get past it." He shifted to lean on the other side of the window facing her, so he could look into her face when he spoke. "I don't claim to have all the answers, I wish I could say I knew how to move forward as well but I don't." Crossing his arms over his chest he let out a sigh again. "You don't have to worry about Marren though, when I told her I loved you and wanted a life with you, she said she would disappear. Of course she made a mild threat to hurt the baby in her, I threatened to kill her if she did but the fact remains that not even she will allow me to have it both ways, a life with you and a part in the life of the child I created with her. She does not think you will accept her and that being around will only remind you of what happened and cause you more pain. I offered to pay for a home for her and the child and her visits to the midwife but she refused. Said I was treating her like a breeding mare." He shook her head and uncrossed his arms. "Things will never be as they were. I am sorry for that, but the one thing that will never change is my love for you Shaden. I cannot live without you, I can't even fathom trying. I won't if I can help it. I need you Shaden, not because we made vows and are married, because I love you from the depths of my soul, the soul that is now so firmly attached with your own that to loose you rips it to shreds." He took a step forward, clasping her waist to draw her to him. "An you are wrong, happy with his lover or not, he has always desired you and I think he would like nothing more then to make the odds even and get you into his bed, not just to even the odds though, he has always desired you."

Shaden:She listened to what he said turning halfway to him to watch his face as he spoke, already her hands lifted to stoke her temple as if a migraine were setting in, the blood draining from her face as he spoke of veiled threats to rid herself of the baby, and to disappear completely.. when he went on to say that Marren feared Shaden would never accept her or her child her eyes closed in mortification.. " Oh dear god.. " she moved to the bed and sat heavily as if her legs would not support her.. " I've been so caught up in my own hurt I never though " for long moments she sat there putting herself in Marren's shoes.. then in Nic's, putting aside her own pain and looking at things through their eyes.. " You cannot let her go.. and take your child away from you... You lost Jadrien and your wife and baby all those years ago.. you cannot just let her walk away with your child now... that is your child.. you love it.. you told me so " glacial green hues swept up to his face.. " I'm so sorry Nicholas..I never stopped to think.." her teeth bit at her lips for a moment.. " You cannot give up your child because of me... that is not what marriage or love is about I will not have you sacrifice a life with your child for me.. I know if the tables were reversed you would love any child that was part of me and accept it.. as you did with Joy..." she took a deep breath as she poured over things in her mind.. " I will go see Marren and take her , the money.. and I will assure her that she and her child are welcome in our life "

Nicholas: Pushing off the window he moved towards her as she rested on the bed pouring over things in her head. With a mild grin, his eyes turned to the ceiling as if peering through to the heavens. His wife was a saint really and on the other hand she was driving him insane. Sliding onto the bed beside her. "Shaden, I have done everything I can think of? I'm not going to invite her into our home and let you watch her belly swell with my child and see the pain it causes you. I love you to much to do that to you." His arm drew about her back and pulled her towards him before lifting her to settle her across his lap. "I do love this child, but what do you expect me to do? Take it away from her? I can't do that. She worries over that too, that I want to take the baby and give it to you. That is not my intention Shaden. One day we will have children of our own. I promise you, as sure as I love you, I will never stop trying to make you happy again, I will never stop loving you, nor ever stop making our family grow. You are a wonderful mother Shaden. I saw it....before" He paused not sure he could go there with the orphans and Malice and then Rah when Ealora was dead. Years had gone by and still the sound of Joy's name had his face twisting in pain. "But if this is something you want to do Shaden, I will not stop you. I won't deny I want this child in my life, even if it has to include Marren."

Shaden:She watched his face, saw all the emotions playing there as he knelt before her.. her hand reached out to cup his cheek and hold his face for a moment , before she leaned down her forehead against his... " I love you to much to let you let go of this child.. for my sake.. you... are my heart Nicholas.. " she took a deep breath as she made her decision, and he started to speak again she stilled his words with a soft kiss against his lips " sshhhhhh shhhhhh." she soothed.. away any more argument from him... " We will make room... in our lives and hearts.. I will make room.." she nodded softly... " perhaps not under the same roof, but in our lives... " it was a promise she was making him... " But you and I have to be clear on a few things before I go and make peace with her.. "

Nicholas: He could not help but grin at her. Marren had called her a fool for taking him back, he called her a saint. He would forever regret what he had done, at least that it pained her. Not the child. He could never regret the coming child. As her head leaned down to his, his hands lifted to brush through her hair smoothing it away from her face before he was cupping her cheeks. She knew him to well for when his mouth opened her hand was there and he was huffing as he let out a laugh closing his mouth again but it was when she kissed him that he truly groaned. "You're going to be the death of me." He huffed in a whisper against her lips before his eyes opened to look her in the face. "All right, clear away."

Shaden:" I need to know truly...that you really want to be with me, not out of obligation, or because of Jadrien and Gemma.. but for me" how obvious it was in her question.. the hesitant manner that she really felt lost, that he was lost to her.. and that she stood alone once more as she had all her life " I need to know you ... we can fix this..and that we can trust each other..". A single tear rolled down her cheek... " That you will never again take her to your bed, kiss her.. or want her " she looked to the side and away from him as if she were ashamed, to beg, to ask for his assurance, but she needed it..desperately.

Nicholas: Brushing his thumb against her cheek, he wiped the tear away though annoyance did cross his face at first it softened with the lost look in her face. He could understand that, had lived it when he thought she had run off with Brom. He had thought her gone, lost forever. So he understood now, looking at it from her side. "Shaden, did you not hear a thing I said before?" His brow went upward with the quizzical look on his face. He had called her his apart of her had called her part of his soul, ripped apart without her. How more clear could he get. "Look at me, despite everything that has happened, do you really think I would be with you if I didn't want to? If I were like that, I would of left you for Marren. I love you, I want to be with you." Curling his thumb under her chin, he turned her face back to him. "Look at me." He asked softly as he leaned his head against hers. "Listen to me, I am not saying its right, perhaps it makes me a bad man in some way but I wouldn't of slept with her had I not been terribly drunk." His thumbs brushed her cheeks as he held them between his hands again. "We can work through anything, I'm not saying it will easy, but as long as I love you, as long as you love me. We can do anything."

Shaden:She looked into his eyes and for the first time a glimmer of hope reached her own as his words sank into a heart that was badly bruised and used.. " Promise?" it was almost like a child's voice as her arms wreathed his neck softly her face burrowing into his shoulder " I so want to believe that.. make it so " she held onto him tightly, and as annoyed as he might be that her trust in him was broken, he would now feel the first blocks of the rebuilding begin take shape... she took another breath and spoke softly " There is one thing more... I don't want you living at the Lily anymore....... with Gerda and the girls moved back.... there is an extra room... here " she didn't' mean that she didn't trust him at the lily only wanted him close.. with her and the children..but it might not have sounded that way..

Nicholas: With a deep sigh he held her tightly into his arms pressing his face into her hair as she buried her face against his chest. There she felt the drum of his heart, a heart that beat soul for her. "I promise you, forever and ever" He murmured against her chair as he held her within his arms without letting go, even when moved back to look him in the face to pose her last request. His brow rose with that look on his face as if he were dreading the request as well but also that quirky little grin of thinking what it was as only Shaden ever made life completely interesting, heart attack interesting but interesting nonetheless. He let out a laugh and then just looked at her for a long moment, not searching for any meaning behind the words, just, looking. A spare room? So back in the house but not in the bedroom. Could he live with that? Especially with how nuts his wife drove him now just by a simple kiss? Oh he was sure could make it through, if only to be close to her. It was a proverbial foot in the door. Things took time, it would take time to get him back into her bed, not that it was his complete goal, it wasn't even sexual, he just wanted to hold his wife again at night in bed. With another laugh, he captured her face between his hands again. "Agreed, completely" and then pulled her down for a kiss.

Shaden:It was like a first kiss, hesitant and new, as he pulled her into the kiss,unsure..at first as if she expected him to disappear like a dream..then slowly she relaxed opening to him, in a tender lingering kiss that flamed the fires of desire in both... yes it was baby steps... tiny and off balance, but steps that would lead hopefully to a long and lasting love, stronger than ever because it had been tested and overcome the adversity that was life. "Nicholas " her voice was soft, hushed, breathless as the kiss ended only to find her lips, tasting the line of his jaw, fingers lifting into the dark mane of hair, feathering thru it as her body shifted against him, as if searching out the familiar comfort of the press of his body against hers... a few minutes more and he may have found himself indeed back in her bed, had not the door burst open, and a speckled puppy come rushing in, all paws and skittering, quickly followed by Jadrien and Gemma, who burst out laughing at catching the couple in such a passionate embrace.

Nicholas: Thumbs pressed against her chin, pulling her lips into his own until she gave in, her mouth opening to his own and he groaned against her mouth as his thumbs now urged her mouth open so that he could tease and tantalize her tongue with his own. When she moaned his name, he nearly lost his, his arms wrapping around her as she opened and melted into his lap, her body pressed against his own he was rigid with desire for his wife. Urgently his hands captured the twin globes of her bottom and pulled her hair against him as he growled low in his throat no doubt vibrating those lips of hers against his throat and then....they were reminded they were parents. The puppy skittering around on long unsure legs and huge paws and the giggling of children. Releasing Shaden's bottom, he's eyes first slid to the puppy and then the twin terrors. "I think its time to make Jadrien and Gemma stew, what do you think Shaden?" he teased with a grin as she shifted her from his lap and began to crawl towards the children who shrieked and ran followed shortly by the unstable legged puppy. Collapsing on the floor, he groaned before turning a look at Shaden and nodding his head before he was bounding out the door followed by new shrieks of the children.

[Sir Nicholas Stryker]

Shaden: IT had been a few days since Shaden and went to visit Marren, taken her the settlement,and finally faced the woman who had become her husbands mistress and now... carried his child... somehow she envisioned the girl as more conniving more worldly... but in facing Marren in person she could not help but feel both a kinship and sympathy for the golden girl who was in love with Nicholas, and utterly miserable to be set aside.. jilted.. as it were in her mind for Shaden.. her heart almost broke at the youthful pain of a love gone wrong that shone in the girls eyes, and fighting ways, when she faced her ex employer.. It was then that Shaden decided that for both Nicholas's child, and the mother of that child.. the child Marren carried.. that there had to be some way of compromise... and that Herself and Nicholas were indeed responsible for the mess they found themselves in.. and together they had to make a place for Marren and the baby in their lives.. yes it would be hard.. but she was determined to do it. So tonight found her reading alone in her room, a thunderstorm boomed outside.. lightening crashed and lit the night skye. Within moments of the storm starting, her door opened without a knock, and Gemma rushed in with wide frightened eyes and that untamed man of hair almost standing on end... but it was obvious the little girl didn't want to admit to her fear clutching one of the dolls that Nicholas had given her she looked at The woman casually reading in the bed.. " I came to see if you were scared of the storm " she announced.. as another round of lightening and thunder crashed and she bolted to the bedside on bare feet, her eyes asking permission to crawl inside... Pulling back the covers and patting the bed, Shaden invited her in.. " Come on in... your right.. I'm terribly frightened of storms.. it's good you came... good to have someone with me " she smiled and leaned down to give the girl a little kiss and a huge hug.. No sooner than Gemma had joined her in bed.. then the door opened again without a knock... and Jadrien appeared. He too had a look of unease about the storm, but his eyes seemed to ease a bit when he saw Gemma already there " I went to check on you and you weren't in your room " he said in a most manly voice a boy could muster... it was obvious to Shaden that indeed he was worried about Gemma, but also didn't like storms either.. " She came to keep me company.. I hate storms.. " she nodded her head, inviting him into the bed as well, pulling him into a big hug " All we need now is Ashes bounding in here and our bed will be full" she laughed as they settled into bed with her.. and sure enough the long gangly puppy soon enough bounded in looking for the children, his speckled ash hide..pouncing into the bed and the children erupted into a giggling fit of playfulness, all thoughts of the storm banished...even as it raged on.

Nicholas: Truth be told, he didn't like Shaden taking the money to Marren. He would of rather had a messenger done it and end the whole thing much as it pained him it would be the last straw and he would never see his child from the girl in his lifetime. The other half of him hoped Shaden could talk some sense into Marren about the babies well being and that none of their intentions was to take the baby away from her but simply let Nicholas into its life. Yet there was something now about the girl he didn't trust. Perhaps he had seen the viper for what she was but something told him he hadn't seen the whole picture nor the whole truth and trying to be a good man he wanted to believe she was in fact just an innocence. He didn't push Shaden for answers when she came back. They hadn't had much time to discuss it with two small children to look after now. Gemma and Jadrien seemed to always be in the room and both of them agreed the less they knew, the better and so conversations started only to be ended by the boundless energy of one small boy of ten, one small girl of the same age and a gangly accident prone great dane puppy, his feet still to big for the tiny brain. As the storm raged outside he lay back in bed, a book propped onto his knee debating on whether going to Shaden room or not to see if they could finish the conversation started to many times to count now. He heard small footsteps down the hall and grinned knowing gemma steps by now as they faded to Shaden room but when Jadrien passed his own onward to Shaden's he frowned. His own son was passing him! Closing the book he tiptoed down the hall peeking in to see both children in Shaden bed and grinned. Leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed he grumbled low in the worst singing voice a man ever possessed. "Rain drops on roses and whiskers on kittens..." He teased before pressing into the room and placing a kiss against each small head before placing one on Shaden's forehead. "Come to keep your scaredy cat mother company during the storm?" He mused as they bounced with the gangly pup on the bed. "Hey hey, none of that, you'll fall and break an arm...or a leg." Slowly he slid onto the empty side of the bedspace his arm winding around Shaden's shoulders.

Shaden: She was laughing at their antics when Nicholas' signing began, and she and Gemma looked up almost horrified at the gruff off tone voice.. " booo boooo " they chimed.. as he came on in pressing kisses to all their heads.. so far Gemma had indeed begin to refer to Shaden as Mommy or Mum... and ease between the two forming almost instantly, stability and a mothers hands easing the fragile shyness of the imaginative and intelligent little girl with the dark brown eyes that missed nothing and was filled with emotion and caring for all those she now called family.. Jadrien however still referred to her as Miss Shaden, and that was fine with Shaden.. after all he had memories still of his own mother, but it would not deny the bond that had formed with his fathers new wife, but Jadrien was naturally cautious and cynical after all life had pressed upon him, he still waited for something bad to happen and take away this new family he found himself infolded in. But sometimes, out of the blue he would throw his arms about her in a tight hug, no words were needed, in these moments as she knew and he knew already they shared a love of mother and son, that transcended blood. " Mum was scared so I thought I would keep her company, then Jadrien and Ashes came in.." Gemma announced as she tried not to seem so afraid of the storm and as if she indeed were the caretaker..she looked at Nicholas with a raised brow " How come you and mum don't share a room.. most married folk do?" she challenged Nicholas..over the sleeping arrangements.. because both children felt the unease in the couple... and once Gemma had even caught Shaden crying holding onto one of Nic's shirts... her parents weren't so great at hiding things as they thought.

Nicholas: He laughed when they booed him, he wouldn't be quitting his day job anytime soon that was for sure. There was many gifts he didn't have but he had charm didn't he? Had to to have Shaden as a wife. His hand massaged at Shaden's shoulder pressing silent kisses as the kids bounced and played on the bed despite being told not to as Gemma explained why she was here dispute the fear in her eyes. Nicholas laughed and rolled his eyes to Shaden. "Does mommy need to be held throughout the storm?" He cooed and teased as Gemma posed her question in a strong no nonsense voice. Silvery blue eyes pressed to Shaden silently asking if she wanted to answer this question before his arm slid from her shoulders and beckoned Gemma into his lap. "Some married people don't." He offered in a quiet easy way only Nicholas could possess sometimes. "I'm not going to say you wouldn't understand Gemma because honestly you understand a lot more then some adults do. I am simply going to say, its a grown up thing but you don't have to worry about a thing. Your mom and I aren't going anywhere, we love you both very much and that's all I want you to focus on right now. Could you do that for me?" His eyebrow went upward in question as he hugged Gemma to him and then turned his attention to Shaden to see what she thought.

Shaden: She smiled at Nicholas as he explained to Gemma, and she watched Jadrien with interest as he wactched Nic explain, Jadrien was looking for a lie or an sign that something was being kept from them, his very intelligent eyes sizing up his father. Gemma just nodded softly then looked back at Shaden for confirmation that nothing was going to happen to their little family... but before she could say anything Jadrien spoke to his father " When you do something wrong you apologize and make it right.." it was the same words Shaden had spoken to him a few days before when he had unwittingly broken on of Gemma's new Dolls, and Gemma had cried and been upset, running to her room and locking it against him..and a heated battle of words through the door had ensued until Shaden had played referee and settled the children by reminding them how much they loved one another and making sure that Jadrien apologized and that Gemma realized it was an accident. " If you love someone nothing else matters, you just have to let them know that " he parroted Shaden's words to his father, looking at them both... with a wizened look.. Shaden had been giving Nic a look that said, you did well, when Jadrien lectured them both and she Blushed hearing her own words used back at her and Nicholas with such logical wisdom from a child.

Nicholas: Silvery eyes turned to the matching ones of his son and for a moment he let out a laugh when Jadrien scowled, he waved his hand. "I'm sorry, no no I wasn't laughing at your words" He apologized as he took Jadrien onto the other open side of him next to Gemma. "Those are very wise words and I know exactly what you mean." He turned his eyes to Shaden a silent tease of if she knew what she got into taking on these two children as her own before turning back to the kids. "You are very right and I promise you, such gestures have been made but they are not for the ears of children. Jadrien, it is not easy to be an adult and as much as you and Gemma wish to grow up and take care of yourselves, its not all glitz and glammer. You'll reach adulthood one day and I pray it will be a good one with less to no strife in gods graces but please my son. My daughter..."He bent to kiss their heads as he hugged them close. "Don't grow up to fast, your childhoods have been lost for to long. Let go responsibility. That's what your mother and I am here for. Enjoy your childhood. The time will come for your own trials but that's not today. For now, enjoy your childhood an know we're doing all we can to protect you from harm and we love you."

Shaden: "Jadrien.. Gemma " she snuggled the two in tadem with Nicholas's snuggles and hugs.. " I assure you... your father and I are fine.. we have made a commitment to each other and you both to be a family.. we love you and each other more than you can possibly imagine... and sometimes we have little spats, just like you and Gemma do " she looked down at Jadrien and Gemma... " but we love each other and we make it better.. there is nothing for you two to worry about other than your grades in school, and what kind of ponies you are going to pick out at Sterling Farms this weekend when we go. " she winked at them both noting the storm had now calmed to just rain... and light wind... " see just like a storm we can make a lot of scary noise.. but soon enough it's just a little rain.. it takes rain to make the flowers and feild grow.." She snuggled into Nicholas's arms and sighed softly, content with her little family and that both children seemed to take their words to heart and the fear of loosing the stability they had gained in Shaden and Nicholas would be gone with a snap of the fingers... her fingers wound into Nics, and squeezed softly before she turned her lips up for a little kiss.

Nicholas: He watched Shaden as she spoke and then turned his eyes back to the children. "We both understand this is hard to just accept as words but I am sure mommy would agree with me that we will do everything in our power to make you both believe that we are speaking truth and of love." He leaned over to kiss Shaden lips before his eyes moved to the window to see the storm was indeed winding down. "Come on, the storm is passing and mommy is fine now as you can see. you two should be asleep." He rolled Gemma into Shaden's arms and lifted Jadrien over his shoulder as he rose from the bed. "Owwww, I don't wanna go to bed!" Jadrien whined and kicked. "Hey, whine and no ponies" Jadrien all of sudden went still laying over his fathers shoulder like a huge bag of flour, humorous and Nicholas laughed as his shoulders rolled back and his chest puffed out. Hey this bribe stuff was pretty good! Soon they had the two children back in their beds, kisses goodnight and prayers resaid before their doors were being closed for the night, hopefully for good. His hand found Shaden as the doors closed and he sighed. "Come on, I could use a cup of tea" He mused in a low voice not to disturb the kids as he tugged her down the hall and down the stairs to the kitchen. "So, what is the verdict?" She knew what he was talking about as he put water out to boil and got the small jar of tea down from its shelf.

Shaden: She had settled at the table, pulling her robe tighter around her as he put on the kettle, she was still smiling over the scene of the children begging for just one more little bit of time up with their parent, then finally going off to sleep.. finally.. She had to admit that the two of them more than kept her hopping, with getting their schooling started, and getting them settled into a routine or normalcy, not the usual taking care of themselves and winging it as they had all their short life as orphans . When Nicholas asked his question she looked up then back down at her fingers... " I talked to her.. she has agreed to stay in town.. in fact..I'm going with her tomorrow to look at several properties , townhouses I had my barrister look into for her.. tha would be suitable for her needs.. as well as he is inquiring into some staff for her.. a housekeeper, cook.." she spoke in calm tones that gave no evidence that she was speaking of a woman who carried his child, but more like a friend she was going to help set up her household.. " I explained that she wasn't fired from the Lily, but as the Mother of your child it wasn't seemly to be working there...as She had elevated herself beyond a courtesans position and would now be treated as nothing less than the mother of your Child and a member of this family".

Nicholas: He leaned against the counter next to her, listening intently to her words and realizing when she was done that he was holding his breath. His hands cupped in front of him and his head bowed to press against them. God forgive him he was going to need confession the rest of his life and perhaps years in purgatory begging forgiveness for what he had done but more for wanting the child that grew inside Marren more then anything he had wanted in his life. To many children had been lost and he would give his life to see this child born. He knew it was killing Shaden but by God she was a saint in putting her feelings aside to see things not only settled but peaceful. Taking on the role of mother and moderator for Marren and him. He could not put into words how good the woman was and how much he didn't deserve her but oh how much he loved her was unfathomed in words. "I..."He started and stopped. What could he say. He put aside the hot water and tea to steep and then suddenly fell to her feet upon his knees, his arms going around her. "Shaden, I don't deserve you" He groaned as he pressed his face into her stomach letting all his fears of Marren doing away with their child out in the open. He had been strong to long, he had to let go, for once. His arms wound around her waist and suddenly pulled her from her chair into his lap right there on the kitchen floor. "You have done in a few hours what I promised to do and she would not accept. I can't put into words the joy I have in this news, in having you in my life." His hands moved to cup her cheeks in his hands as his eyes turned to hers. "I'll spend the rest of my life making you happy, I swear it. I love you Shaden, so much more then I can put into words. Your my soul, without you I am damned." Releasing his face his arms wound around her waist again as he claimed her lips with his own. Passion, love, eternal gratitude all rolled into one, it was as if he wanted to devour her and yet pour into her everything good about him into her.[/color]

Shaden: She was startled by him falling at her feet, his arms encircling her waist... she closed her eyes in an attempt to still her heart, for surely he could hear it beating away beneath her breast, how much she wanted to take him in her arms and love away all his hurts and fears, all his shame and guilt at the affair with Marren, and yet she couldn't.. stunned, when he pulled her into his lap, she listened as he spoke but already her head was turning from him his kisses falling on her cheek... " I can't... I promised " she pushed away from him moving to take up a cup of tea in hands that were shaky.. and trembling... not with fear or hurt, but with need of him.. " She loves you... you know.. she's miserable without you.. heartbroken..that is why she wanted to go far away.. or not have the child... because she couldn't stand to think of a life without you.. " she stirred and inordinate amount of honey into her tea and made tedious work of cutting a lemon... " She thinks, and I cannot blame her that you are staying with me because of Jadrien Gemma and because of our vows... and that if not for the children and this " she held up her hand that bore her wedding ring.. " That you and she would be together.. that you child would still be brining you joy, and that you would love her..." she took a deep breath and swallowed a sip of tea before continuing... " I made a bargain with her..for her staying here and allowing you to be a part of the baby's life.. that until after the child was born, you and I would not share a bed.. and that you would spend time with her during her pregnancy..and that if in that time you found that you loved her.. and wanted to be free of our marriage I would step aside.." she looked back down at her tea waiting for his thunderstorm to begin " It was the only way that she would consider staying..".

Nicholas: Both brows went upward as he kissed her cheek. What.The.Hell! "You promised what?" he asked darkly as she slid from his lap and went busying with her tea likely to distract her from him. Pressing on the table, he pulled himself up and then just stood there as she spoke looking really like he didn't understand a word she was saying, as if she were speaking another language. Slowly he sank to sit on the table top rather then the chair beside him. He couldn't go that far, he wouldn't get up. "She....what?" He questioned and then raked a hand through his hair while letting out a bitter laugh. THAT bytch! "She is going to stay here?" His brow shot upward again as the weight of her words settled in. "Wait...you promised we wouldn't sleep together the whole of her pregnancy? Do you realize how long she still has!" His voice reached a new pitch and then his fist slammed on the table beside him and he let out a curse as he realized it was his useless hand he had hit, while useless in working, it was painfully, moreso in the nerve damage to slam it down when he did. "God damn it!" He cursed and muttered as he held his throbbing hand. "Shaden!" He growled then sucked in a breath as his anger raged inside him and begged to be released. "I love you, you know that." he spoke releasing the breath in a wave and then sucking in another one as he felt his rage ready to explode again. Reaching out his free hand, he captured her robe and pulled her to him, his hand snaking its way inside to the nightgown she wore beneath, his fingers teasing the curves of her sides. "I'm not here just because I have to be, not because of the kids. I am here because I love you, because I want a family with you, because I want a family with you, Gemma and Jadrien. You now that right?" His head bent as he nudged her head aside to place tender kisses at the nap of her neck. "Let me show you I love you, just tonight. She's not here, she doesn't need to know..Let me love you, my wife" He was laying on the charm when really he wanted to strangle her and Marren right now.

Shaden: "no she is not staying here... not in this house .. but in Turas Lan, " she almost found his though of Marren staying in their house comical.. then at his violent outburst, she flinched as his fist slammed into the table, setting aside her tea.. "Nicholas ... you'll wake the children " she admonished him for his outburst... before she pulled a face at his questions of if she knew how long a pregnancy was her anger flared " I'm quite sure I know that she still has some eight months or so left in her pregnancy..." a finely arched brow raised and her skin blushed in her anger " I'm not simple you know.. I'm doing this for you " it was obvious it wasn't easy for her to set aside her feelings.. in all this but she was trying... when he pulled her close, her eyes closed and she inhaled the sweet scent of him almost falling under his spell... " I know you love me... I don't question that..." she moved easily against him... " I love you that is why I'm doing this.. I know how it feels to be pregnant and left alone to face it.. She needs time to come to terms with the fact there is not going to be a relationship with you.That you and I will remain married.. and that you will be there for her and her child... you have things to prove to her.. and I have to prove to her that I am willing to do whatever it takes to make sure that you child is born healthy, and that we can work this out.. If it takes the whole of her pregnancy for her to realize that you are not going to leave me.. that we belong together.. but that we are committed to helping her with raising the baby, and also making her a part of the family, then I think a few months of not sharing a bed is worth it.. the option is letting her go, and letting your child go... and I cannot for the life of me do that without saying I tried really tried everything.." she moaned softly as his lips played over her neck then pushed him away... " I gave my word Nicholas... and I meant it.. we made this mess, by not trusting each other... my word needs to stand for something.. now... with Marren.. With you and our children.. " she took a deep breath and shivered the need for him was so great, it made her skin flush and tingle just at the thought of spending the night in his arms... she felt she needed to go out into the rain and cool off..

Nicholas: He couldn't say anything. He was stunned, dumbfounded and yes angry because she was right. He didn't want to voice it though whether he knew she was right or not this was a whole new form of torture and he knew Marren had done this on purpose. He could of wrong her neck if she was here now. His arms stayed posed, open as she pushed away from him again. Part of him wanted to take her up into his arms and kiss away her protests until he lay buried inside of her but he wasn't the only one giving something up here, she was to. Damn good woman was trying to keep her word and he would be a bastard if he pushed her to break her promise despite the spiteful bytch Marren laying out her plan perfectly. He was going to pay, he had seen it in her eyes when she left but he honestly hadn't believed it. He had thought she would cool down, see reason. He didn't expect THIS! "Damn it" He groaned as his hands dropped to his sides. "Fine..fine!" He hissed and stomped from the room. A few seconds later the front door opened but did not close, no he went out to the front step and stood in the rain. She was thinking about it, he was doing it and by damn he needed it. His richard was aching and likely in the coming months would go into coma because of this mess!

Shaden: She followed him, at first worried he was leaving.. then seeing he was standing in the cool rain she leaned against the door jamb and watched, a little smile on her lips... for long moments she just watched as he turned his face up to the rain and let it cool his fevered flesh.. then spoke softly from behind him.. " I love you.. " the words were sincere and truthful, heartfelt from the depths of her soul... " I need you to trust my word.. to believe in our love.. and I need to believe in it as well... that even without sex, without the scalding passion we share that we are committed to one another... after all...sex has never been a problem for us.. it was trust.. me trusting that you could truly love me... and you trusting that I could be faithful...I think.. that if we can make it though this.. we can make it though anything.. " she offered with a smile.. " I'm sure we will both be standing in the rain a lot.

Nicholas: "Yeah well right now I don't love you' He teased back his soaked face turning to hers with a grin that said plainly he was teasing. "I do trust you Shaden. Despite everything and God knows the last month it doesn't look like it, but I do trust you now, more then I ever have. If no sex is going to prove our love transpires passion well then I will just have to go around with a case of blue balls for several more months. It's not all about the sex Shaden but I need you to understand its through my passion for you, displaying it for your body that I can say without words my love for you. It's not f**king and its not just sex I'm displaying with you, its love no matter how gentle nor how rough." Ok so he was trying to get back at her a little for arousing him by using such blunt words to describe it but it was also sincere. "I love you too.We will make it through anything. Of that I have completely no doubts. Now go to bed before I make you break your word".

Shaden: She smiled softly and stepped out into the rain, lifting up on tiptoe to kiss him softly " I know you love me... I have no doubt of that now " her fingers moved over the stubble on his cheek teasingly , then pushed back dark damp hair from his forehead.. she blushed softly as he made issue of his lovemaking being called sex " If anyone knows the difference between sex and lovemaking it is me.. and I know each time you have ever touched me... it has been with love.. just as I love you with every part of me..." now she too was soaked and wet with rain and passion as his words did indeed arouse her, and punish her for her promise.. " it will be hard for me to be without you inside me , loving me.. " her hands slid down his chest before she turned.. shivering.. " Goodnight Nicholas " she moved back up the stairs.. this was going to be excuitiaiting.

[Chief Baliff Ealora]

Shaden: The days had been long, two days before she had went with Marren and the barrister and helped to secure a small townhouse and servants for her husbands... ex lover and current mother to be of his child.. She had pasted on a smile, convincing herself that it was just a business transaction, but as Marren talked of the feelings of love, and caring she was having over the new life that grew within her, Shaden could not help but envy her.. and a aching hurt settled within her heart.. would she have this ache forever? Would it go away in time.. or would she feel this each time she looked at the child, for the rest of it's life? She hoped not.. she prayed not... that she would feel sadness in looking at Nic's child, almost broke her thought to think of. Yet she was human, and prone to human frailties. Today had been peaceful so far, Nicholas was over at Marren's helping her with new furniture, and such as she was excited about moving into her new home, and had wanted to spend time with Nic during her pregnancy, Shaden tried hard not to dwell on the time that the two would share over the coming months, instead setting her mind to Gemma and Jadrien's homework, then dinner.. Now that Gemma and Jadrien were asleep upstairs, she settled in the living room awaiting Nic's arrival home.. each minute that ticked by, seemed to take hours, she cursed under her breath and rose from the couch, saluting the clock with her middle finger, a most unlady like gesture, but almost comical from anyone else's view point, as it was most unlike Shaden to use suck a vulgar gesture.. her face was almost pinched into a shrewish look as she moved to the bookcase, her fingers running over the spine of the books in search of something that would take her mind off where her husband was.

Ealora: Ealora's day had started early, first an official trip to the castle to talk with the new King and then down to the docks to see the Shadow Storm ready for sailing. She needed it ready to go if she found that one moment where it was it was inevitable that she leave or hurt the people she loved. Hours whiled away on ship and she began to wonder why she had ever left it until the thought creeped back and she felt herself getting angry all over again until she couldn't stand to be on the ship anymore. Where else was there to go? The island was getting smaller in the way of people who didn't know her business until the thought occurred to her that Shaden was dealing with her own marital discord and likely unaware of what was going on in her life not to mention the fact she had neglected her sister for far to long. She didn't even bother to knock on the door instead letting herself in and quietly closing the door. Seeing Shaden flicking the clock off made her laugh as she leaned against the doorframe to the sitting room with her arms crossed over her chest. "That isn't very ladylike you know" She chimed giving away her position.

Shaden: She whirled about with a book in her hand, a smile lighting her face, " Ealora...! " she was overjoyed to see her sister, not only for the fact that it had been a long while since she had seen her, with all the drama going on in her life, new children, Marren, and Nicholas.. there had hardly been time to do the day to day things, she felt guilty that she had not made time to go and see her sister and her family " Ohhh I'm so glad your here.. I've missed you so " she almost ran to her throwing her arms about her neck in a endearing hug . It was quite a sight the long lean dark haired pirate, practically pounced by a elegantly gowned ball of enthusiasm with flaming red hair, that looked like a china doll come to life. At barely 5 foot tall in her stocking feet, Shaden had always figuratively and literally looked up to Ealora, as sister, mentor and friend.. not to mention from a sub par height.

Ealora:The smile broke out over her face despite her troubles at Shaden's enthusiastic call of her name and then the bounding hug that nearly knocked them both off their feet. Thank God there was a wall behind them and Ealora laughed, for real in perhaps longer then she could remember. Long slender arms wrapped about her sisters waist as she gave a kiss to her forehead. after all Ealora was the oldest. "I've missed you too" An nothing that came from Ealora's mouth lately was a lie so why should this one be? "How are you doing?" Truth be told she had stayed away for a reason and not only forgetting to call on her sister but knowing full well the extent of damage Shaden would face when she came home. There just seemed to be to much going on in both of their lives right now that neither of them could be their for the other. "I could use a good stiff drink while you catch me up" an Celadon eyes searched the room to find the liquor cart.

Shaden:The hug lasted probably longer than Ealora wanted, for it's comfort and stability... something Shaden craved these days,, she knew she could count on Ealora.. they were family after all.. as Ealora spoke of wanting a drink Shaden laughed softly " Oh my manners are lacking aren't they ?" she released her sister, and turned moving to the bookcase that held glasses and decanters of fine Whiskeys and Scotch " What would you like?" her hand waved over the selection... and when Ealora pointed out her preference, Shaden poured a glass for them both.. indicating with her chin that Ealora should sit, and relax " So tell me of my nieces and nephews.. how are they? Gemma and Jadrien would love to meet their new cousins, I bet Gemma and Eppie will get along famously as will Issa and Jadrien, of course the younger ones will too, but they are so close in age " Shaden was rattling on, grateful for the distraction of talking of the children and someone else's life besides her own misery.. " Jadrien and Gemma are doing wonderfully, getting along in school fine, and we got them a puppy.. Ashes.. " yes sometimes ... Shaden's prattle could be overwhelming, a sure sign she was.. miserable beneath the surface.

Ealora:True Ealora was patting Shaden to let her go when the hug lasted longer then she had intended it to but she let out a laugh anyway's as Shaden stepped back. "Since when did we want for manners. We're family, manners go out the window" She chimed while pointing to the whiskey as she slid into the sofa and curled her feet behind her. As Shaden brought the drinks, Ealora reached for hers and took a large swallow without even flinching. Idling her mind wasn't a good idea but she needed it as Shaden prattled on not even giving Ealora chance to respond until she clasped a hand over Shaden mouth to stop her. "The kids are fine. As far as I know. You should send word to Maahes or Nora that you want to get the kids together. I am sure all of them would love the play time." Finger nails tapped against the side of the glass as she turned her head slightly to the side while watching her sister. "You've been unhappy, I'm sorry. Your trip didn't go as you expected I imagine, but things will get better of that I have no doubts. You love your husband and he loves you. Your to good for him..but"She laughed and shrugged. "Ah Shaden I have something to tell you, if you haven't all ready heard the rumors, which don't seem to have happened.." She took another large swallow and leaned over to put her drink on the table before sitting back and shoving her hand into her hair while leaning it against her palm. "Maahes and I are getting a divorce."

Shaden: At Ealora's words of seeing her being unhappy.. she smiled sadly " Yes the trip went well enough as I did come home with Jadrien and Gemma, but.. when I returned home .. that was when things went awry.. " awry.. that was the understatement of the decade, awry.. what a stupid word... her brows knitted however when Ealora told her that she would have to speak to Maahes about the children, and her mouth gaped open in total horror and shock when Ealora announced they were getting a divorce.. " Are you joking.. this is not funny Ealora, not one bit, and if this is your way of trying to make me feel better your sense of humor is.. lacking " her tone was both shocked and angry.. as she sat back, downing the glass of whiskey she held in her hands, now the glass settled within them shakily.. " You cannot be serious Ealora.. why on earth.. what has happened?"

Ealora:"Awry?" Her brow went upward as she let out a laugh reaching for her drink again and stopping, leaned over her hand out to her glass of whiskey and her head turned at her sister at the obvious shock on her face but it was the anger in Shaden's voice that baffled Ealora. She was angry? Sitting back up her hands folded over her chest and one leg was thrown over the other as she let Shaden have her shocked moment. "No I am not joking. You really think I would joke about something like this to make you feel better?" Her head cokeed with a bit of attitude as she tossed it back at her but her brows lifted both when Shaden downed her glass. Now this wasn't the reaction she had been expecting. Really she wasn't sure what she expected but not THIS. "I am quite serious" She wiggled her hand sans her wedding rings but still displaying a white ring around the tan flesh of her finger. "It's a lot of things Shaden, a lot has happened since you sailed off on my ship but the main thing is I hate him and oh yes, I've been going insane." The last thrown in with a shrug as if it were every day news.

Shaden: The blith way that her sister wiggled her finger as if the defection of her marriage and family were some kind of game, or jest fueled the flame of Shaden's anger, and her lack of understanding of her sister.. "You hate him? No Ealora.. you love him and he loves you ! " She stood now facing down her leisurely lounging sister.. " I cannot believe you would just throw away your marriage.. Has he hit you, mistreated you.. cheated on you... ?" her eyes leveled on Ealora, and she already knew the answer.. Maahes would never lay a hand in anger on Ealora, he loved her with all his soul.. yes he could be a bullish bastard, stubborn to the core.. but he would never mistreat her... she knew this as well as she knew her own heart... " And what of your children? You say Maahes and Nora have them... your leaving your children for your servant to Raise?" her eyes narrowed even more as her voice rose in anger... " Yes I believe you are insane, INSANE to throw away a marriage that most dream of.. children family a life..."

Ealora:Leaning back into the sofa, her arms went to the back in order to tilt far enough to see her sisters face. At first this was rather amusing to see Shaden standing up for Maahes. Their relationship yoyo'd through the years but had remained ever constant in the way of family love and the fact Shaden was telling her how she felt. "No I am pretty sure me wanting to ram my sword through his heart classifies it as hating him." She hummed in a small laugh shaking her head as Shaden ranted and raved. "First of all, sit down your giving me a crink in my neck." She wiggled in the chair to scoot back away from Shaden's glare. "Now by that look your giving me, you know the answers to your questions but to redirect that second one, yes he has mistreated me. You of all people I would think wouldn't make judgement before having the facts but you sound more insane then I do right now." Lifting off the sofa she moved to stand behind it least she need a quick getaway. "I don't want to explain everything. I am tired of everyone all ready knowing my business but it all started with me beating the hell out of the children's nanny, Vivian. The how and why aren't important. The children are with Maahes and Nora to keep them safe from me right now that doesn't mean I am abandoning them. I just can't be around them right now and I can't stay married to Maahes when I hate him more then I love him and he feels very much the same way as he doesn't want to stay married to a woman who's making a fool of him, his words not mine."

Shaden: "you are a fool... You have everything.. a man who loves you and is faithful... who is committed to you and your family, you have 6 children... you are so blessed, I've longed for the life you have.. I've watched for years as you birth your sons and daughters and know the joys of being their mother.. how can you give that up.. ?" her words were angry and condemning " I'm going through hell trying to keep my marriage while another woman is bearing his child and you are just throwing your family away.. Your Selfish.. Ealora.. being a mother you should do whatever it takes... to be with your children.. to be their mother.. and you are giving up.. when things get hard... Perhaps if this was how you were going to be... you should have left Ra at my Breast and Issa and Eppie in my household and stayed dead " it was out before she realized what she said.. her hand slapped over her own mouth as the words escaped and her eyes took on the hue of shame and guild.. " I'm sorry I don't know... why... oh Ealora.. I... " tears begin to fall now as she realized that her sister had come to her for comfort and she had lashed out instead of helping "I'm sorry.. please... forgive me.. I'm a horrible sister... please... what can I do.. to help you ?" she sat down heavily in the chair, idly twirling the empty glass in her palms...

Ealora:Arms slid over her chest again and her head began to twist this way and that as she stared at a blank spot on the wall, focusing on the color until it blurred and the colors name itself escaped her reasoned mind. She let Shaden rant and rave, the reasoned part of her mind told her Shaden was dealing with her own hysterical marriage but it did not quill the anger that began to rise through her like an inferno and when Shaden let out that she should of let Ra at own breast and stayed dead Ealora's eyes cut up hard to her sister. If looks could kill....Nic would be a widow. Shaden began to cry that the sinister smile played over Ealora's lips. "Oh no Shaden, you finally grew a backbone, don't take it back now. God knows if you grew a set of balls years ago, you would of never been in the trouble that you've gotten yourself into month after month after month. Lets be honest here Shaden, I think you crave chaos, without it you would find life lacking.." Her arms unfolded as she stalked on her sister and leaned to clasp the armrests of the chair. "Oh poor me, my husband acted like a man and got himself another woman when I ran off and didn't tell him where I was going. You know...I slugged the chyt out of your husband for you, when he was acting insane while you were gone. Now I commend him for his actions. You reap what you sow little one and I can deal out the harsh statements just as well as you can....You want to help me?" She questioned while celadon eyes blazed with an intense fire of rage and insanity. "do you really?" She leaned in to press her cheek against her sisters and ran the skin of her cheeks against her sisters before switching to the other side while letting out a little hum laced with an unspoken threat. "You've chosen your side, Shaden. You want to help me.." She leaned up to look into her sisters eyes again. "Don't....help me. Go on playing mommy to kids that aren't yours. Hell, take mine if you think your so much better at it then me. An in return I'll grant you one small favor of my own, you won't see me again...hmm" she purred before plucking down to peck her lips against her sisters and lifting up to head to the door.

Shaden: "Ealora... no wait " tears still streamed down her cheeks, each of her sisters accusations a knife to her heart, but she knew payback when she heard it... " Ealora.. no.. I'm not taking sides.. I've always been on your side... your my only family your my sister.. " she looked as wounded as anything, not for Ealora's words.. as much as the thought that her own had caused her sister pain enough not to want to see her again.. " I'm sorry.... I didn't mean it.. I'm the one who... can't face things.. I had no right to judge you.. your a good mother... I've been jealous of you... envied you..." her hand caught Ealora's wrist... " There has to be something.. anything I can do to help... to help you... please... I'm your sister " glacial green eyes displayed the sincerity and love of a true sister though no blood was shared between them Ealora was as much her sister as if they had shared a womb.

Ealora:As her wrist was grasped, she whirled on Shaden, her hand rose and then fell, gripping her sisters head, she pulled her close and in a tight all most strangling hug. "Don't be sorry, you see what I am becoming..even for the smallest moment, I could of seen your blood on my hands and enjoyed it." She was whispering, harshly and as if she were out of breath trying to keep control of herself and not harm one of the people she loved most besides her children. "There is nothing to be jealous of me Shaden, I'm human, made mistakes but this...is not one of them. The one thing you must do for me is protect my children, even from me.. but for now, you MUST stay away from me" Slowly she released her sister and took a step back holding her hands up to keep them away from the Sai's at her back. "Love you" she purred and then Ealora was out the door before her rage could explode.

Shaden: She stood for long moments blinking uncomprehendingly at the door that shut behind the retreating form of her sister... had the world gone mad.. when had everything turned on it's side and backwards.. the things she though that were unshakable now stood on ruined foundations... slowly she sank to the floor before the door... settling in a pool of soft green summer muslin, her fingers plucking at the hem..it was immaculately stitched and embroidered.. much like her life.. everything in it's place.. surrounded by the embellishments of life.. but was it hallow... was it all pretend.. was she pretending to be a wife... to a man who should be with the mother of his child... a mother to children that were not hers... a sister to a woman that she shared no blood with... in the light of Ealora's words.. she questioned the validity of all the people she had come to love as family... were they truly hers.. or was she the fool.. the one who was insane.. this is how Nic would find her when he came home.. a quiet, introspective woman sitting before a door.. questioning what truly lay inside her own house...

[Sir Nicholas Stryker]

Nicholas: The morning had started out beautifully. Seeing the kids get up sleepy eyed and swaying at the breakfast table before school. It was a riot to see and not something Nicholas was used to yet or hoped he never got used to. Helping to perpare them for a day at school was something that made his heart swell with joy. Despite Shaden's promise that there would be no intimate relations between them, he kissed and loved on his wife only laughing when she pushed him away when things got to heated until it was time for him to leave since Shaden had made the promise he would spend time with Marren. Bless his wife's sweet heart, he knew she meant well but he hadn't seen Marren since laying out Shaden's conditions to her and still something within him said no relations with his wife was Marren's way of getting back at him. Still it was his own heart wanting the best for his family and unborn child and yes even Marren that he stopped in the market for a tin of mint tea, for her morning sickness, and some daises before he found himself at Marren's doorstep.

Marren: The small but spacious townhouse was abuzz with activity.. such as a beehive and in it it's queen be resided... looking for her king no doubt... Maids and Footment, set up the newly delivered furniture, and household items, while the rest of her things from the Lily were brought over and unpacked.. She had to say.. if she didn't hate Shaden with every fiber of her being, If Shaden hadn't been the prime fly in the ointment for her.. she might actually like her.. The woman had impeccable taste, and was generous and sweet to a fault.. a very big fault.. she was trusting so trusting.. and such a believing ninny.. that it only took a few tears, and wide blue eyes to convince her that Marren was miserable.. in love and jilted.. and only wanted the same thing Shaden did... a chance to be with the man she loved... how easily she had twisted Shaden about her finger.. for Shaden's own guilt, had done most of the work for her... really the woman was almost to sweet.. and loved Nic so much that indeed she would let him go.. if he choose Marren.. Marren had seen all she needed to see.. planted the seeds she needed to sow.. in Shadens Mind.. the doubt.. that Shaden.. the barren whore.. was good enough for Nicholas Stryker.. King of Athelia.. now weight so heavy upon the crimson haired courtesans heart.. that she could barely breath... it was while musing over her new home and good fortune that the housekeeper.. Tova announced Nic's arrival.. Marren jumped up from her lounge, pinching her cheeks to bring color to them and pulled out a few wisp of hair from her updo.. flicked some water from her glass onto her face.. so that it gave and illusion of a sheen of sweat.. and begin unpacking a box of books to settle upon shelves... " Show him in Tova " of course she had not expected him so soon, but on the chance he might come she was dressed to please the eye... soft blue muslin, that matched the shade of her eyes, and showed off her long lithe figure.. a figures Nic's hands had eagerly roamed...

Nicholas: Stepping past the threshold, he swiveled to the left as a chair came through the door hiding the face grunting with the weight of it behind him. Letting out a humph of a laugh he waited while the maid went to announce his arrival then returned to wave her hand at him in a follow me gesture. As the maid opened the door and gestured him in, he paused to look at the woman with an incriminating eye before turning a look to Marren who he saw as obviously unpacking books. Silvery blue eyes swiveled over the room as he stepped inside and Tova shut the door behind him. Clearing his throat, he held up the decorative tin "Mint tea, for any morning sickness" He offered and then held up the daises "an something just for you..." Handing the items over, his hands went behind his back as he rocked back on his heels and cast an eye about the room again. "Very nice choice, good property, good position in the city" Ok he was making small talk.

Marren: "For me?" she took the items and smiled lovingly up at him like a puppy dog to it's master, it was painfully obvious she adored and loved him, at least that was what she hoped he saw in her actions... " I have to say Shaden did a wonderful job helping me pick the house out... and the furnishings.. she's very knowledgeable with the Tradesmen, and making deals.. but then again in her position I suppose almost every man in Turas Lan would benefit from her patronage.. " she let the words roll off her tongue in a way that was praise Shaden yet, somehow made her seem unseemly as if her dealings were shady.. " I have to say I am thrilled with the house.. and Already I've picked out things for the babies room " her chatter went on and one, letting him know she was now committed to having this child... his child.. and seemed happy about the prospect...

Nicholas: "No, for the woman next door, she's having my baby too didn't you know" He said it in a teasing manner trying to lighten any hostility between them any further and managed to escape the puppy dog look in her eyes while he spun around to get a full view of the room. "Shaden is intelligent and has a very good heart. She has accomplished much to be in good standing with the people of Turas Lan, even giving up her own dreams for it. I won't deny she has good taste. Could you imagine the Lily with my tastes in it? The business wouldn't last" He finished making his turn and faced Marren again with a small smile curling at the side of his lips as she rattled on about things for the house and the baby. At least his heart eased some and his soul gave a sigh of relief. "You have? Well.." Lips pressed together and he nodded. "That's good. I brought some of Jadrien's things over a long time ago, clothing...toys...a cradle. I shall see some of it can be brought over to you, as long as Shaden doesn't mind." He found a chair to lean against and crossed his arms over his chest. "Have you been to the midwife yet to assess your condition?"

Marren: " Oh some of your sons things?" her brow furrowed.. slightly she didn't want her child using hand me downs, no her child.. needed the best, not some things left over from long ago " I actually purchased some things already a cradle and rocker as supposed to be delivered today.. as well as fabric for curtains.. for the babies nursery.. but the window sticks in that room.. and I will have to have a carpenter come see to it.. as it is horribly hot in the mornings if there is not a breeze " she turned from him as he praised Shaden.. but hoped that the seed she was planting in his mind would take root.. Shaden would never be anything more than the Premeir courtesan in Skye... she was not queenly material... her face drew a smirk... as he spoke of Shaden giving up her dreams.. " And you too have given up much to be with her.. here.... a whole Kingdom... your son Jadrien's birthright.. I would think she would want to move to Althelia for Jadriens sake.. I know.. I would have my child know it's rightlful place if it were my choice " the last part was said as if indeed she and her child had been neglected such a choice because of Shaden. and that Jadrien and Nicholas were begin cheated their chance as well.. because of SHaden.. when he asked after the midwife she nodded softly " I have an appointment tomorrow... with A woman Shaden Recommended... Briseis.. a local midwife..."

Nicholas: "Yes, when the people of Athelia found out I had a son, they crafted some of the finest furniture in the land and very nice clothing." Again he began to rock back and forth upon his feet nodding his head as she spoke. "Ah, well good, new things are also nice." His head swiveled to the door then back to her. "The window sticks? Allow me to look at it." He gestured with his hand for her to lead the way and turned to follow her sighing as she spoke about him giving up his dream. She really didn't understand him did she? A part of him missed Athelia and a part of him did wish the chance to rule again and the ruler the people needed but most of him felt he had the chance and he had ruined it. Now all he could do was see Jadrien made into a man worthy of the throne and hope that he was the ruler his father was not. "Our lives are here now. Jadrien has been through a lot the last couple of years and I suspect it will take some time before even he is ready to go back to the land of his birth. For now we are content to have our lives here. One day perhaps we will journey to Athelia again. I would like Jadrien and Gemma to know it, to feel it as their own. I know it will not be long before I need to travel back there to see that things are indeed are being set to rights and choose a stewart that will not let the power go to his head until Jadrien is ready to take over." When she had lead him to what would be the nursery and pointed out the window, he moved past her and knelt at the edge to test out the window. "Very good. I would...like to be there, if you would allow me."

Marren: " you want to come to the Midwife's visit?" she questioned him with a odd look on her face " Do you not trust that I am with child?" she managed a hurt look.. and her lips pouted and quivered " You wish Jadrein and Gemma to know Athelia but you say nothing of this child.." her lips drew into a firm line.. and her eyes wideened like a child's holding back tears... before she turned and left the room with a slam of the door heading to her own bedroom and slamming that door.. throwing herself across the bed in a temper tantrum..

Nicholas: An this was why Marren drove him mad and would never hold him the way Shaden did. Shaden was a woman compared to the child Marren was being. At least Shaden would stay to talk about why she was hurt rather then slamming doors in a temper tantrum. Growling out a sigh he left the stuck wind taking his time to calmly open the door and close it behind him before wandering opening doors left and right before finding Marren's room and her thrown across the bed in a tantrum. Sighing heavily, he slid the door closed behind him and crossed his arms over his chest as he leaned against the wood frame beside the door. "I trust you are with child Marren but I want to be there because this is also my child. I want to be a part of this child's life." His head tilted watching her with her face pressed down into the mattress. God he wanted to strangle her. "I was speaking of my two children who exist. This child isn't born yet Marren so I am not going to dictate how that child's life will go and Jadrien will have a choice to take the throne or not. I won't force him but yes, I want my children to know the land that flows in their blood. Even this child."

Marren: She rolled onto her back, eyes red and puffy looking up at him " You have no idea how hard it is for me.. to watch you and Shaden going on with your life with your kids when mine is in ruins... and you wished I had never spent a night in your arms, or that our child just had never been convinced... I know I'm the last thing you want.. and it's a horrible feeling... to know this child and myself will always be.. unwanted additions and complications to you life " she sniffled... and lay an arm over her face to hide her misery.. and yes she did feel misery that everything she wanted with him, from him was slipping away.. if she couldnt' find a way to pry Shaden and nicholas apart... for good.

Nicholas: "I never said I didn't want you Marren, nor that I didn't want this child. I want this child very much so. Words cannot express the joy I feel in being a father to a baby again. I do love you Marren, but I am not in love with you. I am sorry to say this and know it causes you pain but it must be said." He sighed and shifted from left to right before leaning again. He didn't like talking about his past but it needed said. "You must understand though Marren, my first wife, died because I couldn't....keep her hand. We were riding, her horse got spooked by a snake and she fell over a cliff edge. I couldn't keep her hand because of her glove and she fell to her death. She was with child. For many years I carried that with me and then I met Soren, my second wife and she...turned my world right side up again. She died giving birth to Jadrien, or at least I thought so. She came back to me years later, back to Jadrien and then she did die, pregnant with our second child while I was fighting a war. An then Shaden bore a stillborn daughter, one I saw grow in her belly and felt kick. It had not been an easy rode for any of us, it never has been easy but that's part of life, that's part of being an adult." He uncrossed and recrossed his arms letting out a gruff sigh. "I will tell you what, when I go to Athelia, it will only be for about a week, why don't you come. I will be busy with setting things in motion but you can see the land that is part of our child. That's all I can offer right now Marren."

Marren: In here mind she heard.. come away with me for a week to Athelia... he had not mentioned Shaden or the Children.. and she smiled.. perhaps he was after all just.. placating Shaden .. he had said he loved her... he must be just held by guilt and vows to Shaden... now was her chance... " I'm sorry.. that so much has happened to you where children are concerned... but I love this baby.. and i love you... I truly love you Nicholas.. and I want you in our lives..I cannot help it.. I want our child to know where he or she comes from.. I want our child to know you.. as a father.. " she moved up to sit against the headboard " I never had a father.. never knew him.. mother said I was born in war.. a passing English soldier... I want a better life than that for my child.. our child.. " she cast him a look that spoke of maternal love for her child, and he would be helpless to believe otherwise.. such a good actress she was... " I understand you love Shaden.. you've made that clear.. but it does not mean that I do not love you one does not negate the other " her head dropped and her hands came over her belly rubbing softly... " I will try though to act more grown up as you say... for the sake of our child.. and because I cannot bear it when you are angry with me "

Nicholas: Slowly he pushed off the wall as she began to talk about her love for the baby and her own past. With a sigh he sat on the edge of the bed shifting to draw his knee up onto the mattress. "I am sorry, that you didn't know your father. I was very lucky to know mine, even if they were taken when I was a young man. I'm not going anywhere Marren. I want to be a part of this child's life. Give this child everything it could ever want. Help raise the baby, teach it things you can't. See them grow. I want it all and I want to be there, up front and center. I promise you, I am not going to abandon either of you." He let out a laugh as she rubbed her belly and said she would try to be more grown up. "Well, I won't deny you do have some growing up to do. It takes years to become old like me but its probably your hormones too."

Marren: "I didn't want this you know... it wasn't planned... I was just so happy to be with you.. I couldn't' imagine being happier.. and then when I found out I was with child it felt so right.. I though we would be together.. and then."she sighed softly... " She came back and everything changed... and suddenly you seemed to hate me.. and want to be rid of me.. when all I've done is love you " now he was seeing the same song and dance she had given Shaden.. the girl was good... a natural born actress.. that fate had tossed into his lap... now he could see why Shaden had agreed to give them time together.. and a see if there was indeed love there.. because after hearing this.. how could she not believe.. there was something still left between Marren and Nic... poor shaden... it must be killing her to let him spend this time alone with the woman who carried his child... soon enough it would likely take it's toll on her, mentally and physically, and snap she would say and do things that would show Nicholas she wasn't as sweet and loving as he thought.. then Marren would win the game...

[Sir Nicholas Stryker]

Nicholas: When he left Marren new abode it was still rather light outside, the sun was just kissing the hills casting an orange glow across the city that seemed to stretch out weary muscles that had worked all day and now ease could be had in the night that was coming. Rather then go home, he stopped off in the tavern for a drink and for dinner. He could not help himself from the liquid dimmer that has so ruled his life when Shaden had left. It was a crutch to ease the unbalance of it all, living with a constant reminder of his betrayal of his vows to his wife but loving the fact that new life was on its way that he had helped to create. By the time he left the tavern it was dark outside but not so more then an hour or two after sundown that he took the winding streets home and paused to see the doorway open. His hand went to the dagger hidden at his back as he cautioned his way to the open door and then his stance eased some to see Shaden sitting there just past the open door but no less concerned. "Shaden what is wrong? Has something happened?" He questioned releasing his hold on the hilt of the dagger to kneel down in front of her, his eyes passed behind her into the house for signs of trouble or damage before moving to her.

Shaden: "What is wrong?" she laughed.. and shook her head softly.... " That is the most ridicules question ever... what is wrong ?" her shoulders shrugged as she looked up at him her eyes reddened with the hours of shedding tears that would no longer come... She was grateful that the Children were gone for the night with Gerda to Sterling Stables, to look at horses before she joined them in the morning, they would have been appalled to see her in such shape... as he leaned down toward her she smelled the liquor on his breath and gave him a disapproving look... " Drinking with Marren.. how cozy... did you f**k her too?" jealousy reared it's ugly head as she pushed him away... backing upon her skirts from him as if he had the plague.

Nicholas: He gave her a startled look as she laughed and said it was a ridicules question. "I don't think its quite as wayward as you think it is since your sitting in the hallway with the door open" He retorted as he cupped her arms and pulled her up with him only to move her a step back to shut the door before turning back at her with that disapproving look on her face as she shrank away from him. At first he looked at her as if she had spoken a different language and then his face hardened. "Yeah, we had a gay old time laughin it up at how silly you can be sometimes" He snapped back practically breaking the coat stand as he slammed his coat up on it. "What the hell is wrong with you Shaden?! You set this up and don't forget that, promising the woman we wouldn't sleep together and that I would be free to spend time with her so she wouldn't feel guilty and like we were trying to take her child from her, you were the one who said you had faith in us, you and me...was that all a lie? Hmm! Of course I didn't f**k her!" He threw his hand up in the air before storming past her, all most shoving her out of the way and the way she shrunk back away from him. "I went to the tavern for a drink and dinner. You think its hard on you to have to 'share' me with the woman, well its hard on me to have a constant reminder of my infidelity with my wife in her pregnancy and feeling guilty for actually WANTING the child." He turned from her to move into the sitting room where he saw the open container of brandy and two glasses. "Should I ask you the same thing huh? Who you been f**king?" He shoved a hand at the two glasses of brandy and then threw his hand up into the air again. "Doesn't feel good does it?" He accused before moving to collect one of the brandy glasses that still had half a glass and gulp it down.


Shaden: She had the grace and the humility to look ashamed, and she was.. she had indeed been the one to assure Marren that Nic would have time for her and the child, Ealora was right it seemed, Shaden always seemed to make her own drama.. she flinched as he stormed past her and then asked her who she had been f**king, who she had been with when he saw the glasses, then.. downed her half empty one... " Ealora... was here.. " that in its self should have told him the impetus of her mood.. for lately wherever Ealora went there was storm.. and people left in it' wake like wreckage.. actually storm was a word to small and to weak to use.. it was more like a hurricane.. or a HER i cane.. the her being Ealora.. She stood at the door of the parlor looking at him, her hands at her sides fidgeting as if she didn't know what to do...for a moment " your right I'm jealous and it's not my right to question you..." she was defeated, she was exactly what Ealora had said she was.. a woman raising kids that were not her own, and in love with a man... that she should not claim as her own...because he was likely better off without her...

Nicholas: He set the glass down swallowing a few times to rid his mouth of the taste of the booze. He did not particularly like brandy but it had been on hand and he needed that extra kick moreso now that Shaden admitted it was Ealora who had stopped by, This confused him, usually Shaden was a reason for Shaden bubbly nature after one of her visits but this had left Shaden angry and now depressed. There had been rumors around town that the pirate known as Ealora was going insane and was ruining lives left and rightbut her sister? Had she really gone that far in her madness to cause her sister distress? He turned looking at Shaden from the side as he set the glass down and then dusted his hands together as if having something to rid from them. "Your my wife...you have a right to question me anytime you like but I didn't think you'd accuse me of another infidelity after I swore it was a mistake to begin with." He knew that defeated look in her face, it was all most the same as the defeated look in her face when she had lost Joy, that same insecurity. He sighed and raised his good hand to run through his hair. "Don't Shaden, I don't care what she said to you...I can't deal with this, another insecure woman acting like a child. Your sister is ruining her own life, don't let her ruin yours. Don't question the woman you are."

Shaden: Her arms lifted from her sides, and crossed over her chest, hugging at her shoulders as if she alone could give her self solace...had she wished for it in her husband.. she was not going to get it.. he had his own burdens to bear and deal with.. and in his own words.. he could not deal with another .... insecure woman.. that being her.. " She can't ruin my life.. only point out it is already" there was a sad bite to her words... directed at herself.. " She's divorcing Maahes and leaving her children..She thinks she's going insane.. and if there were blood tying us together I would think I suffer from the same Malady.. I've envied her all these years, wished to have the family she has... the children.. I watch everyone around me being able to give their husbands children.. Perhaps she is right... I'm not meant for this life. I seemed to destroy any chance I have at happiness... this.. whole thing is my fault because I left to go Find Jadrien without telling you... perhaps somewhere deep down I was trying to break us apart... maybe I'm insane and I don't' even know it?"

Nicholas: "No, she is not ruining your life. Your doing that all on your own." No he wasn't going to comfort and coddle her, he had enough of that with Marren. Shaden was a strong caring woman even if sometimes, like now, she didn't see it in herself. He wanted her to see it all on her own, so he would not coddle her now. "So she is divorcing her husband and running out on her children and that had brought this look on your face? This 'I am not worth anything' look?" He let out a gruff huff and shook her head taking the now empty glass to the brandy container on its cart. Oh yes he needed a good stiff drink again. As he poured a full glass he listened to her talk about Ealora thinking she was going insane and how maybe she envied her. Oh that pirate was going to make the whole island insane with her! Lifting rhe glass to his lips, he stopped when Shaden asked if she took was going insane and the glass came down to set on the cart with the containers of alcohol. "Shaden, our lives have never been easy, yours and mine, everyone on this damn isle seems to have a past full of hardships. Thats human nature, that when you get something good you naturally and without knowing it try to destroy it because you don't think you deserve it. It's human nature to want happiness and then be wholly surprised and ill equipped to deal with it when you get it. The point is, we are indeed human and fault but that doesn't mean we don't deserve happiness. The point really is that you do have that life you so envy and you don't see it. You ARE a mother to my son, to Gemma and if they did not exist, if they had died, we would go on. There are options Shaden if you were never to be able to give birth again, many kids who need a home. An you are insane if you don't see it, completely bonkers for ever letting her insanity get to you."* He turned away from the drink he left untouched to look at her.

Shaden: A Single tear slid down her cheek as he scolded her, and she took in his words, a flush of color came to her cheeks but it was not shame that colored her cheeks but an awakening of anger... anger held in check, behind the facade of trying to stay calm and make things work, the ultimate caregiver, the righter of wrongs, the nurturer in her had never taken the time to be truly angry... " I've been trying so hard to be in control that I find my belly and heart aches with the need to break something..." she confessed to him " Mostly your neck " her mouth pulled to the side in a half smile. that was fleeting but there... " I hate that she is carrying your child, and I hate more every minute you spend with her.. and I hate that she is going to be in our lives, I hate that you feel guilty and that I make you feel guilty and I hate that I hate the whole mess " her words had come so rapidly that she took a deep breath.. " Most of all I hate that I'm not to one carrying your baby" there.. was the crux of the matter, the infidelity had already been forgiven but it was the emptiness in her own womb that stabbed at her heart... " I'm sorry... but I do.. I hate it..and I know that is wrong and I should be above it.. but I'm not... " she wiped at the tear on her cheek with the back of her hand like Gemma did when she was upset, like a little girl.. then shrugged again.. " I love you Nicholas.. I love Jadrien and Gemma, and I am aware that I have a wonderful loving relationship with them and that we are blessed with things , money and such that others do not have.. I'm not so shallow as to not be able to count my blessings... But there are times when I want nothing more than to break ever dish in the cup boards and scream to the top of my lungs at the complete unfairness of the fact that someone else can give you what I cannot... a child " her eyes closed and she took another breath..almost relieved at having said it out loud.. she was angry... " But it can't be changed.. so all I would be left with was broken dishes ".. there wasn't much left to say and she turned.. thinking to head upstairs.. perhaps there was still some of that sleeping Draught that Brom had left her...

Nicholas: "Why try to keep control? Sometimes its good to lose control Shaden." He threw his arms up in a wide gesture and then moved towards her. "Break something, not my neck, I rather like it in the possession its in" He grinned and then let it slide from his lips as he picked up a porcelain statue on his way towards her. He hated the thing, a farmer with a pitchfork, who the hell made this crap! Handing the statue over, he moved behind her and gestured. "Break it, lose control" He took a step back away from her to give her aiming room. "Who says you should be above it? Shaden your not a saint, I say it at times but you are not God, your human and its right that these things should anger you, it is right that you should feel anger at the injustice of it. Its healthy to get angry, what isn't healthy is holding it all in. Your a good woman Shaden, a wonderful woman but that doesn't mean you can't get angry and you have the right as a human being to let it out." He sighed once again and shook his head. "I understand what your saying but I can't say I understand your obsession with giving me a child. Yes Marren is giving me a child and I am looking forward to it but I would just as much look forward to it if we were adopting an unwanted child. It does not make me love you less that we have not been able to have children nor would it ever." He took a breath and continued. "Shaden, if you break every dish in the house then we replace them but it doesn't mean nothing has changed, it lets you get an outlet to what anger and guilt's you have rather then letting it eat away at your heart and soul and who's to say this is it? Has God visited you without me knowing and said 'Shaden you shall never have another child'? We are still young, well at least you are and I've heard reports of men having children well into their eighties. There is still time for us. All hope is not lost."

Shaden: As he came to stand behind her.. his arms surrounded her and placed the statue in her hands. for a moment she considered breaking it against the wall.. she really hated this particular statue but for some reason thought he liked it.. " I couldn't... it's your favorite " she shook her head.. the very thought of breaking it out of anger and lack of control was appalling.. she was nothing if not in control.. didn't Nic understand he had married a control freak... " Anyway it would make a mess.. and likely put a hole in the wall " she pulled the statue back into her chest and cradled it as he spoke from behind her... and when he said if she broke every dish in the place he would replace them she almost laughed... because he didn't say he would clean the mess up.. typical.. a vision on him cleaning up a mountain of broken crockery laced through her mind, chased by the fleeting thought that only crazy people had such random thoughts.. before her attention was captured once again by his voice near her ear... against him with a sigh... still holding the silly statue..and relaxed.. " no God has not appeared to me... I would tell you if he did " she took another deep breath..the weight of the day, and her anger, her emotions with Ealora earlier, falling away as his arms circled her... God above how she wanted to break her word, how badly she wanted just for him to make love to her and make her believe that the world would be right for them again someday... god how she needed him.. for long moments she just soaked up his embrace and his love... she didn't doubt it one bit... why had she let Ealora get to her, she didn't know.. but if she knew one thing in this world.. it was that She loved Nicholas Stryker with all her heart...and that...would just have to do..

Nicholas: "I hate the damn thing. Break it. Make a mess Shaden, thats the point of loosing control every once in a while. Don't think about the consequences or what letting go will mean just let go for a minute. Don't think about it" He moved to stand behind her and as she relaxed back his arms went around her and his chin dipped to rest against her shoulder as he held her around the sides and at the low circle of her belly before swaying from side to side as if rocking her like he would one of the children. "Then all hope is not lost. Let us find happiness in what we have and forget this matter of filling your womb with a child behind. If it happens, it happens and we will be joyful for it but if it does not then we will not despair for we are all ready blessed as it is. I love you Shaden Aramoire Stryker and if I were to have nothing else in my life but you, I would still count myself as blessed." His head lifted to kiss her cheek before he was slowly releasing her enough that he was dipping to capture her legs with his other hand at her back as he lifted her into a cradle within his arms. "I hope you didn't make a promise about mutual pleasure outside of intercourse because I'm going to make love to my wife in one form or another tonight promise or no promise." He paused to let her set the statue down before carrying her up the stairs. Gerda being out with the children was a blessing in itself. He was going to show her in one way shape or form that he loved her if not by words!

Shaden: Her lips curled into a smile as she was lifted into his arms, and cradled.. at that moment she was wiling to break her word.. to break the statue, to break her hold on control... and damn the consequences.. it seemed when he paused she looked at him with a grin, and instead of settling the statue on a table, she tossed it, shattering it against the wall in a thousand pieces.. and then laughed..before burrowing her head into his shoulder, shocked at her own actions... " mmmmm that felt good.. maybe I hould break more things.. " even as she said it, the thought was niggeling at her brain that she should clean that mess up.. but instead she was carried upstairs...and to bed...by her husband... to break more things and loose control.

[Sir Nicholas Stryker]

Shaden: The house was unusually quiet that afternoon, the children were in the den reading , with a somber mood hanging over both of them, Gerda, bustled about cleaning and dusting, almost hovering near the children as they and she kept looking at the library door, where Shaden had been since early morning. Riding lessons had been canceled for another day, when the barrister had arrived, then she had declined lunch, telling Gerda that she was not to be disturbed, and apologizing to the children over their plans for the day being put off till later. thought she hadn't said why, only that it was business. But there was something in her tone that told them all that something was not right in the world of the Aramoire Stryker home, or it's Mistress.

Nicholas: Pushing the front door open, he strolled through, pausing as Gerda bustled into sight and then out again. An eyebrow perched upward at the woman's cleaning habits but also an alarm going off that something was wrong. The air was thick with a heavy tension and made him pause with the door wide open in his wake. His head cokeed to the side as Gerda stopped in the hallway again and beheld Nic with a curious look. She shrugged her shoulders and again disappeared in her cleaning again. Sliding a foot back back he eased the door closed and shrugged out of his coat before peeking into the den at the children quietly reading. He hummed in a small chuckle and moved to kiss the tops of each children's head and ruffle Ashes head who sat by the children's feet. Honestly the pup was growing more docile by the day but that was with rigors training on Nicholas part, especially potty training. Putting a finger to his lips, he hushed the children and moved to the one place he knew Shaden to be, her office in the library. With a dull thud of his knuckles on the door he pushed the handle and swung inward. "Shaden?" He called into the room as he rolled his body through the opening and shut the door behind him.

Shaden: The past few weeks had been difficult to say the least for Shaden, now that Marren was showing, a small baby bump, it had indeed been necessary to tell Jadrien and Gemma the reason that Marren would be visiting often and considered a member of the family now. Gemma had seemed shocked and rather appalled casting Nicholas heated glances, and Jadrien had seemed withdrawn and apprehensive.. but after both Nicholas and Shaden had reassured the children that their little family would be fine, and they were committed to being good loving parents to them, they seemed to take it in stride. Even when Marren had attended dinner one night the children had been polite and inquisitive about the baby coming and asked questions that most children do. All of this each and every little thing was like a knife stabbing into Shaden's heart, but she had weathered it with a smile on her face and without any outward appearance to anyone that she was troubled, miserable, jealous and unhappy. Even when Marren had announced to Jadrien and Gemma that she was like another mother to them and it was ok with her if they called her mother as well.. It had been all Shaden could do not to commit violence. Instead she had stood and cheerfully spoke to the table.. " Who wants pie.. blueberry " and disappeared into the kitchen to cool her temper and her throbbing headache. But today.. things were different.. the barrister had arrived.. with the papers that would make Gemma officially Nicholas and Shaden's Daughter.. her adoption papers.. they lay on Shaden's desk awaiting signatures to make it all legal and perfect.. it was something that Shaden wanted with all her heart.. She had fallen undeniably in love with both Gemma and Jadrien, and wanted them to be safe and secure in their lives, for once.. they had led such tumultuous lives that she hated the thought of anything remotely offering them one moments worry of instability. and yet the other item on her desk did just that...Marren's diary.. that had been left in the den on a low table near the sofa, Shaden had picked it up thinking it was Gemma's sketch book.. but upon opening it found it was Marren's diary.. her most intimate thoughts, and memories..mainly of Nicholas.. even before Shaden had come home. Unable not to look, and read.. it had weighed heavy on her now for days.. days she had spent immersed in work and avoiding Nic almost all together, coming home late after he slept in his room, and skimming about him during the day, so that no private moment could be had. But the Adoption papers changed all that... now the reality of the situation stared at her from the desktop like Solomon's decision... When Nicholas rapped upon the door she didn't bother to get up or look up.. a flat monotone voice met his ears "Come in"

Nicholas: The door clicked closed behind him and he put the lock into place having learned by now to lock the door least they be interrupted by the kids. It had happened a few times before he got the hang of being a father again and being a parent to lock the door but since Shaden had distanced herself there was no need to lock the door when she wouldn't have anything to do with him. Nic could be a fool in many things but his own wife avoiding him, he was not an idiot and had spent hours trying to figure out what he had done wrong. Was it the look he had given her at dinner with Marren when she announced the kids could call her mom and he had simply looked at Shaden as if saying we said we would work this out. Surely she agreed with that and so it could not be that and so he had brushed that one aside. He knew seeing Marren grated in her nerves and her heart. a constant reminder of his infidelity but they had promised each other to work through it so she couldn't be upset with him only for it. He had two temperamental women in his life. Marren in her pregnancy hormonal state made him feel like he was walking on eggshells and Shaden tiptoeing around him was beginning to get on his own nerves. He could not come right out and ask her why she was mad at him. Women hated that! You had to know, that was a rule! If you didn't know, well it only mad them madder because you didn't know why they were mad in the first place! A never ending circle of hormones and grated nerves. So Nicholas did the only thing he could think of, he went on with life like nothing was wrong. Preparations were in full swing for a visit to Athelia and all ready Brom was head waying a campaign of supplies to send off to the lands in an effort to turn the once desolate kingdom around. With so much work to do there, it was a relief to forget it had troubles at home or at least a disappearing wife! "Hi Baby" He chimed as if nothing were wrong, striding across the room and leaning down over her chair to give her lips a pecking kiss. "Whatcha doin in here? Gerda had that look she has when your in a room all day, like she's afraid you died or something" He teased an his lips cracked into a weary grin as he slid to sit on the edge of the desk.

Shaden:The forced smile she gave him was pathetic, but she lifted her lips for his kiss, and listened to his cheerful speak, but swallowed nervously then took a deep breath laying her hands on the desk "Sit down Nicholas, we have things to discuss" perhaps not the welcome he had wished for, but at least she was speaking and not screaming... then again, screaming might have boded better than the cool tone that fell from her lips, her eyes wouldn't quite meet his, her lips pressed into a firm line as she indicated the seat across from her.. offering him what looked like a pitying smile. "The barrister came today with Gemma's adoption papers.. for us to sign..." a fleeting true smile lifted the corners of her lips at the thought of adopting the little girl she loved so much.. "I sat here after he left this morning, thinking about what it meant to adopt her, not only to me but for her.. and Jadrien and You " delicate fingers reached for the thick sheaf of papers that only lacked two signatures.. and lifted them, her eyes pouring over them as she had a hundred times during the day.. "Gemma deserves a family, a loving family who will always be there for her, a mother and father.. who will keep her safe, stable and afford her a life she deserves.. It's very important to children, especially ones who have been orphaned and abandon to be able to trust and believe what the adults in their lives tell them. I know this first hand because of .." she stopped a moment as the past welled up in her and for a moment she feared she would suffocate.. "My parents sold me into a courtesan house, to be raised there when I was five, and I don't' know if I will ever truly be whole again after that.. and I do not want anything I do to jeopardize either Jadrien or Gemma's future, nor lead them to not be able to trust and love completely... I don't' want them to be like me " perhaps at this point he might think she was just getting cold feet, that the enormity of parenthood was scaring her..yet she clung to the papers as if they indeed meant the world to her.. Glacial green hues seemed to brim with tears that were unshed.. as she again pressed her lips together... "I was completely ready to sign those papers and commit to Gemma and Jadrien that I would always be their mother forever.. Until I found this " her right had slipped forward pushing the Diary toward Nicholas.. "Before you say anything I know I shouldn't have read it.. it was private.. but I couldn't help it.. and honestly.. I'm glad I did.. now at least I'm not floundering about in the dark hoping for miracles and things that will never happen"

Nicholas: "Jesus Christ" He muttered when her somber voice said they had things to discuss and then his eyes went skyward as his hand lifted palm up as if offering an apology for taking the Lord's name in vein. Sliding off the desk, he crossed to the chair and fell down into it running his good hand down over his face. "All right Shaden. Let's talk" He would give her the benefit of the doubt and hoping he would now find out why she was so mad at him. Laying his elbows on the armrests, he huffed again bringing his ankle up to his knee and relaxed waiting for her to begin. When she said the Barrister had come with the adoption papers, instead of the waiting face, she got the confused face but he waited as she went on, taking the thick leaflet into hand and smiling for perhaps the first time in a while, a true smile that slid from her face as quickly as it came. That confused look stayed on his face as she continued. He couldn't tell if she was doubting herself or doubting him but in any case he felt himself stiffening with her uncertainties again. Groaning, he let his head fall to cup into his hand as fingers pressed against his temples to ease a coming headache. When she said she had been ready to commit until finding this...his head lifted to find the this... a diary being slid across the desk towards him. Leaning forward, he took the dairy and couldn't help the laugh that left his lips as the corners of his mouth on one side curled up into a grin. "Unicorns. Well its definitely not mine. Who's exactly is it?" He thumbed the pages scanning some of the words before he closed the book and tapped it against his knee as his eyes rose to hers again. "What exactly do you mean floundering in the dark hoping for miracles and things that will never happen?" He continued to beat the book against his knee. "Shaden, first of all, nothing like what happened to you will happen to Jadrien and Gemma, you are nothing like your parents. You wouldn't do that to them and God hoping, you don't think I'd allow something like that to happen to them. I'm trying to secure Athelia again for their futures! Is this cold feet? What are you getting at?"

Shaden: "It's Marren's Diary" her eyes lifted to him as she leaned back in her chair holding Gemma's papers to her chest.. " I read it.. it starts before she came to the Lily, how you and she.. had your relationship, how you told her about Athelia.. how she loves you and wanted to be the Queen of Athelia.." she paused for a moment.. " Of course... I knew about your affair and all, you were very honest with me when I had questions.. but it was the most recent entries.. the ones about the time you've been spending with her that.. have..opened my eyes.. to the reality of the matter.." she waited to see if he would flip through to the last written few pages.. " The day she moved in.. when you went over to help.. when you told her you loved her.. on her bed and asked her to go to Athelia with you on a trip.." she stood then moving to the window.. to gaze out over the garden, abloom with flowers the breeze coming in the window sweet with fragrance, yet none of it's beauty seemed to reach her.. " In five years of marriage, I have never been to Athelia, you didn't consult me on a trip to Athelia, nor asked me to go.. I can then draw the conclusion I would not be joining you two.. " her voice shook with the bitterness of the pill she was swallowing.. "As is stands, that little book has indeed put things into stark perspective " she turned to look at him, hoping upon all hopes that he would deny the words in the book.. but something in them rang true to her.. and she stiffened her spine, already knowing what was coming.

Nicholas: "Ah" He exclaimed when she said it was Marren diary and this time he leafed through it more carefully, scanning a page here and there through the thing before closing it and laying it against his thigh as his eyes rose to hers. His mouth jerked again at the corners into a grin. "Queen of Athelia huh? To bad Athelia all ready has a queen." He shook his head and slumped back in the chair waiting for her to finish. When she was done and turning from the window to him, his thumb was lazily thumping against his right hand, useless and unfeeling of the thumping digit even so his ankle kicked in time with the thumb of his thumb against the back of his hand. "So now I get to defend myself? Rather stupid don't you think since you've drawn conclusions off the woman's diary." His head tilted back so he could look her in the eye. "However, lets say for the sake of argument, since this is generally going that way, that I'll say my peace over it. However, lets make one thing perfectly clear here, Shaden. I am DONE after this, do you understand that? I am only going to say this one more time, I cannot keep doing this, fanning the flames of your insecurity. It's getting old Shaden, your not acting like the woman I married and frankly its a turn off." He pushed up from the chair throwing the diary onto her desk before lifting up from his chair. "Yes, I said I loved her. I do love her Shaden, its quite possible to love more then one person. You love plenty of people. I said I loved her but that I wasn't in love with her. I don't love her like I love my wife. Honestly, I would think after everything we have been through, from the beginning of this until now, you would understand that. Second of all, yes I did invite her to Athelia because she was acting like a child, much like you are right now because I told her I was going to Athelia to secure Jadrien and Gemma future there. Stupidly, I left out our child together and she threw a fit. It was the first thing to come to mind. Thirdly, and let me make this quite plain. I would of told you about it, but SOMEONE has been avoiding me for days never giving me the chance to actually tell her! Also, it is not set in stone that she is actually going, I haven't been able to discuss with her in her temperamental mood that going is dangerous and she will be going to the Capital under protection while I am cleaning the land of its Rebel bases from the campaign left over that took siege of Athelia in the first place. I did tell her I was only going for about a week, which is the truth. To again, secure the lands again from the rebels an distribute supplies so no, I didn't ask you to go because someone needs to stay with Gemma and Jadrien, who I didn't want to put strain on over memories there. It's going to take time before they go back there and I wanted one stability to remain with them until its time to take them back there to accept what I am rightfully bestowing upon them as the heirs to Athelia, at which time I was going to invite my wife so that we could have a formal coronation to officially make her my Queen an my son heir of Athelia while bestowing Gemma with title of Duchess. However, since this little booklet has put things into prospective for you. I think i will go pack my belongings and move myself into the Inn as obviously, I want this marriage more then you do else you wouldn't continue trying to sabotage it!" He growled the last out at her before turning, kicking the chair aside as he strolled towards the door.

Shaden: He would not make it to the door before a book went flying by his head to thunk against the wooden portal that was his escape " how dare you make this my fault !" she yelled, yes her temper was up, no more tiptoeing about she had finally had enough another book sailed his way, as she tossed Gemma's papers to the desk, and moved toward a bookcase of possible weapons.. some quite heavy, as books were propped up with bronze statues and marble knick nacks " I have been more than accommodating and understanding, allowing that woman into my house at my table telling my kids to call her mother.. letting her spend time with you.. How much more can I bend Nicholas.. I've done everything short of hand you over to her, I've put aside my feelings my wants and needs and it's MY FAULT ?" another book flew his way, her aim was terrible and it seemed he was in no danger, and if she hadn't been so angry it might have been amusing the fact that she sucked at throwing things.. besides a fit,, that she was doing quite admirably..! " SO you throw down the gauntlet.. accept it or I move out..?" now she picked up a bronze statue of venus.. held it for a moment then replaced it.. she really liked that piece.. then picked up a marble sphinx someone had given her.. from Egypt.. hope it wasn't Ealora... without further ado it was sent flying his way.. to crash into the paneling near his shoulder.. " Fine.. if you want to move out go.. or better yet... I'll go.. it seems that I'm the one in who's causing the misery around here.. The lake house is almost finished.. I'll go there " the sentence was followed by yet another book.. that fell open and tragically short of his position.. her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes glittered dangerously.. oh she had really let loose now.. " That will please Marren Greatly I bet..!"

Nicholas: His shoulders sagged, his head ducked as the book sailed past him and hit the door. He turned upon her as if looking at a madwoman! She was THROWING objects at him. His hands rose as her voice shrilly followed the heaving objects. "Your damn right, THIS one is YOUR fault! I'll take reasonability for a great many things Shaden but it is YOUR fault for taking that damn book as gospel without even the courtesy of telling me first before making conclusions!" He ducked again from a sailing object moving closer to her to escape the flying objects of which he was not concerned when they sailed past him or aimed out of reach hitting the wall rather then him. He would care when one of them hit him, until then they were just objects used as projectiles. "She's the one who plainly said in black and white, right there she wants to be Queen of Athelia and that doesn't give you one minutes pause to think its HER trying to break us up and not only me wanting out! You've gone quite loopy since you seem to have forgotten YOUR the one who made this damned deal with her about being one of the family. What the hell am I supposed to do, cleave myself in two to make you both happy because I sure as hell can't do it as one man! You made this deal Shaden and I am just trying to deal with it!!" He ducked from another flying book but saw no reason to duck again as the final book fell short and landed by his feet. "STOP throwing chyt at me!" He growled dangerously low.

Shaden: "I've gone crazy.. that is rich !" as he advanced on her the books flew faster, still she didn't' actually hit him, one would think either she was the worst aim ever, which he knew was not true or that she didn't want to truly hit him at any rate when he yelled at her to stop throwing things she held up a book menacingly narrowing her eyes at him " I'm not the one making plans to run away with my lover to my Kingdom, and leave the wife at home ... very very cozy little arrangement. and I said she could be a part of the family.. NOT TAKE TRIPS WITH YOU ALONE..." she snarled, the book flinched in her hand as if she would throw it at his face " Oh I can imagine that she would try to break us up, but not that you would be so stupid as to fall into her trap and help her do it...by doing the exact thing I did to cause all this in the first place.. TAKE A TRIP without talking to you spouse.." she cokeed her head at him sideways " I thought we had learned that lesson, when I did it and you knocked up little miss goldilocks.. but apparently your a slow learner" she snarled..releasing a breath but still holding up the book like a weapon... " And you think I'm what just suppose to take it all with a grain of salt.. maybe embroidery a pillow.. with the words.. one big happy family!" her jaw clenched, and for the first time since this whole thing started she actually felt some control, in letting loose her anger.. and oh how angry she was, months of anger had been festering in her " I've tried Nicholas.. everything I know how.. but no matter what I'm in the wrong, I'm wrong for going to England I'm wrong for trying to help you Keep Marren in your life and from running away or getting rid of your baby.. I'm wrong for being jealous, I'm wrong for feeling hurt I'm wrong wrong wrong.. for Loving you and the children so much that I can't breath with the fear of loosing you .. !" the book fell from her hands and onto the floor " You have no idea how much I want this marriage and this family or what I'm willing to do to see you all happy.. Don't you ever for one minute ever again say to me that I don't want this " her voice dropped low and menacing.. before her hands pushed him roughly in the chest.. " Never! she pushed him again " Do you hear me... Never !" a sidestep and it was she who was heading to the door.. " Take her on your trip.. do what you have to do.. take the time to really make up your mind.. and when you come back.. make a decision." her hands grasp the lock on the door turning it, but the dam thing wouldn't co operate and she jerked and kicked at it.. cussing beneath her breath.. suddenly she felt the urge to run.. just run as far and fast as she could..

Nicholas: "She is not my lover." He growled and then squared his shoulders, leaning towards her as she held up a book in threat. "So help me Shaden..." He growled low in his own threat. He would never hit her, he would never hit any woman but he would restrain her. "What did I just say? I had planned on telling you but you have been avoiding me like the plague! Fat chance in me telling you. I am not sorry you found out this way when yes, you shouldn't of read her diary an you should of talked to me about it before now!" When she brought up how this had all gotten started, his jaw clenched and as her hand flinched as if she would throw the book at him, he reached out to grab her wrist and pull her hand down from positioning so she could throw it at him. Not that she had planned to. "You still don't trust me?" He questioned his jaw still tight with anger but the flinch of pain in his eyes was unmistakeable. He let go of her wrist so she could drop the book. "Back to not trusting me? Throwing this all into my face again? I'll never be able to make up for what I've done Shaden" He sighed in defeat and shook his head. "I go to church every morning, confess my sins all over again, pray...pray for an hour for God to forgive me when I can't even forgive myself for it. An knowing there will be a living, breathing reminder of what I've done, all most outweighs the happiness of actually having a child. I never said you were wrong and no one ever said you had to bottle up your emotions Shaden, you did that all on your own. You've done all of this on your own. Hell, you made that deal on your own, without consulting me about it because why? you thought you would make me happy, you thought...you assumed...didn't ask. As much of this as I have done Shaden, there is plenty of it that you have done to yourself. An even I have bent over backwards trying to make my wife happy...trying to make the woman who is carrying my child happy all while trying not to display to Gemma and Jadrien what's going on so they can have security. I made a decision, when Marren walked out, before your damned deal, I choose you and months since I keep repeating, I choose you and now you want me to take time to think things over and make yet another decision? One I have all ready made and stood by now for months?" He let out a bitter laugh an picked up the statue of Venus she had just put back, pulling his arm back, he heaved it smashing against the furthest wall into a million tiny shards that flew every which way. "I'm done Shaden, done making the same damn decision of which you don't seem to hear. So yes, I'm going on this trip, yes I am going without you, but despite what I have done, I am a good man, I am a good husband and when I do come back, I'm not making any decisions. You do what you have to do now Shaden but when I come back, your the one with the decision to make."

Shaden: She gasp when he destroyed the statue of Venus, her eyes widening in shock as she tuned around the door at her back... " You think I don't trust you.. perhaps you are right.. I don't know anything anymore.. but you don't believe I want to be married to you.. perhaps you never really belived I wanted to be married to you.. because it took so long for me to agree.. or maybe you just know.. like my parents knew.. that I wasn't ment for happily ever after.." when he told her he was done, dark lashes fanned over her cheeks and she sucked in her breath as if he had punched her in the gut.. and for a moment she thought she would die on the spot..her heart seemed to stop beating, then.. all the sudden it thudded almost shaking her, with the jolt.. " you are a good Man Nicholas, I've never thought anything else, and a good father.. and a good husband.. Have a safe journey.. the children will be waiting for you when you return home.. and I expect you sound and healthy when you do.." she jerked again at the locked door, finally getting it open, and passing by the two wide eyed children in the hallway, Gerda watching from the side.. and out the door to the stables...

[Sir Nicholas Stryker]

This log is of a graphic nature.
If you are uncomfortable with content of a sexual nature please no do not read!!!

Ara: Shaden had made it to the safety of the stables before the tears started, she couldn't believe what she had heard, and perhaps there was miscommunication between the husband and wife, but what Shaden had heard in no uncertain terms was the words "I'm Done" " Im going on the trip with Marren without you " those were the words that ripped her heart apart and shattered the frail grip on reality she had been clinging too.. Once in the stables she had set about saddling a horse.. Not Merribel.. Merri was old now and incapable of the harsh demanding ride that Shaden had in mind.. instead she set about saddling Atlas, the war horse she had bought for Nic years ago.. he would be the one to take her out into the afternoon sun and heat of the day to fly out of the confines of town and thunder into the country side at break neck speeds..a flight of desperation.. something to cool the raging fire within, adrenaline to drown the feelings of suffocating sorrow.. As she bridled the beast, her movements became less and less graceful, more and more calm as if the repetive task somehow calmed, her.. no soothing words were issued to the stallion as he protested the saddle as she hefted it upward.. a quick sharp rap of her hand across his nose, left the impression with the beast she would not be denied, and he pawed anxiously , but allowed the saddle to be slipped upon his back.. his ears laid back and his teeth shown, not because it was Shaden .. she had ridden him often of late.. so what could make the beast protest so?

Nicholas He had let Shaden storm out of the office not realizing Shaden had heard different then what he had actually said. Miscommunication. That seemed to be their problem as of late. He had said he was done making dicisions. How could he know she had only heard him say that he was done. He would not sorry for offering to Marren to see Athelia without Shaden. He had to have some ground between both women, as Shaden had wanted, for him and really, if she thought about it. Could she really see any other way to appaise Marren? Not very likely although it raged in his veins the woman was seeking, an hard to break him and Shaden apart. No part of him doubted she would deny the accusation but that didn't stop him from wanting to know. To look in her eye to see the truth and so pushing past the kids and Gerda without even a sorry, or everything is fine, he stalked out to the stables to find Shaden saddling his horse. Of course he had never denied Shaden the use of Atlas, she had indeed gotten the horse for him. He wanted it this time damn it! His jaw locked with tension. "Where do you think your going on me horse?" He barked as he moved towards the stall as she settled the saddle on the horses back but his attention turned to the horse, quite agitated. It wasn't like Atlas to be agitated with Shaden around. His hand came up and with the horse jerk, he soothed with a shhh sound and lay a hand over the horse's broad nose and stroked up and down. "He's not happy right now Shaden, you'd better not ride him now, least he throw you off his back." As mad as he was, he didn't want to see her hurt. Despite being mad, he still loved her...quite madly.

Ara: It was quite chilling the look that was turned on him from his wife.. the manner in which her head tilted to the side quizzically..one brow lifted, and almost sarcastic smile on her lips.. " I didn't know I needed your permission to go anywhere.. you obviously didn't need hers'" it was a slip of the tongue perhaps.. anger did that to people didn't it.. Hands found her hips, as they swayed almost enticingly.. a wide eyed look surveying him.. " Let me guess.. you want to go see Marren.. how .. very expected.. " she laughed then a hallow shallow sounding laugh that was vapid and cruel... " I knew.. you would do this.. I'm only surprised it took five years... " She pushed past him, as her shoulder connected with his arm the charge was electric.. she paused looking upward.. with a sweep of dark lashes... and eyes that were so cold and foreign that he might suspect it was not his wife.. just by the lack of emotion there.. " I wasn't disappointed.. no one loves Shaden Aramoire for Long.. they all use and leave "

Nicholas"Need hers? Who the hell are you talking about" He growled and then hushed the horse again from the start of his growling voice. Moving around the side, began to untie the saddle from the horse. A woman's saddle he would not fit into for one and for two, he wasn't going to allow her to ride out of her on his horse who was so agitated he would likely throw her before they left the stable doors. He growled low again as he yanked the saddle from the horses back and threw it back into place where it had been before. "Shaden, don't start..If I go see Marren, its only to find out the truth." He stopped when she pushed past him and he gave a pat to the horses side before following after her, closing the stall in his wake. "Do what? I haven't done a damn thing!" He threw his hands up then brought them down, his good hand rubbing at his face. "I do love you Shaden, I haven't used you, if I had wanted to use you..I would of paid for you and not married you!"

Ara: Laughter rang out as she just smiled at him, a smile of lunacy.. " You know me.. remember..." what game was she playing at.. she moved toward him her hands coming up to his chest seductively.. " I like it when your angry... you make such good love " she purred then back away teasingly...with a sigh... " You want the truth Nicholas... it's that I want you... I was willing to let her have you... to get you, but you had to ruin it.. with you lack of trust.." She moved gracefully.. yet in an forced manner as if mimicking Shaden's natural grace.. how could he know he was dealing with Ara now.. and Shaden was hidden away, safely tucked away in the recesses of her own mind where she had retreated .. in pain.. that was what Atlas reacted too... the alien being that was the alternate personality of Shaden..

Nicholas He backed away from her as her hands came to his chest and he looked at her as if she had grown another head and both heads were now riddled with snakes instead of hair. "I knew I wasn't insane...your not Shaden. Who the hell are you?" His arms crossed over his chest as she danced back and turned on him again."What the hell are you talking about? Let her have me...You.."He scuffed and unwound his arms to again press against his face. This was just to much. It had been years but he remembered the heated way he had made love to Shaden...or what he thought was Shaden. She had played her game well when he questioned it of her but now here was proof, this woman in Shaden's body was not Shaden. Was she possessed? The thought sickened him, that though he had tried to believe he made love to his wife, he had not. Her body and yet he felt like he had cheated on her all over again.

Ara: "Ohhhhhh poor Nicholas... putting the pieces together " she laughed softly.. " Tis not so bad.. after all it was still her body " a scathing chuckle as she moved to place a stall wall between them.. just in case... " Yes yes I know it's been a while.. but.. I'm only needed when.. well.. she is up against something so hurtful.. so at odds that she can't deal with it.. for the past few years she's been quite content.. and so have I.. in fact so much that you never even knew when I came out to play with you" she wrinkled her nose playfully.. twirling a curl.. about a finger.. it was a tale tale sign of Ara's.. that Nic would notice.. and wonder how many times she had been out.. and Shaden had been gone..

Nicholas It was a good thing she put a stall door between them for he lunged at her with a snarling growl and then backed off with the door between them to pace the floor. "That's not funny!" His palm stabbed at his forehead and slid back through his hair with a huff. "So what the hell do you call yourself? Your not Shaden. An you think its right to take over her body....like that" He swallowed a lump within his throat and turned on her again. "Oh Jesu Christ" He frowned seeing her twirling that hair around her finger. "this is nuts" He groaned speaking more to himself then to her. "so what the hell are you doing here now? You...just...gah" He was finding it hard to form words wanting to strangle her neck...Shaden's neck. Whatever it was. "I love Shaden, we'll work through this, its just a bump in the road but I can't very well do that with...well you,...here..so just shove off why don't you. I want to talk to my wife." He took a step towards her. "Let my wife go." An the look on his face was plain and funny to behold, finding himself feeling quite silly for talking to Shaden...or not Shaden asking to talk to his wife. Yeah he was going mental, that's what he felt like.

Ara: "Ara... that is my name.. I've been around since Shaden was five.. like I told you.. I was born the night her parent sold her for a little bag of gold... I was there the night Robert the Bruce Raped her... I was the one who carried Joy's body from that dungeon after she was still born.. I was there when Shaden found out you impregnated that bytch of a girl.. and I'm here now.. you see.. our Shaden..she's softer than you think.. you always think her so strong.. so. like a rock that cannot be moved.. but everyone chips away at her.. little pieces left behind.. and I pick them up and put them back together.. I'ts what I do " she smiled at him.. laying her hand atop the stall and drumming her fingers boredly.. " Poor little Shaden.. it seems everyone leaves her sooner or later but me "

Nicholas He moved to the other end of the stall and sat on a bail of hay. He felt like his legs would give out from under him if he didn't sit. First the fight and then this. Shaden was going to be the death of him, all ready he could feel his chest tightening with strain. "All right Ara. So you pick up the pieces, blah blah blah. An I think Shaden is stronger then you give her credit for. You think you've done so much but it was Shaden who carried on after Joy's death, it was Shaden who had the heart to forgive the Bruce what he had done in order to care for him in his dying days despite what other people thought. It was Shaden who went after my son when all I wanted to do was give up. So she is much stronger then you give her credit for. He let out a laugh, cold and stabbing. "Oh you pick up the pieces and put them back together huh? You stick around when everyone else leaves. She doesn't even know you exist, your nothing Ara!" Again he laughed and slapped his knee. "So tell me Ara, what's your purpose this time? Hmm"

Ara: "Why do you treat me as if I don't belong.. or if I'm something to revile.." she shook her head softly... " You would think after all this time with her you would know.. it's when she is in danger.. of loosing herself completely.. when she has given up and cannot see the daylight for the darkness.. I take up that space.. until she can face it again.. or.. until she no longer wishes for death.." she moved to stand before him and sank to her knees.. " She calls death to her.. that night when her parents sold her.. the night the Bruce took her.. and when Joy was born.. all these times.. she has called death to her... wished to embrace it..tonight was much the same.. and it's you that caused it this time.. this pain.. that she runs from " her hand reached out and slapped him across the face hard... " You are not worthy of her.. "

Nicholas "We all wish for death during times in our lives that are to rough to fathom we can survive them Ara. The point is, we don't give into them. You may come out when Shaden wishes for death, but the fact remains, Shaden has survived all these years, not because of you but because she is strong. You give her to little credit. It is no wonder sometimes she cannot see the person she really is. "his eyes followed her as she sank down in front of him and when she struck him, he lost it. He grabbed her by the throat and threw her to the floor, falling with her with that hand around her throat. "Touch me again, and I SWEAR you will regret it. I am a GOOD man, and I am a GOOD husband. An YOU who puts Shaden down, would say I am unworthy of her? Go to hell Ara, and stay there!" His hand tightened around her throat and then loosened as he grabbed at the front of her dress and hauled her up from the ground and shoved her back a step. "You don't belong Ara. An you are to be reviled. You think your helping her by being here? your damaging her far worse then I ever could. So I'm going to say it again, leave, I want my wife. I want to talk...to my wife."

Ara:She gasp and sputtered as he choked her, his body pressing against her.. and then her struggles ceased, in her eyes he could see he was actually turning her on.. her hips bucked against his suggestively, before he hauled her upward... shoving her away... " Ask me nicely.. and kiss me ?" she purred her hands running over her body softly... " Perhaps I will.. fade away.. it's been sooooo long since you've kissed me ... " a quirk of her brow made it a challenge..

Nicholas"If I kiss you, you'll go away and let me talk to my wife?" His brow quirked upward as if trying to decide if he believed her or not. His shoulders sunk in defeat and he sighed shaking his head. Ara was tormenting him and he knew it. Her suggestive bucking had indeed stirred his lions as much as he wanted to deny it. It was Shaden's body but another woman entirely within her body and he was reacting to it for surely Shaden would never act this way. Shaden would of been horrified that he had tried to strangle her and not suggestively bucking her hips up at him an if he were indeed a good man, he wouldn't of reacted this way. He wouldn't of wanted to throw her skirts up and shove himself into her. He wouldn't of found this such a turn on himself. Crossing the stall, he gripped at her waist and pulled her to him, his head dipped and his mouth claimed hers.

Shaden: Arms wound about his neck pulling him deeper into the kiss.. her body arching to meld against his, a soft purring moan of pleasure and then a shocked gasp.. as hands pushed at his chest softly.. " Nicholas..?" the question in her voice was soft and confused.. as she blinked wildly at him.. a man whom only moments before had declared he was done with her and leaving with Marren now was kissing her intently.. " Nicholas? I .... I ? " she shook her head as his lips continued claiming hers, his body revealing in stark contrast against her hips that he was indeed.. aroused.. and yet she could not remember how they had reached this place..

Nicholas"Shaden?" He seemed to question all the while moaning against his lips as he pulled her tighter to him. His wife! "Shut up" He growled against her lips as he pulled her tighter against him only to lower until the straw covered ground. "I love you, you daft woman" He mumbled against her neck as he claimed it as his own, biting and nibbling at the flesh before suckling the sting of such treatment as his hands moved towards the bottom of her dress and shoving it upward, his fingers playing against the flesh of her inner thigh as his lips moved to claim her lips with his own again, to taste the sweetness of her mouth with his own. To bind and claim her as his own all over again.

Shaden: "NIcholas " she breathed softly.. as his lips claimed hers again.. silencing her, then pulling her down into the straw.. oh how she loved him, he could always bring her to tears with his loving, never had she felt so with anyone.. she had almost broken when she though it gone..that he was leaving her for Marren.. and yet he was here now.. loving her again.." Love me " she whispered softly against his lips, " Never leave me " soft gasp issued as his hands played her body like a symphony.. bringing her to estatic highs, and soft lulling lows.. in the passionate dance they shared between them, in the confusion she never thought to deny him, or her promise to Marren that she would not lie with him until after the child was born.. instead.. she welcomed him.. completely.. with a passion that had been denied for months.. and a love that would outlast time.

Nicholas"Shaden, my dear, my sweetheart" He moaned against her lips pulling her up to a sitting position so he could get to the ties on the back of her dress, loosing them with one hand was a feat in itself but he managed with one hand. He had quite forgotten the promise Shaden had told him she had made to Marren. At this moment he did not care. He needed to make love to his wife, he would not be able to stop himself and God help him, had she resisted, he still wouldn't of been able to stop. Forcing the fingers of his right hand open, he gripped the opening on the back of Shaden's dress and pulled it down, sighing with the sight of her milky white flesh as it came into view and he dipped his lips as he pushed the material down to her waist to caress the skin of her chest before taking a breast into his mouth, teasing the nipple of her breast rolling it over his tongue and suckling on it as a child would for milk while his fingers had left the discarded material to explore the flesh of her backside.

Shaden: Astride him she clung like a vine, wrapping her legs about his waist, arms about his neck reveling in each touch, kiss and caress.. soft moans lifted into the air, as her head lolled back.. offering him the lush sweet globes of her breast, tipped in rosy erect pink for his feasting, long firey curls brushing against his thighs, one hand slipping between them to unbutton his shirt, pushing it off with haste so much so that buttons flew to the ground to be lost in eternity in the hay covered floor.. " Love me " she purred.. hands curling into his hair, and then over his chest, teasing against the flat male nipples.. then lower,, quickly over taking the belt buckle and buttons on his pants.. " I need you "

NicholasAs close as she clung to him, he pulled her tighter to him even as he teased the flesh of her breasts kneading and massaging the flesh of her sides as he tasted the lush globes of her breasts, first one and then the other until letting out a rasped laugh as his shirt was flung open spraying buttons every which way to be lost on the floor forevermore. Grasping her waist he lowered her to the ground again, pushing the rest of her gown off her body before kicking and wiggling out of his loosened slacks. Even Atlas was snorting in his stall went unnoticed. Any presence in the stables now would be like a fly on the wall, hardly worth the notice as he slipped low between his wife's thighs. The gruff stubble of a chin and cheek not shaved that day brushed against her thigh like sandpaper as he sucked and nibbled a path to that innermost part of her body, his lips parting to suckle and lap at the sweet nectar of her sex.

Shaden: Fingers curled into dark hair, as he lowered his lips downward, in loving kisses to lap at the sweet intimate parts of her that were only for him.. a wreath of firey curls that circled her head, would bring forth images of an angels firey halo, amongst the golden straw.. long pale limbs encircled him, pulling him deeper and goading him onward in his quest.. hips lifting as he suckled begging for more.. lips parting in soft half moans, that testified to the pleasure he gave her.. that built into long slow groans, little intakes of breath, and small delicate hands pushing at his shoulders, nails raking his skin, as the cadence of bliss built and multiplied, his name seemed a mantra, co existing with the word yes, as she opened fully to him, waves upon waves of erotic pleasure twisting and turning inside her body.. until it ruptured in and explosion of rapture that left her shaking and trembling beneath him.. breathless.

NicholasAs much as his mouth had saught to claim her as his own again, this was not a brutish display of power or possession. His display was one of love and one of seeking to give the woman he loved pleasure. His own could wait although the pull of her fingers through his hair, the clench of her thighs around his shoulders, the tremble of her body and the call of his name from her lips was indeed driving him crazy, he would not stop until he accomplished what he sought. To bring his wife pleasure until she was indeed breathless and so he kissed, he suckled and he lapped at the velvet folds of her sex until she was twisting and turning beneath him, her hips raising up to seek that last ray of ecstasy before the explosion and when she stiffened and trembled his fingers gripped at the flesh of her thigh feeling the tremors of pleasure radiating through her muscles as he continued to tease and tantalize her flesh until she could stand no more and lay breathless. Licking the taste of her into his mouth, he slowly crawled up her body, tasting the creaminess of her flesh as he went, his hand replacing where his lips had been knowing it would be sweet sensitive torture to continue and yet not able to help it, not wanting to stop as his fingers left their quest and were replaced by the hardened length of him sliding inch by torturous inch within her.

Shaden: Exquisite sweet bliss suffused her body, causing the sweet blush of passion displayed over her face and body, lighting her with a soft warm glow that could only be described as heavenly.. still quaking, as he eased upward, she jerked and spasm as his fingers played over flesh so sensitive it sang with resonance at the slightest touch.. when at last he pressed into her, he was welcomed completely, legs wreating his waist and drawing him into the deepest recesses of her body.. arms pulling his head lower, lips claiming his in a dance of sweet loving passion that would steal his breath away..

NicholasDrawing his hand around her waist, he pushed himself in as her hips pulled him until he was at the hilt and he sighed with the sweet ecstasy it was to be within her again. His lips found hers again as she drew them to her and he groaned against his mouth as he let go of her waist to brace himself upon the floor and pull the weight off her own body so he was not crushing her. He could stand her sweet loving kiss only so long before he was gasping for breath, yanking his lips away from her own though he would of happily died with her lips upon his own. All ready his hips began to recede and then push forward again, slowly gaining a rhythm of pulling away from her body only to melt to it once more.

Shaden: It had been so long since they had truly been together, since the night she had left for England to recover Jadrien and Gemma, and now that they were making love it would be obvious to him, but the almost painful tightness of her body.. that she had indeed been without for all this time.. quickly though her fires built as he eased into her, her inner walls milking and grasping at him, as if a velvet gloved hand encircling him, upon his full entry she groaned deeply.. relaxing as he pushed into her deepest recesses, then begin to build a rhythm.. completely in tune with him, hips rose to meet his every thrust, they were made for one another as if carved to fit..

NicholasHe felt a twinge of guilt as her walls so painfully tight enveloped and held him making him groan with the sweet torture of it and the guilt of ever thinking she had lain with someone else. He had been such an idiot and never make up for what he had done to her despite his calls he was a good man, he would never forget what was done and this was perhaps his punishment. Never to forget but he did not dwell on this fact, such pleasure of her body holding him tight, how could he linger on any thought except how perfectly her body accepted him and pulled him into a sweet blend of pleasure and contentment. His hands found perch beside her head and he lingered over her, heaving and gasping with each stroke of her walls as he pushed and pulled from within her body. "Shaden" He moaned her name like a hymn to the skies of angels of which she seemed to belong. One hand lowered to the swell of her hip as he rose to meet his thrusts forward, feeling the strain of her muscles beneath the fingers of his hand, he gripped and massaged at the flesh of her side as his lips lowered to her own again, plucking and pulling at her lips with his own as he groaned and panted with the excertion to make this last as long as possible. It had been so long, to long since he had been within and he felt the build start deep within his groin and he growled low dipping his head to fight the urge to release as he wanted this to last, forever if it could but he could not make it last. It was to much, the curl of her body upward to meet his own, the low cries of her voice in pleasure and he growled low as he bit against her shoulder and shoved himself forward within her before stiffened to the release that flowed from within him.

Shaden: It was a complete entwining of hearts, bodies and souls between husband and wife that would seal within both their hearts that they belonged together, and that vows made years ago still held despite the foolishness of lack of trust and hurtful deeds, there was something between them that could not be severed, something that transcended the physicals, but yet was brought into sharp relief when it was applied.. their release was one in the same, her body reacted to the increasing pressure of his need, and simoutansly to his on rapture, she again achieved bliss and glory within his arms, she clung to his body, trembling and arching against him as he filled her with his seed.. until he fell against her in sweet relaxed euphoria, their breath, sweat and heartbeats mingling as soft caresses and lingering kisses filled the space between " Nicholas" her voice was like warm raw silk flowing over him, fingers twining laxily in his hair.. " God how I love you "

Nicholas His muscles quivered and strained with the tight pull of his body into a single pose that lasted until he could hold himself no more for the quake of his body and he pulled from her only to collapse beside her, his arm pulling her against him once more as he panted and gasped beside her. He kissed her neck and shoulder inbetween his pant for breath and laughed softly when she whispered she loved him. "Your going to be the death of me" He growled teasing beside her ear befre lifting up, rolling slightly over her body to kiss her lips with his own. "I love you too" He whispered as he again fell to rest beside her, his arm keeping her close as if she would disappear any moment. Atlas poked his head over the side of the stall and snorted as if seeming to ask if they were done yet and Nicholas laughed. "Shut up" He retorted to the horse and turned his head to again rain kisses up and down his wife's shoulder.

Shaden: Delicate fingers traced the lines of his face softly.. as if memorizing each line each crinkle at his eyes from laughter, each pore of his being.. " I cannot go on like this not being able to love you, to be with you like this, to have so much between us.. I thought I would die when you said you were leaving me tonight.. I just wanted to disappear.. forever "

NicholasHe traced a finger over her belly, watching move a delicate white pattern that faded as quickly as it came. When she spoke about wanting to die when he said he was leaving, his eyes rolled upward to meet hers. "Shaden, I never said I was leaving. I said I was done making the same decision. I don't want to fight again but I am done making that decision, its the same every time. It's never going to change. I love you and I want you." His hand slid over her belly, pulling her into him as his head dipped to kiss the curve of her cheek, it was all he could meet right now, only propped up so far. "I agree though, we can't go on like this, not being able to love you in more then just words. It's taken its toll on both of us and I suspect Marren wanted just that. So lets break one promise, God will not damn us for it Shaden and I can't promise it anymore, not being able to love you like this."

Shaden: She snuggled into his arms, pulling the strength of him around her as he clarified his position on things, she was amazed at how much clearer it was.. when they were not yelling and throwing things at one another.. she pressed against him as if trying to become one with him in the tender cuddle, and laughed at his talk of breaking the promise... " I think we already did " she purred pulling even closer to him if that was possible... then rolling to face him, pulling back a little so she could look him in the eye.. " I'm sorry I threw things at you " her mouth twitched with the hint of a smile.. that said while she was sorry.. it felt really good to express her anger.

NicholasHe let out a chuckle as he stated the obvious. They had indeed broken that promise but he didn't agree with her on that fact, merely grinned. His lips dipped to kiss at her shoulder again as she wiggled to be closer to him. "You start that and we'll have a go at breaking that promise again" He purred into her ear before leaning back as she rolled over to look at him. That grin at the corner of her lips even as she apologized made him laugh. "That's all right m'dear, your a horrible aim anyways, never even came close" He teased as he grinned right back at her. "I told you, feels good to release your anger then to repress it. He gripped her waist and pulled her to him as he rolled to his back. "I'm sorry I broke that statue you like, I'll replace it, I swear it."

Shaden: SHe leaned up and over him folding her arms on his chest and peering up at him with a open adoration and love that he perhaps had been missing since she returned,she had been sheltering herself, hiding not only her pain, but her love from him, in fear of loosing it again.. there were places that Shaden closed off to everyone and only Nic had found a way into the locked corridors of her heart and soul.. but now he knew it was locked for a reason, because there was another inside watching and waiting.. another that SHaden had no clue about, not even a hint..

[Sir Nicholas Stryker]

Marren:She hated the ship, hated the constant motion that made her worse sick than she always was, She hated the eyes of the sailors upon her, questioning why if she was bearing Nicholas's child, did he not treat her as a lover or wife, instead he was insufferable, treating her as if she were a child herself, ordering her about, telling her this and that as if she were simple.. and now they had arrived in Athelia.. whatever she had expected it had not been this, no matter how she tried to seduce him, lure him, nothing seemed to work.. it was as if SHaden had cast a spell.. a spell Marren intended to break.. or die trying.

Nicholas: There were eyes upon him as Marren accompanied him on the trip. Eyes that wondered how he could cup his wife's face so lovingly, kiss her so sweetly while his mistress watched. Questions arose to why he was bringing Marren and not Shaden but he and Shaden had talked about this. Gemma and Jadrien needed her, neither of them where ready to go back and it was not safe for the three of them, not that it was safe for Marren either but he had promised and so when he ordered her to do this or do that on the ship, it was all in the mind to keep her safe even if she thought of it differently. Once they reached port, it was a two day ride towards the mountains and a tedious hour journey through the Renala Pass that had been carved into the mountains to Athelia. Marren was to far along to ride on hourback and so a carriage had been brought along with the twenty odd guards in order to see the King safely onto his lands. Grudgingly he followed Marren into the carriage to better secure his safety and the journey began. He was quiet on the journey, ridged with worry of attack from the lingering rebels hiding within the land but the journey went with incident and soon the carriage was pulling into the courtyard of Adietier castle, the gates closing behind them securing them in. He was the first to get out and offering a hand to help Marren down. The castle steps went up two flights of pale gray stone and the twin heavy oak doors groaned as they opened inward and out stepped a woman in a dark pink but shining colored dress, the ends swept back as she seemed to float down the steps towards him and Marren, her brightly painted lips pulling into a smile.

Lady Phoenix Roe:"Your Majesty" She purred and dipped into a curtsy for him and Marren.

Nicholas:"Lady Roe" Nicholas commented in turn releasing Marren hand. "May I present Lady Marren McLeod" His hand now released of Marren ushered towards her.

Lady Phoenix Roe:Lady Roe as she was called smiled just as graciously at Marren as she did Nic. "Welcome to Athelia M'Lady" an she curtsied again before her eyes swept to Nicholas. "We just received word of your arrival yesterday m'lord and your rooms and the ladies are prepared. Also per your request your Generals are waiting to speak with you."

Nicholas:Nicholas gave a nod of his head ushering the women up the steps following after them.

Marren: Marren looked at the other woman with skeptisimc.. who was she what role did she play, she bowed back to the lady and was ushered up the steps.. as Lady Roe spoke of rooms, she herself was very intrested in.. Looking about she casually appraised the worth of the castle and her feelings for Nic seemed to grow with his rising worth.. her hand lay on her belly that now showed the gentle roundness. and she made a suprised sound.. " Nic... Nic.. it kicks.. " without warning she grasp his hand pressing it to his child that grew inside her.. " Feel.. the baby likes it here.. " it was the first time she had felt the child kick.. and she knew that Nicholas would be enraptured..

Lady Phoenix Roe: Likewise the Lady Roe eye was on Marren appraising her but she had a much better control on the way she watched people. She had been a childhood of Nicholas family, she had been there day one when Nicholas had come home and had been one of a few true people to give opinion without bias of raising herself upward. She had met the late Queen Soren when before she had died in childbirth, had suffered Nicholas wrath of grief. She hadn't met Nicholas new bride yet but Nicholas had been adamant his wife Shaden was a diamond in the ruff, one of a kind and so Phoenix accepted it as she had always accepted her King. Silently she waved the castle staff into place as she showed Nicholas and Marren inside, the doors closing behind them. as Marren grasped Nicholas had to place it against her belly, Phoenix hands laced at her stomach. She hoped the new bride and future Queen of Athelia was more reserved then this little shytehead but she kept her mouth closed and turned her back on the scene. "Your Majesty, the papers you requested have also been prepared by your council and await you in your office. Shall I show the Lady to her rooms while you tend to business?" Her head looked back after giving Nicholas ample time to correct the situation and she patted her eyelashes at Marren before her eyes swung to Nicholas and gave him a grin.

Nicholas:He jerked forward as Marren said the baby kicked and under the swell of her belly and the palm of his hand he felt a little bump heave forward and relax. He hummed with a small laugh giving her belly a small caress before drawing his hand back "The Stryker family has ruled here for thousands of years, no matter where we roam, this is always home." He cast his eye about the main hall of the castle and then turned an eye to Phoenix as her attention turned to him. "Phoenix you are indispensable, I don't know what I would do without you" Formalities were thrown out of the window now as he gave her a wink his face aglow with having felt his child kick inside Marren. "What do you say Marren? Are you tired? Would you like to see your rooms?" He was giving her a choice? Of course he wanted to keep her happy but he had been firm that he was here for business, to settle the rebels that still roamed like ghosts about the land, still causing trouble, and to set title and land for Gemma and the child inside Marren as well.

Marren: She pouted at his abrupt removal of his hand, and then the way he seemed intent on sending her to her rooms.. her bottom lip protruding artfully, her fingers splayed over her belly, " I suppose, I shall go to my room.. if you promise to come spend time with me, as soon as your meetings are through " she tilted her head in a way that a child would extracting a promise from it's parents.. " I will be lonely and bored in this place without you " she fawned over him moving to lift upon tiptoe and press a kiss to his cheek, claiming her territory as it were, to the pink gowned Phoenix.. and making things seem more intimate than they were. Rocking back on her heels she smiled brightly at Phoenix, large cornflower blue hues like a doll, swinging golden locks.. she seemed perfect in her looks,but would phoenix be fooled by her sweetness and light.. who knew " I'll need someone to bring up my things and a bath I'm dying for a proper bath.. " she begin to rattle on as she followed Phoenix up the stairs..

Nicholas: When her eyes averted, he rolled his own skyward and heaved a sigh but managed a smile and even a laugh as she pouted and pressed up on her toes to give him a kiss on the cheek, his hand curled over her waist to ease her waist as his lips curled into a wider smile. "Bored in this place? There are thousands of rooms and corridors to explore!" He chipped back with a laugh and then waved his hand at her further pouting. "All right all right, as soon as my meeting is done and I have had a chance to look after the forms I've had prepared, I shall come for you." He waved her and Phoenix off before moving down the hall rather then up the stairs. The castle had not changed, he could still find his way around with his eyes closed.

Lady Phoenix Roe: "Oh I assure you Madame, the castle staff will attend to your things" Phoenix quipped and then waved her hand for Marren to follow her up the stairs, one hand gracefully pulling back the folds of her dress as she moved. She'd say nothing to the display Marren had put on in the main hallway, it wasn't her place to say anything but she had been aware enough o see Nicholas discomfort at the display and Marren working overly hard to make it seem more then what it was. "Your rooms have a personal sitting room and a personal bath with a pool bath rather then just a tub." Up three flights of stairs they went and halfway down the hall Phoenix stopped to close an open door and taken from her belt a set of keys to lock the door muttering to herself. "Damnable servants, no one is allowed in this room." As the keys were placed back on her belt, she turned an eye on Marren and offered a smile. "This room is off limits, they are supposed to be locked at all times. This way..." She ushered a hand and led Marren to the next set of doors further down the hallway. "Your rooms also overlook the gardens which were just replanted a few months ago although with winter coming soon, the flowers won't be as vibrant as in spring or summer." She took the keys off her belt again, unlocked the double doors and pushed them open into the private sitting room she was talking about. The colors around the room were creme and a vibrant burgundy, the only offset of the room were the large dark oak double doors which led to the bedrooms who's colors were champagne and a more regal red tone. The sitting room had a large bay window on one side and a door leading to a small balcony on the other. In the room was another balcony larger then its common sitting room with a set of tables and chairs. Sweeping across the room, the double doors were swung open to allow Marren a look inside her personal rooms. "I shall have the servants bring up water to fill the pool for you. Is there anything else you require?" Hands folded dutifully in front of her.

Marren: " why is no one allowed, whose room is it, ?" her interest was piqued in the quickly locked door.. but she followed Phoenix up the hall to the doorways that opened into her suite of rooms " Is this where the queen would stay?" she qquestioned as she looked about, it was rich, opulent and regal, but she wanted to know about the other rooms as well as where Shaden would have stayed had she been here, She moved to the windows looking out over the immaculate gardens below, then wandering about the room " Something light to eat, as heavy foods make me sick these days.. and I will need an ladies maid to help me dress and bath.. " she turned now to Phoenix.. " unless that is what you are here for?" a jib perhaps, already she didn't like the woman who seemed to have a key for every door.. even the ones that no one was supposed to enter.. " When my things arrive you can unpack them.. and lay out something pretty for after my bath.. I want to look beautiful for Nic " she preened before the mirror turning this way and that, to see how the pregnancy affected her body.. knowing this was something Nicholas appreciated, the gentle rounding of he belly where their child grew.. Athelia was going to be the place where she go Nic back.. it would be the place where she became Queen .. after all he hadn't touched SHaden in the months they had been back, because of the promise.. he should be fair bursting for a woman's softness now.

Lady Phoenix Roe: "Those are the Princess Lily's rooms. The King's sister, God rest her soul." She resounded as if the matter was closed here and now. A bemused look crossed phoenix face as Marren asked if these where the Queen's room. "No dear lady, these are guest rooms. The Queen's rooms are up the hall near the King's rooms and similarly locked until the Queen herself visits." There was a certain amount of pleasure in her voice as she said this to Marren. As Marren's spoke about needing something to eat and a lady to attend her, Phoenix nodded. "I shall have the kitchens send up something light to eat. Your ladies maid should be arriving soon, you and the King arrived earlier then expected." She moved towards the door and paused. "I am Stewardess of Athelia lady, I see to the King's business both when he is here and when he is not here." She watched Marren preening at the mirror and hid her disgust well, there was only a mere tilt of her chin upwards. "I suspect the King will be rather busy in the days to come m'lady, dealing with the rebels still amongst the lands. I daresay you will have to find things to do to occupy yourself."

Marren: She turned and looked at Phoenix with a wilting look " Do you always speak in such manner to the Kings wives? I am the mother of his child and as such you will see that you treat me as you would the Queen" she lifted her chin in a way that she thought looked regal.. " What the King will and won't have time for, where I'm concerned is really none of your business.. it's your job to see to my comfort and the Kings.. "She then turned her back on the woman thinking to herself.. that she would defiantly be moving into the Queens chambers, a little pouting with Nic would see it so.. and that if Phoenix didn't watch out she would see her dismissed as well.

Lady Phoenix Roe: "I speak the truth Lady, and let us get one thing straight, you are NOT the Queen. The only reason you are treated like a Lady here is because the King wishes it and his wish is seen done but I was here long before you and I will here long after you. I know girls of your caliber and they never last, and never will." She smirked at the woman through her mirror as her Marren turned back to it. "My job is only the King, I saw to your comfort only for his benefit but you do not order me around LADY Marren. You will destroy yourself as surely as you made yourself rise. You aim to high. Ah, Anne" A young woman had entered and dropped to a curtsy in front of Phoenix and then to Marren backside. "Your Lady in waiting...Anne, see to your ladies needs...I see the servants coming with her luggage and water for the pool bath. I will go see the kitchens are notified to make something light for the ladies...stomach.." and with that, the double doors were closed in the wake of the 'lady' Marren and her maid.

Marren: Her mouth had opened in shock as Phoenix began to rail, the Ladies maid entered, being privy to Phoenix's little tirade, tears begin to fall over her cheeks then while she had an audience.. and she moved quickly to the bedroom throwing herself across the bed.. sobbing hysterically.. oh Phoenix would pay, " I can't believe she is so mean to me.. after I've traveled all this way, she practically called me a whore, and looked down on me because I carry the Kings child.. " another round of sobs.. for the benefit of Anne, and now the other servants who came into the room.. rumor would run rampant now of her mistreatment by Phoenix.. and later tonight Nicholas would hear of it as well..

Anne: Anne bowed as Marren turned around, her mouth opened in shock. The truth of it was, Anne had come as Phoenix had said Marren aimed to high, she had heard nothing else of the rail of Lady Roe to Lady McLeod. Anne stayed at a bow even as the lady threw herself across the bed. The young woman's cheeks flushed with embarrassment that the Lady was so sobbing in her presence sobbing that Phoenix had practically called her a whore. As servants began bringing in the ladies trunks and others with buckets of water, she lifted up and directed the trunks to be put down quickly as she moved to draw the curtains on the bed to give her new lady privacy as the trunks were put down by the curious servants who gawked at the sobbing woman until she was hidden away and then hurried left the room. Anne opened the doors to the private bathing room for the servants carrying water. One by one they moved with curiosity from bedroom to bathing quarters, water was brought to fill up the pool built into the floor and big enough for four people, seemingly an endless line of bucket bearing servants brought water in until the pool was brimming and the last left closing the bedroom door and then further on a small booming click as the outer door was closed. "My Lady?" Anne asked softly drawing the curtain back as the servants had gone.

Marren: " Go away, all of you just go away " her voice still held the raw edge of tears, a week of sea travel, nausea and now this harpy of a key keeper was enough to drive her insane, how was she ever to seduce Nic with that bytch about.." I want to be alone, I don't need you and the rest of your like treating me like Phoenix did " she was sullen and pouty as the curtains were jerked back.. " I'll bet the King doesn't know how she treats his guest " she stated already pulling at the bow about her waist to loose her dress.. she needed a good soaking bath.. and a glass of wine " Bring me some wine " she ordered the girl, whom she had told to leave.. giving orders to servants wasn't something Marren was used to.

Anne: "Beg your pardon miss, but I promise to have heard nothing of the conversation and the servants aren't likely to talk 'bout someone they don't know." Anne said in a soft and sweet voice as she brushed Marren hair away from her face and dabbed at the woman's face before jerking back as Marren shot up from the bed and ordered her away. "I don't know much about royals ma'am nor the Lady Roe, she hired me only yesterday, better then workin the Inn with men grabbin at me buttock." Anne gave a shrug of her shoulders and then bobbed in another curtsy as Marren asked for wine and Anne opened the doors to the sitting room and out to the sideboard laden with bottles to get the woman a glass of wine to go along with her whining!

Marren: Great even her ladies maid was a well concealed jibe at her, a local tavern girl instead of a proper Ladies maid.. wait till Nic heard about that.. " So you were a serving wench or a prostitute?" Marren as of her as the dress fell to the floor in a silken heap of sunshine yellow.. followed by her under things, when Anne would turn, she would see Marren in all her glory wading into the bathing pool.. " Hurry up now, I'm thirsty " she waved her hand at the other girl... before sinkin into the steaming water, Anne may be of use, if she was not loyal to the staff, perhaps she could use her to help seduce Nicholas, but first.. she needed to get rid of Phoenix.

Anne: Returning with the wine, her cheeks flamed anew to see Marren unclothed and moving to the private chamber. Her head dipped as she carried the wine glass into the area relieved to see Marren in the water waving her hand for the cup. Anne shrugged. "A bit of both I guess, if the money wasn't good at waiting tables for the night and the offer was right...I got me two little brothers at home to fed, me mam and pop died when the great disease hit and the King had to flee with the prince. Times been tough ever since, the rebels came taken what they could, course their own lot began to die from the illness and most of 'em fled cept for the few who saw opportunity for control and stayed around, by then the King's son was thought dead and well, I suspect ya know the rest." After she handed over the glass of wine, she moved to a cabinet and flicked it open where hundreds of little bottles lay in wait. "Would you like a scented oil for your bath my lady?"

Marren: "Yes.. something exotic and alluring " she spoke as the first sip of wine flowed down her throat, Hang Shaden and her saying that Marren shouldn't' have wine while pregnant.. she was sick of Shaden.. and all her rules.. "I know the rest well enough..." she was thoughtful for a moment " Is there a herbalist in the village.. someone who makes potions and teas?"

Anne:Exotic and Alluring, that was like asking Anne a math question. The girl couldn't even read but she selected a vial of orchid and one of jasmine and dropped the two scented into the water before moving her hand around in it to mix up and then wipe her hand off on her apron. Anne had no place in telling the lady what to do, especially drinking while pregnant. As far as she knew, it did no harm. "Indeed there is my lady. Is there something you wish for me to get for you?" She moved to replace the vials on the shelf and close the cabinet before moving to collect a towel and lay it by the pool stairs for Marren when she got out before turning an eye to her new Lady.

Marren: "Have you ever used something that made a man hard for hours, something that made him want sex above all else?" she was now immersed in the exotic oils and steaming water.. it soaked into her skin, making it soft, and scented deeply... sighing she relaxed as she finished her glass of wine an settled the empty glass on the edge of the pool.. " I need something of that ilk, but something that cannot be detected.," then after a few moments thought she added " And something for one who cannot go to the chamber pot.. who is stopped up.. " this she would lace Phoenix's food with, that should teach her a lesson, let her shyte herself to death.

Anne:"I've never used something of the sort ma'am but perhaps the apothecary knows of something that does such" Such an odd look crossed Anne's face, curiosity of why Marren would need such a thing. She paused at the door connecting the bathing chamber with the bedroom and nodded. "I shall find something for you to wear when you get out of the tub and then go into town for you..." She paused as a knock came to the bedroom door and she closed the bathing room door before moving to the bedroom door and opening it for the servants who brought food in. The food was laid out at a table and then they to left. Anne did exactly what she said she would do. Found a dress for Marren and laid it out on the bed before leaving the room for a trip to the city for what Marren asked for. An hour later she returned with two medium sized bottles, one green and one brown and she delivered them into her ladies hand with a message that Nicholas would be around at dinner time and then she got to work putting the ladies clothing away. By the time she was finished hanging and folding clothes and storing the trunks away it was night time and servants were delivering dinner which was placed on the terrace before Anne had a chance to tell them where to put it. "I suppose the King so ordered it." She mused to her new Lady as a knock sounded at the door.


Marren: Perfect.. which one does which?" Marren held up the bottles to the light, already imagining Phoenix with a horrible belly ache,and spending days in the privy.. " Light candles.. and when His Majesty Arrives you may go. " Marren sat at the Vanity, playing with her hair, that now shone like spun gold, from her the intoxicating scent of jasmine and orchids, filled the air.. and she wore a gossamer thin gown of pale blue that enhanced her eye and skin color.. how could Nic Resist?

Anne:Anne explained the green one was for male enhancement and the brown one was for, well the other thing. She moved around to do as she was told lighting candles when the knock on the door sounded. Blowing out the lighting stick, she moved to the door and pulled it open then fell into a low curtsy as she hummed "Your Majesty" when given the cue to rise she did and ushered Nicholas in before closing the door behind her as Marren had told her to leave when he arrived and the main door was next as she left the room behind still curious as to what Marren was up to but as Marren was her means of employment, she kept her mouth shut.


Nicholas: He was freshly dressed when he knocked on the bedroom door to Marren room and as the girl opened it then bowed deeply, he could not help but laugh as he waved a hand at her to rise and then stepped inside. His hair was fresh with moister from a recent bath and slicked back, his beard trimmed to a goatee and scruff above his lip. He turned as Anne closed the door leaving them alone before turning to find Marren at her vanity. "Marren, good day?" He mused as moved further in the room moving towards dinner on the terrace. "How do you like your rooms?" His jaw flexed as the wind moved the scent of orchid and jasmine about the room and he sighed thinking of Shaden in that moment.

Marren: She rose from the vanity turning to meet him, her eyes still puffy from crying " it's nothing like I expected.. I though here.. would be different " she spoke.. the rustle of silk so thin you could almost see thru it, over her skin as she walked mesmerizing.. " your dinner will grow cold.. " she pointed to the terrace where the food way laid out, she seemed reluctant, depressed or sad.. which of course would lead him to wonder what was wrong.. " The room are fine.. guest rooms.. not family rooms.. I've been appised that I am not family " she picked up the napkin beside her plate and settled it in her lap, though she was not interested in eating.. she pushed the food about her plate.

Nicholas: Inwardly he groaned seeing her red rimmed and puffy eyes from crying. What now, he wondered. Slowly he moved to take a seat in a chair as she joined him and he let out a heavy sigh, all ready his brain overworked with meeting his general's and reading over papers for transfer of title and lands to each of his children, Gemma and his unborn. "You thought it would be different then what Marren?" He mused as he cut into his lamb shank and thrust the bite into his mouth and chewed and swallowed, he was famished. "There is only one family room besides the Queen's and that is my sisters room. It is my wish and will they be left as she left them. I hope your not suggesting to use her rooms Marren for that would be very disrespectful." He cut another bite and then put his utensils down and reached for his cup of wine to take a drink. "Don't play games Marren, your pouting, like a child again and you know how that irritates me, get to a point."

Marren: " Forgive me.. your Majesty, I see the air in Athelia makes everyone rude " she stood throwing her napkin down on the table.. " you'll excuse me but I've had enough rudeness for one day.. I'm sure you can find your way out when you finish your dinner " the french doors were shut firmly behind her, and she moved to the bedroom doing the same with the double doors once again.. Let him stew she didn't care.. at this point, she only wanted to see that bytch Phoenix brought low..

Nicholas: He leaned up in his chair again to take in the new bite of food and chewed before turning a dark eye in her direction, as she got up and shut the doors and went into the bedroom, he got up from the table, kicking the doors open and even in the ones to her bedroom, his anger flared at this point. "That is IT Marren, pack your God Damn things, your going home tomorrow!" He shoved a hand in her direction, a finger pointed out towards her. "I have enough to deal with here, my people taxed by rebels for years that they are dirt poor, of trying to amass enough forces to drive these rebels out so I can build the Kingdom back up, I have been selfish enough and they have paid the price for it. I am not going to have a spoiled little brat here who thinks of no one but herself. You want to huff and puff about being treated rudely, walk a god damn day in their shoes for once. Open those pretty little eyes and take a look around, there are a hell of a lot more people in worse conditions then you are. Look at the room your in, many of these families live in a single room shack and your complaining about not being treated like family! If your going to act like a pouting little girl your going to be treated like one, your grounded to your rooms until the escort arrives tomorrow to take you home or are you going to start acting your age and become some semblance of a lady?"

Marren: " Grounded?" she looked at him as if he were satan himself.. then shook her head.. " I was not the one who basically told me I was unfit to be here, that I aim to high in being the mother of your child.. yet I'm supposed to be happy being treated so.. " her hand waved in the air " Just leave.. you don't' want to be here anyway " she turned her back on him now.. " Go tend to your kingdom" she was not pouting now, she was angry. " I'll go home cause it better than being treated like your whore who got knocked up by your servants and you " she stared him down.. now color high and bright, the scent she wore even more powerful in her anger, it infused the room.. and had he drank enough of the potion to feel the effects yet?

Nicholas: "People are always going to say or treat you differently Marren. The point of not being a spoiled brat over it is you don't show it effects you. They feed off that stuff!" He raged back at her throwing up his hand in her direction of how she was acting before his hand fell to rub at his stomach as he felt as if he had drank a whole bottle of champagne by himself, full of bubbles all of a sudden and he let out a groan at the sensations that flooded it. "Being lady, no, being an ADULT is not going down tot heir childish levels and pouting and making a fit over it. Not running to tell on them, you want to be an adult Marren, you deal with it yourself but be an adult about it, be a lady about it. THAT is how you beat them. Your acting like a child who wants daddy to take care of it. You are an adult Marren, or should be acting like one." He gripped the bridge his nose and hissed as a sharp gab of pain hit him in the gut. What the hell was wrong with him. "I told you why I was coming here, now obviously you didn't understand me, this is no pleasure cruise and I don't have time for pouting young women do you understand that?"

Marren: Arms had crossed over her belly as she listened to him " IF you want me to be a grown up the you should treat me as such.. instead of like a child yelling and ordering me about, grounding me.. " her eyebrows raised as she watched him looking sick and uncomfortable... which vial did she give him... her eyes widened,, the brown or the green.. it was supposed to make him want her.. but from the look on his face his only want would be a chamber pot.. " I don't wish to fight with you, I though we could take this time to .. be alone and work on how we were going forward in our relationship.. I see know that you didn't want me here.. at all "

Nicholas: "That's not how it works Marren, until you act like an adult all on your own, I'll treat you like a child. If you don't know how to be an adult, you watch people or pick up a book and read about it. Hell, I'll hire you an etiquette teacher if you like." He bit back. He was not going to give in on this, if she wanted to be treated like an adult, she had better start acting like it or he would take her across his knee and spank her ass to give her a better idea of being treated like a child. Either way, this pouting had to end. Perhaps it could of worked if he was in love with her, but he was not. His hand now rubbed over his stomach and for a moment he doubled over with the pain of it until it subsided and he was able to right himself again. "I don't wish to fight with you either Marren...just.." He paused as his stomach now urged something worse then cramps. "We'll work things out...just...excuse me..." He grumbled and fled from the room for his own rooms and private privy.

Marren: She almost laughed at the door closed behind him, great he deserved it.. soon enough she did laugh as she settled on the bed.. and leaned back.. this would be harder to deal with than she though, she had though with the absence of Shaden in his bed.. and with her a 1000 miles away, with a sea between them, that some spark of what they had before could ignite, but Nicholas, was a hard nut to crack.. she needed to think more on this.. come up with another avenue of attack..

[Brom Elliot]

Brom:With the dawning of a new day, Brom was like his brother in arms, up with the new dawn as it crested the hills of Skye. After breakfast he went to have the horses saddled and brought out front and then went in search of Shaden. With news the Grand Lily was finished, he wanted to take her out there to look at the property and the currently empty space so she could figure out where she wanted everything to go while the children were at school, this was she had time with Jadrien and Gemma afterwards. Ashes barked and ran under his feet as he moved through the hallway and he cursed silently as the dog trampled out of sight. "Damn mutt!" He growled throwing his hand after the disappearing puppy who was growing with at an incredible rate. "Shaden!" He called "The horses are ready!"

Shaden: She bounded down the stairs of the townhouse and landed at the bottom with a light skip and laugh.. when she saw Brom, she practically ran into his arms, throwing her arms about his neck , then kissing him on the cheeks.. " isn't it a glorious day.. " she laughed in peals of laughter... " I think this is one of the best days ever " she grinned.. and then ruffled his hair as if he were a child.. " Gerda.. pack us a breakfast and lunch we are going to La Grande Lily" she chimmed picking up a light shawl and twirling about.. Brom must think she was crazy, days of muldalin pouting and irritation had followed Nick's leaving to Athelia, and now this?

Brom: Her whole family was insane or at least that was what the rumors told in a hum about the sister. Her pirate sister had run off crazy and now rumors had been spreading of the woman's demise. Did Shaden know this? He was not sure and he was not about to ask but seeing her bouncing happy nature, he suspected not. He gave a light pat on the back before taking a step back and letting out a laugh as he shook his head and shrugged his shoulders all at the same time. "Lunch is all ready packed and waiting." He responded at her twirling shawl and he gave another shake of his head. "After the way you been acting the last couple of days, I'd say it was a good one." First she had been sullen an irritated at everything when Nic had left and this lead him to believe it was a good thing to be single. Women caused heart attacks, of this he was fairly certain and in his time in England with her, if he had thought it a theory, it was not a proven fact and he remained mute on any point that would cause her to go off the deep end. He was free and easy as it came, not making it a fuss when his brother in arms and King went off with Marren to Athelia and left him with the task to look after the family till his return. Things happened and that was just the end of it. Pulling the door open, he ushered her out to the horses and then climbed up onto his own when she was secure on hers and off they went.

Shaden: She rode Merribell that fractious and stubborn mare of hers , that was in sore need of replacement, she was slow and old, but the day was not rushed.. Shaden kept up a soft chatter, about nothing.. just things about the Children, the scenery, the trees, the light in the clouds, everything she said was in the positive.. " Tell me Brom have you found anyone you want to settle down with? your not getting any younger you know " she grinned as they walked, not trotted or rode the horses walked.. them toward the New Lily.. soon enough it came into view and they were in the courtyard.. the awe inspiring, fasade seemed to rise out of the beautiful countryside, into the clouds, Fawn colored limestone faced the building, and when the sun caught it in mornings light, it looked golden.. " It's magnificent "

Brom: He couldn't help but laugh at her chatter and everything positive. Something told him she had a good time before Nicholas had left. Her mood since returning had improved ten fold. Anyone who had seen her then and now would say the same, he was sure of it. As she questioned his single status and his old age, he only laughed and shook his head which sent the long waves of his hair and the two braided parts in front to shake. "I'm not the marrying type" He mused and when she climbed down to walk the horses towards the new lily, he got down as well shifting the reigns to lead the horse. "I'm sure its good for some people but its not something I am seeking and never really have. I like things simple, relationships complicate things." He shrugged and turned an eye towards the new lily with a grin. "It's quite a place." He mused in response.

Shaden: She smiled and nodded " Everything I imagined it.. I hope you know I will be counting on you to help me with the security.. I was hoping you would take the job as Head Guard ?" she turned walking backwards toward the Lily as she spoke to him.. hair pulled up into a gentle fall of curls away from her face, eyes sparkling in the new days light.. how could he deny her, how could anyone when she was in this mood.. she was infectious " Of course.. we shall have to settle on a ridiculous salary and quarters.." up the stairs she went and stood before the door.. her smile seemed to fade a bit, as she though this would be a moment she would share with Nic, but he wasn't here.. just like the other news she was bursting to tell someone.. but he wasn't here.. she took a deep breath.. the workers had been gone since yesterday afternoon.. all was finished down to the last painting hung.. this would be her first step into the place.. her new Lily.. all finished.. her hand trembled a bit as she turned the key in the lock and pushed open the doors.. her smile returned.

Brom: His brow shot upward with her offer of the position of head guard. That was Nicholas position. Did she discuss this with Nic? The question was etched plainly on his face but he couldn't help but laugh as she said they would work on salary and quarters. "As long as it is all right with Nic, then I shall take the position. I guess this means I'll have to stop flirting with the Lillies then" He teased and paused to tie the horses to a tether and then follow her up the steps, his hands behind his back. One hand moved to caress her back as her smile faltered and then moved away again. "Nic will see it soon..." He offered to her backside and then she was turning the key in the lock and that bright smile returned. Something was up, he knew it, but what, well that was still a mystery however it wasn't like Shaden to yoyo smiling and frowning, or pretending to smile, there was no falseness to her attitude today and even that smile that graced her face again was genuine. "Should I even ask what's gotten into you lately? Your good attitude is amusing but something is up."

Shaden: " It shows ?" she questioned turning halfway to face him as they entered the grand salon, a long rosewood bar, carved expertly along one wall, gilded mirrors behind it reflected back her smile, marble shined with new polish.. this would be a place of balls and festivals.. a place of merriment.. and joy... toward the back of the hall was a large stage.. dark scarlet curtains sheathed it for now.. as they stepped into the middle of the room.. she could see it filled with tables, people.. all having the time of their life.. she turned around and around looking up at the ceiling painted with scenes of heavenly beauty, balcony over seeing the whole of it.. it was a dream come true but paled in comparison to the secret she held inside.. " It takes my breath away.. I never imagined.. only hoped.. and now.. it's coming true " was she speaking of the lily? or something else.

Brom: "Shaden, anyone with half a brain could see there is a change in you. Yes your attitude shows." He huffed and shook his head with a laugh. The woman was going daft and that was all there was to it. His hand clasped at the wrist of his other hand behind his back as she pushed the door open. His eyes found the bar as he moved slowly, the rosewood carved expertly on one side then moved to marble and then stage. He was slowly nodding his head as he moved about surveying this and that as his boots thumped echoing in the empty space of the new grand building. "It is quite beautiful" He agreed. He didn't know the builder, this Jack Trades friend of hers who oversaw the construction of Shaden's imagination made reality. He could not deny she had a good eye for design and splendor all in the right ways that made it classy and not cheesy. "So are you going to tell me whats going on or should I let the matter rest?" He turned from inspecting the ceiling to catch her eye.*

Shaden:She had come to think of Brom as a brother in law, a brother she never had, and smiled at him with a giddy sense of a secret.. " I'm pregnant " she laughed with the sheer joy of it.. just a few weeks.. but I saw the Healer yesterday and she confirmed.. " Nicholas and I are having a baby " she fairly danced from foot to foot.. hopping happy. " I wanted to tell him first but I'm about to burst.. and you are family.. " for a moment she looked like a child, guilty of opening a present before Christmas morning.. and getting caught.. " I almost didn't belive it.. but it's true "

Brom: Pregnant. For a moment it didn't register and he just stared at her and then he laughed and clapped his hands. "Pregnant huh?" One side of his mouth tipped up into a smile and then he crossed the room and drew Shaden into his arms giving her a tight but strangely gentle hug. "My congratulations to you and Nicholas." He gave her a squeeze and then released her. "I assume Nicholas doesn't know, otherwise I don't think he would of left, that being so, I'll keep your secret for you." No wonder she had been so giddy, now it all made sense. Ah, now she explained Nicholas didn't know, figured. "I would suggest not telling the children just yet, kids aren't good with keep secrets..."

Shaden: " Yes and I want to be sure this pregnancy goes well before I tell Gemma and Jadrien, they have been through so much already.. and the first few months are so precarious " she snuggled into his hug, wishing his arms were Nicks but not discounting the warm of his care for her. " Thank you.. I was about to die to tell someone.. I think he will be happy.. but he will have two little ones.. so close.. " her teeth worried her lips.. as she pulled away.. looking around.. She trusted him, she had promised to, but each day he was away from her she wondered.. what they did.. if he regretted not being with Marren that she carried his child.. and now Shaden did as well.. She almost felt sorry for him.. stuck between the two of them.. " I hope he doens't think I was in competition with her.. to try and get pregnant.. I wasn't.. even thinking it could happen.. we've tried so long " her hands settled on the keys of a piano fote and she begin to lighlty play..

To be Continued....

[Sir Nicholas Stryker]

Shaden Aramoire Stryker:
It had been late at night when Nic had finally sailed into town, to only find his wife, not at their Townhouse, nor the Lily.. finally surmising from the Staff at the Lily, that not only had the Family, Shaden, Gemma, Jadrien and Gerda, staff and most of all the Lilies , had moved.. Shaden and the CHildren now at the Lake House, wiht Gerda, and the Lillies, into La Grande Lily, who's first opening night was indeed the same night that Nic had set foot back in Skye, for the first time in Months. A short carriage ride outside the City, would find him Leaving his companion and her two small infants at the Lake house under Gerda's care, while he went in search of his still unfound wife.. The night had been a comedy of errors, full of impersonators and coincides seemingly tailored to bring about the wrong conclusions.. But now in the early moments of day, when the cold white winter snow blanketed the countryside and frosted the panes on the windows into crystalline perfection.. Shade lay beside her husband curled into his side, the pregnant curve of her belly, snuggly pressed into the small of his back, legs entangled with his, and her fingers splayed over his heart... She sighed softly in her sleep expelling soft warm breath upon the expanse of his shoulder blades, then snuggled closer to him, seeking out warmth and comfort..


Nicholas Stryker:
It had been a crazy night, one he had not been ready for finding an impersonator on the stage masquerading as Shaden and his wife upstairs in her offices with the doctor but the craziness had not been in the impersonator or a strange man in her offices but his wife's pregnant belly. Surprise had filled him at first rooting him to the spot he stood and them a full warmth, a deep radiating love that couldn't be described past anything but....love. He had held his wife for long moments that night, on the cusp of a fight about returning to Athelia for the birth of their child was left unfinished for he didn't wish to fight with his wife, not in her state. Her fears were not unfounded, deep stress at being locked in an underground dungeon with tearful children and a beast in the darkness had stolen their daughter away, he feared stress would take this own and so he had only sighed when she had said she did not want to go and pulled her into his arms, intertwined on the bed, he finally fell asleep holding her hand there against his heart. He awoke in the darkness as he felt her breath against his back, her pregnant belly not allowing her to move any closer to him then she wished. Unwinding his fingers from hers, he rolled ever so gently as not to wake her pulling the covers further up around her and him to help with the chill in the air before settling his hand against her belly. He had missed it, the guilt settled in finely after the shock, most of her pregnancy when he had been there so keenly for Joy's, and this one was their child by blood and he had missed her morning sickness, the mood swings(although there was still signs of those continuing), the continued growth of her belly from flat to rounded. His fingers caressed the hard curves of her belly where their child slept beneath and beside his wife, he too sighed into the darkness*.

Shaden Aramoire Stryker:
She purred, her eyes not even opening... but a little smile lifting her lips " I've missed you sooooo " she murmured, snuggling closer to his side.. breathing in deeply his scent.. " the child.. is yours... just that one time.. in the stable was magic... I swear... has been no other... " she didn't think he though otherwise but it needed to be said... for it was things left unsaid that had parted them to begin with.. and she had vowed to be honest, and forthwith in everything with him.. though.. she could have told him the news in letters.. at first she had delayed in telling him because she was scared she would loose the child.. and then worried that he would rush home and leave his dealings in Athelia undone, at such a critical time with the rebellion.. " I never want us to be apart ever again.. " she murmured and nuzzled against his shoulder softly kissing the flesh there... wiggling and moving like a kitten under his caressing hand , it was still sleepy slurred speech that left her lips as she wobbled between sleep and wakefulness.

Nicholas Stryker:
He let out a sigh again but this time he was smiling into the darkness making out only the lines of her head rather then the curves of her face. "I have missed you too" His head pulled up from pillow to prop in his open palm as he continued to caress her stomach listening to her speak of it being his child and conceived in the barn. He let out a hum of a laugh. "Oh good, I was beginning to think it was the General's....didn't that sister of yours boast their son Rah was born in the barn?" He was teasing of course and leaned forward to kiss her, getting the tip of her nose rather then her lips, ah well, least he was close before leaning back, falling back really to lay against his arm an pull her close, his arm a steady guide so he now lay on his back and she could rest against him, her belly against his belly. "We shall not be, and the next time I go to Athelia, it will be with my wife. Lady Roe is handling my affairs for now and though it would give me much pride for our child to be born there as Marren's were, I cannot say your fears are not unfounded Shaden. I have my own, I'll not deny it." He turned his head to kiss her forehead and then let his hand massage at her backside. "Have you thought of a name yet?"

Shaden Aramoire Stryker:
At the mention of Marren's children being born there, his children with Marren.. twins.. girls, she made a frowny face, good thing it was dark.. before moving so that her head was propped over her hands upon his chest. " What are the Twin's names... what did you and Marren name them?" it was odd to think that she had not even laid eyes on his two new daughters, both sleeping under her roof. For Marren and the children as well as their nursemaid was settled within the Lake house and fast asleep by the time Nic and Shaden had arrived back from the Grande Lily.. the curve of her belly fluttered gently as the baby inside turned about.. at a little over six months she was still small and the baby bump more of a hard rounded ball.. than a full belly. Thinking of Marren her brows drew together again.. " I cannot think that Marren will be please I am carrying your child.. " she shivered a bit, thinking of the way Marren had come between them, dividing them with her inuendo and lies.. no doubt more of the same lay ahead..


Nicholas Stryker:
"Shaden, stop pouting. I thought we were past this..." He scolded in the dark. He knew his wife well enough to know she was pouting at the mention of Marren. Still even as he scolded he chuckled and tightened his arm around her backside while the free hand twicked at her nose with the chuckle let out. "they are beautiful girls who have done no wrong and seen no wrong yet. They are my daughters Shaden and I cannot come to regret what was done anymore for it would do them unjustly and I love them to much for that." He drew in a deep breath and let out a sigh. "Their names are Solara and Luna." He answered her question before falling silent in the darkness. At the mention of Marren being upset, he laughed, odd to do with Shaden so worried of Marren being mad at her for carrying his child. "I think Marren will see you as a Saint now compared to Lady Roe who she has had to deal with for months now. The battlefield was NOTHING compared to those two." He laughed again stroking his hand up and down her back.

Shaden Aramoire Stryker:
A brow arched in the darkness as he spoke, " Do you actually think I would put blame on a child, your children?" her head rose from his chest to peer harshly at him in the darkness.. " Nicholas Stryker.. how dare you" she snorted." For one I was the one who was constantly trying to do the right thing by those children, I was the one who stepped back and was willing to forego my happiness for their sake and hers.. I've never held one bit of of ... " floundered trying to find the word... " Ill will " toward them.. but Marren.. I've come to see while you were gone is not.. as innocent and sweet as she would have led us to believe.. led me to believe.." she sat up and pulled the sheet over her breast.. " She duped me.. but I swore, no matter what that I would love those children as my own.. because they are yours.. and I will.. and I will treat them as my own never doubt it.. " now she slid out of the bed.. and moved behind the screen to tend to the morning needs of a pregnant woman.


Nicholas Stryker:
"Shaden, your putting words into my mouth damn it, I never said you held ill will towards them." He groaned as he threw his own side of the blanket off and scooted to the edge of the bed to sit up as she got out of the bed. "Perhaps Marren wasn't acting as sweet and innocent then, I'll grant you that. Women change when they have children, your life is changed around, now its living for someone else then just yourself. I still would like to give her the benefit of the doubt with the birth of Solara and Luna. I don't doubt you'll treat them lovingly Shaden." He turned his head to look where she had gone before getting his glove from the nightstand and sliding it onto the useless right hand of his. "I'm not going to start another fight with you Shaden, I let go the one of going to Athelia but this has got to end. We're not going to fight over Marren, I'm done. From this moment on, its a fresh start for everyone." Just as Shaden found a voice in his absence, so had Nicholas, though he lived to sooth his wife's firey attitude with soft words, and would continue to do so, he was still laying down the law in some areas. Marren was one of them. All of them were going to have to live with what was done and now get along, one big happy family, if only for the children but damn it he was not going to see the children unhappy over their fighting parents.

Shaden Aramoire Stryker:
She came out from behind the screen and looked at him " I'm not fighting with you.. But I am entitled to my feelings in private about her.. I would never be rude or mean to her without reason.. You know me better than that.. but I will not put up with her scheming any longer either.. She has a Townhouse, in Turas Lan, and a comfortable stipend from you.. I expect her to spend most of her time there.. the children of course are welcome here anytime.. and she will be welcome here as well, but not as a permanent fixture. And " her hands settled on her hips.. " She will respect our marriage.. I may have been willing at one time to give you up for the sake of your children.. but... I'm done with that.. you are my husband.. and I swore when you came back here that if I had to fight tooth and nail to keep you I would.. but I will not lay down and be a doormat for anyone.. even you.. and for dam sure not her " the graying dawn had lit the room in a dim light. but enough for him to see his wife in all her firey glory, declaring war on anyone who was set to keep them apart.. " I made vows to you till death do us part.. the only way that will change will be if you leave me... but I didn't vow to go easily into the dark while some other girl stole my husband and life.. I love you Nicholas Stryker.. and I want us back.. " she challenged him hotly.. half siren half Valkyrie.

Nicholas Stryker:
He gave a low sigh throwing his hands up into the air and flopping back on the bed. It was quite comical to view his wife upside down as she came from behind the screen in all of her pregnant firey glory and had she not, he probably would of used his hands as puppets to mimic her words in a comical way but he knew better then to do that with a pregnant hormonal woman, especially his wife. He wondered if perhaps his wife was going to take a breath as laid down her own law but he just grinned at her as he rolled to his side propping one foot up on the bed while he propped his upper body up onto an elbow and just listened. "Shaden, all of this sounds very well and good but at what point did you think I left you?" A thick brow arched upward as he pushed himself up and then wobbled across the floor on sleepy legs to take his wife's waist in his hands and pull her close. "Shut up and kiss me" He commanded letting out a laugh before his head dipped to take his wife's lips over with his own.

Shaden Aramoire Stryker:
"You're not playing fair " she pushed at his chest softly as he pulled her closer then claimed her lips in a kiss... " you know I can't resist you " the second phrase was more of a purr than words as she swayed against him, up on tiptoes to get closer her arms winding about him " I never said you left.. only that you would have to leave me.. to get away from this marriage.." she murmured before biting his bottom lip teasingly.. " But I have ways of... seducing you into staying " there was a chuckle into the kiss as her fingers trailed over his chest, flicking the flat male nipples with her nails..


Nicholas Stryker:
"Oh ho, I know I'm not playing fair but it works for me." He returned in tease letting out a chuckle releasing her to take a step back and turn, wiggling his bottom at her as he did the salt shaker with his hands. Nic was actually a good dancer, when it came to a waltz otherwise it was horrible and comical. "oh yeah, you like this? you want this, mhmm" He did a spin as he burst out laughing pulling his wife into his arms again and bending to kiss her lips once more as she wound her arms around him. "Mmmm, getting away from this marriage would require tools they haven't invented yet my dear wife. You weren't this firey last time you were pregnant..." He paused and then grinned "I rather like it" before giving a jump as she twicked his nipple. "Hey hey, sensitive male flesh here, don't make me go all General on you, keep you barefoot and pregnant like he does that pirate wife of his." His arm curled about her waist as he swayed to non existent music about the room. "Everything is going to be all right now Shaden, I can promise that and keep it. It might be a bit hectic with three infants and two young kids in the house but we'll manage, we'll be hectically happy...if there is such a thing."

Shaden Aramoire Stryker:
The smile faded from her face " Much has changed since you went to Athelia... Ealora and Maahes.. divorced " there was sadness in her eyes for her sister and her ex husband as well as her nieces and nephews.. perhaps Maahes and Ealora's divorce had lodged somewhere in Shadens' psyche.. making her actively fight for hers now rather than see it fall into shambles around her, like Ealora's marriage had.. " I though they were forever.. that their love was stronger than the most fierce storm.. " she took a deep breath.. and pressed her head to his chest, her forehead over his heart... " Tell me that.. that cannot happen to us.. " it was both prayer, plea and need in her voice.. " I could not bare " there was a little catch of emotion in her voice.. the long months he had been in Athelia, had given SHaden much time to put things into perspective... and the one thing she knew that needed to come first in her life was her Marriage and children.. because even though she could and had survived without Nic... she never wanted to have to live without out his love.

Nicholas Stryker:
His hand found her lower back and he swayed her from one side of the room to the other waltzing past furniture and his head dipped to kiss her forehead for the sadness in her eyes as she spoke of her sister's divorce. The one hand holding hers was brought up to his chest as he danced two steps turning her in place, stopping the waltz across the room as he let out a sigh. It seemed this news had deeply effected his wife, for this he was sorry but he couldn't say he was sorry for that bytch of a sister. Still he loved his wife enough to put his feelings of Ealora aside to comfort his wife. "Just because two people aren't together doesn't mean they don't love one another, doesn't mean they aren't forever Shaden. Their children unite them. Perhaps their love was to much of a feirce storm to survive. Only God knows darling, and only he knows whats to happen in the future. I can't say its a good thing or a bad thing. I hope their children are coping well with the change in their lives is the best wish I can give. I can promise you my darling, that will not happen to us." He kissed the top of her head as she buried her face into his chest. "Don't you understand, I've waited my whole life for you Shaden, I just had to find you, and now that I have, I've no intentions of letting you get away easily."

Shaden Aramoire Stryker:
Her elfin face turned upward to him with a soft smile a bit of a blush and then a soft laugh " Sometimes I need... to be told... over and over.. because I'm always worried the worst will happen... I've not exactly had a charmed life when it comes to love " she shrugged softly a bit embarrassed at her insecurity.. Then almost a complete 180 degree turn in her emotions... " Ohhh it's almost time for Jadrien and Gemma to get up.. " her face brightened and her body went rigid and into a flurry of motion.. "Get dressed Get Dressed... they will be so surprised.. to have you wake them this morning " she moved to find a robe and draw it about herself, then fluttered about trying to find her slippers.. " I think they can skip school this morning it'll be such an occasion ! Like Christmas... for them.. " she fairly bounced about the room " Ohhh we have presents for you.. still wrapped... " she trilled as she ushered him to get dressed " Hurry up before they wake up "

Nicholas Stryker:
"I'll remind you anytime you wish" He kissed her nose and released her as she went into a flurry of activity rambling a mile a minute about the kids and how it would be like Christmas for them to wake up and him be there. For a moment he just stood there marveling at his wife but at her urging he began gathering his things so they could go to the Lake House and greet the kids. "Marren slept over with the girls, I wanted you to see them but it was late last night, I insisted. I think Jadrien and Gemma will be excited to meet their new baby sisters. There are presents that I brought for all of you as well. It will be Christmas all over again." Tucking his feet into his shoes he rose from the bed and pulled his top on over his head before ushering her to the door. "Hurry wife...Christmas awaits." He teased at her as he ushered her out of the door to the new quiet back rooms of le grand lily stage. "Now show me how the hell you get out of this place" He gave a pinch to her bottom and followed after her with a merry smile on his face.