Townhouse by the Sea

[Chief Baliff Ealora]

Maahes: The night had come early or so it seemed with thick heavy clouds covering the horizon. The day had ended briskly with the drop in the temperature. Water froze within minutes as the winter's chill dipped further then Maahes had ever known. Never in his life had he felt the weather be so cold, that even inside he would be restricted under heavy fabrics. Coming from the desert he adored the summer months as the freedom of a shirtless training went hand in hand. The townhouse had been forced to feel cozy as every window was draped with heavy fabric to ward away the chill. Every fireplace was lit, as even in the kitchen they dare not put out the stove for fear of loosing the flame. Much smaller then Red Wall, at times he felt cramped with so many and often stole away his child to play in the room he shared with his wife. The keepers and guests knew well to stay away from the private chamber of the couple, both in fear of the private life, and a fear they too would become victim to one of their brutal battles. Home early, Maahes and Eppie both were bathed while Ealora was given time to rest, spending what was left of the evening in the bedroom floor, just before the fireplace playing with the wooden animals of African origin.

Ealora:Everyone knew the desert born pair were not fond of the cold. Maahes tolerated it better then Ealora who was more inclined to not tolerate it at all but the drop in tempature to freezing and Ealora could believe, that even hell could freeze over tonight. Not even able to peer out the windows for fear the cold would seep into the house somehow, she was forced to just...keep moving around the enclosed space like a tiger in a cage. Eppie was a good distraction, a wonderful blessing on any account but she kept Ealora mind off how the house felt like a prison and on games like hide and seek and then later, quieter placing with her rocking horse in the sitting room while Ealora put her aching and swollen feet up. Welcome wonderful pregnancy! It was not so bad, it gave her time to spend time with her brother and father who still roomed in the townhouse and it gave her father a chance to focus on the present which was the little girl playing on the floor and of course her ever growing belly. It was a welcomed surprise when Maahes came home early and she kissed him soundly right in front of her father, as another reminder that THIS was reality, and besides, with her growing belly and the growing threat of war, she wanted every moment to be with her husband, even though she couldn't. Each kiss was like a breath of fresh air, a reminder that it might indeed be the last but always passionately filled. Always a reminder to Maahes that there was something to fight for, something to come home too. Maahes and Eppie disappeared upstairs for bath and playtime. Maahes gave her alone time, and she gave him time with Eppie. He didn't get enough she was sure and time again, was precious right now, he wouldn't get much more time with her. Though it gave her alone time, she couldn't stay away long, with a bowl of apples, cored and cut into slices, she leaned against the doorway to watch them playing with the wooden african toys. A smile slid against her lips as she slid inside, closing the door behind her. A dare to anyone to disturb them and they would be feeling the pregnancy lash that Maahes, poor soul, had had to feel before. With of course much regret on her part but that..was in the past. The bowl was set against the ledge of the fireplace as she leaned in to kiss the top of Eppie head before sliding in next to her husband. "Eppie...what is this one? hmmm?"It was an attempt to get the little girl to talk, she had all most done so before...Ealora so wished she would not have to go through life mute, but she would love her no matter what. That was for certain. Her hand curled against Maahes knee as she held the elephant up for Eppie to see.

Maahes: The deep blue eyes of the once lost child sparkled against the firelight, and as they rose to see her mother she squealed with delight. Looking between her mother and the elephant she flattened her lips, and that would be all she wrote on Maahes's part, "That's an elephant." He would be quick to answer as he made it very clear he would be there to protect her. Of course not going against Ealora's reasons he just..couldn't stand that look on her face, and when the child gave a smile with a nod, he would grin back. "Eifeel." The Arabic word. Eppie would go back to playing lost in her little world, and Maahes would turn dark eyes upon his wife. "She doesn't have to talk." He whispered, almost wanting to make a comment about how Shaden would do enough for them both..but he kept his words to himself. Always his wife caught his breath, but as the fire lit her face and the glow of the ever changing form beside him would only warrant his fingers over her own. "You have been inside all day..worked..tell me." Perhaps he knew he was a bit harsh concerning Eppie, but surely she must know it was only the protective nature of his manner. However, as he curled his fingers over her own he brought her hand to his lips pressing a kiss where thick lips met smooth skin. "You feeling ok?" Broken English still did know all the lost rules from the modern wording..to the old text it was driven from.

Ealora: The look on her...their daughters face as just seeing her mommy, warmed Ealora's heart to no end. She would die for that little girl, if it came to it, her love ran that deep. The little lips flattened against her face though and Ealora sighed as she leaned back into Maahes and he answered for her, also giving her the Arabic name for the animal. "I know.."She whispered back. "I just..wanted to try.."The look in her eyes said it all, she didn't want anyone hurting their daughter, staying mute could earn her talk, deaf, dumb...all those and well...they would die for their words. Ealora wouldn't tolerate it and of course nor would Maahes but some things were worth the try, even if it failed. A small hum of contentment, of peace and happiness left her lips as they curled into a grin at the press of her hand to his mouth, her hand turned in his, pressing against his cheek as her thumb ran over his lips. "I am fine, I didn't like being cooped up all day but I would rather be inside and warm then out in that frigid weather. How was training? Have a lot of men signed up?" War was a sore subject for both of them as it seemed to always bring out a fight in them but this, was concern. She would rather be in the know and frustrated then out of the loop as it were and even against his front to watch Eppie play in her own little world. "I have been thinking..when you get home, from the war..I want to go on a trip, get away from the island. Maybe see Egypt again, Africa, India, China..maybe.." Her head leaned back against his broad shoulder, letting russet curls spill across his arm. "What do you think?"

Maahes: This woman knew how to get what she wanted from this man. There was no doubt, Ealora was very well aware of how to pull whatever heartstrings to move her husband in any direction. He hated to travel upon her ship, having always been very ill upon the ship's deck he would be complete if they never went anywhere again. Yet, as she rest her head, and the ends of her silken strands brushed the exposed part of his arm Maahes curled his face to nuzzle into the rich russet curls. "Anywhere, Princess." He purred against her, kissing lightly her temple as eyes closed to inhale deeply the scent of her hair. Lord he would be lost if she cut it all off. "All is going as it should." He spoke then opening his eyes to watch Eppie yawn. "Nic signed up today." He said with a smile. "But I have yet to see Scarlett's name..has she run away?" Curling massive arms around her he pressed a hand against her stomach as always to hold as well the life inside.

Ealora: Her lips tilted up into a grin. Not that she was using her hair to get her way but she very well knew what her hair did to him. As much as his accent did for her and his language did for her. Celadon eyes turned from Eppie to the flames within the fireplace. Not much different then the gypsies and their fire the other night. Then again, she hadn't stayed long. The cold of the night was just to much and the baby had been moving a lot, the bubbles had all most felt like an upset stomach, though she relished each movement like one of Maahes words, or Eppie smile or Shaden's presence. Joyful, complete bliss. "Oh did he? I am impressed..but poor Shaden, who will warm her bed now. You did know I found them in bed together at Red Wall..not unclothed or anything, but I...worry about that." Arms lifted to wrap around his neck as his hands wrapped around her belly to hold her and the baby. Now this was comfortably and she shifted one leg to lean over the other, kicking softly, rocking them softly side to side as celadon eyes moved from the flames back to Eppie who was yawning again. All most time for her to go to bed. "Scarlett is managing the last of the repairs on the Shadow Storm, I am...paying her a handsome amount to actually touch the battlefield then just the one that will no doubt be at sea."

Maahes: "And what makes you think she needs to be paid?" Oh how he darkened at that. The nerve of that woman..arrogant fool she was..Why would anyone feel the need to be paid for such a thing. "Save your coins Ealora, using them on her would be like buying a whore." Eppie rose her eyes hearing Maahes's words, and instantly closed up. They were going to fight again weren't they? Her bright blue eyes passed between them both as she waited. "Who does she think she is, deserving of a salary more then what is given." He snorted, bull indeed. As far as Nic went for once Maahes was ok with it. The knight had proved himself worthy of his name the moment he gave into the desire to be alone and joined ranks. However, it would be hard on him to know Shaden would be left alone. However, Shaden was a big girl right? She would have no problem finding many suitors should Nic fall. Would Ealora? No. Did he want to think about that..not at the moment, too much time had been spent pondering over that very question.

Ealora:"She would not do it otherwise..Maahes, she would make her own mother pay for work.."Her fingers tightened around his neck before sliding down, curling over his hands over her belly. Calm down papa bear. "Maahes! shhh, don't use that word in front of Eppie.". Her fingers caressed over his, trying to sooth while also trying to keep it from looking they were fighting in front of Eppie. They didn't always fight.."I know you don't want a person like that in the army, if it displeases you so, then she will only be second in command on the ship and no more for as long as the war. But if you need the men, if you need the skill, then accept her whether you like her or not. You do not hide your dislike of her, that much is true but she is a skilled warrior and I would rather pay her to fight beside you, to win and help bring you home to us..." Her head turned, nuzzling her face against his chest as she let out a heavy sigh. She worried that Nic would fall, and how it would devastate Shaden. She had lost Jack..the man had simply disappeared after Shaden pregnancy was known and she had seen how her sister fought the heartbreak, she didn't want it for her again. It wasn't that she disliked Nic, but somehow she had known the man would not be able to stay away from battle, as much as Maahes and her struggles, she did not want to make her sisters. Ealora was not the caring sort for others, but her family...she would hold their pain in her, even if it killed her, then to let them feel it. It was just....her way. Shaden would no doubt, grieve but she would hide it in the face of the Lily, of the men who found her fascinating and alluring, that wasn't to say Shaden heart would not shatter but Ealora..with Maahes.. Should she loose him, her heart would not survive, at least not where anyone but their children and their family were concerned. While her grief would likely want to kill her, the only thing that would truly die would be her heart. She would go on for their family, as she promised, protect them but things would never be the same, she would not be the same. She was not ok with him going off to war without her, she never would be but she accepted it. Because being a warrior, was who he was and she loved him. She accepted everything about him. The good and the bad. Every ion that made up the man, filled her with a love no other could ever compare.


Maahes:They were easily in the same boat, as if he lost her his whole world would be torn apart. However he knew her to be a strong woman, with little fear and a great head on her shoulders. Would Maahes have married anything else? As she tried to calm him, her nuzzle would do just that and his arms would curl around her. See Eppie no fight. "But what would happen to our children if we both fell." He whispered against her ear as their daughter continued to play. "Who would care for them as we." Bingo. What had bothered Maahes for the past few days instantly surfaced. "I've been thinking a lot about this, with the wolves and war. I could not return and you could be killed here without me. Who would our babies go to?" His hand came to brush away her hair as he rocked carefully over the floor curling her only tighter against him. "I know you would say Shaden, but I can not..you know my reasons. I would want Shaden to be a part of their life, but not raise them to bow below a man. Even my daughter, I would rather have Eppie become a pirate like you then a...escort like Shaden." He loved her sister dearly, but with God and so many others against Shaden's practice how could he want that of his family. "What about Lilliana and Kendrew? I know he is old, but he will see to it they are taken care of." Boy, Maahes sure put a lot of thought into this huh?


Ealora: She let out a hum of a moan, contentment, as his arms wound around her. Lids slid closed and she just sat there, in his embrace. Eternity could continue on and she would be happy to sit there in his embrace for the rest of her life. Even as he spoke, she kept her eyes closed, moving in time with his rocking. He was going to put her to sleep, except for his words. Lids slid open to turn to look at Eppie, even as he brushed her hair away from her face.
Her lips pulled into a tight frown. She hadn't wanted to think about it but she could not lie that the same thoughts were on her mind as well. "I would say Shaden, that much is true. I know you love her very much, as any brother would love a sister but do not want our children growing up in the setting that she lives. I do not think she will live in that setting forever Maahes, I do not see her..living that kind of life forever. But I agree, I do not want our children growing up in that kind of environment."
Her fingers curled over his arms, moving in slow teasing circles of fingertips and nails. She thought of his choice in couple to raise their children. While she would love to do it herself, for them to do it themselves. It was important they set their affairs in order, a just in case. No parent ever wanted to think of the what ifs, just as no wife..no husband wanted to think of the what ifs of a life without their other half. It brought about a pain, as if the what if would come true, not just could. "Liliana and Kendrew..."She repeated the names and then heaved a sigh, it was a bad choice, in fact, there was no better couple. He was a knight..Liliana was...a lady. Their children would have fine role models to look up to. Fine people to call an adopted family, they would surely grow up well cared for...even loved, she hoped, she prayed Kendrew and Liliana could love them just as much as she and Maahes could, if worst came to worst. "Yes, I do believe they would be a perfect choice. The Christians have a ceremony and title for people like that, God Parents. Should something happen to both of us, our children would go to their God Parents. Although, we don't have to have a God Parent ceremony, nor do we have to use that title, we could...simply just ask them to do this for us should something happen to us."
As her fingers caressed, they stilled over his hands, her fingers curled with his own and held tight, was she shaking? Yes she was. "Maahes..if you..fall in battle, if they are able to..."She swallowed a lump within her throat, lord this was hard, she didn't want to think about it. "If they are able to bring your body home..How do you..want to be laid to rest?" Her hand tightened with his again, shaking still. She wanted the shaking to stop, God why did she bring this up but she had to know, just in case...



Maahes:Her trembling hands were brought to the sound expanse of his chest and held against his heart. His warm palms kept them there to cease their shake and with one hand he would keep them just as he placed them. The other would raise to touch her face lightly cupping her cheek within the palm of his hand. The rough skin of his thumb would caress her cheek lightly slowly tracing the line of her jaw to follow down the back of her neck.

"It is preferred by my people that our bodies be buried where they fall as it was where God chose it." This was hard for her, and he could see it. He could feel it inside her as she was part of him now. Her heart was hurting, even though no tears touched her face. "but I do not expect my men to take the time to put my body into the ground. If I am returned put me to rest in the Valley. Somewhere on the land of Red Wall. Our Home." He pressed his lips to the temple of his wife, kissing her tenderly to whisper against her ear so that their Eppie would not hear what was being said.

"To bring you comfort, no matter where my body is..it is just an empty shell. My soul will be forever with you. I will stand at your side.." His hand trailed down her back to warmly caress. "You will never be alone, habibi."

[Chief Baliff Ealora]

Maahes: The hour had grown very late as the frozen city slept very soundly against the night when the couple made their way home. The day had been a very long one, and Maahes was thankful it was over. With his arm wrapped around her shoulder he made his way up the path of their home away from home. "How does my child treat you today? Is she kicking too hard again?" He mused with a smile so thankful to have her close.

Ealora: Her arm wrapped around his backside as he held her close in their walk. It had been a long day indeed and she had so many things to tell him, she did not know quite where to start. His warmth was appreciated, adored. Knowing well she did not like the cold, his body gave the heat she needed not to shiver from the frozen city. "She...he...is very active, rolling and moving all the time and if this child was kicking me from the outside, I would be black and blue. Truly your child, just like his...or her...papa.." Her fingers curled into his side as she let out a sigh. "Danae says her and Alendral have some information for us and Shaden. Concerning all of us and most importantly our unborn children. But she did not wish to discuss it at the Inn with so many people around...and Nairne and a gentleman got attacked by those...wolf men...Wolves and wolven men...Maahes, I want to go home..not this home but our home, I worry that if this goes on much longer, our baby will not be born there. There is so much going on in the city, I miss our peace, our land and the people there.."

Maahes: As they moved inside he stilled her steps into the doorway, keeping her just where the door closed behind them. The house was asleep and Eppie had been put to bed long before the night had started. Yet still he whispered, "Ealora.." His arms wrapped around her and he pressed her back gently against the door. With a light touch of her neck with his lips he continued, "We cannot go home. There is too much danger..here you are safe." Was this his way of not starting a fight? Yes. It seemed to work for them too didn't it? Kissing the base of her neck he would start there--dirty covered in mud and blood and all. "I know you want to, Habibi. It hurts me not to give you what you want..but it is for the best."

Ealora: Her steps halted as he pressed her back against the door, arms wrapped around her and she let out a hum of a laugh, soft and quiet as his whispers. Her arms lifted to wrap around his broad shoulders, holding him close while she stared into the darkness of the hallway. This place was still so odd to her. She kept it the way it was but with the plans to change it only put into effect when he left, only because it would give her something to do besides worry. Lids slid closed at the feel of his lips against her throat. Demon..knew her weakness. "I know..I know I am just being a hormonal pain in the ass..." Fingers curled through his dreads to the base of his neck, stroking, teasing though another laugh left her lips at her statement. "Stop that..I won't be able to keep quiet because it's been a while..and your dirty.."Though she made no move to stop him from teasing her flesh with her lips, only after a few seconds more did she push him back but only to lift upon her toes as her hand capturing the back of his head and her lips met his. She kissed him as if she hadn't seen him in months, a deep passionate kiss that was also tender and gentle but poured into it, all the love she felt for him.

Maahes: "Keep quiet?" He smiled lowering his face to return her kiss, breaking only the large belly bumped against his hip. With that he would laugh in a heavy rush looking down as he captured their child between his hands. "So give me a bath hmm?" He ran the backs of his fingers over her cheek to move her fallen hair from her face and off of her neck. His hunger for her was easily known, as carried that look within deep orbs of rich amber. However, Nora would only stand quiet for a moment longer giving them the peace they deserved before clearing her throat. "M'lord and lady..Eppie has ran a small fever all evening. I did not send word as she is resting." Maahes's eyes parted from his wife to the keeper and then returned to Ealora before he moved to quickly get out of his armor. ...again.

Ealora: "You know we are not quiet..we'd wake the whole house and to give you a bath would only further that intention..rake.." A smile broke over her lips as he laughed. "Really want to keep me barefoot and pregnant hmm? Knowing now my mood swings and how big I will be...all the time.."She teased even as he brushed the hair away from her face. Celadon eyes left his as Nora cleared her throat. Great Cesar ghost that woman walked like the dead! A frown pulled at her lips as her eyes caught Maahes and then he was moving away to remove his armor. "She still has it?" Her fingers rubbed together to warm them from the chill before nimbly working the fur lined cloak from her shoulders. "Nora, get me a basin of water with some vinegar and some rags.."She moved past the woman then stopped and turned"Please.." Turning again she made her way to the stairs and awkwardly up each until she moved on to Eppie room, the door was pushed inward and on she went, a hand clutched her belly as the other fell to the bed to aid her downward in a kneel by their daughters bedside. A hand pressed to her forehead before working the golden waves backward. The little girl let out a moan of discomfort in her sickness. "Shh, mommy and daddy are here now..shhh, rest baby.."

Maahes: He was quick to change and wash up with the help of Ealora's father of all people to remove what he could not reach, but before he had time to thank the man he quickly made his way upstairs. "Is she ok?" He whispered moving to the other side now clean and dressed in his night clothes. Once Ealora tended to Eppie and Nora dropped off what she had asked, Maahes moved to make a bed in the floor at the child's feet. Of course knowing his wife could never sleep on the floor in her state. "Go rest." He bend to kiss her gently, "I'll sleep here tonight."


Ealora:"Still a small fever..but we'll get it to break.."She responded as eyes turned first to him then to Nora who brought the basin of water and vinegar and the rags. A smile was offered to the woman in thanks but she quickly set to work in dipping a rag into the smelly water, ring it and lay it across the little girls head before another was dipped, rung and placed against her left wrist and then another at her right. As he built his bed upon the floor, she waited and turned each rag over to the cooler side before rocking back on her heels. A small hum was offered as the kiss was placed on her lips. "No I'll stay for a while..I will not be able to sleep with her sick.." Rocking back to her knees, she brushed her fingernails along the little girls hair, singing in a small whisper. "Hush now, my baby...be still love, don't cry...sleep like your rocked by the sea...sleep and remember, my lullaby, so I'll be with you when you dream..." Wiggling back again, she pulled the rag from her forehead and dipped it, rang it out and placed it open her forehead and moving again to do each with the rags upon little wrists, all the while still singing. "Drift on a river, that flows through my arms, drift as I'm singing to you, I see you smiling, so peaceful and calm, and holding you, I'm smiling too. Here in my arms, safe from all harm, holding you, I'm smiling too..." Though she knew the rest of the words, quite well, for they had been sung to her by her own mother, she hummed the rest, fingers continued to stroke through the little girls hair. Slowly celadon eyes lifted from the little girl to find her husbands. "Sleep Maahes, I will wake you in a while. You've had a harder and longer day then I."



Maahes:Through all the happenings of the day, the ups and downs; the fights and the tavern Maahes had felt himself longing for the sound of his wife's heartbeat. Tonight he would have pressed his ear to her chest listening to the very same sound that their child would come to know, or perhaps the baby could hear it now. At many times he was jealous of Ealora and her pregnancy, in ways that took him time to understand. He wanted to be the one to carry this child into the world. He wanted to be the one to feel it kick, and to feel it grow. However, never had he thought his wife more beautiful then just now. Her belly the size of a half moon, her hair a mess atop her head, cheeks rosy from the cold, and the sweet sound of her voice lofting through the air just like the river she sang about. Maahes would have made love to his wife over and over and over again from just this alone.

There was no doubt in his mind he knew what river she sang about, it was the very same river that stole Anulia. Of course it was the same river that granted him his freedom, only to make him a slave again at the river's end. In that moment her words were a comfort not only to Eppie, but to the Beast as well. Having positioned himself at the foot of the bed he sat flat on the ground with massive arms folded over the edge of the mattress; listening to her lullaby his head would fall--tucked against the fold of his arm just as he did when laying down.

So sweet words that lulled their Princess into a peaceful sleep would find the Lion drifting down the same river--snoring just the same.

[Chief Baliff Ealora]

Maahes: In preparation for the battle on tomorrow's eve Maahes had woke up early long before the sun rose to head down into the heart of the city where the bitter winter held tightly to the cold. 'The King's Way' had been mapped out, and he had the plans translated into Arabic so that he may read what everyone else already had. Noon had come and gone melting way into the evening and when he missed dinner Nora had covered up his plate. The house would seem so empty and as the sun started to set on the horizon it only added a common darkness to the warmth of the day. As she cleared the table, Nora would take Eppie's napkin from her lap and turn her face to Ealora, "M'lady, is there anything that you would wish of me before I start her bath?" She worried of her lady, seeing that look of the dawning darkness wash over her even in her fake smiles. No one knew what was to happen on tomorrow's night, but the whole city shook with the shouts of orders down the streets and preparations for battle.

Ealora: There was more then a shroud of darkness over the city of night. It was like dead silence, the moment before the strike. Reminding her of the story in the bible where God punished the Pharaoh and its people for enslaving the Hebrews. Where he warned those believers to paint a line of lambs blood on the doorway, least their first borns be taken, or even the one where he rained fire from the skies. Ealora had never known whether to believe these things actually happened or if someone had an overactive imagination but in the stillness of the night, when battle lingering in the air like smoke from a recently blown cannon, she could believe it. Tomorrow there would be blood, tomorrow there would be fire. It was promise, much like the sun promised to rise and the moon promised to take over at evening time. Hugging her arms close to her body, she turned from the window where shouting orders were muffled by panes of glass and moter, to look at Nora, it was a blank stare on her face as if she didn't register what the woman was saying till her hand lifted to play with the wire twined red glass around her throat. "No, thank you.." Slowly she turned, fingers left the necklace to push the curtain aside on the window to look out onto the night again. Maahes..come home, please, I need to hold you..please..*

Maahes: Nora's hand would come to touch lightly Ealora's shoulder before she would usher the child up the stairs and into the waiting tub. The sun was almost gone by the time the streets gave life to the tall figure of a man who at one only knew war. For almost his entire life he knew only death, only battles, and nothing of the gentle grace a woman could offer. However, now with the dawning war, he wanted only the touch of her skin. Two men moved with him as the night fell quickly and their words were quiet. It would be clear their conversation was of war, personal belongings, and even the well being of his position should he fall in battle. "So it is settled." His words settled through night, and the men gave their nod before moving back into the night; leaving the beast to stand alone upon stairs that were so foreign to him. For a long moment he stood there lost in the thoughts of 'what if', and for the first he felt relieved that at least they would be taken care of. Pressing the door back Maahes made his entrance silent encase Eppie would be sleeping. "Ealora?" He called out quietly moving down the hall where a small light spilled into the hall.

Ealora:Her hand lifted, gripping Nora's for a moment before releasing and turning to watch her usher the little girl upstairs to her bath. Ealora would of done it but putting the little girl in the tub was out of the question, She was by no means heavy but to heavy for Ealora to be lifting and getting up and down was to difficult. She'd come up in a little while to tuck her in though. Ealora could brave the stairs for that. Celadon eyes returned to the window, catching the outline of men. One was unmistakable and not because of his girth compared to the others, because she would know him even blind. Letting the curtain fall back into place, she moved to stand at his chair, well the copy of the one that lay at Red Wall in wait for him. It had taken forever to be completed and delivered. "I'm here.."She called as he passed the sitting room and she moved, as fast as her body would allow, straight into his arms, though she did turn to the side as she pulled him to her, so her belly would not be in the way. "oh, your so cold!"She breathed as she embraced him. Immediately her arms moved from around him to rub furiously against his arms.

Maahes: "Tomorrow I will be warm." He said with a smile closing arms around his wife. Of course he could not help but grin at the way she moved now so large with child. It would be this he would miss the most. Closing the distance between her lips and his he kissed her gently, breaking only to nuzzle gently her neck. "You are so warm." He was not as dirty as he should be, smelling of a burning fire. The remnants of smoke laced thickly over the heavy fabrics of his clothes seemed to be a nice change from the irony scent of blood, and the rich salty smell of the earth that was normally caked to him. "I cannot stay long, only enough to have dinner." He was reluctant to say, but the sounds in his voiced carried that he did not care. "The rest have dinner with their families, but we are to return." Letting her go he took refuge in his chair to remove the boots that felt heavier with the weight of a nation resting upon his shoulders. "Where is the baby?" Dark eyes passed to her with his question..did he not care about her feelings? Yes. Greatly. However, this was his first time leaving her behind. Give him time to balance out the emotion.

Ealora:"I..have no doubts of that."She was hesitant to say it. Tomorrow he would be in battle. There was no lies in it, there was no more stalling, no more wondering. This was it and oh how she dreaded it. Her chin tilted, lips meet lips and her throat tightened with sorrow. Her hand lifted as his lips left hers and he breathed against the hollow of her throat, just as her hand moved against the back of his head as her arm curled around his body. "I have been inside all day, of course I'm warm." She was trying to keep the mood light and warm, it was failing miserably. She released him to let him move to his chair and she waddled to collect his plate from the table and bring it to him. Eat comfortable, it was the best she could do. "Right here.."She teased half heartidly as she rubbed her belly with as much of a pull of her lips into a smile as she could muster before finally offering. "Nora took her upstairs for her bath...Avery says it is not good for me to be lifting her anymore and getting down on my knees by the tub would take me forever..." She held out the plate to him , waiting till he took it before she began her slow decent to the padded footstool in front of him.

Maahes: This was just the start of the battle, and really would not lead into the war. However, it was hard and for that he knew she hurt. Dinner would be settled back quickly. "You need to walk too. Your legs will swell." Once the plate was empty he would rise only for a moment to be lost inside the kitchen area rolling back his sleeves to wash the dishes..and his hands as well. Returning then he would rub his hands together warming the palms as he sat. "Come here. " He beckoned with his chin and sat back in his chair. "I want to feel that baby move.." He spoke with a smile as if demanding her to make him move. "I will die happy if I fall tomorrow." He was at times a bit harsh with his words not understanding their meaning as he should.

Ealora:"I know but then they swell with my ankles if I stand to long. Honestly I can never win." She hummed, as if trying to laugh and could not. Her hands idly rubbed her belly as he ate and she leaned back as he rose to take his plate to the kitchen. She listening to the sounds of him, washing dishes and hands while staring into the flames of the fireplace. When he returned, her head turned and she smiled at him, not forced, but smiled. It only took the sight of him to light her face and it was not just pregnancy glow. It was love glow. Again she leaned back as he sat down and this time, she did laugh as she wiggled to the edge of the footstool. Celadon eyes lowered when he spoke of dying. Of course she would of argued, but neither of them knew what tomorrows battle would hold. "Wait.."She spoke as he reached for her belly. Shifting on the stool, she loosened the sari, exposing the flesh of her body from neck to stomach before taking his hands into her own. She knew he wanted to feel the baby many times before but always the baby seemed to settle when he tried. Taking his hands into her own, she rubbed against them and even bent as far as she could to blow warm air against them before moving them to her stomach. Warmth, Anulia had told her it attracted the baby to kick. Her hands lay over his, to keep the warmth to them. It seemed to work for her, for she felt it within, a feeling very much indescribable, would he feel it was the question. "Don't let it be your dying happiness, let it be your will to keep fighting Maahes. You, promised me."

Maahes: It had been so long since the last he saw her bare form, the sight absolutely took his breath away. She had grown..in many places, but he would never admit that to her. However, every curve and dip only furthered his fascination of her. He found it hard to concentrate while in public places with her form swaying back and forth as it did. He loved her in the long draping fabrics, but now he would give his last breath to have it pulled away. Though the house was still busy and the sound of their laughing child echoed down the hall he felt alone with her. Just the three of them--A General, A Pirate, and A Prince. His hands would slowly move over the half moon shape of his wife, over the stretched skin that glowed with the warmth of everlasting life. "I did promise." He whispered mesmerized by the woman before him, and the life inside her. Running his hands over the globe, he pressed his lips to the smooth skin in a gentle kiss to whisper, "Enta ftaya...anta habibi.." His voice was a gentle purr from his lips; a plea--a promise. "Move for me.." He breathed as the apple of his cheek brushed against the skin in his nuzzle of their unborn. When he closed his eyes there was a silent prayer. He wanted so bad to feel what she felt..Anulia felt.

Ealora:She felt like a cow and it frustrated her to be slowed by the baby growing within her. That did not mean she loved the child any less. It was a transition. At least she was no longer sickened by smells and her breasts which had grown considerably, preparing to make milk in which to feed the baby when it was born, no longer hurt. She could bask in the glow of being pregnant only up until the baby sat on or kicked her bladder, luckily, those moments were few and in between. Her hand lifted to brush the tendrils of his dreads back from his face as he gazed at her body. Thank the Lord he did not look disgusted! Lids fluttered and closed as he pressed his lips against her stomach and murmured in that wonderful voice of his. His language, so natural against his lips always made her quiver, she adored it. As much as he adored her hair. Her hand pressed against his head as he rubbed his cheek against her flesh but it was the breath she released and the part rise that made her laugh, the strong kick of the baby to the Arabic words. "oh oh!" She let out a laugh. "Did you feel that? Oh the baby likes the Arabic..." Her hand pressed again to his head, pressing his cheek against her stomach. "The baby knows that voice Maahes, your true words..your language.." While the strong kick had been surprising, it had hurt just a bit. The baby was truly like his father, strong!

Maahes: He felt the kick more in his heart then under his hands. Though she grew each day he felt she had not changed. She was just as desirable as she was before, and in many ways more. The rich amber of his eyes glazed with the pure bliss of feeling the baby move. There had been so many times at night he had though he felt the babe move, but she was always lost in her dreams to confirm. His other hand would raise to cup the roundness of her body as he rose his eyes to meet hers as he questioned, "Does baby hurt you?" The question was concerned very deeply, but he would not wait for an answer before he would continue with his Arabic to the child. Like speaking in the desert the words were quick spoken with rolling sounds that ran vowels together--almost missed. Maahes would even laugh as if he told the child a joke only to grow quiet as it kicked once more. Moving his hands then to touch lightly the dips in her sides as he kissed once again in a tender flesh of the round pregnant belly. "Ealora.." He whispered curling the fabric of her sari between his fingers to pull her down against him--gently.

Ealora:She did not know if all married women felt this way or was it just her? But even with the house emitting low sounds of her brother and father upstairs, talking. Their daughter laughing as she bathed or the general setting of the house, all of it was a music in the background, a sound heard but not registered and all that seemed to exist in this moment was them. The Lion, The Panther and yes the prince. Where in each touch felt like a million lifetimes before but still new, still fresh as if never experienced before. Every detail of his face came alive, the bliss shining within his eyes, the curl of his lips as he grinned in pride. Every curve, every hair, etched into a heart that would forever keep it. No matter the odds or hardships that tried to weave against them, to pull them apart. They were grounded to each other, no force on either, heaven, or hell could separate them. A smile touched her lips as he turned his eyes to her. "Only when he or she kicks as strongly as they just did. The baby likes your voice it seems.."She whispered down at him while her fingers stroked at his head. Again he went back to speaking with the baby and she did not mind the rapid words, seeming strung together like a rapid moving river, words woven so close she could not understand them, the baby seemed to giving another resound kick and she was sure he saw and felt that one. Her throat tightened again, in sorrow as she fought back tears, both painful and joyful. Painful to know he would not be sleeping in their bed tonight with her, to know he was going off to battle where she could not watch and keep him safe but in joy that he felt their baby, he saw their baby move within her and basking in the joy with him, as it seemed to make him glow with fatherly pride. Her arms wove around his neck as he pulled her to him. Lips meeting lips. She wanted to beg him to not go, the selfish part of her screaming out stronger now, knowing the threat was in the rising sun but her lips to his, made the protest stop as much as her heart and head reasoned that this was him, that she loved him and could not protest against who he was.

Maahes:"Habbii.." He whispered against her lips as he wrapped her up inside his arms. "Do not cry." She had tried to hide her tears, but she forgot how he felt as she felt. When she cried so did he. Holding her then he would rock slowly to ease her into the release he knew she was holding. Though his words were trying to talk her out of the emotion, her motions were inviting her to let go. "There is no body who love you more then I." Broken English lifted from his chest in a sigh against her ear. "I have not told you, enough, that I am so thankful for you. You make me a better man. A complete man. You make me happy." Running his hand through her hair he curled the strands behind her ear. "You are perfect, and strong. I have put faith into you that you will keep our family together." He smiled then pressing a kiss to the tender portion of her temple as he closed his eyes. "We are only running out the rats of the city tomorrow night. I will not be leaving." Lacing his fingers through hers he brought her hand to his lips to kiss the backs of her fingers. "Not yet. After this battle, we will move you home to Red Wall." He pressed her hand to his chest.

Ealora:Her head fell as he scooped her up into his arms. She would not protest she was to heavy, not for him. She needed to be in his arms, in his embrace. Her hand pressed against his chest, the murmur of his heart so close she could feel it against her fingertips. It was one thing they both loved to do, hear each others heartbeat. Before him, there had never been tears shed. Except when she gave up her son. She had cried them but never after. She saw it as a weakness but now...no more. Releasing her tears was better then pressing them inward and driving her into madness again. Silent tears trailing her cheeks as her fingers wove a path across his chest to lay her palm against the drum of his heart as he spoke in soft whispers against her ear and only made the tears cascade all the move. "You have never had to tell me Maahes, I have always felt it. Always known it. Our lives were always meant to weave together and never part. As much as our hearts were meant to drum the same beat. Just as much as you know what I feel without me speaking a word, and I know yours. I heard every word the other night at the Briar, running these...rats, out of the city, is not just some...task. It will be dangerous. But as you put your faith in me to keep our family safe and together, so have I put my faith in you to return to that family." She sighed as he brushed her hair away from her face, behind her ear and kissed at her temple. She adored these moments, those kisses. Her fingers tightened in his, squeezing even as he brought them up to his lips. "Red Wall, is still not safe and while you would see me happy there. Your faith in me, to keep our family safe, denies me that happiness. No Maahes, we will return there for the birth of our child and stay there after but not before. Not till it is safe and I have ever hope it will be by the time our child is ready to come out into the world. Besides, I would rather be here, when you go off to war, so that I may watch the horizon for your return. So I can be there on the docks on your return. I want to be the last thing you see when you leave, and the first thing you see as well, when you come home."

Maahes: "I am so glad that I found you. That you married me." He squeezed tightly her hand within his own. "You are perfect at making me feel complete. You are perfect at making me feel taken care of. I want you happy. I do not want you to be upset. You have a home now. You have security. Support." You have me. "What else would you ask? What more can I offer you?" The laughter of Eppie subsided, and though he longed to go see her-wish her good night, he had his wife to tend to. "We have until the moon is high..what would you have me do?" He curled the fabric of her sari through his fingers to expose the rest of her shoulders and let it trail down her arms. His eyes could not help but run the line of her arm after his hand as he touched her gently; very thankful her skin did not turn his stomach. No matter how angry he would get with her, never could he remain hurt for long. She was simply his Storm, and the reason he breathed.

Ealora:"Maahes you saved me from a life of darkness. You rescued me from the brink of hatred and pulled me into love. For that I owe you so much. For that, I give you everything. There is nothing I would deny you. You make me complete, without you, I am not whole. I realized that completely when I was in Paradise, within that cell. You are right in that I do not fear but for one thing. I fear a life without you, I fear the emptiness that would consume me. There is no other that could tame the panther of me but you. There would never be another if you fell. I married you, because there is no other for me, because you are my match in every way, because you are my heart and my soul. I would not dream of having it any other way. Even if I had to club you over the head and threaten a priest into marrying us with you knocked out." Tender to teasing but she wanted to get her point across. "Do you remember when we were on the beach, naked and began to fell asleep, when we still...in a sense hated each other, in your dreamy state, you offered to build me a home, asked me if it would be nice. I dreamed from that night on that that home would be with you, wherever we made it. I could not ask for a better answer to my dreams. Home is not Red Wall, though I do love it. Home is with you and the family we have built." She paused, inhaling a soft breath as his hand trailed the sari from her shoulder to her arm. She could not help the tears that welled in her eyes again. "I love you Maahes Asad Aziem, much more then words can describe. I am selfish to want you here, but know that I can not be so. There are men who look up to you, who will follow your ever whim and will follow you into battle because you are a great warrior and they will follow your lead, they will aspire to be you, to make you proud of them and you will be my love. Because you will lead them into this war and to victory, of that, I have no doubts. I know you will return to me, not because you promised, but because you are, a great warrior and there is none who can match you.." Celadon eyes turned down to capture amber ones. "Grant me this one wish tonight, we have until the moon is high..go say goodnight to our daughter and then come to our room. Do not let thoughts of battle or war enter your mind. Let me show you, in ways words can not describe, my love for you. Make love to me and lay with me till I sleep...or at least till you have to go." Her thumb passed over his lips until she leaned in to press her lips against his own in a gentle but ever passionate kiss.

Maahes: "Why wait?" He purred against her ear undoing the rest of the richly dyed fabric of her wrap, and pressing his lips into her own. His hunger for her had been driven to it's max as it had been a while since they had given in. There were many nights he longed for her, but in truth he was unsure..how that would work. He could not lay upon her with her belly being as full..would he hurt the baby. As he shifted her over his lap, the hardened portion of his body wasn't hard to translate his desire. However, as his lips became lost in her own and low moan escaped his lips, footsteps carried down the hall.

Ian(Ealora's Father):"Ealora." Her father called out, the sound of his cane touching lightly against the wooden floor. Upon moving in the room he stared openly at the sight that was stilled before him. "Ealora, what have I told you about bringing slaves of the arena home." The crazed fool carried that look in his eyes. A sweet gentle face twisted with the loss of his mind. "Nora! I'm expecting a letter!" He boomed up the hall as he moved into the room and settled in the chair across from Maahes's.

Maahes:The Beast looked at the old man in disbelief, not of his words by now he was used to them, but of CLEARLY not leaving them alone. Dang it! Closing his eyes he slowly pulled the Sari back around her, and going to need a very very very very cold shower.

Ealora:A soft moan left her lips as he purred against her ear. To long had she been without the intimate touch of her husband. The reasons lost but the desire ever raging and now, out of control. Her mouth opened against his own, beckoning and drawing him in as her tongue teased the inside of his mouth. She had never made love while pregnant so her worries were near his own. How would they do it, would the baby feel it..shifted upon his lap, she let out a deep moan within his mouth as his firm desire was pressed against her aching center. Neither could deny that desire was not present and in it, they were lost. It was not until her name was spoken did she realize just who was speaking them and where they were. Turning upon her husbands lap, she gave her father a disbelieving stare. Are. You. Serious?! With a groan, she resettled the Sari across her body, with of course some help and managed to turn herself around to face her father. It was going to take more then a cold shower, perhaps they should go drive into the snow outside. "Father, Maahes is my husband..."Though she knew it was useless to explain with that look in his eyes. A hand raised and raked through russet curls in frustration. "Your expecting a letter from whom exactly?" Where the hell was Eli, he was supposed to be watching him!*

Ian(Ealora's Father): He gave a small self approved laugh. "Oh, you will see." Slowly he settled in the chair, "Husband huh?" He gave a groan as old bones settled. "Get up, I wanna see how big you've grown today."

Maahes:Maahes brought his hands to take a hold of her arms in an attempt to beg her not to move. Letting one hand fall to touch the round belly of his wife he met the eyes of the old man and with a faint smile replied. "She gets bigger everyday, but still beautiful yes?" Trying hard to break the barrier between them, but he knew the old man's mind was lost.

Ian(Ealora's Father):"Speak correct English, boy. She IS beautiful yes?" He corrected just as he did his children all their life. "When your mother gets home she'll punish you for wearing such a thing. Reminds her of the savage land, and when she was a whore slave." Coo Coo.

Ealora:Fingers ran against her scalp, the old man was giving her a headache, though she loved him dearly. Her head turned as Maahes held onto her. Without words, she knew he did not want her to move and besides, she didn't want to get up anyway's, it took to damn long! Her smile only grew, her face glowing as Maahes called her big and beautiful all in the same sentence. It was endearing. "Father, stop that. You don't have to correct him. His speech is fine. Your hisfather in law, not his father." Her hand covered Maahes's on her belly. "I can not fit into anything else and I enjoy them.."She couldn't bear saying mother was not coming home and see the old mans face pained. Yet she was pretty close to loosing her temper and doing so. "Don't make me ask you again, to whom did you send a letter?" This alone worried her, in his crazed mind she couldn't imagine just what he would write about or to who.

Ian(Ealora's Father): "Oh I'm just getting confirmation of his arrival." With that he stood and wobbled out the door, "Good night kids, sleep well." With that he was gone, lost into the darkness of the hall and his mind.

Maahes: "Who does he speak of?" Maahes had been absent for most of the man's ranting, and knew nothing of the man he spoke of other then Ealora was to marry him, and save their family from ruin.

[Chief Baliff Ealora]

Ealora: Praise be to the lord, they got some alone time! At least that's what the smile on her lips said throughout the day. She could honestly say she was surprised as well...all hell that Maahes had swept her from the room and the drape Townhouse to go to the Briar Rose. Not following doctors orders? But they...had needed it. everyone had. To leave their troubles on the doorstep and just, enjoy the company. Not to mention the couple needed the alone time once the Inn itself had settled down. They never seemed to get enough time together nowadays but it was also something that could not be helped. Still, as he headed out of the Tavern the next day and into training, back to reality. She could not help but grin as she headed home. Eppie gave a squeal of delight, nearly knocking the hallway knicknacks here and there as she ran into her mothers outstretched arms. The puppy, Boo yipping behind her. Ealora laughed and kissed the little girls head before spying the little Lab who was quickly followed by Shaden's dog still staying at the home. She gave a groan at the yipping dogs and kissed Eppie head again as Nora came from the kitchens, wiping her hands on a dish towel "Welcome Home child.." Her eyes twinkling though her face held concern. "Hello baby, and hello Nora." The stare she gave in return was firm, I'm fine. "Come on Eppie, lets take the puppies out back.."She spoke as she patted at the little girls back. Eppie did not need to be told twice and off she went, the yipping mutts on her heels and that was how the morning and afternoon was spent, within the back picket fence yard, Ealora playing with Eppie, and Eppie finally playing with the puppies while Ealora sat within the rocking chair, sipping at honey tea.

Atlas: Alexandria in all it's finery moved through the streets of Turas Lan, as the wave of Spring washed the nation and carried with it a man known in his own right--as a prince. An oil tradesman from the Middle East, whose eyes were the color of the ocean that carried him, and hair the essence of the sun. Dressed in a deep rich sapphire blue robe, sun washed and dipped around the edge in a rich brown he dressed as exotic as he appeared. Like some Greek God he moved through the streets with his nose held high, and bronzed skin blazing, until he came before the address in which an old man's scribble would have to match. A dump, though it held it's charm already reminded him of how poor his bride must be to house both herself and her father's family. Two men flanked his shoulders as a line of servants fell in line baring their fruits of labor, and gifts for the Pirate Queen. "Too long have mine eyes been without the sun. The glorious East to set within the West. Ealora my dear..do you know who I am?" Spoken as if speaking to a nation, the arrogant ass grinned a genuinely kind turn of lips.

Ealora: Fingers drummed against the mug of tea as she watched Eppie rolling around on the ground with the dogs. Inevitably the dress she wore rode up and was dirtying by the moment but would Ealora yell? No it was good...if unclean fun. Little girls were just like boys in needing exercise to exert them and in essence, make them grow strong. It was not long as she watched the golden hair child playing did her thoughts drift back to her own childhood. Roughhousing with the boys whenever she got a chance. Eventually learning how to best even the strongest. The voice brought her out of her memories to turn Celadon eyes upon the gentleman. Her lips pulled though unsure whether they wanted to curve up and down and so wavered between the two. "Eppie baby...its nap time, go find Uncle Eli and Grandpa and have them tell you a story yes?" The little girl seemed to pout but a firm chin down from Ealora and she was running up the steps, stopping to throw little arms around her mommy and kiss her before moving inside, the yipping pups still hot on her heels. That little one was going to...or had a way with animals, Ealora could tell. She paused long enough to hug and kiss their daughter before Celadon eyes returned to the gentleman. "Yes, I remember you Lord Bremah.." Lord the last time she had called him Atlas was when they were little. She was never fond of titles but knew exactly what he was here for. Something he could never obtain.


Atlas: Perhaps he was a bit thrown aside by her lack of greeting, or affectionate nature..but then again; this was Ealora. "And how the sun shines here. How are you?" Instantly his eyes fell over her in a hunger that even her current state could not ward away. "Are you not happy to see me?" His hands came to clasp the gate but instantly stilled and a look was turned over his shoulder to beckon the servant on. The gate would then be opened and he would turn open hands to her offering himself for a hug--generous as he was. "I am sorry to hear of your Mother's passing." He spoke with a kind face, "but I also hear and now see the proof that you are expecting. Blessed be. How fairs the pregnancy?"

Ealora:What the hell was up with the sun shining bit? A slender brow rose in wonder as she shifted in the rocking chair before slowly pushing herself up, arched as it was the only well to propel herself upward before she was stand upright, a hand placed against her swollen belly. "I am well.." though her features remained sharp, especially the way he was looking at her. "Lord Bremah..I am glad to see you well...and doing well for yourself but my father is unwell..had I known he had written to you. I would of replied myself and explained that his mind is not in the right place and there was no need to send for you.." Her head tipped though, in kind to his sympathies. "Thank you, she is in a better place I am sure and yes, I am expecting..and the baby is quite well. Due not to long now." Honeyed voice remained calm and collected though she didn't accept his offer of embrace. They had been friends as children, but they were grown ups now, childish things had to long be put away. Besides, she was not one for embracing anyone but a close friend or her husband.


Atlas: His arms would fall, yet so too would his wide grin. However, only so far until a clear forced smile would be replaced. "I had my suspicions upon the matter, in every letter he would state a different reason for needing me here." His hands would come to fold across his front in a calm collective manner as his lips flattened across his face, "So let us start with the first. I have heard you are captain to a ship of privateers, and have killed many fleets in our sea. Is that correct?" Should he have been doing this here? Perhaps not however the cold was wearing on him, and the people behind him were frozen. "How about you and I return to my ship, have dinner there and talk more of this matter." Extending his hand to the men and women behind him, he motioned to the many trunks. "I will also give you, what has long been yours, yes? Oh..and if you must, please bring that delightful child." White teeth flashed as his eyes fell upon the little girl who watched from the window. Eppie was no fool, and no she didn't think this was another husband for Ealora, but she was worried if he was a man of arms come to get her.

Ealora: "I hadn't known he was writing you often. For that I apologize.."Honeyed voice continued as celadon eyes swept over his face. A slender brow rose in silent question as he continued, start with the first? Ah...so her past was coming back to bite her in the ass? Didn't it always. "I was a Pirate Captain yes, and yes I did attack, kill and burn a lot of ships. As you can see though. I am not doing that anymore." Her chin dipped as she spoke. As if saying, you don't like it, don't deal with it. She could feel the cold nipping at her skin and knew it must be the same for him and his servants but she wasn't about to invite him inside. "Atlas.."She breathed in a sigh as she shook her head to his request. "I am a married woman, very happily married. What's more, I am married to the General of Skye and cannot be seen having dinner on a ship with some man and you are...to these people just some stranger. I would not put that reputation on my husband." All ready Celadon eyes moved past him as his arm wove to the trunks and people. "What has long been mine?" She didn't seem to understand, though she had an idea, she merely wanted confirmation. If it was correct, not even one trunk would make its way into the house.


Atlas: "Surely he would understand, that a long time friend has traveled many many miles out of his way to bring you a gift for your wedding. Unless..he is as uncivilized as your father says, then I would understand. M'dear. However, if I know you. You, Ealora would never marry a man who held you down, a woman needs only wings to lift her up, yes?" With that a kind open hand reached out to her once again, "I mean you no harm..or think unjustly of your marriage. I Simply have not seen you for so long, that I ache on the inside to better know what has kept you for so long. However, if you like I shall stay here..but then this will only spur your father on. My ship should still be warm from the sail, and a good meal awaits. Come..please.." There was a longing in his voice, that could almost be heartbreaking had she not known him, but it was true and with good reason. It had been so long since he had seen her, this little goddess from his past. The men and women behind him started to shake with the chill, and their hands became white from holding up the trunks. A parade it seemed of flashy colors, and bright fabrics; the life she left behind.

Ealora: Anyone that knew Ealora, knew she was never a good judge of character. Widely known and widely used against her most of the time. The comment, he surely knew would get under her skin. "My husband..is more civilized then my father gives him credit..he is a just and good man. A very good man. Else you'd still know a pirate." She bit back harshly but then sighed as she brushed her fingers against her forehead. Stupid temper of hers. "I would not of married or loved my husband, where he the type to hold me down. Then again, you know that..I never kept my views on love and marriage a secret." Celadon eyes lifted to him in the plead but again swept past him to the men and women shuddering with cold and discomforted by holding the trunks up. "Please...put those down.."she called out to them before turning her gaze to Atlas, yes begging him to give them leave to do so. It was perhaps against her better judgement but she moved to the door to call in to Nora that she was going out for lunch to the docks and would be back before nightfall. At least the woman would know where she was. Closing the door behind herself, she waddled her way down the steps and towards him. "This is only to catch up and get your people out of the cold..this is not...an invitation to sail away with me nor expect you'll get more. Is that clear Lord Bremah?" Fire flashed in Celadon eyes, a warning. She was no longer a pirate but that didn't mean she didn't know how to defend herself, nor kick a little ass in the process.


Atlas: "I would dare not sail away with you, M'lady. I have no intentions of bringing an army upon me. The military of Skye is legendary..but I dare say..do I hear of a war on the rise?" He would extend his arm and the men would follow behind as the rest moved the trunks inside. They would return to them at a later moment but for now he wished to simply dine in her company to a ready made meal, and show her his 'upgrade' in ships. "I shall keep your country in my prayers, and we will pray that this.." He motioned to her belly, "Will not be the only legacy that is left behind." Perhaps he was being too nice, perhaps he had gone a little coo coo, but in fact the worst was yet to come. LIke in all stories there was always two sides of a person. Upon arriving to the docks, stationed men would widen their eyes at the sight, not because of Ealora being with another man..but her being here period.

Knight:"M'lady.." A knight started as he quickly came to stand before them, blocking the dock from their path. "I..I..um." "Stop with the stuttering, soldier and speak!" He barked, and the young knight gave a nod. "I am sorry, but Lord General has forbidden you to step foot upon this walk, uh..uh..unless you have his clearance I cannot allow you to pass."

Atlas:"Oh, hush up, you. She is Ealora Malory, she goes where she pleases..are you not aware?" Atlas hissed from his teeth, "No man has ever held her back, now step aside."

Knight:The soldier took a deep breath and swallowed hard, however he reluctantly stepped back and trembled beneath his gear.

Ealora:"It's not just the army you have to fear but my crew. We are no longer pirates but they are still feircely loyal. They have been with me a long time. I am truly blessed in having had company such as theirs." She hand folded into his arm, if to take some of the weight off herself in her little pregnancy waddle. "Yes, war is on our shores..I appreciate your prayers. In both regards. I can only hope God will bless me in that this one will not be taken from me.." She fell silent as they reached the docks, Inwardly cursing for forgetting she said she would not go near the docks as the man halted their steps. She even let out a laugh as Atlas hissed and sneered at the man. Honestly, he put her on to high of a pedestal, always had. "I am not here to visit certain people or crews..."she worded carefully, should the men who had blown up Jack's ship be anywhere nearby. "I'm merely visiting a friends ship for lunch.." Her hand moved against the Knights arm as he trembled. "You will not get into trouble for this, I promise you that.."Her voice lowered for the man, hell if anyone was going to get into trouble, it was going to be her. She all ready knew it. "I see you still fit your title well. Always said it would fit you like a glove that would never come off.."


Atlas: Up the long boarding plank, Atlas was sure to help her, but once they were inside the cabin a lush rich..all done in gold place setting waited for her. Even the forks were gold lined, and no doubt the envy of any pirate's appetite for wealth. Everything about the ship was overdone, and the moment it set anchor, there had been another set of blue eyes who watched it with. You have got to be kidding me..you are asking for it, fool. Look well upon their sight. However for the moment they were alone, save for the few who started to serve them their meal. Midway through their dinner, he would pause to take in the sight of her.."Stop, pause just one moment." Holding out his hand as if he stop time. Inhaling deeply his hand came to cover his chest as if to stop it from spilling out from his chest, "Just then Ealora, the way the light shimmers through your hair..I had a vision of your mother..and her beauty that is within you." A clap then, a small perfectly trimmed in of course gold box would be ushered forth. "A Queen in her own right..tell me, do you remember all the fine jewelry she wore before your father lost everything? The Lapis stone necklace that hung around her neck and would not move while she danced?" Then his hand would move to the woman who held the box, and her fingers would pry it open. "It took me three years to find it for you. A daughter of the sultan almost would not part with it..but you see, I told her of my bride who I have been waiting upon..and how it was her mother's." Lies or truth? Either way the necklace was there..in the flesh, and with it all those long years of the joy it brought was there before her, "I had hoped for you to wear it while we were to be wed, but I have a feeling I shall not be able to pry you from this land..however, this is yours."

Ealora: Oh, you have got to be kidding me. She nearly snorted but held it in as she took in the ship, the cabin. She was not impressed. Flash of wealth never had impressed her, though she had once vowed to make...steal..pillage as much money as she could in the name of her family. How stupid she had been. Wealth did not mean happiness. She stopped, when he asked it of her, fork halfway to her mouth was lowered to her plate once more as she turned her eyes upon him. Again a slender brow rose, as if looking at him like he was nuts. "I miss her.."She admitted with a nod and a heavy sigh. "She was the kindest..most...mystical woman I have ever known.." Celadon eyes moved at the clap to the servant who brought forth the box before sliding back at him. Slowly she leaned back within her chair, her fingers moving to caress her belly slowly as she watched him speak then to the box as it was opened. "I remember that necklace. She used to dangle it over my bed while she sang me to sleep. Used to tell me once she danced because she had to, then when my father freed her, married her, she danced for the joy of it. Its from her I learned to dance." Slowly her tongue snaked out to wet her lips as she inhaled a deep breath. "Atlas..I am not your bride..perhaps once I was to be, but you understand..I did not, and do not love you." She was trying not to be harsh where once she reveled in being just that while being honest. Now, she was kinder, gentler with still that flame, but no less inclined to be honest. "Objects do not make the person. That necklace stopped being my mothers when my father sold it. My mother, is safe in my memory. I regret to say I can not accept your gift, however, kind.."She had to pause to find the right there"It was of you to go through the trouble." Hands slid from her belly as she shifted within the chair. "You should, find a woman with whom you love, give it to her to wear on your wedding day. So that way it will be yours to make memories with..."


Atlas: "It was never mind to give, Ealora. This is no longer a gift for a wife, but a gift from a friend. This belonged to your mother..and should be on the neck of her a Queen, I mean..look at you. What is that you are wearing around your neck? Your hem is six inches deep in mud, and you live in a house far too small..this gift would be a reminder of your mother..who made it work with so little. She sold this to give you a better life, and now it is yours in return..to do as you see fit, even if that is to sell it for that child inside you." He was angry, and it was clear as the necklace was sat down, The servant would step back and close her eyes as if waiting to be struck. "I do not want your love, Ealora. I simply came here on call from your father who seemed in dire need. A good friend would come running when another is in danger. If you cannot see that, you are blind. It pains me to think, you think that I would be so selfish to suffer my crew through icy waters to only seek a bride. NO, I wanted to make sure my beloved family was ok." He sat back in his chair, and would point to the door. "You may go if that is how you feel. Tell your father that I will be in port for one week, if he wishes to see me."

Ealora: "Fine!"She slammed her napkin down on the table, her ire up from both him and his critical nature. "Fine, I will accept it and watch my fathers heart break when he see's it and realization of the past hits him, and the reality settles in that his beloved Siani is no longer there. That he will never see her face again! You selfish arrogant bastard! How long has my father been writing to you hmm?"She pushed against the table to push herself up from the chair. "Came running when he was in dire need my ass! How long has how family been in financial trouble and you did nothing. Your family did nothing! Also, for your information, my clothing is FINE, I like the clothing I wear. I don't need clothing trimming in gold to be happy and this necklace."She pulled it out for him to see the cut glass. "Was from my husband, a wedding gift, worth more to me then all the money in the world because it was where we first committed to God that we would have each other and no other. That place was burnt to the ground because of this damned war and this piece of glass was the only thing left. Damn you Atlas Bremah and your arrogant hide. All the wealth in the world doesn't buy happiness and your a damned fool if you believe it will. Look at this place..these plates. Even the damned forks, who the hell do you think your kidding?! Even if my husband and I had to live in mud, we would be happy doing so, because we have each other. You don't know me, you don't know my family. We've been estranged for years Atlas and now you want to call MY family beloved. Damn you..don't you dare try playing games with me, else you'll find your playing games with the wrong woman!"


Atlas: "MY family DID everything! I have yet to marry because of a promise I made to help you and your family. I've spent the past 10 years of my life while you were off running around on a ship making a whore of yourself to build my finances, and THIS is how I am to be treated?! This man you married, this General. Why has he not made your father see?! If he is such a noble man why did your father write? I came a long way for you Ealora, and I'll be damned if I let you treat me this way. However, you were always an ungrateful brat. You caused your family more heartache and ruin then they needed. You could be to blame for your mother's death, her worry and sickness. Her daughter ran away, leaving her alone to what?! What other then those scars upon your body do you have to show for yourself!? YOU of all people, have NO right to preach to me about what makes a person happy, and to question me for what I believe in. You think these riches make me HAPPY!?!" With that the table was turned over, gold went flying and he was quick to be against her..much like Maahes only a threat of his pride being hurt against his eyes. "I came here to check upon you, and to answer the call of your father..not be questioned by you and looked down upon. I've worked damn hard for what I have. ALL for YOU!" With that he grabbed her shoulders and shook her, " So stop it! Stop having that look in your eye." With that he released her, the servant cowering in the corner. "Get out of my sight!" The woman ran even though he was talking to Ealora. "You selfish self centered, whore."

Ealora: Her ire just continued to rise, much more then Maahes had ever gotten it. She saw red, she saw pure blood and the fire was raging within Celadon eyes as he yelled back at her. "My father is sick you sadistic pig! He doesn't know what the hell he is saying half the time and I treat you how you deserve Atlas, you've done nothing that warrants my respect. GIFTS, is not one of them.." She screamed at him in return, though, she couldn't help the small flinch as the table was flipped over, food, silverware, everything upon it went flying and crashed. "I am not going to apologize to you or to anyone for my nature and what I've done in my life. None of it can be changed and I would not change a single second, my families heartache or not. You call me an ungrateful brat? Well you always will be a stuck up arrogant ass so that makes us even in my eyes. Your quick to judge my husband by a crazy mans words without knowing him. Trust me Atlas, you don't want to know my husband but if you think he is bad, you push me further and I will show you what ten years has done to me. I never asked you to do any of this for me, YOU made that promise, not me. I didn't love you then, wouldn't love you now even if you got down on your knees and begged me. You live in a golden f**king ship and one day, someone like who I used to be..will take it from you. Because you flaunt it. No right to judge you? f**k you Atlas, I've lived the wealthy life and I've lived the low life. I judge where I see fit. Can't handle the truth then just go to hell." Her shoulders gripped and shaken before he released her would have her seeing more red then before. A knife was grabbed from the floor and flung, with ever intension of missing him, it struck the wall and wobbled and twanged with impact. "Keep this in mind Atlas, the next time you touch me...and if you ever call me a whore again, I won't miss." A hand slipped to cradle the underside of her stomach as she turned and swept to the door, with a hard push, she let it swing open with a bang and she marched straight from his sight and his damnable golden ship.


Atlas: Moving out onto the railing his fingers clutched the golden sides and he would call out behind her for the entire dock to hear, "You are a whore Ealora Malory, just like your mother. Your husband will learn the truth in time! He'll be a fool to stay with you. You there!" He pointed to the knight, "You go tell that Lord General his wife is a whore, tell him he better run from her before she runs from him."

Knight:The Soldier's eyes grew wide and quickly he would move to follow behind Ealora, "Mi'lady did he hurt you? Shall I go get the General? I'll have men keep the ship..we heard a crash..did he hurt you?" The loyalty of the soldier could not be mistaken as he trailed in behind the woman, but if she were to start crying so help him God he would be a mess beside her-- see why he got dock duty.

Ealora: The shouts continued to her back and then to the Knight and hell, everyone on the dock could hear him screaming and no doubt the street over could hear mumbles of screams but she wasn't going to address him again. Her arm moved to find the Knight beside her. "No, he did not hurt me...but I will hurt him if I don't get away from here. There is no need to contact the General. But there is something you can do for me. Could you collect some men, send them to our Townhouse. There are some trunks there. Could you have them come collect them, and whatever is inside, distribute it the people who need it. The items are no doubt valuable and the needy can sell them for money, or keep them..Whatever is not taken by the poor. I want those men to bring them back here, and right on this dock, dump it into the sea. Could you do that for me? Detain the ship if you must, but if that man has any intention of getting close to the General, or any of my family. You have my permission to tell the General he is a threat.." Her grip on him tightened as the baby gave a strong kick. One strong enough she felt like crying out but didn't. Forcing herself to calm, forcing the calm onto her face. Any more from LORD Bremah and she was going to jail for murder.


Knight:] He would be quick to help his lady, offering the arm she reached for and nodding with her orders. "You should take a rest, M'lady, my mother says your baby is not well." The knight would frown lightly, but move off into the direction of her townhouse, and leave behind the pirate queen to do as she pleased. All knew that no one messed with Ealora, so the people upon the streets knew very well to leave her alone. However, their eyes were judgmental and burning with the very same word they had heard Atlas scream--whore. Why else would she have been coming from his ship? Was the baby even Maahes's? Only time would tell, as they suddenly grew worried for her..if that baby did not have at least half the skin tones as it's father, Ealora would be a dead woman walking that was for certain.

Ealora: "I'm fine."She offered her best smile to the knight for his concern before he was moving off to take care of her orders. Not that she had any right to demand anything but she had asked. That was the difference. The burning stares did not go unnoticed but at least they knew well enough to leave her alone. Though she seemed to know what they were thinking. It made her anger burn even more. They should know better then that! Did she not public show her dying devotion to her husband every day?! Pressing the gate back to the Townhouse she forced herself into a calm once more and strolled up into the house. "Nora.."She called and when the woman popped in from the kitchen, she offered her a smile. "Will you have my brother go find Maahes and bring him home? Tell him I am in our room when he arrives. I am going to lie down till he does.." Nora frowned and moved towards Ealora with her arm outstretched"The baby?" Ealora waved a hand as she took the older woman's hand into her own. "The baby is fine. He's not coming yet...just tired..oh and these trunks, some men are coming by for them. Just let them take them.."She kissed the woman's cheek and slowly wobbled her way upstairs.

Maahes: It would not be long until he would round the corner of their home, upon horseback he flew. Ealora's brother never came to the barracks, but more importantly Ealora never sent for him. She knew how busy he was..how important every second of the day was to the men at arms. However, for this he moved as fast as he could. Was the baby coming? Was she sick? What about Eppie? Thankful he could return to her so fast the door was almost taken off it's hinges, and Nora was quick to point in the direction of the bedroom and without removing any of his armor he pushed upstairs. "Ealora?" He called out down the hall, until he pressed back the door to their chambers, "Princess.what is the matter? " He spoke in a much softer voice as he crossed the distance between her and the bed; coming to sit against the side he waited. Better talk fast woman, his heart is about to come out of his chest.

Ealora: She heard the door bang open downstairs. Damn it, should of had Eli explain it was not dire. That was her mistake. As the door to the bedroom opened, her arms opened to him and she folded him into her as he sat on the edge of the bed. "The baby is fine..the family is fine...catch your breath.."She soothed against his ear as she held him tightly, knowing that when she explained he was going to be very angry with her and why not? Even she was cursing herself for being that stupid. "Remember father said someone would be arriving soon, and I told you about the man my family wanted me to marry when I was a teenager? Well he arrived today...I..."she paused and pulled back to lean back against the pillows as she guided his hands to her belly where the baby was kicking like crazy. "I went to the docks, to his ship for lunch. I wanted to make it clear I was married and that agreement our parents made would not be honored. It got ugly..we screamed at each other, he called me a whore..even after I flung a knife at him and walked away, everyone on the docks heard him. I wanted you to know before word spread to the barracks. I wanted you to hear it from my lips. The truth, because I know people would have distorted it by the time it reached you." She let out a sigh as she pressed his hands in against her belly. Willing him not to be angry, she just couldn't take it. "and I needed you here. I needed you near. Please Maahes don't be angry."Tears had begun to slide down her cheeks. She had tried not letting Atlas words disturb her but they had, of her family...an though she had never 'whored', that...had hurt to. Blame it on the pregnancy.

Maahes: The entire time she spoke he stared out the window, but saw nothing outside as he sat in disbelief. His lips flattened against his face, and his head fell as he took a deep breath pressing his elbows forward, "So let me make sure I hear you right..Even with you being on bed rest you get up, go to the docks even when it was the one thing I asked you not to. You eat lunch with the man you were meant to marry, He scream at you, call you a whore..you get a knife and you try and kill him?" With that he stood, anger wasn't even the beginning however he did well to mask it. "Ealora.." He started but simply walked out--only to stop and turn back around coming back in. His fingers slid his wedding ring off and he would hold the ring up as if showing her, "You see this." He started in a quiet..very strange and not like Maahes voice, "This is my promise to you, To God, and myself. God has held up his end, Ealora, and I have mine. You!" On the other hand, and with that he sat the ring down on the nightstand, "have not." With that he took a step back looking between the ring and his wife, "You lay there and look at that." Motioning to the nightstand already his hand felt so empty, and a big part of him was staying behind. That was how angry he was, but he ran in three different places all at once. Ready to kill, ready to fight..something anything. "And then you tell me not to be angry." She was going to kill him--women. "You tell me when you are ready for me to wear that again, when you are ready to be a wife." With that he simply just moved from the door and back down into the streets, very much angry, and very serious.