Dark Desires ~ Closed ~

[TirithIre]

He could tell she hadn't 'meant' to say it, which in his eyes, only seemed to make it all the more real. After all if she hadn't 'meant' to say it, then it meant that the words had come straight from her heart. He was well aware that she was still sorting out her own world, as well as where she 'fit' into it, but even as she laid with him, he smiled.

" You cum so much." He purred, though he grinned. " I would drink your cum all day long." He purred, though as she said that about sleep, he nodded to her as he rose, though dipping his head down he found himself 'melting' into the kiss as well, and even as the problems of the night dissapeared, he smiled.

Finally he broke away and looked to her. " Come on, sleep for the weary." He purred, sweeping her up into his arms it didn't take long to get to his chambers, though darkly furnished, there were many treasures there. She could explore it further later, but for now, he slid them both into the massive bed and wrapped his arms around her.

" Sleep my dear Keara... tomorrow is another day." He purred, she in warm, safe, comforting arms of her lover as he himself was soon drifting to sleep, she wrapped up tightly, and safely.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The day was beginning to brighten, when Izumo made his way from the mountains. He had made the journey three times thus far, once when Keara had first been mentioned, even before she had been born, secondly when she HAD been born, and a third time when she had been young enough to not remember him. Izumo was one of a few Kitsune clans who had survived. Most had been wiped out over the years, to the edge of extinction.

Yet he had found his way in this world, and with the desecration of Keara's families clan, the utter wipe out, the arrangement had to be maintained. Well before Keara had been born, an arrangement had been wrought between the fire Tail clan and the white pelt clan that Keara and Izumo would be betrothed to one another. When she had come of age, they would be wed.

He had no idea what had befallen his betrothed, all he knew, was that the time had come. His red and white tails flicked passively behind him, and even as he made his way to the elves, he fully expected that Sythavorn would have her ready for him. The elder elf was the only one who knew of the betrothal, not even Aerthalla had known, although Izumo felt a motherly connection to her.

He was very surprised to find himself lead by a solitary guard into an empty room before he was left, and crossing his arms, his red and grey eyes seemed to take in the opulence of the elves. the soft opening and closing of the door behind him would have been missed by many, but not by Izumo. He did not turn right away... he had waited almost a century now for Keara... his family and hers having made the arrangement that far in advance, but still he had waited very patiently in his eyes.

Turning though, his brow furrowed when it was only Sythavorn. " What is going on Sythavorn, where is she?" He wasn't in the mood for games, which was unusual for him, but well, he had waited so long, he wanted to see his wife to be! He had no idea what had happened recently!

 

[katalynn]

It took Keara a bit longer to actually fall into a deep sleep, which was surprising for as wiped out as she was. Most of her thoughts were towards Sythavorn, wondering why he was actually so determined to get her back. It wasn't like she was in any true danger and he clearly knew of Aaxtrinioius, she just couldn't figure out what the problem was. Other than perhaps they truly felt strongly about her being with other kitsunes, mixed breeds never were to their liking.

Eventually though, Keara did fall into a deep sleep, for the first time honestly feeling the safest she has ever felt. Almost felt complete if she was to be honest with herself.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sythavorn had been more than furious when Keara refused to come home and after a few hours of finally calming down, even he ahd to agree that he was a bit harsh on her. It was a weakness of his, she was a weakness and he always had the most difficult time controlling his emotions around the girl. It was worse when she was a child, always getting into trouble, always running off, and worse, always hiding. He had sent out countless search parties to retrieve her, luckily for her, she had never strayed too far.

Now though, this is different, he needed to get her back for she was promised to another. One that would finally teach her all she needed to know and had the power to protect her. Sythavorn sighed heavily for he knew the time to give her away had come, it seemed as if it was too soon, but this is the age she was meant to go with him.

He opened the door to the room that Izumo had been waiting in, most likely wondering what was going on by now. Sythavorn had to figure out what to tell him and quickly.

"I apologize for keeping you waiting like this. There has been some recent events these last few days."

He paused a moment as he looked towards Izumo emotionless to hide the lie he was about to tell.

"I am afraid that Keara has fallen into a trap by the cursed dragon. He came to her in a dream and lured her to go to the cursed castle. I have tried to talk reason with her, but he got in the way, not allowing her to speak for herself. and now... now I am blocked by him, to ever speak with her again."

Naturally Sythavorn had left out much of the details, such as him threatening Keara and showing anger towards her. He also .... for now... left out the part that Keara wears the dragon mark now, that she has already mated with him.

 

[TirithIre]

Aaxtrinioius truth be told had no idea why the high elf had turned against him. Granted, they had never truly been the best of allies, but the dragon HAD always spoken respectfully of the elves. He would have to speak to Arkana in regards to it. Aerthalla had seemed much more understanding in regards to seeing the bond they already shared.

The only thing Aaxtrinioius could think of was that they were that against mixed breeding, but then again that HAD been the case for centuries now, so he would be surprised by that. For now, he fell deeply asleep, holding onto her, feeling comfortable, warm, and his heart swelling with love. It was certainly a different feeling than what he was used to, but certainly it wasn't one that he would discount for anything.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Izumo had noticed that it wasn't the usual high elven guard who had attended to him that day, but instead Calanon. The ranger was one of Sythavorn's personal guards, one of the few who was sworn to secrecy in all things. He surmised that the elf had something important to tell him, but he was honestly miffed that Keara wasn't there already.

Yet as Sythavorn apologized, he could see the red and white tails flick in annoyance from the kitsune. " I have waited a century to meet and be with my betrothed Sythavorn. Trifling matters do not interest me." He growled, though as Sythavorn seemed to take on a much more somber and serious look, Izumo fell quiet.

His face paled slightly when Sythavorn spun his lie, and yet of course the kitsune believed every word. He had no reason not to after all. " The cursed dragon... you can't mean Aaxtrinioius, he hasn't been seen in over two hundred years." he growled, and yet he crossed his arms over his chest, pacing back and forth restlessly.

" So, how are you going to get her back?" The elves were the 'negotiating party' in this regard, they had brokered the arrangement, had handled Keara as their ward during her upbringing. Izumo fully expected Sythavorn to get her back. If that proved too difficult, Izumo would go after her himself!

The white pelt clan was completely gone other than for Keara... the preservation of her people, as well as her bloodline hung in the balance! Of course she didn't know any of this, but she would be learning soon!

 

[katalynn]

Keara had a mixture of dreams and most of them were good ones of a future with her love. The future she dreamed of was not that too far ahead of where they are now, though it was far enough to have the curse removed. In the dream however, the curse was never lifted and the last petal of the rose threaten to fall. There were other things in the dream as well, someone knew she has never met was there. Keara knew it was a male, his face never showed but he had tails quite similar to her and yet he was just a shadowed form and he never spoke.

These future images faded in and out as the dreams carried on. Feeling his warmth and having holding her kept the worse part of the dreams at bay, replacing them of the two of them making love. At one point during the many dreams, Keara saw herself with a beautiful child but even that was a mere moment before something else replaced it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sythavorn fought back a smile that tried to escape his lips, never took his gaze off the kitsune and watched as his anger slowly grew. Thinking to himself that Izumo would in fact solve all his problems.

"That is where my problem lies. Aaxtrinioius is the cursed one I speak of which creates far more issues than I care to admit."

He finally took a few steps past Izumo and stared at the blank wall for a moment thinking of how to get the kitsune involved.

"With the curse came a veil. This veil keeps the outside world out and those who are with the dragon, remain trapped inside. It took me great strength to seek Keara out with the veil in place. My people do not carry the gift of seeing the breaks within the veil. They will just end up in a maze that goes in circle."

Looking back towards Izumo with the same unreadable expression as before, failing to mention that the veil is weakening which meant that a bond is in fact forming between the dragon and Keara. Even then, he still wouldn't be able to find the breaks that would allow him men inside.

"I know the Kitsunes are capable of seeing those breaks, which would explain how Keara managed to slip past it. Sadly Aaxtrinioius guards her quite well and she is unable to slip back through with out him getting in the way."

 

[TirithIre]

Aaxtrinioius smiled within his own dreams, the visages that came and went were 'meaningless', and yet also meant quite a bit. He was worried as well though, within his mind, he came to have a few instances where he would have, had he been awake, believed that the fates themselves were departing glimpses of the future upon him.

Yet the images were of Keara being dragged away from him, her arm outstretched towards him. He tried to move, and yet found as he looked down he could see many arrows within him, pinning him in place. The rose petal which remained was threatening to fall, and yet, it was Sythavorn who was seemingly calling for Keara to come home.

" She IS home!" He bellowed in the dream, but with that his eyes snapped open, a deep feeling of dread entering his body but he shook it away as he looked over and saw her sleeping peacefully beside him. Gently clearing a strand of hair from her face, he didn't wake her.

Instead, he rested quietly, his thoughts a jumble. Something told him that this was only the beginning.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Izumo listened to what the elf had to say, but he rolled his eyes. " Of course you cannot see the breaks, you elves have always been too straight forward in your thinking. The veil is like a curtain. the weave moves it, and such the breaks move. There should be only one break, if I understand Anastasia's usual workings correctly." He mused thoughtfully, revealing information that not even elves knew.

Yet as Sythavorn passed him, Izumo moved and stood beside him. Moving a hand, the bare wall before them magically became a map of the area. " Where is the castle." He gently intoned, and when Sythavorn motioned to it, the kitsune nodded. " I will help your men to find and enter the break." He mused, though he shook his head.

" I will find Keara as well, your men will not go alone, but if I am to face a cursed dragon, they will need to provide a distraction, which will give me time to find her." He mused, though he thought about it. " Six parties should do. Ensure they have black arrows with them." He 'ordered'. The kitsune wasn't like Keara, he wasn't young, nor was he stupid.

He had quite a bit of knowledge of the world, but he didn't care if it was a cursed dragon, or any other being that held Keara, he would get his betrothed back!

 

[katalynn]

The dreams were starting to twist and turn as the shadowed kitsune reached his hand out to her, urging her to come to him. There was something about him that felt familiar and yet she has never seen another of her kind, but for some reason this one had meant something. It also frightened her as well, he wanted to take her away from Aaxtrinioius and she didn't like that.

Her tail started to twitch with annoyance as she slept, in the dream she was screaming at the shadowed kitsune to go away, to leave her alone. And for a few moments it would, only to reappear again in a different area of the castle as it kept reaching a hand out towards her. It never showed true threat or harm and that's what was irritating Keara so much, it felt as if it was teasing her more than anything. He was being nice to her and she couldn't trust the intentions.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sythavorn finally gave into that smile when the kitsune was studying the map, only to smirk a little to remarks about the veil. Although, it was in fact something he had never thought to consider before.

"The trail is not what it used be, it has been a long time since anyone has traveled there. It is amazing that Keara even made it there alone. The humans still hunt these lands, but they rarely use the main trails and after two hundred years, the roads that lead to the castle will have overgrown."

Sythavorn looked at the map once more, realizing just how far Keara had truly gone from the city, it really was amazing that she land into the human traps. He was almost relieved that she did actually end up in the protection of a dragon versus in the hands of a human. He sighed heavily as he thought about her, hoping that Izumo will have better luck than he did in retrieving her.

"I will leave you to decide which men to take. I will summon the best rangers I have and prepare them for travel."

He turned to leave the room and just as an after thought, turned back to look at Izumo

"She has learned how to port now. It was difficult to keep track of her when I first found her. Just to warn you."

With that he took his leave, this time leaving the door open and sent one of the guards to go send the message to the rangers.

 

[TirithIre]

Aaxtrinioius noticed her tail flicking, and sighed gently to himself. " I hope you are having better dreams than I." He gently remarked, though he softly began to nap again, finally falling asleep. He knew with the talisman that she was wearing, no one could enter her mind, so her dreams were her own.

He left her to that and slowly slept again, the next time he woke it was mid day, they having spent most of the night playing after all, and besides, the day was peaceful.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Izumo looked over his shoulder to Sythavorn and simply nodded, though he shrugged. " We Kitsune tend not to follow the paths that were traveled anyway, it's far too simple to track us if we do that." He remarked matter of factly.

" The roads in the area have changed, here, I will show you." He actually changing the map to show the current state of paths within the realm, though he looked to the elf. " I have spent enough time traveling to and from this place to learn the paths." He mused, though he shook his head.

" Your men are your men, each squad should have it's leader, but choose whoever you think would be best. I will leave the decision of that to you. Keara is my quarry, and I will have her." He mused so confidently, even when Sythavorn said that about porting.

" If she has learned that, she could have left the veil at any time." He mused, though he shrugged. " I will discover the truth for myself soon enough." He remarked as he studied the map. Yet he had highlighted the area where the castle was. " I come for you my love." He whispered, he having never truly met Keara, but he would save her from the cursed evil bewitching dragon!

 

[katalynn]

The dreams slowly ceased their torments after sometime and she finally managed to get some peaceful rest. Though she hugged her tail and held onto the necklace tightly until then, eventually lessening the grip she had. It took quite a bit effort in the dream to chase the kitsune away as most of it felt like a distance memory she had long forgotten. Keara couldn't understand the feeling the dream had given her, even as she slept the confusion of it took place.

The more peaceful images of her Aaxtrinioius allowed her to sleep for a few more hours before she would finally wake.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It took the better part of the day to prepare the six rangers, the part that took the longest was actually locating them in the first place. A few belonged to the hunting party that went out for the weekly hunt and to hunt them down took some effort.

Kyllah and Mayna were the first ones to return from the hunt a bit on the aggitated side of being summoned back so soon. However, they respectfully cleaned up before heading off to the room they were told to go to.

Eventually the twins made their home, not nearly as upset about being summoned, they were used to it as they were sons of one of the Elders it was expected to be summoned at will. Raeno and Amaron joked and fooled around a bit as they wondered into the room they were instructed to meet in and they eyed the kitsune wondering if this was a joke. Of course, they knew Keara had gone missing, their father spoke of the rumors, but that didn't explain why this particular kitsune had arrived.

Rehynu was having a lazy day to begin with so he wasn't very difficult to find at all as he slept by the lake just outside the city. Just as lazily as the day was for him, he made his way to the meeting, found a corner in the room and just leaned back against it, looking around at the others thinking to himself, wondering what could be so important.

Scynthrina was the last one to enter the meeting right before Sythavorn had returned. She toyed with a dagger as she glanced around the room as well, finding it strange that these others were here as well. Then she saw Raeno and glared at him, never having forgave the twins for their little tricks they played on her. Though, she held her tongue and figured she would make the best of the situation, it had to of been important if they were here as well.

Sythavorn looked towards Izumo and gestured towards the rangers and rogues.

"These are my finest and they are yours to lead."

He took a step back, letting Izumo take control from this point. The rangers didn't know the details of Keara, only the rumors they have heard of her disappearance and a few of them have already guessed this is what this was about.

 

[TirithIre]

Aaxtrinioius smiled gently to her when she awakened, and even as she did he leaned in and gently kissed her. " I am going to go and see to the castle. I will send Arkana to help you out, as I am sure that you are sore from last night." He softly mused, though he kissed her again, drowning her in that kiss before he broke it.

" I will be close, and if you ever need me, I will be here for you Keara. I feel something is off, and wish to ensure that everything is all right." He gently advised. He didn't know the meaning of the dream he had had, but he wasn't one to HAVE dreams very often, so he took the dream as a warning.

" Besides, i'm sure Arkana would like some time with you." He mused before he did slip from the bed, stretching his incredibly handsome male body on display for her before he went and putting on a simple black robe, he went out. He wanted to ensure that the guards of the castle were re-stationed. There was a good size batallion that had been cursed with the castle, so he would have them re-positioned, he had a bad feeling really.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Izumo shrugged as Sythavorn seemed to be heavily leaning on him to lead this little expedition, so he would. He 'took stock' of the elves who came in, and out of the six, Kyllah, Mayna and Scynthrina were the more deadly looking, and while Izumo didn't doubt that they ALL had their skills, he had a plan.

When Sythavorn nodded to him though Izumo simply rolled his eyes. " You elves and your delegations." He mused, though he walked out into the center of the room. " The cursed dragon Aaxtrinioius has taken someone that is betrothed to me." He began, though he simply moved around the room. " Sythavorn, being the guardian is responsible for her return. However, the castle that Aaxtrinioius resides in is surrounded by a veil, invisible to even elven eyes."

He added quickly. " I mean no disrespect, I simply mean that is why I have been put in 'charge'. I am no warrior, and have no interest in war anymore than any of you. I would instead propose to pressure the dragon to return what is mine. The easiest way is to threaten that which he holds dearest, his freedom." He explained.

" The rose which marks his imprisonment within human form has seven petals left. It HAD eight, but each time he uses magic, another petal falls. Therefore I am going to use you as a distraction, to force him to use magic to get rid of you. At no time do I want you doing anything that would get you killed, however, he must feel that by holding onto my beloved Keara, he will be forfeiting his freedom from the form he is trapped in." He seemed pleased over this.

" This will take place over the next week, the attacks cannot all happen at once, and it's important for me to understand how the dragon thinks, in order to persuade him to release his hostage." Izumo had no idea Keara was there willingly after all, so he was going to do whatever he needed to get her back!

" Raeno and Amaron, you will be the first scouts. I will show you the breach and how to get through. Remember, your mission, especially for you two, is to draw the dragon out so that I can find my way around and learn the castle. Finding Keara, as well as how to break the beguilment that she is under, will not be simple, but it can be done."

" We kitsune are good at breaking the rules." He mused, though he looked to Sythavorn. " You will oversee their actions. I am no warrior, and will not be able to see to it that no one comes to real harm. The black arrows are ONLY for self defense... not to kill the dragon. He has been imprisoned by Anastasia wrongly, and though he has taken what doesn't belong to him, I would not see him suffer further. However, if it is necessary I will see him trapped in that form for all time to retrieve my betrothed."

With that, he stepped back and laid out a plan of six attacks that would be spread out over the next week. Time was of the essence, especially with mind magic, which is what he thought Keara was under!

 

[katalynn]

Keara didn't say much other than to agree that she was very sore and that Arkana would want to spend time with her. To be honest, Keara wouldn't mind spending some time with her as well. She admired the human form he was trapped in and almost saddened when thinking of what he'll look like with his true form. This is the face she had gotten used to seeing, the one that she is falling in love with but knowing that it'll all change when the curse breaks.

It was something Keara didn't want to think about right now, whatever he looks like in his true form, she will still love him. It was her dreams that bothered her the most over any other change, not understanding why she would be dreaming of another kitsune. And why was he so determined to take her away from this place. Keara shook her head and reluctantly crawled out from the bed, grabbing one of his oversized robes and slipped it on.

The room was pretty dark and dreary, making her smirk a little wondering what he would think if she were to add some womanly touch to it. Not that she would, it was his room after all, the tempation was there none the less. She did however, open up the curtains and the windows letting in the fresh air along with some light and soon she began to snoop around. Wishing to learn more about him before fully giving him her love.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A couple of the rangers just sighed as they were tired of constantly hunting down the little kitsune, thinking that maybe she is just better off where she is. Let her burden the dragon, however if she is in fact being brainwashed then she did need to be brought back. The twins were normally the ones that always went out after her when she ran off, so this time was really no different. They had spent days searching for her after the storm, sadly, the storm had wiped out any possible tracks she could have left.

"Why would the cursed one even bother to use magic to lure her in when it has a price?"

There were so many loop holes in Sythavorns story that even Kyllah caught a few, then this kitsune used the word 'hostage' this made her all the more curious. A dragon never takes 'hostages', they have no use for whatever rewards and demands.

Sythavorn looked towards Kyllah and her question, knowing that she was right after all, he wouldn't have risked using magic so carelessly.

"Desperate times will call for desperate measures, Kyllah. He is running out of time and dragons will seek out rare treasures, she is the last of her kind. She would be an easy target for those whom wish to seek her out."

He left it at that, hoping the answer will satisfy the elf, though he could see that it did not fully satisfy her. The twins just sighed now knowing they were going to be the first ones out, they stood up to walk towards the map, looking it over and the area.

"Well, we certainly didn't imagine her to go that far. There are many human traps out there and with the blizzard that day."

The other twin piped in, standing next to his brother only one scar across Amaron was really the only way to tell them apart.

"It is like the blizzard had lead her to the castle, protecting her somehow. Perhaps Aaxtrinioius did have part in her disappearance. There is no way Keara could have survived that alone, not that day."

They both looked at the Kitsune before them and smiled, speaking at the exact same time.

"Where and when do we start?"

 

[TirithIre]

Aaxtrinioius smiled ever so gently as he looked to her, though he leaned down and kissed her gently. " Don't worry, so long as you are within the castle, I will always be able to hear you, to know you are safe. Also, remember, the talisman will protect you against all forms of mind powers."

With that, he did head out. First, he found Arkana and sent the little elf to her, somehow knowing within his heart that the wild elf would help Keara to tend to her soreness, and also in just being a friend. His mind was filled with irrational worry though. Something in Sythavorn's gaze spoke more than Aaxtrinioius wanted to admit... but he honestly felt such an attachment to Keara, such a strong feeling of love, that losing her was something that he didn't even want to consider.

He 'woke' the guards, they were dragonborn, all seven feet tall and though they had been sleeping for the last century with the lack of actual threats to the castle, they took to their posts again quietly, never questioning the master. There were other defenses to the castle from it's days of prime magnificence, but they were all powered by magic, and thus were inoperable.

He took stock of them, and was gone from the north east part of the castle for a good two hours. Yet within twenty minutes there was a soft knock to the doors and Arkana slipped through, she smiling softly. " I hear my lady needs a bath to soothe her poor body." She mused with a soft smile, but she went and noticing the opened heavy curtains, her nose crinkled slightly. " It IS musky here, I haven't been permitted here in a long time, I think I will definitely do some cleaning."

She smiled though and went to Keara, softly hugging her as she added. " The markings on your tail, they are beautiful." She gently complimented.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Izumo noticed the sighs of the other rangers and couldn't help but smirk in amusement. It sounded as though Keara was as nimble and free spirited as he would have imagined for a kitsune, and even as the twins asked that, even he had to turn to Sythavorn for an answer on that one.

To him, the explanation made sense, though he nodded. " Most creatures cannot even see the veil, much less find the breaks. He must have known that a kitsune could, and ushered her there using the storm." He remarked, thinking it over.

As they came over, he admired how alike they were, but Izumo noticed that Kyllah wasn't as convinced as the others. Izumo was curious, after all they knew Keara much better than he did, but it made sense in a way. He nodded about the traps, though he motioned to the map.

" There are many which do not exist any longer. The forest has begun to re-claim itself. From the Illyan border to the Jylian seas many of the traps are gone, that, and if the dragon could manifest a storm, i'm sure he could have guided her through the traps." He mused, yet he was impressed by their willingness to begin.

" I am ready to depart now. Even leaving so will have us arrive around dusk, which will allow for a better understanding of the veil. From there, we can begin to infiltrate the castle. Kyllah and Mayna will come with me today, I will remain there for the entire week. You may all come with me today if you like, or you may come through the week and I will utilize you each day."

He stretched a bit, but nodded as he shifted, using one of the more notable powers of a kitsune, he became a handsome red, white and black tailed kitsune, five tails regally speaking of his age, his power quite formidable to a young dragons, but he simply moved to the entrance. Looking to Sythavorn, his gaze seemed to narrow.

I know you are using me to lead your rescue, to fix YOUR problem, but remember, kitsune, above all others, do not appreciate trickery. I hope for YOUR sake, that everything you have told me is the truth. With that, he turned on his haunches and headed outside. He would leave with the elves when they were ready. He would begin as soon as he could!

 

[katalynn]

Keara smiled as she heard Arkana come in and waited till she got close enough, not responding right away to her comments. Though she did take the little elf into a tight hug, draping the big robe around both of them and kissed her, taking her by surprise for a moment. After letting the kiss linger for as long as possible, Keara finally broke it, smiling at the look Arkana had.

"Yes, a bath sounds lovely right about now."

Reluctantly she pulled away and walked back towards the drawer she was snooping in, noticing all the trinkets that were cluttered in there.

"I can help you clean if you wish, it'll give me something to do at least."

Not to mention it'll give her more than enough reason to snoop around in his things. After hearing the compliment of her tail, Keara stopped fiddling around within the drawer and thought of the dreams she had, with an almost sad smile she took hold of her tail and ran her fingers lightly over the marks.

"I almost think it came with a cost though. I.... I dreamed of another like me, only it was male. I have no idea why or what it means. But he seemed so familiar for reasons I don't know. I've never seen another of my kind before. Let alone dream of one."

She looked back towards Arkana with that same sad smile, though she tried to hide the sadness in it.

"I must admit, it is beautiful, even though it doesn't match my other tails."

She tried to add a little humor to cover how the dreams made her really feel.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sythavorn just smirked a little at Izumo words, not fearing a simple kitsune. There was that part of him that did fear Aaxtrinioius though, he is much more to fear than a kitsune is. Keara wears his mark now, they have been together long enough to form some kind of bond, making the mark nearly impossible to remove now. Sythavorn growled in anger once the room had cleared, even punching a hole in the wall of where the map marked the castle.

"Damn that foolish girl....."

He took a few moments to regain his emotions before walking out, covering his hand that bled just a little and had started bruising already. Sythavorn had the temper that barely hung on a string sometimes, in the end of it all, he truly is a coward and would rather send others out to do his dirty work.

It didn't take long for the rangers to get ready, most of them were always ready for travel, Scynthrina whistled and soon a dire snow leopard came prowling next to her side, his eyes blazing blue as he looked around at the others, snarling at Raeon.

All the rangers bowed towards Sythavorn as they began to take their leave, letting Synthrina lead the way since she knew the deeper part of the woods the best.

 

[TirithIre]

Arkana was caught off guard for sure, though she melted happily into the kiss, she moved over and helped to open the curtains right up, the sky a lovely hue, though the veil was invisible to the naked eye, Keara would be able to see that it extended in a dome like shape.

As she said that though Arkana smirked and nodded. " We'll clean it all out, get a few of the other servants to bring some of the paintings back out... that is if Master agrees." She mused, there a reverence and respect there no matter what. As Keara said that, the Wild elf's brow furrowed slightly.

" Perhaps a memory? something lost to time?" She asked, though she noticed the sadness, the wild elf honestly feeling bad went and hugged her again. " Let me ask you something Keara... if you could go with another of your kind... leave this behind... would you?" She asked, but she gently held up a hand to stop any retort, she adding.

" The master, he would let you go.. but only if it was what you truly wanted." She mused as she went to the bathing tub and began to draw a bath for Keara. " I have never seen the master as devoted to anyone as he is to you." She admitted softly, though she nodded about the tails. " It's not meant to, from what I know of kitsune, there is always one tail that is of their mate." She mused, though she shrugged and when the bath was full she got Keara into it.

" Now, you wash up at your leisure, and I will begin sorting." She mused, knowing that the master wanted things kept hidden away for now... no sense bringing everything out if she was just going to leave in the end after all. The little Wild Elf was curious what her response would be to her question though, it was a fair one.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Oh Izumo knew that Sythavorn didn't take him seriously, which was fine. He also understood that the elf was an elder, and as such he did treat him with a sense of respect. He was quiet for a time, leaving things as they were, but he left the little warning hang in the air.

Once all the rangers were out and ready to go, he allowed Synthrina to lead, though as they approached the veiled area eventually, Izumo shifted back into his humanoid form. " Set up camp well outside the sight of the castle. Dragons can see much farther than normal beings even in human form." He mused, but he then headed forwards, leaving the elves behind he picked up the racial link to Keara, and following it right to the veil, he saw many more than one break in the veil.

" Strange... there should only be one." He mused, but it was good that there were more, it would be much easier to slip in and out without being noticed. For now, he stayed on the outside of the veil. That night he would send in the first elves, two per time, each would take two turns over the week.

Their mission was simple, cause chaos, anger the dragon, draw his attention, force him to use magic, and then retreat. It was a dangerous mission, but Izumo was there to retrieve his betrothed. Looking through one of the breaks in the veil as sunset was coming though, he sighed. " I will get you back from him Keara..." He knew she couldn't possibly hear him, but he retreated to the camp, to share what he had found with the others.

 

[katalynn]

The question didn't really surprise Keara all that much considering the situation of things, she kept silent as sunk herself into the hot water. All in all, she honestly didn't know what she would if she met another of her kind. Keara let her other tails free so she could give them all some much needed attention.

"I have grown to like it here. He has taught me more than anyone ever has. Both of you have accepted me for what I am when others have tried to mold me into something I am not."

She sighed just before dunking her head under water, washing her hair out of the soap then began to comb through the tails.

"I doubt I would leave here. Another of my kind would be tempting, I would be lying otherwise but I know in my heart, I belong here. And besides, you wouldn't have anyone to play with if I left."

Keara teased and splashed some water at Arkana. She left out a major part of the dream though, the visions of where was with some child, in her gut she knew it was their child especially since she hasn't been with any other. Yet, she didn't know if dragons and kitsunes were capable of having children together, they were so different in how one is born. Only other option is she at some point laid with the kitsune and it was his child, after all, there was no telling how far into the future her dreams took her.

She shook her head trying to not think about the dreams anymore, she needed to distract herself and quickly otherwise she'll keep dwelling on things that have not even happened yet. If they will happen at all. Eventually Keara got out of the tub and dried off as best as she could, though her tails were dripping all over the place.

"I think I will go outside for a bit and dry off. Also, I kind of want to practice this shifting thing I read about. Would you like to join me? Keep me company for a while, it is a beautiful day."

She looked around the room while putting on a dress that Arkana had brought in, and laughed a little just before grabbing Arkana.

"The room can wait a little.... I'm sure."

The next thing Arkana knew, they were both outside in the middle of the gardens, the opposite side of where Izumo hid, and away from other prying eyes of the castle. Keara didn't want too many distractions as she practiced, Arkana was an exception though. Eventually after sometime Keara was able to fully transform into the beautiful kitsune she is, displaying all five of her tails proudly and pounced on Arkana.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The twins did most of the talking as they traveled, the two just talked about everything under the sun. Though, it was mostly about Keara, remembering the little chases and hunts she made them go on when she ran off. They rarely brought her back right away, the twins were more like brothers to her and allowed her to play when she wanted to. When they did finally come home, the on going lectures Sythavorn gave would start instantly. Then of course there were the many strange pets she kept trying to bring home.

The stories were endless, until she got older and became more like the Elders, quiet, always hidden from the view of others especially the humans, stopped running off like she used to. They didn't know exactly of when she changed or why it happened, they just knew they missed the fun side Keara used to have, more so, all the hunts of when she ran off. Now for some reason this dragon has taken interest in her after all these years of being able to protect her, gone just like that.

It didn't take much for the elves to put up their camps after being so used to the road life, setting up was nothing to them. They had noticed when the kitsune left and simply waited till he returned as they finished setting up.

They listened to what he had discovered.

"Why are there many breaks in this veil? Back in the city you said there would only be one. Does this make things more unpredictable for us?"

Mayna finally spoke up for the first time since they had the meeting.

 

[TirithIre]

To be fair, it was a question that had to have been asked by Arkana, because though she was worried, she didn't let it show. Keara, despite everything WAS young, she WAS new to love as well as things of that sort, yet the power of love was a powerful thing as well.

She smiled though and nodded. " We wild elves are like that, we tend to just accept everyone, and protect our homes." She mused, though she simply nodded again, listening as the kitsune explained. " One day, when the veil lifts one way or another, I will go home, just to visit." She mused as she smiled.

" I am sure that they are wondering where I ran off to this time." She mused, but she nodded as Keara got out, she blinking in surprise when she found herself out in the garden. " That's a neat power." She remarked with a smile. She let Keara practice all she liked, though Arkana gasped softly after a while.

" The guards are out... they haven't been out in a century." She mused, having seen four passing by to their posts, the guards didn't even look over, they simply headed off.

When Keara pounced on the little elf Arkana shrieked in surprise and had to laugh. Easy girl... I mean no harm." She teased, knowing that Keara wouldn't ever hurt her, but she was simply being playful. She squirmed and wiggled, but smiled gently as well. " You are beautiful." She complimented gently.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Izumo didn't mind the chatting at all, after all it was a great way to learn more about his betrothed, but even he had to admit that there had to have been something that had happened as Keara had grown up to cause her to grow quiet. After all Kitsune were usually very playful creatures.

He didn't doubt that it wouldn't take long for skilled rangers to set up a camp, and even as he did return, he seemed worried. " There ARE usually only one break. The fact that there are more means that the curse is weakening. The dragon must have bonded with Keara." He didn't say that bonding usually involved sex in this regard, for he was holding out hope.

Yet he shook his head as Mayna asked that. " It was going to be very tricky with the singular break to get you in and out, now, there are more so it will be easier to find and get through." He remarked, sounding pleased. He looked to the twins though. " Are you ready?"

He knew that the elves were tired of chasing Keara, but this would be the last time. If she returned, Izumo would bring her to his clan and she would be among her people. If she refused and stayed, then she would stay with a cursed dragon. Either way, Izumo wasn't giving up until he had met with Keara himself!

 

[katalynn]

Keara licked and played with Arkana in her new form, getting used to it quite easily. After a few moments of the new excitement they both settled down and Keara laid across her lap, trapping her for the most part. Letting the last of the sun fully dry her fur off as she thought about what Arkana had said. It took a little bit of effort to figure out how to speak in this form, naturally she tried using verbal words at first but it came out as just random noises, which made Arkana laugh.

The Elders visited me in a dream. That is why you found us the way you did. One of the Elders was more threatening than he normally is.

Keara sighed as she looked up to see the guards at their posts and for the first time in a while, she has noticed how broken up the veil is. It wasn't like the first time she examined it, the breaks were more frequent than the first single break moving around. They were much bigger now as well.

I think he had dreams last night as well. Of what I don't know, but the Elders were very determined to take me back home. Sythavorn was more than furious when I denied him.

After a few more moments she shifted back into her human form, leaving her tails out for the time being and held a hand out to Arkana.

"We should go see about dinner. After last night porting everywhere and just now with practicing, I'm actually pretty hungry. I am pretty sure he is getting hungry himself after what he had done for me."

Keara pulled the little elf up into a kiss before they lazily walked hand in hand back towards the castle.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The twins nodded and both gathered their things, then proceeded to follow the kitsune back towards the castle. Even the twins had hoped that Keara hadn't 'bonded' with the dragon in any way, that she was being her usual self and resisting his temptations. But at the same time, they both knew just how curious she can be as well and that alone always got her in trouble.

Meanwhile, without any of them knowing, Aerthalla had been hiding in the shadows the entire time. She had overheard the lies that were spun and she knew deep down that they were to take Keara by force, it would start a war. She had also tried a few times to seek her out in the dream world again but couldn't seem to find her again. Going to the castle in person and talking to her was the best option right now, with that she followed the party.

Getting the break without them finding her would be the tricky part since she couldn't see the breaks herself, though she did have other means. Using the shadows to her advantage as always been a strong skill of hers. Aerthalla did just that, hid within the shadows till the three of them slipped into the veil and she would slip in shortly after them.

Aerthalla had her own personal bond with Keara that no one knew about, it was her little secret from when Keara was just a baby. That was one of the reasons she had found Keara so easily, all those times that Keara had ran off, she always knew where she went. It's just the Elders never went chasing after anyone and also, she could see how much fun the twins had with her. Aerthalla always knew Keara was safe with them, even now she knows that she is safe with where she lays. Sadly, it is not where she belongs.

While the other three did their thing, to go piss off a dragon, Aerthalla searched out the link that would lead her to Keara and once more used the shadows to travel in. For the time being, she remained in the shadows and just watched Keara, noticing how happy she truly seemed. But she needed Keara to be alone, so she would wait for that chance, which would be soon. Once the distractions start, her only hope is that the girl with her would run off.

 

[TirithIre]

Arkana nodded to her as she did settle, and even as she did she reached an arm up and gently pet Keara, smiling as the Wild elf softly relaxed and listened to Keara. What she said worried her though. " High Elves... so Sythavorn?" It had been a while since Arkana had actually been out and about, but she remembered the different factions of elves as well as their elders.

" He always seemed strener than the other elves... but I doubt he would do anything too risky." She didn't know Sythavorn personally though, so she shrugged. Elves aren't used to not getting their way, especially when they view something as disturbing the balance of things." She mused, but simply pet Keara as she spoke.

As she was pulled up though, she smiled and kissed Keara right back, taking a bit more of a forceful nature in it, she soon had Keara swooning within the kiss, but she did 'let her go' and nodded.

" I am sure with everything the master is doing he has probably forgotten about eating." She mused, though she did head back with her. As they entered the castle the sun was just fully setting, the torches lit in the hallways but there was a shouting from the eastern courtyard. Arkana looked up surprised as could be, but she frowned.

" Come, we will get you to the masters chambers, and once there you will be safe with the glyphs." She hurried, taking Keara there, Keara could see out a window though as Aaxtrinioius stormed from the castle interior with his guards. " What is the meaning of this?!" He snarled, his eyes shining the deep gold which they usually did when he was pissed off as a dragon, but he sought out the intruders.

The intruders were clearly elves, which only angered Aaxtrinioius more. " I told Sythavorn he was not welcome here! Where is Aerthalla, she has always been the voice of reason!" He challenged the elves, not understanding why they were attacking, and yet seeming to understand all too well. He had denied Sythavorn his ward, and the elf had sent his rangers to bring her 'home'.

" Keara's home is here now!" He would not stand by while the love of his life was taken from him!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Izumo lead the rangers through the veil, the ruined castle changing in view as they passed from the decrepit castle to the pristinely maintained castle of the dragon. Even as they slipped through he looked to the twins. " Draw him out, keep his attention. If he attacks with normal means, avoid him but do not leave, your purpose is to force him to use magic." He instructed with a whisper.

He darted to the left while the twins headed to the right, he heading around the west side, his dark green eyes seeming to pick up the shadows of the guards, soon enough the twins were causing a ruckus of course, which was what should be happening! He was confused by the dragons distant words, but he shook his head.

" Must have gone mad from time and solitude." He grumbled to himself, but weaving and dodging, he was soon finding himself inside. He wasn't about to go directly to Keara, but he WAS on a scouting mission, he wanting to ensure that he understood the layout of the castle. He could hear a few voices, and only caught a glimpse of Keara as she was rushed up the stairs.

The elf who was with her he did not recognize, but when the doors closed on the north eastern chambers he could feel the power of the dragon's wards, there was no breaking into there. His main goal would be to draw Keara out.

For now, he watched the little red haired elf running down the stairs to go tend to her master, it leaving Keara alone in the safest place in the castle. There WAS still ways in, mostly using shadow magic, but Izumo didn't know it, so instead, he turned away and began to scout the castle further, learning as much as he could without being discovered!

 

[katalynn]

Keara didn't really like not being able to help in any way, the truth of it all is for now, she didn't have much choice. There were a few things she knew how to do with the bow and arrow, the twins had taught her things. However, it was never nearly as good as they were. Especially as she grew older and closed in the practices were never kept up enough to get stronger.

There was a scent in the air as Arkana lead her to the room, it wasn't like anything she has smelled before, though she did try to look for it, Keara never found its source. Once the door closed behind her, watching as Arkana took her leave, the scent grew stronger for a moment and she could have sworn she heard something. With a sigh she went over to the balcony where the rose was kept and she watched it closely as well as watching what was happening in the grounds.

The twins were all over the place and it took her a moment to actually see who they were, for a split moment she did smile as she knew this game well. It was after all, her game of cat and mouse, only there were two of them and they did in fact cause Aaxtrinioius anger to grow. To them, it was just a game of chase, to see which one of them can create the most distraction. They shot their arrows at nothing in particular just to catch his attention in one direction or another. they were even counting how many times one of them caught his attention.

However, Kearas smile faded when she saw one of the petals glowing brightly with passing second, threatening to release itself from the stem.

"They wish for him to use his magic, to waste it as he protects you."

Aerthallas voice broke the silence as she stepped up behind Keara, very gently touching her shoulder.

"I will not ask you to return home with me. I will ask you one thing though."

She paused a moment as the petal finally fell, floating to the table and she shook her head at the carelessness of this whole plan. If only the kitsune knew that she was here by choice and not force, though, after this, Aerthalla will speak to him later.

"Do you truly care for him? Perhaps even love him? Love is a very powerful tool Keara, all this he is doing is for you, not himself. I do not pretend to not know what is happening here, I am not blind like Sythavorn can be. Otherwise, you would still not be here."

Aerthalla failed to mention Izumo for now, Keara did not know him let alone have any idea at all that she is promised to him. For the time being, Aerthalla was here for Keara and no one else, though she did hate the fact that they were forcing Aaxtrinioius to use his powers wrongly.

"In my heart I do love him, yet in my head there is still some resistance. Like in my dreams I saw another of my kind, a male. And today just moments ago there was a new smell outside in the halls. I don't know what any of this means. I don't understand these feelings I have for him."

Aerthalla smiled, hiding the slight disappointment she felt, though she took Keara into her arms none the less and hugged her tightly.

"There is another of your kind and he is here. But, you have to do what is in your heart with this one sweet child, love can not be understood, it isn't meant to be. You will have to chose the path you want and soon I'm afraid."

Aerthalla kissed Keara on the forehead lightly before vanishing into the shadows, noticing that the distractions outside was coming to an end. Leaving Keara alone to her thoughts once again.

 

[TirithIre]

Arkana was trying to be helpful, trying to keep the masters mate safe. She had served Aaxtrinioius for longer than she cared to admit, but to say that she had never seen her master care for anyone as he clearly cared for Keara... that was no lie.

As she slipped out and locked the door carefully, she thought she sensed one of her kind. Yet she shook those thoughts away and instead went to help the others. She happened to look out, and could see two elves who were attacking. " Why..." She didn't understand the purpose... but she set her mind to it and helped get the other servants to safety.

It wasn't hard to get Aaxtrinioius's attention, their presence was an affront, and the fact that they were shooting up his castle... Keara knew that Aaxtrinioius wasn't normally one for games anyway, and this kind of game wasn't welcome even more so! Finally, he began to blast all the arrows with magic, setting them ablaze and disintigrated before they ever hit targets.

" Get OUT of my home!" He and his guards chasing them out, though they had done what they had wished, and as Keara had watched, that petal had fallen, draining his time to 'win' her true love. Keara was safe he was sure, but still, invaders in his home? He had half a mind to awaken ALL of his army and head STRAIGHT for the elven city.

Yet he knew that was not what Keara would have wanted. With her by his side, he was a better person. The elves seemed to withdraw after that, and he let out a sigh of relief. He began to head back into the castle, but he could swear he had a sense of there being someone else around.

It was only there for a moment, so he shook it off as his imagination and headed inside. Izumo had finished his scouting for that night, he had learned quite a bit about the castle, as well as about the Wild Elf Arkana. He withdrew into the forest, but did not re-join the others just yet. He was perplexed... the dragon had hidden everything that showed his heritage away.

That, and he had even shown an immense amount of care for Keara by placing her into a safe area while the fight was happening. These weren't the actions of a half crazed dragon. The 'holes' in Sythavorn's story weren't quite smooth any longer. The elf hadn't mentioned that Keara might have already been mated, nor that the dragon hadn't actually taken her.

He still believed she had been kidnapped, but he found a tree to sit in as he thought it over... He did want her back, but how to get her, that was the problem... for now. He'd figure it out! Aaxtrinioius was beside himself, but mostly he saw to it that the guards were doubled, that the veil was intact. It was a balancing act, after all with the veil there, he was trapped in the human form, with the veil gone he would have all his magic again and the castle would be restored.

He finally just shook his head and went to check on Keara.

 

[katalynn]

Aerthalla followed Izumo for a couple of moments she just watched him and could tell by the look in his eyes that things were not as they seemed. For Aerthalla, this was a good sign knowing that he is a creature of reason instead of raw emotion. She did truly feel bad for allowing him to take action as he did tonight, but he did need to see things for himself first. After sometime, she emerged from the shadows and made herself known to him, though she had her back towards him as she faced towards the castle.

"You have been deceived, which by now I am sure you have guessed as much. Keara has not been tricked into coming here. However, she is a very confused girl right now."

She smiled as she thought about changing the game just a little, or at least she would hope it would change. Although, she would not give into the details of how Keara came here, nor any other details of the situation, those were for him to find out on his own.

"She does not like trickery nor lies. Sythavorn had fed her enough lies to last her a lifetime, she needs no more. If you truly wish to save her, you must win her heart. You will always find her in the gardens, it has always been a place of sanctuary for her."

Aerthalla finally turned to the kitsune, hoping he will at least take her words into consideration.

"She will see these actions as deceitful and will learn that you are the cause behind them, when that happens.. You will have already lost her."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Keara wasn't sure of what to do anymore, her heart told her one thing and her dreams told spoke of other things. It all just seemed to be happening so fast now and she saw how many petals remained. If the twins were here and all of this was just some practical trick it will not go well for the one responsible. Naturally her only thought went to Sythavorn being the one responsible for this plan of action, yet, it didn't seem like it would be his way of thinking. Keara did manage to see the direction the twins went into and wondered if she could find a way to speak with them.

Once she heard the door open though, the rest of her thoughts disappeared when she saw Aaxtrinioius and instantly ran into his arms without hesitation.

"I am sorry for all of this! It seems I have brought nothing but problems to your doors. If you wish it of me..... I will go with them.... Maybe I can fix this... I... I.."

They both knew there was no real way of fixing this, at least not with Sythavorn in the picture, he will never listen to reason. Especially when that reason came from Keara, no, he would most likely lock her up at this point till she submitted to his terms and made sure she would be married off to Izumo.

"Please.... don't waste anymore of your energy for me... I feel this is all a trick.. I..... I..."

Even now she still couldn't get the words out and though it is right there on the tip of her tongue, Keara instead pulled him into kiss showing him just how much she wants to be with him.

 

[TirithIre]

Izumo had been sitting there for a while, but he leaned onto his hand as he studied the castle. " You know, I CAN see you there." He mused, though as she 'revealed herself, he but sighed to himself. Listening quietly, he nodded slightly.

" I have deceived no one. Keara is my betrothed. She belongs with her people, not with a dragon." He grumbled, but he realized he was but verbally letting off some steam. Yet he simply looked again the to castle, though he HAD listened, it was still a mystery of what course Izumo would take.

Yet he turned his attention to the elder. " Let the other rangers know that they are not to attack, I will deal with this myself." He gently asked, but he nodded to her as he hopped down onto the ground, his eyes still on Aerthalla.

" You have taken risks in coming out here, but I sense you share a bond with Keara. How it is that everyone knows her but I is beyond me." He paced the area a bit, but he shook his head. " I will not allow some arrogant cursed dragon to take my beloved away." He growled, but he would seek Keara out in the gardens, he would speak to her, and he would learn about her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aaxtrinioius ran his hand through his hair in an agitated state, the elves, he knew they were there to get Keara, and yet their actions hadn't seemed to do anything but anger the dragon. He was terribly confused, but he needed to ensure Keara WAS safe.

As he came in he shook his head. " I will take the troubles of elves over letting you go any day Keara." He grumbled gently, though he wrapped her into his arms, he holding onto her. " Some things can't be solved by running away." He gently mused, though he noticed the look in her eyes.

" You know that for yourself, don't you." He remarked, though he had no idea about the interloper, the one of her kind who was here as well, Aaxtrinioius honestly didn't care either. All he cared about was Keara.

" Keeping you safe isn't a waste..." Though he noticed the fallen petal, he paled ever so slightly. He wasn't a stupid dragon, and after a moment realization seemed to touch his eyes, but as she pulled him into a kiss, those thoughts drifted away for now as he groaned softly, the taste of her lips had never felt sweeter.

He squeezed her flush to him and kissed her, though eventually he did let her up 'for air', Aaxtrinioius smiled slightly. " You have to decide for yourself Keara, where home will be." He clearly wanted her to remain, to love him for all of her days, but he was willing to let hr go, just as Arkana had said... if it made her happy.

" I love you, with every part of my being, but you have to decide if that's what you want for yourself. I cannot, and will not make that decision for you." He mused softly, even as he regarded her. He would stand by her, be with her, but she needed to want to be with him as well, that was her choice ultimately to make.

" Choices aren't easy, but they are what define us as people." He softly pointed out.

 

[katalynn]

Aerthalla laughed a little at his comments and watched how he paced around a little, forming a new plan of action which ended up being another good sign. Having a pissed off dragon loose in the world is not a good thing for anyone, no matter how this curse of his ends, he will be pissed at the elves and will be his first target. That is what Aerthalla was truly attempting to avoid.

"To be fair... Kitsune.. She doesn't even know you exists. Keara is like a daughter to me, I know her better than even the twins know her. Far more better than Sythavorn will ever know her."

Aerthalla sighed as she looked back towards the castle, her next stop is to speak with Aaxtrinioius and hopefully coax him into letting her stay for a day or two. There is no doubt that Keara will need her guidance, though she will not push her either way, the choice is ultimately up to Keara.

"To be honest, there are not many who do know her. She closed herself off from the world for the longest while there, hidden from every eye, even my own for a time. I suspect Sythavorn had a hand in that though, feeding her more lies...."

She looked towards the camp, seeing the fire and hearing the twins brag about their little adventure, arguing over which one had the highest count.

"I will tell them, however, you will have to be my eyes when I return. I need to speak to Keara and Aaxtrinioius. Not to mention it is far to late for me to travel back."

With that she smiled and turned Izumo with a knowing look,

"And yes, I have risked much in coming here. However, I would risk the world if I had to, just to see Keara smile again."

Aerthalla turned to leave towards the camp ground, letting the others know that the plans have changed and to stand down. Though, she did take notice that Scynthrina was not pleased at all with this news, she had a look of determination burning deep in her green eyes. For now, Aerthalla shook it off as nothing, she was a ranger after all and had been called to this mission only to be denied of it, her anger would be understood.

After sometime she eventually made her way back towards Izumo and nodded to let him know she was ready.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I don't wish to leave you. I've already chosen to stay here, chosen you. It's just..... my dreams have me confused right now..."

Keara shook her head trying to not say too much about the kitsune she had seen, it was just a dream after all, though Aerthalla had mentioned him actually being here.

"I was told recently to think with my heart and not my head, though I am trying very hard to do that, yet my head still keeps getting the way. I'm still thinking like the Elders, thinking of what they would do or say instead of for myself."

Keara hated to admit to her feelings like this as it wasn't something she would typically do, though she did pull away from his arms and went back towards the balcony, running her fingers over the glass covering the rose.

"I know how difficult this is for you, but I do need a little more time to find myself. I've pretended to be someone else for so long that the kitsune inside has gotten lost. I wish to give you my love to its fullest, I don't wish to think like them anymore."

 

[TirithIre]

Izumo nodded, but he shrugged slightly. " From the impression I gained from the other rangers on the way here, Aaxtrinioius left the way open for you. After the events tonight he might have been made to change that thought, but if you approach him with nothing but respect, he will treat you that way in return." He remarked, though he hopped down.

" Sythavorn has lied to many people, I would see to it that his lies catch him in the end. We kitsune do tend to twist the truth ourselves sometimes." He remarked with a smile, but it was a grim one. " Stay safe, and I will see you when you return." He remarked. He bounded off though into the veil, finding a break he passed through silently.

He doubted that Keara would come to the gardens that night, but for some reason he felt drawn to that place. Perhaps it was because he knew it was Keara's favorite place, perhaps he wanted to learn more about her on his own. Either way, he was there, in the shadows, his black, white and red tails wrapped around himself. He studied the flowers, admitting silently to himself that the dragon did have good taste in the flowers.

He stopped before some silver and blue flowers, they making him think of her clan... silver and blue had been their colors, not that she even knew that, Izumo wasn't armed, he wasn't looking for a fight... he just sought a way to reach the woman who was supposed to be his, his betrothed!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aaxtrinioius nodded to her, his heart leaping with joy at the fact that she told him she wanted to remain. As she mentioned the dreams however he frowned so deeply. " I had dreams myself last night... it wasn't the most pleasant of dreams, but you need to address them." He softly admitted, he gently reaching down to gently lift her chin.

" You will never dissapoint me Keara, you are the best thing to happen to me in a long time." He softly mused, though even as she said that about thinking with her heart and not her head, Aaxtrinioius smirked. " You have to listen to both, both need to be in harmony, or you will always be torn apart." He softly mused.

As she said that though he nodded. " I am not telling you what to do, or how to feel. You need to know what you need for yourself." He gently assured, though as she pulled from his arms, he looked confusedly to her. As she moved to the balconey, he watched her, giving her the space that she needed.

" What, an eternity of being cloistered by elves wasn't enough alone time?" He snapped though he shook his head, realizing he was being silly. She had already told him she wanted to be with him, that she wanted to give him her love, yet a part of him was afraid. He didn't know what could pull her away, but he was afraid of losing her, that fear compounded because he hadn't feared anything before.

" Damn you Anastasia..." He growled, mumbling the goddesses name to himself. If he had his natural form, his magics, his kingdom free from this accursed veil, well then he could have protected Keara so openly and fully, but he could not. He could only hold open his hands in a surrendering motion.

" Go, decide what you decide. I will be waiting for you for all of my days." He gently mused, letting her go, hoping for her return. She needed to find herself, Aaxtrinioius COULD understand that, it didn't mean he had to like it of course.

 

[katalynn]

"The elves didn't give me the freedom to make my choices as you do. They made the choices for me, as it seems they still wish to make those choices."

Keara sighed heavily and couldn't understand why he had snapped at her like that. Though she shrugged it off considering he had been worked up by the twins only moments ago. However, she didn't leave the balcony anyway and at the time she had no intentions on leaving. That is until she saw strange movement in the garden and in another direction she could see Aerthalla approaching the castle. In all honesty, Keara had planned on pampering him a little tonight, however that looks to be like a lost chance.

"It appears you have company."

Despite the fact he had snapped at her, thinking she wanted to be left alone, Keara never snapped back and kept her cool. She did however go back to where he stood and kissed him once more. Trying to ease the fear that was heavy in his eyes. Keara smiled reassuringly and lightly traced over his lips, longing to keep kissing him.

"I will not make you wait that long my love.... I do need make peace with the dreams I had. I've never had dreams like these before. Like you said, my head and heart need to be in harmony and they are not."

Keara gave him one last kiss that seemed as if she, herself was afraid to let him go just as much as he was. The kiss lingered for a few moments before she finally broke it, laughing a little as she pushed him playfully.

"Go see what Aerthalla needs, she's most likely already at the doors by now. I will see you for dinner when the time comes, the night is still young. Perhaps later you can drink my cum all night long if you wish..."

Giving him a playful smile just as she shifted fully into her kitsune form, showing off the new skill that she practiced earlier and watched as Aaxtrinioius admired her form before she vanished from the room. He had a guest to go see and Keara would have gone with him but figured they needed to be alone to discuss what had happened tonight.

Meanwhile she appeared in the garden, just out of sight of this other kitsune. Keara took notice of his colors and his tails and couldn't help but to admire him, though she shook her head, snapping herself back. Within a few seconds of admiring his colors, he did after all have such beautiful coloring, finally Keara emerged into his sight with her tails flicking wildly with some annoyance. Attempting to the hide the true excitement she had at finally seeing another of her kind.

"Who are you? Did Sythavorn send you here to fetch me?"

 

[TirithIre]

Aaxtrinioius was not one to hold onto things. Being a dragon, he understood how things came and went, people came and went. It was simply how the world worked. It didn't make this any easier for him, but he did understand why she needed her space.

He fully expected her to vanish, to port away or something else. His mood over the day had soured. When he had awoken, he had been slightly worried by the dreams he had had the night before, but the day seemed to have begun well. Then, the elves had arrived and attacked, re-igniting his worries but also alighting his magics and desire to be free of this form, and now, she was asking for space.

As she said that though he growled and stepped out onto the balconey with her, his expression even more angered as he saw that it was another elf. As she drew his attention into a kiss though, he softened, she able to melt the 'beasts' heart, and even as she seemed to long to keep kissing him, he forced himself to gently pull away.

" I know you will not, and I know you need to be ready." He softly mused against her lips, but he eventually did release her, looking to her as she said that though, he nodding to her. " I will hold you to that, I look forwards to having my dessert." He purred.

With that though he made his way down to the entrance of the castle, Aerthalla as Keara had said was already at the entrance, but Aaxtrinioius gave her a barely contained rage filled look. " Has your people not done enough already? I have half a mind to wage war on the entire world for this affront." He growled darkly, but he didn't send her away.

" What do you want?" He knew of all the elven elders, Aerthalla was the most level headed, but he was a royally pissed off, worried dragon. It would take quite a bit of convincing to calm him down, to make him see that it was not all the elves who were 'out to get him', but rather Sythavorn who was taking things too far.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sometimes, fate moved people where they were to be when they were to be. Izumo did not honestly think that she would be there that evening, not with everything that had happened that day, so he had gone there but to explore her favorite place, to learn more about her.

He stood a good six feet tall and was slimmer than Aaxtrinioius was physically, yet it was a lithe strength that spoke there. As she emerged though he looked honestly surprised to have seen her, but he rolled his eyes. " No elf sends a Kitsune anywhere. I will admit to being slightly deceived to come here, but I came of my own choice, and it is certainly not to return you to any elf." He grumbled, though he turned to her.

His five tails were all from age, he quite a good bit older than her but he stopped speaking for a moment, it clear he was caught by her stunning nature. Within a second he had shifted into his own natural form, his eyes seeming to look her over. I have come to retrieve my betrothed... our clans arranged our marriage when you came of age. He admitted, remembering Aerthalla's words about no lies or deceit.

Sythavorn's temper will cost him dearly for his deceit, but I assure you, I mean no harm. If anything, I am here to bring you home, and not back to the elves, but to your people Keara. He mind spoke so fluently, it was clear he was very well trained in the kitsune powers, but he moved a bit closer, wanting to touch his snout to hers.

I am Izumo, hailing from the Red tailed clan, I know, not the most original clan name, but I didn't make it, so I have no say over the name. He mused, cracking a soft joke at his own clans name but he grew serious. Sythavorn has the most skilled rangers believing that the dragon tricked you with magic to come here, and has you as his prisoner. Yet as he spoke he noticed the fifth tail of hers and he seemed to pull away.

You have already mated with him... I can see it... His snout picking up the air he growled lowly. I can smell it as well... He was pissed... why would Aerthalla bother to tell him to come and try to win her heart when she was clearly already bonded to another? He didn't understand, but he wanted to!