Sleepless Nights (open for any to interupt her meanderings)

[Relic Huldru]

Aryienne,

I ask that you care for my children as if they were your own. I know you owe me nothing, for the harshness I subjected you to, but please, do not take this out on my children. They need your warmth and love. Vortigen

How could she not care for them? Children were a dream she hardly let herself think of, given her penchant for reckless behavior. Nialle’s arrival heralded an unforeseen modification in her demeanor, however. The advent of the other four children, further shifted her attitude and way of thinking. For their well being, she would monitor her own conduct more closely, attempting to reign in her desire for adrenaline. Deep down she craved a family of her own, children and a husband, but this secret continued to go unvoiced, lest its possible fruition be destroyed before it could ever be realized.

I always thought you would be good with children…

Rhylian’s innocent comment ricocheted in her ears as she combed through layers of fabric. A seamstress hovered nearby, several dresses set out for patterns beside her. Aryienne sighed and rubbed her fingers over a soft lilac anthe. The girls actually owned quite a few dresses that they never wore, and tons of play clothes. She paused, a thoughtful look crossing her face. She barely glanced at the seamstress as she reached for a bolt of xillix. The dark purple was covered with large caricatures of flowers and vespins. Her head tilted as she held the lilac against it, smiling as it picked up a highlight around the flowers. Her hand snaked out and caught up a soft green and then a pink, matching it to the vespins. Reassa would like those.

Her next acquisitions became bolts of warm amber, a rusty orange and butterscotch. These she paired with chocolate mountains on a golden landscape filled with sparkies. And these for Nialle. Her expression continued to brighten as she moved through the cloth, those she wanted being set aside. Her orders to the seamstress were clipped, her attention elsewhere as she continued her inspection of the woman’s wares. And for Alisette… Pinks of course, soft and subtle, bright and airy, shocking and bold, set against a black tayga in a grey moor. Quilts, sheets, blankets, pillows, curtains, towels and rugs were requested. Nightdresses of thin twisp, shifts and stockings of tikel, combs of salix for their hair, yards of multicolored ribbons, all items to please and pamper. Additional items were added for Faerylle, her colors the softness of the sea, toys for Rajil and Gareth, all conscripted to be sent to the De’Integria manor.

The rooms had been painted, she and Leighton working tirelessly to get them ready. Nia and Rea would have but a door to separate them, perfect for late night secrets. Alisette, should she desire, would be across the hall, a small sitting room attached for her privacy, but close enough so she would not be left out.

I think that'll do it for the children...now to see about Haz.. A slow grin spread across her face as she turned to laces, silks and sheers in a variety of colors, humming softly as she started to choose a few, much to the seamstress's excitement.

[Veyrhk]

Hazanko slept fitfully that night, rising early the next morning. He stood in his kitchen, staring blankly into the large crate of foodstuffs that had been delivered to his house the day before.

Three....

He snorted and picked a piece of fruit out of the box, rolling it around in his hand as he walked through his apartment without any real motivation. It wasn't a small place by any means, his flat occupied an entire floor in a fairly good sized manor in Vanahal. There was plenty of room for two or maybe even three people to live comfortably, but two adults and three children...

He shook his head and looked around, trying to sort out what exactly he'd be bringing with him to Aryienne's manor. He gave a little sigh of relief as his feet led him into his trophy room. The fingertips of his free hand trailed over the glass display cases, containing a number of oddities he had found in the Abyss: gems, pieces of tablets, pottery, weapons, anything that piqued his interest.

I'll be leaving all this here, thankfully... he laughed to himself. Inside he was truly happy that Aryienne asked him to move into the manor, it was only a few weeks ago that he himself asked her to move into his apartment. But the time since had proved to be rather overwhelming, her audience with his family, their wish to reconcile with him, or at the least work with him, "the talk" he and Ary had, now this.

He stopped at one particular case as something caught his eye, he opened the case and picked up the item that sat next to the carving Rhylian had sent to him. It was an ordinary, plain rock that just happened to be roughly shaped like a heart, worthless. He smiled as he turned it in his hand, it had been a gift Valaeli gave to him while she was recovering from her mental breakdown, a rock she found in one of Pandaemonium's fountains. He gripped it in his fist for a moment,

Not like I haven't had to look after someone before...

He gently placed the rock back in its place and closed the case again, his eyes lingering on Rhylian's carving of him and Aryienne. A smile crept across his face.

"I wonder how that'd look on top of a wedding cake..."

He walked out of the room and spent the rest of the day preparing for the move.

[Aryienne]

Aryienne leaned against the doorframe of Nialle’s room, her gaze resting softly on the slumbering girl. Nia was curled on her side, hugging a ragged stuffed tayga to her. Her tawny hair gleamed on the pillow behind her, freshly washed before bed that night. She had cried herself to sleep again, the pillow still damp with her tears. The girl was determined to show everyone how happy she was to be here and learning, afraid to be sent back to her siblings. The tears only came at night, when no body was watching; tears for her mother, tears for her siblings, tears for herself.

Aryienne pushed away from the door and made her way back to her own room. She checked on the child multiple times a night, just to assure herself that she was safe. Nia spoke a bit with her about her life under Jevyn and it broke her heart to know the neglect those children went through. Tren’s latest correspondence expressed his desire for the children to be taken in by Kynn and herself and his appreciation for their acceptance of such, …That you and Kynn are willing to give of yourselves so selflessly is a testament to your souls and character, regardless of what people have tried to force upon you. That those you have chosen to spend eternity with are supportive of your decision is a reflection of your hearts and a priceless gift you will forever hold…

Her hand trailed along the doors to the rooms along the hall as she moved to her own at the end of the corridor. The manor was large enough to house dozens of children without tripping over them, the rooms well spaced and arranged for privacy and seclusion if it that was one’s wish. She handled the decision poorly in regards to Hazanko. Her thoughts full of protecting her nieces and nephews, she completely disregarded any trepidation such a situation might cause a fairly new boyfriend. Children had not come up in conversation and though they danced around the marriage question, both saying they would want to be married someday at some point, she still wasn’t sure if they had agreed to each other, she basically dumped three children into his lap and said “Hi honey, guess what I came home with today!” She was lucky he didn’t look at her as if she were crazy, turn around and walk away. Stellar, Ary, stellar…

Instead he merely looked like he wanted to hide for the next few days, while telling her that it would be fine. Wherever you are is where I want to be, that’s home. The next few days would spent packing what he wished to take from the apartment. She would make sure that the space was set up for a retreat for him, somewhere he could disappear to, should he desire. A soft smile crossed her face and she shook her head. All these care giving ideas…she’d best watch herself, unless she wanted everyone who knew her to drop dead from shock.

Her choice was the right one, the children would be well looked after between them all, they would be kept together and they would know the unconditional love that should have been there from the start. But for now, it was time to pamper Haz for all the surprises that had been thrown at him in the past week or so. Maybe another “book gathering” …

[Aryienne]

Aryienne walked patiently towards Vanahal as Nialle trotted along behind her, often stopping to gape at the scenery in Pandaemonium. Though born noble, Jevyn kept his family trapped in Morheim. With the return of the title to Tren, there had been little reason to move them since Tren merely transplanted them into his own manor, also in Morheim. Watching her niece, Ary fully intended to rectify this lapse in judgment.

Nialle tried not to slow her aunt down, shooting quick glances at Ary to judge her mood. The composed look and indulgent smile relaxed her, allowing her to gush over the sights. Ary pointed out and explained things that would interest the girl with a tranquil ease most would not recognize as a trait she possessed. Nialle kept her hand in Ary’s, unconsciously tugging the woman to and fro as she darted here and there. She paid little attention to the finery she wore as she skipped along, the golden dress complimenting her coloring. Her tawny hair had been twisted up and secured with a red bow in the back, pieces falling around her face as she whipped her head around, the emerald eyes, those Ke’Mentari eyes the central focus in a face that would never lose its childish features, wide in wonder. It felt like her head was going to come off, as she twisted and craned her neck trying to see everything.

Nialle began to chatter about the lessons Ary set up for her. She shared many of the same interests as her aunt, and was looking forward to meeting her teachers. She listened with growing excitement as Ary explained what had been set in motion. She would not be stuck at the manor alone! Ary thought to pair her with Daeva to instruct her rather than hire a governess.

“I thought you would learn better by example and enjoy your lessons more. I have asked two of my friends to instruct you in the arcane arts. One will show you methods and control. The other, “ Ary paused, a slow smile crossing her face. “she will show you to act without restraint. “

Nialle frowned, “But Auntie Arianna, how am I to be controlled and act without restraint?”

Aryienne’s laughter floated pleasantly about her. Nialle loved being with her aunt, she always had presents of kisses and cuddles, always willing to play and listen.

“I will show you. You will start training with me, martial arts and gymnastics. This will show you what discipline is and how a tiny movement can cause an explosive reaction. You will be taught Atreian, me too though a different teacher, but we can practice together. I’m hoping you’ll learn some history at the same time, though I know of someone who can expand on it if we need. I need to ask a friend to explain and discuss the sciences with you. I didn’t get a chance to see him yet. I also have someone in mind for numbers and business. I think you will like everyone that I’ve spoken to for instructing you. And while you’re days will be full, you still will have time to play your harp and to draw and to read,”

Nialle giggled happily, intrigued by the thought of being shown so much. I can do it. I’ll show them I can be a Daeva. I’ll make them proud of me.

[Aryienne]

I like the dress for your brother's wedding, my songbird.

[Relic Huldru]

You’ll never be able to hide my songbird. Your little man can’t help, and neither can that brute of a brother. You were given to me, and deep down part of you longs to scream for me, to feel your skin part under my talons. Soon we’ll be together my pet. Until then I will continue to keep you in my sights.

The color drained from her face and a dull roar filled her ears, as Aryienne stared down at the letter in her hand. It had been delivered moments before by an annoyed shugo who followed her around the Abyss as she flitted about, hunting. She stood in the center of Primum fortress, crimson hair clinging damply against her neck, chest heaving from exertion. Her claws clenched around the parchment, the words swimming before her eyes. The odd glances given by the other Daeva as they passed through fortress went unnoticed, while she fought against the urge to run and hide.

Bottom lip caught between sharp teeth, she bit down until she tasted blood and forced herself to think clearly. If she told Haz about the letter he would flip. Kynn also. She couldn’t stand having her movement restricted again or being followed for her protection. Lord Isceroth and Lord Daeje were of the opinion she should report Porturabo to the Shadow Court…again. “A lot of good that did last time,” she muttered beneath her breath.

Her choice was clear. She strode rapidly through the fortress to a spot invisible to the populace. Using a catalyst and powder she started a small fire and watched impassively as the letter burnt. No one would be told. She would bury her fear. No one would know.

[Aryienne]

Aryienne stared into the darkness of the room, luxuriating in the warmth of the sleeping man at her back. While perfectly comfortable, she couldn’t sleep. Rather than face her thoughts alone, for once, she snuggled into Haz’s embrace, allowing her mind to roam as it will.

Rhylian was back. The thought filled her with elation. She missed him dearly, worrying daily, always listening for the off key humming, or looking for his customary swagger. It also filled her with an immense sadness. When they parted, she to find Tren, he to regain his name, a friendship promised more for them both. A romance between the two was not practical without his noble name reinstated. The hint of the idea tantalized her, that the seeds of friendship could sweeten her heart for love again. Rhylian was a balm against the loneliness of life for her. She had been willing to thwart convention regardless of his position, but understood what the title meant to him. What would have happened if she hadn’t suggested he see about having his title reinstated? And now?

Would she give what she had now up for a chance? For a possibility? Rhylian asked her if she was happy. Haz murmured something in his sleep, pulling her more tightly to him before relaxing again. A soft smile crossed her face as she thought about the man holding her so close. A bit restless, not one for flowery sentiments but for simplicity, someone who trusted her abilities, he was willing to drop everything at her call but content to simply stand by her side, allowing her the freedom to be herself and to take the risks she craved, but always there to catch her and protect her (for, goodness, who didn’t melt at a bit of male protectiveness on occasion?!). Was she happy? Haz brushed a kiss to the top of her head sleepily, and her eyes fluttered closed, the tension draining from her body. Indeed.

[Aryienne]

Aryienne stood leaning against the rail, staring out at the mountain view from the Airship Docks. The brisk breeze teased her hair into unruly tangles and brought a flush to her skin. The sharp emerald gaze tracked a bird in the distance, clear of any shadows for once. A hint of vulnerability shined in their depths, allowed strictly because she remained alone, tucked behind a wall. She hardly let her guard down, even with Hazanko or Kynn. There were times she longed to break down and confide her fears, her hopes, and her dreams, but each time she did, memories rose up to haunt her. So she kept her secrets close and hopes they would forgive her if they ever discovered her deceit. Of course, mindless with passion or in the red haze of fury, she never even thought about hiding what she felt, but who the hell was looking then?

She briefly touched the cut on her jaw, made by Ryusho when they spoke earlier that day; lingering simply for the fact she had not visited a soul healer since. She remained curious though she passed it off as him testing her reaction to a possible threat. Possibly speaking to Lord Isceroth caused him to think she maintained her dependency, as he called it, on someone other than herself. But that was not why she sought the solace of solitude offered by her hiding place. Her fingers drifted to the ear cuff and the choker that Siben had crafted for her communication device which linked her to Hazanko. All she need do is depress the switch hidden in the jeweled bead that slid along the chord and she was no longer alone. She left it untouched.

Would anyone notice the change? Would anyone care? She rarely reached for it any longer. Her attention turned to the object held in her hand, the silver chain slithering through her claws. Tekka, long ago, fashioned a thin delicate spiral to hold the brilliant aether gem for her as it rested against her heart. The gem’s comfort endured much longer than the relationship it represented. It absorbed her bitterness and hurt becoming a reminder of a dream destroyed. It was a daily symbol emphasizing the lesson learned: promises could be broken as easily as made. She held the necklace up, the gem sparkling in the weak Asmodian sun, the wind catching at it precariously. Her other hand closed around the pendant which replaced it: a sapphire sphere so dark it was almost black suspended in a cage of gold drawn into gossamer strands that formed exquisite designs of leaves and flowers which clasped the sphere in a strong, yet delicate grip. A surge of love rose in her. Her mother, ever fearful of not returning from her missions in the Eye, hid a velvet box for her daughter’s 16th birthday, the pendant given from daughter to daughter throughout the N’Teri line and a letter full of affection and secret desires for her youngest child.

Her chosen spot to say goodbye was fitting. The spot she blurted out her love for the reclusive engineer would be the same spot she whispered farewell to his ghost. His memory would reside in the recesses of her mind; she didn’t wish to forget him. He taught her much about herself, during their stormy romance and after. His belief in her and acceptance of her doubts broke the shell she clung to, and allowed for the hesitancy to shut herself away again, granting her the strength to follow her heart. It was time.

She let go and watched the necklace spiral through the air with her whispered words. “Goodbye, my industrious engineer. I hope you find what you are looking for.”

Without looking back, she slipped from her place and walked smiling back towards the city, her hand already reaching for her communicator.

[Relic Huldru]

Kynn chuckled, hearing the surprise and slight humor in Ary's voice. "Yeh, I were damned young fer tha' sorta thing. I were sixteen."

He contemplated what she was asking, running a hand through his hair in thought. The nodded, though not as confidently as he hoped.

"If'm not, m'gonna have ta be. I gotta do it. Jus' one o' those things. It'll be fine, Arianna. M'sure o' it."

It was nice just sitting here, spending time with his sister. Granted, the circumstances were not the best, but still ... He closed his eyes, relaxing, contented by her being here with him.

[Aryienne]

Aryienne remained silent throughtout the story, hoping her warmth was as comforting to Kynn as his was to her. Suddenly she blinked.

"Twenty-two? Kynn....your child would be almost the same age as me!"

The odd urge to giggle rose up in her throat, but she squashed it, not wanting Kynn to think she was laughing at him. She shook her head, and cuddled closer.

"That will be a dangerous trip to take, Kynn. Both physically and emotionally. Do you think you're up to it? You've had a rather go of it concerning the heart and all,"

[Relic Huldru]

For a long moment, Kynn didn't answer, then nodded slowly. He tilted his head back to look at the cabin, then sighed and stared back up at the sky. "Yeh, she's asleep, n' didn't heart the heart ta wake'r. Figgered I go fer a walk, ta try ta get tired, ya know? Glad I did now. Been havin' nightmares a bit lately, n' didn' feel like tryin' ta sleep t'night. Jus' seemed like a' eve fer them ta come, ya know? Of course she knew. He has been aware of her sleepless nights for some time now. Almost since he met her, before they'd discovered they were siblings. "M'gonna hafta take a trip soon. Got sommat I need ta settle with from a bit ago. Ya remember tha' bit in the lil' story I tol' Bell about" he chuckled lightly " th'princess?"

For the next few minutes, Kynn told Ary all about the Elysos girl he knew while he was a slave. His voice was quiet, sometimes strained, as he divulged to her the joyful and painful memories of that time. At one point, he stopped. "Ya know, th'bairn she were carryin' ... would be ... 'bout twenty-two now ... Maybe a strong lad learnin' ta fight, or ... a beautiful girlie like'r mother ..." He trailed off.

"But, I ogtta go ... n' put them ta rest. Ain't good ta carry tha' around, trapped up inside ... Ain't gonna ferget, but ... s'time ta let'm go."

[Aryienne]

Ary listened quietly, allowing the steady thump beneath her ear soothe her. Slowly the tension seemed to ease a bit, the terror that gripped her loosened so she could breathe. A sudden thought occurred to her and she lifted her head to look up at him.

"Why are you awake? Isn't Harumi with you?"

[Relic Huldru]

He didn't know what to say. They talked about Portu before, surely, but the details were something that she either wouldn't mention or he didn't want to hear. Why can't the bad shit jus' stay dead? Seems like the night to be haunted by the past. He leaned back, laying on the rock, looking up at the sky. With an arm still around Ary and her head on his chest, he breathed deeply of the cool night air, one of the very things that attracted him to this place rather than the city of Pandaemonium.

"It ain't gonna happen again", he said softly. Without realizing, to break the silence that followed, he sang under his breath. The song wasn't anything new, or elaborate, or even well thought out. It was just something he remembered from before "that" day, something his folks used to sing when he was upset as a boy. Last time he'd sung this song was ... a long time ago. When he finished, he just lay there, looking up, fighting back the stinging in his eyes. What a fine pair they made tonight.

[Aryienne]

"It's from Porturabo,"

She scrubbed her eyes, heaving a soft sigh. She swung her foot idly, listening to his heart beat. She missed Drevyn horribly as she grew up, and while Kynn wasn't Drevyn, he was a strength she needed in her life. She couldn't have faced the last few years without him, and couldn't see facing the years ahead without his presence in her life.

"Sing sweet nightingale, sing sweet" her voice comes out in a melodic husky alto as she sings the words.

Her eyes fluttered closed against the violent headache that was threatening.

"He would sing that to me while I was locked in the cell, in the dark. He wanted me to scream. He made sure I screamed. That I sang for him,"

[Relic Huldru]

He gently brushed the hair out of her face, nodding slowly, then eying the paper on the ground. "Ary, lass ... M'thinkin' we know each other well enough by now ta know ... th'jus' a lil' scrap o' paper ain't gonna do this ta ya. There's gotta be mroe t'it. If ya don' wanna talk, tha's fine, but I ain't lettin' ya sit here by yerself, yeh?"

He shrugged, not letting her go. In fact, not really wanting to, since things have been a bit crazy as of late, and he'd always felt bad about not having been there when she was growing up. Not that he had a choice in that, but still ... The least thing he could do was to be here now.

"C'mon sis, it'll be fine, m'sure o' it. Ya know I ain't gonna let nothin' happen ..."