Re: Hope Falls

**BestNameEva** Fri 12 Jul - 20:27

"I don't get how it is fine for you to cause fucking shit for over a year but I have the audacity to voice my opinon and I'm the one in the wrong. Enjoy your leisurely fucking ride tomorrow." He sneered, storming out and slamming the door closed behind himself.

Phoenix Fri 12 Jul - 21:06

A week later

“Sir, Maria is here, she’s brought Idris.” Ruairi announced as he tentatively opened the door to Kael and Daphne’s rooms to allow the nanny in. “And word was sent that Hawk came back last night too.” He added before closing the door behind him.

“Good morning, Sir.” Maria greeted as she gently bounced a sleepy Idris in her arms.

“First meeting you let me take in a week and it just has to be with that screeching thing Kael brought back from overseas.” Isolde sighed deeply as she took her tea from the maid, “I wonder what is so pressing that she has been at the door every single day. I may make a habit of sending someone to bang on her quarters at daybreak for a week to see how she likes it?”

“So am I signed off to ride alone now?” Aesira grinned as she finished putting back the saddle after her ride. “Satisfied enough?”

**BestNameEva** Fri 12 Jul - 21:16

"You have been signed off for several days, did I not tell you?" Marcus asked with raised eyebrows, the light through the window of the tac room catching the mischief in his eyes. "Apologies, it must have slipped my mind." His chestnut stallion, as if in the on the act, snorted with a shake of it's mane as it's reigns were taken off of its head.

"The guards and their whisperings tell me that it is to do with the conversation you had with Kael about Indira needing a replacement, but it is a Razi sister and we all know how unhinged those women are." Aodhän scoffed, leaning back in his seat as his own tea was passed to him. "You can see why the brothers turned psychopathic, can't you?"

"Idris!" Kael gasped in his genuine excitement, patting his hands together before reaching his arms out towards his son. "Oh, my favourite part of the day."

Phoenix Fri 12 Jul - 21:26

“No you did not, arsehole!” Aesira shook her head with a laugh, “I enjoy my morning peace alone and you have stolen that from me for no good reason, I am shocked!”

“It is a good thing our grandson is being raised here where we can ensure that all of that ridiculousness is kept to a minimum. He cannot be a thing like his mother.” Isolde sighed deeply before waving her guard to open the door and allow Avani in.

“The day and tonight? The Princess asked me to ask if you will keep him with you until further notice. I assured her you’d have no objections.” Maria smiled and patted the baby’s back as she handed him over. “I shall leave you be, I know you prefer to tend to him yourself.” She added before going to leave.

“Ah, now it really is a good morning.” Daphne grinned as she left the bedroom, tying the gown she was wearing around her waist.

**BestNameEva** Fri 12 Jul - 21:37

"Doors are not soundproof here, maybe that is something you should look into." Avani mumbled, struggling to keep the irritation from her face as she took a step inside. "I have been so insistent to speak to you, Isolde, as a mother. Not a Razi, not as someone coming to you from the East. I have learnt things recently, and I - I need your help, your hospitality."

"Why should we give you anymore than you have received?" Aodhän scoffed quietly. "You've not gone above and beyond since you have stayed here, you have been as irritating as Ishaan was before he betrayed us."

"Respectfully, Prince Aodhän, I was not speaking to you."

"An extremely good day, in its entirety." Kael grinned, holding the boy close as he got to his feet and bounced him. Brushing his thumb against the back of his head, "Look who it is Idris! Both of us are free today, so you get to be with me and Daphne, exciting, mm?"

"You have enjoyed every moment!"

Phoenix Fri 12 Jul - 21:44

“What is it you are after, Princess? What can I do for you after months of insisting we are the worse people on the continent?” Isolde sighed softly as she gestured for Avani to sit down.

“He looks like you when he smiles like that.” Daphne laughed softly as she crossed the room to join them, gently kissing Kael’s cheek before brushing a finger over Idris’ head. “You’re entirely your father mm?” She cooed at the little boy.

“Did those words come from my mouth? I think not!”

**BestNameEva** Fri 12 Jul - 22:01

"My eldest children are being..." Avani cut off as she felt her throat tightening, continuing without saying the word, "He is being punished for taking blows to his baby brothers, forced into the brushing cold night without guard and with his guards, his protectors, turning him away from warmth. They are having to hide, the way I did from him, beneath floorboards and be cautious of every word they say in case spies are lurking in the spaces between the walls. I was going to speak to you, before assisting my sister to spread my nephews ashes, about bringing them here too. I was going to ask your permission to integrate fully. I understand it is risky for you, but as a mother... it is why I want to speak to you as a mother."

"Oh, hopefully not entirely." Kael laughed, leaning in to kiss the side of Daphne's head affectionately. "He is the best of Indira and I. He is the tie that you and I will have, when we step into power. What unites us to Baldruun, the symbol for a peaceful time."

"You don't need to say them! I can tell!"

Phoenix Fri 12 Jul - 22:13

“You are wanting to permanently reside in our kingdom with all of your children? Just so that I am understanding this correctly.” Isolde asked, putting her cup down.

“Ishaan is a peaceful person by the sounds of it. Hopefully he does not gain his father’s thirst for power.” Daphne rested her head against his shoulder. “It is not often you have him on your own at night, usually you go to Indira’s chambers to spend the night with him. I’ll make sure the maids bring everything we need to keep him here.”

“Mind reader now are we?” Aesira grinned, raising an eyebrow.

“The Guardians have declined your meeting as their Seers have informed them of the discussions, and given you a simple offer in return.” Lucian wheeled himself into Conans office, placing a letter down on his desk. “They will release Dagmar from the camp if you agree to double her sentence. They wish to hear back by the end of the week… They’d have seen you saying if giving her more time was what was necessary… they’re taking you up on it Conan…”

“There aren’t words to describe how he’s been. I’d say stressed or melancholy or scared but…” Thea shook her head as she leaned back in her seat, passing over a glass of wine to Karina. “Danica’s wedding is in two days and up until all the shit hit at once he was excited for it. He didn’t want her to marry him because he didn’t believe it was the same as what we had but he wanted her to have the best day he could give her. And now… with Zaria’s visions… he is just so deflated… And I do not know what to do.”

**BestNameEva** Fri 12 Jul - 22:36

"I am coming to you, on my knees, if I most. Willing to sacrifice my culture and identity, if I must, so that my sons and I can remain here and they can experience... what it is to feel safe." Avani swallowed. "I am coming here to you, as a mother, and as a woman fleeing the hand of a violent husband who never quite knew how bad it had become."

"I- I meant what I said, despite my children thinking I said it to get rid of her for longer. I can sleep easier at night knowing she isn't being persecuted. I can wait... it is - waiting for one another is something her and I are good at." He whispered, lowering his gaze to look at his desk. "I'll talk it out with the children before giving word, but I don't see what other choice there is."

"There is probably Seer somewhere in my blood line, my fifth great grandmothers sisters aunt, maybe?"

"When I faced off with them both, Ishaan and Arzen, it took little for Ishaan to be rendered useless. He isn't a fighter." Kael snorted his amusment. "Before that, before it all went wrong he seemed... reasonable. As for us, it will be nice to spend the night with Idris. Nice for him to spend it with us."

Phoenix Fri 12 Jul - 22:54

“Ten years Conan… I do not know if they’ll forgive you for it.” Lucian frowned, reaching over and taking his hand, patting it gently. “I will support you, whatever you choose. But beware of the betrayal they’ll feel.”

“And that makes you a mind reader?” Aesira chuckled, shaking her head. “If you are a mind reader what’s my next move?”

“Staying here is no problem. As long as you maintain your own guards. If war comes to my door and you are the price to keep my people safe Avani… you know I cannot sacrifice them for you.” Isolde said, not unkindly. “I have plenty small residences across the country that I am willing to house you and your boys in, but what if your husband comes looking for you?”

“I’m looking forward to it.” Daphne assured, patting his shoulder. “Did I hear that Hawk is home?”

**BestNameEva** Fri 12 Jul - 23:15

"You did, and he hasn't had the opportunity to meet this one." Kael laughed cheerily, brushing her nose against Idris' in silent affection.

"I would take any hit I need to, be dragged across ocean and have my neck slit from ear to ear. I would like you to keep my sons safe though, sacrifice me, yes, in a heartbeat do that but at least try for my children? Please? You - you are a mother, you must know... you must understand the lengths."

"Oh, well, that is a difficult one. There are so many paths." Marcus chuckled, ducking his head in until his nose touched her. His breath hot against her face, "I - I believe the most probable, but of all of them, is that you will kiss me."

"They already hate me," Conan answered every, watching their hands. "What difference does it make? Dagmar not suffering is more important."

Phoenix Fri 12 Jul - 23:21

“He hasn’t met him yet? How is that so?” It’s been months.” Daphne raised her eyebrows in surprise, “That won’t do.”

Isolde was quiet for a moment before hesitating a nod; “We will offer you sanctuary, as long as it does not result in a war. You and your children are welcome to settle here.”

“What makes you think I’ll be the one kissing you first?” Aesira whispered, lacing her hands behind his neck as he came close. “I have impeccable self control…”

“What do you think Dagmar would choose, if she were in your ear?”

**BestNameEva** Fri 12 Jul - 23:34

Conan narrowed his eyes at the question, nostrils flaring as he pulled his hand back to rest them behind his head instead. Looking up at the ceiling, as he mumbled thickly, "She'd want to come home to the kids, as soon as possible."

"As do I? Seems we are at a stalemate," He exhaled, edging ever closer, so his lips almost brushed herself as they spoke. His hand slipping around behind, gripping her waist.

"Then how - how am I to retrieve my boys, if you do not allow me to travel East when my sister does?"

"You've barely met him. It has all been manic hasn't it? We returned here, married, he was sent away, he nearly died, he went away... you need to meet him properly, Idris needs to. He and I need time."

Phoenix Fri 12 Jul - 23:49

“I don’t know how many more times or how many ways or languages I can say that I keep Indira here not because I enjoy the pain it brings you all but because it is a necessity for my people.” Isolde almost whined with frustration, swallowing as she glanced to Aodhän at the first sign she had returned to work too soon. “If I let you all go then what is to stop your family from holding you there against your will - that is if I trust you not to turn and decide to stay once you are over there - and then mounting an attack on my people? Nothing, that is the answer, nothing. If everyone that means anything to your brother is no longer here then my people are fodder for the war machine I know your brothers are capable of. Holdings hostage because it is the only thing that gives me the ability to sleep whilst knowing that a firebomb won’t be dropped on the castle from the sky by your family. I do not enjoy keeping Indira hostage. I do not want to hold people hostage. But I must have someone important to your brother here to ensure my safety. My peoples safety. My children’s safety. I know you think I am cruel, I am heartless. And if it were up to me I’d send you tomorrow to collect your sons, but I cannot.”

“Perhaps this is a sign Indira is more willing to spend longer periods of time without him. We can get a chance to spend time together if that is the case. As she continues to go stronger she’ll want to be out and about, sometimes she will need some time to herself for longer than an hour. We can be a family then mm?”

“And you. I don’t think any camp will change how she feels about you Conan. She’ll be coming home to you too.”

“I hope you do not think you have found me at a disadvantage, that I will be so overcome by your charms I will give in.” Aesira grinned, moving a hand to rest on his shoulder as the other snaked down his front, moving to his waistband.

**BestNameEva** Sat 13 Jul - 0:09

"This isn't a fight of who has the power," Marcus answered pleasantly, moving his hips against hers as they were guided. "I see you and I as equals here, unless you want to be dominated? Or the dominater? I am not too prideful."

"I don't know what she will be coming home to, Lucian. It's all a fucking mess." Conan laughed humourlessly. "You know what it is like. You came home to Karina, it was all different. She will go through what you did."

"It doesn't sound like her though," Kael shook hid head. "It makes me worry about her, the willingness to be apart. She is disassociating."

Aodhän reached a hand across,lazily enough that it looked casually as his fingers gripped around her waist and he pulled her into his side. Reaffirming to Avani casually, "I have no doubt my son has informed yiu both, you arexto be hostage; or your sister."

"What about my sons." Avani bargained, hesitating with each word. "I would never eave them, and though they are the youngest they still have enough clout, especially with Ishaan. If my boys stay here, can I go with Ondira. Help her release my nephew and - and collect my eldest boys?"

Phoenix Sat 13 Jul - 0:22

“I would not be with Karina if Emmett hadn’t have passed. The situation is different, so different, Conan. You married Liara for a need, for an heir, for the kingdom. Not because you wanted to, the way Karina wanted to marry Emmett. And it was a millennium later… Can Dagmar still come home to you? Or has that door closed now you and Liara are doing better?”

“This isn’t a battle of anything other than wills, as you were so sure I’d be the one to kiss you… My experiences may not be as colourful as anyone else’s but I know enough to know there is plenty I can do without my lips touching yours…” Aesira brushed her nose against his gently before pushing his head to the side and pressing a kiss to his neck.

“Or you worry too much. Mothers are clingy with their babies at first and then when they are a little more durable the need isn’t so overbearing to be attached to them. You are his father, she knows that you’d never allow anything to happen to him. And now she is not too fragile to move around the castle and come to you if needed she’s allowing him to spend the night away.” Daphne assured, “Why would she dissociate? There’s no reason to.”

“You would do that? Even though you mistrust me so? You’d leave your sons here in place of you and Indira?” Isolde raised her eyebrows in surprise.

**BestNameEva** Sat 13 Jul - 0:31

"I encouraged her to speak to you, about boundaries. So that step-mother would cross any lines mother didn't want abd she... took it wrong, like an attack. She has barely spoken to me since then."

"I trust you more than I trust him, or the seas with all the visions that have been had." Avani swallowed. "I know as a mother, you wouldn't harm them. Despite what lies between you and I, children are children. Queen or... Princess. We have both been pawns."

Marcus laughed; eyes fluttering closed at the kiss as he tilted his head sideways to give her more room with a hummed sound of approval. "Colourful? Should I be offended? My mother was a whole, not I."

"It makes me terrible doesn't it?" Conan laughed humourlessly. "To tell you that I don't know the answer to that question. I would deny her, I -'I love her but would I be able to deny Liara if she asked me too? No..."

Phoenix Sat 13 Jul - 0:40

“Who said I was speaking about you in particular? I may be a lady but people still talk, I still hear things. I know what people get up to.” Aesira chuckled, “My mother also didn’t keep me in the dark about things as some mama’s do with their girls. I’m no fool.”

“You’ve fallen in love with Liara, truly..” Lucian nodded, taken by surprise. “Now I see why Karina insisted she go to this wedding to represent you, instead of you going yourself, Magnus would throttle you if he found out.” He laughed without humour. “It appears my matchmaking skills are better than I thought…”

“Then instead of it being her and I it is the two of you who should talk. Though I cannot see Indira punishing her son by being distant just because you said something she did not like… or is this who she is? I met her once before she became ill and subdued mm? I suppose I do not know what she is truly like.”

Isolde was quiet, picking up her drink and taking a sip as she leaned into Aodhän. “I accept the offer. When Kael sails Indira may go with your sons in her place.” She replied after a few minutes.

**BestNameEva** Sat 13 Jul - 1:11

"How am I meant to know? I am tired and I don't understand why everything is so hard for everyone." Kael scoffed. "If she thinks too mothers is an insult then she can go to my ancestors, tell my birth mother that to her face that the woman must mean nothing to be replaced. After she has looked after her, done so much. It is insulting."

Avani let out a slowb resth of relief, continuing, more tentatively, "A- and Rauiri is to stay here, with them. He is the only one who will keep them safe like I would."

"Throttle; that would be him holding himself back. I would deserve every punch." Conan laughed humourlessly, heartbreak threatening to break the laugh. "I don't love her any less, Luca. Why must one mean more than the other?"

"Your insufferable." He breathed, turning his head to catch her lips with his.

Phoenix Sat 13 Jul - 1:25

“I wish I knew how to make this all easy for you Conan, I truly do. I have always loved Karina, but it does not mean that I have not loved others. Maeve most of all, despite everything, if she had packed up and come with me then things would be entirely different. I loved her, but in the end our circumstances lead us different places. It is the same with you and Dagmar. There will always be love but… when she gets back you already do not want things to go back to how they were before - with Dagmar your wife in all but name and Liara in name only. But I suppose you have at least four more years to work out where this is going for you. In a years time you and Liara may be so at odds you will be asking for her to leave your rooms again. Or you may realise in three that you aren’t the same man anymore and as much as you do love her Dagmar is no longer the one for you. It’s years away though, the point at which you must choose what to do. Try not to worry too much until then? And… and avoid Magnus.” Lucian added on at the end, half humor, half legitimate warning.

Aesira moved her hands to hold his face close to hers as she kissed him back deeply, pulling him closer as she moved up on her tiptoes to meet him better.

“Kael will choose his guard for the trip. If Hawk refuses to go the Cavanaugh is the reserve. You have a few months to decide between you.”

“Your mothers did not exist in harmony, your birth mother passed, so your mother took over. We do not have a model for the relationship we have found ourselves in mm? From what I understand even here bastards and their mothers are not kept around, but you are not the usual, and so Indira and Idris stay, and this is something we will have to work on together.” Daphne reached over and allowed the baby to take her hand. “I understand her jealousy. I think it is one of those things we have to simply wait out I am afraid, my love. In her eyes I have taken all that is hers, she will not want me to do the same with her baby, mm? I am to be Queen when you are crowned, just as she was. I married you, just as she was supposed do be wed to you. You love me, whilst it is clear she has unrequited feelings for you. I’m living the life she should have been, and u think the only thing we can do in this instant is wait until she has grown out of the feeling.”

**BestNameEva** Sat 13 Jul - 1:37

Conan laughed, shaking his head as he turned his face away to stare towards the wall on his left side. Watching the small details of the wallpaper that decorated it and stating, in a whispered tone, "There are very few moments these days where I miss my mother. I miss her in moments for Cassius' and Aesira's sake, of course but... there are very few moments where I miss her. She would know what to do... how I should act. She would be able to smooth things over so my kids don't hate me... she would know. Instead it just feels like I am constantly failing, constantly aching. This pain hasn't left, not for one moment, since that day."

"Oh, hello." Marcus chuckled his greeting, eyes fluttering closed. Kiss deepening as he coaxed her closer with a hand on the waist.

"Isolde." Avani swallowed. "I- I don't think you understand. Please, just - just try... I am not trying to dictate, I am not trying to be spoilt."

"It is all too much." Kael mumbled, catching Idris' hand and bouncing it up and down as he spoke. "Too much dramatics. I can never understand why more people loving hin has to cause so much conflict. If I were the regular than no one would love him; if I were the regular he wouldn't exist. Why does me caring make things so complex? It is draining. It is burning me out."

(( Night ))

Phoenix Sat 13 Jul - 8:50

“Kael chooses who guards him, it’s a freedom he has had since he has become a man. If he chooses to take Cavanaugh with him because that is what will make him feel safe during one of the most vulnerable moments of his life then I cannot stop him, Princess. But you are more than welcome to take the time before you leave to discuss this with him and try to get Hawk to go.”

“You do not understand because this is all in the mind of a woman who teeters on insanity.” Daphne pointed out not unkindly. “You cannot understand her choices because most rational people would not. It’s not her fault she’s afflicted, but to say it doesn’t affect her thinking and how she chooses to be would be silly mm? If she is so unstable at this moment maybe it would be best for Iris to stay with us until she is stable again and realises what she is doing.”

“I do not want to hear a single word from you about protecting my virtue or my reputation.” Aesira warned as she pulled his shirt from his waistband. “I know what I want, what I am doing, and it is you, right now.” She breathed, pulling the clothes over his head before eagerly returning her lips to his.

“I miss mine too… the Fae have it easy do they not? Their connection to their dead. All we get are unanswered prayers.” Lucian scoffed, shaking his head. “I think mine would have beaten me black and blue for some of the choices I have made in life.”

**BestNameEva** Sat 13 Jul - 15:37

"Beaten you if you were lucky." Conan agreed either a quiet laugh. "Then I would have been in line next for it. They would have gone one after the other."

Marcus breath caught in his throat, helping her to remove his shirt before hungrily lifting her up. Slamming her back against the wall of the stables with a bit more force than he had intended.

Phoenix Sat 13 Jul - 16:02

Aesira laughed in surprise, wrapping her legs around his waist and tangling her fingers in his hair.

“You’ve had more visits from the Guardians in the last twenty years than your father had his entire life. I guarantee you he’d be cursing your name.” Lucian snorted, “My mother would have had me castrated if she knew about even a fraction of my exploits.”

**BestNameEva** Sun 14 Jul - 7:22

Marcus moved his head, lips finding the warmth of her neck as he moved down from beneath her ear toward the soft flesh of the collarbone.

"I am making a statement," Conan snorted. "It is a miracle that you only have Kenna."

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