Part 1

[Inkshade]

Mora chuckles "You know what I mean."

-------

"I don't think magic ever gives you the answer you want." Airou sighs

Ammon nods "Me too, though I am curious now...."

"Oi, none of that." Dred says "I put good time into getting you to look reasonable." he sighs "Welp, come on ladies, we best get with the others who are advancing in the opposite direction. I need to get my horse..."

Lakyri nods.

-------

Estelle nods and follows.

-----

Vanora holds on. She was a bit troubled, as the las place she had seen Elias, he had been found by Rondar, so it was more than likely this was where they all were.

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Onobi grins "Me too!"

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Miljac walks towards the forest from the auction site, looking at the maps "huh....if I run it...I should be fine...." he mutters, and then looks up. he smiles, seeing two familiar faces "Lady Sonya! Hello there! Heading to the auction are we?"

Sonya nods "Miljac. And yes, that is where we are going." she says from Niodai's back. "Where is your brother, it is urgent I see him."

"Inside, there's a wedding party." Miljac smiles

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"I see, well it will be interesting to meet them." Rodric says "So...this Caedmon is one of those friends?"

------

"Well, Jast liked his mother so...here's hoping." Cazo sighs

------

"Princess Rowena is a kind and pure soul." Rhis says

"Yesss, to you maybe. But she isss a noble." Jast hisses

"Stop. You don't know her. she plans to end slavery."

"That will never happen with the current nobility. The filth all love their free labor far too much to jussst let it go."

[Dynamax]

"I do." Rondar smiles. "Just...be careful. I don't want to lose you too."

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"You're awfully misinformed." Karn says.

"Back off big guy. Airou has his reasons." Travis says.

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"Though you might want to check in with him when he gets here. I think i'm running Osiron ragged. He's picking up Lord Gustav as he comes." Ildor says.

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"You should tell the others what you're thinking." Goshin says. "Or should I?" He says to Vanora.

"Goshin, why are you reading her mind?" Vadris asks.

"I am sorry, she just had a look that said something was wrong. You non psychics and your secrets." Goshin grumbles.

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"Maybe something a little slower this time? I could use some time staring into those beautiful eyes." Edwin says.

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"Caedmon...it's hard to say." Mr. Bluestone says. "It depends on his mood."

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"I hope so too." Rowena says. "I don't want him hurt over nothing."

[Inkshade]

"Don't worry, I don't plan on leaving you to Karn. Someone needs to counteract you men and your swords." Mora smiles "Oh...speaking of which...they found us because a boy gained our trust, then reported us somehow...Karn wants his head and I understand it, but it's not the boy's fault. His parents were forced to sell his sister into slavery and he just wanted her back."

---------

"Hmph." Airou says.

Ammon looks at Airou with a sort of wide-eyed wonder "It's a shame..." he mutters

"What?" Airou asks.

"Hmm? Oh nothing." Ammon turns and kisses Lakyri's cheek "Best be off my little dove. That man needs his steed!"

Lakyri giggles and kisses him back. She then leans up and kisses him on the lips, and stays there.

Ammon smiles and chuckles playfully as they kiss.

Airou turns red and crosses his arms. he taps his finger on his arm, and waits for them to stop. "ATHEM!" he clears his throat loudly.

Ammon leans away and looks at him "Well, you best be off." he looks back at Airou again "Gah...a stare to devour souls....You've been learning from Thimos behind our backs."

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"Oh, I don't think you could run him ragged. He's too willing to serve you, so it is nothing to him." Estelle says "But I shall check in, he will wish to know that we arrived safely."

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Vanora frowns, not liking that someone other than her brother had heard her thoughts. "I was just worried. the last place I saw my friends, this Rondar had just arrived." she tells Vadris.

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Onobi gigles and smiles "That sounds nice."

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"Oh?" Rodric asks "Why is he easily offended?"

"I hope not, between Iago, Victoria and Ocatvia, we're bound to insult him." Claire sighs

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Cazo nods.

------

Rhis reaches his room and opens the door, then let's Jast through first "It won't take us long...as you can see, I haven't exactally moved in yet..." he says, trying to change the topic. "I don't really need help, but I wouldn't mind someone to talk to if you'd like to stick around."

Jast looks at him "What are you playing at?" he circles him.

"I can't be friendly?" Rhis asks "I was a slave too. I have a hard time seeing people lower than myself. I base such things on personality."

--------

Osiron reaches his room and waves his hand across it. his things start to pack themselves, and he goes to his studdy which was conjoined to the room. it was very similar to the one at the sisters' house. he had another painting of Vinitia above the fireplace there. he looks at it saddly "I can't wait forever...though I am ready to." he sighs "Look what you'e made me into..." he chuckles "I never thought myself being in a marraige for politics...but Rhis has a chance at what I've waited for, I won't let anything get in the way of that. I may have to suffer but not him." he says to the portrait. he sighs to himself and looks around the room. his eyes fall on something on a shelf "Ahh yes...forgot about you..." he mutters and takes the small gem off the shelf, dusting it off. he pockets it and glances at the painting one more time before going back into the bedroom.

[Dynamax]

"A pity he did not think to help us. That WAS out intended target but first we need to ensure we can survive this." Rondar says. "As for Karn's blood lust...mine always comes first. I will remind him of this."

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A clawed hand appears above Airou and soon the rest forms as Thimos hovers behind Airou. "He has nothing on me." He looks over his shoulder. "I did some checking. They are coming...as is Vadris....and an unfamiliar power."

"VADRIS?" Karn was stunned.

"I know, HE'S MINE." Thimos' face goes wild. "I will end this long standing feud with his family by killing him AND Honzai and end their reign of terror."

Aikia looked frightened. "Thimos..."

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"Warn him to watch that Gelgath slave. Father Gustav hates Gelgath more than I do." Ildor says.

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"Goshin, i will punish you later." Vadris says. "As for your friends...like I said, we will capture them for their safety."

"You will let us talk to them." Gregor says.

"Ohh...the rogue Grey is being mouthy." Kaizo says. "I normally would cut the tongue from your mouth but it is My Lord's wish you stay well."

"If you harm my son or Ana I will take yours and more." Gregor says.

"It's self defense only. Worry not." Vadris says.

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"It does, besides it allows m to hold you close to my heart." Edwin says.

"Corny but i like his style." Dahak says.

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"No, he is not typical as far people go. That's all." Mr. Bluestone says. "You will see soon enough."

Iago glares at Claire. "Like your mouth is any better."

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"Alright." Rowena opens her door. "I barely unpacked so this should be easy."

[Inkshade]

Mora nods "Good...we should prepare." she says

------

Airou was too mad at Ammon to be startled by Thimos.

"Who's Vadris?" Lakyri asks

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"Of course." Estelle nods "He naturally watches that one carefully."

--------

Vanora nods to Gregor "You can trust Vadris' word Sir Gregor, I do." she says.

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Onobi smiles and rests her head on his chest.

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"Hey, at least I know when to shut my mouth." Claire smiles at him

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"Alright, good they won't be waiting long for us." Cazo grins.

---

Jast looks at Rhis strangely, and sits in a chair. He wasn't going to help, but he would stay.

Rhis smiles, and starts putting things in a bag "It's odd...all this is happening so quickly...And I just found out my sister is on this side too. She's only my half sister I guess...I still see her as my twin though. Do you have any siblings?"

"No. My nessst isss dead." Jast says

[Dynamax]

"To the others then." Rondar says. "Thimos seems tense. That is never a good sign."

------------

"The chancellor of the King , my enemy...and the scum who seduced my sister and stole away her child." Thimos says angrily.

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"It's it not him that needs watching. It is Gustav and Karl." Ildor says.

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"I can't Princess. He's the one who had me exiled to the other side as a kid for my lack of magic power." Gregor says. "Either that or sell him as a slave right?"

Vadris turns. "Tell me 'General', did you take to your job to spite me from beyond the wall?"

"Gilbert and the others want me dead because you made Mother want to forget about Dad and how he died protecting me." Gregor says. "But no, I just wanted to protect a place that accepts me for me."

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"So shall we dance my Wife?" Edwin says.

"And what do we do while the kiddies play?" Gamu asks.

"I do not know. I'm enjoying my..." Ujani turns. "Dahak...I have a thought. There is a boy imprisoned down there, one who was a bother for Melgeth to capture due to his prowess. Your wife might need a bodyguard."

"Hmm...and you vouch for this boy based on what?" Dahak says.

"The way he moves and carries himself is much on par with a stalking tiger. He is power and skill." Ujani says.

"Hmmm...Melgeth, you know of this kid?" Dahak asks.

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"Why would I holster my best weapon?" Iago says.

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"So how are we going? Did I miss that in my shock?" Rowena asks.

[Inkshade]

"Yes...I wonder if he found something else as well..." Mora says with worry.

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"Oh..." Lakyri says, sorry she had asked. she glances at Airou who seemed calm, unless you looked down at his hands which where clenched tightly. She smiles lightly, having a feeling that her brother was no longer angry at Ammon. "Well...have fun killing him."

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"Ah, I see." Estelle says "When they arrive I will be sure to tell him."

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Vanora looks shocked "Vadris you..." she frowns saddly. He just keeps making this harder to see him with redeeming qualities.... she thinks.

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Onobi smiles "Yes, we shall."

Melgath nods "YEAH, I WAS GOING TO TAKE YOU DOWN AFTER THE PARTY TO TAKE A LOOK AT HIM, BUT WE CAN GO NOW IF YOU LIKE." he says.

-----

"Poor metaphor. You don't see Sir Rodric swinging his blade around at parties. There's a time and place. Even if it is your best weapon, you can't use it all the time." Claire smiles "A girl's best weapon is her looks and if we flaunted them like you do words..."

"We'd look like a band of harlots. Granted we'd rule the world..." Brigada sighs.

Rodric chuckles at the conversation. As they hit a bump, he hears a noise that sounded like someone reacting to bumping their head. He raises an eyebrow and looks at the floor of the cart. "I think we have a stow-away..."

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"Your Grandfather is getting us there." Cazo says, helping her pack.

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Rhis was trying hard to make the best of the awkward atmosphere. "I'm sorry to hear that." he says. he pulls the bra out of his pocket and puts it neatly in his bag.

Jast shakes his head. "Really?"

"What?" Rhis smiles and laughs "I think it's sort of romantic of her." he pauses, and the two laugh

"Boy you have a ssstrange percssseption of romanticssss." Jast says. he felt slightly more comfortable around Rhis, mostly because he had a feeling this boy wouldn't be given the full rights of a noble, and would be lucky to not be thrown back into slavery.

[Dynamax]

"I will." Thimos says.

"Killing who?" Rondar says as he walks up.

"Vadris, he comes." Thimos says.

"Alright, whoever is going, leave now before it is too late." Rondar says.

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"Yes, that would be wise." Ildor says.

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"Humans in nobility are shunned, ostracized and their families are often tormented for it. His brothers turned on him, blaming him for not being able to save his dad, who was also human and bringing everyone down on House Grey. Those were the options I gave, it was better that than her killing him. I gave him to you essentially and he turned out fine." Vadris says.

Gregor sneers.

"Ok, stop thinking that or I drop you." Goshin says to Gregor. "No gutting Vadris."

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Edwin then takes one hand and puts his arm around her waist. "Then I'll lead."

"Hmmm? After a dance with my fiance." Dahak says.

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The cart stops and Bluestone hopped off of his seat. "Everyone hold tight."

"I wonder who it could be?" Victoria muses.

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"Hmm? Which one?" Rowena asks.

[Inkshade]

Lakyri nods "Lead the way Dred."

Dred nods and starts off to lead those leaving to the rest of the army.

Mora sighs "Then it is a good thing we have extra help."

--------

Estelle thinks "Though...if they pick them up first, it will do little good..."

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Vanora sighs "You live by the concept of tough love don't you?" she says "Though, if that is the mentality of your people, we will have tensions. After all, all of the Cathitian nobility is human. Aside from my uncle, but he's another of those rare cases...Also, I would appreciate it greatly if you would not speak of Sir Gregor as if he were an item. He is a man, and he is a general of my nation. I will not have him being treated with disrespect, even if he did come from your land." She says "And in return, Sir Gregor, I would also appreciate it if you would lighten up a bit."

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Onobi giggles "Ok."

Cecilia smiles "I do love dancing."

Melgath nods "OF COURSE."

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"I have a good idea..." Claire sighs with a light smile

"Mr.Bluestone! You need to raise the height of this cart! It is a safety hazard to those who wish to secretly tag along on important missions, such as myself." a man's voice calls from below them.

"I was riiiight." Claire grins

the stow-away climbs out from under the cart and brushes himself off. he points to the cart with a smile "Honestly, that is a major safety hazard. How's a man suposed to stow-away into dangerous lands unknown to help find his niece and nephew when the cart he's stowing on doesn't meet standards?"

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"Oh, my apologies. Lord Gilford." Cazo says

-------

Rhis sighs "Well, that's everything." he closes the bag "Told you I didn't have much." he goes to the door "I'm going to the lobby, you want to come too?"

Jast pauses "I sssupossse..."

[Dynamax]

"Yes, this just became harder now though." Rondar says.

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"Except we can intercept them with a messenger." Ildor says. "Gilbert." He knocks. "We can have Gilbert pass it along for us if you wish.

"COMING MY LORD!!" Gilbert yells.

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"You misunderstand. I took him to your border and handed him over to someone who met me there. I was describing events." Vadris says. "I will do my best but I don't think that's an order he'll take to."

Gregor stares. "You don't know him like I do Princess. Vadris is charming...and that is why he is so dangerous."

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"You'll have no problems showing me then." Dahak offers his hand to Cecilia.

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"Considering how much of a safety hazard you can be Sir I will take your word for it." Mr. Bluestone says.

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"Oh...." Rowena sighs. "I was hoping it was Grandpa Gustav."

[Inkshade]

"Then we better be well prepared for them." Airou says.

Mora nods "We should start off in the direction they are coming from. Thimos, do you know this?"

-------

"Yes, that would be nice." Estelle nods.

---

"Yes, well be that as it may it's no reason to be uncivil. You're here as a General of Cathitias aren't you?" Vanora smiles "We can never abandon diplomacy."

----

Cecilia takes his hand "Certainly."

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The man laughs "Touche!"

Rodric looks "Ah, Lord Vito, I should have guessed."

"Good, he should be over here as this is in part his fault." Brigada says

"Lady Brigada, it's not like I gave her a boost up and over!" Vito grins "I simply taught her the skills she used, you can't blame a master for what his pupil does with what they learn." he sighs "Anyways, thought you all might need me, and wasn't about to let you go off and find her without me. Not to mention, Nini and Drystan never gave me the go ahead to come over, which I consider an invitation to go along."

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"Hmm? I'm sorry." Cazo says

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Rhis and Jast walk to the lobby. Rhis sighs

"What?" Jast asks

"Just nervous. I'm...not sure what happens next if I'm not recognized as ligitimate by the King..."

"Well, can you usssse magic?"

"Yes."

"then at leassst you won't be a sssslave. Exsssile perhapsssss. Or death, if you and the Princssesssss'sss little time together issss revealed." Jast says, then sees how pale Rhis turns "More likely exsssile to your land."

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[Dynamax]

"Yes, follow me westward. We need to get away from here. One mistake and the town below will perish from a mudslide." Thimos says as he begins to walk.

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"Yes my Lord?" Gilbert's Astral form floats out the door. "Milady." He addresses Estelle.

"I need you to go to your brothers. Father Gilford is there and he'll be transporting the others first to Father Gustav's then here. I need you to warn Osiron to keep his Gelgeth slave in check and ensure that no one starts anything." Ildor says. "Did i forget anything Estelle?"

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"Diplomacy abandoned him. He tried coming to the court shortly after he came back. he was driven off at sword point by his brothers on threat of death. Rumor has it he has been acting against us here and there ever since." Vadris says.

"You know your memory is better than these five." Gregor says.

Goshin stops and spins around. "YOU!! THE TOWN OF ARBELAST SIX YEARS AGO!! YOU CUT OFF MY TONGUE AND BROKE MY LEGS!!!"

"You were trying to murder children." Gregor says. "These five are an extermination squad Princess. Anyone the King deems an enemy and these five fly off to destroy and ravage. Cities, families, small nations. It matters not. They kill anyone, young or old, man or woman, innocent or guilty."

"So you decide the law of this land then?" Kaizo says. "Yes....you were less grey in the hair then. I remember now. You saved those insurrectionists."

"Because they harbored Thimos' sister a night they're suddenly treasonous? She was wounded thanks to you." Gregor says.

Kaizo laughs. "There was more to it."

"No there was not. I lived there for 3 months. Not one spoke ill of the king...even if it was their right." Gregor says.

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Dahak smiles as he puts an arm around her. "Thank you Milady."

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"I pray I do not need to keep you in check too Sir. I have my plate full as it is and as you are their elder I will expect more out of you than them. We follow Sir Rodric's lead, just to make sure it is clear." Mr. Bluestone says.

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"My Mom's Dad...I was hoping he finally came out of his manor." Rowena says.

[Inkshade]

Mora nods "We can't allow that. Those are good people."

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"No, I believe that covers it" Estelle smiles.

-----

Vanora sighs "I see." she then smiles at Gregor "Well, to hell with them then. They don't know what they're missing." she says, trying to cheer him up.

----

Cecilia giggles "No thank you my lord."

----

"Oh yeeeah yeah. I know, behave. In my defense, proportionally I'm not the oldest though." Vito grins. he jumps up and sits behind Victoria "Well helllloooo my lady! Facinating! Truely remarkable! Even in this drab forest....smog you radiate beauty. It's a pitty you're my...er...niece in law? Regardless you're lovely."

Rodric sighs.

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Cazo nods "I see, well you never know. He will likely come out for the war, not like that's much better, but it gives you a chance to reach him." he says

------

Rhis and Jast reach the lobby. "huh, looks like we're the first ones here." Rhis notes and sits on the floor. "This really is a nice mansion...It's big, but easy to get around."

"Hmm, maybe the main hallwaysss, but there are sssecret passssagess everywhere. Thossse can get confusssing." Jast says

"Huh? Really? Cool! Maybe next time we're here you can show me." Rhis smiles.

Jast pauses "Maybe.."

[Dynamax]

(OOC: Rodric is sighing in the wrong spot)

"Indeed." Thimos says. "We must hurry. They keep pausing but they will catch up."

---------------

"Then i will be off." Gilbert then flies off.

"Alright. That was easy." Ildor says. "Perhaps now we should check on Adona. See what she's been up to."

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"Thanks." Gregor smirks.

"You meant the Grey's right?" Kaizo asks. "Because we are all right here and can hear you if you meant us."

"As am I Kaizo so stow that kind of talk." Vadris says.

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"You're welcome." Dahak smiles.

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"Since when is that a problem?" Jagi says.

Octavia punches him. "Shut it."

"What? It's not like she's his flesh and blood." Jagi says.

"Ignore them." Victoria giggles. "and thank you for your kind words my most Gracious and Handsome Lord."

Iago starts making gagging noises.

"Smarten up." Cassius says.

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"I pray I am up to the task. Both he and Uncle Karl are....not the men they were." Rowena says as she finishes collecting her things.

[Inkshade]

((fixed it...bloody wierd enter bar...in my defense I had to type that with one had so I'm just happy it made sense))

"It is just the six of them and the one other entity you could not identify?" Mora asks

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"Certainly." Estelle smiles "She was with Lady Mirael so where would they mostly likely be?"

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"Oh, I did mean the Grey's, but believe me anything I'd have to say about you I would still say to your face." Vanora says.

Azrael smiles, liking Vanora's attitude.

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"Listen to your brother Iago, or I'll turn you into something to really gag over." Vito smirks. "Regardless it would feel odd. bit of an age difference, but I'm not afraid to appreciate beauty."

"What happened to proportionally not the oldest?" Rodric chuckles.

"Heh?...Well...er...That's....that's different!" Vito says.

--------

"If anyone is up to the task it is you Princess." Cazo smiles.

-----

Rhis smiles at Jast, who acctually smiles back.

"Well I'll be damned! I didn't think you could smile, always sulking about. What did you do to him Rhis?" Osiron asks as he enters the lobby.

Jast tenses up and the smile fades.

"Friendly conversation goes a long way." Rhis smiles

"Why are you on the floor?" Osiron asks "there are chairs you know."

"Eh, oddly it's more comfortable to me." he shrugs