Prophesied One

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Laurana didn't hear Morden yelling at her, because everything inside her was screaming after the cave in! Guilt and shame washed over her, and fury. Plenty of pure fury as she learned none of their magic was working. She glowered at Douglas, the asshole who was the cause of all problems. She felt her hands tied so tightly behind her back she felt circulation cut off instantly. She had to do something to free Serena and Morden. Her own fate she could bare, but not at the expense of others lives. She studied Douglas closely, feeling him out for any weakness. If she had her magic shed burn him the same way she did those elves and kick his ashes down the cliffs. "Coward. You're only a coward, Douglas if you think this many captives will help you. Let the other two go, they've nothing you want." She growled through clenched teeth. all she wanted to do then was headbutt Douglas with all her physical strength.

Serena was also just as tightly bound, but she looked at the queen as if she had snapped and lost it completely. She was glad Niald was not here, she knew whatever happened was going to be brutal...and Douglas didn't even seem to realize Laurana had the hidden spell or was with child. Serena glanced at Morden, fully expecting him to kick Laurana for being so rash! And doubly thankful Caden couldn't reach them just yet...shed no doubt that Laurana had unleashed an ungodly rage in that bear of a man...simply by leaving the cave! Though it was Serenas fault, for even straying this far today......
 
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Caden was inside the cave in and he could feel the effects of the crystal even that far away. He furrowed his brow and went back to Sovalna, "The Douglas...I can feel that damned crystal." He said through gritted teeth.

Sovalna moved to her cauldron, though ti took a bit of doing and a lot of pardon me and excuse me. She pulled things from the shelves and added them to the cauldron and then stirred. She peered into the pot and lifted her hand to her head, "He is just outside the cave entrance, but is blocked from entering. He has Morden, Serena and....Laurana." She wen back to the shelves and pulled a book from the very far end and began to run her hands over the pages. She'd been searching for years for a way to nullify the effects of the crystal. Hannah, The Douglas' wife, had asked for a way to be human, or at least to seem human. A foolish wizard had created that crystal to capture magic powers and hold them at bay. Hannah had been overjoyed and had kept the crystal close until her child had grown gravely ill, and then she removed it far from her and attempted to use her magic to heal her child. Unfortunately her magic had been long gone from her that she could not control it, and instead of healing the child she had instead caused the illness to run rampant and kill the baby even faster. She confessed the whole thing to Douglas who lashed out at her in grief and anger. She fell and hit her head on the footpost of the bed and her neck broke, killing her. The Douglas vowed to find every single thing like her and be sure none of them could ever kill another human again. Sovalna was certain that what can be created and can destroyed, or countered. Such was the laws of the magical realm. "We need to create another crystal," she said, "They will cancel each other out. I think."

Caden looked at her as she performed her usual ritual. Maybe she actually did need all these steps. he thought in passing. His nostrils flared upon hearing that the Douglas had three of their people. He furrowed his brow at Sovalna, "How do we make one? And how much do you trust your thoughts on this?"

Sovalna looked at Caden, "I trust my thoughts about 80%," she admitted, "But, it is a risk. However, if we make one you should be able to feel the difference even in here. You said you could feel the crystal's effects. if the second crystal will nullify the first you would be able to know this from within this cave."

Caden nodded, "True," he said, "How do I make one?" Sovalna gave him the details and Caden rushed to Morden's shop and prepared the ingredients for creating the crystal. He forced himself to take the time necessary to be sure it was done properly, though it was killing him to leave Laurana and the others in the Douglas' grasp for any amount of time.



The Douglas looked at the three and then lifted a brow at the woman who had the audacity to call him a coward, "A coward am I?" he asked, "And now....what do YOU have that they do not then?" he asked, "Are you someone special?" He moved back to stand before Laurana having no idea she was the queen. "I am no coward madam," he said, "I cannot fight against magic, knowing this I have merely leveled the playing field. If your precious King is not a coward, he will face me man to man. I will fight him fairly," he said, "And then when he is dead i will be merciful to the rest of you. I do not enjoy torture, so your lives will be neded quickly and painlessly. I promise you that."
 
Laurana scowled at Douglas even more. Blood ran from her wrists as shed been desperately trying to wrench them free. The pain was so bad she felt sick, but determination and sheer stubbornness were two of her faults. "Since you have to have hostages to get anything done, especially two innocents, I don't find that brave. I'm queen Laurana of the fae. I returned here from the future to help them stand against you. Your hate is so strong that in the end it will only end your life. Send these two home, Douglas...I know for a fact Cadens furious at me enough to look for me soon. But I must ask you, why do you hate us so much? What have any of us done?" She asked, wanting to hear his side.

Serena inched just a little closer to Morden. She couldn't see much, but she heard the exchange clearly enough. "Laurana...please, be cautious....." She said worriedly.
 
Caden was actually using a timer, so as not to do anything wrong, and also so he used the least amount of time possible to make this crystal. If Hannah wasn't already dead, he would gladly kill her for betraying everyone in this way. He still could not believe any one of them would take the lives of everyone so lightly. It was always possible she was just that stupid, but whatever it was, she had cost a lot of lives. His Future wife and child were not going to part of the total though. he'd go out with his bare hands and rip Douglas to shreds himself if need be. He felt like this was taking forever...

Alna went back to the kitchen to continue making food for her temporary guests. She did not know what else to do. She could feel Nate near and hear his voice, and that made her have hope, when normally she would have been clinging to the cauldron trying to see every possible scenario.

Morden was flashing Laurana a death glare. If he had a muzzle spell at his disposal he would definitely be using it. WHY would she tell him who she was? Of all the ..." His mind spewed out a string of obscene thoughts all directed at the queen.

The Douglas huffed, "Oh," he said, "So I could have just sent an invitation to a battle of honor and he would ahve accepted?" he asked, "I highly doubt it. Leverage is a time honored and effective tool. One you have obviously never been taught, Queen of the Vile." He started to turn away when she asked her question, "It is your kind that must be destroyed." he said, "Had it not been for one of you lying and cheating their way into my home, my wife and child would still be alive. But no..lies and deceit are you way. You use magicks that you cannot control, and others pay the price. NO...you must be stopped before any others are killed, or hurt."
 
Laurana exhaled slowly. She watched Douglas turn away, still boiling in fury. How she hated that creep! She wanted free of these ropes, and a fair chance at taking him out herself. Magic or her bare hands. She definitely heard all of Mordens swearing, and she forced herself to stop talking, afraid for Morden and Serena. The ropes burned more ferociously as she wiggled her wrists. Pale and shaking, her flight or fight endorphins died and she knew another word would set him off. Holding back tears, her heart hurt terribly, followed by a violent tension in her stomach. She walked away from Douglas, assuming he was done with her. She stood stoically by a tree next to Morden and Serenas, willing to jump on whoever tried to hurt them. But shed lost her will to speak, and couldn't see any way out of this.She flashed Morden a deeply apologetic look, but said nothing. Serena kept her arms around his waist, worried he was going to kick Laurana!

And though she was being still and silent, she kept twisting her wrists, harder with each pull. Tears in her eyes were soon visible. But her violent struggle wasnt as obvious. Suddenly, she wrenched one wrist free! She almost laughed. Years of breaking free of restraints her idiot foster parents used were paying off..then she regretted her actions, realizing now her right shoulder had dislocated, and both wrists were cut to where the bones were visible! Goddamnit. she cursed silently, before stealthily hurrying to untie Morden and Serena, blocking out the pain. "You can both take turns kicking my stupid ass later...you both need to get away from Douglas...as queen I'm responsible for all of your safety...:please understand this, and try to find Caden.." she said in a very quiet voice. Her pale pink hair was slightly disheveled, and her semi good arm was around her hurting stomach. She prayed they would listen and run.
 
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Morden saw the look and didn't manage to keep the rolling of his eyes from happening. She had obviously either not listened when they spoke of the Douglas, or she'd just chosen to ignore everything they said in favor of her own knowledge of how best to engage him. He was tied at the wrists as well. He wasn't sure why Serena had been left free, probably because Douglas had never seen her before, but he'd never seen Laurana before either. The only reason came to his mind instantly and he started to feverishly get free of his bounds.

He saw Laurana dislocate her shoulder to get free and tried even harder to free himself. "Run Laurana...." he said and felt the whip slice at his front.

He heard the sound before he could react and a guard of the Douglas had a whip bound around Serena's feet and yanking it, forced her to fall to her back and then he dragged her over to the Douglas. Another whip cracked and this time if had Laurana's feet tied up and pulled from under ehr as she too was dragged over to the Douglas.

The Douglas walked over to Laurana and shook his head, "Fine Queen you are," he said, "No faith in your Knight I see." He lifted his foot and stepped onto the shoulder she'd dislocated freeing herself.

Morden swore under his breath but then he laughed loudly, "Poor choices," he said, "Caden will not fight for them. But you go right ahead at use them..." He chuckled under his breath as if making fun of the Douglas. The Douglas already knew Morden was Caden's mentor and teacher. He had used Morden before to get what eh wanted from Caden, or tried to at any rate. He was hoping the man would remember and change his tactic.

The Douglas looked back at Morden, "Nice try old man," he said, "But I am not using them to lure Caden," he said, "She is to ensure you stay out of the way." He said pointing to Serena. "I saw how you were looking at her. You care about her, and so...if you do not wish to watch her die before your eyes. then you will not help Caden when he comes. We both know he will." he pointed then to Laurana, "And this one is just Hell bent on provoking me."



Caden had finally finished the crystal after what seemed to him to be a million years. He wrapped the crystal in a thin coil of silver, as the directions instructed and then attached it around his neck. He kept if hidden beneath his shirt and then started toward the cave in. As before he felt the other crystal's pull but he could still feel his own magical power flowing freely in and through him. He began walking forward through the rubble casting it off this way and that and actually molding it back to the cave walls and strengthening them as he did so. He was soon at the entrance of the cave, "DOUGLAS!" He called as he moved with purposeful strides to where he could feel Laurana was.
 
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Lauranas loud scream of pain as Douglas damn foot went down on her shoulder, breaking it severely with a loud crack, could probably be heard for miles. She ended the scream with a muffled sob. Upon seeing Morden lashed, and all three of them dragged closer to that brute! She saw Caden and panic raced through her heart. It was he, that Douglas was wanting to kill. At this point however, she could only struggle under Douglas foot. Tears of agony streaming down her face. Suddenly, she felt faint, and her head slammed against the ground. she tried so hard to stay conscious, but shed lost an insane amount of blood and black spots swarmed faster across her eyes. In vain....everything they had all done...useless...and now Douglas was going to make Caden watch them die:.....she stared at Caden wishing she could hold him and apologize one last time...or tell him to get their people out and leave her.
 
Caden heard Laurana scream as he approached the group. "Still feel the need to hurt women I see," he said with a sneer.

Morden cursed, "Caden get the hell out of here while you can."

Caden just ignored that and kept his gaze on Douglas. He could not look at Laurana, it would affect him too deeply. "I assume this is all to get me to come to you. So here I am, now what will you do?" he asked. As he was speaking , Caden was mindflaying every one of Douglas' men mercilessly. They would drop to the ground one by one without any external show of the cause. "Your men seem to be fainting at the very sight of me," he said as his eyes flashed with fire and power.

Douglas watched as one man after another fell to the ground unconscious, "what have you done to them?" he accused, "devils the lot of you!"

Caden lifted a brow, "I don't know what you could be speaking of?" he said, "You know I cannot do anything of that kind to them while you hold the crystal. Laurana would ahve turned you to dust by now had you been without your precious crystal. I tell you they are weak minded and fearful. So now, you are left alone. Will you face me? OR run in fear?" he asked.

Douglas looked down at the woman on the ground and applied a bit more weight to the foot at her shoulder, "This one who has been goading and insulting me since she was captured?" he asked, "Surely not. She said she was a queen but a true queen would not jeopardize herself so easily for expendables." he said pointing at Morden and Serena.

Morden was working his feet free since the guard holding the whip was now dead. He got his feet free and then freed Serena. "Are you ok?" he asked quietly, "I'm so sorry...I should have realized what he was about quicker."

Caden did not look at Laurana even then, "So you choose to continue to hide behind a woman," he said, "So be it. Die like the coward you are."

The ground beneath Douglas sprang forth vines that caught hold of his arms and legs and moved him to stand not one foot from Caden. He was being held spread as wide as his arms and legs could be held and no part of him was touching the ground. Caden looked at him and then stepped around him calmly and glancing over to see Morden and Serena were well went to Laurana, "Woman," he said with fierce emotion in his voice, such as she had never seen or heard from him before, "If you ever do anything this foolish ever again I swear by all that is holy i will chain you to a chair for a month."

His hand covered her shoulder and healed the break and then searching out her body for all injuries he healed her wrists as well. He lifted her up off the ground and walked with her back to where Douglas was standing. "You Douglas are a fool. I was trying to find a way for us all to be safe, without having to kill you. I know about your wife and son, and I sought to spare your life by having all of us remain hidden forever from you world, but now. You have forced me to bloodshed." He reached up and grabbed the crystal from around the Douglas' neck and then stepped back.

"You have done great harm the Queen," he said, "It is she you will face. I doubt she will pity you as I had."
 
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Serena only suffered a few rope burns and bruises. She hadn't been nearly as hurt as Laurana! Relief went through her when she saw a very angry Caden manage to use his magic, heal the queen and give all the rights to destroy Douglas. Laurana nearly sobbed in relief to be free of pain.She used her own magic to first heal Serena and Morden, then she faced Douglas. "As I said before...your hate will now consume you." She stated, as if they were conversing normally. She felt the same heat shed used on the elves, fire up within her. But it took even less time than before, to dissolve Douglas into ashes. She then turned to Caden. "As for tying me to a chair....you saw how I just dislocated my shoulder and sawed through my own wrists to get out of these ropes. Good luck with that idea...." She tried to joke, but even though she was healed, her stomach really didn't feel well and she was worried now about the baby. Serena stepped in front of her, blocking Caden from yelling and stressing her further. "I think that was enough fun for one day, my queen. Perhaps we should now go to Sovalnas and check on the others. I know my Niald is probably worried sick, and I for one, would like you, my queen, that as a pregnant expecting mother, youre even less expendable than before." At this, Serena gave both Caden and Morden warning looks and escorted Laurana back inside the now repaired caves and rooms. She took Laurana all the way to the seers, trusting Morden and Caden to follow. Laurana thanked her and looked around at all the bustle of activity. "Thanks...for sticking up for me, even though I know I was an idiot at the time." She said locating Nathan and Sovalna. "Its been a crappy day for all of us, my queen. I know too well how it feels when all people ever do is judge you and call you names without learning the whole story. Robert had died because of Douglas. But people say I should have gone with him because I have a little protection magic...nothing that could have saved anyone today. But sometimes strong shields can form out of me, but I can't always strengthen them... But they still think I could have helped him...maybe theyre right. But now I must go check on Niald..." Serena left then, weaving away from the other people to a nursery. Niald and several other kids were playing quietly, mostly board games..no one looked up as she stepped in, but she sat down next to Niald, so she wouldn't startle him..

Laurana puzzled over Serenas sad tale, and decided she might just punch whoever insulted that amazing woman again. She said hello to Nathan and then told Sovalna that Douglas was now dead...but could she please make sure no damage was done to her baby during all those horrid events?
 
Alna moved from the kitchen to the cauldron and as usual threw in this and that and then stirred. She then bent to peer into the cauldron. Most of the people in her home at that moment had never seen her do this and they were enthralled. She lifted her head and looked at Laurana, "You did some foolish things today My Queen, "But the child is healthy and strong. Must take after his Dad." She said and the knocked on her head, "Good thick skull."

Caden rolled his eyes at Sovalna, "I am not the one with the thick skull Seer, that would be your Queen," he said, "I am glad you think of the child now," he said, "In the future maybe you should think of him first. You are not the only one here Laurana. Do you really have so little faith in me?" he asked, "Is that why you feel you must go headlong into danger at ever turn?"

Morden had followed and though he wanted to berate the queen for her words and actions he wanted to check on Naild more. So he followed her tot he room where he'd left the boy and moved around to the other side of the bed and put his hand to the boy's head and then checked his pulse. "He is responding well to the potion. Only two more doses and he should be well." He looked at Serena then, "I want to thank you for being brave and level headed out there. I could not ahve handled it if you had been spouting off as well. I already felt totally helpless and useless in teh worst possible way. If you had not been calm i would ahve said things I could never take back."
 
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Laurana felt very badly once Caden caught up and began yelling. Somehow, she sensed the little one didn't like it either, because her stomach tightened as if the kid wanted to coil around mom and deflect any temper thrown words! She wasn't far along yet in her pregnancy, but she held one arm protectively around her middle. Her shoulders tensed as she herself paled, though she did take Cadens words very seriously, and knew he was concerned, but also very angry since shed left. Forcing herself to speak, she stared mostly at Caden, but with a loss of confidence, found it hard to look him in the eyes. "I'm sorry...I was...only wanting to get Serena back here, before the cave in....but then Morden caught up to us and before he could finish yelling, Douglas showed up. I only did what I could think of, having no magic at the time, ...I wanted to get Serena and Morden far from the scene....I think Douglas would have hurt us all anyway, b provoked or not....but you're right, I should have been more cautious." She said, trying to calm Caden's temper. She slowly stood, then headed out of Sovalnas rooms. Deciding it was too crowded, and that she should make herself useful and see if their rooms had taken any damage. Once out of sight, she hurried down the hall. She wasn't fooled. she knew Caden wasn't going to be calm towards her for a long while. Once in her room, she changed out of her torn, bloodied gown and magically made herself clean, wearing a teal blouse and skirt. Then, knowing she was about to get scolded again, she made a cup of strong herbal tea, curling up in an arm chair, sipping the hot liquid. It helped her stomach ease up a little. She smiled bitterly. "Round two...." she whispered to herself, counting on Morden to really kick things into high gear.....all in all, not so much a good day.

Nathan was really having a hard time letting Caden talk like that to the queen. He sighed, ran a hand through his hair, then held Alna in his arms for calm. "She's had enough, Caden...I rarely intervene on others relationships...but I could tell the raised voices and feelings of anger were pretty much all it took to send her off. Okay, she did reckless, self endangering things in the face of danger. She was thinking exactly as a queen would: herself last, others first. Queen Aura did so much for her people before she died, I can see where she gets that stubborn personality. Forgive her, Caden...I think she did what she did to protect you too...and she didn't want anyone hurt." There. He threw his two cents in. Caden could interpret them as he wished.

Serena smiled as Morden checked Nialds temperature. "Good. I look forward to him being back to his normal self. Are you alright? I didn't take much damage, but you were whipped a few times." She added, walking over to get a better look at him. she was worried about Laurana, but Morden had also been hurt. "I think today has been brutal enough for all of us, morden..give Laurana some time.....Cadens practically ripping her head off as it is. Personally, he can be scarier than Douglas ever was..that temper." Serena mock shivered with a grin.
 
Alna looked up at Nathan, "I've heard Caden scream, that was not screaming....that wasn't even yelling really." She said and looked from him to Caden, "All in all, Boy," she said, "I'm impressed." she admitted, "Usually your mouth is not so ...controlled." She tipped her head a bit. "Maybe you should keep it that way for a day or two. Remind yourself what is actually important and what is not.Everyone is safe, the Douglas and the elves are gone. We can give the Queen all the time she needs to cast the spell."

Caden glowered at Nate, not because he was upset with the man for trying to defend Laurana, but because he just had that much pent up rage trapped inside him. He was doing his level best not to explode. He could see Laurana was sorry, but he'd seen her sorry before. How many things would ahve to be endured before she thought first? he had no idea. But he was trying to stay civil with a full blown hurricane blowing around in his soul. He just nodded to both of them and turned and left. He went to Morden's lab and destroyed the other crystal, as well as the pages for how to create one. He would remember how to make one if the need ever arose again, which he sincerely hoped it would not. He went back to their rooms, and saw her sitting on a chair with tea. He said nothing but went to the shower and bathed. He felt like maybe some cold water might help. He was wrong. He came back out dressed in black pants and no shirt. The heat of his internal battle was rolling off him in waves. He was very sure he wouldn't be able to stay this emotions or his temper so he just grabbed his fur cloak and left. He went out into the forest and took off at a dead run.

Morden nodded, "He's a strong boy," he said, "He should be fine in a day or two at the most." She came around and was asking about him. He hadn't even given his own well'being a second's thought. "Am I?" he asked, "I was?" he looked surprised, but when she mentioned it he did remember the crack of the whip. "I heard the whip...but I didn't feel anything...I was too worried about you." He shrugged, "Maybe it missed?" he said and looked down and noticed the red on his shirt and thought that was unlikely. "I did all my grumbling Serena," he said, "It's all done now. Everyone is safe and the Douglas is no more. She was foolish. And I have no doubt Caden is a wreck. But she will hear nothing about it from me. I am thankful everyone is safe."
 
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Laurana could barely stand this! She gazed silently at Caden, wanting to talk more, to reason with him...hell even have him shake sense into her if needed! But seeing him this angry certainly brought the message home. Tears welled in her eyes as she gazed at his face, he looked like he hated her now! She actually trembled in the chair, nearly dropping the mug. Instead, she felt the walls closing in...nowhere was safe from everyones wrath or bitter disappoint in her actions that day. So what if everyone was safe now? She sure felt a deep loss of Cadens love, and Mordens rampant disapproval. Even here in her room. She got up and paced the floors, heart hammering so loud and fast, it drowned out all rational thoughts. Memories of that day replayed in her mind. All the anguish and pain...her own stupidity. Was she even intelligent enough to be queen? If Caden came back and said he hated her and found her so detestable he no longer wanted anything to do with her or their son...she wouldn't be able to stay. Everything shed done this far had been for him...and it truly wasn't in her nature to worry overmuch about herself.. tears kept streaming from her eyes. She loved her new world, wanted more than anything to finish the spell for the Glenn to open up to them....but right now, she felt as if her heart wanted to stop beating. There had to be a better place to hide. She walked out of the room, torn by indecision and pain. Her eyes were dialating to the point she could hardly see, but out the cave she went....only to walk to the lake, though she did find a small meadow close to it to hide in. Finding a tree, she let herself sink against the cold ground, and simply cried silentlty all her guilt, shame and anguish...she couldn't remember ever feeling this bad since childhood, and it made her feel sick...

Serena agreed, though she was still worried about Laurana and Caden..."yes, we're all safe...but is she? She dealt with a lot today...maybe Caden missed healing her completely because his temper is so bad right now...what if he drives her away? Sorry....I just...I'd hate something else to happen to either of them." She added. She finished doctoring Mordens wounds,touched by his concern. "Niald is a very strong boy. Thankfully. He takes after Robert. But I know you were worried about me...I didn't dare talk to the Douglas..but from my understanding, Laurana so badly wanted us out of the way...she was actually brave enough to try to stop him...I don't think she doubted Caden, ever...she just wanted to buy everyone time." She said thoughtfully.
 
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Caden ran. He did not stop running until he had traveled nearly ten miles. He was barely winded, the speed fueled by the anguish and fire he felt burning within him. Questions attacking his mind and heart, seemed to slice at him bit by bit until he was hemorrhaging in his soul. When he finally stopped running he fell to his knees and his fists started pounding into the earth before him with all his strength.

Morden allowed her to tend to his wounds. "Maybe we should go find them and talk to them," he said. "I can usually talk some sense into Caden...eventually. And maybe the Queen won't be so afraid if you are there too. I'm sure she thinks I'll keep cussing at her." He looked a bit embarrassed. "I don't handle being without my magic very well. I am sorry you had to hear that and witness it. Forgive me?" Some of the Douglas' gibes struck home with him. He would ahve to admit he wasn't willing to even try to live without his magic. He needed it, and it was part of him. He felt naked and exposed without it. But, he did recognize that using their magic so freely is what continued to lead the Douglas to them. How stupid they had been.

Alna overheard them, "Go on and talk to her," She said, "Niald is safe here with Nate and I, "Caden is too far away...but he will come back. I ahve seen it. The Queen is down by the lake."
 
Serena smiled and lightly kissed Morden on the cheek, so glad he was in her life now. Before shed gotten to know him her life was a bleak struggle to provide for a rambunctious, growing boy.....with a bit of a green thumb himself. Their home was full of live plants, flowers, roses and even rare chrysanthimums, pink and white. Shed never seen anything like it. As she listened to Mordens request, she nodded.."Of course ill help you talk with the queen...I can't imagine what terrible self torture her grief is putting her through. Let's go now, before it gets much darker...we might also want to hurry, as the temperature just dropped, and it smells like snow again." She suggested, gathering a few blankets in case they also caught up with Caden...though she wasn't sure his anger had died down. Though Serena knew Caden wasn't truly angry with Laurana, self blame was often the worst enemy to face alone. She held Niald gently a few moments, assuring him things were alright again, then tucked him more secsurely back in his bed. She then led Morden outside, to search for Laurana, calling her name now and then.

And for now, Laurana was too tired and now cold to keep staying outside like a moron that she appeared to be. Her face was a mask of sorrow and hurt. she definitely continued hurting in her heart and stomach. Nerves still frazzled, she was already rising to her feet, when Serena and Morden soon caught up with her. As Serena draped a warmer blanket around her shoulders, Laurana seemed at a loss of words. From stubborn and angry at Douglas to quiet and calm again. She sighed warily, looking as if she were willing to disappear if it meant Cadens peace back. "Ok...I'm willing to listen..." she told them as snow began to swirl around them. Serena just guided Laurana back into the cave, back to Mordens, semi away from crowds. "Let's get warm first, Laurana, you were out there a while." Serena said, setting the queen in a large arm chair by the fire place and making all three of them cups of relaxing tea. Laurana thanked her and sipped hers slowly, chasing the cold away. She wished Caden would return, calm or not....but she stared at Morden. "Don't hold back please...just help me understand. I know you're angry with me as well...but this isn't about me...i really don't know how to calm Caden." She said, fatigue and pain clear in her voice.
 
Morden blinked at the kiss to his cheek. he blushed a bit and cleared his throat, "Ahem..well then yes...um..we should...um..go find the ...um...Queen. yes.." he was all kinds of flustered and he was having a hard time speaking. He watched her gather the blankets and took them from her to carry. They went out and called for Laurana, and found her as she was heading back. He let Serena work her calming magic and kept quiet. he was still having a tough time recovering from the kiss on his cheek. Heaven help him if she ever actually kissed him.

Once back at his place he let Laurana warm up and he helped Serena in the kitchen, putting a few pastries he'd purchased from Nate, on a platter and setting them on the small table by the hearth. Laurana addressed him and he drew in a breath, "First of all," he began, "I am sorry. I should not have been so angry with you before. I understand what you were doing and why, but you should never have tried to do what you did. Douglas is not reasonable, or even rational..well he is not anything now, so it is of little importance. But, I do NOT like being without my magic. It makes me...unstable...I guess is the proper word. It is not just something I do, it is who I am. Stripping it away makes me feel naked and I do not handle it well...ever. I knew I could not help either of you, but watching you hurt yourself was worse than that. Please...do not do that again. Please."

He sipped his tea and sighed, "Now...to the matter of Caden," And with that his words about the events of the day were done, and he would never mention it again. "Caden is and always has struggled with his place among us. He has been our most loyal defender and advocate, willing to do anything to keep us all safe, including hazarding his life to go and find you. I lied to him and said that I was sure my calculations were correct, and that he would arrive where you were, AND be able to get back safely. I really had no idea if he could or not, but I knew you were our only hope so...I lied. And he knew I was lying, but still he went. Every member of this community respects him, though most are afraid of him." He let out a slow breath. "He has never been one to hold his tongue, or keep his opinions to himself. He has flayed people with his tongue and walked away without another thought, if he felt they had endangered the clan or themselves. So...the fact that he did not vent the full torrent of the fury I saw in him, is a testament to the fact that he loves you. If you are in doubt, don't be." He watched ehr for ehr reaction before he continued.
 
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Serena definitely wanted to kiss Morden on the lips...as she was more attracted to him than anyone shed met after Robert. He was so helpful and good natured, that she certainly could imagine his rage at not being able to help the two of them. Morden had born his wounds bravely, even as she hid a few bad gashes down her back and legs. Really she didn't feel them. Laurana had healed the worst of the injuries. But Serena studied how Laurana was really holding up, as Morden explained why he'd been irrational. She saw the queen still holding her stomach, as if ill or stressed. Not good. Caden must have been really scary to see that infuriated towards himself and her. But she could tell the nerves of the queen were lessening.
Laurana didn't feel like she could keep anything down, but Nathan always had the best pastries and desserts. She managed a blue berry muffin and had another cup of tea. Immediately she felt better. "So basically, Caden is freaking out right now because he was scared to lose me, and now he feels grief tha. I had so little faith in his capabilities....he doesn't understand then, that I never doubted his skills. Or anyone else's...I guess after hearing all the awful events caused by Douglas I snapped as well and wanted him dead too badly....and especially being pregnant all the moves I made today were even more horrendous to Caden...". She hung her head, her pale pink hair having more color than the rest of her at the time. Serena looked concerned. "Caden just needs time to calm himself. He is a deep well of feelings most can't understand or fathom. But right now, highness, you look unwell. Is there a place you'd feel more comfortable resting in? I know you don't want to go home yet." Serena asked. Laurana nodded, glancing at Morden.."is it alright if I take a brief nap here? I could sleep in this chair im that tired..." She asked, having no clue where Caden was. She felt around with her mind, hesitantly, not wanting to distress him further.
 
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Alna had only Naild left in her home. Everyone else went back to their places, once they realized caden had fixed the cave in. She had returned to the cauldron, more of curiosity than need. She looked for Caden and Laurana in her request. She saw Laurana with Serena and Morden and noted her pale complexion and fatigued appearance. She huffed and then the vision moved to Caden who was abusing the earth violently with his fists, and seemed to be growling or screaming or something. Again she shook her head. She stirred the cauldron a bit and then looked again and nodded. She lifted the paddle out of the liquid and replaced it on its peg and then went back to Nate. She had to feel around for him, but she could smell him easily enough. Once she found him she wrapped her arms around him and rested her head on his shoulder.

Morden listened and tipped a head, "Feel free to take the bed in the next room. I have extra for occasional patients." He helped her up and showed her to the room. "Caden will return, he always does. rest a bit." He shut the door behind her and then went back to Serena and smiled, "Thank you," he said, "I know she is feeling better because of you being here.

Caden had made a considerable hole in the ground with his fists. He was not done venting his anger though and kept on bashing his fists against the dirt. After a few hours of that he settled back on his heels and looked up at the sky and let out a loud shout of what sounded like anguish and pain, but was actually frustration and pure rage. He sat then in a meditative posture with his legs crossed and his hands resting on his folded knees. He needed to conquer this once and for all, but he had no idea how to do that.
 
Nathan watched Alna stir her couldron with growing concern for Laurana and Caden both. "Gods...seems like he's snapped...can anything help him? Obviously not Laurana, shed be too much at risk, even accidentally, he might hurt her and the baby...if you noticed the look on Lauranas face earlier...he may be causing too much harm...I think she can still feel his fury, even from Mordens rooms, ANC its crushing her. Pregnant women need to be calm.." Nate added, worrying.

Serena watched Laurana choose a bed near the fire place, still very cold. She nodded at Mordens compliment. "It's the least I can do....Caden will hurt her worse than Douglas if he keeps this up..." She grumbled, watching Laurana pass out. She rested against Mordens arm, thinking. "Because I can calm most people...would it be better if I went to speak to Caden?" She asked, her grey green eyes full of worry.

As Laurana slept, all she saw in her mind was the darkest, blackest rage that was beginning to consume him. Just as the bitterness had controlled Douglas! She reached out to Him again, trying to talk to him...to help him somehow. <please Caden....I love you.....don't dwell on today....please...come home.> she pleaded, hating that black mass of rage that was pulling her in too..
 
Alna held onto Nate, "He would not hurt her," she said, "He is very very far away. The boy ran further than I've ever seen him. He's pounding the dirt to death, trying to calm himself and let it all go. He's figuring it out though, so he can be taught it would seem," She lifted her head and looked at him, "You are a dear wonderful man though, Nathan," she smiled, "And no worries for the Queen either," she said, "She is resting and the baby is well and fine. Caden will return before she wakes." She had a look in her eye that said she knew something she had no intention of telling and it was amusing to her, whatever it was.

Morden grabbed a blanket from near the hearth and covered Laurana with it and then went back to Serena, "Caden has always had to work through his problems alone. I'm not sure why, but this has always been his way. If he is afraid he might hurt someone verbally or physically, he takes off and does not return until he has a firm grip on himself. I was afraid he would need to when I saw the way he looked at the Douglas, and I knew what he'd think when he saw Lauarana." he slipped his arm around her shoulder when she leaned into him, "besides, I ahve no idea where he might have gone..." He placed a soft kiss to the top of her head, "And I don't feel like sharing you yet anyway. If that's ok with you."

Caden was finally able to enter the meditative state and Laurana's voice penetrated the fog and gloom of his mind. He reached out for it and let those thoughts permeate. He didn't reply back but he let the gentle urging pull him back from the darkness. He'd never gone that far into the Dark Fae power before, and now he realized he could not ever do so again. He remained in the state until he felt his heart rate calm and the fire left him. He stood and began the long journey back, taking that time to enjoy the life around him and renew his soul at the same time. The Dark Fae magic was difficult to handle, and now he had a renewed respect for the former King's ability to keep it under control. He also now understood where the temper came from and why it raged out of control as it did. He fixed his mind on Lauarana and realized she was not at home but at Morden's. He walked through the main common area, and ignored the looks and whispers. He walked into Morden's shop without knocking and without so much as a glance to him or Serena.

Morden blinked, "You cannot just.."

Caden looked over holding up a hand to silence him and went in and scooped Laurana up and carried her out of the shop and back to their home. He wasn't going to talk to anyone before he talked to her.
 
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