Caden smirked at her, "That would be like blaming mine for how I am though they had nothing to do with raising me. No, my flaws can all lie squarely on Morden's shoulders as yours can on the shoulders of those who attempted to raise you where you were. Though, it seemed to me that even there you were a bit .. resistant to help." He kissed her temple and held her close, "I am glad you believed me and came here. I can't decide how I ever functioned with the boredom your absence must have entailed." He was teasing her, but it was true though. He'd always felt his life was eventful and perilous until he'd met her. NOW it WAS both of those things and more.

Naild nodded, "I'd prefer to start at the top that way we shall be feeling more certain of our skills by the time we must venture into the cellars and dungeon." He wasn't worried about going there, but he didn't want her to be reminded of her mother or being stabbed. He had no idea how he would handle it if his mother tried to kill him. Not as well as she had, he knew that. However, his mother had been loving and caring all his life, so perhaps that was the difference. "Maybe if we head to the kitchen, we can catch jasmine and Varen before they leave for the day...." he suggested, "And if they have, I bet we could find something in the armory...they were working in there tidying up." He clasped a hand to her elbow, "You ok?" he asked noticing that now familiar look about her face.

Morden smiled, "Then I shall to my best to keep up my end of the process," he said with a wink. "You were so beautiful when you carried Niald. Such a glow and joy about you. I used to just watch you and smile." he admitted. Thinking back on it his actions would seem inappropriate and he supposed they were. She'd been married then, though her husband was missing and presumed dead, no one actually knew that he was. He hadn't been able to help himself though. Luckily at the time he'd been training Caden, and that took a great deal of his time. he too had given some thought to possible effects of the star flowers. Would it change a child? how had it changed Niald? He had to believe that since Rebecca already had latent 'sight' the star flower was able to enhance that exponentially and faster. Nialds ability may not surface for years, it might surface tomorrow. No one actually knew, which was why the flowers were not used unless there was dire need. Holding her, he would not imagine his life with her gone. He would use the antidote again, even with all the risks to have what they shared now. "They do grow up...but...before long I have a feeling we will be grandparents many times over." Truth be told, he considered Caden's son as his grandchild even though they were no blood relation. Caden was as much his son and any blood born one could be, and he was just as proud as if he'd sired the man.

Alna drew in a deep breath and blinked a few times to clear the vision. She blushed a pretty pink, "Turns out all I had to do was close my eyes. Not sure why I didn't think of that before....I feel a bit foolish." She took a drink from a glass next to her, not caring what it was. Vision always disoriented her for a time and she needed to steady herself before she tried to communicate more. When she was ready she looked at her, "She is in the midst of the black Swamp fighting for her life. She is battling against ever more dangerous creature that are changing....Nathan it was huge..this beast managed to wound her but she was able to walk away." To be honest she had no idea how injured the girl was, and visions were always subject to misinterpretation and often affected by the angle of sight. "She has a good weapon it seems and I saw a brief flash of a crystal of some kind. I will have to look through Morden's books to identify it. Let me eat and then we can go find him."

Varen wasn't surprised she liked to read. She seemed to have a lot of general knowledge about the forest and creatures and fighting. He held the door for her when she asked him to join her for tea and some relaxation. "I was wondering which house you actually chose.." he admitted, "I may need to send missives or find you in an emergency..." And then she said he could stay the night if he wanted to and he was quiet for a bit. He was caught off guard and had no ready reply. He wasn't affronted or thinking ill of her for such things were not uncommon among the Centaur, but for someone to say such a thing to HIM, well that was unexpected. He was no one within their hierarchy, with no position or standing. Most Centaur females were looking for such things. He didn't imagine it mattered much now that their population was so small though. Maybe she was uncertain she'd ever meet another centaur and was willing to take what she could get. That made a bit more sense to him and he glanced over at her, "You honor me Jasmine. I am not at all worthy of someone like you." His old mindsets were going to be difficult to banish. He had been told his whole life that he was never going to have a family because of who he was, and who his family was. At this moment he was grateful they were all gone and that no one knew about them. Maybe he could actually start over and build a tradition on success and truth for his children to be proud of as they grow.
 
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Laurana grinned, shaking her head. Poor Morden had a lot on his shoulders concerning Caden! "I think Morden did a far better job in raising and teaching you than my ......foster families ever did with me." She refused to elaborate on her dark past; having not thought much about it since returning to the Faerie world, and loving the simple fact she'd found somewhere she truly belonged! She kissed him deeply back, arms wrapped around his waist. "As for being resistant to help... yeah I grew up a little wild and stubborn." She grinned with agreement. It wasn't exactly like Laurana had experienced many fuzzy moments on Earth!

Rebecca's eyes had started to show that familiar tranced- look, she knew... that even Niald recognized by this time. "Hmm? Yeah I'm good. Let's go seek out Jasmine and Varen... hopefully they have a few ideas that could help. I love exploring though... and don't... worry about me or my memories... I refuse to bring them up anymore. I'm glad I have a better life... and most of it is thanks to you... and everyone else. I'd only empower my mother's memory if I kept living in the dark." She assured Niald, holding his hand as they hurried towards the kitchens. She already had a feeling a nightmare would plague her that night, so she hoped to keep it at bay, just a few moments longer.

Nathan frowned, having no doubt that Alna truly saw Laurana's sister in terrible danger. "Worry not love... Having first and second sight at the same time can be disorienting I'm sure. You're still adjusting to both sights... give yourself some credit." He smiled at her, refilling her cup of pumpkin-spiced coffee. "Should we go inform their majesties now? We may be able to brainstorm together just what has to happen in order to get to the aid of her sister." Nathan wondered, perplexed again at how he couldn't seem to have remembered Aura having more than one daughter.

Jasmine smiled. "Reading kept my sanity as a young girl... especially after losing my family.... It taught me many things that while living in isolation, people or even other centaurs, simply couldn't. I've been filling in the missing gaps as best as I can." She assured him. She hid a blush with her long hair at his words of honoring him.... Hey... she wasn't such an important person either! "Trust me, Varen, I love being in your company, and can think of few others who I would ever invite into my home. Mine is the topaz-blue house; with the two stories and shining windows... I've yet to really decorate it... I was in the forest for many years before finding that house. Perhaps you could help me design some nice furnishings?" She was glad to be with him... she didn't know really, what she would have done had she never met him... or ... anyone ever again, for that matter..
 
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Varen smiled, "I know the one," and was just about to offer to build her some furnishings when the young ones approached them hand in hand. They were a cute pair those two and seemed destined for one another. "Master Niald, Princess Rebecca..." he said formally and with a slight bow of his head, "What devilry are the two of you intent upon?" he grinned as he asked.

Niald stood a bit straighter and taller at being called master Niald. He bowed back, but did not release Rebecca's hand. "NO devilry Sir," his normal sober tone and expression in place. It seemed he was always stiff and serious except with Rebecca when they were alone. "We were hoping there was a map of the castle so that we could explore a bit."

Varen tipped his head, "I believe there was a plan of sorts in the armory. We may have filed it in the cabinet but it should be easy to find. Take care not to mess about in the files please."

Niald nodded, "Never Sir! We will be very careful. If there is paper about I can copy the map and return your original to the files."

Varen smiled at the boy. So dutiful and careful, "There is paper and both pen and pencil there. Make your copy and enjoy."

Niald gave Rebecca's hand a gentle squeeze, "Thank you Sir. Enjoy your evening!" Then he turned from the two and led Rebecca to the Armory. "It shouldn't take long for me to copy the map. Maybe we should find a torch as well?"he looked at her then with that so very adult expression on his young face, "By the way...I am very proud of you. Stepping past the way things were and letting yourself be happy is hard. It's nice to see you smililng again." He went back to searching for the map then and gave the comment no further thought.

Varen turned back to Jasmine then. "That boy has no idea he is still a child. Pity really." He waited for her to move through the door and then walked with her toward the house she'd mentioned. "If you describe what you like I can make some furnishings for you. It's one of my hobbies..." In truth it had been about all he'd done when he was alone here. A lot of the houses had things in them that he'd built and placed there hoping the White fae would return to the glen.

Caden nodded, "Mmmm...could be. He had no idea what he was doing but he did try. So I suppose that counts for a lot. I am sorry that you didnt have anyone like that where you were. Still...in spite of it you are a loving and compassionate woman. A marvel thumbing your nose at the hand fate dealt you." He grinned.

Alna sat for a moment longer, "you are too kind to me Nathan," she admonished, "I am adjusting quickly, and yes...as soon as I am able to walk without falling over we shall seek out their majesties. I am not sensing dire urgency...so this must be in the future...when something is of life and death imminently..I feel...ocht it it hard to describe, but it feels like I cannot catch my breath and there is a heaviness here..." She motioned to her chest with her fist. "May I have a bite of that bread love?" possibly it would help her recover quicker, and perhaps not, but she wanted some of it before they left. Selfish creature she was sometimes. She managed to have three pieces before they left. She was careful to stay close to Nathan's side in case another vision crept up on her unawares, and because though she could walk she was still feeling a bit sideways. They saw Varen and jasmine off in the distance as they approached, "They might be in the kitchen?"
 
Nathan smiled, squeesing her hand gently as he made sure Alna had plenty of pumpkin bread. She needed to keep her strength up, and he was more than happy to help out. As soon as she'd finished, he cleared away all the dishes, using their handy dishwasher and then sweeping a bit, before helping Alna to her feet. "Are you alright to head out? I can always go by myself to give a message." He offered.

Jasmine laughed as she lead Varen out of the kitchen. She walked slowly, in case someone else needed to ask them for their help, and just because she liked looking around the beautiful palace, with its marbled walls of pale ivory and soft pink carpeting. Queen Aura had been fond of bright, girly colors, Jasmine remembered, but also had a nice sense of style and artistic talents. "Children do grow up far too fast, Varen. I know we both had to." She smiled. "But he'll figure out soon enough he has plenty of time for learning and growing. It's probably taking him time as well, to know they're both out of danger and can enjoy themselves. He worries more about Rebecca than anyone in her family probably ever did, and that is sad." She added, trying not to dwell over Sheena's brutal ways. She was glad that woman was gone.

Rebecca smiled, thanking Varen and Jasmine for their help and let Niald draw a map. "I hope the attic is safe. We'd better walk very careful up there, just in case there's loose floorboards. Who knows what we'll find in there though." She added, glad to be exploring. She had studies tomorrow, but those were just to help her catch up on schooling that she'd missed. She'd probably finish in just a few hours and then could bug Niald all day.
 
Varen sighed a bit, "We did, but they are safe here and should not have such pressures...." He shook his head and let out a half laugh half whinny, "Well I suppose such pressures are a personal thing. Some people are born old. Naild it seems, is an old soul trapped in a youthful body. Hopefully he will learn to enjoy his life as well as be responsible for it." They left the palace and made their way to her house, "So...you have not mentioned any furnishings you might like. I was sincere in my offer to build it. I quite enjoy making things...unless you would rather the Queen make you her ... different type of things." The Queen made wonderful thins but they all seemed strange to him. He wasn't a fan of modern design it seemed.

Alna sat and rested while he cleaned. She enjoyed her bread and some coffee and slowly her mind cleared and the dizziness faded. By the time he was finished she felt almost back to normal. "I am fine Nathan," she chuckled, "I used to see visions and walk around blind remember? At least now I can actually see where I am going." Small consolation really, but she did not mention it. She felt more clumsy sighted than she had blind. Perhaps it was due to the fact that she rushed about more now, which she hadn't realized, or because seeing allowed her to take in more than normal. For whatever reason though, she seemed to bump into more things and people now than she used to before when she was blind. "I can accompany you...I think perhaps they will both need to hear this from my lips. And, I think perhaps maybe Helena could shed some light on the existence of the sister."

Niald finished the map and smiled at her musings. "We will be careful. And we would still be within the palace, so help will always be nearby. I think we will be safe." They made their way to the attic following the map which led to an off rather narrow staircase. There were torches along the walls but they were unlit. "Seems no one has ventured up here yet..." he observed as he grabbed a torch from the wall in the large open hallway. He flashed it at the huge portraits hanging on both sides of the walls, "I wonder when yours will be added to the ones here? You'd look very pretty up there next to the other royals." He grabbed her hand and led her up the winding staircase, lighting the torches as they went. He had the fleeting thought that they should have told someone where they were going but again he brushed the thought aside since they were inside the palace. When they reached the top of the stairs there was a huge open storage area with chests, large cabinets that appeared to be for clothing storage, and many other boxes and crates. He lit the five torches on the walls there and the candleabra on a table in the center of the room. Not every nook was lit but there was enough light to allow them to freely look around. He opened one of the large clothing cabinets and sure enough there were ornate gowns contained inside of magnificent workmanship. "Wow....this is beauitful...it would look well on you..." he suggested, "Try it on??"

Caden led Laurana back inside the palace and into the kitchen. "I don't know if my son is hungry but Dad certainly is. How about Mom?"
 
Laurana grinned, feeling her stomach rumble just at the mention of food! "Definitely both of us are famished. Not sure what I'm craving... I'm thinking salad and sandwiches of some kind though." She agreed, gladly following him to the kitchen.

Jasmine blushed. "I'd love a good dining table... maybe some book shelves and a drawer please. I can help if you'd like. I do like the Queen's inventions... they're definitely from modern Earth... but yes, I'm a bit old fashioned in my styles." She agreed just as they arrived at her house. It really was sparcely furnished... but oddly cozy, with the massive couch and a few arm chairs. She generally sat on the floor's soft blue carpet however, as it was more comfortable. But she did think about her human visitors often. She was fairly certain Niald would be perfectly alright, as would Rebecca... though they did have a talent for getting in trouble...

Nathan nodded, then held Alna's arm so he could gently escort her. "Give yourself credit love... with regaining your sight... moving around is a lot like learning to walk all over again. Things you saw in shadow are now so clear it's disorienting. We all know it's difficult... but I know you'll be just fine in a few weeks. Shall we?" She meant so much to him, that he wanted her to know, he understood how things could get very challenging sometimes. Nothing ever came easy.

Rebecca blushed bright pink as Niald told her she should have a portrait made of her on the walls of the palace. Truly, she didn't think of herself as a princess yet. Being adopted by royalty didn't mean she could just claim royal blood. And Fae were extremely snooty about being from pure-blood descendants or even relatives of the royal family. Gods forbid if you tried to enter the wrong social circles. She followed him up the narrow stairs, holding onto the rail tightly, then gazed around in awe at all their attic- discoveries! So many trunks of Queen Aura's clothes... but also the ancient queens' before her, or even Helena's were up here! She found a reccord-player with lots of classical records; beautiful furniture, antiques, trophies, even old bows and silvery arrows on the walls in glass containers. Other glass-display cases had been mounted on the walls as well: Full of jeweled knives, swords, shields of gold, old crowns, and pendants. The trunk that held Niald's fascination was full of ball gowns, evening gowns... and a particularly gorgeous, silk gown, entirely in silver satin, embroidered all over with tiny diamonds and a modest neckline, embroidered with pearls. The hem reached her ankles easily, with long trailing sleeves, and satin lace around the hem. She was almost scared to put that kind of dress on.... "I don't know Niald.. these are so fancy they look like they could disappear if touched by the wrong hands." She added. Then something caught her eye. A crawl space, right between two ancient mirrors... right in the wall on the floor, big enough for two people. "What's in there?" She wondered, prying her mind away from the fancy dress.
 
Caden knew she'd be hungry, and just smiled indulgently. "I bet we can find everything we need in the kitchen."

Alna nodded, "I know Love. I am not happy with limitations...never have been. But I am sure I will be fine, especially with your support." He really was far too good to her, and always had been. She'd never understood it before, because she had been quirky, cranky, and sometimes not very good company at all. Still he'd come daily with her bread and sat with her. Crazy man, but he was HER crazy man. They made their way to the palace and went in search of the royal couple. "I have no idea where they might be, but the kitchen seems a likely place to find a pregnant woman and Caden wouldn't you think?" Snickering to herself at her comment, they made their way to the kitchen and sure enough, there they were. "I see i was right," she congratulated herself. "Hello Caden....Laurana..."

Caden looked up, "Right about what?"

"That we would find you in the kitchen."

"Not usually a bad guess at any given time really."

Another huff of amusement, "Exactly."

"To what do we owe the honor of this visit?"

"I have seen another vision..."


Niald looked at the dress and then at her, "But such things were meant to be worn. I bet whoever put the time in to make this would not like to see it hanging here like this..." He moved to where she was looking at a crawl space and peeked in. "Wait here let me check it out first." He crouched down and crawled through the short tunnel with the torch held in his hand. He found three torches lit on the wall inside the room he found himself in and lit them before calling back to her, "It's safe...come on over." This room held a suit of the finest armor he'd ever seen and a shimmering gown that almost seemed to be made of a million diamonds. "Who wore these I wonder??" there was a huge mirror on one wall that could be tilted and angled on its base. He approached the armor and let his fingers tentatively touch it appreciatively. "I'm going to try this on...you should try that on...we can put them back after....let's pretend a little...."
 
Laurana was actually preparing real salads from iceburg and romaine lettuce, chopping up yellow tomatoes, and bright orange bell pepper slices, then adding hard boiled eggs, finely chopped, with a big helping of shredded, cheddar cheese, all over the salad leaves; sprinkled liberally with shell-less sunflower seeds, and light ranch. She then prepared turkey, tomatoe, and pickle sandwiches- also with light ranch, then settled down to eat. To her surprise, she heard Nathan and Alna approach them about a vision. Pushing her plates aside, she poured two tall glasses of iced-tea for her guests, then made sure both were seated comfortably at the table. "Good to see you both. You startled us a little, but that's alright... is my sister still alright? How can we get to the swamps?" Laurana asked, eager to learn about her twin.

Rebecca smiled, then agreed, such clothes were far too pretty to simply leave hidden in an attic! With ease, she found a small closet to change in, hanging her own gown carefully on the door knob... "Hey this is so comfortable...but I know to be careful in it... that armor looks kind of heavy, Niald..maybe wait til we're taller?" She suggested, eyeing its golden, bejeweled beauty. She also touched the beautiful mirror frame... it was too pretty not to! But it felt strange...... almost icy-cold to touch, whereas everything else was warm and normal...... "Maybe we shouldn't mess with this stuff..." She said, unable to take her hand away just then.
 
Caden sat as well though he didn't push his plate away and when Laurana pushed hers aside he pushed it right back, "Eating for two Dear...eat...you can eat and listen at the same time I'm sure."

Alna sat because she needed to, though she made a very concerted effort not to look as if she did. "yes, she is still fine but there is someone else there and the creatures are growing stronger." She frowned at the Queen's question, "That...I do not have the answer to...however...I know someone who does or at least who used to know the way. Helena."

Caden looked up, "Stronger?" That wasn't good. He had a feeling this was not going to be any walk in the park, rescuing this sister and recovering the crown. "Helena? But she's been captive a long time....she may not remember..."

Alna nodded, "She has...but if she cannot consciously remember I can put her into a trance-like state and watch her memories until I see it. She has been there, so she knows the secret." The dark realm was as closely guarded as this Glen. There was a definitely reason for keeping their world separate from the world of the humans. The humans had no bounds to their greed and selfishness. None of them would be safe, and the human world would be in great peril if their magic and abilities were known to them.

Naild watched her enter the closet like space but then he didn't hear her other comments because he was putting on the armor. Oddly enough, it seemed large when he first put it on, but then like Rebecca he went to the mirror to look and lost his balance a bit and reaching for the wall he missed and grabbed hold of the mirror instead to steady himself. As soon as both of them were touching the mirror a flash of blinding white light filled the space and then the room they had been standing in was empty. Inside the mirror though, in the reflected room stood the two but now the armor fit perfectly on the matured manly form of Niald and the gown was a perfect fit on the womanly form of Rebecca. He looked at her and knew it was her, even though she was now the beautiful woman he always knew she would be. "Something strange just happened." he said as he looked around. The room was the same but backwards to where they had been. The space they had crawled through seemed a LOT smaller now. "You look as lovely as I imagined you would...but ...I think we are in serious trouble..."
 
Laurana was surprised as well, and also alarmed the monsters were growing stronger. "Of course, we must see Queen Helena then... shall we go now?" She asked, having finished her lunch. She looked to Caden, then Alna and Nathan. If they would leave, they'd go as a group to see what Helena knew.

Rebecca gave a short scream of panic as she saw how tall Niald now was... then a glance in the mirror also showed she was completely grown up! As in.. full chest and everything! Oh..... now what were they supposed to do? "Niald.. we need to find someone... we need help with this.... please tell me we're still in our own world and time at least..." Her eyes closed briefly, panic full-bloom. Wow... she hadn't gotten all that much taller. 5'3, but very slim and ...almost model-like in appearance! She'd been told her whole life how ugly she'd looked as a child and pre-teen. . . "Niald..? Where are we?" She was already noticing that this was opposite of where they'd been in front of the mirror... what was the other side of the door going to be like?? Crap......!
 
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Alna nodded, "We should..." She agreed and seeing they had finished their food she stood and slipped her hand into the crook of Nathan's arm. It was a subtle way of having a little more support and to be close to him as well.

Caden put their plates in the sink and then held Laurana's chair as she stood up, "You do remember our deal right?" he asked quietly by her ear. "You stay and we go...We can't leave the Glen completely unprotected."

Alna nodded in agreement, "You should not leave the Glen, my Queen. It is not safe to do so when you carry a child." She didn't mention why, or that he words were specific to THIS pregnancy and child, but it wasn't important at this time to do so. Some seer habits died hard and keeping secrets was one of them. They moved through the palace to the secret chamber where Helena was captive. "Hello Dowager Helena," she greeted with a slight bow.

Helena looked up from a book she was reading and smiled a bright smile, casting it aside without a second's hesitation. "HELLO!" she gushed as she rose and hugged Laurana, "To what do I owe this pleasure?"

Caden bowed, "It seems we have need of your help."

Alna elbowed Caden, "It does not seem anything. We need your help. You are the only one who knows the way to the Dark Realm."

Helena frowned, "Why should that matter? No one is going there." She turned and moved back to her chair and plopped down impertinently and looked every bit like a spoiled child throwing a hissy fit.

Caden went to ehr and knelt next to her chair covering her hand with his larger ones. "I am going Highness. We must find the Crown of Tenebrous. the seers have seen that it will free you from this room so that you may join us above."

Helena blinked, "What? Free?" he gaze flew to Alna, "Speak Seer...is this true?"

Anla nodded, "Indeed it is, Highness. The crown lie in the depths of the Dark Swamp in the center of the Dark forest, but in the absence of the dark Fe it has grown stronger and more powerful. I have seen that it was the artifact used to trap you, so it can release you as well."

Helena had never known Sovalna to lie. To withhold the entire truth, yes, but outright lie, no. The thought of leaving the confines of this room after so long was almost overwhelming to her. "I had given up hope...." she whispered covering Caden's hand with hers. "I wish you did not have to venture there, but I cannot say I am sorry you are willing to do so...be careful and return safely."

Alna listened and forced herself to be patient. She knew those were all platitudes to mask the former Queen's elation at the prospect of being free once more. Helena had been a trying Queen to work with, though she would never speak ill of any member of the royal family. "He is willing to go, highness, but he needs to know the way. Do you remember how to get there?"

"Of course I do," Helena said a little louder than necessary and then realized she didn't actually remember. "It's...wait no..." She frowned and searched her memories but nothing came to her mind.

"Do not worry Highness," Alna said gently, "I can help you. It may be part of the spell cast to trap you that is making you forget." She knew that explanation for soothe Helena's ego and take the burden of remember off her shoulders, AND hopefully persuade Helena to allow her to cast the spell she needed to in order to see her memories. "If you will allow me to see your mind..."

Helena stiffened, "But why?" She looked at Alna and frowned, "Oh very well...I can see by your expression it is the only way." She wanted to be free more than she wanted to be secretive. "Do as you must but make it quick will you?"

"I will be as fast as I can be Highness." Saying as much she sat next to her and held onto Helena's hand. "Close your eyes and relax..."


Niald realized he was looking down at Rebecca and frowned, "I got tall...didn't I?" he asked and then looked in the mirror, but their reflections were no longer there. Odd. "Let's see if we can find someone...wait here while I check the passage way to see if we can still fit through." He really meant to see if he could. If he got through she'd have no trouble at all. Once he got down he realized he'd have to crawl along on his stomach but he did manage to get through. There were torches lit on the other side, but they were not the same sort he'd lit before...upon looking at them he could see they were not real flames. "Come on over...there's no one in here..." The room looked very much the same as before, but the furnishings were piled up atop one another and the space was much more full than it had been. "Look at the torches....they give off light but are not burning...."
 
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Laurana just poked Caden's ear as they entered Queen Helena's room together. "Yes yes, stay behind, all that stuff." How innocent her violet eyes could look when she wanted them too! She wouldn't go with them, but she'd sure find a way in that swamp if anything happened to him! She realized soon that Alna and Helena were speaking, and paid attention to what was being said. She stood silently as Alna began hypnotizing Helena, hopeful they were about to get all the information for entering the swamp possible. She wanted this over with, her sister safe with them, and the crown... well they'd figure it out once they were both here!

Nathan stood beside Alna, guarding her. He had a strange feeling about Helena, but he couldn't quite figure out why. Maybe he was just paranoid anymore, but he wasn't one to risk chances for Alna's or anyone else's safety if he could help it.

Rebecca forced herself to calm down. She was still with Niald, however tall he was, and maybe they'd find help on the other side of the door. She crawled in right after him, then stood up, stretching just a bit, and noticed the non- burning lights as well! "Very weird... I hope we find someone soon. . . let's stay close together, we don't know what's going to happen." She added, a little afraid still, but trying her best to cope! Still, she was definitely admiring how handsome Niald had become..... That certainly was a bonus!
 
Caden slipped an arm around her and leaned close, "And no heroics...if we need help you send someone else and keep things in order here so we ahve a safe place to return to...agreed?" He too then began watching Alna with Helena. The queen's odd reluctance to have this done caused all kinds of red flags to start wagging in his mind. Why? Did Helena have something to hide? Why wouldn't she be eager to help them in any way should could if it meant getting her free of this ornate prison cell? Something was wrong with that...

Alna probed into Helena's mind and as she walked the corridors she found a lot of things she remembered and some she was being enlightened more than she had been. However, there were some startling revelations as well. Things she had no idea were true, but which explained a few things with perfect clarity. She was going back further and further until she came to the day of Aura's death. This was the day she knew Helena had traveled to the dark realm, but she'd never known why....until now. She stood there watching Helena magically open the gateway to the dark fae realm as if she'd done it a thousand times. Helena looked agitated and nervous, but Alna followed her to the dark palace. Once there she watched in horror as Helena betrayed her daughter, and all the White fae to the sister of the dark King. When she saw Helena embrace the dark Queen and call her sister a cold chill ran down her spine. it was then that Helna turned in the memory and glared at her before charging at her. Gasping she retreated from the memory and ran for the light she'd created as her exit. Helena of the memory was stabbing at her and the wounds would show up on Alna's physical body as she did. A slash to her arm, a stab to her back at had her hunching over and finally a slice down her left leg as Helena had taken one final dive for her and only caught her leg with the sharp dagger. Alna let out a gasp and fell from the bench she'd sat on to be close enough to the Queen to touch her. She was scrambling back away from her as she had been in the memory, until her mind cleared and she realized where she was. Once she knew, she fell faint and passed out.

Caden rushed to her and began inspecting the wounds and trying to heal her. "What happened?" He asked as he did, only to realize that his magic was not working. "Lauranna..we need your bandages and that stuff that stitches people...."

Niald offered his arm arm and smiled, "As if I'd ever let you out of my sight..." He kissed her hand and pulled it into the crook of his arm and then they went back down from the attic the same way they'd come up. Things looked the same, but very different at the same time. This was the same castle but there were FAR more portraits on the long walls of the corridor than there had been. As they walked they saw one of Caden and Laurana with four children. Another of Rebecca as a young girl with a date below it of her disappearance? What? Suddenly two people approached them, "THERE you two are! We've been looking all over for you! We can't have the bride and groom disappearing from the wedding supper now can we??" Niald blinked and looked at them. he had no idea who they were. His bewildered look was cast over to Rebecca, "We needed a bit of air is all..." The man laughed, "Riiight...sure you did...snuck off for a bit of kis..." The woman slapped his arm, "Don't mind him your highness...he's been drinking and has taken leave of the little sense he did have..which agreed wasn't much..." She smiled sweetly, "People have been asking after you both though...I've been stalling for you.The press is having a fit outside trying to be the first flash of the royal couple. Might as well get out on the balcony and have that overwith I'd think..."
 
"Alna!" Laurana cried, making the items appear at once, then knealt down to help the poor Seer. She was good at stitching, mending and cleaning out wounds as she'd had lots of practice back on her old planet. While she worked, she watched Nathan's rage grow in leaps and bounds as he promptly knocked Helena unconscious with a stunning fist to her skull. Next he tied her up with tight, unyielding ropes to a chair, just in case she tried to fight them any more. He'd make damn sure himself that bitch wasn't going to leave this prison ever again. It was taking every last inch of his will power not to ram a sword through the old hag's neck!

Rebecca blinked, confusedly... marrying?! Woah... already? She'd known all along this was the one she'd wanted to marry yes... but talk about being put a bit on the spot! Were they in some alternate world? " She felt so dizzy and dazed... but she tried to hide it, not wanting to cause a scene... "Where are King Caden and Queen Laurana? Are they attending the wedding?" She asked, unsure of even what questions were okay- and what would get them in trouble! She wished she understood half of what was going on, though she truly did look forward to marrying Niald!

Meanwhile.. in the swamps, Gavin ran faster, throwing himself over logs, fallen tree roots, slithering giant snakes, and other horrid creatures. The black, massive demonic creatures were so bad, they devoured their prey within moments; in a whirlwind of shadow, fangs and claws...sometimes fire. He was shaking from how hard he had to run. Goddamn fae- people.. stupid useless summoning! He'd felt the call to the Glenn of course, and had ignored it as a waste of time. He had plans to make... dreams to squash. Smiling mirthlessly, Gavin paused to glance at his reflection in the clearer of the swamp's murky water of untold depths. He was handsome, though his curly brown hair was messed up, his clear blue eyes shimmered with traces of silver. He was tall, 6'2, wide shouldered, muscular, and yet trim and underweight, since he had no home, and very little to live off of. The swamps were so dangerous he never had time to rest, or even to find anything to eat... And lately, there was a strange girl running from demons as well: She was in worse shape than he was- all shredded from claws and bitten. But that wasn't his damn ass problem. What he wanted most was a way out of the swamps... but lately he was starting to suspect there just wasn't anything but ugly, grey, dead-tree swamps: Worst than demons roaming were the unearthly screams.... the ghostly eyes that he felt sometimes watching him, as if the dead spirits of all who'd died in this wretched place were mocking him... When he did manage to sleep, he'd have to find a tall tree and curl up on a branch, out of reach of all creatures below. Right now he wished a thousand times he was free from this place.. he'd do just about anything to get the hell out!
 
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Caden held Alna still so Laurana could stitch her up and kept a close eye on Nathan. The man was understandably irate, but they needed the queen alive in case Alna hadn't gotten the information they needed. That thought troubled him, but if she hadn't, he'd go in next time and not Alna. He lifted her and moved to a long chaise lounge and laid her gently onto it. "Nathan..she will be easier if she wakes to see you..." He frowned and turned to laurana, "|I didn't realize you could be harmed in this way by entering someone's mind."

Naild had known practically his entire life he was going to marry Rebecca but even he was taken aback by that proclamation. The girl looked at Rebecca sideways, "Are you feeling well? Caden and Laurana died years ago. Your younger brother is king and Morden is his chief advisor," but she was looking concerned as she spoke. "have you eaten? Do you feel faint. Truly Princess you look ill." Naild took all of that in and his arm slid around Rebecca's waist, "I'm sure a bit of food is just the thing we both need. You are so thoughtful." Praying the dining hall was in the same place, he walked with Rebecca in sure enough there was a wedding feast laid out and the entire place was full of all manner of creatures in their finery for the occasion. Oh dear, oh dear. How were they going to handle this? He might look like a grown man but inside he was still his young teenage self. He'd never even had the courage to kiss Rebecca yet, how could they marry?

A boy of about 12 approached them and smiled brightly, "Niald, I am so glad you are finally going to be my brother. You've always felt like my brother, but now you will actually be. I hope you will consider my offer to be head of the royal guard." This universe Morden smiled at Naild, "It is good the armor fits you. I thought it might. Caden would have been honored for you to wear it, and Laurana's gown looks stunning on you Princess. It feels as if they are here with us again."

Chasianna watched from above as the man ran from everything. He was insane to think he could survive on the swamp floor. She'd been doing the same but had realized that the only safe place was high in the trees, though even there the snakes were sometimes a menace. He hadn't been here as long as she had, and she wasn't even sure why he'd come to be honest. She'd felt an odd presence in the swamp though, perhaps he'd felt that and followed it. She saw a huge creature coming from his blind side and groaned. She jumped from branch to branch until she was ahead of him and then threw down a rope, "Up ..now! It is nearly upon you!!" She had done what she could. She watched now to see if he would climb or die.

Helena had not awakened from the spell Alna had cast upon her, and Nathan's blow would see that she did not awaken even when the spell ended.

Alna however was now awake and reaching out, "Nathan...." She whispered as her hand threw out blindly to hind his. She wanted to know he was there. She didn't want to tell what she'd seen but she knew it was necessary. She was trembling as the reality of what she'd just seen raced through her mind and heart. Helena was not a white fae...how was that possible? She had no dark fae markings, no magic that would seem to indicate she was. And yet she had called the dark queen sister. Were they blood sisters" Or sisters of another sort? had they tricked the king to bring about the end of the white fae? It would see to be the truth...but she could not believe it, even seeing it with her own eyes and hearing it with her own ears. Tears began to flow from her eyes and fall into her hair.
 
Nathan held Alna tightly in his arms, wanting to usher her and drag her away from this place. He didn't blame anyone but that horrid old hag queen, Helena. He should have listened to his instincts and told everyone he felt a wrongness about her.. but he didn't want to seem foolish. Now Alna was fighting for her life. How he hated backstabbing people! "I'm here, love... save your strength. Laurana is doing her best to patch you up.. I don't know why her magic or Caden's isn't working on you.. but they will help you." He said, praying this was all true, all possible.

Laurana had already taken care of the wound, disinfecting and cleaning it as gently as possible before sewing and stitching it so it would mend faster. Once she'd bound the wounds, she could only wait and pray they'd heal swiftly. "Alna... what did you see? I hate to ask right now... but.... Helena could wake any moment..." She said, worriedly.

Rebecca was distressed to hear that Queen Laurana and King Caden had died.... how had that happened? They'd both been incredibly powerful. Was it childbirth that had somehow ended Laurana's life? Or had they died of old age? She was so conflicted. After devouring a plate of roast chicken leg, mashed potatoes, and asparagus, smothered in cheese sauce, she drank a tall glass of water, thinking... "I don't suppose we'll be getting much help here at this time... It seems we're really stuck in this alternate-bizzarre reality, where you have a brother, and there's a new king. I suggest for now... we go along like we're in a play; but don't think I mind marrying you, because I definitely would have wanted to on our time line! Maybe things are better here and less dangerous? I don't know...we need to investigate carefully as possible. I wonder if Jasmine and Varen are even here still." She added, taking her plate to the designated sink and then sitting next to Niald. In moments, they'd be married. She couldn't help but want that to happen!

Gavin swatted the rope at first, thinking it was a spider-web or something. When he opened his eyes however, he saw a very pretty girl above him, dangling a rope! He was no idiot. Swearing mentally, he hauled himself up with that rope, hoping she wasn't going to be mean and drop him right back into the depths of that swamp! "Well thanks! What's your name miss?" He asked, attempting for civility since she was saving his life and all!
 
Alna knew why magic was not working. These were wounds inflicted from the realm of the seers, and since they were received within that realm they were resistant to magic in the physical world. Had Caden been in the vision with her, he could have healed her there, but not here. Once the wounds were stitched up and the blood loss staunched she began to feel a bit better though her mind was still racing from one thought to another. The Queen's words drew her mind back to the room where they were. "I saw the was to open the passage to the dark realm..." she said softly clinging to Nathan's hand. "I saw Helena move through passages with ease and familiarity." She paused for a minute to take a few breaths. "She met with the Dark Queen...called her sister..." Her brows furrowed. "They were plotting the death of all the white fae together." her eyes were wide and full of tears as she looked at the Queen, "She betrayed your parents and all the fae...it was her doing....all of it."

Helena awoke to hear the accusation, "She lies!" were the hissed words as she fought the restraints Nathan had tied around her, "Who dares to treat the former queen in such a manner?"

Caden could not believe what Alna was saying. He had many run ins with the seer over the years and many times he'd wanted to throttle her, but he'd never known her to lie. There were times she withheld details, but she always spoke true. He looked over at Helena, "We do. Laurana is Queen, you have no rights above any other citizen of the Glen."

Helena glowered at him, "You are nothing but a foundling whelp. I will not stand for this insolence. Laurana..my dear...my grand child....surely you will protect me."

Naild ate the dinner and accepted the congratulations of many people he did not recognize. Had this place not experienced the adversities of their world? There were so many Fae here. He leaned close as Rebecca spoke, "And I as well," he said of marrying her, "It would seem we have little choice, though we will have to find someone we can trust that we may tell the truth to, even though it will sound like the tale of a lunatic. Either that or we will be here forever with no hope of returning to our world." His eyes were tender as he spoke quietly with her. Anyone looking on would think they were deep in a lovers conversation and not talk of another world or time. He took her hand and kissed her knuckles, "No matter what...I stay where you do...always."

Chasianna watched him swat at the rope and shook her head. Idiot. But then he climbed up and she gave him a second mental chance. "Chasianna daughter of the Last Dark King. You are trespassing here...why?" She looked down and saw the creature bellowing up at them from below and pulled a crystal from her pouch and tossed it down. The creature snapped at it and instantly it turned an odd color and then exploded. "That worked better than I expected...now...back to you...what are you doing here?"
 
Nathan glowered enragedly at Queen Helena, then snipped, "You've obviously been twisted since the beginning, Helena. You don't deserve even a trial, only instant death- but I leave that decision to King Caden and Queen Laurana. I hate you for hurting Alna and destroying my sister. You bitch."

Laurana felt faint. Light headed, as though everything went in slow-motion. What had she always wanted when she was just a small girl, on a cold, hostile planet that seemed to hate her? Just her parents. A mom and a dad. She'd have been alright with a brother or sister, or both- really. A big family was a dream compared to hours of abuse at the hands of strangers, all the years of sick games adults forced her to play; especially the men. The long weeks of starvation and being locked in tiny closets. All the while, dreams of finding her parents had gotten her through some bleak, dark moments.... but upon learning their deaths, she'd bared it with dignity this long- because she'd been expected to. It seemed her whole destiny was simply "Expected of her" to mantle the crown in place of her parents, though she didn't fully, completely understand what she was supposed to be doing, other than guard and protect her people. Dizzyness kept swarming Laurana, as if she were seeing her parents' deaths at the hands of Helena, and all her parents' enemies. "Caden....get rid of her. Please. Imprison or whatever .... I can't....." She was going to say "breathe"... or was it "think?" but either option seemed impossible now. A terrible chill fell over her. Such a shock hit her then that she literally passed out from panic. She fell through a long, dark tunnel.... one that didn't seem to end.

Rebecca was conflicted. She sensed she and Niald were strongly needed back on their own timeline... ... but what the heck? She wanted to get married right then and there. Smiling, she squeezed his hand gently, then nodded. "Let's get married, Niald... I want to explore and learn this future .... just for a while anyway, then we'll try to figure a way back to our own time... if there is a way." She added, not too terriblhy concerned. She was still in a beautiful gown, surprisingly unstained or even dusty from crawling along the attic floor earlier! Might as well enjoy it... as well as Niald's impressive armor.

Gavin stared as the monster exploded, then shook his head. "I think I made a left- turn at I don't know where I am road." He sighed, then straightened slightly. "Anyway... how -do- we get out of this... hell swamp? Is there any way out? I'd love to see anything besides this murky pit." He admitted, shaking water drops from his hair. He would do anything too... and woe befell any who tried to trick or betray him! The last daughter of a Dark Fae, did he hear right? Huh. That could be useful!
 
Caden heard the words but he saw the pale face and shallow breathing and he waited. he knew she was overwhelmed and that she would likely faint. Catching her as she lost the battle and moving her to the large comfortable looking bed, he gently laid her down and placed a lingering kiss to her forehead before striding back to Helena. He'd always had respect for her as one of the former rulers of the Fae. But now he saw a traitor, a murderer and nothing more. He knew how badly Laurana had wanted to find her parents and meet them, and this woman was the one who stole that opportunity from her. He went to her and grabbed the restraints that held her and yanked her up with one hand to her feet. "The Queen has spoken," was all he said and they disappeared.

Helena's eyes widened and shock filled her. "How were you able to take me from..."

Caden smiled a very cold smile at her, "What makes you think we've left your magical prison?"he asked.

"This is the dungeon...reserved for criminals..."

"Is it?" He released his grip on the restraints and stepped back. "He'd shifted her plane but they were not in a different location. She had spoken true when she said she was physically trapped there. So, she was there, but this plane was dark, cold and without any amenities or luxuries such as she'd been enjoying all these years. He took another step back.

"You don't intend to leave me here..."

"Yes, I do." And with that he vanished. She wouldn't die immediately, but she didn't deserve that. She'd die slowly of starvation hopefully thinking about her past sins. He reappeared in the room with Alna, Nathan and Laurana. "She is ... tucked away." He glanced at Alna, "Are you feeling well enough to leave this room?"

Alna gave Nathan's hand a weak squeeze. "I'll need help but I want out of here...I'll draw you a map of the place I saw...and show you the code to open the pathway ... but I need to rest...just...not here..."

Caden nodded, "Understand...Nathan can you carry her up to the guest room? You should both be comfortable there tonight. Tomorrow is soon enough to know the rest."

Niald smiled a handsome smile at her, "Nothing would make me happier than to marry you Rebecca. I've been waiting for this day all my life." He gave her hand a squeeze and realized if they were going to find a way home he'd have to be the one to arrange it. he was ok with that, since he felt such things were his responsibility anyway. Not that he thought she was unable to do it, but he didn't want her to have to risk any kind of censure here. She'd suffered so much in their world, maybe here she'd had a better life. As if to underscore that thought, her mother approached them on the arm of a dashing man smiling and glowing with happiness. Oh my...this was definitely different.

The man smiled as well, "My beautiful daughter...you're almost as lovely as your mother...." he leaned down and kissed Rebecca's cheek, "I'm glad this day has finally come. It was so good of the Queen to name you as her daughter when we were missing. I still cannot believe she was so generous. It has obviously been good for you, and I am glad they were able to find us and return us to our home."

Naild just smiled and listened. Hmm...what was going on here? Something felt...wrong...very wrong."

Chasianna lifted a brow, "One does not make a wrong turn and arrive here. Speak true or I shall feed you to the next beast happily." She did not have the answer to his question though, "If I knew the way out, I would have long ago abused the knowledge. Sadly, we are both trapped here. However...there has been another consciousness here of late. Perhaps someone seeks to free those of us who are trapped within this miry darkness." She certainly hoped so, but she was afraid to hope for that.
 
Nathan glanced once at Laurana, who was lying more still than he was comfortable with; considering her pregnancy and how devastated she'd be, when she woke up; but he was too worried about Alna right now. He figured Laurana would be fine soon, and moved Alna to a very large, pale blue and white queen sized bed with ease, in a comfortable room. He got a pitcher of iced water, a bowl and a wash cloth, just in case Alna became feverish. He also had a first aid kit with him, hating the fact she couldn't be magically healed, and worried something else could happen. "What do you need, Alna?" He asked, anxiously.

Gavin had no intention of being any creature's mid-day snack! He sighed. "Last thing I remember... is this weird call, to some sort of hidden Glen... but then the spell ended and I must have made a few too many errors in direction... Weird... I don't even remember now where I was going before that... sorry-- brain is a bit muddled... But what about you? IF you're the last daughter of a dark fae king... shouldn't you be in a castle somewhere?" He asked, keeping his voice mellow in case it was a sad tale up ahead.

Rebecca didn't recognize her "parents" at all! What about Sheena? That had been the only mother she'd ever known in life, and of course she couldn't have been adopted... could she? No.. . that was stupid and too much to hope for. She could only figure that in this timeline they either were her real parents, or someone else had adopted her when Laurana and Caden had died... How had they died??? She was too afraid to ask. "Thank you...father. I look forward to the wedding. Shall we get in our places? I miss the king and queen...sometimes it's very hard for me to accept their absences..." She admitted, trying to gain a little knowledge, without being obvious or discourteous. She held Niald's arm, hopeful that this timeline was much better as well as safer! Who knew what lay beyond this palace now? And the centaurs.... Jasmine and Varen... Alna and Nathan,....were they still okay?