(( GOODBYE WAS NEVER SO BITTERSWEET ))

[Alexa]

It wouldn’t always be like this, the freedom to love, to cherish, to be with one another. Already there were forces in the world that would try to pull them apart at any means possible. Each rider had understood that when they agreed to this adventure, a journey everyone was in. While she very much wanted to sink into the warmth and comfort Fox offered her, they could not ignore the outside world, and the demands they would face in the morning, afternoon and night. So if she clung to him for the moment, raked her hands and lips over his body and memorized all the curves in his mouth, it was partly because it could be ages when they had the chance to.

“Aww darling, you won’t get kidnapped, the said kidnapper would let you go in five minutes screaming for therapy,” he settled two glasses of wine and smiled the cocky boyish smile he had perfected over the years. He could have died and gone to heaven as he relaxed, feeling her fingers kneed into his back and muscles. “Very much so, thank you,” he glanced at the fire and the logs instantly burst into a small crackling flame. “I’m getting better,” he stated, pleased with the new found control. After all, that was what everything was about – control.

With her hand sliding into his, Rosalind’s lips split into an easy grin. Her lips still tingled from the warmth. “And if we’re lucky,” she giggled, “We can spy on Callista and Airea – they are together in the back garden area. Kai tricked them both to have a date thing like we are having, Xanithel told me about it. Her eyes lit with amusement, her rider and her shared everything, they had one of the more healthy relationships.

“Yes I’m sure this evening will be all very comforting when the world stops turning and begins to slowly burn until it collapses and we are all sent into hell for eternity,” he replied in a dull, monotone voice and simultaneously flipped to the next page in his book. “You continuously seem to mangle the definition of a kill joy and a realist. Being highly optimistic, while may be more enjoyable – is pointless if you continue to believe it’s these small personal moments they can capture that count. Everyone needs to be more goal oriented, the relationship of rider and dragon should be strengthened and their powers at least explored before anything else,” he turned to look at her with a dead set look in his eyes, “Which is why I will have a highly unpopular plan to purpose in order for growth and learning to be obtained – a year away from everyone, just dragon and rider to train and understand each other,” it would be a most difficult sell though.

“Yes, I see how the meaning of this could escape your knowledge because of how strangely a girl thinks compared to a male – particularly an egotistical narrow minded arrogant one,” she winked, and took a small bite of the wonderful cheesecake with a glint of humor in her eye. “What I continue to wonder, is why you stayed after such an obvious set up. I highly doubt Rosalind would have been angry, it was a poor excuse I never should have let you get away with.”

He slightly jumped when she slid into bed, pulling away. “Are you trying to kill me? Darling I love you but aren’t we supposed to stay strictly away from each other for awhile? Hey- that gives me an idea. Do you think it would be cruel to administer a dose to our daughter whenever she goes off to school? She’s been seeing that Gallagher lad, and I don’t care what you say about him being a fine lad, he’s after only one thing and he’s human. I honestly have no clue what she’s thinking.” He grumbled, settling back into bed with his arms crossed to match the look on his face.

[Heather]

She gave a light swat to the back of his head a mutter or two falling from her lips, but the smile returned within but a few seconds. "Look at you mh? Mr. Fire starter and all." she eased her hands down the length of his arms. Leaning forward to plant a few well placed kisses along the side of his neck. "Seriously though-that's really good." she couldn't do much of anything but the parlor tricks she'd pulled earlier. Though that didn't stop her from being able to appreciate Xan's power, "I'm sure Rosalind is very proud of you too." Airea was rarely proud of her, if not almost father like in his chastising. A sigh escaped as she moved to sit on the couch legs draped over Xan's lap, 'My turn then?" she asked a slight pout tugging on her lower lip. Though she wanted to ask him how he was feeling, it'd been so hard for her to hear all those voices. Yet to feel everyone’s emotions day after day...”You sure you're ok right?" she added head restin on the back of the couch.

"Well I don't want to spoil It." he shook his head thinking of Airea being good company for anyone let alone Callista. "I don't very much like Mr.Airea.." he murmured yet kept his head low before smiling as they ascended the stairs leading to a small table set up with his food. Though not as gloriously done as Rosalind it was a good effort "Ta-da, all for you." a care-free smile dangling off his words.

She near froze at his plan, lips setting into a thin line as she felt the happiness Fox nearly screamed into her mind. "You want to take that away from them?" her words were whispered and soft, but when she looked at him her own vulnerability hid itself once more. She frowned then set her book to the side turning t face him fully. "I think you're right though, sadly, but true. Me and Fox hardly have a connection at all... Tandri proves to be more of a distraction then I would have guessed...no offence of course." yet her she was, all the dragons paired off. Her being the only one...not a distraction...for anyone. "I'll help you tomorrow, the sooner the better." she stood grabbing her book. She moved towards the door stopping to watch the lames dance from the fireplace. Without turning towards him she spoke, quieter then before "I think I almost hate that you're right Calder. Everyone will miss someone and it might even drive them more. Loss, separation can be used as a killing...or pushing drive." she shrugged glancing at him. "My apologies however on being optimistic." she laughed at that returning the book to its spot behind the couch. Cringing when she forced Fox from her mind, too much overload in so short a time. Tomorrow he would hate her.

"Damn, right sorry." a groan pulled forth as she sat up, legs tucking into her chest. 'You are not poisoning our daughter Cain." her laughter toppling over, tears stinging in the corner of her eyes. "My father hated you too, and now we're married with kids. I think if you tried to like him...then he'd leave." she snickered somewhat. 'My father hating you is what made me first go out with you. That and of course...Those dashing good looks." a smile touched her eyes and she wished she could kiss him, even just once.

He shook his head, hands raised in a surrendered demeanor, “Truthfully?” he asked head cocked to the side, bangs sweeping into his face with the motion. “Because I can’t very well get you out of my mind.” He sighed hands resting back in his lap. ‘You infuriate me to no end, like no one else yet.” Another shake of his head. ‘There you are in the front of my mind, every second of the day. Then Xan said something about Calder…and you I don’t know.” He rested his chin in the palm of his hand. “I wanted a chance, just to see. Just for once to see if it wouldn’t be so bad to actually care for a person.” A grin seeped into his eyes, “Plus well the food looked too good to pass up of course.” An easy joke pushing forward, thanks to a nudge from his rider to relax a bit.

[Alexa]

“What can I say, some of us have it and when we have it, we have it,” he grinned, finding the feeling of his magic intoxicating. How had he managed to breathe without it before? How had he functioned without it, and Rosalind? He had been half living without his dragoness by his side, and now with Kai too – he was a rich man indeed. “Very well,” he sighed, rolling his fingers into his muscle for a brief few minutes, “Better?” he grumbled, pulling her tighter into his lap and lacing kisses against her neck. “Of course I’m fine, the trick is not to dwell on it,” and Xan rarely did.

Rosalind shrugged, and grew a tender smile, “He is hard on everyone, I wouldn’t take it personally.” Airea would always be a bit intimidating and…nasty, she didn’t take his comments with much feeling – it was a wasted effort. She waltzed onto the floor and smiled at the sight, “It’s so pretty,” she gushed, and took a seat at the table.

“Take what away from them? The out of control raging hormones flooding their systems? It’s a year – they’re immortal now, it’s a speck in time compared to eternity,” he rolled his eyes at her antics and settled into his book. “It’s a year – they’ll survive it, besides,’ he flipped the book down and smiled a rare smile, “Tandri has, bitterly and reservedly agreed along with Rosalind who has talked to Xan and managed to have his agreement. Callista will go along with it, but she must talk to Cain still, As long as Tandri and Xan go – Kai and Fox will have no reason to stay,” he seemed very cheerful with this news.

Cain gave a soft reassuring smile, “It’s very touching to know you love kissing me and touching me so much, you’re willing to kill me, it’s quite an ego boost. “Mel, I think you’re missing the problem here – one has a very nice long life line, the other will age before the other reaches full adult hood of an elf, I don’t know what she is thinking,” but she’d have to learn the hard way if she allowed herself to fall in love with him.

If Dragons could blush, Callista would have turned a deep crimson right there, but she was a very classy lady. “Aren’t you so sweet all of a sudden, I’m waiting for a catch,” because with Airea it seemed there always was one. She enjoyed holding the power over him, as horrible as that was, her lips spreading into a wide grin. “Well,” she spoke softly, elegantly, “I would very much enjoy being that chance, if you’re willing to give it to me….in a year,” she added the last part, ducking her head a bit.

[Heather]

She could hear Airea in her mind, whispering soft apologies she never could have guessed he could create. Her gaze relaxed on Xan for the longest moment, hushed and resigned before her lips met his. A soft passion drifting forward, slow and more lost than anything else she could feel. "I don't want to." was all she could whisper Airea still back-tracking apologies but agreeing none the less. She felt a twinge of hate that she was being told this...that everyone had just about made up their minds so she better just hop along. She'd be left alone anyway, "But we're all leaving anyways...for a year?" she closed her eyes relaxed and solem in his hold. She had just found him, just hardly allowed this person to enter into her heart, and now she was to leave again. Walls shot up without even thinking, because thinking she'd say goodbye to him only when dawn broke in a few hours was all but suffocating.

"Why thank you." he gave a deep bow taking a seat as well, "I can't cook when you're not going to be around." he pouted getting the news that would kill Melya more than him. In that sense, perhaps it would pain him even more to see his Melya so lost without her husband or kids. When she'd finally found a peace in her world, "I think we're doing the right thing though." he moved the plate towards her eyes charming. "I'm glad we went on this date though beforehand. I'll treasure your smile." the words came easy for once without any prompt of his rider.

She raised an eyebrow moving towards him and lowering to be eyelevel from where he sat. Her fingers brushing under his chin a laughter sparking into her words. "You are horrible and sneaky." she rolled her eyes heading for the door. "I do doubt I’ll be seeing you in the morning so." she gave a shrug, she didn't need him anyways. Didn't need anyone, she wasn't per normal anyways...not the kind of girl a person fell in love with. Some defect she figured, "So have a nice time with Tandri, see you in a year." it felt strange on her lips, to say goodbye to him. It settled wrong in the pit of her stomach.

"Ah yes that." he sighed standing as he did so, kneeling before Callista with a grace that out fought any creature. His hand rested on her knee the other touching her cheek. 'I very well have to make this count then." he rose just an inch until his lips met hers. Slow and soft before quickening pace slightly, to the feeling that he'd drowned if he didn't get enough of her. Die without the arrogant women who had taken over his mind and ability to think straight. When he pulled away he stood smiling somewhat, "I'll be sure to thank Kai for being late."

Her eyes shut as Tabion relayed the message and she fought him with every word he tried to get out into her head. 'She's thinking like Juliet Cain, all girls do when they first love a boy. That it doesn't matter...no odds matter." she turend her head to look at him. "To her, she'll picture the small time they have as perfection...but she won't realize how much it'll hurt at the end. That when he's gone, and he has stolen her heart. That his death will just carry it further away." she turned to look at the ceiling, "and there's naught a thing to change her mind or show her that ending. To her it does not exist."

[Alexa]

She made a satisfying noise in her sleep before with great effort blinking her eyes and coming to a wakening state. “Damn,” she cursed ever so softly when she saw the sun beginning to rise, which made her roll her back to it and snuggle deeper into the side of Fox. Calder was irritatingly shouting in her ear. “I’m up, I’m up,” she mumbled, pressing her face into the crook of Fox’s neck while promising Calder a very slow death if he didn’t quit irritating her.

“Last morning,” Xan sighed, sitting up and giving Kai a soft stir. “I should have told you sooner that I had agreed – Rosalind went along with it, along with many of the other dragons, all of them in fact. I couldn’t disagree,” he wasn’t sure where they were going to go, but happy that Rosalind could cook. She was her regular put together self though as she fluttered into his mind to hurry up and say his last good bye.

Callista had to practically shout in Cain’s ears to wake him up. So far they were hoping everyone would leave…and they’d back track around and stay at the keep… Callista being the guardian to the doors and all – plus it cooked. Neither of the two wanted to do that chore along with cleaning. If no one else thought of it, then they would stay. “Wake up Cain Marcello Wolfe,” she demanded, finally flinging a pillow at him.

[Heather]

He didn't particularly want to get up, and Reacta was so silent he worried she was figuring out ways to kill him. That was until a heartbreaking sound hit his mind, more or less an emotion. She was sad, for what he did not know but sad all the same. Tandri's voice stirred what was left of his sleeping mind, "She wants to go early before anyone else." he whispered fingertips once more arching over Tandri's skin. He achingly agreed with Calder, and hated Calder the more for it. Though he suspected his hatred wasn't only towards that, but that the dragon pushed certain buttons. Buttons an older brother might get of a guy around his sister now and then. "I don't want to say goodbye, but an I’ll see you later?" he offered a slight Fox famous smile touching his lips. 'I'm not good at goodbyes." he apologized his eyes taking her in, beautiful and warm, sweet and strong.

A soft moan crawled desperately out of her throat, having fallen asleep on the couch in his arms was better than anywhere the world offered. "It doesn't make much of a difference I guess. Either way we're leaving." Airea was all but calm this morning already waiting for her at the roof destination in mind. "I'm not nearly strong enough to do this." she muttered now sitting up as well fingertips brushing through her hair. What if he lost feeling for her after a whole year...what if he realized she was bad for him? Maybe to the elves this year wouldn't be so long, but she still hadn't fully dawned on being immortal, she still felt human. A year still felt forever. "You should o, Airea wants to be one of the last to leave I guess." she wasn't sure what to say or do, and begging him not to o seemed all too childish.

Her body was numb with the kind of feeling that could devastate a woman of lesser heart. Not only was she leaving her love, her husband. Yet her pack as well, all three of those at one time, and Tabion was cheery in her head. She wanted to scream. She could feel a thwack as a pillow must have hit Cain, she hardly registering that Tabion was now entering the room too. "We're all ready Melly, come on then." he knew she couldn't kiss Cain and that above all else was dragging her body from the bed. "Be safe Cain." she whispered with a sigh, couldn't even touch him without worrying. The poison all but diluted but still easy enough to ingest. 'I love you." a year without him, she'd survived a whole ten years...but she hadn't remembered him then. Now he would haunt her dreams and thoughts and plague every action, Tabion had no idea what this would do to her.

[Alexa]

“It’s only twelve short months, hardly any time at all, you’ll see,” she replied softly, placing her hand softly on his cheek and giving a slow smile. “See you later works for me too, I love you – I haven’t said those words yet. That won’t change in a year, so don’t worry.” she pressed her lips softly against his and they curved into a smile. “If you insist on getting an early start…I suppose I might as well,” she sighed, pulling back and resting on her forearms. Calder snaked in, looking disapprovingly. “Could you please put some clothes on – I’ve been thinking about places we can go, I’ll need your sug-“
“Don’t be silly Calder, I already have a place. If I have to do this, then it’s somewhere warm and tropical on the Bellevue Isle. You gave me the choice on where to go, and I want somewhere luxurious and exotic.” She watched him with satisfaction as he made a sour face. “That is hardly training grounds – it sounds more like a vacation…” “Now you’re getting it Calder, we’ll be toasting fruity cocktails to days laying in the beach and swimming in the ocean.” She wasn’t going to suffer anymore than necessary.

“Either way,” Xan agreed as he softly rolled out of bed and pulled on traveling clothes. He wasn’t sure where they were going, but Rosalind had wanted to leave when everyone else did, to get the light of the day in order to find a place by nightfall to settle down. She seemed to have an idea where they were going – and that was it. “Of course you’re strong enough for this Kai, your one of the strongest women I’ve ever met. Just think of it as a Airea and Kai time, we’ll be together, it will be awhile – and I’ll be missing you every single day. You can count on that I’ll be thinking of you. Don’t ever think you’re too weak for something,” he planted a sweet kiss on her forehead and then kissed her passionately on the lips. “If this is what it takes to defeat Kala, then that’s what it takes.” Rosalind waited kindly at the door, not interrupting as Xan turned to look at her once more. “I’ll always love you, I’ll be saying the same words in a year, try to focus, I know how hard it is to live without seeing my good looks.” He winked before heading out.

One year – it was a challenge that with anyone else, would go by like a blink of an eye to an elf. This was his wife though, his lifelong partner and the idea of another year separated after being away for so long seemed to kill him inside. Of course Cain was a man of few words and showed even fewer emotions, so of course he seemed completely at ease with the idea. His dragonet was close by and waiting for them to get a start on the day – he would finally be doing all the work she wanted him to do. “I love you too Mel, it will be okay,” he smiled bitterly, finding the poison to be a bit of a mockery at the moment while all the other couples would be sharing kisses and hugs. “Too bad it doesn’t take longer for that poison to wear off –this would be easier if I knew I had to go a year without touching you anyways,” he laughed and gave a playful wink. One year, one entire year – dear god, how would they get through this.

[Heather]

((sorry about last night GAH parents and family but ll nxt week i have half days and some no school days. ))

Her antics brought a wave of laughter from him that slowly died when Reacta walked into the room. She was stunning as always but she was smiling, warm and beautiful. It was the way she should always look, that smile could damn near break his heart. ‘Are you ready then?” eyebrow lifted as she gave a sweet smile to Tandri, almost slightly apologetic. “Someone’s in a good mood?” he questioned as she handed him a shirt. Head cocked to the side at her outfit, she wasn’t close to like the other dragonette that was easily noticed. She wore a short skirt, pleated and black. Her top was a sleeveless tunic of a rich dark green that made her eyes light up and her skin glow. Hairs resting in ringlets around her face but loose enough to almost be wavy. “No, just excited is all.” A casual shrug as she leaned on the door frame. Fox returning his attention to Tandri a wicked smile gracing his lips, “I love you Tandri.” He leaned over the bed lips catching hers. “Promise next time I won’t up and run.” He could hear Reacta laugh and he enjoyed the sound. He liked Reacta happy and rather liked she wouldn’t be near Calder at all. “Come on then lover boy.” She was already heading from the room a wave over her shoulder as a goodbye. Fox taking a glance at Tandri and winking. ‘This outta be interestin’ to say the least.” He knew his dragonette was a wild card, and perhaps it’s why he loved being her rider. Never a dull moment.


Airea was laughing quietly beside her when she shot him a dirty look, ‘My apologies but that was too good.” She stood fingers brushing lightly through her hair. Lost already with a part of her missing. Her heart already belonged to three men. Two of them weren’t with her. “Ah come on then, don’t think like that.” She was shocked when he hugged her, arms strong and warm. His chin resting on the top of her head. “I promise I won’t be too big of an ass.” It made her laugh, so he’d accomplished his goal. With that he let her dress into something better to wear and lead her into the sky. She had no idea where they were going, or what they were doing. All she knew was Xan wasn’t there, and he was right at the same time. She couldn’t afford to be the weak link anymore.

Nausea that’s all she felt as her eyes relaxed on his saying and reading things he would never say out loud. “No it won’t.” she shook her head a tiny smile managed to touch her lips. “It’ll be hellish and horrid.” She shrugged admitting it now was easy, Tabion still holding a relaxed smile by the door. “But I want to make you proud ok? That I can be tough and strong like everyone else here. Not just the book worm or the quiet person. I can do this if it means I can help you more.” And that’s what she had to grasp onto right then was that she could help him and the riders. “You have my heart Cain wherever I am. So take care of it ok?” she stepped forward linking her fingers into his knowing it was all she could really give at the moment. A light squeeze and the look in her eyes speaking volumes of the pain of being away from him. That and a hint of fear that his first year as a werewolf he’d be alone and she wouldn’t be able to help him. Unless they shifted at the same time...or were wolven at the same time. Then she could hear him, but she was pretty sure it was cheating. “I’ll miss you every single day.”

[Alexa]

Xanithel was chilled to the bone, his movement jerking and hesitant and he fought an inner war to continue walking. Rosalind slowly uncurled around his neck once they were out of the sight of a nearby village and grew to her full size to walk beside him and warm him up with her eternal burning fires. The year had been as productive as Rosalind had hoped, but both were yearning to reunite with their counterparts and the rest of the dragons and riders. While they had traveled across the world, gaining knowledge and tricks and trying to find rebellion parties who would make up part of their rebel forces against Kala, their bond grew stronger. Mostly Xan felt tired, and was ready for a place he could consider home again. They had faltered somewhere along the path though and a snow storm was kicking up – even Rosalind was concerned as she debated with what path to take. He could only catch little fragments of her arguments, he understood they were going to be little more than ice statues if they didn’t figure out something soon. Rosalind could only keep them both warm for so long. If Xan hadn’t stumbled, they might have never found the entrance, but that lucky little rock was there and he fumbled enough to try and support himself on the wall which of course didn’t exist in the first place. He fell into the realm of their dragon hold, Rosalind laughing softly as she walked in. “Well done,” she teased, giving him a nuzzle and picking him up with her teeth. “Next time, let’s try a more classy entrance though – one that involves staying on your feet,” she suggested warmly. If there was one thing Xan had noticed along the road, it was the unnatural grace his Dragonet had, and as he thought more and more about it – realized how all of the dragons had it. “I’ll try, but it’s not something I can promise,” he offered with a grin as they picked themselves over rubble and thick foliage until the path was clear – the path to the dragon keep, to home, to where his heart would be. Unknowingly, both dragon and rider picked up the pace to get there faster.

Cain would have gladly of looked forward to a year working in his beloved Sidhe again, if his mother hadn’t closed the doors on him with her angry heart. He could thank Tandri for that one, her and her demands after everyone had left and she absolutely insisted he return to Sidhe with her briefly for a council with his mother, a shrewd woman in charge of the defense of the city. That had been the only bump in the road and they had gone and he had undone the damage he had created so many years ago. At least she would no longer attack him verbally at the dinner table with the rest of the dragon riders. It did ultimately ruin his plans to work in Sidhe, so Cain back tracked with Callista and they both returned to the Dragon Keep – it had remained lonely and they felt obligated to be the guests for it to clean and cook after; it was the least they could do. The days passed more slowly it seemed, as each morning Cain roes reaching for his wife, until he avoided sleep more and more. Even his dear dragoness was looking forward to being that one chance to Airea – though Cain couldn’t begin to express what his feelings were pertaining to that. Some things were better off not thought out, that was one of them. This particular morning, Cain woke up feeling rejuvenated and refreshed, even Callista seemed to sparkle in the sunlight as she wore a bright smile that had become more characteristic of her. “Can you see anyone yet?” her light airy voice broke him of his trance as he looked back to the window. “It’s still early, I expect people will be arriving later,” he replied softly, locking his own eagerness in.


“Relax Calder,” Tandri pinned the rest of her hair up, smudged the faint grey smoky outline of makeup on her eyes to make a shadow affect and pursed her lips to gloss on some colored lip product. All the while her dragon waited impatiently. “I would have thought you’d be eager to leave,” he replied tartly, “At this rate we’ll make it there by dinner,” his voice was disapproving, Tandri had never realized how much he disapproved of things until she spent an isolated year with him on a tropical island – but an island none the less. “I can snap my fingers and we’ll be right outside the portal, so stop whining,” she replied, frowning a bit in the mirror. Her hair had added a few inches on and her bangs needed to be trimmed up, but other than that it was the same woman who had come a year ago – full of eager excitement that she could finally blow something up again and her fellow childhood friends would be waking up from a long sleep like trance from that forsaken wall they had put up years ago. While Calder had wanted to train every moment possible, and Tandri had pulled her weight and the two beings now were able to move together without even thinking, their thought process belonged with each other. There was no better team suited, Tandri missed the company of others, especially a special certain someone. “If you stop tapping your fingers on my mahogany dresser set, I’ll be finished,” she snapped, spinning around to see him wearing his usual grin – “I’m done,” he simply said and watched with a mask of amusement as she straightened her hair and stood tall and proud – as always. “Fine, then we can leave, lock the place up – I’d hate to find someone had boated here and were using the Bellevue estate as a hotel,” her voice was a bit stressed as she passed him the key and walked out onto the tariff. Her heart may have longed for the dragon keep and those already arriving, for certain she’d be hours late, but the island did have charm to it. “Ready?” Calder joined her soon, handing her back her key, “Nothing is left to do,” both knew that to be true so dragon, rider and her faithful stallion walked down a short way to the beach, and then a blinding light occurred. When it died down, the beach was once again isolated. They appeared right outside the portal into the keep. “We’ll ride the rest of the way,” she announced, mounting Ethereal and Calder perched on her shoulder as a hawk. With a click they were dashing through the woods, until the keep emerged out of the forest, they rode right up to the door before allowing Ethereal to return to the stables.

[Heather]

Hardly anything registered as the man walked slowly hands tucked into his pocket, an arm warmly snaked into his own “We’ve been walking for days.” Her voice was soft and sweet, something that warmed his heart every second it touched the air. He laughed, stopping for but a second to kiss the top of her head, “Now Kailzya it has only been a day and a half and we’re almost there.” He could feel her excitement build, watched as her shadow danced across the frozen terrain. He smirked then the wonderful sound he was using blurted forth. His laughter loud enough to ring in Kai’s ears, a smile decorating her face. “What if they’ve all changed Airea?” “That would be the hope doll.” Airea had softened during the year, they spent the time in the darkest parts of the world. Where winter could last for years, the sun showing but a few times scattered randomly through-out. Kai’s skin had become not pale, but a beautiful moonlit shade, one that glowed from within her. Her hair was cut shorter but only to her shoulders, still able to pull off a ponytail now and then. She’d become leaner, her magic now second nature where as before it was a stumbling block in her life. “Airea please!” she had begged him to fly, but walking was better for his purpose. He was prolonging the excitement, prolonging having her laugh and smile all to his own. That and frankly he was worried for her, she’d done her best fighting the thoughts of Xan and missing him…but every few nights he’d find her standing outside watching as if he might show up. Only to see her walk back in a few hours later shaking from the old and white snowflakes glistening in her hair. So when they reached the barrier wall he froze, hand slipping back into hers. “Kai?” he glanced at her, she was antsy and yet careful about showing it. She’d come so very far to this point, proud would never fit the feeling he held. “It’s ok Airea, we can do this.” She gave his hand a light squeeze and they walked through, the sun hit her skin and Airea watched as it held a hint of sparkle to it. “Welcome home Doll.” He murmured hand in hand heading to the front doors.

“Tabion!” she shrieked as the dragon dove and twirled this way and that, her eyes shut tight from his back. “Come on Melly were almost there!” “We won’t make it if you splatter us on the ground!” in the whole time Tabion and Melya had been together they grew in bond. Melya learning to let go of things, Tabion growing more and more into an adult then oversized child. His hair was cut into an edgy fashion that suited his face. Yet that smile of his was just as boyish as it ever had been, the spark still alive in his voice when they crashed through the portal wall. “My god Tabion slow down.” She slid from his back before he landed, her feet not even making a sound when the earth met them. Despite her protesting she was smiling big and wide, “Ta-da!” she spread her arms out wide Tabion landin and shifting as he did so. He charged Melya catching her in a tight hug. ‘Home we’re home!” he sang sinning the woman around until she protested nausea. She almost ran towards the keep, an eagerness in every step she could take. A year had been far too long, and yet all wonderful to say the least. She had pined after Cain the second she’d left his sight, cried when her bed seemed too cold. Ached every moment of everyday even while training. She’d gotten through it with Tabion’s help of course, but she’d be lying if she said she wasn’t all too happy to only be moments away from seeing him again. “Cain?” her head cocked to the side, hands rested on her hips. Her appearance hadn’t changed a bit, body a bit more toned but nothing else. She stood in the main hall now, catching a note of Kai’s arrival but not yet headin towards the girl, it wasn’t who she wanted to see first. “Oh for goodness sakes that mans not even here yet?” Tabions eyes sparkled, “You’d be surprised how much earlier he was?” a questioning look was casted towards him but Tabion only shrugged. Her one hope was that Cain would be proud she’d done it, kept to her word as well. She’d trained damn hard, as much as her body and mind could take. Sometimes more then she should have. Yet she’d done it, she’d survived and now her lips were dying for his. A taste she’d waited over a year for. Tabion smiled at the thought, that and he missed Rosalinds cooking.

Stunning, was the only word Fox could use to describe Reacta anymore, that and finally she had found herself. Over the year Reacta had worked out the kinks of her personality, though found the temper was albeit normal for her. He enjoyed it, secretly of course it kept him amused and light on his feet. There time spent in one small village to another, getting to learn how to trust and open up along with recruiting for the coming war. He wasn’t surprised at how many men attempted to sleep with his dragonette. They’d visit a bar every night, the best people to recruit would always be the shadiest it was just the workings of the day and age. There he’d catch a few men watching Reacta, not like meat oh no, somehow they knew better. She had come into her own, an exotic not so normal air carried around every step she took. “Come Fox I’d rather not be late.” He shook his thoughts free with a light laugh, their bond was nothing but a miracle. He had worried the first few weeks but after a while he truly came to understand the way she thought and felt. She helped him with magic, with actually feeling again, he taught her how to relax a little now and then. He’d enjoyed the year, and yet couldn’t wait to be at the keep to show all he knew. “I’ proud of us.” He noted the journey easy when he followed Reacta’s directions to the point. The dragonette smiled playing with the ends of her hair, feet slipped into heels that laced up her leg with a black ribbon. Her skirt was longer than the one she’d left in, no longer trying for short but elegant in a way that let her keep the edginess he was use to. Her top portrayed that more, a v-neck dip and dark green in color. The hem lace and the sleeves consisting of the same laceish style. There he was in traveling clothes and his hair brushed, Reacta had laughed about it the entire time. “Your sure you don’t want me to change your outfit for when you see her?” she cooed when the keep came into view. “I’m sure.” He barked now almost jogging forward, Reacta following and showing little effort to do so even in the damn heels. When he neared the keep doors he couldn’t wait, happy to see everyone, and just one person. Tandri, the elf hadn’t left his mind for a second. “How sweet.” He smirked as Reacta rested on hand on her hip the other laying at her side. “Hurry up already people.” Though he was sure most everyone was hear or just about.

[Alexa]

It felt good, to stand inside the middle of the keep, have the warmth wash over them. Xan kept himself in check as he watched how brighter Rosalind’s eyes became when she walked into the center of the hall. “It’s good to be here, and we’ve grown so much Xanithel – I really think the others will be impressed, especially with magic, we’ve grown in that area like none other,” and pride leaked out in Rosalind’s voice. He would rather miss their adventures that were shared between just the two of them. “I think I’ll just go and start on a special dinner for everyone, we’ll need to have a nice meeting to see what others have learned and I’d think it would be more enjoyable over hot food,” she purred all the while walking elegantly into the kitchens. Xan waved her off and went hunting for a woman he had desired since the day they left.

It seemed the doors were banging left and right, Cain and his dragonet only noticed because of how used they were to the silence that was shared between the two of them. “I suppose it’s begun then, everyone is arriving,” though he was only eager for one person. He looked over and saw how soft looking his dragonet seemed, “Yes, it certainly has,” she agreed, brushing a lock of her hair back before turning to the door. “Let’s go and greet them, shall we? The keep’s alive again, it won’t be all quiet and personal for us,” which she wouldn’t lie – she might miss that just a little bit. They walked down together, Callista trailing after Cain on the stairwell. The first spotted Kai, who had just walked into the keep. “I believe I spotted Xan along the northern wall outside along the patio,” Callista offered helpfully, “Oh, and Cain – Melya just walked into the dining room, I can nearly hear Rosalind fussing from here,” and she watched with amusement as Cain thanked her hurriedly and rushed off. Her lips pursed as she turned towards Airea and gave a smug eye raise, “You haven’t changed a bit, the same arrogant and debonair look in your eyes,” And Callista imagined she hadn’t changed a great deal either.

“I told you we wouldn’t be late,” Tandri bickered as they walked in, while the keep was certainly acquainting itself with old friends, they weren’t the last ones there. “And you were nagging me the entire time; I hope you’re properly embarrassed now,” She pulled off one riding glove at a time; simultaneously they vanished – probably turning up in her dressing room upstairs. “I wanted to be fashionably late, you knew that –“ “How long are you going to whine?” he asked, brushing his locks of hair back. “When you stop whining about how you wanted to be on time and the first ones here?” she asked, resting her hands on her hips, he groaned and stepped back and Tandri knew he wouldn’t bring the matter up again, and in turn neither would she. “Let’s make ourselves at home then,” she replied, walking into the study room suited with couches and piles of books, only to wait for the man she had waited a year for.

[Heather]

“I do think he’s learned his manners at least” Kai offered with a wink, placing a gentle kiss on the Airea’s cheek before heading off in a new direction. Her footsteps light as she listened to the walls speak, things she’d never been able to pick up on before now. “Ah!” she smiled and stepped through a wall and ended up in the next hallway over a few feet ahead of Xan now. “There you are!” she smirked her eyes sparkled and took in the sight of him with an ease and need that just about tipped her over. “Don’t you look charming.” Her head tilted to the side as her stomach did flips and dives inside, how had she lasted so long without seeing him again? She wasn’t sure on how to act yet, or even what to say knowing for a year she’d only really spoken to Airea. Yet her body seemed to act first moving her foreword until she was running somewhat and nearly tackling him to the ground upon meeting him. When her arms had pulled him into a hug she felt a warmth spread forward and repair a few damages her heart had been suffering for the longest time. “I missed you.” At least she had managed not to full out cry or anything but she had wanted to. She would have dropped on her knees and begged him to never ever leave her for that long again, but she’d learned better then to make such a fool of herself right off the bat.

Dazzling smile was given when he felt Kai’s hand retreat from his, “Don’t let her fool you, my manners are still all but horrid.” He moved forward and rested at the bottom of the stairs. He looked her up and down before resting one hand on the railing, “You both stayed here then hm?” he pursed his lips but a smile still brushed onto the chiseled features. “Very clever indeed wish I would have thought of it…” he paused as if he wanted to say something but wasn’t going to. Only it shoved forward, in a practiced way that made it look like he wasn’t freaking out as much as he was. “You are even more breath taking then the last time I saw you Callista.” Her name flooded his mind, tempted his soul and caused an easy dance of laughter to trip into the room and space between them.

She caught him as soon as he passed through the door, fingertips covering Cain’s eyes and a light giggle tumbling forward. “Tabion tells me you never even left.” She pouted from behind him and let her hands drop from his eyes to relax on his shoulders. “I stole one of your shirts.” She admitted coming around to face him now, her heart melting into a soup at her feet. “I needed something of yours, sorry.” She ducked her head slightly, but her gaze rose to watch him for the longest time. She had missed him, gods above more than anything should be able to comprehend she missed him. A year now felt like a lietime and that she was all but meeting him for the first time. That he was joining her class and everyone was whispering about the ‘new guy’ but she couldn’t utter a word. Too struck by the way he smiled at her, or how he moved to take his seat. How he spoke when he introduced himself. How he’d shook her hand while she was still in some stupor that he was talking to her “It’s hardly fair that you stop her thought-process.” Tabion commented dodging into the kitchen while Melya stammered shaking her head. “Hello love.” She raised her head doing her best to breathe; he was beyond perfection in her eyes.

“Rosalind my goodness!” Tabion cheered when he saw her at the stove already bringing her into a tight hug before letting go. “Look at you, it’s been far too long.” His smile was bright as his fingers ran through the short hair he was still getting used to. “I have been nearly dyin on what Melya’s fed me.” a pout regarded onto his lips at the thought of some of the things he ate. ‘Everything’s bland after I’ve had your cooking, Melya said I was spoiled is all.” He hadn’t just missed her food, but the sound of her oice. The way she was so sweet and polite and unlike any other of the dragons in the gentle way she carried herself.

“Told you they’d be here.” Reacta was first in the door, pushing it open lightly with an open palm as Fix beelined around her and caught Tandri by the waist pulling her into a deep kiss until he needed air. “Hiya” his grin was brilliant as he refused to let go of her just yet. “Told you I’d see you soon. Wasn’t that long.” He mused another kiss placed against her neck, it wasn’t long when he was holding her again now. It didn’t matter how much time had passed, he was holding her and that was all that mattered. “You smell heavenly by the way.” He could hear Reacta chuckle from the doorway but ignored her for the moment Tandri was all he could see or hear or feel.

She leaned her body against the doorframe watching Fox with a slight amusement before raising her gaze to find Calder. ‘Oh, hello Calder.” An easy wave given and a smile mingling into the gesture, proud she was able not to drool the second she saw him. No she’d figured out the whole emotion out of wack, though it’d taken nearly the whole year to do as much. Her eyes took him in with one quick sweep before settling on his face. “How have you been?” an eye brow raised as she ignored the scene in front of her.

[Alexa]

The sight of her again was breath taking, it had Xan taking a double look, as if he didn’t truly believe that it was her. “A year apart and that’s all you have to say? I missed you?” He asked, grinning from ear to ear as he wrapped his hands around her and whirled her around so her back was up against the wall. “No Xan, please god ravish me here, I can’t stand another day without you?” he asked, raising an eye brow before meeting her lips half way and slowly moving the kiss to a more passionate one.

She smiled, a bit sinfully as she moved down the stairs to rest on the one above him, leaning elegantly on the rail. “Time away makes the heart grow fonder,” she replied, an old human saying which she wasn’t completely sold on. “My memory of you didn’t do you justice Airea, that I must admit….now, do you remember where we left off, the last time we were together?” Callista asked, leaning into him slightly, “I recall a fabulous garden scene in the moonlight.”

“We didn’t see a reason too,” Cain replied with an off handed shrug. A smile was brought to his lips when she mentioned her small little thief, “Do I get it back by any chance?” he asked, knowing full well how greedy his wife could be, how she might just keep it to be in her possession forever – he wouldn’t have minded. “Well, ah, I might – in time be able to forgive you,” he turned around, took a fake look around the room and glanced back,” Your forgiven,” he replied, and pulled her into him, his lips finding hers.

She spun around gracefully at hearing her name being called, a sweet smile forming on her lips. “Oh Tabion….your hair, it looks marvelous,” she spoke in her sweetest voice as she turned to take a good look at him. “Well, I’m glad because that’s what I intend to do tonight, make a fabulous dinner for everyone – we all have so much catching up to do, after all, it has been an entire year.”

It felt like second nature to wrap her arms around him and kiss him passionately back. When they broke apart, her hands fondly framed his face and as she smiled ever so sweetly at him. “I missed those eyes looking back at me, as far as having an eternal life goes, that was the longest year,” Calder could be such a boring company some days. “It’s good to be back, right here, in your arms,” it had been the place she had dreamed about being for months on end.

“I was trapped on an island with a woman who just had had her magic back, I’ve become an excellent dodger,” he remarked, a weary look in his eyes until he took a full glance at her. She had toned it down just the slightest bit, and seemed all the more lovely for her subtly of beauty now. “I’m sure your life was much less threatened in the hands of Fox.”

[Heather]

“I was just about to get to that part.” She managed before her heart stuck in her throat and her lips became busy with his own. “Xan you’re going to make me pass out.” She murmured the feeling of him almost overwhelming but she couldn’t much finish the thought and only got the word Xan out before her lips were finding his again. She was just fine with his idea, hell even the wonderful smell of food was nothing even on a empty stomach. Compared to the feeling of Xan near her, with her and that he still wanted her. She wouldn’t say as much, because it had been silly to worry as she did. “You’re cold.” She whispered when her lips parted his once more, just the edge of a chill remaining on Xan’s skin from his early trek here. Her hands moved to slide up the front of his shirt tracing over the skin and seeping warmth below it’s surface, “Better?” she asked slightly curious, half proud of herself at the same time. However weak her knees felt at touching him, but she was doing her best not to focus on that.

He leaned forward and his lips brushed hers without a second thought to the matter, it was gentler but relaxed in nature then the desperate kiss in the garden. “Not fonder Callista just smarter.” Smarter to pay attention to what he could have, smarter to know exactly what he could miss out on. His hand trailed up the railing to find her hand, bringing it to his lips for the briefest of moments. “I do hope you’d still be willing to join me on a second date sometime?” he offered a tilt of the head and still a gathered smile tugging on his lips.

Laughter wanted to follow his actions but she was too swept up in being around him to even utter a sound. “God I missed that.” she whispered. A hint of glee tainting her eyes, “You can have your shirt back if I can have my side of the bed back ok?” she offered another kiss given until the need to talk to him took over again. She’d gone far too long without hearing his voice, without waking up to it, falling asleep to it. The sound was something that could make or break her heart depending on what it had to say at the moment. “I have a thousand questions.” Or three thousand and fifty two to truly be exact but not all of them need to be answered, and most did so when he kissed her.

“Oh thank all that is good in life!” he cheered before a childish smile tugged on his feature. “Thank you. Melly said it suited me better.” He shuffled his feet but watched her for the longest time. “As long as you lik it, that’s all that matters really.” A gentle shrug and he was next to her again arm touching her own as he looked over what she wa starting to make. “So anything I can help with then? Melly did teach me at least a few things thank goodness.” A mutter or two about the house almost being burned to the round a few times. Melya had no luck with fire, ever.

“Ah Tandri, you know how to flatter a man.” He grinned and glanced at Calder, “You have your magic back!? That’s amazing Tandri!” he was more than happy for her, he knew how much she missed it. To have it back had to be nothing less than a miracle to her. His arms would always be to hold Tandri, he was damn sure that was the true reason he had any at all. Was the privilege to hold her, or to touch her, even to catch her when need of it arose. “Glorious.” Whispered forth as a softer kiss was given now.

Laughter bubbled forward as she stood up and moved around the small scene in the middle of the room to take a seat near where Calder was standing. “I’d say I put his life more in threat, well no, it was rather even.” She placed a finger tip her lips trying to think before nodding. ‘I did get in a human bar fight, which was interesting. I do figure it was worthless though and made no sense what so ver.” She watched Calder with an ease about herself, that surprised her really. “You look good for dodging magic the entire time I must say.”

[Alexa]

“I need convincing,” Xanithel mocked, in the best serious tone he could handle. It didn’t last long before the impish light gleamed deviously in his golden orbs. “Don’t go doing that on me though…not the type of compliment a lad wants to hear after kissing his girl after a year of being apart,” Xanithel shook his head sadly before wrapping his hand against hers and bringing her into the middle of the room. “That’s the last time we let the dragons propose such an idea as this last one. I want you forever, every single moment of my life,” a year was far too long.

Smarter? Her eyes drew narrow and her eye brow arched, “How so Airea? I’m not waiting around forever,” she pulled away and crossed her arms swinging her hair back behind her shoulder as she did so. She found there was a strange but significant correlation in the idiotic of males from humans to dragons when it came with dealing with females. “I don’t care how silly you think Tabion might be – there are certain things you could learn from him,” just hearing Rosalind gush about how tender and sweet he could be had Callista on edge with Airea’s willingness to reserve himself at every turn. “We’ll see about that second…” date? How human were they becoming? “I’m not calling it a date.”

Wait a minute, “I….I have to give up the giant bed, but I could sprawl out, steal all the blankets, leave the window open,” ah, but none of that matched up to the comfort a warm body snuggling close to you in the night. Becoming entangled in the sheets together, refusing to ever let go until the first of dawn’s lights stretched out across the cozy comforter. “Do I have to answer everything? We’ll be here forever talking…” as a male, there were things he would much rather be doing. A thousand things he’d rather be doing in fact…interestingly enough they all included having no clothes on.

She leaned in softly and ran a smooth hand through the short golden locks, “I love it,” she confirmed with that compassionate warm look in her dark chocolate eyes. “Oh no, I’ll be taking care of every single detail of this meal,” she vowed, “but you’re welcome to stay,” which really translated into…I really don’t want you to go away again. “Let the humans have their greetings, a year is far longer for them than it is for us,” but why had it seemed so very long to her?

“It’s amazing what a few threats…and a dazzling smile can get you,” she replied, “To say the least, Cain and I have come to friendly terms,” which was good for him. If she had had the desire to burn him AND her magic back? Oh the possibilities… She tucked her arm into his softly and tilted her head in a gentle womanly fashion to smile. “I want to hear all about your trip,” especially how completely miserable he was without her….and if there was any fleeting passions that happened in the night she most defiantly did not want to hear about that.

Calder straightened up and looked quite dashing while he did so, leaning very casually against the parlor doors. “Well if anyone needs practice in how to stop drop and roll when on fire, I have become the master,” he wished there could be a glint of amusement in his voice, but it came out stuffy, dry, and absolutely serious. “Human fights are nearly always without purpose that led down to meaningless destruction, I’m surprised you partook in it,” more importantly…why and what did the filthy human do to her in such a lowly disgusting place as a bar? “Why you would enter such a place in the first place…” he spat, disgust covered the slight jealousy of what humans in the bar tried to get away with.