skieblue | The Prophecy Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-four: Shadows

A cloaked figure approached the gates to Magia. A guard stepped out. "May I help you?"

He pulled back the cloak and revealed himself to be an elf. His golden locks falling to his shoulders. "I am a traveler to your city and ask leave to enter."

"Dilan, go and get someone from the council." He turned back to the man. "We will have to wait approval."

Faedra came out some time later. "I hope this is an important interruption." She told the guard. "Who is this?"

"My name is Senator Rashas. I am a messenger from the kingdom Silvanesti."

"No you are not. I have met the Senator. Who are you really? I believe you to be of royalty and to be from Silvanesti but you do not strike me to be a messenger."

"Prince Sithel. I have been traveling under cover because my cousins are trying to frame me as part of their conspiracy. My father believes my innocence but Rashas and I believed it to be best to go under cover for awhile. So he is temporarily in charge of Silvanesti while I am using his name as a traveler."

"Ah yes…well if you were truly innocent you would have stayed in your kingdom. I will allow you in but under very strict conditions. You stay no longer than a few days and will be under surveillance. Nothing gets passed me…and I do mean nothing. If you have any ill intentions you might as well turn around and go home. Once you enter you will be unable to leave until you inform me. Understood?"

"Perfectly."

"Good. Follow me." She led him to the Inn and set him up in a downstairs bedroom away from everyone else in the group but close enough to be watched. "Dinner is in an hour. I suggest you be on time."

"I will see you in an hour then."

She turned and walked out. She went in search of Aravan to warn him of his brother's presence in the city. She found him sitting outside enjoying the day.

"Aravan."

Aravan looked up at her. "Dara Faedra is there something I can help you with?"

"I must speak with you. Your brother is in the city…but under strict surveillance…or he will be after dinner. I thought I should warn you because knowing full well that he is guilty I am sure he will try to kill you…I figured let him in and then after he does something rash arrest him…so you have fore warning…just do not let him know that."

"Sithel is here? I should have figured our father would not keep him under close enough surveillance. He probably has support in the kingdom still but I do not know who. I suspect I will have to deal with his supporters eventually. However, he may have given up on Silvanesti if father suspects something. Do you know if there is any other way that he could get access to a kingdom?"

"Yes. He would have to marry Lia or Karia…they have just inherited kingdoms of their own but it is not something that has been announced yet. As for his supporters, I believe you will find Senator Rashas among them…and a cleric…Ivan? I believe"

"Hmm…There is a chance he could know about the girls. It wouldn't be the first time the conspiracy would know something that hasn't been announced yet."

"Well then I guess you should warn the girls. I must go search out Angel. I will see you at dinner." She turned and walked away.

Faedra found Angel and Wesley playing a card game of sorts, inside the inn.

"Ha! Gin again!" Wesley exclaimed.

Angel groaned. "Okay it's my turn to choose."

"Excuse me gentlemen."

They both turned to see Faedra. "What is it Faedra?" Angel asked.

"I need to ask a favor of sorts…that is if you don't mind."

"Anything what is it?"

"Well…we have a traitor in the city…I allowed him in on purpose because I knew it was the only way to catch him…and prove that he was a traitor."

"Who is he?"

"Aravan's brother Sithel. I need you to keep a close eye on him. I know he is going to try to kill Aravan and he may go after Lia and Karia."

"Why would he do that?"

"Well he would kill his brother in order to get him out of the succession of his palace…and he may want to have a kingdom hence going after the princesses who have just inherited one a piece."

"Oh…alright sure…when?"

"After dinner would be good. I doubt he will try anything now…with dinner so close…but you never know."

"Now is good." He turned to Wesley. "Sorry bud but your gonna have to deal with a rain check on a good old fashioned Angel ass kicking."

Wesley smiled. "No problemo. Duty calls."

Angel stood and went in search of the new comer.

Isethia came down the stairs.

Faedra smiled. "Hello Isethia. How fare thee today?"

"Fine. I haven't seen you lately. I guess you've been pretty busy."

"Yes, unfortunately. Would you like to go for a walk with me? I am sure we could both use some fresh air."

"Yes." She came over to her they waved to Wesley and walked out of the Inn.

"Are you feeling alright?"

"I'm not sure actually. I've been really tired lately."

"Sorry to hear that. You need to rest more and probably should eat a bit more. I noticed you haven't been eating as much as you should be. You forget you are eating for two now."

"Yes. I'm sorry I-"

"You what, dear?"

" I don't -I don't know I'm-I haven't been feeling very good since I tried to do that spell."

"Yes, well it has probably stolen some of your energy…it does that when you haven't been trained for that kind of magic. I will make you an herbal remedy that will help with that. I will bring it to you later."

"Thank you. So how are you doing? I know you have a lot to deal with right now."

"I am as well as can be expected I guess. I miss Kaje very much so, but I know that he wants me to concentrate on raising this child…I know he wants me to smile instead of mourn…so that is what I am doing…as hard as it may be. I am not used to sleeping alone…and I miss his arms around me…but I am going to have to get used to it I suppose. Have you named your child yet?"

"We've discussed some names."

"Shall I make it easy for you?"

"What do you mean?"

"I know the gender of your baby."

"Oh…What…"

"It's a beautiful baby girl. She will look a lot like you but has Gildor's smile, and his strength."

"She's going to be a herald isn't she?"

"Yes, my son's herald…they will get married one day…"

Isethia smiled. "It can be unusual knowing things, can't it? They aren't even born yet and you already know that their going to get married."

A slight frown came over her features. "You have no idea just how frustrating it is." She told her quietly trying to keep all the emotion from her voice.

"Is something wrong?"

"I see death fastly approaching…and I cannot say who it is and I cannot do anything to stop it."

"That's…scary. So…can we change the subject? Have you decided on a name for your son?"

She smiled. "Yes. I have. His name is Eloian Kajen. It means wind spirited and heart of the wind."

"That's a nice name. Your naming him after his father to aren't you?"

"Yes. Kaje's name was Kajen Eloian…so I reversed it. He will look like his father, might as well be named after him…besides this baby is the last thing I have that is ours and that will make me remember him always…it will also make me free…"

"How does Lia feel about having a little brother?"

"She is very excited. I think she will be a wonderful sister to this baby…besides I have a babysitter for life." She smiled. "Not that I will ever need her or anything."

"I heard she is engaged is this…that official?"

She smiled again. "Yes. Dakkon and her have made it official. They are a beautiful couple, so very much in love."

"Yes…" she sighed.

"So what have you named your daughter? Or have you?"

"Well…we haven't really…decided on a name yet."

"May I help? I may give you an idea."

"Do you have something in mind?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact I do. How about Althea? True hearted…or pure of heart…like you."

"That would be a good name for a Herald."

"See what Gildor thinks and let me know…maybe you could give her a second name."

"Yes…" She sat down on the bench that they came to.

Faedra sat down beside her. "Maybe we could get together and make some adorable little outfits for the children…as you know I have mastered cloth making."

"Yes, we'll have to do that."

"You should go lay down before dinner. I will come and get you, when it is ready."

"Thank you…I-I will see you later then." Faedra smiled and squeezed her friend's hand. She stood and continued her walk.

~*~

Everyone settled down for dinner...the entire group already fore warned not too mention anything important at dinner due to the traitor from Silvanesti that would be joining them that evening.

"Well…I don't believe I have had the pleasure of meeting everyone here." Sithel stated.

"Faedra."

"Karia."

"Vanidor."

"Angel."

"Isethia."

"Gildor."

"Lunea."

"Eldarion."

"Lia."

"Dakkon."

"Tolar."

"Luthan."

"Legolas."

"Ayala."

"Calyna."

"Wesley."

"Ria."

"I'd hope you remember me." Aravan stated.

"Ayon."

"Adrianna."

"Celebdhel."

"Well…for anyone who doesn't know, my name is Prince Sithel of Silvanesti…" He looked around at the group. "I've heard of some of you." He looked at Luthan. "Didn't you die."

Luthan smiled. "Resurrection is a wonderful thing."

"Yes, I would imagine, although not having experienced it myself I wouldn't know." He turned to his brother. "So…you're still hanging around with the warrior are you? Whatever happened to that mage you used to be so in love with?"

Ria looked up at Sithel, anger in her eyes. "My title is not warrior. I have a name and you would be smart to use it."

"My apologies, Riatha."

"Ria. I do not go by that awful name my parents gave me. Ria will suffice."

"Alright…" He turned back to his brother. "You didn't answer my question."

"Well…as for what happened to Aylis, she left. And I was never really in love with her, I just thought I was."

"Does that mean you're with someone else?"

"Yes, not that it's any of your business."

"Well, whoever you end up with might have to make an appropriate queen. After all, whoever you marry might be queen."

"Will be. Or have you forgotten that I'm older than you."

"No I hadn't forgotten.I just thought that maybe the speaker should be one who cared about the kingdom and should stay once in awhile. Instead of getting obsessed with hunting cursed ones."

Karia looked over as did Angel. "Do you mind? We're eating. Now is not the place to cause a scene. That may be how things are done in Silvanesti but we do things differently here." Karia told him.

"My apologies, Princess. I did not intend to cause a scene."

"Yes, I am sure you didn't." She stated as she went back to her meal.

During the rest of the meal, Sithel took it upon himself to look at the two princesses as if trying to make a decision. They both act appropriately but only one of them has the right hair color, although Karia is rather attractive I don't think she will be my first choice. With that he went back to his meal…the rest of the group already rather suspicious. Karia put her fork down and looked over at Sithel.

"May I ask you why you feel the need to stare at my sister and I? I think that it is rather rude."

"I am sorry. It is hard to resist the temptation of looking at two of the most beautiful women I have ever seen."

"Yes, I am sure…but we are both taken…so look elsewhere."

"Of course, Princess."

"Lovely day isn't it?" Wesley chimed in.

Everyone nodded in agreement, gladly excepting the change of topic. They discussed the weather for awhile and then slowly began to depart from the table. Isethia and Gildor left first, followed by Faedra, Ayon, Ayala, Legolas and Celebdhel.

Angel rose and went to hide in the shadows…he would keep a very good eye on Sithel indeed…Sithel would never see him…and he wouldn't have it any other way.

Sithel stood and walked over to Lia. Lia looked up at him.

"Do you want something?"

"Yes, actually. I think you look very lovely in that color. I was wondering if you would show me the city, seeing as I am new and have never been here before."

"Well…I'm…kind of taken. As I believe my sister told you. If you want to see the city you should sign up for a tour."

"I don't think they do that here, dear." Dakkon stated with a smile on his face.

"Oh. Well, then I guess your out of luck."

"Right…well…your loss." He turned and went back to his seat. How would he get to them…neither of them seemed interested…but he suddenly had an idea.

"If you will excuse me. I think I will do some sight seeing." He stood and walked out, Angel following him.

"Well, he hasn't changed." Aravan stated.

"No, no he hasn't. He is lucky that I am not overly violent or I swear I would have punched him…and it might have felt good…I am just waiting for him to give me the chance…"

"I hope you don't mind that I didn't tell him that we were together."

"No. I would rather him not know. I would rather not hear him go on about the whole warrior and proper lady thing. It gets old rather quickly."

"Yes, especially since it hasn't been that long ago since you heard it from Rael."

She giggled. "You should have seen her today. She is no longer wearing royal clothes and she is no longer immaculate looking…and she still acts proper and throws in threats…it was hilarious…the guards love it…they tease her something fierce."

"Nice to know that the guards are getting their entertainment. I heard Inarion made threats when he was imprisoned too."

" A lot of good it does them."

"At least as far as we know most of the conspiracy is gone. Inarion and Rael are imprisoned and the yellow eyed man has been taken cared of." He nodded in the direction of Karia.

"Yes one less threat to worry about. I hope you didn't go through too much to take care of him for us." Ria stated.

"It wasn't for you. It was for me. And yes I did. I went through 6 years of hell and then he decided it would be fun to rape me repeatedly…so yes I did, not to mention most of the time I was threatened into it and did it on my own free will. I would really appreciate it if everyone will forget that he even existed." She stood and walked out of the inn. Vanidor stood and followed her.

Luthan looked after them. "I am sure she didn't mean to snap at you Ria. She has been through a great ordeal and she doesn't know how to deal with it. She is used to burying things and I think everything is finally beginning to surface. She is going to need all the help and support she can get because this may affect her for sometime…her life hasn't been joyous and I think she has never known how to deal with it…now she will be forced to."

Ria nodded and sat there silently for a minute. "I guess what she could use is a good friend."

"She will need a few." Luthan looked at the remaining members at the table, stood and walked out. Eldarion, Lunea and Wesley left next.

"Why did he do that to her?" She asked quietly.

"I'm guessing he wanted to. We all, well those who have seen them interact together know how he lusts after her, and if not it has been stated. I saw them when he…well…let's just say he is not very nice." Dakkon told her.

"I know he's-not-nice."

"Right you would…sorry."

"But why didn't I know that happened to her. Amalia said that twins are supposed to know everything about each other."

"They are… but she has managed to block most of the connection…she must be strong. The connection between twins is the strongest bond there is."

"I know. Amalia told me a lot about her…and her sister Crystal."

"I wonder why she would block the connection. I think you should really talk to your sister. She has been really distant and I think you're the only one who can bring her back…I think that would be a good way to thank her….even though I am sure she already knows." Ria told her.

"Well…I guess I should go find her then. If you will excuse me." She stood.

"Do you want me to go with you?" Dakkon asked her.

"No…I-I won't leave the city. I'll see you later okay?"

"Just don't do anything rash." Dakkon said. "I will meet you in 4 candle marks. That should be enough time, yes?"

"Yes I will see you then." Lia turned and walked out.

~*~

Karia finally stopped walking when she reached the outskirts of the town and came upon a tower of sorts. She climbed the stairs and found herself looking over the entire city. Vanidor looked up at the tower and saw her standing at the very top looking out. Could this explain why she was so distant? He climbed up the stairs and met her at the top.

"Are you-do you want to talk or anything?"

"What could there possibly be to talk about?"

"If you don't want to talk about what you said earlier just let me tell you one thing. It doesn't change the way I feel about you."

"But it changes the way I feel about myself. Talking about it doesn't help the pain to go away…it doesn't make the thoughts go away and it certainly doesn't make the memories disappear. I just want to forget about him and everything he has done to me but it is not that easy. I thought killing him would solve my problem but it seems he still taunts me in his afterlife. I don't know what to do. People talk about me like I am some kind of hero…but I'm not."

"What you did took courage though. And talking about it does help sometimes. You shouldn't just keep everything buried inside. It has a tendency to come out at the wrong time. I know I'm not exactly the best person to be giving this advice but I do kind of know what I'm talking about."

Karia leaned against the cold stone railing of the tower and looked down. "It is the only way I know. I am going to spare you with the sob story that I call my life. I have been witness to and seen things that I should not have had to. A lot of bad things have happened to me and I have been on my own through it all. All I know how to do is bury it…and some times I succeed and forget about what ever it is that I buried…but for some reason this is different. It's consuming me…and I can't escape it. I feel as if the walls are closing in on me. I feel as if I am a caged bird…I have lost control and I have no idea how to get it back."

"Sorry. I didn't realize your life had been that difficult."

"I don't want you to be sorry. If you really want to know my whole life story go and see Luthan. I am sure you could ask Gildor but I am not sure if he would tell you. No one knows just how bad my life has been because I put on a mask and keep it buried where it belongs. I wish I could just float away or disappear but my life can never be that easy…I am being forced to face this and I hate every second of it. I never look people in the eyes because they are the window to my soul. My soul is tainted and has left me hollow…miserable. I wish I knew how to fix it but I don't. Maybe it would be better if I left for awhile…just until I figured things out."

"You've gotten used to shutting people out haven't you? Now there are people here who care…and want to see past the barriers you put up."

She bowed her head. "I'm not sure if I can let them. If some people knew… they would hate me…I don't want that to happen. It would kill me."

"I'm not telling you to reveal your deepest, darkest secrets…just to let down the barriers enough to let people help you."

A tear escaped her eye and she brushed it away. "I'm scared. I don't think I have ever been so scared in my life. Letting people that close to me scares me…it shouldn't but it does. I am so afraid of what people would say…and I know I shouldn't care but I care…you have all made me care."

"Just remember there are people who want to help you. An anyone who really cares about you would not…turn away because of something in the past."

She turned to face him for the first time since his arrival. "Even if I was a murderer?"

"Are you?" he asked gently.

"Yes." She whispered.

"I-Is this something recent? Whatever it is, is it something you would do today?"

"I don't know."

"I-it doesn't change how I feel. I'm surprised to find this out about you but I still love you."

"But what if you didn't? Would it still be so easy for you to except?"

"I honestly don't know. I think it would depend on how much… on the circumstances."

"How much what?"

"Information. I mean you said you were a murderer, but not knowing the circumstances I couldn't judge that."

"There were no circumstances. I just woke up one day and thought it was a good idea…I was at a breaking point and I am reaching one again. That is why I don't tell anyone…the only one who knows is Angel. I doubt it if everyone here would understand…they don't love me, they just like me…but I know how quickly it will change their minds. I made the mistake of telling someone close to me and I have lost that person forever because they couldn't accept it. They didn't care about the person I was, they allowed my past actions to become who I was."

"There is at least one other person here who loves you…and I think she would understand. That's-you've been trying to hide this from her haven't you?"

She nodded. "I couldn't bear it if she hated me…I couldn't bear to see my own flesh and blood reject me. I can tolerate if from everyone else but not from her. I want to protect her from my past but…I guess she will find out eventually."

"She wouldn't reject you. She is your twin. I don't think she would be capable of rejecting you."

"But how can you be so sure? I am new to her life…an acquaintance who just happens to be related to her. I knew there was something missing in my life and I finally found it…It was my family. I cannot bear to lose them both now…I wouldn't survive it."

"You are not entirely new to her life. The two of you began your lives together. And as for your other sister…I don't think she would reject you either."

"But I don't know that. All I know is what I have lived. I have never had family near me. I don't know how to react. I am so afraid of screwing everything up. I don't know how to interact with people…I just know how to survive."

"Yes, well being used to interacting with people doesn't mean that you never make mistakes. And I don't think…I don't know. Maybe you should talk to them."

"And tell them what? Hi I'm your sister and I am a recluse and a murderer."

"Well…maybe not quite that abruptly."

"See what I mean? I know your trying to help and it means the world to me…but now isn't the best time."

"Do you want me to leave you alone then?"

"It doesn't matter what I want…it's what I need."

"I-you know where I'll be if…if you want to talk more later. Just remember…I love you."

She nodded. "I know…it's hard to forget."

He took her hand and brought it to his lips. He kissed her gently and walked from the room. She waited for him to be out of the room before she slid to the floor and rested her head in her hands.

Lia entered the room. She saw her sister sitting on the floor with her head in her hands. She walked over and kneeled down beside her. "Karia?"

She didn't look up. "How much did you hear?"

"A lot. But…it doesn't matter."

She wiped her eyes and looked at her. "You don't know everything."

"I know you killed someone."

"It was more than one…200 to be exact."

"Were they…evil?"

"I don't know."

"I-I'm not sure I understand."

"I just killed random people…some may have been bad but they never did anything to me…I had no right to kill them but I did nonetheless."

"I-don't hate you…"

"But you don't love me either. I guess it is okay to be in the middle of those…at least you like me."

"I-I-I…you're my twin. Of course I-I do… love you."

"How anyone could love me is far beyond my comprehension."

"Do you think you're unworthy of love?"

"I know it."

"Then you're wrong. I don't know what you were like when you did…when you killed those people…but now you're better than a lot of people I've known and I loved three of those people. So yes, I can love you."

"I'm not worth it…I will most likely disappoint you somewhere down line. It has happened before and I know I will screw up big time again. It's Murphy 's Law and it seems to curse my life."

"Yeah…well you're not the only one who has ever done the wrong thing. Everyone makes mistakes. I wouldn't stop loving you just because you made a mistake."

"Someone else did…And I am sure nobody makes as big and as bad of mistakes as I do. No matter how hard I try I can't get it right. I don't get it. I try so hard and in the end it kicks me in the ass."

"You think your mistakes are bigger than everyone else's? Let's see…you haven't gone off and become the Dark Lord, or …well some other things that I know some people have done. And I'm not perfect either. I slept with Derek willingly…once. And I loved him."

"You can't help who you fall in love with. You shouldn't beat yourself up because you slept with someone you loved…but the feelings weren't reciprocated. That is out of your control."

"There is a bit more to it then that."

"I'm sure there is, there always is…but it doesn't mean it was a bad mistake…it may have been…but I have done worse…I have survived worse…and your guilt about the Stefan situation is not making anything easier on me. It was out of your control…it was my choice…leave it at that. You don't have to make anything up to me…end of story."

"Well…I-If I had been able to…defend myself you wouldn't have had to go with him."

"Yes, I would have…he is strong and would have over powered you, he over powered me."

"Well…this is an interesting conversation." Sithel stated with a grin on his face.

"Sithel…how is your site seeing going?"

Karia looked up at him. "What do you want?"

"I'm merely seeing the sites. And this tower reminded me of Silvanesti."

"Right…well you have seen…so can you come back later?"

"Yes. I was wondering if…" He turned to Lia. "if you would accompany me to see some more sites."

"We're busy. Find someone else." Karia told him…fully aware of what Lia would have told him.

"Actually I-need to be meeting Dakkon. I should probably be going."

"Okay then I will accompany you."

"Oh this-well allow me to accompany both of you back to the inn then."

Karia thought for a moment. "Lia, go ahead I will catch up. And if I don't we can continue our conversation later."

"Alright, I'll see you later." Lia stood and walked from the room. Sithel turned to go after her.

"Oh no you don't. Why don't you tell me what exactly it is that you are doing here."

"Business."

"And this business of yours entails following us around like a puppy dog? I don't think so. We are …she is taken and you will leave her alone. Is that understood?"

"Am I to understand that you're not taken?" He asked her.

"I am…what is it to you?"

"Just wondering who the lucky men are."

"You will stay away from them as well."

"Did I say I was interested in them. I was merely wondering who was lucky enough to win the hearts of two such fine ladies."

"Not you, and that is all you need to know. I know for a fact you are up to something. I am extremely protective of my family and friends. If you try to hurt any of them you will have to deal with me. If you go near Lia again…you will have to deal with me. Is that understood?"

"I understand that you are not capable of letting her make up her own mind. And I have no intention of hurting anyone from your family…in fact the only…well let's just say…I'm might have some plans for the person who…raped your sister."

"Too late…it's been taken care of. The threat has been taken care of. You will leave every family situation alone. It is not your place to come here and meddle in things that do not concern you."

"Every family situation? Does that include my own family?"

"It depends on what your motives are?"

"Well…that is for me to know, and everyone else to find out."

"I know that you are planning on killing your brother and that the only reason you are after my sister and I is so that you can get a kingdom. You are not at all interested in us…I suggest you leave this town while you still can."

"I will leave this town in a few days. For now I will say good night."

"Annoyance…hmm…I must be doing my job as an empath then." She smirked.

"Yes, well you should focus on doing your job as a lady. Now, I will say goodnight. I am late for a meeting."

"And what may that be?"

"I guess someone will just have to teach you. I noticed you sat next to my cousin's son at dinner. Maybe he will be the one to teach you."

She laughed. "No one can teach me. I am my own woman."

"Well…goodnight, Dara." Sithel turned and left the tower.

Karia was left to herself…and her thoughts of her past…

~*~

Lia woke up early the next morning and went down to the common room of the inn. She was thinking about her conversation with her sister, the night before and the things she should have said. What should I have said? She said she had killed people. Maybe, I should have just left and pretended I never heard. And whatever she has done she is still my sister, my twin. But can I accept this?

She got a drink and sat down at one of the tables. Sithel woke early and decided to take a look around before any one woke. He descended the stairs only to discover that Lia had already risen. A smile came over his features.

"Good morning Princess. How fair thee this morning?"

"I'm fine. Is there something you want?" She asked with a polite dismissal.

"No…just up and about…ready for the day. I was actually rather surprised to see you awake this early. Are you doing alright?" He walked over to her table and sat down across from her. "I hope you don't mind."

"Well the way I learned is that it is polite to wait for an invitation."

"Yes…well…I didn't think you would mind. If you want me to I can get up."

"Well…I was hoping to be alone."

"My apologies then. I was just wondering if maybe we could spend some time together before the others wake. Get to know each other, in a sense."

"I know all I want to know about you."

"You wound me so. Did I mention how lovely you look this morning?"
"No you didn't thank you."

"Your welcome. Would you like a refill?"

"Is this some kind of peace offering?"

"You could say that…yes."

"Alright. But this doesn't mean I'm interested."

He took her cup and brought it to the counter. He took out a small vial and emptied it's contents into the cup before refilling it, a grin upon his face the entire time. He poured himself a glass of water and walked back to the table, handing Lia her drink.

"Here you are, my dear."

"Thank you. But I am not your anything." She took a sip of her drink.

"Ah…yes…my mistake." 'You will be' he thought to himself, with a smile on his face.

Dakkon woke and walked down stairs. He saw Lia and Sithel talking. He walked over. "Good morning Sweetheart."

She looked up at him with a smile on her face. "Good morning. Although it's better now that you're here."

He smiled and leaned in and kissed her. "Good I am glad. What are you doing today?"

"I don't really have any plans. I do need to talk to Karia sometime…I think I made a mess of things last night. And I would like to spend some time with you."

"Well…go and talk to your sister and maybe they will accompany us somewhere…if not then we shall go solo." He smiled again.

She got up, kissed him again. "I love you." Walked up the stairs and went in search of her sister.

~*~

Karia opened her eyes. 'Another marvelous day.' She thought to herself. Her mood horrible. 'Why? Why did I tell Vanidor? Now Lia knows and I know she doesn't understand…' She sighed. 'What the hell am I going to do?'

She heard a knock at the door. She pulled on a robe and perched at the edge of the bed. "Who is it?"

"It's me." Lia answered.

She sighed. 'Here we go again.' "Come in." She stated rather flatly.

Lia opened the door and then closed it behind her. "Morning."

"I'm not quite sure it's a good one. I am guessing that you want something."

"Yes, I want to talk to my sister."

"Oh…well talk."

"I'm sorry for running off last night."

"That's okay, you had plans."

"Yes…but I should have…actually ended the conversation…but I didn't want to say anything in front of Sithel."

"It's okay…really…we stopped at a fine place…." She trailed off , not really knowing what to say to her.

"Well there is one more thing I need to tell you."

"I am not sure this is the best time, Lia."

"It's not anything bad. I just…wanted to make sure that you knew that it doesn't matter to me what you did. You're still my sister. I mean if we'd grown up together and I'd found out you'd done those things, I wouldn't have thought twice about it."

"Yes…and yet you are having a hard time accepting it. Big surprise there. Maybe I should leave. I think you would all be better off without me."

"No! We…I just found you. I don't want to lose you again."

She bowed her head. "You didn't even know that I existed into several months ago…If you want me to stay I will…but I am going to need some time to myself. I need to sort things out…figure out who I am…"

"That's fine. I just don't want to lose you. You're my twin. You're part of me."

"Yes…but I am not sure that I am the good part."

"You're stronger than I am."

"Am I? Am I really? What makes you say that?"

"I can never stand up to people the way you do."

She laughed. "That isn't what I do….maybe it is but it purely survival instinct…after going through all that I have it seems kind of natural…I just do it. I don't even have to think about it."

"Well…it's better than I do. When something makes me nervous I'm lucky if I can form a complete word. If I'm really lucky I can form a whole sentence. Or I go the opposite way and say too much."

"You will learn I suppose. I consider you lucky. You have at least had the opportunity to grow…my childhood was taken from me…I have nothing left…I am just a tainted spirit…"

"I guess I was lucky. I think the best thing that ever happened to me was when I met the crusaders when I was 8 yrs old. I was prisoner of Dantor three years before that. So was Kris. That was how we knew each other. And my mother…or my adopted mother…whatever I should call her married a jerk."

"You need to forget about Kris…he is dead to your people…non existent. Dantor will be defeated soon enough. When I was 8…that is one of the last memories I have of Rosemary and Clare…at this time kids were bullying me and throwing things at me…my powers surfaced and I had no control over them. They threw rocks…"

"Oh…people can be mean. Some of the people in Minotaur's settlement did things like that."

"Yes but never to you. That wasn't even the tip of the iceberg. I wish I was lucky enough to forget it all…but no…I have no such luck. God has forever cursed me…I really am a cursed one…"

"G-God? Do you mean…Adon or one of the others? Or did you mean the great creator?"

"My god…Earth's god, the father son and holy spirit, the divine, the creator and forgiver of sins…he obviously has decided to damn me."

"Well…Maybe it's just like with Adon. Adon and Elwydd never answer prayers because they think it would be evil. See there used to be this really bad God named Gyphon…he was banished…but he wanted to control everyone…but the others thought that having control over people was evil. They actually had a debate of this. There is a tapestry of it in Arden Vale.

"This is going to sound really cruel…so don't take it the wrong way. I don't care about your gods they are not the same as mine and I am not even sure that my god is listening to me. I am hopeless. It would probably serve you best to stay away from me."

"Maybe it would but I don't intend to…unless you don't want me around. You're my twin and I love you."

"Yes so you keep telling me. If you will excuse me." She walked to her screen and changed into a warrior's dress and some leggings. She pulled her hair back in a bun, strands falling around her face. She came back out. "I have things to do. I guess I will see you later." She walked past her sister and walked out of her room.

She walked outside and began to head to the tower.

Ayon and Calyna had gotten out early that morning and saw Karia walk out of the Inn. She looked somewhat distant…as if something was bothering her.

"Isn't that your cousin?"

"Yes." She didn't sound as if she cared.

"Maybe we should talk to her. We did travel here with her after all."

"Sure." She threw her hands up as if shrugging.

They walked a bit quicker and tried to catch up to her. After a few moments one of the two called out to her. Karia somewhat distracted hadn't managed to notice there presence. When they called out her name she stopped dead, and turned slowly. She turned to see Ayon and Calyna walking towards her.

"Hi." Calyna said.

"Hi…I thought you disliked me."

"Well I haven't talked to you since before the battle so how do you know that my opinion hasn't changed."

"I don't."

"Well…I don't know what my opinion is right now. But then there was no reason for us to talk. I mean we're only cousins."

"Could you at least pretend to be civil Lyna?" Ayon asked her under his breath.

"Don't pretend on my behalf. She doesn't like me she doesn't like me. So much for being family." She turned to go.

"Does it even matter to you that we're family?" Calyna asked.

Karia turned back to her. "Actually yes…it means a great deal to me. But because you refuse to get past your feelings towards me you will never see that. I don't have much family left so you can imagine…no I guess you can't."

"I don't have much family left either. You and your sisters…and Tolar are all the family I have. It's just…now you have the same … chance that I had…during the war. I mean when I found my sister, the last time I talked to her… we quarreled. Our adopted father had given us this necklace called the Naglaron that belonged to our real father and Elfarron thought it was dangerous, and I called her a coward. We never actually made up before she killed herself."

"I am sure she forgives you…at least she was able to…or had that option…" The last part said under her breath.

"What? What option?"

"Nothing, not important."

"Really?"

"Look…I know once you were jealous of me and I am telling you now that you shouldn't be. If anyone should be it should be me."

"What do you mean?"

"I…well look at me. I'm not human…I am a cursed one…I don't have some of the options that you all have…and I do not have much of a choice about my lifestyle."

"I may have had options…but I kind of chose the wrong thing every time. I mean…I get married at the age of sixteen to a guy I've known for four months."

"We must have more in common than I thought. I continue to make the wrong decisions. I have no idea how to let anyone in and I just push people away. I am sure Lia will never speak to me again. No matter how hard I try I screw things up. I am shocked that I haven't screwed up with Vanidor yet."

"It is easier to push people away sometimes. I've tried that a few times myself. And then I let the wrong person in."

"So…what are you two doing out so early?"

"We were…going for a walk." Calyna told her.

"Are you guys…a couple?"

They exchanged looks. "No, we're just…friends."

"Are you so sure about that? I mean I can feel how you two feel about each other…oh I probably shouldn't have said anything. Damn my empathy."

They exchanged puzzled looks this time. "I…don't think either one of us is ready for a relationship…or another relationship."

"Right…well…I am going to go and let you work this out."

"Okay…nice talking to you. Oh and by the way…I think Lia will speak to you again."

"Yeah…we'll see." She turned and ran off.

"Can we work this out later?" Calyna asked.

"You're that uncomfortable? Well at least this time you're not hiding in a tree."

"Yeah…well not that easy to do on earth."

"We can work this out later, but can I at least say something first?"

"I…guess."

"I have feelings for you…and I have since we were in Gondor."

"In other words…while Kris and I were still married?"

"Yes."

"So…is that why you were so determined that I break the joining?" She teased.

"That was…maybe part of the reason."

"Oh. I…don't know what to say. You were…the first friend I made. But I-I don't know if…if I can enter into another relationship. There's an expression on earth. Once burned twice shy."

"I won't treat you like he did."

"I know that. I just-don't know if I'm ready."

"Then I'll give you time."

"Thank you. Do you…Do you think she's okay?"

"I don't know. Something's bothering her."

"Well…maybe we should at least tell someone we saw her. Just in case…"

"Yeah let's go back to the Inn."

They walked back to the Inn and searched someone out. There was a group in the common room when they got there. They approached and the group looked up.

"I think Karia's in trouble." Calyna stated.

"What do you mean?" Faedra asked.

"Well…we just talked to her…and…she-she said something…after…I said something about Elfarron and what happened to her. And then she said, at least she had the chance."

"Contemplating suicide?" Angel asked.

"I don't know…but…something's wrong and if that is…we can't let her do that!"

"Did you get any sense from your gifts, Jarin?" Ayala asked.

"Something…but I'm not sure what. You're the one with more herald experience."

"Well…you could ask Sunrider. Maybe she would know."

"Yeah." He concentrated for a moment and established a connection with his companion. After a few moments he focused back in on the group. " She is thinking about it. She's at the tower."

"We need to send someone…to try and get through to her." Faedra stated. "The question is who?"

Lia had walked down the stairs during this conversation, and managed to over hear.

"I don't know if anyone can. I've talked to her twice, and the last time she just walked out."

"This is worse than I thought." Luthan murmured. "She is her own worst enemy."

"Isn't there anything you could do to stop her?" Lia asked him.

"It is out of my power. I can show someone what I know but I cannot interfere. It is the only downfall of my power."

"What you can't talk to someone because of your power?"

"I am not sure it would help, Lia. I have no connection to her…nothing in common with her. I do not know if I would be effective."

"But we can't just let her-"

"Your right we cannot." Faedra stated. "Where's Calyna?"

"I don't know." Ayon stated.

"She must have slipped out while we were talking…she is going to try to get through to her…not sure she can…though." Luthan stated.

"Maybe…maybe she needs more than one person to try to get through to her. See…there's something she's afraid we'll all hate her when we find out…maybe if she knows that no one hates her…" Lia stated.

"Why would she think that we would hate her?" Faedra asked.

"Because of what it is." Lia stated.

Angel bowed his head, he already knew and wasn't sure that it should be divulged…

"What is it Angel?" Faedra asked.

"She's beating herself up for her past…and I am not sure if I should say anything."

"You know about that?" Lia asked.

"Who do you think stopped her?"

"Oh. SO why can't you stop her this time?"

"It's different…this time…she has let things be buried far too long…it is all coming back to haunt her. I know that she has been having nightmares. It is even consuming her thoughts. The poor thing can't sleep, eat, function…without thinking about it. I fear that we may be too late."

Vanidor and Gildor descended the stairs to see the whole gathering and overheard what Angel said.

"Where is she?" Vanidor asked.

"The tower…but I am not sure if you should go." Angel stated

"If she's in trouble…I have to."

He sighed. "Calyna already has a head start."

"Calyna? I thought they didn't like each other?" Gildor asked.

"I think they made that up this morning." Ayon stated.

Vanidor ran out of the Inn and headed for the tower.

"Maybe I should go…but I will probably be ineffective since I already know…" Angel stated.

"Know what?" Faedra asked.

"It's not my place to say but you all have the right to know…"

"It wasn't in what you showed me is it?" Gildor asked.

"No it wasn't." Luthan told him. "I think you should tell them, Angel. You could explain it better than I could."

Angel sighed. "She will be furious with me…What you guys don't know is that there was a time in her past where she let everything consume her and so she went on a killing spree. She killed 200 people before I was able to stop her…within two months."

"She killed 200 people in two months?" One of them exclaimed.

Angel nodded. "The only way I was able to stop her was to knock her unconscious and keep her hostage til we worked it out. I had to force her to face it. Not the best method…but it worked."

"And that's what's going on with her now?" Ayon asked.

"Sort of, but this time it's worse."

"She's…not started killing people again has she?" Gildor asked.

Angel shook his head. "No…she is killing herself."

"Well…we need to do something other than stand around here and talk." Lia exclaimed.

"Please calm down…I meant it figuratively not literally. We need to figure out the best method…maybe if we force her to face her problems and force her to let us in…but that could back fire. It could push her farther away…God I wish I knew what to do."

"Well standing here isn't accomplishing anything."

"So we're all going to gang up on her? Are we sure that it's wise?" Faedra asked.

"It's our only option. Can you make the treck up the hill?"

"I should be fine…although someone should probably stay behind…seeing how Isethia would probably be unable to make the treck."

"How do you know that?" Gildor asked her.

She bit her bottom lip. "Well…I shouldn't tell you this…but she is sick…and going through complications…nothing that can be fixed…it's partly because of the spell she tried awhile ago."

"Are they going to be alright?"

She bowed. "The child will be fine."

"How long have you known she was sick?"

"A few weeks…I wanted to tell you but I am not supposed to interfere…I am sure I will be punished by Adon for this…I just can't keep this inside in good conscience."

"Yeah well maybe…maybe what you saw is wrong."

Luthan shook his head. "I see the same…we both can't be wrong Gildor…at least now you know and can make the best of what time you have left…I am so sorry."

"We've barely had any time." He turned around and went upstairs.

Faedra and Luthan bowed their heads…after a moment they rose.

"We should get going if we are to help her." Faedra stated.

They all rose and walked out of the Inn.

~*~

Karia sat on the wall, her feet dangling off the side. The breeze was comforting. But her thoughts weren't. Why couldn't she shake them? Why wouldn't they leave her alone? She is sorry for everything she did and yet she was still feeling immense guilt. Why couldn't she shake this? Would she start killing again? No she thought. Would she survive this? She wasn't sure. How could she fight the demons she has been fighting all along? Could she? She felt herself weakening every day…she wasn't resting well…and she wasn't feeding…couldn't. How long could she survive this? She used to be so strong…so resistant…but not now. How she envied everyone. They all knew how to let others in…how to interact with each other…but her wall prevented her from doing so. Why did she keep pushing everyone away? Why couldn't she let anyone in? She did, she thought. I have told Vanidor more than I have told anyone else…and Angel…Angel knows everything…she didn't have to tell him…he saw it when he turned her…did that mean that Stefan knew? She shook the thought out of her head. Damn him…he's dead and still manages to pop into her thoughts. Damn him.

She looked out at the city and it's beauty. It was prettier than anything else she had ever seen…truly a site to see. The only thing more beautiful was the city of LA at night…especially from the hill top Angel showed her…how she missed LA…but there was nothing there for her anymore…nothing to keep her. The only reason she was still hanging on was because of her family here on Thardaos. 'How's Kaelea doing? I hope she is doing better than me.' She thought. Would she ever see her again? Would she ever find out about who she really was? Would everyone else? She bowed her head again. Damn. She cared more for everyone else than she did about herself. She could careless what happened to her as long everyone else was safe…she had changed since …Stefan's death…but it happened even before that. She found out she had family and that changed everything. All that matters to her is them…when had she stopped caring for herself? How could she get it back?

Calyna approached the tower and ascended the stairs. When she got to the top she saw her cousin sitting on the ledge, as if deep in thought.

"Karia?"

She jumped. "Dear god you startled me. Please don't sneak up on me like that." What was she talking about sneaking up? If she hadn't been lost in thought she would have heard her. Damn she was getting weak…letting her barriers down…damn it.

"I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to be quiet or anything. I-"

"It was me…I let my guard down…sorry. What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to talk to you."

"About what?"

"Well…I-before you said…at least she had the chance…you met the chance to-well…your thinking about doing that aren't you?"

She sighed. "Was…at one point…nothing to get worked up over…it's normal, everyone thinks about it at least once in their lifetime." Her demeanor had suddenly changed. No need to alarm anyone.

"Well…please…don't do that."

"I couldn't if I wanted to, the whole immortality thing…no no I take that back I could."

"Well…don't."

"Had no intention to. I don't know why you're so worried about me. I'm fine…really"

"No…you're not."

She turned to face her, bringing her feet over to touch solid ground. "And since when have you been an expert on me and my emotions?"

"I didn't say I was an expert. But you can't fool companions…and Sunrider said that you're thinking about it."

"And I told you that I was past tense, means I no longer am…hence no problem."

"Well that wasn't…the impression given. How do you think they'd feel if you did that?"

"Whose they?"

"Your sisters."

"I don't know…but I am not going to so stop worrying and drop the subject."

She thought for a moment. "Okay...you got another subject you want to bring up?"

"No. I want to be left alone."

"Well, maybe you shouldn't be alone."

"For Christ's sake I already told you I'm fine."

"There's no need to start swearing."

She sighed. "Right, forgive my impure, imperfect self."

"No one's perfect. Except maybe the Virgin Mary if you're catholic."

"Never claimed otherwise." She stepped down and headed to the door.

Vanidor appeared in the doorway. She turned.

"God damn it. What is this? I said I was fine. Is the whole damn cavalry coming?"

"Just making sure you were fine. Don't want anything to happen to you."

"Thank you for your concern. Now if you will excuse me." She headed to the door again.

"You could at least listen to us." Calyna stated.

"I have heard you and what you had to say. Why am I being held hostage in a fucking tower?"

"Well you are a princess. Just be glad we couldn't get a dragon in such short notice." Calyna stated.

"Not funny."

"Didn't read many fairy tales on earth huh?"

"I think their crap and there is no such thing as happily ever after."

"No but sometimes…there is something close to a happy ending. And a few months ago I would have agreed with you about the whole happily ever after."

"I believe one can be happy at times but it is not consistent. So why should I get my hopes up, just to be disappointed?" She told Calyna.

"Well…maybe things can get better. You have someone who loves you. You have family."

"Not to insult any one here or anything…but all the love in the world couldn't save me and make me happy."

"You have been happy some though, haven't you?" Vanidor asked her.

"Yes…but it never lasts…I wish I knew why but I don't. Now if we can stop discussing me and let me go I will be very much so pleased."

"No." Vanidor stated. "I'm not letting you go when you're like this. I don't want to lose you now. And even if the happiness doesn't last forever, we should at least be able to make the best of the time we have."

She leaned against the wall. "I don't know what you're talking about. Like what?"

"I think he means while you're thinking about it." Calyna told her.

"About what?"

"Killing yourself."

"Oh you can read minds now can you? I told you I was but that's over. I just need time to myself. Why is that so hard to believe?"

"Maybe I can read minds. It seems to be the only power in the family no one has. But I wasn't reading your mind. It's obvious there's something bothering you." Calyna told her.

"Yes there is. How perceptive of you. But that is my problem now isn't it?"

"Depends on what it is. Sometimes problems get easier when you share them." Vanidor stated.

"Been there, done that. Not helping, so drop it."

"Please at least listen to us."

"What?! What the hell do you want from me? I am only…no no I'm not…somewhat of a cliché isn't it?"

"Well technically none of us are human."

"Yes but your closer than I am. Now, aren't you?"

"Well your closer than some people I can think of."

"I am sure I am, Calyna." Sarcasm taking over her tone.

"Can't you see that we care about you? None of us want to see…you hurt."

"Yes I can and I appreciate your concern but I am not about to do anything rash…promise."

"Can we hold you to that promise?"

"You can do whatever you wish."

"Will you promise that you don't plan to hurt yourself?"

"What's in it for me? A pat on the back? Wow."

"How about your life?" Vanidor told her.

"My life? My life has been taken from me a long time ago. What you see before you is a hollow shell, of someone you all think you know. Hell, I don't even know who I am, so I find it hard to believe that anyone else would."

"What I see before me is the woman I love."

"Yes…and how you could love me still manages to amaze me."

"I just do. Love isn't something you could explain. I know I couldn't bare it if something happened to you though."

"A little late for that. A lot has happened to me…hmm where to begin?" All emotion evading her voice.

"Just…please don't hurt yourself. I couldn't bare to lose you." He whispered.

"I have no intentions of killing myself…no clue how long it will take to register with you people. I told you I was fine…now leave me alone."

Faedra, Luthan, Angel, Wesley, Lunea, Eldarion, Dakkon, Lia, Aravan, Ria, Tolar, Ayala, Legolas and Ayon walked into the room.

"Jesus fucking Christ!" She turned away from everyone, and looked out at the city.

"Karia…dear…are you okay?" Faedra asked.

"What is it with everyone and my welfare? I am fine, now leave."

"Are you sure your fine?" Ayala asked.

"Yes."

"Hon, we know that you…well we know your in trouble." Eldarion stated.

"Says you."

Angel walked over and laid a hand on her shoulder. "It's okay Kay, they know everything…and we still love you." She brushed his hand off of her and turned to face him…fury in her face.

"How dare you! You fucking bastard! Get away from me."

Angel put his hands up. "I had to…I'm sorry."

"Oh yes, I am sure you are. You just couldn't wait to tell everyone that I am a murderer could you?"

"Welcome to the club. You're not the only one who have killed people that weren't evil." Aravan stated.

"You had a circumstance…I have no excuse. I did it in cold blood, because I could."

"Your not the only one who really had no excuse. For five years of my life, I served a Dark Lord. Learning how to fight, destroying, killing innocence and even my own people…some people serve because of a drug or mind control…but I did this willingly. I was told to and I did. I didn't question or anything. All that mattered is that I was fighting."

She turned to her. "And how many did you kill? I am sure you were under some kind of influence…possibly an emotion…like fear…but not I. What no one knows is that I killed more than 200 people…and did it longer than even Angel knows."

"I lost count of the people…but it was over a period of five years. I still don't have full memory of those five years, but I know enough, I see it in my dreams. So, yes I can understand what you're feeling. I never told anyone about any of this either, except for Kris. I know how it feels to have the blood of innocence on your hands…to feel that you can never be clean…"

"You know nothing! Consider yourself lucky that you can't remember…I remember every second of my life and every detail…what I wouldn't give to forget, but I cannot. Not only are my hands dirty and stained with blood but their blood flows through my veins. I am a constant reminder…not to mention I am dirty…will always be…"

"If I could remember I would. Intothin the one I served gave me back some of the memories…right before he made my sister serve him."

"Like I said feel lucky…it's only been a bad 5 years. My whole life has been a living hell…now if you will excuse me I have some walking to do."

"Those 5 years weren't the only bad part. I lost my family when I was 8."

"Well…you have a new one now…at least all you did was serve dark lords and marry one. I am not quite so lucky. I am leaving now…" She headed to the door. Angel stepped in the way.

"No…not like this. I cannot let you leave."

"Angel if you know what is good for you, you will get out of my way. Don't make me move you."

He didn't budge. She raised a hand but he caught it.

"I am faster than you…or have you forgotten."

"The only thing I have seemed to have forgotten is the time you did something very similar to this only you did so solo. This is cruel even for you. I am not going to face my past and not even you can make me."

Lia stepped forward. "Why do you keep shutting everyone out? We love you can't you understand that?"

"No, no I can't. I don't love me so why should anyone else?"

"Maybe it's because we can see something in you that you don't." Vanidor stated.

She laughed. "Like what?"

"Like your spirit, your strength, your sacrifices, your soul." Luthan answered.

"Oh yeah all wonderful. If I am so strong than why can't I fight this? Explain that to me. If I am so strong why do I push people away and put up walls? And If I have a soul why do I feel so god damn empty?"

Lia knew of the connection and decided to try and open it. She closed her eyes and cleared her mind. She concentrated on Karia…and opened her heart. Karia felt a pull on the connection. No she thought. She concentrated on keeping it closed. Damn her curiosity. Lia felt her fighting back and dug deeper and concentrated harder. She allowed her love to guide her. The next thing she knew the connection was opened. Images and secrets, everything flooded into her and she couldn't sort through it. Even emotions hit her. She fell back, Dakkon catching her before she fell. She opened her eyes and stood up.

"Don't…I don't want your sympathy. You all need to stop feeling sorry for me…I can feel it and it is driving me crazy. This is why I don't open up to people. No one understands they just feel pity."

"You're forgetting something…love." Lia stated.

"Yes, how could I forget silly me. Just because you love me doesn't mean you understand. You wouldn't know where to begin."

"No, I can't understand what you're going through. I have been lucky. I don't think I have ever realized just how much."

Karia let herself fall to the floor, by using the wall to slide down. "I just want to be left alone. Is that so hard?" She asked quietly.

"We care about you. We can't let you go through this alone." Calyna told her.

"Yeah well…you don't have a choice."

"No, you have a choice. You can either let people in or keep pushing everyone away and be alone your whole life. Believe me that gets difficult after awhile." Calyna told her.

Karia put her head in her hands and rubbed her face in frustration. "It's all I know. I have been alone all my life…nobody but me…I learned how to survive had to. I even managed to screw that up. I just want to crawl in a hole and die. I am nothing but a failure. Are you happy now? Now you know."

Lia walked over to her and kneeled down beside her. "You're not alone anymore."

"I know…but I'm scared." She whispered.

"Please…stop shutting everyone out." She reached out to her and placed her arm around her. Karia embraced her and leaned her head on her sister's shoulder.

"I am so scared…I don't know how…I-I don't want to get hurt again…I don't want to hurt anymore."

"I won't hurt you."

The members of the group gathered around her and sat in front of her. "None of us will." Faedra stated as she rested a hand on her shoulder.

She looked around and saw everyone, and felt their sincerity. How could so many people care this much for her? She couldn't hold it in anymore and allowed the tears to flow. She was still so hollow inside, but maybe just maybe they could help her to figure it out.

Her sister held her, tried to comfort her while she cried. After quite some time she stopped and wiped the tears away. "God, look at me. I am a crying child. I apologize…I just…sorry."

"There is no need to apologize. Sometimes it helps to cry." Lia told her.

"Yeah but not in front of everyone…usually better if your by yourself. I feel foolish and weak."

"Your not weak."

"I am having a hard time proving otherwise."

"You are one of the strongest people I know." Luthan told her.

"Could have fooled me. I think you are stronger than I am. You seem to handle things better than I ever could."

"It's my gift…I just automatically understand. No need to question."

"I wish I could understand why nothing in my life seems to go right." She bowed her head again.

"I think all of us do. It seems that you held on for quite sometime without letting anything bother you. You are very strong willed and strong." Ria told her.

She laughed. "No, I'm just stubborn."

"It must run in the family. I think we all are." Calyna stated.

"I suppose I owe you all an apology. I have been stupid and cruel and I apologize for my foolish behavior…just give me a good kick in the ass next time."

"Only if you return the favor. I need to apologize for the way I treated you on the trip here." Calyna told her.

"No you don't…you were going through a hard time. If anyone understands that it's me."

"Come we will make you something to drink, find you something to quench your hunger and try to help you sort through your problems." Faedra told her with a smile.

They all stood, Lia helped her sister up and made sure to keep an arm around her. Karia returned the gesture, and for the first time in a long time was smiling…and was happy. She had people who cared for her and loved her and she felt the same way towards them. Maybe friends and family and love could shine through the grey cloud hanging over someone.