Author: Vibrato, Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2017 2:06 AM, Post Subject: Death Dinner for Two[P/R]

She moved over to his side of the table. They were on the same wavelength in so many ways. Naturally he took to water like a seabird to the air. It wasn't just being in one's element, it was like it was where you belonged. There weren't many places where he could say with confidence were as such. They were both nervous and excited too. Everything seemed to go so well, and for once he wasn't thinking about anything negative. Was this what people called 'perfection'? If it wasn't, then it had to be close. Speaking of close, Talise was right beside him. As her head rested against his shoulder, he could feel his heart pounding like the tides crashing against the rocks of the stormy seashore of the Highlands.

She wanted both of them to do things like this on their own, little rendezvous in quiet places of their choosing. He couldn't agree more. Sometimes you needed to get away from the troubles of the world for a while and make the world stop for a moment–put it on hold until you were ready. "We should. Can't let her take all the credit now can we? Are you thinking of going anywhere after this? As long as you want to go, I have no object–" He turned his head as he was speaking and in a stroke of luck, she was facing him while resting her head on his shoulder and the short distance led to an accidental meeting of their lips. There was a few seconds of delay for the realization to register, which made him quickly turn his head the other way while blood was rushing to his face. He went silent, leaving his sentence half-finished.

The flower behind his ear glowed brighter, as if to react in response to his embarrassment. Around him it was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. It was as if he were holding his breath too. Should he speak up first, or should she? Gerard had been thrown completely off guard, and floundered trying to come up with a way to resume conversation after that. But each time he tried, the words wouldn't come out of his mouth.

Author: Talise, Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2017 1:24 AM, Post Subject: Death Dinner for Two[P/R]

Talise once more blushed in the deep darkness of the tavern. If she hadn’t been so dark skinned and it hard to notice she would have been even more embarrassed. “I would really like that,” she said as remembered that she was one of the few Rosenites who could stand being out in the water and up in the air. “The ocean comforts me in the same way that the sky does… To me, it isn’t just warm in temperature but it warms my soul…”

Unlike her, she could easily read him. There was that smile on his lips and in truth, it was making her grin all stupid as well. Her hands played with her food for a good long minute before she got up and scooted her chair around to his. She smirked at him before blushing once more, this time being that up close he could definitely see it in the warm glow of the candle on their table. She got her food and wine and sat back down with him.

He was like the warm ocean, she could almost smell the sea salt on him. There was hesitation before she leaned over, moved her hair so it wasn’t smushed, and nuzzled her head against his shoulder. Her violet glowing eyes smiled up at him as her lips formed a shy smile. “Could always do this because we wanted to and not because she told us to. I think that’s a pretty good way to get away this. I would rather it not go to my mother’s head that she might actually be a good matchmaker.”

Author: Vibrato, Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2017 12:58 AM, Post Subject: Death Dinner for Two[P/R]

At her direct description of their first meeting, Gerard made a face again. "Oh right…how could I forget?" But she wasn't wrong…that was literally how it happened. If he hadn't decided to float on his stomach on the surface of Vila Lake and if she hadn't been running that way to lure the hunters, they probably would have never met. Their drinks came, and he took his time to savor the fragrance, taste, and aftertaste of it. Arri was famous for rose wine, and it was fitting how this was what they ordered today. 

When she took one of the flowers set on the table and reached to tuck it behind his ear, he leaned forward a little. It was rare for him. Normally he didn't care about making things easier for someone or considering them, but with Talise he would do so naturally. The bloom was a rich black, with stark white in the center. Black flowers, or as close to it they could come, weren't common. She smiled at him as he touched his ear. "It matches you. Flowers have a language all of their own. That's why even in the dead of night Arri is so loud. It's not loud in a bad way though…It's like a never ending song, a lullaby into eternity." Closing his eyes he listened, past the music and others talking. The chirps of crickets in the night and other nighttime prowlers were an impromptu concert that played every night for all to hear.

"It certainly is. Perhaps sometime, I could take you to the seaside. The tides will be stronger this time of year, and you can hear the sound of the waves pulling back and forth against the shoreline. I'm not sure if we'll be able to see it, but there are times when the sea-sparkle shine phosphorescent in greens and rich marine blues when the waters are warm."

When she admitted she was enjoying the night, he nodded in agreement. "I'm finding it a bit hard to concede as well. I suppose we've underestimated her–she isn't called the Mother for nothing…" With his elbows on the table he folded his hands, giving a small shy smile in return. It was as if he were trying to hide it discreetly with how his hands were placed. The flower in his ear did its work to keep it from being concealed however. 

Author: Talise, Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2017 11:57 PM, Post Subject: Death Dinner for Two[P/R]

His hands were larger than hers as she looked down to them and up to his eyes. There was a sweet smile that hadn’t quite been there before. He was so much larger than her in ways that made the whole thing awkward but sweet. She had been taught the steps every since she had been a child so for now, it was more the tides with the ocean… or the wind blowing the trees gently. It was so natural and fluid as she helped him where he needed it. They were lost together.

Her hands gripped his a bit tighter when they were interrupted. Her mother hadn’t been lying about how lost one could be in this place. She had heard the rumors so many times before. This was the first time she had ever found someone to enjoy the atmosphere, the first time she had actually liked someone enough not to kill them within the first few minutes. It was an odd feeling, they had gotten along since they first met. Well since first butt poke, the thought made her laugh as he pinched himself.

“What was that for?” She tilted her head as she saw him. “Did you think about how we met too? First butt poke!” She chuckled a bit more, it didn’t really ruin the moment for her but filled the moment even more full than it had been before. They returned to the table and scooted her chair in as she sat there staring at him for a minute or two. She had decided to order the same thing as him. Their wine was delicately poured for them.

She took one of the flowers that had been used as décor for the table and gently slid it behind his ear. “There,” she chuckled a bit. It was a black flower with a white center. It glowed like the area around them. “It matches you. Flowers have a language all of their own. That’s why even in the dead of night Arri is so loud. It’s not loud in a bad way though… It’s like a never ending song, a lullaby into eternity.”

She blushed a bit and looked down at her food. “Gerard, I’m having a really nice time and I don’t want to admit my mother was right.” She chuckled a bit and gave him another sweet smile.

Author: Vibrato, Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2017 11:35 PM, Post Subject: Death Dinner for Two[P/R]

The acoustics of the tavern were excellent, amplifying even the subtlest of sounds. Smooth pulls across the strings crafted the image of moonlight shining down on the calm Nyella, while plankton were disturbed by a passing whale. The sea as aglow as thousands of little lights illuminated the great sea mammal, making it appear like it was sailing through the stars in the sky. Seaflowers lit up and shimmered beneath the surface as schools of fish brushed by. When the song concluded, they returned to their table. Gerard felt as if all eyes were on them, but somehow he didn't mind. They ordered from the menu, and he picked a rose wine with mint and lemon zest.

Talise was blushing, from what he could tell from how she paused before she spoke. "Will you dance with me until our food is ready? I'll show you what else Sularia is known for." He took her hand in his, and placed his other over hers. "Yes, I would love to." They took hands and began to waltz slowly on the dance floor. The glimmering butterflies and moths glided through the air as the two twirled. Soft brass with bright notes of wind instruments blended with fluid steps and levity. Unconsciously, their eyes held each other's the entire time. Time seemed to slow as the music did, they were both in their own little world away from the tavern and the lights. Somewhere, up on the moons where stardust powdered the air and moonlight made everything look like crystal. It was rapture.

Their personal reverie was gently interrupted as their food arrived. They finished the last steps, and bowed to each other to conclude the dance. Gerard felt as if his spirit had escaped up to the clouds above. He checked his pulse a few times to ensure he was breathing. It was like he was dreaming. Was this real? He pinched his wrist to see if it registered. A grimace answered loud and clear: 'yes'. 

Author: Talise, Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2017 11:04 PM, Post Subject: Death Dinner for Two[P/R]

Talise watched as his eyes expressed what his lips did not. She understood the feeling so much when it came to her homeland. To her, there wasn’t a place like it in the whole world. It was so brilliant in a way that sometimes her words couldn’t describe accurate enough.

It wasn’t seen in the darkness but her cheeks flushed with the way he looked at her. It felt like he was drinking her in for a moment she began lost in the stare until he answered her. She knew after a few minutes that the beautiful wasn’t meant for her but still the way the area was lit up she couldn’t help but think maybe it was sorta directed at her too.

“That’s true… the moons would make this place so much more… Like crystals.” She thought about it and the way the moons had a tendency to reflect off the wildlife at night and it made her smile. Like the faint glow of Feeorin, that’s what this place reminded her of the most. “I think they would love it if you played.”

Following his lead, Talise stood up while he played. She closed her eyes and let her own song flow with his. Her voice was soft but it traveled as it sang an Arriese Lullaby. They performed for a long time before they stopped. She moved back over to her seat and they ordered food for the moment.

Her heart had skipped a beat while she sang, their songs had managed to intertwine and it brought her joy. “Will you dance with me until our food is ready?” She was once again up and by his side. Her slender hand held out for his. “I’ll show you what else Sularia is known for.” Their dancing.

Author: Vibrato, Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2017 10:44 PM, Post Subject: Death Dinner for Two[P/R]

He had never had the chance to see Sularia in the evening. At best he saw it at sundown, just as he was leaving once business was done. Swimming from the Highland coast was a bit a ways from the docks of the desert kingdom, so if he moved quickly he could return within a day. There were so many places in the court districts he had never known, or wouldn't have known if it weren't for Talise giving him the tour. The gardens were truly their crowning glory, and his favorite had to be Kirika Maze with the lake tucked away in the center. The tavern was dark, so dark he nearly tripped. Even the dim deep ocean waters weren't like this. 

Then the flowers began to glow in the darkness. So this was what a night garden was. He had thought they simply bloomed in the evening, but for them to emit luminescence themselves was a surprise. Everything here was brighter as the light was enhanced by the pitch black. The mood and atmosphere was intimate, private. They sat at the table reserved for them and he took it all in. Music softly played creating a hazy calm. "What do you think?" The glowing flowers in her hair cast a soft purple light on Talise's face. Her eyes and hair shone as she looked at him. His dark hair and eyes seemed to become one with the darkness in the tavern, and he remembered how he chose the dress she was wearing tonight. 

"It's beautiful. I can't imagine anywhere else that would be a better place to watch time fly by. Moths in green and gold flitted by like they were made of starlight. "All that's missing is the light of the full moon." Taking his violin from its case, he set the mahogany instrument on the table resting the delicate bow atop it. "Will they mind if I play?" He asked her. Not every place welcomed outside entertainment, and he didn't want to disturb the other patrons enjoying their evening. "I'll choose a more quiet sonata, if it's allowed." The candlelight was all he had to see where everything on the table was, but he didn't need to see the strings to play. He had played his instrument for years, and could do so with his eyes closed. All Talise had to do was say the word, or give him a set of chords and he could create a brand new melody.

Author: Talise, Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2017 10:01 PM, Post Subject: Death Dinner for Two[P/R]

Talise nodded at him and smiled. “I can do that. I’ve been there plenty in my youth.” She knew where the Night Garden Tavern was that her mother spoke about. It was a rather famous part of the Yellow Court.

Angela chuckled a bit and tilted her head, “If you play you should have Talise sing. Fey are quite the talented bunch when it comes to their voices and Rosenites are too… Combined that makes Talise very talented naturally.” Talise was blushing as she looked away from Gerard for a moment.

“Sure, I’ll sing if that’s what Gerard would want.”

Angela waved her hand at him and smiled, “No, thank you for making my daughter happy. It’s been a long time since I saw emotion from her.”

Talise knew her words to be true as she took Gerard around the house so they didn’t have to deal with the chaos inside. They got over the great aqueduct bridge and Talise showed him all the sights between the Red Court Manor and the Night Garden Tavern.

Once inside the great double doors, it was oddly pitch black. The flowers in Talise’s hair were glowing, showing that she had picked them from such a night garden as they were going to. Once the area opened up it was filled with glowing flowers, butterflies, a large fountain, a dimly lit romantic dance floor, and finally the candle lit tavern tables.

Talise got them a table thanks to her mother and she listened to the soft music being played on the dance floor. “This place…. It’s peaceful…” It was oddly quiet there for such music to be played in the background. It was almost like it was just them there. It was easy to forget about the staff and the other people around them. Hushed whispers. It made Talise look at Gerard and smile. Her eyes were glowing in the dim light just like the flowers in her hair.

“What do you think?”

Author: Vibrato, Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 11:15 PM, Post Subject: Death Dinner for Two[P/R]

"It sounds relaxing. I've never been to the Yellow Court, so I'll be relying on you to bring me there." He said, turning to Talise with a smirk. He wasn't one to really dance, but it should be easy enough to take a few slow steps around in the evening air. "If their music isn't satisfactory enough I'll show them how it's done." He then summoned a violin case into his hands to prove he truly meant what he was saying. Gerard had missed it the entire time in this visit to Sularia. It was one of his most precious and prized possessions, and simply having it by his side put himself more at ease. What you couldn't say in words could be said tenfold through music. And the violin was the perfect instrument for expression with its wide range of pitch and sound.

You could laugh, cry, sing, and rage all with the sound of the violin and so much more. As the sky began to move into twilight, he stood up and straightened himself. His violin case in hand, he waited for Talise. When she was ready to go, he gave one last bow to the Goddess of Life. "…Thank you." 

Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 8:55 PM, Post Subject: Death Dinner for Two[P/R]

Talise blushed a bit and buried her head into the cloud before turning her violet eyes up to him. “I suppose… It’s alright if we go.” Her voice didn’t sound so much defeated as it did that she knew her mother was right. She got along with Gerard on a level that she hadn’t anyone else.

“Good, that makes happy to hear. You can go through your whole life fifty times over and never find someone happy to be with or happy to be around. You know…” Angela grabbed the cloud and pulled it with her until she could sit on a bench. “In fifteen hundred years… I’ve really only really loved three people in my life. Truly.” She offered a smile. “I would have never met Iva’s father had he not been mortally ill and wanted to meet me…. Wyatt my first husband wanted to stay human and die that way…. And Drae… Well, he’s already technically died once you know. Life is a lonely journey and when you find someone who at least makes it a bit better you should hold onto them. Love them the best you can. That’s all I want for my children, to find someone so life isn’t so lonely. Because at the end of the day family is just the light at the beginning of the tunnel and… your partner and your children will be the light at the end.” Angela gave a smile.

“So this tavern… What’s it like?” Talise rested her head on her hands as she propped herself up. “Fancy?”

“Very, it’s one of my favorites in all of the Yellow Court. I heard that Cathrine sent Liz and Krystopher there recently. It’s a Night Garden Tavern… Music, good food, the flowers glow in the pitch black, and there is candle light… You can dance and have a good time. They say dancing is how you get to know your partner. So why don’t you dance.”

She took a sigh a bit as she got up and pushed the cloud lightly. “Iva just threw Rohan through the broken door… Have fun you two. I set it up for you already just tell them I sent you…”

Author: Vibrato, Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 7:53 PM, Post Subject: Death Dinner for Two[P/R]

Sinking into the cloud it was like a bed of sea foam. He wasn't sure if it was the alcohol setting in or his nerves, but he felt so tired. There were tremors and he closed his eyes while covering his ears. No more, please–he begged in his mind. Then the goddess appeared. He got up with a start but she began to apologize. The crimson-haired woman began to explain why she had been so eager to have them get closer. Admittedly what she was saying was true. He and Talise were similar, in many aspects. In a rare case they got along well almost immediately, like birds of the same flock so to speak.

All in all, she wanted them to have time to know each other better. Feeling a bit guilty, he lowered his head as he fiddled with the edge of his sleeve. "My heart would be appreciative to make it better for you both. I understand that my family can be off the wall but the majority of them aren't like that. The rowdy ones are here right now is all. I want to make it up to you though… I've reserved a table at one of my favorite taverns in the Yellow Court. Would you please take each other there and get to know each other?" Gerard thought for a bit, then nodded. "Alright. I will. If Talise wants to, that is."

Author: Talise, Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 7:23 PM, Post Subject: Death Dinner for Two[P/R]

Talise’s eyes had tears at the corners of them as Gerard valiantly defended her. She nodded up to him. “We can do that… I like that idea.” They counted and they managed to flee. The siblings were too busy with each other to even notice what the escapees were doing.

She fell but was caught by her cloud that appeared. She buried herself in it and offered her hand to him. “It’s more comfortable.” Gerard joined her so they could lay on it together. They were practically crying. “This was so bad. I quit having family.”

The ground began to shake and there was yelling. “My mom noticed.” Talise snuggled into Gerard as she hid from the terrifying noise her mother was making. “Please save me, Gerard. My family is crazy.”

“Not completely crazy,” Angela appeared in front of them and smiled at Gerard. “To be honest I was hoping you both would hear me out.” Angela straightened out her dress and thought about it. “Both of you are old, not to be insulting… It’s hardly that. I know Talise has spent her life alone and I’m not so sure about you Gerard… Your personalities are very similar and I took notice of the way you interacted both here and wherever you both were before here.”

The goddess was oddly calm as she took her daughter’s white locks into her fingers. “My heart would be appreciative to make it better for you both. I understand that my family can be off the wall but the majority of them aren’t like that. The rowdy ones are here right now is all. I want to make it up to you though…”

She rubbed her hair a bit. “I’ve reserved a table at one of my favorite taverns in the Yellow Court. Would you please take each other there and get to know each other?”

Author: Vibrato, Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 2:00 AM, Post Subject: Death Dinner for Two[P/R]

Everything started to settle down, and Gerard thought he could probably handle things now. Then the doors were kicked open, sending shards of colored glass all over the floor. He jolted at the sound wincing. And the terror didn't stop there. A woman, very heavily pregnant, barged in and was hopping mad. Both deities left the room to deal with the unexpected arrival, leaving everyone without supervision. Then the previous peace and quiet all fell apart. People were sniping at each other, yelling was going on, and then the food started to fly. He ducked avoiding a piece of sauce-covered chicken and quickly dumped his food off his plate into the nearest serving bowl. Hastily wiping it clean with his napkin he held it in the direction of the incoming fire and tried to keep low. Not that being nearly six feet in height helped, but he was not letting anything stain his good coat. Or his ascot, or his shirt, his pants, his shoes, his hair…

As the food fight intensified, he grabbed Talise's clean plate and began using them as dual shields while Talise climbed into his lap hiding from the onslaught of stain-inducing foodstuffs. His eyes were wide and terrified. He knew this would happen. Maybe not exactly but he knew the peace and quiet had been too good to be true. It was always like this, a calm before a storm. Everything would fall still before the rains and winds would slam the coastline, like in the later months. The tides would go wild and the seas would boil like water in a pot. His voice tense the whispered loudly to Talise over the roaring din. "We need to get out of here! Quick, I'll cover you! On the count of three, we'll run." When he counted to three, they fled the chaos and mass hysteria of the dining hall to the outdoors. He let Talise go ahead of him while he used the plates to block from behind. They kept running and running until the shouts were gone and they were in a garden. The adrenaline rush over, Gerard flopped onto the ground with the plates on the grass beside him panting heavily.

"…I'm done. I can't take this anymore." Groaning, he pulled a plate and covered his face with it while letting out a cry of desperation. His arms and legs were screaming from the burn from running, and he wanted to throw himself into a river and let it carry him away.  

Author: Talise, Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 1:42 AM, Post Subject: Death Dinner for Two[P/R]

Angela nodded a bit and frowned. “It had to be done Drae. She’s going to get herself killed if she doesn’t learn how to control those vampires. Marius isn’t around to teach her.” Nerezza and Lucian knew about their father’s other half by now. There was no hiding he existed but they were both told to stay away from him. He was dangerous and Angela had thrown her daughter straight into his path. “She needs a teacher… and vampires aren’t something I’m familiar with. He has the experience… the drive… the charisma to teach her whatever he wants. Its her job not to mess up. As long as she doesn’t he won’t step on my toes. I’m giving him a good deal. He tutors my daughter and I give his mate the ability to have children. This keeps my daughter alive.”

Nerezza made a face, “Papa never sounded that mean when he was one person… I love him still but…”

“Rezza, this isn’t the same man that raised you. Raeguel and Nemesis are two different people now. He asked about you yes… but I believe it was more of a morbid curiosity. Raeguel is your father Rezza never forget that.” Angela was quick to correct the girl who now frowned deeply. “Nemesis would destroy worlds if it meant getting his way or if one of his was hurt.”

Aelwen reached across and took Rezza’s hand for the time being. “It’s be okay. Don’t think about it. Both of our fathers were dumbasses.” She gave her younger sister a cheeky smile and Rezza nodded.

“That’s my girls.” Angela gave a pleasant smile as Rohan made sure she knew that Aary was alright. “They aren’t here for other reasons Ro.” Angela chuckled a bit. “Just like Episcia and Lucian aren’t down here in the dining hall.” She winked at Drae and could only imagine what the two of them were doing.

“If they aren’t careful they are going to end up knocked up.” Nerezza waved her spoon about. “That’s the last thing I need is my twin brother’s mini me running around.”

“ANGELA,” The doors got kicked in, which was shocking considering they were stained glass. “YOU BITCH!” It was Toya, six months pregnant and bursting at the seams.

“Oh dear, Honey will you help me with Toya.” There was amusement in her eyes and voice as she and Drae put the twins down in a cradle and practically dragged the pregnant woman out. They closed the doors so calmly.

“Mood is too dreary now. Nerezza you are getting fat!” Aelwen laughed and pointed at her. "I think you are the one who needs to lay off the sex. Just because you are married doesn't mean you should pack the pounds!"

“I AM NOT,” Nerezza yelled back.

Iva stared down Rohan. “TAKE BACK WHAT YOU SAID EARLIER.” Suddenly Rohan and Iva began to pick up the food and throw it at each other.

“NEVER!” Rohan laughed as he used his plate to shield himself. Nerezza and Aelwen soon followed suit and began to bombard the other with food. Talise screamed and ended up on Gerard’s lap hiding.

The twins were under the table hiding from the food. The doors on the other side of the room opened up and there stood another lithe redhead. “AARYONA!” Iva screamed with joy as pudding hit her square in the face. “ROHAN!” Rohan was laughing out of control as Iva threw cake at him.

“Nope, not today.” Aaryona walked around the table and out the other doors to where her mother was.

Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 1:15 AM, Post Subject: Death Dinner for Two[P/R]

"Last I heard about Aaryona you sent her off to train under Nemesis," Drae commented. "Is that not still the case?" he asked as he began to dish up food for himself and Rohan, allowing Iva to do it herself. Rohan looked rather irked that his father was doing the dishing and that Iva could pick the foods for herself. He was about to complain when he saw that Drae was actually only dishing up the things that he liked onto his plate, which fortunate for his parents, was a wide variety of food. 

"I'm sure Aary's ok, Mum," Rohan quipped. "Besides, Nathaniel and Iris aren't here either. Why aren't you worried about them?" he pointed out as Drae passed along the dishes of food to the other side of the table with levitation, the other infant cooing happily in his lap. 

Author: Vibrato, Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 1:00 AM, Post Subject: Death Dinner for Two[P/R]

Someone took his hand in theirs, and turning to look he saw it was Talise. The alcohol was exacerbating his already tempestuous feelings, and it wasn't a surprise that it made him more emotional. The piling stress and anxiety had nearly forced him to retreat within himself to cope. Knowing he wasn't alone made everything more bearable. The timing couldn't have been better. The food arrived and the dinner officially started. "We can leave once dinner is over. I'm sure by the time we get back to Feeorin that the Sylph will be gone and happily on their way home." Her smile was comforting, like Jacintha's. Every time he was faced with something he couldn't handle, he would either run or try to cope. He had to tough things out by himself, and often that was his only option as no one else around him could help or weren't there to.

Gerard wanted to go home. In a way, he was still like the child who had been found by the water nymphs. He wasn't good at adjusting. That's why he wanted things to be the way they 'should'. But he couldn't be selfish and leave like usual. It wasn't just him this time; Talise also needed him here too. The least he could do was to make it easier on her. They were both suffering together. Once their hands let go, he began taking some of the food. He started with the bitter and sour things. They were the easiest for him to get down in his current state of mind. There was a growing pile of sour pickles, green olives, and greens as he took what he wanted. As he did so, he would meticulously drain any excess sauce that might have come along with what he scooped before setting it onto his plate. When that was done, he arranged his forks all on one side and his spoons and knives on the other. They were arranged in ascending size instead of order of being used, and he moved his shot glass to line up with the other glasses on the table. Finally, he unfolded his napkin before starting to eat.

Author: Talise, Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 12:23 AM, Post Subject: Death Dinner for Two[P/R]

Talise put her hand under the table and gently took Gerard’s in hers. It wasn’t an action that had gone unnoticed by the goddess but even Angela knew when not to push something. Talise gently put her fingers in between his and gave a good squeeze. They could escape together if they wanted to. They were wind and water.

Angela rubbing her forehead. “Furtuna is one of my elder children. She is a rebel as all Genasi tend to be. She’s been a headache since she was born… What little fortune she received from her father she got a boat and started to ransack places… She is one of Revaliir’s most notorious sky parents now… With a damn fleet backing her up. I don’t talk about her much if at all. She’s not welcome near me unless it's in my temple. She knows I hate heights and she’s repeatedly managed to get me on her airship without me knowing.”

The dinner was brought in and the food smelled delicious there was one more place set up and Angela looked sad as she watched it. “She was supposed to come today… Where is Aaryona?” There was a tearful look on her face that showed the mother loved all of her children.

“Probably busy Mom, you know she is a queen in her own right.” Nerezza was calmer now and more ladylike as she put food on her plate and mused. “She is probably too busy to let us know she can’t make it home. She is all the way in Kurayo right now… I’m sure she didn’t mean to forget about us.” Angela nodded a bit more and bounced the baby in her arm now.

Talise looked over at Gerard and smiled at him. “We can leave once dinner is over. I’m sure by the time we get back to Feeorin that the Sylph will be gone and happily on their way home.”

Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2017 11:32 PM, Post Subject: Death Dinner for Two[P/R]

Drae quirked an eyebrow sharply at Talise as she called him 'kid' and a vein throbbed in his forehead. "Call me "kid" again and we'll have problems," he said, his voice grating a tiny bit. "I may not be terribly old by human standards, but as a Fey, you are barely out of your teens," he pointed out to Talise sharply. "She was your mother long before she was my wife in any case. If you can't reason with her, why do you think I would be able to?" he asked as he took a sip from his wine glass which he had filled from the same decanter he had offered Gerard before it flew back to the young man and waited patiently by his shot glass to be used if and when he wanted it. 

The question made him quirk. "Now that you mention it…" he said looking thoughtful. He was interrupted by Angela and Talise returned the banter back in her direction. Drae's eyes narrowed. Furtuna… he was sure he had heard that name recently.

"Who's Furtuna?" A question that was quickly answered and Drae actually paled a little bit and looked directly at Angela. 
"I have a step-daughter who is actively pillaging MY CITY?" He flopped back in his chair and rubbed his eyes. "Well, that will certainly win me their love and adoration won't it?"

Things suddenly became very noisy as the rest of the dinner party arrived. First Aelwen and Nerezza, both bickering as per usual, followed by the squabbling youngest besides the infants. Iva, a good six years older than her younger brother had his face smooshed into the tile floor as he yanked her hair wickedly. There was a muffled "NEFER!" from the boy on the floor before their mother barked at them to take their seats next to Drae. The Keeper pushed their chairs out for the children, and once they were seated, slid them both snuggly under the table where he shot them a look that suggested they had better quit the argument now. The last to enter were the twins and it was a reassuring thing to know at least THEY would not be contributing to the fights. Such well behaved girls they were. Drae eyed Gerard as he filled his shot glass and downed it in one go. The look on his face once the shot glass was empty suggested to Drae it would be a good idea to take it away, and with a wave of the Warlock's hand, the decanter vanished. 

Author: Vibrato, Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2017 11:14 PM, Post Subject: Death Dinner for Two[P/R]

Things started heating up between the Mother and her daughter, then more of her daughters came in. There would only be three males present in this entire occasion. If Angela's daughters were anything like the goddess…this would be a long night. He paused in a long silence after Adraejen offered him a glass. When the cacophony of impending chaos started, he said quietly. "…I'll have that drink now." He didn't like alcohol very much as it made him feel awful and muddled. But today, he would make an exception. He poured from the decanter into the shot glass until it was filled to the brim and downed it in one go. It only made him feel dizzy, without lessening the anxiety. And now he felt worse. 

Maybe missing out on having a family wasn't such a bad thing anymore. When he was addressed he gave them all a wry smile. Here starts the trials and tribulations, he thought to himself. Gerard might be smiling stiffly on the outside, but he felt his soul die a little inside as the seats filled. He would have to be in close proximity with a bunch of strangers…temperamental strangers. Some of them thankfully seemed normal–for now. He wasn't drinking any more alcohol, or else he'd start having nightmares. His hands were beneath the table and were gripping the edge of his seat like he was hanging on for dear life. As long as he didn't have to talk to anyone, he should be able to survive the dinner. Emphasis on 'should'. 

This was worse than the Circles of Infernos, even after nearly dying several times. He was absolutely sure of it. Slowly he sucked air into his lungs and tried to not look so uncomfortable. His eyes were glassy and distant like that of a dead fish. 

Author: Talise, Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2017 10:58 PM, Post Subject: Death Dinner for Two[P/R]

Talise gave Gerard an apologetic look before stuff really kicked off. She took a deep breath and looked at Adraejen. “Look Kid, control your wife. She is scaring not to meant scarring the both of us. In three hundred years, I’ve managed to avoid being ruined by that information and I don’t need it now.” She crossed her arms and stared at him. “Don’t I know you from somewhere?”

Angela put her hand under her chin and tilted her head. “I’m just trying to have fun with all of this.”

Talise arched an eyebrow. “Keep having fun and I’ll invite Furtuna home.”

Angela’s face went ghost white for a moment. “The hell you will. That menace is not allowed anywhere near me when we’re not at my temple.” It was the first time that Angela had said anything bad about any of her children. She was visibly shaken.

There was a bright smile on Talise’s face, “Last I heard Furtuna was pillaging Iria’s outlands. It would be no trouble to have her bring the entire fleet over here.”

“Don’t you dare,” the house shook a bit as Angela showed a bit of anger.

“Sizzle down. The only one with a temper should be Aelwen and that’s because she has a problem admitting she’s a midget,” a white haired girl came into the room. She was tall and built like Angela. She was pointing at the woman who had pink hair and only an inch taller than Talise.

“Bitch, if you want this dinner not to have your head on the platter I suggest you take that back,” there was a growl from Aelwen as the white hair girl smirked.

“Mom, Aellie is calling me terrible names~”

“Nerezza, please don’t torment your sister. You know she punches holes when she gets upset. Aelwen please control the short fuse, act your age not your height.” Aelwen made a face and released an ugh as she sat down in a chair. Nerezza went on the other side of the table and smirked as Angela told them to behave.

Iva and Rohan came into the room in a brawl as Iva pulled at Rohan’s hair and Rohan had Iva’s braid. “Take that back,” Iva yelled as she smashed her brother’s face into the floor.

“IVA AND ROHAN, enough. I know young sibling syndrome is a thing but honestly… Iva you are a young lady come here and sit down by your father. Both of you on either side of him.” Angela sounded like a mother now as she made them behave.

Finally, two young blonde girls came in. They looked older than Nerezza and had dazzling blue eyes compared to the rest of them. “Good evening everyone,” they said it together as if in sync. They were identical twins from the look of them.

“Hello, Belle and Fern. I trust your jobs have been going well?” Angela looked happier with the two of them compared to the rest of them.

“It’s going well.” They both said as if on the same brain wave. They sat down next to each other and even helped each other set up the others place.

“See, we can all behave Gerard. By the way children, this is Gerard Talise’s friend. And for some of you, you’ve never met Talise. This is your older sister Talise.”

Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2017 10:28 PM, Post Subject: Death Dinner for Two[P/R]

"Please, don't yell, Talise," Drae begged softly. "You'll upset the babies and then we'll have no peace at all," he said as he sat down in his place at one of the heads of the table. "Yes, I am significantly younger than you and almost all your siblings," he admitted. "I've gotten used to the idea rather, and no one else seems to make a horribly big deal about it," he said. He rubbed his trimmed beard and forehead and looked apologetically at Gerard who looked like he just wanted to bolt. 

The nokken's hesitant question made Drae wince. "Quite a few. Save you and I, Rohan will be the only other male at the table," he said. He waved a hand towards Gerard and a crystal decanter and a shot glass appeared next to the young man. "You look like you could use it."

Author: Vibrato, Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2017 10:04 PM, Post Subject: Death Dinner for Two[P/R]

"I know they aren't together," The goddess said. That admission was the last straw for Talise, as she erupted venting all of her anger and frustration into a single outburst. "YOU MEDDLING GODDESS YOU KNEW AND YOU DID THIS ANYWAYS?!" Then the topic shifted to an equally awkward one. "This is your husband? How old is he? Cradle Robber." Talise was glaring daggers as her mother responded and they went back and forth. Then things veered into even worse territory. At the mention of fey and their backsides he was about ready to fling himself out the nearest open window.

"I don't even want to know. Stop talking." Annoyed and irritated Talise grabbed his arm and began pulling him to their seats at the table. He went along, just as mortified as she was. His face was paler than it had been already. The goddess then made an offhand comment on how Talise had managed to find someone just like herself. That certainly wasn't a compliment. He could see the family resemblance now…painfully, but it was there. Inside he cringed. Once the dinner started this would only get worse. "…Well stuff a fork in me and a sprig of parsley in my ears. We're done for." Not even his sarcasm and inner critic could save this situation. He swore that when the first chance presented itself, he was booking it for the nearest way out of the dining hall. He was absolutely positive that Talise was thinking the same thing. "So…I hate to ask but who else will be joining us tonight?" He asked, not really wanting to know the answer. There were an awful lot of seats, and only four of them not counting the infants. He tried to take deep breaths to keep himself from imploding from the stress.

Author: Talise, Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2017 9:31 PM, Post Subject: Death Dinner for Two[P/R]

“Nope, my mother’s sense of decorating is just on the high end.. you should see her temple though. It is more extravagant than this. This is just the Sularia family home.” Talise said it almost grimly as they made their way through the home.

Angela gently took the wine and smiled at them. “That is so thoughtful. You didn’t need to bring me gifts at all. I like him.” If Angela could have little hearts above her head she would as she shoved Lark into his arms. In her mind, holding babies was a way to relax but perhaps it wasn’t everyone’s method.

Talise looked over at Gerard with the same look he was giving her. Her dark colored skin had a fresh tint of red across it as the time went along. Was she getting angry or was she embarrassed by this all? It was hard to tell by the stoic nature of her face.

“I know they aren’t together,” the goddess informed the entire group.

“YOU MEDDLING GODDESS YOU KNEW AND YOU DID THIS ANYWAYS?!” It started a scream and slowly went back to down to her regular voice. “This is your husband?” Talise pointed at Drae. “How old is he? Cradle Robber.”

Angela blushed a bit and mused over her words. “I’m not a Cradle Robber”

Talise got redder, “Is he older or younger by me and by how much?”

“Mmm… Younger and I would say about ten times younger.” Angela had to think about how old Adraejen was.

“YOU ARE A CRADLE ROBBER MOTHER. At least when you had sex with my father he was closer to your age,” Talise was resisting the urge to reach up and pull at her hair as they went at it.

Angela shrugged it off and took Poppy from her father as he back to the table. “To be fair, Feys get more yummy the older they get. Their butts in particular.”

“I don’t even want to know. Stop talking.” Talise took Gerard’s arm and yanked him over to where they would be sitting.

“You started this… You could have let it go~” Angela offered her daughter a smile. “Besides in three hundred years, you’ve never once had a friend. I was curious who you were laughing with.” There was a concerned look on her face. “I never thought I would find you with someone just like you.”

“You are unbelievable… Gossip Goddess. That’s what they should have made your sphere. You would be the strongest Goddess by default.” Talise sniped at her mother.

“Ouch, my heart it hurts. Please tell me something I don’t know.” It was pure sarcasm and showed where Talise had gotten her own sarcasm from.

Author: Vibrato, Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2017 9:05 PM, Post Subject: Death Dinner for Two[P/R]

Just as Gerard's strained mind was struggling to process what the goddess was doing, luck would have it that her husband–another fellow deity–should come in. When the man took the children from their arms he was left staring, half-present while his arms were still in the same position as they were when the Red Court Queen had pushed the baby boy into them. Then the man said what he and Talise had been trying to say. That broke him out of his shocked stupor as he quickly followed up with his own confirmation. "Yes–that's correct your Excellence. We only just met less than a day ago by accident." 'Your Excellence'? What kind of awful, mangled compilation of honorifics was that? He certainly wasn't thinking at all if that was the best he could come up with.

Putting his arms down he kept a straight face holding his rising anxiety in. The sheer presence of both deities was overwhelming. So this was what it was like to be in the presence of gods. Gerard felt he probably wouldn't be able to take it much longer. He was already subconsciously looking for escape routes ready to bolt. But he highly doubted it would work, as the cynic in him gave a painful reminder that this was Goddess Angela's home. She probably could use her power to prevent him from leaving even if he tried. They might as well throw him and Talise on a platter and call them carpaccio.

Author: Porthyrius, Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2017 8:49 PM, Post Subject: Death Dinner for Two[P/R]

It was always an adventure meeting Angela's elder children. Turns out there was still one he hadn't met yet. A fey girl, it surprised him not, and from Feeorin. This had immediately caught Drae's attention, since he knew all about Feeorin and had grown up in Sidhiel. At the very least that was going to be an interesting conversation. He sensed the arrival of the pair and got a tingling sensation down his spine. 

"Great… she's at it again…" he muttered before he turned and swept out of the master bedroom and headed down to the great hall where Angela was undoubtedly stuffing Poppy and Lark into the arms of the unsuspecting. 

Turns out he wasn't wrong. Poppy was in the arms of the dusky-skinned fey girl he understood to be Angela's daughter Talise, and she was in the process of handing Lark off to the rather harried young man who was with her. The rather harassed look suggested that the young man had on his face told Drae volumes and the Keeper immediately swooped to the rescue. 

"Angela! You are getting WAY too far ahead of yourself right now," he said as he quickly came up behind his wife. He swiftly relieved the young man of Larkspur's babbling form, and did the same for Talise with Poppy. "These two aren't a couple, Ang. They are acquaintances at best!"

Author: Vibrato, Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2017 12:49 AM, Post Subject: Death Dinner for Two[P/R]

The short trip to the goddess of life's mansion in Sularia was nerve-wracking. Before they went in, his mind was already on autopilot. He had been to Sularia before to sell raisins and apples, but he couldn't pay attention to what was going on around them before they arrived. Standing before the manor, he stared glumly at the impressive baroque building adorned in gold with white stone. "…Is that the church?" He groaned. Gerard vaguely remembered seeing an image of a cathedral before, and this seemed to fit the picture. Talise at the moment looked like she was ready to make heads roll.

He didn't notice the roses, or their thick perfume as they walked in. Had he come in under less strangulating circumstances he would have admired how well they were cared for. All he wanted to do was run and dive into the nearest body of water to sink to the bottom. When they were inside, she told him this was the Red Court Manor, which was where the queen of the Red Court and her family lived by deductive reasoning. They went down hallways, hallways, more hallways–until they reached the dining room. Talise opened them up and it was set for a grand affair. Surely this was more of a banquet hall than a dining room, but he had heard of the size of the goddess' family. He wondered which lucky members they would be seeing tonight.

He stood there, like a walking husk and mind half-gone when Talise started to protest with her mother. Angela's response was to place an infant into her arms and cut her off. The red-haired woman in gold and green interjected. "Now, now. She was just excited. My name is Angela. These are my youngest children Larkspur and Poppy. The redhead is Poppy. You'll join us for dinner right?" There definitely wasn't a choice there. Fumbling for an answer, Gerard was at a loss for what to say, and took out the two bottles of wine with the bows Talise had helped him with. "…I was told to come so I brought a visiting gift, here it is." Not the type of first impression he was hoping for. In his defense, he was talking to a member of royalty–a queen–who happened to be a goddess as well. He was just glad he didn't stutter over his words.

The wine bottles were taken from his hands and a child was placed in them instead. It was the boy, since the red-haired one was the girl. He stared down at the child now in his arms blankly. "…." It was at this point all the etiquette he had rehearsed and recalled flew out the window. He wasn't prepared for this. He looked at Talise with a face that said: 'What am I supposed to do?'

Author: Talise, Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2017 12:10 AM, Post Subject: Death Dinner for Two[P/R]

“I hope they choke on our lamb chops,” Talise spouted out as she crossed her arms and growled slightly. “If we die, they will spite us and bury us together. The nerve of them.” Her gossiping family members would pay dearly. They would pay eventually! The look on her face was pure murder as her eyebrows twitched a bit. She opened a gateway and the two of them strolled on through.

Even during this time, Sularia was busy. They walked through the glistening gemstone pathways until they got to the large manor that her mother lived in. The rose gardens were in full bloom despite the time of year it was, probably due to her mother thinking this was a special occasion.

The double doors were opened for them. “Princess Talise welcome home, your mother and siblings are in the dining room.”

Talise scoffed at the house help as she strolled right into the joint and beckoned Gerard to follow her. “This is Red Court Manor.” She took him down some hallways until they reached around set of fine stained glass doors. Opening them up Talise and Gerard found themselves in a sprawling room filled with a few tables obviously made for a large family.

“Welcome home Talise,” there sat the trouble maker herself in a green and gold gown. Her red hair was dazzling but in her arms were two babies who were cooing and awing at her red hair as they pulled at her curls. Angela got up and came over to Gerard with the twins in tow. “Good to meet you. I am afraid that Sapphire–”

“It was Sapphire? That narking little bit–” Talise growled a bit as Angela pushed a baby on Talise.

“Now, now. She was just excited. My name is Angela. These are my youngest children Larkspur and Poppy. The redhead is Poppy.” Angela winked at Gerard and took back the baby who was obviously meant to shut the fairy up. “You’ll join us for dinner right?”