Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Mon Jan 13, 2020 2:28 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

There was a snort and then a giggle that left the red head’s lips. “I do try and so do you…” Finally, he got to his prize and she adored him from her position. She watched his eyes and his lips for the reaction she had tried hard to get, he didn’t disappoint. Her skin shivered as his hand came up her and she merely smiled once he released her.

Their game seemed to continue once she spurred him. They did, after all, have feelings they had to resolve here and now, at least she thought it was best that way. By the end of their little game, she curled up with him. He was holding her which made her a lot more comfortable and it was different than last time. Especially since last time was more a hello goodbye situation. “Don’t joke like that,” Angela chuckled a bit up at him. “The twins were a handful enough.”

He listened to her concern and she was pleased since from the way he took his breaths he had begun to think about slumbering. “It’s entirely possible. It’s true I can find anyone but there are places that not even I can look. On Parvpora, you could easily hide from me I think.” She nodded up at him. “I may not lose much potency but I can be overridden… I think.” She wasn’t going to bet on that horse just yet. “Aye, that’s what I am afraid of. I helped Xunatar survive his fall but maybe I didn’t do enough for Adraejen. I can’t help everyone… Even I’m not capable of that despite how many believe so.”

Angela’s eyes lit up a bit and she nodded. “I think Wis would like that. Even if Drae does show up… You by all rights would be her stepfather. You don’t need to shy away from my children, they accept most and love most. Even if some of them are pains in my ass from time to time.”

Ang snuggled into him and shook her head. “No, generally when you make a promise you are thorough with it. I suppose that even I have fears that make no sense.” She knew that he would take care of them just as he had taken care of the twins when they were young. “We’ll have to see what the days bring us.”

The following days were filled with getting Nerezza up on her feet. Angela was in and out of the house constantly because of her duties, they never did stop and they were many. Which meant that Nemesis and his kind were often left with Wisteria, the twins, Emry, and Kaiser. It was busy but it was more fulfilling than anything. “I’m going to have to tell Raeguel,” Angela finally got time to talk to both of the twins. “I will need your support more than anything. I love both of them dearly and I refuse to choose… but I don’t want any fighting.”

Nerezza nodded and looked down at Emry who was sleeping in her arms. “I’ll do whatever it takes Mama. I love them both too.”

Angela reached out and rubbed little Emry’s white hair. “Then I’ll set everything up. Just be prepared for that fight… and please take care of yourselves. You can go home now all of you.” Angela helped with getting them home and she kissed Nemesis farewell for the time being.

There were jobs to be done and this one, in particular, wasn’t going to be great.

Author: Nemesis, Posted: Thu Dec 19, 2019 5:32 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

Nemesis clicked his tongue at her as his eyes watched hers. He was panting a bit with the struggle she managed to put up until he was able to assert his dominance over her. “None of us are good at everything. But you are good at what you are capable of.” His words played around a bit with their meaning, but he wasted no more time in undoing her robe and marveled at the surprise in store for him. It was far from the slightly more conservative lingerie that she bore the night they conceived Nerezza and Lucian. He supposed that there were some parts of her that he hadn’t known of, not that it was the closest thought on his mind at the moment. A hand shamelessly traveled up her curves from her hip all the way to the nape of her neck as he released her.

He realized his folly only when Angela reached up and his shirt ripped apart. Instead of getting annoyed, it merely drew him in further the rabbit hole as they embraced. This wasn’t merely a lust-driven encounter that would be shared briefly like before- no as the night progressed, there were deeper, unresolved feelings that both parties were forced to admit and it showed physically as they savored every touch and kiss as they melded into one another. While he loved Celeste as much as any devoted husband could, Nemesis was still cautious in being rough with her due to her elf heritage- but Angela could handle it well as he would learn.

By the end of it, they were resting from their love-making in each others’ arms. He was quiet and motionless, save for his chest that ebbed and flowed as he breathed with her on it. “Better be careful”, he spoke softly, his eyes moving down to her, “You might end up with twins again, or triples this time.” Of course, it was merely a joke as his arm draped around her back and hip. Once again he found his face full of red hair and looked as though he was welcoming sleep when he heard her voice. From the tone, it was something concerning and Nemesis made sure to stay awake to hear it.

“Thought you could find anyone easily, as long as they are earth… Is it possible he may be someplace airborne or at sea?” He hardly was familiar with Drae, but his disappearance didn’t seem to make any sense to him. His head lifted to the ceiling and sharply exhaled. “It could be that he fell into the same fate that awaits many when they Fall. I have seen, as you have, what happens to most of them. I can only think of a handful that has survived through it.” He caressed her tenderly as he thought of the effects her father’s absence would have on Wis. She was still too young to understand everything. “She seemed to take a liking to me tonight, Angela. Once we are wed, I can step in if you wish.”

He looked at the goddess, “I promised to protect her and the others, and part of that is to make sure that she’s loved and cared for. You didn’t think that I wouldn’t recognize that responsibility, did you?” He carried on with a small smile and kissed her forehead. “Worry not about her. I can only hope that she will accept me.”

Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Thu Dec 19, 2019 12:20 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

“I thought you would,” Angela almost purred up at him. Her green eyes were more like a green and red sea now as she took him in. It was probably quite easy for the regular everyday male to get lost in them but for a god-like Nemesis, it wouldn’t be a problem at all. The moment he had pounced she had been waiting for him and she took it in stride as they played that little wrestling game for a good thirty minutes or so. There was so much laughter coming from both of them.

It looked like he had underestimated her a bit but the vaewolf god was the physically stronger god and it showed when ultimately he had her pinned down. She was breathing heavily as he pressed his arm against her neck. “Ohhh, ya know. Healing Goddesses can’t be good at everything,” there was a light chuckle from her as their eyes held onto each other. She could tell that he would be ready to move if she did and he probably could counter whatever strategy she had to get out from under him.

Underneath the black silk was a black lace teddy that deeply cut down her cleavage to her navel. It was the least amount of clothes he had ever seen her in besides, well, when she got pregnant with the twins… but sometimes the surprises were well worth it. “Well? Does this scream… The future Lady of Fear and Darkness to you?” There was a joke somewhere she was sure of it but she didn’t want to give it away too much.

Her hands finally were able to reach up as he stopped pinning her. Her painted nails swiped quickly down his shirt ruining it. There were many things she figured Nemesis liked and perhaps that was one of his favorites. Pulling him down to her she kissed him tenderly and smirked at the prospect of what the night would bring.

From there, the gods spent long hours entertaining one another and used their statuses to forget about sleep for the time being. Most would be dead or couldn’t move but the two of them managed with incredible stamina that only an immortal would have. By the end of it all, Angela was curled up in Nemesis’s arms. Her head was snuggled against his chest and her eyes were watching the flames of the fireplace in their room. It was keeping the cold out and it was rather nice with the vaewolf’s own body heat to keep her warm.

“Seems a lot better than before,” she chuckled as she moved her head so she could look up at him. It had been so long ago she wasn’t even sure if she could remember it in full detail. Softly she pressed her lips to his chest and for once she looked rather content. Her mind began to drift and she frowned deeply. “I don’t mean to ruin the mood but I’m afraid I’ve had something on my mind and it’s started to bother me heavily,” the goddess wasn’t used to opening herself up to him but in order to make what they had work she was going to have to change that. “…Drae hasn’t come home since the agreement was hatched. I can’t find him and Wis has been asking where he is. I’m more scared for Wis than I am Drae. He can handle himself but she is so young… She’s used to having a father where the others aren’t. I don’t really know what to do.” She didn’t dare ask him to take Wisteria on… What if he didn’t want that?

Author: Nemesis, Posted: Thu Dec 19, 2019 11:25 AM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

He gave it some real thought; it hadn’t quite been on his mind of how powerful he was back on DaeLuin. He had been a dark, callous, cruel and sinister force that plagued whatever and whoever crossed him. He led armies and then later one of the greatest families of vampires that realm had ever seen. Along with the skills both blade and psionic magics held perfected for centuries, Nemesis had indeed been someone many wouldn’t cross. And now, he held much more power in his pinky finger than he had ever hoped to use. Fortunately, he had learned some of the harshest lessons of his life- humility, patience, and controlling his volatile temper when he needed to. “Perhaps. I simply don’t let it go to my head. I’ve done that far too many times before that this time, I will avoid the nature that I’ve seen others delve in.” He knew from first hand of how many had abused the power and those that had fallen weren’t quite the same. That is if they came back at all from the fall from grace.

“Ivan is harmless unless Celeste or I tell him to kill, or if anyone hurts Ayla, his mate. His nature is that of a whirlwind- no one knows what he will do but much of it is foolishness. He won’t touch you or the children.” Besides, even if he was wrong, one of them would rip his throat out. It was something he looked forward to sometimes, but not at the expense of the kids or Angela.

He figured as much that she loved Sergei and was easily willing to take him as her own son, just as Celeste was with the twins and especially Emry. That girl was going to be spoiled rotten by just the two of them. “Well, she orchestrated it, and Nerezza was the one that hoped for it since she was a small girl. I’m surprised that even to this day, she had carried some hope for us.” Nemesis then thought about how she had said earlier that she felt his faint presence and wondered if he had given up too early in his search for them. No, he couldn’t have found them until this recent century. There was still one more person that needed to know of this, but Angela said she would handle it. The question was as to how Raeguel would take to this news. It was a thought that the god sought to drown for the time being, and with the goddess with him, it was as simple as the head roll he gave to her when she started her playful bit.

He was looking forward to whatever game she had schemed up.

“Perhaps that explains a lot. I didn’t get to spend as much time with them as I’d hoped, and Sergei practically sprouted during the years. Time is especially irrelevant now, but it will slow down as you said for the latest little ones.” He was drawn into the fire that threatened to be an inferno between them with the kiss, but she slowed down the pacing where he yearned for more. It was only then that she stroked them further, informing him where he would likely be sleeping tonight and he grinned as he rose to his feet and followed her and the trail of kisses all the way to the room prepared for her.

He moved to a sitting Angela as though she was his prey; eyes were on that robe of her and were envisioning what could possibly be beneath it. “Is that so? I like the challenge, Angela”, he breathed out moments before he pounced onto her and they began to wrestle. This time, he would have to work for it and she proved to be no slouch as she resisted. A part of him underestimated or perhaps forgotten how much strength she had despite not being a fighter. The two rolled about the bed with him trying to undo the knot and she kept him from doing such. All that could be heard was laugher and bumps on the wall every now and then as the two kept it up until he was on top of her, his forearm pressed against her throat and his hand at the knot as fingers began to work on it. “Is that the end, my love”, Nemesis gloated a little. He was sure the game was in his favor as the robe was giving way to show him the treat she had.

Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2019 8:27 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

There was a chuckle from the goddess as she shook her head. “You’ve always been powerful but now you are borderline unstoppable. You’ve always been a good ally though and you’ve never hurt me but I’ve always pitied those who went against you.”

Angela made a face a bit and tilted her head. “I fear that Ivan doesn’t like me. His recent activity around me is troublesome. Though I do know that he won’t move against you… I do wish this was a smooth process.” At least the children were taking to it well.

His smile warmed her heart as they kissed and she found herself happy with the situation, after all, it was one she thought would never happen and she didn’t dare dream of it. “I think it was shocking for everyone but Nerezza and Celeste.” She chuckled more. “I do love Sergei as my own and I’m glad he trusts me like that though.” She made his life possible and she didn’t regret it for a second. There was a slight snort from her as she thought of Lucian being beat by his sister and she shook her head, “Don’t give the boy a panic attack.” She was joking with him now as she knew how Nerezza could be with her brother.

“Also, if you think this is tempting… Well…” She bit her lip a little and started to laugh as she immediately played it off. “You’ll find out.”

Now they had their wine and she was sitting upright next to him. “Isn’t time always flying by for people like us?” She tilted her head a little. “It’s the little ones who make us slow down and watch them grow but once they are grown it seems we speed right back up.” For a moment her smile wavered but it came back once she heard his words.

“I love you too. Maybe I always have just a little but your love for our kids was what shined the brightest to me. It showed me who you were for your family.” She kissed him back and snuggled him close as the passion grew. She got ahold of his bottom lip for a minute and almost giggled as she let go and put her wine glass down.

“Celeste showed me my room already… She also said you weren’t allowed to sleep in her room tonight. SOOOO,” Angela stood up and took his hands. “I think you’ve been good enough,” She pulled him up to her and kissed him again. “For a treat,” she spoke in between small tiny kisses. “And I do have one for you.” She had been pulled him with her up the stairs. She stopped every few steps to kiss him again before she got to her own room. Pulling him in she closed the door and sat on the large bed before him. “You can come see what I’m hiding from you now. If you can win at fighting me that is.” Angela was certainly playful now but she couldn’t wait for him to actually get the robe off of her for his treat. She was actually going to wrestle him though until he won against her so it would be interesting.

Author: Nemesis, Posted: Mon Dec 16, 2019 6:44 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

No one would blame Angela for being surprised by Nemesis. Hell, he was surprising himself with how much he cared for her and trusted her as much as he did. The mismatched pair had months before been sure that they couldn't be compatible and look at them now. Getting cozy with one another and confessing their innermost thoughts to one another. In his past, he was sure he would have been fine with fewer interactions with her in his life but now it was different. Now, he wanted more as she did. "I thought you couldn't stand me either", he commented with a rose brow. "You know what I was capable of before. Pity them now that I'm a god." He laughed but at the same time it was a good possibility that he could snuff out competition should they get too out of line with their position or hurt Angela somehow. Even more, if the children were hurt, then they would really suffer a punishment that the demons would sing about and make the strongest of angels tremble with fear. 

"You and Celeste both, probably. "

"Perhaps you are right. Ever since I started this family, I have been particularly attached to them. Even…Ivan. Please don't tell him that. As much as I can't stand him, he is still blood and my son of sorts. Like Toya is to you, Ivan is the sort that could drive you up the wall yet when trouble brews, he's the first to defend me and the family." He remembered when Dalanesca had struck her down. If it had happened now, he wouldn't have rested until he would have gotten his pound of flesh from her. Perhaps it was that his emotions were getting high from thinking of it at this moment but he had to remind himself that it hadn't been her who did the deed. Shaking it off, he looked to his lover and smiled before taking in her kiss. Such moments didn't come too often and when they had, he partook in them with no shame. 

 "Nerezza wouldn't have to worry about Sergei. He knows of chaos, having lived here and knows of my past. The idea of me taking in another wasn't taboo, it was shocking for him to learn it was you, my little temptress." He pointed at her wardrobe. "But he respected you even before the arrangement when he was old enough to learn how he came to be. He swears that he owes you his life and trust." The boy was growing up to be a fine man, a better man than his father was no matter in what life he lived. Part of him knew it was because of how his beautiful Celeste was a great mother to him. "Lucian…well, Rezza might have needed to whup him a little, I guess.", he joked. 

Nemesis released her from his grip, seeing what she had up her sleeve next. He took his refilled glass and listen just as he was about to sip on the fine wine. She was right, with all this talk they were doing about marriage being a reality for them. "I suppose it is. Time flew by us without me realizing it." He did want to be formal though when it came to the whole thing, starting with the proposal. This hardly counted as one but why spoil the moment? "Before I accept that title, I do have something I want to share with you." He stirred his glass around a bit before he stared at her. 

"I love you, Angela. A part of me has since before the twins were born but circumstances kept us apart and things made it more complicated later on. I thought that I stopped by the time we met again here, but now I think I was fooling myself." He went and kissed her again, this time there was more fiery passion behind it than before.

Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Sun Dec 15, 2019 9:09 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

Maybe for the first time in hundreds of years Angela’s cheeks lit up red as she listened to his words. It was weird coming from Nemesis of all people. He had borderline just told her he loved her and it was precious to her. “You have been a treasure to me for a long time if I could be so bold to admit such a thing.” She chuckled and looked up at him once more. “I can deal with you manhandling anyone who tries to get between us. It could be fun to watch,” she joked lightly with him. “Oh yes, I can see Nerezza asking us to take her just for a moment of peace already… Not that I’m giving her a choice, I plan on having lots of grandma time with Emry.”

There was a smirk on her face as he made a promise to her and she nodded. “It must be a wolf thing. Blaine drops almost anything for Toya whenever she asks for him and he is always there to support her… Even if she is the world’s biggest ass of a sister.” There was another laugh. “Don’t worry about Toya though. For all of our fighting, she loves me the most out of my sisters. I heard when Dalanesca almost killed me the first time that she declared war and it took Lucian everything he had to convince her not to since it was my wish to leave Dal alone.” She winked up at him. “But wolves seem loyal and it fits your image good. My loyal dark lord.” She let another chuckle out as she pushed up for their lips to touch lightly.

Now his lips were nestled into her hair and she was relaxed completely. This was a different road they were taking and for once it was nice. She drained her glass of wine as the serious tone of the conversation continued. “I think… that it is a matter of when as well.” She put her hands on his after she put her wine glass down. Her fingers curled into his and she let out a sigh of relief. “Lucian and Sergei have finally come around to it… It didn’t take them long. I think Nerezza would have beat them if they said no,” Angela chuckled a bit.

“If I could be bold again,” She pushed herself up and poured them more wine. She picked up her glass and shuffled closer to him again. “I would be fine with moving towards being married would put us a little past the courting phase wouldn’t it?” She chuckled a bit and pondered if there was even a phase for it. “That’s a cause for a little celebration? We’ve made it three months with no killing each other and our children approve. We also have agreed that eventually we’re getting married. Suppose that could make us fiancees in the eyes of some people.” Angela snorted a bit as she held her glass a bit closer for the toast. “And we’ve been going really slow to make sure we’re compatible which we found we are.”

Author: Nemesis, Posted: Sun Dec 15, 2019 8:29 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

"Maalik is loyal, has been by my side since before we crossed into this realm. He was in a raven form throughout our time and when he got here, he was free to appear as the man before us. I rewarded him with the name Volkov because he is as close to family as you can get without blood ties being a factor." He stroked through her river of red locks as she grew comfortable with him on the couch. It was still fascinating that this experiment of theirs was still thriving. He really didn't give it a second thought either; their many courtings had been simple and ideal for them to learn about each other, much more than before. Despite that, he was a bit reluctant in speaking to her about the matter that could wind up a problem somewhere down the road. He didn't mind if she had other suitors- as he was sure that she would have times where he wasn't able to be there with her. It didn't seem fair but also at the same time, he didn't wish for another to come between them either. He couldn't lose his place now that he's gotten it. 

"I know. You are no silver prize, not in the least. You are becoming a treasure to me just as Celeste is", he whispered. His jealousy could be shelved for somethings, like Angela's happiness but like her, he wouldn't be second to anyone. "I understand. I don't find it unreasonable if you do have some. I just don't want them to forget their place, though I'd be perfectly happy to remind them of that." Whether by words or actions, it would be their choice. "Emry will need us indeed. She seems like she will be a handful as it is. Fortunately, she's not as troublesome as Nerezza was with her magic."

Nemesis draped an arm around her waist, "I will give to you as much as I can unless something comes up. I can promise you that." His fingers lightly stroked her curved but went no further than that. They were, after all, still courting. He found himself amazed that neither of them actually made a move in that department. It was something that made him chuckle. In the past, he could get women into bed with ease, but this time he found himself doing things formally for once. It seemed just as enjoyable if not more because of all that they were learning about each other. It didn't seem to matter if it was small or big things to them. At the moment, he had taken off his coat and was in his sleeveless shirt and trousers. He nestled into her further, placing his lips onto her head. Her scent was flora, one that he grew accustomed too in recent weeks. 

"I suppose because that was what's coming down the line for us, no? Celeste said that I could take you on as another wife. At first, I thought she was mad and went with this whole thing to see what could come of it. But…the more dates we went to and the time we spent, the more it seems like a reality. I thought about before the first month was up, but wanted to see this through first. With the children also seemingly approving of us, I don't think its a question of if, but rather when." 

Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Sun Dec 15, 2019 7:51 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

Angela took her glass of wine and curled up with Nemesis. It was easy to pull a blanket up and cuddle next to him. Unlike his DaeLuin self, the vaewolf god was warm and it was comforting to her as she leaned her head into him and sipped on the wine. “I’m glad that he was here then. She seemed to like him a lot as her canvas for what it means.” She chuckled a bit and looked towards the roaring fire that was still going on.

“I suppose that we’ve just been so busy getting to know each other. It was important for all of us that we do.” It shocked Angela quite a bit to hear his next part and unlike herself she let it show on her face. She didn’t need to hide herself from him now and she was free to show how she felt without fearing the repercussions of it.

She was quiet for a long time as she pulled her legs up onto the couch and sunk down lower on him so her head was on his chest. “I know that you wouldn’t ever call me or treat me like I am second. Honestly, you know me by now. I’m hardly a woman who would ever be second to anyone.” She looked up at him and smiled. “I probably will have suitors but I will be straight forward with you… I don’t plan on taking on many. I want to sink all of my time into what we have and what our kids are going through. Emry needs us a lot as her grandparents.”

She tilted her head up at him. “No one would be your equal that much is for sure. If you called on me I would be there as long as it wasn’t an emergency on my end. I don’t expect you to be with me all the time especially when you are busy but I do want your attention equally. I suspect those that you knew I was like this beforehand. You know I am no second place and I would scoff at the remark. The same is true for you too. I will settle for equal but no less.”

At this point, Angela had changed into a night-black silk robe which was short but respectful enough to wear around her children. Her hair was braided and overhead shoulder and she looked rather comfortable with Nemesis. “How long have you been thinking about the marriage situation?” It seemed a bit of an in the future situation but her heart was shocked that Nemesis was thinking about it at all.

Author: Nemesis, Posted: Sun Dec 15, 2019 7:32 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

Kaiser smiled and held onto her lightly. Despite the insults and the threat of bodily harm, he knew that wasn't his Nerezza. That was just the pain speaking and he gazed onto the woman he had married before. Lucian was proud of his sister and thought about his own relationship for a little bit. He was sure that Episcia was concerned about his whereabouts and when he was sent out to go and fetch the bassinet, he found her and let her know what was going on while Kaiser sought out the item they would need for baby Emry. Sergei released the baby into Angela's custody before she found her way into her mother's arms. It was decided that the rest of them would be spending some time here, which suited the new father as he was content with his child and wife being in a safe environment. Lucian was as well, but he felt as though he might do a little exploring around Kurayo since this was his first visit here. 

Maalik shrugged it off, "It's no problem. The young lady was simply doing what all other children do. At least she's artistic." He pointed out to the side of his face that held a drawing a sun across his cheek. Wisteria got to see the baby after she was checked on and washed. Lucian was sure she was Angela when she was her age, epically after they had to deal with her when she was brought back as a little child. The memories still plagued him and Wis didn't help matters. In any case, the little redhead was adorable as she helped her big sister rest up before she was taken to go to sleep. 

Lucian and Sergei went around the estate, conversating about their lives and such in an attempt to bond as brothers. Kaiser was like a hawk as he watched his family slumber and Nemesis poured some wine for both him and Angela after he was told by Celeste to spend some time with her. Sitting down, he waved off her apology. "Maalik did what he normally does, to contain the situation. In this case, it was the boredom of a one-year-old. There was no harm done, Angela." He sipped at his wine, thinking of the chaotic day they just had. The cat was nearly out of the bag- all parties knew about everything except for his light side. They were going to have their work cut out for them in that case.  

"Nerezza seemed shocked that we haven't shared the same bed yet. I didn't think of it until she mentioned it." It was a light conversation but there had been something on his mind. "In the case that we are to marry someday, I won't be foolish to think that you won't ever want attention someday from another man. I did that before and it cost me dearly." He wasn't particularly thrilled with talking about it, but he was going to cover a lot of his bases this time around.  "A bit of myself was lost and I reverted into the demon I been until Celeste literally slapped me out of it. The animosity before nearly destroyed my family. I don't want anything similar to happen to us. I am fine if you want another lover, but…" He sighed with some annoyance at himself for not being able to piece the words right. "I wouldn't consider you a second wife. I never disrespected either Sera or Celeste like that- I loved them equally. The same would be said for you, but I'm a jealous fool. Perhaps even more so with the wolven blood in me. I want to be your first, above the others, Angela. It's selfish I know, but I want it also for the sake of our family."

Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Sun Dec 15, 2019 6:53 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

Nerezza chuckled a bit and nuzzled closer to him. “Surprised you don’t want a divorce after I smashed the vase at you. I love you both very much.” She gave a tired smile to Lucian who complimented her. “I tried… It was exhausting but worth it.”

Angela smirked a bit and chuckled with her daughter. “He was told what he was getting into by being in here. It’s fine Rezza, try and rest and we’ll let you hold Emry.”

Celeste took Nemesis’s kiss with a smirk and looked at Angela. “It was interesting to be on the other side of it. Now I feel bad for you seeing Kaiser and Nerezza in action.” That alone made Angela laugh with a full heart as she came over and took the baby from Sergei. “Let’s have her mother hold her after all that hard work. We can pass her around some more once Rezza gets some rest.” Angela, in turn, handed Emry off to her mother. Nerezza looked so tired but excited as she held the little girl.

“Hello, beautiful Emry.” Nerezza kissed the baby’s forehead and smiled up at everyone. “She’s so perfect.”

Angela nodded to Nemesis and looked at the small group. “I think that would be a wise decision.”

Nerezza looked up cheeky. “So does Mother get to sleep in your bed Celeste or do they get their own love nest.” Ang was light as she held a tiny stride to smack her daughter upside the head.

“Her own room. Gods know what those two will do with each other being gods.” Celeste let out an exhausted nose. “Assuming they ever get to that point.”

Rezza looked shocked and was going to speak before Maalik came in and she started to laugh making the baby cry a little. “She ran a muck on you… Poor Maalik," said Nerezza as she calmed down the baby.

Wisteria let go of Maalik and started to run towards the bed. Angela was quick as lightning as she grabbed Wisteria and pulled her up. “Oh, no you don’t.” She put Wisteria down and looked at her as her hands went to her hips. “Let me see your hands.”

“No paint,” Wisteria hid them behind her back.

“…Then show me your hands.”

“Lost them,” Wisteria moved her shoulders like she had no arms.

“Wis…” Angela said patiently.

“Finnneeee,” Wisteria held up her hands and Angela saw the paint. She was swiftly picked up and moved over to a washbowl.

“This is how we wash our hands~” Angela sang as she kissed Wisteria’s head and the little girl giggled. Angela had Wis’s hands in her own as they washed them together. “Okay time to dry them…”

“No,” Wisteria giggled.

“Yes, you have to.”

“Why?” Wisteria moved to put her hands on her hips and Angela swiftly took a towel and dried them.

“Because I said so and Mommy makes the rules.” Wisteria giggled at her mother while she spoke and soon Angela brought her over to Nerezza and Emry.

“Baby…” Wisteria cooed as she sat next to Nerezza.

“Her name is Emry.” Nerezza smiled at her little sister.

“Emmy?”

“Yes, Emmy,” Nerezza looked more exhausted now after all the laughing and Angela picked Emry up from her arms.

“You get some sleep. Kaiser and Lucian, do you think you guys can gate home and get the bassinet for the baby? I know how much Nerezza wants to use the one she picked out.” Angela was soft-spoken as Wisteria stood up on the bed and began to pull the blankets up.

“You go nini.” Wisteria kissed Nerezza’s forehead and Rezza kissed her back.

“Alright, but you have to go nini too Wis.” Nerezza chuckled.

–

The night wound down and the baby and her mother were sound asleep with Kaiser watching over them. Sergei and Lucian had gone off to learn about each other as suggested by their mothers. Celeste told Nemesis that he should spend more time with Angela… Which left Angela with Nemesis in by the fireplace. “I am so sorry about Maalik. I should have warned you…”

Now the devious little redhead was passed out and in a crib all of her own that Angela had made for her.

Author: Nemesis, Posted: Sun Dec 15, 2019 6:24 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

Sergei understood what his mother spoke of; perhaps she knew best in this situation after all as he had yet to hear of an argument from either his father or Lady Angela. Whenever he had looked over, they seemed to quite enjoy one another's company. As strange as it seemed, it wasn't too farfetched and he could only agree with his mother. The encouragement brought with it two people he hadn't dreamed of having- Lucian and Nerezza. He seemed to be getting along with his older brother so far, and she was about to have a child right here, right now. It was exciting and a little frightening at the same time since this would be the first birth that he's been involved with. 

The same would be said about Kaiser as he did whatever he could to help his love get through this. "Remember to breath like we practiced, darling." He went through the motions of breathing with her, whether it would be received good or bad. He did everything possible to resist the urge to take her hand as Angela had instructed him. Everyone was on edge, but no one worse than the mother to be, and she made it rather loud and clear at who she was directing her frustrations and pain onto. "Poor bastard", Nemesis said before taking another puff. "Are all women like that when they give birth?", Sergei asked as he stared at the door to the room all the action was happening in. 

"Usually. at least from my experiences", Lucian replied. "Seen many women going through it curse out just about everyone. The amount of pain they go through makes them uncaring who it is. Unfortunately, the husbands and lovers get it alot." Sergei looked to his father, who slowly nodded. "Don't recall Angela doing it much with the twins, she was pretty tame about other than just cursing out in general. Your mother…however…called me everything under the moon in both common and in ancient elvish." 

Despite everything thrown at him, Kaiser worked diligently with the other women to care for Nerezza and get her through the process. It took a good while before they heard the cries of a baby girl echo through the house. "Well, she has Rezza's mouth", Lucian said, getting up to his feet. Everyone looked towards the direction of the opening door (with the exception of Maalik who was covered from head to toe in paint by Wisteria) and a disheveled Kaiser came out, holding a small bundle. "She's here. Emry's here." 

Kaiser whispered as he held her tightly and the trio gathered around to see the fluff of white hair and a girl attached to it that was a bit fussy but other than that was fine. He offered her up to Nemesis first who held onto her carefully before he let the boys have a turn. First Lucian and then Sergei who was guided on how to by the former. The moment Angela came back out and gave them permission, Kaiser was first on the scene and kneel down at her bedside. "She's beautiful like her mother", he said, kissing her forehead. "I love her as much as I do you." 

Everyone poured in afterward with Lucian sitting at the corner near her and Sergei still holding the baby so that she could see her. "Did good, sis. Real good." Nemesis joined up with the other women. "How was your first time playing midwife?", he asked Celeste playfully, kissing her cheek. She had known plenty of things but assisting in childbirth was something she was unfamiliar with to his knowledge. "I suppose she isn't going anywhere anytime soon, so you all can stay until then." 

There was a cry of "No!" that could be heard but the master of the house ignored the idiot. Whether Ivan liked it or not, they are all apart of the family. Meanwhile, Maalik took Wis by the hand into the room and heard a grimace look on his face. "She wants to see the baby too."

Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Sun Dec 15, 2019 5:47 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

Celeste nodded to Sergei and also sighed. “It will also cut down on the fighting here. Your parents probably fought a lot due to being unable to be actually near one another. It was probably out of jealousy or out of fear that something would eventually happen again.” Though with the gaes she knew that it couldn’t. However, the fear was still there. “This is a way, I feel, for everyone to be happy and I think that it is a long time coming. I’m not a selfish person and I don’t need all of your father… but I do feel like they need each other much like Nemesis and I need each other. So I am willing to share for that to happen.”

Then panic set in as Rezza went into labor. At least it wasn’t terribly early and Kaiser was great to help his wife. There was a lot of love in his eyes for his wife which Angela was happy about. Kaiser had been a good choice for Rezza.

“I’ll be okay Sergei… My mother is the best at what she does.” Nerezza was confident and she spent more time reassuring everyone she was fine than worrying about the outcome.

Inside the room, everyone was working together. Once in a while, there was a loud, “YOU BASTARD YOU DID THIS.” or “ARE YOU MOCKING ME RIGHT NOW KAISER?!” Just like Rezza had said though there was no reason to fear what was going and Angela was right there. Within the hour there was a new set of lungs that was very loud and everyone probably knew who they belonged to.

Angela washed the babe up and was doting over her new grandchild. “Here Kaiser, take her out and introduce her to everyone. I’m sure they will love her. I have to get everything cleaned up in here and then you can bring everyone into the room for Rezza.”

She pushed Kaiser out while Celeste and she cleaned up. After a few minutes, Angela opened the door and smiled. “You can come in Rezza is just tired.” Rezza laid in bed all propped up. She looked like a wreck but her hair had been braided and her eyes looked a tad more tired than normal.

“At least she’s quieted down a bit,” Rezza said exhausted. “She certainly came into this world with a set of lungs.”

Author: Nemesis, Posted: Sat Dec 14, 2019 11:12 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

Two out of three reactions seemed typical of the situation; yet when Nerezza heard the news, Nemesis could see that his lost daughter was ecstatic. She had never given up the dream even when the father she had been with was with another woman? Even with this one already being married and having a son? He looked at her with surprise written across his face as she went a tad overboard while Lucian tried to come to terms with it. Sergei seemed a bit more in control of himself as reality sunk in after Angela explained the story of her and his father. "So, why until now? Why come and tell us this? I had always thought you two didn't along very well." Of course, this would make sense as to why some people would think they were the ones that were married. Looking to Lucian and Nerezza, he gave them a sheepish smile before he was overtaken by who was now his big sister. 

"You'll get used to it", Lucian warned him while Kaiser went to gently pry her off the boy.  

"This was orchestrated by your mother, Sergei", Nemesis replied, making Sergei look towards Celeste's direction. "Really, mother? I didn't think you would okay this …" 

"She did for a variety of reasons, especially since your sister will give birth soon", he was explaining when Angela called for him. They all looked at Angela as she barked orders until she explained why. "What!", Lucian spoke with his jaw hung while Sergei panicked a little and rushed off to find some blankets. Maalik calmly reached down and took the little girl into his arms and Nemesis rushed to get one of the nearby rooms ready for her. Kaiser moved quickly towards his wife, nearly tripping. "It's okay, Nerezza. Remember to breath as we practiced." 

Lucian couldn't believe of all places, she was having his niece in the house of the darkside of their father. Despite it, however, he had to be supportive of her. "Sure Rezza. Emry wanted to come out and see what the fuss was about", he spoke with a small grin, trying to encourage his sister and not bring on any further stress.  Her husband took her hand and kissed it while Angela applied the salve. "Hate me? Why?", he was confused but Nemesis simply pointed at her belly and shook his head. "You did that. You'll probably hear about it soon, boy." There was no malice in his tone, but rather matter-of-fact as he took his leave and Sergei quickly followed. "Good luck…sister." 

Lucian was the last to leave and he took a glance back to his mother, Celeste, Kaiser and Nerezza before closed the door behind him. Kaiser released her hand the moment his mother in law said not to hold it. "Okay, tell me what to do." 

Meanwhile, Nemesis was smoking a thin pipe as he paced about. Lucian kept an ear close to the door to hear what was going on and Sergei was fidgety about everything. He had siblings and soon to be an uncle, it was surreal. Maalik entertained Wis when he found some paint for her to play with. Unfortunately, no one warned him of how she was like when she got ahold of them and soon he found himself the canvass of her masterpiece. Being in an array of colors from head to toe, he only sighed as she continued to apply more colors to him, but made no move against it. "Anything?", Sergei called out to Lucian. "Well, a lot of screaming and Kaiser pleading with her. Typical of pregnancies from my experiences." He looked to Sergei and shook his head. "No, not from me personally. We deal with alot of these cases over in our district and I oversee a few of them for the experience of knowing what to do. That, combined with my mother being Life itself, you learn a few things." The younger brother nodded and continued rocking in the chair while Nemesis dumped his ashes from the pipe and took in another inhale. It wouldn't be long until his first grandchild would be arriving into this world, of all times.    

Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Sat Dec 14, 2019 4:24 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

Angela would answer all of Lucian’s questions with time and all she did was approach her son and kiss his cheek then his sister’s. Celeste shook her head at Sergei as things would also be explained and she didn’t want to interrupt what was going on. She knew Sergei was a good boy and would follow her lead.

Nerezza was happily petting her belly when Kaiser almost threw himself down to beg. “They’ve been sending so many gifts I fear that our daughter will be spoiled out of the womb.” She seemed so pleased with everything going on. Rezza patted the spot by her so Kaiser could join her once he was done. It was only natural for Kaiser to be afraid she was after all his only darling little girl.

Nerezza was watching the chaos unfold with her mother. It seemed like Lucian was taking it better than Sergei. Angela spoke up after Nemesis and watched Sergei. “Your father and I met in the courts so to speak. Both leaders of powerful families we eventually would meet under not so nice circumstances. Aaryona who you know of killed my son, her brother, Nathaniel because he was inflicted with an illness that drove him mad. The person who pushed for Nathaniel to be dealt with was none other than Nemesis Shira. In a panic and overfilled with grief and guilt I talked him into my bed hoping that maybe I could keep Aaryona in his good graces lest something happened to my only other child from Marius Draconis. I wasn’t thinking at the time and didn’t realize he had no plans to do so. Nathaniel was my oldest son and a very rare occurrence for Rosenites. He was my heir.”

Angela looked at the twins and briefly smiled towards them. “We found out about Nerezza right away but we had no idea Lucian was there with her until I started to have spells of dizziness and weakness. We found out that Nerezza was slowly killing me with her psionic abilities and her need to feed on magic energy due to the strength of our bloodlines. Your father had gone out of his way to find a binding mage that could help but when the mage looked he found Lucian who was a bit smaller than his sister. He told us that if he bound Nerezza’s magic it could have negative effects on Lucian… So we opted to find someone who could feed me their energy so Rezza didn’t have to leech off her brother. Nemesis almost killed the mage because he didn’t have a solution and if I remember right the mage nearly pissed himself running out.” She told their tale in the short version and offered Sergei a smile.

“We raised both of them in different houses even if I hadn’t been married at the time… It was almost taboo for what we had done, no I’m sure it was taboo. To protect the twins and me we kept it hidden until they were old enough to defend themselves and after that Nemesis told others about them.”

Nerezza puffed out her lower lip at Lucian and yelled, “It matters to me! Six minutes is six minutes!… but right I want to know too.” Soon she was calmed down again likely from Kaiser rubbing her pregnant belly.

Once Nemesis had come over and taken her hand Angela smiled up at him then looked towards the children. “I HAVE LITERALLY WANTED THIS SINCE I WAS FOUR,” Nerezza squealed as she flung herself on Lucian, then on Kaiser, and then finally she rocked herself up and flung herself on Sergei.

Angela sucked in her lip and bit it. “Nerezza calm down.”

“NO NO NO NO. THIS IS THE GREATEST!” Nerezza was squealing more as she jumped back up with a movement that was unlike normal pregnant women. “HOW LONG?!”

“At least three months we’ve been courting and see–” Angela found herself cut off by squealing. “NEREZZA FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE STOP.”

Nerezza was still dancing in place but she was silent as she looked up at her mother. “Sorry.”

“I was trying to say. We’ve been courting for three months to make sure we’re compatible. We were only going to tell you about it if we were.”

Angela was about to go on when Nerezza put her hands to her belly. “…I told you to stop.” Angela rushed to Rezza and held her a bit feeling Emry. “Nemesis quickly make up a room. Lucian and Sergei go fetch some blankets. Celeste, go fetch me some of your herbs for pain. Kaiser… Just don’t pass out. Maalik, watch Wisteria.” Angela was going to do some Angela things to hurry this up now that she could sense it happening. She was in full charge of the situation and it showed how much she had done this before.

Once she realized the boys might be lost she looked at them. “Nerezza got so excited she is in labor. Emry is coming now. It wasn’t exactly like she had a week left anyways. We'll have to postpone questions and comments until after so I can focus on delivering Emry safely.”

Angela walked Nerezza to where her room was to help. “You boys can watch outside the room. Celeste, you can come help… Kaiser, it is your choice but if you look like you are going to pass out or you do… I’m throwing you out of the room, literally.” Angela warned. She got Rezza changed into something more comfortable and set everything up. She let the boys stay in the room with Rezza in the bed while she ground the herbs together.

“This is exactly why I told you not to get so excited,” Angela lightly scolded with a laugh.

“But I’m so happy. I’m so happy Emry wants to be here too so she can be happy!”

“That’s not how that works,” Angela looked behind her at her daughter.

“…I think that’s what’s going on. Or I would like to think that…” Nerezza looked at her brother with pleading eyes. She wanted him to say it too. Angela created a salve and came over. She pulled up the blanket so she could rub it over Nerezza in different places. However, Nerezza was squirming and laughing and she wouldn’t stop moving.

“Rezza…” Angela groaned a bit.

“It’s cold and ticklish,” Rezza laughed a bit before she calmed down. “This is fun.”

“It won’t be fun in a few minutes and I guarantee you’ll hate Kaiser during.” Angela looked at the others and motioned for the doors. “Give me an hour with her. Celeste you don’t have to help if you don’t want to.”

Celeste was grinning ear to ear excited to be part of who she considered her own grandchild now. “Oh, I never intended not to be but you’ll have to tell me what to do. I’ve never helped before.”

“Kaiser, I’m going to instruct you not to hold your wife’s hands during this. She might very well break them,” Angela sounded exhausted. “Are we ready?”

Author: Nemesis, Posted: Sat Dec 14, 2019 3:40 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

Everything was going good up until now. Nemesis continued to entertain Wis' curious mind and showed her whatever caught her interest. She seemed to enjoy herself thoroughly and then her interest shifted to Sergei. He gave her a friendly smile and didn't get too close to her just in case she was weary. Instead, he was met with a nickname that shocked him a bit. "Gigi? Hm, sure. Why not?" She was still very young so he would play along with it. She was about to say something else but Angela stopped her. "She's really cute, my lady." He wondered what that was all about, but decided not to be rude. His parents, particularly his mother, had raised him to be the perfect little gentleman. Nemesis fell back into his own seat right beside Celeste as they waited for the twin's arrive. 
—

Lucian had been in the middle of work when his lovely sister did what she did best- being a pest. Fortunately, her husband was in town and could keep his wife in check. The two were in the middle of bickering when Anemone came and retrieve the three. The young king ceased the fighting and looked her way. "Really? Usually, Mother would find us herself. Is everything okay?" This was out of the norm for their mother to have someone seek them out instead of herself. Kaiser came to Nerezza and helped her along, also curious about the sudden summoning. Ermy was due not too long from now and the last thing she needed was to travel. But he would tag along anyway as the portal opened and they crossed over into an unfamiliar house. It didn't long before Rezza found her, and the waiting party. Lucian was next and immediately laid eyes on the man that haunted his memories. "Mother…why is Father dressed like that? That's a lot like his old self…" 

Sergei was confused on the matter, "Mother", he called to Celeste, "Why did he call him father?" 

Kaiser saw Nemesis and immediately grew white. "Lord…Shira…"

Nemesis looked to Nerezza, and then Kaiser, then to the pregnant belly and then back to her to him again. Kaiser soon bowed onto the ground and showed off the wedding ring held. "My lord, I can explain…your other self made me swear to make an honest woman out of Nerezza because we were in love and the child came afterward…"

"Spare me, Kaiser Ray. I know everything. How's the family?" 

"Good and excited. My parents are thrilled and keep sending care packages to us. They plan on coming once Emry is born." His head felt light for some reason, but he managed to explain the situation, to which Nemesis held no ill will against him. Those two fell for one another was as clear as day from when he had him teach her. At least she did marry an honest and honorable man and secured another alliance now that he thought about it. Kaiser took a sigh of relief and went back to his wife. Everyone seemed alright aside from Lucian. "What's going on? I don't understand…"

From there, Angela explained everything and soon the brothers to be looked at one another. 

"WAIT, I HAVE A BROTHER!?", both exclaimed. Sergei was more surprised than Lucian- he had always thought he was an only child up until this point. "Are you serious?"

Lucian facepalmed himself. "Great, another name to learn." He had with him his book of records and quickly made his way to a blank spot and wrote down the name. 

"Wait…I have a SISTER!?"

Sergei looked to his parents and his father nodded. Then as he gazed onto Nerezza, he noticed the large bump and he became erratic. "Wait, I have a brother and sister, and now I'm gonna be an UNCLE?!" What was any of this? 

"Mother, how did this happen? Did Father step out of the marriage?"  

Nemesis held up his hand, sensing that the lad was overloaded with all this new information. "No. I had them before I met your mother. We were in the old world before Revaliir and through certain circumstances, the twins were born. Like you, they were miracles." Lucian, though, interrupted when Nerezza made it a point to have her venture into the world before his time be relevant somehow. "No one cares about six minutes, Rezza. What I want to know is why are we learning about this now after so much time?" 

"Afraid I have to concur with him", Sergei added, scratching the back of his neck. He just got home and wanted to relax from his studies, but now all of this was dawned on him at once. Sergei fell onto his rear on the floor while Maalik looked on, waiting for the pieces to come together. "Young master, there is another important matter for why the three of you were summoned. Lord Nemesis has a delicate matter and wishes for your blessing."

"For what?" 

Nemesis sighed before coming around to Angela and took her hand into his with care.  

Sergei was speechless since he knew of the tales of those two not getting along, and begrudgingly working together while Lucian's jaw dropped. This was hardly believable all the way down to the handholding.

"What is going on here!?"
He looked to his sister for comfort, but what she had in her eye didn't look like they held disappointment. "Nerezza…oh no." 

They held something else. 

Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Sat Dec 14, 2019 1:20 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

“Don’t wish that on me too soon,” Angela chuckled a bit in response as she watched Wisteria contently.

The goddess made a face towards Nemesis and smiled. “Hopefully, she will learn her limits so she doesn’t get hurt.” She knew it would pain her heart to see Wisteria get hurt by anything even if it was small. Though it was things like that that would help her grow as an individual. “Oh, that’s wonderful. I’ll have Anemone round up the twins and bring them here.”

Gentle green eyes watched as Nemesis went to Wisteria and got on her level. “Yeah,” Wisteria looked up at him with the same green eyes before looking back at the various things in the room. “What this?” She would ask this a dozen times so he could tell her and she generally liked the attention Nemesis was giving to her. It warmed Ang’s heart to see Nemesis in that light again and it almost felt like when the twins were younger.

“Hello my love,” Celeste smiled as she kissed Sergei back.

“I’ve been good lately and its so nice to see such a young man with manners like yours,” Angela chuckled before looking over at Wisteria, “Yes, she’s my youngest.”

Wisteria looked up at Sergei as he came to her and she tilted her head at first. The conversation from before played over in her mind. “GIGI!” Wisteria cried it out in excitement as everything clicked together. Still she didn’t move towards Sergei just yet. She had tilted her head and a word started to form on her lips. “Lu–”

“No no.” Angela hurriedly spoke as she chuckled. “It’s Sergei.” It would be obvious who the girl saw in Sergei as Angela sighed a bit.

Once Sergei had sat down Celeste nodded and smiled. “Everything is fine Dear. I promise you if anything had seriously happened we would have told you.”

Anemone had gotten the twins and made sure Nerezza was comfortable. “I promise you that Angela has something very important to talk to you both about.” She was a small woman, nymph in blood. She had floor-length brown hair and purple eyes. “This way.” The doors to the room that Angela was in opened up and the magic gate formed. “I’m so sorry it took so long! Lady Myrra decided to steal from the chef again.” Anemone bowed to Angela and Angela waved it off.

“She’s troublesome like her father. Fear not, you are actually just on time.”

Nerezza was first through the doors, she had her hands on her large belly. Her gold eyes were large as they settled on Nemesis. “Mother…”

“Easy Rezza, I’ll explain in a minute. Please, Lucian and Rezza sit down on the couch.” Angela noted that Kaiser wasn’t that far behind Nerezza most likely worried about how pregnant she was. “You too Kaiser. This is important.”

Angela pushed herself up off the couch after Anemone left closing the doors. “I’ve been a bit dishonest to you both. Though I suspect that really only one of you didn’t know.” Her eyes went to Nerezza who suddenly couldn’t look her mother in her eyes. “This is for you too Sergei.” It was hard but Angela found herself clearing her throat. “I became aware of Nemesis still existing years ago. At first, like you Lucian I believed that Raeguel was all that was left but I encountered Nemesis in Adeluna when I was healing his wife Celeste. I have my suspicions though that Nerezza has known about him this whole time.”

Nerezza’s gaze finally met her mother’s as she let her fingers drum against her pregnant belly. “Yeah, I’ve known. I felt the connection split into two and the one disappeared but I still felt it faintly. I had an inkling that Father split into two people.”

Angela looked at Sergei and Lucian who would be the most shocked of the trio. “Lucian, Sergei, and Nerezza… All of you share something in common with each other. Your father is Nemesis Volkov formerly named Nemesis Shira. So… I would like to formerly introduce all of you… Sergei these are Nemesis and mine's twins Nerezza and Lucian. Nerezza is older than Lucian by a few minute–"

"Six minutes. I'm older by six minutes." Nerezza pouted.

"Forgive me… Six whole minutes." Angela sighed a bit. "Sergei is the son of Nemesis and his wife Celeste." Angela motioned to Celeste who nodded to the group.

Author: Nemesis, Posted: Sat Dec 14, 2019 12:59 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

"Walking trouble, eh? Remember, she hasn't learned to run yet", Nemesis chuckled deeply as he watched the child's curiosity grow more about her surroundings. Heaven help them once she got older and could get into more things. He could see the trouble she could get into around these parts and would have to make sure that the place was Wisteria proof. After all, she would be spending a lot of time here from the look of things, not that the God would have minded it. Being with Angela meant getting to know everything in her life, which included Wisteria and the other children that weren't his. In comparison, Nemesis' life was an open book to the Mother. 

He smiled at the girl as she was entertained by his antics before nodding. "Of course. He should be heading back today. I have Maalik out by the harbors waiting for him, and he will signal me when he's on his way to the house." There was no telling how the twins were going to react to any of the news that their parents had for them. He could only wish that they would hear them out with an open mind. Having the two sides of the same man as separate fathers were going to drop some jaws in the very least. Then they would have to learn about the brother they never knew about and that he and their mother had made an arrangement. His thoughts went back to his daughter, who must have been as big as a house at this point. That and still tormenting her younger brother. "I suppose that's one way of dealing with her. Hope for his sake that her appetite decreases then."

They took the conversation into a much warmer room and soon the toddler was at it again, but this time she stumbled over to Celeste, refusing help from her mother in the most stubborn of ways. She took hold onto his wife and after an engaging conversation, she outdid herself by making sure that the fireplace was not for her before exploring onward. "Don't be surprised if she wants to climb trees in a few years. Then mountains will soon follow by god knows what else", he spoke before he received the awaited message from his avatar. "They are on their way. I had my avatar pick him up from the ship. Shouldn't be too much longer now." He decided to move over towards Wisteria and tap her on the back to get her attention and hunched over to get closer to her level. "You good, Wis?" Afterward, he played around, following her and explained what it was that would capture her attention. The bit went on until he heard the door open and Sergei entered the foyer along with a tall, jet black-haired young man. "Hello, father."

Sergei bowed before moving to his mother and kissed her cheek. "Mother." His crimson eyes then look to Angela. "Ah, Lady Angela. How have you been, madam?" He bowed to her and noticed the little redhead that looked a lot like her. "Is she yours? ma'am?" He moved towards her and waved. "Hi, I'm Sergei." 

"Sergei, this is Wisteria. Wisteria, this is Sergei", Nemesis proclaimed, though he already knew what she was going to call his son and chuckled softly. 

"Come and sit, we are waiting for a few more guests. We…have something to tell you, son."

While he was seeking to rest up from his long boat trip, the young lord did as he was told and took a seat on one of the unoccupied couches, wondering what was so dire that they would have to speak with him for. "Mother, is everything alright?", he asked, his voice filled with concern. If Angela was here, that must have meant something was seriously wrong. Even he knew about his father's disdain for her, despite everything she had done for the Volkov. He wouldn't have her here unless it was a last resort. "Who else are we waiting for?"

"You will see, Sergei", his father promised him before nodding to Angela. 


              

Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Fri Dec 13, 2019 7:44 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

Angela made a face and laughed. “What a jab. I didn’t put stairs inside my temple for a reason. Wis had merely shown some skill… Didn’t you Wis?”

Wis looked up at her and tilted her head. “Wis is good.”

“She learned how to climb out of her crib and managed to follow me. I haven’t left the doors open since then and made it a point to tell the clergy to be on their guards. She’s a curious little thing and ever since she started to walk… Well like most babies she gets into everything. Don’t we?” Wisteria nodded and Angela smiled. At least the little one was honest with herself.

The redhead was happy with Nemesis’s words and Wisteria seemed pleased too. Celeste wasn’t too far from the trio and she was observing how Nemesis and Angela interacted. It was a lovely sight to her and she was proud of her hard work.

Wisteria squealed at the kiss to her palm and watched him with her big green eyes. “Probably once he gets back. We’ll get everyone together. It won’t be too long before Emry is born now and I would rather we get everything out of the way as soon as possible. I don’t want to stress Nerezza. She does that enough to herself.” Ang chuckled a bit. “Lucian has just been feeding her as a way to keep her content.”

Looking at her toddler Angela nodded a bit. “If she gets cold we can wrap her up. Trying to wrap her up now will more than likely make her very upset. She doesn’t like her movement being restrictive unless its what she wants.”

They all sat together on a comfy little couch. Celeste was on Nemesis’s one side and Angela was on the other with Wisteria. Wisteria’s eyes were on Celeste as she leaned over. “Do you want to see Celeste?” Wisteria looked up at her mother silently before she was on the move. Carefully she let herself down off her mother’s lap and Angela was there to guide her if need be. Though from the stubborn grunt once she saw her mother’s hands she was having none of it. “I didn’t even touch you.”

Green eyes met and before long Wisteria shrugged her mother off and totted over to Celeste. She stood at her knees and put her hands on Celeste’s lap. “Hello, Wisteria. What do you think you are doing?”

“Hi,” she wasn’t getting up on Celeste but more so stretching her legs. Though the little one lost her balance when she leaned back and fell on her butt. She let out a grunt as it happened and looked up at all three of them. “Oops.”

“Yeah, oops… please be careful not to hurt yourself.” Angela pointed at the fireplace. “Hot. No touch.”

Wisteria looked at the fire and got up again as she totted near it. “No touch?”

“Ouchies.” Angela replied coolly as she didn’t move from her seat despite how far Wisteria had gotten near the fire.

“Bad?” Wisteria looked back at her mother.

“Absolutely.”

“Okay,” Wisteria moved away from the fireplace to look at other things in the room and Angela let out a sigh.

“Stubborn,” there was a chuckle from her lips. “That’s all me right there.” She looked up at Nemesis and smiled. “When does Sergei get home? I can arrange for the twins to come here so we can all discuss it. It shouldn’t be that hard to get them to come if I tell them they can see Aaryona. They have always loved their older sister.”

“Aary?” The ever-curious voice called out as Wisteria was touching a bookshelf and looking at the spines.

“Yes, Aary. Be careful Wisteria.” There was a grunt from her daughter as the little one moved on to the next thing in the room that caught her attention. “She’s going to touch everything… just so you know.”

Author: Nemesis, Posted: Fri Dec 13, 2019 7:25 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

“If he wasn’t such a great hunter and killer, then he wouldn’t be here”, he sighed, “Celeste saw the potential in him when I simply wanted to make him my next meal.” Perhaps now she could understand fully why he didn’t like him most of the time. His lover, on the other hand, was always welcomed and she swiftly scolded him for his idiocy. Ivan pouted more and leaned into his wife’s shoulder. “An evil baby…”, he was careful to whisper to her.

It didn’t take much from Nemesis to figure that the girl disliked the annoying Ivan. “I know. He’s a pain in my side too.” She quelled whatever noises she was making when he rubbed at her face. “I call it a victory either way”, he jested as his finger went to rub beneath the babe’s chin. Such a tiny fragile thing; he hadn’t had to deal with one since Sergei was coming up. In comparison, he had been a quiet baby but he did tend to wander, which had both parents on edge at times. His crimson eyes looked to the bruise and frowned. “I blame the architect then.” But as she said, at least the baby was safe and she herself only had a little bit of injury.


He took the kiss in stride and after she and Wisteria exchanged them as well, she asked her if his presence was okay. Her answer didn’t surprise him much, not after she clung to him minutes after being introduced to him. “Yes”, he responded simply to the girl, which probably pleased her greatly as much as it would her mother. “Yes, we will.” One could only imagine Celeste wanting to as well, as adorable as she was.

He let her grab hold of his face and rub it before he kissed her palm tenderly. “Speaking of which, when do we want to do that? It won’t be long until he comes home for a break from school.” Sergei had no idea of what had been going on in the Volkov house in recent times. He worried if all of this would be too much for the young man to handle, but he at least of Angela as the one that made his birth possible and had respect for her. Now he would eventually have to meet these two as well as his siblings who were likely as clueless. At least he thought so.

“Will Wisteria be okay here? The weather won’t bother her too much?” He quickly led the party into the foyer where the fireplace was and the place was warmer to fend off any chills that might have slipped through the entranceway.

Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Fri Dec 13, 2019 6:48 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

Angela had been… curious about this Ivan since she had spotted him. Nemesis had always had weird ones in his family but she had been told that this time Ivan was Celeste’s. What good was he? He didn’t seem too great at hiding. They had even been snuggling up on the couch and Ivan had tried to be a coffee table near them so he could watch her. Her only response had been to put her feet up on him before Nemesis made the man leave.

Ayla wasn’t far from him as she rested against the wall and watched her husband being an idiot. “She’s just a baby Ivan…”

Wisteria was making noises towards Ivan but thanks to the pacifier in her mouth no one could hear it. The girl just snuggled more into her mother and looked up at Nemesis when he came over. Wis put her head more into his hand and found she quite liked how it felt when he pet her face.

“Oh, you will spoil her doing that,” Angela chuckled a bit as she watched Wisteria lull her eyes. “Or put her to sleep apparently. She’s been having one hell of a day so far.” Ang was careful not to say her swear too loud as she chuckled towards the girl. “We had a cat visit the temple and we took a tumble down the stairs. Mommy had to dive and do a tuck and roll to save the baby. Didn’t I?” Wis looked up at her mom and grunted. Ang moved her arm slightly to show a little bruising. “Hurt quite a bit since the stairs to the temple are long.” The goddess chuckled. “But she is safe and sound with no harm done to her.”

Ang finally greeted Nemesis with a kiss now that he was close enough and Wis was quirking an eyebrow. There was a disgruntled noise but Angela just lifted Wisteria up more and kissed her cheek. “Feeling left out are we?”

“Yeah,” Wisteria answered as Angela caught the pacifier once more. She kissed her mother and looked up to the new strange man she had been clinging to before.

“What do you think Wis? Nemesis is going to be around us a lot more… Is that okay?” Angela’s voice was soft as she smiled up at the Fear God.

“Love Wis too,” Wisteria giggled up at him and Angela chuckled.

“Yeah, Celeste and he will love you just as much as I do.” Angela seemed happy at the little one who had so much love to give. “And Sergei too.” She kissed the top of Wisteria’s head.

“Gigi?” Wisteria looked up at her with a questioned look.

“Yes, Sergei. You’ll meet him later.” Angela nodded and for now, Wisteria’s curiosity was answered.

“Okay,” Wisteria answered fondly as she pet Nemesis’s face like he had done her’s.

Author: Ivan Volkov, Posted: Fri Dec 13, 2019 6:29 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

For weeks, he's seen this strange woman popping in and out of the manor, and being especially clingy to Nemesis. When he went to explain this to his alpha, Celeste informed him that not only did she know of this, but she was the one that orchestrated it. Why in Sam's hill would she propose such a thing? Ivan couldn't comprehend it well that Nemesis wanted two lovers again so he decided to make sure that the woman was trustworthy himself. The Lord would be too distracted by her feminine wiles, he feared. Whenever they were in the house, he would gracefully disguise himself and observe them (in other words, he would be in plain sight and they noticed him while he pretended to be a damn table, plant pot, or some other inanimate object until Nemesis screamed at him). 

But this, having her bring home this tiny doppelganger, it was too much for him to bear. Their family was in danger from this ultimate evil! While his beloved parents were allured by the dangerous one, he took things into his own hands, literally. But what he didn't expect was for her to be so fired up and she cruelly started wailing and attacking the gallant hero. "Stop! Stop it!" He tried to steer her attacks away, but to no prevail. "Ayla! Save me! I'm being attacked by the tiny pretty redhead lady!" 

He was eventually rescued and yet he was made out to be the bad guy. "Scare her? She scared me! She's the devil!" Angela didn't take well to his antics and he overlooked his injuries, the real victim of this situation, not that devil of hers. But whatever mind tricks that girl had played also got to Celeste as she punished him. "Mama, I didn't do anything wrong. It's that girl. Something is evil deep within her, I swear I see it!" But nothing prepared him for the sinister word Wisteria had for him, and it was like a dagger plunged into his heart. "I am Ivan, not bad." 

"Ivan, go away", Nemesis said, soft enough not to spook the poor girl any further. 

Ivan, of course, didn't leave but instead pouted and threw himself against a wall with arms crossed. He knew he was needed in these parts, especially since the enemy had infiltrated the house now. 

"Don't mind the fool, he's harmless mostly." Nemesis moved closer to Angela and Wisteria and caressed the side of the latter's face. "It's okay. The bad man won't hurt you, sweet babe."

Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Fri Dec 13, 2019 6:10 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

Angela watched and the more one looked at her the more it looked like she was the mother wolf. She was near and focused. Her green eyes were ever attentive to what the child was doing. If she would need rescue there was no doubt the redhead would make it possibly injuring herself to do so. “Yeah,” Wisteria yelled up at Nemesis when he called her cute even giggling at him.

The redhead goddess was laughing a bit. “Child, there is a thing called modesty… You should learn it.”

Wisteria put her hand to her chest and looked at her mother. “Cute.”

Angela rolled her eyes lightly and finally laughed a little more. “Yes, yes… We all know how much people adore you.” Celeste smiled down at her and squatted a little to be on the girl’s level.

“You are very adorable little Wisteria. The spitting image of your mother.” Celeste reached out and fixed a few wild red curls on the girl. “You seem rather smart too. My name is Celeste.” Wisteria gave her big nods and continued her cling to Nemesis.

“Cel.” Wisteria proudly yelled out at her which made Celeste smile.

The screaming frightened Wisteria and her eyes were wide and alert as she began to mildly fuss at Ivan. Now he had her up in the air and Wisteria was letting out a wail. “DOWN, DOWN, DOWN,” the little girl screamed before she began to violently hit Ivan where she could. She even went so far as to lean and bite him with her little fangs and teeth.

“WIS,” Angela was fast with her walking as she took Wisteria into her arms and calmed her down. “Did he scare you?” There was a glare from Angela to Ivan that was colder than the lands of Itjivut. A pacifier conjured in her hand and it appeared to have fruit inside of it as Angela offered it up to the child. Wisteria was quick to latch on and she clung to her mother while staring just as coldly towards Ivan.

Celeste frowned a bit at her beta and smacked him upside the head. “Don’t scare the baby like that Ivan.”

Wisteria was furiously sucking before she spat it out and yelled, “BAD.” Angela intercepted the pacifier and sighed a bit.

“Less fighty, more bitey,” Angela stuck the pacifier back into the girl’s mouth. Wisteria looked distraught that she couldn’t yell anymore but settled for laying her head against her mother’s chest.

Author: Nemesis, Posted: Fri Dec 13, 2019 5:16 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

He couldn't lie and said that he wasn't proud of his children. They were to find their own place in this world, for better or for worse. In Sergei's case, he knew that the rule of the family would one day fall onto his shoulders and accepted it. For Lucian, his was a similar fate when it came to Angela's and little Nerezza had grown into a powerful psionic. His heart was for them all, whether he would want to admit it freely or not. 

"I see. I recall it occurring briefly in the panic." He had a feeling that she was the latest child, which had been a good while since the fall of Dalanesca at the hands of an enemy they were ill-prepared to deal with. "If you ask Aaryona, you might not find what I'm the nicest teacher", he chuckled. "But I won't work the little girl to the bone as I do her." He was strict, but his teaching was effective and bore fruit in the Draconis leader as the months went by. She would have little problem thriving amongst the Kurayo's elite at this point.   

The evening continued to go well for them and then they spent the last few hours at his home. Had someone told him that he would be courting Angela at all, he would have thought of them being mad. Now? It was strange yet at the same time, he was pleasantly happy about it. Time flew past them as he continued to see her and when not with Angela, he was spending time with Celeste (provided she wasn't busy with her experiments she partook in with her free time now). Reaver had thought of them being moonstruck when he learned about the arrangement but quickly accepted it since it would bring his brother to at some point see his lost children. Ivan, on the other hand, was confused and thought that the 'pretty redhead lady' was hiding something. 

And sure enough, after the two months and Angela arrived with a little one, the spitting image of her as he gazed. "It is fine", he answered her before the little child took to his leg, repeating her name for him. His hand descended and fell softly onto her head. "Hello Wisteria. Aren't you cute." He walked over to Celeste with the girl still on him so that she could get a closer look as well, careful not to harm her.  

he peeked around from the corner of the room and saw Wisteria. "Oh no! She shrunk, Papa Volkov!", he screamed before he rushed over and raised her up by underneath her arms. "The pretty redhead lady's tiny now! Even more than Mama!"

"Ivan", Nemesis called, his annoyance starting to fester as he continued to fuss over the mini Angela. 

"Ivan! That isn't Angela! That is her daughter."

"Oooooooh, well, you are still tiny!", Ivan spoke bluntly to Wisteria. He then noticed Angela. "Hey, there you are! You got a little imposter running around here, don't ya know?"

Nemesis wished he could kill this fool, but his wife wouldn't let him. For all his foolishness, Ivan was an effective killer and he personally liked his mate more than him. He snatched her back away from Ivan and scooped her back down onto the floor. 

Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Thu Dec 12, 2019 7:06 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

“You’re welcome. I would do it again to see that smile you had when you held Sergei for the first time. It was just like when we had the twins. You were so damn proud and happy.”

Angela nodded and smiled at him. “Wisteria is the child who was pulled from my belly when Dalanesca went crazy. You might have seen her a little bit before the Voice whisked her away to Sercei.” Angela was happy that Nemesis was willing to teach her daughter. “I think she and I would both like that. You would be more of an expert than I would be.”

They danced for a long time before they returned for dessert. It was a good and fun-filled night once they returned to his manor and had a sit with Celeste. Angela and Celeste mostly gossiped about cute baby things they could do for Emry when she was born. It looked like for all intents and purposes that Angela was staying in the Volkov family. Still, the Goddess proceeded to take it slow for two months.

There were countless dates and just days where they sat together and talked at the fireplace. Everything was going well and Angela felt more like herself in no time. Coming into the manor she had a bundled up toddler in her arms. “Nemesis,” she greeted the vaewolf with a kiss and smiled at Celeste. “There’s someone I want both of you to meet.”

Once they were in the warmth Angela down dressed Wisteria. The girl had wild red curls and the same eyes that Angela did. She looked like Angela’s little copy. “Ma ma ma ma,” Wisteria babbled before making some kind of noise with her lips as she blew.

“I’m right here my sweet one.” Angela smiled up at Nemesis. “Nemesis this is Wisteria… Wisteria can you say hi to Nemesis?” Wis looked up at him and gave him a toothy smile before waving at him. “Can you say hi to Nemesis?”

“Nemmy?” Wis looked at her mother and Angela chuckled a bit.

“If he will let you call him that… You can call him that.”

Wisteria looked up at him with those big eyes and let out a squeal before she totted over to him and hugged his leg. “Hi Nemmy.”

Author: Nemesis, Posted: Thu Dec 12, 2019 4:56 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

What didn’t dawn onto Nemesis until just now that if they were together, then the number of people he has to watch over would vastly grow due to the number of children she had. He suspected that those that were old enough wouldn’t have to be worried over- it was more so for the youngest ones she was still raising. For being one that had a long list of possible murders, children were just about the only ones off it. Things only got more complicated with this whole Sergei/Cinder situation, but he would worry about that another time. The last thing he neede to stress about was his son’s little crush. At the very least, he would have to at least meet the girl and see for himself if they were compatible or not. Oddly enough, it wasn’t very different from what he and Angela were doing now.

Closing his eyes, Nemesis shook his head but only because he knew that she wouldn’t approve of it. “I know. As much as many wish to bury painful parts of their past, it helps to shape the person. A life without suffering is one that knows not of the full experience of life.” As much as he wished that he hadn’t gone through many terrible things over the course of his life, there were no regrets. Not when they all led him to this point.

“Celeste is a strong woman, but even she has her limits. She fought amongst herself as to whether to take the potion or not in the first place. Her heart was scarred with our failed attempts and declared herself a failure to the bloodline. It wasn’t until you came along that she wasn’t ready to try again and I would have paid any price if it meant I could take that particular pain away from her.

“…Thank you.”

Her sister only served to prove his point, which again his thoughts went back to Sergei and the fine mess they were about to go into with that Cinder, but again he reserved judgment until later. “I take it that Wisteria is your youngest child then?” It would be a tad weird to see a small child that wasn’t his, but he wouldn’t turn her away, that much was certain. “I’ll give her lessons. No blood paint, I promise.”

Words and their meaning soon gave away the moment they were dancing. He had many years to practice, and it paid off, according to her. Nemesis slowed their pace as the music lightened up, bring them into a closer embrace. As much as he was annoyed by knowing that Celeste was correct (and he showed it by a low, soft growl), there was at least some understanding and compromise now between the two of them. “I don’t think to call you a redhead devil helped matters much either.” He reciprocated the kiss in stride and continued to glide them around the floor.

His thoughts went to the children that he hadn’t spoken to in years, the unborn girl that he had just learned of days ago and the child that Angela wanted him to meet. Celeste would have probably been ecstatic about it and who knew what Sergei would think of hearing all of this. “That is fine. I was never one for going slow either. Perhaps it time that I learn a new trick then”, he jested before placing his head against the side of her temple.

Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2019 8:59 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

“Thank you…” She was so very happy to have Nemesis there to help her keep all of the children safe. They meant the world to her and it showed with how much love she put into everything.

Angela shook her head. “NO! No.” She answered the second time calmly and laughed. “Cinder is my great-niece. One of Cyprus’s victims was her father. Casimir was a good and honorable man. His wife is sickly and she’s done her best to raise Cinder. Cinder was mostly raised by Cyprus’s remaining children that she didn’t kill. She is a very good girl. Bright and brilliant. They named her Cinder because they thought she would be the last of their family if Cyprus got her way. From the cinders, the flames will rise again. They smuggled her into Sularia to her remaining family to hide her existence. Casimir baited his mother and sacrificed himself so his wife and child could live. He was a good man.”

The subject turned back to Lyre and Angela shook her head. “What kind of woman would I be Nemesis? I do not run away even from the darkest of my memories. I would not be who I am if I did. I am a survivor and I always have been. I will deal with these memories as I always have and maybe, hopefully, you will guide me through my dark times. This is how I pave my path and make my future. I make the world beautiful by enduring my pain and making sure that my children never have to know the pain that I have. If I lost that, I would lose my self. I do appreciate you asking and thinking of doing that for me.” She was strong and no one could argue that.

Angela chuckled a bit. “I think Celeste really likes me too. She even went out of her way to import the tea that I like. If I didn’t think she really liked me by that then her wanting to be part of our children's’ lives really drives the point home.” She lost her smile for a minute before nodding. “That’s not your fault. She was hurting and you wanted to make it better. No one could have known that it wouldn’t have helped Nemesis. She certainly doesn’t blame you for it. I’m just glad that I was able to help you both and watch Sergei bring you joy.”

The goddess chuckled a bit and shrugged. “You need to meet my little sister. Beautiful she might be but I don’t know how the hell she’s still married. She has the temper of a dragon, the strength of one, and the ferocity. Don’t know how many times she’s decked me in the face because she knows I can take it. I almost feel sorry for poor Blaine.” Angela looked a bit excited when he brought up his paintings. “I would like that. When I’m ready to introduce you to Wisteria you can see some of her fine work she’s done.” There weas laughter and an eye roll from her.

The grin from him was actually sort of cute and it made her giggle as he got up. “Then you’ll have to show me a good time.” He was certainly good at it she would give him that. She leaned into him as the music slowed and looked up at him. “I’m having a good time for what it means. I think a second date would be fun.” It meant that the night was going well. “I think now that we are more open with each other that Celeste is right about the fighting not being as often. I closed myself off to you so I wasn’t conflicted and I tend to be a bit annoying when I’m bored.” She chuckled and leaned up to kiss his cheek.

“In two months if you are still the apple of my eye… I’ll explain everything to the twins. You can meet Wisteria and we can all be a family. If that’s okay with you? Taking it slow is something I’m not very good at but I think in this case I want to make sure. I want to do things the right way with you even if we are going backward and restarting. For our family… I would do anything.”

Author: Nemesis, Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2019 8:25 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

There were panic and worry that lingered in each word that poured from her mouth. Being fear itself, Nemesis could pick up on it with the greatest of ease, even though he couldn't feed off of it. Not that he would have, anyway. "This is a world of conflict. I mustn't need to tell you that, of all people. That said, we can only do what we need to in order to ensure our legacy, which will be the children." He patted her hand to try and help relieve her of that stress. He thought back to Sergei, the child that was lucky enough to come into this world. Then to the twins, whose existence wasn't meant to be, but he wouldn't take it back. And then to Nerezza's unborn daughter, his grandchild that he may have the fortune to know one day. "I know, Angela. If it happens again, the perpetrator will suffice a hundredfold, I swear it."

He looked at her with a questioning look but nodded nonetheless. "Why, do you know her…" Then he put on a long face and groaned. "Tell me that Cinder isn't one of your daughters," That could prove to be trouble if they were to get together. It would have been a shame too since Sergei seemed smitten by her, not that the young man would ever admit it out loud. He was Nemesis' son, more and more every day. "The boy's been working hard on his schoolwork, but I think she distracts him in a typical way if you understand."

"You were not a monster, not then and not now. You couldn't control it when you ascended. Hell, it took me a long time to understand the powers I've gained and I'm not even sure I have a full grasp now." While he went to soothe with his words, he also knew that there was emotional trauma she dealt with, and it would take much more than that to ease that pain. "I have a feeling that I know the answer, but if you want to be spared the agony of Lyre's death, then I can help. I have recently done something similar to a very good friend of mine to spare her the terrible memories that haunted her." He continued with his dinner as she did hers, satisfied that she had loved the food here. "We are friends with the owners of this establishment and Celeste called in a favor. She's pulling out all the stops to see that we develop into a couple. She really likes you if she's going this far. That and she wants to be a part of the children's life." He fell a bit seldom afterward, "I don't need to tell you that she too is no stranger to the loss of children. I blame myself for not waiting until her body had matured naturally before turning her. If so, then we wouldn't have as much of them buried." He believed that that had something to do as to why she wanted to be in Emery's life once she got here. Sergei was their one and only baby that made it and he was sure that she had a lot of love to spread out. 

"Perhaps. Your kind has a tendency to attract just about anyone you wish." Even he had been in awe in the first night he met her, then again, that was the same night that the twins had been conceived. There could only be mild shock about that, now that he thought of it. "Whenever you wish to see them, that will be fine with me. Most of them are portraits of people from my past. I don't live for it anymore, but I also don't forget about it either. Not when it lead me to this point in my life." 

Nemesis had finished his own meal and downed the last bits of wine when Angela decided that she wanted to have a bit of fun. He flashed her a small grin before rising up himself. "I haven't forgotten chivalry, and being able to dance is certainly a part of it." Not to mention that she was right that him playing host would have to see him leading dances with his wife. He took to her dainty hands and led her to the dancefloor, bringing her closer to him with one hand pressed against the small of her back and the other holding onto her adjacent hand. His feet positioned, Nemesis took the charge and whisked her away, moving as if they were walking on air. Every so often, he would turn her and continue onward with the grace that many wouldn't think the vaewolf would have.  

Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2019 6:40 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

“I just want the world safe enough for my family and perhaps it will be our family.” If there was a crazy angel out there starting wars or targeting who was immortal that would be extremely dangerous. “I don’t want to have to start to keep my children inside the temple again. I lost my son Raven to Cyprus. I don’t want to lose anymore.” What Cyprus had done to Raven was cruel and it choked her upset inside. It was plain to see in her eyes how horrific the situation had been. “He was only six Nemesis. I don’t want to lose anyone like that ever again.”

His laughter was contagious after that and she found herself enjoying his company. “Celeste and I are very much similar in the way we act.” It was why they got along so well and she was sure it was why Celeste could piece her personality apart. Once the girl’s name came out though she went stiff as a board. “You are absolutely sure he said Cinder?… The possibilities of it being anyone else…” She was almost white as a sheet. “No, maybe there is more than one Cinder in Sularia…”

Angela coped with Wyatt’s loss but it was Lyre that had hurt. “Believe it or not I had been prepared for Wyatt to die from the time we married. See, he asked me not to turn him. He wanted to live out his days as a human and die as one. We were always going to have a short time together but Lyre was his everything. She was his legacy. Lyre is what haunts me in my dreams at night. She is the one who wakes me up screaming every once in a while. No matter how old I get I can’t forget what I have done. I considered myself a monster for a long time.” She showed it hurt but also at the same time he deserved to know it all. He was courting her now and to know her pain was to know her.

She had always wanted to know the story of Andrea and she had gotten a few things out of him here or there. Angela looked at the food as it was brought out and smiled as she tenderly went over everything. “This is excellently cooked please give my thanks to the chef.” She was so skilled as a chef herself that she could tell from looking and that single simple tasting she did in the beginning. She chuckled up at Nemesis. “I’m regarded as one of the beautiful women in the land. I wouldn’t think so myself but maybe it's because of my image and status, no? You don’t have to get used to it if you don’t want to but it will probably still happen.”

The redhead looked intrigued as he spoke and she looked like she was studying him as she ate. “I’ll have to see all of it sometime. Could make for an interesting date, wouldn’t you think?” Angela thought long and hard. “When I am not working myself to death… I like to cook, read poetry, play music, dance especially dance, and other various handicraft activities. I am absolute trash at handicrafts though and I get frustrated. I don’t know what it is about knitting that is so hard for me to master.” She chuckled a bit. “Can’t be good at everything I suppose. I do a bit of painting but most of what I’ve learned has been from toddlers throwing paint at me and giggling.” Her experience as a mother shined brightest when she spoke about them and her pride was showing.

Once they had gotten through their meal she pushed herself out and stood up. She could feel eyes on her as she offered her hands to Nemesis. “You do know how to dance… You have to if you host parties.” She teased him a bit. “If you don’t, I can teach you. I’m a very good teacher I hear.”

Author: Nemesis, Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2019 6:16 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

Light and dark. Night and day. The two seemed like opposites, but like the aforementioned things, they still are seen to require one another on some level. Angela probably seemed to know of this for a period of time now, but for Nemesis, he was starting to figure this out. She was a deity like himself, had personal ties with him and seemed to wish him well in life despite the many atrocities he's committed in his time. In turn, he has done things that she herself could not pull off and had been a reluctant shoulder for her to bear where she would refuse anyone else. He rolled his eyes at her when she lost it thanks to his story. After a little bit, Nemesis chuckled to himself- looking back now, it was funny to view him, as powerful as he was, once having a "humbling" start like that. "I tried not too. Probably did though a couple of times, and that's all I'm saying." Fortunately he was not alone in that embarrassing scenario. Perhaps this was the most comfortable she's ever seen him. Nemesis hardly let his guard down for anyone that wasn't a Volkov, well except Ivan. 

Learning about Sirona made his sigh and hold a grim look. "It's funny how blind Angels can be towards their own sin of pride. I will make no move against her though unless she threatens me or the family." He could see that this particular goddess could be also trouble for Angela and hers…and their twins. He didn't fear the holy light; it would only be snuffed out by eternal darkness if she would seek out blood of any belonging to either of them. "If she makes a move against you in any manner, then I will step in. I'd let her choke on her own convictions." But like I said, I'll play nicely, Angela. Don't fret about a possible war." 

It was a small world, hearing that Sapphire was at the same school, but he tilted his head at her before nodding slowly and pondered about. "Making claims already? The first date hasn't ended yet…" Suddenly the vaewolf burst out into laughter, covering his eyes with a hand, just laughing. "You are as bad as Celeste is. She wants to be a grandmother to Emery." He bought himself down from his high enough to speak coherently. "He wouldn't be here without you though. I will admit that. Just as much as technically Celeste is a stepmother to the twins, though none of them had met each other." He wasn't sure if this all would work, but if it did, it would help mend a lot of things. "I'll be sure to let you know. All I am aware of is that the girl's name is Cinder. I fairly certain since he always brings her up." 

"Eventually I was able to get my foot in the door and started a small trading post. My wares were ill-gotten, but around here, that's isn't the concern. What is, however, is that people want things and you have them. They are willing to pay and I spent a good deal of time working from the bottom and eventually my business flourished." He couldn't imagine her as a child, especially one accomplishing as much as she did. 

They got settled into the table and continued onward with their date. He was attentive when she answered him and drank a bit of the bubbly. While she knew of his tragic first love, he knew nothing about her own love life until this moment. It wasn't hard to believe that she might have still pined for this Wyatt and worse off, the daughter that barely got to live when she was called upon. "My apologies for such losses." It was no wonder that she was like a fly over him. "Mine, of course, was Andrea. She was Reaver's human sister as well. She was the one that sought me out after my turning and slowly helped me get adjusted to that new life. We fell in love and we were inseparable no matter where we went. I lost her only because of the jealousy of a man that was more deranged than myself."

"It's funny that as old as creatures as we are that we remember such things…" He ceased talking about it when it was clear that it was too sore of a subject for her. "Winemaking? I'm hardly surprised to hear that", he smiled before the tables were turned. The food was served and more wine was poured for them, but attention was given to the redhead, just like the attention drawn from the wandering eyes of the men present. The women, on the other hand, weren't too pleased and deal with it in their own right. "I suppose I should get used to it if we explore this further", he spoke, watching the men from the corner of his eye. There was a pang of jealousy that stirred from his being, and sadly it hadn't been the first time he felt this way. Of course admitting now only made him more vulnerable. "When I'm not doing "Nemesis things", I paint." He was sure that she wouldn't believe what she was hearing. "I took it on a little after I started to taste success with my business. I wasn't any good at first and took years of practice before I trained myself to have an eye for it. There's plenty of artwork done by my hand in both manors."

He stared into his venison, cutting it into bite-size chunks with his utensils and plopped one of them into his mouth, enjoying the rich flavor before moving into the potatoes. "Besides that, I hunt, partake in hawking, chess, host parties and a little bit of gambling every now and then. I've learned plenty about myself since coming here, and I never really gotten to enjoy life's little pleasures. The taste of actual food, fully enjoying sensations, and being able to stand in the sunlight during the rare moments the sun appears here. And what about you, when you aren't busy with your duties or with the children?" 

Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2019 4:55 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

“Well, it’s weird for me that you have multiple seasons so there.” She lightly stuck her tongue out and chuckled. “If Sularia was placed differently we might see it as such too I’m sure.” Even the rainy weather was here or there. Puffs of magic were what brought in the rains so there were no droughts but natural rain showers were here or there.

Angela was suddenly a barrel of laughter. “I’m just imagining you bounding like a deer and falling into a snowdrift.” She covered her mouth to try and stop herself from laughing but the image was too much from her. “I’ll never forget taking Rohan, Adraejen and mine’s oldest, out into his first snow and he turned into a bear. He was so tiny Nemesis and he would start this trot and he found a snowdrift and fell in. I panicked at first but once I got him out I couldn’t stop laughing.”

Once things turned more serious she lost her smile. “Sirona is one of the gods in the conclave. She is self-righteous and holy. She places more weight on sin than most and I worry for most if she is left unchained. The black and white between evil and good can be blurred… and good is only the side who writes history after all.” She frowned a bit more. “I want to keep my family safe Nemesis. The last thing I need is a crazy angel deity who thinks I’m a heretic.”

His hand was quite warm to her thanks to his lupine blood. It was a nice and toasty feeling and now she knew how Toya felt when the White Queen held Blaine’s hand. “Oh? My daughter Sapphire is in the advanced courses in the Irian Academy. She is studying to become a scholar. She would love to be a historian but this Sularian girl I must find out more. I wouldn’t want any son of mine with just any Sularian girl.” It looked like Angela was ready to take Sergei in as hers as much as Celeste was Angela’s children.

His story about his first ‘new’ winter made her a smile a bit. It made Nemesis have a more human light to him if that was how she wanted to describe it. “And how did you eventually solve the problem?” She didn’t know much about Nemesis but she was intrigued. “I know for me… I hurried up and took the examination to go home as soon as I could. I actually kept taking it until I passed. I spent… I do believe five years here. I was twelve when I finally went home.”

Once the carriage stopped Angela took the coachman’s hand as she exited the carriage. She stabilized herself and took Nemesis’s arm as they made their way inside the tavern. Taking off the cloak she gave it to the front to check-in. It was much warmer inside the tavern than she had anticipated but it was a nice touch.

Once they were seated, Angela had found them gifted with a bottle of wine. She made a pleasant wave to Nikolas as she acknowledged him and smiled back to Nemesis. “Oh yes, he is very good at keeping his mouth shut. He saw the twins in Sularia when we made the deal for trade. It didn’t take him very long to put two and two together.”

His first question at dinner had Angela quiet for a long time. “I met Wyatt when I got his sister as my roommate at the academy. I avoided him like the plague at first. Wyatt was a few years older than I was but damn if he wasn’t persistent. I finally gave in and agreed to court him when I was fourteen. I’m over fifteen hundred now just so you know how long its been. He was from a wealthy Adelunian family. His parents were in bliss when they found out. He took me all the fancy dinners, all the balls, everything. It was exhausting on top of my school work. We got married as soon as I graduated. I lost him and our infant daughter when I summoned for duty.” In secret terms, she meant when she had ascended. “It’s why I was so worried about you. I knew you would be powerful too.”

She coughed a bit moving on and brought the wine to her lips. “This is exquisite. Remind me to let Nikolas have a bottle of my personal wine collection. I love making wine I do it as a hobby when I’m bored. I find that it really relaxes me when I need it.”

Angela watched a few husbands were staring at her and she tried not to giggle when their wives smacked them. Her red hair made her stand out that much was for sure. The food smelled good as well and she began to look around. “And what does the great Lord Nemesis do in his spare time anyway?” She had always wanted to ask.

Author: Nemesis, Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2019 4:27 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

"I could hardly think of a life where you are stuck in one season", he retorted, finding it strange yet it was the norm for Angela and her like. "There's plenty of leaves turning in these parts before they go bare. It seems like the tree goes on without them until that faint moment they return, only to be lost once more." 

"You'll also run into a fair share of wolves hunting in the fields and woods before the cold comes in. Snow can prove problematic to run through on all fours. I…found that out after I shifted during my first Glaciem. I was hunting a rabbit of all things, yet chasing it was probably one of the most difficult things I've done. Swear that blasted thing would have laughed before hopping into its hole." 

Ever since he's adjusted the colder climates and surely he was one of the few that were crazy enough to continue hunting. "I'll have to remember to contact you when it happens next year so that you can see it again."  

They had a fair understanding of how their place could place the ones they love in jeopardy. He had to admit that Angela had usually been rather smart when it came to treading lightly, especially when she was dealing with him. Perhaps he was too harsh on her at times, both her and her daughter he was the keeper of. Nemesis shifted ever so slightly so that he was closer to her as he took in her reply. "Who the hell is Sirona?" That couldn't have left his mouth faster- and hopefully, she wouldn't prove to be a thorn on his side a good deal. Apparently Angela either held her in high regard or feared to deal with her. The moment Raeguel was mentioned, he snorted a bit. He wasn't worried at all about that imposter finding out, though it may have a rippling effect he didn't wish onto the children which then were mentioned. Or one of them, at least. 

He leaned back and hung his head up. "Nerezza still believes in that? I would have thought she'd gave it up once she saw him and that girl, Melina wasn't it, together." A part of him did wish to give her that wish, but ultimately they couldn't build a relationship solely for the happiness of the child. The two would have to be compatible in order to function, which so far wasn't proving hard at all. He felt her fingers woven into his and before long, his curled against her- he was used to the bitter frost as she wasn't. It was interesting to see that even Gods could succumb to the changes in the weather. 

Before long, his hand was holding onto hers. "Sergei's at the Irian Academy. It doesn't bother him either and apparently he's taken to a Sularian girl as a pen pal who is visiting with the rest of her class. I wouldn't be surprised if he does end up with a little girlfriend; Celeste talks often how he is like a younger version of me. Only more pure-minded and his hands aren't tainted by blood." His son could be as charming as the rest of them and possessed a gentle heart that seemed taboo from where he came from. "All I know is that he hadn't been able to stop talking about her."

"My winter had been odd, aside from the hunting. I hadn't been alive for such a long time that feeling the cold again was like a new experience. One I didn't like. I stayed in my lupine form often to stray it away and make it into the next season. I had wished I've known just how long I'd had to wait until then, unfortunately. It also didn't help that I soon learned that if I wanted to get out of that form, I would definitely need more clothes. Problem was that I ruined them with each transformation."  

It had been a while before the wheels stopped turning, and with it, the carriage came to a halt. The coachman opened the door for Angela and assisted her exit before waiting for Nemesis to do the same. Tossing him a few coins, he instructed him to be back in a couple of hours and led Angela inside the gastropub. In contrast to the outside world, the tavern was fairly warm, largely to the great fireplace in the center of the room as he spoke to one of the waiters and he led the two into a spacious dining and dance hall. A band was playing light, serene music and a few couples were moving to its alluring tune. They were led to their table where Nemesis pulled out Angela's seat before he took his own. After the orders were made, a fine bottle of wine was brought to them, complete with twin glasses. 

"Excuse me, the young gentleman over there had bought these for you." 

Nemesis looked over to see the young Nikolas at his own table with a few other men, likely there for business reasons but was apparently spotted and had risen a glass to the pair in respect. The wine itself was a beautiful white as it was poured into their glasses and given to their respective drinkers. "At least he's not one to open his mouth quickly about things not his own business", Nemesis chuckled, trusting the vampire with what he was witnessing. "How long has it been since you courted formally? It's been eons for me, so I'm playing this all by ear." He wasn't too keen on revealing this, as awkward as it sounded, but he supposed that he had to lay everything on the table now. 

Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2019 3:05 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

It appeared that Angela had chosen a good color and got Nemesis’s approval. The goddess offered him a tender smile as he explained their situation. Aaryona was still in shock and it didn’t help that she had just caught him complimenting her. “I know you two can get along but I just haven’t seen it since Mother was pregnant with Lucian and Nerezza.” The Draconis leader sighed a bit and just gave her blessing for the entire thing.

Angela took hold of Nemesis’s arm and chuckled. “It took me a moment or two to figure out how to walk once more but I am well now. We can be on our way.” It wasn’t often the goddess was even caught with shoes on in the first place. However, it was proper for her to do so now in this arrangement. Once she was inside the carriage she pulled up on the blanket that was kept for long rides. Even the heavy cloak wasn’t warm enough for the desert born woman.

“Sularia has always only ever known Ignius. I prefer the heat myself which is why I suppose Elysia is an eternal Ignius because of that. I never saw snow or even the first turned leaves of Venti until I began to study abroad during my schooling years. I remember being so amazed at the turning leaves and the sea of gold and red. It is certainly one of my favorite things.”

Once more the goddess chuckled at him and shrugged a bit. “I am used to it for what it is worth. I hid who I am in Parvpora for the safety of my clergy and what children I have here.” She thought about his last question and shook her head. “Not yet. I am pacing myself. The first concern is of Sirona. She seems to have her own judgment on things. I don’t need her ire on me just yet. The second concern, Raeguel finding out before I am ready to explain… and my third major reason for being hush on the subject is the children. If this doesn’t work I don’t want Nerezza crushed. It is far better I keep it to myself for right now… I’ll get to the messy parts later and hopefully, maybe you will be there will help me wade through that tide.” Her fingers were cold from the weather but they snaked out of the blanket and took his. She seemed fairly comfortable but it was hard to see if Angela was hiding anything.

Looking to turn the conversation she went back to the winter. “When I was a girl traveling abroad I remember seeing a hot box for the first time in a carriage. I was so perplexed that I asked fifty questions as to why they were wasting coal on such a thing. I was never more thankful for that stupid hot box.” She laughed a bit freely now. “I had to borrow a winter cloak because I wasn’t prepared at all and no one knew anything about it from the Sularia Academy. They were all just as cold as I was. We would huddle up in little groups of four and five to keep warm. The Irian boys thought it was funny. They were used to the cold after all. A lot of the girls got boyfriends to keep them warm. Those of us in the advanced studies just had each other and no time for boys. We would all corral around the fireplaces having never seen them before in our lives. It was a sight to see."

Author: Nemesis, Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2019 2:33 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

Eirik didn't understand this nonsense; he was familiar with how Nemesis and Angela didn't seem to get along, yet they wanted to try out this courting thing? It seemed like her mate and herself weren't exactly together anymore and Celeste of all people had sought for this. How very odd. He couldn't see them actually pulling this off, but at the same time, they were attempting to, so it meant that it could have been possible. He followed behind the pair of women down the stairs as Nemesis waited patiently for the Mother. He watched until she made it down the last step and noticed something right away. "Blue? Haven't seen you in anything that wasn't earthly themed until now", he spoke though he had to swiftly remember that once an upon a time, he had caught her in a suit of armor back when she was hunting down her sister.  "It looks great on you." Once he was done admiring her appearance, he looked to Aaryona, who was sure to have bunches of questions on her mind (and her own mate having even more). "It is a test to see whether we are capable enough. Worry not about the outcome on your part; the deal still remains true no matter what." As devious and cruel as he could be, Nemesis was still a man of his word and Angela's daughter didn't have to fear any negative consequences if things didn't work out. 

He shifted over to Angela and extended his hand out for hers. "Shall we? Are you gonna be able to walk in those shoes?" It looked like she was going all out to impress him, so he would have to do the same. Like a perfect gentleman, he escorted his date out of the manor, giving a quick wave to Aaryona and Eirik before he opened the carriage door for Angela and then for himself. Within moments, the carriage began its ride further into town with the deities sitting side by side. It was strange for him to be this close and alone with Angela. After all, this was the woman that kept darting in and out of his life, and now they were going out on a date. He chuckled softly at the irony before looking outside.

"Glaciem came late around here this year. Only means it's going to be a bad one." He turned around, "Terra and Ignius don't last fairly long while Venti and Glaciem do. This past Ignius ended surprisingly late, so it threw the seasons out of order a tad. I'd imagine that you don't see much cold weather in Sularia?'

It was going to be a fairly lengthy trip, and so he thought to take advantage of it and make some conversation to learn more about her and her way of life. It was something that he had once tried to avoid, for one reason or another. But now he would have to instead seek out more information, and who better than Angela herself?

"I won't be surprised that once we get to dinner, you will have eyes all over you. Many do not acknowledge the gods, which I'm sure is a moot point to tell you of all people; but me being seen with a gorgeous redhead that isn't a vampire or wolf is sure to raise eyebrows. Hell, they don't even know about my ascension, which works out for myself." The last thing he wanted was for his family to be targeted in any manner because of his status. As far as many knew, he was simply Lord Volkov.  "So, do any of the others know that you are here? Or are you being very careful about seeing the big bad wolf?", he asked with a small grin. 

Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Tue Dec 10, 2019 10:04 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

Angela was upon her throne with her little one on her lap as she read the invitation that Nemesis had sent her. Wisteria was passed out and slumbering peacefully but she was sprawled like an animal across her mother. “Tell Nemesis that I accept his invitation to dinner.” Angela gave Maalik a smile. She would have gotten up but it would have disturbed her sweet child and while Nemesis was worth many things her peace of mind was not one of them.

Once she had one of her children to take over watching Wisteria and she felt comfortable leaving the child she kissed Wis on the head and made her way to Kurayo. She knocked on the door of her daughter and Aaryona let her in without too much fuss.

“So why are you here?”

“Oh, I am meeting someone. If it’s not too much trouble may I get ready here?” Angela was polite to the point of it being worrying.

“Sure,” Aaryona didn’t fuss much as she let her mother have run of the place. She seemed oddly happy and she had never actually seen her mother care about her appearance so much that she didn’t use magic to get ready.

Angela spent time making her curls perfect and now that Aaryona looked her mother had actually cut her waist-length hair. Sure it wasn’t that much of a difference but now it was to her breasts’ bottoms. She could always grow it out again but apparently it was necessary for this meeting. The goddess had on a three fourth sleeved gown. Its bodice and sleeves were pure dark blue lace and there was just enough fabric at her breasts to make sure they couldn’t be seen. The bodice was scalloped deep almost to her navel.

The skirt of the dress was the same blue but a solid fabric that split high up her right leg. She pinned her hair so all of it was over her right shoulder. Jewelry was added to accent and she even, for once, wore matching heels.

The redhead took time to do her makeup and finally added a flowery scent. Aaryona couldn’t quite place what flower but her mother smelled like a floral garden and it was pleasant. “What do you think?”

“You always look, beautiful Mother… You are acting like this is a date.” Aaryona was skeptical but then Erik came to get her mother and Aaryona was lightly shocked. “Mother explain.”

“Adraejen and I are seeing other people and… Well, Celeste asked Nemesis and me to try and court. We do have children after all.” Aaryona was in shock. “You are the first to know… Please don’t tell the twins just yet. If this works we’ll tell them.” Aaroyna nodded and helped her mother down the stairs. It had been a while since she wore heels. Though Angela quickly adjusted.

The house help brought Angela’s fur cloak as she gratefully accepted and put it on. “Don’t you look charming Nemesis. I didn’t forget how cold it was so I made sure I could at least bundle up until we were at our destination.”

Author: Nemesis, Posted: Tue Dec 10, 2019 8:20 PM, Post Subject: Testing the Waters (P,R)

If someone had told Nemesis that he would be attempting to court the redhead devil, then he would have laughed at their foolish, holding his sides in before stabbing the said person. Of all the things they had been through with one another, it was simply impossible to believe. A few nights ago, on his own grounds though, had proven different. Thanks to none other than his wife’s own hands, she had orchestrated a situation that forced him and Angela into seeking out a possible relationship. Her reasons weren’t quite sensible, but her reasoning and some secrets that were shared between the ancients wove together this particular night.

Upon her suggestion, he had sent out Maalik to venture to Angela’s realm and deliver an invitation to dinner with him a day ago. While shunned a bit, the shapeshifter did as he was told and made sure that the goddess was informed. Meanwhile, Nemesis went to start the preparations for the night, starting with a favor owed by one of the families that owned a lovely little gastropub in the upper district. Celeste had beaten him to the punch and already set up the reservation. Although he did look at her with narrowed eyes, seeing that she took glee in her scheme’s success, he brushed it off and set forth with this plan.

As he got dressed, he considered whether this was worth exploring. Just as the goddess said, if it worked, then they were venture further and see where this lead to. If not, then it did and they continue on with their daily lives. There were benefits, he supposed, such as potentially seeing more of his children that he shared with her. Plus Sergei would learn of the brother and sister he didn’t know he had. He was concerned also about if Celeste would really be a part of it or not- she was his mate and just as important after all. But she wanted them to at least try and so he would.

He slipped on a velvet tunic with black trousers and a fur cloak clasped around him completely with knee-high boots. A necklace with the etching of his symbol, a crescent moon with a fang completely the circle hung from his neck and of course, his wedding ring was kept on. He contemplated bring his sword but settled on a slender, long dagger just in case trouble brew for them, and sheathed it to his side. They were still in Kurayo, and although it was cold this time of the year, it didn’t stop trouble from brewing if it really wanted to brew its ugly head.

The invitation had also suggested for her to wait at her daughter’s home nearby so that he could formally pick her up. Before stepping outside to the awaiting carriage, he kissed his wife and promised to return before the evening ended, likely with his date so that they could conversate some more if needed. With that, he took his leave and rode on the carriage as he felt a tad awkward. It had been eons since he’s actually courted another, so his usual confident state was shaky but stable enough. The vaewolf mentally rested himself until he felt the carriage finally slowing down about an hour later. Nemesis knew that they had arrived.

—–

Eirik had no idea of why Aaryona’s mother was here, nor why she was being so tight-lipped. He just figured it was something noble related and chopped it up to that while her daughter was about the same way he was. All he knew was that someone was supposes to come and get her in the evening, which only vexed him further. Couldn’t she go and do as she pleased? Why did she need someone to get her? He was sharpening his blades when he heard the knock at the door and left to answer.

Imagine his shock when it was the dark lord himself. “Lord Volkov? Are you here to teach Aaryona another lesson?” Eirik was quite sure that there wasn’t anything planned and he was wearing funny clothes, almost like the time he had to wear that monkey suit. The thought alone made him grimace. “No, I’m here to pick up Angela, Eirik”, Nemesis spoke with a head tilt.

The hell?

It was all Eirik could think of before nodding and allowing the lord inside and then excusing himself to go speak to the mother and daughter. At least he was taught enough manners. “Aaryona…Nemesis is downstairs, saying that…he’s here for your mother?”, he spoke, confused as hell as he looked at her.