[center][h1]A Son’s First Hero, A Daughter’s First Love[/h1][/center]


[center][img]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab20/XxKayla36xX/cynbel.png[/img][/center]

[center][h2]&[/h2][/center]

[center][img]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab20/XxKayla36xX/Felix.png[/img][/center]


[center][h2]Four Days Prior, Siege Day, Allistyr’s Keep[/h2][/center]


Cynbel had led both the Order and his troops in Felix’s stead. The healer had transported him safely off the fields and the faerie Commander wasn’t about to let Kyla’s death and Felix’s fall be for nothing. [i]”Take it!”[/i] he had commanded. Some of the faeries spread the ashes of the fallen dragon on their faces before throwing themselves into the frenzy. Through offense and sheer force of will, they beat back the Seelie forces and took the keep for their own. Once that battles had quelled, Cynbel stationed an appropriate amount of men and women to keep it in defensive before taking his leave to be with Felix.


[center][h2]The Unseelie Queendom, Present Day[/h2][/center]


Felix laid there, his bare burnt skin still retaining its heat as he grunted in pain. Those around Felix when he fell knew that he died. They felt the fear disappear into nothing. They then felt the wrath of the Fire Dragon Sulleykaar, and the fear and pain that came from the other dragon. But it was when Sulleykaar made his way over to Felix...Something about that golden orb he encased himself in had done something to him. He no longer smelled like the burnt flesh of a human but rather, fire and brimstone. Sulfur. Yet he still had the scent of human about him it was muffled by the new scent. An Unseelie healer who was working on him felt him stir as he tried to move. “Don’t move you fool or you’ll hurt yourse-” He stopped when he looked into the barely open eyes of the human Commander. Slitted pupils looked back in pain before the eyelids fluttered close. The healer’s brow furrowed as he called for a messenger to fetch the General. “Tell him he needs to see this.” Quickly the messenger left for Cynbel. Soon enough, the messenger found Cynbel and asked for him to promptly see the healer who was working on Felix. “He has something for you to see.”


[color=lightgray]”What is it?”[/color] he asked, unable to hide the elation in his face that Felix was finally coming to. The general followed after the messenger and entered the quarters where the previously-unconscious human Commander was being kept.


Felix’s body, from what was healed, seem to have a faint appearance of scales. His fingernails had lengthened to claw-like. He was conscious, but in no shape to be moving, as the healer had to hold him down with kid gloves as he tried to sit up. Skin cracked and chipped off as he tried to sit up. His face cringed from the pain, fangs glistened back to Cynbel. His eyes were now golden with slits and overall his body now seemed to give off an unnatural heatwave. [color=gold]” C-Commander...hng”[/color] The pain was enough to much to bare as he gave in and fell back onto the bed.


[color=lightgray]”About time you woke up, Commander Anderson.”[/color] Cynbel said sternly, but his soft eyes betrayed the tone. [color=lightgray]”Stop trying to move, there is nowhere for you to be currently.”[/color] The faerie moved to the bedside and crossed his arms in a relaxed posture. He looked worn out, but hopeful.


[color=gold]”Kyla…”[/color] his voice trembled before the tears began to flow as the realization that her presence was absent. [color=gold]”Kyla…”[/color] He grit his teeth as he inhaled a trembling breath before his sobs became audible. The healer remained silent. Cynbel looked down and nodded in understanding. There was no judgement from him, how could he judge the man’s tears? He knew them well.


[color=lightgray]”She died victorious, and she waits for you in the place where we will all meet again.”[/color] The faeries words were as warm as an Unseelie faerie could get after a death. They were honest words, one who could not lie could not apologize for something that wasn’t their fault, they could only state the truth. He frowned, seeing Felix’s pain so fresh brought back memories.


[color=gold]”I….I never e-even...told her I loved her…”[/color] His face tightened as the feeling washed over him once again. Slowly that sadness faded and what remained was silence. He turned his head to face Cynbel, a new expression on his face. [color=gold]”Train me…”[/color] He looked to him as a young pupil would a master.


Cynbel raised a silvery brow. [color=lightgray]”Train you? You nearly matched me in battle once already, and that was before…”[/color] his moon-grey eyes studied Felix’s new draconic features.


[color=gold]”Train me the way you fight...Like a faerie. Like an Unseelie.”[/color] He said with determination and plea. 


The smile Cynbel wore accented his high, fey cheekbones. He chuckled lowed and nodded. [color=lightgray]”If that is your wish…”[/color] he said. He looked appreciative, flattered, even. [color=lightgray]”Let’s get you standing first, yeah? Are you hungry, we have food that is safe for you and your people now.”[/color]


Felix shook his head. [color=gold]”For them that’s fine and for me that’s fine for now now but… When this is over. I want to stay. This place was her home.”[/color] He looked down to his crisped legs and back to Cynbel. [color=gold]”She wanted to stay after this was over. Me and her. I want to do just that. There’s nothing left for me outside of here so…”[/color] somber eyes fell on Cynbel as he sighed before looking back up to the sky.


The faerie commander rested a hand on Felix’s shoulder carefully. He winced, but Cynbel kept it there. [color=lightgray]”There are some that would tell you that there are things left outside… If there are, I haven’t found them.”[/color] he said honestly. He had Kiara, but she was simply an extension of Edana, she wasn’t part of the ‘outside’ at all. [color=lightgray]”The First Commander’s mate will always have a home in Faerûn. You were that to her, a mate. I could see the familiar look in her eyes. Our people’s hearts are not easily tamed, choosing a mate is akin to human marriage.”[/color] 


[color=gold]”There will be no other. Kyla was the only one and I will wait until my final breath leaves my lungs.”[/color]


Cynbel nodded [color=lightgray]”I know the feeling. Perhaps her and Edana can keep each other company until we join them.”[/color] he chuckled a little at the thought. [color=lightgray]”Not that Sulleykaar or I are willing to let you go that soon. You have training.”[/color]


He gave a light smile before he closed his eyes. [color=gold]”Thank you Cynbel. I look forward to training under you.”[/color] The commander made his way to the door before Felix spoke up once more, slightly hesitant about saying it. [color=gold]”Cynbel...You’re like a father to me and it means alot...Thank you.”[/color] He sighed as he closed his eyes and tried to fall asleep.


Cynbel’s mouth twitched at the touching sentiment. [color=lightgray]”I-- I’m not…”[/color] he tried to say that he wasn’t that great of a father, but Felix closed his eyes. It seemed pointless to argue that, now. [color=lightgray]”Get some rest, the next time you wake, I will ensure there is a feast for you.”[/color] with that, the Commander left him be. On his way out, he informed the healers to send word the next time Felix stirred, and to have food at the ready, faerie and human cuisine alike.


[center][img]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab20/XxKayla36xX/Kiara.png[/img]
[h1]&[/h1]
[img]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab20/XxKayla36xX/Sulleykaar%20-%201.png[/img][/center]


[h2]Spirit’s Crossing, Present Day[/center]


Kiara eyes sparkled like shining silver as she rolled over on the moss-covered ground. She was catching her breath, heart fluttering in her chest, with the taste of Sulley still on her tongue. What a lovely breakfast he was after three and a half days finding ‘peace’. She remembered the visions, which turned her stomach sour. Kiara sat up, her face completely focused and serious. 


[color=gray]”What’s next… in my training?”[/color] she asked excitably, forgetting to even thank him for the meal.


He was already up, eating freshly caught deer. Such a suckulant meal for the day. He looked over at her with a mouthful of deer, a piece of flesh hung out. [color=9e0b0f]”Achully. I figurd that we wood fersht - ah - That we would first make a trip back to the Queendom before we start teaching you Old Scale, which, yes...You are now ready for. But, before we go, we’ll get you started. Come. Sit across from me.”[/color] He patted to the ground in front of him. 


Kiara beamed a smile that could put the sun to shame. [color=gray]”Really?!”[/color] she squeaked and scrambled up to her feet. Disregarding the invitation to sit, she plowed into him with a huge bear hug, knocking him back like the flying boulder that she was. It wasn’t clear if she was more excited about being able to go home, or learning Old Scale, a wise man would bet on both.


[color=9e0b0f]”Ack!”[/color] It felt like someone chucked a boulder at his body as he fell onto his back, pain hit instantly but he only winced, not to startle her, though she was probably too excited to even notice. 


[i][color=gray]”Fankyufankyufankyu!”[/color][/i] she mumbled, her face smushed against him as she squeezed hard. Remembering herself, she let go and giggled giddily. She mouthed something like an apology before sitting cross-legged across from him as she was asked.


[color=9e0b0f]”Yes, yes. You’re quite welcome. Anyway. I want you to close your eyes and focus in on breathing. What I’m about to do may burn slightly, but what will follow you will like. Also keep your glamour up. I want to surprise you when this is over.”[/color] He said with a smirk. Kiara bit her lip excitedly, she liked where this was going already. It took a few minutes for her to truly clear her racing mind after closing her eyes.


Sulley took in a deep breath, a golden aura poked at Kiara’s eyelids as the dragon’s aura seemed to pick up a breeze. It whistled and hummed as it shot forward and entered into Kiara. At first the feeling would be cool to the touch, but soon that coolness grew in heat. Moments went by before it became blistering hot. The wind roared in her ears and the humming grew in sound. Soon enough, it ceased, and the golden hue died away. Sulley let out a trembling breath. It was an exhausting process but it was complete. [color=9e0b0f]”Go ahead and open your eyes now Kiki.”[/color]


Kiara felt the shifting temperatures wash over her. He was right, she did like it. It was extreme and polarizing, much like her moods. And it was over all too soon… she fluttered her eyelids open when Sulley gave her the okay to do so.


He leaned forward and touched the sides of her eyes and drew his fingers away, the white tendrils attaching themselves to his own. Her vision changed to his and what she would see were not just her normal eyes. They were slitted now, having the faintest amount of scales around them. [color=9e0b0f]” Now take off the glamour.”[/color] When she did, her wings were different, much larger than before and gave off a reddish tint. He smiled. [color=9e0b0f]”Well?”[/color] anticipation of her reaction in his voice.


Kiara looked at this form of herself through Sulleykaar’s eyes. She made an impressed sound and leaned forward, uncrossing legs. She crawled around so that she could see the wingspan from behind, focusing on stretching them out. They stretched, and they were huge! [color=gray]”Hehe- I look like a small, girl version of you!”[/color] she laughed, gaining a roll of the eyes from him. She then tried to flap the wings. [color=gray]”Will they work?[/color]


[color=9e0b0f]”Yes...Those wings are not for aesthetics. So the next time you feel oh-ao inclined to jump off my head, I won’t have to worry about catching you, vo hahdrim.”[/color] he said with a light chuckle. He nodded before standing.[color=9e0b0f]”What I gave you means a lot, and I never want you to take that for granted. It’s very rare for a dragon to give part of his soul to another, unless it was for good reason. As for the wings, we will practice with them when we return here. For now, though, hop on and we’ll make our way back to the Unseelie Court.”[/color] He moved forward, his dragon form making its appearance yet again. Jumping excitedly, she dashed over to his large form and jumped up, immediately testing her new wings. However, years of being flightless did affect her flight. She managed to float high above him before they gave out from the strain, and she fell hard onto him, causing him to slam his head into the ground. [sulley color]”VO HAHDRIM! WHAT DID I TELL YOU?!”[/color] he scolded.


“Oh, come on!” she giggled playfully and wrapped her arms around his neck. “You knew I was going to at least [I]try[/I] to use them! I’m just appreciating your gift.” 


He simply snorted out a plume of smoke and rolled his eyes. Hidden from her view was a slight grin of appreciation. Completely content, she gave him a hug-like squeeze [color=gray]“Take me home, Sulley~”[/color] she murmured in a child-like voice.


The dragon looked to the skies as he jumped, flapping his heavy wings and made for the skies. It would be about half a day’s trip back by flight so they would have time to chat.


[color=gray]”So…. What happened to Felix? You said you talked to Father too… and that he was smiling. That’s not like him.”[/color] Kiara chattered to fill the silence of the flight.


[color=9e0b0f]”When I took off he was fighting a dragon by the name of Tyr’rak. Wyrm of Flight. He is - was one of the fastest dragons around. Not many can match his speed unless you’re like me, with Old Scale magic. Hence why you probably couldn’t see me in the skies after I took off. Anyway, Felix was dead when I arrived. I, of course, managed to bring him back from the dead, but Kyla on the other hand was a different story.”[/color] His answer about Felix held a bit of sympathy in it as he talked, glancing back at her every so often. Kiara frowned, having heard about Kyla. She even felt…. [i]guilty?[/i]  She had never apologized for treating her the way she did after Sulley snuffed out the spies. Their last interaction was one of utter disrespect. 


[color=9e0b0f]”I truly wish I could have saved her. She was a great Captain and friend. Though, for what it was, the situation I put you both in didn’t make for an impressive first impression. You would have liked her, though. Kinda like you, but less stubborn, hehe. On a lighter note Cynbel, your father. He did ask about you. Sounded worried a bit as well, since he doesn’t currently know where you are, other than that you’re with me, and that is how I would like to keep it. He wanted to know how you were doing,I told him what I thought, and he seems very proud of you. That smile more than likely didn’t leave his face until I was gone.”[/color]


[color=gray]”I don’t believe you.”[/color] she said, honestly still finding it hard to trust Sulleykaar’s words. That didn’t sound like the Cynbel that she knew. But maybe, just maybe, it was true…. And she had finally made him proud. The thought made her smile half-way. 


[center][h3]Together at last…[/h3][/center]


Their trip back to the queendom went fairly smoothly. Key word being fairly. A few times Kiara had [i]slipped off[/i] of his back when her wings caught the wind. The first time he truly believed her, but the second not so much, and third time he was a bit annoyed, figuring she did it just to tease him. Nevertheless, he was glad to see she was enjoying her new pair of wings, better to say newly-modified wings. The Queendom was in sight, and Sulleykaar began his descent to the outer gates of the Queendom. The guards kept a watchful eye on the Dragon, since not many besides those on the battlefield could recognize his true form. When they landed at the gates the guards raised their weapons until they noticed Kiara. Lowering their weapons, they opened the gates and let them in, Sulley morphing into his humanoid form just past the entrance itself. 


Kiara hopped off gracefully. She had her glamour in full effect so that people would recognize her easily still. The guards bowed at her, welcoming back their princess. She smiled at them and curtsied before falling into pace beside Sulleykaar. Her eyes scanned for the one face she truly wanted to see.


Cynbel was standing beside Felix. Yes, standing! A little rest and food had done the human good, plus he absolutely [i]insisted[/i] on walking the grounds today. The Unseelie commander was giving his trainee a tour of sorts… a slow tour, because Felix wasn’t really fast yet. He probably shouldn’t even be walking, the healers had said the bones were still fusing back together. There was a bit of a commotion at the Gates before they opened. Cynbel paused and looked on curiously. The flash of scarlet in sunlight made his heart skip a beat. [color=lightgray]”Kiara…”[/color] he said, not realizing he had said it out loud. He couldn’t hide his shock… Sulleykaar had said a month or two, it had only been four days. Something must be wrong...


Sulleykaar nudged Kiara in the side and pointed to where her father and Felix were currently standing. Giddy and excited, the faerie princess shot off like a bullet towards them. Unlike most, Cynbel withstood the force of her impact as she slammed into him, hugging him tight as the loud, metallic clang rang through the yard. [color=gray]”Daddy!~”[/color] she squealed before hopping down and smiling wide. She remembered the conversation with Sulleykaar, and what she promised. [color=gray]”I’m sorry for the way I acted… I was upset.”[/color] she looked down, her cheeks turning red in shame.


Cynbel simply reached a hand out and ran his thumb along the rosy coloring on her face. His hand lingered, cupping her face as he stared at his daughter. Her glamour was strong, but a father knows when things are different. He looked her over… She was radiant, and stronger, she looked less frail than before. [color=lightgray]”You have… You aren’t as thin as before.”[/color] It wasn’t meant as an insult, and Kiara didn’t take it as one.


[color=gray]”I uhh…I’ve been been eating well.”[/color] she answered, to which he chuckled.


[color=lightgray]”It is good to see you home, and sooner than I expected.”[/color] Cynbel said and looked now to Sulleykaar. Sulley glanced over at him and smiled.


[color=9e0b0f]”She’s not home for much time, unfortunately, she has reached the second stage of training. She’ll begin Old Scale a day from now, when we leave. I figured with her progress she has earned this well enough. Quick learner compared to Felix.”[/color] 


[color=gold]”Ahhh shut it, Suls. I moved at about the same pace as she did.”[/color] He retorted. He looked over to Kiara with a look that she would understand. [color=gold]”How’s the training?”[/color]


[color=gray]”Exhausting… but I’m doing well, thank you.”[/color] she curtsied politely. She didn’t feel too exhausted right then, adrenaline was rushing through her veins. She wanted to do everything - to smell the flowers, to eat a Ketree fruit, to sprawl out on her bed. Oh gods, a bed! And her paintings… the cave wall was all but covered, but she would love to feel a canvas beneath her fingers right about now. There was a small voice in her mind that told her not to get too excited, this was probably some test. Another false moment of happiness, another lie...


[color=9e0b0f]”Kiara… Why are you still standing here? It’s your day off. Shoo. Go enjoy it.”[/color] He said with a smile. Kiki bounced happily on her heels, standing on tiptoes to kiss Sulleykaar’s cheek first, and then her father’s. She said that she would meet up with them for dinner before bolting off to do gods know what. He watched as she left, soft eyes watched her as she disappeared. Felix took notice to this and hid a smile.


[color=9e0b0f]”Anyway, Cynbel, it’s good to see you again... and it seems that my Commander has refused to follow the orders I had passed on to Cynbel for the healers, hm? Even when you’re simply trying to heal, you are stubborn as hell.”[/color] His smirk showed his teasing of the human who simply “pfft ed” and grinned back.


Cynbel chuckled lightly [color=lightgray]”He has an Unseelie attitude, he fits in well here. We took the Keep, after you left. That was… another one of Felix’ stubborn ideas.”[/color] he said, verging on an ‘I told you so’ moment.


Felix glared at him and frowned. His voice remained soft. [color=gold]”We took it. That’s all that matters.”[/color] He looked away from him and the dragon. Sulleykaar gave him a sympathetic look before looking towards Cynbel again. [color=9e0b0f]”So then - “[/color] He decided to change subject, knowing that it was still recent for Felix. Instead, a lopsided grin looked towards Cynbel. [color=9e0b0f]”You’re welcome.”[/color] Sulleykaar said before walking towards the market again, possibly looking for another gem or something special for Kiara. Felix watched as the red dragon walked off and turned his attention to Cynbel. [color=gold]”I think, if my knowledge of Suls is correct, he likes your daughter, possibly starting to love her.”[color] He smirked.


Cynbel’s eyes widened slightly at that comment. He looked over to Felix and then away [color=lightgray]”That is… interesting.”[/color] he remarked through a tight lips, his jaw set in a serious face. He was through the roof that Kiara was no longer angry with him, but the thought of the dragon loving his daughter did not sit right with him.


[center][img]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab20/XxKayla36xX/Kiara.png[/img]


[h2]The meandering faerie…[/h2][/center]


Kiara followed the sounds of music in the distance. There was a steady drumbeat and melodic flute. There was a jovial gathering just outside the Castle, by the gardens. Kiara danced her way into the circle of moving bodies. It was almost overwhelming to be among her people again after having so much time with just one person. She missed this - the laughter and dancing, the passion, the freedom. This was the home she had to fight for, to protect. A beautiful blue-haired faerie offered a hand to Kiara. She took it and was pulled into a close, intimate dance in time with the music. Most of the faeries were pale shades of white, silver and blue… this must be a revel for the coming solstice, as they were visitors from the allied Winter Court.  The frost faerie spun Kiara out and curtsied [i]“It was an honor to dance with you, Princess.”[/i] she said in a crispy, airy voice. Kiara smiled wide and returned the politeness before making her way to the next destination.


The red-headed faerie skipping towards the tree line, heading for her favorite grove. The early morning sun shimmered through the purple leaves on the Ketree trees. They held theirs leaves past the first frost, unlike most over trees. Kiara gripped the trunk, ready to start climbing when she remembered that she had new wings. She over her shoulders a few times to see if anyone was around that might laugh if she fell. It seemed safe, so she hopped up and flapped her wings enough to hover and pick a few Ketrees from the top of the tree before landing less than gracefully. Laughing to herself, she took a bite of the fruit, letting the sweet juice spill over her chin. [i]Mmmm…..[/i] It tasted like home.


Once she had her fill of people watching and visiting all of her favorite places, Kiara made her way back to the Castle. It was rather quiet indoors, most of the fey were out enjoying the sunlight while it lasted, or they were training. Kiki wandered down the west wing and to her suite. The cinnamon and vanilla aroma of her potpourri rushed to greet her when she opened the door and she sighed happily. Kiara immediately went to her bedroom and gazed into her closet. She took out a spider silk gown the color of spun silver and slipping into it. Kiki spun around in front of the mirror on her vanity a few times before making her way to the canopy bed. She collapse into it with a ‘flop’, letting the pillowy featherbed swallow her. That exhaustion she had spoke of earlier took over as she fell asleep, not even realizing that she was doing so.


[center][img]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab20/XxKayla36xX/Sulleykaar%20-%201.png[/img]


[h2]The Unseelie Market District[/h2][/center]


Sulleykaar meandered into the market again. He looked around, his hair swayed with each turn of the head as he searched for the - [color=9e0b0f]”There it is.”[/color] Swiftly he made his way to the shop he originally stopped by before he first met Kiara. Sully looked at the marvelous gems and styles of jewelry. He planned on replacing that wretched thing that Paraxthyon left for her with something that held more sentimental meaning. There were many to choose from. “How can I help you?” The shop nodded to Sulley. His eyebrows rose and then fell again as he begun to skim through the items available. [url=http://i01.i.aliimg.com/img/pb/518/030/561/561030518_004.jpg]One[/url] in particular caught his eye and he grinned. [color=9e0b0f]”This’ll do.”[/color] The faerie smiled and nodded. The dragon placed down a few coins, more than enough for the cost. “Who’s it for?” The faerie raised a brow. [color=9e0b0f]”Someone [i]special[/i].”[/color] He had it boxed up in a nice leather box, trimmed out in gold. He went off to get a special [url=http://pre08.deviantart.net/23bb/th/pre/i/2015/114/1/f/druchii_female_leather_armor___corset_by_deakath-d5a5yyl.jpg] armor[/url] for her made and ready for training.


[center][img]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab20/XxKayla36xX/Kiara.png[/img]


[h2]Some time later...[/h2][/center]


Kiara was dreaming about flying. Really flying, with her own wings, soaring high above the sea, which sparkled below. The intense winds at this altitude whipped her hair back and tickled her nose. It was [i]really[/i] tickling her nose, she twitched it and fidgeted in her luxurious bed. To no avail, the nuisance continued, followed by a stifled giggle.


Kiki opened her eyes to see one of her lovers peeking through a fluffy black feather. The girl had short cropped black hair that came to a long point in the front, settling between her eyebrows. Rigged, curved horns grew out of her head above her ears. Her skin was also dark, like that of the dark elves, and it contrasted well with the bright smile she was flashing. [color=darkslategray]”Good morning, [i]princess[/i]”[/color] she said.


[color=gray]”Vivienne!”[/color] Kiara said excitedly, shooting straight upright. She kissed her quickly. [color=gray]”Oh--”[/color] *kiss* [color=gray]”I--”[/color] *kiss* [color=gray]”missed you![/color]. Vivie responded with a warm smile, touching Kiara’s cheek. She looked at her eyes, noticing the scales shimmering underneath the weak glamour that Kiara wasn’t focusing on keeping up.


[color=darkslategray]”What did he do to you?!”[/color] she asked, her voice bitter and angry. [color=darkslategray]”Are you being treated well?”[/color] Kiara laughed and put her hand over Vivienne’s, sliding it from her face.


[color=gray]”Well enough…”[/color] The Unseelie princess smirked. [color=gray]”Dragons are quite… [i]impressive[/i] in bed. You should give one a try.”[/color] A dark, jealous look crossed her lover’s face.


[color=darkslategray]”I’d rather not.”[/color] she said shortly and stood up. [color=darkslategray]”There is a feast starting soon, I came to wake you for it.”[/color] she said, placing a single back rose on the vanity beside Kiara’s bed.


[color=gray]”FEAST?! Oh gods, how late is it? I didn’t even mean to sleep!”[/color] she frowned, looking out the window, regretting that she slept away most of her day off at home. When she turned around, Vivienne was gone, and only the flower remained. Kiara decided that she would wear the same dress she had put on earlier and went to work fixing her hair. She pulled it up, fastening a glittering clip over a rolled-up curl. She tucked the black rose in the center of the curl and piled the rest of her hair to the side so that curls draped down over her left shoulder.


Sulleykaar had slept very peacefully that night. He had two well-made pieces for Kiara for when they train.  Following the slumber was a message from one of the servants requesting that he joined a Grand feast to celebrate Felix. He originally chuckled at that thinking it was a joke but that lasted half a second. The faerie couldn’t lie so he wondered why. Was it for his return to the living? For helping command a win over the Seelie? He wasn’t sure, he simply shrugged and got ready for the feast.


His trip to the party was short as he was led through a shortcut there. His eyebrows rose as he surveyed those gathered. Everyone, Unseelie and from the Order, probably those gathered from the Stronghold mission were there, chatting and laughing away the day. Some in the Order had started some contest of strength against the faerie soldiers for fun and bets were passed around with grumbling about the fights. His draconic eyes searched for a particular redhead, the one he had been training and would begin training after this day was done. A roar of sorts was heard as the dragon turned to see Garax taking on two faeries at once in a wrestling match. It was a pretty dead even fight until Garax pulled a fast one. They charged in after him, ready for the tackle, but Garax reacted on instinct, wrapping his massive arms around their necks and jerked up, lifting them up in a double suplex and swiftly dropped them. [color=green]”HAHA! Pass those bets forward please! Thank you. Thank you.”[/color] Apparently everyone bet on the two Unseelie, except for Garax. Many were annoyed with him. 


[color=9e0b0f]”You still haven’t learned to play fair have you?”[/color] cocking an eyebrow.


Garax rolled his eyes and smirked. [color=green]”At least I’m honest about it.”[/color] he quipped, earning a frown from the dragon. 


Felix sat at the front of the table with the other commanders and advisors. In the middle, the Dark Queen herself. He was still in alot of pain, but now instead of scorching heat, it was soreness and a burn like one might get after a long workout. He felt like jelly and used his conserved strength to take a long sip of elven wine. He leaned over to Cynbel, who seemed somewhat preoccupied. He went to say something but decided against it and looked down at his cup and then to those gathered, a frown on his face.


Once Kiara was adequately made up, she nodded at her reflection in the mirror. It had been a long time since she felt this beautiful. She turned, checking herself out with a wink before heading out of her suite. She followed the boisterous noise to the feasting hall and the attached ballroom. There was something going on here most nights, the Unseelie were always finding a reason to celebrate. The princess turned more than a few heads when she entered the room wearing the [url=http://g02.a.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1WQngJFXXXXXRXpXXq6xXFXXXr/Gorgeous-Mermaid-V-neck-Sleeveless-See-Through-Sexy-Silver-Color-Long-Maxi-Dress-Split-Crystal-Beaded.jpg]silvery spider silk dress[/url] with a high slit that her slender leg temptingly peeked out of with every step.


The faerie walked with a confident and proud gate as she made her way through the crowds. She was looking for her dragon, wanting to thank him for doing this for her. Unlike the last time she had dressed up like this, she very much wanted to look like a treat for him now. She wore a smile that verged on coy as she walked up to him. 


Sulleykaar sat next to Cynbel discussing future plans before he was sidetracked by a familiar redhead who entered his peripheral. He turned his head towards her and smiled a genuine smile. He was very proud of her. [color=9e0b0f]”Kiara! A pleasant surprise seeing you here. I never would have guessed you the festive type.”[/color] He teased as he leaned forward and rest his hand on two lazy fists, winking with the eye away from Cynbel.


Kiara smirked. He liked to flaunt his ability to tell lies. At least this one was playful, what was the word humans have for playful lies? She couldn’t quite remember… [color=gray]”Well, it doesn’t look like either of you are being very festive. Someone had to come liven you up.”[/color] she gave Sulley a lingering gaze before looking to her father. [color=gray]”Care to dance, old man?”[/color] she asked with a tinge of hope in her voice. Cynbel stood up and bowed before taking her hand and leading her out onto the dance floor.


[color=lightgray]”You look like a dream, darling.”[/color] he said kindly.


[color=gray]”Like mother?”[/color] she guessed. He shook his head and stroked her cheek before they began dancing in time to the music.


[color=lightgray]”No. Like Kiara.”[/color] he said, earning a bright smile from her. She hugged him close as they danced.


Sulleykaar leaned back with a glass of wine in his hand. His head tilted as he watched the father and daughter dance. A light smile on his face as the two moved around the dance floor. [color=gold]”They seem to be having fun, huh? Sulley… Sulley?”[/color] Felix took notice to the change in his mood. He wore a thin smile as he thought about the past. 


[center][h2]Sulleykaar and Cesilie, Ashborn Royal Ballroom[/h2][/center]


The ballroom was very much lively as the small orchestra played their piece. Sulleykaar had finished setting up new trade routes for the Kingdom that would benefit them greatly and bring many of their people out of poverty with the new income and jobs that would be available. “AH! Sulleykaar my dear boy! Come come! Join me and my daughter at the table. You have been most helpful with these newly installed trade routes.” Horum Ashborn, Elder councilmen in Ashborn was the one who brought in Sulley when he promised them prosperity. His daughter sat beside him, a light smile on her face. [color=9e0b0f]”I couldn’t do that Horum, I simply-”[/color]


“Sulleykaar shush up and sit next to me.” She sighed and gave him a mock glare, to which he grinned and moved to the seat next to her. Horum studied the two before taking a glass to his lips. “I see you two are very fond of each other, hm?” Their reactions were entertaining. Cesilie’s eyes sparkled with a large smile while Sulley went wide-eyed and shook his head rapidly. Horum put down his cup and frowned at Sulleykaar before barking out into laughter. “Then it’s settled. You two are to wed together. You are the perfect fit! I-” The councilmen stopped his speech as a wonderful song begun to play. Sulley took the opportunity to take her by the hand and led her to the dancefloor. The dragon wrapped her into his arms and danced with such grace and fluidity that a crowd had gathered around the two.


[center][h2]Present[/h2][/center]


[Color=gold] - omething to me or I will pour this...oh....nevermind.”[/color] He quickly put the cup down as the dragon snapped to. Sulley glanced at Felix and the cup a few times before narrowing his eyes. [color=9e0b0f]”Good choice, Felix.[/color] There was a slight twitch of the mouth before Felix laughed and pointed to the dancefloor. The crimson dragon looked towards where Felix had pointed and his eyes widened before he roared into laughter. 


Garax was a warrior, a warlord, a conqueror. Why the [i]fuck[/i] was he on the dance floor. He danced with axes, not with girls! A few feet crushed later he retired to the corner and decided to dance with the devil herself as swooning women was more along his style of dance. 


[color=green]”Tell me Mya, have you ever had the pleasure of enjoying the company of an Orc? Battle hardened and bedroom ready. How about you and me and a few of your friends here have a little war of our own underneath the sheets tonight.[/color] He grinned as he swooned the girl. She smiled and giggled at his words but she thought of an idea. She leaned in and whispered in his ear. 


[i]“Why don’t you get Naela to join us? We may need some backup.”[/i] His eyes widened slightly and he looked away. 


[color=green]”Umm. We could, but I don’t think I’ll win the war with her joining in heheh.”[/color] She giggled and shook her head. 


[i]“Tsk tsk tsk. If she doesn’t join us then I think we will leave the battle for another time.”[/i] 


[color=green]”Fine! Fine! Shit. Probably gonna need an ice pack afterwards.[/color]


Kiara and Cynbel talked throughout their dance. She had asked him for updates on the war, wanting to hear all about the battles that she was missing out on. He asked her about training, but she didn’t give him many details on that. The next thing he said after that almost had her melting on the floor. [color=lightgray]”You make me very proud, my little cherry.”[/color] he said, kissing her forehead lightly as the song came to a close. He walked her back to their table as she was basically floating on cloud nine. The human changelings had brought out some dishes and placed them on the tables by now.


The Unseelie princess took a glass of faerie mead upon sitting down beside Sulleykaar. She plucked a scrumptious looking cupcake off of the display and licked the frosting off of it first.


Sulley glanced over to her. [color=9e0b0f]”I’m glad to see you’re having fun. You missed Garax dancing on the toes of many females instead of dancing on the floor. I swear he has two left feet and one step to match it.”[/color] He snorted out a small plume of smoke to which Felix chuckled.


[color=gray]”Oh??”[/color] Kiara asked after retracting her tongue and closing her eyes, enjoying the sweetness of the frosting. [color=gray]”And I take it you must think yourself more graceful?”[/color] she quipped., trying to imagine stiff, stuffy Sulleykaar on the dancefloor.


He gave a mocked hurt look. [color=9e0b0f]”Don’t be so mean, Kiki. I don’t want to have to increase the training regimes, you may wind up looking like Naela.”[/color] He sputtered out the last part between muffled fits of laughter. [color=9e0b0f]”I’ll have you know despite my stiffness, I am quite graceful and agile on the dancefloor. I have swooned women over my dancing skills alone, and have made married men jealous. I am a god on the dancefloor.”[/color] Felix simply rolled his eyes, muttering something about ego-inflated dragons.


Burning, sweet mead threatened to come out of her nose as Kiara laughed. [color=gray]”Hehehe. Riiiiight! A god among men! Should I feel [i]honored[/i] that you are even letting me sit beside you?”[/color] she chuckled and finished the rest of her cupcake in a few, quick bites. [color=9e0b0f]”Of course! I’m a dragon after all. Being a god on the dancefloor is simply part of the package hmhmhmhmhm.”[/color] He stood and walked around Kiara, running a hand down her shoulder until he held her hand, gesturing for her to join him on the dancefloor in one fluid motion. [color=9e0b0f]”Let me show you, if you doubt me.”[/color] He lead her to the dance floor. She probably had expected him to remain stiff but the moment he moved in he spun and pulled her in close as he seemed to glide across the floor like a disembodied spirit, floating along the way with grace. [color=9e0b0f]”And prove to you how good I am.”[/color]


Kiara half smiled at the dragon as they twirled around the ballroom. [color=gray]”You are so easy, dragon.”[/color] she said in a purr. This was, of course, her goal in poking fun at him about his dancing skills. The dance continued at alternating slow and high tempos, it was styled like one of the ones where you switched partners, so Kiara and Sulley separated. Kiki even danced with the orc, whom she had to offer some pointers to. When the dance was over, Kiara returned to Sulleykaar and smiled wide. 


[color=gray]”Thank you for this, I am grateful.”[/color] she said, resting her palm on his arm. Vivienne was there, watching her lover swoon over the man who had stolen her away, and glowered at the intimate gesture. Sulley had thought about it for the time of the dance whether or not he should. It was at this moment. This special little moment together that he did. It was uncharacteristic of him but he moved her hand off of his arm and brought it into his own hand, cupping it with the other as he raised Kiara’s hand gently to his lips briefly before looking into her eyes. 


[color=9e0b0f]”You’re quite welcome, Kiki. You deserved this.”[/color] That genuine smile on his face again. He gave her a slight nod and turned back towards the table only to catch sight of  a black-haired girl gazing at him with what might be [i]jealousy[/i]? Deciding not to let this go unnoticed, he turned and moved in her direction until he came face to face with her. [color=9e0b0f]”Hello there. I couldn’t help notice the intense and rather covetous look you were sending my way my dear. I would love to know why?”[/color]


Vivienne grinned that spine-shivering Unseelie grin. [color=darkslategray]”Because you’re dancing with my girl, Mrywn.”[/color] she said matter-of-factly, a hint of aggression in her tone. The horned fey was a fierce looking girl, pixie-like, but taller and thicker than Kiara.


[color=9e0b0f]”[i]Your[/i] girl? Hmm.. From what I know of her she doesn’t particularly like being claimed as some form of property, [i]faerie[/i].”[/color] The name of her species said with a bit of steel behind it.


[color=darkslategray]”Oh?? Property, no, but being claimed… well I remember her liking that quite a bit. Has something changed?”[/color] the girl asked, smirking at Kiara with a dark glint in her eye.


Kiara blushed a little before smiling dismissively. [color=gray]”S-sulleykaar, this is my lover, Vivienne. Vivie, this is… Sulleykaar.”[/color] she chose her words carefully, not looking to offend her further. She hadn’t ever seen Vivie’s jealous side before, and she has taken a few lovers since they met. Plus, if she could get them to get along, maybe they could all play nice together tonight. Wouldn’t that be a nice send off for tomorrow morning?


Vivienne curtsied politely, though there was little feeling behind it. It was a courtesy, a propriety that the fey upheld when meeting new people. Sulleykaar simply smiled that discreet fake one that Kiara had learned all too well. [color=9e0b0f]”Pleasure”.[/color] He said flatly, his tone contradicting his smile. He glanced over to Kiara. [color=9e0b0f]”So Kiki, she has informed me that you are [i]her[/i] girl. I would love to learn more about this. Seeing as how two beautiful women such as yourselves managed to pair though, in all honesty, I am not complaining.”[/color] He sat down on the side of them and glanced between the two.


[color=gray]”She tells the truth, as we all do.”[/color] she smiled warmly to the taller faerie. [color=gray]”What do you say? Shall we [i]teach[/i] him more about this, love?”[/color] she purred, biting her lip. Vivie tried to keep a stoic face but couldn’t help but smile at Kiara. She could be a convincing little minx. 

[color=9e0b0f]” How about I show you how to truly [i]claim[/i] someone, faerie. Or should I say -”[/color] He leaned into her, his whisper breathy and long as he drew out her name. To add to it he let a bit of ice magic gingerly touch the nape of her neck. [color=9e0b0f]”Vivieeee”[/color] His tongue grazing her neck. [color=9e0b0f]”I say this feast is over but the after party just begun, hm?”[/color]