The White District. It was the military force of the city of Sularia. Damon had yet to visit the location before since most of his trips to the city were contained to the Yellow District for trading and resupplying while passing through. He was surprised that is contract had been picked up and it was a rather long one at that. The bid had come through his usual contacts, but it was an unusual one. Coin had been sent in advance and the amount had been quite high. The phoenix had actually needed to put it safely away with a bank. It had been a long time since his services had been pulled into the higher rankings of the nobility, but it was time for him to get back to what he did best. Damon rolled his shoulders to loosen up his muscles. Nobles had a tendency to speak down to him when they were going over his assignment. He was the hired muscle; the body guard to protect and remain unseen by others of stature. There were few that could imagine that the muscle could have a brain as well.

Damon tapped the tip of his boots before crossing into the military district. Ynx remained close to his side as they walked through the large yards. Her ears remained perked and wings tightly pinned to her back. Though she glanced periodically at the dragons that lounged around the area, the young sphinx remained relaxed beside her companion. ’You better do well on this assignment. This could mean big things for the two of us. Do try not to screw this up.’ Her words were course as she instructed the phoenix. Damon glanced down at her with a lifted brow, knowing that whatever he could respond with would be just thrown right back at him.

Green leather reflected dully in the sunlight that shown from above. Full quiver was slung across his chest and back along with his flaming bow that had been a gift ages ago. He was in full gear to establish that he was there for work and quite capable. As the pair walked it was easy for him to note that the dragons, though lounging, were keeping a watchful eye on them. Phoenixes that could change such as Damon were still noticed by other mythical creatures. He bowed his head slightly and closed his blue eyes in respect to them. They gave him a slight honor in return just as he made his way into the large mansion.

The main doors were open on the gorgeous day for easy access and departure. Damon walked into the foyer only to be greeted by the first set of guards. None came off as threatening, but most certainly were watching his movements carefully. The phoenix’s features were like a stone wall as he waited for the questioning to be over. His letter of summons was shown to prove his requested presence. Ynx flicked her lion tail multiple times to indicate her agitation. They should have known who her companion was and respected him. A gloved finger touched the sphinx’s cheek gently to reassure her that he was well and to not be upset. Ynx flicked her tail once more before containing her mood.  

A pair of soldiers ushered Damon into the meeting room of the Queen in order to wait for further instructions. The room was vast and full of books, scrolls and documentation in general that were most likely of great importance. He wondered if the Queen had wanted to bring Damon on board to be another one of her guards in the mansion. The letter had not been specific enough for him to have any true indication of his assignment. Anyone that sent that amount of silver in advance of the job most certainly had his attention

Toya was in a particularly good mood. Which was good for anyone any time of the week. On her hip was baby Sparrow. He had curly blonde hair and blue eyes. He was babbling up at his mom and showing her the shiny on her neck. “No pull Sparrow. That is a good gift.” She kissed the top of his head.

“My lady, we have a visitor in the meeting room.” Toya looked up to acknowledge.

“Very well.” Toya looked like a young mother as she stepped in. Her curly brown hair was wild and her green eyes spoke her experience. “Welcome to my humble home…” She plopped Sparrow down in a seat and watched as he fussed at her. “Mommy is working now.”

Grabbing a few pieces of paper. “I hired you for a simple little thing really.” That was when everything went to fucking hell. The doors burst open and screams were happening. Toya was slowly losing her cool by the look on her face. “WHAT DO YOU LITTLE HEATHENS THINK YOU ARE DOING?!” There were two eight-year-olds. One with long brown curls, a girl, and one with short blonde hair, a boy. They were staring up at her with big blue eyes as they stopped.

“GRANDMA! You won’t believe it. There was this giant rat.”

“Yeah, this giant rat and we saw it run in here. We thought you were in trouble.”

“Yeah, and we wanted to make sure you were safe because you had Sparrow.” Tempest, the girl, moved to take the baby. Toya was swift as picked up the baby first.

“No way,” Toya glared at them. “March your asses right back out of this room. I know you to me. That or you released a giant rat inside… Now, which is it?”

The twins looked at each other for a moment and thought about it. “Well… It might have been… that we released a giant rat inside.”

Toya growled a bit and whistled loudly. A smaller dragon slinked in. “Get it out of my house. AND YOU TWO, go to your rooms…” The children put their heads down and went up the stairs.

“I was having a bloody good day before this… My apologies… My name is Toya Rose-Wintercrest. This is my son Sparrow… and those two little troublemakers were my grandchildren Kite and Tempest. You’ll find most days I’m a bit of a bitch so I hope you take my offer knowing that. But I didn’t hire you for me… Or for the children.”

Damon knew that his current locale was a busy one and rather spirited as well.  It would be the main focus for all of the military might for the city.  After walking through the district he wondered why his contract would be purchased.  There were obviously were many that his patron could have chosen from in their own ranks.  Dragons were even lounging on the districts grounds.  He began to frown as he continued to think about it further.  Though he could not afford, literally, to decline a contract for any reason.  Now that he was getting back into the world of nobility military use, he needed to not think about it so much.  

Upon hearing voices outside of the room, the phoenix turned with hands locked behind him in military attention style.  Eyes were focused as the door opened for a woman that looked young to enter the room.  In her arms was a baby with quite different features than her own.  Damon bowed his head slightly in return to her greeting.  Now was the time his old habits were coming back to him as if muscle memory was taking over.  He was of little words in general, but even fewer when it came to his job.  Green gazed flickered over to the child for less then a second to witness the babe fussing for attention.

The guard was pleased that he didn't move or speak as a whirlwind made its way into the room.  That whirlwind was comprised of two small children that had the ability to get on Lady Toya's nerves.  It was all thanks to years of practice that Damon was able to keep his face completely neutral.  He watched and listened through the entire ordeal.  What surprised him the most was that the lady was a grandmother.  She certainly did not look like one, but then again Damon did not look his age.  The thought made him slip a small smile which he hid away quickly.  

His sights then set upon the smaller dragon that entered the room and took instruction.  Again he remained silent as the situation appeared to settle itself once more.  Damon turned on his heel only in the slightest in order to be facing his patron full on.  Hands were still folded at military attention behind his back.  As she began to speak his back straightened even further, ready for instructions.  "I do not mind whatever mood you wish to be in, m'lady.  But if you do not wish to have me part of your military for you, or those children….then who would you like me to be guarding?"  Damon made no moves and didn't even tilt his head though the curiosity was filling him intensely.  

Toya thought about it long and good how to answer Damon’s question. She balanced the baby on her hip. “Well, not all of my children or my grandchildren have the capabilities to protect themselves or their children. I’ve called you here today to protect someone for me within the city walls and wherever it is she would go.”

“Grandma?” There was a meek and shy voice that came from the door now. She had long brown tresses and bi-colored eyes one green and one blue. She was very short with tanned skin. She had large white angel wings that were folded up behind her. A soft sundress of purple on her body. “You asked for me?”

Toya beckoned her in and Astrid closed the door. “This is who I hired you for.” Astrid turned her eyes to him and watched him softly.

“Grandma that’s not needed…”

“After what happened Astrid… I am not going to argue this with you. Damon will escort you where you need to go and he will watch out for you. I will have no arguments from you.” Toya was stern as Astrid folded her hands in front of her with an upset face. “Formal introductions Damon this is my second oldest grandchild Astrid. You will come to learn this whole family over time so I am not concerned with you learning all their names right now. They come and go as they please but thanks to Astrid being frail she isn’t one to leave Sularia often. I actually hired you to take her out into the world if necessary for her.”

This was rather awkward for Toya but she rubbed the back of her neck. “I can’t afford any of my own soldiers to do this task so that’s why I asked for one out of the house. That and I think someone who isn’t from Sularia should be the one to escort Astrid. She could learn from you where she can’t learn from the people here. I am far too busy with my youngest to pay complete attention right now.” She motioned to Sparrow who was content in his mother’s arms. “Also my two youngest grandchildren are handfuls as well. Which led to this decision. I leave Astrid in your capable hands and I will pay you well. You’ll have living quarters here as well as food provided for you.”

The newly hired body guard waited patiently and quietly for his answer. He was not about to jump headlong into a new job without proper information, but also he knew that the job would be his. Damon was not about to let such a large commission that had a long potential to it go to waste. His chin lifted slightly as Toya readjusted the child on her hip. It was clear that she was attempting to formulate an answer that would come to a proper conclusion. So it was someone who had little to no experience with fighting that would need his protection. Damon was not able to pose another inquiry since a gentle voice called out to the Queen.

His head turned to see that of a young woman who had the wings typical of the angelic race. The angels that had been in his past were ones that were warriors. This one did not seem to have those abilities. Damon moved slightly on his heels to be able to see both his employer and protectee. Her features were delicate. There was little muscle that told of training or that of built up muscle on her. She was a fair creature that would get attention of those at court that would look to propel their ranks within the court. With her grandmother being the queen of the military district, it would mean that she would be the focus for many young suitors. Damon already knew that he would have to be on his toes to ensure her safety if they were ever to leave the district. He was less worried about that then when there would be formal affairs. The suitors tend to be more aggressive as their desperation became more intense. Damon had seen it before on previous jobs.

Ears perked at the mention that there had been a previous incident that made the queen decide on hiring someone formally. The phoenix made no motion to bow formally, but did bow his head in respect. If they were to be paired then he had to set the boundaries now. “Good day to you, Astrid,” he finally said. His voice was on the rougher side, but had enough lithe to it that he did well within nobles’ company. “You can trust me. I will protect you. You may enjoy a normal life, and with proper preparation…you may travel outside the confines of the district if you would like.” He allowed a half smile to prove that she could trust him.

Damon turned back to Toya and nodded his head in agreement. “I have travelled quite far and have an ample knowledge of the lands. I am sure you know of my previous contracts; the one with the Goddess Rhylana. Unfortunate circumstances did come to light, but I managed entire guard. I will handle this contract well for you.” The guard moved over to the table. “Is there anything you would like me to fill out to finalize the contract? And where would my quarters be? I request that they are nearby if not next to that of Lady Astrid’s. It is important for me to be close by at all times.”

Astrid’s delicate features were already turned towards Damon. Her wide beautiful eyes were much more like water crystal and emerald. They bore into him with innocence as she studied him up and down. It was not every day that she met someone new in the city. Mostly she stayed home and painted her life away or read books that her grandmother brought her. Matter of fact in her soft brown curls there was evidence of her last painting adventure. Splotches of color were still stuck to some strands of hair.

Her body was supple in most ways that angels typically were not which made sense since she was more of a half breed. “Hello Damon,” she gave him her best smile as she curtsied proudly. She had a lot more manners than the other woman in the room. At least Toya had done something right. She noticed the paint in her hair and moved her hand to remove it. “I suppose that would be really exciting. I would love to explore this world a bit more. I’ve only ever seen picture books of most of the cities.”

Toya put her hand on her hip and sighed a bit. It sounded more like a massive relief that this was going smoothly. “No, you will find that in Arri we take words much more over paper. Plus we have our ways of ensuring things go smoothly.” There was a grim undertone to that. “As for your quarters… There is a free room across from her’s. I recently sent her sister to Horae to help with dragon taming.” Toya waved her hand. “So you don’t have to deal with that… Speaking of Remedy…”

Astrid’s face lit up as the door chased in. It was a girl who was lither than Astrid with long platinum blonde curls and green eyes. She had weapons on her and her wings were not as big as Astrid’s. “Oi, we got an order for you, Grandma… We need some supplies for–” The blonde woman stopped and her eyes snapped to Damon almost immediately. She wasn’t much smaller than Astrid but it was apparent even by how tiny she was compared to her curvaceous sister. “What the fuck is this?”

Toya let out a sigh that now seemed displeased. “This is Damon. I hired him to protect your sister… Is that a problem?”

Remedy had a wild look in her eye for a moment as she pulled Damon down to her level. “If she gets hurt I will hurt you.” She let Damon go and gave the paperwork to her grandmother. “Ciao.” She kissed Astrid’s cheek and left as soon as she came. There was a young man who was standing out there waiting for Remedy. They seemed close before they took off.

“Well… That could have gone a lot worse,” Astrid put her best smile on once more as she came over and straightened out Damon’s wares. “Don’t be… worried about Rem. She is very protective of me. She hasn’t been okay with new people around me since the incident. So please don’t be mad at her.”

Toya looked down at Sparrow for a moment and let out a sigh. “As you can see those two are as different as storms and sunshine. You’ll find that a lot of people are like that here in Sularia. My house is a mad house but you’ll get used to it. Daylor still is trying to fit in though but Keira spends most of her time out of the city. Keira is my daughter and she is an expert map maker. I wouldn’t be surprised if the maps you’ve seen are maps she has drawn. However, she is about as much of a fighter as Astrid here is… The only difference is Keira is hardier and can take a hit. I’ll leave you two alone to get acquainted. I need to check up on Tempest and Kite and see what trouble they are causing.”

The queen left the two of them alone and Astrid got a bit shyer now that Toya wasn’t in the room. “I’ll try and not be so much of a burden on you. I’m not strong like my sister.” She bowed once more and gave a smile. “But I can show you to your room now… Hopefully, it won’t be much of an issue to get there. The twins sometimes boobytrap the house.”

It was quite clear that the client had no idea of the set up that was to be put into place. Sometimes Damon found this to be helpful, while other times it was a hindrance. Reluctant protectees were difficult to keep track of since most of their efforts went into trying to dodge him. With being a veteran in the field, he knew just about all the tricks. As he looked at the young woman’s eyes he could see that she was far too innocent to attempt such things. Damon almost pitied her since it was clear that she was not one to go outside the confines of home. The phoenix could also tell that if they did leave home, there would be many attracted to the wings on her back. She would be a rather easy target. It was a good thing that Damon’s features were direct opposite then her’s. Jaw was angular with dark stubble upon it to show that he had not had the time to shave recently. Muscles pushed out against the armor that he wore in evidence that he was constantly working out to stay on top of the military rankings.

He bowed his head in response to her curtsey. It was impressive the difference between the two women in the room. “You may have that opportunity if we plan accordingly. If you tell me where you wish to go, I can take you there as long as you heed my words. This does not need to be an inconvenience for you. Though, if you wish to go to the markets, I do not carry your purchases. I must remain diligent at all times.” Damon was not going to be a carryall for someone while he needed to keep his hands free in case of combat.

His head turned back to Toya and nodded in agreement. He was perfectly fine with a verbal contract. Honor was something he held in high esteem. “A room across from Astrid works for me. She is still obviously allowed freedoms. I am a mere shadow.” His last statement turned towards Astrid to make sure she understood how the set up was to work. He did not want his clients to feel stifled. If a guard could only protect their assignments if they are hidden in doors…well then they weren’t worth their contracts being purchased.

Damon could hear the footsteps before the boisterous girl stormed into the room. Her height was slighter than that of Astrid, which meant that he loomed even further over her. He watched as she strode across the room and she made a grab for his armor collar. It took everything in him not to grab her arm and snap it behind her back. She was still his employer’s granddaughter. Damon returned the glared and a light of a blue flame flashed in his eyes. The phoenix pulled at every notion of decency in him to hold back from retaliation. Muscles in his jaw flexed repeatedly as his teeth remained clenched.

“If you have a registry of some sort that I could study, that would be appreciated,” he mused towards Toya as he continued to glare after Remedy. Damon turned back to Toya. He nodded once more as the queen left the new pair alone. As she offered to show him to his room, the guard nodded down at her. He was not much for talking. “That would be appreciated,” he finally responded. A shy young woman and a silent guard…there was no potential for consistent awkwardness there. “I am fairly talented to handle booby-traps. I will keep an eye out for them.”

Astrid took one look at Damon and began to panic. “No! I would never!” She took a heavy breath as she waved her arms at him. “That just seems so lazy.” She blushed a bit towards him. “I can carry my own things I promise. I am not so feeble that I need assistance that much.” Her eyes moved away from his. “I wish to make your job as easy as possible even if I do not consent to this. I accept my grandmother’s decision.” Toya nodded a bit to the girl’s words. She was the more accepting one of the two.

“Rem…” Astrid went to reach out to confront her sister but she stifled herself as she sort of backed off. Remedy had seen the look in his eye but blew it off. There was a sad look on Astrid’s face as Remedy left the room.

Toya waved her hand. “There’s one in the study. Astrid can show you where that is since it is on the second floor.”

The half angel could tell that Damon wasn’t one for talking. This would make it hard since she was bad with conversation. She put her finger up to her lips as she thought about it. “This way.” The dining room was the next room over and it was empty but with toys strung about. “They always make such a mess.” She gave him the best smile she could. “They are good kids but with their mother not always being here, they tend to do whatever they want even if they have rules set. My aunt Keira is always on the move as a map maker and they can’t go with her.”

The stairs winded up the building as she took hold of her skirts and lifted them up so she could step up easily. “About Rem,” Astrid stopped them and turned to him. “She just worries. I know you probably don’t like her. I am not asking you to like her or even tolerate how she treats you. I think it would be good for someone to put her in her place once in a while… but she is still my older sister. I don’t wish to worry her any more than I have.” Her voice was soft as she turned back around and headed the rest of the way up the stairs.

The hallway was long with lots of rooms but she got to the last set of doors and opened one on the left-hand side. It was a lavish bedroom with a full set of furniture and a large four-poster bed. “This is your room… There is a wash room not that far down the hall.” She opened her own room. It had bookshelves full of books, art supplies, and a messy bed just as big as his own. The colors of the room were bright oranges and pinks. The canopy of her own bed was in the same colors of silk.

“This is my room… Though you probably want to know where the study is?” Her eyes moved back to Damon’s after avoiding them for some time.

The phoenix’s eye narrowed a moment while looking down at her in an examining way. Once he seemed satisfied with her answer a curt nod was given. “Good. That means we have an accord. I am here for your protection, and you may move about your life as you wish. I am a mere shadow. Do not concern with my job being easy. I want you to live your life, though do not put in danger for the sake to see my skills.” Damon allowed himself to give her a small smile in hopes of making their interactions to be easier. She seemed to have a steady head upon her shoulders. Heeding her grandmother’s words was a good start for him to place their relationship upon. When there were protectees that did not wish to have him there….well those turned messy.

As the sister, Remedy, left the room he watched her with a glare in his eyes. It was good that Remedy cared for her sister, but it was not going to do her well to put herself in situations that could get herself hurt. Damon would remain silent on the topic for that point. With that flare of temper out of the other female she had the possibility of trying to take Astrid down with her. That would not be something that Damon would allow now that he was her guardian.

He turned his head to look over his shoulder at Toya. A quick nod was given. He would need to study this vast family if he was going to do his job correctly. Many would be coming in and out of that large mansion. He had heard of the Rosenite clan, but to see the expansion first hand made it more difficult to think he could remember them all. A book would help keep it straight.

Damon gave a polite bow to Toya before following Astrid out of the room. His brow lifted as he saw the dining room was covered in toys, but he said nothing in regards to it. The children belonged to a Keira who was the map maker that Toya spoken of previously. That was good to know. The pair made their way up the stairs while Astrid touched on the topic of her sister. He was a few steps behind her and looked at her when she had turned around to speak. Damon’s hand rested lightly on the handrail. Blue eyes focused on her as she attempted to phrase her request carefully. It was clear that Astrid was not one for confrontation. That was also a good thing to know. “I will take that into consideration, for you Astrid.”

There was a pause before they continued on their way up the stairs to where their quarters were. He glanced in quickly to see what quarters he would be set up with. Damon tilted his head and gave a small smirk. It would be one of his best quarters besides the one he had with Rhylana at the temple. Taking a rich contract had its perks for sure. Damon pulled the door closed before following Astrid into her’s. He glanced down at her as she finally made eye contact for the first time in a little bit. She was a shy little thing. “The study would be good,” he responded while backing up to give her space to move past him.

The guard knew that he could set others to an uncomfortable tone, but he rarely had much to say. Being silent had been the best way to do his job. Following someone from the shadows had been his life’s work. Being a phoenix with his capabilities was not easy to find a purpose. This had been the one thing that worked out for him.

Astrid tilted her head a bit at him and thought about his words. “Even shadows need some light to thrive Damon.” That was all she had for him as she mulled over the question.

They went up the stairs only for her to give him her thoughts. It was good for her to do so because she was so outspoken. She showed him all the bedrooms first before she walked around him. “The study isn’t far from here like I said… It’s a tad small compared to other places.”

The half angel took him to the end of the hall and opened up the door. The room was done in red and gold. It was just as big as a bed with shelves lining the wall and a desk in the middle. It was clearly only for one or two people at a time. Astrid pulled a chair over to compensate for her height. Getting up on the soft satin seat she pushed herself up on her tippy toes. “It’s here… Somewhere.” She moved books and the chair wobbled but she moved one of her legs to get it to stabilize. “Mmmm. AH HA!” She was so happy when she found it her foot slipped on the satin and she grabbed the book as she fell.

The phoenix was fast as he grabbed her. “Oh… Thank you, Damon.” The half angel gave him an appreciative smile. “Here it is.” In his arms, before he could even put her back up she offered the book up to him.