Author: Kingston Wolfsbane, Posted: Sat May 25, 2019 11:56 AM, Post Subject: Apples from Different Trees [P,R]

It wasn’t like Maxen needed to be egged on, he was so much of a doofus to keep at himself. Toya merely fed onto it and his brother could only watch while shaking his head as he kept on going, trying to catch a wave. While she did find humor in this like her mother, Aurora gave her a “really? look after a little while and got up to dive into the water and make her way towards him. “Hey, position your feet like this.” She moved them according and told him how to keep his stance and then sent him on his way. “Remember, don’t go against the wave, Maxen.”

While he positioned himself according and did as she said, the moment she said his name, he froze and a wave crashed down onto him again. Aurora facepalmed and swam back to resume her sunbathing. “Well, at least she talked to him”, Kingston sighed. His brother wasn’t a hopeless cause, but sometimes he did wonder about him. But his thoughts turned to Aria and their conversation as they strolled down the beach. He took his time, matching her step for step as to not overwhelm her.

Hannah’s face was that of a stony one for a time, “That’s why…I felt that there was something different about her and why she didn’t accept healing. Why haven’t any of you told her of that pull?” Her voice wasn’t accusing, but that of general wondering as she watched the two from a distance. Was it cruel to not tell her, or would have been even more so to do it? All she could do was let this play by ear and see what happened next. Kingston was a good man, and wouldn’t purposely do anything to hurt someone he didn’t have to.

“I see. But wouldn’t she be just as worried about you as you are of her? I’d imagine that she would want you to live and be happy too. Fight to live and not be anchored so much by the past. My father has been gone for a long time, but I’d imagine that he wouldn’t want me to sink into despair. Forgive me if I spoke out of turn.”

He had watched her since they started walking and he saw that she was happier than she had been yesterday. The setting brought it out of her. “You seem more radiant than before in our short time. You should live your life like it's your last day. That is something I have actually learned from my brother, though I don’t take it too much to heart as he does.” Speaking of which, Maxen was getting the hang of surfing and started to show off when he did, which rightfully resulted in him falling off his board. Aurora burst out laughing at him and his head came up with a sheepish smile.

“I have seen thirty-five Igniuses so far, so that would be more or less how old you are”, he offered as he joined her in the feet high water.

Author: Aria, Posted: Sat May 25, 2019 10:56 AM, Post Subject: Apples from Different Trees [P,R]

“Surfacing on the wave. Don’t let a child show you up Maxen. A man should be able to do anything he sets his mind to.” Toya watched him run off to the water with the wrong form and didn’t bother to correct him. “He’ll figure it out… Eventually.”

Aria chuckled a bit and looked at Kingston. “Toya taught Cinder when was a wee babe. Would put her on the board with her and surf around. It scared me the first few times because it looked like the ocean would swallow her up. Unlike Maxen once Cinder started to learn to do it herself… Toya taught her in the tidal pool. How to balance herself and how to approach the wave. She took to it like a fish.”

Toya smirked at Hannah. “It seems to be something that all Rosenites do when they are young. Some of us mature a lot faster than others but… then there are those like Maxen.” Toya knew she set him up and she wasn’t ashamed of it. “It’s kinda like riding on the back of a sand wurm when its really pissed off at you.”

Kingston’s answer to Aria made her flush red for a few seconds. She wasn’t expecting such an answer as it had been more of a joke but she did appreciate it all the same. “Sure, I’ll let you know when I start to get tired.” She had no idea how far she could make it down the beach line but she would try that much was for sure.

Aria was hesitant at first as she took his arm but gave him a light smile as they moved down the beach. She let her feet feel the water and it was a sensation she hadn’t felt for a very long time. That much could be told from the way her face held a certain smile the moment she felt it.

Toya put her hands on her hips. “They are probably going to be in a lot of trouble. Especially the older one.” She had been watching and she knew full on when something had it’s gears turning. “For Aria’s sake, I hope not though. I think heartbreak would kill her.” Still, Toya wouldn’t interfere. “Maybe it will get her to live though instead of sitting in a room waiting to die.” Her green eyes moved to Hannah’s. “The turned are much more prone to desiring death when their sires are killed. You know this. You had to have suspected it when she wouldn’t allow herself to be healed. I don’t even think Aria knows it though. She’s holding out for Cinder but once she is grown… What will happen? I do wonder about it and worry.”

Aria listened as she watched the water. “Casimir was taken from us by his mother. She was ruthless and the reason why he hid us here. Cinder remembers bits and pieces even though she was a baby. She is very close to Colden who looks a lot like his brother. I don’t think she even realizes that’s why she clings to him. I wonder if I’ve done a good job raising a Rose child. They are so wild and I feel like sometimes I hold Cinder back. A parent shouldn’t hold their child back and I try not to.” She appeared conflicted. “I thought if I just stayed home and not push myself that she would live her life but it only made her more worried.”

She looked at Kingston. “Angela told me that you are actually my age. She could tell just from quickly looking.” There was a laugh. “I don’t know how old I am but Angela always knows these things. Life is weird.”

Author: Maxen Wolfsbane, Posted: Fri May 24, 2019 6:58 PM, Post Subject: Apples from Different Trees [P,R]

Maxen heard his name and his head darted towards where Toya was and swiftly made his way over to him. As soon as she heard what her mother had in store for him, she smirked and kept an eye on the boy as he watched Cinder ride the waves. “The hell is she doing?”, he questioned just before he was handed the board. What a strange thing it was, but if he wanted to impress Aurora like how her mom said, he would do it. “Seems easy enough, thanks.” And with that, he ran out into the waters to see if he could catch a wave and show off. His brother had far less confidence in his ability. “Yes, and he’s not the most humble of souls I’m afraid. He’ll take the bait if it means that girl talks to him.”

“He has guts, I’ll give him that”, their mother exclaimed but as soon as he saw a wave and headed for it, the fool didn’t know how to quite position himself and ended up wiping out ungracefully. “And that’s about all he has too.”

She left the two for the time being and Kingston looked up to Aria. “Of course I would. Right away too.” He wasn’t the sort to be full of himself like Maxen and in comparison was much more level headed. Perhaps it was because it was due to the difference in age between the brothers.

Garland was in the midst of capturing Angelette in their little game before he nodded and splashed her back a tiny bit. “That sand is wet and mushy, perfect for making a castle, sweetie.”

Kingston’s eyes fell upon the scars Aria carried- the desert life was cruel at times and he knew just how much in his short life. “I’d imagine that no one could forget such atrocities. But as everywhere else says, you only get strong from what doesn’t kill you.” Even with her desert lung, she still drew breath. He glanced for a bit to see that Maxen wasn’t about to quit and tried again to ride the wave, lasting a bit longer than the previous but the same result happened. “Feel up for a walk”, he asked her. “Don’t worry, we don’t have to go far if you don’t want to.”

If she agreed, he got up to his feet and took her arm with his own and went at her pace. Hannah saw this from a distance and prayed to herself that these boys didn’t get too attached to their Oasis counterparts. They would be leaving soon and she couldn’t deal with one heartbreak, let alone two if she knew where this was going. She moved over to Toya, “I swear, these boys are gonna be in trouble if they don’t want to leave.” Again, Maxen found himself eating seawater and his mother laughed.

“I have no doubt that they are. It was why I had Mother make the request. There’s a lot of history between our kins, some good, some bad but mostly indifferent.” Kingston drew them a bit closer to the water, “The desert is known to take whatever it can get. It took my father and later on, Maxen’s as well. Mother and the rest of the tribe raised us the whole time. They are what keeps me going and I’d gladly die for them. Seems like the same was true of your Casimir. He too sounded like he had a purpose greater than himself and he knew it.”

Author: Aria, Posted: Fri May 24, 2019 5:30 PM, Post Subject: Apples from Different Trees [P,R]

Toya watched the boy Maxen oogle her daughter and huffed. Blaine would have a field day with that. She had a few boards with them. “MAXEN!” Toya yelled as she looked over at him. “Come here, Boy.”

Cinder ran over and grabbed a board. Soon she ran into the ocean towards the waves and paddled. “Watch what Cinder does.” Soon Cinder was riding the waves and Toya grabbed one of her own. “Instead of oogling my daughter and not saying a damn thing… Impress her.” She shoved a board in his arms.

Aria looked at Kingston and laughed as she overheard Toya. “Your brother is going to be in a lot of trouble. Toya is a master of fire but she spends a lot of time at night catching waves here in Sularia. She taught Cinder how to do it.”

She looked over Kingston though and nodded. “I’ll be fine. Besides, you are sitting right next to me, right? If I pass out you can just catch me or something.” It was a tiny joke that she caught herself laughing at. “Angela gave me an herbal soak last night so I have a bit more energy today than I have in a while.”

Angelette was squealing as she ran around away from her grandfather. “Grandpa, can we play in the water?” She splashed the water up at him. “It’s cold.” The sand was slippery and went through her hands when she picked it up.

Aria looked happy as she leaned into the wind against her back. She closed her green eyes and felt the mist of the ocean against her from the crashing water at the docks. “I am thankful that Kirika thought of me for being your hostess. It’s been a long time since I could enjoy being with my family and with others. I can't remember anything from before I woke up to Casimir over me when the slave traders were all attacked. He turned me without a thought but obviously, it did nothing for my memory. All I have is this strange and wonderful family. I am a soul that shouldn't have had a second chance and set I have my Cinder." With her hair up it was plain to see the scars from gods knew what across her back. Whatever she had forgotten seemed terrifying but not surprising for the desert. "They are good people and you are lucky to have them as allies."

Author: Kingston Wolfsbane, Posted: Fri May 24, 2019 4:54 PM, Post Subject: Apples from Different Trees [P,R]

“A Wintercrest still wins out of that. Never said it had to be me, darling.” He stuck his tongue out at her and her reasoning. “Toya…remember the last time you messed with your sister? She got you knocked up with Sparrow… “ He rolled his eyes and headed off back to their house before Aelwen and Angela made their leave too.

“My mother, Angela, is a goddess”, Lucian explained but Hannah put up a hand to stop him. “Even we are aware of who Angela is and her importance. We just never expected her…to to be how she was earlier.” Speaking of which, he was sure that she quelled down the fighting between the cousins. But the bigger picture, at least to Maxen, was to make sure he got them going to the beach so that way he could see that brunette angel again. And that would take the big dog that was his brother off his trail. Fortunately, Aria was too kind-hearted to refuse the offer and he cheered inwardly.

“If that’s the case, then it’ll be fine. I’m sure there will be no complaints about it as long as there’s a beach”, Kingston offered. It had been a while since they had set foot on one, and surely that was all that mattered.

They were used to chaos, but nothing like the sort that their hosts and the others had provided. Still, it was a pleasant event especially since everything had been ironed out. In the coming days, their tribe would receive the supplies necessary before they went on the move again. Sending the night in a well kept and the flourishing house was met with a similar reception and there was some concern that they would have to rip Maxen away from the house the next morning if he didn’t want to leave.

Heading to the beach, Hannah went in a green beach wrap and top while the boys were shirtless and were in loose trousers. They followed Toya, Aria, and the others across the city and were at the inlet. Aurora had come to soak up the sunlight and soon relaxed on a towel and fell quiet. Maxen sat down beside her and pretended to not pay her any heed, which she could quickly see through his ruse. Still, she didn’t argue against it and kept to herself.

“Are you going to be fine?”, Kingston asked Aria. He didn’t want to further her aliment if they could help it. He gave her a friendly smile as he felt onto the warm sand and sat down. His head only turned when he heard some old guy running towards them. Colden, who was also there, shook his head. “And here he is.”


“Now where’s my sweet pea?”,Garland nearly demanded before he caught sight of her in the little tidal pool. “There you are! Here comes the shark!” He trotted over to her and attempted to capture and tickle Angelette.

Author: Aria, Posted: Fri May 24, 2019 3:44 PM, Post Subject: Apples from Different Trees [P,R]

Toya withdrew from Blaine lightly. “The hell she would. You don’t win against Krystopher or your father when the three of you start to go at it. Aurora has a lot to learn. First off I don’t fuck with my sister because I know I’ll win. I fuck with her because I know it pisses her off!”

Toya sauntered back in after she had the tiff with her husband… Gods would tonight be fun for them, always was. “Isn’t Belle a pretty little thing?” While Belle took it in stride it was obviously because she had heard it from lots of others before. “She’s going to be my daughter-in-law. We’re planning a huge wedding between her and my boy. Maybe Hannah… You could come join the celebrations. Sularia weddings are something to witness once in a blue moon. How many more months is it Belle?”

Belle paused and thought about it. “Jay and I are getting married in the fall if everything goes right…” It wasn’t a direct answer but Toya had hounded them for a date when they knew they were sure. “We like the colors in the lower portion of Canelux so it sorta inspired us.” There was a blush before she cleaned up her tools.

Aria listened in when she got volunteered and was about to object. “I can’t go during the high day.” She was easily defeated. “I don’t think I could stay out in the sun for very long… but there is a private part of the beach by the Black Rose Court that the children use. We could use that spot as long as you don’t mind the little ones. I’m sure Shiroi and Angelette will join us.” Aria gave Kingston a smile.

“If Angelette is going to the beach you sure as fuck can guarantee that father-in-law of mine is going. He’s got a thing for Aja.” Toya pointed out as Aja played coy. Things with them were starting to get interesting and Aja didn’t hate the old wolf like she had.

-

The feast had gone off without an issue save for all of the siblings that joined them. It was loud but fun as the Rosenites shared their stories. Each one had different tales to tell from the warriors to the bards. Aria was forced to stay with the Red Court as she was far too exhausted to even carry herself anymore. With the help of the siblings, Aria made it to bed just fine.

In the morning, she had gone home so she could get the little beach spot ready for the invasion as she called it to Kingston. The mother changed into a light sundress and pulled up all of her hair with braids. She helped Cinder as well as they changed into swimwear. It had been so long that Aria didn’t have anything so she knew the dress would have to do.

Toya led the charge to the small inlet and the sand was richly red against the ocean. “The ocean!” Angelette was the first to charge towards it. Her little legs were moving fast as she went across the sand down to the water. She looked up for approval from her father before she splashed in a little tidal pool.

Aria made her way down from the house with her parasol and Cinder wasn’t fair behind. A white-haired girl and a black haired boy a few years older than Angelette were tagging along. “Auntie, can we go play in the water too?” The girl at least had manners.

“Sure, but watch Angelette.” Aria smiled as the children went off and did their own thing. There was still plenty of light out but thankfully the sun wasn’t as overhead. The little inlet was perfect for the number of people they had.

Author: Kingston Wolfsbane, Posted: Fri May 24, 2019 3:10 PM, Post Subject: Apples from Different Trees [P,R]

To say that his brother didn’t deserve what he got from that remark would have been a flat out lie. Kingston somberly looked on as his brother felt the wrath of the one he had called midget while Blaine and Toya bickered. “She has your temper and her first go to thought to solve something is with her fists”, he retorted. “Besides, if it was because of the Wintercrest blood, she’d be winning all her fights. She has the same problem that you do with Angela.” Aurora was struggling beneath her father’s grip as he held on casually. For his mother, Hannah at least understood why some of these Rosenites felt…off. The pink haired one didn’t seem like she was a pure one either. “His name is Maxen, and unfortunately too blunt at times for his own good”, the leader expressed with a sigh at the sight of blood.

“Aelwen! This is supposed to be a peaceful visit!”, Lucian groaned. Everything was going topsy turvy after a wonderful start. Where was his mother when he needed her? Maxen was holding onto his face from where that little pain in the ass had headbutted him. Still, he at least learned the name of that one girl- Aurora. He would have to see if she was alright later, given if he could get away from, his mother and brother. While the former wasn’t too much of a bother, Kingston could prove problematic. But fortunately, he was a quick thinker and could come up with something to distract him.

Kingston could see that the family were mixed and odd in demeanors, particularly Angela. Was it a problem that only affected them, or was all Oasis Rosenites like that? No…it didn’t seem to be the complete ruling as he saw Aria and then how she interacted with her daughter, who probably had been influenced by the others. Sularia was an odd place, but it felt right at the same time. Perhaps because once upon a time, their kind had lived here. Maxen noticed his brother looking at the sickly woman while a beautiful blonde woman tended to him and a scheme soon hatched up from his mind. “My fair angel, I thank you for tending to my wounds”, he said with a wink before he went over to his brother and put a hand onto his shoulder. “Since we will be here for the next couple of days, we should go to the beach tomorrow.”

“The beach?”, Kingston rose a brow.

“Yes, and Aria might be able to show us around since she wants to be gracious hostess, right ?”, he said, looking at her with a smile. Kingston knew he was up to something, but the content was lost on him as to what. “Certainly, the beach air would some good as well for her and it would be rude to not take to her request of assisting in this affair.” Hannah didn’t say anything, she knew him well to know what was really going on.

“Uh…of course. That is if it is alright with you, madam.”

Author: Aria, Posted: Thu May 23, 2019 8:54 PM, Post Subject: Apples from Different Trees [P,R]

Nerezza was writing a piece of paper when she heard Maxen. “I wouldn’t call her that if I was you… It makes her very pissed.” The older twin spoke up to Maxen. Her hearing was rather good. Nerezza looked at Hannah. “He might regret that. She put her fiance through three trees when he first called her something similar.” Nerezza put her hand to her side to show how small Aellie was. “It’s a complex.” She mouthed.

Toya looked at Blaine. “She’s a Wintercrest. She might be mine but she acts just like you.” She called out to her husband and chuckled. “I don’t know how he’s gonna handle her.” Toya looked towards Hannah. “I have six children. You met Aurora but I have my other daughters Keira, Ynnarah, and Rose. Then I have my boys Jayden and Sparrow. Sparrow is the baby. That was my loving husband Blaine. All of our children are half lycanthrope and they tend to act it.”

Aelwen finally got out of her restraints and made her way down. She had long pink hair and silver eyes. She was exotic looking and had a short but curvy body. “What’s your name?” She asked to Maxen.

“Aellie…” Nerezza warned but soon the smaller half Rosenite pulled Maxen down and headbutted him.

“That’s for calling me a midget.” A large war hammer appeared with carved runes. No ordinary warrior could hold something that heavy. It was clear by the way she was holding it that the weight of it didn’t affect her.

“And just what are you going to do with that?” Toya looked at it.

“Does bitchface like boulders through her bedroom window? I want to be romantic.” Toya rolled her eyes and shooed the smaller Rosenite off.

“So… How did that start?” Aria was scared a bit for the White Court.

“Aurora’s sisters are way too smart for Aurora to beat up so she started to pick fights with Aelwen to get stronger… Aelwen still wins.” Toya mumbled as held out a flask to Maxen. “Word of advice Kid… Don’t point out a woman’s height, weight, or age. They will kill you for it.”

Nerezza left and came back in with Belle who was looking over Maxen’s face where Aelwen had busted him up. “It’s an easy fix… but I’m really sorry about Aellie. She has this thing with her height.” Belle’s magic was soft as she stopped whatever bleeding there was and cleaned him up. “Looks like she went easy on you… I’ve seen her bust a Rosenite man up… He couldn’t walk for weeks.” Belle gave him a smile.

Aria looked a bit exhausted and Cinder watched her with a bit of worry. “Maybe we should go home, mom…”

“Nonsense, we can’t leave before the dinner party. I’m just tired from all the excitement.” Aria gave a smile.

“MY FOYER.” There was a shriek from upstairs.

“Oh… Boy.” Nerezza fell back by her brother.

“AELWEN LATIKA LESILVE ROSE.” The pressure built up around them as the mansion seemed to pick itself up and heal the wounds caused. The busty and beautiful Angela came down the stairs. “Which way did she go?”

Toya pointed towards her own mansion. “If you could fix mine up that would be great.”

“I’m going to blister her ass all the way home.” The red-haired goddess was seething as she slammed the door as she left. The door opened and she peeked back inside to their visitors. “Hello, I’m Lucian’s mother Angela. Sorry for all of this. Really.” It was the sweetest and nicest voice like she could turn it off. She slammed the door again to go after her daughter.

Aria jumped and laughed a bit. “Everyone is so lively here. Compared to the Black Rose Court where they are sleeping during the day… It is a bit odd for me I must admit.” It was a lonely life for her. “I quite like this.” Cinder gave a smile. “You should go home though my dear… Don’t you have a boy to write to?”

Cinder’s face blushed and she grabbed her bag. “That’s due tonight isn’t it?” She took off after kissing her mother bye and Aria looked smug.

“Boy trouble already?” Toya looked at the girl through the windows. “Isn’t she young still?”

“Almost an adult now. She’s been writing to him for school. I think it’s what she needed to be honest. She has all of her aunts and uncles to learn from for how to form a good relationship. If that’s what she and this boy want… I just want them to be happy. I can’t say much… Casimir and I were only together for twelve months. Enough to have Cinder and then he sent me here. I’m really afraid I can’t give her any advice.” Aria appeared sad but she chuckled. “She’s strong though… She’ll figure it out.”

Author: Maxen Wolfsbane, Posted: Thu May 23, 2019 8:15 PM, Post Subject: Apples from Different Trees [P,R]

To think that Aria had survived this long without tending to her health was unfathomable. What was even more so was that brunette angel that came with devastation at her wake as she sought out some midget that had wronged her.. Maxen looked on with a cocked brow before the voice came from up the stairs and immediately Aurora let out a smirk. “I’ll make sure your head will be the same height as your ass by the time I’m done!” She rushed up the stairs with the club in tow and from there, completely chaos happened.

Hannah thought that they were fighting a war with one another with the way they were going at it. “Is it always like this?” Her younger son looked at Nerezza as she went up to the stairs and returned a short time later, having stopped the fighting somehow. Probably in a way no one wanted to know.

While everyone was preoccupied, Maxen snuck up the stairs and found the two bound. “Where’s the midget?”, he said as he looked to Aurora and once he found Aelwen, he lowers himself to her. “Aw, pretty little thing.” Aurora did try to warn him that it might have not been in his best interest to say that about her cousin. But he would learn soon enough.

“I suppose that’s fair”, Kingston replied. He hadn’t thought of how the child would actually feel about her mother disappearing, especially since she had lost her father before. He didn’t know of his own other than that he was a warrior that was killed in combat before he was born. He was told many times by his mother that he was nearly the spitting image of him, minus the eyes. Fortunately, the child grew up and seemed like she would be viable in doing what her mother currently was unable to.

“At least that’s all out of the way.” And with that settled, Kingston would allow himself to finally rest up now that business was concluded. Meanwhile, Maxen was helping Aurora make her escape when her father marched inside, up to the stairs and took her in one arm. He let out a growl towards the strange little man and then made his way down. “Sorry for the mess. Like mother, like daughter.” He eyed Toya before he took their sweet daughter away. Lucian was just holding his head and shaking it slowly. He was supposed to be in charge of a court, not a circus.

“Forgive these distractions. It’s not normally like this.”

“It is alright, Lucian. We know a thing or two about roughhousing”, Hannah replied with a small laugh.

Author: Aria, Posted: Thu May 23, 2019 7:30 PM, Post Subject: Apples from Different Trees [P,R]

Aria thought about her disease and sipped on the herbal tea that had been brought to her. She made a face as it was extremely bitter but it had only been for a mere second before drank it down. “About fourteen years now. I was bedridden when my daughter was five.” Aria nodded to Lucian and gave a smile. “If you insist on it I shall be here for it.”

Once Aurora busted in… Everything seemed to go to hell and Aria let out a sigh and looked towards the window. Toya pulled the flask off her belt. “Told you I would need this.” She took a long drink of whatever she had brought with her.

“Now Aurora! We have guests.” Nerezza got up and was about to use her magic when there another voice that boomed.

“UP HERE YOU UPPITY CUNT.” The voice came from the stairs. “COME UP HERE AND GET YOUR LUMPS. YOU HAVEN’T BEATEN ME YET.”

The fighting was enough to rock the house and Aria looked displeased and uncomfortable with all the magic. Probably a side effect of the desert lung.

“Right.” Nerezza rolled up her sleeves. The room got cold and the older twin marched out. Everything came to a screeching halt as there were muffled screams. “AND STAY THERE! The both of you.” Nerezza came back in and slammed the door. “They destroyed the whole upper level of the foyer. Mother is going to be upset again.”

“I take no responsibility for that girl’s temper.” Toya was quick to throw her husband under the bus. She pulled out a small mirror. “Blaine your pride and joy just destroyed Angela’s upper foyer… and our guests from the desert are here. Please don’t make me get involved. We don’t need any more destruction.” Level headed for once… Though Toya was known to play the fool. Her mind was absolutely brilliant.

Aria chuckled towards Kingston and nodded. “I actually avoided treatment because I would have to have left Cinder for a long time if I wanted the full treatment from Angela. As much as I would enjoy being able to be outside again… I want stability for my daughter. She’s lost enough in her life and I will live with this.” She was confident that she wouldn’t die and it was why she had managed to get as far in life as she had.

The door opened up and a face popped in. She had dark chocolate hair, sun-kissed skin, and bright blue eyes. “You know your foyer is wrecked right?” Aria gave a smile as Cinder came in. She had on her school uniform and came over to sit by her mother.

“You should have gone home and studied.” Aria scolded gently.

“And miss you being out and about? Never.” Cinder was sweet about it as Aria kissed her daughter’s forehead. She was about sixteen now and just as stubborn as everyone else in her family.

“This is my daughter Cinder… Cinder this is Kingston, Hannah, and Maxen of the Wolfsbane Tribe.”

“Hello.” Cinder put her school bag down and relaxed much like her aunt Toya to Aria’s dismay. Though the Rosenite didn’t comment it was clear that Cinder had a lot of influences growing up. “I’m going to help get stuff around in the caravan for all of you since my mother can’t do it. She can supervise but if she lifts one thing she is going straight home.” Cinder was now scolding her own mother.

“Cinder…” Aria blushed lightly. “I can handle a bit of light lifting.”

Author: Kingston Wolfsbane, Posted: Thu May 23, 2019 7:08 PM, Post Subject: Apples from Different Trees [P,R]

Kingston looked on at those present, and while most of them were strong looking and held a place of power in Sularia, it was Aria that struck him as being the odd one out. She was sickly yet she bared the burden of coming here with her kin. Foolish yet admirable. Regardless, they had a mission to uphold and the sooner that the route for their exchange could be established, the better it was for their tribe. He knew his mother would have rather dealt with all of this herself, but he had a good reason for proposing that they make a deal with the Oasis. Not only did they have the necessary supplies tenfold, but they also had access to some of the best healers in the land and more.

He looked around, not one that had been brought up in such lavish settings. Sularia was a land that relishes in riches and the beauty that the world admired. In contrast, the Desert Rosenite had to grow tougher to survive their harsh settings, and their particular tribe had been a melting pot of cultures from both the north and south. But he made no mistake in thinking that they didn’t know what suffering was. No, the “civilized” nations further south had yet to pay for their dark deeds. Not one to delve too much into things that didn’t matter at the moment, Kingston finally took a seat beside his mother. “Ah yes, Kira…” Hannah sighed as she had heard of that Rosenite as being the founder of their desert-dwelling people, for she too was not there at the time of when their kin was divided. “I’m not much older than you, or vice versa. Antheia speaks for those she can, I am aware.”

“It’s like through her that you heard our request”, Kingston offered just before Belle burst in and tended to Aria. She was completely stubborn about the affair, but it was him that helped to speak up. “No wonder…how long have you been ill?” He shook his head; given what that girl had said, it was obvious that she had that ailment for a good long time. He bit his lower lip slightly as he tried to fathom why she would allow herself to be sick for so long without treatment that was possible here. The king nodded, “No problem Belle. We will make sure that she attends, right Aria?”

Maxen was the first to express gratitude for the acceptance and was the first still to bluntly open his mouth. “Excellent! And who said that we couldn’t get along?” Kingston shot him a look that meant to “shut up” but then the entrance got kicked in and Lucian’s face went white. Aurora came bursting in with a club. “Lucian! Where your midget bitch of a sister at!?”

“Aurora, what the hell are you doing here?” He looked to his aunt, hoping that she would contain her berserk daughter. “I’m here because it’s clubbing time, and she needs one good!” This was becoming the norm these days, and why he was surprised was beyond him. Meanwhile, Maxen looked at the newcomer and was at awe. She looked just like Toya and seemed like she spits fire like her too. “Mother, where is she?”, she called out, hitting the palm of her hand with the club a few times before she flew upstairs on the hunt.

“Nerezza, do something!”

The three looked among each other, trying to figure out what the hell was going on.

“Perhaps it was a wise move to have you here, after all, Aria.” Kingston grabbed the back of his neck, “Though it would be also wise to look after yourself, for both you and your daughter’s sake.” Of course, these were the words of a stranger, and she wasn’t obliged to listen to him. Not that he would blame her.

Author: Toya, Posted: Thu May 23, 2019 5:28 PM, Post Subject: Apples from Different Trees [P,R]

“We’ll let Aria know. We’ll send a carriage with her because gods know she can’t make the walk. She probably can’t deal with the sun in her condition.” Kirika knew that Aria went out into the courtyard at night when she could. It wasn’t a life to live so it was nice that she could make arrangements for her now that they had a deal with Lucian.

-

Aja and Toya hadn’t really bothered to change how they were dressed. They kept their weapons back at home as they could easily use magic to summon them. Aria on the other had deeply plunged black halter dress. Her skin was sun-kissed like the others but she had splotches of pale from her disease. Still with the way she held herself Aria appeared to be strong but looked physically weak. She had a lot of pride. Her long dark hair was cascading over her shoulders. It had a streak of silver through it from the loss of minerals needed to retain her hair color thanks to the desert lung. Her eyes were just as green eyes the outsiders. It marked her a made Rosenite compared to the many birthed.

All of the Rosenites were standing out in the sun but Aria who held a lace parasol over herself to keep the sun completely off of her. Her eyes had tiny little bags from some restless nights due to coughing. Kirika had been right though… This trip felt really good to her. Once they were in the Red Court Aria chuckled a bit. “Lucian inherited the house from his mother and Angela has always had… large tastes. I remember the first time I saw it on my way into the city.” She had only heard stories until Casimir banished her to Sularia with Cinder. So it had been a shock to her when she had seen it.

Toya was oddly quiet but she looked towards Hannah. “Once upon a time. Our cousin Antheia was the daughter of Kira who founded it. Antheia floats about through the city as the ambassador for the tribes but she keeps to herself much like our grandmother Willow. I was born well after the Desert Rosenites took off though. I’m not as old as my sisters.” She explained easily. They were old hags and she was not. It was that simple.

The door to the room they were seated in opened and Belle made her way in. She had a tray with a teapot and a glass. “I am glad you finally decided to accept our offer.” It was directed towards Aria.

“I accepted because Kirika asked me to for Cinder’s sake. It’s really not a problem.” Aria sounded exhausted but Belle poured her some of the herbal tea and handed it to her.

“We’ll start you on this. Desert lung kills Aria. You should have accepted treatment before but…”

“Please don’t feel like you need to pity me Belle. I didn’t come here to be pitied.” Aria was strong and she moved her head to show Belle their guests. “It’s rude to put all of our business out in front of them.”

Belle gave her a stubborn look. “In any case,” it was clear Belle didn’t care. “It’s most definitely Desert Lung. She’s probably slowly gotten worse since she showed up here.” Aria let out a defeated sigh. “Brother, please try and make sure that Aria keeps coming for treatment even if you have to ask Kirika to bring her. This is the worst case I’ve seen of it. It’s not contagious which is why she hasn’t been as worried about it. Despite it’s name… It’s sapping her energy and making her weak which is why she can’t come outside and has to stay in bed.” Belle put the platter down and smiled at Lucian. “It’s manageable with medicine but not curable.” Belle bowed to Hannah and the boys before leaving.

“You really should see Angela about it,” Toya commented before drinking more of the alcohol. “Don’t want to leave your daughter parentless.” Aria frowned a bit but still shook her head.

“Angela has enough to worry about. Like Belle said it’s manageable with medicine and treatment. I’ll be fine. Casimir taught me to be strong.” It hurt to talk about him.

Toya sighed a bit and looked up at Hannah and the boys. “We’ll take the offer and help all of you out. Since Aria was chosen to help out we’ll make her draw up the plans for travel and what not. It should keep her out of travel. She also happens to know most of the desert routes since she lived there with Casimir for a while before his disappearance.”

Aria nodded and looked up at the the three Desert Rosenites. “We lived with the nomad tribes for a long time avoiding Sularia during a bad time here. He sent me here in secret when he couldn’t guarantee our safety anymore. It’s been a long time since my husband’s death. My husband was Lucian’s cousin and the Queen of the Black Court’s older brother. Our daughter Cinder is a handful but she is a good child. I imagine Kirika wanted me to be here because of my history."

Author: Hannah Wolfsbane, Posted: Thu May 23, 2019 5:02 PM, Post Subject: Apples from Different Trees [P,R]

Hannah wasn’t the sort to ask for handouts or the aid from others, especially those in Sularia, but supplies were going all the more limited as the months rolled by. It had been by her eldest son’s advice that they made some sort of arrangement with their Oasis counterpart in exchange for some of the riches they had acquired, not to mention the furs they have hunted for. With that, she had word sent and it was received with an invitation to their case. She wasn’t exactly thrilled but she would put her pride aside for the sake of her tribe. To make sure that things went smoothly, she would bring Kingston. And to make sure that nothing went array, she would bring Maxen to keep an eye on him.

They set off from their temporary camp and headed for the land that was home once to all Rosenites. When they got there and met with the welcoming party, Hannah looked at the boy that was her youngest’s age. Despite his age, he handled himself well for some that just came into leadership, which suggested that he had been groomed for the role by someone that knew what they were doing. From the woman that was known as Toya, she could see that she was one that likes to drink given the flask on her side. Aja looked like she had seen her fair share of combat, something that she could respect and the last one seemed a bit on the pale side to her but she didn’t voice it out of respect to her hosts. She let Kingston handle Maxen when she noticed from the corner of her eye that he was nearly drooling over them, a habit that was one day gonna get him killed.

As they followed through the city, her wandering eye observed how life was here versus the nomad life her people were accustomed to for generations. Much like them, the Wolfsbanes, as well as the other desert rosenites, were much matriarchal and both permanent lovers, as well as sons, were a rare blessing. Her boys each had different fathers, but she was doubly blessed in the fact that she produced one, let alone two. Grown in their own right, they were strong and level headed, for the most part. Maxen kept getting distracted by women that he hadn’t seen before but Kingston would always make sure he led him back to the straight and narrow.

At the house, Hannah was the first to sit down on the leisure furniture followed by the others. It was strange to be surrounded by such riches and vanity, but it was a bit wondrous as well. “You must forgive me, your lovely home would make a desert pirate hunger greatly.”

“Indeed”, Kingston agreed as he looked around, his eyes falling onto Aria. He had too noticed that the woman didn’t fare so good, and it wasn’t just from the desert heat it seemed. “How long had it been since you have an audience like us in your walls?” Maxen was busy looking at the decanter and looked to Lucian before the King gave his blessing and poured him a glass. He then rose it in a pleased gestured before downing the dark liquor and let out a satisfying sound. “We should come here more often. Nice drinks, beautiful women…this is indeed a paradise. More refreshments came out, and Hannah accepted the tea presented. “Young king, I doubt that you have seen our desert kin before, no?”

Lucian let out a sheepish shake of the head and she nodded. “Figured so. Though I figure by now that you know the three of us only represent a slew of tribes that make up that kind of Rosenite. All run and operated differently by a tribe leader; I am a drop amongst a river of people that hunt and travel across the Arri desert. Mine just so happens to stick around the uppermost region of the highlands as well.”

Her eyes went to Toya, “Perhaps you remember a time where our numbers were more commonplace around these parts?” The second of command didn’t seem like she was around her, and something was off about Aria. Now she didn’t know what it was, but it was a gut feeling. Kingston stood by his mother. “Not to rush things, but we did come here to arrange a deal, my lord. We request a supply of food and water to come to our tribesmen. In exchange, we wish to present you with a portion of our treasure as well as exotic furs from the game in the Highlands. Wolves, deer, elk and more that we hunt.” As it was perfectly clear, the eldest son was one that did business first before he would take comfort in pleasures.

Author: Lucian Rose, Posted: Thu May 23, 2019 4:23 PM, Post Subject: Apples from Different Trees [P,R]

There was some comfort that Aja would be there to assist Toya and hopefully keep her temper in check. Unfortunately, Kirika wasn’t as eager to attend and instead offered another in her stead. Lucian lifted his head up and looked on with some bewilderment. “Are you sure about this? I don’t this to be taxing on her, given her condition.” Still, the fact that Aunt Toya hadn’t argued any further suggested that his cousin may have a point. Despite her weakened state, she was plenty smart and could prove useful towards the situation. “Alright, if it's agreed on, then we will go with it. Just like Aunt Toya said, if she starts to not feel well, we’ll take care of her.

His twin sister gave some thoughtful insight, and he agreed. “Yeah, I can see if she’d be willing to look over Aria. Heaven knows that she has suffered enough, and she deserves to feel better. I still don’t know why she would refuse mother’s treatment.” Such a sad tale that woman have lived, but fortunately she did have family that supported and cared for her, as well as a lovely daughter.

“Best let her know about it so that she can prepare as well. It must have been ages since she set foot outside her room, much less the Black Court house in general.”

—

The next day came quickly and waiting at the gate was, in fact, the Red Court King, the White Court Queen as well as Nerezza, Aja and Aria. A pair of guards stood as they always did at the maw, waiting and eventually seeing a caravan approaching. It didn’t take much to recognize it as belonging to their guests. Taking a deep breath, Lucian went to calm his wildly nerves and stopped his fidgeting. The caravan stopped within meters of them and soon the first one that stepped off was that of a fair head woman- beautiful but also strong looking. She was an Arriese woman but from her cloth, it bears a striking resemblance to that worn in the Highlands. Her jade eyes latched onto the welcoming party and signaled for the others to come. Joined by a man around Lucian’s age and another that looked to be older, they followed the leader over and soon collectively bowed before their hosts.

“Lord Lucian, I presume? I am Hannah of the Wolfsbane Tribe. My sons…Kingston”, she spoke, pointing to the taller, older male of salt and pepper locks and olive eyes. “And Maxen.” Her finger shifted over to the younger fellow of brown hair and those same eyes as his brother.

“Lady Hannah, it is a pleasure.” Lucian bowed back and introduced his party. “This is my aunt and Queen of the White Rose, Toya. Her second in command, Aja, my sister Nerezza and our representative of the Black Court, Aria. Come with us so that you can rest up from your long journey. We can discuss things later.” While Hannah and Kingston agreed with him, Maxen was too busy ogling at the women until his brother gave him a nudge and he quickly nodded in his vote.

They led their guests back to the Red Manor and let them become familiar with their surroundings while refreshments were presented to them. Lucian felt like he was getting the hang of this.

Author: Toya, Posted: Thu May 23, 2019 3:11 PM, Post Subject: Apples from Different Trees [P,R]

Toya had been listening and she waved her hand at Lucian. “Yeah, yeah I’ll behave myself boy. Aja will be with me too.” Nerezza was taking notes and primarily she was serving as a steward for her brother. However, it was well known that Nerezza was a psionic master. If there was trouble she was able to step in quickly and handle it before it reached her brother.

Kirika sat up more and took a sip of wine. “Well… I think I’m not going to attend.”

“What? You are intelligence you should be there!”

“I should be in the shadows not out in the open which is what I am planning on doing…” Kirika’s eyes went to Toya as the White Queen prepared to argue more with her. “I know someone who wants to do more but often is stuck in bed… If you’ll take Aria with you… You’ll find that she is very wise and kind. She can also stop an argument from Toya.”

Toya opened her mouth to argue but she just grumbled. “Fine, but the moment she looks like she is about to pass out… She goes home. She has desert lung that isn’t something we should be messing with. She refuses to have Angela heal her.”

Kirika nodded a bit and looked at Lucian. “She thinks there are better things for Angela to be doing. Perhaps, with me letting you borrow Aria you could arrange for one of your lesser healers to take a look at her. She misses the sun light most days since she has to stay in a dark room. It’s already a shame she’s lost so much so I think this will be good for her.” Kirika offered a smile. “Plus sometimes a house wife knows best.”

Nerezza was writing everything down and she looked at her brother. “We can afford to have Belle go look at her. Her schedule has cleared up greatly since the planning for her wedding started.”

Author: Lucian Rose, Posted: Thu May 23, 2019 3:00 PM, Post Subject: Apples from Different Trees [P,R]

For months, there had been word of a nomad tribe expressing a desire to strike a deal with Sularia in regards to a food supply. While this was something that they didn’t deal with often, the fact that they were desert rosenites made this all the more special. The responsibility to oversee this fell onto Lucian’s lap, and he had been planning all this time to prepare for the fateful day. Along with Nerezza, he had called for a meeting with his Aunt Toya and Kirikia to help him get ready to welcome their visitors. He needed some fresh eyes as well as some experienced ones.

“So, we know they are from the Wolfsbane Tribe, consisting of their leader, Hannah, her sons, Kingston and Maxen and a few others. Likely guardsmen to accompany them.” He paced around the floor while he went over the notes for the third time. If he wasn’t careful, one could have sworn that he was going to wear out the floor. “We will greet them formally at the gate, invite into the city and hear their proposal. They already know nothing is for free and are willing to make an offer for us.” He was slightly nervous due to the fact that he had never seen or dealt with the desert rosenites before. The most he knew about them was from hearsay, and that wasn’t going to suffice.

He eventually ceased his pace and looked at his Aunt with some concern. “When they get here, I hope we will all be on our best behavior, right?” He loved Toya, but everyone knew of the temper she carried and was worried that if something happened, then something was going to blow up. Or someone. His eyes swerved back to the parchments and started his walk up and down all over again. “They should be arriving sometime tomorrow, so everything should be on the up and up. A feast will be prepared and ready afterward at the Red Rose Manor.”

He caught his breath and flopped onto one of the couches and hung his head back. “Anything else to add, ladies?”