Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2020 10:30 AM, Post Subject: Bringing My Heart Home [P/R]

At the mention of food, Lewis’ stomach rumbled in protest at the lack thereof, and Xeik brought over two bowls of porridge. “I had them make something easy to go down,” the healer said. “Wasn’t sure what kind of state either of you would be in, but it’s edible.” The two of them did not complain, though, and practically inhaled the food. Angela and Xeik both went to chastise them at the speed they were eating, and while they did slow down, the meal didn’t last more than a few minutes before both bowls were emptied.

“Okay,” Xeik said as he took away the platters. “There’s more stuff here. Some more solids if you need and-”

“Twins. Now.” That was a command from Simone. The healer rolled his eyes, and handed over the girl first to Simone, and then the boy to Lewis. At first, they each complained that they were being moved, but as their parents held them, they settled down.

As Lewis held the boy, he and Simone had a quick conversation between the two of them. “Janus, huh? I like it…” He looked over to Simone and their daughter. “Lila. It does suit them, doesn’t it?” There it was again…his uncharacteristic smile. Xeik was starting to get used to it.

“Do I need to step out?” Xeik asked.

Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2020 10:20 AM, Post Subject: Bringing My Heart Home [P/R]

Simone was bewildered but with Lewis’s cool she calmed down and moped. She wanted her babies and the want was more of a need as her eyes looked over to the little bassinet. “What are they saying?” Angela was curious.

“Just Ma and Da. When they were upset… they were just screaming it.” Simone looked up at both of them. “How?”

Angela shook her head, “Xeik is right. The how can wait. I need you two to eat especially since Simone will now be producing to feed the twins.”

“What?”

“I’m going to make you breastfeed. Didn’t you want to do that?” Angela poked at Simone’s belly. “You two are tired because you both gave birth. It was an unconventional birth but I believe you two have been cultivating these babies for a long time now. Their magic isn’t new which means they’ve been growing for a while now. Cultivation and act of your love.”

“I thought you said the explanation could wait…” Simone was tired just hearing it as she took some of the food and tried to eat. “…How long?”

“Probably since the very first time you and Lewis became one. Slowly acting magic to them until they manifested when you two split. It’s not unheard of for powerful magic being to split into two people… so you two splitting into twins… It’s possible but it’s almost unheard of for newborns to come of it. These two little ones aren’t copies of you. They are entirely new beings born of a desire to be parents.”

Author: FalseHope, Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2020 10:12 AM, Post Subject: Bringing My Heart Home [P/R]

As Xeik took down notes, Lewis stirred as well, groaning. “So loud…” He grumbled, and when Simone shot up asking for her babies, Lewis’s eyes bolted open. He wasn’t quite prepared to move, but he was ready to, his muscles tensed. But as Angela pushed Simone back down, he relaxed. He could feel them, like he could Simone. They were safe, and while he barely trusted Angela, he did know that they would come to no harm.

“How long have we been out?” he asked, yawning. “What’s even happening right now?”

Xeik looked up from his notebook. “Well, short version. Magic babies. Long version…well, we can go over that later. You’ve been out for a few hours now. Can either of you eat anything?” he asked. “You’ll need to get your strength up. We’ve got some food here…”

Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2020 9:49 AM, Post Subject: Bringing My Heart Home [P/R]

Angela tapped her finger to her chin, “The magic consumption should end once they realize they are safe. Until then they can eat my magic so they stabilize. As for the twins they will need actual milk… I’m working on that. Once I had a woman who wanted to experience motherhood without birthing… So I made her capable of producing. I should be able to do the same for Simone.”

Pulling a chair over she sat down and took both their hands. Her magic glowed bright green as it flowed from her to them. “ I have enough for everyone.” She smiled up at Xeik.

Ezili got close to the babies and she looked amazed, “They are so small… I love them already!” She quieted herself down as not to scare them.

Angela fed them their magic until Simone began to stir. “Mmm,” she rolled over into Lewis. “Not… So loud. I hear you…”

Angela got curious, “What do you hear Simone?”

“The babies… they are yelling for us.” Simone yawned a bit as she burrowed herself into Lewis.

“So… The babies are capable of communicating through the resonance,” she looked at Xeik. “We should be taking notes for the future just in case.”

Simone shot up, “Babies?!” She was breathing heavily as she got dizzy.

“Simone,” Angela got up and pushed her back down.

“I want my babies Angela!”

“They are right here. They aren’t far but you and Lewis are in no condition to be acting rash.”

Author: FalseHope, Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2020 9:37 AM, Post Subject: Bringing My Heart Home [P/R]

When Angela entered the room, Xeik jumped to his feet. He waited for her to look over the twins and Lewis and Simone, and once she made her assessment and asked for food to be made, Xeik left the room to find their help. It didn’t take long for him to find them, and at once the house help started preparing meals. The healer went back to the room, and back to Angela.

“So what’s the plan, then?” Xeik asked. “It’s one thing to take care of newborn phoenixes. It’s another thing entirely when…:” He looked between Simone and the babies. “She didn’t birth them…at least not traditionally. Their mana levels are really low, but not deadly…what kind of care do we even provide here?” This was less asking Angela, and more just spouting off ideas out loud. “Mana infusion to start would be easiest, but with the way that they’re eating through magic…would it even make a dent? I mean…from a Goddess, yes, but from someone like me…”

It took a little bit of time, but the house help came with a tray filled with various types of food, followed by a curious Lucas and Ezili. Rex had offered to stay with the other kids to entertain them with Leilah and the rest of the Talon family. Rhenakos had gone back to Jayou to see to Osiria and Reva, and let them know what had happened.

Lucas was wide eyed as he looked at the new twins. “Wow…she looks like Simone. And…he looks like Lewis. They’re so…small, too…”

Author: Angela Rose, Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2020 9:29 AM, Post Subject: Bringing My Heart Home [P/R]

Angela ended whatever business she was doing citing a family emergency. “What do you mean Lewis and Simone had twins?” What the hell did that even mean? Raine was in too much a shock to even explain it right. Did they adopt? All she knew was there was an emergency.

Showing up at the Terrowin Castle she was greeted by the Talons almost immediately. Her eyes went up immediately to where the rooms are. “What the…”

“You can sense it to… It shouldn’t be possible.”

“No, this is a miracle that even I couldn’t perform at least… Not in the way this happened,” Angela said it almost in a whisper as she made her way upstairs and right into the bedroom. Her eyes landed on Xeik. “Thank you for contacting Raine… This is of more importance,” the goddess said as she got near the bed.

“They are exhausted,” Angela frowned a bit but looked over at the bassinet. The two little babies were almost picture-perfect for children of Lewis and Simone. Angela couldn’t have designed better children for them. “It’s alright now you two. They are safe at home,” Angela touched both Simone and Lewis as she filled them with more energy.

“Xeik will you have the house staff make food for them, please? I imagine the babies will need to eat soon. I will… need to do something for that. I might have an idea but first, we need Simone and Lewis to wake up…”

Author: FalseHope, Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2020 9:19 AM, Post Subject: Bringing My Heart Home [P/R]

With Leilah leading the charge, everyone went about their tasks. Xeik was the first to leave, going back to Elysia to tell Raine to bring Angela, giving a brief description of what had occurred. Even Raine was shocked at the events, and immediately relayed everything to Angela. With that out of the way, Xeik moved back to the Terrowin Estate.

Rhenakos, Raile, and the boys all helped in the move to get Lewis, Simone, and the twins back to the castle, and soon the two were resting in their bed, with the bassinet and the twins merely an arm’s reach away from the bed. Neither one of them seemed to stir, almost as if they were cursed to sleep forever, but they all knew better. This was something that Simone went through on a semi regular basis with her magic, only this time it was both of them.

Xeik never left the room once he got back, and instead was sitting on the couch on the other side of the room, leaning back. Due to his power from Angela, he could see the life energies of the babies radiating alongside Lewis and Simone. That azure power was lit up brilliantly, almost as if the wills of Simone and Lewis were protecting the newborns.

“This is…incredible,” he said. “Angela is going to flip…”

Author: Leilah, Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2020 9:09 AM, Post Subject: Bringing My Heart Home [P/R]

Leilah came with the boys and merely stopped at the sight they saw. “What.” It wasn’t possible. It shouldn’t have been possible. Leilah moved forward and the flames sparked to life. “They… are here but not here,” she spoke as she looked up at Xeik. “Simone and Lewis are nearing the edge of exhaustion so they are effectively putting themselves to sleep so the magic has more time. They must have felt the children… This shouldn’t be possible… Simone is barren.”

Looking back to Lucas and Rex she beckoned them. “You two should be able to get close to them. I need you to go and get the newborns. We’ll need to get them back to the castle before others show up and wonder what happened to this place.” All of the bodies were nothing but charred corpses at this point.

“The newborns have the same magic signature that Simone and Lewis have. Those twins… They are theirs.” Leilah explained at once. “I can feel the resonance between them all right now. It’s not as strong as it is with Lewis and Simone… I imagine that the resonance will fade after a time with the twins.” She beckoned Xeik to take a look at the magic. “You should be able to see it too. We need to get Mother as fast as possible. I’m not qualified to see if they are okay. She would be the only one to do it.”

Leilah put her hands on her hips, “Xeik, go tell Raine that you need to take talk to my mother. She can hear everything Raine lets her. Rhenakos, you and Raile work on getting those two home after the children get the babes.” She went and got Raile to help Rhenakos.

“Finally, we’ll have to stabilize their condition the best we can using rest until my mother shows up. We don’t want to separate them from the babies because they might burn the house down… So we’ll set up a bassinet in their room.”

Author: FalseHope, Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2020 8:57 AM, Post Subject: Bringing My Heart Home [P/R]

Rhenakos and Xeik made their way to the tree, which was already burning with black and blue flames. The hunter tried to get close, but the heat was unbearable even for him. Xeik did his best to try and create a path with his wind relics, but even they held little power against the raging flames.

“Damn it,” Rhenkos said as he shielded his face from the heatwaves. “LEWIS! SIMONE! ARE YOU IN THERE!?” he called out. The flames answered back with crackling. Snaps of the tree’s expansion in the heat echoed in the forest, but there was no sign of the two.

Xeik cursed himself and once again produced the sands, trying to use them to quell the flames, but to no avail. Returning them to his pouch, he tried, like Rhenakos, to call out their names. Nothing.

“Wait…I see something!” Rhenakos said. The flames were starting to die down. The heat was more tolerable, and with the two of them working together, they broke into the tree. Shielding their faces, they made their way through the court, to the throne room. And to their surprise, they found Simone and Lewis.

The two were sitting on the throne, both asleep. Simone was leaning into Lewis, breathing softly as the azure glow around them waned. But that was not all.

“What the hell…” Rhenakos said.

“Where…” Xeik replied. “Where did they…”

In each of their laps, was a newborn baby. The one in Lewis’ lap was a dark haired boy, who was curled up, but threatening to cry. The other, a silver haired girl, fast asleep. At the sound of Rhenakos and Xeik, though, she awoke, and like her brother, was not happy. The two started to cry together, and at once the azure glow from Lewis and Simone flared to life. Neither one of them woke, but the azure glow moved to the babies, circling them in its embrace. The two calmed down almost immediately, and fell back into a peaceful slumber.

The healer watched this all with wonder. “I’m…I’m going to need Angela for this.” He turned to Rhenakos. “Go get the boys and Leilah. I don’t…” He looked back. “I don’t want to move them without help. And Leilah needs to see this.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2020 8:40 AM, Post Subject: Bringing My Heart Home [P/R]

Simone had learned a good bit of control from Thomas in her time with the night phoenixes. She took it from there to read the books and to study hard. She couldn’t let herself die from her magic and she was ready to break herself and rebuild herself if necessary.

Her anger was her weapon and it grew by the second as she harnessed what made her unpredictable. The thought of losing Everett was enough to make her more precise than normal but her life as a housewife had taken some of her skill away. Only some though.

You two are one. Together. No more are you two people who don’t share everything. You will be one. You will die together. You will live together. This is your punishment. Although I do suppose it isn’t much of one. Angela’s words rang true as the blue and black flames engulfed the two.

Standing in the middle of the warriors was now one being. Lewis’s form has taken on Simone’s wings and his eyes were glowing bright with their azure magic. “You shouldn’t underestimate what you don’t know,” their words rang out together with their voices entwined.

When the fey queen saw their souls her eyes grew large. Simone was engulfing Lewis in a protective embrace together as one. Numbers didn’t matter if they could bring the entire tree down on them as hellfire shot up and started to eat at the roots. “It won’t stop until the will of the user is done,” their voice rang to the fey queen. “Is that not what you said? Do you know what our will is?”

The hellfire spread all around the room. There were screams from fey not involved in the fight and slowly the fey queen stood up. “Is this what Alvaro saw right before he died?”

“No, he just saw a girl and a boy trying to survive. This is so much more than that,” Simone’s voice was more dominant this time but soon they were back in sync as they approached the queen who was slowly losing everything. “You owe me for what you have done. It isn’t the other way around. You took my life from me without ever considering there were consequences to your actions. You took from me when I wanted to punish Alvaro.”

“And what do you want as a price?”

“Everything.” The queen was almost stunned in place by the rules of hospitality. Simone was right after all. She was owed what Simone thought was taken from her. Lewis’s hand went right through the fey queen’s body as he yanked her heart out. The hellfire caught the heart on fire as the queen wobbled. “Only then will your greedy wish be repaid.”

Something odd happened at that moment as Simone and Lewis cut the flames. The Burberry tree was still flaming but… They felt something else. Something new. Something unexpected.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2020 8:23 AM, Post Subject: Bringing My Heart Home [P/R]

There it was. The rage boiling inside of Simone that poured over into Lewis’ heart. The reality was, though, that even the usually level-headed assassin was feeling a certain bloodlust. The fae queen raised her hand, and at once her guard flooded the room. The flames seemed not to bother them, at least for the time being. There were at least ten guards in total, though between Lewis and Simone both, they could sense many, many more ready to take the place of their fallen.

“Ready then?” Lewis asked, more the guards than anyone else. He drew the blood dagger, and threw it straight up. Simone leapt into the air, her wings spreading black flames as they erupted, her hand easily wrapping itself around the dagger’s hilt. Every guard’s eyes went up, and Lewis smirked, drawing his bow and taking several shots.

One. Two. Three. Three arrows hit their marks, piercing the armor of the far guards and felling them instantly. Two more guards came from behind, and Lewis spun on his heels, using his free hand to loose two daggers. One hit it’s mark, dead center in a guard’s head. The other was deflected by a glaive. Lewis clicked his tongue, and charged forward, tossing his bow aside and drawing another set of daggers.

Simone’s flames licked at the walls, catching fire to the elegant banners that were spread across the court. As the room started to shroud itself in smoke, the queen was asked to move by one of the higher, royal guards in the back. Smiling, she merely waved them off. Simone noted the smile, which only field her fury as she sent down a cascade of daggers. Several hit their mark, but less than she would have hoped.

Like a hawk, she dove down, striking at the guards, using her flight to her advantage. From behind the queen, though, came more guards to replace those that had fallen, and these guards were more appropriately equipped. Spears were launched into the air, mixed with a flurry of arrows. It mattered not that they may kill their own. Simone was the target.

But they underestimated her. Simone’s unbridled anger was more than a match for them, and as they came anywhere near her, the arrows burned up. The spears were easy enough to weave between, and another several guards were put to rest as the night phoenix descended like the dark omen she was.

Just how many of them are there? Lewis questioned as he felled another two guards. More and more showed themselves, all in the defense of their queen. Lewis slammed his foot down as the azure glow from his eyes started to spread across his body. Burn it all… Simone’s signature black flames erupted around him, and shot forward at his command, incinerating the new guards.

There were so many, but Lewis and Simone were not backing down. The queen watched with interest. “They cannot keep this up. Their power will eat them alive at this rate. What a shame it would be to lose them, but the entertainment here is to die for…” But to her surprise, their power did not wane. Instead, the resonance grew. The azure blue power enveloped their entire form as they linked.

Simone’s magic flooded into Lewis, and likewise, his skill and precision spread to Simone. Her dagger strikes were pinpoint, and with her magic, flooded the guards with black fire. As Lewis slashed with his dagger, he left trails of black flames that spread through their blood, igniting them on fire. The two had never been so much in sync before, and the level of power they were showing was terrifying.

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2020 7:59 AM, Post Subject: Bringing My Heart Home [P/R]

“I wouldn’t have it any other way. You have been with me through all of this and I trust you to have my back more than any other person in this world.” Simone’s eyes met his and already her eyes were azure. She was ready to fight and was going to go in with fire blazing.

“It won’t stop until every last fey part of that Unseelie Court is dead. They will carry on her will just like she carried on the will of the last one before her. This is how the fey are.” The way Simone spoke made Leilah shiver but she nodded. There was a reason why her sister never got involved in the courts.

Simone looked at the bracelet and shook her head. “I don’t need his bracelet. I know where she is. Underneath the second-largest Burberry tree in Feeorin’s forest. Near the part of the forest that never sees day. There is a fey court there that makes deals with the living. Their queen with hair of auburn and leaves of gold. They say the flowers sing her name and that the bluebells ring a song. Three leagues in and two skips past the lake. There is a glowing stone that lets you in. They call this The Court of Avalon.” It was still fresh in her mind. How she had found the fey queen was still ringing in her mind. “Bring adequate offerings and she will give you what you want but at the cost of your humanity. Should you have nothing to lose you have nothing to fear… Page three hundred and eighty-four of a book I’ve long forgotten the name of.”

She raised her hand up and the portal formed with ease. It was a reception hall of the fey palace and she beckoned Lewis to follow her. “Don’t let them even bite you. If you try to lick your wounds it counts as hospitality.” She whispered to him. She flung open the doors and the queen almost dropped her glass of wine.

Gold eyes met angry gray and blue. “My… My… My little Simone.”

The fey knew Simone. They remembered the ballsy young girl who showed up so many moons ago. Who wanted to kill their own kind for revenge. Who got hellfire and an iron poker. “Queen Meadhbh.”

“Who would have thought that little boy belonged to you,” the queen held out her arms as if wanting a hug from Simone. “You won. You were victor over Alvaro were you not?”

“Doesn’t matter does it?”

“You’ve died so many times before… Do you want to repeat that?”

“Is that a threat?” Simone sneered. “I forgave you once out of hospitality because that is a fey rule.”

“Blame not the gift giver but the receiver… That was the rule we played on,” Meadhbh stared at Lewis. “Alvaro let you marry?”

“Alvaro is dead.” Simone was vicious with her words. “He does not and has never been in control of me. It was his downfall to think he could control me even if I was only a weak human. I think you will find that much has changed.”

"Maybe I should have kept the boy as payment," the fey queen smiled.

"I OWE YOU NOTHING," Simone screamed at her as the fire in the room burst to life. Her resonance to Lewis started to glow and her eyes connected with Lewis. "Let's end this now." The smile the fey queen had dropped as she felt the heat from the blue flames.

"So wild and out of control."

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2020 7:33 AM, Post Subject: Bringing My Heart Home [P/R]

At the mention of the fae queen’s name, Simone flew into a fit of rage. At once, she stormed off, leaving Lewis to explain to the others. The assassin looked grim, which was saying something due to his normal demeanor. As he spoke, the room’s confusion turned into something crossed between horror and rage, and soon it was understood that this had all happened because of her.

Every dark turn that Simone’s life had taken was because of Meadhbh. From the moment she made the ‘contract’ with her husband, down to the kidnapping of Everett. Sure, the fae lord had his own part to play, but he would have acted if not for Meadhbh’s pressure. And now, Simone was going to end it.

But not without me. Lewis stood up. While it took some time for Simone to ready herself, Lewis was always ready. He had just come home from a job, and that meant that he was doubly prepared. Still, there was one other thing to grab; a bow. He rarely had use for it, but in this instance, it was better to expect a more head on fight than normal.

As Simone stated her intentions, Lewis scoffed. “I’m coming with you.” He looked at Leilah, “Try to bring Rhenakos if you can. But…” There was a sadistic grin across his face. “If he’s not fast enough…he’ll miss out completely.”

Xeik stood up as well, though shakily. “I’m coming too! There’s no way I’m gonna-” He swayed. The heavy use of the sands and creating a portal with them was taking its toll. “Damn it…magic really isn’t my strong suit…” He fell back down into his seat. “Guess I can’t help….”

“This isn’t something you can do,” Lewis replied. “You’re not a killer…and that’s all we plan to do.” He looked to Simone, and readied himself. “You know where to go, right? The magical signature is on Xeik’s bracelet. Ready when you are…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2020 7:06 PM, Post Subject: Bringing My Heart Home [P/R]

Once they stepped through Simone’s eyes got large as she bolted to Everett and picked him up. She was crying tears of relief. “Everett!” She hugged him almost a bit too tightly but the boy was crying with his mom.

“Mama I missed you so much,” he cried.

“I missed you too. I’m so proud of how brave you were,” Simone took a cloth and tried to clear his tears.

“Mama, you can’t clear my tears if you crying too.” He took the cloth from her and tried to help her which only made Simone laugh.

Once they were all settled down they listened to the story Simone’s eyes got big. “What the fuck did you just say?” The word that left her lips made Everett look up at her. Simone was visibly shaken. “Everett… Take Alshaya and go upstairs.”

Simone got up and immediately went downstairs throwing open Lewis’s storage. She was rummaging around pulling daggers out. There was rage boiling deep but she was oddly focused. She didn’t even offer an explanation leaving it to Lewis.

Leilah came in as Simone was coming up, “Simone where are you going.”

“To kill a fairy queen,” Simone turned and looked at Leilah. “You can come if you want to Lewis. Hell or high water that bitch is dying today. Not again. This is the second time she has impacted my life. The first time I was willing to forgive it but this time… No.” She had weapons strapped all over her on an outfit that she only wore for jobs that Lewis let her go on.

Author: FalseHope, Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2020 6:59 PM, Post Subject: Bringing My Heart Home [P/R]

When the fae moved away from Everett, Xeik sighed with relief, and picked the boy up. “There we go, Everett…” He was careful when the fae came over to hand him the bracelet. He could feel their magic sizzling off of it, but he knew that they would hold true to their word. Fae magic was nothing without their deals.

Xeik turned around, and sprayed the Divine Sands out, creating a gateway to the Terrowin Estate, and stepped through into the main foyer. The moment the portal closed behind him, Xeik fell to his knees, shaking. He let Everett go, who ran straight to Simone, crying tears of relief at the sight of his mother.

Lewis was over to Xeik in a flash, with Alshaya in arms. “Xeik!? Are you okay? What the hell happened?” For once, he was showing emotion, and for the healer, it was weird to see.

“It’s a long story…can…can I get something to drink? Tea would be great. I’ll…I’ll tell you then.”

It didn’t take long for them to get Xeik tea, and they all gathered in the Great Room. As Xeik downed the tea, he spoke of the fae realm and what he had to do in order to get Everett out. It was a short story, but all was silent as he told it. That was, up until he uttered the name of the one he had made the deal with.

“She called herself…what was it…Meadhbh,” he said. “Ring a bell?”

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2020 6:51 PM, Post Subject: Bringing My Heart Home [P/R]

“A deal? I am a fan of deals Young One,” She relaxed in her chair. “Can I offer you a drink?” A tiny fairy came over with a tray with a fizzy drink in a fancy glass. “It’s very good.”

Xeik knew the rules though and turned her down. “How very sad,” she frowned a bit but continued with the deal. “Ohh? Those creatures haven’t been seen in some time… And she’s one? Very rare. To have a creature like that in my collection with her partner…” She thought about it. “I will accept it. If they do not come we will come for you. I want you to understand that I will make you dance to death if you are lying to me.” She held out a bracelet.

“Take this as a sign of our deal. Wear it. It will dissolve once they enter our realm. If they do not come it will pull you back. By my name, Meadhbh, I accept this deal. You may have the child.” The fey moved and Everett immediately ran over to Xeik and hung onto him.

“I wanna go home Xeik.”

Author: FalseHope, Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2020 6:38 PM, Post Subject: Bringing My Heart Home [P/R]

Xeik’s face never changed, but on the inside he was cursing. There was no way to prove that they had lured Everett into the realm, and he knew it. He was hoping the Goddess card would work better than this, but he had no choice but to work this out without invoking Angela’s name. If anything, I’m resourceful. Think…

“It would seem, then…that perhaps we make a deal?” Xeik was mostly talking out of his ass and trying to grasp at straws. The fae were always ready for deals, but it was always in the fine print where things went wrong. He would have to navigate this harder than any deal he could have made with Raile. What would they want in exchange for Everett? I could trade myself, but then…no, I doubt they’d take a simple one for one. They’d need more.

….oh. An idea popped up in his head. A stupid one. But as long as he worded things right, it could possibly work.

“Here is my offer,” he said as cleared his throat. “I will take this child…and in exchange, I will bring you two beings of immense magical potential.” There was something. But he needed proof. Angela might kill me… He produced from his pouch, a pristine black feather, and waved it. “A being that can produce these…and the one bound to her. Together…their magical power is unimaginable.”

This was true. “Once they are here, you are free to do whatever you wish to them. And…I guarantee on my life that they will show within the day. Should they not, I will allow myself to be taken in their stead…” There it was. The gamble. Lewis and Simone would take this, though. They would do anything for Everett. It was up to them, though, to escape, if the deal would be taken.

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2020 6:23 PM, Post Subject: Bringing My Heart Home [P/R]

Alshaya got bright and happy once she saw Everett. They reacted to each other and in a lot of ways they were almost like twins. They had been born around the same time and had been raised side by side. Out of all the Terrowin children they were the closest. “Okay,” Alshaya ran back home as fast as she could with all the information she had.

It was almost instant that the alcohol was burned off Simone as she catapulted herself off the couch out of Lucas’s embrace and over to Alshaya. “Did you just say Xeik found Everett?” In that moment she was sober and had accidentally found a new skillset she didn’t even know she had before.

“Yes! I helped! He was at a table with people with fancy wings,” she flapped her arms a bit.

Simone looked concerned, “Was he eating anything?”

“NO! He was telling them no,” Alshaya beamed with pride. “Just like you told us to Mama.”

“Good. I’m very proud of you Alshaya,” Simone hugged herself to Lucas with Alshaya in the middle. “Now… Now we just have to wait.” She put her head into Lewis’s shoulder. This was the hardest part but at least Everett was alright.

–

Not too far from the table was a beautiful looking fey. She was taller than Xeik and almost as beautiful as Angela herself. She looked like autumn. Her hair was made up of auburn locks with gold leaves growing from it. Her eyes were gold and piercing. “A child coming to demand a child back? This child showed up in my realm… Should we not be accepting of this gift? All that comes belongs to us. Your goddess holds no power here on this continent but I will hear you out Champion of Life and Love. If anything I am fair.”

Author: FalseHope, Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2020 6:12 PM, Post Subject: Bringing My Heart Home [P/R]

As the Divine Sands in Elysia reacted to Alshaya’s wish, the gates to the Fae Realm were opened, revealing Everett for Xeik. At once, the healer marched through into the other realm. He pulled the sands back, and gazed through the portal to Alshaya as it started to close. “Go home, Alshaya…I promise I’ll be there soon. With Everett…” With a heartfelt smile, the portal closed, leaving Alshaya in Elysia.

The little girl had the utmost faith in Xeik. She ran back to the gate that connected Elysia with her home, and soon she was running back to her father and mother, whom were both still recovering from Toya’s drink of choice.

“Momma! Daddy! It okay now! Xeik is gonna save Everett!” She practically jumped into Lewis’ arms as he picked her up.

“Xeik? Wait, did you go to the Temple?” His eyes were wide with shock.

“Of course! Momma and Daddy were sad!” Alshaya was simply beaming. “Xeik said he bring Everett!”

—

Xeik stood in front of the table that was littered with sweets. It was meant to tempt any and all to the fae, and trap them in the world forever. But there were rules, and Simone had been smart to teach them the rules. With a smile, he looked to Everett.

“Good job, Ev. Now, stay there while I take care of this. We’ll be home soon,” the healer said as his attention went to the fae. “Good day. My name is Xeik Eraphim. I am here as a representative and Champion of the Goddess of Life and Love.” There was a sly smile across his face. “I do believe that you’ve got something here that does not belong to you. I demand his return at once…”

Author: Toya, Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2020 5:49 PM, Post Subject: Bringing My Heart Home [P/R]

Simone was told a bit too late not to drink the whiskey. It hit her like a ton of bricks as she about dropped the flask. Toya noticed Lewis was reacting the same time. “The fuck?” That was when she realized the magic connection. “Oh fuck, I’m sorry.” She blinked a bit. “You guys are bit of fucking light weights too…” She took the flask and downed the entire thing in one go. She didn’t even stagger as she got up and took out some pills. “Here.” She offered them to Lewis. “Angela made them. They are herbal pills for things like this. I have to take them when she sedates the shit out of me. They should stabilize you.”

Her eyes were watching Lewis’s. “You are thinking way too hard on this Lewis. Do what you can that’s in your control. The Rose family has known loss for centuries. If anyone can find them… It’s us or people in our care. We take care of our own and Angela considers you both her children so we’ll take care of you too. Since the time before the great fall we as a race have struggled but once we were invaded… Our family taken, the Rose family shut themselves off from the rest of the world to protect our own. My own father and mother died to save all of us, I never knew them. They followed a prophecy told by the spirits of the desert. Five daughters become five queens. Five unique circumstances they had to be conceived under. I was the last. I was conceived on the night of the dragon star. I am told I was the hardest one for them to have since the comet only passes by so many centuries.”

She rubbed her neck, “Then our one sister went off the deep end and killed almost all of her kids. Possession they said. So I understand greatly what has happened to Simone. I’ll do my best to take care of Simone and by extension you too. I didn’t see it before but now I do. The magic you two have is something special. I’ve been married almost forty years now… It doesn’t really get any easier no matter how much older they get. Jayden is almost forty and I swear to god every time he gets a cold I’m breathing down his neck to go to the healers. Take care of each other and in turn, it will take care of your kids. We’ll find Everett come hell or high water. It’s what we do for family.”

She reached out and pat his head. "While not all of us look it… Every single one of us are fighters. Even little Tristine. It takes great loss to protect your family… because once you have great loss you understand everything you have to lose…"

Author: Dusk, Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2020 5:28 PM, Post Subject: Bringing My Heart Home [P/R]

The story that Toya was telling Simone was keeping her calm, and for that Lewis was thankful. It took a bit of the edge off of his senses, and let him think just a bit more clearly. With his worry for Simone taking a back seat, he closed his eyes and thought back to the clues he had from Simone’s memories…the portal and where it was. It was impossible to tell where it came from, but according to Rhenakos it was unique, so there was no way the Fae Lord was back.

This was something entirely different. That was concerning, even for Lewis. Just what kind of luck do we have? He scoffed, and opened his eyes. When he opened them, he noticed Simone take a swig from a flask that Toya had handed her. Wait, Simone do-

It was almost instant. Lewis rarely had a drink, and when he did it was in serious moderation. This, though, felt as though he downed half of the wine cellar in a single sitting. The world was swaying, and the connection between Simone and Lewis was burning harder. Without their inhibitions, it was hard to keep the connection in check, and he felt more of Simone than he had in a long time, not since they had the second dream dive.

This…is so much… He fell over where he was next to the bannister, and groaned.

“Uh…you okay, Lewis?” Lucas asked as he made his way from one of the family rooms.

“No.” The assassin grabbed the bannister and pulled himself up, willing the world to stop spinning. “Go help….go help Simone…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2020 5:14 PM, Post Subject: Bringing My Heart Home [P/R]

Toya nodded, “My husband is in Sularia working on it too as we give information. I’ll have one of the dragons take something back to him to start looking. Like you, he’s a trained assassin but he’s been out of the business for years now. We hate to see this sort of thing happen to folks.” Once Toya’s eyes landed on Rex she rubbed the back of her neck, “She’s nothing like my kids. My kids are assholes. She just needs instruction and discipline. My kids are wild monsters… Throwing boulders through houses… You know lycanthrope things. My kids are almost all half lycanthrope thanks to my husband so Izzy isn’t too much of a problem. I did have to hang her upside down for an hour until she respected me though. She follows me around now and goes to drill with me.” She wasn’t going to lie to the kid. “In short, she’ll live.”

Reaching into her boot Toya already had a flask ready once Lewis offered, “Nah, I don’t drink that pussy shit.” She put the flask back and put her hands in her pockets and followed them back to the house. “I lost my son a long time ago now during my first marriage.”

It caught Simone’s attention, “How?”

“Vampire hunters. They were after a family friend and he took the attack for her. It killed him instantly. We lost his wife not too long after because of a broken heart. My daughter Rose was born with her cord around her neck… We lost her too but in Sularia has ways of bringing children who die like that back… Still, we had to live through it. Blaine and I promise–”

“Promised to never let it happen again?” Simone could understand that.

“That doesn’t mean that things outside your control won’t happen though. You can’t control everything even if it is your instinct to try. Gods know I try. I would be losing my shit burning stuff down if it was my kid. They would probably knock me out… So I get it. They don’t. They can sympathize with you but that’s it.”

“Thank you…” Simone felt a bit more calm now talking to Toya. She understood what Simone and Lewis were going through. “How… many kids do you have?”

“Seven, we’re raising our grandkids too. Costel had two young daughters when he passed away and when Estrella died we took them in. Blaine and I were pregnant with Jay when she died. My husband and I couldn’t stand looking at each other after Costel passed and we got drunk off our asses until we separated. Story of Blaine… is a story for another day. We don’t have the most conventional of love stories.” Simone actually chuckled and looked at Lewis for just a moment sharing what Toya said.

Toya was good at empathizing with people like Simone and maybe that had been more of Leilah’s goal. “You just have the two?”

“Hell no, every time we turn around someone else is getting pregnant. I think Blaine is going to lock the girls away. He almost killed Jordas a few times for trying to bed Rose. Threw his ass through a window. ‘MY GIRLSSSS’. Men and their daughters… Our daughter Keira got pregnant and her husband up and left right after they were born. Sooooo, we are also raising her twins. You might know them… Kite and Tempest. Or Kite and Toya Number three if you listen to my husband.”

Toya took out the flask and got three glasses, “This shit is strong but… It will help a little. It might also knock you on your ass. It’s called Dragonfire Whiskey. Angela brews it for me because I’m a raging alcoholic with anger issues.” At least she could make fun of herself as she poured them all a shot. “Take a drink.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2020 4:54 PM, Post Subject: Bringing My Heart Home [P/R]

When Toya arrived, the pair made their way to greet her. Although Lewis had heard a great deal about her, he had never met her in person. This was the woman who was in charge of taking care of Izori, the hellspawn of Rhenakos and Osiria. When she introduced herself, Lewis nodded.

“Lewis Terrowin,” he replied. “Thank you for coming so quickly.” Despite the situation, he knew better than to test the waters with courtesy, and erred on the side of caution. “Give me a few minutes,” Lewis said as he made his way into the castle to gather some of Everett’s things.

Rex took this time to slip away from the rest of the group, and found himself staring at Toya. “So you’re the one taking care of my sister?” he asked. It wasn’t really the best time for it, but this was the first time he had seen Toya. “Is Izzy doing okay? I haven’t seen her in some time…” Despite his rough look, there was genuine concern in his voice. He knew she didn’t deserve what she was getting…but Rhenakos and Osiria just couldn’t keep up with her…

The assassin came back outside with various toys that Everett loved to play with. “This enough?’ As Toya had her dragons sniff them, he watched in amazement as the creatures took the scent, and immediately started to track.

“That’s all we can do, then…” Lewis said as he clenched his fist. “Is there anything else?” He frowned. “Do you…want to come in? I’m sure we have tea or something to your fancy…” It was an odd thing for Lewis to say, since normally it was Simone who offered. But he was trying. “Probably have brandy or something stronger if you want that too…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2020 4:44 PM, Post Subject: Bringing My Heart Home [P/R]

Simone curled into Lewis easily enough. Her head was burrowed into his neck and she was practically hiding herself on him. She was only nodding and while it looked weird, everyone knew they were communicating in their own way. She closed her eyes and she tried to center herself but it was hard. So many centuries of pain. She had promised to keep her kids safe this time and she felt like a failure.

“I know…” The words were audible but quiet as she tried to hush her crying. “I’m going to hurt anyone who tries to hurt or keep him.” That was a promise she was going to keep. “I’m not going to lose my kids this time. Not this time. I can’t.”

She couldn’t do it again. Within the hour a dragon was circling the island and landing in a good spot. Lewis helped her up and they went out to meet this Toya. She was young-looking but the similarities to Angela could be seen in her face. The dragon rider got off and dusted herself off, “I’m sorry. It won’t fix things but for what it’s worth Lei told me a bit about the situation. Losing children the way you have is hard and this has to be killing you on the inside. I’ve been there.” Her words were oddly soft for her personality. “My name is Toya Wintercrest, I’m the Queen of the White court and in charge of the military and protection of Sularia. I’m Angela’s youngest sister and what Lei told you is true. We specialize in hunting people down.”

“Can you find our son?” Simone was petting Lewis’s hands as he held her steady. It was a way of keeping her grounded enough to speak to the queen.

“I’m going to fucking try my best. Can you bring me things that belong to Everett and would have his smell?”

Simone looked up at Lewis and nodded, “I’ll be fine for a minute… Can you go get his blankets and toys? Please?”

Once Toya had them she whistled and a few more dragons that were much smaller came down. There had to be thirty of them. “Come here,” she laid the toys out. “Find the owner.” They were small like cats and there were more as they all took turns sniffing the objects. “Go.” They took off like a herd of birds going off in different directions. Some went into portals while others flew around Onnen. “It might not be instant… It might take a while. I’m not going to give you that false hope. If we could get Angela… We would be able to find him but this picked a hell of a time to happen.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2020 4:33 PM, Post Subject: Bringing My Heart Home [P/R]

The fact that Leilah had a game plan was better than nothing. Simone’s little outburst was to be expected, though it did not help matters, but even Lewis’ calm was being overloaded by Simone’s grief at the situation. Their resonance was two ways, and right now, Simone’s emotions were in full control. It was painful to see her like this, but for Lewis, it was worse. He felt every ache that she felt, and every bit of guilt. It was taking everything he had to keep himself from losing his mind, let alone trying to keep her calm.

Still, he dare not sever the resonance, even for a moment. The loss of feeling him would make matters worse, and then they’d really have issues.

Rhenakos was already preparing his gear to head to Feeorin, and communicating with Osiria to meet him there. The two of them were familiar with the area, and knew a few of the more hidden areas. “I promise, Lewis…we’ll do our best. I’ll let you know if we pick anything up…”

This isn’t your fault. He knew the words would barely reach her. We’re going to find him. I’ll burn this whole world down to find him… There was absolute determination in his words. Lewis made his way over to Simone, sitting down next to her. He pulled her into his lap, and stroked her hair, trying his best to soothe her. We’ve got to be ready…okay?

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2020 4:23 PM, Post Subject: Bringing My Heart Home [P/R]

Simone was almost not responsive. He had disappeared on her watch of all things. She hadn’t been away. She hadn’t even been that far. She took her eyes off of them because the island was supposed to be safe. How could they overlook fey magic? How could she think the fey would just leave her family alone when they had already taken so much from her.

She didn’t have to breathe to Lewis she thought it was all her fault as he hugged her. He knew she thought that because she was yelling it in her head. Her baby was missing and she couldn’t find him. Her hands gripped Lewis’s as her tears ran out. She rarely cried and this time she had been crying for so long her face hurt. She sniffled up at him as Lewis helped her up. Hopefully, Leilah would have answers.

Leilah was in the family room with Alshaya who was crying still. She was scared and while she didn’t know what happened she did understand that Everett was in trouble. Finally, Leilah put Alshaya to sleep using a small vial. “Poor thing,” the redhead frowned up to her husband while Nyssa and Piper cuddled up to her.

She knew better than to ask Simone if she was okay. Anyone looking at her could figure out that Simone had a broken heart at the moment. She looked so empty and she could barely stand. “Lei-Leilah?” Simone finally spoke but she was exhausted and she could barely get her words out. “Can you find Everett?”

Leilah shook her head, “I might have someone in the family who can though. Toya specializes in these sorts of things for defense. I’m sure she would come if we asked. It might take a litt–”

“WE DON’T HAVE A LITTLE BIT,” Simone’s feelings were so vast that the fire in the fireplace almost exploded.

“SIMONE,” Leilah screamed. “You need to have self-control. I know it’s hard and I know you are hurting bu–” Simone fell again and started to cry.

“It’s all my fault. I should have just watched them.”

“I don’t think you would have gotten to him in time Simone,” Leilah knelt by her. “It took only a few seconds for a portal to open up. I don’t think that this was done on purpose but it did happen. I have a sister in Feeorin, I can ask her to start looking too. It was fey magic so Feeorin is a good place to start. Alright?”

Simone could only nod.

“Good, I’ll get in touch with both of them who can spread the word that Everett is missing alright? In the meantime, Lewis please try and make sure she stays stable. It won't be good if you are losing your shit together.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2020 4:11 PM, Post Subject: Bringing My Heart Home [P/R]

By the time Lewis had gotten back to the island, everyone at the Talon residence had already been alerted. Rhenakos was there, looking grim as he tried his best to track the magical signature that was left. The assassin marched up to him, a wild look in his eyes as he stepped in front of the hunter.

“Answers. Now.”

“I’m sorry, Lewis,” Rhenakos said, shaking his head. “This magical signature…it’s barely traceable. The only reason this worked last time was because there was a bond. This time, there isn’t one.” The hunter crossed his arms. “Only thing I can think of is to…” He closed his eyes, racking his brain. “Maybe Angela?” He furrowed his brow. “Last I heard, she was away on business. And Xeik wouldn’t know how to…”

Lewis ran his hands through his hair, taking a few rushed breaths. “You said bond, right?” he asked. “That’s how you tracked it. Cause Simone had a bond with the fae lord?” He looked over to Simone. “What about us, and our bond with Everett?”

Rhenakos thought for a moment. “It’s not a magical nature. That bond was the curse, and it was almost physical, but…maybe Leilah knows something that can work? Or at least know someone who can help?”

The assassin made his way over to Simone, who he was already communicating with using their resonance. “Are you…” No. Stupid question. He gave her a quick, awkward hug, and then stood back up. “Leilah…” The woman had been left in the castle with the other children. Lucas, Ezili, and Rex knew very well what was happening, but the younger kids were left in the dark.

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2020 3:51 PM, Post Subject: Bringing My Heart Home [P/R]

Simone looked out from the study window and pulled back the curtain. She still got so nervous when Everett and Alshaya went out to play by themselves. It was just a part of them growing up she reassured herself.

Stop worrying so much, they’ll be fine. They do this every day. Lewis’s voice filled her head and she smiled a bit.

I can’t help it… I get antsy but thank you. It made her feel better and she let out a breath she didn’t even realize she was holding.

She let the curtain fall and the last thing she saw was Everett showing Alshaya a frog. Alshaya had reached out and pet it. She got scared when the frog managed to slip away and fell on her butt. Everett had run after it. It was a funny sight and Simone shared it with Lewis.

It wasn’t the same with Fiori who had been so independent almost right off. Everett and Alshaya still tried to get in bed with them, they still wanted them both, and this was them getting more adventurous. Simone started to work on some of her children’s books and got half a page when something felt… wrong. Her eyes looked up. I can’t help it Lewis. I have to check on them. It was almost… instinctual.

She pulled the curtain back and her eyes got wide as she saw Alshaya… crying and on the ground. That was all it took for her to get up and run down the stairs right to her daughter. “Shaya?! SHAYA,” she yelled as she got closer. Alshaya looked at her and couldn’t get out what was wrong. She was only pointing.

“COME GET ALSHAYA NOW EZILI,” Simone’s voice boomed over to the pond gazebo where Lucas and Ezili were. It took no time for the two to come to get her. “Take her inside.”

“Yes, Mama.”

Lewis. Simone ran through the island towards where Alshaya had been pointing.

Lewis. There was no sign of Everett and she felt a tinge of something… horrifyingly familiar.

LEWIS GET THE FUCK HOME NOW. She could barely get it out herself as she fell on the grass where the magic ended. The portal was too small and it closed quickly. She was in tears. Her crying sounds were even drowning into the resonance that the two of them kept.

Where was Everett?