The queen's eyes flew open and saw steffan standing over her, his face was soft and welcoming... he didnt know of isiah and her actions today...he will never. "Hello my love, how was your meeting?" she asked tierdly, scooting over so he could cuddle with her.

ocgnoton giggled to himself as he sat in the room alone, the rats pouring in as he watched the door with a seemingly all seeing eye. He knew well he had scared the princess, and at his own risk, but it was better she not try to come into the village, these dummies were cruel. Still he realized he was in trouble now if he was figured out. "well my cousins it seems I'll be saying goodbye to you for now I hear the plot thickening and do not wish to miss out" he said equipping himself with a hoe and lantern letting out a bewitching laugh before exiting and walking to the noises of horses and knights.

Galen roused himself from his deathlike sleep, having regained a small portion of his energy back from his leeching spell while he was unconsious. Dusting himself off, he looked around. The forest around him was dead. The grass was shriveled and many of the trees had died and rotted through. A few even had fallen to the ground, unable to hold up its own dead weight. This was why he never went into areas with people in them after a strenuous task. They would drop unconsious and if too close for too long, they would be sapped of their energy until they lacked the strength to breathe. He placed a gradual growth spell, as was his custom, to begin the growth of that patch of forest anew.

His small task completed, Galen began to walk toward the castle once again... but something felt different. Everything felt darker... somehow the aura of the city had changed... and it was somehow....... familiar. A shiver crawled up his spine and seemed to extend through all his extremities. That wisp of familiarity frightened him. He knew the feel of many ancient, powerful, and near uncontrollable forces, as well as the aura of many who sought to harness their power.

As First Wizard of the Council of Kingdoms, he was once called upon to defend it from enemies of all kinds, and during one of these times of need, he had been imprisoned and tortured with magics of every sort. Every magic user has a unique accent or aura attached to themselves and their magic, which usually takes years of being around to sense... But The Tyrants had tortured him to the brink of death and past it only to bring him back again and again. He endured their spells of pain and torment, but to this day could not be rid of their touch. Their magic sometimes seemed stronger when he was weak, and his mental and magical defenses were not at full strength, so maybe that was all it was. The remnants of the aura a spellcaster left on him decades ago...

As he approached the castle, he never felt it get weaker or grow stronger, as if the multitude of spells he had set to protect himself from this were simply not reforming as they should. Shaking his head, he stopped just inside the castle gates and looked around. Nothing out of the ordinary, it seems... maybe a bit of meditation in the garden would help him calm his mind.

"Boring Lords that the only thing they know is to try and gain the favor of their King through fake smiles and honeyed words...an utter waste of my time." Steffan said as he cupped Irenas cheek before delivering a soft kiss upon her lips.

"I've heard what happened with the guard today. I am sorry for not being here, but I thought I could trust the ones tasked with your protection and safety." he said apologetically

The kiss was salty and delishous "You can trust isiah, as i do" she smiles and rests her head on his shoulder feeling of guilt flooded her but she wised up and made sure it didnt show on her face "I will love you forever steffan"

"The man is a true Knight, and this act of bravery shall not be forgotten..." said Steffan, referring to Isiah and his plans to reward him "And I am sure about it beloved...just like I know that I will love you for all eternity."

She was not one to lie so the queen bite her tounge untill it bled, she remained stilled at his side feelings of sorrow and guilt consumed her then she looked up at steffan and let out a small whimper "I wish it was you who would have saved me" she said and fought tears in her eyes. She held on to him as if her life depended on it... and maybe it would

"Shhh...forget about it now. Its over and you are safe. Thats what matters to me..." Steffan said as he held his wife while caresssing the back of her golden blonde head lovingly "You are my everything Irena...and I don't think I could remain sane if I lost you."

Irena snuggled up to him and said softly "let me bed you.. i wish that your name will live on" her eye sparkle as she looks up at him trying to change the subject, breathing seemed nearly impossible right now but she forced breaths to push in and out of her lungs

Steffan knew exactly what she meant. So it was finally the time. Now he would put a child in her belly...a son thatwould grow up to become a King as great as his father. Steffan could only crush his lips with Irenas, giving her a passionate kiss that spoke of approval

As if the touch of his skin agenst hers hadn't yet burned he kissed her and then a slow and meaningful love took place that night and soon irena would be showing her baby bump to everyone

Let the loveMaking be skipped ;)

The next few days went by in a blur. Lorelai avoided Isiah and Irena like the plague, spending her time choosing foods and tapestries for her birthday instead. It would be a small gathering in which all castle staff would be invites, given that they finished all the preparations. A few lords and ladies would be attending as well, though mostly for Steffan. Her birthday was one of the few times she saw her brother and because she was turning eighteen it was an extremely special occasion. Normally Lorelai avoided big parties but she had little choice in this matter it seemed.

The ball had just begun and everyone was in their finest clothing. The maids that were attending to Lorelai before her grand entrance were all tense, however, because the princess had begun to snap at them for the slightly mishap. Lorelai was paler than usual and stopped smiling as much as she used to. This was not the princess everyone remembered. She waited for her brother to take her to the ballroom.

*******************************

Lawrence stood in the ballroom, awaiting the princess. The room was shining with white walls and gold accents. Every guest was cheerful and excited to have a ball.

Steffan strode through the Castle with a wide smile on his face. It was a grin he just couldn't seem to shake off. He had spent his day the best way imaginable and he would likely be floating on the after-joy of it until he went to bed. He wondered if he was going to wake up the next morning still feeling so grand. They'd spent the earlier parts of the day sparring and practicing technique. Steffan was more than grateful to have such skilled men fighting besides him and sharing with him their abilities with the weapons. Once the day had began to darken, they'd gone to a place that Steffan had forgotten the name of some number of flagons ago. They swapped drinks and war stories for hours.

Eventually, the King realised that a few responsibilities preceded his good fun, so he returned to his personal chambers, where he had the servants draw a bath for him. When he arrived at the feast that was organised for his Half-Sister, he was dressed in his finest royal garb, his golden Crown glistening atop of his head.

"My Princess..." he aknowledged Lorelai "The King shall now do you the honour to escort you to the feast."

Irena had an eventful staying in bed day, she had slept for nearly 6 hours befor she realized it was almost time to go to Lorelai's party she quickly asked maids to help her into the gown she'd been trying to get on, it was a beautiful red and white gown, she went for a look that she knew wouldn't outshine the princess in any way.. well other than her massive crown. she took a look in the mirror and put on some much needed make up and she was ready to go. she half ran to the ballroom using the sceret passage ways and found her self on her throne just befor she saw Lori and steffan, She wondered where isiah had went to.

Isaiah was a wreck, emotionally and mentally after the events that had transpired the past week. Lorelai had avoided him and he in turn had no choice but to avoid Irenia less he do something he would regret. It was only made worse by the constant gossip between the maids and servants that spoke of Steffan and Irenia had been trying for a child. {i]Damn them and damn their gossip![/] Still despite it all he remained the composed, calm and stoic knight in front of people refusing to let them see his inner turmoil and weakness. The Knight played these events off as if they were nothing, while inside Isaiah was broken.

Even in his state he still realized he wasn't much of a knight without armor and so now he stood in the Blacksmith's shack waiting for his commissioned gear to be unveiled. He watched the man's wife tend to their babe in the corner of the room who smiled at him, he desperately tried to return. Just then the bear of a man walked in carrying a covered mannequin he set it down between himself and Isaiah and with a small nod he tore off the cloak, revealing Isaiah's new armor. "Truly my greatest work yet, I call it 'The Chimera'." The blacksmith commented before retrieving a case. "I call it that because it's made from the bones of three of the fiercest monsters to grace the earth: A basilisk, a manticore, and a griffon. not to mention reinforced steel." The man opened the case and presented the sword to him, A black blade that seemed to hum when he took hold of it. "This blade is made of pure Demonscale, a very rare and expensive metal. It does exactly what you asked for it's powerful and light. I hunted the metal down for you because it destroys magic. Legends say the metal is living and feeds on magic to survive" The smith watched as Isaiah studied the blade and swung it a few times.

The new sword had felt natural like he was meant to hold just as with his other blade.The armor was exactly the same, it was much easier to move around in and was much better than his standard issue Isaiah nodded and placed three more large pouches of coin in front of the man, surprising him. Even though he had already paid up front Isaiah had no need for the money anyway, it was better to give it away now then for someone else to take it on his execution day which he was still sure was going to happen. He thanked the man and exited.

---

Isaiah rode Midas back to the castle. As a knight he was supposed to run the security for the party and now once again fully armed he was fully prepared for any physical threat that he could possibly encounter. Dealing with his other situation was a completely different story. Irenia would be there, and it being her party of course Lorelai would be there. When he reached the castle he gave Midas to two other guards to be placed in the stables. He felt for the small box that held the gift he promised Lorelai the last time they talked. She wouldn't accept the gift now he was certain, but he wanted her to have it all the same. With a sigh he placed his helm on so he could cover his face before entering the party. He wanted as much attention diverted away from him as possible tonight.

Irena had her present for lorelai tucked under her arm she had made it months befor her birthday, although seeing as how she might not even take it or unwrap it irena kept it by her side not wanting to put it on the gift-table, she;d probably toss it to the side maybe even burn it. Irena sighed and looked over as a knight enter the party.. was that isiah? She couldn't tell because of all the armor but she noticed the way his arms swayed when he walked, just like isiah always did. The present contained a dress the queen hand stitched, in the princess's favorite color, and a small purse that matched it also a specially made dagger with a lavender cyrstal on its hilt. she knew the old lorelai would have loved it but she wasn't so sure

Lorelai was in her chambers and jittery maids prepped her hair and smoothed her gown. There was a knock on her door. Her brother had come to fetch her. With only a look the maids bustled away.

"Thank you, your grace. I am humbled." Lorelai nodded and took his arm. They walked to the ball room. When they walked behind the giant curtains, the crier announced their arrival.

"Our Great King Steffan and Princess Lorelai have arrived." The crowd stopped what they were doing, turned, and dropped to their knees. Lorelai knew all this show was for her brother. She'd be more surprised if it was for her. After a few seconds the people rose and began to clap but they seemed hesitant. It was Lorelai's stare.

The princess held her chin up and her eyelids low as she looked out at the crowd, as if she were sizing up each and every pot bellied lord and google eyed lady in the room. It was chilling. The cold lasted only a moment before she smiled and was escorted across the room. There she parted with King Steffan, leaving him to return to his throne, while she stood before her seat that was by a table with gifts on top of it. A servant brought her a glass of wine and she raised it.

"I would like to thank you all for coming today to celebrate the anniversary of my birth. I feel as though today is the day of....change." Lorelai smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. and people clapped before drinking their wine. The music swelled and coupled ran to the floor, hand in hand.

****************************************

Sir Lawrence applauded the princess and drank ale from a flask in his vest. He looked around, happy to see things going smoothly. The king and queen seemed happy enough but no one had seen Galen in quite some time, though rumor had it, he was back in the castle. He gazed around and caught sight of Isiah trying to blend in with the tapestry. He walked over to him.

"Hello, lad. Not goin ta enjoy the festivities?" Lawrence chuckled, his breath smelling of alcohol. "First we dance, then there's to be a show of some sort and after the princess will open her gifts. I a'ready gave 'er mine. What of you? What did you get our dear lady Lor?"

Ocgnoton giggled to himself as he looked to the other entertainers attempt there acts, training and trying to make themselves look better than they were with fancy clothes. Yet he looked as he did the day ago, but cleaner, as he actually managed to use soap on himself. The fact they let him in to the castle to show off his abilities was a miracle to him.

Isaiah maintained composure when Lawrence addressed him despite his displeasure. "I'm am to be on guard sir, enjoying the festivities would impede my abilities to perform such a task." The box hidden away in his hand seemed to burn when Lawrence mentioned her gifts. "I got the lady a ring, for her collection." He said as deadpan as possible as he removed the ring for Lawrence to see.

(I cant see it)
Flair's Pov
Flair had finnaly gotten over the fact that the queen was a dragon and decided to crash the party tonight and be an up front performer, though the gaurds might reconize her from the stunt she had pulled. Dragomir had slapped some sense into her and taught her some very useful magic, her long red hair drapped over her shoulders ver so slightly and the dress she wore showed little to the imagination it came ubove her knees it was black and pink she looked as if she was from the circis and her makeup made her look older than her years had been.