[h2]Krone the Scream Taker[/h2]
Brides Kalani and Kaelira


Krone had slept rather well with his young Gem bride at his side. He kept his promise and did not force himself on her, though he did play with her hair. It was a rather odd habit he had, as he did it with Milligan and any female that he took to his bed. He found that Kalani was rather attractive, even though the night gown she was given to wear was unflattering. It had not taken him long to fall asleep though for Kalani it might have been different. He was use to sharing his bed with another, while she was most likely not use to sharing a bed with a half naked male.

Regardless he found her sound asleep in the morning. He was careful not to wake her as he got out of bed. He moved silently across the bed chamber and out of the room, it was hard to believe that one as large as him could move so silently but then there was many things about him that was hard to believe.

As he entered the common room of his chamber, he took note of his captain standing by the hearth warming his hands. He didn't say anything but instead went to the room next to his. Sure enough Kaelira was there chained up and looking rather beaten. It showed that she put up a fight and that his men were rather rough on her, though expected as much. Kaelira had showed her unwillingness to listen and obey and so had to be made an example of. Krone took one of the blankets and gently laid it over her, even though the room was warm he didn't wish for her to catch cold. It was odd how even now he showed a small amount of mercy to one who didn't really deserve it.

Going back out into the common area he looked back at his captain. [color=lightblue]"Have food and drink sent to the carriage and a some blankets and pillows. It will be a long ride and I do not wish for them to be too uncomfortable."[/color] He said in a cool but tired tone. He was not looking forward to the ride home as they would have to move slower with the carriage now with them. 
[b]"Yes my Lord. What about Kaelira? Do you wish her to remain chained?"[/b] He asked which was perfectly reasonable given all the trouble she was. Krone thought for a moment before nodding his head, he was still tired and didn't wish to speak more than he had too. The captain placed his fist over his heart and bowed before turning and going.

............

It had taken them longer than normal to reach Krone's estate, but then he was use to moving with speed. Having the carriage was bothersome, but he didn't want his brides to be uncomfortable which also meant he didn't ride in with them. Instead he rode on his war mount with his men, he did not like being caged in a box and moving slower than what was necessary. Plus he rather converse with his men and be a leader that they looked to with respect instead of a leader with little respect. He knew what his men go through as he is often there with them.

The light was fading but one could see that his estate was large one. For one, he had a defensible wall built around his entire land which only ended at the dark forest of Shadowmere. The forest was considered evil even by Drakkens, as even the most war hardened war lord go mad just being on the edge of it. No one knew why this forest was always dark even in the blazing summer afternoon sun, nor did anyone know why people go mad when close to it as the air nor the earth showed anything significant. Though it was rather fitting that the forest was on Krone's land as it was filled with unspeakable and unfathomable horrors, and Krone was fully capable of doing unspeakable and unfathomable things.

Once pass the wall one enters into a fertile land though some areas were rocky, but then most of Drakka was. There was two large towns on his lands with a distance of twenty miles between them, then then another forty some miles between them and the nearest wall surrounding his lands. Dotted along the roads they took to get to his keep were farms. They were well maintained by those that were unwaveringly loyal to him, indeed all who lived on his lands were loyal. But then he was different than most Drakken Lords. Yes, he was fearsome and would punish those that deserved such, but he cared for his people. He worked along side them when most would just sent their servants or slaves to do the work. For this he was respected.

The light of the day was nearly gone when they finally reached his keep. It was almost like that of Shadow Worth, though instead of being carved into the lonely mountain it was built on the side of it. Also unlike Shadow Worth, it had large beautiful gardens (only after passing the first two walls) with every kind of flower and tree. Pass the gardens was another (but shorter) wall that had finely carved depictions of Drakken men and women. 

After passing the shorter wall, they entered into a court yard where Krone dismounted along with his men. He smiled slightly as he looked at his home, he was glad to be back. He looked back at the carriage to see that some of his men were helping his brides out of it. [color=wheat]"Papa! Papa!"[/color] yelled a small voice and the quick pitted patter of feet. Turning he saw his oldest son come running towards him with arms flung open. Krone kneeled and opened his arms as his son ran into him. He then lifted the young boy (who was no older than six years) up and hugged him, before pulling away slightly to look at him. 

[color=lightblue]"You have a bruise. Who were you fighting?"[/color] He asked in a tone which Kaelira hadn't heard before then. It was a soft tone that betrayed his love for his son. [color=wheat]"Fredrick Salven, he beat me though."[/color] his son said sounding a little disappointed that he didn't win. Krone chuckled softly as he gently poked the bruise on his sons cheek. [color=lightblue]"He is twice your age my boy, with you coming out with only a bruise is an achievement."[/color] He said as he put his son down again.

One of his servants then came a took his sons hand and lead him away. It was at this time that he saw his wife Milligan and his other bride Cia. Milligan looked regal as ever, her eyes were fierce but held a gentleness towards her husband. She came forward and wrapped her arms around him before kissing him sweetly. Krone smiled down at her and gently pushed back some of her hair so he could see her face better. He kiss her forehead before taking Cia's hand and kissing it. She smiled slightly but knew better than get in Milligan's way. 

[color=red]"Are these the Gemminites chosen for you?"[/color] Milligan asked, her tone was not unkind but it wasn't welcoming either. 
[color=lightblue]"Oh, yes. Milligan, Cia, this is Kalani and Kaelira. Kalani, Kaelira, this is my wife Milligan and my bride Cia. The young boy you saw was my oldest son Krenten, I have another son Mora both are born from Milligan. I have another son which I have claimed as my own, he is named Jek."[/color] He said coolly though there was a hint of excitement in his voice. 

He knew that Milligan was sizing each of the girls up, seeing which one's would be troublesome and which would get in her way. What was noticeable was Kaelira still in chains. He had no doubt that she would watch her closely, though she may feel threatened by Kalani as she may take some of Krone's time. 

Regardless of the headache he would get later he was happy to be home. And at the moment he just wanted to enjoy all his brides.