It became quite obvious, true to her initial suspicions, that this man was not to be her husband. In a small way, she was disappointed and only hoped her true husband would be just as if not more pretty. She calmed slightly, allowing her nervous energy to leave her. There was no need to impress this man and entice him if he was not to be her partner. She followed him silently out to the carriages. She wondered how far they would have to travel. She welcomed the scent of rain. It washed away the rotting scent of city life and made the earth and mud more pungent. The petrichor of Drakka was certainly different from home since trees and plant life were more scarce here. However, it still smelled like rain and that brought her a small comfort.

She situated herself carefully in the carriage. She had to ensure that her hair was not tousled and her dress remained unwrinkled. Deft fingers lightly situated the skirts of her dress and she leaned back carefully. Most of the trip was spent observing the buildings and people of Drakka. It was intensely different from anything she had ever experienced and brought her to a peak of curiosity. The rest of the time she studied Ehkota - his face, his posture, anything she could glean from him. She noted he was likely of high standing due to the number of guards, his demanding nature, and the way he held himself. How high up, she wasn't sure but he certainly had some sway.

Surprisingly, they had arrived at their destination much more quickly than she would have thought. She exited the carriage, accepting the Drakken guard's hand as he helped her down. She caressed it lightly and gave him a coy smile before following Ehkota into the building. From what she could tell this was some sort of swanky hotel. The decoration was gorgeous and judging by the distances of the doors the rooms were spacious. At long last, they entered a suite. The room was warm and comfortable looking. She took in the bed and bath, finding she approved of the accommodations. They were much more than she had ever seen in the entirety of her life.

Ehokota spoke to her, directing her to lay on the bed. She lay out on her side, hand suggestively laying on her hip and the other supporting her head. “Now, I shouldn’t have to tell you that you not fucking this up in very important for your wellbeing. I heard about your little stunt when you were first brought to Castle Worth. In part, that is why you were selected, as you know. You are no innocent creature, best use every bit of that to your advantage tonight. If you are returned to me, well, let’s just hope that the Kinner mercifully puts you out of your misery before that point,”

She just stared at him, not sure how to respond to the seriousness of his words. Much like his wife, everything just seemed to be such a big deal. She sighed lightly, "Yessir," was the only response she could muster. She was naturally quite bored of all of this running about and frowny faces.

“Don’t move from that spot, I suspect your husband and ‘sister’ will be here soon. Don’t do anything stupid, after all it would be a shame if someone else got hurt because of your antics,”

She smiled lightly, "Of course not, sir." The door closed and she scowled. Her stomach was now in knots and she sat up befor sticking her tongue out at the door. Adora decided she DID NOT like that man at all. So grumpy and so serious and so... so... He was a fucking asshole. If there was anything that could make Adorabella mad it was threatening another's life. It was easy to take the abuse herself but she could not bear the hurt of others. Picking up the scroll she carefully pried it open and read its contents. What she found inside made her laugh. Oh lord, she was some sort of bribe. And what was a Kinner anyway? She rolled the scroll back up and carefully resealed it. She used one of the burning candles to help the wax soften enough to hold steady to the scroll. She tossed it back on the bed before investigating her surroundings.

The room was, as she had thought earlier, certainly gorgeous. She began opening drawers and searching through boxes to see if she could glean anything about the man who was to come for her. Unfortunately, there was not much. As she was looking around the room she caught the first real glimpse of herself since Twenty had applied some makeup to her. She gasped as she turned her face from side to side, examining the work. She had done quite a good job, lightly accentuating some of her features. However, the reason for her gasp was the ungodly bright lip paint she had applied. The red did not suit her and made her look like a Calling Lady. As much as she enjoyed partnership she would never do anything of the sort. Finding a nearby towel she removed the offending colour from her lips. It was obvious the girl did not have much experience with darker skin tones. She was glad the woman had not deigned to do more to her. Otherwise, she would be on the corner of the streets begging for coin in exchange for...

Adora shook her head, just glad the red was removed from her face. She took the time to look out of the windows and found the scenery equally as lovely as the room itself. It was in quite a lovely location. The lights and buildings were spectacular and showed only the finer parts of the city. She opened the pane and reached out. Rain fell on her fingers - cool in comparison to the warm air. She collected the droplets into a puddle in her palm. With her direction, the water danced and played. Adora let it finally fall to the ground before she turned and noticed the food. Or more particularly the wine. She filled a cup before downing it. As she set the now empty cup back onto the table she heard a key in the lock and the knob of the door begin turning.

Looking around, she had forgotten to stay on the bed. There was no way she could get there now. She opted instead to sit in a nearby chair in front of a vanity. Crossing her legs, she moved the panels of her skirt so as to expose them and let an arm rest on the back of the chair. Her hand then rested on the low neckline of her dress, as if to begin removing it. She arched her back and looked out the window as the door opened.

Nadia finally raised her head as her husband said to, and watched his face to try and gauge how he felt about her as he introduced himself. Keregar of Kereg-Kor. He was right in saying that it didn't mean anything to her, but she didn't let it show. It may be an important place, and he may be an important Drakkan, considering how he and the Prince had spoken to each other, but that was all over Nadia's head. It didn't really matter who he was or where he was from, what he's done or why. Nadia could've been handed to literally any drakkan in this room, it wouldn't have made a difference in her plan for survival.

Still, Keregar seemed alright so far. He hadn't immediately struck her for just speaking to him, like she could see some other Drakkan doing. She supposed, she could learn to resect him properly, given time. These actions of hers now was only out of fear, and perhaps her old shyness as well. She glanced at her sister-bride as he continued. She was slightly taller than Nadia, with beautiful long brown hair and sharp eyes. Nadia noticed that while still formal, she was dressed far more simply than her. Then again, Nadia was probably the only girl there in a proper wedding dress... The flowing dress her sister-bride wore was still beautiful, but in a way that Nadia herself could never pull off wearing.

After Keregar gave his order to tell about themselves, her sister-bride finally spoke up. Nadia watched her as she spoke, revealing three things about herself. She was from the border village, practically living in the shadow of castle Shadow Worth, and she knew Keregar's story, which meant she was more attuned to history than most other girls here, Nadia included. Xaelia finished by saying her name, and that was that. Nadia wasn't surprised at the fact that she herself hadn't also recognized their husband's name as soon as he said it. She'd never liked the stories about that time, not when they were always being whispered around the reaping time anyways.

Now it was her turn. She'd already given her name so, that only left Pyrvi and her life with her family. She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to think how much she should say, if she even could say anything. "I... I'm not as familiar with those old stories as Xaelia is. My family lived far outside of the town of Pyrvi, pretty much isolated in the forests. I, prefer spending my time in the silence of Nature over the noise of the town." She opened her eyes as she continued, deciding not to say anything else about her home. "For things I do know about.. I am a seamstress, and that is the only art form I have any true skill in. I made this dress myself." She made the statement plainly, a fact rather than a boast.

She couldn't think of anything else to say, so she turned to Xaelia, giving the other Gem a small smile as she spoke, much more quietly than she had been speaking to Keregar. "I'm glad I'm not alone in this... Perhaps we could be friends?"

---

When Kendra resurfaced after a minute or so, everyone was leaving the springs. She stayed for a minute, treading water as she watched the crowd. "What, did someone see a water snake or something?" As she asked the question, to no one in particular, she looked around and saw a Drakkan guard standing at the edge of the pool, glaring at her. "What?" She repeated, and his scowl grew deeper.

"Out. Now." He replied gruffly. "Before I have to come in there and drag you out. Not that I'd mind that much..." He grinned as she shook her head in disgust, quickly swimming to the opposite edge of the pool and hoisting herself out of the warm water. She was the last Gem to leave the room- and she still didn't know why they were all going so soon after getting there in the first place. The guards pushed her into her room, and told her to "get ready."

From all the other girl's actions, and the sudden rush... Kendra assumed this meant they were going to be meeting their husbands now. That had to be it. She went over to her chest, rummaging through the things she'd managed to grab from home before the Drakken had pulled her onto their ship, and away from her Island. Seashells, flowing skirts, and summer tops were quickly scattered over the bed, and she picked out an outfit she would be comfortable in. Her seashell necklace, of course- along with a white beach skirt and a red wrap as the top, and her sandals. It left a lot of her skin exposed, but she'd heard that the capitol was a desert, so as soon as they were out of the mountains it was going to get hot- and she didn't want to end up passing out from heat because she'd bundled up.

After making sure her hair was dry enough to look presentable (she loved the wavy look that water gave her), she walked out of her room and began to follow the crowd of other girls to wherever they were all going next, until a guard stopped her. He stepped in front of her, and when she tried to go around him, he moved to block her path again. "Uh, can I help you?"

"That's what you're wearing?" He said it so plainly, but Kendra couldn't help the hairs rising on the back of her neck at the statement.

"Excuse me? Like you have any right to judge my outfit. You've got Helmet hair down to your waist!" The guard just shook his head at her and pointed down the hall, back the way she'd come.

"You still look like you just got out of the bath. You will not disrespect your husband like this. Go put on an actual dress." He crossed his arms over his chest then, making it clear she wasn't going to get by, and from the way he'd spoken it seemed like he wasn't the one making this call either.

"I don't have an 'actual dress'. I didn't pack one, and even if I had they're all more or less like this." She sighed, gesturing to herself. After a second, the guard motioned another guard over.

"We missed one. Take her back to her room and get a gown on her." The second one nodded at the order and then grabbed Kendra by the arm, beginning to drag her down the hall again. "And hurry it up! We have to leave in less than an hour!"

Needless to say, everything from that moment until she plopped herself down on the seat of a carriage was very, very rushed. They'd given her the poofiest ball gown they could- or at least Kendra was sure they did that on purpose. She'd barely managed to keep her seashell necklace through the ordeal, as the drakkan guard "helped" her change outfits. In her opinion, she looked like a young girl's doll- all dressed up for very little reason at all. They'd even had her tie up her hair.

The rest of the carriage ride was actually kind of fun, if you could ignore the fact that at their destination lay their doom. The scenery, while nowhere close to Gemmenia's beauty, was very interesting. In such a short distance, snow, then trees, and now sand and heat and humid nighttime air- which finally broke into a storm as the girls all left their carriages and were rushed into an arena. The prince gave a speech, and then the girls began to be pulled, pushed, and practically thrown at the various Drakken standing around the room. Kendra eyed the crowd carefully, wondering which of these monsters she now belonged to.

She didn't have to wait long, as soon the Prince came for her himself. The guard tapped her on the shoulder to get her to follow, and soon she was being presented to a Wild-looking man. As the prince left she reached up and undid the stupid bun in her hair, letting the dark waves fall wherever they liked. As soon as that was done though, she bowed her head, deciding to speak first. "I am Kendra Riu Bell, of Haarale." She raised her head to look him in the eyes as she continued. "and what might I call you, M'lord?"

Kaivor’s eye twitched ever-so-slightly as Gaelnesh walked away. There was much he had wanted to say, but little enough time to say it. His rational mind told him this was a good thing, that it had been smart of him to offer nothing but a terse nod and some succinct words of gratitude. So, he took long, slow breaths. Finally, he sighed, the twitching ceasing.

In lieu of a proper guard, he’d brought his oldest brother, Delleck. Dell was younger than he by about thirty years, and the older of his younger two brothers. A good fighter with a thick head, Dell had just enough tact to keep silent while Gaelnesh was present, but not so much as to keep him from voicing his thoughts when he’d gone.

“Fucking prick.” He muttered, only just audible. Kaivor allowed himself a brief chuckle. Their father had called Gaelnesh all sorts of things, but ‘prick’ was a favorite. “Kai, you lucky bastard.” Kaivor was a confused for a moment, but it didn’t take him long to understand. He sighed, shot his brother a look, and turned to examine the bride he’d been almost too preoccupied to notice. As he did, the corner of his mouth twitched upwards, something almost resembling a smile. It passed quickly.

She undid her hair and spoke.

"I am Kendra Riu Bell, of Haarale."

At least Gaelnesh has good taste, he thought.

"and what might I call you, M'lord?"

“I am Lord Kaivor Igvrius.” He said, flatly, formally, awkwardly. He, admittedly, hadn’t put much thought into how he’d act around his bride. His father had always been harsh to his brides, but they’d all died almost as soon as they’d given birth. He decided to lighten up, just a bit. “You will take pains to not follow my brother’s example. Never call me Kai.” The words were commanding, perhaps, but his tone was light. “You may call me ‘Kaivor,’ if you wish. Otherwise, I do believe that ‘Lord Husband’ or ‘Lord Igvrius’ will be fine.”

“Well, that’s all well and good.” Delleck roughly threw his arm around Kaivor’s shoulder. “But, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve a feast to enjoy.” He let go of Kaivor, turned on his heel, and scampered off to go, most likely, to drink himself into a stupor. Kaivor sighed in exasperation.

“Tell me, Kendra.” Kaivor turned to her, and then looked around at the feast. “Are you hungry?”

---

Aryll had begrudgingly left the springs, disappointed that her attempted conversation with the girl who’d stood had been cut short. She did as she was told, and though she felt compelled to tell the guards exactly where they could shove their commands, she didn’t. She couldn’t tell if the desire to resist being overcome by a sense of self-preservation was an actual conflict, or just a repeated pattern of cowardice.

She struggled with that all the way to the capital, once again retreating inward. She spoke nary a word, only nodding and occasionally grunting in acknowledgement the few times she was directly spoken to by the guards.

She only really started paying attention to her surroundings when she was yanked out of a line by the younger of the two princes and brought before a younger-looking Drakkan. He was handsome, she had to admit, and he certainly seemed less… severe than some of the other Drakken she’d seen. Still, though, she couldn’t suppress the bitterness that rose in her throat. It burned and she wanted to scream.

She bit her tongue, and the pain brought her back to reality. She didn’t speak, didn’t look at him. Instead, she kept her eyes trained firmly on the ground. If she spoke, her voice might break, and she wouldn’t let the Drakkan hear that. She clenched her fists, and tried to keep her hands from shaking. It might’ve been out of fear.

Or anger.

Kagan could feel his hand twitch, the instinct to embed the mace into whatever new problem decided now was a good time to introduce itself into his life. His expression did not soften as he turned his gaze to the guard, it taking a moment for him to recognize him as one of the Princes lackeys, but the urge to cull the man on the stop at least lessened. "If you're going to send a message, please try and be consistent your highness..." He thinks, stepping between the guard and his bride, plucking the ring from the drakkens grasp.

He turns the ring over in his hands for a moment, pretending to consider it. It was an ugly thing of polished iron, too big to fit on the weak finger of a gem. Kagan wagered it was probably the mans own, and quietly hoped such was the case as he pocketed it. "You'll have to excuse my pet." He says, nodding to the guard, a silent acknowledgement of knowing why he was here. "They're not selected for their brightness, the poor things. Aubree." He says, barking the name and turning, forcing the ring into the gems hand. "Thank the gentlemen for being so polite as to fix your blunder."

He waits a moment, allowing the girl to give her forced gratitude. It wasn't exactly fair to the girl, he'd admit. But to anyone watching this was no more than a typical display of early gem discipline. "Please enjoy your evening sir. But we should go." He says, grabbing Aubree's wrist tightly and pulling her into the rain once the girl had finished. His boots squelched in the mud as he stomped away, the very image of a disappointed and mildly furious new husband.

Once they were a block or two away from the festivities, his gripped on the girls wrist slipped back into the uncomfortable ease. He does not slow his pace, still half pulling the gem with him to keep up with his longer stride, but the stomping slows till it is gone. "Next time you're approached by a Drakken you dont know, I suggest you play it smart and keep your mouth shut and wait for my lead. You talking freely nearly caused me a problem." He says, voice low and barely audible in the rain. They were taking a slightly longer route than he'd planned, if only to give whatever it was he was delayed for a little more time. Better safe than sorry, and he could feel the cold start to seep into him.

The warmth of the hotel was welcomed as they stepped into the lobby, decidedly soaked from the walk. He release his grip on Bree's wrist, looking at the drowned rat that was formerly his elegant bride. They must have looked somewhat out of place in the pleasant decor of the building, though that hardly mattered to Kagan. That said, last thing he wanted was someone complain about them tracking water into the building.

"Hold still." he orders, placing a hand on the side of her face and it slowly down her side till it hit her hips. The water soaking the girl slides along her body, running up the length of Kagan's arm and away from the girl. She wasn't fully dry, but he imagined being slightly damp was better than water logged. "There." he grunts, gently flicking the water out the door before performing the act on himself (with significantly less thoroughness). "We'll have a bath to warm us up once we're inside." he grunts, leading her to his room, the key clicking loudly as he turned it.

When he opened the door, he was expecting a few things. Nothing was the primary one he hoped for. Nothing, after today, would prove to be the best option. Or an assassin. Those were always fun. And one of the few people he could legally beat to death recreationally. What he was NOT expecting was another gem, lounging in his hotel room across a chair, trying what looked to be her damnedest to appear as sultry as possible while helping herself to some wine.

He closes the door calmly, removing the key from the lock and checking to make sure he had the right room. Once...twice...nope. That certainly his room. There is a brief pause before he reopens the door, walking in and dragging Aubree with him, fixing a glare down at the lavender haired woman. "And what, pray tell, has put you in my room?" He asks, releasing Aubree's wrist so she might explore the room while he...dealt with whatever this is.

Rynek, on reflection, was quite pleased with his entrance. It garnered enough attention and he looked very cool, so a win-win really. What he was not pleased with, however, was when some girl decided that she was the great champion he was going to face. He wanted something a bit bigger, in all honesty. But he supposed she did as well.

“A bold move on your part, storming into the royal palace uninvited not to mention your butchery of our employed citizens on your way in. I’m sorry to say that you’ve missed your opportunity to brawl, however, today’s tournament forbade the killing of opponents anyhow. Perhaps we’ll see you in the Pits tomorrow?” He frowned, turning to his men. One of them gave him a shrug.

"You paid those guys? You guys could really do with like some sort of inspection, that was a bit too easy." He scratched his chin as she girl decided to continue speaking. He was starting to remember why he had the last woman's tongue cut out.

“If it were not such a festive occasion, your current actions would be considered that of a hostile threat. I’m sure we can overlook this mishap in judgement and excuse it as overzealous excitement though. Tell me, warrior, what name are you known by? And what business do you have interrupting a mostly concluded Reaping?” He looked around once more, this time at the other Drakkan gathered in the room. The one closest to him was treated to a confused look before a solitary nod before the Princess.

Money passed hands between the dogs as they made quiet bets. Smiley, a bitter and cynical bastard, was close enough for Rynek to hear. "He's gonna try and flirt and she's gonna grind him to a pulp." Rynek growled and puffed up his chest. Since when did he flirt?

"Is this not Drakka? Since when was killing forbidden? And anyways, they did technically fall on my spear. You are welcome to try it sometime." He gave her the eyebrows for good measure. A collective groan went up behind him. Grinning, he threw his spear to Smiley and advanced, weaponless for the most part. "Did your papa not teach you it is rude to ask a name without providing one? Unless, no one ever needed to ask your name. Pair that with the booming voice and incessantly polished horns and I would say you're a rare breed. Queen? Too excitable. Warlord? Too dumb. Princess?" He smiled with his eyes and stepped closer to her, head twisting in intrigue. He knew he was right, he could just smell it; the royal blood pumping through her veins. His father had loved that blood and now, he couldn't find himself disagreeing. "Your highness."

Drawing himself up to his full, albeit stunted height, his friendy demeanour returned. "I am Rynek Darion, bastard son of Kallab Darion and I demand the right to a bride. By name or by blood. Preferably that bride though." He pointed his finger off to a girl to the side of him before following that finger and looking at her. Frowning, he turned back. "Actually not that one." Turning slightly, he caught a flash of silver amongst the backdrop. It didn't take much more than that. "That one. I want that one. I'll kill anyone who begs to differ."

He turned away from her then back to his men and took his spear once more. Pulling away the cloak revealed a simple armour of boiled leather. He wanted a wife and not even the Gods would stand in his way.





Heat was an unusual thing. From a young age, Aeila found herself being almost entirely incapable of retaining it. For a people that lived in the sharp spine of the world, a child that was could barely tolerate the cold was no Drakkan at all. And yet, everyday her fire would be freshly made, her furs made thick and plenty. She should have been left out to the mountain when she was born, they would say under their breath but they would feed her and serve her nonetheless. And she would sit silent. She learned silence long ago, back to before her father died. He would come to her room in the night with his old hunting knife. She still had nightmares of waking to his blade and those thick dark eyes wanting nothing more than to purge his sin. He could never do it, of course. He was too weak. Eventually even that she got used to but the cold, the cold was something that you could never be overcome. It was always there, always waiting, always wanting.

And yet, it was the heat that bothered her most on her first venture from their mountain fortress. She loved it and hated it at the same time. Loved it because it wasn't the cold and hated it because trying to get a night's sleep had been a near impossibility.

She couldn't sleep anyways so she could hardly blame the heat. Despite her father's decades of protests of showing her to the public, Aeila's brothers had deemed it a better year than any to finally find a use for their runt of a sister. Even if it was to secure a small ally, it would be worthwhile. Plus it would mean not having to deal with her anymore.

And so, it was decreed that Aeila would have her first soirée to the capital. Even though most of the day had been composed of people staring at her, she found it interesting in a terrifying way. The books could never quite aptly describe the capital or the different peoples of Drakka. They were vicious and intriguing and their shows of force in the blood pits were something else. Although she tried to make herself as small as possible beside the hulking mammoths she called her brothers, that didn't stop her looking around and trying to make sense of this world in which she had been violently thrusted into.

When the time came for the reaping, she moved with the herd, following her clan of mountain men. She had a bit more brains than they thought and realised that she was just as much on offer as the poor collection of girls that they had gathered this year. She had read extensively about the reaping but seeing so many Gems first hand was a little heart-breaking if she was honest.

When the time came, her family, for their loyalty got their selected few Gems. Despite their father's death, their loyalty to the crown had not changed and so, they were well-treated. Aeila didn't exchange glances with the girls, instead she kept her eyes low, hoping that any others would be content with what they had. She probably should have realised that content was not a word synonymous with Drakkans.

The addition of a stranger bursting into the great hall was one of the few things that did manage her to raise her gaze, however. This one was not welcome in the room but that did not stop him and after a brief spat with the Princess he revealed himself as someone that caused one too many eyes to turn on them. Darion.

She felt her brows furrow and looked amongst her brothers. They were a tight knit family and the idea of there being another that they hadn't taken in was confusing. But then again, if he was the size of the stranger it would make sense. Slowly the gears turned in Aeila's head and she turned to them. "I- I wasn't the only one, was I?" She almost choked, uncertainty big in her eyes.

"Shut it." Her eldest brother growled, not wanting to draw any more attention than their already was. His hope was that this stranger would find himself on the pointy end of the Princess' spear.

Lienna had not been kneeling more than a few seconds before a new voice came from above her, this one distinctly female. She dared not look up, but she could feel another set of eyes boring into her, and the newcomer's words and cadence made the hair on her neck stand on end.

“My oh my. Seems you scored an alright girl after all, I was half expecting them to hand you the leftovers. A bit uptight for my tastes, but she’ll suit you just fine dear brother.”

It seemed as close to a compliment as she could have expected, given the circumstances, and Lienna couldn't help but feel a tiny hint of pride beneath the tightness in her chest. If her husband's sister (as she seemed to be, judging by her words) approved of her, perhaps her husband would as well. Perhaps, she dared to hope, there was a chance she could find a place in this new life.

Her husband's own comment was somewhat less glowing, but Lienna considered it a win nonetheless. If "just fine" meant being safe from cruelty, anyway. Still, she couldn't help but notice a twinge of... Was that disappointment? Surely not, she thought. "Just fine" was perhaps an even better response from her new husband than a more interested one; after all, it could mean that he wouldn't force himself on her, or at least not often. So why did she feel so slighted?

Azilon asked her to stand and Rya offered a hand, albeit looking more like she did it for her own reasons than because she was told to do so. While Lienna would rather not have taken it, deigning instead to rise on her own, she touched Rya's hand nonetheless as she stood. She had never been much for affection, but this girl looked as if she needed every friendly gesture she could get.

Once on her feet, Azilon took hold of her left arm, much gentler than it looked like his huge hands could have been capable of, and produced the dreaded silver chain. Deftly, he tied the fragile-looking leash around her wrist, thus linking her to Rya, before releasing her. Lienna froze, and for a moment, could only stare at the chain. It really would have been beautiful had its purpose not polluted it; it looked delicate, but she could only imagine that somehow it was stronger than it looked. She could probably have untied it if she wanted to, but she dared not even move to touch it, for fear of punishment. Sure, her husband seemed calm enough, but one could never be sure. She'd seen girls mutilated for smaller offenses than what would have looked like an attempt at escape.

Eventually she peeled her eyes away from the chain and looked toward Rya instead. She swallowed the lump in her throat and slowly lowered her arm, the chain, light as it was, feeling like a lead weight on her wrist. She willed herself to calm down, to stop making a fool of herself with this doe-eyed display. So she was tethered to her sister-bride, so what? Surely it was a kinder fate than many of the other girls in the room. Some of them had already been struck to the ground. And perhaps this was not a permanent arrangement, but temporary; a way for her husband to mark them as his. At Shadow Worth, they'd been told that some Drakken opted to brand their brides as a proof of ownership. This, she told herself, was a far preferable alternative.

It wasn't until Azilon addressed them again that Lienna started listening to the conversation around them once more. It seemed they wouldn't linger here, and would be embarking on the long journey to her new home. However, Azilon was scarcely allowed to finish before a commotion, in the form of a cloaked man, entered the room.

"So who does a guy have to talk to around here to get one of those pretty little Gems?"

Lienna whirled around to get a look at the newcomer. There happened to be no one between him and her little group, so she had full view of him, not that there was much to see. A tall Drakkan figure (albeit they all looked tall to her) in a heavy cloak, brandishing a spear like a staff. Lienna would have thought him an old man, by his posture and attire, had it not been for the young man's voice booming out of him.

A Drakkan female - the same adorned one who had delivered Lienna to her husband mere moments before, stepped forward to reply. Her challenge had an air of mockery, but she was clearly tense; if she thought this man was a threat, she appeared prepared to deal with him. Meanwhile, the newcomer seemed entirely relaxed. His ensemble even started making bets.

Despite the newcomer's airy response, Lienna could feel a tension in the air - whether it came from the newcomer, the female, or the rest of the room, she couldn't tell. Azilon seemed ready to react, as did many others, but the intruder was not disturbed.

Tense as it was, the intruder's display was fascinating. It reminded her of the territorial displays of certain more... flamboyant birds up North. He had every Drakkan in the room ready to jump on him, and yet he approached the female unarmed and undaunted. His tone was light, but had an undeniable edge to it. He was confident, cocky even, but it didn't seem altogether unearned. Surely he was either very skilled or very stupid.

He had Lienna's full attention. The room seemed to hang on his every word. He threw off his cloak to reveal himself, a tall, lithe specimen, black-clad and topped by a mess of white hair. He wanted a bride.

No, wait. He wanted her.

"That one. I want that one. I'll kill anyone who begs to differ."

Suddenly, the world jerked sideways. The edges of Lienna's vision darkened, and the distance between herself and the intruder, this Darion, seemed to lengthen. Her next heartbeat hit her like a blow to the chest, and time resumed once more. Luckily, she kept her footing, and the wave of dizziness passed away as quickly as it came.

For the briefest of moments, as he pointed her out, Lienna caught a glimpse of his eyes. This man was no flamboyant arctic bird. No, not at all. Lienna was reminded of the time she'd been out looking for a certain species of pine needles, and had crossed paths with an enormous arctic wolf. It had eyes like ice, and a bristling coat that blended into the snow near-seamlessly. It had the sort of stare that defied translation, and betrayed nothing of the soul within but danger. The resemblance was uncanny.

Lienna didn't move. She barely breathed. That day in the forest she had stared down the wolf for what felt like hours, knowing a sudden move could mean her death. The intruder looked away after only a second, but Lienna kept her eyes trained on him, not daring surrender an inch. Would Azilon defend her? Throw her to the wolf? Despite the fear that gripped her, an excitement boiled in her as well. Dangerous or not, this one seemed like something she could work with. Whether she would need to, she couldn't yet tell.

The door opened just as she got herself rightly situated. She hoped she looked the picture of absolute perfection. She gave a small, coy smile when she saw the man begin to enter the room. The look of surprise or perhaps annoyance on his face made the corners of her lips twitch and she had to hold back laughter as he closed the door. Oh goodness. He had not been expecting her at all. How tricksy! This would be a most interesting night. She hoped that she would not be cast back to the prince. Breathing happened to be one of her favourite past times after all. Adora stood, moving from the chair closer to the door. She folded her hands together in front of her in an attempt to appear as demure as possible. Her eyes were cast to the floor. Had the man made a mistake? Was this not his room? Today was not at all going how she had anticipated. It was, in fact, quite the opposite of what she had expected.

Once again the door opened and he entered. Yes, this was much more clearly annoyance - no doubts. She brought a hand to her mouth, attempting to suppress a fit of giggles, and closed her eyes. Adora wondered if she looked convincingly chaste rather than about to fall to the floor in a gale of laughter. She had to answer his question but it took a moment for her to quell her amusement. Finally, she opened her eyes and returned her hand to its original position. "My name is Adorabella Orchard. I do believe I am to be your bride." It was then she caught a glimpse of Aubree. Her sister bride to be sure! Her heart fluttered with elation that her sister was someone she recognized. A bright smile found its way to her lips and she gave the other girl a small, excited wave. Hopefully, they could get along. Having a companion and friend in these times would be invaluable.

She then turned her attention back to Kagan. "Dear husband, I was left with a note for you. From am exceedingly handsome, hornless Drakken." She wanted to mention what a haughty jerk he was too, but did not wish to offend her new husband in case they were close friends. Taking measured steps she approached the bed and retrieved the scroll before bringing it back to Kagan. She held out the scroll for him to take. It was now she had a good look at him. He was obscenely tall. Nearly twice her height in fact. Perfect. She could... no would climb him like a tree. He was also quite pretty for a Drakken. Not nearly as pretty as the prince had been but at least his face was nice to look at. Something altogether unusual. Adora thought, perhaps, she would like her new life - even if it meant missing out on her brother's. None the less, she was here and she might as well enjoy herself and have fun.

Bree’s eyes narrowed and her lips pressed thin in irritation when Kagan ordered that she thank the, frankly ridiculous, drakkan. The whole situation left her wondering who on earth the two of them were trying to fool. It was obvious that the two knew each other and were pretending not to, with her being the only one around for the show. Which was stupid. She stared at Kagan for a few more seconds, waiting for the joke to stop, but he was serious. Grudgingly, she turned to the other drakkan, she tilted her head slightly. “Thank you for returning my ring,”

Thankfully, that was all Kagan expected, as she’d barely spat out the words before being pulled into the stormy night.

The walk in the rain wasn’t half as unpleasant as Bree originally thought, it was twice. For the first few blocks, Kagan drug her through the muddy streets at such a pace that she was forced into a semi-run to keep up at all. Her husband also chose to stomp like a child through the mud, splashing it everywhere, on himself, on her.

"Next time you're approached by a Drakken you dont know, I suggest you play it smart and keep your mouth shut and wait for my lead. You talking freely nearly caused me a problem."

“ I don’t see how I was given another choice,” she muttered, her words coming out sharply, had the memory of the situation not been so fresh in her mind, she would have tried to handle the situation better. “But, next time I’ll let you handle the talking, Sir”

By the time the hotel came into view, Bree was soaked through. Her hair heavy on her head and the flowy aspect of her dress became clingy, catching on every curve of her body, while the thinner areas of her dress grew shear. Her feet and shoes were caked with mud, as was the bottom part of her dress. Violent shivers wracked her body with every breeze that shot through the streets. The hotel looked almost round in shape, three stories high, but it lacked the sharp edges that were traditional with most structures.

Her husband stopped her just out of the rain in the entrance of the building."Hold still." Her eyes narrowed on his hands as they reached up and took hold of her face. Willing her body not to stiffen as Kagan ran his hands down to her hips. The sensation of having all the water pulled from her skin and clothing was like a having a handful of tiny, icy beads running down her back, arms and up her legs. Her body gave a few involuntary quivers as the water flicked across more sensitive areas of her body. The back of the neck, lower back, between her shoulder blades. Once she was no longer leaving puddles of water, her husband did the same to himself. While she was certain she still looked like a drowned rat, he managed to wear his water well enough. Once they were a little drier, Kagan lead her down a long stone hall lit by large candles on platforms.

The building had a distinct feeling of being scantily occupied. There were a handful of drakken milling about, brides glued to their sides. The only other creatures she saw were the workers. Strange creatures, about the same size as gems, but covered in corse brown hair like a bear. Thick collars of iron were welded around their necks.

Kagan stopped in front of a large door. The handle rested near her elbow. As Kagan tossed open the door, Bree took a step to follow, only to collide with his back. She stepped back to catch herself, eyebrows raised. She peered around her husband to see if there was anything on the door that might have cause his sudden pull back. But there was nothing.

Clearly whatever is bothering him is in the room. Aubree watched Kagan check the door a few more times before shoving the door open and pulling her in behind him. She gazed around the room, expecting to see another drakkan or...something.

Adorabella was not one of those somethings. The girl seemed to be the exact same as she had been at the castle. Full of confidence, sassy...a total lack of self preservation.

Bree’s face flicked up into a tight smile that vanished almost as quickly at her wave, nodding in acknowledgment. It wasn’t Adorabella’s fault, and she knew she shouldn’t be bitter towards the girl. But she was too wild. Too unpredictable. Had it been someone like Arden, a sister-bride might have been a good thing.

Still trembling with cold, Bree glanced around the rest of the room from behind Kagan's back. Bright, thick rugs covered the floor, a huge bed was lined along one of the walls. At the foot of the bed lay her truck. Something she was thankful to see. On the far side was a large stone tub that stood under the window. A hazy layer of steam rose off of the heated water. Kagan had mentioned a bath earlier a bath with him, judging by the size of the tub , she suddenly felt another tremor go through her body that had nothing to do with the cold.

Her eyes flicked to the wall that held the door. A long table next to the door had an open bottle of wine, beyond it other simple foods covered the table. Her hands seemed to move of their own accord. She snatched the bottle and poured herself a glass. She took a sip of it, still watching the two others in the room participate in their strange interrogation.

Slipping from behind Kagan, Aubree entered the rest of the room, drawing close to the fire, choosing to stand on the stone hearth to avoid making a muddy mess of the rug and to reap the rewards of the nearby heat. While Bree was pulling off her shoes, Adorabella crossed the room and returned to Kagan with a tightly wrapped scroll.

“What does it say?” Bree asked lightly, glancing down at the wine glass in her hand, disappointed to see that half the amount had vanished already. Whatever was written, it was clearly important and had something to do with getting an extra bride, something that shouldn't be scoffed at as an accomplishment.

Zeldria stood in silence for a time after Ineraz left them. She could still hardly believe that what was happening was real, but denying it would do her no good. Not to mention the rain had left her soaked and chilled to the bone, and the warmth of the bath that had been drawn was proving to be exceptionally inviting.

"Well," she said aloud so Sera could hear her, "It'd be a waste of a bath to just stand here shivering, now wouldn't it?"

She gave the guards a brief look, knowing full well that they'd drink in her every detail but wanting to tell herself she'd tried, before working her way out of the drenched dress. She wanted to be careful not to tear it or get it filthy; Ineraz had said it was hers, and while she was loathe to think she'd ever want to wear it again, it was at least something. Maybe she could find the time to do some work on it? It was a nice thought, in any case. So she draped the dress off the side of the tub to air a little and then gingerly steeped one foot in the water. She winced as the heat bit at her, almost too much to bear, but acclimation soon followed and she followed suit with the rest of her. Once she was all the way in, not even using half of the tub, she turned to face Sera again.

"So... umm," she struggled to grasp the right words, "Sera, was it? I feel we should get to know each other a little better, since it seems we're fated to spend the rest of our lives as..." she trailed off, her mouth refusing to let her say the words "sister brides."

"What could you tell me about yourself? Or would you prefer that I start?"






Interesting. So fate had provided him with a pair of Earth Gems. And each with different specialties and experience, at that. One was a coastal dweller who was drawn to animals, the other a librarian from the woodlands who specialized in plant life. The diversity only added to the intrigue. Yes, Wilhelm thought, he'd received quite the pair this time. Perhaps the trip had been a sound investment after all.

"I see," he said, "I think the both of you will be able to find a place in my house. It is quite a distance from the Capital, so we will stay in the city overnight and depart in the morning. For now-"

A sudden commotion drew his attention as a Drakken entered the hall by force. Attempts at crashing the Reaping were hardly unheard of, but a successful attempt? That was noteworthy indeed. It was also potentially troubling, as intruders would surely have but one demand. Wilhelm reached one hand down to the scabbard on his waist, gripping his weapon.

"Stay close," he commanded to his brides. He wouldn't move far, merely a step or two to get a better look, but it was better for all parties involved that they move with him. As he turned his gaze to directly see the intruder, Wilhelm's eyebrows raised slightly as he saw that it was, of all people, Rynek Darion. It seemed this Reaping had more than its fair share of surprises.

However, while the Princess was... entertaining Rynek, it seemed the husband of the Gem he eyed was content to use her as a shield and hope she would protect him. "Well?" Wilhelm called to him, "Your claim to your bride has been contested. Are you going to meet it, or hide behind the Princess like a coward?"

With a sinister smile, Heccarim allowed the simple swinging and clanging of his chains to answer the taller, stronger looking one's question; her mind would provide her with answer, if they were right or wrong wasn't the concern of the Graven Warden. A sadistic enjoyment washed over the Drakkan as he saw his brides tremble in place and learned their names, oh what beautiful names.

Not one for making nicknames or mockery, Heccarim did his best to remember their names as he once again swung around them, checking their bindings, and ignoring Arden's outcries, "The Drakka call me the Grave Warden of Harand Kor, you will do the same in calling me 'Warden' if you cannot bring yourself to say the full. Prisoners are regularly chained… standard practice no?"

With formalities complete, Heccarim dragged the chains as he left the hall, pulling the Gems off their feet as he vanished from sight. He was finally done having to be in thie cursed city with nothing to do and no one to torment outside of small children. There was little business for the Warden to attend to at a feast as the position of Warden was often outside whatever courtly intrigue or conspiracy that other titles had to deal with. To Heccarim such an arrangement was perfectly fine although he would miss the food. In his younger years before he became Warden he had gone to a few parties and feasts and the food was really the only thing that kept him there. Of course that all stopped when his father died, but duty calls and he was oath bound to answer.

Avoiding the main thoroughfares and streets, Heccarim lead the Gems in and out of shadows, away from public view. While other Drakkan would no doubt take the time to flaunt their new found gains and parade them in varying degrees of humiliation, the persona of the Warden wouldn't. Instead the image of passing shadows and ghosts being pulled from view would fit the mystic more; any pained cries or discomforts by the Gems would only heighten such a sight.

Finally out beyond the walls, Heccarim came to an abrupt halt. The warmth of the sun made him snarl and he blinked sweat out of his eyes, by the gods he couldn't wait to leave. Still clutching the chains, he produced a bell from his body and vigorously shook it three times. Three times it cried like a tormented church bell and from the edge of the Warden's gaze came a carriage. Something wrapped in thick cloth covered in deep red stains was chained to the back of the carriage; it did not move. Two ghastly beasts whipped by a hooded figure pulled a black coffin carriage and from the back, a pair of deformed, tiny goblins rolled out.

"Master! Master!" the larger one called out, prostating before the Warden, "Kreek has taken most loving care of carriage yes yes!"
"Streek has taken most loving care of horses yes yes!" the smaller one cried, groveling at the Warden's feet.

The two creatures barely measured two feet in height and were part of a tribal society that had lived in the mountains of Harand Kor since before it was settled. When the original settlers came, they easily subjugated the race known as "Hoblars". Wretched and twisted beings, they spent their lives scheming and backstabbing one another while brown nosing to those above them. More than one prisoner tried to employ them in their escape, but for every Hoblar that tried to help a prisoner, ten more would run to the Warden or his jailers to prove their "loyalty".

Ignoring them, Heccarim walked forward as the two Hoblars pulled down the steps form the side of the carriage, their hearts and eyes full of cruel perverseness at the Gems who accompanied their master. Any other Hoblar wold have had the stupidity to ask the Warden for one of them but Kreek and Streek were different. Not only did they only try to limit their attempts at murdering each other to once per day, they knew better than to try to ask the Warden for rewards. Service was its own reward, as they'd say to Heccarim while they polished his chains and cleaned his mask.

Inside the carriage, the Warden too his seat as the two Hoblars took their spots besides them, gesturing for his new brides to sit opposite to him. Without a word, the driver set off once to door was closed and made their way back to Harand Kor.

"Let me be clear," the Warden spoke as his Hoblars placed wooden boards in the windows of the carriage so the Gems couldn't see where the path to the prison, "You belong to the Warden of Harand Kor. You will provide me with an heir for Harand Kor must always have a Warden. You will not attempt to escape less you wish to be intured in more than simple chains and still keep your flesh. Should one of you even think of it, I will flay the other and cut off her limbs before feeding them to you. Should you plot against me I will leave you in the deepest, darkest hole in mountains of Harand Kor, stripped and beaten with only a pack of feral, depraved Hoblars as companies. Do. I. Make. My. Self. Clear."

---

He first let both of his Gems finish each their introduction. Xaelia’s remarks were not well received. It was a glorious thing to do. The suffering of those Gems were their own doing, their King’s doing. He could not fight a war and paid the price. The Anathos’ price would have been dead. Yet here was a Gem insulting the legacy. His father had warned Keregar this would happen. The Gems, their short lives made them forgetful. He knew there was arrogance in Xaelia’s voice. A sense of superiority despite standing here as a bride. It had to be broken. With his left hand, his slapped her across the cheek. His iron ring cutting right below her eye. Before she could do anything he grabbed her by cheeks and pulled her closer as his face came closer to hers. Dangerously close. Close enough to force his lips on hers if he wanted to. He didn’t though. At the last moment, he turned her face slightly. His tongue just slightly liked a drop of blood spilling from the wound. He kept her face in that position for a moment as he rolled the blood through his mouth. Then he turned her face back to his. “You’re not in Gemina anymore.” He said before releasing her and pulling himself up again. “You’re in Drakka. I won’t tolerate insults like that again.” She better learned what actual glory and honor was.

Then he turned to Nadia. A seamstress? He had no use for that. He gave her another look. She could be a lot more with a lot less. “The dress. Take it off.” He simply said. His voice icy cold. Yet his eyes made clear that he wasn’t going to say it a second time. Especially when he moved his left hand towards the hilt of his knife. Either she took it off or he’d cut it off. Of course, he didn’t care what she wore underneath. “There is only one place for dresses at Kereg-Kor. And that place you Gems will have to learn to like.” Sorrak’s Sanctuary loaned itself well to silk and certain clothes. But beyond those doors, the wilderness beckoned. It even crept within the black stone walls of Kereg-Kor. No, dresses would not serve them and it would not serve him either. He knew that Nadia, with her love for the quietness of nature, would foolishly love the wilderness around Kereg-Kor. Maybe, to teach her a lesson, he should set his wolves on her on some quiet moment. Nature should be feared above all. “I hope you’re more entertaining when Sorrak demands his tribute.” He said towards Nadia. Xaelia at least dared to insult him. If she even knew she insulted him. Nadia was a meek thing. Too afraid and far too docile. He reached slowly for her, though his hand passed her face and loosened whatever kept the bun together. “Hair, at least, should be wild.” He finished.

By now he would normally order his group to leave for his estate. There they’d pack so they could start marching for Kereg-Kor in two days. Though then Rynek entered, demanding his bride. Keregar took the large sword, still wrapped in torn, blood-specked cloth and open it up with his knife. Revealing a weathered but still sharp blade. The slightly chipped edge made clear that this blade was old, very old. He lowered the weapon next to him, in front of his brides. Putting it between them and the intruder. He would kill anyone who dared to take his Brides without his permission. Deep inside he wished the fool would dare it though. He could use some bloodshed. Especially if it was to be the blood of such an arrogant cub. Though it appeared that the Princess was already handling the situation. Two companions moved from the shadows into the light towards Keregar. “We’re leaving.” He calmly said. Suddenly not caring if Nadia did what he demanded or not. The two companions led the Brides away. Not even stopping as they marched them into the rain, ushering them on towards the Estate. Keregar stayed behind for a moment. Covering their retreat.

At home, they were led into the rather bare living. The few decorations hanging on the walls were of blunted weapons and shields. The two companions vanished and from around a corner a Drakkan appeared. Even though still a very young for a Drakkan, he was still a little bit bigger than they were. He was drenched like a rat and dressed in hard-boiled leather. The young Drakkan had a great many bruises all over his arms and one of his legs. “Are you two my new mothers?” he asked surprisingly innocent for a Drakkan.

Kagan glares down at Adorabella, not sure what to make of her. For one, she was small. Almost comically so, and he found him questioning if she was even of age for the Choosing. She likely was, the Prince being many things but a pederast wasn't one of them (as far as he knew and hoped anyway.) He takes the note Adorabella hands him, gently flicking the wax seal out of his way to read. "Seems that the Prince has taken some small interest in my work." He says, reading what little contents it held.

"Adorabella..." His face scrunches at the name before his continues. "Along with being the victim of the most negligent parental naming conventions in history is an advance of sorts. I can only assume we'll get the other half of her once we do whatever little request he might have. Or we could just return her." He continues, tossing the note into the small fire beneath the bath. He hadn't the energy to conduct an interrogation on the smaller gem like he had for Aubree just yet, so that could to wait till morning.

The fact she took it upon herself to raid his rooms wine did not exactly speak well to her obedience, nor was he particularly thrilled the previously well mannered Aubree seemed to have followed her lead and was half a glass deep already. But right now, they were obedient enough to not try and run away, and a drink didn't sound like a terrible idea. He walks over, grabbing the bottle and Adora's now empty glass, filling it generously. "Regardless, I see no reason kick her out of bed so to speak. Gift horses and such." he grumbles, downing the wine rather quickly, ignoring the taste of something other than wine on the lip of the glass.

"For now, I'd rather worry about other things." he says, topping his own glass off before doing the same to Aubree's. He leans in slightly, whispering into the girls ear. "Try and pace yourself. As I understand it, being drunk generally makes it worse, not better. For first timers specifically." He says, quietly before backing away.

Setting the bottle down on the table, he takes a seat on a furred couch, beckoning the two brides to join them with a small gesture of his glass. He still felt a little cold, but he...needed some time for the wine to kick in before jumping into making proper use of his brides. "So...Tell me about yourselves." He says, taking a bored sip and indulging further in the rich Drakken tradition of liquid courage. "Where you come from (specifically), interests. Nonsense that helps you pretend that I care such as that." he adds, voice light with a soft teasing tone.

He was so delightfully calm about the whole ordeal. It was strange she felt a bit comfortable beside the giant. Not in the sense that he was a good or kind person. Adora had no way of knowing this having met him for a total of two minutes. But rather, as someone who did not lose his head or give way to anger. Assuredly annoyed with the situation but she was relieved he did not take it out on her. It wasn't Adora's fault after all. She thought that perhaps she could come to like him as well as the life she might share alongside him. Perhaps friends at the very least. He discussed, in what Adora considered to be a light tone, with Aubree whether or not to keep her. It seemed, for now, she was safe.

With her comfort, her confidence grew. As he sat down she stopped at the table to retrieve another glass since he had taken the one she used. She wasn't quite sure why considering the others available but it mattered little. He whispered to Aubree and she paid no mind as she poured her own glass. They'd had more time to spend together so it made sense that they would be more companionable. She removed her own shoes, balancing with the glass of wine. Adora sat to Kagan's right. She situated her skirts so as to show off a bit of thigh and curled her legs to one side of her, opposite to Kagan. She brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear as she became comfortable, leaning into the soft couch. It was now he asked the girls a question.

She sipped her wine, to suppress a small laugh. If he really cared so very little, why even ask in the first place? He would be a fun little puzzle to figure out. After a beat it seemed Bree was not prepared to answer so, Adora being the chatty little thing she was, took the reigns. With her free hand, she began the process of removing the excess moisture from her new husband's clothing. With simple yet elegant movements she slowly moved her hand over his clothing, mere inches from his body. Water collected in her hand and as it did so it was released as steam. It took a little time for the steam to begin but she hardly noticed as she happily recounted her tale... In as little detail as possible. Kagan did not seem the type to enjoy elaborate stories.

"I grew up in a small town in the South of Gemmania. The Southern Sea was less than half a day's walk away. There I was a midwife and healer. I lived with a woman named Olynna. She had taken me away from my parents after I was born a girl. They had hoped to hide me away from the world so as to not be taken when the Drakken arrived for the Reaping. My desire for contact saw to the end of that. A relative discovered me and I was taken back to my parents. Who, as it would turn out, were of nobility - though it all means nothing to me. Especially now." At this time she had finished drying Kagan and stood to begin the process with Bree. Her hand was heated at this point from the energy pooled there and the procedure was done much more quickly. It helped she was dryer as well.

"I have a little brother. Sweetest little thing. It broke my heart to leave him. But this is my life now and there is no use crying over spilt tea." She offered Bree a gentle and sweet smile. "And there ends my rather boring tale. I would dearly love to learn about my Sister Bride. And of course my husband. Especially how I should call him." She turned the sugar smile toward him before returning to her work on Bree.

After relaxing in the springs for what seemed like only a very short time, a drakkan stormed in and ordered everyone out. Seriously? We just barely got here! I haven't had time to fully enjoy myself yet! Kuki sighed and begrudgingly got out, taking her sweet damn time doing so. She slowly lifted herself out of the bath and shot the drakkan a look that let him know she wasn't happy. She picked up her clothes that she had set aside earlier and used them to dry herself slightly then put them on. She shivered and walked out of the spring. She was escorted to her temporary room and told to get ready. She looked in a mirror. Her hair was a mess, and there was no way she was going anywhere in what she was wearing at the moment. She quickly brushed through her hair and but it up in a simple braid. She went over to her things and looked for her dress. She didn't bring many things, only a brush and a nice dress that her uncle had gotten for her. It was a simple dress, it was green in color. She picked it up and held it against her body. Kuki didn't have much in the curves department, but this dress complemented nicely what she did have. She put it on and found that it fit perfectly. The dress went no further than her knees, and she found it quite comfortable. The neckline was a bit lower than she was comfortable with, however, ending just above her breasts. It briefly occurred to her that she looked like a giant flower.

A while later, Kuki was escorted to a carriage to start the long journey to the capital. She spent her time as she had spent the first trip, daydreaming and looking at the surrounding landscape. It was very dull and not at all like the bright colors and views of her homeland. A wave of sadness crashed into her, and a lone tear streaked down her cheek. She eventually fell asleep.

When Kuki woke up, she was in the capital. It was larger than Shadow Worth, yet just as dreary. When they made it to their destination she was ushered into a room with something like a hundred gems. Scattered around the room were Drakkans that she presumed were to be their husbands.

Husbands

Kuki shuddered a bit at the thought that she would be given to one of these brutes as a prize. She looked around. Some of them looked softer and gem like. She guessed that those that did had gem mothers. A little ways away, another important looking drakkan was giving a speech. She sighed and tried to ignore it. She was suddenly grabbed and dragged off.

The guard that was dragging her stopped in front of a rather imposing drakkan. He had to be about seven feet tall. After a bit of talking between the guard and the Drakkan that Kuki guessed was to be her husband, she was pushed forward. The drakkan looked at her and said, " So. I find myself wondering. Am I dealing with another spitfire, or are you content to cower in fear?"

Kuki was confused for a moment then gave a small smile. "Well, I'm not entirely sure, sir. Perhaps we'll find out." Kuki looked up at him as she said this. "We should at least get along. My name is Kuki. Kuki Aho. And how may I address you?"

They would find a place in his house? What did that mean? What kind of ‘place’? Did he have other wives already? Was there a chance he would not take her to his bed? Perhaps she would just be a servant?
The hope she felt was almost painful. Amalia was live out her life happily as no more than a servant if it meant -

A sudden commotion took her from her thoughts as fresh fear rushed through her. What was happening? Unconsciously she moved closer to her new ‘husband’, seeking protection from whatever was happening.

Amalia’s head turned frantically, trying to watch all angles at once. A drunken Drakken, whose appearance seemed more animal from the blood and mud on his body, leered at her before shouting “boo!” And laughing when she jumped away from his horrid smell.

A small cry escaped her throat and Amalia grabbed her husband’s arm in fear. She held on tightly with both hands, shaking like a new born lamb. She hated it here. She hates the noise and the smell and the lewd jests. She hated the smoke and the blood and the fear choking her.
Pressing her face against Wilhelm’s arm Amalia prayed once again that soon she could leave this place and never return. It crossed her mind that he might be angry at her for hiding at his side. But she would apologize and take whatever punishment he wished to give later. For now she would seek refuge in her new husband.

Her red eyes focused on him, her new husband, as he spoke. She studied his lips as each passing word was released. How her name fell of his tongue without even a hint of fear surprised her. She couldn’t even remember how long it had been since the last time she had heard someone say her name without it being accompanied by a scared face turning and running.

A sudden force pushed into her arm. She quickly turned to see what, or rather who, had bumped into her. With the turn of her body she met face to face with another; she was delicate…

S...s...serafine

The name barely escaped her quivering lips.. Her eyes were shaking and she instinctively stepped away from the red eyed gem.

Don’t call me that…

She couldn’t have made it more than three steps before her hair started to singe.

She had lost herself again, though this time she had lost herself in the surprising relief she felt that this man had not turned away from her as many had done before. She knew Drakkan had no reason to be afraid of Gems, pathetic and weak Gems, but it was a feeling that she wasn’t going to deny. His name was Ineraz, and she was to address him as sir or husband when in public. The titles of master and lord husband soured in her head; she didn’t like the sound of them. She settled on Sir Ineraz.

He talked about what a beast master was and explained that hunting was not sought after in Drakka; another surprise. Hunting was second nature to the people who lived in Sera’s village. Her parents would go away before the frost would set in to prepare for the cold. She used to enjoy hunting with her parents, even taking quiet solace in catching and killing the animals; a guilty pleasure she would dare not reveal. That all changed when he was born… She hasn’t hunted since.

”Hunting… it would be fun.”



The walk to the Evrenarth estate was a wet and quiet one. The rain had not let up once the entire walk there, and though Ineraz attempted to match their pace, his long strides were still difficult to keep up with. The trio did not speak the entire way, though Sera shot small glances at her new Husband and her sister bride?. The group stopped in front of a rather large yellow manor; Sera looked up at the massive home in awe. She was accustomed to living in a house that was a single room where everyone slept on the floor in a row - though that was a memory so far gone that it was almost forgotten.

The warm foyer of the home was a welcomed change from the damp outside. She stood side by side with Zeldria as their husband dried them off in a manner of some kind using air magic. Sera’s face twisted into an unpleasant scowl at the feeling of the air rushing over her body; she would have preferred to warm by a fire but it appeared as though her Husband did not possess such a skill.

That’s alright… we can light the fires.

Sera sat lifelessly at the dinner table as she poked at the food on her plate and ignored her husband’s judging eye. She barely had an appetite back home but here it was worse; was it because she was afraid? Or was it because their food was gamy and dull. Regardless, it took a rather firm hand on her shoulder and a stern look by a guard to encourage her to eat even just a little bit but not without a momentary scowl in return. After the meal was over, her and her sister-bride were lead to yet another room. With the announcement of a bath Sera felt a twinge of excitement; her wet dress had become heavy against her skin and it was growing uncomfortable. As much as Ineraz attempted to dry them off, the material had absorbed too much water to completely dry while remaining on her body.

Before her husband had even left the room she had started to remove the dress. By the time he was gone, the dress was in a crumpled mess at her ankles. She moved toward the wooden tub and dipped her foot in to test the temperature. Though it was almost too hot, she was too cold to care. The Gem sunk into the water and watched as her Sister Bride undressed, neatly put her dress over the side of the tub, and lower herself into the water. Sera stared at her; she had reddish coloured hair, was much taller than she was, and had boring brown eyes. She’s a fire gem?

"Sera, was it? I feel we should get to know each other a little better, since it seems we're fated to spend the rest of our lives as..."

The Gem couldn’t finish the sentence.Pathetic. was her first thought, but the girl kept going. "What could you tell me about yourself? Or would you prefer that I start?"

”Live our lives as slaves, do you mean? Or what was the other word they used… Sister brides?” She asked, almost too casually. ”I lived in a small village in the woods. I didn’t learn much about Drakkan there. The day I was taken, I didn’t know what that was.”

”You’re the first person to talk to me in a long time. I don’t know what to tell you about myself. What kinds of things do people tell strangers?” She asked, her signature emotionless face staring at Zeldria. Most people would think she was mocking them, but Sera was completely serious. Not a single person has socialized with her in a friendly way since the incident happened. The extent of the villagers speaking to her was to call her a freak; a monster. They too, had wished for The Reaping.



It was refreshing to be warm and in dry clothes, though the tunic provided for her would not fit a Drakkan, it was still a little baggy on her. She left the ceremony gown provided for her in a lump on the ground and followed the guards that had been standing outside the cracked open door as the they had bathed; she was almost certain their wandering eyes had made their way in the room once or twice. A minor detail she cared little for. The hallway to their destination was even something of beauty; the walls were decorated with massive paintings and mantles from animals displayed as trophies. The guards stopped at the end of the hallway and pushed open two large wooden double doors. Sera and Zeldria entered the room and the guards left as quickly as they had delivered the prizes. In front of them in the center of the room on a rather large bed was their husband.

He was dressed in a black tunic that clearly displayed him and was sprawled across the bed in a seductive manner. Sera could feel a slight heat to her face; she had never seen the male body in such a way before and she was surprised that a race she had learned to be monstrous her whole life could be alluring. As quickly as she felt the heat, it retreated. Next his voice filled the room, bringing his brides three choices with rather colourful body language. ”And I assure you, I will show you the kinds of pleasure you wouldn’t have had chance to even dream of until now, much less experience”

The statement purred out of his mouth with confidence, causing Sera’s heart to beat a little faster. Her eyes watched as his hand playfully slid down his chest, his fingers lingering around his manhood. She felt the heat return to her face and pulled her eyes from his hand and back to his gaze. Sera tried to recall what she had learned in Shadow Worth, but the entire experience was nothing but a frantic blur. She hadn’t experienced choice in a long time and the unknowing of how to respond made her uncomfortable. Would she be punished for the wrong decision?

Her eyes flicked to where the bed rolls were on the opposite side of the room; a familiar comfort. Her body naturally moved toward them. As she moved across the room, she pulled her long white hair out from where it was trapped underneath the tunic when she pulled the cloth over her head. She picked up a roll from the pile and began to unravel it on the ground, facing the door as always. She looked over to Ineraz and swallowed back what she could only gather was nerves. Before settling into the bedding on the floor, she moved to the side of his bed and stopped mere inches away from it. Her small hand reached out to his face and she took his cheek in it. Her red gaze found his and she studied him for a moment, not entirely believing he was real. The warmth of his skin against her hand reminded her otherwise, and she quickly removed it and returned to her bed on the ground. Sera settled into the blankets, her face toward the door.

”I’m sorry if this isn’t the right answer.” Her voiced quietly spoke from the ground. As she stared at the wooden door to the room, her mind curiously wandered to what lied beneath her Husband’s tunic, and for a moment she forgot about the monsters trying to pry their way in.

The numbness from the impact faded into a warm pricking pain just as Keregar’s hand caught Xae’s face. She met his glare, rage flickering in her eyes as the gap between their faces grew short. Her teeth clenched beneath her lips as she willed herself not to break eye contact. Her face was jerked to the side seconds before their faces reached each other. A wet warmth touch her skin as his tongue traced the slap pattern on her face. Her resolve dying, Xae felt her eyes squeezed shut, face twisting as she held her breath, her lungs trapping the flow of air as she kept as still as possible, like a cat being licked by a wolf.

Her eyes cracked open again, watching as the drakkan pulled back.

”You’re not in Gemina anymore. You’re in Drakka. I won’t tolerate insults like that again.”

Xae couldn’t trust herself to speak after Keregar released her face. Rage coild in her gut, her only solace was that Keregar wouldn’t have reacted so angrily if there wasn’t hint of truth in what she had said. Using the back of her hand, she wiped at her cheek, surprised to find traces of her blood. A smear of crimson was left across her face. Xae’s eyes narrowing as Keregar turned his attention to her sister bride.

For whatever reason, he seemed to save his wrath for her. After ordering Nadia to strip from her beautiful dress, he mentioned Sorracks sanctuary. An area designed for one of the many dark gods of Drakka. The god of children and all things that went along with that.

Xae tried to imagine the home that Keregar described. She pictured tall log walls with sharp points on the end. Inside, rough buildings and the smell of smoke, little more than camping. Allowing nature in just enough to remind them all it was there. A life exposed.

There was a sudden commotion as a drakkan faced the crowd and demanded a bride of his own. Before getting a proper look, she and her sister bride were ushered out into the rain. The journey to their temporary home was wet and cold. Colder than any desert had any right to be.

The home of Keregar left a lot to be desired. It was bare. The floor was smooth, worn down by years of use. It gave off the impression of a place just moved in or out of. No sign of someone actually having made the place a home. A soulless place.

“Are you two my new mothers?” The additional voice startled Xae, her eyes narrowed on the young drakken.

Xae struggled to process the words for a moment. Although she knew that drakken were born and they must grow up, she never had put much thought into what that process looked like. Always picturing the monsters that drakken were once they were full grown. Taking a second look, she saw Keregar written all over the young drakkan’s face. In the shape of the eyes and nose. The way that the lips curved just so. The boy was much fairer than his father, but that was the only difference . In those features, Xae found her hate getting pinned. “That’s not how mothers work,” She said, a strain in her voice as she kept the anger she felt buried within.

Despite that thought, an annoying voice tried to whisper soothing words about how many mothers this boy had had throughout his life. Despite the voice asking how many had treated the young thing as a monster, her voice remained cold.

But she wasn’t about to show kindness towards anything of his.







The wine here was far more dry than anything she kept at home. It left a pleasant, vaguely metallic, taste in her mouth. The type of wine that would pair well with meat and cheese. The lack of food she had the chance to consume today meant that the small amount of liquor was already leaving her with a pleasant warmth in her face. The rest of her still fighting off the chill of the rain.

"I can only assume we'll get the other half of her once we do whatever little request he might have. Or we could just return her."

Bree’s eyes flicked towards Kagan at this, squinting slightly a single, horrible thought shot through her mind Return her and ask...for a different one?

She tried to make herself feel guilty about the thought. Gems suffered enough without other Gems encouraging the drakken to view them as objects that could be bought, sold and traded at will. Things that could be returned.

But if anyone could get Allie here...royalty could. It wasn’t personal.

A sudden weight in her hand drew her back as more wine was suddenly added to her glass.

"Try and pace yourself. As I understand it, being drunk generally makes it worse, not better. For first timers specifically."

The vague warmth that had gathered on her face vanished in an instant, leaving a cold dryness in her throat. I also have to convince him and…I don’t really know him and I know that isn’t something he is interested in talking about right now The idea of having sex with Kagan wasn’t repulsive, she had had too much time to get used to the idea. But she was sorely regretting not taking up at least one of the offers made to her by male gems before arriving. She had been saving herself, but that person was very far away now.

Adorabella took the spot to Kagan’s right, so Bree walked carefully across the room, trying her best to keep the mud off of everything, and took the spot on his left.

Bree tucked herself between Kagan’s chest and arm, moving carefully as to not bump either of their wines. Her back resting in the crook of Kagan’s shoulder. She was relieved to find that, after the initial touch of his wet clothing on her skin, the rest of him was warm.

“I’m not nobility or anything,” said Bree, taking another sip of her wine. The taste of it was less strong now, her mouth having grown accustomed to its sharpness. “My family was a merchant class, they sold a little of everything, mostly properties, but my father was hoping to start working on some trade deals with the south,” That statement was putting it lightly. At some point, the power dynamics started to change, with wealthy families climbing up to become equals of the nobility—like weeds among the flowers--her family among them. They were able to grow their wealth faster than most by keeping the family small, the wealth only ever having been split once by twin brothers. Her great-great-great grandfather and equally great uncle. One married and the other didn’t, when the twin died with no heir, the wealth was placed back together. Even now, years later, her families tree was a single branch straight down to her brother Sadge. She didn’t have any uncles, although her father had mentioned an aunt that had been reaped nearly thirty years before. And two great-aunts who had reaped together nearly sixity. In theory, they could be alive, but she didn’t feel the urge to seek them out.

Her father lusted after the idea of marrying her brother to a noble woman for titles and such. But that was the only thing to be gained from such an arraignment. And her families track record for reapings kept many a potential brides leery of such a marriage.

Having been to parties that were held at the houses of ‘high society’ her house was nicer. Was nicer . In all of her dreams of Drakka, she always assumed that her new place would be similar to her hold. Just with uglier houses.

“I have an older brother, he enjoys the social light,” They both had back home, once their formal education was done, there was little else for rich kids to do. Only his talents and existence started and ended with the waxing and waning of the party. Sadge did look out for her, but she was lucky to be family when it came to him, as those were the only ties that held any value in his eyes.

Bree watched Adorabella flit around, drying first Kagan and then herself, much in the same way that Kagan had in the hall before entering the hotel.

“I almost feel silly,” said Bree, leaning forward to dusting off a bit of the fine powered, before settling back in her space. “Bringing this up now that you spent all that time drying us off. But our husband mentioned something about a bath while we were still in the hallway,” She was proud of herself for not letting her voice crack. For not losing her nerve at the last second.

It’s like sticky wax B--alway best to pull it off quickly, than delay and suffer more,
Mom’s always knew the right thing to say.


-edited on my phone. I’ll fix mistakes when I get home.

Raised a brow and gave a slight smirk- to make the man smile would have been impossible, but to coax a smirk from him was easily done. "I am Warlord Vannoth Mors... I don't really mind what you decide to call me. You'll find me easy to deal with- until you give me a reason to be harsh. Now then. Come with me- we can talk more privately at my rooms. . . If you're going to be stuck with me, you might as well know who I am." he actually offered to walk with her, to lead her to where he intended, rather than what most people would have assumed the massive brute would have just scooped her up and hauled her away to be violated in brutal fashion. Few would know the truth behind what he was Really doing- including Zevi and perhaps the princes. Vannoth was the nicest of men when trying to see who you are- then he finds you and all kindness goes out the window, unless he's impressed of course.

Kagan eyed Aubree as she settled herself in, surprised at her sudden willingness to be close. Adora had taken a more predictable approach to the invention, remaining within arms reach but not draped on him like the redhead. After a moment he realized why. Aubree was positively freezing and Kagan silently cursed his choice to walk instead of springing for a carriage. The last thing he needed was a new bride getting ill because of her peoples pathetic constitution. He waits a moment for Bree to settle before silently heating what little water still clung to his left side.

Adora was the first to speak, though Kagan found it hard to concentrate on the words. Due in part to his honesty before, he truly cared very little of their origin. Asking had merely been part of some advice he'd received from an older Drakken regarding putting new gems at ease around their husbands. However, more distracting were the gems attempts at drying his clothing. It was not like the method he'd done before, it was too calm and the water fell away from him with an eerie gentleness. Nothing like the comparatively hard pull he normally employed on himself when soaked, but not entirely unpleasant.

Still, he'd heard enough to know what the smaller gem had roughly said. The nobility made sense now that he'd learned of it. She was too confident for a plebian, and her calmness in the face of her new arrangement screamed of at least a cursory preparation before The Choosing. Though he'd have to keep an eye out for this little brother. It was rare, but a Gem noble boy growing too big for his dress and deciding to try and take his siblings (or lover) back by force happened from time to time. Almost always ending in said noble brat's head being caved in, but still. It would do for him to keep an eye out for lavender haired young 'men' in a few years.

“In public I expect you to call me Kinner Galegar or Sir.” He says, blunting answering the question as soon as it fell from the girls lips. “In private you may call me Kagan, or whatever else you wish so long as it is not some absurd pet name.” He takes a final sip, killing what was left of the wine he'd poured, annoyed slightly he'd not introduced himself properly to begin with.

Aubree's story ran shorter, but it was sufficient for Kagan to get what he needed. Older brother was not as likely to be an issue, as there was none of the warmth in her voice that there had been when Adora spoke of hers. Either they were not close or the brother was wise enough to know a lost cause when he saw one. Kagan made a mental note to ask her if she'd any experience in handling money later, as it was always good to have a second set of eyes when evaluating an appropriate tithe.

Kagan felt a small flash of embarassment as Bree reminded him of the promised bath from earlier, having completely slipped his mind when they'd discovered Adora in the room. “Nonsense.” He says simply, quickly playing off the mistake. [color=5ec4b3]“It gives Adora the pleasure of drying us again later. Have to prove her worth somehow after all.”He says standing slowly from the couch, a small cloud of dust falling off him as he does so.

The Kinner walks slowly over to the tub, giving the gems time to disrobe while he dips a hand in the bath. Though the fire underneath that served to heat it was low, threatening on dying, the water was still decently warm. Where it just himself, he would have just accepted it, but the three of them would eat that small amount of warmth too quickly to enjoy themselves. He dumps a few small logs into the fire, which slowly began to renew itself. It would take a few minutes for the heat to fully return to the tub, but it would do.

Kagan rarely put much thought into apperances. They were nice, but on the whole of little use to a Kinner. Still, he hoped he managed to cut at least an intimidating figure as he disrobed, lean muscles pleasantly greeted by a sudden rush of warm air as they were freed from the cold but dry clothes. Stepping into the bath was, by comparison, a huge improvement. The stone had, at one point, been rough cut, but had long been worn smooth by its contents and the heat from the fire below crept along the edges of the bath. A soft contented growl manages to escape Kagan as he sinks deeper, arms resting lazily on the rim of the tub as he stared out the window.

She was surprised to hear the fire Gem request a bath. She supposed that she must have been horribly cold but she had not thought Aubree would be so bold. It made her smile a bit as she applauded the young woman. After all, it was hard to be brave in such a strange and unknown situation. She hid the smile behind her glass of wine and as she finished her sip she stood back, having finally dried her sister bride. It was then she turned her attention to her new husband. Kagan Galegar. What a very Drakken sounding name. It was hard and stacatto unlike the flowing names of Gemmania. At least now she knew his name. She would likely stick with husband, for the most part, to give herself some distance from him. Kagan if he was extra good.

"As you wish, my husband," she replied calmly.

He went to check on the bath and Adora looked to Bree in their moment of privacy. She set her wine glass aside and approached her. "I understand you may not be used to this so I am happy to help in any way possible. If there is anything you need from me, please do not hesitate to ask it. I wish for your comfort and happiness as much as my own. In fact more." Her voice was a soft whisper and she attempted to get as close as she could to the other girl's ear by standing on her tip toes. Her thin fingers lingering on buttons as if she were merely helping the taller girl undress, loosening what needed to be loosened.

After finishing her statement she took a step back, scooped up her wine glass and filled it properly. Once done, she approached the tub, only to see Kagan undress. Her eyes lingered over his form for a moment, taking in the bare and well-muscled flesh. He was not just pretty it seemed. She was a bit shocked by his... well... she had to wonder if she and her Sister Bride would be able to walk after tonight. She allowed herself to relish the thought for a moment before continuing her trek to the tub. She set the glass somewhere close by as a low, primal growl escaped his lips. She felt her cheeks warm with excitement and a shiver ran through her spine but did her best not to let on.

The dress slipped easily from her body and pooled around her feet. Adora turned and allowed herself to be on display. "I do hope my form pleases you, dear husband." Her tone was almost teasing. She would not mind his answer either way - he seemed the sort to not share his true thoughts with a people so weak as the Gem. She stepped from it and climbed deftly into the tub. The heat of the water was not so grand as that of the hot spring but was welcome none the less. As she finally settled herself opposite of Kagan, she began the process of removing the pins from her hair. As each pin dropped to the floor more of her lilac hair fell around her shoulders, the curls settling into the water. Once completed she turned her black eyes toward him and leaned forward. "There, will that do?" she inquired in a delicate purr.