The Gideon-family-group finds themselves in a huge lobby, its floors carpeted with lush red velvet. "Greetings, Mr. and Mrs. Gideon, I do hope we have arrived on time?" Mr. Smythe asks from behind the check-in counter. "Mrs. Spiffle from the second floor was in a right fit when she had heard you needed assistance."

Nettle grimaces. "She was?? Oh I hope we're not being a bother! It's a long story...but thank you SOOO much for coming for us!! My great-uncle was in some danger--" Nettle nods her head towards Corrander, who is looking much better.

Corrander exhales and stands up straight, tightening his muscles one at a time as if trying to wring out any lingering Banality. "I am all right now, Nettle...thank you...now, what is this place then?" he asks, peering around curiously.

"Balador, Mr...?" Smythe says as he walks from behind the counter.

Corrander smiles and gives a low, sweeping bow-- this time holding the diaper bags steady with one hand so they don't bang into him. "Count Corrander Moonglow ap Dougal of the Cantrev Snowdonia, at your service!" he announces gallantly.

"Ah yes, Mr. Moonglow. Quite right," he says. "Mr. and Mrs. Gideon your usual room has been prepared, and a meal is being brought up. We do hope you stay with us for a time." he says.

Alec smiles, "We'll stay for a bit, Smythe. Let's get to our room, I am famished."
"The munchies, sir?"
"You got it, Smythe," he says nudging him.
"Excellent, sir. I shall send a few bags of chips and brownies with your meal."

Nettle giggles, quickly putting a hand over her mouth. "Yeah, staying here for a long time is sounding more and more tempting by the day! Then I wouldn't ever have to worry about stupid Sleepers and stupid Technocracy and stupid rules and blah-blah-blah..." Nettle growls, tightening her grip on the carrier and suitcase as she prepares to follow Alec up to their room.

"'Your usual room??' Corrander asks Alec and Nettle. "You are here a lot, I take it? So...this is some sort of travelling hotel that moves from place to place in the Dream-- er, Umbra? I do not think I quite understand the technicalities of it...if you would care to explain?" Corrander asks Alec.

"Alec shrugs, "Balador is...Balador," he says. "It comes and goes and yeah we stayed here awhile when Nettle had the twins." They follow Mr. Smythe to their room. He opens the door to the room they stayed in for a year, only this time there is a door on the east wall. "You're adjoining room, Mr. Moonglow. Your meal will be here at any moment." he says closing the door.

Nettle grins-- looking around in satisfaction-- and puts her suitcase over near the dresser. She takes Ian out of his baby-carrier and carries him over to the bed. Carefully laying down on her back with her head on the pillow, she lays Ian on her chest so that he's resting on his tummy. She trails her fingers over his peach-fuzz hair and down his back soothingly, smiling at him with adoring eyes.
Ian slaps his hands excitedly-- if a little uncontrolledly-- on his mother's chest and kicks his feet. Trying to hold his head up, he makes a cooing-noise when he meets Nettle's eyes.
Nettle laughs. "Boo!" she whispers, and Ian kicks excitedly again.

Corrander follows the family into their spacious room. "My, my...now THESE are quarters well-suited to our needs! If only Mother could see this room! Perhaps when I return I will suggest some improvements to the palace!" Corrander walks to the bathroom and makes noises of impressed exclamation when he sees the sunken hot tub. Then he walks back into the room with a grin on his face.

"I think that's the door to your room over there, Corrander..." Nettle calls lazily, motioning with her head towards the new door in the wall. "But you can just keep the door open and hang out with us...unless you find a nice Satyr who wants to keep you company!" she grins.

Corrander wiggles his eyebrows at her as he crosses the room to his door. "I shall take that under consideration, Nettle!" He opens the door and disappears into the next room.

Alec smiles and puts down the diaper bag and the baby carrier. He picks up Simone and kisses her head. "She's asleep. Can you believe it?" he says putting her in her crib. "These are the same cribs," he says as he realizes what he is doing. "This place almost feels like home doesn't it."

Nettle looks up at Alec with a wistful look in her eye. "Yes...it really does. I even put the suitcase back in the same place we kept it just before we left." She continues stroking Ian's back as her eyes grow faraway-- her mind trying to process everything that happened today. Soon Ian has fallen asleep, too.
"Well...we really have to at least go home for a while, now that's I've called Mom and Dad. We need Jacob to get us a couple of warded cell phones, too..." Nettle pats the bed beside her, and then looks down at Ian resting peacefully on her chest and looks back at Alec, making an 'aaw! isnt this cute??'-face.

Alec smiles and rubs the back of Ian's head. "Sweet little guy," he says. He kisses Nettle's cheek, "Are you alright love? You seemed quite angry with Veil there."

Nettle sighs, letting her fingertips tickle over the backs of Ian's legs and arms. "I don't know...I don't know, Alec...I always seem to say stupid things at the wrong times! I say things that I don't really mean just to vent some stress, and people take it literally...or I exaggerate when it really wasn't THAT bad! I don't KNOW why I can't remember answers to things! I really don't! And now I have to find someone to re-teach me!" Nettle closes her eyes and goes quiet.

A knock at the door interrupts Alec's thought. He gives Nettle a look and hops off the bed and opens the door. An older woman stands there holding a briefcase looking at her watch.
"Mr. Gideon, hello. Is your wife here?" she says trying to look over his shoulder.

Nettle opens her eyes and tries to see who's at the door. "Hey Alec! Are those your munchies? Don't forget to grab Corrander before you start eating, OK baby?" she calls, patting Ian's back and watching him sleep, wondering what their futures will hold.

Alec smiles, "She is indeed," he says letting her in.
The older woman walks in and looks at Nettle. "Awful thin isn't she?" she says. Alec just smiles. "Mrs. Gideon...Mrs. Gideon?"

Nettle blinks out of her reverie and looks over at the woman, trying to remember if she's met her before. "Yes?" she asks, a little confused.
'Wait a minute...did she just say I was too thin??' she thinks to herself, starting to get worried. Is this woman here for another one of those physicals?? I thought I was done with those!!'

"Good, Mrs. Gideon, I'm Ms. Tidwell. Your new teacher." she says with a smile.

Alec's eyes widen and then looks at Nettle and shrugs.

Nettle's brow furrows and her mouth opens in protest. You're serious?? But...I didn't mean right NOW!" Nettle calls out to the ceiling, intending her words for Balador. "I mean, how long are we going to be here??" She looks down at Ian. "Aaw look at him-- I don't want to disturb his sleep..." she says a little frantically, glancing at Alec with 'help me!'-eyes.

"Oh no Mrs. Gideon, class starts tomorrow. Eight am sharp. I will meet you here and walk you to class." she says. She turns on her heel and walks out the door.

Alec closes the door and laughs, "Well there's your answer love. Quite a coincidence eh?"

"ALEC!!" Nettle shouts, and then winces when Ian and Simone both give startled cries. She gets up off the bed and starts pacing while holding Ian against her chest and rubbing his back. "Shhh baby boy..." she murmurs until he quiets back down. "Alec, I don't want to get up early and have to go to a CLASS while I'm SUPPOSED to be relaxing and having fun!! This is horrible!!" she cries in distress.

Corrander peeks his head back into their room. "Everything all right in here?" he asks cheerfully.

Alec laughs, "Nettle just found out she has class in the morning. Balador wants to teach her." he says laughing again. "Oh love, it will be alright. There are lots of good mages here that could teach you all sorts of good tricks."

Nettle glares at Alec. "We'll see how good of an idea you think it is when YOU have to get up at 8AM, too! Besides...you two will have to take care of the babies while I'm gone..." she says in a sing-song voice, stopping by Simone's crib to rub her back and glancing over her shoulder at Alec with a pert little smile.

Corrander shrugs. "I am sure I will be up! However, I am not as...well-equipped as you are at feeding the twins..." he smirks.

"That is a concern," Alec says. He smirks at Nettle, "I supose you'd have to take them with you to class eh?" he says smiling and nodding, hands in his pockets.

"Oh no no no no, Alec! I'll have to be able to devote ALL my attention to the teachers, now won't I? And don't you worry, Corrander! I know Mrs. Spiffle has access to a breast-pump I could use! I'll just fill some bottles for you and Alec tonight!" she laughs. "Speaking of Mrs. Spiffle, I wonder when she's going to come visit!"

"Breast-pump??" Corrander blinks. "Please, Nettle, spare me the details of this device! Just let me know where to be and when to be there, all right?" he begs.

The door opens and Mrs. Spiffle walks in. "Oh why there ye are dearie," she says walking over to Nettle. "And still ye're thin." She says looking over Nettle. Alec snickers.

She turns to Alec, "Hello Mr. Gideon. You on the other hand look as if you're eating well." Alec gives her a hurt look.
"And who is this young man?" she says looking at Corrander.

"Mrs. Spiffle!" Nettle gives her a one-armed hug while cradeling Ian carefully. "It's so good to see you again...and so soon!" she grins sheepishly. "This is my great-great-great-great-- well in any case, my great-uncle Corrander Moonglow!" she grins. "Oh wait-- sorry Corrander! I mean COUNT Corrander Moonglow ap Dougal of the...Cantrev Snowdonia!" she finishes.

Corrander raises his eyebrows at her in amusement, and then turns to Mrs. Spiffle. "Tis a pleasure to make your acquaintance, ma'am," Corrander says charmingly, offering his low, signature bow, complete with cloak-flourish.

"Why he is a charmer isn't he dearie. Now where are the wee babes!" she says folding her hands across stomach.

Alec looks at himself in the mirror and then back at the others. "I'm not eating well," he says.

"Aaw Alec!!" Nettle laughs, feeling her heart break at his sad face. She kisses him and gives him a little hug. "She just meant in comparison to me, baby! You're as sexy as ever, honey!" she grins. Then she turns back to Mrs. Spiffle. "Here's Ian!" She kisses the top of his head and pats his back. "Would you like to hold him?"

"Oh of course!" she says taking little Ian."Hello wee babe, do you remember me?" she says smiling down at him. She looks over at the crib and walks over to it, "Oh why there is wee Simone. Look at her, why she'll be a heartbreaker one day."

Nettle smiles, and then her smile turns a little sad. "They'll both be...and one of those hearts will be mine." she murmurs quietly, and then clears her throat. "Thanks, Mrs. Spiffle! I think she's going to be a prodigy of some kind-- she's a very observant baby! Damn...I wonder which side of the family she could have gotten that from??" she puts a finger to her lips and furrows her brow, pretending to be deep in thought.

Corrander grins and shakes his head, and then takes off his cloak, hanging it from a coat rack that just suddenly seemed to be where he needed it to be. He walks over and picks up Simone so Mrs. Spiffle can get a better look at her. "I want to thank you for your hospitality. We were in dire need of your aid, and you came to our rescue immediately." Corrander bows his head to her gratefully.

Mrs. Spiffle looks at Corrander and smiles at Nettle again, "My my dearie, isn't he the gracious one. Why laddie," she says to Corrander, "Ye wouldn't be married are ye? I have a niece who'd think ye are the darling." she says.

Alec snorts and heads into the bathroom and closes the door.

Corrander throws his head back and laughs. "I am sure you do, Mrs. Spiffle! And if she takes after her auntie, I am sure I would like to meet her!" he winks at Mrs. Spiffle.

Nettle rolls her eyes and folds her arms. Corrander had told her briefly about how all the mothers in his cantrav had always been trying to push their daughters on him in hopes he'd like them and want to marry them, and how he had found it such an amusing game to keep all the eligible young ladies wrapped around his finger without promising them a thing.
She glances at the bathroom door and 'peeks' into her mind-link with Alec. 'Alec-- you OK, baby? Come on now, sexy! Mrs. Spiffle didn't mean anything by that! You know you haven't gained any weight!' she smiles as she thinks to him.

Alec snickers in her mind, 'I know, love. But I feel the need for a shower right now," he thinks at her.

'Oh REALLY...hmmm...' Nettle thinks back to him, glances over her shoulder at Corrander and Mrs. Spiffle, and then quickly opens the bathroom door and slips inside.

Mrs. Spiffle laughs delightedly and then puts Ian down in his crib. "The wee lad is tired, best let him rest now," she says. She turns and walks towards the door. "I'll return later with your tea, dearie. And my niece," she says nodding at Corrander as she closes the door.

Corrander laughs and thanks Mrs. Spiffle, and then looks around after she's closed the door behind her. "Now where did your parents get off to, then, Simone?" he asks her, but her eyes have closed and she's fast asleep once more. He lays her down gently in her crib, and makes sure both she and Ian are resting peacefully before finding a comfortable chair to relax in. He steeples his fingers together in front of him and closes his eyes, deep in contemplation.

Alec notices the door open as the steam rushes out. He looks at shadow and smiles, "That better not be Corrander," he says with a chuckle.

Nettle gives a husky little laugh. "You're right-- it better NOT be!" she grins as she pulls off her clothing as quickly as possible, and then gets into the shower with Alec. "I thought I'd better inspect you thoroughly...make sure you haven't been 'eating well'..." she jokes.

"Well come on in, Mrs. Gideon. I have something for you over here," he says putting his arms around her. "Why don't you wash my front and I'll wash yours?"

Nettle laughs, draping her arms around his neck. "No point in washing me until you've gotten me dirty first, don't you think?" she whispers, wrapping a leg around his waist.

"Oh really? Well then be prepared to get...very dirty." he says bringing her even closer to him.

There's a knock at the door. "Munchies, Mr. Gideon," says Smythe from the other side of the door. "Your usual kind."

Corrander blinks his eyes, and then pushes up from his chair with great agility and makes it to the door in a few steps. He opens the door and gives a little bow to Smythe. "Good evening, Smythe!" He stands back to allow Smythe access to the room. He follows behind him, peeking at the goodies he's brought.
"Hmmm...odd..." he comments, inspecting the various chips and things. "And this is what Alec and Nettle prefer to eat with their tea, then? Smythe...would you happen to have a nice bottle of golden or silvery wine, some bread, cheese, or fruit?" Corrander asks hopefully. "I can pay, of course."

Smythe raises his eyebrow and nods, "Of course, Mr. Moonglow. We shall bring it right up." he says as he walks out of the room. A few minutes later, Smythe arrives with his order. "Is this to your satisfaction, sir?"

Just as Corrander is about to take a peek, Nettle shouts, "YES! YES!! YES!!!" from the shower.
Corrander raises his eyes up to Smythe's. "I believe my great-niece has answered for me! I do thank you, Smythe. This looks very deliciously appetizing! I am amazed that you were able to locate some silvery wine this side of Arcadia!" Corrander takes the tray from Smythe. "How...does one pay for one's expenditures here? Now, or upon check-out?" Corrander asks politely.

"Pay, sir?" Smythe asks. "There is no reason to pay, Mr. Moonglow. You are a guest of the Gideons and the Gideons never have to pay." he says. He smiles at Corrander, "You'll find our wine cellar to be stocked with the rarest of wine. Please do call me if you need anything more, Mr. Moonglow."

Corrander smiles back, looking very pleased. "All right...I'll do that, Smythe! Thank you!" Corrander closes the door and walks over to a coffee table that has, very accomodatingly, appeared in front of the comfortable chair Corrander was sitting in before. Not at all an unusual occurance to Corrander, he smiles and set the tray down on it, and then seats himself before the tray and begins to sample what Smythe brought up.
And if Corrander happens to hear the odd sound coming from within the bathroom-- the random vocalization of pleasure...the sound of a hand striking flesh-- he doesn't listen. He's too lost in his own pleasure of the fine wine and food before him.

A little time passes, and finally the bathroom door opens and Nettle steps out wearing a luxurous, fluffy bathrobe and a grin.
"Sorry about that, Corrander! Thanks for staying with the babies! Hey-- what do you have there?" she asks curiously, noticing the interesting silver color of the wine in the glass goblet. Coincidentally, another comfortable chair that matches Corrander's just happens to be sitting near the coffee table. Nettle sits down and leans forward to inspect the wine, tucking a strand of long, damp hair behind her her ear so she can see better.

Corrander watches her with a bemused smile on his face, and when she tucks her hair behind her ear, his eyebrows raise. "Why Nettle...I suppose I should have known that you would be one of those who liked..." he indicates the red hand-print on her cheek and the light bruising on one side of her neck.

Nettle raises her eyebrows in confusion for a moment, and then brings a hand up to touch her skin. She blushes a little and pulls the collar of her robe up a with a secretive smile. "And why would you think that, hmm?" she asks with curious eyes.

Corrander takes a sip of the wine, and then regards her for a moment-- goblet still held aloft in the air. "Because you are Gwendolyn's descendant, and I shall say no more on that!" he winks. When Nettle's jaw drops, he shrugs and smiles. "It does run in the family, love. And not just from her." He arches an eyebrow at her, and she laughs hard. "Here-- do try this wine!" He pours her a glass and hands it to her.

"What is it made from?" Nettle asks, swirling the wine in the goblet, sniffing it, and then sipping it. Her eyes get wide and she looks at Corrander approvingly. "Wow! This is delicious!" she exclaims.

Corrander sits back, steepling his fingers again. "A rare Arcadian berry. Well, rare in most places, but found in some quantity in southern Wales. Twas my...my father's favorite..." he says, his face looking a little sad for a moment. Then he looks up. "Ah Alec! Your 'munchies,' as you called them, have arrived!" Corrander motions to the cart sitting near the door.

Alec comes out of the bathroom with a wide grin and a bathrobe. He brushes the wet hair from his face and smiles, "Ah they never forget the old favorites," he says grabbing a bag of salt and vinegar chips.
"Cheers," he says and begins to eat them down. He gives Nettle a knowing wink and smiles, "I'm surprised you can sit down." he says and then laughs.

Nettle gasps and laughs-- cheeks coloring again. "You did an excellent job, Alec!" she grins. "The robe and chair are really soft, tho...maybe I should find one less-comfortable so I can savour your work..." She motions for him to come to her, and then she grabs him by the collar of his robe and pulls him down for a passionate kiss. "Eww...salt and vinegar! Gross, Alec!" She makes a face at him teasingly and quickly gulps down more silvery wine.

Corrander closes his eyes and sighs, tapping his fingertips together. "If you two keep this up, I really SHALL go find myself a nice Satyr!"

Alec laughs, "Ah we'll be watchin our language then since it bothers you so, me old china. Unless of course you're just lookin for an excuse to find a satyr, then we'll help you." he says with a wink. Alec takes a look at Nettle's face a moment and then smiles.
"I hope I wasn't too hard on you."

Nettle smiles back affectionately. "Not hard enough, judging by what a bad girl I've been today..." She wiggles her eyebrows at Alec, and Corrander makes an exclamation in Welsh under his breath and pushes up from his chair.
"I'd love a tour of this place, actually, in light of us being here for a bit a' time. Alec? Would you do the honors? I think Nettle here needs some time to cool off." He gives Nettle a haughty smile and then walks over to don his cloak.

Nettle grins, sitting back in her chair and crossing her legs. "You're probably right. Yeah-- take him on a tour, Alec. Just don't go in with him, if you know what I mean! Corrander-- you can leave your cloak and sword here, you know. You're not going to run into danger!" Nettle waves her fingers menacingly in the air when she says 'danger,' and then smiles lazily and contentedly at the men.

Alec smiles and opens his mouth to answer when he suddenly stops and then grins widely. "Why don't you go and take the tour yourself. You won't get lost, and if you do, I'm sure someone will see you back." he says and gives Corrander a smile. "Trust me you won't get lost."

Nettle grins at Alec, and Corrander looks between them untrustingly. "Aaah...now I see! Trying to get rid of my, are you? Well then, I'll be sure to take the private entrance back into my chambers when I return!" He elbows Alec knowingly. "As for my sword and cloak, I never go anywhere without this sword, and I wear the cloak to conceal it. Good evening, and please...do not traumatize your babies TOO much, will you?" Corrander bows to them, grins, and exits the room.

The hallway stretches forth as a few servants walk by. One of the maids smiles at him prettily and swats him on the buttock with her duster. She giggles and runs away down the hall and around the corner.
"Oh why bless ye dearie. Givin' the newlyweds their time alone eh?" Mrs. Spiffle says from behind him.

Corrander has turned around and is staring incredulously at the maid as she disappears. "Oh! Mrs. Spiffle!" He turns back around and bows to her. "Aye, that I am! I fear they would have shed their robes and started in on one another in my presence had I not left! Alec suggested I take a bit of a tour." he smiles.

"Oh of course, dearie. A tour would be nice wouldn't it? Follow me," she says walking dow the hall. "Oh I don't suppose they told you the first thing about Balador, did they?" she says hands on her hips. "Well first of all, don't tell anyone your first name. It's a code of sorts hun, it means you find them attractive and wish to spend time with them as it were."

Corrander raisese his eyebrows. "Really. This is a bit of a Satyr-den, is it? No...they did not tell me a thing about this place...remind me to pay them back later for suggesting I walk about on my own!" He gives Mrs. Spiffle a wry grin, and then pretends a look of surprise. "Why Mrs. Spiffle-- this is twice in one day that you have come to my rescue! You have my eternal gratitude!" He bows his head to her, and then offers her his arm.

Mrs. Spiffle laughs a genuine laughs and folds her hands. "Oh my my dearie you are a charmer. Oh no I'm not giving you the tour," she says. She turns and points down the hall to a tallish woman with dark hair and olive skin. "She is."

The woman walks up to Corrander and smiles, "Hello Mr. Moonglow, we've been expecting you for quite some time. I'm so glad you've decided to come after all." she says. "If you'd follow me, I'll show you around."

Corrander looks at her and is barely able to keep himself from outright gawking. "Corrander, if you please...call me Corrander!" he exclaims, and then gives a secretive wink to Mrs. Spiffle. He turns back to the woman. "You are very kind and generous to offer me a tour, m'lady! I shall be honored! And Mrs. Spiffle, I shall miss your presence!" he bows his head to her again.

Mrs. Spiffle chuckles again and touches his arm, "Don't give me a second thought, Mr. Moonglow. Now go and have a good time, dearie!" she says as she walks down the hall.

The woman smiles and takes his arm. "Down this hall is the pleasure dome. There we hold various parties and sexual encounters for all tastes." she says motioning to a huge doorway. "Don't go in there unless you're open to anything and everything." she says. "So how are the Gideons doing, Corrander?"

Corrander listens carefully to everything she says, his mind whirring. 'This IS a Satyr-den!!' he thinks to himself, making a mental-note to find out more about his great-niece and her husband before they take him anywhere else! Then he smiles, pleased when the beautiful woman calls him by his first name.
"A quick question first, if you will? Pardon my rudeness! You said you have been expecting me, and were glad I had 'decided to come after all'? I do not think I understand! Would you please explain for my enlightenment?" he asks her politely.

She smiles demurely at him, "In time, Corrander. All in good time." she says. They walk down a the hall opposite the pleasure dome and she turns him towards a door. "This is he spa. Here we have mud baths, masseuses, saunas and many other relaxation programs. It is here that most people come to visit." She says.

Corrander nods, now a little off-balance by this woman who is keeping him wondering what's going on! "I should definitely like to visit here, myself! I am getting ideas for things to install in our ancestral palace back in Arcadia! Ah yes-- you asked me about the Gideons! Pardon me! Aahh...where to begin." Corrander runs his hand back through his long, pale hair. "Despite all, they keep their spirits up admirably. It seems Nettle did not pay as much attention as she should have under her mentor's tutelage, and this fact came out earlier today, leading to a fight with her mentor, leading to us being thrust out into the mortal realm, leading us here! But I will not bore you with the details as I am sure there is much you know already!"

She smiles at him again and touches his arm with her fingertips, "She has a few more lessons ahead of her, however she has a fine mentor in Veil. We'll just fine polish what is already there with her lessons here." She leads him down the hallway as several Fae run by all laughing and waving at him as they dance.
"We have a long history with the Fae, Corrander. Balador and the Fae have been allies since Balador opened."

Corrander smiles at her when she touches his arm, and then smiles again when the Fae run by laughing. "Delightful place this is that gives Fae a place of refuge! Is there a length of time of which one's stay cannot exceed, or do people live here? Pardon my ignorance-- I did not make many journeys to the mortal realm when I had the chance, and then spent many centuries without access to it. I feel regret for keeping aloof all those millenia...so much I am just learning now..." he sighs.

"When it is time to leave, some become homesick, others will find the delights are no longer...as delightful. However certain honored guests, much like the Gideons, may stay as long as they wish." she says.

Corrander nods, understanding and approving of the technique for keeping unwanteds out. He starts to get the feeling that he might be speaking to the owner of the place, and is impressed that she would show him such hospitality as to take him on a tour, herself. "Every moment with the Gideons brings more and more surprises, I must say! How is it that they are honored guests? Have they performed some indespensible service for you?" he asks, still trying to understand Balador and his newly-found relations.

She laughs and touches his arm again, "Why of course, Corrander. Their children shall open the gates to Arcadia, and they shall mentor the child we have all been waiting for." she says. "Of course you will have a hand in that as well, Corrander. And you will have difficult choices ahead, but I believe you will make the right ones." she says.

Corrander grins. "Of course, of course! I did not make the connection that this would be the indispensible act! Of course that would be of prime interest to those here, based on what you have told me!" he smiles. "I am sure Mother had no idea of the import her choice to make the amulet to save the lost Fae of our cantrev would be to so many others...in fact, I KNOW she had no idea." Corrander pauses. "There is a prophesy involving Ian that we did not foresee. Mother was supposed to be the one who came through the gates and brought back our people, but I suppose some force was at work to keep her in Arcadia while my sister took her place, and I should stop faulting Father for it. If Mother HAD gone, she would have succeeded in her quest, but it would have led to the incompletion of this...prophesy everyone is talking about. A prophesy we knew nothing of. My sister, then, was supposed to fail." Corrander suddenly stops and looks at the woman with intense eyes. "Tell me...is she here, then? My sister? Or do you know where she is??"

"There are some things I cannot tell you, Corrander. Worry not, all is at hand." she says. "So Corrander tell me. What is Arcadia like. I have never seen it, but I have heard much," she says touching his arm again.

Corrander wrestles with his feelings for a moment-- it's almost more than he can bear that so many others seem to know exactly where his sister is, but they won't tell him!! He closes his eyes for a second and tries to find his calm, hand clenched tightly around the hilt of his sword-- simply out of habit and not violence, as it's always at his hip where his hand can find it.
After a time he finally receeds out of his haze, and smiles weakly at the woman. "Forgive me...it has been a long time since I saw her. What I would give to see her..." he sighs. "And now I am being bad company, m'lady! Let me correct that immediately." He gives her a charming smile and offers her his arm. "Let us resume our pleasant walk and I will tell you of Arcadia!"

"Do not worry, Corrander. It can be frustrating to be sure. Imagine if I told you. Would you make the right choices? Or the choices you must make because you do not know? Would that lead you on a different path?" she says. She takes his arm and they begin to walk.

Corrander nods. "I would drop everything-- abandoning my protection of Ian-- and go after her." he sighs. "Now I understand. But if you are telling me not to worry...I must assume-- in order to keep sanity-- that my path will eventually cross hers." They walk for a moment, and then Corrander begins to speak in a soft voice. "Like her, Arcadia is beautiful...gentle and delicate...but strong, and when you are far from it, you always yearn for it. There are many similaries between Arcadia and Balador. A magic runs through Arcadia that can be used to do anything in imagination...or in nightmare. But great beauty is all around in which your dreams can come true."

"I would so love to see Arcadia, but it is not to be." she says. She touches his arm again, "Here is our restaurant," she says pointing through two double glass doors. "Here we have the finest chefs, and staff to cater to whatever is needed." she says.

Corrander smiles. "That you do, m'lady! Even wine from Arcadia, it seems! I take it, madame, that you are the owner of this place to know so much about its inner-workings and the fates of others? I am honored that you would take time out of your schedule to guide me on this tour, yourself!" He bows his head.

She laughs and it sounds almost like the tinkling of bells, "You are astute, Corrander. But I am not the owner. I'm...well...I'm Balador, and I have been waiting for the Gideons, you, and the little girl for a very very long time. And here there shall always be respite for you and them...always."

Corrander looks at Balador in surprise, and then his eyes show understanding. "Aah...you are the physical embodiment of the spirit of this place then! Astounding! Again-- a pleasure to meet you, Lady Balador!" Corrander gives her a amazed smile and bow of his head.
"The little girl...would this be...Sarah? I, too, am eager to meet her. It seems I am quite in the middle of a grand orchestration of fated people and times!"

She takes his arm and smiles, "Yes it would be. And it is a pleasure to meet you as well, Corrander Moonglow, son of Ellowyndriel. Yes, the fate of all rests upon their heads, protect them, guide them. It is all I can ask of you." She smiles demurely, "Of course there is one other thing I can ask of you."

Corrander's smile becomes very sly. "Then you should ask it...by all means, Lady Balador!" He rests his hand over hers and draws her in a little closer.

She smiles and hands him a key, "Room 136 eight o'clock. I believe I shall see you there?" she says raising an eyebrow.

Corrander takes the key and kisses it. "As I have no way of telling the time in these walls, I will make my way there immediately so as not to risk missing your arrival, m'lady!" he smiles at her and bows with his signature low flourish.

She laughs and lightly slaps his arm, "Aren't you an eager boy arriving six hours before our rendevous. No I have many things to take care of before then. I will send someone when it is time," she says. She stops walking and smiles at him. "That was the tour. There are more rooms, but I shall leave you to discover them yourself."

Corrander laughs, himself, when he discovers he would have had to wait 6 hours in that room! Oh, but he would have done it! This woman is fantastic!
"M'lady...I believe I will rest and prepare myself for our meeting, in that case. I do not find myself interested in exploring any other room, at this time, other than room 136!" Corrander takes her hand and bows his head, kissing it.

She smiles again and takes his chin and brings her face very very close. "Get alot of rest, you'll need it." she says as she turns and walks down the hall. She turns around and smiles again. "By the way, your room is right there," she says pointing to a door next to him.

Corrander smiles a big smile. "Thank you again, m'lady! May the time pass quickly until I am again in your presence!" He opens the door, bows to her, and then disappears within.

Nettle-- sleeping peacefully beside Alec in their bed-- suddenly starts when the door between their room and Corrander's flies open and the light from Corrander's room floods into the darkness. She sits up sleepily, eyes closed. "Hungry? Diaper-change? What--" she mumbles, in auto-mom-mode.

"Nettle, put something on, would you?" Corrander says good-naturedly.

Nettle blinks her eyes open, and then makes a squeaking-noise and pulls the blanket up around her. "What's wrong? What's going on??" she asks in confusion.

Corrander grins and traipses over to the bed, sitting down lightly on the edge. "Nothing wrong...nothing at all...Alec, you awake?" he asks loudly.

"Yeah, this one woke me up," he says nudging Nettle. "You seem happy," he says opening one eye. "Meet a satyr did you?"

Nettle fumbles around on the floor for the robe she dropped there, and quickly pulls it on. Then she stumbles over to one of the suitcases and finds some pajama-bottoms and a tank top and pulls them on. Finally she makes her way back to the bed and falls back onto it, closing her eyes.
"You're going to do guy-talk now, aren't you..." She pulls the pillow over her head and clutches it there.

Corrander ignores Nettle. "Better than a Satyr, Alec!" He flips his hand and a key dangles from it. "I met Balador! In 6 hours I am to meet her in this room!" He traces his finger around the key with an excited smile on his face.

Nettle makes a muffled-noise and stays where she is.

Alec smiles, "Ah just getting to know her eh." He says sitting up and pulling a clove out of the pack next to the bed. "Good for you, eat lots of oysters. You'll need it." he laughs.
He looks over at Nettle and smiles, "Oh stop that," he says. "What's the matter?"

Nettle pulls the corner of the pillow up so she can see Alec with one eye. "Here's the part where you tell him about when she gave YOU a key, right Alec?" she grumbles, and then pulls the pillow back down.

Corrander grins. "Oysters, you say? Well then oysters it is! I must...repay her well for all she has done for us!" he winks at Alec. "So...you have been in room 136, I take it?" He leans in closer to Alec. "What does she like?" he whispers, glancing at Nettle's prone form to see if she heard.

"Oh she heard all right," he says. He rolls his eyes, "Just get some rest and eat lots of oysters, that's all I can say." he says pointing at Nettle with his thumb. "Have a good time, Corr. I think you'll come back the next morning a new man."

Corrander gives Alec a pleading-look, but then glances at Nettle and can see her fingers tightening around the pillow even more, so he decides to let the topic drop. "It is all right, Nettle...I am leaving now." Corrander smiles, patting the pillow. He gets up off the bed and straightens his cloak.

Nettle lets go of the pillow and puts it back on the bed, her hair messy and a look on her face.
"Well...fine then. Have fun. I suppose all you men do when you're here! Hmph!" She turns over and pulls the covers up over her head.

Corrander laughs and mouthes, 'good luck!' to Alec before walking over to the door. He bows low to Alec, and then closes the door behind him.

"Oh relax, Nettle. As if you didn't have alot of 'fun' before we got together eh?" he says. "I remember hearing stories about you, so you can cut it out." Alec says spanking her butt. "Besides, Balador does that with everyone who's not attached ok?"

Nettle frowns and turns over. "Yeah, but my guys aren't here giving me that look that Balador gives you!" Nettle sighs and reaches her hand out, finding Alec's. "Sorry, baby...I guess I'm still jealous of every woman who gives you a second glance. And you're going to tell me I have nothing to worry about, but you know YOU would feel a little pissed if a guy gave me that look, wouldn't you??"

"Of course baby, "I'd have to kill the bastard," he says. "But still relax love. I love you and that's all there is to it." he says. Just then Simone let's out a little cry and Alec rolls out of bed reflexively and picks her up. "Hey there, hey there." He says. He looks at Ian and then sighs. "I think I got her in time."

Nettle smiles at Alec adoringly. "Brilliant, baby! You just saved me 2 sanity-points!" She sits up cross-legged in bed. "So what is it? Diaper or hunger?" she asks, back in mommy-mode.

Alec chuckles, "I think she's hungry actually," he looks down at Simone, "Stop that, princess, I know you want your mommy," he says handing her over to Nettle. "She's fussy."

Nettle grins, holding her arms out and taking her from Alec. "I'm just glad she appreciates Mommy-time! Goddess knows you're her favorite!" She winks at Alec, and then looks down at Simone as she adjusts her tank-top. "Hey baby girl! Hey pixie!" she coos, and then brings her up to feed.
"Alec, I'm so nervous about tomorrow!! Do you think I'll be the only student there?? I HOPE so! Do you think they already know what I need to learn so I won't have to say anything and look even dumber??" Nettle rocks a little, trying to soothe both Simone and herself!

"I'm sure they do love. I'm sure they know what you need." he says with a wink. He leans over and strokes Simone's cheek. "They won't treat you like you're an idiot, love. Just think of this as...a refresher course."

Nettle smirks at Alec. "I KNOW they know what I need, baby!" She watches Alec touching Simone so gently, and smiles serenely down at them. "Well...I just wish I could take you with me, that's all I'm saying! You know...so you can hold my hand and comfort me when I burst into tears?" Nettle grins. "Alec? Will you pack me a lunch in my lunchbox to take to school?" she teases, trying to be a good sport.

Alec laughs and kisses her on the cheek, careful not to disturb Simone. "Of course love. PB and J with the crusts cut off?" he asks.

Nettle laughs, trying to work the nervousness out of her system. "You got it! And don't forget the juice-box to drink, the banana with brown spots, and a Hostess Cupcake!" Nettle suddenly starts laughing really hard-- probably from nerves-- and leans back against the headboard. Simone gives a little, "hey! you disturbed me!"-cry, and then settles back against her mother's chest. Nettle smiles and stokes her curly, brown hair. "You've got such pretty hair, pixie! So thick and curly! You're so lucky to have a handsome daddy!" She grins at Alec, and then reaches out and plays with his hair. "Daddy's got such pretty hair, doesn't he, pixie??" she coos.

Alec rolls his eyes and smiles at Nettle. "And your mother has such long hair, and a pretty smile." he says laying down. He stretches and then looks up to Nettle. "So love, what are your plans for the rest of the day?' he says.

Nettle grins at Alec when he compliments her.
"What do you mean-- isn't it night-time right now? Actually...what time IS it?? I have no idea! And is the class at 8AM or 8pm??"

"Class is tomorrow at eight am. It's almost three pm right now." he says looking at his watch. "We're just a bit jet-lagged is all. If you know what I mean," he says. He rolls on his side and strokes her leg with his hand. "You know love. I think I'd like to retire right here, in this room. Just you and me...nothing to worry about nothing to distract us...what do you think?"

Nettle nods quickly. "That's sounding really good to me right now! We could lay around eating grapes and making love...scheduling massages and taking walks in the garden..." Nettle lets out a long sigh and closes her eyes. Suddenly her face crumples a little and tears squeeze out from under her eyelids. "I fought with Veil!! She kicked us out!! She...she hates me now!!" Nettle tries to hold on, but then the crying starts up. She makes loud sobbing-sounds as her breath hitches in her chest. She can't believe she just ruined she and Alec's peaceful fantasy-moment, but the thought suddenly hit her and she couldn't do anything about it. "I...I can't believe...I let her down...so much! How...how could I not...pay attention??" she bawls between breaths. She covers her face with one hand in embarrassment.

"You didn't love. She's just scared you'll get hurt or worse one day. That's all. Just learn what they have to teach you here and everything will be fine between the two of you. You two have had disagreements before and everything has worked out." He says holding her.

Nettle quickly wraps her free arm around Alec and buries her face in his shoulder, still crying. Simone can't find her food-source in the shifting, but she can sense something going on with mommy and daddy and looks up at them with wide eyes, momentarily distracted from her needs.
"She was so pissed...so disappointed...you don't think...our friendship's been...permanantly damaged??" Nettle cries, eyeliner smearing all over Alec's shoulder.

Alec kisses her forhead, "Of course not love. Friends fight and argue sometime, but they get back together. It's what makes them friends. Veil and you are such good friends and this is such an overblown thing. You two will pick right up where you left off when you see her again."

Nettle nods against his shoulder, smearing yet more eyeliner on both of them. "I...hope you're right..." she cries softly. She continues crying as the shock of the earlier fight finally hits.
After a moment of staring up at mommy and daddy, Simone finally realizes that things have calmed down, and notices, at last, that she's not being fed. She claps her little hand on Nettle's breast in frustration, making a sucking-motion with her mouth, trying to find the nipple. Then after a second she starts up her Simone-wail.

"Quick love, before she wakes her brother eh?' he says motioning towards Simone. "I love you babe, everything will be fine."

Nettle lifts her head up-- eyes looking like Tammy Fae Baker's-- and gives Alec a quick kiss while bringing Simone to the object she's been searching for. Simone instantly stops her wailing and begins drinking contentedly. Nettle wipes her eyes, sees the eyeliner all over her hand, and then looks at Alec's shoulder and starts to laugh a little. "Sorry, baby..." she murmurs with a weak smile, licks her fingers and starts rubbing at Alec's shoulder. "Thank you for always being here for me, honey..." she says softly as she continues to rub.

"I'll always be there for you love." he says rubbing her back, "Like Cerridwen said, I'm a good husband and father," he beams proudly. "Now when she's done with her meal, let's order some room service. I'm starving."

"Yes you are, baby..." Nettle smiles, kissing Alec again. "You're hungry?? I'm sooo sleepy! I don't know...I might need a nap. Look...when Ian wakes up hungry, just attach him to my boob and don't bother waking me up, OK baby?" she looks at him with pleading eyes, trying to keep her mouth from twitching into a smile so Alec will know she's serious.

"Alright love. If that's what you want," he says bemused. "You know," he says stretching and yawning, "A nap might be a good idea." He lays his head back on the pillow and smiles at her. "Sleep Ian, keep sleeping."

Nettle laughs covering her mouth, definitely wanting to keep Ian sleeping as long as she can! She and Alec talk quietly until Simone's done eating, but then once Simone's been burped, she seems to want to play with her parents. Nettle lays her on the bed between she and Alec, and then lays on her side facing Simone. She traces her fingers around Simone's face...tummy...arms...legs, murmuring to Simone, and her hand starts moving more and more slowly...until finally it stops moving altogether and Nettle drops off into sleep. Simone kicks her legs and slaps her hands lightly against her parents' faces, but Nettle doesn't twitch.

Alec smiles as Simone keeps slapping until he, too, drifts off after a time. Soon Simone grows bored and drifts off to sleep.

A few hours later...

There is a knock on Corrander's door.

Corrander forces himself to wait a couple of seconds before answering the door, even though he's been sitting eagerly on a chair just beside it for the last hour!
"Ah hello! Good evening, sir!" he smiles.

"Mr. Moonglow? Your presence is required in room 136." says the tall man standing in the doorway. "I believe you have a key and know where it is, yes?"

Corrander flips his hand and the key appears dangling from his fingers. "I do have the key, indeed, however, I would be very grateful for your assistance in finding the room with the greatest possible speed!" He bows his head graciously to the man.

"Of course sir. Please follow me," he says as he leads him down the hall. After a few twists and turns he reaches room 136. "Here you are sir." he says. "If there is anything else?"

Corrander opens his mouth-- about to ask the man if HE knows what Balador likes-- but then quickly smiles, instead. "Only my wish that you have a wonderful evening, my good man! A wonderful...wonderful evening!" He grins and claps the man on the back, and then turns and fits the key into the lock and twists the knob, pushing the door open.

The man watches Corrander open the door and close it behind him. He gets a wide grin and walks down the hall grinning. "He thinks he's happy now."

Balador lays in a very large bed made for what appears to be eight and smiles. She is wearing a white lace teddy and suggestively runs her fingers over the satin sheets infront of her.
"Come here, Corrander, and please do take your time. We have all night..." she says raising an eyebrow.

Corrander instantly feels himself stir and smiles, whipping his cloak off with one arm and with the other hand in one motion undoing his sheath and letting it clatter to the floor.
"All night and the next day-- if you are not spent after tonight!" he smirks mischievously as he kicks off his boots. He raises his hand, and then makes a sweeping-gesture and the satin sheet flies backwards to fall at the foot of the bed. Then with both hands he makes twisting-motions in the air, and vines suddenly appear and wrap around Balador's wrists, tying each arm to one of the bedposts at the head of the bed. He smiles and makes the twisting-motion again, and this time vines wrap around her ankles and then slither down to wrap around each of the posts at the foot of the bed.
He whips his hands forward, and there's a sudden blir and he's crouching above Balador, one knee on each side of her hips and one hand on each side of her head. He lowers his mouth to just above her neck, and then exhales hot air as he move his mouth around and up to her ear. Then he begins to whisper to her what he plans to do first...

Balador smiles and then giggles, "Well then, my dear Corrander...begin. We may have all night, but I don't want to wait that long..." she purrs.

Back in the Gideons' suite...

Alec starts, sitting up, "Ian...feed...right," he says getting up automatically upon hearing Ian cry. He sleepily picks Simone up off the bed and lay her down in her crib and picks up Ian. He lays him on Nettle's chest and Ian searches for a moment and then begins to feed. Alec lays back down and promptly falls back to sleep.

Nettle giggles in her sleep. "Oh Alec..." she murmurs huskily, and then blinks her eyes open and looks down. "Oh ALEC!" she cries, seeing poor, abandoned Ian laying on her chest. She wraps an arm around Ian and smacks Alec with the other. "I didn't mean that literally! What if he fell off?!" She scoots herself up so her back is against the headboard, and cradles Ian in her arms, pooching out her bottom lip at Alec poutily.

"Huh? wha?" Alec says sitting up, "Fire?" He turns to see Nettle and then little Ian. "Oh blimey I fell asleep. I'm sorry love. I didn't mean to. I'm not sure why but I am very tired today," he says sitting up and leaning against the headboard.

Nettle continues to pout for a moment. "Weeell...OK then..." She gets a little smirk on her face. "Why so tired, baby? The earlier water-Olympics?" She rubs his thigh. "It's OK, honey...you can go back to sl--" Suddenly Simone starts to cry. Nettle raises her eyebrows. "Aah...the Simone-factory has finished with production! Would you mind changing her, honey?" Nettle leans her head back and closes her eyes.

Alec gets up and walks over to the crib. He picks up Simone and sets her down on the changing table. He undoes her diaper and cleans her up and puts on a new diaper. He sets her in the crib and then heads into the bathroom. A few minutes later he comes out and then lays next to Nettle. "There love all done eh?"

"For now, baby...for now...what would I do without you..." she murmurs sleepily, eyes still closed. She slowly slides an extra pillow under the elbow of the arm supporting Ian's head, and then goes still.

"Obviously not have as much fun as you did in the shower," he says sleepily. "Or have these two wonderful children...or have....zzzzz" he says as he falls asleep again holding Nettle's hand.

Nettle has just enough strength to give a little smile in response to Alec's joke, and then falls asleep with a trace of the smile still on her face.

A few moments pass and Ian finishes eating. He looks up and touches his mother's face and then slips back to sleep.
"Oh look at the dearies," Mrs. Spiffle appears, leaning over the bed. She gently picks up Ian and puts him in his crib. Then she gently helps Nettle back down to the pillow without waking her. "There you are dearie, all safe and sound."

The next mornng...

There is a knock on the door.
"Mrs. Gideon? Time for your class," a voice calls from behind the door.

Nettle wakes bolt-upright, looking around in a panic. "Oh god, oh god...where did he--" she cries in distress, looking all over the bed for Ian, and then spies him in his crib and slumps back. "Jesus..." she murmurs, putting a hand to her forehead and catching her breath. Then she jumps up and hurries over to the door, opening it a crack and peeking out. "Could you give me one minute? I just woke up. Sorry!" she explains.

"Of course, Mrs Gideon." she says and turns her back waiting.

Alec sits up, "Feeding again?" he says sleepily. He looks over to see Nettle rushing around the room. "What are you doing? Is it morning yet?"

Nettle hops around on one foot, trying to get the other into her white latex pants. "My class-fetcher-person is here, and I totally forgot to get some bottles filled for you, Alec! I hope Mrs. Spiffle can get you some milk or formula or something-- I feel so guilty! I didn't think we could sleep that long!" She sits on the bed and pulls her platform shoes on, and then pulls off her tank-top and gets a bra and shirt on. She stands in front of the mirror and gives a little shriek when she sees her face, and then runs into the bathroom. Alec can hear the water running, and then after a moment she runs back into the room-- sans the eyeliner-mess-- and puts on fresh make-up and brushes through her hair as fast as she can. Then she runs over to Alec and bends down to give him a kiss and hug.

"Good luck love and I'll get Mrs. Spiffle to get some formula. Don't worry, all is under control here," he says chuckling at her. "You study and get straight A's and maybe I'll buy you an ice cream cone." he snickers.

Nettle smacks his arm and sticks her tongue out at him. "I would expect something a little better than ice cream...hmmm...actually, we COULD use ice cream..." she grins, and then goes back into rush-mode. "Good luck with the twins, baby! I'm in too much of a hurry to be scared! See you soon!" She runs over to the cribs and blows kisses to the babies, and then runs back to the door. "Ready!" she exhales. "Oh shit-- do I need something to write with? Pardon the language!" she apologizes.

"We have that all provided Mrs. Gideon," she says. "Now if you would just follow me please," she says walking down the hall.

Nettle turns and gives Alec a scared-look, and then blows him a kiss and waves before shutting the door behind her and hurrying after the woman.

The woman leads Nettle down the hallway and after a few turns leads her into a classroom. The classroom is filled with children, eight or nine years old, and all the desks are the size you'd find in an elementary school classroom. There is one lone unoccupied desk in the middle of them.
"Here we are Mrs. Gideon, we saved a seat for you."

Nettle feels the pit of her stomach drop out, and her face turns red. She hurries quickly over to the desk, stares at it as if trying to figure out how to do this, and then squats down and slides into the desk-- barely fitting, and knees sticking out the sides. She looks around at the kids with an embarrassed grin. 'Hey guys..." she murmurs, and then puts her elbows on the desktop and holds her head-- letting her hair fall to cover her face.

"Hello, Mrs. Gideon," the children say in unison. One of the boys next to Nettle smiles at her. "You're pretty will you be my girlfriend?"

Nettle turns her head and pulls her hair back so she can see the boy. She gives him one of her Nettle-smiles. "You're really sweet, but Mr. Gideon already asked me to be his girlfriend! Sorry about that!" She reaches out and pats his shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry-- you're cute! You'll find a girlfriend quick!" she whispers.

The boy looks crest-fallen and turns around. A girl next to her smiles at her. "I like your hair. It's pretty," she says.

Nettle grins at her. "Thanks!"

One of the boys in front of her turns around. "Why are you here...are you retarded?" he says.
The boy next to Nettle looks at him, "YOU'RE retarded! My girlfriends isn't retarded!"

Nettle's about to hold her head again and silently beseech the goddess to forgive her for being a bad student and take her far, far away from this classroom, when her little Romeo comes to her rescue! She watches the boys argue for a moment, and then sits up straight, folding her arms.
"If you don't pay attention in class they'll make YOU come back when you're a grown-up, too!" she says to the mean boy with a frightening look in her eye. She maintains the look for a second, and then winks at him.

The boy just turns around and the little Romeo smiles. "You're awfully smart." he says.
Just then the door opens and the teacher walks in. "Hello class. Let's begin the lessons."

Meanwhile in room 136...
Balador stretches and lays her head upon Corrander's chest. "So do you show all women the same good time your showed me?"

Corrander smiles and wraps one arm around Balador, holding her hand in his other hand. He brings her hand up to his lips and kisses it. "I must confess, Lady Balador, that many times I force myself to give a lesser performance when the woman is one I do not wish to bed again-- as much as it can be a blow to the ego! But with you, I felt no contraints but to give anything and everything that came to mind!" He turns his head and kisses her temple. "And you, Lady Balador! I am curious! Do you bed a man in order to learn what his tastes in the bedroom are, or out of simple desire to be with him?"

"Both, if I am to be honest," she says with a smile. "I like variety, I like to see what people will be like before they are with anyone else in Balador." she sighs and runs her fingers over his chest. "When you return to Salt Lake you must all come back to visit one day...and bring Sarah. I would very much like to see her..."

Corrander smiles and nods. "From listening to Nettle and Alec talk when they first entered their suite and found themselves feeling like they were coming home, I would say the visits back here will be often! Especially if I have anything to say about it!" He gives her a little squeeze. "I promise to bring the child Sarah with us, as well. I am very much looking forward to meeting her! Lady Balador...what can you tell me about her? Is she our hope, as I am guessing?"

"She is hope. When you see her, you will know." she says. "But enough of that. I want to know about you, Corrander. Tell me of your childhood, tell what it was like growing up in that world?"

Corrander raises his eyebrows, trailing his fingers up and down her arm. "Let me see...you realize you are asking me to think back a number of millenia!" he smiles wryly. "Our family is nobility, however my mother was involved in every aspect of our growing-up-- Gwendolyn and I. She was always very affectionate and loving, and as our father did not sleep with her in her large bed, she loved when Gwendolyn and I would run to her room at night and jump into bed with her. We felt safest there-- as if we were on an island that floated untouched in a sea of storms. It was there that we felt open to telling one another our deepest fears...strongest wishes...Mother is a wonderful storyteller, and we would fall asleep-- one on either side of her with her arms around us-- in the midst of her stories, though we tried to stay awake. Even now I still consider her room the place to run to when I am in need of comfort."

"I would care to meet this woman," she says. "She sounds wonderful." She leans up and rests her head on the palm of her hand. "I hope that one day the world will be as it was, a paradise for all. What part will you play in all of this Corrander? What will you do when Ian calls forth the nations of the Fae?"

Corrander blinks and looks at her in surprise, getting up on his arm, as well. "Call forth the nations of the Fae?? But...I thought we were only to bring back the lost people of our cantrev!" Corrander studies Balador wordlessly for a second. "Lady Balador...tell me more of this! Please!" Corrander cries in a passionate voice.

"All the fae that come here speak of the prophecy and they await that leader." she says. "They await Ian and will follow him back to Arcadia." she lays on her back and looks at him with a serious look.
"The fae want to go home, Corrander. They are only half of themselves here. When the doors fly open they will be there waiting to be whole again."

Corrander looks at her for a moment, and then down at the bed in shocked silence-- trying to absorb all of this. "I...had no idea..." he says in an awed voice. "Then they will be coming through the gates into our cantrev...so many of them...Ian will have to stand in the doorway until they are all through, and who can tell how long that will take...all those Fae..." he shakes his head slowly. "My role in this...I have no idea, but I will stay at Ian's side and keep him strong...keep him determined to carry on as it is looking to be a physically-demanding role he will play...Lady Balador-- do you know of my role??"

"That, my dear Corrander, is what I wanted to hear," she says. She sits up and begins to run her fingers through his hair and brings his head to lay on her lap. "My dear Corrander. You have many trials ahead of you, but know that Balador is always here if you need a respite." she says softly and then promptly vanishes.

Corrander sighs and closes his eyes as her fingers run through his hair-- craving this comfort-- and when she disappears and he realizes she's gone, he begins to cry. Silently at first, and then he buries his face in the sheets and sobs. He cannot explain to himself why he cries...something about missing his mother and feeling so close to finding her-- and more-- for a moment, and then being alone again. He finally stops trying to analyze his feeling and gives in to a second release...an emotional one.
After a time he finally stops his weeping and rolls over onto his back. He slows his breathing and studies the room. So much to think about...so much he has experienced. Finally the corner of his mouth turns up in a smirk as he relives an especially treasured moment from his time with Balador, and he gets off the bed with a bounce in his step.

Back in class...

"Good, now that we have covered the history of the Technocracy, can anyone tell me why sleepers have adjusted so well to life under the Technocratic paradigm?" she asks. A few of the students raise their hand. The teacher looks at the class and then points to Nettle.
"Mrs. Gideon, you've been silent awhile. Please answer the question."

Nettle feels her stomach go into knots and clenches her fingers together to match. She can't look "retarded" in front of the little kids!! She takes a deep breath.
"Because most people want to be told what to think...what to believe. Free thought is too unrestrained and scary to them. People like to feel like they're being taken care of, not free-falling on their own. And people are scared of magick and magickal beings because of the damn Christian paradigm...oops-- pardon my language!" Nettle sits back and lowers her eyes, not sure of her answers being right anymore.

The teacher considers and then nods, "Yes and no, Mrs. Gideon, but good enough for our purposes." she turns to the class. "Technology has always been part magic, and without technology humanity would have failed. This is the subtlety of the Technocrats. By using devices for their magick since the dawn of time, humanity believes that a device is needed for many of their daily tasks. Magick takes a bit of creativity, and creativity is rare, albeit true creativity. Sleepers wish to have things easier. Magick-- true magick-- is both difficult and easy."

Nettle thinks for a moment, and then raises her hand. "Isn't that like how we Mages start out-- thinking we have to use foci for simple magickal workings? Is this because we just Awakened from that Technocratically-driven mind-set you just described?" Nettle asks, forcing herself to be brave and ask questions so she and Veil's friendship can be mended.

"Yes very much so. When we Awaken we still have some very small part of the paradigm following us. It is not until we become truly enlightened that we realize that we no longer need any components to cast. Very good Mrs. Gideon." she says.

Little Romeo smiles and reaches across and puts his hand on Nettle's. The boy in front of her gives her a mean look and sticks out his tongue.

Nettle-- elated and relieved that her question was right-- sticks her tongue out right back at the boy while squinching up her face, and then grins at Little Romeo. 'Hmmm...this is just like being back in junior high, except it was never a mean boy picking on me-- just jealous girls!' she thinks to herself. 'And I got a boyfriend in the first minute of the first day of school! Hey-- that's a new record!' She lifts her head hautily and smiles self-contentedly, her new "boyfriend's" hand on hers.

The girl next to little Romeo looks over at Nettle and scowls at her.
"Alright class you have fifteen minutes for lunch." the teacher says as she walks out of the class.
Little Romeo pulls out a lunch bag and offers Nettle a pudding. "Want some pudding?"

Nettle-- about to complete the picture of immaturity and start acting like a fellow 9-year old-- has to get a grip on herself. "Aaaw...you're so sweet! I have to go run an errand really quick, but you see that little girl over there?" Nettle points out the girl who just gave her the mean look. "She LOVES pudding, and wishes you'd share some with her. She thinks you're really cute. Don't worry...I won't be jealous!" Nettle smiles.

Little Romeo turns and hands his pudding to the little girl. "Want to be my girlfriend?" he says to her.

Back in the room...

Alec turns the page of his book just as little Ian gives a cry. He gets up and lays the book down on the chair and picks Ian up. He grabs a bottle of formula that Mrs. Spiffle brought and begins to feed him. He sits down on the bed and smiles, "Hey little guy hey there."

Nettle gives a little knock, and then opens the door and runs in breathlessly. "Hey guys!!" she cries, excited to see her little family again. She runs up and kisses Alec. "Aaaw...isn't this sweet! Hey baby boy!" She bends down and kisses Ian's forehead. "I only have a 15-minute break, but I just had to come back and see my handsome men! Speaking of men, I had a boyfriend for a couple of hours!" she laughs. "OK, Alec, what can I do to help before I have to go?" she asks, rubbing her hands together.

"What?" Alec says. "What's all this about a boyfriend?" he says.

Nettle looks at the worry on Alec's face, and then bursts out laughing-- realizing how bad that sounded to someone who has no idea she was in a classroom full of children!
"Relax, baby! My classmates are all like 9 years old, or something! One of them thought I was pretty, but he's on to his next conquest right now!" she grins.

"Oh I see. Soon you'll be on the seesaw together, sharing pudding cups, holding hands. I see it now." he says sadly. He laughs and kisses her on the cheek. "Glad you're getting along then. Want to see if Simone is hungry?"

Nettle shifts her eyes, realizing she kinda held hands with the boy and ALMOST shared some pudding! Then she laughs again, realizing how hillarious this all is!
"Aah yes! Of course!" She skips over to Simone's crib where Simone is looking up at her mobile while kicking her legs and uncoordinatedly trying to reach up and grab the plastic animals that are quite out of her reach.
"Hey baby girl! Hey pixie-princess!" she cries, happy to see her daughter again. Simone shifts her eyes over to Nettle, and then does a happy-cry and looks like she's trying to smile. She moves her arms and legs excitedly.
"Hahahhaa!" Nettle laughs. "That's so cute! Aaaw-- she's such a good baby, playing with her mobile and being so good for Daddy!" Nettle reaches down and picks her up, patting her back and kissing her cheek. "Are you hungry, my good little girl?" Nettle sits in one of the chairs and adjust her shirt and bra, and then holds Simone up to feed. "I bet my classmates don't realize I have two kids!" she grins at Alec.

"Hmmm maybe I should check out this class," he says. "So love, are you learning there or having fun with the kids?" he says as Ian finishes. He picks up a towel and places it over his shoulder and positions Ian so he can burp him. He stands up and pats Ian's back. "Look at daddy's little princess," he says looking at Simone.

Nettle grins. "Oh stop calling me that, Alec!" she jokes. "I wish you could come, except I bet the little girls would all be fighting over you and I'd have to beat them up and that wouldn't be fair, now would it?" she winks. "Actually, it's been nothing but learning, and I'm learning a LOT! Now that I've actually encountered all the different types of Technocrats they've been teaching us about, it's a lot more interesting to me to learn about them. You can't beat your enemy until you understand how he thinks."

"Exactly love. Good enough then, you should head back to class. I'd hate for you to be late and your new boyfriend worry about you,' he says smiling.

Nettle sniffles and wipes her eyes melodramatically. "I TOLD you, Alec! He's already dumped me for a younger girl!" Nettle holds the back of her hand to her forehead in a faux-swoon, and then goes back to feeding Simone and grinning. "Yeah, yeah...I guess I should go back soon...sorry Simone! You just get a snack until Daddy's free!" She stands and continues feeding Simone while walking over and getting one of the baby-carriers, and then walks back and sets it on the bed across from Alec. Then she gently detaches Simone from her chest, wipes Simone's mouth and chin, and then lays her in the carrier so she can see Alec. Then she turns around and sighs. "Sorry that was so quick, baby! Has Corrander come back yet?"

"Not yet," he says wriggling his eyebrows at her. He puts Ian back into his crib and picks up Simone. He takes one of the formula bottles and begins to feed her. "Give us a kiss before you go love."

Nettle grins and saunters up to Alec, wrapping her arms around him-- careful of Simone-- and kissing him. "Don't forget to check their diapers in, oh, about a half hour, if not sooner. The baby-factory is an efficient machine! It runs veeery quickly!" she giggles.

"Have a nice time at class, love, see you in awhile."

Nettle grins and waves as she skips over to the door. "Bye guys! See you soon! Love you!" and then the door closes and she's gone again.

Alec thinks about it and then makes a face. "I'll be up to my arms in baby shite. I hope Corrander gets here soon," he says.

Back at class...

"She is not!"
"Is!"
"Is not!"

Nettle walks into the classroom and then slows her pace a little with raised eyebrows as she sees the boys fighting. She inwardly sighs, and then walks up to her desk and squishes back into it.

Little Romeo points at the mean boy and says. "He says that the only reason you're here is that you're retarded."
The mean boy smiles, "She is retarted."

Nettle puts her elbows back on the desk and runs her fingers through her hair, suddenly wishing she could be changing diapers instead of being in class!
"Well then, that would explain why you're in my class!" Nettle says to the mean boy, and then tries with all her might to stifle a burst of laughter.

The mean boy just scowls and turns around as the teacher walks in.
"Hello class. Let us get back to what were discussing," she says.

Back in the room...

Whistling, Corrander knocks on the door once and then opens it.

"Ahh there you are me ol' china. I could use your help," Alec says from the changing table.

Corrander's current look of euphoria suddenly and dramatically shifts to one of horror when he sees what Alec needs help with, but then he quickly tries to disguise his reaction. "Aah...uh...yes! Of course, Alec! Mmm...what do you need help with, then, lad?" Corrander asks hesitantly.

"Well grab Ian and you can change him." he says with a chuckle. "You arrived at the right time eh?" he says finishing up. He walks into the bathroom and washes his hands. "So," he says walking out and putting Simone down in her carrier. "How was it eh?"

Corrander turns his head where he's standing at the other changing-table, unsnapping Ian's sleeper, and gives Alec a jubilant smirk. "Alec...that woman could make a fool of me were I to stay here for very long!" He sighs contentedly and turns back around to continue changing Ian. "Never before have I met my equal...BETTER than an equal...goddess, Alec..." Corrander shakes his head, day-dreaming. Ian looks up at Corrander and kicks his legs, happy to be free of the diaper. He coos, and then a little stream arcs in the air.
Corrander-- startled back into reality-- lets out a loud exclamation in Welsh and jumps back.

Alec chuckles and then sits down, "Oh yeah, you have to watch that.' he says. "The cold air gets to them." he says. "She is good isn't she? I'm glad you had a good time. So what did you two talk about? She is quite the pillow-talker."

Corrander waits for a moment-- tentative about getting close to Ian again-- and then when he thinks it's safe, he steps back up and cleans Ian and then quickly gets a diaper on him before he can squirt again. Then he starts snapping him back up, thinking about what he should tell Alec.
"She wanted to know about my childhood...interesting, that!" He pauses for a moment. "You are the rational one in the couple-- as well as Ian's father-- and so I shall tell you what she told me." He sighs. "Ian...is to be more than the salvation of our lost people. He will be the salvation of every Changeling on the planet. Some kind of...I do not know...king of sorts. Tis odd considering Wales has never had a king...not that she could not use one to unite the land. We are raising someone of monumental importance..."
Corrander looks down at Ian and Ian kicks his legs, not happy to be back in the restricting jumper, but feeling better than before, anyhow. Corrander lifts him to his shoulder and holds him with an almost determined look in his eyes.

Alec whistles and leans back in his chair. "Right..then...welll..." he looks at Corrander with a serious look in his eyes. "Not one word to Nettle, not one. She can't know all of this. We understand?' he says dead serious. He stands up and looks at Corrander. "I'll have your word."

Corrander extends his hand to Alec and then clasps Alec's wrist, waiting for Alec to clasp his own wrist. "You have the word of the count of Castle Moonglow, Alec. But at some point she WILL have to be told, though not by me. Let her have her baby now, but one day he will be a man."

Alec nods and takes Corrander's wrist. "Right then." he says. "Now let's get some room service eh?"

Corrander nods and releases Alec's wrist. "Indeed! And..." Corrander leans in a little, "...compare our time spend in room 136!"

Back at class...

"Alright everyone. Please grab a booklet from the back as you leave. I want you to read it and prepare for a test tomorrow. Class dismissed," the teacher says sitting down at her desk.
The children file out and grab the booklets. The mean boy looks up at Nettle as he grabs a booklet. "I bet she can't even read."
Little Romeo grabs his and turns to Meanie. "bet she can!"
"She can't!"
"She can!"

A million great-- yet X-rated or outlawed-- retorts fly through Nettle's mind, but she decides to tone it down a bit. She clears her throat and smiles sweetly down at the boy. "Perhaps you'd like to study with me...just in case I have...trouble...with some of the big words..." she says in her best Marilyn Monroe-imitation, touching the mean boy's nose with her fingertip and giving him a secretive smile. She winks at Little Romeo conspiratorally, and then turns her attentions back on Meanie.

Meanie snickers, "She just said she can't read the big words. Told you she was retarded," he says. Little Romeo pipes up, "No she's not!"
"Is!"
"Is not!"
"Is!"
Little Romeo pulls back his hand and punches Meanie right in the nose. Meanie falls to the floor, gives a wail and runs out of the room.

Nettle gasps-- mouth wide open-- and gawks at Little Romeo. "W-wow..." she says, flattered and impressed-- and also a little worried that she's going to get in trouble with the teacher for being the cause of a fight between two little boys! "...that was...incredible!" she gasps. She bends down and kisses Little Romeo on the forehead. "You're my hero!" she smiles. "See you tomorrow in class!" Nettle grabs a booklet, looks back and waves, and then skips down the hall towards the Gideon suite, covering her mouth so she won't giggle.

Little Romeo smiles and walks proudly down the hall smiling. "That's my girlfriend!"

Nettle bursts into the Gideon suite with a big grin on her face that only gets bigger when she sees Corrander.
"Hey family! Corrander-- back so soon?" she teases. "Oooh I'm starving! Do you know, I just realized I haven't eaten anything since I sampled a little of Corrander's cheese and wine yesterday afternoon! Nice spread!" she comments, looking at the room service the men called up.

Corrander smiles and stands so Nettle can sit in his chair, and then suddenly realizes there are now three identical comfy-chairs in the room! He shakes his head and sits back down. "Yes well Balador is a busy woman, you know!" he winks. "A wonderful...busy woman..." he sighs with a smile.

"Oh Jesus...Corrander's got a crush on Balador!" Nettle teases, sitting down in the free chair.

Corrander feigns a shocked look. "Why I have no idea what you could mean, niece!"

Nettle rolls her eyes, and then leans over and kisses Alec. "How were the babies, daddy?" she grins.

"Little angels, love. So how was class and all? Did you learn anything new and how's your boyfriend eh?" He says taking a bite of his sandwich. "What's the grin about?"

"To respond to your questions, yes! I did learn a lot! My homework is to read this!" she cries, proudly holding up the booklet. "Secondly, there's a mean little boy in my class who tells everyone I'm retarded and that I can't read, and my 'boyfriend'-- as you call him-- punched the kid out! Isn't that precious??" Nettle laughs delightedly.

Corrander raises his eyebrows at Alec over his croissant sandwich, but doesn't say anything. He doesn't want to interrupt this one!

Alec chuckles, "Maybe I should walk you to class tomorrow so I can size up the competition. See if I can take him," he says chuckling. "Well it sounds like you made a few friends, love. Perhaps we should take the little one too." He looks over at Corrander, "And maybe the babies should come," he says with a big grin.

Corrander almost chokes on his sandwich. "Little one?? LITTLE one, Alec?" he laughs indignantly. "I do believe I have a good 3 inches on you, at least! And I am taller, as well!"

Now it's NETTLE'S turn to almost choke as little bits of bread fly out of her mouth. She stares from Corrander to Alec with big eyes, and then spits out the rest of her sandwich and starts laughing. "WHAT??" she cries in disbelief!

Alec chuckles and nudge's Corrander good naturedly. "Gotcha, me old china." he says. He looks at Nettle and smiles, "Yeah love I'll walk you to class. I'm sure Corrander here can watch the kids while I do that," he says looking at Corrander hopefully.

Corrander-- all grins from his earlier witticism-- nods quickly, and resumes eating. "Of course, Alec! Of course! I would not want you to lose your wife to a child! T'would be a grand shock to your ego, and where would you be without your ego?" Corrander continues to tease.

Nettle laughs. "Touche', Corrander! Good one!" She turns to Alec and squeezes his hand. "Would you, baby? Would you walk me to class?? Oh I would actually really appreciate that! Maybe if the little bastard saw who he has to answer to he'll knock it off! It's hard enough having to go through this without his comments!"

Alec laughs and holds up his hands, "Alright then old son. I know when I'm beaten," he says laughing. "Yeah we'll take a look at this little bugger and see if he has anything to say to me."
"You know, Corrander, there is a sparing room if you'd like to take a try at that today."

Corrander raises an eyebrow. "Are you challenging me, Alec?" he grins with a twinkle in his eyes.

Nettle sits back with her sandwich in her hands and a grin on her face, listening to the men.

Alec smiles, "I'm calling you out, old son. We can go in a bit and give Nettle a chance to read her booklet there," he says. "What do you say eh?"

Corrander claps his hands together and sits up straight. "And I am answering your challenge, dear lad! Yes, indeed, I am looking forward to this!"

"Wait a minute...Alec can't fight with a sword! What kind of fight is this going to be?" Nettle asks a little worriedly.

"Oh we'll see how the old son is with his hands," he says. "That ok with you, mate?" he says looking at Corrander.

Corrander throws off his cloak and rolls up his sleeves, sandwich forgotten. He rubs his hands together. "I have never had a complaint about my skill with my hands, Alec!" he smirks.

Nettle laughs excitedly. "Hey-- I want to watch this! This is not fair!!"

"Oh no love, you have some studying to do." He says. "Let the men go play." He finishes his sandwich and stands up. "So you're a good hand to hand eh? What did you take?"

Corrander stands with Alec, unstrapping his sword and handing it to Nettle. "You watch this, Nettle...do not let it out of your sight. Do I have your word?" he asks, his face suddenly dead-serious and very intimidating.

Nettle blinks, taking the sword from him. It's very heavy. "I promise..." she says in a little voice, laying the sword across her lap.

Corrander looks at her carefully for a moment, and then finally nods. "All right then. I thank you, Nettle." Then he turns back to Alec, and his face is nothing but light-hearted. "I am good at fighting, indeed-- although when we first start I may be a bit rusty! No one has challenged me to a duel sans swords in some time!" Corrander names some fighting-styles he's been trained in, but none that Alec recognizes. "However, a number of those incorporate Glamour, so it would not be fair. What have you trained in, Alec?"

"Oh a little bit of this little bit of that, you know." he says. He walks to the door and opens it. "After you old son." he says smiling.

Nettle continues sitting on the couch for a moment-- still in the thrall of Corrander's Majesty-- and then finally exhales and blinks, standing up. She places the sword on the bed-- right in the center-- with the care of someone handling fine crystal, and then steps back. Then she clears her throat and looks around. The babies are both sleeping in their cribs. She smiles and goes over to the cribs to gaze down at her children with a serene look on her face. She puts her elbows on the edge of one of the cribs and rests her chin in her hands, giving a little sigh.
After a moment she realizes that she's just stalling, and stands back up straight. She walks over to the coffee table, picks up her homework-booklet, and starts to read.

A little while later...
The door opens and Alec and Corrander walk in still wearing the gis. Alec pats Corrander on the back.
"Not too bad old man, you fight better than most." he says.

Nettle's laying in the center of the bed with her knees up, feet resting on top of Corrander's sword. She has a baby laying on each side of her in the crooks of her arms, and her class booklet laying against her thighs so she can see it. She's reading to the babies from it in a sing-song voice. She looks up when the men enter.
"Oh hey guys! Nice oufits! So who won??"

Corrander stops in mid-sentence and stares at Nettle and the babies. His eyes get a pained look in them, and his face suddenly looks sad. "I, um...had better take a quick shower...I...must smell repugnant after that exercise--" he stammers, and then quickly opens the door to his suite and disappears inside.

Nettle raises her eyebrows at Alec. "Woah...hey Corrander-- you forgot your sword!" she calls after him, but the door closes. She looks at Alec in surprise. "What was that??"

"It was a draw," Alec says and leans over to kiss her, misinterpreting Corrander's grief. "He's not bad at all." He sits down in the chair next to the bed. "How's your homework coming?" he says leaning over and looking at Simone.

Nettle grins. "Much better now! I kept distracting myself by getting up and checking on the babies, so I finally came up with this solution! It's worked wonders! Ian's fast asleep, and Simone's awake and being a sweetheart! She doesn't know what I'm saying, but I'm saying it like a bed-time story so she won't know the difference!" Nettle grins.

"You hope. Pretty soon she'll be casting all over the place," he says with a smile. He takes off his gi and changes into something a bit more comfortable. "So you just have to read it? No five page report or anything?" he says with a smirk.

Nettle whistles appreciatively when Alec gets undressed, watching him contentedly. Then she sticks her tongue out at him. "No...no reports, Alec! Don't worry-- the teacher makes a special point to pick on me a lot in class to make sure I'm catching on!" Nettle sighs. "Do you think those are real kids in the classroom, or did they just create that setting to embarrass me?

Alec shrugs, "Maybe. Balador does have a sense of humor." He chuckles a moment. "Don't worry, love. I'll have a little talk with this mean kid and see if I can't straighten him out."
He sits back down and sighs, "Looking forward to going home?"

Nettle enjoys a moment of immature fantasy involving Alec's fist connecting with the mean kid, and then snaps back to reality when Alec asks his question.
"I am. I feel kind of like we're in limbo right now-- as wonderful a setting as it is-- and I want to get home and get a feeling for what's been going on there...check out the store...see how Sarah's doing and introduce her to Corrander...set up our new room-situation in the palace...go visit Mom and Dad..." Nettle's lips tighten as she wonders how that reunion will turn out, and remembers Veil's words of warning to her about telling her parents anything. "How about you, baby?"

"I am too. I'm more anxious to see everyone and see how they are doing. Hear what they've been up to, all that." he says. "You know, living in the horizon realm would be good for us. We'll be safer there, plus we'll be away from those crazy fae who've been after us to have these two...oh I forgot...they'll be at the chantry do you suppose?"

Nettle's eyes widen. "Damn...I forgot about those guys..." Her arm around Ian tightens a little, unconsciously. "Yeah...you're right. They'll want to see them. Well, they should...I guess..." she murmurs a little uncertainly-- images of them trying to grab Ian away from her running unbidden through her mind. She blinks her eyes and tells herself she's being silly. "No, no-- we owe them everything for encouraging this. Do you think we would have ever had kids if they hadn't pestered us so much about it? Seriously!"

"Yeah well,' he says. "They did try to kidnap us, but I suppose you're right love. We could use all the allies we can get." he says shaking his head. "So," he says leaning forward. "How do we tell Corrander about the clones? He'll meet them sooner or later."

Nettle closes her eyes and groans. "Oooooh I don't even want to think about that! I have no idea! Do you think he'll be pissed?? It wasn't my fault, you know!" she says worriedly. "Oh god...how old would they look by now??" Nettle has a moment of panic when she suddenly realizes there might be a whole lot of adult-Nettles in the world, and feels like she's losing her uniqueness. "I'm going to have a word with Ozzie...and soon! He can't let those girls look exactly like me! They better have different hair and clothes than mine or this is going too far!" She closes her eyes again. "Mmmm...stay right here in Balador forever..." she murmurs like a mantra.

Alec smiles and then leans back, "It'll be alright love. But we should tell him before it gets sprung on him." he says. "I'm sure they'll look a little different than you...I hope." He thinks a moment.
"Staying in Balador doesn't sound bad now that you mention it."

Nettle opens her eyes and laughs. "You got it, baby! Look...I'll tell Ozzie about Corrander, and tell him to keep the girls in the...no-- if they're still little girls then they'll want to have kids to play with and that would be cruel! But if they're adults, then they couldn't...but making them stay in Ozzie's lab all the time would be mean no matter WHAT age you are! But then if he lets them go out to explore Salt Lake, they could run into people I know and wouldn't that cause paradox?? AAAAAAH!" Nettle's head flops back again. "Oswald!! I'm going to kill you when I get my hands on you!" she cries. "I bet he didn't even think of all this shit, DID he?!?"
Simone stares up at Nettle in fascination, watching her mother rant. Ian blinks his eyes open and looks around disorientedly.

"Probably not, but you know Ozzie. He'll take care of it." he says. "Besides he has his plants and bugs to keep him occupied." He looks towards Corrander's door and then back to Nettle. "I think he has a crush on Balador."

Nettle grins conspiratorially-- trying to banish thoughts of the clones for now-- and nods. "I TOLD you!! It's so cute, isn't it! I bet they're even close to the same age-- if Balador HAS an age! I'm just going by what you told me about her. It's too bad Balador isn't a woman in that way-- as in, she can't fall in love and have a relationship, and stuff. Corrander's pretty much screwed-- unless part of the fascination is that he doesn't have to worry about her WANTING a relationship! Hmmm! That could be right, based on some of the comments he's made about his life back in Arcadia!" Nettle giggles self-contentedly.

Alec smiles, "That could be it. The no fear of relationship-fling." he says. "Well then he should see if Balador will see him tonight..."

In Corrander's room...

There's a knock at the door.

Corrander looks up from where he's laying in his sunken hottub/bathtub, covered with bubbles. This is, by far, his favorite part of the suite, and he can't seem to get enough of it! He climbs out of the tub and pats dripping over to the door-- at the last minute grabbing his shirt from the chair and holding it in front of himself rather than be vulgar in front of a stranger. He opens the door and peeks out.

"Good day, Mr. Moonglow. Your presence is requested for dinner tonight at eight in room 136. Shall I inform Balador that you will be coming?" Mr. Smythe says.

Corrander's whole being seems to light up, and he beems a smile at Mr. Smythe.
"Mr. Smythe, you old rascal! So good to see you!" he cries, letting go of the shirt he was holding to shake Mr. Smythe's hand. "Of course I will be coming!" He flicks his fingers and the key appears between them again. "Even still have the key-- fancy that!" He leans in a little. "Smythe...do you happen to have the time?" he asks a little embarrassedly.

"It is three o'clock, Mr. Moonglow. I assume you have seen the grandfather clock on the opposing wall," he says motioning behind Corrander. "Is there anything I can get you, sir?"

Corrander looks behind him, and-- surprise of surprises-- there IS a grandfather clock there! Imagine that!
"Ah! How unalert of me, Mr. Smythe! There it is!" He grins at turns back to Mr. Smythe. "Well...let me see...ah, yes! It was good of you to ask if I needed anything, because..." Corrander bends down and picks his shirt back up, inspecting it. "...I believe my clothing is in need of some laundering. Is there a service for that? Ah-- but perhaps there is a store within Balador where I might obtain formal-wear, as well?"

"Of course sir," he says. "If you'd care to dress and then I shall show you to the shoppe." he says. "I will wait here for you."

Corrander looks down at himself, and then back at Smythe, cocking a finger at him. "Right! I will only be a moment!"
Corrander closes the door a crack, and then hurries through the suite collecting his clothes and getting dressed in them. After a moment he pulls the door open again. "Ready to follow your lead, Smythe!" he grins.

Smythe leads him down the hall to a stairwell. He motions for Corrander to follow him downstairs. He leads him down to the landing and there in front of him are serveral large windows looking in on a very impressive clothing shoppe.
"There you are, Mr. Moonglow. Payment, of course, is not required. There are also a few clothing-items that have been picked out for the Gideons if you'd care to bring them to the Gideons. Infant clothes, I would imagine." He smiles. "Gifts from a few of the residents of Balador...Mrs. Spiffle most specifically."

Corrander smiles at Mr. Smythe. "Why that is most generous, and graciously-received! I shall have to get their names so that I might send them thank-you writs! That Mrs Spiffle! Quite the doting, sweet woman she is! I am sure Nettle will make a scene over the baby-clothes!"

"The benefactors wish to remain anonymous, but I shall tell them of your gratitude." he says. "I will return later to escort you back to your room." he says. "Good shopping, Mr. Moonglow."

Corrander bows low to Mr. Smythe with a smile. "Thank you, my good man! I appreciate that!" And with that Corrander bids Mr Smythe good-bye and enters the shop.

At around 7:30 PM Corrander enters his suite with a confident stride. "Ah, yes! Just put my things anywhere you like, and whoever has the babies' presents, if you would follow me?" Corrander smiles, tipping his head, and then turning and walking for the door that separates his suite from Alec and Nettle's, holding a beautiful long-stemmed red rose in one hand.

Smythe follows behind Corrander and directs the three porters where to put the boxes of clothes. He looks down at the three bags of clothes he carries and then looks up to Corrander. "If you will lead the way, Mr. Moonglow. These are becoming heavy."

"Already doing so, Smythe!" Corrander calls, his voice sounding as giddy as a school-boy's. He walks up to the door and throws it open-- betting on the off-chance that Alec and Nettle aren't in some kind of compromising situation!
"Good evening, Gideons! I come bearing gifts! Well...Mr. Smythe is truly bearing the gifts, but...I have come!" he laughs, tucking back his tails and giving a low bow to Alec and Nettle.
Corrander is wearing a well-tailored suit right from the late 1800s: black slacks with shined shoes, a black high-collared shirt buttoned up to the throat with a fitted black vest, and a black jacket that's short in front with tails in the back. He has on black gentleman's glove, and holds the rose delicately as if it were made of crystal.

Nettle's sitting cross-legged on the bed with the babies laying in front of her side-by-side. She looks up-- a smart comment on her lips-- but the words stop as her mouth falls open. "Wow...VERY nice...you look...great..." she says in awe. "What's the occasion?"

Corrander laughs and practically skips over to her side, tickling the rose under her chin. "I thought THIS would have been a giveaway, dear niece! I am truly glad that you find my appearance pleasing! Smythe, here, was not going to let me leave without a cane and top hat, but I assured him I would not use them, and so he gave up!" Corrander cries triumphantly.

Alec whistles in appreciation. "Very very smashing Corrander." he says. "Another date with Balador I assume," he says with a big grin.

"You assume right, Alec m'boy!" Corrander grins triumphantly.

"You're still wearing all black, though...do I have a club downtown in Salt Lake I wish I could take you to!" Nettle rubs her hands together.

Corrander raises his eyebrows at her in confusion. "I wear black as a symbol that my sister is as of yet unfound."

"Aah...that makes sense..." Nettle nods in understanding. "Well you're lucky then, because black is definitely your color!"

"I'll say. Altho a bit of color wouldn't hurt,' Alec says looking Corrander over.

"Ah Mr. and Mrs. Gideon. I do have some presents for you," Mr. Smythe says. He walks over to the bed and begins laying out some of the clothes next to the babies. "Gifts from the various residents of Balador." he says.

Nettle lets out an excited cry and starts picking up the outfits to show Alec. "Come over here, Alec! Look at this! Matching sleepers-- pink for Simone and blue for Ian, I'm assuming! And ooooh look! A tiny 3-piece suit! Oooh!! And look at this velvet dress!"

Alec pics up a little pin striped suit for Ian, "Right-o, look at this..." he says and then picks up a black and white striped outfit. "Hah this is for Simone!' he says as he holds it up for Nettle to see.

Nettle takes it from Alec and laughs. "So precious!! Oh Veil will LOVE this one!" she exclaims.

Corrander grins and folds his arms. "My work here is done. I bid the two of you adieu, and I will see you in the morning!" Corrander bows again, and then turns to Mr. Smythe. "Come, Mr. Smythe! Our lady awaits!"

"Bye Corrander! Have a nice night, and tell her 'hi' for us!" Nettle grins, looking up from the clothes.

"See you later in the afternoon, Corrander and tell her thanks for the clothes," Alec says and then picks up another outfit. "Look at this one, love!"

Nettle laughs. "I heard that, Alec! Yeah, better make that 'see you tomorrow AFTERNOON,' Corrander!" Nettle calls teasingly.

Mr. Smythe nods and motions for him to follow. He leads him out of the room and down the hall to room 136. "Here you are, Mr. Moonglow. Do have a good evening," he says.

Corrander looks around in astonishment. "Well, well, well...136 seems to be moving closer to my suite! Always a good sign, eh Smythe?" Corrander smirks, elbowing Mr. Smythe gently in the ribs. "You have a good night, yourself!"

"I intend to sir. I am heading to the punishment room," he says and begins to walk down the opposite hall.

Corrander stares after Mr. Smythe with his mouth hanging open, and then laughs and shakes his head in astonishment. "Mind-boggling!" he murmurs. But his thoughts don't stay on Mr. Smythe for very long! He flicks his hand, and the key to room 136 appears between his fingers. Straightening his back and giving the rose a final sniff, he sticks the key into the lock and opens the door.

The room has changed a bit-- it seems bigger this time. The carpet are a soft red plush and the walls are muraled. There is a table in the middle of the room set for two. Soft candlelight from the wall sconces illuminates very little.

Corrander steps into the room, and then closes the door behind him. "It seems I was a bit early, after all..." he says softly, looking around, "...unless my lady hides and is waiting to be found?" He smirks and peers around the room. "Are you here, lovely Balador?" he calls.

"Of course," she says coming around the corner holding two glasses of wine. She hands one to Corrander and then sees the rose. She smiles and takes his hand holding the rose. "Flowers? No one has brought me flowers in a long time." she says bringing his hand up to her. She bends her head to the rose and then looks up at Corrander. "It's very beautiful. Thank you."

Corrander smiles gently. "It is red like the blood that your presence stir in my veins...red like the heart that quickens its pace when you enter a room..." he says sincerely. "And it saddens me to hear how long it has been since one was presented to one so deserving of more roses than the world can grow." He twists his wrist a little so the back of her hand presses to his mouth, and he kisses it delicately.

Balador smiles and raises her eyebrow, "If you keep talking like that, dear Corrander, I won't let you leave." she says. "She takes the rose from him and touches her lips with it. "You look so very handsome in that suit." she says looking him up and down.

"I believe that is the idea, m'lady!" he smirks, bowing his head to her. "And I thank you for the compliment!"

Balador takes a step back so he can take in the sleek, form-fitting black dress she is wearing. The straps are spaghetti-thin, the front is cut down almost to her belly, and the hem of the skirt reaches her upper-thigh.

Corrander leans back, bringing his hand to his chin. "You are the vision of the goddess of love..." he sighs contentedly. "I wish to admire and worship your body, but this dress seems to be in the way--" He curls a finger under one of the spaghetti-straps and slides it to the edge of her shoulder teasingly, winking at her.

"Well now, my dearest. Dinner won't be ready for a time. We can either wait and eat...or we can work up an appetite," she says as she slips the other strap off to let her dress fall to the floor. "Whichever shall it be?"

Corrander feels his skin grow hot almost instantly, and loosens the collar of his high-necked shirt. "Now you have done it..." he says huskily, throwing off his jacket. "...I am afraid dinner will have to wait, although I AM hungry...for SOMEthing..." His eyes bore heatedly into hers as he gets the rest of his clothing off as quickly as possible, taking steps towards her all the while until she's backed up to the edge of the bed.

Balador smiles and opens her arms to him, beckoning him to her. "Come here lover," she purrs, "Dessert is served."

Back at the Gideons...

Alec laughs as he finishes with the final snap. "Look love," he says waving her over. "Look at this outfit on Simone isn't it brilliant?"

Nettle laughs, carrying a very sharp-looking Ian wearing a purple crushed-velvet suit back over to the bed. Simone's wearing a black and white striped long-sleeved shirt with black velvet leggings. "Aaaw! Hahaha! She looks just like your mother now! No, no-- wait!" Nettle giggles, and then grabs a black beret from the stack of clothing and places it on Simone's head. "NOW she looks just like your mother!" Nettle starts cracking up, and Ian pats his hands on her arms excitedly-- not sure why Mommy's laughing, but finding the energy infectious.

Alec laughs as well," Yeah and little Ian looks just like daddy!" he says. He picks up another outfit. "Here, put this on Ian!" he says handing her the little sailor outfit. Simone claps her hands and opens her mouth as if she's laughing. "Aww she likes the outfit," Alec says. Simone reaches up and finds the beret and decides she wants to see if she likes the taste of it.

Nettle takes the sailor-suit from Alec, still laughing. "Oh no...we totally need a camera right now, Alec! Not a sailor-suit!" she cracks up. "Oh you'll look cute in anything, baby boy!" she exclaims to Ian. Then she rifles through the stack of clothing to find something for Alec to put Simone in, and suddenly starts cracking-up. She holds up a little furry jumpsuit with a bear-tail and a bear-head attached. "Oh...oh...too...precious!" she cries, wiping her eyes. "This one next, baby! This one next!" She sets the bear-suit on Alec's lap, and then walks over to the other side of the bed to lay Ian down so she can change his clothes again.

Alec laughs and begins to unfasten the snaps on Simone. Simone kicks her legs, just loving all the attention from daddy right now! Alec takes the outfit off and starts snapping the other one on.
"These things are the cutest aren't they?"

"Yeah they are!" Nettle laughs. "Oh this is so much fun! Ooh-- careful Ian! Don't spit up on velvet!" Nettle murmurs, wiping the corner of Ian's little jacket, and then quickly taking it off. "This suit is what he should be wearing when we bring him back to the chantry, don't you think Alec?" Nettle grins. She sets the suit aside, and puts him in the sailor-outfit. "Ahahaha! So cute! So cute!" Nettle plants rapid-fire kisses on Ian's cheek while making monster-noises, and Ian squeals and claps his hands on her head.

Alec gets the outfit on and puts the little hood up and then holds Simone up. "Roar!" he says and then makes her "walk" towards Nettle. "Rar!" he says again.

Nettle lets out her own squeal of laughter, and then "stands" Ian up on the bed. "Oh! Oh! There's a ferocious bear coming this way, Ian!!" she cries. "Don't worry, Mom! The Navy trained us how to defend against ferocious bear-attacks!" Nettle says in a lower voice from behind Ian's head, and then "walks" Ian forward towards Simone. "Back, bear! Back!" Nettle tries to keep from laughing while making Ian "talk." Ian-- excited to be "standing" up-- lets out a little cry of excitement and kicks his legs like a little frog while Nettle holds him up.

Simone looks around confused and then kicks her legs out nearly kicking Ian in the process. Alec pulls her back a bit and laughs, "See that!" he says excitedly. "She's going to be like her daddy alright!"
"Hiy ya!' he says making her kick again.

Nettle can barely breathe now, she's laughing so hard. "Ooh...too...much...!" she cries, and then lays back on the bed, sitting Ian on her chest as she laughs. "Well, Ian's gonna be a lover, not a fighter-- right Ian?" she grins. She reaches up and moves Ian's bottom lip. "Right, Mom! I'm hot stuff with the ladies!" she says in a lower voice, and then starts laughing again.

Alec laughs and sets Simone down. He digs through the bag and picks out anothing outfit and begins to unsnap the bear outfit. "It's too bad they'll out grow these in a little while. I'd like to thank whoever bought all these just the same eh love?"

Nettle grins and nods. "I know!! That was SOOO sweet of whoever did it! Everyone here is so wonderful!" Nettle sits back up and lays Ian on the bed, finding another outfit to try on him. "I've been thinking...what if me and the babies come to work with you each day? Imagine the customers' reactions to these cute faces! And we have all these little outfits to show off! I...I just love so much how we're all together everyday here! I don't want to have to send you off alone to work-- it would break my heart if the babies did something new and you weren't there to see it! What do you think, baby?" she asks, peeking up at Alec for a second.

Alec smiles, "I wouldn't want to miss anything either love. But would it be safe?" he says. "Then again we could have those Changelings hang outside and make sure it's safe." he says.
He finishes putting on the outfit and picks up Simone.
"Look, love!" he says. Simone is wearing an outfit that says "Daddy's Little Princess."

Nettle looks up and laughs. "Nice rhinestones! Aaaw, that's cute, Alec! Yep-- she looks like a princess, all right! Just remember-- if she grows up acting spoiled it's going to be YOUR fault!" Nettle points at him knowingly.

"I'll take full responsibility too," he says kissing Simone's cheek. Simone makes a gurgle at Daddy and head-bobs for a moment. Alec puts her back down and looks over to Nettle. "Next!"

Nettle laughs and holds Ian up. "Look at this!" she cries gleefully. Ian's wearing a little Robin Hood-outfit, complete with green leggings, suade booties, green pointed hat, and a brown tunic with a felt belt sewn around the middle. "Heeheehee!" Nettle giggles. "Here-- put Simone in this princess-dress!" Nettle reaches down a hand and tosses the shimmery yellow dress and cone-hat to Alec.

Alec laughs and begins to undress Simone and get the Little Princess-outfit off. He finishes and then starts on the yellow dress. He laughs and then puts on the cone hat and stands her up. "Our little damsel in distress."

Nettle laughs hard and "walks" Ian over to Simone. "Good day, m'lady! Art thou in distress?" she says in a low voice behind Ian. Ian takes one look at the cone-hat and decides he must have it. He reaches out his hands and bats at the hat-- trying to grab it-- knocking it down over Simone's eyes a little.
"No, no Ian!" Nettle giggles and "walks" Ian back a few steps. "Looks like we'll have to start on his chivelric training early, eh?" she grins at Alec.

Simone lets out a cry and begin to wail. Alec gives Nettle a smile and then puts Simone down, "Didn't want to share your hat, princess?" he says. Simone let's out another cry that almost sounded like a no. Alec chuckles and looks up at Nettle. "Too much fun maybe."

Nettle laughs. "Yeah, they might be getting tired of all the costume-changes-- poor little guys!" She lays Ian down and takes off his Robin Hood-outfit and gets him into a soft, comfortable jumper. "They should be getting sleepy soon-- it's almost 10 PM! Maybe I'll feed them a little until they fall asleep." Nettle gets off the bed and picks up Ian, and then carries him over to one of the chairs and gets situated in it with him.
"I've been thinking, and you're right. It's way too dangerous to take the babies to work. But we have the mind-link, so if they do anything cute I'll call to you through it so you can 'see'-- how does that sound?"
Nettle notices that Ian hasn't started sucking yet, and looks down to find him fast asleep.

"A lot safer," he says. "And besides, this way they can hang out with the other kids at the chantry rather than being dragged to work with me." he says. "This way Jaf and I can get work done rather than worrying about changing and feeding."

Nettle raises her eyebrow at him. "Hey now-- I said I would come, too, you know!" she reminds him with a smirk. "And like you and Jaf ever do any REAL work around the store, anyway!"
She stands and walks softly over to Ian's crib and lays him down, rubbing his tummy lightly for a second. Then she walks over to Alec and holds out her arms for Simone.

Alec hands her Simone giving her a mock look of hurt, "What do you mean I don't do any work?" he says. "We play albums, talk to customers, and set up displays all day, love."

Nettle gives Alec a knowing look and swats him on the bum as she walks past. "Whatever you say, dear!" she grins, sitting down and starting Simone's feeding. "So are we still going to start up the band? We could practice on the stage downstairs at the store...or hey! The church has great accoustics!" she grins.

"Yeah we could do that love. I haven't had time to write many songs love. Maybe after we stay settled I can get some inspiration." he says. He watches her feed Simone for a bit then smiles. "Altho love you're my inspiration. I'll write a song for you."

Nettle looks up at Alec with a touched look on her face. "Ooh Alec...that was so romantic! Would you really? Oh I can't wait to hear it!" Suddenly Nettle looks worried. "It won't be about what a mess I am but you love me anyway, will it?"

"We'll see how it writes out," he says with a smirk. "Speaking of songs, how would you like to go out dancing tomorrow? We could have Mrs. Spiffle watch the kids, what do you think? They have quite the dance hall."

Nettle's face-- suddenly looking even more worried about Alec's future-song-- quickly changes to one of excitement at this news. "Really?? Ooh that would be perfect, Alec!! What a great idea!" She gives him a seductive smile and crooks her finger at him. "Come here, baby..." When Alec gets close enough to her, she reaches out with her free hand and pulls him in for a long kiss. "I love you, honey..."
Simone gives a little sigh and suddenly drops off from sucking as her eyelids flutter closed.

"I love you too, sugar. Now let's get these little ones off to sleep so WE can get some sleep. You have class tomorrow...and a date with your husband," he says with a wink."

Nettle grins. "I'll definitely need a lot of rest for that..." She gets up carefully and puts Simone into her crib, smoothing back her dark curls. "Sweet dreams, pixie..." she whispers, and then she and Alec undress and get into bed. Alec lifts his arm and Nettle tucks herself into her usual position under it. She yawns, "I wonder how Corrander's date with Balador is going..."

"I imagine they are probably either asleep or..." he gives her a big grin. "Well they are the two most attractive old geezers I've ever seen," he says. He yawns and then brings Nettle closer. "Wake me up when you go to class love."

Nettle closes her eyes and nods. "Thanks, baby...I...appreciate...it...so...much...zzzz" and with that Nettle drops off into sleep-- Balador moving ever-closer to Salt Lake with each passing hour.

Back in room 136...

Balador sits across from Corrander at the small table, sipping her wine. She smiles at him and then scoops up some chocolate mousse with her spoon and offers him the spoon.
"Well that certainly did wonder for my appetite, dearest."

Corrander smiles and leans forward, letting her feed him the mousse. "Mmm...the flavor is rich yet subtle...and very light!" he comments approvingly of the mousse. Then he scoops up a little whipped cream from the top of the mousse with his finger and brings the tip of his finger near her lips for her to sample. "But of course, where would anything so sweet and lovely be without a little...cream on top of it?" he chuckles, wiggling his eyebrows at her.

She smiles and takes his finger in her mouth and lightly sucks the cream off. She leans back and chuckles wiping her mouth. "Such a charmer," she says. "So dearest, we'll be arriving in Salt lake soon. Any regrets?"

Corrander's face grows slightly clouded, and he, too, sits back in his chair. "Not until just now, my love. Would it amuse you to learn that I will miss you dreadfully?" he asks with a bemused smile on his face. "But I suppose you have often endured the infatuation of a worshipful man..." He steeples his fingers together and watches her over the tops of them.

She smiles and takes his hand from across the table. "It is a rare man that will be missed by Balador," she says. "Only one other man do I miss." she says sadly.

Corrander raises his eyebrows, intrigued. "Truly? And-- if I may be so bold-- who is this lucky man?" Corrander rubs his thumb on the top of her hand in a caress.

She smiles sweetly, "Ah now there is something I shall never reveal." she says. "And what about you Corrander? Is there any lover you miss?" she says rest her chin on her hand.

Corrander's face suddenly grows very pained to the point where he has to look down, and covers his eyes with his hand. "Pardon me a moment..." he says in a low, strained face, and takes in a number of deep breaths. He unknowingly tightens his hand holding Balador's.
"Oh how I long to say it..." he murmurs in a shakey voice. "...how very much I do..." He moves his hand slightly from his eyes so he can meet Balador's, and his own eyes are teary. "I miss no other lover, but one who I have never..." Corrander's voice chokes up, and he pauses again. "...in your world it would be considered repulsive...I dare not confess it...but you who knows all...can you guess?" he asks weakly.

"Hush, my dearest. You do not need to speak of her." She stands up and walks over to his side of the table. She kneels and places her hand upon his knee. "I can see your heart, dear one. Why do you waste your time with those like me? Why do you not wait for her?"

"Oh Balador, I DO! I have waited so many millenia, but I fear there is nothing to wait for in the end! And not knowing if I will ever see her again...? Nor her reaction if I told her! I have seen her looking nothing but unhappy in the arms of others...spoken endlessly with her on the futility of finding love...and there I was all along, right under her nose!" Corrander gives a short, hysterical laugh, and then quickly lowers his eyes again and a sob escapes from his mouth. He pauses for a moment to reign control over his voice again. "I find love where I can-- no matter how fleetingly-- as she has, but I assure you, sweetest Balador, that there has been none like you, and any time spent with you is not wasted."

She smiles and lays her head upon his knee. She sighs, "Oh dearest, your story is far from unique," she says. "Even from within your own family." she says. "I can tell you only what I have learned these long years I have been...there is hope."

Corrander finally lowers his hand from his eyes, and lays it on her head-- stroking her hair. "You speak of the Mummy-creature...mmmm-- Amon was his name? I suppose that would be catagorized as finding love where you can-- we had to learn it from someone, didn't we? But I know all along Mother loved Father and wished for his love in return, and just when he finally seemed to return it, he was killed. Ah glorious hope that allows you to touch true happiness only briefly before it is snatched away!" He sighs.
"Forgive me, lovely one...I am a gloomy bastard."

She looks up at him and stands and offers her hand. "Come then, gloomy one. Come dance with me, and lay with me the night and I shall try to wash away that gloom," she says smiling.

Corrander gives her a genuine laugh and takes her hand, standing. "Now THERE is some hope I can believe in!" He takes Balador in his arms and leans down to softly kiss her a moment, and then begins to dance with the grace of one who has obviously been schooled in it.

"You are a wonderful dancer, Corrander." She smiles evily at him, "Which only proves my theory...only dancers make good lovers."

Corrander throws his head back and laughs. "Oh Balador-- you are, indeed, wise!" He laughs again, looking very pleased. "Then I would assume-- based on your theory-- that you are a dancer to put me to shame!" He pulls her closer. "Put me to shame, Balador...I beg you!" His request seems to have more than just the obvious surface-meanings as an image of what Corrander has in mind is picked up on by Balador.

Balador purses her lips and raises an eyebrow. "Oh...really," she says. "You had best be careful what you wish for Corrander...you may get it."

Corrander falls down onto his knees before her-- hands sliding down the fabric of her dress...clutching at it. "I DO want it, m'lady...I do!" he rasps. He bows his head down low, now gripping the hem of her dress in his hands.

She smiles and puts her hands on her hips. "Well...you have been a bad boy...a very very bad boy..." she says...

Back at the Gideons...

Ian let's out a little cry and then begins to wail a bit. Alec sits up, 'What is i-....phew!' he says waving his hand in front of his face. Simone-- woken by her brother-- begins to wail as well. "Oh god...Nettle wake up... I think they both need to be changed!"

Nettle's face furrows into consternation as Alec abruptly pulls her from her sleep. She squinches her eyes...and then her nose. "Oh goddess!" She waves her hands in front of her face, now fully awake. "For the love of all that's holy, it's just milk!! How do they make THAT out of milk??" She groans and sits up, sliding her legs over the side of the bed and staggering to her feet. She stumbles over to Ian's crib and lifts him gingerly under the arms, and then turns and carries him to his changing-table just like that. She lays him down on it, undoes his soiled snap-up jammies and throws them into the hamper, and then when she pulls open his diaper she has to turn away-- clapping a hand across her mouth and nose. She stands hunched like that for a moment-- fighting down the urge to throw-up, the smell is so bad!

Alec undoes Simone's jammies and then her diaper. He winces and folds it and chucks it into the diaper-garbage. He cleans her up and then puts on a fresh one. "I have no idea love, but it's awful-- simply awful!" he says. "We need something to get rid of this smell," he says. Suddenly fans turn on and all the stench is sucked up into the vents.

Nettle slowly stands straight, and then tentatively removes her hand from her mouth and nose.
"Wow..." She sniffs the air in wonder. "Are we the most spoiled parents in the world, or what??" she grins, and then finishes getting Ian cleaned up. "We probably have to get up soon, but lets rest a moment with the babies!" she says with an excited grin on her face. She loves having the whole family cuddle in bed together! She carries Ian around to her side of the bed, and then slides in and lays Ian in the middle of the bed, tucking the covers up under his arms. He pats the bedspread excitedly and looks all around. Nettle lays on her side facing him, hand propping her head up.

Alec gets under the covers and places Simone right next to Ian on her stomach. She looks over at Ian and then drops her head on the bed and then picks it up again.
Alec puts his hand on her back and runs his hand along her back. "Hey princess..."

Nettle laughs. "She's so determined to learn new things! Aaaw-- what a big girl!" Nettle coos, tickling Simone's cheek. Ian watches his mom's arm as it moves above him to reach over to Simone, and he claps his hands on her arm and pulls it down to her mouth and starts sucking. Nettle looks over at Alec, eyebrow raised. "Baby-boy machine seeks fuel..." she says in a mysterious voice. She looks back down at Ian. "Just a couple minutes, baby boy...just gimme a couple minutes to relax..." She lets him keep sucking on her arm.

"Very odd," he says. Simone looks over at her dad and smiles and then head-butts him. Alec starts laughing and Simone smiles, gurgling again for the reaction. "You see that?' he says to Nettle. "She head-butted me."

Nettle grins and shakes her head. "Very odd..." she says, mimicking Alec. Ian stops sucking on Nettle's arm and looks around, getting a particular look on his face that Nettle knows all too well. His forehead wrinkles a little and his mouth curves down.
"Oh boy...get back...he's gonna blow!" Nettle whispers, pretending to look scared. "He's finally realized no milk is coming out of my arm, and he's pissed!"
Ian lets out a little whimper, and then takes a deep breath. Nettle closes her eyes and claps her hands over her ears, and then Ian lets loose with a loud wail. Nettle falls back, pretending to be blasted by his cry, and then laughs. "Did I call that, or what??" she asks Alec, and then sighs and pulls her tank top off. "Come here, hungry boy..." she murmurs, sitting up and lifting him to her chest.

Simone looks over at the wailing Ian and then curls her mouth down a bit and then turns to see daddy smiling at her. She suddenly opens her mouth in a smile. Alec reaches over and tickles her under her arms and she squeals excitedly. "Gonna getcha! gonna getcha!"

Nettle smiles down at Alec and Simone. "Yeah...keep her happy for about 10 more minutes and I'll switch off!" Nettle thinks for a moment. "If you're walking me to school, and Corrander is still...ahem...then we'll need to call Mrs. Spiffle to watch these guys for 5 minutes, don't you think, baby? Oh, and we'll have to make arrangements for tonight while we're on our date, too!"

"Right already taken care of, love. I'm sure when it's time to leave Mrs. Spiffle will come from the second floor and take care of things," he says with a smile. "Gonna getcha," he says again and Simone let's out another squeal. She blinks her eyes a few times and then let's her head fall to the blanket. She looks at Alec and then yawns.

"Aaaw!" Nettle giggles. "Well, she definitely didn't inherit your stamina, baby!" Nettle winks, and then laughs again.
Alec and Nettle talk until Ian's full, and then they do the hand-off so that Simone's having her breakfast. When she's done eating and has been burped, they babies are laid back down to sleep while Nettle and Alec get ready for the day.

The two take their showers and have room service called up for breakfast. Finally after a couple hours there is a knock on the door.

"Mrs. Gideon, time for class," someone says at the door.

Nettle hurries over to the door and opens it. "Hello! We're just waiting for Mrs. Spiffle to get here-- is that OK?"

"Of course, Mrs. Gideon," Mrs. Spiffle says as she opens the door. "Oh good you are all ready for class." she says. "I'll take care of the wee babes while you and Mr. Gideon walk to class, dearie."

"Oh HEY Mrs. Spiffle! Impeccable timing, as always!" Nettle laughs.

Alec smiles, "Thank's Mrs. Spiffle. Think you could baby-sit tonight perhaps while Mrs. Gideon and I go out?"

Mrs. Spiffle lights up, "OH my yes, dearie. I would be pleased to take care of the wee angels."

Nettle grins. "I thought you might! Thank you so much! They've already been fed, so that means the nasty diaper-part should be coming up in a short while-- sorry about that, Mrs. Spiffle!" Nettle calls over her shoulder as she grabs her booklet from the coffee table.

Alec puts his arm around Nettle and walks her to the door. "See you in a bit, Mrs. Spiffle." he calls over his shoulder. Leading her out the door he smiles at the woman.
"Ready for class."

The woman raises an eyebrow at him and then turns and leads them down the hall. Alec leans into Nettle. "Alright love when we get there point out the mean kid to me."

Nettle grins-- clutching to Alec's arm like a teenager-- and nods. "You got it baby...ooh he's going to be sorry!" she whispers back, laughing quietly.

After a few turns and twists they reach the door to class. Several of the kids are waiting outside for the teacher to open the door. Meanie looks over at Nettle and scowls, while little Romeo looks at her sniggled up with Alec and gets a heartbroken look.

Nettle squeezes Alec's arm. "See that one there?" Nettle sends a mental-picture of Meanie to Alec. "That's the bully. Just try to be nice to that boy over there--" Nettle sends a picture of Little Romeo, "-- he's my only friend in class! The only one who defends me!" she whispers as quietly as she can with a little smile on her face.

Alec nods and walks by the kids straight to Meanie. "Hi there, what's your name?" he asks. Meanie looks around a little scared and then scowls at Alec. "I'm not scared of you!"
Alec smiles toothily, "You shouldn't be scared of me, son. Her," he says poking his thumb at Nettle. "Now that's another story."
"Ah she's dumb or else she wouldn't be in class."
"Actually she's taking the class to learn the politics. Casting-wise I've never seen anyone more powerful. She channels gods for fun, and sends little boys to the spirit realm when they annoy her," he says.
Meanie looks at Nettle incredulously. "I don't believe in gods."
"Do you think that matters? It doesn't matter whether you believe in them...because they sure believe in you. I've seen it. I've seen her take on things that would turn your hair white and come out unscathed. I'd not piss her off too much." he says. He stands up and walks over to Romeo, "Hey there, thanks for sticking up for my wife there son. Good lad." he says ruffling the boy's hair.

Nettle stands fidgeting with her booklet while straining to hear what Alec's saying-- all the while trying to pretend like she's not noticing any of this! She sees him point at her with his thumb, and then sees him walk over and ruffle Little Romeo's hair. She bites her bottom lip to try to keep from smiling too big.

Little Romeo smiles at the compliment and puffs out his chest. "I'll protect her!" he declares.

Alec walks back over to Nettle and plants a kiss on her. He smiles and pats her bottom. "Alright love, enjoy class. I think you'll find it a bit better than yesterday."

"What did you say?? What did you say??" she whispers excitedly. "I could barely hear anything!"

"I just told him the truth love." he says with a wink.

The class door opens and the kids file in. "Better get in there, love, before class starts." he says. He gives her a hug and a kiss. "Now get going."

Nettle gives him a confused look, but hugs and kisses him back. "OK, baby-- thanks for coming and being my knight in shining armor! I hope it helps!"

Everyone sits at their desk and the teacher does role call. Once she's done she smiles and looks to Meanie. "What did you learn from the booklet?" she asks.

Back in room 136...

Balador stands leaning against the door smiling at Corrander with sleepy eyes. "I don't think I've been this tired in a long time," she says. "I will miss you when we arrive in Salt Lake," she says looking at him standing there in the doorway.

Corrander-- also looking quite tired-- smiles and wraps an arm around her waist, bringing the other hand up to brush the hair out of her face gently. "I am flattered, Balador...it is an honor to be missed by you. You already know how dearly I will miss you, in return." He slides his hand down under her chin, and brings her lips up to his for a tender kiss. Then he gives her an almost bashful smile and lowers his eyes.
"You are astoundingly adept and flexible when it comes to...fulfilling any wish!" And wonders upon wonders, Corrander actually blushes a little. " I hope you do not respect me any less for earlier-- I sometimes have this overwhelming need to...have pain inflicted...ahem...I have only trusted a handful of others with that secret over the millennia, as these women seem so eager to share my confidences if it can raise their stations in others' eyes." Corrander sighs.

"I will keep your secret Corrander. All things that happen here stay here." she says with a smile. "I shall see you tomorrow night of course?" she asks.

Corrander's face lights up, and he looks almost relieved. "Of course, my beautiful one! Of course! You have only to name the time and I will be here! And should I dress for anything in particular?" he asks, letting his fingertips trail from her jaw...down her neck...down her arm...and then under her hand to lift it to his lips.

She smiles, "Seven it is then and you do not have to dress up..." she says breathily. "And this time, perhaps I shall share a secret with you. Go along now, there are many things I must attend to, dearest."

Corrander is excited and intrigued at this news, but he tries to contain it. "I hope you are able to rest, love...from the looks of you, you're about to drop off to sleep!" He leans forward and kisses her jaw near to her ear. "Tomorrow night at 7 then..." he whispers, and then steps out into the hallway. He does his flourish-bow for her, and then smiles and walks down the hall whistling.

Mr. Smythe turns the corner and Corrander nearly runs into him.
"Many apologies, Mr. Moonglow. Awfully careless of me." he says.

Corrander grins, reaching out to steady him. "Ah Smythe! Just the man I was hoping to run into! Come walk with me a bit!" The two start back in the direction of Corrander's suite, and Corrander leans in and lowers his voice. "If it is possible to surprise Balador within her own realm, that is my aim! What would it take to arrange for room 136 to be completely filled with red roses before 7PM tomorrow evening, my good man?"

Smythe smiles, "Difficult...but not impossible, Mr. Moonglow. I can arrange this for you if you wish, completely discreet of course."

Corrander grins and claps him on the back. "Mr. Smythe, you are indispensable!! If there is any service I can provide for you, do not hesitate to ask!" Corrander lowers his voice even more. "I trust you had a pleasant evening last night?" he winks.

"Not as good as yours I'd imagine," he says with a wink. Smythe looks at Corrander and then considers a moment. "Perhaps there is something you could do for me."

Corrander leans in again. "You have only to name it, Mr. Smythe!" he says in a low voice.

"Ah very good. Well then Mr. Moonglow, I expect you will be traveling with the Gideons. Well sir there has been some talk about a very real danger by certain parties to harm them. If you could perhaps stay with them to protect them..."

Corrander's laid-back demeanor instantly disappears and is replaced by an intense, fierce stare.
"Which 'certain parties' would these be, Mr. Smythe?" Corrander asks in a low growl-- not directed at Mr. Smythe.

"That, sir, is what must be determined. No one here at Balador knows who would try to hurt them, but there are a few organizations in the outside world that would not benefit from Ian completing his quest. If you could stay with them and protect them..."

Corrander nods firmly. "Always, Smythe...always. You have no need to worry where that is concerned. I thank you for the warning, and for keeping me focused on my purpose." Corrander pauses a moment. "I am assuming these certain parties and organizations are what Nettle is being reminded about in her class? If so, perhaps I should be attending these classes, as well." he says with determined eyes.

"Yes sir, she is learning of them, but she is also learning other things as well," he says. "You need not worry about learning of these entities from us. There is an excellent teacher in Salt Lake who will teach you what you need to know."

Corrander considers this for a moment, and then finally nods. "All right then, Smythe-- I will learn from this teacher, and-- in return-- I will teach these will-workers a bit about the Fae." Corrander exhales, and then gives Mr. Smythe a smile as they finally reach the door of his suite. "Well, Mr. Smythe, I do believe I am in need of some rest, and so I will leave you to your secret mission!" he winks. "And once again, you have my deepest gratitude." Corrander bows deeply to him.

"Indeed, Mr. Moonglow." he says bowing and then turning down the hall.

Alec spots Corrander down the hall and jogs up to him. "Hey there old son. Just getting back I assume."

Corrander grins a weary, yet satisfied, grin. "That I am, dear Alec! And what have YOU been up to, hmm?"

"Ah just walking Nettle to class. I think I scared her bully away eh?" he says. "So how was last night?"

Corrander laughs. "Ah yes! That's right! You WERE going to do that today, weren't you! I half-thought that you were only half-serious!" Corrander claps Alec on the back. "Good man." He looks up and down the hallway, and then leans into Alec. "Gods be DAMNED but that woman is incredible!!" he exclaims. "If I did not know better, I would say I was in love with her...but then again...DO I know better?" Corrander leans against the doorpost and closes his eyes. "I feel more alive than I have in centuries, at least..." he sighs.

"Ah don't let it get you down, Corrander. Balador is a great woman and she makes you feel so alive...but it's not to last. This is how she gets to know people. It's just her way..."

Corrander nods his head slowly, and a look of resignation shadows his face. "I know, Alec...do not worry that I have lost sight of this truth, for I have not. However, to me she seems a woman, and she IS a woman who can be pleasantly surprised, and so I have made it my aim to treat her in the manner she deserves, and give her all I can WHILE I can. Did you not have similar feelings when you had your moments with her?" Corrander asks curiously.

"Alright," he says nodding. "I would just hate to see you get heartbroken over her." he says. Alec smiles at Corrander's last question and then looks around. "I'll answer that...just not here eh? Let's go to the bar for some drinks. I know I could use one and I'll answer that there."

Corrander laughs and leans back up from the doorframe. He looks down at his slightly-rumpled new outfit. "Well...I suppose I look like I would fit right in in a bar with the state my clothing is in!" he nods. "All right, Alec! I am intrigued to hear more about your experiences with Balador! Let us off to this bar!"

Alec leads him down the hall past their rooms in the opposite direction of class and room 136. They come to a landing and head down the stairs. Next to the stairs is a very large lounge/bar. Alec walks up to the bartender. "A pint of ale," he says, "And for my friend?"

Corrander nods and leans forward. "Something sweet, but strong. Aah...perhaps one of those creamy drinks?"

The bartender nods and turns to make the drinks. Alec smiles and points to a corner table. "Over there would be quiet enough," he says. The bartender finishes the drinks and hands them to Corrander and Alec. Alec leads them over to the booth and they both sit.
"Right...well first question was did I have feelings for her. Well it's hard not to isn't it. Balador and I were a quick thing, nothing quite as intense as yours. I was more interested in...someone else, you see. But it's a common thing for Cultist to be brought here to 'get acquainted' with Balador."

"I find this a curious tradition. Why is it that Cultists need to 'get acquainted' with her, as you say? Do every one of them spend the night in room 136, then?" he asks, and then raises his glass to take a swallow.

"It's because she is our...guiding spirit so to speak eh? She helps guide us and gives us respite when the heat is on." he says. "I'm not sure about everyone getting acquainted with her...but I know I did, and my...mentor too. She got acquainted with her."

"She??" Corrander's forehead wrinkles, and then he shakes his head and gives a laugh. "Aye...I suppose it would never do to alienate a whole half of the Cultists because of their sex, eh?" Corrander takes another healthy gulp of his drink, trying with all his might to suppress these odd flashes of jealousy that keep spiking through him. "So then does she already know before she meets you what your preferences are, or does she wait for you to reveal them to her? And do you happen to know if she, herself, has a preference when it comes to the bedroom? At this point I am beginning to wonder if I do, in fact, please her, or it she makes it appear that she is being pleased in ORDER to please me? Do you get my meaning?"

"I have no idea if she knows or waits. I haven't asked her and frankly, me old son, I don't want to know.
He takes a sip of his ale and leans back, "Oh I'm sure you please her. She's not too hard to please, if you take my meaning. I wouldn't be too concerned about it, Corrander. She seems happy with you."

Corrander sighs and sits back. "You are right, of course, Alec. It is just that I have never met one like her, and it seems I am finding it a bit difficult to keep things in perspective. In any case, I will miss her dreadfully when we leave. Only two more nights here, as I understand it-- however Balador has made a specific request that we come back with Sarah when it is convenient, and I mean to honor that request!" he winks at Alec.

"Sarah eh? That's odd. Well if she wants to meet her you'll have to ask her mother. Tania's one tough broad eh? She's not someone I'd mess with." Alec says.

Corrander grins and slaps his hand on Alec's back. "Do not worry-- I have every faith that you will be able to convince this Tania-woman of the good in it!"

Alec laughs, "Riiight...I'm not the one to convince her, old son. You have to do it!" he says slapping his shoulder. Alec chuckles, "Crikeys old son...I can't convince her of that..."

Corrander laughs. "Well then, as the ONLY one here dedicated to serving Balador..." Corrander pauses to let the jab sink in, "...I suppose you are right. I, alone, will speak to Tania of Balador's wishes!" He grins and raises his glass again.

"Good luck," he says patting his back. "Good luck." he raises his glass and smiles at Corrander, "Here's to Tania, Sarah and Jake, good friends," he says.

Corrander smiles with a tight-lipped smile. "And to those who are absent..." He clinks his glass with Alec's, and then downs the rest of his drink. "Bartender!" he calls. "I would like another!"

The rest of the day for the two men are spent in the bar telling tales and sordid stories of their youth. For Nettle the rest of the day is spent in the room taking care of the babies and doing more homework. Finally night arrives and Mrs. Spiffle at the door.
"Why hello, dearie, I'm here to take care of the wee babes while you and Mr. Gideon go dancing."

Nettle grins excitedly. "Come in, come in!! Thank you so much Mrs. Spiffle! This is our first date since they were born!" Nettle exclaims, fastening a black velvet choker with a sapphire-looking stone in the center around her neck. She's wearing a deep blue velvet fitted gown. The neckline plunges down between her breasts-- although it's classy-looking rather than sleezy because of the size of her chest. The sleeves are fitted to the elbow and then flair out in velvet folds past her wrists, tapered so her hands are visible. The dress fits snugly over her hips, and then hangs down to her ankles in back, and is tapered through the sides up to the front to just below the knees to showcase her black velvet knee-high platform boots. She's done her make-up dramatically with her hair hanging down straight, as always.

Alec is dressed in a purple pant-suit and white ruffled shirt. The cuffs of the shirt spill nicely out of the jacket cuffs in ruffles. He smiles in the mirror. "Nice and smooth," he turns to Mrs. Spiffle, "Right Mrs. Spiffle, thank you for taking care of the babies while we're gone," he says.

Mrs. Spiffle smiles, "Now aren't ye a darling couple. Now ye go an have a nice time and worry for nothing, dearie. All is in hand."

Nettle has the urge to make a naughty joke, but keeps it inside. Instead she smiles and puts her arm through Alec's. "The babies just ate and have on fresh diapers! During the day I filled 4 bottles of breastmilk, and they're in the little fridge under the counter. I think that's about it, right Alec?" she asks, getting that typical new-mother-nervous-to-leave-her-babies-behind look in her eyes.

Alec nods, "That's all love. See you later, Mrs. Spiffle," he says. He takes Nettle's arm and leads her out of the door. "If you need us--"

Mrs Spiffle smiles, "I know right where ye are laddie."

Nettle gives a little laugh, and then pulls Alec the rest of the way through the door, gives a little wave to Mrs. Spiffle, and closes the door behind them. The two walk excitedly down the hallway. "I know, baby, I know...I feel a little guilty, too! But I think Mrs. Spiffle has been hoping we'd ask her to babysit for a long time now, so we're doing us all a favor in going out!" Nettle still can't help a last glance over her shoulder at the door of their suite before they turn a corner and it's out of sight.

Alec nods, "I know, love�" he says throwing a quick glance over his shoulder, too. He leads Nettle down a few turns, and in front of them is a huge dance hall playing loud music that makes the floor vibrate. The dance-floor inside is almost packed with all sorts of party-goers.
"Nice," Alec says smiling. "Very nice...a bar too..." he says pointing at the far wall.

Nettle looks all around in wonder like a long-lost sheep who has finally found its way home. "Oh Alec, I wanna DANCE!" she says in an almost-moan, pulling him out onto the dancefloor by both hands before he can make his way over to the bar.

Alec smiles and lets her pull him on the dance floor. He laughs, "Alright love. Alright let's show these rookies how it's done eh?' he says as he starts to dance.

A short time later...

Corrander sits up in bed and holds his head, muttering a few curses in Welsh. He remembers Nettle saying something about having a specific herb-- one that cures hangovers-- in her possession, and so he turns on a light and stumbles over to put on a dressing-robe. Then he stumbles over to the door that leads to the Gideons' suite and gives a quick knock before opening it. He blinks and squints. "Aah! Is that you, Mrs. Spiffle? I take it, then, that the Gideons are out for the evening?"

"Aye dearie. They went a dancing. I take it you're by yerself tonight then?" she says as she sets down Ian in his crib.

He nods-- wincing at the sharp pain-- and puts a hand to his head. "Balador was in need of some rest this evening...perhaps to prepare for our last night together..." he winks at Mrs. Spiffle. "Alec and I spent the afternoon in the bar, and I do believe I drank to excess. Do not mind me-- I am just looking for Nettle's healing-herbs." Corrander walks over to the dresser and sees a couple of Nettle's special bags sitting there. One has a draw-string, and so he tries it first, but when he goes to pull it open, he's jolted by a terrible shock that numbs his hand to the shoulder. He shouts a colorful string of curses and drops the bag.
"Well then...wrong bag..." he gasps, shaking his arm. He moves over to the next bag-- a little nervous now-- but when he opens it, he sees a number of glass vials inside, some containing herbs. He exhales in relief, and starts rummaging until he sees what he's looking for. He carries the vial to the bathroom where he fills a glass with water, dumps some of the contents of the vial inside, and then drinks the concoction down quickly. Grimacing, he walks back into the room and replaces the vial. "There...MUCH better..." he murmurs.

"Oh poor dearie all a titter eh? Well Balador has that way I suppose." she says. "As for drinking too much you should have known better." she says.

Corrander nods, looking embarrassed. "I know it, Mrs. Spiffle, but I was never one to learn from my mistakes! The drinking, I mean! Where Balador is concerned there are no mistakes!" he smirks, patting Mrs. Spiffle's arm. "Oh do pardon me, Mrs. Spiffle-- I am a vulgar man!" He smiles at her. He walks over to the cribs and peers down at the babies, and then turns back to her. "And where did the Gideons make off to this evening, then?" he asks curiously.

Mrs. Spiffle snickers and smiles, "Oh don't worry dearie. I've been here for quite the time and I have heard it all." she says. "The Gideons wished to go dancing tonight and so I am taking care of the wee babes." she says. "And where are ye off to then?"

Corrander thinks for a moment. "I believe I will take a peek at this ballroom, seeing as how we have only two nights left to enjoy the wonders of this place. I do not expect to stay long, however. I am feeling the itch to fulfill one of Nettle's requests. I have not painted in a long time, and she asked if I would paint my family for she and Ian's benefit. Now it is only a matter of finding some paints, canvasses, and easels..."

"Oh well why didn't ye say so dearie." she says. "There's a shoppe on the second floor with art supplies. Ye must remember, dearie, the Cultists are very creative people." she says. "I'll call Smythe to escort you, and you can paint in here."

"Of course, of course! Yes, indeed! I thank you, Mrs. Spiffle!" Corrander thinks for a moment. "Will you have him meet me at this ballroom in a half-hour's time? That should give me enough time to see it."

"Of course!" she says. She walks over to the phone and calls the front desk.

Corrander bows and excuses himself, disappearing back inside his suite and closing the door behind him. He gets dressed in one of his new outfits-- not wanting to appear at the ballroom underdressed, even though his visit will be brief. He chooses the clothing patterned after designs from the height of fashion in 1750 Versailles, France, except all in black-- pants buttoned at the knee with stockings and buckled shoes, long, ornate jacket with buckets and buttons, fitted vest, and shirt that ruffles at its high collar. He checks himself in the mirror, and then exits his suite out into the hallway. Suddenly he realizes that he has no idea where the ballroom is!

"Ah Mr. Moonglow. May I assist you to the ballroom?" a tall man with a thick beard says. He smiles a jovial smile at Corrander that seems damn near infectious. He's wearing brown leather pants and a soft doeskin shirt.

Corrander smiles and bows to him with a relieved look on his face. "I am in your debt, good man! You have my gratitude!" Then Corrander gets a puzzled look on his face. 'How did this man know I was looking for the ballroom??' he thinks to himself, but keeps his confusion to himself.

The tall man laughs uproariously and pats his back and leads him down the stairs and to the ballroom. "And here you are! And there they are!" he says pointing out Nettle and Alec. "Ahhh my favorite two people I can assure you Corrander!"

Corrander gives them man a curious look. "Well that is good to hear, but how did you know I was-- who are you?" he asks with a bemused/confused smile.

"I know a lot of people, Corrander, and as for who I am...hah hah!" he says as he laughs. "I am called Life of the Party! A permanent resident here at Balador."

Corrander gives Life a quizzical look, and then bursts out laughing. "Well, well, well! We could have used you at some of the parties Father threw some centuries back, because I assure you, your presence was painfully absent!" Corrander jokes good-naturedly.

"Hah! I wasn't there to be sure, Corrander. But I'm here now and that's all that matters yes!" he says. "Now go in there and have a good time!" he says as he wades into the club laughing and drinking.

Corrander peers into the "ballroom" and his mouth opens a little in surprise. It's a typical dance-club environment-- dark, with lights flashing in time with the music, or sweeping across the room, and occasional strobes or disco-ball lighting. Most of the people are dancing alone, and not moving much more than a couple feet from their original dance-spot. A lot of women are dressed skimpily, and some men move suggestively up behind them and are greeted welcomingly.
Corrander's brow furrows. 'I've walked into an orgy!' he thinks to himself, and then he immediately scans for Nettle and Alec. He sees Alec sitting at one of the tables near the dancefloor, sipping a drink, and then he sees Nettle on the dancefloor. She's alone, and definitely seems to be in her own world. She moves her arms sensually in the air while striking poses and moving in a way that shows off her figure for anyone who is watching.
Corrander's mouth tightens, and he marches over to Alec's table. "What's this, then? Nettle is a dancing-girl for all the men here! Look-- men are watching her with interest!" Corrander exclaims in a barely-controlled whisper, gesturing with his arm to the men standing around the edge of the dancefloor.

"Of course they are, old son. She's an excellent dancer," he smiles. "Now sit down and have a drink eh?" Alec looks up again and sees Corrander's face and raises an eyebrow. "What's the problem?"

Corrander's lips thin even more. "This is Balador, dear boy! Is not what she is doing a signal for any man to approach her and solicit her...her skills??" he stammers. The current song fades away, and another one starts. It's "Nobody Loves You" from the latest Garbage album, and Nettle does a little jump and claps her hands excitedly-- Garbage being one of her all-time favorite bands. Then she starts moving her hips in slow circles, leaning back a little, and runs her hands down her body with her eyes closed.
Corrander hits the table with his fist, and then stomps out onto the dancefloor and grabs Nettle's arm, turning her around a little roughly to face him.

"Hey, I'm not interes--" she starts, and then breaks off and smiles. "Hey Corrander! Here to dance?"

"None of that, Nettle! Just what the hell do you think you are doing out here? You cheapen yourself and dirty the Moonglow name!"

Nettle's mouth opens and closes wordlessly for a moment in surprise and shock, and then finally, "wwwhat??"

"You are the countess-heir of the cantrev Snowdonia, and I am sure everyone here knows that! You will NOT dance like that in public, am I understood?" Corrander's voice raises, and he seems to get taller.

"Now YOU listen here, Corrander! This is how we dance in this day and age, and I WILL dance however I want to!" her voice raises as she points her finger in Corrander's face.

Corrander summons all his power of Glamour to make himself intimidating and fearsome. Nettle blinks and takes a step back, but then gets a determined look on her face, narrows her eyes, and the effect of the Glamour ceases to affect her.

Corrander grabs her wrist tightly in her hand-- tight enough to hurt a regular woman, but Nettle only winces and then exhales with a tiny smile. With her other hand she slaps his face. "Stop it! You're embarrassing me!" she hisses.

Alec watches with his mouth wide open, "He's going to hear about that," as he watches Corrander stop Nettle from dancing. He shakes his head unbelievingly. "Crikeys she's going to kill him!" he says. He puts his head in his hands, "Oh well lad it was nice knowin you."

Corrander looks at her in shock, and then slowly releases his grip on her wrist-- although he doesn't let go entirely. He wrestles with his emotions for a moment, and then closes his eyes. "If you wish to dance, I will teach you how a lady dances. Will you be humble enough to learn something?"

Nettle snatches her wrist from his hand and glares at him for a moment, and then finally sighs. "Fine...whatever...show me how a 'lady' dances. Wait-- when have you ever been near a LADY?" she jibes at him.

"I will ignore that." Corrander takes her right hand in his left, and puts his right arm around her back. "Place your hand on my shoulder."

Nettle lifts her arm and grips his shoulder more tightly that necessary, and he winces and twists a little.
"What's wrong?" Nettle asks a little uncertainly.

"It's...nothing..." Corrander says, obviously still in a little pain.

"Yeah right! Hold on..." Nettle lays her hand gently on his shoulder and closes her eyes. To some of the Mages there, they can see a white light spreading out from Nettle's hand that moves across Corrander's shoulders and back. "Jesus...!" Nettle hisses after a moment. "Oh wait-- Balador did this to you, didn't she?" Nettle opens her eyes and smirks knowingly at Corrander.

Corrander flushes, but smirks back. "Only after I begged her to on my knees. This stays between us, Nettle-- do you understand?" Corrander asks with a slightly-worried look in his eyes.

Nettle grins. "I don't know...this is pretty good..." When Corrander's face falls, Nettle quickly tries to assure him. "I won't tell anyone. I promise you, Corrander." she says seriously.

Corrander-- eager to change the subject-- straightens his back. "All right then, niece...hold your back straight...chest out...out a little more...out a LITTLE more out..."

"Corrander Moonglow, I can't hold it out any more you bastard!" she laughs, cheeks flushing with shame.

Corrander laughs. "Fine then, lean back against my hand and I will lead you. Chin up-- yes, keep that arrogant look on your face!" Corrander starts to teach Nettle how to ballroom-dance to the 4/4 timing song.

Nettle quickly gets a hang of how to follow Corrander's lead, and soon the two are whispering about the whole submission/domination obsession they seem to share, and trying to figure out why is that both find themselves so drawn to it. Corrander is reluctant to get back on this subject, but soon he's nodding and whispering back just as energetically.
When the song finally ends, the two are laughing and friends again. Nettle takes his arm, and Corrander escorts her back over to Alec's table.

"All right then...I do believe I will be leaving now so as not to be subjected to anymore of Nettle's 'dancing,' as she calls it..." Corrander grins sarcastically at Nettle, and Nettle rolls her eyes and elbows him.

"Good, because I'd be self-conscious as long as you were here, and that's a state of mind I don't like to be in!" Nettle retorts good-naturedly. "Not to mention I'd have to dance like a lady, and that's one thing I'm not!"

Alec looks at the two and then starts laughing, "Crikeys me old china I thought you were dead when you stopped her like that!" he says. He smiles at Nettle and slaps her on the back, "Good show good show," he laughs some more and takes a healthy swig of his third pint of ale. "Right..."

Corrander throws his head back and laughs. "Dead?? Hardly, Alec. Nettle knows I'm right."

Nettle raises her eyebrow at Corrander challengingly and opens her mouth, but then closes it again-- remembering her promise not to say anything about his private-life. She wraps her arm around Alec and lays her head against his. "What are you going to do now? No date with Balador tonight?" she asks Corrander.

Corrander shakes his head. "We were both exhausted when we parted this morning, and she has much to attend to, being who she is. Tomorrow night, however..." Corrander gets a faraway-look in his eyes and smiles dreamily, earning a laugh from Nettle.
"But to answer your question, Smythe is taking me to procure some painting-supplies that I might do those portraitures you requested of me. You know-- the ones of my family? I will be up in your suite so that I can assist Mrs. Spiffle in minding the twins."

Alec smiles and nods to Corrander. "Alright, Corrander. You and Mrs. Spiffle have fun. And don't do anything I wouldn't do," he says giving Corrander a nasty wink.

Corrander laughs hard. "Do not worry, Alec! I am assuming that since Mrs. Spiffle is a misses that there must be a Mr. Spiffle somewhere nearby, and I would not incur his wrath for all the world!" he winks back. "Have a pleasant evening, you two. And Alec? Do not let Nettle go to any man for less than $100 an hour. To accept less would shame the family name." he winks, bows, and then quickly runs from the dance club.

Nettle lifts her head up from Alec's with a loud squeak of indignation. "That...fucking......GRRR!" she cries furiously.

Alec laughs and shakes his finger at him, "That's a good one," he says laughing.

Nettle grabs Alec's finger and scowls at him. "No it was not! And if you get any drunker you won't be able to dance with me properly and that will piss me right off!" she warns him.

Smythe nods at Corrander as he walks out of the club. He looks down at his watch and taps it. "Half an hour exactly, Mr. Moonglow."

Corrander grins. "Good man! Thank you, Smythe! I am truly sorry to disturb you again-- I should have thought about the painting supplies this afternoon whilst I was out, but I, uh, seem to have drunken a little too much..."

"If you'd care to follow me, sir." he says motioning for Corrander to follow. He leads him upstairs and straight down the hall to a tall door. "Here we are sir. Please take your time and when you are done I shall escort you to your room."

Corrander bows and grins. "I shall be back momentarily!"
Corrander disappears into the shop, and after a time he emerges-- followed closely behind by porters carrying an easel, an armful of large canvasses, and bags of paints, brushes, sketching-canvasses, palettes, and pencils.
"All right, Mr. Smythe! All set!" he smiles triumphantly.

"Ah very good sir. Please follow me, and porters follow closely. We would not care for you to get lost with Mr. Moonglow's purchases." he says. He leads Corrander down a few corridors until they finally reach his room. "Here you are sir." he says to Corrander. He turns to the porters. "Please assist Mr. Moonglow in setting up his supplies."
He turns back to Corrander, "Is there anything else you require Mr. Moonglow?"

Corrander shakes his head, opening the door to the Gideons' suite so the porters can enter. "That would be it for tonight, Smythe. As usual, you are indispensable!" He leans his head into the room. "Greetings, Mrs. Spiffle! I have returned!" he calls good-naturedly before turning back to Mr. Smythe.

Mrs. Spiffle turns with little Simone in her arms, feeding her. She smiles at Corrander, "Why dearie that is a lot of supplies! Decide to do a mural instead of a portrait?" she asks with a smile on her face. She looks down at Simone, "Aw there ye are wee one. Done eatin are ye?" she says as she sets about burping Simone.

Corrander laughs. "Something like that, Mrs. Spiffle!" He steps into the room to direct the porters where to set everything, and then turns back to Smythe and bows. "Thank you again, Smythe, and as usual, have yourself a wonderful evening!" he winks.

Mr. Smythe nods and closes the door after the porters have exited the room. Mrs. Spiffle turns to Corrander. "So laddie what can I do to help ye?" She says just as Simone lets out a loud burp.
"Goodness," she says as she wipes off Simone's chin and sets her in the crib.

Corrander grins. "Not a thing, Mrs. Spiffle...well...not anything that Mr. Spiffle would approve of, I am sure!" he winks. "I just need to change out of this clothing and I will be back in a moment...unless you would care to watch?" Corrander's feeling in a jovial mood-- his love of painting and creating works of art infusing him with excited energy.

"Oh aren't ye the lad!" she says giggling and turning red. She sits back down and waves him off. "Now don't give Mrs. Spiffle a heart attack an' go get yerself dressed!" she says laughing still.

Corrander laughs back, having a great time, and nods. "All right then, Mrs. Spiffle, but know that my door is unlocked..." he lets his voice trail off meaningfully, and then gives another laugh before disappearing into his suite and shutting the door.
After a few minutes he comes back in wearing his old traveling clothes, but barefoot. He claps his hands and rubs them together eagerly. "Where to begin...where to begin..." he murmurs, and then walks over and picks up Ian, as if for inspiration. "Hello there, lad!" he smiles, kissing Ian's cheek affectionately. "Are you being a good boy for Mrs. Spiffle?"
Ian claps his hands onto Corrander's face, and then leans forward and puts Corrander's nose in his mouth.
Corrander raises his eyebrows at Mrs. Spiffle. "I take it the boy has not had his turn at the bottle yet?" he smirks.

"That he has, dearie. I just finished feeding the both of them," she says rocking back and forth in the rocking chair. "Well Corrander are ye going to paint tonight?"

Corrander looks back at Ian and raises his eyebrow, gently removing his nose from Ian's mouth. "No more dinner for you tonight, lad!" he grins, moving him over to his other arm, and then walking over to the easel where a canvas has already been set up. "That I am, indeed, Mrs. Spiffle. I am a quick painter-- I have painted my family many, many times before." He looks down at Ian. "Would you like to see your ancestors, little one?" Ian reaches up and grabs a hold of one of the buttons on Corrander's shirt and tries to pull it to his mouth. "Hmmm...I take that as a yes!" He walks back over to Ian's crib and lays him down in it, winding up the mobile and letting it turn and play a lullaby high above Ian's head. Ian watches it with great fascination, stretching his hands up towards it.

"Aren't they the most darlin of wee babes ye ever seen?" Mrs. Spiffle says smiling kindly at Ian. "He's quite the quick one to be sure. He'll make an excellent leader if I do say so," she says nodding. "I can't wait till he comes back as a young master." She turns and smiles at Corrander, "Then I can embarrass him by telling everyone I changed his wee diapers."

Corrander laughs. "I will be looking forward to that moment, Mrs. Spiffle!" He looks back over at Ian. "I pray that he DOES make an excellent leader..." he murmurs, and then quickly walks over to the sketch-pad. "I believe I will paint mother first." He grabs the pad and a pencil, and then walks over and seats himself near Mrs. Spiffle.
The two continue talking casually as Corrander sketches. He sketches pictures of Ellowyndriel in her full faerie-armor...in his favorite of her ball-gowns...in a riding-outfit...in a dressing-gown with her long, snowy hair cascading down to her waist. He looks over the pictures with a hand to his chin, trying to decide which to paint. Finally he sketches a composite of her in her armor, but without the helmet off. He turns the sketch around to Mrs. Spiffle. "This seems to capture all that she is, the most completely..." he says, half to himself.

"Quite beautiful dearie. Yer mother maybe? I see...ye have the same chin she does." She looks at the picture closely, "She's so beautiful isn't she?" She smiles at Corrander. "Well let's hope one day I'll come back as a fae child."

Corrander smiles brightly at her compliments of his mother. "Ah yes-- you're right, of course! How silly of me for not telling you who she was! Aye, this is my mother, and I am flattered you think I resemble her!" He stands and pats Mrs. Spiffle on the shoulder. "Now don't you say any such thing, Mrs. Spiffle! You will never die if I have anything to say about it!" He winks at her, and then walks over to the canvas and prepares to paint.

Back at the club...

Alec smiles as the waitress brings his fifth drink to him. He smiles at the mason jar maitai and looks over at Nettle. "Absolutely brilliant this is innit?' he says with a little slur. "Come one love, help a sad bastard out and take a drink eh?"

Nettle sighs. "Why don't you just dance it off, baby?" Then she takes in how drunk Alec is and changes her mind. "Oh...all right." She slides the jar over and sucks from the straw until the contents are gone, and then she fishes out the two cherries on stems at the bottom of the jar. She bites one of them off and chews, and then dangles the other in front of Alec.
"Come here, baby, and you can have my cherry..." she invites in a sing-song voice with a naughty grin on her face.

Alec looks down at the drink and then back at Nettle. "Crikeys!" he says and leans forward to nab the cherry. "Too late!" He says throwing his arm around her and winking. "Miss!" he shouts at the waitress.
"One more!" He looks back at the drink again, "You're going to be sick love."

"One more, Alec?? YOU'RE the one who's going to be sick! I thought you needed my help with the last one!" she shakes her head incredulously. "All right then, *I'M* going to dance--" she stands, and then sways and almost falls. "Oh shit--" she laughs, grabbing the table and giggling.
"Whoooaaahh..."

"Hah!" he says laughing, "That was a maitai you sucked down, love. You better sit a bit with me here and keep me company eh?" he says with a smile. "Besides you could use the rest and I could use the company."

Nettle sits back on her stool and grins at Alec, snuggling against him and crossing her leg over the top of his thigh affectionately. "Aaw...that was sweet, Alec! You're such a sweet, sexy boy..." she murmurs into his ear, wrapping her arms around him and kissing his cheek. "I love you, baby..."

"Oh really?" he says "I've been watching you dance all night, sexy," he says. "I think I'd like to take you home with me and keep you there," he says with a raised eyebrow. The waitress walks by and sets down another maitai. "But first..." he says taking a few sips. "We get pissed..."

Nettle throws her head back and laughs. "All right, baby...I'm curious, and you look like you'd be good in bed...so I'll let you take me home and keep me there..." She notices the fresh maitai and takes a sip from it-- filling her mouth with the sweet, tropical juice, and then leaning over and kissing Alec and slowly releasing the drink into his mouth. Then she leans back with a smile and wipes her mouth. "I'm a human straw! And you can-- " Nettle leans over to Alec's ear and whispers all the ways in which she resembles one, while letting her hand roam across his chest.

Alec purses his lips, "Oh that's very very naughty baby. Very naughty!"

Back in the Gideons' suite...

Corrander finishes the painting of Ellowyndriel, and then while it starts drying he sits back over by Mrs. Spiffle and sketches different versions of his sister Gwendolyn until he comes to the one he wants. Absorbed in his work, he distractedly reaches over to a bag on the ground and pulls out some colored pencils to experiment with color.
When he's done, he tilts the pictures slightly in Mrs. Spiffle's direction. It shows Gwendolyn on a marble staircase in a beautiful green silk gown that matches her eyes, with the moonstone amulet around her neck. She's looking off determinedly in the distance, her sword in hand resting tip-down on the stair as she leans lightly on it, one foot resting on the step just above the one she's standing on. Corrander lets out a shakey sigh as he looks down at the picture, seeming to be in some kind of distracted trance.

"This is yer sister yes? She's beautiful, Corrander. Why I would say that you are quite the painter...are ye sure yer not a Cultist is disguise?" she says rubbing her chin, admiring the pictures.

Corrander blinks from his trance and gives Mrs. Spiffle a little smile. "You are such the flatterer, Mrs. Spiffle, but I have been alive so many years that I would not have much of an excuse if I did NOT paint well!" he chuckles, and then walks over to the canvas to paint the sketch he just made of his sister. Where with his mother's portrait he was quite talkative with Mrs. Spiffle, as he paints Gwendolyn he seems very withdrawn and distracted. At one point he pauses painting altogether and stares fiercely at the canvas, lips moving as he seems to be "speaking" to the likeness. Then he clenches his fist and tears seem to have started up in his eyes.

Mrs. Spiffle pats his shoulder and sits back down to her knitting. "Close to yer sister were ye?"

Corrander wipes furiously at his eyes, and then lets out a shaky breath while nodding. "Aye..." he calls to her, and then mutters to the painting, "Apparently not close enough, eh Gwendolyn? Finally found love, did you?" He opens his mouth to say more, and then brings a hand to his forehead, shaking his head slowly. "I believe I need a drink..." He sets down his palette and brush and hurries over to the little refrigerator, opening it and bringing out a mini-bottle of something that he quickly pops open and swallows until it's gone. He walks over to Mrs. Spiffle's chair and rests an arm on the tall back of it.
"Wherever is your niece, Mrs. Spiffle?" he asks with a half-smile, and then, "I am sorry-- please forgive me...I am trying to pull myself back together..."

Mrs. Spiffle chuckles and looks up to him. "Oh child, yer too dear for me niece I'll say." she says as she continues her knitting. "Besides ye've already met her and had quite the time I suppose yeh?" she says.
"Now finish yer paintings and stop feelin sorry fer yerself yes?" she says.

Corrander's mouth falls open in surprise. "Balador?? Your niece??" He stares down at Mrs. Spiffle. He stands back up straight, and then walks dazedly back over to the painting. "Right then, Mrs. Spiffle..." He quickly picks up his palette and brush, and-- giving "Gwendolyn" a last scowl-- he starts up painting again. "...I will simply have to paint a portrait of Balador for my new chambers in Salt Lake City!" he says, feeling a little vengeance against Gwendolyn for marrying that Mage all those centuries ago. He looks out from behind the canvas and winks at Mrs. Spiffle, and then goes back to painting.

Mrs. Spiffle smiles and winks back and continues to rock and knit. "Oh...I think it's time for a change," she says getting up and picking up Ian from the crib. She walks over to the changing table and changes his diaper. She sets him back in the crib and goes the bathroom and washes her hands and then comes back to her knitting.

Corrander makes a furious brush-stroke, and then stands back. "Aye...time for a change..." he mutters quietly to himself, and then his eyes fall on Gwendolyn's face, and his resolve breaks. Fighting back tears, he reaches out as if to touch her cheek, but pauses an inch from the canvas. "No, no, Gwen...I take that back...I will wait...and I will find you..."

Back at the club...

Alec and Nettle get drunker and drunker as time winds by. As the pulsing rhythms about them incite the clubbers to a frenzied level of dance, it also serves to inspire the two to a drunken passion that finds them retreating to the bathroom, and amuses bystanders near the bathroom door as it nearly breaks from their climax.

After a minute, the door opens and Nettle stumbles out-- make-up smeared everywhere, and grinning like the Cheshire Cat. Her ankles wobble comically as she makes her way to the mirror, where she leans heavily against the counter and tries to fix her face.

Alec stumbles out next and smiles at the onlookers, "Alright nothing to see here!" he says and stumbles out the door into the club and back to their seats. He plops down heavily in a booth and finishes his drink. "Nettle! Nettle! Another round!" he says as the waitress walks by.

Nettle-- once satisfied with her face-- turns around from the mirror. "Oh I know you all want a piece of that, but he's all mine!" she crows triumphantly, and then giggles and stumbles back out of the bathroom and into the bar. She hears Alec call out her name, and tries to do her best sexy-walk over to the booth-- leaning down onto the table in front of him. "Another round, coming right up!" she says, and then bursts out laughing. "Help, Alec...I can't move!" she cries, trying to push up from the table, and then starts giggling again.

Alec leans over looking at her closely. "Where's my drinks, waitress!" he shouts in her face. "What kind of help is this anyway," he says looking around now. He turns back to Nettle and smiles, "Oh hey love I was just talking to the waitress."

Nettle raises her eyebrows. "Oh really, Alec? Well I didn't see any waitress, but I have your drinks right here!" she cries, leaning up and grabbing her breasts. She tries to stand straight up, but loses her balance and falls to the floor next to the booth. In a second her fingers appear on the edge of the table, followed shortly after by her face. "Miss me?" she grins up at Alec, woozily.

"No love but you missed the seat...speaking of seats," he says grabbing her hands and attempting to pull her up. He gets her as far as her waist when he let's go.
"Bugger..."

Nettle sprawls back onto the floor, falling back onto her elbows, and starts laughing hard. Then she looks down and quickly pulls her skirt back into place. "Get a good peek there, baby?? Hahaha!" She gets onto her hands and knees and crawls back over to Alec's side, and then slowly pulls herself up to her feet and flops, sitting, onto his lap-- throwing her arms around his neck. "There! I made it!" She pauses and looks Alec up and down, and then gets an evil grin on her face. "YEAH, I did! We made it in the bathroom, hahahaha! Alec, you're all mine, aren't you?" she slurs.

"You bet baby!" he says kissing her. "You bet...and you're all mine baby all mine..."

"Oh good! OK...good, baby!" she cries emotionally, pulling his head to rest against her chest as she strokes his hair. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Alec...you won't ever go anywhere, will you?? If we got in a fight you wouldn't kick me out of Ireland...right??" Nettle is, inexplicably, crying as the alcohol amplifies her emotions and confuses her memory a little. "Alec sing me a song so I'll know how much you love me..." She clutches his head desperately against her chest as if afraid to let him go.

"No love I won't kick you out...I promise..." he says. He begins to rock her a little and starts singing...just loud enough for her to hear and no one else...

Back in their room...

Mrs. Spiffle continues to rock back and forth holding a sleeping little Simone.
"Ye know this is when they are at their best behavior-- when they are this young..."

Corrander looks back after he's set the painting of Gwendolyn on the dresser to dry next to the one of Ellowyndriel. "Aye-- that's what Nettle said. She has been reading a book that details what to expect in the first year after a child is born. It seems the babies are developing at just above the norm-- a good sign of things to come!"

Corrander walks over, wiping his hands, and then leans down and kisses Simone on the forehead. "Now to paint Father..." Corrander's face looks a little sad, and he takes up the sketch he just finished of Loviander sitting in his throne and leaning forward, steepling his fingers together in front of his chin-- deep in thought. Corrander walks back over to the easel and sets a clean canvas on the ledge. "Dear goddess, Father...what has become of you?" he whispers, his face heavy with regret.

In his crib, Ian makes a rustling-sound and then gives a triumphant squeal. He's now laying on his stomach instead of his back, and is peeking through the bars of the crib-- arms straight and holding his chest up off the mattress proudly.

"Why look at the wee one! He's standing on his hands for the first time!" she says. "That's amazing they shouldn't be doing that for another few weeks." she says. "The lad is special I say."

Corrander peers around the canvas and looks at Ian in surprise. "Not only that, but I laid him down on his back, so he must have rolled over! Just wait until I tell Nettle and Alec! What a little show-off!" he grins proudly, and then goes back to painting his father.
After a few minutes he looks up to see Ian still peeking at him through the bars of the crib, and he laughs and puts his palette and brush back down. "Well Ian, would you like to see the paintings I have done so far, then?" he asks, walking over to Ian's crib and picking him up.

Down at the bar...

Alec and Nettle finally call it a night and decide to stumble back to their room. As they walk out of the club, Smythe is there waiting to assist them in finding their room and standing up, of course. The two finally make it back to their suite and Smythe has to unlock it for them.

"Hello!" Alec says stumbling in. "Oh sorry didn't mean to interrupt you two!" he says looking at Mrs. Spiffle and Corrander.

Corrander has a frayed and worried look to him, and he's pacing back and forth holding one of Alec's cloves between the fingers of one hand. The clove seems to be forgotten because the ash on the end is almost half as long as the clove.
Corrander looks up quickly when the door opens, and lets out a sigh of relief. He hurries up to Nettle and Alec. "At last you two return..." he says in a strained voice, and then turns and begins to pace again, running his free hand through his hair nervously.

Nettle looks at Alec worriedly-- instantly sober-- and then hurries into the suite, looking around for her babies. Seeing that they're both accounted for, she hurries over to Ian's crib. His face looks as though he might have been crying recently, but he gives her a happy smile. Nettle looks over her shoulder at Corrander and Mrs. Spiffle with concern. "What happened??"

Alec looks at Mrs. Spiffle and then back to Corrander. "What happened?" he says suddenly very sober as well.
Mrs. Spiffle waves them off, "Oh nothing to worry about dearie. Corrander is just melancholy."

Corrander gives Mrs. Spiffle an exasperated look, and then turns back to Alec and Nettle. "Watch." he says, and walks over to Ian's crib. He picks Ian up in his arms, and then turns back around. "To the right you will see the painting of my mother--" Corrander points to a painting sitting up on a dresser on the right side of the room, "-- and to the left is Gwendolyn." He points to a table on the left side of the room supporting Gwendolyn's portrait. "Forgive me, but you must see."
Corrander takes a breath and walks up to the portrait of Ellowyndriel. Ian is smiling and being cute all the way until he and Corrander are standing before the painting, and then when Corrander turns him around to face it, Ian seems to go into a trance. He stares at Ellowyndriel with eyes that widen, and then seem to recognize the face he's looking at. He continues staring at her with a very solemn face-- eyes much older than that of a baby.

Nettle walks carefully up to stand beside them, peeking down at Ian, and then up at the painting. She, too, seems to become a little transfixed, but it's only because she's looking into the eyes of this renowned woman for the first time in her life. "Wow..." she whispers. "You have her mouth and chin, Corrander..." she says in a reverent voice. "So her eyes were light blue, then?" she asks.

Corrander lowers his eyebrows at her, wondering why she's not noticing Ian's strange reaction.
"Cornflower blue, to be exact, but only when she was at peace or with her children. Her curse for being of the House Dougal was that her eyes change color to match her emotions. But look at Ian!"

Nettle pulls her eyes from the painting and looks at Ian. She blinks quickly and leans in close. "Ian..." she calls softly, but he doesn't respond.

Alec looks at Ian's face and then back to the picture. "Ian?" he says and snaps his fingers next to Ian. "He's staring awfully intently isn't he?"

Mrs. Spiffle looks as well and shrugs, "He is at that. He might be noticing color now, too."

Corrander tries to contain his frustration. "Do you not all see?? He KNOWS her! He knows my mother!!" Corrander exhales and closes his eyes, trying to calm down. Then he opens his eyes and looks at Nettle and Alec. "That is not all. Again-- I apologize-- but this is important." He takes another deep breath, and his face looks strained. When he's ready, he turns Ian back around to face him. "Hey Ian...hey little one...are you OK?" he asks, and Ian blinks and gives a happy gurgle. Corrander looks up at Nettle and Alec. "You see? He does not remember! It is as if he had never looked at the painting! But there remains one other..." Corrander closes his eyes for a couple of seconds, and then walks over to the painting of Gwendolyn. After a moment's hesitation he turns Ian around. Two seconds later the peaceful room is shattered by Ian's loud wails. Corrander turns his head from the scene, tears trickling down his cheeks.

Nettle runs over to Corrander's side with fear. Ian has his little hands clenched into fists, and his body is wracking with sobs, but he reaches his arms out towards the painting. Corrander keeps him just far enough away that he can't touch the painting.

"Oh my god oh my god-- what's wrong with him??? Stop! Stop! Turn him around! I see, OK??" Nettle chokes back her own tears, eyes wide with fear.

Alec walks over and puts his hand over Ian's eyes. He takes Ian from Corrander and hands him over to Nettle. "Corrander come with me, Nettle don't show him the pictures again, hear?" he says in a commanding voice.
Alec leads Corrander into his room and closes the door. "Don't do that again. You could wake him up, and that is something we do not want to do, catch me old son?" he says with a stern look.
"You wake him up, and the fae will be trapped in an infant's body...a highly defenseless infant body I might add."

Corrander slumps to sit down on the edge of his bed, his head in his hands. "Forgive me, Alec...I did not know that would happen! What does it mean?? Alec-- GODS-- WHAT DOES IT MEAN???"
Corrander's hands tighten into fists in his hair. "I will not show him again...I won't...I swear it I won't...but...what happened...?" Corrander's hands release his hair and move to cover his face as he rocks back and forth.

Alec shrugs and sits down next to him. "I don't know. I really don't but now is not the time to reflect on it. We have to get those pictures out of sight, but safe for when he's older. Maybe he can answer that question...but not until he's older and ready. Got me?"
Alec sighs, "The most important thing is...what do we do about Nettle? Didn't you remember our little conversation?" he says shaking his head. He suddenly smiles and looks up at the ceiling. "Balador, got a bind here...any help would be mightily appreciated yeh?" he says.

Nettle clutches Ian in her arms, crying, but the minute Ian's view of the painting is blocked, he completely stops crying and looks up at Nettle with large, calm blue eyes-- tears still running down his cheeks. He coos and pats her cheeks, contented to be in his mother's arms.

Nettle stares at him in surprise, and then over at Mrs. Spiffle. "My goddess..." she mumbles, and then quickly sits in a chair before her legs can give out.

There is a flash of light within Nettle's eyesight and...

"Oh now there dearie I can change him," Mrs. Spiffle says taking Ian into her arm. "Yer a little tipsy and ye don't want to lose yer lunch on the carpet." she says taking Ian over to the changing table.

Nettle gratefully lifts Ian up for Mrs. Spiffle as she takes him from her, and then holds her head.
"Jesus...I thought I was completely sober, but I guess I wasn't! I could have fallen, or something!" She quickly unlaces her boots and gets out of them-- now convinced she shouldn't have been walking around in those platform boots without assistance. "I'm so sorry, baby boy!! God...thank you SO much, Mrs. Spiffle! What would we do without you??" Nettle walks up to Mrs. Spiffle's side and then looks around. "Speaking of 'we,' where did Alec and Corrander go?"

"I believe Corrander is helping Alec around. He stumbled past and went into Corrander's room," she says with a laugh. "Another man who can't hold his liquor yes?" she says laughing as she changes Ian. She finishes putting on the fresh diaper and puts him back in his crib. She walks into the bathroom and cleans up. Coming back out she smiles at Nettle.
"Now dearie let me help you to bed."

Nettle grins and lets Mrs. Spiffle help her to bed. "No way can Alec hold his liquor! But at least he knows when he's too far gone to dance!" Mrs. Spiffle helps Nettle get unlaced out of her dress, and Nettle pulls it off over her head. She removes her jewelry and places it in Mrs. Spiffle's open hand, and then while Mrs. Spiffle is putting it away, she strips off her undergarments and gets into some comfortable pajamas. She watches as Mrs. Spiffle pulls back the bedding, and then gratefully slides in.
"Thanks, Mrs. Spiffle...were the babies good? Did you have fun with them?" Nettle asks smiling.

"Wee angels, dearie," she says with a wink. "Wee angels." She pulls the covers over Nettle and tucks her in. "Now ye get some sleep or you'll be a fright in the mornin." she says.

"Oh no...class...oh shit..." Nettle murmurs worriedly. "Mrs. Spiffle-- will you write me a sick-note??" she asks jokingly, although not actually joking.

"Oh my no dearie," she says with a smile. "I don't write sick notes fer hangovers."

Alec walks through the door between their room and Corrander's and sees Nettle all tucked in and Mrs. Spiffle waving him in. He suddenly acts drunk and motions for Corrander to help him over to the bed.

Nettle glances up. "Wrong room, baby!" she grins at Alec. She brings an arm above the covers and pats the spot beside her. "Thanks for bringing him back, Corrander." she smiles.

Corrander gives her a slightly nervous smile and nods. "Of course, Nettle, of course." He then falls uncharacteristically silent until he sees that everyone's OK, and then hurriedly walks over and lifts his mother's portrait gingerly in one hand, and then walks over and grabs Gwendolyn's with the other.
"Good night..." he nods to everyone, and then quickly disappears into his suite-- the door closing after.

Nettle raises her eyebrows at Alec and Mrs. Spiffle. "He seems a little off..." she comments.

Alec lays on the bed and gets under the covers. He smiles drunkenly to Nettle. "Hey baby..." he says with a goofy grin.

"He's just sad he hasn't got an invite from Balador, dearie. He was talking about it all night he was." Mrs. Spiffle says.
She tucks in Alec and turns to the couple, folding her hands. "The wee babes are fed and changed and should sleep for a time now. I'll be turning in then." she says as she walks over to the door and opens it.

"Good night, Mrs. Spiffle!! You're wonderful!!" Nettle calls after her. Then she turns to face Alec and waps her arms around him. "Poor baby...we're lucky we made it to our rooms! Did you know I almost lost my balance when I was holding Ian?? I don't think I'll ever drink again..." she murmurs with big, worried eyes.

Mrs. Spiffle turns out the lights and closes the door. She shakes her head and walks down the hallway.
"Another crisis averted..." she says to no one in particular.

"I'll make that bet," Alec says kissing her forehead. He smiles at her again and cuddles up with her, his arms enveloping her. "I love you, love."

Nettle smiles contentedly, and rests her head on his shoulder. "I love you, too, sexy..."
The two talk a little more until finally there's a long pause and Nettle hears Alec's breathing become deep and regular. She keeps her eyes closed and tries to fall asleep, but the alcohol and guilt keep her sleep fitful for a time.

After a few hours, Ian's cries give a grateful Nettle a reason to get out of bed and give up on sleeping for a bit. She hurries over before he can wake up Simone, and lifts him into her arms.
"Hey baby boy...hey sweetheart..." she murmurs to him, rocking him as she walks to the opposite end of the room. "Are you hungry? Hmm?" She sits down in one of the chairs and starts feeding him. Some time passes, and finally Ian finishes. She stands with his head against her shoulder and pats his back while bouncing a little, and soon he gives a healthy burp. She grins and wipes his mouth with the shoulder-cloth, and then starts rocking slowly from side to side, and rubbing his back soothingly while humming.
Ian keeps trying to lift his head up from her shoulder, and Nettle marvels at how strong he seems to be getting at that. She gives a little laugh.
"Hey, baby boy...you need to get back to sleep! It's not mommy-playtime yet, OK, honey?" she whispers. Ian smiles at her and grips the amulet in one hand, patting her shoulder with his other hand. He tries to put the amulet in his mouth, and Nettle rolls her eyes good-naturedly. 'This will take a while...' she thinks to herself. She walks over to the dresser and picks up her Discman with the most recent Garbage C.D. in it, clipping it to her pajama-bottoms and putting the earphone on. She pushes play and then skips around the C.D. until she finds the song she wants.
"OK, Ian...Mommy's gonna sing you to sleep, OK?" she whispers. The song starts up, and Nettle sings along softly to Ian while dancing slowly around the room.
"Baby wakes up with the sun...while everyone is sleeping...sleeping with ghosts...it's such a lonely experience...the stars are out tonight...you're so like a rose...I wish you could stay here...there's no going back...there's no going back...there's no going back...on this one..."
The song draws to its close, and Nettle-- giving a sniffle-- realizes she was crying while singing. She looks down, but Ian is fast asleep-- the amulet still clutched in his hand. She closes her eyes as more tears squeeze between her eyelids. "I wish you could stay here..." she sighs, and then walks carefully over to Ian's crib and lays him down in it. Then she walks over and get back into bed with the Discman in her hands, and pushes play-- closing her teary eyes.

In the morning...

Alec awakes to a loud knocking on the door. He opens his eyes and looks over at Nettle, who's still asleep by his side, her discman still in her hands. He throws a robe on and stumbles to the door. "Yeah?" he says.
"I'm here for Mrs. Gideon. I'm to escort her to the classroom," the woman says.
"One minute," he says and closes the door. He walks back the bed and takes the discman out of her hand and lifts one of the ear phones, "Nettle class-time," he says shaking her a little.

Nettle feels so exhausted that she doesn't know where she is for a moment. Her eyelids are so heavy that she has to make a valiant effort to get them open. Her head pounds, and she covers her eyes with her hand. "Nooooooooo..." she groans. "Tell them I want a night-class...pleeeeease..."

"C'mon love...you promised Veil. You want to impress her right?" he says shaking her a bit more. "Loove...," he singsongs, "Loove..."
Alec stops singing and smiles at her, "Don't want to disappoint Romeo now do we?"

Nettle grabs the sheets and jerks them over her head. One of her hands pops out and flips Alec off before disappearing back under the covers. "Leave me alone!" she moans.

Alec shrugs and walks back to the door. He opens it a little and smiles at the woman.
"It seems Mrs. Gideon is indisposed today. Can she make the class up tomorrow?"

The woman frowns and turns on her heel and walks away. Alec winces and closes the door and hops back into bed. He puts his arms around Nettle and kisses her and closes his eyes. "There you go love. Get some rest."

Nettle has had some time to think, and-- as much as she's kicking herself to admit it-- she knows she has to get up for school. She pulls the blankets back down with a grimace on her face. "Aaaleeec..." she calls in a painful voice. "Don't let the woman leeeeeave...I'll go...you just have to help me with this headache, OK??"

Alec leans over and grabs a clove and lights it. He sits up in bed and takes a few more drags. He touches her head and begins to rub her forehead. Nettle begins to feel better and better until the headache is gone.
"There you are love, but you better hurry!" he says.

Nettle sighs and opens her eyes. "Thank you Alec...oooh that's so much better!!" she exclaims, massaging her temples. She's still exhausted and groggy with dark circles under her eyes, however, but also in a hurry. She stumbles into some clothes-- jeans and a baby-doll T-shirt-- and then grabs her homework and a pair of sunglasses, kisses Alec on the cheek, and opens the door-- jogging down the hallway barefoot while putting on the sunglasses. "Wait!! I'm coming!!" she calls loudly.

The woman turns around and looks at her with a raised eyebrow. "Mrs. Gideon, these classes are a privilige, not a right. We understand yes?" she says as she leads her down the hall way past the stairs and to her class room.
"Let's not be late again hmm?"

Nettle feels her stomach knot up, and is SOOO glad she decided to come to class, after all. "I'm sorry...I was feeling really sick when I woke up, but Mr. Gideon helped me feel well enough to get out of bed-- he's good at that!" she smiles, trying to lighten the mood. She looks down and notices she's barefoot, and inwardly groans. 'Oh THIS will look great...' she thinks to herself.

"Very well," she says and opens the door. The classroom full of kids turns around to watch her enter. Meanie looks at her and sneers at her. Little Romeo looks at her with concern.
"Ah Mrs. Gideon, glad you could join us. Please take your seat."

Nettle gives a shakey smile to everyone, and quickly takes her seat-- tucking her bare feet under her chair. She pushes her sunglasses more firmly up on her nose, and sits up straight and tall-- ready for class. She doesn't want to draw attention to herself, so she keeps her eyes straight ahead and tries to look like a good student.

Back in the room...

Alec settles back into bed chuckling. He pulls the covers over him and quickly falls asleep.

The door separating Corrander's suite from the Gideons' opens slowly, and Corrander peers in. Seeing that everyone within is asleep, he walks stealthily and silently over to collect all the painting-supplies, and then carries them back into his room. The painting of his father is unfinished, and he cannot stand to leave things unfinished.
He closes the door between the suites, sets up the easel in the center of his room, and begins to paint.
A few hours later, not only is the picture of his father completed, but there are several smaller ones of Balador propped against furniture to dry! He's currently working on the large-sized canvas, painting a picture of Balador in that black micro-dress she wore the day before. She's giving the viewer a smile that's filled with secrets, but with eyes that make you feel welcome and safe. The body, however, makes Corrander feel something entirely different, and he smiles slyly to himself as he creates light and shadow in painting the roundness of her breasts.

Alec gets up and stretches. He pulls on a robe and walks over to the door. He opens it and picks up the room service tray sitting there. He sets the tray down on the coffee table and heads into the bathroom. He finishes cleaning himself up a bit and walks back out and grabs a cup of coffee. He walks over to Corrander's door and knocks.
"Corrander, hey you awake?"

Corrander jumps guiltily-- lost in one of the many reminiscinces of his time with Balador as he paints her-- and clears his throat. "Ah...yes, Alec! Yes! I am, er, awake..." he responds, trying to pull himself together. "You may come in, if you wish!"

"Cheers," he says, walking in and handing him a cup of coffee. He sits in a chair and looks at the paintings. "Nicely done. What other talents are you hiding." he says.

Corrander looks down at the coffee, sniffs it, makes a face, and looks back up at Alec. "What is THIS drink?" he asks, looking around for a place to set it. "Thank you for the compliments, Alec, and as far as other talents? Well...you might be lucky enough to discover some for yourself, but I guarantee you will NOT be discovering others!" he jokes, still feeling a little nervous being around Alec after the episode the night before.

Alec stands up and looks at each of the paintings. He nods appreciatively, and stops at Corrander's mother. "She's beautiful..." he says. He looks over at his sister and smiles, "Nettle does look a bit like her...but she looks more like you." he says. He then stops at his father. "Handsome fellow, old son."

Corrander walks beside Alec with his hands held behind his back as Alec studies the paintings.
"Thank you, Alec," he nods. "And you are right. The more I am around Nettle, the more I agree that she does resemble me more than she does Gwendolyn, poor girl." he smiles sadly.

Alec looks at Corrander seriously.
"I want you to know that I'm not mad at you, Corrander. But we have to keep certain things from Nettle, you understand. If she gets a whiff of something, she will not stop until she figures it out. Which usually is a good thing. But something like that...it could be very dangerous...very dangerous. If it concerns the kids, let me know first. I can leave off...she won't."

Corrander's hands fiddle together uneasily behind his back. "I do not think I understand your meaning-- do forgive me-- but why could it be dangerous for Nettle to know what we know about the children? Why, Alec?"

"She's not dangerous...but the real world is. The fewest amount of people who know a secret is best. Understand?" he says. "There are people out there who want to kill off your kind. They want to drive you from our world. How do you think they'd react if they found out what Ian is...or much worse, who he is."

Corrander's face looks haunted. "Who IS he...that is the question...obviously someone from our cantrev since he recognized Mother...it would have to be someone who watched Gwendolyn die-- I am assuming-- from his reaction..." Corrander takes a deep breath and sighs. "If you think it best that we do not figure this out, then I will attempt not to think on it too deeply. You just have no idea the years and centuries behind my torment, and then to finally have clues...answers..." Corrander shakes his head and puts his hands on the dresser-top, head hanging down.

"I know, me old china. Just trust me on this. I promise that I'll explain when the time is right." He pats Corrander on the back and smiles at him. "And if you think this is all strange...wait till you see Sarah. I'm very anxious for this."

Corrander lifts his head. "Do you think she will know who he is? That being the case, we would have to keep she and Nettle apart unless we were able to convince Sarah not to tell...but if Sarah knows, would that not be even more dangerous? A child knowing? How easy would it be to pluck such information from a mere child!" Corrander's worry grows to the point of near-panic.

"Wait till you meet her, Corrander. She can't leave the horizon realm very much. We keep her safe. Sarah's a bright kid-- she can keep a secret if I ask her." he says. He sits back down.
"So Corrander, feel like doing a painting for Nettle?" he says with a wink.

Corrander walks over to the bed and sits on the edge of it, still looking traumatized from the conversation, but trying to regain his composure as much as possible. "A painting for Nettle?" His face appears confused. "Of course. What type of painting?"

"Of me and the kids, of course!" he says smiling. "Let me get dressed and you can paint us." he says getting up. "Sound like a plan?"

Corrander's face lights up with a smile. "Aaah! Good idea-- I have heard Nettle complain very often about not having a camera! What if I were to add her into the painting so that it could be a family-portrait?" Corrander asks, pushing up lightly from the bed and hurrying over to the easel. He carefully picks up the large, unfinished painting of Balador and sets it somewhere safe, and then puts a clean canvas on the easel. "I will get back to you later, my love..." he whispers to "Balador" with a wink, and then turns back to Alec.

"Alright!" he says flashing the peace frog. "One sec," he says as he runs into his room and opens the chifferoh. He grabs a few things and puts them on and then runs back.
"Alright how do I look?" he says. He is wearing a red, blue and white jacket with the Union Jack flag upon it. His pants are black and his shirt blue.
"This look alright?"

Corrander raises his eyebrow and gives Alec a look. "What the hell is that outfit, Alec?" When he sees the hurt look on Alec's face, he quickly raises his hand. "It is fine, Alec...I am sure Nettle will...never forget it!" he finishes with a grin, and then turns and gives the air a look of incredulity and mutters to himself when Alec can't see as he locates the sketching-pad and pencils.

"What?" he says giving Corrander a hurt look. "This is one of my best suits, really!" he says looking himself over. "And I. Look. Smashing!" He says nodding excitedly.
"Now I am ready for your expert painting, Corrander."

Corrander regains his polite composure, and turns to face Alec with the sketching-pad in his hands. "All right then, Alec, what I shall do first is to sketch out the painting since you are the only one here to sit for me. It will only take a moment." Corrander studies Alec carefully for a moment, and then bends over the pad and sketches furiously. After a few minutes, he looks up with furrowed brow. "And what shall I have the babies and Nettle dressed in, then?"

"Oh," he says. "I hadn't thought of that..." he thinks rubbing his chin. He runs into the room and grabs two of the outfits. "Here," he says giving Corrander the blue suit for Ian and the black and white one for Simone. "This one is Ian's and the other is SImone's. Paint them in that."

Corrander takes the outfits and holds them up, studying them carefully for a moment, and then nods and sets them back down. He sketches for a few seconds, and then looks back up at Alec. "And for Nettle?"

"Hmm...." he says thinking again. "Ah," he says and runs into the room and grabs the lavender latex pants and the tight black long sleeved shirt and the black vinyl platform shoes. "Put her in these!" he says. He rubs his hands together. "I can't wait to see the look on her face," he says.

Corrander grins, taking the clothing-items from Alec. When he picks up the pants, he looks up at Alec with a bemused look on his face. "She was wearing these the day you arrived in Wales-- I remember. I was wondering what animal she killed to get them made, but it appears they are of a synthetic material...very odd...but...I think I like it. Hmmm..." He inspects the pants for another minute-- getting ideas for an outfit he might like to have made for himself-- and then finally puts the clothing down and sketches again. After another minute he stands and blows the pencil-dust from the paper.
"All right, Alec! I am ready to begin!" He grabs a fresh palette and starts mixing some paints. "You, Alec, will be the centerpiece of the painting-- I am sure you like that idea..." he winks, "...so once I am done with you, you are free to move about."
Corrander begins to paint, and Alec is amazed with the speed at which Corrander paints! It's not more than a half-hour before Corrander looks up and nods. "All right, Alec-- you may move around as you please." Then Corrander is right back to painting again.

Back in the classroom...

The hours pass, and this time when the teacher lets the students break for lunch, Nettle spends her time asleep with her head on the desk. Little Romeo has to tap her on the arm and wake her up before Meanie comes back and sees her sleeping.
The day drags for her as she uses all her concentration and discipline to stay awake and alert, but she catches herself day-dreaming about her bed on more than one occasion.
Finally the class is dismissed, and Nettle gets up and hurries out of the classroom and back to the suite.

Opening the door, she walks in and drops her sunglasses on the dresser, and then flops down on her back on the bed. She notices that the door between their suite and Corrander's is open, and hears laughter coming from within. "Hey in there-- what's going on??" she calls with mock-sternness.

Alec smiles and comes out of Corrander's room. "Hello love. How was class today?" he asks trying to keep from smiling too much. He gives Nettle a hug and a kiss before she can respond. "I love you, love."

Nettle raises her eyebrows. "Wow! What did I do right today??" she asks happily. "You're being extra sweet!"

"Oh it's not quite what you did," he says with a wink. "Come here," he says taking her hand. "Come on...let's take a look," he says leading her into Corrander's room.

Nettle raises her eyebrows, and then suddenly stops and grips Alec's hand. "Oh god...I do NOT want to see what Corrander can do 'good' in his bedroom!" she exclaims melodramatically, and then starts laughing and allows Alec to continue leading her into Corrander's suite.

Corrander folds his arms and shifts his weight to one leg. "Oh very nice, Nettle, very nice!" he says, pretending to be hurt.

"Oh no, love. You need to see this," he says leading her through the door. He motions exaggeratedly, "Ta da!" he says pointing towards the painting on the easel. "Isn't it cute?" he says watching Nettle's face for a reaction.

Nettle walks around so she can see the painting, and her jaw drops-- tears quickly filling her eyes. "Oh my god..." she whispers, bringing her hands to her mouth. "Oh it is just perfect! Oh Corrander-- you did this?? Oh-oh-- I have been wanting a family picture! Oh my god, look at the twins! So CUTE!! Oh you painted me in my favorite outfit!! And Alec-- he looks so sexy, doesn't he??" she asks Corrander. "Oh we finally have a family picture!!" Nettle throws her arms around Alec and hugs him reeeeally tightly, and then moves over to Corrander and hugs him just as tightly. "Thank you thank you THANK you, Corrander!!" she cries, sniffling.

Corrander winces, hugging her back. "You are welcome, Nettle..." he exhales in a raspy voice from being hugged so tightly.

"There's more," he says with a laugh. He smiles and looks at Corrander. "Me old china, time for painting number two!" he says holding up two fingers.

Corrander grins painedly from being crushed in Nettle's embrace, but quickly takes the family portrait from the easel and sets it on the dresser to continue drying. Then he jogs over to his walk-in closet and comes back in a moment with a smaller painting in his hands-- turned away so Nettle can't see yet. He walks over with a big grin on his face and sets the painting on the easel. It's a painting of a close-up of Simone in her bear-suit "sitting" beside Ian in his sailor-suit. They're both doing their best almost-4-months-old baby-smiles.

Nettle starts laughing hard-- eyes tearing up again-- and, again, brings her hands up to her mouth. "Oooooh hahahaahh! Oooh they are SO CUTE!! Ahahahaahh! Oh Alec, look at them! This was YOUR idea, wasn't it!" She wraps an arm around Alec and squeezes him. "This is so priceless! I wanted a picture of them in those outfits so BAD!" Nettle shakes her head and wipes at her eyes again.

Corrander smiles, very pleased, and folds his arms, leaning back against the dresser and watching the couple.

"Yes but it was Corrander's brilliant painting that did the trick eh?" he says smiling proudly at Corrander. He nods at Corrander and puts his arm around Nettle. "How can we repay you, Corrander? You've done so much for us in the while we have known you."

Corrander smiles wistfully. "Just allow me to be with your family-- that is all I ask. Balador has made it very clear my role in Ian's life, and I only want to keep him-- and you-- safe, and to enjoy your company." Corrander bows to them.

Nettle smiles. "Of course, Corrander! You're stuck with us now, whether you like it or not! We made sure of that with the baby-guardian ceremony!" she winks.

There is a knock on Corrander's door and the door opens. Balador smiles as she walks in.
"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Gideon. I hope you are finding your stay here as comfortable as last time." She smiles and bows to the both of them. She turns to look at Corrander and smiles brightly.
"I was hoping to have lunch with you, Corrander. You're not busy are you?"

Corrander's jaw drops, and he quickly does his low, sweeping bow. When he comes up, he is all smiles. "Beautiful Balador...I had not expected the pleasure of seeing you again until later!" He steps forward and takes her hand, pressing it first to his lips, and then to his heart. His eyes are bright with excitement. "Lunch it is-- if I am not too under-dressed for the occasion?" he asks, unable to take his eyes off of her.

Nettle smiles and bring her hand up to her mouth to stop from outright giggling. 'Boy is Corrander falling for her! This is great stuff!' Nettle thinks to Alec.

Balador brings her other hand up to her lips to hide her smile. "My dear Corrander, you could never be underdressed. Just over-dressed," she says. She kisses his cheek and slyly brings her hand to the small of his back and strokes it lightly with her fingers.
"Mr. and Mrs. Gideon, I've also come to see the children. May I?"

Alec looks at Nettle and shrugs, "I don't see why not."

Nettle nods enthusiastically. "Of course, Balador! But first, look at this painting Corrander did of them! Is this not the cutest thing you have ever seen??? I bet they could win a baby-picture contest!" she grins proudly, showing Balador the bear and sailor-painting.

Corrander smiles and bows his head humbly, watching for Balador's reaction.

Balador looks at the picture and then giggles, a light tinkling of bells, "You have painted such a cute picture, my dear. Oh look at the bear." she says with a laugh. "I believe you should paint more, Corrander. You have true talent."

Corrander smiles and slides close to Balador, moving his mouth close to her ear. "I HAVE painted more...would you care to see the nude I did of you, my darling?" he whispers, trailing a fingertip down the side of her neck.

Nettle folds her arms and raises her eyebrow at Alec with a grin.

"Later, my dear," she says with a smile. "I would rather pose for that one later," she says. She takes his arm and walks into Nettle and Alec's room. She looks to the cribs and smiles at Corrander. She lets go of his arm and looks in Simone's crib. She kisses her fingers and touches Simone's forehead. "Hail Simone, hail to the messenger," she whispers. Simone looks up at Balador's face and her eyes blink as she studies it.
Balador smiles and then turns to Ian's crib. She looks down in the crib and reaches gently to pick him up. She brings him up in her arms, all the while looking down...studying him. She smiles gently, "Hail thee, Child of Light, key to the gates of Arcadia. Let Balador be the first to acknowledge you and offer you respite and succor whenever thou shoudst have need," she whispers. She leans down and kisses his forehead and then takes a deep breath and then blows it out gently upon him. "I bless thee..."

Ian looks up at Balador, transfixed and quiet for a few seconds as she speaks to him, and then when she blows upon him, he blinks his eyes quickly, and unconsciously takes a deep breath-- breathing in her breath. Then after he recovers from that, he gives her his best smile and coos, reaching his hands up to try to touch her face.

Nettle stands quietly with an arm around Alec, watching reverently and solemnly. She'll take any blessings she can get for her twins.
'Messenger? Child of Light?' she thinks to Alec. 'What is Simone the messenger OF, though?'

Alec shrugs, 'No idea,' he thinks back to her. 'Well at least they like her. That's all that matters.'

Corrander bows his head and closes his eyes as the events of the previous night again confound him. He only hopes his nephew won't need to flee anywhere-- that he will be safe at the chantry.

Balador smiles at Ian and rubs her nose to his and sets him back down in his crib. She walks over to Corrander and puts her arm in his and smiles up at him. "Let us go to lunch, darling. I am famished." she says.

Corrander smiles at her and puts his hand over hers-- feeling a little more gentlemanly than roguish at the moment. "Indeed! As am I, my love. And where are we to be eating this time?" He raises his eyebrow at her with a knowing smirk based on what happened the LAST time he met her for a meal!

"I have a table waiting downstairs on the patio. I do not believe you have seen our courtyard and gardens yet, my darling," she says as the two walks towards the door. The door opens by itself and closes by itself behind them. "The orchard is also in bloom if you'd like to see." she smiles at him and leans up, "I have closed off the entire outside for just us, my dear."

Corrander smiles gently down at her, and brings his hand up to her face-- bending down to kiss her lips for a second. "It sounds beautiful. I would like nothing better, lovely one..." he murmurs as he stands back up straight, and the two continue on down the hallway.

Alec smiles at Nettle, "Hear that? 'My love'." he says.

Nettle looks at Alec a little worriedly. "Better not be...I don't want to deal with a heart-broken Sidhe count once we get home!"

"I think he'll be fine...I'm sure of it. We'll have Sarah keep him busy." Alec says with a wink.

Balador kisses him back gently, and once they part-- her eyes still closed-- she touches his face and covers his eyes. Corrander feels something shift, and then he can feel a light breeze blow past him. The rich smells of flowers, peaches, grapes and apples surround him. It smells like paradise. And when she finally moves her hand away, the sight that greets him matches that very description.

Corrander looks around in amazement. "Well that was certainly better than we Fae could do-- didn't even move our feet!" he exclaims. He looks up and sees blue sky with fluffy white clouds drifting across it. By his every sense, he seems to be outdoors. He takes a deep breath and exhales slowly. "This is magnificent...very much like the fruit-orchard back at home..." he says distractedly as he takes everything in. He holds his arm out for Balador, and smiles at her. "My dear...have you always been here, or did you live somewhere else at one time?" he asks curiously.

Balador takes his arm, smiling, and hugs it to her. "I have been here so long, Corrander, that...I honestly don't know." she says. She stops at one of the flowers and leans down to pick it. She smiles at Corrander. "Hold still."

Corrander is pondering the concept of not remembering the beginning of one's life, when Balador stops to pick the flower. He watches her with a little smirk. "All right...but I might ask the same of you as the view is fantastic!" He wiggles his eyebrows.

She stands back up and smiles, "Such a charmer," she says. She pulls back some of his hair and puts the flower in it. "There," she says satisfied. She laughs and takes his arm and leans her head on his shoulder as they walk.
"I come here when I need to think. I find it is very peaceful."

Corrander shifts his eyes over to side, trying to see the flower she put there with a look of "oh no! my masculine-pride!!" but then he quickly smiles in relief, remembering what Balador said about closing off the garden to anyone else this afternoon. He kisses the side of her head, reaching over to brush some hair out of her eyes-- both his hair and hers-- as she lays her head on his shoulder. He notices the stark contrast between her nearly-black hair and his nearly-white hair and finds it pleasing. "I did not have many places I could go when I wanted to think and be alone. Often times I would resort to pacing the corridors of an rarely-used part of the palace, but after a time someone would always come looking for me. Riding through the woods? Same result. And if I stepped out of the palace to walk the gardens, as we are doing now? Throngs of Commoners would shadow my every step!" He sighs. "It is good to be loved by one's people, but there is always too much...do you find that true, as well, my beauty?" he asks Balador.

"Yes, I find it hard to walk the halls without someone stopping me or gawking at me." she says. "I come here and sit among the trees, or walk the garden. Fortunately, I can block off certain parts of Balador so that no one may get near them." she says wistfully. "I have never walked with anyone in the gardens before. I am glad that you are the first."

Corrander looks down at her in surprise, and then smiles. "I am very pleased to hear this, Balador-- pleased and surprised! It is good to be someone's first!" He thinks for a second. "Perhaps I am the first at something else, as well! Ever had a pure Fae visit before? Not one of those...Changelings..." he pauses to remember the word, "...but a Fae who was not riding within a mortal body?" he asks. curiously.

Balador thinks a moment and shakes her head, "No, I haven't a second first for you!" she says leaning up to kiss his cheek. They walk under one of the peach trees and Balador reaches up and plucks one. She takes a bite and then offers it to Corrander.
"Have a bite?"

Corrander nods, feeling foolish. 'If Balador has been here for thousands of years, of COURSE the Fae who first came here would not be body-riders! Gwendolyn was one of the first groups who learned THAT art...'
His face flushes a little, and he falls quiet until Balador offers him a peach. He smiles at her and takes it, biting into it deeply and chewing the juicy flesh. "Mmmmm...delicious..." he sighs after swallowing. Then he gives her an evil grin and runs his finger softly over the fuzzy surface of the remaining peach, letting the unspoken innuendo linger in the air. But then another question pops into his head, and he hands her the peach back.

Balador smiles as she watches him. She winks at him evilly and kisses his cheek. "Naughty man," she whispers.

"Balador...do you think you will remain here eternally? If you left, it would not be able to exist, would it?" Corrander asks her.

"No-- it would disappear when I left, even if for a moment," she says. "I will be here for all eternity." she says. She lays her head on his shoulder. "It took me a long time to perfect this place. To shape it to what I wished and what it needed to be."

Corrander nods, thinking for a moment. "I do understand this. The Fae back in Arcadia shape and mould the land, sea, and skies to reflect their own paradise. Our palace and lands are very much a place of beauty and peace, but I have been to the lands inhabited by the Unseelie...the Red Caps...many disreputable denizens of the dark, and they, too, have shaped their lands to reflect what they find beautiful. If..." Corrander swallows and closes his eyes for a moment before continuing. "...if anything were to happen to Mother, the castle would crumble, unless there were any other Moonglows to quickly inhabit it. She and Father were the spirit of the place. Much like...much like my sister's mortal body died when her spirit left it." Corrander takes a deep breath. "Whoever the next count or countess to rule the cantrev, there would spring up a brand-new palace with a new spirit, appearance, and name."

Balador considers this and nods, "I understand," she looks up at him with a strange look on her face. She touches his chin lightly with her fingertips. "And what would paradise be to you, my dear?"

Corrander swallows, stumbling a little as they walk, but making it look as if there had been a rock in the path that he hadn't seen. His face pales slightly as his mind races. "Oh Balador...you would not like the answer in either case!" he says in agony. He looks around the garden paranoidly, worried about anyone who might overhear. Finally he sighs and forces himself to speak.
"Paradise in a picture I have in my head. A picture of our parents happy and reunited...a picture of...of she and I happy and together...but...I have never been with her in that way. Would our parents be angry? Would we truly be good for one another?" Corrander closes his eyes and shakes his head. "As I said, it is a picture filled with unknowns and is currently impossible." He opens his eyes and looks softly at Balador. "You are a certaintly in a vision of paradise, as I know good we are together, but you are Balador, and she can be no man's paradise eternally..." he ends sadly.

Balador looks at him sadly and cups his cheek with her hand. "No, but I can be someone's paradise for a time. As someone can be my paradise for a time." Her look of sadness does not depart as she continues to stare into his eyes. "My poor Corrander, you heart is far too heavy for one who sees so much joy around him here."

Corrander's eyes lower, and he quickly bring both of his hands up to hold the hand cupped around his cheek. His eyes close and tears start to fall. He opens his mouth to speak, and is suddenly sobbing, not meaning to. He clutches at her arm as he falls to his knees-- feeling himself overwhelmed by all the pain he holds inside. He bows his head in shame as he cries-- hating this weakness of his kith. He is so affected by...everything...

Balador holds him to her, stroking his hair. "Weep, Corrander. Let it all out. You cannot hold all the pain in the world by yourself," she says. She looks down at him and holds him tighter. "If it were not for Ian and Simone I would keep you here for all time, my sweet. But you have other things you must do."

Her words make him sob all the harder, but also insert an element of peace inside of him. She would keep him here forever if she could, and that gives him boundless courage to prove himself to her-- that he is the most-fit guardian for these children that ever the world would see! 'If Gwendolyn will not have me...' he thinks, but he stops himself from continuing this thought.
After he has finally sobbed out everything that will come, he wraps his arms around Balador where they are crouched. "I would give you every paradise you could want, my love, while I am here. You have only to ask..." he whispers.

"That is more than I could ask, but I ask it now." She says sitting on the ground and laying back, bringing him to her. "Give me paradise here under this tree," she says breathily.

Corrander nods wordlessly-- eyes changing from sorrow to determination as he lowers himself against her, kissing her deeply.
Back upstairs...

Nettle is sleeping soundly on the bed laying on her side, covers all held tightly between her arms and legs.
The two paintings that Corrander did for them are propped against the wall so they face Nettle-- the twins in their little costumes, and the family picture showing Alec and Nettle sitting together with Ian on Nettle's lap and Simone on Alec's.
Ian and Simone are both in their cribs trying to get their daddy's attention. Ian rolls from his back to his stomach, and then slaps his hand lightly on the mattress, making excited-sounds.

Alec opens one eye and looks over at the cribs. He sees Ian getting all excited. "Play time eh?"
Simone hears her daddy's voice and rolls from her back to her stomach and attempts to look around for him. Alec opens both eyes and smiles. "That's a good girl!" he says. "Nettle, you see that! Simone and Ian can roll around now"

Nettle opens her eyes slowly-- trying to make the transition from dream-state to being awake-- and then hears Ian and Simone's happy laughter and comes to full awakeness. She rolls over to face Alec and the cribs, and sees the babies on their stomachs.
"Oh no! Did we leave them on their stomachs?? I read that it's dangerous to do that now! Thank the goddess they're OK!" She exclaims, leaning up on her elbow and brushing hair out of her face.

"No love, they rolled over. I saw them do it," he says. He leans down and tickles them. "Yeah I saw you guys!" he says as they laugh when daddy tickles their backs. "Gotcha back gotcha back!"

Nettle's mouth falls open and she slides off the bed and hurries over to the cribs. "Oh WOW, you two!! Wow! Aaaaw!" She reaches down and picks up Simone-- kissing her soundly on the cheek-- and she hands Simone over to Alec and picks up Ian and gives him a big kiss, too.
"Good babies! Wow! That was a few weeks early!"

"Brilliant," he says with a smile, "They'll be prodigies-- you'll see, love." he says with a proud tone in his voice. He kisses Simone on her forehead and begins to dance with her, which amuses Simone to no end and she begins to laughs and slap his face excitedly.

Nettle laughs, and then holds Ian the way Corrander held her on the dancefloor-- one arm around him and the other hand holding out Ian's left hand. "Look, Ian-- this is how a proper lady and gentleman should dance! Especially ones bearing the Moonglow name!" she says, doing her best immitation of Corrander.
Ian giggles when Nettle spins around with him.

Alec hums a little song as he dances with Simone, "And dip," he says diping her a little. Her eyes get wide and then when Alec brings her back up she laughs and slaps her hands.
"Yay!" Alec says as he spins.

Nettle laughs and dances with Ian over to Alec and Simone. "Last 24 hours in Balador, everyone...what should we do?? Do you think I have class tomorrow morning, or do we get to stay up late tonight?" she grins, leaning forward so Ian and Simone can see each other. Ian reaches out his hand and pats Simone's head.

Simone looks over at Ian and reaches out and touches his face. "Look at that they recognize each other," he says. "I say we have a family outing eh? I say we get some strollers and just walk all over and then eat out!"

Nettle smiles. "Yeah! What do you say to that, guys??" She moves her finger to Ian's bottom lip and makes his mouth open. "Yeeeay!" she says in a high voice, and then laughs. "Great idea, Alec! Let's get ready to go!"
A half-hour later, Alec and Nettle are pushing two very fashionably-outfitted babies in stollers out of their suite and into the hallway. After shutting their door, they start their little outing.

As they walks down the hall and turn the corner they run into a very tall man with a big red beard. "Ah! There they are!" he says jovially. "There are the twins!" he says. He looks up at Alec and Nettle. "Wish these two good luck from me when it's time," Life says and walks on by.

Nettle waves. "Thank you, Life!" She grins at Alec. "I hadn't thought about something...we're like celebrities here right now, aren't we! Well...they babies can use every ally who comes there way, and I'd like to thank everyone for their gifts and hospitality, anyway."

Alec smiles, "Yeah we are, just wait love. I think everyone will stop and want to see them," he says as they continue to walk.
As the turn another corner, they find ahead of them a huge indoor pool with several people swiming, doing laps or just having fun. One of the men stops to see them.
"Hey hey everyone it's the twins!" he shouts and everyone looks over and suddenly gets out of the pool to take a look at them.
"I think they're the celebrities," Alec says to Nettle.

Nettle grins. "Good! I like my anonymity!" She raises an eyebrow when some of the people run over naked, but doesn't say anything.
The twins look up at everyone with big eyes. Nettle squats down beside Ian's stroller. "You are the light of hope, baby boy. You mean so much to everyone here!" she whispers, on the off-chance that this information will stick with him somehow. Then she tickles his ribs, and he laughs infectiously. Nettle laughs and claps her hands. "Good boy! Cute baby Ian!" she smiles.

The group laugh and smile and talk amongst themselves as they look at the little ones.
Alec and Nettle say their goodbyes to the group and turn around, walking in the opposite direction.
"Well, must be all of Balador knows these two. I bet it's the work of Mrs. Spiffle." Alec says.

Nettle shrugs. "Could be...or could be something Corrander was saying about how he thinks all the Fae here know the prophesy, and how because the Fae and Cultists are interconnected that this is how the Cultists know, too. I just had no idea that so many people would be so grateful to Ian! I mean, it IS cool that he can bring so many Fae back to Arcadia, but it's not like he's going to be bringing EVERYONE back!" Nettle laughs and shakes her head as they continue to walk.

"Well at least they are liked rather than being popular the other way eh?" he says. As they round another corner a man/woman stands there. It is tall with the form of a woman, but with a man's face and beard.
"Are these the twins?" it says in a sultry woman's voice.
"Y-yeah they are mate," Alec says. It walks over to the crib and smiles down at Ian.

Nettle-- aware that this is another spirit-being, much like Life and Mrs. Spiffle-- smiles politely. "This is quite the exciting day for them! We haven't had time to show them around Balador until now. May I know your name to tell them when they are older?" she asks curiously.

"Maddie, my friends call me Maddie," it says and smiles at the two twins. It leans back up and waves to Alec and Nettle. "Toodle oo!"
Alec watches it walk down the hall and then turns to Nettle with a raised eyebrow. "That was one of the odder residents."

"'Maddie??' Have you ever seen that...person before? Do you know anything about...it?" Nettle asks Alec carefully, trying not to sound too offensive.

"No idea never seen her...him...yeah never before," he says awkwardly. He gives her a smile. "Can't wait to see who's next."
One of the suite-doors opens and a fancily clad couple walks out. The woman sees them and taps her man on the shoulder and they both walk over.
"These must be the twins everyone is talking about. Hi, I'm Douglas and this is Catherine," he says. Catherine smiles and waves. "We're from New York, you?"

Nettle smiles in relief. "We're from Salt Lake City, but we're not Mormons!" she jokes. Magick-- constantly running and flowing safely here-- emminates from the couple to Nettle's aware eyes, and she knows they are fellow Mages. "Just curious-- how did the two of you hear about the twins? We were just marvelling that everyone here seems to recognize them!" She was just about to introduce herself and Alec when she suddenly remembered the first rule of Balador: never introduce yourself by your first name unless you're open to sleeping with the person you're talking to. Her throat gets a little dry as she realizes the man just introduced he and his woman by their first names, and now she doesn't know what to say! She doesn't want to be rude...

"When we arrived yesterday the front desk people were all abuzz about it. It's our first time here," Catherine says. "Yeah we were just going to take a tour of the place...have you been here before?" Douglas asks.

Nettle listens quietly as they talk, and suddenly wonders if they were told the rules yet...

Alec smiles and nods, "Many times, so what brings you here from New York?"
Douglas smiles and looks at Catherine. "It's our honeymoon."

Nettle smiles, feeling relieved. 'They CAN'T be Cultists then! Cultists hardly ever get married! And look at how they're dressed, too! A little conservative. But then how did they know about Balador?' she ponders to herself.
"Aah! Congratulations!! My name's Nettle, and I'm of the Verbena. This is Alec, my husband, and he's sorta native to this place. Did the people at the front desk tell you much about Balador yet? We could help you out with some of the...finer points!"

Douglas looks at Catherine then back at Nettle, "No not really...they said something about first names but we were ahhh...distracted with each other," he says kissing Catherine's hand.
Alec chuckles, "No problem, just watch who you tell your first names to. It means you're open to them having sex with you."
Catherine blinks. "What?"

Nettle laughs. "I know how you feel! That's why I waited to tell you our names until I was sure you didn't know the rule! Yeah-- don't tell anyone your first name, and don't open any doors until you have someone tell you what's inside first! Learning the hard way can be...hard." Nettle winks. She suddenly gets an idea into her head. "Listen...are you two, by chance, Order of Hermes? I had this idea from one of my classes, but there was no one from the Order to ask." Nettle asks, lowering her voice.

Catherine smiles, "I'm from the Order. What was your question?" Douglas nods, "She's the one to ask. I'm well...I haven't decided yet."

Alec nods, "A Hollow One. Well take your time me old china."

Nettle nods. "Yes-- take your time! Once you decide, they hold you to all sorts of rules!" she says with a touch of frustration that she silently takes back a second later.
She turns to Catherine. "I'm not sure if you have the answer, but always good to ask! Do you know if other religions-- mostly specifically Jews, Muslims, Hindu, Buddhists-- mix with Acolytes in their ceremonies? For my coven, we have a lot of Acolytes who we keep nothing back from-- well, from what I've been able to tell, anyhow, but I'm just an Initiate. My Mentor said that it is dangerous to tell ANY sleeper about Magick, but how does the Order feel about this?"

"I agree with your mentor. Sleepers can be dangerous and sometimes they don't want to understand. We carefully select anyone we tell or have around." she says. "As for the other religions...well I'm an atheist myself so I don't mix with those." she says. Douglas looks down at his watch. "Hey hun we have to get going if we want to make our reservation," he says. "Well it was nice meeting you folks," he says. "Yes we'll have to talk again Nettle," Catherine says.

Nettle smiles and nods, and then her face falls. "We're leaving tomorrow afternoon, but if we run into each other before then-- or after-- I'd love to continue this conversation!" she says.

"See you round," Alec says shaking Douglas' hand.

"Bye!" Nettle waves, and then the two couples part as each goes their separate ways. Nettle smiles at Alec. "That was fun meeting people who had never been here before!" Then she falls silent for a minute. "After hearing so much about the Ascension War, I'm scared, Alec. I'm scared the Traditions can't win! I mean, we of different Traditions can get together into Cabals and work like a well-oiled machine...er...I guess that was a bad metaphor! Well anyway, we can work perfectly together, so why can't all the Traditions realize that the Technocracy is currently winning and just drop all this shit and work together?? We can reclaim Reality, the way we did once! We can let people believe whatever they want, and flock to whatever Tradition they want to learn from! There could be such a...a utopia!" she cries, a look of determination in her eyes. She blinks for a second-- feeling a little dizzy-- and then takes a breath and looks at Alec for his reaction.

"Pride, love, pride is what keeps the powerful apart." He says. "Little guys like us is what makes the real difference. As long as we keep fighting and sticking together, well...that's all that matters really." He shrugs and keeps pushing the stroller.

Smythe turns the corner to see them and he smiles, walking over. "Ah the Gideons, out and about I see. Where do you wish to go?"

Nettle is lost in thought for a moment-- feeling like she's on the verge of a metaphysical breakthrough. 'I just need a little more information...finish learning the basic principles...talk to more teachers...and I know I'll have the answer! I just know it!' she thinks, getting excited and suddenly thirsting for knowledge. Suddenly her eyes widen and she feels a lump in her throat. 'If...if we can win the Ascension War...the gates to Arcadia could open...permanantly...and, oh my god...' she thinks slowly, and feels breathless.
She blinks and looks at Smythe and Alec-- who are currently staring at her with worried looks on their faces.
"Oh! Hey Mr. Smythe! Sorry about that...I...was just thinking about something..." She tries to sound casual, but she's still very distracted. "Umm...where do we want to go? Weell...how about if you take us around to all the G-rated places here that we haven't seen yet! You know...for the little ones?" Nettle smiles. "Unless that would be a 5-minute tour?"

"Ah yes the family theme. Of course do follow me," he says.
Alec looks over to Nettle and shrugs. "Never been there."

Smythe leads them to an elevator and once they are all in he hits the button for the ground floor. When the elevator door opens, they find themselves staring at a playtime area with lots of slides, a kiddie pool, sandbox and a place for very little ones to lay and play.
"Here you are, the family room."

Nettle looks surprised. "Wow...I had no idea...do many Cultists bring their kids here, then? Or hey-- do many Cultists even HAVE kids??"

"Well actually, Mrs. Gideon this was set up for the both of you. You have the only kids here." he says.

She bends down and unbuckles Ian from his stroller and lifts him into her arms. "Hey baby boy, want to check this place out, hmmm?" she coos to him.

Alec smiles and gives Smythe the peace frog, "Right let's see what this place has got love," he says wheeling the stroller out.

Nettle suddenly stops and turns. "No other children...? But...what about the kids in my class??" she asks Smythe in confusion.

Smythe looks at her with confusion. "I assure, Mrs. Gideon, there are no other children in Balador." Alec thinks a moment and then begins to laugh. "Now that, my love, is comedy."

Back in the garden...

Balador lays her head upon Corrander's chest. She sighs and rubs his chest lightly with her fingertips. "Now that, my dear, was paradise. Mmmm... are you hungry yet?"

Corrander smiles and looks down at her, getting a naughty look on his face. "Hmm...hungry?
Hmmm...why yes...yes I am!" he cries, and suddenly rolls so that she's beneath him, and he starts giving her playful love-bites up and down from her neck to her arm while making eating-noises.

Balador laughs and mock fights back. She rolls him over so that she is on top. "I said hungry, my dear. And you shouldn't be hungry for that after what we just did." she says with a smile. "I have a picnic waiting for us just over in that clearing."

Corrander laughs, wrapping his arm around her and sitting up so they they are both sitting-- she on his lap with her legs around his waist. "Do not worry, my love-- I am sated for now, but know that I always hunger for you!" he grins. "No, I truly am hungry for food, and am intrigued to see your picnic! I will warn you, however, that if we do not clothe ourselves, I may spoil your picnic, and I would feel terrible about that." His mouth doesn't betray his jest, but his sparkling eyes do, and soon he can't help but smile craftily.

Balador smiles slyly. She grabs his clothes that were laying right next to them.
"You mean these?" she says as she grabs her clothes too. She stands up and puts her panties and her dress back on. She holds out his clothes for him and then takes them away when he reaches for them. "If you want these," she says with a smile and then suddenly bolts, running away from him laughing.

Corrander's mouth falls open in surprise, and he jumps up-- laughing-- and chases after her. "Oh dear Balador, how I love a good chase!" 'But especially one that I win!' he thinks craftily to himself. He notices that she's running in the direction of a particular tree, and points to it with one hand while making a quick forward-motion with his other, and suddenly he's standing in front of the tree with his arms folded and a smirk on his face. "Even a short one!" he laughs. He lifts his hand up in front of him slowly like an elevator, and Balador rises up in the air in response. Then he folds his arms and walks at a leisurely pace in a circle around her-- looking her up and down. "Oh Balador, but you HAVE been a very naughty girl..." he comments in a mock-regretful tone, and gives her bottom a nice spank.

Balador frowns, "You cheated." she says poutily. "Well you've caught me...now whatever will you do with me," she says as a loose strand of hair falls in her face.

Corrander gives a little sigh. "Well, I know what you DO want, but you have been bad, and therefore deserve to be punished, and so I will not grant you your wish...for now. You must suffer with your desire until such a time as I choose to give you what you want...when I feel you have suffered enough." he says, reaching out and tickling the bottom of her foot.
He stops walking when he reaches the spot in front of her, and then turns to face her-- hands held behind his back in military-fashion. "We will have lunch, and then-- perhaps-- if you have been VERY good, I will take you back to room 136 and give you your reward. Now, if you please, my clothing?" He holds out his hand, still keeping up the stern look on his face.

"Humph," she says blowing the hair out of her face. "Fine then," she says handing him his clothes. "We shall see who wants it more when we are done eating," she says with a sly look. "We shall see..."

Corrander takes his clothes and starts dressing. "That would be considered naughty, and would therefore prolong your punishment, you know..." he replies in a sing-song voice. One he's finished dressing, he holds his hand in the air and moves it downwards, and Balador lands back on the ground softly like a feather. Corrander holds out his arm for her. "Now...let us see this picnic, naughty vixen..." he commands, enjoying himself very much.

Balador laughs and takes his arm and leads him through the forest to a small clearing. There in the clearing is a large blanket with a huge picnic basket, along with some plates and cups. A pitcher of lemonade sits on a nearby tree stump.
"Here we are," she says sitting on the blanket.

Corrander smiles, feeling his stomach rumble with hunger, and walks over to the picnic basket. He finds two glasses and pours lemonade for each of them, and then squats by the basket begins to take out its contents and place them in the center of the blanket.
"There we are! Allow me to serve you, my beauty!" he smiles, and begins picking things to put on a plate, which he then hands to her. Then he fills a plate for himself, and seats himself beside her and begins to eat.
"Balador...you are truly happy being here-- knowing you can never leave this place?" he suddenly asks her. "I just wanted to be sure. It is a concept I cannot fully comprehend, although I have tried to compare it to the Fae within Arcadia."

Balador smiles and plays with the grass. "I do not mind it so much. I can change anything I want here. If I wish to have a pool...it is there. If I wish to have trees, they grow. It is not so bad, and I have visitors from all over the world and other places to keep me company." she says taking a bite and then wiping her hands on a napkin.

Corrander nods. "This is true. The world-- the mortal world-- is a disgusting, disbelief-ridden place where none of our kind can exist safely, anyhow. It is truly better to create realms where we are happy and healthy. This place IS, in effect, a little Arcadia, aside from the fact that the visitors come and go." Corrander looks at her with a worried expression on his face. "Do you ever find yourself with partners who wish you harm? REAL harm?" he asks-- this possibility suddenly dawning on him.

"I stay away from those. I can read people's intentions-- their sexual intentions, I should say. I am willing to do many things, but real harm is not one of them. And as for the Technocracy? They wouldn't be able to get here, nor do anything while in my realm. I am virtually god here, Corrander." she says taking another bite.

Corrander nods slowly, and then finally relief dawns on his face. "All right then, I will not feel so hesitant about leaving." he states, as if Balador might actually need his protection!
Speaking of the Technocracy, this might sound insane, but have you heard of any instances of Changelings assisting them? There was a..." Corrander looks a little embarrassed. "...a great exiling of the Sidhe of my House...House Dougal. I, technically, should not call it my house since I was never truly a member of it, but since my parents both were, it seems to be a hereditary title. Luckily, long before the gates were blown open in 1969, my mother and many of the Sidhe of Wales had disassociated themselves with it. House Dougal had become too fascinated with the workings of machinery and the like. They were a threat to our peaceful, buccolic way of life. We feared that Arcadia would turn into a pollution-ridden metropolis of steel buildings-- much like life in the mortal realm has turned into-- and so House Dougal was exiled to earth when the gates blew open-- for our own safety. I left just before the gates closed, and have wondered what became of them. Do they feel vengeance for what happened, and-- perhaps-- allied themselves with this Technocracy?"

"No, Corrander. They are not allied with the Technocracy. The Technocracy wishes to see them eradicated just as much as any of their other targets." She takes another bite and then a sip of her drink. She takes her piece of chicken and brings it to Corrander's lips.
"Now, I did not create this wonderful place and this picnic just so we could talk about the Technocracy."

Corrander smiles guiltily and takes a bite of her chicken. "Do forgive me, Balador! I find conversation with you so intellectually stimulating, and I am about to resign myself to approximately 14 or so years with Nettle and Alec-- I thought I had better get as much intelligent conversation in today as I could!" he grins wittily. "There is also something else I will be missing, but we shall discuss that in room 136, I am sure..."

Balador smiles and shakes her head, "My dear Corander. You will find that both of the Gideons are very intelligent. They are just perhaps too free-thinking for you," she says with a smirk.
"And besides I am sure you will be quite busy with the horizon realm. From the way Alec and Nettle talk is sounds as if they are always busy with something."

Corrander raises his eyebrows. "Ha! Too free-thinking?? You should have seen me in my Wilder days! I was definitely considered rebellious by BOTH parents! And Gwendolyn, to boot!" he grins. "But I do admit, there are...certain modern customs that I find distasteful-- like the way Nettle was dancing in your ballroom. No offense intended, my dear! Perhaps I AM an old grumpy Grump after all..." He sighs and shakes his head.

"Every generation has their way of doing things, Corrander. You have been out of touch for so long," she says. She finishes her chicken and wipes her hands. She lays down and looks up at the clouds. "Corrander, come here and lay in my arms for a time. I miss you," she says opening her arms.

Corrander smiles happily, and quickly moves to obey her request with enthusiasm. He lays beside her with his head against her chest and his arms around her. "Aaah..." he sighs, "...this is, indeed, heaven...Balador, I am sorry for being such an unpleasant companion! I will make amends right this minute to make the rest of our time together nothing but pleasant, for it is the memory of this night that shall keep me company while we are parted." he vows, watching the rise and fall of her lovely chest as she breathes.

She kisses his head and sighs into his hair. "You could never be an unpleasant companion, my dear. Even when you cheat at the chase," she says smiling. "Now relax...and tell me everything...I do not care about what...just talk and tell me."

Back in Balador's hallways...

Alec and Nettle finish playing around in the family room and head down the hallway to the restaurant. As they enter the double doors the matre d smiles and shows them to their table. Sitting down, a tall waiter comes over to hand out menus and drinks.
Alec smiles at Nettle, "Now this is service," he says.

Nettle smiles back, and then looks down at the babies sitting sweetly in their stollers beside the table. "This is wonderful, Alec! You know...ever since my classes, I've gotten really paranoid. Do you think we'll ever be able to go out to eat as a family in Salt Lake and feel safe?? Or BE safe??" she asks with a touch of worry.

"I wouldn't chance going that far love." he says. "We may be recluses for awhile."

"A recluse! You two?" says a voice from behind them. They turn around to see a tall man in a toga with a wreathe of grape vines crownng his head.
"Hah! Good to see the two of you again," Dionysus says as he leans down to smile at them. He turns to the two children and winks at Ian. "So is this the one?"

Alec nods, "He is at that, Dion. I'm surprised we haven't seen you earlier."

Nettle's eyes open wide, and she quickly bows in her chair to the god-manifestation. "Greetings, my lord!" she says quickly-- still feeling bad about not believing who he was the last time she met him. "Yes...this is Ian...and his sister Simone!" Nettle smiles a little shakily.

Dionysus bows to Ian and then to Simone with a flourish, "Hail to thee, holder of the key to Arcadia. And Hail to thee, Simone." he says. He sits down at the table and smiles. "I have been quite busy, Alec. Quite busy." he takes Nettle's hand an kisses it.
"Waiter, waiter! Bring these people food now!" he shouts.

Nettle smiles and flushes a little when he kisses her hand, and then winces when he shouts at the waitor. "Oh-- we just got here, my lord! We actually haven't ordered yet..." she says hesitantly.

Alec laughs, "Yeah Dion the waiter just got here two minutes ago," he says.

Dionysis smiles and says behind the back of his hand, "I know I just like to give him trouble." he says. He leans forward, "Now children listen and listen well. When the boy is old enough you must bring him here to me. You understand? I have many things to speak to him of."

Nettle sits forward in her seat and lowers her voice. "Older, as in able to carry on a conversation, or older as in...awakened?" she asks in a quiet voice.

"Awakened, my child." he says. "Bring them both to me." he says. He stand up abruptly and smiles down at them again. "Now eat, feast, be happy. I shall see you again," he says and walks off and out of the restaurant.

Alec looks at Nettle and shrugs. "Well that was odd."

Nettle looks at Alec with a worried look on her face. "I'm feeling a little overwhelmed right now..." she says in a little voice. "...I think I'm glad to be going home tomorrow...or maybe I'm just suffering from sleep-depravation-- I don't know, Alec! I just hope these two babies are up for the future everyone has planned for them..." Nettle holds her head for a moment, and then runs her hands back through her hair and exhales. "Sorry...trying to pull myself together..."

"S'alright love. It is a bit much isn't it," he says taking a sip of water and then turning to Simone, "But we can handle it right?"
Simone looks at her daddy curiously and then to her mom and then back looking around the room "See she's not worried over it."

Nettle smiles shakily. "Of course not-- she's her father's daughter! Let's just hope Ian has a lot of daddy in him, too, or-- oh! Here's the waitor!" Nettle sits up straight and quickly flips through the forgotten menu.

The dinner is excellent, and while they eat, patrons pass by and they all seem to stare or nod and make comments to their companions. No one, however, disturbs them. Finally, when they are done eating, Nettle can no longer take the stares or comments and so they head back to their room.

Back to Balador and Corrander...

After spending most of the day walking the gardens and laying in the grass in each other's arms.
Balador and Corrander head back to room 136 for their last night in Balador.

"That was a wonderful day," Balador says rest her head on his shoulder as the walk down the hall.

Corrander smiles and rests his head against Balador's for a second, and then turns to kiss her head. "Yes it was. Very restful and peaceful in so many ways. I am grateful to you for taking such time out of your busy day to dedicate to spending these last moments together. I could not wish to spend it in any other way." He slides his arm around her waist and holds her tightly as they walk.

Balador smiles up at him and sighs contently as she squeezes his arm. "I am happy to take time off for such a man as you, Corrander."

Corrander smiles. "Ah-- here we are! Room 136!" He gets a little spark of anticipation in his stomach, hoping Smythe had the chance to do his work!
Corrander flips his hand, and the key appears in it. He gives Balador a little smile. "Allow me, my beautiful one..." He slips the key into the door, turns the knob, and pushes the door open.

The room is filled with the freshest red roses. On the tables there is a vase filled with a boquet of roses. The bed is covered in rose petals and the walls are covered in hanging roses.
Balador claps her hand to her mouth and looks up at Corrander then back to the room. She takes his hand and brings him into the room and closes the door.
She turns to him with tears in her eyes and clasps his face with her hands bringing his lips to hers. "You beautiful, beautiful man..."

Corrander feels lighter than air!! Happier in that moment than he ever has before in his life! He surprised her! It worked! And she even has tears in her eyes!! He could do a jig around the room and crow to the sky, he's so pleased by her reaction! He wraps his arms around her and kisses her softly and tenderly. His family would NEVER believe this was the same Corrander if they saw him at this moment! A life-long cynic of love making real efforts to please a woman...and TRULY wanting her to be pleased!
When the kiss parts, he rests his forehead against hers, still holding her body to his. "Not all the roses the world could grow, but as close to it as could be gotten." he smiles gently.

Balador laughs through her tears of surprise and kisses his forehead. "No man has ever...or even thought of doing anything such as this for me, dear dear Corrander." she says.
She looks around the room again and then back into his eyes.
"Oh my dearest Corrander, I have not the words...not for this...you have surprised me in ways I thought no one ever could...how? How did you do it?"

Corrander laughs lightly and happily. "With the help of the best, most indispensible servant this side of Arcadia, my love! I assume you were a bit too distracted this afternoon to note the goings-on in room 136?" he grins slyly. "You must give that man a raise!" His sly smile melts into a genuine one. "Balador...I have never done such a thing for any woman before. You are the first I have truly wanted to bring happiness to."

"And happiness is what you have brought me here, Corrander. So much happiness since you arrived with the Gideons." she says. "Tell me Corrander," she says wrapping her arms around him. "Tell me what can I do...what can I do to bring you such happiness as you have given me...say it-- say the word and it shall be so..."

Corrander glances up, deep in though. "That is a powerful gift to give me, Balador...however you needn't worry for I will not abuse it." He thinks again. "A gift...a gift such as Alec has. A gift whereby if there is need that I may call to you from the earthly or spirit realm in the same way Alec was able to concentrate and contact you. Knowing that I had this connection with you would bring me great relief and happiness, my lady." Corrander takes her hand and brings it to his lips. "If it is possible, of course." he quickly adds.

She nods and walks over to her dresser and opens one of the drawers. She pulls out a small jewelry box. "I have only given out one of these." she says as she walks over to Corrander. "Give me your hand."

Corrander watches her with hopeful eyes, and holds out his hand.

Balador opens the jewelry box and pulls out a simple ring. She places it on his right hand ring finger. "With this you may call me and I will come. I will open a bridge and you will know where to find it should you wish to come back." she says. "You may use it anytime anywhere, but never take it off from this day on or it will lose its connection here."

Corrander nods quickly. "I can promise you I will not, my dearest. Never." He looks down at the ring, inspecting it with an eye for such things-- being the son of a master jewel-crafter. It is a simple silver band cut from width to width with deep, black lines all the way around.
He looks back up at Balador and nods. "Thank you...I have not the words to tell you the value this has to me...though the same could be said about you, as well." He reaches his hand up and runs it through her long, dark hair. "If this is such an age that those who you welcome to your busom do not show you the proper gratitude, then I am thankful to have been given the chance to bring you something long-denied. Our situations may not lend to the cultivating of a traditional relationship together, but whenever you need me, you have only to call, lovely lady." he says in a voice Balador has not hear him use before. Very...regal-sounding.

"I may take you up on that offer, Corrander..." she says kissing him softly at first and then passionately.

Meanwhile in the Gideons' room...

Alec sets Simone down in the crib and then stretches. He yawns and then looks at his watch. "We ought to hit the sack, love. We have a big day tomorrow. Home sweet home here we come." he says rubbing his hands together. "Jake will be so happy to have his video game partner back."

Nettle-- feeling an unexpected excitement at being reminded about going home-- laughs and hugs Ian tightly to her. "Just remember that you're not off the diaper-patrol, Alec! That's all I ask!" She smiles down at Ian. "Hey baby boy! Excited to see your home? Oooh we'll have to get to work on creating a nursery for when you two are old enough to sleep in your own room! Won't you like that, Ian? Not having to be in the same room as Mommy and Daddy when Daddy makes those bear-growling-sounds and jumps on Mommy?" Nettle laughs hard, which makes Ian laugh hard, and he pats his hands on her bare shoulders. Then he moves his hand up and grabs the amulet-- always his favorite trick-- and then makes a loud exclaimation that sounds like "gah!" Nettle laughs proudly. "Good Ian trying to talk!!"

"Hah ha," Alec says rolling his eyes. "Very funny love. Maybe daddy won't make the bear-noise and jump on mommy anymore if it distresses her," he says making a face at Nettle. He takes off his jacket and shirt and then pants and hops into bed.

Nettle laughs and sticks her tongue out at Alec. "Hey-- I didnt say it distressed ME, baby!" She carefully pries Ian's hands off of the amulet and turns him over so he's laying tummy-down on her arms, and then starts to rock him gently while walking around the room. "Go to sleep...baby boy..." she sings hypnotically, and soon Ian is fast asleep. She walks carefully over to the crib and lays him down and then pads over to the bed and gets in beside Alec.
"One more night...one more class...then we're home." she sighs as she snuggles up to her husband.

The rest of the night the couples spend in each others' arms. Balador and Corrander awake at first light and spend the morning making love until it is time to meet the Gideons after Nettle's class. Nettle and Alec awaken to a familiar knocking, and Nettle quickly dresses and heads to her last class. Alec spends the morning packing and getting ready to leave.
The class goes well, and at the end the teacher asks Nettle to stay a moment.

Nettle feels worry tighten her stomach, and she clutches her booklet to her chest like a little kid who thinks they're in trouble. She waves and smiles to Little Romeo as he leaves-- even though she knows he's just a part of Balador's little joke-classroom. Then she exhales and turns to face the teacher with nervous eyes. "I'm sorry I was late yesterday and so tired..." she begins.

"It's not about that, Mrs. Gideon. I just wanted to say how well you've done in my class. I am very impressed," she says. "You have a good grasp of what's going on out there and your skill with magic is comperable to mine. I have no problem letting you out of class now."

Nettle, surprised, smiles excitedly. "Really? Well...thank you very much! That's very relieving to hear! I mean, not that I don't THINK I'm ready, but it's, er, good to hear from someone else!" Nettle holds out her hand to shake the teacher's hand. "Thank you for your patience with me. I really appreciate it."

"My pleasure, Mrs. Gideon." She looks at her watch and grimaces. "I must leave now, Mrs. Gideon. I'm late," she says as she shows Nettle to the door. "Farewell, Mrs. Gideon and good luck."

Nettle nods and waves. "Bye!" She turns and practically skips down the hallway and back to the suite.
She opens the door to see Alec trying to shut he and Simone's suitcase. "Oh boy...I forgot about all those new clothes the twins got! Think we need a suitcase just for them now? Or should we...MAKE them fit?" she grins and wiggles her eyebrows.

Alec smiles and points over to a new piece of luggage. "Mrs. Spiffle brought this." he jerks his thumb towards Corrander's room. "She's in there packing for him. I guess he's spending the time before we leave with Balador."

"Ooh! How nice of her! We're going to be loaded down coming out, aren't we! All the paintings...new clothes...hopefully Balador can drop us off as close to the chantry as possible!" Nettle grabs the new suitcase and sets it on the bed, and then packs in all the things that didn't fit in the original two suitcases. Finally all packed!
"There! All done! Now I just need to work my magick on this one, like I did with the others."
Nettle slings her foci-bag over her head and one shoulder so it slings diagonally across her chest, and then pulls out her rectangular purple sunglasses and puts them on. She sits cross-legged on the bed in front of the suitcase, and then takes out and lights a small stick of incence and holds it over the suitcase until the end is smoking nicely. Then she concentrates...concentrates on the mass of the suitcase and how gravity affects it-- moving the incence over it with one hand while directing the smoke with her other hand-- until soon she has altered that relationship so that the suitcase is only affected enough to stay on the ground-- light enough to hold on the palm of one's hand!
She smiles and looks over at Simone through the sunglasses, giving her a peace-sign. "Smoothe, baby girl...reeeal smoothe..." she slurs, immitating Alec's dad.

Alec shakes his head, "Show off," he says zipping up the last bag.
Corrander's door opens and Mrs. Spiffle walks out.
"All done, Mr. Gideon," she says. "OH hello dearie," Mrs Spiffle says noticing Nettle.
"Getting ready are ye? I see ye've made yer bags lighter. Well Mr. Moonglow's bags are very light dearie you needn't worry about them," she says.

Nettle grins, getting up off of the bed. "Thanks, Mrs. Spiffle! That saves us a lot of time!" She looks around. "All done in here...are Corrander and Balador going to stay in bed until the last minute, or something??" Nettle-- looking around at all the baby-stuff on the floor-- finally comes up with a solution. She stacks one baby-carrier inside of the other, and then sets the two diaper bags inside of the top baby-carrier. Then she grabs the two baby-slings laying on the dresser and straps one of them on. "This should be interesting trying to get all this stuff out..." She hands Alec the other baby-sling.

Mrs Spiffle watches Nettle get ready to go with a sad look in her eye.
"Ye know dearies I'll miss ye. Ye've been like family here," she says.
Alec smiles at Mrs. Spiffle and puts his arm around. "Don't worry Mrs. Spiffle we'll be back," he says.

Nettle suddenly tears-up, silently cursing herself for being so easily moved to tears. "Oh Mrs. Spiffle-- you're the responsible parent I never had!" she cries, turning and wrapping her arms around her.
"We'll come back as much as we can-- don't worry! It'll be fun to see your reaction each time we come back and they're bigger and bigger...showing you the new things they can do..."

Mrs. Spiffle nods and puts her arm around Nettle. "Of course dearie and I'll make sure yer room is always tidy!" she says.

The door to the Gideons' suite opens, and in walks Corrander and Balador-- arms around each others' waists.
"Well, well, well...I always knew there must be something going on between Mrs. Spiffle and Nettle!" Corrander jokes with a sarcastic little smile.

Nettle continues hugging Mrs. Spiffle and sticks her tongue out at Corrander over Mrs. Spiffle's shoulder. "Oh like YOU have room to talk, you sex-maniac!" Nettle laughs.

Corrander blinks his eyes, raises his eyebrows, and puts a hand to his chest dramatically.
"Who...ME? Why you must have me confused with another handsome, charming Sidhe, Nettle, for I know not what you are talking about!" He pulls Balador tight to him and kisses her in such a way that even Nettle raises her eyebrows at Alec in surprise.

Alec looks at Nettle and smiles wriggling his eyebrows. "Well well," he says.

Balador kisses Corrander back and then releases the kiss. "I decided to let you have him back," she says jokingly. "I see you are ready to go," she says to them. "Balador is near your chantry...across the street to be exact. You will only have to run across the road," she says. "Is that close enough?"

Nettle looks at Corrander worriedly. "Is that close enough, Corrander?"

Corrander lifts his chin. "I will be fine."

Nettle turns back to Balador. "That's perfect-- thank you so much!" She lifts Ian out of his crib and slides him carefully into the baby-sling hanging in front of her. "OK baby boy, say good-bye!" she calls, moving him close to Mrs. Spiffle and then Balador. Nettle wipes her eyes when more surprise-tears come.

Mrs. Spiffle touches his head and smiles, "Take care wee one," she says bending to kiss him on the forehead. She looks over at Simone in her sling on Alec.
"Ye too little dear." she says kissing her forehead as well. Mrs. Spiffle Hugs Alec and then Nettle. "Well I'm not good with goodbyes so�" she says as she walks by Corrander. She hugs him as well. "So I'll say...see ye soon," she turns and leaves the room.

Nettle nods sadly, feeling like at any moment she's going to lose it and start crying.

Alec puts his arm around Nettle and smiles at her.

Corrander smiles wistfully. "Farewell, dear Mrs. Spiffle..." he calls fondly.

Nettle sighs and turns back to Balador. "OK, we're ready to go down." She reaches down and picks up the baby-carrier-conglomeration in one hand, and one of the big suitcases in the other.

Corrander excuses himself, walks into his suite, and a few seconds later comes out holding a large suitcase in one hand, and his paintings wrapped into a leather case in the other. His sword is strapped to his hip once more, and his cloak is hanging over his shoulders.
"Ready, indeed! Either being with my dearest Balador has given me incredible strength, or someone enchanted my luggage!" he grins.

Balador hugs Nettle and Alec. "Good luck and see you soon," she says with a smile. She turns to Corrander and smiles sadly.
"I will miss you, Corrander." She takes him in her arms and hugs him tightly.
"Until we meet again," she whispers in his ear.

Corrander closes his eyes tightly as he and Balador hug-- realizing that this is it-- and wills himself not to embarrass both of them with his tears. He holds her as long as he can while regaining his composure, and then reluctantly pulls back enough to see her. He nods-- lips tight with the effort to hold in his emotions-- and brushes the hair back from her face so he can memorize her features. Then he leans in and kisses her lips delicately. "Be well, my love..." he whispers, and then quickly bends and picks up his luggage. He nods to Nettle and Alec and then quickly lowers his eyes.

Balador motions towards their door. "All you have to do is open the door."

Nettle takes a deep breath and looks at Alec, and then sets down the suitcase long enough to open the door. Picking the suitcase back up, she looks over her shoulder and smiles one last time at Balador. "Thank you..." she says, and then looks at Alec again. "Ready to re-join the world, baby?"

Alec nods and picks up his luggage. "Ready as I'll ever be, love. Corrander...let's go..." he says. The door opens wider and they step through...

Balador watches them step through the door and folds her hands in front of her. The door closes behind them and Balador turns her back to the door.
"Be well, my love..."

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