*Max*
I take Liz by the hand as we start out towards the Library. Walking down the long hallway, I can't help but smile back at Liz's earlier comment about two moody teenagers. It could be worse. It could have been three or four or more, I think although I would never trade away one minute of the time I've spent with Liz and our family. I know she wouldn't, either.
Having two toddlers when most kids aren't even out of college had been hard enough. We'd decided then, not to have more kids for a while. And later, after things got a bit more established, we never really got around to talking about having any others. I wonder what it would have been like if Tess had returned with both Xan and Xada? Would Liz still have been willing to take them as her own? I'm guessing she would. She has room in her heart for so many...
We make a turn at the end of the corridor and I pull her close, my arm looping around her waist. I remember her earlier thought about some private time and my lips move close to her ear, kissing her cheek. Unfortunately, this isn't the time or place for more, although right now I want it so much. Having her close makes all the rest of it seem more manageable. Even more kids...
I can only imagine what it might be like if we had two moody teenagers and a tiny one in diapers, too. It could still be completely possible, I'm sure, although I'm not so sure Liz would be interested in doing the mommy routine again -- not when she's so close to getting her doctorate degree.
Of course getting that degree would also depend on getting back to Earth before she falls too far behind in her classes. Right now, I have no idea if we'll be back in a day, a week, a month, or what the duration will eventually be. I get the feeling that Kyria expects me to turn over the seal and get out as quickly as possible. But I feel the Oracle expects something a great deal more than that... Still, what they want isn't the question. It's figuring out what's needed...
"Liz," I say softly as I move my head even closer to hers. "Thanks again for following me. It'll really help to have your thoughts on all this." I tell her. At least I'm not entirely alone...
We make one more turn, head down a flight of stairs and go left towards the library door. *I wish Michael and Isabel were here, too,* I tell her silently, somehow not willing to say that part aloud.
I wonder what Isabel and Michael would think to know that I have a daughter out here ruling as a de-facto Queen for the past six years. As much as it often annoyed me to have Michael disagree with almost everything, it was always good to have him around to point out other options, to make me sure that I'd concidered everything. I can't help but thing he'll be angry to discover things were decided without him...
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Children of the Vindicated (FF, Adult) Thread #1
Moderators: Anniepoo98, ISLANDGIRL5, Forum Moderators
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KatnotKath
- Roswell Fanatic
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- Location: UK
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Liz~
Walking along the corridor on the way to the library is nothing special of course…it’s perfectly normal, or as normal as it can be given we’re on a foreign planet… At the same time though, as ‘normal’ as it is, it’s nice, because I’m with Max…
There’s a possibility that we’re going to see Xada of course though…and I can’t say that doesn’t fill me with a little bit of trepidation… I meant what I said yesterday completely…I know that Max will want to get to know her, and I do too, but how she is going to react to me – she was brought up by Tess, and she wasn’t exactly my best friend…
Still, I’m somewhat relieved that Xan doesn’t seem to hate me… That was my biggest fear… He’s not my son, not biologically, but in my heart he is, and the idea that he might hate me was more than I could bear… I know that Max and I should probably have told him the truth before this, but there was just never a good time…
He and Sarah, along with Max, they are the most important things in my life… The kids haven’t made for an easy life, and I can’t honestly say that Sarah was planned, but that doesn’t make me love her any less… It was one time…our wedding night…every other time, both before and after, we used protection, but that night we needed for it to be us… It was all that it needed…all that was needed to give us the most wonderful ‘gift’. We hadn’t planned it, and it wasn’t ideal, but right from the day I realised, I never felt anything but happiness at the news. Our daughter was unplanned yes, but never unwanted…
Max’s lips kissing my cheek draw me back from my thoughts, and I realise that he’s slipped his arm around my waist. I smile softly, concentrating a moment and reaching out, wanting to feel that connection which exists between us…
It’s been a long time since it became a permenant thing, but how strong it is depends…most of the time, it’s just like a faint hum…hardly even noticeable in the background… Something comfortable, but yet unobtrusive… At other times though, it’s so strong that I know what he’s feeling, and he does the same…even that we could practically reach out and read the other’s thoughts…
Right now I need that…I need to feel that reassuring presence which lets me know that whatever else might be uncertain, the fact that I belong, that he wants me, is solid… I am his wife, and he is my husband…nothing will change that…
‘two moody teenagers and a tiny one in diapers, too…’
I’m not consciously trying to access his thoughts, but those words come across loud and clear, and I don’t think Max could have surprised me more if he had been trying to… Does he want that…? We haven’t talked about things like this for so long…
After Sarah, things were far from easy and we both agreed that we had to be careful… It had been one time, and we wouldn’t change it for the world, but two toddlers when you’re in college is plenty to deal with… Despite our efforts, we did actually have a scare, even before Sarah was out of diapers, and although I know I would have loved the baby had there been one, I can’t deny that I was relieved when it turned out to be just that, a scare… I had been really busy with school work, and it was only when I looked up at the calander to check a due date that I realised I was late… Those next few hours, waiting after I had called Max until he came home seemed like the longest of my life… I think we both knew that had there been another baby, finishing college would have been very unlikely if not impossible… Working, looking after the kids, studying…you can only handle so much, and we were at our limit right then…
Since then though, I don’t think we’ve ever really discussed the idea of trying for another baby… We finished college, started jobs…looking after Sarah and Xan was enough… It just never came up…
And now…now I guess we’re settled…we’re well established and not doing badly financial-wise back home… But then Max has the practice, and I have my docterate… It still hasn’t come up, and right now, if it did, I don’t know what I’d say…
“Liz…”
Max’s voice draws me out from my musings again, and I look up at him, wondering if this is all just my imagination… Is that really what he wants…or am I just reading something into a stray thought…?
I shake my head mentally, pushing the questions to the back of my mind although I know they’re going to have to be addressed at some point…
Max thanks me for staying with him, telling me that it’ll help to have my thoughts on the matter, and I nod looking up at him. “I’ll always be here…I promise…and I want to help any way I can…”
Continuing down the stairs now, we turn left and then stop in front of a door, and I hear Max’s voice in my head again. *I wish Michael and Isabel were here too…* He tells me, and I nod again, reaching for his free hand and squeezing it gently.
*I know…I do too, but we’ll work this out…we can do this…together… I’m going to be right here Max, right by your side as I promised…I’m not going anywhere…* I assure him softly as he reaches forward to push open the door.
Walking along the corridor on the way to the library is nothing special of course…it’s perfectly normal, or as normal as it can be given we’re on a foreign planet… At the same time though, as ‘normal’ as it is, it’s nice, because I’m with Max…
There’s a possibility that we’re going to see Xada of course though…and I can’t say that doesn’t fill me with a little bit of trepidation… I meant what I said yesterday completely…I know that Max will want to get to know her, and I do too, but how she is going to react to me – she was brought up by Tess, and she wasn’t exactly my best friend…
Still, I’m somewhat relieved that Xan doesn’t seem to hate me… That was my biggest fear… He’s not my son, not biologically, but in my heart he is, and the idea that he might hate me was more than I could bear… I know that Max and I should probably have told him the truth before this, but there was just never a good time…
He and Sarah, along with Max, they are the most important things in my life… The kids haven’t made for an easy life, and I can’t honestly say that Sarah was planned, but that doesn’t make me love her any less… It was one time…our wedding night…every other time, both before and after, we used protection, but that night we needed for it to be us… It was all that it needed…all that was needed to give us the most wonderful ‘gift’. We hadn’t planned it, and it wasn’t ideal, but right from the day I realised, I never felt anything but happiness at the news. Our daughter was unplanned yes, but never unwanted…
Max’s lips kissing my cheek draw me back from my thoughts, and I realise that he’s slipped his arm around my waist. I smile softly, concentrating a moment and reaching out, wanting to feel that connection which exists between us…
It’s been a long time since it became a permenant thing, but how strong it is depends…most of the time, it’s just like a faint hum…hardly even noticeable in the background… Something comfortable, but yet unobtrusive… At other times though, it’s so strong that I know what he’s feeling, and he does the same…even that we could practically reach out and read the other’s thoughts…
Right now I need that…I need to feel that reassuring presence which lets me know that whatever else might be uncertain, the fact that I belong, that he wants me, is solid… I am his wife, and he is my husband…nothing will change that…
‘two moody teenagers and a tiny one in diapers, too…’
I’m not consciously trying to access his thoughts, but those words come across loud and clear, and I don’t think Max could have surprised me more if he had been trying to… Does he want that…? We haven’t talked about things like this for so long…
After Sarah, things were far from easy and we both agreed that we had to be careful… It had been one time, and we wouldn’t change it for the world, but two toddlers when you’re in college is plenty to deal with… Despite our efforts, we did actually have a scare, even before Sarah was out of diapers, and although I know I would have loved the baby had there been one, I can’t deny that I was relieved when it turned out to be just that, a scare… I had been really busy with school work, and it was only when I looked up at the calander to check a due date that I realised I was late… Those next few hours, waiting after I had called Max until he came home seemed like the longest of my life… I think we both knew that had there been another baby, finishing college would have been very unlikely if not impossible… Working, looking after the kids, studying…you can only handle so much, and we were at our limit right then…
Since then though, I don’t think we’ve ever really discussed the idea of trying for another baby… We finished college, started jobs…looking after Sarah and Xan was enough… It just never came up…
And now…now I guess we’re settled…we’re well established and not doing badly financial-wise back home… But then Max has the practice, and I have my docterate… It still hasn’t come up, and right now, if it did, I don’t know what I’d say…
“Liz…”
Max’s voice draws me out from my musings again, and I look up at him, wondering if this is all just my imagination… Is that really what he wants…or am I just reading something into a stray thought…?
I shake my head mentally, pushing the questions to the back of my mind although I know they’re going to have to be addressed at some point…
Max thanks me for staying with him, telling me that it’ll help to have my thoughts on the matter, and I nod looking up at him. “I’ll always be here…I promise…and I want to help any way I can…”
Continuing down the stairs now, we turn left and then stop in front of a door, and I hear Max’s voice in my head again. *I wish Michael and Isabel were here too…* He tells me, and I nod again, reaching for his free hand and squeezing it gently.
*I know…I do too, but we’ll work this out…we can do this…together… I’m going to be right here Max, right by your side as I promised…I’m not going anywhere…* I assure him softly as he reaches forward to push open the door.
My fics:
Dreams and Reality
Reality Revealed
Family Connections
When Love and Loss Collide
When Friendship and Love Combine - New!
If Only...
The Important Thing
Home for Christmas
I Knew Him Before (PB fic)
Love Always...
The First Time Around - New!
Dreams and Reality
Reality Revealed
Family Connections
When Love and Loss Collide
When Friendship and Love Combine - New!
If Only...
The Important Thing
Home for Christmas
I Knew Him Before (PB fic)
Love Always...
The First Time Around - New!
*Max*
Opening the door to the library, I'm surprised to see it filled with young ladies of the court. Xada sits amoung them, next to the one man I see in the room. I remember him from yesterday. Skyler. I do wonder why the women are here and not some more comfortable place, such as the solara.
"Good Morning, Ladies," I say to them in Antarian, while telepathically relating the same to Liz in English so she'll be able to follow the conversation. I wonder what these ladies know of me. Do they know I'm Xadalyn's father or am I just a stranger in outlandish clothing, accompanied by a bizzarrely dressed woman? Most of Antar believes I'm dead, I know, but I also know that many of those who know the truth are here on the palace grounds...
Turning to Xadalyn, I greet her directly. "Good morning, Xadalyn. I hope you're feeling well today." I do not bow to her as formally as one normally would to a Queen, but she is not my leige. She's my daughter. And seeing as she hasn't officially taken the throne due to her age, I'm not sure if that is even an appropriate gesture for another to make at this time. Still, I nod to her in deference to her station and the office she's been holding for Antar since Tess's death, under the guardianship of the council.
"I did not expect to find you and your ladies here, but it is good to see you," I add, giving her a friendly smile. I know she doesn't know me as a father, but after all we went through yesterday and all the help I gave her, I'm sure it's not too much to concider myself her ally. If time allows, I'm sure we can also be friends.
Opening the door to the library, I'm surprised to see it filled with young ladies of the court. Xada sits amoung them, next to the one man I see in the room. I remember him from yesterday. Skyler. I do wonder why the women are here and not some more comfortable place, such as the solara.
"Good Morning, Ladies," I say to them in Antarian, while telepathically relating the same to Liz in English so she'll be able to follow the conversation. I wonder what these ladies know of me. Do they know I'm Xadalyn's father or am I just a stranger in outlandish clothing, accompanied by a bizzarrely dressed woman? Most of Antar believes I'm dead, I know, but I also know that many of those who know the truth are here on the palace grounds...
Turning to Xadalyn, I greet her directly. "Good morning, Xadalyn. I hope you're feeling well today." I do not bow to her as formally as one normally would to a Queen, but she is not my leige. She's my daughter. And seeing as she hasn't officially taken the throne due to her age, I'm not sure if that is even an appropriate gesture for another to make at this time. Still, I nod to her in deference to her station and the office she's been holding for Antar since Tess's death, under the guardianship of the council.
"I did not expect to find you and your ladies here, but it is good to see you," I add, giving her a friendly smile. I know she doesn't know me as a father, but after all we went through yesterday and all the help I gave her, I'm sure it's not too much to concider myself her ally. If time allows, I'm sure we can also be friends.
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Athenea
- Obsessed Roswellian
- Posts: 524
- Joined: Wed Nov 24, 2004 6:07 pm
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ooc:Skyler used with permission
~Xadalyn~
"I am perfectly apt to share the work." he says and its a good thing he looked away because the blush that rose to my cheeks was just embarrassing. "So, I have never noticed how beautiful this room was." he says and before he can awnser the door to the library opens and Skyler goes back into soldier mode, moving as far away from me as he can get, but when he sees who it is he relaxes.
"Good Morning, Ladies," by Father's voice rings out and the girls give him a polite nod but I also see the curiosity in there eyes. "Good morning, Xadalyn. I hope you're feeling well today." he says politly and I just simply nod while he finishes. "I did not expect to find you and your ladies here, but it is good to see you," he says and I give him the best smile I can manage but I know it isn't much.
For the first time since I have known Skyler he looks unsure of what to do. I don't know if he's usure of how to treat Max, bc techinacly he was still king, even though everyone thinks him dead. Or if it was the fact that moments before he was flirting with this man's daughter. I know that him and Dom and certainally exchanged words in the past though they kept there tempers in check in my presence, it was hard not to miss the death stares. But Max was my real father, and though Dom was a father figure to me, he did not out rank Skyler, but Max did.
"Perhaps..." Skyler says looking from Max back to me,"...perhaps I will escort the Ladies out into the garden." he says and I try and stop the panic in my eyes from showing. Me..be left alone with my father and his wife. We had been through so much but we were still strangers and I had no clue as to what I would say to him. Queens were supposed to be cold and distant and not form any real lasting attachments... hasn't that what I have been taught since my mother died...you have to seperate yourself from everything in order to rule with fairness. But now I had a new family that I know almost nothing about.
My panic turns to anger though as I hear Nara's annoying voice. "Oh Lord Anton a walk in the garden would be lovely. We should leave her majesty some time to spend with her...guests." she says eying Max and Liz and I think I'm going to kill her, but as usual Skyler sences my rising anger and puts a gentle hand on my shoulder giving it a little squeeze, a small gesture but one doesn't go unnoticed by others in the room, "Finish reading your book, I'll come and check on you later." he says quietly and he herds the girls out of the room giving Max a nod of respect as he passes him. Then the door shuts, leaving me alone with Max and Liz. Not really knowing of anything to say I just go back to reading. I figure they must have came in here for a reason, might as well not disturb them.
~Xadalyn~
"I am perfectly apt to share the work." he says and its a good thing he looked away because the blush that rose to my cheeks was just embarrassing. "So, I have never noticed how beautiful this room was." he says and before he can awnser the door to the library opens and Skyler goes back into soldier mode, moving as far away from me as he can get, but when he sees who it is he relaxes.
"Good Morning, Ladies," by Father's voice rings out and the girls give him a polite nod but I also see the curiosity in there eyes. "Good morning, Xadalyn. I hope you're feeling well today." he says politly and I just simply nod while he finishes. "I did not expect to find you and your ladies here, but it is good to see you," he says and I give him the best smile I can manage but I know it isn't much.
For the first time since I have known Skyler he looks unsure of what to do. I don't know if he's usure of how to treat Max, bc techinacly he was still king, even though everyone thinks him dead. Or if it was the fact that moments before he was flirting with this man's daughter. I know that him and Dom and certainally exchanged words in the past though they kept there tempers in check in my presence, it was hard not to miss the death stares. But Max was my real father, and though Dom was a father figure to me, he did not out rank Skyler, but Max did.
"Perhaps..." Skyler says looking from Max back to me,"...perhaps I will escort the Ladies out into the garden." he says and I try and stop the panic in my eyes from showing. Me..be left alone with my father and his wife. We had been through so much but we were still strangers and I had no clue as to what I would say to him. Queens were supposed to be cold and distant and not form any real lasting attachments... hasn't that what I have been taught since my mother died...you have to seperate yourself from everything in order to rule with fairness. But now I had a new family that I know almost nothing about.
My panic turns to anger though as I hear Nara's annoying voice. "Oh Lord Anton a walk in the garden would be lovely. We should leave her majesty some time to spend with her...guests." she says eying Max and Liz and I think I'm going to kill her, but as usual Skyler sences my rising anger and puts a gentle hand on my shoulder giving it a little squeeze, a small gesture but one doesn't go unnoticed by others in the room, "Finish reading your book, I'll come and check on you later." he says quietly and he herds the girls out of the room giving Max a nod of respect as he passes him. Then the door shuts, leaving me alone with Max and Liz. Not really knowing of anything to say I just go back to reading. I figure they must have came in here for a reason, might as well not disturb them.
*Max*
I notice that Xadalyn doesn't speak to me at all, not even to say hello. I also notice how close Skyler seems to be to her. Touching her shoulder to calm her, before contriving an outing to get the ladies out of the room. The one woman referred to us only as Xadalyn's guests. That doesn't tell me anything about what they do or don't know about who I am...
I relay the conversation in English to Liz, telepathically, as the women file out of the room, most of them actively vying for Skyler's attention.
I step towards Xadalyn, wondering what I should say to her. Maybe I should take a cue from her silence and ignore her, too, but I don't want to do that. "Xadalyn, I'm sorry if I disturbed you." I tell her, but then I stop short as I notice the painting a few feet to her left.
My breath stops as I see her. It's Tess. Almost against my will, I find myself walking closer to the portrait. "She looks amazing," I manage to say. She really does. She looks absolutely stunning. Regal. Even more beautiful than I remembered. It's completely obvious that this is a Queen. It seemed the role here suited her, although she only held it for a few years before her death. I guess she deserved that. I owe her a debt for keeping Xadalyn safe all those years in hiding and for her role in defeating Khivar and reclaiming the throne.
Queen Avalyn Tessana Arrios, it says. She was using my name. We were never married while she wore that body. I remember how she still claimed to be my wife even as she left in the granolith, but I've always thought that marriage had ended when we died the first time. Somehow, I can see 'Queen.' She deserved that as regent for Xadalyn, but 'Arrios' just doesn't seem right...
Seeing Tess like that, looking so beautiful, makes me feel the same need as always. I need Liz. I reach for her hand, giving it a squeeze, assuring myself that she's still there.
I notice that Xadalyn doesn't speak to me at all, not even to say hello. I also notice how close Skyler seems to be to her. Touching her shoulder to calm her, before contriving an outing to get the ladies out of the room. The one woman referred to us only as Xadalyn's guests. That doesn't tell me anything about what they do or don't know about who I am...
I relay the conversation in English to Liz, telepathically, as the women file out of the room, most of them actively vying for Skyler's attention.
I step towards Xadalyn, wondering what I should say to her. Maybe I should take a cue from her silence and ignore her, too, but I don't want to do that. "Xadalyn, I'm sorry if I disturbed you." I tell her, but then I stop short as I notice the painting a few feet to her left.
My breath stops as I see her. It's Tess. Almost against my will, I find myself walking closer to the portrait. "She looks amazing," I manage to say. She really does. She looks absolutely stunning. Regal. Even more beautiful than I remembered. It's completely obvious that this is a Queen. It seemed the role here suited her, although she only held it for a few years before her death. I guess she deserved that. I owe her a debt for keeping Xadalyn safe all those years in hiding and for her role in defeating Khivar and reclaiming the throne.
Queen Avalyn Tessana Arrios, it says. She was using my name. We were never married while she wore that body. I remember how she still claimed to be my wife even as she left in the granolith, but I've always thought that marriage had ended when we died the first time. Somehow, I can see 'Queen.' She deserved that as regent for Xadalyn, but 'Arrios' just doesn't seem right...
Seeing Tess like that, looking so beautiful, makes me feel the same need as always. I need Liz. I reach for her hand, giving it a squeeze, assuring myself that she's still there.
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Athenea
- Obsessed Roswellian
- Posts: 524
- Joined: Wed Nov 24, 2004 6:07 pm
- Location: Down South
- Contact:
~Xadalyn~
"Xadalyn, I'm sorry if I disturbed you." He says and then his eyes land on my mother’s portrait. "She looks amazing,"
I shut my book but I don’t get up. At least this topic I know something about. “It was painted shortly after Khivar’s forces were defeated and we came to live at the castle.” I tell them. And for the first time I remember they are still wearing clothing from Earth, and I had forgotten about the banquet tonight that was being help to celebrate my birthday. Liz and Sarah would defiantly need a gown. “There’s a banquet being held tonight, you are welcome to come. “ I tell them.
But my question I direct at Liz, “I can have a seamstress sent to your room later to make you and Sarah your own gowns, if you would like.” I say giving her a shy smile. I wasn’t really sure where any of this was going, but at least maybe I could gain a friendship.
"Xadalyn, I'm sorry if I disturbed you." He says and then his eyes land on my mother’s portrait. "She looks amazing,"
I shut my book but I don’t get up. At least this topic I know something about. “It was painted shortly after Khivar’s forces were defeated and we came to live at the castle.” I tell them. And for the first time I remember they are still wearing clothing from Earth, and I had forgotten about the banquet tonight that was being help to celebrate my birthday. Liz and Sarah would defiantly need a gown. “There’s a banquet being held tonight, you are welcome to come. “ I tell them.
But my question I direct at Liz, “I can have a seamstress sent to your room later to make you and Sarah your own gowns, if you would like.” I say giving her a shy smile. I wasn’t really sure where any of this was going, but at least maybe I could gain a friendship.
-
KatnotKath
- Roswell Fanatic
- Posts: 1130
- Joined: Wed May 21, 2003 5:54 am
- Location: UK
- Contact:
~Liz~
I don’t know what I was hoping for, but I certainly didn’t expect to find the library full of young ladies… Of course there’s one that catches my eye – Xada – and once again I wonder for a moment just how we all fit in here…
Maybe it’s simple for Max, or then again maybe its not… All his life, when coming back to Antar has been mentioned, it was as the ‘King’…the monach… And now…well I don’t know… Xada is ‘Queen’ as far as the people of Antar are concerned…
I shake my head mentally, finding my mind going places I don’t want it to as little insecurities creep back into my mind. Max is providing me with an ongoing commentary or translation of the things he is saying, and I try to focus my thoughts on that rather than anything else.
One thing is for certain…if our stay ends up being more long term – something which at the moment I honestly don’t know – I definitely need to try and pick up at least a few phrases… It would be nice to be able to know I could at least greet anyone without needing them to speak English or using a translator…
As Max greets Xada, I note that he doesn’t bow, or address her as ‘your highness’… Of course whatever the formal title given is, he’s still her father, and a part of the royal family, so maybe that explains it… For myself, I’m not too certain how I should greet her… Certainly I used her title yesterday when she indicated that she wished to rest and instructed for us to be shown to guest rooms, but more than anything that was a gesture, a symbol… I needed a way to try and make-peace as such, and that was what I came up with…
Whatever else might, or might not be true, Xada isn’t my queen though… If truth be told, she’s my step-daughter, although I’m not intending to point out that fact. It’ll be enough just to get to know her for Xada I think…
In the end, I decide to take a risk – and hope that neither she, nor Max, have a problem with it. “Xadalyn…” I offer a smile and slight nod in similar way to Max.
She doesn’t however seem to make any response to either of us, bar a nod of the head. I can’t help noticing the way she looks at Skylar though… I may be imagining things that aren’t there, but I have a feeling I recognise that look…
Skylar moves, arranging the ‘removal’ of the ladies, and as I listen, albeit second hand, to the conversation which follows, I raise my eyebrows in slight amusement although then can’t help feeling a little awkward as I notice the way some of the ladies are looking at the two of us. Compared to their clothes, and the dress here on Antar it seems, we are indeed something of oddities, and I never did like being centre of attention…
Max begins to apologise for the interruption to Xada, switching into English again now that we’re alone, but then stops dead. I follow his gaze, and find something of a cold blanket – although not physically - settle over me. Tess…looking more like a queen than I have ever seen…
“She looks amazing…”
Max is right, but that doesn’t mean I want to hear it… The words cut into me, and much as I tell myself it’s not important, I can’t deny it makes me feel uneasy…
Despite the fact that I want to, I can’t seem to tear my eyes away from the painting… The symbols over it look strangely familiar…as though I’ve seen them somewhere before…
*My name…she’s using my name…*
As I hear Max in my head, it dawns on me exactly where I have seen the last group of symbols before. It’s been a long time now, but over the years Max has remembered various things about his past life. Names were one… He showed me his once, what it would look like in Antarian… Even showed me it after my own… Just as in normal life, with, I’ve never seen anything that looks more right… Evans or Arrios…his name looks just perfect… Well, until I see Tess’ before it – it takes little to fill in the gaps - and now that I know why it looks familiar, the sight of his name next to hers makes me freeze… No…that’s not right… In their past lives yes, but not now… She wasn’t his wife…
*…That’s so wrong…I gave you my name, not her… Only you…* Max’s words help to wash away my unease and his hand squeezing mine brings me back to the present. I look up at him, the sight of the love in his eyes as always never failing to bring a smile to my face. *Thank you…*
Xadalyn tells us about when it was painted, and then suddenly she mentions a banquet, inviting her to come.
I’m a little surprised, but far more so by her next words. It’s not so much the offer, but the tone of her voice, and the way that she’s looking at me. For the first time since we got here, she’s actually talking directly to me, and I don’t see the hate in her eyes that I feared…
Taking a breath, I look back at her and return her smile. “Thank you Xadalyn…that’s very kind of you…”
I don’t know what I was hoping for, but I certainly didn’t expect to find the library full of young ladies… Of course there’s one that catches my eye – Xada – and once again I wonder for a moment just how we all fit in here…
Maybe it’s simple for Max, or then again maybe its not… All his life, when coming back to Antar has been mentioned, it was as the ‘King’…the monach… And now…well I don’t know… Xada is ‘Queen’ as far as the people of Antar are concerned…
I shake my head mentally, finding my mind going places I don’t want it to as little insecurities creep back into my mind. Max is providing me with an ongoing commentary or translation of the things he is saying, and I try to focus my thoughts on that rather than anything else.
One thing is for certain…if our stay ends up being more long term – something which at the moment I honestly don’t know – I definitely need to try and pick up at least a few phrases… It would be nice to be able to know I could at least greet anyone without needing them to speak English or using a translator…
As Max greets Xada, I note that he doesn’t bow, or address her as ‘your highness’… Of course whatever the formal title given is, he’s still her father, and a part of the royal family, so maybe that explains it… For myself, I’m not too certain how I should greet her… Certainly I used her title yesterday when she indicated that she wished to rest and instructed for us to be shown to guest rooms, but more than anything that was a gesture, a symbol… I needed a way to try and make-peace as such, and that was what I came up with…
Whatever else might, or might not be true, Xada isn’t my queen though… If truth be told, she’s my step-daughter, although I’m not intending to point out that fact. It’ll be enough just to get to know her for Xada I think…
In the end, I decide to take a risk – and hope that neither she, nor Max, have a problem with it. “Xadalyn…” I offer a smile and slight nod in similar way to Max.
She doesn’t however seem to make any response to either of us, bar a nod of the head. I can’t help noticing the way she looks at Skylar though… I may be imagining things that aren’t there, but I have a feeling I recognise that look…
Skylar moves, arranging the ‘removal’ of the ladies, and as I listen, albeit second hand, to the conversation which follows, I raise my eyebrows in slight amusement although then can’t help feeling a little awkward as I notice the way some of the ladies are looking at the two of us. Compared to their clothes, and the dress here on Antar it seems, we are indeed something of oddities, and I never did like being centre of attention…
Max begins to apologise for the interruption to Xada, switching into English again now that we’re alone, but then stops dead. I follow his gaze, and find something of a cold blanket – although not physically - settle over me. Tess…looking more like a queen than I have ever seen…
“She looks amazing…”
Max is right, but that doesn’t mean I want to hear it… The words cut into me, and much as I tell myself it’s not important, I can’t deny it makes me feel uneasy…
Despite the fact that I want to, I can’t seem to tear my eyes away from the painting… The symbols over it look strangely familiar…as though I’ve seen them somewhere before…
*My name…she’s using my name…*
As I hear Max in my head, it dawns on me exactly where I have seen the last group of symbols before. It’s been a long time now, but over the years Max has remembered various things about his past life. Names were one… He showed me his once, what it would look like in Antarian… Even showed me it after my own… Just as in normal life, with, I’ve never seen anything that looks more right… Evans or Arrios…his name looks just perfect… Well, until I see Tess’ before it – it takes little to fill in the gaps - and now that I know why it looks familiar, the sight of his name next to hers makes me freeze… No…that’s not right… In their past lives yes, but not now… She wasn’t his wife…
*…That’s so wrong…I gave you my name, not her… Only you…* Max’s words help to wash away my unease and his hand squeezing mine brings me back to the present. I look up at him, the sight of the love in his eyes as always never failing to bring a smile to my face. *Thank you…*
Xadalyn tells us about when it was painted, and then suddenly she mentions a banquet, inviting her to come.
I’m a little surprised, but far more so by her next words. It’s not so much the offer, but the tone of her voice, and the way that she’s looking at me. For the first time since we got here, she’s actually talking directly to me, and I don’t see the hate in her eyes that I feared…
Taking a breath, I look back at her and return her smile. “Thank you Xadalyn…that’s very kind of you…”
My fics:
Dreams and Reality
Reality Revealed
Family Connections
When Love and Loss Collide
When Friendship and Love Combine - New!
If Only...
The Important Thing
Home for Christmas
I Knew Him Before (PB fic)
Love Always...
The First Time Around - New!
Dreams and Reality
Reality Revealed
Family Connections
When Love and Loss Collide
When Friendship and Love Combine - New!
If Only...
The Important Thing
Home for Christmas
I Knew Him Before (PB fic)
Love Always...
The First Time Around - New!
Kyria
"What's it like, living here, growing up here?I feel like I've missed out on a lifetime's worth of wonders." Xan asks.
"You haven't missed out on so much." I say calmly looking into the eyes of Xan. "You have had a great life with your family on Earth. Could you imagine if you had been here, trying to run and fight for Antar?..... Growing up here for me has been different from most. Growing up I was trained to fight and defend... not really a normal child hood I guess... especially as compared to Earth." As I talk I walk closer to the ledge and sit down as my feet dangle off.
"What's it like, living here, growing up here?I feel like I've missed out on a lifetime's worth of wonders." Xan asks.
"You haven't missed out on so much." I say calmly looking into the eyes of Xan. "You have had a great life with your family on Earth. Could you imagine if you had been here, trying to run and fight for Antar?..... Growing up here for me has been different from most. Growing up I was trained to fight and defend... not really a normal child hood I guess... especially as compared to Earth." As I talk I walk closer to the ledge and sit down as my feet dangle off.
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Athenea
- Obsessed Roswellian
- Posts: 524
- Joined: Wed Nov 24, 2004 6:07 pm
- Location: Down South
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~Xadalyn~
“Thank you Xadalyn…that’s very kind of you…” Liz says to me with a smile. I had a feeling we would have tension between us, but I am not a child and I think I can handle it as an adult would. “ Its my pleasure.” I tell her before Dom comes stomping in, ruining any serene mood a library might have.
“Your security is way to weak for the palace!” He says angrily flailing his newly healed hands into the air, not even noticing Max and Liz standing there. Dom’s anger sends most grown men running for there lives but after knowing him for so long, I know how to handle him.
“Dom, you trained my security.” I say calmly and turn my attention back to my book, letting him mull over my words so that maybe he’ll see that there are other people in the room so that maybe he won’t make a spectacle of himself.
However all hopes of this end when someone else walks in. Someone who Dom can take his anger out on. Skyler and Dom have been at each other’s throats for years and I’ve never understood why except that maybe because Skyler now held Dom’s old job. But Dom left those duties behind when mother became Queen so I really don’t understand why there is so much tension between them.
“Why was she in here all by herself? Where were you? Off doing a handmaiden I suppose.” Dom yells at Skyler and I know about to get ugly. Skyler is about to react with a even more repulsive response but I interrupt them.
Without looking up from my book I simply say in a calm but authoritive voice. “Gentlemen. Do not make me get out of this chair.”
I can practically hear the anger steaming off both of them but they hold there tongues. “Apologies, My Lady.” Dom says but I know right now he’s giving a look to Skyler that says this arguments not over as he stomps out of the room. I hear Skyler about to follow Dom out of the room. Probably so he can finish this fight without me knowing about it.
But as he opens the door I say. “Lord Anton will you go make sure the landing platform is ready for our guests.” I say knowing that if he is doing that he can’t track down Dom. “Yes, My Queen.” He says before bowing and leaving the room.
It is only then that I look away from my book at up at Liz and my father. “My apologies. Those two have been trying to kill each other for years. They are usually more subtle about it though.”
“Thank you Xadalyn…that’s very kind of you…” Liz says to me with a smile. I had a feeling we would have tension between us, but I am not a child and I think I can handle it as an adult would. “ Its my pleasure.” I tell her before Dom comes stomping in, ruining any serene mood a library might have.
“Your security is way to weak for the palace!” He says angrily flailing his newly healed hands into the air, not even noticing Max and Liz standing there. Dom’s anger sends most grown men running for there lives but after knowing him for so long, I know how to handle him.
“Dom, you trained my security.” I say calmly and turn my attention back to my book, letting him mull over my words so that maybe he’ll see that there are other people in the room so that maybe he won’t make a spectacle of himself.
However all hopes of this end when someone else walks in. Someone who Dom can take his anger out on. Skyler and Dom have been at each other’s throats for years and I’ve never understood why except that maybe because Skyler now held Dom’s old job. But Dom left those duties behind when mother became Queen so I really don’t understand why there is so much tension between them.
“Why was she in here all by herself? Where were you? Off doing a handmaiden I suppose.” Dom yells at Skyler and I know about to get ugly. Skyler is about to react with a even more repulsive response but I interrupt them.
Without looking up from my book I simply say in a calm but authoritive voice. “Gentlemen. Do not make me get out of this chair.”
I can practically hear the anger steaming off both of them but they hold there tongues. “Apologies, My Lady.” Dom says but I know right now he’s giving a look to Skyler that says this arguments not over as he stomps out of the room. I hear Skyler about to follow Dom out of the room. Probably so he can finish this fight without me knowing about it.
But as he opens the door I say. “Lord Anton will you go make sure the landing platform is ready for our guests.” I say knowing that if he is doing that he can’t track down Dom. “Yes, My Queen.” He says before bowing and leaving the room.
It is only then that I look away from my book at up at Liz and my father. “My apologies. Those two have been trying to kill each other for years. They are usually more subtle about it though.”
Alexander
"You haven't missed out on so much. You have had a great life with your family on Earth. Could you imagine if you had been here, trying to run and fight for Antar?" she pointed out. She was right- I did enjoy my life, or at least, my childhood, unlike Xadalyn who had lost it after our mother's death. And perhaps Kyria, too. This she voiced as if she had read my thoughts, or I hers.
"Growing up here for me has been different from most. Growing up I was trained to fight and defend... not really a normal child hood I guess... especially as compared to Earth," she said as she moved toward the ledge and sat down, letting her feet dangle.
I continued to stand, silent for a while. My childhood had been of games and toys and Barney- and Kyria's? What life did she have to look forward to, even now? Was she going to stay a protector forever? Was that really what she wanted?
"There's a vast expanse of excitement out there, of wonders and of dreams," I said, looking out at the Antarian skies. "Surely you don't intend to spend of the rest of your life running after my sister and attacking goons?"
Maybe I was being insensitive. But didn't she, like everyone else, have a right to choose? Did she really choose to remain the way she was? Or was she bound to it?
"You haven't missed out on so much. You have had a great life with your family on Earth. Could you imagine if you had been here, trying to run and fight for Antar?" she pointed out. She was right- I did enjoy my life, or at least, my childhood, unlike Xadalyn who had lost it after our mother's death. And perhaps Kyria, too. This she voiced as if she had read my thoughts, or I hers.
"Growing up here for me has been different from most. Growing up I was trained to fight and defend... not really a normal child hood I guess... especially as compared to Earth," she said as she moved toward the ledge and sat down, letting her feet dangle.
I continued to stand, silent for a while. My childhood had been of games and toys and Barney- and Kyria's? What life did she have to look forward to, even now? Was she going to stay a protector forever? Was that really what she wanted?
"There's a vast expanse of excitement out there, of wonders and of dreams," I said, looking out at the Antarian skies. "Surely you don't intend to spend of the rest of your life running after my sister and attacking goons?"
Maybe I was being insensitive. But didn't she, like everyone else, have a right to choose? Did she really choose to remain the way she was? Or was she bound to it?