Roswell Fanatics

OOC: sorry, I know it's been a loooong time... I've had some major writer's block but hoping I'm getting through it now. Again I'm playing catch up to an extent, and I hope this works. If I need to change anything say.

~Liz~

A moment later, Xan joins us, and I can’t tell you how wonderful it feels as he gives me a quick kiss on the cheek. Whether Max and I were right to keep the truth about his birth mother from him for so long I don’t know, but I know that in my heart, the way I feel about him, I was never lying… I love Xan as a son… I didn’t give birth to him, but from the moment I first held him I loved him, and I would never have treated him any differently to if he were my own biologically…

My son – I can’t make myself not call him that – says that he hopes he’s not too late, and Max quickly assures him he’s not.

I note that Xada hasn’t made any comment to what I said, and at this moment in time I’m not too sure whether that’s good or bad… She just spoke to Kyria in Antarian, effectively keeping it private, and now she holds out her hand to Xan, who takes it and sits down next to her.

Watching the two of them together really is amazing… You would never think that they only met each other for the first time yesterday…they already look so right together… They’re not identical of course…Xan looks a lot like Max, and Xada…well, I guess she looks a lot like Tess…

As Xada says they’re ready, Max nods and then checks whether or not she wants Kyria to stay. Her response, confirming this and then likening her relationship with Kyria with that of Max with Michael

She seems a little surprised that Michael wasn’t with us when Kyria came first back on earth. The fact is though, that although Michael is Max’s second, much as it might be different here, Michael has his own life, with Maria… We’re great friends, and even if we’re not all still in Roswell the whole group is still very close, but the fact is that on Earth, the important thing isn’t that Max is a ‘King’…the important thing is friends and family…and living as normal a life as we can…

Max agrees to her staying, and continues on with the story. I bite my lip as I listen to him recount the tail of what happened and I remember that day in the jeep when Max told me what had happened…

"Why didn't you? Why didn't you come here with our- our mother?"

I draw in a breath as I hear Xan unable to keep from tensing. I know that it’s right for him to call Tess that…it’s just I’m scared…scared of losing my son…

Max squeezes my hand, offering reassurance over our connection and it’s exactly what I need. I know that he’s right…

*Here comes the hard part* As Max pauses, I can see him thinking about what he has to say next and I squeeze his hand back, wanting to show him I’m here for him. I’m always here…

He takes another breath and then continues, explaining exactly what happened… “I had to let her go with you because she’d mind-warped me into believing that you couldn’t survive on Earth. It was the hardest thing I’d ever done and I’d tried for a year to find a way to follow you here, to save you, but in the end, Tess came back and brought Xan to me. She said Khivar was going to kill him but she never mentioned you, Xadalyn.”

Ending by saying he’s happy Tess chose in the end to work against Khivar, I can see thia isn’t going down well with Xada… Not that it would be expected that it would… I mean Tess was her mother,,,she raised her, and from everything that has been said it’s obvious that the Tess, or Ava, that she knew was someone quite different from the girl we all knew,,,

I remember that day at the cave, and the year that followed. I remember watching Max in so much anguish, wanting nothing more than to find his son and save him… I remember making the decision to be with him through all that, the things we did, the consequences that came with our actions… We have criminal records in Utah…Max and I… I guess they’ll be sealed by now, but they’re still there… I held a gun, we stole a diamond… But as Max says, in the end those efforts came to an end, and just as Max had accepted, reluctantly, that there was nothing more he could do, Tess returned…

I remember how Max came out of the house when I returned with Xan after Tess ‘died’… I remember that silent look, and the way he came and picked up his son… I remember watching him for what seemed like an age as we went inside, and sitting with him all night… We talked for so long, the main focus being on the baby in his arms, and eventually, I asked to hold him…

It was so strange, and then yet at the same time so right…

I’m drawn out of my thoughts as Xada begins to deny this could be true, refusing to believe. I notice that Kyria has left, but right now she’s not my concern… Xan, Xada, and Sarah are…

Max tries to explain, as gently as possible, to convince her he’s telling the truth, and Xan in turn asks one of the hardest questions so far… What did she do…who did she kill…?

“Alex…”

His answer confuses the two of them for a moment I think, but Max then provides some clarification. An image of him comes into my head, the Prom…the last time we were all together… Playing with him when we were younger… Memories spring to my head, one by one, and then finally, they’re gone, replaced by the image of his headstone…of the coffin… I feel as though I’m choking and I swallow, trying to block out the images. Unfortunately, memories aren’t like flashes though are they…? Flashes I can probably create a block, a wall against, but memories are already in my head, just waiting to be released… I turned the key, unlocking things which I have kept closed away at the back of my mind for so long and I bite my lip, taking one breath after another as I try not to completely lose it…

Xan looks torn, unsure whether to believe or not… Understandably reluctant perhaps, not wanting to believe someone could do that, but then knowing that his father doesn’t lie…

Xada is less convinced of course. She speaks calmly and rationally, saying that Tess had warned her about the dangers, but still refusing to admit that she would have made a deal with Khivar… I don’t know what to think, but as she asks to make a connection, and I see Max look over at me, I shake my head, knowing he was going to ask if I wanted to be part of it and also knowing this is something for him and the two ‘children’. *I’ll contact Sarah…I think it’s about time she was included too…* I tell him silently as I stand and step back, allowing the three of them the space they need as I concentrate on speaking to my daughter. *Sarah honey…your father and I are in the library…Xan and Xada are here too…do you want to join us…I think there’s some stuff we need to talk about…*

OOC -- I'm particularly confused at how Kyria knew about Kyle's involvement and how she knew that Justin was Kyle's son.

*Max*

I can see that Alexander is a bit overwhelmed. I know it's a lot for him to have to handle all at once. But as much as I know he's finding it hard to believe, I can see that he does believe it. He just needs time to assimilate the information. It's only fair.

Xadalyn is another matter. The Tess that she's always known as a mother was not the traitor and murderer; she was a mother. And I'm quite sure she loved our daughter.

“She warned me not to use the mind warp on humans, that their minds were to weak to support it and if used over an extensive amount of time the mind would break. She said she learned that the hard way, I guess that’s what she was talking about.” Xada says. I try to hide the frown that comes to me. That Tess could have talked about Alex's death as nothing more than a learning experience is hard to fathom.

“But I still don’t believe she would make a deal with Khivar. Prove it to us. Let us connect with you and show us.” she demands.

I'm not surprised that she's having a hard time believing it, but connecting brings a lot of other issues. As hard as it was for her to hear the words, it's going to be a hundred times harder to be there and feel the things I was feeling at the time. Still, it may be the only way to convince her of the truth.

I noticed she said 'us' which is good. There's no way I would leave Xan out of it. He needs to know as much as she does. Still, the automatic way they've become a team is amazing to see. You'd never guess they'd only met yesterday for the first time in 16 years.

I glance back at Liz for a moment, thinking that she was there, too. Her memories would be just as useful -- but then, she's still a stranger to Xadalyn. It might not be a good idea. *Do you think you'd like to be part of this?* I ask anyway, not wanting to leave her out.

Liz shakes her head, agreeing with me. *I’ll contact Sarah…I think it’s about time she was included too…*

*Good idea,* I agree, before turning my attention back to the older children.

"All right," I say, moving a little closer. The three of us sit together on the plush carpet, crossing our legs for better balance. I link my hands with both of them. Xan and Xada are still holding hands with each other as well. "I'm afraid this isn't going to be easy for you to see. It was very difficult for all of us. I want you to know that I did like your mother quite a lot, even if I didn't love her in that way. She'd supported me through a lot and there were many times I really thought we were going to be a great team. Partners. On Earth or here, as parents."

I shake my head slightly at the memories. It was hard to remember sometimes, all the times when she wasn't trying to come between me and Liz. Times when she seemed to really want to work with me. The later betrayal overshadows those moments, making them all seem to be nothing more than cold manipulation. How different might things have been if they had been real. If she'd been willing to be part of the Royal four without having to be my wife again.

But it was true, what I'd told the children. I did care for Tess. I didn't love her like I've always loved Liz, but I would have been her husband here and raised our children while fighting Khivar or ruling Antar. But that had never been her intention. She only wanted my child and my death.

With an effort, I clear my mind. "Look at me," I say, although I'm sure they don't need to told. It helps me to say it. They do and I turn from one to to the other, feeling our bond form and grow. It's not a full healing connection where our heart and breathing would actually become synchronised, but still it's a connection. I close my eyes, and they do, too. In a moment, I feel the flashes start. I try to concentrate on my memories of Tess, hoping they'll see the truth. Hoping it won't be more than they can deal with. Then again, they're no younger than I was when it happened to me, and Xadalyn, at least has had a lot of upheaval in her life already.

When the flashes start, I see some as well. Not what they're seeing, but images and memories from their lives. The ones of Xan are familiar, even if they weren't one's I'd shared. His life and friends and our family.... The images from Xadalyn are an entirely different matter...

Tess and three year old Xada running into an abandoned house. Tess using her powers to seal the door and hiding Xada under a table. Tess has a gash in her stomach and her clothes are dirty and torn. She looks very weak from running and trying to fend Khivar’s men off. Xada is dirty but unharmed. Guards banging on the door. Tess standing awaiting the inevitable her palm raised ready to die for her child if she has to. Guards blow through door. Tess sends two of them flying but the others use there powers to send her flying into a wall. Her body hits it hard and she lands on the floor with a lump. Xada runs to her mother turns her attention to the guards. A cold fury over takes the room, the walls and floor turn to ice and all this coming out through a three year old. The Guards look at the child in fear as she lets out a scream that shakes the very planet and just like that they are gone. Tess slowly comes around and finds the danger gone but her little girl crying on the floor, knowing that her little girl just saved her life.
“Mommy I hurt them.” She says and Tess holds the little girl tightly as she sobs. “No, baby you just scared them.”
Xada just shakes her head no. “Mommy I felt them die.” Tess’s face looks worried but she doesn’t say anything.

A five year old Xada meeting the members of the people trying to restore the Arrios name back to the throne. Meeting a man with graying hair and warm eyes. “Hello little Queen, my name is Larek.I am the ruler of Taltos which is to the right of Antar” The little girl looks unimpressed and unsure about whether or not to take the man’s outstretched hand. Even at a young age she has learned to trust only herself and her mother. The man smiles and says, “Me and your father were good friends.” With that she gives him a half smile and shakes his hand, forging her first trust with another person besides her mother.

Tess singing Xada to sleep.

Dom taking Xada to see the ocean for the first time and Xada running away from him and jumping in the thick burgundy water even though she didn’t know how to swim. Dom jumping in after her only to find her swimming laps around him. “Xay-Xay when did you learn to swim?” he asked the little blue-eyed girl. “From my friend, the little boy I visit in my dreams, his daddy taught him how to swim and now I know too.”

Xada hiding under a table as Dom and Tess argue. “You think you don’t deserve to be happy, but you do and Xada needs a father!” he yells
“I find it amazing Dom that you want to marry me now that I have the crown!” Tess screaming and Dom looks like she just stabbed him in the heart. “Ava you push away any chance of love, I just hope for Xay’s sake that it isn’t genetic.”

A ten year old Xada holding Tess’s hand as she passed away. Not crying for her mother because now she had a responsibility to be strong, to be a queen.

Blinking, I look back at the two children as the connection fades. Xadalyn's powers are amazingly strong. She'd killed at age three. I shouldn't be surprised that she'd killed to defend herself. After all, I know Tess and Michael have as well. But to be forced to do it so young... Would I have been able to shield her from that if I'd been here for her?

She's been through so much. She'd had no childhood. No real friends. I wish I could give that to her. A time without the responsibilities she's holding. I know she's doing a fine job, but it just seems so unfair.

"...Xadalyn...? Xan?..." I ask. "What did you see?"

~Xadalyn~

We sit down on the floor and join hands. "I'm afraid this isn't going to be easy for you to see. It was very difficult for all of us. I want you to know that I did like your mother quite a lot, even if I didn't love her in that way. She'd supported me through a lot and there were many times I really thought we were going to be a great team. Partners. On Earth or here, as parents." I simply nod my head in understanding “Look at me.” Max says and we do slowly forming the connection we need to show the things that need to be seen. I am swept into the connection faster than I anticipated…

Max and Tess talking after some kind of meeting… “All you've ever done...is trust me, been there for me whenever I needed you. I've never done anything to deserve that kind of loyalty.” He tells her “I think in that other life...you must have been one great husband.” She says

Max, Tess, Michael, and Isabel being held by Nicolas. Tess destroying the skins and Max holding her afterwards.

A dark cave only lit by the dim lights of the Granolith. “So you just, you just killed him? Max asks Tess
“I didn't mean to. His brain was just so weakened by the mindwarp, and... look, none of this matters now.
“Life matters Tess. My life, your life, his...
“What matters is getting home, but you could never understand that could you? I might have been able to teach you but that stupid bitch had you wrapped around her...”
“Don't you ever call her that!
“See! Look how fast you run to her defense! Why couldn't you ever feel that about me? I'm your wife, Max! I'm carrying your child!”
“This was all some kind of plan to get pregnant and go home, wasn't it? Home to what, Tess? To Kivar? To our enemies?”
“They're not my enemies, Max.” she tells him.“You made a deal with them, with Kivar.”
“No, Nacedo made a deal, 40 years ago.” Tess tells him the anger in her voice
“What was the deal? Tell me!” he demands. “To return home with your child, and deliver the three of you to Kivar.”

Max asking Tess “You named the baby Xan?” Her response “Well, he is your son and that is your real name….”

Max and Liz running out of a church in new marital bliss. The look on there faces nothing but pure love.

Max watching as a very pregnant Liz reads Xan a bed time story.

Max helping Xan and Sarah with there homework as Liz cooks supper.

Max, Xan, and Sarah having a picnic lunch…

At that picture of the happy family I pulled out of the connection.

"...Xadalyn...? Xan?...What did you see?" he asks us and I look at my brother's face and wonder if I looked as stunned as he does. Probally not. I just look away from him and stare at the carpet. "I saw what I needed to see." I say simply and then look at my father in the eye, suddenly worried about what he saw from me but I say nothing.

My mother was going to be a traitor, just like he said. We were born in the castle when Khivar ruled, that's why it always seemed familar to me. I do wonder what changed her mind. Perhaps actually seeing me and Xan for the first time? But why lie to Max? Why tell him Xan was human when he clearly wasn't. Yes, what little human genes we do have allowed his body to adapt to Earth's atmosphere, but why lie? Why not tell your daughter about her father?

My mother never actually said he was dead but I just always assumed because of the way she worded her words. I guess that was the point she wanted all of us to think Max was dead.

Alexander

"I'm afraid this isn't going to be easy for you to see. It was very difficult for all of us. I want you to know that I did like your mother quite a lot, even if I didn't love her in that way. She'd supported me through a lot and there were many times I really thought we were going to be a great team. Partners. On Earth or here, as parents."

But then you hate her, Dad. I know you do, my mind whispered to itself sadly. I had grown up learning that hatred was strong, that the word itself meant a lot more than it seemed on the surface. And that was the feeling he had for her. Maybe he had cared for her, once. But what she had done changed that.

We sat on the floor, holding hands.

"Look at me," my father said.

I obeyed, and the connection that was established pulled my mind into another realm completely, in an instant.


"All you've ever done...is trust me, been there for me whenever I needed you. I've never done anything to deserve that kind of loyalty," Max said.
"I think in that other life...you must have been one great husband," Tess replied, smiling at him.

"Mommy, I felt them die," a very young Xadalyn cried.

A small, enclosed place, lit by a strange blue light. "So you just, you just killed him?" Max asked, struggling to control his voice.
"I didn't mean to. His brain was just so weakened by the mindwarp, and . . . Look, none of this matters now," Tess said, not wanting to explain further.
"Life matters Tess. My life, your life," Max yelled. "His . . ."
“What matters is getting home, but you could never understand that, could you?" Tess screamed back. "I might have been able to teach you but that stupid bitch had you wrapped around her-"
This was too much for Max. "Don't you ever call her that!"
"See! Look how fast you run to her defense! Why couldn't you ever feel that about me? I'm your wife, Max! I'm carrying your child!"
"This was all some kind of plan to get pregnant and go home, wasn't it? Home to what, Tess? To Kivar? To our enemies?"
"They're not my enemies, Max," Tess said firmly, her chin high.
"You made a deal with them, with Kivar."
"No, Nacedo made a deal, 40 years ago."
Max was more than upset now- he was furious. "What was the deal? Tell me!"
"To return home with your child, and deliver the three of you to Kivar.”

"Xay-Xay, when did you learn to swim?" Dom asked, his tone light.
"From my friend, the little boy I visit in my dreams. His daddy taught him how to swim and now I know too."

Xadalyn training with Kyria.

"What was he? 'Collateral damage'? I should kill you right now," Max said angrily, his hand at the ready.
"If you kill me, you kill Xan," Tess said confidently.
Max looked a little uncertain now. "What are you talking about?"
"My son. Our son," Tess said. "We're linked, Max. Physically. If I die, so does he."
"I don't believe you."
"Then kill me! See if I'm lying!" Tess challenged, but Max didn't take it up. "I know you, Max. You would never take that risk. You're just going to have to trust me."

Tess lying on her deathbed, little Xadalyn at her side.

"My ship was destroyed, and I woke up just as they were about to take Xan," Tess said.
Max looked apprehensive as he watched her. "So what did you do?"
"I protected my son."


I found myself sitting on the floor again, looking at my father. "...Xadalyn...? Xan?...What did you see?"

"I saw what I needed to see," Xadalyn said, avoiding eye contact at first, and then looking at Dad as if she'd just realised something.

"That was enough," I said, taking a deep breath as I pulled away from the circle and stood up.

God knows how Xadalyn can stay so calm, I thought.

Then again, this little experience must have been trivial compared too all her other problems. Besides, she'd always had her powers, she'd always known her identity.

I only just found out the day before.

The image of Xadalyn killing those men at such a young age was haunting. What had I been doing, at that very moment? Certainly not that. The lonely little girl had never had the chance to be a kid, something I had taken for granted. Had I not been sent back to Earth, that would have been my life as well. I didn't know if I was grateful to have known something better or if I regretted not having been there with Xadalyn through thick and thin.

Tess . . . my mother . . . what had she been thinking when she came back with me and lied so blatantly? Or after she killed Alex Whitman? My father's memories were proof of everything he'd just told us. But that last picture of her, when she said she'd protected me . . . she'd been speaking the truth. I knew that, somehow. I had looked into her eyes and felt as if I was really there. How she'd protected me? By more slaying, maybe. But . . . she did love me, of that I was now certain. Was that a relief? Perhaps. But it came with a wave of sadness.

OOC -- Taking the family back to Earth briefly would be fun but I don't think it could be permanent. Either Max or Xadaly would be needed on Antar. It would be great to see what happened with the others when they'd discovered Max was missing... But I don't want them to leave just yet. Maybe in the evening? 24 hours on Antar? Or maybe waiting until the next morning? KatnotKath and I had some plans for Max and Liz this evening on Antar if they're still there... And Max still has stuff to figure out...

*Max*

I watch Alexander and Xadalyn with a worried eye as we all get to our feet again. I can only imagine how hard this must be for them, to discover such an ugly truth about their mother. Xadalyn had seen a different side of her mother and I hope it will be enough for her to put this in it's place. It wasn't the whole of her life, I'm happy to know, but it's hard for me to feel anything different for her, although I am trying -- for both of their sakes.

Alexander looks at his sister and then back at me, his eyes wide with raw emotion. He never even known that Liz wasn't his birth mother. Now to discover that he was adopted and that his mother had been so hurtful --

I wish they could have taken me at my word. My words could be mollified and softened through time. The flashes showed everything I was feeling then. I know I was so angry at her. I hated her for everything she'd done. And now the children both felt all of that -- so raw and untempered by time and experience. But it was apparently the only way Xadalyn would believe me.

I take a step closer to Alex and put an arm around his shoulder. I extend a hand to the young Queen, hoping she'll allow me to comfort her, too. "I'm sorry. I know she wasn't like that when you knew her, Xadalyn," I tell her. "I'm sure she loved you both."

OOC: I know it is a little early to start the party but I thought that we could speed things up a little Athenea said it was okay but if anybody is inconvienced just say the word.

Skyler-

I exit the room and head down the hall to the main banquet room. I notice all the guards are in their assigned positions and I nod to each of my soldiers to let them know I am pleased with their obedience. I continue down the hall to my quarters where I quickly shower and throw on a black tux. I throw some gel into my hair and walk out the door to fix the other arrangements for the party that we be starting in less than 2 hours.

~Xadalyn~

"I'm sorry. I know she wasn't like that when you knew her, Xadalyn, I'm sure she loved you both." He says hugging my brother and extending a hand to me, at first there is a brief second of hesitation on my part but then I look at my brothers face and gently take my father’s hand. It’s strange how I feel like I’ve always known Xan, like he’s always been apart of my life no matter how far away we were from each other. But me and Max are practically strangers, but yet there is still that familiar air about him, like I would know he was my father anywhere.

My brother still looks lost in thought and worry. So I send him a message. *She loved you Xan, she used to cry on our birthday when she thought I couldn’t see her and I never knew why until now. She was thinking about you.* I tell him telepathically and give him a small smile and them on of the servants come in interrupting the moment.

“My Queen, more and more guests are arriving and your not even dressed yet.” He informs me like I don’t already know this and I sigh.

“I have to go and I probably won’t see you till the banquet. The servants will help you get ready and provide Liz, Sarah and her friend with ear piece translators so they know what’s being said.”

*sigh* I guess Max is out of luck for now... Maybe he can get some answers in the library while the ladies are being outfitted.
I'm borrowing Liz for a moment, Kat. I'll edit it out, if you want me to.

*Max*

I'm pleased when my daughter takes my hand. I draw her closer for a brief squeeze that is not quite a hug. She's my daughter and the flashes have certainly helped draw us closer, but we're still mostly strangers. At least I know that Alexander and Xadalyn know the truth now, even if it is a hard truth to know. I still have to talk to Sarah, but I'm sure there will be time for that.

I do find it a little strange that Xadalyn hasn't yet mentioned the royal seal that Kyria claimed was the whole reason she came for me. Xadalyn hasn't asked for it to be activated yet and I'm glad. I wonder if the Oracle has counciled her to wait or if she's decided on her own that she's no longer so anxious to take it.

Xadalyn still doesn't answer or talk to me as I release her. I can only imagine the thoughts and feelings she's experiencing. I want to be able to help her but I can't if she doesn't tell me how.

Suddenly, a member of the household staff appears announcing that the banquet is soon to begin. I see Liz's eyes go wide, remembering that we all still need some proper clothing for this event. The day certainly has gone by quickly. Still, knowing how these things go, I'm sure we still have at least an hour, maybe two, before the actual start of the celebration.

“I have to go and I probably won’t see you till the banquet. The servants will help you get ready and provide Liz, Sarah and her friend with ear piece translators so they know what’s being said.” Xadalyn tells us.

"Go then. I'm sure there's a lot to do. Hopefully we will be able to talk some more soon," I tell her. I wish I could help with the preparations, but at the moment there's not much I can add. "The translators will be a big help. Thank you," I add.

Xadalyn nods and hurries off to her other duties. The servant turns to do the same, but I detain him for a moment. Nobody's indicated the nature of this celebration, but I have a suspicion I need to confirm. "This banquet. What is it for?" I ask him.

"Why sir," he says in surprise, clearly certain that all should know. "It is the Queen's birthday celebration."

"I thought so," I nod, gesturing for him to continue in his duties. One of the first things that crossed my mind when Kyria said my daughter wanted me to transfer the seal was that it was somehow relating to her coming-of-age. It will still be a few more years before she's fully an adult, but I can see why she would want it now. For a moment, I wonder if she'd meant for me to activate her seal during the celebration, but since I'm supposed to be 'dead,' I'm sure it was intended to be a private event, probably before the party took place...

"Her birthday?" Liz repeats, looking surprised. "But Xander's isn't for another two weeks..."

Alexander also looks confused but it's easy enough to explain.

"The Antarian year is just a little bit shorter than an Earth year -- a little less than a day shorter," I say, remember what was in the destinybook. "It's part of why Earth was chosen to hide us. Similiar climate, chemistry, geography, atmosphere and the rest. So seventeen years on Antar is a little over two weeks shorter than seventeen years on Earth." I give Alexander a smile. "So, happy birthday, Xan. Looks like you're going to have quite a celebration."

Alexander

She loved you Xan, she used to cry on our birthday when she thought I couldn’t see her and I never knew why until now. She was thinking about you, I heard my sister say to me telepathically. I smiled at her gratefully.

Just then, a servant of the castle came in and addressed Xadalyn, “My Queen, more and more guests are arriving and your not even dressed yet.”

Xadalyn just sighed. “I have to go and I probably won’t see you till the banquet. The servants will help you get ready and provide Liz, Sarah and her friend with ear piece translators so they know what’s being said.”

Banquet? What banquet? I didn't know anything about a banquet.

Soon, Xadalyn had turned and left the library. Before the servant could do the same, my father asked him, "This banquet. What is it for?"

"Why sir. It is the Queen's birthday celebration."

Dad nodded and dismissed him.
"Her birthday? But Xander's isn't for another two weeks..." my mother said, clearly as confused as I was. In fact, I had actually forgotten about it.

"The Antarian year is just a little bit shorter than an Earth year -- a little less than a day shorter. It's part of why Earth was chosen to hide us. Similiar climate, chemistry, geography, atmosphere and the rest. So seventeen years on Antar is a little over two weeks shorter than seventeen years on Earth. So, happy birthday, Xan. Looks like you're going to have quite a celebration," Dad finished, giving me a smile. I supposed it was true- the Antarians even looked like humans.

"Looks like," I said with a sigh. For the first time in my entire life, I would be celebrating my birthday with my twin sister. In away it was freaky how things were happening so fast- but hopefully things were going to be all right. "Anyway, I'm heading back to my room for a bit, to get ready and whatever. I'll see you guys later, okay?"

*Max*

"All right," I say as Alexander indicates he's heading back to his room to prepare. "Xadalyn said she'd have someone supplying appropriate clothes for us."

I turn to Liz then, reminding her, "You and Sarah had probably get back, too, so the designers will have time to make adjustments to your gowns. I think I'll stay here a bit longer. I still need to research a few things."

Realizing that Sarah hadn't yet arrived at the Library, I send her a silent telepathic message. *Sarah! Please come back to your mom's room now. There's going to be a big banquet tonight and you need to be fitted for a gown.*

"Xan?" I say, stopping him as he turns to go. "I know this has been a lot to take in. I don't know exactly what you saw, but if you want to talk ... about Tess ... I'll be happy to listen and to answer any other questions you might have."

I only knew Tess for a year-and-a-half, really, and then for a few days a year after that. I'm certain that he'll have other questions that only Xadalyn can answer -- many of them are the same questions I still have -- but I'm still interested in helping both of them as much as I can. He may have seen the Granolith, or the spaceship I'd tried to co-erce Langley into flying me to Antar in, or Alex Whitman, or even me and his mother robbing a convience store. Any of these could cause him to have questions. The only thing I'm sure he didn't see was the white room. I keep those nightmares carefully locked away where I don't think even Liz ever sees them when we connect...