A man with dark red hair and silver eyes watched as people passed by. He heard a door open and a small voice behind him. "Wat's doing?" a toddler boy with icy blue dragon wings asked pulling at the man's uniform pants. "Soud be sleepy." the boy said rubbing his eyes.

The man turned and looked down at the boy. His red hair was a mess and his silver eyes were full of sleep. "So should you, Tolen." the man chuckled bending down and picking the boy up. He looked through the door and saw a woman with long, curly, red hair sleeping on a couch. ~Poor, Kaly. She's been chasing him around all day again.~ He thougth as the boy fell to sleep in his arms. Dreys chuckled as he entered the room. He placed the boy in his bed then lifted Kaly off the couch and took her to their room.

He gently placed her on the bed and thought of their other two children. Both of them were training to be in the army as well. Their oldest daughter had no dragon blood in her and was as firey as her mother. She was almost an excate copy of Kaly. Her name was Andrea and was 11.

Their other daughter showed some skill in magic but had no dragon blood in her either. She had Dreys's dark red hair and Kaly's green eyes. She was only 8.

Their youngest, Tolen, would be the next Celestial of the ice dragons. Dreys kept a close eye on his development. He was also helping Garion with his own dragon powers. Not as much since the prince seemed to be a very fast learner. Dreys shook his head and went back to his post.

Atela entered the small nursery where Tolen slept. During the night, Kaly or Dreys very seldomly both, would come back to the castle to stay with him. Catlina watched as the dragon queen placed Tolen in his bed. Atela covered him and placed a small wolf toy beside him. Tolen instantly latched onto the wolf and curled up more.

"So innocent...." Atela said very softly. She pushed some of the hair out of his eyes and then turned wiping a rogue tear that had fallen.

"Oh, Milady." Catlina said worried for her. Catlina looked up to Atela as the Empress kept encouraging her to keep at her studies in healing while others tried to push her from it.

"I'll be fine, Catlina." Atela said with a very weak smile. "I'm just upset that this is happening at all. I pray that Sabriel's journey is a success."

"I'm certain it will be." Catlina said sadly but with hope.

Atela smiled at the healer as she looked over her shoulder when she reached the door. "Let's hope everyone has the same faith you do, Catlina." Atela said before leaving.

The two elves from the courtyard entered the castle through the shadows. They appered some where near the senate chambers and were looking around in plain site. They didn't seem to care if anyone saw them.

"Meh...why are we here?" the one with brown eyes asked.

"Looking." The other replied as his black eyes scanned the hallways. Despite that they looked almost identical except their eyes, they were not twins. They were cousins. The one with black eyes older by just a few months. The two were raised together as brothers but no one knew much about them.

Garion was walking down the hall with his head in a book. He stopped when he noticed two strangers in the castle. He backed up a little his free hand going to a dagger he kept in his robe. ~Who are these guys?~ He wondered keeping a good distance from them.

A white hawk flew quickly through the castle hallways looking for Cato or other senate member it knew the Empress trusted. It was uncertian were they would be so he searched the most likely place, the Senate Chambers.

Cato, in a strange coincidence, was just leaving the senate chambers. He walked down the hall, when he noticed ghost.
"Why hello there. A message from the empress I suppose?" he asked.

Ghost landed on a table beside the Senator in answer as he nodded.

~Cato~

I am uncertian when I will return to the castle. I am heading to the temple to speak with the high priests. I don't know if they can help me or not to tell you the truth. But after what happened today...I have to see. I don't need scolded that I should have listened to Sabriel earlier. By now you should know my feelings about people messing with my spirit and body though.

Please keep an eye on Sabriel. I think she may head to look for her father sooner than she previously planned. If she does, allow her to. If she asks where I am, tell her. When I return, I must speak to you about handing the throne over to Garion now instead of when we talked of before.

I will return as soon as they allow me. Take care, Cato.

~Atela~

Garion walked through the halls towards the Senate Chambers. He needed to just speak with Cato or Thiad. Just someone. Even if they weren't of the Senate like Mandalore.

The senate hall was empty, except for a few members who were busy putting things away and clearing up. Cato was one of htem, as well at Cirus and Thiad. They were busy talking merrily about the days accomplishments.

Garion went over to Cato, Thiad and Cirus. He looked at the three the pain in his heart and soul growing everytime he saw the images in his mind. "Senators.... I'm afraid I have some bad news." He said his voice still dead sounding. He looked at the three with his emotionless eyes.

"sit down sit down" Thiad said, indicating a nearby sitting spot.
"what is it? whats wrong?" Cato asked, worried.

Garion made his wings vanish as he sat. He leaned forward so his elbows were on his knees. He clapsed his hands together pressing his forhead against them. "Sabriel...she...." he felt fresh tears fall though his voice still sounded dead and distang. "She commited suicide." The words were choked as he started to shake with his tears.

There was a shocked silence. none of then said a word, letting Garion cry. They stood there for what seemed like forever, open mouthed and staring, not seeming to have taken a word in what he had just said.

Garion's tears slowed then stopped compleatly. He absently wondered how many nights he would be visited by that sight in his dreams. "The Empress does not know of this yet." He said as he lifted his head not looking at them. "I fear her reaction...." he stopped a moment to let himself get use to the idea. "I think she may fall to the curse that is already upon her when she finds out."

"W-who...who will t-tell the empress" Cato said with a choked voice.

Garion sat there before speaking in a quite almost inaudible voice. "I will." He said standing on shaky legs. "I...." He shook his head as he started out of the chambers. "I will tell Mom." Anyone that was close to Garion knew he only called Atela 'Mom' when he was upset or if something was wrong.

The senators nodded. Thiad had to hold Cirus up as he cried openly. Cato, now pale and shaking, merely walked away, not talking to anyone anymore.

Garion was half way to the front doors of the corridor when Atela entered. He closed his eyes when he saw the darker aura was gone from around her soul. Atela stopped as she noticed how ratteled Garion was. "Garion?"

"Mom..." he started then stopped as he turned his black eyes to her. Atela's eyes widened a little as she quickly made her way over to him. "Sabriel...." He lowered his head from her. "She....." a ragged sigh escaped him. "She commited suicide." the words were so low Atela almost missed them.

Shock washed over her. Atela stood there staring at Garion as the prince looked at her. "I'm sorry. I...I wasn't able to do anything. I went to..." He stopped when Atela raced down the hall.

~NO...NO~ she thought desperatly. ~It can't be true. She can't be gone...~

Garion watched as his mother raced off. He knew she was going to be in shock when she saw the room. The mess. "Mom...I'm sorry...." He whispered to her as he sat down in one of the chairs in the hall.

Atela was in deep thought as she carefuly moved through the castle towards the senate hall. She'd hoped to catch Cato. If any of the senators need to know the information Draconis had told her, he did. He could (hopfuly) help her decide the next course of action with Garion as well. She was confused about her son's reactions but then again she understood them as well.

~He needs someone he can trust but that's going to take sometime after all this, concidering how much he trusted Sabriel. The only things he's kept from us is the events of Viento's death and what he's been doing in his training with Vivi.~ She thought pushing the doors of the chambers open.

Cato, as well as a few senators, were looking for atela at that precise moment as well.
"Milady, o my im sorry. I dont know what could have possessed her...I dont know what to say..I...I" he said, nervously wringing his hands, not able to articulate what he truly felt.

"Cato...may I speak to you alone?" Atela asked as she looked at the group of Senators. "Unless you trust the others enough to be tight lipped." She said seriously.

"I...well...allright" he said, and the group, who were still peristantly asking Cato what was wrong, turned around and left.
"W-what can i do for you milday?" he asked quietly

Atela folded her wings behind her tightly as she tried her best to keep herself in control. "Draconis investigated Sabriel's room after what happened." She said her eyes growing sad as she spoke. "Seems our young princess decided to set up a ruse for us all." she said her words never turned bitter or hateful. Slight pain could be heard though. "Sabriel is alive, Cato. She faked her suicide." ~To get back at me...~ Atela added in her mind.

These words made Catos face slack as though he had been hit by a heavy hammer.
"Faked her death? what on earth for?" he said incredulously.

With a heavy heart and mind, Atela repeated everything she had told Draconis to Cato. She didn't dare move from where she stood. Her legs were already shaky to begin with. Atela looked at the ground when she was finished finding it fasinating for some reason as she couldn't bare to look at the Senator any longer. Atela was beating herself up for all of this. She was blaming herself for what Sabriel had done.

Cato swallowed loudly.
"we-well what happens now?" he asked, apparantly at a loss.

Atela closed her eyes trying to think. "I'm not sure. Garion's really pissed off about this. Even more than when Rayku went missing. Sabriel also took the black garnet." She opened her eyes and looked at him. "That pendant is going to be the only way Rayku is going to be able to find me when I fall to the Widow's Song. It's only a matter of time. Even with the ring I was given, i can still feel the pull of it. Especialy with as wore out I've made myself." She sighed running a hand through her hair.

She started to think. "I don't want this to get out though. For her safety, it would be best if everyone thinks she is dead...and I don't like that option at all." She scrunched her nose up. She finaly sat down her legs unable to keep her up longer.

"wha-what if nobody finds out she even did this?" Cato suggested. He did not like to think of the state of the empire if everyone thought she was dead.

"How far has the story spread?" Atela asked. "It's been two days, Cato. Even I'm don't like the idea but think about it. How long did it take for everyone to find out about Rayku's supposed death? I know he's alive. Or the Widow's song would have been very strong the first year. It just keeps growing." She shook her head a moment getting back to the topic. "Word travels fast and with the way everyone has been acting, someone is going to suspect something and come to find out." She fell into a silence for a moment.

"If Diablo finds out she is gone, he will be right after her. Especialy if he finds out she has the black garnet." Atela said softly. "But pretending nothing happened will cause more problems still. He has eyes and ears everywhere. Especialy Estrella who can get past our guards for some reason." She pushed her hair back. "Let's leak out that she's run away. Not even we are sure where she's went so he'd be just as lost as to where to start hunting for her then we are. The problem with that is he may send creatures that can make themselves look like her and the others in her party." She took a breath her mind racing a little. "That's where Garion's going to have a great advantage....if he'll calm down enough to listen."

"Of course! Only Garion could truly recognize his twin... Ill have the White Wolf Courier to start printing now!" he said and bustled away ((WHite Wolf Courier is the Empires newsletter))

Atela sat there a moment more. Her eyes were confused that's for certian. She stood to return to her chambers. She just needed to be held right now by Aleena. Just to feel safe for a little while. She wanted Rayku so much right now it hurt. Atela wiped a tear from her eye and left in thought.

It was 2 weeks after Atela gave her plans and Draconis's secret passion revealed that the City was all of a fluster. Signs at local business went up, and the streets were positively jam packed with people, drinking and eating and generally having a good time. Even in the castle, festive looks were everywhere, from the tapestries to the smiles on peoples faces, which ranged from happy to drunk to horny. Even if somebody was foriegn, there was no need to ask what was going on;
Today was the First day of Brumadia.
Draconis was heading down a hallway with Cato, who was hand in hand with Suka. Cato handed Draconis a scroll.
"Its a waiver for the guards, in case your plans involve something illegal and you get caught, you just show them this. Assuming of course the city guards are even paying attention" Cato said airily. Brumadia was even celebrated in the Army, though those on duty were not allowed to join in the civilian parties.
"Well, were still about 3 weeks away from mating season, perhaps i wont even need my plans, maybe there will be early symptoms. Well, have a good time, see ya in 3 days" Draconis said with a wink and strode off a different passage, meeting his partner in crime, Aleena's daughter Aura (11 yrs old). He had tried to get Kio and Jonus to join him, but they were out celebrating (yes even Jonus ;D ) and he couldnt find his familiars anywhere, and assumed that they were celebrating also.
"Everything set?" Draconis asked.
"Yup! Lady catalina is still in the castle, I had some of Mandalores men fake illness's and shes tending them before going out, all you have to do is get Garion into the castle" she said smartly.
"Good girl, well then I think I know where he is, make sure Catalina is in the right place" Draconis said with an evil smile, which aura returned with a giggle ( he was practically her father, as she spent so much time with him).

Catlina was a little confused as to how the men came down sick but none the less she was working on taking care of them. She wasn't quite sure about this festival to begin with but the energy flowing from the city seemed to get to her as well. She was joking with some of the men as she finished making sure they were all comfortable. She pushed some of her bangs back from her face as she turned her eyes to the window.

~I wonder what all is going on?~ She thought as she stood and dusted her tight, dark brown pants off. She had earned her fair share of looks from the men she attended but thought nothing of it really. ~I wonder if the Prince will be attending....~ that thought caused a slight blush to stain her cheeks as she shook her head.

Draconis was heading to the library, when as luck would have it, Garion came around a corner.
"Garion! just the person i wanted to see. Look here, i found it in the little library, hiding under some furniture" He said excitedly, pulling out a small, square stone box.
"Wanna open it?" he asked, his curios excitement evident in his eyes.

Garion's curiosity was caught. "What is it?" he asked as he placed a scroll back into his robe. He went over to Draconis and looked at the box then back to the scholar. "Who would hide it in the library?" He was way too curious some times. "Let's see what's in it." he replied with a nod his eyes shining a little.

Draconis slowly and carefully opened the box. It was empty.
"Well, that was...disappointing" he said sadly. He closed the box, which the exploded with a loud BANG!. Draconis ducked, but one piece entered Draconis at his shoulder near his neck, and another his upper thigh.
Draconis picked himself up off the floor.
"you ok?" he asked worried.

Aura entered the medical wing of the castle. She went up to lady catalina.
"Draconis sent me with word that hes bringing someone in, got injured i think" she said innocently. She looked around the room, all the beds were full of Mandalores men.
"But all the beds are full...." she said with a frown.
"Isnt there more room somewhere?" she asked with tears in her eyes.
"The guy is supposed to be wounded!"

Garion felt a piece enter his arm when the box exploded. He cringed a little when he felt another had entered his wing close to where the wings connected to his back.. "What the hell was that?" Garion asked with a slight growl. "I should be asking if you are ok." he said looking at Draconis. Garion didn't move. He was scared to actualy not sure if any other pieces had hit him or not.

Catlina looked at Aura. "They can use my quarters." She said as she became worried. "It's just across the hall. Let's get it ready." Catlina said with one last look to the guys. She could always crash in the nursery with Tolen if she had to.

Aura followed catalina
"Thanks guys" she murmerd to the guys as she passed.
"Anytime" a few of them said, hiding their grins and winks from catalina.

"wings, shoulder, arm, thigh, Dammit Im sorry i had no idea it would do that!" Draconis said, white in the face.
"Come on, medical bay, now!" he said. They entered the bay some five minutes later. aura was their, "helping" some of the patients.
"Its full" draconis said in surprise
"Isnt there any room?" he asked aura.
"an extra bed is bieng prepared, the nurse said if this many people were gonna get sick then probably another would come" she said, pointing to a closed door. Draconis lead the way to the door and opened it.
"We have an injury here" Draconis said as he opened the door.

Garion was very careful not to move his wing. He was a little confused when he noticed the medical bay full. He gave Aura a small smile in greeting and a very slight nod to some of the men he had met. When Draconis opened the door, Garion just stared at the healer in her tight clothes. He had to shake himself from his thoughts as he heard her speaking.

"Yes, Aura said you were coming." Catlina said as she looked over from where she had prepaired some bandages and hot water. There were some other items as well. "Prince Garion!" she gasped. "What happened?" She said looking at Draconis. "To both of you! Let's get the prince settled then you, Sir Draconis." She said going to work quickly. Her mind racing as to what could have happened.

"oh no need no need" he said looking himself over. There were only a few scratches. He pulled out his silver dagger.
"Scholar magic" he murmured, and the wounds healed. He shook, but kept himself steady.
"Id do him too, but then I probably wouldnt have lived through it" he said.
" Ill be back soon enough, try and take care of miss" he said as he left, closing the door.
"good work" he whispered to aura, and they both left. The other "patients" were to be spies to see if the plan worked.
"what if it doesnt work?" aura asked.
"Theres always tomorrow" Draconis said. he did have a plan B.

Garion was still as Catlina very carefuly removed the pieces of the stone from his arm and shoulder. He turned his head blushing as the healer had him remove his pants so she could work on the piece in his thigh. He had his eyes closed as he felt her cut the piece out. "Deeper than I thought." Catlina said softly to not startle the prince.

"I can feel that." Garion said cringing as he felt her pull the stone out. "Ouch."

"Sorry, my Prince." Catlina said quick to appoligize. She bandaged his thigh up and then made him lay on his stomach. She frowned when she noticed that he flinched everytime she touched his wing. "Am I going to have to give you a sleeping potion?" She asked seriously.

"No..." Garion said softly. Catlina still frowned as she noticed his reactions.

"Garion?" she asked gently. "You know I won't hurt them."

"I know, Cat." He replied a little raggedly. "It's..."

"You don't like anyone touching them." She finished as she gently stroked the wing to relax Garion. "I know this, Garion." she watched as he started to fall to sleep. She chuckled as she moved his wing back to remove the stone. It took her a few minuets to locate how deep the stone was inside the wing. Catlina was careful as she removed it and even more so as she cleaned and bandaged the wing. She looked at Garion's relaxed features.

"Sleep well, Garion." She whispered. Catlina leaned over and placed a very soft kiss on the prince's cheek before she realized it. ~Catlina what in Mara's name do you think you are doing?~ She yelled at herself mentaly as she jumped up and moved to start putting things away.