the masked ball

[Sweetie2393]

He sighed and nodded.

[Hikari Hoshi]

"It's hard to believe I haven't been with you forever." she said softly, "It feels like forever."

[Sweetie2393]

He smiled and nodded."I know."

[Hikari Hoshi]

She smiled at him, "Speaking of Maizah, is she still with Raven?"

[Sweetie2393]

He nodded."I think shes napping..."

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko laughed a little, "I'll bet." she said, leaning back on the pillows when she had finished eating with a small sigh. There was a knock on the front door.

[Sweetie2393]

Mikhail took her tray to the kitchen and then answered the door.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko closed her eyes a little, waiting for him to come back up.

Out side was a human man in his early fourties. His short light brown hair was streaked with gray and his face was lined from stress. When Mikhail opened the door he bowed slightly, "Excuse me." he said, "I don't mean to intrude but I am looking for my daughter. I think she might be here."

[Sweetie2393]

He blinked."Oh? And who is your daughter?" He asked, slowly going through the mans mind, looking for anything that would be bad.

[Hikari Hoshi]

"Her name is Saria..." The man said, looking down a little, "She believes me to be dead."

[Sweetie2393]

"Alright, come on in..." He replied softly.
Adian was soon there as well."Hello..."

[Hikari Hoshi]

The man bowed slightly to Adian, "Hello." He replied as he came in the door, "Please, tell me. Is my daughter here?"

[Sweetie2393]

Adian nodded slowly and went back to his bedroom."Love, wake up..." He whispered to her.

[Hikari Hoshi]

The man sighed a little with relief and smiled.

Saria moaned a little in her sleep and turned over, "Do I have to?" she mumbled.

[Sweetie2393]

"Someones here to see you..." He said, poking her on the side.

[Hikari Hoshi]

She giggled a little and moved away, "Who would be here to see me?" she asked, "Nobody even knows I'm here."

[Sweetie2393]

He shrugged and sighed, pikcing her up."Your so slow." he teased, taking her to the front of the house, then setting her down.

[Hikari Hoshi]

She giggled more as he picked her up, struggling playfully against his grasp. "Usually you'd let me sleep." she whinned before he set her down and she saw who was there. She froze, looking at her father. The man looked back, a small smile on his lips, "Saria," he said softly, "I'm sorry I didn't come sooner." Saria gawked for a moment, "Father?" she said softly, "But.. but you're..." she fainted.

[Sweetie2393]

Adian caught her and sighed, shaking his head.

[Hikari Hoshi]

The man frowned, "That could have gone better." he said, "Well, that's what I get for pretending to be dead."

[Sweetie2393]

Mikhail nodded."Here, you look tired, would you like something to eat?"

[Hikari Hoshi]

"Yes please. that would be nice." The man said, "Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm sorry, I am Artem Kotheos. Former king of Orona."

[Sweetie2393]

"Im Mikhail, prince of the Carpathians, and this is my friend Adian Savage." He replied, going to the kitchen.
Adian nodded to him as he set his love on the couch.

[Hikari Hoshi]

"it's a pleasure to meet you both." Artem said, following Mikhail into the kitchen he leaned against the wall. "How long as she been here?"

Saria's eyes fluttered open and she looked up at Adian with a small smile, "I had the oddest dream." she told him, "i dreamed my father was alive and he came here."

[Sweetie2393]

"A few days..." Mikhail replied, making a sub sandwich for the man.

"He is, love..." Adian said, brushing back her hair.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Saria frowned, "He can't be." She said, "I saw him. He was dead. He wasn't breathing, his heart didn't beat. How can he be alive?"

[Sweetie2393]

He frowned and shrugged.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Saria hugged her knees, resting her chin on them, "I don't want to see him." she said, "I don't want to see his ghost." a tear rolled down her cheek.

[Sweetie2393]

He frowned."Love, I think he may be carpathian instead of your mom..."

[Hikari Hoshi]

"How can that be?" Saria asked, "He's eaten human food, he doesn't have fangs. Wouldn't he tell me if he were a carpathian?" she looked down at her feet, "I guess it's possible though... I thought carpathians could live without their life mates."

[Sweetie2393]

He could be a half carpathian as yourself." He replied, shruging.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Saria rested her forehead on her knees, hiding her face, "I don't know." she said softly, "I'm not sure I want to know."

[Sweetie2393]

He sighed and picked her up, holding her close."Dont worry."

[Hikari Hoshi]

She burried her face in his shoulder, "I... I'm scared." she said softly, "I... I don't know what to do."

[Sweetie2393]

"Shh, I'll be here for you, dont worry."

[Hikari Hoshi]

"I know." She sniffed sligher, turning her head so her cheek was on his shoulder, "Still... how would you feel if your dead father came back to life?"

[Sweetie2393]

"I know mines not comming back to life." He whispered. His father had turned into a vampire after his mother was killed. He had to kill him.

[Hikari Hoshi]

"it was a hypothetical questiong." she said softly, "I'm sorry your parents aren't coming back."

[Sweetie2393]

He shrugged."I'm not good at thinking like that, love, sorry."

[Hikari Hoshi]

She sighed a little closing her eyes, "I just want to go back to bed." she said, "I don't want to deal with him now.

[Sweetie2393]

"Alright..." He said, taking her to the bedroom.

[Hikari Hoshi]

She held a little tighter to him as he took her to the bed room. tears still stained her face but she didn't cry anymore.

[Sweetie2393]

He wiped her cheeks some with the pads of his thumbs and snuggled up to her.

[Hikari Hoshi]

She burried her face in his chest as she slowly fell back asleep. "i'm sorry I'm not brave." she said softly in her sleep.

Ninoko got up after a while and dressed, going to Raven's room to get Maizah.

[Sweetie2393]

"Your perfect." He whispered, dozing off as well.

Mikhail gave the man a drink as well and met Ninoko with Maizah in his arms.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko smiled, kissing his cheek, "Hey," she said, taking Maizah, "Who was at the door?"

[Sweetie2393]

"Saria's father..." He replied, smiling a little.

[Hikari Hoshi]

"Oh?" Ninoko said, "Has he come to take her home?"

[Sweetie2393]

He shrugged and frowned."He cant though."

[Hikari Hoshi]

"I know." She said, "Well, not without Adian."

[Sweetie2393]

He nodded."Exactly..."

[Hikari Hoshi]

"How long is he staying?" She asked, rubbing the half sleeping Maizah's back as the baby girl whinned slightly.

[Sweetie2393]

"As long as he needs to." He shrugged.

[Hikari Hoshi]

"I see." Ninoko said, "Well, I'm going to feed Maizah. Poor things still half asleep."

[Sweetie2393]

He smiled and nodded."Alright."

[Hikari Hoshi]

She smiled and kissed him softly, before going down to the kitchen. Artem was still in there, looking at the food but he didn't touch it. He looked up when she came in, "Hello." he said, "Do you live here as well?" Ninoko nodded, "I'm Ninoko, Mikhail's wife." Maizah whined a little bit, and she smiled down at her daughter, "And this is our daughter Maizah. You must be Saria's father." It was his turn to nod.

[Sweetie2393]

Mikhail poked his head in the kitchen."Um would you like something else?"

[Hikari Hoshi]

Artem sighed a little bit, "I keep forgetting." he said, "I'm not human anymore, or pretending to be human. I can't eat this stuff." he gestured to the food in front of him.
Ninoko set Maizah in her high chair and reached into the fridge to get her baby food.

[Sweetie2393]

"Your Carpathian?" He asked, a bit wide eyed. Or, was he a vampire?

[Hikari Hoshi]

He nodded once, looking at the ceiling, "I was born human, but I was turned, about a year a go."

[Sweetie2393]

"How come Saria is half?"

[Hikari Hoshi]

"Her mother is carpathian." He replied, "Twenty-one years ago, in my first year as king, I met her on one of my trips out of the country. I brought her back to my palace but it didn't work, my people didn't trust her. they were afraid of her. She was already pregnant with Saria by then. Once she was born, her mother went to sleep in the ground so that I could rule with my peoples trust. A year ago she woke up and turned me. We met in secret since then and I pretended that nothing had changed. It wasn't easy. A week ago I went to sleep where someone would find me and think me dead. once I was barried I woke up and came here to explain things to Saria. I should have done so before hand but..." he trailed off, looking down at his lap.

[Sweetie2393]

"I see..." Mikhail said, sending this information to Adian as he slept.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Artem sighed, "Her mother is waiting for us about a mile east." He said, "I would have brought her with me but I knew I'd be enough of a shock for her and I didn't think she could handle two at once."

[Sweetie2393]

"Yeah, she saw you and fainted." He sighed.

[Hikari Hoshi]

"I noticed." He said, looking down at the plate again, "I really should have told her before hand. But I was afraid. Our whole plan depended on Garen sending her away. I was afraid she would fight him if she knew what I was doing."

[Sweetie2393]

"She would have." He nodded.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Artem fell silent, his head hung in shame. Ninoko watched them as she fed Maizah baby food then cleaned her up and gave her a bottle of blood.

[Sweetie2393]

Mikhail sighed.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko walked over to Mikhail, putting one arm around him and holding Maizah with the other. Maizah, who was now fully awake, giggled at her father, "Daddy." she smiled, then looked at the new person and waved, without recognishion.

[Sweetie2393]

Mikhail smiled and took her gently from Ninoko.

((Sorry, my parents are arguing and yeah.))

[Hikari Hoshi]

Maizah giggled more, poking her father's face, "Daddy." she looked over at Artem, "Who." she asked pointing to him. Artem didn't move.

[Sweetie2393]

"Thats Artem." HE replied softly.

[Hikari Hoshi]

"Ooo." Maizah said, "Artm." she sucked on her finger a little, "Why sad?"

[Sweetie2393]

Mikhail looked at the other man.

[Hikari Hoshi]

"He misses his daughter." Ninoko told Maizah, "He's sad because she's afraid to see him." Maizah looked at Artem again and then at her mother and father, "why?" she asked, "Not scary."

[Sweetie2393]

"She thought he was gone forever." He told her softly.

[Hikari Hoshi]

"ooo." Maizah looked thoroughly confused. She hugged her daddy, rubbing her face in his chest.

[Sweetie2393]

"ooo." Maizah looked thoroughly confused. She hugged her daddy, rubbing her face in his chest.

He smiled and kissed her on the top of her head softly.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko smiled a little then looked at Artem. "Maybe we should leave him alone." She said in a whisper.

[Sweetie2393]

Mikhail nodded."Would you like to go to where you will be staying?" Mikhail asked, smiling softly.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Artem was quiet a while longer then looked up finally, "Yes." he said, "Thank you."

[Sweetie2393]

Mikhail nodded and started down a hall way."This way..."

[Hikari Hoshi]

Artem got up and followed him, his face weary and sad. Maizah looked at him over her father's shoulder and smiled, waving her hands.

[Sweetie2393]

Mikhail glanced at her and smiled, then stopped at a door."Here you go. Its not far from the kitchen or anything, theres blood in the fridge, and there should be some in your room for you." He said, smiling a little as he opened the door for him.

[Hikari Hoshi]

"Again, thank you." Artem said, entering the room and looking around, "I promise I won't trouble you for long."

[Sweetie2393]

"No trouble at all." Mikhail said softly, closing the door.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Maizah played with his hair and waved to Artem as they left. He couldn't help but smile a little bit.

[Sweetie2393]

Mikhail chuckled softly.

[Hikari Hoshi]

"Daddy." Maizah said, hugging him around the neck, "Why Artm here?"

[Sweetie2393]

"To see his daughter..." He replied.

[Hikari Hoshi]

"Who?" Maizah asked, poking the buttons on his shirt.

[Sweetie2393]

His daughter, Adians friend..." He replied.

[Hikari Hoshi]

"Ooh," Maizah said, she hadn't really met Adian, or Saria.

Saria woke up a little and almost forgot that her father was there. Then she remembered and burried her head in the pillow, wishing it was all just a dream.

[Sweetie2393]

"Yep..."

Adian woke up and looked at her, sighing.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko came up behind them and put her arms around Mikhail's neck, kissing his cheek, "hey." she said, resting her chin on his shoulder and looking at Maizah who giggled at her.

Saria pulled the pillow back just enough to look at Adian with one eye. "He's still here, isn't he?" she asked softly.

[Sweetie2393]

"Hey, love." He smiled.

Adian nodded and looked at her.

[Hikari Hoshi]

She smiled and came around in front of him, kissing his lips softly.

Saria put the pillow back over her head with a sigh, "I love him, really I do." she said, "But I haven't even come to terms with his death. How can I except he's still alive?"

[Sweetie2393]

He gently kissed her back, smiling.

"Hes carpathian, love. We have the powers to do that..." he whispered.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Maizah laughed and Ninoko pulled away slowly, smiling, "Is our guest settled in?" she asked.

Saria shook her head, "He can't be." she said, "He's human. He eats human food and drinks human drinks and he doesn't have fangs."

[Sweetie2393]

He smiled and noded.

"He got turned, love."

[Hikari Hoshi]

"Good." She kissed him again and took Maizah. "Did you have fun with aunt Raven?" She asked. Maizah clapped her hands, "Fun!" she giggled.

"How?" She asked, looking at him again, "Who could have turned him?"

[Sweetie2393]

Mikhail chuckled.

"Any Carpthian..." He replied softly.

[Hikari Hoshi]

"Good." Ninoko kissed Maizah's cheeks, tickling her gently. Maizah squeeled with pleasure, trying to push her mother's hands away.

"But there aren't any carpathian's in Orona." Saria said softly, "None that we know of at least."

[Sweetie2393]

Mihail laughed and watched.

He sighed."Here, realx and be quiet..." He whispered.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Maizah laughed as her mother tickled her, "Daddy!" she looked to her father for help.

Saria sighed, resting her head on his chest.

[Sweetie2393]

He smiled and shook his head."Cant help you baby."

He sent her what Mikhail had, all over what her father said.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Maizah squeeled more, still trying to push her mother's hands away. "No mommy!" she giggled. Ninoko laughed, "alright, i'll stop." She said, kissing her baby once more.

Sarian, looked at her feet, "He didn't trust me." she said softly, "I can't blame him, I'd probably mess it up."

[Sweetie2393]

Mikhail grinned and kissed Ninoko on the cheek.

"Its not your fault." He whispered.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko smiled at him, kissing his chin, "Let's go out." she said.

"Yes it is." she said, not looking at him, "I mess everything up. Father didn't trust me with the kingdom, or his plan."

[Sweetie2393]

"Hmmm where?" He asked, smiling.

"No, he maybe just doesn't want you to have it, wants you to be happy." He whispered.

[Hikari Hoshi]

"Anywhere." Ninoko replied, "We never go out."

"And this is supposed to make me happy?" she asked softly, "Dieing, and coming back to life again with in a week? Letting me be kidnapped and sent halfway around the world? Saying 'You'll be a great queen one day Sari. The people will grow to love you one day' when he knew it would never happen? Is that supposed to make me happy?" tears rolled down her cheeks as she stood up.

[Sweetie2393]

"Ummm alright." He said, smiling and taking her hand.

He just frowned, watching her.

[Hikari Hoshi]

She kissed his cheek as they walked, "thanks."

Saria walked out of the room and down the hall, not really knowing where she was going.

[Sweetie2393]

"Anytime." He replied,taking her outside and headed to the town.

Adian sighed and let her have time alone.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Maizah giggled, as the fireflys came out. She tried to grab them but always missed as their light disappeared. She'd whine a little until she saw the next one and tried to catch that one.

Saria walked blindly around the house until she found herself outside in the garden. She callapsed on the ground there and began to sob.

[Sweetie2393]

Mikhail chuckled."Is shopping okay?"

Adain frowned and slowly made his way outside.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko's eyes lit up a bit, "yeah." she smiled, she hadn't been shopping since before the masked ball.

Saria slowly stopped sobbing though tears still trickled down her cheeks. She was so out of it that she didn't hear foot steps coming up behind her. "my dear why are you crying?" A cool female voice asked. Saria jumped and turned to see a tall woman with white-blond hair standing behind her.

[Sweetie2393]

"Good." He smiled.

Adian stayed in the shadows.

[Hikari Hoshi]

She smiled at him as Maizah finally caught a firefly on her finger and squeeled with delight.

The woman knelt beside her, "What's wrong child?" She asked. Saria looked at her for another moment. Who was this woman? Why did she care what was wrong with her? "I don't know where to begin." She replied. She really didn't. "The beginning is always the best place to begin." The woman said, putting a hand on her shoulder, "Come, tell me everything."

[Sweetie2393]

Mikhail laughed, then lead her into a store stacked with clothes and dresses.

Adian hissed as he watched, he wasn't sure about that woment.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko grinned as they walked in. She gave Maizah to Mikhail and kissed his cheek before wandering off through the mountains of clothes.

Saria bit her lip a little bit, not sure if she should trust her or not. She looked her in the eyes and something like a peace came over her. She didn't know why, but she felt she could trust her. Before she knew it, she was spilling everything, all her lives joys, fears, regrets. Every problem she had ever had to go deal with alone she told to this complete stranger and she listened to her without once interrupting.

[Sweetie2393]

Mikhail chuckled and sat down.

Adain just stayed where he was.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Maizah looked around, ooing at all the pretty fabrics. She reached over and grabbed at a shiny skit covered in sequins.

At the end of it all, Saria found herself crying on the woman's shoulder. The woman stroked her hair comfertingly, just as she imagined a mother would. "There now child, it's okay." She said, "Your father was only trying to protect you. Father's do such things even if they have the reverse effect. You can be sure he feels very badly about what it's done to you. Don't cry Saria, everything will be fine."
Saria looked up at her, "How... how do you know my name?" She asked.
The woman smiled, "My dear, I gave you that name." She said softly, "I'm sorry I couldn't use it sooner. My dear, I am your mother."

[Sweetie2393]

"Careful baby." He murmured.

Adian loked stunned and watched more.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Maizah looked at her father then back at the skirt, "Why?" she asked.

Saria's eyes got wide as she looked up at the woman. "Y-you're my... my mother?" She asked, too shocked to really say anything else. The woman smiled, "That's right." she said, "I am Marena Kotheos. You are Saria Kotheos, my daughter." Saria could hardly believe what she was hearing. She had wanted all her life to meet her mother. It was hard to believe it was happening. But then again, alot of things were happening today. She bit her lip a little, "You, you left." She said.
"I didn't want to." Marena told her softly, "If I had my way I would have never let you out of my arms from the moment you were born. But your father told me it would be better, for you and for me, if I went to sleep until it was safe."

[Sweetie2393]

"you dont wanna ruin the fabric..." He replied, poking her on the cheek.

Adian smiled and stayed back.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Maizah giggled, pushing his hand away, "No poke!"

"Safe?" Saria asked, "Safe from what?"
"The people." Marena told her, "They didn't like me at all. And they didn't like you because of me. But they couldn't do anything about the kings daughter. They could do something about me, so I left. But I dreamed about you. For as long as I was asleep, i dreamed about how you were growing, how beautiful you would become." She smoothed some hair out of Saria's face, "And you've exceded my dreams, Saria, You're more beautiful than I could have ever dreamed." Saria could hardly see through the tears of joy. She hugged her mother tightly and cried for a moment. "Shh now darling." Marena said, "I'm sure your life-mate does not like to see you crying." Saria looked at her, "How.. how do you know about him?" she asked. She hadn't told her about Adian. "He's standing over there." Her mother said, pointing to where Adian was hidden, "Who else would be watching us from the shadows?"

[Sweetie2393]

He chuckled and poked her again.


Adian came out from the shadows and slowly walked over.

[Hikari Hoshi]

She squeeled a little, "No poke!" She giggled again, poking his face back.

Saria looked up at him, "Adian... you where spying on me?" she asked.

[Sweetie2393]

He laughed."Fine, fine."

"No, I was keeping an eye on you..." He murmured.

[Hikari Hoshi]

She giggled, hugging her father, "Love oo daddy."

Saria looked down a little, "you don't trust me either." she said softly, her mother put a hand on her shoulder, "Remember what I said about fathers." she said, "The same aplies for lovers. They worry sometimes, but that doesn't mean they don't trust." Saria smiled a little, she was just as she had always imagined she would be. She stood up and hugged Adian tightly, "I'm sorry." She whispered.

[Sweetie2393]

"Love you too, baby." He smiled.

Adian hugged her back and rubbed his chin over the top of her head."Dont worry about it, love."

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko came back over to them with two dresses draped over her arm, "Are you two behaving yourselves?" She asked, kissing Mikhail softly.

[Sweetie2393]

"Yes." He replied, grinning then kissing her back.

[Hikari Hoshi]

"Good." She said, smiling at Maizah who was trying to reach the sequins again, "Maizah needs some new clothes too." She smiled, "She'll soon be spilling out of her old ones."

Saria rested her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes a moment then opening them again, "I suppose I don't have to tell you that this is my mother." She said, looking at Marena.

[Sweetie2393]

He grinned."Alright."

"Yes, and its nice to meet you." He replied softly, looking at the other women with his deep amber eyes.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Maizah looked from one parent to the other, tilting her head to one side. Ninoko smiled a little, picking her daughter up, "Do they sell baby clothe here?" She asked.

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well." Marena said, "You already know who I am, now who are you?"
"Mother, this is Adian, my life-mate." Saria said, a little surprised how easy it was to call her 'mother'

[Sweetie2393]

He nodded."In the back, love."

Adian nodded some nd smiled.

[Hikari Hoshi]

"Alright." Ninoko said, kissing him once more and going to the back to look at baby clothes. Maizah giggled, waving at her father.

"it's very nice to meet you indeed then." Marena smiled, "I am very happy that Saria has met her life mate early in life rather then later."

[Sweetie2393]

Mikhail smiled and waved back.

"Yes, very lucky." He nodded. He has spent many years alone and was thinking of ending his darkened life.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko took her back and looked at baby clothes, holding them up to her to see if they might fit. She wasn't about to try trying them on her. Maizah giggled and squirmed, making it difficalt for her mother.

Saria squeezed him a little, kissing his chin. Marena nodded a little, "Take good care of her." She told him, "I will not hesitate to kill you if you don't."

[Sweetie2393]

Maizah, be good for mommy. Mikhail sent to his daughter.

"I could never neglect my lifemate..." Adian said softly.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Maizah giggled a little more then held still. Ninoko smiled, thank you. She thought, guessing what he had done.

"I know." Marena smile, "Now if you'll excuse me, I'd like to find my husband." she walked off into the house. Saria watched her for a moment then looked up at Adian, "I guess I should forgive him huh?"

[Sweetie2393]

welcome. He thought back to her gently.

Adian nodded slowly."IF you think you should."

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko bought Maizah a few new dresses, a new pair of footy-pajamas, and some new outfits along with a new pair of slipper-shoes.

She sighed a little bit, "Will you come with me?" she asked.

[Sweetie2393]

Mikhail smiled and paid for it all, and took the bags.

"Of corse." He smiled.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko smiled, linking arms with Mikhail, "Thanks again." She said, kissing his cheek.

She couldn't help smiling a little herself. "Thanks." she said, taking his hand.

[Sweetie2393]

"Anytime." He smiled."Hungry?"

"Welcome, love." He murmured.

[Hikari Hoshi]

"Mhm." Ninoko smiled, "Oh, that reminds me. We're running low on baby food."

She kissed his cheek and they walked to the room Artem was staying in.

[Sweetie2393]

"Alright, this way..." He replied, leading her to another store.

Adian walked with her, holding her close.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko got some of Maizah's favorite baby foods and some new ones for her to try.

Saria bit her lip a little as she stood outside her father's door. "I'm a little scared." she admited, "Why am I such a coward?"

[Sweetie2393]

Mikhail paid for them again and took the bags.

"Dont be." He whispered.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko took his arm again as they walked on, "Not, to getting something to eat." she smiled, "What will we do with the bags?"

"A coward can't change her ways that easily." Saria said softly, looking at the door. She took a deep breath and knocked.

[Sweetie2393]

He snapped his fingers and the bags were gone.

Adian held her close...

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko smiled, "You're amazing, you know that?" She asked, kissing his cheek. Maizah looked for the bags all around her parents with wide eyes.

The door opened slowly to reveil Artem, his face worn and sader than before. "Saria." He whispered, looking at her with swimming eyes. "Father... Daddy I'm so sorry." She lunged at him, hugging him tightly. He hugged her back, just as tightly tears escaping the corners of his eyes, "No, I'm sorry. I should have told you."

[Sweetie2393]

"If you think so." He grinned and lead her into a restront.

Adian stayed in the doorway, smiling a little as he watched.

[Hikari Hoshi]

She giggled a little bit, "I know so." she smiled as they walked to the resterant.

A few minutes of hugging and crying later, Saria let go of her father. Artem smiled at his daughter, "I'm sorry." he said again, "I should have trusted you more." Saria shook her head a little bit, "It's alright, Father." she said softly, "I understand now why you didn't."

[Sweetie2393]

He kissed her cheek as they walked in and were seated.

Adian smiled at them...

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko smiled as they sat down and she picked up a menu. "Thanks again for taking me out." she said.

Saria turned back to Adian and hugged him, "Father, you've met Adian Savage, my life-mate." Artem smiled and nodded, "That I have."

[Sweetie2393]

"Anytime..." He said, sitting back a bit.

Adian bowed slightly.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Maizah played with crayons in a highchair as Ninoko got taco salad and a baked potato.

"you've been taking good care of my little girl." Artem said, bowing slightly back, "I thank you for that."

[Sweetie2393]

MIkhail smiled and watched them both.

He smiled."Its my pleasure..."

[Hikari Hoshi]

She smiled at him as she ate, "We should take a vacation." she said thoughtfully, "Before we have to start getting ready for the twins and before I'm to be to enjoy it."

Marena came up behind Artem and put her arms around his shoulders, "We both thank you." she said, "We are very pleased with fate for setting her up with you." Saria blushed a little bit, "Mother..." she said softly. Marena winked at her.

[Sweetie2393]

"Hmm how about somewhere by the ocean?" He asked gently.

"I'm glad to have her as a life mate, she was worth the wait..." He smiled.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko smiled a little thinking about it, "The ocean sounds nice." she said, "I haven't been near it since I was a little girl."

"Glad to hear it." Marena smiled, "So when do you plan on marrying?" Saria turned bright pink. "Mother!" her mother just smiled.

[Sweetie2393]

"Alright." He smiled.

"A regualr wedding...?" He asked.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko finished eating and went into the bathroom to get all the crayon off of Maizah.

"What do you mean?" Marena asked, "Only humans have the other kind and... oh, I forgot." She looked at her husband, "She's half human. Well, that's up to the two of you isn't it?"

[Sweetie2393]

Mikhail chuckled and waited by the door.

adian nuzzled his head against hers softly."Well, later on we can have the Carpathian one, and have the human one sooner... Its up to you, my love."

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko smiled at him as they came out and took his hand, kissing him softly as they left.

Saria looked up at him, confused, "What do you mean, a Carpathian one? A Carpathian wedding? What is that?"

[Sweetie2393]

He smiled and gently kissed her back.

He whispered it to her.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Maizah giggled at them and Ninoko gently pulled away, "I suppose we should go home now." she sighed.

Saria blushed a little bit, "oh." she said smiling a little bit, "Couldn't we have that one first?"

[Sweetie2393]

"We can go to the park..." He replied.

"You didn't wanna." He replied softly, nuzzling her neck.

[Hikari Hoshi]

"Really?" Ninoko asked, looking up at him with a big smile.

She giggled, "Oh? you were more than willing last night." she teased.

[Sweetie2393]

He smiled and nodded, leading her over in the direction of the park.

"Yes, but you didn't want to..." He replied softly.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko couldn't stop smiling as they walked, "It's been a while since I had this much energy." She said, "I didn't even have a nap today."

She tilted her head to the side, trying not to frown, "Why not?" she asked.

[Sweetie2393]

"Your going to sleep good tonight then." He teased.

"You werent ready yet, you said..." He replied.

[Hikari Hoshi]

She grinned, "If you let me."

"I know but..." Saria looked down a little, "you make it sound you don't want to at all."

[Sweetie2393]

"Mmm maybe." He murmured.

"If I didn't why would I have brought it up? Or pleased you last night even?" He asked her quietly so her parents wouldn;t hear as he kissed her neck.

[Hikari Hoshi]

She kissed him softly, "I love you, Mikhail."

"I don't know." she said just as softly, hugging him tightly, "i guess I'm just insecure."

[Sweetie2393]

"Love you too." He smiled and kissed her lightly.

"Its fine." He murmured.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko stopped and kissed him a little bit harder.

"Are you mad at me?" She asked in a small voice, looking up at him.

[Sweetie2393]

He smiled and kissed her back.

He looked at her, surprised."No, why?"

[Hikari Hoshi]

She slipped one arm around his neck, holding Maizah in the other.

"I... I don't know..." Saria looked away, "I just... never mind."

[Sweetie2393]

HIs hands slipped to her waist and he kissed her more.

He frowned and kissed her gently."Love you."

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko stood on her toes, deepening the kiss. Maizah was too preoccupied with fireflys to notice.

Saria looked at him a moment then kissed back, closing her eyes, "I love you too."

[Sweetie2393]

He pulled away a bit and kissed her cheek."When we get home love... I dont think you'll get much sleep in the day." He whispered to her.

He smiled a little and held her close.

[Hikari Hoshi]

She giggled a little bit, kissing his chin and letting her hand slip from around his neck to his chest.

Saria rested her head on his chest, her eyes still closed, "I'm sorry I'm so pothetic." she said in a low whisper. Her parent had long since gone back into their room.

[Sweetie2393]

He smiled and nibbled on her neck.

"Your not, love." He whispered, kissing her again.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko giggled a little more, moving away a little bit, "I thought you said when we get home." she teased.

She kissed him back briefly then pulled away, "But I am. I'm cowardly and insecure."

[Sweetie2393]

He growled playfully."Fine..."

"But your my little insecure coward." He smiled and picked her up.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko giggled alittle more, kissing his cheek, "Don't tempt me Mikhail." She warned, "Woman are more affectionate when they're with child."

She smiled a little, slipping her arms around his neck, "I'm not sure that makes me feel better." she teased lightly.

[Sweetie2393]

He groaned in almost pain."Not fair! Bloody hell lets go home?" He pouted.

"Umm your my sexy lil cowerard?" He teased.

((yeah cant spell...))

[Hikari Hoshi]

She laughed, "oh? what happened to the park?" She teased. She was having fun teasing him.

She laughed, "Mm, little better." She teased back, kissing him softly.

[Sweetie2393]

He looked at her, pouting cutely."Plllleeeease?"

"Good." He replied, kissing her back as he headed for their bedrooom.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko laughed, kissing him gently, "Alright." she said, taking his hand, "We can go home. But you owe me another outing." she joked.

Saria smiled, pulling away a little and looking up at him, "Thank you." she whispered, "For taking good care of me."

[Sweetie2393]

"Mmm alright." He grinned.

"Its my pleasure. You are my light, and brought colors back to my dark life, I could do nothing other then take care of you..." He smiled and laid her down.

[Hikari Hoshi]

She kissed his cheek as they started back to the house. Maizah whined a little as they took her away from a large group of fireflies.

She smiled a little bit, "So you keep saying. But what if that weren't so? What if I didn't do any of that and you didn't have to worry about turning without me? Would you still love me then?"

[Sweetie2393]

"We have some at home in the naturre room, baby." Mikhail smiled.

He frowned a little and snuggled up to her."As a friend, of course. But, love, only life mates can bring color back to one like me had lost it."

[Hikari Hoshi]

Maizah looked at her father, still whining a little bit, "I think somebody missed her nap." Ninoko smiled, kissing her baby's head.

"So... If I wasn't your life mate... if you didn't have to have a life mate... you wouldn't love me?"

[Sweetie2393]

Mikhail nodded."You have to put her to bed, she gives me that look..." He sighed.

"If I didn't have a lifemate, I supose I could, but, love. I could turn into a vampire..."

[Hikari Hoshi]

She giggled a little bit, "Alright." she said, "But really all you have to do is not look at her and walk away."

Saria looked down a little, "I know." she said softly rolling on her side and wrapping the blankets tight around her.

[Sweetie2393]

"I cant seem to do that..." He sighed.

"I'm not a good life mate since I keep making you sad." He whispered, suggling up to her back.

[Hikari Hoshi]

She smiled, kissing his cheek, "I know. But you have to learn to say no to her."

"No," Saria said softly, "You're a very good life mate. I keep making myself sad."

[Sweetie2393]

"Aww thats so hard though." He frowned."I mean, look at her!"

He frowned and held her close.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Maizah looked up at them with her big, black and white eyes. Ninoko smiled down at her, "Aw, how hard can it be?" She teased, "you tell her no when she pokes or pulls your hair or bits. Or when she does something wrong you tell her no."

Saria closed her eyes and sighed a little bit, drifting of to sleep.

[Sweetie2393]

"Yeah, but she doesn't give 'the look'." he protested.

Adian soon fell asleep as well.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko just laughed and shook her head, "She's got you wrapped around her finger doesn't she?" She teased. Maizah gave a big half tooth filled smile.

[Sweetie2393]

He sighed and nodded."You both do..." he said, leading her into the house.

[Hikari Hoshi]

She smiled up at him as they went into the house, "Good to know."

[Sweetie2393]

He laughed softly and took them to Maizah's room.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Maizah whined a little as her mother placed her in her crib. She pulled herself up by the rail and whined more reaching for them. Ninoko just shook her head, "No baby. It's nap time."

[Sweetie2393]

"More like bed time..." Mikhail corrected softly, trying not to look at Maizah.

((you think we should make more characters for the other rp? Dx))

[Hikari Hoshi]

((hmmm.... an interesting idea... maybe I'll drag akito in tomorrow. but i'm going to bed soon.))

Maizah still whined, looking at her parents as her mother turned out the light. "Daddy!" she whined, knowing he'd probably come pick her up. Ninoko put a hand on his arm.

[Sweetie2393]

"Sorry baby." He said and disspeared out of the room.

((I made a guy, wish a cute pic, reminds me of a cat ._.))

[Hikari Hoshi]

((oh, okay. yeah i'm going to bed. I'm going to be so dead in Martial Arts tomorrow. XD))

Ninoko smiled, closing the door behind her and standing outside of it for a moment. Maizah began to cry when she left but after a while she quieted and Ninoko went into the bed room.

[Sweetie2393]

Mikhail had dimmed the lights and made a trail of roses to the bed.

((Yeah I just need sleep Dx. Heh, have fun, night.))

[Hikari Hoshi]

((good night.))

Ninoko smiled when she walked in, seeing the roses and the dimmed lights. She looked at Mikhail, a wolfish grin on her face as she santered over to him, "You're asking for it Mister." she said smiling.

[Sweetie2393]

"Hmm asking for what?" HE asked, grinning.

[Hikari Hoshi]

She kissed him softly, crawling on the bed to sit beside him, "you know." she said, moving her hand to his cheek.

[Sweetie2393]

"I do?" He asked again, smiling an kissing her.

[Hikari Hoshi]

"You should." she said, kissing him a little harder.

[Sweetie2393]

"Mhmm." He replied, kissing her more.

[Hikari Hoshi]

She slipped her hands around his neck as she leaned into the kiss.

((there's a crazy dog running around my house.))

[Sweetie2393]

He smiled and pulled her close.

((._o Why?))

[Hikari Hoshi]

((I haven't the slightest idea.))

Ninoko smiled into the kiss, exploring his back muscles with her hands.

[Sweetie2393]

He smiled and her touch and kissed to her neck.

[Hikari Hoshi]

She moved her head so he had more room, closing her eyes as her hands moved along his back.

[Sweetie2393]

He smiled and pulled her closer, kissing lower.

[Hikari Hoshi]

She moaned a little bit, relaxing in his hold.

[Sweetie2393]

"Hmm any ideas, lover?" He asked her softly, smiling.

[Hikari Hoshi]

She shook her head a little, "My creative side is shot." She said, "And I'm starting to get tired."

[Sweetie2393]

"Aww, well I know what we could do, so we both can at least get pleased." He replied, issing her neck.

((*coughs*69*cough*))

[Hikari Hoshi]

((*Cough*what?*caugh*))

"Mm, what?" she asked.

[Sweetie2393]

((*blinks* Its called a '69' do you know what that is or must I explain ._.?))

He whispered it to her and licked her neck, biting gently.

((We can always skip xD))

[Hikari Hoshi]

((yeah... I know nothing except what we've done.... i'm very uneducated in this area.))

"oooh," She moaned slightly, a shiver of pleasure and pain going through her as he bit her neck

[Sweetie2393]

He licked the wound close and playfully pulled her ontop of him...((And now we skip))

((Eheh, I know alot on this subject ^^;. 69= then giving oral to eachother at same time... Meh ish not going into details xD.))

[Hikari Hoshi]

((thank you.. -_-; ))

Ninoko sighed when it was over, closing her eyes and smiling slightly.

[Sweetie2393]

((Mhm ^^.))

Mikhail snuggled up to her and pulled the blankets over them.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko yawned a little, snuggling close to him, "I love you." She said softly.

[Sweetie2393]

"Love you too." He murmured, holding her close.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko smiled, snuggling into his chest. She took in his scent for a moment then opened her eyes, "Mikhail, I just realized something." she whispered.

[Sweetie2393]

"Hmm?" He asked softly, looking down at her.

[Hikari Hoshi]

She looked up at him, "They boys have been asleep all day." she said, "They didn't wake up once."

[Sweetie2393]

He frowned a little."What does that mean?"

[Hikari Hoshi]

"I don't know." She said softly, looking down as she put her hand on her stomach, it still glowed faitly as always.

[Sweetie2393]

"Want me to check?" He asked softly.

[Hikari Hoshi]

She nodded a little bit, "Yes, please. I'm sorry. I know your tired."

[Sweetie2393]

"Its fine..." He murmured and left his own body, going into hers and checking on the boys.

[Hikari Hoshi]

Ninoko closed her eyes, holding perfectly still and praying that the boys were alright. Maizah never slept that much but they were twins. Maybe twins slept more.