Post by Alyssia Kanath on Jul 8, 2011 17:10:04 GMT -5
Summer had come on full bore in Yew as a heatwave struck the surrounding areas. On the border between Aegis and the dormant Freehold of Icefall stood the imposing black walls of Stormguard. It's onyx surfaces seemed to absorb the swelter and reflect it back outward, giving the entire structure a wavering appearance, making it seem almost like a mirage to the two people who stood just outside it's property line.
Of the two, only the male figure looked daunted. If only for the fact that he had never been near the Kanath home. The Emperor of Olympus was wary of the Thunderlord. Which was probably wise all things considered. And the fact that Alyssia didn't give a rat's ass about Thom's opinion of her served only to vex him a bit more. But Aphroditie loved her like a sister and never before had the Elder Ranger ever betrayed that trust. So despite his occasional misgivings over Alyssia's sometimes flippant and self serving commentary, he had relented and agreed to allow Alyssia to midwife for Aphroditie. Not that his opinion, as previously said, really mattered. It was Aphroditie who had asked for her care and she would get it, despite what anyone else said. She trusted Aly, and therefore he had no choice but to trust her as well.
Besides, Alyssia had experience. Not only had the Thunderlord had seven children of her own during her life. But she had also midwifed for a number of other women due to the lack of qualified physicians and her knowledge of battlefield medicine. There was only one truly qualified surgeon that Alyssia knew. But sadly, most would be too intimidated to go to him.
The smaller, golden haired woman beside him seemed unconcerned as she stepped across onto the property. She smiled, feeling the familiar tingle of electrical current as Alyssia's wards identified her energy pattern. Holding out her hand lovingly to Thom, she smiled. “Come on, it's alright.”
Reluctantly, the large uniformed man stepped towards her. As his feet crossed onto Stormguard's grounds he felt an alien surge of energy suddenly swirl around his body, buzzing frantically with a curious and somewhat defiant air. The magic was trying to identify his signature. Being the first time at the estate, Alyssia had not had a chance to attune him to the wards. Thom gritted his teeth, considering summoning his own magic in response to the prodding but Aphroditie placed a gentle hand upon his arm and shook her head.
Trusting her, he was relieved to find that after a moment the curiosity suddenly ceased as if something had reigned it in. Either that or satisfied it's query. Giving a sigh of relief, the Emperor looked to her and smiled a bit sheepishly.
With a soft laugh, she led him to the heavy, double doors. They were just as black as the walls upon which they were hinged. Upon their face the seal of House Kanath was emblazoned. A dragon, wings outspread and fanged maw open wide as it curled around a stylized K. The initials A.M.K. Upon three points around the main image forming an upturned triangle and beneath the dragon stood a glaring wolf, head thrown back in a feral howl of triumph. All of these images converged to form the exact same crest that was upon her signet ring.
As Aph knocked gently, the symbols upon the door seemed to twist and move in Thom's eyes. The dragon turned it's head to regard him curiously it seemed. “Uh...”
“It's a trick of the eyes, dear. Aly had it made that way to intimidate people. It amuses her.” Aph grinned a bit at his unease. .
“Right....” Thom was suddenly slightly embarrassed by letting his discomfort be so obvious. It was not that he was afraid. Or even really intimidated. It was more that he didn't quite trust Alyssia. Which he probably had good reason for. They had faced off in more than one clash over the years in regards to the Guardians and matters outside their lands.
After a moment, the door opened and a young woman peeked out. Her rich brown hair was pulled back into a pony tail to keep it off her neck in the heat and gentle chocolate eyes brightened when they saw Aphrodite. Then Katryn noticed Thom and tilted her head curiously. She did not recognize him. “Aph, 'tis good to see you! Who's this?”
“Hello Katryn.” Aphroditie's golden eyes mirrored the gentle smile upon her lips as she addressed the woman at the door. “This is Thom...”
Katryn McDaniel's suddenly offered Thom a curious smile. “Oh, I've heard about you...” That statement suddenly made the Emperor want to know just what Alyssia had said.
Aph interjected, “We've come to see Aly, is she home?”
“Aye come in! I'm sorry.” Kat opened the door wide to allow the couple to enter. Thom nodded to the slighter woman, noting both her easy demeanor and lovely face. It was a bit cooler within the building but not much. Even in here the heat seemed oppressive. “I'm sorry it's so warm! Even with the windows all open and Dev's fans running it seems like we'll all melt any minute.” Katryn giggled at her own statement as she escorted them in.
Immediately Thom noticed the scent of fresh baked bread mingling with a hint of cherry tobacco in the air. The smell of the cherries actually complimented the baked goods, almost hiding the tobacco entirely. The effect was not unpleasant in the least. Stormguard's common room was not overly large but seemed cozy enough. The furniture had a simple, functional elegance. Comfortable couches surrounded the hearth and near them was a large, overstuffed, low seated chair with a small table set beside it. Nearby was a long bar full to the brim of alcohol, both locally brewed and more exotic bottles that he had never before seen. Alyssia certainly did not live like a simple Ranger. Weapons and standards adorned the walls along with a great host of artwork. Many done by her daughter Fiona.
“She's upstairs in her office.” Kat smiled cheerily at them. “You know where it is. She probably knows you're here.” Giving Thom a brief, playful grin she swirled her skirts and made off to the kitchen to remove the latest loaf from the oven.
“How does she know we're here if her wife didn't even know we were here until she opened the door?” Thom asked gruffly as he followed Aphrodite up the staircase. He wasn't so sure he wanted to know the answer.
Aph laughed lightly, “The minute we stepped through the wards, she knew who was here.”
“Right.” Was all he said.
They reached the first landing and came up to a set of double doors. They could hear voices coming from inside. One was the unmistakable husky brogue of Alyssia Kanath Her tone was clipped, agitated. Then came strangely hissing voice, serpentine and riddled with impatience.
“It will take me sssssome time to procure the ore for the device. This is no sssssimple construction you request Alyssssssia.”
“I don' care 'ow much coin it takes, I need tha' thing! It's miserable 'ere!”
“By the time I am able to get what you require, your predicament will most likely be over.”
“Wha' if I kin' 'ave the ore shipped directly to you?”
“I sssssupose that would get you what you want sssssooooner.” The voice sighed in exasperation.
“Damn righ'! I'll get a 'old o' my contacts. Expect it there in two days. I mean it Trax.”
“Yessss...Arbiter...”
After a moment of silence, hoping not to intrude, Aph knocked on the door. For his part, Thom's brows knitted together as he stared at the doors. “Aly? It's Aph and Thom...are you busy?”
Alyssia's voice answered but did not immediately address them. “I 'ave to go. Don' dissapoint me Trax. I got too much ridin' on this.” And then, a much happier tone answered Aph's query. “Aye! Aph...come in...come in...”
Aphrodite opened the doors and walked into the large office, followed by an even more wary Thom. Alyssia was standing behind her L shaped, marble desk. She was leaning upon it and over a large crystal orb that was clutched within a set of Dragon's claws. Being a mage himself, Thom noticed the faint trace of magic emanating from the orb. And not only the orb...from multiple objects around the room. Especially a golden box upon the desk. For the first time he saw Alyssia without the dark chain tunic and black leathers she preferred. She wore no leather overcoat this day, nor a cap. In fact, surprisingly, the usually dark clad woman was dressed in a pair soft brown cotton pants and a simple white shirt. The sleeves were folded up to her elbows flashing tattooed forearms and it was untied relatively low due to the heat. Her hair was even pulled back and tied in a tail like Katryn's. Aly rarely showed any skin, unlike a lot of the women around. She covered herself in armor and often bristled with blades. But today between the cleavage and slightly dampened white shirt she wore, little up top was left to the imagination. Also surprisingly, Alyssia didn't seem to care.
That was starting to become an obvious trend to Thom.
She turned and flashed them a wide, crooked grin. “Good to see you! Come sit down...” She motioned to the two chairs sitting complacently in front of her desk. “Kin' you believe this 'eat? It's ridiculous! Sweatin' out more than I'm drinkin'.” She ran her forearm across her forehead and huffed. Thom noticed for the first time the large, jagged milky scar that adorned the woman's throat. She always wore a gorget. He had never before noticed it. I looked as if something tried to rip her throat out. And almost succeeded. Thom stared at it for a brief moment before snapping his attention back to the Thunderlord. She had already moved around the desk to give Aph a hug before leaning her hip against the it and folding her arms. She smiled at him almost unnervingly. She had noticed his look. “'Ello Thom.” The woman's voice was soft, and warmer than he had ever heard it. A far cry from the harshly accented tone she usually bore.
Thom nodded to her. “Aly.”
As they sat, Alyssia asked jovially. “So, wha' kin' I do for you two today? Hmm?”
Aph beamed up at Aly. “I've come for my three month check up!”
Alyssia laughed and shook her head, “You'd think I was a physician. I most certainly am nae.” She sighed, “But I do wish we 'ad one aroun' these parts.”
“But I don't want a physician. I want you.”
“Really?” Alyssia leered down at her playfully. She whispered loudly, “In front o' yer boyfriend? You ARE adventurous today...aren't you?”
They both laughed as Aph smacked Alyssia upon the shoulder, causing the red head to laugh even harder.
Thom just smirked at them both.
As the women began conversing upon more...feminine things...in regards to Aphroditie's pregnancy, Thom was suddenly distracted by a gust of moist heat upon the back of his neck. Tensing, he turned quickly to stare directly into the wide, curious eyes of Topaz. Alyssia's dragonling had awoken from his slumber upon her bookshelf and had come to inspect the newcomer to his home. They stared one another down for a moment, Thom's eyes narrowing slightly as the glistening blue dragonling's wide Topaz eyes, which he had been named after, decided what to make of the Emperor of Olympus. Slowly, defying all gravity, the small cat sized serpent began slowly turning upside down in mid air. Thom blinked.
Suddenly, another gust of warm steam billowed from Topaz's mouth and blasted Thom right in the face. It wasn't too hot or painful, though he thought perhaps if the little creature had wanted it to be, it would have been much more damaging. “Ack!” He wiped his face and tried to catch Topaz, but suddenly the creature popped out of existence before him.
The women giggled in amusement. Thom turned to scowl at them both then noticed Topaz contentedly curled around Alyssia's neck. “Don' mind Topaz... He's jus' checkin' you out.”
“Right.” Thom answered with a sigh.
Topaz promptly raised his head, blinked twice at Thom...then offered a raspberry in his general direction. The Emperor blinked again as the creature's long, forked tongue flickered out and shook around with a “Thhhppppttt!” noise.
“Topaz, be'ave!”
Aph just laughed, shaking her head. “Topaz, come here...” he tilted his head to the woman and unfurled himself from Alyssia's neck and flapped his wings. Taking off from Aly's shoulder, he flitted over to Aph, nuzzling her cheek and warbling happily. He then wrapped himself around her neck and blinked again at Thom from behind a veil of golden hair.
“It's good Topaz is 'ere, actually. He may be able to offer more information than I in regards ta' the cubs.”
“How so?” Thom inquired curiously.
Alyssia smiled at him as she kneeled down in front of Aph, placing gentle hands upon the woman's stomach. “Topaz's race o' creatures exist in two worlds at once. Both the Prime Material an' the Astral. As such, he kin' see us in a different sense than we stuck 'ere in the Material plane kin' detect. He 'as the ability to see a person's aura. To...get a sense o' wha' they are truly like on the inside. Tha', an' due to tha' skill he kin' also track people by those auras. Which makes 'im an invaluable messenger.” She smiled over at the little dragonling. “An' long time friend...”
Topaz responded to his mistress' words with an almost cat like purr.
“I see.”
Aph reached up and scritched Topaz under the chin. “Will you do that for me?”
A trumpeting sound erupted from the little creature and he nuzzled her quickly before hopping off her shoulder and once again flying around Alysisa's head. The Thunderlord chuckled just as he landed upon her shoulder and began staring at Aphroditie closely. His little head tilted at a complete 90 degree angle. It was quite comical and even Thom had to admit...as annoying as Topaz seemed...he was quite cute.
About a minute passed as they all sat there waiting. For Thom, it was an uncomfortable silence. He shifted uneasily in the chair, eyes flicking over to see that an amused Alyssia had once again noticed his discomfort.
Suddenly their attention was stolen as Topaz started “talking” excitedly to the Thunderlord. A rapid series of clicks, squeaks and whirrs assaulted their ears as Topaz explained something in his strange, nearly bird like language. Alyssia was nodding along with him, smiling to herself as she listened. Somehow, she understood exactly what he was saying. It was not only sound however. First the little creature pretended to march upon Alyssia's shoulder as he warbled. Saluting and then getting into an imaginary sword fight. Then, he took off again and began flying around Alyssia's arms. Then around her head, causing her to smirk sarcastically at him. Some inside joke had passed between them, that much was obvious as she swatted at him. Topaz fell upon her desk, wracked with squeaking laughter as he held his stomach and kicked his hind feet in amusement.
Aph laughed at his antics.
“Alright, so what does that mean?” Thom asked in confusion.
With a chuckle, Alyssia sighed. “Well...apparently the lass's aura is much brighter than the lad's. Which only means a stronger personality. She seems to 'ave a lot o' orange an' red...which means a lot o' passion...and possibly anger. But wit' proper trainin' she could make a very successful soldier if tha' is 'er inclination.”
Topaz sat up and spoke to Aly again, causing the woman to pause and listen patiently.
Nodding, she added... “She will 'old 'erself up to a 'igh standard. As parents be sure to instill wit'in 'er the knowledge tha' in yer eyes she can never fail. Otherwise, the competitive streak she 'olds will cause 'er to paint 'erself into some very difficult corners.” They stared at her, causing the woman to raise her hands defensively. “His words, nae mine!” She grinned.
“And the boy?” Thom asked quickly.
“Well, the boy is a different matter...” Aly nodded to them. “He is much more tranquil than his sister. Blues an' greens...earth tones as well. Topaz was flyin' aroun' me to indicate bandages. Tha's why he was wrappin' my 'ead like I was daft in the brain...” She smirked and swatted at him again, causing him to squeak in protest and zoom into Aph's hair again. This time, he rasberried Alyssia. She only chuckled at him. “He is a 'ealer..like 'is ma. Gentle...quiet...will love and respect nature. Very grounded.” She suddenly grinned at them. “An' both 'ave very strong energy signatures. They're, to this point, 'ealthy an' growin' normally from wha' I kin' reckon.”
Aphroditie once again scritched Topaz under the chin. He warbled happily. “Thank you, Topaz.”
He promptly gave her a little thumbs up before disappearing all together. The resulting puff of steam caused Aph's hair to floof out. “Ack!” Wiping the condensation off her neck, it was her turn to blink.
“Are those, satisfactory answers?” Alyssia was looking directly at Thom now. Carefully gauging his reaction to the news of his children's possible personality quirks. “This isn't exact mind you. These things can change. As they mature, they will mold themselves to the environment in which they are raised. Some things may mellow. Some things may 'appen tha' you did nae expect. The future is malleable.”
Thom stood slowly, “Thank you Aly.”
“Any time. You know Thom...it's been a long while since I's seen this girl 'appy. So many people 'ave taken advantage. 'urt 'er... It's always saddened me. I'd do anythin' for Aph, she knows tha'.” The woman smiled gently down to Aphrodite, who returned the gaze. “She's 'appy an' I think you'll be a good da'.” Thom started to smile at her, but that look faltered briefly as Alyssia turned her glittering emerald eyes to him. They seemed to fleetingly turn cold, detached. She added softly, a steel edge to her voice that Aph seemed not to notice. “It'd be a shame for tha' to change...”
Was it a threat? He wasn't sure.
“Oh it won't. I'm wonderfully happy. Thank you, Aly!” Aph leapt up from the chair and flung her arms around the Warrior in a tight hug. Alyssia laughed softly, hugging back. “I've never been happier!”
“Good!” Alyssia bounced around her, holding on to her arms and mirroring her excitement with a playful grin. Sometimes Aph had forgotten that with her youth returned, Aly was more excitable than she had been previously. And certainly more energetic.
“Eek!”
Thom watched the two women play for a moment. His own thoughts however were wrapped up in the information that Alyssia and Topaz had given him. It was not what he had expected but it was not unpeleasant news.
“ok ok...too 'ot to bounce aroun'!” Aly stumbled around the desk and fell heavily into the ornate chair that was hers. She panted playfully and wiped her brow again as she slouched in her seat.
“Aly! Lunch!”
The Thunderlord sat up quickly. “Would you two like to stay for lunch? Kat kin' set a couple extra plates, it'll be no issue.” Though it was obvious to Alyssia they would not take her up on the offer.
“No, I have to get back to Olympus.” Thom interjected gruffly. Though he did not mean for his distracted tone to seem so harsh. He added more gently, “Thank you though.”
Unconcerned, Aly just smiled. Aph went around the desk to kiss her cheek and Aly returned the gesture fondly. “Be safe you two. I'll see you later.”
They waved goodbye and headed towards the office door.
Thom was certain that Alyssia's eyes followed him out the room. In fact, he felt her eyes upon him even as he closed the door and walked downstairs. It was disconcerting.
They met Kat upon the stairs. The young woman had a tray with a plate of food and a cold ale. She smiled brightly at them. “I'm sorry I didn't get to visit. I was out all morning and have so much to do. It was nice meetin' you Thom.”
He nodded gently to her. “As you, Katryn.”
As the pair left the estate, Aphroditie looped her arm within her lover's and smiled happily.
Despite his uncertain relationship with the Thunderlord, Thom could not deny Aph's love and trust in her. And he loved Aphrodite.
Thom suddenly wondered just how willing Alyssia was to make good on her words. How far the Warrior would go to defend her adopted sister. It was good Aph had people who cared so deeply about her. He had seen Alyssia annoyed but never truly angry.
Somehow, the Emperor was pretty sure he wanted to keep it that way.
Alyssia Kanath had the knack for becoming...problematic...when her ire was raised. Thom didn't need any more problems than he already had.
Of the two, only the male figure looked daunted. If only for the fact that he had never been near the Kanath home. The Emperor of Olympus was wary of the Thunderlord. Which was probably wise all things considered. And the fact that Alyssia didn't give a rat's ass about Thom's opinion of her served only to vex him a bit more. But Aphroditie loved her like a sister and never before had the Elder Ranger ever betrayed that trust. So despite his occasional misgivings over Alyssia's sometimes flippant and self serving commentary, he had relented and agreed to allow Alyssia to midwife for Aphroditie. Not that his opinion, as previously said, really mattered. It was Aphroditie who had asked for her care and she would get it, despite what anyone else said. She trusted Aly, and therefore he had no choice but to trust her as well.
Besides, Alyssia had experience. Not only had the Thunderlord had seven children of her own during her life. But she had also midwifed for a number of other women due to the lack of qualified physicians and her knowledge of battlefield medicine. There was only one truly qualified surgeon that Alyssia knew. But sadly, most would be too intimidated to go to him.
The smaller, golden haired woman beside him seemed unconcerned as she stepped across onto the property. She smiled, feeling the familiar tingle of electrical current as Alyssia's wards identified her energy pattern. Holding out her hand lovingly to Thom, she smiled. “Come on, it's alright.”
Reluctantly, the large uniformed man stepped towards her. As his feet crossed onto Stormguard's grounds he felt an alien surge of energy suddenly swirl around his body, buzzing frantically with a curious and somewhat defiant air. The magic was trying to identify his signature. Being the first time at the estate, Alyssia had not had a chance to attune him to the wards. Thom gritted his teeth, considering summoning his own magic in response to the prodding but Aphroditie placed a gentle hand upon his arm and shook her head.
Trusting her, he was relieved to find that after a moment the curiosity suddenly ceased as if something had reigned it in. Either that or satisfied it's query. Giving a sigh of relief, the Emperor looked to her and smiled a bit sheepishly.
With a soft laugh, she led him to the heavy, double doors. They were just as black as the walls upon which they were hinged. Upon their face the seal of House Kanath was emblazoned. A dragon, wings outspread and fanged maw open wide as it curled around a stylized K. The initials A.M.K. Upon three points around the main image forming an upturned triangle and beneath the dragon stood a glaring wolf, head thrown back in a feral howl of triumph. All of these images converged to form the exact same crest that was upon her signet ring.
As Aph knocked gently, the symbols upon the door seemed to twist and move in Thom's eyes. The dragon turned it's head to regard him curiously it seemed. “Uh...”
“It's a trick of the eyes, dear. Aly had it made that way to intimidate people. It amuses her.” Aph grinned a bit at his unease. .
“Right....” Thom was suddenly slightly embarrassed by letting his discomfort be so obvious. It was not that he was afraid. Or even really intimidated. It was more that he didn't quite trust Alyssia. Which he probably had good reason for. They had faced off in more than one clash over the years in regards to the Guardians and matters outside their lands.
After a moment, the door opened and a young woman peeked out. Her rich brown hair was pulled back into a pony tail to keep it off her neck in the heat and gentle chocolate eyes brightened when they saw Aphrodite. Then Katryn noticed Thom and tilted her head curiously. She did not recognize him. “Aph, 'tis good to see you! Who's this?”
“Hello Katryn.” Aphroditie's golden eyes mirrored the gentle smile upon her lips as she addressed the woman at the door. “This is Thom...”
Katryn McDaniel's suddenly offered Thom a curious smile. “Oh, I've heard about you...” That statement suddenly made the Emperor want to know just what Alyssia had said.
Aph interjected, “We've come to see Aly, is she home?”
“Aye come in! I'm sorry.” Kat opened the door wide to allow the couple to enter. Thom nodded to the slighter woman, noting both her easy demeanor and lovely face. It was a bit cooler within the building but not much. Even in here the heat seemed oppressive. “I'm sorry it's so warm! Even with the windows all open and Dev's fans running it seems like we'll all melt any minute.” Katryn giggled at her own statement as she escorted them in.
Immediately Thom noticed the scent of fresh baked bread mingling with a hint of cherry tobacco in the air. The smell of the cherries actually complimented the baked goods, almost hiding the tobacco entirely. The effect was not unpleasant in the least. Stormguard's common room was not overly large but seemed cozy enough. The furniture had a simple, functional elegance. Comfortable couches surrounded the hearth and near them was a large, overstuffed, low seated chair with a small table set beside it. Nearby was a long bar full to the brim of alcohol, both locally brewed and more exotic bottles that he had never before seen. Alyssia certainly did not live like a simple Ranger. Weapons and standards adorned the walls along with a great host of artwork. Many done by her daughter Fiona.
“She's upstairs in her office.” Kat smiled cheerily at them. “You know where it is. She probably knows you're here.” Giving Thom a brief, playful grin she swirled her skirts and made off to the kitchen to remove the latest loaf from the oven.
“How does she know we're here if her wife didn't even know we were here until she opened the door?” Thom asked gruffly as he followed Aphrodite up the staircase. He wasn't so sure he wanted to know the answer.
Aph laughed lightly, “The minute we stepped through the wards, she knew who was here.”
“Right.” Was all he said.
They reached the first landing and came up to a set of double doors. They could hear voices coming from inside. One was the unmistakable husky brogue of Alyssia Kanath Her tone was clipped, agitated. Then came strangely hissing voice, serpentine and riddled with impatience.
“It will take me sssssome time to procure the ore for the device. This is no sssssimple construction you request Alyssssssia.”
“I don' care 'ow much coin it takes, I need tha' thing! It's miserable 'ere!”
“By the time I am able to get what you require, your predicament will most likely be over.”
“Wha' if I kin' 'ave the ore shipped directly to you?”
“I sssssupose that would get you what you want sssssooooner.” The voice sighed in exasperation.
“Damn righ'! I'll get a 'old o' my contacts. Expect it there in two days. I mean it Trax.”
“Yessss...Arbiter...”
After a moment of silence, hoping not to intrude, Aph knocked on the door. For his part, Thom's brows knitted together as he stared at the doors. “Aly? It's Aph and Thom...are you busy?”
Alyssia's voice answered but did not immediately address them. “I 'ave to go. Don' dissapoint me Trax. I got too much ridin' on this.” And then, a much happier tone answered Aph's query. “Aye! Aph...come in...come in...”
Aphrodite opened the doors and walked into the large office, followed by an even more wary Thom. Alyssia was standing behind her L shaped, marble desk. She was leaning upon it and over a large crystal orb that was clutched within a set of Dragon's claws. Being a mage himself, Thom noticed the faint trace of magic emanating from the orb. And not only the orb...from multiple objects around the room. Especially a golden box upon the desk. For the first time he saw Alyssia without the dark chain tunic and black leathers she preferred. She wore no leather overcoat this day, nor a cap. In fact, surprisingly, the usually dark clad woman was dressed in a pair soft brown cotton pants and a simple white shirt. The sleeves were folded up to her elbows flashing tattooed forearms and it was untied relatively low due to the heat. Her hair was even pulled back and tied in a tail like Katryn's. Aly rarely showed any skin, unlike a lot of the women around. She covered herself in armor and often bristled with blades. But today between the cleavage and slightly dampened white shirt she wore, little up top was left to the imagination. Also surprisingly, Alyssia didn't seem to care.
That was starting to become an obvious trend to Thom.
She turned and flashed them a wide, crooked grin. “Good to see you! Come sit down...” She motioned to the two chairs sitting complacently in front of her desk. “Kin' you believe this 'eat? It's ridiculous! Sweatin' out more than I'm drinkin'.” She ran her forearm across her forehead and huffed. Thom noticed for the first time the large, jagged milky scar that adorned the woman's throat. She always wore a gorget. He had never before noticed it. I looked as if something tried to rip her throat out. And almost succeeded. Thom stared at it for a brief moment before snapping his attention back to the Thunderlord. She had already moved around the desk to give Aph a hug before leaning her hip against the it and folding her arms. She smiled at him almost unnervingly. She had noticed his look. “'Ello Thom.” The woman's voice was soft, and warmer than he had ever heard it. A far cry from the harshly accented tone she usually bore.
Thom nodded to her. “Aly.”
As they sat, Alyssia asked jovially. “So, wha' kin' I do for you two today? Hmm?”
Aph beamed up at Aly. “I've come for my three month check up!”
Alyssia laughed and shook her head, “You'd think I was a physician. I most certainly am nae.” She sighed, “But I do wish we 'ad one aroun' these parts.”
“But I don't want a physician. I want you.”
“Really?” Alyssia leered down at her playfully. She whispered loudly, “In front o' yer boyfriend? You ARE adventurous today...aren't you?”
They both laughed as Aph smacked Alyssia upon the shoulder, causing the red head to laugh even harder.
Thom just smirked at them both.
As the women began conversing upon more...feminine things...in regards to Aphroditie's pregnancy, Thom was suddenly distracted by a gust of moist heat upon the back of his neck. Tensing, he turned quickly to stare directly into the wide, curious eyes of Topaz. Alyssia's dragonling had awoken from his slumber upon her bookshelf and had come to inspect the newcomer to his home. They stared one another down for a moment, Thom's eyes narrowing slightly as the glistening blue dragonling's wide Topaz eyes, which he had been named after, decided what to make of the Emperor of Olympus. Slowly, defying all gravity, the small cat sized serpent began slowly turning upside down in mid air. Thom blinked.
Suddenly, another gust of warm steam billowed from Topaz's mouth and blasted Thom right in the face. It wasn't too hot or painful, though he thought perhaps if the little creature had wanted it to be, it would have been much more damaging. “Ack!” He wiped his face and tried to catch Topaz, but suddenly the creature popped out of existence before him.
The women giggled in amusement. Thom turned to scowl at them both then noticed Topaz contentedly curled around Alyssia's neck. “Don' mind Topaz... He's jus' checkin' you out.”
“Right.” Thom answered with a sigh.
Topaz promptly raised his head, blinked twice at Thom...then offered a raspberry in his general direction. The Emperor blinked again as the creature's long, forked tongue flickered out and shook around with a “Thhhppppttt!” noise.
“Topaz, be'ave!”
Aph just laughed, shaking her head. “Topaz, come here...” he tilted his head to the woman and unfurled himself from Alyssia's neck and flapped his wings. Taking off from Aly's shoulder, he flitted over to Aph, nuzzling her cheek and warbling happily. He then wrapped himself around her neck and blinked again at Thom from behind a veil of golden hair.
“It's good Topaz is 'ere, actually. He may be able to offer more information than I in regards ta' the cubs.”
“How so?” Thom inquired curiously.
Alyssia smiled at him as she kneeled down in front of Aph, placing gentle hands upon the woman's stomach. “Topaz's race o' creatures exist in two worlds at once. Both the Prime Material an' the Astral. As such, he kin' see us in a different sense than we stuck 'ere in the Material plane kin' detect. He 'as the ability to see a person's aura. To...get a sense o' wha' they are truly like on the inside. Tha', an' due to tha' skill he kin' also track people by those auras. Which makes 'im an invaluable messenger.” She smiled over at the little dragonling. “An' long time friend...”
Topaz responded to his mistress' words with an almost cat like purr.
“I see.”
Aph reached up and scritched Topaz under the chin. “Will you do that for me?”
A trumpeting sound erupted from the little creature and he nuzzled her quickly before hopping off her shoulder and once again flying around Alysisa's head. The Thunderlord chuckled just as he landed upon her shoulder and began staring at Aphroditie closely. His little head tilted at a complete 90 degree angle. It was quite comical and even Thom had to admit...as annoying as Topaz seemed...he was quite cute.
About a minute passed as they all sat there waiting. For Thom, it was an uncomfortable silence. He shifted uneasily in the chair, eyes flicking over to see that an amused Alyssia had once again noticed his discomfort.
Suddenly their attention was stolen as Topaz started “talking” excitedly to the Thunderlord. A rapid series of clicks, squeaks and whirrs assaulted their ears as Topaz explained something in his strange, nearly bird like language. Alyssia was nodding along with him, smiling to herself as she listened. Somehow, she understood exactly what he was saying. It was not only sound however. First the little creature pretended to march upon Alyssia's shoulder as he warbled. Saluting and then getting into an imaginary sword fight. Then, he took off again and began flying around Alyssia's arms. Then around her head, causing her to smirk sarcastically at him. Some inside joke had passed between them, that much was obvious as she swatted at him. Topaz fell upon her desk, wracked with squeaking laughter as he held his stomach and kicked his hind feet in amusement.
Aph laughed at his antics.
“Alright, so what does that mean?” Thom asked in confusion.
With a chuckle, Alyssia sighed. “Well...apparently the lass's aura is much brighter than the lad's. Which only means a stronger personality. She seems to 'ave a lot o' orange an' red...which means a lot o' passion...and possibly anger. But wit' proper trainin' she could make a very successful soldier if tha' is 'er inclination.”
Topaz sat up and spoke to Aly again, causing the woman to pause and listen patiently.
Nodding, she added... “She will 'old 'erself up to a 'igh standard. As parents be sure to instill wit'in 'er the knowledge tha' in yer eyes she can never fail. Otherwise, the competitive streak she 'olds will cause 'er to paint 'erself into some very difficult corners.” They stared at her, causing the woman to raise her hands defensively. “His words, nae mine!” She grinned.
“And the boy?” Thom asked quickly.
“Well, the boy is a different matter...” Aly nodded to them. “He is much more tranquil than his sister. Blues an' greens...earth tones as well. Topaz was flyin' aroun' me to indicate bandages. Tha's why he was wrappin' my 'ead like I was daft in the brain...” She smirked and swatted at him again, causing him to squeak in protest and zoom into Aph's hair again. This time, he rasberried Alyssia. She only chuckled at him. “He is a 'ealer..like 'is ma. Gentle...quiet...will love and respect nature. Very grounded.” She suddenly grinned at them. “An' both 'ave very strong energy signatures. They're, to this point, 'ealthy an' growin' normally from wha' I kin' reckon.”
Aphroditie once again scritched Topaz under the chin. He warbled happily. “Thank you, Topaz.”
He promptly gave her a little thumbs up before disappearing all together. The resulting puff of steam caused Aph's hair to floof out. “Ack!” Wiping the condensation off her neck, it was her turn to blink.
“Are those, satisfactory answers?” Alyssia was looking directly at Thom now. Carefully gauging his reaction to the news of his children's possible personality quirks. “This isn't exact mind you. These things can change. As they mature, they will mold themselves to the environment in which they are raised. Some things may mellow. Some things may 'appen tha' you did nae expect. The future is malleable.”
Thom stood slowly, “Thank you Aly.”
“Any time. You know Thom...it's been a long while since I's seen this girl 'appy. So many people 'ave taken advantage. 'urt 'er... It's always saddened me. I'd do anythin' for Aph, she knows tha'.” The woman smiled gently down to Aphrodite, who returned the gaze. “She's 'appy an' I think you'll be a good da'.” Thom started to smile at her, but that look faltered briefly as Alyssia turned her glittering emerald eyes to him. They seemed to fleetingly turn cold, detached. She added softly, a steel edge to her voice that Aph seemed not to notice. “It'd be a shame for tha' to change...”
Was it a threat? He wasn't sure.
“Oh it won't. I'm wonderfully happy. Thank you, Aly!” Aph leapt up from the chair and flung her arms around the Warrior in a tight hug. Alyssia laughed softly, hugging back. “I've never been happier!”
“Good!” Alyssia bounced around her, holding on to her arms and mirroring her excitement with a playful grin. Sometimes Aph had forgotten that with her youth returned, Aly was more excitable than she had been previously. And certainly more energetic.
“Eek!”
Thom watched the two women play for a moment. His own thoughts however were wrapped up in the information that Alyssia and Topaz had given him. It was not what he had expected but it was not unpeleasant news.
“ok ok...too 'ot to bounce aroun'!” Aly stumbled around the desk and fell heavily into the ornate chair that was hers. She panted playfully and wiped her brow again as she slouched in her seat.
“Aly! Lunch!”
The Thunderlord sat up quickly. “Would you two like to stay for lunch? Kat kin' set a couple extra plates, it'll be no issue.” Though it was obvious to Alyssia they would not take her up on the offer.
“No, I have to get back to Olympus.” Thom interjected gruffly. Though he did not mean for his distracted tone to seem so harsh. He added more gently, “Thank you though.”
Unconcerned, Aly just smiled. Aph went around the desk to kiss her cheek and Aly returned the gesture fondly. “Be safe you two. I'll see you later.”
They waved goodbye and headed towards the office door.
Thom was certain that Alyssia's eyes followed him out the room. In fact, he felt her eyes upon him even as he closed the door and walked downstairs. It was disconcerting.
They met Kat upon the stairs. The young woman had a tray with a plate of food and a cold ale. She smiled brightly at them. “I'm sorry I didn't get to visit. I was out all morning and have so much to do. It was nice meetin' you Thom.”
He nodded gently to her. “As you, Katryn.”
As the pair left the estate, Aphroditie looped her arm within her lover's and smiled happily.
Despite his uncertain relationship with the Thunderlord, Thom could not deny Aph's love and trust in her. And he loved Aphrodite.
Thom suddenly wondered just how willing Alyssia was to make good on her words. How far the Warrior would go to defend her adopted sister. It was good Aph had people who cared so deeply about her. He had seen Alyssia annoyed but never truly angry.
Somehow, the Emperor was pretty sure he wanted to keep it that way.
Alyssia Kanath had the knack for becoming...problematic...when her ire was raised. Thom didn't need any more problems than he already had.